For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2004
Table of Contents

 

United States

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 20-F

 

¨ REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR (g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

OR

 

x ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the fiscal year ended: June 30, 2004

 

OR

 

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the transition period from                     to                     

 

Commission file number: 1-13542

 

IRSA INVERSIONES Y REPRESENTACIONES SOCIEDAD ANÓNIMA

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 

IRSA INVESTMENTS AND REPRESENTATIONS INC.

(Translation of Registrant’s name into English)

 

Republic of Argentina

(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

 

Bolívar 108

(C1066AAB) Buenos Aires

Argentina

(Address of principal executive offices)

 


 

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class


 

Name of each exchange on which registered


Global Depositary Shares, each representing

ten shares of Common Stock

  New York Stock Exchange
Common Stock, par value one Peso per share   New York Stock Exchange*

 


 

* Not for trading, but only in connection with the registration of Global Depositary Shares, pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

 

Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act: None

 

The number of outstanding shares of the issuer’s common stock as of June 30, 2004 was 248,802,993

 

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

 

Yes  x    No  ¨

 

Indicate by check mark which financial statement item the Registrant has elected to follow.

 

Item 17  ¨    Item 18  x

 



Table of Contents

 

Table of Contents

IRSA INVERSIONES Y REPRESENTACIONES SOCIEDAD ANÓNIMA

 

     Page No.

Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Information

   4

Certain Measurements and Terms

   4

Presentation of Financial and Certain Other Information

   5

Market Data

   7
     Part I     

Item 1

  

Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers

   8

Item 2

  

Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable

   8

Item 3

  

Key Information

   8
    

(a) Selected Financial Data

   8
    

(b) Capitalization and Indebtedness

   14
    

(c) Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds

   14
    

(d) Risk Factors

   14

Item 4

  

Information on the Company

   37
    

(a) History and Development of the Company

   37
    

(b) Business Overview

   39
    

(c) Organizational Structure

   67
    

(d) Property, Plant and Equipment

   70

Item 5

  

Operating and Financial Review and Prospects

   72
    

(a) Operating Results

   72
    

(b) Liquidity and Capital Resources

   121
    

(c) Research and Development, Patents and Licenses, etc

   128
    

(d) Trend Information

   128
    

(e) Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

   132
    

(f) Tabular Disclosure of Contractual Obligations

   132
    

(g) Safe Harbor

   132

Item 6

  

Directors, Senior Management and Employees

   133
    

(a) Directors and Senior Management

   133
    

(b) Compensation

   137
    

(c) Board Practices

   138
    

(d) Employees

   139
    

(e) Share Ownership

   139

Item 7

  

Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions

   140
    

(a) Major Shareholders

   140
    

(b) Related Party Transactions

   142

 

2


Table of Contents
    

(c) Interests of Experts and Counsel

   145

Item 8

  

Financial Information

   145
    

(a) Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information

   145
    

(b) Significant Changes

   149

Item 9

  

The Offer and Listing

   150
    

(a) Offer and Listing Details

   150
    

(b) Plan of Distribution

   153
    

(c) Markets

   153
    

(d) Selling Shareholders

   156
    

(e) Dilution

   156
    

(f) Expenses of the Issue

   156

Item 10

  

Additional Information

   156
    

(a) Share Capital

   156
    

(b) Memorandum and Articles of Association

   156
    

(c) Material Contracts

   161
    

(d) Exchange Controls

   161
    

(e) Taxation

   164
    

(f) Dividends and Paying Agents

   170
    

(g) Statement by Experts

   170
    

(h) Documents on Display

   170
    

(i) Subsidiary Information

   170
    

(j) Compliance with NYSE listing standards on corporate governance

   170

Item 11

  

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

   172

Item 12

  

Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities

   174
     Part II     

Item 13

  

Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies

   175

Item 14

  

Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds

   176

Item 15

  

Controls and Procedures

   177

Item 16

  

(a) Audit Committee Financial Expert

   177
    

(b) Code of Ethics

   178
    

(c) Principal Accountant Fees and Services

   178
    

(d) Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees

   178
    

(e) Purchase of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers

   178
     Part III     

Item 17

  

Financial Statements

   179

Item 18

  

Financial Statements

   179

Item 19

  

Exhibits

   179

 

3


Table of Contents

 

DISCLOSURE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

 

This annual report contains or incorporates by reference statements that constitute “forward-looking statements,” regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of our directors and officers with respect to our future operating performance. Such statements include any forecasts, projections and descriptions of anticipated cost savings or other synergies. Words such as “anticipate”, “expect”, “intend”, “plan”, “believe”, “seek”, “estimate”, variations of such words, and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. You should be aware that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and may involve risks and uncertainties, and that actual results may differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors (including, without limitations, the actions of competitors, future global economic conditions, market conditions, foreign exchange rates, and operating and financial risks related to managing growth and integrating acquired businesses), many of which are beyond our control. The occurrence of any such factors not currently expected by us would significantly alter the results set forth in these statements.

 

Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially and adversely include, but are not limited to:

 

  changes in general economic, business or political or other conditions in Argentina or changes in general economic or business conditions in Latin America;

 

  changes in capital markets in general that may affect policies or attitudes toward lending to Argentina or Argentine companies;

 

  changes in exchange rates or regulations applicable to currency exchanges or transfers;

 

  unexpected developments in certain existing litigation;

 

  increased costs;

 

  unanticipated increases in financing and other costs or the inability to obtain additional debt or equity financing on attractive terms; and

 

  the factors discussed under “Risk Factors” beginning on page 14.

 

You should not place undue reliance on such statements, which speak only as of the date that they were made. Our independent public accountants have not examined or compiled the forward-looking statements and, accordingly, do not provide any assurance with respect to such statements. These cautionary statements should be considered in connection with any written or oral forward-looking statements that we might issue in the future. We do not undertake any obligation to release publicly any revisions to such forward-looking statements after filing of this Form to reflect later events or circumstances or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

 

CERTAIN MEASUREMENTS AND TERMS

 

As used throughout this annual report, the terms “IRSA,” the “Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima, together with our consolidated subsidiaries, except where we make clear that such terms refer only to the parent company.

 

In Argentina the standard measure of area in the real estate market is the square meter (m2), while in the United States and certain other jurisdictions, the standard measure of area is the square foot (sq. ft.). All units of area shown in this annual report (e.g., gross leasable area of buildings and size of undeveloped land) are expressed in terms of square meters. One square meter is equal to approximately 10.764 square feet. One hectare is equal to approximately 10,000 square meters and approximately 2.47 acres.

 

4


Table of Contents

As used herein:

 

  “GLA or gross leasable area”, in the case of offices and other rental properties, refers to the total leasable area of the units in each property in which we own an interest, irrespective of our ownership interest in such units and excluding common and parking areas;

 

  “GLA or gross leasable area”, in the case of shopping centers, refers to the total leasable area of the property, irrespective of our ownership interest in such property (excluding common areas and parking);

 

  “net leasable area”, refers to the “gross leasable area” of the units in each property in which we own an interest, adjusted to give effect to our ownership interest in such units;

 

  “GSA or gross salable area”, in the case of development properties refers to the total area of the units or undeveloped land in each property in which we own an interest, held for sale upon completion of development and prior to the sale of any units, irrespective of our ownership interest in such property (including parking areas and storage facilities but excluding common areas);

 

  “GSA or gross salable area”, in the case of undeveloped parcels of land, refers to the total area of undeveloped property, irrespective of our ownership interest in such property (including parking areas and storage facilities but excluding common areas);

 

  “net salable area”, in the case of development properties, refers to the total area of the units or undeveloped land in each property in which we own an interest held for sale upon completion of development and prior to the sale of any units; and

 

  “net salable area”, in the case of undeveloped parcels of land, refers to total area of undeveloped property, adjusted to give effect to our ownership interest and includes parking areas and storage facilities but excludes common areas.

 

PRESENTATION OF FINANCIAL AND CERTAIN OTHER INFORMATION

 

In this annual report, references to “US$” and “U.S. Dollars” are to United States Dollars, and references to “Ps.”, “Peso” or “Pesos” are to Argentine Pesos.

 

This annual report contains our audited consolidated financial statements as of June 30, 2004 and 2003 and for the years ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002 (“Consolidated Financial Statements”). Our Consolidated Financial Statements have been audited by Price Waterhouse & Co. S.R.L., member firm of PricewaterhouseCoopers, independent auditors, whose report is included herein. The independent auditors’ report on our Consolidated Financial Statements includes an explanatory paragraph describing uncertainties which might affect the value of our equity investment in Banco Hipotecario S.A. (“BHSA”). As of June 30, 2004, our equity investment in BHSA accounts for approximately 7% of our total consolidated assets. See “Risk Factors – Our investment in BHSA subjects us to risks affecting the banking sector”.

 

Except as discussed in the following paragraph, we prepare our Consolidated Financial Statements in thousand of Pesos and in accordance with Argentine GAAP and the regulations of the Comisión Nacional de Valores (“CNV”), which differ in certain significant respects from U.S. GAAP. Such differences involve methods of measuring the amounts shown in the financial statements, as well as additional disclosures required by U.S. GAAP and regulations of the SEC. See Note 20 to our Consolidated Financial Statements contained elsewhere in this annual report for a description of the principal differences between Argentine GAAP and U.S. GAAP, as they relate to us, and reconciliation to U.S. GAAP of net income (loss) and shareholders’ equity.

 

As discussed in Note 3.n to our Consolidated Financial Statements, contained elsewhere in this annual report, in order to comply with regulations of the CNV, we recognized deferred income tax assets and liabilities on a non-discounted basis. This accounting practice represents a departure from generally

 

5


Table of Contents

accepted accounting principles in Argentina. However, such departure has not had a material effect on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Additionally, as discussed in Notes 2.c. to our Consolidated Financial Statements, contained elsewhere in this annual report, after considering inflation levels for the second half of 2002 and the first months of 2003, on March 25, 2003, the Argentine government repealed the provisions of the previous decree related to the inflation adjustment and instructed the CNV to issue the necessary regulations to preclude companies under its supervision from presenting price-level restated financial statements. Therefore, on April 8, 2003, the CNV issued a resolution providing for the discontinuance of inflation accounting as of March 1, 2003. The company complied with the CNV resolution and accordingly recorded the effects of inflation until February 28, 2003. Comparative figures were restated until that date, using a conversion factor of 1.1237.

 

Since Argentine GAAP required companies to discontinue inflation accounting as from October 1, 2003, the application of the CNV resolution represents a departure from generally accepted accounting principles in Argentina. However, due to the low level of inflation rates during the period from March to September 2003, such a departure has not had a material effect on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

As a result of this matter, our Consolidated Financial Statements were prepared on the basis of general price-level accounting which reflects changes in the purchasing power of the Peso until February 28, 2003 in our historical financial statements using changes in the Argentine wholesale price index, as published by the Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Censos, as follows:

 

  we adjusted non-monetary items and consolidated statements of income amounts to reflect the then current general purchasing power;

 

  we did not adjust monetary items as such items were, by their nature, stated in terms of current general purchasing power in our Consolidated Financial Statements;

 

  we recognized monetary gains or losses in our consolidated statements of income, reflecting the effect of holding monetary items, and

 

  we included the gain or loss on exposure to inflation (monetary gain or loss) in our consolidated statements of income within financing results.

 

Also contained in this annual report are the consolidated financial statements of BHSA as of June 30, 2004 and 2003 and for the years ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002, which also have been audited by Price Waterhouse & Co. S.R.L., member firm of PricewaterhouseCoopers, independent auditors, whose report is included herein. As a result of the purchase of additional shares and the exercise of warrants of BHSA, effective June 30, 2004 we changed the method of accounting for our investment in BHSA from market value to the equity method of accounting. We recognized the cumulative effect of the change in earnings during the year ended June 30, 2004. The independent auditors’ report on the consolidated financial statements of BHSA includes an explanatory paragraph describing that the quality of BHSA’s financial condition and results of operations depend to a significant extent on macroeconomic and political conditions prevailing from time to time in Argentina. The political and economic crisis of late 2001 and early 2002 and the Argentine Government’s actions to address such crisis have had a significant adverse effect on BHSA´s business activity. Currently, BHSA is significantly dependent on the Argentine Government’s ability to perform on its obligations to BHSA and to the entire financial system in Argentina, in connection with Federal secured loans, federal government securities and on its obligation to approve and deliver government securities under various laws and regulations.

 

As a result of the increase in the ownership interest and the consolidation of our subsidiary Alto Palermo S.A. (“APSA”), during 2003 we discontinued the application of the proportional consolidation method that was used for reporting results of our jointly controlled subsidiaries in prior years. Therefore, when issuing our 2003 financial statements, we restated our prior year financial statements and related data to reflect such investments under the equity method of accounting.

 

6


Table of Contents

Also contained in this annual report are the consolidated financial statements of APSA as of June 30, 2004 and 2003 and for the years ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002, which have been audited by Price Waterhouse & Co. S.R.L., member firm of PricewaterhouseCoopers, independent auditors, whose report is included herein. Our investment in APSA has been consolidated since fiscal year 2003. In prior years, APSA was an unconsolidated equity investee of the Company. As of June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002 we owned 53.81%, 54.79% and 49.69% of APSA, respectively.

 

Except as discussed in the following paragraph, APSA prepares its financial statements in accordance with Argentine GAAP under regulations of the CNV, which differ in certain significant respects from U.S. GAAP. Such differences involve methods of measuring the amounts shown in the consolidated financial statements, as well as additional disclosures required by U.S. GAAP and regulations of the SEC. See Note 16 to APSA’s Consolidated Financial Statements contained elsewhere in this annual report for a description of the principal differences between Argentine GAAP and U.S. GAAP, as they relate to APSA, and a reconciliation to U.S. GAAP of net income (loss) and shareholders’ equity.

 

As discussed in Notes 2.a. to APSA´s Consolidated Financial Statements, contained elsewhere in this annual report, in order to comply with regulations of the CNV, APSA discontinued inflation accounting as of March 1, 2003 as well as recognized deferred tax assets and liabilities on a non-discounted basis. These accounting practices represent a departure from generally accepted accounting principles in Argentina. However, such departure has not had a material effect on its consolidated financial statements.

 

During the year ended June 30, 2004 we adopted Technical Resolution No. 21 and, as a result, we began consolidating Llao Llao Resort S.A.. As required by the transition provisions of this standard, we restated our prior year´s consolidated financial statements and related data to reflect such investment on a consolidated basis.

 

Certain amounts which appear in this annual report (including percentage amounts) may not sum due to rounding. You should not construe the translations as a representation that the amounts shown could have been, or could be, converted into U.S. Dollars at that or any other rate.

 

References to fiscal years 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004 are to the fiscal years ended June 30 of each such year.

 

MARKET DATA

 

Market data used throughout this annual report were derived from reports prepared by unaffiliated third-party sources. Such reports generally state that the information contained therein has been obtained from sources believed by such sources to be reliable. Certain market data which appear herein (including percentage amounts) may not sum due to rounding.

 

7


Table of Contents

 

PART I

 

ITEM 1. Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers

 

This item is not applicable.

 

ITEM 2. Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable

 

This item is not applicable.

 

ITEM 3. Key Information

 

A. Selected Financial Data

 

The following selected consolidated financial data has been derived from our Consolidated Financial Statements as of the dates and for each of the periods indicated below. This information should be read in conjunction with and is qualified in its entirety by reference to our Consolidated Financial Statements and the discussion in Operating and Financial Review and Prospects included elsewhere in this annual report. The selected consolidated statement of income data for the years ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002 and the selected consolidated balance sheet data as of June 30, 2004 and 2003 have been derived from our Consolidated Financial Statements included in this annual report which have been audited by Price Waterhouse & Co. S.R.L., member firm of PricewaterhouseCoopers, independent auditors. The independent auditors’ report on our Consolidated Financial Statements includes an explanatory paragraph describing uncertainties which might affect the value of our equity investment in BHSA. As of June 30, 2004, our equity investment in BHSA accounted for approximately 7% of our total consolidated assets. See “Risk Factors – Our investment in BHSA subjects us to risks affecting the banking sector”.

 

The consolidated statements of income for the years ended June 30, 2001 and 2000 and the selected consolidated balance sheet data as of June 30, 2002, 2001 and 2000 have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements that are not included herein.

 

As discussed in Notes 2.d. to our Consolidated Financial Statements, contained elsewhere in this annual report, on January 14, 2003, the Consejo Profesional de Ciencias Económicas de la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires (“CPCECABA”) and the CNV approved, with certain amendments, Technical Resolutions No. 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20 issued by the Federación Argentina de Consejos Profesional en Ciencias Económicas (“FACPCE”), which establish new accounting and disclosure principles under Argentine GAAP. We adopted such standards on July 1, 2002, except for Technical Resolution No. 20, which we adopted on July 1, 2003. As required by Argentine GAAP, when issuing the 2003 Consolidated Financial Statements, we restated our prior year financial statements to give retroactive effect to the newly adopted accounting standards.

 

In addition, during 2003 the CPCECABA approved and the Comisión Nacional de Valores adopted with certain amendments Technical Resolution No. 21, which became effective to us for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2004. As a result of the adoption of RT No. 21, we started to consolidate Llao Llao during fiscal year 2004. As required by the transition provisions of this standard, we restated our prior year´s consolidated financial statements and related data to reflect such investment on a consolidated basis.

 

Our financial statements are presented in thousands of Pesos. Except as discussed in the following paragraph, our financial statements are prepared in accordance with Argentine GAAP and the regulations of the CNV, which differs in certain significant respects from U.S. GAAP. Note 20 to our Consolidated Financial Statements provides a description of the principal differences between Argentine GAAP and U.S. GAAP affecting our consolidated figures and a reconciliation to U.S. GAAP of net income (loss) reported under Argentine GAAP for the years ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002, and of shareholders’ equity reported under Argentine GAAP as of June 30, 2004 and 2003. The differences involve methods of

 

8


Table of Contents

measuring the amounts shown in the financial statements as well as additional disclosures required by U.S. GAAP and regulations of the SEC.

 

As discussed in Note 3.n. to our financial statements, contained elsewhere in this annual report, in order to comply with regulations of the CNV, we recognized deferred income tax assets and liabilities on a non-discounted basis. This accounting practice represents a departure from generally accepted accounting principles in Argentina. However, such departure has not had a material effect on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Additionally, as discussed in Note 2.c. to our Consolidated Financial Statements, contained elsewhere in this annual report, after considering inflation levels for the second half of 2002 and the first months of 2003, on March 25, 2003, the Argentine government repealed the provisions of the previous decree related to the inflation adjustment and instructed the CNV to issue the necessary regulations to preclude companies under its supervision from presenting price-level restated financial statements. Therefore, on April 8, 2003, the CNV issued a resolution providing for the discontinuance of inflation accounting as of March 1, 2003. The company complied with the CNV resolution and accordingly recorded the effects of inflation until February 28, 2003. Comparative figures were restated until that date, using a conversion factor of 1.1237.

 

Since Argentine GAAP required companies to discontinue inflation accounting as from October 1, 2003, the application of the CNV resolution represents a departure from generally accepted accounting principles in Argentina. However, due to the low level of inflation rates during the period from March to September 2003, such a departure has not had a material effect on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

As a result of this, our Consolidated Financial Statements were prepared on the basis of general price-level accounting which reflected changes in the purchasing power of the Peso until February 28, 2003 in our historical financial statements using changes in the Argentine wholesale price index, as published by the Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Censos, as follows:

 

  we adjusted non-monetary items and consolidated statements of income amounts to reflect the then-current general purchasing power;

 

  we did not adjust monetary items, as such items were by their nature stated in terms of current general purchasing power in our Consolidated Financial Statements;

 

  we recognized monetary gains or losses in our consolidated statements of income, reflecting the effect of holding monetary items; and

 

  we included the gain or loss on exposure to inflation (monetary gain or loss) in our consolidated statements of income within financing results.

 

Also contained elsewhere in this annual report are the consolidated financial statements of BHSA as of June 30, 2004 and 2003 and for the years ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002, which also have been audited by Price Waterhouse & Co. S.R.L., member firm of PricewaterhouseCoopers, independent auditors, whose report is included herein. As a result of the purchase of additional shares and the exercise of warrants of BHSA, effective June 30, 2004 we changed the method of accounting for our investment in BHSA from market value to the equity method of accounting. We recognized the cumulative effect of the change in earnings during the year ended June 30, 2004. The independent auditors’ report on the consolidated financial statements of BHSA includes an explanatory paragraph describing that the quality of BHSA’s financial condition and results of operations depend to a significant extent on macroeconomic and political conditions prevailing from time to time in Argentina. The political and economic crisis of late 2001 and early 2002 and the Argentine Government’s actions to address such crisis have had a significant adverse effect on BHSA´s business activity. Currently, BHSA is significantly dependent on the Argentine Government’s ability to perform on its obligations to BHSA and to the entire financial system in Argentina, in connection with Federal secured loans, federal government securities and on its obligation to approve and deliver government securities under various laws and regulations.

 

9


Table of Contents

As a result of the increase in the ownership interest and the consolidation of our subsidiary APSA, during 2003, we discontinued the application of the proportional consolidation method that was used for reporting results of our jointly controlled subsidiaries in prior years. Therefore, when issuing our 2003 financial statements, we restated our financial statements of prior years and related data to reflect such investments under the equity method of accounting.

 

Also contained elsewhere in this annual report are the consolidated financial statements of APSA as of June 30, 2004 and 2003 and for the years ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002, which have been audited by Price Waterhouse & Co. S.R.L., member firm of PricewaterhouseCoopers, independent auditors, whose report is included herein. Our investment in APSA has been consolidated since fiscal year 2003. In prior years, APSA was an unconsolidated equity investee of the Company. At June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002 we owned 53.81%, 54.79% and 49.69% of APSA, respectively.

 

Except as discussed in the following paragraph, APSA prepares its financial statements in accordance with Argentine GAAP which differ in certain significant respects from U.S. GAAP. Such differences involve methods of measuring the amounts shown in the consolidated financial statements, as well as additional disclosures required by U.S. GAAP and regulations of the SEC. See Note 16 to APSA’s Consolidated Financial Statements contained elsewhere in this annual report for a description of the principal differences between Argentine GAAP and U.S. GAAP, as they relate to APSA, and a reconciliation to U.S. GAAP of net income (loss) and shareholders’ equity.

 

As discussed in Notes 2.a. to APSA´s Consolidated Financial Statements, contained elsewhere in this annual report, in order to comply with regulations of the CNV, APSA discontinued inflation accounting as of March 1, 2003 as well as recognized deferred tax assets and liabilities on a non-discounted basis. These accounting practices represented a departure from generally accepted accounting principles in Argentina. However, such departure has not had a material effect on its consolidated financial statements.

 

During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2004 we adopted Technical Resolution No. 21 and, as a result, we began consolidating Llao Llao Resort S.A.. As required by the transition provisions of this standard, we restated our prior year´s consolidated financial statements and related data to reflect such investment on a consolidated basis.

 

Certain amounts which appear in this annual report (including percentage amounts) may not sum due to rounding. You should not construe the translations as a representation that the amounts shown could have been, or could be, converted into U.S. Dollars at that or any other rate.

 

10


Table of Contents
     As of and for the year ended June 30,

 
     2004

    2004

    2003

    2002

    2001

    2000

 
                 (As restated) (1)     (As restated) (1)     (As restated) (1)     (As restated) (1)  
     (US$ 000) (2)     (Ps.000) (3)     (Ps.000) (3)     (Ps.000) (3)     (Ps.000) (3)     (Ps.000) (3)  

INCOME STATEMENT DATA

                                    

Argentine GAAP

                                    

Revenues

   88,169     260,805     236,495     156,244     244,052     256,608  

Costs

   (49,836 )   (147,416 )   (154,667 )   (96,962 )   (140,226 )   (131,766 )
    

 

 

 

 

 

Gross profit

   38,333     113,389     81,828     59,282     103,826     124,842  

Selling expenses

   (7,787 )   (23,033 )   (28,555 )   (14,246 )   (26,284 )   (22,624 )

Administrative expenses

   (16,984 )   (50,240 )   (45,194 )   (36,258 )   (44,798 )   (47,373 )

Gain on purchasers rescissions of sales contracts

   —       —       9     —       —       —    

Gain (loss) in credit card trust

   88     261     (4,077 )   —       —       —    

Gain (loss) from operations and holdings of real estate assets, net (4)

   21,752     64,343     21,507     (46,840 )   (7,127 )   (3,029 )
    

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income (loss)

   35,402     104,720     25,518     (38,062 )   25,617     51,816  

Amortization of goodwill

   (982 )   (2,904 )   (6,631 )   —       —       —    

Equity gain (loss) from related parties

   9,010     26,653     (14,701 )   (4,571 )   9,509     23,332  

Financial results, net

   3,565     10,546     315,301     (496,498 )   (99,465 )   (45,446 )

Other expenses, net

   (4,257 )   (12,591 )   (859 )   (4,483 )   (5,983 )   (7,160 )
    

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) before taxes and minority interest

   42,738     126,424     318,628     (543,614 )   (70,322 )   22,542  

Income and asset tax (expense) benefit

   (8,695 )   (25,720 )   3,529     (1,086 )   37,783     (22,533 )

Minority interest

   (4,341 )   (12,842 )   (35,712 )   977     3,415     (1,159 )
    

 

 

 

 

 

Ordinary net income (loss)

   29,702     87,862     286,445     (543,723 )   (29,124 )   (1,150 )

Extraordinary loss

   —       —       —       —       (12,706 )   —    
    

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

   29,702     87,862     286,445     (543,723 )   (41,830 )   (1,150 )

Basic net income (loss) per share (5)

   0.13     0.39     1.37     (2.62 )   (0.20 )   (0.01 )

Basic net income (loss) per GDS (5)

   1.32     3.90     13.65     (26.21 )   (2.05 )   (0.06 )

Diluted net income (loss) per share (6)

   0.08     0.23     0.57     (2.62 )   (0.20 )   (0.01 )

Diluted net income (loss) per GDS (6)

   0.75     2.23     5.65     (26.21 )   (2.05 )   (0.06 )

Weighted - average common shares outstanding

   225,005     225,005     209,840     207,412     204,189     204,652  

Adjusted weighted - average number of shares (6)

   554,271     554,271     439,064     207,412     204,189     204,652  

U.S. GAAP

                                    

Revenues

   84,997     251,420     230,068     153,168     245,137     250,466  

Net income (loss) (5)

   955     2,825     235,126     (901,515 )   19,420     (18,988 )

Net income (loss) before extraordinary items and accounting changes

   955     2,825     235,126     (901,515 )   (4,479 )   (15,071 )

Basic net income (loss) per share (5)

   0.004     0.013     1.121     (4.346 )   0.095     (0.093 )

Basic net income (loss) per GDS(5)

   0.042     0.126     11.205     (43.465 )   0.951     (0.928 )

Basic net income (loss) before extraordinary items and accounting changes per share (5)

   0.004     0.013     1.121     (4.346 )   (0.022 )   (0.074 )

Diluted net income (loss) per share (5)

   0.004     0.013     0.602     (4.346 )   0.095     (0.093 )

Diluted net income (loss) per GDS (6)

   0.042     0.126     6.017     (43.465 )   0.951     (0.928 )

Diluted net (loss) income before extraordinary items and accounting changes per share (5)

   0.004     0.013     0.602     (4.346 )   (0.022 )   (0.074 )

Weighted - average common shares outstanding

   225,005     225,005     209,840     207,412     204,189     204,652  

Adjusted weighted - average number of shares (6)

   225,005     225,005     338,416     207,412     204,189     204,652  

BALANCE SHEET DATA

                                    

Argentine GAAP

                                    

Cash and banks and current investments

   55,409     163,900     232,001     71,150     113,730     92,751  

Inventories

   10,323     30,534     23,854     79,733     104,004     146,332  

Mortgages and leases receivable, net

   12,599     37,267     39,181     18,164     117,761     133,193  

Non-current investments (7)

   177,293     524,434     420,373     583,344     764,059     918,942  

Fixed assets, net

   427,879     1,265,666     1,227,639     409,469     501,245     538,237  

 

11


Table of Contents

Total current assets

   88,455     261,651     297,476     157,969     260,823     266,075  

Total assets

   744,741     2,202,944     2,081,956     1,316,050     1,700,227     1,893,517  

Short-term debt (8)

   48,386     143,126     96,159     635,533     395,666     221,461  

Total current liabilities

   86,552     256,022     188,738     693,543     458,697     268,512  

Long-term debt (9)

   158,488     468,807     592,104     975     32,418     234,365  

Total non-current liabilities

   174,723     516,831     629,988     4,061     41,642     293,436  

Minority interest

   158,971     470,237     454,044     95,726     133,445     132,911  

Shareholders’ equity

   324,494     959,854     809,186     522,720     1,066,443     1,198,658  

U.S. GAAP

                                    

Total assets

   612,291     1,811,156     1,887,060     1,019,426     1,616,709     1,810,553  

Total shareholders’ equity

   198,695     587,740     502,803     197,124     988,523     1,151,142  

CASH FLOW DATA

                                    

Argentine GAAP

                                    

Net cash provided by operating activities

   24,818     73,414     93,945     54,313     106,994     139,231  

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities

   (32,424 )   (95,909 )   (40,603 )   (21,084 )   81,559     (36,205 )

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

   (16,109 )   (47,649 )   109,439     (41,427 )   (184,244 )   (117,401 )

U.S. GAAP

                                    

Net cash provided by operating activities

   31,230     92,378     55,135     11,871     98,299     102,162  

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities

   (35,518 )   (105,061 )   (52,260 )   (21,049 )   80,728     (416 )

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

   (16,109 )   (47,649 )   109,439     (41,427 )   (173,958 )   (117,394 )

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

   (2,732 )   (8,081 )   51,743     2,043     —       —    

Effect of inflation accounting

   —       —       (1,472 )   39,113     —       —    

OTHER FINANCIAL DATA

                                    

Argentine GAAP

                                    

Depreciation and amortization

   23,164     68,519     80,547     26,297     28,281     29,244  

Capital expenditures (10)

   51,717     152,979     42,735     50,139     70,337     41,962  

Ratio of current assets to current liabilities

   1.022     1.022     1.576     0.228     0.569     0.991  

Ratio of shareholders’ equity to total liabilities

   1.242     1.242     0.988     0.749     2.131     2.133  

Ratio of non-current assets to total assets

   0.881     0.881     0.857     0.880     0.847     0.859  

Profitability (11)

   0.099     0.099     0.430     (0.684 )   (0.037 )   (0.001 )

 

(1) Under Argentine GAAP, we adopted RT No. 21 “Equity Method of Accounting, Consolidation of Financial Statements and Related Party Transactions” during the year ended June 30, 2004. As a result of such an adoption, we began consolidating Llao Llao Resorts S.A. (hotel operations). As required by Argentine GAAP, our prior year’s financial statements and related data were restated to reflect our investment in Llao Llao Resorts S.A. on a consolidated basis. In addition, as a result of the change in the accounting method for our investment in BHSA from market value to the equity method, under US GAAP our consolidated financial statements were retroactively adjusted as required by APB Opinion No. 18, “The Equity Method of Accounting for Investments in Common Stock” (“APB No. 18”), to reflect the investment under the equity method of accounting in a manner consistent with the accounting for a step acquisition of a subsidiary.

 

(2) Solely for the convenience of the reader, we have translated Argentine Peso amounts into U.S. Dollars at the exchange rate quoted by Banco de la Nación Argentina for June 30, 2004 which was Ps. 2.958 per US$1.0. We make no representation that the Argentine Peso or U.S. Dollar amounts actually represent, could have been or could be converted into Dollars at the rates indicated, at any particular rate or at all. See “Exchange Rates”. Sums may not total due to rounding.

 

(3) In thousands of constant Pesos of June 30, 2004, except for ratios and share data. Includes adjustment by inflation as of February 28, 2003. Sums may not total due to rounding.

 

(4) Includes results from temporary investments in affiliated companies and gain (losses) from holding investment in real estate assets. See Note 7 to our consolidated financial statements.

 

(5) We have calculated earnings per share data under Argentine GAAP and U.S. GAAP based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the respective period. Each GDS represents ten common shares.

 

(6) Under both Argentine and U.S. GAAP we have considered the diluted effects of our outstanding convertible notes and warrants. However, under U.S. GAAP, we have used the treasury-stock method in calculating the diluted effect of the outstanding warrants. In addition, the computation of diluted net income per share / GDS under US GAAP for the year ended June 30, 2004 excludes potential common shares because the effect of their inclusion would be anti-dilutive, or would increase the reported net income per share / GDS. Each GDS represents ten common shares.

 

(7) Includes parcels of undeveloped land.

 

(8) Includes short-term loans, the current mortgages payable and the current portion of the seller financing.

 

(9) Includes long-term loans and the non-current portion of the seller financing.

 

(10) Includes the purchase of fixed assets and long-term investments.

 

(11) Net income (loss) / Average Shareholders’ Equity (simple average between the fiscal period’s shareholders equity and the shareholders’ equity for the same fiscal period of the immediately preceding year)

 

12


Table of Contents

Exchange Rates

 

In April 1991, Convertibility Law No. 23,928 and its Regulatory Decree No. 529/91 (together the “Convertibility Law”) established a fixed exchange rate under which the Argentine Central Bank was obliged to sell U.S. Dollars to any person at a fixed rate of one Peso per U.S. Dollar.

 

On January 6, 2002, the Argentine Congress enacted the Public Emergency Law and Foreign Exchange System Reform Law No. 25,561 (the “Public Emergency Law”) whereby the Executive Branch was granted the authority to determine the new exchange rate between the Peso and foreign currencies and to approve the corresponding monetary regulations. Thereafter, the Executive Branch announced the devaluation of the Peso with the establishment of a dual exchange rate system pursuant to which certain limited transactions occurred at a fixed rate of Ps. 1.40 per US$ 1.00 and all other transactions were settled at a floating market rate, depending on supply and demand. See “Risk Factors – Risks related to Argentina”.

 

The Public Emergency Law amends several provisions of the 1991 Convertibility Law, the most important of which are:

 

  the repeal of the Ps. 1.00 to US$ 1.00 fixed exchange rate established in 1991;

 

  the elimination of the obligation of the Argentine Central Bank to sell foreign currency for conversion transactions at the rate Ps. 1.00 = US$ 1.00;

 

  the elimination of the requirement that the Argentine Central Bank’s reserves in gold and foreign currency shall at all times be equivalent to not less than 100% of the monetary base. However, the law only states that the Argentine Central Bank’s reserves in gold and foreign currency will need to be at all times sufficient to support the monetary base. Accordingly, the monetary base is not necessarily fully backed by foreign currency-denominated reserves, which would potentially have an inflationary effect on prices; and

 

  the continuing prohibition of escalation clauses and other means of adjustment of monetary obligations in Pesos.

 

On January 11, 2002 the Argentine Central Bank ended a bank holiday that it had observed since December 21, 2001. The exchange rate began to float freely for the first time. Since then, the exchange rate has continued to grow, forcing the Argentine Central Bank to intervene in the market and sell U.S. Dollars in order to prevent a significant depreciation of the Peso.

 

Since February 11, 2002, there has been a single free exchange market for all exchange transactions, with the following main features:

 

  the rate of exchange is freely established by the market;

 

  exchange transactions may only be carried out by entities that obtain authorization from the Argentine Central Bank; and

 

  transfers of funds abroad by the private non-financial sector, the financial sector and public companies which do not depend on government’s budget for principal servicing of financial loans or profit or dividend remittances generally require prior approval from the Argentine Central Bank, regardless of their method of payment. This requirement does not apply to certain transfers. Please see “Exchange Controls – Export of capital including the availability of cash or cash equivalents” for a more detailed information related to exchange controls restrictions and prior approval required from the Argentine Central Bank.

 

13


Table of Contents

In the past, before the enactment of the Convertibility Law, the Argentine economy experienced several currency devaluations and Argentina had adopted and operated under various exchange control policies. We cannot assure you that further devaluations will not take place.

 

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high, low, average and period-end exchange rates for the purchase of U.S. Dollars expressed in nominal Pesos per U.S. Dollar. On November 30, 2004, the applicable Peso/U.S. Dollar exchange rate was Ps. 2.945 to US$ 1.00. The Federal Reserve Bank of New York does not report a noon buying rate for Pesos.

 

Nominal Exchange Rates

 

     Exchange Rate (5)

     High(1)

   Low(2)

   Average(3)

   Period End

Fiscal Year 2000

   1.0000    0.9990    0.9995    1.0000

Fiscal Year 2001

   1.0000    0.9990    0.9995    1.0000

Fiscal Year 2002(4)

   3.7400    0.9990    1.8206    3.7900

Fiscal Year 2003

   3.7400    2.7120    3.2565    2.8000

Fiscal Year 2004

   2.9510    2.7100    2.8649    2.9580

Month Ended May 31, 2004

   2.9500    2.8300    2.9010    2.9600

Month Ended June 30, 2004

   2.9510    2.9210    2.9400    2.9580

Month Ended July 31, 2004

   2.9600    2.9200    2.9360    2.9800

Month Ended August 31, 2004

   3.0400    2.9670    2.9930    2.9970

Month Ended September 30, 2004

   2.9910    2.9580    2.9740    2.9810

Month Ended October 31, 2004

   2.9600    2.8460    2.9430    2.9700

Month Ended November 30, 2004

   2.9540    2.9140    2.9338    2.9450

(1) The high rate shown was the highest month-end rate during the year or any shorter period, as noted.

 

(2) The low rate shown was the lowest month-end rate during the year or any shorter period, as noted.

 

(3) Average of month-end rates.

 

(4) From December 23, 2001 through January 11, 2002 Banco Nación did not publish an official exchange rate due to governmental suspension of the exchange market.

 

(5) All prices are mid market prices.

 

Source: Argentine Central Bank; Banco de la Nación Argentina. Bloomberg

 

Fluctuations in the exchange rate between the Peso and the U.S. Dollar may affect our ability to service our Dollar-denominated debt.Inflation and further devaluation of the Argentine currency could materially and adversely affect our operating results.

 

B. Capitalization and Indebtedness

 

This item is not applicable.

 

C. Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds

 

This item is not applicable.

 

D. Risk Factors

 

You should consider the following risks associated with our business, taking into account the inestability of the country in which we operate.

 

We may also face additional risks and uncertainties that are not presently affecting us, or that we currently deem immaterial, which may materially impair our business. In general, investing in companies which operate in emerging markets such as Argentina is more risky than investing in companies which operate in consolidated markets such as the United States.

 

14


Table of Contents

Risks Related to Argentina

 

Most of our revenues are earned in Argentina, and as a result we are highly dependent on economic and political conditions in Argentina.

 

We are a corporation (sociedad anónima) organized under the laws of the Republic of Argentina, and most of our revenues are earned in Argentina as most of our operations, developments, and customers are located in Argentina. Accordingly, our financial condition and results of operations depend to a significant extent on macroeconomic and political conditions prevailing from time to time in Argentina.

 

The Argentine economy has experienced significant volatility in recent decades, characterized by periods of low or negative growth and high and variable levels of inflation and currency devaluation. For example, in 1988, 1989 and 1990, the annual inflation rates were approximately 388%, 4,923% and 1,344%, respectively, based on the Argentine consumer price index, and approximately 432%, 5,386% and 798%, respectively, based on the Argentine wholesale price index. As a result of inflationary pressures, the Argentine currency had been devalued repeatedly during the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s, and macroeconomic instability led to broad fluctuations in the real exchange rate between the Argentine currency and the U.S. Dollar. In an attempt to address these pressures, the Argentine government during this period implemented various plans and utilized a number of exchange rate systems.

 

Prior to December 1989, the Argentine foreign exchange market was subject to exchange controls. In April 1991, the Argentine government launched a plan aimed at controlling inflation and restructuring the economy by enacting Law No. 23,928 and its Regulatory Decree No. 529/91, known as the Convertibility Law. The Convertibility Law fixed the exchange rate at Ps.1.00 per US$1.00 and required that the Argentine Central Bank maintain reserves in gold, foreign currency and certain foreign-currency denominated Argentine government bonds at least equal to the monetary base. Following the enactment of the Convertibility Law, inflation declined steadily and the economy experienced growth through most of the period from 1991 through 1997. In the fourth quarter of 1998, however, the Argentine economy entered into a recession that caused the gross domestic product to decrease by 3.4% in 1999, 0.8% in 2000, 4.4% in 2001 and 10.9% in 2002. In the second half of 2001, Argentina’s recession worsened significantly, precipitating by the end of 2001 the political and economic crisis described in greater detail below.

 

Beginning in December 2001, the Argentine government implemented an unexpected number of monetary and foreign exchange control measures that included restrictions on the free disposition of funds deposited with banks and on the transfer of funds abroad without prior approval by the Argentine Central Bank, some of which are still in effect. See “Exchange Controls.” On December 6, 2001, the Argentine government suspended payment on certain of Argentina’s foreign debt. On December 21, 2001, the Argentine Central Bank decided to close the foreign exchange market which amounted to a de facto devaluation of the Peso. On January 6, 2002, the Argentine Congress enacted Law 25,561, known as the Public Emergency Law, which introduced dramatic changes to Argentina’s economic model and amended the currency board that had pegged, statutorily, the Peso at parity with the U.S. Dollar since the enactment of the Convertibility Law in 1991. The Public Emergency Law empowered the Argentine government to implement, among other things, additional monetary, financial and foreign exchange measures to overcome the economic crisis in the short term, such as setting the exchange rate between the Peso and foreign currencies. Since the appointment on January 1, 2002 of a new administration by the Argentine Congress, the Argentine government has implemented measures, whether by executive order, Argentine Central Bank regulation or legislation passed by the Argentine Congress, attempting to address the effects of amending the Convertibility Law, recover access to financial markets, reduce government spending, restore liquidity to the financial system, reduce unemployment and generally stimulate the economy.

 

As detailed below, Argentina has experienced a severe recession and a political and economic crisis, and the abandonment of U.S. Dollar-Peso parity has led to significant devaluation of the Peso against major international currencies. The Argentine government measures concerning the economy, including measures related to inflation, interest rates, foreign exchange controls, the high unemployment rate and material decreases in incomes have had and could continue to have a material adverse effect on private sector entities, including us. We cannot assure you that future economic, financial, political and social developments in Argentina, over which we have no control, will not further adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations or our ability to make payments of principal and/or interest on

 

15


Table of Contents

our outstanding indebtedness. The macroeconomic situation in Argentina and the actions taken by the Argentine government pursuant to the Public Emergency Law will continue to affect us.

 

Recent political and economic instability resulted in a severe recession in 2001 and 2002 and may result in continued economic recession.

 

In the fourth quarter of 1998, the Argentine economy entered into a recession that caused the gross domestic product (“GDP”) to decrease by 3.4% in 1999. Following his election in October 1999, President Fernando De la Rúa was confronted with the challenges of dealing with Argentina’s enduring economic recession and obtaining political consensus on critical issues related to the economy, public sector spending, legal reforms and social programs. The De la Rúa administration failed to address adequately the growing public sector deficit, both at the federal and at the provincial level. GDP contracted by 0.8% in 2000, by 4.4% in 2001 and an estimated 10.9% in 2002, according to the Argentine Ministry of Economy. The unemployment rate increased from 14.5% in May 1999 to 15.4% in May 2000, 16.4% in May 2001 and 18.3% in October 2001. The unemployment rate was 17.8% in October 2002 as published by the Argentine Ministry of Economy. As tax revenues dropped as a result of the recession, the public sector relied increasingly on financing from local and, to a lesser extent, foreign banks, effectively limiting the ability of private sector companies to obtain bank financing. As the public sector’s creditworthiness deteriorated, interest rates increased dramatically, bringing the economy to a virtual standstill. The lack of confidence in the country’s economic future and its ability to sustain the Peso’s parity with the U.S. Dollar led to massive withdrawals of bank deposits. Despite assurances to the contrary, on December 1, 2001, the Argentine government effectively froze bank deposits and introduced foreign exchange controls to restrict capital outflows. Those unexpected measures were perceived as further paralyzing the economy for the benefit of the banking sector and caused a substantial increase in social unrest as well as incidents of violence. On December 21, 2001, after declaring a state of emergency and suspending certain civil liberties, President De la Rúa resigned in the midst of an escalating political, social and economic crisis.

 

On January 1, 2002, following the resignation of interim President Rodriguez Saá only one week after his appointment, the Argentine Congress elected Eduardo Duhalde, a Peronist senator who had lost the presidential election in 1999, as President to serve until December 2003, the end of the remaining term of former President De la Rúa. Since his appointment on January 2, 2002, President Duhalde and the Argentine government have undertaken a number of far-reaching initiatives including:

 

  ratifying the suspension of payment of certain of Argentina’s sovereign debt which had been previously declared suspended by interim President Rodriguez Saá;

 

  amending the Convertibility Law to introduce a new foreign exchange rate system, resulting in volatility and further devaluation of the Peso;

 

  converting certain U.S. Dollar-denominated loans by financial institutions in the Argentine financial system into Peso-denominated loans (“pesification”) at a one-to-one exchange rate plus an adjustment for variations in consumer prices (Coeficiente de Estabilización de Referencia or “CER”) or in salaries (Coeficiente de Variación de Salarios or “CVS”), as the case may be;

 

  converting U.S. Dollar-denominated bank deposits in financial institutions in the Argentine financial system into Peso-denominated bank deposits at an exchange rate of Ps.1.40 per US$1.00 plus an adjustment pursuant to CER;

 

  requiring the obligatory sale, currently suspended, by all banks of all their foreign currency held in Argentina to the Argentine Central Bank at an exchange rate of Ps.1.40 per US$1.00 (in the case of U.S. Dollars) or at an equivalent rate (in the case of other currencies);

 

 

converting most foreign currency-denominated obligations of entities in Argentina to non-financial institutions in Argentina into Peso-denominated obligations at a one-to-one exchange rate (in the case of obligations denominated in U.S. Dollars) or at a comparable rate (in the

 

16


Table of Contents
 

case of obligations denominated in another foreign currency), plus an adjustment pursuant to the CER or the CVS, as the case may be, plus an equitable adjustment in certain cases;

 

  restructuring the maturity of, and interest rates on, domestic bank deposits and maintaining restrictions on withdrawals of those deposits;

 

  enacting an amendment to the charter of the Argentine Central Bank to allow it to (1) print currency in excess of the amount of foreign reserves it holds, (2) make short-term advances to the Argentine government and (3) provide financial assistance to financial institutions in the Argentine financial system with liquidity constraints or solvency problems;

 

  converting or “pesifying” public service tariffs, originally calculated in U.S. Dollars, into Pesos at a one-to-one exchange rate;

 

  freezing public service tariffs without permitting indexation of any kind in contracts executed after the effective date of the Public Emergency Law;

 

  authorizing the Argentine government to renegotiate public utility contracts service tariffs;

 

  imposing restrictions on transfers of funds abroad subject to certain exceptions; and

 

  requiring the deposit into the Argentine financial system of foreign currency earned from exports, subject to certain exceptions.

 

Commercial and financial activities in Argentina were virtually paralyzed in 2002, further aggravating the economic recession that precipitated the current crisis. Moreover, due to ongoing social and political protests, Argentina’s economy and society continue to or may face risks including (1) civil unrest, rioting, looting, nationwide protests, widespread social unrest and strikes, (2) expropriation, nationalization and forced renegotiation or modification of existing contracts, (3) changes in monetary and taxation policies, including tax increases and retroactive tax reforms and (4) mandatory salary increases.

 

The deepening recession, including a 10.9% decrease in GDP in 2002, high unemployment and underemployment that preceded and that followed the devaluation of the Peso and high inflation led to a reduction of wages in real terms and of disposable income and resulted in changes in consumer behavior across all sectors of the Argentine population adversely affecting our shopping center and real estate businesses.

 

In 2003 the Argentine economy began to experience a recovery which may not be sustained if the government fails to achieve its proposed goals.

 

On April 27, 2003, presidential elections took place, resulting in a run-off election between candidates Carlos Menem and Néstor Kirchner. On May 14, 2003, Mr. Menem announced his withdrawal from the run-off, leaving Mr. Kirchner as the sole candidate. Mr. Kirchner, who won the elections with only 22% of the votes, took office on May 25, 2003. The overall goal of his Administration is to achieve sustainable growth making structural reforms focusing on the reduction of poverty and social inequities, which increased as a result of the 1998-2002 recession. To achieve these goals, the Kirchner Administration has presented a medium-term program for the period through 2006. The main goals of the Administration’s program are to:

 

  increase growth and solidify price stability through macroeconomic policy;

 

  increase government spending on social programs and investments in public infrastructure;

 

  restructure Argentina’s foreign debt, achieve fiscal discipline at the federal and provincial levels and establish responsible fiscal policies with the goal of achieving sustainable debt service obligations;

 

17


Table of Contents
  implement reforms designed to deter widespread tax evasion;

 

  reform the social security system;

 

  reach a sustainable revenue-sharing agreement with the provinces;

 

  increase lending activity by strengthening the stability of the financial system, phasing out certain bank regulations implemented during the economic crisis and conducting audits and strategic reviews of the leading public banks to ensure their independence from the government;

 

  implement an inflation-targeting monetary system; and

 

  attract private sector investment by creating a predicable and efficient legal framework to restructure corporate debts.

 

In 2003, the Argentine economy began to recover with a 8.7% increase in GDP. This recovery, at first based almost exclusively on import substitution, broadened as the level of consumption and investment increased. In 2003, the Peso appreciated against the U.S. Dollar. As of December 31, 2002, December 31, 2003 and November 30, 2004, the exchange rates were Ps. 3.37 = US$1.00, Ps.2.93 = US$1.00 and Ps. 2.945 = US$1.00, respectively. Moreover, the exchange rate stability allowed for a significant recovery of consumer confidence that translated into higher consumption levels. After reaching a peak of 41% in 2002, the inflation rate fell to 3.7% in 2003.

 

Although Argentine social and economic conditions have stabilized to some extent, important issues remain unresolved, such as renegotiating the external public debt and public utility contracts, restructuring the financial system and redesigning the federal fiscal regime. The government’s actions concerning the economy, including the ones with respect to inflation, interest rates, price controls, foreign exchange controls and taxes, have had, and may continue to have, a material adverse effect on private sector entities, including us. Decisions with regards to those issues could paralyze investment and consumption decisions causing a reduction in retail sales, real estate sales and demand for office and commercial space. Consequently, we cannot provide any assurance that future economic, social and political developments in Argentina, over which we have no control, will not further impair our business, financial condition, or results of operations.

 

The devaluation of the Peso, pesification and macroeconomic conditions currently prevailing in Argentina have had, and may continue to have, a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

 

The Argentine government’s economic policies and any future depreciation of the Peso against the U.S. Dollar could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. The Peso and preceding currencies in Argentina have been subject to numerous and significant devaluations in the past and may be subject to significant fluctuations in the future.

 

The Public Emergency Law put a legal end to ten years of U.S. Dollar-Peso parity and authorized the Argentine government to set the exchange rate between the Peso and other currencies. The Argentine government initially established a dual exchange rate of Ps.1.40 per US$1.00 for certain transactions and a free-floating rate for all other transactions. This dual system was later eliminated in favor of a single free-floating exchange rate for all transactions. Since the floating of the Peso, the Peso has fluctuated significantly, causing the Argentine Central Bank to intervene in the market to limit changes in the value of the Peso by selling U.S. Dollars and, lately, by buying U.S. Dollars. As of November 30, 2004, the exchange rate was Ps.2.945 per US$1.00. See “Exchange Rates” for additional information regarding Peso/U.S. Dollar exchange rates.

 

We cannot assure you that future policies adopted by the Argentine government will be able to limit the volatility of the value of the Peso and, therefore, the Peso could be subject to significant fluctuations

 

18


Table of Contents

which could materially and adversely affect our financial conditions and results of operations. Further depreciation of the Peso would have particular impact on:

 

  revenues collected for services provided in Argentina, such as lease agreements;

 

  our assets valuation; and

 

  our Peso-denominated monetary assets and liabilities which could be affected by the introduction of different inflation adjustment indexes.

 

We collect most of our revenues in Argentina, and as a result of the enactment of the Public Emergency Law, most of our revenues are calculated and collected in Pesos. Furthermore, the devaluation of the Peso has had a material adverse effect on our financial condition as the Peso-denominated book value of our assets has not increased at the same rate as has the Peso-denominated book value of our foreign currency-denominated financial indebtedness. Any further depreciation of the Peso against the U. S. Dollar will correspondingly increase the amount of our financial indebtedness in Pesos, with further adverse effects on our results of operations and financial condition.

 

Given the economic crisis in Argentina and the related uncertain economic and political events, it is impossible to predict whether, and to what extent, the value of the Peso may further depreciate or appreciate against the U.S. Dollar and how those events will affect investment decisions and the ability to obtain financial resources from abroad. Moreover, we cannot predict whether the Argentine government will further modify its monetary policy and, if so, what impact these changes could have on our financial condition and results of operations.

 

The Argentine economy may continue to experience significant inflation.

 

On January 24, 2002, the Argentine government amended the charter of the Argentine Central Bank to allow it to print currency without having to maintain a monetary base with a fixed and direct relationship to foreign currency and gold reserves. This amendment allows the Argentine Central Bank to make short-term advances to the Argentine government to cover its anticipated budget deficits and to provide assistance to financial institutions with liquidity or solvency problems. There is considerable concern that, if the Argentine Central Bank prints currency to finance public-sector spending or financial institutions in distress, significant inflation will result. Past history raises serious doubts as to the ability of the Argentine government economy and the government’s ability to create conditions that would foster long-term growth. Further inflation will negatively affect our results of operations and financial condition.

 

Future exchange controls may prevent us from servicing our foreign currency-denominated debt obligations.

 

Since early December 2001, the Argentine authorities implemented a number of monetary and currency exchange control measures that included restrictions on the withdrawal of funds deposited with banks and tight restrictions for making transfers abroad. Although most restrictions in connection with repayments to foreign creditors have been lifted, these regulations have been changing constantly since they were first enacted, and we cannot assure you that they will not be put in place again and, if they are, whether they will be made stricter than they were before. Currently, local companies may, without the Argentine Central Bank’s approval, access the foreign exchange market and obtain foreign currency for the payment of principal and/or interest. In the case of interest payments, access to the foreign exchange market is allowed within 15 days prior to each interest service or at any moment during each outstanding interest period. In the case of payment of principal, access to the foreign exchange market is permitted at any time within a 90-day period before maturity. Pursuant to Decree 285/03 and Comunicación “A” 3973, as amended, in the case of new loans, access to the foreign exchange market is permitted provided that the proceeds of such loans enter Argentina and remain there for at least 180 days. See “Exchange Controls.”

 

Although most restrictions have been eliminated, there can be no assurance that the Argentine Central Bank will not reverse its position and once again restrict payments of principal and interest outside of Argentina. If more stringent restrictions are imposed by the Argentine Central Bank, we may be unable

 

19


Table of Contents

to make payments of principal and interest on our foreign currency-denominated debt obligations. If that were to occur, we would likely suffer payment defaults on our existing debt obligations, and such defaults would likely have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and prospects and our ability to service our external debt obligations.

 

The stability of the Argentine banking system is uncertain.

 

Although deposits in the Argentine banking system had grown in 1999 and 2000, in the fourth quarter of 2001, a significant amount of deposits were withdrawn from Argentine financial institutions as a result of the increasing political instability and uncertainty. This run on deposits had a material adverse effect on the Argentine financial system as a whole. For the most part, banks suspended the disbursement of new loans and focused on collection activities to be able to pay their depositors. However, the general unavailability of external or local credit created a liquidity crisis which triggered numerous payment defaults in the public and private sectors, which in turn undermined the ability of many Argentine banks to pay their depositors.

 

To prevent a run on the U.S. Dollar reserves of local banks, on December 3, 2001, the government of President De La Rúa restricted the amount of money that account holders could withdraw from banks and introduced exchange controls restricting capital outflows. Although these restrictions, known as “corralito,” are no longer in place, subsequently, President Duhalde imposed new restrictions known as “corralón” and released a schedule stating how and when such deposits would become available.

 

On February 4, 2002, pursuant to Emergency Decree No. 214, the Argentine government required the conversion of all U.S. Dollar or other foreign currency-denominated indebtedness to financial institutions into Pesos at a rate of Ps. 1.00 per US$ 1.00. After a six-month grace period, debts were adjusted pursuant to an index based on consumer price variations (CER) in the preceding month. Said decree also provided for the conversion of all foreign currency-denominated deposits at an exchange rate of Ps. 1.40 per U.S. Dollar plus CER, and the issuance by the government of U.S. Dollar-denominated bonds intended to compensate banks for the losses incurred as a result of the “asymmetric” conversion of loans and deposits into Pesos. The different exchange rates applied to the conversion of foreign currency-denominated deposits and loans had a material and adverse effect on the Argentine financial system. Despite these restrictions, on April 25, 2002, pursuant to Law 25,587, the Argentine government announced another banking moratorium in order to prevent further withdrawals from the financial system.

 

On June 1, 2002, the Argentine government published Decree No 905/02, pursuant to which owners of rescheduled foreign currency and Peso-denominated bank deposits were provided with the option to receive certain bonds issued by the Argentine government in lieu of payment of such deposits during a period of 30 banking days beginning on June 1, 2002. These bonds were applied to the payment of certain loans under certain conditions. Deposits not exchanged for bonds were considered securities that, under the conditions established by the CNV, were applied to the subscription of notes and to the cancellation of certain loans. On September 17, 2002, Decree No. 1836/02 established another exchange option. Depositors, however, showed little interest in the first or second stages of the voluntary exchange of deposits for bonds. Through Decree No. 739/03 dated April 1, 2003, the Argentine government made a further attempt to eliminate the corralón by giving depositors the option to be reimbursed in Pesos pursuant to a schedule for their deposits, at a Ps. 1.40 per US$1.00 exchange rate adjusted pursuant to the CER, plus accrued interest, and to receive a 10-year U.S. Dollar-denominated bond to be issued by the Argentine government to cover the difference between the amount in Pesos to be received by the depositors and the face amount of the original deposit made in U.S. Dollars at the exchange rate applicable on April 1, 2003.

 

While the restriction on bank withdrawals and the mandatory conversion of U.S. Dollar deposits to Pesos have shielded banks from a further massive withdrawal of deposits, they have also led to a significant decrease in commercial and financial activities, diminished spending and greatly increased social unrest resulting in widespread public protests. In a decision of March 2003, the Supreme Court of Argentina struck down on constitutional grounds the mandatory conversion of U.S. Dollar deposits held by the Province of San Luis with Banco de la Nación Argentina pursuant to Emergency Decree No. 214/02. In July 2004, in Cabrera, Gerónimo Rafael, et al. vs. National Executive Power, the Argentine Supreme Court ruled that whenever a depositor accepts payment in Pesos for its Dollar-denominated deposit, at the exchange rate provided for in the “pesification” regulations (Ps.1.40 per US$1.00 plus CER), without

 

20


Table of Contents

reserving the right to challenge such payment in the future on the grounds of partial payment, he would not be entitled to claim the difference between the amount actually received and the amount of Pesos he would have received had the free market exchange rate been applied. On October 26, 2004, in Bustos, Alberto Roque et al. v. National Government et al., the Argentine Supreme Court confirmed the constitutionality of the laws and regulations that provided for the conversion of U.S. Dollar bank deposits into Pesos and the restrictions imposed on deposit withdrawals. Under Argentine law, Supreme Court rulings are limited to the particular facts and defendant in the case; however, lower courts tend to follow the precedents set by the Supreme Court.

 

The Argentine banking system’s collapse or the collapse of one or more of the larger banks would have a material adverse effect on the prospects for economic recovery and political stability in Argentina, resulting in a loss of consumer confidence, lower disposable income and fewer financing alternatives. These conditions would have a material adverse effect on us by resulting in a decrease in our property value, impossibility to collect revenues on our rented properties and impossibility to obtain financial resources for new developments.

 

The Argentine government is currently insolvent and is limited in its ability to obtain financing in the future, which may restrict its ability to implement reforms and restore economic growth.

 

The Argentine government is currently insolvent and has defaulted on a significant part of its public debt in recent years, although it has recently reached an agreement to postpone the maturity date of some of its debt owed to the International Monetary Fund and other international credit organizations. Due to a sustained lack of investor confidence in Argentina’s ability to make payments due on its sovereign debt and in the Argentine economy generally, Argentina’s opportunities to effectively raise capital in the international markets have been severely limited. Uncertainties regarding the Argentine government’s debt restructuring and the adoption of certain measures adversely affecting key sectors of the economy, such as the utilities and the financial system, have had a significant impact on the private sector’s long-term productivity and growth. If the Argentine government and its creditors fail to reach a debt agreement restructuring, the fiscal situation of Argentina could be severely affected, undermining the ability of the Argentine government to implement adequate economic policies and structural reforms. If economic growth fails to materialize in the medium and long term, political and economic volatility are likely to recur. This would most likely adversely and materially impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

In light of this uncertainty, laws and regulations currently governing the economy may continue to change in the near future, and any changes may adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations. Accordingly, investing in Argentine companies or companies with Argentine operations entails risks of loss resulting from, among other things:

 

  changes in laws and policies of Argentina affecting foreign trade, taxation and investment;

 

  taxation policies, including royalty and tax increases and retroactive tax claims;

 

  restrictions on repatriation of investments and transfer of funds abroad;

 

  expropriation, nationalization and forced renegotiation or modification of existing contracts; and

 

  civil unrest, rioting, looting, nation-wide protests, road blockades, widespread social unrest and strikes.

 

If this economic and political instability continues or any of the above-described events occur, our results of operations and financial condition will be materially adversely affected.

 

21


Table of Contents

Promulgations of laws related to foreclosure on real state adversely affect our property rights.

 

In February 2002, the Argentine government amended Argentina’s bankruptcy law, suspending bankruptcies and foreclosures on real estate that constitutes the debtor’s primary dwelling, initially for a six-month period and subsequently extended until November 14, 2002.

 

On June 2, 2003, the Congress passed a law reinstating suspension on foreclosures of mortgage properties for a term of ninety days. However, the creditors voluntarily agreed, together with banks and other financial institutions, to extend such suspension until a new law solved. On November 5, 2003 Law No. 25,798 was enacted. It established a mechanism to reschedule the mortgage debts, by creating a Trust (paid by the Argentine Government) which will buy the portfolio mortgage debts and reschedule them in a more profitable way. Financial institutions were given until June 22, 2004 to accept this new mortgage system. This law was partially modified by Law No. 25,908 (enacted on July 13, 2004) which included different conditions referring to the incorporation to this system of the mortgage loans that were in judicial or private execution proceedings.

 

We cannot assure you that laws and regulations related to foreclosure on real estate will not continue to change in the future or that any changes will not adversely affect our business, financial condition or result of operations.

 

Future governmental policies will likely significantly affect the economy as well as the operations of financial institutions.

 

The Argentine government has historically exercised significant influence over the economy, and financial institutions, in particular, have operated in a highly regulated environment. Due to the Argentine crisis, in the last few months the Argentine government has promulgated numerous, far-reaching and not always consistent laws and regulations affecting the economy as well as financial institutions in particular. We cannot assure you that laws and regulations currently governing the economy or the banking sector will not continue to change in the future, particularly in light of the continuing economic crisis, or that any changes will not adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations as well as our ability to honor our foreign-currency denominated debt obligations.

 

Due to the current social and political crisis, investing in Argentina also entails the following risks:

 

  civil unrest, rioting, looting, nation-wide protests, widespread social unrest and strikes;

 

  expropriation, nationalization and forced renegotiation or modification of existing contracts; and

 

  taxation policies, including royalty and tax increases and retroactive tax claims.

 

Despite the apparent disappearance of the signs of economic and political crisis, the structural problems of the Argentine economy, which have recurrently caused or contributed to political crisis in the past, have not been resolved, and it cannot be assured whether the policies of the elected president will be finally successful. Any economic and political crisis that could arise in the future, could adversely affect our business, financial condition or result of operations.

 

Risks Related to Our Business

 

Our high level of debt may adversely affect our operations and our ability to pay our debt as it becomes due.

 

We have, and expect to have, adequate liquidity and capital resources to finance our business. As of June 30, 2004, our consolidated financial debt amounted to Ps. 603.9 million (including accrued and unpaid interests and deffered financing costs).

 

The fact that we are highly leveraged may affect our ability to refinance existing debt or borrow additional funds to finance working capital, acquisitions and capital expenditures. This would require us to allocate a substantial portion of cash flow to repay principal and interest, thereby reducing the amount of money available to invest in operations, including acquisitions and capital expenditures. Our high leverage

 

22


Table of Contents

could place us at a disadvantage compared to our competitors who are less leveraged and limit our ability to react to changes in market conditions, changes in the real estate industry and economic downturns. Although we have successfully restructured our debt we cannot assure you that we will not relapse and become unable to pay our obligations.

 

We may not be able to generate sufficient cash flows from operations to satisfy our debt service requirements or to obtain future financing. If we cannot satisfy our debt service requirements or if we default on any financial or other covenants in our debt arrangements, the holders of our debt will be able to accelerate the maturity of such debt or cause defaults under the other debt arrangements. Our ability to service debt obligations or to refinance them will depend upon our future financial and operating performance, which will, in part, be subject to factors beyond our control such as macroeconomic conditions and regulatory changes in Argentina. If we cannot obtain future financing, we may have to delay or abandon some or all of our planned capital expenditures, which could adversely affect our ability to generate cash flows and repay our obligations.

 

We may face potential conflicts of interest relating to our principal shareholders.

 

Our largest beneficial owner is Mr. Eduardo S. Elsztain. As of November 30, 2004, such beneficial ownership consisted of:

 

  1,000 of our common shares owned by Inversiones Financieras del Sur S.A. (“IFISA”), a company where Mr. Eduardo S. Elsztain is the beneficial owner;

 

  71,225,786 of our common shares owned by Cresud S.A.C.I.F. y A. (“Cresud”), for which Mr. Eduardo S. Elsztain by reason of his position with Cresud, may be deemed to own all of our common shares held for the account of Cresud.

 

Conflicts of interest between our management, ourselves and our affiliates may arise in the performance of our respective business activities. Mr. Elsztain also beneficially owns (i) approximately 27.5% of the common shares of Cresud S.A.C.I.F. y A., an Argentine company that currently owns approximately 27.5% of our common shares and (ii) approximately 62.6% of the common shares of our subsidiary APSA. We cannot assure you that our principal shareholders and their affiliates will not limit or cause us to forego business opportunities that their affiliates may pursue or that the pursuit of other opportunities will be in our interest.

 

The devaluation of the Peso and the deterioration of the Argentine economy have had, and may continue to have, a material adverse effect on the results of our operations and financial condition.

 

For so long as the Convertibility Law remained in effect, we had no exchange rate risk relating to our Peso-denominated revenues and our U.S. Dollar-denominated liabilities. However, with the repeal of the Convertibility Law on February 4, 2002, all U.S. Dollar-denominated obligations, which were within the Argentine banking sector and subject to Argentine Law, were mandatorily converted into Peso-denominated liabilities at an exchange rate one Peso to one U.S. Dollar. The majority of our liabilities (the Unsecured Loan Agreement, the Class 3 Floating Rate Notes and the Hoteles Argentinos Loan) are subject to New York law and thus have not been converted into Pesos. Furthermore, on February, 4, 2004 APSA was under a swap agreement by which it converted its Peso-denominated fixed rate debt into U.S. Dollar denominated floating rate debt for a notional amount of US$ 69.1 million with maturities through March 2005, which is also subject to New York law and thus has not been converted into Pesos. Moreover, our US$ 100.0 million Convertible Notes and APSA’s US$ 50.0 million Convertible Notes are U.S. Dollar-denominated. (See: Item 5 -Section B.- Our Indebtedness).

 

We realize a substantial portion of our revenues in Pesos (such as rental contracts and seller financing) and, as a result, the devaluation of the Peso has adversely affected the U.S. Dollar value of our earnings and, thus, impaired our financial condition. Moreover, our Peso-denominated assets (which represent 93% of our total assets as of June 30, 2004) have depreciated against our indebtedness denominated in foreign currency. As of June 30, 2004, we had outstanding debt amounting to Ps. 603.9 million, of which, 86% was denominated in U.S. Dollars. Any further depreciation of the Peso against the

 

23


Table of Contents

U.S. Dollar will correspondingly increase the amount of our debt in Pesos, with further adverse effects on our results of operation and financial condition, and may increase the collection risk of our leases and other receivables from our tenants and mortgage debtors, most of whom have Peso-denominated revenues.

 

The mandatory pesification of contracts originally denominated in U.S. Dollars will adversely affect our profitability.

 

Although our lease agreements and seller financing loans were denominated in U.S. Dollars, the Argentine government mandatorily converted all U.S. Dollar monetary obligations entered into between non-financial private parties prior to January 7, 2002 into Peso-denominated obligations at a rate of Ps. 1.00 = US$ 1.00. Although the Argentine government sought to mitigate the adverse effects of this mandatory “pesification” by permitting the Peso-denominated obligations to be adjusted for inflation pursuant to an index known as the CER, we cannot assure you that an adequate adjustment will apply to amounts payable to us under our lease and loan agreements. If, as a consequence of this adjustment, the agreement is unfair to any of the parties, either party may ask the other for a fairness adjustment. If the parties do not reach an agreement, a court will make the decision. New lease agreements may be freely entered into between parties and may not contain inflation adjustment clauses based on consumer price indexes or whole price indexes. Although part of our new lease agreements are Dollar denominated, the mandatory pesification of contracts originally denominated in U.S. Dollars is likely to materially and adversely affect our financial condition and our ability to pay our liabilities denominated in U.S. Dollars (mostly banking and financial loans), because our cash flows will be mostly denominated in devalued Pesos.

 

The Argentine government may impose additional restrictions on the lease, operation and ownership of property.

 

In the past, in response to housing shortages, high rates of inflation and difficult access to credit, the Argentine government imposed strict and burdensome regulations regarding leases. Such regulations limited or prohibited rental increases and prohibited eviction of tenants, even for failure to pay rent. We cannot assure you that the Argentine government will not impose similar or other regulations in the future. Changes in existing laws or the enactment of new laws governing the ownership or operation or leasing of properties in Argentina could materially and adversely affect our operations and profitability.

 

There can be no assurance that additional regulations will not be imposed in the future. Such regulations could negatively affect the Argentine real estate market and the rental market. Furthermore, most of our leases provide that the tenants pay all costs and taxes related to their respective leasable areas. In the event of a significant increase in the amount of such costs and taxes, the Argentine government may respond to political pressure to intervene by regulating this practice, thereby negatively affecting our rental income.

 

We hold Argentine securities which are more volatile than United States securities, and carry a greater risk of default.

 

We currently hold certain investments in Argentine government debt, corporate debt and equity securities. In particular, we hold a significant interest in BHSA, an Argentine bank that has recently suffered material losses. Although the holding of these investments, with the exception of BHSA, tends to be short term, investments in such securities involve certain risks, including:

 

  market volatility, higher than those typically associated with U.S. government and corporate securities; and

 

  loss of principal.

 

Some of the issuers in which we have invested and may invest, including the Argentine government, have in the past experienced substantial difficulties in servicing their debt obligations, which have led to the restructuring of certain indebtedness. We cannot assure that the issuers in which we have invested or may invest will not be subject to similar or other difficulties in the future which may adversely affect the value of our investments in such issuers. In addition, such issuers and, therefore, such investments, are generally

 

24


Table of Contents

subject to many of the risks that are described in this section, which could also adversely affect the value of these investments.

 

Real estate investments are subject to many risks.

 

Our real estate investments are subject to risks common to commercial and residential properties in general, many of which are not within our control. Any of these risks might materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations. The yields available from equity investments in real estate depend on the level of sales or rental income generated and expenses incurred.

 

Our ability to generate income from our properties sufficient to service our debt and cover other expenses may be adversely affected by the following factors, among others, some of which we cannot control:

 

  oversupply of retail space or a reduction in demand for retail space, which could result in lower rent prices and lower revenues for us;

 

  increased competition from other real estate operators which might drive down our prices and profits;

 

  changes in our ability or our tenants’ ability to provide for adequate maintenance and insurance, possibly decreasing the life of and revenue from a property;

 

  increases in operating expenses which could lower our profitability;

 

  the inability to collect rents due to bankruptcy or insolvency of tenants or otherwise;

 

  the need to periodically renovate, repair and release space, the higher costs thereof and the ability of our tenants to provide adequate maintenance and insurance, possibly decreasing the life of and revenue from a property; and

 

  the exercise by our tenants of their legal right to early termination of their leases.

 

In addition, other factors may adversely affect the performance and value of our properties, including changes in laws and governmental regulations (including those governing usage, zoning and real property taxes), changes in interest rates (including the risk that increased interest rates may result in decreased sales of lots in the residential development properties) and the availability of financing. Increases in operating costs due to inflation and other factors may result in the inability or unwillingness of tenants to pay rent or expense increases. Certain significant expenditures, such as debt service, real estate taxes, and operating and maintenance costs, are generally not reduced, in circumstances resulting in a reduction in income from the investment. The foregoing and any other factor or event that would impede our ability to respond to adverse changes in the performance of our investments could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

 

Real estate market illiquidity and declining property values in U.S. Dollars terms may adversely affect our financial condition.

 

The Argentine crisis, including the devaluation of the Peso, decreased real estate value in U.S. Dollar terms and liquidity of real estate investments. Despite the recovery of the value in U.S. Dollars of the real estate market, it may be more difficult for us to adjust our property portfolio promptly in response to changes in economic or business conditions or to the factors described above. The economic recession and the devaluation of the Peso significantly reduced consumer spending power while the social unrest and ensuing political instability together with the succession of governmental measures have adversely affected the normal operations of banks. If we are forced to sell one or more of our properties in order to cover operating expenses or to satisfy debt service obligations, or are forced to liquidate, the proceeds from such sales might be less than our total investment in the properties sold.

 

25


Table of Contents

Our business is subject to extensive regulation.

 

The real estate business is subject to extensive building and zoning regulations by various federal, state and municipal authorities, which affect land acquisition, development and construction activities, and certain dealings with customers, as well as consumer credit and consumer protection statutes and regulations. We are required to obtain approval from various governmental authorities for our development activities, and new laws or regulations could be adopted, enforced or interpreted in a manner that could adversely affect our results of operations and the level of cash flow necessary or available to meet our obligations. Development activities are also subject to risks relating to the inability to obtain, or delays in obtaining all necessary zoning, environmental, land-use, development, building, occupancy and other required governmental permits and authorizations. We and our affiliates’ operations are also subject to federal, state and municipal environmental laws applicable in Argentina. We believe that such laws and regulations currently do not materially affect our business or results of operations. We cannot assure you, however, that regulations affecting the real estate industry, including environmental regulations, will not change in a manner which could have a material adverse effect on our business.

 

Argentine lease law imposes lease restrictions that limit our flexibility.

 

Argentine laws governing leases impose certain restrictions, including the following:

 

  lease agreements may not contain inflation adjustment clauses based on consumer price indexes or wholesale price indexes. Although many of our lease agreements contain readjustment clauses, these are not based on an official index nor do they reflect the inflation index. In the event of litigation it may be impossible for us to increase the amounts owed under our lease agreements;

 

  lease agreements must be for a minimum term of two years for residential properties and three years for retail property, except in the case of stands and/or spaces for special exhibitions;

 

  lease terms may not exceed ten years, except for the leases regulated by Law No. 25,248 (which provides that leases containing a purchase option are not subject to term limitations); and

 

  tenants may rescind commercial lease agreements after the initial six months. The exercise of such rescission rights by our tenants could materially and adversely affect our business and we cannot assure you that our tenants will not exercise such right, especially if rent values stabilize or decline in the future.

 

Eviction proceedings in Argentina are difficult and time consuming.

 

Although Argentine law permits a summary proceeding to collect unpaid rent and a special proceeding to evict tenants, historically, the heavy workload of the courts that hear these matters and the numerous procedural steps required have generally delayed landlords’ efforts to evict tenants. Eviction proceedings generally last from six months to two years from the date of filing of the suit to the time of actual eviction. Historically, delinquency regarding office rental space has been very low, approximately 2%, and we have usually attempted to negotiate the termination of lease agreements with defaulting tenants after the first few months of non-payment in order to avoid legal proceedings. Delinquency may increase significantly in the future, and such negotiations with tenants may not be as successful as they have been in the past. Moreover, new Argentine laws and regulations may forbid or restrict eviction proceedings, and in such case, they would likely have a material and adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operation.

 

Our assets are concentrated in the Buenos Aires area.

 

Our principal properties are located in the city of Buenos Aires and the province of Buenos Aires and a substantial portion of our revenues are derived from such properties.

 

26


Table of Contents

For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2004, a substantial part of our sales were derived from properties in the city of Buenos Aires and the province of Buenos Aires area. Although we own properties and may acquire or develop additional properties outside of the city of Buenos Aires and the province of Buenos Aires area, we expect to continue to depend to a very large extent on economic conditions affecting those areas, and therefore, an economic downturn in those areas could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition.

 

If APSA cannot reach an agreement with the sellers regarding its acquisition of a significant interest in the Neuquén Project, the sale may be voided and APSA may not recover its original investment.

 

On July 6, 1999, APSA acquired a 94.6% interest in Shopping Neuquén S.A. for Ps. 4.2 million. APSA paid Ps. 0.9 million on September 1, 1999, and the remaining Ps. 3.3 million was originally scheduled to be paid on the earlier of the opening of the shopping center or July 5, 2001. As of today the remaining payment is overdue.

 

Shopping Neuquén S.A.’s sole asset is a piece of land of approximately 50,000 square meters. It had received preliminary governmental approval for construction of a shopping center on the site. The project contemplates construction of a shopping center with 100 stores, a hypermarket, a multiplex movie theater, a service station and a hotel.

 

In June 2001, Shopping Neuquén S.A. filed a request with the municipality of Neuquén for extension of the original construction timetable and for authorization to sell part of the land to third parties for construction of property which Shopping Neuquén S.A. would develop.

 

On December 20, 2002, the Municipality of Neuquén issued Decree 1437/02 rejecting the application by Shopping Neuquén S.A. for a readjustement of the terms for the construction of the project and the authorization to transfer part of the land to third parties. In addition, the rights granted in Ordinance 5178 were declared to have lapsed, and the contract for the purchase of the land was deemed void, with the loss of the improvements made in favor of the Municipality of Neuquén, without the right to compensation or any claim by Shopping Neuquén S.A.

 

In response to the terms of the mentioned Decree, on January 21, 2003 APSA applied for the administrative measure to be revoked, offering and attaching documentary proof of the reasons for such revocation and requesting authorization for the presentation of a new schedule, prepared on the basis of the current situation and reasonable short and medium-term projections.

 

The application was rejected by the Municipal authorities by means of Decree No. 585/2003. As a result, on June 25, 2003 the Company filed an “Administrative Procedural Action” in the High Court of Neuquén that is currently in process, requesting -among other matters- that Decrees 1437/2002 and 585/2003 issued by the Municipal Mayor be declared null and void.

 

As of June 30, 2004, the Company is negotiating with the Municipality of Neuquén the terms of a framework agreement that will establish the conditions for reactivation of the development and construction of the commercial project. Such agreement would be incorporated into a new Municipal Ordinance that would modify or annul the original ordinance.

 

Furthermore, on August 15, 2003 APSA was informed that 85.75% of the old shareholders of Shopping Neuquén S.A. filed a complaint against APSA for collection of the balance of the purchase price plus interest and legal costs.

 

Although APSA hopes for a favorable resolution to the judicial proceeding, and APSA is still negotiating a new arrangement with the old shareholders, we cannot assure the results will be favorable to it.

 

27


Table of Contents

Pérez Cuesta S.A.C.I., in which APSA currently owns a controlling interest, has defaulted on several payments which could result in its inability to remain as a going concern, jeopardizing APSA’s investment in the company.

 

As of June 30, 2004, APSA owned an 18.9% non-controlling interest in Pérez Cuesta S.A.C.I. (“Pérez Cuesta”), which owns the Mendoza Plaza Shopping Center. As of such date it had Ps. 40.3 million of financial indebtedness (including accrued interests and CER), Ps. 23.1 million of which is due and on which the company has defaulted. (See “Business overview, Mendoza Plaza”). As of December 2, 2004, APSA increased its interest in Pérez Cuesta to 68.8%. Pursuant to Decree No. 214/02, Pérez Cuesta’s U.S. Dollar-denominated financial indebtedness was converted into Pesos. Since its indebtedness includes outstanding mortgage loans and commercial leases, its default on several overdue payments raises substantial doubt of its ability to continue as a going concern. Currently, Pérez Cuesta and APSA are negotiating restructuring of the debt terms with its creditors. However, if APSA is unable to achieve a successful restructuring of its financial indebtedness the value of APSA’s investment may be adversely affected.

 

Our real estate activities through subsidiaries and joint ventures are subject to additional risks.

 

We conduct a substantial part of our real estate activities through subsidiaries and strategic alliances with other companies. One of our principal investments is in APSA where we own a majority of the voting stock. In the future, we may increase our real estate activities through such vehicles. As a result, we depend to a certain extent on the successful operation of subsidiaries and strategic alliances and upon income, dividends and other distributions from these entities to maintain our profitability, liquidity and growth. Moreover, joint ownership of properties involves additional risks. For example, our partners or co-investors may:

 

  become bankrupt or insolvent;

 

  develop business objectives or goals which are different from ours; or

 

  take actions that are contrary to our instructions or requests or that are otherwise contrary to our interests.

 

Development and construction activities are inherently risky.

 

We are engaged in the development and construction of office, retail and residential properties, generally through third-party contractors. Risks associated with our development and construction activities include the following, among others:

 

  abandonment of development opportunities and renovation proposals;

 

  construction costs of a project may exceed our original estimates, making a project unprofitable;

 

  occupancy rates and rents of a newly completed project may be insufficient to make such project profitable;

 

  pre-construction buyers may default on their purchase contracts or units in new buildings may remain unsold upon completion of construction;

 

  we may be unable to obtain financing on favorable terms for the development of the project;

 

  sale prices for residential units may be insufficient to cover development costs;

 

  construction and lease-up may not be completed on schedule, resulting in increased debt service expense and construction costs; and

 

28


Table of Contents
  we may be unable to obtain, or may face delays in obtaining, all necessary zoning, land-use, building, occupancy and other required governmental permits and authorizations.

 

We are subject to shopping center operating risks that may affect our profitability.

 

Shopping centers are subject to various factors that affect their development, administration and profitability. These factors include:

 

  the accessibility and the attractiveness of the area where the shopping center is located;

 

  the intrinsic attractiveness of the shopping center;

 

  the flow of people and the level of sales of each shopping center rental unit;

 

  the amount of rent collected from each shopping center rental unit; and

 

  the fluctuations in occupancy levels in the shopping centers.

 

An increase in operating costs, caused by inflation or other factors, could have a material adverse effect on us if our tenants are unable to pay higher rent obligations due to the increase in expenses.

 

Moreover, the shopping center business is closely related to consumer spending, and, therefore, to the economy in which such customers are located. All of our shopping centers are located in Argentina, and, as a consequence, their business has been seriously affected by the Argentine recession. Unemployment, political instability and inflation have reduced consumer spending in Argentina, lowering tenants’ sales and forcing some of them to leave our shopping centers. This has reduced the occupied space and consequently, our revenues.

 

The shift of consumers to purchasing goods over the Internet may negatively affect sales in our shopping centers.

 

During the last years, retail sales by means of the Internet have grown significantly in Argentina even though the market share of Internet sales related to retail sales is still not significant. The Internet enables manufacturers and retailers to sell directly to consumers, diminishing the importance of traditional distribution channels such as retail stores and shopping centers. We believe that our target consumers are increasingly using the Internet, at home, work or elsewhere, to shop electronically for retail goods, and that this trend will continue. If e-commerce and retail sales through the Internet continue to grow at current rates, consumers’ reliance on traditional distribution channels such as our shopping centers could be materially diminished, having a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

 

Our future acquisitions may be unprofitable.

 

We intend to acquire additional properties to the extent that they meet our investment criteria. Acquisitions of commercial properties entail general investment risks associated with any real estate investment, including:

 

  investments may fail to perform as expected, or

 

  estimates of the cost of improvements needed to bring the property up to established standards for the market might prove to be inaccurate.

 

Our shopping center business is subject to competitive pressure.

 

All of our shopping centers are located in Argentina. There are other shopping centers and numerous smaller retail stores and residential properties within the market area of each of our properties. The number of competitive properties in a particular area could have a material adverse effect on our ability to lease

 

29


Table of Contents

retail space in our shopping centers or sell units in our residential complexes and on the amount of rent or the sale price that we are able to charge. To date, there have been relatively few companies competing with us for shopping center properties, and, as additional companies become active in the Argentine shopping center market in the future, such competition could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

 

We are subject to the risk of payment defaults due to our investments in credit card businesses through our subsidiary APSA.

 

Investments in credit card businesses can be adversely affected by delinquency on credit card accounts, defaults in payments by credit card holders, judicial enforcement for the collection of payments, doubtful accounts or loss of receivables. The present rates of delinquency, collection proceedings and loss of receivables may vary and be affected by numerous factors, which among others include:

 

  adverse changes in the Argentine economy;

 

  adverse changes in the regional economies;

 

  political instability;

 

  increase of unemployment; and

 

  loss of value of actual salaries.

 

These and other factors may have an adverse effect on present rates of delinquency, executions and losses, any one or more of which could have a material adverse effect on the results of operations of our credit card business. In addition, if our credit card business is adversely affected by one or more of the above factors, the asset quality of our securitized receivables are also likely to be adversely affected. Therefore, we could adversely be affected to the extent that at such time we hold a participating interest in any such securitized receivables.

 

A high percentage of credit card holders are employees. Consequently, reductions in employment, suspensions or reductions in salaries may reduce credit card holders’ incomes, thus, adversely affecting our credit card revenue collections.

 

We may not be able to recover the mortgage loans we have provided to purchasers of units in our residential development properties.

 

In recent years, we have provided mortgage financing to purchasers of units in our residential development properties. Before January 2002, our mortgage loans were U.S. Dollar-denominated and accrued interest at a fixed interest rate ranging generally from 10% to 15% per year and for terms ranging generally from 1 to 15 years. However, on March 13, 2002, the Argentine Central Bank converted all U.S. Dollar denominated debts into Pesos at the exchange rate of Ps. 1.00 to U.S. Dollars 1.00 and imposed maximum interest rate on mortgage loans of 3.0% for residential mortgage loans granted to individuals and 6% for mortgage loans granted to business organizations. These modifications adversely affected the U.S. Dollar value of our outstanding mortgage loans which at June 30, 2004, aggregated approximately Ps. 1.4 million.

 

We are subject to risks normally associated with providing mortgage financing, including the risk of default in the payment of principal and interest, which could adversely affect our cash flow. Argentine law imposes significant restrictions on our ability to foreclose and auction properties. Thus, if there is a default under a mortgage loan, we do not have the right to foreclose on the unit. Instead, in order to reacquire a property, we are required to purchase each unit at a public court ordered auction, or at an out-of-court auction, in accordance with Law No. 24,441. However, the Public Emergency Law established the suspension of all the judicial and non-judicial enforcements including the enforcement of mortgages and pledges, regardless of its origin. Private and financial entities have voluntarily decided to suspend foreclosures, while Law No. 25,798 has been enacted by Congress in order to give a definite answer to the

 

30


Table of Contents

problem of default in payment of mortgage loans. We cannot assure you that we will be able to recover any amount outstanding on any mortgage loan through the sale of any property at such an auction.

 

We cannot assure you that any future inflation adjustment indexes will adequately reflect inflation or that such adjustment will not increase delinquency on our outstanding mortgage portfolio, thus reducing future revenues.

 

Our subordinated participations in securitized mortgage loans may have no value.

 

Additionally, on December 2001, we securitized almost the entire mortgage portfolio held by us since late 1992, amounting to Ps. 29.9 million, through the sale of this portfolio to Fideicomiso IRSA I. Banco Sudameris Argentina acted as trustee and collection agent for the trust. Fideicomiso IRSA I issued four classes of participation certificates under a scheme of complete subordination, in which each class is serviced only upon the total payment of the preceding senior class. We held all of the Class B, Class C and Class D participation certificates and approximately 10% of the Class A certificates. Class D certificates represent the most junior class, have no fixed return and will yield the funds remaining in the trust after Classes A, B and C and all the expenses of the trust have been completely paid.

 

This portfolio was originally denominated U.S. Dollars and mandatorily converted into Pesos in January 2002. Additionally, mortgages in the trust were subject to inflation adjustment between February and April 2002. Following these changes, the terms and conditions of the certificates of deposit issued by the trust were modified to reflect changes in the underlying assets. In May 2002, inflation adjustment on residential mortgages on homes granted to individuals were eliminated until October 2002, when adjustment was performed according to a different inflation index, the CVS. Pursuant to Decree 117/04 and Law No. 25,796, the CVS became unenforceable on April 1, 2004. The terms and conditions of the certificates of deposit were modified again to reflect this new change.

 

The asset quality of the portfolio has declined due to the current economic crisis in Argentina, and as a result we cannot assure you that the trust will have sufficient funds to service the subordinated certificates held by us. If there are not sufficient funds, the value of these bonds might be considerably reduced or even equal to zero.

 

As of June 30, 2004, Classes A, B and C were completely amortized.

 

As of June 30, 2004, Class D’s face value amounted to Ps. 10.3 million.

 

We cannot assure you that the theoretical cash flow to be generated by the participation certificates owned by us (and included in the annual report), will represent actual results. Successive changes in the terms and conditions of the underlying assets have been occurring since January 2002 and additional modifications might be introduced by fiscal authorities or the Ministry of Finance, which could further affect respective cash flows.

 

We are subject to risks affecting the hotel industry.

 

The full-service segment of the lodging industry in which we operate our hotels is highly competitive. The success of our hotels will depend, in large part, upon our ability to compete in areas such as access, location, quality of accommodations, room rate structure, quality and scope of food and beverage facilities and other services and amenities. Our hotels may face additional competition if other companies decide to build new hotels or improve their existing hotels to increase their attractiveness.

 

In addition to the general risks associated with investments in Argentina and in real estate discussed elsewhere in this section, the profitability of our hotels depends on:

 

  our ability to form successful relationships with international operators to run our hotels;

 

  changes in travel patterns, including seasonal changes; and

 

31


Table of Contents
  taxes and governmental regulations which influence or determine wages, prices, interest rates, construction procedures and costs.

 

Our investment in BHSA subjects us to risks affecting the banking sector.

 

We have an investment in the banking sector, a different industry with different risks. We hold 17,641,162 Class D shares in BHSA which represented 7.2% of our consolidated assets as of June 30, 2004. BHSA has been the leading mortgage lender, largest mortgage servicer and provider of mortgage-related insurance in Argentina. Substantially all of its operations, property and customers are located in Argentina. Accordingly, the quality of its loan portfolio and its financial condition and results of operations depend to a significant extent on macroeconomic and political conditions prevailing in Argentina. The political and economic crisis in Argentina during 2002, and the Argentine government’s actions to address the crisis, described below, have had and could continue to have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

As a result of the crisis and government measures implemented to counteract its adverse impacts in December 2001, BHSA suspended origination of mortgage loans, and started focusing its efforts on servicing and collecting its existing mortgage loans. The economic crisis and the measures adopted to counteract its impact have effectively destroyed the BHSA’s traditional mortgage lending business because long-term financing is temporarily not available to it. Historically, it funded its operations principally from bank loans and debt offerings in international markets, cash flow from operations and off-balance sheet domestic and international securitizations.

 

BHSA’s mortgage loan portfolio has been materially and adversely affected by the devaluation of the peso and may be further impacted by future fluctuations in exchange rates

 

Beginning on February 3, 2002, the Argentine government converted (i) certain foreign currency-denominated debts into peso-denominated debts at a one-to-one exchange rate, (ii) certain foreign currency-denominated public sector debts into peso-denominated assets at an exchange rate of Ps. 1.40 per US$ 1.00 and (iii) foreign currency-denominated bank deposits into peso-denominated bank deposits at an exchange rate of Ps. 1.40 per US$ 1.00. As a result, 100% of BHSA’s mortgage loans denominated in foreign currency were converted into pesos at a one-to-one exchange rate. These pesified loans were indexed for inflation pursuant to CER or the CVS. Furthermore, its mortgage loans originally denominated in pesos have not been adjusted for inflation despite the end of the peso-US Dollar parity. Its pesified mortgage loans have been capped to bear interest at an annual rate of (i) between 3.5% and 5% for loans to individuals that are adjusted for inflation pursuant to CER, (ii) 12.38% for loans to individuals that are adjusted pursuant to the CVS and (iii) between 6% and 8% for construction project loans. Also due to the fact that BHSA’s loan portfolio now generates interest income only in devalued pesos, any further devaluation of the peso against the U.S. dollar or the euro will further impair its ability to make payments on its liabilities denominated in such currencies

 

Less than 8% of its liabilities denominated in foreign currency were converted to pesos at an exchange rate of Ps. 1.40 per US$ 1.00, and the remainder of its liabilities remained denominated in foreign currency.

 

All of the Argentine government securities held by BHSA, including federal, provincial and municipal bonds, were converted to pesos at an exchange rate of Ps. 1.40 per US$ 1.00. Although the government has issued BODEN, bonds, that are intended to compensate BHSA in part for its losses resulting from pesification, we cannot assure you that the government will honor its obligations to deliver the additional BODEN to which we believe BHSA is entitled, or that any BODEN it receives will be sufficient to compensate BHSA adequately for the harm caused by asymmetric pesification of its assets and liabilities.

 

Including the BODEN, BHSA expects to receive from the Argentine government as compensation for the negative effects of recent governmental measures (which are recorded at par value), Argentine government bonds which represented approximately 52.8% of its assets as of September 30, 2004 pursuant to Central Bank Accounting Rules.

 

32


Table of Contents

We cannot assure you that BHSA will implement the subscription of additional BODEN with debt from bank

 

As of June 30, 2004, BHSA had Ps. 1,780.2 million of debt due to the Central Bank that will be incurred in the future to acquire additional BODEN, at a value of Ps. 140 adjusted by sell for every US$100 of nominal value, from the Argentine government. The Central Bank will require that BHSA provide collateral in an equal amount in order to advance to BHSA this loan. We cannot assure that the Central Bank will make this loan to BHSA or that it will be able to provide the necessary collateral to incur the loan and acquire the additional BODEN. This debt, once incurred, will accrue interest at an annual rate of CER plus 2% and mature in August 2012, to match the terms applicable to the additional BODEN.

 

BHSA’s ability to foreclose on mortgaged collateral has been materially impaired

 

On February 14, 2002, the Argentine government suspended foreclosure and bankruptcy proceedings and the suspension remained in effect until November 14, 2002. On February 4, 2003, the Executive Branch enacted Decree 204/2003 establishing a mediation procedure for a limited period of 90 days. On May 2003, the Argentine Congress enacted Law 25,737 which suspends foreclosures for an additional period of 90 days. In September 2003, BHSA, together with other financial institutions voluntarily agreed not to foreclose on its mortgage loans until a new law proposed by the government that would extend credit to to the debtors is approved by Congress. On November 5, 2003, the Argentine Congress approved a law implementing a mortgage refinancing mechanism financed by a special fund which is expected to purchase certain delinquent loans and permits debtors to repay their debts at fixed rates in pesos. Because the Argentine Congress has not yet enacted the enabling legislation for this special fund, it is not clear at this time what impact the new law will have on BHSA’s results of operations or on its ability to collect on or reclassify loans in its loan portfolio that are past due or on its ability to foreclose on mortgage loans outstanding.

 

On November 5, 2003 Law No. 25,798 was enacted. It established a mechanism to reschedule the mortgage debts financed by a Trust (paid by the Argentine Government) which will purchase the portfolio mortgage debts and reschedule them in a more profitable way. The financial institutions were given until June 22, 2004 to accept this mortgage reschedule system. This law was partially modified by Law No. 25,908 (enacted on July 13, 2004) which included different conditions referring to the incorporation in this system of the mortgage loans that were in judicial or private execution proceedings.

 

On June 22, 2004 BHSA accepted the mortgage refinancing mechanism and certified that the total amount of the loans included in this system amounts to Ps. 218 million, including Ps. 193 million to be refinanced in February 2004 according to Law 25,798. Furthermore, First Trust of New York National Association (trustee of BHN Master Mortgage Trust) also accepted the mortgage refinancing mechanism, certifying elegible notes which amounted to Ps. 6 million, including Ps. 6 million to be refinanced in February 2004. All these credits have been securitized and BHSA is the beneficiary of the results.

 

Once this system is operating, BHSA will be entitled to receive from the trustee notes due on November 1, 2006 for 60% of the unpaid amounts and for the remaining 40%, bonds due on November 1, 2014.

 

33


Table of Contents

BHSA is entirely dependent on mortgage lending which is not currently a viable business in Argentina, and its ability to continue as a going concern depends in part on a new and unproven business strategy

 

BHSA is entirely dependent on mortgage lending which is not currently a viable business in Argentina, and its ability to continue as a going concern depends in part on a new and unproven business strategy. Historically, BHSA has been engaged exclusively in mortgage lending and related activities. As a result, factors having an adverse effect on the mortgage market have a greater adverse impact on BHSA than on its more diversified competitors. Due to its concentration in this recession sensitive sector, BHSA is particularly vulnerable to adverse changes in economic and market conditions in Argentina due to their adverse effect on (i) the demand for new mortgage loans and (ii) the asset quality of outstanding mortgage loans.

 

In light of the economic conditions in Argentina and the likely unavailability of long-term financing to BHSA for the foreseeable future, it can no longer continue as a financial institution that relies solely on mortgage lending and related services. Accordingly, it is seeking to adapt its business strategy to confront the challenges of these new market conditions. Its ability to operate as a going concern will depend on how successfully it transforms into a diversified financial institution that no longer depends on mortgage lending. It must overcome significant challenges to achieve this goal including, among others, its precarious financial condition, lack of experience and client relationships outside the mortgage sector, the existence of large, well-capitalized competitors, its extremely limited ability to invest in new businesses and significant political, regulatory and economic uncertainties in Argentina. Therefore, BHSA cannot give us any assurance that it will be successful in implementing its new business strategy.

 

BHSA may try to achieve its new business goals through acquisitions which would create significant additional risk

 

BHSA faces significant obstacles in seeking to develop its business plan through internal growth and the acquisition of other banks or financial institutions or a significant portion of their assets and liabilities. These acquisition opportunities may require BHSA to incur additional debt or other direct or contingent liabilities, and its ability to incur such liabilities is very limited. In addition, any such acquisitions would likely cause BHSA’s management to divert its attention to the integration of these businesses into its current operations. If BHSA fails to achieve and manage growth, its financial condition and ability to continue as a going concern would be materially and adversely affected.

 

BHSA’s insurance business depends on their suspended mortgage business

 

Historically, BHSA originated insurance policies in connection with its mortgage lending business. Since BHSA suspended its mortgage loan originations, its insurance business has been adversely affected. BHSA’s insurance sector was among the best performing lines of business in which it was involved. BHSA’s failure to implement measures that create a new market for these policies or to otherwise generate revenue from insurance will have a material adverse effect on its financial condition and results of operations.

 

BHSA faces potential material litigation

 

As of June 30, 2004, approximately 3,642 borrowers of written-down pre-1991 loans had instituted legal proceedings against BHSA challenging the compliance of the write-down with the provisions of the Privatization Law, claiming that the write-downs had been insufficient. The affected loans had an aggregate outstanding balance as of such date of approximately Ps. 81.1 million. If BHSA loses this litigation or settles the claims, or if more borrowers bring similar claims against BHSA, it may need to effect substantial write downs of the affected loans. The majority of the remaining borrowers have obtained a preliminary injunction requiring BHSA to charge a lower service of capital and interest with respect to the amount previously determined by it. We cannot assure you that additional borrowers will not bring similar lawsuits or as to the outcome of the pending lawsuits. If BHSA loses this litigation, or settles the claims, or if more borrowers bring similar claims against BHSA, it may need to write off significant amounts that it had previously capitalized. Any one or more of these events may materially and adversely affect its business, financial condition or results of operations.

 

In May 2003, an Argentine court entered a judgment directing BHSA to pay an amount that, at the date of the judgment, was approximately Ps. 40 million in connection with a proceeding initiated by a private developer who received financing for construction of certain projects. The developer alleged that

 

34


Table of Contents

BHSA breached certain of the original conditions of the financing contract and the operating framework of such financing, including failure to make available agreed loan financings. BHSA currently faces other similar claims by other private developers or construction companies that involve an additional amount of approximately Ps. 421 million in the aggregate. Although BHSA has appealed the May 2003 judgment, the possible confirmation of the judgment and/or eventual extension of the ruling to other proceedings could materially adversely impact its financial condition and results of operations.

 

In addition, the Argentine social security administration has filed a suit seeking summary judgment against BHSA alleging that it owes Ps. 335 million in additional contributions to the pension plan that were not made by its predecessor, Banco Hipotecario Nacional. Although the privatization law under which BHSA was privatized clearly precludes it being liable for these payments and establishes that this obligation is the exclusive responsibility of the Argentine government, a court may nonetheless entertain this suit and rule against BHSA which could have a material adverse effect on its financial condition and results of operations.

 

Uncertainties affecting BHSA’s business could negatively affect the value of our investment.

 

The auditors’ report on our Consolidated Financial Statements includes an explanatory paragraph describing that the quality of BHSA’s financial condition and results of operations depend to a significant extent on macroeconomic and political conditions prevailing from time to time in Argentina. The political and economic crisis of late 2001 and early 2002 and the Argentine government’s actions to address such crisis have had a significant adverse effect on BHSA´s business activity. Currently, BHSA is significantly dependent on the Argentine Government’s ability to perform on its obligations to BHSA and to the entire financial system in Argentina, in connection with Federal secured loans, federal government securities and on its obligation to approve and deliver government securities under various laws and regulations. As of June 30, 2004, our investment in BHSA accounted for approximately 7% of our total consolidated assets. The future outcome of the uncertainties described above could have an adverse effect on the valuation of our investment in BHSA.

 

We are dependent on our senior manager and chairman Eduardo Elsztain.

 

Our success depends, to a significant extent, on the continued employment of Eduardo S. Elsztain, our chief executive officer, president and chairman of the board of directors. The loss of his services for any reason could have a material adverse effect on our business. Our future success also depends in part upon our ability to attract and retain other highly qualified personnel. We cannot assure you that we will be successful in hiring or retaining qualified personnel, or that any of our personnel will remain employed by us.

 

APSA’s use of financial instruments for hedging may result in material losses.

 

APSA uses various financial instruments to reduce its financing cost associated with its borrowings. The interest rate swaps and foreign currency contracts are entered into for periods consistent with related underlying exposures and do not constitute positions independent of those exposures.

 

Nevertheless, APSA’s hedging strategies may prove ineffective to address the effects of interest rate or foreign currency exchange movements on its financial condition. APSA has experienced net hedging losses in the past, and could experience such losses in the future to the extent that interest rates or foreign exchange rates shift in excess of the risk covered by hedging arrangements. In entering into interest rate and foreign currency contracts, APSA bears the credit risk of counterparties being unable to meet the terms of their contracts, and APSA may be unable to recover damages from any such defaulting counter party through legal enforcement actions due to laws affording bankruptcy or similar protection to insolvent obligors, foreign laws limiting cross-border enforcement actions or otherwise.

 

On March 30, 2000, in connection with the issuance of Ps. 85 million Notes, APSA entered into a swap agreement with Morgan Guaranty Trust in order to reduce the related financing cost. This swap agreement initially allowed APSA to reduce the net cost of its debt. However, due to the Argentine economic crisis, the political instability, and the depreciation of the Argentine public debt, there was a substantial negative deviation of the performance of the swap agreement that required the modification of

 

35


Table of Contents

the original terms. Under the terms of the revised agreement, APSA agreed to pay US$ 69.1 million on March 30, 2005 and receive Ps. 69.1 million on such date. As collateral for its payment obligations under the modified agreement, APSA was required to make a deposit of US$ 50 million with the counterparty. APSA is not required to make additional deposits until maturity. An additional payment at maturity could be required depending on the prevailing exchange rate between the Peso and the U.S. Dollar. Thus, a continued devaluation of the Peso against the US Dollar and/or an increase in interest rates would increase its loss which could be material.

 

As of June 30, 2004, APSA was not using any other derivatives.

 

Risks Related to the Global Depositary Shares and the Shares

 

We are subject to certain different corporate disclosure requirements and accounting standards than domestic issuers of listed securities in the United States.

 

There may be less publicly available information about the issuers of securities listed on the Bolsa de Comercio de Buenos Aires (“BCBA”) than is regularly published by or about domestic issuers of listed securities in the United States and certain other countries. In addition, all listed Argentine companies must prepare their financial statements in accordance with Argentine GAAP which differs in certain significant respects from U.S. GAAP. For this and other reasons, the presentation of Argentine financial statements and reported earnings may differ from that of companies in other countries in this and other respects.

 

We are exempt from the rules under the Exchange Act prescribing the furnishing and content of proxy statements, and our officers, directors and principal shareholders are exempt from the reporting and short-swing profit recovery provisions contained in Section 16 of the Exchange Act.

 

Investors may not be able to effect service of process within the U.S., limiting their recovery of any foreign judgment.

 

We are a publicly held stock corporation (sociedad anónima) organized under the laws of Argentina. Most of our directors and our senior managers, and most of our assets are located in Argentina. As a result, it may not be possible for investors to effect service of process within the United States upon us or such persons or to enforce against them in United States courts judgments obtained in such courts predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the United States federal securities laws. We have been advised by our Argentine counsel, Zang, Bergel & Viñes, that there is doubt whether the Argentine courts will enforce in all respects, to the same extent and in as timely a manner as a U.S. or foreign court, an action predicated solely upon the civil liability provisions of the United States federal securities laws or other foreign regulations brought against such persons or against us.

 

If we are considered to be a Passive Foreign Investment Company for United States federal income tax purposes, United States Holders of our securities would suffer negative consequences.

 

Based on the current and projected composition of our income and valuation of our assets we do not believe we were a Passive Foreign Investment Company (“PFIC”), for United States federal income tax purposes for the tax year ending June 30, 2004, and we do not currently expect to become a PFIC, although there can be no assurance in this regard. The determination of whether we are a PFIC is made annually. Accordingly, it is possible that we may be a PFIC in the current or any future taxable year due to changes in our asset or income composition or if our projections are not accurate. The volatility and instability of Argentina’s economic and financial system may substantially affect the composition of our income and assets and the accuracy of our projections. If we become a PFIC, United States Holders of our shares or GDSs will be subject to certain United States federal income tax rules that have negative consequences for United States Holders such as additional tax and an interest charge upon certain distributions by us or upon a sale or other disposition of our shares or GDSs at a gain, as well as reporting requirements. Please see “Taxation-United States Taxation” for a more detailed discussion of the consequences if we are deemed a PFIC. You should consult your own tax advisors regarding the application of the PFIC rules to your particular circumstances.

 

36


Table of Contents
ITEM 4. Information on the Company

 

A. History and Development of the Company

 

General Information

 

Our legal name is IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima. We were incorporated and organized on April 30, 1943 under Argentine law as a sociedad anónima (stock corporation), and we were registered with the Inspección General de Justicia (Public Registry of Commerce of the City of Buenos Aires) on June 23, 1943 under number 284, on page 291, book 46 of volume A. Pursuant to our bylaws, our term of duration expires on April 5, 2043. Our shares are listed and traded on the BCBA and global depositary shares representing our shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Our principal executive offices are located at Bolívar 108, Buenos Aires (C1066AAD), Argentina. Our headquarters are located at Moreno 877, (C1091AAQ), Buenos Aires, Argentina. Our telephone is +54 (11) 4323-7400, and our website is www.irsa.com. Our Depositary Agent for the Global Depositary Shares in the United States is The Bank of New York whose address is P.O. Box 11258 Church Street Station, New York, New York 10286, and whose telephone is 001-610-312-5315.

 

History

 

Since 1991, when our current management and certain international investors acquired substantially all of our capital stock, we have been actively engaged in diverse real estate activities in Argentina. Following our global public offering in December 1994, we developed our real estate activities in the office rental market by acquiring three office towers located in prime office zones of Buenos Aires: Libertador 498, Maipú 1300 and Madero 1020.

 

Since 1996, through our subsidiary APSA, we expanded our real estate activities into the shopping center segment. As of June, 30, 2004, we had a controlling interest in a portfolio of seven shopping centers: Paseo Alcorta, Alto Palermo Shopping, Buenos Aires Design, Alto Avellaneda, Nuevo Noa Shopping, Abasto and Patio Bullrich and a minority interest in Mendoza Plaza Shopping. Since 1996, we also entered into the residential real estate market through the development and construction of multi-tower apartment complexes in the City of Buenos Aires and through the development of private residential communities in greater Buenos Aires.

 

In 1997, we entered the hotel market through the acquisition of a 50% interest in the Llao Llao Hotel near Bariloche and the Inter-Continental Hotel in the City of Buenos Aires. In 1998, we also acquired the Sheraton Libertador Hotel in the City of Buenos Aires and subsequently sold a 20% interest to an affiliate of Sheraton Hotels.

 

In December 2000, we sold to Consultoria Inmobiliaria Velutini y Asociados all of our interest in Venezuela Invest Ltd. and Fondo de Valores Inmobiliarios (“FVI”), companies through which we held our interests in Venezuela, for total consideration of US$ 67.0 million. On February 28, 2002, we sold all of our interest in Brazil Realty for US$ 44.2 million.

 

From December 2000 to June 30, 2004, Cresud acquired approximately 25.42% of our outstanding shares in exchange for Ps. 162.9 million.

 

In September 2002, we acquired the Piscis Hotel located in Valle de Las Leñas, an important ski resort in Argentina, for US$ 1.4 million. During that month, we also acquired 30.955% of the share ownership of Valle de Las Leñas S.A. and US$ 3.7 million convertible notes due October 31, 2005, issued by that company, for US$ 2.4 million. Valle de Las Leñas S.A. is the operator of the ski resort. In March 2003, we sold the Piscis Hotel and our stake in Valle de Las Leñas S.A. for a total consideration of US$ 7.7 million.

 

On October 15, 2002, we initiated a preemptive rights offering of rights for 100 million units consisting of US$ 100.0 million of 8% convertible notes (the “Convertible Notes”) due 2007 and non-detachable warrants to purchase shares of our common stock. The Convertible Notes may be converted into

 

37


Table of Contents

shares of our common stock after December 13, 2002, and until maturity on November 14, 2007, at the initial conversion price of US$ 0.5450 per common share. Each warrant will be exercisable on or after conversion of the convertible note to which it is attached at the same conversion price plus a 20% premium (US$ 0.6541). The rights offering to holders of our common shares and GDSs expired on November 13, 2002. Existing shareholders have subscribed through the exercise of their preemptive rights for US$ 66.7 million and they have exercised their accretion rights for US$ 10.7 million, adding together US$ 77.4 million. During the allocation of the remainder new investors have subscribed the remaining 22.6 million units completing the US$ 100 million offering.

 

As of November 30, 2004, certain holders of our Convertible Notes exercised their conversion rights for a total of 13,468,670 units with a face value of US$ 1 each, whereas the ordinary stock delivered under this heading amounted to 24,713,137 with a face value of Ps. 1.0 each.

 

The number of Convertible Notes currently outstanding amounts to US$ 86,531,330, the number of warrants currently outstanding amounts to 87,734,038, while the number of our outstanding shares is 259,218,751.

 

During fiscal year 2004, we increased our stake in BHSA. As of June 30, 2004, we owned 11.76% of BHSA and 5.22% of such ownership is through our subsidiary Ritelco S.A. As of June 30, 2004, IRSA and Ritelco S.A. valued their shares in BHSA at their proportional equity value. In contrast, as of June 30, 2003 they had been valued at their market value at year-end, deducting estimated sales costs.

 

On September 29, 2004, we entered into an agreement for the purchase of 49.9% of the capital stock of Pérez Cuesta S.A.C.I., a company mainly engaged in the operation of Mendoza Plaza Shopping. The transaction was consummated on December 2, 2004, after APSA obtained approval from the Antitrust Authorities. As a result, APSA currently owns a 68.8% interest in this shopping center.

 

On November 9, 2004 APSA opened Alto Rosario Shopping, with 99% of the units already leased. The first stage required an investment of approximately Ps. 55 million, that was fully financed with our cash flow from operations.

 

On November 30, 2004, we purchased from GSEM/AP Holdings LP (“GSEM/AP”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Goldman Sachs, 3,061,450 Convertible Notes and 1,114,520 American Depositary Shares (“ADS”) of APSA. We paid U$S 15.3 million for such securities. We then agreed to transfer to Parque Arauco, owner as of June 30, 2004 of a 27.78% interest in APSA, 1,004,866 Convertible Notes and 365,821 ADS of APSA pursuant to a prior agreement for a price of U$S 5.0 million (32.8% of the acquisition by IRSA from GS).

 

Capital Expenditures

 

During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2004 we made capital expenditures of Ps. 153.0 million. Our principal capital expenditure was the purchase of shares and options of BHSA for a total amount of Ps. 127.3. We also made investments in fixed assets of Ps. 25.1 million primarily in the construction of Rosario Shopping in APSA of Ps. 20.4 million and in improvement of Llao Llao Hotel of Ps. 3.3 million. We also invested Ps. 0.6 million in undeveloped parcels of land.

 

During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2003 we made capital expenditures of Ps. 42.7 million. We made investments in our subsidiaries and equity investees of Ps. 31.7 million primarily in APSA. We also made investments in fixed assets of Ps. 10.8 million among which we can highlight fixed assets belonging to the shopping center and hotel segment. In addition we made investments in undeveloped parcels of land of Ps. 0.2 million.

 

During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2002 we had capital expenditures of Ps. 50.1 million. We made investments in fixed assets of Ps. 25.1 million primarily to the acquisition of Edificios Costeros Dock IV in the office segment of Ps. 20.6 million and Ps. 3.1 in the Llao Llao Hotel. We also made investments in undeveloped parcels of land of Ps. 3.3 million primarily in Dique III of Ps. 2.5 million and in our subsidiaries and equity investees of Ps. 21.7 million.

 

38


Table of Contents

We plan to use cash proceeds from the exercise of warrants to finance new projects and continue our expansion.

 

B. Business Overview

 

Operations and Principal Activities

 

We are one of Argentina’s leading real estate companies. We are engaged directly, or indirectly through subsidiaries and joint ventures in a range of real estate activities in Argentina.

 

Our principal activities consist of:

 

  the acquisition and development of residential properties primarily for sale;

 

  the acquisition, development and operation of office and other non-shopping center retail properties primarily for rental purposes;

 

  the acquisition, development and operation of shopping centers properties;

 

  the acquisition and operation of luxury hotels; and

 

  the acquisition of undeveloped land reserves for future developments or sale.

 

Overview of properties

 

As of June 30, 2004 we either directly or through our subsidiaries and joint ventures, owned significant interests in a portfolio of 53 properties in Argentina, located principally in Buenos Aires. The following table sets forth certain information concerning our operation and property portfolio.

 

Consolidated Operating Income

 

     Years ended June 30, (1)

 
     2004

  

2003

(As restated)

(2)


  

2002

(As restated)

(2)


 
     (in thousands of Pesos)  

Offices and other non-shopping center rental properties

   30,229    2,297    (24,656 )

Shopping centers

   63,493    14,093    (1,393 )

Development and sale of properties

   860    2,952    (33,832 )

Hotels operations

   10,138    6,176    (12,775 )

International

   —      —      34,594  

Total

   104,720    25,518    (38,062 )

 

(1) At June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002 includes Ps. 64.3 million, Ps. 21.5 million and Ps. (46.8) million gain (loss) from operations and holdings of real estate assets, net distributed as follows: Offices and other non-shopping center rental properties Ps. 27.7 million, Ps. (1.9) million and Ps. (49.3) million, Shopping centers Ps. 26.9 million, Ps. 10.5 million and Ps. 0.0 million. Developments and Sales of properties Ps. 7.0 million, Ps. 12.9 million and Ps. (26.8) million and Hotels operations Ps. 2.7 million, Ps. 0.0 million and Ps. (6.6) million.

 

(2) Under Argentine GAAP, we adopted RT No. 21 “Equity Method of Accounting, Consolidation of Financial Statements and Related Party Transactions” during the year ended June 30, 2004. As a result of such an adoption, we began consolidating Llao Llao Resorts S.A. (hotel operations). As required by Argentine GAAP, our prior year’s financial statements and related data were restated to reflect our investment in Llao Llao Resorts S.A. on a consolidated basis.

 

39


Table of Contents

Consolidated Income by Geographic Area

 

     Total rentals/sales income for the
fiscal years Ps./000 (1)


     2004

   2003

   2002

Offices and other non-shopping center rental properties

              

City of Buenos Aires

   15,144    17,770    44,472

Shopping Centers

              

City of Buenos Aires

   125,747    101,629    —  

Province of Buenos Aires

   14,734    10,038    —  

Province of Salta

   2,769    2,087    —  

Development and sale of properties

              

City of Buenos Aires

   11,894    23,140    39,206

Province of Buenos Aires

   19,222    14,189    15,170

Province of Mendoza

   —      9,912    —  

Hotels operations

              

City of Buenos Aires

   41,729    33,826    38,795

Province of Rio Negro

   29,566    23,560    18,398

Province of Mendoza

   —      344    —  
    
  
  

Total City of Buenos Aires

   194,514    176,365    122,473

Total Province of Buenos Aires

   33,956    24,227    15,170

Total Province of Rio Negro

   29,566    23,560    18,398

Total Province of Salta

   2,769    2,087    —  

Total Province of Mendoza

   —      10,256    —  
    
  
  

TOTAL

   260,805    236,495    156,041
    
  
  

 

(1) Corresponds to the company’s sales and rentals consolidated by the RT21 method which stablishes the consolidation line by line with the financial statements of its controlled companies, adjusted for inflation.

 

Offices and other non-shopping center rental properties

 

We are engaged in the acquisition, development and management of offices and other non-shopping center rental properties in Argentina. As of June 30, 2004, we, directly and indirectly, owned interests in 18 office and other non-shopping center rental properties in Argentina which comprised 121,446 square meters of gross leasable area. Of these properties, 13 were office properties which comprised 84,055 square meters of gross leasable area. For the fiscal year 2004, we had net revenues from office and other non-shopping center rental properties of Ps. 15.1 million.

 

All our office rental property in Argentina is located in the City of Buenos Aires. All of these properties are rented to various different premium tenants. For the year ended June 30, 2004 the average occupancy rate for all our properties in the Offices and other non-shopping center rental property segment was approximately 83%. Seven different tenants accounted for approximately 43% of our monthly office rental and 14% of our total income for the fiscal year 2004. Our seven main office rental tenant are: Grupo Total Austral, Grupo Danone, Cisco Systems Argentina S.A., Vintage Oil Argentina, Allende y Brea, CRM Movicom and Nextel Argentina S.A.

 

Administration and Management. We generally act as the managing agent of the office properties in which we own an interest. These interests consist primarily of the ownership of entire buildings or a substantial number of floors in a building. The buildings in which we own floors are generally managed pursuant to the terms of a condominium agreement that typically provides for control by a simple majority of the interests (based on the area owned) in the building. As the managing agent of operations, we are responsible for handling services, such as security, maintenance and housekeeping. These services are generally contracted to third party providers. The cost of the services are passed-through and paid for by the tenants, except in the case of our unrented units, in which case we absorb the cost. Our leasable space is marketed through commissioned brokers, the media and directly by us.

 

Leases. We lease our offices and other properties pursuant to contracts with terms of three years, with the exception of a few contracts with terms of five years. These contracts are renewable for two or three additional years at the tenant’s option. Contracts for the rental of property not located in shopping

 

40


Table of Contents

malls are generally stated in U.S. Dollars, and in accordance with Argentine law they are not subject to inflation adjustment. Rental rates for renewed periods are negotiated at market value.

 

The following table sets forth certain information regarding our direct and indirect ownership interest in offices and other non-shopping center rental properties.

 

Offices and other non-shopping center rental properties

 

     Date of
Acquisition


   Leaseable
area m2 (1)


   Occupancy
rate (2)


    Monthly
rental
income
Ps./000 (3)


   Total rental income for the
fiscal years Ps./000 (4)


   Net Book
Value
Ps./000 (5)


                2004

   2003

   2002

  

Offices

                                        

Inter-Continental Plaza (6)

   11/18/97    22,535    84 %   417    4,108    5,648    12,749    65,152

Libertador 498

   12/20/95    10,533    88 %   247    2,524    2,359    5,212    42,679

Maipú 1300

   09/28/95    10,325    92 %   210    2,040    2,100    5,057    45,432

Laminar Plaza

   03/25/99    6,521    95 %   195    2,288    2,902    4,973    31,126

Madero 1020

   12/21/95    1,359    16 %   3    104    876    2,119    4,047

Reconquista 823/41

   11/12/93    6,100    0 %   —      —      —      2,326    17,733

Suipacha 652/64

   11/22/91    11,453    45 %   47    530    576    1,460    10,641

Edificios Costeros

   03/20/97    6,389    98 %   97    820    403    1,520    19,726

Costeros Dique IV

   08/29/01    5,437    87 %   96    744    695    1,924    20,123

Other (7)

   —      3,403    100 %   65    628    602    1,499    9,381
    
  
  

 
  
  
  
  

Subtotal

   —      84,055    76 %   1,377    13,786    16,161    38,839    266,040

Other rental properties

                                        

Commercial properties (8)

   —      4,062    97 %   14    153    191    2,354    1,951

Other properties (9)

   —      33,329    100 %   42    623    742    2,005    3,697
    
  
  

 
  
  
  
  

Subtotal

   —      37,391    100 %   56    776    933    4,359    5,648

Related expenses

                                        

Management fees

   —      —      —       —      582    676    1,274    —  
    
  
  

 
  
  
  
  

TOTAL OFFICES AND OTHERS (10)

   —      121,446    83 %   1,433    15,144    17,770    44,472    271,688
    
  
  

 
  
  
  
  

 

Notes:

 

(1) Total leasable area for each property. Excludes common areas and parking.

 

(2) Calculated dividing occupied square meters by leasable area.

 

(3) Agreements in force as of 06/30/04 were calculated.

 

(4) Total consolidated leases, according to RT 21 method which stablishes the consolidation line by line with the financial statements of its controlled companies.

 

(5) Cost of acquisition, plus improvements, less accumulated depreciation, plus adjustment for inflation until 02/28/03, less allowance for impairment value, plus net recovery of the allowance for impairment, if corresponded.

 

(6) Through Inversora Bolívar S.A. (IBSA)

 

(7) Includes the following properties: Madero 942, Av. de Mayo 595/99, Av. Libertador 602 y Sarmiento 517 (through our company). In fiscal year 2002, cumulative revenues also include the revenues from Puerto Madero Dock 5 (fully sold).

 

(8) Includes the following properties: Constitución 1111 and Alsina 934/44 (through our company). In fiscal year 2002, cumulative revenues also include the revenues from Santa Fe 1588 and Rivadavia 2243 (fully sold).

 

(9) Includes Thames, one unit in Alto Palermo Park (through Inversora Bolívar ). In fiscal years 2003 and 2002, cumulative revenues include the revenues from Alto Palermo Plaza (fully sold).

 

(10) Corresponds to the “Offices and Other” business unit mentioned in Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

The following table shows a schedule of the lease expirations of our office and other non-shopping center properties for leases outstanding as of June 30, 2004, assuming that none of the tenants exercise renewal options or terminate their lease early. Most tenants have renewal clauses in their leases.

 

Fiscal year
of lease
expiration


   Number of
leases
expiring


   Square meters
subject to
expiring leases


   Percentage of
total square
meters subject
to expiration


    Annual rental
income under
expiring leases


   Percentage of
total rental
income under
expiring leases


 
          (m2)    (%)     (Ps.)    (%)  

2004

   25    47,033    47     3,324,768    19  

2005

   18    12,493    12     3,025,201    18  

2006

   43    30,671    30     8,055,852    47  

2007

   17    6,569    7     1,753,649    10  

2008

   6    3,892    4     1,038,506    6  
    
  
  

 
  

Total

   109    100,658    100 %   17,197,976    100 %

 

41


Table of Contents

The following table shows the average occupancy rate for our offices during the last three fiscal years ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002.

 

     Fiscal year ended June 30 (1),

     2004

   2003

   2002

     (%)    (%)    (%)

Offices

              

Inter-Continental Plaza

   84    73    83

Libertador 498

   88    53    59

Maipú 1300

   92    70    62

Laminar Plaza

   95    90    95

Madero 1020

   16    100    45

Suipacha 652/64

   45    45    45

Reconquista 823/41

   0    0    0

Edificios Costeros

   98    63    27

Costeros Dique IV (2)

   87    48    63

Others (3)

   100    45    63

 

(1) Calculated by dividing square meters leased under leases in effect as of June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002 by the total gross leasable area of offices in the same periods.

 

(2) Lease commenced during first quarter 2002.

 

(3) Fiscal years 2004 and 2003 include the following properties: Madero 942, Av. de Mayo 595/99, Av. Libertador 602 and Sarmiento 517.

 

The following table shows the average annual rent per square meter for our offices for the last three fiscal years ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002.

 

     Fiscal year ended June 30 (1),

     2004

   2003

   2002

     (Ps./m2)    (Ps./m2)    (Ps./m2)

Offices

              

Inter-Continental Plaza

   262    251    566

Libertador 498

   323    224    467

Maipú 1300

   235    203    490

Laminar Plaza

   381    445    763

Madero 1020

   281    350    419

Suipacha 652/64

   104    50    127

Reconquista 823/41

   —      —      381

Edificios Costeros

   154    63    238

Costeros Dique IV (2)

   226    128    354

Others (3)

   307    169    338

 

(1) Calculated dividing annual rents per gross leasable area of offices according to our interest in each building.

 

(2) Leases commenced during first quarter 2002.

 

(3) Fiscal years 2004 and 2003 includes the following properties: Madero 942, Av. de Mayo 595/99, Av. Libertador 602 and Sarmiento 517.

 

Properties. Set forth below you will find information regarding our principal currently owned office properties, including the names of the tenants occupying 5% or more of the gross leasable area of each property.

 

Inter-Continental Plaza, City of Buenos Aires. Inter-Continental Plaza is a modern 24-story building located next to the Inter-Continental Hotel in the historic neighborhood of Monserrat in downtown city of Buenos Aires. We own the entire building which has floor plates averaging 900 square meters. The principal tenants currently include Total Austral S.A., Danone Argentina S.A., Vintage Oil Argentina Inc. Sucursal Argentina and Cresud.

 

Libertador 498, City of Buenos Aires. Libertador 498 is a 27-story office tower located at the intersection of Avenida 9 de Julio, Avenida del Libertador and Autopista Illia, three of the most important thoroughfares of the City of Buenos Aires, making it accessible from the north, west and south of the city. We own 17 floors with floor plates averaging 620 square meters. The building has a singular cylindrical design and a highly visible circular neon billboard that makes it a landmark in the Buenos Aires skyline. The principal tenants in this building currently include Voridiam Argentina S.R.L., MTV Networks Argentina S.R.L., Epson Argentina S.A., Cervecería y Maltería Quilmes, Yara Argentina S.A. and Farmanet S.A., Chrysler Argentina S.A. leases the billboard for an annual rent of Ps. 120,000 through June 30, 2004.

 

42


Table of Contents

Maipú 1300, City of Buenos Aires. Maipú 1300 is a 23-story office tower located on the San Martín Plaza, a prime office zone, on Avenida del Libertador, a major north-south thoroughfare. The building is also located within walking distance of the Retiro commuter train station, Buenos Aires’ most important public transportation hub, connecting rail, subway and bus transit. We own the entire building which has floor plates measuring 440 square meters on most floors. The building’s principal tenants currently include Allende & Brea, Totalfinaelf Gas Transmission Argentina S.A., Carlson Wagonlint Travel Argentina S.A., and PPD Argentina S.A.

 

Laminar Plaza, City of Buenos Aires. Laminar Plaza is a 20-story office building located in Catalinas, the City of Buenos Aires’ most exclusive office district. The floor plates each measure 1,453 square meters, including common areas. We own 5 floors and 66 parking spaces. The main tenants, among others, are as follows: Cisco Systems, CRM Movicom, Chubb Argentina de Seguros S.A. and Bank Hapoalim B.M.

 

Madero 1020, City of Buenos Aires. Madero 1020 is a 25-story office tower located in the center of the Catalinas area, a prime office zone, with spectacular views of the Port of Buenos Aires, the Río de la Plata and downtown Buenos Aires. As of June 30, 2004 we owned 2 non-contiguous floors with the floor plates averaging 572 square meters and 8 parking spaces. As of November 30, 2004 one floor was sold.

 

Reconquista 823/41, City of Buenos Aires. Reconquista 823/41 is a 15-story office tower located in the Catalinas area. We own the entire building which consists of four basements, 52 parking spaces and 16 floors of office space. The building has floor plates averaging 540 square meters. Until May, 2002 the entire building was being leased to Aguas Argentinas who decided not to renew the contract at maturity. Since May 2002, the building has been available for rent.

 

Suipacha 652/64, City of Buenos Aires. Suipacha 652/64 is a seven-floor office building located in the office district of the City of Buenos Aires. We own the entire building which has floor plates unusually large, measuring 1,580 square meters on most floors. This property underwent substantial renovations shortly after we acquired the deed in 1991 to prepare the building for rental. The building’s principal tenants currently include Procter & Gamble Interaméricas Inc., Monitor de Medios Publicitarios S.A./IBOPE and APSA’s subsidiary, Tarshop S.A.

 

Edificios Costeros, City of Buenos Aires. Costeros A and B are two four-story buildings developed by us and located in the Puerto Madero area. We own the two buildings which have a gross leasable area of 6,389 square. In September 1999 we completed their construction and in April 2000 began to market the office spaces and 147 parking spaces. The main tenants of these properties are Leo Burnett Worldwide Invest. Inc., Martina Di Trento S.A., APSA’s subsidiary, Altocity.Com S.A., Red Alternativa S.A., Reckitt Benchiser Argentina S.A. and Citybrokers.

 

Costeros Dique IV, City of Buenos Aires. On August 29, 2001 we signed for the deed of sale of “Section C” of the office complex known as Puerto del Centro that includes buildings “5” and “6”. The property is located in Pierina Daelessi street No. 340, over the East Side of Dock 4 of Puerto Madero and has approximately 5,500 square meters of gross leasable area and 50 parking spaces. The building’s principal tenants currently include Nextel Argentina S.A., London Suply S.A.C.I.F. and Petroenergy S.A.

 

Other office properties. We also have interests in three other office properties, all of which are located in the City of Buenos Aires. These properties are either entire buildings or portions of buildings. none of which contributed more than Ps. 0.63 million in annual rental income for fiscal year 2004. Among these properties are Madero 942, Libertador 602, Av. De Mayo 595/599 and Sarmiento 517.

 

Retail and other properties. Our portfolio of rental properties includes four rental properties that are leased as street retail, a warehouse and various other uses. Most of these properties are located in the city of Buenos Aires. These properties include Constitución 1111, Alsina 934, Thames and Alto Palermo Park.

 

43


Table of Contents

Shopping centers

 

We are also engaged in purchasing, developing and managing shopping centers, through our subsidiary APSA. As of June 30, 2004, APSA operated and owned majority interests in seven shopping centers, five of which are located in the city of Buenos Aires, one shopping center is located in the greater Buenos Aires area and another in the city of Salta. As of such date, APSA also owned indirectly an 18.9% non-controlling interest in Mendoza Plaza, a shopping center located in the city of Mendoza. In addition to purchasing, developing and managing shopping centers, APSA owns an 80% interest in Tarshop S.A. (“Tarshop”), a limited purpose credit card company which originates credit card accounts to promote the sales of APSA’s tenants and other selected retailers.

 

On September 29, 2004, APSA entered into an agreement for the purchase of 49.9% of the capital stock of Perez Cuesta S.A.C.I., a company mainly engaged in the operation of the Mendoza Plaza Shopping Center. The transaction was consummated on December 2, 2004, after APSA obtained approval from the Antitrust Authorities. As a result, APSA currently owns a 68.8% interest in this shopping center.

 

On November 9, 2004 APSA opened Alto Rosario Shopping, with 99% of the units already leased. The first stage required an investment of approximately Ps.55 million, that was fully financed with our cash flow from operations.

 

APSA’s shopping centers comprise a total of 143,693 square meters of gross leasable area excluding certain space occupied by hypermarkets which are not APSA’s tenants. This area accounts for approximately 60% of the gross leasable area of Ciudad de Buenos Aires and 30% of the gross leasable area in Argentina. For the year ended June 30, 2004, the average occupancy rate of the shopping center portfolio was approximately 98.3%. For the fiscal year 2004, our revenues from shopping centers and Tarjeta Shopping were Ps. 143.3 million.

 

Management and administration. As a result of the acquisition of several shopping centers and of the corporate reorganization of APSA, we were able to reduce expenses by centralizing management of the shopping centers in APSA. All of our shopping centers are owned through APSA, and all of them, including Mendoza Plaza, as of December 2, 2004, are managed by APSA. As manager, APSA is responsible for providing common area electrical power, a main telephone switchboard, central air conditioning and other basic common area services.

 

As of June 30, 2004 we owned 53.81% of APSA. As of June 30, 2004, 27.8% of APSA’s shares were held by Parque Arauco S.A., and 6.1% by GSEM/AP. The remaining shares are held by the public and traded on the BCBA and on the Nasdaq Stock Market in the form of American Depositary Shares (NASDAQ symbol: APSA).

 

Leases. Under Argentine Law, terms of commercial leases must be between three to ten years, with most leases in the shopping center business having terms of no more than five years. Lease agreements are generally denominated in argentine pesos with the exception of some renewals and new lease contracts signed during this fiscal year which are subject to rent escalation clauses.

 

Tenants are generally charged a rent which consists of the higher of (i) a base rent and (ii) a percentage rent which generally ranges between 4% and 8% of tenant’s sales. Furthermore, pursuant to the rent escalation clause in most leases, a tenant’s base rent generally increases between 4% and 7% each year during the term of the lease. Tenants are also required to pay for the direct expenses of their units, such as electricity, water, telephone and air conditioning, as well as their proportion of the common area expenses. In addition, tenants pay approximately between 12% and 15% of their base rent into a common promotion fund. In the cases where APSA acts as manager, APSA receives an administration fee.

 

In addition to rent, tenants are generally charged with an admission right paid upon entering into a lease and upon lease renewal. Admission right is normally paid in one lump sum or in a small number of monthly installments. If the tenant pays in installments, it is the tenant’s responsibility to pay for the balance of any such amount unpaid in the event the tenant terminates its lease prior to its expiration date. In the event of termination, a tenant will not be refunded its admission right without APSA´s consent.

 

44


Table of Contents

The following table shows certain information concerning our shopping centers (excluding Mendoza Plaza):

 

Shopping center properties

 

     Date of
Acquisition


   Leaseable
Area m2 (1)


   Occupancy
rate (2)


    Total rental income for the fiscal
years Ps./000 (3)


   Net Book
Value
Ps./000(4)


             2004

   2003

   2002

  

Shopping Centers (5)

                                   

Alto Palermo

   11/18/97    17,900    100 %   28,341    24,596    37,655    229,117

Abasto

   07/17/94    39,325    99 %   26,478    20,531    34,601    210,696

Alto Avellaneda

   11/18/97    27,451    99 %   14,734    10,038    23,871    107,333

Paseo Alcorta

   06/06/97    14,829    99 %   15,434    12,216    18,528    69,003

Patio Bullrich

   10/01/98    10,882    100 %   12,744    10,610    14,339    121,678

Alto Noa

   03/29/95    18,818    97 %   2,769    2,087    4,450    29,589

Buenos Aires Design

   11/18/97    14,488    98 %   5,936    3,801    7,605    23,381

Fibesa and others (6)

   —      —      —       6,780    4,940    5,074    —  

Revenues Tarjeta Shopping

   —      —      —       30,034    24,935    45,840    —  
    
  
  

 
  
  
  

SUBTOTAL SHOPPING CENTERS

   —      143,693    98 %   143,250    113,754    191,963    790,797
    
  
  

 
  
  
  

Projects in progress (7)

   —      20,000    N/A     N/A    N/A    N/A    53,295
    
  
  

 
  
  
  

TOTAL SHOPPING CENTER (8)

   —      163,693    98 %   143,250    113,754    191,963    844,092
    
  
  

 
  
  
  

 

Notes:

 

(1) Total leaseable area in each property. Excludes common areas and parking spaces.

 

(2) Calculated dividing occupied square meters by leaseable area.

 

(3) Total consolidated rents, according to RT21 method, which establishes the consolidation line by line with the financial statements of its controlled companies, adjusted for inflation until 02/28/03.

 

(4) Cost of acquisition plus improvements, less accumulated depreciation, plus adjustment for inflation, less allowance for impairment in value, plus recovery of allowances if applicable.

 

(5) Through Alto Palermo S.A. (APSA)

 

(6) Includes revenues from Fibesa S.A. and Alto Research and Development S.A.

 

(7) Corresponds to the Rosario Project. The completion date of the project is scheduled for the end of 2004 with an estimated leaseable area of 20,000 m2.

 

(8) Corresponds to the “Shopping Centers” business unit mentioned in Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

The following table shows a schedule of lease expirations for our shopping center properties in place (except for Mendoza Plaza) as of June 30, 2004, assuming that none of the tenants exercise renewal options or terminate their lease early.

 

Lease Expiration as of June 30,


   Number of Leases
Expiring (2)


   Square Meters
Subject to
Expiring Leases


   Percentage of Total
Square Meters
Subject to Expiration


   Annual Base Rent
Under Expiring
Leases (1)


   Percentage of Total
Base Rent Under
Expiring Leases


          (m2)    (%)    (Ps. )    (%)

2005

   345    44,114    30.70    23,103,562    37.40

2006

   230    34,495    24.01    15,718,828    25.44

2007

   212    28,554    19.87    15,585,319    25.23

2008

   20    5,645    3.93    2,709,180    4.39

2009+

   24    30,885    21.49    4,660,081    7.54
    
  
  
  
  

Total

   831    143,693    100.00    61,776,970    100.00

 

(1) Includes only the basic rental income amount. Does not give effect to our ownership interest.

 

(2) Includes the vacant stores as of June 30, 2004. A lease may be associated with one or more stores.

 

45


Table of Contents

The following table shows the average occupancy rate expressed as a percentage of the Gross Leasable Area for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002:

 

     Fiscal Years Ended June 30,

     2004

   2003

   2002

     %

Abasto de Buenos Aires

   98.9    99.4    95.4

Alto Palermo Shopping

   100.0    94.1    92.1

Alto Avellaneda

   99.2    99.5    93.6

Paseo Alcorta

   99.4    91.9    84.3

Patio Bullrich

   99.6    91.7    91.1

Alto Noa

   96.8    90.3    87.6

Buenos Aires Design

   97.9    94.3    81.3

Mendoza Plaza Shopping

   96.3    96.2    97.1
    
  
  

Total

   98.3    95.8    92.4

 

The following table shows the annual average rental price per square meter:

 

     Fiscal Year Ended June 30, (1)

     2004

   2003

   2002

Abasto de Buenos Aires

   591.29    435.90    738.36

Alto Palermo Shopping

   1,455.72    1,151.26    1,658.90

Alto Avellaneda

   515.94    352.07    860.45

Buenos Aires Design

   339.99    195.83    614.72

Paseo Alcorta

   1,022.50    799.21    1,216.01

Patio Bullrich

   1,009.41    749.81    1,014.06

Alto Noa

   140.75    107.72    235.76

 

(1) Annual sales per gross leasable square meter reflect the sum of base rent, percentage rent and revenues from admission rights (excluding any applicable tax on sales) divided by gross leasable square meters.

 

Properties. Set forth below is information regarding our principal shopping centers.

 

Alto Palermo Shopping, City of Buenos Aires. Alto Palermo Shopping is a 152-store shopping center that opened in 1990 and is located in the densely populated neighborhood of Palermo in the city of Buenos Aires. Alto Palermo Shopping is located at the intersection of Santa Fe and Coronel Díaz avenues, only a few minutes from downtown city of Buenos Aires and has nearby access from the Bulnes subway station. Alto Palermo Shopping has a total constructed area of 64,574 square meters that consists of 17,900 square meters of gross leasable area. The shopping center has a food court with 20 restaurants. Alto Palermo Shopping Center is spread out over four levels and has a 647 parking spaces. Tenants in this shopping center generated average estimated monthly retail sales of approximately Ps. 1,295 per square meter for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2004. Principal tenants currently include Frávega, Librerías Yenny, Garbarino and Zara.

 

Alto Avellaneda, Avellaneda, Greater Buenos Aires area. Alto Avellaneda is a 156-store shopping center that opened in October 1995 and is located in the highly populated neighborhood known as Avellaneda, on the southern border of the city of Buenos Aires. Alto Avellaneda has a total constructed area of 97,655 square meters that includes 27,451 square meters of gross leasable area. Alto Avellaneda includes several anchor stores, a six-screen multiplex movie theatre, a Wal-Mart superstore, an entertainment area, a bowling alley, a 15-restaurant food court and an outdoor parking lot. Wal-Mart purchased the space it now occupies. Tenants in this shopping center generated average estimated monthly retail sales of Ps. 573 per square meter for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2004. Principal tenants currently include Dexter, Frávega, Bingo, Rodo and Garbarino.

 

Paseo Alcorta, City of Buenos Aires. Paseo Alcorta is a 122-store shopping center that opened in 1992 and is located in the residential neighborhood of Palermo Chico, one of the most exclusive areas in the city of Buenos Aires, within a short drive from downtown City of Buenos Aires. Paseo Alcorta has a

 

46


Table of Contents

total constructed area of approximately 54,728 square meters that consists of 14,829 square meters of gross leasable area. The three-level shopping center includes a four-screen multiplex movie theatre, a 18-restaurant food court, a Carrefour hypermarket, and a free parking lot with approximately 1,300 spaces. Carrefour purchased the space it now occupies but it pays proportional expenses of the shopping center. Tenants in this shopping center generated average estimated monthly retail sales of Ps. 950 per square meter for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2004. Principal tenants currently include Rapsodia, Kartun, Las Pepas and Frávega.

 

Abasto Shopping, City of Buenos Aires. Abasto Shopping is a 189-store shopping center located in the city of Buenos Aires. Abasto Shopping is directly accessible from the Carlos Gardel subway station and is located six blocks from the Once railway terminal and a few blocks from the highway to Ezeiza International Airport. Abasto Shopping opened in November 1998. The principal building is a landmark building which during the period 1889 to 1984 operated as the primary fresh produce market for city of Buenos Aires. The property was converted into a 115,905 square meter shopping center, with approximately 39,325 square meters of gross leasable area. Abasto Shopping is located across from Torres de Abasto residential apartment development. The shopping center includes a food court with restaurants covering an area of 5,600 square meters, a 12-screen multiplex movie theatre, entertainment facilities and the “Museo de los Niños Abasto”, a museum for children. Abasto Shopping is spread out over five levels and has a 1,200-car parking lot. Tenants in Abasto have generated estimated average monthly sales of Ps. 574 per square meter for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2004. Principal tenants currently include Musimundo, McDonald’s, Zara, Rodo and Hoyts Cinemas.

 

Patio Bullrich, City of Buenos Aires. Patio Bullrich is a 93-store shopping center located in Recoleta, a popular tourist zone in the city of Buenos Aires a short distance from the Caesar Park and Four Seasons hotels. Patio Bullrich has a total constructed area of 28,211square meters that consists of 10,882 square meters of gross leasable area. The four-story shopping center includes a 18-restaurant food court, an entertainment area, a six-screen multiplex movie theatre and a parking lot with 212 spaces. Tenants in Patio Bullrich have generated estimated average monthly sales of Ps. 992 per square meter for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2004. Principal tenants currently include Rapsodia, Casa López, Christian Dior, Cacharel Damas and Etiqueta Negra.

 

Alto Noa, Salta, Province of Salta. Alto Noa is a 94-store shopping center located in the city of Salta, the capital of the province of Salta. The shopping center consists of 41,700 square meters of total constructed area that consists of 18,818 square meters of gross leasable area and includes a 13-restaurant food court, a large entertainment center, a supermarket, an eight-screen movie theatre and parking facilities for 551 cars. Tenants have generated estimated average monthly sales of Ps. 229 per square meter for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2004. Principal tenants currently include Frávega, Slots, Hoyts General Cinema, Repsol Y.P.F and Supermercado Norte.

 

Buenos Aires Design, City of Buenos Aires. Buenos Aires Design Center is a 59-store shopping center intended for specialty interior, home decorating and restaurants that opened in 1993. APSA owns Buenos Aires Design through a 51% interest in Emprendimientos Recoleta, which owns the concession to operate the shopping center. Buenos Aires Design is located in Recoleta, one of the most popular cities in Buenos Aires for tourists. Buenos Aires Design has a total constructed area of 31,645 square meters that consists of 14,488 square meters of gross leasable area. The shopping center has 5 restaurants, is divided into two floors and has a 174-car parking lot. Tenants in this shopping have generated estimated average monthly sales of Ps. 348 per square meter for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2004. Principal tenants currently include OKKO, Barugel Azulay, Kalpakian, Hard Rock Café and Morph.

 

Mendoza Plaza, Mendoza, Province of Mendoza. Mendoza Plaza is a 144-store shopping center located in the City of Mendoza in the Province of Mendoza. It consists of 37,090 square meters of gross leasable area. Mendoza Plaza has a multiplex movie theatre covering an area of approximately 3,515 square meters, the Chilean department store Falabella, a food court, an entertainment center and a supermarket. Tenants in this shopping center have generated estimated average monthly sales of Ps. 353 per square meter for the fiscal year 2004.

 

47


Table of Contents

Tarjeta Shopping. Tarjeta Shopping is a non banking credit card issued by Tarshop, which is a limited purpose credit card company engaged in credit card operations and is not affiliated to any bank. Tarshop originates credit card accounts to encourage customers to purchase goods and services from our shopping centers. Tarjeta Shopping is currently accepted at five shopping malls and an extensive network of supermarkets and stores.

 

As of June 30, 2004 Tarshop recorded total assets of approximately Ps. 40.6 million and a net worth of Ps. 6.9 million. During the year ended June 30, 2004, Tarshop’s total sales amounted to Ps. 30 million, representing approximately 21% of APSA’s sales for the period. For the same period it also recorded a net loss of Ps. 2.8 million. As of June 30, 2004, Tarshop had approximately Ps. 92.0 million in credit card accounts receivable, including the securitized portfolio, compared to Ps. 49.4 million at June 30, 2003.

 

Sales and development properties; Undeveloped parcels of land

 

Residential development properties

 

The acquisition and development of residential apartment complexes and residential communities for sale is one of our core activities. Our development of residential apartment complexes consists of the new construction of high-rise towers or the conversion and renovation of existing structures such as factories and warehouses. In residential communities, we acquire vacant land, develop the infrastructure such as roads, utilities and common areas, and sell plots of land for construction of single-family homes. We may also develop or sell portions of land for others to develop complementary facilities such as areas for shopping in the area of the residential developments.

 

In fiscal year 2004 net sales from the sales and developments sector fell to Ps. 31.1 million, compared to Ps. 47.2 million in fiscal 2003. The uncertainty generated in relation to the exchange rate and the low level of interest rates in the developed nations has encouraged the public to invest in secure assets such as real estate. In spite of the limited stock of property we had available for sale, given the interruption months earlier of the launch of new developments, the factors mentioned have benefited our sales in this sector, allowing us to complete the sale of several projects.

 

Construction and renovation works on our residential development properties is currently performed, under our supervision, by independent Argentine construction companies that are selected through a bidding process. We enter into turnkey contracts with the selected company for the construction of residential development properties pursuant to which the selected company agrees to build and deliver the development for a fixed price and at a fixed date. We are generally not responsible for any additional costs based upon the turnkey contract. All other aspects of the construction including architectural design are performed by third parties.

 

Prior to the commencement of construction of a residential project, we conduct an advertising program that continues after the launching of the sales of the units. In addition, we have showcased some of our renovation projects through Casa FOA, a highly visited fundraising exhibition where architects and designers display their work. This exhibition has wide public appeal and has been a successful marketing tool for us.

 

48


Table of Contents

The following table shows certain information and gives an overview regarding our sales and development properties:

 

Development Properties

 

     Date of
acquisition


   Estimated/
Actual cost
(Ps.000) (1)


   Area destined
for sales
(m2) (2)


   Total
units or lots
(3)


   Percentage
constructed


    Percentage
sold (4)


    Accumulated
sales
(Ps. 000) (5)


   Accumulated sales for fiscal
year ended June 30 (6) (Ps. 000)


    Book
Value (7)
(Ps. 000)


                        2004
(Ps. 000)


   2003
(Ps. 000)


   2002
(Ps. 000)


   

Apartment Complexes

                                                         

Torres Jardín

   7/18/96    56,579    32,339    490    100 %   98 %   70.028    —      161    2,064     245

Torres de Abasto (8)

   7/17/94    74,810    35,630    545    100 %   100 %   109,245    —      462    —       555

Torres de Rosario (15)

   —      —      —      —      —       —       —      —      —      —       15,414

Palacio Alcorta

   5/20/93    75,811    25,555    191    100 %   100 %   76,582    —      —      607     —  

Concepción Arenal

   12/20/96    15,069    6,913    70    100 %   99 %   11,626    9    100    363     33

Alto Palermo Park (9)

   11/18/97    35,956    10,488    72    100 %   100 %   47,467    —      5,305    14,713     —  

Other (10)

        50,196    23,900    184    N/A     99 %   57,325    349    3,989    2,756     13
    
  
  
  
  

 

 
  
  
  

 

Subtotal

        308,421    134,825    1,552    N/A     N/A     372,273    358    10,017    20,503     16,260

Residential Communities

                                                         

Abril/Baldovinos (11)

   1/3/95    130,955    1,408,905    1,273    100 %   94 %   209,554    7,369    14,161    15,086     7,787

Villa Celina I, II y III

   5/26/92    4,742    75,970    219    100 %   99 %   13,952    —      28    (52 )   43

Villa Celina IV y V

   12/17/97    2,450    58,373    181    100 %   100 %   9,505    23    —      136     —  
    
  
  
  
  

 

 
  
  
  

 

Subtotal

        138,147    1,543,248    1,673    N/A     N/A     233,011    7,392    14,189    15,170     7,830

Land Reserves

                                                         

Dock 3 (12)

   9/9/99    —      10,474    —      0 %   0 %   —      —      —      —       25,979

Puerto Retiro (9)

   5/18/97    —      82,051    —      0 %   0 %   —      —      —      —       46,424

Caballito

   11/3/97    —      20,968    —      0 %   0 %   —      —      —      —       19,898

Santa María del Plata

   7/10/97    —      715,952    —      0 %   0 %   —      —      —      —       124,783

Pereiraola (11)

   12/16/96    —      1,299,630    —      0 %   0 %   —      —      —      —       21,875

Dique 4 (ex Soc del Dique)

   12/2/97    —      4,653    —      0 %   50 %   12,310    —      —      —       6,160

Benavídez

   11/18/97    —      —      —            100 %   11,830    11,830    —      —       —  

Other (13)

        —      3,527,493    —      0 %   —       —      —      —      —       77,931
    
  
  
  
  

 

 
  
  
  

 

Subtotal

             5,661,221         N/A     N/A     24,140    11,830    —      —       323,050

Other

                                                         

Hotel Piscis

   9/30/02    5,231    —      1    100 %   100 %   9,912    —      9,912    —       —  

Santa Fe 1588

   11/2/94    8,341    2,713    20    100 %   100 %   8,166    —      —      8,166     —  

Rivadavia 2243/65

   5/2/94    8,166    2,070    4    100 %   100 %   3,660    —      —      3,660     —  

Libertador 498

   12/20/95    7,452    2,191    3    100 %   100 %   5,931    —      2,313    3,618     —  

Constitución 1159

   6/16/94    2,314    2,430    1    100 %   100 %   1,988    —      1,988    —       —  

Madero 1020

   12/21/95    16,008    5,056    8    100 %   100 %   12,928    4,774    5,626    —       —  

Madero 940

   8/31/94    2,867    772    1    100 %   100 %   1,649    —      1,649    —       —  

Other Properties (14)

        83,963    40,412    263    100 %   91 %   102,427    5,903    922    2,226     4,905
         
  
  
  

 

 
  
  
  

 

Subtotal

        134,342    55,644    301    N/A     N/A     146,661    10,677    22,410    17,670     4,905

Subtotal

        580,910    7,394,938    3,526    N/A     N/A     776,085    30,257    46,616    53,343     352,045
         
  
  
  

 

 
  
  
  

 

Management fees

                                        859    625    1,033      

TOTAL (16)

        580,910    7,394,938    3,526    N/A     N/A     776,085    31,116    47,241    54,376     352,045
         
  
  
  

 

 
  
  
  

 

 

Notes:

 

(1) Cost of acquisition plus total investment made and/or planned if the project has not been completed, adjusted for inflation until 02/28/03

 

49


Table of Contents
(2) Total area devoted to sales upon completion of the development or acquisition and before the sale of any of the units (including parking and storage spaces, but excluding common areas). In the case of Land Reserves the land area was considered.

 

(3) Represents the total units or plots upon completion of the development or acquisition (excluding parking and storage spaces).

 

(4) The percentage sold is calculated dividing the square meters sold by the total saleable square meters.

 

(5) Includes only the cumulative sales consolidated by the RT21 method adjusted for inflation until 02/28/03

 

(6) Corresponds to the company’s sales consolidated by the RT21 method adjusted for inflation until 02/28/03. Excludes turnover tax deduction.

 

(7) Cost of acquisition plus improvement, plus activated interest of properties consolidated in portfolio at June 30, 2004, adjusted for inflation at 02/28/03, less allowance for impairment in value, plus recovery of allowances if corresponded.

 

(8) Through APSA.

 

(9) Through Inversora Bolívar S.A.

 

(10) Includes the following properties:, Dorrego 1916 through IRSA, República de la India 2785 (fully sold), Arcos 2343, Fco. Lacroze 1732 (fully sold), Yerbal 855, Pampa 2966 and J.M. Moreno 285 (fully sold) through Baldovinos and Alto Palermo Plaza (fully sold) through Inversora Bolívar.(IBSA)

 

(11) Directly through IRSA and indirectly through IBSA.

 

(12) Through Bs. As. Trade & Finance S.A.

 

(13) Includes the following land reserves: Torre Jardín IV, Constitución 1159, Padilla 902 and Terreno Pilar (through IRSA), Pontevedra, Mariano Acosta, Merlo, Intercontinental Plaza II (through IBSA) and Terrenos Alcorta, Neuquén, Caballito, and the Coto project (through APSA).

 

(14) Includes the following properties: Dique II, Jerónimo Salguero 3133, Sarmiento 517 (through IRSA), Montevideo 1975 (Rosario), Puerto Madero Dock 13, Puerto Madero Dock 5, Puerto Madero Dock 6, Av. de Mayo 701, Rivadavia 2768 and Serrano 250 (fully sold through IRSA).

 

(15) Through Alto Palermo S.A.

 

(16) Corresponds to the “Sales and Developments” business unit mentioned in Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Apartment complexes and loft buildings

 

In the apartment building market, we acquire undeveloped properties that are strategically located in densely populated areas of the city of Buenos Aires, particularly properties located next to shopping centers and hypermarkets or those that are to be constructed. We then develop multi-building high-rise complexes targeted towards the middle-income market which are equipped with modern comforts and services such as open “green areas,” swimming pools, sports and recreation facilities and 24-hour security. In the loft buildings market, our strategy is to acquire old buildings in disuse that are located in areas with a significant middle and upper-income population. The properties are then renovated into unfinished lofts allowing buyers the opportunity to design and decorate them to their preferences.

 

Torres Jardín, City of Buenos Aires. Torres Jardín is a high-rise residential complex located in the Buenos Aires neighborhood of Villa Crespo, five minutes from Abasto Shopping. The project originally included four 23-story towers directed towards the middle-income market, however, we decided not to construct Torres Jardín IV. Torres Jardín I, II and III have been completed and consist of 490 one, two and three bedroom residential apartments. The complex also includes 295 spaces of underground parking. As of June 30, 2004 there is only one apartment and 37 parking spaces for sale.

 

Torres de Abasto, City of Buenos Aires. Torres de Abasto is a 545-apartment high-rise residential apartment complex developed through APSA and is located one block from Abasto Shopping. The project consists of three 28-story buildings and one 10-story building directed towards the middle-income market. The apartments were completed in May 1999. The complex has a swimming pool, a terrace, 24-hour security project also includes four retail stores on the ground floor of one of the buildings and 310 underground parking spaces. As of June 30, 2004 100% of the complex was sold.

 

Palacio Alcorta, City of Buenos Aires. Palacio Alcorta is a 191-loft residential property that we converted from a former Chrysler factory located in the residential neighborhood of Palermo Chico, one of the most exclusive areas of the city of Buenos Aires, which is a ten minute drive from downtown. The loft area ranges from 60 to 271 square meters. This project is directed towards the upper-income market and it is 100% sold. Palacio Alcorta also has two big retail units and 165 parking spaces.

 

Concepción Arenal 3000, City of Buenos Aires. Concepción Arenal 3000is a 70-loft residential property located in north-central city of Buenos Aires. Each loft unit has a salable area of 86 square meters and a parking space. Lofts in this building are directed towards the middle-income market.

 

Alto Palermo Park, City of Buenos Aires. Alto Palermo Park is one of two 34-story apartment buildings located two blocks away from Alto Palermo Shopping in the exclusive neighborhood of Palermo. Apartments in the building are targeted towards the upper-income market. The building is also located next to its twin, Alto Palermo Plaza. The buildings are comprised of 3 and 4-room apartments with an average area of 158 square meters in the case of Alto Palermo Park and of 294.5 square meters, in the case of Alto

 

50


Table of Contents

Palermo Plaza and each unit includes an average of 18 and 29 square meter parking/storage space, respectively. These buildings were included in the assets we acquired from Pérez Companc S.A. As of June 30, 2004 100% of Alto Palermo Plaza was sold.

 

Residential communities

 

In the residential communities market, we acquire extensive undeveloped properties located in suburban areas or neighborhoods near the city of Buenos Aires to develop private neighborhoods and country clubs in which to sell vacant lots for the construction of single family homes. In these properties we build streets and roads, we arrange for the provision of basic municipal services and amenities such as open spaces, sport facilities and security. We seek to capitalize on improvements in transportation and communication around the city of Buenos Aires, the growing suburbanization of the region and the shift of the population moving to countryside-type residential communities.

 

An important factor in the trend towards living in suburban areas has been the improvements and additions to the highways Autopista Panamericana, Avenida General Paz and Acceso Oeste highways which significantly reduce traveling time, encouraging a large number of families to move to the new residential neighborhoods. Furthermore, the improvement in public train, subway and bus transportation since their privatization also provides another factor that influences the trend to adopt this lifestyle.

 

As of June 30, 2004, our residential communities for the construction of single-family homes for sale in Argentina had a total of 83,211 square meters of gross salable area in the Abril residential community located in the province of Buenos Aires.

 

Abril, Hudson, Greater Buenos Aires. Abril is one of our private residential communities. It is a 312-hectare property located near the city of Hudson, approximately 34 kilometers south of the City Buenos Aires, developed into a private residential community for the construction of single family homes directed towards the upper-middle-income market. The property includes 20 neighborhoods subdivided into 1,273 lots consisting of approximately 1,107 square meters each. Abril also includes an 18-hole golf course, 130 hectares of woodlands, a 4,000 square meter mansion and entertainment facilities, a trilingual school, horse stables and sports centers and the construction of the shopping center was concluded in 1999.

 

The neighborhoods have been completed and as of June 30, 2004, 94% of the property was sold, 89 homes were under construction and approximately 566 homes were completed.

 

Villa Celina, Greater Buenos Aires. Villa Celina is a 400-lot residential community for the construction of single family homes located in the residential neighborhood of Villa Celina, on the southeastern edge of the city of Buenos Aires, a short distance from the intersection of the Ricchieri highway and the Avenida General Paz beltway. We have been developing this property in several stages since 1994. The first three stages represent 219 lots, each measuring 347 square meters on average and the two last stages represent 181 lots. As of June 30, 2004 100% of the residential community was sold.

 

Undeveloped reserves of land

 

We have acquired large undeveloped properties as land reserves located in strategic areas for the future development of office and apartment buildings, shopping centers and single family housing. We have acquired what we believe to be two of the largest and most important undeveloped river front parcels in Buenos Aires, Puerto Retiro and Santa María del Plata, for the future development of residential and office spaces. In addition, we have benefited from the improvement of land values during periods of economic growth, As of June 30, 2004, our land reserve totaled 18 properties consisting of approximately 566 hectares (includingNeuquen and Caballito, the ones owned by APSA).

 

City of Buenos Aires

 

Puerto Madero Dock 3. Plot “5M”, located in Dique 3, East side of Puerto Madero, comprises 20,947 square meters and is subdivided in three plots. The plots were owned by three different companies: Buenos Trade & Finance Center S.A. (“BAT&FCSA”), Buenos Aires Realty S.A. (“BARSA”) and

 

51


Table of Contents

Argentine Realty S.A. (“ARSA”). We owned 50% of the capital stock of each of the companies, and the other 50% is owned by a company named RAGHSA S.A. (“RAGHSA”).

 

On August 16, 2002, we signed an agreement with RAGHSA for the redistribution of the plot “5M”. As a result of the redistribution, we own 100% of the capital stock of BAT&FCSA, and have transferred our 50% ownership in ARSA and BARSA, respectively for the benefit of RAGHSA. This agreement has also provided the division and redistribution of the debt held with Corporación Antiguo Puerto Madero S.A. (CAPM), the adjustment of the remaining commitments and obligations also assumed with CAPM and the exchange of the shares issued by the mentioned companies owning the plots making up the 5M site, ARSA, BARSA and BAT&FCSA, respectively.

 

On November 2004, we signed an exchange deed, for one of the three parcels in which our plot is divided whereby Desarrollos y Proyectos Sociedad Anónima (DYPSA) agreed to pay US$ 8,030,000 through the exchange of 28.5% of the total meters to be constructed.

 

Puerto Retiro. Puerto Retiro is an 8.2-hectare undeveloped riverside property bounded by the Catalinas and Puerto Madero office zones to the west, the transportation hub Retiro to the north and the Río de la Plata to the south and east. One of the only two significant privately owned waterfront properties in the city of Buenos Aires, Puerto Retiro may currently be utilized only for port activities. We have initiated negotiations with municipal authorities in order to rezone the area. Our plan is to develop a 360,000 square meter financial center. The launching date has not been settled and consequently, the estimated cost and financing method are not decided. We own 67% of our subsidiary Inversora Bolívar S.A. (“Inversora Bolívar”), who owns a 50% interest in Puerto Retiro.

 

Santa María del Plata. Santa María del Plata is an undeveloped waterfront property located at the southern end of Puerto Madero, adjacent to the city of Buenos Aires nature reserve. The development will be targeted at the high-income market and will include different residential projects, taking advantage of the river and related nautical activities. Approval has been granted for the construction of 715,952 square meters. As of December 2004, all the steps required for final approval have been completed. The authorization for the development of the project is awaiting execution by the chief of government of the City of Buenos Aires.

 

Caballito. Caballito is a 2.1-hectare undeveloped property located in the residential neighborhood of Caballito in the City of Buenos Aires. We are considering several alternatives for this property including the development of residential apartment complexes or the sale of this property as it is. Zoning approvals for the development of residential apartments have been obtained. As the plan has not been decided, we do not have an estimated cost and financing method for it.

 

Caballito, Ferro Project. It is a property of approximately 25,539 square meters in the Buenos Aires city neighborhood of Caballito that APSA purchased in October 1998. This land could be used to build a shopping center like Alto Palermo including a hypermarket. APSA is currently making the final changes to the commercial project, APSA has not yet obtained the authorization from the Government of the City of Buenos Aires to develop the center on this land and cannot at this stage guarantee that this will be granted.

 

Alcorta Plaza. This land is located in the neighborhood of Palermo Chico in the city of Buenos Aires. We are working on the commercial project that may involve an office building and/or apartment block.

 

Cruceros, Dock 2. This is a unique project in Puerto Madero. This residential block of 6,400 square meters will be built alongside the “Edificios Costeros” office buildings. It is aimed at the upper-income segment and most condominium areas have spectacular views of the river. On December 2003 an exchange deed was signed whereby Residencial Dique S.A. agreed to pay US$ 2,000,000 through the exchange of 40% of the total meters to be constructed. The project is at an advanced stage, and sales are expected to start in the next months.

 

San Martin de Tours. In March 2003 we purchased a plot located in San Martin de Tours Street in the Barrio Parque district, the most exclusive residential zone in the city of Buenos Aires. With the signature of the sales contract, a prepayment of US$ 80,000 was made and at the time of the transfer of the

 

52


Table of Contents

title deed in June 2003, US$ 230,000 were paid. At that time, a mortgage was set up in favor of Providence for US$ 750,000 as a guarantee of 25% of the functional units that IRSA must hand over when the building is completed.

 

We are building a high-quality “house-type” residence complex unlike other property available aimed at the high-income segment.

 

Province of Buenos Aires

 

Pereiraola, Hudson. We own an 83% interest in Pereiraola S.A., a company, whose principal asset is a 130 hectare undeveloped property adjacent to Abril. We intend to use this property to develop a private community for the construction of single family homes targeted at the middle-income market. We have not yet established the costs and financing method for this proposed project.

 

Benavídez, Tigre. Benavídez is a 98,9 hectare undeveloped land reserve property located in Tigre, 35 kilometers to the north of downtown of the city of Buenos Aires. On May 21 the title deed was executed through which DEESA undertook to pay Inversora Bolívar S.A. US$ 3,980,000, of which US$ 979,537 were paid during the current quarter and the balance of US$ 3,000,463 will be settled with the barter of 110 residential plots that have already been chosen and established in the purchase option contract for Benavidez, included in the contract dated December 3, 2003. On that occasion, DEESA set up a senior mortgage in favor of Inversora Bolívar S.A. on the property in the amount of US$ 3,000,463, in guarantee of compliance of the transaction and handed Inversora Bolívar S.A. US$ 500,000 in guarantee deposit and surety of compliance with each and every obligation assumed. This amount will not accrue interest for DEESA and will be returned as follows: 50% of the balance with the certification of 50% completion, and the remaining 50% with the certification of 90% of completion. We will begin to sell the 110 residential plots during the first months of 2005.

 

Pilar. Pilar is a 74.0-hectare undeveloped land reserve property located close to the City of Pilar, 55 kilometers to the northwest of downtown of the City of Buenos Aires. The property is easily accessible due to its proximity to the Autopista del Norte. The Pilar area is one of the most rapidly developing areas of the country. We are considering several alternatives for this property including the development of a residential community or the sale of this property as it is and, therefore, we do not have a cost estimate nor a financing plan.

 

Other undeveloped parcels of land in the city of Buenos Aires

 

Our land reserve property portfolio also includes nine land reserve properties located in Buenos Aires and its surrounding areas. These properties are projected for future developments of offices, shopping centers, apartment buildings and residential communities. The principal properties include Puerto Madero Dock 4 “block 1M” and Merlo.

 

Other provinces

 

Alto Rosario, city of Rosario. On August 25, 1998, together with Coto Centro Integral de Comercialización S.A. (“Coto”), our subsidiary, APSA acquired a 213,372 square meter development property located in the City of Rosario, the third largest city in Argentina in terms of population, in a public auction conducted by the Ente Nacional de Administración de Bienes Ferroviarios (“ENABIEF”), an Argentine government entity within the Ministry of Infrastructure and Housing, dedicated to the administration of national government properties (subsequently ENABIEF changed its name to Organismo Nacional de Administración de Bienes del Estado -”ONABE”-). APSA paid US$ 17.5 million (net of closing costs) for a 66.67% ownership interest in the property.

 

On December 17, 1999, APSA obtained exclusive title to a portion of this property. APSA owns 56% of the land and Coto owns the remaining 44%.

 

The proposed project is composed of two parts. The first part involves the construction of a shopping center. The second part involves the construction of a residential complex center on approximately 50,000 square meters.

 

53


Table of Contents

In December 2003, construction began on Alto Rosario Shopping located in the city of Rosario, the eighth shopping center managed by the Company. In early 2004, in view of the substantial increase in the demand for stores, APSA decided to extend this project. As a result, the shopping center that initially held 20,000 square meters of leaseable area will now hold 29,300 square meters.

 

As of June 30, 2004, 73.2% of the 138 stores were leased.

 

The shopping center opened on November 9, 2004, with 99.1% of the units already leased. The first part of the project involves three stages. The first stage was the construction of the mall, which opened on November 9, 2004, with 123 retail stores, 40 stands and 14 fast food stores, restaurants and cafes, totaling 19,297 square meters of gross leasable area with a 99.1% occupancy rate. The second stage involved the opening of the Coto hypermarket, which opened on December 9, 2004, and the third stage includes the extension of the mall and the opening of Showcase cinemas (with 3,400 seats and 14 state-of-the-art movie screens) and the Museo de Los Niños children attraction, during the first quarter of 2005.

 

The shopping center will provide top-quality entertainment areas and services.

 

Including the expansion, the project will require an investment of approximately Ps. 67.5 million (excluding the amount paid for the purchase of the land).

 

Increased investment in this project is already having a positive economic impact. It is estimated that 4,000 job positions will be generated by this project, and the community is already noticing an urban revaluation of the area. Investments have been made in roadworks and repair of facades, and the Company has made donations to improve parks near its premises.

 

Neuquén Project, Province of Neuquén. On July 6, 1999 we purchased through our subsidiary APSA a 94.6% interest in Shopping Neuquén S.A. (“Shopping Neuquén” or “the company”) for Ps. 4.2 million. On September 1, 1999 payment was made of Ps. 0.9 million, and the remaining Ps. 3.3 million were to be paid on July 5, 2001 or when the shopping mall it was planned to build on the property owned by Shopping Neuquén was inaugurated, whichever took place first. To date, this payment has not been made.

 

Shopping Neuquén’s sole asset comprises of a piece of land of approximately 50,000 square meters with preliminary governmental approval for construction of a shopping center on the site. The project contemplates construction of a shopping center with 100 stores, a hypermarket, a multiplex movie theater, a service station and a luxury hotel.

 

Legal issues with former shareholders of Shopping Neuquén

 

In 2002 the sellers had initiated a mediation process which is a mandatory non-judicial process prior to filing a suit to collect the payment. The result of the mediation was negative, the parties did not reach an agreement.

 

Furthermore, on August 15, 2003 we were informed that 85.75% of the old shareholders of Shopping Neuquén have filed a complaint against us, claiming collection of a price balance plus interest and legal costs. In September 2003, we answered the complaint and filed a counterclaim for the contract readjustment based on the economic and social emergency situation. In November 2003 the old shareholders of Shopping Neuquén answered to counterclaim alleging that the payment was overdue before the economic and social emergency situation. For that reason they allege that we cannot plead readjustment of the contract. On May 11, 2004, the judicial procedure entered into trial stage.

 

Although we hope for a favorable resolution to the judicial proceeding, and we still are negotiating a new arrangement with the old shareholders, we cannot assure a favorable result to us.

 

54


Table of Contents

Legal issues with Neuquén Municipality

 

In June, 2001 Shopping Neuquén filed a request with the municipality of Neuquén for extension of the original construction timetable and for authorization to sell part of the land to third parties for the construction by them of the property that Shopping Neuquén will develop. The proposed new timetable contemplates that the construction of the first stage would start on December 15, 2002 and would finish on December 31, 2004. The second optional stage would be finished on December 31, 2006.

 

The extension has to be approved by the City Counsel of the City of Neuquén which is the municipal legislative body. On December 20, 2002, the Municipality of Neuquén rejected our request for a readjustment of the terms and the transfer of the plots, and declared the expiration of ordinance 5178/91, annulling the purchase contracts for the real estate that had been transferred to us previously.

 

In view of this situation, Shopping Neuquén requested the revocation of this administrative act, but this request was rejected by the Municipal Mayor on May 9, 2003 through decree 585/03.

 

Subsequently, in June 2003, Shopping Neuquén lodged a remedy before the Province of Neuquén Supreme Court, requesting the annulment of the above resolutions issued by the Mayor. At the date, the Neuquén Supreme Court has not yet issued a decision regarding our remedy.

 

If the extension is not approved, the Municipality of Neuquén could request the reconveyance of the real estate previously sold by it, in which case Shopping Neuquén runs the risk of not recovering its initial investment.

 

At June 30, 2004, the company was negotiating with the Municipality of Neuquén the terms of a framework agreement that would establish the conditions for a reactivation of the development and construction of the commercial undertaking. Such agreement would then be incorporated to a new Municipal Ordinance that would modify or annul the original ordinance.

 

Although we hope for a favorable resolution to the remedy filed, and we still are negotiating a new arrangement with the Neuquén Municipality, we cannot assure a favorable result to us.

 

We are involved in other litigation from time to time in the ordinary course of business, but we believe that the litigation in which we are currently involved is not likely to be material to our financial condition or result of operations.

 

Hotels

 

At the end of the 1997 fiscal year, we acquired the Hotel Llao Llao, our first luxury hotel. Some months later, as part of the acquisition from Pérez Companc of the Old Alto Palermo, we acquired an indirect 51% interest in the Hotel Inter-Continental in Buenos Aires which we own through our subsidiary Inversora Bolívar. In March 1998, we acquired the Hotel Libertador. During fiscal year 1999, we sold a 20% interest in the Hotel Libertador to Hoteles Sheraton de Argentina S.A.C. (“Hoteles Sheraton de Argentina”) and during the fiscal year 2000, we sold 50% of our interest in the Hotel Llao Llao to the Sutton group.

 

The following chart shows certain information regarding our luxury hotels:

 

Hotel properties

 

Hotel


   Date of
acquisition


   Number of
Rooms


   Average
occupancy% (1)


    Avg. price
per room
Ps.(2)


   Accumulated sales as of June 30,
of fiscal years (Ps.000) (3)


  

Book value
as of
June 30,
2004

(Ps. 000)


                2004

   2003

   2002

  

Inter-Continental

   11/97    312    64.3 %   219    26,079    22,297    23,558    57,447

Sheraton Libertador

   03/98    200    70.1 %   200    15,650    11,529    15,237    37,795

Llao Llao

   06/97    158    71.0 %   460    29,566    23,560    18,398    30,827

Hotel Piscis (4)

   09/02    —      —       —      —      344    —      —  
         
  

 
  
  
  
  

Total HOTELS (5)

        670    67.6 %   270    71,295    57,730    57,193    126,069

 

Notes:

 

(1) Accumulated average in the twelve-month period.

 

(2) Accumulated average in the twelve-month period.

 

(3) Corresponds to our total sales consolidated by the R21 method adjusted by inflation until 02/28/03.

 

55


Table of Contents
(4) The Piscis Hotel was sold on March 19, 2003. See table “Sales and Developments”.

 

(5) Corresponds to the “Hotels” business unit mentioned in Note 6 to the consolidated financial statement.

 

Hotel Llao Llao, San Carlos de Bariloche, Province of Rio Negro. Hotel Llao Llao is located on the Llao Llao península, 25 kilometers from the City of San Carlos de Bariloche, and is one of the most important tourist hotels in Argentina, Surrounded by mountains and lakes, this hotel was designed and built by the famous architect Bustillo in a traditional alpine style and first opened in 1938. The hotel was renovated between 1990 and 1993. The building has a total constructed surface area of 15,000 square meters and 158 rooms. The hotel-resort also includes an 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, health club, spa, game room and swimming pool. The hotel is a member of “The Leading Hotels of the World” and is currently being managed by Compañía de Servicios Hoteleros S.A. which manages the Hotel Alvear, a luxury hotel located in the Recoleta neighborhood of the City of Buenos Aires.

 

Hotel Inter-Continental, City of Buenos Aires. Hotel Inter-Continental is located in the downtown city of Buenos Aires neighborhood of Monserrat, adjacent to the Inter-Continental Plaza office building. This property was also a part of the acquisition of Old Alto Palermo from Pérez Companc. The hotel’s meeting facilities include eight meeting rooms, a convention center and a divisible 569 square meter ballroom. Other amenities include a restaurant, a business center, a spa and a fitness facilitiy with swimming pool. The hotel was completed in December 1994 and has 312 rooms. The hotel is managed by the Inter-Continental Hotels Corporation, a United States corporation.

 

Hotel Sheraton Libertador, City of Buenos Aires. Hotel Sheraton Libertador is located in downtown City of Buenos Aires at the corner of the streets Córdoba and Maipú, one block from Galerías Pacífico. The hotel contains 193 rooms and 7 suites, eight meeting rooms, a restaurant, a business center, a spa and fitness facilities with a swimming pool. In March 1999, we sold 20% of our interest in the Sheraton Libertador Hotel for US$ 4,7 million to Hoteles Sheraton de Argentina. The hotel is managed by Sheraton Overseas Management Corporation, a United States corporation.

 

Hotel Piscis and Valle de Las Leñas. On March 18, 2003, we sold Hotel Piscis and 31% of the shares and convertible negotiable bonds of Valle de Las Leñas S.A., which we had purchased eight months earlier. Valle de Las Leñas is the operator of a leading Argentine ski resort and Hotel Piscis is a five-star hotel located in this resort. The stock was sold for US$ 6.5 million and the hotel was sold for US$ 3.2 million. This transaction represented in fiscal year 2003, a profit of US$ 5.9 million.

 

Investments in Banco Hipotecario S.A.

 

We have a significant investment in BHSA which represents 7.2% of our consolidated assets as of June 30, 2004. Established in 1886 by the Argentine government, BHSA has historically been the leading mortgage lender in Argentina, largest mortgage servicer and Argentina’s largest provider of mortgage-related insurance. Substantially all of BHSA’s operations, property and customers are located in Argentina.

 

In 1996, the Argentine government announced its intention to privatize BHSA and, pursuant to the Privatization Law, converted its predecessor, Banco Hipotecario Nacional, to Banco Hipotecario S.A., a corporation (sociedad anónima), effective September 28, 1997.

 

BHSA has historically engaged in three principal business activities:

 

(1) lending to individuals and developers for the purchase, construction and improvement of housing units;

 

(2) underwriting credit life, property damage and unemployment insurance related to its mortgage lending activities; and

 

(3) servicing its own and third-party mortgage loan portfolios.

 

It has a nationwide network of 25 branches and 3 sales offices, and in the past it had also, to a lesser extent, distributed its products through a network of approximately 24 commercial banks which generally did not develop their own mortgage operations.

 

56


Table of Contents

The Economic Crisis and its Adverse Effect on the Bank’s Business

 

The Argentine economy has experienced a persistent recession since the end of 1998. In December 2001, the recession deepened into an unprecedented political and economic crisis, which disrupted Argentina’s financial system and effectively paralyzed its economy. In response to the crisis, the Argentine government has undertaken numerous and far-reaching initiatives that have changed and continue to change the macroeconomic and regulatory environment for doing business in Argentina, generally, and for the financial sector in particular. The crisis and the recent governmental measures adopted to countermand its effects have materially and adversely affected BHSA’s liquidity, financial condition, results of operations and business prospects.

 

The Argentine financial system as a whole has been harmed by the current crisis, and the following governmental measures have had an adverse effect on BHSA in particular:

 

  Asymmetric “Pesification” of Our Assets and Liabilities. All of its mortgage loans denominated in foreign currency were converted to pesos at a one-to-one exchange rate (which was substantially less than the market value of the peso), but substantially all of its liabilities remained denominated in foreign currencies. The resulting mismatch of its assets and liabilities has significantly contributed to BHSA’s inability to generate sufficient revenue to comply with payment obligations on its outstanding debt obligations and has had a significant adverse impact on its ability to operate as a going concern.

 

  Inadequate Adjustment of its Loans for Inflation. Notwithstanding the devaluation of the peso and the significant inflation in Argentina, BHSA was not permitted to make any inflation adjustment to approximately 60% of our mortgage loans. Moreover, it was permitted to adjust an additional 30% of its loans only pursuant to a wage-based inflation index (CVS) which during 2002 was significantly less than inflation as measured by the domestic wholesale price index, or WPI. Lastly, approximately 10% of its loan portfolio was adjusted by the CER, which in 2002 was substantially lower than the WPI. As a result, during 2002 BHSA’s mortgage loan portfolio and related revenues suffered, and may continue to suffer, a very significant erosion in value.

 

  Cap on its Interest Rates. Pursuant to decree 1242/02 issued by the Argentine government, the interest rates on BHSA’s pesified mortgage loans that were adjusted for inflation have been capped at (i) between 3.5% to 5% for mortgage loans to individuals indexed by CER and (ii) 12.3% for mortgage loans to individuals indexed by the CVS. As a result, during 2002 its interest income was substantially less than its interest expense.

 

  Impairment of Our Ability to Foreclose. Like other mortgage lenders, BHSA depends on the right to foreclose on properties which have been mortgaged to secure its loans. However, BHSA’s ability to foreclose on mortgaged properties was suspended by the Argentine government effective February 2002, and this suspension has been effectively extended several times until November 14, 2002. On February 4, 2003, the Executive Branch enacted Decree 204/2003 establishing a mediation procedure for a limited period of 90 days. On May 2003, the Argentine Congress enacted Law 25,737 which suspends foreclosures for an additional period of 90 days. In September 2003, BHSA, together with other financial institutions voluntarily agreed not to foreclose on its mortgage loans until a new law proposed by the government that would extend credit to mortgage to the debtors is approved by Congress. As a result, BHSA’s ability to recover on its non-performing loans has been, and continues to be, materially impaired.

 

  Reschedule of the mortgage debts. On November 5, 2003 Law No. 25,798 was enacted. It established a mechanism to reschedule the mortgage debts financed by a Trust (paid by the Argentine Government) which will buy the portfolio mortgage debts and reschedule the maturity dates. The financial institutions were given until June 22, 2004 to accept this mortgage reschedule system. This law was partially modified by Law No. 25,908 (enacted on July 13, 2004) which included different conditions for the incorporation to this system of the mortgage loans that were in judicial or private execution proceedings.

 

57


Table of Contents

As a result of the foregoing, BHSA began experiencing a severe liquidity crisis. Due to the unavailability of financing from any source, in December 2001 BHSA ceased originating any new mortgage loans, and on August 16, 2002 it suspended payment on all of its debt obligations. BHSA began focusing on maximizing collections from its existing loan portfolio which is a self-liquidating asset.

 

BHSA’s restructuring plan: The Exchange Offers

 

In December 8, 2003, as part of an ambitious plan to restructure a substantial portion of its financial debt, BHSA launched an offer to exchange its existing notes for U.S. Dollar-denominated long-term notes, Euro-denominated long-term notes, guaranteed notes and cash.

 

The following results illustrate the successful completion of the exchange offers which concluded BHSA’s voluntary debt restructuring process that commenced in August 2002:

 

  The final aggregate principal amount of existing notes validly tendered was US$906 million (including the Dollar equivalent of euro-denominated Existing Notes), which represented approximately 93% of the aggregate principal amount of existing notes outstanding. Of the final amounts validly tendered, approximately 77% (US$701 million) elected to receive long-term notes, approximately 7% (US$57 million) elected to receive cash and approximately 16% (US$148 million) elected to receive guaranteed notes, in each case, including the Dollar equivalent of euro-denominated existing notes.

 

  Of the US$302.4 million aggregate principal amount of existing bank indebtedness outstanding as of December 29, 2003 (including the Dollar equivalent of peso-denominated bank debt), 100% participated in the concurrent restructuring of BHSA’s existing debt. Of the amount that participated, approximately 20% (US$60 million) elected to receive long-term loans, approximately 10% (US$31 million) elected to receive cash and approximately 70% (US$211 million) elected to receive guaranteed loans.

 

Technology investments in Latin America

 

Latin American Econetworks N.V.

 

In July 2000, together with divine InterVentures, Inc., Dolphin Fund Plc (formerly Quantum Dolphin Plc) and Catanzaro Holding B.V., we formed Latin American Econetworks N.V., a holding company organized in the Netherlands Antilles (“LAE”). LAE was conceived as a developer of software, technology and internet-related information network for the technology service suppliers. In connection with the formation, an 11.2% interest in the holding company was issued to us in exchange for US$ 5.3 million in cash.

 

On November 7, 2001, we sold our ownership in Latin American Econetworks for US$ 5.2 million.

 

IRSA Telecomunicaciones N.V.

 

In the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2000, we had invested US$ 3.0 million, in the form of irrevocable capital contributions, into two unrelated companies, namely, Red Alternativa, a provider of satellite capacity to internet service providers, and Alternativa Gratis, an internet service provider (the “Companies”). At that date, the Companies were development stage companies with no significant operations. Between July 2000 and August 2000, we, together with Dolphin Fund Plc (formerly Quantum Dolphin Plc), increased our respective investments in the abovementioned Companies, in exchange for shares of common stock. In a series of transactions, which occurred between August 2000 and December 2000, (i) we formed IRSA Telecomunicaciones N,V, (“ITNV”), a holding company organized under the laws of the Netherlands Antilles, for the purposes of completing a reorganization of the Companies and (ii) Dolphin Fund Plc (formerly Quantum Dolphin Plc), the previous majority shareholder of the Companies and us contributed our respective ownership interest in the Companies into ITNV in exchange for shares of common stock of ITNV. As a result of the reorganization, the Companies are now wholly owned

 

58


Table of Contents

subsidiaries of ITNV, Following the reorganization, we held a 49.36% interest in ITNV and Dolphin Fund Plc, held a 20.13% interest in ITNV.

 

On December 27, 2000, the shareholders of ITNV entered into a shareholders agreement with new investors in ITNV, namely Quantum Industrial Partners LDC and SFM Domestic Investment LLC, under which such new investors contributed US$ 4.0 million in cash in exchange for 1,751,453 shares of Series A mandatorily redeemable convertible preferred stock and an option to purchase 2,627,179 additional shares of mandatorily redeemable convertible preferred stock. Pursuant to the terms of the Shareholders Agreement, options were granted for a period up to five years and at an exercise price equal to the quotient of US$ 6.0 million by 2,627,179 preferred shares. On or after December 27, 2005, ITNV might be required, at the written request of holders of the then outstanding Series A preferred stock to redeem such holders’ outstanding shares of series A preferred stock for cash at the greater of (i) 200% of the original issue price multiplied by the number of preferred stock to be redeemed, and (ii) the fair market value of the common shares each holder of Series A preferred stock would have been entitled to receive if such holder had converted the number of Series A preferred stock to be redeemed into common stock at the redemption date; in both cases plus any accrued or declared but unpaid dividends.

 

Altocity.Com S.A.

 

Altocity.Com S.A. (“Altocity”) is a company engaged in delivering e-commerce services providing customers with the information necessary to make personalized online buying decisions and giving retailers the ability to reach a large customer base. Altocity is a wholly owned subsidiary of E-Commerce Latina S.A., (“E-Commerce Latina”), an Internet venture between APSA and Telefónica de Argentina S.A. (“Telefónica”), where each have a 50% interest. Previously, APSA’s partner in the venture was Telinver S.A. (“Telinver”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Telefónica, but on April 27, 2001 Telinver notified APSA that it had transferred its holdings in E-Commerce Latina to Telefónica.

 

Four years from its launch, Altocity offers an attractive integral product selection, with a broad range of categories and brands, forms of payment, support and a request and delivery system, combined with a high-quality image.

 

During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2004, Altocity strengthened its corporate sales, increasing the number of new customers and invoicing amounts in this segment.

 

For the year ended June 30, 2004, Altocity net revenues totaled Ps. 1.7 million and had a net loss of Ps. 2.1 million. Approximately 98.5% of such revenues were derived from product sales and commissions earned and 1.5% represented fixed charges to retailers.

 

In connection with the formation of E-Commerce Latina, on December 15, 1999 APSA entered into a shareholders’ agreement with Telinver. On April 27, 2001, Telinver notified APSA that it had assigned that agreement to Telefónica. Pursuant to the shareholders agreement, Telinver contributed to E-Commerce Latina US$ 5.0 million upon execution, and an additional US$ 5.0 million on June 15, 2000 in return for its 50% ownership position. APSA contributed intellectual property rights in exchange for its 50% ownership interest.

 

Telinver and APSA agreed to:

 

  make capital contributions of up to US$ 5 million each, which were paid during April 2001 and,

 

  make optional capital contributions to be approved by E-Commerce Latina’s Board of Directors of up to US$ 12.0 million to develop new lines of business, of which 75% is to be contributed by Telinver and 25% is to be contributed by APSA.

 

59


Table of Contents

The shareholders agreement also sets forth the rights and obligations of each party over the operation of E-commerce Latina. The significant provisions of the shareholders agreement include:

 

  the obligation of IRSA to remain as our controlling shareholder and of Grupo Telefónica to control Telinver or any successor;

 

  the determination of the election of the members of the Board of Directors;

 

  terms for notices of the shareholders meetings; and

 

  certain restrictions on transfers of shares for the first two years, and thereafter reciprocal first refusal and “tag along” rights.

 

Currently, the website receives an average of 300,000 unique visitors per month, turning Altocity into one of the most visited sites in the country and the most visited site in concerning e-commerce. The company has more than 55,000 registered citizens (registered visitors who purchased and/or wish to receive information on news and special offers) who have made more than 52,000 transactions to date.

 

For fiscal year 2005 Altocity’s main objective is to focus on the following three areas:

 

  Marketing of the portal, loyalty activities and new customers;

 

  e-commerce services for shopping centers tenants; and

 

  Barter and reward program.

 

Competition

 

We have a large and difficult to determine number of small competitors in each of the different markets in which we operate.

 

Offices and Others

 

With respect to the segment of office and other non-shopping center rental properties, most of our Argentine properties are located in developed areas. There are numerous other offices, retail and residential properties within the market area of each of our properties. The number of competitive properties in a particular area could have a material adverse effect on our ability to lease or sell units in the properties and on the amount of rent or the sale price that we are able to charge. Historically, there have been relatively few companies competing with us for rental or development property acquisitions. Actually, it is a very atomized market, with no big players, so there is no important competitor. We own Santa María del Plata and Puerto Retiro, two unique waterfront land reserves by the city of Buenos Aires which are yet not developed, but don’t have competition. However, additional companies, including foreign companies, may become active in the real estate acquisition and development markets in Argentina, as well as in the markets outside of Argentina in which we participate, in the future.

 

Hotels

 

We own three five-star hotels in Argentina which are managed through strategic alliances by international operators such as Sheraton Overseas Management Corporation, Inter-Continental Hotels Corporation and the local operator Compañía de Servicios Hoteleros S.A., which also manages the Hotel Alvear. The Hotel Llao Llao is unique for his landscape and beauty and is well known around the world. Our other two hotels, that is, Hotel Inter-Continental and Hotel Sheraton Libertador, are located in the city of Buenos Aires and concentrate the 24% of the total available rooms for this five-star hotel category. The following table shows the breakdown of five-star hotels in the city of Buenos Aires as of June 30, 2004:

 

Hotel


   Number of
rooms


   Occupancy
rate (2)


    Revenue
generation
index (1)


   Average daily rate
in US$


Caesar

   170    66 %   1.31    127.75

Hilton

   421    76 %   1.46    106.06

Sheraton

   742    55 %   0.75    95.1

Marriot Plaza

   325    68 %   0.96    81.17

Intercontinental

   312    64 %   0.95    77.16

Sheraton Libertador

   200    70 %   0.97    72.76

Total/average

   2170    65 %   1.00    90.35

 

(1) The revenue generation index is the relative participation of the Revpar (revenue per available room) of each hotel with respect to the average of the market.

 

60


Table of Contents
(2) Occupancy rate as of June 30, 2004.

 

Shopping Centers

 

In the shopping center sector we compete through APSA. Because most of our shopping centers are located in developed and highly populated areas, there are competing shopping centers within, or in close proximity to, our targeted areas. The number of shopping centers in a particular area could have a material effect on our ability to lease space in our shopping centers and on the amount of rent that we are able to charge. We believe that due to the limited availability of large plots of land and zoning restrictions in the city of Buenos Aires, it will not be easy for other companies to compete with us in areas through the development of new shopping center properties. Our principal competitor is Cencosud S.A. which owns and operates Unicenter shopping center and the Jumbo hypermarket chain, among others.

 

The following table shows the breakdown of the main owners and operators of shopping centers in Argentina:

 

Companies


   Location (1)

   Gross Leasable
Area


   Stores

   % of national
gross leasable
area (2)


   Stores (2)

                    (%)    (%)

APSA

                        

Alto Avellaneda (5)

   GBA    58,405    156    5.9    4.2

Abasto de Buenos Aires

   CBA    39,325    189    3.9    5.1

Mendoza Plaza Shopping (3) (5)

   Mendoza    37,090    144    3.7    3.9

Paseo Alcorta (5)

   CBA    53,479    122    5.4    3.3

Alto Palermo Shopping

   CBA    17,900    152    1.8    4.1

Buenos Aires Design (4)

   CBA    14,488    59    1.4    1.6

Patio Bullrich

   CBA    10,882    93    1.1    2.5

Alto Noa (5)

   Salta    21,882    94    2.2    2.6
         
  
  
  

Subtotal

        253,451    1,009    25.45    27.3

Cencosud S.A.

                        

Unicenter Shopping (5)

   GBA    90,869    287    9.1    7.8

Plaza Oeste Shopping (5)

   GBA    38,720    138    3.9    3.8

Quilmes Factory (5)

   GBA    31,373    47    3.1    1.3

Lomas Center Shopping (5)

   GBA    24,271    50    2.4    1.4

San Martin Factory (5)

   GBA    24,388    31    2.4    0.8

Parque Brown Factory Outlet (5)

   GBA    23,553    41    2.4    1.1

Las Palmas Pilar (5)

   GBA    37,662    102    3.8    2.8

Jumbo Palermo Centro Comercial (5)

   CBA    22,763    46    2.3    1.3

El Portal de la Patagonia (5)

   GBA    21,700    45    2.2    1.2

El Portal de Escobar (5)

   GBA    18,886    24    1.9    0.7
         
  
  
  

Subtotal

        334,185    811    33.5    22.2

Other Operators

        409,499    1,860    41.1    50.5
         
  
  
  

Totals

        997,135    3,680    100.0    100.0

 

(1) “GBA” means Greater Buenos Aires and “CBA” means the City of Buenos Aires.

 

(2) Percentage of the total shopping centers in Argentina. Sums may not total due to rounding.

 

(3) APSA owns indirectly a 18.9% interest in this property. On September 29, 2004, APSA entered into an agreement to purchase 49.9% of the capital stock of Pérez Cuesta S.A.C.I. The transaction was consummated on December 2, 2004, after APSA obtained approval from the Antitrust Authorities. As a result, APSA currently owns a 68.8% interest in this shopping center.

 

(4) APSA owns directly a 51% interest in ERSA the company that operates the concession of this property.

 

(5) Includes gross leasable area occupied by supermarkets and hypermarkets.

 

61


Table of Contents

Sources: Argentine Chamber of Shopping Centers and APSA.

 

Regulation and Government Supervision

 

Leases

 

Argentine Law imposes certain restrictions on landlords, including:

 

  the prohibition of lease agreements that adjust prices for inflation; and

 

  the imposition of minimum three-year lease terms for retail property, except in the case of stands and/or space for special exhibitions.

 

Although our lease agreements were U.S. Dollar-denominated, Decree No. 214/02, Decree No. 762/02 and Law No. 25,820 that amend the Public Emergency Law provide that monetary obligations in force as of January 7, 2002 resulting from agreements entered into before December 2001 and governed by private law and which provide for payments in U.S. Dollars are subject to the following rules:

 

  the obligations are to be paid in Pesos at the exchange rate of Ps. 1.00 = US$ 1.00 plus the CER for commercial leases; or

 

  since October 1, 2002 and until March 31, 2004, for residential leases, the obligations are to be paid in Pesos at the exchange rate of Ps. 1.00 = US$ 1.00 plus the CVS; and

 

  if for the application of these provisions the value of the installment were higher or lower to the value at the moment of the payment, any of the parties could require an equitable adjustment of the price. If in the event the parties do not reach an agreement, the judicial courts will decide about the difference in each particular case.

 

Pursuant to Decree 117/04 and Law No. 25,796 that amends Law No. 25,713, the CVS became unenforceable on April 1, 2004.

 

In addition, there are currently conflicting policies and judicial decisions as to whether rent may be increased during the term of a lease. For example, certain sections of the Convertibility Law prohibit lease agreements that adjust rents for inflation based on an official index such as the Argentine Consumer price index or wholesale price index. Most of our leases contain rent escalation clauses. However, they are not based on an official index.

 

To this date, no tenant has filed a judicial action or used in court an argument against us based on the existence of the escalation clause, but no assurance can be given that such actions will not be taken in the future, which if they prevail could materially and adversely affect us.

 

Under the Lease Law and the Argentine Civil Code, lease terms may not exceed ten years, except for the leases regulated by Law No. 25,248, which provides that leases containing a purchase option (leasing inmobiliario), are not subject to term limitations. Generally, our lease agreements vary from three to ten years.

 

Law No. 23,091, as amended by Law No. 24,808 provides that tenants may rescind commercial lease agreements after the initial six months, upon not less than 60 days’ written notice, subject to penalties which vary from one to one and a half months rent, if the tenant rescinds during the first year of its lease, and one month of rent if the tenant rescinds after the first year of its lease.

 

Argentine law permits the parties to a lease agreement to freely define their rights and obligations thereunder, provided that the minimum rules established by the Lease Law are observed. However, in the past, in response to housing shortages, high rates of inflation and difficult access to credit, the Argentine Government imposed strict and burdensome regulations regarding leases. Such regulations limited or prohibited rental increases and prohibited the eviction of tenants even for failure to pay rent. These regulations discouraged both property rental and the construction of new housing.

 

62


Table of Contents

While current Argentine government policy discourages Argentine government regulation of lease agreements, there can be no assurance that additional regulations will not be imposed in the future by the Congress, including regulations similar to those previously in place. Furthermore, most of our leases provide that the tenants pay all costs and taxes related to the property in proportion to their respective leasable areas. In the event of a significant increase in the amount of such costs and taxes, the Argentine Government may respond to political pressure to intervene by regulating this practice, thereby negatively affecting our rental income.

 

Argentine civil procedure permits to collect unpaid rent in an ordinary proceeding, although under certain special conditions (e.g. low amount of unpaid rent) the judge may decide to go on a expedited summary proceeding. While it is a special procedure to evict tenants, historically, the heavy workload of the courts that hear these matters and the existence of numerous procedural steps required have tended to delay efforts of lessors to evict tenants. Moreover, the lessor must provide written notice to the tenant at least ten days prior to commencing the eviction proceedings.

 

Despite the amendment of the Argentine civil procedures code by which the lessor may, by posting a bond, obtain the immediate eviction of the tenant, eviction proceedings generally took from six months to two years from the date of filing of the suit to the time of actual eviction. However, historically we have generally attempted to negotiate with defaulting tenants the termination of lease agreements in order to avoid legal proceedings.

 

The Public Emergency Law, as amended by Law No. 25,640, suspended for the term of 270 days from the enactment of that law (ended on November 15, 2002) the auction of the debtor’s property or the property used by the debtor for production, service rendering or trade activities and the enforcement of precautionary measures resulting in the divestiture of property used by the debtor. On February 4, 2003, the Executive Branch enacted Decree 204/2003 establishing a mediation procedure for a limited period of 90 days. On May 2003, the Argentine Congress enacted Law No. 25,737 which suspended foreclosures for an additional period of 90 days, up to August 2003. On September 2003, several financial institutions voluntarily agreed not to foreclose on its mortgage loans.

 

On November 5, 2003 Law No. 25,798 was enacted. It establishes a mechanism in order to reschedule the mortgage debts, the way in which it will be carried out is by creating a Trust (paid by the Argentine Government) which will buy the portfolio mortgage debts and reschedule them in a more profitable way. The financial institutions were given until June 22, 2004 to accept this mortgage reschedule system. This law was partially modified by Law No. 25,908 (enacted on July 13, 2004) which included different conditions referring the incorporation into this system of the mortgage loans that were in judicial or private execution proceedings.

 

Development and land use

 

Buenos Aires Urban Planning Code. Our real estate activities are subject to various municipal zoning, building and environmental regulations. In the City of Buenos Aires, where the vast majority of our real estate properties are located, the Buenos Aires Urban Planning generally restricts the density and use of property and controls physical features of improvements on property, such as height, design, set-back and overhang, consistent with the city’s urban landscape policy. The regulatory body of the Urban Planning Code is the Secretary of Urban Planning of the Government of the City of Buenos Aires.

 

Buenos Aires Building Code. The Buenos Aires Building Code complements the Buenos Aires Urban Planning Code and regulates the structural use and development of property in the City of Buenos Aires. The Buenos Aires Building Code requires builders and developers to file applications for building permits, including the submission to the Secretary of Work and Public Services of architectural plans for review, to assure compliance therewith.

 

We believe that all of our real estate properties are in material compliance with all relevant laws, ordinances and regulations.

 

63


Table of Contents

Sales and ownership

 

Real Estate Installment Sales Act. The Real Estate Installment Sales Act Law No. 14,005, as amended by Law No. 23,266 and Decree No. 2015/85, imposes a series of requirements on contracts for the sale of subdivided plots of land when the sales price is paid in installments and the deed is not conveyed until final payment. The provisions of this law require, among other things,

 

  the registration of the sale in the Real Estate Registry corresponding to the jurisdiction of the property, provided that such property is free and clear of all liens and encumbrances, and

 

  the registration of any contract with the Real Estate Registry within 30 days of execution.

 

Once the property is registered, the installment sale may not occur in a manner inconsistent with the Real Estate Installment Sales Act. In the event of a dispute over title between the purchaser and third-party creditors of the seller, the installment purchaser who has duly registered the installment sales contract prevails.

 

Further, the purchaser can demand conveyance of title after at least 25% of the purchase price has been paid, although the seller may demand a mortgage to secure payment of the balance of the purchase price.

 

After payment of 25% of the purchase price or the construction of improvements on the property equal to at least 50% of the property value, the Real Estate Installment Sales Act prohibits the rescission of the sales contract for failure by the purchaser to pay the balance of the purchase price. However, in such event the seller may take action under any mortgage on the property.

 

Consumer Protection Act. Consumer Protection Law No. 24,240, as amended, regulates several issues concerning the protection of consumers in the formation and execution of contracts.

 

The Consumer Protection Act aims at preventing certain potential abuses deriving from the strong bargaining position of sellers of goods and services in a mass market economy where standard form contracts are widespread.

 

For that reason, the Consumer Protection Act deems void and unenforceable certain contractual provisions in consumer contracts, including: (i) warranty and liability disclaimers, (ii) waiver of rights, and (iii) changes of the burden of proof. In addition, the Consumer Protection Act imposes fines to induce compliance from sellers.

 

The Consumer Protection Law defines consumers or users, as the individuals or legal entities that contract for a price for final use or their own benefit or their family or social group:

 

  (a) the acquisition or hiring of personal property things;

 

  (b) the supply of services;

 

  (c) the acquisition of new real estate bounded to housing, including plots of land acquired with the same intent, when the offer is public and directed to undetermined persons.

 

It also establishes that they will not be considered consumers or users, those who acquire, store, utilize or consume goods or services to integrate them into a production, transformation, commercialization or supplying to third parties process.

 

In addition, the Consumer Protection Law defines the suppliers of goods and services as the individuals or legal entities, either public or private that in a professional way, even occasionally, produce, import, distribute or commercialize goods or supply services to consumers or users.

 

64


Table of Contents

It is excluded from the application of the Consumer Protection Law:

 

  (a) the services supplied by liberal professionals that require a registration with professional bars officially recognized or by another authority (nevertheless, they are included the advertising done for its offering); and

 

  (b) the contracts over used assets, executed between consumers.

 

The Consumer Protection Law determines that the information contained in the offer addressed to undetermined prospective consumers, binds the offeror during the period in which the offer takes place and until its public revocation. Further, it determines that specifications included in advertisements, announcements, prospects, circulars or other media bind the offeror and are considered part of the contract entered into by the consumer.

 

With regard to services, the Consumer Protection Law establishes that those who supply services of any nature are obliged to respect the terms, conditions, and other circumstances according to which they have been offered, published or accepted.

 

Buildings. Buildings Law No. 19,724, as amended, establish a regime for the construction of buildings for later subdivision into strata title. Under this law, developers must inform potential purchasers of the future existence of a strata regime or co-proprietorship proposal, as well as of all sale conditions, and the size of each unit in relation to the whole.

 

Unit sales subject to the pre-strata title regime must be registered with the Real Estate Registry.

 

The owner of the property subject to pre-strata title regulations may not take out a mortgage on the property without the consent of the purchasers of individual units unless expressly stipulated in the purchase contract. In addition, the owner must inform such purchasers of the conditions of the mortgage, which may not retroactively affect contracts previously signed.

 

This law also states that, in the event that construction is not completed, all amounts already deposited must be repaid to the purchasers.

 

Mortgage Regulation. The Argentine Civil Code of 1871, as amended, regulates mortgages both as a contract and as a right over property. There are no special provisions in the Civil Code aimed at protecting mortgagors. Nevertheless, any agreement entered into by a mortgagor and a mortgagee at the time of execution of a mortgage contract or prior to the default of the mortgagor allowing the mortgagee to recover the property without a public auction of the property will not be enforced by the courts as contrary to Argentine public policy.

 

In an attempt to facilitate the development of a strong secondary market for mortgages, Law No. 24,441, enacted in 1995, establishes a new alternative proceeding to collect unpaid amounts secured by a mortgage. The new rules introduced by Law No. 24,441 are aimed at overcoming the difficulties and delays of the traditional ordinary proceeding.

 

Until the enactment of Law No. 24,441, the only procedure available to collect unpaid amounts secured by a mortgage was a summary proceeding regulated by the Code of Civil and Commercial Procedure. The heavy caseload on the courts that heard such matters usually delayed the summary proceeding, which currently took an average of 12 months to complete.

 

Chapter V of Law No. 24,441 institutes a new procedure which may expedite collection of unpaid amounts secured by a mortgage. To be applicable, the new rules, which allow an out-of-court auction, need to be expressly agreed to by the parties in the mortgage contract.

 

Currently, we include in our mortgages a clause enabling the enforcement of Law No. 24,441. However, there can be no assurance that such collection provisions will accelerate the recovery of unpaid amounts under mortgage guarantees.

 

On the other hand, the Public Emergency Law, as amended established the suspension for the term of 270 days from the enactment of that law, of all the judicial or non-judicial enforcement including the

 

65


Table of Contents

enforcement of mortgages and pledges, regardless of its origin. On February 14, 2002, Law No. 25,563 amending the Bankruptcy Law (the “New Bankruptcy Law”) was enacted. Under the New Bankruptcy Law, certain bankruptcies and foreclosures (including foreclosures on mortgage loans) would be suspended for a period of 180 days from the law’s effective date. Such period was extended for 180 days more by Law No. 25,589 and afterwards for 90 days more by Law No. 25,640 of September 2002, expiring on February 2003.

 

On February 4, 2003, the Executive Branch enacted Decree No. 204/2003 creating a mediation procedure, for a limited period of 90 days, to be conducted through the Emergency Legal Units (Unidades de Emergencias Legales) depending from the Ministry of Labor, Employment and Social Security and the Ministry of Production. Such Emergency Legal Units shall intervene at the request of debtors or creditors in foreclosure cases.

 

The mediation procedure is voluntary and free. Proposals and negotiations made by the parties are subject to the confidentiality of ordinary mediations. The mediation procedure in no case will result in the suspension or interruption of the legal terms running in judicial or out-of-court foreclosure proceedings.

 

The Emergency Legal Units will try to approximate the parties proposals to reach an agreement enabling the debtor the performance of his obligations without lessening the creditors rights. The intervention of the Emergency Legal Units shall conclude with an agreement or with the impossibility of reaching such agreement. The Decree establishes that the conciliation proceeding shall be in force from the day of its publication in the Official Gazette and will have a term of force of 90 days.

 

On May 8, 2003 the Congress enacted Law No. 25,737 which suspended foreclosures for a period of 90 days more. Afterwards, private and financial entities voluntarily decided to suspend foreclosures.

 

On November 5, 2003 Law No. 25,798 was enacted. It established a mechanism to reschedule the mortgage debts by creating a Trust (paid by the Argentine Government) which will purchase the portfolio mortgage debts and reschedule them in a more profitable way. Financial institutions were given until June 22, 2004 to accept this mortgage reschedule system. This law was partially modified by Law No. 25,908 (enacted on July 13, 2004) which included various conditions referring to the incorporation into this system of the mortgage loans that were in judicial or private execution proceedings.

 

Most mortgages executed by us provide that we are empowered to declare the anticipated expiration of the loan upon non-payment of an installment. This enables us to recover the unpaid amounts through the sale of the relevant property pursuant to the Code of Civil and Commercial Procedure of Argentina or Law No. 24,441.

 

Pursuant to the Argentine law, fees and expenses related to collection procedures must be borne by the debtor, and the proceeds from any auction of the property may be used for the settlement of such obligation.

 

Protection for the Disabled Law. Protection for the Disabled Law No. 22,431, enacted on March 20, 1981, as amended, provides that in connection with the construction and renovation of buildings, obstructions to access must be eliminated in order to enable access by mobility impaired individuals. In the construction of public buildings, entrances, transit pathways and adequate facilities for mobility impaired individuals must be provided.

 

Buildings constructed before the enforcement of the Protection for the Disabled Law must be adapted to provide accesses, transit pathways and adequate facilities for mobility-impaired individuals.

 

Those pre-existing buildings, which due to their architectural design may not be adapted to the use by mobility-impaired individuals, are excepted from the fulfillment of these requirements.

 

The Protection for the Disabled Law provides that residential buildings must ensure access by mobility impaired individuals to elevators and aisles. Differential architectural requirements refer to pathways, stairs, ramps and parking spaces.

 

66


Table of Contents

Antitrust Law. Antitrust Law No. 25,156 prevents antitrust practices and requires administrative authorization for transactions that according to the Antitrust Law constitute an economic concentrations.

 

According to such law, mergers, transfers of goodwill, acquisitions of property or rights over shares, capital or other convertible securities, or similar operations by which the acquirer controls a company, are considered economic concentration.

 

Whenever an economic concentration involves a company or companies (i) which hold 25% or more of the relevant market or (ii) which accumulated sales volume exceeds approximately Ps. 200 million in Argentina or Ps. 2,500 million worldwide, then the respective concentration should be submitted for approval to the National Antitrust Commission.

 

The request for approval may be filed, either prior to the transaction or within a week after its completion.

 

Because the consolidated annual sales volume of APSA and IRSA exceeds Ps. 200 million, we should give notice to the National Antitrust Commission of any transaction referred in the Antitrust Law.

 

Currently, we have no transaction required to be notified. Compliance with the Antitrust Law provisions does not affect our ongoing business.

 

Hotel Regulatory Issues. The Hotel Regulation Act Law No. 18,828 enacted on November 6, 1970, as amended, creates The National Registry of Hotels in which certain hotels may be registered. Our hotels are required to meet certain conditions with respect to facilities, services and employees.

 

C. Organizational Structure

 

The following table presents information relating to our ownership interest and the percentage of our consolidated total net revenues represented by our subsidiaries as of June 30, 2004.

 

Subsidiary


  

Activity


  

Country of incorporation


   Percentage
ownership


    Percentage
of voting
power


    Percentage
of our total
net revenues


 

Palermo Invest

   Investment    Argentina    66.7 %   66.7 %   0.0 %

Inversora Bolívar

   Real Estate    Argentina    66.7 %   66.7 %   7.3 %

Ritelco

   Investment    Uruguay    100.0 %   100.0 %   0.0 %

Nuevas Fronteras

   Hotel    Argentina    50.9 %   50.9 %   10.0 %

Pereiraola

   Real Estate    Argentina    83.3 %   83.3 %   0.0 %

Abril

   Real Estate    Argentina    83.3 %   83.3 %   0.5 %

Baldovinos

   Real Estate    Argentina    83.3 %   83.3 %   1.1 %

Bs. As. Trade & F.C.

   Real Estate    Argentina    100.0 %   100.0 %   0.0 %

Hoteles Argentinos

   Hotel    Argentina    80.0 %   80.0 %   6.0 %

APSA

   Shopping Centers    Argentina    53.8 %   53.8 %(1)(2)   54.9 %

Llao Llao

   Hotel    Argentina    50.0 %   50.0 %(3)   11.3 %

 

(1) Pursuant to a voting agreement subscribed, GSEM/AP granted us, subject to certain conditions, rights to vote the shares held by GSEM/AP in APSA for a period of ten years.

 

(2) On November 30, 2004, IRSA purchased from GSEM/AP Holdings LP (“GS”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Goldman Sachs, 3,061,450 Convertible Notes and 1,114,520 ADSs of APSA. IRSA paid a total U$S 15.3 million. IRSA then agree to transfer to Parque Arauco, owner as of June 30, 2004 of a 27.78% interest in APSA, 1,004,866 Convertible Notes and 365,821 ADSs of APSA pursuant to a prior agreement for a price of US$ 5.0 million (32.8% of the acquisition by IRSA from GS).

 

(3) During the year ended June 30, 2004 we adopted Technical Resolution No. 21 and, as a result, we started to consolidate Llao Llao. As required by the transition provisions of this standard, we restated our prior year´s consolidated financial statements and related data to reflect such investment on a consolidated basis.

 

67


Table of Contents

As of June 30, 2004, we owned 11.76% of BHSA, 5.22% of such ownership is through our subsidiary Ritelco S.A. BHSA is an Argentine company engaged in banking activity.

 

68


Table of Contents

The following is our organizational chart and our principal subsidiaries as of June 30, 2004:

 

LOGO

 

69


Table of Contents

D. Property, Plant and Equipment

 

As of June 30, 2004, all of our property, consisting of rental properties in the office and retail real estate sectors, development properties primarily in the residential real estate sector and Shoppings Centers through our subsidiary APSA, were located in Argentina. We lease our headquarters, located at Bolívar 108, C1066AAD and Moreno 877, piso 22, C1091AAQ Buenos Aires, Argentina, pursuant to two lease agreements that expire on Febrery 28, 2014 and November 30, 2008 respectively.

 

70


Table of Contents

The following table sets forth certain information about our properties that are held in fee:

 

Property


  

Date

Of
Acquisition


   Leaseable/
Saleable
Area m2 (1)


   Location

  

Book

Value
Ps./000 (2)


   Encumbrance

    Outstanding
principal
amount
Ps./000


  

Maturity

date


  

Balance

due at
maturity


   Rate

  Use

Inter-Continental Plaza (3)

   11/18/97    22,535    City of Buenos
Aires
   65,152    —       —      —      —          Office Rental

Libertador 498

   12/20/95    10,533    City of Buenos
Aires
   42,679    Mortgage  (4)   2.4    Nov-09    0,2    Libor 3M +
200 bps
  Office Rental

Maipú 1300

   09/28/95    10,325    City of Buenos
Aires
   45,432    —       —      —      —          Office Rental

Laminar Plaza

   03/25/99    6,521    City of Buenos
Aires
   31,126    Mortgage  (4)   28.8    Nov-09    2.9    Libor 3M +
200 bps
  Office Rental

Madero 1020

   12/21/95    1,359    City of Buenos
Aires
   4,047    —       —      —      —          Office Rental

Reconquista 823/41

   11/12/93    6,100    City of Buenos
Aires
   17,733    —       —      —      —          Office Rental

Suipacha 652/64

   11/22/91    11,453    City of Buenos
Aires
   10,641    —       —      —      —          Office Rental

Edificios Dock II

   03/20/97    6,389    City of Buenos
Aires
   19,726    —       —      —      —          Office Rental

Edificios Costeros Dock IV

   08/29/01    5,437    City of Buenos
Aires
   20,123    Mortgage  (4)   24.0    Nov-09    2.4    Libor 3M +
200 bps
  Office Rental

Madero 942

   08/31/94    768    City of Buenos
Aires
   2,213    —       —      —      —          Office Rental

Av. De Mayo 595/99

   19/08/92    1,958    City of Buenos
Aires
   4,419    —       —      —      —          Office Rental

Av. Libertador 602

   01/05/96    638    City of Buenos
Aires
   2,628    —       —      —      —          Office Rental

Sarmiento 517

   01/12/94    39    City of Buenos
Aires
   121    —       —      —      —          Office Rental

Constitución 1111

   16/06/94    312    City of Buenos
Aires
   494    —       —      —      —          Comercial
Rental

Alsina 934/44

   01/08/91    3,750    City of Buenos
Aires
   1,457    —       —      —      —          Comercial
Rental

Other Properties (5)

        33,329    City and
Provine of
Buenos Aires
   3,697    —       —      —      —          Office Rental

Alto Palermo Shopping Center (6)(7)

   11/18/97    17,900    City of Buenos
Aires
   229,117    —       —      —      —          Shopping Center

Abasto (6)

   07/17/94    39,325    City of Buenos
Aires
   210,696    —       —      —      —          Shopping Center

Alto Avellaneda (6)

   11/18/97    27,451    City of
Avellaneda
   107,333    —       —      —      —          Shopping Center

Paseo Alcorta (6)

   06/06/97    14,829    City of Buenos
Aires
   69,003    —       —      —      —          Shopping Center

Patio Bullrich (6)

   10/01/98    10,882    City of Buenos
Aires
   121,678    —       —      —      —          Shopping Center

Nuevo Noa (6)

   03/29/95    18,818    City of Salta    29,589    —       —      —      —          Shopping Center

Buenos Aires Desing (6)

   11/18/97    14,488    City of Buenos
Aires
   23,381    —       —      —      —          Shopping Center

Mendoza Plaza (6)

   12/01/94    37,090    City of
Mendoza
   14,516    Mortgage  (8)   15.0    Aug-10    0.6    Libor 6M +
3.1%
  Shopping Center
                               2.5    May-05    0.1    Libor 6M +
6.81%
   

Dock III (9)

   9/9/99    10,474    City of Buenos
Aires
   25,979    —       —      —      —          Land Reserve

Puerto Retiro (3)

   5/18/97    82,051    City of Buenos
Aires
   46,424    —       —      —      —          Land Reserve

Caballito

   11/3/97    20,968    City of Buenos
Aires
   19,898    —       —      —      —          Land Reserve

Santa Marìa del Plata

   7/10/97    715,952    City of Buenos
Aires
   124,783    —       —      —      —          Land Reserve

Pereiraola (10)

   12/16/96    1,299,630    Province of
Buenos Aires
   21,875    —       —      —      —          Land Reserve

Dique IV

   12/2/97    4,653    City of Buenos
Aires
   6,160    —       —      —      —          Land Reserve

Others City of Buenos Aires (11)

        1,006,231    City of Buenos
Aires
   63,139    —       —      —      —          Land Reserve

Others Province of Buenos Aires (12)

        2,471,232    Province of
Buenos Aires
   4,809    —       —      —      —          Land Reserve

Other Neuquen (13)

        50,000    City of
Neuquen
   9,983    Mortgage  (14)   —      —      —          Land Reserve

Inter-Continental

   11/01/97    37,742    City of Buenos
Aires
   57,447    —       —      —      —          Hotel

Sheraton Libertador (15)

   03/01/98    17,463    City of Buenos
Aires
   37,795    Mortgage     35.5    Jan-06    18.6    Libor 3M +
401/476 bps
  Hotel

Llao Llao

   06/01/97    15,000    City of
Bariloche
   30,827    —       —      —      —          Hotel

San Martín de Tours

   06/26/03    2,154    City of Buenos
Aires
   4,744    Mortgage     2.2    Mar-05    2.2        Development

 

(1) Total leaseable area for each property. Excludes common areas and parking spaces.

 

71


Table of Contents
(2) Cost of acquisition, plus improvements, less accumulated depreciation, plus adjustment for inflation until 02/28/03, less allowance for impairment value, plus net recovery of the allowance for impairment, if corresponded.

 

(3) Through Inversora Bolivar S.A. (IBSA)

 

(4) US$ 37.4 million in floating rate Secured Floating Rate Notes with a 90-day Libor rate plus 200 bps and maturing in the year 2009 are secured by a first mortgage on these properties for an amount equivalent to 50% of the debt.

 

(5) Includes Thames, and one unit in Alto Palermo Park.

 

(6) Through Alto Palermo S.A. (APSA)

 

(7) Shopping Alto Palermo is owned by APSA. On January 18, 2001, (i) APSA issued Series A Senior Notes for US$ 40 million and (ii) APSA and SAPSA co-issued Series B Senior Notes for US$ 80 million that will be severally paid by APSA and SAPSA. The Series A and B Senior Notes are due on 2005. The payment of the total amount of the Senior Notes is guaranteed by a Trust Agreement pursuant to which all of APSA’s shares of SAPSA were transferred to a trust. The Trust Agreement was entered into on January 16, 2001 between APSA and Ritelco, as shareholders of SAPSA and as Trustors, Río Trust S.A., as Trustee, and the holders of the Senior Notes as Beneficiaries.

 

(8) APSA owns a 18.9% non-controlling interest Pérez Cuesta S.A.C.I. which owns Mendoza Plaza. In 1998, Banco de Chile granted Pérez Cuesta S.A.C.I. a twelve-year loan for US$ 15.0 million and a three-year loan for US$ 2.5 million, both secured by a mortgage on Mendoza Plaza. As of June 30, 2004, Pérez Cuesta S.A.C.I., had Ps. 10.7 million expired debt. Pérez Cuesta S.A.C.I. is currently negotiating an extension of the original payment terms with its creditors. However, APSA cannot assure you that it will achieve a successful restructuring of its financial indebtedness. On September 29, 2004, APSA entered into an agreement to purchase 49.9% of the capital stock of Pérez Cuesta S.A.C.I. The transaction was consummated on December 2, 2004, once APSA obtained the approval from the Antitrust Authorities. As a result, APSA currently owns a 68.8% interest in this shopping center.

 

(9) Through Bs. As. Trade & Finance S.A. On November 2004, we signed an exchange deed for one of the three parcels in which our plot is divided wherely DYPSA agreed to pay US$ 8,030,000 through the exchange of 28.50% of the total meters to be constructed.

 

(10) Directly through IRSA and indirectly through IBSA.

 

(11) Includes the following land reserves: Torres Jardin IV, Constitucion 1159 and Padilla 902 (through IRSA), Mariano Acosta and Intercontinental Plaza II (through IBSA) and Terrenos Alcorta, Caballito and the Coto project (through APSA).

 

(12) Includes the following land reserves: Terrenos Pilar (through IRSA), Pontevedra and Merlo (through IBSA).

 

(13) Included Terrenos Neuquen (through APSA).

 

(14) At June 30, 2004, Shopping Neuquen S.A. included a Ps. 41,792 loan secured by a mortage on the land.

 

(15) In January 2001 our subsidiary Hoteles Argentinos, owner of 100% of the Sheraton Libertador, obtained a loan from Bank Boston N.A. for US$ 12.0 million. Subsequently, Bank Boston sold this loan to Marathon Master Fund Ltd. This loan is due in January 2006 with interest being payable quarterly at Libor plus a spread ranging between 401 and 476 basis points, depending on the value of certain financial ratios. This loan was not converted into Pesos and it is stated in U.S. Dollars because it is governed by the laws of the State of New York. There are currently installments of the principal and interest that are overdue and unpaid. This loan is with no recourse to us. On December 16, 2004, our wholly-owned subsidiary Ritelco S.A. acquired 100% of the debt Hoteles Argentinos had with Marathon Master Fund, Ltd. Ritelco S.A. paid a total amount of US$ 8.0 million.

 

We do not currently lease any material properties other than our headquarters.

 

Insurance

 

We carry liability and fire insurance with respect to all of our properties. Such insurance policies have specifications, limits and deductibles customary for the community where the property is located. We believe that the insurance coverage for our properties is adequate.

 

ITEM 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects

 

A. Operating Results

 

The following Operating and financial review and prospects should be read together with Item 3: “Key Information—Selected Financial Data” and our financial statements appearing elsewhere in this annual report. This Operating and Financial Review and Prospects discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. These forward-looking statements include, among others, those statements including the words “expects”, “anticipates”, “intends”, “believes” and similar language. Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of many risk factors, including those set forth elsewhere in this annual report.

 

For purposes of the following discussion, unless otherwise specified, references to fiscal years 2004, 2003 and 2002 relate to the fiscal years ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002 respectively.

 

Our financial statements are presented in thousands of Pesos. Except as discussed in the following paragraph, our financial statements are prepared in accordance with Argentine GAAP and the CNV regulation, which differs in certain significant respects from U.S. GAAP. Note 20 to our Consolidated

 

72


Table of Contents

Financial Statements provides a description of the principal differences between Argentine GAAP and U.S. GAAP affecting our consolidated figures and a reconciliation to U.S. GAAP of net income (loss) reported under Argentine GAAP for the years ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002, and of shareholders’ equity reported under Argentine GAAP as of June 30, 2004 and 2003. The differences involve methods of measuring the amounts shown in the financial statements as well as additional disclosures required by U.S. GAAP and regulations of the SEC.

 

As discussed in Notes 2.c. and 3.n. to our Consolidated Financial Statements, contained elsewhere in this annual report, in order to comply with CNV regulations, we discontinued inflation accounting as of March 1, 2003 as well as recognized deferred income tax assets and liabilities on a non-discounted basis. These accounting practices represent departures from generally accepted accounting principles in Argentina. However, such departures have not had a material effect on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

In connection with the preparation of the financial statements included in this annual report, we have relied on variables and assumptions derived from historical experience and various other factors that we deemed reasonable and relevant. Although we review these estimates and assumptions in the ordinary course of business, the portrayal of our financial condition and results of operation often requires our management to make judgments regarding the effects of matters that are inherently uncertain on the carrying value of our assets and liabilities. Actual results may differ from those estimated under different variables, assumptions or conditions. In order to provide an understanding about how management forms its judgments about future events, including the variables and assumptions underlying the estimates, and the sensitivity of those judgments to different variables and conditions, we have included comments related to each critical accounting policy described as follows:

 

  revenue recognition;

 

  rental property depreciation;

 

  provision for allowances and contingencies;

 

  impairment of long-lived assets;

 

  debt restructuring;

 

  deferred income tax.

 

The Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles used in Argentina and regulations of the CNV which differ in certain significant respects from generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America. Such differences involve methods of measuring the amounts shown in the financial statements, as well as additional disclosures required by U.S. GAAP and regulations of the SEC.

 

Revenue recognition

 

We primarily derive our revenues from the development and sale of properties, leases of office and other non-retail building properties, leases and services of our shopping centers (including revenues from credit card transactions), hotel operations, and, to a lesser extent, from e-commerce activities. Except for revenues derived from the sale and development of properties, our revenue recognition policies do not require management to make estimates.

 

Development and sale of properties. We generally enter into purchase and sale agreements with purchasers of units in our residential development properties prior to the commencement of construction. Pursuant to this practice, we initiate our marketing and sales efforts on the basis of already-commissioned

 

73


Table of Contents

architectural designs and model units. As a general rule, purchasers pay a booking charge for the units and subsequently enter into fixed price purchase and sale agreements by advancing us approximately 5% of the purchase price and agreeing to advance an additional 15% / 20% of the purchase price in equal installments over an agreed upon construction period. The balance of the purchase price is due upon delivery of the constructed and completed unit.

 

Construction of such residential development properties is done pursuant to “turn-key” contracts with major Argentine and South American construction companies that provide for construction to be completed within a prescribed period and budget, in most of the cases.

 

We record revenue from the sale of properties when all of the following criteria are met:

 

  the sale has been consummated;

 

  there is sufficient evidence of the buyer’s initial capacity and commitment to pay for the property;

 

  our receivable is not subject to future subordination; and

 

  we have transferred to the buyer the risk of ownership, and do not have a continuing involvement in the property.

 

We use the percentage-of-completion method of accounting with respect to sales of development properties under construction effected under fixed-priced contracts. Under this method, revenue is recognized based on the ratio of costs incurred to total estimated costs applied to the total contract price. We do not commence revenue and cost recognition until such time as the decision to proceed with the project is made and construction activities have begun.

 

The percentage-of-completion method of accounting requires management to prepare budgeted costs (i.e., the estimated costs of completion) in connection with sales of properties / units. All changes to estimated costs of completion are incorporated into revised estimates during the contract period.

 

Under this method of accounting, revenues for work completed may be recognized in the statement of income prior to the period in which actual cash proceeds from the sale are received. In this situation, a deferred asset is recorded. Alternatively, and as is more common for us, where property unit purchasers pay us an advance down-payment and monthly cash installments prior to the commencement of construction, a liability is recorded. This is recorded as a customer advance in the financial statements.

 

Rental property depreciation

 

We compute depreciation using the straight-line method over an estimated useful life of 50 years for buildings, ten years for facilities and five years for furniture and other equipment, all of which are judgmental determinations. These determinations may prove to be different than the actual life of the properties.

 

Provision for allowances and contingencies

 

We provide for losses relating to mortgage, lease and other accounts receivable. The allowance for losses is recognized when, based on current information and events, it is probable that we will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the terms of the agreements. The allowance is determined on a one-by-one basis considering the present value of expected future cash flow or the fair value of collateral if the loan is collateral dependent, when applicable. While we use the information available to make evaluations, future adjustments to the allowance may be necessary if future economic conditions differ substantially from the assumptions used in making these evaluations. We have considered all events and/or transactions that are subject to reasonable and normal methods of estimations, and our Consolidated Financial Statements reflect that consideration.

 

74


Table of Contents

We have certain contingent liabilities with respect to existing or potential claims, lawsuits and other proceedings, including those involving labor and other matters. We accrue liabilities when it is probable that future costs will be incurred and such costs can be reasonably estimated. Such accruals are based on developments to date, our estimate of the outcomes of these matters and our lawyers’ experience in contesting, litigating and settling other matters. As the scope of the liabilities becomes better defined, there may be changes in the estimates of future costs, which could have a material effect our future results of operations and financial condition or liquidity.

 

Impairment of long-lived assets

 

We periodically evaluate the carrying value of our long-lived assets for impairment. We consider the carrying value of a long-lived asset to be impaired when the expected cash flows, undiscounted and without interest, from such asset is separately identifiable and less than its carrying value. Impairments are allocated to the results of the period. In that event, a loss would be recognized based on the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair market value of the long-lived asset. We determine the fair market value primarily using independent appraisals valuations.

 

A previously recognized impairment loss is reversed when there is a subsequent change in estimates used to compute the fair market value of the asset. In that event, the new carrying amount of the asset is the lower of its fair market value or the net carrying amount the asset would have had if no impairment had been recognized.

 

We believe that the accounting policy related to asset impairment is a “critical accounting policy” because:

 

  it is highly susceptible to change from period to period because it requires company management to make assumptions such as, future sales and cost of sale, future vacancy rates and future prices; and

 

  the impact that recognizing an impairment would have on assets reported on our balance sheet as well as on the results of our operations could be material. Estimates about future sales prices and future vacancy rates require significant judgment because actual sales prices and vacancy rates have fluctuated in the past and are expected to continue to do so.

 

During the year ended June 30, 2004 as a result of an increase in the fair market value of our parcels of undeveloped land and rental properties (including shopping centers), we reversed impairment losses previously recognized for a total amount of Ps. 15.1 million and Ps. 49.2 million respectively, which have been included within “Gain (loss) from operations and holdings of real estate assets, net” in the Statement of Income. A reduction in the fair market value of this properties by 5% would have resulted in a less reversion of impairment losses of Ps. 3.6 million and Ps. 14.0 million respectively.

 

We also evaluated the carrying value of our long-lived assets related to Development and sales of properties, Office and others, Hotel and Shopping Centers segments for impairments as of June 30, 2003. Assets related to those four segments represent approximately 92% of our total long-lived assets. During the year ended June 30, 2004 we did not recognize an impairment of certain long-lived assets as their carrying value did not exceeded their fair market value.

 

The fair market value of our office and retail buildings was determined following the Rent Value Method, considering each property’s future cash flow, competition and historical vacancy rates. The price per square meter of our properties varies based on the category and the type of building. For premium buildings the average price per square meter used was Ps. 38 while for buildings the average price per square meter was Ps. 15. The average vacancy rate was calculated taking into account the last ten years. As of June 30, 2004 we did not record any impairment loss. A reduction in the fair market value of these properties by 5% would not have resulted in the recognition of an impairment loss.

 

75


Table of Contents

The fair market value of our shopping centers was also determined following the Rent Value Method using an average discount rate between 12.5% and 16%, an average price per square meter of Ps. 7,088 and the actual vacancy rates. A reduction in the fair market value of these properties by 5.0% would have resulted in an impairment of Ps. 1.5 million during the year ended June 30, 2004.

 

We used the open market method for determining the fair market value of our land reserve and inventories. During the year ended June 30, 2004 we did not recognized any impairment loss in this regard. A reduction in the fair market value of these properties by 5% also would not have resulted in an impairment loss.

 

Debt restructuring

 

In November 2002 we completed the refinancing of our debt for a total amount of US$ 103.4 million and we also fulfilled the operation with our lenders to refinance the Syndicate Loan for US$ 80 million and our Notes for US$ 37 million.

 

Since the conditions of the new debt instruments were substantially different from the original conditions (as defined by Technical Resolution No. 17), we removed the original loans from the consolidated balance sheet and recognized the new debt instruments at the present value discounted at an 8% market interest rate. This rate was determined taking into consideration the rates that we used in reference to our local operations. As a result of the debt restructuring in 2003, we recognized a gain of Ps. 36.5 million (Ps. 31.7 million net of expenses incurred in the restructuring), which represents the difference between the present value of the new debt instruments and the carrying value of the old debts.

 

We believe that the accounting estimate related to debt restructuring was a “critical accounting estimate” because if we would calculate the present value of our debts using higher interest rates than 8%, we would have a material impact on our debts reported on our balance sheet as well as on our financing results.

 

The utilization of interest rates other than 8% in calculating the present value of the new debts instruments would have the following effects on the related results for the fiscal year 2003:

 

Interest Rates


 

Gain in million


 

Impact on Net Income


 

Impact on Shareholder’s equity


11%

  16   5.59%   1.98%

16%

  47   16.4%   5.81%

23%

  73   25.49%   9.02%

 

Deferred income tax

 

As described in Note 2.d to our Consolidated Financial Statements, we adopted new accounting standards effective July 1, 2002. Pursuant to this adoption, we recognize income tax using the liability method. Accordingly, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recorded or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. Technical Resolution No. 17 requires companies to record a valuation allowance for that component of net deferred tax assets which is not recoverable.

 

We provided a valuation allowance for a portion of our net deferred tax assets, as we do not considered the realization of the full tax benefit to be more likely than not. We considered all evidence, both positive and negative, in determining if a valuation allowance is needed for some portion or all our deferred tax assets. These evidences consist primarily in:

 

  Limitations in the use of certain deferred tax assets, primarily tax loss carry forwards

 

76


Table of Contents
  Reversals of existing taxable temporary differences

 

  Business projections

 

As a result of the evaluation of this evidence, we accounted for a valuation allowance of approximately 48% of our deferred tax assets, amounting to Ps. 46.9 million. Net deferred tax assets as of June 30, 2004 was Ps. 97.1 million.

 

A decrease and an increase of 10%, 20% and 30% in the net result from our projections, except for the exchange rate which remained stable, utilized in determining the valuation allowance of our deferred tax assets would have had the following impact:

 

Premises

fluctuation


 

Valuation

allowance in

million


 

Additional (loss)

/ gain in million

of Ps.


 

Impact on Net

income


 

Impact on

Shareholder’s

equity


-10%

  53,30   -6,44   -7,33%   -0,67%

-20%

  58,40   -11,54   -13,13%   -1,20%

-30%

  62,00   -15,14   -17,22%   -1,58%

10%

  42,66   4,20   4,78%   0,44%

20%

  37,60   9,26   10,53%   0,96%

30%

  33,10   13,76   15,65%   1,43%

 

We believe that the accounting estimate related to deferred income tax is a “critical accounting estimate” because:

 

  it is highly susceptible to change from period to period because it requires company management to make assumptions such as, future revenues and expenses, exchange rates and inflation among others; and

 

  because the impact that calculating income tax using this method would have on assets or liabilities reported on our balance sheet as well as on the income tax result reported in our statement of income could be material.

 

Variability of quarterly results

 

A principal source of our revenue is rental income derived from leases of office and retail properties and sales of developed properties. Nevertheless, our historical revenues have varied from period to period depending upon the timeliness of sales of properties. No assurance can be given that our period-to-period results of operations will not continue to vary as a result of periodic property sales.

 

Overview

 

As described below, economic and political factors affecting Argentina as well as changes in interest rates and foreign currency have a substantial impact on our financial performance.

 

Effect on us of devaluation and economic crisis

 

Most of our assets are located and our operations are performed in Argentina. Accordingly, our financial condition and results of operations depend substantially upon economic conditions prevailing in Argentina. Due to the four-year recession which ended in the second quarter of 2002, the Argentine economy has deteriorated sharply.

 

77


Table of Contents

In the fourth quarter of 1998, the Argentine economy entered into a recession that caused the gross domestic product to decreased by 3.0% in 1999, 0.5% in 2000 and 4.9% in 2001. During the second half of 2001, Argentina’s recession worsened significantly, precipitating a serious political and economic crisis. During 2002, the gross domestic product decreased 10.9% as compared to 2001. In 2003, the economy began to recover, ending the year with a 11.7% annual growth year over year. Estimates for 2004, indicate a GDP growth of approximately 8%.

 

On January 6, 2002, the Congress enacted the Public Emergency Law which repeals several provisions of the Convertibility Law which prevailed in Argentina for 10 years, and the executive branch announced the devaluation of the Peso the establishment of a dual exchange rate system in which certain limited transactions will occur at a fixed rate of Ps. 1.4 to US$ 1.0 and all other transactions will be settled at a floating market rate depending on supply and demand. This legislation had a material adverse impact on our financial position and the results of our operations in fiscal year 2002, which was partially offset during fiscal year 2003 and 2004.

 

Effects of inflation

 

From 1997 until the end of year 2001, policies adopted by Argentine government have substantially reduced the level of inflation. Therefore, during that period inflation did not significantly affect our financial condition and results of operations. The following are annual inflation rates’ figures published by the Ministry of Economy of Argentina:

 

Year ended June 30,


 

Consumer Price Index


 

Wholesale Price Index


1997

  0.9%     0.1%

1998

  1.1%   -1.9%

1999

  -1.3%   -5.3%

2000

  -1.1%     4.4%

2001

  -0.3%   -1.6%

2002

  28.4%   95,6%

2003

  10,2%     8,3%

2004

    4.9%     0.1%

 

The Public Emergency Law authorizes the executive branch to establish the system which will determine the new exchange ratio between the Peso and foreign currencies, and to approve the corresponding monetary regulations. The devaluation of the Peso by the executive branch creates a significant risk that inflation will increase materially, and we have no means of hedging and protecting ourselves from the risks of inflation.

 

During fiscal year 2002, the impact of inflation on our financial condition and results of operations was significant and generated a gain of Ps. 22.5 million. During fiscal year 2003, we recognized a loss of Ps. 1.9 million, taking into consideration that as a result of the Resolution No. 441 issued by the National Securities Commission we discontinued the restatement of our financial statements as from March 1, 2003. Since June 30, 2003, however, this deviation has not had a material effect on our financial statements.

 

Effects of interest rate fluctuations

 

Part of our Dollar denominated debt bears a variable interest rate. An increase in interest rates may significantly increase our financial costs and materially affect our financial condition and our results of operations.

 

78


Table of Contents

Effects of foreign currency fluctuations

 

Since April 1, 1991 until the beginning of 2002, the Convertibility Law was applicable in Argentina. This law established a fixed exchange rate, under which the Argentine Central Bank was obliged to sell U.S. Dollars to any person at a fixed rate of one Peso per U.S. Dollar. The primarily economic change announced by Duhalde’s Administration in January 2002 was the devaluation of the Peso. A substantial portion of our financial debt is denominated in U.S. Dollars. Foreign currency exchange rate depreciation significantly increases the risk of default on our U.S. Dollar-denominated liabilities, as almost all of our revenues are denominated inArgentine Pesos. Foreign currency exchange restrictions hereafter imposed by the Argentine Government could prevent or restrict our access to U.S. Dollars, affecting our ability to service our U.S. Dollar- denominated liabilities. Also, fluctuations in the exchange rate between the Peso and the U.S. Dollar may adversely affect the U.S. Dollar equivalent of the Peso price of our common shares on the BCBA, and as a result are likely to affect the market price of our GDS in the United States.

 

Due to our significant exposure to U.S. Dollar-denominated liabilities, our financial results are very sensitive to fluctuations in the nominal exchange rates. In this way, strong depreciation in the Peso will affect negatively our results while strong appreciation will affect our results positively.

 

Suspension of the application of section 206 of the Law of Corporations No. 19,550

 

Our negative results for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2002 forced us to use more than 50% of our capital and reserves. Section 206 of the Law of Corporations No. 19,550 requires mandatory capital reduction when such a situation exists. However, in view of the economic crisis, Decree No.1269/02 was suspended, and Decree No. 1293/03 extended the application of this section until December 10, 2004. However, we cannot assure you that if we have negative results in the future fiscal years, we will not be required to make a capital reduction.

 

Operating costs and expenses

 

Allocation of selling expenses to business segments

 

Selling expenses related to the shopping centers, hotels and international segments are directly allocated to such segments because such segments are individually managed and clearly identifiable. The remaining selling expenses are allocated among the development and sale of properties and offices and other non-shopping center rental properties segments, excluding those located in shopping centers, based on the cost center which incurred the selling expense.

 

Allocation of administrative expenses to business segments

 

Administrative expenses (other than those expenses we incurred for the benefit of all the business segments) related to our shopping centers, hotels and International business segments are directly attributable to such segments because such segments are individually managed and are clearly identifiable. Administrative expenses include management fees paid, if any, to the managers of such segments. The remaining administrative expenses are allocated to the different segments, based on the cost center in which they are incurred, as follows:

 

  administrative expenses related to all business segments, as those corresponding to the board of directors, are allocated among each segment pro rata on the basis of their respective assets;

 

  administrative expenses incurred by certain departments associated with specific segments are allocated to such segments; and

 

  70% of the remaining administrative expenses are allocated to the development and sale of properties segment, and 30% to the offices and other non-shopping center rental properties segment.

 

Allocation of results from the rescinding of Torres

 

These results derive from the rescinding of purchase agreements for units in Torres de Abasto in APSA and are allocated to “Sales and Developments”.

 

79


Table of Contents

Allocation of profits from our interest in the Tarjeta Shopping trust funds

 

This allocation of profits stems from the partnership interest of APSA in the Tarjeta Shopping trust funds. These profits have been allocated to the “Shopping Centers” segment.

 

Allocation of results from operations and the holding of real estate assets

 

These results are allocated to the segment that generates them.

 

Allocation of the goodwill depreciation

 

This includes mainly the depreciation of goodwill stemming from the acquisition of the Alto Palermo subsidiaries and of our own goodwill as a result of the purchase of stock in APSA, and is allocated to the “Shopping Centers” segments.

 

Allocation of other expenses and net income to business segments

 

Financial Results, Net. Includes interest income, gain (loss) on financial operations, financing expenses, gain (loss) on exposure to inflation, exchange differences and miscellaneous income (expense) allocable to each segment, as described below:

 

Income from financial operations. Only income related to Shopping Centers and Hotels were segregated by segment, as in these cases each of them manages the financial surplus recorded. The remaining amounts are recognized under “Financial Operations and Others” as they are not directly related to any specific segment.

 

Interest income, interest on discount of assets and liabilities and financing expenses. Only the results generated by APSA and Hotels are recorded in the Shopping Centers and Hotels segments. The remaining results are prorated among Sales and Development, Offices and Others, Hotels, Shopping Centers and in the column “Financial Operations and Others” in proportion to the corresponding assets.

 

REI and exchange differences, discounts and sundry. In the case of Shopping Centers and Hotels, they are charged to the segments giving rise to them. The remaining items are recorded in the column “Financial and Other operations” as they are not directly related to any segment.

 

Result of corporations under section 33 of Law No. 19,550. Applicable to the corresponding segments. Results generated by investments in corporations carrying out activities not falling under any of our segments of activity are recorded under “Financial and Other operations”.

 

Other income and expenses, net. Only those associated to Shopping Malls and Hotels are segregated by segment. The remaining items are recorded in the column “Financial and Other operations” as they are not directly related to any segment.

 

Minority interest. This result is applied to the segment of the company that generates it.

 

Income tax and minimum notional income tax. The corresponding income tax is applied to each segment.

 

Business Segment Reporting

 

We have determined that our reportable segments are those that are based on our method of internal reporting. Accordingly, we have six reportable segments. These segments are development and sales of properties, office and other non-shopping center rental properties, shopping centers, hotel operations, international, financial operations and others. The Consolidated Financial Statements were prepared in accordance with the procedure established by Technical Resolution No. 21 of the F.A.C.P.C.E., which requires the consolidation of every line of the Balance Sheet as of June 30, 2004 and 2003 of our company, the financial statements and Statements of Financial Position for the twelve-month periods ending on those

 

80


Table of Contents

dates, with the financial statement of those companies in which the we have direct or indirect decisive voting power.

 

A general description of each segment follows:

 

Development and sale of properties. This segment includes the operating results of our construction and ultimate sale of residential buildings business.

 

Offices and other non-shopping center rental properties. This segment includes the operating results of our lease and service revenues of office space and other non-retail building properties from tenants.

 

Shopping centers. This segment includes the operating results of our shopping centers principally comprised of lease and service revenues from tenants. This segment also includes revenues derived from credit card transactions which consist of commissions and financing income.

 

Hotel operations. This segment includes the operating results of our hotels principally comprised of room, catering and restaurant revenues.

 

International. This segment includes the results of operations of our equity investments in Brazil for the year ended June 30, 2002. We sold our ownership interests in FVI and Venezuela Invest in December 2000 and our ownership interest in Brazil Realty in February 2002.

 

Financial Operations and Others. This segment primarily includes revenues and associated costs generated from the sale of equity securities, other securities-related transactions and other non-core activities. For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2002, this segment also includes the loss in our equity investees relating to Internet, telecommunications and other technology-related activities.

 

We measure our reportable segments based on net income. Inter-segment transactions, if any, are accounted for at current market prices. We evaluate performance and allocate our resources to each segment based on net segment income. During the year ended June 30, 2004, no single customer accounted for more than 5% of our total sales or our total operating income.

 

81


Table of Contents

The following tables show certain operating data by business activity:

 

     For the fiscal year 2004 (in millions of Pesos)

 
    

Development

and sale of
properties


    Offices and
other non-
shopping
center
properties


    Shopping
centers


    Hotel
operations


    Other

    Total

 

Revenues

   31.1     15.1     143.3     71.3     —       260.8  

Costs

   (26.6 )   (8.3 )   (72.4 )   (40.0 )   —       (147.4 )

Gross profit

   4.5     6.9     70.8     31.2     —       113.4  

Selling expenses

   (4.0 )   (0.1 )   (10.9 )   (8.2 )   —       (23.0 )

Administrative expenses

   (6.7 )   (4.3 )   (23.6 )   (15.6 )   —       (50.2 )

Gain in credit card trust

   —       —       0.3     —       —       0.3  

Gain from operations and holdings of real estate assets, net

   7.0     27.7     26.9     2.7     —       64.3  
    

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income

   0.9     30.2     63.5     10.1     —       104.7  
    

 

 

 

 

 

Amortization of goodwill

   —       —       (2.9 )   —       —       (2.9 )

Financial results, net

   (6.1 )   (6.2 )   (13.5 )   (4.9 )   41.4     10.5  

Equity (loss) gain from related parties

   (0.2 )   —       (1.1 )   —       28.0     26.7  

Other expenses, net

   —       —       (4.8 )   (2.1 )   (5.7 )   (12.6 )

Income before taxes and minority interest

   (5.5 )   24.0     41.1     3.1     63.6     126.4  

Income and asset tax expense

   (0.5 )   (3.3 )   (16.3 )   (3.1 )   (2.6 )   (25.7 )

Minority interest

   0.4     (1.3 )   (9.3 )   (2.7 )   —       (12.8 )

Net (loss) income

   (5.5 )   19.5     15.5     (2.7 )   61.0     87.9  
    

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets

   355.2     331.2     1,051.5     138.5     326.6     2,202.9  
    

 

 

 

 

 

 

82


Table of Contents
     For the fiscal year 2003 (in millions of Pesos) (1)

 
    

Development

and sale of
properties


    Offices and
other non-
shopping
center
properties


    Shopping
centers


    Hotel
operations


    Other

    Total

 

Revenues

   47.2     17.8     113.8     57.7     —       236.5  

Costs

   (47.1 )   (9.1 )   (67.1 )   (31.4 )   —       (154.7 )

Gross profit

   0.1     8.7     46.7     26.4     —       81.8  

Selling expenses

   (4.0 )   (0.1 )   (17.6 )   (6.9 )   —       (28.6 )

Administrative expenses

   (6.1 )   (4.4 )   (21.4 )   (13.3 )   —       (45.2 )

Gain on purchasers’ rescissions of sale contracts

   0.0     —       —       —       —       0.0  

Loss in credit card trust

   —       —       (4.1 )   —       —       (4.1 )

Gain (loss) from operations and holdings of real estate assets

   12.9     (1.9 )   10.5     —       —       21.5  
    

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income

   3.0     2.3     14.1     6.2     —       25.5  
    

 

 

 

 

 

Amortization of goodwill

   —       —       (6.6 )   —       —       (6.6 )

Financial results, net

   (2.1 )   (2.1 )   83.3     11.1     225.2     315.3  

Equity loss from related parties

   (0.3 )   —       (12.1 )   —       (2.3 )   (14.7 )

Other income (expenses), net

   —       —       13.3     (3.7 )   (10.4 )   (0.9 )

Income before taxes and minority interest

   0.5     0.2     92.0     13.5     212.4     318.6  

Income and asset tax benefit (expense)

   0.7     (1.0 )   (46.8 )   1.4     49.2     3.5  

Minority interest

   5.1     (1.4 )   (35.2 )   (4.2 )   —       (35.7 )

Net income (loss)

   6.3     (2.2 )   10.0     10.7     261.6     286.4  
    

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets

   342.9     293.4     1,044.2     138.8     262.7     2,082.0  
    

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1) Under Argentine GAAP, we adopted RT No. 21 “Equity Method of Accounting, Consolidation of Financial Statements and Related Party Transactions” during the year ended June 30, 2004. As a result of such an adoption, we began consolidating Llao Llao Resorts S.A. (hotel operations). As required by Argentine GAAP, our prior year’s financial statements and related data were restated to reflect our investment in Llao Llao Resorts S.A. on a consolidated basis.

 

83


Table of Contents
     For the fiscal year 2002 (in millions of Pesos) (1)

 
    

Development

and sale of
properties


    Offices and
other non-
shopping
center
properties


    Shopping
centers


    Hotel
operations


    International

    Other

    Total

 

Revenues

   54.5     44.5     —       57.4     —       —       156.4  

Costs

   (43.5 )   (13.2 )   —       (40.3 )   —       —       (97.0 )

Gross profit

   11.0     31.3           17.1           —       59.4  

Selling expenses

   (6.8 )   (0.6 )         (6.9 )         —       (14.3 )

Administrative expenses

   (11.2 )   (6.1 )   (1.4 )   (16.3 )   (1.3 )   —       (36.3 )

Gain (loss) from operations and holdings of real estate assets

   (26.8 )   (49.3 )   —       (6.6 )   35.9     —       (46.8 )
    

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income

   (33.8 )   (24.7 )   (1.4 )   (12.7 )   34.6     —       (38.0 )
    

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financial results, net

   (29.0 )   (16.7 )   —       (12.4 )   —       (438.4 )   (496.5 )

Equity gain (loss) from related parties

   1.6     —       (4.6 )   —       (3.4 )   1.8     (4.6 )

Other expenses, net

   —       —       —       —       —       (4.5 )   (4.5 )

(Loss) income before taxes and minority interest

   (61.2 )   (41.4 )   (6.0 )   (25.1 )   31.2     (441.1 )   (543.6 )

Income and asset tax benefit (expense)

   4.6     (5.2 )   (0.8 )   1.8     (1.3 )   (0.2 )   (1.1 )

Minority interest

   (4.0 )   —       —       5.0     —       —       1.0  

Net (loss) income

   (60.6 )   (46.6 )   (6.8 )   (18.3 )   29.9     (441.3 )   (543.7 )
    

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets

   399.3     309.2     338.8     150.5     29.4     88.8     1,316.0  
    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1) Under Argentine GAAP, we adopted RT No. 21 “Equity Method of Accounting, Consolidation of Financial Statements and Related Party Transactions” during the year ended June 30, 2004. As a result of such an adoption, we began consolidating Llao Llao Resorts S.A. (hotel operations). As required by Argentine GAAP, our prior year’s financial statements and related data were restated to reflect our investment in Llao Llao Resorts S.A. on a consolidated basis.

 

Results of Operations for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2004 and 2003.

 

Revenues

 

Revenues increased 10.3%, from Ps. 236.5 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2003, to Ps. 260.8 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2004. This increase reflects a rise in revenues from the Shopping Center and Hotels segments, partially offset by a decrease in revenues from the Development and Sale of Properties, Offices and Other and Non-shopping Center Rental Properties segments as discussed in detail below.

 

Development and Sale of Properties. Revenues from Development and Sale of Properties decreased 34.1%, from Ps. 47.2 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2003, to Ps. 31.1 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2004. This decrease was attributable to (i) a Ps. 9.7 million reduction in sales of housing units principally in Alto Palermo Park as a result of the sale of this property during 2003; (ii) a Ps. 6.8 million decrease in sales of residential communities principally Abril, which fell by 50%; and (iii) a Ps. 11.7 million decrease in sales of other properties due to the sale of Hotel Piscis for Ps. 9.9 million during 2003. Such decreases were partially offset by the sale of Benavídez in 2004.

 

84


Table of Contents

Offices and Others. Revenues from Offices and Other decreased 14.8%, from Ps. 17.8 million during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2003, to Ps. 15.1 million during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2004. This decrease is mainly due to a decrease in revenues from leases primarily as a result of a decrease in the average rates and in the average occupancy level, from Ps. 16.2 million in the fiscal year ended June 30, 2003, to Ps. 13.8 million in the fiscal year ended June 30, 2004. This decrease in revenues from leases was attributed to (i) the decrease in monthly rental income during the current year, especially in Intecontinental Plaza Tower (Ps. 1.5 million decrease) and Laminar Plaza (Ps. 0.6 million decrease), and (ii) the sale of three floors and several parking spaces in Madero 1020, which generated a reduction in leases of Ps. 0.8 million. This decrease was partially offset by a Ps. 0.4 million increase in revenue from Edificios Costeros, where the average occupancy level rose from 63% to 98%.

 

Shopping Centers. Revenues from Shopping Centers increased 25.9 %, from Ps. 113.7 million during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2003, to Ps. 143.2 million during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2004. The increase was attributed principally to a 27.5% increase in income from leases and services, from Ps. 88.8 million to Ps. 113.2 million, and an increase of 20.5% from Tarjeta Shoping´s sales, from Ps. 24.9 million to Ps. 30.0 million. The percentage of occupancy ratios of our Shopping Centers increased from 96% in fiscal year 2003 to 99% in fiscal year 2004.

 

Hotels. Revenues from Hotels went up 23.5%, from Ps. 57.7 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2003 to Ps. 71.3 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2004, as a result of an increase in Llao Llao’s average price per room and an increase in average occupancy in all our hotels, from 57% during fiscal year 2003 to 68% during fiscal year 2004. Revenues from Hotel Sheraton Libertador increased by Ps. 4.1 million, revenues from Hotel Intercontinental increased by Ps. 3.8 million and revenues from Hotel Llao Llao increased by Ps. 6.0 million. Furthermore, during fiscal year 2003 we recognized sales from the Hotel Piscis for Ps. 0.3 million.

 

Costs

 

Total costs decreased 4.7%, from Ps. 154.7 million during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2003 to Ps. 147.4 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2004. This reduction is the net result of (i) an increase in costs in the Shopping Centers and Hotels segments and (ii) a decrease in costs in the Development and Sale of Properties, Offices and Other and Non-shopping Rental Properties segments.

 

Development and Sale of Properties. Costs related to Development and Sale of Properties decreased 43.4%, from Ps. 47.1 million in the fiscal year ended June 30, 2003 to Ps. 26.6 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2004 mainly as a result of a decrease in total costs per square meters sold due to lower sales and in a less degree as a result of a decrease in mantainance expenses of the available for sale properties due to a small portfolio. Costs relating to Development and Sale of Properties as a percentage of revenues from the segment decreased from 99.7% during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2003 to 86.4% during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2004.

 

Offices and Other. Costs of Offices and Other decreased 9%, from Ps 9.1 million during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2003 to Ps. 8.3 million during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2004 due to a decrease in mantainance expenses of the available for rent properties. The main component of cost of Offices and Other is represented by the depreciation of leased properties, which remained stable.

 

Shopping Centers. Costs related to Shopping Centers increased 8.0%, from Ps. 67.1 million in the fiscal year ended June 2003 to Ps. 72.4 million in the fiscal year ended June 30, 2004. This increase was due to: (i) a 2.5% increase in leases and services costs resulting mainly from higher costs derived from car-parking of Ps. 0.9 million, increases in the number of personnel and an increase in security and cleaning costs, and to a lesser extent, because of (a) an increased depreciation charge of Ps. 0.6 million, (b) an increase in maintenance and repair costs of Ps. 0.2 million, that enable us to make changes to the areas to be leased, and (c) an increase in condominium expenses not recovered of Ps. 0.1 million because of the decision not to pass on the total amount of the increase in shared expenses to our tenants; and (ii) a 43.6%

 

85


Table of Contents

increase in costs from credit card operation, due to the expansion that took place during the year, which included increasing personnel in the areas of customer and store service and adapting the telephone assistance centers to new customer volume.

 

Hotels. Costs from hotel operations increased 27.7%, from Ps. 31.4 million during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2003 to Ps. 40.0 million during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2004, primarily due to an increase of Ps. 2.8 million in salaries due to an increase in the staff of the hotel; (ii) an increase of Ps. 2.8 million in mantainance expenses and (iii) an increase of Ps. 1.5 million in direct costs such as food and beverages. Costs of hotels are primarily composed of depreciation, food and beverages, salaries and social security contributions. Costs relating to hotel operations as a percentage of revenues from the segment increased from 54.3% during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2003 to 56.2% during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2004.

 

Gross Profit

 

As a result of the foregoing, gross profit increased 38.6%, from Ps. 81.8 million during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2003 to Ps 113.4 million during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2004.

 

Selling Expenses

 

Selling expenses decreased 19.3%, from Ps. 28.6 million during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2003 to Ps. 23.0 million during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2004, primarily due to the net effect of (i) a decrease in selling expenses in Development and Sale of Properties and Offices and Other and (ii) an increase in selling expenses of Shopping Centers and Hotels. Selling expenses as a percentage of revenues decreased from 12.1% during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2003, to 8.8% during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2004.

 

Development and Sale of Properties. Selling expenses from Development and Sale of Properties decreased 1.6%, from Ps. 4.0 million during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2003 to Ps. 3.9 million during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2004, due to the decrease in sales during this fiscal year, which generated less direct selling expenses. The main components of selling expenses of Development and Sale of Properties are commissions and expenses from sales, advertising and gross sales tax.

 

Offices and Other. Selling expenses relating to Offices and Other decreased 32.5%, from Ps. 0.1 million during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2003 to Ps. 0.05 million during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2004.

 

Shopping Centers. Selling expenses relating to Shopping Centers decreased 38.2%, from Ps. 17.6 million during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2003 to Ps. 10.9 million during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2004. This decrease was mainly due to a 100% decrease in the allowance for doubtful accounts, from Ps. 10.3 million during fiscal year 2003 to zero during fiscal year 2004, as a consequence of the improvement during the year in the collection activities carried out by our shopping centers which was partly offset by (i) a 36% increase in gross sales tax, from Ps. 4.4 million during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2003 to Ps. 6.0 million during 2004, due to a similar increase in our sales, (ii) a 78.7% increase in advertising expenses, from Ps. 1.5 million in fiscal year 2003 to Ps. 2.6 million in fiscal year 2004, and (iii) an 85 % increase in the cost of personnel, from Ps. 1.2 million during fiscal year 2003 to Ps. 2.2 million during fiscal year 2004.

 

Hotels. Selling expenses relating to Hotel operations increased 18.8%, from Ps. 6.9 million during fiscal year 2003 to Ps. 8.1 during fiscal year 2004, mainly due to an increase in advertising expenses and an increase in the gross sales tax as a consequence of an increase in sales.

 

86


Table of Contents

Administrative Expenses

 

Administrative expenses increased 11.2%, from Ps. 45.2 million during the fiscal year 2003 to Ps. 50.2 million during the fiscal year 2004, due to an increase in administrative expenses relating to all our business units due to (i) an increase of Ps. 2.8 million in salaries and (ii) an increase of Ps. 1.5 million in fees and payments for services, except for Offices and Other which showed a light decrease. The main components of administrative expenses are salaries, social security, fees, compensation for services, depreciation and amortization.

 

Development and Sale of Properties. The administrative expenses from Development and Sale of Properties increased 9.5%, from Ps. 6.1 million during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2003 to Ps. 6.7 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2004. This variation was primarily due to (i) a Ps. 1.0 million increase in salary, social security, and depreciation, and (ii) a Ps. 0.4. million decrease in Directors’ fees. Administrative expenses of Development and Sale of Properties as a percentage of income from this segment increased from 12.9% during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2003 to 21.5% during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2004.

 

Offices and Other. Administrative expenses from Offices and Other decreased 1.8%, from Ps. 4.4 million during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2003 to Ps. 4.3 million during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2004. This decrease of Ps. 0.1 million was due to (i) Ps. 1.1 million increase in salary; (ii) Ps. 0.5 million decrease in Directors’ fees and (iii) Ps. 0.5 million decrease in fees allocated to this segment.

 

Shopping Centers. Administrative expenses of Shopping Centers increased 10.5%, from Ps. 21.4 million during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2003 to Ps. 23.6 million during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2004, primarily due to increases in salary, bonuses, social security contributions, fees and payments for services and taxes.

 

Hotels. Administrative expenses of Hotels increased 17.2%, from Ps. 13.3 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2003 to Ps. 15.6 million during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2004, primarily due to the Ps. 1.2 million increase attributable to Hotel Llao Llao as a result of the increase in taxes, services and salaries, and the Ps. 0.9 million increase attributable to Sheraton Libertador hotels, as a result of the increase in fees and services. Administrative expenses of Hotels as a percentage of sales from hotel operations decreased from 23.1% during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2003 to 21.9% during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2004.

 

Gain on Purchasers’ Rescissions of Sales Contracts

 

This line showed a 100% decrease from Ps. 0.009 million during fiscal year 2003 to zero during fiscal year 2004. This decrease was due to the consolidation with Alto Palermo in fiscal year 2003 and the rescission of the Torres de Abasto sales contracts.

 

Gain (Loss) in Credit Card Trust

 

The results of Credit Card Trust increased, from a loss of Ps. 4.1 million during fiscal year 2003 to a profit of Ps. 0.3 million during fiscal year 2004 due to the interest held by Alto Palermo in the Tarjeta Shopping Credit Card Trust.

 

Gain from Operations and Holdings of Real Estate Assets, net

 

The Gain from Operations and Holdings of Real Estate Assets, net, showed a gain of Ps. 42.8 million, having increased from a gain of Ps. 21.5 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2003 to a gain of Ps. 64.3 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2004. The gain generated during fiscal year 2004 was mainly due to the net impact of (i) the Ps. 64.3 million gain attributed to the net recovery of the allowance for the impairment of real estate during fiscal year 2004 in comparison to the Ps. 11.4 million gain recorded in fiscal year 2003 and (ii) the lack of recurrence of the sale of stock in Valle de las Leñas for approximately Ps. 10.0.

 

87


Table of Contents

Operating Income

 

As a result of the foregoing, total Operating Income increased from a profit of Ps. 25.5 million during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2003 to a profit of Ps. 104.7 million during fiscal year 2004.

 

Development and Sale of Properties. Operating results from Development and Sale of Properties decreased 70.9%, from a profit of Ps. 3.0 million during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2003 to a gain of Ps. 0.9 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2004.

 

Offices and Other. Operating results from Offices and Other increased from a profit of Ps. 2.3 million during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2003 to a profit of Ps. 30.3 million for fiscal year 2004.

 

Shopping Centers. Operating results from Shopping Centers increased from a profit of Ps. 14.1 million during fiscal year 2003 to a profit of Ps. 63.5 million during fiscal year 2004.

 

Hotels. Operating results from Hotels increased 64.2%, from a profit of Ps. 6.2 million during fiscal year 2003 to a profit of Ps. 10.1 during fiscal year 2004.

 

Amortization of Goodwill

 

The loss reported under this heading mainly includes (i) the amortization of goodwill due to the acquisition of Shopping Alto Palermo S.A. (SAPSA), Fibesa and Tarshop S.A., subsidiaries of Alto Palermo, and (ii) the amortization of our goodwill from the purchase of stock in Alto Palermo during the current fiscal year. The amortization of goodwill decreased 56.2%, from a loss of Ps. 6.6 million during fiscal year 2003 to a loss of Ps. 2.9 million during fiscal year 2004.

 

Financial Results, net

 

Total net gains/losses on the financing of assets showed a variation of Ps. 304.8 million, from a gain of Ps. 315.3 million during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2003 to a gain of Ps. 10.5 million during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2004. This variation was due to (i) the Ps. 201.7 million exchange difference loss with regard to the previous year, owing to the depreciation of the Peso against the U.S. Dollar from 2.80 in 2003 to 2.958 in 2004, (ii) the Ps. 39.1 million loss on the financing of assets compared to the previous year, mainly due to the drop in the results generated by Alto Palermo and as a result of exchange differences and derivatives as caused by the 5.6 % depreciation of the Peso with respect to the Dollar (in 2003 the value of the currency had a reverse behavior, appreciating by 26%). This depreciation negatively affected the value of the interest rate swap; (iii) the drop in the discounts obtained this year, which amounted to Ps. 7.2 million, on the purchase of loans with HSBC abroad, compared with the previous year in which the discounts obtained had amounted to Ps. 36.9 million through the prepayment of the debt to GSEM for approximately Ps. 26.0 million and from the accounting measurement as of June 30, 2004 of the debt to HSBC as compared with the amount settled subsequent to the financial closing date, which generated a discount of Ps. 10.7 million according to Argentine GAAP; (iv) the Ps. 32.1 million gain obtained during fiscal year 2003 as a result of the adjustment made to our liabilities to fair market value at the established 8% annual market rate, changing the value of these debts which previously had a book value calculated at the rate in force at the time of refinancing; and (v) a Ps. 5 million decrease in financing expenses resulting from the repurchase of the loans with HSBC banks in Argentina and abroad and the conversions made by holders of our negotiable obligations.

 

Equity (Loss) Gain from Related Parties

 

The net results derived from affiliated companies increased Ps. 41.4 million, from a loss of Ps. 14.7 million during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2003 to a gain of Ps. 26.7 million during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2004. This increase was mainly due to (i) the gain of Ps. 30.1 million recorded in the current year as a result of the change in the valuation criterion applied to Banco Hipotecario from net realization value

 

88


Table of Contents

to proportional equity value, and (ii) the non-recurrence of the loss of Ps. 11.0 million from our investment in Alto Palermo, Pérez Cuesta and E-Commerce Latina, which decreased from Ps. 12.1 million loss during fiscal year 2003 to Ps. 1.1 million loss during fiscal year 2004.

 

Other Income (Expenses), net

 

Other Income (Expenses), net line increased Ps. 11.7 million, from a loss of Ps. 0.9 million during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2003 to a loss of Ps. 12.6 million during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2004, primarily due to the net fluctuation generated by (i) the non-recurrence of the Ps. 13.0 million gain from the repurchase of Negotiable Obligations of Alto Palermo in the open market and (ii) the Ps. 2.3 million gain, as a result of a decrease in lawsuits.

 

Income (Loss) before Minority Interest and Taxes

 

As a result of the foregoing, Income before Minority Interest and Taxes decreased, from a Ps. 318.6 million gain during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2003 to a Ps. 126.4 million gain during fiscal year 2004.

 

Minority Interest

 

Minority Interest decreased 64%, from a Ps. 35.7 million loss during fiscal year 2003, a Ps. 12.8 million loss during fiscal year 2004, mainly due to (i) the reduction in our minority interest in Alto Palermo and the interests held by Alto Palermo in its subsidiaries, which decreased from a Ps. 35.2 million loss during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2003 to a Ps. 9.3 million loss during the year ended June 30, 2004 and (ii) the reduction in our minority interests in Palermo Invest, which decreased from a Ps. 3.7 million gain during the previous year to a Ps. 0.8 million loss during the current year.

 

Income Tax and Asset Tax

 

Income Tax decreased by Ps. 29.2 million, from a Ps. 3.5 million benefit during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2003, to a Ps. 25.7 million expense during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2004. The deferred tax allocation method was used to calculate the income tax corresponding to the two fiscal years, therefore recognizing the temporary differences in accounting and tax assets and liabilities. The Ps. 29.2 million change was mainly due to the net impact of (i) the difference in the income tax charge corresponding to IRSA which represented an expense of Ps. 52.6 million, compared to the Ps. 48.9 million benefit corresponding to the asset tax for the year 2003, which includes a Ps. 49.9 million benefit from deferred taxes and a Ps. 1.0 million expense from the asset tax, to a Ps. 3.7 million expense during fiscal year 2004 from asset tax, (ii) the Ps. 30.5 million variation in the income tax charge for Alto Palermo, from a Ps. 46.8 million expense during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2003 to a Ps. 16.3 million expense during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2004 and (iii) the Ps. 4.3 million (expense) variation in the income tax charge for Llao Llao Resort S.A. in both fiscal years.

 

Net income (loss) for the year

 

As a result of the foregoing, the net income for the year decreased from a profit of Ps. 286.4 million during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2003, to a profit of Ps. 87.9 million during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2004.

 

Results of Operations for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2003 and 2002

 

Revenues

 

Revenues increased 51.4%, from Ps. 156.2 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2002, to Ps. 236.5 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2003. This increase reflected the net impact of (i) an increase in income from the Shopping Center segment as a result of the consolidation of APSA in the 2003

 

89


Table of Contents

fiscal year, and (ii) the decrease in income from the remaining segments, except for Hotels which increased slightly, as a result of the ongoing recession of the Argentine economy.

 

Development and Sale of Properties. Revenues from development and sale of properties decreased 13.1%, from Ps. 54.5 million for the fiscal year ended 30 June, 2002, to Ps. 47.2 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2003, despite the higher sales volume achieved in the 2003 fiscal year. This decrease in the development and sale of properties segment was attributable to: (i) the Ps. 10.5 million drop in sales of housing units principally of Alto Palermo Park owing to the completion of the sale of this project during the 2003 fiscal year and (ii) the Ps. 1.1 million decrease principally in sales from the residential communities of Abril. These decreases were partially offset by the Ps. 4.3 million increase in sales of other real estate stemming mainly from (i) the sale during the 2003 fiscal year of the Hotel Piscis for Ps. 9.9 million, (ii) the sale of office space in the buildings located at Madero 1020, Madero 940 and Libertador 498, for Ps. 9.6 million and (iii) the decrease in sales of other real estate, amounting to Ps. 15.2 million, among which it is worth highlighting the property at Rivadavia 2243 and Santa Fé 1588.

 

Offices and Other. Revenues from Offices and Other decreased 60.0%, from Ps. 44.5 million during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2002, to Ps. 17.8 million during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2003. This decrease is mainly due to a 58.2% decrease in revenues from office rents, from Ps. 38.8 million in the fiscal year ended June 30, 2002, to Ps. 16.2 million in the fiscal year ended June 30, 2003. This decrease in revenues was attributed to (i) a lower average occupancy rate during 2003; (ii) the fact that contractual prices did not evolve in the same way as inflation, which means that the increase in sales from the previous year due to inflation restatement was higher than the increase in the amount of sales during fiscal year 2003; and (iii) a 78.6% decrease in revenues from commercial property rents and other properties, from Ps. 4.4 million in the fiscal year ended June 30, 2002 to Ps. 0.9 million in the fiscal year ended June 30, 2003, mainly due to the sale of the real estate at Rivadavia 2243 and Santa Fe 1588.

 

Shopping Centers. During fiscal year 2003 we began consolidating Alto Palermo S.A., whose financial statements are allocated under this segment. Revenues decreased by 40.73 % from Ps. 192.0 million during fiscal year 2002 to Ps. 113.8 million during fiscal year 2003 due to a 39.2% reduction in leases and services revenues (from Ps. 146.1 million to Ps. 88.8 million) and a 45.6% reduction in sales from credit card opertation (from Ps. 45.8 million to Ps. 24.9 million). It is important to mention that leases and services revenues even if they have increased in nominal value, this increase is lower than the inflation index, therefore there was a reduction in real terms. We must highlight that the economic recovery that began last year is generating an increase in our tenant´s sales, being reflected in increments in the occupancy ratios, rental incomes and admission rights of our shopping centers. The occupancy ratio of our shopping centers increased from 92.4% for the year ended, 2002 to 95.8 % for the year ended 2003. The decrease in Credit Card operations is attributed to the streamlining of its portfolio throughout the year under review as a result of the severe financial crisis. Although the current portfolio is smaller, it is characterized by a better credit capacity.

 

Hotels. Revenues from hotels increased 0.5%, from Ps. 57.4 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2002 to Ps. 57.7 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2003, due to an increase in the average rates and the average occupancy level, from 47% in 2002 to 57% in 2003. Revenues from Hotel Llao Llao increased by Ps. 5.0 million, Hotel Sheraton Libertador decreased by Ps. 3.7 million and revenues from the Hotel Intercontinental decreased by Ps. 1.3 million. Furthermore, during fiscal year 2003 we recognized sales from the Hotel Piscis for Ps. 0.3 million.

 

International. Following the sale of the interest in Brazil Realty and FVI, no new investments were made in this segment.

 

Costs

 

Total costs increased 59.5%, from Ps. 97.0 million during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2002 to Ps. 154.7 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2003. This increase is mainly due to the net impact of (i) the consolidation of the results of APSA during fiscal year 2003; (ii) an increase in costs in the Development and sale segment; and (iii) a decrease in costs in the Hotels and Offices segment. Total costs as a percentage of revenues increased from 62.1% for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2002 to 65.4% for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2003.

 

90


Table of Contents

Development and Sale of Properties. Costs related to Development and Sale increased 8.3%, from Ps. 43.5 million in the fiscal year ended June 30, 2002 to Ps. 47.1 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2003 primarily as a result of the sale during the present fiscal year of non-core properties with a low margin due to the fact that during fiscal year 2002 we sold almost all of our principal properties, specially Alto Palermo Park, with an important sale margin. Costs relating to Development and Sale as a percentage of revenues from the segment increased from 79.9% during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2002 to 99.7% during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2003.

 

Offices and Other. Costs of Offices and Other decreased 31.1%, from Ps 13.2 million during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2002 to Ps. 9.1 million during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2003 due to lower depreciation charges. Costs relating to Offices and Other as a percentage of revenues from the segment increased from 29.7% for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2002 to 51.2% for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2003 due to a decrease in the average occupancy rate. The main component of cost of offices is represented by the depreciation of leased properties and expenses related to available units.

 

Shopping Centers. During fiscal year 2003, we have begun to consolidate APSA, whose costs have been allocated to this segment. Costs generated were Ps. 67.1 million, and account for 43.4% of our total costs. Total costs registered a 19.9% decrease between both fiscal years due to (i) a sharp reduction in non-recoupable expenses owing to the reduction in vacant stores and improved collections for the year, (ii) a lower amortization charge stemming from the lower value of the assets as a result of the impairment recognized at the previous closing date and the failure to amortize launching expenses relating to Abasto Shopping; and (iii) a reduction in car park expenses. The main cost component of shopping centers is represented by depreciation and amortization charges of leased properties, including goodwill paid upon their acquisition.

 

Hotels. Costs from hotel operations decreased 22.1%, from Ps. 40.3 million during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2002 to Ps. 31.4 million during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2003, primarily due to the decrease in the constant value of the cost components of Hotels such as salaries, fees and services. Hotel operating costs as a percentage of revenues from hotels decreased from 70.2% for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2002 to 54.3% for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2003. Costs of hotels are primarily composed of rooms, depreciation, food and beverages, salaries and social security contributions.

 

International. Following the sale of the interest in Brazil Realty and FVI, no further investments were made in this segment.

 

Gross Profit

 

As a result of the foregoing, the gross profit increased 38.0%, from Ps. 59.3 million during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2002 to Ps 81.8 million during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2003.

 

Selling Expenses

 

Selling expenses increased 100.4%, from Ps. 14.2 million during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2002 to Ps. 28.6 million during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2003, primarily due to the increase in Shopping Centers selling expenses from the consolidation of APSA and partially offset by a 23.1% reduction in the selling expenses of the other segments. Selling expenses as a percentage of revenues increased from 9.1% during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2002, to 12.1% during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2003.

 

Development and Sale of Properties. Selling expenses from Development and Sales decreased 41.2%, from Ps. 6.8 million during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2002 to Ps. 4.0 million during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2003, as a consequence of the decrease in sales operations during this fiscal year generating less direct selling expenses. Selling of Development and Sale of properties as a percentage of revenues from this segment decreased from 12.4% during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2002 to 8.5% for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2003. The main components of selling expenses of Development and Sale are commissions and expenses from sales and advertising.

 

91


Table of Contents

Offices and Other. Selling expenses relating to Offices and Other decreased 83.3%, from Ps. 0.6 million during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2002 to Ps. 0.1 million during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2003.

 

Shopping Centers. During fiscal year 2003 we began consolidating APSA whose selling expenses are allocated under this segment. Expenses generated during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2003 were Ps. 17.6 million, which accounted for 68.8% of our total selling expenses. The decrease of 72.2% in shopping centers selling expenses during both fiscal years was mainly due to: (i) a decrease in the allowance for doubtful accounts by 80.4%, from Ps. 52.8 million during fiscal year 2002 to Ps. 10.3 million during fiscal year 2003, out of which Ps. 35.2 million and Ps. 2.4 million are related to allowance for doubtful accounts from our shopping center operations during fiscal years 2002 and 2003 respectively and Ps. 17.6 million and Ps. 8.0 million related to allowance for doubtful accounts of Tarjeta Shopping during fiscal years 2002 and 2003 respectively; (ii) a decrease in advertising expenses by 59%, from Ps. 3.6 million in fiscal year 2002 to Ps. 1.5 million in fiscal year 2003; (iii) the 14.7% reduction in gross income charge, from Ps. 5.1. million during fiscal year 2002 to Ps. 4.4. million during fiscal year 2003, attributed to the fact that the increase in sales at nominal values did not match the wholesale inflation; and (iv) a reduction in the amortization charge relating to the launch of Shopping Abasto and advertising expenses connected with Torres de Abasto which were fully depreciated in the previous year. The main components of selling expenses of Shopping Centers are bad debts charges and advertising expenses.

 

Hotels. Selling expenses did not change with regard to the previous fiscal year and remained stable at Ps. 6.9 million. The main components of selling expenses are advertising expenses and salaries.

 

International. Following the sale of the interest in Brazil Realty and FVI, no further investments were made in this segment.

 

Administrative Expenses

 

Administrative expenses increased 24.5%, from Ps. 36.3 million during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2002 to Ps. 45.2 million during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2003, due to an increase in administrative expenses relating to Shopping Centers stemming from the consolidation with APSA, which was partially offset by a 31.6% reduction in the administrative expenses in the remaining segments. The main components of administrative expenses are salaries and social security, fees, and compensation for services and depreciation and amortization.

 

Development and Sale of Properties. Administrative expenses of Development and Sale of properties decreased 45.5%, from Ps. 11.2 million during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2002 to Ps. 6.1 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2003, primarily due to a decrease in constant values of expenses such as salaries, fees and services. Administrative expenses of Development and Sale of properties as a percentage of revenues from this segment decreased from 20.6% during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2002 to 13.0% during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2003.

 

Offices and Other. Administrative expenses of Offices and Other decreased 27.9%, from Ps. 6.1 million during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2002 to Ps. 4.4 million during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2003, primarily due to a decrease in constant values of expenses such as salaries, fees and services. Administrative expenses of Offices and Other as a percentage of revenues from this segment increased from 13.6% during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2002 to 24.7% during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2003 as a result of the sharp reduction in the income from the segment.

 

Shopping Centers. The fluctuation in administrative expenses under this segment is mainly due to the consolidation with the results of APSA. The expenses generated during fiscal year 2003 amount to Ps. 21.4 million, accounting for 51.3% of overall administrative expenses. The decrease of 28,2% between both fiscal years was basically due to the reduction in salary, bonuses, social security contributions, taxes, rates, contributions and services.

 

Hotels. Administrative expenses of Hotels decreased 18.4%, from Ps. 16.3 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2002 to Ps. 13.3 million during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2003, basically due to the decrease during fiscal year 2003 of all the administrative expenses for the Intercontinental and Sheraton

 

92


Table of Contents

Libertador hotels. Administrative expenses of Hotels as a percentage of revenues from hotel operations decreased from 28.5% during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2002 to 23.1% during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2003. The main components of administrative expenses of hotel operation are salaries, fees for services and depreciation and amortization.

 

International. Subsequent to the sale of the interest in Brazil Realty and FVI, no further investments were made in this segment, consequently, no charge has been recorded during fiscal year 2003.

 

Gain on Purchasers’ Rescissions of Sales Contracts

 

This result stems from APSA as a result of the consolidation with this company as from fiscal year 2003 and arises from the rescission of Torres de Abasto sales contracts, generating a profit for the fiscal year of Ps. 0.009 million.

 

Loss in Credit Card Trust

 

The loss reported under this heading amounting to Ps. 4.1 million during fiscal year 2003 stems from interest held by APSA in the Tarjeta Shopping Credit Card Trust and is incorporated to our statement of operations following the consolidation with APSA as from fiscal year 2003.

 

(Loss) Income from Operations and Holdings of Real Estate Assets, net

 

(Loss) Income from operations and holdings of real estate assets, net, varied from one year to another, showing a gain of Ps. 68.3 million, having recovered from a loss of Ps. 46.8 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2002 to a gain of Ps. 21.5 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2003. The gain generated during fiscal year 2003 is mainly attributed to (i) the gain of Ps. 10.9 million stemming from the sale of stock in Valle de las Leñas; and (ii) a gain of Ps. 11.4 million attributed to the net recovery of the allowance for the devaluation of real estate. Furthermore, the loss reported the previous year is mainly attributed to (i) the setting up of the allowance for the devaluation of real estate for Ps. 82.6 million; which was partially offset by (ii) a gain of Ps. 35.8 million from the sale of our equity interest in Brazil Realty.

 

Operating Income

 

As a result of the foregoing, the total operating income recovered from a loss of Ps. 38.1 million during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2002 to a profit of Ps. 25.5 million during fiscal year 2003.

 

Development and Sale of Properties. Operating results from Development and Sales of properties increased from a loss of Ps. 33.8 million during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2002 to a gain of Ps. 2.8 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2003.

 

Offices and Other. Operating results from Offices and Other recovered from a loss of Ps. 24.7 million during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2002 to a gain of Ps. 2.3 million for fiscal year 2003.

 

Shopping Centers. Operating results from Shopping Centers reported an increase of Ps. 14.1 million during the current year as a result of the consolidation with the results of APSA.

 

Hotels. Operating results from hotels recovered from a loss of Ps. 12.7 million during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2002 to a gain of Ps. 6.2 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2003.

 

International. As explained above, during fiscal year 2003 no results were recorded under this segment. The previous fiscal year closed with a gain of Ps. 34.6 million.

 

Amortization of Goodwill

 

The loss of Ps. 6.6 million recorded as of June 30, 2003 mainly includes (i) the amortization of goodwill stemming from the acquisition of APSA subsidiaries: Shopping Alto Palermo S.A. (SAPSA), Fibesa and Tarshop S.A.; and (ii) the amortization of our own goodwill from the purchase of stock in APSA during fiscal year 2003.

 

93


Table of Contents

Financial Results, net

 

Total net gains/losses on the financing of assets showed a recovery from a loss of Ps. 496.5 million during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2002 to a gain of Ps. 315.3 million during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2003. The main reasons for this recovery were (i) the exchange difference gain with regard to the previous year amounting to Ps. 506.8 million, owing to the appreciation of the Peso to the U.S. Dollar from 3.80 in 2002 to 2.80 in 2003, (ii) the Ps. 241.7 million gain on the financing of assets as compared with the previous year, among which it is worth highlighting the recognition of lower losses related to our equity interest mainly in Banco Hipotecario and Quantum, (iii) the discounts obtained during fiscal year 2003 amounting to Ps. 36.9 million through the prepayment of the debt with GSEM for approximately Ps. 26.0 million and from the accounting measurement as at June 30, 2003 of the debt with HSBC as compared with the amount settled subsequent to the financial closing date, which generated a discount of Ps. 10.7 million according to with Argentine GAAP, (iv) the Ps. 32.1 million gain obtained during fiscal year 2003 as a result of the adjustment made to our liabilities to fair market value at the established 8% annual market rate, changing the value of these debts which previously had a book value calculated at the rate in force at the time of refinancing, and (v) a reduction of Ps. 18.5 million with regard to the gains obtained in the previous year owing to the exposure to inflation of our monetary liabilities.

 

Equity (Loss) Gain from Related Parties

 

The net loss derived from affiliated companies changed, from a Ps. 4.6 million loss during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2002 to a Ps. 14.7 million loss during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2003. This decrease is mainly due to (i) the absence during fiscal year 2003 of the 2002 gain of approximately Ps. 2.1 million from our investment in Buenos Aires Trade & Finance Center due to the consolidation as from this year of this company’s results, (ii) the net loss for the year of Ps. 12.1 million stemming from the subsidiaries of APSA, Perez Cuesta and E-Commerce Latina, and (iii) the reduction during fiscal year 2003 of the Ps. 3.4 million gain from IRSA Telecomunicaciones. These factors were, partially offset by (i) the absence during fiscal year 2003 of the year 2002 loss of Ps. 4.6 million from our investment in APSA due to the consolidation as from this year of this company’s results and (ii) the absence during fiscal year 2003 of the 2002 loss of Ps. 3.6 from our investment in Brazil Realty due to the sale of our equity investment in this company.

 

Other (Expenses) Income, net

 

The Other expenses, net line showed a recovery of Ps. 3.6 million, from a loss of Ps. 4.5 million during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2002 to a loss of Ps. 0.9 million during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2003, primarily due to the net fluctuation generated by (i) the gain of Ps. 13.0 million obtained from the repurchase of Negotiable Obligations of APSA in the open market and (ii) the Ps. 4.2 million gain from the sale of fixed assets. These factors were partially offset by (i) the loss resulting from a contingency due to lawsuits amounting to Ps. 3.9 million, (ii) the higher charge for donations with regard to the previous year amounting to Ps. 5.6 million and (iii) the charge during the present fiscal year of Ps. 3.8 million in connection with the lawsuit between Llao Llao and Administración de Parques Nacionales.

 

Income (Loss) before Minority Interest and Taxes

 

As a result of the foregoing, the income (loss) before minority interest and taxes reflected an improvement with regard to the loss of Ps. 543.6 million during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2002, recording a gain of Ps. 318.6 million during fiscal year 2003.

 

Minority Interest

 

The minority interest decreased by Ps. 36.7 million, from a gain of Ps. 1.0 million during fiscal year 2002 to a loss of Ps. 35.7 million during fiscal year 2003, mainly due to the minority interest we recorded during fiscal year 2003 as a result of the consolidation of APSA, and stemming from our Ps. 35.2 million investment in this company recorded as a loss.

 

94


Table of Contents

Income Tax and Asset Tax

 

Income tax decreased from an expense of Ps. 1.1 million during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2002, to a benefit of Ps. 3.5 million during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2003. The deferred tax allocation method was used to calculate the income tax corresponding to the two fiscal years, thus recognizing the temporary differences in the accounting and tax assets and liabilities. The change of Ps. 4.6 million is mainly due to the net impact of (i) the difference in the income tax charge corresponding to IRSA which represented a benefit of Ps. 49.4 million, having moved from an expense of Ps. 0.5 million corresponding to the asset tax for the year 2002 to a benefit of Ps. 48.9 million during fiscal year 2003, which includes a benefit of Ps. 49.9 million from deferred taxes and an expense of Ps. 1.0 million from the asset tax, (ii) the income tax charge for APSA, which represented an expense of Ps. 46.8 million at June 30, 2003, when there had been no charge in the previous year because the Company began consolidating its financial statements with this company this year and (iii) the deferred income tax charge corresponding to Llao Llao Resort S.A., which represented a benefit of Ps. 1.1 million.

 

Net (loss) Income for the Year

 

As a result of the foregoing, the net ordinary income for the year showed an improvement from a loss of Ps. 543.7 million during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2002 to a profit of Ps. 286.4 million during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2003.

 

Banco Hipotecario S.A.´s Results of Operations

 

Overview

 

We do not consolidate the consolidated financial statements of our subsidiary BHSA. However, according to Rule 3-09 of Regulation S-X we are required to file separate financial statements of significant subsidiaries. This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations should be read together with BHSA’s consolidated financial statements contained in this annual report. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. These forward-looking statements include, among others, those statements including the words “expects”, “anticipates”, “intends”, “believes” and similar language. The actual results may differ materially and adversely from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of many factors, including those set forth elsewhere in this prospectus.

 

BHSA maintains its financial books and records in Pesos and prepares its financial statements in conformity with the policies of Banco Central de la República Argentina (“Argentine Central Bank” or “BCRA”) which prescribes the reporting and disclosure requirements for banks and financial institutions in Argentina (“Argentine Banking GAAP”). These rules differ in certain respects from generally accepted accounting principles in Argentina (“Argentine GAAP”). A description of significant differences between Argentine Banking GAAP and Argentine GAAP are set forth in Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements. Argentine Banking GAAP and Argentine GAAP also differ in certain significant respects from US GAAP. Such differences involve methods of measuring the amounts shown in the consolidated financial statements, as well as additional disclosures required by US GAAP and regulations of the SEC. See Note 37 to the consolidated financial statements of BHSA for a description of the principal differences between Argentine Banking GAAP and US GAAP as they relate to BHSA, and a reconciliation to US GAAP of net income (loss) and shareholder’s equity.

 

Economic and social situation prevailing in Argentina.

 

During 2003 and 2004 the Argentine economy showed some signs of recovery after a four-year recession and one of the worst crises recorded in Argentina at the end of 2001. Interest rates have fallen and the foreign exchange market has stabilized. The financial system has gradually recovered its liquidity levels, recording an increase in deposits and in certain types of borrowing.

 

However, a situation characterized by high levels of unemployment and a major external public and private debt burden as well as country risk indicators far above normal average recorded by developing countries still persists. The National Government’s ability to meet its obligations continues to be impaired.

 

95


Table of Contents

A favorable outcome of the restructuring negotiations of the public debt being carried out with creditors is deemed to be essential to reduce uncertainty as to the fiscal financial outlook over the next few years.

 

On January 6, 2002, after a political crisis that resulted in the resignation of two presidents, the Government enacted Law No. 25561 (Law on public emergency and exchange system reform) that changed the economic model and amended the Convertibility Law in force since March 1991. Subsequently, the Government announced new economic measures, which were implemented through various legal regulations that significantly affected the banking business and the exchange system.

 

Listed below are some of the measures adopted by the Government that have been enacted at the date of issue of BHSA’s consolidated financial statements that affected or will affect BHSA’s economic and financial position.

 

Currency valuation system

 

By Decree 260 (Exchange Regime) on February 11, 2002 a single free exchange market system was established, through which all transactions involving the exchange of currency are to be traded at a rate of exchange to be freely agreed, observing the requirements to be laid down by the Argentine Central Bank. Communication “A” 3471, complementary regulations and amendments established the necessary regulations for that market.

 

Loans in foreign currency

 

Under the terms of Law No 25561, Decree No 214 and complementary rules and amendments, loans in US Dollars or any other foreign currency granted by the Argentine financial system were converted into Pesos according to the following guidelines:

 

  (i) loans to the non-financial private sector, at the exchange rate of Ps. 1.00 per US Dollar or its equivalent in any other foreign currency;

 

  (ii) loans to the non-financial public sector, at the exchange rate of Ps. 1.40 per US Dollar or its equivalent in any other foreign currency; and

 

  (iii) loans to the financial sector, at the exchange rate of Ps. 1.40 per US Dollar or its equivalent in any other foreign currency.

 

As from February 3, 2002, those measures contemplate the application of CER (an adjusting index that measures the daily rate of change derived from the monthly change in the Consumer Price Index), to the loans granted to the non-financial private sector and to the non-financial public sector plus a fixed interest rate, depending on the type of operation.

 

Decree No 762/02 (and additional Law No 25713) of the Executive Branch amended the regulations mentioned in the preceding paragraph excluding from the application of CER those loans granted to individuals, as follows:

 

  (i) loan secured by mortgages on the primary dwelling of debtors, originally agreed in US Dollars up to Ps. 250,000,

 

  (ii) consumer loans in original principal amount of up to Ps. 12,000 or up to US$12,000 thousand or the equivalent in any other foreign currency, whether secured by a mortgage or not, and

 

  (iii) pledge consumer loans in original principal amount of up to Ps. 30,000 or US$30,000 thousand.

 

Those loans were adjusted as from October 1, 2002 by applying CVS.

 

Law 25796 established the elimination of the CVS as from April 2004.

 

96


Table of Contents

Repayment of loans

 

On April 12, 2002, the Argentine Central Bank issued Communication “A” 3562 establishing that, based on Decree No. 469, the customers of financial institutions as of November 2, 2001 may repay their loans in national government securities in lieu of cash.

 

Furthermore, Decree No. 905 established that financial institutions must receive as payment for single-family mortgage loans, Argentine Government Bonds (BODEN) in payment from individuals who are holders of those securities.

 

Public-sector debt

 

Decree No. 1387/01 dated November 1, 2001 permitted financial institutions to exchange public-sector debt instruments and loans under the Promissory Note/Bond program for new loans called Secured Loans. Conversions were made at face value and at a one-to-one rate, in the same currency as that of the exchanged public-sector obligation.

 

Decree No. 471, dated March 8, 2002, established that the obligations of the national, provincial and municipal public sectors outstanding as of February 3, 2002, and denominated in US Dollars or any other currency, governed by Argentine law, were to be converted into Pesos at an exchange rate of Ps. 1.40 per US Dollar, or its equivalent in other foreign currency, with their principal adjusted by the CER.

 

The obligations of the national public sector converted into Pesos as explained above accrue interest at rates ranging from 2% to 5%, depending on the characteristics of the original debt.

 

Decrees Nos. 644/02 and 79/03 established the steps to be taken by financial institutions to accept the new terms and conditions for receiving principal and/or interest payments on the secured loans. If financial institutions reject those terms and conditions, their situation will revert to the moment prior to the exchange.

 

On August 27, 2002, Decree No. 1579/02, instructed the Fiduciary Fund for Provincial Development to assume provincial debt instruments (government securities, bonds, treasury bills or loans) that were to be voluntarily converted into bonds (“BOGAR”) or loans (promissory notes) secured by the federal tax collection, under the terms established by such Decree.

 

Through Resolutions Nos. 539/02 and 611/02 dated October 25 and November 12, 2002, respectively, the Ministry of Economy established the unified calculation method applicable to debts encompassed by the conversion regime laid down by Decree No. 1579/02, and set a time limit for financial institutions having made offers to convert provincial public debt within the framework of Decree No. 1387/01 and complementary rules to declare their intention to withdraw those offers.

 

On November 19, 2002, the ministry of Economy issued Resolution No. 624/02, establishing the provincial public debt eligible to be exchanged for secured bonds and loans issued by the Fiduciary Fund for Provincial Development.

 

Deposits in foreign currency

 

Law No. 25561 and Decree No. 214 of the Executive Branch established that all deposits in US Dollars or other foreign currencies in the financial system as of January 6, 2002, were to be converted to Pesos at the exchange rate of Ps. 1.4 per US$1 or its equivalent in such other currency. These regulations also require financial institutions to make available such deposits to their customers in Pesos. CER and a minimum interest rate will be applied to these deposits.

 

Executive Branch Decrees 905/02, 1836/02 and 2167/02 granted owners of deposits the possibility of opting to exchange those deposits for foreign and Peso denominated government securities and the Argentine Central Bank granting advances to financial institutions for them to be able to meet exchange costs.

 

97


Table of Contents

Lastly, by Decree 739/03 the Executive Branch authorized holders of deposits originally in US Dollars and subsequently pesified to request total or partial settlement of their deposits or certificates from financial entities based on a schedule established according to the original amount of the deposit.

 

Reorganization and bankruptcy proceedings

 

On February 14, 2002, Law 25563 on reorganization and bankruptcy proceedings was enacted, which declared a production and credit emergency generated by the crisis affecting Argentina, which was originally scheduled to last until December 10, 2003, and later extended until December 10, 2004.

 

On May 15, 2002, the National Congress passed Law 25589, which amended the Bankruptcy Law, the main points of which are as follows:

 

  Reinstatement of the mechanism established by Section 48 of Law 24522, which allows creditors to acquire the share package of the debtor company, setting the conditions for preventing assets from being undervalued.

 

  Other variables, such as the brand and the positioning on the market, have been established to determine the value of companies, in addition to the financial statements.

 

  The term for the foreclosure of guarantees has been suspended for 180 calendar days, from the effective date of the above-mentioned law.

 

  The exclusivity period for debtors to make creditors offers has been reduced from 180 days, under the previous law to 90-120 days.

 

  Judges may revoke approval of the reorganization plan if they consider it to be grossly unfair for any of the parties.

 

  Out-of-court reorganization plan: defaulting debtors or debtors undergoing general economic and financial difficulties may agree on an out-of-court reorganization plan with their creditors, subject to approval by the court. Upon approval of this reorganization plan all legal actions against the debtor will be suspended. The approved plan will have effects for all creditors.

 

Mortgage refinancing system

 

The following was established through Laws No. 25798 dated November 6, 2003 and regulated by Decree No. 1284/03:

 

  Creation of a refinancing system for mortgagors that envisages a state trust fund to take over the obligations of debtors granted amounts of up to Ps. 100,000 for all types of loans guarantee by a single, permanently-inhabited home, who have defaulted between January 1, 2001 and September 11, 2003.

 

  Creation of a restructuring unit for the purpose of analyzing the loans that become eligible within the terms of the current law, with the exception of the default, and which were granted prior to the effectiveness of the convertibility of the Austral established by Law 23928.

 

Preventive measures

 

As a result of the measures adopted by the Argentine Government, a significant number of claims against the National State and financial institutions were filed before the courts, requesting that deposits be returned in the currency in which they were originally made, as the measures were in breach of constitutional rights. At the date of BHSA’s financial statements, the final outcome and the amount of those claims were still unknown.

 

98


Table of Contents

Financial System Restructuring Unit

 

On May 22, 2003, the Executive Branch issued Decree No. 1262 creating the Financial System Restructuring Unit (Unidad de Reestructuración del Sistema Financiero), which has been designed to define the strategy for the restructuring of the financial system. At the date of these financial statements, BHSA has complied with the requirements of that Unit.

 

Financial Regulation and Oversight Coordination Cabinet

 

Executive Branch Decree 476 dated April 20, 2004 established the creation of the Financial Regulation and Oversight Coordination Cabinet, the purpose of which will be to preserve the financial system stability, enhance financial intermediation and protect the users of financial services.

 

The impact generated by these circumstances on BHSA’s balance sheet and financial position as of June 30, 2004 was recognized in accordance with BCRA regulations and on the basis of estimates made by BHSA’s Management. As of the date of issue of these financial statements we cannot predict the impact of future changes in the economy on BHSA’s economic and financial position. Therefore, BHSA’s financial statements should be read in the light of such circumstances.

 

Compensation granted by the National Government to financial institutions.

 

  Asymmetric pesification

 

Through Decree 905, the Government established the issuance of “National Government Compensating Bonds” to compensate financial institutions for the negative effects on their assets of the conversion into Pesos at different exchange rates of receivables and obligations denominated in foreign currency, as provided for by Law 25561, Decree 214 and its amendments and complementary rules, and to cover the negative difference between assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currency arising from their conversion into Pesos, as established by the above-mentioned regulations.

 

BHSA complied with the reporting requirements established by Sections 28 and 29 of Decree 905 - Compensation to financial institutions, applying for such purpose the regulations in force and particular criteria, exercising the following options:

 

  National Government Compensating Bond in US Dollars, due 2012 (Section 29, subsection b, c and d): compensating bond - difference between assets and liabilities converted into Pesos at Ps. 1.00, for the exchange rate difference of Ps. 0.40, converted into Pesos at the Ps. 1.40 =US$1 rate: US$394,914 (consolidated amount).

 

  National Government Hedge Bond in US Dollars, due 2012 (Section 29, subsection e). Hedge Bond - difference between assets and liabilities in US Dollars, net of the compensating bond: US$825,533 (consolidated amount).

 

In September 2002 the Argentine Central Bank credited US$356,015 in BODEN 2012 (consolidated amount), no bonds having been issued for the difference in the compensation amount requested.

 

For purposes of BHSA’s financial statements, i) BODEN 2012 bonds credited by the Argentine Central Bank have been recorded in Government and Corporate Securities - Holdings in investment accounts, ii) the amount in respect of the right to collect the compensating and coverage bonds has been recorded in Other Receivables for financial Transactions – Receivable for Argentine Government Compensating and Hedge Bond - In foreign currency, iii) bonds delivered as collateral for Negotiable Obligations and secured facilities to banks, in Miscellaneous Receivables, and iv) the amount of the obligation to be assumed as a counterpart for the Hedge Bond, in Other liabilities for financial transactions - Argentine Central Bank.

 

As a result of the foreign currency denominated financial debt restructuring process and the fact that the Government has not yet concluded the compensation process for the asymmetric pesification established by Decree 905/02, BHSA’s computation of the overall net foreign currency position is temporarily mismatched. This has already been communicated to the Central Bank.

 

99


Table of Contents
  Asymmetric indexation

 

Law 25796, regulated by Decree 117/04, established a mechanism for compensating financial institutions for the effects generated by the application of the Salary Variation Index (CVS) to some of their assets, and the Reference Stabilization Index (CER), to some of their liabilities.

 

On March 12, 2004, BCRA Communication “A” 4114 established that financial institutions were to confirm their adherence to the compensation regime implemented by April 30, which included uncertain aspects regarding the compensation calculation method.

 

On April 29, 2004, the BCRA issued Communication “A” 4131 establishing an extension of the deadline for adhering to the regime laid down by Communication “A” 4114 for 15 calendar days as from the date on which the Ministry of Economy and Production answers the consultations made by the associations grouping financial institutions in the letter dated April 22, 2004.

 

Lastly, on May 3, 2004, Ministry of Economy and Production Resolution No. 302/04 was published in the Official Gazette, approving the method to be used by the Finance Secretariat for calculating the amount of “Peso-denominated National Government Bonds accruing interest at variable rates and due 2013” to be delivered to financial institutions adhering to the Compensation regime created by Law 25796.

 

On May 18, 2004, BHSA submitted letter No. 194 informing the Central Bank that it will not adhere to this regime, and stating its wish to be compensated for the negative effects on its equity derived from application of the CVS to certain assets converted into pesos and from the unequal application of the CER to certain liabilities, and expressly reserving its right to seek relief.

 

BHSA has recorded the effects of the compensation for asymmetric pesification as a positive contingency in memorandum accounts, and reserved its rights to receive compensation for the losses generated by application of general regulations, as a result of which it has applied the Salary Variation index (CVS) to certain assets and the Reference Stabilization Index (CER) to certain liabilities, as well as any other compensation that may arise.

 

Rehabilitation and regularization plan

 

Through resolution No. 213/02, the Board of Directors of the Argentine Central Bank requested BHSA to submit a Rehabilitation and Regularization plan, pursuant to article 34 of Law 21526 on Financial Institutions, as amended. This plan should contemplate adopting the necessary measures to restore the liquidity position of BHSA.

 

On April 17, 2002, BHSA submitted that Rehabilitation and Regularization plan to the Argentine Central Bank.

 

On August 21, 2002, new financial projections and complementary information were submitted to the Argentine Central Bank, which contemplated changes in the economic context subsequent to April 17, 2002; the variation between actual balances and balances projected as of May 31, 2002; the status of the refinancing of the debts that fell due in 2002; the status of the liabilities renegotiation during the second semester of 2002 (debt restructuring), a summary of modified financial projections and the recovery of the amounts due to the Argentine Central Bank, as required by the whereas clause No. 9 of Resolution No. 213/02 issued by the Board of Directors of that Entity.

 

Through Resolution No. 227 dated May 29, 2003, the Board of Directors of the Argentine Central Bank requested from BHSA the reformulation of the current Rehabilitation and Regularization Plan in order for the latter to contemplate the adequacy of the liquidity projections and to take the necessary steps to safeguard its solvency.

 

On June 18, 2003, BHSA submitted to the Argentine Central Bank the reformulation requested by the latter, stating the following points: i) progress in the negotiations for the restructuring of the external debt, ii) petitions for authorization to repay the assistance through the delivery of BODEN 2012 received from mortgage debtors, iii) expense reduction plan, iv) adherence to the procedure established by Section 8 of Decree 739/03 for the repayment of that assistance, with the alternative foreseen in Section 3 of Decree 1262/03, and v) certain analyses of the financial statements at December 31, 2002.

 

100


Table of Contents

Treatment of assistance granted by the BCRA

 

Executive Branch Decree 739/03 and BCRA Communication “A” 3941 established that financial institutions which so request it shall repay the rediscount and advance balances in force at the date of that Decree and granted within the framework of Section 17 of Law 24144 and its amendments, in no more than 70 installments.

 

Subsequently, the Executive Branch issued Decree 1262/03 establishing that the conditions for the amortization of rediscounts may be modified, and extended the maximum number of installments up to one hundred and twenty (120) installments, each of which shall be equivalent to a percentage not lower than 0.40% of the adjusted principal amount.

 

On September 11, 2003, reformulated on February 4, 2004, BHSA submitted to the BCRA a schedule for the repayment of its debt for rediscounts received from the BCRA, as prescribed by Section 3 of Decree No. 1262/03, as well as a transformation and reorganization plan to strengthen BHSA’s efficiency and profitability.

 

This schedule has been prepared on the basis of the balances of rediscounts and advances granted by the BCRA at March 28, 2003, which at that date amounted to Ps. 391,101, delivering as collateral for the assistance granted secured loans which, considered at their technical value, maintain a margin not lower than 125%. In that submission, BHSA contemplates the settlement of its debt over a maximum term of 89 months counted from March 31, 2004.

 

Through Resolution No. 3 dated February 5, 2004, the Unit for the Restructuring of the Financial System authorized the BCRA to modify the conditions for the amortization of the assistance established in Section 9, subsect. b) of Decree 739/03, which was adapted by BHSA according to the schedule mentioned in the preceding paragraph.

 

At the date of BHSA’s financial statements, BHSA had repaid principal and interest, according to that schedule.

 

Situation of BHSA

 

The Public Emergency and Foreign Exchange reform Law No. 25561 had significant impact on BHSA. BHSA’s assets that were originally denominated in foreign currency were “pesofied” Ps. 4,506.7 million (83.4% of total assets denominated in foreign currency), whereas only 20.2% (or Ps. 892.9 million) of its total liabilities were pesofied. The principal US Dollar or foreign currency equivalent assets including in the “pesofied” process were: i) post restructuring individual and construction mortgage loans, ii) public sector loans, iii) financial sector loans, iv) loans in trust pending securitization, v) certain Argentine government bonds, and vi) certificates of participation and bonds in mortgage trusts. The interest rates on virtually all BHSA’s “pesofied” assets and liabilities were indexed to either CVS or CER.

 

This crisis has severely impacted BHSA’s liquidity to the extent that cash from operations has proved to be insufficient to cover both its operating costs and its debt service. Given the effects of the Argentine economic conditions BHSA was unable to meet its foreign currency obligations as they became due.

 

The “pesification” of BHSA’s assets created a substantial currency mismatch with its non –”pesofied” foreign currency debt. The Hedge Bonds to be issued by the Argentine Government are designed to eliminate this currency mismatch. However, the Hedge Bonds yield approximately 2% whereas BHSA’s foreign currency liabilities yield approximately 10%. In addition, the Hedge Bonds will be funded by Peso-denominated Argentine Central Bank debt bearing interest at CER plus 2%.

 

As a result, on August 15, 2002 the Board of Directors of BHSA resolved to start a debt restructuring plan comprising BHSA’s obligation in Bonds and loans received from foreign banks and entities.

 

On January 14, 2004 BHSA concluded its debt restructuring process in which approximately US$ 1,208.4 million principal amount of bond and bank debt was restructured. Completion of the transaction

 

101


Table of Contents

was a significant step forward as it aligned BHSA’s principal and interest payments with its cash flow and helped it attain a manageable debt profile.

 

Consummation of the debt restructuring has enabled BHSA to regain financial stability and has improved its financial condition, allowing it to reach favorable liquidity and solvency ratios in the Argentine financial system. BHSA also has fully hedged its foreign currency obligations and achieved a liability structure with an average life in excess of six years and adequate net financial income and profitability ratios.

 

In addition to the positive effects derived from BHSA’s debt restructuring, the principal changes compared to the previous periods result from its loan portfolio due to the improvement in asset quality and the positive impact of the Coeficiente de Variación Salarial (CVS) index during the period.

 

Finally, BHSA made further progress in the implementation of its business diversification initiatives, including: i) an increase in loan products and lines of business and ii) development of new products, like credits cards (VISA) and pledge loans.

 

Exposure to the Public Sector

 

BHSA carries in its financial statements assets with the Public Sector amounting to Ps. 4,790,614, according to the following detail:

 

  a) Government securities for Ps. 527,531, of which Ps. 487,889 correspond to new instruments not subject to restructuring issued by the National Government (BODEN 2012 Ps. 160,131, BOCON PRO 12 Ps. 3,358, BODEN 2007 Ps. 24,949, BODEN 2008 Ps. 12,060, BOGAR Ps. 163,066 and LEBAC Ps. 124,325).

 

  b) Loans secured by the National Government for Ps. 608,216, which originated from the exchange of government securities established by Decree 1387/01, accepted in repayment of non-performing mortgage loans acquired on the market. These loans have been recognized under the Loans caption.

 

  c) Loans to the provincial and municipal public sectors for Ps. 142,237.

 

  d) Rights to receive BODEN 2012 (hedge and compensating bonds) for Ps. 2,654,717, pursuant to Sections 28 and 29 of Decree 905/02.

 

  e) Miscellaneous receivables for Ps. 857,913, corresponding to assets transferred to the trust as collateral for the bonds and secured facilities derived from the debt exchange, of which 59,835 correspond to National Government Secured Loans and Ps. 759,843, to BODEN 2012, Guaranteed Loans and BODEN 2012 deposited as collateral for the currency swap transaction for Ps. 1,739 and Ps. 36,496, respectively.

 

Furthermore, liabilities with the BCRA recorded at June 30, 2004 amount to Ps. 2,208,179, the related items being: i) refinanced advances and rediscounts to cover lack of liquidity for Ps. 399,679, included in the matching laid down by Decree 1262/02, and advances for Ps. 1,808,500 to subscribe BODEN 2012, pursuant to Sections 28 and 29 of Decree 905/02.

 

As established by Decree 1262/03, the Unit for the Restructuring of the Financial System authorized the BCRA to modify the conditions for the amortization of assistance granted according to the schedule presented. Through the procedure described in the above-mentioned norms, BHSA has delivered its holding of secured loans as collateral for this obligation, and that assistance will be amortized with the proceeds of those assets. The average duration of the secured loans provided as collateral is longer than the term requested to refinance those advances.

 

In addition, Decree 905/02 sets forth in Section 17 that in the event of default by the National State on the payment of principal or interest on the bonds envisaged in Chapter II (BODEN) or the securities indicated in section 15, subsect. b) and c) (secured loans and BOGAR), for more than 30 days following the

 

102


Table of Contents

respective due dates, each financial institution will be entitled to repay in advance either fully or partially the advances received for the subscription of bonds, using for that purpose all or the equivalent portion of the assets provided as collateral, taken at the value in which they were recorded at the time the advances were granted, plus interest accrued until the repayment date, less the amount actually repaid.

 

Through Communication “A” 4084 dated January 30, 2004, the BCRA resolved that the assets delivered as collateral for the advances granted for the subscription of the bonds foreseen by Decree 905/02, ratified by Section 71 of Law 25827, may be excluded from the accounting valuation at present, technical or theoretical values at the discretion of the institutions, for a total or partial amount of the advances, pursuant to the provisions of Section 17 of that Decree, in which case they are to be recorded at the value admitted for purposes of providing of collateral.

 

In view of the above, BHSA’s high exposure to the National Public Sector must be considered in the light of the liabilities assumed with the BCRA.

 

Comprehensive financial debt restructuring.

 

Due to the economical and social situation described and its impact on the financial system, on August 15, 2002 the Board of Directors of BHSA resolved to start a debt restructuring plan comprising BHSA’s obligations on approximately Ps. 2,849,254 and on approximately Ps. 889,551 of loans received from foreign banks and other entities, both balances at December 31, 2003.

 

As of August 16, 2002, following the Board’s resolution BHSA postponed the servicing of the debt until a successful restructuring is completed. BHSA reported the event to the Argentine Central Bank, the CNV and the Buenos Aires Stock Exchange on August 16, 2002.

 

On August 14, 2003, BHSA presented its restructuring proposal which consisted of the following:

 

  Existing Dollar- or Euro-denominated noteholders were offered to exchange their notes for new notes at par due 2013 (“At-par Offering”). Creditors who select the At-par Offering will receive new notes for 90% of the face value of the notes surrendered plus new notes for 10% of the face value of the notes surrendered, if elections are made prior to September 15, 2003; and a cash payout for unpaid interest between August 16, 2002 and September 15, 2003. Creditors who select the At-par Offering are also entitled to participate in an additional second offering which will be concurrently done.

 

  Under the second offering, noteholders may select a cash payment option (“Offering in cash”) or an option to receive new secured notes with a shorter maturity date (“Offering of secured negotiable obligations”).

 

  Creditors who select the Offering in cash will receive a cash payment equal to 45% of the face value of the notes surrendered plus an additional cash payment for unpaid interest.

 

  Creditors who select the Offering of secured negotiable obligations will receive new secured notes for a face value equivalent to 70% of the face value of the notes surrendered plus a cash payment for unpaid interest. The new notes are secured by a trust comprised of BODEN securities and other secured loans for at least 110% of the face value of the new notes. Creditors will also be entitled to receive a contingent payment based on the appreciation in the value of the shares of BHSA (StARS). The StARS may be paid in cash, in Class D shares or a combination of both. The StARS will be paid only on the due date of the new secured notes based on the valuation method described in the offering documents. The StARS are not detachable from the new secured notes.

 

By means of the restructuring proposal, BHSA invited creditors to execute an out-of-court restructuring agreement provided that the restructuring plan is successful, consents to execute the plan are received for more than 75% of BHSA´s creditors and the plan is approved by at least 66.6% of each class of creditor affected by the plan. The plan will also require judicial approval.

 

103


Table of Contents

The restructuring was subject to certain limitations and conditions, including the amounts available for ¨Offerings in cash¨ and the amounts of the new secured obligations to be issued. BHSA will earmark up to US$ 60,000 to the ¨Offering in cash¨ and issue new secured negotiable obligations for up to US$ 300,000. Bank creditors may also participate in the ¨Offering in cash¨ and the ¨Offering of secured negotiable obligations¨.

 

The Offering was also subject to the restructuring of the bank debt (with a participation of at least 90%) and to the obtaining of a participation of at least 90% of the existing negotiable obligations.

 

The new notes would not be registered in the United States of America.

 

Finally, on December 29, 2003 the term for receiving exchange offers expired and BHSA accepted all existing validly offered securities in compliance with the conditions for BHSA’s exchange offers and the simultaneous restructuring of all its outstanding debt with bank creditors. On January 14, 2004, this debt was settled.

 

The total final principal on validly offered securities existing as of December 29, 2003 was Ps. 2,662,242, representing approximately 93% of the total principal on the outstanding securities existing at that date. Of the final amounts validly offered, approximately 77% (Ps. 2,060,861) opted to receive long-term securities, approximately 7% (Ps. 168,054), cash and approximately 16% (Ps. 433,325) guaranteed securities.

 

Of a total principal amount of Ps. 889,551 on the bank debt existing at December 29, 2003, 100% participated in its simultaneous restructuring. Of the participating amounts, approximately 20% (Ps. 187,403) opted to receive long-term loans, approximately 10% (Ps. 98,354), cash and approximately 70% (Ps. 607,956), secured loans.

 

The following table shows the amounts and percentages of the existing securities offered for exchange by series (the amounts shown in foreign currency are expressed in thousands of US Dollars or Euros).

 

Existing US Dollar-denominated securities

 

Series


  

Description


  

Total

outstanding
principal amount


   Total principal
amount offered


   Percentage of
outstanding
amount offered


 

Series I

  

Securities at 10% due April 17, 2003

   US$  297,460    US$  282,459    95.0 %

Series III

  

Securities at 10,625% due August 7, 2006

   US$ 13,108    US$ 12,371    94.4 %

Series IV

  

Securities at 13% due December 3, 2008

   US$ 4,810    US$ 3,900    81.1 %

Series VI

  

Securities at 12,25% due March 15, 2002

   US$ 7,598    US$ 6,756    88.9 %

Series XVI

  

Securities at 12,625% due February 17, 2003

   US$ 125,000    US$ 113,729    91.0 %

Series XXIV

  

Securities at 9% due March 15, 2005

   US$ 114,312    US$ 105,745    92.5 %
    

Total

   US$ 562,288    US$ 524,960    93.4 %

 

104


Table of Contents

Existing Euro-denominated securities

 

Series


  

Description


  

Total

outstanding
principal amount


   Total principal
amount offered


  

Percentage of
outstanding

amount

offered


 

Series XVII

  

Securities at 9% due March 27, 2002

   1,815    1,079    59.4 %

Series XXII

  

Securities at 8,75% due October 18, 2002

   3,713    3,471    93.5 %

Series XXIII

  

Securities at 10,75% due February 6, 2004

   150,000    137,702    91.8 %

Series XXV

  

Securities at 8% due June 15, 2005

   170,829    163,021    95.4 %
    

Total

   326,357    305,273    93.5 %

 

The amounts in the preceding tables include US$ 29,342, equivalent to Ps. 86,061, corresponding to total principal on existing securities held by the Bank.

 

US Dollar-denominated bank debt

 

Facility


   Total outstanding
principal amount


   Total principal
amount offered


   Percentage of
outstanding
amount offered


 

IFC loan

   US$ 25,000    US$ 25,000    100 %

USCP loan

   US$ 102,500    US$ 102,500    100 %

OPIC loan

   US$ 81,736    US$ 81,736    100 %

Derivatives

   US$ 10,106    US$ 10,106    100 %

Total

   US$ 219,342    US$  219,342    100 %

 

Peso-denominated bank debt

 

Facility


   Total outstanding
principal amount


   Total principal
amount offered


   Percentage of
outstanding
amount offered


 

Syndicated loan

   Ps. 105,000    Ps. 105,000    100 %

Citibank facility plan

     120,029      120,029    100 %

Derivatives

     21,191      21,191    100 %

Total

   Ps. 246,220    Ps. 246,220    100 %

 

On January 14, 2004, the following amounts in new notes and cash were exchanged to existing noteholders.

 

New notes

 

Description


   CUSIP

   ISIN

   Principal amount

US Dollar-denominated securities due 2013

   P1330H AZ 7    USP1330HAZ75    US$ 410,904

Euro–  denominated securities due 2013

   —      XS0175068971    256,218

Secured securities due 2010

   P1330H BA 1    USP1330HBA 16    US$  107,941

 

105


Table of Contents

New bank debt

 

Description


   Due date

   Principal amount

Secured facility in Pesos

   2010    Ps. 214,174

Secured facility in US Dollars

   2010    US$ 86,333

Long-term facility in US Dollars at a fixed rate

   2013    US$ 50,316

Long-term facility in US Dollars at floating rates

   2013    US$ 13,579

 

Payments in cash

 

Description


   Amounts in US Dollars

   Amounts in Euros

Payments for offering in cash

   US$  30,936    8,746

Payments for accrued and unpaid interest (a)

   US$ 34,183    11,497

 

(a) Includes (i) payment to existing noteholders for accrued interest from August 16, 2002 to September 15, 2003 at an annual rate of 3% and (ii) interest payment on the new notes as if those notes would have been issued on September 15, 2003; such interest calculated at rates applicable to the new notes as described in the offering document issued on December 8, 2003.

 

Based on the final validly offered amounts, and on the simultaneous restructuring of the Bank’s existing bank debt, no proration factor has been applied to the cash or secured debt options.

 

As of June 30, 2004, BHSA recognized the effects of the restructuring as follows (i) a gain of Ps. 231,998 and Ps. 254,404 for restructuring of notes and financial loans, respectively, due to the reduction in principal amounts (under the “Gain on restructuring of notes” and “Gain on restructuring of financial loans” line items in the statement of income); (ii) a gain of Ps. 209,280 for lower interest accrued in 2003 (recorded as an adjustment to financial expenses); (iii) a gain of Ps. 88,016 for lower interest accrued in 2002 (recorded as an adjustment to other profits line item in the statement of income) and (iv) the establishment of a reserve for Ps. 59,271 for the StARS.

 

As discussed in the previous paragraphs, the new notes are secured by the establishment of a Trust under Argentine law. In December 2003, BHSA, as trustor, and ABN AMRO Bank N.V., as trustee, entered into a Trust Agreement, pursuant to which BHSA transferred government securities (BODEN 2012) and secured loans to the Trust. The Trust will maintain these assets for the benefit of the new secured noteholders. The Trust was established to secure principal and interest payments on the new notes. The Trust´s assets consist only of the securities and loans transferred by BHSA and their respective proceeds.

 

After January 14, 2004, the exchange transaction settlement date, BHSA continued to exchange negotiable obligations with holders adhering to the offering late. At June 30, 2004, the face value of the obligations exchanged amounted to US$ 5,250 and Euro 8,126.

 

In August 2004 BHSA paid the first debt amortization installment.

 

Exposure to the Public Sector

 

As of the date of BHSA’s consolidated financial statements, BHSA has Ps. 4,790,614, in government-related assets:

 

  a) Government securities for Ps. 527,531, of which Ps. 487,889 corresponding to securities not subject to sovereign-debt restructuring (BODEN 2012 Ps. 160,131, BOCON PRO 12 Ps. 3,358, BODEN 2007 Ps. 24,949, BODEN 2008 Ps. 12,060, BOGAR Ps. 163,066 and LEBAC Ps. 124,325).

 

  b) Government-secured loans by the National Government for Ps. 608,216, which originated from the exchange of government securities established by Decree 1387/01, accepted in repayment of non-performing mortgage loans acquired on the market.

 

106


Table of Contents
  c) Loans to the provincial and municipal governments for Ps. 142,237.

 

  d) Rights to receive BODEN 2012 (hedge and compensating bonds) for Ps. 2,654,717 pursuant to Sections 28 and 29 of Decree 905/02.

 

  e) Miscellaneous receivables for Ps. 857,913 corresponding to assets transferred to the trust as collateral for the bonds and secured facilities derived from the debt exchange, of which 59,835 correspond to Government-secured loans and Ps. 759,843, to BODEN 2012, Guaranteed Loans and BODEN 2012 deposited as collateral for the currency swap transaction for Ps. 1,739 and Ps. 36,496, respectively.

 

As of the date of these financial statements, BHSA has Ps. 2,208,179 in government related liabilities refinanced advances and rediscounts to cover lack of liquidity for Ps. 399,679, included in the matching laid down by Decree 1262/02, and advances for Ps. 1,808,500 to subscribe BODEN 2012, pursuant to Sections 28 and 29 of Decree 905/02.

 

As established by Decree 1262/03, the Unit for the Restructuring of the Financial System authorized the BCRA to modify the conditions for the amortization of assistance granted according to the schedule presented. Through the procedure described above, BHSA has delivered its holding of secured loans as collateral for this obligation, and that assistance will be amortized with the proceeds of those assets. The average duration of the secured loans provided as collateral is longer than the term requested to refinance those advances.

 

In addition, Decree 905/02 envisages in its Section 17 that in the event of default by the National Government on the payment of principal or interest on the bonds envisaged in Chapter II (BODEN) or the securities indicated in section 15, subsect. b) and c) (secured loans and BOGAR), for more than 30 days following the respective due dates, each financial institution will be entitled to repay in advance either fully or partially the advances received for the subscription of bonds, using for that purpose all or the equivalent portion of the assets provided as collateral, taken at the value in which they were recorded at the time the advances were granted, plus interest accrued until the repayment date, less the amount actually repaid.

 

Through Communication “A” 4084 dated January 30, 2004, the BCRA resolved that the assets delivered as collateral for the advances granted for the subscription of the bonds foreseen by Decree 905/02, ratified by Section 71 of Law 25827, may be excluded from the accounting valuation at present, technical or theoretical values at the discretion of the institutions, for a total or partial amount of the advances, pursuant to the provisions of Section 17 of that Decree, in which case they are to be recorded at the value admitted for purposes of the providing of collateral.

 

In view of the above, BHSA’s high exposure to the National Public Sector must be considered in the light of the liabilities assumed with the BCRA.

 

107


Table of Contents

Twelve month periods ended June 30, 2004 and 2003

 

General

 

The following table sets forth the principal components of our net income for the period ended June 30, 2004 and 2003.

 

     Periods ended June 30,

    % Change

 
     2004

    2003

    2004/2003

 
     (in millions of Pesos except for percentages)  

Financial income

   Ps. 1,177.8     Ps. 512.6     129.8 %

Financial expenses

     (208.5 )     (1,241.7 )   (83.2 )

Net financial income

     969.3       (729.1 )   233.0  

Provision for losses on loans

     —         (122.0 )   (100.0 )

Net contribution from insurance

     39.0       36.9     5.7  

Other income from services

     24.7       37.7     (34.2 )

Other expenses on services

     (25.1 )     (31.3 )   (19.8 )

Administrative expenses

     (133.3 )     (119.9 )   11.2  

Miscellaneous income (loss), net

     3.2       (132.9 )   (102.4 )

Monetary adjustment

     —         (218.0 )   (100.0 )

Minority interest

     (7.8 )     7.9     (198.7 )

Income tax

     (3.6 )     —       100.0  
    


 


 

Net income (loss)

   Ps. 866.6     Ps. (1,270.7)     (168.2 )%
    


 


 

 

Net Income (Loss)

 

BHSA’s net income increased to Ps.866.6 million for the period ended June 30, 2004 from a net loss of Ps. (1,270.7) million for the period ended June 30, 2003. This increase was primarily as a result of:

 

  a higher financial income as a result of the cut off in the principal amounts of bonds and financial debt with financial entities and the positive effect of the prepayment of financial debt, and as a result of the CVS index application in the individual loan portfolio previously pesified,

 

  lower financial expenses due to the lower interest rate offered to creditors in BHSA’s debt restructuring process, and as a result of lower interest rates and CER on Argentine Central Bank loans and advances,

 

  higher net miscellaneous income, as a result of lower interest rates offered to creditors corresponding to prior years, according to the effective date of restructuring debt, partially offset by higher miscellaneous expenses as a result of provisions related to taxes and expenses due to BHSA’s debt restructuring process and the recording of the Stock Appreciation Right granted to creditors under the medium –term guaranteed debt,

 

  no provision for losses on loans due to an improvement in BHSA’s individuals loan portfolio and no significant additional impairment of the individual loan portfolio,

 

  there were no monetary adjustments due to the suspension of the inflation adjustment application effective as of March 1, 2003, and

 

  higher minority interest due to the improvement in the income from the activity of BHSA’s consolidated subsidiaries.

 

108


Table of Contents

Financial Income

 

The following table sets forth the principal components of our financial income, for the periods ended June 30, 2004 and 2003.

 

     Periods ended June 30,

   % Change

 
     2004

   2003

   2004/2003

 
     (in millions of Pesos except for percentages and basis points)  

Financial Income:

                    

Interest on loans and other receivables

   Ps. 226.4    Ps. 262.1    (13.6 )%

Income from restructuring of bonds

     232.0      —      100.0  

Income from restructuring of financial loans

     254.4      —      100.0  

Income from Guaranteed loans

     54.9      35.9    52.9  

CVS index on pesified loans

     121.3      11.8    927.9  

CER index on pesified loans

     40.0      156.8    (74.5 )

Prepayment bonds and other financial loans restructured at discount

     66.2      —      100.0  

Government securities and other investment

     130.7      —      100.0  

Compensatory and hedge bonds

     29.2      21.6    35.2  

Others

     22.6      24.4    (7.4 )
    

  

  

Total

   Ps.  1,177.8    Ps.  512.6    129.8 %
    

  

  

 

BHSA’s financial income increased 129.8 % to Ps. 1,177.8 million for the period ended June 30, 2004 as compared to Ps. 512.6 million for the period ended June 30, 2003 primarily as a result of:

 

  a cut off in the principal amount of bonds and financial debt with financial entities, as a result of BHSA’s financial debt restructuring,

 

  the positive effect of the prepayment of financial debt,

 

  application of the CVS index on BHSA’s mortgage loan portfolio to individuals previously pesified,

 

  higher income from government securities and other investments due to the appreciation of certificates of participation in financial trust and the appreciation of marketable securities held by BHSA,

 

  higher income from guaranteed loans, as a result of higher average balance,

 

  higher income from Compensatory Bonds and Hedge Bonds as a result of accrued interest,

 

These factors were partially offset by:

 

  Lower income from pesified loans due to a decrease in the CER index,

 

  lower income from loan portfolio as a result of lower average balances, partially offset by an improvement in our asset quality.

 

109


Table of Contents

Financial Expenses

 

The following table sets forth information regarding our financial expenses, for the periods ended June 30, 2004 and 2003.

 

     Period ended June 30,

   % Change

 
     2004

   2003

   2004/2003

 
     (in millions of Pesos, except for percentages and basis points)  

Financial Expenses:

                    

Bonds and similar obligations

   Ps. (44.1)    Ps. 121.5    (136.3 )%

Borrowings from Argentine Central Bank

     127.4      316.1    (59.7 )

Borrowings from banks

     27.3      509.0    (94.6 )

Effects of changes in exchange rates.

     70.5      287.5    (75.5 )

Other

     17.3      4.1    321.9  

Contributions and taxes on financial income

     10.1      3.5    188.6  
    

  

  

Total

   Ps. 208.5    Ps. 1,241.7    (83.2 )%
    

  

  

 

BHSA’s financial expenses for the period ended June 30, 2004 decreased 83.2% over BHSA’s financial expenses for the period ended June 30, 2003 primarily as a result of:

 

  the impact of a decrease in interest rates on bonds and interbank loans which were restructured, from an average annual interest rate of 10% to approximately 3% during the twelve month period ended June 30, 2004;

 

  a decrease in interest rates and CER on Argentine Central Bank borrowings and borrowing from banks; and

 

  lower effects of changes in exchange rates as a result of the stabilization of the Argentine Economy.

 

Provision for Losses on Loans

 

The following table sets forth our provision for loan losses for the periods ended June 30, 2004 and 2003.

 

     Periods ended June 30,

   % Change

 
     2004

   2003

   2004/2003

 
     (in millions of Pesos, except for percentages)  

Provision for loan losses

   Ps. —      Ps. 122    (100.0 )%
    

  

  

Total

   Ps. —      Ps. 122    (100.0 )%
    

  

  

Charge-offs

   Ps. 177.8    Ps. 155.7    14.2.0  %

 

During the period ended June 30, 2004, BHSA did not record any provision for loan losses as a result of the increase on the asset quality. During the period ended June 30, 2003, BHSA recorded Ps. 122.0 million provision related to BHSA’s post 1991 loans portfolio due to the increase in non-performing construction loans and related to BHSA’s pre-1991 and post-1991 loans to individuals to reflect our policy adopted in 2002 to maintain loan loss reserves in an amount of approximately 70% of all non-performing loans to individuals.

 

110


Table of Contents

Net Contribution from Insurance

 

The following table sets forth the principal components of BHSA’s net contribution from insurance for the periods ended June 30, 2004 and 2003.

 

     Periods ended June 30,

   % Change

 
     2004

   2003

   2004/2003

 
     (in millions of Pesos except for percentages)  

Insurance premiums earned:

                    

Life

   Ps. 28.0    Ps. 29.4    (4.8 )%

Property damage

     14.5      13.9    4.3  

Unemployment

     1.8      1.9    (5.3 )

Other

     2.0      1.4    42.9  
    

  

  

Total premiums earned

   Ps. 46.3    Ps. 46.8    (1.0 )%

Insurance claims expensed:

                    

Life

     Ps. 6.6      Ps. 8.0    (17.5 )%

Property damage

     0.2      1.0    (80.0 )

Unemployment

     0.3      0.7    (57.1 )

Other

     0.2      —      100.0  
    

  

  

Total claims expensed

   Ps. 7.3    Ps. 9.9    (26.3 )%
    

  

  

Net contribution from insurance

   Ps. 39.0    Ps. 36.9    5.7 %
    

  

  

 

BHSA’s net contribution from insurance increased 5.7% for the period ended June 30, 2004 compared to the period ended June 30, 2003, primarily due to a 26.3% decrease in insurance claims paid (life and property damage), partially offset by lower premiums earned due to lower average loan balances.

 

Other Income from Services

 

The following table includes the principal components of BHSA’s other income from services for the periods ended June 30, 2004 and 2003.

 

     Periods ended June 30,

   % Change

 
     2004

   2003

   2004/2003

 
     (in millions of Pesos except for percentages)  

Loan servicing fees from third parties

   Ps. 18.6    Ps. 21.9    (15.1 )%

FONAVI commissions

     2.9      2.9    —    

Other

     3.3      12.9    (74.4 )
    

  

  

Total

   Ps. 24.7    Ps. 37.7    (34.2 %)
    

  

  

 

BHSA’s other income from services decreased 34.2% for the period ended June 30, 2004 compared to the period ended June 30, 2003 principally due to lower average loan balances.

 

111


Table of Contents

Other Expenses on Services

 

The following table includes the principal components of BHSA’s other expenses on services for the periods ended June 30, 2004 and 2003.

 

     Periods ended June 30,

   % Change

 
     2004

   2003

   2004/2003

 
     (in millions of Pesos, except for percentages)  

Structuring and underwriting fees

   Ps. 14.2    Ps. 23.3    (39.1 )%

Commissions on third party originations

     0.4      0.6    (33.3 )

Collections

     2.2      2.4    (8.3 )

Banking services

     4.2      2.0    110.0  

Other

     3.0      2.3    (30.4 )
    

  

  

Total

   Ps. 24.0    Ps. 30.6    (21.6 )%
    

  

  

Contributions and taxes on income from services

     1.1      0.7    57.1  
    

  

  

Total

   Ps. 25.1    Ps. 31.3    (19.8 )%
    

  

  

 

BHSA’s other expenses on services decreased 19.8% from Ps.31.3 million in the period ended June 30, 2003 to Ps. 25.1 million for the period ended June 30, 2004, primarily due to lower commissions paid in connection with structuring and underwriting fees. This decrease in other expenses on services was partially offset by an increase in banking services as a result of higher expenses on services incurred by BHSA in connection with its new financial products.

 

Administrative Expenses

 

The following table sets forth the principal components of BHSA’s administrative expenses for the periods ended June 30, 2004 and 2003.

 

     Periods ended June 30,

   % Change

 
     2004

   2003

   2004/2003

 
     (in millions of Pesos, except for percentages)  

Salaries and social security contributions

   Ps. 72.6    Ps. 69.1    5.1 %

Fees and external administrative services

     13.3      9.0    47.8  

Maintenance and repair

     31.6      30.9    2.6  

Advertising expenses

     2.7      0.5    440.0  

Value added tax and other taxes

     9.5      8.3    14.5  

Other

     3.6      2.1    66.7  
    

  

  

Total

   Ps. 133.3    Ps. 119.9    11.2  %
    

  

  

 

BHSA’s administrative expenses increased 11.2 % from Ps. 119.9 million for the period ended June 30, 2003 to Ps. 133.3 million for the period ended June 30, 2004 primarily as a result of:

 

  an increase in advertising expenses related to BHSA’s efforts to develop its strategy of becoming a diversified financial institution,

 

  higher fees for administrative services as a result of BHSA’s financial debt restructuring advisory services,

 

  an increase in taxes related to higher advertising expenses, and

 

  an increase in salaries and social contributions due to higher salaries in BHSA’s subsidiaries.

 

112


Table of Contents

Miscellaneous Income

 

The following table sets forth BHSA’s miscellaneous income for the periods ended June 30, 2004 and 2003.

 

     Periods ended June 30,

   % Change

 
     2004

   2003

   2004/2003

 
     (in millions of Pesos, except for percentages)  

Penalty interest

   Ps. 11.5    Ps. 14.5    (20.69 )%

Loan loss recoveries

     53.3      50.1    6.39  

Gain on restructuring debt

     88.0      —      100.0  

Recovery provisions of loan losses

     30.0      —      100.0  

Other

     21.1      6    251.6  
    

  

  

Total

   Ps.  203.9    Ps.  70.6    188.81  %
    

  

  

 

BHSA’s miscellaneous income increased to Ps. 203.9 million for the period ended June 30, 2004 from Ps. 70.6 million for the period ended June 30, 2003, primarily as a result of:

 

  the reduction in interest rates corresponding to prior years as a result of the debt restructuring process;

 

  higher income from subsidiaries included in Other Miscellaneous Income, and

 

  recovery of provision for loan losses on Public Sector.

 

Miscellaneous Expenses

 

The following table sets forth the principal components of BHSA’s miscellaneous expenses for the periods ended June 30, 2004 and 2003.

 

     Periods ended June 30,

   % Change

 
     2004

   2003

   2004/2003

 
     (in millions of Pesos, except for percentages)  

Provision for lawsuits contingencies

   Ps. 37.8    Ps. 36.0    (5.0 )%

Provision for other contingencies and miscellaneous receivables

     4.5      7.5    (40.0 )

Provision StAR granted creditors under guaranteed debt

     59.3      —      100.0  

Miscellaneous assets loss

     9.7      —      100.0  

Prepayment mortgage loans at discount

     8.2      51.6    (84.1 )

Provision for taxes

     32.0      —      100.0  

Provision for administrative organization

     3.9      48.0    (91.9 )

Difference in compensatory and hedge bonds

     4.7      49.3    (84.1 )

Provision for restructuring expenses

     36.5      —      100.0  

Other

     4.1      11.2    (40.3 )
    

  

  

Total

   Ps 200.7    Ps. 203.6    (1.4 )%
    

  

  

 

BHSA’s miscellaneous expenses decrease to Ps. 200.7 million for the period ended June 30, 2004 from Ps 203.6 million for the period ended June 30, 2003, primarily as a result of :

 

  lower provisions for administrative organization related to severance payments and early retirement plan implemented during late 2002;

 

  lower provisions for certain differences under discussion with Argentine Central Bank related to the asymmetric pesification compensation; and

 

  lower expenses attributable to the campaign during 2002 which promoted the early prepayments of pre-1991 and post-1991 loans at a discount.

 

113


Table of Contents

This decrease was partially offset by :

 

  provisions due to the recording of the stock appreciation rights granted to creditors under the guaranteed debt;

 

  expenses and taxes related to expenses paid on BHSA’s financial debt restructuring process; and

 

  loss on sales of miscellaneous assets.

 

Income Tax

 

Prior to January 1, 1996, BHSA was exempt from payment of income tax. Beginning January 1, 1996, BHSA was only exempt from payment of income tax on income attributable to its residential mortgage lending activities. Effective October 1997, as a result of its conversion to a “sociedad anónima”, BHSA became subject to payment of income tax in Argentina except on its income attributable to mortgage loan commitments made prior to that date.

 

As a general rule, Argentine tax law allows the deduction of expenses related to a business activity if profits from that activity are taxable. If an enterprise engages in both taxable and non-taxable businesses activities, as BHSA does, the portion of its business expenses related to the taxable business may be determined by direct allocation of expenses to particular business activities or by the apportionment method. The Argentine tax code gives preference to the direct allocation method of accounting over the apportionment method in determining deductible expenses, providing that the apportionment method may only be used in circumstances where it is not possible to make direct allocation of expenses to taxable income.

 

Until December 31, 1998, BHSA determined its income tax based on the expense apportionment method, treating as deductible the portion of expenses arising from applying to the total expenses incurred the ratio of taxable income to total income. Since the year ended December 31, 1999, income tax has been calculated taking account of the direct relationship between expenses and the taxable or non-taxable income to which those expenses relate. The apportionment method has only been used for those expenses that are not directly allocable to the income producing sources.

 

BHSA has filed income tax returns for each of 2002, 2003 and 2004, which were prepared in compliance with the aforementioned methodologies. As a result, BHSA has recorded tax loss carry forwards for each of 2002, 2003 and 2004 of Ps. 162.7 million, Ps. 3,131.6 million, and Ps. 2,086.5 million, respectively. We expect to have no income tax payable for 2005. Currently, the application of such methodologies for tax deductions is subject to review by the Administración Federal de Ingresos Públicos—Dirección General Impositiva, the Federal Public Income Administration or “AFIP”, and as of the date hereof the AFIP has not rendered a ruling in connection with this matter either upholding or rejecting the methodology described above.

 

Twelve month periods ended June 30, 2003 and 2002

 

General

 

The following table sets forth the principal components of BHSA’s net income for the periods ended June 30, 2003 and 2002:

 

     Periods ended June 30,

   

% Change

2003/2002


 
     2003

    2002

   
     (in millions of Pesos, except for percentages)  

Financial income

   Ps. 512.6     Ps. 1,119.7     (54.2 )%

Financial expenses

     (1,241.7 )     (972.6 )   27.7  

Net financial (expense) income

     (729.1 )     147.1     (595.6 )

Provision for losses on loans

     (122.0 )     (438.6 )   (72.2 )

Net contribution from insurance

     36.9       79.9     (53.8 )

Other income from services

     37.7       60.8     (38.0 )

Other expenses on services

     (31.3 )     (63.2 )   (50.4 )

Administrative expenses

     (119.9 )     (234.4 )   (48.8 )

Miscellaneous (loss) income, net

     (132.9 )     77.6     (271.3 )

Monetary adjustment

     (218.0 )     (2,166.6 )   (89.9 )

Minority interest

     7.9       19.3     (59.1 )

Absorption of the compensation bond effect

     —         359.2     (100.0 )

Income tax

     —         (2.6 )   (100.0 )
    


 


 

Net loss

   Ps. (1,270.7)     Ps. (2,161.6)     (41.2 )%
    


 


 

 

114


Table of Contents

Net Income (Loss)

 

BHSA’s net loss for the period ended June 30, 2003 of Ps. 1,270.7 was Ps. 890.9 lower than the Ps. 2,161.6 million loss recorded in the period ended June 30, 2002, principally due to :

 

  a significant decrease in the effect of inflation on net monetary assets as a result of a lower increase in the WPI and the suspension of inflation accounting effective as of March 1, 2003;

 

  lower provisions for loan losses as a result of a significant improvement in the portfolio of performing loans compared to the significant deterioration experienced on BHSA’s mortgage loan portfolio during the period ended June 30, 2002;

 

  higher financial expenses as result of an increase of additional charges due to the suspension of Bonds and similar obligation repayment, partially offset by lower expenses on Argentine Central Bank borrowings reflecting lower average interest rates and a reduction in the CER; and

 

  lower administrative expenses resulting from BHSA’s ongoing internal restructuring and work force reductions.

 

These effects were partially offset by:

 

  a decrease in financial income from mortgage loans as a result of the continued suspension of new loan originations, prepayments and scheduled amortization of principal on BHSA’s outstanding loan portfolio, partially offset by the impact of the CVS to its portfolio of loans that were previously pesified;

 

  lower other income from services due to the suspension of new loan originations,

 

  lower insurance activity resulting from the suspension of new loan originations, partially offset by new insurance product offerings;

 

  the impact of the appreciation of the Peso with respect to the US Dollar and other foreign currencies on BHSA’s net positive position in foreign currency during the twelve month period ended June 30, 2003, and

 

  the absorption of the difference caused by the asymmetric pesification.

 

115


Table of Contents

Financial Income

 

The following table sets forth the principal components of BHSA’s financial income, average interest-earning assets and average rates earned for the periods ended June 30, 2003 and 2002.

 

     Periods ended June 30,

   % Change  
     2003

   2002

   2003/2002

 
     (in millions of Pesos, except for percentages and basis points)  

Financial Income:

                    

Interest on loans and other receivables

   Ps. 262.1    Ps. 592.7    (55.8 )%

Guaranteed loans

     35.9      26.0    38.3  

CVS index on pesified loans

     11.8      —      100.0  

CER index on pesified loans

     156.8      203.8    (23.1 )

Compensatory and hedge bonds

     21.6      38.8    (44.2 )

Effects of changes in exchange rates

     —        181.4    (100.0 )

Others

     24.4      77.0    (68.3 )
    

  

  

Total

   Ps. 512.6    Ps. 1,119.7    (54.2 )%
    

  

  

 

BHSA’s financial income for the period ended June 30, 2003 totaled Ps.512.6 million, a decrease of 54.2% from our financial income of Ps. 1,119.7 million for the period ended June 30, 2002. This decrease was mainly due to:

 

  a decrease in income on loans and other receivables as a result of prepayments, scheduled amortization of BHSA’s loan portfolio and suspension in origination of new loans;

 

  lower effects on changes in exchange rates, as a result of the appreciation of the Argentine Peso;

 

  lower income from loans and other financial income due to a decrease in the CER index;

 

  lower income from compensatory and hedge bonds as a result of adjustments according to Central Bank requirements, and

 

  these factors were partially offset by the application of the CVS index on BHSA’s mortgage loan portfolio to individuals previously pesified.

 

Financial Expenses

 

The following table sets forth information regarding BHSA’s financial expenses, average interest-bearing liabilities and average interest rates paid for the periods ended June 30, 2003 and 2002.

 

     Period ended June 30,

   % Change  
     2003

   2002

   2003/2002

 
     (in millions of Pesos, except for percentages)  

Financial Expenses:

                  

Bonds, borrowings from Banks and similar obligations

   Ps. 634.6    509.3    24.6 %

Borrowings from Central Bank

     316.1    444.3    (28.8 )

Effects of changes in exchange rates

     287.5    —      100.0  

Contributions and taxes on financial income

     3.5    19.0    (81.6 )
    

  
  

Total

   Ps. 1,241.7    972.6    27.7 %
    

  
  

 

BHSA’s financial expenses for the period ended June 30, 2003 were Ps. 1,241.7 million, 27.7% higher of Ps. 972.6 million recorded in the period ended June 30, 2002. This increase was mainly due to:

 

  The appreciation of the Peso against the US Dollar and other foreign currencies which had an adverse effect on BHSA’s external liabilities denominated in foreign currency, and

 

116


Table of Contents
  higher interest in bonds, borrowings from banks an similar obligations, as a result of the decision of the board of directors of BHSA to start restructuring its debt.

 

This decrease was partially offset by:

 

  lower expenses from Argentine Central Bank advances that resulted from lower average interest rates payable on Argentine Central Bank borrowings, including short term liquidity advances and additional advances expected to be incurred in the future in order to acquire additional BODEN and a reduction in the CER.

 

Provision for Loans Losses

 

The following table sets forth BHSA’s provision for loan losses for the periods ended June 30, 2003 and 2002.

 

     Periods ended June 30,

   % Change  
     2003

   2002

   2003/2002

 
     (in millions of Pesos, except for percentages)  

Provision for loan losses

   Ps. 122    Ps. 438.6    (72.2 %)

Inflation adjustment

                    
    

  

  

Total

   Ps. 122    Ps. 438.6    (72.2 %)
    

  

  

Charge-offs

   Ps. 155.7    Ps. 174.9    (10.9 %)

 

BHSA’s provisions for losses on loans decreased to Ps.122 million in the period ended June 30, 2003, from Ps. 438.6 million for the year ended June 30, 2002, principally as a result of improvement in BHSA’s portfolio of performing loans compared to the significant deterioration experienced on its mortgage loans during 2002.

 

117


Table of Contents

Net Contribution from Insurance

 

The following table sets forth the principal components of BHSA’s net contribution from insurance for the periods ended June 30, 2003 and 2002.

 

     Periods ended June 30,

   % Change  
     2003

   2002

   2003/2002

 
     (in millions of Pesos, except for percentages)  

Insurance premiums earned:

                    

Life

   Ps. 29.4    Ps. 65.6    (55.2 )%

Property damage

     13.9      30.5    (54.4 )

Unemployment

     1.9      4.6    (58.7 )

Other

     1.6      —         
    

  

  

Total premiums earned

   Ps. 46.8    Ps. 100.7    (53.5 )%

Insurance claims expensed:

                    

Life

   Ps. 8.0    Ps. 16.5    (51.5 )%

Property damage

     1.0      1.4    (28.6 )

Unemployment

     0.9      2.9    (68.9 )
    

  

  

Total claims expensed

   Ps. 9.9      20.8    (52.4 )%
    

  

  

Net contribution from insurance

   Ps. 36.9    Ps. 79.9    (53.8 )%
    

  

  

 

Net contribution from insurance activities of Ps. 36.9 million during the period ended June 30, 2003 decreased by Ps.43.0 million compared to the year ended June 30, 2002. This decrease was mainly due to lower premiums charged during the period ended June 30, 2003, that resulted from decrease in the number of loans with respect to which we provide insurance coverage during the period ended June 30, 2002, partially offset by a decrease in non-performing loans and insurance paid.

 

Other Income from Services

 

The following table includes the principal components of BHSA’s other income from services for the periods ended June 30, 2003 and 2002.

 

     Periods ended June 30,

   %Change  
     2003

   2002

   2003/2002

 
     (in millions of Pesos, except for percentages)  

Loan servicing fees from third parties

   Ps. 21.9    Ps. 31.4    (30.2 )%

FONAVI commissions

     2.9      3.9    (25.6 )

Other

     12.9      25.5    (49.4 )
    

  

  

Total

   Ps. 37.7    Ps. 60.8    (38.0 )%
    

  

  

 

BHSA’s other income from services decreased 38.0 % for the period ended June 30, 2003 primarily due to prepayments and scheduled amortizations of its mortgage loan portfolio and the continued suspension in originations of mortgage loans which was partially offset by a decrease in the percentage of non-performing loans.

 

118


Table of Contents

Other Expenses on Services

 

The following table includes the principal components of BHSA’s other expenses on services for the periods ended June 30, 2003 and 2002.

 

     Periods ended June 30,

   % Change  
     2003

   2002

   2003/2002

 
     (in millions of Pesos, except for percentages)  

Structuring and underwriting fees

   Ps. 23.2    Ps. 39.1    (40.7 )%

Commissions on third party originations

     0.6      2.4    (73.0 )

Collections

     0.5      0.4    47.2  

Banking services

     6.1      15.2    (59.5 )

Other

     0.1      2.4    (97.3 )
    

  

  

Total

   Ps. 30.6    Ps. 59.4    (48.6 )%
    

  

  

Contributions and taxes on income from services

     0.7      3.9    (82.1 )
    

  

  

Total

   Ps. 31.3    Ps. 63.2    (50.4 )%
    

  

  

 

BHSA’s other expenses on services decreased 50.4% to Ps.31.3 million for the period ended June 30, 2003, from Ps. 63.2 million for the period ended June 30, 2002, primarily due to lower commissions paid in connection with structuring and underwriting fees, related to the restructuring of BHSA’s debt in March 2002 and its decision to accelerate scheduling of such fees in 2002 upon (i) the pesification of certain assets which reduced the value of our equity interest therein and thereby reducing the likelihood of BHSA’s ability to recover the amount of such fees in the future and (ii) the resolution of BHSA’s board of directors providing for the restructuring of its outstanding debt on August 15, 2003.

 

Administrative Expenses

 

The following table sets forth the principal components of BHSA’s administrative expenses for the periods ended June 30, 2003 and 2002.

 

     Periods ended June 30,

   %Change  
     2003

   2002

   2003/2002

 
     (in millions of Pesos, except for percentages)  

Salaries and social security contributions

   Ps. 69.1    Ps. 138.5    (50.1 )%

Fees and external administrative services

     9.0      23.7    (62.0 )

Maintenance and repair

     30.9      46.8    (34.0 )

Advertising expenses

     0.5      3.4    (85.3 )

Nonrecoverable VAT and other taxes

     8.3      17.3    (52.0 )

Other

     2.1      4.7    (55.3 )
    

  

  

Total

   Ps. 119.9    Ps. 234.4    (48.8 )%
    

  

  

 

Administrative expenses for the period ended June 30, 2003 decreased 48.8% to Ps.119.9 million from Ps. 234.4 million for the period ended June 30, 2002, primarily as a result of (i) a 50.1% reduction in salaries and social security contributions reflecting BHSA’s implementation of a voluntary retirement plan, and (ii) the effects of lower inflation adjustments on salaries and social contributions. Some of BHSA’s employees have elected to participate in BHSA’s voluntary retirement plan and therefore the salaries and social security contributions have been reduced.

 

119


Table of Contents

Miscellaneous Income

 

The following table sets forth BHSA’s miscellaneous income for the periods ended June 30, 2003 and 2002.

 

     Periods ended June 30,

   % Change  
     2003

   2002

   2003/2002

 
     (in millions of Pesos, except for percentages)  

Penalty interest

   Ps. 14.5    Ps. 11.6    25 %

Loan loss recoveries

     50.1      82.7    (39.4 )

Other

     6.0      14.8    (59.5 )
    

  

  

Total

   Ps. 70.6    Ps. 109.1    (35.3 )%
    

  

  

 

BHSA’s miscellaneous income decreased 35.3% to Ps. 70.6 million for the period ended June 30, 2003 from Ps. 109.1 million for the period ended June 30, 2002, principally as a result of lower other incomes partially offset by higher loan loss recoveries from written-off loans and higher penalty interest in connection with the recovery of nonperforming loans.

 

Miscellaneous Expenses

 

The following table sets forth the principal components of BHSA’s miscellaneous expenses for the periods ended June 30, 2003 and 2002.

 

     Periods ended June 30,

   % Change  
     2003

   2002

   2003/2002

 
     (in millions of Pesos, except for percentages)  

Provision for lawsuits contingencies

   Ps. 36.0    Ps. 4.2    757.1 %

Difference in compensatory and hedge bonds

     49.3      —      100.0  

Provision for administrative organization

     48.0      —      100.0  

Provision for other contingencies and miscellaneous receivables

     7.5      1.0    650.0  

Intangible Assets loss

            7.8    (100.0 )

Provision for taxes

            2.6    (100.0 )

Prepayment mortgage loans at discount

     51.6      1.5    3340.0  

Other

     11.2      14.4    126.4  
    

  

  

Total

   Ps. 203.6    Ps. 31.5    546.3 %
    

  

  

 

BHSA’s miscellaneous expenses increased to Ps. 203.6 million for the year ended June 30, 2003 from Ps. 31.6 million for the year ended June 30, 2002 as a result of (i) a provision established to cover contingencies related to certain communications issued by the Central Bank regarding compensatory BODEN, and (ii) an increase in provisions for lawsuit contingencies due to an increase in the amount of lawsuits, primarily relating to the payment of BHSA’s defaulted debt obligations.

 

Monetary Adjustment

 

The following table sets forth the principal components of the effects of the inflation adjustments for the twelve months ended June 30, 2003 and 2002:

 

     Periods ended June 30,

   % Change  
     2003

    2002

   2003/2002

 
     (in millions of Pesos, except for percentages)  

Monetary loss from financial transactions

   Ps. (224.0)     Ps. (2.229.6)    (90.0 )%

Monetary (loss) gain related to operating transactions

     (1.0 )     13.8    107.0  

Monetary gain on other transactions

     7.0       49.2    (85.8 )
    


 

  

Total

   Ps. (218.0)     Ps. (2,166.6)    (89.9 )%
    


 

  

 

By Communication “A” 3921 the Central Bank, as required by Decree No. 664/03, suspended the applicability of the inflation adjustment effective as of March 1, 2003. In the year ended June 30, 2003, the

 

120


Table of Contents

effect of inflation recorded on BHSA’s net monetary assets decreased significantly compared to the corresponding period of 2002, principally as a result of the decrease in the WPI.

 

As of June 30, 2003, BHSA’s net position in monetary assets and liabilities was similar to the amount recorded as of June 30, 2002. Changes in the monetary loss between periods was attributable to the variation in the WPI as mentioned above.

 

B. Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Our liquidity and capital resources include our cash and cash equivalents, proceeds from bank borrowing and long-term debt, capital financing and sales of real estate investments.

 

As of June 30, 2004, we had working capital of Ps. 5.6 million. At the same date, we had cash and cash equivalents totaling Ps. 122.9 million, a decrease of 36.35 % from Ps. 193.1 million of cash and cash equivalents held as of June 30, 2003.

 

Our operating activities resulted in net cash inflows of Ps. 73.4 million, Ps. 93.9 million and Ps. 54.3 million for fiscal years 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. The operating cash inflows for fiscal year 2004 primarily resulted from operating gains of Ps. 89.4 million, partially offset by an increase in non-current investments for Ps. 10.7 million. Net cash inflows for fiscal year 2003 primarily resulted from operating gains of Ps. 16.4 million and increases in accrued interest and exchange gain of Ps. 56.5 million. The operating cash inflows for fiscal year 2002 primarily resulted from the increase in financial results of Ps. 331.0 million, a decrease in investments for Ps. 18.1 million and in a decrease of receivables for Ps. 41.2 million.

 

Our investing activities resulted in net cash outflows of Ps. 95.9 million, Ps. 40.6 and Ps. 21.1 million for fiscal years 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. In fiscal year 2004 we made investments in our subsidiaries and equity investees of Ps. 70.2 million through the purchase and sale of shares and options of Banco Hipotecario. In fiscal year 2003 we made investments in our subsidiaries and equity investees for Ps. 31.7 million primarily in APSA. In February 2002 we sold our investment in Brazil Realty for US$ 44.2 million. In fiscal years 2004, 2003 and 2002, we repurchased and/or invested in existing properties for Ps. 25.7 million, Ps. 11.0 million and Ps. 28.4 million, respectively. In fiscal year 2002, we also granted loans to related parties for Ps. 105.7 million.

 

Our net cash used in financing activities of Ps. 47.6 million was primarily due to the proceeds from short-term and long-term debt of Ps. 66.4 million and the issuance of common stock of Ps. 24.7 million. Our net cash provided by financing activities of Ps. 109.4 million for fiscal year 2003 was primarily due to the proceeds from short-term and long-term debt of Ps. 397.3 millions partially offset by the payment of short-term and long-term debt of Ps. 271.0 million. Our net cash used in financing activities of Ps. 41.4 million for fiscal year 2002 was primarily due to the payment of short-term debt partially offset by the income for new loans for Ps. 170.0 million.

 

We believe our assets have potential for growth. Our low level of indebtedness, most of which is long-term, and the cash proceeds from the exercise of warrants attached to our convertible debt, place us in a good position to finance new projects and seek expansion opportunities.

 

Our indebtedness

 

Our total outstanding debt as of June 30, 2004, amounted to Ps. 603.9 million, as compared to the Ps. 679.5 million as of June 30, 2003. This decrease is attributed to the conversion of IRSA’s and APSA’s Convertible Notes for US$ 12.9 million and US$ 0.9 million respectively and to several debt buybacks and reductions conducted during the year, as described below.

 

Pursuant to Decree No. 214/02, part of our indebtedness was “pesified,” although a large portion, governed by foreign laws continued to be Dollar-denominated. “Pesified” indebtedness is to be adjusted by the CER index.

 

121


Table of Contents

On May 24, 2000, we entered into a US$ 80.0 million Syndicated Loan Agreement (the “Syndicated Loan Agreement”) arranged by Bank Boston N.A. Loans under this Syndicated Loan Agreement bear interest at three-month LIBOR plus a margin of 500 basis points.

 

Amounts owing under the Syndicated Loan Agreement were payable in U.S. Dollars. Although final maturity on the loan agreement was on August 30, 2002, due to the continuing effects of economic recession, the unavailability of financing sources and the succession of recent governmental measures adversely affecting the normal operations of the banking and payments system, we could not make the scheduled payment on that date. As explained below we renegotiated this Syndicated Loan Agreement under new conditions.

 

On December 18, 2000, we issued US$ 43.5 million unsecured Class 2 Floating Rate Notes due December 24, 2001 (the “Class 2 Floating Rate Notes”). Proceeds from this issuance were used to repay certain outstanding short-term indebtedness. Our Class 2 Floating Rate Notes matured in December 2001, and we were unable to pay the principal then due. As a result of such non-payment, in December 2001, we entered into negotiations with the holders of our Class 2 Floating Rate Notes and to date have been able to obtain short-term deferrals of our obligation to pay such matured notes. On February 8, 2002, we agreed with our holders to replace the Class 2 floating interest rate for an annual fixed interest rate of 12%. Pursuant to the most recent deferral, granted on October 31, 2002, the principal of and interest on our Class 2 Floating Rate Notes were due in full on November 14, 2002 and were further renegotiated as explained below. We also agreed with our holders on a capitalization of the interest due on October 31, 2002. On May 15, 2002, we repurchased from Banco Sudameris its participation in the mentioned Class 2 Floating Rate Notes of US$ 6.8 million.

 

On November 15, 2002, we signed a Framework Refinancing Agreement (the “Framework Refinancing Agreement”) to refinance the Syndicated Loan Agreement of US$ 80.0 million and the Class 2 Floating Rate Notes amounting, at that time, to US$ 37.0 million through the following schedule:

 

  US$ 13.6 million were paid in cash, reducing the principal;

 

  US$ 15.0 million were swapped for Convertible Notes at a rate of 8% and maturing in the year 2007;

 

  US$ 37.4 million in Secured Class 3 Floating Rates Notes (the “Class 3 Floating Rate Notes”) with a 90-day LIBOR plus 200 base points and maturing in the year 2009. These notes are secured by a first mortgage drawn out on some of our properties for an amount equivalent to 50% of the debt; and

 

  US$ 51.0 million Unsecured Loan Agreement (the “Unsecured Loan Agreement”) expiring in the year 2009. 69% of this loan accrues interest at a ninety-day LIBOR plus 200 base points, whereas the remainder accrues interest at a phased fixed rate starting at 5.5% and reaching 6.5%.

 

The offer of Convertible Notes into our ordinary shares was successfully completed on November 21, 2002, for a total amount of US$ 100 million. These notes are accompanied by a warrant that offers the option to purchase additional shares. The subscription price was 100% of the face value of the Convertible Notes, which accrue interest at an annual 8% payable semiannually and maturing in November 2007. The conversion price is US$ 0.5450 per ordinary share, in other words each note may be swapped for 1.8349 ordinary shares. The funds generated by the issue were mainly allocated to the settlement and restructuring of the liabilities existent at the date, and to finance our working capital and for other general corporate purposes.

 

Due to the distribution of 4,587,285 treasury shares, we have adjusted the conversion price of its Convertible Notes according to the subscription clauses. The conversion price of the Convertible Notes decreased from US$ 0.5571 to US$ 0.5450 and the warrants price went from US$ 0.6686 to US$ 0.6541. Such adjustment was effective as from December 20, 2002.

 

As of November 30, 2004, certain holders of our Convertible Notes had exercised their conversion rights. The total number of notes converted amounted to 13,468,670 units with a face value of US$ 1 each, whereas the ordinary stock delivered under this heading amounted to 24,713,137 with a face value of Ps.1 each.

 

122


Table of Contents

During the same period 12,265,962 warrants were exercised resulting in a cash inflow of US$ 14.7 million and the issuance of 22,506,341 shares with a face value of Ps. 1 each.

 

As of November 30, 2004, the number of Convertible Notes outstanding amounted to US$ 86,531,330, the number of warrants outstanding amounted to 87,734,038, while 259,218,751 of our shares were outstanding.

 

On December 4, 2002, we paid off our debt with GSEM/AP Holdings, L.P. (Goldman Sachs) which amounted to US$ 16.3 million including the principal and accrued interest, with a total payment of US$ 11.1 million.

 

On July 19, 2002, APSA issued US$ 50.0 million Series I Convertible Notes (the “Series I Convertible Notes”), according to the resolution of the Ordinary and Extraordinary APSA Shareholders’ Meeting held on December 4, 2001. The terms of the issue included a conversion price that consists of the maximum between the face value of APSA common shares divided by the exchange rate and US$ 0.0324, which means that each Series I Convertible Note may be converted into approximately 30.8642 shares with a face value of Ps. 0.1 each, accruing an annual 10% interest payable semiannually and with a subscription price of 100% of the principal of the notes. The issue of this instrument enabled APSA to prepay a significant portion of its debt, thus considerably improving its financial structure and schedule of payments.

 

On August 23, 2002, APSA successfully completed the placement of Series I Convertible Notes for US$ 50.0 million of which we have subscribed a total of US$ 27.2 million. In January 2003 we purchased an additional 3.4 million APSA shares, increasing our current equity interest to 54.9%. We also acquired 2.6 million Series I Convertible Notes which increased our interest to a total of 59.9% of the notes issued by our subsidiary.

 

On July 23, 2003, we made a prepayment to HSBC Bank Argentina S.A. of US$ 16 million under the US$ 51.0 million Unsecured Loan Agreement whose final expiration is in November 2009. This transaction involved a payment of US$ 10.9 million, representing 68% of the face value of the debt and a discount of US$ 5.1 million.

 

On March 17, 2004 we repurchased from HSBC Bank London Plc. US$ 12 million under the US$ 51 million Unsecured Loan Agreement, maturing in November 2009. The transaction value totaled US$ 8.6 million, was at a discount of 28%, and resulted in a US$ 3.4 million discount.

 

In January 2001, our subsidiary Hoteles Argentinos S.A., holder of 100% of the Hotel Sheraton Libertador, obtained a loan of US$ 12.0 million from BankBoston N.A. Subsequently, Bank Boston sold this loan to Marathon Master Fund Ltd.This loan expires in January 2006 and accrues a quarterly interest at the LIBOR plus a markup ranging between 401 and 476 basis points, according to the value of certain financial indicators. This loan was not converted to Pesos and is stated in U.S. Dollars because it is governed by the laws of the State of New York. There are currently installments of the principal and interest that are overdue and unpaid. This loan is with no recourse to us. On December 16, 2004, our wholly-owned subsidiary Ritelco S.A. acquired 100% of the debt Hoteles Argentinos had with Marathon Master Fund, Ltd. Ritelco S.A. paid a total amount of US$ 8.0 million.

 

As of June 30, 2004, we had outstanding Collateralized Loans for a total amount of Ps.137.4 million, including accrued interests. The Collateralized Loans include several loans at fixed/variable rates ranging from 3.34% to 6.10%, with different maturities through November 2009. A total amount of Ps. 32.8 million debt is collateralized with a mortgage over the Sheraton Libertador Hotel. A total amount of US$ 37.4 million, which matures on November 20, 2009 and accrues quarterly interest payments at three-month LIBOR plus 200 basis points, is secured by several assets. As of June 30, 2004, we recorded a total balance of US$ 32.9 million, which corresponds to US$ 37.4 million discounted at a market rate equivalent to 8% p.a., accruing an annual interest rate of 1.12% at LIBOR.

 

123


Table of Contents

The following table sets forth our outstanding debt as of June 30, 2004 (excluding APSA):

 

IRSA Debt


   Principal (US$ MM) (1)

   Interest Rate

  Maturity

Unsecured Loan Agreement

   23.0    LIBOR + 200 bps   November 2009

Class 3 Floating Rate Notes

   37.4    LIBOR + 200 bps   November 2009

Hoteles Argentinos Loan

   12.0    LIBOR + 500 bps   January 2006

Total Debt

   72.4         

Convertible Notes

   87.1    8%   November 2007

 

(1) Accrued interest is not included.

 

APSA’s indebtedness

 

On January 18, 2001, APSA issued US$ 120.0 million of secured Senior Notes (the “Senior Notes”) due on January 13, 2005 in three classes: (i) US$ 40.0 million of Class A-2 notes due January 13, 2005, at a corrected Badlar interest rate plus 395 basis points; (ii) US$ 5.0 million of Class B-1 notes, which APSA issued together with its wholly-owned subsidiary SAPSA, and which are due on January 13, 2005, at a 90-day LIBOR plus 475 basis points, and (iii) US$ 75.0 million of Class B-2 notes, which APSA issued together with SAPSA, maturing at various dates through January 13, 2005, at a corrected Badlar rate plus 395 basis points. The proceeds from this issuance were used to repay financial indebtedness, including outstanding mortgage-collateralized borrowings and other short-term debts.

 

Additionally, during the third quarter of the fiscal year 2001, APSA redeemed US$ 2.5 million of the Class A-2 notes at 100% of par value. The payment of the total amount of the Senior Notes is guaranteed by a trust agreement pursuant to which all of the shares of SAPSA were transferred to a trust. The Trust Agreement was entered into on January 16, 2001 among APSA and Ritelco, as shareholders of SAPSA and as Trustors, RioTrust S.A., as trustee, and the holders of the Senior Notes as beneficiaries.

 

Interest on both classes are paid on a quarterly basis as from April 18, 2001.

 

On April 7, 2000, APSA issued the Ps. 85.0 million Notes (the “Ps. 85.0 million Notes”) due April 7, 2005 at a 14.875% annual rate, payable semiannually. Proceeds from this issuance were used to repay certain outstanding syndicated loan and other short-term financial debt. In March 2001, June 2003 and August, 2004, APSA redeemed Ps. 36.6 million historical pesos, at different prices below par. After subtracting our holding, the aggregate outstanding amount for such notes as of November 23, 2004 was Ps. 48.4 million.

 

On March 30, 2000, in connection with the issuance of Ps. 85 million Notes, APSA entered into a swap agreement with Morgan Guaranty Trust in order to reduce the related financing cost. This swap agreement initially allowed APSA to reduce the net cost of its debt. However, due to the Argentine economic crisis, the political instability, and the depreciation of the Argentine public debt, there was a substantial negative deviation of the performance of the swap agreement that required the modification of the original terms. Under the terms of the revised agreement, APSA agreed to pay US$ 69.1 million on March 30, 2005 and receive Ps. 69.1 million on such date. As collateral for its payment obligations under the modified agreement, APSA was required to make a deposit of US$ 50 million with the counterparty. APSA is not required to make additional deposits until maturity. An additional payment at maturity could be required depending on the prevailing exchange rate between the Peso and the U.S. Dollar. Thus, a continued devaluation of the Peso against the US Dollar and/or an increase in interest rates would increase its loss which could be material. As of June 30, 2004 this modified swap agreement was accounted for at its fair market value resulting in a recognition of a liability of US$ 45.4 million. The line item “Interest rate swap receivable” included within “Other receivables and prepaid expenses, net” represents the net amount of the US$ 50 million deposited as collateral and the US$ 45.4 million payable under the swap agreement.

 

In order to finance the US$ 50 million collateral deposit and the subsequent transactions related to the swap, APSA entered into loan agreements with us and Parque Arauco S.A. As of June 30, 2002 its debt with us and Parque Arauco S.A. under those loan agreements amounted to Ps. 45.6 million and Ps. 22.9 million respectively.

 

In addition, between May and July 2002, our company and Parque Arauco S.A. granted to APSA loans for US$ 10.1 million and US$ 4.9 million respectively. The annual interest rate for such loans was

 

124


Table of Contents

10%. The funds obtained under these loans have been used to fully cancel APSA short-term bank debt for the total amount of Ps. 43.8 million plus the accrued CER adjustment.

 

The amounts APSA owed under the loans which were granted to APSA from us and Parque Arauco, were used by us and Parque Arauco to subscribe APSA offering of US$ 50.0 million Series I Convertible Notes on August 20, 2002 (the “Series I Convertible Notes”). We and Parque Arauco subscribed for US$ 27.2 million and US$ 15.2 million respectively of APSA´s Series I Convertible Notes.

 

As of September 30, 2001, APSA begun to be in non compliance with certain financial covenants with respect to the US$ 120 million Senior Notes due in 2005 and the Ps. 85.0 million Notes due in 2005. Nevertheless, during fiscal year 2004, APSA complied with all of its financial covenants.

 

In addition, non compliance with certain financial covenants mentioned above, APSA has not made certain payments for an aggregate amount of Ps. 21.7 million under APSA Class A and B-2 Senior Notes which where scheduled to be paid on January 14, 2002. However, on January 16, 2002 and March 15, 2002, the holders of Senior Notes unanimously approved certain waivers and deferrals of accrued interests and scheduled principal payments until July 17, 2002. On June 24, 2002, APSA agreed with the holders of its Class A and B-2 Senior Notes, that APSA would pay all interest owed and the amortization coupon which originally matured in January 2002, prior to July 17, 2002. Such payment would receive a discount of approximately 20%. As of July 17, 2002, all interest owed and the amortization coupon under APSA Class A and B-2 Senior Notes that matured in January 2002, had been fully paid. The Public Emergency Law, enacted on January 6, 2002 and Decree No. 214/02 of the National Executive Branch established the conversion to Pesos of all loans and agreements in effect that had been agreed in U.S. Dollars or any other foreign currency at the exchange rate of Ps. 1.00 = 1.00 U.S. Dollar (US$ 1.00). The pesification of debts affected APSA’s Senior Notes (US$ 117.5 million), short-term bank debt (US$ 44.6 million) and the loans with its majority shareholders. Such agreements and loans have been adjusted as from February 3, 2002 by the CER. Thus if there were a severe inflationary process, APSA’s debt would be significantly increased.

 

With respect to interest rates, Argentine Central Bank Communication “A” 3507 dated March 13, 2002 established a fixed interest rate between 6% and 8% to debts issued by companies under Argentine law. This resolution affected APSA´s Senior Notes (Ps. 132.0 million) and its short-term bank debt (Ps. 50.11 million).

 

On June 9, 2003 APSA signed a Compensation Agreement with the only holder of Class B1 Senior Notes, reducing the negative impact that the pesification of contracts had on this holder. APSA extended the original schedule of payments. On January 13, 2004 APSA paid US$ 1.25 million and on January 13, 2005 APSA will pay US$ 3.75 million.

 

On July 19, 2002 APSA issued US$ 50 million of Series I Convertible Notes which are convertible into shares of its common stock at the holder’s option. The offer was subscribed in full.

 

The terms of these Series I Convertible Notes include (i) a conversion price that consists of the maximum between the face value of APSA common stock (Ps. 0.10) divided by the exchange rate and US$ 0.0324, which means that every Series I Convertible Note is potentially convertible into approximately 30.8642 shares of APSA´s common stock with a face value of Ps. 0.10 each (ii) an accrual of a 10% annual interest rate payable semi-annually and (iii) a subscription price of 100% of the principal amount of the Convertible Note. The Series I Convertible Notes, mature on July 19, 2006. Raymond James Argentina Sociedad de Bolsa S.A. acted as subscription and placement agent.

 

In the event that all the bondholders were to convert their Series I Convertible Notes, APSA´s share capital would increase from 779,827,330 shares as of November 30, 2004 to approximately 2,239,741,836 shares. Also, as of such date the number of Series I Convertible Notes outstanding amounted to US$ 47,301,230.

 

The issuance of APSA´s Series I Convertible Notes has allowed APSA to repay an important portion of its existing debt. The proceeds of this offering have been allocated to fully repay (i) loans from its major shareholders for approximately US$ 33.1 million, and (ii) US$ 16.8 million (plus the accrued CER adjustment) which APSA owed under its Senior Notes and under which they obtained discounts for up to 25%.

 

125


Table of Contents

On February 17, 2003, APSA entered into a repurchase agreement (the “Repurchase Agreement”) with us and Parque Arauco Argentina S.A. in which each company granted to APSA loans for Ps. 4.2 million and Ps. 2.1 million, respectively. According to the Repurchase Agreement, APSA made a collateral deposit of Ps. 5.5 million nominal value of Class A-2 Senior Notes and Ps. 10.0 million nominal value of Class B-2 Notes with us and other of Ps. 2.8 million nominal value of Class A-2 Senior Notes and Ps. 5.0 million nominal value of Class B-2 Senior Notes with Parque Arauco Argentina S.A. As of November 5, 2004, APSA agreed to repurchase on January 7 the securities at a price of Ps. 5.1 million and Ps. 2.6 million to us and Parque Arauco Argentina S.A., respectively.

 

In connection with the Ps. 120 million notes, Ps. 1 face value, due January 2005 after the fiscal year-end, on August 6, 2004 APSA and Shopping Alto Palermo S.A. bought back at Ps. 1.51656 per unit, 6,666,667 and 7,083,333 notes, respectively. This transaction allowed APSA to reduce its financial cost, as such notes accrued interest at a rate of 8% plus CER restatement. Retirement resulted in a disbursement of Ps. 10.1 million by APSA and Ps. 10.7 million by Shopping Alto Palermo. This buyback resulted in the full retirement of Class A-2 and B-2 of these notes.

 

Furthermore, during the year ended June 30, 2004, APSA met all its financial commitments relating to its outstanding notes.

 

During the year ended June 30, 2004 APSA was in compliance with the financial covenants under the indentures of the APSA Senior Notes and the Ps. 85.0 million Notes.

 

Due to compliance with its financial covenants, APSA can again raise additional funds without the prior approval of the outstanding bondholders.

 

The following table shows APSA´s outstanding debt as of June 30, 2004 (accrued interest not included):

 

    

Ps.

(million)


 

US$(1)

(million)


   Interest Rate

  Maturity

Senior Notes Class A-2 and B-2

   20.6(2)   7.0    8% + CER   January 2005

Senior Notes Class B-1

   11.09   3.75    Libor + 475 Bps.   January 2005

Ps. 85.0 million Notes

   49.62   16.78    14.875%   April 2005

Shareholders loans

   7.21   2.44    8%   January 2005

Subtotal

   88.52   29.97         

Series I Convertible Notes

   145.14   49.07    10%   January 2006

Total Debt

   233.66   79.04         

 

(1) Solely for the convenience of the reader, we have translated Peso amounts into U.S. Dollars at the exchange rate quoted by Banco de la Nación Argentina for June 30, 2004 which was Ps. 2.958 per US$1.0. We make no representation that the Peso or U.S. Dollar amounts actually represent, could have been or could be converted into U.S. Dollars at the rates indicated, at any particular rate or at all. See “Exchange Rates”.

 

(2) Fully paid on August 6, 2004.

 

On September 29, 2004, APSA entered into an agreement for the purchase of 49.9% of the capital stock of Pérez Cuesta S.A.C.I. The transaction was consummated on December 2, 2004, after APSA obtained approval from the Antitrust Authorities. As a result, APSA currently owns a 68.8% interest in this shopping center.

 

As of June 30, 2004, Pérez Cuesta had Ps. 40.3 million of financial indebtedness (including accrued interests and CER), Ps. 23.1 million of which was overdue and was in default. Although pursuant to Decree No. 214/02, Pérez Cuesta’s U.S. Dollar-denominated financial indebtedness has been converted into Pesos, since its indebtedness includes outstanding mortgage commercial leases and collateralized contracts borrowings, the default on several expired payments raises substantial doubt as to its ability to continue as a going concern. Currently,

 

126


Table of Contents

Pérez Cuesta and APSA are negotiating the restructuring of the debt terms with Pérez Cuesta’s creditors. However, we cannot assure you that they will achieve a successful restructuring of its financial indebtedness.

 

On December 3, 2004, Alto Palermo signed an option agreement, exercisable until March 31, 2005, which entitles the company to purchase the debt that Perez Cuesta S.A.C.I. owes to HSBC Bank Argentina S.A. As of June 30, 2004, such indebtedness amounted to Ps. 9.5 million. As of the date of this filing, such amount is overdue and unpaid. Alto Palermo S.A. paid an option premium of Ps. 0.7 million. The loan bears an interest rate of 8% plus CER adjustment.

 

Capital expenditures

 

During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2004 we had capital expenditures of. Ps. 153.0 million. We made investments in our subsidiaries and equity investees of Ps. 127.4 million through the purchase of shares and options of Banco Hipotecario. We also made investments of Ps. 25.1 million in fixed assets primarily in APSA of Ps. 20.4 million and in the Llao Llao Hotel of Ps. 3.3 million. We also invested Ps. 0.6 million in undeveloped parcels of land.

 

During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2003 we had capital expenditures of Ps. 42.7 million. We made investments in our subsidiaries and equity investees of Ps. 31.7 million primarily in APSA. We also made investments in fixed assets of Ps. 10.8 million among which we can highlight fixed assets belonging to the shopping center and hotel segment. In addition we made investments in undeveloped parcels of land of Ps. 0.2 million.

 

During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2002 we had capital expenditures of Ps. 50.1 million. We made investments in fixed assets of Ps. 25.1 million primarily to the acquisition of Costeros Dique IV in the office segment of Ps. 20.6 million and Ps. 3.1 in the Llao Llao Hotel. We also made investments in undeveloped parcels of land of Ps. 3.3 million primarily in Dique III of Ps. 2.5 million and in our subsidiaries and equity investees of Ps. 21.7 million.

 

We believe our assets have potential for growth. Our low level of indebtedness, most of which is long-term, and the cash proceeds from the exercise of warrants attached to our convertible debt, place us in a good position to finance new projects and seek expansion opportunities.

 

U.S. GAAP Reconciliation

 

The accounting principles applied in Argentina vary in certain significant respects from accounting principles applied in the United States. Application of accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (U.S. GAAP) would have affected the determination of amounts shown as net income (loss) for each of the three years in the period ended June 30, 2004, and the amounts of total shareholders’ equity as of June 30, 2004 and 2003 , to the extent summarized in Note 20 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

The principal differences, other than inflation accounting, between Argentine GAAP and U.S. GAAP are related to the following:

 

(i) the impact of certain U.S. GAAP adjustments on equity investees;

 

(ii) the accounting for marketable securities;

 

(iii) the accounting for derivatives and hedging activities;

 

(iv) the accounting for the non-contributory management stock ownership plan;

 

(v) the application of different useful lives for depreciation purposes;

 

(vi) the deferral of certain preoperating and organization expenses under Argentine GAAP which are expensed as incurred under U.S. GAAP;

 

127


Table of Contents
(vii) the accounting for a mortgage payable with no stated interest;

 

(viii) the accounting for securitization programs;

 

(ix) the application of certain U.S. GAAP adjustments to the estimation of the fair value of net assets acquired;

 

(x) the present-value accounting;

 

(xi) the restoration of previously recognized impairment losses accounting;

 

(xii) the accounting for convertible notes;

 

(xiii) the accounting for troubled debt restructuring;

 

(xiv) the accounting for real estate barter transactions;

 

(xv) the accounting for the appraisal revaluation of fixed assets;

 

(xvi) the accounting for deferred charges;

 

(xvii) the amortization of fees related to the Senior Notes;

 

(xviii) the accounting for software obtained for internal use;

 

(xix) the accounting for changes in interest in consolidated affiliated companies;

 

(xx) the capitalization of interest costs;

 

(xxi) the differences between the price-level restated amounts of assets and liabilities and their historical basis, that under Argentine GAAP, are treated as permanent differences in accounting for deferred income tax calculation purposes while under US GAAP are treated as temporary differences;

 

(xxii) the effects on deferred income tax of the foregoing taxes of the above-mentioned reconciling items, as appropriate; and

 

(xxiii) the effect on minority interest of the above-mentioned reconciling items, as appropriate.

 

In addition, certain other disclosures required under U.S. GAAP have been included in the U.S. GAAP reconciliation. See Note 20 to our Consolidated Financial Statements, included elsewhere in this annual report for details.

 

Net income (loss) under Argentine GAAP for the years ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002 was Ps. 87.9 million, Ps. 286.4 million, and Ps. (543.7) million, respectively, as compared to Ps. 2.8 million, Ps. 235.1 million and Ps. (901.5) million, respectively, under U.S. GAAP. Shareholders’ equity under Argentine GAAP as of June 30, 2004 and 2003, was Ps. 959.9 million and Ps.809.2 million, respectively, as compared to Ps. 587.7 million and Ps. 502.8 million, respectively, under U.S. GAAP.

 

C. Research and Development, Patents and Licenses, etc.

 

This item is not applicable.

 

D. Trend Information

 

During fiscal year 2004, the Argentine economy experienced a significant recovery. As a consequence of the currency policy and price stabilization, internal consumption became one of the principal engines for economic growth. We experienced a significant increase in operating income which

 

128


Table of Contents

rose 311% to Ps. 104.7 million in fiscal year 2004 from Ps. 25.5 million in fiscal 2003. The increase was mainly due to a year-on-year 10% increase in sales, 5% reduction in operating costs and 199% increase in results from operations and holding of real estate assets due to the significant recovery in the value of our assets. There was a considerable improvement in the performance of our shopping center and hotel segments, which recorded increases in revenues of 26% and 23%, respectively, compared to the previous fiscal year, while the sales and development and office segments decreased by 34% and 15%, respectively. This decrease was mainly due to non-recurrent revenues from the sale of the Piscis Hotel in Valle de Las Leñas, Province of Mendoza, recorded in fiscal year 2003.

 

In the end of 2004, the real estate business regained strength in all of its segments. Construction has increased and the retail market is improving, mainly in the shopping center segment, driven by the increase in consumption in the highest purchasing power sectors and the increased inflow of tourists. These conditions also favored the hotel segment, which took advantage of Dollar revenues versus Peso costs. Moreover, those companies which after the devaluation had been forced to move their offices to cheaper peripheral areas as part of their cost cut down strategy, have now returned to premium areas encouraged by rising, but still low, prices.

 

Although we expect the positive economic trends to continue, we cannot assure this will occur. Our business is largely affected by economic downturns. Any decrease in investment and consumption decisions could cause a reduction in retail sales, sales of real state and demand for office and commercial space.

 

We have an asset portfolio of Ps. 2,203 million book value, in attractive locations and with top-level lessees. Cash flow generation from our business is growing at different paces according to each segment. The shopping center segment experienced the greatest recovery, reaching high occupancy and low default rates that surpassed historical records. Hotels have also shown a notable improvement in both tariffs and occupancy levels. Offices recorded sustained increases in occupancy rates and prices, the sales value of property in the locations where our developments are established has been escalating, and there has been considerable increase in the demand for such properties. This activity, however, has not been fully reflected in terms of value, yet. We believe our assets have a great intrinsic value that makes them attractive due to their potential for growth. Our low level of indebtedness, most of which is long-term, and the cash proceeds from the exercise of warrants attached to our convertible debt, will enable us to finance new projects and continue our expansion efforts.

 

Development and sale of properties

 

In fiscal year 2004, the sales and developments segment recorded revenues of Ps. 31.1 million, compared to Ps. 47.2 million in fiscal year 2003. This decrease was mainly due to non-recurrent revenues from the sale of the Piscis Hotel in Valle de Las Leñas, Province of Mendoza, recorded in fiscal year 2003.

 

We are focusing on projects in the high income segment. Low interest rates, investors investing in safer assets, an international environment of low returns, high volatility and insecurity have caused the demand for real estate assets to increase, as these assets offer an attractive risk/return combination. We are developing, marketing and evaluating various projects in Buenos Aires, in particular in exclusive areas such as Barrio Parque and Puerto Madero. We believe that Puerto Madero is the growth engine for the residential premium market and will be pivotal for its dynamics over the next years. In Puerto Madero, a high percentage of units is sold upon launching, and sales prices, which range from US$ 1,500 to US$ 2,300 per square meter, have almost fully recovered to the values that prevailed during the nineties. We are also evaluating other projects in the interior of the country.

 

Edificios Cruceros 1 and 2: In December 2003, we executed a swap agreement with Residencial Dique S.A. whereby we exchanged Edificios Cruceros 1 and 2, located in Puerto Madero, for 40% of the total square meters to be constructed, i.e., a total 2,800 square meters and 40% of the already existing parking spaces for a maximum term of 24 months. The transaction is secured by a mortgage for US$ 2.0 million. The concrete structure of the two buildings has already been completed, and we expect to launch sales in March 2005.

 

129


Table of Contents

Benavidez Option: In March 2004, DEESA (Desarrolladora El Encuentro S.A.) decided to exercise its option to acquire the plot in Benavidez that had been granted to it by our controlled company Inversora Bolívar S.A. (“IBSA”). DEESA agreed to pay IBSA a total price of US$ 4.0 million. On May 21, 2004, the title deed was executed, and US$ 0.7 million was paid by DEESA. The cash balance of US$ 0.3 million was paid on June 22, 2004. The remaining US$ 3.0 million will be collected in kind, with IRSA receiving 110 residential lots in the projected complex. We are planning the pre-sale for the first quarter of 2005.

 

San Martín de Tours: This project, in the Barrio Parque area, is currently being developed. We plan to build a top-quality “home style” residential complex, which differs from most existing complexes. We estimate construction will be completed by April 2005, and the homes will be launched for sale in the first quarter of 2005.

 

Santa María del Plata: The chief of government of the City of Buenos Aires is expected to sign the authorization for the development of Santa María del Plata in fiscal year 2005. We plan to start the infrastructure construction required for its development by the end of 2005.

 

Edificios Dique III: On September 7, 2004, after the release of our annual financial statements, we executed a swap agreement with Desarollos y Proyectos Sociedad Aanónima (DYPSA) whereby we exchanged one of the three parcels in which Edificios Dique III is divided, located in Puerto Madero, for 28.5% of the total square meters to be constructed, i.e., a total of 4,911 square meters and 28.5% of the parking spaces and storage rooms. The transaction is secured by a mortgage on the land for US$ 8.0 million. The building will have 37 floors devoted to housing.

 

In addition, we granted an option to purchase a second parcel of the same land in exchange for 31.5% of the total square meters to be built, i.e., a total of 6,421 square meters and 31.5% of the parking spaces and storage rooms. If the option is exercised, the transaction will be secured by a mortgage on the land for US$ 10.8 million. Exercise of the option is conditioned, inter alia, to meeting the deadlines established in the work schedule for the first tower. The building will have 40 floors devoted to housing.

 

On November 2004, we signed the exchange deed for the first parcel of land whereby DYPSA agreed to pay US$ 8.0 millions through the exchange of 28.5% of the total meters to be constructed.

 

New projects: We are also engaged in other projects, such as the development of the Rosario land reserve adjoining the shopping center. We are deciding whether to sell this property for the construction of towers and a hotel, totaling 100.00 square meters.

 

Offices and other non-shopping center rental properties

 

During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2004, income from rental properties totaled Ps.15.1 million as compared to Ps.17.8 million during fiscal year 2003. This decrease was partly due to the sale of rental space at the beginning of fiscal year 2004.

 

The rental property segment was among those most affected by the economic crisis. The devaluation of the peso against the Dollar had a strong impact on the value of leases of class A offices, which fell more than 70% and remained at those levels until the end of 2004, when demand and prices began to increase.

 

During fiscal year 2004, our offices showed a significant recovery in occupancy rates, with rising rental prices, although still much lower than those reached when the convertibility law was in effect. While in 2000 our premium offices were rented at US$ 28.0 per square meter, during the crisis these values plummeted to US$ 7.0 per square meter. Currently we are entering into three-year contracts at a final rate of US$ 12 per square meter. Average occupancy in our class A buildings recovered during the fiscal year, reaching 87% compared to 68% during the previous fiscal year. Increased occupancy have reduced common expenses payable with respect to vacant properties.

 

The occupancy level of our offices continues to recover and is above market average. This improvement in demand has enabled us to obtain more favorable lease terms. We estimate that in the short term our portfolio will reach full occupancy at increased prices per square meter, backed by three-year leases denominated in Dollars with higher prices agreed upon for the second and third year.

 

130


Table of Contents

Shopping centers

 

As of June 30, 2004, we had a 53.8% interest in Alto Palermo S.A., the company that operates our shopping centers.

 

Our performance enabled us to distinguish ourselves from our competitors in the shopping center market in the City of Buenos Aires and the greater Buenos Aires area, while maintaining the efficiency gap obtained over the past fiscal year. For the twelve-month period ended June 30, 2004 our tenants sold an average of Ps. 8,782 per square meter, 82.3% more than our competitors, in the City of Buenos Aires and the greater Buenos Aires area. Our competitors sales per square meter are determined by calculating the difference between total square meters of gross leasable area, in the City of Buenos Aires and greater Buenos Aires area, and the square meters of our gross leasable area. Our tenants’ sales increased 33.5% to Ps. 1,096.6 million during this period (including Alto Palermo, Alto Avellaneda, Paseo Alcorta, Abasto, Patio Bullrich and Bs. As. Design), whereas total sales (including Alto Noa) increased to Ps. 1,148.4 million in comparison with the Ps. 855.9 million reached during fiscal year 2003.

 

Due to increased activity in the retail sector, we have been able to negotiate more favorable leasing conditions with our new tenants and existing tenants upon renewal. We also reduced our bad debt allowance by 100%, from Ps. 10.3 million in fiscal year 2003 to zero in fiscal year 2004, and recovered an additional Ps. 1.0 million allowance. Due to our strong financial structure and excellent cash flow we possess adequate liquidity to invest in new projects and developments.

 

Favorable macroeconomic conditions, allowed us to focus on our core business and to execute some of our projects. In November 2004, we inaugurated the first stage of Alto Rosario Shopping with a 99.1% occupancy rate. The shopping center offers top quality entertainment areas and services.

 

We plan to remodel Alto Avellaneda. We intend to change its image with a new façade, larger floor area, new cinema screens, new entrances and a renovated parking area.

 

As part of our business strategy we will continue making changes to attract new customers, including new offerings in our shopping centers. We have created several exclusive products and marketing strategies to attract tourists from abroad, including publicity at hotels, harbors and airports. We have implemented advertising campaigns at the national and international level, and our customer service centers are available to respond to questions and confirm the receipt of orders.

 

These factors have caused the demand for our space to increase, allowing us to choose a higher quality of customers and tenant mix appropriate for each shopping center. Our tenants also invested significantly in the development of new commercial offerings, improving the conditions offered by each shopping center. We continued to provide our tenants with training, advice, conferences and seminars, thus promoting a stronger relationship with the Company.

 

Hotels

 

During fiscal 2004, the hotel market continued to improve due to an increase in tourism, mainly foreign, which increased demand and the recovery of prices.

 

Our accumulated average occupancy rates for the twelve month period ended June 30, 2004 was 68% as compared to 57% in fiscal year 2003. Average rates remained stable, at Ps. 270.

 

We plan to expand our hotel segment, through development of our own land reserves and the purchase of new assets, taking advantage of our cash flow and creating the most favorable financing mix. We are already working on the expansion of the Llao Llao hotel, a first-class resort, unique in Argentina both for its services and location.

 

131


Table of Contents

E. Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

There are no transactions, agreements or other contractual agreements to which an entity unconsolidated with us is a party that is not currently reflected on our consolidated balance sheet.

 

However, we have ongoing revolving period securitization programs through which our consolidated subsidiary Tarshop transfers a portion of its customer credit card receivable balances to a master trust (the “Trust”) that issues certificates to public and private investors. To the extent the certificates are sold to third parties, the receivables transferred qualify as sales for financial statement purposes and are removed from the Company’s balance sheet. The remaining receivables in the Trust which have not been sold to third parties are reflected on the Company’s balance sheet as a retained interest in transferred credit card receivables. These retained interests are treated in a manner similar to an investment and accounted for under the equity method. Under the securitization programs, the Trust issues two types of certificates representing undivided interests in the Trust – Títulos de Deuda Fiduciaria (“TDF”) and Certificados de Participación (“CP”), which represent debt, and equity certificates, respectively. Interest and principal services are paid periodically to the TDF holders throughout the life of the security. CPs are subordinated securities which entitle the CP holders to share pro rata in the cash flows of the securitized credit card receivables, after principal and interest on the TDFs and other fees and expenses have been paid. At June 30, 2004 we had eight securitization programs outstanding, pursuant to which our subsidiary Tarshop had sold an aggregate amount of Ps. 108.2 million of its customer credit card receivable balances to Trusts in exchange for Ps. 90.7 million in cash proceeds, Ps. 1.4 million variable rate interest TDFs, and Ps. 16.1 million nominal value subordinated CPs. Under the securitization programs, the Trusts issued Ps. 33.1 million 9% fixed-rate interest TDFs, Ps. 11.1 million 10% fixed-rate interest TDFs, Ps. 4.1 million 13% fixed-rate interest TDFs, Ps. 11.0 million 14% fixed-rate interest TDFs, Ps. 0.9 million 15% fixed-rate interest TDFs, Ps. 20.0 million 18% fixed-rate interest TDFs, and Ps. 11.9 million variable rate interest TDFs. Except for certain TDFs acquired by Tarshop as mentioned above, the TDFs were sold to other investors through a public offering in Argentina. As a credit protection for investors, we have established cash reserves for losses amounting to Ps. 0.8 million. Our credit risk exposure is contractually limited to the subordinated CPs held by us representing Ps. 18.7 million (equity value), TDFs held by us representing Ps. 1.4 million and Ps. 0.8 million escrow reserves for losses.

 

During fiscal year 2002, we also entered into a securitization program with Banco Sudameris (“BS”), under which we sold an aggregate amount of US$ 26.6 million mortgages receivable to a trust in exchange for US$ 10.0 million in cash, US$ 3.3 million senior debt certificates (Class A), US$ 2.6 million subordinated debt certificates (Classes B and C) and a US$ 10.7 million equity interest (Class D). Mortgages receivables sold under this program were excluded from accounts receivable in the consolidated balance sheet. Our retained interests in Class A, B and C debt securities were valued at cost plus accrued interest. As of June 30, 2004 debt certificates had been fully amortized. Our retained interest in Class D securities is accounted for under the equity method amounting to Ps. 5.9 million at June 30, 2004. Our credit risk exposure is contractually limited to the subordinated Class D securities. However, we do not expect losses since the receivables are collateralized by mortgages having a fair value in excess of their carrying value.

 

F. Tabular Disclosure of Contractual Obligations

 

The following table sets forth the Company’s contractual obligations as of June 30, 2004:

 

Detail


   Less than 1 year

   1-3 year

   3-5 year

   More than 5 years

   Total

Long-term debt

   134,121    98,229    345,225    25,353    602,928

Purchase obligation

   7,131    1,897    968    —      9,996

Other long term obligation

   630    3,476    553    1,477    6,136
     141,882    103,602    346,746    26,830    619,060

 

G. Safe Harbor

 

This section is not applicable.

 

132


Table of Contents
ITEM 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees

 

A. Directors and Senior Management

 

Composition of the Board of Directors

 

We are managed by a board of directors which is composed of eleven directors and three alternate directors. Our directors and alternate directors are elected for three-year terms by our shareholders by a majority vote at a general ordinary shareholders’ meeting. Our directors and alternate directors may be reelected indefinitely.

 

Our current board of directors was elected at a shareholders’ meeting held on October 22, 2004. Our current directors are as follows:

 

Name


  

Date of

birth

(m/d/y)


  

Occupation in IRSA


   Date of
current
appointment


   Term
expiration


   Current
position
held since


Eduardo S. Elsztain    01/26/1960    Chairman, member of the executive committee and Chief Executive Officer    2003    2006    1991
Saúl Zang    12/30/1945    First Vice-Chairman and member of the executive committee    2003    2006    1994
Alejandro G. Elsztain    31/03/1966    Second Vice-Chairman and member of the executive committee    2004    2007    2001
Oscar P. Bergotto    06/19/1943    Director and alternate member of the excutive committee    2003    2006    1994
Fernando A. Elsztain    01/04/1961    Director and member of the executive committee    2002    2005    1999
Gabriel A.G. Reznik    11/18/1958    Director and member of the Audit Committee    2003    2005    2003
Cedric D. Bridger    11/09/1935    Director and member of the Audit Committee    2003    2006    2003
Marcos Fischman    04/09/1960    Director, alternate member of the executive committee and member of the Audit Committee    2003    2006    2003
Fernando Barenboim    09/02/1960    Director and Chief Commercial Officer    2004    2007    2004
Fernando Rubín    06/20/1966    Director    2004    2007    2004
Gary S. Gladstein    07/07/1944    Director    2004    2007    2004
Salvador D. Bergel    04/17/1932    Alternate director    2002    2005    1996
Juan C. Quintana Terán    06/11/1937    Alternate director    2002    2005    1996
Emilio Cárdenas    08/13/1942    Alternate director    2003    2006    2003

 

The following is a brief biographical description of each member of our board of directors:

 

Eduardo S. Elsztain. Mr. Elsztain studied Economic Sciences at the Universidad de Buenos Aires. He has been engaged in the real estate business for more than twenty years. He is the Chairman of the board of directors of APSA, SAPSA, Hoteles Argentinos, Cresud and Consultores Asset Management S.A.; among others. He is also Vice-Chairman of Banco Hipotecario and E-Commerce Latina S.A., and Chief Executive Officer of IRSA. He is the brother of our Director, Alejandro G. Elsztain and he is cousin of our Director, Fernando A. Elsztain.

 

133


Table of Contents

Saúl Zang. Mr. Zang obtained a degree in law from the Universidad de Buenos Aires. He is founding partner of the law firm Zang, Bergel & Viñes. He is also Vice-Chairman of APSA, SAPSA, Puerto Retiro and Fibesa, and First Vice-Chairman of Cresud; director of Banco Hipotecario, Nuevas Fronteras S.A., Tarshop and Palermo Invest S.A.

 

Alejandro G. Elsztain. Mr. Elsztain obtained a degree in agricultural engineering from the Universidad de Buenos Aires. He is Chairman of Inversiones Ganaderas, the Vice-Chairman of SAPSA and also Executive Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of APSA and Second Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Cresud. He is the brother of our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Eduardo S. Elsztain and is the cousin of our Director, Fernando A. Elsztain.

 

Oscar P. Bergotto. Mr. Bergotto has been a Director of the company since 1994 and served as Chief Treasury Officer for several years. He has also worked in various other real estate companies.

 

Fernando A. Elsztain. Mr. Elsztain studied architecture at the Universidad de Buenos Aires. He has been engaged in the real estate business as a consultant and as managing officer of a real estate company. He is Chairman of the board of directors of Llao Llao Resorts S.A., Palermo Invest S.A. and Nuevas Fronteras S.A. He is also a director of Cresud, APSA, SAPSA, Hoteles Argentinos and Tarshop and alternate director of Banco Hipotecario and Puerto Retiro among others. He is the cousin of our Director, Alejandro Elsztain and of our Chief Executive Officer, Eduardo S. Elsztain.

 

Gabriel A. G. Reznik. Mr. Reznik obtained a degree in civil engineering from the Universidad de Buenos Aires. He worked for our company from 1992 through 2002. He formerly worked for an independent construction company in Argentina. He is a director of APSA, Cresud, Emprendimientos Recoleta, Inversora Bolívar, Puerto Retiro and Nuevas Fronteras S.A. and alternate director of Banco Hipotecario.

 

Cedric D. Bridger. Mr, Bridger is qualified as a certified public accountant in the United Kingdom. From 1992 through 1998. He served as Chief Financial Officer of YPF S.A. Mr. Bridger was also Financial Director of Hughes Tool Argentina, Chief Executive Officer of Hughes Tool in Brazil and Hughes’ Corporate Vice President for South American Operations.

 

Marcos Fischman. Marcos Fischman is pioneer in individual and corporate coaching in Argentina. He studied at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. He provides consulting services to businessmen, scholars and artists. Since 1993, he has provided our company with consulting services in organizational communication and development.

 

Fernando Barenboim. Fernando Barenboim obtained a degree in architecture from the University of Buenos Aires. He carried out post graduate studies at the University of Buenos Aires and at the UNESCO and obtained a Masters degree at the Argentine Catholic University. He has worked for IRSA since 1991. He served as Property Manager for Banco Hipotecario and is currently IRSA’s Chief Commercial Officer.

 

Fernando Rubín. Mr. Rubín joined BHSA as Organization Development Manager in July of 2001. He obtained a degree in Psychology from Buenos Aires University and a post-degree in Human Resources and Organizational Analysis from E.P.S.O. (Organizations Social Psychology School). Prior to joining BHSA, he served as Human Resources Corporate Manager of IRSA Group. He worked as Human Resources Director of LVMH (Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy) and of Chandon Wineries in Argentina and Brazil. He also served as Human Resources Division Manager of Roland Berger & Partner-International Management Consultant.

 

Gary S. Gladstein. Mr. Gladstein obtained a degree in Economics from the University of Connecticut and obtained his Masters in Business Administration at Columbia University. He was formerly the Chief Operation Officer of Soros Fund Management LLC and he is currently Senior Consultant to Soros Fund Management LLC. He is also a director of Mueller Industries, Jos A. Bank Clothiers and Emerging Inc.

 

134


Table of Contents

Salvador D. Bergel. Mr. Bergel obtained a degree in law and a Ph.D. in law from the Universidad del Litoral. He is a founding partner of the law firm Zang, Bergel & Viñes and a consultant to Repsol YPF S.A. He is also an alternate director of Cresud.

 

Juan C. Quintana Terán. Mr. Quintana Terán obtained a degree in law from the Universidad de Buenos Aires. He is a consultant of the law firm Zang, Bergel & Viñes. He has been Chairman and Judge of the National Court of Appeals of the city of Buenos Aires dealing in commercial matters. He is an alternate director of Cresud, APSA, Banco Hipotecario and Nuevas Fronteras S.A.

 

Emilio J. Cárdenas. Mr. Cárdenas obtained a law degree from the Universidad de Buenos Aires and a masters degree in law from the University of Michigan. He has been a member of our board of directors since 1996. He was the President of ABRA, a founding partner at the law firm of Cárdenas, Cassagne & Asociados, Argentina’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, a member of United Nations Security Council and is currently a member of the board of directors of HSBC Banco Roberts.

 

Employment Contracts with our Directors

 

We do not have any employment contracts with our directors, except for Messrs Elsztain, Zang and Bergotto, as disclosed further under the “Compensation” caption.

 

Executive Committee

 

Pursuant to our bylaws, our day-to-day business is managed by an executive committee consisting of five directors among which, there shall be the chairman, first vice-chairman and second vice-chairman of the board of directors. The current members of the Executive Committee are Messrs. Eduardo S. Elsztain, Saúl Zang, Mr. Alejandro Elsztain, Mr. Fernando Elsztain as members and Mr. Oscar Bergotto as alternate member, and Mr. Marcos Fischman as alternate member. The executive committee is responsible for the management of the day to day business delegated by the Board of Directors in accordance with applicable law and our bylaws. Our bylaws authorize the executive committee to:

 

  designate the managers and establish the duties and compensation of such managers;

 

  grant and revoke powers of attorney on behalf of the company;

 

  hire, discipline and fire personnel and determine wages, salaries and compensation of personnel;

 

  enter into contracts related to our business;

 

  manage our assets;

 

  enter into loan agreements for our business and set up liens to secure our obligations; and

 

  perform any other acts necessary to manage our day-to-day business.

 

Supervisory Committee

 

Composition of the Supervisory Committee

 

The supervisory committee (Comisión Fiscalizadora) is responsible for reviewing and supervising our administration and affairs, and verifying compliance with our bylaws and resolutions adopted at the shareholders’ meetings. The members of the supervisory committee, the syndics, are appointed at the annual general ordinary shareholders’ meeting for a one-year term. The supervisory committee is composed of 3 members and 3 alternate members.

 

135


Table of Contents

Information about Members of the Supervisory Committee

 

The following table shows information about the members of our supervisory committee, who were elected at the ordinary and extraordinary shareholders’ meeting held on October 22, 2004:

 

Name and

position


  

Date of

birth
(m/d/y)


  

Position in IRSA


   Current
position held
since


Andrés Suarez

   01/01/1965    member    2004

José D. Abelovich

   07/20/1956    member    1992

Marcelo H. Fuxman

   11/30/1955    member    1992

Diego Niebuhr

   02/10/1953    alternate member    2002

Roberto Murmis

   04/07/1959    alternate member    2003

Silvia De Feo

   10/07/1958    alternate member    2003

 

Set forth below is a brief biographical description of each member of our supervisory committee.

 

Andrés Suarez. Mr. Suarez obtained a degree in accounting from the Universidad de Buenos Aires (U.B.A.). He is a partner of Price Waterhouse & Co. S.R.L., a member firm of PricewaterhouseCoopers. He is also a member of the supervisory committee of APSA, Cresud, Metrovías S.A. and Grupo Concesionario del Oeste.

 

José D. Abelovich. Mr. Abelovich obtained a degree in accounting from the Universidad de Buenos Aires. He is a founding member and partner of Abelovich, Polano & Asociados/SC International, a public accounting firm in Argentina. Formerly, he was a manager of Harteneck, López y Cía/Coopers & Lybrand and has served as a senior advisor in Argentina for the United Nations and the World Bank. He is a member of the supervisory committees of APSA, SAPSA, Hoteles Argentinos and Inversora Bolívar.

 

Marcelo H. Fuxman. Mr. Fuxman obtained a degree in accounting from the Universidad de Buenos Aires. He is a partner of Abelovich, Polano and Associates/SC International, a public accounting firm in Argentina. He is also a member of the supervisory committee of APSA, SAPSA and Inversora Bolívar.

 

Diego Niebuhr. Mr. Niebuhr obtained a degree in accounting from the Universidad de Buenos Aires. He is a partner of Price Waterhouse & Co. S.R.L., a member firm of PricewaterhouseCoopers. He is also a member of our supervisory committee and an alternate member of the supervisory committee of Cresud. Ford Credit Cía Financiera S.A., Nutricia Bagó S.A., Ace Seguros and Epson Argentina S.A.

 

Roberto Murmis. Mr. Murmis holds a degree in accounting from the Universidad de Buenos Aires. Mr. Murmis is a partner at Abelovich, Polano & Asociados / SC International. He worked for Harteneck, López y Cia./Coopers & Lybrand in the tax department and worked as an advisor to the Secretaría de Ingresos Públicos. Furthermore, he is a member of the supervisory committee of Futuros y Opciones S.A. and Llao Llao Resorts S.A.

 

Silvia De Feo. Mrs. De Feo obtained a degree in accounting from the University of Belgrano. She is a manager at Abelovich, Polano & Asociados/ SC International, an accounting firm in Argentina and former senior at Harteneck, Lopez & Cia,/Coopers & Lybrand. She is also a member of the Supervisory Committees of Inversora Bolivar S.A. and Baldovinos S.A.

 

Senior Management

 

Appointment of the Senior Management

 

The board of directors appoints and removes senior management. Senior management performs its duties in accordance with the instructions of the board of directors.

 

136


Table of Contents

Information about Senior Management

 

The following table shows information about our current senior management, appointed by the board of directors at the meeting held on December 20, 2004:

 

Name


  

Date of
birth

(m/d/y)


  

Position


   Current position
held since


Eduardo S. Elsztain

   01/26/1960    Chief Executive Officer    1991

Gabriel Blasi

   11/22/1960    Chief Financial Officer    2004

Fernando Barenboim

   09/02/1960    Chief Commercial Officer    2004

David A. Perednik

   11/15/1957    Chief Administrative Officer    2002

 

The following is a description of each of our senior managers who are not directors:

 

Gabriel Blasi. Mr. Blasi obtained a degree in business administration and carried out post graduate studies in Finance in the Universidad del CEMA (Centro de Estudios Macroeconómicos Argentinos) and in the IAE (Universidad Austral). He formerly worked as a Senior Securities Trader of Citibank. He also performed several management positions related to investment banking and capital markets at Banco Río (BSCH) and was Financial Director of the Carrefour Group and Goyaique SACIFIA (Grupo Perez Companc). Currently, he also serves as Chief Financial Officer of APSA and Cresud.

 

David A. Perednik. Mr. Perednik obtained a degree in accounting from the Universidad de Buenos Aires. He has worked for several companies such as Marifran Internacional S.A., a subsidiary of Louis Dreyfus Amateurs where he worked as Financial Manager from 1986 to 1997. He also worked as a Senior Consultant in the administration and systems department of Deloitte & Touche from 1983 to 1986. He also serves as Chief Administrative Officer of APSA and Cresud and is alternate director of APSA and director of Cresud.

 

B. Compensation

 

Compensation to Directors and Supervisory Committee

 

Under Argentine law, if the compensation of the members of the board of directors and the supervisory committee is not established in the bylaws of a company, it should be determined at the shareholders meeting. The maximum amount of total compensation of the members of the board of directors and the supervisory committee, including compensation for technical or administrative activities, cannot exceed 25% of the earnings of the company. That amount should be limited to 5% when there is no distribution of dividends to shareholders, and will be increased proportionally to the distribution.

 

When one or more directors perform special commissions or technical or administrative activities, and there are no earnings to distribute, or they are reduced, the shareholders meeting may approve compensation in excess of the above mentioned limits. The compensation of our directors for each fiscal year is determined pursuant to the Argentine corporations law, taking into consideration if the directors perform technical or administrative activities and our fiscal year’s results, their responsibilities, the amount of time devoted to their functions, their capability, their professional reputation and the market value of the services they perform. Once the amounts are determined, they are considered at the shareholders meeting.

 

At the shareholders meeting held on October 22, 2004, the shareholders unanimously decided not to pay any compensation to the Supervisory Committee and to pay a compensation of Ps. 6,510,000 to the board of directors.

 

Compensation to Senior Management.

 

We pay our senior management pursuant to a fixed amount which accounts for their background, capacity and experience as well as an annual bonus which varies according to their individual performance and our overall results.

 

137


Table of Contents

The aggregate cash compensation of our senior management for the fiscal year ended 2004, was Ps. 3.4 millions

 

Executive Employment Agreements

 

On October 30, 1997, our shareholders authorized us to enter into Master Executive Employment Agreements with Eduardo S. Elsztain, Saúl Zang and Oscar P. Bergotto. The Employment Agreements were executed on December 27, 1997 and our shareholders approved the agreements at an extraordinary shareholders meeting held on April 7, 1998.

 

Pursuant to the Employment Agreements, Messrs. Elsztain, Zang and Bergotto served in their current capacity as director or senior manager and are restricted from participating in real estate activities in Argentina that are in our same line of business.

 

Under these employment agreements, Messrs. Elsztain, Zang and Bergotto were entitled to receive from us annual compensation in the aggregate of approximately Ps. 750,000, subject to an annual 4% increase.

 

The initial term of these employment agreements is seven years, however, the agreements may be terminated prior to their expiration by us or the relevant executive. If we terminate the employment agreements without cause, we will be liable to the relevant executive for two years of compensation.

 

Benefit Plans

 

Currently there are no variable compensations, no plans providing for pension or retirement, nor any other kind of compensation or remuneration other than the arrangements described above for the members of the board of directors, supervisory committee and senior management.

 

C. Board Practices

 

Benefits upon Termination of Employment

 

Under the Executive Employment Agreements entered into with Messrs. Eduardo S. Elsztain, Saúl Zang and Oscar P. Bergotto, if we terminate the Executive Employment Agreements without cause, we will be liable to the relevant executive for two years of compensation.

 

Audit Committee

 

Pursuant to the System governing the Transparency of Public Offers established through Decree 677/01, the rules of the National Securities Commission (CNV), CNV Resolution Nº 400 and 402, the Board of Directors established that the Audit Committee shall be a Committee of the Board of Directors. The Audit Committee will focus on assisting the Board in exercising its duty of care, the enforcement of accounting policies, disclosure requirements, the management of our business risk, the management of our internal control systems, the ethical conduct of the company’s business, the maintenance of the integrity of our financial statements, compliance with legal provisions, the independence and capability of our independent auditor and the performance of our internal audit function and our external auditors.

 

On May 27, 2004, the board appointed Marcos Fishman, Cedric Bridger and Gabriel Adolfo Gregorio Reznik. As members of the Audit Committee in compliance with article 15 of the Regime for Transparency in Public Offering approved by Decree 677/01 and section 13 of Resolution 400/2002.

 

Remuneration Committee

 

There is no Remuneration Committee.

 

138


Table of Contents

D. Employees

 

As of October 31, 2004, we had 2,077 employees. Our non hierarchical employees are under labor collective agreements, we believe we have good relations with the Union and our employees, never experiencing a work stoppage or labor unrest.

 

The following table sets forth the number of employees in our various businesses at the dates shown:

 

     Argentine
Real Estate


   Brazilian
Real
Estate


   Shopping
Centers


   Hotels

   Telecommunication

   Credit
Card


   Total Staff

As of June 30, 2002

   150    0    600    618    45    226    1,639

As of June 30, 2003

   140    0    605    628    51    222    1,646

As of June 30, 2004

   129    0    681    688    51    390    1939

As of October 31, 2004

   142    0    745    705    57    428    2077

 

  Real Estate Argentina includes IRSA, Inversora Bolívar, Baldovinos, Madero, Libertador 498

 

  Shopping Centres includes since June 2000 Altocity (e-commerce) and do not include Mendoza Plaza.

 

  Hotels includes Iintercontinental, Sheraton Libertador, Llao Llao

 

  Telecommunications Companies includes Red Alternativa, Alternativa Gratis

 

  Credit Card includes Tarshop.

 

Most significant changes in the number of employees in our shopping center are due to the opening of Shopping Center Alto Rosario on November 9, 2004. As of October 31, 2004 we also had 8 temporary employees at our shopping centers and 110 in our hotels.

 

E. Share Ownership

 

Share Ownership of Directors, Members of the Executive Committee, Members of the Supervisory Committee and Senior Management.

 

The following table sets forth the amount and percentage of our shares beneficially owned by our directors, members of the executive committee, senior management and members of the supervisory committee as of November 30, 2004.

 

Name


  

Position


   Share Ownership

 
      Number of Shares

    Percentage(*)

 

Boards of Directors

                 

Eduardo S. Elsztain

   Chairman, member of the executive committee and Chief Executive Officer.    71,226,786 (1)   27.5 %

Saúl Zang

   First Vice-Chairman and member of the executive committee.    119,350     0.00 %

Alejandro G. Elsztain

   Second Vice-Chairman and member of executive committee.    389,402     0.2 %

Oscar P. Bergotto

   Director and alternate member of the executive committee.    —       —    

Fernando A. Elsztain

   Director and member of executive committee.    —       —    

Gabriel A.G. Reznik

   Director and member of the Audit Committee.    124     0.00 %

Cedric D. Bridger

   Director and member of the Audit committee.    —       —    

Marcos Fischman

   Director, alternate member of the executive committee and member of the Audit Committee.    —       —    

 

139


Table of Contents

Name


  

Position


   Share Ownership

      Number of Shares

   Percentage(*)

Fernando Barenboim

   Director and Chief Commercial Officer.    —      —  

Fernando Rubín

   Director.    —      —  

Gary Gladstein

   Director.    —      —  

Salvador D. Bergel

   Alternate director.    —      —  

Juan C. Quintana Terán

   Alternate director.    —      —  

Emilio Cárdenas

   Alternate director.    —      —  

Senior Management

              

Gabriel Blasi

   Chief Financial Officer.    —      —  

David A. Perednik

   Chief Administrative Officer.    —      —  

Supervisory Committee

              

Andrés Suarez

   Member.    —      —  

José D. Abelovich

   Member.    —      —  

Marcelo H. Fuxman

   Member.    —      —  

Diego Niebuhr

   Alternate member.    —      —  

Roberto Murmis

   Alternate member.    —      —  

Silvia De Feo

   Alternate member.    —      —  

 

(1) Includes (i) 71,225,786 shares of common stock owned by Cresud by reason of his position with Cresud, may be deemed to own all of our common stock shares held for the account of Cresud and (ii) 1,000 shares of common stock beneficially owned by Inversiones Financieras del Sur (IFISA). The number of shares beneficially owned will be 246,344,606 in case of full conversion of the notes and warrants issued pursuant to 47,544,606 units.

 

ITEM 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions

 

A. Major Shareholders

 

Information about Major Shareholders

 

Share Ownership

 

The following table shows, as of November 30, 2004, the information known by us, regarding the beneficial ownership of our outstanding common stock by:

 

  each person known to us to be beneficial owner of more than 5% of our outstanding common shares.

 

  each of our named executive officers;

 

  each director; and

 

  all current directors and executive officers as a group.

 

140


Table of Contents

Shareholder(s)


   Number Of Shares
Beneficially Owned


    %(1)

Eduardo S. Elsztain

   71,226,786 (1)   27.5

Saúl Zang

   119,350     0.0

Oscar P. Bergotto

   —       —  

Fernando A. Elsztain

   —       —  

Alejandro G. Elsztain

   389,402     0.2

Gabriel A.G. Reznik

   124     0.0

Marcos Fischman

   —       —  

Directors and executive officers in the aggregate

   71,735,662     27.7

Pension Funds in the aggregate(2)

   18,366,455     7.1

Templeton Investment Counsel

   29,902,130     11.5

Emerging Markets Investors Corp

   17,343,070     6.7

Newgate LLP

   15,405,260     5.9

 

(1) Includes (i) 71,225,786 shares of common stock owned by Cresud by reason of his position with Cresud, may be deemed to own all of our common stock shares held for the account of Cresud and (ii) 1,000 shares of common stock beneficially owned by Inversiones Financieras del Sur (IFISA). The number of shares beneficially owned will be 246,344,606 in case of full conversion of the notes and warrants issued pursuant to 47,544,606 units.

 

(2) Based on estimations from the Superintencia de AFJP. None of the pension funds own more than 5.0% of our common stock. The highest percentage owners of the shares are Consolidar with 1.98%, Siembra with 1.32%, and Máxima with 1.321%.

 

Changes in Share Ownership

 

     Share Ownership as of

Shareholder


   Nov. 30,
2004 (%)


   June 30,
2004 (%)


   June 30,
2003 (%)


   June 30,
2002 (%)


Eduardo S. Elsztain

   27.48    25.42    26.52    31.93

Cresud

   27.48    25.42    22.86    19.85

Templeton Investment Counsel

   11.54    10.81    16.73    16.76

The Peabody Group

   4.05    4.22    4.05    9.54

Energing Mkts. Investors Corp

   6.69    8.12    2.92    5.06

Newgate LLP

   5.94    5.51    2.06    2.36

 

In November 2002, Eduardo S. Elsztain sold 5,392,546 shares to Cresud.

 

Except as set forth above, we are not aware of the existence of other shareholders owning more than 5% of our capital stock. The voting rights of our principal shareholders are not different from those of the remaining shareholders.

 

Differences in Voting Rights

 

Our major shareholders do not have different voting rights.

 

Arrangements for change in control

 

There are no arrangements that may at a subsequent date result in a change in control.

 

Securities held in the host country

 

As of November 30, 2004, there were approximately 17,029,662 Global Depositary Shares (representing 170,296,620 of our common shares, or 65.7% of all of our outstanding shares) held in the United States. Additionally, as of such date, there were approximately 98 registered holders represented by American Depositary Shares in the United States.

 

On October 15, 2002, we initiated a preemptive rights offering of rights to subscribe for 100,000,000 units consisting of US$100.0 million of 8% Convertible Notes due 2007 and non-detachable warrants to

 

141


Table of Contents

purchase shares of our common stock. The Convertible Notes may be converted into shares of our common stock at an exercised price of US$ 0.545. Existing shareholders have subscribed through the exercise of their preemptive rights for US$ 66.7 million and they have exercised their accretion rights for US$ 10.7 million, amounting to a total of US$ 77.4 million. During the allocation of the remainder new investors have subscribed the remaining 22.6 million units completing the US$ 100 million offering.

 

As of November 30, 2004, the number of Convertible Notes outstanding amounts to US$ 86,531,330, the number of warrants currently outstanding amounts to 87,734,038, while 259,218,751 of our shares are outstanding.

 

As of November 30, 2004 our directors and senior officers controlled, directly or indirectly, approximately 27.7% of our common shares. As a result, these shareholders have, and will continue to have, significant influence on the election of our directors and the outcome of any action requiring shareholder approval.

 

B. Related Party Transactions

 

IRSA Management ownership plan

 

On October 30, 1997 our shareholders authorized us to enter into a management ownership plan with certain executive officers, the content and details of which have been previously disclosed in this document under the “Compensation” caption.

 

We have subscribed for Convertible Notes issued by APSA.

 

In order to finance APSA´s US$ 50 million collateral deposit and the subsequent transactions related to the swap agreement entered into APSA and Morgan Guaranty Trust on March, 30, 2002, we and Parque Arauco S.A. entered into loans agreements with APSA. As of June 30, 2002, the outstanding debt with us on these loans was Ps. 45.6 million. In addition, between May and July 2002, we granted APSA a loan for US$ 10.1 million.

 

The amounts we granted APSA under the above – mentioned loans, were used to subscribe for US$ 27.2 million Convertible Notes issued by APSA, on August 20, 2002. As of November 30, 2004, we owned 29.6 million of the convertibles notes issued by our subsidiary.

 

As of November 30, 2004, we owned 62.6% of APSA’s common shares. Assuming we exercise our conversion rights of all of our Convertible Notes and no exercise of such rights by any of APSA’s other bondholders, we would own 83.7% of APSA’s common shares. In the case all shareholders exercise their conversion rights and we exercise them as well, we would own 66.9%% of APSA’s common stock.

 

Repurchase Agreement with APSA

 

On February 17, 2003, we and Parque Arauco Argentina S.A., entered into a repurchase agreement with APSA, in which we and Parque Arauco Argentina S.A. granted to such company loans for Ps. 4.2 million and Ps. 2.1 million, respectively. According to the repurchase agreement, APSA made a collateral deposit of Ps. 5.5 million nominal value of Class A-2 Senior Notes and Ps. 10.0 million nominal value of Class B-2 Senior Notes with us and other of Ps. 2.8 million nominal value of Class A-2 Senior Notes and Ps. 5.0 million nominal value of Class B-2 Senior Notes with Parque Arauco Argentina S.A. On November 5, 2004, APSA agreed to repurchase on January 7, 2005, the securities at a price of Ps. 5.1 million and Ps. 2.6 million to us and Parque Arauco Argentina S.A., respectively. The agreement is likely to be renewed upon expiration.

 

Issue of Convertible Notes by Cresud

 

On October 15, 2002, Cresud initiated a preemptive rights offering to subscribe for 50,000,000 units consisting of US$ 50.0 million of 8% Convertible Notes due 2007 and non-detachable warrants to purchase

 

142


Table of Contents

shares of its common stock. The offering was fully subscribed and the funds have already been received by Cresud. Proceeds of the offering were applied to subscribe US$50.0 million of our Convertible Notes.

 

As of November 30, 2004, 27.5% of our common shares are property of Cresud. During fiscal year 2004, Cresud decided to convert US$5.0 million of Convertible Notes as part of its long-term strategy intending to revert the reduction in its equity interest as a consequence of the conversion and exercise of Warrants by third parties during the year. Assuming Cresud exercises its conversion rights of all of its Convertible Notes and no exercise of such rights by any of our other bondholders, Cresud would own 59.5% of our common shares. In the case all shareholders exercise their conversion rights and Cresud exercise them as well, Cresud would own 36.9% of our common stock.

 

Lease of our principal executive offices

 

Our principal executive offices are located at Bolívar 108, in the City of Buenos Aires. In the past we subleased a portion of our headquarters from Consultores Assets Management S.A. (formerly Dolphin Fund Management) pursuant to two lease agreements dated June 30, 1997. As of November 25, 2003 Dolphin Fund Management S.A has spun off in two companies. One of them is Consultores Assets Management S.A. and the other remains as Dolphin Fund Management S.A. In respect of Consultores Assets Management S.A., Eduardo Elsztain is the owner of 100% of its capital stock. Consultores Assets Management S.A. (formerly Dolphin Fund Management) leased such offices both from Elsztain e Hijos S.C.A., a company controlled by relatives of Eduardo S. Elsztain, our chairman, and also from Hamonet S.A., a company controlled by Fernando A. Elsztain, our director, and certain of his relatives. Rental expenses incurred under these leases for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2004 and 2003 amounted to Ps. 0.2 million and Ps. 0.2 million, respectively, plus CER.

 

These lease and sublease agreements were cancelled on February, 2004 and a new lease agreement was signed by us, APSA, Cresud and Isaac Elsztain e Hijos S.C.A. We have leased our headquarters located in Bolivar 108, City of Buenos Aires pursuant to this agreement since March 2004. This lease has a term of 120 months and rent of Ps. 8,490 is payable monthly. We, APSA and Cresud each pay one-third of such rent in an amount of Ps. 2,830 each.

 

Corporate Services Rendered to APSA and Cresud

 

In order to reduce administrative expenses and to achieve a more efficient allocation of corporate resources, a program for partial operating integration in the areas of Human Resources, Finance, Institutional Relations, Administration, Systems, Insurance, Purchasing, Contracts and Operations, among others, was implemented on June 30, 2003 by the Company, Cresud and APSA (the “Parties”). This program was implemented to reduce operating costs by optimizing the individual administrative efficiencies of each Party.

 

On the basis of this program, the Parties entered into the Exchange of Operating Services Agreement on June 30, 2004, a two-year agreement by which tasks are performed by one or more Parties for the benefit of one or more other Parties in exchange for a fee to be paid primarily through the provision of services in other areas. Through this agreement, each party continues to maintain its strategie and commercial independence of each Party’s record and accounting systems or adversely affect internal control systems or external audit tasks. Each party will continue to maintain separation of its assets and liabilities.

 

Alejandro Gustavo Elsztain is the General Coordinator of the program and Mr. Abraham Perelman was appointed as the individual responsible. Such individual shall be member of the Parties’ Audit Committees. The main duties for the project shall consist of (a) monitoring the implementation of the project in accordance with the agreement; (b) reviewing the billing report on a monthly basis to analyze and check it against the provisions of the Agreement, and –in the event of discrepancies or deviations – preparing a report to submit to the General Coordinator, and the Parties’ Boards of Directors and (c) assessing, on a permanent basis the, results derived from the project’s implementation and proposing to the General Coordinator changes in the event of a conflict with the agreement or, if appropriate, the possibility of establishing cost or benefit allocation mechanisms or criteria more consistent with the goals of the agreement.

 

143


Table of Contents

In the future and in order to continue with our policy of achieving a more efficient allocation of corporate resources, we may extend the areas in which we share corporate services with APSA and Cresud.

 

Our chairman is also chairman of Cresud and APSA and our vice-chairman is also vice-chairman of Cresud and APSA.

 

We believe that the terms and conditions of these transactions are consistent in all material respects with those prevailing in the market at the relevant time for agreements between unaffiliated parties.

 

Lease of office property

 

We have entered into lease agreements for offices located in the Costero, a building located in Puerto Madero with Consultores Land Interventures S.A. (formely Dolphin Interventures S.A.), Altocity.com, Red Alternativa S.A. Under this lease the monthly rent payable is Ps. 8,302, plus CER. The agreement with Consultores Land Interventures S.A. and Altocity.com expired in January 2002 and October 2004, respectively. Although the agreement with Red Alternativa S.A. expired in May 2004 and does not contemplate an automatic extension, the parties are still performing as though the agreement is still in effect.

 

We lease to Tarshop the seventh floor of our property located in Suipacha 664. The total monthly rent is Ps. 3,650 plus CER, although the lease expired on August 10, 2004 and does not contemplate an automatic extension. However, the parties are still performing as though the agreement is still in effect.

 

In December 2003 Cresud moved its administrative offices to the 23rd floor of the Intercontinental Plaza tower, located at Moreno 877, in the City of Buenos Aires. Cresud leased its administrative offices and five parking lot attendants from Inversora Bolivar S.A. pursuant to a lease agreement. This agreement has an initial term of 60 months with an extension option for 36 additional months. Cresud pays a monthly rent of US$ 2,979, with the first two months’ free.

 

Legal Services

 

During the fiscal years ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002, we paid the law firm Zang, Bergel & Viñes an aggregate amount of approximately Ps. 1.1 million, Ps. 1.4 million and Ps. 1.8 million as payment for legal services (for comparison purposes legal services for fiscal years 2002 include the amounts corresponding to APSA which is not consolidated in our results). Our director, Saúl Zang and our alternate director Salvador D. Bergel are partners of, and Juan C. Quintana Terán our alternate director is off counsel of the law firm.

 

Investment fund

 

Since 1996, we have investments in Dolphin Fund Plc, an open-ended investment fund which is related to our director Eduardo Elsztain. These investments are carried at market value as of year-end. Unrealized gains and losses relating to investment funds are included in financing results, net, in the consolidated statements of income. The amounts relating to our net gain on holding Dolphin Fund Pls. for the years ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002 are Ps. 4.4 million, Ps.13.1 million and Ps. 28.2 million, respectively.

 

Donations to Fundación IRSA and Museo de los Niños

 

During the years ended June 30, 2004, 2003, and 2002, we made donations to two not-for-profit organizations, namely Fundación IRSA and Fundación Museo de los Niños, for a total amount of Ps. 2.4 million, Ps. 5.0 million and Ps. 0.1 million, respectively. Eduardo S. Elsztain is the President of these organizations.

 

144


Table of Contents

Purchase of our shares by Cresud

 

As of June 30, 2004, Cresud had invested Ps. 162.9 million in us through the purchase of our shares and convertibles notes. As of June 30, 2004, Cresud held approximately 25.42% of our common shares. Eduardo S. Elsztain and Saúl Zang, are chairman, and vice-chairman, respectively, of our board of directors as well as our shareholders. They are also chairman and vice-chairman, respectively, of the board of directors of Cresud. Mr. Eduardo S. Elsztain and Saúl Zang are also shareholders of Cresud.

 

Investment in Banco Hipotecario

 

As of June 30, 2004, we owned 11.76% of Banco Hipotecario, 5.22% of such ownership is through our wholly-owned subsidiary Ritelco S.A.

 

Some of our directors are also directors of Banco Hipotecario.

 

We increased our investment in Banco Hipotecario S.A. in fiscal year 2004

 

On December 30, 2003, we purchased 4,116,267 shares of BHSA at US$ 2.3868 per share and 37,537 warrants at US$ 33.86 each with the right to purchase 3,753,700 additional shares. We paid US$ 11.1 million for such securities.On February 2, 2004, we exercised a substantial portion of the warrants acquired during fiscal year 2004 as well as warrants we had previously acquired. As a result, we acquired 4,774,000 shares of BHSA for a total consideration of Ps. 33.4 million. During the last quarter of fiscal year 2004, we sold 2,487,571 shares of BHSA to IFIS S.A. (indirect shareholders) for a total consideration of US$ 6.1 million (market value equivalent to Ps. 7.0 per share). We recognized a loss in connection with the sale amounting to Ps. 1.6 million. See Note 3.c. to the Consolidated Financial Statements for details on the accounting for this investment.

 

C. Interests of Experts and Counsel

 

This section is not applicable

 

ITEM 8. Financial information

 

A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information

 

See Item 19 for our Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Legal or Arbitration Proceedings

 

The following, is a description of the material legal proceedings to which we are a party. We are not engaged in any other material litigation or arbitration and no other material litigation or claim is known to us to be pending or threatened against us or our subsidiaries. Nevertheless, we may be involved in other litigation from time to time in the ordinary course of business.

 

IRSA

 

Puerto Retiro

 

On November 18, 1997, through the acquisition of the capital stock of the Old Alto Palermo (currently Inversora Bolívar S.A.), Pérez Companc’s real estate subsidiary, we indirectly acquired 35.2% capital stock of Puerto Retiro. The Old Alto Palermo had purchased such shares of Puerto Retiro from Redona Investments Ltd. N.V. in 1996. In addition, pursuant to the execution of several stock purchase agreements in May and June 1999, we -through Inversora Bolívar S.A.- increased our interest in Puerto Retiro up to 50% of its capital stock.

 

On April 18, 2000 Puerto Retiro received notice of a complaint filed by the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Defense, with the purpose of requiring the extension of the bankruptcy of Inversora Dársena Norte S.A. (“Indarsa”). Concurrently with the complaint, at the request of plaintiff, the bankruptcy

 

145


Table of Contents

court granted an order restraining the ability of Puerto Retiro to sell or dispose in any manner the real estate property purchased from Tandanor S.A. (“Tandanor”).

 

Indarsa had purchased 90% of the capital stock of Tandanor, a formerly state owned company privatized in 1991 engaged in the shipyard industry which owned a large piece of land near Puerto Madero of approximately 8 hectares, divided into two spaces: Planta 1 and 2. Such property did not have (and still does not have) approved zoning established in the Urban Planning Code and therefore no project can be currently developed.

 

After the purchase of Tandanor by Indarsa, Tandanor sold to Puerto Retiro, “Planta 1” for a sum of US$ 18 million, pursuant to a valuation performed by J.L. Ramos, a well-known real estate brokerage firm in Argentina. The deed was executed in June, 1993.

 

Indarsa did not comply with the payment of the outstanding price for the purchase of the capital stock of Tandanor, and therefore the Ministry of Defense requested the bankruptcy of Indarsa. Since the only asset of Indarsa were the shareholdings in Tandanor, the Ministry of Defense is pursuing to extend the bankruptcy to other companies or individuals which, according to its view, acted as an economic group, and therefore, requested the extension of the bankruptcy to Puerto Retiro which acquired Planta 1 from Tandanor.

 

On April 18, 2001, the judicial procedure entered into trial stage. At the present time, a provisional measure prohibiting changes and disposition of this building is still in effect.

 

We believe, pursuant to the advice of our legal advisors, that the plaintiff’s claim shall be rejected by the courts. However, no assurance can be given that such decision will be obtained. If the plaintiff’s claim is favored by the court or by the court of appeals, such decision may cause a material adverse effect in our financial situation, since all of the assets of Puerto Retiro will be used to pay the debts incurred by Indarsa.

 

Santa María del Plata

 

Santa María del Plata is an undeveloped waterfront property located at the southern end of Puerto Madero, adjacent to the city of Buenos Aires nature reserve. Approval has been granted for the construction of 715,952 squared meters. The development will be targeted at the high-income market. As of December 2004, all the steps required for final approval have been completed. Authorization for the development of the project is awaiting execution by the chief of government of the City of Buenos Aires.

 

APSA

 

Neuquén Project

 

On July 6, 1999, APSA acquired a 94.6% interest in Shopping Neuquén for Ps. 4.2 million. Our subsidiary paid Ps. 0.9 million on September 1, 1999, and the remaining Ps. 3.3 million were originally scheduled to be paid on or before July 5, 2001. As of today the remaining payment is overdue.

 

Shopping Neuquén’s sole asset comprises of a piece of land of approximately 50,000 square meters with preliminary governmental approval for construction of a shopping center on the site. The project contemplates construction of a shopping center with 100 stores, a hypermarket, a multiplex movie theater and a hotel.

 

Legal issues with former shareholders of Shopping Neuquén

 

In 2002 the sellers had initiated a mediation process which is a mandatory non-judicial process prior to filing a suit to collect the payment. The result of the mediation was negative, the parties did not reach an agreement.

 

Furthermore, on August 15, 2003 APSA was informed that 85.75% of the old shareholders of Shopping Neuquén have filed a complaint against the company, claiming collection of a price balance plus interest and legal costs. On September 2003, the company answered the complaint and filed a counterclaim

 

146


Table of Contents

for the contract readjustment based on the economic and social emergency situation. In November 2003 the old shareholders of Shopping Neuquén answered to counterclaim alleging that the payment was overdue before the economic and social emergency situation. For that reason they allege that we cannot plead readjustment of the contract. The trial began on May 11, 2004.

 

Although we hope for a favorable resolution to the judicial proceeding, and APSA is still negotiating a new arrangement with the old shareholders, we cannot assure a favorable result to APSA.

 

Legal issues with Neuquén Municipality

 

In June, 2001 Shopping Neuquén filed a request with the municipality of Neuquén for extension of the original construction timetable and for authorization to sell part of the land to third parties for the construction by them of the property that Shopping Neuquén will develop.

 

The extension has to be approved by the City Counsel of the City of Neuquén which is the municipal legislative body. On December 20, 2002, the Municipality of Neuquén rejected the company’s request for a readjustment of the terms and the transfer of the plots, and declared the expiration of Municipal ordinance 5178/91, annulling the purchase contracts for the real estate that had been transferred to the company previously.

 

In view of this situation, Shopping Neuquén requested the revocation of this administrative act, however, the revocation was rejected by the Municipal Mayor on May 9, 2003 through decree No. 585/03.

 

Subsequently, in June 2003, Shopping Neuquén lodged a remedy before the Province of Neuquén Supreme Court, requesting the annulment of the above resolutions issued by the Mayor. At the date, the Neuquén Supreme Court has not yet issued a decision regarding the remedy.

 

If the extension is not approved, the Municipality of Neuquén could request the reconveyance of the real estate previously sold by it, in which case Shopping Neuquén runs the risk of not recovering its initial investment.

 

As of June 30, 2004, APSA was negotiating with the Municipality of Neuquén the terms of a framework agreement that would establish the conditions for a reactivation of the development and construction of the commercial undertaking. Such agreement would then be incorporated into a new Municipal Ordinance that would modify or annul the original one.

 

Although we hope for a favorable resolution to the remedy filed, and the company is still negotiating a new arrangement with the Neuquén Municipality, we cannot assure a favorable result to APSA.

 

In addition, we and APSA are involved in other litigation from time to time in the ordinary course of business, but it believes that the litigation in which it is currently involved is not likely to have a material effect on its financial condition or results of operations.

 

Dividend Policy

 

Pursuant to the Argentine law, the distribution and payment of dividends to shareholders is valid only if they result from realized and net earnings of the company pursuant to an annual financial statements approved by the shareholders. The approval, amount and payment of dividends are subject to the approval of our Annual Ordinary Shareholders Meeting. That approval requires the affirmative vote of the majority of the present votes with right to vote at the meeting.

 

Pursuant to the Law of Corporations and Section 29 of our bylaws, liquidated and realized profits of each fiscal year shall be distributed as follows:

 

  5% to the legal reserve fund until reaching 20% of our capital stock;

 

147


Table of Contents
  a certain amount determined at a shareholders’ meeting is allocated for the compensation of our directors and members of the supervisory committee; and

 

  dividends, additional dividends to preferred shares if any, or to optional reserve funds or contingency reserves or to a new account, or for whatever purpose the shareholders’ meeting determines are distributed.

 

In the past, we paid dividends in cash and stock that averaged Ps. 0.11 per share. At our shareholder’s meeting held on October 30, 2000, our shareholders approved the distribution of 20,729.472 treasury shares on a pro rata basis.

 

With regard to the fiscal year ended June 30, 2001, there was a loss of Ps. 59.9 million. In order to keep adequate liquidity level, to reduce the outstanding debt and the financial burden, we did not pay any cash dividends.

 

In the shareholders meeting held on November 5, 2002, the shareholders approved the distribution of 4,587,285 treasury shares distributed pro rata among the shareholders. Due to the Ps. 499.6 million loss, no cash dividends were distributed. This year we reported a profit of Ps. 87.9 million, although owing to the restrictions arising from our debt instruments we are prevented from distributing dividends.

 

In accordance with certain obligations assumed by our company, there are limitations on the dividends that we can distribute. Under the Unsecured Loan Agreement, neither our company nor its subsidiaries (with the exception of APSA) shall be able to pay dividends or make any distribution or repurchase of debt or shares except for restricted payments from our subsidiaries to our company. Restricted payments can be made as long as no event of default shall have occurred and be continuing or would occur as a consequence thereof, and no breach of the financial covenants shall have occurred in the calculation period immediately preceding the proposed date of such restricted payment.

 

The Fourth Supplemental Indenture that governs the terms of the Class 3 Floating Rate Notes contains the same restrictions on the payment of dividends, although limited to the existence of outstanding Class 3 Floating Rate Notes.

 

These limitations will remain in effect until the Unsecured Loan Agreement and the Floating Rate Notes mature in November 2009.

 

The table that follows presents the dividend payment ratio and the total amount of dividends paid for each fully paid-in common share during fiscal year 2004. Figures in Pesos are stated in historical Pesos at the corresponding. See “Exchange Rate”.

 

Payments (1)


Year declared


   Cash dividends

   Stock dividends

   Total per share

     (Pesos)    (Pesos)    (Pesos)

1995

   0.094    0.06    0.154

1996

   0.092    —      0.092

1997

   0.110    —      0.110

1998

   0.060    0.05    0.110

1999

   0.076    0.04    0.116

2000

   —      0.20    0.204

2001

   —      —      —  

2002

   —      —      —  

2003

   —      —      —  

2004

   —      —      —  

 

(1) Corresponds to per share payments. To calculate the dividends paid per GDS, the payment per share should be multiplied by ten.

 

148


Table of Contents

Although our intentions are to distribute cash dividends in the future, there can be no assurance that we will be able to do it.

 

B. Significant Changes

 

Conversion of Notes

 

As of December 20, 2004, the holders of our Convertible Notes exercised their conversion rights. 13,691,735 notes with a face value of US$ 1 each were converted in exchange for 25,122,430 shares with a face value of Ps.1 each. Also warrants issued by our company were exercised for a total of US$ 12,265,962 face value, with US$ 5.0 million face value exercised by Cresud, resulting in the issuance of 22,506,341 shares. Total proceeds from this transaction were US$ 14,721,398 million.

 

US$ 86,308,265 principal amount of Convertible Notes are currently outstanding. The number of warrants currently outstanding amount to 87,734,038, while 259,628,044 of our shares are outstanding.

 

Edificios Dique 3

 

In September 2004 we executed a swap and option agreement with DYPSA (Desarrollos y Proyectos Sociedad Anónima) in connection with lots 1c and 1e of Dique III in Puerto Madero. Under this agreement, DYPSA will build two residential buildings of 37 and 40 floors. Under this agreement, lot 1c was exchanged for 28.50% of the total square meters to be built in the first tower, and a swap option was granted with respect to a second lot for 31.50% of the square meters to be built in the second tower. These transactions are secured by mortgages for US$ 8.03 million and US$ 10.8 million, respectively. The second transaction will be also conditioned to meeting the deadlines set for the construction of the first tower.

 

On November 2004, we signed the exchange deed for the first parcel of land whereby DYPSA agreed to pay US$ 8.0 million through the exchange of 28.5% of the total meters to be constructed.

 

Conversion of APSA’s Notes

 

From July 1, 2004 to December 20, 2004, certain holders of the Convertible Notes exercised their conversion rights. The aggregate number of notes amounted to 1,784,180 notes of US$ 1 face value each, while the number of common shares delivered in this respect amounted to 52,741,373 shares of Ps. 0.1 face value each.

 

As of November 30, 2004, the number of Convertible Notes outstanding amounts to US$ 47,301,230, while the number of outstanding shares were 779,827,330.

 

APSA: debt buyback

 

In order to reduce their financial costs, in August, 2004 APSA and Shopping Alto Palermo S.A. fully repurchased their Class A2 and B2 Notes maturing in January 2005 for Ps. 20.8 million. The repurchase resulted in a payment of Ps. 10.1 million by APSA and Ps. 10.7 million by Shopping Alto Palermo.

 

In addition, during the month of August APSA repurchased Ps. 1.2 million principal amount of its 14.875% Ps. 85 million notes due April 2005, resulting in an outstanding principal balance of Ps. 48.4 million.

 

Increase in interest in Mendoza Plaza Shopping

 

On September 29, 2004, our subsidiary APSA entered into an agreement for the purchase of 49.9% of the capital stock of Perez Cuesta S.A.C.I., a company mainly engaged in the operation of Mendoza Plaza Shopping, a shopping center in the city of Mendoza, for a total amount of US$ 5.3 million which amount is payable as follows: (i) US$ 1.8 million was placed in escrow on the closing date and released to the sellers on December 2, 2004, after the approval of the Antitrust Authorities was granted, (ii) US$ 1.8 million will be paid in September 29, 2005 and (iii) the remaining US$ 1.8 million will be paid in September 29, 2006.

 

149


Table of Contents

Mendoza Plaza has 37,090 square meters of gross leaseable area, 144 retail stores, sales per square meter of US$ 135 and an occupancy rate of 96%.

 

The transaction was consummated on December 2, 2004, after APSA obtained approval from the Antitrust Authorities. As a result, APSA currently owns a 68.8% interest in this shopping center.

 

On December 3, 2004, Alto Palermo signed an option agreement, exercisable until March 31, 2005, which entitles the company to purchase the debt that Perez Cuesta S.A.C.I. owes HSBC Bank Argentina S.A. As of June 30, 2004, such indebtedness amounted to Ps. 9.5 million. As of the date of this filing, such amount is overdue and unpaid. Alto Palermo S.A. paid an option premium of Ps. 0.7 million. The loan bears an interest rate of 8% plus CER adjustment.

 

Opening of Alto Rosario Shopping

 

On Tuesday, November 9, 2004 APSA successfully opened Alto Rosario Shopping, with 99% of the units already leased. The project involves three stages. The first stage was the construction of the mall, which features 123 retail stores, 40 stands and 14 fast food stores, restaurants and cafes, totaling 19,297 square meters of gross leaseable area. The second stage involved the opening of the Coto hypermarket, which opened on December 9, 2004, and the third stage includes the extension of the mall and the opening of Showcase cinemas (with 3,400 seats and 14 state-of-the-art movie screens) and the Museo de Los Niños children attraction, expected to open during the first quarter of 2005. The shopping center offers top-quality entertainment areas, services and units.

 

Including the expansion, the project will require an investment of approximately Ps. 67.5 million (excluding the amount paid for the purchase of the plot).

 

Increase of IRSA’s stake in APSA

 

On November 30, 2004, IRSA purchased from GSEM/AP, a wholly owned subsidiary of Goldman Sachs, 3,061,450 Convertible Notes and 1,114,520 ADSs of APSA. IRSA paid a total US$ 15.3 million. IRSA agreed to transfer to Parque Arauco, owner as of June 30, 2004 of a 27.78% interest in APSA, 1,004,866 Convertible Notes and 365,821 ADSs of APSA pursuant to a previous agreement for a price of U$S 5.0 million (32.8% of the acquisition by IRSA from GS).

 

Bondholders meeting

 

Related to the U.S.$37,380,000 Series 03 Floating Rate Secured Notes due 2009, issued on November 21, 2002 due in 2009), a bondholder’s meeting will be held on December 28, 2004 in order to amend certain terms and conditions of the notes. In the board of directors’ meeting, held on December 10, 2004, it was decided that the bondholders’ meeting shall consider the Second Amendment to the Fourth Supplemental Indenture.

 

ITEM 9. The Offer and Listing

 

A. Offer and Listing Details

 

The following summary provides information concerning our share capital and briefly describes all material provisions of our bylaws and the Argentine Law of Corporations.

 

Stock Exchanges in which our securities are listed

 

Our common shares are listed on the Bolsa de Comercio de Buenos Aires and our GDSs on the NYSE.

 

As of November 30, 2004, holders of our Convertible Notes exercised their conversion rights for the total 13,468,670 units with a face value of US$ 1 each, whereas the ordinary stock delivered under this heading amounted to 24,713,137 with a face value of Ps.1.0 each.

 

150


Table of Contents

During the same period 12,265,962 warrants were exercised resulting in cash inflow of US$ 14.7 million and the issuance of 22,506,341 shares with a face value of Ps. 1 each.

 

As of November 30, 2004, the number of Convertible Notes outstanding amounted to US$ 86,531,330 the number of warrants outstanding amouneds to 87,734,038, while the number of our outstanding shares were 259,218,751.

 

The common stock has one vote per share. All of the common shares of the common stock are validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.

 

The following description of the material terms of our capital stock is subject to our certificate of incorporation and bylaws, which are included as exhibits to the registration statement of which this Form 20-F is part of, and the provisions of applicable Argentine Law.

 

Price history of our stock on the Bolsa de Comercio de Buenos Aires

 

Our common shares are listed and traded on the BCBA under the trading symbol “IRSA”. The shares began trading on the BCBA on the year 1948. The following table shows, for the periods indicated, the high and low closing sales price of our common shares on the BCBA. On November 30, 2004, the closing price for our common shares on the BCBA was, approximately, Ps 3.00 per share.

 

     Pesos per Share

Fiscal Year


   High

   Low

2004

   3.40    1.88

2003

   2.88    1.44

2002

   1.88    0.58

2001

   2.23    1.30

2000

   3.15    1.99

1999

   3.37    1.63
     Pesos per Share

Fiscal Quarter


   High

   Low

2004

         

4th quarter

   2.85    1.88

3rd quarter

   3.40    2.62

2nd quarter

   3.32    2.58

1st quarter

   2.70    2.09

2003

         

4th quarter

   2.88    2.32

3rd quarter

   2.53    1.82

2nd quarter

   2.25    1.75

1st quarter

   2.20    1.44

2002

         

4th quarter

   1.88    1.26

3rd quarter

   1.45    0.76

2nd quarter

   0.97    0.58

1st quarter

   1.59    1.00
     Pesos per Share

Month


   High

   Low

November (Fiscal Year 2005)

   3.00    2.82

October (Fiscal Year 2005)

   2.86    2.38

September (Fiscal Year 2005)

   2.46    2.09

August (Fiscal Year 2005)

   2.12    1.99

July (Fiscal Year 2005)

   2.20    1.99

June (Fiscal Year 2004)

   2.24    2.05

May (Fiscal Year 2004)

   2.40    1.88

Source: Bloomberg.

 

151


Table of Contents

Price history of our stock on the NYSE

 

Our Global Depositary Shares, each representing 10 common shares, are listed and traded on the NYSE under the trading symbol “IRS”. The Global Depositary Shares began trading on the NYSE on December 20, 1994 and were issued by the Bank of New York, Inc., acting as Global Depositary Shares Depositary. It should not be assumed, however, that the Global Depositary Shares will actually trade at a multiple of 10 times the price per common share. The following table shows, for the periods indicated, the high and low closing sales price of the Global Depositary Shares on the NYSE. On November 30, 2004, the closing price of our Global Depositary Shares on the NYSE was US$ 10.43.

 

     U.S. Dollar per GDS

Fiscal year


   High

   Low

2004

   11.62    6.50

2003

   10.36    3.86

2002

   16.08    3.66

2001

   22.22    13.00

2000

   31.25    19.86

1999

   33.50    16.00
     U.S. Dollar per GDS

Fiscal Quarter


   High

   Low

2004

         

4th quarter

   9.98    6.50

3rd quarter

   11.62    9.01

2nd quarter

   11.60    8.65

1st quarter

   9.55    7.10

2003

         

4th quarter

   6.11    3.86

3rd quarter

   6.02    6.79

2nd quarter

   8.00    5.50

1st quarter

   10.36    7.96

2002

         

4th quarter

   6.10    3.67

3rd quarter

   6.29    4.25

2nd quarter

   9.75    4.90

1st quarter

   16.00    9.80
     U.S. Dollar per GDS

Month


   High

   Low

November (FY 2005)

   10.43    9.41

October (FY 2005)

   9.76    7.90

September (FY 2005)

   8.39    7.02

August (FY 2005)

   7.25    6.60

July (FY 2005)

   7.46    6.54

June (FY 2004)

   7.80    7.04

May (FY 2004)

   8.40    6.50

Source: Bloomberg.

 

152


Table of Contents

B. Plan of Distribution

 

This item is not applicable.

 

C. Markets

 

Argentine Securities Markets

 

The CNV is a separate governmental entity with jurisdiction covering the territory of the Argentine Republic. Its main purpose is to ensure transparency of Argentina’s securities markets, to watch over the market price formation process and to protect investors. The CNVsupervises corporations authorized to issue securities to the public, the secondary markets where these securities are traded, and all persons and corporations involved in any capacity in the public offering and trading of these securities. Pension funds and insurance companies are regulated by separate government agencies. The Argentine markets are governed generally by Law No. 17,811, as amended, which created the CNV and regulate stock exchanges, stockbrokers, market operations and the public offerings of securities. There is a relatively low level of regulation of the market for Argentine securities and investors’ activities in such market, and enforcement of existing regulatory provisions has been extremely limited. Furthermore, there may be less publicly available information about Argentine companies than is regularly published by or about companies in the United States and certain other countries. However, the Argentine government and the CNV, taking into consideration the deeper global awareness of the importance of having adequate corporate governance practices and a legal framework to enforce principles such as “full information,” and “transparency,” have recently issued decree No. 677/2001. This decree has the objective of determining the rights of the “financial consumer”, increasing market transparency and an adequate legal framework to increase the investor’s protection within the capital market. Most of its reforms are in line with world trends pertaining to corporate governance practices that have already been adopted by many emerging markets.

 

In order to offer securities to the public in Argentina, an issuer must meet certain requirements of the CNV regarding assets, operating history, management and other matters, and only securities for which an application for a public offering has been approved by the CNV may be listed on the BCBA. This approval does not imply any kind of certification or assurance related to the merits or the quality of the securities, or the solvency of the issuer. Issuers of listed securities are required to file unaudited quarterly financial statements and audited annual financial statements, as well as various other periodic reports, with the CNV and the BCBA.

 

There are 10 securities exchanges in Argentina, the principal exchange for the Argentine securities market is the BCBA, which handles approximately 99% of all equity trading in the country.

 

The BCBA is a complex, non-profit and self-regulated organization. Various markets require different self-organizations of brokers within the BCBA, which is one of its particular characteristics. The most important and traditional of such markets is Mercado de Valores S.A. (Merval).

 

The securities that may be listed on the BCBA are: Stocks, Corporate Bonds, Convertible Corporate Bonds, Close-ended Investment Funds, Financial Trust, Indexes, Derivatives and Public Bonds. The BCBA is legally qualified for admission, suspension, and delisting of securities according to its own rules approved by the CNV. Furthermore, the BCBA works very closely with the CNV in surveillance activities. Also under a special agreement, registration and listing applications are directly filed with the BCBA for simultaneous processing.

 

The Merval is a self-regulated incorporated business organization. The capital stock of such entity is divided into 183 stocks, the holders of which (natural or artificial persons) are thereby entitled to act as

 

153


Table of Contents

individual brokers or brokerage firms; i.e. to execute securities purchase and sale transactions in their own name and on behalf of third parties. Brokers receive a commission for their services.

 

The primary functions of the Merval are concerned with the settlement, surveillance and guarantee of market trades. This entity is also qualified to take disciplinary actions against individual brokers or brokerage firms who might violate the statutory rules in vigor, and/or the rules and regulations governing the Argentine Stock Market System.

 

Furthermore, the Merval regulates, coordinates and implements each and every aspect connected with stock exchange trading, types of securities, market mechanisms, terms and conditions of payment, and the like. Jointly with the BCBA is has implemented stock-watch mechanisms.

 

The Merval counts with a trading mechanism applicable to corporate securities and government bonds called Concurrent Market, where trades are executed screen-based or in the traditional open out-the mode on the floor of the BCBA in an automated order-matching system. Merval guarantees the settlement of all trades executed in the Concurrent Market.

 

Also trades on government and corporate bonds may be executed on the Continuous Trading Session (with or without Merval’s settlement guarantee).

 

The cash mechanism (standard maturity) in the Concurrent Market admits the following operating forms:

 

  Automated trade execution based on orders entered from Sistema Integral de Negociación Asistida por Computadora work-stations or through open out-cry Floor-trade order slips.

 

  Open out-cry Floor-trade executions are subsequently inputted through order slips.

 

Open out-cry trades are executed pursuant to the rules applicable to traditional floor trading. Automated-execution trades based on the offers are carried out according to the rules of the electronic system. Both executions entail the registration of trades in a unique price-volume structure, and both modes of entering the system feed a unique order structure per issue.

 

Among the main features of the open out-cry mechanism carried out on the Floor, the following are highlighted:

 

  trades are executed open out-cry;

 

  they are perfected through the preparation of order slips; and

 

  the best-offer rule applies and as in the electronic system, it open out-cry the Merval settlement guarantee.

 

Block trading is allowed in a minimum amount of Ps. 200,000 for leader companies which are listed on the leader panel of the BCBA, and Ps. 100,000 for the companies listed on the general panel of the BCBA. Block trading takes place on the floor of the BCBA and is conducted in Spanish by continuous open outcry. Transaction of more than Ps. 1.0 million are announced on the floor and are put on stand by for approximately 30 minutes. For transactions of more than Ps. 5.0 million, a certificate of the units from Caja de Valores S.A. is additionally required.

 

As to the electronic system, its outstanding characteristics are:

 

  trades are executed based on bids and offers entered in work-stations, i.e. computers linked to the Stock Exchange information network,

 

  trades are executed automatically,

 

154


Table of Contents
  offers are recorded as per price-time priority, privileging the best of them.

 

These trades have the Merval guarantee.

 

Brokers and brokerage firms may trade in this segment, either by buying or selling government and corporate bonds for their own account, executing trades with another broker or brokerage firm or any other intermediary, by means of direct negotiations. In this system the best-offer rule does not apply and traders´ compensations as well as stock market and stock exchange fees are implicit in the price agreed upon.

 

Trades must be reported in real-time for their dissemination, registration and publication. Counterparty trades are settled by Merval, and may be channeled through the guaranteed or the non-guaranteed segment.

 

Over the Counter Market, MAE

 

The Mercado Abierto Electrónico (the “MAE”) is an exchange organized under the laws of the Argentine Republic, which operates as a self-regulatory organization under the supervision of the CNV.

 

The MAE works as an electronic environment to process Over The Counter transactions. It is an electronic exchange where both government securities and corporate bonds are traded through spot and forward contracts.

 

MAE has 82 brokers/dealers members, which include national banks, provincial banks, municipal banks, private national banks, foreign banks, cooperative banks, financial institutions, foreign exchange entities and pure brokers/dealers (exclusively engaged in brokerage activities). Both Argentine or foreign capital banks and financial institutions may be MAE’s brokers/dealers.

 

Securities to be traded must be registered with the pertinent supervising authorities and may be traded in MAE, in other exchanges or in both of them concurrently.

 

Securities Central Depositary, Caja de Valores S.A. (“Caja de Valores”)

 

The Caja de Valores is a corporation, totally private, which acts as central depositary of public bonds and private securities. It was established in 1974 by Act 20,643, and it is supervised by the CNV.

 

Those authorized to make deposits of securities with the Caja de Valores are stockbrokers, banking and financial institutions, and mutual funds.

 

The majority shareholders of the Caja de Valores are the BCBA and the Mercado de Valores (49.98% each).

 

Certain Information Regarding the BCBA

 

    

As of June 30,

2004


   As of December 31,

        2003

   2002

   2001

Market capitalization (Ps. Billon)

   556.3    542.4    348.0    192.5

Average daily trading volume (Ps. Million)

   54.6    34.0    17.7    30.9

Number of listed companies

   108    110    114    119

 

Although companies may list all of their capital stock on the BCBA, in many cases a controlling block is retained by the principal shareholders resulting in only a relatively small percentage of many companies’ stock being available for active trading by the public on the BCBA.

 

155


Table of Contents

As of June 30, 2004, approximately 108 companies had equity securities listed on the Bolsa de Comercio de Buenos Aires. As of June 30, 2004, approximately 14.45% of the total market capitalization of the BCBA was represented by the securities of ten national companies.

 

The Argentine securities markets are substantially more volatile than the securities markets in the United States and certain other developed countries. The Merval experienced a 13% increase in 1995, a 25% increase in 1996, a 6% increase in 1997, a 37% decrease in 1998, a 28% increase in 1999, a 24% decrease in 2000, a 29% decrease in 2001, a 78% increase through September 30, 2002, measured in Pesos, and a 77% increase through October 31, 2003, and a 38% increase through October 29, 2004 also measured in Pesos. To control volatility, the BCBA operates a system in which trades of an issuer’s stock are suspended for one-half hour when such issuer’s share price changes by more than 10% from its opening price.

 

The New York Stock Exchange

 

Our Global Depositary Shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the trading symbol “IRS”.

 

D. Selling Shareholders

 

This item is not applicable.

 

E. Dilution

 

This item is not applicable.

 

F. Expenses of the Issue

 

This item is not applicable.

 

ITEM 10. Additional Information

 

A. Share Capital

 

Our Common Stock

 

As of November 30, 2004, holders of our Convertible Notes exercised their conversion rights for the total 13,468,670 units with a face value of US$ 1 each, whereas the ordinary stock delivered under this heading amounted to 24,713,137 with a face value of Ps. 1.0 each.

 

The number of Convertible Notes currently outstanding amounts to US$ 86,531,330 the number of warrants currently outstanding amounts to 87,734,038 units of US$ 1.0 face value, while the number of our outstanding shares is 259,218,751 of Ps. 1.0 face value. As of July 1, 2003, the number of outstanding authorized and fully paid shares amounted to 212,011,804 of Ps. 0.10 face value face value each. As of June 30, 2004, such amount totaled 258,252,533 shares of face value Ps. 1.0 each.

 

B. Memorandum and Articles of Association

 

Our corporate purpose

 

Our legal name is IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima. We were incorporated under the laws of Argentina on April 30, 1943 as a stock corporation (sociedad anónima) and were registered with the Inspección General de Justicia of the city of Buenos Aires on June 25, 1943 under number 284, on page 291, book 46 of volume A.

 

156


Table of Contents

Article 4 of our bylaws defines our purpose as follows:

 

  Invest, develop and operate real estate developments;

 

  Invest, develop and operate personal property, including securities;

 

  Construct and operate works, services and public property;

 

  Manage real or personal property, whether owned by us or by third parties;

 

  Build, recycle, or repair real property whether owned by us or by third parties;

 

  Advise third parties with respect to the aforementioned activities;

 

  Finance projects, undertakings, works and/or real estate transactions of third parties.

 

Board of Directors

 

Voting on proposals in which directors have material interest

 

Decree No. 677/01 establishes in Section 8 that the directors, administrators and members of the supervisory committee of companies whose securities are publicly offered, shall act in a loyal and diligent manner when exercising their functions. In that sense, they must:

 

  place the corporate interests of the company and the common interest of the shareholders above any other interest, including the controlling shareholder’s interests;

 

  refrain from obtaining a personal benefit from the issuer other than the compensation paid for their functions;

 

  organize and implement preventive systems and mechanisms to protect corporate interests, reducing the risk of conflicts of interests, either permanent or temporary, in their personal relationships with the company or with persons related to the company. This duty specifically refers to competition with the company, the use or imposition of a lien on corporate assets, the determination of compensation or proposals related thereto, the use of non public information, the use of business opportunities for their own benefit or for the benefit of third parties and, in general, any situation that may generate a conflict of interests affecting the issuer;

 

  make the necessary arrangements to perform the company’s activities and implement the necessary internal control to ensure a careful management and avoid breaches of the duties established by the applicable regulations; and

 

  act with due diligence when preparing and disclosing the information to the market, and maintain the independence of external auditors.

 

The Argentine Law of Corporations No. 19,550 establishes in Section 271 that directors may contract with the company when the contract is related to the regular activities of the company and its terms and conditions are established on market terms. All other contracts with directors should be approved by the shareholders.

 

Further, Section 73 of Decree No. 677/01 establishes a specific procedure for transactions of a company whose securities are publicly offered, entered into with its directors, members of the supervisory committee, or senior managers and which involve a relevant amount. The transaction is considered to have a relevant amount when it exceeds: (i) one percent (1%) of the corporate capital, measured pursuant to the last approved financial statements, and (ii) the equivalent of one hundred thousand pesos (Ps. 100,000).

 

The related person with an interest in the transaction, should submit all the relevant documentation to the approval of the board of directors. The directors must request a report (i) of the audit committee stating if the conditions of the operation may be reasonably considered adequate according to normal market

 

157


Table of Contents

conditions; or (ii) of two independent evaluating firms that shall have informed about the same matter and about the other operation conditions. Immediately after being approved by the board of directors the transaction has to be informed to the CNV.

 

Notwithstanding that, Section 272 of the Law of Corporations No.19,550 provides that when a director has an opposite interest to the one of the company, he or she should notify that situation to the board of directors and the supervisory committee and abstain to vote in that respect. The violation of this provision results in the director being jointly and severally unlimitedly liable.

 

In the event that the results of the reports are not favorable to the transaction, its approval should be considered by the shareholders’ meeting.

 

Approval of compensation of the members of the Board of Directors and Supervisory Committee

 

Our bylaws do not establish the compensation to be paid to members of the board of directors and the supervisory committee, and therefore pursuant to Section 261 of the Law of Corporations No.19,550, it should be approved by the shareholders. The maximum amount that may be paid as compensation to members of the board of directors and the supervisory committee, should not exceed 25% of the realized and net earnings of the company and 5% when there is no distribution of dividends. If the company does not distribute the total earnings, the amount of the compensation should be proportional to that distribution and within the mentioned limits. These limits may only be surpassed by express approval of the shareholders.

 

Provisions have been made for compensations of the members of the board of directors for the fiscal year ended 2004, for an amount of Ps. 6.5 million as approved at the shareholders meeting held on October 22, 2004. The members of the supervisory committee renounced collection of their fees for the fiscal year ended 2004.

 

Borrowing powers of directors

 

Our bylaws establish, in Section 18, that the board of directors has full and broad powers to organize, manage and direct us in order to fulfilling the corporate purpose.

 

Retirement of directors

 

Our bylaws do not establish any requirements or provisions regarding age limits for director’s retirement, nor do they require a number of shares a director must own to qualify for the position.

 

Rights, preferences and restrictions attaching to the common shares

 

Dividend rights

 

The Law of Corporations No.19,550 establishes that the distribution and payment of dividends to shareholders is valid only if they result from realized and net earnings of the company pursuant to an annual balance sheet approved by the shareholders. The board of directors submits our financial statements for the previous fiscal year, together with the reports of the supervisory committee, to the annual ordinary shareholders’ meeting. This meeting must be held by October 31 of each year to approve the financial statements and decide on the allocation of our net income for fiscal year 2003. The distribution, amount and payment of dividends if any, must be approved by the affirmative vote of the majority of the present votes with right to vote at the meeting. Under the applicable regulations of the CNV, cash dividends must be paid to the shareholders pro rata according to the interest held by shareholders within 30 days of the decision approving their distribution. If stock dividends are declared, the corresponding shares must be delivered to the shareholders within three months of the shareholders’ meeting approving them. The right of shareholders to collect the dividends expires upon the end of three-years´ term since they were placed at the disposal of shareholders.

 

158


Table of Contents

The shareholders’ meeting may authorize payment of dividends on a quarterly basis provided no applicable regulations are violated. In that case, all and each of the members of the board of directors and the supervisory committee will be jointly and severally unlimitedly liable for the refund of those dividends if, as of the end of the respective fiscal year, the realized and net earnings of the company are not sufficient to allow the payment of dividends.

 

When we declare and pay dividends on the common shares, the holders of our GDSs, each representing the right to receive ten ordinary shares, outstanding on the corresponding registration date, shall be entitled to receive the dividends due on the common shares underlying the GDSs, subject to the terms of the Modified and Ordered Deposit Contract dated December 12, 1994 executed by and between us, the Bank of New York (the “Depository”) and the eventual holders of GDSs (the “Deposit Contract”). The cash dividends are to be paid in pesos and, except under certain circumstances, are to be converted by the Depositary into U.S. Dollars at the exchange rate prevailing at the conversion date and are to be paid to the holders of the GDSs net of any applicable fee on the dividend distribution, costs and conversion expenses, taxes and public charges. From 1989 to December 3, 2001, there were no exchange controls restricting the peso-U.S. Dollar translation or the remittance of U.S. Dollars abroad. From December 3, 2001 to January 2, 2003, remittances of foreign currency, except for certain transactions, should be authorized by the Argentine Central Bank, including payments made by Argentine debtors in connection with financial debts principal. Nowadays, in general, exchange transactions can be freely performed in Argentina, however, the Argentine Central Bank has imposed restrictions on certain exchange transactions. Therefore, we cannot assure you that in the future we shall be able to transfer abroad the payment of dividends to the holders of our GDSs. See “Taxation-Argentine Taxes-Taxation of Dividends”.

 

Voting rights and staggered elections

 

Our stock capital is composed by book-entry common shares with face value of Ps. 1 per share and entitled to one vote each.

 

All directors and alternate directors are elected for a three-year term.

 

Our by laws do not consider staggered elections.

 

Rights to share in IRSA’s profits

 

The holders of our common shares have the right to participate in our net and realized profits on a pro rata basis of their respective interests.

 

Pursuant to the Law of Corporations and Section 29 of our bylaws, liquidated and realized profits of each fiscal year shall be distributed as follows:

 

  allocate 5% of such net profits to legal reserve, until the amount of such reserve equals 20% of our capital stock;

 

  the sum established by the shareholders’ meeting as remuneration of the board of Directors and the supervisory committee; and

 

  dividends, additional dividends to preferred shares if any, or to optional reserve funds or contingency reserves or to a new account, or for whatever purpose the shareholders’ meeting determines.

 

Rights to share in any surplus in the event of liquidation

 

Section 30 of our bylaws establishes that in the event of liquidation, dissolution or winding-up, our assets (i) will be first applied to satisfy liabilities and (ii) the remaining will be proportionally distributed among holders of preferred stock if there are any and in accordance with the terms of the preferred stock. If any surplus remains, the holders of common shares are entitled to receive and share on a pro rata basis in all net assets remaining for distribution.

 

159


Table of Contents

Provisions related to a shareholder’s ownership of certain amount of shares

 

Section 9 of our bylaws establishes that the acquisition by any person or group, directly or indirectly of our shares, convertible securities, rights to receive any of those securities that may grant that person the control of our company or 35% or more of our capital stock; may only be done by following a tender offer procedure for all of our shares.

 

There are cases excluded from the tender offer requirements:

 

  acquisitions by persons holding or controlling shares or convertible securities which represent more than 50% of our capital stock, notwithstanding the provisions of the CNV; and

 

  holdings of more than 35%, which derive from the distribution of shares or dividends paid in shares approved by the shareholders, or the issuance of shares as a result of a merger approved by the shareholders; in both cases, the excess holding shall be disposed of within 180 days of its registration in the relevant shareholder’s account, or prior to the holding of our shareholders meeting, whatever occurs first.

 

The CNV regulations require that transactions which cause a person’s holdings of capital stock of a registered Argentine company, to hold 5% or more of the voting power, should be immediately notified to the CNV. Thereafter, every change in the holdings that represents a multiple of 5% of the voting power should also be notified.

 

Procedure to change the rights of stockholders

 

The rights of holders of stock are established in the Law of Corporations and in the bylaws. The rights of shareholders provided for by the Law of Corporations may not be diminished by the bylaws. Section 235 of the Law of Corporations establishes that the amendment of the bylaws should be approved by the absolute majority of our shareholders at an extraordinary shareholders meeting.

 

On October 31, 2003 in the ordinary and extraordinary annual shareholders meeting, shareholders decided not to adhere to the “Régimen Estatutario Optativo de Oferta Pública de Adquisición Obligatoria” (Optional Statutory Body of Public Offering of Compulsory Acquisition) provided under Decree No. 677/2001, consequently, shareholders decided to incorporate that provision under Section 1 of the by-laws.

 

Ordinary and extraordinary shareholders’ meeting

 

Our bylaws establish that any meeting must be called by the board of directors or by the supervisory committee in the assumptions provided for by law or at the request of the holders of shares representing no less than 5% of the share capital. Any meetings requested by shareholders must be held within 30 days after the request is made. Ordinary meetings may be called simultaneously for the first and second call. Upon failure to give simultaneous call, the meeting on second call, due to failure to constitute quorum on first call, must be held within 30 days after such meeting, complying with all notices required by applicable regulations.

 

Any shareholder may appoint any person as its duly authorized representative at whatever meeting, by granting a proxy with duly certified signature. Co-owners of shares must have single representation.

 

In order to attend a shareholders’ meeting, shareholders should deposit with us the share certificate issued by the registrar agent, with at least 3 business days prior to the date of the respective shareholders meeting. We will deliver the respective receipt which will be required for admission to the shareholders meeting. On the day of the meeting, the shareholders or their representatives will have to fill in their addresses, identity document and number of votes and will sign the Shareholders’ Meetings’ Attendance Book.

 

The meetings shall be presided by the Chairman of the board of directors.

 

160


Table of Contents

The first call of the ordinary shareholders’ meeting requires the attendance of shareholders representing a majority of the shares with voting rights. The second call, does not require a minimum of shares with right to vote. In both cases, resolutions shall be adopted by the absolute majority of the votes that may be cast in the relevant decision.

 

The first call of the extraordinary shareholders’ meeting requires the attendance of shareholders representing 60% of the shares with voting rights. The second call, does not require a minimum of shares with right to vote. In both cases, resolutions shall be adopted by the absolute majority of the votes that may be cast in the relevant decision.

 

Limitations to own securities by non-resident or foreign shareholders

 

There are no legal limitations on the ability to own securities or exercise voting rights, by non-resident or foreign shareholders. However, foreign shareholders must fulfill certain requirements with the Inspección General de Justicia in order to assure that they can exercise their voting rights.

 

Ownership threshold above which ownership should be disclosed

 

The CNV regulations require that transactions which cause a person’s holdings of capital stock of a registered Argentine company, to hold 5% or more of the voting power, should be immediately notified to the CNV. Thereafter, every change in the holdings that represents a multiple of 5% of the voting power should also be notified.

 

Directors, senior managers, executive officers, members of the supervisory committee, and controlling shareholders of an Argentine company whose securities are publicly offered, should notify the CNV on a monthly basis, their beneficial ownership of shares, debt securities, and call and put options related to securities of such companies and their controlling, controlled or affiliated companies.

 

Further, the CNV must be immediately notified of transactions which cause a person’s holdings of capital stock of an Argentine company whose securities are publicly offered to hold 5% or more of the voting power and every change in the holdings that represents a multiple of 5% of the voting power. Holders of more than 50% of the common shares or who otherwise control decision making in shareholders’ meetings, as well as directors, officers and members of the supervisory committee, must provide the CNV with annual reports of their holdings in the capital stock of such companies and monthly reports of any change in their holdings.

 

C. Material Contracts

 

We do not have any material contract entered into outside the ordinary course of business other than some of the operations previously described under the Related Party Transactions and Our Indebtedness sections

 

D. Exchange Controls

 

Currency exchange regulation

 

DollarAll foreign currency exchange transactions must be carried out in the free exchange market, in which the Argentine Central Bank participates by purchasing and selling foreign currency.

 

Import and export of capital

 

Import of capital

 

Currently, there are no laws, executive orders or regulations nor any exchange controls in force in Argentina limiting the import of capital.

 

161


Table of Contents

Pursuant to the Argentine Foreign Investment Law No. 21.382, and Decree No. 1853, enacted in 1993, the purchase by foreign investors (any natural or legal person domiciled out of Argentina or an Argentine company of “foreign capital”) of capital participation in a company existing in Argentina (according to the Foreign Investment Act) shall constitute a foreign investment.

 

At present there are no restrictions on foreign investment in industries other than public broadcasting media, and no prior authorization is required to make foreign investments.

 

Therefore, no prior authorization is required for the purpose of purchasing securities of our company.

 

See Item 3: “Key Information – Exchange Rates”.

 

Export of capital including the availability of cash or cash equivalents

 

From 1989 to December 3, 2001, there were no exchange controls restricting the peso-U.S. Dollar translation or the remittance of U.S. Dollars abroad. In compliance with the economic measures set forth by the Government by means of Decree No. 1570/2001 dated December 1, 2001 and subsequent amendments thereto, aimed at protecting the integrity of the Argentine financial system, money could not be transferred abroad, unless expressly authorized by the Argentine Central Bank.

 

Since January 2, 2003, there has been a reduction in the restrictions imposed by the Central Bank.

 

In accordance with Comunicación “A” 3973 dated July 1, 2003, as amended by Comunicación “A” 4142 dated May 18, 2004, the Central Bank’s prior approval is no longer required for the following payments:

 

  total or partial payment of principal debts in connection with financial loans, bonds and other securities, the payment of which is owed to individuals or entities that are not residents of Argentina, provided that these payments are made within 90 days prior to the date they become due and as long as they are made after 180 days as of the entrance and liquidation of the funds disbursed pursuant to such debt; and

 

  the total or partial payment in advance (with no limitation in time) of principal in connection with financial loans, bonds and other securities the payment of which is owed to individuals or entities that are not residents of Argentina, provided that the following conditions are met:

 

  (a) if the payment is not made as part of a debt restructuring process, the foreign currency amount to be used to prepay debt with individuals or entities that are not residents of Argentina shall not be higher than the present value of the portion of the debt being cancelled; or

 

  (b) if the payment is made as part of a debt restructuring process with individuals or entities that are not residents of Argentina, the new debt terms and conditions and the cash payment to be made shall not imply an increase in the present value of the debt.

 

In addition, Comunicación “A” 3843, as amended, and Comunicación “A” 4142 state that prior authorization from the Central Bank are no longer required for payment of accrued interest, at any time, to individuals or entities that are not residents of Argentina.

 

Pursuant to Comunicación “A” 3722, as amended, individuals and legal entities must obtain the Central Bank’s prior approval for transactions regarding the acquisition of foreign currency for the following purposes: individuals’ foreign portfolio investments, residents’ other foreign investments, legal entities’ foreign investment, and purchases of foreign currency to be kept in custody within Argentina.

 

162


Table of Contents

Comunicación “A” 3909 and Comunicación “A” 4128, as amended by Comunicación “A” 3944, states that this prior authorization will no longer be required by individuals and legal entities with residence in Argentina for the purpose of purchase of foreign currency as long as:

 

  (i) the purchases do not exceed an aggregate amount of US$2,000,000 per month; or

 

  (ii) the amount in pesos to be paid for the foreign currency does not exceed the equivalent of the amount paid by that individual or legal entity to the Argentine tax administration in the previous calendar month for the prior month with respect to exportation duties plus three times the amount paid as tax on deposits and withdrawals of bank accounts.

 

Comunicación “A” 3998, as amended by Comunicación “A” 4066, states that in addition to the maximum amounts set forth in (i) and (ii) above, individuals and legal entities with residence in Argentina will not be required, up to June 30, 2004, to obtain the Central Bank’s prior approval for the purpose of purchase of foreign currency, provided that:

 

  (a) the amounts are used before December 31, 2004 to cancel bonds, syndicated financial loans, financial loans granted by foreign banks, debt held by foreign banks or certain other debt;

 

  (b) foreign currency purchased pursuant to Comunicación “A” 3998 and the related rules and Comunicación “A” 3722 (as amended) may not exceed US$40,000,000 per month; and

 

  (c) the aggregate of foreign currency purchased pursuant to Comunicación “A” 3998 plus any foreign currency deposited in trusts pursuant to Comunicación “A” 3872 (as amended) plus foreign currency purchased pursuant to specific Central Bank authorizations, may not exceed 35% of the total outstanding principal debt subject to restructuring or the aggregate of unmatured or past-due interest and past-due principal subject to restructuring.

 

Payments abroad for services rendered can be freely made if the service is rendered by a non-resident in Argentina. If the nature of the service to be paid does not have a direct relation to the company’s business activity, a copy of the original agreement under which the obligation must be paid shall be filed with the relevant financial entity, together with a written statement as to its existence signed by an external auditor or a public accountant whose signature must be certified by the FACPCE.

 

Furthermore, payments abroad of profits and dividends can be freely made when such profits and dividends result from audited and closed financial statements.

 

Additionally, communication “A” 3999 permits non-Argentine residents to access the foreign exchange market to purchase foreign currency for subsequent transfer to foreign bank accounts, as repatriation of portfolio investments in Argentina, in connection with payments of principal received in Argentina of foreign-currency denominated Government bonds.

 

It shall be noted that the Argentine Central Bank issued such communications for the purpose of managing the value of the Argentine peso in relation to the U.S. Dollar. It cannot be anticipated whether the Argentine Central Bank will be able to achieve the referred purpose in the short term. In addition, it cannot be foreseen whether the Argentine Central Bank will introduce new amendments to exchange control regulations in order to control the quotation of the Argentine peso. Any amendment to the referred Communication restricting payments in foreign currency abroad may prevent us from meeting our obligations abroad in foreign currency.

 

Additionally, while the foreign exchange system has become more flexible under current regulations, no assurance can be given that if the restructuring of the sovereign debt is unsuccessful or the government

 

163


Table of Contents

fails to comply with the IMF agreement, future restriction will not increase or otherwise change the current foreign exchange system or that one or more of the transactions described in this annual report will not be adversely affected.

 

Remission of Dividends, interests or other payments to holders of securities in our company, to non-residents

 

In compliance with the economic measures set forth by the Argentine Government by means of Decree No. 1570/2001 dated December 1st, 2001, as amended by Decree No. 1606/2001 and Law No. 25,557, aimed at protecting the integrity of the Argentine financial system, some limitations have been imposed on export of capital. See: “Export of Capital, including the availability of cash or cash equivalents.”

 

The Argentine exchange market was subject to controls up to December 1989, when a floating exchange rate for all foreign currency transactions was established. From 1989 to December 3, 2001, there were no exchange controls restricting the peso-U.S. Dollar translation or the remittance of U.S. Dollars abroad. From December 3, 2001 to January 2, 2003, remittances of foreign currency, except for certain transactions, should be authorized by the Argentine Central Bank, including payments made by Argentine debtors in connection with financial debts principal. Although, in general, exchange transactions can be freely performed in Argentina, recently, the Argentine Central Bank imposed restrictions on certain exchange transactions.

 

E. Taxation

 

United States taxation

 

The following summary describes the material United States federal income tax consequences of the ownership of shares and GDSs as of the date hereof. The discussion set forth below is applicable to U.S. Holders (as defined below). Except where noted, this discussion deals only with U.S. Holders (as defined below) that purchase the shares or GDSs as capital assets and that do not have a permanent establishment in Argentina, are not residents of Argentina, are not domiciled in Argentina, are not organized in Argentina, do not have a local branch in Argentina, do not carry on certain commercial activities, do not fall within the legal presumption for non-Argentine legal entities with respect to the Argentine Personal Assets Tax, do not own an Argentine bank account and are not physically present in Argentina for 183 days or more within a calendar year. This summary does not represent a detailed description of the United States federal income tax consequences applicable to you if you are subject to special treatment under the United States federal income tax laws, including if you are:

 

  a bank;

 

  a dealer in securities or currencies;

 

  a financial institution;

 

  a regulated investment company;

 

  a real estate investment trust;

 

  an insurance company;

 

  a tax exempt organization;

 

  a person holding the shares or GDSs as part of a hedging, integrated or conversion transaction, constructive sale or straddle;

 

  a trader in securities that has elected the mark-to-market method of accounting for your securities;

 

164


Table of Contents
  a person liable for alternative minimum tax;

 

  a person who owns more than 10% of the voting stock of our company;

 

  an investor in a pass-through entity; or

 

  a United States person whose “functional currency” is not the United States Dollar.

 

Furthermore, the discussion below is based upon the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), and regulations, rulings and judicial decisions there under as of the date hereof, and such authorities may be replaced, revoked or modified so as to result in federal income tax consequences different from those discussed below. In addition, this summary is based, in part, upon representations made by the depositary (the “Depositary”) to us and assumes that the deposit agreement governing the GDSs, and all other related agreements, will be performed in accordance with their terms. IF YOU ARE CONSIDERING THE PURCHASE, OWNERSHIP OR DISPOSITION OF SHARES OR GDSs YOU SHOULD CONSULT YOUR OWN TAX ADVISOR CONCERNING THE UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES TO YOU AS WELL AS ANY CONSEQUENCES ARISING UNDER THE LAWS OF ANY OTHER TAXING JURISDICTION.

 

“U.S. Holder” means a beneficial owner of a share, or GDS that is for United States federal income tax purposes:

 

  a citizen or resident of the United States;

 

  a corporation created or organized in or under the laws of the United States or any political subdivision of the United States;

 

  an estate the income of which is subject to United States federal income taxation regardless of its source;

 

  a trust if it (1) is subject to the primary supervision of a court within the United States and one or more United States persons has authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust or (2) has a valid election in effect under applicable United States Treasury regulations to be treated as a United States person.

 

If a partnership holds shares or GDSs, the tax treatment of a partner will generally depend on the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. If you are a partner of a partnership holding shares or GDSs, you should consult your tax advisors.

 

GDSs

 

In general, for United States federal income tax purposes, U.S. Holders of GDSs will be treated as the owners of the underlying shares that are represented by the GDSs. However, the United States Treasury has expressed concerns that parties to whom depositary shares are pre-released may be taking actions that are inconsistent with the claiming of foreign tax credits by the holders of GDSs. Accordingly, the analysis of the creditability of Argentine taxes described herein could be affected by future actions that may be taken by the United States Treasury. Deposits or withdrawals of shares by U.S. Holders for GDSs will not be subject to United States federal income tax.

 

Distributions on Shares or GDSs

 

Subject to the discussion under “Passive Foreign Investment company Rules” below, distributions on the shares or GDSs, (including net amounts withheld to reflect Argentine withholding taxes, if any) will be taxable as dividends to the extent of our current and accumulated earnings and profits (as determined under United States federal income tax principles). Such income will be includable in your gross income as ordinary income on the day actually or constructively received by you, in the case of shares, or by the GDS depositary, in the case of GDSs. Such dividends will not be eligible for the dividends-received deduction.

 

165


Table of Contents

The amount of any dividend paid in Pesos will equal the United States Dollar value of the Pesos received calculated by reference to the exchange rate in effect on the date the dividend is actually or constructively received by you in the case of shares, or by the GDS depositary, in the case of GDSs, regardless of whether the Pesos are converted into United States Dollars. If the Pesos received are not converted into United States Dollars on the day of receipt, you will have a basis in the Pesos equal to their United States Dollar value on the date of receipt. Any gain or loss you realize on a subsequent conversion or other disposition of the Pesos will be treated as United States source ordinary income or loss.

 

Subject to certain significant conditions and limitations, Argentine tax withheld from dividends, if any, may be treated as foreign income tax eligible for credit or deduction against your United States federal income tax liability. For purposes of the foreign tax credit, dividends paid on the shares will be treated as income from sources outside the United States and will generally constitute “passive income” or, in the case of certain United States Holders, “financial services income.” The rules governing the foreign tax credit are complex. Investors are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding the availability of the foreign tax credit under their particular circumstances.

 

Taxation of Capital Gains

 

Subject to the discussion under “Passive Foreign Investment company Rules” below, upon the sale, exchange or other disposition of shares or GDSs, you generally will recognize capital gain or loss equal to the difference between the United States Dollar value of the amount realized upon the sale, exchange or other disposition and the adjusted tax basis of the shares or GDSs, determined in United States Dollars. The capital gain or loss will be long-term capital gain or loss if at the time of sale, exchange or other disposition you have held the shares or GDSs for more than one year. Capital gains of individuals derived with respect to capital assets held for more than one year are eligible for reduced rates of taxation depending upon the holding period of such capital assets. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations. Any gain or loss you recognize will generally be treated as United States source gain or loss.

 

Passive Foreign Investment Company Rules

 

Although it is an inherently uncertain factual issue, we may be a PFIC for the current or future taxable years.

 

In general, we will be a PFIC for any taxable year in which, either (i) at least 75% of the gross income of our company for the taxable year is passive income or (ii) at least 50% of the value (determined on the basis of a quarterly average) of our assets is attributable to assets that produce or are held for the production of passive income. For this purpose, passive income generally includes dividends, interest, royalties, rents (other than rents and royalties derived in the active conduct of a trade or business and not derived from a related person), annuities and gains from assets that produce passive income. If we own at least 25% by value of the stock of another corporation, we will be treated for purposes of the PFIC tests as owning a proportionate share of the assets of the other corporation, and as receiving directly a proportionate share of the other corporation’s income.

 

The determination of whether we are a PFIC is made annually. If we are a PFIC for any taxable year during which you hold shares or GDSs in our company, unless you make the mark-to-market election discussed below, you will be subject to special tax rules discussed below.

 

If we are a PFIC for any taxable year during which you hold our shares or GDSs, you will be subject to special tax rules with respect to any “excess distribution” received and any gain realized from a sale or other disposition, including a pledge, of such shares or GDSs. Distributions received in a taxable year that are greater than 125% of the average annual distributions received during the shorter of the three preceding taxable years or your holding period for the equity interests will be treated as excess distributions. Under these special tax rules (i) the excess distribution or gain will be allocated ratably over your holding period for the equity interests, (ii) the amount allocated to the current taxable year, and any taxable year prior to the first taxable year in which we were a PFIC, will be treated as ordinary income, and (iii) the amount allocated to each other year will be subject to tax at the highest tax rate in effect for that year and the interest charge generally applicable to underpayments of tax will be imposed on the resulting tax attributable to each such year.

 

166


Table of Contents

In certain circumstances, in lieu of being subject to the excess distribution rules discussed above, you may make an election to include gain on the stock of a PFIC as ordinary income under a mark-to-market method provided that such stock is regularly traded on a qualified exchange. Under current law, the mark-to-market election is only available for stock traded on certain designated United States exchanges and foreign exchanges which meet certain trading, listing, financial disclosure and other requirements to be treated as a qualified exchange under applicable United States Treasury regulations. Consequently, the mark-to-market election may be available to you with respect to the GDSs because the GDSs will be listed on the Nasdaq, which constitutes a qualified exchange under the regulations, although there can be no assurance that the GDSs will be regularly traded. You should note that only the GDSs and not the shares are listed on the Nasdaq. The shares are listed on the Buenos Aires Stock Exchange. Consequently, the Buenos Aires Stock Exchange would need to meet the trading, listing, financial disclosure and other requirements of the United States Treasury regulations. The GDSs or shares would need to be regularly traded on such exchanges in order for the GDSs or shares to be potentially eligible for the mark-to-market election.

 

If we are a PFIC in any taxable year in which you hold our shares or GDSs, but you do not make a mark-to-market election until a subsequent taxable year, you will be subject to special rules in the taxable year of the election. You should consult your own tax advisors regarding the application of the mark-to-market election in your particular situation.

 

If you make an effective mark-to-market election, you will include in income each year as ordinary income, rather than capital gain, the excess, if any, of the fair market value of your PFIC shares or GDSs at the end of the taxable year over your adjusted tax basis in the shares or GDSs and will be permitted an ordinary loss in respect of the excess, if any, of the adjusted basis of such shares or GDSs over their fair market value at the end of the taxable year, but only to the extent of the net amount previously included in income as a result of the mark-to-market election. Your basis in the shares or GDSs will be adjusted to reflect any such income or loss amounts. Any gain or loss on the sale of the shares or GDSs will be ordinary income or loss, except that such loss will be ordinary loss only to the extent of the previously included net mark-to-market gain.

 

If you make a mark-to-market election it will be effective for the taxable year for which the election is made and all subsequent taxable years unless the shares or GDSs are no longer regularly traded on a qualified securities exchange or the IRS consents to the revocation of the election. Under proposed Treasury regulations, mark-to-market inclusions and deductions will be suspended during taxable years in which are not a PFIC, but would resume if they subsequently become a PFIC. You are urged to consult your own tax advisor about the availability of making such a mark-to-market election.

 

Alternatively, a United States Holder of shares or GDSs in a PFIC can sometimes avoid the rules described above by electing to treat the company as a “qualified electing fund” under section 1295 of the Code. This option is not available to you because we do not intend to comply with the requirements necessary to permit you to make this election.

 

A United States Holder who owns shares or GDSs during any year that we are a PFIC must file IRS Form 8621.

 

You should consult your own tax advisors concerning the United States federal income tax consequences of holding the shares or GDSs if we are considered a PFIC in any taxable year.

 

Argentine Personal Assets Taxes

 

Amounts paid on account of the Argentine Personal Assets Taxes, if any, will not be eligible as a credit against your United States federal income tax liability, but may be deductible subject to applicable limitations in the Code.

 

Information Reporting and Backup Withholding

 

In general, information-reporting requirements will apply to distributions on shares or GDSs and to the proceeds of sale of a share or GDS paid to United States Holders other than certain exempt recipients

 

167


Table of Contents

(such as corporations). Backup withholding may apply to such payments if you fail to provide a correct taxpayer identification number or certification of foreign or other exempt status or fail to report in full dividend and interest income.

 

Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules will be allowed as a refund or a credit against your United States federal income tax liability provided you furnish the required information to the IRS.

 

Argentine Taxation

 

The following discussion is a summary of certain Argentine tax considerations associated with an investment in, ownership or disposition of, the shares or the GDSs by an individual holder that is not domiciled or resident in Argentina and a legal entity that is not organized under the laws of Argentina and does not have a permanent establishment in Argentina or is not otherwise doing business in Argentina on a regular basis (a “Foreign Holder”). The discussion is for general information only and is based on current Argentine tax laws. Moreover, while this summary is considered to be a correct interpretation of existing laws in force as of the date of this 20-F Form, no assurance can be given that the courts or administrative authorities responsible for the administration of such laws will agree with this interpretation or that changes in such laws or interpretations will not occur. PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS ARE URGED TO CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISOR REGARDING THE PARTICULAR TAX CONSEQUENCES ARISING UNDER ANY TAXING JURISDICTION.

 

Taxation of Dividends

 

Dividends, either in cash, shares or kind approved by our shareholders are currently exempt from Argentine withholding or other taxes.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, according to Argentine law, income tax will be applied to the amount of dividends distributed in excess of a company’s net taxable income determined in accordance with general income tax regulations for the fiscal years preceding the date of the distribution of such dividends. The legislation requires that companies withhold 35% of the amount of distributed dividends in excess of the net taxable income of such distribution, as determined in accordance with the income tax law. The withholding would not be applied to the payment of future dividends derived out of retained earnings obtained in the fiscal years ended prior to December 30, 1998. Dividends distributed by an Argentine company are not subject to this tax to the extent that those dividends arise from dividend income or other distributions received by such company from other Argentine companies.

 

Taxation of Capital Gains

 

Pursuant to Decree No. 2,284/91 gains on sales or other dispositions of shares or GDSs by non-resident individuals and foreign entities without a permanent establishment in Argentina are currently exempt from income tax. Notwithstanding, if the foreign entity qualifies as an Offshore Taxable Entity and shares or GDS’s are not listed, sales or other dispositions of such shares or GDSs are taxable at the rate of 17,5%.

 

An Offshore Taxable Entity is a foreign entity without permanent establishment in Argentina which (i) pursuant to its bylaws or to the applicable regulatory framework has its principal investing activity outside the jurisdiction of its incorporation and/or (ii) cannot perform in the jurisdiction of its incorporation certain transactions and/or investments expressly indicated in its bylaws or in the applicable regulatory framework.

 

Gains on sales or other dispositions of listed shares or GDSs by resident individuals are currently exempt from taxation. In the case of non-listed shares or GDS’s its sale or other dispositions are taxable at the rate of 9% up to 15%, but the losses generated by such transactions may only be offset against income from the same type of transactions.

 

168


Table of Contents

Gains on the sale or other dispositions of shares or GDSs by Argentine entities are subject to Argentine income tax at the fixed rate of 35% but the losses generated by such transaction may only be offset against income from the same type of transactions.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, on July 3, 2003, the Attorney of the Argentine Republic Treasure has passed Judgment No. 351/03 in which interprets that, as from the enactment of Law No. 25,556, the provisions of the income tax law that taxed capital gains arising from unlisted shares obtained by resident individuals or Offshore Taxable Entities are no longer in force because they have been implicitly abrogated. No assurance can be given on the applicable regime, as of today, no official interpretation of this judgment has been done.

 

WE RECOMMEND PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS TO CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISOR REGARDING THE PARTICULAR TAX CONSEQUENCES CONCERNING THE SALE OR OTHER DISPOSITIONS OF THE SHARES OR GDS´s.

 

Value Added Tax

 

The sale, exchange, disposition, or transfer of shares or GDSs is not subject to Value Added Tax.

 

Personal Assets Tax

 

Law No. 25,585 issued on April 24, 2002 and published in the Official Gazette on May 15, 2002 (and applicable to personal assets held as of December 31, 2002) introduces amendments to Law No. 23,966 and imposes the personal assets tax on shares and GDSs held by individuals and undivided estates domiciled or located in Argentina or abroad and legal entities not domiciled in Argentina, separately from other assets.

 

This amendment imposes the obligation to pay the personal assets tax on the Argentine private issuer of the shares and GDSs, and authorizes it to seek recovery of the amount so paid, without limitation, by way of withholding or by foreclosing on the assets that gave rise to such payment. The tax is levied on the shares proportional equity value of the shares as reflected in the most recent balance sheet closed as of December 31 of the taxable year, at the rate of 0.5% without any non-taxable minimum being applicable.

 

At the Shareholder’s Ordinary and Extraordinary General Meeting held on October 22, 2004, the shareholders approved taxes on personal assets and the absorption of such tax by the company for the years 2002 and 2003.

 

There can be no assurance that in the future this tax will be absorbed by the Company.

 

Tax on Minimum Notional Income (Impuesto a la Ganancia Minima Presunta, IGMP)

 

Companies domiciled in Argentina, partnerships, foundations, sole proprietorships, trusts, certain mutual funds organized in Argentina, and permanent business establishments owned by foreign persons, among other taxpayers, shall apply a 1% rate to the total value of assets held by such persons, above an aggregate nominal amount of Ps. 200,000. Nevertheless, shares and GDSs issued by entities subject to such tax, are exempt from paying the IGMP.

 

Gross Income Tax

 

The gross income tax is local in nature; therefore, the rules of the relevant provincial jurisdiction should be considered, which may levy this tax on the purchase and sale of shares and/or the collection of dividends. In the particular case of the city of Buenos Aires, any transaction involving shares and/or the collection of dividends and revaluations is exempt from this tax.

 

There is no gross income tax withholding system applicable to the payments made to foreign beneficiaries. Those investors who customarily perform, or who are deemed to perform, transactions in any jurisdiction in which they obtain their income from the sale of shares and/or the collection of dividends are subject to this tax at rate of 3%, unless an exemption is applicable to them.

 

169


Table of Contents

Stamp Tax

 

The stamp tax is a local tax that is generally levied on the instrumentation of onerous acts executed within a certain territorial jurisdiction or outside a certain territorial jurisdiction but with effects in such jurisdiction.

 

In the city of Buenos Aires, the stamp tax has been repealed for all those acts that do not imply an onerous conveyance of real property. However, most provincial tax authorities maintain this tax in effect for all acts in general; therefore, the instruments which implement onerous transactions (including issuance, subscription, placement and transfer) involving the shares or GDSs, executed in other jurisdictions, or with effects in those jurisdictions, could be deemed to be subject to this tax.

 

Court and Other Taxes

 

In the event that it becomes necessary to institute legal actions in relation to the shares or GDS´s in Argentina, a court tax (currently at a rate of 3.0%) will be imposed on the amount of any claim brought before the Argentine courts sitting in the city of Buenos Aires.

 

Argentina imposes neither an estate nor gift tax on a decedent, donor, legatee or donee. No Argentine tax is imposed on the deposit or withdrawal of shares in exchange for GDSs. Other than the taxes discussed above, no other Argentine taxes are applicable to an investment in shares or GDSs. At present, there is no national tax specifically applicable to the transfer of securities.

 

Tax Treaties

 

Argentina has entered into tax treaties with several countries. There is currently no tax treaty or convention in effect between Argentina and the United States.

 

F. Dividends and Paying Agents

 

This section is not applicable.

 

G. Statement by Experts

 

This section is not applicable.

 

H. Documents on display

 

We file annual, quarterly and other information with the SEC. You may read and copy any document that we file at the public reference rooms of the SEC at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549; and 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661. You may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Rooms by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. Our Internet address is http://www.irsa.com. It should be noted that nothing on our website should be considered part of this annual report on Form 20-F. You may request a copy of these filings at no cost, by writing or calling the offices of IRSA, Moreno 877, (C1091AAQ) Buenos Aires, Argentina. Our telephone number is +54-11-4323-7400.

 

I. Subsidiary Information

 

This section is not applicable.

 

J. Compliance with NYSE listing standards on corporate governance

 

New York Stock Exchange and Argentine Corporate Governance Requirements

 

In accordance with Section 303A.11 of the New York Stock Exchange’s Listed Company Manual, the following table sets forth significant differences between Argentine corporate governance requirements

 

170


Table of Contents

and comparable corporate governance requirements applicable to U.S. corporations listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

 

ITEM


 

NYSE REQUIREMENTS


 

ARGENTINE LAW REQUIREMENTS


Code of Business Conduct   A company must adopt and disclose a code of business conduct and ethics for its directors, officers and employees, and promptly disclose any waivers of the code for directors or executive officers. The companies may determine their own policies, but the should address the most important topics, including: (i) conflicts of interest; (ii) corporate opportunities; (iii) confidentiality; (iv) fair dealing; (v) protection and proper use of company assets; (vi) compliance with laws, rules and regulations (including insider trading laws); and (vii) encouraging the reporting of any illegal or unethical behavior.   There is no legal obligation to adopt a code of business conduct under the Argentine law. Notwithstanding the above, a company may create an internal code of conduct, provided that it does not require or prohibit any behavior or impose sanctions, which violate Argentine law.
Audit Committee   A Company must have an Audit Committee with a minimum of three members. Each member must be financially literate and at least one member must have an accounting or related financial management expertise, as the board interprets such qualifications in its business judgment. All the members must be independent directors. The Audit Committee must have a written charter that addresses: (i) its purpose; (ii) an annual performance evaluation of the committee; and (iii) its duties and responsibilities.   In accordance with Argentine law, a public Company must have an Audit Committee with a minimum of three members of the board of directors, the majority of which shall be independent pursuant to the criteria established by the CNV. There is no requirement related to the financial expertise of the members of the Audit Committee. The committee creates it own written internal code that addresses among others: (i) its purpose; (ii) an annual performance evaluation of the committee; and (iii) its duties and responsibilities.
Internal Audit Function   A company must have in place an internal audit function to provide management and its audit committee with ongoing assessments of such company’s risk management processes and system of internal control. A company may choose to outsource this function to a firm other than its independent auditors.   No similar obligation exists under Argentine legislation
CEO Certifications   A Company’s CEO must certify annually that he or she is not aware of any violations by such company of the NYSE’s corporate governance standards (this certification is in addition to the certification required by Section 302 of the U.S. Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002).   No similar obligation exists under Argentine legislation. However, in accordance with Argentine law the directors of a Company must annually submit for its shareholders’ approval such Company’s annual report and financial statements at such Company’s annual shareholders’ meeting. Also, public companies must, from time to time, provide the Company’s relevant information by means of the publications and notifications established by law, both to the public and to the CNV.

 

171


Table of Contents

ITEM


 

NYSE REQUIREMENTS


 

ARGENTINE LAW REQUIREMENTS


Notification by the CEO to the NYSE of Non-Compliance with Corporate Governance Standards   A company’s CEO must promptly notify the NYSE in writing after any executive officer of the company becomes aware of any material non-compliance with any applicable NYSE corporate governance standard.   No similar obligation exists under Argentine legislation.
Disclosure of Significant Differences with Respect to Corporate Governance Practices   A company must provide a summary description of significant differences between its home country corporate governance practices and the corporate governance requirements established by the NYSE and applicable to U.S. domestic listed companies.   No similar obligation exists under Argentine legislation.

 

ITEM 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

Market risk represents the risk of loss that may impact our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows due to adverse changes in financial and commodity market prices and interest rates. We are exposed to market risk in the areas of interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results could vary materially as a result of a number of factors. Uncertainties that are either nonfinancial or nonquantifiable, such as political, economic, tax, other regulatory or credit risks, are not included in the following assessment of our market risks.

 

Interest Rate Risk

 

Our exposure to market risk associated with changes in interest rates is limited to our current investments and variable-rate debt.

 

We place our cash and current investments in high quality financial institutions in the United States, Europe and Argentina. Our policy is to limit exposure with any individual institution. Our investment portfolio primarily consists of income securities and local market stocks. As of June 30, 2004 we had cash and cash equivalents (money market funds and time deposits) of Ps. 122.9 million and marketable securities totaling Ps. 41.0 million. In view of the nature of our total portfolio, 100 BPs parallel shift movement in the interest rate curve would not have a significant impact on the total value of our portfolio as of June 30, 2004.

 

We are exposed to changes in interest rates primarily as a result of our borrowing activities, which include short-term borrowings, and other floating-rate long-term debt used to maintain liquidity and fund our business operations. The instruments’ actual cash flows are denominated in U.S. Dollars. Our interest expense is sensitive to changes in the general level of interest rates because most of our long-term debt arrangements bear interest at floating rates. Therefore, our results of operations would be affected by interest rate changes. Based on the nature and current levels of our long-term debt, however, we have

 

172


Table of Contents

concluded that an immediate 100 BPs parallel shift change in the interest rate curve would not have a material effect on the present value of our debt.

 

For debt obligations, the following table presents principal cash flows and related weighted average interest rates by expected maturity dates. The information is presented in U.S. Dollars.

 

The following table sets forth principal cash flows and related weighted average interest rates by expected maturity dates for debt obligations:

 

     June 30, 2004
Expected Maturity Date
(US$ Equivalent in million)


Liabilities


   FY2005

    FY2006

    FY2007

    FY2008

   FY2009

   FY2010

   TOTAL

                                      136.42

Fixed Rate (US$) (3)

         49.07     87.36                     

Average interest rate

         10 %   8 %                   

Fixed Rate (Pesos) (1)

   22.29     —       —       —                22.29

Average interest rate (2)

   13.4 %                               

Floating Rate (US$) (4) (5)

   16.02     7.24     13.28     14.48    26.55    4.80    82.37

Average interest rate (1)

   Libor+277     Libor+254     Libor+255     Libor+263    Libor+269    Libor+500     

 

(1) Peso-denominated loans were converted to U.S. Dollar at an exchange rate of Ps. 2.958 per U.S. Dollar.

 

(2) Average interest rate based on the prices settled in the contracts as of June 30, 2004.

 

(3) Includes IRSAs and APSAs Convertible Notes.

 

(4) It Includes US$ 12 million loan of our subsidiary Hoteles Argentinos. In January 2001, our subsidiary Hoteles Argentinos S.A., holder of 100% of the Hotel Sheraton Libertador, obtained a loan of US$ 12.0 million from BankBoston N.A. This loan expires in January 2006 and accrues a quarterly interest at the LIBOR plus a markup ranging between 401 and 476 basis points, according to the value of certain financial indicators. This loan was not converted to Pesos and is stated in U.S. Dollars because it is governed by the laws of the State of New York. There are currently installments of the principal and interest that are overdue and unpaid. As of the date of this filing, we are negotiating the terms of payments of this liability with Marathon Master Fund Ltd., the current owner of the loan. This loan was not converted into Pesos and it is stated in U.S. Dollars because it is governed by the laws of the State of New York. There are currently installments of the principal and interest that are overdue and unpaid. This loan is with no recourse to us. On December 16, 2004, our wholly-owned subsidiary Ritelco S.A. acquired 100% of the debt Hoteles Argentinos had with Marathon Master Fund, Ltd. Ritelco S.A. paid a total amount of US$ 8.0 million.

 

(5) Includes APSA´s Class B-1 Senior Notes and the obligations regarding the Compensation Agreement.

 

As a matter of policy, we use derivative instruments only to minimize our financing costs. However, there can be no assurance that such risks would be managed in the future through a variety of strategies, including the use of hedging transactions. We do not use derivative instruments for trading or speculative purposes.

 

Foreign exchange exposure

 

We carry out all of our business in Pesos. Accordingly, our earnings are subject to exposure from adverse movements in currency exchange rates primarily related to our U.S. Dollar-denominated debt.

 

Historically, volatility has been caused by currency devaluation, among other factors. Most of these factors have occurred at various times in the last two decades in Argentina.

 

From April 1, 1991, until the beginning of year 2002, the Convertibility Law No. 23,928 was applicable in Argentina. This law established a fixed exchange rate, under which the Argentine Central Bank was forced to sell U.S. Dollars to any person at a fixed rate of Ps. 1.00 per US$ 1.00. Accordingly, the foreign currency fluctuations were reduced to a minimum level during this period.

 

The primarily economic change implemented by the current Argentine government in January 2002 was the announcement of the devaluation of the Peso. Most of our lease contracts and most of our liabilities were denominated in U.S. Dollars. Decree No. 214/02 and Decree No. 762/02 mandatorily converted into pesos, all monetary obligations in U.S. Dollars entered into between parties under Argentine Law.

 

173


Table of Contents

Consequently, all of our leases were pesified at a one-to-one exchange rate and, additionally, inflation adjusted by the CER index. On the other hand, most of our debt obligations, which are governed by the laws of the State of New York, remained U.S. Dollar-denominated.

 

Due to the end of Convertibility Plan, our foreign exchange exposure has increased considerably. Currently most of our revenues are derived from our operations in Argentina and foreign exchange volatility will probably affect our Peso-denominated revenues, making it more burdensome for us to pay our U.S. Dollar-denominated debt.

 

Foreign currency exchange fluctuations may additionally affect the risk of default on our mortgage receivables, leases and services and other receivables, as any of our customers that have Peso-denominated revenue streams may experience a relative increase in their U.S. Dollar-denominated liabilities compared to their Peso-denominated revenues. Foreign currency exchange restrictions hereafter imposed by the Argentine government could prevent or restrict our access to U.S. Dollars, affecting our ability to service our U.S. Dollar-denominated liabilities.

 

Our hedging strategies may prove ineffective to address the effects of interest rate or foreign currency exchange movements on our financial condition. We have experienced net hedging losses in the past, and we could experience such losses in the future to the extent that interest rates or foreign exchange rates shift in excess of the risk covered by hedging arrangements. In entering into interest rate and foreign currency contracts, we bear the credit risk of counterparties being unable to meet the terms of their contracts; and we may be unable to recover damages from any such defaulting counterparty through legal enforcement actions due to laws affording bankruptcy or protection to insolvent obligors, foreign laws limiting cross-border enforcement actions or otherwise.

 

We have entered into foreign currency forward exchange contracts with maturities of one year or less. Consistent with our risk management policy, we have used foreign currency forward exchange contracts as a supplement to reduce our overall borrowing costs. The forward foreign exchange contracts are recognized in our Consolidated Financial Statements at their fair value. At June 30, 2004, we had no outstanding foreign currency forward contracts.

 

Based on our historical foreign currency rate movements, we do not believe that reasonably possible near-term changes in foreign currency will result in a material effect on our future earnings, fair values or cash flows.

 

Foreign exchange net losses during fiscal year 2004 was Ps. 13.0 million.

 

The following table presents principal cash flows of the swap agreement:

 

     Notional
principal
amount
(million)


    FY2004

   FY2005

    FY2006

   Market
Value (1)


 

Related derivatives

                            

U.S. Dollars

   (69.13 )   —      (69.13 )   —      (U.S.45.4 )

Peso

   69.13     —      69.13     —         

 

(1) Market value of swap agreement, which includes cash flow of principal and interest as of June 30, 2004.

 

ITEM 12. Description of Other than Equity Securities

 

This item is not applicable.

 

174


Table of Contents

 

PART II

 

ITEM 13. Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies

 

Pursuant to a restructuring and reorganization plan we set forth the necessary measures to restore the liquidity position of our company. Consequently, we are currently in payment of our outstanding debts.

 

Hoteles Argentinos S.A.

 

However, our subsidiary Hoteles Argentinos, owner of the Hotel Sheraton Libertador, has not paid yet principal installments for a total of US$ 3.6 million, that were due between July 29, 2002 and October 29, 2004 and interest installments for a total amount of US$ 1,735,578, under the US$ 12.0 million loan. On December 16, 2004, our wholly-owned subsidiary Ritelco S.A. acquired 100% of this debt paying a total amount of US$ 8.0 million.

 

Neuquén Project

 

On July 6, 1999, we acquired a 94.6% interest in Shopping Neuquén for Ps. 4.2 million. We paid Ps. 0.9 million on September 1, 1999, and the remaining Ps. 3.3 million was originally scheduled to be paid on or before July 5, 2001. As of the date of this filing the remaining payment is overdue.

 

In August 2003, we were informed that 85.75% of Shopping Neuquén ´s former shareholders had filed a complaint against us. In September 2003, we answered the complaint and filed a counterclaim for contract readjustment based on the economic and social emergency situation. In November 2003, they answered our counterclaim alleging that the payment was overdue before the economic and social emergency situation arose in Argentina. For that reason they allege that we cannot plead readjustment of the contract. The trial began on May 11, 2004.

 

Although we hope to obtain a favorable outcome in this judicial proceeding, and we still are negotiating a new arrangement with the old shareholders, we cannot assure a favorable result.

 

Mendoza Plaza

 

On September 29, 2004, APSA entered into an agreement for the purchase of 49.9% of the capital stock of Perez Cuesta S.A.C.I., a company mainly engaged in the operation of the Mendoza Plaza Shopping center in the City of Mendoza.

 

The transaction was consummated on December 2, 2004, after APSA obtained approval from the Antitrust Authorities. As a result, APSA currently owns a 68.8% interest in this shopping center.

 

As of June 30, 2004, Pérez Cuesta had Ps. 40.3 million of financial indebtedness (including accrued interests and CER), Ps. 23.1 million of which was overdue and was in default. Although pursuant to Decree No. 214/02, Pérez Cuesta’s U.S. Dollar-denominated financial indebtedness was converted into Pesos, since its indebtedness includes outstanding mortgage and commercial lease contracts-collateralized borrowings, the default on several expired payments raises substantial doubt as to its ability to continue as a going concern. Currently, Pérez Cuesta and APSA are negotiating the restructuring of the debt terms with Pérez Cuesta’s creditors. However, we cannot assure you that they will achieve a successful restructuring of Pérez Cuesta’s financial indebtedness.

 

On December 3, 2004, Alto Palermo signed an option agreement, exercisable until March 31, 2005, which entitles the company to purchase the debt that Perez Cuesta S.A.C.I. owes to HSBC Bank Argentina S.A. As of June 30, 2004, such indebtedness amounted to Ps. 9.5 million. As of the date of this filing, such amount is overdue and unpaid. Alto Palermo S.A. paid an option premium of Ps. 0.7 million. The loan bears an interest rate of 8% plus CER adjustment.

 

175


Table of Contents
ITEM 14. Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds

 

Fair Price Provision

 

At our annual meeting held on October 30, 2000, our shareholders approved an amendment to our bylaws which included the adoption of a fair price provision (the “Fair Price Provision”). On March 8, 2002 our shareholders decided to make a new amendment to Article Nine of our by laws including, among others, an increase in the minimum percentage of capital obliged to comply with the Fair Price Provision, from twenty percent (20%) to thirty five percent (35%), according to Decree No. 677/2001. The following description is a summary of the principal provisions of the Fair Price Provision, which constitutes Article Nine of our bylaws and does not contain a description of all of the terms of the Fair Price Provision. The Fair Price Provision prohibits a party seeking to acquire, directly or indirectly, either control or (together with such party’s other holdings) thirty five percent (35%) or more of our capital stock without complying with the procedural and price requirements described below. Acquisitions made in violation of the Fair Price Provision are deemed ineffective against us and will not be registered in our share registry. Shares acquired in violation of the Fair Price Provision shall have no voting or equity rights until the Fair Price Provision has been complied with. The Fair Price Provision applies to transactions involving shares of our common stock and any securities convertible in shares of our common stock, including, without limitation, convertible debentures and bonds and our global depositary receipts (“GDRs”). The Fair Price Provision excludes certain acquisitions of shares in certain limited circumstances.

 

The Fair Price Provision provides that a party seeking to acquire, directly or indirectly, control of our company or thirty five percent (35%) or more of our capital stock shall be required to make a public tender offer for all of the outstanding common stock of us and any shares of common stock into which outstanding securities of our company are presently convertible or exchangeable in accordance with the procedural and price terms of the Fair Price Provision and in accordance with applicable law. For purposes of the thirty five percent threshold contained in the Fair Price Provision parties acting in concert or which are under common control or administration are deemed a single party.

 

There are cases excluded from the tender offer requirements:

 

  acquisitions by persons holding or controlling shares or convertibles securities which represent more than 50% of our capital stock, notwithstanding the provisions of the CNV; and

 

  holdings of more than 35%, which derive from the distribution of shares or dividends paid in shares approved by the shareholders, or the issuance of shares as a result of a merger approved by the shareholders; in both cases, the excess holding shall be disposed of within 180 days of its registration in the relevant shareholder’s account, or prior to the holding of our shareholders meeting, whatever occurs first.

 

The Fair Price Provision requires the offering party to notify use of the tender offer simultaneously with its filing of the public tender offer with the CNV, the Argentine National Securities Commission. The notice to us is required to set forth all of the terms and conditions of any agreement that the offering party has made with any other of our shareholders with respect to the proposed transaction and to provide, among other things, the following information:

 

  the identity and nationality of the offering party and, in the event the offer is made by a group, the identity of each member of the group;

 

  the terms and conditions of the offering, including the price, the tender offer period and the requirements for accepting the tender offer;

 

  accounting documentation required by Argentine law relating to the offering party;

 

  details of all prior acquisitions by the offering party of shares or securities convertible into shares of our capital stock.

 

We will distribute the information provided by the offering party to our shareholders.

 

176


Table of Contents

The CNV regulations require that transactions which cause a person’s holdings of capital stock of a registered Argentine company, to hold 5% or more of the voting power, should be immediately notified to the CNV. Thereafter, every change in the holdings that represents a multiple of 5% of the voting power should also be notified.

 

The Fair Price Provision requires that the consideration paid in the tender offer be paid in cash and that the price paid for each share in the tender offer be the same and not less than the highest price per share derived from the five following alternative valuation methods:

 

  the highest price per share of our common stock paid by the offering party, or on behalf of the offering party, for any acquisition of shares or convertible securities within the 2 years prior to the commencement of the tender offer;

 

  the highest closing selling price of a share of our common stock on the BCBA during the thirty day period immediately preceding the commencement of the tender offer;

 

  the highest price resulting from the calculations made according to the provisions of (i) and (ii) above multiplied by a fraction the numerator of which is such highest price and the denominator of which is the lowest closing price of a share of our common stock on the BCBA during the two-year period prior to the period referred to in sub-sections (i) or (ii), as applicable;

 

  our aggregate net earnings per share during our preceding four completed fiscal quarters prior to the commencement of the tender offer, multiplied by our highest price to earnings ratio during the two-year period immediately preceding the commencement of the tender offer. Such multiples shall be determined considering the average closing selling price of our common stock on the BCBA, and our aggregate net income from our preceding four completed fiscal quarters; and,

 

  the book value per share of our common stock at the time the tender offer is commenced, multiplied by the highest ratio determined by a fraction the numerator of which is the closing selling price of a share of our common stock on the BCBA on each day during the two year period prior to the commencement of the tender offer and the denominator of which is the latest known book value per share of our common stock on each such date.

 

ITEM 15. Controls and Procedures

 

(a) Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

As of the end of fiscal 2004, we carried out an evaluation of the controls and procedures of our company with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer to determine the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures. Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective in all material respects to ensure that the information we file and submit under the U.S. Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported as and when required.

 

Furthermore, the evaluation found no significant changes in our internal controls that materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect our internal controls.

 

ITEM 16.

 

16 A. Audit Committee Financial Expert

 

In our annual ordinary shareholders’ meeting held on October 31, 2003, the audit committee plan was unanimously approved. Pursuant to this plan, the board of directors appointed the members of the audit

 

177


Table of Contents

committee taking into consideration their expertise in corporate administration, finance and accounting. This committee was formed in May 2004 and has been fully operating since such time.

 

Pursuant to the System governing the Transparency of Public Offers established through Decree No. 677/01, the rules of the CNV (Resolutions No 400 and 402), the board of directors established that the Audit Committee shall be a Committee of the Board of Directors. The Audit Committee will focus on assisting the board in exercising its duty of care, the enforcement of the accounting policies, disclosure requirements, the management of our business risk, the management of our internal control systems, the ethical conduct of the company’s business, the maintenance of the integrity of our financial statements, compliance with legal provisions, the independence and capability of our independent auditor and the performance of our internal audit function and of our external auditors.

 

On May 27, 2004, the board officially appointed Marcos Fishman, Cedric Bridger and Gabriel Adolfo Gregorio Reznik as members of the Audit Committee. The board of directors named Cedric Bridger as the audit committee financial expert serving on the Audit Committee according with the rules adopted by the SEC.

 

16 B. Code of Ethics

 

We have adopted a code of ethics that applies to our directors, officers and employees. Our code of ethics is filed as Exhibit 11.1. If we make any substantive amendment to the code of ethics or grant any waivers, including any implicit waiver, from a provision of the code of ethics, we will disclose the nature of such amendment or waiver in our next Form 20-F to be filed to the SEC.

 

16 C. Principal Accountant Fees and Services

 

Audit Fees

 

During the fiscal years ended June 30, 2004 and June 30, 2003, we were billed for a total amount of Ps. 0.8 million and Ps. 0.7 million respectively, for professional services rendered by our principal accountants for the audit of our annual financial statements, performance of the audit or review of our interim financial statements and other services normally provided in connection with regulatory filings or engagements.

 

Audit-Related Fees

 

During the fiscal years ended June 30, 2004 and June 30, 2003, we were billed for a total amount of Ps. 0.03 million and Ps. 0.02 million respectively, for professional services rendered by our principal accountants mainly related to the issuance of covenants certificates and other certifications.

 

Tax Fees

 

During the fiscal years ended June 30, 2004 and June 30, 2003, we were billed for a total of Ps. 0.5 million and Ps. 0.003 million, respectively, amount for professional services rendered by our principal accountants for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning.

 

All Other Fees

 

During the fiscal years ended June 30, 2004 and June 30, 2003, we were billed for a total amount of Ps. 0.007 million and Ps. 0.002 million respectively, for professional services rendered by our principal accountants including fees mainly related to special assignments and courses.

 

16 D. Exemption from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees

 

This section is not applicable.

 

16 E. Purchase of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated

 

This section is not applicable.

 

178


Table of Contents

 

PART III

 

ITEM 17. Financial Statements

 

The Registrant has responded to Item 18 in lieu of responding to this Item.

 

ITEM 18. Financial Statements

 

Reference is made to pages F-1 through F-170.

 

ITEM 19. Exhibits

 

Index to Financial Statements (see page F-1).

 

INDEX OF EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit No.

 

Description of Exhibit


  3.1*       Estatutos of the registrant, which serve as the registrant’s articles of incorporation and bylaws, and an English translation thereof.
  4.1**     Unit Agreement between the registrant and the Bank of New York.
  4.2**     Indenture between the registrant and the Bank of New York.
  4.2**     Warrant Agreement between the registrant and the Bank of New York, as warrant agent.
  4.3***   Exchange of Operating Services Agreement.
11.1         Code of Ethics of the Company.
12.1         Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
12.2         Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
13.1         Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
13.2         Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
21.1**     Subsidiaries of the registrant.

* Incorporated herein by reference to the exhibit to the registrant’s registration statement on Form F-1 (File No. 33-86792)

 

** Incorporated herein by reference to the same-numbered exhibit to the registrant’s registration statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-89660)

 

*** Incorporated herein by reference to the exhibit to the registrant’s registration statement on Form 6-K (File No. 00.-13542)

 

179


Table of Contents

Index to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

     Page

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

    

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

   F – 2

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2004 and 2003

   F – 3

Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002

   F – 4

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the years ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002

   F – 5

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002

   F – 6

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

   F – 8
     Page

Banco Hipotecario S.A.

    

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

   F – 91

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2004 and 2003

   F – 93

Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002

   F – 95

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the years ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002

   F – 97

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002

   F – 98

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

   F – 99
     Page

Alto Palermo S.A. (APSA)

    

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

   F –151

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2004 and 2003

   F –152

Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002

   F –153

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the years ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002

   F –154

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002

   F –155

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

   F –157

 

F-1


Table of Contents

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima:

 

In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related consolidated statements of income, of changes in shareholders’ equity and of cash flows present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima and its subsidiaries at June 30, 2004 and 2003, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended June 30, 2004 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in Argentina. 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. We conducted our audits of these statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

As described in Note 3.c. to the consolidated financial statements, as a result of the Company’s purchase of additional shares and the exercise of warrants of Banco Hipotecario S.A. (BHSA) (as further discussed in Note 2.f. to the consolidated financial statements), the Company changed its method of accounting for its investment in BHSA. Under the new accounting method, adopted as of June 30, 2004, the investment in BHSA is accounted for under the equity method of accounting. The auditors´ report on the consolidated financial statements of BHSA as of June 30, 2004, dated September 6, 2004, includes an explanatory paragraph describing that the quality of BHSA’s financial condition and results of operations depend to a significant extent on macroeconomic and political conditions prevailing from time to time in Argentina. The political and economic crisis of late 2001 and early 2002 and the Argentine government’s actions to address such crisis have had a significant adverse effect on BHSA’s business activity. Currently, BHSA is significantly dependent on the Argentine Government’s ability to perform on its obligations to BHSA and to the entire financial system in Argentina, in connection with Federal secured loans, federal government securities and on its obligation to approve and deliver government securities under various laws and regulations. As of June 30, 2004, the investment in BHSA accounts for approximately 7% of the total consolidated assets of IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima. The future outcome of the uncertainties described before could have an adverse effect in the valuation of this investment.

 

Accounting principles generally accepted in Argentina vary in certain significant respects from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and as allowed by Item 18 to Form 20- F. Information relating to the nature and effect of such differences is presented in Note 20 to the consolidated financial statements.

 

PRICE WATERHOUSE & Co. S.R.L.
By                                         (Partner)
        Carlos Martín Barbafina
Buenos Aires, Argentina
September 7, 2004

 

F-2


Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Consolidated Balance Sheets

as of June 30, 2004 and 2003

(In thousands of Argentine Pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

     2004

  

2003

(As restated)


 

ASSETS

               

Current Assets

               

Cash and banks (Notes 4.a. and 21.e.)

   Ps.  93,096    Ps.  89,883  

Investments (Notes 4.b. and 21.e.)

     70,804      142,118  

Mortgages and leases receivable, net (Notes 4.c. and 21.e.)

     34,431      36,404  

Other receivables and prepaid expenses (Notes 4.d. and 21.e.)

     52,748      13,984  

Inventories (Note 4.e.)

     10,572      15,087  
    

  


Total current assets

     261,651      297,476  
    

  


Non-Current Assets

               

Mortgages and leases receivable, net (Note 4.c. )

     2,836      2,777  

Other receivables and prepaid expenses (Notes 4.d. and 21.e.)

     125,794      127,314  

Inventories (Note 4.e.)

     19,962      8,767  

Investments (Note 4.b.)

     524,434      420,373  

Fixed assets, net (Note 21.a.)

     1,265,666      1,227,639  

Intangible assets, net (Note 21.b.)

     2,427      3,239  
    

  


Subtotal

     1,941,119      1,790,109  
    

  


Goodwill, net

     174      (5,629 )
    

  


Total non-current assets

     1,941,293      1,784,480  
    

  


Total Assets

   Ps.  2,202,944    Ps.  2,081,956  
    

  


LIABILITIES

               

Current Liabilities

               

Trade accounts payable (Notes 4.f. and 21.e.)

   Ps. 43,008    Ps. 27,822  

Mortgages payable (Note 21.e.)

     2,218      2,100  

Customer advances (Notes 4.g. and 21.e.)

     25,454      15,522  

Short-term debt (Notes 4.i. and 21.e.)

     135,127      87,434  

Salaries and social security payables (Note 4.h.)

     7,981      6,151  

Taxes payable (Notes 4.j. and 21.e.)

     11,641      10,033  

Other liabilities (Notes 4.k. and 21.e.)

     30,593      39,676  
    

  


Total current liabilities

     256,022      188,738  
    

  


Non-Current Liabilities

               

Trade accounts payable (Notes 4.f. and 21.e.)

     2,865      3,609  

Customer advances (Note 4.g.)

     28,802      25,260  

Long-term debt (Notes 4.i. and 21.e.)

     468,807      592,104  

Taxes payable (Note 4.j.)

     6,207      1,684  

Other liabilities (Note 4.k. and 21.e.)

     10,150      7,331  
    

  


Total non-current liabilities

     516,831      629,988  
    

  


Total Liabilities

     772,853      818,726  
    

  


Minority interest

     470,237      454,044  
    

  


SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

     959,854      809,186  
    

  


Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

   Ps. 2,202,944    Ps. 2,081,956  
    

  


 

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

 

F-3


Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Consolidated Statements of Income

for the years ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002

(In thousands of Argentine Pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

     2004

   

2003

(As restated)


   

2002

(As restated)


 

Revenues

   Ps. 260,805     Ps. 236,495     Ps. 156,244  

Costs (Note 21.d)

     (147,416 )     (154,667 )     (96,962 )
    


 


 


Gross profit

     113,389       81,828       59,282  
    


 


 


Selling expenses

     (23,033 )     (28,555 )     (14,246 )

Administrative expenses

     (50,240 )     (45,194 )     (36,258 )
    


 


 


Subtotal

     (73,273 )     (73,749 )     (50,504 )
    


 


 


Gain on purchasers rescissions of sales contracts

     —         9       —    

Gain (loss) in credit card trust

     261       (4,077 )     —    

Gain (loss) from operations and holdings of real estate assets, net (Note 7)

     64,343       21,507       (46,840 )
    


 


 


Operating income (loss)

     104,720       25,518       (38,062 )
    


 


 


Amortization of goodwill

     (2,904 )     (6,631 )     —    

Equity gain (loss) from related parties

     26,653       (14,701 )     (4,571 )

Financial results, net (Note 8)

     10,546       315,301       (496,498 )

Other expenses, net (Note 9)

     (12,591 )     (859 )     (4,483 )
    


 


 


Income (loss) before taxes and minority interest

     126,424       318,628       (543,614 )
    


 


 


Income and asset tax (expense) benefit

     (25,720 )     3,529       (1,086 )

Minority interest

     (12,842 )     (35,712 )     977  
    


 


 


Net income (loss)

   Ps. 87,862     Ps. 286,445     Ps.  (543,723 )
    


 


 


Earnings per share (Note 18):

                        
    


 


 


Basic net income (loss) per share

   Ps. 0.39     Ps. 1.37     Ps. (2.62 )
    


 


 


Diluted net income (loss) per share

   Ps. 0.23     Ps. 0.57     Ps. (2.62 )
    


 


 


 

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

 

F-4


Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity

for the years ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002

(In thousands of Argentine Pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

     Shareholders’ contributions

                 
     Common stock
(Note 5.a.)


   Treasury
Stock


    Inflation
adjustment of
common stock
(Note 5.c.)


   Inflation
adjustment of
treasury stock
(Note 5.c.)


    Additional
paid-in-capital
(Note 5.a.)


   Total

   Legal
reserve
(Note 5.d.)


   Retained
earnings/
(accumulated
deficit)


    Shareholders’
Equity


 

Balances as of June 30, 2001

   Ps.  207,412    Ps. 4,588     Ps.  268,524    Ps. 5,863     Ps.  569,481    Ps.  1,055,868    Ps.  19,447    Ps. (8,872 )   Ps.  1,066,443  
    

  


 

  


 

  

  

  


 


Net loss for the year

     —        —         —        —         —        —        —        (543,723 )     (543,723 )
    

  


 

  


 

  

  

  


 


Balances as of June 30, 2002

   Ps. 207,412    Ps. 4,588     Ps. 268,524    Ps. 5,863     Ps. 569,481    Ps. 1,055,868    Ps. 19,447    Ps.  (552,595 )   Ps. 522,720  
    

  


 

  


 

  

  

  


 


Conversion of debt into common shares

     13      —         —        —         8      21      —        —         21  

Distribution of treasury stock

     4,588      (4,588 )     5,863      (5,863 )     —        —        —        —         —    

Net income for the year

     —        —         —        —         —        —        —        286,445       286,445  
    

  


 

  


 

  

  

  


 


Balances as of June 30, 2003

   Ps. 212,013    Ps. —       Ps. 274,387    Ps. —       Ps. 569,489    Ps. 1,055,889    Ps. 19,447    Ps. (266,150 )   Ps. 809,186  
    

  


 

  


 

  

  

  


 


Conversion of debt into common shares

     23,734      —         —        —         14,313      38,047      —        —         38,047  

Exercise of warrants

     13,056      —         —        —         11,703      24,759      —        —         24,759  

Net income for the year

     —        —         —        —         —        —        —        87,862       87,862  
    

  


 

  


 

  

  

  


 


Balances as of June 30, 2004

   Ps. 248,803    Ps. —       Ps. 274,387    Ps. —       Ps. 595,505    Ps. 1,118,695    Ps. 19,447    Ps. (178,288 )   Ps. 959,854  
    

  


 

  


 

  

  

  


 


 

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

 

F-5


Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

for the years ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002

(In thousands of Argentine Pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

     2004

   

2003

(As restated)


   

2002

(As restated)


 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

                        

Net income (loss) for the year

   Ps. 87,862     Ps. 286,445     Ps.  (543,723 )

Plus (less) income and asset tax expense (benefit) accrued for the year

     25,720       (3,529 )     1,086  

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash flows from operating activities:

                        

Depreciation and amortization

     68,519       80,547       26,297  

Minority interest

     12,842       35,712       (977 )

Allowances and provisions

     8,447       5,406       1,638  

Sundry provisions

     12,414       11,543       —    

Gain from the sale of intangible assets

     —         (2,132 )     —    

Equity (gain) loss from related parties

     (26,653 )     14,701       4,571  

(Gain) loss from operations and holdings of real estate assets, net

     (64,343 )     (11,386 )     46,840  

Gain on early repurchase of debt

     —         (25,192 )     —    

Financial results

     (35,451 )     (375,673 )     330,894  

Changes in certain assets and liabilities, net of non-cash transactions and the effects of acquisitions:

                        

Decrease (increase) in current investments

     4,418       (4,604 )     (18,095 )

(Increase) decrease in non-current investments

     (10,729 )     (2,362 )     1,103  

(Increase) decrease in mortgages and leases receivables

     (9,415 )     (9,235 )     41,228  

(Increase) decrease in other receivables

     (1,256 )     12,382       (13,653 )

Decrease in inventories

     6,894       35,293       59,050  

Increase in intangible assets

     (603 )     (580 )     —    

Increase (decrease) in trade accounts payable

     14,442       (154 )     8,392  

Increase (decrease) in customer advances, salaries and social security payable and taxes payable

     2,765       (8,307 )     1,904  

Cash dividends received

     —         608       2,805  

(Decrease) increase in other liabilities

     (24,648 )     (2,053 )     23,796  

Increase in accrued interest

     2,189       56,515       81,157  
    


 


 


Net cash provided by operating activities

     73,414       93,945       54,313  
    


 


 


CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

                        

Net proceeds from the sale of interests in joint controlled companies

     —         —         134,769  

Payment for acquisition of subsidiary companies and equity investees, net of cash acquired

     —         (31,744 )     (21,712 )

Loans granted to related parties

     —         —         (105,714 )

Purchase of shares and options of Banco Hipotecario S.A.

     (127,348 )     —         —    

Sale of shares of Banco Hipotecario S.A.

     57,070       —         —    

Payment for acquisition of undeveloped parcels of land

     (558 )     (208 )     (3,317 )

Purchase and improvements of fixed assets

     (25,073 )     (10,783 )     (25,110 )

Net proceeds from the sale of intangible assets

     —         2,132       —    
    


 


 


Net cash used in investing activities

     (95,909 )     (40,603 )     (21,084 )
    


 


 


CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

                        

Financing costs

     —         (6,265 )     (3,408 )

Contributions received by subsidiaries from minority shareholders

     —         142       4,561  

Proceeds from short-term and long-term debt

     300       397,310       170,045  

Payment of short-term and long-term debt

     (66,698 )     (270,962 )     (210,641 )

Payment of seller financing

     (1,150 )     (1,182 )     (1,984 )

Exercise of warrants

     24,759       —         —    

Dividends paid by subsidiaries to minority shareholders

     (4,860 )     —         —    

Decrease in mortgages payable

     —         (9,604 )     —    
    


 


 


Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

     (47,649 )     109,439       (41,427 )
    


 


 


Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

     (70,144 )     162,781       (8,198 )

Cash and cash equivalents as of the beginning of the year

     193,057       30,276       38,474  
    


 


 


Cash and cash equivalents as of the end of the year

   Ps. 122,913     Ps. 193,057     Ps. 30,276  
    


 


 


 

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

 

F-6


Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

for the years ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002 (continued)

(In thousands of Argentine Pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

     2004

  

2003

(As restated)


  

2002

(As restated)


Supplemental cash flow information:

                    

Cash paid during the year for:

                    

Interest

   Ps.  58,921    Ps.  31,249    Ps.  29,391

Income tax

     1,002      1,044      394

Non-cash activities:

                    

Increase in fixed assets through a decrease in undeveloped parcels of land

   Ps. 51,501    Ps. —      Ps. —  

Conversion of debt into common shares

     38,047      —        —  

Increase in inventory through a decrease in fixed assets

     18,189      19,851      41,420

Increase in other receivables through a decrease in non-current investments

     14,878      —        —  

Issuance of credit card receivables

     12,513      —        —  

Increase in inventory through a decrease in undeveloped parcels of land

     10,748      —        —  

Increase in other receivables through a decrease in inventory

     8,755      —        —  

Increase in non-current other receivables through a decrease in inventory

     5,890      —        —  

Increase in other receivables through an increase in taxes payable

     2,854      —        —  

Liquidation of interest in credit card receivables

     210      —        —  

Increase in fixed assets through a decrease in inventory

     40      1,212      —  

Increase in fixed assets through a decrease in intangible assets

     31      —        —  

Increase in undeveloped parcels of land through a decrease in inventory

     —        39,529      —  

Increase in short and long term-debt through a decrease in other liabilities

     —        35,341      —  

Increase in customer advances through a decrease in other liabilities

     —        2,856      —  

Increase in inventory through a decrease in mortgages receivable

     —        2,757      —  

Increase in inventory through an increase in mortgages payable

     —        2,078      —  

Decrease in investments through an increase in mortgages and leases receivable

     —        1,966      —  

Decrease in short and long term-debt through a decrease in intangible assets

     —        966      —  

Increase in fixed asset through an increase in mortgages payable

     —        928      —  

Increase in investments through a decrease in mortgages and leases receivable

     —        760      22,699

Increase in non-current investments through a decrease in other receivables

     —        117      —  

Decrease in non-current investments through a decrease in other liabilities

     —        —        38,115

Decrease in mortgages receivables through an increase in investments

     —        —        23,368

Decrease in short and long term-debt through a decrease in investments

     —        —        6,315

Increase in other receivables through a decrease in mortgages receivable

     —        —        2,809
     2004

   2003

   2002

Acquisition of equity investees:

                    

Investments, net of cash acquired, when applicable

   Ps. —      Ps. 31,744    Ps. 21,712
    

  

  

 

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

 

F-7


Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002

(In thousands of Argentine Pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

1. Organization and description of business

 

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima (“IRSA”), is an Argentine real estate company incorporated under the laws of Argentina which, through its investments in subsidiaries and joint ventures (IRSA and subsidiaries is collectively referred hereinafter as “IRSA” or the “Company”), is primarily involved in (i) the acquisition and development of residential properties primarily for sale, (ii) the acquisition, development and operation of office and other non-retail buildings primarily for rental purposes, (iii) the development and operation of shopping center properties, (iv) the acquisition and operation of luxury hotels, (v) the acquisition of undeveloped land reserves either for future development or sale, (vi) e-commerce activities and, (vii) other non-core activities. The Company is the only Argentine real estate company whose shares are listed and traded on both the Buenos Aires Stock Exchange (“BASE”) and the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”).

 

2. Preparation of financial statements

 

  a. Basis of presentation

 

The Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles used in Argentina (“Argentine GAAP”), and the regulations of the Comisión Nacional de Valores (“CNV”), the National Securities Commission in Argentina, which differ in certain respects from generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“US GAAP”). Such differences involve methods of measuring the amounts shown in the Consolidated Financial Statements, as well as additional disclosures required by US GAAP and Regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). A description of the significant differences between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP as they relate to the Company are set forth in Note 20 to these Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

As discussed in Notes 2.c. and 3.n., in order to comply with regulations of the CNV, the Company discontinued inflation accounting as from March 1, 2003 as well as recognized deferred income tax assets and liabilities on a non-discounted basis. The application of these CNV regulations represents a departure from generally accepted accounting principles in Argentina. However, such departure has not had a material effect on the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Amounts included in the notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements are expressed in thousands of Argentine Pesos, except as otherwise indicated.

 

  b. Principles of consolidation

 

The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries over which the Company has effective control. Investments in companies in which the Company exercises significant influence, but not control, are accounted for under the equity method. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

In accordance with Argentine GAAP, the presentation of the parent company’s individual financial statements is mandatory. Consolidated Financial Statements are to be included as supplementary information to the individual financial statements. For the purpose of these financial statements, individual financial statements have been omitted since they are not required for SEC reporting purposes.

 

F-8


Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002

(In thousands of Argentine Pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

 

2. Preparation of financial statements (continued)

 

  b. Principles of consolidation (continued)

 

A description of the subsidiaries over which the Company has or had effective control, with their respective percentage of capital stock owned, is presented as follows:

 

     Percentage of capital stock
owned as of June 30, (i)


 
     2004

    2003

    2002

 
Controlled companies                   

Ritelco S.A. (“Ritelco”)

   100.00 %   100.00 %   100.00 %

Palermo Invest S.A. (“Palermo Invest”)

   66.67 %   66.67 %   66.67 %

Abril S.A. (“Abril”)

   83.33 %   83.33 %   83.33 %

Pereiraola S.A.I.C.I.F. y A. (“Pereiraola”)

   83.33 %   83.33 %   83.33 %

Baldovinos S.A. (“Baldovinos”)

   83.33 %   83.33 %   83.33 %

Hoteles Argentinos S.A. (“Hoteles Argentinos”)

   80.00 %   80.00 %   80.00 %

Buenos Aires Trade & Finance Center S.A. (“BAT&FCSA”)(ii)

   100.00 %   100.00 %   —    

Alto Palermo S.A. (“APSA”) (iii)

   53,81 %   54,79 %   —    

Llao Llao Resorts S.A. (“LLR”) (iv)

   50.00 %   50.00 %   50.00 %

(i) Percentage of equity interest owned has been rounded and does not contemplate the effects of the potential conversion of irrevocable contributions into common shares.
(ii) As a result of a share exchange, the Company’s ownership interest in BAT&FCSA increased from 50% to 100% in August 2002. See footnote (iii) to the jointly controlled companies chart for further details.
(iii) During the year ended June 30, 2003 the Company obtained a controlling interest in APSA, through the acquisition of 5.8 million additional shares and convertible notes issued by APSA. The amount paid by the Company for the acquisition of such additional shares totaled US$ 2.5 million. The consolidated statements of income for the year ended June 30, 2003 includes the results of operations of APSA on a consolidated basis as from July 1, 2002.
(iv) As discussed in Note 2.d. the Company adopted RT No. 21 “Equity Method of Accounting, Consolidation of Financial Statements and Related Party Transactions” during the year ended June 30, 2004. As a result of such an adoption, the Company started to consolidate LLR. The Consolidated Financial Statements presented for comparative purposes were restated accordingly.

 

A description of the jointly-controlled investments accounted for under the equity method is presented as follows:

 

     Percentage of capital stock
owned as of June 30, (i)


 
     2004

    2003

    2002

 
Jointly controlled companies                   

Puerto Retiro S.A. (“Puerto Retiro”)

   33.33 %   33.33 %   33.33 %

Alto Palermo S.A. (“APSA”) (ii)

   —       —       49.69 %

Argentine Realty S.A. (“ARSA”) (iii)

   —       —       50.00 %

Buenos Aires Realty S.A. (“BARSA”) (iii)

   —       —       50.00 %

Buenos Aires Trade & Finance Center S.A. (“BAT&FCSA”) (iii)

   —       —       50.00 %

(i) Percentage of equity interest owned has been rounded.
(ii) See footnote (iii) to the controlled companies chart.
(iii) During the year ended June 30, 2000, the Company, together with RAGHSA S.A. (“RAGHSA”), formed BARSA to acquire 20,947 square meters of undeveloped land in Puerto Madero, Buenos Aires, for a total consideration of Ps. 61 million. Subsequent to this acquisition, the Company and RAGHSA formed two additional companies, BAT&FCSA and ARSA, for the sole purpose of holding an interest in a portion of the undeveloped land. In this connection, the land was subdivided into three separate lots, and each lot transferred to a separate company. In August 2002, the Company and RAGHSA agreed the redistribution of the interest in the land and certain assumed commitments between those companies and also exchanged the ownership interests in ARSA, BARSA and BAT&FCSA. As a result of the share exchange, the Company holds a 100% ownership interest in BAT&FCSA, while RAGHSA holds the 100% ownership interest in ARSA and BARSA. The Company’s interest in the land and related commitments remained unchanged as a result of the whole transaction.

 

F-9


Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002

(In thousands of Argentine Pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

2. Preparation of financial statements (continued)

 

  b. Principles of consolidation (continued)

 

As a result of the increase in the ownership interest and the consolidation of APSA, during fiscal year 2003 the Company discontinued the application of the proportional consolidation method that had been used for reporting the results of the Company’s jointly controlled subsidiaries in prior years. Therefore, the Company restated its prior year’s financial statements to reflect such investments under the equity method of accounting.

 

  c. Presentation of financial statements in constant Argentine pesos

 

On August 22, 1995, the Argentine government issued Decree No. 316/95 discontinuing the requirement that financial information be restated for inflation for any date or period after August 31, 1995. Effective September 1, 1995 in accordance with CNV resolutions and Argentine GAAP, the Company began accounting for its financial transactions on a historical cost basis, without considering the effects of inflation. Prior to September 1, 1995, the financial statements were prepared on the basis of general price level accounting, which reflected changes in purchasing power of the Argentine Peso in the historical financial statements. The financial statement information of periods prior to August 31, 1995 was restated to pesos of general purchasing power as of August 31, 1995. The August 31, 1995 balances, adjusted to the general purchasing power of the Peso at that date, became the historical cost basis for subsequent accounting and reporting.

 

However, as a result of the inflationary environment in Argentina in 2002, the Consejo Profesional de Ciencias Económicas de la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires (“CPCECABA”), approved on March 6, 2002, a resolution reinstating the application of inflation accounting in financial statements as from January 1, 2002. This resolution provided that all recorded amounts restated for inflation through August 31, 1995, as well as those arising between that date and December 31, 2001 are to be considered stated in currency as of December 31, 2001.

 

On July 16, 2002, the Argentine government issued a decree, instructing the CNV to issue the necessary regulations for the acceptance of financial statements prepared in constant currency. On July 25, 2002, the CNV reinstated the requirement to submit financial statements in constant currency.

 

However, after considering inflation levels for the second half of 2002 and the first months of 2003, on March 25, 2003, the Argentine government repealed the provisions of the previous decree related to the inflation adjustment and instructed the CNV to issue the necessary regulations to preclude companies under its supervision from presenting price-level restated financial statements. Therefore, on April 8, 2003, the CNV issued a resolution providing for the discontinuance of inflation accounting as of March 1, 2003. The Company complied with the CNV resolution and accordingly recorded the effects of inflation until February 28, 2003. Comparative figures were also restated until that date, using a conversion factor of 1.1237.

 

Since Argentine GAAP required companies to discontinue inflation accounting as from October 1, 2003, the application of the CNV resolution represents a departure from generally accepted accounting principles. However, due to the low level of inflation rates during the period from March to September 2003, such a departure has not had a material effect on the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

  d. New accounting and disclosure standards

 

On January 14, 2003, the CPCECABA and the CNV approved, with certain amendments, Technical Resolution (RT) No. 16, “Framework for the Preparation and Presentation of Financial Statements”; RT No. 17, “Overall Considerations for the Preparation of Financial Statements”; RT No. 18, “Specific Considerations for the Preparation of Financial Statements”; RT No. 19, “Amendments to Technical Resolutions No. 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 11 and 14”; and RT No. 20, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” issued by the Federación Argentina de Consejos Profesionales en Ciencias Económicas (“FACPCE”), which establish new accounting and disclosure principles under Argentine GAAP. The Company adopted such standards on July 1, 2002, except for RT No. 20, which was adopted on July 1, 2003. As required by Argentine GAAP, when issuing the 2003 financial statements, the Company restated its prior year financial statements to give retroactive effect to the newly adopted accounting standards. These new accounting and disclosure standards relate to the harmonization of Argentine GAAP with International Financial Reporting Standards.

 

F-10


Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002

(In thousands of Argentine Pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

2. Preparation of financial statements (continued)

 

  d. New accounting and disclosure standards (continued)

 

In addition, during 2003 the CPCECABA approved and the CNV adopted with certain amendments RT No. 21, “Equity Method of Accounting, Consolidation of Financial Statements and Related Party Transactions”, which became effective to the Company for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2004. As a result of the adoption of RT No. 21, the Company started to consolidate LLR during fiscal year 2004. As required by the transition provision of this standard, the Company’s prior year’s financial statements were restated accordingly.

 

  e. Reclassifications

 

Certain reclassifications of prior year information have been made to conform to the current year presentation.

 

  f. Acquisition of businesses

 

In the preparation of these Consolidated Financial Statements, unless otherwise indicated, the operating results of all acquired businesses have been included in the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements since the date of the respective acquisition.

 

Year ended June 30, 2004

 

Purchase of additional shares and exercise of warrants of Banco Hipotecario S.A. (BHSA)

 

On December 30, 2003, the Company purchased 4,116,267 shares of BHSA at US$ 2.3868 per share and 37,537 warrants at US$ 33.86 each, granting the warrants the right to purchase 3,753,700 additional shares. This transaction implied a total disbursement of US$ 11.1 million. Furthermore, on February 2, 2004, the Company exercised a substantial portion of the warrants acquired during fiscal year 2004 as well as warrants the Company had acquired in the past. As a result, the Company acquired 4,774,000 shares of BHSA for a total consideration of Ps. 33.4 million. During the last quarter of fiscal year 2004, the Company sold 2,487,571 shares of BHSA to IFIS S.A. (indirect shareholders) for a total consideration of US$ 6.1 million (market value equivalent to Ps. 7.0 per share). The Company recognized a loss in connection with the sale amounting to Ps. 1.6 million. See Note 3.c. (ii) a) for details on the accounting for this investment.

 

Year ended June 30, 2003

 

Valle de Las Leñas S.A.

 

In September 2002, the Company acquired a 30.955% ownership interest in the capital stock and US$ 3.7 million convertible negotiable bonds issued by Valle de Las Leñas S.A. for approximately US$ 2.4 million. On March 4, 2003, the Company sold these ownership interests in Valle de Las Leñas S.A. for US$ 6.5 million.

 

  g. Disposition of businesses

 

Year ended June 30, 2002

 

  (i) Latin American Econetworks N.V.

 

On November 7, 2001, the Company sold its interest in Latin American Econetworks N.V. for a total consideration of US$ 5.2 million. The price was fully collected on that date.

 

  (ii) Brazil Realty Empreendimentos e Participacoes (“Brazil Realty”)

 

On February 28, 2002 the Company sold its 49.27% ownership interest in Brazil Realty, a Brazilian real estate company, for a total consideration of US$ 44.2 million. The Company recognized a net gain of Ps. 35.4 million in this connection, which was recorded as a component of operating income within “Gain (loss) from operations and holdings of real estate assets, net”.

 

F-11


Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002

(In thousands of Argentine Pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

2. Preparation of financial statements (continued)

 

  h. Use of estimates

 

The preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Significant estimates include those required in the accounting for sales of development properties, the allowance for doubtful accounts, the depreciation, amortization and impairment of long-lived assets, the provision for contingencies and income taxes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

3. Significant accounting policies

 

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Company in the preparation of these Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

  a. Revenue recognition

 

The Company primarily derives its revenues from domestic office and shopping center leases and services operations, the development and sale of properties, hotel operations and to a lesser extent, from e-commerce activities. See Note 6 for details on the Company’s business segments.

 

  Development and sale of properties

 

The Company records revenue from the sale of properties when all of the following criteria are met:

 

  (i) the sale has been consummated;

 

  (ii) the Company has determined that the buyer’s initial and continuing investments are adequate to demonstrate a commitment to pay for the property;

 

  (iii) the Company’s receivable is not subject to future subordination; and

 

  (iv) the Company has transferred to the buyer the risk of ownership, and does not have a continuing involvement in the property.

 

The Company uses the percentage-of-completion method of accounting with respect to sales of development properties under construction effected under fixed-priced contracts. Under this method, revenue is recognized based on the ratio of costs incurred to total estimated costs applied to the total contract price. The Company does not commence revenue and cost recognition until such time as the decision to proceed with the project is made and construction activities have begun.

 

The percentage-of-completion method of accounting requires management to prepare budgeted costs (i.e. the estimated costs of completion) in connection with sales of properties and/or units. All changes to estimated costs of completion are incorporated into revised estimates during the contract period.

 

  Leases and services from office and other buildings

 

Leases with tenants are accounted for as operating leases. Tenants are charged a base rent on a monthly basis. Rental income is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease and unpaid rents are included in accounts receivable in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

 

  Leases and services from shopping center operations

 

Leases with tenants are accounted for as operating leases. Tenants are generally charged a rent which consists of the higher of (i) a monthly base rent (the “Base Rent”) and (ii) a specified percentage of the tenant’s monthly gross retail sales (the “Percentage Rent”) (which generally ranges between 4% and 8% of tenant’s gross sales). Furthermore, pursuant to the rent escalation clause in most leases, a tenant’s Base Rent generally increases between 4% and 7% each year during the term of the lease. Minimum rental income is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease and unpaid rents are included in accounts receivable in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

 

F-12


Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002

(In thousands of Argentine Pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

3. Significant accounting policies (continued)

 

  a. Revenue recognition (continued)

 

  Leases and services from shopping center operations (continued)

 

Certain lease agreements contain provisions which provide for rents based on a percentage of sales or based on a percentage of sales volume above a specified threshold. The Company determines the compliance with specific targets and calculates the additional rent on a monthly basis as provided for in the contracts. Thus, these contingent rents are not recognized until the required thresholds are exceeded.

 

Generally, the Company’s lease agreements vary from 36 to 120 months. Law No. 24,808 provides that tenants may rescind commercial lease agreements after the initial six months, upon not less than 60 days’ written notice, subject to penalties which vary from one to one and a half months rent if the tenant rescinds during the first year of its lease, and one month of rent if the tenant rescinds after the first year of its lease.

 

The Company also charges its tenants a monthly administration fee, prorated among the tenants according to their leases, which varies from shopping center to shopping center, relating to the administration and maintenance of the common area and the administration of contributions made by tenants to finance promotional efforts for the overall shopping centers operations. Administration fees are recognized monthly when earned.

 

In addition to rent, tenants are generally charged “Admission rights”, a non-refundable admission fee that tenants may be required to pay upon entering into a lease and upon lease renewal. An admission right is normally paid in one lump sum or in a small number of monthly installments. Admission rights are recognized using the straight-line method over the life of the respective lease agreements. Furthermore, the lease agreements generally provide for the reimbursement of real estate taxes, insurance, advertising and certain common area maintenance costs. These additional rents and tenant reimbursements are accounted for on the accrual basis.

 

  Credit card operations

 

Revenues derived from credit card transactions consist of commissions and financing income. Commissions are recognized at the time the merchants’ transactions are processed, while financing income is recognized when earned.

 

  Hotel operations

 

The Company recognizes revenues from its rooms, catering, and restaurant facilities as earned on the close of business each day.

 

  b. Cash and cash equivalents

 

The Company considers all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalent consist of time deposits and mutual funds which invest in time deposits with original maturities of less than three months at purchase.

 

  c. Investments

 

  (i) Current

 

Current investments primarily include time deposits which are valued at their cost plus accrued interest and mutual funds which are carried at market value. Time deposits have original maturities of three months or less. Unrealized gains and losses on time deposits and mutual funds are included within “Financial results, net” in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income.

 

Current investments also include the current portion of the retained interests in transferred receivables pursuant to the securitization programs (See Notes 15 and 16) and government bonds. Government bonds are carried at their fair market value with unrealized gains and losses recorded in earnings - within “Financial results, net” in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income.

 

F-13


Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002

(In thousands of Argentine Pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

3. Significant accounting policies (continued)

 

  c. Investments (continued)

 

  (ii) Non-current

 

  a) Equity investments

 

Equity investments in unconsolidated affiliated companies where the Company exercises significant influence, generally representing between 20% and 50% of the capital stock in such companies, have been accounted for under the equity method.

 

Equity investments in less than 20% of the capital stock in companies in which the Company does not exercise significant influence are generally carried at market value, recognizing realized and unrealized gains and losses in earnings.

 

As a result of the purchase of additional shares and the exercise of warrants of BHSA mentioned in Note 2.f. and considering the exercise of significant influence and the intention to maintain the current participation as a long-term investment, during fiscal year 2004 the Company changed the method of accounting for its investments in BHSA and Banco de Crédito y Securitización S.A. (“BACSA”, a subsidiary of BHSA) from fair market value and cost, respectively, to the equity method of accounting. As permitted by Argentine GAAP, the Company recognized the cumulative effect of the change amounting to Ps. 27.7 million within Equity gain (loss) from related parties in the accompanying consolidated statement of income. In accordance with regulations of the Banco Central de la República Argentina and also as imposed by the agreements signed by BHSA as a result of its financial debt restructuring process, there are certain restrictions on the distribution of profits by BHSA.

 

  b) Retained interest in securitization programs

 

Current and non-current investments also include the Company’s retained interests in transferred credit card and mortgages receivables pursuant to the securitization programs entered into by the Company (see Notes 15 and 16 for details).

 

c) Parcels of undeveloped land

 

The Company acquires undeveloped land in order to provide an adequate and well-located supply for its residential and office building operations. The Company’s strategy for land acquisition and development is dictated by specific market conditions where the Company conducts its operations.

 

Land held for development and sale and improvements are stated at cost adjusted for inflation (as described in Note 2.c. or estimated net realizable value, whichever is lower. Land and land improvements are transferred to inventories when construction commences.

 

During the year ended June 30, 2002, the Company recognized an impairment loss amounting to Ps. 9,328 in connection with certain parcels of undeveloped land (identified as Santa Maria del Plata and Torres Jardín IV). In addition, the Company recognized an equity loss amounting to Ps. 10,769 related to the impairment loss recognized by APSA totaling Ps. 21,671 (Caballito Project, Alcorta Plaza, Coto air space and Neuquén). As a result of an increase in their fair market values, during the year ended June 30, 2003, the Company partially reversed such impairment losses, recognizing a gain of Ps. 9,851 (Santa Maria del Plata, Caballito Project, Alcorta Plaza, Coto air space and Neuquén). During that year the Company also recognized an impairment loss totaling Ps. 9,628 in connection with other parcels of undeveloped land (mainly Padilla 902, Pilar, Constitución 1111, Benavidez and Rosario Project). As a result of an increase in their fair market values, during fiscal year 2004 the Company partially reversed previously recognized impairment losses, recognizing a gain of Ps. 15,146 (Caballito Project, Alcorta Plaza, Coto air space, Neuquén, Terrenos de Caballito, Pilar, Torres Jardin IV and Constitución 1111). The impairment losses and gains associated with the reversion of previously recognized impairment charges have been included within “Gain (loss) from operations and holdings of real estate assets, net” in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

 

F-14


Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002

(In thousands of Argentine Pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

3. Significant accounting policies (continued)

 

  d. Inventories

 

Inventories are comprised primarily of properties held for development and sale and to a lesser extent other minor inventories from hotel operations. A property is classified as held for sale upon determination by the Board of Directors that the property is to be marketed for sale in the normal course of business.

 

Residential, office and other non-retail properties completed or under construction are stated at cost adjusted for inflation (as described in Note 2.c.) or estimated net realizable value, whichever is lower. Costs include land and land improvements, direct construction costs, construction overhead costs, interest on indebtedness and real estate taxes. Selling costs are deferred and charged to expense in the period in which the related revenue is earned, as determined under the percentage-of-completion method. Total contract costs are charged to expense in the period in which the related revenue is earned, as determined under the percentage-of-completion method. No interest costs were capitalized during the years ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002.

 

Properties held for sale are classified as current or non-current based on the estimated date of sale and the time at which the related receivable is expected to be collected by the Company.

 

During the years ended June 30, 2002 and 2003, the Company recognized impairment losses amounting to Ps. 12,621 and Ps. 844, respectively, in connection with certain properties classified as inventories (identified as Av. Madero 1020, Rivadavia 2768, Minetti D, Torres Jardin, Sarmiento 517, parking lots in Dock 13, Constitución 1111, Terrenos de Caballito and Padilla 902). As a result of an increase in fair market values, during the year ended June 30, 2004 the Company partially reversed previously recognized impairment losses, recognizing a gain of Ps. 6 (Rivadavia 2768). The impairment losses and gains associated with the reversion of previously recognized impairment charges have been included within “Gain (loss) from operations and holdings of real estate assets, net” in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

 

  e. Fixed assets, net

 

Fixed assets, net are comprised primarily of rental properties (including shopping centers) and other property and equipment held for use by the Company.

 

  Rental properties (including Shopping Centers)

 

Rental properties are carried at cost adjusted for inflation (as described in Note 2.c.), less accumulated depreciation. Costs incurred for the acquisition of the properties are capitalized. Accumulated depreciation is computed under the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which generally are estimated to be 50 years for office buildings and related improvements and between 19 and 31 years for shopping centers. Expenditures for ordinary maintenance and repairs are charged to operations in the period incurred. Significant renovations and improvements which improve or extend the useful life of the asset are capitalized and depreciated over its estimated remaining useful life. At the time depreciable assets are retired or otherwise disposed of, the cost and the accumulated depreciation of the assets are eliminated from the accounts and any profit or loss is recognized. The Company capitalizes interest on long-term construction projects. The Company capitalizes interest on real estate development projects. No real estate projects were developed during the years ended June 30, 2002 and 2003. Even though the Company resumed the Rosario project during the year ended June 30, 2004, no interests were capitalized since the Company had recognized an impairment charge in prior years and during 2004 the Company partially reversed such impairment up to the limit of its fair value.

 

During the year ended June 30, 2002, the Company recognized an impairment loss amounting to Ps. 55,896 in connection with certain properties (identified as Libertador 498, Maipú 1300, Avda. Madero 1020, Suipacha 652, Laminar Plaza, Reconquista 823, Constitución 1111, Dique 2 M10- Edificio C-. Libertador 602, Dock 2 M10 -Building A-, Avda. Madero 942, Avda. De Mayo 595, Costeros Dique IV and Sarmiento 517, Intercontinental Plaza, Alto Palermo Park, Alto Palermo Plaza, Thames and Hotel Intercontinental). In addition, the Company recognized an equity loss amounting to Ps. 20,422 related to the impairment loss recognized by APSA totaling Ps. 41,100 related to Alto Avellaneda, Alto Noa, Abasto and other properties. During the year ended June 30, 2003 the Company also recognized an impairment loss totaling Ps. 1,892 in connection with certain properties (identified as Avda. Madero 1020, Reconquista 823, Avda. Madero 942, and Sarmiento 517). As a result of increases in their fair market values, during the years ended June 30, 2003 and 2004 APSA partially reversed the 2002 impairment loss, recognizing a gain of Ps. 15,532 and Ps. 18,760, respectively. During the year ended June 30, 2004 and as a result of an increase in the fair market values of the properties, the Company also reversed a portion of the 2002 impairment loss, recognizing a gain of Ps. 30,397. The impairment losses and gains associated with the reversion of previously recognized impairments have been included within “Gain (loss) from operations and holdings of real estate assets, net” in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

 

F-15


Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002

(In thousands of Argentine Pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

3. Significant accounting policies (continued)

 

  e. Fixed assets, net (Continued)

 

  Other property and equipment

 

Other property and equipment are carried at cost adjusted for inflation (as described in Note 2.c.), less accumulated depreciation. Accumulated depreciation is computed under the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, as specified below:

 

Asset


 

Estimated useful life (years)


Leasehold improvements   On contract basis
Facilities   Between 10 and 20
Machinery and equipment   10
Vehicles   Between 3 and 5
Software   Between 3 and 5
Computer equipment   Between 3 and 4
Furniture and fixtures   Between 5 and 10
Other   10

 

The cost of maintenance and repairs is charged to expense as incurred. The cost of significant renewals and improvements are added to the carrying amount of the respective assets. When assets are retired or otherwise disposed of, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts, and any resulting gain or loss is reflected in the consolidated statement of income.

 

  f. Software obtained or developed for internal use

 

The Company capitalizes certain costs associated with the development of computer software for internal use. Costs capitalized during the years ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002 were not significant. These costs are being amortized on a straight-line basis over a period of 3 years.

 

  g. Intangible assets, net

 

Intangible assets are carried at cost, adjusted for inflation (as described in Note 2.c.), less accumulated amortization.

 

  Preoperating and organization expenses

 

This item includes:

 

- Expenses incurred by APSA relating to pre-opening activities of certain shopping centers. These expenses are amortized on a straight-line basis over a three-year period commencing upon the opening of the shopping center.

 

- Expenses incurred by IRSA relating to pre-opening activities and/or organization of subsidiaries, which are amortized on a straight-line basis over a 5-year period commencing upon the launching of the project.

 

  Selling and advertising expenses

 

Expenses incurred relating to the marketing of developing properties, including advertising, commissions and other expenses, are charged to expense in the period in which the related revenue is earned, as determined under the percentage-of-completion method.

 

  Trademarks

 

Fees and expenses related to the registration of trademarks are amortized on a straight-line basis over 10 years.

 

F-16


Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002

(In thousands of Argentine Pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

3. Significant accounting policies (continued)

 

  g. Intangible assets, net (continued)

 

  Expenses related to the securitization of receivables

 

Expenses related to the securitization of receivables represent expenses related to the on-going securitization program of credit card receivables. These expenses are amortized on a straight-line basis over a two-year period.

 

  Advertising expenses

 

Advertising expenses relate to APSA. These expenses were fully amortized during fiscal year 2004 as permitted by the transition provisions of RT No.17.

 

  Tenants list-Patio Bullrich and others

 

This item primarily represents the acquired tenant list of the Patio Bullrich shopping mall, which is being amortized using the straight-line method over a five-year period.

 

  h. Goodwill, net

 

Goodwill, net includes (a) the excess of cost over the fair value of net identifiable assets acquired related to the acquisitions of certain subsidiaries (Goodwill) and (b) the excess of the fair value of the assets acquired over the consideration paid for the acquisition of additional ownership interest in APSA (Negative goodwill). Goodwill and Negative goodwill are stated at cost adjusted for inflation (as described in Note 2.c) less accumulated amortization. Goodwill is being amortized under the straight-line method over its estimated economic life, not exceeding 10 years. Amortization of negative goodwill is calculated on a straight-line basis over the weighted-average remaining useful lives of the assets acquired, calculated as 18 years.

 

As required by new accounting standards, goodwill and negative goodwill are shown in a separate caption in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

 

  i. Foreign currency assets and liabilities

 

Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated at the prevailing exchange rates as of year-end. Transactions denominated in foreign currencies are translated into pesos at the prevailing exchange rates on the date of transaction settlement. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are recorded within “Financial results, net” in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income.

 

  j. Other receivables and liabilities

 

Other receivables and liabilities (asset tax credit, related parties, guarantee deposits, trust accounts receivables and customer advances) have been measured based on the best estimate of the amount receivable and payable, respectively, discounted at the interest rate applicable to freely available savings accounts published by the Argentine Central Bank in effect at the time of incorporation to the balance sheet.

 

  k. Financial receivables and payables

 

Financial receivables and payables have been valued at the amount deposited and collected, respectively, net of operating costs, plus accrued interests based on the interest rate estimated at the time of the transaction.

 

As discussed in Note 4.i., in July 2003 the Company redeemed certain loans before their maturity. Therefore, at June 30, 2003 such loans had been valued at their settlement cost.

 

  l. Mortgages, leases and other receivables and trade accounts payable and other liabilities

 

Mortgages, leases and other receivables and trade accounts payable and other liabilities have been valued at the price applicable to spot operations at the time of the transaction plus accrued interest based on the internal rate of return.

 

F-17


Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002

(In thousands of Argentine Pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

3. Significant accounting policies (continued)

 

  m. Related parties balances and other transactions

 

Receivables and payables with related parties generated by financial transactions and other sundry transactions have been valued in accordance with the terms agreed by the parties.

 

  n. Income tax provision

 

The subsidiaries of the Company calculate their income taxes on a separate basis. The Company did not either calculate or pay income taxes on a consolidated basis for any of the periods presented. The statutory income tax rate was 35% for all the periods presented.

 

The Company records income taxes using the liabilities method required by RT No. 17. Accordingly, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recorded or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance is recognized for that component of net deferred tax assets which is not recoverable.

 

The Company has treated the differences between the price-level restated amounts of assets and liabilities and their historical basis as permanent differences for deferred income tax calculation purposes, as prescribed by Resolution MD No.11/2003 issued by the CPCECABA.

 

In accordance with CNV regulations, deferred tax assets and liabilities have not been discounted. Since Argentine GAAP requires the accounting for deferred tax assets and liabilities on a discounted basis, the application of the CNV resolution represents a departure from generally accepted accounting principles. However, such a departure has not had a material effect on the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

  o. Asset tax provision

 

The Company is subject to the asset tax. Pursuant to this tax regime, the Company is required to pay the greater of the income tax or the asset tax. Any excess of the asset tax over the income tax may be carried forward and recognized as a tax credit against future income taxes payable over a 10-year period. The asset tax provision is calculated on an individual entity basis at the statutory asset tax rate of 1% and is based upon the taxable assets of each company as of the end of the year, as defined by Argentine law.

 

  p. Customer advances

 

Customer advances represent payments received in advance in connection with the sale and lease of properties.

 

  q. Provisions for allowances and contingencies

 

The Company provides for losses relating to mortgage, lease and other accounts receivable. The allowance for losses is recognized when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the terms of the agreements. The allowance is determined on a one-by-one basis considering the present value of expected future cash flow or the fair value of collateral if the loan is collateral dependent, when applicable. While management uses the information available to make evaluations, future adjustments to the allowance may be necessary if future economic conditions differ substantially from the assumptions used in making the evaluations. Management has considered all events and/or transactions that are subject to reasonable and normal methods of estimations, and the Consolidated Financial Statements reflect that consideration.

 

F-18


Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002

(In thousands of Argentine Pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

3. Significant accounting policies (continued)

 

  q. Provisions for allowances and contingencies (continued)

 

The Company has certain contingent liabilities with respect to existing or potential claims, lawsuits and other proceedings, including those involving labor and other matters. The Company accrues liabilities when it is probable that future costs will be incurred and such costs can be reasonably estimated. Such accruals are based on developments to date, the Company’s estimates of the outcomes of these matters and the Company’s lawyers’ experience in contesting, litigating and settling other matters. As the scope of the liabilities becomes better defined, there may be changes in the estimates of future costs, which could have a material effect on the Company’s future results of operations and financial condition or liquidity.

 

  r. Advertising expenses

 

The Company generally expenses advertising and promotion costs as incurred with the exception of advertising and promotion expenses incurred to market real estate projects. Advertising and promotion expenses were approximately Ps. 5.9 million, Ps. 4.0 million and Ps. 3.8 million for the years ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

 

  s. Pension information

 

The Company does not maintain any pension plans. Argentine laws provide for pension benefits to be paid to retired employees from government pension plans and/or privately managed funds plan to which employees may elect to contribute.

 

  t. Impairment of long-lived assets

 

The Company periodically evaluates the carrying value of its long-lived assets for impairment. The carrying value of a long-lived asset is considered impaired by the Company when the expected cash flows, undiscounted and without interest, from such asset is separately identifiable and less than its carrying value. In that event, a loss would be recognized based on the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair market value of the long-lived asset. Fair market value is determined primarily using the anticipated cash flows discounted at a rate commensurate with the risk involved or based on independent appraisals.

 

RT No. 17 establishes that a previously recognized impairment loss should only be reversed when there is a subsequent change in estimates used to compute the fair market value of the asset. In that event, the new carrying amount of the asset should be the lower of its fair market value or the net carrying amount the asset would have had if no impairment had been recognized.

 

See Notes 3.c., 3.d., and 3.e. for details of (i) the impairment loss charges recognized during the years ended June 30, 2003 and 2002, and (ii) the impairment loss reversals recognized during the years ended June 30, 2004 and 2003 as a result of changes in estimates.

 

  u. Vacation expenses

 

Vacation expenses are fully accrued in the period the employee renders services to earn such vacation.

 

  v. Derivative financial instruments

 

From time to time, the Company utilizes certain financial instruments to manage its foreign currency and interest rate exposures, and as a supplement to reduce its overall financing costs. The Company also engages in trading of certain financial instruments. The Company has not utilized financial instruments to hedge anticipated transactions. In entering into these contracts, the Company assumes the risk that might arise from the possible inability of counter parties to meet the terms of their contracts. The Company does not expect any losses as a result of counterpart defaults. For details on the Company’s derivative instruments activity, see Note 14..

 

  - Foreign currency forward-exchange contracts

 

Premiums on foreign currency forward-exchange contracts are amortized over the life of the respective contracts. The foreign currency forward-exchange contracts are recognized in the consolidated balance sheet at their fair market value with changes reported in earnings.

 

F-19


Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002

(In thousands of Argentine Pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

3. Significant accounting policies (continued)

 

  v. Derivative financial instruments

 

  - Interest rate swaps

 

Interest rate swap agreements are recognized in the consolidated balance sheet at their fair market values with changes reported in earnings.

 

  - Futures

 

Premiums on future contracts are amortized over the life of the respective contracts. Futures contracts are recognized in the consolidated balance sheet at their fair market values, with changes reported in earnings.

 

  w. Monetary assets and liabilities

 

Monetary assets and liabilities are disclosed at their par value, adding or deducting the corresponding financial results.

 

  x. Earnings per share

 

The Company is required to disclose earnings per share information for all periods presented. Basic earnings per share (“basic EPS”) are computed by dividing the net income (loss) available to common shareholders for the period by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share (“diluted EPS”) are computed by dividing the adjusted net income (loss) for the period by the weighted-average number of common shares and potential common shares outstanding during the period.

 

In computing diluted EPS, income available to common shareholders used in the basic EPS calculation is adjusted to add back the after-tax amount of interest recognized in the period with respect to any debt convertible to common stock. Additional adjustments are made for any other income or loss items that would result from the assumed conversion of potential common shares. The weighted-average number of common shares outstanding is adjusted to include the number of additional common shares that would have been outstanding if the dilutive potential common shares had been issued. Diluted EPS is based on the most advantageous conversion rate or exercise price over the entire term of the instrument from the standpoint of the security holder. The calculation of diluted EPS excludes potential common shares if their effect is anti-dilutive. The Company has considered the dilutive effect of outstanding warrants and convertible debt in calculating diluted EPS.

 

4. Details of balance sheet accounts

 

  a. Cash and banks:

 

     As of June 30,

     2004

  

2003

(As restated)


Bank accounts

   Ps. 87,502    Ps. 83,780

Cash

     4,646      5,046

Checks to be deposited

     948      1,057
    

  

     Ps. 93,096    Ps. 89,883
    

  

 

F-20


Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002

(In thousands of Argentine Pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

4. Details of balance sheet accounts (continued)

 

  b. Investments:

 

     As of June 30,

     2004

  

2003

(As restated)


Current

         

Mutual funds

   Ps.37,627    Ps.102,396

Time deposits

   25,837    30,518

Retained interest in transferred credit card receivables (i)

   6,677    4,719

Retained interest in transferred mortgages receivables (i)

   252    1,324

Government bonds

   365    3,123

Other investments

   46    38
    
  
     Ps.70,804    Ps.142,118
    
  

Non-Current

         

Equity investments:

         

Banco Hipotecario S.A. (“BHSA”) (v)

   Ps.158,069    Ps. 23,677

Pérez Cuesta S.A.C.I. (iv)

   5,763    5,628

Banco de Crédito y Securitización S.A.

   4,590    7,007

E-Commerce Latina S.A

   1,435    2,899

Retained interests in securitization programs:

         

Retained interest in transferred credit card receivables (i)

   12,001    2,567

Retained interest in transferred mortgages receivables (i)

   5,675    8,777

Trust debt securities (ii)

   1,410    —  

Parcels of undeveloped land (iii):

         

Ciudad Deportiva de la Boca (SMP)

   124,783    124,594

Puerto Retiro

   46,424    46,257

Caballito

   29,717    26,000

Buenos Aires Trade and Finance Center S.A.

   25,979    25,973

Pereiraola

   21,875    21,875

Caballito plots of land

   19,898    13,616

Alcorta Plaza

   17,545    15,950

Air space Supermercado Coto

   10,442    9,080

Neuquén

   9,983    8,539

Dique IV

   6,160    6,160

Pilar

   3,408    3,109

Torre Jardín IV

   2,568    2,231

Constitución 1111

   1,261    1,146

Padilla 902

   71    71

Benavídez

   —      10,748

Rosario

   —      51,501

Other parcels of undeveloped land

   2,936    2,931

Others:

         

Other investments.

   12,441    37
    
  
     Ps.524,434    Ps.420,373
    
  

(i) Represents retained interests in the Company’s securitization programs described in Notes 15. and 16.
(ii) Represents debt certificates issued by the trust in connection with the Company’s securitization program described in Note 16..
(iii) The book value of parcels of undeveloped land at June 30, 2004 and 2003 is presented net of the impairment loss mentioned in Note 3.c.(ii)c..
(iv) The Company owns an 18.9% interest in Pérez Cuesta.
(v) See Note 3.c.(ii) a).

 

F-21


Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002

(In thousands of Argentine Pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

4. Details of balance sheet accounts (continued)

 

  c. Mortgages and leases receivable, net:

 

     As of June 30,

 
     2004

   

2003

(As restated)


 

Current

                

Credit card receivable

   Ps. 13,722     Ps. 19,657  

Leases and services receivable

     10,203       20,894  

Checks to be deposited

     9,810       6,177  

Pass-through expenses receivable (i)

     4,498       5,422  

Hotel receivables

     4,299       2,761  

Debtors under legal proceedings (ii)

     26,360       24,392  

Mortgage receivable (iii)

     388       972  

Receivable from the sale of properties

     371       2,766  

Related parties (Note 11)

     79       137  

Less:

                

Allowance for doubtful accounts (Note 21.c.)

     (35,299 )     (46,774 )
    


 


     Ps. 34,431     Ps. 36,404  
    


 


Non-Current

                

Credit card receivable

   Ps. 1,834     Ps. 1,236  

Mortgage receivable (iii)

     1,047       1,595  

Less:

                

Allowance for doubtful accounts (Note 21.c.)

     (45 )     (54 )
    


 


     Ps. 2,836     Ps. 2,777  
    


 



(i) Pass-through expenses receivable primarily represent maintenance and other operating costs relating to the common area of shopping centers paid by APSA on behalf of tenants.
(ii) Comprised of Ps. 2.5 million and Ps. 2.3 million related to mortgage receivable and Ps. 23.9 million and Ps. 22.1 million related to leases receivable, at June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively.
(iii) Mortgage receivable consists of fixed-rate mortgages. At June 30, 2004, the remaining principal balance consists of mortgage receivable from several borrowers. The amount due from the largest individual borrower was Ps. 216 at a contractual interest rate of 12%. At June 30, 2004, principal payments on mortgage receivable become due as follows: 2005 - Ps. 388; 2006 - Ps. 147; 2007 - Ps. 158; 2008 – Ps. 124; 2009 - Ps. 130; thereafter – Ps. 488.

 

F-22


Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002

(In thousands of Argentine Pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

4. Details of balance sheet accounts (continued)

 

  d. Other receivables and prepaid expenses:

 

     As of June 30,

 
     2004

   

2003

(As restated)


 

Current

                

Related parties (Note 11)

   Ps. 20,377     Ps. 1,069  

Interest rate swap receivable (i)

     13,816       307  

Prepaid expenses

     7,143       3,475  

Tax on personal assets to be recovered

     4,856       1,066  

Less:

                

Allowance for uncollectibility of tax on personal assets

     (3,887 )     —    

Income tax advances

     2,860       1,086  

Miscellaneous debtors

     2,551       2,770  

Value Added Tax (“VAT”) receivable

     1,010       310  

Asset tax credits

     1,009       95  

Trust accounts receivable

     870       —    

Tax credit certificates

     563       2,265  

Guarantee deposits (ii)

     500       901  

Prepaid gross sales tax

     407       257  

Future contracts receivable (iii)

     474       40  

Debtors under legal proceedings

     119       —    

Other

     80       343  
    


 


     Ps. 52,748     Ps. 13,984  
    


 


Non-Current

                

Asset tax credits

   Ps. 56,522     Ps. 48,924  

Deferred income tax (Note 17)

     53,339       69,276  

Mortgage receivable (iv)

     2,208       2,208  

Less:

                

Allowance for doubtful mortgage receivable (Note 21.c.)

     (2,208 )     (2,208 )

Interest rate swap receivable (i)

     —         8,172  

Other

     17,317       4,052  

Less:

                

Present value – other receivables

     (1,384 )     (3,110 )
    


 


     Ps. 125,794     Ps. 127,314  
    


 



(i) Represents the net amount of US$ 50.0 million deposited as collateral and US$ 45.4 million payable for the swap agreement (US$ 47.1 million at June 30, 2003). See Note 14 for details.
(ii) Includes primarily Ps. 0.3 million related to a deposit required as collateral for certain labor lawsuits of the Company.
(iii) The Company maintains a deposit of Ps. 694 as collateral for the future contracts (Ps. 474 net of the fair value of the future contracts). See Note 14 for details.
(iv) Corresponds to a loan granted to an unaffiliated third party, which is collateralized by a mortgage on certain properties. During fiscal year 2001, this debtor filed for bankruptcy. As a result, the Company has recognized an allowance for the entire balance based on the opinion of its legal counsel.

 

F-23


Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002

(In thousands of Argentine Pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

4. Details of balance sheet accounts (continued)

 

  e. Inventories:

 

     As of June 30,

     2004

  

2003

(As restated)


Current

             

Salguero 3331

   Ps. 4,744    Ps. —  

Abril/Baldovinos

     3,239      5,397

Torres de Abasto

     555      555

Torres Jardín

     245      245

Resale merchandise

     138      99

Rivadavia 2768

     124      116

Bonus merchandise

     87      105

Villa Celina

     43      53

Dock 13 Puerto Madero

     37      37

Minetti “D”

     33      42

Dock II Puerto Madero

     —        5,648

Madero 1020

     —        1,373

Sarmiento 517

     —        245

Other inventories

     1,327      1,172
    

  

     Ps. 10,572    Ps. 15,087
    

  

Non-Current

             

Torres Rosario

   Ps. 15,414    Ps. —  

Abril/Baldovinos

     4,548      5,822

Salguero 3331

     —        2,945
    

  

     Ps. 19,962    Ps. 8,767
    

  

 

  f. Trade accounts payable:

 

     As of June 30,

     2004

  

2003

(As restated)


Current

             

Suppliers

   Ps. 30,771    Ps. 19,340

Accruals

     10,916      7,249

Imports payable

     1,008      964

Related parties (Note 11)

     251      173

Other

     62      96
    

  

     Ps. 43,008    Ps. 27,822
    

  

Non-Current

             

Imports payable

   Ps. 2,865    Ps. 3,609
    

  

     Ps. 2,865    Ps. 3,609
    

  

 

  g. Customer advances:

 

     As of June 30,

     2004

  

2003

(As restated)


Current

             

Admission rights (i)

   Ps. 11,495    Ps. 7,442

Advance payments from customers

     8,508      3,897

Lease advances (ii)

     5,451      4,183
    

  

     Ps. 25,454    Ps. 15,522
    

  

Non-Current

             

Admission rights (i)

   Ps. 17,444    Ps. 14,044

Lease advances (ii)

     11,358      11,216
    

  

     Ps. 28,802    Ps. 25,260
    

  

 

F-24


Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002

(In thousands of Argentine Pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

4. Details of balance sheet accounts (continued)

 

  g. Customer advances (continued):

 

  (i) Admission rights represent mainly non-refundable fees received from tenants upon entering into lease agreements with the Company. These amounts are deferred and amortized to income under the straight-line basis over the respective terms of the agreements. Also, the current and non-current balance includes an advance of Ps. 0.1 million and Ps. 4.4 million, respectively, from NAI in connection with the Rosario Project, which will be settled by offsetting it against the admission rights related to the lease space of the movie theater complex to be constructed by the Company.

 

  (ii) Lease advances include current and non-current balances of Ps. 1.2 million and Ps. 7.2 million as of June 30, 2004, respectively, and Ps. 1.2 million and Ps. 8.2 million as of June 30, 2003, respectively, related to advances received from Hoyts Cinemas (“Hoyts”) for the construction of the movie theater complexes at the Abasto and Alto Noa Shopping Centers. These advances accrue interest at the six-month London Inter-Bank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus 2-2.25%. As of June 30, 2004 the six-month LIBOR was 1.94%. Based on the agreement between the Company and Hoyts, the Company settles the advances by offsetting them against lease expense owed by Hoyts for the space it rents.

 

  h. Salaries and social security payables:

 

     As of June 30,

     2004

  

2003

(As restated)


Provision for vacation and bonuses

   Ps. 4,721    Ps. 3,756

Social security payable

     2,526      2,042

Other

     734      353
    

  

     Ps. 7,981    Ps. 6,151
    

  

 

  i. Short-term and long-term debt:

 

     As of June 30,

     2004

  

2003

(As restated)


Short-term debt

             

IRSA Convertible Notes (i)

   Ps. 2,632    Ps. 2,765

APSA Convertible Notes (ii)

     2,310      2,418

Collateralized Notes (iii)

     5,930      2,677

Uncollateralized Loan Agreement (iv)

     3,630      32,973

APSA Senior Notes (v)

     31,469      5,882

APSA Notes (vi)

     50,793      1,066

Collateralized loans (vii)

     37,356      33,503

Uncollateralized loans (viii)

     1,007      6,150
    

  

     Ps. 135,127    Ps. 87,434
    

  

Long-term debt

             

IRSA Convertible Notes (i)

   Ps. 255,922    Ps. 279,235

APSA Convertible Notes (ii)

     53,578      55,550

Collateralized Notes (iii)

     98,643      92,238

Uncollateralized Loan Agreement (iv)

     60,664      86,365

APSA Senior Notes (v)

     —        29,625

APSA Notes (vi)

     —        49,091
    

  

     Ps. 468,807    Ps. 592,104
    

  

 

F-25


Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002

(In thousands of Argentine Pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

4. Details of balance sheet accounts (continued)

 

  i. Short-term and long-term debt (continued):

 

In November 2002 the Company completed the refinancing of the financial debts for US$ 117 million. According to the agreements, the lenders agreed to receive (i) a cash settlement of US$ 13.6 million, and (ii) new debt instruments in exchange for the balance. As a result, the Company issued US$ 37.4 million Collateralized Notes, a US$ 51 million Uncollateralized Loan Agreement and US$ 15 million of IRSA Convertible Notes. See footnotes below for a description of the terms and conditions of each issuance. The Company accounted for the refinancing in accordance with RT 17. Since the conditions of the new debt instruments were substantially different from the original conditions (as defined by RT 17), the Company removed the original loans from the consolidated balance sheet and recognized the new debt instruments at their present value discounted at an 8% market interest rate. As a result of the debt restructuring, the Company recognized a Ps. 36.5 million gain in 2003 (Ps. 31.7 million net of expenses incurred in the restructuring), which represents the difference between the present value of the new debt instruments and the carrying value of the old debts.

 

(i) See Note 10 for details of the issuance of IRSA Convertible Notes.

 

(ii) On August 20, 2002 APSA issued US$ 50 million of uncollateralized convertible notes (the “APSA Convertible Notes”) in exchange for cash and the settlement of certain liabilities. Proceeds from the issuance of APSA Convertible Notes were used to repay short-term bank loans for Ps. 27.3 million and for the redemption of the APSA Senior Notes for a principal amount of Ps. 52.8 million. The APSA Convertible Notes matures on July 19, 2006, accrues interest (payable semiannually) at a fixed annual interest rate of 10% and are convertible, at any time, at the option of the holder into APSA common shares of Ps. 0.10 par value per share. The conversion rate per U.S. dollar is the lesser amount of 30.8642 and the result obtained from dividing the exchange rate in effect at the conversion date by the par value of APSA’s common shares (Ps. 0.10).The issuance of the APSA Convertible Notes was approved by its shareholders on December 4, 2001 and by the National Securities Commission on March 15, 2002, and authorized for listing on the Buenos Aires Stock Exchange on July 8, 2002. As June 30, 2004 the outstanding balance of Convertible Notes amounted to US$ 49.1 million. In August 20, 2002 and January and November 2003, the Company subscribed US$ 27.3, US$ 2.6 and US$ 1.0 million of APSA Convertible Notes, respectively. The Company has eliminated in consolidation the intercompany balances associated with this transaction and, as a result, the balance of APSA Convertible Notes with third parties shown in the consolidated balance sheets at June 30, 2004 and 2003 amounts to US$ 18.1 million and US$ 20.9 million, respectively.

 

(iii) In connection with the debt restructuring mentioned above, on November 20, 2002 the Company issued US$ 37.4 million collateralized notes due November 20, 2009 (the “Collateralized Notes”). The Collateralized Notes bear interest at 3-month LIBOR plus 200 basis points. Interest is payable quarterly, commencing February 2003. In accordance with RT 17, the Company has recorded the debt on a discounted basis considering an 8% market interest rate. As of June 30, 2004, the carrying value of the debt amounts to US$ 32.9 million. The Collateralized Notes require the Company to meet certain financial ratios and to comply with certain other covenants, including restrictions on distributions of dividends, incurrence of debt and liens, mergers, acquisitions, asset dispositions and certain payments, as well as, contain limitations on investments and capital expenditures. As collateral, the Company has mortgaged certain real estate properties (13 functional units at Libertador 498, 71 complementary units in Laminar Plaza and 19 complementary units in Dique IV) with a net book value totaling Ps. 83.9 million at June 30, 2004.

 

(iv) In connection with the debt restructuring, on November 20, 2002 the Company also issued a US$ 51 million uncollateralized loan agreement due November 20, 2009 (the “Uncollateralized Loan Agreement”). The principal amount will be amortized in 20 quarterly equal installments beginning in February 2005. The Uncollateralized Loan Agreement accrues interest as follows: US$ 35 million accrue interest at 3-month LIBOR plus 200 basis points, and US$ 16 million accrue a fixed interest rate. Interest is payable quarterly, commencing February 2003. The Uncollateralized Loan Agreement requires the Company to meet certain financial ratios and to comply with certain other covenants, including restrictions on distributions of dividends, incurrence of debt and liens, mergers, acquisitions, asset dispositions and certain payments, as well as, contain limitations on investments and capital expenditures. As required by RT 17 for an exchange of debt with substantially different terms, the Company originally recorded the issuance on a discounted basis considering an 8% market interest rate. On July 25, 2003 the Company repurchased the abovementioned US$ 16 million portion of the Uncollateralized Loan Agreement for US$ 10.9 million in cash. In addition, on March 17, 2004 the Company repurchased US$ 12 million of the US$ 35 million portion of the Uncollateralized Loan Agreement for US$ 8.6 million in cash. Consequently, at June 30, 2004 the outstanding balance amounts to US$ 20.3 million.

 

F-26


Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002

(In thousands of Argentine Pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

4. Details of balance sheet accounts (continued)

 

  i. Short-term and long-term debt (continued):

 

(v) On January 18, 2001, APSA together with its wholly owned subsidiary, SAPSA, issued US$ 120.0 million of Senior Notes due January 13, 2005 (the “APSA Senior Notes”). The APSA Senior Notes were issued in three classes: US$ 40.0 million of Class A-2 Senior Notes; US$ 5.0 million of Class B-1 Senior Notes; and US$ 75.0 million of Class B-2 Senior Notes. Class A-2, Class B-1 and Class B-2 Senior Notes accrue interest at a Badlar rate (as defined below) plus 395 basis points, 90-day Libor plus 475 basis points and Badlar rate plus 395 basis points, respectively (“30-day Badlar” represents a referenced average interest rate payable by several private banks in Argentina to US dollar-denominated time deposits of US$ 1 million or more, as adjusted in accordance with a specified formula). Pursuant to Decree N° 214, debts in U.S. dollars or other foreign currencies in the Argentine financial system were converted to pesos at the rate of exchange of Ps. 1 per US$ 1 or its equivalent in another currency. As from February 3, 2002 an adjusting index (CER) is being applied to the balance. During the year ended June 30, 2003, APSA repurchase its Senior Notes for Ps. 80.8 million. Proceeds received from the issuance of Convertible Notes to finance the repurchase of Senior Notes for Ps. 52.8 million. At June 30, 2003 the outstanding principal balance amounted to Ps. 20.8 million. During the year ended June 30, 2004 the Company made principal payments at maturity for Ps. 3.3 million. As of June 30, 2004 the outstanding principal balance was Ps. 17.5 million and the rate applied to this debt was 8% per annum. In August 2004 APSA repurchased Ps. 13.7 million of its Senior Notes. The Senior Notes are collateralized by a pledge on the shares of SAPSA. The Senior Notes include various restrictive covenants, which among other things require the Company to maintain certain financial ratios.

 

(vi) On April 7, 2000, APSA issued Ps. 85.0 million 14.875% unsecured Notes due April 7, 2005 (the “APSA Notes”). Interest on the APSA Notes are payable semiannually on April 7 and October 7 of each year, commencing October 7, 2000. Proceeds from this issuance were used to repay certain outstanding bridge financing obtained by APSA. The APSA Notes include various restrictive covenants, which among other things require APSA to maintain certain financial ratios. During the years ended June 30, 2003, 2002 and 2001, APSA redeemed Ps. 1.8 million, Ps. 15.5 million and Ps. 18.1 million of the Notes, respectively, at different prices below par plus accrued interest. At June 30, 2004 the balance was comprised of Ps. 49.6 million of principal, Ps. 1.7 million of accrued interest and Ps. (0,5) million of deferred financing cost. Subsequent to June 30, 2004 APSA redeemed an additional Ps. 1.2 million of the Notes.

 

(vii) At June 30, 2004, collateralized loans primarily include the outstanding balance of a US$ 12 million collateralized loan obtained by Hoteles Argentinos S.A. (a subsidiary of the Company) from Bank Boston N.A due January 2005. Principal is payable in 19 quarterly installments of US$ 0.3 million beginning April 2001 plus US$ 6.3 million payable at maturity. This loan accrues interest at a variable rate, which is also paid quarterly (interest rate ranged between 5.8700% and 6.0713% during 2004). The loan is collateralized by real estate properties with a net book value of Ps. 31.3 at June 30, 2004. At the date of issuance of these consolidated financial statements, the Company had not paid 11 principal and 9 interest installments already matured as a result of the financial crisis and lack of credit in the bank system. Management of Hoteles Argentinos is currently carrying out negotiations with its creditor. Since the creditor has the right to request the acceleration of principal and interest maturities, the entire loan balance has been classified as a current liability. On March 5, 2004, Bank Boston N.A. formally notified Hoteles Argentinos S.A. that as from March 10, 2004 it assigned to Marathon Master Fund Ltd., domiciled at 461 Fifth Avenue, 10th floor, New York, NY 10017, USA, all the rights and obligations arising from this loan agreement together with all related amendments, guarantees and insurance policies. Consequently, the outstanding obligation of Hoteles Argentinos S.A. must be fulfilled in favor of the assignee, Marathon Master Fund Ltd.

 

(viii) Represent short-term borrowings, which are in the form of overdraft facilities and/or bank loans with an original maturity of less than one year. The weighted average interest rates on short-term debt were 9.0% and 9.6% as of June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively. APSA generally used the proceeds from these borrowings for working capital needs and other general corporate purposes. APSA had unused lines of credit under the short-term bank lines of Ps. 115.8 million at June 30, 2004.

 

F-27


Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002

(In thousands of Argentine Pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

4. Details of balance sheet accounts (continued)

 

  j. Taxes payable:

 

     As of June 30,

     2004

  

2003

(As restated)


Current

             

Asset tax payable, net

   Ps. 4,565    Ps. 5,110

VAT payable

     2,483      2,292

Income tax provision, net

     2,008      411

Income tax withholdings

     1,401      1,106

Gross sales tax payable

     956      924

Value added tax withholdings

     62      42

Other

     166      148
    

  

     Ps. 11,641    Ps. 10,033
    

  

Non-Current

             

Gross sales tax payable

   Ps. 3,120    Ps. 77

Deferred income tax (Note 17)

     3,087      1,607
    

  

     Ps. 6,207    Ps. 1,684
    

  

 

  k. Other liabilities:

 

     As of June 30,

 
     2004

   

2003

(As restated)


 

Current

                

Director’s fees (Note 11)

   Ps. 6,862     Ps. 7,840  

Provision for contingencies (Note 21.c.) (ii)

     6,439       12,402  

Seller financing (i)

     5,781       6,625  

Related parties (Note 11)

     3,150       2,858  

Donations payable (Note 11)

     3,029       4,827  

Dividends payable (Note 11)

     2,379       1,521  

Accruals

     690       444  

Guarantee deposits

     503       732  

Trust account payable

     282       —    

Contributed leasehold improvements (iii)

     212       212  

Pending settlements for sales of plots

     149       113  

Payable from hotel operations

     65       113  

Other

     1,052       1,989  
    


 


     Ps. 30,593     Ps. 39,676  
    


 


Non-Current

                

Provision for contingencies (Note 21.c.) (ii)

   Ps. 6,549     Ps. 4,682  

Guarantee deposits

     3,030       977  

Contributed leasehold improvements (iii)

     690       902  

Dividends payable

     —         1,182  

Other

     20       21  

Less:

                

Present value – other liabilities

     (139 )     (433 )
    


 


     Ps. 10,150     Ps. 7,331  
    


 



(i) As of June 30, 2004 this balance included a principal amount of Ps. 3.3 million relating to the seller financing obtained in the acquisition of Shopping Neuquén, plus Ps. 1.8 million related to the CER. Such seller financing accrues interest at six-month LIBOR. As of June 30, 2004, the six-month LIBOR was 1.94%. As of June 30, 2003 the balance also included a principal amount of Ps. 1.0 million plus accrued interest of Ps. 0.5 million relating to the seller financing obtained in the acquisition of SMP. The shares of SMP were pledged as collateral for this seller financing. Such seller financing accrued interest at one-year LIBOR. As of June 30, 2003, the one-year LIBOR was 8%.

 

F-28


Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002

(In thousands of Argentine Pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

4. Details of balance sheet accounts (continued)

 

  k. Other liabilities (continued):

 

(ii) This reserve relates to: (a) labor lawsuits filed against the Company, (b) tax matters related to differences in basis in the computation of certain tax contributions, and, (c) other sundry claims. In the opinion of management and based on consultation with external legal counsel, the Company has established provisions for amounts which are probable of adverse occurrence and which, according to estimates developed by the Company’s legal counsel, would meet all related contingencies and corresponding fees relating to these claims. The classification of contingency reserves as non-current liabilities was based on a review of the current facts and circumstances and consultation with external legal counsel. Management reassesses these matters as new facts are brought into management’s attention.

 

(iii) Contributed leasehold improvements relate to improvements made by a tenant in the general area of the Abasto Shopping Center. The Company has recorded the improvements as fixed asset based on construction costs incurred with a corresponding deferred liability. Contributed leasehold improvements are amortized to income over the term of lease. Such amortization, net of the related depreciation of the leasehold improvement, was immaterial for the years ended June 30, 2004 and 2003.

 

5. Shareholders’ equity

 

  a. Common stock

 

As of June 30, 2004, the Company had 248,802,993 authorized and outstanding shares of common stock, having a par value of Ps. 1.0 per share. Holders of the common stock are entitled to one vote for each share held of record on all matters submitted to a vote of shareholders.

 

There was no share activity during the year ended June 30, 2002. Following is a detail of the activity during the years ended June 30, 2003 and 2004:

 

     Common Stock

   Approved by

    
     Shares issued

   Par value

   Additional
paid-in-
capital


   Body

   Date

   Date of
registration


Balances as of June 30, 2002

   Ps. 207,411,988    Ps. 207,412    Ps. 569,481               
    

  

  

              

Distribution of treasury stock

     4,587,285      4,588      —      Ordinary and
Extraordinary
Shareholders’
Meeting
   November
5 and 27,
2002
   November
5, 2002

Conversion of debt into common shares (Note 10)

     12,531      13      8    Board of
Directors
Meeting
   August 22,
2003
   August 22,
2003
    

  

  

              

Balances as of June 30, 2003

   Ps. 212,011,804    Ps. 212,013    Ps. 569,489               
    

  

  

              

Conversion of debt into common shares and exercise of warrants (Note 10)

     36,791,189      36,790      26,016    Board of
Directors
Meeting
   August 22,
December
31, 2003;
March 31,
June 30,
2004
   Pending
    

  

  

              

Balances as of June 30, 2004

   Ps. 248,802,993    Ps. 248,803    Ps. 595,505               
    

  

  

              

 

  b. Capital nature transactions

 

From time to time, the Company repurchases outstanding shares of common stock when it believes that its stock price is undervalued in the marketplace. At June 30, 2002 the Company held 4,587,285 shares in treasury. These shares were distributed during fiscal year 2003 to the Company’s shareholders on a pro-rata basis.

 

F-29


Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002

(In thousands of Argentine Pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

5. Shareholders’ equity (continued)

 

  c. Inflation adjustment of common stock

 

As mentioned in Note 2.c. the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements were prepared on the basis of general price-level accounting which reflected changes in the purchase price of the peso in the historical financial statements until February 28, 2003. The inflation adjustments related to common stock and treasury stock were appropriated to inflation adjustment reserves that form part of shareholders’ equity. According to Argentine GAAP, the balances of the inflation adjustment reserves may be applied only towards the issuance of common stock to shareholders of the Company.

 

  d. Restriction on the distribution of profits

 

In accordance with the Argentine Corporations Law and the Company’s By-laws, 5% of the net and realized profit for the year calculated in accordance with Argentine GAAP plus (less) prior year adjustments must be appropriated by resolution of the shareholders to a legal reserve until such reserve equals 20% of the Company’s outstanding capital. This legal reserve may be used only to absorb losses.

 

In addition, certain of the Company’s financial debts contain covenants, which restrict the company’s ability to pay dividends.

 

  e. Noncontributory Management Stock Ownership Plan

 

On October 30, 1997, the shareholders authorized the Company to enter into a Noncontributory Management Stock Ownership Plan (“NMSOP”) with eight executive officers of the Company (the “Beneficiaries”), pursuant to which the Beneficiaries were granted the right to purchase up to 24 million shares of common stock (the “Participation Shares”), at a purchase price equal to Ps. 1.0 per share, subject to the implementation of an Equity Participation Agreement (“EPA”). Under Argentine law, the Company established a special purpose trust in this connection (the “Trust”).

 

The Beneficiaries were required to purchase the Participation Shares available, if any, within 24 months of any capital increase. The Trust has an original term of six years. According to the terms of the NMSOP and the Trust, Beneficiaries are not entitled to receive any distributions (either in the form of shares, cash or other) from the Trust during its term, although, Beneficiaries are allowed to cause the Trust to sell their designated shares of common stock held by the Trust in certain cases. In addition, the Company was not allowed to grant any loans or otherwise assist the Beneficiaries in financing the purchase of the Participation Shares.

 

On April 7, 1998, the Company’s shareholders, at an extraordinary shareholders’ meeting, approved a capital increase of 24 million shares to permit the Beneficiaries to purchase all of the Participation Shares to which they were entitled under the EPA. The BASE and the CNV approved the capital increase on June 4, 1999, and on August 31, 1999 the Beneficiaries acquired 21,090,024 shares at Ps. 1.0 per share.

 

At June 30, 2003, all the shares held by the trust were sold in accordance with the terms of the contract and, therefore, no shares in trust are recorded.

 

6. Segment information

 

The Company is required to disclose segment information in accordance with RT 18. The Company has determined that its reportable segments are those that are based on the Company’s method of internal reporting. Accordingly, the Company has five reportable segments. These segments are Development and sales of properties, Office and other non-shopping center rental properties, Shopping centers, Hotel operations and Others.

 

A general description of each segment follows:

 

  Development and sale of properties

 

This segment includes the operating results of the Company’s construction and ultimate sale of residential buildings business.

 

F-30


Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002

(In thousands of Argentine Pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

6. Segment information (continued)

 

  Office and other non-shopping center rental properties

 

This segment includes the operating results of the Company’s lease and service revenues of office space and other non-retail building properties from tenants.

 

  Shopping centers

 

This segment includes the operating results of the Company’s shopping centers principally comprised of lease and service revenues from tenants. This segment also includes revenues derived from credit card transactions that consist of commissions and financing income.

 

  Hotel operations

 

This segment includes the operating results of the Company’s hotels principally comprised of room, catering and restaurant revenues.

 

  Others

 

This segment primarily includes revenues and associated costs generated from the sale of equity securities, other securities-related transactions and other non-core activities of the Company. This segment also includes the results in equity investees of the Company relating to internet, telecommunications and other technology-related activities of the Company.

 

The Company measures its reportable segments based on net income. Inter-segment transactions, if any, are accounted for at current market prices. The Company evaluates performance of its segments and allocates resources to them based on net income. The Company is not dependent on any single customer.

 

The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in Note 3.

 

F-31


Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002

(In thousands of Argentine Pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

6. Segment information (continued)

 

As of and for the year ended June 30, 2004:

 

     Development
and sale of
properties


   

Office and

other non-
shopping
center rental
properties


    Shopping
centers


    Hotel
operations


    Others

    Total

 

Revenues

   Ps. 31,116     Ps. 15,144     Ps. 143,250     Ps. 71,295     Ps. —       Ps. 260,805  

Costs

     (26,647 )     (8,273 )     (72,447 )     (40,049 )     —         (147,416 )
    


 


 


 


 


 


Gross profit

     4,469       6,871       70,803       31,246       —         113,389  

Selling expenses

     (3,957 )     (54 )     (10,872 )     (8,150 )     —         (23,033 )

Administrative expenses

     (6,689 )     (4,331 )     (23,607 )     (15,613 )     —         (50,240 )

Gain in credit card trust

     —         —         261       —         —         261  

Gain from operations and holdings of real estate assets, net

     7,037       27,743       26,908       2,655       —         64,343  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Operating income

     860       30,229       63,493       10,138       —         104,720  

Amortization of goodwill

     —         —         (2,904 )     —         —         (2,904 )

Equity (loss) gain from relate parties

     (189 )     —         (1,127 )     —         27,969       26,653  

Financial results, net

     (6,127 )     (6,205 )     (13,543 )     (4,930 )     41,351       10,546  

Other expenses, net

     —         —         (4,800 )     (2,116 )     (5,675 )     (12,591 )
    


 


 


 


 


 


(Loss) income before taxes and minority interest

     (5,456 )     24,024       41,119       3,092       63,645       126,424  

Income tax expense

     (462 )     (3,268 )     (16,311 )     (3,060 )     (2,619 )     (25,720 )

Minority interest

     429       (1,279 )     (9,275 )     (2,717 )     —         (12,842 )
    


 


 


 


 


 


Net (loss) income

     (5,489 )     19,477       15,533       (2,685 )     61,026       87,862  

Additions of fixed assets

     232       54       20,397       4,390       —         25,073  

Depreciation and amortization (a)

     (1,217 )     5,962       52,612       8,134       —         65,491  

Non–current investments in jointly controlled companies

     —         —         7,198       —         162,659       169,857  

Operating assets

     295,869       275,849       992,036       131,478       —         1,695,232  

Non-operating assets

     59,335       55,321       59,469       7,019       326,568       507,712  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Total assets

   Ps. 355,204     Ps. 331,170     Ps. 1,051,505     Ps. 138,497     Ps. 326,568     Ps. 2,202,944  
    


 


 


 


 


 



(a) Included in operating income.

 

F-32


Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002

(In thousands of Argentine Pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

6. Segment information (continued)

 

As of and for the year ended June 30, 2003 (as restated):

 

     Development
and sale of
properties


    Office and
other non-
shopping
center rental
properties


    Shopping
centers


    Hotel
operations


    Others

    Total

 

Revenues

   Ps. 47,241     Ps. 17,770     Ps. 113,754     Ps. 57,730     Ps. —       Ps. 236,495  

Costs

     (47,113 )     (9,093 )     (67,088 )     (31,373 )     —         (154,667 )
    


 


 


 


 


 


Gross profit

     128       8,677       46,666       26,357       —         81,828  

Selling expenses

     (4,023 )     (80 )     (17,594 )     (6,858 )     —         (28,555 )

Administrative expenses

     (6,106 )     (4,409 )     (21,356 )     (13,323 )     —         (45,194 )

Gain on purchasers rescissions of sales contracts

     9       —         —         —         —         9  

Loss in credit card trust

     —         —         (4,077 )     —         —         (4,077 )

Gain (loss) from operations and holdings of real estate assets, net

     12,944       (1,891 )     10,454       —         —         21,507  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Operating income

     2,952       2,297       14,093       6,176       —         25,518  

Amortization of goodwill

     —         —         (6,631 )                     (6,631 )

Equity loss from relate parties

     (285 )     —         (12,072 )     —         (2,344 )     (14,701 )

Financial results, net

     (2,132 )     (2,095 )     83,301       11,056       225,171       315,301  

Other income (expenses), net

     —         —         13,272       (3,734 )     (10,397 )     (859 )
    


 


 


 


 


 


Income before taxes and minority interest

     535       202       91,963       13,498       212,430       318,628  

Income tax benefit (expense)

     663       (1009 )     (46,755 )     1,433       49,197       3,529  

Minority interest

     5,135       (1,386 )     (35,212 )     (4,249 )     —         (35,712 )
    


 


 


 


 


 


Net income (loss)

     6,333       (2,193 )     9,996       10,682       261,627       286,445  

Additions of fixed assets

     6,606       5,469       3,449       3,150       —         18,674  

Depreciation and amortization (a)

     3,637       5,961       52,641       7,198       —         69,437  

Non–current investments in jointly controlled companies

     —         —         8,527       —         30,684       39,211  

Operating assets

     299,024       255,890       994,917       130,534       —         1,680,365  

Non-operating assets

     43,835       37,511       49,307       8,255       262,683       401,591  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Total assets

   Ps. 342,859     Ps. 293,401     Ps. 1,044,224     Ps. 138,789     Ps. 262,683     Ps. 2,081,956  
    


 


 


 


 


 



(a) Included in operating income.

 

F-33


Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002

(In thousands of Argentine Pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

6. Segment information (continued)

 

As of and for the year ended June 30, 2002 (as restated):

 

     Development
and sale of
properties


   

Office and

other non-
shopping
center rental
properties


    Shopping
centers


    Hotel
operations


    International
(b)


    Others

    Total

 

Revenues

   Ps. 54,376     Ps. 44,472     Ps. —       Ps. 57,396     Ps. —       Ps. —       Ps. 156,244  

Costs

     (43,460 )     (13,193 )     —         (40,309 )     —         —         (96,962 )
    


 


 


 


 


 


 


Gross profit P

     10,916       31,279       —         17,087       —         —         59,282  

Selling expenses

     (6,753 )     (590 )     —         (6,903 )     —         —         (14,246 )

Administrative expenses

     (11,197 )     (6,060 )     (1,393 )     (16,347 )     (1,261 )     —         (36,258 )

(Loss) gain from operations and holdings of real estate assets, net

     (26,798 )     (49,285 )     —         (6,612 )     35,855       —         (46,840 )
    


 


 


 


 


 


 


Operating (loss) income

     (33,832 )     (24,656 )     (1,393 )     (12,775 )     34,594       —         (38,062 )

Equity gain (loss) from related parties

     1,614       —         (4,611 )     (9 )     (3,379 )     1,814       (4,571 )

Financial results, net

     (29,048 )     (16,668 )     —         (12,468 )     —         (438,314 )     (496,498 )

Other expenses, net

     —         —         —         —         —         (4,483 )     (4,483 )
    


 


 


 


 


 


 


(Loss) income before taxes and minority interest

     (61,266 )     (41,324 )     (6,004 )     (25,252 )     31,215       (440,983 )     (543,614 )

Income tax benefit (expense)

     4,616       (5,236 )     (789 )     1,769       (1,282 )     (164 )     (1,086 )

Minority interest

     (3,962 )     —         —         4,939       —         —         977  
    


 


 


 


 


 


 


Net (loss) income

     (60,612 )     (46,560 )     (6,793 )     (18,544 )     29,933       (441,147 )     (543,723 )

Additions of fixed assets

     1,639       20,747       —         2,724       —         —         25,110  

Depreciation and amortization (a)

     (10,342 )     9,444       —         9,658       (212 )     —         8,548  

Non-current investments in jointly controlled companies

     —         —         348,648       —         —         2,982       351,630  

Operating assets

     356,644       276,199       302,670       134,558       —         —         1,070,071  

Non operating assets

     42,616       33,003       36,167       16,079       29,361       88,753       245,979  
    


 


 


 


 


 


 


Total assets

   Ps. 399,260     Ps. 309,202     Ps. 338,837     Ps. 150,637     Ps. 29,361     Ps. 88,753     Ps. 1,316,050  
    


 


 


 


 


 


 



(a) Included in operating (loss) income.
(b) This segment includes the results of operations of the Company’s equity investment in Brazil Realty, which was sold in February 2002.

 

7. Gain (loss) from operations and holdings of real estate assets, net:

 

     Year ended June 30,

 
     2004

   2003
(As restated)


   2002
(As restated)


 

Income from transactions related to shares of jointly controlled, affiliated and related companies

   Ps. —      Ps. 10,121    Ps. 35,855  

Results from holding of investment in real estate

     64,343      11,386      (82,695 )
    

  

  


     Ps. 64,343    Ps. 21,507    Ps. (46,840 )
    

  

  


 

F-34


Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002

(In thousands of Argentine Pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

8. Financial results, net:

 

     Year ended June 30,

 
     2004

   

2003

(As restated)


   

2002

(As restated)


 

Generated by assets:

                        

Financial operating net results

   Ps. 52,858     Ps. 29,704     Ps. (140,053 )

Exchange gain (loss)

     16,543       (73,993 )     (51,244 )

Results from derivative instruments

     17,641       79,874       —    

Interest income

     5,261       17,574       3,993  

Interest on discounting assets

     1,695       (1,697 )     —    

Loss on exposure to inflation

     —         (13,754 )     (10,049 )

Other

     —         —         (9 )
    


 


 


     Ps. 93,998     Ps. 37,708     Ps. (197,362 )
    


 


 


Generated by liabilities:

                        

Discounts

   Ps. 7,235     Ps. 36,868     Ps. —    

Gain on exposure to inflation

     —         11,847       32,532  

Interest on discounting liabilities

     (294 )     32,063       —    

Exchange (loss) gain

     (29,578 )     262,676       (267,177 )

Financial expenses

     (60,815 )     (65,861 )     (64,491 )
    


 


 


       (83,452 )     277,593       (299,136 )
    


 


 


Financial results, net

   Ps. 10,546     Ps. 315,301     Ps. (496,498 )
    


 


 


 

9. Other expenses, net:

 

     Year ended June 30,

 
     2004

   

2003

(As restated)


   

2002

(As restated)


 

Other income:

                        

Recovery of allowance for doubtful account, net

   Ps. 1,229     Ps. —       Ps. —    

Gain on early redemption of loans

     785       —         —    

Gain from the sale of intangible assets

     252       2,976       —    

Gain on repurchase of debt (i)

     —         13,030       —    

Gain from the sale of fixed assets

     —         768       —    

Other

     1,448       2,372       1,755  
    


 


 


     Ps. 3,714     Ps. 19,146     Ps. 1,755  
    


 


 


Other expenses:

                        

Provision for contingencies

   Ps. (5,374 )   Ps. (7,651 )   Ps. —    

Tax on personal assets

     (3,887 )     —         —    

Donations

     (2,685 )     (5,944 )     (328 )

Tax amnesty plan for gross sales tax payable

     (2,133 )     —         —    

Debit and credit tax

     (780 )     (955 )     (2,177 )

Unrecoverable VAT

     (727 )     (1,178 )     (1,686 )

Other

     (719 )     (4,277 )     (2,047 )
    


 


 


       (16,305 )     (20,005 )     (6,238 )
    


 


 


Other expenses, net

   Ps. (12,591 )   Ps. (859 )   Ps. (4,483 )
    


 


 



(i) During the year ended June 30, 2003, APSA repurchased a portion of the Senior Notes and the Notes (Ps. 80.8 million and Ps. 1.8 million, respectively), at different prices below par plus accrued interest. In connection with the repurchase, APSA recorded a gain of Ps. 19.8 million (Ps. 12.9 million after tax). Such gain is net of a charge of Ps. 5.4 million (Ps. 3.5 million after tax) relating to the amortization of deferred financing costs associated with the repurchase obligations.

 

F-35


Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002

(In thousands of Argentine Pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

10. Issuance of IRSA Convertible Notes

 

On November 21, 2002, the Company issued US$ 100 million of 8% convertible notes due 2007 (“IRSA Convertible Notes”) with non-detachable warrants to acquire additional shares of common stock (the “Warrants”) in exchange for US$ 85 million in cash and the settlement of certain liabilities (See Note 4.i.). In accordance with the agreement, IRSA Convertible Notes are convertible, at any time, at the option of the holder, into a fixed number of common shares. The agreement provides for an original conversion price of US$ 0.55713, which only can be adjusted as a result of anti-dilution provisions. Once converted, the holder has the right to acquire an additional equal number of shares at the exercise price of US$ 0.66856 per share. The exercise price of the warrants is also adjusted as a result of anti-dilution provisions. In accounting for this issuance, no proceeds were allocated to the conversion feature and warrants. Proceeds from the issuance of IRSA Convertible Notes were mainly allocated to the settlement and restructuring of the debts outstanding at that date and to finance Company’s working capital.

 

As a result of the distribution of treasury shares approved by the shareholders in November 2002, effective December 20, 2002 the conversion price and the warrants exercise price was decreased to US$ 0.54505 and to US$ 0.65406, respectively.

 

During the years ended June 30, 2003 and 2004, certain holders of IRSA Convertible Notes for a total amount of US$ 12.9 million exercised their conversion rights and, as a result, the Company issued 12,531 shares and 23,734,388 shares of common stock, respectively. During the year ended June 30, 2004, the Company also issued 13,056,801 shares of common stock in exchange for US$ 8.5 million cash as a result of the exercise of warrants. At June 30, 2004 the outstanding balance of IRSA Convertible Notes amounted to US$ 87.1 million.

 

F-36


Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002

(In thousands of Argentine Pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

11. Balances and transactions with related parties

 

The following is a summary of the balances and transactions with related parties:

 

               Income (loss) included in the statement of
income for the year ended June 30,


   

Balance receivable

(payable) as of June 30,


 

Company


  

Relation


  

Description of

Transaction / caption


   2004

  

2003

(As restated)


  

2002

(As restated)


    2004

   

2003

(As restated)


 

Alternativa Gratis S.A.

   Subsidiary of IRSA Telecomunicaciones N.V., equity investee of the Company (through Ritelco S.A.).   

Mortgages and leases receivables, net (current)

Accrued interest

Rental income

Sales and developments

   Ps.
 
 
 
—  
—  
—  
38
   Ps.
 
 
 
—  
—  
—  
—  
   Ps.
 
 
 
—  
—  
126
—  
 
 
 
 
  Ps.
 
 
 
16
—  
—  
—  
 
 
 
 
  Ps.
 
 
 
5
—  
—  
—  
 
 
 
 

Altocity.com S.A.

   Subsidiary of E-Commerce S.A., an equity investee of APSA   

Mortgages and leases receivables, net (current)

Other receivables and prepaid expenses (current)

Other liabilities (current)

Rental income

Sales and developments

    
 
 
 
 
—  
—  
—  
97
46
    
 
 
 
 
—  
—  
—  
102
—  
    
 
 
 
 
—  
—  
—  
233
—  
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
4
59
(176
—  
—  
 
 
)
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
71
84
(79
—  
—  
 
 
)
 
 

APSA

   An equity investee of the Company during 2002 (i)    Accrued interest      —        —        12,013       —         —    

Banco de Crédito y Securitizacion S.A.

  

Subsidiary of BHSA, an equity investee of the Company

(ii)

   Investments non-current      —        —        —         4,590       7,007  

Banco Provincia S.A.

   Minority shareholder or ERSA, a majority-owned of APSA    Other liabilities - Dividends payable      —        —        —         (303 )     (303 )

Bass Hotels & Resorts BV

   Shareholder of Nuevas Fronteras S.A., subsidiary of PISA ( trough Inversora Bolivar S.A.)   

Trade accounts payable (current)

Sales and developments

    
 
—  
1,560
    
 
—  
—  
    
 
—  
—  
 
 
   
 
(227
—  
)
 
   
 
—  
—  
 
 

BHSA

   Equity investee of the Company (ii)   

Investments non-current

Results from holding and operations

    
 
—  
12,300
    
 
—  
5,136
    
 
—  
(50,445
 
)
   
 
158,069
—  
 
 
   
 
23,677
—  
 
 

Buenos Aires Equity Investment N.V.

   Minority shareholder or ERSA, a majority-owned of APSA    Other liabilities - Dividends payable      —        —        —         (34 )     (36 )

 

F-37


Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002

(In thousands of Argentine Pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

11. Balances and transactions with related parties (continued)

 

              

Income (loss) included in the statement of

income for the year ended June 30,


   

Balance receivable

(payable) as of June 30,


 

Company


  

Relation


  

Description of

Transaction / caption


   2004

   

2003

(As restated)


   

2002

(As restated)


    2004

   

2003

(As restated)


 

Cresud S.A.C.I.F. y A.

   Shareholder of the Company   

Mortgages and leases receivables, net (current)

Other receivables and prepaid expenses (current)

Trade accounts payable (current)

Other liabilities (current)

Short and long-term debts-IRSA Convertible Notes

Accrued interest

Rental income

Sales and developments

Cost of services

   Ps.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
—  
—  
—  
—  
—  
21
—  
361
(92
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
)
  Ps.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
—  
—  
—  
—  
—  
(197
—  
—  
—  
 
 
 
 
 
)
 
 
 
  Ps.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
—  
—  
—  
—  
—  
461
165
—  
—  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Ps.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
6
175
(1
(87
(132,942
—  
—  
—  
—  
 
 
)
)
)
 
 
 
 
  Ps.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1
405
(62
(261
(139,140
—  
—  
—  
—  
 
 
)
)
)
 
 
 
 

Dalor

   Minority shareholder of Tarshop S.A., a majority-owned subsidiary of APSA    Other liabilities (current)      —         —         —         (161 )     (173 )

Dolphin Fund
Management S.A..

   Related party (iv)   

Mortgages and leases receivables, net (current)

Other receivables and prepaid expenses (current)

Trade accounts payable (current)

Other liabilities (current)

Rental income

Sale and developments

Accrued interest

Cost of services

Rental expense

Results from holding and operations

    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
—  
—  
—  
—  
—  
20
—  
(109
(138
1,298
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
)
)
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
—  
—  
—  
—  
—  
17
(32
—  
—  
—  
 
 
 
 
 
 
)
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
—  
—  
—  
—  
151
—  
—  
—  
—  
—  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
—  
4,920
—  
—  
—  
—  
—  
—  
—  
—  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
26
88
(111
(183
—  
—  
—  
—  
—  
—  
 
 
)
)
 
 
 
 
 
 

Directors

   Related party   

Director’s fees

Other liabilities (current)-Director’s fees payable

Director’s guarantee deposits

Bank and financial loans (current)

Bank and financial loans (non current)

Short and long-term debts – IRSA Convertible Notes

    
 
 
 
 
 
(8,626
—  
—  
—  
—  
—  
)
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
(8,807
—  
—  
—  
—  
—  
)
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
(3,338
—  
—  
—  
—  
—  
)
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
—  
(6,862
(20
(11
(246
(370
 
)
)
)
)
)
   
 
 
 
 
 
—  
(7,840
(20
(11
(233
(350
 
)
)
)
)
)

E-Commerce Latina S.A.

   Equity investee of APSA    Other receivables and prepaid expenses (current)      —         —         —         17       17  

Estudio Zang

   Legal services   

Cost of services

Other liabilities (current)

Trade accounts payable (current)

    
 
 
(243
—  
—  
)
 
 
   
 
 
(376
—  
—  
)
 
 
   
 
 
—  
—  
—  
 
 
 
   
 
 
—  
(160
(23
 
)
)
   
 
 
—  
—  
—  
 
 
 

Fundación IRSA

   Related party (v)   

Donations

Other liabilities-Donations Payable - (current)

    
 
(2,389
—  
)
 
   
 
(5,007
—  
)
 
   
 
(83
—  
)
 
   
 
—  
(3,029
 
)
   
 
—  
(4,827
 
)

 

F-38


Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002

(In thousands of Argentine Pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

11. Balances and transactions with related parties (continued)

 

              

Income (loss) included in the statement of

income for the year ended June 30,


   Balance receivable
(payable) as of June 30,


 

Company


  

Relation


  

Description of

Transaction / caption


   2004

   

2003

(As restated)


  

2002

(As restated)


   2004

   

2003

(As restated)


 

Goldman Sachs

   Shareholder of APSA   

Other liabilities (current)

Accrued interest

Other liabilities -Dividends payable

Bank and financial loan (current)

Bank and financial loan (non current)

    
 
 
 
 
—  
(1,382
—  
—  
—  
 
)
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
—  
—  
—  
—  
—  
    
 
 
 
 
—  
—  
—  
—  
—  
    
 
 
 
 
(6
—  
(2,042
(409
(9,055
)
 
)
)
)
   
 
 
 
 
(7
—  
(1,182
(387
(8,572
)
 
)
)
)

Grupo Sutton

   Shareholder of Llao Llao Resorts S.A., subsidiary of the Company   

Other receivables and prepaid expenses (current)

Accrued interest

   Ps.
 
—  
61
 
 
  Ps.
 
—  
—  
   Ps.
 
—  
—  
   Ps.
 
—  
—  
 
 
  Ps.
 
436
—  
 
 

Hoteles Sheraton de Argentina S.A.

   Shareholder of HASA, subsidiary of the Company    Other liabilities (current)      —         —        —        (119 )     —    

IFIS S.A.

   Indirect shareholder   

Other receivables and prepaid expenses (current)

Accrued interest

    
 
—  
54
 
 
   
 
—  
—  
    
 
—  
—  
    
 
14,878
—  
 
 
   
 
—  
—  
 
 

IRSA telecomunicaciones N.V.

   Equity investee of the Company (through Ritelco S.A.).    Other liabilities (current)      —         —        —        (17 )     —    

Managers, directors and other staff of the Company.

   Related parties (iii)   

Other receivables and prepaid expenses (current)

Other receivables and prepaid expenses (non-current)

Expenses to be recovered

    
 
 
—  
—  
5
 
 
 
   
 
 
—  
—  
3
    
 
 
—  
—  
135
    
 
 
327
12
—  
 
 
 
   
 
 
36
17
—  
 
 
 

Parque Arauco

   Shareholder of APSA   

Other liabilities (current)

Bank and financial loan (current)

Bank and financial loan (non current)

Accrued interest

    
 
 
 
—  
—  
—  
(7,016
 
 
 
)
   
 
 
 
—  
—  
—  
—  
    
 
 
 
—  
—  
—  
—  
    
 
 
 
(2,424
(1,998
(44,219
—  
)
)
)
 
   
 
 
 
(2,155
(1,892
(41,857
—  
)
)
)
 

Pérez Cuesta S.A.

   Equity investee of APSA    Dividends receivable      —         —        —        75       75  

Red Alternativa S.A.

   Subsidiary of IRSA Telecomunicaciones N.V., equity investee of the Company (through Ritelco S.A.).   

Mortgages and leases receivables, net (current)

Other receivables and prepaid expenses (current)

Rental income

Sales and developments

Expenses to be recover

    
 
 
 
 
—  
—  
137
16
—  
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
—  
—  
119
—  
65
    
 
 
 
 
—  
—  
53
—  
—  
    
 
 
 
 
53
1
—  
—  
—  
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
34
3
—  
—  
—  
 
 
 
 
 

Valle de las Leñas S.A.

   Equity investee    Accrued interest      —         76      —        —         —    

 

F-39


Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002

(In thousands of Argentine Pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

11. Balances and transactions with related parties (continued)

 

(i) On July 20, 2001, the Company’s board of directors approved to grant APSA several loans to finance transactions related to its swap agreement (the “Loan Agreements”). On February 8, 2002 the Company and Parque Arauco signed subordination agreements in order to subordinate the payment of that Loans Agreements to the payment of the Senior Notes. The interest rate associated to the Loan Agreements was the lesser of (i) variable cost of money for the Company in operations of up to 30 days and, (ii) the average of the last five BADLAR rates for US dollar transactions, plus 200 annual nominal basis points for operations in foreign and local currency according to market conditions. At June 30, 2002, the outstanding balance of these loans amounted to Ps. 73.1 million and accrued an annual interest rate of 10 % plus CER. On August 20, 2002 the Company subscribed convertible notes issued by APSA mainly applying the loan above-mentioned for a total amount of US$ 27.2 million. During the year ended June 30, 2003 the Company subscribed an additional amount of US$ 2.6 million.

 

(ii) The Company is a shareholder of BHSA and BACSA. During the year ended June 30, 2004 the Company changed the method of accounting for these investments from fair market value and cost, respectively, to the equity method of accounting.

 

(iii) The Company provided loans and advances to employees and directors, the balances of which amounted to Ps. 339 and Ps. 53 as of June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively. Such balances are to be repaid via scheduled payroll deductions.

 

(iv) An open -ended investment fund which is related to our chairman Eduardo Elsztain.

 

(v) A not-for-profit organization whose chairman is Eduardo Elsztain.

 

F-40


Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002

(In thousands of Argentine Pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

12. Additional information on assets and liabilities

 

The breakdown of main assets and liabilities as of June 30, 2004 is as follows:

 

     To mature in
3 months


  

To mature
between

4 and 6 months


  

To mature
between

7 and 9 months


  

To mature
between

10 and 12
months


   To mature in
greater than
1 year


  

Past due


   No fixed term

  

Total


                       Current

   Non-Current

  

Assets

                                                              

Investments

   Ps. 27,972    Ps. —      Ps. —      Ps. —      Ps. 25,822    Ps. 6,677    Ps. 36,155    Ps. 498,612    Ps. 595,238

Mortgages and leases receivable, net

     19,664      4,286      2,579      1,674      2,836      5,326      902      —        37,267

Other receivables and prepaid expenses

     26,962      8,546      14,249      428      70,631      —        2,563      55,163      178,542
    

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

     Ps. 74,598    Ps. 12,832    Ps. 16,828    Ps. 2,102    Ps. 99,289    Ps. 12,003    Ps. 39,620    Ps. 553,775    Ps. 811,047
    

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

Liabilities

                                                              

Trade accounts payable

   Ps. 36,333    Ps. 421    Ps. 274    Ps. 200    Ps. 2,865    Ps. 5,780    Ps. —      Ps. —      Ps. 45,873

Customer advances

     10,022      5,492      5,034      4,906      28,802      —        —        —        54,256

Salaries and social security payable

     4,342      2,589      1,050      —        —        —        —        —        7,981

Mortgages payable

     —        —        —        2,218      —        —        —        —        2,218

Short and long term debt

     3,625      2,659      33,067      58,420      468,807      37,314      42      —        603,934

Taxes payable

     6,270      4,620      63      688      3,120      —        —        3,087      17,848

Other liabilities

     8,470      9,120      6,166      172      2,036      219      6,446      8,114      40,743
    

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

     Ps. 69,062    Ps. 24,901    Ps. 45,654    Ps. 66,604    Ps. 505,630    Ps. 43,313    Ps. 6,488    Ps. 11,201    Ps. 772,853
    

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

 

     Accruing interest at a fixed rate

   Accruing interest at a variable rate

   Not accruing interest

  

Total


     Current

   Non-Current

   Current

   Non-Current

   Current

    Non-Current

  

Assets

                                                 

Investments

   Ps. 1,492    Ps. 12,411    Ps. 25,223    Ps. —      Ps. 44,089     Ps. 512,023    Ps. 595,238

Mortgages and leases receivable, net

     173      57      206      961      34,052       1,818      37,267

Other receivables and prepaid expenses

     28,512      4      563      —        23,673       125,790      178,542
    

  

  

  

  


 

  

     Ps. 30,177    Ps. 12,472    Ps. 25,992    Ps. 961    Ps. 101,814     Ps. 639,631    Ps. 811,047
    

  

  

  

  


 

  

Liabilities

                                                 

Trade accounts payable

   Ps. —      Ps. —      Ps. 1,008    Ps. 2,865    Ps. 42,000     Ps. —      Ps. 45,873

Customer advances

     —        —        1,220      7,277      24,234       21,525      54,256

Salaries and social security payable

     —        —        —        —        7,981       —        7,981

Mortgages payable

     —        —        —        —        2,218       —        2,218

Short and long term debt

     114,672      457,971      21,379      —        (924 )     10,836      603,934

Taxes payable

     35      320      —        —        11,606       5,887      17,848

Other liabilities

     2,586      —        5,781      —        22,226       10,150      40,743
    

  

  

  

  


 

  

     Ps. 117,293    Ps. 458,291    Ps. 29,388    Ps. 10,142    Ps. 109,341     Ps. 48,398    Ps. 772,853
    

  

  

  

  


 

  

 

F-41


Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

to the years ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002

(In thousands of Argentine Pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

13. Restricted assets

 

(i) In a series of transactions, which occurred between 1999 and 2000, the Company acquired from an unrelated party, Puerto Retiro, the sole asset of which is an undeveloped parcel of land in Retiro, Buenos Aires. Prior to the acquisition of Puerto Retiro by the Company, Puerto Retiro had acquired the abovementioned land from Tandanor S.A. (“Tandanor”), a formerly state-owned entity, which had been acquired by Inversora Dársena Norte S.A. (“Indarsa”) in 1991 through a privatization process. Indarsa did not cancel the outstanding balance of the purchase price of Tandanor, and as a result, the Federal Government, through its Ministry of Defense, petitioned the bankruptcy of Indarsa. Since the sole asset of Indarsa was its ownership interest in Tandanor, the government is seeking to extend the bankruptcy procedures to any company or individual, which, according to its view, acted as a group, and therefore, requested the bankruptcy of Puerto Retiro. In this connection, the bankruptcy court for the Buenos Aires District issued an order restraining the ability of Puerto Retiro to sell or dispose in any manner the land previously acquired from Tandanor. The Company is vigorously defending against this case. While there can be no assurance of success, the Company believes it is likely to prevail on the case and obtain a judgment in its favor.

 

(ii) In March 2003, the Company acquired a parcel of land in Barrio Parque (San Martin de Tours) for US$ 280 in cash plus US$ 750 to be paid through the transfer of title of the 25% of the apartments to be built on this land. The Company has mortgaged the land in favor of the seller as collateral for the obligations assumed in the acquisition.

 

(iii) The Labor Court N° 55 decided the embargo of units N° 14 and 20 located in Sarmiento 517, property of the Company, in connection with a lawsuit in which the Company is codefendant.

 

F-42


Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

to the years ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002

(In thousands of Argentine Pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

14. Derivative instruments

 

The Company’s derivative activity during fiscal years 2004, 2003 and 2002 is presented below:

 

  - Interest rate swap agreement

 

In order to minimize its financing costs and to manage interest rate exposure, during fiscal year 2000 APSA entered into an interest rate swap agreement to effectively convert a portion of its peso-denominated fixed-rate debt to peso-denominated floating rate debt. As of June 30, 2001, APSA had an interest rate swap agreement outstanding with an aggregate notional amount of Ps. 85.0 million with maturities through March 2005. This swap agreement initially allowed APSA to reduce the net cost of its debt. However, subsequent to June 30, 2001, APSA modified the swap agreement due to an increase in interest rates as a result of the economic situation. Under the terms of the revised agreement, APSA converted its peso-denominated fixed rate debt to U.S. dollar-denominated floating rate debt for a notional amount of US$ 69.1 million with maturities through March 2005. As collateral for the revised agreement, APSA was required to make a deposit of US$ 50.0 million with the counterparty. The swap agreement is carried on the consolidated balance sheet at its fair market value. The fair market value of the swap agreement amounted to US$ (45.4) million and US$ (47.1) million at June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively. During the years ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002, the Company recognized a net gain (loss) of Ps. 11.2 million, Ps. 79.9 million and Ps. (162.5) million, respectively, in connection with the swap agreement. The Company’s risk related to the swap agreement is represented by the cost of replacing such agreement at prevailing market rates. Such cost would increase in the event of a continued devaluation of the Argentine Peso.

 

  - Foreign currency forward-exchange contracts

 

In the past, consistent with its risk management policies, APSA used foreign currency forward-exchange contracts as a supplement to reduce its overall financing costs. At June 30, 2001, APSA had three outstanding foreign currency forward-exchange contracts with financial institutions to sell an aggregate amount of US$ 80.0 million with a final maturity through September 15, 2001. The Company recognized a net gain of Ps. 0.3 million during the year ended June 30, 2002 related to these contracts.

 

  - Future contracts to purchase metals

 

The Company also engages in trading of certain financial instruments. At June 30, 2004 the Company had three future contracts outstanding to purchase 300 ounces of silver at an average price of US$ 6.075 maturing in December 2004. As collateral for these agreements the Company maintains a deposit of Ps. 694 (Ps. 474 net of the fair value of the future contracts), which has been recorded within “Other receivables and prepaid expenses” in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. Results recognized during fiscal year 2004 in connection with metal future transactions amounted to Ps. 4,172 (US$ 1,447), which are disclosed within “Financial results, net – Financial operating net results” in the accompanying Consolidated Income Statement.

 

15. Mortgage receivable securitization

 

On November 2, 2001 the Company entered into a securitization program with Banco Sudameris (“BS”). Under this program, during the year ended June 30, 2002, the Company sold an aggregate amount of US$ 26.6 million mortgages receivable to a Trust in exchange for US$ 10.0 million in cash, US$ 3.3 million senior debt certificates (Class A), US$ 2.6 million subordinated debt certificates (Classes B and C) and a US$ 10.7 million equity interest (Class D). Mortgages receivable sold under this program were excluded from accounts receivable in the Consolidated Financial Statements. The Company’s retained interest in Class A, B and C debt securities are valued at cost plus accrued interest while the retained interest in Class D securities is accounted for under the equity method. As a result of the economic measures issued by the Argentine government, the mortgages receivables transferred to the trust as well as the certificates issued by the trust were converted into Argentine pesos at the exchange rate of Ps.1 per US$ 1. In addition, such balances are being adjusted by CER or “coeficiente de estabilización de referencia”, an adjusting index that approximates inflation. At June 30, 2004 the Company’s retained interest in Class D equity security amounted to Ps. 5,927. Class A, B and C debt certificates had been fully amortized at June 30, 2004.

 

F-43


Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

to the years ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002

(In thousands of Argentine Pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

16. Tarshop credit card receivables securitization

 

The Company has ongoing revolving period securitization programs through which Tarshop, a majority-owned subsidiary of APSA, transfers a portion of its customer credit card receivable balances to a master trust (the “Trust”) that issues certificates to public and private investors. To the extent the certificates are sold to third parties, the receivables transferred qualify as sales for financial statement purposes and are removed from the Company’s balance sheet. The remaining receivables in the Trust which have not been sold to third parties are reflected on the Company’s balance sheet as a retained interest in transferred credit card receivables. Under certain of these programs, in the past, the Company acted as the servicer on the accounts and received a fee for its services.

 

Under the securitization programs, the Trust may issue two types of certificates representing undivided interests in the Trust – Títulos de Deuda Fiduciaria (“TDF”) and Certificados de Participación (“CP”), which represent debt and equity certificates, respectively. Interest and principal services are paid periodically to the TDF holders throughout the life of the security. CPs are subordinated securities which entitle the CP holders to share pro rata in the cash flows of the securitized credit card receivables, after principal and interest on the TDFs and other fees and expenses have been paid. During the revolving period no payments are made to TDF and CP holders. Principal collections of the underlying financial assets are used by the Trust to acquire additional credit card receivables throughout the revolving period. Once the revolving period ends, a period of liquidation occurs during which: (i) no further assets are purchased and (ii) all cash collections are used to fulfill the TDF service requirements and (iii) the remaining proceeds are used to fulfill the CPs service requirements.

 

At June 30, 2004 the Company has eight securitization programs outstanding, pursuant to which Tarshop has sold an aggregate amount of Ps. 108.2 million of its customer credit card receivable balances to Trusts in exchange for Ps. 90.7 million in cash proceeds, Ps. 1.4 million variable rate interest TDFs, and Ps. 16.1 million nominal value subordinated CPs. Under the securitization programs, the Trusts issued Ps. 33.1 million 9% fixed-rate interest TDFs, Ps. 11.1 million 10% fixed-rate interest TDFs, Ps. 4.1 million 13% fixed-rate interest TDFs, Ps. 11.0 million 14% fixed-rate interest TDFs, Ps. 0.9 million 15% fixed-rate interest TDFs, Ps. 20.0 million 18% fixed-rate interest TDFs, and Ps. 11.9 million variable rate interest TDFs. Except for certain TDFs acquired by Tarshop as mentioned above, the TDFs were sold to other investors through a public offering in Argentina. As a credit protection for investors, Tarshop has established cash reserves for losses amounting to Ps. 0.8 million.

 

F-44


Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

to the years ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002

(In thousands of Argentine Pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

17. Income and asset tax

 

As described in Note 3.n., the Company accounts for income taxes using the liability method whereby deferred tax asset and liability account balances are determined based on differences between financial reporting and tax based assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates.

 

Income tax expense (benefit) for the years ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002 consists of the following:

 

     2004

  

2003

(As restated)


   

2002

(As restated)


 

Current income and asset tax expense

   Ps. 8,303    Ps. 3,532     Ps. 8,474  

Deferred income tax expense (benefit)

     17,417      (7,061 )     (7,388 )
    

  


 


Income and asset tax expense (benefit)

   Ps.  25,720    Ps.  (3,529)     Ps. 1,086  
    

  


 


 

The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities at June 30, 2004 and 2003 are presented below:

 

    

Balances at

beginning of year

(As restated)


   

Changes for

the year


    Balances
at year-end


 

Deferred tax assets (liabilities):

                        

Investments

   Ps. 1,881     Ps. (8,493)     Ps. (6,612)  

Accounts receivable

     6,394       (3,982 )     2,412  

Other receivables and prepaid expenses

     971       (2,442 )     (1,471 )

Inventory

     18       637       655  

Fixed assets

     (12,979 )     (1,110 )     (14,089 )

Intangible assets

     (1,881 )     1,320       (561 )

Short-term and long-term debt

     13,488       (5,775 )     7,713  

Other liabilities

     5,181       —         5,181  

Tax loss carryforwards

     96,504       7,375       103,879  

Valuation allowance

     (41,908 )     (4,947 )     (46,855 )
    


 


 


Net deferred income tax asset (liability)

   Ps. 67,669     Ps.  (17,417 )   Ps. 50,252  
    


 


 


 

Income tax expense (benefit) for the years ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002 differed from the amounts computed by applying the Company’s statutory income tax rate to pre-tax income (loss) as a result of the following:

 

     Years ended June 30,

 
     2004

   

2003

(As restated)


   

2002

(As restated)


 

Pretax income (loss)

   Ps.  126,424     Ps. 318,628     Ps.  (543,614)  

Statutory income tax rate

     35 %     35 %     35 %

Income tax expense (benefit) at statutory tax rate on pretax income (loss)

   Ps. 44,248     Ps. 111,520     Ps. (190,265 )

Non-deductible expenses

     4,405       5,854       2,734  

Net loss (gain) in related companies net of intercompany transactions

     8,256       57,213       (38,689 )

Change in valuation allowance

     4,947       (133,085 )     134,510  

Inflation adjustment, net of impairment effect

     (33,192 )     (12,898 )     95,109  

Others, net

     (2,944 )     (32,133 )     (2,313 )
    


 


 


Income and asset tax expense (benefit)

   Ps. 25,720     Ps. (3,529 )   Ps. 1,086  
    


 


 


 

As of June 30, 2004, the Company and its subsidiaries had accumulated tax loss carryforwards of approximately Ps. 296.7 million, which expire at various dates beginning 2005 and ending 2009.

 

F-45


Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

to the years ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002

(In thousands of Argentine Pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

18. Earnings per share

 

The following tables set forth the computation of basic and diluted net income (loss) per share under Argentine GAAP for all periods presented:

 

     Year ended June 30,

 
     2004

  

2003

(As restated)


   

2002

(As restated)


 

Numerator:

                 

Net income (loss) available to common shareholders

   Ps. 87,862    Ps. 286,445     Ps. (543,723 )

Plus: income impact of assumed conversions:

                 

Interest expense on convertible debt

   22,082    14,064     —    

Foreign currency exchange gain (loss)

   15,583    (72,999 )   —    

Income tax effects

   —      20,627     —    
    
  

 

Net income (loss) available to common shareholders plus assumed conversions

   Ps. 125,527    Ps. 248,137     Ps. (543,723 )
    
  

 

Denominator:

                 

Weighted-average number of shares outstanding

   Ps. 225,005    Ps. 209,840     Ps. 207,412  

Plus: incremental shares of assumed conversions:

                 

Convertible debt and warrants

   329,266    229,209     —    
    
  

 

Adjusted weighted-average number of shares

   Ps. 554,271    Ps. 439,049     Ps. 207,412  
    
  

 

Basic and diluted EPS:

                 

Basic EPS

   Ps. 0.39    Ps. 1.37     Ps. (2.62 )

Diluted EPS

   Ps. 0.23    Ps. 0.57     Ps. (2.62 )

 

19. Supplementary cash flow information

 

The following table reconciles the balances included as cash and banks and current investments in the balance sheet to the total amounts of cash and cash equivalents at the beginning and end of the period shown in the statements of cash flows:

 

     As of June 30,

     2004

  

2003

(As restated)


  

2002

(As restated)


Cash and banks

   93,096    89,883    29,802

Current investments

   70,804    142,118    41,348
    
  
  

Total cash and banks and current investments as per balance sheet

   163,900    232,001    71,150

Less: Items not considered cash and cash equivalents

              

- Mutual funds

   33,647    29,740    —  

- Retained interest in transferred credit card receivable

   6,677    4,719    —  

- Government bonds

   365    3,124    —  

- Retained interest in transferred mortgages receivable

   252    1,323    —  

- Banco Hipotecario S.A.

   —      —      12,946

- Telecom Argentina S.A.

   —      —      27,928

- Other investments

   46    38    —  
    
  
  

Cash and cash equivalents as shown in the statement of cash flows

   122,913    193,057    30,276
    
  
  

 

F-46


Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(In thousands of Argentine Pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

20. Differences between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP

 

The Company’s consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Argentine GAAP and the regulations of the CNV, which differs in certain significant respects from US GAAP. Such differences involve methods of measuring the amounts shown in the consolidated financial statements, as well as additional disclosures required by US GAAP and the regulations of the SEC.

 

As discussed in Notes 2.c. and 3.n., in order to comply with regulations of the CNV, the Company discontinued inflation accounting as from March 1, 2003 as well as recognized deferred income tax assets and liabilities on a non-discounted basis. The application of the CNV regulations represents a departure from generally accepted accounting principles in Argentina. However, such departure has not had a material effect on the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

 

I. Differences in measurement methods

 

The following reconciliation to US GAAP does not include the reversal of the adjustments to the consolidated financial statements for the effects of inflation through February 28, 2003, because the application of this standard represents a comprehensive measure of the effects of price level changes in the Argentine economy.

 

The principal differences, other than inflation accounting, between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP are described below, together with an explanation, where appropriate, of the method used in the determination of the necessary adjustments.

 

Reconciliation of net income (loss):

 

     Year ended June 30,

     2004

  

2003

(Restated)


  

2002

(Restated)


Net income (loss) under Argentine GAAP

   Ps. 87,862    Ps. 286,445    Ps. (543,723)

US GAAP adjustments:

                    

Impact of US GAAP adjustments on equity investees (Note 20.I.(b))

     (46,814)      48,041      (329,598)

Accounting for marketable securities (Note 20.I.(c))

     (5,297)      (2,092)      3,607

Accounting for derivatives and hedging activities (Note 20.I.(d))

     —        —        (7,586)

Non-contributory management stock ownership plan (Note 20.I.(e))

     —        (38,941)      (12,980)

Depreciation of fixed assets (Note 20.I.(f))

     (3,822)      (2,396)      9,342

Pre-operating and organization expenses (Note 20.I.(g))

     (151)      5,175      1,736

Depreciation and amortization expense (Notes 20.I.(h) and (j))

     4,151      4,795      134

Securitization accounting (Note 20.I.(i))

     (1,787)      5,469      (2,264)

Present-value accounting (Note 20.I.(k))

     9,271      (8,026)      —  

Restoration of previously recognized impairment losses (Note 20.I.(l))

     (63,067)      (25,384)      —  

Accounting for convertible notes (Note 20.I.(m))

     (7,931)      (10,468)      —  

Reversal of gain recognized on troubled debt restructuring (Note 20.I.(n))

     11,972      (30,153)      —  

Accounting for real estate barter transactions (Note 20.I.(o))

     (681)      —        —  

Deferred charges (Note 20.I.(q))

     —        213      —  
    

  

  

Carry forward

   Ps. (16,294)    Ps. 232,678    Ps. (881,332)
    

  

  

 

F-47


Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(In thousands of Argentine Pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

20. Differences between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP (continued)

 

Reconciliation of net income (loss):

 

     Year ended June 30,

 
     2004

   

2003

(Restated)


   

2002

(Restated)


 

Brought forward

   Ps.  (16,294 )   Ps. 232,678     Ps.  (881,332 )

Amortization of fees related to APSA Senior Notes (Note 20.I.(r))

     597       503       —    

Software obtained for internal use (Note 20.I.(s))

     157       129       —    

Accounting for changes in interest in consolidated affiliated companies (Note 20.I.(t))

     —         (20 )     —    

Capitalization of interest costs (Note 20.I.(u))

     1,277       —         —    

Deferred income tax (Note 20.I.(v))

     13,192       (722 )     (35,471 )

Minority interest (Note 20.I.(w))

     3,896       2,558       15,288  
    


 


 


Net income (loss) under US GAAP

   Ps. 2,825     Ps.  235,126     Ps.  (901,515 )
    


 


 


Earnings per share under US GAAP (Note 20.II.(k):

                        

Basic net income (loss) per common share

   Ps. 0.01     Ps. 1.12     Ps. (4.35 )

Diluted net income (loss) per common share

   Ps. 0.01     Ps. 0.60     Ps. (4.35 )

 

Reconciliation of shareholders’ equity:

 

     As of June 30,

 
     2004

   

2003

(Restated)


 

Total shareholders’ equity under Argentine GAAP

   Ps. 959,854     Ps. 809,186  

US GAAP adjustments:

                

Impact of US GAAP adjustments on equity investees (Note 20.I.(b))

     (160,079 )     (127,691 )

Depreciation of fixed assets (Note 20.I.(f))

     (9,439 )     (5,617 )

Pre-operating and organization expenses (Note 20.I.(g))

     (1,761 )     (1,610 )

Mortgage payable with no stated interest rate (Note 20.I.(h))

     (2,029 )     (2,029 )

Differences in basis related to purchase accounting (Note 20.I.(j))

     18,305       20,813  

Depreciation and amortization expense (Note 20.I.(h) and (j))

     4,849       698  

Securitization accounting (Note 20.I.(i))

     (660 )     (2,199 )

Present-value accounting (Note 20.I.(k))

     1,245       (8,026 )

Restoration of previously recognized impairment losses (Note 20.I.(l))

     (88,451 )     (25,384 )

Accounting for convertible notes (Note 20.I.(m))

     17,792       25,723  

Reversal of gain recognized on troubled debt restructuring (Note 20.I.(n))

     (18,181 )     (30,153 )

Accounting for real estate barter transactions (Note 20.I.(o))

     (681 )     —    

Appraisal revaluation of fixed assets (Note 20.I.(p))

     (3,953 )     (3,953 )

Amortization of fees related to APSA Senior Notes (Note 20.I.(r))

     (402 )     (999 )

Software obtained for internal use (Note 20.I.(s))

     (29 )     (186 )

Capitalization of interest costs (Note 20.I.(u))

     1,277       —    

Deferred income tax (Note 20.I.(v))

     (221,750 )     (232,802 )

Minority interest (Note 20.I.(w))

     91,833       87,032  
    


 


Shareholders’ equity under US GAAP

   Ps. 587,740     Ps. 502,803  
    


 


 

F-48


Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(In thousands of Argentine Pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

20. Differences between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP (continued)

 

Description of changes in shareholders’ equity under US GAAP:

 

     For the year ended June 30,

     2004

   2003

Shareholders’ equity under US GAAP at the beginning of the year

   Ps.  502,803    Ps.  197,124

Amortization of deferred compensation expense

     —        38,941

Conversion of debt into common shares

     36,790      21

Additional paid-in-capital common stock

     22,271      23,524

Additional paid-in-capital warrants

     3,745      —  

Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities

     3,501      1,272

Unrealized gain on retained interest in securitization programs

     1,379      1,049

Unrealized loss on available-for-sale securities on equity investees

     14,426      5,746

Net income under US GAAP

     2,825      235,126
    

  

Shareholders’ equity under US GAAP at the end of the year

   Ps. 587,740    Ps. 502,803
    

  

 

  (a) Restatement of the US GAAP reconciliation

 

Consolidation of LLR

 

As discussed in Note 2.d., under Argentine GAAP and as a result of the adoption of RT No. 21, the Company began consolidating LLR during fiscal year 2004. As required by the transition provisions of this standard, the Company’s prior year’s financial statements were restated. As a result, the US GAAP reconciliation footnote has also been restated to reflect the US GAAP adjustments of LLR on a consolidated basis. However, this restatement did not affect the originally reported US GAAP amounts of consolidated net income (loss) for the years ended June 30, 2003 and 2002 and of consolidated shareholders’ equity as of June 30, 2003.

 

Change to the equity method of accounting

 

As discussed in Note 3.c.(ii)a), during fiscal year 2004 the Company changed the accounting method for its investments in BHSA’s shares from market value to the equity method of accounting. Under Argentine GAAP, the Company recognized the cumulative effect of the change in earnings during fiscal year 2004. Under US GAAP, the financial statements of prior years were retroactively adjusted as required by APB Opinion No. 18, “The Equity Method of Accounting for Investments in Common Stock” (“APB No. 18”), to reflect the investment under the equity method of accounting in a manner consistent with the accounting for a step acquisition of a subsidiary. Under US GAAP, the investment had been originally classified as available-for-sale securities in accordance with Statements of Financial Accounting Standards N° 115 (“SFAS 115”), “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities”, and accordingly unrealized gains and losses had been excluded from income and reported as a separate component of shareholders’ equity, except when the decline in fair value was considered “other-than temporary”.

 

F-49


Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(In thousands of Argentine Pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

20. Differences between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP (continued)

 

  (a) Restatement of the US GAAP reconciliation (continued)

 

The impact of the restatement on previously reported US GAAP amounts of consolidated net income (loss) for the years ended June 30, 2003 and 2002 and of consolidated shareholders’ equity as of June 30, 2003 is presented in the following table:

 

     2003

    2002

 
     Shareholders’
equity


    Net income

    Net loss

 

Amounts as previously reported

   Ps. 630,693     Ps.  191,248     Ps.  (731,470 )

Impact of US GAAP adjustments on equity investees

     (125,477 )     39,481       (175,112 )

Accounting for marketable securities

     —         6,765       7,795  

Deferred income tax

     (4,825 )     (2,368 )     (2,728 )

Minority interest

     2,412       —         —    
    


 


 


Amounts as restated

   Ps. 502,803     Ps. 235,126     Ps.  (901,515 )
    


 


 


The effect of this restatement on previously reported US GAAP amounts of comprehensive income (loss) for the years ended June 30, 2003 and 2002 and of accumulated other comprehensive income at June 30, 2003 is as follows:

 

  

     2003

    2002

 
    

Accumulated other

comprehensive

income


   

Comprehensive

income


   

Comprehensive

loss


 

Amounts as previously reported

   Ps.  3,945     Ps.  197,957     Ps.  (629,267 )

Amounts as restated

   Ps. 5,303     Ps. 243,193     Ps.  (804,379 )

 

The effect of this restatement on the amounts of basic and diluted net income (loss) per share reported under US GAAP for the year ended June 30, 2003 and 2002 is as follows:

 

    

As previously

reported


    As restated

 

Basic net income per share for the year ended June 30, 2003

   Ps. 0.91     Ps. 1.12  

Diluted net income per share for the year ended June 30, 2003

     0.47       0.60  

Basic net loss per share for the year ended June 30, 2002

     (3.53 )     (4.35 )

Diluted net loss per share for the year ended June 30, 2002

     (3.53 )     (4.35 )

 

  (b) Impact of US GAAP adjustments on equity investees

 

Under Argentine GAAP, investments in companies in which the Company exercises significant influence, but not control, are accounted for under the equity method. Under the equity method, the investment is recorded at original cost and periodically increased (decreased) by the investor’s proportionate share of earnings (losses) of the investee and decreased by all dividends received from the investor by the investee. The Company applies its percentage ownership interest to the financial statements of its equity method investments prepared under Argentine GAAP. For purposes of this reconciliation, the Company has assessed the impact of US GAAP adjustments on the Argentine GAAP financial statements of its equity investees. As a consequence of this assessment, the Company recognized a net (loss) gain of Ps. (46.8) million, Ps. 48.0 million and Ps. (329.6) million for the years ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

 

F-50


Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(In thousands of Argentine Pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

20. Differences between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP (continued)

 

  (b) Impact of US GAAP adjustments on equity investees (continued)

 

These adjustments primarily include the effect of the different accounting treatment between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP in accounting for the Company’s investment in BHSA as a result of the restatement recorded under US GAAP. As discussed in Note 20.I.(a), the US GAAP reconciliation was restated to retroactively reflect the investment under the equity method of accounting in a manner consistent with the accounting for a step acquisition of a subsidiary while under Argentine GAAP prior to fiscal year 2004 the investment was carried at fair market value. As from fiscal year 2004, under Argentine GAAP the investment in BHSA is also accounted for under the equity method of accounting. There are significant US GAAP adjustments that affect the Company’s equity investment in BHSA reported under Argentine GAAP, which relate primarily to: (a) the accounting for compensatory and hedge bonds received by BHSA from the Argentine Government as compensation of the negative effects of the conversion into pesos of financial institutions’ assets and liabilities at different exchange rates; (b) the accounting for the restructuring of its debts; (c) the accounting for securitization programs of mortgage loans; (d) the accounting for secured loans received from the Argentine Government in exchange for Argentine public-sector debt instruments; and (e) the accounting for impairments of fixed and foreclosed assets.

 

These adjustments also include the effects of US GAAP adjustments of other equity investees related principally to (i) the recognition of pre-operating and organization costs as expenses, (ii) the accounting for certain assets and liabilities on a non-discounted basis, (iii) the reversal of a gain recognized under Argentine GAAP related to the restoration of a previously recognized impairment loss, (iv) the treatment of the differences between the price-level restated amounts of assets and liabilities and their historical basis as temporary differences in calculating deferred income taxes, (v) the accounting for available-for-sale securities, and (vi) the effect on deferred income taxes of the above mentioned reconciling items, as appropriate.

 

As discussed in Note 2.b.(iii), in early fiscal year 2003 the Company obtained a controlling interest in APSA through the acquisition of additional ownership interest. As such, the Company changed the method of accounting from the equity method to consolidation accounting as from July 1, 2002. As a result, the 2003 and 2004 US GAAP adjustments related to APSA are reflected on separate reconciling items and were not included as part of this adjustment for those years.

 

These adjustments were also restated to eliminate the impact of US GAAP differences related to the Company’s investment in LLR which, as from fiscal year 2004, is being presented on a consolidated basis.

 

  (c) Accounting for marketable securities

 

Under Argentine GAAP, the Company’s investments in debt and equity securities are carried at market value with unrealized gains and losses, if any, included in the statement of income.

 

Under US GAAP, the Company has classified these investments as available-for-sale and is carrying these investments at market value with material unrealized gains and losses, if any, included in stockholders’ equity in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 115 “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities” (“SFAS No. 115”). Specific identification was used to determine cost in computing realized gain or loss. The Company’s investments are considered available for sale as these securities could potentially be sold in response to needs for liquidity, changes in the availability of and the yield on alternative instruments or changes in funding sources or terms.

 

F-51


Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(In thousands of Argentine Pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

20. Differences between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP (continued)

 

  (c) Accounting for marketable securities (continued)

 

Management determines the appropriate classification of debt and equity securities at the time of purchase and reevaluates such designation as of each balance sheet date. SFAS No. 115 also states that for individual securities classified as available-for-sale an enterprise shall determine whether a decline in fair value below the amortized cost basis is other than temporary. In such event, accumulated unrealized losses included in other comprehensive income shall be reclassified into the statement of income. Accordingly, during fiscal year 2003, the Company recognized in earnings unrealized holding losses amounting to Ps. 7,697.

 

During the years ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002, proceeds from the sale of available-for-sale securities were Ps. 120.0 million, Ps. 263.7 million and Ps. 0 million, respectively. Gross realized gain (loss) was Ps. 3.2 million, Ps. (6.0) million and Ps. 0 million for the years ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

 

The Company’s investments consist of the following (in thousands):

 

               Gross Unrealized

     Cost

   Fair Value

   Gain

   Loss

June 30, 2002

                           

Dolphin Fund

   Ps. 31,198    Ps. 27,960    Ps. —      Ps.  3,238
    

  

  

  

     Ps. 31,198    Ps. 27,960    Ps. —      Ps. 3,238
    

  

  

  

June 30, 2003

                           

Dolphin Fund

   Ps. 31,198    Ps. 29,738    Ps. —      Ps. 1,460

O’higgins Fund (i)

     8,460      7,450      —        1,010

Morgan Stanley FCI (i)

     27,019      26,333      —        686

Citibank Fund (i)

     12,941      9,863      —        3,078

Río Bank Fund (i)

     1,538      1,536      —        2

Optium Fund

     714      717      3      —  

Raymond Fund

     2,417      2,417      —        —  

ABN- Asset Management

     1,534      1,540      6      —  

Deutche Fund (i)

     20,198      17,277      —        2,921

Other mutual funds

     5,299      5,314      15      —  

Government bonds

     1,330      1,620      290      —  
    

  

  

  

     Ps.  112,648    Ps.  103,805    Ps. 314    Ps. 9,157
    

  

  

  

June 30, 2004

                           

Dolphin Fund

   Ps. 27,883    Ps. 31,866    Ps.  3,983    Ps. —  

NCH Development Partner

     1,787      1,781      —        6

Raymond Fund

     998      1,025      27      —  

Rembrandt Fund

     1,755      1,759      4      —  

Other mutual funds

     24,336      24,371      35      —  

Government bonds

     191      299      108      —  
    

  

  

  

     Ps. 56,950    Ps. 61,101    Ps. 4,157    Ps. 6
    

  

  

  

 

(i) The decline in the fair market value of these investments was considered other-than temporary in accordance with SFAS No. 115 and, as a result, reported in earnings.

 

This adjustment was restated to reflect the change in the method of accounting for the Company’s investment in BHSA as discussed in Note 20.I.(a).

 

F-52


Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(In thousands of Argentine Pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

20. Differences between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP (continued)

 

  (d) Accounting for derivatives and hedging activities

 

As discussed in Note 3.v., from time to time, the Company utilizes certain financial instruments to manage its foreign currency and interest rate exposures, and as a supplement to reduce its overall financing costs. The Company also engages in trading of certain financial instruments. In the past, the Company also utilized foreign currency forward-exchange contracts to manage its exposure associated with its investment in foreign operations.

 

Under Argentine GAAP, the Company’s derivative financial instruments are carried at their fair market value on the consolidated balance sheet. Changes in the derivative’s fair market value are reported in earnings.

 

Under US GAAP, the Company applies Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No.133 “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” and subsequent amendments (“SFAS No. 133”) as from July 1, 2000. SFAS No. 133 establishes accounting and reporting standards requiring that every derivative instrument be recorded in the balance sheet as either an asset or liability measured at its fair value. SFAS No. 133 requires that changes in the derivative’s fair value be recognized currently in earnings unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met. Special accounting for qualifying hedges allows a derivative’s gains and losses to offset related results on the hedged item in the income statement, and requires that a company must formally document, designate, and assess the effectiveness of transactions that receive hedge accounting. Under US GAAP, the Company’s derivative instruments outstanding at June 30, 2004 and 2003 do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment under SFAS No.133. As such, no differences exist in accounting for derivatives and hedging activities between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP.

 

The income statement difference between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP shown in the US GAAP reconciliation for the year ended June 30, 2002 relates to a foreign forward-exchange contract entered into by the Company in the past to hedge a portion of its net investment in its foreign operations. On February 7, 2000, the Company had entered into a six-month foreign currency forward-exchange contract to sell Brazilian Reais (“BR”) 28,050,000 at 1US$=1.87BR, when the spot rate was 1US$=1.77BR. The Company considered this forward contract as an economic hedge of a portion of its net investment in its Brazilian subsidiary. Under Argentine GAAP, gains and losses under this contract were recognized in earnings. Under US GAAP, until June 30, 2000 the Company recorded premiums and gains and losses on forwards exchange contracts in other comprehensive income (OCI) in the same manner as the translation adjustment was recorded. Effective July 1, 2000, the Company adopted SFAS No. 133. SFAS No. 133 requires that forward contracts qualifying for hedge accounting of a net investment in a foreign operation be recorded on the balance sheet as an asset at fair value with the corresponding gain or loss recorded in OCI. Accordingly, the adoption of SFAS No. 133 did not have any impact on the Company’s financial position and results of operations. Prospectively, under US GAAP, the entire cumulative change in the fair value of the instrument that hedges a net investment in a foreign operation can be recorded in OCI as long as it does not exceed the translation adjustments for the net investment on an after-tax basis. Any excess of the hedging derivative’s changes in fair value, however, must be recorded in current earnings. As discussed in Note 2.g, the Company sold its equity ownership interest in its Brazilian subsidiary during the year ended June 30, 2002. Therefore, the accumulated after-tax loss recorded within other comprehensive income at June 30, 2001 was reclassified into earnings during the year ended June 30, 2002.

 

Additional disclosure requirements

 

The Company’s policy requires that contracts used as hedges must be effective at reducing the risk associated with the exposure being hedged and must be designated as a hedge at the inception of the contract. Hedging effectiveness is assessed periodically. Any contract that is either not designated as a hedge, or is so designated but is ineffective, is marked to market and recognized in earnings immediately. The Company will discontinue hedge accounting prospectively if it is determined that the derivative is no longer effective in offsetting changes in the fair value or cash flows of a hedged item; when the derivative expires or is sold, terminated, or exercised; when the derivative is dedesignated as a hedge instrument, because it is probable that the forecasted transaction will not occur; or management determines that designation of the derivative as a hedge instrument is no longer appropriate.

 

F-53


Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(In thousands of Argentine Pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

20. Differences between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP (continued)

 

  (d) Accounting for derivatives and hedging activities (continued)

 

The Company formally documents all relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as its risk-management objective and strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions. In this documentation, the Company specifically identifies the asset, liability, firm commitment, or forecasted transaction that has been designated as a hedged item and states how the hedging instrument is expected to hedge the risks related to the hedged item. The Company formally measures effectiveness of its hedging relationships both at the hedge inception and on an ongoing basis in accordance with its risk management policy.

 

When hedge accounting is discontinued because it is probable that a forecasted transaction will not occur, the derivative will continue to be carried on the balance sheet at its fair value, and gains and losses that were accumulated in OCI will be recognized immediately in earnings. When the hedged forecasted transaction is no longer probable, but is reasonably possible, the accumulated gain or loss remains in OCI and will be recognized when the transaction affects earnings; however, prospective hedge accounting, for this transaction is terminated. In all other situations in which hedge accounting is discontinued, the derivative will be carried at its fair value on the balance sheet, with changes in its fair value recognized in current-period earnings.

 

  (e) Noncontributory management stock ownership plan

 

As discussed in Note 5.e., on October 30, 1997, the shareholders authorized the Company to enter into a Noncontributory Management Stock Ownership Plan (“NMSOP”) with eight executive officers of the Company (the “Beneficiaries”), pursuant to which the Beneficiaries were granted options to purchase up to 24 million shares of common stock (the “Participation Shares”), at a purchase price equal to Ps. 1.0 per share, subject to the implementation of an Equity Participation Agreement (“EPA”). Under Argentine law, the Company established a special purpose trust in this connection (the “Trust”). On April 7, 1998, the Company’s shareholders, at an extraordinary shareholders’ meeting, approved a capital increase of 24 million shares to permit the Beneficiaries to purchase all of the Participation Shares to which they were entitled under the EPA. As of June 30, 1998, the EPA had not yet been implemented. On October 1, 1998, the Company issued 21,090,024 shares to be subscribed by the Beneficiaries and, on August 31, 1999, the Company and the Beneficiaries entered into a Subscription Agreement pursuant to which the Beneficiaries purchased from the Company the abovementioned amount of shares at Ps. 1.0 per share.

 

Under the Subscription Agreement, the Participation Shares were placed into the Trust. The Trust has an original term of six years. According to the terms of the NMSOP and the Trust, Beneficiaries are not entitled to receive any distributions (either in the form of shares, cash or otherwise) from the Trust during its term, although, Beneficiaries are allowed to cause the Trust to sell their designated shares of common stock held by the Trust in certain cases, such as, to prepay the loans obtained to finance the purchase of the Participation Shares. The Trust will release the shares to the Beneficiaries on the sixth anniversary of the inception of the Trust on a pro rata basis.

 

Under Argentine GAAP, the Company accounted for the issuance of the Participation Shares at the price of Ps. 1.0 per share. Consequently, no compensation expense was recognized in the statement of income.

 

F-54


Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(In thousands of Argentine Pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

20. Differences between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP (continued)

 

  (e) Noncontributory management stock ownership plan (continued)

 

Under US GAAP, the Company adopted SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation.” This statement gave the Company the option of either (1) continuing to account for stock-based employee compensation plans in accordance with the guidelines established by Accounting Principles Board (“APB”) No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees” and related interpretations while providing the disclosures required under SFAS No. 123, or (2) adopting SFAS No. 123 accounting for all employee and non-employee stock compensation arrangements. The Company opted to continue to account for its stock-based awards using the intrinsic value method in accordance with APB No. 25.

 

In connection with the Company’s issuance of restricted stock to executive officers during the year ended June 30, 1999, the Company recorded unearned stock compensation of Ps. 97,355 for the difference between the issuance price of the restricted stock at date of issuance and the fair value of the shares of common stock subject to the awards. This amount was included as a reduction of stockholder’s equity and was being amortized on a straight-line basis over 7 years. The Company had recognized stock compensation expense of Ps. 13,908 for each of the two years in the period ended June 30, 2000.

 

On May 31, 2001, the Company entered into a Confidential Separation Agreement and General Release (the “Agreement”) with its Chief Financial Officer (the “CFO”) pursuant to which the Company and the CFO set forth therein their mutual agreement with respect to all matters relating to the CFO’s resignation and cessation of employment with the Company and the CFO’s release of claims upon the terms set forth therein. The CFO formed part of one of the eight members of management who had been granted restricted shares pursuant to the NMSOP.

 

Pursuant to the Agreement, the Company accelerated the vesting of all of the restricted shares so as to allow the CFO to sell the shares as part of its termination settlement. On May 24, 2001, the CFO entered into a Purchase Agreement (the ‘Purchase Agreement”) with one of the principal shareholders of the Company and also a Beneficiary under the EPA, pursuant to which the CFO sold its respective shares in the Trust at a fixed price per share below the fair market value per share at the date of the Purchase Agreement. Therefore, no additional compensation cost was recognized.

 

In March 2000, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued FASB Interpretation No. 44, “Accounting for Certain Transactions involving Stock Compensation” - an interpretation of APB Opinion No. 25 (FIN 44). FIN 44 clarifies the application of APB No. 25 for only certain issues. Among other issues, FIN 44 clarifies the definition of employee for purposes of applying APB No. 25, the criteria for determining whether a plan qualifies as a non-compensatory plan, the accounting consequences of various modifications to the terms of previously fixed stock options or awards, and the accounting for an exchange of stock compensation awards in a business combination. The Company adopted FIN 44 beginning July 1, 2000. FIN 44 stipulates that a modification to accelerate the vesting of a fixed award effectively results in the renewal of that award if, after the modification, an employee is able to exercise (vest in) an award that, under the original terms, would have expired unexercisable (unvested). Compensation cost is measured on the modification date. That cost is calculated as the excess of the award’s intrinsic value on the modification date over the award’s intrinsic value on the original measurement date, if any. That cost would be recognized as compensation cost if, absent the acceleration, the award would have been forfeited unexercisable (unvested) pursuant to the original terms. On September 11, 2000, the EITF issued EITF 00-23 “Issues Related to the Accounting for Stock Compensation” which further clarified this matter. The Task Force reached a consensus in EITF 00-23, that if the former employee is providing no substantive services to the grantor subsequent to the termination, the award should continue to be accounted for under Opinion 25, and the modification should be accounted for under FIN 44.

 

F-55


Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(In thousands of Argentine Pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

20. Differences between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP (continued)

 

  (e) Noncontributory management stock ownership plan (continued)

 

Since the award’s intrinsic value on the modification date (Ps. 1.03 per share) was less than the award’s intrinsic value on the original measurement date (Ps. 4.62 per share), no additional compensation cost was recognized on the modification. However, the unearned compensation expense was recognized to expense on the date the accelerated vesting occurred. As such, the Company recorded an additional loss of Ps. 3,710 for the year ended June 30, 2001. Total compensation expense was Ps. 17,618 and Ps. 12,980 for the years ended June 30 2001 and 2002, respectively.

 

As discussed in Note 5.e., at June 30, 2003 all the shares held by the trust had been sold and proceeds distributed to the beneficiaries. As a result, during the year ended June 30, 2003 the Company recognized in earnings the remaining portion of unearned compensation expense amounting to Ps. 38,941. No additional compensation cost was recognized since the award’s intrinsic value on the modification date was less than the award’s intrinsic value on the original measurement date.

 

Had compensation cost for the awards under the NMSOP been determined based on the grant date fair values consistent with the method required under SFAS No 123, the Company’s net income (loss) under US GAAP would have been decreased to the pro forma amounts indicated below:

 

    

Year ended

June 30, 2003


  

Year ended

June 30, 2002


 
     As
reported


   Pro forma

   As
reported


    Pro forma

 

Net income (loss)

   191,248    194,621    (731,470 )   (730,346 )

Net income (loss) before accounting changes

   191,248    194,621    (731,470 )   (730,346 )

Basic net income (loss) per share

   0.911    0.927    (3.53 )   (3.52 )

Diluted net income (loss) per share

   0.47    0.48    (3.53 )   (3.52 )

 

The fair value of each option was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions:

 

Expected lives in days

   129 days  

Risk free interest rates

   9.00 %

Dividend yield

   0.00 %

Volatility

   36.72 %

 

F-56


Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(In thousands of Argentine Pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

20. Differences between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP (continued)

 

  (f) Depreciation of fixed assets

 

Under Argentine GAAP, the Company depreciates office and apartment buildings over 50 years. For US GAAP purposes, determination of the useful lives of assets is judgmental and considers such factors as the condition and age of the buildings, the type of construction and the effects of usage by its owners or tenants. Accordingly, for US GAAP purposes, buildings would have been depreciated using an estimated useful life of 40 years.

 

As discussed in Note 3.e., during the years ended June 30, 2002 and 2003 the Company recognized impairment charges relating to certain properties. Since the net book value of such properties under US GAAP was lower than the net book value under Argentine GAAP, the US GAAP adjustments for the years ended June 30, 2002 and 2003 also include the partial reversal of such impairments.

 

  (g) Pre-operating and organization expenses

 

Under Argentine GAAP, the Company capitalizes certain costs relating to pre-opening activities of the Company’s shopping centers and expenses incurred in the organization of subsidiaries. These expenses are amortized on a straight-line basis over a 3 to 5 year period commencing upon the opening of the shopping center or launching of the project. Under US GAAP, these expenses are charged to expense as incurred.

 

  (h) Mortgage payable with no stated interest rate

 

In 1991, the Company obtained a non-interest bearing mortgage with a face value of US$ 3.3 million to acquire a property (Suipacha 652/64). Under Argentine GAAP, the Company did not make any fair value adjustment for this non-interest bearing mortgage. Under US GAAP however, and in accordance with Accounting Principles Board (“APB”) Opinion No. 21, “Interest on Receivables and Payables”, the non-interest bearing mortgage held by the Company was recorded at the estimated market value of the note. The Company used an interest rate of 12%, which approximated its weighted-average borrowing rate, in determining the present value of this debt (calculated at Ps. 2,029 as of the date of issuance). This mortgage was fully repaid in November 1996. This adjustment gives rise to differences in depreciation expense.

 

  (i) Securitization accounting

 

As discussed in Notes 15 and 16, the Company has entered into securitization programs, through which the Company sold a portion of its mortgage receivable and credit card balances to trusts that issued certificates to public and private investors.

 

Under Argentine GAAP, to the extent the certificates are sold to third parties, the related transferred balances qualify as sales for financial statement purposes and as such the receivables are removed from the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. The remaining receivables in the trusts, which have not been sold to third parties, are reflected on the Company’s balance sheet as retained interests in transferred receivables. These retained interests are treated in a manner similar to an investment and accounted for under the equity method. Certain expenses associated with the securitization of credit card receivables are capitalized and amortized over the term of the agreements. Pursuant to certain agreements, in the past the Company remained the servicer on the accounts and received a fee for the services performed. Income from servicing activities was recognized as services were performed.

 

F-57


Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(In thousands of Argentine Pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

20. Differences between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP (continued)

 

  (i) Securitization accounting (continued)

 

Under US GAAP, the Company applies Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 140, “Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities” (“SFAS No. 140”). SFAS No. 140 requires an entity to recognize the financial and servicing assets it controls and the liabilities it has incurred and to derecognize financial assets when control has been surrendered. The proceeds of securitized financial assets are allocated to the assets sold, the servicing asset or liability and retained interest, based on their relative estimated fair values at the transfer date in determining the gain on the securitization transaction. SFAS No. 140 also requires an entity to recognize a servicing asset or servicing liability each time it undertakes an obligation to service financial assets that have been securitized and amortize it over the period of estimated net servicing income or loss. The Company has not recognized any servicing asset or liability since the estimated fair value of the servicing right was zero. In determining the estimated fair value, the Company considered the fees received as compensation just adequate to compensate the Company for its servicing responsibilities (i.e. the fees received as compensation for the services rendered are similar to those that would be paid to a substitute servicer, should one be required, according to estimated market values). A loss of Ps. 6.5 million and Ps. 7.3 million was recognized from the sale of credit card receivables and mortgages receivables during the years ended June 30, 2004 and 2002, respectively.

 

The retained interests in mortgage and credit card receivables are treated as a debt security classified as available-for-sale in accordance with SFAS No. 115 and are carried at fair value. At the time of securitization, the retained interest is initially recorded at the basis allocated in accordance with SFAS No. 140. This original cost basis is periodically adjusted to fair value, which is based on the discounted anticipated future cash flows on a “cash out” basis. The cash out method projects cash collections to be received only after all amounts owed to investors have been paid. Adjustments to fair value (net of related deferred income taxes) are recorded as a component of other comprehensive income. SFAS No. 115 also states that for individual securities classified as available-for-sale an enterprise shall determine whether a decline in fair value below the amortized cost basis is other than temporary. In such event, accumulated unrealized losses included in other comprehensive income shall be reclassified into the statement of income. Accordingly, the Company recognized in earnings during fiscal year 2003 unrealized holding losses amounting to Ps. 841.

 

The following summarizes the Company’s securitization activity:

 

     Year ended June 30,

     2004

   2003

   2002

Proceeds from securitizations

   Ps. 65,479    Ps. 4,950    Ps. 18,761

Servicing fees received (i)

   —      —      200

(i) As from April 1, 2002, the Company is no longer the servicer on the accounts.

 

F-58


Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(In thousands of Argentine Pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

20. Differences between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP (continued)

 

  (i) Securitization accounting (continued)

 

The following summarizes the changes in the balance of the Company’s retained interest for the years ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002:

 

     Cost

   Estimated
unrealized
(loss) gain


    Fair value

 

Balance at June 30, 2001

   Ps. —      Ps. —       Ps. —    

Retained interest in portfolios sold

     4,672      —         4,672  

Unrealized loss

     —        (1,045 )     (1,045 )
    

  


 


Balance at June 30, 2002

   Ps. 4,672    Ps. (1,045 )   Ps. 3,627  

Incorporation of APSA (i)

     5,194      (2,376 )     2,818  

Unrealized net gain (ii)

     —        858       858  
    

  


 


Balance at June 30, 2003

   Ps. 9,866    Ps. (2,563 )   Ps. 7,303  

Retained interest in portfolios sold

     5,903      —         5,903  

Unrealized net gain

     —        3,326       3,326  
    

  


 


Balance at June 30, 2004

   Ps. 15,769      763       16,532  

(i) Represents the retained interest on transferred credit card receivables of APSA at the date of consolidation, net of retained interest liquidated during the year. The related unrealized loss was recognized by APSA in earnings during fiscal year 2002.
(ii) Net of unrealized holding losses recognized in earnings during fiscal year 2003 amounting to Ps. 841.

 

As of June 30, 2004 and 2003, the gross net unrealized gain (loss) has been offset by a deferred tax (loss) benefit of Ps. (267) and Ps. 897, respectively.

 

The key economic assumptions used in measuring the fair value of retained interests at the time of and subsequent to a securitization are the estimated cash flows and the discount rate. At June 30, 2004, the estimated cash flows have been discounted at 10.9% for mortgage receivables and 23% for credit card receivables. The following represents the sensitivity of the current fair value of retained interest in securitizations at June 30, 2004 to changes to key assumptions:

 

     Impact on fair value of

 
     5% adverse change

    10% adverse change

 

Discount rate

   Ps. (880 )   Ps. (1,659 )

 

The above sensitivities are hypothetical and should be used with caution. As the amounts indicate, changes in fair value based on variations in assumptions generally cannot be extrapolated because the relationship of the change in assumption to the change in fair value may not be linear. Also, in this table, the effect of a variation in a particular assumption on the fair value of the retained interest is calculated without changing any other assumption. In reality, changes in one factor may result in changes in another, which might magnify or counteract the sensitivities. The Company’s managed mortgage and credit card receivables consist of retained interests in mortgage and credit card receivable securitizations and investor’s share of securitizations sold to unrelated parties without recourse. The Company records its retained interests in mortgage and credit card receivables securitizations on the consolidated balance sheet.

 

F-59


Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(In thousands of Argentine Pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

20. Differences between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP (continued)

 

  (j) Differences in basis relating to purchase accounting

 

Under Argentine GAAP and US GAAP, the Company applies the purchase method of accounting to its business acquisitions. Accordingly, the fair market value of assets and liabilities acquired is estimated and the excess of the purchase price over the fair value, if any, is considered goodwill. In the event the fair value of the net assets acquired exceeds the consideration paid, the excess is amortized on a straight-line basis over the weighted-average remaining useful lives of the assets acquired. Under Argentine GAAP, such excess is classified as negative goodwill in the consolidated balance sheet. Under US GAAP, such excess would have been allocated to reduce the carrying value of the assets acquired.

 

The US GAAP adjustment reflects the application of certain US GAAP adjustments when estimating the fair value of such assets and liabilities, and is comprised of adjustments to goodwill and negative goodwill balances recorded under Argentine GAAP.

 

The differences in the carrying amount of negative goodwill give rise to differences in depreciation expense. The differences in the carrying amount of goodwill between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP gave rise to differences in amortization expense until June 30, 2002. Effective July 1, 2002, the Company adopted SFAS No. 142 and, as such, discontinued amortization of goodwill as from that date. As a result, the 2004 and 2003 US GAAP income adjustments primarily represent the reversion of the amortization charges recorded under Argentine GAAP during those years.

 

  (k) Present-value accounting

 

As indicated in Note 3.j, under Argentine GAAP, certain other receivables and liabilities are measured based on the best estimate of the amount receivable and payable, respectively, discounted at the interest rate applicable to freely available saving accounts published by the Argentine Central Bank in effect at the time of incorporation to the balance sheet. Under US GAAP, present valuing or discounting of these assets and liabilities is precluded.

 

In addition, as mentioned in Note 4 i.(iv), subsequent to June 30, 2003 the Company repurchased US$ 16 million of the Uncollateralized Loan Agreement. As required by Argentine GAAP, at June 30, 2003 the Company recorded this portion of the Uncollateralized Loan Agreement at its settlement cost, recognizing a gain on early redemption of debt of Ps. 10.7 million. Under US GAAP, such a gain was recorded during fiscal year 2004 when settlement occurred.

 

  (l) Restoration of previously recognized impairment losses

 

As discussed in Notes 3.c.(ii).c), 3.d. and 3.e, as a result of an increase in fair market values and as required by Argentine GAAP, during fiscal year 2003 and 2004 the Company partially reversed certain impairment charges that the Company had recognized during fiscal year 2002. Amounts reversed during fiscal years 2003 and 2004 amounted to Ps. 25.4 million and Ps. 64.3 million, respectively. Under US GAAP, restoration of a previously recognized impairment loss is prohibited. When an impairment loss is recognized, the adjusted carrying amount of the asset becomes the new cost basis, which is depreciated over the remaining useful life of the asset. Depreciation expense reversed under US GAAP during fiscal year 2004 amounted to Ps. 1.3 million and is shown netted against the reversal of the restored impairment under Argentine GAAP.

 

F-60


Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(In thousands of Argentine Pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

20. Differences between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP (continued)

 

  (m) Accounting for convertible notes

 

As discussed in Note 10, in November 2002 the Company issued US$ 100 million of IRSA Convertible Notes with non-detachable warrants to acquire additional shares of common stock. In accordance with the agreement, IRSA Convertible Notes are convertible at any time, at the option of the holder, into a fixed number of common shares. Once converted, the holder has the right to acquire an additional equal number of shares at the exercise price of the warrant. For Argentine GAAP purposes, no proceeds were allocated to the conversion feature and warrants.

 

Under US GAAP, the Company applied EITF No. 00-27, “Application of Issue No. 98-5 to Certain Convertible Instruments” (EITF No. 00-27), which address how a beneficial conversion amount should be measured when an entity issues a convertible instrument that, if converted, will result in the holder receiving common stock and other equity instruments of the issuer, such as warrants to acquire common stock of the issuer. In EITF No. 00-27, the Task Force reached a tentative conclusion that the intrinsic value of the conversion option should be computed based on a comparison of (a) the proceeds of the convertible instrument allocated to the common stock portion of the conversion option and (b) the fair value at the commitment date of the common stock to be received by the holder upon conversion. The excess of (b) over (a) is the intrinsic value of the embedded conversion option that should be recognized by the issuer at the issuance date for the convertible instrument. In EITF No. 00-27 the Task Force also reached a consensus that the Issue 98-5 model should be modified for convertible instruments that have a stated redemption date to require a discount resulting from recording a beneficial conversion option to be accreted from the date of issuance to the stated redemption date of the convertible instrument, regardless of when the earliest conversion date occurs. EITF 00-27 also states that the entire unamortized discount, if any, remaining at the date of conversion should be immediately recognized as interest expense. As a result of applying EITF 00-27, under US GAAP the Company allocated Ps. 36,191 of the proceeds received, representing the intrinsic value of the embedded beneficial conversion feature at the commitment date, to additional paid-in capital (Ps. 23,524 net of income tax). The resulting debt discount is being recognized as expense over the term of the Convertible Notes. Upon conversion, warrants are recognized as additional paid-in capital and any unamortized discount is immediately recognized as interest expense. Discount amortization recognized during the years ended June 30, 2003 and 2004 totaled Ps. 3,102 and Ps. 9,362, respectively. These amounts include Ps. 2 and Ps. 3,881 of accelerated amortization recognized as a result of conversions made during those years, respectively. As IRSA Convertible Notes are denominated in U.S. Dollars, the US GAAP adjustment also includes the elimination of exchange rate differences between the Argentine peso and the U.S. Dollar related to the debt discount. Foreign exchange gains (losses) reversed under US GAAP totaled Ps. 7,185 and Ps. (1,431) during the years ended June 30, 2003 and 2004, respectively. The Company also recognized a loss of Ps. 181 during the year ended June 30, 2003 related to inflation adjustment.

 

During the years ended June 30, 2003 and 2004 certain holders of IRSA Convertible Notes for a total amount of US$ 12.9 million, exercised its conversion rights and, as a result, the Company issued 12,531 shares and 23,734,388 shares of common stock, respectively. Upon conversion, the Company issued US$ 12.9 million of warrants, of which US$ 7.1 million had been exercised at June 30, 2004. As a result of the conversions and exercises of warrants, under US GAAP the Company has reclassified a net amount of Ps. 3.745 from additional paid-in capital to additional paid-in capital of warrants.

 

F-61


Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(In thousands of Argentine Pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

20. Differences between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP (continued)

 

  (n) Reversal of gain recognized on trouble debt restructuring

 

As explained in Note 4.i., in November 2002 the Company completed the refinancing of certain financial debts amounting to US$ 117 million. Under Argentine GAAP, the restructuring of these debts was treated as an exchange of debt instruments with substantially different terms. As a result, the Company removed the original loans from the consolidated balance sheet and recognized the new debt instruments at their present value discounted at an 8% market interest rate. Gain on restructuring recorded in fiscal year 2003 amounted to Ps. 36.5 million (Ps. 31.7 million net of related expenses). Under Argentine GAAP the Company also recognized a gain of Ps. 7.6 million from interest expense reductions.

 

For US GAAP purposes, the restructuring of the debt was accounted for in accordance with SFAS No. 15, Accounting by Debtors and Creditors for Troubled Debt Restructurings (“SFAS 15”), as the creditors made certain concessions due to the financial difficulties of the Company. SFAS No. 15 requires that a comparison be made between the future cash outflows associated with the new debt instruments (including interest), and the recorded amount of the payables at the time of restructuring. Gain on trouble debt restructuring is only recognized when the carrying amount of the payable at the time of restructuring exceeds the total future cash payments specified by the new debt terms. Since the total future cash outflows associated with the new debt instruments exceeded the carrying value of the old debts, no gain on restructuring was recorded under US GAAP. As a result, the carrying amount of the new debt instruments under US GAAP is greater than the amount recorded under Argentine GAAP and a new effective interest rate was determined, which equates the present value of the future cash payments specified by the new debt instruments with the carrying amount of the old debts. Under US GAAP, expenses incurred in a trouble debt restructuring are reported in earnings.

 

The adjustment to interest expense recognized under Argentine GAAP according to the new effective interest rate totaled Ps. 3.8 million and Ps. 5.0 million for the years ended June 30, 2003 and 2004, respectively. As the Company’s new debt instruments are denominated in US Dollars, the US GAAP adjustment also includes the recognition of exchange rate differences related to the difference in the carrying amount of the debts. Foreign exchange gains (losses) recorded under US GAAP totaled Ps. 10.2 million and Ps. (1.7) million during the years ended June 30, 2003 and 2004, respectively.

 

As discussed in Note 4.i.(iv) during the year ended June 30, 2004 the Company repurchased US$ 28 million of the Uncollateralized Loan Agreement. As the carrying value under US GAAP of the repurchased debt was greater than the carrying value under Argentine GAAP, under US GAAP the Company recognized a greater gain on repurchase of debt of Ps. 8.7 million.

 

  (o) Accounting for real estate barter transactions

 

During the year ended June 30, 2004 the Company entered into two non-monetary transactions with third parties pursuant to which the Company sold two parcels of land held for sale in the ordinary course of business in exchange for cash and other real estate properties.

 

Under Argentine GAAP, these transactions are recorded based on the fair value of the assets involved and, as a result, a gain or loss is recognized. As a result, the Company recorded a loss of Ps. 763 and a gain of Ps. 907 during the year ended June 30, 2004.

 

F-62


Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(In thousands of Argentine Pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

20. Differences between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP (continued)

 

  (o) Accounting for real estate barter transactions (continued)

 

Under US GAAP, the Company applies APB Opinion No. 29, “Accounting for Non-monetary Transactions” (“APB 29”). APB 29 states that exchanges of real estate held for sale in the ordinary course of business in exchange for real estate to be sold in the same line of business are transactions not resulting in a culmination of the earnings process (referred to as “like-kind” exchanges). The recognition of gain on like-kind exchanges depends on whether monetary consideration is received and, if so, how much. If no monetary consideration is involved in the exchange, the property received is recorded at the book value of the property given up and no gain is recorded in the exchange. If monetary consideration is involved in the exchange, the recognition of gain depends on whether the amount of the monetary consideration is less than 25% of the fair value of the exchange. When monetary consideration is less than 25%, the Company should recognize a portion of any gain on the transaction in the ratio of cash received to total consideration (cash plus fair value of the asset received). If monetary consideration is 25% or more of the exchange, the transaction should be allocated between the monetary and non-monetary component based on the relative fair values of the components at the time of the transaction. Any loss on the exchange should be recognized immediately.

 

As monetary consideration represented less than 25% of the fair value of the exchange, under US GAAP the Company recognized a pro-rata gain amounting to Ps. 226 in connection with one of the above-mentioned transactions. As a result, the US GAAP adjustment represents the partial reversal of the gain recognized under Argentine GAAP.

 

  (p) Appraisal revaluation of fixed assets

 

Under Argentine GAAP, APSA recognized a parcel of land acquired prior to June 30, 1986 at its appraised value as of such date. This appraisal increased the carrying value of the land by approximately Ps. 4.0 million, which was recorded against an appraisal revaluation reserve account in the shareholders’ equity. Under Argentine GAAP, this appraisal revaluation reserve will be amortized to income once the land is disposed of or its value becomes impaired. Under US GAAP, this parcel of land was recorded at original cost and therefore, this reserve has been reversed.

 

  (q) Deferred charges

 

Under Argentine GAAP, APSA had capitalized certain costs, which were amortized on a straight-line method over 3 years. Under US GAAP, such costs were expensed as incurred.

 

  (r) Amortization of fees related to APSA Senior Notes

 

Under Argentine GAAP, fees and expenses relating to APSA Senior Notes are being amortized on a straight-line method over the term of the agreement. Under US GAAP, such costs are being amortized over the same period using the effective interest method of amortization. As discussed in Note 9(i), APSA redeemed a portion of its Senior Notes during fiscal years 2003. Under both Argentine GAAP and US GAAP, the Company expensed the unamortized portion of fees and expenses related to the redeemed obligations.

 

  (s) Software developed or obtained for internal use

 

Under Argentine GAAP, the Company capitalizes certain costs incurred in the development of software for internal use. Under US GAAP, the Company applies Statement of Position 98-1 “Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software Developed or Obtained for Internal Use”, which requires certain costs be expensed as incurred. During the years ended June 30, 2004 and 2003 the Company reversed amortization expense charges recognized under Argentine GAAP of Ps. 0.2 million and Ps. 0.1 million, respectively, related to costs that were capitalized under Argentine GAAP in prior years.

 

F-63


Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(In thousands of Argentine Pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

20. Differences between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP (continued)

 

  (t) Accounting for changes in interest in consolidated affiliated companies

 

During fiscal year 2003 APSA acquired an additional 24% ownership interest in Alto Invest for a total consideration of Ps. 0.2 million. Under both Argentine GAAP and US GAAP, the excess of the fair value of the net assets acquired over the consideration paid, after reducing to zero the amounts that otherwise would have been assigned to the non-current assets, was recognized in earnings. The difference with respect to the amount recognized under Argentine GAAP, totaling Ps. 20, relates to the effect of US GAAP adjustments at the date of acquisition. See Note 20.II.(b), for the income statement classification difference of this gain.

 

  (u) Capitalization of interest costs

 

As discussed in Note 3.e., the Company resumed the Rosario development project during fiscal year 2004. However, under Argentine GAAP no interest costs were capitalized during fiscal year 2004 since the Company had recognized an impairment charge related to this project during fiscal year 2003 which was partially reversed during fiscal year 2004 up to the limit of its estimated fair value at year-end.

 

Under US GAAP, as indicated in Note 20.I.(l), the Company did not reverse the impairment charges originally recorded. Since the Rosario development project is a qualifying asset under SFAS 34, “Capitalization of Interest Cost” during fiscal year 2004 the Company capitalized Ps. 1.3 million of interest costs.

 

  (v) Deferred income tax

 

As discussed in Note 3.n, the Company records income taxes using the liability method. Accordingly, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets are also recognized for tax loss carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recorded or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance is recognized for that component of net deferred tax assets which is not recoverable. This standard is similar to the principles of US GAAP set forth in Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes”.

 

However, under Argentine GAAP, the Company has treated the differences between the price-level restated amounts of assets and liabilities and their historical basis as permanent differences for deferred income tax calculation purposes in accordance with Resolution MD No.11/2003 issued by the CPCECABA. Under US GAAP, the Company applies EITF 93-9, “Application of FASB Statement No.109 in Foreign Financial Statements Restated for General Price-Level Changes”, which requires such differences to be treated as temporary differences in calculating deferred income taxes. In addition, the US GAAP adjustment includes the effect on deferred income taxes of the foregoing reconciling items, as appropriate.

 

  (w) Minority interest

 

This adjustment represents the effect on minority interest of the foregoing reconciling items, as appropriate.

 

F-64


Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(In thousands of Argentine Pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

20. Differences between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP (continued)

 

  II. Additional disclosure requirements

 

  (a) Balance sheet classification differences

 

Under Argentine GAAP, assets and liabilities are classified as current or non-current depending on their respective settlement dates. Under US GAAP, balance sheets of real estate entities typically are unclassified.

 

In addition, under Argentine GAAP the Company has classified the net deferred tax asset amounting to Ps. 50.2 million and 67.7 million at June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively, as follows: Ps. 53.3 million and Ps. 69.3 million, respectively, as non-current other receivables; and Ps. 3.1 million and Ps. 1.6 million, respectively, as non-current taxes payable. Under US GAAP, the classification of deferred taxes is determined by the classification of the asset or liability for financial reporting to which the temporary difference is related. A temporary difference is related to an asset or liability if reduction of the asset or liability causes the temporary difference to reverse. For temporary differences not related to an asset or liability for financial reporting (e.g. tax loss carryforwards), the deferred taxes are classified according to the expected reversal date of the temporary differences. As of June 30, 2004 and 2003, Ps. 8.1 million and Ps. 11.7 million, respectively, would have been classified as current assets, and Ps. 42.1 million and Ps. 56.0 million, respectively, would have been classified as non-current assets.

 

As these differences have no effect on net income (loss) or on shareholders´ equity, no reconciling items are presented for US GAAP purposes.

 

  (b) Statement of Income classification differences

 

Gross revenue tax

 

Under Argentine GAAP, only returns and other allowances should be deducted from net sales, while direct taxes and other costs directly associated with sales should be presented as operating costs, i.e. gross revenue taxes.

 

Under US GAAP, direct taxes and other costs directly associated with sales should be deducted from revenues. Net sales under US GAAP would have been Ps. 251.4 million, Ps. 230.1 million and Ps. 153.2 million for the years ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

 

Operating income (loss)

 

In addition, under US GAAP, certain income and expense items included in the Argentine GAAP financial statements of the Company within “Other expenses, net” and “Equity gain (loss) from related companies”, would have been included in the determination of operating income (loss).

 

Accordingly, operating income (loss) under US GAAP but using Argentine GAAP numbers would have been Ps. 104.7 million, Ps. 15.7 million and Ps. (42.0) million for the years ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

 

Extraordinary items

 

As discussed in Note 20.I.(t), during 2003 APSA acquired an additional 24% ownership interest in Alto Invest. Under US GAAP, the excess of the fair value of the net assets acquired over the consideration paid, after reducing to zero the amounts that otherwise would have been assigned to the non-current assets, totaling Ps. 426 would have been recognized as an extraordinary item.

 

F-65


Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(In thousands of Argentine Pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

20. Differences between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP (continued)

 

  (c) Statement of changes in shareholders´ equity classification differences

 

As discussed in Note 5.b., from time to time the Company repurchases outstanding shares of common stock when it believes that its stock price is undervalued in the marketplace. Under Argentine GAAP, the Company records the acquisitions of treasury shares as a reduction in retained earnings. Under US GAAP, these acquisitions would have been accounted for under the cost method, resulting in a reduction of capital stock.

 

  (d) Segment information

 

As described in Note 6, the Company is required to disclose segment information in accordance with RT 18. Guidance set forth in RT 18 is similar to the guidelines set forth in SFAS No. 131 “Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information”. As a result, no additional information is presented in this reconciliation footnote.

 

  (e) Maturities of long-term debt

 

Aggregate annual maturities during the next five years, as of June 30, 2004, are as follows:

 

2005

   Ps.134,120

2006

   17,860

2007

   80,368

2008

   291,643

2009

   53,581

2010

   25,355
    
     Ps.602,927
    

 

  (f) Operating leases

 

This note discloses operating leases information of the Company and its controlled and jointly controlled subsidiaries:

 

- Operating lease information:

 

  Leases and services from office and other buildings

 

The Company enters into cancelable commercial leases with its tenants for terms ranging from three to five years, with most leases having terms of no more than 5 years. Tenants are charged a base rent on a monthly basis. No contingent rentals were recorded for the years ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002.

 

F-66


Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(In thousands of Argentine Pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

20. Differences between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP (continued)

 

  (f) Operating leases (continued)

 

- Operating lease information (continued):

 

  Leases and services from shopping center operations

 

The Company enters into cancelable commercial leases with its tenants for terms ranging from three to ten years, with most leases having terms of no more than five years. Tenants are generally charged a rent, which consists of the higher of (i) the base rent and (ii) the percentage rent (which generally ranges between 4% and 8% of the tenants sales). Furthermore, pursuant to the rent escalation clause in most leases, a tenant’s base rent generally increases between 4% and 7% each year during the term of the lease. Included in lease revenues for the years ended June 30, 2004 and 2003 were contingent rentals of Ps. 16.6 million and Ps 10.8 million, respectively.

 

  (g) Disclosure of related party transactions

 

The following additional disclosures of transactions with related parties are required under US GAAP:

 

- Executive Employment Agreement: On October 30, 1997, the Company entered into Master Executive Employment Agreements (the “Employment Agreements”) with certain executives (collectively herein referred to as the “Employees”), pursuant to which each executive is serving in his current capacity as director or executive officer. The term of the Employment Agreements is seven years; however either the Company or the relevant executive may terminate the Employment Agreements prior to the expiration of their respective terms. If the Company terminates the Employment Agreements without cause it will be liable to the relevant executive for two years of compensation. Under the Employment Agreements, the Employees are each entitled to receive from the Company annual compensation in the aggregate of approximately Ps.750, subject to an annual 4% increase. The Employment Agreements also restrict the Employees from participating in real estate activities in Argentina that are in the same line of business as IRSA. The Employment Agreements were executed in December 1997 and approved by the Company’s shareholders at an extraordinary shareholders’ meeting on April 7, 1998. The initial term of these employment agreements is seven years; however, the agreements may be terminated prior to their expiration by the Company or the relevant executive. If we terminate the employment agreements without cause, we will be liable to the relevant executive for two years of compensation. The Executive Employment Agreement with one executive was terminated during fiscal year 2004 as a consequence of its resignation as director of our company.

 

- APSA loan: On July 20, 2001, the Company’s board of directors approved to grant APSA several loans to finance transactions related to its swap agreement. On February 8, 2002 the Company and Parque Arauco signed subordination agreements subordinating the repayment of the Company’s respective loans to the payment of APSA’s senior notes. The interest rate on such loans till February 1, 2002 was the lesser of (I) variable cost of money for the Company in operations of up to 30 days and (ii) the average of the last five BADLAR rates for U.S. dollar transactions, plus 200 annual nominal basis points for operations in foreign and local currency according to market conditions. The interest rate on such loans from February 1, 2002 till August 20, 2002 was 10.23% plus an inflation adjustment. At August 20, 2002, the outstanding principal balance of these loans was Ps. 43.6 million. In May and July, 2002 the Company advanced APSA a US$ 10.1 million loan that was applied on August 20, 2002 to the Company’s subscription of APSA’s convertible notes for US$27.2 million.

 

- Subscription of convertible notes issued by APSA: In August 2002, the Company subscribed convertible notes issued by APSA for US$ 27.2 million. Furthermore, in January 2003, the Company purchased US$ 2.6 million Convertible Notes issued by APSA. At June 30, 2004, the Company owned 62.6% of APSA’s common shares. Assuming the Company exercises its conversion rights of all of its convertible notes and no exercise of such rights by any of APSA’s other bondholders, the Company would own 83.7% of APSA’s common shares. In the case all shareholders exercise their conversion rights and the Company exercises them as well, the Company would own 59.95% of APSA’s common stock.

 

F-67


Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(In thousands of Argentine Pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

20. Differences between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP (continued)

 

  (g) Disclosure of related party transactions (continued)

 

- Repurchase Agreement with APSA: On February 17, 2003, the Company and Parque Arauco Argentina S.A., entered into a repurchase agreement with APSA, in which the Company and Parque Arauco Argentina S.A. granted to APSA loans for Ps. 4.2 million and Ps. 2.1 million, respectively. According to the repurchase agreement, APSA made a collateral deposit of Ps. 5.5 million, nominal value, of Class A-2 Notes and Ps. 10.0 million nominal value of Class B-2 Notes with the Company; and other of Ps. 2.8 million, nominal value, of Class A-2 Notes and Ps. 5.0 million, nominal value, of Class B-2 Notes with Parque Arauco Argentina S.A. On September 5, 2004, APSA agreed to repurchase the securities, effective December 6, at a price of Ps. 4.5 million and Ps. 2.3 million to us and Parque Arauco Argentina S.A., respectively. The agreement is likely to be renewed upon expiration.

 

- Purchase of the Company’s shares by Cresud: As of June 30, 2004, Cresud had invested in shares of the Company for a total amount of Ps. 162.9 million, resulting in a 25.42 % ownership at June 30, 2004. Certain directors and shareholders of the Company, are also shareholders and/or directors of Cresud.

 

- Issue of Convertible Notes by Cresud: On October 15, 2002, Cresud initiated a preemptive-right offering to subscribe for 50,000,000 units consisting of US$ 50.0 million of 8% Convertible Notes due 2007 and non-detachable warrants to purchase shares of its common stock. The offering was fully subscribed and the funds were fully received by Cresud. Proceeds of the offering were applied to subscribe US$ 50.0 million of the Company’s Convertible Notes. As of November 30, 2004, 27.5% of the Company’s common shares are property of Cresud. During fiscal year 2004, Cresud decided to convert 5 million of Convertible Notes as part of its long-term strategy intending to revert the reduction in its equity interest as a consequence of the conversion and exercise of warrants by third parties during the year. Assuming Cresud exercises its conversion rights of all of its Convertible Notes and no exercise of such rights by any of the Company’s other bondholders, Cresud would own 59.5% of the Company’s common shares. In the case all shareholders exercise their conversion rights and Cresud exercise them as well, Cresud would own 36.9% of the Company’s common stock.

 

- IRSA Management ownership plan: On October 30, 1997 the Company’s shareholders authorized IRSA to enter into a management ownership plan with certain executive officers. See Note 5.e. for further details.

 

- Donations: During the years ended June 30, 2004, 2003, and 2002, the Company made donations to two not-for-profit organizations, namely Fundación IRSA and Museo de los Niños, for a total amount of Ps. 0.04 million, Ps. 3.3 million and Ps. 0.1 million, respectively, of which Ps. 2.4 million had not been paid at June 30, 2004. A director and shareholder of the Company is the President of these organizations.

 

- Lease agreements: IRSA leases a portion of its headquarters office space from DFM for a monthly rent of Ps. 11.9 under two lease contracts expiring on June 30, 2007. DFM leases such offices from two companies which are controlled by certain executives or directors and their relatives. Rental expense incurred during the years ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002 amounted to Ps. 138, Ps. 200 and Ps. 274, respectively.

 

The Company leased office space to Cresud until December 2001. Certain directors and shareholders of the Company are also shareholders and/or directors of Cresud. Rent income is recognized ratably over the lease term. Rental income amounted to Ps. 165 for the year ended June 30, 2002.

 

The Company has entered into lease agreements for offices located in the Costero, a building located in Puerto Madero with Altocity.Com, Red Alternativa S.A and Consultores Land Interventures S.A. (formerly Dolphin Interventures S.A.). The agreement with Consultores Land Interventures S.A. expired in January 2002 and the agreement with Altocity.com expires in October 2004. Although the agreement with Red Alternativa S.A. expired in May 2004 it is still in effect. The leases are for monthly rents of Ps. 8.3 plus CER.

 

The Company leases to Tarshop the seventh floor of the Company’s property located in Suipacha 664 although the lease agreement expired on August 10, 2004, it is still in effect. Monthly rent income amounts to Ps. 3.7.

 

F-68


Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(In thousands of Argentine Pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

20. Differences between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP (continued)

 

  (g) Disclosure of related party transactions (continued)

 

In December 2003 Cresud moved its administrative offices to the 23rd floor of the Intercontinental Plaza tower, located at Moreno 877, in the City of Buenos Aires. Cresud lease its administrative offices and five parking lot attendants from Inversora Bolivar S.A. pursuant to a lease agreement. This agreement has an initial term of 60 months with an extension option for 36 additional months. We pay a monthly rent of US$ 2,979, with the first two months’ free.

 

- Mutual investment fund: Since 1996, the Company has investments in Dolphin Fund Plc, an open – ended investment fund which is related to the Company’s directors. These investments are carried at market value as of year-end, with unrealized gains reported in earnings within “Financial results, net” in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

 

The Company recognized net gains of Ps. 4.4 million, Ps. 13.1 million and Ps. 28.2 million, for the years ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002 respectively.

 

- Investment in Banco Hipotecario S.A.: As of June 30, 2003 the Company owned 6.4% of BHSA as well as 2,687,500 warrants to purchase additional shares. On December 30, 2003, the Company purchased 4,116,267 additional shares and 37,537 additional warrants of BHSA, for a total consideration of US$ 11.1 million. On February 2, 2004, the Company exercised a substantial portion of the warrants and, as a result, the Company acquired 4,774,000 shares of BHSA for a total consideration of Ps. 33.4 million. During the last quarter of fiscal year 2004, the Company sold 2,487,571 shares of BHSA to IFIS S.A. (indirect shareholders) for a total consideration of US$ 6.1 million (market value equivalent to Ps. 7.0 per share). The Company recognized a loss in connection with the sale amounting to Ps. 1.6 million.

 

As a result of the purchase of additional shares and the exercise of warrants of BHSA and considering the exercise of significant influence and the intention to maintain the current participation as a long-term investment, during fiscal year 2004 the Company changed the method of accounting for its investments in BHSA from fair market value to the equity method of accounting.

 

- Corporate services: In order to reduce administrative expenses and to achieve a more efficient allocation of corporate resources, as of June 30, 2003, the Company and APSA provide corporate services in the areas of institutional relations, finance and human resources to the Company and Cresud.

 

In the future and in order to continue with the Company’s policy of achieving a more efficient allocation of corporate resources, the Company may extend the areas in which the Company share corporate services with APSA and Cresud. The Company’s chairman and vice-chairman are also chairman and vice-chairman of Cresud.

 

- Legal services: During the years ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002, the Company paid the law firm Zang, Bergel & Viñes an aggregate amount of approximately Ps. 1.1 million, Ps. 1.4 million and Ps. 1.8 million, respectively, for legal services. Certain directors or alternative directors of the Company, are partners of the law firm and an alternate director of the Company is off counsel of the law firm.

 

F-69


Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(In thousands of Argentine Pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

20. Differences between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP (continued)

 

  (h) Disclosure about fair value of financial instruments

 

Under Argentine GAAP, there are no specific rules regarding disclosure of fair value of financial instruments.

 

Under US GAAP, SFAS No. 105 requires reporting entities to disclose certain information about financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk of accounting loss. SFAS No. 107, “Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments”, requires disclosure of fair value information about financial instruments whether or not recognized in the balance sheet, for which it is practicable to estimate fair value. Financial instruments include such items as to cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivable and other instruments. SFAS No. 107 excludes from its disclosure requirements lease contracts and various significant assets and liabilities that are not considered to be financial instruments. SFAS No. 119 requires reporting entities to disclose certain information for derivative financial instruments. SFAS No. 133 superseded SFAS No. 105 and SFAS No. 119 and amended SFAS No. 107 to include in SFAS No. 107 the disclosure requirements of credit risk concentrations from SFAS No. 105. See Note 20.II.(i) for details of concentration of credit risk.

 

Fair value estimates are made as of a specific point in time based on the characteristics of the financial instruments and the relevant market information. Quoted market prices are used when available. In other cases, fair values are based on estimates using other valuation techniques, such as discounting estimated future cash flows using a rate commensurate with the risks involved or other acceptable methods. These techniques involve uncertainties and are significantly affected by the assumptions used and the judgments made regarding risk characteristics of various financial instruments, prepayments, discount rates, and estimates of future cash flows, future expected loss experience, and other factors. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect these estimates. Derived fair value estimates cannot be substantiated by comparison to independent markets and, in many cases, could not be realized in an immediate sale of the instrument. Also, because of differences in methodologies and assumptions used to estimate fair value, the Company’s fair values should not be compared to those of other companies.

 

Under this statement, fair value estimates are based on existing financial instruments without attempting to estimate the value of anticipated future business and the value of assets and liabilities that are not considered financial instruments. Accordingly, the aggregate fair value amount presented does not represent the underlying value of the Company. For certain assets and liabilities, the information required under this statement is supplemental with additional information relevant to an understanding of the fair value.

 

The methods and assumptions used to estimate the fair values of each class of financial instruments as of June 30, 2004 and 2003 are as follows:

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

The Company considers all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, consisting of time deposits and mutual funds, to be cash and cash equivalents. The carrying amounts reported in the consolidated balance sheets approximate fair value.

 

Marketable securities

 

The fair value of marketable securities is based on quoted market prices for those or similar investments. Marketable securities are carried at fair value on the consolidated balance sheet.

 

Mortgages and leases receivable, net

 

The carrying value of mortgages and lease receivables reported in the consolidated balance sheet approximates its estimated fair value. All amounts that are assumed to be uncollectible within a reasonable time are written off and/or reserved.

 

F-70


Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(In thousands of Argentine Pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

20. Differences between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP (continued)

 

  (h) Disclosure about fair value of financial instruments (continued)

 

Retained interest in transferred mortgage and credit card receivables

 

Fair value is estimated by discounting anticipated future cash flows using a discount rate based on specific factors. The anticipated future cash flows are projected on a “cash out” basis to reflect the restriction of cash flows until the investors have been fully paid. As of June 30, 2004 and 2003, the fair value of retained interests in transferred mortgage and credit card receivables totaled Ps. 16.5 million and Ps. 7.3 million, respectively.

 

Accounts payable

 

The carrying amounts of accounts and notes payable reported in the consolidated balance sheets approximate their fair value.

 

Short-term debt

 

The carrying amounts of short-term debt reported in the consolidated balance sheets approximate fair value due to its short-term nature.

 

Long-term debt

 

As of June 30, 2004 and 2003, except for the Convertible Notes issued by IRSA and APSA, the carrying amounts of long-term debt reported in the consolidated balance sheets approximate their fair value.

 

The fair value of APSA Convertible Notes was Ps. 508.0 million and Ps. 348.9 million at June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively. Such fair value was determined based on the market price of the shares assuming full conversion of the notes at year-end.

 

The fair value of IRSA Convertible Notes was Ps. 350.5 million and Ps. 467.0 million at June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively. Such fair value was determined based on the market price of the shares assuming full conversion of the notes at year-end plus the estimated fair value of the warrants that should be issued by the Company upon conversion.

 

Other receivables and other liabilities

 

The carrying amounts of other receivables and other liabilities reported in the consolidated balance sheets approximate fair value due to their short-term nature.

 

Interest rate swap agreement

 

The fair value of the interest rate swap agreement was determined based on the present value of the estimated future net cash flows using implied rates in the applicable yield curve as of the valuation date. At June 30, 2004 and 2003, the fair market value of the swap agreement was Ps. (134.3) million and Ps. (131.8) million, respectively. The swap agreement is carried at fair market value on the consolidated balance sheet.

 

Futures contracts to purchase metals

 

The fair value of the futures contracts is based on the estimated amount at which they could be settled based on future market prices. The fair value of futures contracts outstanding at June 30, 2004 was Ps. (0.2) million. Future contracts are reported at their fair market value on the consolidated balance sheet.

 

Seller financing

 

The fair value of the seller financing is estimated based on quoted market prices for the same or similar payables or on current rates offered to the Company for debt of the same remaining maturities. The carrying value approximates fair value.

 

F-71


Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(In thousands of Argentine Pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

20. Differences between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP (continued)

 

  (i) Concentration of credit risk

 

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to a concentration of credit risk consist of cash, cash equivalents, accounts receivable, and short-term investments. The Company maintains cash and cash equivalents, investments, and other financial investments with various high credit quality financial institutions, thus mitigating the amount of credit exposure to any one institution. The Company has not experienced any significant losses in such accounts.

 

The Company’s accounts receivable are primarily derived from real estate revenues from customers and credit card receivables. The Company is not dependent on any single customer.

 

Accounts receivable derived from real estate revenues, are related to mortgages to individuals in connection with its sales of residential properties. These properties are located principally in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The Company is subject to credit risk in the event of non-performance by the counterparties to the mortgages; however, in the opinion of management, the values of the properties that collateralize the mortgages are presently adequate to protect the Company from material losses resulting from such non-performance. The company has not experienced any significant losses resulting from non-performance of any counterpart to the mortgage contracts.

 

Additionally, credit card receivables arise primarily under open-end revolving credit accounts used to finance purchases of goods and services offered by the Company’s shopping centers. These accounts have various billing and payment structures, including varying minimum payment levels and finance charge rates. Credit card receivables are shown net of an allowance for uncollectible accounts.

 

The Company maintains reserves for potential credit losses based on impaired accounts, historical charge-off patterns and management judgment; historically such losses have not been significant and within management’s expectations.

 

As of June 30, 2004 the Company has nine securitization programs outstanding, for which the Company’s credit risk exposure is contractually limited to the subordinated CPs held by the Company representing Ps. 24.6 million (equity value), TDFs held by the Company representing Ps. 1.4 million, and a Ps. 0.8 million escrow reserves for losses.

 

  (j) Recently issued accounting pronouncements

 

In August, 2001, FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 143, “Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations,” which addresses financial accounting and reporting for obligations associated with the retirement of tangible long-lived assets and the associated asset retirement costs. SFAS No. 143 requires an enterprise to record the fair value of an asset retirement obligation as a liability in the period in which it incurs a legal obligation associated with the retirement of tangible long-lived assets. The Company adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 143 effective July 1, 2003. The provisions of SFAS No. 143 did not have any impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

On May 1, 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 145 “Rescission of SFAS Nos. 4, 44 and 64, Amendment of SFAS No. 13, and Technical Corrections as of April 2002” (SFAS No. 145), which, among other things, eliminates the exception of applying APB Opinion No. 30 (APB 30) to all gains and losses related to extinguishments of debt (other than extinguishments of debt to satisfy sinking-fund requirements). As a result, gains and losses from extinguishment of debt should be classified as extraordinary items only if they meet the criteria set forth in APB 30. The Company adopted the provisions of this standard on April 1, 2002. As a result, gains and losses on extinguishment of debt are no longer reported as extraordinary items.

 

In January 2003, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 46 (“FIN 46”), “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities - an interpretation of ARB No. 51”. FIN 46 requires that if any entity has a controlling financial interest in a variable interest entity, the assets, liabilities and results of activities of the variable interest entity should be included in the consolidated financial statements of the entity. FIN 46 provisions became effective for the Company for fiscal year 2003 for all arrangements entered into after January 31, 2003. With respect to those arrangements entered into prior to February 1, 1003, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 46 (revised December 2003), “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities” (“FIN 46R”), which provides technical corrections and extended the effective date of FIN 46. The Company fully adopted FIN 46R for fiscal year 2004. The provisions of FIN 46 and FIN 46R did not have any impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

F-72


Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(In thousands of Argentine Pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

20. Differences between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP (continued)

 

  (j) Recently issued accounting pronouncements (continued)

 

In April 2003, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 149 (“SFAS 149”), “Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities”. SFAS 149 amends and clarifies accounting for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts and for hedging activities under SFAS 133. SFAS 149 is generally effective for derivative instruments, including derivative instruments embedded in certain contracts, entered into or modified after June 30, 2003 and for hedging relationships designated after June 30, 2003. As the Company only has an interest rate swap agreement outstanding, which does not qualify for hedging accounting under SFAS No. 133, the adoption of SFAS 149 did not have any impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

In May 2003, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 150 (“SFAS 150”), “Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity”. SFAS 150 clarifies the accounting for certain financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity and requires that those instruments be classified as liabilities on the balance sheet. Previously, many of those financial instruments were classified as equity. SFAS 150 is effective for financial instruments entered into or modified after May 31, 2003 and otherwise is effective at the beginning of the first interim period beginning after June 15, 2003. The Company adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 150 effective July 1, 2003. As the Company does not have any issued financial instrument within the scope of SFAS No. 150 (the Company’s Convertible Notes are out of the scope), the provisions of SFAS No. 150 did not have any impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

During December 2003, the SEC issued Statement of Accounting Bulletin No. 104, “Revenue Recognition” (“SAB 104”), which revised and rescinded portions of SAB 101. The issuance of SAB 104 did not impact the Company’s revenue recognition policies.

 

  (k) Earnings per share

 

As described in Note 3.x., under Argentine GAAP the Company is required to disclose earnings per share information in accordance with RT 18 for all periods presented. Note 18 to the consolidated financial statements disclose the computation of basic and diluted net income (loss) per common share under Argentine GAAP. Guidance set forth in RT 18 is similar to the basic principles set forth in SFAS No. 128 “Earnings per Share” (SFAS No.128).

 

Under US GAAP, basic and diluted earnings per share are presented in conformity with SFAS No. 128 and SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 98 (“SAB No. 98”) for all years presented. Pursuant to the Securities and Exchange Commission Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 98, ordinary shares and convertible preferred shares issued or granted for nominal consideration prior to the anticipated effective date of an initial public offering must be included in the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share as if they had been outstanding for all periods presented. To date, the Company has not had any issuance or grants for nominal consideration.

 

As disclosed in Note 18, in calculating diluted net income per common share under Argentine GAAP for the years ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, the Company has considered the dilutive effects of outstanding warrants, but not using the treasury-stock method as required by US GAAP. Using the treasury-stock method, the weighted-average number of potential common stock would have been 226,794 shares and 128,577 shares, respectively. Diluted net income per common share under Argentine GAAP for the years ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, using the treasury-stock method, would have been Ps. 0.28 and Ps. 0.73, respectively.

 

F-73


Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(In thousands of Argentine Pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

20. Differences between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP (continued)

 

  (l) Earnings per share

 

The following tables set forth the computation of basic and diluted net income (loss) per common share under US GAAP for all periods presented:

 

     Year ended June 30,

 
     2004

    2003
(Restated)


    2002
(Restated)


 

Numerator:

                        

Net income (loss) available to common shareholders

   Ps. 2,825     Ps. 235,126     Ps. (901,515 )

Plus (less): income (loss) impact of assumed conversions:

                        

Interest expense on convertible debt

     —         17,166       —    

Foreign currency exchange gain

     —         (65,633 )     —    

Income tax effects

     —         16,963       —    
    


 


 


Net income (loss) available to common shareholders plus assumed conversions

   Ps. 2,825     Ps. 203,622     Ps. (901,515 )
    


 


 


Denominator:

                        

Weighted-average number of shares outstanding

     225,005       209,840       207,412  

Plus: incremental shares of assumed conversions:

                        

Warrants (i)

     —         13,973       —    

Convertible Notes

     —         114,603       —    
    


 


 


Adjusted weighted-average number of shares

     225,005       338,416       207,412  
    


 


 


Earnings per share under US GAAP:

                        

Basic net income (loss) per common share

   Ps. 0.01     Ps. 1.12     Ps. (4.35 )

Diluted net income (loss) per common share

   Ps. 0.01 (ii)   Ps. 0.60     Ps. (4.35 )

(i) Potential common shares related to the warrants have been calculated using the treasury-stock method as required by US GAAP.
(ii) The computation of diluted net income per share for the year ended June 30, 2004 excludes potential common shares because the effect of their inclusion would be anti-dilutive, or would increase the reported net income per share.

 

As discussed in Note 20.II.(b), under US GAAP the Company recorded an extraordinary gain amounting to Ps. 426 during fiscal year 2003. The effect of the extraordinary gain on the computation of basic and diluted net income per share under US GAAP for the year ended June 30, 2003 is Ps. 0.002 and Ps. 0.001, respectively.

 

  (m) Risks and uncertainties

 

The Company is subject to certain business risks arising in connection with its operations which include, among others:

 

Risks associated with Argentine operations. A substantial part of the Company’s operations and properties are located in Argentina. As a result, the Company financial condition and results of operations depend to a significant extent on macroeconomic and political conditions prevailing in Argentina. In the recent past, the Argentine economy experienced a depth recession and suffered a political and economic crisis which disrupted Argentina’s financial system and effectively paralyzed the economy.

 

Risks associated with office and other buildings leases: The Company’s lease revenues from its real estate operations may be adversely affected by (i) local or national economic conditions in the areas in which the properties are located, (ii) oversupply of office space or a reduction in demand for such space, (iii) increased competition from other real estate operators, (iv) changes in the ability of the Company or the tenants to provide for adequate maintenance and/or insurance, (v) increases in operating expenses, (vi) adverse changes in the regional or national economy, (vii) the bankruptcy or insolvency of, or a downturn in the business of, any of its major tenants, and/or (vii) the possibility that such tenants will not renew their leases as they expire. Unfavorable economic conditions could also result in the inability of tenants in certain sectors to meet their lease obligations and otherwise could adversely affect the Company’s ability to attract and retain desirable tenants.

 

F-74


Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(In thousands of Argentine Pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

20. Differences between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP (continued)

 

  (m) Risks and uncertainties (continued)

 

Risks associated with development properties activities: Include (i) the potential abandonment of development opportunities; (ii) construction costs may exceed the Company’s original estimates, possibly making a project uneconomical; (iii) occupancy rates and rents at a newly completed project may be insufficient to make the project profitable; (iv) the Company’s inability to obtain financing on favorable terms for the development of the project; (v) construction and lease-up may not be completed on schedule, resulting in increased debt service expense and construction costs; and (vi) the Company’s inability to obtain, or the delays in obtaining, all necessary zoning, land-use, building, occupancy and other required governmental permits and authorizations.

 

Risks associated with the hotel industry. The success of the Company’s operated hotels will depend, in large part, upon the Company’s ability to compete in areas such as access, location, quality of accommodations, room rate structure, quality and scope of food and beverage facilities and other services and amenities. The Company’s hotels may face additional competition if other companies decide to build new hotels or improve their existing hotels such that they are more attractive to potential guests. In addition, the profitability of the Company’s hotels depends on (i) the Company’s ability to form successful relationships with international operators to run the hotels; (ii) changes in travel patterns, including seasonal changes; and (iii) taxes and governmental regulations which influence or determine wages, prices, interest rates, construction procedures and costs.

 

Shopping center operating risks: The development, administration and profitability of shopping centers are impacted by various factors including: the accessibility and the attractiveness of the area where the shopping center is located, the intrinsic attractiveness of the shopping center, the flow of people and the level of sales of each shopping center rental unit within the Company’s shopping centers, the amount of rent collected from each shopping center rental unit and the fluctuations in occupancy levels in the shopping centers. In the event that there is an increase in operational costs, caused by inflation or other factors, it could have a material adverse effect on the Company if its tenants are unable to pay their higher rent obligations due to the increase in expenses.

 

All of the Company’s lease agreements with tenants were denominated in U.S. dollars. As a result of the economic measures announced by the government in early 2002, the Company’s lease agreements were converted into pesos at a rate of Ps. 1.0 per U.S. dollar. Certain lease agreements were not renegotiated and, as a result, they are subject to an adjusting index (CER) as from February 3, 2002. The increase in the adjusting index may affect the risk of default on the Company’s leases with tenants, as any of the Company’s tenants may not be able to increase its revenues.

 

Since May 28, 1997, Law No. 24,808 provides that tenants may rescind commercial lease agreements after the initial six months upon not less than sixty days written notice, subject to penalties of only one-and-a-half months rent if the tenant rescinds during the first year of the lease, and one-month rent if the tenant rescinds after the first year of the lease. The exercise of such rescission rights could materially and adversely affect the Company.

 

Credit card operating risks: Credit card operations are subject to federal legislation and regulation. From time to time, such legislation, as well as competitive conditions, may affect, among other things, credit card finance charges. While the Company cannot predict the effect of future competitive conditions and legislation or the measures the Company might take in response thereto, a significant reduction in the finance charges imposed by Tarshop would have an adverse effect on the Company. In addition, changes in general Argentine economic conditions, including, but not limited to, higher interest rates and increases in delinquencies, charge-offs and personal bankruptcies could have an adverse effect on the Company.

 

E-commerce risks: The Company also offers its services over the Internet, and competes in the market for Internet services and products, which is characterized by intense competition and rapid technological changes. The Company’s internet ventures have a limited operating history, have never generated profits, and their prospects are subject to the risks, expenses, and uncertainties frequently encountered by companies in new and rapidly evolving markets for internet products and services. These risks include the failure to develop and extend the Company’s online service brands, the rejection of the Company’s services by Web consumers, vendors and/or advertisers, the inability of the Company to maintain and increase the levels of traffic on its online services, as well as other risks and uncertainties. In the event that the Company does not successfully implement its business plan, certain assets may not be recoverable.

 

F-75


Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(In thousands of Argentine Pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

20. Differences between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP (continued)

 

  (n) Summarized financial information of unconsolidated equity investees

 

Equity investments in unconsolidated affiliated companies where the Company exercises significant influence, generally representing between 20% and 50% of the capital stock in such companies, have been accounted for under the equity method, wherein the investment is recorded at the amount of the underlying equity in the net assets of the investments and adjusted to recognize the Company’s share of the undistributed earnings or losses.

 

The Company’s share of the income (loss) of these affiliates was Ps. 26.7 million in 2004, Ps. (14.7) million in 2003 and Ps. (4.6) million in 2002, and its investment in these companies totaled Ps. 127.3 million and Ps. 31.7 million at June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

 

Summarized financial information of the Company’s significant equity investees (on a 100% basis) is as follows:

 

     As of and for the year ended June 30,

 
     2004

    2002

 
     BHSA (i)

    APSA (iii)

 

Current assets

   Ps.   (ii)   Ps. 56,178  

Non-current assets

       (ii)     1,144,861  
    


 


Total assets

     8,542,005       1,201,039  

Current liabilities

       (ii)     90,936  

Non-current liabilities

       (ii)     411,398  
    


 


Total liabilities

     6,672.109       502,334  

Minority interest

     32,604       17,290  

Shareholders´ equity

     1,837,292       681,415  

Revenues

     406,692       195,966  

Gross profit

     255,561       104,896  

Net income (loss)

   Ps. 161,643     Ps. (11,352 )

(i) As from June 30, 2004 the Company’s investment in BHSA is accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Figures are presented in accordance with Argentine Banking GAAP.
(ii) Balance sheets of banking entities are unclassified.
(iii) As discussed in Note 2.b, APSA is included in the Company’s financial statements on a consolidated basis as from fiscal year 2003.

 

  (o) Capitalized interest

 

No interest costs were capitalized during the years ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002 under Argentine GAAP. As described in Note 20.I.(u), under US GAAP the Company capitalized Ps. 1.3 million of interest costs during the year ended June 30, 2004. No interest costs were capitalized under US GAAP for the years ended June 30, 2003 and 2002.

 

  (p) Severance indemnities

 

Under Argentine law and labor agreements, the Company is required to make minimum severance payments to its dismissed employees without cause and employees leaving its employment in certain other circumstances. Under Argentine GAAP, severance payments are expensed as incurred. Under US GAAP, the Company follows the guidelines established by SFAS No. 112, “Employers’ Accounting for Post-employment Benefits”, and SFAS No. 43, “Accounting for Compensated Absences”, which requires the accrual of severance costs if they relate to services already rendered, are related to rights that accumulate or vest, are probable of payment and are reasonably estimable. While the Company expects to make severance payments in the future, it is impossible to estimate the number of employees that will be dismissed without proper cause in the future, if any, and accordingly the Company has not recorded such liability.

 

F-76


Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(In thousands of Argentine Pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

20. Differences between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP (continued)

 

  (q) Statements of cash flows

 

Under Argentine GAAP, the Company is required to present the statements of cash flows in the primary financial statements in accordance with RT 9, as amended. Guidance set forth in RT 9 (as amended) is similar to the guidelines set forth in SFAS No. 95, “Statements of Cash Flows” (SFAS No.95).

 

As described in Note 3.b., the Company considers all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. As a result, no differences exist between cash flows reported in the primary financial statements and cash flows that would be reported in a statement of cash flows prepared using US GAAP numbers. However, as discussed further below, certain differences do exist between cash flows from operating, investing, and financing activities that would be reported in a statement of cash flows prepared using US GAAP numbers.

 

Under Argentine GAAP, cash flow from purchases, sales and maturities of available-for-sale securities were reported as operating activities. Under US GAAP, these transactions would be classified as cash flows from investing activities. Also, under Argentine GAAP neither the effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents, nor the effects of inflation were disclosed by presenting additional cash flow statement categories as required by US GAAP. The following table presents the cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities as well as the effects of inflation accounting and exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents that would be reported in the consolidated statements of cash flows under US GAAP.

 

     For the year ended June 30,

 
     2004

    2003

    2002

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

   Ps. 92,378     Ps. 55,135     Ps. 11,871  

Net cash used in investing activities

     (105,061 )     (52,260 )     (21,049 )

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

     (47,649 )     109,439       (41,427 )

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

     (8,081 )     51,743       2,043  

Effect of inflation accounting

     —         (1,472 )     39,113  
    


 


 


Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

   Ps. (68,413 )   Ps. 162,585     Ps. (9,449 )
    


 


 


 

Under US GAAP, the total amounts of cash and cash equivalents at the end of the years shown in the consolidated statements of cash flows are required to be the same amounts as similarly titled line items shown in the consolidated balance sheets, as of those dates. Note 19 to the consolidated financial statements includes a reconciliation between the balances included as cash and banks in the consolidated balance sheets to the total amounts of cash and cash equivalents at the end of the years shown in the consolidated statements of cash flows.

 

F-77


Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(In thousands of Argentine Pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

20. Differences between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP (continued)

 

  (r) Comprehensive income

 

On July 1, 1998, the Company adopted SFAS No. 130, “Reporting Comprehensive Income”. SFAS No. 130 establishes guidelines for the reporting and display of comprehensive income and its components in a full set of general-purpose financial statements. Comprehensive income represents the change in shareholder’s equity of the Company during the period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources. It includes all changes in equity during a period except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners. The adoption of SFAS No. 130 had no impact on total shareholders’ equity. The following table summarizes the components of comprehensive income for the years ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002.

 

     Year ended June 30,

 
     2004

   2003
(Restated)


    2002
(Restated)


 

Net income (loss) under US GAAP

   Ps. 2,825    Ps. 235,126     Ps. (901,515 )

Other comprehensive income (loss):

                       

Foreign currency translation adjustments

     —        —         112,399  

Unrealized loss on available-for-sale-securities

     3,501      1,272       (13,562 )

Unrealized loss on retained interest in transferred mortgage and credit card receivables

     1,379      1,049       (646 )

Unrealized gain on available-for-sale-securities on equity investees

     14,426      5,746       (1,055 )
    

  


 


Comprehensive income (loss)

   Ps. 22,131      243,193     Ps. (804,379 )
    

  


 


Accumulated non-owner changes in equity (accumulated other comprehensive income) at June 30 were as follows:

 

 

     2004

   2003
(Restated)


    2002
(Restated)


 

Unrealized (loss) gain on available-for-sale securities

   Ps. 2,646    Ps. (855 )   Ps. (2,127 )

Unrealized loss on retained interest in transferred mortgage and credit card receivables

     1,782      403       (646 )

Unrealized gain on available-for-sale-securities on equity investees

     20,181      5,755       9  
    

  


 


Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

   Ps. 24,609    Ps. 5,303     Ps. (2,764 )
    

  


 


 

F-78


Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(In thousands of Argentine Pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

20. Differences between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP (continued)

 

  (s) Investments in real estate and accumulated depreciation

 

The following is a summary of the Company’s investments in real estate as of June 30, 2004 prepared in accordance with SEC Regulation S-X 12-28.

 

Description


  Land

  Buildings and
improvement


  Improvements

   

Total buildings

and
improvements


    Total

  Accumulated
depreciation


   

Net carrying

value as of
June 30


 

Date of

construction


  Date acquired

 

Life on which

depreciation

in latest

income

statements

is computed


Av. de Mayo 595

  Ps. 679   Ps. 4,906   Ps. 396     Ps. 5,302     Ps. 5,981   Ps. 1,562     Ps. 4,419   Julio 1992   March 1992   50

Alsina 934

    354     1,421     0       1,421       1,775     318       1,457   -   August 1991   50

Constitución 1111

    584     0     99       99       683     189       494   September 1994-
March 1995
  June 1994 –
January 1994
  50

Reconquista 823

    4,942     15,872     958       16,830       21,772     4,039       17,733   June 1995   November 1993    

Sarmiento 517

    46     171     (95 )     76       122     1       121   March 1995   December 1994-
August 1994-
July 1994
  50

Av. Madero 942

    1,303     1,160     239       1,399       2,702     489       2,213   -   July 1994-
August 1994
  50

Libertador 602

    699     2,166     180       2,346       3,045     417       2,628       May 1996   50

Maipú 1300

    10,294     35,665     6,674       42,339       52,633     7,201       45,432       September 1995   50

Madero 1020

    6,222     1,579     (2,882 )     (1,303 )     4,919     872       4,047       December 1995   50

Libertador 498

    11,731     29,710     7,831       37,541       49,272     6,593       42,679       December 1995   50

Laminar

    6,595     23,353     3,565       26,918       33,513     2,387       31,126       March 1999   50

Intercontinental Plaza

    8,669     49,585     2,797       52,382       61,051     (4,101 )     65,152   June 1996   November 1997   50

Alto Palermo Plaza

    1     0     (1 )     (1 )     0     0       0   December 1996-
March 1997 and
September 1997
  November 1997   50

Alto Palermo Park

    474     0     86       86       560     60       500   June 1996   November 1997   50

Hotel Libertador

    3,027     60,615     0       60,615       63,642     30,283       33,359   October 1973-
Noviembre 1990-
December 1997
  March 1998   50

Hotel Intercontinental

    8,672     29,941     2,655       32,596       41,268     (2,409 )     43,677   December 1994   November 1994   50

Hotel Llao Llao

    3,073     25,838     901       26,739       29,812     3,786       26,026            

Costeros Dique IV

    2,726     15,466     2,832       18,298       21,024     901       20,123   -   June 2001   50

Dique II Edificio A y B

    5,948     13,102     2,110       15,212       21,160     1,434       19,726   September 1998   March 1997   50

Abasto

    9,752     249,800     0       249,800       259,552     48,856       210,696   November 1998       31

Alto Palermo

    8,694     396,848     0       396,848       405,542     176,425       229,117   October 1990   November 1997-
March 1998
  26

Alto Avellaneda

    17,349     159,231     0       159,231       176,580     69,247       107,333   October 1995   November 1997-
December 1997
  19

Paseo Alcorta

    8,066     96,756     0       96,756       104,822     35,819       69,003   June 1992   June 1997   22

Shopping Rosario

    41,100     11,309     886       12,195       53,295     0       53,295            

Other

    1,151     24,131     0       24,131       25,282     5,284       19,998            

Suipacha 652

    2,533     10,716     888       11,604       14,137     3,496       10,641   April-June 1994   November 1991   50

Alto Noa

    357     38,026     0       38,026       38,383     8,794       29,589   September 1994   March 1995-
September 1996-
January 2000
  23

Buenos Aires Desing

    0     48,915     0       48,915       48,915     25,534       23,381   November 1993-
December 1993
  November 1997   20

Patio Bullrich

    8,419     150,707     0       150,707       159,126     37,448       121,678   September 1988   October 1988   23
   

 

 


 


 

 


 

           
    Ps. 173,460   Ps. 1,496,989   Ps. 30,119     Ps. 1,527,108     Ps. 1,700,568   Ps. 464,925     Ps. 1,235,643            
   

 

 


 


 

 


 

           

 

F-79


Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(In thousands of Argentine Pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

20. Differences between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP (continued)

 

  (s) Investments in real estate and accumulated depreciation (continued)

 

     Year ended June 30,

 
     2004

   

2003

(Restated)


   

2002

(Restated)


 

Balance, beginning of the year

   Ps. 1,597,631     Ps. 427,819     Ps. 535,892  

Additions during the year:

                        

Acquisitions

             1,156,166       —    

Improvements

     22,882       31,783       134  

Transfers from real estate inventory

     40       1,212       —    

Recovery of impairment

     49,157       18,177       —    

Transfers from undeveloped parcels of land

     51,501       —         —    

Transfers from intangible assets

     31       95       —    

Transfers from leasehold improvements

     —         7,022       —    

Transfers from work-in-progress leasehold improvements

     —         998       —    

Advance payments on properties

     —         —         21,196  
    


 


 


       1,721,242       1,643,272       557,222  
    


 


 


Deductions during the year:

                        

Transfers to real estate inventory

     (18,189 )     (16,642 )     (46,969 )

Transfers to goodwill

     (2,485 )     —         —    

Impairment loss

     —         (23,711 )     (82,434 )

Sales

     —         (5,288 )     —    
    


 


 


       (20,674 )     (45,641 )     (129,403 )
    


 


 


Balance, end of the year

   Ps. 1,700,568     Ps. 1,597,631     Ps. 427,819  
    


 


 


 

F-80


Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(In thousands of Argentine Pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

20. Differences between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP (continued)

 

  (t) Mortgage loans on real estate

 

Prepared in accordance with SEC Regulation S-X 12-29

 

Col. A.


   Col. B.

  Col. C.

   Col. D.

   Col. E.

   Col. F.

   Col. G.

   Col. H.

Description


  

Interest

Rate


 

Final maturity

date


  

Periodic payment

term


   Prior liens

   Face amount of mortgages

  

Carrying amount of

mortgages


  

Principal amount of

loans subject to

delinquent principal

or interest


Customer A

   12%   December 2007    Monthly    None      249      216    None

Customer B

   12%   June 2007    Monthly    None      77      44    None

Customer C

   14%   June 2014    Monthly    None      128      82    None

Customer D

   16%   December 2006    Monthly    None      85      41    None

Customer E

   16%   December 2014    Monthly    None      80      71    None

Customer F

   14%   May 2014    Monthly    None      77      85    None

Customer G

   12%   September 2009    Monthly    None      76      51    None

Customer H

   16%   October 2009    Monthly    None      74      58    None

Customer I

   12%   April 2015    Monthly    None      73      64    None

Customer J

   14%   June 2014    Monthly    None      70      80    None

Customer K

   16%   June 2014    Monthly    None      69      61    None

Customer L

   15%   December 2009    Monthly    None      66      86    None

Customer M

   14%   June 2009    Monthly    None      60      48    None

Customer N

   15%   May 2009    Monthly    None      59      39    None

Customer O

   14%   April 2014    Monthly    None      58      50    None

Customer P

   16%   February 2010    Monthly    None      58      46    None

Customer Q

   12%   April 2015    Monthly    None      53      47    None

Customer R

   14%   February 2014    Monthly    None      52      45    None

Customer S

   14%   February 2014    Monthly    None      50      49    None

Customer T

   14%   March 2014    Monthly    None      48      41    None

Mortgage loans under US$ 30,000

   14-16%   July 2003-April 2009    Monthly    None      101      26    None

Mortgage loans US$ 30,000-49,999

   12-17%   July 2003-May 2009    Monthly    None      195      82    None

Mortgage loans US$ 50,000-69,999

   9-14%   December 2006-January 2015    Monthly    None      182      21    None
                       

  

    
                        Ps. 2,040    Ps. 1,433     
                       

  

    

 

F-81


Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(In thousands of Argentine Pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

20. Differences between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP (continued)

 

  (t) Mortgage loans on real estate (continued)

 

The summary of activity in mortgage receivables is as follows:

 

     Year ended June 30,

 
     2004

    2003

    2002

 

Balance, beginning of year

   Ps. 2,567     Ps. 5,050     Ps. 66,681  

Additions during the year:

                        

Mortgage loans acquired (APSA)

     —         1,875       —    

New mortgage loans

     —         —         1.642  

Deductions during the year:

                        

Securitization

     —         —         (43,121 )

Collections of principal

     (1,132 )     (4,358 )     (20,152 )
    


 


 


Balance, end of year

   Ps. 1,435     Ps. 2,567     Ps. 5,050  
    


 


 


 

21. Other financial statement information

 

The following tables present additional financial statement disclosures required under Argentine GAAP:

 

a. Fixed assets, net

 

b. Intangible assets, net

 

c. Allowances and provisions

 

d. Cost of sales, leases and services

 

e. Foreign currency assets and liabilities

 

f. Other expenses

 

F-82


Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(In thousands of Argentine Pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

21. Other financial statement information

 

  a. Fixed assets

 

     Original value

   Depreciation

    Net carrying value as of June 30,

                                 Current year

                     

Principal account


  

Value as of

beginning

of year


  

Additions,

transfers
and

restoration
of

impairment


   

Deductions,

transfers and

impairment loss


   

Value as of

end of year


  

Accumulated as of

beginning of year


   

Increases /

(decreases)

and transfers


   

Amount

(i)


   

Accumulated as of

end of year


    2004

  

2003

(As
restated)


   2002 (As
restated)


Facilities

   Ps. 61,019    Ps. 956     Ps. (81 )   Ps. 61,894    Ps. 41,324     Ps. (83 )   Ps. 3,555     Ps. 44,796     Ps. 17,098    Ps. 19,695    Ps. 19,133

Furniture and fixtures

     40,713      1,887       (123 )     42,477      34,158       (123 )     3,022       37,057       5,420      6,555      5,950

Machinery and equipment

     5,020      187       (186 )     5,021      4,728       (186 )     172       4,714       307      292      343

Computer equipment

     26,660      1,857       (54 )     28,463      22,123       (50 )     2,536       24,609       3,854      4,537      719

Vehicles

     531      144       (44 )     631      363       (44 )     47       366       265      168      111

Leasehold improvements

     12,721      1,899       (1,361 )     13,259      10,507       (1,361 )     1,105       10,251       3,008      2,214      2,320

Advances to suppliers

     14      71       (14 )     71      14       (14 )     —         —         71      —        343

Properties

                                                                                  

Alsina 934

     1,775      —         —         1,775      290       —         28       318       1,457      1,485      1,513

Alto Palermo Park

     474      86       —         560      54       —         6       60       500      420      802

Alto Palermo Plaza

     1      —         (1 )     —        (1 )     (1 )     2       —         —        2      847

Av. de Mayo 595

     5,585      396       —         5,981      1,473       —         89       1,562       4,419      4,112      4,201

Av. Madero 942

     2,463      239       —         2,702      457       —         32       489       2,213      2,006      4,655

Constitución 1111

     584      99       —         683      181       —         8       189       494      403      408

Costeros Dique IV

     18,192      2,832       —         21,024      626       —         275       901       20,123      17,566      17,841

Dique II Edificio A y B

     19,050      2,110       —         21,160      1,113       —         321       1,434       19,726      17,937      18,255

Dique II Edificio C y D

     —        —         —         —        —         —         —         —         —        —        5,565

Hotel Intercontinental

     38,613      2,655       —         41,268      (2,350 )     —         (59 )     (2,409 )     43,677      40,963      40,819

Hotel Libertador

     63,642      —         —         63,642      29,028       —         1,255       30,283       33,359      34,614      35,598

Hotel Llao Llao

     28,911      1,424       (523 )     29,812      2,519       —         1,267       3,786       26,026      26,392      25,913

Hotel Piscis

     —        —         —         —        —         —         —         —         —        —        583

Intercontinental Plaza

     58,254      2,797       —         61,051      (5,474 )     —         1,373       (4,101 )     65,152      63,728      65,079

Laminar

     29,948      3,565       —         33,513      1,927       —         460       2,387       31,126      28,021      28,479

Libertador 498

     41,441      7,831       —         49,272      5,997       —         596       6,593       42,679      35,444      37,918

Libertador 602

     2,865      180       —         3,045      377       —         40       417       2,628      2,488      2,528

Madero 1020

     7,801      289       (3,171 )     4,919      1,368       (565 )     69       872       4,047      6,433      10,139

Maipu 1300

     47,247      5,386       —         52,633      6,476       —         725       7,201       45,432      40,771      41,495

Reconquista 823

     20,814      958       —         21,772      3,739       —         300       4,039       17,733      17,075      17,766

Sarmiento 517

     217      41       (136 )     122      51       (54 )     4       1       121      166      259

Shopping Abasto

     259,589      170       (207 )     259,552      38,275       2,387       8,194       48,856       210,696      221,314      —  

Shopping Alto Avellaneda

     163,483      13,097       —         176,580      58,350       3,061       7,836       69,247       107,333      105,133      —  

Shopping Alto Noa

     31,247      7,136       —         38,383      7,437       —         1,357       8,794       29,589      23,810      —  

Shopping Alto Palermo

     405,481      61       —         405,542      158,004       —         18,421       176,425       229,117      247,477      —  

Shopping Buenos Aires Design

     48,891      24       —         48,915      23,051       —         2,483       25,534       23,381      25,840      —  

Shopping Paseo Alcorta

     104,641      181       —         104,822      31,951       —         3,868       35,819       69,003      72,690      —  

Shopping Patio Bullrich

     158,710      416       —         159,126      30,907       —         6,541       37,448       121,678      127,803      —  

Shopping Rosario

     —        72,198       (18,903 )     53,295      —         —         —         —         53,295      —        —  

Suipacha 652

     13,249      888       —         14,137      3,304       —         192       3,496       10,641      9,945      10,139

Other

     24,463      1,145       (326 )     25,282      4,323       (20 )     981       5,284       19,998      20,140      9,748
    

  


 


 

  


 


 


 


 

  

  

Total as of June 30, 2004

   Ps.  1,744,309    Ps. 133,205 (ii)   Ps. (25,130) (iii)   Ps.  1,852,384    Ps.  516,670     Ps. 2,947     Ps.  67,101     Ps.  586,718     Ps.  1,265,666              
    

  


 


 

  


 


 


 


 

  

      

Total as of June 30, 2003

   Ps. 527,254    Ps.
 
 
1,248,862
 
 
  Ps.
 
 
(31,807
 
)
  Ps. 1,744,309    Ps. 117,785     Ps.  332,003     Ps. 66,882     Ps. 516,670            Ps.  1,227,639       
    

  


 


 

  


 


 


 


        

  

Total as of June 30, 2002

   Ps. 632,546    Ps. 25,110     Ps.
 
 
(130,402
 
)
  Ps. 527,254    Ps. 131,327     Ps.  (33,099 )   Ps. 19,557     Ps. 117,785                   Ps.  409,469
    

  


 


 

  


 


 


 


               

 

F-83


Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(In thousands of Argentine Pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

21. Other financial statement information (Continued)

 

  a. Fixed assets (Continued)

 

(i) The allocation of annual depreciation charges in the consolidated statements of income is included in “Other expenses” (Note 21.f.), except for Ps. 152 which are expensed.

 

(ii) Includes:

 

  - Ps. 40 transfers from inventories;
  - Ps. 51,501 transfers from parcels of undeveloped lands;
  - Ps. 49,157 restoration of previously recognized impairment losses
  - Ps. (2,485) transfers to goodwill

 

(iii) Includes

 

  - Ps. (18,189) transfers to inventories;
  - Ps. 31 transfer from intangible assets

 

F-84


Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(In thousands of Argentine Pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

21. Other financial statement information (continued)

 

  b. Intangible assets:

 

     Original value

   Amortization

   Net carrying value as of June 30,

                          Current year

                   

Principal account


  

Value as of

beginning

of year


  

Additions /

(deductions)

and impairment


   

Value as of

end of year


  

Accumulated as of

beginning of year


  

Increases /

(decreases)


    Amount (i)

  

Accumulated as of

end of year


   2004

  

2003

(As restated)


  

2002

(As restated)


Preoperating and organization expenses

   Ps.  15,464    Ps.  (9,595 )   Ps. 5,869    Ps.  13,855    Ps.  (9,968 )   Ps. 253    Ps. 4,140    Ps.  1,729    Ps.  1,609    Ps. 175

Deferred financing costs

     24,292      (21,076 )     3,216      24,292      (21,076 )     —        3,216      —        —        2,842

Selling and advertising expenses

     7,550      1       7,551      6,794      —         313      7,107      444      756      1,423

Trademarks

     521      31       552      254      (8 )     55      301      251      267      —  

Expenses related to securitization of receivables

     6,975      —         6,975      6,641      (193 )     524      6,972      3      334      —  

Advertising expenses

     5,706      (5,706 )     —        5,668      (5,706 )     38      —        —        38      —  

Investment projects

     4,899      (4,899 )     —        4,664      (4,899 )     235      —        —        235      —  
    

  


 

  

  


 

  

  

  

  

Total as of June 30, 2004

   Ps. 65,407    Ps. (41,244) (ii)   Ps.  24,163    Ps. 62,168    Ps.  (41,850 )   Ps. 1,418    Ps.  21,736    Ps. 2,427              
    

  


 

  

  


 

  

  

  

      

Total as of June 30, 2003

   Ps. 29,050    Ps. 36,357     Ps. 65,407    Ps. 24,610    Ps. 23,893     Ps.  13,665    Ps. 62,168           Ps. 3,239       
    

  


 

  

  


 

  

         

  

Total as of June 30, 2002

   Ps. 35,814    Ps. (6,764 )   Ps. 29,050    Ps. 28,040    Ps.  (10,170 )   Ps. 6,740    Ps. 24,610                  Ps.  4,440
    

  


 

  

  


 

  

                


(i) The allocation of annual amortization charges in the consolidated statements of income is included in Note 21.f., except for Ps. 224 and Ps. 523 for the year ended 2004 allocated in “Cost” and “Net income (loss) in credit card trust” respectively and Ps. 3,105 and Ps. 4,357 for the year ended 2003 allocated in “Gain (loss) in credit card trust” and “Interest on discounting by liabilities” respectively, and Ps. 96 for the year ended 2002 included in “Other expenses, net (Note 9).
(ii) Includes transfer to fixed asset of Ps. (31) and recovery of impairment of Ps. 34.

 

F-85


Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(In thousands of Argentine Pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

21. Other financial statement information (continued)

 

  c. Allowances and provisions

 

                      Carrying value of June 30,

Item


  

Balances as of

beginning of
year


   Additions
(i)


    Deductions

    2004

  

2003

(As restated)


  

2002

(As restated)


Deducted from current assets:

                               

Allowance for doubtful accounts

   46,774    64     (11,539) (ii)   35,299    46,774    1,449
    
  

 

 
  
  

Total as of June 30, 2004

   46,774    64     (11,539)     35,299          
    
  

 

 
  
    

Total as of June 30, 2003

   1,449    65,677     (20,352)          46,774     
    
  

 

      
  

Total as of June 30, 2002

   2,064    575     (1,190)               1,449
    
  

 

           

Deducted from non-current assets:

                               

Allowance for doubtful accounts

   54    —       (9)     45    54    —  

Allowance for doubtful mortgage receivable

   2,208    —       —       2,208    2,208    —  

Allowance for impairment of fixed assets

   79,044    5,213 (iii)   (59,625) (iv)   24,632    79,044    55,896

Allowance for impairment of inventories

   2,196    1,852 (v)   (3,577) (vi)   471    2,196    12,647

Allowance for impairment of parcels of undeveloped land

   44,026    —       (21,176) (vii)   22,850    44,026    9,328

Allowance for impairment of intangible assets

   1,633    —       (103) (viii)   1,530    1,633    —  

Allowance for impairment of non – current investments

   7,474    —       (577) (ix)   6,897    7,474    —  
    
  

 

 
  
  

Total as of June 30, 2004

   136,635    7,065     (85,067)     58,633          
    
  

 

 
  
    

Total as of June 30, 2003

   77,871    100,095     (41,331)          136,635     
    
  

 

      
  

Total as of June 30, 2002

   25    82,721     (4,875)               77,871
    
  

 

 
  
  

Included in current liabilities:

                               

Provision for contingencies

   12,402    3,200     (9,163)     6,439    12,402    8,866
    
  

 

 
  
  

Total as of June 30, 2004

   12,402    3,200     (9,163)     6,439          
    
  

 

 
  
    

Total as of June 30, 2003

   8,866    8,889 (x)   (5,353)          12,402     
    
  

 

      
  

Total as of June 30, 2002

   9,869    575     (1,578)               8,866
    
  

 

 
  
  

Included in non-current liabilities:

                               

Provision for contingencies

   4,682    2,288     (421)     6,549    4,682    401
    
  

 

 
  
  

Total as of June 30, 2004

   4,682    2,288     (421)     6,549          
    
  

 

 
  
    

Total as of June 30, 2003

   401    7,604 (xi)   (3,323)          4,682     
    
  

 

      
  

Total as of June 30, 2002

   232    372     (203)               401
    
  

 

           

(i) The accounting allocation of the charges for the year ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002 is the follows:
      - Doubtful accounts are disclosed in “Other Expenses”, Note 21.f..
      - Provision for contingencies is disclosed in “Other expenses, net” (Note 9), except for Ps. 114 allocate in “Other expenses” (Note 21.f.).
      - Impairment of fixed assets, inventories, parcels of undeveloped land and intangible assets are included in “Gain (loss) from operations and holdings of real estate assets”.
      - Impairment of non – current investments is included in “Equity in (losses) earnings on affiliated companies”.
      - Provision for contingencies is disclosed in “Other income (expenses), net” (Note 9)
(ii) Includes recovery of allowance for doubtful account of Ps. 1,229 disclosed in “Other income (expenses), net” (Note 9).
(iii) Corresponds to transfers from parcels of undeveloped lands of Ps. 4,766 and transfer from inventories of Ps. 447.
(iv) Includes recovery of impairment of Ps. 49,157, disclosed in “Gain (loss) from operations and holdings of real estate assets, net” and Ps. 1,852 of transfers to inventories.
(v) Corresponds to transfers from fixed assets.
(vi) Includes transfer to fixed asset of Ps. 447 and recovery of impairment of Ps. 6, disclosed in “Gain (loss) from operations and holdings of real estate assets, net”.
(vii) Includes transfers to fixed assets of Ps. 4,766 and the recovery of impairment of Ps. 15,146, disclosed in “Gain (loss) from operations and holdings of real estate assets, net”.
(viii) Corresponds amortization of the year of Ps. 69 and recovery of impairment of Ps. 34, disclosed in “Gain (loss) from operations and holdings of real estate assets, net”.
(ix) Includes recovery of impairment of Perez Cuesta S.A.C.I.
(x) Includes additions due to consolidation of equity investees of Ps. 3,904.
(xi) Includes additions due to consolidation of equity investees of Ps. 4,938.

 

F-86


Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(In thousands of Argentine Pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

21. Other financial statement information (continued)

 

  d. Cost of sales, leases and services

 

     Year ended June 30,

 
     2004

   

2003

(As restated)


   

2002

(As restated)


 
I. Cost of sales                         

Stock as of beginning of year

   Ps. 22,985     Ps. 79,159     Ps.  103,099  

Plus:

                        

Additions due to consolidation of equity investees

     —         1,315       —    

Expenses (Note 21.f.)

     1,775       3,517       9,892  

Transfers to fixed assets

     (40 )     (1,212 )     —    

Transfers from fixed assets

     18,189       19,851       41,420  

Transfers from undeveloped parcels of land

     10,748       —         —    

Transfers to undeveloped parcels of land

     —         (39,529 )     —    

Transfers to other non – current receivables

     (5,890 )     —         —    

Transfers to other receivables

     (8,755 )     —         —    

Transfers from mortgages receivable

     —         2,757       —    

Transfers from mortgages payable

     —         2,078       —    

Less:

                        

Adjustment to purchase price of inventory

     15,916       2,297       (14,320 )

Stock as of end of period

     (29,221 )     (22,985 )     (79,159 )
    


 


 


Subtotal

     25,707       47,248       60,932  
    


 


 


Plus:

                        

Results from holding of real estate assets

     6       (844 )     (17,411 )
    


 


 


Cost of properties sold      25,713       46,404       43,521  
    


 


 


II. Cost of leases                         

Expenses (Note 21.f.)

     68,205       67,439       12,392  
    


 


 


Cost of properties leased      68,205       67,439       12,392  
    


 


 


III. Cost of fees for services                         

Expenses (Note 21.f.)

     1,484       1,232       767  
    


 


 


Cost of fees for services      1,484       1,232       767  
    


 


 


IV. Cost of hotel activities                         

Stock as of beginning of year

     869       541       672  

Purchases of the year

     444       244       81  

Expenses (Note 21.f.)

     40,049       31,346       40,070  

Stock as of end of period

     (1,313 )     (869 )     (541 )
    


 


 


Cost of hotel activities      40,049       31,262       40,282  
    


 


 


V. Cost of credit card operations                         

Expenses (Note 21.f.)

     11,965       8,330       —    
    


 


 


Cost of credit card operations      11,965       8,330       —    
    


 


 


TOTAL COSTS    Ps.  147,416     Ps.  154,667     Ps. 96,962  
    


 


 


 

F-87


Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(In thousands of Argentine Pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

21. Other financial statement information (continued)

 

  e. Foreign currency assets and liabilities

 

                    Total as of June 30,

Captions


   Currency

   Amount of
foreign
currency


   Current
Exchange rate (i)


   2004

  

2003

(As restated)


Assets                             
Current assets                             

Cash and banks:

                            

Cash

   US$    1,281,784    0.002918    Ps. 3,740    Ps. 4,227

Cash

   Euros    185    0.0035292      1      —  

Cash

   Travel    —             —        7

Bank accounts

   US$    24,312,150    0.002918      70,943      66,985

Bank accounts

   Euros    139,444    0.0035292      495      9,398

Checks to be deposited

   US$    52,738    0.002918      154      41

Investments:

                            

Government bonds

   US$    7,207    0.002918      21      74

Mutual funds

   US$    11,572,771    0.002918      33,769      93,190

Mutual funds

   Euros    81,075    0.0035292      288      93

Time deposits

   US$    —      —        —        27,440

Other investment

   US$    11,643    0.002918      34      —  

Mortgages and leases receivable

   US$    24,110    0.002918      70      78

Other receivables and prepaid expenses:

                            

Interest rate swap receivable

   US$    4,671,760    0.002985      13,816      307

Prepaid expenses

   US$    —      0.002918      —        165

Other

   US$    10,747    0.002918      31      —  

Related parties

   US$    5,029,637    0.002958      14,878      —  

Futures contracts receivables

   US$    162,000    0.002918      474      —  
                   

  

Total current assets

                    138,714      202,005
                   

  

Non-current assets                             

Other receivables and prepaid expenses:

                            

Interest rate swap receivable

   US$    —             —        8,172

Other

   US$    5,000,463    0.002918      14,591      —  
                   

  

Total non-current assets

                    14,591      8,172
                   

  

Total assets as of June 30, 2004

                    153,305       
                   

  

Total assets as of June 30, 2003

                  Ps.      Ps. 210,177
                   

  


(i) Official exchange rate prevailing as of June 30, 2004.

 

F-88


Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(In thousands of Argentine Pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

21. Other financial statement information (continued)

 

  e. Foreign currency assets and liabilities (continued)

 

                   

Total as of June 30,


Captions


   Currency

   Amount of
foreign
currency


  

Current

Exchange rate (i)


   2004

  

2003

(As restated)


Liabilities

                            

Current liabilities

                            

Trade accounts payable

   US$    673,724    0.002958    Ps. 1,993    Ps. 1,184

Mortgages payables

   US$    750,000    0.002958      2,218      2,100

Customer advances

   US$    193,141    0.002958      571      142

Short term debt

   US$    17,539,870    0.002958      51,883      74,578

Taxes payable

   US$    20,416    0.002958      60      76

Other liabilities

                            

Related parties

   US$    42,105    0.002958      125      —  

Other

   US$    7,905    0.002958      24      368
                   

  

Total current liabilities

                    56,874      78,448
                   

  

Non-current liabilities

                            

Trade accounts payable

   US$    968,547    0.002958      2,865      3,609

Long term debt

   US$    159,050,552    0.002958      470,472      514,273

Other liabilities

                            

Guarantee deposits

   US$    928,694    0.002958      2,747      —  
                   

  

Total non-current liabilities

                    476,084      517,882
                   

  

Total liabilities as of June 30, 2004

                    532,958       
                   

  

Total liabilities as of June 30, 2003

                  Ps.      Ps. 596,330
                   

  


(i) Official exchange rate prevailing as of June 30, 2004.

 

F-89


Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(In thousands of Argentine Pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

21. Other financial statement information (continued)

 

  f. Other expenses

 

     EXPENSES

                   

Items


   Cost of
properties leased


   Cost of
properties sold


   Cost of fees for
services


   Cost of hotel
activities


   Cost of credit
card operations


   Administrative

   Selling

   Financing

   Total for the
year 2004


   Total for the
year 2003
(As restated)


   Total for the
year 2002
(As restated)


Depreciation and amortization

   Ps.  56,814    Ps. —      Ps. —      Ps. 6,078    Ps. 740    Ps. 3,819    Ps. 169    Ps. 982    Ps. 68,602    Ps. 73,085    Ps. 26,201

Interest and index – adjustment

     —        —        —        —        2,382      —        —        59,283      61,665      62,022      53,605

Salaries and bonuses

     —        —        —        12,557      3,779      13,316      3,208      —        32,860      25,251      29,425

Maintenance of building

     11,172      1,775      —        6,400      153      524      19      —        20,043      14,687      10,447

Fees and payments for services

     —        —        —        1,868      1,522      9,368      222      —        12,980      12,958      10,994

Gross sales tax

     —        —        —        —        —        —        9,385      —        9,385      6,427      3,076

Director’s fees

     —        —        —        —        —        8,626      —        —        8,626      8,900      1,165

Taxes, rates and contributions

     131      —        —        —        1,398      4,408      5      —        5,942      4,559      1,911

Advertising

     —        —        —        —        —        24      5,889      —        5,913      3,982      3,831

Social security contributions

     —        —        —        2,698      182      1,868      579      —        5,327      4,773      4,364

Commissions and property sales charges

     —        —        —        598      —        1,067      1,331      —        2,996      5,338      9,113

Mail and telephone

     —        —        —        1,603      712      279      108      —        2,702      1,713      1,626

Freight and transportation

     —        —        —        138      220      797      439      —        1,594      1,500      909

Lease expense

     88      —        —        —        450      876      —        —        1,414      1,031      507

Bank charges

     —        —        —        —        —        339      —        380      719      719      825

Subscriptions and publications

     —        —        —        —        —        264      —        —        264      175      —  

Safe deposits box

     —        —        —        —        —        159      —        —        159      310      203

Travel expenses

     —        —        —        —               88      —        —        88      2,024      2,814

Allowance for doubtful accounts

     —        —        —        —        —        —        64      —        64      9,251      604

Other

     —        —        1,484      8,109      427      4,418      1,615      170      16,223      12,769      16,496
    

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

Total as of June 30, 2004

   Ps. 68,205    Ps.  1,775    Ps.  1,484    Ps.  40,049    Ps. 11,965    Ps. 50,240    Ps. 23,033    Ps. 60,815    Ps. 257,566    Ps.      Ps.  
    

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

Total as of June 30, 2003

   Ps. 67,439    Ps. 3,517    Ps. 1,232    Ps. 31,346    Ps. 8,330    Ps. 45,194    Ps. 28,555    Ps. 65,861    Ps.      Ps. 251,474    Ps.  
    

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

Total as of June 30, 2002

   Ps. 12,392    Ps. 9,892    Ps. 767    Ps. 40,070    Ps. —      Ps. 36,258    Ps. 14,246    Ps. 64,491    Ps.      Ps.      Ps. 178,116
    

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

 

F-90


Table of Contents

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of

Banco Hipotecario S.A.

 

We have audited the consolidated balance sheets of Banco Hipotecario S.A. and subsidiaries (collectively referred to as the “Bank”) as of June 30, 2004 and 2003 and the related consolidated statements of income, of changes in shareholders' equity and of cash flows for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002 as well as their accompanying notes 1 to 37. These consolidated financial statements and notes are the responsibility of the Bank's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) and the auditing standards generally accepted in Argentina and performed the auditing procedures required by the Banco Central de la República Argentina (the "Argentine Central Bank"). Those standards require that we plan and perform an audit to obtain reasonable assurance as to whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. 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.

 

As mentioned in Note 1 and 6, the accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting rules prescribed by the Argentine Central Bank, which differ in certain respects from, and is a comprehensive basis of accounting other than, Argentine generally accepted accounting principles applicable to enterprises in general.

 

Accounting rules prescribed by Argentine Central Bank vary in certain significant respects from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and as allowed by Item 17 to Form 20-F. Information relating to the nature and effect of such differences is presented in Note 37 to the consolidated financial statements.

 

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Banco Hipotecario S.A. and subsidiaries at June 30, 2004 and 2003, and the results of operations, changes in shareholder's equity and cash flows for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002 in conformity with accounting rules prescribed by the Argentine Central Bank.

 

The quality of the Bank’s financial condition and results of operations depend to a significant extent on macroeconomic and political conditions prevailing from time to time in Argentina. The political and

 

F-91


Table of Contents

economic crisis of late 2001 and early 2002 in Argentina, and the Argentine government's actions to address such crisis, as mentioned in Note 2 have had a significant adverse effect on the Bank’s business activity. Currently, the Bank is significantly dependent on the Argentine Government’s ability to perform on its obligations to the Bank and to the entire financial system in Argentina, in connection with Federal secured loans, federal government securities and on its obligation to approve and deliver government securities under various laws and regulations.

 

Price Waterhouse & Co S.R.L.

 
I. Javier Casas Rúa
Partner

 

Buenos Aires, Argentina

September 6, 2004

 

F-92


Table of Contents

 

BANCO HIPOTECARIO S.A.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

As of June 30, 2004 and 2003

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

     June 30,

 
     2004

    2003

 

ASSETS

                

Cash and due from banks

   Ps. 59,200     Ps. 46,222  

Banks and correspondents

     320,841       193,223  
    


 


       380,041       239,445  

Government and corporate securities (Note 9)

     532,979       1,077,931  

Loans (Note 11)

                

Mortgage loans

     1,701,349       2,078,750  

Other loans

     729,621       1,048,645  
    


 


       2,430,970       3,127,395  

Plus: Accrued interest receivable

     253,537       283,683  

Less: Reserve for loan losses (Note 12)

     (327,082 )     (518,452 )
    


 


       2,357,425       2,892,626  

Other receivables from financial transactions (Note 13)

                

Amounts receivable under derivative financial instruments

     544,188       —    

Loans in trust pending securitization

     334,471       319,166  

Amounts receivable under reverse repurchase agreements of government and corporate securities

     44,832       —    

Receivable from Argentine Government compensating and hedge bonds (Note 2)

     2,654,716       2,537,083  

Miscellaneous (Note 13)

     604,792       200,726  
    


 


       4,182,999       3,056,975  

Plus: Accrued interest receivable

     20,866       14,514  

Less: Reserve for loan losses (Note 12)

     (40,732 )     (27,999 )
    


 


       4,163,133       3,043,490  

Investments in other companies

     19,407       2,863  

Miscellaneous receivables, net (Note 14)

     958,081       48,085  

Bank premises and equipment, net (Note 15)

     93,430       93,801  

Miscellaneous assets, net (Note 16)

     28,263       40,582  

Intangible assets, net (Note 15)

     4,022       8,775  

In-process items

     5,224       3,056  
    


 


Total Assets

   Ps. 8,542,005     Ps. 7,450,654  
    


 


 

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

 

F-93


Table of Contents

BANCO HIPOTECARIO S.A.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS – (Continued)

As of June 30, 2004 and 2003

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

     June 30

 
     2004

    2003

 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

                

LIABILITIES

                

Deposits

                

Checking accounts

   Ps. 13,295     Ps. 12,553  

Saving accounts

     51,649       22,857  

Time deposits

     101,572       16,273  

Other deposit accounts

     13,753       42,834  
    


 


       180,269       94,517  

Plus: Accrued interest payable

     1,098       10,967  
    


 


       181,367       105,484  

Other liabilities from financial transactions

                

Other banks and international entities (Note 19)

     354,216       921,900  

Bonds (Note 20)

     2,735,793       2,589,855  

Argentine Central Bank (Note 18)

     2,193,546       2,085,254  

Amounts payable under derivative financial instruments

     540,920       1,015  

Obligation to return collateral acquired under reverse repurchase agreements of government and private securities

     49,485       —    

Collections and other transactions on behalf of third parties

     25,859       32,167  

Miscellaneous

     273,822       59,872  
    


 


       6,173,641       5,690,063  

Plus: Accrued interest payable

     62,360       450,867  
    


 


       6,236,001       6,140,930  

Miscellaneous liabilities

                

Accrued taxes

     5,490       5,868  

Sundry creditors (Note 23)

     38,496       28,838  

Other (Note 23)

     7,051       5,758  
    


 


       51,037       40,464  

Reserve for contingencies (Note 17)

     201,135       156,241  

In-process items

     2,569       878  

Minority interests

     32,604       35,932  
    


 


Total Liabilities

     6,704,713       6,479,929  
    


 


SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

                

Common stock

     1,500,000       1,500,000  

Inflation adjustment of common stock

     1,797,623       1,797,623  

Paid-in-capital

     1       1  

Reserves

     1,191,686       1,191,686  

Accumulated deficit

     (2,652,018 )     (3,518,585 )
    


 


Total Shareholders’ Equity

     1,837,292       970,725  
    


 


Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

   Ps. 8,542,005     Ps. 7,450,654  
    


 


 

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

 

F-94


Table of Contents

 

BANCO HIPOTECARIO S.A.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

For the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

     2004

   2003

    2002

 

Financial income

                       

Interest on loans and other receivables from financial transactions

   Ps. 580,344    Ps. 511,895     Ps. 1,114,906  

Income from government securities and temporary investments, net

     110,338      —         —    

Income from restructuring of bonds

     231,998      —         —    

Income from restructuring of financial loans

     254,404      —         —    

Other

     702      735       4,776  
    

  


 


       1,177,786      512,630       1,119,682  

Financial expenses

                       

Interest on deposits and other liabilities from financial transactions

     198,447      1,120,326       863,171  

Expenses on government securities and temporary investments, net

     —        117,848       90,418  

Contributions and taxes on financial income

     10,053      3,539       19,001  
    

  


 


       208,500      1,241,713       972,590  

Provision for losses on loans (Note 12)

     —        122,005       438,600  

Income from services

                       

Insurance premiums

     46,300      46,785       100,714  

Commissions (Note 24)

     7,251      7,383       16,077  

Other (Note 24)

     17,485      30,288       44,680  
    

  


 


       71,036      84,456       161,471  

Expenses on services

                       

Insurance claims

     7,309      9,917       20,784  

Commissions (Note 24)

     23,965      30,559       59,415  

Contributions and taxes on income from services

     1,092      692       3,836  
    

  


 


       32,366      41,168       84,035  

Monetary loss from financial transactions

     —        (224,005 )     (2,229,578 )

Administrative expenses

                       

Salaries and social security contributions

     72,567      69,096       138,519  

Advertising expenses

     2,680      583       3,385  

Value added tax and other taxes

     9,516      8,254       17,301  

Directors’ and Syndics’ fees

     7,174      2,895       3,202  

Fees for administrative services

     6,149      6,090       20,451  

Maintenance and repairs

     31,618      30,901       46,798  

Other

     3,558      2,111       4,780  
    

  


 


       133,262      119,930       234,436  

Monetary (loss) gain related to operating transactions

     —        (1,005 )     13,786  
    

  


 


Net income (loss) from financial transactions

   Ps. 874,694    Ps. (1,152,740 )   Ps. (2,664,300 )

 

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

 

F-95


Table of Contents

 

BANCO HIPOTECARIO S.A.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME – (Continued)

For the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

     2004

    2003

    2002

 

Miscellaneous income

                  

Penalty interest

   11,506     14,537     11,565  

Loan loss recoveries

   53,277     50,067     82,709  

Gain on debt restructuring

   88,016     —       —    

Other

   51,170     6,044     14,853  
    

 

 

     203,969     70,648     109,127  

Miscellaneous expenses

                  

Provision for other contingencies and miscellaneous receivables

   163,445     141,089     3,978  

Others (Note 25)

   37,293     62,474     27,559  
    

 

 

     200,738     203,563     31,537  

Monetary gain on other transactions

   —       7,046     49,185  
    

 

 

Income (loss) before income taxes, minority interests and income from absorption ad-referendum of the Bank Shareholders’ Meeting

   877,925     (1,278,609 )   (2,537,525 )
    

 

 

Income taxes (Note 27)

   3,563     —       2,625  

Minority interests

   (7,795 )   7,882     19,286  
    

 

 

Income (loss) before absorption

   866,567     (1,270,727 )   (2,520,864 )

Absorption subject to the Approval of the Annual Shareholders Meeting (*)

   —       —       359,231  
    

 

 

Net income (loss)

   866,567     (1,270,727 )   (2,161,633 )
    

 

 

 

(*) Effect on the foreign currency position compensation.

 

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

 

F-96


Table of Contents

 

BANCO HIPOTECARIO S.A.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

For the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

     Common
stock (Note 29)


   Paid in
capital


   Inflation
adjustment of
common
stock (Note 29)


   Reserves

   Unrealized
valuation
difference (*)


    Accumulated
deficit


    Total
shareholders’
equity


 
            Legal (Note 29)

    Voluntary
(Note 29)


      

Balance as of June 30, 2001

   Ps. 1,500,000    Ps. 1    Ps. 1,797,623    Ps. 1,642,206     Ps. 169,608    Ps. —       Ps. (706,353)     Ps. 4,403,085  
    

  

  

  


 

  


 


 


Net loss for the period before the absorption

     —        —        —        —         —        —         (2,520,864 )     (2,520,864 )

Absorption subject to the approval of the Annual Shareholders Meeting (*)

     —        —        —        —         —        359,231       —         359,231  

Use of Unrealized valuation difference

     —        —        —        —         —        (359,231 )     359,231       —    
                                                


 


Net loss after the absorption

     —        —        —        —         —        —         (2,161,633 )     (2,161,633 )
    

  

  

  


 

  


 


 


Balance as of June 30, 2002

   Ps. 1,500,000    Ps. 1    Ps. 1,797,623    Ps. 1,642,206     Ps. 169,608    Ps. —       Ps. (2,867,986)     Ps. 2,241,452  
    

  

  

  


 

  


 


 


Transfers from earnings reserves

     —        —        —        (620,128 )     —        —         620,128       —    

Net loss for the period

     —        —        —        —         —        —         (1,270,727 )     (1,270,727 )
    

  

  

  


 

  


 


 


Balance as of June 30, 2003

   Ps. 1,500,000    Ps. 1    Ps. 1,797,623    Ps. 1,022,078     Ps. 169,608    Ps. —       Ps. (3,518,585)     Ps. 970,725  
    

  

  

  


 

  


 


 


Net income for the period

     —        —        —        —         —        —         866,567       866,567  
    

  

  

  


 

  


 


 


Balance as of June 30, 2004

   Ps. 1,500,000    Ps. 1    Ps. 1,797,623    Ps. 1,022,078     Ps. 169,608    Ps. —       Ps. (2,652,018)     Ps. 1,837,292  
    

  

  

  


 

  


 


 


 

(*) Effect on the foreign currency position compensation

 

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

 

F-97


Table of Contents

 

BANCO HIPOTECARIO S.A.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOW

For the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

     2004

    2003

    2002

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

                        

Net income (loss)

   Ps. 866,567     Ps. (1,270,727)     Ps. (2,161,633)  

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:

                        

Monetary adjustment

     —         217,964       2,166,607  

Provision for losses on loans and for contingencies and miscellaneous receivables, net of reversals

     161,797       301,077       397,430  

Capitalized interest on pre-restructuring loans

     —         —         (1,407 )

Net loss on government securities

     (24,973 )     305,109       (58,673 )

Gain from restructuring debt

     (783,698 )     —         —    

Depreciation and amortization

     15,034       14,098       14,528  

Net (gain) loss on sale of premises and equipment and miscellaneous assets

     16,531       783       1,511  

Absorption subject to the Approval of the Annual Shareholders Meeting

     —         —         (359,231 )

Equity in losses from unconsolidated subsidiaries

     —         2,863       937  

Indexing (CER and CVS) of loans

     (159,940 )     (163,259 )     (203,843 )

Unrealized foreign exchange gain (loss)

     62,478       796,539       (560,168 )

Interest and indexing (CER) of borrowings from Argentine Central Bank

     82,615       217,752       402,101  

Minority interest

     7,795       (7,882 )     (19,286 )

Net change in trading investments

     (92,853 )     65,151       (41,912 )

Net change in other assets and liabilities

     78,151       (726,225 )     297,223  
    


 


 


Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

     229,504       (246,757 )     (125,815 )
    


 


 


Cash flows from investing activities:

                        

Decrease in loans, net

     268,629       144,934       234,226  

Proceeds from securitization of US dollar-denominated loans

     (15,389 )     186,861       (68,436 )

Purchase of available for sale government securities

     (1,399,016 )     (255,938 )     (142,222 )

Proceeds from available for sale government securities

     1,201,501       303,216       476,172  

Proceeds from maturities of available for sale investments

     2,240       22,961       1  

(Increase) decrease in investments in other companies

     (16,544 )     (513 )     10,322  

Purchases of premises and equipment, miscellaneous and intangible assets

     (2,210 )     (252 )     (282 )
    


               

Net cash provided by investing activities

     39,211       401,269       509,781  
    


 


 


Cash flows from financing activities:

                        

Increase (decrease) in deposits, net

     75,883       (21,938 )     (338,179 )

Principal payments on bonds, notes, and other debts

     (317,636 )     (135,220 )     (535,596 )

(Decrease) Increase in borrowings, net

     113,635       75,994       412,494  
    


 


 


Net cash used in financing activities

     (128,118 )     (81,164 )     (461,281 )
    


 


 


Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     140,596       73,348       (77,316 )

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period

     239,445       166,097       243,413  
    


 


 


Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period

   Ps. 380,041     Ps. 239,445     Ps. 166,097  
    


 


 


Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

                        

Cash paid for interest

   Ps. 190,781     Ps. 80,738     Ps. 244,893  

Cash paid for income taxes

     3,563       —         2,625  

 

The amount of Ps. 1,794,925 for compensation bond, the amount receivable of Ps. 3,599,534 for the compensation and hedge bond to be received from the Argentine Government and the advance to be requested from Argentine Central Bank for subscription of the Hedge Bond, for Ps. 1,651,770, did not require the movement of cash as well as the pesification effect due to Decree N° 214/02.

 

As of June 30, 2004, the repayment of loans with national government securities of $ 125,654, the exchange of deposits for government bonds of Ps. 52,786, the sale of premises and equipment, intangible and miscellaneous assets of Ps. 18,825 and the swap of government debt instruments into secured bonds and loans amounting to Ps. 389,645 did not require the movement of cash.

 

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

 

F-98


Table of Contents

 

BANCO HIPOTECARIO S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of and for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

1. General

 

a. Description of business

 

Banco Hipotecario S.A. (herein after referred to as the “Bank” or “BHSA”), is a commercial bank, organized under the laws of Argentina. The Bank provides individual residential mortgage loans and construction-project loans directly to customers as well as indirectly through selected banks and other financial intermediaries throughout Argentina. The Bank also engages in mortgage loan securitizations, mortgage loan servicing and mortgage-related insurance in connection with its lending activities.

 

b. Basis of presentation

 

The consolidated financial statements of the Bank have been prepared in accordance with the policies of Banco Central de la República Argentina (“Argentine Central Bank” or “BCRA”) which prescribes the reporting and disclosure requirements for banks and financial institutions in Argentina (“Argentine Banking GAAP”). These rules differ in certain respects from generally accepted accounting principles in Argentina (“Argentine GAAP”). A description of significant differences between Argentine Banking GAAP and Argentine GAAP are set forth in Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements. Argentine Banking GAAP and Argentine GAAP also differ in certain significant respects from generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“US GAAP”). Such differences involve methods of measuring the amounts shown in the consolidated financial statements, as well as additional disclosures required by US GAAP and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). These consolidated financial statements include solely a reconciliation of net income (loss) and shareholders’ equity to US GAAP. Pursuant to Item 17 of Form 20-F, this reconciliation does not include disclosure of all information that would be required by US GAAP and Regulation S-X of the SEC. See Note 37 for details.

 

Certain disclosures required by the Argentine Banking GAAP have not been presented herein since they are not considered to be material to the accompanying consolidated financial statements taken as a whole.

 

c. Principles of consolidation

 

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Bank and its subsidiaries over which the Bank has effective control. All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

F-99


Table of Contents

BANCO HIPOTECARIO S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of and for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

d. Presentation of financial statements in constant argentine pesos

 

For the period from January 1, 1995 to December 31, 2001, the Bank accounted for its financial transactions on the historical cost basis. Prior to January 1, 1995, the Bank’s consolidated financial statements were prepared on the basis of general price-level accounting, which reflected changes in the purchasing power of the Argentine peso in the historical financial statements. However, as a result of the inflationary environment in Argentina during 2002. Argentine Central Bank Communication “A” 3702, Resolution No.240/02 of the Argentine Federation of Professional Councils in Economic Sciences (FACPCE) and Resolution No.415/02 from the “Comisión Nacional de Valores de la República Argentina” (CNV) reinstated the application of inflation accounting in financial statements as from January 1, 2002. These resolutions provided that all recorded amounts restated for inflation through August 31, 1995, as well as those arising between that date and December 31, 2001 are to be considered stated in currency as of December 31, 2001.

 

However, the Argentine government instructed the CNV to issue the necessary regulations to preclude public companies from presenting price-level restated financial statements. Therefore, on April 8, 2003, the CNV issued a resolution providing for the discontinuance of inflation accounting as of March 1, 2003. The Company complied with the CNV resolution and accordingly recorded the effects of inflation until February 28, 2003. Comparative figures were also restated until that date, using a conversion factor of 1.1199.

 

2. Economic and social situation prevailing in Argentina

 

During 2003 and 2004 the Argentine economy showed some signs of recovery after a four-year recession and one of the worst crises recorded in Argentina at the end of 2001. Interest rates have fallen and the foreign exchange market has stabilized. The financial system has gradually recovered its liquidity levels, recording an increase in deposits and in certain types of borrowing.

 

However, a situation characterized by high levels of unemployment and a major external public and private debt burden as well as country risk indicators far above normal average recorded by developing countries still persists. The National Government’s ability to meet its obligations continues to be impaired.

 

A favorable outcome of the restructuring negotiations of the public debt being carried out with creditors is deemed to be essential to reduce uncertainty as to the fiscal financial outlook over the next few years.

 

On January 6, 2002, after a political crisis that resulted in the resignation of two presidents, the Government enacted Law No. 25,561 (Law on public emergency and exchange system reform) that changed the economic model and amended the Convertibility Law in force since March 1991. Subsequently, the Government announced new economic measures, which were implemented through various legal regulations that significantly affected the banking business and the exchange system.

 

Listed below are some of the measures adopted by the Government that have been enacted at the date of issue of these consolidated financial statements that affected or will affect the Bank’s economic and financial position.

 

F-100


Table of Contents

BANCO HIPOTECARIO S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of and for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

Foreign exchange system

 

By Decree 260 (Exchange Regime) on February 11, 2002 a single free exchange market system was established, through which all transactions involving the exchange of foreign currency are to be traded at a exchange rate to be freely agreed, observing the requirements to be laid down by the Argentine Central Bank. Communication “A” 3471, complementary regulations and amendments established the necessary regulations for that market.

 

Loans in foreign currency

 

Under the terms of Law No 25,561, Decree No 214 and complementary rules and amendments, loans in US dollars or any other foreign currency granted by the Argentine financial system were converted into pesos according to the following guidelines:

 

(i) loans to the non-financial private sector, at the exchange rate of Ps. 1.00 per US dollar or its equivalent in any other foreign currency;

 

(ii) loans to the non-financial public sector, at the exchange rate of Ps. 1.40 per US dollar or its equivalent in any other foreign currency; and

 

(iii) loans to the financial sector, at the exchange rate of Ps. 1.40 per US dollar or its equivalent in any other foreign currency.

 

Those measures contemplated the application of CER from February 3, 2002, to the loans granted to the non-financial private sector and to the non-financial public sector plus a fixed interest rate, depending on the type of operation.

 

Decree No 762/02 (and additional Law No 25,713) of the Executive Branch amended the regulations mentioned in the preceding paragraph excluding from the application of CER those loans granted to individuals, as follows:

 

(i) loan secured by mortgages on the primary dwelling of debtors, originally agreed in US dollars up to Ps. 250,000,

 

(ii) consumer loans in original principal amount of up to Ps.12,000 or up to US$12,000 thousand or the equivalent in any other foreign currency, whether secured by a mortgage or not, and

 

(iii) pledge consumer loans in original principal amount of up to Ps.30,000 or US$30,000 thousand.

 

Those loans were adjusted as from October 1, 2002 by applying CVS.

 

Law 25,796 established the elimination of the CVS as from April 2004.

 

Repayment of loans

 

On April 12, 2002, the Argentine Central Bank issued Communication “A” 3562 establishing that, based on Decree No. 469, the customers of financial institutions as of November 2, 2001 may repay their loans in national government securities in lieu of cash.

 

Furthermore, Decree No. 905 established that financial institutions must receive as payment for single-family mortgage loans, Argentine Government Bonds (BODEN) in payment from individuals who are holders of those securities.

 

F-101


Table of Contents

BANCO HIPOTECARIO S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of and for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

Public-sector debt

 

Decree No. 1387/01 dated November 1, 2001 established the possibility of financial institutions to exchange public-sector debt instruments and loans under the Promissory Note/Bond program for new loans called Secured Loans. Conversions were made at face value and at a one-to-one rate, in the same currency as that of the exchanged public-sector obligation.

 

Decree No. 471, dated March 8, 2002, established that the obligations of the national, provincial and municipal public sectors outstanding as of February 3, 2002, and denominated in US dollars or any other currency, governed by Argentine law, were to be converted into pesos at an exchange rate of Ps. 1.40 per US dollar, or its equivalent in other foreign currency, with their principal adjusted by the CER.

 

The obligations of the national public sector converted into pesos as explained above accrue interest at rates ranging from 2% to 5%, depending on the characteristics of the original debt.

Decrees Nos. 644/02 and 79/03 established the steps to be taken by financial institutions to accept the new terms and conditions for receiving principal and/or interest payments on the secured loans. If financial institutions reject those terms and conditions, their situation will revert to the moment prior to the exchange.

 

On August 27, 2002, Decree No. 1579/02, instructed the Fiduciary Fund for Provincial Development to assume provincial debt instruments (government securities, bonds, treasury bills or loans) that were to be voluntarily converted into bonds (“BOGAR”) or loans (promissory notes) secured by the federal tax collection, under the terms established by such Decree.

 

Through Resolutions Nos. 539/02 and 611/02 dated October 25 and November 12, 2002, respectively, the Ministry of Economy established the unified calculation method applicable to debts encompassed by the conversion regime laid down by Decree No. 1579/02, and set a time limit for financial institutions having made offers to convert provincial public debt within the framework of Decree No. 1387/01 and complementary rules to declare their intention to withdraw those offers.

 

On November 19, 2002, the ministry of Economy issued Resolution No. 624/02, establishing the provincial public debt eligible to be exchanged for secured bonds and loans issued by the Fiduciary Fund for Provincial Development.

 

Deposits in foreign currency

 

Law No. 25,561 and Decree No. 214 of the Executive Branch established that all deposits in US dollars or other foreign currencies in the financial system as of January 6, 2002, were to be converted to Pesos at the exchange rate of Ps. 1.4 per US$ 1 or its equivalent in such other currency. These regulations also require financial institutions to make available such deposits to their customers in pesos. CER and a minimum interest rate will be applied to these deposits.

 

Executive Branch Decrees 905/02, 1836/02 and 2167/02 granted owners of deposits the possibility of opting to exchange those deposits for foreign and peso denominated government securities, the Argentine Central Bank granting advances to financial institutions for them to be able to meet exchange costs.

 

F-102


Table of Contents

BANCO HIPOTECARIO S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of and for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

Lastly, by Decree 739/03 the Executive Branch authorized holders of deposits originally set up in US dollars and subsequently pesified to request total or partial settlement of their deposits or certificates from financial entities based on a schedule established according to the original amount of the deposit.

 

Reorganization and bankruptcy proceedings

 

On February 14, 2002, Law 25,563 on reorganization and bankruptcy proceedings was enacted, which declared a production and credit emergency generated by the crisis affecting Argentina, which was originally scheduled to last until December 10, 2003, and later extended until December 10, 2004.

 

On May 15, 2002, the National Congress passed Law 25,589, which amended the Bankruptcy Law, the main points of which are as follows:

 

  Reinstatement of the mechanism established by Section 48 of Law 24,522, which allows creditors to acquire the share package of the debtor company, setting the conditions for preventing assets from being undervalued.

 

  Other variables, such as the brand and the positioning on the market, have been established to determine the value of companies, in addition to the financial statements.

 

  The term for the foreclosure of guarantees has been suspended for 180 calendar days, from the effective date of the above-mentioned law.

 

  The exclusivity period for debtors to make creditors offers has been reduced from 180 days, under the previous law to 90-120 days.

 

  Judges may revoke approval of the reorganization plan if they consider it to be grossly unfair for any of the parties.

 

  Out-of-court reorganization plan: defaulting debtors or debtors undergoing general economic and financial difficulties may agree on an out-of-court reorganization plan with their creditors, subject to approval by the court. Upon approval of this reorganization plan all legal actions against the debtor will be suspended. The approved plan will have effects for all creditors.

 

Mortgage refinancing system

 

The following was established through Laws No. 25,798 dated November 6, 2003 and regulated by Decree No. 1284/03:

 

  Creation of a refinancing system for mortgagors that envisages a state trust fund to take over the obligations of debtors granted amounts of up to 100,000 pesos for all types of loans guarantee by a single, permanently-inhabited home, who have defaulted between January 1, 2001 and September 11, 2003.

 

  Creation of a restructuring unit for the purpose of analyzing the loans that become eligible within the terms of the current law, with the exception of the default, and which were granted prior to the effectiveness of the convertibility of the Austral established by Law 23,928.

 

Preventive measures

 

As a result of the measures adopted by the Argentine Government, a significant number of claims against the National State and financial institutions were filed before the courts, requesting that deposits be returned in the currency in which they were originally made, as the measures were in breach of constitutional rights. At the date of these financial statements, the final outcome and the amount of those claims were still unknown.

 

F-103


Table of Contents

BANCO HIPOTECARIO S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of and for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

Financial System Restructuring Unit

 

On May 22, 2003, the Executive Branch issued Decree No. 1262 creating the Financial System Restructuring Unit (Unidad de Reestructuración del Sistema Financiero), which has been designed to define the strategy for the restructuring of the financial system. At the date of these financial statements, the Bank has complied with the requirements of that Unit.

 

Financial Regulation and Oversight Coordination Cabinet

 

Executive Branch Decree 476 dated April 20, 2004 established the creation of the Financial Regulation and Oversight Coordination Cabinet, the purpose of which will be to preserve the financial system stability, enhance financial intermediation and protect the users of financial services.

 

The impact generated by these circumstances on the Bank’s balance sheet and financial position as of June 30, 2004 was recognized in accordance with BCRA regulations and on the basis of estimates made by the Bank’s Management. At the date of issuance of these financial statements, it is not possible to foresee the future development of the economic situation and its effect on the Bank’s economic and financial position. Therefore, these financial statements should be read in the light of such circumstances.

 

Compensation granted by the National Government to financial institutions.

 

  Asymmetric pesification

 

Through Decree 905, the Government established the issuance of “National Government Compensating Bonds” to compensate financial institutions for the negative effects on their assets of the conversion into pesos at different exchange rates of receivables and obligations denominated in foreign currency, as provided for by Law 25561, Decree 214 and its amendments and complementary rules, and to cover the negative difference between assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currency arising from their conversion into pesos, as established by the above-mentioned regulations.

 

The Bank complied with the reporting requirements established by Sections 28 and 29 of Decree 905 - Compensation to financial institutions, applying for such purpose the regulations in force and particular criteria, exercising the following options:

 

  National Government Compensating Bond in US dollars, due 2012 (Section 29, subsection b, c and d): compensating bond - difference between assets and liabilities converted into pesos at Ps. 1.00, for the exchange rate difference of Ps. 0.40, converted into pesos at the Ps. 1.40 =US$ 1 rate: US$ 394,914 (consolidated amount).

 

  National Government Hedge Bond in US dollars, due 2012 (Section 29, subsection e). Hedge Bond - difference between assets and liabilities in US dollars, net of the compensating bond: US$ 825,533 (consolidated amount).

 

In September 2002 the Argentine Central Bank credited US$ 356,015 in BODEN 2012 (consolidated amount), no bonds having been issued for the difference in the compensation amount requested.

 

For purposes of these financial statements, i) BODEN 2012 bonds credited by the Argentine Central Bank have been recorded in Government and Corporate Securities – Holdings in investment accounts, ii) the amount in respect of the right to collect the compensating and coverage bonds has been recorded in Other Receivables for financial Transactions – Receivable for Argentine Government Compensating and Hedge Bond - In foreign currency, iii) bonds delivered as collateral for Negotiable Obligations and

 

F-104


Table of Contents

BANCO HIPOTECARIO S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of and for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

secured facilities to banks, in Miscellaneous Receivables, and iv) the amount of the obligation to be assumed as a counterpart for the Hedge Bond, in Other liabilities for financial transactions - Argentine Central Bank.

 

As a result of the foreign currency denominated financial debt restructuring process and the fact that the Government has not yet concluded the compensation process for the asymmetric pesification established by Decree 905/02, the Bank’s computation of the overall net foreign currency position is temporarily mismatched. This has already been communicated to the Central Bank.

 

  Asymmetric indexation

 

Law 25,796, regulated by Decree 117/04, established a mechanism for compensating financial institutions for the effects generated by the application of the Salary Variation Index (CVS) to some of their assets, and the Reference Stabilization Index (CER), to some of their liabilities.

 

On March 12, 2004, BCRA Communication “A” 4114 established that financial institutions were to confirm their adherence to the compensation regime implemented by April 30, which included uncertain aspects regarding the compensation calculation method.

 

On April 29, 2004, the BCRA issued Communication “A” 4131 establishing an extension of the deadline for adhering to the regime laid down by Communication “A” 4114 for 15 calendar days as from the date on which the Ministry of Economy and Production answers the consultations made by the associations grouping financial institutions in the letter dated April 22, 2004.

 

Lastly, on May 3, 2004, Ministry of Economy and Production Resolution No. 302/04 was published in the Official Gazette, approving the method to be used by the Finance Secretariat for calculating the amount of “peso-denominated National Government Bonds accruing interest at variable rates and due 2013” to be delivered to financial institutions adhering to the Compensation regime created by Law 25796.

 

On May 18, 2004, the Bank submitted letter No. 194 informing the Central Bank that it will not adhere to this regime, and stating its wish to be compensated for the negative effects on its equity derived from application of the CVS to certain assets converted into pesos and from the unequal application of the CER to certain liabilities, and expressly reserving its right to seek relief.

 

The Bank has recorded the effects of the compensation for asymmetric pesification as a positive contingency in memorandum accounts, and reserved its rights to receive compensation for the losses generated by application of general regulations, as a result of which it has applied the Salary Variation index (CVS) to certain assets and the Reference Stabilization Index (CER) to certain liabilities, as well as any other compensation that may arise.

 

Rehabilitation and regularization plan

 

Through resolution No. 213/02, the Board of Directors of the Argentine Central Bank requested Banco Hipotecario S. A. to submit a Rehabilitation and Regularization plan, pursuant to article 34 of Law 21526 on Financial Institutions, as amended. This plan should contemplate adopting the necessary measures to restore the liquidity position of the Bank.

 

On April 17, 2002, the Bank submitted that Rehabilitation and Regularization plan to the Argentine Central Bank.

 

F-105


Table of Contents

BANCO HIPOTECARIO S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of and for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

On August 21, 2002, new financial projections and complementary information were submitted to the Argentine Central Bank, which contemplated changes in the economic context subsequent to April 17, 2002; the variation between actual and original projected balances as of May 31, 2002; the status of the refinancing of the debts that fell due in 2002; the status of the liabilities renegotiation during the second semester of 2002 (debt restructuring), a summary of modified financial projections and the recovery of the amounts due to the Argentine Central Bank, as required by the whereas clause No. 9 of Resolution No. 213/02 issued by the Board of Directors of that Entity.

 

Through Resolution No. 227 dated May 29, 2003, the Board of Directors of the Argentine Central Bank requested from Banco Hipotecario SA the reformulation of the current Rehabilitation and Regularization Plan in order for the latter to contemplate the adequacy of the liquidity projections and to take the necessary steps to safeguard its solvency.

 

On June 18, 2003, the Bank submitted to the Argentine Central Bank the reformulation requested by the latter, stating the following points: i) progress in the negotiations for the restructuring of the external debt, ii) petitions for authorization to repay the assistance through the delivery of BODEN 2012 received from mortgage debtors, iii) expense reduction plan, iv) adherence to the procedure established by Section 8 of Decree 739/03 for the repayment of that assistance, with the alternative foreseen in Section 3 of Decree 1262/03, and v) certain analyses of the financial statements at December 31, 2002.

 

Treatment of assistance granted by the BCRA

 

Executive Branch Decree 739/03 and BCRA Communication “A” 3941 established that financial institutions which so request it shall repay the rediscount and advance balances in force at the date of that Decree and granted within the framework of Section 17 of Law 24144 and its amendments, in no more than 70 installments.

 

Subsequently, the Executive Branch issued Decree 1262/03 establishing that the conditions for the amortization of rediscounts may be modified, and extended the maximum number of installments up to one hundred and twenty (120) installments, each of which shall be equivalent to a percentage not lower than 0.40% of the adjusted principal amount.

 

On September 11, 2003, reformulated on February 4, 2004, the Bank submitted to the BCRA a schedule for the repayment of its debt for rediscounts received from the BCRA, as prescribed by Section 3 of Decree No. 1262/03, as well as a transformation and reorganization plan to strengthen the Bank’s efficiency and profitability.

 

This schedule has been prepared on the basis of the balances of rediscounts and advances granted by the BCRA at March 28, 2003, which at that date amounted to Ps. 391,101, delivering as collateral for the assistance granted secured loans which, considered at their technical value, maintain a margin not lower than 125%. In that submission, the Bank contemplates the settlement of its debt over a maximum term of 89 months counted from March 31, 2004.

 

Through Resolution No. 3 dated February 5, 2004, the Unit for the Restructuring of the Financial System authorized the BCRA to modify the conditions for the amortization of the assistance established in Section 9, subset. b) of Decree 739/03, which was adapted by the Bank according to the schedule mentioned in the preceding paragraph.

 

At the date of these financial statements, the Bank had repaid principal and interest according to that schedule.

 

F-106


Table of Contents

BANCO HIPOTECARIO S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of and for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

Situation of the Bank

 

The Public Emergency and Foreign Exchange reform Law No. 25561 had significant impact on the Bank. The Bank’s assets that were originally denominated in foreign currency were “pesofied” Ps. 4,506.7 million (83.4% of total assets denominated in foreign currency), whereas only 20.2% (or Ps. 892.9 million) of its total liabilities were pesofied. The principal US dollar or foreign currency equivalent assets including in the “pesofied” process were: i) post restructuring individual and construction mortgage loans, ii) Public sector loans, iii) Financial sector loans, iv) loans in trust pending securitization, v) certain Argentine government bonds, and vi) Certificates of participation and bonds in mortgage trusts. The interest rates on virtually all the Bank’s “pesofied” assets and liabilities were indexed to either CVS or CER.

 

This crisis has severely impacted the Bank’s liquidity to the extent that cash from operations has proved to be insufficient to cover both its operating costs and its debt service. Given the effects of the Argentine economic conditions the Bank was unable to meet its foreign currency obligations as they became due.

 

The “pesification” of the Bank’s assets created a substantial currency mismatch with its non –“pesofied” foreign currency debt. The Hedge Bonds to be issued by the Argentine Government are designed to eliminate this currency mismatch. However, the Hedge Bonds yield approximately 2% whereas the Bank’s foreign currency liabilities yield approximately 10%. In addition, the Hedge Bonds will be funded by peso-denominated Argentine Central Bank debt bearing interest at CER plus 2%.

 

As a result, on August 15, 2002 the Board of Directors resolved to start a debt restructuring plan comprising the Bank’s obligation in Bonds and loans received from foreign banks and entities.

 

On January 14, 2004 the Bank concluded its debt restructuring process in which approximately US$ 1,208.4 million principal amount of bond and bank debt was restructured. Completion of the transaction was a significant step forward inasmuch as in aligns the Bank’s principal and interest payments with its cash flow and attains a manageable debt profile.

 

Consummation of the debt restructuring has enabled the Bank to regain some of its financial stability and has improved its financial condition. The Bank also has fully hedged its foreign currency obligations and achieved a liability structure with an average life in excess of six years.

 

In addition to the positive effects derived from the Bank’s debt restructuring, the principal changes compared to the previous periods result from its loan portfolio due to the improvement in asset quality and the positive impact of the Coeficiente de Variación Salarial (CVS) index during the period.

 

Finally, the Bank made progress in the implementation of its business diversification initiatives,, including: I) an increase in loan products and lines of business and ii) development of new products, like credits cards (VISA) and pledge loans.

 

F-107


Table of Contents

BANCO HIPOTECARIO S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of and for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

3. Comprehensive financial debt restructuring

 

Due to the economical and social situation described in Note 2 and its impact on the financial system, on August 15, 2002 the Board of Directors of the Bank resolved to start a debt restructuring plan comprising the Bank’s obligations on approximately Ps. 2,849,254 and on approximately Ps. 889,551 of loans received from foreign banks and other entities, both balances at December 31, 2003.

 

As of August 16, 2002, following the Board’s resolution the Bank postponed the servicing of the debt until a successful restructuring is completed. The Bank reported the event to the Argentine Central Bank, the CNV and the Buenos Aires Stock Exchange on August 16, 2002.

 

On August 14, 2003, the Bank presented its restructuring proposal which consisted of the following:

 

  Existing Dollar- or Euro-denominated noteholders were offered to exchange their notes for new notes at par due 2013 (“At-par Offering”). Creditors who select the At-par Offering will receive new notes for 90% of the face value of the notes surrendered plus new notes for 10% of the face value of the notes surrendered, if elections are made prior to September 15, 2003; and a cash payout for unpaid interest between August 16, 2002 and September 15, 2003. Creditors who select the At-par Offering are also entitled to participate in an additional second offering which will be concurrently done.

 

  Under the second offering, noteholders may select a cash payment option (“Offering in cash”) or an option to receive new secured notes with a shorter maturity date (“Offering of secured negotiable obligations”).

 

  Creditors who select the Offering in cash will receive a cash payment equal to 45% of the face value of the notes surrendered plus an additional cash payment for unpaid interest

 

  Creditors who select the Offering of secured negotiable obligations will receive new secured notes for a face value equivalent to 70% of the face value of the notes surrendered plus a cash payment for unpaid interest. The new notes are secured by a trust comprised of BODEN securities and other secured loans for at least 110% of the face value of the new notes. Creditors will also be entitled to receive a contingent payment based on the appreciation in the value of the shares of the Bank (StARS). The StARS may be paid in cash, in Class D shares or a combination of both. The StARS will be paid only on the due date of the new secured notes based on the valuation method described in the offering documents. The StARS are not detachable from the new secured notes.

 

By means of the restructuring proposal, the Bank invited creditors to execute an out-of-court restructuring agreement provided that the restructuring plan is successful, consents to execute the plan are received for more than 75% of the Bank’s creditors and the plan is approved by at least 66.6% of each class of creditor affected by the plan. The plan will also require judicial approval.

 

The restructuring was subject to certain limitations and conditions, including the amounts available for “Offerings in cash” and the amounts of the new secured obligations to be issued. The Bank will earmark up to US$60,000 to the “Offering in cash” and issue new secured negotiable obligations for up to US$300,000. Bank creditors may also participate in the “Offering in cash” and the “Offering of secured negotiable obligations”.

 

The Offering was also subject to the restructuring of the bank debt (with a participation of at least 90%) and to the obtaining of a participation of at least 90% of the existing negotiable obligations.

 

F-108


Table of Contents

BANCO HIPOTECARIO S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of and for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

The new notes would not be registered in the United States of America.

 

Finally, on December 29, 2003 the term for receiving exchange offers expired, the Bank accepted all existing validly offered securities in compliance with the conditions for the Bank’s exchange offers and the simultaneous restructuring of all its outstanding debt with bank creditors. On January 14, 2004, this debt was settled.

 

The total final principal on validly offered securities existing at December 29, 2003 was Ps. 2,662,242, representing approximately 93% of the total principal on the outstanding securities existing at that date. Of the final amounts validly offered, approximately 77% (Ps. 2,060,861) opted to receive long-term securities, approximately 7% (Ps. 168,054), cash and approximately 16% (Ps. 433,325), guaranteed securities.

 

Of a total principal amount of Ps. 889,551 on the bank debt existing at December 29, 2003, 100% participated in its simultaneous restructuring. Of the participating amounts, approximately 20% (Ps. 187,403) opted to receive long-term loans, approximately 10% (Ps. 98,354), cash and approximately 70% (Ps. 607,956), secured loans.

 

The following table shows the amounts and percentages of the existing securities offered for exchange by series (the amounts shown in foreign currency are expressed in thousands of US dollars or Euros).

 

Existing US dollar-denominated securities

 

Series


  

Description


   Total
outstanding
principal amount


   Total principal
amount offered


   Percentage of
outstanding
amount offered


 

Series I

   Securities at 10% due April 17, 2003    US$ 297,460    US$  282,459    95.0 %

Series III

   Securities at 10,625% due August 7, 2006    US$ 13,108    US$ 12,371    94.4 %

Series IV

   Securities at 13% due December 3, 2008    US$ 4,810    US$ 3,900    81.1 %

Series VI

   Securities at 12,25% due March 15, 2002    US$ 7,598    US$ 6,756    88.9 %

Series XVI

   Securities at 12,625% due February 17, 2003    US$ 125,000    US$ 113,729    91.0 %

Series XXIV

   Securities at 9% due March 15, 2005    US$ 114,312    US$ 105,745    92.5 %
     Total    US$ 562,288    US$ 524,960    93.4 %

 

F-109


Table of Contents

BANCO HIPOTECARIO S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of and for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

Existing Euro-denominated securities

 

Series


  

Description


   Total
outstanding
principal
amount


   Total principal
amount offered


   Percentage of
outstanding
amount
offered


 

Series XVII

   Securities at 9% due March 27, 2002    1,815    1,079    59.4 %

Series XXII

   Securities at 8,75% due October 18, 2002    3,713    3,471    93.5 %

Series XXIII

   Securities at 10,75% due February 6, 2004    150,000    137,702    91.8 %

Series XXV

   Securities at 8% due June 15, 2005    170,829    163,021    95.4 %
     Total    326,357    305,273    93.5 %

 

The amounts in the preceding tables include US$ 29,342, equivalent to Ps. 86,061, corresponding to total principal on existing securities held by the Bank.

 

US dollar-denominated bank debt

 

Facility


   Total outstanding
principal amount


   Total principal
amount offered


   Percentage of
outstanding
amount offered


 

IFC loan

   US$ 25,000    US$ 25,000    100 %

USCP loan

   US$  102,500    US$ 102,500    100 %

OPIC loan

   US$ 81,736    US$ 81,736    100 %

Derivatives

   US$ 10,106    US$ 10,106    100 %

Total

   US$ 219,342    US$  219,342    100 %

 

Peso-denominated bank debt

 

Facility


   Total outstanding
principal amount


   Total principal
amount offered


   Percentage of
outstanding
amount offered


 

Syndicated loan

   Ps. 105,000    Ps. 105,000    100 %

Citibank facility plan

     120,029      120,029    100 %

Derivatives

     21,191      21,191    100 %

Total

   Ps. 246,220    Ps. 246,220    100 %

 

On January 14, 2004, the following amounts in new notes and cash were exchanged to existing noteholders.

 

New notes

 

Description


   CUSIP

   ISIN

   Principal amount

US dollar-denominated securities due 2013

   P1330H AZ 7    USP1330HAZ75    US$  410,904

Euro-denominated securities due 2013

   —      XS0175068971    256,218

Secured securities due 2010

   P1330H BA 1    USP1330HBA 16    US$ 107,941

 

F-110


Table of Contents

BANCO HIPOTECARIO S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of and for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

New bank debt

 

Description


   Due date

   Principal amount

Secured facility in pesos

   2010    Ps. 214,174

Secured facility in US dollars

   2010    US$ 86,333

Long-term facility in US dollars at a fixed rate

   2013    US$ 50,316

Long-term facility in US dollars at floating rates

   2013    US$ 13,579

 

Payments in cash

 

Description


   Amounts in US dollars

   Amounts in euros

Payments for offering in cash

   US$ 30,936    8,746

Payments for accrued and unpaid interest (a)

   US$ 34,183    11,497

 

(a) Includes (i) payment to existing noteholders for accrued interest from August 16, 2002 to September 15, 2003 at an annual rate of 3% and (ii) interest payment on the new notes as if those notes would have been issued on September 15, 2003; such interest calculated at rates applicable to the new notes as described in the offering document issued on December 8, 2003.

 

Based on the final validly offered amounts, and on the simultaneous restructuring of the Bank’s existing bank debt, no proration factor has been applied to the cash or secured debt options.

 

As of June 30, 2004, the Bank recognized the effects of the restructuring as follows (i) a gain of Ps. 231,998 and Ps. 254,404 for restructuring of notes and financial loans, respectively, due to the reduction in principal amounts (under the “Gain on restructuring of notes” and “Gain on restructuring of financial loans” line items in the statement of income); (ii) a gain of Ps. 209,280 for lower interest accrued in 2003 (recorded as an adjustment to financial expenses); (iii) a gain of Ps. 88,016 for lower interest accrued in 2002 (recorded as an adjustment to other profits line item in the statement of income) and (iv) the establishment of a reserve for Ps. 59,271 for the StARS.

 

As discussed in the previous paragraphs, the new notes are secured by the establishment of a Trust under Argentine law. In December 2003, the Bank, as trustor, and ABN AMRO Bank N.V., as trustee, entered into a Trust Agreement, pursuant to which the Bank transferred government securities (BODEN 2012) and secured loans to the Trust. The Trust will maintain these assets for the benefit of the new secured noteholders. The Trust was established to secure principal and interest payments on the new notes. The Trust’s assets consist only of the securities and loans transferred by the Bank and their respective proceeds.

 

After January 14, 2004, the exchange transaction settlement date, the Bank continued to exchange negotiable obligations with holders adhering to the offering late. At June 30, 2004, the face value of the obligations exchanged amounted to US$ 5,250 and Euro 8,126.

 

On August 2004, the Bank paid the first amortization installment.

 

The Bank’s financial debt restructuring includes various restrictive covenants, which among other things require the Bank to maintain certain financial ratios. At the date of issuance of these consolidated financial statements, the Bank is in compliance with all financial debt restructuring covenants.

 

F-111


Table of Contents

BANCO HIPOTECARIO S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of and for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

4. Exposure to the Public Sector

 

As of the June 30, 2004, the Bank maintains Ps. 4,790,614, in government-related assets:

 

  a) Government securities for Ps. 527,531 , of which Ps. 487,889 corresponding to securities not subject to sovereign-debt restructuring (BODEN 2012 Ps. 160,131, BOCON PRO 12 Ps. 3,358, BODEN 2007 Ps. 24,949, BODEN 2008 Ps. 12,060, BOGAR Ps. 163,066 and LEBAC Ps. 124,325).

 

  b) Government-secured loans by the National Government for Ps. 608,216, which originated from the exchange of government securities established by Decree 1387/01, accepted in repayment of non-performing mortgage loans acquired on the market.

 

  c) Loans to the provincial and municipal governments for Ps. 142,237.

 

  d) Rights to receive BODEN 2012 (hedge and compensating bonds) for Ps. 2,654,717 pursuant to Sections 28 and 29 of Decree 905/02.

 

  e) Miscellaneous receivables for Ps. 857,913 corresponding to assets transferred to the trust as collateral for the bonds and secured facilities derived from the debt exchange, of which 59,835 correspond to Government-secured loans and Ps. 759,843, to BODEN 2012, Guaranteed Loans and BODEN 2012 deposited as collateral for the currency swap transaction for Ps. 1,739 and Ps. 36,496, respectively.

 

As of June 30, 2004, the Bank has Ps. 2,208,179 in government related liabilities refinanced advances and rediscounts to cover lack of liquidity for Ps. 399,679, included in the matching laid down by Decree 1262/02, and advances for Ps. 1,808,500 to subscribe BODEN 2012, pursuant to Sections 28 and 29 of Decree 905/02.

 

As established by Decree 1262/03, the Unit for the Restructuring of the Financial System authorized the BCRA to modify the conditions for the amortization of assistance granted according to the schedule presented. Through the procedure described in the above-mentioned norms, the Bank has delivered its holding of secured loans as collateral for this obligation, and that assistance will be amortized with the proceeds of those assets. The average duration of the secured loans provided as collateral is longer than the term requested to refinance those advances.

 

In addition, Decree 905/02 envisages in its Section 17 that in the event of default by the National Government on the payment of principal or interest on the bonds envisaged in Chapter II (BODEN) or the securities indicated in section 15, subsect. b) and c) (secured loans and BOGAR), for more than 30 days following the respective due dates, each financial institution will be entitled to repay in advance either fully or partially the advances received for the subscription of bonds, using for that purpose all or the equivalent portion of the assets provided as collateral, taken at the value in which they were recorded at the time the advances were granted, plus interest accrued until the repayment date, less the amount actually repaid.

 

Through Communication “A” 4084 dated January 30, 2004, the BCRA resolved that the assets delivered as collateral for the advances granted for the subscription of the bonds foreseen by Decree 905/02, ratified by Section 71 of Law 25827, may be excluded from the accounting valuation at present, technical or theoretical values at the discretion of the institutions, for a total or partial amount of the advances, pursuant to the provisions of Section 17 of that Decree, in which case they are to be recorded at the value admitted for purposes of the providing of collateral.

 

F-112


Table of Contents

BANCO HIPOTECARIO S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of and for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

In view of the above, the Bank’s high exposure to the National Public Sector must be considered in the light of the liabilities assumed with the BCRA.

 

5. Significant Accounting Policies

 

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies used in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements.

 

5.1. Foreign Currency Assets and Liabilities

 

Foreign currency assets and liabilities are translated at the prevailing exchange rate at period-end. Transactions denominated in foreign currencies are translated into pesos at the prevailing exchange rates on the date of transaction settlement. Foreign currency transactions net gains or losses are recorded within “Financial income” or “Financial expenses” in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

 

5.2. Government and Corporate Securities

 

Argentine Banking GAAP requires banks to classify government securities into two categories: “held for trading” and “investment account”.

 

Trading Securities are marked to market, and any difference between book value and their market value is recognized as a gain or loss in the consolidated income statement. Investment securities are carried at acquisition cost plus accretion of discount or amortization of premiums, and accrued interest, as applicable.

 

The BODEN US$ 2,012 government securities received as compensatory bonds are classified as “Investment Securities” and are recognized at their technical value (par value), in accordance with the clauses of Communication “A” 3,911, complementary rules and amendments issued by the BCRA. At the end of each twelve-month period, the technical value of those securities increases on the basis of interest accrued under the issue terms and conditions. The new foreign currency balance is converted into pesos at the reference exchange rate published by the Argentine Central Bank.

 

The Argentine Government Securities originally issued in foreign currency subject to Argentine legislation have been converted into pesos at the exchange rate of Ps. 1.40 per US dollar, as provided for by Law No. 25561, Decree No. 214 and complementary rules and amendments.

 

Government and corporate securities, classified as trading securities, are carried at the Buenos Aires Stock Exchange spot quotation as of the respective balance sheet date. Realized and unrealized gains and losses and interest income on government and private securities classified as trading and recorded as "Income from government securities and temporary investments, net" in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

 

The securities classified under “Unlisted Government Securities” have been valued at cost plus indexing and accrued interest at period-end.

 

The Bank has recorded Secured Bonds issued by the Fiduciary Fund for Provincial Development received within the framework of Decree 1579/02, Ministry of Economy Resolution 539/02 and complementary rules. These bonds have been stated at present value, following the guidelines established by Communication “A” 3911, complementary rules and amendments.

 

F-113


Table of Contents

BANCO HIPOTECARIO S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of and for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

5.3. Loans

 

The portfolio of performing loans and loans due on ninety days or less has been valued in terms of the principal amounts actually lent, plus capitalized interest, net of principal amortization collected and debt balance refinancing, plus adjustments (from the application of the CER, and CVS where applicable) and accrued interest receivable and less the estimated reserve for loan losses.

 

For purposes of these financial statements, Pre-restructuring Loans are those predating April 1, 1991 or individual loans stemming from global transactions arranged prior to that date, and Post-restructuring Loans are those originated after that date.

 

Secured loans were valued until February 28, 2003 according to their origin as i) received in exchange for Argentine government securities, in line with Decree 1387/01, have been valued at the ratio established by the Ministry of Economy (face value plus interest accrued until November 6, 2001, less coupons receivable until November 30, 2001), maintaining for such purpose the value at which those government securities had been recorded in investment accounts, ii) received in exchange for government securities accepted for the repayment of non-performing loans (Communication “A” 3348), have been valued at the higher of their face value less the related allowance for loan losses or their market value. The gain arising from the difference between the face value of the secured loans received and the value at which those exchanged securities had been recorded in investment accounts or the carrying value, as the case may be, accrues on a straight-line basis during the term of those loans. Secured Loans originally denominated in foreign currency subject to Argentine legislation have been converted into pesos at the exchange rate of Ps. 1.40 per US dollar, as established by Law 25561, Decree 214 and complementary rules and amendments, the CER having been applied to the amount of those loans as from February 3, 2002.

 

In accordance with Communication “A” 3911, complementary rules and amendments of the Argentine Central Bank, loans secured under Decree 1387/01 and other public sector loans are valued at the lower of present value (cash flows according to contract conditions, discounted at the rates of interest established by the Argentine Central Bank) or technical value (amount restated by the CER, where applicable, plus interest accrued in accordance with contract clauses). This value is compared to the theoretical value (book value at February 28, 2003, net of the offsetting account, plus adjustment by the CER, where applicable). The differences resulting from this comparison are shown in an assets offsetting account, if the result is positive, and expensed if the result is a loss. The balance will be adjusted according to the amount resulting from the calculation of the differences between those items, until they are used up. Once the balance has been used up, any subsequent valuation difference will be expensed.

 

Secured loans incorporated after February 28, 2003 are valued at cost grossed up for interest accrued at their internal rate of return.

 

Other loans to the public sector, not included in the preceding paragraph, originally granted in foreign currency have been converted into pesos at the exchange rate of Ps. 1.40 per US dollar, as established by Law 25561, Decree 214 and complementary rules and amendments. Since February 3, 2002, the CER has been applied to the amount of those loans and maximum rates have been established, as provided for by Decree 1579/02, if those assets were subjected to the Exchange of Provincial Public Debt.

 

Loans to the non-financial private sector originally granted in foreign currency have been converted into pesos at the exchange rate of Ps. 1.00 per US dollar, as established by Law 25561, Decree 214 and complementary rules and amendments. Since February 3, 2002, the CER and CVS have been applied to the amount of those loans and maximum rates have been established, depending on the borrower.

 

F-114


Table of Contents

BANCO HIPOTECARIO S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of and for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

Law 25796 established the elimination of the CVS as from April 2004.

 

5.4. Capitalization of Interest on Certain Pre-Restructuring Loans

 

The Bank recognizes a return of 9% per annum (“the reference rate”) on certain of its Pre-Restructuring Loans (“Pre-Restructuring Loans” refers to individual and construction project mortgage loans extended through 1989, additional construction project mortgage loans advanced under commitments existing in 1989 and individual loans extended for the purchase of housing units in such construction projects). However, the cash interest payable by customers as a component of the monthly mortgage loan installments is sometimes less than the reference rate. The difference between the reference rate and the cash interest payable on the monthly loan installments is capitalized and added to the principal of the related loan balances and is recorded in financial income under “Interest on loans and other receivables from financial transactions” in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. The increased interest rate and the recovery of the capitalized interest results in increasing monthly loan installments over time for affected borrowers. At June 30, 2004 and 2003 the Bank maintains a minimum numbers of loans in this situation.

 

The Bank discontinues the capitalization of interest when the related loan is over 90 days past due.

 

5.5. Interest accruals and adjustments of principal amounts (CER and CVS)

 

Interest accruals were determined using the exponential method for all lending and certain borrowing transactions in local and foreign currency whose total term was more than 92 days, and interest accruals for loans overdue more than 90 days were discontinued.

 

Adjustments of principal amounts from application of the CER were accrued as established by Argentine Central Bank regulations, and interest accruals for loans overdue more than 90 days were discontinued.

 

5.6. Derivative Financial Instruments

 

During the twelve-month period ended June 30, 2004, the Bank entered into foreign currency swaps to manage its foreign exchange rate risk on foreign currency denominated borrowings (other than US dollar). The Bank recognizes a receivable and payable at the time of the agreements, which reflect the amount of currencies to be exchanged at the closing date. The foreign currency denominated receivable and payable arising from the swaps and the foreign currency-denominated borrowing are valued at face value plus interest accrued at the exchange rate outstanding at each period-end.

 

In view of the need to hedge the risk attached to the appreciation in the value of the Euro against the US dollar, given that the Bank has disclosed its liability in that currency, on January 5, 2004 options to purchase euros against US dollars were acquired for a notional amount of € 100,000 at a quotation of 1.2676, to be exercised within a term of one year.

 

5.7. Securitizations of Loans

 

The Bank recorded the transfer of US dollar-denominated and peso-denominated mortgage loans to a mortgage trust and the issuance of mortgage bonds as a sale and recorded its retained interest in the securitization trusts at their principal amounts. Retained interests relating to certificates of participation are adjusted monthly for the net results of the Bank's equity in the trusts. A gain or loss was recognized

 

F-115


Table of Contents

BANCO HIPOTECARIO S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of and for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

for the difference between the cash proceeds received and the principal balance of mortgage loans underlying the mortgage bonds sold. Servicing assets or liabilities were not recognized at the time of sale.

 

5.8. Reserve for Loan Losses

 

Reserves for loan losses established at June 30, 2004 and 2003, cover the minimum reserves required by the Argentine Central Bank, which consist of the debtors payment capacity and cash-flows analysis for commercial loans and clients aging for consumer loans, and were calculated considering the accounting policies adopted for certain refinanced consumer loans, certain contributions to the special relief fund, including the extraordinary contribution to that fund and the changes in certain estimates related to the loan portfolio.

 

Pursuant to the guidelines of Law 24441 on Housing and Construction Financing, the criterion followed by the Bank to set up reserves for construction projects, where the fiduciary ownership is transferred, consists in classifying debtors on the basis of the evaluation of the future cash flow of the individual project financed by the Bank.

 

Beginning April 1, 2000, the Bank has adopted a new policy regarding to provide reserves for non-performing individual loans. In general terms, this policy consists in the following:

 

a. Maintaining for six months the classification and reserves in respect of all those loans subject to: i) the provision of article 13 of Law 24143 and ii) refinancing.

 

b. After this period has expired, the Bank will proceed, as the case may be, as follows:

 

b.1. If the loan is no more than 30 days in arrears, it shall be reclassified under the “performing” category.

 

b.2. If the loan is more than 30 days in arrears, its classification will arise from the aggregate of the current number of days in arrears and those recorded before the refinancing.

 

c. All individual loans, which are more than 24 months in arrears, must be 100% reserved. Loans and reserves are to be charge-off from the Bank’s assets three months after the date on which those loans were fully covered by such reserve.

 

d. Those loans that had been charged off, according to c. above, and which had been restructured and are still performing, are re-recorded as asset if no delinquency greater than 30 days is showed during the next six months.

 

As a result of the policies adopted, it means loans and reserves charged off from the Bank’s assets three months after the date on which those loans were fully covered by 100% reserved, and in line with Argentine Central Bank rules, at June 30, 2004 and 2003 the Bank has recorded in memorandum accounts of Ps. 907,685 and Ps. 690,357, respectively.

 

Based on the foregoing, the Board of Directors of the Bank believes that the reserve for loan losses set up are sufficient to cover the minimum reserves required by the Argentine Banking GAAP rules and Argentine GAAP.

 

F-116


Table of Contents

BANCO HIPOTECARIO S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of and for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

5.9. Mortgage Related Insurance

 

The Bank makes provision for incurred but not reported insurance claims and pending insurance claims based on historical loss experience. The Bank provides property damage, life and unemployment insurance for its mortgage loan customers as well as for debtors of loans which the Bank services. Income from insurance premiums is recognized as it is charged as a component of the monthly loan installment under “Income from services” in the accompanying consolidated statement of income.

 

The Bank discontinues accruing insurance premiums for individual loans when the related loan is over 90 days past due.

 

5.10. Loans in trust pending securitization

 

The Bank has executed various financial trust agreements under which it has transferred the fiduciary ownership of certain of its mortgage loans to First Trust of New York as trustee for the benefit of trust. Once the mortgage loans have been transferred, the trust fund, issues the corresponding debt securities and participation certificates and remits the proceeds to the Bank. The Bank may also retain an ownership interest in the trust in the form of securities or participation certificates.

 

These receivables, corresponding to pesofied mortgage loans registered in the name of the trustee, are recorded as an asset of the Bank as the trustee had not issued the corresponding securities and the Bank maintains the dual roles of trustor and sole beneficiary.

 

5.11 Investments in Other Companies

 

As of June 30, 2004 and 2003 investments in other companies include:

 

Company


   Ownership Interest %

    Basis of accounting

BHN Inmobiliaria SA

   99.99 %   Equity method

Mercado Abierto Electrónico SA

   0.50 %   Cost method

ACH SA

   1.00 %   Cost method

 

Although the Bank’s holds the controlling interests in BHN Inmobiliaria SA, this company’s financial statements have not been consolidated with those of the Bank because the Management considers that the business activities in which the former is engaged is not homogeneous or supplementary to those carried out by Banco Hipotecario S.A..

 

5.12 Bank Premises and Equipment and Miscellaneous Assets

 

Bank premises and equipment are recorded at cost, adjusted for inflation (as described in Note 1.d), less accumulated depreciation.

 

Depreciation is computed under the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets. The estimated useful lives for bank premises and equipment are as follows:

 

Buildings

   50 years

Furniture and fixtures

   10 years

Machinery and equipment

   5 years

Other

   5 years

 

F-117


Table of Contents

BANCO HIPOTECARIO S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of and for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

The cost of maintenance and repairs of these properties is charged to expense as incurred. The cost of significant renewals and improvements are added to the carrying amount of the respective assets. When assets are retired or otherwise disposed of, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts, and any resulting gain or loss is reflected in the consolidated statement of income.

 

The Bank has recorded under “Miscellaneous assets” - properties received in lieu of payment. These assets are initially accounted at fair value, adjusted for inflation (as described in Note 1.d), less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation of Miscellaneous assets is also computed under the straight-line method over the estimated useful of the related assets.

 

5.13 Intangible Assets, Net

 

Intangible assets represent organization expenses incurred in the development of systems of Banco Hipotecario SA, as well as organization expenses incurred for the setting up and start-up of operations and software of BHN Sociedad de Inversión SA and BACS Banco de Crédito y Securitización SA. These assets are carried at cost, adjusted for inflation (as described in Note 1.d), less accumulated amortization. Intangible assets are amortized under the straight-line method over their estimated useful life.

 

5.14. Other Financial Instruments

 

On January 29, 2004, the Bank entered into a transaction as a partial hedging for the Stock Appreciation Right clause (“StARS”) included in the issuance of the Medium-term Secured Facility (Note 3). This transaction involves 7,110,000 Class D ordinary shares in Banco Hipotecario S. A.. The amount agreed under this transaction was US$17,519. The Bank recognized the right to receive its shares as an asset, which is marked to market based on the market value of its shares at period end.

 

During March 2004, the Bank executed a sale contract with DePfa Investment Bank Ltd. to repurchase bonds and Banco Hipotecario’s loans, by financing 50% of the eligible instruments purchase price. As of June 30, 2004 the Bank has recorded the payable with DePfa Investment Bank Ltd. and its accrued interest in “Other liabilities from financial transactions”

 

5.15 Minority interest

 

The breakdown of supplementary equity interests recorded in “Minority interests” in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets is as follows:

 

     %

    Pesos

BHN Sociedad de Inversión SA

   0.01 %   Ps. 1

BACS Banco de Crédito y Securitización SA

   30.00 %   Ps. 32,603

Total

         Ps. 32,604

 

5.16 Income Tax

 

The Bank recognizes income tax charges and liabilities on the basis of the tax returns corresponding to each fiscal year at the statutory tax rates. As of June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002, the corporate tax rates were 35%. The Bank does not recognize deferred income taxes.

 

F-118


Table of Contents

BANCO HIPOTECARIO S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of and for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

5.17 Statements of Cash Flows

 

The consolidated statements of cash flows were prepared using the measurement methods prescribed by the Argentine Central Bank, but in accordance with the presentation requirements of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 95: Statement of Cash Flows (“SFAS No. 95”). SFAS 95 establishes specific presentation requirements and additional disclosures but does not provide guidance with respect with the inflation adjusted financial statements. The effect of inflation and foreign exchange gains and losses on cash flow related to financing and operating activities has been included in the line item “Monetary loss”, and the effect of inflation on cash balances has been included in a separate line item after cash flows from investing activities.

 

For purposes of reporting cash flows, “Cash and cash equivalents” include “Cash and due from banks.”

 

5.18 Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities as of the financial statement dates and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Significant estimates include those required in the accounting of the reserve for loan losses and the reserve for contingencies. Since management's judgment involves making estimates concerning the likelihood of future events, the actual results could differ from those estimates which would have a positive or negative effect on future period results.

 

5.19 Advertising expenses

 

The Bank expenses advertising expenses as incurred. Advertising expenses were approximately Ps. 2,680, Ps. 583 and Ps. 3,385 for the twelve month periods ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002.

 

5.20 Reclassifications

 

Certain balances from prior periods have been reclassified to conform to the twelve-month period ended June 30, 2004 presentation.

 

6. Summary of differences between Argentine Banking GAAP and Argentine GAAP

 

The Bank’s accounting policies and financial statement presentation generally conform to the rules prescribed by the Argentine Central Bank which prescribes the reporting and disclosure policies for all banks and financial institutions in Argentina. These rules differ in certain respects from Argentine GAAP. The following is a summary of the principal differences between Argentine Banking GAAP and Argentine GAAP:

 

6.1 Valuation criteria

 

a) Compensation to be received, per Sections 28 and 29 of National Executive Branch Decree 905/02, and investment account securities

 

As of June 30, 2004 and 2003, the Bank carries the government securities received and to be received in the “Government Securities – holdings in investment accounts” and “Other Receivables for financial transactions”

 

F-119


Table of Contents

BANCO HIPOTECARIO S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of and for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

captions, respectively, arising from the compensation established by Sections 28 and 29 of National Executive Branch Decree 905/02.

 

In addition, the Bank maintains BODEN 2012 received in repayment of mortgage loans that are carried in investment accounts.

 

Under Argentine GAAP, those assets should be marked to market with the resulting gain or loss reflected in the income statement, unless the Bank demonstrates the ability and the intention to maintain these securities upon maturity.

 

b) Provision for allowances for receivables from the non-financial public sector

 

Current regulations on the setting up of allowances issued by the Argentine Central Bank provide that receivables from the Public Sector are not subject to allowances for doubtful accounts. Under Argentine GAAP, the allowance for losses is recognized when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Bank will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the terms of the agreements.

 

c) Accounting for income taxes

 

The Bank determines income tax at the statutory rate applicable to the estimated taxable income, without considering the effect of any timing differences between the accounting and taxable results. Under Argentine GAAP income tax must be recognized according to the liability method.

 

d) Net present value of secured loans, government and other similar securities

 

Through Resolution No. 87/03, the Consejo Profesional de la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires (CPCECABA) suspended the application of the criterion for measuring the present value, establishing the application of a relevant market interest rate on the basis of future income or disbursements of funds corresponding to loans, investments and other accounts receivable or payable generated by the specific activities carried out by financial institutions. This criterion differs from that established by Communication “A” 3911.

 

e) Restatement to constant currency

 

According to National Executive Branch Decree 664/2003, Argentine Central Bank Communication “A” 3921 and CNV Resolution No. 441, the Bank recognized the effect of inflation until February 28, 2003. Since Argentine GAAP required discontinuing inflation accounting as from October 1, 2003, the application of the abovementioned resolutions represents a departure from generally accepted accounting principles in Argentina. However, due to the low level of inflation rates during the period from March to September 2003, such a departure has not had a material effect on the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

 

6.2 Additional disclosure requirements

 

There are certain disclosure requirements established by Argentine GAAP, such as earnings per share and disclosures about segment information, that differ from what is required under Argentine Banking GAAP by Circular CONAU 1.

 

F-120


Table of Contents

BANCO HIPOTECARIO S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of and for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

7. Restricted Assets

 

At June 30, 2004, the Argentine Central Bank provided financial assistance to the Bank for Ps.385,046. As collateral for these transactions, senior pledges were set up on credit assets stemming from the 7% fixed rate guaranteed loan contract, due 2011, for approximately Ps.491,041. For such purpose, the financing obtained has been recorded in Other liabilities for financial transactions, and the balances representing the possible rights, in memorandum accounts.

 

As provided for by Decree 905, the BCRA will grant financing to financial institutions for the subscription of bonds issued by the National Government (BODEN due 2012 in US dollars), to be earmarked to cover the negative net foreign currency position, requiring for such purpose assets as collateral for that financing. At the date of these financial statements all the assets to be offered by the Bank to the BCRA had not been identified.

 

In view of the commitments undertaken under the Bank’s external debt exchange offer (Note 2), a trust was created under Argentine law by means of a Trust Agreement entered into by and between the Bank and ABN AMRO BANK, Argentine Branch. At June 30, 2004, BODEN 2012 for Ps. 764,169 and the yield there on and National Government Secured Loans for Ps. 59,835 had been transferred to the trust. These guarantees have been recorded in “Miscellaneous Receivables”.

 

At June 30, 2004, the Bank has deposited BODEN 2012 for Ps. 36,496 and National Government Secured Loans for Ps. 1,739, as collateral for the currency swap transaction.

 

Additionally, BACS Banco de Crédito y Securitización S.A. (Consolidated Company) carries certificates of participation in the BACS II Financial Trust and BACS Funding I Mortgage Trust as collateral for the financing line held with International Finance Corporation (IFC).

 

8. Privatization

 

In accordance with The Privatization Law under which the Bank became a private company, provides that, until August 2007, the Bank will (i) continue to provide residential mortgage financing on a geographically balanced basis in Argentina; (ii) make available 10% of the Bank’s housing construction credit lines for housing in districts with populations of less than 50,000; and (iii) maintain a special reserve funded from 2% of the cash interest collected on its housing loans to subsidize the repayment of loans for borrowers adversely affected by emergency economic conditions.

 

Additionally, the Privatization Law preserved the right of the Bank to conduct its insurance activities without being subject to the supervision of the Argentine Superintendency of Insurance (the “Insurance Superintendency”). However, the Bank is required to comply with certain reserve requirements of the Insurance Superintendency.

 

On February 2, 1999, Banco Nación as trustee of the Fondo Fiduciario Federal de Infraestructura Regional (“FFFRI”) made a combined public offering of 42,000,000 Class D shares in American Depositary Shares (“ADS”) form and ordinary form and 270,000 options, each representing the right to purchase 100 ADSs from FFFRI. Investors must acquire a minimum number of ADSs in order to be eligible to be allocated options. The options are exercisable at any time after February 2, 2000 up to and including February 2, 2004. A total of 13,616,606 Class D shares and 61,289 options, each representing the right to purchase 100 ADSs, were sold in Argentina with the authorization of the CNV and 28,383,394 ADSs, each representing one Class D share and 208,711 options, each representing the right to purchase 100 ADSs, were sold in the international capital markets in reliance on Rule 144 A

 

F-121


Table of Contents

BANCO HIPOTECARIO S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of and for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Prior to the offering, all shares were under the ownership and control of the Argentine government. The Bank received no proceeds from this offering and will not receive any proceeds from the exercise of the aforementioned options.

 

As a result of the expiration of the time frame for exercising the options indicated above, on February 2, 2004 certain holders of those options acquired 17,909,500 class D shares.

 

9. Government and Corporate securities

 

Securities held by the Bank consist of the following balances:

 

     June 30,

     2004

   2003

Held-for-investment - Quoted

             

Boden 2012 - compensating bond (US$)

   Ps. 86,540    Ps. 815,112

Boden 2012 - prepayment loans (US$)

     59,696      98,465
Trading
- Quoted
             

Argentine government bonds (Pesos)

     206,648      4,889

Argentine government bonds (US$)

     13,895      —  

Corporate equity securities (Pesos)

     4,712      20,958

Argentine Central Bank bills (Pesos)

     124,325      85,907

Corporate equity securities (US$)

     734      873

- Unquoted

             

National and provincial government bonds (Pesos)

     1,880      29,114

National government bonds (US$)

     34,549      22,613
    

  

Total

   Ps. 532,979    Ps. 1,077,931
    

  

 

10. Restructuring of the Mortgage Loan Portfolio

 

In late March 2000, the Bank adopted a package of significant measures intended to address certain issues related to both the Pre-Restructuring and Post-Restructuring loan portfolios. Issues affecting both portfolios emerged in the first quarter of 2000 from a weakening economic environment, certain potential limitations to the foreclosure proceedings and difficulties resulting from the capitalization of a portion of interest charged to customers.

 

Measures included, among other matters in constant pesos, (i) a Ps. 164,1 million increase in the reserve for loan losses to provide for an increase in non-performing loans; (ii) a Ps. 120,0 million increase in the reserve for loan losses for loans to construction projects that experienced difficulties in selling housing units since early 2000; (iii) the adoption of a more conservative classification methodology for delinquent consumer loans in the light of a weakening economic environment that caused an increased provision for loan losses of Ps. 380,6 million; (iv) a Ps. 77,2 million contribution to the Special Relief Fund set up to subsidize to individual borrowers in areas undergoing serious economic distress; (v) a Ps.357,9 million charges for loan losses to cover the write-down related to the capitalization of interest on Pre-Restructuring loans and certain other problems with local loans, and (vi) a Ps. 65,5 million provision to cover costs related to a program established to encourage the prepayment of Pre-Restructuring loans through forgiveness of a portion of the outstanding loans to debtors opting to pre-pay their debts.

 

F-122


Table of Contents

BANCO HIPOTECARIO S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of and for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

11. Loans

 

Descriptions of the categories of loans in the accompanying balance sheets include:

 

  Public Loans – loans to National Government and Provinces

 

  Mortgage loans

 

  Construction project loans - loans made to various entities for the construction of housing units

 

  Individual residential mortgage loans - mortgage loans made to individuals to finance the acquisition, construction, completion, enlargement, and/or remodeling of their homes

 

  Other loans - certain financial and non-financial sector loans

 

Under Argentine Central Bank regulations, the Bank must disclose the composition of its loan portfolio by non-financial Public sector, and financial and non-financial private sector. Additionally, the Bank must disclose the type of collateral pledged on non-financial private sector loans. The breakdown of the Bank’s loan portfolio in this regard is as follows:

 

     June 30,

 
     2004

    2003

 

Non-financial public sector

   Ps. 522,231     Ps. 653,148  

Financial sector

     588       35,435  

Non-financial private sector

                

With preferred guarantees (a)

     1,697,959       1,978,592  

With other guarantees

     210,192       460,220  

Accrued interest receivable

     253,537       283,683  

Reserve for loan losses (see Note 12)

     (327,082 )     (518,452 )
    


 


Total

   Ps. 2,357,425     Ps. 2,892,626  
    


 



(a) Preferred guarantees include first priority mortgages or pledges, cash, gold or public sector bond collateral, certain collateral held in trust, or certain guarantees by the Argentine government.

 

12. Reserve for loan losses

 

The activity in the reserve for loan losses of the Bank for the periods presented is as follows:

 

  a) Loans:

 

     June 30,

 
     2004

    2003

 

Balance at beginning of period

   Ps. 518,452     Ps. 615,614  

Provision/(recovery) charged to income

     (13,573 )     122,005  

Loans charged off

     (177,797 )     (153,105 )

Monetary results

     —         (66,062 )
    


 


Balance at end of period

   Ps. 327,082     Ps. 518,452  
    


 


 

F-123


Table of Contents

BANCO HIPOTECARIO S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of and for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

  b) Loans in trust pending securitization:

 

     June 30,

 
     2004

   2003

 

Balance at beginning of period

   Ps. 27,999    Ps. 31,356  

Provision charged to income

     12,733      —    

Monetary results

     —        (3,357 )
    

  


Balance at end of period

   Ps. 40,732    Ps. 27,999  
    

  


 

13. Other receivables from financial transactions

 

The breakdown of other receivables from financial transactions, by type of guarantee for the periods indicated, is as follows:

 

     June 30,

 
     2004

    2003

 

Preferred guarantees, including deposits with the Argentine Central Bank

   Ps.3,078,117     Ps.2,855,847  

Unsecured guarantees

   1,125,748     215,642  
    

 

Subtotal

   4,203,865     3,071,489  

Less: Reserve for loan losses

   (40,732 )   (27,999 )
    

 

Total

   Ps.4,163,133     Ps.3,043,490  
    

 

 

Miscellaneous other receivable from financial transactions for the periods indicated is as follows:

 

     June 30,

     2004

   2003

Class B subordinated mortgage-backed bonds

     88,530      65,730

Certificates of participation BHN II

     21,361      15,818

Certificates of participation BHN III

     9,323      —  

Certificates of participation BHN IV

     1,041      —  

Certificates of participation BACS II

     38,730      27,153

Certificates of participation BACS Funding I

     16,978      17,558

Certificates of participation BACS Funding II

     6,826      —  

Certificates of participation CHA I

     6,672      —  

Bonds

     234,743      28,260

Other

     180,588      46,207
    

  

Total

   Ps. 604,792    Ps. 200,726
    

  

 

F-124


Table of Contents

BANCO HIPOTECARIO S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of and for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

14. Miscellaneous receivables, net

 

Miscellaneous receivables, net are comprised of the following for the periods indicated:

 

     June 30,

 
     2004

    2003

 

Withholdings, credits and prepaid income tax

   Ps. 5,259     Ps. 2,612  

Receivables from governmental entities

     7,896       5,293  

Recoverable expenses, taxes, and advances to third parties

     11,699       8,541  

Bank correspondents

     2,615       2,669  

Guarantee deposit (*)

     863,119       6,054  

Receivables from master servicing activities

     6,276       23,804  

Other

     84,896       31,432  
    


 


Subtotal

     981,760       80,405  

Less: Reserve for collection risks

     (23,679 )     (32,320 )
    


 


Total

   Ps. 958,081     Ps. 48,085  
    


 


 

(*) As of June 30, 2004 guarantee deposits comprised mainly Boden 2012 for Ps. 759,843 and Secured Loans for Ps. 59,845 granted as collateral to secure principal and interest payments on the new notes (Guaranteed Bond) and Boden 2012 for Ps. 36,496 granted as collateral to secure the Euro/Dollar Swap Contract.

 

15. Bank Premises and Equipment, net and Intangible Assets, net

 

The book values of major categories of bank premises and equipment and total accumulated depreciation as of the periods indicated are as follows:

 

     June 30,

 
     2004

    2003

 

Land and buildings

   Ps. 99,278     Ps. 96,260  

Furniture and fixtures

     14,384       13,793  

Machinery and equipment

     38,853       36,291  

Other

     3,202       3,428  

Accumulated depreciation

     (62,287 )     (55,971 )
    


 


Total

   Ps. 93,430     Ps. 93,801  
    


 


 

Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization, as of the end of periods indicated is as follows:

 

     December 31,

     2004

   2003

Third parties fees, re-engineering, restructuring and capitalized software costs

     4,022      8,775
    

  

Total

   Ps.  4,022    Ps.  8,775
    

  

 

F-125


Table of Contents

BANCO HIPOTECARIO S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of and for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

16. Miscellaneous assets, net

 

Miscellaneous assets, net consists of the following as of the end of each period:

 

     June 30,

 
     2004

    2003

 

Properties to be sold

   Ps. 26,430     Ps. 41,469  

Assets leased to others

     9,526       10,428  

Other

     4,398       195  

Accumulated depreciation

     (12,091 )     (11,510 )
    


 


Total

   Ps. 28,263     Ps. 40,582  
    


 


 

17. Reserve for contingencies

 

The reserve for contingencies as of the end of each period is as follows:

 

     June 30,

     2004

   2003

Contingencies

   Ps. 101,135    Ps. 116,897

Incurred but not reported and pending insurance claims

     9,428      9,791

Legal fees

     4,308      5,702

Redundancy costs

     16,005      23,065

Restructuring Debt-StAR

     59,271      —  

Other

     10,988      786
    

  

Total

   Ps. 201,135    Ps. 156,241
    

  

 

The amount of contingencies as of June 30, 2004 and 2003 includes an estimate of amounts payable in respect of various lawsuits and has been determined based on amounts claimed and the likelihood that losses will be incurred. For the twelve month period ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, it also includes benefit packages offered to employees for early retirement, claims from legal agents in connection with refinanced loans and outstanding commitments to extend credit.

 

The Bank considers that the claims have arisen in the ordinary course of its business and does not consider that any such claims, either individually or in the aggregate, would, if adversely determined, have a material adverse effect on the business, operations or financial position of the Bank.

 

F-126


Table of Contents

BANCO HIPOTECARIO S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of and for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

18. Other Liabilities from Financial Transactions - Argentine Central Bank

 

The amounts outstanding corresponding to the Argentine Central Bank debt and advances, as of the end of twelve month period are as follows:

 

     June 30,

     2004

   2003

Advances to be incurred upon finalization of right to acquire Hedge Bonds

   Ps. 1,808,500    Ps. 1,692,149

Assistance granted by Argentine Central Bank

     385,046      393,105
    

  

Total

   Ps. 2,193,546    Ps. 2,085,254
    

  

 

Advances to acquire Hedge Bonds includes CER plus interest at 2% until February 3, 2003.

 

Advances includes CER plus interest at 3.50%.

 

19. Other Liabilities from Financial Transactions - Other Banks and International Entities

 

The breakdown of the bank debt is as follows:

 

          June 30,

Description


   Due date

   2004

   2003

IFC A Loan

   2010    —      70,188

USCP B Loan

   2003    —      287,769

OPIC – insured floating rate notes

   2005    —      229,474

Other Obligations (US$)

   2003    —      28,373

Syndicated Loan A/B

   2002    —      105,000

Other Liquidation Facility

   2003    —      120,029

Other Facilities (Pesos)

   2003    —      21,191

Warehousing Credit Line Agreement with IFC

   2005    24,543    59,876

Secured facility in pesos

   2010    68,491    —  

Secured facility in US dollars

   2010    169,040    —  

Long-term facility in US dollars at a fixed rate

   2013    74,318    —  

Long-term facility in US dollars at floating rates

   2013    17,824    —  
         
  

Total

        354,216    921,900
         
  

 

Contractual maturities of the loans are as follows as of June 30, 2004:

 

June 30, 2005

   Ps. 58,486

June 30, 2006

     33,943

June 30, 2007

     33,943

June 30, 2008

     33,943

June 30, 2009

     49,293

Thereafter

     144,608
    

Total

   Ps. 354,216
    

 

F-127


Table of Contents

BANCO HIPOTECARIO S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of and for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

20. Other Liabilities from Financial Transactions - Bonds

 

The balance of the negotiable obligations has been included in the “Other liabilities for financial transactions” caption. The residual face values of the different negotiable obligation series issued are as follows:

 

                     June 30,

     Date of
issue


   Date of
Maturity


   Annual
interest rate


    2004

   2003

EMTN (CHA)

                         

Series III (US$ 100,000)

   07/08/96    07/08/06    10.625 %(*)   2,093    36,801

GMTN

                         

Series I (US$ 300,000)

   17/04/98    17/04/03    10.000 %   37,930    835,119

Series IV (US$ 175,000)

   03/12/98    03/12/08    13.000 %(*)   1,599    13,504

Series VI (US$ 135,909)

   15/03/99    15/03/02    12.250 %   2,010    13,167

Series XVI (US$ 125,000)

   17/02/00    17/02/03    12.625 %   30,916    350,938

Series XVII (EURO 100,000)

   27/03/00    27/03/02    9.000 %   2,617    4,554

Series XXII (EURO 100,000)

   18/10/00    18/10/02    8.750 %   688    7,622

Series XXIII (EURO 150,000)

   06/02/01    06/02/04    10.750 %   21,898    482,790

Series XXIV (US$ 107,000)

   15/03/02    15/03/05    9.000 %(*)   20,425    307,705

Series XXV (EURO 165,700)

   15/03/02    15/06/05    8.000 %(*)   21,257    537,655

Guaranteed bond (US$107,941)

   15/09/03    03/08/10    Libor + 2.5 %   266,309    —  

Long term bond (US$449,880)

   15/09/03    01/12/13    3.0 – 6.0 %   1,333,661    —  

Long term bond (EURO 278,367)

   15/09/03    01/12/13    3.0 – 6.0 %   994,390    —  
                    
  
                     2,735,793    2,589,855
                    
  

 

The contractual maturities of bonds are as follows as of June 30, 2004:

 

Past due

   Ps. 141,433

June 30, 2005

     38,056

June 30, 2006

     38,056

June 30, 2007

     38,056

June 30, 2008

     38,056

June 30, 2009

     426,837

Thereafter

     2,015,299
    

Total

   Ps. 2,735,793
    

 

(*) All the debt included in the restructuring process was considered Past due.

 

21. Prepayment of financial debt

 

During the twelve month period ended June 30, 2004 the Bank repurchased negotiable obligations and debt, according to the following detail:

 

  1) Guaranteed Bond (US$) for a face value of US$ 17,417, which represented a disbursement of US$ 15,234.

 

  2) Long-Term Bond (Euro) for a face value of Euros 1,000, which represented a disbursement of Euros 645.

 

  3) Secured Facilities (US$) for a face value of US$ 29,239, which represented a disbursement of US$ 23,687.

 

F-128


Table of Contents

BANCO HIPOTECARIO S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of and for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

  4) Secured Facilities (Pesos) for a face value of Ps. 145,682, which represented a disbursement of Ps. 118,940.

 

  5) Long-term Facilities (US$) at a Fixed-rate for a face value of US$ 25,214, which represented a disbursement of US$ 16,907.

 

  6) Long-term Facilities (US$) at a Floating-rate for a face value of US$ 7,559, which represented a disbursement of Ps. 4,671.

 

The gain on of these transactions have been recorded under Financial Income.

 

22. Securitization of mortgage loans

 

During 1996, 1997, 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2004, the Bank established nine separate mortgage trusts (BHN I Mortgage Fund, BHN II Mortgage Trust, BHN III Mortgage Trust, BHN IV Mortgage Trust, BACS I Mortgage Trust, BACS Funding I Mortgage Trust, BACS Funding II Mortgage Trust BHSA I 2002 Mortgage Trust and CHA Financial Trust) under its US securitization program and “Cédulas Hipotecarias Argentina – program”. For each mortgage trust, the Bank transfers a portfolio of mortgages originated by banks and other financial institutions in trust to the relevant trustee. The trustee then issues Class A senior Bonds, Class B subordinated bonds and certificates of participation. The trust’s payment obligations in respect of these instruments are collateralized by, and recourse is limited to, the trust’s assets consisting of the portfolio of mortgages and any reserve fund established by the Bank for such purpose. The securitizations were recorded as sales, and accordingly, the mortgage loans conveyed to the trusts are no longer recorded as assets of the Bank.

 

23. Miscellaneous Liabilities

 

Sundry creditors and other miscellaneous liabilities consist of the following as of the end of each period:

 

     June 30,

     2004

   2003

Sundry creditors:

             

Accrued fees and expenses

   Ps. 23,249    Ps. 14,579

Unallocated collections

     7,257      4,485

Loan guarantee funds

     30      188

Withholdings and taxes payable

     2,385      1,823

Other

     5,575      7,763
    

  

Total

   Ps. 38,496    Ps. 28,838
    

  

Other:

             

Directors accrued fees

   Ps. 4,701    Ps. 3,025

Payroll withholdings and contributions

     1,885      1,960

Other

     465      773
    

  

Total

   Ps. 7,051    Ps. 5,758
    

  

 

F-129


Table of Contents

BANCO HIPOTECARIO S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of and for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

24. Income from Services and Expenses on Services

 

Income from Services - Commissions and Other

 

Commissions earned consist of the following for each period:

 

     June 30,

     2004

   2003

   2002

Loan servicing fees from third parties

   Ps. 2,701    Ps. 3,264    Ps. 7,952

Commissions from FONAVI

     2,916      2,938      5,105

Other

   Ps. 1,634    Ps. 1,181    Ps. 3,020
    

  

  

Total

     7,251      7,383      16,077
    

  

  

 

Other income from services is comprised of the following for each period:

 

     June 30,

     2004

   2003

   2002

Reimbursement of loan expenses paid by third parties

   Ps. 16,134    Ps. 18,695    Ps. 34,016

Other

     1,351      11,593      10,664
    

  

  

Total

   Ps. 17,485    Ps. 30,288    Ps. 44,680
    

  

  

 

Expenses on Services - Commissions

 

Commissions expensed consist of the following for each period:

 

     June 30,

     2004

   2003

   2002

Structuring and underwriting fees

   Ps. 14,089    Ps. 23,201    Ps. 39,138

Retail bank originations

     364      631      2,338

Collections

     197      521      354

Banking services

     9,093      6,141      15,161

Commissions paid to real state agents

     222      65      2,424
    

  

  

Total

   Ps. 23,965    Ps. 30,559    Ps. 59,415
    

  

  

 

25. Other Miscellaneous Expenses

 

Other miscellaneous expenses are comprised of the following for each period:

 

     June 30,

     2004

   2003

   2002

Depreciation of miscellaneous assets

   Ps. 637    Ps. 687    Ps. 679

Gross revenue tax

     400      107      609

Other taxes

     3,027      989      3,138

Equity in net loss of affiliates

     —        2,863      937

Loss on sale and impairment of premises and equipment and miscellaneous assets

     16,531      783      1,511

Benefits prepayments

     8,179      51,787      2,098

Other

     8,519      5,258      18,587
    

  

  

Total

   Ps. 37,293    Ps. 62,474    Ps. 27,559
    

  

  

 

F-130


Table of Contents

BANCO HIPOTECARIO S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of and for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

26. Balances in Foreign Currency

 

The balances of assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currency (principally in US dollars and Euros) are as follows:

 

Assets:

      

Cash and due from banks

   Ps. 282,064

Government and corporate securities

     195,414

Loans

     86,958

Other receivables from financial transactions

     3,533,809

Miscellaneous receivables

     802,867
    

Total as of June 30, 2004

   Ps. 4,901,112
    

Total as of June 30, 2003

   Ps. 3,982,095
    

Liabilities:

      

Deposits

   Ps. 43

Other liabilities from financial transactions

     3,728,463

Miscellaneous liabilities

     1,287

In-process items

     742
    

Total as of June 30, 2004

   Ps. 3,730,535
    

Total as of June 30, 2003

   Ps. 3,633,030
    

 

27. Income Tax

 

Prior to January 1, 1996, the Bank was exempt from the payment of income tax. Beginning January 1, 1996, the Bank was only exempt from the payment of income tax on income from its operations, assets, and interest income attributable to its residential mortgage lending activities. Effective October 1997, as a result of conversion to a sociedad anónima, the Bank subject to income tax in Argentina except on its income attributable to mortgage loan commitments made prior to that date.

 

As a general rule, the income tax law allows the deduction of expenses incurred to obtain or maintain the source of taxable income. For purposes of deducting from the taxable revenues those expenses incurred to obtain jointly taxable and non –taxable income, expenses should be segregated accordingly.

 

Furthermore, the fiscal rule gives prerogative to the direct allocation method rather than the apportionment method to determine the deductible expenses. Thus, the apportionment method should only be used when it is not possible to make direct allocation of expenses to the taxable revenue.

 

The Bank currently has a tax net operating loss carry forward of Ps. 2,086,490 at June 30, 2004.

 

28. Asset Tax

 

The Bank is subject to asset tax. Pursuant to this tax regime, the Bank is required to pay the greater of the income tax or the asset tax. Any excess of the asset tax over the income tax may be carried forward and recognized as a tax credit against future income taxes payable over a 10-year period. The asset tax provision is calculated on an individual entity basis at the statutory asset tax rate of 1% and is based upon the taxable assets of each company as of the end of the year, as defined by Argentine law. For financial entities, the taxable basis will be 20% of their computable assets.

 

F-131


Table of Contents

BANCO HIPOTECARIO S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of and for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

For the twelve month period ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002, the Bank provided a full valuation allowance of its asset tax credit.

 

29. Shareholders’ Equity

 

The following information relates to the statements of changes in the Bank’s shareholders’ equity.

 

(a) Common Stock

 

Prior to June 30, 1997, the Bank’s capital stock consisted of assigned capital with no par value owned 100% by the Argentine government. In accordance with the by-laws approved as a result of the conversion of the Bank to a sociedad anónima, the Bank’s capital stock was established at Ps.1,500,000 and divided into four classes of ordinary common shares.

 

As of June 30, 2004, the Bank’s capital stock consists of 150 million of ordinary common shares authorized, issued, and outstanding with a face value of ten pesos each.

 

Shareholder


  

Class of

Shares


  

Number of

Shares


  

Total %

Ownership


    Voting
Rights


 

Argentine government (through FFFRI)

   A    65,853,444    43.9 %   1 vote (b)

Banco Nación, as trustee for the Bank’s
Programa de Propiedad Participada
(a)

   B    7,500,000    5.0 %   1 vote  

Argentine government (through FFFRI)

   C    7,500,000    5.0 %   1 vote  

Public investors

   D    69,146,556    46.1 %   3 votes (c)
         
  

     
          150,000,000    100 %      
         
  

     

(a) The Bank’s Programa de Propiedad Participada (“PPP”) is the Bank’s employee stock ownership plan.

 

(b) Under the Bylaws, the affirmative vote of the holders of Class A Shares is required in order to effectuate: (i) mergers or spin-offs; (ii) an acquisition of shares (constituting a Control Acquisition or resulting in the Bank being subject to a control situation); (iii) the transfer to third parties of a substantial part of the loan portfolio of the Bank, (iv) a change in the Bank’s corporate purpose; (v) the transfer of the Bank’s corporate domicile outside of Argentina, and (vi) the voluntary dissolution of the Bank.

 

(c) For so long as Class A Shares represent more than 42% of the Bank’s capital, the Class D Shares shall be entitled to three votes per share, except that holders of Class D Shares will be entitled to one vote per share in the case of a vote on: (i) a fundamental change in the Bank’s corporate purpose; (ii) a change of the Bank’s domicile to be outside of Argentina; (iii) dissolution prior to the expiration of the Bank’s corporate existence; (iv) a merger or spin-off in which the Bank is not the surviving corporation; and (v) a total or partial recapitalization following a mandatory reduction of capital.

 

The Class B shares have been set aside for sale to the Bank’s employees in the future pursuant to the PPP on terms and conditions to be established by the Argentine government. Any Class B shares not acquired by the Bank’s employees at the time the Bank implements the PPP will automatically convert into Class A shares. The Class C shares are eligible for sale only to companies engaging in housing

 

F-132


Table of Contents

BANCO HIPOTECARIO S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of and for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

construction or real estate activities. Any Class B shares transferred by an employee outside the PPP will automatically convert to Class D shares or Class C shares transferred to persons not engaged in construction or real estate activities will automatically convert into Class D shares.

 

(b) Inflation adjustment of common stock

 

As mentioned in Note 1.d. the Bank’s consolidated financial statements were prepared on the basis of general price-level accounting which reflected changes in the purchase price of the peso in the historical financial statements until February 28, 2003. The inflation adjustments related to common stock were appropriated to inflation adjustment reserves that form part of shareholders’ equity. According to Argentine Banking GAAP, the balances of the inflation adjustment reserves may be applied only towards the issuance of common stock to shareholders of the Bank.

 

(c) Restriction on the distribution of profits

 

In accordance with the regulations of the Argentine Central Bank, 20% of the Bank’s annual net income net of any adjustments for prior periods must be allocated to a legal reserve. Legal reserve may be used to absorb losses.

 

Under Argentine law, cash dividends may be declared and paid only out of the Bank’s unrestricted retained earnings reflected in the audited annual financial statements and approved by the shareholders.

 

Argentine Central Bank Communication “A” 4152 dated June 2, 2004 left without effect the suspension of the distribution of profits established by Communication “A” 3574. However, those banks which proceed to such distribution must be previously authorized by the Financial and Exchange Institutions Superintendency.

 

Furthermore, Argentine Central Bank Communication “A” 3785 dated October 29, 2002 restricted the distribution of cash dividends. Such rule establishes that the Bank should adjust its earnings to be distributed as cash dividends with the difference between the market value and the carrying value of the compensatory and hedge bonds after netting the legal reserve and other reserves established by the Bank’s by-laws.

 

In addition, under the contracts signed as a result of the restructuring of the Bank’s financial debt, there are restrictions on the distribution of profits until such time as at least 60% of the total initial principal amount of the long-term and guaranteed tranches of the new debt has been amortized.

 

(d) Minimun Capital Requirements

 

Under the Argentine Central Bank regulations, the Bank is required to maintain minimum levels of capital, as defined (“minimum capital”). The minimum capital, is based upon risk-weighted assets, and the balances of Bank premises and equipment, intangible assets and unquoted equity investments. The required minimum capital and the Bank’s capital calculated under Argentine Central Bank requirements were as follows:

 

     Minimum Capital
requirement


   Shareholder’s
Equity


June 30, 2004

   Ps. 496,097    Ps .1,804,274

June 30, 2003

     —        —  

June 30, 2002

     —        —  

 

F-133


Table of Contents

BANCO HIPOTECARIO S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of and for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

As of June 30, 2003 and 2002, the Argentine Central Bank had suspended the regulation requiring minimum levels of capital.

 

As called for by Argentine Central Bank Communiqué “A” 3986, effective January 2004, financial institutions were to comply with regulations on minimum capital which had been suspended until that time. That Communiqué provided that effective January 2004, an “alpha 1 “ coefficient was to be applied to temporarily reduce the minimum capital requirement to cover credit risk attaching to holdings in investment accounts and financing granted to the national non-financial public sector until May 31, 2003. It also provided for the application of an “alpha 2” coefficient effective January 2004, to temporarily reduce the minimum capital requirement to cover interest rate risk.

 

30. Employee Benefit Plan

 

The Bank is obligated to make employer contributions to the National Pension Plan System determined on the basis of the total monthly payroll. These expenses are recorded in “Salaries and social security contributions” under the “Administrative expenses” caption in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

 

31. Leases

 

The Bank leases properties to various governmental entities under lease terms ranging from two to nine years. The Bank received rental income from government entities of Ps.579, Ps. 651 and Ps. 1,536 during the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. Amounts receivable for rental income and related expenses from government entities were Ps. 3,057 and Ps 3,071 as of June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

 

Cost and accumulated depreciation of the leased assets were Ps. 9,526 and Ps. 10,428 respectively, as of June 30, 2004 and Ps.3,786 and Ps.4,115 respectively, as of June 30, 2003.

 

32. Treasury shares

 

At August 22, 2000, the Board of Directors resolved to authorize the acquisition of shares representing the Bank’s own capital stock, within the terms of article 220, clause 2 of Law 19550. This authorization is due to the Bank’s need to protect the price of the share in view of the volatility affecting the market, the low liquidity of which could expose the share to undesirable price fluctuations. On May 31, 2001, the Ordinary General Assembly approved this measure.

 

On the basis of the authorization mentioned in the preceding paragraph, in December 2000, the Bank acquired its own shares. At the closing date of these quarterly financial statements, the Bank’s holding of its own shares has been recorded in the “Government and corporate securities” caption.

 

On January 20, 2004, the Bank sold 994,015 of its own class D shares, after the expiration of the time frame for shareholders to exercise their preemptive and accretion rights, according to the following detail:

 

a) 579,860 class D shares were awarded to the shareholders who exercised the preemptive right, for which the Bank collected a total amount of Ps. 4,018;

 

F-134


Table of Contents

BANCO HIPOTECARIO S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of and for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

b) 414,155 class D shares were awarded to the shareholders who exercised the accretion right, for which the Bank collected a total amount of Ps. 2,870.

 

33. Contributions to the Deposit Guarantee Fund

 

The Argentine Central Bank established rules governing the deposit guarantee system and the methods of computing required contributions. The monthly contributions include a standard contribution of 0.015% of the monthly average of daily balances in demand, saving and time deposits recorded in the second to last month, plus an additional contribution of up to 100% of the standard contribution depending on various weighting factors established by the Argentine Central Bank. The Bank’s contributions to the deposit guarantee system amounted to Ps. 195, Ps.167 and Ps.526 during the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively and are recorded in “Contributions and taxes on financial income” under the “Financial expenses” caption on the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

 

34. Financial Instruments with Off-Balance Sheet Risk

 

The Bank is party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk in the normal course of its business in order to meet the financing needs of its customers. These instruments expose the Bank to credit risk in addition to amounts recognized in the balance sheets. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit.

 

Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer at a future date, subject to such customers meeting of pre-defined contractual milestones. Typically, the Bank will commit to extend financing for construction project lending on the basis of the certified progress of the work under construction. Most arrangements require the borrower to pledge the land or buildings under construction as collateral. As of June 30, 2004 and 2003, the commitments to extend credit under these arrangements amounted to approximately Ps.5,661 and Ps.2,098, respectively.

 

In the opinion of management, the Bank’s outstanding commitments do not represent unusual credit risk. The Bank’s exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party is represented by the contractual notional amount of those commitments.

 

The Bank accounts for items drawn on other banks in memorandum accounts until such time as the related item clears or is accepted. In the opinion of management, the Bank’s risk of loss on these clearing transactions is not significant as the transactions primarily relate to collections on behalf of third parties. The amounts of clearing items in process were Ps. 1,809 and Ps 1,498 as of June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

 

Additionally, the Bank recorded in memorandum accounts: i) Guaranteed provided to the Argentine Central Bank for Ps. 508 and Ps. 391 as of June 30, 2004 and 2003 respectively, and ii) other guarantees provided not included in the debtor classification regulations for Ps.841 and Ps. 41 as of June 30, 2004 and 2003 respectively.

 

F-135


Table of Contents

BANCO HIPOTECARIO S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of and for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

35. Out-of-court reorganization plan

 

On June 9, 2004, the Bank requested approval of an out-of-court reorganization plan from the Federal Court of Original Jurisdiction on Commercial Matters No. 14, Clerk’s Office No. 28. This court declared itself not to be a court of competent jurisdiction so, at the date of these financial statements for interim periods the Forum Court was debating which court and clerk’s office will eventually try the case. Notwithstanding the lack of jurisdiction issue not yet decided, the above-mentioned Federal Court of Original Jurisdiction on Commercial Matters No. 14, Clerk’s Office No. 28 has decreed that a certificate evidencing submission of a request for approval of an out-of-court reorganization plan be issued for it to be filed in the legal proceedings that must be suspended in conformity with Section 72 “in fine” of Law 24522.

 

36. Subsequent Events

 

36.1 Repurchase of Bank Debt

 

On July 27, 2004, the Bank repurchased the Secured Facilities in pesos for Ps. 30,000 at a 0.78 price, which represented an disbursement of Ps. 23,400, and the result of this transaction was Ps. 6,600.

 

36.2 Release of guarantees

 

In compliance with the commitments undertaken under the Bank’s external debt Exchange Offer (Note 3.) a trust was organized under Argentine laws by means of a Trust Agreement entered into by and between the Bank and ABN AMRO Bank NV, Argentine Branch. At June 30, 2004, BODEN 2012 for Ps. 764,169 and the yield thereon and National Government secured loans for Ps. 59,835 were transferred to the Trust.

 

In view of the excess guarantee deposited in trust, on August 4, 2004, BODEN 2012 for US$ 79,481 and National Government secured loans for Ps. 34,651, plus US$1,473 in cash were released.

 

This excess of guarantee was due to the following: i) the first secured debt principal amortization installment (see Note 3); ii) the repurchase and settlement of the secured debt as from the issue date (US$46,626 and Ps. 175,682), and iii) interest payments on BODEN 2012 made by the National Government.

 

37. Summary of Significant Differences between Argentine Banking GAAP and US GAAP

 

The Bank’s consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Argentine Banking GAAP, which differs in certain significant respects from US GAAP. Such differences involve methods of measuring the amounts shown in the consolidated financial statements, as well as additional disclosures required by US GAAP and regulations of the SEC. These consolidated financial statements include solely a reconciliation of net (loss) income and shareholders’ equity to US GAAP.

 

F-136


Table of Contents

BANCO HIPOTECARIO S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of and for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

Pursuant to Item 17 of Form 20-F, this reconciliation does not include disclosure of all information that would be required by US GAAP and regulations of the SEC.

 

The following reconciliation to US GAAP does not include the reversal of the adjustments to the consolidated financial statements for the effects of inflation through February 28, 2003, because the application of this standard represents a comprehensive measure of the effects of price level changes in the Argentine economy.

 

a. Loan origination costs

 

Under Argentine Banking GAAP, the Bank expenses loan origination costs on mortgage loans as incurred.

 

In accordance with U.S. GAAP, under SFAS No. 91, “Accounting for Non-refundable Fees and Costs Associated with Originating or Acquiring Loans and Initial Direct Costs of Leases”, loan origination fees and certain direct loan origination costs should be recognized over the life of the related loan as an adjustment of yield.

 

b. Public Sector Loan received from Bond Swap

 

During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2001, and as a consequence of Decree No. 1387/01, effective as of November 6, 2001, the Bank swapped part of its Argentine public-sector debt instruments, under the Promissory Note/Bond program, for secured loans.

 

As established by article 20 of the above mentioned decree, the conversion was made at the nominal value, at a rate of exchange of Ps. 1.0 = US$ 1.0 and in the same currency as that of the converted obligation.

 

The Argentine Central Bank provided that the difference between the nominal value of the secured loans and the book value of the public-sector debt instruments exchanged (in the case of securities, classified and valued as “investment accounts” or “for trading purposes”, under Argentine Central Bank rules) must be credited to income and added to the recorded amount included in Loans to the non-financial public sector on a monthly basis, in proportion to the term of each of the secured loans received. Consequently a discount of the current value of these loans has been recorded based on the interest rate determined on each period by the Central Bank.

 

In accordance with U.S.GAAP, specifically in the Emerging Issues Task Force No. 01-07 (“EITF 01-07”), satisfaction of one monetary asset (in this case a loan or debt security) by the receipt of another monetary asset (in the case a secured loan) for the creditor is generally based on the market value of the asset received in satisfaction of the debt (an extinguishment). In this particular case, the secured loan being received is significantly different in structure and in interest rates than the debt securities swapped. Therefore, the fair value of the loans was determined on the balance sheet date based on the contractual cash flows of the loan received discounted at an estimated market rate. The estimated fair value of the loan received will constitute the cost basis of the asset. Any difference between the old asset and the fair value of the new asset is recognized as a gain or loss. The difference between the cost basis and amounts expected to be collected will be amortized on an effective yield basis over the life on the loan.

 

F-137


Table of Contents

BANCO HIPOTECARIO S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of and for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

c. Loan losses reserve

 

The Bank’s accounting for its loan loss reserve differs in some significant respects with practices of US-based banks.

 

Under Argentine Banking GAAP, the Borrower Performance Reserve is calculated according to specific criteria. This criterion is different for the commercial loans (those in excess of Ps. 200,000) and consumer ones. Reserves calculations for commercial loans are principally based on the debtors’ payment capacity and cash-flows analysis. Consumer reserves are based on the client’s aging. Argentine banks may maintain other reserves to cover potential loan losses which management believes to be inherent in the loan portfolio, and other Argentine Central Bank required reserves.

 

Under US GAAP, the reserve for loan losses should be in amounts adequate to cover inherent losses in the loan portfolio at the respective balance sheet dates. Specifically:

 

All large commercial loans which are considered impaired in accordance with SFAS No. 114, Accounting by Creditors for an Impairment of a Loan (“SFAS No. 114”), as amended by SFAS No. 118, Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan-Income Recognition and Disclosures (“SFAS No. 118”), are valued at the present value of the expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective contractual interest rate or at the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent.

 

As of June 2002, the result of applying SFAS No. 114, showed that the Bank has provided for loan losses in deficit of this analysis for Ps.32,988. For U.S. GAAP purposes, this amount of provision has been charged.

 

As of June 30, 2004 and 2003, the result of applying SFAS No. 114, shows that the bank provided for loan losses in excess of this analysis for Ps. 14,326 and Ps. 30,052.

 

In addition, the Bank has performed a migration analysis for consumer loans following the SFAS 5 considerations.

 

As of June 2004 and 2002, the result of the migration analysis, showed that the Bank has provided for loan losses in deficit of this analysis for Ps.19,512 and Ps.70,078 . For U.S. GAAP purposes, this amount of provision has been charged.

 

As of June 30, 2003, the result of the migration analysis shows that the bank provided for loan losses towards the range established by the analysis described above.

 

d. Derivative Instruments

 

On March 3, 2004 the Bank and Deutsche Bank AG entered into a Euro/dollars swap contract effective March 5, 2004, secured by BODEN 2012. The purpose of this transaction is to hedge the Bank in the event of appreciation / depreciation in the value of the euro against the dollar, taking into account the Bank’s Euro denominated obligations. The contract will expire on December 1, 2013.

 

The Bank earns interest on Euro 150,000 at a 3% rate and pays interest for US$ 182,205 at a 3.305% rate semiannually (June 1 and December 1 of each year). As from December 2008 the Bank will annually receive 24,990 euros in exchange for 30,355 dollars.

 

F-138


Table of Contents

BANCO HIPOTECARIO S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of and for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

The Bank recognizes a receivable and payable at the time of the swap which reflects the amount of currencies to be exchanged at the maturity date. The foreign currency-denominates receivable and payable arising from the contract and the foreign currency-denominated borrowing are revalued at the closing spot exchange rate as the respective balance sheet date.

 

The Bank accounts for the foreign currency swap on a basis different from that required under US GAAP. Under U.S. GAAP, the Bank accounts for derivative financial instruments in accordance with SFAS No.133 as amended by SFAS No.137, SFAS No.138 and SFAS No.149.

 

Under US GAAP, the bank’s estimates the fair value of the receivable and payable on the swap contract by applying discounted future cash flows which should be accounted for as a net amount. The difference between Argentine Banking GAAP and US GAAP amounts to Ps. 7,625. The Bank’s derivatives do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment under US GAAP.

 

Under US GAAP, the notional amount of the swap should be derecognized and the Bank’s assets and liabilities should decreased by approximately Ps. 539,000 at June 30, 2004.

 

As of June 2003 and June 2002 no significant differences between Argentine Banking GAAP and US GAAP existed.

 

e. Compensatory and hedge bonds

 

Central Bank Communication “A” 3650 established the regulations necessary to implement the provisions of Decree No.905/02 in connection with the compensation of the negative effects of the conversion into pesos at different exchange rates of financial institutions’ assets and liabilities and the resulting foreign currency mismatches left in their balance sheets. The amount of compensation so determined amounted to US$394.9 million (Compensatory Bond) and US$825.5 million (Hedge Bond).

 

In September 2002, the Central Bank deposited Compensatory Bonds in the Bank account in the amount of US$356.0 million. The subscribed amount of the Hedge Bonds is included as “Receivable for Argentine Government Compensatory and Hedge Bonds” under “Other receivables from financial transactions.” In order to purchase the subscribed Hedge Bonds, the Bank may enter into a credit agreement with the Central Bank, with interest payable at CER plus 2%. In the case of the Hedge bonds and the related financing to be obtained from the Central Bank, the transaction is retroactive to February 3, 2002. Banco Hipotecario S.A. may withdraw its request to purchase the Hedge Bonds and is not obligated to purchase the Hedge Bonds until such time as the transaction is approved by the Central Bank and the transaction is executed.

 

In connection with the Bank’s right (but not the obligation) to purchase the hedge bond, under Argentine Banking GAAP the Bank has recognized it at their equivalent value as if the Bank had the associated bonds in their possession, and recognized the associated liability to fund the hedge bonds as if the Bank had executed the debt agreement with the Argentine Central Bank. The receivable is denominated in U.S. dollars bearing interest at Libor whereas the liability to the Argentine Central Bank is denominated in pesos with interest being accrued at CER plus 2%, each retroactive to February 3, 2002.

 

Under U.S. GAAP, the right to purchase the hedge bond is not considered an asset under Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement of Concepts No, 6 Elements of Financial Statements (CON 6). Under CON 6, assets are defined as “…probable future economic benefits obtained or controlled by an

 

F-139


Table of Contents

BANCO HIPOTECARIO S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of and for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

entity as a result of past transactions or events”. In addition, one of the three essential characteristics of an asset includes that an entity can obtain the benefit and controls others’ access to it. As of June 30, 2004, the Bank cannot obtain the benefit of the hedge bond to be purchased until such time as the transaction becomes approved by the Argentine Central Bank and the Bank remits funds to the Argentine Central Bank. The liability under U.S. GAAP would be recognized when the Bank enters into the financing arrangement.

 

In connection with the Compensatory Bonds received or to be received by the Bank they were recognized at the technical value (nominal value plus interest accrued) according to Argentine Banking GAAP. Under U.S. GAAP such amounts should initially be recognized at their quoted market value (limited to the amounts of the loss BHSA suffered in connection with the asymmetric pesification). Thereafter, Compensatory Bonds received would be classified as available for sale securities and recognized at market with the gain or loss recognized as a charge or credit to equity through other comprehensive income. In connection with the Compensatory Bond to be received it has been recognized at market value with the gain or loss recognized through income statement.

 

Under U.S. GAAP, the activity of the compensation bonds have been reflected in the twelve months period results considering that the compensation bonds or the right to receive compensation bonds were adjusted to its market value. The activity includes (1) the effect of the exchange rate between the argentine pesos and the US dollars, (2) the cancellation of rights to receive compensatory bonds related to the Argentine Central Bank’s adjustments in amounts to be issued.

 

Included in this adjustment for the Boden is the Guarantee deposit mentioned in Note 14, that for US GAAP purposes should be considered as an investment. Such investment has been pledged as collateral to guarantee the Guaranteed bond mentioned in Note 20.

 

f. Other government securities

 

As discussed in Notes above, the Argentine Banking GAAP on government securities allow banks classify their government securities portfolios into two categories: trading and investment. The Bank’s government securities are classified as trading and are marked to market daily with the resulting gain or loss reflected in the income statements.

 

The criteria for classification of investments under Argentine Banking GAAP differ from those established by SFAS No. 115. Securities classified as available for sale under U.S. GAAP are reported at market value with unrealized holding gains and losses included as a separate component of shareholders’ equity in other comprehensive income.

 

Other than temporary impairment

 

The Bank has other Argentine government bonds that have matured but payment with respect to which has not been made to them. Such bonds are not quoted in the public market and the Bank do not have guarantees or other collateral to claim payment.

 

Under US GAAP the Bank evaluates whether there is a decline in the value of the security that is other than temporary as defined by SFAS No.115. As the Argentine government has not been able remit amounts due according to the contractual terms of the government securities, impairment has been determined for US GAAP purposes based upon estimated market values at each balance sheet date.

 

Government securities received in payment of loans have been accounted for under US GAAP at market value.

 

F-140


Table of Contents

BANCO HIPOTECARIO S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of and for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

g. Provincial Public Debt

 

As of June 2002, the Bank offered to exchange certain loans to Argentine provincial governments for loans or securities of the Argentine National Government; however the exchange had not been finalized until 2003. As these loans were performing no provision were recorded under U.S. GAAP in accordance with SFAS No. 114.

 

In 2003, the Bank tendered in the exchange under Decree No.1579/02 almost all its portfolio of loans to provincial governments and received securities of the Argentine National Government (“BOGAR”).

 

For U.S. GAAP purposes and in accordance with EITF 01-07, satisfaction of one monetary asset (in this case a loan) by the receipt of another monetary asset (in this case BOGAR) from the creditor is generally based on the market value of the asset received in satisfaction of the debt. In this particular case, the BOGAR being received is significantly different in structure and in interest rates than the loans swapped. Therefore, such amounts should initially be recognized at their market value. The estimated fair value of the securities received will constitute the cost basis of the asset. Any difference between the old asset and the fair value of the new asset is recognized as a gain or loss. The difference between the cost basis and the amount expected to be collected will be amortized on an effective yield basis over the life of the bond.

 

For US GAAP purposes, these BOGAR are classified by the Bank, as available for sale securities and subsequently accounted for at fair value with the unrealized gain or loss recognized as a charge or credit to equity through other comprehensive income.

 

h. Trouble debt restructuring

 

On January 14, 2004, the Bank refinanced its outstanding defaulted debt. Under Argentine Banking GAAP the restructuring of the debt was treated as an exchange of debt instruments with substantially different terms. As a result, the Bank removed the original loans and its related accrued interest payable and recognized new debt instruments and associated cash payments for interest payable and for certain principal settlements, resulting in a gain on restructuring of Ps. 783,698.

 

For US GAAP purposes, the restructuring of the debt was accounted for in accordance with SFAS No. 15, Accounting by Debtors and Creditors for Troubled Debt Restructurings (“SFAS No. 15”), as the creditors made certain concessions due to the financial difficulties of the Company. SFAS No. 15 requires that a comparison be made between the future cash outflows associated with the new debt instruments (including interest), and the recorded amount of the payables at the time of restructuring. Gain on trouble debt restructuring is only recognized when the carrying amount of the payable at the time of restructuring exceeds the total future cash payments specified by the new debt terms. Since the total future cash outflows associated with the new debt instruments exceeded the carrying value of the old debts for some payables, the gain on restructuring recorded under US GAAP was lower than the gain recorded under Argentine Banking GAAP. As a result, the carrying amount of the new debt instruments under US GAAP is greater than the amount recorded under Argentine Banking GAAP and a new effective interest rate was determined, which equates the present value of the future cash payments specified by the new debt instruments with the carrying amount of the old debts. Under US GAAP, expenses incurred in a trouble debt restructuring are reported in earnings.

 

During 2004 the Bank repurchased restructured negotiable obligations and debt. The difference between the carrying value of the repurchased debt under U.S. GAAP and the price paid by the Bank was recognized as a gain for U.S. GAAP purposes.

 

F-141


Table of Contents

BANCO HIPOTECARIO S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of and for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

i. Debt issuance cost

 

Under Argentine Banking GAAP the Bank recorded costs related to the issuance of debt as an expense in the accompanying income statement in the period incurred.

 

U.S. GAAP requires that debt issuance costs be accounted for as a deferred charge and amortized over the shorter of the term of the related debt or the put option date.

 

j. Securitization of mortgage loans

 

The Bank has securitized certain of their mortgage loans originated by the retail banks on their behalf through the transfer of such loans to a special purpose mortgage trust which issues multiple classes of mortgage bonds and certificates of participation.

 

Under Argentine Banking GAAP, the Bank accounted for its securitizations as sales of loans. The Bank retained certain interests in the transferred loans represented by the Class A and Class B bonds and the certificates of participation as applicable. The Class A and Class B bonds and the certificates of participation retained were originally recorded at their stated amounts which represent a percentage of the principal value of the underlying mortgage loans. The Class A and Class B bonds accrue interest at various rates. The certificates of participation accrue income based upon the net income of the securitization trust.

 

For the purposes of U.S. GAAP transactions of this type are covered by different accounting pronouncements depending on the transaction date. For transactions prior to January 1, 1997, SFAS No. 77, Accounting for Sales of Receivables with Recourse and FASB Technical Bulletin No. 85-2, Accounting for Collateralized Mortgage Obligations, provided the authoritative accounting guidance. Under this guidance, the BHN I securitization should be accounted for as a collateralized borrowing. The loans and the restated bond obligations would be reinstated on the balance sheet for U.S. GAAP purposes and would be accounted for in the normal manner as other mortgage loans and borrowings.

 

SFAS No. 125, Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities (“SFAS No. 125”) became effective for securitizations of receivables after December 31, 1996 (since amended by SFAS No. 140). SFAS No. 125 bases the accounting for transfers on the consistent application of a financial-components approach that focuses on control. Upon a transfer of assets, an entity recognizes the financial and servicing assets it controls and the liabilities it has incurred and derecognizes the financial assets when control has been surrendered. This statement provides consistent standards for distinguishing transfers of financial assets that are sales from transfers that are collateralized borrowings. Under SFAS No. 125, the BHN II and BHN III securitizations that occurred during the year ended December 31, 1997 would be accounted for as sales. For US GAAP purposes under SFAS No. 140, BHN IV and BACS I securitizations were considered sales. For that reason debt securities and certificates retained by the Bank are considered as “available for sale securities” under U.S. GAAP and the unrealized gains (losses) on these securities are reported as an adjustment to shareholder´s equity, unless unrealized losses are deemed to be other than temporary in accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force No. 99-20. The unrealized loss on the retained interests at June 30, 2002 has been deemed to be other than temporary and such loss has been charged to income. The retained interests were initially recorded based on their allocated book value using the fair value allocation method. At the date of the securitization, the Bank recognized interests in the securitization

 

F-142


Table of Contents

BANCO HIPOTECARIO S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of and for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

trust through the bonds and the certificates of participation hold and cease recognizing the loans over which they have surrendered control. The basis of retained interest and the sold interest are based upon a relative fair value allocation of the basis of the loans transferred.

 

Subsequent to the initial recognition, the retained interests in the securitizations would be accounted for like securities under SFAS No. 115, Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities (“SFAS No. 115”) and accounted for as available for sale securities in accordance with SFAS No. 134, Accounting for Mortgage-Backed Securities Retained after the Securitization of Mortgage Loans Held for Sale by a Mortgage Banking Enterprise. The retail banks perform servicing of the mortgage loans transferred and BHSA act as master servicer for the securitization trust. The Bank did not recognize any servicing asset due to the fact that the master service fee payable to BHSA was considered adequate to what would be demanded by the market.

 

Mortgage-backed securities created after a securitization of mortgages held for sale should be classified as either trading or available for sale security in accordance with SFAS No. 65, Accounting for Certain Mortgage Banking Activities and as amended by SFAS No. 134, Accounting for Mortgage-Backed Securities Retained after the Securitization of Mortgage Loans Held for Sale by a Mortgage Banking Enterprise.

 

Consequently, the adjustments to record the securitization of the portfolio under U.S. GAAP consists of:

 

  The re-consolidation of the loans under BHN I, BACS Fundig I, BACS Fundig II, BHSA I CHA I and BACS II resulted in an adjustment.

 

  The recognition of the effect of accounting for the retained interests in BHN II and BHN III, BHN IV and BACS I as available for sale securities that includes the recognition of other than temporary impairment on the carrying values of such securities. Such carrying values are determined based upon an estimate of cash flows to be remitted to us as holder of the retained interests discounted at an estimated market rate.

 

k. Acquisition of Treasury shares

 

Under Argentine Banking GAAP, an acquisition by a company of its own shares is recognized as an asset and marked to market daily with the resulting gain or loss reflected in the statement of income. Such acquisitions and the own shares sales are adjusting the Shareholders´ Equity under US GAAP and the difference in quoted market prices between the acquisition date and the reporting date is reported as an adjustment to the income statement.

 

On January 29, 2004 BHSA entered in a transaction with Deutsche Bank AG (“DBAG”). Under this transaction Banco Hipotecario S.A. paid US 17.5 M and DBAG agreed to transfer the Bank 7.110.000 BHSA Class D shares on January 29, 2009 or at an earlier date, if requested by BHSA. Under Argentine Banking GAAP, BHSA recognized the right to receive its shares as an asset, which is marked to market based on the market value of its shares at period end. Changes in fair value are recognized in earnings. Under US GAAP, following the guidance of SFAS No. 150, “Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity” BHSA recognized the right to receive its shares at a future date as a reduction of equity and the changes in fair value as an adjustment through income.

 

F-143


Table of Contents

BANCO HIPOTECARIO S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of and for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

l. Intangible Assets

 

Under Argentine Banking GAAP fees paid for a re-engineering project and for restructuring expenses incurred in relation to certain equity transaction. Such cost should be expensed as incurred under US GAAP.

 

Under Argentine Banking GAAP, the Bank capitalized costs relating to all three of the stages of software development.

 

Under U.S. GAAP SOP 98-1, effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1998, defines three stages for the costs of computer software developed or obtained for internal use: the preliminary project stage, the application development stage and the post-implementation operation stage. Only the second stage costs should be capitalized.

 

m. Impairment of fixed assets and foreclosed assets

 

Under Argentine Banking GAAP, fixed assets and foreclosed assets are restated for inflation using the WPI index at February 28, 2003. As such, the balances of fixed assets and foreclosed assets were increased approximately 120%.

 

In accordance with Statement of Accounting Standards No. 144, “Impairment of Long-lived Assets”, such assets are subject to impairment tests in certain circumstances. Because projected cash flows associated with fixed assets and foreclosed assets are insufficient to recover the restated carrying amounts of the assets, those assets should be tested for impairment. During 2002, in the absence of credible market values for our fixed and foreclosed assets, the Bank under U.S. GAAP reversed the restatement of fixed and foreclosed assets.

 

Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable.

 

As of June 2004 and 2003, no additional impairment was recorded in fixed and foreclosed assets.

 

F-144


Table of Contents

BANCO HIPOTECARIO S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of and for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

n. Minority Interest

 

This adjustment represents the effect on minority interest on the US GAAP reconciling items, as appropriate.

 

o. Vacation Provision

 

The Bank’s policy for vacation benefits is to expense such benefits as taken. For U.S. GAAP purposes, the vacation accrual is based on an accrual basis, where earned but untaken vacation is recognized as a liability.

 

p. Insurance Technical reserve

 

Until September 2003, the calculation of the local technical reserves performed by the Bank was the same as that used under US GAAP.

 

On September 2003, the National Insurance Superintendency issued certain regulations on the calculation of reserves introducing changes to the local regulations. For US GAAP purposes the Bank has accounted these type of transactions under SFAS No. 60.

 

For this reason, for the twelve month period ended June 2004 technical reserves should be adjusted to US GAAP, while for previous periods, no adjustment was needed.

 

q. Deferred Income Tax

 

Argentine Banking GAAP requires income taxes to be recognized on the basis of amounts due in accordance with Argentine tax regulations. Temporary differences between the financial reporting and income tax bases of accounting are therefore not considered in recognizing income taxes.

 

In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards, or SFAS, No. 109, Accounting For Income Taxes, under U.S. GAAP income taxes are recognized on the liability method whereby deferred tax assets and liabilities are established for temporary differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of our assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets are also recognized for tax loss carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recorded or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance is recognized for that component of net deferred tax assets which is not recoverable.

 

For the twelve-month periods ended 2004, 2003 and 2002 Banco Hipotecario S.A. had significant accumulated tax losses and uncertainties with respect to the generation of taxable income in the near term. This situation constitutes significant negative evidence under FAS 109 as to the realizability of deferred tax assets and thus, a valuation allowance would be required for all deferred tax assets that are not assured of realization. For the twelve months periods 2004, 2003 and 2002 the Bank provided a full valuation allowance of its deferred tax assets.

 

F-145


Table of Contents

BANCO HIPOTECARIO S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of and for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

r. Items in process of collection

 

The Bank does not give accounting recognition to checks drawn on the Bank or other banks, or other items to be collected until such time as the related item clears or is accepted. Such items are recorded by the Bank in memorandum accounts. U.S. banks, however, account for such items through balance sheet clearing accounts at the time the items are presented to the Bank.

 

The Bank’s assets and liabilities would be increased by approximately Ps.1,793, Ps.1,485 and Ps.1,866, had U.S. GAAP been applied at June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

 

s. Effects of Conforming to US GAAP

 

Reconciliation of shareholders’ equity

 

         June 30,

 
         2004

    2003

    2002

 

Total shareholders’ equity under Argentine Banking GAAP

  Ps.    1,837,292     970,725     2,241,452  

US GAAP adjustments:

                      

- Loan origination costs

  (a)    7,895     15,783     27,256  

- Public Sector Loan received from Bond Swap

  (b)    (90,092 )   (102,292 )   (136,126 )

- Loan losses reserve

  (c)    (5,184 )   30,052     (103,066 )

- Derivative Instruments

  (d)    7,625     —       —    

- Compensatory and Hedge Bonds

  (e)    (1,102,008 )   (1,072,853 )   (3,005,515 )

- Other government securities

  (f)    (31,347 )   (51,479 )   (22,282 )

- Provincial Public Debt

  (g)    (59,082 )   (81,996 )   —    

- Trouble debt Restructuring

  (h)    (488,775 )   —       —    

- Debt issuance cost

  (i)    —       9,965     17,949  

- Securitization of mortgage loans.

  (j)    (93,933 )   (54,516 )   (103,220 )

- Acquisition of treasury shares.

  (k)    (51,192 )   (2,495 )   (2,037 )

- Intangible assets.

  (l)    (87 )   (3,692 )   (5,308 )

- Impairment of fixed and foreclosed assets.

  (m)    (55,459 )   (65,274 )   (60,128 )

- Minority Interest on US GAAP Adjustments

  (n)    11,067     9,547     24,377  

- Vacation provision

  (o)    (2,706 )   (3,342 )   (8,333 )

- Insurance technical reserve

  (p)    (1,463 )   —       —    
        

 

 

Total Shareholders’ deficit under US GAAP

  Ps    (117,449 )   (401,867 )   (1,134,981 )
        

 

 

 

F-146


Table of Contents

BANCO HIPOTECARIO S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of and for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

Reconciliation of net income (loss):

 

         June 30,

 
         2004

    2003

    2002

 

Net income/(loss) as reported under Argentine Banking GAAP

   Ps.   866,567     (1,270,727 )   (2,161,633 )

US GAAP adjustments:

                      

- Loan origination costs

   (a)   (7,888 )   (11,473 )   (30,381 )

- Public Sector Loan received from Bond Swap

   (b)   12,200     33,834     (136,126 )

- Loan losses reserve

   (c)   (35,236 )   133,118     643,776  

- Derivative instruments

   (d)   7,625     —       —    

- Compensatory and Hedge Bonds

   (e)   (123,708 )   1,844,561     (3,005,515 )

- Other government securities

   (f)   20,132     (29,197 )   (22,282 )

- Provincial public debt

   (g)   10,280     (81,996 )   —    

- Trouble debt Restructuring

   (h)   (496,201 )   —       —    

- Debt issuance cost

   (i)   (2,539 )   (7,984 )   17,949  

- Securitization of mortgage loans

   (j)   (39,417 )   48,704     49,454  

- Acquisition of treasury shares

   (k)   (4,044 )   (458 )   13,324  

- Intangible assets

   (l)   3,605     1,616     6,258  

- Impairment of fixed and foreclosed assets

   (m)   9,815     (5,146 )   (60,128 )

- Minority interest on US GAAP Adjustments

   (n)   2,707     (13,724 )   5,998  

- Vacation provision

   (o)   636     4,991     1,551  

- Insurance technical reserve

   (p)   (1,463 )   —       —    

- Deferred income tax

   (q)   —       —       (315,161 )
        

 

 

Net income /(loss) in accordance with U.S. GAAP

   Ps.   223,071     646,119     (4,992,916 )
        

 

 

Basic net income (loss) per share in accordance with U.S. GAAP

       1.523     4.338     (33.522 )

Average number of shares outstanding (in thousands)

       146,472     148,946     148,946  

Diluted net income (loss) per share in accordance with U.S. GAAP

       1.523     4.338     (33.522 )
        

 

 

 

Description of changes in shareholders’ equity under US GAAP:

 

     Total
Shareholders’
Deficit


 

Balance as of June 30, 2002

   Ps. (1,134,981 )

Other comprehensive Income

     86,995  

Net income for the twelve months period in accordance with US GAAP

     646,119  
    


Balance as of June 30, 2003

   Ps. (401,867 )

Issuance of common stock from treasury

     6,903  

Acquisition of treasury shares

     (51,556)  

Other comprehensive Income

     106,000  

Net income for the twelve months period in accordance with US GAAP

     223,071  
    


Balance as of June 30, 2004

   Ps. (117,449 )
    


 

F-147


Table of Contents

BANCO HIPOTECARIO S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of and for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

Comprehensive income

 

SFAS No. 130 “Reporting Comprehensive Income” establishes standards for reporting and the display of comprehensive income and its components (revenues, expenses, gains and losses) in the financial statements. Comprehensive income is the total of net income and all transactions, and other events and circumstances from non owner sources.

 

The following disclosure presented for the twelve months periods ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002, shows all periods in Argentine Banking GAAP format reflecting US GAAP income and comprehensive statement adjustments.

 

     June 30,

 
     2004

    2003

    2002

 

Income Statement

                        

Financial income

   Ps. 564,652     Ps. 2,678,088     Ps. (1,889,869 )

Financial expenses

     (208,500 )     (1,241,713 )     (972,590 )

Net financial income

     356,152       1,436,375       (2,862,459 )

Provision for losses on loans

     (35,236 )     22,148       612,273  

Income from services

     60,609       60,160       117,622  

Expenses on services

     (32,366 )     (41,168 )     (84,035 )

Monetary loss from financial transactions

     —         (580,209 )     (2,696,852 )

Administrative expenses

     (119,841 )     (116,456 )     (282,002 )

Monetary gain (loss) related to operating transactions

     —         (8,011 )     7,482  

Net income (loss) from financial transactions

     229,318       772,839       (5,187,971 )

Miscellaneous income

     203,969       70,648       109,127  

Miscellaneous expenses

     (201,565 )     (197,678 )     (24,598 )

Monetary gain on other transactions

     —         6,152       43,797  

Income (loss) before income taxes, minority interests and income from absorption ad-referendum of the Bank’s Shareholders Meeting

     231,722       651,961       (5,059,645 )

Income taxes

     (3,563 )     —         (317,786 )

Minority interests

     (5,088 )     (5,842 )     25,284  
    


 


 


Absorption of the Compensation Bond effect (*)

     —         —         359,231  
    


 


 


Net income (loss) under U.S. GAAP

     223,071       646,119       (4,992,916 )
    


 


 


Other comprehensive income (loss):

                        

Unrealized gains (losses) on securities

     106,000       86,995       —    
    


 


 


Other comprehensive income (loss)

     106,000       86,995       —    
    


 


 


Comprehensive income (loss)

   Ps. 329,071     Ps. 733,114     Ps.  (4,992,916 )
    


 


 


 

(*) Effect on the foreign currency position compensation

 

F-148


Table of Contents

BANCO HIPOTECARIO S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of and for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

Concentration of risk – Total exposure to the public sector - Argentine government and provinces

 

The Bank has significant exposure to the Argentine national government and provinces in the form of government securities, secured loans and other debt obligations. As of June 30, 2004 and 2003, the Bank had the following loans outstanding:

 

     June 30, 2004

   June 30, 2003

     Argentine
Banking
GAAP


   U.S. GAAP

   Argentine
Banking
GAAP


   U.S. GAAP

Argentine national government loans

   Ps. 669,790    Ps. 579,698    Ps. 587,528    Ps. 485,236

Argentine provincial debt

     163,066      103,985      166,833      84,837

Other Argentine public-sector receivables (3)

     452,400      420,814      563,894      512,415

Compensatory bond received

     850,641      567,480      813,315      478,856

Compensatory and hedge bonds to be received (1) (2)

     2,654,717      31,698      2,534,688      103,883
    

  

  

  

Total

   Ps. 4,790,614    Ps. 1,703,675    Ps. 4,666,258    Ps. 1,665,227
    

  

  

  

 

(1) Includes the compensatory bond to be received related to the asymetric pesification and the hedge bond, net of estimated unfavorable effects on resolution of matters challenged by the Argentine Central Bank.

 

(2) The advance to be requested from the Argentine Central Bank for the subscription of the hedge bond was recorded in “Other Liabilities from Financial Transactions – Argentine Central Bank”, for Ps. 1,808,499 as of June 2004. Under U.S.GAAP, the hedge bond and the advanced to buy the hedge bond have been eliminated.

 

(3) Includes bonds such as Fiscal Credit Certificates, Argentine Republic External Notes and national government bonds.

 

Risks and Uncertainties

 

The prospects of the Argentine economy and exchange markets that existed at the end of 2001 were widely uncertain. The increasing public sector deficit, the contracting economy and rumors and predictions that Argentina was abandoning the one-to-one currency parity policy, as well as the impending default on the country’s external obligations, contributed to a great uncertainty as to the future of Argentina and its economy. Significant measures were put in place in December 2001, such as the freezing of bank deposits and the introduction of exchange controls that restricted capital outflows.

 

F-149


Table of Contents

BANCO HIPOTECARIO S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of and for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

Subsequent measures put forth by the Argentine government added to the uncertainty, as many government decrees were issued, then subsequently changed, modified or repealed. Other decrees lacked specific and substantive guidance for implementing the new rules. Still others were being challenged in the Argentine judicial courts.

 

The quality of the Bank financial condition and results of operations depend to a significant extent on macroeconomic and political conditions prevailing from time to time in Argentina. Risks and uncertainties facing the Bank that are generally the result of the recent economic crisis and the resulting government actions, include the fact that an important amount of the Bank’s assets are concentrated in Argentine public-sector debt instruments.

 

As of June 30, 2004, the Bank’s exposure to the Argentine public sector, including the compensatory and hedge bonds represented approximately 56.1% of total assets under Argentine Banking GAAP. Although the Bank’s exposure to the Argentine public sector consists mostly of performing assets, the realization of the Bank’s assets, its income and cash flow generation capacity and future financial condition may be dependent on the Argentine government’s ability to successfully restructure its foreign debt, and on its ability to establish an economic policy that is successful in promoting sustainable economic growth in the long run.

 

The Bank is entitled to receive compensation from the Argentine government for compensatory and hedge bonds in the amount of Ps. 2,654,717, net of associated borrowings from the Argentine Central Bank. The receipt of the hedge bond is contingent upon the Bank providing adequate and acceptable collateral to the Argentine Central Bank. Should the Bank be unable to provide collateral acceptable to the Argentine Central Bank, the carrying amounts of the “Compensation to be Received from the National Government” would be affected.

 

As described in Note 2, the receipt of these bonds is subject to the approval of the Argentine Central Bank. In addition, the market value of the bonds received or to be received will fluctuate significantly as the market for such bonds develops more fully. Therefore, the ultimate settlement of these bonds may differ significantly from the carrying value, at June 30, 2004 or any future date.

 

U.S. GAAP estimates

 

Valuation reserves, impairment charges and estimates of market values on assets, as established by the Bank for U.S. GAAP purposes are subject to significant assumptions of future cash flows and interest rates for discounting such cash flows. Losses on the exchange of government and provincial bonds, and on retained interests in securitization trusts were significantly affected by higher discount rates at June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002. Should the discount rates change in the future years, the carrying amounts and charges to income and shareholders’ equity will also change. In addition, as estimates to future cash flows change, so to will the carrying amounts which are dependent on such cash flows. It is possible that changes to the carrying amounts of loans, investments and other assets will be adjusted in the near term in amounts that are material to the Bank’s financial position and results of operations.

 

F-150


Table of Contents

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of

Alto Palermo S.A. (APSA):

 

In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related consolidated statements of income, of changes in shareholders’ equity and of cash flows present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Alto Palermo S.A. (APSA) and its subsidiaries at June 30, 2004 and 2003, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended June 30, 2004 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in Argentina. 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. We conducted our audits of these statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

Accounting principles generally accepted in Argentina vary in certain significant respects from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and as allowed by Item 18 to Form 20-F. Information relating to the nature and effect of such differences is presented in Note 16 to the consolidated financial statements.

 

PRICE WATERHOUSE & Co. S.R.L.    
By      

(Partner)

    Carlos Martín Barbafina    

 

Buenos Aires, Argentina

September 6, 2004

 

F-151


Table of Contents

 

Alto Palermo S.A. (APSA)

Consolidated Balance Sheets

as of June 30, 2004 and 2003

(In Argentine Pesos, except as otherwise indicated)

 

     2004

   2003

ASSETS

             

Current Assets

             

Cash and banks (Notes 4.a. and 17.f.)

   Ps. 43,925,295    Ps. 22,973,645

Investments (Notes 4.b. and 17.f.)

     31,348,394      13,014,036

Accounts receivable, net (Note 4.c.)

     26,978,691      28,961,402

Other receivables and prepaid expenses (Notes 4.d. and 17.f.)

     23,842,543      4,851,462

Inventory (Note 17.e)

     780,323      759,201
    

  

Total current assets

     126,875,246      70,559,746
    

  

Non-Current Assets

             

Accounts receivable, net (Note 4.c.)

     2,749,405      2,340,774

Other receivables and prepaid expenses, net (Notes 4.d. and 17.f.)

     33,532,517      47,681,566

Inventory, net (Note 17.e)

     43,401,281      25,030,000

Fixed assets, net (Note 17.a.)

     895,140,242      918,697,764

Investments, net (Note 4.b)

     20,608,826      11,094,539

Intangible assets, net (Note 17.b.)

     1,918,529      2,402,626
    

  

Subtotal

     997,350,800      1,007,247,269
    

  

Goodwill, net (Note 17.c.)

     21,703,468      26,530,010
    

  

Total non-current assets

     1,019,054,268      1,033,777,279
    

  

Total Assets

   Ps. 1,145,929,514    Ps. 1,104,337,025
    

  

LIABILITIES

             

Current Liabilities

             

Trade accounts payable (Notes 4.e. and 17.f.)

   Ps. 31,824,357    Ps. 19,478,694

Short-term debt (Notes 4 f. and 17.f.)

     95,587,742      24,699,280

Salaries and social security payable (Note 4.g)

     5,743,776      3,783,026

Taxes payable (Note 4.h.)

     7,179,150      5,812,218

Customer advances (Note 4.i.)

     19,332,276      11,212,118

Related parties (Note 6)

     8,432,719      7,444,981

Dividends payable (Note 6)

     337,678      337,678

Other liabilities (Note 4.j.)

     5,638,796      5,649,942
    

  

Total current liabilities

     174,076,494      78,417,937
    

  

Non-Current Liabilities

             

Trade accounts payable (Notes 4.e. and 17.f.)

     2,864,961      3,609,629

Long-term debt (Notes 4.f. and 17.f.)

     145,064,875      218,138,833

Taxes payable (Note 4.h.)

     3,917,747      —  

Customer advances (Note 4.i.)

     27,546,293      25,318,125

Other liabilities (Note 4.j.)

     701,691      913,924
    

  

Total debts

     180,095,567      247,980,511
    

  

Provisions (Note 4.k. and 17.d.)

     5,995,698      3,927,125
    

  

Total non-current liabilities

     186,091,265      251,907,636
    

  

Total Liabilities

     360,167,759      330,325,573
    

  

Minority interest

     15,388,057      14,760,545
    

  

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

     770,373,698      759,250,907
    

  

Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

   Ps. 1,145,929,514    Ps. 1,104,337,025
    

  

 

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

 

F-152


Table of Contents

 

Alto Palermo S.A. (APSA)

Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002

(In Argentine Pesos, except as otherwise indicated)

 

     2004

    2003

    2002

 

Revenues

   Ps.  143,250,046     Ps.  114,215,423     Ps.  195,966,227  

Costs (Note 17.e.)

     (71,998,172 )     (67,574,867 )     (91,070,566 )
    


 


 


Gross profit

     71,251,874       46,640,556       104,895,661  
    


 


 


Selling expenses (Note 17.g.).

     (10,871,847 )     (17,593,537 )     (63,211,826 )

Administrative expenses (Note 17.g.)

     (20,720,934 )     (18,227,482 )     (25,383,497 )

Net income (loss) in credit card trust

     260,941       (4,077,136 )     (4,068,787 )

Torres de Abasto unit contracts´ rescissions

     —         9,682       60,394  
    


 


 


Operating income

     39,920,034       6,752,083       12,291,945  
    


 


 


Equity loss from related companies

     (1,126,516 )     (12,072,175 )     (4,895,042 )

Amortization of goodwill (Note 17.c.)

     (4,826,542 )     (4,827,055 )     (4,826,812 )

Financial results, net (Note 7)

     6,540,221       118,641,137       (91,188,955 )

Other (expense) income, net (Note 8)

     (4,800,199 )     13,271,869       (10,839,258 )
    


 


 


Income (loss) before taxes and minority interest

     35,706,998       121,765,859       (99,458,122 )
    


 


 


Income tax (expense) benefit (Note 14)

     (16,311,318 )     (46,755,101 )     82,992,554  

Minority interest

     (558,140 )     2,339,847       5,113,760  
    


 


 


Net income (loss)

   Ps. 18,837,540     Ps. 77,350,605     Ps. (11,351,808 )
    


 


 


Earnings per share (Note 13):

                        

Basic net income (loss) per common share

   Ps. 0.03     Ps. 0.11     Ps. (0.02 )

Diluted net income (loss) per common share

   Ps. 0.02     Ps. 0.03     Ps. (0.02 )

 

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

 

F-153


Table of Contents

 

Alto Palermo S.A. (APSA)

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity

for the years ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002

(In Argentine Pesos, except as otherwise indicated)

 

     Shareholders’ contributions

  

Appraisal

revaluation

(Note 3.e.)


  

Legal

reserve

(Note 5.c.)


  

(Accumulated
deficit)/retained

earnings


   

Shareholders’

equity


 
     Common stock
(Note 5.a.)


   Inflation
adjustment of
common stock
(Note 5.b.)


   Additional paid-
in-capital


   Total

          

Balances as of June 30, 2001

   Ps.70,000,000    Ps.84,620,426    Ps.522,803,958    Ps.677,424,384    Ps.3,952,571    Ps.4,094,262    Ps.7,296,351     Ps.692,767,568  

Increase in legal reserve

   —      —      —      —      —      306,917    (306,917 )   —    

Net loss for the year

   —      —      —      —      —      —      (11,351,808 )   (11,351,808 )
    
  
  
  
  
  
  

 

Balances as of June 30, 2002

   Ps.70,000,000    Ps.84,620,426    Ps.522,803,958    Ps.677,424,384    Ps.3,952,571    Ps.4,401,179    Ps.(4,362,374)     Ps.681,415,760  
    
  
  
  
  
  
  

 

Conversion of debt into common stock

   482,974    483    1,085    484,542    —      —      —       484,542  

Net income for the year

   —      —      —      —      —      —      77,350,605     77,350,605  
    
  
  
  
  
  
  

 

Balances as of June 30, 2003

   Ps.70,482,974    Ps.84,620,909    Ps.522,805,043    Ps.677,908,926    Ps.3,952,571    Ps.4,401,179    Ps.72,988,231     Ps.759,250,907  
    
  
  
  
  
  
  

 

Conversion of debt into common stock

   2,285,251    —      —      2,285,251    —      —      —       2,285,251  

Increase in legal reserve

   —      —      —      —      —      3,649,412    (3,649,412 )   —    

Cash dividends

   —      —      —      —      —      —      (10,000,000 )   (10,000,000 )

Net income for the year

   —      —      —      —      —      —      18,837,540     18,837,540  
    
  
  
  
  
  
  

 

Balances as of June 30, 2004

   Ps.72,768,225    Ps.84,620,909    Ps.522,805,043    Ps.680,194,177    Ps.3,952,571    Ps.8,050,591    Ps.78,176,359     Ps.770,373,698  
    
  
  
  
  
  
  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statement.

 

F-154


Table of Contents

 

Alto Palermo S.A. (APSA)

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

for the years ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002

(In Argentine Pesos, except as otherwise indicated)

 

     2004

    2003

    2002

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

                        

Net income (loss) for the year

   Ps. 18,837,540     Ps. 77,350,605     Ps. (11,351,808)  

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to cash flows from operating activities:

                        

Financial results

     5,829,797       (119,808,435 )     (71,317,143 )

Depreciation and amortization

     58,404,539       61,383,237       66,511,401  

Impairment of long-lived assets

     —         5,222,763       62,770,980  

Recovery of impairment of long-lived assets

     (26,908,076 )     (15,696,125 )     —    

Gain from sale of intangible assets

     —         (2,097,878 )     —    

Loss from sale of fixed assets

     —         —         11,943  

Allowance for doubtful accounts

     —         11,344,462       52,870,664  

Provision for contingencies

     2,174,327       2,147,844       7,194,847  

Recovery of allowance for doubtful accounts

     (1,045,008 )     (1,002,545 )     (88,049 )

Recovery of provision for contingencies

     —         (26,982 )     (117,306 )

Allowance for doubtful mortgage receivable

     —         —         2,855,832  

Gain on early redemption of loans

     (784,560 )     —         —    

Gain on repurchase of debt

     —         (25,192,889 )     (334,595 )

Equity loss from related companies

     1,126,516       12,072,175       4,895,042  

Other provisions

     4,776,171       3,600,436       —    

Tax amnesty plan for gross sales tax

     2,121,888       —         —    

Net (income) loss in credit card trust

     (78,336 )     972,235       (805,686 )

Minority interest

     558,140       (2,339,847 )     (5,113,760 )

Income tax

     16,311,318       46,755,101       (82,992,554 )

Changes in certain assets and liabilities, net of non-cash transactions and the effects of acquisitions:

                        

Increase in accounts receivable

     (10,103,933 )     (12,941,199 )     (13,491,829 )

Increase in other receivables and prepaid expenses

     (4,755,013 )     (423,711 )     (6,580,914 )

Increase in intangible assets

     (598,651 )     (613,624 )     (5,213,771 )

(Increase) decrease in investments

     —         722,687       3,694,645  

(Increase) decrease in inventory

     (21,120 )     564,080       7,097,579  

Increase (decrease) in trade accounts payable

     11,600,995       (169,228 )     13,427,494  

Increase (decrease) in customer advances

     10,348,326       (598,675 )     (18,032,461 )

(Decrease) increase in taxes payable

     (7,043,413 )     (6,216,716 )     12,802,734  

Increase (decrease) in salaries and social security payable

     1,960,750       2,371,125       (1,394,129 )

Decrease in provision for contingencies

     (105,754 )     (3,326,005 )     —    

Decrease in other liabilities

     (4,999,828 )     (128,185 )     (544,555 )

Increase in due to related parties

     187,000       2,859,094       2,711,282  

Increase in accrued interest

     538,576       6,130,730       33,853,323  
    


 


 


Net cash provided by operating activities

     78,332,191       42,914,530       53,319,206  
    


 


 


Cash flows from investing activities:

                        

Acquisition of fixed assets

     (20,397,126 )     (2,447,987 )     (3,490,502 )

Net proceeds from sale of fixed assets

     —         —         177,384  

Net proceeds from sale of intangible assets

     —         2,097,950       —    

Acquisition of inventory

     (3,808 )     (17,672 )     (431,827 )

Decrease in investments

     2,681,011       (2,981,305 )     —    
    


 


 


Net cash used in investing activities

     (17,719,923 )     (3,349,014 )     (3,744,945 )
    


 


 


Cash flows from financing activities:

                        

Proceeds from short-term and long-term debt

     300,000       67,902,176       32,313,275  

Payment of short-term and long-term debt

     (10,903,120 )     (17,032,063 )     (73,120,498 )

Payment of loans granted by related parties

     —         —         (123,199,436 )

Financing costs

     —         (227,248 )     (62,324 )

Proceeds from loans granted by related parties

     —         —         248,351,227  

Cash contributions received from minority shareholders

     —         —         184,322  

Repurchase of debt

     —         (78,380,284 )     (28,888,076 )

Derivative instruments collateral deposit

     —         —         (109,909,097 )

Payment of cash dividends

     (10,000,000 )     —         —    
    


 


 


Net cash used in financing activities

     (20,603,120 )     (27,737,419 )     (54,330,607 )
    


 


 


Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     40,009,148       11,828,097       (4,756,346 )

Cash and cash equivalents as of the beginning of the year

     28,287,319       16,459,222       21,215,568  
    


 


 


Cash and cash equivalents as of the end of the year

   Ps. 68,296,467     Ps. 28,287,319     Ps. 16,459,222  
    


 


 


 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statement.

 

F-155


Table of Contents

 

Alto Palermo S.A. (APSA)

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

for the years ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002 (continued)

(In Argentine Pesos, except as otherwise indicated)

 

     2004

   2003

   2002

Supplemental cash flow information

                    

Cash paid during the year for:

                    

Interest

   Ps. 28,684,283    Ps. 17,919,674    Ps. 48,538,156

Income tax

     1,002,190      1,035,969      5,413,367

Non-cash activities:

                    

Increase in inventory through a decrease in fixed assets

     15,414,281      17,210      —  

Retained interest in credit card receivables

     11,103,478      2,057,275      7,604,529

Conversion of Convertible Notes into common shares

     2,285,251      484,542      —  

Increase in Trust debt securities through a decrease in credit card receivable

     1,410,000      —        —  

Increase in credit card receivable through a decrease in retained interest in transferred credit card receivable

     209,543      4,426,873      —  

Increase in fixed assets through a decrease in intangible assets

     30,890      112,231      382,858

Conversion of balances with related parties into Convertible Notes

     —        118,663,132      —  

Increase in customer advances through a decrease in other liabilities

     —        2,836,049      —  

Increase in other receivables and prepaid expenses through a decrease in investments

     —        —        98,918

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statement.

 

F-156


Table of Contents

Alto Palermo S.A. (APSA)

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(In Argentine Pesos, except as otherwise indicated)

 

1. Organization and description of business

 

Alto Palermo S.A. (APSA) (formerly Sociedad Anónima Mercado de Abasto Proveedor (“SAMAP”)) an Argentine real estate holding company incorporated under the laws of Argentina, and subsidiaries (collectively, “APSA” or the “Company”) is primarily involved in the acquisition, development and operation of shopping center properties in Argentina. APSA was formed in 1889 and, until 1984, was the operator of the principal fresh product market in the city of Buenos Aires, Argentina. The Company’s principal asset during this period was the historic Mercado de Abasto building which served as the location of the market from 1889 to 1984, when the Company largely ceased operations. In July 1994, IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima (“IRSA”) acquired a controlling interest in the Company and, subsequently, the Company resumed its real estate operations. In December 1994, IRSA sold part of its holdings in the Company to Parque Arauco S.A. (“Parque Arauco”). As of June 30, 2004, the Company’s direct and indirect principal shareholders are IRSA (53.8%), Parque Arauco (27.8%) and Goldman Sachs Emerging Markets AP/Holdings L.L.P. (“GSEM/AP Holdings L.L.P.”), a limited partnership indirectly owned by Goldman Sachs & Co. (Goldman Sachs Fund) (6.1%). The Company’s shares are listed and traded on the Buenos Aires Stock Exchange. Effective November 2000, the Company’s shares are listed and traded on the NASDAQ under the ticker symbol “APSA”.

 

Since recommencing operations, the Company has continued to grow through a series of acquisitions. As of June 30, 2004, the Company owns a majority interest in, and operates, a portfolio of seven shopping centers in Argentina, of which five are located in the city of Buenos Aires (Abasto Shopping, Paseo Alcorta, Alto Palermo Shopping, Patio Bullrich and Buenos Aires Design), one is located in Greater Buenos Aires (Alto Avellaneda) and the other, in the city of Salta (Alto NOA). The Company also has an 18.9% interest in Mendoza Plaza Shopping Center, located in the city of Mendoza, Argentina, through its 18.9% interest in Pérez Cuesta S.A.C.I. (“Pérez Cuesta”). The Company also constructs residential apartment buildings for sale and shopping centers in order to operate them.

 

Through Tarshop S.A. (“Tarshop”), a majority-owned subsidiary of the Company, the Company originates credit card accounts, which makes it more attractive for customers to purchase goods and services from the Company’s shopping centers retail and services businesses. Tarshop is a limited purpose credit card company and is not affiliated with any bank. As of June 30, 2004, “Tarshop card”, the credit card, accounted for approximately 24% of the total receivables of the Company. Tarshop has an ongoing securitization program through which it transfers a portion of the Company’s credit card customer receivable balances to a master trust (the “Master Trust”) that issues certificates to public and private investors. See Note 11 for details. In addition, the Company’s shopping centers also accept third party credit and debit cards such as VISA, MasterCard, American Express and others.

 

The Company is also engaged in e-commerce activities through its equity investment in E-Commerce Latina S.A. Through the website Altocity.Com, the Company replicates the shopping experience to consumers by offering the same selection of goods and services encountered at its shopping center properties.

 

2. Preparation of financial statements

 

  a. Basis of presentation

 

The consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles used in Argentina (“Argentine GAAP”), and the regulations of the Comisión Nacional de Valores (“CNV”), the National Securities Commission in Argentina, which differ in certain significant respects from generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“US GAAP”). Such differences involve methods of measuring the amounts shown in the consolidated financial statements, as well as additional disclosures required by US GAAP and the regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). A description of the significant differences between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP as they relate to the Company are set forth in Note 16 to these consolidated financial statements.

 

F-157


Table of Contents

Alto Palermo S.A. (APSA)

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(In Argentine Pesos, except as otherwise indicated)

 

2. Preparation of financial statements (continued)

 

  a. Basis of presentation (continued)

 

As discussed in Notes 2.c. and 3.j., in order to comply with regulations of the CNV, the Company discontinued inflation accounting as from March 1, 2003 as well as recognized deferred income tax assets and liabilities on a non-discounted basis. The application of these CNV resolutions represents a departure from generally accepted accounting principles in Argentina. However, such departure did not have a material effect on the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

 

  b. Basis of consolidation

 

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of APSA and its subsidiaries over which APSA has effective control. Investments in companies in which the Company exercises significant influence, but not control, are accounted for under the equity method. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

In accordance with Argentine GAAP, the presentation of the parent company’s individual financial statements is mandatory. Consolidated financial statements are to be included as supplementary information to the individual financial statements. For the purpose of these financial statements, individual financial statements have been omitted since they are not required for SEC reporting purposes.

 

A description of the subsidiaries with their respective percentage of capital stock owned is presented as follows:

 

Subsidiaries


   Percentage of
capital stock owned
as of June 30, (i)


 
     2004

    2003

    2002

 

Emprendimiento Recoleta S.A. (ii)

   51 %   51 %   51 %

Tarshop S.A.

   80 %   80 %   80 %

Shopping Neuquén S.A (iii)

   95 %   95 %   95 %

Inversora del Puerto S.A.

   100 %   100 %   100 %

Alto Research and Development S.A. (iv)

   100 %   100 %   76 %

Shopping Alto Palermo S.A.

   100 %   100 %   100 %

Fibesa S.A.

   100 %   100 %   100 %

 

(i) Percentage of equity interest owned has been rounded.

 

(ii) As of June 30, 2003 the shares of Emprendimiento Recoleta S.A. (“ERSA”) were pledged in favor of Banco de la Provincia de Buenos Aires as collateral for certain obligations of the Company under the concession of Buenos Aires Design shopping center. These obligations were fulfilled during the year ended June 30, 2004.

 

(iii) On July 6, 1999, the Company had acquired a 94.6% interest in Shopping Neuquén for Ps. 4.2 million. Shopping Neuquén’s sole asset comprised of a piece of land with preliminary governmental approval for construction of a shopping center on the site. The Company had paid Ps. 0.9 million of the purchase price in September 1999 and agreed to pay the remaining Ps. 3.3 million on the earlier of (i) the opening of the shopping center or (ii) July 5, 2001. During June 2001, the Company entered into negotiations with the Municipality of Neuquén to reschedule the original timing of construction. Also, the Company requested permission to sell a portion of the land to third parties. The Company proposed to commence construction on December 15, 2002. On December 20, 2002, the Municipality of Neuquén rejected the Company’s proposal, nullifying the purchase agreement. In view of this circumstance, Shopping Neuquén requested the revocation of the Municipality disposition and, after rejection of this request in May 2003, lodged a remedy before the Supreme Court of the Province of Neuquén.

 

F-158


Table of Contents

Alto Palermo S.A. (APSA)

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(In Argentine Pesos, except as otherwise indicated)

 

2. Preparation of financial statements (continued)

 

  b. Basis of consolidation (continued)

 

At the date of issuance of these financial statements, the Neuquén Supreme Court has not yet issued a decision regarding the Company’s remedy and the Company is negotiating with the Municipality of Neuquén the terms of a new agreement that will establish the conditions for the reactivation of the development and construction of the commercial shopping center. If the extension requested by the Company is not approved and no agreement is reached in this connection, the Municipality of Neuquén could request the reconveyance of the real estate previously sold by it, in which case Shopping Neuquén runs the risk of not recovering its initial investment. Furthermore, on August 15, 2003 the Company was informed that 85.75% of the old shareholders of Shopping Neuquén have filed a complaint against the Company, claiming collection of the purchase price balance in US dollars plus interest and legal costs. As a result, the Company has answered the complaint and started negotiations with the old shareholders of Shopping Neuquén to reach an agreement in this connection.

 

(iv) During the year ended June 30, 2003, the Company acquired the minority interest in Alto Research and Development S.A (formerly Alto Invest S.A.) for a total consideration of Ps. 0.2 million, resulting in the recognition of a Ps. 0.4 million gain.

 

  c. Presentation of financial statements in constant pesos

 

On August 22, 1995, the Argentine government issued Decree No. 316/95 discontinuing the requirement that financial information be restated for inflation for any date or period after August 31, 1995. Effective September 1, 1995 in accordance with CNV resolutions and Argentine GAAP, the Company began accounting for its financial transactions on a historical cost basis, without considering the effects of inflation. Prior to September 1, 1995, the financial statements were prepared on the basis of general price level accounting, which reflected changes in purchasing power of the Argentine Peso in the historical financial statements. The financial statement information of periods prior to August 31, 1995 was restated to pesos of general purchasing power as of August 31, 1995. The August 31, 1995 balances, adjusted to the general purchasing power of the Peso at that date, became the historical cost basis for subsequent accounting and reporting.

 

However, as a result of the inflationary environment in Argentina in 2002, the Consejo Profesional de Ciencias Económicas de la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires (“CPCECABA”), approved on March 6, 2002, a resolution reinstating the application of inflation accounting in financial statements as from January 1, 2002. This resolution provided that all recorded amounts restated for inflation through August 31, 1995, as well as those arising between that date and December 31, 2001 are to be considered stated in currency as of December 31, 2001.

 

On July 16, 2002, the Argentine government issued a decree, instructing the CNV to issue the necessary regulations for the acceptance of financial statements prepared in constant currency. On July 25, 2002, the CNV reinstated the requirement to submit financial statements in constant currency.

 

However, after considering inflation levels for the second half of 2002 and the first months of 2003, on March 25, 2003, the Argentine government repealed the provisions of the previous decree related to the inflation adjustment and instructed the CNV to issue the necessary regulations to preclude companies under its supervision from presenting price-level restated financial statements. Therefore, on April 8, 2003, the CNV issued a resolution providing for the discontinuance of inflation accounting as of March 1, 2003. The Company complied with the CNV resolution and accordingly recorded the effects of inflation until February 28, 2003. Comparative figures were also restated until that date, using a conversion factor of 1.1237.

 

Since Argentine GAAP required companies to discontinue inflation accounting as from October 1, 2003, the application of the CNV resolution represents a departure from generally accepted accounting principles. However, due to the low level of inflation rates during the period from March to September 2003, such a departure has not had a material effect on the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

 

F-159


Table of Contents

Alto Palermo S.A. (APSA)

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(In Argentine Pesos, except as otherwise indicated)

 

2. Preparation of financial statements (continued)

 

  d. Reclassifications

 

Certain reclassifications of prior year information have been made to conform to the current year presentation.

 

  e. Use of estimates

 

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Significant estimates include those required in the accounting for the allowance for doubtful accounts, the depreciation, amortization and impairment of long-lived assets, the provision for contingencies and income taxes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

3. Significant accounting policies

 

On January 14, 2003, the CPCECABA and the CNV approved, with certain amendments, Technical Resolutions (“RT”) No. 16, “Framework for the Preparation and Presentation of Financial Statements”; RT No. 17, “Overall Considerations for the Preparation of Financial Statements”; RT No. 18, “Specific Considerations for the Preparation of Financial Statements”; RT No. 19, “Amendments to Technical Resolutions No. 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 11 and 14”; and RT No. 20, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” issued by the Federación Argentina de Consejos Profesional en Ciencias Económicas (“FACPCE”), which established new accounting and disclosure principles under Argentine GAAP. The Company adopted such standards on July 1, 2002, except for Technical Resolution No. 20 which was adopted on July 1, 2003. As required by Argentine GAAP, when issuing the 2003 financial statements the Company restated its prior year financial statements to give retroactive effect to the newly adopted accounting standards. These new accounting standards relate to the harmonization of Argentine GAAP with International Financial Reporting Standards.

 

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Company in the preparation of these consolidated financial statements.

 

  a. Revenue recognition

 

The Company primarily derives its revenues from leases and services operations, the sale and development of properties, credit card operations and to a lesser extent, from e-commerce activities. See Note 9 for details on the Company’s business segments.

 

  Leases and services

 

Leases with tenants are accounted for as operating leases. Tenants are generally charged a rent, which consists of the higher of: (i) a monthly base rent (the “Base Rent”) and (ii) a specified percentage of the tenant’s monthly gross retail sales (the “Percentage Rent”) (which generally ranges between 4% and 8% of tenant’s gross sales). Furthermore, pursuant to the rent escalation clause in most leases, a tenant’s Base Rent generally increases between 4% and 7% each year during the term of the lease. Minimum rental income is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease and unpaid rents are included in accounts receivable in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

 

Certain lease agreements contain provisions, which provide for rents based on a percentage of sales or based on a percentage of sales volume above a specified threshold. The Company determines the compliance with specific targets and calculates the additional rent on a monthly basis as provided for in the contracts. Thus, these contingent rents are not recognized until the required thresholds are exceeded.

 

F-160


Table of Contents

Alto Palermo S.A. (APSA)

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(In Argentine Pesos, except as otherwise indicated)

 

3. Significant accounting policies (continued)

 

  a. Revenue recognition (continued)

 

  Leases and services (continued)

 

Generally, the Company’s lease agreements vary from 36 to 120 months. Law No. 24,808 provides that tenants may rescind commercial lease agreements after the initial six months, upon not less than 60 days’ written notice, subject to penalties which vary from one to one and a half months rent if the tenant rescinds during the first year of its lease, and one month of rent if the tenant rescinds after the first year of its lease.

 

The Company also charges its tenants a monthly administration fee, prorated among the tenants according to their leases, which varies from shopping center to shopping center, relating to the administration and maintenance of the common area and the administration of contributions made by tenants to finance promotional efforts for the overall shopping centers’ operations. Administration fees are recognized monthly when earned.

 

In addition to rent, tenants are generally charged “admission rights”, a non-refundable admission fee that tenants may be required to pay upon entering into a lease and upon lease renewal. Admission right is normally paid in one lump sum or in a small number of monthly installments. Admission rights are recognized using the straight-line method over the life of the respective lease agreements. Furthermore, the lease agreements generally provide for the reimbursement of real estate taxes, insurance, advertising and certain common area maintenance costs. These additional rents and tenant reimbursements are accounted for on the accrual basis.

 

In September 2000, the Company completed the acquisition of the 99.99% equity interest of Fibesa S.A. (“FIBESA”), a related company. FIBESA acts as the leasing agent for the Company bringing together the Company and potential lessees for the retail space available in certain of the Company’s shopping centers. FIBESA’s revenues are derived primarily from success fees calculated as a percentage of the final rental income value for both the lessee and the Company. Revenues related to success fees are recognized at the time that the transaction is successfully concluded. A transaction is considered successfully concluded when both parties have signed the related lease contract.

 

  Sales and development properties

 

The Company records revenue from the sale of properties when all of the following criteria are met:

 

  (i) the sale has been consummated;

 

  (ii) the Company has determined that the buyer’s initial and continuing investments are adequate to demonstrate a commitment to pay for the property;

 

  (iii) the Company’s receivable is not subject to future subordination; and

 

  (iv) the Company has transferred to the buyer the risk of ownership, and does not have a continuing involvement in the property.

 

The Company uses the percentage-of-completion method of accounting with respect to sales of development properties under fixed-price construction contracts. Under this method, revenue is recognized based on the ratio of costs incurred to total estimated costs applied to the total contract price. The Company does not commence revenue and cost recognition until such time as the decision to proceed with the project is made and construction activities have begun.

 

The percentage-of-completion method of accounting requires management to prepare budgeted costs (i.e.: the estimated costs of completion) in connection with sales of properties / units. All changes to estimated costs of completion are incorporated into revised estimates during the contract period.

 

F-161


Table of Contents

Alto Palermo S.A. (APSA)

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(In Argentine Pesos, except as otherwise indicated)

 

3. Significant accounting policies (continued)

 

  a. Revenue recognition (continued)

 

  Credit card operations

 

Revenues derived from credit card transactions consist of commissions and financing income. Commissions are recognized at the time the merchants’ transactions are processed, while financing income is recognized when earned.

 

  E-commerce activities

 

The Company primarily conducts e-commerce activities through E-Commerce Latina, a holding company organized in Argentina in December 1999 as an internet joint venture between the Company and Telefónica de Argentina S.A. (“Telefónica”). E-Commerce Latina owns Altocity.Com, a development stage company. Altocity.Com primarily derives its revenues from monthly maintenance fees charged to suppliers, from sales of products on its website and, to a lesser extent, from sales of advertising and sponsorships. The Company accounts for its indirect investment in Altocity.Com under the equity method of accounting.

 

The Company and Telefónica agreed to: (i) make capital contributions of up to $ 10.0 million based on its ownership interest and, (ii) make optional capital contributions to be approved by E-Commerce Latina Board of Director’s of up to $ 12.0 million to develop new lines of business, of which 75% to be contributed by Telefónica and 25% by the Company. On April 30, 2001, the Company and Telefónica contributed Ps. 10.0 million (historical amount) based on its respective ownership interests.

 

During the years ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002 Altocity.Com generated revenues of Ps. 1.7 million, Ps. 0.7 million and Ps. 1.5 million and net losses of Ps. 2.1 million, Ps. 6.6 million and Ps. 17.0 million, respectively.

 

  Managerial, technological, commercial and financial training services

 

The Company also holds a 100% ownership interest in Alto Research and Development S.A. (formerly Alto Invest S.A.), a company currently engaged in the provision of managerial, technological, commercial and financial training, primarily focused on shopping center-related activities. The Company began providing these services in April 2004 by organizing courses, seminars and others. Revenues from these services are recognized when services are provided. Alto Invest S.A. was a web-based provider of comprehensive investing tools, planning and financial information which in the past generated revenues from website advertising and commissions charged to customers for on-line trading. During 2004, shareholders´ meeting of Alto Research and Development S.A. decided to broaden the scope of its corporate purpose.

 

  b. Cash and cash equivalents

 

The Company considers all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents consist of mutual funds which invest in time deposits with original maturities of less than three months at purchase.

 

F-162


Table of Contents

Alto Palermo S.A. (APSA)

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(In Argentine Pesos, except as otherwise indicated)

 

3. Significant accounting policies (continued)

 

  c. Investments

 

  (i) Current

 

Current investments include mutual funds and government bonds carried at their market value. Unrealized gains and losses on mutual funds and government bonds are included within financial results, net, in the consolidated statements of income.

 

Current investments also include a retained interest in transferred credit card receivables pursuant to the Company’s securitization program of credit card receivables (See Note 11 for details).

 

  (ii) Non-current

 

Equity investments in unconsolidated affiliated companies, representing between 20% and 50% of the capital stock in such companies, have been accounted for under the equity method. During the year ended June 30, 2001, the Company decreased its ownership percentage in Pérez Cuesta from 25% to 18.9%. This investment is still accounted for under the equity method of accounting, since the Company is in a position to exercise significant influence over its operating and financial policies.

 

At June 30, 2003 the Company had recognized an impairment loss related to the equity investment in Pérez Cuesta amounting to Ps. 7.5 million. During fiscal year 2004, the Company reversed Ps. 0.6 million of such an impairment loss as a result of changes in estimates. Both the impairment charge and the impairment reversal have been included within “Equity loss from related companies” in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

 

Non-current investments also include the non-current portion of the Company’s retained interest in transferred credit card receivables and trust debt securities pursuant to the securitization program of credit card receivables (See Note 11 for details).

 

  d. Inventory

 

Properties acquired for purposes of its development and subsequent sale are classified as inventory. Inventory is stated at cost (adjusted for inflation as described in Note 2.c.) less accumulated impairment charges. The cost of inventory is comprised of all direct contract costs, such as land, materials and construction fees associated with development properties, as well as capitalized interest when applicable. No interest cost was capitalized in inventory during the years ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002. Inventory is classified as current or non-current based on the estimated date of sale and the time at which the related receivables are expected to be collected. Inventory is charged to the statement of income as cost of revenues as the related revenue is recognized, using the percentage-of-completion method.

 

Inventory principally consists of pieces of land located near Paseo Alcorta Shopping Center and Rosario Shopping Center, where the Company expects the construction of an office building complex and a residential apartment complex, respectively. Inventory also includes the cost to acquire the right to construct new facilities above an existing Coto hipermarket and certain garages and stores of the Torres de Abasto construction project, a residential complex located near the Abasto Shopping Center which was completed in 2000.

 

During the year ended June 30, 2002, the Company had recognized an impairment loss amounting to Ps. 6.3 million in connection with certain properties classified as inventory. As a result of increases in their fair market values, during fiscal years 2003 and 2004 the Company partially reversed the 2002 impairment loss, recognizing a gain of Ps. 0.1 million and Ps. 2.9 million, respectively. The impairment loss and the gains associated with the partial restorations of the previously recognized impairment have been included within “Financial results, net” in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

 

F-163


Table of Contents

Alto Palermo S.A. (APSA)

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(In Argentine Pesos, except as otherwise indicated)

 

3. Significant accounting policies (continued)

 

  e. Fixed assets, net

 

Properties purchased for rental purposes are classified as fixed assets. Fixed assets are stated at cost, adjusted for inflation (as described in Note 2.c), less accumulated depreciation, except for a parcel of land acquired prior to June 30, 1986, which was originally recorded at its appraised value as of such date. This appraisal increased the carrying value of the land by Ps. 4.0 million, which was recorded against an appraisal revaluation reserve account in the shareholders’ equity. This appraisal revaluation reserve will be charged against income once the land is disposed of or its value becomes impaired.

 

Depreciation expense has been determined using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets as specified below:

 

Asset


  

Estimated useful life (years)


- Properties:

    

  Shopping centers

   Between 19 and 31

  Other

   Between 28 and 50

- Leasehold improvements

   Between 5 and 8

- Facilities

   10

- Furniture and fixtures

   Between 3 and 10

- Vehicles

   3

- Computer equipment

   Between 3 and 4

- Software

   Between 4 and 5

- Other

   10

 

The Company capitalizes interest on real estate development projects. No real estate projects were developed during the years ended June 30, 2002 and 2003. Even though the Company resumed the Rosario project during the year ended June 30, 2004, no interests were capitalized since the Company had recognized an impairment charge in prior years and during 2004 the Company partially reversed such impairment up to the limit of its fair value.

 

The cost of maintenance and repairs is charged to expense as incurred. The cost of significant renewals and improvements are added to the carrying amount of the respective asset.

 

When assets are retired or otherwise disposed of, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts, and any resulting gain or loss is reflected in the consolidated statement of income.

 

During the year ended June 30, 2002, the Company had recognized an impairment loss amounting to Ps. 56.5 million in connection with Alto Avellaneda, Alto Noa, Caballito Project, Shopping Neuquén and other properties. As a result of increases in their fair market values, during fiscal years 2003 and 2004 the Company partially reversed the 2002 impairment loss, recognizing a gain of Ps. 15.6 million and Ps. 24.0 million, respectively. The impairment loss and the gains associated with the restoration of the previously recognized impairment have been included within “Financial results, net” in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

 

  f. Software obtained or developed for internal use

 

The Company capitalizes certain costs associated with the development of computer software for internal use. Costs capitalized during the years ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002 were Ps. 0.3 million, Ps. 0.4 million and Ps. 0.3 million, respectively. These costs are being amortized on a straight-line basis between 4 and 5 years.

 

F-164


Table of Contents

Alto Palermo S.A. (APSA)

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(In Argentine Pesos, except as otherwise indicated)

 

3. Significant accounting policies (continued)

 

  g. Intangible assets, net

 

Intangible assets are stated at cost, adjusted for inflation (as described in Note 2.c), less accumulated amortization.

 

  (i) Trademarks

 

Fees and expenses related to the registration of trademarks are amortized on a straight-line basis over 10 years.

 

  (ii) Expenses related to the securitization of receivables

 

Expenses related to the securitization of receivables represent expenses related to the on-going securitization program of credit card receivables. These expenses are amortized on a straight-line basis over a two-year period.

 

  (iii) Preoperating expenses

 

Represent primarily expenses incurred relating to pre-opening activities of certain shopping centers. These expenses are amortized on a straight-line basis over a three-year period commencing upon the opening of the shopping center.

 

  (iv) Advertising expenses

 

Advertising expenses relate to the Torres de Abasto project, which were fully amortized during fiscal year 2004 as permitted by the transition provisions of RT 17.

 

  (v) Tenant list – Patio Bullrich

 

This item represents the acquired tenant list of the Patio Bullrich shopping mall, which is being amortized using the straight-line method over a five-year period.

 

  h. Goodwill, net

 

Goodwill, representing the excess of cost over the fair value of net identifiable assets acquired, is stated at cost adjusted for inflation (as described in Note 2.c), and is amortized on a straight-line basis over its estimated economic life, not exceeding 10 years. As required by new accounting standards, goodwill is shown in a separate caption in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.

 

  i. Foreign currency assets and liabilities

 

Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated at the prevailing exchange rates as of year-end. Transactions denominated in foreign currencies are translated into Argentine pesos at the prevailing exchange rates on the date of transaction settlement. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are recorded within “Financial results, net” in the consolidated statements of income.

 

F-165


Table of Contents

Alto Palermo S.A. (APSA)

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(In Argentine Pesos, except as otherwise indicated)

 

3. Significant accounting policies (continued)

 

  j. Income tax provision

 

The subsidiaries of the Company calculate their income taxes on a separate basis. The Company did not either calculate or pay income taxes on a consolidated basis for any of the periods presented. The statutory income tax rate was 35% for all the periods presented.

 

The Company records income taxes using the liability method. Accordingly, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recorded or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance is recognized for that component of net deferred tax assets which is not recoverable.

 

The Company has treated the differences between the price-level restated amounts of assets and liabilities and their historical basis as permanent differences for deferred income tax calculation purposes, as prescribed by Resolution MD No. 11/2003 issued by the CPCECABA.

 

In accordance with CNV regulations, deferred tax assets and liabilities have not been discounted. Since Argentine GAAP requires the accounting for deferred tax assets and liabilities on a discounted basis, the application of the CNV resolution represents a departure from generally accepted accounting principles. However, such a departure did not have a significant effect on the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

 

  k. Asset tax provision

 

The Company is subject to the asset tax. Pursuant to this tax regime, the Company is required to pay the greater of the income tax or the asset tax. Any excess of the asset tax over the income tax may be carried forward and recognized as a tax credit against future income taxes payable over a 10-year period. The asset tax provision is calculated on an individual entity basis at the statutory asset tax rate of 1% and is based upon the taxable assets of each company as of the end of the year, as defined by Argentine law.

 

  l. Customer advances

 

Customer advances represent payments received in advance in connection with the lease of properties.

 

F-166


Table of Contents

Alto Palermo S.A. (APSA)

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(In Argentine Pesos, except as otherwise indicated)

 

3. Significant accounting policies (continued)

 

  m. Provisions for contingencies and allowances

 

The Company provides for losses relating to accounts and mortgage receivables. The allowance for losses is based on management’s evaluation of various factors, including the credit risk of customers, historical trends and other information. While management uses the information available to make evaluations, future adjustments to the allowance may be necessary if future economic conditions differ substantially from the assumptions used in making the evaluations. Management has considered all events and/or transactions that are subject to reasonable and normal methods of estimations, and the consolidated financial statements reflect that consideration.

 

The Company has certain contingent liabilities with respect to existing or potential claims, lawsuits and other proceedings, including those involving labor and other matters. The Company accrues liabilities when it is probable that future costs will be incurred and such costs can be reasonably estimated. Such accruals are based on developments to date, the Company’s estimates of the outcomes of these matters and the Company’s lawyers’ experience in contesting, litigating and settling other matters. As the scope of the liabilities becomes better defined, there will be changes in the estimates of future costs, which could have a material effect on the Company’s future results of operations and financial condition or liquidity.

 

At the date of issuance of these financial statements, the Company’s management believes that there are no conditions present to foresee potential contingencies having a significant negative impact on these financial statements.

 

  n. Advertising expenses

 

The Company generally expenses advertising and promotion costs as incurred with the exception of advertising and promotion expenses incurred to market real estate projects. See note 3.g. (iv) for details. Advertising and promotion expenses were approximately Ps. 2.6 million, Ps. 1.5 million and Ps. 3.6 million for the years ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

 

  o. Pension information

 

The Company does not maintain any pension plans. Argentine laws provide for pension benefits to be paid to retired employees from government pension plans and/or private fund managed plans to which employees may elect to contribute.

 

The Company does not sponsor any employee stock ownership plans.

 

  p. Impairment of long-lived assets

 

The Company periodically evaluates the carrying value of its long-lived assets for impairment. The carrying value of a long-lived asset is considered impaired by the Company when the expected cash flows, undiscounted and without interest, from such asset is separately identifiable and less than its carrying value. In that event, a loss is recognized based on the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair market value of the long-lived asset. Fair market value is determined primarily using the anticipated cash flows discounted at a rate commensurate with the risk involved or based on independent appraisals.

 

RT 17 establishes that a previously recognized impairment loss should only be reversed when there is a subsequent change in estimates used to compute the fair market value of the asset. In that event, the new carrying amount of the asset should be the lower of its fair market value or the net carrying amount the asset would have had if no impairment had been recognized.

 

F-167


Table of Contents

Alto Palermo S.A. (APSA)

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(In Argentine Pesos, except as otherwise indicated)

 

3. Significant accounting policies (continued)

 

  q. Vacation expenses

 

Vacation expenses are fully accrued in the period the employee renders services to earn such vacation.

 

  r. Derivative financial instruments

 

From time to time, the Company utilizes certain financial instruments to manage its foreign currency and interest rate exposures, and to lower its overall financing costs. The Company does not engage in trading or other speculative use of these financial instruments. Also, the Company has not utilized financial instruments to hedge anticipated transactions. In entering into these contracts, the Company assumes the risk that might arise from the possible inability of counter parties to meet the terms of their contracts. The Company does not expect any losses as a result of counterpart defaults. For details on the Company’s derivative instruments activity, see Note 12.

 

  Interest rate swaps

 

Interest rate swap agreements are recognized in the balance sheet at their fair market values with changes reported in earnings.

 

  Foreign currency forward-exchange contracts

 

Premiums on foreign currency forward-exchange contracts are amortized over the life of the respective contracts. The foreign currency forward-exchange contracts are recognized in the financial statements at their fair market value, with changes reported in earnings.

 

  s. Monetary assets and liabilities

 

Monetary assets and liabilities are stated at their face value plus or minus the related financial gain or loss.

 

  t. Receivables from leases and services and trade payables

 

Receivables from leases and services and trade payables have been valued at the price applicable to spot operations at the time of the transaction plus accrued interest based on the internal rate of return.

 

  u. Financial receivables and payables

 

Financial receivables and payables have been valued at the amount deposited and collected, respectively, net of related costs, plus accrued interest based on the interest rate estimated at the time of the transaction.

 

  v. Other receivables and liabilities

 

Asset tax credits have been measured based on the best estimate of the amount receivable discounted at the interest rate applicable to freely available savings accounts published by the Argentine Central Bank in effect at the time of incorporation to the balance sheet. The remaining other receivables and liabilities have been valued on the best estimate of the amount receivable and payable, respectively.

 

  w. Related party balances

 

Receivables and liabilities with related parties generated by financial transactions and other sundry transactions have been valued in accordance with the terms agreed by the parties.

 

F-168


Table of Contents

Alto Palermo S.A. (APSA)

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(In Argentine Pesos, except as otherwise indicated)

 

3. Significant accounting policies (continued)

 

  x. Earnings per share

 

The Company is required to disclose earnings per share information for all periods presented. Basic earnings per share (“basic EPS”) are computed by dividing the net income (loss) available to common shareholders for the period by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share (“diluted EPS”) are computed by dividing the adjusted net income (loss) for the period by the weighted-average number of common shares and potential common shares outstanding during the period.

 

In computing diluted EPS, income available to common shareholders used in the basic EPS calculation is adjusted to add back the after-tax amount of interest recognized in the period with respect to any debt convertible to common stock. Additional adjustments are made for any other income or loss items that would result from the assumed conversion of potential common shares. The weighted-average number of common shares outstanding is adjusted to include the number of additional common shares that would have been outstanding if the dilutive potential common shares had been issued. Diluted EPS is based on the most advantageous conversion rate or exercise price over the entire term of the instrument from the standpoint of the security holder. The calculation of diluted EPS excludes potential common shares if their effect is anti-dilutive. The Company has considered the dilutive effect of the outstanding convertible debt in calculating diluted EPS.

 

4. Breakdown of the main captions

 

  a. Cash and banks:

 

     As of June 30,

     2004

   2003

Cash in local currency

   Ps. 636,754    Ps. 606,055

Cash in foreign currency

     1,870,807      2,143,526

Banks in local currency

     10,489,099      4,776,914

Banks in foreign currency

     29,579,918      13,835,199

Saving accounts

     1,348,717      1,611,951
    

  

     Ps. 43,925,295    Ps. 22,973,645
    

  

 

  b. Investments:

 

     As of June 30,

     2004

   2003

Current

             

Mutual funds

   Ps. 24,371,172    Ps. 5,313,674

Retained interests in transferred credit card receivables (i)

     6,676,928      4,719,057

Government bonds (ii)

     300,294      2,981,305
    

  

     Ps. 31,348,394    Ps. 13,014,036
    

  

Non-current

             

Retained interests in transferred credit card receivables (i)

   Ps. 12,000,681    Ps. 2,567,194

Pérez Cuesta S.A.C.I (iii)

     5,763,106      5,628,135

E-Commerce Latina S.A. (iv)

     1,435,039      2,899,210

Trust debt securities (i)

     1,410,000      —  
    

  

     Ps. 20,608,826    Ps. 11,094,539
    

  

 

F-169


Table of Contents

Alto Palermo S.A. (APSA)

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(In Argentine Pesos, except as otherwise indicated)

 

4. Breakdown of the main captions (continued)

 

  b. Investments (continued):

 

(i) As part of its credit card securitization programs, the Company transfers credit card receivables to a Trust in exchange for cash and certificates representing undivided interests in such receivables. Trust debt securities represent debt certificates (TDFs) issued by the trust which are valued at amortized cost. Retained interests in transferred credit card receivables represent equity certificates (CPs) issued by the trust which are accounted for under the equity method of accounting (See Note 11 for details).

 

(ii) Not considered cash equivalents for purposes of presenting the consolidated statements of cash flows.

 

(iii) The Company owns an 18.9% interest in Pérez Cuesta.

 

(iv) The Company owns a 49% interest in Altocity.Com through a 50% interest in E-Commerce Latina.

 

  c. Accounts receivable, net:

 

     As of June 30,

 
     2004

    2003

 

Current

                

Leases and services receivables

   Ps. 9,278,338     Ps. 20,464,030  

Credit card receivables

     13,722,227       19,656,822  

Checks to be deposited

     9,809,994       6,177,030  

Debtors under legal proceedings

     23,068,116       22,054,254  

Pass-through expenses receivables (i)

     4,498,199       5,422,451  

Mortgage receivables (ii)

     206,092       305,895  

Notes receivables

     457,286       213,808  

Less:

                

Allowance for doubtful accounts (Note 17.d)

     (34,061,561 )     (45,332,888 )
    


 


     Ps. 26,978,691     Ps. 28,961,402  
    


 


Non-current

                

Credit card receivables

   Ps. 1,833,753     Ps. 1,235,845  

Mortgage receivables (ii)

     960,616       1,158,850  

Less:

                

Allowance for doubtful accounts (Note 17.d)

     (44,964 )     (53,921 )
    


 


     Ps. 2,749,405     Ps. 2,340,774  
    


 


 

(i) Pass-through expenses receivable primarily represent maintenance and other operating costs relating to the common area of shopping centers paid by the Company on behalf of tenants.

 

(ii) Mortgage receivables consists of fixed-rate mortgages. At June 30, 2004, the remaining principal balance consists of mortgage receivables from several borrowers. The amount due from the largest individual borrower was Ps. 82,150 at a contractual interest rate of 14%.

 

F-170


Table of Contents

Alto Palermo S.A. (APSA)

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(In Argentine Pesos, except as otherwise indicated)

 

4. Breakdown of the main captions (continued)

 

  d. Other receivables and prepaid expenses, net:

 

     As of June, 30

 
     2004

    2003

 

Current

                

Interest rate swap receivable (i)

   Ps. 13,572,363     Ps. —    

Income tax credits

     1,832,712       51,418  

Prepaid services

     1,620,580       330,356  

Prepaid expenses

     1,366,016       284,824  

Guarantee deposits (ii)

     1,319,334       889,951  

Shareholders receivable

     963,388       676,654  

Asset tax credits

     581,442       —    

Related parties (Note 6)

     546,825       1,093,466  

Other tax credits

     398,955       112,200  

Prepaid gross sales tax

     377,699       247,415  

Interest receivable for swap guarantees of interest rates (i)

     243,367       306,866  

Prepaid property tax

     150,139       —    

Dividends receivable (Note 6)

     75,000       75,000  

Others

     794,723       783,312  
    


 


     Ps. 23,842,543     Ps. 4,851,462  
    


 


Non-Current

                

Asset tax credits

   Ps. 32,161,130     Ps. 25,771,356  

Deferred income tax (Note 14)

     —         12,173,390  

Interest rate swap receivable (i)

     —         8,172,241  

Mortgage receivable (iii)

     2,208,275       2,208,275  

Value Added Tax (“VAT”) receivable

     550,793       550,381  

Prepaid gross sales tax

     438,131       318,153  

Guarantee deposits

     —         646,666  

Others

     382,463       49,379  

Less:

                

Allowance for doubtful mortgage receivable (Note 17.d)

     (2,208,275 )     (2,208,275 )
    


 


     Ps. 33,532,517     Ps. 47,681,566  
    


 


 

(i) Represents the net amount of US$ 50.0 million deposited as collateral and US$ 45.4 million payable for the swap agreement (US$ 47.1 million at June 30, 2003). See Note 12 for details.

 

(ii) At June 30, 2004 includes Ps. 0.3 million related to a deposit required as collateral for certain labor lawsuits of the Company and Ps. 0.8 million of cash reserves related to the Company’s securitization programs. See Note 11.

 

(iii) Corresponds to a loan granted to an unaffiliated third party, which is collateralized by a mortgage on certain properties. During fiscal year 2001, this debtor filed for bankruptcy. As a result, the Company has recognized an allowance for the entire balance based on the opinion of its legal counsel.

 

F-171


Table of Contents

Alto Palermo S.A. (APSA)

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(In Argentine Pesos, except as otherwise indicated)

 

4. Breakdown of the main captions (continued)

 

  e. Trade accounts payable:

 

     As of June 30,

     2004

   2003

Current

             

Suppliers

   Ps. 26,949,435    Ps. 16,130,519

Accruals

     3,866,561      2,384,358

Imports payable

     1,008,361      963,817
    

  

     Ps. 31,824,357    Ps. 19,478,694
    

  

Non-current

             

Imports payable

   Ps. 2,864,961    Ps. 3,609,629
    

  

     Ps. 2,864,961    Ps. 3,609,629
    

  

 

  f. Short-term and long-term debt:

 

  Short-term debt consists of the following:

 

     As of June 30,

 
     2004

    2003

 

Uncollateralized loans plus accrued interest (i)

   Ps. 1,007,397     Ps. 5,983,770  

Notes plus accrued interest (ii)

     51,322,758       1,701,759  

Senior Notes plus accrued interest (iii)

     32,150,128       7,043,409  

Accrued interest on Convertible Notes (iv) (Note 6)

     6,560,919       6,308,960  

Seller financing plus accrued interest (v)

     5,781,165       5,491,231  

Deferred financing costs (vi)

     (1,276,417 )     (1,873,143 )

Mortgage loans (vii)

     41,792       43,294  
    


 


     Ps. 95,587,742     Ps. 24,699,280  
    


 


 

  Long-term debt consists of the following:

 

     As of June 30,

 
     2004

    2003

 

Convertible Notes (iv) (Note 6)

   Ps. 145,135,483     Ps. 139,561,845  

Notes (ii)

     —         49,621,000  

Senior Notes (iii)

     —         30,305,498  

Deferred financing costs (vi)

     (70,608 )     (1,349,510 )
    


 


     Ps. 145,064,875     Ps. 218,138,833  
    


 


 

(i) Generally, the Company’s short-term borrowings are in the form of overdraft facilities and/or bank loans with original maturities of less than one year. The weighted average interest rates on short-term debt were 9.0% and 9.6% as of June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively. The Company generally used the proceeds from these borrowings for working capital needs and other general corporate purposes. The Company had unused lines of credit under the short-term bank lines of Ps. 115.8 million at June 30, 2004.

 

F-172


Table of Contents

Alto Palermo S.A. (APSA)

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(In Argentine Pesos, except as otherwise indicated)

 

4. Breakdown of the main captions (continued)

 

  f. Short-term and long-term debt (continued):

 

(ii) On April 7, 2000, the Company issued Ps. 85.0 million 14.875% unsecured notes due April 7, 2005 (the “Notes”). Interest on the Notes are payable semiannually on April 7 and October 7 of each year, commencing October 7, 2000. Proceeds from this issuance were used to repay certain outstanding bridge financing obtained by the Company. The Notes include various restrictive covenants, which among other things require the Company to maintain certain financial ratios. During the years ended June 30, 2003, 2002 and 2001, the Company redeemed Ps. 1.8 million, Ps. 15.5 million and Ps. 18.1 million of the Notes, respectively, at different prices below par plus accrued interest. At June 30, 2004 and 2003 the balance was comprised of Ps. 49.6 million of principal and Ps. 1.7 million of accrued interest. Subsequent to June 30, 2004 the Company redeemed an additional Ps. 1.2 million of the Notes.

 

(iii) On January 18, 2001, APSA together with its wholly owned subsidiary, SAPSA, issued US$ 120.0 million of Senior Notes. The Senior Notes were issued in three classes: US$ 40.0 million aggregate principal amount of Class A-2 Senior Notes, due January 13, 2005, priced at 100%; US$ 5.0 million aggregate principal amount of Class B-1 Senior Notes, due January 13, 2005, priced at 100%; and US$ 75.0 million aggregate principal amount of Class B-2 Senior Notes, maturing at various dates through January 13, 2005, priced at 100%. Interest on Class A-2, Class B-1 and Class B-2 Senior Notes accrues at a Badlar rate (as defined below) plus 395 basis points, 90-day Libor plus 475 basis points and Badlar rate plus 395 basis points, respectively (“30-day Badlar” represents a referenced average interest rate payable by several private banks in Argentina to US dollar-denominated time deposits of US$ 1 million or more, as adjusted in accordance with a specified formula). Pursuant to Decree N° 214, debts in U.S. dollars or other foreign currencies in the Argentine financial system were converted to pesos at the rate of exchange of Ps. 1 per US$ 1 or its equivalent in another currency. As from February 3, 2002, an adjusting index (CER) is being applied to the balances. During the year ended June 30, 2003 the Company repurchased Ps. 80.8 million of the Senior Notes; the Company used a portion of the proceeds received from the issuance of Convertible Notes to finance the repurchase of Senior Notes for Ps. 52.8 million. At June 30, 2003 the outstanding principal balance amounted to Ps. 20.8 million. During the year ended June 30, 2004 the Company made principal payments at maturity for Ps. 3.3 million. As of June 30, 2004 the outstanding principal balance was Ps. 17.5 million and the rate applied to this debt was 8% per annum. In August 2004 the Company repurchased Ps. 13.7 million of the Senior Notes. The Senior Notes are collateralized by a pledge on the shares of SAPSA. The Senior Notes include various restrictive covenants, which among other things require the Company to maintain certain financial ratios.

 

(iv) See Note 15, for details of the issuance of Convertible Notes.

 

(v) As of June 30, 2004 this balance included a principal amount of Ps. 3.3 million relating to the seller financing obtained in the acquisition of Shopping Neuquén, and Ps. 1.8 million relating to the CER. Such seller financing accrues interest at six-month LIBOR. As of June 30, 2004, the six-month LIBOR was 1.94%.

 

(vi) Deferred financing costs represent fees and expenses incurred in connection with the issuance of the Company’s short-term and long-term debt, which are being amortized to expense during the term of the related debt.

 

(vii) This balance relates to a loan collateralized by a mortgage on certain property of the Company, which book value is Ps. 3.3 million as of June 30, 2004.

 

  g. Salaries and social security payable:

 

     As of June 30,

     2004

   2003

Provision for vacation and bonuses

   Ps. 3,344,538    Ps. 2,605,921

Social security payable

     946,417      651,521

Salaries payable

     778,445      360,886

Other

     674,376      164,698
    

  

     Ps. 5,743,776    Ps. 3,783,026
    

  

 

F-173


Table of Contents

Alto Palermo S.A. (APSA)

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(In Argentine Pesos, except as otherwise indicated)

 

4. Breakdown of the main captions (continued)

 

  h. Taxes payable:

 

     As of June 30,

     2004

   2003

Current

             

Asset tax payable, net

   Ps. 2,350,850    Ps. 2,117,320

VAT payable, net

     1,793,323      2,069,899

Other tax withholdings

     1,016,696      575,858

Income tax, net

     998,313      263,697

Gross sales tax provision

     647,299      461,569

Gross sales tax withholdings

     220,037      261,305

Tax amnesty plan for gross sales tax payable

     138,892      —  

Other taxes

     13,740      28,359

Property tax provision

     —        34,211
    

  

     Ps. 7,179,150    Ps. 5,812,218
    

  

Non-current

             

Tax amnesty plan for gross sales tax payable

   Ps. 1,982,996    Ps. —  

Deferred income tax (Note 14)

     1,934,751      —  
    

  

     Ps. 3,917,747    Ps. —  
    

  

 

  i. Customer advances:

 

     As of June 30,

     2004

   2003

Current

             

Admission rights (i)

   Ps. 11,495,390    Ps. 7,442,488

Lease advances (ii)

     7,789,084      3,713,828

Guarantee deposits

     47,802      55,802
    

  

     Ps. 19,332,276    Ps. 11,212,118
    

  

Non-current

             

Admission rights (i)

   Ps. 17,443,691    Ps. 14,044,014

Lease advances (ii)

     10,046,226      11,198,147

Guarantee deposits

     56,376      75,964
    

  

     Ps. 27,546,293    Ps. 25,318,125
    

  

 

(i) Admission rights represent non-refundable fees received from tenants upon entering into lease agreements with the Company. These amounts are deferred and amortized to income under the straight-line basis over the respective terms of the agreements. Also, the current and non-current balance includes an advance of Ps. 0.1 million and 4.4 million, respectively, received from NAI in connection with the Rosario Project, which will be settled by offsetting it against the admission rights related to the lease space of the movie theater complex to be constructed by the Company.

 

(ii) Lease advances include current and non-current balances of Ps. 1.2 million and Ps. 7.3 million as of June 30, 2004, respectively, and Ps. 1.2 million and Ps. 8.2 million as of June 30, 2003, respectively, related to advances received from Hoyts Cinemas (“Hoyts”) for the construction of the movie theater complexes at the Abasto and Alto Noa Shopping Centers. These advances accrue interest at the six-month London Inter-Bank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus 2-2.25%. As of June 30, 2004 the six-month LIBOR was 1.94%. Based on the agreement between the Company and Hoyts, the Company settles the advances by offsetting them against lease expense owed by Hoyts for the space it rents.

 

F-174


Table of Contents

Alto Palermo S.A. (APSA)

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(In Argentine Pesos, except as otherwise indicated)

 

4. Breakdown of the main captions (continued)

 

  j. Other liabilities:

 

     As of June 30,

     2004

   2003

Current

             

Accrual for directors fees, net (Note 6)

   Ps. 2,537,479    Ps. 3,164,123

Donations payable (Note 6)

     2,460,000      1,558,305

Contributed leasehold improvements (i)

     212,220      212,220

Others

     429,097      715,294
    

  

     Ps. 5,638,796    Ps. 5,649,942
    

  

Non-current

             

Contributed leasehold improvements (i)

   Ps. 689,691    Ps. 901,924

Directors’ guarantee deposits

     12,000      12,000
    

  

     Ps. 701,691    Ps. 913,924
    

  

 

(i) Contributed leasehold improvements relate to improvements made by a tenant in the general area of the Abasto Shopping Center. The Company has recorded the improvements as fixed asset based on construction costs incurred with a corresponding deferred liability. Contributed leasehold improvements are amortized to income over the term of lease. Such amortization, net of the related depreciation of the leasehold improvement, was immaterial for the years ended June 30, 2004 and 2003.

 

  k. Provisions:

 

     As of June 30,

     2004

   2003

Non-current

             

Provision for contingencies (i) (Note 17.d.)

   Ps. 5,995,698    Ps. 3,927,125
    

  

     Ps. 5,995,698    Ps. 3,927,125
    

  

 

(i) This reserve relates to:(a) labor lawsuits filed against the Company, (b) an assessment issued by the national fiscal authorities to the Company relating to differences in the computation of estimated useful lives of shopping centers, and (c) other sundry claims. In the opinion of management and based on consultation with external legal counsel, the Company has established provisions for amounts which are probable of adverse occurrence and which, according to estimates developed by the Company’s legal counsel, would meet all related contingencies and corresponding fees relating to these claims.

 

F-175


Table of Contents

Alto Palermo S.A. (APSA)

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(In Argentine Pesos, except as otherwise indicated)

 

5. Shareholders’ equity

 

  a. Common stock

 

As of June 30, 2004, the Company had 727.7 million authorized and outstanding shares of common stock, having a par value of Ps. 0.10 per share. Holders of the common stock are entitled to one vote for each share held of record on all matters submitted to a vote of shareholders. There was no share activity during the year ended June 30, 2002. During fiscal years 2003 and 2004, certain holders of the Convertible Notes exercised its conversion rights and, as a result, the Company issued 4.8 million and 22.9 million shares of common stock, respectively.

 

  b. Inflation adjustment of common stock

 

As discussed in Note 2.c., the Company’s financial statements were prepared on the basis of general price-level accounting, which reflects changes in the purchasing power of the Argentine Peso in the historical financial statements, until February 28, 2003. Accordingly, the inflation adjustment related to common stock was appropriated to an inflation adjustment reserve, which forms part of shareholders’ equity. According to Argentine rules and regulations, the balance of the inflation adjustment reserve may be applied only towards the issuance of common stock to shareholders of the Company.

 

  c. Restrictions on distribution of profits

 

In accordance with the Argentine Corporations Law and the Company’s by-laws, 5% of the net and realized profit for the year calculated in accordance with Argentine GAAP plus (less) prior year adjustments must be appropriated by resolution of shareholders to a legal reserve until such reserve equals 20% of the Company’s outstanding capital. This legal reserve may be used only to absorb losses.

 

F-176


Table of Contents

Alto Palermo S.A. (APSA)

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(In Argentine Pesos, except as otherwise indicated)

 

6. Balances and transactions with related parties

 

The following is a summary of the balances and transactions with related parties:

 

              

(Expense) income included in the statement

of income for the year ended June 30,


    Balance receivable (payable)
as of June 30,


 

Company


  

Relation


  

Description of

Transaction / caption


   2004

    2003

    2002

    2004

    2003

 

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones

Sociedad Anónima

   Shareholder    Other current receivables and prepaid expenses    Ps. —       Ps. —       Ps. —       Ps. 104,121     Ps. 121,869  

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones

Sociedad Anónima

   Shareholder    Interest income from related parties      —         114,941       —         —         —    

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones

Sociedad Anónima

   Shareholder    Interest with related parties      (14,557,920 )     22,635,144       23,759,081       —         —    

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones

Sociedad Anónima

   Shareholder    Current payable with related parties      —         —         —         (5,393,996 )     (4,585,754 )

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones

Sociedad Anónima

   Shareholder    Short-term debt      —         —         —         (4,135,725 )     (3,914,817 )

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones

Sociedad Anónima

   Shareholder    Long-term debt      —         —         —         (91,487,245 )     (86,600,503 )

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones

Sociedad Anónima

   Shareholder    Shared services - Income      59,319       —         —         —         —    

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones

Sociedad Anónima.

   Shareholder    Shared services - Salaries and bonuses      (122,826 )     (72,627 )     —         —         —    

Inversora Bolívar S.A.

   Subsidiary of IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima    Other current receivables and prepaid expenses      —         —         —         —         680,049  

Inversora Bolívar S.A.

   Subsidiary of IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima    Interest income from related parties      10,227       32,247       —         —         —    

Inversora Bolívar S.A.

   Subsidiary of IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima    Current payable with related parties      —         —         —         (14,505 )     —    

Dalor S.A.

   Minority shareholder of Tarshop S.A., a majority-owned subsidiary of the Company    Current payable with related parties      —         —         —         (160,793 )     (172,661 )

Dalor S.A.

   Minority shareholder of Tarshop S.A., a majority-owned subsidiary of the Company    Accrued interest      (23,672 )     (52,133 )     (25,656 )     —         —    

Dolphin PLC

   Related    Current payable with related parties      —         —         —         —         (184,503 )

Dolphin PLC

   Related    Other current receivables and prepaid expenses      —         —         —         4,898       —    

Goldman Sachs and Co.

   Shareholder    Current payable with related parties      —         —         —         (6,512 )     (6,512 )

Goldman Sachs and Co.

   Shareholder    Short-term debt      —         —         —         (409,370 )     (387,504 )

Goldman Sachs and Co.

   Shareholder    Long-term debt      —         —         —         (9,055,769 )     (8,572,060 )

Goldman Sachs and Co.

   Shareholder    Interest with related parties      (1,381,631 )     1,654,048       —         —         —    

Parque Arauco

   Shareholder    Short-term debt      —         —         —         (1,998,936 )     (1,892,164 )

Parque Arauco

   Shareholder    Long-term debt      —         —         —         (44,218,882 )     (41,856,954 )

Parque Arauco

   Shareholder    Interest with related parties      (7,015,535 )     11,062,277       (1,981,521 )     —         —    

Parque Arauco

   Shareholder    Current payable with related parties      —         —         —         (2,424,070 )     (2,154,970 )

Pérez Cuesta S.A.C.I.

   Equity investee    Other current receivables and prepaid expenses Dividends receivable      —         —         —         75,000       75,000  

E Commerce Latina S.A.

   Equity investee    Other current receivables and prepaid expenses      —         —         —         16,986       16,566  

Altocity.Com S.A.

   Subsidiary of E Commerce Latina S.A.    Other current receivables and prepaid expenses      —         —         —         59,250       58,417  

Altocity.Com S.A.

   Subsidiary of E Commerce Latina S.A.    Current payable with related parties      —         —         —         (175,721 )     (79,198 )

Cresud S.A.C.I.F. y A.

   Shareholder of IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima    Other current receivables and prepaid expenses      —         —         —         175,133       216,565  

Cresud S.A.C.I.F. y A.

   Shareholder of IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima    Current payable with related parties      —         —         —         (87,359 )     (261,383 )

Cresud S.A.C.I.F. y A.

   Shareholder of IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima    Interest income from related parties      21,384       —         —         —         —    

Llao Llao S.A.

   Subsidiary of IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima    Other current receivables and prepaid expenses      —         —         —         24,632       —    

Llao Llao S.A.

   Subsidiary of IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima    Current payable with related parties      —         —         —         (6,000 )     —    

Red alternativa S.A.

   Equity investee of IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima    Other current receivables and prepaid expenses      —         —         —         1,210       —    

Nuevas Fronteras S.A

   Subsidiary of IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima    Current payable with related parties      —         —         —         (4,239 )     —    

Grupo Bapro S.A

   Minority shareholder of ERSA, a majority-owned subsidiary of the Company    Dividends payable      —         —         —         (303,221 )     (303,221 )

Buenos Aires Equity Investment N.V.

   Minority shareholder of ERSA, a majority-owned subsidiary of the Company    Dividends payable      —         —         —         (34,457 )     (34,457 )

Directors and management

   Directors and management    Other current receivables and prepaid expenses      —         —         —         160       —    

Estudio Zang, Bergel y Viñes

   Related to the Board of Directors    Current payable with related parties      —         —         —         (159,524 )     —    

Estudio Zang, Bergel y Viñes

   Related to the Board of Directors    Fees for services      (628,377 )     (871,091 )     (1,330,240 )     —         —    

Fundación IRSA

   Related    Other current liabilities - Donations payable      —         —         —         (2,460,000 )     (1,558,305 )

Fundación IRSA

   Related    Other (expense) income, net - Donations      (2,357,695 )     (1,710,305 )     (83,232 )     —         —    

Loans to personnel

   Personnel    Other current receivables and prepaid expenses      —         —         —         160,435       —    

Directors

   Directors    Short-term debt      —         —         —         (11,138 )     (10,543 )

Directors

   Directors    Long-term debt      —         —         —         (246,390 )     (233,229 )

Directors

   Directors    Interest with related parties      (37,591 )     45,003       —         —         —    

Directors

   Directors    Other current liabilities      —         —         —         (2,537,479 )     (3,164,123 )

Directors

   Directors    Directors fees      (4,300,763 )     (4,133,108 )     (2,173,930 )     —         —    

 

F-177


Table of Contents

Alto Palermo S.A. (APSA)

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(In Argentine Pesos, except as otherwise indicated)

 

6. Balances and transactions with related parties (continued)

 

As discussed in Note 15, in August 2002 the Company issued US$ 50 million of Convertible Notes. IRSA, a shareholder of the Company, subscribed US$ 30.0 million of the Company’s Convertible Notes. For details of the issuance, see Note 15.

 

7. Financial results, net

 

     Years ended June 30,

     2004

   2003

   2002

Generated by assets:

                    

Impairment of long-lived assets

   Ps. —      Ps. (5,222,763)    Ps. (62,770,980)

Recovery of impairment of long-lived assets

     26,908,076      15,696,125      —  

Interest income

     4,892,383      5,664,471      5,402,266

Interest income from related parties (Note 6)

     31,611      147,188      —  

Loss on exposure to inflation

     —        (12,096,767)      (89,738,413)
    

  

  

     Ps. 31,832,070    Ps. 4,188,254    Ps. (147,107,127)
    

  

  

Generated by liabilities:

                    

Interest (expense) income

   Ps. (6,315,378)    Ps. (62,572,994)    Ps. 157,864,386

Results from derivative instruments (Note 12)

     11,238,451      79,874,409      (162,185,608)

Exchange differences, net

     (6,817,940)      50,152,823      (862,045)

Interest and exchange differences with related parties (Note 6)

     (22,992,677)      35,396,472      21,777,560

Gain on exposure to inflation

     —        5,737,266      40,691,478

Gain on repurchase of debt (See Note 8 (i))

     —        6,749,108      —  

Others

     (404,305)      (884,201)      (1,367,599)
    

  

  

     Ps. (25,291,849)    Ps. 114,452,883    Ps. 55,918,172
    

  

  

     Ps. 6,540,221    Ps. 118,641,137    Ps. (91,188,955)
    

  

  

 

8. Other (expense) income, net

 

     Years ended June 30,

     2004

   2003

   2002

Donations (Note 6)

   Ps. (2,384,893)    Ps. (1,944,025)    Ps. (99,754)

Provision for contingencies, net

     (2,174,327)      (2,147,844)      (7,194,847)

Tax amnesty plan for gross sales tax

     (2,132,910)      —        —  

Recovery of allowance for doubtful accounts, net

     1,045,008      —        —  

Gain on early redemption of loans

     784,560      —        —  

Gain (loss) on repurchase of debt (i)

     —        13,029,776      (395,868)

Gain from sale of intangible assets

     —        2,097,878      —  

Loss from sale of fixed assets

     —        —        (11,943)

Allowance for doubtful mortgage receivable

     —        —        (2,855,832)

Recovery of provision for contingencies

     —        26,982      117,306

Write off of abandoned investment projects

     —        —        (333,222)

Others

     62,363      2,209,102      (65,098)
    

  

  

     Ps. (4,800,199)    Ps. 13,271,869    Ps. (10,839,258)
    

  

  

 

F-178


Table of Contents

Alto Palermo S.A. (APSA)

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(In Argentine Pesos, except as otherwise indicated)

 

8. Other (expense) income, net (continued)

 

(i) During the year ended June 30, 2003, the Company repurchased a portion of the Senior Notes and the Notes (Ps. 80.8 million and Ps. 1.8 million, respectively), at different prices below par plus accrued interest. In connection with the repurchase, the Company recorded a gain of Ps. 19.8 million (Ps. 12.9 million after tax). Such gain is net of a charge of Ps. 5.4 million (Ps. 3.5 million after tax) relating to the amortization of deferred financing costs associated with the repurchased obligations.

 

During the year ended June 30, 2002, the Company repurchased Notes for Ps. 17.4 million, at different prices below par plus accrued interest. In connection with the repurchase, the Company recorded a loss of Ps. 0.4 million (Ps. 0.3 million after tax). Such loss is net of a charge of Ps. 0.7 million relating to the amortization of deferred financing costs associated with the repurchased obligations.

 

9. Segment information

 

General information

 

The Company is required to disclose segment information in accordance with RT 18. The Company has determined that its reportable segments are those that are based on the Company’s method of internal reporting. At June 30, 2004 the Company has three reportable segments. These segments are “leases and services”, “credit card operations” and “others”. Others primarily include sales and development properties and e-commerce activities.

 

A general description of each segment follows:

 

  Leases and services

 

This segment includes the operating results of the Company’s shopping centers principally comprised of lease and service revenues from tenants.

 

  Credit card operations

 

This segment manages the Company’s portfolio of credit card accounts issued by its majority-owned subsidiary, Tarshop.

 

  Others

 

As stated above, this segment includes the operating results of the Company’s construction and ultimate sale of residential buildings properties (sales and development properties) and the Company’s equity in the results of E-Commerce Latina (e-commerce activities). This segment also includes the operating results of Alto Research and Development S.A. (formerly Alto Invest S.A.), a subsidiary currently engaged in the provision of managerial, technological, commercial and financial training, primarily focused on shopping center-related activities. In the past, Alto Invest S.A. was a web-based provider of comprehensive investing tools, planning and financial information which generated revenues from website advertising and commissions charged to customers for on-line trading. During fiscal year 2004, the shareholders of Alto Research and Development S.A. decided to broaden the scope of its corporate purpose.

 

The Company’s primary operations are located in Argentina. All revenues and long-lived assets are attributable to the Company’s country of domicile.

 

The Company measures its reportable segments based on net income. Inter-segment transactions are accounted for at current market prices. The Company evaluates performance of its segments and allocates resources to them based on net income. The Company is not dependent on any single customer.

 

The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in Note 3. The column titled eliminations includes the eliminations of inter-segment activities.

 

F-179


Table of Contents

Alto Palermo S.A. (APSA)

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(In Argentine Pesos, except as otherwise indicated)

 

9. Segment information (continued)

 

As of and for the year ended June 30, 2004:

 

     Leases and services

    Credit card
Operations


    Others

    Total reportable
segments


    Eliminations

    Total as of and for
the year ended
June 30, 2004


 

Revenues

   Ps. 113,437,829     Ps. 30,034,394     Ps. 64,153     Ps. 143,536,376     Ps (i) (286,330)     Ps. 143,250,046  

Costs

     (60,004,671 )     (13,821,151 )     (28,440 )     (73,854,262 )     (i) (ii) 1,856,090       (71,998,172 )
    


 


 


 


 


 


Gross profit

   Ps. 53,433,158     Ps. 16,213,243     Ps. 35,713     Ps. 69,682,114     Ps. 1,569,760     Ps. 71,251,874  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Selling expenses

     (6,464,364 )     (4,514,727 )     (126,507 )     (11,105,598 )     233,751       (10,871,847 )

Administrative expenses

     (12,505,361 )     (8,185,224 )     (30,349 )     (20,720,934 )     —         (20,720,934 )

Net income in credit card trust

     —         260,941       —         260,941       —         260,941  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Operating income (loss)

   Ps. 34,463,433     Ps. 3,774,233     Ps. (121,143 )   Ps. 38,116,523     Ps. 1,803,511     Ps. 39,920,034  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Equity gain (loss) from related companies

     337,656       —         (1,464,172 )     (1,126,516 )     —         (1,126,516 )

Amortization of goodwill

     (4,584,275 )     (242,267 )     —         (4,826,542 )     —         (4,826,542 )

Financial results, net

     4,850,232       172,888       3,086,861       8,109,981       (ii) (1,569,760)       6,540,221  

Other (expense) income, net

     (3,225,436 )     792,666       (2,133,678 )     (4,566,448 )     (233,751 )     (4,800,199 )
    


 


 


 


 


 


Income (loss) before taxes and minority interest

   Ps. 31,841,610     Ps. 4,497,520     Ps. (632,132 )   Ps. 35,706,998     Ps. —       Ps. 35,706,998  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Income tax

     (14,389,040 )     (1,927,565 )     5,287       (16,311,318 )     —         (16,311,318 )

Minority interest

     4,304       (562,444 )     —         (558,140 )     —         (558,140 )
    


 


 


 


 


 


Net income (loss)

   Ps. 17,456,874     Ps. 2,007,511     Ps. (626,845 )   Ps. 18,837,540     Ps. —       Ps. 18,837,540  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Depreciation and amortization

     56,102,331       2,245,179       57,029       58,404,539       —         58,404,539  

Additions of fixed assets

     19,335,091       1,062,035       —         20,397,126       —         20,397,126  

Investment in equity method investees (see note 4.b.(iii) and (iv))

     5,763,106       —         1,435,039       7,198,145       —         7,198,145  

Operating assets

     860,199,739       14,427,482       46,833,910       921,461,131       —         921,461,131  

Non operating assets

     205,974,269       26,207,486       1,650,198       233,831,953       (iii) (9,363,570)       224,468,383  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Total Assets

   Ps. 1,066,174,008     Ps. 40,634,968     Ps. 48,484,108     Ps. 1,155,293,084     Ps. (9,363,570 )   Ps .1,145,929,514  
    


 


 


 


 


 


 

(i) Represents inter-segment lease revenues and expenses.

 

(ii) Represents interest expense generated by inter-segment loan used to fund the credit card activity.

 

(iii) Represents other inter-segment receivables eliminated in consolidation.

 

F-180


Table of Contents

Alto Palermo S.A. (APSA)

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(In Argentine Pesos, except as otherwise indicated)

 

9. Segment information (continued)

 

As of and for the year ended June 30, 2003:

 

     Leases and services

    Credit card
Operations


    Others

    Total reportable
segments


    Eliminations

    Total as of and for
the year ended
June 30, 2003


 

Revenues

   Ps. 88,953,531     Ps. 24,934,629     Ps. 655,149     Ps. 114,543,309     Ps (i) (327,886)     Ps. 114,215,423  

Costs

     (58,243,230 )     (10,544,803 )     (1,001,402 )     (69,789,435 )     (i) (ii) 2,214,568       (67,574,867 )
    


 


 


 


 


 


Gross profit (loss)

   Ps. 30,710,301     Ps. 14,389,826     Ps. (346,253 )   Ps. 44,753,874     Ps. 1,886,682     Ps. 46,640,556  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Selling expenses

     (7,251,012 )     (10,246,197 )     (96,328 )     (17,593,537 )     —         (17,593,537 )

Administrative expenses

     (12,321,778 )     (5,886,895 )     (18,809 )     (18,227,482 )     —         (18,227,482 )

Net loss in credit card trust

     —         (4,077,136 )     —         (4,077,136 )     —         (4,077,136 )

Torres de Abasto unit contracts´ rescissions

     —         —         9,682       9,682       —         9,682  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Operating income (loss)

   Ps. 11,137,511     Ps. (5,820,402 )   Ps. (451,708 )   Ps. 4,865,401     Ps. 1,886,682     Ps. 6,752,083  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Equity loss from related companies

     (8,818,720 )     —         (3,253,455 )     (12,072,175 )     —         (12,072,175 )

Amortization of goodwill

     (4,584,787 )     (242,268 )     —         (4,827,055 )     —         (4,827,055 )

Financial results, net

     118,459,391       557,476       1,510,952       120,527,819       (ii) (1,886,682)       118,641,137  

Other income, net

     12,532,691       10,777       728,401       13,271,869       —         13,271,869  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Income (loss) before taxes and minority interest

   Ps. 128,726,086     Ps. (5,494,417 )   Ps. (1,465,810 )   Ps. 121,765,859     Ps. —       Ps. 121,765,859  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Income tax

     (48,786,860 )     939,582       1,092,177       (46,755,101 )     —         (46,755,101 )

Minority interest

     1,463,862       862,514       13,471       2,339,847       —         2,339,847  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Net income (loss)

   Ps. 81,403,088     Ps. (3,692,321 )   Ps. (360,162 )   Ps. 77,350,605     Ps.     Ps. 77,350,605  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Depreciation and amortization

     56,187,889       4,893,095       302,253       61,383,237       —         61,383,237  

Additions of fixed assets

     2,175,845       243,536       28,606       2,447,987       —         2,447,987  

Investment in equity method investees (see note 4.b.(iii) and (iv))

     5,628,135       —         2,899,210       8,527,345       —         8,527,345  

Operating assets

     870,859,020       20,788,426       3,122,850       894,770,296       —         894,770,296  

Non operating assets

     181,968,662       13,816,991       25,829,929       221,615,582       (iii) (12,048,853)       209,566,729  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Total Assets

   Ps. 1,052,827,682     Ps. 34,605,417     Ps. 28,952,779     Ps. 1,116,385,878     Ps. (12,048,853 )   Ps. 1,104,337,025  
    


 


 


 


 


 


 

(i) Represents inter-segment lease revenues and expenses.

 

(ii) Represents interest expense generated by inter-segment loan used to fund the credit card activity.

 

(iii) Represents other inter-segment receivables eliminated in consolidation.

 

F-181


Table of Contents

Alto Palermo S.A. (APSA)

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(In Argentine Pesos, except as otherwise indicated)

 

9. Segment information (continued)

 

As of and for the year ended June 30, 2002:

 

     Leases and services

    Credit card
Operations


    Others

    Total reportable
segments


    Eliminations

   Total as of and for
the year ended
June 30, 2002


 

Revenues

   Ps. 146,846,540     Ps. 45,840,408     Ps. 3,961,356     Ps. 196,648,304     Ps. (i)(682,077)    Ps. 195,966,227  

Costs

     (72,746,300 )     (16,724,098 )     (5,723,141 )     (95,193,539 )     (i)(ii)4,122,973      (91,070,566 )
    


 


 


 


 

  


Gross profit (loss)

   Ps. 74,100,240     Ps. 29,116,310     Ps. (1,761,785)     Ps. 101,454,765     Ps. 3,440,896    Ps. 104,895,661  
    


 


 


 


 

  


Selling expenses

     (41,696,110 )     (21,034,672 )     (481,044 )     (63,211,826 )     —        (63,211,826 )

Administrative expenses

     (13,302,480 )     (12,031,436 )     (49,581 )     (25,383,497 )     —        (25,383,497 )

Net loss in credit card trust

     —         (4,068,787 )     —         (4,068,787 )     —        (4,068,787 )

Torres de Abasto unit contracts’ rescissions

     —         —         60,394       60,394       —        60,394  
    


 


 


 


 

  


Operating income (loss)

   Ps. 19,101,650     Ps. (8,018,585)     Ps. (2,232,016)     Ps. 8,851,049     Ps. 3,440,896    Ps. 12,291,945  
    


 


 


 


 

  


Equity gain (loss) from related companies

     3,149,562       —         (8,044,604 )     (4,895,042 )     —        (4,895,042 )

Amortization of goodwill

     (4,584,557 )     (242,255 )     —         (4,826,812 )     —        (4,826,812 )

Financial results, net

     (78,257,741 )     (3,210,408 )     (6,279,910 )     (87,748,059 )     (ii)(3,440,896)      (91,188,955 )

Other expense, net

     (10,280,349 )     (153,364 )     (405,545 )     (10,839,258 )     —        (10,839,258 )
    


 


 


 


 

  


Loss before taxes and minority interest

   Ps. (70,871,435)     Ps. (11,624,612)     Ps. (16,962,075)     Ps. (99,458,122)     Ps. —      Ps. (99,458,122)  
    


 


 


 


 

  


Income tax

     81,458,309       1,484,303       49,942       82,992,554       —        82,992,554  

Minority interest

     2,862,408       1,979,611       271,741       5,113,760       —        5,113,760  
    


 


 


 


 

  


Net income (loss)

   Ps. 13,449,282     Ps. (8,160,698)     Ps. (16,640,392)     Ps. (11,351,808)     Ps. —      Ps. (11,351,808)  
    


 


 


 


 

  


Depreciation and amortization

     61,846,975       4,339,227       325,199       66,511,401       —        66,511,401  

Additions of fixed assets

     3,047,482       443,020       —         3,490,502       —        3,490,502  

Investment in equity method investees (see note 4.b.(iii) and (iv))

     14,469,008       —         6,152,668       20,621,676       —        20,621,676  

Operating assets

     963,515,893       11,920,402       2,767,843       978,204,138       —        978,204,138  

Non operating assets

     179,251,590       31,299,090       27,468,427       238,019,107       (iii)(15,183,870)      222,835,237  
    


 


 


 


 

  


Total Assets

   Ps. 1,142,767,483     Ps. 43,219,492     Ps. 30,236,270     Ps. 1,216,223,245     Ps. (15,183,870)    Ps. 1,201,039,375  
    


 


 


 


 

  


 

(i) Represents inter-segment lease revenues and expenses.

 

(ii) Represents interest expense generated by inter-segment loan used to fund the credit card activity.

 

(iii) Represents other inter-segment receivables eliminated in consolidation.

 

F-182


Table of Contents

Alto Palermo S.A. (APSA)

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(In Argentine Pesos, except as otherwise indicated)

 

10. Additional information on assets and liabilities

 

The breakdown of main assets and liabilities as of June 30, 2004 is as follows:

 

    

To mature in

3 months


   To mature between
4 and 6 months


  

To mature between

7 and 9 months


   To mature between
10 and 12 months


  

To mature in
greater than

1 year


   Past due

   No fixed term

   Total

Assets

                                                       

Investments (1)

   Ps. 24,291,026    Ps. —      Ps. —      Ps. —      Ps. 13,410,681    Ps. 6,676,928    Ps. 380,440    Ps. 44,759,075

Accounts receivable, net

     14,637,014      4,281,672      2,574,178      1,652,716      2,749,405      3,833,111      —        29,728,096

Other receivables and prepaid expenses, net

     4,450,183      3,229,024      14,084,528      218,363      33,532,517      —        1,860,445      57,375,060
    

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

     Ps. 43,378,223    Ps. 7,510,696    Ps. 16,658,706    Ps. 1,871,079    Ps. 49,692,603    Ps. 10,510,039    Ps. 2,240,885    Ps. 131,862,231
    

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

Liabilities

                                                       

Trade accounts payable

   Ps. 25,150,688    Ps. 421,275    Ps. 274,443    Ps. 199,764    Ps. 2,864,961    Ps. 5,778,187    Ps. —      Ps. 34,689,318

Customer advances

     6,139,998      4,523,308      4,351,234      4,317,736      27,546,293      —        —        46,878,569

Short-term and long-term debt

     7,181,361      26,822      38,848,517      49,489,251      145,064,875      —        41,791      240,652,617

Related parties

     8,258,560      162,845      —        —        —        —        11,314      8,432,719

Other liabilities (2)

     9,583,479      7,604,552      1,105,096      606,273      2,684,687      —        7,930,449      29,514,536
    

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

     Ps. 56,314,086    Ps. 12,738,802    Ps. 44,579,290    Ps. 54,613,024    Ps. 178,160,816    Ps. 5,778,187    Ps. 7,983,554    Ps. 360,167,759
    

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

     Accruing interest at a fixed rate

   Accruing interest at a variable rate

   Not accruing interest

         
     Current

   Non-Current

   Current

   Non-Current

   Current

   Non-Current

   Total

    

Assets

                                                       

Investments (1)

   Ps. —      Ps. —      Ps. 24,637,491    Ps. —      Ps. 6,710,903    Ps. 13,410,681    Ps. 44,759,075       

Accounts receivable, net

     —        —        206,092      960,616      26,772,599      1,788,789      29,728,096       

Other receivables and prepaid expenses, net

     —        —        13,572,363      —        10,270,180      33,532,517      57,375,060       
    

  

  

  

  

  

  

      
     Ps. —      Ps. —      Ps. 38,415,946    Ps. 960,616    Ps. 43,753,682    Ps. 48,731,987    Ps. 131,862,231       
    

  

  

  

  

  

  

      

Liabilities

                                                       

Trade accounts payable

   Ps. —      Ps. —      Ps. 1,008,361    Ps. 2,864,961    Ps. 30,815,996    Ps. —      Ps. 34,689,318       

Customer advances

     —        —        1,220,000      7,277,217      18,112,276      20,269,076      46,878,569       

Short-term and long-term debt

     68,427,207      145,064,875      27,160,535      —        —        —        240,652,617       

Related parties

     7,974,511      —        -—        —        458,208      —        8,432,719       

Other liabilities (2)

     138,892      1,982,996      -—        —        18,760,508      8,632,140      29,514,536       
    

  

  

  

  

  

  

      
     Ps. 76,540,610    Ps. 147,047,871    Ps. 29,388,896    Ps. 10,142,178    Ps. 68,146,988    Ps. 28,901,216    Ps. 360,167,759       
    

  

  

  

  

  

  

      

 

(1) Represents mutual funds, government bonds, retained interest in transferred credit card receivables and trust debt securities.

 

(2) Represents salaries and social security payable, taxes payable, dividends payable, other liabilities and provisions.

 

11. Tarshop credit card receivables securitization

 

The Company has ongoing revolving period securitization programs through which Tarshop, a majority-owned subsidiary of the Company, transfers a portion of its customer credit card receivable balances to a master trust (the “Trust”) that issues certificates to public and private investors. To the extent the certificates are sold to third parties, the receivables transferred qualify as sales for financial statement purposes and are removed from the Company’s balance sheet. The remaining receivables in the Trust which have not been sold to third parties are reflected on the Company’s balance sheet as a retained interest in transferred credit card receivables. Under certain of these programs, in the past the Company acted as the servicer on the accounts and received a fee for its services.

 

Under the securitization programs, the Trust may issue two types of certificates representing undivided interests in the Trust – Titulos de Deuda Fiduciaria (“TDF”) and Certificados de Participación (“CP”), which represent debt, and equity certificates, respectively. Interest and principal services are paid periodically to the TDF holders throughout the life of the security. CPs are subordinated securities which entitle the CP holders to share pro rata in the cash flows of the securitized credit card receivables, after principal and interest on the TDFs and other fees and expenses have been paid. During the revolving period no payments are made to TDF and CP holders. Principal collections of the underlying financial assets are used by the Trust to acquire additional credit card receivables throughout the revolving period. Once the revolving period ends, a period of liquidation occurs during which: (i) no further assets are purchased and (ii) all cash collections are used to fulfill the TDF service requirements and (iii) the remaining proceeds are used to fulfill the CPs service requirements.

 

At June 30, 2004 the Company has eight securitization programs outstanding, pursuant to which Tarshop has sold an aggregate amount of Ps. 108.2 million of its customer credit card receivable balances to Trusts in exchange for Ps. 90.7 million in cash proceeds, Ps. 1.4 million variable rate interest TDFs, and Ps. 16.1 million nominal value subordinated CPs. Under the securitization programs, the Trusts issued Ps. 33.1 million 9% fixed-rate interest TDFs, Ps. 11.1 million 10% fixed-rate interest TDFs, Ps. 4.1 million 13% fixed-rate interest TDFs, Ps. 11.0 million 14% fixed-rate interest TDFs, Ps. 0.9 million 15% fixed-rate interest TDFs, Ps. 20.0 million 18% fixed-rate interest TDFs, and Ps. 11.9 million variable rate interest TDFs. Except for certain TDFs acquired by Tarshop as mentioned above, the TDFs were sold to other investors through a public offering in Argentina. As a credit protection for investors, Tarshop has established cash reserves for losses amounting to Ps. 0.8 million.

 

F-183


Table of Contents

Alto Palermo S.A. (APSA)

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(In Argentine Pesos, except as otherwise indicated)

 

12. Derivative Instruments

 

The Company’s derivative activity during fiscal years 2004, 2003 and 2002 is presented below:

 

  (i) Interest rate swap

 

In order to minimize its financing costs and to manage interest rate exposure, during fiscal year 2000 the Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement to effectively convert a portion of its peso-denominated fixed-rate debt to peso-denominated floating rate debt. As of June 30, 2001, the Company had an interest rate swap agreement outstanding with an aggregate notional amount of Ps. 85.0 million with maturities through March 2005. This swap agreement initially allowed the Company to reduce the net cost of its debt. However, subsequent to June 30, 2001, the Company modified the swap agreement due to an increase in interest rates as a result of the economic situation. Under the terms of the revised agreement, the Company converted its peso-denominated fixed rate debt to U.S. dollar-denominated floating rate debt for a notional amount of US$ 69.1 million with maturities through March 2005. As collateral for the revised agreement, the Company was required to make a deposit of US$ 50.0 million with the counterparty. The swap agreement is carried on the consolidated balance sheet at its fair market value. The fair market value of the swap agreement amounted to US$ (45.4) million and US$ (47.1) million at June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively. See Note 4.d.(i) for details. During the years ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002 the Company recognized a net gain (loss) of Ps. 11.2 million, Ps. 79.9 million and Ps. (162.2) million, respectively, in connection with the swap agreement which have been included within “Financial results, net” in the accompanying consolidated statement of income. The Company’s risk related to the swap agreement is represented by the cost of replacing such agreement at prevailing market rates. Such cost would increase in the event of a continued devaluation of the Argentine Peso.

 

  (ii) Foreign currency forward-exchange contracts

 

In the past, consistent with the Company’s risk management policies, the Company used foreign currency forward-exchange contracts as a supplement to reduce its overall financing costs. At June 30, 2001, the Company had three outstanding foreign currency forward-exchange contracts with financial institutions to sell an aggregate amount of US$ 80.0 million with a final maturity through September 15, 2001. The Company recognized a net gain of Ps. 0.3 million during the years ended June 30, 2002 related to these contracts.

 

13. Earnings per share

 

The following tables set forth the computation of basic and diluted net income (loss) per share under Argentine GAAP for all periods presented:

 

     Year ended June 30,

     2004

    2003

    2002

Numerator:

                      

Net income (loss) available to common shareholders

   Ps. 18,837,540     Ps. 77,350,605     Ps. (11,351,808)

Plus (less): income (loss) impact of assumed conversions:

                      

Interest expense on Convertible Notes

     14,283,721       14,636,950       —  

Foreign currency exchange loss (gain) related to the Convertible Notes

     7,857,459       (41,774,272 )     —  

Income tax effects

     (7,749,413 )     9,498,063       —  
    


 


 

Net income (loss) available to common shareholders plus assumed conversions

   Ps. 33,229,307     Ps. 59,711,346     Ps. (11,351,808)
    


 


 

 

F-184


Table of Contents

Alto Palermo S.A. (APSA)

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(In Argentine Pesos, except as otherwise indicated)

 

13. Earnings per share (continued)

 

     Year ended June 30,

     2004

   2003

   2002

Denominator:

                    

Weighted-average number of shares outstanding

   Ps. 716,436,002    Ps. 701,016,763    Ps. 700,000,000

Plus: incremental shares of assumed conversions:

                    

Convertible Notes

     1,451,354,820      1,326,531,395      —  
    

  

  

Adjusted weighted-average number of shares

   Ps. 2,167,790,822    Ps. 2,027,548,158    Ps. 700,000,000
    

  

  

Basic and diluted EPS:

                    

Basic net income (loss) per common share

   Ps. 0.03    Ps. 0.11    Ps. (0.02)

Diluted net income (loss) per common share

   Ps. 0.02    Ps. 0.03    Ps. (0.02)

 

14. Income taxes

 

As described in Note 3.j, the Company accounts for income taxes using the liability method whereby deferred tax asset and liability account balances are determined based on differences between financial reporting and tax based assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates.

 

Income tax expense (benefit) for the years ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002 consisted of the following:

 

     2004

   2003

   2002

 

Current income tax expense

   Ps. 2,203,177    Ps. 729,521    Ps. 1,450,071  

Deferred income tax expense (benefit)

     14,108,141      46,025,580      (84,442,625 )
    

  

  


Income tax expense (benefit)

   Ps. 16,311,318    Ps. 46,755,101    Ps. (82,992,554)  
    

  

  


 

The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities at June 30, 2004 and 2003 are presented below:

 

     2004

 
     Balances at
beginning of
year


    Changes for the
year


    Balances
at year-end


 

Deferred tax assets (liabilities):

                        

Investments

   Ps. (184,170)     Ps. 184,170     Ps. —    

Accounts receivable

     6,099,971       (3,697,590 )     2,402,381  

Other receivables and prepaid expenses

     232,670       (339,172 )     (106,502 )

Inventory

     (147,061 )     —         (147,061 )

Fixed assets

     (9,025,257 )     (1,218,127 )     (10,243,384 )

Intangible assets

     (1,734,281 )     1,237,186       (497,095 )

Short-term and long-term debt

     611,986       (681,840 )     (69,854 )

Other liabilities

     1,521,859       (1,097,652 )     424,207  

Provisions

     —         2,098,494       2,098,494  

Tax loss carryforwards (i)

     15,096,056       (10,736,948 )     4,359,108  

Valuation allowance

     (298,383 )     143,338       (155,045 )
    


 


 


Net deferred income tax asset (liability)

   Ps. 12,173,390     Ps. (14,108,141)     Ps. (1,934,751)  
    


 


 


 

(i) As of June 30, 2004 the Company and its subsidiaries had accumulated tax loss carryforwards of approximately Ps. 12.4 million, which expire at various dates beginning in 2005 and ending in 2009.

 

F-185


Table of Contents

Alto Palermo S.A. (APSA)

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(In Argentine Pesos, except as otherwise indicated)

 

14. Income taxes (continued)

 

Income tax expense (benefit) for the years ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002 differed from the amounts computed by applying the Company’s statutory income tax rate to pre-tax income (loss) as a result of the following:

 

     2004

    2003

    2002

 

Income tax expense (benefit) at statutory tax rate on pretax income (loss)

   Ps. 12,497,449     Ps. 42,618,051     Ps. (34,810,343)  

Non-deductible expenses

     1,606,662       4,836,124       2,018,238  

Net loss in related companies

     (3,879,640 )     260,902       9,676,388  

Change in valuation allowance

     (143,338 )     (1,117,840 )     —    

Inflation adjustment

     6,252,192       (202,106 )     (101,406,682 )

Others, net

     (22,007 )     359,970       41,529,845  
    


 


 


Income tax expense (benefit)

   Ps. 16,311,318     Ps. 46,755,101     Ps. (82,992,554)  
    


 


 


 

15. Issuance of Convertible Notes

 

On August 20, 2002 the Company issued US$ 50 million of uncollateralized convertible notes (the “Convertible Notes”) in exchange for cash and the settlement of certain liabilities. Proceeds from the issuance of Convertible Notes were used to repay short-term bank loans for Ps. 27.3 million and for the redemption of the Senior Notes for a principal amount of Ps. 52.8 million. The Convertible Notes mature on July 19, 2006, accrue interest (payable semiannually) at a fixed annual rate of 10% and are convertible, at any time at the option of the holder, into common shares of Ps. 0.10 par value per share . The conversion rate per U.S. dollar is the lesser amount of 30.8642 and the result obtained from dividing the exchange rate in effect at the conversion date by the par value of the Company’s common shares (Ps. 0.10). In the event all bondholders exercise their conversion right, the Company’s common shares would increase from 72.8 million to 217.9 million.

 

The issuance of the Convertible Notes was approved by the shareholders on December 4, 2001 and by the CNV on March 15, 2002, and authorized for listing on the Buenos Aires Stock Exchange on July 8, 2002.

 

During fiscal years 2004 and 2003, holders of approximately US$ 0.8 million and US$ 0.2 million Convertible Notes exercised their conversion rights and, as a result, the Company issued 22,852,510 and 4,829,740 common shares, respectively. At June 30, 2004 the outstanding balance of Convertible Notes amounted to US$ 49.1 million.

 

F-186


Table of Contents

Alto Palermo S.A. (APSA)

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(In Argentine Pesos, except as otherwise indicated)

 

16. Differences between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP

 

The Company’s consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Argentine GAAP and the regulations of the CNV, which differ in certain significant respects from US GAAP. Such differences involve methods of measuring the amounts shown in the consolidated financial statements, as well as additional disclosures required by US GAAP and the regulations of the SEC.

 

As discussed in Notes 2.c. and 3.j., in order to comply with regulations of the CNV, the Company discontinued inflation accounting as from March 1, 2003 as well as recognized deferred income tax assets and liabilities on a non-discounted basis. The application of these CNV resolutions represents a departure from generally accepted accounting principles in Argentina. However, such departure did not have a material effect on the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

 

I. Difference in measurement methods

 

The following reconciliation to US GAAP does not include the reversal of the adjustments to the financial statements for the effects of inflation through February 28, 2003, because the application of this standard represents a comprehensive measure of the effects of price level changes in the Argentine economy.

 

The principal differences, other than inflation accounting, between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP are described below, together with an explanation, where appropriate, of the method used in the determination of the necessary adjustments.

 

     Year ended June 30,

 
     2004

    2003

    2002

 

Reconciliation of net income (loss):

                        

Net income (loss) as reported under Argentine GAAP

   Ps. 18,837,540     Ps. 77,350,605     Ps. (11,351,808)  

US GAAP adjustments:

                        

Revenue recognition from sales of development properties (Note 16.I.a)

     —         —         220,772  

Pre-operating and advertising expenses

                        

-Original value (Note 16.I.c)

     (561,090 )     (181,963 )     (406,541 )

-Amortization (Note 16.I.c)

     426,516       2,082,186       2,008,199  

Software obtained for internal use (Note 16.I.d)

     156,664       128,812       179,323  

Amortization expense (Note 16.I.f)

     4,826,542       4,827,055       (2,484,824 )

Non-current investments in unconsolidated affiliated companies (Note 16.I.g)

     1,752,963       197,438       (3,444,385 )

Accounting for changes in interest in unconsolidated affiliated companies (Note 16.I.h)

     —         —         (297,532 )

Accounting for changes in interest in consolidated affiliated companies (Note 16.I.i)

     —         (20,384 )     —    

Securitization accounting (Note 16.I.k)

     (2,574,229 )     5,244,746       (1,004,416 )

Available-for-sale securities (Note 16.I.l)

     159,930       (271,338 )     (6,019 )

Deferred charges (Note 16.I.m)

     —         213,260       (62,359 )

Amortization of fees related to the Senior Notes (Note 16.I.n)

     597,117       503,664       (1,029,226 )

Present-value accounting (Note 16.I.p)

     (782,244 )     1,281,622       —    

Restoration of previously recognized impairment losses (Note 16.I.q)

     (25,631,300 )     (15,676,731 )     —    

Capitalization of interest costs (Note 16.I.r)

     1,277,476       —         —    

Deferred income tax (Note 16.I.s)

     8,913,120       (10,993,063 )     (147,026,476 )

Minority interest (Note 16.I.t)

     (147,904 )     (828,755 )     2,913,719  
    


 


 


Net income (loss) under US GAAP

   Ps. 7,251,101     Ps. 63,857,154     Ps. (161,791,573)  
    


 


 


Earnings per share under US GAAP (Note 16.II.k):

                        

Basic net income (loss) per common share

   Ps. 0.01     Ps. 0.09     Ps. (0.23)  

Diluted net income (loss) per common share

   Ps. 0.01     Ps. 0.02     Ps. (0.23)  

 

F-187


Table of Contents

Alto Palermo S.A. (APSA)

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(In Argentine Pesos, except as otherwise indicated)

 

16. Differences between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP (continued)

 

     As of June 30,

 
     2004

    2003

 

Reconciliation of shareholders’ equity:

                

Total shareholders’ equity under Argentine GAAP

   Ps. 770,373,698     Ps. 759,250,907  

US GAAP adjustments:

                

Appraisal revaluation of fixed assets (Note 16.I.b)

     (3,952,571 )     (3,952,571 )

Pre-operating and advertising expenses

                

-Original value (Note 16.I.c)

     (6,227,775 )     (17,365,704 )

-Accumulated amortization (Note 16.I.c)

     4,566,326       15,838,829  

Software obtained for internal use (Note 16.I.d)

     (29,403 )     (186,067 )

Differences in basis relating to purchase accounting

                

-Original value (Note 16.I.e)

     12,648,457       12,648,457  

-Accumulated amortization (Note 16.I.f)

     4,919,873       93,331  

Non-current investments in unconsolidated affiliated companies (Note 16.I.g)

     (2,485,277 )     (4,238,240 )

Securitization accounting (Note 16.I.k)

     (1,387,448 )     (813,198 )

Amortization of fees related to the Senior Notes (Note 16.I.n)

     (401,670 )     (998,787 )

Present-value accounting (Note 16.I.p)

     499,378       1,281,622  

Restoration of previously recognized impairment losses (Note 16.I.q)

     (41,308,031 )     (15,676,731 )

Capitalization of interest costs (Note 16.I.r)

     1,277,476       —    

Deferred income tax (Note 16.I.s)

     (145,850,027 )     (154,119,130 )

Minority interest (Note 16.I.t)

     2,587,721       2,974,017  
    


 


Shareholders’ equity under US GAAP

   Ps 595,230,727     Ps. 594,736,735  
    


 


Description of changes in shareholders’ equity under US GAAP:    Year ended June 30,

 
     2004

    2003

 

Shareholders’ equity as of the beginning of the year

   Ps. 594,736,735     Ps. 530,252,983  

Cash dividends

     (10,000,000 )     —    

Conversion of debt into common stock

     2,285,251       484,542  

Other comprehensive income

     957,640       142,056  

Net income under US GAAP

     7,251,101       63,857,154  
    


 


Shareholders’ equity as of the end of the year

   Ps. 595,230,727     Ps. 594,736,735  
    


 


 

  a) Revenue recognition issues

 

  Revenue from sales of development properties

 

Under Argentine GAAP, the Company recognizes revenue from sales of development properties under fixed-priced construction contracts following the percentage-of-completion method.

 

Under US GAAP, the Company applies Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 66 “Accounting for Sales of Real Estate”, which requires revenue to be measured under the percentage-of-completion method if the Company meets certain criteria. If the criteria are not met, either the installment method or the deposit method is used. Under the installment method cash receipts are apportioned between cost recovered and profit, while under the deposit method, no revenue is recognized and cash receipts are recorded as customer advances. The Company determined that revenue recognition under the installment method was appropriate for certain sales contracts.

 

Following is a description of revenues from sales of development properties, their associated costs and related loss on Torres de Abasto unit contracts’ rescissions under US GAAP for the years ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

 

     Year ended June 30,

 
     2004

   2003

    2002

 

Sales

   Ps. —      Ps. 462,020     Ps. 4,886,305  

Costs

     —        (699,141 )     (6,060,260 )

Torres de Abasto unit contracts’ rescissions

   Ps. —      Ps. 9,682     Ps. 60,394  

 

F-188


Table of Contents

Alto Palermo S.A. (APSA)

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(In Argentine Pesos, except as otherwise indicated)

 

16. Differences between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP (continued)

 

  a) Revenue recognition issues (continued)

 

  Other revenue recognition issues

 

As discussed in Note 3.a., certain of the Company’s lease contracts provide for the payment of additional rent based on a percentage of the tenant’s revenues. The Company determines the compliance with specific targets and calculates the additional rent on a monthly basis as provided for in the contracts. Thus, the Company does not have the inherent estimation process of a lessor that determines additional rent less frequently. Under Argentine GAAP, these contingent rents are not recognized until the required thresholds are exceeded. Under US GAAP, the Company considers that Emerging Issues Task Force 98-9 “Accounting for Contingent Rent” (“EITF 98-9”) is not applicable and that its accounting policy is consistent with the provisions of Staff Accounting Bulleting 101 (“SAB 101”) “Revenue Recognition”. As such, no difference exists between revenue recognized under Argentine GAAP and US GAAP.

 

As discussed in Note 3.a., certain of the Company’s lease contracts provide for schedule rent increases. Under US GAAP, the Company evaluated the guidance of FTB 85-3 and FTB 88-1 in accounting for its operating leases with scheduled rent increases. Under this guidance, rental income from leases with scheduled rent increases is to be recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The Company determined that such guidance was not applicable for the Company’s lease operations. In reaching its conclusion, the Company has considered (i) that all of the Company’s lease contracts are cancelable as permitted under Argentine Law 24,808 (“Rentals Law”) provided that the lease has been in effect for at least six months and an insignificant penalty is paid by the tenant; and (ii) the level of past due lease accounts receivable and current delinquency rates.

 

  b) Appraisal revaluation of fixed assets

 

As discussed in Note 3.e., under Argentine GAAP, the Company recognized a parcel of land acquired prior to June 30, 1986 at its appraised value as of such date. This appraisal increased the carrying value of the land by approximately Ps. 4.0 million, which was recorded against an appraisal revaluation reserve account in the shareholders’ equity. Under Argentine GAAP, this appraisal revaluation reserve will be amortized to income once the land is disposed of or its value becomes impaired. Under US GAAP, this parcel of land was recorded at original cost and therefore, this reserve has been reversed.

 

  c) Pre-operating and advertising expenses

 

Under Argentine GAAP, the Company capitalizes certain costs related to pre opening activities of the Company’s shopping centers. These costs are being amortized under the straight-line basis over 3 years. Under US GAAP, these costs are expensed as incurred.

 

In the past, under Argentine GAAP the Company also capitalized certain advertising and promotion costs related to certain shopping centers, which were amortized under the straight-line basis over 3 years. Under US GAAP, all of these costs were expensed as incurred.

 

  d) Software developed or obtained for internal use

 

Under Argentine GAAP, the Company capitalizes certain costs incurred in the development of software for internal use. Under US GAAP, the Company applies Statement of Position 98-1 “Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software Developed or Obtained for Internal Use”. As such, the Company (i) expensed Ps. nil, Ps. nil and Ps. 0.2 million of capitalized software costs for the years ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively, and (ii) reversed amortization expense charges recognized under Argentine GAAP of Ps. 0.2 million, Ps. 0.1 million and Ps. 0.4 million for the years ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

 

F-189


Table of Contents

Alto Palermo S.A. (APSA)

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(In Argentine Pesos, except as otherwise indicated)

 

16. Differences between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP (continued)

 

  e) Differences in basis relating to purchase accounting

 

Under Argentine GAAP and US GAAP, the Company applies the purchase method of accounting to its acquisitions. Accordingly, the fair market value of the assets and liabilities acquired was estimated and the excess of the purchase price over the fair value is considered goodwill. The US GAAP adjustment for “Difference in basis relating to purchase accounting” reflects the application of certain US GAAP adjustments when estimating the fair value of such assets and liabilities.

 

  f) Amortization expense

 

The differences in the carrying amount of goodwill between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP as described in Note 16.I.e. gave rise to differences in amortization expenses until June 30, 2002. Effective July 1, 2002 the Company adopted SFAS No. 142 and, as such, discontinued amortization of goodwill as from that date. As a result, the 2004 and 2003 US GAAP income adjustments represent the reversion of the amortization charges recorded under Argentine GAAP during those years.

 

  g) Non-current investments in unconsolidated affiliated companies

 

The Company has assessed the impact of US GAAP adjustments for its equity investees. As a consequence of this assessment, the Company recognized a net gain (loss) of Ps. 1.8 million, Ps. 0.2 million and Ps. (3.4) million for the years ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. These adjustments relate principally to (i) the recognition of pre-operating and organization costs as expenses, (ii) the accounting for certain assets and liabilities on a non-discounted basis, (iii) the reversal of a gain recognized under Argentine GAAP related to the restoration of a previously recognized impairment loss, (iv) the treatment of the differences between the price-level restated amounts of assets and liabilities and their historical basis as temporary differences in calculating deferred income taxes, (v) the accounting for available-for-sale securities, and (vi) the effect on deferred income taxes of the mentioned reconciled items, as appropriate.

 

  h) Accounting for changes in interest in unconsolidated affiliated companies

 

As discussed in Note 3.a, the Company formed E-Commerce Latina in December 1999. The issuance of stock by E-Commerce Latina to Telefónica decreased the Company’s percentage of ownership in E-Commerce Latina and the value assigned to the E-Commerce Latina’s common stock issued under the transaction was substantially more than the Company’s carrying amount per share of E-Commerce Latina stock, thus triggering a change in the Company’s interest in E-Commerce Latina. Under Argentine GAAP, the change in the Company’s interest resulted in the recognition of a deferred gain of Ps. 9.8 million since E-Commerce Latina was in the early stage of development and the realizability of the gain was not assured. This gain was being amortized to income as the investee incurred operating losses. Under US GAAP, in accordance with Staff Accounting Bulletin (“SAB”) Topic 5H, as amended by SAB 84, the Company reflected the change of interest in E-Commerce Latina as a credit to additional paid-in-capital, and as a result, the amortized portion of deferred gain under Argentine GAAP was reversed. Amortization of deferred gain recognized under Argentine GAAP during fiscal year 2002 totaled Ps. 0.3 million.

 

  i) Accounting for changes in interest in consolidated affiliated companies

 

As discussed in Note 2.b., during fiscal year 2003 the Company acquired an additional 24% ownership interest in Alto Invest for a total consideration of Ps. 0.2 million. Under both Argentine GAAP and US GAAP, the excess of the fair value of the net assets acquired over the consideration paid, after reducing to zero the amounts that otherwise would have been assigned to the non-current assets, was recognized in earnings. The difference with respect to the amount recognized under Argentine GAAP, totaling Ps. 20,384, relates to the effect of US GAAP adjustments at the date of acquisition. See Note 16.II.n, for the income statement classification difference of this gain.

 

F-190


Table of Contents

Alto Palermo S.A. (APSA)

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(In Argentine Pesos, except as otherwise indicated)

 

16. Differences between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP (continued)

 

  j) Stock option agreement with CIM

 

E-Commerce Latina entered into a stock option agreement with Consultores Internet Managers Ltd. (“CIM”), pursuant to which options were granted, to purchase class B shares of Altocity.Com, representing 15% of its common stock. CIM is a special-purpose Cayman Islands´ corporation created to act on behalf of the Company’s management and is represented by an independent attorney-in-fact. Pursuant to the terms of the agreement, options were granted for a period up to eight years and at an exercise price to be determined by the quotient of (i) the original value of class B shares at the time of the contribution to Altocity.Com by the holding company, plus interest accrued at an annual fixed interest rate of 14% through the exercise date of the option over (ii) the total number of class B shares owned by the holding company at the exercise date of the option. CIM has a vested interest in 50% of the underlying shares within 30 days after the grant date and the remaining 50% will vest upon the third anniversary of the grant date. The option was granted to CIM to be allocated by it among the management of Altocity.com as an incentive compensation for their services. Upon exercise of the option, CIM’s sole asset will be its 15% interest in Altocity.Com.

 

Under US GAAP, the Company applies SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation” and SFAS No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation – Transition and Disclosure” in accounting for both stock option agreements. These Statements give the Company the option of either (i) continuing to account for stock-based employee compensation plans in accordance with the guidelines established by Accounting Principles Board (“APB”) No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees” and related interpretations while providing the disclosures required under SFAS No. 123, or (ii) adopting SFAS No. 123 accounting for all employee and non-employee stock compensation arrangements. The Company opted to continue to account for its stock-based awards using the intrinsic value method in accordance with APB No. 25.

 

Under US GAAP, in accordance with AIN-APB 25 “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees – an accounting interpretation of APB Opinion No 25”, the economic substance of a plan established by the principal stockholders is substantially the same for the Company and the employee, whether the plan is adopted by the Company or the principal stockholder. Consequently, the Company should account for this type of plan when one is established or financed by the principal stockholder unless (i) the relationship between the stockholder and the company’s employee is one which would normally result in generosity, (ii) the stockholder has an obligation to the employee which is completely unrelated to the latter’s employment or (iii) the Company clearly does not benefit from the transaction. The SEC to apply to other situations in which a principal stockholder undertakes transactions for the benefit of the company has adopted the rationale established in this Interpretation. SAB 79 (SAB Topic 5T) requires any transaction undertaken by a company’s principal stockholder for the benefit of the company to be accounted for according to its substance and not its form.

 

The Company has determined that the stock options were granted, in substance, to compensate the management of Altocity.Com. In addition, as the exercise price is not known at date of grant, this option agreement is considered to be a “variable” plan. To date, no individual awards have been determined for participating employees under the option plan. At June 30, 2004, as the exercise price exceeds the estimated fair market value of Altocity.Com’s shares, no compensation expense has been recognized.

 

  k) Securitization Accounting

 

As discussed in Note 11, the Company entered into two-year revolving-period securitization programs through which Tarshop, a majority-owned subsidiary of the Company, sold a portion of its customer credit card receivable balances to Trusts that issue certificates to public and private investors. Under Argentine GAAP, to the extent the certificates are sold to third parties, the related transferred balances qualify as sales for financial statement purposes and as such the receivables are removed from the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. The remaining receivables in the Trusts, which have not been sold to third parties, are reflected on the Company’s balance sheet as retained interests in transferred credit card receivables. These retained interests are treated in a manner similar to an investment and accounted for under the equity method.

 

F-191


Table of Contents

Alto Palermo S.A. (APSA)

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(In Argentine Pesos, except as otherwise indicated)

 

16. Differences between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP (continued)

 

  k) Securitization Accounting (continued)

 

Certain expenses associated with the securitization of credit card receivables are capitalized and amortized over the term of the agreements. Pursuant to certain agreements, in the past the Company remained the servicer on the accounts and received a fee for the services performed. Income from servicing activities was recognized as services were performed.

 

Under US GAAP, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 140, “Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities” (“SFAS No. 140”). SFAS No. 140 was issued in September 2000 and replaces, in its entirety, SFAS No. 125. The Company was required to adopt the provisions of SFAS No. 140 prospectively to transactions beginning after March 31, 2001. Although SFAS No. 140 has changed many of the rules regarding securitizations under SFAS No. 125, it continues to require an entity to recognize the financial and servicing assets it controls and the liabilities it has incurred and to derecognize financial assets when control has been surrendered. The proceeds of securitized financial assets are allocated to the assets sold, the servicing asset or liability and retained interest, based on their relative estimated fair values at the transfer date in determining the gain on the securitization transaction. SFAS No. 140 and SFAS No. 125 also require an entity to recognize a servicing asset or servicing liability each time it undertakes an obligation to service financial assets that have been securitized and amortize it over the period of estimated net servicing income or loss. The Company has not recognized any servicing asset or liability since the estimated fair value of the servicing right was zero. In determining the estimated fair value, the Company considered the fees received as compensation just adequate to compensate the Company for its servicing responsibilities (i.e. the fees received as compensation for the services rendered are similar to those that would be paid to a substitute servicer, should one be required, according to estimated market values).

 

The retained interests in securitized credit card receivables are treated as a debt security classified as available-for-sale in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 115 (“SFAS No. 115”), “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities”, and are carried at fair value. At the time of securitization, the retained interest is initially recorded at the basis allocated in accordance with SFAS No. 140. This original cost basis is periodically adjusted to fair value, which is based on the discounted anticipated future cash flows on a “cash out” basis. The cash out method projects cash collections to be received only after all amounts owed to investors have been paid. Adjustments to fair value (net of related deferred income taxes) are recorded as a component of other comprehensive income. SFAS No. 115 also states that for individual securities classified as available-for-sale an enterprise shall determine whether a decline in fair value below the amortized cost basis is other than temporary. In such event, accumulated unrealized losses included in other comprehensive income shall be reclassified into the statement of income. Accordingly, unrealized holding losses recognized in earnings for the years ended June 30, 2003 and 2002 amounted to Ps. 0.8 million and Ps. 8.1 million, respectively.

 

The following summarizes the Company’s securitization activity:

 

     Year ended June 30,

     2004

   2003

   2002

Proceeds from securitizations

   Ps. 65,479,141    Ps. 4,950,000    Ps. 108,121,681

Servicing fees received

     —        —        121,936

 

F-192


Table of Contents

Alto Palermo S.A. (APSA)

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(In Argentine Pesos, except as otherwise indicated)

 

16. Differences between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP (continued)

 

The following summarizes the changes in the balance of the Company’s retained interest for the years ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002:

 

  k) Securitization Accounting (continued)

 

     Cost

  

Estimated
unrealized

gain (loss) (i)


   Fair value

Balance at June 30, 2001

   Ps. 15,648,615    Ps. 4,240,776    Ps. 19,889,391

Change in unrealized loss

     —        (12,321,722)      (12,321,722)
    

  

  

Balance at June 30, 2002

   Ps. 15,648,615    Ps. (8,080,946)    Ps. 7,567,669

Liquidation of retained interest

     (10,455,149)      5,705,404      (4,749,745)

Change in unrealized loss

     —        (840,982)      (840,982)
    

  

  

Balance at June 30, 2003

   Ps. 5,193,466    Ps. (3,216,524)    Ps. 1,976,942

Increase in retained interest

     5,903,139      —        5,903,139

Change in unrealized gain

     —        1,999,979      1,999,979
    

  

  

Balance at June 30, 2004

   Ps. 11,096,605    Ps. (1,216,545)    Ps. 9,880,060
    

  

  

 

(i) As stated above, as the Company considered the decline in fair value as “other than temporary” unrealized losses at June 30, 2002 and 2003 had been recognized in earnings. Unrealized gains for the year ended June 30, 2004 were included as a component of “Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income” in shareholders’ equity. Such amount has been offset by a deferred tax expense of Ps. 0.7 million.

 

The key economic assumptions used in measuring the fair value of retained interests at the time of and subsequent to a securitization are the estimated cash flows and the discount rate. The estimated cash flows have been discounted at 23%. The following represents the sensitivity of the current fair value of retained interest in securitizations at June 30, 2003 to changes to key assumptions:

 

     Impact on fair value of

     5% adverse change

   10% adverse change

Discount rate 23%

   Ps. (383,485)    Ps. (728,983)

 

The above sensitivities are hypothetical and should be used with caution. As the amounts indicate, changes in fair value based on variations in assumptions generally cannot be extrapolated because the relationship of the change in assumption to the change in fair value may not be linear. Also, in this table, the effect of a variation in a particular assumption on the fair value of the retained interest is calculated without changing any other assumption. In reality, changes in one factor may result in changes in another, which might magnify or counteract the sensitivities.

 

The Company’s managed credit card receivables consists of retained interest in credit card receivable securitizations and investor’s share of securitizations sold to unrelated parties without recourse. The Company records its retained interest in credit card receivable securitizations on the balance sheet.

 

  l) Available-for-sale securities

 

Under Argentine GAAP, investments in mutual funds and government bonds are carried at market value, with unrealized gains and losses recorded in income. Under US GAAP, pursuant to SFAS 115, “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities”, these investments are classified as available-for-sale securities, and accordingly unrealized gains and losses are excluded from income and reported as a separate component of shareholders’ equity.

 

F-193


Table of Contents

Alto Palermo S.A. (APSA)

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(In Argentine Pesos, except as otherwise indicated)

 

16. Differences between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP (continued)

 

  m) Deferred charges

 

Under Argentine GAAP, the Company had capitalized certain costs, which were amortized on a straight-line method over 3 years. Under US GAAP, such costs were expensed as incurred.

 

  n) Amortization of fees related to the Senior Notes

 

Under Argentine GAAP, fees and expenses relating to the Senior Notes are being amortized on a straight-line method over the term of the agreement. Under US GAAP, such costs are being amortized over the same period using the effective interest method of amortization. As discussed in Note 8(i), the Company redeemed a portion of its Notes and Senior Notes during fiscal years 2003, 2002 and 2001. Under both Argentine GAAP and US GAAP, the Company expensed the unamortized portion of fees and expenses related to the redeemed obligations.

 

  o) Accounting for derivatives and hedging activities

 

As discussed in Notes 3.r. and 12, the Company utilizes certain financial instruments to manage its foreign currency and interest rate exposures, and to lower its overall borrowing costs. Under Argentine GAAP, the Company’s derivative financial instruments are carried at their fair market value on the consolidated balance sheet. Changes in the derivative’s fair market value are reported in earnings.

 

Under US GAAP, the Company applies Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No.133 “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” and subsequent amendments (“SFAS No. 133”). SFAS No. 133 establishes accounting and reporting standards requiring that every derivative instrument be recorded in the balance sheet as either an asset or liability measured at its fair value. SFAS No. 133 requires that changes in the derivative’s fair value be recognized currently in earnings unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met. Special accounting for qualifying hedges allows a derivative’s gains and losses to offset related results on the hedged item in the income statement, and requires that a company must formally document, designate, and assess the effectiveness of transactions that receive hedge accounting. Under US GAAP, the Company’s derivative instruments do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment under SFAS No.133.

 

As a result, no differences exist in accounting for derivatives and hedging activities between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP.

 

  p) Present-value accounting

 

As indicated in Note 3.v, under Argentine GAAP, asset tax credits have been measured based on the best estimate of the amount receivable discounted at the interest rate applicable to freely available saving accounts published by the Argentine Central Bank in effect at the time of incorporation to the balance sheet. Under US GAAP, present valuing or discounting of these assets is precluded.

 

  q) Restoration of previously recognized impairment losses

 

As discussed in Notes 3.d. and 3.e., as a result of an increase in fair market values and as required by Argentine GAAP, during fiscal years 2003 and 2004 the Company partially reversed certain impairment charges that the Company had recognized during fiscal year 2002. Amounts reversed during fiscal years 2003 and 2004 amounted to Ps. 15.7 million and Ps. 26.9 million, respectively. Under US GAAP, restoration of a previously recognized impairment loss is prohibited. When an impairment loss is recognized, the adjusted carrying amount of the asset becomes the new cost basis, which is depreciated over the remaining useful life of the asset. Depreciation expense reversed under US GAAP for fiscal year 2004 amounted to Ps. 1.3 million and is shown netted against the reversal of the restored impairment under Argentine GAAP.

 

F-194


Table of Contents

Alto Palermo S.A. (APSA)

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(In Argentine Pesos, except as otherwise indicated)

 

16. Differences between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP (continued)

 

  r) Capitalization of interest costs

 

As discussed in Note 3.e., the Company resumed the Rosario development project during fiscal year 2004. However, under Argentine GAAP no interest costs were capitalized during fiscal year 2004 since the Company had recognized an impairment charge related to this project during fiscal year 2003 which was partially reversed during fiscal year 2004 up to the limit of its estimated fair value at year-end.

 

Under US GAAP, as indicated in Note 16.I.q, the Company did not reverse the impairment charges originally recorded. Since the Rosario development project is a qualifying asset under SFAS 34, “Capitalization of Interest Cost” during fiscal year 2004 the Company capitalized Ps. 1.3 million of interest costs.

 

  s) Deferred income tax

 

As discussed in Note 3.j, the Company records income taxes using the liability method. Accordingly, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets are also recognized for tax loss carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recorded or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance is recognized for that component of net deferred tax assets which is not recoverable. This standard is similar to the principles of US GAAP set forth in Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes”.

 

However, under Argentine GAAP, the Company has treated the differences between the price-level restated amounts of assets and liabilities and their historical basis as permanent differences for deferred income tax calculation purposes in accordance with Resolution MD No.11/2003 issued by the CPCECABA. Under US GAAP, the Company applies EITF 93-9, “Application of FASB Statement No.109 in Foreign Financial Statements Restated for General Price-Level Changes”, which requires such differences to be treated as temporary differences in calculating deferred income taxes.

 

In addition, the US GAAP adjustment includes the effect on deferred income taxes of the foregoing reconciling items, as appropriate.

 

  t) Minority interest

 

This adjustment represents the effect on minority interest of the foregoing reconciling items, as appropriate.

 

  u) Accounting for convertible securities

 

As indicated in Note 15, in August 2002 the Company issued US$ 50 million of Convertible Notes. Under US GAAP, the Company applied APB 14, “Accounting for Convertible Debt and Debt Issued with Stock Purchase Warrants”, which requires that no portion of the proceeds be allocated to the conversion feature if the convertible debt securities are convertible into common stock of the issuer at a specified price at the option of the holder and are sold at a price or have a value at issuance not significantly in excess of the face amount. Similar accounting treatment was adopted under Argentine GAAP.

 

II. Additional disclosure requirements

 

  a) Segment information

 

As described in Note 9, under Argentine GAAP the Company is required to disclose segment information in accordance with RT 18. Guidance set forth in RT 18 is similar to the guidelines set forth in SFAS No. 131 “Disclosures About Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information”. See Note 9 for details of the Company’s segment information.

 

F-195


Table of Contents

Alto Palermo S.A. (APSA)

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(In Argentine Pesos, except as otherwise indicated)

 

16. Differences between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP (continued)

 

  b) Disclosure of maturities of long-term debt

 

Scheduled maturities of the long-term debt for the next years, as of June 30, 2004, are as follows:

 

2005

   Ps. 94,580,345

2006

     —  

2007

     145,064,875
    

     Ps. 239,645,220
    

 

  c) Disclosure of operating lease information

 

The Company enters into cancelable commercial leases with its tenants for terms ranging from three to ten years, with most leases having terms of no more than five years. Tenants are generally charged a rent, which consists of the higher of (i) the base rent and (ii) the percentage rent (which generally ranges between 4% and 8% of the tenants sales). Furthermore, pursuant to the rent escalation clause in most leases, a tenant’s base rent generally increases between 4% and 7% each year during the term of the lease.

 

Included in lease revenues for the years ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002 were contingent rentals of Ps. 16.6 million, Ps. 10.8 million and Ps. 6.0 million, respectively.

 

  d) Disclosure of related parties transactions

 

The following additional disclosures of transactions with related parties are required under US GAAP:

 

Donations: On October 31, 1997, the Company’s Board of Directors agreed to enter into an agreement with Fundacion IRSA, a charitable, not-for profit corporation of which Eduardo S. Elsztain is a Director and his wife is the President, whereby the Company granted to Fundación IRSA, the right to use 3,800 square meters of constructed area in Abasto for no charge for a period of 30 years. This area is used for a children’s museum called Museo de los Niños - Abasto, which is an interactive learning center for both children and adults. The museum opened in April 1999 and the Company expects that the children’s museum attracts additional customers to Abasto.

 

As of June 30, 2002, 2003 and 2004 donations to Fundación IRSA amounted to Ps. 0.1 million, Ps. 1.7 million and Ps. 2.4 million, respectively.

 

Loans from major shareholders: In order to finance the US$ 50 million collateral deposit and the subsequent transactions related to the swap, the Company entered into loan agreements with IRSA and Parque Arauco S.A. As of June 30, 2002 the Company’s debt with IRSA and Parque Arauco S.A. in relation to those loan agreements was Ps. 45.6 million and Ps. 22.9 million respectively. In addition between May and July 2002, IRSA and Parque Arauco S.A. granted to the Company loans for US$ 10.1 million and US$ 4.9 million, respectively. Those loans granted by IRSA and Parque Arauco were used to subscribe for US$ 27.2 million and US$ 15.2 million, respectively, the Company’s offering of its US$ 50.0 million Convertible Notes, on August 20, 2002.

 

Repurchase agreement entered with the Company’s major shareholders: On February 17, 2003, the Company entered into a repurchase agreement with IRSA and Parque Arauco Argentina S.A. pursuant to which they granted the Company loans for Ps. 4.2 million and Ps. 2.1 million, respectively. According to the repurchase agreement, the Company made a collateral deposit of Ps. 5.5 million nominal value of Class A-2 Senior Notes and Ps. 10.0 million nominal value of Class B-2 Notes with IRSA and other of Ps. 2.8 million nominal value of Class A-2 Senior Notes and Ps. 5.0 million nominal value of Class B-2 Senior Notes with Parque Arauco Argentina S.A. On December 6, 2003, the Company agreed to repurchase the securities at a price of Ps. 4.5 million and Ps. 2.3 million to IRSA and Parque Arauco S.A., respectively. The Company expects to obtain a renewal upon expiration.

 

F-196


Table of Contents

Alto Palermo S.A. (APSA)

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(In Argentine Pesos, except as otherwise indicated)

 

16. Differences between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP (continued)

 

  d) Disclosure of related parties transactions (continued)

 

Lease of office property: From December 2001 to December 2003, Cresud S.A.C.I.F.y A. (“Cresud”) subleased its headquarters from the Company. Cresud paid a monthly rent of Ps. 2,541. The agreement was terminated as a result of Cresud moving its headquarters.

 

As from December 2003, the Company leases its headquarters and ten parking spaces from Inversora Bolivar S.A. (“Inversora Bolivar”), a subsidiary of IRSA. The agreement has an initial duration of 60 months with an extension option of 36 additional months. The Company pays a monthly rent of US$ 5,958, with a grace period of two months. Certain directors of the Company are also directors of Inversora Bolivar.

 

Corporate services: In order to reduce administrative expenses and to achieve a more efficient allocation of corporate resources, a program for partial operating integration in the areas of Human Resources, Finance, Institutional Relations, Administration, Systems, Insurance, Purchasing, Contracts and Operations, among others, was implemented to reduce operating costs by optimizing the individual administrative efficiencies of each Party.

 

Options to Purchase Shares of Altocity.Com S.A.: see Note 16.I.j.

 

Legal services: During the years ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002, the law firm Zang, Bergel & Viñes provided the Company legal services amounting to Ps. 0.7 million, Ps. 0.9 million and Ps. 1.3 million, respectively. The Company’s directors Saúl Zang, Juan M. Quintana and Juan C. Quintana Terán are members of the law firm Zang, Bergel & Viñes.

 

  e) Disclosure about fair value of financial instruments

 

Under Argentine GAAP, there are no specific rules regarding disclosure of fair value of financial instruments.

 

Under US GAAP, SFAS No. 105 requires reporting entities to disclose certain information about financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk of accounting loss. SFAS No. 107, “Disclosures About Fair Value of Financial Instruments”, requires disclosure of fair value information about financial instruments whether or not recognized in the balance sheet, for which it is practicable to estimate fair value. Financial instruments include such items as to cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivable and other instruments. SFAS No. 107 excludes from its disclosure requirements lease contracts and various significant assets and liabilities that are not considered to be financial instruments. SFAS No. 119 requires reporting entities to disclose certain information for derivative financial instruments. SFAS No. 133 superseded SFAS No. 105 and SFAS No. 119 and amended SFAS No. 107 to include in SFAS No. 107 the disclosure requirements of credit risk concentrations from SFAS No. 105. See Note 16.II.f) for details of concentration of credit risk.

 

Fair value estimates are made as of a specific point in time based on the characteristics of the financial instruments and the relevant market information. Where available, quoted market prices are used. In other cases, fair values are based on estimates using other valuation techniques, such as discounting estimated future cash flows using a rate commensurate with the risks involved or other acceptable methods. These techniques involve uncertainties and are significantly affected by the assumptions used and the judgments made regarding risk characteristics of various financial instruments, prepayments, discount rates, estimates of future cash flows, future expected loss experience, and other factors. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect these estimates. Derived fair value estimates cannot be substantiated by comparison to independent markets and, in many cases, could not be realized in an immediate sale of the instrument. Also, because of differences in methodologies and assumptions used to estimate fair value, the Company’s fair values should not be compared to those of other companies.

 

Under this statement, fair value estimates are based on existing financial instruments without attempting to estimate the value of anticipated future business and the value of assets and liabilities that are not considered financial instruments. Accordingly, the aggregate fair value amount presented does not represent the underlying value of the Company. For certain assets and liabilities, the information required under this statement is supplemental with additional information relevant to an understanding of the fair value.

 

F-197


Table of Contents

Alto Palermo S.A. (APSA)

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(In Argentine Pesos, except as otherwise indicated)

 

16. Differences between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP (continued)

 

  e) Disclosure about fair value of financial instruments (continued)

 

The methods and assumptions used to estimate the fair values of each class of financial instruments as of June 30, 2004 and 2003 are as follows:

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

The Company considers all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, consisting of mutual funds, to be cash and cash equivalents. The carrying amount reported in the consolidated balance sheet approximates their fair value.

 

Mortgages and leases receivable, net

 

The carrying amount of mortgages and leases receivables reported in the consolidated balance sheet approximates its fair value.

 

Accounts and notes receivable, net

 

Carrying amounts are considered to approximate fair value. All amounts that are assumed to be uncollectible within a reasonable time are written off and/or reserved.

 

Retained interest in transferred credit card receivables

 

Fair value is estimated by discounting anticipated future cash flows using a discount rate based on specific factors. The anticipated future cash flows are projected on a “cash out” basis to reflect the restriction of cash flows until the investors have been fully paid. As of June 30, 2004 and 2003, the fair value of retained interests in transferred credit card receivables amounted to Ps. 9.9 million and Ps. 2.0 million, respectively.

 

Accounts and notes payable

 

The carrying amount of accounts and notes payable reported in the consolidated balance sheet approximates its fair value.

 

Short-term debt

 

The carrying amount of short-term debt reported in the consolidated balance sheet approximates fair value due to its short-term nature.

 

Long-term debt

 

As of June 30, 2004 and 2003, except for the Company´s Convertible Notes as discussed below, the carrying amount of long-term debt reported in the consolidated balance sheet approximates its fair value.

 

The fair value of the Company´s Convertible Notes was Ps. 508.0 million and Ps. 348.9 million as of June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively. Such fair value was determined based on the market price of the shares assuming full conversion of the notes at year-end.

 

Other receivables and other liabilities

 

The carrying amount of other receivables and other liabilities reported in the consolidated balance sheet approximates fair value due to their short-term nature.

 

Interest rate swap agreement

 

The fair value of the interest rate swap agreement was determined based on the present value of the estimated future net cash flows using implied rates in the applicable yield curve as of the valuation date. At June 30, 2004 and 2003, the fair market value of the swap agreement was Ps. (134.3) million and Ps. (131.8) million, respectively. The swap agreement is carried at fair market value on the consolidated balance sheet.

 

F-198


Table of Contents

Alto Palermo S.A. (APSA)

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(In Argentine Pesos, except as otherwise indicated)

 

16. Differences between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP (continued)

 

  f) Credit risk

 

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to a concentration of credit risk primarily consist of cash and current investments. The Company places its cash and current investments in high quality financial institutions that are located in Argentina and United States of America. The Company’s policy is to limit the exposure with any one institution.

 

As of June 30, 2004 and 2003, approximately Ps. 65.8 million and Ps. 25.5 million included in the cash balances were held with 26 institutions, respectively. The Company has not experienced any significant losses in such accounts.

 

Credit card receivables arise primarily under open-end revolving credit accounts used to finance purchases of goods and services offered by the Company’s shopping centers. These accounts have various billing and payment structures, including varying minimum payment levels and finance charge rates. Credit card receivables are shown net of an allowance for uncollectible accounts. The Company provides an allowance for uncollectible accounts based on impaired accounts, historical charge-off patterns and management judgment.

 

As of June 30, 2004 the Company has sold credit card receivables of Ps. 108.2 million through securitization transactions, for which the Company’s credit risk exposure is contractually limited to the subordinated CPs held by the Company representing Ps. 18.7 million (equity value) and a Ps. 0.8 million escrow reserves for losses.

 

  g) Recently issued accounting standards

 

In August, 2001, FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 143, “Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations,” which addresses financial accounting and reporting for obligations associated with the retirement of tangible long-lived assets and the associated asset retirement costs. SFAS No. 143 requires an enterprise to record the fair value of an asset retirement obligation as a liability in the period in which it incurs a legal obligation associated with the retirement of tangible long-lived assets. The Company adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 143 effective July 1, 2003. The provisions of SFAS No. 143 did not have any impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

On May 1, 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 145 “Rescission of SFAS Nos. 4, 44 and 64, Amendment of SFAS No. 13, and Technical Corrections as of April 2002” (SFAS No. 145), which, among other things, eliminates the exception of applying APB Opinion No. 30 (APB 30) to all gains and losses related to extinguishments of debt (other than extinguishments of debt to satisfy sinking-fund requirements). As a result, gains and losses from extinguishment of debt should be classified as extraordinary items only if they meet the criteria set forth in APB 30. The Company adopted the provisions of this standard on April 1, 2002. As a result, gains and losses on extinguishment of debt are no longer reported as extraordinary items.

 

In January 2003, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 46 (“FIN 46”), “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities - an interpretation of ARB No. 51”. FIN 46 requires that if any entity has a controlling financial interest in a variable interest entity, the assets, liabilities and results of activities of the variable interest entity should be included in the consolidated financial statements of the entity. FIN 46 provisions became effective for the Company for fiscal year 2003 for all arrangements entered into after January 31, 2003. With respect to those arrangements entered into prior to February 1, 1003, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 46 (revised December 2003), “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities” (“FIN 46R”), which provides technical corrections and extended the effective date of FIN 46. The Company fully adopted FIN 46R for fiscal year 2004. The provisions of FIN 46 and FIN 46R did not have any impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

In April 2003, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 149 (“SFAS 149”), “Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities”. SFAS 149 amends and clarifies accounting for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts and for hedging activities under SFAS 133. SFAS 149 is generally effective for derivative instruments, including derivative instruments embedded in certain contracts, entered into or modified after June 30, 2003 and for hedging relationships designated after June 30, 2003. As the Company only has an interest rate swap agreement outstanding, which does not qualify for hedge accounting under SFAS No. 133, the adoption of SFAS 149 did not have any impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

F-199


Table of Contents

Alto Palermo S.A. (APSA)

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(In Argentine Pesos, except as otherwise indicated)

 

15. Differences between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP (continued)

 

  g) Recently issued accounting standards (continued)

 

In May 2003, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 150 (“SFAS 150”), “Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity”. SFAS 150 clarifies the accounting for certain financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity and requires that those instruments be classified as liabilities on the balance sheet. Previously, many of those financial instruments were classified as equity. SFAS 150 is effective for financial instruments entered into or modified after May 31, 2003 and otherwise is effective at the beginning of the first interim period beginning after June 15, 2003. The Company adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 150 effective July 1, 2003. As the Company does not have any issued financial instrument within the scope of SFAS No. 150 (the Company’s Convertible Notes are out of the scope), the provisions of SFAS No. 150 did not have any impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

During December 2003, the SEC issued Statement of Accounting Bulletin No. 104, “Revenue Recognition” (“SAB 104”), which revised and rescinded portions of SAB 101. The issuance of SAB 104 did not impact the Company’s revenue recognition policies.

 

  h) Risks and uncertainties

 

The Company’s operations are subject to risks and uncertainties with respect to:

 

Risks associated with Argentine operations. All Company’s operations and properties are located in Argentina. As a result, the Company financial condition and results of operations depend to a significant extent on macroeconomic and political conditions prevailing in Argentina.

 

Shopping center operating risks: The development, administration and profitability of shopping centers are impacted by various factors including: the accessibility and the attractiveness of the area where the shopping center is located, the intrinsic attractiveness of the shopping center, the flow of people and the level of sales of each shopping center rental unit within the Company’s shopping centers, the amount of rent collected from each shopping center rental unit and the fluctuations in occupancy levels in the shopping centers. In the event that there is an increase in operational costs, caused by inflation or other factors, it could have a material adverse effect on the Company if its tenants are unable to pay their higher rent obligations due to the increase in expenses.

 

Since May 28, 1997, Law No. 24,808 provides that tenants may rescind commercial lease agreements after the initial six months upon not less than sixty days written notice, subject to penalties of only one-and-a-half months rent if the tenant rescinds during the first year of the lease, and one-month rent if the tenant rescinds after the first year of the lease. The exercise of such rescission rights could materially and adversely affect the Company.

 

Real estate market operating risks: The Company’s property is currently and will continue to be subject to risks incident to the ownership and operation of commercial real estate and residential development properties. The Company’s lease sales from its real estate operations may be adversely affected by (i) local or national economic conditions in the areas in which the properties are located; (ii) oversupply of retail space or a reduction in demand for retail space; (iii) increased competition from other real estate operators; (iv) changes in the ability of the Company or the tenants to provide for adequate maintenance and/or insurance; (v) increases in operating expenses; and/or (vi) adverse changes in the regional or national economy. Other risks include the inability to collect rent due to bankruptcy or insolvency of tenants or otherwise, the need to periodically renovate, repair and release space and the costs thereof and the ability of a tenant to provide adequate maintenance and insurance. In addition, the failure to sell the property to be constructed (Coto Residential Project, Rosario Project and Alcorta Plaza Project), could have a material adverse effect on the Company.

 

F-200


Table of Contents

Alto Palermo S.A. (APSA)

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(In Argentine Pesos, except as otherwise indicated)

 

16. Differences between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP (continued)

 

  h) Risks and uncertainties (continued)

 

An economic downturn in the areas in which the shopping centers are located might adversely affect the Company’s sales (through bankruptcy of tenants and reduction in the shopping center sales due to lower variable income). Increases in operating costs due to inflation and other factors may result in some tenants being unable or unwilling to pay rent or expense increases. In addition, the Company has several tenants occupying space in more than one shopping center and, as a result, if any of such tenants should experience financial difficulties and cease paying rent, the Company’s operating results could be adversely affected. Furthermore, as leases on properties expire, the Company may be unable to find new tenants or tenants may enter into new leases on terms that are less favorable to the Company. The failure to lease such properties could have a material adverse effect on the Company.

 

Credit card operating risks: Credit card operations are subject to federal legislation and regulation. From time to time, such legislation, as well as competitive conditions, may affect, among other things, credit card finance charges. While the Company cannot predict the effect of future competitive conditions and legislation or the measures the Company might take in response thereto, a significant reduction in the finance charges imposed by Tarshop would have an adverse effect on the Company. In addition, changes in general Argentine economic conditions, including, but not limited to, higher interest rates and increases in delinquencies, charge-offs and personal bankruptcies could have an adverse effect on the Company.

 

E-commerce risks: The Company also offers its services over the Internet, and competes in the market for Internet services and products, which is characterized by intense competition and rapid technological changes. The Company’s internet ventures have a limited operating history, have never generated profits, and their prospects are subject to the risks, expenses, and uncertainties frequently encountered by companies in new and rapidly evolving markets for internet products and services. These risks include the failure to develop and extend the Company’s online service brands, the rejection of the Company’s services by Web consumers, vendors and/or advertisers, the inability of the Company to maintain and increase the levels of traffic on its online services, as well as other risks and uncertainties. In the event that the Company does not successfully implement its business plan, certain assets may not be recoverable.

 

  i) Capitalized interest

 

No interest costs were capitalized during the years ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002 under Argentine GAAP. As described in Note 16.I.r, under US GAAP the Company capitalized Ps. 1.3 million of interest costs during the year ended June 30, 2004. No interest costs were capitalized under US GAAP for the years ended June 30, 2003 and 2002.

 

  j) Statements of cash flows

 

Under Argentine GAAP, the Company is required to present the statements of cash flows in the primary financial statements in accordance with RT 9, as amended. Guidance set forth in RT 9 (as amended) is similar to the guidelines set forth in SFAS No. 95 “Statement of Cash Flows” (SFAS No. 95).

 

As described in Note 3.b., the Company considers all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. As a result, no differences exist between cash flows reported in the primary financial statements and cash flows that would be reported in a statement of cash flows prepared using US GAAP numbers. However, as discussed further below, certain differences do exist between cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities reported in the primary financial statements and cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities that would be reported in a statement of cash flows prepared using US GAAP numbers.

 

Under US GAAP, the total amounts of cash and cash equivalents at the end of the years shown in the consolidated statements of cash flows are required to be the same amounts as similarly titled line items shown in the consolidated balance sheets, as of those dates. The following table reconciles the balances included as cash and banks and current investments in the consolidated balance sheet to the total amounts of cash and cash equivalents at the beginning and end of the year shown in the consolidated statements of cash flows:

 

F-201


Table of Contents

Alto Palermo S.A. (APSA)

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(In Argentine Pesos, except as otherwise indicated)

 

16. Differences between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP (continued)

 

  j) Statements of cash flows (continued)

 

     As of June 30,

     2004

   2003

   2002

Cash and banks

   43,925,295    22,973,645    14,430,077

Current investments

   31,348,394    13,014,036    10,322,962
    
  
  

Total cash and banks and current investments as per balance sheet

   75,273,689    35,987,681    24,753,039

Less: Items not considered cash and cash equivalents

              

- Retained interest in transferred credit card receivable

   6,676,928    4,719,057    8,293,817

- Government bonds

   300,294    2,981,305    —  
    
  
  

Cash and cash equivalents as shown in the statement of cash flows

   68,296,467    28,287,319    16,459,222
    
  
  

 

Under Argentine GAAP, all costs incurred in the development of software for internal use were reported as cash flows from investing activities. Under US GAAP, certain of these costs were not capitalized and accordingly would be classified as cash flows from operating activities. In addition, under Argentine GAAP neither the effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents, nor the effects of inflation were disclosed by presenting additional cash flow statement categories as required by US GAAP. The following table presents the cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities and the effects of inflation accounting and exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents that would be reported in the consolidated statements of cash flows under US GAAP:

 

     Year ended June 30,

 
     2004

    2003

    2002

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

   Ps. 76,354,844     Ps. 44,625,369     Ps. 66,635,812  

Net cash used in investing activities

     (17,719,923 )     (3,349,014 )     (3,506,063 )

Net cash used in financing activities

     (20,603,120 )     (27,737,419 )     (54,330,607 )

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

     1,977,347       1,699,659       (53,063 )

Effects of inflation accounting on cash and cash equivalents

   Ps. —       Ps. (3,410,498 )   Ps. (13,502,425 )

 

  k) Earnings per share

 

Under Argentine GAAP the Company is required to disclose earnings per share information in accordance with RT 18 for all periods presented. Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements disclose the computation of basic and diluted net income (loss) per common share under Argentine GAAP. Guidance set forth in RT 18 is similar to the basic principles set forth in SFAS No. 128 “Earnings per Share” (SFAS No. 128). See Note 3.x, for details. Under US GAAP, basic and diluted earnings per share are presented in conformity with SFAS No. 128 and SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 98 (“SAB No. 98”) for all years presented. Pursuant to the Securities and Exchange Commission Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 98, ordinary shares and convertible preferred shares issued or granted for nominal consideration prior to the anticipated effective date of an initial public offering must be included in the calculation of basic and diluted net loss per share as if they had been outstanding for all periods presented. To date, the Company has not had any issuance or grants for nominal consideration.

 

As discussed in Note 16.II.n, under US GAAP the Company recorded an extraordinary gain amounting to Ps. 425,761 during fiscal year 2003. The effect of the extraordinary gain on the computation of basic and diluted net income per share is Ps. 0.0006 and Ps. 0.0002, respectively.

 

F-202


Table of Contents

Alto Palermo S.A. (APSA)

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(In Argentine Pesos, except as otherwise indicated)

 

16. Differences between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP (continued)

 

  k) Earnings per share (continued)

 

The following tables set forth the computation of basic and diluted net income (loss) per common share under US GAAP for all periods presented:

 

     Year ended June 30,

 
     2004

   2003

    2002

 

Numerator:

                       

Net income (loss) available to common shareholders

   Ps. 7,251,101    Ps. 63,857,154     Ps. (161,791,573 )

Plus (less): income (loss) impact of assumed conversions:

                       

Interest expense on convertible debt

     —        14,636,950       —    

Foreign currency exchange loss (gain) related to the Convertible Notes

     —        (41,774,272 )     —    

Income tax effects

     —        9,498,063       —    
    

  


 


Net income (loss) available to common shareholders plus assumed conversions

   Ps. 7,251,101    Ps. 46,217,895     Ps. (161,791,573 )
    

  


 


Denominator:

                       

Weighted-average number of shares outstanding

     716,436,002      701,016,763       700,000,000  

Plus: incremental shares of assumed conversions:

                       

Convertible debt

     —        1,326,531,395       —    
    

  


 


Adjusted weighted-average number of shares

   Ps. 716,436,002    Ps. 2,027,548,158       700,000,000  
    

  


 


Basic and diluted EPS:

                       

Basic net income (loss) per common share

   Ps. 0.01    Ps. 0.09     Ps. (0.23 )

Diluted net income (loss) per common share

     0.01      0.02       (0.23 )

 

Diluted net income per share for the year ended June 30, 2004 excludes potential common shares because the effect of their inclusion would be anti-dilutive, or would increase the reported amount of net income per share. The weighted-average number of potential common shares for the year ended June 30, 2004 totaled 1,451,354,820.

 

  l) Severance indemnities

 

Under Argentine law and labor agreements, the Company is required to make minimum severance payments to its dismissed employees without cause and employees leaving its employment in certain other circumstances. Under Argentine GAAP, severance payments are expensed as incurred. Under US GAAP, the Company follows the guidelines established by SFAS No. 112, “Employers’ Accounting for Post-employment Benefits”, and SFAS No. 43, “Accounting for Compensated Absences”, which requires the accrual of severance costs if they relate to services already rendered, are related to rights that accumulate or vest, are probable of payment and are reasonably estimable. While the Company expects to make severance payments in the future, it is impossible to estimate the number of employees that will be dismissed without proper cause in the future, if any, and accordingly the Company has not recorded such liability.

 

  m) Balance sheet classification differences

 

Under Argentine GAAP, assets and liabilities are classified either as current or non-current, principally depending on the expected settlement dates. Under US GAAP, real estate enterprises generally do not present a classified balance sheet.

 

Under Argentine GAAP, the net deferred tax position has been classified as a non-current other receivable or as a non-current tax payable. Under US GAAP, the classification of deferred taxes is determined by the classification of the asset or liability for financial reporting to which the temporary difference is related. A temporary difference is related to an asset or liability if reduction of the asset or liability causes the temporary difference to reverse. For temporary differences not related to an asset or liability for financial reporting (e.g. tax loss carryforwards), the deferred taxes are classified according to the expected reversal date of the temporary differences. As of June 30, 2004 and 2003, Ps. 5.7 million and Ps. 12.9 million, respectively, would have been classified as current assets; Ps. 1.6 million and Ps. 11.2 million, respectively, would have been classified as non-current assets; Ps. nil and Ps. 0.8 million, respectively, would have been classified as current liabilities; and Ps. 9.3 million and Ps. 11.1 million, respectively, would have been classified as non-current liabilities.

 

F-203


Table of Contents

Alto Palermo S.A. (APSA)

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(In Argentine Pesos, except as otherwise indicated)

 

16. Differences between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP (continued)

 

  n) Statement of income classification differences

 

Gross revenue tax

 

Under Argentine GAAP, only returns and other allowances should be deducted from net sales, while direct taxes and other costs directly associated with sales should be presented as operating costs, i.e. gross revenue taxes.

 

Under US GAAP, direct taxes and other costs directly associated with sales should be deducted from revenues. Net sales under US GAAP would have been Ps. 137.3 million, Ps. 109.8 million and Ps. 190.8 million for the years ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

 

Operating income

 

Under US GAAP, certain expense items included in the Argentine GAAP financial statements of the Company within “Other (expense) income, net” and “Financial results, net” would have been included in the determination of operating income. In addition, under Argentine GAAP, the recovery of certain allowances and provisions has been included within “Other (expense) income, net”. Under US GAAP, such items would have been classified as a reversal to the amounts in the line items, which were originally recorded. Operating income (loss) under US GAAP but using Argentine GAAP numbers would have been Ps. 63.6 million, Ps. 15.1 million and Ps. (60.7) million for the years ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

 

Extraordinary items

 

As discussed in Note 16.I.i), during 2003 the Company acquired an additional 24% ownership interest in Alto Invest. Under US GAAP, the excess of the fair value of the net assets acquired over the consideration paid, after reducing to zero the amounts that otherwise would have been assigned to the non-current assets, totaling Ps. 425,761 would have been recognized as an extraordinary item.

 

F-204


Table of Contents

Alto Palermo S.A. (APSA)

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(In Argentine Pesos, except as otherwise indicated)

 

16. Differences between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP (continued)

 

  o) Equity investments

 

The investments in Pérez Cuesta and E-Commerce Latina are accounted for using the equity method, wherein the investment is recorded at the amount of the underlying equity in the net assets of the investments and adjusted to recognize the Company’s share of the undistributed earnings or losses. The Company’s share of the losses of these affiliates was Ps. 1.1 million, Ps. 12.1 million and Ps. 4.9 million during the years ended June 30, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively, and its investment in these companies totaled Ps. 7.2 million at June 30, 2004 and Ps. 8.5 million at June 30, 2003. Summarized financial information of these affiliates (on a 100% basis) is as follows:

 

Pérez Cuesta


   As of June 30,

 
     2004

    2003

 

Current assets

   Ps. 3,182,360     Ps. 2,550,914  

Non-current assets

     91,170,760       93,579,268  
    


 


Total assets

     94,353,120       96,130,182  
    


 


Current liabilities

     34,235,370       29,441,403  

Non-current liabilities

     32,778,982       36,910,287  
    


 


Total liabilities

     67,014,352       66,351,690  
    


 


Shareholders’ equity

   Ps. 27,338,768     Ps. 29,778,492  
    


 


     For the year ended June 30,

 
     2004

    2003

 

Sales

   Ps. 7,704,964     Ps. 5,824,332  

Operating income (loss)

     1,143,242       (1,902,590 )

Net loss

   Ps. (1,367,331 )   Ps. (5,469,589 )

 

As of June 30, 2004 and 2003, accumulated losses of Pérez Cuesta totaled Ps. 5.0 million and Ps. 3.6 million, respectively.

 

F-205


Table of Contents

Alto Palermo S.A. (APSA)

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(In Argentine Pesos, except as otherwise indicated)

 

16. Differences between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP (continued)

 

  o) Equity investments (continued)

 

E-Commerce Latina


   As of June 30,

 
     2004

   2003

 

Current assets

   Ps. 1,912,604    Ps. 3,661,055  

Non-current assets

     1,922,256      2,013,001  
    

  


Total assets

     3,834,860      5,674,056  
    

  


Current liabilities

     947,110      649,328  

Non-current liabilities

     17,640      —    
    

  


Total liabilities

     964,750      649,328  
    

  


Minority interest

     35      (773,689 )
    

  


Shareholders’ equity

   Ps. 2,870,075    Ps. 5,798,417  
    

  


 

     For the year ended June 30,

 
     2004

    2003

 

Sales

   Ps. 1,684,519     Ps. 698,258  

Operating loss

     (2,171,410 )     (4,140,056 )

Net loss

   Ps. (2,928,342 )   Ps. (6,506,913 )

 

As of June 30, 2004 and 2003 accumulated losses of E-Commerce Latina totaled Ps. 41.1 million and Ps. 38.2 million, respectively.

 

  p) Investments in debt and equity securities

 

In accordance with SFAS No. 115, “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities”, the Company has classified its investments in mutual funds as well as its investments in government bonds outstanding at June 30, 2004 as available-for-sale securities. At June 30, 2003 certain government bonds had been classified as held-to-maturity since the Company had the intent and ability to hold such securities until maturity. The following are additional disclosure requirements in accordance with SFAS No. 115:

 

Available-for-sale securities

 

The amortized cost, gross unrealized holding gains or losses and fair value of the available-for-sale securities by major security type at June 30, 2004 and 2003 were as follows:

 

     2004

   2003

Instrument


   Cost

   Unrealized
gain


   Market
value


   Cost

   Unrealized
gain


   Market
value


Mutual funds

   24,336,022    35,150    24,371,172    5,299,257    14,417    5,313,674

Government bonds

   191,327    108,967    300,294    1,330,479    289,630    1,620,109

 

Proceeds from sales of investment securities available-for-sale during the years ended June 30, 2004 and 2003 were Ps. 55.3 million and Ps. 32.3 million, respectively. Gross gains of Ps. 0.1 million and Ps. 0.1 million for the years ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively, were realized on those sales.

 

F-206


Table of Contents

Alto Palermo S.A. (APSA)

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(In Argentine Pesos, except as otherwise indicated)

 

16. Differences between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP (continued)

 

q) Comprehensive income (loss)

 

On July 1, 1998, the Company adopted SFAS No. 130, “Reporting Comprehensive Income”. SFAS No. 130 establishes guidelines for the reporting and display of comprehensive income and its components (revenues, expenses, gains and losses) in a full set of general purpose financial statements. SFAS No. 130 requires that all items that are required to be recognized under accounting standards as components of comprehensive income be reported in a financial statement that is displayed with the same prominence as other financial statements. Accumulated other comprehensive income is presented below, net of income tax benefit/expense:

 

     Year ended June 30,

 
     2004

    2003

   2002

 

Net income (loss) under US GAAP

   Ps. 7,251,101     Ps. 63,857,154    Ps. (161,791,573)  

Other comprehensive income:

                       

Net change in unrealized holding gain on available-for-sale securities of consolidated subsidiaries (net of minority interest and income taxes of Ps. 21,605 and Ps. 55,976, respectively, for 2004; Ps. 34,314 and Ps. 94,968, respectively, for 2003; and Ps. 1,825 and Ps. 2,107, respectively, for 2002)

     (82,349 )     142,056      2,087  

Net change in unrealized holding gain on available-for-sale securities of equity investments (net of income taxes of Ps. nil)

     —         —        (21,371 )

Net change in unrealized holding gain on retained interest in transferred credit card receivables (net of income taxes and minority interest of Ps. 699,993 and Ps. 259,997, respectively, for 2004; Ps. 1,484,272 and Ps. 551,302, respectively, for 2002)

     1,039,989       —        (2,205,203 )
    


 

  


Comprehensive income (loss)

   Ps. 8,208,741     Ps. 63,999,210    Ps. (164,016,060)  
    


 

  


     As of June 30,

 
     2004

    2003

   2002

 

Unrealized holding gains on available-for-sale securities of consolidated subsidiaries

     76,716       159,065      17,009  

Unrealized holding gains on retained interest in transferred credit card receivables

     1,039,989       —        —    
    


 

  


Accumulated other comprehensive income

   Ps. 1,116,705     Ps. 159,065    Ps. 17,009  
    


 

  


 

F-207


Table of Contents

Alto Palermo S.A. (APSA)

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(In Argentine Pesos, except as otherwise indicated)

 

16. Differences between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP (continued)

 

r) Investments in real estate and accumulated depreciation

 

The following is a summary of the Company’s investments in real estate as of June 30, 2004 prepared in accordance with SEC S-X 12-28.

 

Description


   Encumbrances

   Land

  

Buildings

and

improvement


   Impairment

    Transfers

    Improvements

  

Total buildings

and

improvements


   Total

   Accumulated
depreciation


   Date of
construction


   Date acquired

   Life on
which
depreciation
in latest
statements
of income is
computed


Shopping centers:

                                                                             

- Abasto

        Ps. 9,752,107    Ps 241,646,684    Ps. —       Ps. —       Ps. 169,570      Ps.241,816,254    Ps. 251,568,361    Ps. 48,295,568    November,1998    n/a    31

- Alto Palermo

          8,693,768      396,787,725      —         —         60,080      396,847,805      405,541,573      176,424,271    October, 1990    November,1997
and March,
1998
   23

- Alto Avellaneda

          17,348,759      159,116,047      —         —         114,910      159,230,957      176,579,716      69,246,369    October, 1995    November and
December,
1997
   19

- Paseo Alcorta

          8,066,295      96,574,264      —         —         181,356      96,755,620      104,821,915      35,818,897    June, 1992    June, 1997    22

- Alto Noa

          356,752      42,599,203      (3,222,436 )     —         56,150      39,432,917      39,789,669      10,201,082    September, 1994    March,1995,
September,
1996 and
January, 2000
   23

- Patio Bullrich

          8,418,811      150,291,482      —         —         416,674      150,708,156      159,126,967      37,448,583    September, 1988    October, 1998    23

- Buenos Aires Design

          —        48,890,520      —         —         23,700      48,914,220      48,914,220      25,533,648    Between
November and
December, 1993
   November,
1997
   20

Caballito

          8,821,673      27,726,483      (6,830,711 )     —         —        20,895,772      29,717,445      —      Under
construction
   October, 1998    n/a

Rosario Project

          41,100,446      15,166,471      (3,488,799 )     (15,383,391 )     16,269,405      12,563,686      53,664,132      —      Under
construction
   August, 1998    n/a

Neuquén

   Mortgage      3,313,623      8,852,212      (2,183,120 )     —         —        6,669,092      9,982,715      —      Under
construction
   September,
1999
   n/a

Other

          1,151,113      11,001,730      (367,953 )     —         —        10,633,777      11,784,890      710,801    n/a    n/a    n/a
         

  

  


 


 

  

  

  

              

Total

        Ps. 107,023,347    Ps. 1,198,652,821    Ps. (16,093,019)     Ps. (15,383,391)     Ps. 17,291,845    Ps. 1,184,468,256    Ps. 1,291,491,603    Ps. 403,679,219               
         

  

  


 


 

  

  

  

              

 

F-208


Table of Contents

Alto Palermo S.A. (APSA)

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(In Argentine Pesos, except as otherwise indicated)

 

16. Differences between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP (continued)

 

  r) Investments in real estate and accumulated depreciation (continued)

 

     Year ended June 30,

 
     2004

    2003

 

Balance, beginning of the year

   Ps. 1,264,055,325     Ps. 1,241,152,977  

Additions during the year:

                

Improvements

     17,291,845       835,897  

Transfers from leasehold improvements

     —         8,655,669  

Transfers from intangible assets

     30,890       112,231  

Transfers from work-in-progress

leasehold improvements

     —         77,371  

Amortization of impairment

     1,606,941       2,888,218  

Recovery of impairment (1)

     23,920,883       15,572,935  
    


 


     Ps. 1,306,905,884     Ps. 1,269,295,298  
    


 


Deductions during the year:

                

Transfers to inventory

     (15,414,281 ) (2)     (17,210 )

Impairment

     —         (5,222,763 ) (2)
    


 


     Ps. (15,414,28 1)   Ps. (5,239,973)  
    


 


Balance, end of the year

   Ps. 1,291,491,603     Ps. 1,264,055,325  
    


 


 

(1) As of June 30, 2004 includes Ps. 9,920,738 related to Alto Avellaneda, Ps. 7,078,879 related to Alto Noa, Ps. 3,717,444 related to Caballito, Ps. 1,443,781 related to Neuquén, Ps. 1,277,477 related to Rosario and Ps. 482,564 related to other properties.

 

As of June 30, 2003 includes Ps. 12,621,297 related to Alto Avellaneda, Ps. 2,615,689 related to Alto Noa, Ps. 146,624 related to Caballito, Ps. 19,394 related to Neuquén and Ps. 169,931 related to other properties.

 

(2) Related to Rosario Project.

 

F-209


Table of Contents

Alto Palermo S.A. (APSA)

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(In Argentine Pesos, except as otherwise indicated)

 

16. Differences between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP (continued)

 

  s) Mortgage receivable on real estate

 

The following is a summary of the Company’s mortgage receivable on real estate as of June 30, 2004 prepared in accordance with SEC S-X 12-29.

 

     Col. B.

  Col. C.

   Col. D.

   Col. E.

   Col. F.

   Col. G.

   Col. H.

Description


  

Interest

Rate


 

Final maturity

date


   Periodic payment
term


   Prior liens

   Face amount
of mortgages


   Carrying amount
of mortgages


   Principal amount of
receivables subject
to delinquent
principal or
interest


Customer A

   14%   June 2014    Monthly    None      127,677      82,150    None

Customer B

   16%   December 2006    Monthly    None      84,750      41,398    None

Customer C

   16%   December 2014    Monthly    None      79,960      71,485    None

Customer D

   14%   May 2014    Monthly    None      77,163      85,172    None

Customer E

   12%   September 2009    Monthly    None      76,000      51,360    None

Customer F

   16%   October 2009    Monthly    None      74,214      58,256    None

Customer G

   12%   April 2015    Monthly    None      72,801      63,843    None

Customer H

   14%   June 2014    Monthly    None      70,165      79,660    None

Customer I

   16%   June 2014    Monthly    None      69,300      61,088    None

Customer J

   15%   December 2009    Monthly    None      65,910      86,297    None

Customer K

   14%   June 2009    Monthly    None      60,000      47,761    None

Customer L

   15%   May 2009    Monthly    None      59,200      39,429    None

Customer M

   14%   April 2014    Monthly    None      57,802      50,011    None

Customer N

   16%   February 2010    Monthly    None      57,539      46,089    None

Customer O

   12%   April 2015    Monthly    None      53,173      46,627    None

Customer P

   14%   February 2014    Monthly    None      51,750      45,173    None

Customer Q

   14%   February 2014    Monthly    None      49,908      49,181    None

Customer R

   14%   March 2014    Monthly    None      47,844      41,037    None

Mortgage Receivables under

Ps. 30,000

   14-16%   July 2003-April 2009    Monthly    None      88,800      17,126    None

Mortgages Receivables

Ps. 30,000-Ps. 49,999

   12-17%   July 2003-May 2009    Monthly    None      194,940      82,086    None

Mortgages Receivables

Ps. 50,000-Ps. 69,999

   9-14%   December 2006-January
2015
   Monthly    None      182,368      21,479    None
                       

  

    
                        Ps. 1,701,264    Ps. 1,166,708     
                       

  

    

 

F-210


Table of Contents

Alto Palermo S.A. (APSA)

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(In Argentine Pesos, except as otherwise indicated)

 

16. Differences between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP (continued)

 

  s) Mortgage receivable on real estate (continued)

 

The summary of activity in mortgage receivable is as follows:

 

     Years ended June 30,

 
     2004

    2003

 

Balance, beginning of the years

   Ps. 1,464,745     Ps. 1,875,196  

Deductions during the years:

                

Collections of principal

     (298,037 )     (410,451) (1)
    


 


Balance, end of years

   Ps. 1,166,708     Ps. 1,464,745  
    


 


 

(1) Includes exposure to inflation of Ps. 206,427.

 

17. Other financial statement information

 

The following tables present additional consolidated financial statement disclosures required under Argentine GAAP:

 

a. Fixed assets, net

 

b. Intangible assets, net

 

c. Goodwill, net

 

d. Allowances and provisions

 

e. Cost of leases and services, credit card operations and others

 

f. Foreign currency assets and liabilities

 

g. Other expenses

 

F-211


Table of Contents

Alto Palermo S.A. (APSA)

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statement (continued)

 

17. Other financial statement information (continued)

 

  a. Fixed assets, net

 

    Original value

  Depreciation

        

Net carrying value as of

June 30,


Principal
account


 

Value as

of beginning

of year


  Additions

  Deductions

    Transfers

   

Value as

of end

of year


 

Accumulated

as of

beginning

of year


  Current year

 

Accumulated

as of end

of year


   Impairment

    2004

   2003

              Decrease

    Transfers

  Amount (1)

         

Properties:

                                                                                       

Shopping Centers:

                                                                                       

-Abasto

  Ps. 251,398,791   Ps. 169,570   Ps. —       Ps. —       Ps. 251,568,361   Ps. 40,550,495   Ps. —       Ps. —     Ps. 7,745,073   Ps. 48,295,568    Ps. —       Ps. 203,272,793    Ps. 210,848,296

-Alto Palermo

    405,481,493     60,080     —         —         405,541,573     158,003,537     —         —       18,420,734     176,424,271      —         229,117,302      247,477,956

-Alto Avellaneda

    176,464,806     114,910     —         —         176,579,716     60,442,747     —         —       8,803,622     69,246,369      —         107,333,347      105,133,444

-Paseo Alcorta

    104,640,559     181,356     —         —         104,821,915     31,950,982     —         —       3,867,915     35,818,897      —         69,003,018      72,689,577

-Alto NOA

    42,955,955     56,150     —         —         43,012,105     8,216,675     —         —       1,984,407     10,201,082      3,222,436       29,588,587      23,810,474

-Buenos Aires Design

    48,890,520     23,700     —         —         48,914,220     23,050,456     —         —       2,483,192     25,533,648      —         23,380,572      25,840,064

-Patio Bullrich

    158,461,876     57,620     —         —         158,519,496     30,907,527     —         —       6,541,056     37,448,583      —         121,070,913      127,554,349

-Neuquén

    10,321,414     —       —         —         10,321,414     —       —         —       —       —        2,183,120       8,138,294      6,694,513

Rosario plots of land

    41,100,446     —       —         (15,414,281) (3)     25,686,165     —       —         —       —       —        —         25,686,165      41,100,446

Caballito plots of land

    8,821,673     —       —         —         8,821,673     —       —         —       —       —        —         8,821,673      8,821,673

Other

    12,152,843     —       —         —         12,152,843     547,871     —         —       162,930     710,801      367,953       11,074,089      10,742,882

Leasehold improvements

    4,240,379     1,159,448     —         —         5,399,827     3,814,807     —         —       467,061     4,281,868      —         1,117,959      425,572

Facilities

    11,858,402     160,928     —         —         12,019,330     9,687,568     —         —       902,528     10,590,096      —         1,429,234      2,170,834

Furniture and fixtures

    11,430,168     477,351     —         —         11,907,519     9,470,784     —         —       629,883     10,100,667      —         1,806,852      1,959,384

Vehicles

    125,341     —       (45,612 )     —         79,729     125,341     (45,612 )     —       —       79,729      —         —        —  

Computer equipment

    13,376,510     981,458     —         —         14,357,968     10,863,732     —         —       1,280,326     12,144,058      —         2,213,910      2,512,778

Software

    4,680,183     326,096     —         —         5,006,279     3,436,022     —         —       810,354     4,246,376      —         759,903      1,244,161

Work-in-progress:

                                                                                       

-Rosario

    15,166,471     9,340,068     —         30,890 (4)     24,537,429     —       —         —       —       —        3,488,799       21,048,630      10,400,195

-Caballito

    27,726,483     —       —         —         27,726,483     —       —         —       —       —        6,830,711       20,895,772      17,178,328

-Neuquén

    1,844,421     —       —         —         1,844,421     —       —         —       —       —        —         1,844,421      1,844,421

-Patio Bullrich

    248,417     359,054     —         —         607,471     —       —         —       —       —        —         607,471      248,417

Other

    1,572     —       —         —         1,572     1,572     —         —       —       1,572      —         —        —  

-Suppliers advances-Rosario

    —       6,929,337     —         —         6,929,337     —       —         —       —       —        —         6,929,337      —  
   

 

 


 


 

 

 


 

 

 

  


 

  

Total as of June 30, 2004

  Ps. 1,351,388,723   Ps. 20,397,126   Ps. (45,612)     Ps. (15,383,391)     Ps. 1,356,356,846   Ps. 391,070,116   Ps. (45,612)     Ps. —     Ps. 54,099,081   Ps. 445,123,585    Ps. 16,093,019 (5)   Ps. 895,140,242    Ps. —  
   

 

 


 


 

 

 


 

 

 

  


 

  

Total as of June 30, 2003

  Ps. 1,348,879,341   Ps. 2,447,987   Ps. (33,626)     Ps. 95,021 (2)   Ps. 1,351,388,723   Ps. 336,419,341   Ps. (33,626)     Ps. —     Ps. 54,684,401   Ps. 391,070,116    Ps. 41,620,843 (6)   Ps. —      Ps. 918,697,764
   

 

 


 


 

 

 


 

 

 

  


 

  

 

(1) The allocation of annual depreciation charges in the statements of income is included in “Other expenses” (Note 17.g.), except for Ps. 127,391 which are expensed.

 

(2) Includes Ps. 112,231 reclassified from intangible assets and Ps. 17,210 reclassified to inventory.

 

(3) Reclassified to inventory.

 

(4) Reclassified from intangible assets.

 

(5) Net of the amortization of the year of Ps. 1,606,941. See Note 17.g.

 

(6) Net of the amortization of the year of Ps. 2,888,218. See Note 17.g.

 

F-212


Table of Contents

 

Alto Palermo S.A. (APSA)

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statement (continued)

 

17. Other financial statement information (continued)

 

  b. Intangible assets, net

 

     Original value

   Amortizations

        Net carrying value as of
June 30,


                                     Current year

              

Principal
account


  

Value as of

beginning

of year


   Additions

   Deductions

    Transfers

   

Value as of
end

of year


   Accumulated as
of beginning of
year


   Decreases

    Transfers

    Amount (1)

   Accumulated
as of end of
year


   Impairment

   2004

   2003

Trademarks

   Ps. 587,916    Ps. —      Ps. (20,332 )   Ps. 6,384     Ps.  573,968    Ps. 253,496    Ps. (20,332 )   Ps —       Ps. 66,588    Ps. 299,752    Ps. 21,718    Ps. 252,498    Ps. 267,137

Expenses related to the securitization of receivables

     6,975,576      —        —         287       6,975,863      6,641,011      —         (192,380 )     522,650      6,971,281      —        4,582      334,565

Preoperating expenses

     15,826,977      598,651      (10,160,292 )     (37,561 )     6,227,775      12,791,292      (10,160,292 )     192,380       234,136      3,057,516      1,508,810      1,661,449      1,526,875

- Torres Abasto

     4,167,541      —        (4,167,541 )     —         —        4,128,786      (4,167,541 )     —         38,755      —        —        —        38,755

- Abasto

     1,538,727      —        (1,538,727 )     —         —        1,538,727      (1,538,727 )     —         —        —        —        —        —  

Investment projects

                                                                                              

- Multiespacio

     90,112      —        (90,112 )     —         —        90,112      (90,112 )     —         —        —        —        —        —  

Tenant list Patio Bullrich

     4,706,707      —        (4,706,707 )     —         —        4,471,413      (4,706,707 )     —         235,294      —        —        —        235,294

Other

     159,777      —        (159,777 )     —         —        102,081      (159,777 )     —         57,696      —        —        —        —  
    

  

  


 


 

  

  


 


 

  

  

  

  

Total as of June 30, 2004

   Ps. 34,053,333    Ps. 598,651    Ps. (20,843,488 )   Ps. (30,890 )(2)   Ps. 13,777,606    Ps.  30,016,918    Ps.  (20,843,488 )   Ps. —       Ps.  1,155,119(3)    Ps.  10,328,549    Ps.  1,530,528(5)    Ps.  1,918,529    Ps. —  
    

  

  


 


 

  

  


 


 

  

  

  

  

Total as of June 30, 2003

   Ps. 70,447,802    Ps. 613,624    Ps. (36,895,862 )   Ps. (112,231 )(2)   Ps. 34,053,333    Ps. 62,152,709    Ps. (36,895,790 )   Ps. —       Ps. 4,759,999(4)    Ps. 30,016,918    Ps. 1,633,789    Ps. —      Ps.  2,402,626
    

  

  


 


 

  

  


 


 

  

  

  

  

 

(1) The allocation of annual amortization charges in the statements of income is included in “Other expenses” (Note 17.g.).

 

(2) Reclassified to fixed assets.

 

(3) Includes Ps. 522,650 allocated in “Net income (loss) in credit card trust”.

 

(4) Includes Ps. 3,104,901 allocated in “Net income (loss) in credit card trust”.

 

(5) Net of the amortization of the year of Ps. 69,262. See Note 17.g.

 

F-213


Table of Contents

 

Alto Palermo S.A. (APSA)

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statement (continued)

 

17. Other financial statement information (continued)

 

  c. Goodwill, net

 

     Original value

   Amortizations

   Net carrying value as of June 30,

Principal account


  

Value as of
beginning

of year


   Value as of end
of year


   Accumulated
as of beginning
of year


  

Amount

(1)


   Accumulated as
of end of year


   2004

   2003

- Old Alto Palermo

   Ps. 24,628,438    Ps. 24,628,438    Ps. 14,161,487    Ps. 2,462,712    Ps. 16,624,199    Ps. 8,004,239    Ps. 10,466,951

- Tarshop S.A

     2,422,536      2,422,536      1,211,280      242,241      1,453,521      969,015      1,211,256

- Fibesa S.A

     21,217,024      21,217,024      6,365,221      2,121,589      8,486,810      12,730,214      14,851,803
    

  

  

  

  

  

  

Total as of June 30, 2004

   Ps. 48,267,998    Ps. 48,267,998    Ps. 21,737,988    Ps. 4,826,542    Ps. 26,564,530    Ps. 21,703,468    Ps. —  
    

  

  

  

  

  

  

Total as of June 30, 2003

   Ps. 48,267,998    Ps. 48,267,998    Ps. 16,910,933    Ps. 4,827,055    Ps. 21,737,988    Ps. —      Ps .26,530,010
    

  

  

  

  

  

  

 

(1) The allocation of annual amortization charges in the statements of income is included in “ Amortization of goodwill”.

 

F-214


Table of Contents

 

Alto Palermo S.A. (APSA)

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statement (continued)

 

17. Other financial statement information (continued)

 

  d. Allowances and provisions

 

                     Carrying value as of June 30,

Item


   Balances as of
begining of year


   Additions

   Deductions

    2004

   2003

   2002

Deducted from current assets

                                          

Allowance for doubtful accounts

   Ps. 45,332,888    Ps. 233,751    Ps. (11,505,078) (1)   Ps. 34,061,561    Ps. 45,332,888    Ps. 56,425,789
    

  

  


 

  

  

Total as of June 30, 2004

   Ps. 45,332,888    Ps. 233,751    Ps. (11,505,078)     Ps. 34,061,561    Ps. —      Ps. —  
    

  

  


 

  

  

Total as of June 30, 2003

   Ps. 56,425,789    Ps. 11,344,462    Ps. (22,437,363) (2)   Ps. —      Ps. 45,332,888    Ps. —  
    

  

  


 

  

  

Total as of June 30, 2002

   Ps. 54,721,449    Ps. 52,866,555    Ps. (51,162,215) (7)   Ps. —      Ps. —      Ps. 56,425,789
    

  

  


 

  

  

Deducted from non current assets:

                                          

Allowance for doubtful accounts

   Ps. 53,921    Ps. —      Ps. (8,957)     Ps. 44,964    Ps. 53,921    Ps. 74,877

Allowance for doubtful mortgage receivable

     2,208,275      —        —         2,208,275      2,208,275      2,481,439

Impairment of inventory

     6,154,771      —        (2,953,194) (3)     3,201,577      6,154,771      6,277,961

Impairment of fixed assets

     41,620,843      —        (25,527,824) (4)     16,093,019      41,620,843      56,493,022

Impairment of intangible assets

     1,633,789      —        (103,261) (5)     1,530,528      1,633,789      —  

Impairment of non- current investments

     7,493,466      —        (596,076) (6)     6,897,390      7,493,466      —  
    

  

  


 

  

  

Total as of June 30, 2004

   Ps. 59,165,065    Ps. —      Ps. (29,189,312)     Ps. 29,975,753    Ps. —      Ps. —  
    

  

  


 

  

  

Total as of June 30, 2003

   Ps. 65,327,299    Ps. 14,350,018    Ps. (20,512,252)     Ps. —      Ps. 59,165,065    Ps. —  
    

  

  


 

  

  

Total as of June 30, 2002

   Ps. 2,069,125    Ps. 65,630,926    Ps. (2,372,752)     Ps. —      Ps. —      Ps. 65,327,299
    

  

  


 

  

  

Included in current liabilities:

                                          

Provision for contingencies

   Ps. —      Ps. —      Ps. —       Ps. —      Ps. —      Ps. 3,903,734
    

  

  


 

  

  

Total as of June 30, 2004

   Ps. —      Ps. —      Ps. —       Ps. —      Ps. —      Ps. —  
    

  

  


 

  

  

Total as of June 30, 2003

   Ps. 3,903,734    Ps. —      Ps. (3,903,734)     Ps. —      Ps. —      Ps. —  
    

  

  


 

  

  

Total as of June 30, 2002

   Ps. —      Ps. 3,903,734    Ps. —       Ps. —      Ps. —      Ps. 3,903,734
    

  

  


 

  

  

Included in non- current liabilities:

                                          

Provision for contingencies

   Ps. 3,927,125    Ps. 2,174,327    Ps. (105,754)     Ps. 5,995,698    Ps. 3,927,125    Ps. 4,938,067
    

  

  


 

  

  

Total as of June 30, 2004

   Ps. 3,927,125    Ps. 2,174,327    Ps. (105,754)     Ps. 5,995,698    Ps. —      Ps. —  
    

  

  


 

  

  

Total as of June 30, 2003

   Ps. 4,938,067    Ps. 6,051,578     
 
Ps.
(7,062,520)
 
(8)
  Ps. —      Ps. 3,927,125    Ps. —  
    

  

  


 

  

  

Total as of June 30, 2002

   Ps. 4,313,221    Ps. 3,291,113     
 
Ps.
(2,666,267)
 
(9)
  Ps. —      Ps. —      Ps. 4,938,067
    

  

  


 

  

  

 

(1) Includes recovery of allowance for doubtful accounts of Ps. 1,278,759 and off sets of Ps. 10,226,319.

 

(2) Includes recovery of allowance for doubtful accounts of Ps. 1,002,545, off sets of Ps. 15,223,310 and exposure to inflation of Ps. 6,211,508.

 

(3) Related to recovery of impairment. See Note 17.e

 

(4) Includes amortization of the year of Ps. 1,606,941 and recovery of impairment of Ps. 23,920,883.

 

(5) Includes amortization of the year of Ps. 69,262 and recovery of impairment of Ps. 33,999.

 

(6) Includes recovery of impairment of Pérez Cuesta S.A.C.I.

 

(7) Includes recovery of allowance for doubtful accounts of Ps. 88,049 and exposure to inflation of Ps. 51,074,166.

 

(8) Includes Ps. 2,836,049 reclassified to customer advances, Ps. 3,226,159 paid during the year, recovery of provision for contingencies of Ps. 26,982 and Ps. 973,330 related to exposure to inflation.

 

(9) Includes recovery of provision for contingencies of Ps. 117,306 and exposure to inflation of Ps. 2,548,961.

 

F-215


Table of Contents

Alto Palermo S.A. (APSA)

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statement (continued)

 

17. Other financial statement information (continued)

 

  e. Cost of leases and services, credit card operations and others

 

     Year ended June 30,

 
     2004

    2003

    2002

 

1.      Cost of leases and services

                        

Expenses (Note 17.g.)

     60,004,671       58,243,230       72,746,300  
    


 


 


Cost of leases and services

   Ps. 60,004,671     Ps. 58,243,230     Ps. 72,746,300  
    


 


 


II.     Cost of credit card operations

                        

Expenses (Note 17.g.)

     11,965,061       8,330,235       12,601,125  
    


 


 


Cost of credit card operations

   Ps. 11,965,061     Ps. 8,330,235     Ps. 12,601,125  
    


 


 


III.   Cost of others

                        

Inventory as of the beginning of the years

   Ps. 25,789,201     Ps. 26,195,430     Ps. 39,139,144  

Plus:

                        

Purchases of the years

     24,928       105,098       431,827  

Expenses (Note 17.g.)

     28,440       349,675       718,501  

Recovery of impairment of inventory

     2,953,194       123,190       —    

Reclassified from fixed assets

     15,414,281       17,210       —    

Less:

                        

Impairment of inventory

     —         —         (6,277,961 )

Properties delivered

     —         —         (2,092,940 )

Stock as of the end of the years

     (44,181,604 )     (25,789,201 )     (26,195,430 )
    


 


 


Cost of others

   Ps. 28,440     Ps. 1,001,402     Ps. 5,723,141  
    


 


 


Total cost

   Ps. 71,998,172     Ps. 67,574,867     Ps. 91,070,566  
    


 


 


 

F-216


Table of Contents

Alto Palermo S.A. (APSA)

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statement (continued)

 

17. Other financial statement information (continued)

 

  f. Foreign currency assets and liabilities

 

     Currency

   Amount of
foreign
currency


    Current
exchange rate


   Total as of June 30,

Captions


           2004

   2003

Assets

                                 

Current assets

                                 

Cash and banks

   US$        10,778,178     2.918    Ps. 31,450,725    Ps. 15,978,725

Investments

   US$        11,643     2.918      33,975      38,911

Other receivables and prepaid expenses (*)

   US$        4,671,760 (1)   2.958      13,815,730      306,866
           


      

  

Total current assets

            15,461,581          Ps. 45,300,430    Ps. 16,324,502
           


      

  

Non-current assets

                                 

Other receivables and prepaid expenses (*)

            —            Ps. —      Ps. 8,172,241
           


      

  

Total non-current assets

            —            Ps. —      Ps. 8,172,241
           


      

  

Total assets as of June 30, 2004

            15,461,581          Ps. 45,300,430    Ps.  
           


      

  

Total assets as of June 30, 2003

            8,960,711          Ps. —      Ps. 24,496,743
           


      

  

Liabilities

                                 

Current liabilities

                                 

Trade accounts payable

   US$        340,893     2.958    Ps. 1,008,361    Ps. 963,817

Short-term debt

   US$        2,218,025     2.958      6,560,919      6,308,960
           


      

  

Total current liabilities

            2,558,918          Ps. 7,569,280    Ps. 7,272,777
           


      

  

Non current liabilities

                                 

Trade accounts payable

   US$        968,547     2.958    Ps. 2,864,961    Ps. 3,609,629

Long-term debt

   US$        49,065,410     2.958      145,135,483      139,561,845
           


      

  

Total non-current liabilities

            50,033,957          Ps. 148,000,444    Ps. 143,171,474
           


      

  

Total liabilities as of June 30, 2004

            52,592,875          Ps. 155,569,724    Ps. —  
           


      

  

Total liabilities as of June 30, 2003

            53,730,089          Ps. —      Ps. 150,444,251
           


      

  

 

(*) Includes receivables and liabilities in foreign currency originated by the interest rate swap agreement. See Note 4.d.i.

 

(1) Includes US$ 83,402 valued at the buyers’ rate of exchange.

 

F-217


Table of Contents

Alto Palermo S.A. (APSA)

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statement (continued)

 

17. Other financial statement information (continued)

 

  g. Other expenses

 

     Expenses

              

Items


   Cost of
leases and
services


   Cost of
credit card
operations


   Cost of others

   Administrative

   Selling

   Total
as of
June 30, 2004


   Total
as of
June 30, 2003


   Total
as of
June 30, 2002


Depreciation and amortization

   Ps. 51,306,574    Ps. 740,131    Ps. 18,271    Ps. 824,223    Ps. 38,757    Ps. 52,927,956    Ps. 53,451,281    Ps. 58,929,822

Condominium expenses

     4,856,216      —        —        —        —        4,856,216      4,743,900      11,846,321

Taxes, rates, contributions and services

     131,227      2,110,191      —        3,073,731      5,953,517      11,268,666      8,346,809      10,983,318

Fees for directors

     —        —        —        4,300,763      —        4,300,763      4,133,108      2,173,930

Allowance for doubtful accounts

     —        —        —        —        —        —        10,341,917      52,782,615

Parking

     3,206,290      —        —        —        —        3,206,290      2,269,919      3,841,329

Fees and payments for services

     —        1,522,392      —        3,937,125      9,360      5,468,877      3,957,086      5,634,672

Salaries and bonuses

     —        3,778,626      —        5,064,985      1,913,528      10,757,139      7,091,671      14,066,285

Insurance

     —        159,287      —        642,754      —        802,041      777,996      911,035

Maintenance and repairs

     166,002      152,767      9,759      366,673      —        695,201      714,133      829,514

Commissions

     —        2,668,222      —        —        —        2,668,222      2,026,229      2,147,550

Bank charges

     —        —        —        308,664      —        308,664      326,618      417,512

Rental

     88,343      163,492      —        541,235      —        793,070      824,815      1,881,216

Stationery

     —        220,003      —        276,997      —        497,000      534,541      892,258

Personnel

     —        161,896      —        328,602      —        490,498      370,472      627,253

Control authorities expenses

     —        182,066      —        187,255      —        369,321      217,332      191,372

Social security contributions

     —        —        —        310,264      243,807      554,071      303,723      820,065

Freight and transportation

     —        —        —        133,479      —        133,479      99,707      145,985

Advertising

     —        —        —        —        2,621,194      2,621,194      1,466,941      3,573,939

Computer services

     —        —        —        —        —        —        —        119,104

Other

     250,019      105,988      410      424,184      91,684      872,285      745,961      1,846,154
    

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

Total as of June 30, 2004

   Ps. 60,004,671    Ps. 11,965,061    Ps. 28,440    Ps. 20,720,934    Ps. 10,871,847    Ps. 103,590,953    Ps. —      Ps. —  
    

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

Total as of June 30, 2003

   Ps. 58,243,230    Ps. 8,330,235    Ps. 349,675    Ps. 18,227,482    Ps. 17,593,537    Ps. —      Ps. 102,744,159    Ps. —  
    

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

Total as of June 30, 2002

   Ps. 72,746,300    Ps. 12,601,125    Ps. 718,501    Ps. 25,383,497    Ps. 63,211,826    Ps. —      Ps. —      Ps. 174,661,249
    

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

 

F-218


Table of Contents

 

SIGNATURE

 

The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorized the undersigned to sign this annual report on its behalf.

 

IRSA INVERSIONES Y REPRESENTACIONES SOCIEDAD ANÓNIMA
By:   /S/    EDUARDO S. ELSZTAIN        
    Eduardo S. Elsztain

Position:

  Chief Executive Officer

Date:

 

December 29, 2004

 

S - 1