Provided by MZ Technologies
 
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 

 
FORM 6-K
 
Report of Foreign Private Issuer
Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16 of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
 
For the month of November, 2009

Commission File Number 1-14732
 

 
COMPANHIA SIDERÚRGICA NACIONAL
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 

National Steel Company
(Translation of Registrant's name into English)
 

Av. Brigadeiro Faria Lima 3400, 20º andar
São Paulo, SP, Brazil
04538-132
(Address of principal executive office)
 

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

Form 20-F ___X___ Form 40-F _______

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

Yes _______ No ___X____


IN THE 3Q09, CSN RECORDS NET INCOME OF R$1.15 BILLION, SALES VOLUME MOVES UP BY 39% AND THE EBITDA MARGIN WIDENS TO 33%

São Paulo, Brazil, November 4, 2009

Companhia Siderúrgica Nacional(CSN)(BOVESPA: CSNA3) (NYSE: SID) announces today its results for the third quarter of 2009 (3Q09), in accordance with Brazilian accounting principles and denominated in Brazilian Reais (R$). All comments presented herein refer to the Company’s consolidated results and comparisons refer to the second quarter of 2009 (2Q09), unless otherwise stated. The Real/US Dollar exchange rate was R$1.778 on September 30, 2009.

Executive Summary
     Investor Relations Team 
 
On September 30, 2009    - IR Executive Officer: Paulo Penido Pinto Marques 
• Bovespa: CSNA3 R$ 54.38/share    - Manager: David Moise Salama - (+55 11) 3049-7588 
• NYSE: SID US$ 30.60 /ADR (1 ADR = 1 share)   - Specialist: Claudio Pontes - (+55 11) 3049-7592 
• Total no. of shares = 755,179,610    - Specialist: Fábio Romanin – (+55 11) 3049-7598 
• Market cap: R$ 40 billion/US$ 22 billion    - Senior Analyst: Priscila Kurata - (+54 11) 3049-7526 
    - Junior Analyst: Caio de Carvalho – (+55 11) 3049-7593 
    invrel@csn.com.br 

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Consolidated Highlights    3Q08    2Q09    3Q09    3Q09 x 3Q08 
(Chg%)
  3Q09 x 2Q09 
(Chg%)
Crude Steel Production (thousand t)   1,337    869    1,177    -12%    35% 
Steel Sales Volume (thousand t)   1,265    947    1,320    4%    39% 
   Domestic Market    1,111    795    884    -20%    11% 
   Export Market    154    152    436    182%    186% 
Net Revenue per unit (R$/t)   2,421    1,960    1,667    -31%    -15% 
Financial Data (RS MM)                    
   Net Revenue    4,029    2,492    2,986    -26%    20% 
   Gross Profit    2,118    836    1,177    -44%    41% 
   EBITDA    2,090    728    992    -53%    36% 
   EBITDA Margin    52%    29%    33%    -19 p.p    4 p.p 
Net Income (R$ MM)   40    335    1,150    2775%    243% 
Net Debt (R$ MM)   6,283    4,881    5,858    -7%    20% 
 

Economic and Industry Scenario

Brazil

The latest figures show that the Brazilian economy has begun to grow once again and the country’s image of economic dynamism and solidity is becoming consolidated in the international community.

Activity is already showing signs of improvement, fueled by increased family consumption, higher employment and individual earnings, and the greater availability of credit.

According to CAGED (General Employment Registry), in September alone 252,617 registered jobs were created, the second highest monthly figure ever and the highest in 2009. The IBGE’s numbers also show that Brazilian workers’ average earnings are moving up.

Loan operations through September increased by 16.9% year-on-year, while the credit-to-GDP ratio stood at 45.7% versus 38.7% in September 2008. In addition, financial system default fell for the first time this year and provisioning levels remained stable.

The latest data from the CNI (National Confederation of Industry) have ratified the upturn in activity and are pointing to the return of investments. The ICEI industrial confidence index, released every three months, has climbed back to pre-crisis levels and currently stands at 65.9 points. This indicator assesses the conditions of companies and the economic scenario in the last six months and the expectations for the next six months.

Just to underline all this, the FGV’s average installed capacity use numbers show that manufacturers of intermediate goods are working at 83.3% capacity, the highest ratio in 2009.

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The Brazilian Central Bank’s market report estimates GDP growth of 0.18% in 2009 and 4.80% in 2010. At its last meeting, the Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee (COPOM) maintained the Selic base rate at 8.75% p.a., even though the short-term inflation indicators are converging to levels below the mid-point of the target.

Macroeconomic Projections

  2009  2010 
IPCA (%) 4.29  4.50 
Commercial dollar (final) – R$  1.70  1.75 
SELIC (final - %) 8.75  10.50 
GDP (%) 0.18  4.80 
Industrial Production (%) -7.56  6.50 

Source: FOCUS BACEN            Base: October 23, 2009 

Sectors:

Steel:

Industrial production is moving up thanks to the improved global economic and financial indicators. Several plants are returning to normal output levels and investments suspended during the global economic slowdown are picking up again. According to Macquarie’s September 2009 report, 41 blast furnaces have restarted operations around the world (excluding China), equivalent to 61.9 million tonnes of capacity.

Strong demand from China, the beginning of an upturn in demand in other markets with the end of the destocking process, the decline in interest rates and the gradual recovery of the world economy should ensure an increase in production by year-end. International expectations for 2010 are positive, given the likelihood of an increased activity.

The Brazilian steel industry recorded some of its best results of the year in the third quarter, evidence of a more solid recovery.

According to the IABR (Brazilian Steel Institute), crude steel output increased substantially in the 3Q09, totaling 7.9 million tonnes, 42% up on the 2Q09. Nevertheless, the improvement was not enough to reverse the year-to-date balance, which was still 31% down on the first nine months of 2008.

Rolled flat production totaled 3.5 million tonnes, 30% more than the 2.7 million tonnes recorded in the 2Q09. Output in the first nine months stood at 8.2 million tonnes, 29% down on the same period last year.

Domestic sales of rolled flat steel came to 2.5 million tonnes in the third quarter, 16% up on the 2Q09, and to 6.4 million tonnes in the first nine months, 37% down year-on-year.

Rolled flat exports also did better in the 3Q09, totaling 2.0 million tonnes, 68% up on the previous three months, while the year-to-date figure moved up by 5% when compared to the same period of 2008, to 4.4 million tonnes.

Thanks to the upturn in sales, some plants were able to partially remove the discounts introduced at the beginning of the year. Nevertheless, steel manufacturers are treating the improvement with caution, given the impact of the appreciation of the Real and the current level of international prices.

The WSA (World Steel Association) expects Brazilian consumption to fall by 22% in 2009 compared to 2008, although it is more optimistic regarding 2010, estimating an annual increase of around 8.6% .

Mining:

According to Brazil’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Development, iron ore exports in the first nine months of 2009 totaled 194 million tonnes, 13% down year-on-year.

IBRAM (the Brazilian Mining Institute) expects Brazilian iron ore production of 340 million tonnes in 2009 and 430 million tonnes in 2010. Only 6% of total output will be sold on the domestic market.

Chinese ore imports have surprised the market. In September 2009 alone, imports reached 64.5 million tonnes, 15 million more than in August, while the year-to-date figure stood at 469 million tonnes. The upturn was basically due to the increase in Chinese steel production and expectations of higher ore prices next year.

Ore prices on the Chinese spot market are still above US$90.00.

Segments:

Automotive: The reduction in IPI (federal VAT), the greater availability of credit and lower interest rates have all contributed to the healthy performance of the auto industry in the first nine months of the year. A total of 2.3 million vehicles were licensed in this period, 4.2% up year-on-year, with September’s figure representing an all-time monthly record.

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Beginning in October, the IPI tax will be increased in a staggered manner until it reaches its pre-cut levels at the beginning of 2010.

Even with the gradual removal of the auto sector incentive, end-of-year expectations remain optimistic and annual domestic sales growth is estimated at 6.4% .

Although production recorded sustainable growth throughout the first nine months, it was still 11.5% down on the 2.62 million units produced in the 9M08. Third-quarter output, however, moved up 6% over the 2Q09 to 852,300 units.

Exports are suffering from the exchange variation and shrinking global demand and the 2009 annual figure looks set to suffer a 40% reduction over last year.

Construction: According to SindusCon-SP (the São Paulo Construction Industry Association), in conjunction with the FGV, Brazil's building industry opened 45,000 job positions nationwide in August, the highest figure since December 2000, and the segment is expected to close 2009 with annual growth of between 2.5% and 3.5%, followed by an expansion of more than 7% in 2010.

The real-estate market did extremely well in the third quarter – in the city of São Paulo alone, launches exceeded 9,000 units, 87% up on the 2Q09, chiefly due to the Minha Casa Minha Vida program geared towards low-income earners, whose housing deficit is enormous.

In addition, the two major sporting events to be held in Brazil (the World Cup on 2014 and the Olympic Games in 2016), plus the government’s infrastructure program (PAC – Accelerated Growth Program), should require heavy investments in infrastructure works and projects in the coming years. These investments will fuel the economy and, especially, those segments related to construction.

Distribution: The distribution segment did well in the 3Q09, pushed by the excellent performance of the auto and construction industries.

According to INDA (the Brazilian Steel Distributors’ Association), sales volume stood at 956,000 tonnes, 19% up on the 2Q09. On the other hand, sales in the first nine months fell by 19% year-on-year to 3.1 million tonnes. Expectations for the final quarter are positive, given growing demand.

Also according to INDA, distribution purchases totaled 866,000 tonnes in the 3Q09, 23% up on the quarter before, and 2.1 million tonnes year-to-date, 29% down on the first nine months of 2008.

Inventories closed September at 758,000 tonnes, 14% down on the end of the 2Q09, equivalent to 2.4 months of sales, versus the historical average of 2.7 months, which may be a signal of inventories rebuilding and, consequently, an increase in demand.

Home Appliances / OEM : According to the IBGE’s Monthly Industrial Survey, although home appliance production, including white goods, has been recording gradual quarter-over-quarter growth, the total through August was still 9% down year-on-year. The reduction in IPI on white goods and lower interest are fueling sector demand.

The government is considering prolonging the IPI benefit until the close of 2009, when sales are at their peak due to the end-of-year festivities.

International Market

USA: Although some indicators are pointing to an improvement, one of the worst recessions in recent years has left its mark on the world’s biggest economy.

The government’s fiscal deficit is close to the danger mark of 10% of GDP, its worst level since the Second World War, thanks to dwindling tax revenue, increased unemployment and reduced family earnings, as well as recession-driven expenses, such as company bail-outs.

In order for revenue to recover, local activity must expand. Although 2009 GDP is expected to fall by 2.5%, Capital Economics believes the U.S. economy will stage a recovery in the final quarter and grow by 3% in 2010. Even with exceptionally low interest rates (0.25% p.a.) and negative inflation, consumption remains well below normal American standards.

Unemployment of 10% and stagnating family income are the main factors the Barack Obama government will have to combat if it wants to restart economic growth.

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There are indications that steel production is beginning to improve, primarily due to the end of the U.S. destocking process. From the height of the crisis until October 2009, capacity use increased from 42.1% to 60.6% and distributors’ inventories totaled around 5 million tonnes in August, one of their lowest levels in 20 years and sufficient for sales of 2.2 months, versus the historical average of 2.7 months.

Steel production totaled 16 million tonnes in the third quarter, 28% up on the 2Q09, and 40 million tonnes in the first nine months, 88% down year-on-year.

Even with low demand growth, local plants are already suffering pressure from imported products. According to CRU, the recovery of blast-furnace output in certain mills and the upturn in imports, which could grow by 75% in the 1Q10, should put a brake on prices. CRU estimates that hot-rolled coils will fall from US$620/t FOB (Midwest) in the 4Q09 to US$560/t FOB (Midwest) in the 1Q10. Even if demand recovers, prices are unlikely to exceed US$575/t.

Europe: The recovery is both slow and modest in the euro zone, chiefly due to the rebalancing of global demand. The IMF expects European Union GDP to fall by 4.7% this year and edge up by a mere 0.8% in 2010, while apparent steel consumption is expected to fall by 33% in 2009 and increase by 12% next year.

Despite flagging activity, steel production actually went up by 11% in the 3Q09, led by exceptionally strong growth in September. However, this was insufficient to reverse the performance in the first nine months when output collapsed by 66% over the 160 million tonnes recorded in the same period last year.

European steel prices have increased due to two factors: 1) the low penetration of imported products; and 2) delays in the recommencement of production, which pressured spot prices. As a result, hot-rolled coils in Germany moved up by 20% to US$630/t at the beginning of September, according to CRU.

Asia: China has recovered rapidly from the global financial crisis and looks set to meet the government’s annual GDP growth target of 8%. GDP moved up 8.9% in the 3Q09 and 7.7% year-to-date.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics of China, industrial activity has been increasing in a sustainable manner since the beginning of the year. Growth came to 12% in August alone and 8% in the first nine months.

Another indicator of economic recovery is the consumer confidence index which the National Bureau measured at 88% in August, the highest figure of the year, although still below pre-crisis levels. This shows that the population is gradually recovering its confidence in the local economy.

The rapid rally was essentially due to the government’s US$586 billion incentive package and the loans granted to state-run companies by the public banks, so that financing levels remained close to their pre-crisis levels.

The measures helped fuel investments and the consumption of commodities and steel products.

While steel plants around the world imposed cut-backs, China actually increased its steel output in 2009. According to CISA, the Chinese Iron and Steel Association, China’s steel sector actually achieved record production figures in August.

Production totaled 154 million tonnes in the third-quarter, versus 139 million in the previous three months, while the nine-month figure climbed 8% year-on-year to 420 million tonnes. Most output was absorbed by the domestic market.

China has massive steel production capacity and runs the danger of generating oversupply. CISA puts the country’s inventories at between 40 and 50 million tonnes. Requests by the authorities to reduce output have had little effect and this is already reflected in prices.

On the other hand, exports are well below 2008 levels. Shipments in September totaled 2.47 million tonnes, almost two-thirds less than last year.

Production 

The Presidente Vargas Steelworks produced 1,177,000 tonnes of crude steel in the 3Q09, 35% up on the previous quarter due to the operational restart of Blast Furnace 2 (BF 2) in the second half of June/09, re-establishing CSN’s full production capacity.

Rolled output totaled 1,323,000 tonnes, 37% up on the 2Q09 and 13% more than the pre-crisis 3Q08.

It is worth noting that inventories of semi-finished products fell throughout the third quarter due to increased sales in both the domestic and international markets.

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Year-to-date crude steel production totaled 3,133,000 tonnes, 19% down on the 3,850,000 produced in the same period last year, due to the repairs to BF 2 in the 2Q09 and the economic slowdown that began at the end of 2008.

Also in the first nine months, rolled output came to 2,917,000 tonnes, 18% less than the 3,543,000 recorded in the 9M08.

Production (in thousand t)   3Q08    2Q09    3Q09    Change % 
        3Q09 x 3Q08    3Q09 x 2Q09 
Crude Steel (P Vargas Mill)   1,317    869    1,177    -11%    35% 
Purchased Slabs from Third Parties    19         
Total Crude Steel    1,336    869    1,177    -12%    35% 
 
Rolled Products * (UPV)   1,146    968    1,323    15%    37% 
HR from Third Parties Consumption    20         
Rolled Products * (UPV)    1,166    968    1,323    13%    37% 
   * Products delivered for sale, including shipments to CSN Paraná and GalvaSud. 

Production Costs (Parent Company)

CSN’s total steel production costs came to R$1,037 million in the 3Q09, 11% or R$104 million up on the previous quarter, essentially due to the substantial period increase in crude and rolled steel output, which resulted in higher consumption of raw materials and other inputs. The main variations between the two quarters are shown below:

Raw materials – total cost of R$432 million in the 3Q09, R$36 million more than the 2Q09:

– Coal: decline of R$6 million – given that prices remained stable in dollars, the reduction was chiefly due to the appreciation of the Real, despite the increase in consumption triggered by higher crude steel production in the 3Q09;
Coke: slight upturn of R$5 million due to increased consumption in the 3Q09;
Iron ore: growth of R$14 million, primarily due to higher crude steel production;
Pellets: increase of R$10 million, essentially due to higher consumption;
Other raw materials: upturn of R$13 million, also thanks to increased consumption in the 3Q09.

Labor – labor costs totaled R$123 million in the 3Q09, R$14 million higher than the 2Q09 figure, due to the pay rise in September/09 as a result of the collective bargaining agreement;

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General costs – general production costs amounted to R$380 million in the 3Q09, R$55 million more than in the 2Q09, chiefly due to improved steel output, broken down as follows:

Gas, electricity and fuels: increase of R$14 million;
Maintenance: growth of R$19 million;
Third-party services: upturn of R$13 million;
Other general costs: increase of R$9 million.

Depreciation - remained virtually flat over the 2Q09 at around R$102 million.

The unit production cost of rolled steel averaged R$784/t in the 3Q09, a significant reduction of 19% over the previous quarter’s average of R$964/t.

Sales

Total Sales Volume

CSN’s flat steel sales volume totaled 1,320,000 tonnes in the 3Q09, 39% up on the previous three months.

Year-to-date sales volume came to 2.9 million tonnes, 27% down on the first nine months of 2008.

Domestic Market

In 3Q09, flat steel domestic sales amounted to 884,000 tonnes, 11% up on the 2Q09, reflecting higher demand for steel products, especially from the construction, home appliance/OEM and automotive industries.

In 2009 through September, however, sales fell 33% year-on-year to 2.2 million tonnes, due to reduced demand

Exports

Steel product exports totaled 436,000 tonnes in the third quarter, 186% up on the 2Q09, thanks to increased international demand in the 3Q09 and the exceptionally weak export performance in the first half of 2009.

Year-to-date export volume came to 671,000 tonnes, a 2% year-on-year improvement.


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Market Share

The Company’s share of the overall domestic flat steel market (hot-rolled, cold-rolled, galvanized and tin plate) stood at 40% in the 3Q09, identical to the previous quarter. In individual product terms, its share of the tin plate, galvanized, hot-rolled and cold-rolled segments came to 97%, 49%, 35% and 30%, respectively.

The charts below show CSN’s market share of the automotive and home appliance/OEM segments:

Prices

Thanks to discounts conceded and the change in the product mix, net revenue per tonne averaged R$ 1,968 on the domestic market in the 3Q09, 5% down on the 2Q09.

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3Q09 average net export revenue per tonne fell by 24% over the 2Q09, chiefly due to the higher share of non-coated steel in the product mix and the appreciation of the Real against the dollar.

Mining

PRODUCTION

Own iron ore production plus purchases from third parties totaled 7.5 million tonnes in the 3Q09, of which: (i) 5.3 million from Casa de Pedra; (ii) 0.8 million from Namisa; and (iii) 1.4 million from third parties. Of own production of 6.1 million tonnes, 3.3 million referred to finished products* and 2.8 million was run-of-mine.

In the first nine months, own production and acquisitions from third parties came to 21.1 million tonnes, of which: (i) 16.0 million from Casa de Pedra; (ii) 2.4 million from Namisa; and (iii) 2.7 million from third parties. Finished products* and run-of-mine amounted to 13.4 million tonnes and 5.0 million tonnes, respectively, giving total own production of 18.4 million tonnes.

SALES

The tables below give a breakdown of CSN’s 2009 iron ore sales to date.

IRON ORE SALES VOLUME
CSN + NAMISA 100% – Thousand t

 
    3Q09    9M09 
 
DOMESTIC MARKET    1,494    2,751 
         
       Finished Products    306    748 
       Run-of-mine    1,187    2,003 
     
EXPORT MARKET    6,296    16,666 
         
       Finished Products    6,296    16,666 
 
TOTAL MARKET    7,790    19,416 
 

 
(-) MINORITY INTEREST    (1,865)   (4,051)
 
DOMESTIC MARKET    (19)   (87)
 
EXPORT MARKET    (1,846)   (3,965)
 

IRON ORE SALES VOLUME
CONSOLIDATED – Thousand t

 
    3Q09    9M09 
 
DOMESTIC MARKET    1,475    2,664 
         
       Finished Products    288    661 
       Run-of-mine    1,187    2,003 
     
EXPORT MARKET    4,450    12,701 
         
       Finished Products    4,450    12,701 
 
TOTAL MARKET    5,925    15,365 
         
       Finished Products    4,738    13,362 
       Run-of-mine    1,187    2,003 
 

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The Presidente Vargas Steelworks absorbed 1.7 million tonnes in the third quarter and 4.6 million tonnes in the first nine months.

INVENTORIES

Iron ore inventories closed the 3Q09 at around 10.1 million tonnes, 8.0 million of which finished products*.

* Finished products: lump, sinter feed, concentrate, pellet feed, hematite and mixed hematite.

Net Revenue

Net revenue totaled R$3.0 billion in the 3Q09, 20% up on the R$2.5 billion recorded in the 2Q09, due to the upturn in steel product sales volume.

Year-to-date net revenue came to R$7.9 billion, 25% down on the first nine months of 2008, thanks to the global economic slowdown.



Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

SG&A expenses totaled R$373 million in the 3Q09, R$51 million higher than the 2Q09 figure, essentially due to higher freight, insurance and third-party service costs.

In the first nine months, these expenses came to R$970 million, 13% up year-on-year, chiefly due to greater sales efforts and higher provisions for doubtful accounts.

Other Revenue and Expenses

In the 3Q09, CSN recorded a positive R$661 million in the “Other Revenue and Expenses” line, versus a negative R$103 million in the 2Q09, mainly due to the non-recurring positive impact of R$835 million from gains related to the reverse merger of Big Jump Energy Participações S.A. ("BIG JUMP") by Namisa. This adjustment was recognized as “Gains from Investments” in CSN’s “Other Revenue and Expenses” line.

It is worth remembering that, in December/08, CSN sold 2,271,825 Namisa voting shares to Big Jump, whose shareholders are Posco and Brazil Japan Iron Ore Corp (Itochu, JFE Steel, Sumitomo Metal Industries, Kobe Steel, Nisshin Steel and Nippon Steel). Subsequently, Big Jump subscribed to new shares, paying in a total of US$3.04 billion, equivalent to R$7.29 billion, R$6.71 billion of which was recognized as goodwill from the subscription of shares.

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In addition, this reverse merger took place without any alteration in the percentage holdings of these shareholders.

EBITDA

Third-quarter EBITDA totaled R$992 million, a substantial 36% up on the 2Q09, primarily due to the increase in steel product sales volume and the decline in production costs.

The 3Q09 EBITDA margin stood at 33%, 4.0 p.p. up on the previous three months, underlining the consistent recovery since the 1Q09.


Financial Result and Debt

The 3Q09 net financial result was negative by R$115 million, chiefly due to the following factors:
• Provisions for interest on loans and financing totaling R$265 million;
• Monetary restatement of tax provisions, amounting to R$60 million;
• Gains of R$110 million from monetary and exchange variations, including the results of derivative transactions;
• Returns on financial investments totaling R$66 million;
• Other financial revenues of R$34 million.

Consolidated net debt moved up by R$1.0 billion, from R$4.9 billion on June 30,2009, to R$5.9 billion on September 30, 2009, essentially due to the following factors:
• EBITDA of R$1.0 billion in the 3Q09;
• Investments of R$0.4 billion;
• Effect of R$0.2 billion related to cost of debt allocated to the result.
• Disbursement of R$0.8 billion to settle the equity swap and repurchase the corresponding ADRs;
• Financial settlement of the FX and interest swap, totaling R$0.3 billion.

The net debt/EBITDA ratio, based on EBITDA of R$3.9 billion in the last 12 months, came to 1.49x at the close of the third quarter, 0.52x up on the 0.97x recorded at the end of the 2Q09, thanks to the increase in net debt and the decline in 12-month EBITDA.

On August 13, the subsidiary CSN Madeira settled an equity swap transaction pegged to 29,684,400 CSN ADRs. The operation was settled at the average weighted price of CSN’s shares on the BM&Fbovespa in the 30 trading sessions immediately prior to the settlement date, as approved by the CVM.

Also with CVM approval, shortly after the settlement of the equity swap, CSN acquired, through a private transaction and for the same settlement price, the 29,684,400 ADRs detained by the counterparty, which were converted into CSN shares held in treasury and subsequently canceled.

In August 2009, CSN contracted a Special Corporate Credit transaction with the Caixa Econômica Federal through the issue of a bank credit guarantee of R$2 billion, to be amortized in 36 months;

At the end of the 3Q09, CSN contracted loans of R$ 1 billion from Banco do Brasil S.A. and R$ 300 million from Banco Nossa Caixa S.A. through the issue of Export Notes (export financing operations), both of which will be amortized in up to five years.

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In September 2009, CSN, through its wholly-owned subsidiary CSN Islands XI Corporation, effected a US$750 million notes issue at 6.875% p.a. maturing in September 2019, pursuant to Rule 144A and Regulation S of the United States of America. The notes are guaranteed by CSN and the funds will be used to improve the Group’s debt profile and for other corporate purposes.

Income Taxes 

Income tax and social contribution totaled R$193 million in the 3Q09, R$81 million less than in the 2Q09, chiefly due to the period reduction in taxable income.

Net Income 

CSN posted a 3Q09 net income of R$1.15 billion, R$815 million up on the 2Q09, largely due to the improved operating result and the impact on CSN’s results of the merger of Big Jump Energy Participações S.A. by NAMISA and its reflection in CSN’s results.

Capex 

CSN invested R$416 million in the 3Q09, R$295 million of which went to the parent company, mostly in the following projects:
• Expansion of the Casa de Pedra mine: R$114 million;
• Maintenance and repairs: R$95 million;
• Technological improvements: R$34 million;
• Expansion of the Port of Itaguaí: R$14 million;
• Works plan: R$11 million.

Investments in the subsidiaries accounted for the remaining R$121 million, mainly in:
• Transnordestina Logística: R$35 million;
• CSN Cimentos: R$29 million;
• MRS Logística: R$24 million;
• CSN Aços Longos: R$20 million;
• NAMISA: R$6 million.

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Working Capital 

Working capital closed September 2009 at R$2.4 billion, virtually identical to the end-of-June figure, with liabilities falling slightly more than assets. The R$525 million decline in liabilities was due to the substantial R$744 million decrease in the “Suppliers” line, thanks to the increase in cash payments for raw materials and the improved selling conditions, partially offset by the R$153 million upturn in “Taxes Payable”. Assets fell by R$499 million, primarily due to the R$531 million reduction in “Inventories”, reflecting the period increase in sales volume.

The average supplier payment period narrowed from 72 to 31 days, while the average receivables period remained flat at 30 days. The inventory turnover period averaged 132 days, 33 days down on the previous quarter, due to the reduction in semi-finished product inventories.

R$ MILHÕES 
WORKING CAPITAL    Jun/09    Sep/09    Change 
Assets    4,900    4,401    499 
 
Accounts Receivable    1,079    1,124    (45)
- Domestic Market    1,113    1,115    (2)
- Export Market    246    309    (63)
- Allowance for Debtful    (278)   (297)   19 
- Credits from clients    (3)   (3)  
Inventory    3,030    2,499    531 
Advances to Suppliers    377    227    150 
Advances to Taxes    414    551    (137)
 
Liabilities    2,498    1,973    525 
 
Suppliers    1,326    582    744 
Salaries and Social Contribution    130    157    (27)
Taxes Payable    976    1,129    (153)
Advances from Clients    66    105    (39)
 
Working Capital    2,402    2,428    (26)
 
 
TURN OVER RATIO             
Average Periods    Jun/09    Sep/09    Change 
Receivables    30    30    (0)
Supplier Payment    72    31    41 
Inventory Turnover    165    132    33 
 

Capital Market 

Share Performance

In 2009 through September 30, CSN’s shares recorded the 10th highest appreciation among the 60 stocks making up the IBOVESPA index, moving up by more than 100%, well above the IBOVESPA’s 64% in the same period. In the 3Q09 alone, CSN’s shares appreciated by 20%.

On the NYSE, also in the first nine months, CSN’s ADRs increased by a substantial 155%, the 8th highest upturn among all the Latin American ADRs traded on the New York Exchange and substantially higher than the 11% recorded by the Dow Jones. In the third quarter, CSN’s ADRs moved up 37%, versus 15% for the Dow Jones.

Capital Markets - CSNA3 / SID / IBOVESPA / DOW JONES
    1Q09    2Q09    3Q09 
N# of shares    793,403,838    793,403,838    755,179,610 
 
Market Capitalization             
 Closing price (R$/share)   34.40    43.62    54.38 
 Closing price (US$/share)   14.84    22.35    30.60 
 Market Capitalization (R$ million)   26,098    33,093    39,642 
 Market Capitalization (US$ million)   11,259    16,956    22,307 
 
Total return including dividends and interest on equity         
 CSNA3 (%)   26%    28%    25% 
 SID (%)   23%    52%    37% 
 Ibovespa    9%    26%    20% 
 Dow Jones    -13%    11%    15% 
 
Volume             
 Average daily (thousand shares)   2,983    2,520    2,286 
 Average daily (R$ Thousand)   103,340    107,974    110,760 
 Average daily (thousand ADRs)   4,609    3,544    3,110 
 Average daily (US$ Thousand)   69,180    74,196    79,996 
 
Source: Economática 

CSN’s average daily traded volume increased from around R$108 million to R$111 million between the 2Q09 and 3Q09 on the BOVESPA and from US$74 million to US$80 million in the same period on the NYSE. At the end of September, the Company’s shares were among the ten most traded in the IBOVESPA and its ADRs were among the ten most-traded Latin American ADRs on the NYSE.

13



CSN closed the third quarter with a market cap of US$22.3 billion, the highest figure of any steel manufacturer in the Americas.

It is worth noting that, in the 3Q09, the Company canceled 8,539,828 shares held in treasury and 29,684,400 shares from the settlement of the equity swap transaction, as mentioned previously.

14



 

Webcast – 3Q09 Earnings Presentation

CSN is pleased to invite you to attend its 3Q09 Earnings Conference Call and Webcast, as follows:

English Conference Call 
November 4, 2009 
9:00 a.m. (US EST) / 12:00 p.m. (Brasília)
Connecting Number: +1 (973) 935-8893 
Conference ID: 36075691 
Webcast:
www.csn.com.br/ir 
Portuguese Conference Call 
November 4, 2009
7:00 a.m. (US EST) / 10:00 a.m. (Brasília)
Connecting Number: +55 (11) 2188-0188 
Conference ID: CSN
Webcast: www.csn.com.br/ri 

 

Companhia Siderúrgica Nacional, located in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is a steel complex comprising investments in infrastructure and logistics whose operations include captive mines, an integrated steel mill, service centers, ports, railways and cement. With a total annual production capacity of 5.6 million tonnes of crude steel and consolidated gross revenues of R$17.9 billion in 2008, CSN is also the only tin-plate producer in Brazil and one of the five largest tin-plate producers worldwide. It is also one of the world’s most profitable steelmakers. 

EBITDA represents net income (loss) before the financial result, income and social contribution taxes, depreciation and amortization. EBITDA should not be regarded as an alternative to net income (loss) as an indicator of CSN’s operating performance or as an alternative to cash flow as an indicator of liquidity. Although CSN’s management considers EBITDA to be a practical means of measuring operating performance and permitting comparisons with other companies, it is not recognized by Brazilian Accounting Principles (Brazilian Corporate Law or BR GAAP) or US Accounting Principles (US GAAP) and other companies may define and calculate it differently. 

Net debt as presented is used by CSN to measure its financial performance. However, net debt is not recognized as a measurement of financial performance according to the accounting practices adopted in Brazil, nor should it be considered in isolation, or as an alternative to net income or financial result as an indicator of liquidity. 

Certain of the statements contained herein are forward-looking statements, which express or imply results, performance or events that are expected in the future. These include future results that may be implied by historical results and the statements under ‘Outlook’. Actual results, performance or events may differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements as a result of several factors, such as the general and economic conditions in Brazil and other countries, interest rate and exchange rate levels, protectionist measures in the US, Brazil and other countries, changes in laws and regulations and general competitive factors (on a global, regional or national basis). 

15



INCOME STATEMENT
CONSOLIDATED - Corporate Law - In Thousand of R$
 
    3Q08    2Q09    3Q09    9M08    9M09 
                     
Gross Revenue    5,078,946    3,286,842    3,714,446    13,646,010    10,193,677 
   Gross Revenue deductions    (1,050,044)   (795,141)   (728,676)   (3,032,170)   (2,272,222)
Net Revenues    4,028,902    2,491,701    2,985,771    10,613,840    7,921,455 
   Domestic Market    3,138,971    1,924,600    2,132,447    8,252,487    5,691,026 
   Export Market    889,931    567,101    853,324    2,361,353    2,230,429 
Cost of Good Sold (COGS)   (1,911,356)   (1,655,939)   (1,809,024)   (5,567,145)   (5,107,048)
   COGS, excluding depreciation    (1,635,939)   (1,442,747)   (1,620,863)   (4,683,393)   (4,549,212)
   Depreciation allocated to COGS    (275,417)   (213,192)   (188,162)   (883,752)   (557,836)
Gross Profit    2,117,546    835,762    1,176,747    5,046,695    2,814,407 
Gross Margin (%)   52.6%    33.5%    39.4%    47.5%    35.5% 
   Selling Expenses    (191,132)   (207,448)   (257,909)   (522,104)   (639,461)
   General and andminstrative expenses    (112,076)   (113,909)   (114,591)   (333,361)   (330,184)
   Depreciation allocated to SG&A    (12,384)   (6,687)   (7,735)   (38,649)   (22,872)
   Other operation income (expense), net    (49,178)   (103,327)   661,421    (170,409)   533,354 
Operating income before financial equity interests    1,752,776    404,389    1,457,933    3,982,172    2,355,249 
Net Financial Result    (1,715,000)   204,222    (115,214)   (1,385,828)   49,803 
   Financial Expenses    (317,569)   (601,283)   (935,583)   (890,074)   (2,001,896)
   Financial Income    (487,332)   493,844    299,527    3,179    1,167,609 
   Net monetary and forgain exchange variations    (910,099)   311,661    520,842    (498,933)   884,090 
Equity interest in subsidiary    (57,844)   (8)   (4)   (173,624)  
Income Before Income and Social Contribution Taxes    (20,068)   608,603    1,342,716    2,422,720    2,405,052 
   (Provision)/Credit for Income Tax    (86,495)   (336,732)   (158,288)   (577,611)   (581,382)
   (Provision)/Credit for Social Contribution    (19,487)   (126,038)   (55,231)   (182,990)   (209,561)
   Deferred Income Tax    118,507    139,585    16,274    123,402    177,719 
   Deferred Social Contribution    47,173    49,328    4,193    52,368    61,405 
 
Net Income (Loss)   39,630    334,746    1,149,663    1,837,889    1,853,230 
 
EBITDA    2,089,755    727,596    992,409    5,074,982    2,402,598 
EBITDA Margin (%)   51.9%    29.2%    33.2%    47.8%    30.3% 
 

16



INCOME STATEMENT
PARENT COMPANY - Corporate Law - In Thousand of R$
 
    3Q08    2Q09    3Q09    9M08    9M09 
                     
Gross Revenues    3,911,148    2,516,244    3,073,067    10,515,625    7,871,571 
   Gross Revenues deductions    (940,179)   (579,945)   (606,253)   (2,633,774)   (1,662,440)
Net Revenues    2,970,969    1,936,299    2,466,814    7,881,851    6,209,131 
   Domestic Market    2,970,969    1,658,156    1,931,425    7,382,172    4,946,196 
   Export Market      278,143    535,389    499,679    1,262,935 
Cost of Good Sold (COGS)   (1,473,990)   (1,223,773)   (1,626,061)   (4,202,442)   (4,184,803)
   COGS, excluding depreciation    (1,243,347)   (1,056,731)   (1,486,700)   (3,444,774)   (3,765,954)
   Depreciation allocated to COGS    (230,642)   (167,042)   (139,361)   (757,668)   (418,848)
Gross Profit    1,496,979    712,526    840,754    3,679,409    2,024,328 
Gross Margin (%)   50.4%    36.8%    34.1%    46.7%    32.6% 
   Selling Expenses    (109,525)   (120,976)   (122,563)   (329,611)   (348,971)
   General and andminstrative expenses    (77,969)   (82,567)   (80,589)   (228,411)   (232,105)
   Depreciation allocated to SG&A    (5,326)   (3,155)   (3,135)   (17,243)   (9,244)
   Other operation income (expense), net    5,101    (114,004)   681,725    (145,312)   557,318 
Operating income before financial equity interests    1,309,262    391,825    1,316,191    2,958,832    1,991,326 
Net Financial Result    (1,298,860)   457,639    (267,870)   (1,323,602)   (63,185)
   Financial Expenses    (298,055)   (570,355)   (554,024)   (751,240)   (1,769,948)
   Financial Income    499,737    (96,997)   (350,612)   295,679    (163,936)
   Net monetary and forgain exchange variations    (1,500,542)   1,124,991    636,766    (868,041)   1,870,699 
Equity interest in subsidiary    (27,786)   680,296    332,884    714,881    1,319,638 
Income Before Income and Social Contribution Taxes    (17,384)   1,529,760    1,381,205    2,350,111    3,247,779 
   (Provision)/Credit for Income Tax    (38,594)   (245,034)   (89,406)   (441,171)   (396,848)
   (Provision)/Credit for Social Contribution    (13,033)   (88,685)   (32,509)   (163,964)   (143,771)
   Deferred Income Tax    59,112    (129,699)   13,898    62,947    (70,123)
   Deferred Social Contribution    24,502    (47,291)   5,076    28,722    (26,183)
 
Net Income (Loss)   14,603    1,019,052    1,278,263    1,836,645    2,610,853 
 
EBITDA    1,540,128    676,026    776,962    3,879,055    1,862,102 
EBITDA Margin (%)   51.7%    34.9%    31.5%    49.2%    30.0% 
 

17



BALANCE SHEET
Corporate Law - thousands of R$
 
    Consolidated    Parent Company 
    9/30/2009    6/30/2009    9/30/2009    6/30/2009 
                 
Current Assets    14,779,689    13,519,258    11,310,824    8,627,663 
Cash and Cash Equivalents    1,388,701    182,004    1,320,521    100,992 
Marketable securities    7,519,843    5,898,877    3,970,344    3,270,240 
Trade Accounts Receivable    1,124,115    1,078,748    1,308,889    1,310,120 
Inventory    2,726,509    3,412,724    2,084,054    2,642,957 
Financial Instruments Guarantee Margin      1,384,382       
Deffered Income Tax and Social Contribution    671,334    528,174    430,127    436,788 
Other    1,349,187    1,034,349    2,196,889    866,566 
Non-Current Assets    14,930,111    14,105,879    25,090,388    25,603,590 
   Long-Term Assets    3,700,455    3,037,627    3,948,834    5,493,639 
   Investments    1,360    1,127    13,740,862    12,832,015 
   PP&E    10,728,377    10,524,104    7,281,149    7,155,867 
   Intangible    464,224    504,981    89,552    90,482 
   Deferred    35,695    38,040    29,991    31,587 
 
TOTAL ASSETS    29,709,800    27,625,137    36,401,212    34,231,253 
                 
Current Liabilities    5,182,070    6,933,074    5,245,346    5,815,025 
Loans, Financing and Debentures    2,370,087    2,933,071    2,866,309    2,755,515 
Suppliers    581,799    1,325,743    496,274    1,240,240 
Taxes and Contributions    1,286,048    1,106,517    971,196    825,464 
Dividends Payable    274,801    225,372    274,801    194,481 
Other    669,335    1,342,371    636,766    799,325 
Non-Current Liabilities    18,172,944    13,764,522    24,752,174    21,425,716 
Long-term Liabilities    18,172,944    13,764,522    24,752,174    21,425,716 
Loans, Financing and Debentures    12,397,808    8,005,604    14,279,542    10,927,905 
Provisions for contingencies, net judicial deposits    1,873,101    1,835,517    1,792,339    1,752,859 
Deffered Income Tax and Social Contribution    21,243           
Other    3,880,792    3,923,401    8,680,293    8,744,952 
Shareholders' Equity    6,354,786    6,927,541    6,403,692    6,990,512 
Capital    1,680,947    1,680,947    1,680,947    1,680,947 
Capital Reserve    30    30    30    30 
Earnings Reserve    3,561,102    5,307,106    3,610,008    4,487,798 
Treasury Stock    (1,191,559)   (719,042)   (1,191,559)   (719,042)
Equity Adjustments    (33,024)   (45,069)   (33,024)   401,412 
Retained Earnings    2,337,290    703,569    2,337,290    1,139,367 
 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS´ EQUITY    29,709,800    27,625,137    36,401,212    34,231,253 
 

18



CASH FLOW STATEMENT
CONSOLIDATED - Corporate Law - thounsands of R$
 
    3Q08    2Q09    3Q09    9M08    9M09 
                     
Cash Flow from Operating Activities    1,243,968    (641,810)   308,079    2,872,507    (372,137)
   Net Income for the period    39,632    334,744    1,149,662    1,837,889    1,853,231 
         Net exchange and monetary variations    1,314,663    (950,122)   (121,435)   669,046    (1,257,480)
         Provision for financial expenses    183,473    254,805    235,278    500,339    782,355 
         Depreciation, exhaustion and amortization    287,802    219,798    195,896    922,402    580,626 
         Fixed Assets Write-off    19,456    8,831    24,618    27,523    33,665 
         Equity results    57,867        173,624   
         Gain and Loss in Percentage Variation            (835,115)       (835,115)
         Provisions for Swap/Forward    475,993    (209,725)   244,930    38,425    (162,508)
         Deferred income taxes and social contributions    (165,678)   (188,913)   (20,468)   (175,770)   (239,124)
         Provisions    12,912    1,524    82,998    22,984    144,628 
Working Capital    (982,152)   (112,752)   (648,285)   (1,143,955)   (1,272,415)
         Accounts Receivable    (195,433)   123,748    (31,315)   (394,312)   (67,289)
         Inventory    (355,148)   163,371    677,606    (260,718)   780,928 
         Suppliers    425,893    (106,368)   (775,977)   315,363    (1,015,687)
         Taxes    (667,187)   (24,165)   64,654    (327,141)   113,968 
         Interest Expenses    (199,323)   (263,885)   (476,004)   (848,878)   (999,573)
         Others    9,046    (5,453)   (107,249)   371,731    (84,762)
Cash Flow from Investment Activities    1,059,140    (91,904)   (143,357)   46,804    (424,548)
   Swap Received    1,817,500    32,051    5,269    1,817,500    241,160 
   Equity Swap Net Effects      1,089,594    330,728      1,420,322 
   Investments    (23)     (359)   (23)   (359)
   Fixed Assets/Deferred/Judicial Deposits    (758,337)   (1,213,549)   (478,995)   (1,770,673)   (2,085,671)
Cash Flow from Financing Activities    54,365    (1,474,600)   2,985,234    (1,249,200)   1,745,723 
   Issuances    826,780    698,875    5,347,088    1,951,273    6,547,917 
   Inflow from shares issue           
   Amortizations    (773,387)   (405,386)   (1,011,527)   (1,085,921)   (1,683,776)
   Dividends/Equity Interest    972    (1,768,089)   (20)   (2,114,552)   (1,768,111)
   Shares in treasury        (1,350,307)     (1,350,307)
Foreign Exchange Variation on Cash and Cash Equivalents        (867,528)   (322,293)       (1,264,606)
 
Free Cash Flow    2,357,473    (3,075,842)   2,827,663    1,670,111    (315,568)
 

19



SALES VOLUME
Consolidated – Thousand t
 
    3Q08    2Q09    3Q09    9M08    9M09 
 
DOMESTIC MARKET    1,111    795    884    3,329    2,239 
 
     Slabs    19        66   
     Hot Rolled    477    301    338    1,415    815 
     Cold Rolled    172    156    174    536    442 
     Galvanized    303    211    248    867    612 
     Tin Plate    140    125    122    444    365 
 
EXPORT MARKET    154    153    435    655    671 
 
     Slabs      30    132    32    162 
     Hot Rolled    11      152    33    152 
     Cold Rolled          32   
     Galvanized    110    95    127    418    278 
     Tin Plate    33    26    24    140    77 
 
TOTAL MARKET    1,265    947    1,320    3,985    2,910 
 
     Slabs    19    32    134    98    168 
     Hot Rolled    488    301    490    1,449    967 
     Cold Rolled    171    157    175    568    444 
     Galvanized    413    307    375    1,286    890 
     Tin Plate    174    151    146    584    442 
 

SALES VOLUME
Parent Company - Thousand t
 
    3Q08    2Q09    3Q09    9M08    9M09 
 
DOMESTIC MARKET    1,123    787    921    3,371    2,262 
 
     Slabs    19        66   
     Hot Rolled    475    281    338    1,409    795 
     Cold Rolled    256    228    256    759    638 
     Galvanized    232    152    196    677    452 
     Tin Plate    141    124    128    460    370 
 
EXPORT MARKET    54    89    436    312    625 
 
     Slabs      30    185    32    215 
     Hot Rolled    12    32    178    102    236 
     Cold Rolled        40      85 
     Galvanized          39    11 
     Tin Plate    33    26    24    135    77 
 
TOTAL MARKET    1,177    876    1,357    3,683    2,887 
 
     Slabs    19    32    188    98    222 
     Hot Rolled    488    313    516    1,512    1,031 
     Cold Rolled    256    228    296    762    723 
     Galvanized    240    153    205    716    464 
     Tin Plate    174    150    152    595    447 
 

20



NET REVENUE PER UNIT
Consolidated - In R$/t
 
    3Q08    2Q09    3Q09    9M08    9M09 
 
DOMESTIC MARKET    2,448    2,069    1,968     2,118    2,113 
 
EXPORT MARKET    2,227    1,391    1,054     1,819    1,268 
 
TOTAL MARKET    2,421    1,960    1,667     2,069    1,918 
 
   Slabs    1,371    765    766     1,116    768 
   Hot Rolled    2,068    1,582    1,331     1,739    1,514 
   Cold Rolled    2,298    1,834    1,731     1,918    1,837 
   Galvanized    2,715    2,037    1,946     2,371    2,086 
   Tin Plate    2,954    2,943    2,828     2,529    2,982 
 

NET REVENUE PER UNIT
Parent Company - In R$/t
 
    3Q08    2Q09    3Q09    9M08    9M09 
 
DOMESTIC MARKET    2,294    1,941    1,840    1,997    1,957 
 
EXPORT MARKET    1,885    1,320    904    1,504    1,098 
 
TOTAL MARKET    2,275    1,878    1,539    1,955    1,771 
 
   Slabs    1,371    716    712    1,117    715 
   Hot Rolled    2,044    1,569    1,311    1,704    1,483 
   Cold Rolled    2,000    1,695    1,532    1,779    1,624 
   Galvanized    2,857    2,258    2,145    2,555    2,273 
   Tin Plate    2,629    2,666    2,531    2,237    2,678 
 

US DOLAR EXCHANGE RATE
in R$ / US$
 
 
    1Q08     2Q08    3Q08    4Q08    1Q09    2Q09    3Q09 
                             
End of Period    1.749     1.592    1.914    2.337    2.315    1.952    1.778 
Change (%)   -1.2%    -9.0%    20.3%    22.1%    -0.9%    -15.7%    -8.9% 
 

21



 

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

Date: November 04, 2009

 
COMPANHIA SIDERÚRGICA NACIONAL
By:
/S/ Benjamin Steinbruch

 
Benjamin Steinbruch
Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 
By:
/S/ Paulo Penido Pinto Marques

 
Paulo Penido Pinto Marques
Chief Financial Officer and Investor Relations Officer

 

 

 
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

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