20-F 1 dp121471_20f.htm FORM 20-F

As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 20, 2020

 

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

 

FORM 20-F

 

(Mark One)

 

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

 

OR

 

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

 

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019

 

OR

 

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

 

OR

 

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

 

Commission file number: 001-14475

 

TELEFÔNICA BRASIL S.A.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 

TELEFÔNICA BRAZIL S.A.
(Translation of Registrant’s name into English)

 

Federative Republic of Brazil
(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

 

Avenida Engenheiro Luis Carlos Berrini, 1376, 32º andar
04571-936 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
(Address of principal executive offices)

 

David Melcon Sanchez-Friera
Telephone +55 11 3430 3687
Avenida Engenheiro Luis Carlos Berrini, 1376, CEP 04571-936, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
Email: ir.br@telefonica.com

(Name, Telephone, E-mail and/or Facsimile number and Address of Company Contact Person)

 

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

 

Title of each class

Trading Symbol(s)

Name of each exchange on which registered

Preferred Shares, without par value VIVT4 New York Stock Exchange*
American Depositary Shares (as evidenced by American Depositary Receipts), each representing one share of Preferred Stock VIV New York Stock Exchange

 

 

 

*Not for trading purposes, but only in connection with the registration on the New York Stock Exchange of American Depositary Shares representing those Preferred Shares.

 

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

 

 

Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer’s classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report.

 

The number of outstanding shares of each class (excluding treasury shares) as of December 31, 2019 was:

 

Title of Class

Number of Shares Outstanding
(excluding treasury shares)

Shares of Common Stock 569,354,053
Shares of Preferred Stock 1,119,339,723

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.

 

Yes No

 

If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

 

Yes No

 

Note – Checking the box above will not relieve any registrant required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 from their obligations under those Sections.

 

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 No

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files):

 

Yes No

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filers,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

Large Accelerated Filer Accelerated Filer Non-accelerated Filer Emerging Growth Company

 

If an emerging growth company that prepares its financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards† provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.

 

† The term “new or revised financial accounting standard” refers to any update issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board to its Accounting Standards Codification after April 5, 2012.

 

Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing:

 

U.S. GAAP

 

International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board

 

Other

 

If “Other” has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow.

 

Item 17  Item 18

 

If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

 

Yes ☐  No

 

 

 

table of contents

Page

 

INTRODUCTION ii
GLOSSARY OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS TERMS iv
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS vi
PRESENTATION OF FINANCIAL INFORMATION viii
PART I 1
Item 1. Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers 1
Item 2. Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable 1
Item 3. Key Information 1
Item 4. Information on the Company 19
Item 4A. Unresolved staff comments 58
Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects 58
Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees 74
Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions 85
Item 8. Financial Information 87
Item 9. The Offer and Listing 98
Item 10. Additional Information 100
Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 126
Item 12. Description of Securities Other Than Equity Securities 127
PART II 129
Item 13. Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies 129
Item 14. Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds 129
Item 15. Controls and Procedures 129
Item 16. [Reserved] 130
Item 16A. Audit Committee Financial Expert 130
Item 16B. Code of Ethics 130
Item 16C. Principal Accountant Fees and Services 131
Item 16D. Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees Procedures 131
Item 16E. Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers 132
Item 16F. Change in Registrant’s Certifying Accountant 133
Item 16G. Corporate Governance 133
Item 16H. Mine Safety Disclosure 135
PART III 136
Item 17. Financial Statements 136
Item 18. Financial Statements 136
Item 19. Exhibits 136
SIGNATURES 140

 

i

INTRODUCTION

 

References in this annual report to “Telefônica Brasil,” “we,” “our,” “us,” “our company” and “the company” are to Telefônica Brasil S.A. and its consolidated subsidiaries (unless the context otherwise requires). All references in this annual report to:

 

·“ADRs” are to the American Depositary Receipts evidencing our ADSs;

 

·“ADSs” are to our American Depositary Shares, each representing one share of our non-voting preferred stock;

 

·“ANATEL” are to Agência Nacional de Telecomunicações – ANATEL, the Brazilian telecommunications regulatory agency;

 

·“B3” are to B3 S.A. – Brasil, Bolsa, Balcão, the São Paulo stock exchange and a Brazil-based financial market infrastructure provider;

 

·“BNDES” are to Banco Nacional de Desenvolvimento Econômico e Social, the Brazilian Development Bank;

 

·“Brazil” are to the Federative Republic of Brazil;

 

·“Brazilian Corporate Law” are to Law No. 6,404 of December 15, 1976, as amended;

 

·“CADE” are to Conselho Administrativo de Defesa Econômica, the Brazilian competition authority;

 

·“CDI” are to Certificado de Depósito Interbancário, the Certificate for Interbank Deposits;

 

·“Central Bank” are to the Banco Central do Brasil, the Brazilian Central Bank;

 

·“CMN” are to the Conselho Monetário Nacional, the Brazilian Monetary Council;

 

·“CTBC Telecom” are to Companhia de Telecomunicações do Brasil Central;

 

·“CVM” are to the Comissão de Valores Mobiliários, the Brazilian Securities Commission;

 

·“Federal District” are to Distrito Federal, the federal district where Brasilia, the capital of Brazil, is located;

 

·“FGV” are to the Fundação Getúlio Vargas, an economic private organization;

 

·“General Telecommunications Law” are to Lei Geral de Telecomunicações, as amended, the law which regulates the telecommunications industry in Brazil;

 

·“Global Telecom” are to Global Telecom S.A., formerly a Vivo subsidiary before Vivo’s corporate restructuring;

 

·“GVT” are to Operating GVT and GVTPar, collectively, formerly wholly-owned subsidiaries of Telefônica Brasil prior to our 2016 corporate restructuring;

 

·“GVTPar” are to GVT Participações S.A., a formerly wholly owned subsidiary of Telefônica Brasil prior to our 2016 corporate restructuring;

 

·“IASB” are to International Accounting Standards Board;

 

·“IBGE” are to Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística, the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics;

 

·“IFRS” are to International Financial Reporting Standards, as issued by the IASB;

 

ii

·“IGP-DI” are to the Índice Geral de Preços - Disponibilidade Interna, an inflation index developed by the FGV used by fixed broadband and mobile service providers to adjust their prices;

 

·“IGP-M” are to the Índice Geral de Preços ao Mercado, an inflation index developed by the FGV used by TV and cable service providers to adjust their prices;

 

·“IOF Tax” are to Imposto sobre Operações de Crédito, Câmbio e Seguros, a tax on credit, exchange and insurance transactions;

 

·“IPCA” are to Índice Nacional de Preços ao Consumidor Amplo, the consumer price index, published by the IBGE;

 

·“IST” are to Índice de Serviços de Telecomunicações, the inflation index of the telecommunications sector;

 

·“NYSE” are to the New York Stock Exchange;

 

·“Operating GVT” are to Global Village Telecom S.A., a formerly wholly owned subsidiary of Telefônica Brasil prior to our 2016 corporate restructuring;

 

·Real,” “reais” or R$ are to the Brazilian real, the official currency of Brazil;

 

·“SEC” are to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission;

 

·“TData” are to Telefônica Data S.A., a formerly wholly owned subsidiary of Telefônica Brasil prior to our 2018 corporate restructuring;

 

·“Telefonica” or are to Telefonica S.A., our parent company;

 

·“Terra Networks” are to Terra Networks Brasil S.A., a wholly owned subsidiary of Telefônica Brasil; Terra Networks provides digital services and advertising;

 

·“TJLP” are to Taxa de Juros de Longo Prazo, or long-term interest rate;

 

·“UMBNDES” are to a monetary unit of the BNDES, consisting of a currency basket of BNDES debt obligations in foreign currencies, which are mostly denominated in U.S. dollars;

 

·“U.S. dollar,” “U.S. dollars” or “US$” are to U.S. dollars, the official currency of the United States;

 

·“Vivo” are to Vivo S.A., a formerly wholly owned subsidiary of Telefônica Brasil, which conducted cellular operations including SMP (as defined in the Glossary of Telecommunication Terms), nationwide; and

 

·“Vivo Participações” are to Vivo Participações S.A. (formerly TELESP Celular Participações S.A.) and its consolidated subsidiaries (unless the context otherwise requires).

 

Unless otherwise specified, data relating to the Brazilian telecommunications industry included in this annual report was obtained from ANATEL.

 

The “Glossary of Telecommunications Terms” that begins on the following page provides the definition of certain technical terms used in this annual report.

 

iii

GLOSSARY OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS TERMS

 

The following explanations are not intended as technical definitions, but to assist the reader in understanding certain terms as used in this Annual Report.

 

AICE: Acesso Individual Classe Especial is a mandatory plan offered by telecommunication providers to low-income customers. Includes different pricing schemes for the Basic Plan (Plano Básico) and the Mandatory Offer Alternative Plan (Plano Alternativo de Oferta Obrigatória).

 

Analog: A mode of transmission or switching that is not digital, e.g., the representation of voice, video or other modulated electrical audio signals, which are not in digital form.

 

Cellular service: A cellular telecommunications service provided by means of a network of interconnected low-powered base stations, each of which covers one small geographic cell within the total cellular telecommunications system service area.

 

Digital: A mode of representing a physical variable such as speech using digits 0 and 1 only. The digits are transmitted in binary form as a series of pulses. Digital networks allow for higher capacity and higher flexibility through the use of computer-related technology for the transmission and manipulation of telephone calls. Digital systems offer lower noise interference and can incorporate encryption as protection from external interference.

 

DTH: A special type of service that uses satellites for the direct distribution of television and audio signs for subscribers.

 

EILD: Exploração Industrial de Linha Dedicada, or industrial exploration dedicated lines which are regulated by ANATEL.

 

FTTC: Internet access through Fiber Optic (“Fiber to the Curb”).

 

FTTH: Internet access through Fiber Optic (“Fiber to the Home”).

 

FWT: Fixed-phones using the wireless network (“Fixed Wireless Telephone”).

 

GSM: Global System for Mobile Communications, a service rendered by concession from ANATEL for a specific frequency range.

 

Interconnection fee: Amount paid per minute charged by network operators for the use of their network by other network operators.

 

Internet: A collection of interconnected networks spanning the entire world, including university, corporate, government and research networks from around the globe. These networks all use the IP (Internet Protocol) communications protocol.

 

IP (Internet protocol): An interconnection protocol for sub-networks, in particular for those with different physical characteristics used by the Internet.

 

IPTV: Pay TV with video broadcast offered through the use of the IP protocol.

 

Measured services: all calls that originate and terminate within the same area code within our concession region.

 

MMDS: (Multichannel Multipoint Distribution Service): Wireless telecommunications technology, used for general-purpose broadband networking or, more commonly, as an alternative method of cable television programming reception.

 

MTR: Tarifa de Terminação Móvel, or Mobile Termination Rate.

 

MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator): Wireless communications services provider that does not own the wireless network infrastructure over which the MVNO provides services to its customers.

 

iv

Net additions: the total number of new customers acquired in any period minus the reduction in the number of customers.

 

Network: An interconnected collection of elements. In a telephone network, these consist of switches connected to each other and to customer equipment. The transmission equipment may be based on fiber optic or metallic cable or point-to-point radio connections.

 

NGN: next-generation network is a body of key architectural changes in telecommunication core and access networks. The general idea behind the NGN is that one network transports all information and services (voice, data, and all sorts of media such as video) by encapsulating these into packets, similar to those used on the Internet.

 

PGO: Plano Geral de Outorgas, or General Plan of Grants.

 

PGMU: Plano Geral de Metas de Universalização, or General Universal Service Targets Plan.

 

PGMQ: Plano Geral de Metas de Qualidade General, or Quality Targets Plan.

 

SCM: Serviço de Comunicação Multimídia or multimedia communication services.

 

SeAC: Serviço de Acesso Condicionado or Conditional Access Service, a service rendered pursuant to an authorization granted by ANATEL to provide Pay TV service throughout all regions of Brazil.

 

SMP: Serviço Móvel Pessoal or Personal Mobile Service, a service rendered pursuant to an authorization granted by ANATEL to provide mobile service in a specific frequency range.

 

SMS: Text messaging services for wireless devices, which allow customers to send and receive alphanumerical messages.

 

STFC: Serviço de Telefônia Fixo Comutado, or the transmission of voice and other signals between determined fixed points. In this annual report, we refer to STFC as “fixed telephone services.”

 

Switch: Devices used to set up and route telephone calls either to the number called or to the next switch along the path. They may also record information for billing and control purposes.

 

Universal service: The obligation to supply basic service to all users throughout a national territory at reasonable prices.

 

VOIP: Voice over Internet Protocol, is a technology for transmitting voice using the Internet.

 

VOD: Video on demand systems allow users to select and watch/listen to video or audio content on demand.

 

WAP: Wireless Application Protocol, an open and standardized protocol started in 1997, which allows access to Internet servers through specific equipment, a WAP Gateway at the carrier, and WAP browsers in customers’ wireless devices.

 

WCDMA: Wide-Band Code-Division Multiple Access, a technology for wideband digital radio communications of Internet, multimedia, video and other bandwidth-demanding applications.

 

Wireless devices: wireless appliances that we sell, including cellular handsets, wireless handheld devices and wireless broadband cards.

 

xDSL: A technology that allows high-speed transmission of text, audio and video, generally over standard telephone lines (“Digital Subscriber Line”).

 

v

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

This annual report contains statements that constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The forward-looking statements in this Annual Report can be identified, in some instances, by the use of words such as “will,” “expect,” “aim,” “hope,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “believe” and similar language or the negative thereof or by the forward-looking nature of discussions of strategy, plans or intentions. These statements appear in a number of places in this Annual Report including, without limitation, certain statements made in “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors,” “Item 4. Information on the Company,” “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects” and “Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk” and include statements regarding our intent, belief or current expectations with respect to, among other things:

 

·the size and growth rate of the Brazilian telecommunications market;

 

·the accuracy of our estimated demand forecasts;

 

·our ability to successfully execute our strategic initiatives and capital expenditure plans;

 

·our ability to secure and maintain telecommunications spectrum and infrastructure licenses, rights-of-way and other regulatory approvals;

 

·our ability to comply with the terms of our concession agreements;

 

·decisions by applicable regulatory authorities to terminate, modify or renew our concession agreements or the terms thereof;

 

·new telecommunications regulations or changes to existing regulations;

 

·technological advancements in our industry and our ability to successfully implement them in a timely manner;

 

·network completion and product development schedules;

 

·the level of success of competing networks, products and services;

 

·the possible requirement to record impairment charges relating to goodwill and long-lived assets;

 

·increased competition in the Brazilian telecommunications sector;

 

·the cost and availability of financing;

 

·uncertainties relating to political and economic conditions in Brazil as well as those of other emerging markets;

 

·inflation, interest rate and exchange rate risks;

 

·the Brazilian government’s policies regarding the telecommunications industry;

 

·the Brazilian government’s tax policy;

 

·the Brazilian government’s political instability;

 

·adverse decisions in ongoing litigation;

 

vi

·regulatory and legal developments affecting the telecommunications industry in Brazil; and

 

·other risk factors discussed under “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors.”

 

We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Because of these risks and uncertainties, the forward-looking information, events and circumstances discussed in this annual report might not occur. Our actual results and performance could differ substantially from those anticipated in our forward-looking statements.

 

vii

PRESENTATION OF FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

We maintain our books and records in reais. We prepared our consolidated financial statements included in this annual report in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB (“IFRS”).

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. It also requires management to exercise its judgment in the process of applying our accounting policies.

 

The significant and relevant estimates and judgments applied by the Company in the preparation of these financial statements are presented in the following notes: income and social contribution taxes (note 7); (note 12), intangible assets (note 13), provisions and contingencies (Note 19), net operating revenue (Note 24); pension plans and other post-employment benefits (Note 30) and financial instruments and risk and capital management (Note 31).

 

Our financial statements prepared in accordance with IFRS as of December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 and for the years ended December 31, 2019, December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 have also been filed with the CVM, the local securities regulator in Brazil and made publicly available. Our selected financial information included in “Item 3. Key Information—A. Selected Financial Data” should be read in conjunction with, and is qualified in its entirety by, our financial statements and “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects” appearing elsewhere in this annual report.

 

The consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2019 are in compliance with IFRS, as issued by the IASB and also with the pronouncements, interpretations and guidance issued by the IASB and the IFRS Interpretations Committee, or the IFRIC, which entered into force as of January 1, 2019.

 

We have made rounding adjustments to reach some of the figures included in this annual report. Accordingly, numerical figures shown as totals in some tables may not be an arithmetic aggregation of the figures that preceded them.

 

viii

PART I

 

Item 1.Identity of Directors, Senior Management And Advisers

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 2.Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 3.Key Information

 

A.       Selected Financial Data

 

The selected financial data presented below should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements, including the notes thereto included elsewhere in this annual report. Our consolidated financial statements included herein as of December 31, 2019 and for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 have been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers Auditores Independentes. The report of PricewaterhouseCoopers Auditores Independentes on the consolidated financial statements appears elsewhere in this annual report.

 

Results of Terra Networks S.A. are consolidated into our financial statements as from July 3, 2017.

 

Results of GVT are consolidated into our financial statements as from May 1, 2015. Consequently, our results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 are not comparable with our results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2015. For further information, see “Item 4. Information on the Company—A. History and Development of the Company—Historical Background—Acquisition of GVT.”

 

The following tables present a summary of our selected financial data at the dates and for each of the periods indicated. You should read the following information together with our audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included elsewhere in this annual report and with “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects.”

 

   Year ended December 31,
   2019  2019  2018  2017  2016  2015
   (in millions of U.S. dollars) (1)  (in millions of reais)
(except for share and per share data)
Income Statement Data:                  
Net operating revenue    10,983    44,268    43,463    43,207    42,508    40,287 
Cost of sales    (5,498)   (22,159)   (21,026)   (20,272)   (20,823)   (20,345)
Gross profit    5,485    22,109    22,437    22,935    21,685    19,942 
Operating income (expenses), net    (3,695)   (14,895)   (12,981)   (16,302)   (15,317)   (14,702)
Operating income    1,790    7,214    9,456    6,633    6,368    5,240 
Financial income (expenses), net    (204)   (820)   1,827    (903)   (1,234)   (848)
Equity pickup    —      1    (6)   1    1    2 
Income before taxes    1,586    6,395    11,277    5,731    5,135    4,394 
Income and social contribution taxes    (345)   (1,394)   (2,349)   (1,122)   (1,050)   (974)
Net income for the year    1,241    5,001    8,928    4,609    4,085    3,420 
Attributable to:                              
Controlling shareholders    1,241    5,001    8,928    4,609    4,085    3,420 
Non-controlling shareholders    —      —      —      —      —      —   
Basic and diluted earnings per share:                              
Common shares    0.69    2.78    4.96    2.56    2.27    2.15 
Preferred shares    0.76    3.06    5.45    2.82    2.50    2.37 
Cash dividends per share in reais, net of withholding tax:                              
Common shares    0.77    3.12    1.95    1.73    1.65    2.04 
Preferred shares    0.82    3.29    2.15    1.90    1.81    2.25 

 

 

   As of December 31,
   2019  2019  2018  2017  2016  2015
   (in millions of U.S. dollars)(1)  (in millions of reais)
(except for share and per share data)
Balance Sheet Data:                  
Property, plant and equipment, net    10,630    42,847    34,115    33,222    31,925    30,477 
Total assets    26,866    108,290    102,561    101,383    102,066    101,685 
Loans and financing—current portion    757    3,049    1,340    1,621    2,543    2,222 
Loans and financing—noncurrent portion    1,903    7,671    1,625    2,320    3,127    4,455 
Debentures—current portion    267    1,077    124    1,413    2,120    121 
Debentures—noncurrent portion    503    2,027    3,050    3,108    1,434    3,424 
Shareholders’ equity    17,480    70,456    71,607    69,461    69,244    68,567 
Attributable to:                              
Controlling shareholders    17,480    70,456    71,607    69,461    69,244    68,567 
Non-controlling shareholders    —      —      —      —      —      —   
Capital stock    15,772    63,571    63,571    63,571    63,571    63,571 
Number of shares outstanding (in thousands)(2)    n/a    1,688,694    1,688,694    1,688,694    1,688,694    1,688,694 

 

   Year ended December 31,
   2019  2019  2018  2017  2016  2015
   (in millions of U.S. dollars)(1)  (in millions of reais)
Cash Flow Data:                  
Operating activities:                  
Net cash (used in) generated by operating activities    4,397    17,721    11,941    12,641    11,440    9,897 
Investing activities:                              
Net cash (used in) generated by investing activities    (1,967)   (7,927)   (5,676)   (8,438)   (6,895)   (14,626)
Financing activities:                              
Net cash (used in) generated by financing activities    (2,427)   (9,782)   (6,934)   (5,258)   (4,777)   5,373 
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents    3    12    (669)   (1,055)   (232)   644 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year    839    3,381    4,050    5,105    5,337    4,693 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year    842    3,393    3,381    4,050    5,105    5,337 

 

 

 

(1)Translated for convenience only using the commercial offer rate as reported by the Central Bank as of December 31, 2019 for reais into U.S. dollars of R$4.0307 to US$1.00. These translations should not be considered representations that any such amounts have been, could have been or could be converted into U.S. dollars at that or at any other exchange rate as of that or any other date. In addition, translations should not be construed as representations that the real amounts represent or have been or could be converted into U.S. dollars as of that or any other date.

 

(2)As of the date of this annual report, we held 1,688,693,776 outstanding shares, composed of common and preferred shares, net of 2,291,147 treasury shares.

 

Exchange Rates

 

The Central Bank allows the real/U.S. dollar exchange rate to float freely and has intervened to control the exchange rate volatility. However, the exchange market may continue to be volatile, and the real may depreciate or appreciate substantially in relation to the U.S. dollar. The Central Bank or the Brazilian government may intervene in the exchange rate market.

 

Since 1999, the Central Bank has allowed the real/U.S. dollar exchange rate to float freely, and, since that time, the real/U.S. dollar exchange rate has fluctuated considerably. In 2014 and 2015, the real depreciated 13.4% and 47.0%, respectively, against the U.S. dollar. In 2016, the real appreciated 16.5% against the U.S. dollar. In 2017, the real depreciated 1.5% against the U.S. dollar, followed by another depreciation of 17.1% in 2018, and 4.0% in 2019, ending the year at an exchange rate of R$4.0307 per US$1.00.

 

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The Brazilian government has implemented various economic plans and utilized a number of exchange rate policies, including sudden devaluations, periodic mini-devaluations (during which the frequency of adjustments ranged from a daily to a monthly basis), floating exchange rate systems, exchange controls and dual exchange rate markets. We cannot predict whether the Central Bank or the Brazilian government will continue to let the real float freely or intervene in the exchange rate market by returning to a currency band system or otherwise. The real may depreciate or appreciate substantially against the U.S. dollar.

 

The following tables set forth the selling exchange rate, expressed in reais per U.S. dollar (R$/US$) for the periods indicated, as reported by the Central Bank.

 

   Exchange Rates of R$ per US$1.00
   Period-End  Average(1)  High  Low
Year ended December 31,            
2015    3.9048    3.3876    4.1949    2.5754 
2016    3.2591    3.4500    4.1558    3.1193 
2017    3.3080    3.2031    3.3807    3.0510 
2018    3.8748    3.6796    4.1879    3.1450 
2019    4.0307    3.9443    4.2602    3.6519 
Month                    
August 2019    4.1385    4.0200    4.1680    3.8296 
September 2019    4.1644    4.1215    4.1827    4.0494 
October 2019    4.0041    4.0870    4.1740    3.9793 
November 2019    4.2240    4.1553    4.2602    3.9786 
December 2019    4.0307    4.1110    4.2261    4.0307 
January 2020    4.2695    4.1495    4.2695    4.0213 
February 2020 (through February 19, 2020)    4.3728    4.3083    4.3728    4.2381 

 

 

 

Source: Brazilian Central Bank.

 

(1)Annually, represents the average of the exchange rates on the last day of each month during the periods presented; monthly, represents the average of the end-of-day exchange rates during the periods presented.

 

On February 19, 2020, the exchange rate was R$4.3728 to US$1.00. The real/dollar exchange rate fluctuates and, therefore, this exchange rate may not be indicative of future exchange rates.

 

B.Capitalization and Indebtedness

 

Not applicable.

 

C.Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds

 

Not applicable.

 

D.Risk Factors

 

This section is intended to be a summary of more detailed discussions contained elsewhere in this annual report. The risks described below are not the only ones we face. Additional risks that we do not presently consider material, or of which we are not currently aware, may also affect us. Our business, results of operations or financial condition could be impacted if any of these risks materialize and, as a result, the market price of our preferred shares and our ADSs could be affected.

 

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Risks Relating to Brazil

 

The Brazilian government has exercised, and continues to exercise, significant influence over the Brazilian economy. This influence, as well as Brazilian political and economic conditions, could adversely affect us and the trading price of our preferred shares and ADSs.

 

The Brazilian federal government frequently exercises significant influence over the Brazilian economy and occasionally makes significant changes in policy and regulations. The Brazilian government’s actions to control inflation and other policies and regulations have often involved, among other measures, changes in interest rates, changes in tax policies, wage and price controls, foreign exchange controls, currency devaluations, capital controls and limits on imports. The financial conditions, as well as our business and results of operations and the market price of our preferred shares and ADSs may be adversely affected by changes in government policies, especially those related to our sector, such as changes in telephone fees and competitive conditions, as well as general economic factors, including:

 

·exchange rates and currency fluctuations;

 

·exchange controls and restrictions on remittances abroad, (including with regards to the payment of dividends) such as those imposed in 1989 and early 1990;

 

·growth or downturn of the Brazilian economy;

 

·inflation;

 

·energy policy;

 

·interest rates and monetary policies;

 

·liquidity of domestic capital and lending markets;

 

·fiscal policies and changes in tax laws;

 

·economic, political or social instability;

 

·labor and social security policies, laws and regulations; and

 

·other political, diplomatic, social and economic developments in or affecting Brazil.

 

Uncertainty over whether the Brazilian federal government will implement changes to the policies, regulations or standards affecting these or other factors in the future may affect economic performance, which may have an adverse effect on us and the trading price of our preferred shares and ADSs. Past economic and political instability has led to a negative perception of the Brazilian economy and higher volatility in the Brazilian securities markets, which has adversely affected us and the trading price of our preferred shares and ADSs.

 

Political instability may materially adversely affect the Brazilian economy, our business, and the market price of our preferred shares and ADSs.

 

Brazil’s political environment has historically influenced and continues to influence the performance of Brazil’s economy, as well as investor and general public confidence, resulting in economic slowdowns and an increase in the volatility of securities issued by Brazilian companies.

 

In particular, the Brazilian markets have experienced increased volatility due to uncertainties arising from ongoing investigations conducted by the Brazilian federal police and the Brazilian federal prosecutor’s office, including “Operation Car Wash” (Lava Jato), which have impacted Brazil’s economy and political environment. Certain members of the Brazilian federal government and the legislative branch, as well as executives of major public and private companies, are facing charges of corruption for allegedly accepting bribes through kickbacks under contracts awarded by the government to companies in the infrastructure, oil and gas and construction industries, among others. These kickbacks allegedly funded the campaigns of political parties, were not recorded in accounting books and records or disclosed to the public and funded the personal enrichment of beneficiaries of the

 

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corruption scheme. As a result, several politicians, including members of the Brazilian national congress and executives of major Brazilian public and private companies, have resigned from office and/or been arrested, while others are still under investigation for allegations of unethical and illegal conduct discovered during investigations.

 

While the potential outcome of these and other investigations is uncertain, they have already had a material adverse effect on the image and reputation of the companies involved, as well as the market’s overall perception of the Brazilian economy. Developments in these cases of unethical conduct have materially adversely affected and may continue to materially adversely affect us. There can be no guarantee that any of the ongoing investigations will not lead to greater political and economic instability or whether new allegations against government employees and officials and/or private companies will arise in the future.

 

In addition, we cannot predict the result of these investigations or their impact on the Brazilian economy or the Brazilian stock market.

 

In addition, any difficulties the Brazilian government may face establishing a majority in Congress could result in a government impasse, political unrest and mass demonstrations and/or strikes that could materially adversely affect our operations. Uncertainties about the new administration’s implementation of changes in monetary, tax and social security laws and policies, may contribute to economic instability. These uncertainties and any new measures may increase volatility in the Brazilian securities market.

 

The President of Brazil has the power to determine policies and issue government measures relating to the Brazilian economy and, as a result, affect the operations and financial performance of companies, including us. We cannot predict what policies the President of Brazil will establish or whether such policies or changes in existing policies will have an adverse effect on the Brazilian economy or our business, results of operations, financial condition and the market price of our preferred shares and ADSs.

 

Inflation and government efforts to curb inflation may contribute to economic uncertainty in Brazil, adversely affecting our business and results of operations.

 

In the past, Brazil has recorded high inflation rates, which, combined with other measures taken by the Brazilian government to fight inflation and speculation on what measures would be taken, has materially adversely affected the Brazilian economy. The measures taken by the Brazilian government to control inflation have included maintaining strict monetary policies and high interest rates, which restricted the availability of credit and reduced economic growth. The COPOM often adjusts interest rates in Brazil during periods of economic uncertainty in order to achieve the inflation targets established by the Brazilian government. Inflation, the Brazilian government’s efforts to curb inflation and speculation regarding the future measures, has had material adverse effects on the Brazilian economy and contributed to economic uncertainty in Brazil, which increases volatility in the Brazilian capital markets and may materially adversely affect our business and results of operations.

 

According to the National Consumer Price Index (Índice Nacional de Preços ao Consumidor Amplo), or IPCA, Brazilian inflation rates were 3.7%, 2.9% and 6.3% in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. In 2019, inflation as measured by the IPCA registered 4.3%. In the past, the Brazilian government’s interventions in order to curb inflationary pressures included the maintenance of a restrictive monetary policy with high interest rates that restricted credit availability and reduced economic growth, causing volatility in interest rates. Over the recent years, the inflation scenario has evolved positively. This has allowed a reduction of the Selic rate (Sistema Especial de Liquidação e de Custódia), the Central Bank’s policy rate. As established by the Monetary Policy Committee of the Central Bank (Comitê de Política Monetária do Banco Central do Brasil—COPOM), the SELIC decreased from a high point of 14.25% in mid-2016 to 6.50% in the end of 2018 and to 4.50% in the end of 2019, its historical minimum. Brazil may experience high levels of inflation in the future and inflationary pressures may lead to the Brazilian government’s intervening in the economy and introducing policies that could harm our business and the price of our preferred shares and ADSs.

 

Currently, fixed broadband and mobile service providers use the internal general price index (Índice Geral de Preços - Disponibilidade Interna), or IGP-DI, to adjust their prices and television and cable service providers use the market general price index (Índice Geral de Preços ao Mercado), or IGP-M. The IGP-DI and IGP-M are inflation indexes developed by the Fundação Getúlio Vargas, a private organization. Since 2006, telephone fees for fixed line services have been indexed to the telecommunication services index (Índice de Serviços de Telecomunicações), or IST, adjusted by a productivity factor, which is defined by ANATEL Resolution 507/2008.

 

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The IST is an index composed of other domestic price indexes (including the IPCA, IGP-DI and IGP-M, among others) that is intended to reflect the telecommunications industry’s operating costs. As a result, this index serves to reduce potential discrepancies between our industry’s revenue and costs, and thus reduce the apparent adverse effects of inflation on our operations. The productivity factor, pursuant to which ANATEL is authorized to adjust fee rates, is calculated based on a compensation index established by ANATEL to incentivize operational efficiency and to share related gains in earnings from fixed line services with customers through fee rate adjustments. The IST is calculated based on a 12-month period average. This may cause increases in our revenues above or below our costs (including salaries), with potentially adverse impacts on our profitability.

 

Inflation and government measures to combat inflation, along with speculation about governmental measures, have had significant negative effects on the Brazilian economy in the recent past, including heightened volatility in the Brazilian securities market. These policies may be incapable of preventing increases in the inflation rate. In the event of an increase in inflation, we may not be able to adjust the prices we charge our customers to offset the effects of inflation on our cost structure, which may adversely affect us.

 

Fluctuations in exchange rates may adversely affect our ability to meet liabilities denominated or linked to foreign currencies or reduce our income in foreign currency, and may have a material adverse effect on the market value of our preferred shares and ADSs.

 

The Brazilian currency has been historically volatile and has been devalued frequently over the past three decades. Throughout this period, the Brazilian government has implemented various economic plans and used various exchange rate policies, including sudden devaluations, periodic mini-devaluations (during which the frequency of adjustments has ranged from daily to monthly), exchange controls, dual exchange rate markets and a floating exchange rate system. Although long-term depreciation of the real is generally linked to the rate of inflation in Brazil, depreciation of the real occurring over shorter periods of time has resulted in significant variations in the exchange rate between the real, the U.S. dollar and other currencies. The exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the Brazilian real has experienced significant fluctuations in recent years. In 2014 and 2015, the real depreciated 13.4% and 47.0%, respectively, against the U.S. dollar. In 2016, the real appreciated 16.5% against the U.S. dollar. In 2017, the real depreciated 1.5% against the U.S. dollar, followed by another depreciation of 17.1% in 2018, and 4.0% in 2019, ending the year at an exchange rate of R$4.0307 per US$1.00. On February 19, 2020 the exchange rate was R$4.3728 per U.S.$1.00. There can be no assurance that the real will not again depreciate against the U.S. dollar or other currencies in the future.

 

As of December 31, 2019, none of our total indebtedness of R$13.8 billion was denominated in foreign currency. Approximately 10.2% of our operating costs and expenses are payable or linked to payment by us in U.S. dollars or Euros. By contrast, 99.9% of our revenue is generated in reais, except income derived from hedging transactions, international long-distance interconnection fees and services to customers outside of Brazil.

 

To the extent that the value of the real decreases relative to the U.S. dollar or the Euro, our commitments payable or linked to payment by us in foreign currencies become more expensive. Although our accounts receivable denominated in foreign currencies would also appreciate, the net effect could adversely affect our revenue and expenses. In addition, the IST inflation index does not adequately reflect the true effect of exchange rate fluctuations. Thus, our revenue, when translated to U.S. dollars, does not adequately reflect the true effect of exchange rate fluctuations, which may affect our results of operations.

 

We use derivative instruments to limit our exposure to exchange rate risk. Since September 1999, we have hedged all of our foreign currency-denominated bank debt using swaps and other derivative instruments. Since May 2010, the company began using net balance coverage, which is the hedging of net positions in foreign exchange exposures, or assets (issued invoices) minus liabilities (received invoices) for foreign exchange exposures, substantially reducing our risk to fluctuations in exchange rates. We could still continue to face exchange rate exposure with respect to our planned capital expenditures however, as a small part of our planned capital expenditures are denominated or indexed in foreign currencies (mostly U.S. dollars). We systematically monitor the amounts and time of exposure to exchange rate fluctuations and may hedge positions when deemed appropriate.

 

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Political, economic and social developments and the perception of risk in other developed and emerging countries may adversely affect the Brazilian economy, our business, and the market price of Brazilian securities, including our preferred shares and ADSs.

 

The market for securities issued by Brazilian companies may be influenced, to varying degrees, by economic conditions in both developing and developed economies. The reaction of investors to developments in other countries may have an adverse impact on the market value of securities of Brazilian companies. The prices of shares traded on the B3, for example, have historically been sensitive to fluctuations in interest rates in the United States, as well as variations of the main U.S. stock exchanges. Additionally, crises in other emerging countries or the economic policies of other countries may reduce investor demand for securities of Brazilian companies, including our preferred shares and ADSs. Any of the foregoing developments may adversely affect the market value of our preferred shares and ADSs and hinder our ability to access the capital markets and finance our operations in the future on acceptable terms and costs, or at all.

 

To the extent that economic problems in emerging market countries or elsewhere adversely affect Brazil, our business and the market value of our preferred shares and ADSs could be adversely affected. Furthermore, we cannot assure you that, in the event of adverse developments in emerging market economies, the international capital markets will remain open to Brazilian companies or that the resulting interest rates in such markets will be advantageous to us. Decreased foreign investment in Brazil may negatively affect growth and liquidity in the Brazilian economy, which in turn may have a negative impact on our business. Disruption or volatility in the global financial markets could further increase negative effects on the financial and economic environment in Brazil, which could have a material adverse effect on us.

 

Any further downgrading of Brazil’s credit rating could reduce the trading price of our preferred shares and ADSs.

 

We may be harmed by investors’ perceptions of risks related to Brazil’s sovereign debt credit rating. Rating agencies regularly evaluate Brazil and its sovereign ratings, which are based on a number of factors including macroeconomic trends, fiscal and budgetary conditions, indebtedness metrics and the perspective of changes in any of these factors.

 

As a result of the allegations under the “Lava Jato” investigations and the economic downturn, Brazil was downgraded to non-investment grade status by S&P in September 2015, by Fitch Ratings in December 2015, by Moody’s in February 2016 and downgraded again by Fitch in May 2016. In addition, Brazil was further downgraded by S&P to BB- with a stable outlook in January 2018 as a result of the failure of the current Brazilian government to approve certain pension reforms. Brazil’s sovereign rating is currently rated by the three major risk rating agencies as follows: BB- by S&P and Fitch Ratings and Ba2 by Moody’s.

 

Brazil’s sovereign credit rating is currently rated below investment grade by the three main credit rating agencies. Consequently, the prices of securities issued by Brazilian companies have been negatively affected. A reversal of the current recovery of the Brazilian economic activity and instability in the political environment, among other factors, could lead to revision of the agencies’ outlooks, which could be followed by further ratings downgrades. Any further downgrade of Brazil’s sovereign credit ratings could heighten investors’ perception of risk and, as a result, cause the market price of our preferred shares and ADSs to decline.

 

Risks Relating to the Brazilian Telecommunications Industry and Us

 

Extensive government regulation of the telecommunications industry and our concession agreements may limit, in some cases, our flexibility in responding to market conditions, competition and changes in our cost structure or impact our fees.

 

Our business is subject to extensive regulation, including any regulatory changes that may occur during the terms of our concession agreements and our authorizations to provide telecommunication services in Brazil. ANATEL, the main telecommunications industry regulator in the country, regulates, among other things:

 

·industry policies and regulations;

 

·licensing (including licensing of spectrum and bidding processes);

 

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·fees and tariffs;

 

·competition incentives and restrictions (including our ability to grow by acquiring other telecommunications businesses);

 

·service, technical and quality standards;

 

·consumer rights;

 

·penalties and other sanctions;

 

·interconnection and settlement arrangements; and

 

·universal service obligations.

 

The Brazilian telecommunications regulatory framework is continuously evolving. The interpretation and enforcement of regulations, the assessment of compliance with regulations and the flexibility of regulatory authorities are all marked by uncertainty. We operate under authorizations and a concession from the Brazilian government, and our ability to maintain these authorizations and concession is a precondition to our success. However, because of the changing nature of our regulatory framework, we cannot provide assurances that ANATEL will not adversely modify the terms of our authorizations and/or licenses. According to our operating authorizations and licenses, we must meet specific requirements and maintain minimum quality, coverage and service standards. Our failure to comply with such requirements may result in the imposition of fines, penalties and/or other regulatory responses, including the termination of our operating authorizations and concession. Any partial or total termination of any of our operating authorizations and licenses or our concession would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, revenues, results of operations and prospects.

 

In recent years, ANATEL has been reviewing and introducing regulatory changes, especially regarding asymmetric competition measures and interconnection fees charged among local providers of telecommunications services. Asymmetric competition measures can include regulations intended to rebalance markets in which a market participant has distinct market power over other competitors. The adoption of disproportionately asymmetric measures could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, revenues, results of operations and prospects.

 

With respect to interconnection fees, these are an important part of our revenue and cost bases. Such fees are charged by telecommunications service providers to each other in order to allow interconnected use of each other’s networks. To the extent that changes to the rules governing interconnection fees reduce the amount of fees we can receive, or our ability to collect such fees, our businesses, financial conditions, revenues, results of operations and prospects could be materially adversely affected.

 

Therefore, our business, results of operations, revenues and financial conditions could be negatively affected by the actions of the Brazilian authorities, including, in particular, the following:

 

·the introduction of new or stricter operational and/or service requirements;

 

·the granting of operating licenses in our areas;

 

·limitations on interconnection fees we may charge to other telecommunications service providers;

 

·imposition of significant fines or penalties regarding failures to comply with regulatory obligations;

 

·delays in the granting of, or the failure to grant, approvals for rate increases; and

 

·antitrust limitations imposed by ANATEL and CADE.

 

Our concession may be terminated by the Brazilian government under certain circumstances.

 

We operate our fixed line business in the state of São Paulo under a concession granted by the Brazilian government. According to the terms of the concession, we are obligated to meet certain universal service

 

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requirements and to maintain minimum quality and service standards. For example, ANATEL requires that we satisfy certain conditions with respect to, among other things, the expansion of our network to provide (i) public pay-phone services under specific conditions and (ii) private individual telephone service for all locations with a population over 300 inhabitants, as well as certain quality of service targets (reviewed by Resolution No. 717, issued on December 2019). Our ability to satisfy the terms and conditions may be affected by factors beyond our control, and our failure to comply with the requirements of our concession may result in the imposition of fines up to R$50 million per incident and/or other government actions, including the imposition of a precautionary ban on marketing our services, or the termination of our concession. Any partial or total termination of our concession or authorizations would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

 

Furthermore, the concession agreements establish that all assets owned by us, and which are indispensable to the provision of the services described in such agreements, are considered “reversible assets” (bens reversíveis) and are deemed to be part of the concession assets. According to ANATEL’s interpretations of current regulations, reversible assets will be automatically returned to ANATEL’s possession upon expiration of the concession agreements in accordance with regulations in force at the time of such expiration, and would not be available to creditors in the event of insolvency, bankruptcy or similar events, although there are differing interpretations, even among government agencies, and ongoing discussions regarding the treatment of reversible assets as a result of the passage of Law No. 13,879/2019, or the New General Telecommunications Law, on October 4, 2019. See “—Review of our concession agreements and/or the implementation of a new regulatory framework in Brazil could have a materially adverse effect on our operations.”

 

As of December 31, 2019, the net book value of our reversible assets, calculated in accordance with ANATEL’s interpretation of current regulations, is estimated at R$8.2 billion. These assets are comprised of switching and transmission equipment, public use terminals, external network equipment, energy equipment and systems and operations support equipment.

 

Review of our concession agreements and/or the implementation of a new regulatory framework in Brazil could have a materially adverse effect on our operations.

 

The expiration date of our fixed line concession agreements in São Paulo is December 31, 2025. These agreements contain a provision allowing ANATEL to review the concession agreements every five years and include revisions to terms and conditions that relate to network expansion, modernization and quality of service targets in response to changes in technology, competition in the marketplace and domestic and international economic conditions.

 

On June 24, 2014, ANATEL opened a public review and comment period for the revisions of the terms of fixed line concession agreements with respect to the 2016-2020 period. However, when the agency released the new version of the agreements in June 2017, operators disagreed with the inclusion by ANATEL of certain provisions and decided against executing new agreements with the agency. As a result, the agreements with respect to the 2011-2015 period remain in force. In December 2018, although the new concession contracts have not yet been signed, the Brazilian government published Decree No. 9,619/2018, called PGMU IV, which approves the revision of the PGMU targets. The new plan replaces some obligations, mainly related to public telephony, for obligations related to 4G mobile network. These targets have been criticized by several of the local operators.

 

On October 4, 2019, Law No. 13,879/2019 (resulting from PLC Nº 79/2016), or the New General Telecommunications Law, was published. This law revises the telecommunications regulatory framework and is expected to have a significant impact on this industry. The law allows fixed-line concessions operators to migrate from a concession regime (in which the underlying assets must be reverted to the government at the end of the concession) to an authorization regime, although further rulemaking remains under way to fully implement the law and permit operators to migrate to the new regime. For more information about the New General Telecommunications Law, see “Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview—Regulation of the Brazilian Telecommunications Industry—Other regulatory matters—Updated Regulatory Framework.”

 

Any changes on laws, rules or regulations could have a material adverse effect on our operations and financial condition. Changes to our concession agreements or to the current regulatory framework may entail the imposition of new requirements, including obligations to make specific investments and/or capital expenditures. ANATEL may also impose new service targets on us with values that we are not able to predict.

 

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Our current radiofrequency licenses may not be renewed for additional periods.

 

Generally, current spectrum authorizations are valid for 15 years and can be renewed only once. Although the newly-approved New General Telecommunications Law admits successive spectrum renewals, we cannot guarantee that the new conditions will apply to existing licenses.

 

ANATEL may interpret that the new renewal conditions are valid only for authorizations issued after the approval of the New General Telecommunications Law, which took place in October 2019. ANATEL may also determine mandatory “refarming” processes in certain spectrum bands and refuse renewal requests. A refarming process can reduce the amount of spectrum available for each operator, depending on the configuration of the new blocks.

 

Our current 850 MHz authorizations will expire between 2020 and 2028. If a renewal is not allowed, it would be necessary to compete for new licenses in a spectrum auction. In addition, the coverage of our mobile services would be significantly affected by a loss of or failure to renew spectrum licenses. Further, in certain regions, our services may be unavailable, particular in the event of a failure to renew or obtain all licenses for such region. In the event of any of the foregoing circumstances, our business, financial condition, revenues, results of operations and prospects could be materially adversely affected.

 

Telefônica Brasil is exposed to risks in relation to compliance with anti-corruption laws and regulations and economic sanctions programs.

 

The Company is required to comply with Brazilian anti-corruption laws and regulations on the same subject in jurisdictions where it has its securities traded. In particular, the Company is subject, in Brazil, to the Law no. 12,846/2013 and, in the United States, to the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977. Additionally, the Company’s operations may be subject to, or otherwise affected by, economic sanctions programs and other forms of trade restrictions (hereinafter, referred to as “sanctions”) including those administered by the United States, including the US Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control.

 

Although the Company has internal policies and procedures designed to ensure compliance with the abovementioned anti-corruption laws and sanctions regulations (to the extent applicable), there can be no assurance that such policies and procedures will be sufficient or that the Company’s employees, directors, officers, partners, agents and service providers will not take actions in violation of the Company’s policies and procedures (or, otherwise in violation of the relevant anti-corruption and sanctions laws and regulations) for which the Company, its subsidiaries or they may be ultimately held responsible. Violations of such laws and regulations could lead to financial penalties, damage to the Company’s reputation or other legal consequences that could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

In connection with the above-mentioned policies, the Company has completed conducting its previously reported internal investigation - which was part of a broader investigation being conducted by the controlling shareholder of the Company (Telefónica, S.A.) - regarding possible violations of the abovementioned laws and regulations. The Company has been in contact with governmental authorities about this matter and, as a result of its discussions with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Company entered into a settlement with the SEC on May 9, 2019 (the “Settlement”) to resolve the matter in connection with its purchase and use of tickets and associated hospitality related to the 2013 Confederations Cup and 2014 World Cup held in Brazil. Pursuant to the Settlement, which resolved these matters, and without admitting or denying any of the SEC’s findings (except for the SEC’s jurisdiction over the Company and the subject matter of the proceedings), the Company consented to the entry of an order in which the SEC made findings and ordered, pursuant to Section 21C of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the Exchange Act), that the Company cease and desist from committing or causing any violations and any future violations of the accounting provisions of the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, Sections 13(b)(2)(A) and 13(b)(2)(B) of the Exchange Act. As part of these findings, the Company paid a civil penalty in the amount of US$4,125,000 to the SEC for transfer to the general fund of the United States Treasury, subject to Exchange Act Section 21(F)(g)(3). See “Item 8. Financial Information—A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information—Legal Proceedings—Regulatory and Antitrust Litigation—SEC Administrative Proceeding—FCPA.”

 

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We are dependent on key personnel and the ability to hire and retain additional personnel.

 

We believe that our success will depend on the continued services of our senior management team and other key personnel. Our management team is comprised of highly qualified professionals, with extensive experience in the telecommunications industry. The loss of the services of any of our senior management team or other key employees could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. We also depend on the ability of our senior management and key personnel to work effectively as a team.

 

Our future success also depends on our ability to identify, attract, hire, train, retain and motivate highly skilled technical, managerial, sales and marketing personnel. Competition for such personnel is intense, and we cannot guarantee that we will successfully attract, assimilate or retain a sufficient number of qualified personnel. Failure to retain and attract the necessary technical, managerial, sales and marketing and administrative personnel could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

We depend on key suppliers to obtain necessary equipment and services for our business.

 

We depend on certain key suppliers of equipment and services, especially telecommunications network equipment and handsets, for the execution and development of our business. These suppliers may delay delivery, alter prices and limit supply as a result of problems related to their own businesses, over which we have no control. If these suppliers are not able to deliver equipment and services regularly, we may face problems with the continuity of our business activities, which may have an adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

 

We are subject to liabilities relating to third party contractors, which may have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

 

We are exposed to contingent liabilities resulting from our contracting structure, which includes third party service providers. Such potential liabilities may involve labor claims by third party providers that are treated as direct employees as well as joint liability claims relating to wage or overtime pay complaints and workplace injury claims. If a significant portion of these contingent liabilities is decided against us and for which we have not made adequate provisions, our financial condition and results of operation may be adversely affected.

 

Furthermore, if the contracting of third party service are considered to involve the main activities of the company, it may be characterized as direct employment, which would significantly increase our costs and as a result we may be subject to administrative proceedings by the relevant labor regulators and may be required to pay fines to the third party service providers.

 

Certain key inputs are subject to risks related to importation, and we acquire other key inputs from a limited number of domestic suppliers, which may further limit our ability to acquire such inputs in a timely and cost-effective manner.

 

The high growth in data markets in general and broadband in particular may result in a limited supply of equipment essential for the provision of such services, such as data transmission equipment and modems. The restrictions on the number of manufacturers imposed by the Brazilian government for certain inputs, mainly data transmission equipment and modems, and the geographical locations of non-Brazilian manufacturers of these inputs, pose certain risks, including:

 

·vulnerability to currency fluctuations in cases where inputs are imported and paid for with U.S. dollars, Euros or other non-Brazilian currency;

 

·difficulties in managing inventory due to an inability to accurately forecast the domestic availability of certain inputs; and

 

·the imposition of customs or other duties on key inputs that are imported.

 

If any of these risks materialize, they may result in our inability to provide services to our customers in a timely manner or may affect the prices of our services, which may have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

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We make investments based on demand forecasts that may become inaccurate due to economic volatility and may result in revenues that are lower than expected.

 

We make certain investments, such as the procurement of materials and the development of physical sites, based on our forecasts of the amount of demand that customers will have for our services at a later date (generally several months later). However, any major changes in the Brazilian economic scenario may affect this demand and therefore our forecasts may turn out to be inaccurate. For example, economic crises may restrict credit to the population, and uncertainties relating to employment may result in a delay in the decision to acquire new products or services (such as broadband or Pay TV). As a result, it is possible that we may make larger investments based on demand forecasts that were necessary given actual demand at the relevant time, which may directly affect our cash flow.

 

Furthermore, improvements in economic conditions may have the opposite effect. For example, an increase in demand not accompanied by our investment in improved infrastructure may result in a possible loss of opportunity to increase our revenue or result in the degradation of the quality of our services.

 

Consolidation in the telecommunications market may increase competition in the near future and may change Brazilian market dynamics.

 

Mergers and acquisitions may change market dynamics, create competitive pressures, force small competitors to find partners and impact our financial condition; and may require us to adjust our operations, marketing strategies (including promotions), and product portfolio.

 

The entry of a new market participant with significant financial resources or potential changes in strategy by existing telecommunications service providers can change the competitive environment in the Brazilian market. We may be unable to keep pace with these changes, which could affect our ability to compete effectively and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Additional joint ventures, mergers and acquisitions among telecommunications service providers are possible in the future. If such consolidation occurs, it may result in increased competition within our market. We may be unable to adequately respond to pricing pressures resulting from consolidation in our market, adversely affecting our business, financial condition and results of operations. We may also consider engaging in merger or acquisition activity in response to changes in the competitive environment, which could divert resources away from other aspects of our business.

 

We face significant competition in the Brazilian market.

 

In 2019, competition in the Brazilian telecommunications sector continued to be meaningful, with telecommunications operators focusing on improving their base of accesses by attracting customers to higher-value products. In the mobile side of the business, we believe the main strategy pursued during the year by such market participants, including us, was to upsell prepaid customers to hybrid plans (“planos controle”) and pure postpaid plans, in order to increase overall ARPUs and profitability. Accordingly, this increase in competition in the postpaid plan segment led to changes in the customer mix of telecommunications operators and associated market shares in the year. In the fixed side of the business, we have seen competition both from large and small players in order to capture customers’ demand for high-speed connectivity, especially through the increased rollout of fiber optic networks.

 

In addition, customers are demanding higher quality and more data availability, which require higher investments in development, modernization, expansion and continuous improvement in service quality and customers’ experience.

 

As a result, we have faced significant competition, mainly driven by the following factors: (1) commercial and pricing pressures from new portfolios launched by competitors; (2) competitors increasing 4G, 4.5G and fiber optic network coverage, improving the quality of service provided by them; and (3) low-cost alternative services, such as voice and text services provided over IP and Video on Demand, may affect our competitive position in the market.

 

We continuously monitor market progress in order to anticipate future challenges and opportunities and how to address them. Nevertheless, our operational results, market position, competitiveness in the market and margins may be negatively affected if we are unable to keep the same pace as our competitors.

 

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Our results of operations may be negatively affected by the application of the Fixed Commuted Telephone Service (Serviço de Telefonia Fixa Comutada), or STFC, rules relating to fixed telephone service and the Personal Mobile Service (Serviço Móvel Pessoal), or SMP, rules relating to mobile services.

 

We receive payments for the termination of calls in our fixed network. On May 18, 2014, ANATEL established a gradual decrease in termination rates for the STFC concessionaries, including TU-RL (Urban Usage Rate), TU-RIU1 (Interurban Usage Rate Level 1) and TU-RU2 (Interurban Usage Rate Level 2). In the same year, ANATEL also established gradual decreases in mobile interconnection fees, also known as mobile termination rates, or MTR, based on a cost model. The related rates established by ANATEL are set forth in the following table:

 

   2017  2018  2019
Sector 31 (fixed)         
TU-RL    0.00574    0.00289    0.00146 
TU-RU1    0.02191    0.00899    0.00369 
TU-RU2    0.02348    0.009    0.00345 
Mobile               
Region I    0.04928    0.02606    0.01379 
Region II    0.05387    0.02815    0.01471 
Region III    0.06816    0.04141    0.02517 

 

In December 2018, ANATEL established the reference values for MTR for the years from 2020 until 2023. The table below shows the reference values for each region (corresponding to different Brazilian states) in the General Authorization Plan (Plano Geral de Autorizações), or PGA:

 

Year  PGA Region I  PGA Region II  PGA Region III
2020    0.01863    0.02128    0.04342 
2021    0.01937    0.02191    0.04595 
2022    0.02014    0.02255    0.04864 
2023    0.02096    0.02327    0.05140 

 

We cannot assure you that new mobile service plans will not be suspended by ANATEL, that the mobile interconnection fees we negotiated will not be changed, nor that future negotiations regarding mobile termination rates will be as favorable as those that were previously set by the agency. If the readjustments to mobile interconnection fees that we negotiated are canceled or if negotiated mobile interconnection fees in the future are less favorable to us, our business, financial condition, revenues, results of operations and prospects may be adversely affected.

 

ANATEL has the authority to issue new regulations affecting many of our areas of operations.

 

ANATEL has the authority to issue new regulations affecting many of our areas of operations. Such new regulations could have an adverse effect on our operating results because: (1) ANATEL could significantly reduce the interconnection fees we are able to charge, thereby reducing our revenues (see “—Our results of operations may be negatively affected by the application of the Fixed Commuted Telephone Service (Serviço de Telefonia Fixa Comutada), or STFC, rules relating to fixed telephone service and the Personal Mobile Service (Serviço Móvel Pessoal), or SMP, rules relating to mobile services”); (2) ANATEL may allow more favorable conditions for economic groups without significant market power; (3) the granting of new licenses may increase competition in our area from other operators, which could adversely affect our prices and/or market share, thereby reducing our revenues; (4) ANATEL may require that revenue received for the usage of the SMP network must be included in the calculation of renewing licenses costs; and (5) ANATEL’s general plan of updating the regulations targets several areas of vital importance for our business (including both our fixed telephony and mobile businesses), which may cause an increase in operating costs, cause an increase in competitive pressure, cause a decrease in our revenues, among other adverse effects.

 

For a detailed description of the regulations issued by ANATEL and their impact on our business, see “Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview—Regulation of the Brazilian Telecommunications Industry.”

 

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The industry in which we conduct our business is continually changing and evolving technologically, which demands adequate changes in the regulatory environment.

 

The telecommunications industry is subject to rapid and significant technological changes. Our future success depends on our ability to anticipate and adapt in a timely manner to technological changes. We expect that new products and technologies will emerge and that existing products and technologies will be further developed.

 

The advent of new products and technologies could have a variety of consequences. These new products and technologies may reduce the price of our services by providing lower-cost alternatives and the creation of new digital services, such as the example of over-the-top (OTT) players that provide voice and messages over IP. Also, new product and technologies may become superior to, and render obsolete, the products and services we offer and the technologies we use, thus requiring our constant investment in new technology and innovation.

 

Such new technologies will demand changes in the regulatory environment, challenging both governmental agencies and telecommunication companies. Companies that provide OTT services, which have characteristics similar to telecommunications services, are currently not subject to the same rules as the telecommunications operators. This gap can bring additional challenges to the telecommunications industry, as current developments in the regulatory framework for OTTs are inconsistent and still unclear.

 

We are subject to certain risks related to conditions and obligations imposed by ANATEL for the use of the spectrum needed for the 4G services we offer.

 

In 2012, Telefonica acquired 40MHz on the 2.5GHz to 2.69GHz frequencies for the amount of R$ 1.05 billion. In order to meet the coverage requirements, we had the obligation of implementing 4G coverage in 1,094 cities by December 31, 2017. The remaining coverage commitments in cities with less than 30,000 inhabitants could be fulfilled with other frequency bands until December 31, 2019. Verification of compliance with these targets is controlled by ANATEL and, in regard to the cities with less than 30,000 inhabitants, is in progress.

 

Regarding the 700MHz spectrum, ANATEL has allocated the band for the provision of fixed, mobile and broadband services. On September 30, 2014, we acquired 20 MHz (10+10 MHz) with nationwide coverage, for R$1.92 billion, at the minimum price, plus R$904 million for the band cleaning (migration of broadcasters that currently occupy the band) and interference management. According to the auction rules, the winning bidders were responsible for financing and managing the band cleaning process (Analog TV switch off) which was implemented through a legal entity specifically incorporated for this purpose, as set forth in the bidding process and applicable regulations (EAD).

 

Since June 2019, all Brazilian municipalities are ready to activate LTE coverage in the 700 MHz band. Notwithstanding, ANATEL still must certify the accomplishment of spectrum cleanup targets. ANATEL may impose additional coverage requirements with respect to future spectrum auctions relating to the implementation of 5G coverage.

 

The targets established by ANATEL for the fast-paced implementation of networks could be impacted by (1) our ability to obtain licenses for the construction of new sites at the speed necessary to achieve the coverage targets, (2) the capacity of our suppliers to deliver the equipment necessary for this expansion, which may increase the price of such equipment, and (3) lack of qualified resources to meet the expected implementation pace.

 

If we are not able to meet targets and obligations set forth in the bid documents, ANATEL may execute our bank guarantees, we may be subject to fines and/or have our licenses to operate these frequencies revoked, negatively affecting our business and results of operations. Additionally, the inefficient use of any frequency may lead to the loss of the usage license. Furthermore, ANATEL may also impose new targets, conditions and/or obligations on us that we are not able to predict (see “—Review of our concession agreements and/or the implementation of a new regulatory framework in Brazil could have a materially adverse effect on our operations.”). Any of the above factors could have a material adverse effect on our operations and financial condition.

 

Our sales could be suspended as a result of issues with the quality of our services.

 

ANATEL and other judicial and administrative agencies have the authority to suspend our sales in an attempt to improve the overall quality of telecommunications services. Sales suspensions are generally applied to the services for which there have been complaints by consumers and the consumer protection agencies. When applied, the

 

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suspension is temporary and usually lifted once the company presents an action plan for improvement. In July 2012, ANATEL suspended mobile service sales from three of our main competitors, Oi, Claro and Tim, as a result of a considerable increase in consumer complaints. The suspensions lasted about 20 days and ANATEL requested that all telecommunications companies, including us, present an action and investment plan to improve the mobile network. Although our action plan was approved by ANATEL in September 2012, if a similar increase in customer complaints occurs in the future we may face suspension of one or more of our services until a new plan can be presented to and approved by ANATEL, which may materially affect our business and results of operations.

 

The Law of Protection of Personal Data is recent and its implementation may require adaptations in our processes and services

 

In August 2018, the Brazilian government passed the Law of Personal Data Protection (Law No. 13,709/2018). This law increases citizens’ control over their personal information, requiring explicit consent for the collection and use data. It also obligates the creation of options for viewing, correcting and deleting such data. The law will take effect in 2020 in order to allow public and private entities to adapt to the new rules. On December 27, 2018, the Brazilian government created the National Data Protection Authority by means of an executive order (Medida Provisória No. 869/2018), which will be responsible for supervising matters of private data usage and imposing eventual penalties foreseen in the Law of Personal Data Protection.

 

In July 2019, the Brazilian Government sanctioned Law No. 13,853/2019, which promotes changes in the Law of Personal Data Protection and defines the National Data Protection Authority (Autoridade Nacional de Proteção de Dados - ANPD) as a transitory entity, which may be transformed into an independent regulatory agency reporting to the Presidency of the Republic within two years.

 

In general, our services and processes depend on personal data. The way in which we collect, store and manage this data shall be in accordance with the provisions of the new law.

 

Due to its recent approval, different judges or courts may decide very similar claims in different ways and establish conflicting jurisprudence. This legal uncertainty allows for rulings against us and may establish adverse precedents, which individually or collectively may have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. In addition, such legal uncertainty may adversely affect the perception and use of our services by our customers.

 

Internet regulation in Brazil is still limited and several legal issues related to the Internet are uncertain.

 

In 2014, Brazil enacted a law, which we refer to as the Civil Rights Framework for the Internet, setting forth principles, guarantees, rights and duties for the use of the internet in Brazil, including provisions about internet service provider liability, internet user privacy and network neutrality. In May 2016, further regulations were passed relating to the privacy and network provisions set forth in the Civil Rights Framework for the Internet. However, unlike in the United States, few legal precedents relating to the Internet Act exist and existing jurisprudence has not been consistent, especially with respect to the application of the network neutrality principle. Legal uncertainty arising from the limited guidance provided by current laws in force allows for different judges or courts to decide very similar claims in different ways and establish contradictory jurisprudence. This legal uncertainty allows for rulings against us and could set adverse precedents, which individually or in the aggregate could seriously harm our business, results of operations and financial condition. In addition, legal uncertainty may harm our customers’ perception and use of our service.

 

Certain of our debt agreements contain financial covenants, and any default under such debt agreements may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and cash flows.

 

Certain of our existing debt agreements contain restrictions and covenants and require the maintenance or satisfaction of specified financial ratios and tests. Failure to meet or satisfy any of these covenants, financial ratios or financial tests could result in an event of default under these agreements, which would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition.

 

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We are subject to environmental laws and regulations. Failure to comply with governmental laws and regulations could subject us to penalties that could have an adverse effect on our business and reputation.

 

Our operations and properties are subject to a variety of environmental laws and regulations governing, among other things, environmental licensing and registries, protection of flora and fauna, air emissions, waste management and remediation of contaminated areas, among others. Our failure to comply with present and future requirements, or the management of existing and identification of new contamination, could cause us to incur substantial costs, including cleanup costs, indemnification, compensation, fines, suspension of activities and other penalties, investments to upgrade our facilities or change our processes, costs to redress any loss of reputation or the curtailment of our operations. The identification of presently unidentified environmental conditions, more vigorous enforcement by regulatory agencies, enactment of more stringent laws and regulations or other unanticipated events may arise in the future and give rise to material environmental liabilities and related costs. The occurrence of any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

Companies in the telecommunication industry, including us, may be harmed by restrictions regarding the installation of new antennas for mobile services.

 

Currently, there are hundreds municipal laws in Brazil that limit the installation of new antennas for mobile service. This scenario has been a barrier to the expansion of mobile networks. Those laws are meant to regulate issues related to zoning and the alleged effects of the radiation and radio frequencies of the antennas. Despite the existence of a federal law approved in 2015, that addresses this issue by establishing new guidelines to create a consolidated plan for the installation of antennas, as long as the municipal laws remain unchanged, the risk of noncompliance with regulations and of having services of limited quality in certain areas continues to exist.

 

Additional antenna installation is also limited as a result of concerns that radio frequency emissions from base stations may cause health problems and other environmental impacts. These concerns could have an adverse effect on the wireless communications industry and, possibly, expose wireless providers, including us, to litigation. Based on information from the World Health Organization (WHO) we are not aware of any evidence in the latest medical research that conclusively establishes any relationship between radio frequency emissions of base stations and health concerns. Perceived risks may, however, delay expansion of our network if we experience problems in finding new sites, which in turn may delay expansion and affect the quality of our services.

 

For instance, in May 2009, the Brazilian government published Law No. 11934/2009 that limits the exposure for fields with frequencies up to 300 GHz. The new law uses the exposure limits determined by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection and recommended by the WHO and restricts the installation of new antennas.

 

New laws may create additional transmission regulations, which in turn, could have an adverse effect on our business. Health concerns regarding the effects of radio frequency emissions may also discourage the use of mobile telephones and may result in the adoption of new measures by governments or any other regulatory interventions, any of which could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

We face risks associated with litigation.

 

We are party to a number of lawsuits and other proceedings. An adverse outcome in, or any settlement of, these or other lawsuits could result in significant costs to us. In addition, our senior management may be required to devote substantial time to these lawsuits, which they could otherwise devote to our business. See “Item 8. Financial Information—A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information—Legal Proceedings.”

 

Information technology is key to our business and it could be subject to cybersecurity risks.

 

The risks derived from cybersecurity are among our most relevant risks. Despite advances in the modernization of the network and the replacement of legacy systems, we operate in an environment increasingly prone to cyber-threats. Therefore, it is necessary to continue to identify and remedy any technical vulnerabilities and weaknesses in our operating processes, as well as to strengthen our capabilities to detect and react to incidents. This includes the need to strengthen security controls in the supply chain (for example, by focusing on the security measures adopted by our partners and other third parties), as well as to ensure the security of the services in the cloud.

 

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Telecommunications companies worldwide face continuously increasing cybersecurity threats as businesses have become increasingly more digital and dependent on telecommunications and computer networks and cloud computing technologies. Cybersecurity threats may include gaining unauthorized access to our systems or propagating computer viruses or malicious software to misappropriate sensitive information like customer data, corrupt our data or disrupt our operations. Unauthorized access may also be gained through traditional means such as the theft of laptop computers, data devices and mobile phones. Further, our employees or other persons may have unauthorized or authorized access to our systems and leak data and/or take actions that affect our networks or otherwise adversely affect us or our ability to adequately process internal information.

 

We manage these risks through a number of technical and organizational measures, which are part of our digital security strategy, including, access control measures, backup systems, log review of critical systems, vulnerabilities checks, network segregation measures and protective systems such as firewalls, intrusion prevention systems, virus scanners and other physical and logical security measures. However, the application of these measures cannot guarantee the mitigation of all risks.

 

Risks Relating to the Preferred Shares and the ADSs

 

Holders of our ADSs may face difficulties in serving process on or enforcing judgments against us and other persons.

 

We are organized under the laws of Brazil, and all of our executive officers and our independent public accountants reside or are based in Brazil. Also, six of our twelve directors reside or are based in Brazil. Substantially all of our assets and those of these other persons are located in Brazil. As a result, it may not be possible for holders of the ADSs to effect service of process upon us or these other persons within the United States or other jurisdictions outside Brazil or to enforce any judgments obtained in the United States or other jurisdictions outside Brazil against us or such other persons. Because judgments of U.S. courts for civil liabilities based upon the U.S. federal securities laws may only be enforced in Brazil if certain conditions are met, holders may face greater difficulties in protecting their interests due to actions by us, our directors or executive officers than would shareholders of a U.S. corporation.

 

Holders of our preferred shares and ADSs generally do not have voting rights.

 

In accordance with Brazilian Corporate Law and our bylaws, holders of our preferred shares, and therefore of our ADSs, are not entitled to vote at meetings of our shareholders, except in limited circumstances set forth in “Item 10. Additional Information—B. Memorandum and Articles of Association.”

 

Holders of our preferred shares might be unable to exercise preemptive rights with respect to the preferred shares unless there is a current registration statement in effect which covers those rights or unless an exemption from registration applies.

 

Holders of our preferred shares will not be able to exercise the preemptive rights relating to the preferred shares underlying their ADSs unless a registration statement under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, is effective with respect to the shares underlying those rights, or an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act is available. We are not obligated to file a registration statement. Unless we file a registration statement or an exemption from registration applies, holders of our preferred shares may receive only the net proceeds from the sale of their preemptive rights by the depositary, or if the preemptive rights cannot be sold, they will lapse and they will not receive any value for them. For more information on the exercise of these rights, see “Item 10. Additional Information—B. Memorandum and Articles of Association—Description of our Bylaws—Preemptive Rights.”

 

An exchange of ADSs for preferred shares risks the loss of certain foreign currency remittance and Brazilian tax advantages.

 

Beginning on March 30, 2015, the different forms of foreign portfolio investments in Brazil, including investments via Depositary Receipts, have been regulated by CMN Resolution 4,373, of September 29, 2014 (or

 

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“Resolution No. 4,373”), which revoked the former rule (CMN Resolution 2,689, of January 26, 2000) that had been in effect for the previous 15 years. Resolution No. 4,373 provides for the issuance of Depositary Receipts in foreign markets in respect of shares of Brazilian issuers, and, pursuant to this regulation, the ADSs benefit from the certificate of foreign capital registration, which permits Citibank N.A., as depositary, to convert dividends and other distributions with respect to preferred shares into foreign currency, and to remit the proceeds abroad. Holders of ADSs who exchange their ADSs for preferred shares will then be entitled to rely on the depositary’s certificate of foreign capital registration for five business days from the date of exchange. Thereafter, they will not be able to remit non-Brazilian currency abroad unless they obtain their own certificate of foreign capital registration, or unless they qualify under CMN Resolution No. 4,373, which entitles certain investors to buy and sell shares on Brazilian stock exchanges without obtaining separate certificates of registration. CMN Resolution No. 4,373 replaced both CMN Resolution No. 1,927 and CMN Resolution No. 2,689 as of March 30, 2015. Further rules will be issued by CVM and by the Central Bank to regulate foreign investments in ADSs, including with regard to the exchange of ADSs for preferred shares and the remittance of funds arising from the sale of these preferred shares.

 

If holders of ADSs do not qualify under Resolution No. 4,373, they will generally be subject to less favorable tax treatment with respect to our preferred shares. There can be no assurance that the depositary’s certificate of registration or any certificate of foreign capital registration obtained by holders of ADSs will not be affected by future legislative or regulatory changes, or that additional Brazilian law restrictions applicable to their investment in the ADSs may not be imposed in the future.

 

Holders of our preferred shares will be subject to, and holders of our ADSs could be subject to, Brazilian income tax on capital gains from sales of preferred shares or ADSs.

 

Brazilian Law No. 10,833 provides that gains on the disposition of assets located in Brazil by nonresidents of Brazil, whether to other nonresidents or to Brazilian residents, will be subject to Brazilian taxation. The preferred shares are expected to be treated as assets located in Brazil for purposes of the law, and gains on the disposition of preferred shares, even by nonresidents of Brazil, are expected to be subject to Brazilian taxation.

 

Based on the fact that the ADSs are issued and registered abroad, we believe that gains on the disposition of ADSs made outside of Brazil by nonresidents of Brazil to another non-Brazilian resident would not be subject to Brazilian taxation, since they would not fall within the definition of assets located in Brazil for purposes of Law 10,833. However, considering the general and unclear scope of Law No. 10,833 and the absence of judicial/administrative court rulings in respect thereto, we cannot be assured that such an interpretation of this law will prevail in the courts of Brazil.

 

In case of any assessment by the Brazilian tax authorities, the gains arising from the disposal of ADSs made are subject to capital gain tax in Brazil at (i) progressive rates ranging from 15% to 22.5%, or (ii) 25% if the non-Brazilian holder is located in a tax haven jurisdiction. See “Item 10. Additional Information—E. Taxation—Brazilian Tax Considerations.”

 

Certain Factors Relating to our Controlling Shareholder

 

Our controlling shareholder has power over the direction of our business.

 

Telefónica S.A., or Telefónica, our controlling shareholder, and its affiliates currently own directly and indirectly approximately 94.47% of our voting shares and 73.58% of our total capital stock. See “Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions—A. Major Shareholders” and “Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions—B. Related Party Transactions.” As a result of its share ownership, Telefónica has the power to control us and our subsidiaries, including the power to elect our directors and officers and to determine the outcome of any action requiring shareholder approval, including corporate reorganizations and the timing and payment of our dividends. Given this degree of control over our company, circumstances could arise under which the interests of Telefónica could be deemed to be in conflict with the interests of our other shareholders.

 

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Item 4.Information on the Company

 

A.History and Development of the Company

 

General

 

We were incorporated on May 22, 1998, as a corporation (sociedade anônima) organized under the laws of the Federative Republic of Brazil, as a result of the restructuring and privatization of Telecomunicações Brasileiras S.A. and its operating subsidiaries, or the Telebrás System, which monopolized the provision of public telecommunications services in virtually all areas of Brazil prior to 1998. We were incorporated under the name Telesp Participações S.A. and after subsequent reorganizations, we were named Telecomunicações de São Paulo S.A. – TELESP. After our merger with Vivo Participações in October 2011, we changed our corporate name to Telefônica Brasil S.A.

 

On September 18, 2014, we entered into a stock purchase agreement with Vivendi S.A. to acquire all of the shares of GVT Participações S.A., or GVT, the controlling shareholder of Global Village Telecom S.A., or Operating GVT, which was approved by our board of directors on the same date.

 

Pursuant to Brazilian Law, the transaction required approval by both ANATEL and CADE. On December 22, 2014, ANATEL approved the transaction and imposed certain obligations, that included (1) the maintenance of current GVT services and plans within the same geographic scope in which GVT previously operated, requiring, in addition, that the successor company expand its operations to at least ten new municipalities within three years beginning on January 26, 2015; and (2) the waiver of the STFC license held by GVT within 18 months of ANATEL’s decisions, since the same economic group cannot hold more than one STFC license in the same geographic area. Telefônica has satisfied both obligations.

 

On March 25, 2015, CADE provisionally approved the GVT acquisition, subject to a series of obligations imposed to prevent any undesired concentration effects of the merger. Such obligations require that we:

 

·Maintain, for at least three years, the current geographical coverage for STFC, SCM and SeAC services;

 

·Maintain, for at least three years, the current average broadband speed for GVT’s customers on a nationwide basis. The reference as of December 2014 is 15.1 Mbps;

 

·Maintain, for at least three years, the current average broadband speed for GVT’s customers in São Paulo. The reference as of December 2014 is 18.25 Mbps; and

 

·Do not exchange, directly or indirectly, classified information, strategic or competitively sensitive information with any other company or between management and representative responsible for subsidiaries of Vivendi Group, Telefónica Group and Telecom Italia Group related to its operations in the Brazilian market.

 

In November 2015, ANATEL consented to our corporate reorganization involving Telefônica Brasil S.A., GVT Participações S.A. and its subsidiaries. The approval was subject to certain conditions such as the end of overlap licenses of STFC, SCM and SeAC within 18 months and the obligation to present a list of all assets from the companies incorporated in our STFC (Sector 31, Region III) concession area, confirming the absence of reversible assets burdened judicially (by means of a negative certificate), or in case of attachment, present the appropriate requests for replacement.

 

On March 14, 2016, the corporate reorganization was approved by our board of directors and was completed on April 1, 2016, after the approval by an extraordinary shareholders meeting of the relevant companies.

 

On July 3, 2017, Telefônica Data S.A., or TData, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, acquired all the shares of capital stock of Terra Networks Brasil S.A. from SP Telecomunicações Participações S.A., one of the controlling shareholders of the Company. The purpose of the Terra Networks Transaction is to expand and integrate our offering of digital services, in order to provide additional value to our customer base and TData’s. Effective as from December 1, 2018, TData was merged into the Company as part of a corporate restructuring. See “—Historical Background—Restructuring Involving TData” for more information.

 

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We are registered with the CVM as a publicly held company and our stock is traded on the B3 – Brasil, Bolsa, Balcão under the symbol “VIVT3” (formerly “TLPP3”) for common shares and “VIVT4” (formerly “TLPP4”) for preferred shares. We are also registered with the SEC in the United States and our ADSs are traded on the NYSE, under the symbol “VIV” (formerly “TSP”). Our headquarters are located at Avenida Engenheiro Luis Carlos Berrini, 1376, 04571-936, São Paulo, SP, Brazil. Our telephone number is 55-11-3430-3687 and our website is www.telefonica.com.br/ir. The information on our website is not a part of this annual report on Form 20-F.

 

As of December 31, 2019, we had 569,354,053 outstanding common shares (excluding treasury shares), with no par value per share, and 1,119,339,723 outstanding preferred shares (excluding treasury shares), with no par value per share. Our shareholders’ equity amounted to R$70.5 billion as presented in our audited financial statements prepared in accordance with IFRS.

 

Historical Background

 

Corporate Restructuring Involving Telefônica Brasil and Vivo Participações

 

On July 28, 2010, our controlling shareholder, Telefónica, reached an initial agreement with Portugal Telecom for the acquisition of 50% of the capital stock of Brasilcel, N.V., or Brasilcel. As a result of this transaction, Telefónica held 100% of the capital stock of Brasilcel. At that time, Brasilcel held approximately 60% of the capital stock of Vivo Participações. On December 21, 2010, Brasilcel was merged into Telefónica.

 

Due to the acquisition of control of Vivo Participações, on February 16, 2011, Telefónica, through its subsidiary SP Telecomunicações Ltda., or SP Telecom, launched a public tender offer for the common shares of Vivo Participações (the only shares with voting rights) held by minority shareholders. As a result of the public tender offer, on March 18, 2011, SPTelecom acquired 10,634,722 common shares of Vivo Participações, representing 2.66% of its shares, resulting in the Telefónica group’s ownership of 62.1% of Vivo Participações.

 

On December 27, 2010, the boards of directors of Vivo Participações and Telefônica Brasil approved the terms and conditions of a corporate restructuring, which provided for the merger of shares issued by Vivo Participações into Telefônica Brasil. The corporate restructuring was approved by ANATEL on March 24, 2011, and on April 27, 2011, the shareholders of Vivo Participações and Telefônica Brasil approved the merger of shares issued by Vivo Participações into Telefônica. On June 14, 2011, the board of directors of both companies approved a second corporate restructuring, pursuant to which Vivo Participações became our wholly owned subsidiary. The terms and conditions of the second corporate restructuring were approved unanimously by the shareholders of both companies on October 3, 2011. Vivo Participações was merged into us, and the holders of the merged shares of Vivo Participações received new shares in the company.

 

Due to the merger of Vivo Participações into us, our capital was increased by R$31.2 billion, reflecting the economic value of the shares issued as a result of the merger. The merger did not change the identity of the controlling shareholders of the companies.

 

Additionally, as a consequence of this merger, on July 6, 2011, Vivo Participações filed a statement with the SEC in order to cancel the registration of its American Depositary Shares, or ADS, program since all of its ADSs were converted into ADSs of Telefônica Brasil. The SEC approved the deregistration on July 7, 2011.

 

A third stage of the corporate restructuring was approved by ANATEL on August 16, 2011. On October 3, 2011, our shareholders approved the merger of Vivo Participações into us and Telefônica Brasil absorbed Vivo Participações’ equity, extinguishing Vivo Participações, which further simplified and rationalized our cost structures. On the same date, we changed our name from Telecomunicações de São Paulo S.A. – TELESP to Telefônica Brasil S.A., to reflect our nationwide operations. On October 18, 2011, ANATEL approved the transfer of the authorization for the provision of SMP services in the state of Minas Gerais from Vivo Participações to Vivo.

 

As a result of this name change, the ticker symbols for our shares were also changed as of October 6, 2011 (inclusive), from TLPP3, for the common shares, and TLPP4, for the preferred shares, to VIVT3 and VIVT4, respectively, with the subsequent change of our trading name to TELEF BRAZIL. Our ticker symbol for the ADRs on the NYSE was changed to VIV, from TSP.

 

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Telefónica and Telecom Italia Agreement

 

Through a series of transactions from 2007 to 2009, Telefónica acquired an indirect holding in the voting shares of Telecom Italia through its holdings in the Italian company TELCO S.p.A. Telecom Italia holds an indirect interest in TIM Participações S.A., or TIM, a Brazilian telecommunications company. None of Telefónica, Telefônica Brasil or any other affiliate of Telefónica was involved with or had decision-making powers over TIM’s operations in Brazil, although Telefónica held an indirect interest with respect to TIM’s operations in Brazil. They were also legally and contractually forbidden from exercising any voting rights in TIM’s operations in Brazil.

 

On June 16, 2014, TELCO, S.p.A.’s Italian shareholders exercised their right to a spin-off, in accordance with the shareholders’ agreement. As a result of the spin-off, Telefónica S.A. would indirectly hold 14.77% of Telecom Italia S.p.A. of which 8.3% would be exchanged with Vivendi as consideration in the GVT acquisition and 6.47% would be tied to debentures issued by Telefónica S.A. in July 2014 convertible into shares of Telecom Italia upon maturity. On April 7, 2015, ANATEL approved the swap transaction to exchange 12% of our common shares and 0.7% of our preferred shares owned by Vivendi for 8.3% Telecom Italia’s common shares with voting rights, previously held by Telefónica, S.A.

 

As a result, Telefónica no longer held, directly or indirectly, any economic interest in Telecom Italia by the end of 2015.

 

Restructuring Involving the Subsidiaries of Telefônica Brasil

 

On March 15, 2012, our board of directors approved a corporate restructuring of our wholly-owned subsidiaries to align the services provided by each such subsidiary and to concentrate all telecommunication services in one company. The restructuring was finalized on July 1, 2013.

 

The restructuring was implemented by means of a spin-off and mergers involving only our wholly owned subsidiaries, A. TELECOM S.A., or A. TELECOM, TData, Telefônica Sistema de Televisão S.A. and Vivo. The mergers did not result in an increase in our capital stock or in the issuance of new shares by us, and the corporate restructuring did not give rise to a change in the equity interests held by our shareholders. As a result of the restructuring, value-added services and innovative services provided by several wholly owned subsidiaries of the company were consolidated under TData and other telecommunications services were consolidated under Telefônica Brasil, which, as a final step to the corporate restructuring, merged these subsidiaries.

 

Acquisition of GVT

 

On September 18, 2014, we entered into a stock purchase agreement with Vivendi and certain of its controlled companies, or collectively, Vivendi, and with GVTPar, Telefónica, S.A. and Operating GVT, pursuant to which we agreed to purchase all of the shares of GVTPar, the controlling shareholder of Operating GVT. This acquisition was approved by our board of directors on September 18, 2014.

 

As consideration for the acquisition, we agreed to pay a portion of the price in cash and a portion in kind, in the form of our common and preferred shares, as follows: (1) €4,663,000,000 to be paid in cash on the closing date, as adjusted pursuant to the stock purchase agreement, and (2) our common and preferred shares amounting to 12% of our total share capital following the capital increase contemplated in the stock purchase agreement and the merger of shares of GVTPar. The total consideration was paid after the conclusion of (A) a capital increase, the proceeds of which were used to pay the cash consideration described in (1) above, and (B) the merger of shares of GVTPar into us.

 

On December 22, 2014, ANATEL approved the transaction and imposed certain obligations, which we understood did not compromise the terms of the GVT acquisition or its value. On March 25, 2015, CADE’s administrative tribunal approved the transaction on the basis of certain confidential commitments offered by us and Vivendi S.A. The commitments include the execution of two merger control agreements: the first between CADE and us and the second between CADE and Vivendi S.A.

 

On March 25, 2015, our board of directors approved the public offering of shares, including shares in the form of ADSs, pursuant to a capital increase in the amount of R$15,812,000,038.03, through issuance of 121,711,240 common shares, at a price of R$38.47 and 236,803,588 preferred shares, at a price of R$47.00 as well as an additional 6,282,660 preferred shares pursuant to the exercise of the over-allotment option.

 

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On May 28, 2015, our shareholders approved the ratification of the Stock Purchase Agreement and Other Covenants, entered into by the Company, as Buyer, and Vivendi S.A. and its subsidiaries, Société d’Investissements et de Gestion 108 SAS and Société d’Investissements et de Gestion 72 S.A., as Sellers, whereby all the shares issued by GVTPar, the controlling shareholder of Global Village Telecom S.A., were acquired by us.

 

Therefore, as provided for in the stock purchase agreement, we paid a portion of the GVT acquisition price in cash, receiving shares of GVTPar and GVT Operator, and another portion in shares, to FrHolding108 as a result of the merger of GVTPar’s shares into us, representing 12% of our capital stock after the merger.

 

After the merger and as a result of the acquisition, our corporate structure was as follows:

 

 

On June 24, 2015, the transaction for the exchange of shares between Telefónica and Société d’Investissements et de Gestion 108 SAS, a company controlled by Vivendi S.A. was completed, through which FrHolding108 transferred to Telefónica 76,656,559 shares representing 4.5% of our capital stock, including 68,597,306 common shares representing 12% of such class of shares and 8,059,253 preferred shares representing 0.72% such class of shares, in exchange for 1,110,000,000 shares representing 8.2% of the common shares of Telecom Italia, S.p.A., previously held by Telco TE, S.p.A., a subsidiary of Telefónica.

 

On July 29, 2015, Vivendi S.A. sold 67.9 million preferred shares, representing 4% of our capital stock. On the same day, Telefónica S.A. announced that it entered into an agreement with Vivendi’s subsidiary Société d’Investissements et de Gestion 108 SAS, through which Telefónica committed to delivering 46.0 million of its treasury shares, representing 0.95% of its share capital, in exchange for 58.4 million preferred shares of Telefônica Brasil, S.A., (received by Société d’Investissements et de Gestion 108 SAS. in the context of the acquisition of GVT Participaçoes, S.A.). On September 16, 2015, the exchange of shares was concluded. Consequently, Telefónica S.A.’s interest in the Company was increased by 5.2% in relation to the total preferred shares of the Company, and by 3.5% in relation to the total capital stock of the Company. Conversely, SIG108 shareholding interest in the Company was reduced by the same proportion. Therefore, from that date on, SIG108 does not hold any interest at the Company.

 

On March 14, 2016, our board of directors approved a corporate restructuring in order to simplify our organizational structure. In the previous corporate structure, GVT Participações S.A. (“GVTPart”) was 100% owned by Telefônica Brasil. On the date of the merger, GVT was split and its net assets were transferred in part to GVTPart and in part to POP. The portion of the spun-off net assets of GVT concerning the goods, rights and obligations related to telecommunications activities were transferred to GVTPart and the remaining portion, concerning the assets, rights and obligations related to the other activities of non-telecommunications were transferred to POP. GVTPart was subsequently merged into Telefônica Brasil, resulting in the following corporate structure:

 

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The corporate restructuring did not result in a capital increase or change in ownership of the Company’s shareholders and was ratified by an extraordinary shareholders’ meeting on April 1, 2016.

 

Acquisition of Telefônica Transporte e Logística Ltda. by TData

 

On October 28, 2015, TData, as buyer, and Telefónica Gestión de Servicios Compartidos España S.A., as seller, entered into a Stock Purchase agreement that resulted in the acquisition of Telefônica Transporte e Logística Ltda., a company headquartered in Brazil that provides logistics services.

 

Acquisition of Terra Networks by TData

 

On July 3, 2017, we announced that our wholly-owned subsidiary, TData, acquired all the shares of capital stock of Terra Networks Brasil S.A. (“Terra Networks”) from SP Telecomunicações Participações S.A. (“SPTE”), one of our controlling shareholders (the “Terra Networks Transaction”). Terra Networks is a provider of digital services (own and third-party value-added services (“VAS”) and carrier billing, as well as mobile channels for sales and relationships) and advertising. The purpose of the Terra Networks Transaction was to expand and integrate our offering of digital services, in order to provide additional value to our customer base and TData’s, as well as to provide TData’s offering of services to Terra Networks’ customer base and subscribers. In addition, the Terra Networks Transaction was intended to amplify TData’s advertising business as a result of Terra Networks’ nationwide operations and expertise. The total price paid by TData as consideration for the acquisition of shares issued by Terra Networks was R$250 million, paid in a single installment using TData’s cash on hand, with no need for financing. The Terra Networks Transaction was not subject to any regulatory authorizations or approvals by us and was completed on July 3, 2017.

 

Restructuring Involving TData

 

On October 30, 2018, our board of directors approved the terms and conditions of the merger into the Company of its wholly-owned subsidiary TData, as well as the proposal for the convening of an Extraordinary General Meeting of the Company for November 30, 2018, to resolve on the merger.

 

The merger involved the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiary TData, as shown below:

 

 

The merger aimed to standardize the rendering of services, as well as simplify the Company’s organizational and corporate structure. After the implementation of the merger, the corporate structure involving the companies is as follows:

 

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The merger was approved by an Extraordinary Shareholders Meeting of the Company on November 30, 2018 and it did not result in a capital increase or change in the Company’s shareholders’ equity. The merger was completed with operational effects as from December 1, 2018.

 

Restructuring involving the subsidiary Terra Networks Brasil S.A. and Telefônica Infraestrutura e Segurança Ltda.

 

On September 26, 2019, we announced that our wholly-owned subsidiary, Terra Networks Brasil S.A., or Terra, acquired all the shares of Telefônica Infraestrutura e Segurança Ltda., or TIS, from Telefónica Ingeniería de Seguridad S.A. and Telefónica Digital España S.L.U. (the “TIS Transaction”).

 

TIS is dedicated to the exploration and provision of services and technology of information security systems, technical support and other services related to infrastructure, technology and information.

 

The purpose of the TIS Transaction is to allow Terra, which performs, among other activities, the development of computer systems, in order to expand consulting and operational assistance, maximize the commercialization of systems, licenses and applications, enabling the expansion of the portfolio of professional and managed services and the integration of TIS and Terra’s commercial offerings, unlocking the generation of added value for the Company’s client portfolio as the activities of Information Technology, Security, IoT (Internet of Things) and Connectivity, all to be provided under common management.

 

The total price paid for the acquisition of the shares issued by TIS was R$70.84 million, in a single installment, without any financing, using only the available cash from Terra. Said amount was calculated based on the economic value of TIS as of June 30, 2019, according to the discounted cash flow criterion, supported by an appraisal report commissioned by us.

 

The TIS Transaction’s sale and purchase agreement contains terms and provisions common to such transactions, such as seller’s declarations and warranties, indemnity and others. The Transaction was also preceded by and accounting, financial, legal and procedural audit in relation to TIS.

 

The TIS Transaction is not subject to obtaining any regulatory authorizations or approvals by the Company’s bodies, having been approved by Terra’s Board of Executive Officers pursuant to its bylaws on September 26, 2019.

 

The TIS Transaction did not change Telefônica Brasil’s shareholding structure nor caused any dilution to its shareholders.

 

Capital Expenditures

 

Year Ended December 31, 2019

 

In 2019, we invested R$8,844.3 million, a 7.86% increase over the amount we invested in 2018 (R$8,199.9 million), primarily due to the efforts the Company has been making in order to expand its fiber and 4.5G footprints. Investments in projects were strongly focused on network investments (which accounted for 82% of investments in 2019) and included expenditures on items such as radio access network (eNode-Bs and carriers), transmission backhaul and backbone, FTTH and copper network. The investments helped sustain our commercial and revenue growth while maintaining the quality of the services provided and are also designed to prepare us for medium-term growth.

 

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To meet the needs of an increasingly data driven and connected society, significant investments were made to support the strong growth of data usage in our residential fiber network, mobile 4G network and dedicated corporate networks. We continue to invest in expanding our national data transmission backbone to meet the increase in data traffic throughout Brazil.

 

The following table sets forth our capital expenditures for each year in the three-year period ended December 31, 2019.

 

   Year ended December 31,
Telefônica Brasil  2019  2018  2017
   (in millions of reais)
Network    7,273.6    6,881.2    6,783.5 
Technology / Information Systems    1,185    999.3    838.3 
Others(1)    385.7    319.4    331.5 
Total capital expenditures    8,844.3    8,199.9    7,998.3 

 

 

 

(1)Consists primarily of handset sales made to corporate customers for the length of their contracts, furniture and fixtures, office equipment and store layouts and spectrum licensing costs. The spectrum licensing costs amounted to R$6.65 million in 2018, relating to the realignment of the “L” band for 3G usage mainly in the northeastern region of Brazil. In 2017 and 2019, we had no spectrum license costs.

 

Year Ended December 31, 2018

 

In 2018, we invested R$8,199.9 million, a 2.52% increase over the amount we invested in 2017 (R$7,998.3 million), Investments in projects were strongly focused on network investments (which accounted for 84% of investments in 2018) and included expenditures on items such as radio access network (Node-Bs, eNode-Bs and WCDMA carriers), transmission backhaul and backbone, FTTH and copper network. The investments helped sustain our commercial and revenue growth while maintaining the quality of the services provided and are also designed to prepare us for medium-term growth.

 

Year Ended December 31, 2017

 

In 2017, we invested R$7,998.3 million, a 2.3% decrease over the amount we invested in 2016 (R$8,189.1 million), primarily since we had no spectrum licensing costs in 2017, compared to R$185 million in spectrum licensing costs in 2016. Investments in projects were strongly focused on network investments (which accounted for 85% of investments in 2017) and included expenditures on items such as radio access network (Node-Bs, eNode-Bs and WCDMA carriers), transmission backhaul and backbone, FTTH and copper network. The investments helped sustain our commercial and revenue growth while maintaining the quality of the services provided and are also designed to prepare us for medium-term growth.

 

B.Business Overview

 

We are the leading mobile telecommunications company in Brazil (with a 32.9% market share as of December 31, 2019, based on accesses), with a particularly strong position in postpaid mobile services (39.4% market share as of December 31, 2019, based on accesses). We are also the leading fixed telecommunications company in the state of São Paulo where we began our business as a fixed telephone service provider pursuant to our concession agreement. In December 2019, we reached 25.1% of total market share in FTTH (fiber-to-the-home) accesses in Brazil, or 54.8% considering only the state of São Paulo, consolidating our leadership in key businesses of high value services.

 

Our Vivo brand, under which we market our mobile services, is among the most recognized brands in Brazil. The quality of our services and the strength of our brand recognition enable us to, on average, achieve higher prices relative to our competition and, as a result, generally earn higher margins. As of December 31, 2019, our average revenue per mobile user, or ARPU, of R$29.34 represented a significant premium relative to the market average. In 2019, up to November (the date of the most-recent publicly available data), we captured 27.2% of the 9.0 million net additions in the postpaid mobile segment. We offer our clients a complete portfolio of products, including mobile and fixed voice, mobile data, fixed broadband, ultra-fast broadband, or UBB (based on our Fiber to the Home, or FTTH and Fiber to the Curb, or FTTC infrastructure), Pay TV, information technology and digital services (such as

 

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entertainment, cloud, security and financial services). We also have one of the most extensive distribution networks of the sector, where our clients can obtain certain services, such as purchasing credit for prepaid phones.

 

We seek to continue to increase our operating margins by focusing on developing and growing our product offerings so that they comprise an integrated portfolio of higher-margin services. As part of this strategy, we acquired GVT in 2015, a high-growth telecommunications company in Brazil that offered high-speed broadband, fixed telephone and Pay TV services to high-income customers across its target market, primarily located outside the state of São Paulo.

 

Our Operations and Services

 

Our operations consist of:

 

·local and long distance fixed telephone services;

 

·mobile services, including value-added services;

 

·data services, including broadband services and mobile data services;

 

·Pay TV services through IPTV and DTH (a satellite technology);

 

·network services, including rental of facilities, as well as other services;

 

·wholesale services, including interconnection;

 

·digital services;

 

·services designed specifically for corporate customers;

 

·the sale of wireless devices and accessories.

 

Fixed voice services

 

Our fixed line services portfolio includes local, domestic long-distance and international long-distance calls provided both on the public and private regime.

 

Local Service

 

Fixed local services include activation, monthly subscription, public telephones and measured services. Measured services include all calls that originate and terminate within the same area code within our concession region, which we refer to as local calls.

 

Intraregional, interregional and international long-distance services

 

Intraregional long-distance services consist of all calls that originate in one local area or municipality and terminate in another local area or municipality within our concession region. Interregional long-distance services consist of state-to-state calls within Brazil and international long-distance services consist of calls between a phone line in Brazil and a phone line outside Brazil. We were the first telecommunications company to be granted the authorization to develop local, intraregional, interregional and international services throughout Brazil, including outside our concession area.

 

Mobile services

 

According to data regarding market share published by ANATEL in December 2019, we are the leading provider of mobile telecommunications services in Brazil in terms of accesses.

 

Our mobile portfolio includes voice and broadband internet access through 3G, 4G and 4.5G as well as value-added services (such as Vivo Meditação, Vivo Bem, Vivo HomeFix, Vivo BTFIT, Go Read, Ubook, Hube Jornais, Kantoo Inglês, NBA and NFL), prepaid plans with data sharing features, family plans, voice mail and voice mail

 

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speech-to-text translation, caller identification, voice minutes in unlimited bundles to mobile and fixed phones, ringtones, and innovative services such as multi-media backup, cloud-based services to save texts, entertainment and music apps, advertising platforms, among others.

 

We also offer wireless roaming services through agreements with local mobile service providers throughout Brazil and other countries, allowing our subscribers to make and receive calls while outside of our concession areas. We provide reciprocal roaming rights to the customers of the mobile service providers with which we have such agreements.

 

Data services

 

We provide fixed broadband through fiber (FTTH – fiber-to-the-home and FTTC – fiber-to-the-curb) and xDSL technologies, with speeds ranging from 1Mbps to 300Mbps.

 

Through the GVT acquisition in 2015, we were able to further expand our data services by providing high-speed broadband to high-income customers across our target markets. GVT provided services that were complementary to our own, with limited overlap with the services we already provided. Such complementary services included fiber broadband to locations in the state of São Paulo (outside of the city of São Paulo, where we already have a large presence) and nationwide.

 

In 2019, we covered 100% of the municipalities in our concession area in the state of São Paulo and hundreds of others throughout Brazil, reaching more than 6.9 million fixed broadband customers in total, and we expanded our national fiber network to reach approximately 21 million homes, of which almost 11 million alone consisted of FTTH technology.

 

In mobile broadband, we use a variety of technologies to provide wireless internet services to our customers. Our 3G network is currently available nationwide. In addition, we offer HSPA+ technology, which is commercially known as 3G Plus. This technology allows customers with compatible terminals (including handsets) to reach up to three times the speed of traditional 3G. In December 2019, we covered 4,502 municipalities with our 3G network, reaching 95.6% of Brazil’s population. We also offer 4G LTE technology, which, by the end of 2019, was available in 3,206 municipalities, reaching 88.7% of Brazil’s population, and also 4.5G LTE through carrier aggregation in 1,208 municipalities, reaching 66.3% of the Brazilian population.

 

Pay TV services

 

We began offering subscription-based television, or “Pay TV,” services via DTH (“direct to home,” a special type of service that uses satellites for the direct distribution of television and audio signals to subscribers) on August 12, 2007. We currently provide Pay TV services by means of DTH and IPTV (a type of service that offers video broadcast through the use of IP protocol) technologies and as of December 31, 2019, had 1.3 million Pay TV customers, including 715 thousand IPTV customers.

 

Network services

 

Our network management technology ensures comprehensive management and supervision of all our network processes and network performance for our wholesale clients. We have two Network Management Centers, one located in São Paulo and another located in Curitiba. These centers monitor all regions of the country, but each has a different function.

 

The Network Management Center in São Paulo monitors the critical network operational parameters of the countrywide transmission backbone, IP networks, mobile and fixed packet/circuit core networks, VAS/Multimedia platform and global services, radio access network, infrastructure and online services performance. The Curitiba Network Management Center monitors critical operational parameters of the fixed access network across the country, broadband networks, network interconnection, portability and IPTV/DTH. These centers are able to identify abnormalities in both our network (fixed and mobile) and in third-party networks including networks of other operators and other corporate clients, using failure, signaling, quality and service monitoring systems. The Network Management Centers are integrated with maintenance and operations teams that maintain and operate mobile and fixed network elements, as well as infrastructure and transmission, in addition to the radio network elements and computing bases, service platforms and communications backbones.

 

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Our network provides for continuity of service to our customers in the event of network interruptions. We have developed contingency plans for potential catastrophes in our switchboard centers, power supply interruptions and security breaches.

 

We continuously aim to consolidate our network and increase its offerings, to deliver the best possible service to our customers and to meet their expectations. Currently, our monitoring process has been supported by automated systems (RPA - Robotic Process Automation) which increases the effectiveness on incidents correlation, recovery and management. This advancement gives our team more efficiency and speed in detecting and solving problems in our networks. Some of the improvements we have made in recent years include advancements in the migration of time-division multiplex switches to next-generation network switches, which offer new digital services to our clients and reduce our maintenance costs, including improvements in levels of security, power supply, battery and air conditioning infrastructure. The most significant implementation of fixed network technology has been a project to exchange optical cabinets, used for offering voice and data services for Multi-Service Access Nodes, which allows us to offer broadband service to many clients who did not previously have this service.

 

In addition, we are widely applying advanced virtualization solutions (NFV) in order to support the transition to the next generation of mobile networks, known as fifth-generation or 5G, in order to meet the future market and customer expectations and provide connectivity to a massive number of devices (massive IoT), extremely low latency and higher data transfer rates.

 

Network and facilities

 

We provide services referred to as industrial exploration of dedicated line (Exploração Industrial de Linha Dedicada, or EILD) pursuant to our concession agreement and our authorization agreements. The EILD consists of the rental of dedicated circuits and clear channel protocols for the provision of services to third parties.

 

In addition, we are able to offer a complete portfolio of wholesale products, including L2L, IP, Ethernet and MPLS. All of these products are used to meet the demands of other network operators and regional internet providers. The circuits are requested with different service level agreements, and we are required to provide the facilities with contingency routes, sites and equipment to improve the service against points of failure.

 

Our network consists of an access layer that connects our clients through our copper or optical networks, which are connected to voice and data centers. These centers are interconnected locally or remotely through transmission equipment connected predominantly with fiber optics and occasionally through a microwave network, which together form a network layer that enables connectivity between the various platforms as well as interconnection with other carriers. Our network strategy is based on the expansion of the fiber optic access network to allow greater coverage and broadband services for our customers, as well as to develop an integrated multiservice network and multimedia applications. As a telecommunication service provider, we do not manufacture equipment for the construction of our networks and facilities. We buy the equipment from qualified suppliers in Brazil and abroad and through such equipment, we implement our networks and facilities through which we supply our services.

 

Wholesale services (including interconnection)

 

We have continuously adapted and expanded our network topology aiming to develop new business opportunities throughout Brazil by offering services to other telecommunications companies. The result has been a significant increase in the number of providers that use our wholesale services.

 

As part of our wholesale services, we provide interconnection services to users of other network providers. We earn revenue from any call that originates from another mobile or fixed-line service provider network connecting to one of our customers. We charge the service provider from whose network the call originates an interconnection fee for every minute that our network is used in connection with the call. See “—Operating Agreements—Interconnection Agreements.”

 

At the end of 2019, we had 469 local and long-distance interconnection agreements and 172 agreements for the provision of local and long-distance traffic.

 

The interconnection is a link between compatible telecommunications networks which permits that a fixed or mobile service user of one network can adequately communicate with the users of a network from another provider.

 

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All providers of telecommunication services (fixed or mobile) are required to provide interconnection upon request to any other telecommunication collective service provider. The conditions for interconnection agreements may be freely negotiated among the parties. The agreements are required to be formalized by contract, whose effectiveness depends on ANATEL’s approval. If any given agreement is contrary to the principles of free competition or conflicts with other regulations, ANATEL may reject it. If the parties cannot reach an agreement on the terms of interconnection, including the interconnection fee, ANATEL may determine those terms and conditions by arbitration.

 

Digital Services (including Value-Added Services)

 

In 2019, we maintained efforts to accelerate our digital transformation process, seeking new partners, relevant new services and tangible benefits for the customer, in important areas such as sports, video, assistance services, financial services, digital security and IoT solutions on both mobile and fixed segments.

 

Since the beginning of 2019, we launched relevant video applications focused on a variety of audiences, such as FOX, Telecine, Noggin, Cartoon Network and Discovery Kids, showing our commitment and capacity to work with different partners to maintain relevant services for our customers. In April 2019, Vivo launched HBO GO and carried out an exclusive marketing campaign together with the release of the last season of Game of Thrones. In November 2019, Vivo launched Globoplay, the video streaming application of the largest media and communication conglomerate in Brazil and Latin America, Globo, with an exclusive offer that delivered a free 30-day-trial to Vivo customers.

 

We made a very important step in the digital security segment last year. In March 2019, Vivo launched McAfee Multi-Device Security Service, a multi-platform solution, available for iOS and Android smartphones, as well as Windows and MacOS personal computers. The service offers award-winning antivirus protection and a package of security features, including improved memory performance, battery optimization, safe web browsing and theft protection.

 

In August 2019, Vivo launched a personal loan pilot project, Vivo Money, a new financial service that offers loans from R$1,000 to R$30,000, with competitive interest rates according to the client’s credit score. Vivo Money is a partnership with Digio bank, available on a pilot basis. Vivo Money is 100% digital and customers can buy directly through their smartphone, computer or tablet with limited steps.

 

With respect to sports, Vivo remained Brazil’s official carrier for American sports leagues that are growing in popularity in Brazil, such as the NBA and NFL, with exclusive offers containing discounts up to 40% in comparison to the partner’s direct sales. Beyond that, we are focusing on growing the benefits of these partnerships, looking for internal opportunities, such as Vivo Valoriza, our loyalty program, which provides tickets to games in the United States via marketing campaigns with the concept “money can’t buy.” Also, we launched other applications with live and on demand sports content, such as Combate, ESPN, EI Plus, FOX Sports and Premiere, reinforcing our brand as the carrier most connected to sports in general.

 

In our assistance services, we launched Home Assist. The service offers on-site or remote assistance to set up and troubleshoot technology issues such as technical support, device setup, device usage and connectivity of different devices: smartphones, smart TVs, microcomputers, video game consoles, home theaters, etc. We consider this important benefit to our broadband and pay TV offers.

 

In October 2019, Vivo launched an innovative and pioneering IoT service in Brazil, Vivo Car. It offers 40GB of mobile data per month to car drivers and passengers (via Wi-Fi) and supports up to 5 simultaneous connections. The service also provides real-time tracking and easy access to alerts and information from the vehicle, all available on Vivo Car’s mobile app (available on both iOS and Android). Giving our customers the ability to share their vehicles’ information and location with family and friends is another interesting feature for families, small business owners and passionate drivers.

 

Last year, Vivo also launched the internal project called Vivo Discover responsible for spreading a culture of innovation, identifying strategic opportunities and focusing on solutions developed by startups. Select employees from different vice presidencies at Vivo, called shapers, became “innovation ambassadors” responsible for identifying internal weaknesses or opportunities that can benefit from startups with the best solutions for Vivo,

 

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generating new business and improvements for such areas in an innovative and disruptive way. They also have the role of fostering innovation culture in teams.

 

Regarding the development of open innovation in the Telefónica Group, we highlight the Telefónica “Open Innovation” unit, which is an open, global program designed to connect entrepreneurs, startups, investors, and public and private partners to support local ecosystems by accelerating seed startups with over 40 hubs around the world.

 

We believe the integrative nature of Telefónica Open Innovation enables innovation to be developed in different stages. It is structured around some initiatives as below:

 

·Open Future: Strategic alliances with public and private partners;

 

·Wayra (open innovation hub of the Telefónica Group as a whole, as well as an initiative of Vivo in Brazil); and

 

·Telefónica Innovation Ventures: Network of funds and our corporate venture capital vehicle for investing in startups. We finance and fuel technological companies in key markets and create strategic partnerships aligned with Telefónica’s global strategy.

 

In 2019, Telefónica was recognized as a European open innovation champion for supporting startups by the European Commission’s Startup Europe Partnership initiative, a European Union platform.

 

Wayra has supported 74 startups and made over R$14 million in investments since 2012. As of December 31, 2019, Wayra had 36 startups in its portfolio. About 20% of the startups are doing business with Vivo helping in the digital transformation process. One great example is Gupy, a recruitment platform responsible for all hiring process at the Company.

 

In addition to investment, connections, mentoring and consulting with founders, Wayra also has partnerships in order to maximize opportunities for the group. Agro IoT Lab, an IoT-focused field application development program was a great example. The initiative—carried out at Pulse with Wayra, Vivo, Ericsson and Raízen—brought to Wayra’s portfolio the startup Iotag, a company specialized in connectivity solutions through IoT technology to connect people to agricultural machinery for more efficient management. Another partnership from 2019 that we highlight was the BNDES “startup garage” program with Liga Ventures. The initiative selected and supported 79 Brazilian startups in two modules, startup creation and startup acceleration.

 

Wayra is currently evaluating areas such as data analysis, artificial intelligence, cloud, cybersecurity, IoT, fintechs and blockchain.

 

Corporate

 

We offer our corporate clients comprehensive telecommunications solutions and IT support designed to address specific needs and requirements of companies operating in all types of industries (retail, manufacturing, services, financial institutions, government, etc.).

 

Our clients are assisted by our highly qualified professionals who are capable of meeting the specific needs of each company with voice, data, broadband and computer services solutions, including hardware and software (for example, anti-virus software). We work to consistently achieve greater quality and efficiency in our services and increase our level of competitiveness in the market.

 

Sale of devices and accessories

 

We sell LTE and WCDMA devices such as smartphones, broadband USB modems and devices that are certified to be compatible with our network and service. We have special offers on smartphones, USB modems and other data devices for customers of bundled packages. Our current device suppliers are Samsung, Apple, Motorola, LG, Semp TCL, Asus, Huawei, Xiaomi, Positivo, Multilaser, ZTE and Flex (WNC) and our accessories suppliers are Samsung, Harman (JBL), Apple, Alfacomex (Logitech, Ultimate Ears, DJI and Geonav), Razer, Positivo (Anker and Positivo), Easy Mobile, DPC (Binatone Motorola), Allied (Google and Amazon), Timbro (Amazon Echo), Customic, TCL, Multilaser, Comesp (Laut) and i2Go.

 

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Devices and accessories sales grew strongly in 2019, in line with our strategy to gain market share in this important market, through strong communication and brand awareness initiatives built on our “Vivo has everything” (in Portuguese, “Tem tudo na Vivo”) campaign, a call to action emphasizing that Vivo can provide everything customers need, and also through our sales channels, which focused on attracting high-value customers to our physical and online stores.

 

Rates, Taxes and Billing

 

Rates

 

We generate revenue from (i) activation and monthly subscription charges, (ii) usage charges, which include measured service charges, (iii) interconnection fees that we charge to other telecommunications service providers, and (iv) other additional services. Rates for all telecommunications services are subject to extensive regulation by ANATEL. We set forth below the different methods used for calculating our rates.

 

Local rates

 

Our concession agreement sets forth three mandatory plans for local fixed service and allows us to design alternative pricing plans. Customers have a choice among three plans that we are required to offer or any other alternative plan that we may choose to offer. ANATEL must be informed of any alternative plan and notified of its implementation. The three main mandatory plans are:

 

·Local Basic Plan: for clients that make mostly short-duration calls (up to three minutes), during regular hours;

 

·Mandatory Alternative Service Plan (Plano Alternativo de Serviços de Oferta Obrigatória – PASOO): for clients that make mostly long-duration calls (above three minutes), during regular hours and/or that use the line for dial-up service to the internet; and

 

·Special Class Individual Access (Acesso Individual Classe Especial – AICE): a plan created specifically for families enrolled in social programs from the Brazilian government.

 

The following table outlines the basic billing requirements and gross rates for the Local Basic Plan and the Mandatory Alternative Plan as of the date of this annual report:

 

Characteristics of Plan

Local Basic Plan

Mandatory
Alternative Service
Plan

Monthly Basic Assignment    
Allowance (minutes included in the residential assignment) 200 minutes 400 minutes
Commercial Assignment Allowance (minutes included in the commercial assignment) 150 minutes 360 minutes
Local Call Charges    
Regular Hours    
Completing the call (minutes deducted from the allotment) 4 minutes
Completing the call after the terms of the allotment Sector 31 R$0.18539
Local Minutes–charges in excess use of the allotment Sector 31 R$0.11425 R$0.04633
Minimum time billing 30 seconds
Reduced Hours    
Charge per answered call (minutes deducted from allotment) 2 minutes 4 minutes
Charge per answered call after the allotted duration Sector 31 R$0.23249 R$0.23249

 

As of the date of this annual report, the subscription to the AICE plan costs R$ 10.97 and allows for 90 minutes of local fixed-line calls per month. Any additional fixed or mobile calls may be made only if the customer purchases prepaid credits. The prices of mobile and long-distance calls are determined pursuant to a standard plan.

 

Our concession agreement also sets forth criteria for annual fee adjustments for all of our plans for local fixed service. We derive a substantial portion of our revenue from services subject to this price adjustment. The method of price adjustment is an annual price index correction applied by ANATEL to our local and long-distance fees that

 

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reflects the inflation index for the period and a productivity factor, which is calculated based on a compensation index established by ANATEL to share earnings from fixed charge services with their users. Currently, the inflation index used by ANATEL is the IST, which reflects variations in telecommunications companies’ costs and expenses. ANATEL has consistently complied with the fee range set by the concession agreements.

 

Long-distance rates

 

Rates for domestic long-distance calls are computed based on the time of day, the day of the week, duration and distance of the call, and also may vary depending on whether special services, including operator assistance, are used. We have several options of domestic long-distance calling plans for consumers using our carrier dial code (15). Customers of any local and long-distance operator may use Code 15 when dialing long-distance to benefit from our rates. In order to readjust the long-distance local rates, ANATEL applies an annual price index correction that reflects inflation on Telecommunication Service (IST) – calculated by ANATEL.

 

We also offer international long-distance rates, which are also available to all users using Code 15. International long-distance call charges are computed based on the time of day, the day of the week, duration and destination of the call, and may also vary depending on whether special services are used or not, including operator assistance. Our rates for international services are not subject to regulation and are not required to follow the annual rate adjustment described above for other services. We are free to negotiate our fees for international calls based on the international telecommunications market, to which our main competitor is Embratel.

 

With respect to long-distance calls, we have developed alternative rate plans for residential and corporate customers.

 

Mobile services rates

 

Regarding our Local Basic Plan, as described above, and certain roaming charges incurred in connection with alternative service plans, our authorizations provide for a mechanism to set and adjust rates on an annual basis. The maximum rate is calculated as the current rate plus the rate of inflation. This rate is revised annually and the rate of inflation is measured by the IGP-DI index. The maximum rate is applicable to all service plans, but mobile operators are allowed to freely set the maximum rates for alternative service plans (other than with respect to certain roaming charges).

 

The initial price cap agreed by ANATEL and the Company in our authorizations was based on the previously existing or bidding prices, and has been adjusted annually based on a formula contained in our authorizations. As of the date of this annual report, the most recent adjustment was approved in February 2019 and established tariffs of R$0.16821 for regular hours and R$0.117740.12814 for reduced hours.

 

Other telecommunications companies that interconnect with and use our network must pay certain fees, primarily an interconnection fee. The interconnection fee is a flat fee charged per minute of use that directly affects the mobile services rates. Since 2005, ANATEL has allowed free negotiations for mobile interconnection fees (MTR).

 

In December 2013, ANATEL established the reference values for MTR for 2014 and 2015, and in July 2014, for the years 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019. The table below shows the ranges for these reference values:

 

Year

Reduction

MTR

  in % in reais
2014 25 0.22164 – 0.25126
2015 33 0.14776 – 0.16751
2016 37 0.09317 – 0.11218
2017 47 0.04928 – 0.06816
2018 47 0.02606 – 0.04141
2019 50 0.01379 – 0.02517

 

In December 2018, ANATEL established the reference values for MTR for the years ranging from 2020 until 2023. The table below shows the reference values for each region (corresponding to different Brazilian states) in the General Authorization Plan (Plano Geral de Autorizações), or PGA, in reais:

 

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Year

PGA Region I

PGA Region II

PGA Region III

2020 0.01863 0.02128 0.04342
2021 0.01937 0.02191 0.04595
2022 0.02014 0.02255 0.04864
2023 0.02096 0.02327 0.05140

 

Interconnection fees

 

We are paid interconnection fees by any fixed-line or mobile service provider that either originates or terminates a call within our network. We also pay interconnection fees to other service providers when we use their network to place or receive a call. The interconnection agreements are freely negotiated among the service providers, subject to a price cap and to compliance with the regulations established by ANATEL, which include not only the interconnection basic costs including commercial, technical and legal aspects, but also the traffic capacity and interconnection infrastructure that must be made available to requesting parties. If a service provider offers to any party an interconnection fee below the price cap, it must offer the same fee to any other requesting party on a non-discriminatory basis. If the parties cannot reach an agreement on the terms of interconnection, including the interconnection fee, ANATEL can establish the terms of the interconnection. For additional information about interconnection fees, see “—Regulation of the Brazilian Telecommunications Industry—Interconnection Fees.”

 

Data services rates

 

We receive revenue from charges for data transmission, which includes our fixed broadband, dedicated analog and digital lines for privately leased circuits to corporations and other services. Data transmission rates are not regulated by ANATEL, except for EILD (wholesale links up to 34 Mbps) and High Capacity Data Transport (wholesale links above 34 Mbps). Multimedia services operators are able to freely set the rates for alternative service plans.

 

TV rates

 

Pay TV rates are not regulated. Service providers are allowed to freely set the rates for alternative service plans.

 

Taxes

 

The cost of telecommunication services to each customer includes a variety of taxes. The main tax is a state value-added tax, the Imposto sobre Circulação de Mercadorias e Serviços, or ICMS, which the Brazilian states impose at rates ranging from 4% to 35% on certain revenues from the sale of goods and services, including telecommunication services.

 

Other taxes include: (1) Federal Social Contributions (Contribuição para o Programa de Integração Social), or PIS, and Social Security Financing Contributions (Contribuição para o Financiamento da Seguridade Social), or COFINS; (2) Fund for Universal Access to Telecommunication Services (Fundo de Universalização dos Serviços de Telecomunicações), or FUST; (3) Fund for Telecommunication Technological Development (Fundo para o Desenvolvimento Tecnológico das Telecomunicações), or FUNTTEL; and (4) Fund for Telecommunication Regulation (Fundo de Fiscalização das Telecomunicações), or FISTEL.

 

Billing

 

For postpaid customers, we send each contract customer a monthly bill covering all of the services provided during the previous monthly period. Pursuant to Brazilian law, telephone service providers are required to offer their customers the choice of at least six different monthly payment dates. For prepaid customers, billing is available online.

 

We have a billing and collection system with respect to local, national and international long-distance voice, subscriptions, broadband, data, IT services, outsourcing, television and third-party services. For invoice payments, we have agreements with various banks. These agreements include options for customers to select their preferred payment type: direct debit, payment to a bank, Internet and other collection agencies (including lottery-playing facilities, drugstores and supermarkets). We aim to avoid losses in the implementation of new processes and the roll-out of new products through the monitoring of billing, collection and recovery controls. The billing process is audited by the Brazilian Association of Technical Standards (Associação Brasileira de Normas Técnicas), or ABNT.

 

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These practices are closely monitored by our revenue assurance team, which measures every risk of revenue loss detected along the billing and collection chain. These risks are managed to minimize revenue losses.

 

Co-billing

 

In accordance with Brazilian telecommunications regulations, we use a billing method called “co-billing” for both fixed and mobile services. This method allows billing from other phone service providers to be included within our own invoice. Our customers can receive and subsequently pay all of their bills (including the fees for the use of services of another telephone service provider) on our invoice. To allow for this method of billing, we provide billing and collection services to other phone service companies. We have co-billing agreements with national and international long-distance phone service providers. Similarly, we use the same method of co-billing to bill our services to customers of other fixed and mobile providers. This service is charged to the long-distance operator, by means of a call record described in the invoice.

 

For customers who use our long-distance services through operators that have no joint billing agreement with us, we use direct billing through the national registry of clients.

 

Value added services

 

Value-added services such as entertainment, information and online interactivity services are available to mobile prepaid as well as postpaid customers through agreements with content suppliers. These agreements are based on a revenue-sharing model.

 

Third-party services

 

We incorporate third-party services in our billing, collection and transfer process. These services are later passed on to the third party contractor.

 

Collection

 

Our collection policies with respect to customers in default follow ANATEL regulations, as well as those of Serviços de Telecomunicações, or RACO, and the Foundation for Consumer Protection and Defense (Fundação de Proteção e Defesa do Consumidor), or PROCON. For mobile, fixed and Pay TV customers, as a general rule, if payment is more than 15 days overdue, service can be partially suspended by blocking out-going calls that generate costs to the customer. If payment is more than 30 days overdue after this partial suspension, the service can be fully suspended, disabling all services (out-going and incoming calls), until payment is received. We offer an installment payment plan for clients with overdue balances. However, if accounts are not paid after 30 days following the total suspension, the contract can be canceled and reported to credit protection agencies.

 

The collection process for customers in default involves several steps, from an internal interactive voice response, SMS contact, email contact, followed by a late payment notice, and finally reporting customer information to an external credit bureau. Concurrently with our internal process, delinquent customers are also contacted by collection agencies. Customer risk profile, overdue debt and other quality issues are used to increase strategy efficiency and maximize debt recovery efforts. As of January 2018, bad debt provisions were adjusted due to changes brought by IFRS9, including new criteria that follow an expected credit loss model, adopting a percentage of risk for each debt payment profile until the moment of effective loss (100%). The percentages were calculated according to the historical behavior of delinquency for each segment. In accordance with Brazilian regulations, bad debt write-offs are permitted for late payments of zero to R$5,000 if they are over 180 days late or R$5,001 to R$30,000 if they are over 365 days late. Late payments of over R$30,001 that are open for more than 365 days require a lawsuit to be initiated. This rule is applied for outstanding debt through October 8, 2014; after this period, the amount ranges for bad debt write-offs change as follows: zero to R$15,000 if they are over 180 days late or R$15,001 to R$100,000 if they are over 365 days late. Lawsuits are required for debts over R$100,000 open for more than 365 days.

 

In the year ended December 31, 2019, the monthly average of partial suspensions, for mobile and fixed services (Pay TV included), was 5.3 million lines and the monthly average of total suspensions was 946,877 lines. Provisions for doubtful accounts in the year ended December 31, 2019 were 2.5% of the total gross revenue.

 

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Our Markets of Operation

 

Our concession agreement allows us to operate in the state of São Paulo, except for a small region that is still subject to an earlier concession. In addition, we offer fixed telephone, data and Pay TV services throughout Brazil pursuant to licenses and authorization. We operate mobile voice and broadband services throughout Brazil, under the mobile service (SMP) authorization. We also offer a variety of value-added services, some of them through commercial partnerships. The following table sets forth population, gross domestic product (GDP), and per capita GDP statistics for each state in our service regions at the dates and for the years indicated:

 

   Last Available IBGE Data from 2017 (1)
Area  Pop.
(million)
  Percent of Brazil’s pop.  GDP
(R$ million)
  Percent of Brazil’s GDP 

Per capita GDP (reais)(2)

São Paulo State    45.1    21.7%   2,119,854    32.2%   47,009 
Rio de Janeiro State    16.7    8.1%   671,362    10.2%   40,156 
Minas Gerais State    21.1    10.2%   576,199    8.8%   27,283 
Rio Grande do Sul State    11.3    5.5%   423,151    6.4%   37,371 
Paraná State    11.3    5.5%   421,375    6.4%   37,221 
Santa Catarina State    7.0    3.4%   277,192    4.2%   39,592 
Bahia State    15.3    7.4%   268,661    4.1%   17,509 
Federal District    3.0    1.5%   244,683    3.7%   80,502 
Goiás State    6.8    3.3%   191,899    2.9%   28,309 
Pernambuco State    9.5    4.6%   181,551    2.8%   19,165 
Pará State    8.4    4.0%   155,195    2.4%   18,549 
Ceará State    9.0    4.3%   147,890    2.2%   16,395 
Mato Grosso State    3.3    1.6%   126,805    1.9%   37,914 
Espírito Santo State    4.0    1.9%   113,352    1.7%   28,223 
Mato Grosso do Sul State    2.7    1.3%   96,372    1.5%   35,520 
Amazonas State    4.1    2.0%   93,204    1.4%   22,936 

 

   Last Available IBGE Data from 2017 (1)
Area  Pop.
(million)
  Percent of Brazil’s pop.  GDP
(R$ million)
  Percent of Brazil’s GDP 

Per capita GDP (reais)(2)

 

Maranhão State    7.0    3.4%   89,524    1.4%   12,789 
Rio Grande do Norte State    3.5    1.7%   64,295    1.0%   18,333 
Paraíba State    4.0    1.9%   62,387    0.9%   15,498 
Alagoas State    3.4    1.6%   52,843    0.8%   15,654 
Piauí State    3.2    1.6%   45,359    0.7%   14,090 
Rondônia State    1.8    0.9%   43,506    0.7%   24,093 
Sergipe State    2.3    1.1%   40,704    0.6%   17,789 
Tocantins State    1.6    0.7%   34,102    0.5%   21,998 
Amapá State    0.8    0.4%   15,480    0.2%   19,405 
Acre State    0.8    0.4%   14.271    0.2%   17,202 
Roraima State    0.5    0.3%   12.103    0.2%   23,158 
Total    207.7    100.0%   6.583.319    100.0%   31,702 

 

 

 

(1)According to IBGE data (2017) – subject to revision.

 

(2)Average per capita GDP for Brazil, weighted by the percentage of the population represented by each state.

 

Seasonality

 

Our business and results of operations are not materially affected by seasonal fluctuations in the consumption of our services.

 

Marketing and Sales

 

Our commercial distribution network (marketed under the Vivo brand), as of December 31, 2019, consisted of 260 own sales outlets throughout Brazil. In addition, we also have approximately 16,000 sales outlets run by authorized dealers (including exclusive dealers and retail channels), maintaining a solid capillarity strategy that contributed to our leadership position in the Brazilian telecommunications market.

 

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In 2019, we had approximately 500,000 points of sale where prepaid mobile service customers could purchase credits using the Distribution or Online channels. Prepaid phones can be credited remotely or by purchasing cards containing credits. Credits may also be purchased through credit and debit cards, call centers, Vivo PDV (M2M using a cell phone for transferring the credit), personal recharge (using the phone itself to recharge credits), as well as certain certified internet websites.

 

We bring our solutions to our customers through the following physical sales channels:

 

·Vivo stores: we continue to focus on the transformation of the traditional PoS (Point of Sale) into the PDX (Point of Experience), reaching eight iconic stores, five Stores-in-Store and 142 Plus Stores (a concept created to serve small and medium cities) in 2019. By advancing on infrastructure, systems, customer service, micromanagement and capillarity improvements we believe we continue to provide an efficient, profitable and enchanting service. In 2019, smartphones consolidated their position as a relevant business pillar and accessories faced strong sales penetration acceleration. Further, through fixed sales expansion, renegotiation of lease agreements, strengthening of main partners relationships and offering many solutions to promote better customer experiences (i.e., lectures, commercial events and workshops), we believe we made our stores much more welcoming to everyone.

 

·Exclusive dealers: this channel is composed of select companies that have been certified to provide our full product portfolio. These dealers comprise a wide distribution network throughout the country. Although the channel offers the entire product portfolio, its focus is on the postpaid product. We are also constantly updating and enhancing these stores to provide a better purchase experience to the customer, to ensure an experience that is consistent with our own stores.

 

·Retail channel: our retail channel sells postpaid and prepaid products and recharge services that are marketed by our partners’ own sales teams. This channel maintains a strong partnership relation with retailers through our sales incentive program (tying compensation to sale performance). The postpaid sales in our hybrid portfolio increased 30% in 2019 in comparison to 2018, increasing the representation of our retail channel. By the second half of 2019, Vivo launched a restructuring program seeking more efficiency through the calculation of commissions, processes and KPI’s simplification, besides reinforcing structural sales and new partner chains’ arrival.

 

·Distribution channel: the broadest and most complex sales channel across our markets, this channel allows our prepaid customers to purchase data and voice credits. In order to be as close as possible to potential and existing customers, this channel comprises authorized agents, lottery stores, post offices, bank branches and small retailers, such as pharmacies, newspaper stands, bookstores, stationery shops, bakeries, gas stations, bars and restaurants. The channel is currently responsible for the majority of our prepaid sales (87%) and mobile recharges (70%). In 2019, we used big data analytical tools to obtain higher commercial efficiency, capillarity control and supply in real time, optimizing salesforce efforts in every step of the chain. Accordingly, we deliver convenience to our customers, who rely on Vivo’s availability and diversity of products to satisfy their needs in a across a geographically diverse landscape.

 

·Door-to-door sales: through partner-chain optimization and new and more structured partners that operate Brazil-wide without increasing acquisition costs and capillarity driven by fiber sales, this channel’s transformation is continuing on course. Focused on quality, door-to-door sales accounted for 70% of fiber sales during the first months in launching in cities with fiber for the first time. In addition, recurrent improvements increased high-value sales in condominiums by 40%. With these actions, the channel is able to bring higher ARPU and an increase of 50% to the customer lifetime within our base, on average.

 

·Telesales: characterized by the lack of geographical limitations, our telesales channel can reach existing and potential customers across the whole country, offering our full product portfolio, from prepaid to postpaid products, as well as fixed voice, broadband and TV bundles. We are able to identify a wide range of prospective new clients through our active outbound telesales operations, as well as to direct all incoming inquiries through our inbound telesales operations. This solid structure consists of our own telesales team and a select group of outsourced companies specialized in this business. In 2019, the channel contributed R$1.2 billion to revenues, with almost 400 thousand unit sales of our fiber products and more than 3.8 million migrations to our hybrid mobile plans. Through the implementation of voice biometrics and speech analytics technology, we obtained feedback on our sales process, leading to improvements in

 

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quality KPIs by reducing unwanted contacts and excessive calls. In addition, we have made advances in the implementation of new sales platforms in order to integrate the whole client life cycle, and to evolve through the use of artificial intelligence. Furthermore, Vivo was a pioneer in proposing self-regulation in the telecom sector in Brazil, with clear directions on active approach for potential customers, fulfilling 100% of our targets in all metrics, such as quantity, time and quality of active calls.

 

In 2019, Vivo has launched the Digital Sales Acceleration program, which already presents relevant results to e-commerce. In Digital Channels, sales have increased in mobile B2C (60%) and B2B (36%), fixed B2C (15%) and fiber (58%); not to mention the prepaid digital mobile share increase as well. The e-commerce’s user experience shows continuous improvements and contributed to better digital experience for our customer and Vivo’s digital presence in the market. Our new website, easier to use and more intuitive for our customers, has shown sales increases in all services and products, postpaid being a highlight. Finally, our connection with Mercado Pago platform for prepaid digital mobile resulted in higher revenues and lowered sales acquisition costs, generating savings on commissions.

 

Meu Vivo, our main self-service channel for customers, which reinforces our digital self-service strategy, also contributed to our positive performance in digital channels: unique users of the app increased by 21% in 2019, while prepaid digital mobile increased 86% in comparison to 2018.

 

Customer service

 

In 2019, digitalization and operational efficiency projects led to a reduction of more than 25% in contact center demand. Furthermore, there was an improvement in the customer experience demonstrated by the reduced average waiting time and increased autonomy of our call-center operators, delivering a better first call resolution ratio. Part of this is due to an effort to expand digital channels and develop more self-service options.

 

Among the main digitalization projects, new features were deployed in our My Vivo App, boosting its adoption rate and reaching 15 million users at the end of 2019. The app is connected to Aura, Vivo’s artificial intelligence system, which has been essential for traditional call conversion to digital experience. In addition, the launch of WhatsApp as a service channel option has already provided assistance to a significant customer base over 2019.

 

Despite our efforts to migrate customers to digital channels, there continue to be customers who prefer traditional agent-assisted service. In order to ensure that each customer has access to their preferred channel, we expanded our Cognitive Call Center, with more than 20 million calls served by robots in 2019, with a friendly, fast, humanized experience, helping to improve retention in electronic channels. This technology requires a process of continuous improvement that is carried out through our Bot Training Center, formed and handled by high-performance agents. This center is responsible for analyzing existing interactions and improving comprehension and resolution.

 

In order to evaluate the perceived quality for all contact points, we launched the DNA Thermometer program, a methodology to capture customer’s perception of our services, ensuring monitoring and fast acting on solutions. The purpose of all these actions is to continuously improve customer experience, aligning their journey with our corporate culture of being reliable, easy, delightful and efficient.

 

Technology

 

In order to offer a greater variety of integrated services, we have incorporated a series of new technologies in our voice and data networks.

 

In 2017, we started our program for network virtualization, called UNICA. In 2019, we accelerated the virtualization program to reach necessary requirements for 5G and IoT networks.

 

For voice services, we remain focused on the evolution and convergence of the mobile and fixed networks based on All-IP IMS technology, encouraging technological advancement, offering new services to our customers and increasing redundancy, reliability and capacity levels.

 

As part of the convergence and modernization of our voice network, we have been deploying new IMS clusters over UNICA infrastructure as well.

 

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For our mobile voice network, we have started offering VoLTE and VoWiFi services to our customers adding important voice improvements like HD voice (native in VoLTE) and new single radio voice call continuity (“SRVCC”). These enhancements will improve call continuity under “handover” scenarios across IMS (LTE) and CS (Circuit Switch).

 

For our fixed voice network, the offer of VoFTTH, SIP trunking, SIP interconnections, etc. has been increasing in our network as part of launching plans in new cities, energy efficiency and site demobilization and voice digitization plans, synergies between fixed and mobile networks and so on. To support significant VoIP growth, the modernization and consolidation of the new IMS Core and SBCs were planned and deployed. As a benefit, we expect to have cost savings for equipment, lines, manpower and maintenance.

 

In terms of our telecom database, we have been deploying new user data convergence (“UDC”) clusters in our network in order to have a unified database for all subscribers, simplifying user data management without losing reliability and availability.

 

For Data Core, we have started the LTE-M, Nb-IoT and private LTE networks providing new services for B2B and B2C markets.

 

In light of the flexibility demanded for 5G and IoT networks, in terms of time to market and new usages, since 2017 we have been working to virtualize the entire data core. In 2019, we reached more than 70% of our network with virtualized solutions.

 

As more services migrate to IP, the IP backbone has become a strategic asset to support customer demands and to increase revenues. The migration of sensitive and demanding services such as voice and television to IP and the expansion of products like cloud services and VoD have also increased the demand for higher quality broadband networks. At the same time, the expansion of fiber to customer homes and the launch of our 4.5G services (Carrier Aggregation) strongly increases bandwidth demands over the networks. As a result, three main drivers have surfaced as critical to business: availability, performance and cost-effectiveness.

 

To reach these goals it is essential to optimize network resources and find synergy multipliers. This optimization process has started with the integration of Vivo’s and GVT’s IP backbones through our network and avoiding redundant infrastructure. For this purpose, we have designed a robust architecture, using two distinct backbones to provide public and private services using multi-protocol networks infrastructures, to guarantee service reliability to our clients.

 

Nonetheless, as more and more bandwidth is offered to customers, the need to bridge the gap between revenues and investment to cope with greater traffic becomes increasingly clear. The next step of network simplification entails a deeper-level evolution, which was initiated in 2018 through the exchange of existing routers for new ones with a higher capacity to allow for the unification of specialized routers, reducing network layers, bringing services and content nearer to customers and ultimately, transforming the backbone into one multiservice network.

 

The new design acknowledges service evolution, as voice, messages and circuits become data packets, reducing the need for growing capacity in multiple steps. We believe that in the coming years, layer simplification could allow us to bring content even further to the edge, improving costs and quality at the same time.

 

Those actions are expected to optimize investment in an aggressive traffic increase context and lay the grounds to deliver the next step in data services quality. Even though bandwidth has been the main technical advantage for several years, latency will take over as the main broadband selling point. To reduce network latency means delivering more responsive services and obtaining higher customer satisfaction.

 

To achieve this result, we believe service should be decentralized and nearer the edge of the network, closer to customers, which we have done by expanding the use of caching solutions throughout the network, making content locally available to our customers, reducing traffic costs while strongly improving the user experience without increasing access investments.

 

We further optimized costs by sharing access networks with other Brazilian operators, in which IP backbones played a key role in connecting and transporting traffic among different operator’s networks, reducing the need for mobile sites expansion.

 

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Finally, as the Internet address numbers in Brazil were exhausted in 2014 and our own resources are reaching critical levels, we have seen strong growth in the next version of the IP protocol, the IPv6. Vivo has completed IPv6 project in 2017, which was important to guarantee full connectivity to our clients and to keep expanding our customer base.

 

In projects related to Local Area Network (LAN), we provide local connectivity to all platforms and servers that provide telecommunications service, fixed or mobile. The Local Area Network works as an access for all services to the data network by connecting them to the IP Backbone.

 

We are evolving the Standard Ethernet Local Area Network (LAN) structure for the TRILL protocol (RFC 6326). The use of this protocol makes it possible to increase the resilience of the environment, allowing a considerable reduction in the faults that occurred and that could sometimes cause affectation in the service of the final client. We are also implementing the concept of decentralization in Technical Data Centers with Top of Rack (TOR) and End-of-Row (EOR) switches allowing cost savings with structured cabling, energy reduction, space and cooling. To keep up with network growth, in 2019 we increased site capacity by providing increased port capacity on existing sites and installed the TOR / EOR solution on 4 new sites.

 

To improve customer experience with our services, we continue to use the Cache solution to reduce bandwidth consumption on the IP backbone by locally storing content from partners such as Google, Netflix, Akamai and Facebook. This enabled us to optimize network resources and improve quality of service. In 2019, we increased capacity on existing sites as network data traffic increases.

 

Regarding Network Security projects, in a digital world where telecommunication networks are becoming increasingly complex, the security of networks becomes an indispensable factor for the success of our customers and for their business. Telefonica Brazil continued working constantly in 2019 to protect the network from a variety of targets and natures of attacks making it as difficult as possible for attackers and ensuring the functioning of the services.

 

Over the years, attackers have become much more sophisticated, using zero-day vulnerabilities and bypassing all traditional security defenses, therefore, besides tightening our perimeter security, we’ve kept focused on automation to allow more visibility and proactivity to minimize risks and maintain the confidentiality, integrity and availability of our data and servers. Periodic tasks such as analyzing attacks notifications, auditing firewalls rules and evaluating security elements performance have been the main areas subject to automation, allowing security professionals to focus on problems that are more complex.

 

Always observing the evolution of the threats and potential attacks, in 2019 we continued to increase the traffic capacity to be detected and mitigated by the protection tools, considering attacks coming from inside and outside our network.

 

We offer the IPTV service through the FTTH network using the Open Platform, created to revolutionize the way that Telefonica delivers the IPTV service. This platform consists of Pay TV with video broadcasting offered through the IP protocol. It consists of several global partners, developing modules in partnership with Telefonica and connecting into the existing Global Video Platform. Our local team customized the middleware for Set-Top-Box, creating one standard version which brings better time-to-market for new developments and product releases, as well as future convergence between IPTV and OTT platforms. Several components were integrated to create a whole new ecosystem for IPTV, such as the inclusion of Instant Channel Change (ICC), Retransmission and Applications providing a better user experience. Additional services, such as pay-per-view and VoD, are also available.

 

Telefônica has the IPTV service available on more than 100 cities in Brazil and the growth seen on 2019 will be maintained in 2020, offering IPTV services to new cities. Telefônica has built additional Points of Presence (PoPs), increasing the number of local channels and improving IPTV quality on remote areas.

 

Besides the expansion to other cities, some IPTV features allow for a better customer experience, such as Time Shift, Catch Up, OTTs and, in the future, 4K content.

 

The interface of IPTV service was changed to improve the customer experience. More channels were deployed offering new entertainment options for customers. The CDN platform growth has secured Telefônica the ability to offer more VoD titles and OTT services.

 

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Our development plan contemplates the use of the most advanced technology available, focusing on integration with the internet and an increase in the number of multimedia transmission services, with an emphasis on DSL, FTTH (GPON), NGN, DWDM, ROADM and relays technologies of TV over IP protocol (IPTV), and the continuous evolution of TV services.

 

Telefônica Brasil continued to expand the capacity and coverage of its mobile networks in order to absorb the growth in voice and data traffic, further away from the competition, with significant growth in 4G coverage, while remaining as the 3G technology leader.

 

At the end of 2019, our mobile network covered 4,658 cities in Brazil in the LTE Advanced Pro, LTE, WCDMA and GSM / EDGE digital technologies. The number corresponds to 83.63% of the total cities in Brazil or 96.4% of the Brazilian population. At the end of 2019, our 2G / GSM-EDGE network extends across 3,758 cities. In the same period, the 3G / WCDMA network was present in 4,502 cities.

 

The 4G / LTE technology launched in 2013 was an important advance for our mobile network since it provides higher transmission rates than 3G. In 2019, we continued to expand the coverage of this technology and by the end of the year, our 4G network reached 3,206 cities.

 

Since 2015, we started to develop network sharing in 4G with OI and TIM. At the end of 2019, 128 Brazilian cities had radio base stations shared and in 299 cities we provided new 4G coverage with RAN Sharing using infrastructure from TIM or OI. In 2017, we also started to develop network sharing in 3G with Claro and at the end of 2019, 159 Brazilian cities had radio base stations shared and in 141 cities we provided new 3G coverage with RAN Sharing using infrastructure from Claro. In 2018, we also started to develop network sharing in 3G with TIM, and at the end of 2019, 37 Brazilian cities had shared radio base stations, and in 72 cities we provided new 3G coverage with RAN Sharing using infrastructure from TIM. In 2019, we also started to develop network sharing in 4G 700 MHz with TIM (as a Proof of Concept), and at the end of 2019, 10 Brazilian cities had shared radio base stations, and in 10 cities we provided new 4G coverage with RAN Sharing using infrastructure from TIM. The strategy of Radio Access Network Sharing allows us to fulfill part of the ANATEL’s obligations that were imposed as part of our spectrum acquisitions, additionally, it reduces network deployment costs.

 

We have deployed our LTE network with 700 MHz, 1,800 MHz, 2,100MHz and 2,600 MHz frequencies in 2019, activating LTE Advanced Pro technology (commercially known as 4,5G), aiming the coverage, capacity and the customer experience improvement. At the end of 2019, we reached 1,208 cities with this technology.

 

Fraud detection and prevention

 

During 2019, we continued our work in combating the two main types of fraud, as follows:

 

·Subscription fraud: is a type of fraud that occurs when the issuance of one or more accesses are granted without the consent of the real “holder” of identification documents with the main objective of evading payment. We had a reduction of 0.9% in losses related to subscriptions, from R$64.4 million in 2018 to R$63.8 million in 2019. The primary cause of this reduction was the revision of certain detection processes and improvements of controls used to monitor fraud events, which took place during the year, enabling us to capture more cases of fraud relative to the expansion of our network in the period and the implementation of facial recognition at in-person sales channels.

 

·Identity Fraud: also known as “social engineering,” an identity fraud takes place through call centers or resellers, where a caller has access to information belonging to our existing clients contacts our call centers and makes unauthorized changes and activations. We had a reduced loss in relation to expenses with this type of fraud, amounting to R$0.03 in the year. We were able to ensure that these kinds of losses did not cause broader financial costs by quickly identifying such instances, ensuring the efficiency of our processes.

 

Operating Agreements

 

Interconnection agreements

 

The terms of our interconnection agreements include provisions with respect to the number of connection points and traffic signals. See “—Regulation of the Brazilian Telecommunications Industry—Interconnection Fees.”

 

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We believe that we have adequate interconnection agreements with fixed-line operators necessary to provide our services and that we have all the necessary interconnection agreements with long-distance carriers.

 

Roaming agreements

 

We provide international GSM roaming in over 200 destinations worldwide by means of over 500 roaming agreements with local service providers.

 

We have a roaming agreement with MTN Irancell. During 2019, we recorded U.S.$0.68 in roaming revenues and U.S.$169.11 (before taxes and U.S.$184.32 after taxes) of expenses payable to MTN Irancell under this agreement. See “—C. Organizational Structure—Disclosure Pursuant to Section 219 of the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act” for further information.

 

Network sharing agreement

 

In 2014, Telefônica Brasil executed a network sharing agreement with Nextel in order to provide mobile services coverage (voice, data and SMS) through our 2G and 3G network to 67 area codes. ANATEL approved the agreement and the execution of the operation in March 2014. In 2016, the parties decided to review the network sharing agreement and extend it throughout the national territory and decided to enter into a RAN Sharing Agreement in order to provide Nextel the network conditions to fulfill its mobile coverage obligations. RAN Sharing agreement was approved by CADE in July 2016 and by ANATEL in August 2016.

 

In March 2015, Claro and Telefônica entered into a RAN Sharing agreement in order to provide telecommunication coverage in rural areas in Brazil, which was approved by CADE and ANATEL.

 

In December 2015, Telefônica, Oi and TIM entered into a RAN Sharing agreement in order to provide mobile services coverage (voice, data and SMS) through the 4G network and comply with coverage commitments assumed by the operators. The agreement was approved by CADE and ANATEL.

 

In August 2016, ANATEL approved the agreement between Telefônica and TIM to share electronic equipment and mobile sites for the fulfillment of obligations related to providing telecommunication coverage in rural areas.

 

In December 2019, Telefônica Brasil and TIM had entered into two network sharing agreements regarding electronic equipment and mobile sites on 2G, 3G and 4G networks, in order to (i) decommission of outdated technology; (ii) 4G coverage expansion; and (iii) gain spectrum and cost efficiency. Both agreements are under ANATEL and CADE scrutiny.

 

The approval of the aforementioned agreements, however, does not exempt the providers from fulfilling their obligations, nor from the coverage of the entire area. In the case such agreements are terminated before the expected deadline, each provider must meet its coverage commitments with its own network, under the penalty of extinction of the use of radio frequencies’ authorizations.

 

Competition

 

Competition in the fixed and mobile markets continued to be intense in 2019. Faced with the high demand for connectivity, Brazilian telecoms have focused on modernization and innovation as levers to remain competitive in the market. The leading companies have been directing efforts and investments toward the digital transformation of business operations, aiming to improve the balance between customer growth and loyalty, revenue growth and margins. For these reasons, the major operators accelerated the 4.5G coverage, rolled out fiber and continued to include value-added services in the offers in order to differentiate their mobile and fixed portfolios.

 

The Brazilian consumer market is increasingly knowledgeable and demanding, expecting not only the best service delivery, as well as the best cost-benefit. Therefore, operators have prioritized the expansion and digitalization of company-customer interactions.

 

In the mobile market, we continued to lead in market share, with a 32.9% share according to information from ANATEL as of December 31, 2019. This year, the competition remained intense in 4G and 4.5G network coverage expansion and subscribers’ growth.

 

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We lead the mobile market in 13 states: Acre, Amazonas, Amapá, Bahia, Espírito Santo, Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, Minas Gerais, Pará, Rio Grande do Sul, Roraima, São Paulo and Sergipe. TIM, a Brazilian telephone company and subsidiary of Telecom Italia lead the mobile market in five states: Alagoas, Ceará, Paraná, Rio Grande do Norte and Santa Catarina. Oi leads mobile services in two states: Paraíba and Pernambuco. Claro Brasil or Claro is a mobile operator controlled by the Mexican company America Móvil Group, and leads mobile service in seven states: Distrito Federal, Goiás, Maranhão, Piauí, Rio de Janeiro, Rondônia and Tocantins (according to ANATEL, as of November 2019).

 

On the fixed front, the wireline and pay TV services reported net disconnections, according to ANATEL. In broadband, the market continued to expand mainly in ultra-broadband and fiber accesses. Our main competitors in fixed telecommunications services are Claro Brasil (which includes NET, Claro and Embratel) and Oi, which is stronger in the fixed services outside the State of São Paulo. TIM (a subsidiary of Telecom Italia) has been offering its fixed broadband network ‘TIM Live’ in twenty cities. SKY, currently controlled by AT&T, has pay TV and broadband services (LTE TDD 4G). In addition, we have competition from thousands of regional service providers throughout the country.

 

Regulation of the Brazilian Telecommunications Industry

 

Our business, including the services we provide and the rates we charge, is materially affected by comprehensive regulation under the General Telecommunications Law and various administrative rules thereunder. We operate under a concession agreement that authorizes us to provide specified services and subjects us to certain obligations, according to the General Universal Service Targets Plan (Plano Geral de Metas de Universalização – PGMU), and Quality Regulations.

 

ANATEL is the regulatory agency established by the General Telecommunications Law and is administratively and financially independent from the Brazilian government. Any proposed regulation by ANATEL is subject to a period of public comment and, occasionally, public hearings, and its decisions may be challenged in Brazilian courts.

 

Concessions and authorizations

 

In accordance with the General Telecommunications Law, concessions are licenses to provide telecommunications services granted under the public regime, while authorizations are licenses to provide telecommunications services granted under the private regime.

 

Companies that provide services under the public regime, known as the concessionaires, are subject to certain obligations as to quality of service, continuity of service, universality of service, network expansion and modernization.

 

A concession may only be granted pursuant to a public bidding process. As a result, regulatory provisions are included in the relevant concession agreements and the concessionaire is subject to public service principles of continuity, changeability and equal treatment of customers. In addition, ANATEL is authorized to direct and control the provision of services, to apply penalties and to declare the expiration of the concession and the return the possession of the reversible assets from the concessionaire to the government authority upon termination of the concession. Another distinctive feature of public concessions is the right of the concessionaire to maintain economic and financial standards, which are calculated based on the rules set forth in our concession agreement and was designed based on a price cap model.

 

On October 4, 2019, Law No. 13,879/2019 (resulting from PLC Nº 79/2016), or the New General Telecommunications Law, was published. This law revises the telecommunications regulatory framework and is expected to have a significant impact on this industry. For more information about the New General Telecommunications Law, see “—Other regulatory matters—Updated Regulatory Framework”.

 

The companies that operate concessions under the public regime are Telefônica Brasil, Oi, Algar, Sercomtel and Claro (Claro for domestic and international long-distance service). These companies provide fixed-line telecommunications services in Brazil that include local and long-distance services (domestic and international). All other telecommunications service providers, including the other companies authorized to provide fixed-line services in our concession region, operate pursuant to authorizations under the private regime.

 

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Companies that provide services under the private regime, known as authorized companies, are not subject to the same requirements regarding continuity or universality of service; however, they may be subject to certain network expansion and quality of service requirements that are obligations set forth in their authorizations. Authorizations are granted for an indeterminate period of time. Under an authorization, the government does not provide a guarantee to the authorized company of a financial-economic equilibrium (equilíbrio econômico-financeiro), as is the case under concessions. Fixed voice authorization licenses holders are entitled to freely compete with the concessionaires in their respective areas without any limitation.

 

An authorization is a license granted by ANATEL under the private regime, which may or may not be granted pursuant to a public bidding process, to the extent that the authorized company complies with the objective and subjective conditions deemed necessary for the rendering of the relevant type of telecommunication service in the private regime.

 

The General Telecommunications Law delegates to ANATEL the power to authorize private regime companies to provide local and intraregional long-distance services in each of the three fixed-line regions and to provide intraregional, interregional and international long-distance services throughout Brazil. ANATEL has already granted authorizations for companies to operate in Region III, our concession region. ANATEL has also granted other authorizations for companies to operate in other fixed-line regions and authorizations to provide intraregional, interregional and international long-distance services throughout Brazil competing with Claro, which operates under a long-distance fixed-line concession.

 

Concessionaires, including us, can also offer other telecommunications services in the private regime, which primarily include data transmission services, mobile services and Pay TV.

 

Obligations of telecommunications companies

 

Pursuant to the concessions and authorizations, we and other telecommunications service providers are subject to obligations concerning quality of service, network expansion and modernization. Telecommunication concessionaires are also subject to a set of special restrictions regarding the services they may offer, which are listed in the General Grants Plan (Plano Geral de Outorgas – PGO), and special obligations regarding network expansion and modernization contained in the PGMU

 

In January 2017, ANATEL held a public consultation relating to the new rules of the PGO containing an exclusive chapter aimed at verifying the migration of fixed telephony concessions for authorizations, in accordance with the new legal framework discussed in the Congress at that time. However, the changes in the General Telecommunication Law were approved only in October 2019. Despite the ANATEL’s efforts in 2017, a series of regulations to create the conditions proposed under the new Law must be prepared and revised.

 

Any breach of telecommunications legislation or of any obligation set forth in concessions and authorizations may result in a fine of up to R$50 million per infraction.

 

Our operations are regulated as follows:

 

·Fixed line voice services (local and long distance) under concession agreement in the state of São Paulo and under authorization agreement in the rest of the Brazilian territory. The concession was granted in 1998 by the Brazilian Government and renewed in December 2005 for an additional period of 20 years. It authorizes us to provide fixed-line telecommunications services in the state of São Paulo, except for a small area (Sector 33) and to place and manage public telephones in our concession area. We also provide fixed-wireless services throughout our concession area, for which the authorization was granted in 2001 by the Brazilian Government for the whole Brazilian territory;

 

·Mobile voice and broadband services, in all 26 states and the Federal District, under the personal mobile service (Serviço Móvel Pessoal - SMP) authorizations.

 

·Multimedia communication services, such as audio, data, voice and other sounds, images, texts and other information throughout Brazil. We operate under a nationwide SCM authorization, valid for an indefinite term;

 

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·Pay TV service, throughout all regions of Brazil under the conditioned public service (Serviço de Acesso Condicionado), or SeAC authorization. We operate a SeAC authorization, which is valid for an indefinite term; and

 

·Wholesale services, such as interconnection, governed by the interconnection agreements discussed under “—Operating Agreements—Interconnection Agreements,” industrial dedicated line (Exploração Industrial de Linha Dedicada – EILD), which are regulated by ANATEL Resolution No. 590, dated May 15, 2012 and Mobile Virtual Network Operator, or MVNO agreements described under “—Operating Agreements—MVNO Agreements”. Most wholesales services are also regulated by ANATEL Resolution No. 694, dated July 17, 2018 – General Competition Targets Plan (Plano Geral de Metas de Competição - PGMC).

 

We set forth below details of the concession, authorizations, licenses and regulations that regulate our operations.

 

Quality regulations in Brazil

 

In December 2019, the ANATEL approved the new Quality Regulation (“RQUAL”), which changes the way the agency will monitor the performance of telecommunications operators. In addition to promoting quality indicators increasingly associated with consumer experience and widespread dissemination of results, the concept of responsive regulation was introduced, encouraging advanced corrective actions to problems, rather than solely imposing fines when goals are not met.

 

Providers will be evaluated for certain quality requirements and will receive annual “seals” from “A” to “E” in each Brazilian municipality. If the provider has quality deterioration in a municipality compared to the previous label and is in the last two positions (seals D or E), customers may terminate their contracts without paying penalties (if the service was contracted at the time the provider’s quality seal was superior).

 

Seals will be awarded annually with quality measurements per municipality and state, as well as Brazil as a whole, based on three indicators: quality of service index, perceived quality index and user complaint index.

 

An independent entity, funded by the providers, will measure the quality of services, but ANATEL will able to contract complementary measures. In addition to this entity, the regulation amended the consumer rights regulations, creating the obligation to establish an ombudsman, directly linked to the company’s presidency.

 

The full implementation of this new regulation will not take place until 2022. ANATEL has set a deadline of 18 months for the Implementation Group to develop the Operational Manual, making the first measurements. and publication of the Reference Values Document (“DVR”) to only then apply quality seals.

 

RQUAL already revoked most of the existing indicators in the old quality regulations (“RGQs”). The reimbursement criteria in the Services Regulations were also revoked, and only the RQUAL provisions are in force.

 

Fixed services

 

Our concession agreement

 

We are authorized to provide fixed line services to render local and domestic long-distance calls originating in Region III, which comprises the state of São Paulo, except for Sector 33, established in the PGO.

 

The current concession agreement that is valid through December 31, 2025 was reviewed in 2006 and 2011. According to Resolution Number 678/2017 a new revision must be made on December 31, 2020. Until then, the 2011 contract remains valid.

 

Other regulations have been adopted to revise certain aspects of our concession. On June 30, 2011, ANATEL determined the new basis of calculation of the biannual concession fees. Every two years, during the new 20-year period of our concession, we are required to pay a renewal fee, which amounts to 2% of the total revenue in the previous year, calculated based on the revenues and social contribution of fixed line basic and alternative plans. The most recent payment of this biennial fee was made on April 2019, based on 2018 revenue. The next payment is therefore scheduled for 2021 based on 2020 revenue. See Note 1 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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On June 27, 2014, ANATEL held a public consultation for the PGMU. Since there was no mutual agreement between ANATEL and operators for the signature of the 2015 concession agreement contracts, the new version of the PGMU was also delayed. In December 2018, although the new concession contracts have not yet been signed, the Brazilian government published Decree No. 9,619/2018, which approves the revision of the PGMU targets. The new plan replaces some obligations, mainly related to public telephony, for obligations related to 4G mobile network. These targets have been criticized by most of the local operators.

 

Also, in December 2018, ANATEL initiated a public consultation for the last PGMU revision, concerning the period between 2021 and 2025 (PGMU V). The public consultation was concluded and ANATEL still has to evaluate all the contributions to structure a final version of the PGMU and submit it for deliberation by their board of directors.

 

According to our concession agreements, all assets owned by us which are indispensable to the provision of the services described in such agreements are considered “reversible assets”. As per ANATEL’s recent interpretation of current regulations, these assets will be automatically returned to ANATEL upon the expiration of the concession agreements, in accordance to the regulation in force at that time, and would not be available to creditors in the event of insolvency, bankruptcy or similar events. With the recent Law No. 13,879 approval (October 2019) and the new regulatory framework, this rule might cease to exist in light of the possibility of transforming concessions into authorizations.

 

On October 4, 2019, Law No. 13,879/2019 (resulting from PLC No. 79/2016), or the New General Telecommunications Law, was published. This law revises the telecommunications regulatory framework and is expected to have a significant impact on this industry. For more information about the New General Telecommunications Law, see “—Other regulatory matters—Updated Regulatory Framework”.

 

For information about regulations affecting rates we are able to charge under our concession agreements, see “—Rates, Taxes and Billing.”

 

Obligations on concessionaires to provide fixed line service under the public regime

 

We and the other concessionaires are subject to the General Universal Service Targets Plan (Plano Geral de Metas de Universalização – PGMU), which requires that concessionaires undertake certain network expansion activities with respect to fixed-line services. The timing for network expansion is revised by ANATEL from time to time. If any given concessionaire does not fulfill its obligations under the PGMU, ANATEL may impose various monetary penalties and such concessionaire may lose its license if ANATEL determines that it will be unable to provide basic services under the Plan.

 

Fixed line service under the private regime

 

In 2002, we began providing local and interregional services in Regions I and II and Sector 33 of Region III, and international long-distance services in Regions I, II and III, which constitute regions in Brazil that are outside of our public regime concession area.

 

Public telephone regulation

 

In December 2018, Decree nº 9.619/2018 came into force, approving the revision of the PGMU. The new plan, called PGMU IV, replaces some obligations, mainly related to public telephony, for obligations related to 4G mobile network. These targets have been criticized by several of the local operators.

 

Mobile services

 

In October 2016, ANATEL approved new spectrum use regulations, which facilitates access to radio frequencies and generates efficiency in its use, due to the simplification of procedures and necessary documentation. The regulation also alters spectrum pricing (for non-bidding grants), rules for extending use authorization and new rules for frequency use on a secondary basis prior to primary use.

 

In July 2018, ANATEL approved Resolution nº 695, which establishes new spectrum pricing regulations, with calculation methods and conditions for spectrum reserve prices and renewals costs. This new regulation took effect in May 2019.

 

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In November 2018, ANATEL approved the Resolution nº 703, which establishes new spectrum cap regulation. There are two groups of bands with specific limits for a given area:

 

·Frequencies up to 1 GHz: each operator may hold up to 35% of the bands;

 

·Frequencies between 1 GHz and 3 GHz: each operator may hold up to 30% of the bands.

 

All these limits can be extended by up to 40%, through competitive constraints that may be imposed by ANATEL. For frequencies above 3GHz, the limits will be determined in the specific auction terms.

 

Mobile service licenses (SMP)

 

Generally, current spectrum authorizations are valid for 15 years and can be renewed only once. Although the recently-approved New General Telecommunications Law allows successive spectrum renewals, we cannot guarantee that the new conditions will apply to existing licenses.

 

ANATEL may interpret that the new renewal conditions are only valid for authorizations issued under the new law. ANATEL may also determine a mandatory “re-bidding” processes in certain spectrum bands and refuse renewal requests. A re-bidding process can reduce the amount of spectrum available for each operator, depending on the configuration of the new blocks.

 

Our current 850 MHz authorizations will expire between 2020 and 2028. If renewal is not allowed, we would be required to compete for new licenses in a spectrum auction. In addition, the coverage of our mobile services would be significantly affected, and our services could become unavailable in certain regions.

 

Renewed licenses require a payment of 2% of net operating revenues earned in region included in the authorization, every two years for the duration of the extension period. In the 15th year, we must pay 1% of the aforementioned amount.

 

In July 2018, ANATEL published Resolution No. 695 with a new Public Spectrum Price Regulation. The Resolution stablishes new criteria for license renewal costs. The formula considers factors such as grant time, revenue earned in the region and amount of spectrum used by the company. Part of the payment can be converted into investment commitments. The applicability of the new rules on current licenses, however, is uncertain.

 

Our SMP authorizations include the right to provide mobile services for an unlimited period of time but restrict the right to use the spectrum according to the schedules listed in the respective radiofrequency authorizations. The table below sets forth our current SMP authorizations, their locations, band and spectrums, date of issuance or renewal and date of expiration:

 

Region 

Frequency 

Bandwidth (MHz) 

Notes 

Year of Exp. Date 

Notes 

Brazil (9) 450 MHz 14 (1) 2027  
Brazil (9) 700 MHz 20   2029  
Brazil (9) 850 MHz 25 (2) 2020-2028 (3)
Brazil (9) 900 MHz 5 (4) 2020-2023 (5)
Brazil (9) 1800 MHz 20 (6) 2020-2023 (5)
Brazil (9) 2100 MHz 20-30 (10) 2023  
Brazil (9) 2500 MHz 40 (7) 2027-2031 (8)
           

 

 

 

(1)State of São Paulo (municipalities with CN 13 to 19), state of Minas Gerais and North East (AL, CE, PB, PE, PI, RN e SE).

 

(2)Except regions 2', 4', 6', 7', 7’’ and 10.

 

(3)Regional licenses: expiration and renewal dates are dependent on the region. The license in Rio de Janeiro is due to expire in 2020.

 

(4)Only in regions 3, 4, 4', 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9. Not in regions 1, 2, 2', 5', 6', 7', 7’’ and 10.

 

(5)Regional licenses: expiration and renewal dates are dependent on the region. The license in MG Interior is the first to reach its renewal date in 2020.

 

(6)20 MHz is the most common bandwidth, but it is higher in some regions (up to 50 MHz).

 

(7)40 MHz is the most common bandwidth, but it is 60 MHz in some regions.

 

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(8)Band X will expire in 2027 and Band P will expire in 2031.

 

(9)Telefónica Brazil uses high and low frequencies spectrum in all regions of Brazil.

 

(10)30MHz in regions where the bandwidth from 1900 MHz frequency has been migrated to 2100 MHz frequency.

 

Regions

States & towns included in the regions

1 SP (City)
2 SP (Interior)
2’ SP - towns of sector 33 of the PGO
3 RJ and ES
4 MG
4’ MG - towns of sector 3 of the PGO
5 PR and SC
5’ PR - towns of sector 20 of the PGO
6 RS
6’ RS - towns of sector 30 of the PGO
7 AC, DF, GO, MS, MT, RO and TO
7’ GO - towns of sector 25 of the PGO
7’’ MS – towns of sector 22 of the PGO
8 AM, AP, MA, PA and RR
9 BA and SE
10 AL, CE, PB, PE, PI and RN

 

In 2013, we changed the terms of our authorization regarding Band “L” (1.9 GHz) in certain locations, adapting their blocks of frequencies to 2.1 GHz and aligning them with the Band “J” (3G), which enables more efficient use of the spectrum. In 2018, this alignment process was completed at the national level with respect to the following areas: Northeast region, with the exception of Bahia and Sergipe; Pelotas, Morro Redondo, Capão do Leão and Turuçu, in Rio Grande do Sul; Buriti Alegre, Cachoeira Dourada, Inaciolândia, Itumbiara, Paranaiguara and São Simão, in Goiás; Altinópolis, Aramina, Batatais, Brodowski, Buritizal, Cajuru, Cássia dos Coqueiros, Colômbia, Franca, Guaíra, Guará, Ipuã, Ituverava, Jardinópolis, Miguelópolis, Morro Agudo, Nuporanga, Orlândia, Ribeirão Corrente, Sales de Oliveira, Santa Cruz da Esperança, Santo Antônio da Alegria and São Joaquim da Barra in São Paulo; and Paranaíba in Mato Grosso do Sul. This change is foreseen in the bidding document No 001/2007. We do not have Band “L” in the states of Amazonas, Roraima, Amapá, Pará and Maranhão and in the cities of Londrina and Tamarana, Paraná.

 

In 2012, Telefônica acquired 40MHz on the 2.5GHz to 2.69GHz frequencies for the amount of R$ 1.05 billion. In order to meet the coverage requirements imposed by ANATEL, we had the obligation of implementing 4G coverage in 1,094 cities by December 31, 2017. The remaining coverage commitments in cities with less than 30,000 inhabitants could be fulfilled with other frequency bands until December 31, 2019. ANATEL is responsible for verifying compliance with such targets and has not yet completed its review of our compliance with our coverage commitments for the year ended December 31, 2019.

 

Currently, we have made 4G services available in over 3,100 municipalities. Telefônica has deployed and continues to deploy 4G coverage by serving its customers through the use of its own network or by established agreements of RAN-sharing approved by ANATEL.

 

In order to complete the 450 MHz frequency requirements, we had the obligation to meet voice and data demand in remote rural areas. As a commitment, we are required to provide infrastructure and service operating in any frequency band in rural areas in the states of Alagoas, Ceará, Minas Gerais, Paraíba, Pernambuco, Piauí, Rio Grande do Norte, Sergipe, and countryside of São Paulo, for a total of 2,556 municipalities. In these areas, we are also required to provide free broadband to schools located in rural areas.

 

Regarding the 700MHz spectrum, ANATEL has allocated the band for the provision of fixed, mobile and broadband services. On September 30, 2014 we acquired 20 MHz (10+10 MHz) with nationwide coverage, for R$1.92 billion, at the minimum price, plus R$904 million for the band cleaning (migration of broadcasters that currently occupy the band and interference management). According to the auction rules, the winning bidders are responsible for financing and managing the band cleaning process (Analog TV switch off) which was implemented through a legal entity specifically incorporated for this purpose, as set forth in the bidding process and applicable regulations (EAD).

 

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Since June 2019, all Brazilian municipalities are ready to activate LTE coverage in the 700 MHz band. Notwithstanding, ANATEL still must certify the accomplishment of spectrum cleanup targets.

 

In December 2015, ANATEL auctioned the remaining spectrum lots in the 1800 MHz, 1900 MHz and 2500 MHz bands, from which Telefônica acquired seven lots of 2.5 GHz frequency band offering a total of R$ 185.4 million. These lots are associated to six different States, in the capital cities of the States of São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Porto Alegre, Florianópolis, and Palmas, and one countryside city of the State of Mato Grosso do Sul. Such frequencies are already being used for the provision of mobile broadband service on 4G.

 

Multimedia communication services (SCM)

 

Our multimedia services include broadband in several technologies, including fiber UBB services.

 

Obligation to provide fixed broadband access

 

We have assumed in the past the obligation to provide free Internet access to public schools in the area comprising in our concession area during the term of the concession agreement (until 2025). The number of schools for which we should provide broadband is determined by the school census provided by the National Education Ministry, which is published on a yearly basis or sometimes in longer intervals. Our obligation targets are adjusted according to the latest census released.

 

Pay TV services

 

Regulations for pay TV services – SeAC

 

We are authorized to provide Pay TV Services (Serviço de Acesso Condicionado - SeAC) throughout Brazil by means of different technologies (Fiber, DTH and coaxial).

 

Law No. 12,485/2011 established the most important aspects of this service, including the imposition of a minimum national content requirements, carrier obligations and rights and cross ownership restrictions.

 

Since 2019, the Brazilian Congress have been discussed bills amending SeAC law. Among the proposals is the review of limitations to cross-control between telecom providers and content producing and programming companies. Regulatory asymmetries between SeaC and OTT services are also being debated.

 

Interconnection fees

 

In accordance with ANATEL regulations, we must charge fees to the other telecommunications service providers based on the following:

 

·Fee for the use of our local fixed service network (TU-RL) - we charge local service providers an interconnection fee for every minute used in connection with a call that either originates or terminates within our local network, with the exception of calls between other providers of local fixed service, for which a fee is not charged;

 

·Fee for the use of our fixed service long-distance network (TU-RIU) - we charge long distance service providers an interconnection fee on a per-minute basis only when the interconnection access to our long-distance network is in use;

 

·Fee for the use of mobile network (MTR) - we charge mobile service providers an interconnection fee on a per-minute basis only when the interconnection access to our mobile network is in use; and

 

·Fee for the use of leased lines by another service provider (EILD). We also lease transmission lines, certain infrastructure and other equipment to other providers of telecommunications services.

 

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Fixed Service

 

In July 2005, ANATEL published new rules regarding interconnection. The main changes are: (i) an obligation to have a public offering of interconnection for all services, besides interconnections fees between providers of fixed and mobile telephone services; (ii) an offer of interconnections for Internet backbone providers; (iii) establishment of criteria for the treatment of fraudulent calls; and (iv) reduction of service times for interconnection requests.

 

In 2006, we completed the implementation of the interconnection with the mobile service providers in regions with heavier traffic, assuring the proper billing for such calls. This movement reduced interconnection costs.

 

In 2007, ANATEL published a new version of Fixed Network Compensation Regulation that changed the rules to determine the interconnection fees. Local and long-distance rates that were set at all times became variable according to the rules of public service tariffs. A 20% increase was applied to tariffs of mobile service operators without significant market power in their regions.

 

On May 7, 2012, Resolution No. 588/12 was published determining the following:

 

·A maximum of two minutes of interconnection should be paid for the use of the local network on reduced hours;

 

·The reduction of interconnection fees from domestic and international long distance calls by 30% of the value of the local fixed service network interconnection fee (TU-RL) and the reduction of 25% and 20% by December 2012 of the value of the long distance network interconnection tariffs (TU-RIU);

 

·The remuneration between networks will not occur until this traffic imbalance is greater than 75% compared to 25%; and

 

·The partial Bill & Keep by December 31, 2013 and full Bill & Keep by December 31, 2014.

 

On July 1, 2014, ANATEL established gradual decreases in fixed service network interconnection fees (TU-RL), based on a cost model for the years 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019, as described under “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Relating to the Brazilian Telecommunications Industry and Us—Our results of operations may be negatively affected by the application of the Fixed Commuted Telephone Service (Serviço de Telefonia Fixa Comutada – STFC) rules relating to fixed telephone service and the Personal Mobile Service (Serviço Móvel Pessoal – SMP), rules relating to mobile services.”

 

In December 2016, ANATEL held a public consultation to discuss a new interconnection regulation (RGI). The new document aims to solve the large number of disputes in the agreements for voice and data traffic among companies. ANATEL has proposed that in cases of default the cut in the provision of interconnection could be done without the regulator’s authorization. In addition, the new document aims to establish a list of prohibited practices in interconnection relationships and to make the interconnection technology neutral. The new rules were published in July 2018 (Resolution No. 693).

 

Mobile service

 

In November 2009, ANATEL unified the licenses of all mobile operators, resulting in the consolidation of interconnection fees, reducing the number of fees for the use of mobile network from 2 to 1.

 

On December 2, 2013, Act No. 7,272 was published, establishing the MTR reference values for providers determined to be a Significant Market Power (PMS), which became effective on February 24, 2014. On August 28, 2014, Act no. 7,310 replaced the reference values previously set out in Act No. 7,272.

 

On July 1, 2014, ANATEL established gradual decreases in MTR, based on a cost model for the years 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 and, in December 2018, ANATEL established the reference values for MTR for the years ranging from 2020 until 2023 as described in “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Relating to the Brazilian Telecommunications Industry and Us—Our results of operations may be negatively affected by the application of the Fixed Commuted Telephone Service (Serviço de Telefonia Fixa Comutada – STFC) rules relating to fixed telephone service and the Personal Mobile Service (Serviço Móvel Pessoal – SMP) rules relating to mobile services.”

 

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In addition, the General Competition Plan (Plano Geral de Metas de Competição – PGMC) determined that the in the relationship among PMS and non-PMS providers in the mobile network, the interconnection fee should be paid only when the traffic out of a network in a given direction is greater than 80% of the total traffic exchanged until February 23, 2015; and 60% of the total traffic exchanged from February 24, 2015 to February 23, 2016. Since February 24, 2016, the MTR is owed to the mobile service provider when its network is used to originate or terminate calls (full billing). These conditions were further modified by ANATEL in February 2015, after promoting a Public Consultation.

 

In July 2018, ANATEL edited the new the General Competition Plan (“Plano Geral de Metas de Competição – PGMC), approved by Resolution No. 694, which modified the preexisting rules regarding the interconnection fee to be paid of the outbound traffic, as follows:

 

·From January 1, 2013 to February 23, 2015: 80% / 20%;

 

·From February 24, 2015 to February 23, 2016: 75% / 25%;

 

·From February 24, 2016 to February 23, 2017: 65% / 35%;

 

·From February 24, 2017 to February 23, 2018: 55% / 45%; and

 

·From February 24, 2018 onwards: 50% / 50%.

 

TU-RL and TU-RIU

 

On May 18, 2014, the proposed standards were approved for setting maximum values of fixed interconnection fees and for the values of mobile interconnection, based on Cost Models. In addition, values for fixed and mobile interconnection were published through the acts: No. 6210 for TU-RL and TU-RIU and No. 6211 for MTR.

 

For fixed and mobile termination fees, ANATEL’s decision established values for 2018 based on a bottom-up cost model.

 

On December 2018, ANATEL established values for fixed interconnection fees ranging from 2020 until 2023:

 

   Interconnection fees for Sector 31
Year  TU-RL  TU-RIU1  TU-RIU2
2020    0.00134    0.00166    0.00118 
2021    0.00117    0.00176    0.00120 
2022    0.00104    0.00183    0.00122 
2023    0.00096    0.00188    0.00122 

 

EILD

 

On May 18, 2014, ANATEL approved the proposed standard for setting maximum values of Industrial Dedicated Line (EILD), based on Cost Models. Values for EILD were published through Act No. 6212, which contains a single reference table which is valid from 2016 until 2019. In addition, the general competition plan requires companies with significant market power to present a public offer every six months informing standard commercial conditions, which is subject to approval by ANATEL.

 

On December 17, 2018, ANATEL approved through Act No. 9,920 a revision of the EILD reference table, valid for 2020 onwards.

 

Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO)

 

In 2001, ANATEL approved rules for companies to be licensed as MVNOs. In 2016, ANATEL authorized MVNO companies to be affiliates of other certain network operators, and for that reason, we have signed agreements with companies authorized to operate as an MVNO in Brazil.

 

Brazilian MVNO regulations allow two operating models: “authorized” (in which MVNO holds its own SMP authorization but operates under an MNO’s network) and “accredited” (in which the company doesn’t hold an SMP

 

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authorization and acts as a MNO’s representative and offers services jointly). In August 2019, ANATEL held a public consultation about regulatory barriers to IoT expansion and proposed changes in MVNO regulations. These changes, if adopted, reduce the regulatory burden of many aspects of the “accredited” model, such as the representation of multiple MNOs, more autonomy on numbering resources and network agreements.

 

Internet and related services in Brazil

 

In Brazil, Internet service providers, or ISPs, are deemed to be suppliers of value-added services and not telecommunications service providers. ANATEL requires SCM operators to act as carriers of third-party internet service providers.

 

Civil rights framework for the Internet

 

On April 23, 2014, at the opening of NetMundial, former President Dilma Rousseff approved the Civil Rights Framework for the Internet (“Marco Civil da Internet”), which was enacted as Law 12,965/2014. The act adopts strict Net Neutrality rules that guarantee equality of treatment for data traffic in the network and preserves the business model of Brazilian broadband offered in packages with different speeds. After three public consultations released by CGI.br (the Brazilian Internet Steering Committee), the Ministry of Justice and ANATEL, the Brazilian government published Decree 8,711/2016, which regulates the law. It establishes the regulation for Net Neutrality and mechanisms to protect the data stored by service and application providers, as well as determining the circumstances in which data can be obtained by the public administration.

 

Personal data protection

 

In June 2016, the Brazilian House of Representatives put into consultation a draft of law regarding the Personal Data Protection. The original text of this law is based on the European Union’s Directives on Data Protection, and as such, imposes restrictive rules on the express consent to process personal data, international data transfer, processing of sensitive data, among others. The proposed legislation is still under discussion within the House of Representatives.

 

In August 2018, the Brazilian government passed the Law of Personal Data Protection (Law 13,709/2018). The law increases citizens’ control over their personal information, requiring explicit consent for the collection and use of data. It also established requirements relating to options for viewing, correcting and deleting such data.

 

The law will take effect in 2020 to allow public and private entities to adapt to the new rules. On December 27, 2018, the Brazilian government created the National Data Protection Authority through a Medida Provisória 869/2018.

 

We believe these measures will offer our clients greater protection with respect to how their personal information is used and shared, and creates opportunities for new services that make use of aggregated information.

 

In July 2019, the Brazilian Government sanctioned Law No. 13,853/2019, which promotes changes in the Law of Personal Data Protection and defines the National Data Protection Authority (Autoridade Nacional de Proteção de Dados - ANPD) as a transitory entity, which may be transformed into an independent regulatory agency reporting to the Presidency of the Republic within two years.

 

Resolutions published

 

A series of new regulations, published by ANATEL as well as other regulatory bodies in Brazil, became effective in 2019. The most relevant among these regulations were:

 

·Resolution No. 716: Approves the Brazilian Frequency Assignment, Destination and Distribution Plan;

 

·Resolution No. 715: Approves Telecommunication Product Conformity Regulations;

 

·Resolution No. 714: Amends the Separation and Accounting Regulation (RSAC – Regulamento de Separação e Alocação de Contas), approved by Resolution No. 396/2005, and defines the deadline for delivery of 2018 data;

 

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·Resolution No. 713: Amends Annex II of Local Area Regulation for the Fixed Telephone Service (STFC – Serviço de Telefonia Fixa Comutada);

 

·Resolution No. 712: Approves the Sectoral Data Collection Regulation and makes other arrangements;

 

·Resolution No. 711: Allocates radio frequency bands and approves the 3.5 GHz Band Conditions of Use Regulation;

 

·Resolution No. 710: Allocates the 2.3 GHz Band to the Private Limited Service (SLP – Serviço Limitado Privado) and approves the 2.3 GHz Band Conditions of Use Regulation; and

 

·Resolution No. 709: Approves the General Numbering Regulation (RGN – Regulamento Geral de Numeração).

 

Public consultations published

 

In 2019, ANATEL, MCTIC and ANCINE announced a series of public consultations. The most relevant among these public consultations were:

 

·ANATEL Public Consultation No. 8: List of projects that may be established as additional commitments in Conduct Adjustment Terms (“TAC”);

 

·ANATEL Public Consultation No. 9: Tariff freedom in the fixed telephone service (Local and Long Distance); granularity review of Local Areas;

 

·ANATEL Public Consultation No. 14: Use of 1.427 - 1.518 MHz (L Band) band for International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT);

 

·ANATEL Public Consultation No. 15: Radiofrequency allocation in the “S band”;

 

·ANATEL Public Consultation No. 16: Proposal for Supervision Regulation;

 

·ANATEL Public Consultation No. 20: Update of radiocommunication services attributions in Brazil, according to World Conferences;

 

·ANATEL Public Consultation No. 22: Regulatory framework of television channel programing applications available on the Internet;

 

·ANATEL Public Consultation No. 25: Femtocell regulation review;

 

·ANATEL Public Consultation No. 26: Actions taken by Anatel to combat piracy;

 

·ANATEL Public Consultation No. 35: Possibility of allowing a neutral and external entity to negotiate the pole sharing conditions with the electricity distribution companies;

 

·ANATEL Public Consultation No. 36: Alteration of ANATEL’S Internal Regulations;

 

·ANATEL Public Consultation No. 39: Reduction of regulatory barriers to stimulate IoT applications and M2M communications;

 

·ANATEL Public Consultation No. 51: Revision of the Universalization Obligations Regulation (“ROU”), which regulates the obligations provided by General Plan of Universalization Targets (PGMU) 2016-2020;

 

·ANATEL Public Consultation No. 55: Users Council Regulation;

 

·ANATEL Public Consultation No. 59: Potency limits in 3.3 - 3.6 GHz band, for SMP, SCM, STFC, and SLP stations.

 

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·ANATEL Public Consultation No. 60: Potency limits in 2.3 - 2.4 GHz band, for SMP, SCM, STFC, and SLP stations;

 

·ANATEL Public Consultation No. 61: Specific changes in Telecommunications Consumers Rights Regulation;

 

·ANATEL Public Consultation No. 64: Bid Notice - Brazilian Satellites Exploration Rights;

 

·MCTIC Public Consultation: Brazilian 5G Strategy;

 

·MCTIC Public Consultation: Artificial Intelligence Strategy;

 

·ANCINE Public Consultation: Pay TV Regulatory Review; and

 

·ANCINE Public Consultation: Video on Demand.

 

Other regulatory matters

 

Regulation for competition

 

ANATEL launched in December 2016 a Public Consultation for the Regulation that set price references for the wholesale products. The proposal aims to determine that ANATEL’s Cost Model should be the only source of information for the validation of these prices.

 

In July 2018, ANATEL approved the revision of the General Competition Plan (PGMC – Plano Geral de Metas de Competição) - Resolution No. 694/2018. The regulation establishes a new relevant market (high capacity data transport) and introduces the concept of retail competitiveness levels for each municipality (ranging from category 1 - fully competitive - to category 4 - non-competitive areas where public policies are necessary to enable services).

 

For each relevant market, the asymmetric measures may vary according to the competition category assigned to each municipality.

 

In addition, the new PGMC introduces the concept of Small-Scale Provider (PPP – Prestadora de Pequeno Porte), which will be considered by the Agency in the creation of asymmetric rules (in the context of PGMC and possibly in other regulations). By the definition brought by Anatel, PPP’s designation applies to any company that does not account for more than 5% of the retail market share in which it operates.

 

Productivity factor

 

In September 2017, ANATEL approved the new methodology for calculating the Productivity Factor (X Factor) of fixed telephony service. The new regulation uses the cost model to segregate revenues and costs for services. In the new formula, although gains with retail broadband were ruled out, the methodology continues to consider the productivity gains of the fixed voice authorization. Telefonica is arguing that the calculation should focus only on the productivity of the fixed voice concession.

 

Updated Regulatory Framework

 

On October 4, 2019, Law No. 13,879/2019 (resulting from PLC Nº 79/2016), or the New General Telecommunications Law, was published. This law revises the telecommunications regulatory framework and is expected to have a significant impact on this industry.

 

The law allows fixed-line concessions operators to migrate from a concession regime (in which the underlying assets must be reverted to the government at the end of the concession) to an authorization regime, although further rulemaking remains under way to fully implement the law and permit operators to migrate to the new regime. According to the Law, ANATEL will be responsible for estimating the gains obtained by operators as a result of migrating from one regime to the other. Operators will be required to invest such gains in broadband-related projects, which will need to be defined by ANATEL. If an operator chooses not to migrate to the authorization regime, existing contracts could be renewed beyond 2025, at ANATEL’s discretion. In December 2019, a public consultation was launched to hire an independent consulting firm to assist ANATEL in formulating the rules to be

 

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followed by operators who wish to migrate from the concession regime to the private (authorization) regime, and this process remains ongoing.

 

Furthermore, the New General Telecommunications Law also provides for the possibility of renewing a spectrum’s exploration authorization multiple times, so long as ANATEL’s requirements and stipulations are met. Under the previous model, each authorization renewal was limited to a single renewal. In addition, it created the possibility of a secondary spectrum trading market among authorized operators, where trades can be placed directly between them. Similarly, companies holding the rights to explore Brazilian satellite positions can have their permits renewed on an unlimited basis. However, these aspects of the law are still subject to implementation through regulations, which have yet to be passed.

 

Finally, under the New General Telecommunications Law, the FUST law was revised to clarify that radio and video broadcasting services are not subject to taxation under the FUST.

 

C. Organizational Structure

 

On December 31, 2019, 94.31% of our voting shares were controlled by our three major controlling shareholders: SP Telecomunicações Participações Ltda. with 51.46%, Telefónica S.A. with 34.67% and Telefônica Latinoamérica Holding, S.L. with 8.18%. Telefônica Latinoamérica Holding, S.L., or Telefônica Latinoamérica, is the controlling shareholder of SP Telecomunicações S.A., or SP Telecomunicações. Telefónica Latinoamérica is a wholly owned subsidiary of Telefónica S.A. Therefore, Telefónica S.A. was the beneficial owner of 94.47% of our voting shares, as Telefónica Chile S.A., holder of 0.16% of our voting shares, is also a wholly owned subsidiary of Telefónica S.A.. See “Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions—A. Major Shareholders.”

 

Our current general corporate and shareholder structure is as follows:

 

 

Significant Subsidiaries

 

Our significant subsidiaries are Terra Networks Brasil S.A., or Terra, Telefônica Infraestrutura e Segurança, or TIS, POP Internet Ltda., or POP, and Telefônica Transporte e Logística Ltda., or TGLog, of which are wholly owned and headquartered in Brazil.

 

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Associated Companies

 

Aliança Atlântica Holding B.V. (Aliança): Headquartered in Amsterdam, Netherlands, this entity is 50% owned by Telefônica Brasil and holds proceeds generated from the sale of its Portugal Telecom shares in June 2010. For more information, see “Item 4. Information On The Company—A. History and Development of the Company—Historical Background—Corporate Restructuring Involving Telefônica Brasil and Vivo Participações.”

 

Companhia AIX de Participações (AIX): Headquartered in Brazil, this entity is 50% owned by Telefônica Brasil and holds a 93% equity interest in the Refibra consortium, which was formed to finalize a network of underground fiber pipelines in Brazil in order to make them commercially viable.

 

Companhia ACT de Participações (ACT): Headquartered in Brazil, this entity is 50% owned by Telefônica Brasil and holds a 2% equity interest in the Refibra consortium.

 

With the implementation of IFRS 11 Joint Arrangements on January 1, 2013, our investments in these entities were accounted for retroactively using the equity method.

 

Disclosure Pursuant to Section 219 of the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act

 

Section 219 of the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act of 2012 added Section 13(r) to the Exchange Act. Section 13(r) requires an issuer to disclose in its annual or quarterly reports filed with the SEC whether the issuer or any of its affiliates has knowingly engaged in certain activities, transactions or dealings with the Government of Iran, relating to Iran or with designated natural persons or entities involved in terrorism or the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction during the period covered by the annual or quarterly report. Disclosure is required even when the activities were conducted outside the United States by non-U.S. entities and even when such activities were conducted in compliance with applicable law.

 

The following information is disclosed pursuant to Section 13(r). None of these activities involved U.S. affiliates of Telefónica or the Company.

 

Roaming agreements with Iranian operators

 

Various subsidiaries of our controlling shareholder, Telefónica, have entered into roaming agreements with Iranian telecommunication companies. Pursuant to such roaming agreements these subsidiaries’ customers are able to roam in the particular Iranian network (outbound roaming) and customers of such Iranian operators are able to roam in the network of Telefónica’s relevant subsidiary (inbound roaming). For outbound roaming, these subsidiaries pay the relevant Iranian operator roaming fees for use of its network by our customers, and for inbound roaming, the Iranian operator pays the relevant subsidiary roaming fees for use of our network by its customers.

 

We have a roaming agreement with MTN Irancell. During 2019, we recorded US$0.68 in roaming revenues and US$169.11 (before taxes and US$184.32 after taxes) of expenses payable to MTN Irancell under this agreement.

 

In addition, as part of the Telefónica group, we adhere to the roaming agreements with Telefónica’s subsidiaries described below.

 

Telefónica’s subsidiaries were party to the following roaming agreements with Iranian telecommunication companies in 2019:

 

(1)Telefónica Móviles España (“TME”), Telefónica’s Spanish directly wholly-owned subsidiary, has respective roaming agreements with (i) Mobile Telecommunication Company of Iran (“MTCI”), (ii) MTN Irancell (“Irancell”), (iii) Taliya (“Taliya”) and (iv) Telecommunications Kish Co. (“TKC”). During 2019, TME recorded the following revenues related to these roaming agreements: (i) 67,273.13 euros from MTCI, (ii) 323.77 euros from Irancell, (iii) no revenues from Taliya, and (iv) no revenues from TKC.

 

TME also held a roaming hub through its 55% directly-owned subsidiary, Link2One, a.e.i.e. (“L2O”), until December 31, 2019. Under the related agreement, L2O provided a roaming hub service to Irancell enabling the latter to maintain a relationship with other members of the hub. Some members of the hub are also entities of the Telefónica Group. During 2019, L2O recorded revenues of 9,000.00 euros from

 

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Irancell. L2O closed its contractual relationship with Irancell on June 30, 2019. The roaming arrangement between TME and Irancell under the L2O framework was terminated on April 30, 2019.

 

(2)Telefónica Germany GmbH & Co. OHG (“TG”), Telefónica’s German 69.22% indirectly-owned subsidiary, has respective roaming agreements with (i) MTCI and (ii) Irancell. During 2019, TG recorded the following revenues related to these roaming agreements: (i) no revenues from MTCI and (ii) 7,441.13 euros from Irancell.

 

(3)Telefónica UK Ltd (“TUK”), Telefónica’s English directly wholly-owned subsidiary, has a roaming agreement Taliya. During 2019, TUK recorded no revenues from Taliya. TUK had also a roaming arrangement under the L2O framework with Irancell that was terminated on April 30, 2019. TUK recorded 314.54 euros in roaming revenues from the roaming arrangement with Irancell under the L2O framework.

 

(4)Telefónica Argentina, S.A. and Telefónica Móviles Argentina, S.A. (together “TA”), Telefónica’s Argentinean directly and indirectly wholly-owned subsidiaries, have a roaming agreement with Irancell. During 2019, TA recorded 1.27 euros in roaming revenues under this agreement.

 

(5)Pegaso Comunicaciones y Sistemas, S.A. de C.V. (“PCS”), Telefónica’s Mexican directly wholly-owned subsidiary, has a roaming agreement with Irancell. During 2019, PCS recorded 9.33 euros in roaming revenues under this agreement.

 

(6)Telefónica del Perú, S.A.A. (“TdP”), Telefónica’s Peruvian 98.57% indirectly-owned subsidiary, had a roaming arrangement with Irancell under the L2O framework that was terminated on April 30, 2019. During 2019 TdP recorded no revenues under this roaming arrangement with Irancell under the L2O framework.

 

(7)Colombia Telecomunicaciones, S.A. ESP (“ColTel”), Telefónica’s Colombian 67.50% directly and indirectly-owned subsidiary, had a roaming arrangement with Irancell under the L2O framework that was terminated on April 30, 2019. During 2019 ColTel recorded no revenues under this roaming arrangement with Irancell under the L2O framework.

 

(8)Telefonía Celular de Nicaragua S.A. (“TN”), Telefónica’s Nicaraguan 60% indirectly-owned subsidiary until its sale, had a roaming arrangement with Irancell under the L2O framework that was terminated on April 30, 2019. During 2019, TN recorder no revenues under this roaming arrangement with Irancell under the L2O framework. The sale of TN was completed on May 16, 2019.

 

(9)Telefonica Móviles del Uruguay S.A. (“TMU”), Telefónica’s Uruguayan directly wholly-owned subsidiary, had a roaming arrangement with Irancell under the L2O framework that was terminated on April 30, 2019. During 2019 TMU recorded 0.24 euros in roaming revenues under this roaming arrangement with Irancell under the L2O framework.

 

(10)Telefónica Móviles Chile S.A. (“TCH”), Telefónica’s Chilean directly wholly-owned subsidiary, had a roaming arrangement with Irancell under the L2O framework that was terminated on April 30, 2019. During 2019 TCH recorded 4.94 euros in roaming revenues roaming revenues under this roaming arrangement with Irancell under the L2O framework.

 

The net profit recorded by Telefónica’s subsidiaries pursuant to these agreements did not exceed the related revenues recorded thereunder.

 

The purpose of all of these agreements is to provide the Telefónica group’s customers with coverage in areas where the group does not own networks. For that purpose, Telefónica’s subsidiaries intend to continue maintaining these agreements.

 

The Telefónica group does not currently have any forthcoming plans to enter into new roaming arrangements with Iranian telecommunication companies. However, the group may consider entering into such arrangements in the future.

 

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D.Property, Plant and Equipment

 

On December 31, 2019, we had fixed and mobile operations in 2,737 properties, 1,459 of which we own, of which 124 are administrative buildings. Furthermore, we have entered into standard leasing agreements to rent the remaining properties, under which 130 administrative areas, 6 kiosks and 271 retail stores are leased.

 

Our main physical properties for providing fixed line telephone services involve the segments of switching (public switching telephone network, or PSTN), transmission (optic and wireless systems), data communication (multiplex devices, IP network), infrastructure (energy systems and air conditioning) and external network (fiber optic and metallic cables), which are distributed in many buildings throughout the state of São Paulo and in the main cities outside the state of São Paulo. Some of these buildings are also used for administrative and commercial operations.

 

Our main physical property for mobile services consists of transmission equipment, switching equipment, base stations, and other communication devices, such as voicemail, prepaid service, short message service, home location registers, signaling transfer point, packet data switching network and gateways. All switches, cellular sites, administrative buildings, administrative facilities, warehouses and stores are insured against damages for operational risks.

 

Pursuant to Brazilian legal proceedings, liens have been attached to several properties pending the outcome of various legal proceedings to which we are a party. See “Item 8. Financial Information—A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information—Legal Proceedings.” In addition, certain of our properties are still pending the applicable licenses and approvals from the local fire departments.

 

We are constantly making improvements to our facilities and network to meet customer demand and to improve the level of services we offer our clients.

 

On December 31, 2019, the net book value of our property, plant and equipment amounted R$42.8 billion (R$34.1 billion on December 31, 2018), which included reversible assets in the amount of R$8.2 billion.

 

Environmental matters

 

Brazilian Federal, state and municipal legislation provide for the control and protection of the environment. These laws govern the appropriate use of natural resources, control of atmospheric emissions and noise, treatment of effluents, handling and final disposal of hazardous materials and solid waste, amongst others.

 

Under these laws, certain environmental licenses must be secured prior to the construction, installation, expansion and operation of facilities that use natural resources or that may pollute the environment, including those related to installation and operation of radio/cell base stations and antennas. According to the stage of the project, the environmental licenses may be: (1) a preliminary license, which approves the location and design of the project and must be obtained in the early stages of the project or activity to certify its environmental feasibility; (2) an installation license, which authorizes the installation of the project or activity in accordance with the specifications set forth in approved plans, programs and projects; or (3) an operation license, which authorizes commencement of operations once the conditions for compliance with the preliminary and installation licenses are met, and may impose additional conditions applicable to the project’s operations.

 

Besides environmental licensing, other environmental regulations may affect our operations, such as, among other matters, regulations related to air emissions, soil and water pollutants, take-back systems, recycling and waste management, protection and preservation of fauna, flora and other features of the ecosystem, water use, interference with areas of cultural and historical relevance, environmental protected areas, Conservation Units (UCs) or their surroundings, Permanent Preservation Areas (APPs) and contaminated areas.

 

Regarding the last subject matter, in accordance with the Environmental National Policy (Law No. 6,938/1981), the owner of a real estate property located in a contaminated area may be compelled by the relevant environmental agency to clean up the area, regardless of fault and the damage causes. Environmental authorities have been adopting an increasingly stringent position in connection with the handling of contaminated areas, including the creation of environmental standards to preserve the quality of land and underground water. Non-compliance with guidelines set by the relevant environmental and health authorities with respect to surveys and analyses of potentially contaminated areas or the exposure of persons to toxic fumes or residues may result in administrative and

 

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legal penalties for the developer and their management, in addition to the damage it can cause to our reputation as a responsible company. Whenever soil contamination is suspected, we conduct periodic environmental investigations to assess any possible liability with respect to this fact.

 

We are subject to administrative review of our activities and corporations found to be in violation of these administrative environmental regulations can be fined up to R$50 million, have their operations suspended, be barred from entering into certain types of government contracts, be required to repair or provide indemnification in respect of any environmental damages they cause, be required to suspend tax benefits and incentives, be at competitive disadvantage to match the requirements of global sustainability index such as Dow Jones Sustainability Index and ISE (Index of corporate sustainability from B3 – Brazil), among others.

 

In Brazil, violating environmental rules or regulations may result in civil, administrative or criminal liability. With respect to civil liability, Brazilian environmental laws adopt a standard of unlimited strict, several and joint liability in determining the obligation to remediate damages caused to the environment. In addition, Brazilian courts may pierce the corporate veil when and if it poses an obstacle to the full recovery of environmental damages.

 

We have a series of systems in place to protect our networks, our reputation and operations from environmental damage, including specific insurance coverage relating to civil and environmental matters.

 

Additionally, we have systems in place for the proper disposal of batteries and oil, in our construction operations and to address other environmental issues that may arise in the operation and maintenance of our properties. In 51 cities (that cover more than 40% of our clients) we have a certified Environmental Management System that meets ISO 14,001 requirements since 2016. We also maintain the control of radio frequency energy levels transmitted by our antennas, in accordance with current legislation. The energy consumption of our network infrastructure is very high and to address this challenge we established a global target that at least 50% of our energy consumption would come from renewable sources by 2020 and 100% by 2030. However, in 2018 we decided to acquire Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs), which offset our energy consumption from non-renewable sources, ensuring that from 2019 on 100% of our current energy consumption either directly originates from clean and renewable sources, or is offset by RECs that represent energy originated by clean and renewable sources. Therefore, on a net basis, we have reached our goals well before the stipulated deadline.

 

Also, to comply with Brazilian Federal regulations, (National Solid Waste Policy - Law 12,305/10) as we were the first telecommunications company in Brazil to offer collection points at all of our stores for old mobile phones, accessories and batteries, where customers and other individuals can dispose of their used equipment ensuring proper disposal of these materials. In the fixed line telecom business, we offer the option of home collection or store return of the equipment in case of disconnection due to default or end of contract. Through Call Center or via web form, customers can schedule pick-ups or choose the closest store for permanent disposal. These materials undergo triage and can be refurbished to be used again with full technical capacity and layout conditions. These processes ensure that almost all of the collected electronic waste is recycled or reused.

 

Moreover, we perform periodic environmental investigations to assess any possible liability with respect to contamination of soil and groundwater, including internal audits of our Environmental Management System (EMS), conducted by our sustainability unit at planned intervals.

 

Item 4A.Unresolved staff comments

 

None.

 

Item 5.Operating and Financial Review and Prospects

 

A. Operating Results

 

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes and other information appearing elsewhere in this annual report and in conjunction with the financial information included under “Item 3. Key Information—A. Selected Financial Data.” We prepared our consolidated financial statements included in this annual report in accordance with IFRS.

 

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Overview

 

Our results of operations are principally affected by the following key factors.

 

Brazilian economic environment

 

The Brazilian economy has experienced varying rates of growth this decade. According to IBGE (Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística), the Brazilian GDP increased by 1.3% in each year in 2018 and 2017, after decreasing by 3.3% in 2016 and 3.5% in 2015. According to market data, in 2019, the Brazilian GDP grew by approximately 1.2%.

 

Consumer prices, as measured by the IPCA, increased by 4.3% in 2019. Accordingly, growth in consumer prices stood below in line with target band established by the Central Bank of 4.25% +/- 1.5%. In 2018 and 2017, the increases in IPCA were 3.7% and 2.9%, respectively. Inflation, as measured by the Brazilian general price index (Índice Geral de Preços - Disponibilidade Interna), or the IGP-DI, calculated by the FGV, which includes wholesale, retail and home-building prices, was 7.1% in 2018, compared to deflation of 0.4% in 2017, respectively. In 2019, the IGP-DI recorded inflation of 7.7%.

 

As inflation rate measured by IPCA stood in line with the target of 4.25%, the Central Bank decreased the basic interest rate (Sistema Especial de Liquidação e de Custódia), or SELIC rate, to 4.5% by the end of 2019, from 6.5% as of the end of 2018.

 

Brazil closed 2019 with a trade balance surplus of US$39.4 billion, a lower but still comfortable level than in relation to the surplus of US$53.0 billion the end of 2018. Exports decreased by 6.3%, registering US$ 224.4 billion, underperforming the imports, which decreased by 0.8%, to US$ 185.0 billion. Foreign Direct Investments inflows into the country have increased slightly, reaching US$ 78.6 billion, compared to US$ 78.2 billion in 2018. Portfolio investments have registered negative net flows of US$ 10.5 billion in 2019, in comparison to negative flows of US$ 6.8 billion in 2018. International reserves at the end of 2019 were US$356.9 billion, a decrease of US$17.8 billion compared to December 31, 2018, as result of Central Bank interventions to curb volatility in the exchange rate.

 

Despite the improvement in economic activity and the stable levels of inflation and external accounts, some areas of the economy remained in a delicate situation, as is the case of the primary fiscal deficit. The public sector fiscal result this year was another deficit, of 0.9% of the GDP, compared to 1.6% in 2018’s result. The improvement, resultant from recovery of the economic activity, expenditures control and efforts in finding extra revenues, have contributed for the change of outlook by some rating agencies to positive regarding the Brazilian sovereign debt credit rating. Therefore, risk premium indexes have decreased, backed also by the reduction in political uncertainty. The J.P. Morgan Emerging Markets Bond Index Plus (EMBI + Brazil), which tracks total returns for traded external debt instruments in emerging markets, reached 214 basis points by the end of 2019, down from 276 basis points at the end of 2018 and 240 basis points at the end of 2017.

 

The Real depreciated against the U.S. dollar in 2019 by 4.0%. The exchange rate on December 31, 2019 was R$4.0307 per US$1.00, from R$3.8748 per US$1.00 on December 31, 2018.

 

Our business is directly affected by the external environment and the Brazilian economy. Lower volatility of the Brazilian Real against the U.S. dollar contributes to the maintenance of the purchasing power of Brazilian consumers and, preventing a negative impact on the ability of our customers to pay for our telecommunications services.

 

Impact of inflation on our results of operations

 

Before 2006, the fees we charged our customers were periodically adjusted by ANATEL based on the inflation rates measured by the IGP-DI.

 

Starting in 2006, telephone fees were indexed to the IST, which is a basket of Brazilian indexes that reflect the telecommunications sector’s operating costs. Such indexing reduced inconsistencies between revenue and costs in our industry and therefore reduced the adverse effects of inflation on our business. The IST for the twelve-month period ending December 2019 was 4.6% according to the most recent data published by ANATEL.

 

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The table below shows the Brazilian general price inflation (according to the IGP-DI, IPCA and the IST) for the years ended December 31, 2015 through 2019:

 

   Inflation Rate (%) as Measured by IGP-DI(1)  Inflation Rate (%) as Measured by IPCA(2)  Inflation Rate (%) as Measured by IST(3)
          
December 31, 2015    10.7    10.7    11.1 
December 31, 2016    7.2    6.3    6.0 
December 31, 2017    (0.4)   2.9    3.2 
December 31, 2018    7.1    3.7    5.5 
December 31, 2019    7.7    4.3    4.6 

 

 

 

(1)Source: IGP-DI, as published by the FGV.

 

(2)Source: IPCA, as published by the IBGE.

 

(3)Source: IST, as published by the Agência Nacional de Telecomunicações.

 

Discussion of Critical Accounting Estimates and Policies

 

The preparation of the financial statements requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates and the exercise of judgment by the Company’s Management in applying the Company’s accounting policies. These estimates are based on experience, better knowledge, information available at the end of the fiscal year, and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable in the circumstances. Settlement of transactions involving these estimates may result in values that are different from those recorded in the financial statements due to the criteria inherent in the estimation process. The Company reviews its estimates at least annually.

 

Accounting for long-lived assets

 

Property, plant and equipment and intangible assets, other than goodwill, are recorded at acquisition cost. Property, plant and equipment and intangible assets with definite useful lives are depreciated or amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives. Intangible assets with indefinite useful lives, including goodwill, are not amortized, but are instead, subject to an impairment test on a yearly basis and whenever there is an indication that such assets may be impaired.

 

Accounting for long-lived assets and intangible assets involves the use of estimates for determining the fair value at their acquisition dates, particularly for assets acquired in business combinations and for determining the useful lives over which they are to be depreciated or amortized as well as their residual value. Useful lives are assessed annually and changed when necessary to reflect current evaluation on the remaining lives in light of technological change, network investment plans, prospective utilization and physical condition of the assets concerned.

 

The carrying values and useful lives applied to the principal categories of property, plant and equipment, and intangibles, are disclosed in Notes 12 and 13 to our consolidated financial statements.

 

Estimated losses for impairment of accounts receivable

 

In determining whether the credit risk of a financial asset has increased significantly since the initial recognition and in estimating the expected credit losses, we consider reasonable and bearable information that is relevant and available. This includes quantitative and qualitative information and analysis, based on our historical experience, credit assessment and considering forward-looking information. Although we believe that the assumptions used are reasonable, actual results may be different.

 

Additional information on estimated losses for impairment of accounts receivable is disclosed in Note 4 to our consolidated financial statements.

 

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Impairment of nonfinancial assets, including goodwill

 

An impairment loss exists when the accounting value of an asset or cash-generating unit exceeds its recoverable amount, which is the higher between the fair value less selling costs and the value in use. The estimated fair value less selling costs is based on the information available from transactions involving the sale of similar assets or the market price less additional costs regarding the disposition of such asset. The value in use is based on the model of discounted cash flow. Cash flows are derived from the budget and do not include activities of reorganization for which the company has not yet been committed or significant future investments that will improve the group of assets of the cash-generating unit subject to the test. The recoverable amount is sensitive to the discount rate used in the method of discounted cash flows as well as to the projected future cash flow and the expected future growth rate used for the purposes of determining terminal value. Furthermore, additional factors, such as technological obsolescence, the suspension of certain services and other circumstantial changes are taken into account.

 

The carrying value of goodwill and the key assumptions used in performing the annual impairment assessment are disclosed in Note 14 to our consolidated financial statements.

 

Provisions for tax, labor, civil and regulatory proceedings

 

We record provisions for tax, labor, civil and regulatory claims where an outflow of resources is considered probable and a reasonable estimate can be made of the likely outcome. The assessment of the likelihood of loss includes assessing the available evidence, the hierarchy of laws, the available jurisprudence, the most recent court decisions and its materiality in the legal system as well as the evaluation of the case by external counsels. Provisions are reviewed and adjusted to take into account changes in circumstances such as the applicable prescriptive period, results from tax inspections or additional exposure identified based on newly issued court decisions. A significant change in these circumstances or assumptions could result in a corresponding increase or decrease the amount of our provisions.

 

Additional information on provisions for tax, labor, civil and regulatory proceedings is disclosed in Note 19 to our consolidated financial statements.

 

Pension and other post-retirement benefit plans

 

The cost of defined benefit retirement plans and other post-employment medical care benefits and the present value of pension and other postretirement obligations are determined using actuarial valuation methods. The actuarial valuation methods involve the use of assumptions about discount rates, expected future salary increases, mortality rates, health care costs trend rates and future increases in retirement benefits and pensions. The obligation of a defined benefit is highly sensitive to changes in these assumptions. All assumptions are reviewed at each year-end. The mortality rate is based on mortality tables available in the country. Future increases in wages and retirement benefits and pensions are based on expected future inflation for Brazil. The assumptions reflect historical experience and our judgment regarding future expectations.

 

The value of our net pension obligation on December 31, 2019, the key financial assumption used to measure the obligation as well as the sensitivity of our pension liability on December 31, 2019 and of the income statement charge in 2017, 2018 and 2019 to changes in these assumptions, is disclosed in Note 30 to our consolidated financial statements.

 

Fair value of financial instruments

 

When the fair value of financial assets and liabilities presented on the balance sheet cannot be obtained in active markets, it is determined using valuation techniques, including the method of discounted cash flow. The data obtained for the use of these methods are based as much on the information prevailing in the market as possible. However, when it is not feasible to obtain such information in the market, a certain assumption level is required to establish the fair value. The assumption includes consideration of the data that was used, such as the liquidity risk, credit risk and volatility. Changes in the assumptions regarding these factors could affect the presented fair value of financial instruments.

 

Additional information on fair value of financial instruments is disclosed in Note 31 to our consolidated financial statements.

 

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Taxes

 

There may be uncertainties regarding the interpretation of complex tax regulations and the amount and timing of future taxable income. We record provisions based on reasonable estimates for potential disagreement with tax authorities from the jurisdictions in which we operate. The value of these provisions is based on several factors such as experience from previous tax audits and different interpretations of tax regulations by the taxable entity and the competent tax authority in charge. Such differences of interpretation may arise in a wide variety of subjects, depending on the prevailing conditions in the domicile of the company. As a result, we may be required to pay more than our provisions or to recover less than the related judicial assets recognized.

 

We evaluate the recoverability of deferred tax assets based on estimates of future results. This recoverability ultimately depends on our ability to generate taxable profits over the period in which the temporary difference is deductible. The analysis considers the reversal period of deferred tax liabilities, as well as estimates of profits from operations, based on updated internal projections reflecting the latest trends.

 

Determining the proper valuation of the tax items depends on several factors, including an estimate of the period and the realization of the deferred tax asset and the expected date of payments of these taxes. The actual flow of receipt and payment of income tax could differ from estimates made by us, as a result of changes in tax laws or of unexpected future transactions that may impact tax balances.

 

Additional information on taxes is disclosed in Notes 7, 8 and 17 to our consolidated financial statements.

 

Revenue recognition

 

Revenue recognition - revenue from unbilled services

 

We have billing systems for services with intermediate cut-off dates. Thus, at the end of each month there are revenues already received by us, but that are not effectively invoiced to our customers. These unbilled revenues are recorded based on estimates, which take into account historical consumption data, number of days elapsed since the last billing date, among others. Because historical data are used, these estimates are subject to significant uncertainties.

 

Additional information on revenue recognition is disclosed in Note 24 to our consolidated financial statements.

 

Sources of Revenue

 

The breakdown of our gross operating revenue is presented net of discounts granted. In addition, we categorize our revenue according to the following groups:

 

·Fixed and mobile telephone services

 

Includes revenues from fixed and mobile telephone, principally:

 

·Local: includes the sum of revenues from monthly subscription fees, installation fees, local services, public telephones and fixed-to-mobile revenues;

 

·Domestic long-distance: includes the sum of fixed-to-mobile revenues and domestic long distance calls and domestic long-distance calls placed on public telephones;

 

·International long-distance: includes the sum of revenues from international long distance calls and international long-distance placed on public telephones; and

 

·Usage charges: include measured service charges for calls, monthly fee and other similar charges.

 

·Data Transmission and value-added services

 

·Wholesale: includes the sum of infrastructure rental revenues; and

 

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·Value Added Services: Vivo Música, Vivo Educa, Vivo Sync, Vivo Play Kids, Vivo NBA, Vivo Família Online, Vivo Meditação, among others; and

 

·Data Transmission: Fixed and mobile data including FTTH, xDSL, cable on the fixed side and 3G and 4G on the mobile side.

 

·Interconnection fees

 

·Interconnection fees are amounts we charge other cellular and fixed-line service providers for the use of our network.

 

·Pay TV

 

·Includes TV services through satellite, cable or IPTV technology.

 

·Sale of goods and equipment

 

·The sale of wireless devices and accessories.

 

·Other Services

 

·Other services include integrated solution services offered to residential and corporate clients, such as Internet access, private network connectivity and leasing of computer equipment; and

 

·Other telecommunications services such as extended service, caller identification, voice mail and cellular blocker, among others.

 

Results of Operations

 

The following table sets forth certain components of our net income for each year ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 as well as the percentage change of each component.

 

On September 26, 2019, we announced that our wholly-owned subsidiary Terra Networks Brasil S.A. (“Terra Networks”) had acquired shares representing the total capital stock of Telefônica Infraestrutura e Segurança Ltda. (“TIS”), owned by Telefônica Ingeniería de Seguridad S.A. and Telefônica Digital España, S.L.U. Upon completion of the Transaction, as from September 1, 2019, TIS became a direct subsidiary of Terra Networks and indirectly owned by us. Notwithstanding, results from Telefônica Infraestrutura e Segurança Ltda. are not material and therefore our results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 are comparable with our results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015. See Note 1 c.1 to our consolidated financial statements and “Item 4. Information on the Company—A. History and Development of the Company—Historical Background—Restructuring involving the subsidiary Terra Networks Brasil S.A. and Telefônica Infraestrutura e Segurança Ltda.” for further information.

 

In 2017, we acquired 100% of shares of Terra Networks Brasil S.A. (“Terra Networks”). Results of Terra Networks S.A. are consolidated into our financial statements as from July 3, 2017. Notwithstanding, results from Terra Networks are not material and therefore our results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 are comparable with our results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015. See Note 1 c.1 to our consolidated financial statements and “Item 4. Information on the Company—A. History and Development of the Company—Historical Background—Acquisition of Terra Networks by TData” for further information.

 

   Year ended December 31,  Percent change  Percent change
   2019  2018  2017  2019-2018  2018-2017
   (in millions of reais)      
Net operating revenue    44,268.2    43,462.7    43,206.8    1.9%   0.6%
Cost of sales    (22,159.0)   (21,025.7)   (20,272.6)   5.4%   3.7%
Gross profit    22,109.2    22,437.0    22,934.2    (1.5%)   (2.2%)
Operating expenses:                         
Selling expenses    (12,701.3)   (12,832.7)   (13,136.4)   (1.0%)   (2.3%)

  

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   Year ended December 31,  Percent change  Percent change
   2019  2018  2017  2019-2018  2018-2017
   (in millions of reais)      
General and administrative expenses    (2,498.1)   (2,599.0)   (2,443.1)   (3.9%)   6.4%
Other net operating income (expenses), net    304.0    2,450.9    (722,5)   (87.6%)   (439.2%)
Total operating income (expenses), net    (14,895.3)   (12,980.8)   (16,302.0)   14.7%   (20.4%)
Operating income    7,213.9    9,456.2    6,632.2    (23.7%)   42.6%
Financial income (expenses), net    (820.1)   1,827.2    (903.0)   (144.9%)   (302.3%)
Equity pickup    0.7    (5.9)   1.5    (112.9%)   (493.3%)
Income before taxes    6,394.5    11,277.5    5,730.7    (43.3%)   96.8%
Income and social contribution taxes    (1,393.5)   (2,349.2)   (1,121.9)   (40.7%)   109.4%
Net income for the year    5,001.0    8,928.3    4,608.8    (44.0%)   93.7%
Net income attributable to:                         
Controlling shareholding    5,001.0    8,928.3    4,608.8    (44.0%)   93.7%
Net income for the year    5,001.0    8,928.3    4,608.8    (44.0%)   93.7%

 

Results of Operations for the Year Ended December 31, 2019 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2018

 

Gross operating revenue

 

Our gross operating revenue increased by 1.2% to R$66,571.9 million in 2019 from R$65,794.4 million in 2018. Service revenue decreased by 1.9%, to R$60,129.6 million in 2019 from R$61,292.4 million in 2018, mainly due to the maturity of fixed and mobile voice, prepaid and DTH, partially offset by the positive performance of key businesses, such as postpaid and FTTH. Sale of goods revenue increased by 43.1% to R$6,442.3 million in 2019 from R$4,502.0 million in 2018, due to the strong sales of mobile handsets and accessories in the period. The table and descriptions below set forth explanations for these variations:

 

   Year ended December 31,  Percent change
   2019  2018  2019-2018
   (in millions of reais)   
Gross operating revenue    66,571.9    65,794.4    1.2%
Services (1)    60,129.6    61,292.4    (1.9%)
Sale of goods (2)    6,442.3    4,502.0    43.1%
Deductions from gross operating revenue    (22,303.7)   (22,331.7)   (0.1%)
Taxes    (13,894.4)   (14,559.9)   (4.6%)
Services    (12,678.8)   (13,820.8)   (8.3%)
Sale of goods    (1,215.6)   (739.1)   64.5%
Discounts granted and return of goods    (8,409.3)   (7,771.8)   8.2%
Services    (6,319.6)   (6,289.0)   0.5%
Sale of goods    (2,089.7)   (1,482.8)   40.9%
Net operating revenues    44,268.2    43,462.7    1.9%
Services    41,131.2    41,182.6    (0.1%)
Sale of goods    3,137.0    2,280.1    37.6%

 

 

 

(1)These include telephone services, use of interconnection network, data and SVA services, cable TV and other services.

 

(2)These include sale of goods (handsets, sim cards and accessories) and equipment of the “Soluciona TI.”

 

Net operating revenue

 

Net Operating Revenue increased by 1.9% to R$44,268.2 million in 2019 from R$43,462.7 million in 2018, due to the increase in revenues from telecommunication services, as a result of strong increase in data transmission and value-added services revenues from the successful upselling of mobile data bundles, strong migration to 4G and 4.5G, higher smartphone penetration within our customer base, and robust fixed broadband evolution, mainly due to strong growth in ultra-broadband revenues driven by higher adoption of FTTH and footprint expansion. These factors were partially offset by a reduction in outgoing voice and interconnection revenues, resulting from decreases in mobile and fixed termination rates mandated by ANATEL, which became effective in February 2019, as

 

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described in “Item 4. Information On The Company—B. Business Overview—Regulation of the Brazilian Telecommunications Industry—Mobile Services—Interconnection Fees—Mobile service.”

 

Cost of sales

 

Cost of sales increased by R$1,133.2 million, or 5.4%, to R$22,158.9 million in 2019 from R$21,025.7 million in 2018. The table and descriptions below set forth explanations for these variations:

 

   Year ended December 31,  Percent change
   2019  2018  2019-2018
   (in millions of reais)   
Cost of goods sold    (3,157.0)   (2,406.1)   31.2%
Depreciation and amortization    (8,624.2)   (6,487.9)   32.9%
Outside services and other    (5,545.9)   (5,413.0)   2.5%
Interconnection and network use    (1,087.8)   (1,294.5)   (16.0%)
Rental, insurance, condominium and connection means    (1,388.2)   (2,957.4)   (53.1%)
Personnel    (758.8)   (872.0)   (13.0%)
Taxes, charges and contributions    (1,597.1)   (1,594.8)   0.1%
Cost of sales    (22,159.0)   (21,025.7)   5.4%

 

Cost of Goods Sold: Cost of goods sold increased by R$750.9 million, or 31.2%, to R$3,157.0 million in 2019 from R$2,406.1 million in 2018, mainly due to our strategy focused on increasing the sales of handsets with positive profit margins, which further increased the cost of goods sold in 2019 due to the larger volume of handsets acquired from suppliers to be resold.

 

Depreciation and Amortization: Costs related to depreciation and amortization increased by R$2,136.3 million, or 32.9%, to R$8,624.2 million in 2019 from R$6,487.9 million in 2018, impacted by the adoption of IFRS 16, which changed the way leases are accounted for, reducing leasing costs and replacing them by depreciation of right-of-use assets and interest on lease liabilities. The increase also reflects the higher level of investments made by the Company in the expansion of 4G and 4.5G network and the acceleration of FTTH deployment in 2019.

 

Outside Services and Other: Costs related to outside services and other increased by R$132.9 million, or 2.5%, to R$5,545.9 million in 2019 from R$5,413.0 million in 2018, primarily due to higher costs with electricity and maintenance activities.

 

Interconnection and Network Use: Costs related to interconnection and network use decreased by R$206.7 million, or 16.0%, to R$1,087.8 million in 2019, from R$1,294.5 million in 2018, primarily as a result of the decreases in mobile and fixed termination rates mandated by ANATEL, which became effective in February 2019.

 

Rental, Insurance, Condominium and Connection Means: Costs related to rent, insurance, condominium and connection means decreased by R$1,569.2 million, or 53.1%, to R$1,388.2 million in 2019, from R$2,957.4 million in 2018, impacted by the adoption of IFRS 16, which changed the way leases are accounted for, reducing leasing costs and replacing them by depreciation of right-of-use assets and interest on lease liabilities. Excluding this effect, which amounted to R$1,699.9 million in 2019, costs related to rent, insurance, condominium and connection means grew 4.4% to R$3,088.1 million, due to higher rental and leasing expenses in connection with sites where we install our antennas, due to the expansion in 4G and 4.5G coverage and focus on service quality.

 

Personnel: Personnel expenses decreased by R$113.3 million, or 13.0%, to R$758.8 million in 2019 from R$872.0 million in 2018, driven by the rightsizing processes undertaken in the last years and to the reduction of back office functions, as a result of the digitalization of multiple processes within the Company.

 

Taxes, Charges and Contributions: Taxes, charges and contributions decreased by R$2.3 million, or 0.1%, to R$1,597.1 million in 2019, from R$1,594.8 million in 2018, primarily due to lower regulatory taxes paid in the period resulting from the disconnection of unprofitable prepaid customers, in accordance with ANATEL policies.

 

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Operating expenses

 

Operating Expenses increased by R$1,914.5 million, or 14.7%, to R$14,895.3 million in 2019, from R$12,980.8 million in 2018. The table and descriptions below set forth explanations for these variations:

 

   Year ended December 31,  Percent change
   2019  2018  2019-2018
   (in millions of reais)   
Selling expenses    (12,701.2)   (12,832.7)   (1.0%)
General and administrative expenses    (2,498.1)   (2,599.0)   (3.9%)
Other operating income (expenses), net    304.0    2,450.9    (87.6%)
Total    (14,895.3)   (12,980.8)   14.7%

 

Selling Expenses: Our selling expenses decreased by R$131.5 million, or 1.0%, to R$12,701.3 million in 2019 from R$12,832.7 million in 2018, mainly due to lower expenses related to advertising, due to the higher usage of digital media, and call centers, back office, billing and posting, due to the increasing penetration of our digitalization and automation initiatives, which allowed for a higher adoption of our digital self-service app Meu Vivo, the number of customers adopting e-billing, and generated increases in online sales, improving our customer experience while reducing our related selling expenses.

 

General and Administrative Expenses: Our general and administrative expenses decreased by R$100.9 million, or 3.9%, to R$2,498.1 million in 2019, from R$2,599.0 million in 2018, due to lower expenses with the maintenance of buildings and administrative and judicial consultancy firms.

 

Other Operating Income (Expenses), Net: Other operating income, net decreased by R$2,146.6 million, or 87.6%, to an income of R$304.0 million in 2019, from R$2,450.9 million in 2018. The exceptional income registered in 2018, which amounted to R$3,386.4 million, was related to a positive outcome of legal proceedings we had in the Superior Court of Justice (STJ), which recognized the right to deduct the ICMS tax from the basis of calculation of PIS/COFINS contributions, leading to a revision of expense amounts relating to payments made by TELESP and Telefônica Data from 2003 to 2014 and by Vivo from 2004 to 2013. In 2019, other operating income (expenses), net was primarily related to the sale of assets such as data centers, towers and buildings, which were partially offset by expenses with taxes and contingencies.

 

Financial income (expenses), net 

 

For the year ended December 31, 2019, financial expense, net reached R$820.1 million, a decrease of R$2,647.3 million, from an income of R$1,827.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, primarily because of the exceptional financial effect registered in 2018, in the amount of R$2,720.7 million, primarily resulting from exceptional income resulting from the above-mentioned judicial decisions relating to the exclusion of ICMS tax from the PIS/COFINS tax base on TELESP and Telefônica Data’s operations from 2003 and 2014 and from Vivo’s operations between 2004 and 2013.

 

Income and social contribution taxes

 

We recorded an expense from income and social contribution taxes in the amount of R$1,393.5 million in 2019, compared to an expense of R$2,349.2 million in 2018, a reduction of R$955.7 million as a result of a decrease of 43.3% in income before income tax and social contribution against the prior year.

 

The effective rate of income and social contribution taxes increased to 21.8% in 2019 compared with 20.8% in 2018, primarily as a result of lower interest on shareholders’ equity distributed in comparison to the prior year, which produced favorable tax effects in 2018.

  

Results of Operations for the Year Ended December 31, 2018 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2017

For a discussion of our results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2018 compared to the year ended December 31, 2017, please see “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—A. Operating Results—Results of Operations for the Year Ended December 31, 2018 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2017” of our annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2018.

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B. Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

General

 

We fund our operations and capital expenditures primarily from operating cash flows, loans obtained from financial institutions or development banks, and debentures. As of December 31, 2019, we had R$3.4 billion in cash and cash equivalents. We do not have any material unused sources of liquidity.

 

Our principal cash requirements include:

 

·the servicing of our indebtedness;

 

·capital expenditures; and

 

·the payment of dividends.

 

Our management believes that our sources of liquidity and capital resources, including working capital, are adequate for our present requirements.

 

Sources of Funds

 

Our cash flow from operations was R$17.7 billion in 2019, an increase of 48.4% compared to R$11.9 billion in 2018. The increase in cash flow from operations is due to the clearing in 2018 of the provisions for legal deposits (Fistel and EBC fees that were previously judicially deposited and that were converted into cash to make payments under these proceedings in 2018) of R$ 2.5 billion, offset by cash flow used in investing activities, without cash outflow. Excluding these exceptional impacts in 2018, our cash flow from operations would have increased by 22.7% in 2019 compared to the prior year. This increase reflects the increase in mobile revenues mainly driven by the increase in device revenues. There was also a decrease in expenses with interconnection, call center and commissioning, as well as the use of tax credits amounting to R$3.0 billion in 2019, in comparison to a use of tax credits of R$1.4 billion in 2018, affecting our taxes, fees and contributions.

 

For a discussion of our sources of funds for the year ended December 31, 2018 compared to the year ended December 31, 2017, please see “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—B. Liquidity and Capital Resources—Sources of Funds” of our annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2018. 

 

Uses of Funds

 

Our cash flow used in investing activities was R$7.9 billion in 2019 compared to R$5.7 billion in 2018. The increase in cash flow used in investing activities is due to the clearing in 2019 of the provisions for legal deposits established in 2018 (Fistel and EBC fees that were previously judicially deposited in 2018 and that were converted into income in 2019) of R$ 2.5 billion, offset by cash flow from operations, without cash outflow. Excluding these exceptional impacts, our cash flow used in investing activities would have decreased by 3.1% in 2019 compared to the prior year.

 

Our cash flow used in financing activities recorded an outflow of R$9.8 billion in 2019 compared to an outflow of R$ 6.9 billion in 2018. The increase in cash flow used in financing activities of R$2.8 billion in 2019 compared to 2018 was due primarily to the increase in payment of dividends and interest on equity (R$2.0 billion) and payments of loans and debentures (R$0.8 billion).

 

For a discussion of our uses of funds for the year ended December 31, 2018 compared to the year ended December 31, 2017, please see “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—B. Liquidity and Capital Resources—Uses of Funds” of our annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2018.

 

Indebtedness

 

As of December 31, 2019, our total debt was as follows:

 

Debt

Currency

Annual interest rate payable

Maturity

Total amount outstanding (in millions of reais)

PSI R$ 2,5% to 5,5% 2023 9.0
BNB – Banco do Nordeste loans and financing R$ 7.0% to 10.0% 2022 39.9
Debentures 1st issue - Minas Comunica R$ IPCA + 0.5% 2021 56.7
Debentures 5th issue - Single Series R$ 108.25% of CDI 2022 2,043.3
Debentures 6th issue - Single Series R$ 100% of CDI + 0.24 spread 2020 1,004.3

 

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Debt

Currency

Annual interest rate payable

Maturity

Total amount outstanding (in millions of reais)

Finance Leases (1) R$ 2033 9,191.2
Contingent Consideration R$ 2025 484.0
Suppliers finance arrangements R$ 101.4 to 109.4% of CDI 2018 996.3
Total debt       13,824.7
Current       4,126.5
Noncurrent       9,698.2

 

 

 

(1)Our finance leases are related to towers and rooftops, IT equipment leases, infrastructure rent and other means of transmission.

 

Interest and principal payments on our indebtedness as of December 31, 2019 due in 2020 and 2021 total R$4,126.5 million and R$2,793.6 million, respectively.

 

The agreements that govern the majority of our outstanding loans and financings contain certain standard restrictive covenants, including financial covenants. These agreements may provide for the acceleration of the full balance of our obligations in the event of any default. In general, these agreements are subject to acceleration of maturity upon: (i) the inclusion in our shareholders’ agreement, bylaws or articles of incorporation or those of the companies that control us of conditions leading to restrictions or loss of ability to pay financial obligations arising from these agreements; (ii) a conviction or final judgment against us in connection with child labor, slave labor or a crime against the environment; or (iii) liquidation, dissolution, insolvency; voluntary bankruptcy, judicial or extrajudicial recovery to any creditor or class of creditors.

 

As of December 31, 2019, we were not in default of any of our obligations and therefore none of our liabilities were subject to acceleration.

 

Foreign exchange and interest rate exposure

 

We face foreign exchange risk due to our foreign currency-denominated accounts payable (including our capital expenditures, particularly equipment) and receivables in foreign currency. A real devaluation may increase our cost of debt and certain commitments in a foreign currency. Our revenue is earned in reais, and we have no material foreign currency-denominated assets, except income from hedging transactions, interconnection of international long-distance services and services rendered to customers outside Brazil. Equity investments in foreign companies also suffer effects with variations in the exchange rate.

 

We use derivative instruments to limit our exposure to exchange rate risk. Since September 1999, we have hedged all of our foreign currency-denominated bank debt using swaps and other derivative instruments. Since May 2010, the company began using net balance coverage, which is the hedging of net positions in foreign exchange exposures, or assets (issued invoices) minus liabilities (received invoices) for foreign exchange exposures, substantially reducing our risk to fluctuations in exchange rates. We could continue to face exchange rate exposure with respect to our planned capital expenditures, however, as a small part of our planned capital expenditures are denominated or indexed in foreign currencies (mostly U.S. dollars). We systematically monitor the amounts and time of exposure to exchange rate fluctuations and may hedge positions when deemed appropriate.

 

The largest part of our reais denominated debt originally pays interest as a percentage of the CDI or has been swapped to do so. The CDI – Certificate of Interbank Deposits (Certificado de Depósito Interbancário) is an index based upon the average rate of operations transacted among the banks within Brazil. With the CDI being a floating rate, we remain exposed to market risk. This exposure to the CDI is also present in long derivatives positions and financial investments, which are indexed to percentages of the CDI.

 

For more information, see “Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.”

 

Capital Expenditures and Payment of Dividends

 

Our principal capital requirements are for capital expenditures and payments of dividends to shareholders. Capital expenditures consisted of additions to property, plant and equipment and additions to intangible assets,

 

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including licenses which totaled R$8.8 billion, R$8.2 billion and R$8.0 billion for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. These expenditures relate primarily to the expansion of our network.

 

We may seek financing for part of our capital expenditures and cash management assistance from the Brazilian government, in particular from BNDES, which is the main government financing agent in Brazil, as well as from the local or foreign capital markets or from local and foreign financial institutions. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—A. History and Development of the Company—Capital Expenditures.”

 

Pursuant to our bylaws and Brazilian Corporate Law, we are required to distribute a mandatory minimum dividend of 25% of our “adjusted net income” (as defined below) in respect of each fiscal year to the extent earnings are available for distribution. Holders of preferred shares are assured priority in the reimbursement of capital, without a premium, and are entitled to receive cash dividends that are 10% higher than those attributable to common shares.

 

Adjusted net income, as determined by Brazilian Corporate Law, is an amount equal to our net income adjusted to reflect allocations to or from (i) legal reserve, (ii) statutory reserve and (iii) a contingency reserve for anticipated losses, if any.

 

We may also make additional distributions to the extent that we have profits and reserves available to distribute. All of the above distributions may be made as dividends or as tax-deductible interest on shareholders’ equity. Interest on shareholders’ equity is tax-deductible payments pursuant to Brazilian Corporate law, that a company may make, in addition to dividends, which the company may treat as financial expenses for tax and social contribution purposes. For more information on the payment of interests on shareholders’ equity, see “Item 8. Financial Information—A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information—Dividends and Dividend Distribution Policy—Dividends and Interest on Shareholders’ Equity.” We deliberated in favor of the distribution of dividends and interest on shareholders’ equity of R$5.8 billion, R$7.0 billion and R$4.6 billion in 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

 

Our management expects to meet 2020 capital requirements primarily from cash provided from our operations. Net cash provided by operations was R$17.7 billion, R$11.9 billion and R$12.6 billion in 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

 

Adjustments to net income for purposes of calculating the basis for dividends include allocations to various reserves that effectively reduce the amount available for the payment of dividends. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, in addition to the interim dividend and interest on own capital payments made in 2019, management decided to propose (i) the allocation of R$ 0.6 billion of profits available for distribution to Reserve of Modernization and Expansion and (ii) an additional proposed dividend to shareholders in the amount of R$2.2 billion. The proposal to allocate profits to Reserve of Modernization and Expansion and to pay dividends will be approved at the shareholders’ meeting that will approve the 2019 annual report. See “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Relating to the Preferred Shares and the ADSs—Holders of our Preferred Shares and ADSs generally do not have voting rights” and “Item 10. Additional Information—B. Memorandum and Articles of Association—Description of Our Bylaws—Voting Rights.”

 

Accounting Pronouncements

 

The accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2019 are consistent with those used in the preparation of the consolidated annual financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2018, except for the changes required by the new pronouncements, interpretations and amendments approved for the IASB, which came into effect as of January 1, 2019, as follows:

 

Standards and amendments

 

Standards and amendments

 

Improvements to IFRS Standards 

2015-2017 Cycle

IFRS 16 Leases
IFRIC 23 Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments
Amendments to IFRS 9 Prepayment Features with Negative Compensation
Amendments to IAS 19 Plan Amendment, Curtailment or Settlement
Amendments to IAS 28 Long-term Interest in associates and Joint Ventures

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Other than reported below, the adoption of these standards, amendments and interpretations did not have a significant impact on the consolidated financial statements in the initial period of adoption. IFRS 16 - Leases has had a significant impact on the consolidated financial statements upon adoption and prospectively.

 

We do not anticipate the early adoption of any pronouncement, interpretation or amendment that has been issued, before application is mandatory.

 

IFRS 16: Leases

 

IFRS 16 requires lessees to recognize assets and liabilities arising from all leases (except for short-term leases and leases of low-value assets) in the statement of financial position.

 

The Company is a lessee under a significant number of leases for various assets, such as towers and the respective land where they are located, circuits, offices, stores and commercial real estate.

 

The Company concluded its assessment of the impact of this new standard for such contracts. This analyze included an estimate of the lease term, based on the non-cancellable period and the periods covered by options to extend the lease when exercise is at the sole discretion of the Company and where such exercise is reasonably certain. This depends, to a large extent, on the specific facts and circumstances applicable to the main class of assets in the telecom industry (technology, regulation, competition, business model, among others). The Company adopted assumptions to calculate the discount rate, which was based on the incremental borrowing rate of interest over the estimated term. The Company has not separately recognized non-lease components from lease components for those classes of assets in which non-lease components are not material with respect to the total value of the lease.

 

The standard allows for two transition methods: retrospectively for all periods presented, or a modified retrospective approach that the cumulative effect of adoption is recognized on the date of initial application. The Company has adopted the modified retrospective approach as a practical expedient that allows it to avoid having to re-evaluate whether a contract is or contains a lease on the date of the initial adoption of IFRS 16. It will directly apply the new requirements to all contracts that, under the current standard, have been identified as leasing contracts. Certain assumptions are permitted to be adopted on the first application in connection with the right to use, asset measurement, discount rates, impairment, leases that terminate within 12 months from the date of first adoption, direct start-up costs, and contract term of leasing.

 

Accordingly, the Company opted to adopt the following practical transition expedients to the new criteria: (i) use of a common discount rate for groups of contracts with similar characteristics in terms of term, contract object, currency and economic environment; (ii) non-requirement to adopt the new criteria for contracts that expire in 12 months from the date of the initial adoption; and (iii) exclusion of initial direct costs from the initial valuation of the rights-of-use assets on the date of the initial adoption.

 

Because of the number of contracts affected, as well as the high monetary value of future lease commitments, the adoption of IFRS 16 by the Company has had a significant impact on its financial information as of the date of its adoption (January 1, 2019), including recognition of the balance of the rights-of-use assets and their corresponding lease obligations for most of the contracts. See Notes 12 and 20 to our consolidated financial statements.

 

IFRIC 23: Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments

 

IFRIC 23 deals with the accounting of income tax when tax treatments involve uncertainties that affect the application of IAS 12. This interpretation clarifies that the approach that best predicts the resolution of uncertainty must be followed and specifically addresses the assumptions an entity makes about the examination of tax treatments by tax authorities and how an entity determines taxable profit, tax base, tax losses and unused tax credits and tax rates, where there is uncertainty about the treatment of the tax income.

 

With the application of these requirements, on January 1, 2019, the Company carried out an asset reclassification in the amount of R$69.0 million between the groups “Provisions and Contingencies” and “Income Tax and Social Contribution to be collected” (See Notes 7 and 19 to our consolidated financial statements).

 

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Amendments to IFRS 9 - Prepayment Features with Negative Compensation

 

Under IFRS 9, a debt instrument can be measured at amortized cost or at fair value through other comprehensive income, provided that the contractual cash flows are ‘solely payments of principal and interest on the principal amount outstanding’ (the SPPI criterion) and the instrument is held within the appropriate business model for that classification. The amendments to IFRS 9 clarify that a financial asset passes the SPPI criterion regardless of the event or circumstance that causes the early termination of the contract and irrespective of which party pays or receives reasonable compensation for the early termination of the contract.

 

Amendments to IAS 19 - Plan Amendment, Curtailment or Settlement

 

The amendments to IAS 19 specify that when a plan amendment, curtailment or settlement occurs during the annual reporting period, an entity is required to:

 

·Determine current service cost for the remainder of the period after the plan amendment, curtailment or settlement, using the actuarial assumptions used to remeasure the net defined benefit liability (asset) reflecting the benefits offered under the plan and the plan assets after that event.

 

·Determine net interest for the remainder of the period after the plan amendment, curtailment or settlement using: the net defined benefit liability (asset) reflecting the benefits offered under the plan and the plan assets after that event; and the discount rate used to remeasure that net defined benefit liability (asset).

 

The amendments also clarify that an entity first determines any past service cost, or a gain or loss on settlement, without considering the effect of the asset ceiling. This amount is recognized in profit or loss. An entity then determines the effect of the asset ceiling after the plan amendment, curtailment or settlement. Any change in that effect, excluding amounts included in the net interest, is recognized in other comprehensive income.

 

Amendments to IAS 28 - Long-term interests in associates and joint ventures

 

The amendments clarify that an entity applies IFRS 9 to long-term interests in an associate or joint venture to which the equity method is not applied but that, in substance, form part of the net investment in the associate or joint venture (long-term interests). This clarification is relevant because it implies that the expected credit loss model in IFRS 9 applies to such long-term interests. The amendments also clarify that, in applying IFRS 9, an entity does not take account of any losses of the associate or joint venture, or any impairment losses on the net investment, recognized as adjustments to the net investment in the associate or joint venture that arise from applying IAS 28 Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures.

 

Annual Improvements to IFRS Standards 2015-2017 Cycle

 

This text includes a number of improvements to existing IFRSs, mainly to eliminate inconsistencies and clarify the wording of some of these standards.

 

IFRS 3 Business Combinations

 

The amendments clarify that, when an entity obtains control of a business that is a joint operation, it applies the requirements for a business combination achieved in stages, including remeasuring previously held Interests in the assets and liabilities of the joint operation at fair value. In doing so, the acquirer remeasures its entire previously held interest in the joint operation.

 

IFRS 11 Joint Arrangements

 

A party that participates in, but does not have joint control of, a joint operation might obtain joint control of the joint operation in which the activity of the joint operation constitutes a business as defined in IFRS 3. The amendments clarify that the previously held interests in that joint operation are not remeasured.

 

IAS 12 Income Taxes

 

The amendments clarify that the income tax consequences of dividends are linked more directly to past

 

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transactions or events that generated distributable profits than to distributions to owners. Therefore, an entity recognises the income tax consequences of dividends in profit or loss, other comprehensive income or equity according to where the entity originally recognized those past transactions or events.

 

IAS 23 Borrowing Costs

 

The amendments clarify that an entity treats as part of general borrowings any borrowing originally made to develop a qualifying asset when substantially all of the activities necessary to prepare that asset for its intended use or sale are complete.

 

New IFRS pronouncements, issues, amendments and interpretations of the IASB

 

In addition to the previously issued and amended standards, at the date of preparation of our financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2019, the following issues and changes in IFRS and IFRICs had been published but were not mandatory.

 

Standards and amendments

Mandatory application: annual periods beginning on or after:

Amendments to References to the Conceptual Framework in IFRS Standards   January 1, 2020
Amendments to IFRS 3 Definition of a Business January 1, 2020
Amendments to IAS 1 and IAS 8 Definition of Material January 1, 2020
IFRS 17 Insurance Contracts January 1, 2020

 

The Company does not anticipate the early adoption for the year ended December 31, 2019 of any pronouncement, interpretation or amendment that has been issued before application is mandatory.

 

C. Research and Development, Patents and Licenses

 

Research and Development

 

We operate in a fast-paced, dynamic and convergent industry, which demands that our products and services be continuously revamped to keep up with growth expectations. The evolution of products and services now include features such as machine learning, cognitive computing and artificial intelligence.

 

The table below presents our investments in development, update and modernization of systems to support the launch of new products and services. In 2019, we invested R$50.3 million in development and innovation.

 

R&D investments

2019

2018

2017

  (in millions of reais)
Development and Innovation (business incubator and tests) 50.3 62.1 52.8

 

Patents and Licenses

 

Our principal intellectual property assets include:

 

·permission to use the trademark name “Telefônica” and all names derived from “Telefônica”;

 

·our commercial brands in Brazil, “Vivo,” and sub-brands such as “Vivo Fixo”, “Vivo TV”, “Vivo Internet”, “Vivo Fibra”, “Meu Vivo”, “Vivo Empresas”, “Vivo Play”, “Vivo Easy”, “Vivo Money” and “Vivo Ads” as our advertising service, among others;

 

·the trademark “Aura” that is Vivo’s Artificial Intelligence;

 

·permission to use the trademark “Terra” that provides media and digital services.

 

In September 2016, the Brazilian Trademark Office recognized the “Vivo” trademark as of “high reputation”, thus protected in all branches of activities within Brazilian territory.

 

 

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D. Trend Information

 

Consumption patterns in Brazil have evolved towards the ever-increasing importance of digital services. Customers are demanding not only a better mobile connection and faster data speeds, but also a complete aggregation of meaningful digital services with a personalized customer experience. Furthermore, brand reputation and concerns with security and data privacy are becoming increasingly important to customers’ choices, supported by the new general data privacy law (LGPD) that comes into effect in 2020.

 

Accordingly, we intend to continue efficiently investing in modern infrastructure for the mobile and fixed segment, supported by partnerships and alternative expansion models, aiming to extend our 4.5G and FTTH footprints and cement our reputation as the best connectivity platform in Brazil. Moreover, Meu Vivo and Aura will continue to be an important source of differentiation through a simplified and customized experience. Vivo is also quickly advancing beyond telco services, by becoming a reference to its customers for digital services. These initiatives are the most effective way to address our customers’ needs and, in addition, to empower us to take advantage of long-term opportunities, such as the innovative wave of 5G and the new scope of solutions it will enable.

 

The macroeconomic scenario continues its process of recovery, with the pursuit of significant political and economic reforms by the new government, such as Social Security Reform. A more pro-market stance also impacts the regulatory environment, for instance with the ratification of PLC 79 (approval of the new regulatory framework). These trends may contribute to the recovery of the telecommunications sector. On the revenues side, convergence, exponential data consumption and digital services over connectivity will be key to continued growth. In addition, we expect a competitive environment more prone to M&A and more focused on delivering new digital products and services, as well as providing better quality and customer experience, which will increasingly require investments in efficient, best-in-class technologies such as FTTH and 4.5G.

 

In this context, Telefônica Brasil is well structured to maintain its leadership in the Brazilian telecommunications market and to continue serving its 94 million customers. Relevance, Revenues, Returns, Responsibility and Motivation make up the strategic pillars that will allow Vivo to achieve its purpose of digitalizing to approximate.

 

E. Off-balance-Sheet Arrangements

 

None.

 

F. Tabular Disclosure of Contractual Obligations

 

Our contractual obligations and commercial commitments as of December 31, 2019 are as follows:

 

   Total  Less than 1 year  1-3 years  4-5 years  More than 5 years
   (in millions of reais, as of December 31, 2019)
Contractual obligations               
Loans, financing and leases (1)    10,720.4    3,049.3    3,246.9    2,097.6    2,326.4 
Debentures    3,104.4    1,077.2    2,027.2           
Derivatives    56.1    1.9    —      —      54.2 
Pension and other post-retirement benefits    1,155.1    25.6    9.4    10.2    1,109.9 
Total contractual obligations    15,036.0    4,154.0    5,283.5    2,107.8    3,490.5 
                          
Commercial commitments                          
Trade accounts payable    6,871.8    6,871.8    —      —      —   
Total commercial commitments    6,871.8    6,871.8    —      —      —   

 

 

 

(1)Includes the present value of minimum lease payments on operating leases of rental of equipment, facilities and stores, administrative buildings, and cell sites and contingent consideration relating to the GVT acquisition. See Note 4 to our consolidated financial statements. 

 

For additional information, see note 31 g.3 to our consolidated financial statements.

 

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Long-Term Debt – Loans, financing, leases and debentures

 

   Amount
Year ending December 31  (in millions of reais, as of December 31, 2019)
2021    2,793.8 
2022    2,480.4 
2023    1,241.1 
2024    856.5 
2025 and forward    2,326.4 
Total    9,698.2 

 

G. Safe Harbor

 

See “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.”

 

Item 6.Directors, Senior Management and Employees

 

A. Directors and Senior Management

 

We are managed by a board of directors (Conselho de Administração) and a board of executive officers (Diretoria).

 

Board of Directors

 

Our board of directors comprises a minimum of five and a maximum of 17 members elected and dismissed by the shareholders at the shareholders’ meeting, serving for a term of three years with the possibility of re-election.

 

The following is a list of the current members of our board of directors, their respective positions and dates of their election. The members of our board of directors are currently mandated until the ordinary general meeting scheduled to take place up to April 2022.

 

One member of the board of directors must be elected by holders of preferred shares in a separate voting process. The following are the current members of the board of directors are:

 

Name

Position

Date of Appointment

Eduardo Navarro de Carvalho Chairman April 11, 2019
Julio Esteban Linares Lopez Director April 11, 2019
Antonio Carlos Valente da Silva Director April 11, 2019
Claudia Maria Costin Director June 10, 2019
Francisco Javier de Paz Mancho Director April 11, 2019
Sonia Julia Sulzbeck Villalobos (1) Director April 11, 2019
Luiz Fernando Furlan Director April 11, 2019
Narcís Serra Director April 11, 2019
José Maria Del Rey Osorio Director April 11, 2019
Ana Theresa Masetti Borsari Director April 11, 2019
Luis Miguel Gilpérez López Director April 11, 2019
Christian Mauad Gebara Director April 11, 2019

 

 

 

(1)Mrs. Sonia Villalobos was elected by preferred shareholders, on a separate vote, with no participation of the controlling shareholder.

 

Below are brief biographies of our directors:

 

Christian Mauad Gebara is 47 years old and is our Chief Executive Officer and member of our Board of Directors. He is also President of SP Telecomunicações Participações Ltda, and CEO of Innoweb Ltda., Pop Internet Ltda. and Terra Networks Brasil S.A. He is Chairman of the Board of Directors of Telefônica Factoring do Brasil

 

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Ltda., CEO of Telefônica Infraestrutura e Segurança Ltda., Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Fundação Telefônica and 1st Vice-Presidente of the Board of Executive Officer of SindiTelebrasil (Since July/2019). He was our Chief Operating Officer (March/2017 – December/2018), Executive Vice President - Chief Revenue Officer (September/2015 – February/2017), Vice President of Consumer Mobile (July/2015 – August/2015), Vice President of the B2C division (“Negócios PF” - February/2015 - June/2015) and Vice President of the National Individual Market (July/2013 – January/2015). Previously, he was the Vice President National Individual Market (April/2013 – July/2013), Vice President New Business Strategy (July/2011 – March/2013) and Vice President of Synergy Integration and New Businesses (January/2011 – June/2011) at Vivo S.A., which was extinct due to its incorporation by the Company. Since 2006, Mr. Gebara has held a wide variety of positions within the Telefónica Group – Telefónica Spain and Telefónica América Latina, both in Madrid. Before joining the Telefónica Group, he worked at McKinsey & Company (Spain), JP Morgan Chase (USA), Banco ABC Brasil and Citibank (Brazil). He graduated in management from the Fundação Getúlio Vargas in São Paulo and has an MBA from the Graduate School of Business at Stanford University.

 

Eduardo Navarro de Carvalho is 57 years old and is Chairman of our Board of Directors, member of our Nominations, Compensation and Corporate Governance Committee and member of our Strategy Committee. He is Chairman of the board of directors of Telefônica Factoring do Brasil Ltda.; ; member of the board of directors of Telefónica Audiovisual Digital (since June/2016) and Patrono Nato of Fundación Telefónica (since September/2012). Mr. Navarro is also the Communications, Corporate Business, Trademark and Sustainability Officer of the Telefónica Group. He was Chief Executive Officer of the Company (November/2016 – December/2018); Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Fundação Telefônica (until December/2019), Officer of SindiTelebrasil (November/2016 – July/2019) CEO of Telefônica Data S.A. (until November/2018, when the company was extinct due to its incorporation by the Company); President of SP Telecomunicações Participações Ltda, and CEO of Innoweb Ltda., Pop Internet Ltda. and Terra Networks Brasil S.A. He was the Chief Commercial Digital Officer of Telefónica S.A. (February/2014 – January/2017) and Global Director of Strategy and Alliances at Telefónica S.A. (2011 – 2014). He graduated in Metallurgical Engineering from the Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil.

 

Julio Esteban Linares Lopez is 74 years old and is a member of our Board of Directors, Chairman of our Strategy Committee and member of our Control and Audit Committee. He is also a member of the Supervisory Board of Telefónica Deutschland Holding AG; Administrador Solidário of Telefónica de España, S.A.U. and of Telefónica Móviles España, S.A.U.; trustee of Telefónica Foundation (since June/2000). Mr. López was Vice President of the board of directors of Telefónica S.A. (September/2012 – July/2017) and was COO of Telefónica, S.A. (December/2007 – September/2012). He is a member of the GSM Association Board (since October/2012); trustee of Mobile World Capital Barcelona Foundation (since December/2012) and of CEDE Foundation (Confederación Española de Directivos y Ejecutivos) (since June/2014); member of Association Management Board for Managerial Progress (since June/2013); member of the Executive Commission (since January/2015), member of the Board and Chairman of the Digital Society Committee of CEOE (Confederación Española de Organizaciones Empresariales) (since May/2016); member of COIT (Official College of Telecommunications Engineering) (since December/2014), member of AEIT (Spanish Association of Telecommunications Engineers) (since December/2014), member of the Advisory Board of Higher Technical School of Engineers Telecommunications (since July/2015) and trustee of Cred100do Foundadtion (since November/2019). Previously he held the offices of Officer of Telecom Italia (November/2007 – December/2013); Executive Officer of Coordination, Development of Businesses and Synergy at Telefónica S.A. and member of its board of directors and Secretary of its Executive Committee (December/2005 – December/2007). Mr. López graduated in Engineering of Telecommunications from Universidad Politécnica of Madrid.

 

Antonio Carlos Valente da Silva is 67 years old and serves as a Member of our Board of Directors and Chairman of our Service Quality and Marketing Committee. He was member of the Consejo Asessor of Telefónica Internacional S.A.U (2015 – 2016); Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Fundação Telefônica (December 2010 – December 2016); Valente was Chief Executive Officer of Telefônica Brasil S.A. and member of the Appointments, Compensation and Corporate Governance Committee of Telefônica Brasil S.A. (January/2007 — March/2015); Chief Executive Officer of Telefônica Data S.A. (until March/2015), Vice-President Officer of SP Telecomunicações Participações Ltda. (until May/2015), Chairman of the board of directors of Telefônica Factoring do Brasil Ltda. (until May/2015), member of the Control Committees of Media Networks Brasil Soluções Digitais Ltda. (until May/2015), Telefônica Transportes e Logística Ltda. (until May/2015) and Telefônica Serviços Empresariais do Brasil Ltda. (until May/2015). He was the Chief Executive Officer of the merged companies Vivo S.A., A. Telecom S.A., Telefônica Sistemas de Televisão S.A., Ajato Telecomunicação Ltda., Lemontree

 

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Participações S.A., GTR-T Participações e Empreendimentos S.A., Comercial Cabo TV São Paulo S.A. and TVA Sul Paraná S.A. Mr. Valente was also Chairman of the Junta Directiva of Telefónica Venezuela (November/2015 – March 2017). He is also Chairman of Everis, a quotaholder of SmartWare Consulting EIRELI and member of the Board of Directors of Dom Rock (since June/2019). He used to work as a volunteer at Fundação Lemann (2017 – July/2018). Mr. Valente was Chairman of the Official Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Brazil (2011-2015); Chairman of Telebrasil (Brazilian Association of Telecommunications), Chairman of SindiTelebrasil (National Union of Fixed and Mobile Telephone Service Operators); Chairman of Febratel (Brazilian Federation of Telecommunications) (2010–2013) and Chairman of the Euro-chambers in Brazil (an association that gathers the main Chambers of Commerce from the European Union in Brazil). He is also a member of the Advisory Board of CPqD, (Brazilian Telecommunications Research and Development Center) and member of the board of directors of Cinnecta. He was also a member of the CDES - Economic and Social Development Council of the Presidency of the Republic of Brazil (until 2016), and until the end of 2017, Mr. Valente was a member of the Board of Executive Officers of ABDIB - Brazilian Base Industries Association), member of COINFRA (FIESP’s Infrastructure Commission) and member of the Advisory Board of Catenon Brasil. He has a degree in Electrical Engineering from PUC/RJ and has significant experience in the telecommunications market, in which he has been working since 1975. He has a post-graduate degree in business and administration from PUC/RJ and has concluded several specialization courses in telecommunication systems in Brazil and abroad, as well as several specialization courses in business management, including corporate strategy at MIT/Sloan.

 

Francisco Javier de Paz Mancho is 61 years old and is a member of our Board of Directors and Chairman of our Nominations, Compensation and Corporate Governance Committee. Mr. de Paz is also a member of the board of directors of Telefónica S.A., Telefónica Móviles Argentina S.A. and Telefónica Móviles México. He is also Chairman of the board of directors of Telefónica Ingeniería de Seguridad S.A. He was Chairman of the board of directors of Telefónica Gestión de Serviços Compartidos Espanha S.A. (September/2014 – March/2016), member of the Advisory Board of Telefónica América Latina (2008 – 2016) and Chairman of the board of directors of Atento Inversiones y Teleservicios (December/2008 – December/2012 and Vocal of the Comité Ejecutivo del Consejo Superior de Cámaras (2006 – 2014).Mr. Mancho holds degrees in Information and Publicity and a degree in law from the Executive Management Program of IESE (Universidad de Navarra).

 

Luis Miguel Gilpérez López is 60 years old and a member of our Board of Directors and of our Strategy Committee. He was Chairman of Telefónica España Group (2011 — April 2018) and Director Solidário of Telefónica España and Telefónica Móviles España. Mr. Gilpérez holds a degree in Industrial Engineering from the Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingenieros de Industriales de Madrid and has a master’s degree in Planning and Business Administration - Master CEPADE Grados I y II from the Universidad Politecnica de Madrid.

 

Sonia Julia Sulzbeck Villalobos is 56 years old and a member of our Board of Directors and our Service Quality and Marketing Committee. She is a member of the board of directors of Petrobrás, of Odebrecht TransPort and of LATAM Linhas Aéreas. She also participates in the Board of Director of CFA Society Brasil, a non-profit association that gathers around 1000 professionals that have a CFA certification (Chartered Financial Analyst) in the country. She is founding partner of Villalobos Consultoria Ltda. (since 2009). She holds a degree in Public Administration from EAESP/FGV, from 1984, and became a master in Finance, from the same institution, in 2004. She was the first to receive the CFA certification in Latin America (1994).

 

Luiz Fernando Furlan is 73 years old and is a member of our Board of Directors and of our Nominations, Compensation and Corporate Governance Committee. He is also a member of the Quality and Sustainability Committee and of the board of directors of BRF S.A. He is Chairman of the Board of LIDE – Grupo de Líderes Empresariais (Brazil) and Chairman of the Deliberative Board of São Paulo Negócios (Brazil). Mr. Furlan was a member of the Comisión Nombramientos Retribuciones y Buen Gobierno and of the board of directors of Telefónica S.A. (until December/2019), acted as a member of the Global Ocean Commission in the USA (2013 – 2015), Chairman of the board of directors of Fundação Amazonas Sustentável “FAS” (Brazil) (2008 – 2015), institution within which he has become an honorary member; also acted as a member of the Advisory Board of AGCO Corporation in the USA (2010 – 2016). Previously he served as Minister of State at the Ministério de Desenvolvimento, Indústria e Comércio Exterior of Brazil (2003 – 2007). He holds a degree in Chemical Engineering from FEI (University of Industrial Engineering) and in Business Administration from University of Santana – São Paulo, with extension and specialization courses in Brazil and abroad.

 

Narcís Serra is 76 years old and is as a member of our Board of Directors and of our Control and Audit Committee. He is also the Vice President of the board of directors of Telefónica Chile S.A. Mr. Serra holds a

 

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doctorate in economics from the Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona and is President of Barcelona Institute for International Studies (IBEI).

 

José María Del Rey Osorio is 68 years old and serves as a member of our Board of Directors and Chairman of our Control and Audit Committee. He is also a member of the Comision de Auditoria y Control y del Directorio of Telefónica del Perú. Mr. Del Rey was a member of the Board of Director of Telefônica del Perú (2005 – 2012); worked as an economist at Servicios de Estudios Económicos de EDES e INITEC, in the National Institute of Industry’s (INI) companies and in the management and planning of the INI’s corporation. He holds a degree in Economy and Business Administration from the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid.

 

Ana Theresa Masetti Borsari is 48 years old and serves as a member of our Board of Directors and a member of our Service Quality and Marketing Committee. She is also General Manager of Peugeot Automóveis do Brasil (Peugeot, Citroën e DS - Groupe PSA) (since October 2015). She was Regional Manager (Southwest of France) of Peugeot França (September 2013 – October 2015). She holds a Law degree and a Masters’ degree from Universidade de São Paulo.

 

Claudia Maria Costin is 64 years old and serves as a member of our Board of Directors. She is also manager of the Centro de Excelência e Inovação em Políticas Educacionais of Escola Brasileira de Administração Pública of Fundação Getúlio Vargas – CEIPE – EBAPE – FGV (since November 2016); columnist of the newspaper A Folha de São Paulo, writing weekly articles on education (since October 2016); professor of Public Politics at Fundação Getúlio Vargas at Rio de Janeiro (since 2013) and member of the Boards of FTD (since 2019), Escola Mais (since 2018) and Instituto Unibanco (since 2017). She was a member of the Comissão global sobre o Futuro do Trabalho da OIT – International Labour Organization of the United Nations (2017 – 2018); visiting professor at the Masters’ course at Harvard University (2016 – 2018); global manager of Education at Banco Mundial (2014 – 2016); Secretary of Education of the city of Rio de Janeiro (2009 - 2014); member of the Board of SEAC-Sustainability External Advisory Board of Dow Chemical (2009 – 2014). She holds a degree in Public Administration, a Masters’ degree in Economy and a Doctorate in Management from Escola de Administração de Empresas de São Paulo Fundação Getúlio Vargas (EAESP/FGV).

 

There is no family relationship between any of the directors named above. There is no arrangement or understanding with major shareholders, customers, suppliers or others, pursuant to which any director referred to above was selected as such.

 

Board of Executive Officers

 

The Board of Executive Officers consists of at least three (3) and no more than fifteen (15) members, who may or may not be our shareholders, must be resident in the country, are appointed by our board of directors for a period of three (3) years, may be reelected, and who may remain in office until reappointed or replaced. Our Board of Executive Officers is responsible for our day-to-day management and for representing us in our business with third parties. Any of our executive officers may be removed at any time by a decision of the board of directors.

 

The following are the current members of the Board of Executive Officers, their respective positions and the date of their appointment.

 

Name

Position

Date of Appointment

Christian Mauad Gebara Chief Executive Officer April 12, 2019
Breno Rodrigo Pacheco de Oliveira General Secretary and Legal Officer April 12, 2019
David Melcon Sanchez-Friera Chief Financial and Investor Relations Officer April 12, 2019

 

Below are brief biographies of our executive officers:

 

Breno Rodrigo Pacheco de Oliveira is 44 years old and serves as our General Secretary and Legal Officer. He is also the General Secretary and Legal Officer of Innoweb Ltda., POP Internet Ltda., Terra Networks Brasil S.A. and Telefônica Infraestrutura e Segurança Ltda.; Corporate Secretary of our board of directors, member and Chairman of the Deliberative Council of Visão Prev Sociedade de Previdência Complementar and Officer of SP Telecomunicações Participações Ltda. Mr. Oliveira is also Corporate Secretary and member of the board of directors of Telefônica Factoring do Brasil Ltda., Corporate Secretary and member of the board of directors of Telefônica Corretora de Seguros Ltda.; member of the Deliberative Board of Fundação Sistel; Officer of BLSK Serviços de

 

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Telecomunicações Ltda., Chairman and member of the board of directors of Companhia ACT de Participações and Companhia AIX de Participações, and member of the Board of Trustees of Fundação Telefônica. Mr. Oliveira was the General Secretary and Legal Officer of Telefônica Data S.A. (until November/2018, when it was extinct due to its merge into the Company). He was General Secretary and Legal Officer of Global Village Telecom S.A. and GVT Participações S.A. (until April/2016, when these companies were extinct due to their merge into the Company); Officer of the following merged companies: Vivo S.A., A.Telecom S.A., Telefônica Sistema de Televisão S.A., Ajato Telecomunicação Ltda., Lemontree Participações S.A., TVA Sul Paraná S.A., GTR-T Participações e Empreendimentos S.A. and Comercial Cabo TV São Paulo S.A. (until July/2013, when these companies were extinct due to its incorporation by the Company). He was a member of the board of directors of Tectotal Tecnologia sem Complicações S.A. (until June/2016 date in which the company was sold). He holds a law degree from Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos – UNISINOS, Brazil.

 

David Melcon Sanchez Friera is 49 years old and serves as our Chief Financial and Investor Relations Officer (since April/2016). He is also the Chief Financial Officer of Innoweb Ltda., POP Internet Ltda., Terra Networks Brasil S.A. and Telefônica Infraestrutura e Segurança Ltda., as well as the Chief Financial Officer of SP Telecomunicações Participações Ltda., Vice Chairman of the Board of Telefonica Corretora de Seguros Ltda., member of the Board of Trustees of Fundação Telefônica and member of the board of directors of Telefônica Factoring do Brasil Ltda. He was also Chief Financial Officer of Telefônica Data S.A. (until November/2018, when the company was extinct due to its incorporation by the Company). Mr. Melcon has more than 20 years of global experience as Financial Officer in the Telecommunications industry in Latin America and Europe. He was the Transformation Officer of Telefónica S.A. (October/2014 – January/2016); Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Telefonica Slovakia and, in the same period, he was a member of the board of directors of Tesco Mobile Czech Republic (March/2013 – June/2014); Vice Chairman of the board of directors and Chief Financial Officer of Telefonica Czech Republic (August/2012 – September/2014); member of the board of directors of Telfin Ireland Ltd. – Ireland (April/2010 – December/2012) and Financial and Control Officer of the Telefonica Group in Europe (June/2007 – July/2012) Mr. Melcon holds a degree in Economics and Business Administration from the University of Zaragoza (Spain), and a Master in Audit and Business Analysis from the University Complutense – Madrid (Spain).

 

For the biography of Mr. Christian Mauad Gebara, see “—Board of Directors” above.

 

There is no family relationship between any of the executive officers named above. There is no arrangement or understanding with major shareholders, customers, suppliers or others, pursuant to which any executive officer referred to above was selected as such.

 

B. Compensation

 

For the year ended December 31, 2019, the aggregate amount of compensation paid to all our directors and executive officers was approximately R$25.5 million, of which R$16.8 million corresponded to salaries and R$8.7 million corresponded to bonuses.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2019, our directors and officers did not receive any pension, retirement or similar benefits. For a description of our pension plan, see “—D. Employees—Pension Plans.”

 

C. Board Practices

 

Board of Directors

 

Our board of directors typically meets once every three months and the Chairman may call special meetings. Our Board takes action by majority vote, provided the majority of its members in office are present, with the Chairman having, in addition to his or her regular vote, casting vote in the event of a tie. The specific responsibilities of the Chairman include representing the Board in the General Shareholders Meetings, chairing the General Shareholders Meetings, selecting the Secretary from among those present, and calling and chairing meetings of the Board.

 

Our board of directors is responsible, among other things, for:

 

·establishing our general business policies;

 

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·electing and removing, at any time, the members of our Board of Executive Officers, and establishing their responsibilities with due regard for legal and statutory provisions;

 

·supervising our management and examining, at any time, our corporate records, and requesting information regarding the execution or the process of execution of any agreements and other acts;

 

·calling General Shareholders Meetings;

 

·approving the financial statements, management reports, proposals for allocation of the company’s results and the submission of such documents to the General Shareholders Meeting;

 

·appointing and deposing external auditors;

 

·determining the distribution of interim dividends;

 

·determining the payment of interest on equity “ad referendum” of the General Shareholders Meeting;

 

·authorizing the purchase of our shares to be canceled or kept in treasury;

 

·appointing and removing the person responsible for internal auditing;

 

·approving the budget and annual business plan;

 

·deliberating on the issuance of new shares by increasing the corporate capital within the limits authorized by the bylaws;

 

·approving the issuance of commercial paper and depositary receipts;

 

·authorizing the disposal of assets directly related to public telecommunications services;

 

·approving agreements, investments and obligations in an amount greater than R$250 million that have not been contemplated in the budget;

 

·approving employment and compensation plans, incentive policies and professional development, regulation and staffing of the company, and the terms and conditions of collective bargaining agreements to be executed with unions representing various categories of the company’s employees and adhesion or disassociation from pension plans, all with respect to employees of the company; the board of directors can, at its own discretion, assign to the company’s Board of Executive Officers limits to deliberate on these matters;

 

·authorizing the acquisition of an interest in other companies on a definitive basis and the encumbrance and creation of a lien on or sale of an equity interest;

 

·authorizing the offering of ordinary nonconvertible unsecured debentures;

 

·approving the organizational structure of the company; the board of directors can assign to the officers of the Board of Executive Officers limits to the exercise of such powers, subject to legal and bylaws provisions;

 

·approving and modifying the internal regulations of the board of directors;

 

·deliberating as to the issuance of warrants;

 

·deliberating, by delegation of the General Shareholders Meeting, about the following aspects related to the company’s issuance of debentures: (i) opportunity to issue, (ii) time and conditions of expiration, amortization or redemption, (iii) time and conditions of the payment of interest, of the participation in the profits and of the premium of repayment, if any, (iv) method of subscription or placement, and (v) the type of debentures;

 

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·approving the establishment of technical and advisory committees for advice on matters of interest to the company, to elect members of such committees and approve the committees, internal regulations, which shall contain specific rules concerning their organization, functions, powers, and compensation of members;

 

·authorizing the sale of property, the creation of in rem guarantees and the provision of guarantees on behalf of third parties, and setting limits on the practice of such acts by the officers;

 

·establishing, as an internal regulation, the limits for the officers to authorize the disposition or encumbrance of permanent assets, including those related to public telecommunications services which are disabled or inoperable;

 

·approving the company’s participation in consortia in general, and the terms of such participation; the board of directors may delegate such powers to the officers and establish limits, as it seeks to develop activities in line with the company’s purpose;

 

·setting the limits for the officers to authorize the practice of reasonable gratuitous acts for the benefit of employees or the community of which the company is a part of, including the donation of unserviceable assets to the company; and

 

·approving the creation and dissolution of subsidiaries of the company, in Brazil or abroad.

 

One of the members of our board of directors was elected by the preferred shareholders in a separate voting process and the others were elected by the holders of common shares.

 

Fiscal Board

 

Brazilian Corporate Law and our bylaws each require that we maintain a statutory Fiscal Board (Conselho Fiscal). Our permanent, statutory Fiscal Board, which is a separate and distinct entity from our outside auditors, is primarily charged with certain advisory, reporting, oversight and review functions with respect to the company’s financial statements. Our statutory Fiscal Board is also responsible for rendering opinions on management’s annual report and management proposals, including financial statements, to be submitted at shareholders’ meetings relating to a change in the company’s capital composition, investment plans, budget, debenture issuances or subscription bonuses, payment of dividends and consolidations, mergers and spin-offs. However, the statutory Fiscal Board, as required by Brazilian Corporate Law and our bylaws, has only an advisory role and does not participate in the management of the company. Decisions of the statutory Fiscal Board are not binding on the company under Brazilian Corporate Law.

 

In accordance with Brazilian Corporate Law and our bylaws, the Fiscal Board consists of a minimum of three (3) and a maximum of five (5) active members and an equal number of alternates. The members of the Fiscal Board are elected for a period of one (1) year and may be reelected.

 

One member of the Fiscal Board and his or her alternate must be elected by holders of preferred shares in a separate voting process. The following are the current members of the Fiscal Board:

 

Members

Alternates

Date Appointed

Flavio Stamm (1) Gilberto Lerio(1) April 11, 2019
Cremênio Medola Netto Juarez Rosa da Silva April 11, 2019
Charles Edwards Allen Stael Prata Silva Filho April 11, 2019

 

 

 

(1)Mr. Flavio Stamm and Mr. Gilberto Lerio were elected by the preferred shareholders in a separate voting process, with no participation of the controlling shareholder

 

Committees

 

Brazilian Corporate Law does not require a corporation to maintain committees responsible for ethics, corporate governance or compensation. Nevertheless, our board of directors has created the following committees:

 

·Control and Audit Committee;

 

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·Nominations, Compensation and Corporate Governance Committee;

 

·Service Quality and Marketing Committee; and

 

·Strategy Committee.

 

Control and Audit Committee

 

Our Control and Audit Committee was created by our Board of Directors in December 2002 and is comprised of a minimum of three (3) and a maximum of five (5) directors, a majority of whom must be independent members (pursuant to CVM Instruction No. 308 and 480), who are not members of our Board of Executive Officers, and who are appointed by the board of directors to serve as members of the Control and Audit Committee for the duration of their respective terms as members of the board of directors. The Committee has its own charter, which was approved by the board of directors. The Committee provides support to the board of directors.

 

According to its charter, the Control and Audit Committee shall meet four (4) times per year and whenever called by its chair, and shall report its conclusions to the board of directors. Our Control and Audit Committee and our statutory Fiscal Board may have some similar attributes.

 

The Control and Audit Committee, among other responsibilities that may be required by the board of directors, is responsible for, and charged with, informing and providing recommendations to the board of directors regarding the following:

 

·Submitting to the board of directors the appointment of independent auditor as well as the replacement of such independent auditors; the Control and Audit Committee shall also: (a) recommend the compensation to be paid to the Company’s independent auditors; (b) issue opinion on the hiring of the independent auditor to render any other service to the Company; and (c) supervise the independent auditor’s activities in order to assess their independence, the quality and the adequacy of the services considering the Company’s necessities;

 

·Examining the Company’s management report and financial statements, including capital budgets, making the necessary recommendations to the board of directors;

 

·Examining the financial information prepared and disclosed regularly by the Company;

 

·Examining the report of the related parties transactions as established by our Related Party Transactions Policy (Política para Transações com Partes Relacionadas);

 

·Assessing the effectiveness and sufficiency of the Company’s internal controls as well as the internal and independent audit procedures, making recommendations deemed necessary to the improvement of policies, practices and procedures; the Control and Audit Committee shall also: (a) supervise the activities of the Company’s internal control departments; (b) supervise the Company’s activities related to internal audit and compliance, including complaints received by the Company’s Hotline related to the scope of its activities, opining on or due referring the complaints; and (c) assess the effectiveness and sufficiency of the risk and contingency control and management systems;

 

·Examining the management bodies’ proposals regarding modification of the share capital, issuance of debentures convertible into shares or subscription bonus, transformation of our corporate form, merger or spin-off, making the recommendations it deems necessary to the board of directors;

 

·Assessing the compliance, by the Company’s Board of Executive Officers, of the recommendations made by the external and internal independent auditors, as well as inform the board of directors regarding possible conflicts between internal audit, external audit and/or the Company’s Board of Executive Officers; and

 

·Preparing an annual opinion to be disclosed with the Company’s financial statements, in accordance with applicable law.

 

The following are the current members of the Control and Audit Committee:

 

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Members

Date Appointed

José María Del Rey Osorio (Chairman) April 12, 2019
Julio Esteban Linares Lopes April 12, 2019
Narcís Serra April 12, 2019

 

Nominations, Compensation and Corporate Governance Committee

 

Our Nominations, Compensation and Corporate Governance Committee was established in November 1998, and was restructured in October 2004, and consists of three (3) to five (5) directors appointed by the board of directors to serve for the duration of their respective terms as members of the board of directors. The Committee shall meet two (2) times per year and whenever called by its chair. The Nominations, Compensation and Corporate Governance Committee, among other responsibilities that may be assigned by the board of directors, is charged with:

 

·Making recommendations on proposals to amend the Company’s bylaws;

 

·Examining proposals for the appointment of members of the other Committees, to be further submitted to the Board of Directors;

 

·Opining on proposals for the appointment and withdrawal of the members of the Board of Executive Officers, to be further submitted to the Board of Directors;

 

·Deciding on proposals for hiring, establishing compensation and promoting the Company’s vice-presidents and officers of levels A, B and C;

 

·Annually assessing the management’s overall compensation, including benefits of any kind and representation fees, taking into consideration their responsibilities, time spent on duties, professional capability and reputation, and the value of their services at the market;

 

·Deciding on the annual adjustment of the employees’ compensation at management level (annual program, premises and budget) and at non-management level (program, premises and budget), including collective bargaining agreement to be entered with the unions representing the employees of the Company in each category, as well as examining and approving the Company’s programs regarding the share of profits whenever any rule is changed therein; and

 

·Examining corporate governance matters submitted to it by the Board of Executive Officers, making recommendations to the Board of Directors whenever required.

 

The following individuals are the current members of the Nominations, Compensation and Corporate Governance Committee:

 

Members

Date Appointed

Francisco Javier de Paz Mancho (Chairman) April 12, 2019
Luiz Fernando Furlan April 12, 2019
Eduardo Navarro de Carvalho April 12, 2019

 

Service Quality and Marketing Committee

 

The Service Quality and Marketing Committee was created on December 16, 2004 and provides assistance to our Board of Directors. The Committee consists of at least three (3), and at most five (5), members of our board of directors selected periodically to serve for the duration of their respective terms as members of the board of directors. The Committee shall meet two (2) times per year and whenever called by its chair. The Committee is responsible for the review and analysis of quality indices measuring our principal services and to ensure that the requisite degree of commercial assistance is furnished to our clients. The Service Quality and Marketing Committee, among other responsibilities that may be assigned by the board of directors, is charged with:

 

·Assessing and monitoring the adequacy of the Company’s customers service as well as suggesting improvements whenever any opportunity appears;

 

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·Examining, analyzing and following-up periodically as to the scores for the quality indexes of the main services rendered by the Company and the quality levels of the Company’s customer services, making recommendations on possible actions whenever any opportunity appears; and

 

·Examining, analyzing and following-up periodically on the Company’s quality plans and actions.

 

The following individuals are the current members of the Service Quality and Marketing Committee:

 

Members

Date Appointed

Antonio Carlos Valente da Silva (Chairman) April 12, 2019
Sonia Julia Sulzbeck Villalobos April 12, 2019
Ana Theresa Masetti Borsari April 12, 2019

 

Strategy Committee

 

The Strategy Committee was created on October 7, 2016 and provides assistance to our Board of Directors. The Strategy Committee consists of at least three (3), and at most five (5), members of our board of directors selected periodically to serve for the duration of their respective terms as members of the board of directors. The Committee shall meet two (2) times per year and whenever called by its chair. The Strategy Committee, among other responsibilities that may be required by the board of directors, is charged with informing and making recommendations to the board of directors regarding the following:

 

·Analyzing and accompanying the Company’s strategic plans; and

 

·Examining other matters of strategic interest of the Company, as submitted by the Board of Executive Officers.

 

The following individuals are the current members of the Strategy Committee:

 

Members

Date Appointed

Julio Esteban Linares Lopez (Chairman) April 12, 2019
Eduardo Navarro de Carvalho April 12, 2019
Luis Miguel Gilpérez López April 12, 2019

 

D. Employees

 

As of December 31, 2019, we had 32,793 employees, distributed in full-time and part-time employees. Our part-time employees work primarily at our stores and call centers. Our employees are divided into the following categories: 38.5% in production and operations; 36.6% in sales; 17.9% in customer care; and 7.0% in support.

 

As of December 31, 2018, we had 32,638 employees, distributed in full-time and part-time employees. Our part-time employees work primarily at our stores and call centers. Our employees are divided into the following categories: 35.9% in production and operations; 38.1% in sales; 19.1% in customer care; and 6.9% in support.

 

As of December 31, 2017, we had 33,622 employees, distributed in full-time and part-time employees. Our part-time employees were primarily at our stores and call centers. Our employees were divided into the following categories: 36.2% in production and operations; 37.4% in sales; 19.3% in customer care; and 7.0% in support.

 

Approximately 13% of our employees are union members, represented by unions that relate to their respective state (or the Federal District). Accordingly, we have employees represented by the unions of all 26 states plus one in the Federal District. In turn, 12 of these unions are associated with the National Federation of Telecommunications Workers (Fenattel) and other 8 unions are associated with the Interstate Federation of Workers and Researchers in Telecommunications (Fitratelp) and 7 unions were disbanded from the Fenattel and formed a new federation called A Livre. Finally, the union of the Federal District is not affiliated with any Federation.

 

Our collective bargaining agreement for these employees was renewed for 100% of our employees on September 1, 2018 effective until August 31, 2020 for social clauses, and in 2019 there will be a negotiation of economic clauses.

 

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Our management considers relations with our workforce to be very good. We have never experienced a work stoppage for a significant period or that had a material effect on our operations.

 

Pension Plans

 

We have offered defined benefit plans to our employees since before the privatization, which took place in 1998. Beginning in 2000, we decided to establish defined contributions plans. Those plans were administered exclusively by Fundação Sistel de Seguridade Social until 2005.

 

In 2005, we created a closed social security entity called Visão Prev Sociedade de Previdência Complementar to manage the pension plans of the Telefónica group in Brazil. From 2005 to 2010, management of all plans was transferred from Fundação Sistel to Visão Prev, except for PBS-A Plan, which continues to be managed by Fundação Sistel.

 

On September 1, 2013, we began offering the Visão Multi Pension Plan to our employees who do not have a pension plan. This plan was launched in order to standardize private pension benefits following the corporate restructuring of our subsidiaries in Brazil. This is the plan for new enrollments. In this plan, participants can make basic contributions of 1-2% and additional contributions of 0-5% of salary and we contribute a percentage between 50% to 125%, depending on the length of service.

 

On December 2019, regulatory agency PREVIC approved the destination of the special reserve of Plan PBS-A, administered by Fundação Sistel de Seguridade Social - SISTEL, with reversion to the sponsor of R$ 215 million, to be paid in 36 monthly quotas, the first being R$6 million and the rest of the same value, adjusted by the Plan’s profitability.

 

Considering the total workforce, 31% of our employees are participants in our private retirement plans.

 

E. Share Ownership

 

None of our directors or executive officers beneficially owns, on an individual basis, 1% or more of our common or preferred shares (including ADSs representing preferred shares) or of our total equity share capital. We currently have three share ownership plans in place:

 

(1) Performance Share Plan (PSP) and Talent for Future Plan (TFSP)

 

The general shareholders’ meeting of Telefónica S.A. (our indirect controlling shareholder), held on June 8, 2018, approved new long-term incentive plans, Performance Share Plan (“PSP”) and Talent for Future Plan (“TFSP”), for executives of Telefónica S.A. and of other entities within the Telefónica group, including us.

 

The Plans consist of the possibility, for the executives of the Telefónica Group that are invited to participate in it, to receive a certain number of shares of Telefónica after a period of three years, through the prior assignment of a certain number of theoretical shares or units (the “Units”), which shall serve as a basis for determining the number of ordinary shares in the capital stock of Telefónica (the “Shares”) which may be delivered under the Plan as variable remuneration, depending on the achievement of the objectives established for each of the cycles in which the Plan is divided. The plans shall have a total duration of five (5) years, and it shall be divided into three (3) independent cycles (the “Cycles”), each with a measurement period of three (3) years, according to the following measurement calendar:

 

·First Cycle: from January 1, 2018 through December 31, 2020.

 

·Second Cycle: from January 1, 2019 through December 31, 2021.

 

·Third Cycle: from January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2022.

 

At the end of each cycle, there is an evaluation to determine if the minimum performance conditions were met: Telefónica’s Total Shareholder Return (“TSR”) against a group of comparison and the Free Cash Flow (“FCF”) Goals.

 

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The TSR is regarded as the metric for determining the generation of value for our shareholders in the medium and long term, for the purposes of the Plan, as the return on investment taking into account the cumulative change in the value of the Telefónica Share and dividends and other similar items received by the shareholder over the Cycle in question. The Weighting corresponding to this Objective shall be fifty (50) percent of the total number of Shares to be delivered to the Participants under the PSP.

 

The FCF is established as the Plan’s metric to encourage commitment to the sustainable achievement of long-term strategic objectives. This objective shall be established and approved each year by our Board of Directors. Fifty (50) percent of the number of Shares to be delivered under the Plan shall be determined based on the FCF level generated by us in each year, comparing this with the value set in the budgets approved by our Board of Directors for each year. In this regard, the partial achievement of this objective shall be calculated annually, and the final achievement of the FCF shall be an average of the partial achievements calculated each year.

 

In order to receive Shares under the Plan, participants must maintain, for at least twelve (12) months of the cycle, an active relationship with us or any of our subsidiaries which, on the starting date of each cycle, maintain, on the delivery date, an active relationship with a participating company. In case of termination, only if it takes place once twelve (12) months have elapsed since the starting date and if it is in accordance with other PSP rules.

 

·PSP - Cycle 2019-2021: scheduled to occur in December 2021, with 102 executives of Telefônica Brasil having the potential right to receive 997,477 shares of Telefônica S.A. which, as of December 31, 2019 were accrued in R$7.5 million.

 

·TFSP - Cycle 2019-2021: scheduled to occur in December 2021, with 158 senior managers, managers and specialists of Telefônica Brasil having the potential right to receive 128,750 shares of Telefônica S.A. which, as of December 31, 2019 were accrued in R$0.9 million.

 

(2) Global Employee Share Plan (“GESP”)

 

Telefónica’s Shareholders’ Meeting, held on July 8, 2018, approved an incentive for the acquisition of Telefónica’s shares by the Telefónica Group employees and its subsidiaries called Global Employee Share Plan, GESP. This program is not available to the members of the board of directors or Fiscal Board. GESP aims to instigate the shareholder’s culture and a sense of belonging among all employees.

 

The plan has a duration of two years. On the first year, the employee is able to invest R$108.00 to R$648.00 every month, deducted from the payroll, for 12 months. The shares are held until the end of the second year, when compensation stocks are to be delivered, i.e., for every two shares acquired by the employee (up to a limit of €840), he shall receive a free share on August 2021. The delivery relies on the beneficiary remaining in our employment and on the general conditions of the plan.

 

Item 7.Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions

 

A. Major Shareholders

 

In accordance with our bylaws, we have two classes of capital stock authorized and outstanding: common shares (ações ordinárias) and preferred shares (ações preferenciais). Our common shares have full voting rights. Our preferred shares have voting rights only under limited circumstances.

 

On October 31, 2016, Telefônica Brasil received a correspondence from the shareholder Telefónica Latinoamérica Holding, S.L. stating that Telefónica Internacional, S.A. transferred to them their entire stake in the Company, or 24.09% of the Company’s capital, represented by 46,746,635 common shares (8.18% of such class) and 360,532,578 preferred shares (32.22% of such class). The transfer of shareholding was held due to a universal succession under an internal reorganization in the Telefónica Group, through which Telefónica Internacional, S.A. was merged into Telefónica Latinoamérica Holding, S.L.

 

On December 31, 2019, Telefónica S.A. owned 34.67% of our common shares, Telefónica Latinoamérica Holding, S.L. owned 8.18% of our common shares and SP Telecomunicações owned 51.46% of our common shares. Since Telefónica Latinoamérica Holding, S.L. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Telefónica and owns 60.60% of the equity share capital of SP Telecomunicações, Telefónica has effective control over 94.47% of our outstanding common shares. Accordingly, Telefónica has the ability to control the election of our board of directors and to

 

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determine the direction of our strategic and corporate policies. None of Telefónica, Telefónica Latinoamérica Holding, S.L. or SP Telecomunicações has any special voting rights beyond those ordinarily accompanying the ownership of our common and preferred shares.

 

Telefónica S.A.’s shares are traded on various stock exchanges, including exchanges in Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao, Valencia, London, New York, Lima and Buenos Aires.

 

Telefónica is one of the largest telecommunications companies in the world in terms of market capitalization and number of customers. With its strong mobile, fixed and broadband networks and its innovative portfolio of digital solutions, Telefónica is transforming itself into a “Digital Telco,” a company that will be even better placed to meet the needs of its customers and capture new revenue growth.

 

The following tables set forth information relating to the ownership of common and preferred shares by Telefónica, SP Telecomunicações, Telefónica Latinoamérica Holding, S.L., any other shareholders known to us to beneficially own more than 5% of our common or preferred shares and our officers and directors, based on 571,644,217 common shares and 1,119,340,706 preferred shares outstanding as of December 31, 2019. We are not aware of any other shareholder that beneficially owns more than 5% of our common or preferred shares.

 

Shareholder’s Name  Number of common shares owned  Percentage of outstanding common shares
SP Telecomunicações    294,158,155    51.46%
Telefónica S.A.    198,207,608    34.67%
Telefónica Latinoamérica Holding, S.L.    46,746,635    8.18%
All directors and executive officers as a group    5    —   

 

Shareholder’s Name  Number of preferred shares owned  Percentage of outstanding preferred shares
SP Telecomunicações    38,537,435    3.44%
Telefónica S.A.    305,122,195    27.26%
Telefónica Latinoamérica Holding, S.L.    360,532,578    32.21%
Artisan Partners Limited Partnership (1)    82,224,479    7.35%
All directors and executive officers as a group    20,581    —   

 

 

 

(1)The number of preferred shares beneficially owned is as of December 31, 2019, as reported in a 13F-HR filed by Artisan Partners Limited Partnership, Artisan Investments GP LLC, Artisan Partners Holdings LP and Artisan Partners Asset Management Inc. on February 12, 2020. As set forth in the 13F-HR, Artisan Partners Limited Partnership has sole power to vote 77,295,497 preferred shares and sole power to dispose of 82,224,479 preferred shares. As set forth in the 13F-HR, Artisan Partners Limited Partnership does not have power to vote the remaining 4,928,982 preferred shares which Artisan Partners Limited Partnership has reported in its 13F-HR that it beneficially owns. Securities reported on the 13F-HR as being beneficially owned by Artisan Partners Limited Partnership are held by Artisan Partners Limited Partnership and/or one or more of its investment adviser subsidiaries on behalf of investment advisory clients, which may include investment companies registered under the Investment Company Act, employee benefit plans, pension funds or other institutional clients. The business address of Artisan Partners Limited Partnership reported on the 13F-HR is 875 East Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 800, Milwaukee, WI 53202.

 

As of December 31, 2019, there were a total of 220 ADR holders of record and 163,244,451 ADRs outstanding, representing 163,244,451 preferred shares or 14.6% of outstanding preferred shares. Since some of these ADRs are held by nominees, the number of record holders may not be representative of the number of beneficial holders.

 

B. Related Party Transactions

 

Transactions with related parties are submitted to review by our related parties committee and, when necessary, approval by our board of directors and shareholders, in compliance with our bylaws. We believe that all related party transactions are carried out according to guidelines, criteria and market rules in order to provide sufficient transparency to contracts between related parties.

 

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Note 28 to our consolidated financial statements presents, in tabular format, more detailed financial information with respect to transactions and balances with related parties. We provide below a summary description of our material transactions with related parties to which we are currently party or have been party in the last three years.

 

Telefónica S.A.

 

On January 2, 2008, we entered into a copyright licensing agreement, or Brand Fee agreement with Telefónica S.A., with respect to the brand “Telefónica.” The amounts in connection with these agreements totaled R$366 million in 2019, R$321 million in 2018 and R$332 million in 2017.

 

Telxius Cable Brasil Ltda (former Telefônica Internacional Wholesales Services Brasil Ltda.)

 

On June 3, 2002, we entered into a supply agreement for the IP Band with Telefónica Internacional Wholesales Services Brasil Ltda., with respect to the internet transit service, which is a connection dedicated to the transportation of internet traffic. The amounts in connection with these agreements totaled R$253 million in 2019, R$181 million in 2018 and R$174 million in 2017.

 

Some international roaming services are provided by companies in the Telefónica group.

 

Terra Networks Brasil. S.A.

 

On September 26, 2019, we entered into an agreement for the acquisition of TIS by TERRA, purchasing shares representing the total share capital of TIS, owned by TIS Spain and T. Digital. The amounts related to these agreements totaled R$71 million in 2019.

 

Telxius Torres Brasil Ltda.

 

On March 31, 2016, we entered into a supply agreement for the use of infrastructure owned by Telxius Torres Brasil Ltda by the Company. The amounts in connection with said agreement totaled R$86 million in 2019, R$93 million in 2018, R$110 million in 2017.

 

Telefônica Serviços de Ensino Ltda.

 

On June 14, 2019, we entered into an online and in-person supply agreement offered by Telefonica Serviços de Ensino Ltda. The amounts in connection with this agreement totaled R$35 million in 2019.

 

C. Interests of Experts and Counsel

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 8.Financial Information

 

A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information

 

See Note 19 of our Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Legal Proceedings

 

We are party to legal proceedings incidental to the normal course of our business. The main categories of such proceedings include:

 

·administrative and judicial litigation with Instituto Nacional da Seguridade Social, the National Institute of Social Security, or INSS;

 

·administrative and judicial proceedings relating to tax payments;

 

·lawsuits brought by employees, former employees and trade unions relating to non-compliance with the labor legislation;

 

·civil judicial proceedings regarding consumer rights; and

 

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·other civil suits, including litigation arising out of the breakup of Telecomunicações Brasileiras S.A. –Telebrás, or Telebrás, and events preceding the breakup.

 

Our policy with respect to provisioning for contingencies classifies the various legal proceedings to which we are party as “probable,” “possible” and “remote.” We and our subsidiaries are parties to labor, tax, civil and regulatory claims and set up a provision for contingencies for which the likelihood of loss was estimated as probable. Our senior management classifies each legal proceeding into one of these three categories (probable, possible and remote) based upon the advice of internal and external counsel and specialized technical advisors in charge of each matter. Due to the level of provisioning and based on its analysis of the individual cases, our management believes that no additional liabilities related to any legal proceedings will have a material effect on our financial condition or results of operations, other than as described below.

 

There are no material proceedings in which any of our directors, any members of our senior management, or any of our affiliates is either a party adverse to us or to our subsidiaries or has a material interest adverse to us or to our subsidiaries.

 

Tax Matters — Probable Loss

 

Federal Taxes

 

On December 31, 2019, the company was party to federal administrative and judicial proceedings relating to (i) claims resulting from the non-ratification of compensation and refund requests, formulated by the company; (ii) CIDE (Contribution for Intervention in the Economic Domain) levied on the remittance of funds abroad relating to technical services, administrative assistance and to services of similar nature, as well as royalties (iii) IRRF on interest on shareholder’s equity; (iv) Social Investment Fund (Finsocial) offset amounts; and (v) additional charges to the PIS and COFINS tax base, as well as additional charges to COFINS required by Law No. 9718/98.

 

In the opinion of management, the chances of loss in the foregoing federal administrative and judicial proceedings is probable. On December 31, 2019, total consolidated provisions for these federal administrative and judicial proceedings amounted to R$573.2 million.

 

State Taxes

 

On December 2019, the company was party to administrative and judicial proceedings in progress referring to (i) ICMS credit not granted; (ii) ICMS not levied on telecommunication services; (iii) disallowance of ICMS credits referring to Covenant 39; (iv) ICMS tax rates; and (v) ICMS tax on internet (data) infrastructure lease payments (vi) sales of goods at prices below their costs of acquisition; and (vii) non-taxation of amounts granted to clients as discounts. On December 31, 2019, total consolidated provisions for these state-level administrative and judicial proceedings amounted to R$466.2 million.

 

Municipal Taxes

 

On December 31, 2019, the company was party to tax claims at a municipal level, both in the administrative and judicial sphere which, based on the opinion of our legal advisors, are classified as a probable loss, related to (i) real estate property tax (Imposto Predial Territorial e Urbano - IPTU); (ii) Service tax on leases of movable assets for supplementary or intermediate activities; and (iii) Service tax retention on fixed duration service contracts. On December 31, 2019, total consolidated provisions for these municipal level proceedings amounted to R$34.9 million.

 

FUST

 

On December 31, 2019, the company was party to federal judicial proceedings relating to non-inclusion of interconnection and EILD expenses in the FUST. On December 31, 2019, total consolidated provisions for these federal administrative and judicial proceedings amounted to R$501.6 million.

 

Tax Matters — Possible Loss

 

The following tax proceedings were pending as of December 31, 2019, and, in the opinion of our management and our legal advisors, the chance of loss in these cases is “possible.”

 

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Federal Taxes

 

On December 31, 2019, the company was party to various federal administrative and judicial proceedings, which are waiting to be tried at various court levels. On December 31, 2019, the total consolidated amount was R$2,233.7 million.

 

Key proceedings refer to: (i) Non-compliance manifestations due to the ratification of compensation requests made by the company; (ii) social security contribution (INSS) about: (a) on compensation payment for salary devaluation arising from losses caused by “Plano Verão” (Summer Plan) and “Plano Bresser” (Bresser Plan); (b) social security contribution (INSS), SAT (Work Accident Insurance), Social Security and payables to third parties (INCRA and SEBRAE); (c) 11% retention (labor assignment); (d) stock options, payment requirement for social security contributions on amounts paid by group companies to employees on behalf of the share purchasing plan; (iii) Income Tax on foreign currency remittances for the payment of technical and administrative services, as well as on royalties; (iv) deductions of COFINS from loss in swap transactions; (v) PIS / COFINS on: (a) accrual basis versus cash basis; (b) on value added service ; and (c) monthly flat fee – “serviço de assinatura mensal”; (vi) ex-tariff, abrogation of the benefit from the CAMEX Resolution No. 6, increasing the import tariff from 4% to 28%; (vii) industrialization tax (IPI) on the dispatch from company premises of “Fixed access unit” equipment to clients on a lending agreement and (xiii) financial operations tax (Imposto sobre Operações Financeiras - IOF), payment requirements for intercompany and credit operations.

 

In the opinion of management, the chance of loss in these proceedings is possible, consequently, we have not made any provisions in connection with these proceedings.

 

State Taxes

 

On December 31, 2019, the company was a party to various state administrative and judicial proceedings, which are ongoing at various court levels. On December 31, 2019, the total consolidated amount was R$15,460.0 million.

 

Key proceedings refer to: (i) provision of facility, utility and convenience services and equipment rental; (ii) international calls (DDI); (iii) undue credit related to the acquisition of items intended to property, plant and equipment (fixed assets); (iv) lack of proportionate credit reversal referring to the acquisition of property, plant and equipment items (fixed assets); (v) service provided outside São Paulo state with ICMS paid to São Paulo State; (vi) co-billing, (vii) tax substitution with a fictitious tax base (tax guideline); (viii) use of credits related to acquisition of electric power; (ix) secondary activities, value added and supplementary services; (x) tax credits related to opposition/challenges referring to telecommunications services not provided or mistakenly charged (ICMS CONFAZ Covenant 39/01); (xi) deferred charge of ICMS - Interconnection (DETRAF – Traffic and Service Provision Document); (xii) credits derived from tax benefits granted by other states; (xiii) disallowance of tax incentives related to cultural projects; (xiv) transfers of assets among business units owned by the company; (xv) communications service tax credits used in provision of services of the same nature; (xvi) card donation for prepaid service activation; (xvii) reversal of credit from return and free lease in connection with assignment of networks (used by the company itself and exemption from public bodies); (xiii) DETRAF (CDR), (xix) ICMS on own consumption; (xx) ICMS on exemption of public bodies; (xxi) unconditional discounts excluded from ICMS tax basis; (xxii) ICMS on monthly subscription, which is currently under review by the Federal Supreme Court (Superior Tribunal Federal or STF) with foreclosure proceedings and the Company awaits judgment; (xxiii) exclusion of ICMS on advertising services and unmeasured services ICMS.

 

In the opinion of our management, the chance of loss in the foregoing state administrative and judicial proceedings is possible, and, consequently, we have not made any provisions in connection with these proceedings.

 

Municipal Taxes

 

On December 31, 2019, the company was party to various administrative and judicial proceedings at the municipal level, which are ongoing at various court levels. On December 31, 2019, the total consolidated amount was R$669.1 million.

 

Key proceedings refer to: (i) ISS (Imposto Sobre Serviços) – secondary activities, value-added and supplementary services; (ii) withholding ISS; (iii) real estate property tax (Imposto Predial Territorial e Urbano - IPTU); (iv) Land Use Fee; (v) municipal fees; (vi) tariff for Use of Mobile Network (TUM), infrastructure lease;

 

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(vii) advertising services; (viii) services provided by third parties; (ix) business management consulting services provided by Telefonica Internacional (TISA); (x) ISS levied on caller ID services and on cell phone activation; (xi) service tax on continuous services contracts, provisions, reversals and cancelled invoices; and (xii) ISS on data processing and antivirus programs.

 

In the opinion of our management, the chance of loss in the foregoing state administrative and judicial proceedings is possible and, consequently, we have not made any provisions in connection with these proceedings.

 

FUST, FUNTTEL and FISTEL

 

FUST – Universalization of Telecommunications Service

 

Writs of Mandamus filed separately by the fixed and mobile operators to recognize the right to include interconnection revenue in the FUST base for mobile services. We have questioned such charges and the proceedings are waiting to be tried in the court of appeals.

 

As a result, ANATEL registered various infractions to constitute tax credits and other revenues that were not obtained from the provision of telecommunication services, on which ANATEL believes FUST is due.

 

On December 31, 2019, the total aggregate amount under dispute was R$4,411.8 million.

 

In the opinion of our management and our legal advisors, the chance of loss in the foregoing proceedings is possible, and, consequently, we have not made any provisions in connection with these proceedings.

 

FUNTTEL – Fund for the Technological Development of Telecommunications

 

On December 31, 2019, the company was party to administrative and judicial proceedings, which are waiting to be tried at the lower administrative court and the court of appeals.

 

Such proceedings concern the collection of contributions to FUNTTEL on other revenues (not related to telecom services), as well as on income and expenses transferred to other operators (interconnection).

 

On December 31, 2019, the total aggregate amount under dispute was R$723.1 million. In the opinion of our management and our legal advisors, the chance of loss in the foregoing proceeding is possible, but not probable and, consequently, we have not made any provisions in connection with this proceeding.

 

FISTEL – Telecommunications Supervision Fund

 

Due extension of the effective license period to use telephone switches in connection with the use of landline phone carriers and extension of the right to use radiofrequency in connection with wireless service (wireless carriers), ANATEL charges the Installation Inspection Fee, TFI.

 

This collection is based on ANATEL’s understanding that such extension would represent a taxable event for TFI. We understand that such collection is inappropriate, and separately challenged the aforesaid fee in court. On December 31, 2019, the total consolidated amount was R$2,607.1 million, without the respective deposit in full.

 

In the opinion of our management and our legal advisors, the chance of loss in the foregoing proceeding is possible and, consequently, we have not made any provisions in connection with this proceeding.

 

Labor Litigation

 

We are also a defendant in several legal proceedings filed by former employees and outsourced employees (alleging joint or several liability), who claim, among other things, deficient overtime payment, unequal compensation, retirement wage supplements, health and security hazard compensation, salary complements for retirees; and proceedings regarding our outsourcing practices.

 

We are also party to labor claims filed by former employees, which relate to the Plan for Medical Assistance to Retirees (“PAMA”), which seeks among other things to reverse changes in retiree medical plans. The majority of such claims are pending judgment by the Superior Labor Court (Tribunal Superior do Trabalho). In the opinion of our management and our legal advisors, the chance of loss in the foregoing proceedings is possible. No value has

 

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been attributed to these claims because we are currently unable to estimate the value of losses in the event of an adverse judgment and, as a result, we have not recorded any provisions relating to such claims.

 

Additionally, the Company is party to public civil actions promoted by the Public Prosecutor’s Office. In August 2018, most of the Supreme Court Ministers adjudicated on the legality of unrestricted outsourcing, which was the service borrower’s subsidiary responsibility. However, the Company awaits the publication of said decision and possible embargoes of declaration to clarify the scope of such decision, including for cases on trial, in which case it will be evaluated as an application of the decision of each of the processes in question that discusses the topic. In view of these considerations, there is still no estimate of amounts or losses of rights for the Company.

 

In addition, we are also a defendant in four public civil actions filed by the Federal Ministry of Labor, which concerns contracting third-party companies in order to perform services related to our core business. Although the likelihood of loss of such actions is “possible,” no value has been attributed to these claims because we are currently unable to estimate the value of losses in the event of an adverse judgment and, as a result, we have not recorded any provisions relating to such claims.

 

Civil Claims

 

There are several civil claims filed against the Company. We have recorded approximately R$797.4 million in provisions for these proceedings where the risk of loss is deemed probable, including the civil proceedings described below:

 

·Expansion Plan–PEX. We are defendants in proceedings related to the possible right of individuals who purchased our shares in connection with our network expansion plan after 1996, to receive additional shares from us. These claims are in course through the various levels of the court system and the success rate in each proceeding is classified on a case-by-case basis according to the facts presented in each proceeding. For the proceedings in which the success rate of the plaintiffs is classified as “probable,” we’ve recorded a provision of R$297.6 million (R$334.9 million on December 31, 2018).

 

·The Company and/or its subsidiaries are defendants in various civil proceedings related to consumers claims both in administrative and judicial courts, especially about poor performance. On December 31, 2019, provisioned amounts totaled R$211.9 million (R$353.8 million on December 31, 2018).

 

·The Company and/or its subsidiaries are parties to various civil proceedings of non-consumer nature in administrative and judicial courts, all related to the ordinary course of business. On December 31, 2019, provisioned amounts totaled R$287.9 million (R$316.1 million on December 31, 2018).

 

There are other several civil claims against the Company for which the chance of loss is deemed possible and for which we have not recorded provisions, including:

 

·Pension Benefit Plan Spin-Off. Two Associations - Sistel Participants Association in São Paulo (ASTEL) and - National Federation of Associations of Retirees and Pensioners and Participants in Pension Funds in Telecom (FENAPAS) filed distinct class actions – with the same object - against the Company, seeking the annulment of the spin-off of the PBS pension benefit plan, that occurred in 2000, and created the specific TELESP–PBS pension benefit plan, and corresponding allocation of resources resulted from the technical surplus and fiscal contingencies existing at that time. With respect to the class action filed by ASTEL, the action was ruled in favor of the Company by the lower court. ASTEL filed an appeal. Then, ASTEL withdrew the appeal and the favorable decision was maintained, concluding these proceedings (no appeals are outstanding). With respect to the lawsuit filed by FENAPAS, the success rate of the Company is deemed possible based on the opinion of our legal advisors. The amount involved cannot yet be determined until an expert appraisal report is conducted since it includes the spin-off portion of Sistel related to the telecommunication operators from the former “Telebrás System”. The lower court ruled against the Company. Subsequently, the lack of jurisdiction of the State Court was acknowledged and the case was referred to the Federal Courts for re-trial.

 

·A class action filed by SISTEL Participants’ Association (ASTEL) in the state of São Paulo, in which SISTEL associates question the changes made in the HealthCare Plan for Retired Employees (PAMA) of the Association and seek the reestablishment of the status quo. This proceeding is in the appeal phase under review by the superior court. The amount cannot be estimated in that it entails a return to the prior conditions.

 

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·The Company is party to other civil claims, at several Court levels, related to service rendering. Such claims have been filed by individual consumers, civil associations representing consumer rights or by the Bureau of Consumer Protection (PROCON), as well as by the Federal and State Public Prosecutor’s Office. The Company is also party to other claims of several types related to the normal course of business. On

 

·Terra Networks is a party to (i) a claim proposed by a supplier of broadcast rights; (ii) annulment proceeding of penalties before the Consumer Protection Bureau (PROCON); (iii) Compensation Claims; (iv) collection of copyright (ECAD); and (v) claims proposed by former subscribers related to improper collection or breach of contract. On December 31, 2019, the total amount was R$15,443 million.

 

·The Company has received fines regarding the noncompliance with SAC Decree. We currently have various actions (administrative and judicial proceedings). On December 31, 2019, amounts totaled R$11 million.

 

Ownership of Caller ID

 

Lune Projetos Especiais Telecomunicação Comércio e Ind. Ltda., a Brazilian company, filed on November 20, 2001 lawsuits against 23 wireless telecommunications operators, including TELESP Celular Participações and its subsidiaries. The lawsuits allege that those operators violated patent No. 9202624-9, related to Equipamento Controlador de Chamadas Entrantes e do Terminal do Usuário, or Caller ID, granted to Lune by the Brazilian Institute of Intellectual Property, or the INPI, on September 30, 1997. An unfavorable decision was handed down determining that the Company should refrain from selling mobile phones with Caller ID service, subject to a daily fine of R$10,000 in case of noncompliance. Furthermore, according to that decision, the Company must pay indemnification for royalties, to be calculated at settlement. Motions for Clarification were opposed by all parties and Lune’s motions for clarification were accepted since an injunctive relief in this stage of the proceedings was deemed applicable. A bill of review appeal was filed in view of the current decision which granted a stay of execution suspending that unfavorable decision until the final judgment of the appeal. A bill of review was filed in view of the sentence handed down on June 30, 2016, by the 4th Chamber of the Court of Justice of the Federal District, in order to annul the lower court sentence and remit the proceedings back to the lower court for a new examination. The outside counsel’s opinion that the chance of an unfavorable outcome is possible. We are unable to determine at this time the extent of any potential liabilities with respect to this claim.

 

Expiration of Prepaid Plan Minutes

 

We and our subsidiaries, together with other Brazilian wireless telecommunications operators, are defendants in various lawsuits brought by the public prosecutor’s office and consumer protection associations challenging the imposition of a deadline for the use of purchased prepaid minutes. The plaintiffs allege that purchased prepaid minutes should not expire after any specified deadline. Conflicting decisions have been issued by the courts about this matter. Although we believe that our criteria for imposing the deadline are in compliance with ANATEL’s rules, we believe, based on the opinion of outside counsel, that the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome with respect to this claim is possible.

 

Regulatory and Antitrust Litigation

 

We are involved in several administrative and judicial proceedings relating to alleged breaches of obligations by ANATEL, mainly, and CADE. As of December 31 2019, amounts for those proceedings were R$ 5.6 billion classified as possible risk, plus R$1.1 billion provisioned.

 

Our material administrative and judicial proceedings include the following:

 

(i) Administrative and legal proceedings discussing how ANATEL should calculate the payment due every two years relating to the extension of the concession agreements of STFC and of the right of use of SMP-related radiofrequencies. In ANATEL’s view, the 2% charge should be calculated on all Telefonica’s STFC/SMP revenue. In our view, however, the revenues that are not part of the STFC/SMP service plans, as defined by regulation at the time of signing the authorization terms/concession agreements, should not be taken into account when calculating the fee. As a result of this disagreement, we filed administrative and legal proceedings challenging ANATEL’s charges.

 

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(ii) A lawsuit filed by Telefónica seeking to invalidate ANATEL’s decision from March 2018 in an administrative proceedings for non-compliance with obligations (“Processo Administrativo para Apuração de Descumprimento de Obrigações” or PADO) in order to verify alleged infractions committed by Telefónica Brasil to the Landline Telephony Regulation, in particular those related to the communication deadlines for suspension of the service to users with breaches of payments, the terms of connection of the service after the communication of the payment and the disagreement with the terms of refund of amounts claimed by the users of the service.

 

The fine imposed by ANATEL and appealed by Telefónica Brasil is about 211 million reais which, along with the updates of the value of the currency and the accrued interest, currently amounts (December 2019) to about 505 million reais.

 

Telefônica Brasil considers that the sanction imposed is illegal and undue, under the following defense arguments: (i) the universe of users considered by ANATEL to fix the fine is excessive, given that the number of affected users is materially lower and (ii) the calculation of the fine is disproportionate and without grounds. The fine has not been paid, although it is guaranteed through a guarantee insurance submitted to the court and the Company is currently waiting for the sentence.

 

SEC Administrative Proceeding — FCPA

 

In connection with our internal policies and procedures relating to compliance with anti-corruption laws and regulations, we have completed conducting our previously-reported internal investigation - which was part of a broader investigation being conducted by our controlling shareholder (Telefónica, S.A.) - regarding possible violations of the abovementioned laws and regulations. We have been in contact with governmental authorities about this matter and, as a result of our discussions with the SEC, we entered into a settlement with the SEC on May 9, 2019 (the “Settlement”) to resolve the matter in connection with our purchase and use of tickets and associated hospitality related to the 2013 Confederations Cup and 2014 World Cup held in Brazil. Pursuant to the Settlement, which resolved these matters, and without admitting or denying any of the SEC’s findings (except for the SEC’s jurisdiction over us and the subject matter of the proceedings), we consented to the entry of an order in which the SEC made findings and ordered, pursuant to Section 21C of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the Exchange Act), that we cease and desist from committing or causing any violations and any future violations of the accounting provisions of the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, Sections 13(b)(2)(A) and 13(b)(2)(B) of the Exchange Act. As part of these findings, we paid a civil penalty in the amount of US$4,125,000 to the SEC for transfer to the general fund of the United States Treasury, subject to Exchange Act Section 21(F)(g)(3).

 

Dividends and Dividend Distribution Policy

 

Priority and Amount of Preferred Dividends

 

The Brazilian Corporate Law determines that the shareholders of a company have the right to receive a minimum percentage of the distributable profits (mandatory dividends) comprising dividends and/or interest on shareholders’ equity, or distributable amount, of the corporation for each fiscal year. If such amount is not determined in the bylaws of the company, Brazilian Corporate Law specifies the criteria to determine the minimum amount of the dividend. See “Item 10. Additional Information—B. Memorandum and Articles of Association.” Moreover, a Brazilian company may issue new preferred shares for public distribution only if one of the following terms applies to the preferred shares: (i) the right to receive dividends equivalent to at least 25% of the adjusted net profit for the fiscal year, to be calculated in accordance with Article 202 of the Brazilian Corporate Law as follows: (a) priority in the receipt of dividends corresponding to at least 3% of the book value per share and (b) the right to an equal share of the profits attributable to the holders of common shares, after the holders of common shares have received a dividend equal to a minimum of 3% of the book value per share; or (ii) the right to receive dividends, at least 10% higher than those paid for each common shares; or (iii) tag-along rights of at least 80% of the price per share paid in the sale of control to be paid by the controlling shareholder and also including the right to receive dividends at least equal to the dividend paid to common shares.

 

According to our bylaws, we are required to distribute as mandatory dividends of each fiscal year ending on December 31, to the extent amounts are available, an aggregate amount equal to at least 25% of adjusted net income.

 

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The annual dividend distributed to holders of our preferred shares is 10% higher than the dividend distributed to our common shareholders.

 

As per our bylaws, our Board of Directors may declare interim dividends based on (i) the accrued profits recorded in our semiannual financial statements; (ii) the accrued profits recorded in our quarterly financial statements or in our financial statements of shorter periods, provided that the total amounts of dividends paid up every six months does not exceed the total amount within the capital reserve determined per article 182 of Brazilian Corporate Law; and (iii) the amount recorded on the profit and loss account or profit reserve account on our last annual or semiannual financial statements.

 

Under the Brazilian Corporate Law, a company is allowed to withhold payment of the mandatory dividend in respect of common shares and preferred shares if:

 

·management and the fiscal board report at the shareholders meeting that the distribution would be incompatible with the financial circumstances of the company; and

 

·the shareholders ratify this decision at the shareholder’s meeting.

 

If that is the case:

 

·management must forward to the CVM, within five days of the shareholders meeting, an explanation justifying the decision at the shareholders meeting; and

 

·the profits that were not distributed are to be recorded as a special reserve and, if not absorbed by losses in subsequent fiscal years, are to be paid as dividends as soon as the company’s financial situation allows.

 

For the purposes of the Brazilian Corporate Law, net profits are defined as net income after income tax and social contribution for the fiscal year, net of any accumulated losses from prior fiscal years and any amounts allocated to beneficiary parties’, employees’ and management’s participation in a company’s profits and subscription bonuses.

 

Under Brazilian Corporate Law, adjusted net income is an amount equal to our net income adjusted to reflect allocations to or from (i) legal reserves, and (ii) contingency reserves for anticipated losses, if any.

 

At each annual shareholders meeting, the board of directors is required to suggest the allocation of net profits obtained during the preceding fiscal year. Under Brazilian Corporate Law, we are required to maintain a legal reserve, to which 5% of our net profits must be allocated for each fiscal year, until the reserve amounts to 20% of our paid-in capital. Net losses, if any, shall be deducted from accumulated profits, profit reserves and legal reserve, in this order.

 

Brazilian Corporate Law also provides for an additional allocation of net profits to special accounts, also to be recommended by management and subject to approval by shareholders at the annual shareholders meeting, including the amount of net profits that may be allocated to the contingency reserve for anticipated losses that are deemed probable in future years. Any amount so allocated in a previous year must be either:

 

·reversed in the fiscal year in which the loss was anticipated, if the loss does not in fact occur; or

 

·written-off if the anticipated loss occurs.

 

Net profits may also be allocated to the unrealized income reserve in case the total amount of mandatory dividends exceeds the amount of realized net income. Such allocation should also be suggested by management and subject to approval by shareholders at the shareholders meeting. For such purpose, realized income is the balance of net profits exceeding the sum of:

 

·the positive net result of equity adjustment; and

 

·earnings, revenues or net profits from transactions or the accounting of assets and liabilities at market value, whose financial realization term occurs after the end of the next fiscal year.

 

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The amounts available for distribution are determined on the basis of financial statements prepared in accordance with the accounting practices adopted in Brazil.

 

If the minimum dividend to be paid to the holders of preferred shares is not paid for the period set forth in our bylaws, which in no event shall be longer than three years, the holders of preferred shares will be entitled to full voting rights until such dividend is paid in full.

 

Payment of Dividends

 

We are required by law and our bylaws to hold an annual shareholders meeting until April 30 of each year to approve, among other issues, the allocation of net profits earned during the preceding fiscal year and the declaration of dividends by decision of common shareholders, acting on the recommendation of the executive officers, as approved by the board of directors. The payment of annual dividends is based on the financial statements prepared for each fiscal year ending on December 31. Under the Brazilian Corporate Law, dividends are required to be paid within 60 days following the date the dividend is declared to the shareholders of record on the declaration date, unless a resolution by the shareholders sets forth another date of payment, which must occur before the end of the fiscal year.

 

A shareholder has a three-year period from the dividend payment date to claim dividends in respect of its shares, after which any unclaimed dividend distributions legally revert to the Company. Because our shares are issued in book-entry form, dividends with respect to any share are credited to the account holding the share and no action is required on part of the shareholder. We are not required to adjust the amount of paid-in capital for inflation.

 

If a shareholder is not a resident of Brazil, he or she must register with the Central Bank to be eligible to receive dividends, sales proceeds or other amounts with respect to his or her shares outside of Brazil. Our preferred shares underlying ADSs are held in Brazil by a Brazilian custodian, Citibank DTVM S.A., as the agent for the depositary Citibank N.A., which is the registered owner of our shares.

 

Payments of cash dividends and distributions, if any, will be made in Brazilian currency to the custodian on behalf of the depositary, which will then convert those proceeds into U.S. dollars and will provide for U.S. dollars to be delivered to the depositary for distribution to holders of ADSs. If the custodian is unable to immediately convert the Brazilian currency received as dividends into U.S. dollars, the amount of U.S. dollars payable to holders of ADSs may be adversely affected by devaluations of the Brazilian currency that occur before dividends are converted and remitted. Dividends in respect of the preferred shares paid to resident and nonresident shareholders, including holders of ADSs, are not currently subject to Brazilian withholding tax.

 

Additional Payments on Shareholders’ Equity

 

Law No. 9,249, dated December 26, 1995, as amended, provides for distribution to shareholders of interest on shareholders’ equity, which may be computed against the amount of dividends to be distributed to the shareholders. A company may treat these payments as financial expenses for income tax and social contribution purposes. Currently, this interest is limited to the daily pro rata variation of the TJLP, a nominal long-term interest rate determined by the federal government that includes an inflation factor and cannot exceed the greater of:

 

·50% of net income (before deducting income taxes and the interest on shareholders’ equity) for the period in respect of which the payment is made, or

 

·50% of the sum of retained earnings and profit reserves.

 

Currently, any payment of interest in respect to preferred shares to shareholders (including the holders of ADSs) is subject to Brazilian withholding tax at a rate of 15%, or 25% in the case of a shareholder domiciled in a tax haven, and these payments may be included, at their net value, as part of any mandatory dividend. If payment of interest on shareholders’ equity is made for a beneficiary located outside of Brazil, the IOF tax triggers at a rate of zero. See “Item 10. Additional Information—E. Taxation—Brazilian Tax Considerations—Distributions of Interest on Capital.”

 

We declare and pay dividends and/or interest on shareholders’ equity as required by Brazilian Corporate Law and our bylaws. The declaration of annual dividends, including dividends in excess of the mandatory distribution, requires approval by the vote of a majority of the holders of common shares, and depends on many factors. These

 

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factors include our results of operations, financial condition, cash requirements, future prospects and other factors deemed relevant by shareholders. Our shareholders have historically acted on these matters based on recommendations by the board of directors. Within the context of tax planning, we may determine in the future that it is to our benefit to distribute interest on shareholders’ equity.

 

The following table sets forth the dividends or interest on shareholders’ equity paid to holders of our common and preferred shares since 2015 in reais.

 

Year

Description (Dividends or Interest on Shareholders’ Equity)(1)

Common Shares

Preferred Shares

    (per share/in R$)
2019 Div/Int 3.518874 3.870762
2018 Div/Int 2.358070 2.593877
2017 Div/Int 2.088332 2.297165
2016 Div/Int 1.742031 1.916234
2015 Div/Int 3.195401 3.514941

 

 

 

(1)Interest on shareholders’ equity is net of withholding taxes.

 

Dividends and Interest on Shareholders’ Equity

 

On February 19, 2016, the board of directors approved, subject to shareholder approval, a payment of interest on shareholders’ equity for the common and preferred shares totaling R$200 million, which the Company paid on August 22, 2017.

 

On March 18, 2016, the board of directors approved, subject to shareholder approval, a payment of interest on shareholders’ equity for the common and preferred shares totaling R$337 million, which the Company paid on August 22, 2017.

 

On April 18, 2016, the board of directors approved, subject to shareholder approval, a payment of interest on shareholders’ equity for the common and preferred shares totaling R$220 million, which the Company paid on August 22, 2017.

 

On April 28, 2016, at the General Shareholders Meeting, the shareholders approved the distribution of dividends to the common and preferred shares in the total amount of R$1,287 million based on the closing balance sheet on December 31, 2015, which the Company paid on December 13, 2016.

 

On June 17, 2016, the board of directors approved, subject to shareholder approval, a payment of interest on shareholders’ equity for the common and preferred shares totaling R$161 million, which the Company paid on August 22, 2017.

 

On September 19, 2016, the board of directors approved, subject to shareholder approval, a payment of interest on shareholders’ equity for the common and preferred shares totaling R$650 million, which the Company paid on August 22, 2017.

 

On December 19, 2016, the board of directors approved, subject to shareholder approval, a payment of interest on shareholders’ equity for the common and preferred shares totaling R$604 million, which the Company paid on December 13, 2017.

 

On February 13, 2017, the board of directors approved, subject to shareholder approval, a payment of interest on shareholders’ equity for the common and preferred shares totaling R$180 million, which the Company paid on August 21, 2018.

 

On March 20, 2017, the board of directors approved, subject to shareholder approval, a payment of interest on shareholders’ equity for the common and preferred shares totaling R$350 million, which the Company paid on August 21, 2018.

 

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On April 26, 2017, at the General Shareholders Meeting, the shareholders approved the distribution of dividends to the common and preferred shares in the total amount of R$1,914 million based on the closing balance sheet on December 31, 2016, which the Company paid on December 13, 2017.

 

On June 19, 2017, the board of directors approved, subject to shareholder approval, a payment of interest on shareholders’ equity for the common and preferred shares totaling R$95 million, which the Company paid on August 21, 2018.

 

On September 18, 2017, the board of directors approved, subject to shareholder approval, a payment of interest on shareholders’ equity for the common and preferred shares totaling R$305 million, which the Company paid on August 21, 2018.

 

On December 14, 2017, the board of directors approved, subject to shareholder approval, a payment of interest on shareholders’ equity for the common and preferred shares totaling R$1,487 million, which the Company paid on August 21, 2018.

 

On April 12, 2018, at the General Shareholders Meeting, the shareholders approved the distribution of dividends to the common and preferred shares in the total amount of R$2,192 million based on the closing balance sheet on December 31, 2017, which the Company paid on December 11, 2018.

 

On June 18, 2018, the board of directors approved, subject to shareholder approval, a payment of interest on shareholders’ equity for the common and preferred shares totaling R$400 million, which the Company paid on August 20, 2019.

 

On September 05, 2018, the board of directors approved, subject to shareholder approval, a payment of interest on shareholders’ equity for the common and preferred shares totaling R$2,800 million, which the Company paid on August 20, 2019.

 

On December 4, 2018, the board of directors approved, subject to shareholder approval, a payment of interest on shareholders’ equity for the common and preferred shares totaling R$1,350 million, which the Company paid on December 17, 2019.

 

On February 15, 2019, the board of directors approved, subject to shareholder approval, a payment of interest on shareholders’ equity for the common and preferred shares totaling R$ 700 million. The payment will be made to common and preferred shareholders who were registered in the Company’s books on February 28, 2019, and it will be made by the end of fiscal year 2020, on a date to be determined by the Company’s Directors.

 

On April 11, 2019, at the General Shareholders Meeting, the shareholders approved the distribution of dividends to the common and preferred shares in the total amount of R$ 2,469 million based on the closing balance sheet on December 31, 2018, which the Company paid on December 17, 2019.

 

On April 17, 2019, the board of directors approved, subject to shareholder approval, a payment of interest on shareholders’ equity for the common and preferred shares totaling R$ 570 million. The payment will be made to common and preferred shareholders who were registered in the Company’s books on April 30, 2019, and it will be made by the end of fiscal year 2020, on a date to be determined by the Company’s Directors.

 

On June 17, 2019, the board of directors approved, subject to shareholder approval, a payment of interest on shareholders’ equity for the common and preferred shares totaling R$ 968 million. The payment will be made to common and preferred shareholders who were registered in the Company’s books on June 28, 2019, and it will be made by the end of fiscal year 2020, on a date to be determined by the Company’s Directors.

 

On December 19, 2019, the board of directors approved, subject to shareholder approval, a payment of interest on shareholders’ equity for the common and preferred shares totaling R$ 350 million. Also, the distribution of dividends to the common and preferred shares in the total amount of R$1,000 million was approved. The both payments will be made to common and preferred shareholders who were registered in the Company’s books on December 30, 2019, and it will be made by the end of fiscal year 2020, on a date to be determined by the Company’s Directors.

 

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Dividends and interest on shareholders equity declared based on Telefônica Brasil’s 2019 net profit totaled R$3,588 million. The remaining R$2,196 million were classified as proposed additional dividends and will be submitted to the approval of the 2020 General Shareholders Meeting of the Company.

 

B. Significant Changes

 

None.

 

Item 9.The Offer and Listing

 

A. Offer and Listing Details

 

The trading market for our common and preferred shares is the B3.

 

Our preferred shares began trading on the B3 on September 21, 1998 and are traded on the B3 under the symbol “VIVT4” (formerly TLPP4).” Our common shares trade under the symbol “VIVT3” (formerly TLPP3). On December 31, 2019, we had approximately 1,691.0 million common and preferred shares held by approximately 2.3 million common and/or preferred shareholders.

 

In the United States, the preferred shares trade in the form of ADRs, each representing one preferred share, issued by Citibank N.A., as depositary, pursuant to a Deposit Agreement, among us, the depositary and the registered holders and beneficial owners from time to time of ADRs. The ADRs commenced trading on the NYSE on November 16, 1998 and are traded on NYSE under the symbol “VIV” (formerly TSP).

 

B. Plan of Distribution

 

Not applicable.

 

C. Markets

 

Regulation of Brazilian Securities Markets

 

The Brazilian securities market is regulated and supervised by the CMN (which has general authority over the stock exchanges and securities markets), as provided for by the Brazilian Securities Exchange Act and Brazilian Corporate Law. The CMN is responsible for supervising the CVM’s activities, granting licenses to brokerage firms to govern their incorporation and operation, and regulating foreign investment and exchange transactions, as provided for by the Brazilian Securities Exchange Act and Law No. 4,595 of December 31, 1964, as amended. These laws and regulations provide for, among other things, disclosure requirements to issuers of securities listed on stock exchanges, criminal sanctions for insider trading and price manipulation, protection of minority shareholders, the procedures for licensing and supervising brokerage firms and the governance of Brazilian stock exchanges.

 

Under Brazilian Corporate Law, a company is either publicly held and listed, a companhia aberta, or privately held and unlisted, a companhia fechada. All listed companies are registered with the CVM and are subject to reporting requirements to periodically disclose information and material facts. A company registered with the CVM is authorized to trade its securities either on the Brazilian exchange markets, including the B3, or in the Brazilian over-the-counter market. Shares of companies listed on B3 may not simultaneously trade on the Brazilian over-the-counter markets. The over-the-counter market consists of direct trades between persons in which a financial institution registered with the CVM serves as an intermediary. No special application, other than registration with the CVM (and, in case of organized over-the-counter markets, with the relevant over-the-counter market), is necessary for securities of a publicly held company to be traded in this market. To be listed on the B3, a company must apply for registration with the B3 and the CVM.

 

Trading in securities on the B3 may be suspended under a request from a company in anticipation of a material announcement. Trading in the securities of a particular company may also be suspended under the initiative of B3 or the CVM, among other reasons, due to the belief that the company has provided inadequate information regarding a material event or has provided inadequate responses to inquiries by the CVM or the B3.

 

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Trading on the B3

 

B3 is a Brazilian publicly held company established in March 2017 when the securities, commodities and futures exchanges activities of BM&FBOVESPA were combined with the activities of CETIP, a provider of financial services for the organized OTC market. B3 is one of the world’s largest financial market infrastructure providers by market value. The services it offers range from exchange trading, clearing and other post-trade services to registration of over-the-counter (OTC) transactions and of vehicle and real estate loans.

 

Trading on the exchange is conducted by authorized members. Trading sessions take place every business day, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., during daylight savings time in the United States, or from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., on an electronic trading system called PUMA. Trading is also conducted between 5:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., in the period when the trading sessions close at 5:00 p.m., in an after-market system connected to both traditional brokerage firms and brokerage firms operating on the Internet. This after-market trading is subject to regulatory limits on price volatility of securities traded by investors operating on the Internet.

 

To better control the excess of volatility in market conditions, B3 has adopted a “circuit breaker” system pursuant to which trading sessions may be suspended for a period of 30 minutes or one hour whenever the indices of these stock exchanges fall below the limits of 10% and 15%, respectively, compared to the index at the close of trading of the previous trading day. In the event the stock exchange index falls below the limit of 20% in comparison to the previous trading day, B3 may determine the suspension of trading sessions for a certain period to be defined at its sole discretion.

 

Although all the outstanding shares of an exchange-listed company may trade on a Brazilian stock exchange, in most cases, less than half of the listed shares are actually available for trading by the public, the remainder being held by small groups of controlling entities or persons that rarely trade their shares. For this reason, data showing the total market capitalization of Brazilian stock exchanges tends to overstate the liquidity of the Brazilian equity securities market.

 

Corporate Governance Practices

 

We are a sociedade anônima, a corporation incorporated under the laws of Brazil, and are subject to the corporate governance provisions set forth within Brazilian Corporate Law. We comply with the regulatory requirements of the Brazilian Corporate Law regarding the independence of our board of directors, the establishment and composition of certain board committees and the adoption and disclosure of corporate governance guidelines.

 

We comply with several requirements of Brazilian and international laws to promote strong corporate governance, reduce investor uncertainties and enhance disclosure of material and other information.

 

With the approval of our board of directors and/or Officers, we implemented several measures over the last few years designed to improve our transparency and disclosure practices. We believe these measures will benefit our shareholders, and current and future investors as well as the marketplace in general. Among the measures we have implemented, we have:

 

·created a policy for disclosure of material facts or corporate actions and trading of our securities (Política de Divulgação de Ato ou Fato Relevante e de Negociação de Valores Mobiliários);

 

·created a policy for internal controls related to the Communication, Recording and Control of Financial and Accounting Information (Normativa sobre Registro, Comunicação e Controle de Informação Financeiro-Contábil);

 

·established the Service Quality and Marketing Committee;

 

·established the Control and Audit Committee;

 

·established the Nominations, Compensation and Corporate Governance Committee;

 

·established the Strategy Committee;

 

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·enacted a procedure to receive and deal with reports of accounting and auditing fraud within the company (Canal de Denúncias);

 

·enacted a policy for prior approval of contracting audit services (Normativa sobre Aprovação Prévia de Serviços a serem Prestados pelo Auditor Externo);

 

·enacted a code of business conduct and ethics (Princípios de Negócio Responsável);

 

·enacted a code of conduct for members of our finance team regulating the conduct of our managers in connection with the registration and control of financial and accounting information and their access to privileged and nonpublic information and data (Normas de Conduta para Financeiros);

 

·enacted a policy regarding communication of information to the securities market (Normativa sobre Comunicação de Informação aos Mercados);

 

·enacted a policy regarding the prevention and fight against corruption (Diretrizes de Prevenção e Combate à Corrupção and Política Anticorrupção).

 

As determined by the Brazilian Corporate Law, the annual cap for the aggregate compensation of the statutory board of directors and Board of Executive Officers is approved by our shareholders at a shareholders meeting. The Nominations, Compensation and Corporate Governance Committee provides information and recommendations to the board of directors regarding the criterion for compensation.

 

Our policy relating to insider trading is determined pursuant to our Política de Divulgação de Ato ou Fato Relevante e de Negociação de Valores Mobiliários in accordance with corporate law. Controlling Shareholders, Senior management and members of our board of directors and any other employee exposed to sensitive information are subject to the restrictions imposed by such rules. In addition to the prohibition on trading of our shares by such individuals when in possession of insider information, the rules establish blackout trading periods for those periods when insider information is available. In addition, the charter sets forth instructions for dealing with conflicts of interest and mandates disclosure of any such situation.

 

Code of Business Conduct and Ethics

 

Although adoption of a code of ethics is not required by Brazilian Corporate Law, we implemented a code of business conduct and ethics called the “Princípios de Negócio Responsável” (“PNR”), or the Telefónica Business Principles, regulating the conduct of our employees in general (including senior financial officers and executive officers) to comply with the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and NYSE rules. See “Item 16B. Code of Ethics.”

 

D. Selling Shareholders

 

Not applicable.

 

E. Dilution

 

Not applicable.

 

F. Expenses of the Issue

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 10.Additional Information

 

A. Share Capital

 

Not applicable.

 

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B. Memorandum and Articles of Association

 

The following information describes our common shares and preferred shares and provisions set forth by our bylaws and of the Brazilian Corporate Law. This description is only a summary. You should read and refer to our bylaws (estatuto social) included as Exhibit 1.1 hereto.

 

Description of Our Bylaws

 

The following is a summary of the material provisions of our bylaws and of the Brazilian Corporate Law. In Brazil, a company’s bylaws (estatuto social) are the principal governing document of a corporation (sociedade por ações).

 

General

 

We are registered with the Board of Trade of São Paulo (Junta Comercial de São Paulo), or JUCESP, under No. 35.3.001588-14. We have been duly registered with the CVM under No. 17671 since August 19, 1998. Our headquarters are located in the city of São Paulo, state of São Paulo, Brazil. Our company has an undetermined period of existence.

 

As of December 31, 2019, we had outstanding share capital of R$63,571,415,865.09, comprised of 1,690,984,923 total shares, consisting of 571,644,217 issued common shares and 1,119,340,706 issued preferred shares. All of our outstanding share capital is fully paid. All of our shares are without par value. Under the Brazilian Corporate Law, and in accordance with Law 10,303/01 considering that we were a publicly held company before 2001, the aggregate number of our non-voting and limited voting preferred shares may not exceed two-thirds of our total outstanding share capital. In addition, our board of directors may increase our share capital up to 1,850,000,000 common or preferred shares without amendment to our bylaws. Any increase of our share capital above that limit must be approved by a general extraordinary shareholders meeting.

 

As of December 31, 2019, 2,290,164 common shares were held by us (treasury shares) at a book value per share of R$41.81. As of December 31, 2018, 983 preferred shares were held by us (treasury shares) at a book value per share of R$41.81. As of the date of this annual report, there are no persons to whom any capital of the Company or any of our subsidiaries is under option or agreed conditionally or unconditionally to be put under option.

 

History of Share Capital

 

At a meeting held on March 25, 2015, the board of directors approved unanimously the realization of a Public Offering for the Primary Distribution of Common and Preferred Shares issued by the Company, all registered shares, without par value, free and clear of any liens or encumbrances, including in the form of American Depositary Shares (“ADSs”), represented by American Depositary Receipts, held simultaneously in Brazil and abroad, through a capital increase of the Company.

 

The capital increase was approved by the board of directors’ meeting held on April 27, 2015, amounting to R$15.8 billion, increasing the Company’s share capital from R$37.8 billion to R$53.6 billion through the issuance of 121,711,240 common shares, at an issue price of R$38.47 per unit, and 236,803,588 preferred shares, at an issue price of R$47.00 per unit. Common shares, preferred shares and ADSs issued as a result of this capital increase confer to their holders, as of April 28, 2015, date of disclosure of the Global Offering announcement of commencement, the same rights assigned respectively to the holders of common shares, preferred shares and ADSs, currently outstanding, under the Company’s Bylaws and the Brazilian Law of Corporations, fully participating in dividends and other distributions declared from the date of publication of the Global Offering announcement of commencement.

 

The issue price of R$47.00 per preferred share was determined after the completion of the bookbuilding process, in accordance with Article 23, paragraph 1, and Article 44 of CVM Instruction 400, and in accordance with the provisions of Article 170, paragraph 1, item III, of Law 6,404 of December 15, 1976, as amended. The issue price of R$38.47 per common share was determined based on the price per preferred share determined after the completion of the bookbuilding process, applying a discount of 18.14%, which represents the average price discount trading of the common shares issued by the Company in relation to the trading price of the preferred shares issued by the Company in the three months prior to March 26, 2015.

 

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In addition, at a meeting held on April 30, 2015, the board of directors approved a second capital increase in connection with the Public Offering for the Primary Distribution of Shares, due to the exercise, by the Bank of America Merrill Lynch Banco Múltiplo S.A., of the option of over-allotment of shares that was granted by the Company through the Coordination, Placement and Firm Guarantee of Settlement of Common and Preferred Shares Issued by Telefônica Brasil S.A., in accordance with Article 24 of CVM Instruction 400, of December 29, 2003, as amended, to meet the excess demand verified during the Offering. The Company’s share capital was increased in the amount of R$295.3 million, through the issuance of 6,282,660 preferred shares at the issue price of R$ 47.00 per unit, increasing the share capital of the Company to R$53.9 billion, represented by 503,046,911 common shares and 985,019,821 preferred shares.

 

Finally, on May 28, 2015, the General Shareholders’ Meeting approved the merger of shares issued by GVT Participações (“GVTPar”) by the Company and its implementation, with the conversion of GVTPar in a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company and the consequent increase in the Company’s capital in the amount of R$9.7 billion through the issue of 68,597,306 common shares and 134,320,885 preferred shares, all without par value, increasing the share capital of the Company to R$63.6 billion, as it stands at the date of this report.

 

Corporate Purposes

 

Under Article 2 of our bylaws, our corporate purposes are:

 

·the exploration of telecommunications services;

 

·the development of activities necessary or useful for the execution of these services, in accordance with the concessions, authorizations, and permissions granted to us;

 

·the exploration of value-added services, including, without limitation, the provision of audio, video, image and text content, applications and the like;

 

·the exploration of integrated solutions, management, and provision of services related to: (i) data centers, including hosting and colocation; (ii) storage, processing, and management of data, information, texts, images, videos, applications, and information systems and the like; (iii) information technology; (iv) information and communication security; (v) telecommunications; and (vi) electronic security systems related to theft, intrusion, fire, and others; and

 

·Licensing and sub-licensing of software of any nature.

 

In the pursuit of its corporate purpose, the Company may incorporate assets and rights of third parties into its assets, as well as:

 

·participate in the capital of other companies, including in order to comply with the national telecommunications policy;

 

·create companies and/or subsidiaries for the execution of activities within its purpose and that are preferably decentralized;

 

·promote the importation of goods and services necessary for the execution of activities within its purpose;

 

·provide technical assistance services to companies in the telecommunications sector, carrying out activities of common interest;

 

·manage and provide maintenance, assistance and technical support in information technology and equipment related to the Company’s activities;

 

·provide consulting services related to the Company’s activities;

 

·prepare, implement, and install projects related to the Company’s activities;

 

·manage and render engineering services and carry out civil construction and related works, necessary for the execution of projects related to the Company’s activities;

 

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·provide monitoring services related to the Company’s activities;

 

·provide business intermediation services in general;

 

·market and sell and lease equipment and materials necessary or useful for the exploration of its activities, including precision, measurement, and electronic sensor equipment;

 

·carry out studies and research activities, aiming at the development of the telecommunications sector;

 

·enter into contracts and agreements with other companies that explore telecommunications services or with any persons or entities, with the purpose of ensuring the operation of the services, without prejudice to its duties and powers; and

 

·carry out other similar or related activities assigned to it by the National Telecommunications Agency - ANATEL.

 

Board of Directors

 

Under our bylaws, any matters subject to the approval of our Board of Directors can be approved only by the majority of votes of the present members of our Board of Directors with a majority of members currently in office. Under our bylaws, our board of directors may only deliberate if a majority of its members are present at a duly convened meeting and in the event of a tie, the Chairman of the board of directors shall be the tiebreaker.

 

Election of Directors

 

The members of our Board of Directors are elected at general meetings of shareholders for concurrent three-year terms. The tenure of the members of the Board of Directors and of the Board of Executive Officers will be conditioned on such members signing the respective instrument of investiture and complying with applicable legal requirements.

 

Qualification of Directors

 

Brazilian Corporate Law no longer requires ownership of shares in order for a person to qualify as a member of the board of directors of a corporation. The Brazilian Corporate Law requires each of our executive officers to be residents of Brazil. Members of our Board of Directors are not required to be residents of Brazil; however, their tenure is conditioned on the appointment of a representative who resides in Brazil with powers to receive service of process in proceedings initiated against such member based on the corporate legislation, by means of a power-of-attorney valid for at least three years after the termination of the term of such director.

 

Fiduciary Duties and Conflicts of Interest

 

All members of our board of directors owe fiduciary duties to us and all of our shareholders.

 

Under the Brazilian Corporate Law and the board of directors’ internal rules, if one of our directors has a conflict of interest with our company in connection with any proposed transaction, such director may not vote in any decision of our board of directors regarding such transaction and must disclose the nature and extent of his conflicting interest for inclusion in the minutes of the applicable meeting. Brazilian Corporate Law sets forth similar conflict of interest rules applicable to executive officers.

 

Any transaction in which one of our directors or executive officers may have an interest can only be approved on reasonable and fair terms and conditions that are no more favorable than the terms and conditions prevailing in the market or offered by third parties. If any such transaction does not meet this requirement, then the Brazilian Corporate Law provides that the transaction may be nullified and the interested director or executive officer must return to us any benefits or other advantages that he obtained from, or as result of, such transaction. Under the Brazilian Corporate Law and upon the request of a shareholder who owns at least 5% of our total share capital, our directors and executive officers must disclose to our shareholders at the Annual Shareholders’ Meeting certain transactions and circumstances that may give rise to a conflict of interest. In addition, our company (through the approval of the majority of our share capital) or shareholders who own 5% or more of our share capital may bring an

 

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action for civil liability against directors and executive officers for any losses caused to us as a result of a conflict of interest.

 

Compensation

 

Under our bylaws, our common shareholders approve the annual cap for aggregate compensation payable to our directors, executive officers and members of our Fiscal Board. Subject to this approval, our board of directors establishes the compensation of its members and of our executive officers.

 

As per Brazilian Corporate Law, the compensation payable to the members of the fiscal board shall not be less than 10% of the compensation of the company’s executive officers, not including other benefits listed in paragraph three of article 162 thereof.

 

Mandatory Retirement

 

Neither the Brazilian Corporate Law nor our bylaws establish a mandatory retirement age for our directors or executive officers.

 

Share Capital

 

Under the Brazilian Corporate Law, since October 2001, as per Law 10,303, the number of issued and outstanding non-voting shares or shares with limited voting rights, such as our preferred shares, may not exceed fifty percent of the total outstanding share capital, and not two thirds. However, according to the same law, companies that were already incorporated before said law went into effect were permitted to maintain the previous requirements. Therefore, in accordance with Law 10,303/01, considering that we were a publicly held company incorporated before 2001, the number of our issued and outstanding non-voting shares or shares with limited voting rights, such as our preferred shares, may not exceed two-thirds of our total outstanding share capital.

 

Each of our common shares entitles its holder to one vote at our annual and extraordinary shareholders’ meetings. Holders of our common shares are not entitled to any preference in respect of our dividends or other distributions or otherwise in case of our liquidation.

 

Our preferred shares are non-voting, except in limited circumstances. They are given priority in the reimbursement of capital, without premium, and are entitled to receive a dividend 10% higher than that attributable to common shares. See “—Voting Rights” for information regarding the voting rights of our preferred shares and “—Dividends—Dividend Preference of Preferred Shares” for information regarding the distribution preferences of our preferred shares.

 

Shareholders’ Meetings

 

Under the Brazilian Corporate Law, we must hold an annual shareholders’ meeting until April 30 of each year in order to:

 

·approve or reject the financial statements approved by our board of directors, including any recommendation by our Board of Directors for the allocation of net profit and distribution of dividends;

 

·elect members of our Board of Directors (upon expiration of their three-year terms) and members of our Fiscal Board, subject to the right of preferred shareholders and minority common shareholders to elect members of our board of directors and our fiscal board; and

 

·approve the monetary adjustment of our share capital.

 

In addition to the annual shareholders’ meetings, holders of our common shares have the power to determine any matters related to changes in our corporate purposes and to pass any resolutions they deem necessary to protect and enhance our development whenever our interests so require, by means of extraordinary shareholders’ meetings.

 

We convene our shareholders’ meetings, including our annual shareholders’ meeting, by publishing a notice in two Brazilian newspapers (the State official gazette and a major newspaper). On the first call of any meeting, the notice must be published no fewer than three times, beginning at least 15 calendar days prior to the scheduled

 

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meeting date. On the second call of any meeting, the notice must be published no fewer than three times, beginning at least 8 calendar days prior to the scheduled meeting date. For meetings involving deliberations described under article 136 of the Brazilian Corporate Law, the notice must be published at least 30 calendar days prior to the scheduled meeting date and on the second call at least 10 calendar days prior to the scheduled meeting date. The notice must contain the meeting’s place, date, time, agenda and, in the case of a proposed amendment to our bylaws, a description of the subject matter of the proposed amendment.

 

Our Board of Directors may convene shareholders’ meetings. Under the Brazilian Corporate Law, shareholders’ meetings also may be convened by our shareholders as follows:

 

·by any of our shareholders if, under certain circumstances set forth in the Brazilian Corporate Law, our directors do not convene a shareholders’ meeting required by law within 60 days;

 

·by shareholders holding at least 5% of our total share capital if, after a period of 8 days, our directors fail to call a shareholders’ meeting that has been requested by such shareholders by means of a duly reasoned request that indicates the subject matter; and

 

·by shareholders holding at least 5% of either our total voting share capital or our total non-voting share capital, if, after a period of 8 days, our directors fail to call a shareholders’ meeting for the purpose of appointing a fiscal board that has been requested by such shareholders.

 

In addition, our Fiscal Board may convene an ordinary shareholders’ meeting if our board of directors does not convene an annual shareholders’ meeting within 30 days or an extraordinary shareholders’ meeting at any other time to consider any urgent and serious matters.

 

Each shareholders’ meeting is presided over by the president of the board of directors, who is responsible for choosing a secretary of the meeting. In case of absence of the president of the board of directors at the shareholders’ meeting, the shareholders may choose, among those present, the president and the secretary of the meeting. A shareholder may be represented at a shareholders’ meeting by an attorney-in-fact appointed by the shareholder less than one year before the meeting. The attorney-in-fact must be a shareholder, a member of our board of directors, a member of our board of executive officers, a lawyer or a financial institution, and the power of attorney appointing the attorney-in-fact must comply with certain formalities set forth under Brazilian law. To be admitted to a shareholders’ meeting, a person must produce proof of his or her shareholder status or a valid power of attorney, together with any other requirement provided for in the call notice.

 

In order to convene a shareholders’ meeting, shareholders representing at least 25% of our issued voting share capital must be present on the first call. However, shareholders representing at least two-thirds of our issued voting share capital must be present at a shareholders’ meeting called to amend our bylaws. If a quorum is not met, our board of directors may issue a second call by publishing a notice as described above at least 8 calendar days prior to the scheduled meeting. Except as otherwise provided by law, the quorum requirements do not apply to a meeting held on the second call, and the shareholders’ meetings may be convened with the presence of shareholders representing any number of shares (subject to the voting requirements for certain matters described below). A shareholder without a right to vote may attend a shareholders’ meeting and take part in the discussion of matters submitted for consideration.

 

Remote Voting

 

Pursuant to the CVM Instruction No. 561/15, that amended the CVM Instruction No. 481/09, and as amended by CVM Instruction No. 614/19, the system of Remote Voting should be adopted by Brazilian companies for: (i) an Ordinary General Shareholders’ Meeting; (ii) whenever an Extraordinary General Shareholders’ Meeting is called and occurs on the same date as an Ordinary General Shareholders’ Meeting; and (iii) whenever a Shareholders’ Meeting is called to elect the members of the Fiscal Board or of the board of directors, due to the requirements set forth in article 21-A, paragraph 1, item II of CVM Instruction No. 481/09. This system aims to facilitate the participation of the Company’s shareholders in its meetings. This instruction provides for the following:

 

·the creation of a Remote Voting Ballot (“Boletim de Voto a Distância”) through which the shareholders may exercise their right to vote prior to the date in which the shareholders’ meeting is held;

 

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·the possibility to include in the Remote Voting Ballot a list of candidates and submit minority shareholders’ proposals, for deliberation at the shareholders’ meeting, upon satisfaction of certain criteria; and

 

·the deadlines, procedures and means of transmitting the Remote Voting Bulletin.

 

In addition, listed companies are required to adopt certain measures regarding the voting process, including:

 

·informing the market of the adoption of the cumulative voting process in shareholders’ meetings immediately upon receipt of the first valid requirement; and

 

·disclosing voting maps, as well as any voting statement presented by a shareholder at a meeting;

 

In accordance with the provisions of applicable laws and regulations, Telefônica Brasil S.A. has adopted the Remote Voting System since its Annual Shareholders’ Meeting held on April 26, 2017.

 

Voting Rights

 

Under the Brazilian Corporate Law and our bylaws, each of our common shares entitles its holder to one vote at our shareholders’ meetings. Our preferred shares generally do not confer voting rights, except in limited circumstances described below. Holders of preferred shares are only entitled to attend and to discuss, but not to vote on, the issues discussed at our general shareholders’ meetings. Whenever the shares of any class are entitled to vote, each share is entitled to one vote. There are no limitations under the Brazilian Corporate Law or our bylaws on the right of non-Brazilian residents or nationals to own shares or vote according to those shares, other than the restrictions applicable to all shareholders.

 

Voting Rights of Common Shares

 

Except as otherwise provided by law, resolutions of a shareholders’ meeting are passed by a simple majority vote of the holders of our common shares present or represented at the meeting, without taking abstentions into account. Under the Brazilian Corporate Law, the approval of shareholders representing at least half of our voting shares is required for the types of action described below:

 

·creating preferred shares or disproportionately increasing an existing class of our preferred shares relative to the other classes of our preferred shares, other than to the extent permitted by our bylaws;

 

·changing a priority, preference, right, privilege or condition of redemption or amortization of any class of our preferred shares or creating a new class of preferred shares that has a priority, preference, right, condition or redemption or amortization superior to an existing class of our preferred shares;

 

·reducing the mandatory dividend set forth in our bylaws;

 

·changing our corporate purpose;

 

·merging our company with another company, or consolidating our company, subject to the conditions set forth in the Brazilian Corporate Law;

 

·transferring all of our shares to another company, known as an “incorporação de ações” under the Brazilian Corporate Law;

 

·participating in a centralized group of companies (grupo de sociedades) as defined under the Brazilian Corporate Law and subject to the conditions set forth in the Brazilian Corporate Law;

 

·dissolving or liquidating our company or canceling any ongoing liquidation of our company; and

 

·spinning-off of all or any part of our company.

 

Decisions on the transformation of our company into another form of business entity require the unanimous approval of our shareholders, including the holders of our preferred shares.

 

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Our company is required to give effect to shareholders agreements that contain provisions regarding the purchase or sale of our shares, preemptive rights to acquire our shares, the exercise of the right to vote or the power to control our company, if these agreements are filed with our headquarters. Brazilian Corporate Law requires the president of any Shareholder’s or Board of Directors meeting to disregard any vote taken by any of the parties to any shareholders agreement that has been duly filed with our company that violates the provisions of any such agreement. In the event that a shareholder that is party to a shareholders agreement (or a director appointed by such shareholder) is absent from any shareholders’ or board of directors’ meeting or abstains from voting, the other party or parties to that shareholders agreement have the right to vote the shares of the absent or abstaining shareholder (or on behalf of the absent director) in compliance with that shareholders agreement.

 

Under the Brazilian Corporate Law, neither our bylaws nor actions taken at a shareholders’ meeting may deprive any of our shareholders of certain specific rights, including:

 

·the right to participate in the distribution of our profits;

 

·the right to participate in any remaining residual assets in the event of our liquidation;

 

·the right to supervise the management of our corporate business as specified in the Brazilian Corporate Law;

 

·preemptive rights in the event of an issuance of our shares, debentures convertible into our shares or subscription bonuses, except with respect to a public offering of our securities; and

 

·the right to withdraw from our company under the circumstances specified in the Brazilian Corporate Law.

 

Voting Rights of Minority Shareholders

 

Shareholders holding shares representing not less than 5% of our voting shares at our shareholders’ meeting have the right to request that we adopt a cumulative voting procedure to elect the members of the Board of Directors. This procedure must be requested by the required number of shareholders at least 48 hours prior to a shareholders’ meeting.

 

Under the Brazilian Corporate Law, shareholders that are not controlling shareholders, but that together hold either:

 

·non-voting preferred shares representing at least 10% of our total share capital; or

 

·common shares representing at least 15% of our voting capital have the right to appoint one member to our Board of Directors at our shareholders’ meeting. If no group of our common or preferred shareholders meets the thresholds described above, shareholders holding preferred shares or common shares representing at least 10% of our total share capital are entitled to combine their holdings to appoint one member to our Board of Directors.

 

In the event that minority holders of common shares and/or holders of non-voting preferred shares elect a director and the cumulative voting procedures described above are also used, our controlling shareholders always retain the right to elect at least one member more than the number of members elected by the other shareholders, regardless of the total number of members of our board of directors.

 

The shareholders seeking to exercise these minority rights must prove that they have held their shares for no less than three (3) months preceding the shareholders’ meeting at which the director will be appointed. Brazilian Corporate Law provides that any directors appointed by the non-controlling shareholders have the right to veto for cause the selection of our independent registered public accounting firm.

 

In accordance with the Brazilian Corporate Law, the holders of preferred shares without voting rights or with restricted voting rights are entitled to elect one member and an alternate to our Fiscal Board in a separate election. Minority shareholders have the same right as long as they jointly represent 10% or more of the voting shares. The other shareholders with the right to vote may elect the remaining members and alternates, who, in any event, must outnumber the directors and alternates elected by the holders of the non-voting preferred shares and the minority shareholders.

 

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Voting Rights of Preferred Shares

 

The appointment of one member of our statutory Fiscal Council and our Board of Directors takes places at the annual ordinary general shareholders’ meeting, upon a separate vote of the holders of preferred shares, for the available position. The election of a member of the board of directors by preferred shareholders also occurs on a separate vote, with no participation of the controlling shareholder.

 

Brazilian Corporate Law provides that certain non-voting shares, such as our preferred shares, shall be entitled to voting rights in the event a corporation fails for three consecutive fiscal years to pay any fixed or minimum dividends to which non-voting shares are entitled. In this case, the voting rights shall extend to these shares until the date on which the accrued and unpaid dividend is finally paid.

 

Preferred shares are entitled to full voting rights with respect to:

 

·the election of one member to the Board of Directors and Fiscal Board in a separate vote;

 

·amendments to our bylaw to suppress preferred shareholders’ voting right to select new Board members in a separate vote;

 

·any agreements for the rendering of management services (including technical assistance services) between us and any foreign entity related to our controlling shareholder;

 

·any agreements with related parties, in which the terms and conditions established are more onerous to our company than those normally adopted by the market in agreements of the same type;

 

·resolutions amending or revoking article 9, the sole paragraph of Article 11, and article 30 of our bylaws; and

 

·any resolution submitted to the general shareholders meeting during our liquidation process.

 

Under the Brazilian Corporate Law, the following actions require ratification by the majority of issued and outstanding shares of the affected class within one year from the shareholders’ meeting at which the common shareholders approve the action:

 

·the creation of preferred shares or a disproportionate increase of an existing class of our preferred shares relative to the other classes of our preferred shares, other than to the extent permitted by our bylaws;

 

·a change of a priority, preference, right, privilege or condition of redemption or amortization of any class of our preferred shares; or

 

·the creation of a new class of preferred shares that has a priority, preference, right, condition or redemption or amortization superior to an existing class of our preferred shares.

 

This meeting would be called by publication of a notice in two Brazilian newspapers for three days, at least 30 days before the meeting.

 

Liquidation

 

We may be liquidated in accordance with the provisions of Brazilian law. In the event of our extrajudicial liquidation, a shareholders’ meeting will determine the manner of our liquidation, appoint our liquidator and our Fiscal Board that will function during the liquidation period.

 

Upon our liquidation, our preferred shares will be given preference in the reimbursement of capital, without premium.

 

Preemptive Rights

 

Each shareholder has a general preemptive right to subscribe for shares of the same class in any capital increase, in an amount sufficient to keep the same proportional participation of such shareholder in the total capital of the

 

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corporation. A minimum period of 30 days following the publication of the capital increase notice shall be observed by the corporation for the exercise of the preemptive right by the shareholder. The right of participation in capital increases is assignable under Brazilian Corporate Law. In the event of a capital increase that would maintain or increase the proportion of capital represented by preferred shares, holders of ADSs, or of preferred shares, would have the preemptive right to subscribe only to our newly issued preferred shares. In the event of a capital increase that would reduce the proportion of capital represented by preferred shares, holders of ADSs, or of preferred shares, would have the preemptive right to subscribe to our newly issued preferred shares in proportion to their shareholdings and to our newly issued common shares only to the extent necessary to prevent dilution of their interest.

 

However, holders of our ADSs may not be able to exercise the preemptive rights relating to our shares underlying their ADSs unless a registration statement under the Securities Act is effective with respect to those rights or an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act is available. We are not obligated to file a registration statement with respect to the shares relating to these preemptive rights or to take any other action to make preemptive rights available to holders of our ADSs, and we may not file any such registration statement.

 

In addition, a publicly held company whose bylaws allow for capital increases may provide for the issuance of stock, debentures convertible into stock or subscription bonuses without granting any preemptive rights to prior shareholders or by decreasing the term for the shareholders to exercise their preemptive rights, as long as the placement of such securities is made:

 

·upon a sale on a stock exchange or public subscription;

 

·through an exchange of shares in a public offering, with the purpose of acquiring control of another company; or

 

·for the use of certain tax incentives but only when such placement is made without granting preemptive rights.

 

Redemption, Amortization, Tender Offers and Rights of Withdrawal

 

Our bylaws or our shareholders at a shareholders’ meeting may authorize us to use our profits or reserves to redeem or amortize our shares in accordance with conditions and procedures established for such redemption or amortization. The Brazilian Corporate Law defines “redemption” (resgate de ações) as the payment of the value of the shares in order to permanently remove such shares from circulation, with or without a corresponding reduction of our share capital. The Brazilian Corporate Law defines “amortization” (amortização) as the distribution to the shareholders, without a corresponding capital reduction, of amounts that they would otherwise receive if we were liquidated. If an amortization distribution has been paid prior to our liquidation, then upon our liquidation, the shareholders who did not receive an amortization distribution will have a preference equal to the amount of the amortization distribution in the distribution of our capital.

 

The Brazilian Corporate Law authorizes us to redeem shares not held by our controlling shareholders, if, after a tender offer effected as a consequence of delisting or a substantial reduction in the liquidity of our shares, our controlling shareholders increase their participation in our total share capital to more than 95%. The redemption price in such case would be the same price paid for our shares in any such tender offer.

 

The Brazilian Corporate Law and our bylaws also require the acquirer of control (in case of a change of control) or the controller (in case of delisting or a substantial reduction in liquidity of our shares) to make a tender offer for the acquisition of the shares held by minority shareholders under certain circumstances described below under “—Mandatory Tender Offers.” The shareholder can also withdraw its capital from our company under certain circumstances described below under “—Rights of Withdrawal.”

 

Mandatory Tender Offers

 

The Brazilian Corporate Law requires the launching of a tender offer at a purchase price equal to the fair value for all outstanding shares in order to cancel the registration of our company as a publicly held company or in case of a substantial reduction in the liquidity of our shares as a result of purchases by our controlling shareholders.

 

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If our controlling shareholders enter into a transaction which results in a change of control of our company, the controlling shareholders must include in the documentation of the transaction an obligation of the acquirer to launch a tender offer for the purchase of all our common shares for, at least, 80% of the price per share paid to the controlling shareholders. The tender offer must be submitted to the CVM within 30 days from the date of execution of the definitive documents of sale of the shares.

 

Rights of Withdrawal

 

The Brazilian Corporate Law provides that, in certain limited circumstances, a dissenting shareholder may withdraw its equity interest from our company and be reimbursed by us for the value of our common or preferred shares that it then holds.

 

This right of withdrawal may be exercised by dissenting shareholders in the event that the holders of shares with voting rights authorize:

 

(i)creating preferred shares or disproportionately increasing an existing class of our preferred shares relative to the other classes of our preferred shares, other than to the extent permitted by our bylaws;

 

(ii)changing a priority, preference, right, privilege or condition of redemption or amortization of any class of our preferred shares or creating a new class of preferred shares that has a priority, preference, right, condition or redemption or amortization superior to an existing class of our preferred shares;

 

(iii)reducing the mandatory dividend set forth in our bylaws;

 

(iv)a change in our corporate purpose;

 

(v)merging our company with another company, or consolidating our company, subject to the conditions set forth in the Brazilian Corporate Law;

 

(vi)the acquisition of all of our shares by another company, known as an “incorporação de ações” under the Brazilian Corporate Law;

 

(vii)participating in a centralized group of companies (grupo de sociedades) as defined under the Brazilian Corporate Law and subject to the conditions set forth in the Brazilian Corporate Law;

 

(viii)dissolving or liquidating our company or canceling any ongoing liquidation of our company;

 

(ix)spinning-off of all or any part of our company; and

 

(x)the inclusion of an arbitration clause in the company’s Bylaws.

 

In addition, we note that:

 

·in items (i) and (ii), only the holders of shares of the affected type or class will be entitled to redemption;

 

·in items (v) and (vii), the holders of shares of a type or class with liquidity and dispersion in the market will not have the right to redemption; and

 

·in item (ix), the dissenting shareholders shall only have a right of redemption if the spinning off implies in: (1) a change in the corporate purpose (except if the spun-off assets revert to a company whose main purpose is the same as ours), (2) a reduction of the mandatory dividend, or (3) participation in a group of companies.

 

Dissenting shareholders are also entitled to withdraw in the event that the entity resulting from a merger or spin-off does not have its shares listed in an exchange or traded in the secondary market within 120 days from the shareholders’ meeting that approved the relevant merger or spin-off.

 

Notwithstanding the above, in the event that we are consolidated or merged with another company, become part of a centralized group of companies, or acquire the control of another company for a price in excess of certain limits imposed by the Brazilian Corporate Law, holders of any type or class of our shares or the shares of the resulting

 

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entity that have minimal market liquidity and are dispersed among a sufficient number of shareholders will not have the right to withdraw. For this purpose, shares that are part of general indices representative of portfolios of securities traded in Brazil or abroad are considered liquid, and sufficient dispersion will exist if the controlling shareholder, the parent company or other companies under its control hold less than half of the total number of outstanding shares of that type or class.

 

Only shareholders who own shares on the date of publication of the first notice convening the relevant shareholders’ meeting or the press release concerning the relevant transaction is published, whichever is earlier, will be entitled to withdrawal rights.

 

The redemption of shares arising out of the exercise of any withdrawal rights would be made at the book value per share, determined on the basis of our most recent audited balance sheet approved by our shareholders. If the shareholders’ meeting approving the action that gave rise to withdrawal rights occurred more than 60 days after the date of the most recent approved audited balance sheet, a shareholder may demand that its shares be valued on the basis of a balance sheet prepared specifically for this purpose.

 

The right of withdrawal lapses 30 days after the date of publication of the minutes of the shareholders’ meeting that approved the action that gave rise to withdrawal rights. Within ten days following the expiration of the term to exercise the withdrawal rights mentioned above, the company may call a Shareholders’ Meeting to confirm or reconsider any resolution giving rise to withdrawal if we believe that the withdrawal of shares of dissenting shareholders would jeopardize its financial stability.

 

Liability of Our Shareholders for Further Capital Calls

 

Neither Brazilian law nor our bylaws require any capital calls. Our shareholders’ liability for capital calls is limited to the payment of the issue price of any shares subscribed or acquired.

 

Inspection of Corporate Records

 

Shareholders that own 5% or more of our outstanding share capital have the right to inspect our corporate records, including shareholders’ lists, corporate minutes, financial records and other documents of our company, if (1) we or any of our officers or directors have committed any act contrary to Brazilian law or our bylaws, or (2) there are grounds to suspect that there are material irregularities in our company. However, in either case, the shareholder that desires to inspect our corporate records must obtain a court order authorizing the inspection.

 

Disclosures of Share Ownership

 

Brazilian regulations require that (1) each of our controlling shareholders, directly or indirectly, (2) shareholders who have elected members of our Board of Directors or Fiscal Board, and (3) any person or group of persons representing a person that has directly or indirectly acquired or sold a material interest in our shares of any type and class disclose its or their share ownership or divestment to us, and we are responsible for transmitting such information to the CVM and the market. In addition, if a share acquisition results in, or is made with the intention of, change of control or company’s management structure, as well as acquisitions that cause the obligation of performing a tender offer, the persons acquiring such number of shares are required to publish a statement containing certain required information about such acquisition.

 

CVM defines a “material interest” deal as any increase or decrease in share ownership of any class resulting in a change in the ownership levels of our shareholders. The ownership levels are set in 5% increments (for example, an acquisition where the total ownership of a shareholder jumps from 9% to 11% should be reported since it made the ownership surpass the 10% level). Ownership levels are calculated adding direct and indirect ownership and derivatives based upon our shares.

 

Our controlling shareholders, shareholders that appoint members of our Board of Directors or Fiscal Board and members of our Board of Directors, Board of Executive Officers or Fiscal Board must file a statement reporting any change in their holdings of our shares, or of any family member or person included as dependent in their income tax return, or of our controlling shareholders (only if they are considered public companies), with the CVM and the Brazilian stock exchanges on which our securities are traded.

 

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Form and Transfer

 

Our preferred shares and common shares are in book-entry form, registered in the name of each shareholder or its nominee. The transfer of our shares is governed by Article 35 of the Brazilian Corporate Law, which provides that a transfer of shares is effected by our transfer agent by an entry made by the transfer agent in its books, upon presentation of valid written share transfer instructions to us by a transferor or its representative. When preferred shares or common shares are acquired or sold on a Brazilian stock exchange, their transfer is effected on the records of our transfer agent by a representative of a brokerage firm or the stock exchange’s clearing system. The transfer agent also performs all the services of safe-keeping of our shares. Transfers of our shares by a non-Brazilian investor are made in the same manner and are executed on the investor’s behalf by the investor’s local agent. If the original investment was registered with the Central Bank pursuant to foreign investment regulations, the non-Brazilian investor is also required to amend, if necessary, through its local agent, the electronic certificate of registration to reflect the new ownership.

 

The B3 operates a central clearing system. A holder of our shares may choose, at its discretion, to participate in this system, and all shares that such shareholder elects to be put into the clearing system are deposited in custody with the clearing and settlement chamber of the B3 (through a Brazilian institution that is duly authorized to operate by the Central Bank and maintains a clearing account with the clearing and settlement chamber of the B3). Shares subject to the custody of the clearing and settlement chamber of the B3 are noted as such in our registry of shareholders. Each participating shareholder will, in turn, be registered in the register of the clearing and settlement chamber of the B3 and will be treated in the same manner as shareholders registered in our books.

 

Dividends

 

Our dividend distribution practice has historically included the distribution of periodic dividends, based on quarterly balance sheets or shorter periods approved by our Board of Directors. When we pay dividends on an annual basis, they are declared at our annual shareholders’ meeting, which we are required by the Brazilian Corporate Law and our bylaws to hold up to April 30 of each year. As per Brazilian Corporate Law, declared dividends are generally required to be paid within 60 days of their declaration unless the shareholders’ resolution establishes another payment date. In any event, Brazilian Corporate Law also states that declared dividends must be paid until the end of the fiscal year. Under Article 9 of Law 9,249/95 and our bylaws, we also may pay interest attributable to shareholders’ equity as an alternative form of dividends upon approval of our board of directors.

 

Dividend Preference of Preferred Shares

 

Our preferred shares are entitled to receive a dividend 10% higher than that attributable to our common shares.

 

Payment of Dividends and Interest on Shareholders’ Equity (Juros sobre Capital Próprio)

 

We may pay the mandatory distributable amount as dividends or as interest attributable to shareholders’ equity, which is similar to a dividend but is deductible in calculating our income tax obligations.

 

Because our shares are issued in book-entry form, dividends with respect to any share are automatically credited to the account holding such share. Shareholders who are not residents of Brazil must register with the Central Bank in order for dividends, sales proceeds or other amounts with respect to their shares to be eligible to be remitted outside of Brazil.

 

The preferred shares underlying our ADSs are held in Brazil by the depositary, which has registered with the Central Bank as the registered owner of our preferred shares. Payments of cash dividends and distributions, if any, will be made in Brazilian currency to the depositary. The depositary will then convert such proceeds into dollars and will cause such dollars to be distributed to holders of our ADSs. As with other types of remittances from Brazil, the Brazilian government may impose temporary restrictions on remittances to foreign investors of the proceeds of their investments in Brazil, as it did for approximately six months in 1989 and early 1999, and on the conversion of Brazilian currency into foreign currencies, which could hinder or prevent the depositary from converting dividends into U.S. dollars and remitting these U.S. dollars abroad.

 

In addition, remittances are subject to a Brazilian financial transactions tax, which as of the date of this form 20-F is 0%, but may be subject to change.

 

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For information about taxation on profits, dividends and interest on shareholders’ equity, see “—E. Taxation—Brazilian Tax Considerations—Taxation of Dividends.”

 

Dividends

 

We are required by the Brazilian Corporate Law and by our bylaws to hold an annual shareholders’ meeting until April 30 of each year. At our annual shareholders’ meeting, our common shareholders may vote to declare an annual dividend. Our payment of annual dividends is based on our audited financial statements prepared for our preceding fiscal year.

 

Any holder of record of shares at the time that a dividend is declared is entitled to receive dividends. Under the Brazilian Corporate Law, we are generally required to pay dividends within 60 days after declaring them, unless the shareholders’ resolution establishes another payment date, which, in any case, must occur prior to the end of the fiscal year.

 

Our Board of Directors may declare interim dividends based on (i) the accrued profits recorded in our semiannual financial statements; (ii) the accrued profits recorded in our quarterly financial statements or in our financial statements for shorter periods, provided that the total amount of dividends paid up every six months does not exceed the total amount within the capital reserve determined pursuant to article 182 of the Brazilian Corporate Law; and (iii) the amount recorded in the profit and loss account or profit reserve account in our last annual or semiannual financial statements.

 

All the interim dividends that are distributed shall be considered as part of the mandatory dividends that shall be paid by us.

 

Interest on Shareholders’ Equity

 

Brazilian corporations may make payments to shareholders characterized as interest on shareholders’ equity as an alternative form of making dividend distributions. Amounts paid as interest on shareholders’ equity (net of applicable withholding tax, as described below) may be deducted from the minimum dividends we are obligated to distribute to our shareholders in accordance with our bylaws and Brazilian Corporate Law. The rate of interest may not be higher than the federal government’s TJLP, as determined by the Central Bank from time to time (7.5% per annum for 2016 and for the first quarter of 2017, 7.0% for the remaining quarters of 2017, 6.75%, 6.6%, 6.56% and 6.98% for the four quarters of 2018, and 7.03%, 6.26%, 5.95% and 5.57% for the four quarters of 2019 and 5.09% for the first quarter of 2020.), applied over specific net equity accounts. The total amount distributed as interest on shareholders’ equity may not exceed the greater of (i) 50% of net income (before taking the distribution and any deductions for income taxes into account) for the year with respect to which the payment is made and (ii) 50% of retained earnings for the year before the year with respect to which the payment is made. Payments of interest on shareholders’ equity are decided by the shareholders on the basis of recommendations of our Board of Directors.

 

Distributions of interest on shareholders’ equity paid to Brazilian and non-Brazilian holders of preferred shares, including payments to the depositary in respect of preferred shares underlying ADSs, are deductible by us for Brazilian corporate income tax purposes. These payments to U.S. holders or other non-Brazilian holders are subject to Brazilian withholding tax at the rate of 15%. If the recipient of the payment is domiciled in a Tax Haven Jurisdiction, as defined by Brazilian law, the rate will be 25%.

 

Time Limits for Payments

 

Our shareholders have three (3) years to claim dividend distributions made with respect to their shares, as from the date that we distribute the dividends to our shareholders, after which any unclaimed dividend distributions legally revert to us. We are not required to adjust the amount of any distributions for inflation that occurs during the period from the date of declaration to the payment date.

 

C. Material Contracts

 

On June 30, 2011, ANATEL renewed our Fixed Switched Telephony Service (STFC) concession contract and consolidated them into two new contracts (each filed as an Exhibit to this Annual Report). One of these contracts authorizes the company to provide local telephone service (to the cities in Sector 31) and the other contract

 

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authorizes the company to provide long-distance telephone service (to and from Sector 31). These concession contracts will expire on December 31, 2025.

 

In December 2016, ANATEL held a public consultation relating to the new rules of the PGO containing an exclusive chapter aimed at verifying the migration of fixed telephony concessions for authorizations, in accordance with the new legal framework discussed in the Congress. The new regulation will only take effect after the approval of the new regulatory framework, which has not occurred until the present moment.

 

We also have an authorization to provide local and long-distance telephone services under the private system (all sectors, except Sector 31, which is the area of concession), granted in 2002, for an unlimited term. Telefônica Brasil also holds a Multimedia Communication Service Authorization Terms, which are also material contracts. Based on these Authorization Terms, the companies may provide broadband services in the state of São Paulo (Telefônica) and all over Brazilian territory. The Terms were signed on April 17, 2003 and March 19, 2004 for an unlimited term and are still in effect. Telefônica has also Conditioned Access Service Authorization Terms for the provision of pay TV services. The Authorization Terms were transferred back to Telefônica Brasil in 2013, as a result of a corporate restructuring.

 

As regards the mobile services, the General Plan of Authorization divided the country into three regions: Region I: States of Rio de Janeiro, Espírito Santo, Minas Gerais, Amazonas, Roraima, Amapá, Pará, Maranhão, Bahia, Sergipe, Piauí, Ceará, Rio Grande do Norte, Paraíba, Pernambuco and Alagoas, Region II: States of Paraná, Santa Catarina, Rio Grande do Sul, Goiás, Tocantins, Mato Grosso do Sul, Mato Grosso, Rondônia, Acre and Federal District and Region III: only the State of São Paulo.

 

Telefônica executed Authorization Terms for the provision of Personal Mobile Services, SMP, with national coverage, in all three regions.

 

For Region I, the Terms of Service Authorization n.º 078/2012 of 07/02/2012; for Region II, the Terms of Service Authorization n.° 005/2010 of 29/01/2010; and for Region III, the Terms of Service Authorization n.° 006/2010 of 29/01/2010.

 

Licenses for personal mobile services (SMP) grant the right to provide mobile services for an unlimited term. However, the use of radiofrequency spectrum is restricted in accordance with specific license conditions:

 

·Rio Grande do Sul excluding the cities of Pelotas, Capão do Leão, Morro Redondo and Turuçu (“A” band) until 2022 (renewed in 2007);

 

·Rio de Janeiro (“A” band) until 2020 (renewed in 2005);

 

·Espírito Santo (“A” band) until 2023 (renewed in 2008);

 

·Bahia (“A” band) and Sergipe (“A” band) until 2023 (renewed in 2008);

 

·São Paulo (“A” band) until 2023 (renewed in 2008); and until 2024, for the cities of Ribeirão Preto and Guatapará (renewed in 2009);

 

·Paraná/Santa Catarina (“B” band) until 2028 (renewed in 2013);

 

·Distrito Federal (“A” band) until 2021 (renewed in 2006);

 

·Acre (“A” band), Vivo-Rondônia (“A” band), Mato Grosso (“A” band) and Mato Grosso do Sul (“A” band) until 2024 (renewed in 2009);

 

·Goiás/Tocantins (“A” band) until 2023 (renewed in 2008);

 

·Amazonas/Roraima/Amapá/Pará/Maranhão (“B” band) until 2028 (renewed in 2014);

 

·Minas Gerais (“A” band) until 2023 (renewed in 2008);

 

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·For the cities in which CTBC Telecom operates in the state of Minas Gerais (“E” band) until 2020 (to be renewed between the period of April 28, 2016 and April 28, 2017);

 

License renewals for “A” and “B” bands must be requested within 30 months from the expiry date. Spectrum rights may be renewed only once, for a 15-year term. After this period, the license is renegotiated.

 

License renewals for the “E” band must be requested between 36 and 48 months in advance of the expiry date. Spectrum rights may be renewed only once, for a 15-year period. After this period, the license is renegotiated.

 

In December 2007, ANATEL auctioned off nationally 15 blocks in the 1900 MHz band (“L” band). Vivo (merged into Telefônica) won 13 of them throughout Brasil, except in the northern region and the towns of Londrina and Tamarana in the state of Paraná. Nevertheless, the Bidding Terms set forth the possibility of realigning the “L” band with the “J” band, maintaining the same conditions (including costs and expiry date) of the “J” band. In 2012, Telefônica requested and on August 27, 2013 ANATEL granted the “L” band realignment for the States of:

 

·Rio Grande do Sul, excluding the cities of Pelotas, Morro Redondo, Capão do Leão e Turuçu;

 

·Rio de Janeiro;

 

·Espírito Santo;

 

·Bahia and Vivo-Sergipe;

 

·Telefônica-São Paulo, excluding the cities of Altinópolis, Aramina, Batatais, Brodosqui, Buritizal, Cajuru, Cássia dos Coqueiros, Colômbia, Franca, Guaíra, Guará, Ipuã, Ituverava, Jardinópolis, Miguelópolis, Morro Agudo, Nuporanga, Orlândia, Ribeirão Corrente, Sales de Oliveira, Santa Cruz da Esperança, Santo Antônio da Alegria e São Joaquim da Barra;

 

·Paraná (excluding the cities of Londrina and Tamarana)/Santa Catarina;

 

·Federal District;

 

·Telefônica-Acre, Vivo-Rondônia, Vivo-Mato Grosso and Vivo-Mato Grosso do Sul excluding the city of Paranaíba; and

 

·Telefônica-Goiás/Tocantins.

 

The complete realignment (including the cities excluded above and the States of Alagoas, Ceará, Paraíba, Piauí, Pernambuco and Rio Grande do Norte) was signed on November 30, 2018.

 

In April 2008, ANATEL auctioned off 36 blocks in the 2100 MHz band (3G licenses). Vivo (merged into Telefônica) obtained nine in the “J” band throughout Brasil, enabling it to provide nationwide coverage in 3G. The spectrum licenses, along with the related renewal dates, are:

 

·Rio Grande do Sul (including the cities of Pelotas, Morro Redondo, Capão do Leão e Turuçu) (“J” band) until 2023 (to be renewed between the period of April 30, 2019 and April 30, 2020);

 

·Rio de Janeiro (“J” band) until 2023 (to be renewed between the period of April 30, 2019 and April 30, 2020);

 

·Espírito Santo (“J” band) until 2023 (to be renewed between the period of April 30, 2019 and April 30, 2020);

 

·Bahia (“J” band) and Vivo-Sergipe (“J” band) until 2023 (to be renewed between the period of April 30, 2019 and April 30, 2020);

 

·São Paulo (including the cities of Ribeirão Preto, Guatapará and Bonfim Paulista and the cities where CTBC Telecom operates in the state of São Paulo) (“J” band) until 2023 (to be renewed between the period of April 30, 2019 and April 30, 2020);

 

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·Paraná (including the cities of Londrina and Tamarana)/Santa Catarina (“J” band) until 2023 (to be renewed between the period of April 30, 2019 and April 30, 2020);

 

·Federal District (“J” band) until 2023 (to be renewed between the period of April 30, 2019 and April 30, 2020);

 

·Acre (“J” band), Rondônia (“J” band), Mato Grosso (“J” band) and Mato Grosso do Sul (including the city of Paranaíba) (“J” band) until 2023 (to be renewed between the period of April 30, 2019 and April 30, 2020);

 

·Goiás (including the cities where CTBC Telecom operates in the state of Goiás)/Tocantins (“J” band) until 2023 (to be renewed between the period of April 30, 2019 and April 30, 2020);

 

·Alagoas/Ceará/Paraíba/Piauí/Pernambuco/Rio Grande do Norte (“J” band) until 2023 (to be renewed between the period of April 30, 2019 and April 30, 2020);

 

·Amazonas/Roraima/Amapá/Pará/Maranhão (“J” band) until 2023 (to be renewed between the period of April 30, 2019 and April 30, 2020); and

 

·Minas Gerais (including the cities where CTBC Telecom operates in the state of Minas Gerais) (“J” band) until 2023 (to be renewed between the period of April 2019 and April 2020);

 

License renewals for the “J” band must be requested between 36 and 48 months in advance of the expiry date. Spectrum rights may be renewed only once, for a 15-year term. After this period, the license is renegotiated.

 

In December 2010, ANATEL auctioned off 169 licenses in the 900 MHz, 1800 MHz and 2100 MHz frequencies. Vivo (merged into Telefônica) acquired 23 blocks, 14 in 1800 MHz frequency bands “D,” “E,” “M” and extension bands, and 9 in the 900 MHz extension bands. As a result, Telefônica has nationwide coverage in the 1800 MHz frequency band. The 23 blocks are:

 

·“M” Band (1800 MHz) in the Federal District and the States of Paraná, Santa Catarina, Rio Grande do Sul, Goiás, Tocantins, Mato Grosso do Sul, Mato Grosso, Rondônia and Acre;

 

·Extension of the 1800 MHz band throughout the State of São Paulo;

 

·“D” Band (1800 MHz) in the cities of Pelotas, Morro Redondo, Capão do Leão and Turuçu in the state of Rio Grande do Sul;

 

·“E” Band (1800 MHz) in the States of Alagoas, Ceará, Paraíba, Piauí, Pernambuco and Rio Grande do Norte;

 

·Extension of the 900 MHz band in the State of Rio de Janeiro;

 

·Extension of the 900 MHz band in the State of Espírito Santo;

 

·Extension of the 900 MHz band in the States of Goiás, Tocantins, Mato Grosso do Sul, Mato Grosso, Rondônia and Acre and the Federal District, with the exception of the city of Paranaíba in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul and the cities of Buriti Alegre, Cachoeira Dourada, Inaciolândia, Itumbiara, Paranaiguara and São Simão, in the State of Goiás;

 

·Extension of the 900 MHz band in the State of Rio Grande do Sul, with the exception of the cities of Pelotas, Morro Redondo, Capão do Leão and Turuçu;

 

·Extension of the 900 MHz band for the cities with area code 43 in the state of Paraná with the exception of the cities of Londrina and Tamarana;

 

·Extension of the 900 MHz band in the States of Paraná and Santa Catarina with the exception of the cities of registry area number 43 in the State of Paraná and the cities of Londrina and Tamarana;

 

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·Extension of the 900 MHz band in the State of Bahía;

 

·Extension of the 900 MHz band in the State of Sergipe;

 

·Extension of the 900 MHz band in the States of Amazonas, Amapá, Maranhão Pará and Roraima;

 

·Extension of the 1800 MHz band in the State of São Paulo, with the exception of the cities in the metropolitan area of São Paulo and the cities where CTBC Telecom operates in the state of São Paulo;

 

·Extension of the 1800 MHz band in the States of Amazonas, Amapá, Maranhão Pará and Roraima;

 

·Extension of the 1800 MHz band in the city of Paranaíba in the State of Mato Grosso do Sul;

 

·Extension of the 1800 MHz band in the cities of Buriti Alegre, Cachoeira Dourada, Inaciolândia, Itumbiara, Paranaiguara and São Simão, in the State of Goiás;

 

·Another extension of the 1800 MHz band in the cities of Buriti Alegre, Cachoeira Dourada, Inaciolândia, Itumbiara, Paranaiguara and São Simão, in the State of Goiás;

 

·Extension of the 1800 MHz band in the States of Rio do Janeiro, Espírito Santo, Bahía and Sergipe;

 

·Extension of the 1800 MHz band in the States of Amazonas, Amapá, Maranhão Pará and Roraima;

 

·Extension of the 1800 MHz band in the States of Alagoas, Ceará, Paraíba, Piauí, Pernambuco and Rio Grande do Norte;

 

·Extension of the 1800 MHz band in the city of Paranaíba in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, and the cities of Buriti Alegre, Cachoeira Dourada, Inaciolândia, Itumbiara, Paranaiguara and São Simão, in the State of Goiás;

 

·Extension of the 1800 MHz band in the cities of Londrina and Tamarana in the state of Paraná.

 

License for the 900MHz and 1800MHz band will expire in 2023. Renewal must be requested between 36 and 48 months in advance of the expiry date. Spectrum rights may be renewed only once, for a 15-year period.

 

In April 2012, ANATEL auctioned off 273 licenses in the 450 MHz, and 2500 MHz frequencies. Vivo (merged into Telefônica) secured 1 block in 2500 MHz frequency band “X” (20 + 20 MHz) nationwide, together with the right and obligation to use the 450 MHz frequency band in the States of Alagoas (AL), Ceará (CE), Minas Gerais (MG), Paraíba (PB), Pernambuco (PE), Piauí (PI), Rio Grande do Norte (RN) and Sergipe (SE), as well as the areas identified by the National Codes 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 and 19, in the State of São Paulo (SP). Nonetheless, the commitment to use the 450 MHz band may also be fulfilled by the use of any other frequency range Telefônica already holds. See below the relevant expiration and renewal dates:

 

·Brasil (“X” Band – 2500 MHz) until 2027 (associated with SMP service) to be renewed on October 18, 2024;

 

·Alagoas, Ceará, Minas Gerais, Paraíba, Pernambuco, Piauí, Rio Grande do Norte, Sergipe (450 MHz) until 2027 (associated to STFC and SCM services) to be renewed on October 18, 2024;

 

·Telefônica in the areas identified by the National Codes 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 and 19, in the state of São Paulo (SP), until 2027 (associated to SMP and SCM services) to be renewed on October 18, 2024.

 

In September 2014, ANATEL auctioned off 6 blocks in the 700 MHz frequency. We acquired 3 blocks resulting in nationwide coverage in the 700 MHz frequency band. The spectrum licenses may be renewed in 2029.

 

In December 2015, ANATEL auctioned off the remaining spectrum lots in the 1800 MHz, 1900 MHz, 2500 MHz and 3500 MHz bands, Telefônica acquired seven lots of the 2500 MHz frequency band. These lots are associated to six different States, five of them the capital cities of the States of São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Rio

 

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Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina, and Tocantins and one city in the State of Mato Grosso do Sul. Such frequencies will be used for the provision of 4G mobile services. The spectrum license may be for renewed in 2030.

 

The licenses above may be renewed; (i) only once; (ii) for an additional term of 15 (fifteen) years; and (iii) upon payment of 2% of our net revenues from usage charges in the applicable region in the previous year. The payment is also due every two years during the extension period.

 

D. Exchange Controls

 

There are no restrictions on ownership of preferred shares or common shares by individuals or legal entities domiciled outside of Brazil, provided that they comply with the registration requirements set forth in the applicable regulation enacted by CMN and the CVM.

 

The right to convert dividend or interest payments and proceeds from the sale of shares into foreign currency and to remit such amounts outside Brazil is subject to restrictions under foreign investment legislation which generally requires, among other things, the documentary evidence that provides the validity and properly backs the economic grounds of the foreign exchange transaction and that the relevant investment be registered with the Central Bank and the CVM, as applicable. The restrictions on the remittance of foreign capital abroad may hinder or prevent the custodian for the preferred shares represented by ADSs or holders of preferred shares from converting dividends, distributions or the proceeds from any sale of these preferred shares into U.S. dollars and remitting the U.S. dollars abroad. Holders of ADSs could be adversely affected by delays in, or refusal to grant any, required government approval to convert Brazilian currency payments on the preferred shares underlying the ADSs and to remit the proceeds abroad.

 

As from March 30, 2015, the different forms of foreign portfolio investments in Brazil, including investments via Depositary Receipts, are regulated by CMN Resolution 4,373, of September 29, 2014 (“Resolution No. 4,373”), which revoked the former rule (CMN Resolution 2,689, of January 26, 2000) that had been in force for about 15 years.

 

Resolution No. 4,373 of the CMN provides for the issuance of Depositary Receipts in foreign markets in respect of shares of Brazilian issuers. The Depositary Receipts program shall be approved by Central Bank and CVM before the issuance of the Depositary Receipts. Accordingly, the proceeds from the sale of the Depositary Receipts by holders outside Brazil are free of Brazilian foreign investment controls, and holders of the Depositary Receipts may be entitled to favorable tax treatment. See “—E. Taxation—Brazilian Tax Considerations.”

 

Under Resolution No. 4,373 of the CMN, foreign investors registered with the CVM may buy and sell Brazilian securities, including the preferred shares, on Brazilian stock exchanges without obtaining separate certificates of registration for each transaction. The registered foreign investors may also be entitled to favorable tax treatment. See “—E. Taxation—Brazilian Tax Considerations.”

 

Pursuant to Resolution No. 4,373, an investor residing outside Brazil that is willing to invest pursuant to the mechanism described in the previous paragraph must: (i) appoint at least one financial institution or an institution authorized to operate by the Brazilian Central Bank as representative in Brazil that will be responsible for complying with the registration and reporting requirements and reporting procedures of the Brazilian Central Bank and the CVM; (ii) register as a foreign investor with the CVM; (iii) appoint one or more custodians authorized by CVM; (iv) register the foreign investment with the Brazilian Central Bank; (v) appoint a tax representative in Brazil; and (vi) obtain a taxpayer identification number from the Brazilian federal tax authorities

 

The securities and other financial assets held by a foreign investor pursuant to Resolution No. 4,373 must be registered or maintained in deposit accounts or under the custody of an entity duly licensed by the Central Bank or by the CVM. In addition, the trading of securities is in general restricted to transactions carried out on the Brazilian stock exchanges or over-the-counter markets licensed by the CVM.

 

Instruction CVM 560 of March 27, 2015, as amended, introduced in the Brazilian securities regulation the obligation of the representatives of investors residing outside Brazil to inform CVM the movements and application of funds of the investors participating in collective accounts and holders of own accounts represented by them.

 

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Registered Capital

 

Amounts invested in preferred shares by a non-Brazilian holder who qualifies under Resolution No. 4,373 and obtains registration with the CVM, or by the depositary representing an ADS holder, are eligible for registration with the Central Bank. Such registration (the amount so registered is referred to as registered capital) allows remittances of funds outside Brazil converted into foreign currency at the commercial market rate, acquired with the proceeds of distributions on, and amounts realized through, dispositions of such preferred shares. The registered capital per preferred share purchased in the form of ADS, or purchased in Brazil and deposited with the depositary in exchange for ADS, will be equal to its purchase price (stated in U.S. dollars). The registered capital per preferred share withdrawn upon cancellation of an ADS will be the U.S. dollar equivalent of (i) the average price of a preferred share on the Brazilian stock exchange on which the most preferred shares were traded on the day of withdrawal or (ii) if no preferred shares were traded on that day, the average price on the Brazilian stock exchange on which the most preferred shares were traded in the 15 trading sessions immediately preceding such withdrawal. The U.S. dollar equivalent will be determined on the basis of the average commercial market rates (buy/sell) quoted by the Central Bank on such date or dates.

 

An electronic registration has been issued in the name of the depositary with respect to the ADSs and is maintained by the custodian on behalf of the depositary. Pursuant to the registration, the custodian and the depositary are able to convert dividends and other distributions with respect to the preferred shares represented by ADSs into foreign currency and remit the proceeds outside Brazil. If a holder of ADSs exchanges such ADSs for preferred shares, such holder will be entitled to continue to rely on the depositary’s registration for five business days after such exchange, following which such holder must seek to obtain its own electronic registration with the Central Bank. Thereafter, any holder of preferred shares may not be able to convert into foreign currency and remit outside Brazil the proceeds from the disposition of, or distributions with respect to, such preferred shares, unless such holder is a duly qualified investor under Resolution No. 4,373 and obtains its own electronic registration.

 

If the holder does not qualify under Resolution No. 4,373 by registering with the CVM and the Central Bank and appoints a representative in Brazil to act directly in the Brazilian market to acquire preferred shares, the holder will be subject to a less favorable Brazilian tax treatment than a holder of ADSs. Regardless of registration under Resolution No. 4,373, residents of tax havens are subject to less favorable tax treatment than other foreign investors. See “—E. Taxation—Brazilian Tax Considerations.”

 

Under current Brazilian legislation, the federal government may impose temporary restrictions on remittances of foreign capital abroad in the event of a serious imbalance or an anticipated serious imbalance of Brazil’s balance of payments. For approximately six months in 1989 and early 1990, the federal government froze all dividend and capital repatriations held by the Central Bank that were owed to foreign equity investors, to conserve Brazil’s foreign currency reserves. These amounts were subsequently released in accordance with federal government directives. There can be no assurance that the federal government will not impose similar restrictions on foreign repatriations in the future.

 

E. Taxation

 

The following discussion contains a description of the material Brazilian and U.S. federal income tax consequences arising from the acquisition, ownership and disposition of preferred shares or ADSs by certain holders or beneficial owners, as described below. This summary is based upon the tax laws and regulations of Brazil and the United States as of the date of this annual report, which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect, and to differing interpretations. You should consult your own tax advisers as to the Brazilian, U.S. federal or other tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of preferred shares or ADSs, including, in particular, the effect of any state, local or non-U.S., non-Brazilian tax laws.

 

Although there is presently no income tax treaty entered into between Brazil and the United States, the tax authorities of the two countries have had discussions that may culminate in such a treaty. No assurance can be given, however, as to whether or when a treaty will enter into force or how it will affect the U.S. holders of preferred shares or ADSs. Brazil and the United States have, however, entered into a Tax Treaty Information Exchange Agreement, in order to establish an effective exchange of tax-related information between the two countries.

 

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Brazilian Tax Considerations

 

The following discussion summarizes the principal Brazilian tax consequences of the ownership and disposition of preferred shares or ADSs by a non-Brazilian holder. This discussion does not address all of the Brazilian tax considerations that may be applicable to any particular non-Brazilian holder, and each non-Brazilian holder should consult its own tax adviser about the Brazilian tax consequences of investing in preferred shares or ADSs.

 

Taxation of Dividends

 

Dividends paid by us, including stock dividends and other dividends paid in property to the depositary in respect of the preferred shares underlying ADSs, or to a non-Brazilian holder in respect of the preferred shares, are currently exempted from withholding tax in Brazil to the extent that the dividends are paid out of profits generated on or after January 1, 1996. Dividends relating to profits generated prior to January 1, 1996 may be subject to Brazilian withholding tax at varying rates, depending on the year the profits were generated.

 

On May 13, 2014, Law No. 12,973 was enacted aiming at aligning the taxable basis of federal taxes with the accounting basis assessed based on IFRS, which were adopted as the Brazilian accounting standards in 2008. According to such law, which is generally in effect as of 2015, dividends distributed out of accounting profits generated in 2014 and exceeding taxable profits (ascertained in accordance with the prior rules) will be subject to withholding tax at rates of 15% or 25%, depending on the location of the foreign shareholder, unless the distributing corporation elected to be subject to Law No. 12,973 in 2014, in which case, the accounting profits and taxable profits would be the same and there would be no excess dividends. As we chose to apply the new taxation rules for periods beginning on or after January 1, 2014, dividends paid by us that relate to profits generated on or after January 1, 2014 will not be subject to withholding tax.

 

Distributions of Interest on Capital

 

Brazilian corporations may make payments to shareholders characterized as interest on shareholders’ equity as an alternative form of making dividend distributions. Amounts paid as interest on shareholders’ equity (net of applicable withholding tax, as described below) may be treated as payments with respect to the dividends we are obligated to distribute to our shareholders in accordance with our bylaws and Brazilian Corporate Law. The rate of interest may not be higher than the federal government’s TJLP, as determined by the Central Bank from time to time, applied to the balances of specific net equity accounts maintained by us. The total amount distributed as interest on shareholders’ equity may not exceed the greater of (i) 50% of our net income (before taking into account the distribution itself or any deductions for income taxes) for the year with respect to which the payment is made and (ii) 50% of our retained earnings for the year before the year with respect to which the payment is made. Payments of interest on shareholders’ equity are decided by the shareholders on the basis of recommendations of our board of directors.

 

Distributions of interest on shareholders’ equity paid to Brazilian and non-Brazilian holders of preferred shares, including payments to the depositary in respect of preferred shares underlying ADSs, are deductible by us for Brazilian corporate income tax purposes. These payments to U.S. holders or other non-Brazilian holders are currently subject to Brazilian withholding tax at the rate of 15%. If the recipient of the payment is domiciled in a Tax Haven Jurisdiction, as defined by Brazilian law, the rate will be 25%.

 

Taxation of Gains

 

Except as discussed below, gains recognized on a disposition of assets located in Brazil, such as our preferred shares, by a non-Brazilian holder, are subject to withholding income tax in Brazil. This rule is applicable regardless of whether the disposition is conducted in Brazil or abroad and regardless of whether the disposition is made to an individual or entity resident or domiciled in Brazil.

 

As a rule, capital gains realized as a result of a disposition transaction are the positive difference between the amount realized on the disposition of the asset and the respective acquisition cost.

 

Capital gains realized by non-Brazilian holders on the disposition of shares sold on the Brazilian stock exchange (which includes the transactions carried out on the organized over-the-counter market):

 

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·are subject to the withholding income tax at a zero percent rate, when realized by a non-Brazilian holder that (i) has registered its investment in Brazil before the Central Bank under the rules of the Brazilian Monetary Counsel (a “Registered Holder”), and (ii) is not a “Tax Haven Holder” (an investor domiciled in a Tax Haven jurisdiction, as defined by Ordinance No. 1,037);

 

·are subject to income tax at progressive rates ranging from 15% to 22.5% (for transactions executed after January 1, 2017) or at a flat rate of 15% (for transactions executed before January 1, 2017) when realized by (i) a non-Brazilian holder that is not a Registered Holder and is not a Tax Haven Holder; and

 

·are subject to income tax at a rate of 25% when realized by a Tax Haven Holder, even if the Holder is a Registered Holder.

 

In the cases above in which tax is due, if the gains are related to transactions conducted on the Brazilian non-organized over-the-counter market with intermediation, the withholding income tax of 0.005% (pre-payment) is also applicable and can be offset against any income tax due on the capital gain.

 

There can be no assurance that the current favorable tax treatment of Registered Holders that are not Tax Haven Holders will continue in the future.

 

Sale of ADSs by Non-Resident Holders to Other Non-Residents in Brazil

 

As mentioned above, gains derived from the disposition of assets located in Brazil involving non-resident investors are subject to Brazilian income tax. Our understanding is that ADSs should not qualify as assets located in Brazil and, thus, should not be subject to the Brazilian withholding tax, considering that the ADSs are issued and registered abroad.

 

However, considering the general and unclear scope of this legislation and the absence of judicial guidance in respect thereof, we cannot assure prospective investors that such interpretation of this law will prevail in the courts of Brazil.

 

Gains on the Exchange of ADSs for Preferred Shares

 

Although there is no clear regulatory guidance, the exchange of ADSs for shares should not be subject to Brazilian tax if the shares are registered under CMN Resolution No. 4,373 and the respective holder is not a Tax Haven Holder. If the preferred shares are not so registered or the holder is a Tax Haven Holder, the deposit of preferred shares in exchange for ADSs may be subject to Brazilian capital gains tax at progressive rates ranging from 15% to 22.5% (if the exchange is executed after January 1, 2017) or at a flat rate of 15% (if the exchange is executed before January 1, 2017). Non-Brazilian holders may exchange ADSs for the underlying preferred shares, sell the preferred shares on a Brazilian stock exchange and remit abroad the proceeds of the sale within five business days from the date of exchange (in reliance on the depositary’s electronic registration), with no tax consequences.

 

Upon receipt of the underlying preferred shares in exchange for ADSs, non-Brazilian holders may elect to register with the Central Bank the U.S. dollar value of such preferred shares as a foreign portfolio investment under the rules of the Brazilian Monetary Counsel, which will entitle them to the special tax treatment for Registered Holders described above.

 

Alternatively, the non-Brazilian holder is also entitled to register with the Central Bank the U.S. dollar value of such preferred shares as a foreign direct investment under the rules of Law No. 4,131/62, in which case the respective sale would be subject to the tax treatment referred to under “—Taxation of Gains.”

 

Discussion on Tax Haven Jurisdictions

 

Until December 2008, under Brazilian tax laws, a “Tax Haven Jurisdiction” was defined as a country or location that does not impose taxation on income or imposes the income tax at a rate lower than 20%. Some amendments were implemented in connection with the concept of Tax Haven Jurisdiction via the enactment of Law No. 11,727/08, in force as of January 2009, in order to include in the definition of Tax Haven Jurisdiction any country or location which imposes restrictions on the disclosure of shareholding composition or the ownership of an investment.

 

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Law No. 11,727/08 also introduced the concept of “privileged tax regime”, which is applicable in connection with transactions subject to Brazilian transfer pricing rules and also is applicable to thin capitalization/cross border interest deductibility rule. The definition of “privileged tax regime” is broader than the definition of Tax Haven Jurisdiction. Pursuant to Law No. 11,727/08, a privileged tax regime is a tax regime that (1) does not tax income or taxes it at a maximum rate lower than 20%; or (2) grants tax benefits to non-resident entities or individuals (a) without the requirement to carry out a substantial economic activity in the country or location or (b) contingent to the non-exercise of a substantial economic activity in the country or location; or (3) does not tax income earned outside of such country or location or taxes such income at a maximum rate lower than 20%; or (4) does not allow access to information related to shareholding composition, ownership of assets and rights, or economic transactions that are carried out in such country or location.

 

In addition, on June 7, 2010, Brazilian Tax Authorities enacted Ordinance No. 1,037, as amended, listing (i) the countries and jurisdictions considered Tax Haven Jurisdictions, and (ii) the privileged tax regimes.

 

According to Section 24-B of Law No. 9,430, as included by Section 23 of Law No. 11.727/08, the Executive branch is empowered to reduce or reinstate the income tax rate of 20% as the element to define a Tax Haven Jurisdiction or a “privileged tax regime”. In December 2014, Ruling No. 488/2014 was published and established that the rate of 20% is reduced to 17% in connection with countries, locations and jurisdictions aligned with international tax transparency standards, as per a definition to be provided by Brazilian Federal Revenue Service.

 

In any scenario (transactions executed before or after 2017), if the nonresidents located in tax haven jurisdictions (a country which does not impose any income tax, which imposes it at a maximum rate lower than 20.0%, or in which the laws impose restrictions on the disclosure of ownership composition or securities ownership or the identification of the effective beneficiary of income attributed to nonresident holders, as listed in Normative Instruction 1,037/10) capital gain tax will be levied at the flat rate of 25%.

 

Although we believe that the best interpretation of the current tax legislation should lead to the conclusion that the above-mentioned “privileged tax regime” concept should apply solely for purposes of Brazilian transfer pricing and thin capitalization rules, we cannot be sure whether subsequent legislation or interpretation by the Brazilian tax authorities of the definition of a “privileged tax regime,” provided by Law No. 11,727, will also apply to a non-resident holder in respect of gains realized upon a disposition of ADSs.

 

Other Brazilian Taxes

 

There are no Brazilian inheritance, gift or succession taxes applicable to the ownership or disposition of the preferred shares or ADSs by a non-Brazilian holder except for gift and inheritance taxes levied by some States in Brazil on gifts made or inheritances bestowed by individuals or entities not resident or domiciled in Brazil or in the relevant state to individuals or entities that are resident or domiciled within such state in Brazil. There is no Brazilian stamp, issue, registration, or similar taxes or duties payable by holders of preferred shares or ADSs.

 

Tax on Foreign Exchange and Financial Transactions

 

Tax on Foreign Exchange Transactions (the “IOF/Exchange Tax”)

 

Brazilian law imposes the IOF/Exchange Tax on the conversion of reais into foreign currency and on the conversion of foreign currency into reais. Currently, for most exchange transactions, the rate of IOF/Exchange is 0.38%. Effective as of December 1, 2011, currency exchange transactions carried out for the inflow of funds in Brazil for investment made by a foreign investor are subject to IOF/Exchange at (i) a 0% rate in the case of variable income transactions carried out on the Brazilian stock, futures and commodities exchanges, as well as in the acquisitions of shares of Brazilian publicly held companies in public offerings or subscription of shares related to capital contributions, provided that the issuer company has registered its shares for trading in the stock exchange, and (ii) 0% for the outflow of resources from Brazil related to these type of investments, including payments of dividends and interest on shareholders’ equity and the repatriation of funds invested in the Brazilian market. Furthermore, the IOF/Exchange is currently levied at a 0% rate on the exchange of ADSs into shares. Nonetheless, the Brazilian government is permitted to increase the rate at any time to a maximum of 25%, but only in relation to future transactions.

 

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Tax on Transactions Involving Bonds and Securities (“IOF/Bonds Tax”)

 

Brazilian law imposes the IOF/Bonds Tax on transactions involving bonds and securities, including those carried out on a Brazilian stock exchange. The rate of IOF/Bonds Tax applicable to transactions involving the deposit of preferred shares in exchange for ADSs is currently zero. The Brazilian government may increase this rate by up to 1.5% per day, but only with respect to future transactions.

 

U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations

 

The following are the material U.S. federal income tax consequences to U.S. Holders (as defined below) of owning and disposing of preferred shares or ADSs, but this is not a comprehensive description of all of the tax considerations that may be relevant to a particular person’s decision to hold such securities. The discussion applies only to U.S. Holders that hold preferred shares or ADSs as capital assets for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and it does not describe all of the tax consequences that may be relevant in light of a U.S. Holder’s particular circumstances, including alternative minimum tax consequences, the potential application of the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “Code”) known as the Medicare contribution tax, the effects of any state, local or non-U.S. tax laws and tax consequences applicable to U.S. Holders subject to special rules, such as:

 

·certain financial institutions;

 

·dealers or traders in securities who use a mark-to-market method of tax accounting;

 

·persons holding preferred shares or ADSs as part of a hedge, “straddle,” integrated transaction or similar transaction;

 

·persons whose functional currency for U.S. federal income tax purposes is not the U.S. dollar;

 

·entities classified as partnerships or other pass-through entities for U.S. federal income tax purposes;

 

·tax-exempt organizations;

 

·regulated investment companies;

 

·real estate investment trusts;

 

·insurance companies;

 

·persons that own or are deemed to own 10% or more of our stock by vote or value;

 

·persons required for U.S. federal income tax purposes to conform the timing of income accruals to their financial statements under Section 451 of the Code;

 

·persons who acquired our preferred shares or ADSs pursuant to the exercise of any employee stock option or otherwise as compensation; or

 

·persons holding preferred shares or ADSs in connection with a trade or business conducted outside of the United States.

 

If an entity that is classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes holds preferred shares or ADSs, the U.S. federal income tax treatment of a partner will generally depend on the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. Partnerships holding preferred shares or ADSs and partners in such partnerships should consult their tax advisers as to the particular U.S. federal income tax consequences of holding and disposing of the preferred shares or ADSs.

 

This discussion is based on the Code, administrative pronouncements, judicial decisions and final, temporary and proposed U.S. Treasury regulations, all as of the date hereof. These laws are subject to change, possibly on a retroactive basis. This discussion is also based in part on representations by the depositary and assumes that each obligation under the Deposit Agreement and any related agreement will be performed in accordance with its terms.

 

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You are a “U.S. Holder” if, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, you are a beneficial owner of preferred shares or ADSs and you are:

 

·an individual citizen or resident of the United States;

 

·a corporation, or other entity taxable as a corporation, created or organized in or under the laws of the United States, any state therein or the District of Columbia; or

 

·an estate or trust the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source.

 

THE SUMMARY OF U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES SET OUT BELOW IS INTENDED FOR GENERAL INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY. U.S. HOLDERS OF PREFERRED SHARES OR ADSs ARE URGED TO CONSULT WITH THEIR OWN TAX ADVISERS WITH RESPECT TO THE PARTICULAR TAX CONSEQUENCES TO THEM OF OWNING OR DISPOSING OF PREFERRED SHARES OR ADSs, INCLUDING THE APPLICABILITY AND EFFECT OF STATE, LOCAL, NON-U.S. AND OTHER TAX LAWS AND POSSIBLE CHANGES IN TAX LAWS.

 

In general, if you own ADSs, you will be treated as the owner of the underlying shares represented by those ADSs for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Accordingly, no gain or loss will be recognized if you exchange ADSs for the underlying shares represented by those ADSs.

 

The U.S. Treasury has expressed concerns that parties to whom American depositary shares are released before shares are delivered to the depositary (such practice, “pre-release”), or intermediaries in the chain of ownership between holders of American depositary shares and the issuer of the security underlying the American depositary shares, may be taking actions that are inconsistent with the claiming of foreign tax credits by holders of American depositary shares. Such actions would also be inconsistent with the claiming of the reduced rate of tax, described below, applicable to dividends received by certain non-corporate holders. Accordingly, the creditability of Brazilian taxes, and the availability of the reduced tax rate for dividends received by certain non-corporate holders, each described below, could be affected by actions taken by such parties or intermediaries.

 

This discussion assumes that we are not, and will not become, a passive foreign investment company, as described below.

 

Taxation of Distributions

 

Distributions paid on preferred shares or ADSs (including distributions to shareholders that are treated as interest on shareholders’ equity for Brazilian tax purposes) will generally be treated as dividends to the extent paid out of current or accumulated earnings and profits (as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles). Because we do not maintain calculations of our earnings and profits under U.S. federal income tax principles, it is expected that distributions generally will be reported to U.S. Holders as dividends. Subject to applicable limitations that may vary depending upon your circumstances and the discussion above regarding concerns expressed by the U.S. Treasury, dividends paid by “qualified foreign corporations” to certain non-corporate U.S. Holders are taxable at the rates applicable to long-term capital gains. A foreign corporation is treated as a “qualified foreign corporation” with respect to dividends paid on stock that is readily tradable on a securities market in the United States, such as the NYSE, where our ADSs are traded. You should consult your tax adviser regarding the availability of the reduced tax rate on dividends in your particular circumstances.

 

The amount of a dividend will include any amounts withheld in respect of Brazilian taxes. The amount of the dividend will be treated as foreign-source dividend income to you and will not be eligible for the dividends-received deduction generally allowed to U.S. corporations under the Code. Dividends will be included in your income on the date of your, or in the case of ADSs, the depositary’s, receipt of the dividend. The amount of any dividend income paid in reais will be a U.S. dollar amount calculated by reference to the exchange rate in effect on the date of such receipt, regardless of whether the payment is in fact converted into U.S. dollars. If the dividend is converted into U.S. dollars on the date of receipt, you should not be required to recognize foreign currency gain or loss in respect of the dividend income. If the dividend is not converted into U.S. dollars on the date of receipt, you will have a basis in reais equal to the U.S. dollar value on the date of receipt. You may have foreign currency gain or loss if the dividend is converted into U.S. dollars after the date of receipt.

 

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Subject to applicable limitations that may vary depending upon your circumstances and subject to the discussion above regarding concerns expressed by the U.S. Treasury, Brazilian income taxes withheld from dividends on preferred shares or ADSs will be creditable against your U.S. federal income tax liability. The rules governing foreign tax credits are complex, and, therefore, you should consult your tax adviser regarding the availability of foreign tax credits in your particular circumstances. In particular, a U.S. Holder may use foreign tax credits to offset only the portion of its U.S. tax liability that is attributable to foreign-source income. Instead of claiming a credit, you may, at your election, deduct such Brazilian taxes in computing your taxable income, subject to generally applicable limitations under U.S. law. An election to deduct foreign taxes instead of claiming foreign tax credits applies to all taxes paid or accrued in the taxable year to foreign countries and possessions of the United States.

 

Sale, Redemption or Other Disposition of Preferred Shares or ADSs

 

For U.S. federal income tax purposes, gain or loss you realize on the sale, redemption or other disposition of preferred shares or ADSs will generally be capital gain or loss, and will generally be long-term capital gain or loss if you held the preferred shares or ADSs for more than one year, provided, in the case of a redemption of preferred shares, that you do not own, and are not deemed to own, any of our voting stock. The amount of your gain or loss will equal the difference between your tax basis in the preferred shares or ADSs disposed of and the amount realized on the disposition, in each case, as determined in U.S. dollars. If a Brazilian tax on gains is withheld on the sale or disposition of preferred shares or ADSs, a U.S. Holder’s amount realized will include the gross amount of the proceeds of such sale or disposition before deduction of the Brazilian tax. See “—Brazilian Tax Considerations—Taxation of Gains” for a description of when a disposition may be subject to taxation by Brazil. Such gain or loss will generally be U.S.-source gain or loss for foreign tax credit purposes. U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisers as to whether the Brazilian tax on gains may be creditable against their U.S. federal income tax on foreign-source income from other sources.

 

Other Brazilian Taxes

 

You should note that any Brazilian IOF/Exchange Tax (as discussed above under “—Brazilian Tax Considerations”) will not be a creditable foreign tax for U.S. federal income tax purposes, although you may be entitled to deduct such tax, subject to applicable limitations under U.S. law. You should consult your tax adviser regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the payment of Brazilian IOF/Exchange Tax, including whether you may claim a deduction for such tax or should instead include the amount of tax paid in your initial basis in the preferred shares or ADSs.

 

Passive Foreign Investment Company Rules

 

We believe that we were not a “passive foreign investment company” (“PFIC”) for U.S. federal income tax purposes for our 2019 taxable year. However, because PFIC status depends on the composition of a company’s income and assets and the market value of its assets from time to time, there can be no assurance that we will not be a PFIC for any taxable year. If we were a PFIC for any taxable year during which a U.S. Holder held preferred shares or ADSs, gain recognized by such U.S. Holder on a sale or other disposition (including certain pledges) of the preferred shares or ADSs would be allocated ratably over the U.S. Holder’s holding period for the preferred shares or ADSs. The amounts allocated to the taxable year of the sale or other disposition and to any year before we became a PFIC would be taxed as ordinary income. The amount allocated to each other taxable year would be subject to tax at the highest rate in effect for individuals or corporations, as appropriate, for such taxable year, and an interest charge would be imposed on the resulting tax liability. Further, to the extent that any distribution received by a U.S. Holder on its preferred shares or ADSs exceeded 125% of the average of the annual distributions on preferred shares or ADSs received by the U.S. Holder during the preceding three years or the U.S. Holder’s holding period, whichever is shorter, that distribution would be subject to taxation in the same manner. Certain elections may be available that would result in alternative treatments (such as mark-to-market treatment) of the preferred shares or ADSs. U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisers to determine whether any of these elections would be available and, if so, what the consequences of the alternative treatments would be in their particular circumstances. If we are a PFIC for any taxable year during which a U.S. Holder owns our preferred shares or ADSs, the U.S. Holder will generally be required to file Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) Form 8621 with its annual U.S. federal income tax return, subject to certain exceptions.

 

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Information Reporting and Backup Withholding

 

Payments of dividends and sales proceeds that are made within the United States or through certain U.S.-related financial intermediaries generally are subject to information reporting and may be subject to backup withholding, unless (i) you are a U.S. corporation or other exempt recipient or (ii) in the case of backup withholding, you provide a correct taxpayer identification number and certify that you are not subject to backup withholding. The amount of any backup withholding from a payment to you will be allowed as a credit against your U.S. federal income tax liability and may entitle you to a refund, provided that the required information is timely furnished to the IRS.

 

Certain U.S. Holders who are individuals or closely-held entities may be required to report information on IRS Form 8938 relating to their ownership of securities of a non-U.S. person, subject to certain exceptions (including an exception for securities held in certain accounts maintained by financial institutions, in which case the accounts may be reportable if maintained by a non-U.S. financial institution). U.S. Holders are urged to consult their tax advisers regarding the effect, if any, of these rules on their ownership and disposition of preferred shares or ADSs.

 

U.S. HOLDERS OF OUR PREFERRED SHARES OR ADSs SHOULD CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISERS AS TO THE BRAZILIAN, U.S. FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL AND OTHER TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSITION OF OUR PREFERRED SHARES OR ADSs BASED UPON THEIR PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES.

 

F. Dividends and Paying Agents

 

Not applicable.

 

G. Statement of Experts

 

Not applicable.

 

H. Documents on Display

 

We are subject to the information requirements of the Exchange Act, except that as a foreign issuer, we are not subject to the proxy rules or the short-swing profit disclosure rules of the Exchange Act. In accordance with these statutory requirements, we file or furnish reports and other information with the SEC. Reports and other information filed or furnished by us with the SEC may be inspected and copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the SEC at 100 F Street NE, Washington, D.C. 20549. Copies of such material may be obtained by mail from the Public Reference Section of the SEC, 100 F Street NE, Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed rates. You may also inspect these reports and other information at the offices of the NYSE, 11 Wall Street, New York, New York 10005, on which our ADSs are listed.

 

In addition, the SEC maintains a website that contains information filed electronically, which can be accessed over the Internet at http://www.sec.gov.

 

We also file financial statements and other periodic reports with the CVM. Copies of our annual report on Form 20-F and documents referred to in this annual report and our bylaws will be available for inspection upon request at our offices at Avenida Engenheiro Luis Carlos Berrini, 1376 – 28th floor, 04571-936, São Paulo, SP, Brasil.

 

I. Subsidiary Information

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 11.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

We are exposed to several market risks as a result of our commercial operations, debts obtained to finance our activities and financial derivative instruments, including exchange rate risk, interest rate risk, debt acceleration risk and credit risk. To help us manage our risks, we conduct a valuation of our financial assets and liabilities in relation to market values based on available information and appropriate valuation methodologies. However, the interpretation of market information, as well as the selection of methodologies, requires considerable judgment and reasonable estimates to produce adequate realization values. As a result, our valuation estimates do not necessarily

 

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indicate the amounts, which will be realized in the current market. The use of different market approaches and/or methodologies for the estimates may have a significant effect on the estimated realization values.

 

We also enter into derivative instruments to manage the risks to which we are exposed in accordance with our risk management policy. We do not hold derivative instruments for speculative purposes.

 

To further assist our risk management, we conduct fair value analyses of our derivative financial instruments, as well as sensitivity analyses of our risk variables and our net exposure risk. For more details of the results of our valuation analysis, risk management strategies, and sensitivity analysis of our derivative financial instruments, please see Note 33 to our consolidated financial statements.

 

Item 12.Description of Securities Other Than Equity Securities

 

A. Debt Securities

 

Not applicable.

 

B. Warrants and Rights

 

Not applicable.

 

C. Other Securities

 

Not applicable.

 

D. American Depositary Shares

 

The depositary, Citibank N.A., collects its fees for delivery and surrender of ADSs directly from investors depositing shares or surrendering ADSs or from intermediaries acting for them. The depositary also collects fees for making distributions to investors by deducting those fees from the amounts distributed or by selling a portion of distributable property to pay the fees. The depositary may collect its annual fee for depositary services by directly billing investors or by charging the book-entry system accounts of participants acting for them. The depositary may generally refuse to provide fee-attracting services until its fees for those services are paid. See Exhibit no. 2.1. to this Form 20-F for a description of the rights of holders of the ADSs.

 

The holder of an ADS may have to pay the following fees and charges related to services in connection with the ownership of the ADS up to the amounts set forth in the table below.

 

Persons depositing or withdrawing shares, receiving distributions or holding ADSs on the applicable record date, as applicable, must pay:

For:

Up to US$5.00 per 100 ADSs (or fraction thereof) issued ·      Issuance of ADSs upon deposit of Shares, excluding issuances as a result of distributions
   
Up to US$5.00 per 100 ADSs (or fraction thereof) surrendered ·      Delivery of deposited securities against surrender of ADSs
   
Up to US$5.00 per 100 ADSs (or fraction thereof) held

·      Distribution of cash dividends or other cash distributions (i.e., sale of rights and other entitlements)

 

·      Distribution of ADSs pursuant to (i) stock dividends or other free stock distributions, or (ii) exercise of rights to purchase additional ADSs

 

·      Distribution of securities other than ADSs or rights to purchase additional ADSs (i.e., spin-off shares) 

 

 

 

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Persons depositing or withdrawing shares, receiving distributions or holding ADSs on the applicable record date, as applicable, must pay:

For:

   
  ·      Depositary services
   
Registration or transfer fees ·      Registration of shares or other deposited securities on the share register and applicable to transfers of shares or other deposited securities to or from the name of the custodian, the depositary or any nominees upon the making of deposits and withdrawals, respectively
   
Expenses and charges of the depositary

·     Cable, telex and facsimile transmissions and delivery expenses as are expressly provided in the deposit agreement

·     Conversion of foreign currency

   
Taxes (including applicable interest and penalties) and other governmental charges ·     As necessary
   
Fees and expenses incurred by the depositary in connection with compliance with exchange control regulations and other regulatory requirements applicable to shares, deposited securities, ADSs and ADRs ·     As necessary
   
Fees and expenses incurred by the depositary, the custodian, or any nominee in connection with the servicing or delivery of deposited property ·     As necessary

 

On January 28, 2013, we entered into a deposit agreement with Citibank N.A., pursuant to which Citibank N.A. became our depositary.

 

Citibank N.A. has agreed to reimburse us for expenses related to the establishment and maintenance expenses of the ADS program. The depositary has agreed to reimburse us for our continuing annual stock exchange listing fees. The depositary has also agreed to pay the standard out-of-pocket maintenance costs for the ADRs, which consist of the expenses of postage and envelopes for mailing annual and interim financial reports, printing and distributing dividend checks, electronic filing of U.S. Federal tax information, mailing required tax forms, stationery, postage, facsimile, and telephone calls. It has also agreed to reimburse us annually for certain investor relations programs or special investor relations promotional activities. In certain instances, the depositary has agreed to provide additional payments to us based on any applicable performance indicators relating to the ADR facility. There are limits on the amount of expenses for which the depositary will reimburse us, but the amount of reimbursement available to us is not necessarily tied to the amount of fees the depositary collects from investors. During 2019, we received from Citibank N.A., our depositary, US$4.0 million, for the services described above.

 

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PART II

 

Item 13.Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies

 

As of December 31, 2019, we were not in default under any of our obligations and there were no dividend arrearages or delinquencies.

 

Item 14.Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds

 

None.

 

Item 15.Controls and Procedures

 

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

Our Chief Executive Officer, or CEO, and Chief Financial Officer, or CFO, are responsible for establishing and maintaining our disclosure controls and procedures. These controls and procedures were designed to ensure that information relating to us required to be disclosed in the reports that we file under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the SEC. We evaluated these disclosure controls and procedures under the supervision of our CEO and CFO as of December 31, 2019. Based on this evaluation, our CEO and CFO concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were adequate and effective and were designed to ensure that material information relating to us and our consolidated subsidiaries are made known to them by others within those entities to allow timely decisions relating to the required disclosure.

 

Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act). The Telefônica Brasil internal control system was designed to provide reasonable assurance as to the integrity and reliability of the published financial statements. All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, may have inherent limitations and can provide reasonable assurance that the objectives of the control system are met.

 

Management evaluated the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting under the supervision of our Chief Executive Officer, or CEO and Chief Financial Officer or CFO as of December 31, 2019 based on the criteria set out in the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”) framework, or the 2013 framework, and concluded that, as of December 31, 2019, our internal control over financial reporting was adequate and effective.

 

Report of the Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

PricewaterhouseCoopers Auditores Independentes, the independent registered public accounting firm that has audited our consolidated financial statements, has issued a report on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019. This report appears on page F-1.

 

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

Our internal audit department periodically evaluates our internal controls for the main cycles, documenting by flowcharts the processes used in each cycle, identifying opportunities and suggesting improvements for the existing control mechanisms. There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by this annual report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

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Item 16.[Reserved]

 

Item 16A.Audit Committee Financial Expert

 

Our Control and Audit Committee is comprised of a minimum of three (3) and a maximum of five (5) nonexecutive directors, a majority of whom must be independent members (pursuant to CVM Instruction No. 308 and 480). See “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees—C. Board Practices—Committees—Control and Audit Committee.” Our Board of Directors has designated José María Del Rey Osorio, an independent member of our board of directors in accordance with the rules of the B3’s Novo Mercado and a member of our Control and Audit Committee, as the Company’s “audit committee financial expert,” as such term is defined by the SEC. There are some similar functions between the Control and Audit Committee and our statutory Fiscal Board (Conselho Fiscal), the latter of which meets the requirements of the general exemption from the listing standards for audit committees set forth in Exchange Act Rule 10A-3(c)(3). See “Item 16D. Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees Procedures.”

 

Item 16B.Code of Ethics

 

Our administrations and employees ethics conduct, daily performed, are governed by a code of business conduct and ethics called the “Princípios de Negócio Responsável” or the Telefónica Business Principles, which is reviewed periodically and approved by the board. Its global guidelines define the way we do business with all stakeholders and generate long term value. In addition, the Telefónica Business Principles set forth mechanisms for decision making when facing ethical dilemmas and situations that eventually can be considered not in accordance with the law. We promote periodical training to our employees aiming to reinforce our code of ethics concepts and principles reaching 95.5% of our personnel.

 

The Compliance Department’s mission is to be a role model in ensuring applicability of anti-corruption compliance law and corporate ethics, generating value to stakeholders, protecting the company and its employees, reducing risks of non-compliance and increasing even more Telefônica’s culture which is based on ethics and integrity. The Compliance Department works together with other areas of the company to maintain our business best practices.

 

At Telefônica Brasil, the compliance program, named as #VivoDeAcordo, has important pillars to its solid implementation: total commitment from top management; a robust structure of highly qualified and skilled employees responsible for the program’s actions; regular analysis and evaluation of business risks; internal policies addressing diverse subjects, such as prevention of corruption, conflict of interests, gifts and entertainment, information security, among others, in line with global guidelines and internal regulations well-structured and available to all employees; periodic compliance trainings for current and new employees and an active channel to answer questions about the entire program.

 

The program applies to all employees (including directors and board members) and also to allies. To enhance integrity culture, initiatives of prevention, detection, remediation and integrity are constantly released, such as: regular communication on ethics topics; anticorruption training, including the FCPA; promotion of compliance channel “Fale com #VivoDeAcordo” and our policies, that are available in our intranet portal.

 

The company is aware of the importance of its supply chain for its international presence, the impact and involved values in its business transactions volume. For this reason, Telefonica promotes, establishes and maintains high level of responsible behavior with respect of its suppliers, promoting among them not only compliance quality/service standards, but also ethical, social, environmental and privacy standards in any relationship with Telefônica’s supply chain.

 

As one of the pillars of our code of ethics (Princípios de Negócio Responsável), the respect and commitment to human rights guide regular and periodic evaluation of the impacts in our value chain. Since 2010, we have been signatories to the Global Compact, a UN initiative to encourage companies to follow corporate social responsibility and sustainability policies through the adoption of ten principles related to human rights, labor, environment and corruption.

 

The Telefónica Business Principles are available and open to consultation for employees on the Telefónica Intranet site as well as for the general public on the Telefónica external website (https://www.telefonica.com/en/web/about_telefonica/strategy/business-principles). These Business Principles were

 

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modified in 2017 in order to include, among others, several new principles related to privacy and data protection, security, responsible communication practices, the protection of minority shareholders as well as to reinforce other principles including the anti-corruption principle. No waivers were granted in 2019.

 

Item 16C.Principal Accountant Fees and Services

 

In the chart below we have detailed the expenses accrued in respect of the fees for services rendered by PricewaterhouseCoopers Auditores Independentes, our independent auditor for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017:

 

   Year ended December 31,
   2019  2018  2017
   (in millions of reais)
Audit Fees    10.8    12.0    10.5 
Audit-Related Fees    0.3    0.3    0.3 
Total    11.1    12.3    10.8 

 

Audit Fees

 

Services included under this heading are mainly the audit of the annual and reviews of interim financial statements, work to comply with the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (Section 404) and the review of the 20-F report to be filed with US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

 

Audit-Related Fees

 

This heading mainly includes services related to the review of the information required by regulatory authorities and the review of corporate responsibility reports.

 

Item 16D.Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees Procedures

 

Brazilian Corporate Law requires that we have a statutory Fiscal Board (Conselho Fiscal) composed of three to five members who are elected at the general shareholders’ meeting. The Fiscal Board operates independently from management and from a company’s external auditors, and the members of our Fiscal Board are all financially literate. Its main function is to monitor the activities of management, examine the financial statements of each fiscal year and provide a formal report to our shareholders. We are relying on the general exemption from the listing standards relating to audit committees contained in Rule 10A-3(c)(3) under the Exchange Act because our statutory Fiscal Board meets the requirements of the general exemption set forth in Exchange Act Rule 10A-3(c)(3). See “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees—C. Board Practices—Fiscal Board.” Our statutory Fiscal Board is primarily charged with certain advisory, oversight and review functions with respect to the company’s financial statements; however, the statutory Fiscal Board, as required by Brazilian Corporate Law, has only an advisory role and does not participate in the management of the company. Indeed, decisions of the statutory Fiscal Board are not binding on the company under Brazilian Corporate Law. Our board of directors, under Brazilian Corporate Law, is the only entity with the legal capacity to appoint and retain any independent registered public accounting firm, and decide the budget appropriation with respect to such auditors.

 

Since Brazilian Corporate Law does not specifically grant our statutory Fiscal Board the power to establish receipt, retention and complaint procedures regarding accounting, internal control and audit matters, or create policies for the confidential, anonymous treatment of employee concerns regarding accounting or auditing matters, we have established a Control and Audit Committee as a best corporate governance practice to address these various issues. See “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees—C. Board Practices—Committees—Control and Audit Committee.”

 

The Fiscal Board is not the equivalent of, or wholly comparable to, a U.S. audit committee. Among other differences, it is not required to meet the standards of “independence” established in Rule 10A-3 and is not fully empowered to act on matters that are required by Rule 10A-3 to be within the scope of an audit committee’s authority. Nonetheless, we believe that our use of a fiscal board in accordance with Brazilian Corporate Law in combination with our Control and Audit Committee, as opposed to the provisions set forth in Exchange Act Rule

 

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10A-3(b), does not materially adversely affect the ability of the Fiscal Board to act independently, satisfy the other applicable requirements of Exchange Act Rule 10A-3 (to the extent permitted by Brazilian Corporate Law) or to fulfill its fiduciary and other obligations under Brazilian law.

 

Item 16E.Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers

 

Plan for the Purchase of Shares Issued by the Company.

 

Considering the expiration of the share buyback program approved in June 9, 2017, the Board of Directors approved in December 7, 2018, pursuant to article 17, item XV of the Bylaws and the CVM Instruction No. 567/15, a new Share Buyback Program for the acquisition of shares issued by the Company (“Program”) for subsequent cancellation, sale or holding in treasury, as follows:

 

(i)Program Objective: acquisition of common and preferred shares issued by the Company for subsequent cancellation, sale or holding in treasury, with no capital reduction, for the purpose of increasing shareholder value through the efficient application of available cash, optimizing the Company’s capital allocation.

 

(ii)Resources: the buybacks will be made through the use of the capital reserve balance included in the balance sheet published on September 30, 2018 (R$ 3.7 billion), except the reserves referred to in Article 7, § 1, of ICVM 567.

 

(iii)Deadline: beginning from the date of the Board of Directors' resolution, shall remain in force up to June 6, 2020, and the acquisitions shall be made in Bolsa de Valores (B3 – Brasil, Bolsa e Balcão) at market prices, observing the legal limits.

 

(iv)Number of Shares to be acquired: up to a maximum of 583,422 common shares and 37,736,465 preferred shares.

 

(v)Number of Outstanding Shares: 31,609,447 common shares and 415,111,930 preferred shares; considering the 2,290,164 common shares and 983 preferred shares in treasury; and excluding shares held by controlling shareholders, by persons related to them, and by administrators, under Article 8, section I, § 3 of ICVM 567.

 

(vi)Intermediary Financial Institutions: the operation will be performed through Bradesco Corretora S.A. CTVM, headquartered at Avenida Paulista, 1450 / 7th floor - São Paulo/SP.

 

Information about the Program for the Buyback of Shares Issued by the Company, including those required under the CVM Instructions No. 567/15 and No. 480/09, as amended, and additional documents are available to shareholders at the Company’s headquarters, on the Company’s investor relations page on its website, as well as on the websites of the CVM and B3.

 

In 2019, the Company did not repurchase any share, as follows:

 

   Year ended December 31, 2019
Period of Fiscal Year  Total Number of Preferred Shares Purchased  Average Price Paid per Preferred Share (R$)  Total Number of Preferred Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs(1)  Maximum Number of Preferred Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
January 1 to January 31    —      —      —      415,111,930 
February 1 to February 28    —      —      —      415,111,930 
March 1 to March 31    —      —      —      415,111,930 
April 1 to April 30    —      —      —      415,111,930 
May 1 to May 31    —      —      —      415,111,930 
June 1 to June 30    —      —      —      415,111,930 
July 1 to July 31    —      —      —      415,111,930 
August 1 to August 31    —      —      —      415,111,930 
September 1 to September 30    —      —      —      415,111,930 

 

 

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   Year ended December 31, 2019
Period of Fiscal Year  Total Number of Preferred Shares Purchased  Average Price Paid per Preferred Share (R$)  Total Number of Preferred Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs(1)  Maximum Number of Preferred Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
October 1 to October 31    —      —      —      415,111,930 
November 1 to November 30    —      —      —      415,111,930 
December 1 to December 31    —      —      —      415,111,930 
Total    —      —      —      415,111,930 

 

 

 

(1)For a more detailed description of our plan, see the information above under the heading “—Plan for the Purchase of Shares Issued by the Company” and note 22(f) to our financial statements

 

Item 16F.Change in Registrant’s Certifying Accountant

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 16G.Corporate Governance

 

Principal Differences Between U.S. and Brazilian Corporate Governance Practices

 

Pursuant to NYSE rules, foreign private issuers that are listed on the NYSE, such as our Company, must disclose any significant ways in which their corporate governance practices differ from those followed by U.S. companies under the listing rules of the NYSE.

 

The significant differences between our corporate governance practices and the NYSE corporate governance standards are as follows:

 

Independence of Directors and Independence Tests

 

The NYSE standards require a majority of the membership of listed company boards to be composed of independent directors and set for the criteria for determining independence. However, controlled companies (whether or not they are foreign private issuers) are not required to have a majority of the members of their board of directors be independent. Therefore, we would be exempt from this NYSE requirement even if we were a U.S. company.

 

The Brazilian Corporate Law and our bylaws require that our directors be elected by our shareholders at a general shareholders meeting. Eleven of our directors were appointed by our common shareholders, and one director was appointed by representatives of our minority preferred shareholders. Eight of our directors are independent in line with the parameters set by the regulations of B3’s Novo Mercado.

 

Both the Brazilian Corporate Law and the CVM establish rules in relation to certain qualification requirements and restrictions, investiture, compensation, duties and responsibilities of companies’ executives and directors. We believe these rules provide adequate assurances that our independent directors are independent, although such rules allow us to have directors that would not otherwise pass the independence tests established by the NYSE.

 

Executive Sessions

 

The NYSE standards require non-management directors of listed companies to meet at regularly scheduled executive sessions without management. In addition, our board of directors’ internal rules set forth that the secretary of the board of directors shall summon regular meetings or sessions without the attendance of members of the Company’s Board of Executive Officers even if they are a member of the board of directors.

 

According to the Brazilian Corporate Law, up to one-third of the members of our Board of Directors can be elected to executive positions. The remaining non-management directors are not expressly empowered to serve as a check on management, and there is no requirement that those directors meet regularly without management. Notwithstanding, our Board of Directors consists of eleven non-management directors.

 

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Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee Requirements

 

The NYSE standards require that listed companies have a nominating/corporate governance committee composed entirely of independent directors, and such committee must have a written charter that addresses the committee’s purposes and responsibilities (including certain required purposes and responsibilities) as well as the annual performance evaluation of the committee. However, controlled companies (whether or not they are foreign private issuers) are exempt from this requirement. Therefore, we would be exempt from this NYSE requirement even if we were a U.S. company.

 

Brazilian Corporate Law does not require us to maintain a committee responsible for nominations or corporate governance. Nevertheless, our board of directors has created our Nominations, Compensation and Corporate Governance Committee, which consists of three to five directors appointed by the Board of Directors to serve for the duration of their respective terms as members of the board of directors, two of which are independent in accordance with rules generally accepted in Brazil. Our Nominations, Compensation and Corporate Governance Committee has a written charter, which sets forth its responsibilities, including nominating our management team and setting compensation limits for our management, establishing employment agreements for our management and setting forth our annual report of corporate governance practices. Unlike the nominating/corporate governance committees of U.S. companies listed on the NYSE (other than controlled companies), our Nominations, Compensation and Corporate Governance Committee is not necessarily responsible for identifying individuals to become board members, or overseeing the evaluation of the board and management. See “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees—C. Board Practices—Committees—Nominations, Compensation and Corporate Governance Committee” for a description of the responsibilities of our Nominations, Compensation and Corporate Governance Committee.

 

Compensation Committee Requirements

 

The NYSE standards require listed companies to have a compensation committee composed entirely of independent directors, and such members must meet the additional independence requirements specific to compensation committee membership set forth in the rules. In addition, NYSE standards require the compensation committee to have a written charter that addresses the committee’s purposes and responsibilities (including certain required purposes and responsibilities). Said charter must specify the rights and responsibilities of the compensation committee regarding the authority to retain advisors and provide funding for such advisors. Certain specified factors must be considered regarding such advisers’ independence from management. However, controlled companies (whether or not they are foreign private issuers) are exempt from this requirement. Therefore, we would be exempt from this NYSE requirement even if we were a U.S. company.

 

As noted above, while Brazilian Corporate Law does not require us to have a compensation committee, our Board of Directors has created our Nominations, Compensation and Corporate Governance Committee. As determined by the Brazilian Corporate Law, the compensation of management is approved by our shareholders at our shareholders’ meeting. Subject to this approval, our Board of Directors establishes the compensation of its members and of our executive officers. The Nominations, Compensation and Corporate Governance Committee provides information and recommendations to the Board of Directors regarding the compensation of our executive officers and managers. Our Nominations, Compensation and Corporate Governance Committee is not required to perform certain functions that are required of U.S. companies listed on the NYSE (other than controlled companies), such as directly reviewing and approving corporate goals and objectives relating to CEO compensation, evaluating the CEO’s performance in light of those goals and objectives and, either as a committee or together with the other independent directors, determining and approving the CEO’s compensation level based on this evaluation.

 

Our Nominations, Compensation and Corporate Governance Committee is not required by the Brazilian Corporate Law or its charter to take into consideration any factors relevant to independence from management when retaining the advice of a compensation consultant, legal counsel or other advisers.

 

Audit Committee Requirements

 

The NYSE standards require listed companies (including foreign private issuers) to have an audit committee that satisfies the requirements of Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act. However, Rule 10A-3 provides an exemption for companies, such as our company, that have a board of auditors or statutory auditors, established and selected pursuant to home country legal provisions expressly requiring or permitting such a board or similar body, provided

 

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that certain criteria are satisfied. The NYSE standards also set forth additional requirements for the audit committees of listed companies, including that the audit committee must have a minimum of three members, all members of the audit committee must be independent, the audit committee must have a written charter that addresses certain topics, and each listed company must have an internal audit function. As a foreign private issuer, we are exempt from these additional requirements.

 

Brazilian Corporate Law and our bylaws each require that we have a statutory Fiscal Board (Conselho Fiscal). See “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees—C. Board Practices—Fiscal Board.” Our statutory Fiscal Board meets the requirements of the general exemption from the listing standards for audit committees set forth in Exchange Act Rule 10A-3(c)(3). See “Item 16D. Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees Procedures.” Our statutory Fiscal Board is primarily charged with certain advisory, oversight and review functions with respect to the company’s financial statements. However, the statutory Fiscal Board, as required by Brazilian Corporate Law, has only an advisory role and does not participate in the management of the company. Indeed, decisions of the statutory Fiscal Board are not binding on the company under Brazilian Corporate Law. See “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees—C. Board Practices—Fiscal Board.”

 

In addition to our statutory Fiscal Board, we have established a Control and Audit Committee as a best corporate governance practice to comply with the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act as described in “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees—C. Board Practices—Committees—Control and Audit Committee.” Our Control and Audit Committee comprises a minimum of three and a maximum of five directors, a majority of whom must be independent members (pursuant to CVM Instruction No. 308 and 480), who are not members of our Board of Executive Officers, and who are appointed by the board of directors to serve as members of the Control and Audit Committee for the duration of their respective terms as members of the board of directors. Two members of the Control and Audit Committee, including its chairman are considered independent in accordance with rules generally accepted in Brazil. The Committee has its own charter, which was approved by the board of directors.

 

Shareholder Approval of Equity Compensation Plans

 

NYSE rules require that shareholders be given the opportunity to vote on all equity compensation plans and material revisions thereto, with limited exceptions. Neither Brazilian Corporate Law nor our bylaws require that our preferred shareholders approve of equity compensation plans.

 

Corporate Governance Guidelines

 

NYSE rules require that listed companies adopt and disclose corporate governance guidelines.

 

We are subject to the corporate governance provisions of the Brazilian Corporate Law and of CVM Instruction 480 (as amended by CVM Instruction 586 issued on June 8, 2017), which requires us to disclose certain corporate governance guidelines. Under CVM Instruction 480, we must disclose information regarding our adoption of the governance practices set forth in the Brazilian Corporate Governance Code - Public Companies (the “Governance Code”). Thus, we are required to disclose a report named “Report on the Brazilian Corporate Governance Code - Public Companies” within seven months from the closing date of each fiscal year. Notwithstanding, since the governance practices set forth in the Governance Code are imposed only on a “comply or explain” basis, adherence to the recommendations described therein is not mandatory, however an explanation must be disclosed with respect to any recommendations set forth therein that we do not adopt.

 

In addition, we have a Nominations, Compensation and Corporate Governance Committee that establishes our corporate governance guidelines, which we disclose to the public on an annual basis.

 

Item 16H.Mine Safety Disclosure

 

Not applicable.

 

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PART III

 

Item 17.Financial Statements

 

We have responded to Item 18 in lieu of responding to this Item.

 

Item 18.Financial Statements

 

Reference is made to pages F-1 through F-85.

 

Item 19.Exhibits

 

 

Exhibit number

Description

1.1 Bylaws of Telefônica Brasil S.A., as amended (unofficial English translation). (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.1 to our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2018, filed with the SEC on February 21, 2019)
2.1 Deposit Agreement dated as of January 28, 2013, among Telefônica Brasil S.A., Citibank, N.A., as Depositary, and Owners and Beneficial Owners of American Depositary Receipts issued thereunder. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99 (A) to our Registration Statement of American Depositary Receipt shares on Form F-6 (No. 333-201244), filed with the SEC on December 23, 2014)
2.2 Description of Securities registered under Section 12 of the Exchange Act
4.1 Contract and Justification of the Merger of Telefônica Data Brasil Holding S.A. into Telecomunicações De São Paulo S.A. – TELESP and Partial Spin-Off of Telefônica Empresas S.A. dated March 9, 2006. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit B to our Form CB, filed with the SEC on March 14, 2006)
4.2 Grant Contract for Fixed Commuted Telephone Service in Local Modality (Sector 31) between Agência Nacional De Telecomunicações and Telecomunicações De São Paulo S.A. – TELESP dated June 30, 2011 (unofficial English translation). (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(B).1 to our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2011, filed with the SEC on April 20, 2012)
4.3 Grant Contract for Fixed Commuted Telephone Service in Long-Distance Modality (Sector 31) between Agência Nacional De Telecomunicações and Telecomunicações De São Paulo S.A. – TELESP dated June 30, 2011 (unofficial English translation). (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(B).2 to our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2011, filed with the SEC on April 20, 2012)
4.4 Certificate of Authorization to Provide Multimedia Communication Service between Agência Nacional de Telecomunicações – ANATEL and Global Telecom S.A. dated March 19, 2004 (English language summary). (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(B).1 to our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2012, filed with the SEC on March 20, 2013)
4.5 Authorization Agreement of the Personal Mobile Service (Region II) between Agência Nacional de Telecomunicações – ANATEL and Telefônica Brasil S.A. dated January 18, 2010 (English language summary). (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2013, filed with the SEC on March 19, 2014)
4.6 Authorization Agreement of the Personal Mobile Service (Region III) between Agência Nacional de Telecomunicações – ANATEL and Telefônica Brasil S.A. dated January 18, 2010 (English language summary). (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2013, filed with the SEC on March 19, 2014)

136

 

Exhibit number

Description

4.7 Authorization Agreement to Provide Commuted Fixed Telephone Service in Local Modality (Regions I and II) between Agência Nacional De Telecomunicações and Telefônica Brasil S.A. dated September 5, 2011 (English language summary). (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2013, filed with the SEC on March 19, 2014)
4.8 Certificate of Authorization to Provide Commuted Fixed Telephone Service in National Long-Distance Modality (Regions I and II) between Agência Nacional de Telecomunicações – ANATEL and Telefônica Brasil S.A. dated September 5, 2011 (English language summary). (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.6 to our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2013, filed with the SEC on March 19, 2014)
4.9 Certificate of Authorization to Provide Commuted Fixed Telephone Service in International Long-Distance Modality (Regions I and II) between Agência Nacional de Telecomunicações – ANATEL and Telefônica Brasil S.A. dated September 5, 2011 (English language summary). (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.7 to our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2013 filed with the SEC on March 19, 2014)
4.10 Authorization Agreement of the Personal Mobile Service (Region I) between Agência Nacional de Telecomunicações – ANATEL and Telefônica Brasil S.A. dated February 7, 2012 (English language summary). (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.8 to our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2013, filed with the SEC on March 19, 2014)
4.11 Authorization Agreement for Spectrum Blocks Associated with Personal Mobile Service (Region III) between Agência Nacional de Telecomunicações – ANATEL and Telefônica Brasil S.A. dated October 16, 2012 (English language summary). (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.9 to our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2013, filed with the SEC on March 19, 2014)
4.12 Authorization Agreement for Spectrum Blocks Associated with Personal Mobile Service (Region II) between Agência Nacional de Telecomunicações – ANATEL and Telefônica Brasil S.A. dated October 16, 2012 (English language summary). (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.10 to our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2013 filed with the SEC on March 19, 2014)
4.13 Authorization Agreement for Spectrum Blocks Associated with Personal Mobile Service (Region III) between Agência Nacional de Telecomunicações – ANATEL and Telefônica Brasil S.A. dated October 16, 2012 (English language summary). (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.11 to our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2013, filed with the SEC on March 19, 2014)
4.14 Authorization Agreement for Spectrum Blocks Associated with Personal Mobile Service and Multimedia Communication (Areas identified by the National Codes 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 and 19, in the state of São Paulo) between Agência Nacional de Telecomunicações – ANATEL and Telefônica Brasil S.A. dated October 16, 2012 (English language summary). (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.12 to our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2013, filed with the SEC on March 19, 2014)
4.15 Authorization Agreement for Spectrum Blocks Associated with Personal Mobile Service and Multimedia Communication (States of Alagoas, Ceará, Minas Gerais, Paraíba, Pernambuco, Piauí, Rio Grande do Norte and Sergipe) between Agência Nacional de Telecomunicações – ANATEL and Telefônica Brasil S.A. dated October 16, 2012 (English language summary). (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.13 to our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2013, filed with the SEC on March 19, 2014)
4.16 Authorization Agreement for Conditional Access Service in the entire Brazilian territory between Agência Nacional de Telecomunicações – ANATEL and Telefônica Brasil S.A. dated March 18, 2013 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.14 to our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2013, filed with the SEC on March 19, 2014)

137

 

Exhibit number

Description

4.17 Authorization Agreement for Conditional Access Service in the entire Brazilian territory between Agência Nacional de Telecomunicações – ANATEL and Telefônica Brasil S.A. dated March 18, 2013 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.15 to our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2013, filed with the SEC on March 19, 2014)
4.18 Authorization Agreement for Conditional Access Service in the entire Brazilian territory between Agência Nacional de Telecomunicações – ANATEL and Telefônica Brasil S.A. dated March 18, 2013 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.16 to our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2013, filed with the SEC on March 19, 2014)
4.19 Authorization Agreement for Conditional Access Service in the entire Brazilian territory between Agência Nacional de Telecomunicações – ANATEL and Telefônica Brasil S.A. dated March 18, 2013 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.17 to our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2013, filed with the SEC on March 19, 2014)
4.20 Authorization Agreement for Conditional Access Service in the entire Brazilian territory between Agência Nacional de Telecomunicações – ANATEL and Telefônica Brasil S.A. dated March 18, 2013 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.18 to our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2013, filed with the SEC on March 19, 2014)
4.21 Authorization Agreement for Conditional Access Service in the entire Brazilian territory between Agência Nacional de Telecomunicações – ANATEL and Telefônica Brasil S.A. dated March 18, 2013 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.19 to our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2013, filed with the SEC on March 19, 2014)
4.22 Authorization Agreement for Radiofrequency Blocks Associated with Personal Mobile Service (States of Rio de Janeiro, Minas Gerais, Espírito Santo, Bahia, Sergipe, Alagoas, Pernambuco, Paraíba, Rio Grande do Norte, Ceará and Piauí) between Agência Nacional de Telecomunicações – ANATEL and Telefônica Brasil S.A. dated December 2, 2014 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.22 to our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2014, filed with the SEC on February 27, 2015).
4.23 Authorization Agreement for Radiofrequency Blocks Associated with Personal Mobile Service (Federal District of Brasilia and the States of Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina, Paraná, Mato Grosso do Sul, Mato Grosso, Goiás, Tocantins and Rondônia.) between Agência Nacional de Telecomunicações – ANATEL and Telefônica Brasil S.A. dated December 2, 2014 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.23 to our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2014, filed with the SEC on February 27, 2015).
4.24 Authorization Agreement for Radiofrequency Blocks Associated with Personal Mobile Service (State of São Paulo) between Agência Nacional de Telecomunicações – ANATEL and Telefônica Brasil S.A. dated December 2, 2014 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.24 to our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2014, filed with the SEC on February 27, 2015).
4.25 Stock Purchase Agreement and Other Covenants, dated as of September 18, 2014, by and among Vivendi S.A., Société d’Investissements et de Gestion 72 S.A. and Société d’Investissements et de Gestion 108 SAS, as sellers, Telefônica Brasil S.A., as purchaser, and GVTPar, GVT Operadora and Telefónica, S.A. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.25 to our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2014, filed with the SEC on February 27, 2015) †
8.1 List of Subsidiaries

 

138

 

Exhibit number

Description

12.1 Section 302 Certification of the Chief Executive Officer.
12.2 Section 302 Certification of the Chief Financial Officer.
13.1 Section 906 Certification of the Chief Executive Officer.
13.2 Section 906 Certification of the Chief Financial Officer.
101.INS XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

 

 

 

 

Confidential information has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to this omitted information.

 

 

139

SIGNATURES

 

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.

 

  TELEFÔNICA BRASIL S.A.
   
   
  By: /s/ Christian Mauad Gebara
    Name: Christian Mauad Gebara
    Title: Chief Executive Officer
       
       
  By: /s/ David Melcon Sanchez-Friera
    Name: David Melcon Sanchez-Friera
    Title: Chief Financial Officer

 

 

Date: February 20, 2020

 

140

 

Telefônica Brasil S.A.

 

 

Consolidated Financial Statements

 

On December 31, 2019 and 2018 and for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017

 

Contents

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm F-1
   
Consolidated Balance Sheets F-5
   
Consolidated Statements of Income F-7
   
Consolidated Statements of Other Comprehensive Income F-8
   
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity F-9
   
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows F-10
   
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements F-11

Report of independent registered
public accounting firm

 

 

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders

 

 

 

Telefônica Brasil S.A.

 

Opinions on the financial statements and
internal control over financial reporting

 

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Telefônica Brasil S.A. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, and the related consolidated statements of income, other comprehensive income, changes in equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2019, including the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). We also have audited the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

 

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2019 in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the COSO.

 

Change in accounting principle

 

As discussed in Note 2f to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed the manner in which it accounts for leases in 2019. This matter is also described in the “Critical Audit Matters” section of our report.

 

Basis for opinions

 

The Company's management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in item 15 – Controls and Procedures – Management´s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express opinions on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

F-1

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.

 

Our audits of the consolidated financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

 

Definition and limitations of internal
control over financial reporting

 

A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

 

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

Critical audit matters

 

The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (i) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (ii) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.

F-2

First-time adoption of IFRS 16 Leases

 

As described in Note 2F to the consolidated financial statements, the Company adopted the IFRS 16-Leases as effective dated January 1, 2019. The Company transitioned to IFRS 16 using the modified retrospective approach. The comparative information for prior-year periods was not restated. The adoption of this new standard gave rise to right of use assets and lease liabilities of R$8,618,072 thousand as of January 1, 2019. As described by management in Note 2, the adoption was complex due to factors such as the high number of contracts affected that required an evaluation to consider if the contracts contain a lease under this standard, the diversity of data source systems, the implementation of new systems to map all the leases information and the management judgement involved in some assumptions like lease terms and discount rate.

 

The principal considerations for our determination that performing procedures relating to the first-time adoption of IFRS 16-Leases is a critical audit matter are the degree of complexity of the process due to the volume of contracts, among others, and estimation and judgment applied to the initial application of the new standard. This in turn led to a high degree of auditor subjective and effort in performing the procedures designed to evaluate the first-time adoption of IFRS 16-Leases.

 

Our approach to addressing the matter involved performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence in connection with forming our overall opinion on the consolidated financial statements. These procedures included testing the effectiveness of controls related to the first-time adoption of IFRS 16-Leases standard. The procedures also included, among others, (1) assessing the accounting policies employed by management in the determination, calculation and accounting of leases under this standard, as well as the practical expedients employed, (2) testing the completeness and accuracy of the lease contracts identified and recorded in the systems, (3) evaluating the significant assumptions utilized by management such as the lease terms and discount rates and (4) evaluating the appropriateness of the Company’s disclosures. Professionals with specialized skill and knowledge were used to assist in the evaluation of Company´s adoption of this standard and the reasonableness of the discount rate. This matter is also described in the Change in Accounting Principle section of our report.

 

Tax and regulatory litigations

 

As described in Notes 7(g) and 19 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has recorded

 

provision for tax and regulatory litigations of R$2,808,197 thousand and has disclosed contingent liabilities related to these tax litigations of R$ 41,559,190 as of December 31, 2019. The Company recognizes provision in the consolidated financial statements for the resolution of pending litigation when the Company has a present obligation as a result of a past event and management determines that a loss is probable and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. No provision for tax litigation is recognized in the consolidated financial statements for unfavorable outcomes when, after assessing the information available, (i) management concludes that it is not probable that a loss has been incurred in any of the pending litigation; or (ii) management is unable to estimate the loss of the pending matters. In case of income tax pending litigations, management determines whether is probable or not that taxation authority will accept the uncertain tax treatment. If the Company concludes it is not probable that taxation authority will accept the uncertain tax treatment, a provision for income tax is recognized. The Company also discloses the contingency in circumstances where management concludes (i) no loss is probable or reasonably estimable, but it is reasonably possible that a loss may be incurred or, (ii) in case of income tax pending litigations, is probable that the taxation authority will accept the uncertain tax treatment.

F-3

 

The principal considerations for our determination that performing procedures relating to litigation contingencies is a critical audit matter are there was significant judgment by management when assessing the likelihood of a loss being incurred and when determining whether a reasonable estimate of the loss and possible outcomes for each claim can be made, which in turn led to a high degree of auditor judgment, effort, and subjectivity in evaluating management´s assessment of the loss contingencies associated with tax and regulatory litigations.

 

Addressing the matter involved performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence in connection with forming our overall opinion on the consolidated financial statements. These procedures included testing the effectiveness of controls relating to management´s evaluation of pending litigation, including controls over determining whether a loss is probable and whether the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated or whether the taxation authority will probably not accept the income tax pending litigations , as well as financial statement disclosures. These procedures also included among others, (1) obtaining and evaluating the letters of audit inquiry with internal and external legal counsel, (2) evaluating the reasonableness of management´s assessment regarding unfavorable outcomes, and (3) evaluating the sufficiency of the Company´s disclosures. Professionals with specialized skill and knowledge were used to assist in the evaluation of Company´s assessment regarding unfavorable outcomes.

 

Revenue recognition - unbilled

 

As described in Notes 4 and 24 to the consolidated financial statements, of the total gross revenue recognized by the Company for the year ended December 31, 2019, R$ 2,866,196 thousand relates to services rendered and not yet billed. When the revenue billing cycle does not align with the account closing date, management estimates the amount to be recognized for services rendered and not yet billed at the year-end. These estimates are based on different cycles of information, on data obtained from different sources and processed by a large number of applications and systems.

 

The principal considerations for our determination that performing procedures relating to unbilled revenue, is a critical audit matter are the judgments made by management for estimating the amount of unbilled revenue. This in turn led to a high degree of auditor judgment and effort in performing audit procedures to evaluate unbilled revenue recognition.

 

Our approach to addressing the matter involved performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence in connection with forming our overall opinion on the consolidated financial statements. These procedures included testing the effectiveness of controls relating to unbilled revenue recognition. The procedures also included, among others, (1) testing billings completed following the year-end and consistency with the estimates made and (2) assessing the reasonableness of the criteria employed by management to estimate revenue rendered and not yet billed including the accuracy of the underlying data.

 

São Paulo, February20, 2020

 

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers 

Auditores Independentes

 

We have served as the Company´s auditor since 2017. 

 

F-4

 

TELEFÔNICA BRASIL S.A.

Consolidated Balance Sheets 

On December 31, 2019 and 2018

(In thousands of reais)

 

ASSETS  Note  12.31.19  12.31.18
Current assets      18,644,678    18,362,992 
   Cash and cash equivalents  3   3,393,377    3,381,328 
   Trade accounts receivable  4   8,719,497    8,304,382 
   Inventories  5   578,003    462,053 
   Income and social contribution taxes recoverable  7   411,595    274,589 
   Taxes, charges and contributions recoverable  8   4,176,362    4,674,218 
   Judicial deposits and garnishments  9   277,468    313,007 
   Prepaid expenses  6   686,503    581,743 
   Derivative financial instruments  31   19,282    69,065 
   Other assets  10   382,591    302,607 
              
Non-current assets      89,645,044    84,198,326 
      Short-term investments pledged as collateral      63,766    76,934 
      Trade accounts receivable  4   440,453    426,252 
      Taxes, charges and contributions recoverable  8   841,198    3,222,262 
      Deferred taxes  7   171,042    230,097 
      Judicial deposits and garnishments  9   3,393,417    3,597,007 
      Prepaid expenses  6   220,082    134,232 
      Derivative financial instruments  31   52,881    26,468 
      Other assets  10   235,738    47,105 
   Investments  11   104,251    101,657 
   Property, plant and equipment  12   42,847,264    34,115,327 
   Intangible assets  13   41,274,952    42,220,985 
              
TOTAL ASSETS      108,289,722    102,561,318 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

F-5

TELEFÔNICA BRASIL S.A.

Consolidated Balance Sheets 

On December 31, 2019 and 2018

(In thousands of reais)

 

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY  Note  12.31.19  12.31.18
Current liabilities      17,732,088    17,160,820 
   Personnel, social charges and benefits  15   752,246    782,630 
   Trade accounts payable  16   6,871,799    7,642,782 
   Income and social contribution taxes payable  7   6,585    12,009 
   Taxes, charges and contributions payable  17   1,139,812    1,797,965 
   Dividends and interest on equity  18   3,587,417    4,172,916 
   Provisions and contingencies  19   374,445    377,929 
   Deferred income  21   506,181    525,509 
   Loans, financing, debentures and leases  20   4,126,490    1,464,166 
   Derivative financial instruments  31   1,921    16,538 
   Other liabilities  22   365,192    368,376 
              
Non-current liabilities      20,102,056    13,793,471 
   Personnel, social charges and benefits  15   36,028    11,903 
   Income and social contribution taxes payable  7   86,512    - 
   Taxes, charges and contributions payable  17   285,055    39,245 
   Deferred taxes  7   3,146,453    1,982,952 
   Provisions and contingencies  19   5,160,973    5,881,396 
   Deferred income  21   211,901    250,526 
   Loans, financing, debentures and leases  20   9,698,183    4,675,271 
   Derivative financial instruments  31   54,212    22,845 
   Other liabilities  22   1,422,739    929,333 
              
TOTAL LIABILITIES      37,834,144    30,954,291 
              
Equity      70,455,578    71,607,027 
   Capital  23   63,571,416    63,571,416 
   Capital reserves  23   1,165,463    1,213,532 
   Income reserves  23   3,492,387    4,324,170 
   Other comprehensive income acumulated  23   30,737    29,225 
   Additional proposed dividends  23   2,195,575    2,468,684 
              
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY      108,289,722    102,561,318 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

F-6

TELEFÔNICA BRASIL S.A.

Consolidated Statements of Income 

Years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017

(In thousands of reais, except earnings per share)

 

   Note  2019  2018  2017
Net operating revenue  24   44,268,171    43,462,740    43,206,832 
   Cost of sales  25   (22,158,947)   (21,025,767)   (20,272,530)
Gross profit      22,109,224    22,436,973    22,934,302 
                   
Operating income (expenses)      (14,895,300)   (12,980,789)   (16,302,065)
   Selling expenses  25   (12,701,222)   (12,832,741)   (13,136,474)
   General and administrative expenses  25   (2,498,096)   (2,598,970)   (2,443,105)
   Other operating income  26   929,498    4,077,003    464,182 
   Other operating expenses  26   (625,480)   (1,626,081)   (1,186,668)
Operating income      7,213,924    9,456,184    6,632,237 
                   
   Financial income  27   1,132,870    4,112,640    1,755,958 
   Financial expenses  27   (1,953,011)   (2,285,487)   (2,659,002)
   Equity pickup  11   752    (5,847)   1,580 
Income before taxes      6,394,535    11,277,490    5,730,773 
   Income and social contribution taxes  7   (1,393,521)   (2,349,232)   (1,121,983)
                   
Net income for the year      5,001,014    8,928,258    4,608,790 
                   
Basic and diluted earnings per common share (in R$)  23   2.78    4.96    2.56 
Basic and diluted earnings per preferred share (in R$)  23   3.06    5.45    2.82 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

F-7

TELEFÔNICA BRASIL S.A.

Consolidated Statements of Other Comprehensive Income 

Years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017

(In thousands of reais)

 

   Note  2019  2018  2017
Net income for the year      5,001,014    8,928,258    4,608,790 
                   
Other comprehensive income (losses) that may be reclassified into income (losses) in subsequent periods      1,523    8,309    9,644 
Losses on derivative financial instruments  31   (509)   (2,450)   (2,417)
Taxes  7   173    832    822 
                   
Cumulative Translation Adjustments (CTA) on transactions in foreign currency  11   1,859    9,927    11,239 
                   
Other comprehensive income (losses) not to be reclassified into income (losses) in subsequent periods      (132,131)   (63,151)   (113,588)
Unrealized gains (losses) on financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income  11   (17)   (625)   338 
Actuarial losses and limitation effect of the assets of surplus plan  30   (201,660)   (93,491)   (171,296)
Taxes  7   69,546    30,965    57,370 
                   
Other comprehensive losses      (130,608)   (54,842)   (103,944)
                   
Total comprehensive income for the year      4,870,406    8,873,416    4,504,846 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

F-8

TELEFÔNICA BRASIL S.A.

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity 

Years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017

(In thousands of reais)

 

      Capital reserves  Income reserves            
   Capital  Special goodwill reserve  Other capital reserves  Treasury shares  Legal reserve  Tax incentive reserve  Expansion and modernization reserve  Retained earnings  Proposed additional dividends  Other comprehensive income acumulated  Total equity
Balance on December 31, 2016   63,571,416    63,074    1,297,297    (87,790)   1,907,905    17,069    550,000    -    1,913,987    11,461    69,244,419 
Payment of additional dividend for 2016   -    -    -    -    -    -    -    -    (1,913,987)   -    (1,913,987)
Unclaimed dividends and interest on equity   -    -    -    -    -    -    -    101,778    -    -    101,778 
Repurchase of preferred shares   -    -    -    (32)   -    -    -    -    -    -    (32)
Preferred shares delivered referring to the judicial process of expansion plan   -    -    -    2    -    -    -    -    -    -    2 
DIPJ adjustment - Tax incentives   -    -    -    -    -    10,815    -    (10,815)   -    -    - 
Other comprehensive income   -    -    -    -    -    -    -    (113,811)   -    9,867    (103,944)
Equity transactions (Note 1 c)   -    -    (59,029)   -    -    -    -    -    -    -    (59,029)
Net income for the year   -    -    -    -    -    -    -    4,608,790    -    -    4,608,790 
Allocation of income:                                                       
Legal reserve   -    -    -    -    230,439    -    -    (230,439)   -    -    - 
Interim interest on equity   -    -    -    -    -    -    -    (2,416,639)   -    -    (2,416,639)
Reversal of expansion and Modernization Reserve   -    -    -    -    -    -    (550,000)   550,000    -    -    - 
Expansion and Modernization Reserve   -    -    -    -    -    -    297,000    (297,000)   -    -    - 
Additional proposed dividends   -    -    -    -    -    -    -    (2,191,864)   2,191,864    -    - 
Balance on December 31, 2017   63,571,416    63,074    1,238,268    (87,820)   2,138,344    27,884    297,000    -    2,191,864    21,328    69,461,358 
Effects of the initial adoption of IFRS 9 and 15, net of taxes   -    -    -    -    -    -    -    (138,663)   -    -    (138,663)
Balance on January 1, 2018   63,571,416    63,074    1,238,268    (87,820)   2,138,344    27,884    297,000    (138,663)   2,191,864    21,328    69,322,695 
Payment of additional dividend for 2017   -    -    -    -    -    -    -    -    (2,191,864)   -    (2,191,864)
Unclaimed dividends and interest on equity   -    -    -    -    -    -    -    152,770    -    -    152,770 
DIPJ adjustment - Tax incentives   -    -    -    -    -    11,529    -    (11,529)   -    -    - 
Other comprehensive income   -    -    -    -    -    -    -    (62,739)   -    7,897    (54,842)
Equity transactions   -    -    10    -    -    -    -    -    -    -    10 
Net income for the year   -    -    -    -    -    -    -    8,928,258    -    -    8,928,258 
Allocation of income:                                                       
Legal reserve   -    -    -    -    446,413    -    -    (446,413)   -    -    - 
Interim interest on equity   -    -    -    -    -    -    -    (4,550,000)   -    -    (4,550,000)
Reversal of expansion and Modernization Reserve   -    -    -    -    -    -    (297,000)   297,000    -    -    - 
Expansion and Modernization Reserve   -    -    -    -    -    -    1,700,000    (1,700,000)   -    -    - 
Additional proposed dividends   -    -    -    -    -    -    -    (2,468,684)   2,468,684    -    - 
Balance on December 31, 2018   63,571,416    63,074    1,238,278    (87,820)   2,584,757    39,413    1,700,000    0    2,468,684    29,225    71,607,027 
Payment of additional dividend for 2018   -    -    -    -    -    -    -    -    (2,468,684)   -    (2,468,684)
Unclaimed dividends and interest on equity   -    -    -    -    -    -    -    82,898    -    -    82,898 
DIPJ adjustment - Tax incentives   -    -    -    -    -    18,166    -    (18,166)   -    -    - 
Other comprehensive income   -    -    -    -    -    -    -    (132,120)   -    1,512    (130,608)
Equity transactions (Note 1 c.1)   -    -    (48,135)   -    -    -    -    -    -    -    (48,135)
Other   -    -    66    -    -    -    -    -    -    -    66 
Net income for the year   -    -    -    -    -    -    -    5,001,014    -    -    5,001,014 
Allocation of income:                                                       
Legal reserve   -    -    -    -    250,051    -    -    (250,051)   -    -    - 
Interim interest on equity and dividends   -    -    -    -    -    -    -    (3,588,000)   -    -    (3,588,000)
Reversal of expansion and Modernization Reserve   -    -    -    -    -    -    (1,700,000)   1,700,000    -    -    - 
Expansion and Modernization Reserve   -    -    -    -    -    -    600,000    (600,000)   -    -    - 
Additional proposed dividends   -    -    -    -    -    -    -    (2,195,575)   2,195,575    -    - 
Balance on December 31, 2019   63,571,416    63,074    1,190,209    (87,820)   2,834,808    57,579    600,000    -    2,195,575    30,737    70,455,578 

 

F-9

TELEFÔNICA BRASIL S.A.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 

Years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017

(In thousands in reais)

 

   2019  2018  2017
Cash flows from operating activities         
          
Income before taxes   6,394,535    11,277,490    5,730,773 
Adjustment for:               
Depreciation and amortization   10,919,792    8,368,623    7,853,734 
Foreign exchange on loans and derivative financial instruments   (5,271)   30,664    57,832 
Indexation accruals on assets and liabilities   518,833    801,912    543,852 
Equity pickup   (752)   5,847    (1,580)
Losses (gains) on write-off/sale of assets   (329,603)   (63,881)   (74,337)
Impairment losses - trade accounts receivable   1,682,348    1,533,660    1,481,015 
Change in liability provisions   (116,717)   (80,333)   (93,479)
Write-off and reversals for impairment - inventories   (95,988)   (45,223)   (45,089)
Pension plans and other post-retirement benefits   56,012    52,885    31,511 
Provisions for tax, civil, labor and regulatory contingencies   625,480    1,098,251    999,419 
Interest expense   782,921    497,797    926,220 
Other   (143,208)   (14,089)   (8,737)
                
Changes in assets and liabilities               
Trade accounts receivable   (2,078,801)   (1,603,002)   (1,274,181)
Inventories   (15,843)   (68,127)   106,393 
Taxes recoverable   87,550    (5,849,648)   (330,398)
Prepaid expenses   (188,641)   41,166    11,051 
Other assets   70,265    (20,225)   82,109 
Personnel, social charges and benefits   (13,303)   47,870    (42,830)
Trade accounts payable   286,513    1,056,817    121,577 
Taxes, charges and contributions   1,872,920    223,059    180,915 
Provisions for tax, civil, labor and regulatory contingencies   (1,727,178)   (3,928,925)   (1,592,860)
Other liabilities   (11,477)   (249,571)   (472,771)
    12,175,852    1,835,527    8,459,366 
                
Cash generated from operations   18,570,387    13,113,017    14,190,139 
                
Interest paid   (746,986)   (494,931)   (859,586)
Income and social contribution taxes paid   (102,205)   (676,659)   (689,493)
                
Net cash generated by operating activities   17,721,196    11,941,427    12,641,060 
                
Cash flows from investing activities               
Additions to PP&E, intangible assets and others   (8,838,641)   (8,517,458)   (8,367,660)
Proceeds from sale of PP&E   698,643    9,053    20,672 
Cash paid for acquisition of companies, net of cash acquired   (70,844)   -    (206,649)
Cash received from sale of investments   -    10    31,804 
Redemption net of judicial deposits   277,894    2,832,062    83,500 
Cash and cash equivalents by acquisition   5,760    -    - 
Other   -    -    111 
                
Net cash used in investing activities   (7,927,188)   (5,676,333)   (8,438,222)
                
Cash flows from financing activities               
Payment of loans, financing, debentures and leases   (3,696,660)   (2,893,219)   (4,485,495)
Loans and financing raised   -    -    3,055,876 
Receipts - derivative financial instruments   192,124    181,117    107,846 
Payments - derivative financial instruments   (100,581)   (85,124)   (267,254)
Dividend and interest on equity paid   (6,176,842)   (4,136,878)   (3,668,551)
Treasury shares   -    -    (32)
                
Net cash used in financing activities   (9,781,959)   (6,934,104)   (5,257,610)
                
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents   12,049    (669,010)   (1,054,772)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the year   3,381,328    4,050,338    5,105,110 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the  year   3,393,377    3,381,328    4,050,338 

 

F-10

Telefônica Brasil S. A.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 

(In thousands of reais, unless otherwise stated)

 

1)OPERATIONS

 

a) Background information

 

Telefônica Brasil S.A. (the “Company” or “Telefônica Brasil”) is a publicly-held corporation whose corporate purpose includes operating telecommunications services; development of activities necessary or complementary to the execution of such services, in accordance with the concessions, authorizations and permissions granted; exploration of value-added services; offering of integrated solutions, management and provision of services related to: (i) data centers, including hosting and co-location; (ii) storage, processing and management of data, information, texts, images, videos, applications and information systems and similar; (iii) information technology; (iv) information and communication security; (v) telecommunications; and (vi) electronic security systems; licensing and sublicensing of software of any nature, among others.

 

The Company’s principal offices are located at 1376, Engenheiro Luis Carlos Berrini Avenue, in the city and state of São Paulo, Brazil. It is a member of the Telefónica Group (“Group”), based in Spain and operates in several countries across Europe and Latin America.

 

On December 31, 2019 and 2018, Telefónica S.A. (“Telefónica”), the Group holding company, held a total direct and indirect interest in the Company of 73.58% (Note 23).

 

The Company is registered with the Brazilian Securities Commission ("CVM") as a publicly held company under Category A (issuers authorized to trade any marketable securities). Its shares are traded on the B3. The Company is also registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), of the United States of America, and its American Depositary Shares ("ADSs") Level II, backed preferred shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE").

 

b) Operations

 

The Company renders services for: (i) Fixed Switched Telephone Service Concession Arrangement ("STFC"); (ii) Multimedia Communication Service ("SCM", data communication, including broadband internet); (iii) Personal Mobile Service ("SMP"); and (iv) Conditioned Access Service ("SEAC" - Pay TV), throughout Brazil, through concessions and authorizations, in addition to other activities.

 

Service concessions and authorizations are granted by Brazil's Telecommunications Regulatory Agency ("ANATEL"), the agency responsible for the regulation of the Brazilian telecommunications sector under the terms of Law No. 9472 of July 16, 1997 - General Telecommunications Law ("Lei Geral das Telecomunicações" - LGT).

 

In accordance with the STFC service concession agreement, every two years, during the agreement's 20-year term to December 31, 2025, the Company will pay a fee equivalent to 2% of its prior-year STFC revenue, net of applicable taxes and social contribution taxes (Note 22).

 

With the sanction of Law No. 13.879 / 2019, the terms of authorization to use radio frequencies associated with the SMP may be extendable for successive periods - until then, a single renewal with a validity of up to 15 years was allowed. The extension of these terms is granted against payment.

 

Currently, every two years after the first renewal of these agreements, the Company will pay a fee equivalent to 2% of its prior-year SMP revenue, net of applicable taxes and social contribution taxes (Note 22), and for certain terms, in the 15th year, the Company will pay 1% of its prior-year revenue. The calculation will consider the net revenue from Basic and Alternative Services Plans (Note 22).

 

The Company's authorization terms ("TA") for the operation of SMP, according to the SMP General Authorization Plan ("PGA"), are: (i) Region I - TA n. 078/2012 / PVCP / SPV-ANATEL; (ii) Region II - TA n ° 005/2010 / PVCP / SPV-ANATEL; and (iii) Region III - TA n ° 006/2010 / PVCP / SPV-ANATEL.

 

The terms of authorization for the use of the radio frequency bands are granted based on the results obtained in the respective radio frequency auction conducted by ANATEL.

 

F-11

The following is a summary of the authorizations for use of radio frequency bands, granted to the Company, according to the terms of authorization to operate the service in each region.

 

Radiofrequency   Band (MHz)   License Expiration (Year)
450 MHz   14   2027
700 MHz   20   2029
800 MHz   25   2020-2028
900 MHz   5   2020-2023
1800 MHz   20-50   2020-2023
2100 MHz   20-30   2023
2500 MHz   40-60   2027-2031

 

c) Corporate events that occurred in 2019 and 2018

 

c.1) Acquisition of TIS by Wholly Owned Subsidiary - 2019

 

On September 26, 2019, the Company announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary Terra Networks Brasil S.A. ("Terra Networks") had acquired all the shares representing the capital stock of Telefônica Infraestrutura e Segurança Ltda. ("TIS"), owned by Telefônica Ingeniería de Seguridad S.A. and Telefônica Digital Espanã, S.L.U. ("Transaction").

 

TIS renders services and technology of information security systems, technical support and other services related to the infrastructure, technology and information.

 

The Transaction will enable Terra Networks, which includes among its activities the development of systems, to expand consulting and operational assistance, maximize commercialization of systems, licenses and applications, enabling the expansion of the portfolio of professional and managed services and the allow for the integration of the TIS and Terra Networks business offerings generating added value for the Company's client portfolio. Synergies will accrue from the companies as these are under the same management, in the activities of information technology, security, IoT and connectivity.

 

The TIS share price purchase consideration was R$70,844, due in a single installment. This was paid in cash by Terra Networks without need of financing. The purchase price was calculated based on the economic value of the TIS on the discounted cash flow criterion, at August 31, 2019, based on an appraisal report contracted by Terra Networks’ Board of Directors.

 

The sale and purchase agreement contain terms and provisions common to such transactions, such as seller's representations and warranties, indemnity and others. The Transaction was also preceded by an accounting, financial, legal and procedural audit of TIS.

 

Completion of the Transaction is not subject to regulatory or regulatory authorizations, or approvals by Company bodies. It was approved by Terra Networks' Board of Executive Officers pursuant to its by-laws.

 

The Transaction does not change the Company's ownership structure or cause any dilution to its shareholder value by accelerating their growth and increasing operational efficiency.

 

This Transaction, which involves companies under common control, was accounted for at the book value of the net assets acquired (“Predecessor Value Method”), as certain requirements for the use of the acquisition method set forth in IFRS 3 (R). Consequently, the difference between the consideration given in exchange for the equity interest obtained and the value of the net assets acquired was recorded in Terra Network’s equity.

 

Upon completion of the Transaction, as from September 1, 2019, TIS became a direct subsidiary of Terra Networks and indirectly owned by the Company.

 

F-12

c.2) Corporate Restructuring - 2018

 

At the Extraordinary General Meeting ("AGE") held on November 30, 2018, the corporate restructuring was approved, with the merger of the wholly owned subsidiary Telefônica Data SA ("TData") by the Company, with operational effects as from December 1, 2018.

 

TData was a subsidiary of the Company based in Brazil, whose purpose was to provide services, including, without limitation, the provision of audio, video, image and text content, applications and the like, exploration of integrated solutions and the provision of value-added services.

 

TData was the parent company of Telefônica Transportes e Logística Ltda. ("TGLog"), which exploits logistics activity; the administration and operation of general and customs warehouses throughout the national territory, among other logistics activities and of Terra Networks Brasil SA ("Terra Networks"), which provides digital services (value-added services ("SVA") and third parts and carrier billing, as well as mobile channels for sales and relationship) and advertising, with both companies headquartered in Brazil.

 

The TData merger had the objective of standardizing the rendering of services, simplifying the Group current organizational and corporate structure, and assisting in the integration of the Company's business with TData.

 

2)BASIS OF PREPARATION AND PRESENTATION OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

 

a) Statement of compliance

 

The consolidated financial statements were prepared and are presented in accordance with the International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”), as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”).

 

b) Basis of preparation and presentation

 

The financial statements were prepared on a historical cost basis (except where different criteria are required) and adjusted to reflect the valuation of assets and liabilities measured at fair value or considering the mark-to-market valuation when such valuations are required by IFRS.

 

The Statement of Cash Flows was prepared in accordance with IAS 7 - Statement of Cash Flows and reflects the changes in cash that occurred in the years presented using the indirect method.

 

Assets and liabilities are classified as current when it is probable that their realization or settlement will occur in the next 12 months. Otherwise, they are classified and shown as non-current. The only exception relates to the balances of deferred tax assets and liabilities, which are classified and fully shown as non-current.

 

The Board of Directors authorized the issue of these individual and consolidated financial statements at the meeting held on February 14, 2020.

 

c) Functional and reporting currency

 

The Company’s financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 are presented in thousands of Brazilian Real/Reais (R$), unless otherwise stated.

 

The Company’s functional and reporting currency is the Brazilian Real. Transactions in foreign currency are translated into Brazilian Reais as follows: (i) assets, liabilities and shareholders' equity (excluding capital stock and capital reserves) are translated at the closing exchange rate on the balance sheet date; (ii) expenses and revenues are translated at the average exchange rate, except for specific transactions that are converted by the transaction date rate; and (iii) the capital stock and capital reserves are converted at the transaction date rate.

 

Gains and losses from the conversion of investments abroad are recognized in the statement of comprehensive income. Gains and losses from the translation of monetary assets and liabilities between the exchange rate prevailing at the date of the transaction and the year-end closing (except for the conversion of investments abroad) are recognized in the statement of income.

 

F-13

d) Basis of consolidation

 

Interest held in subsidiaries or joint ventures is measured under the equity method in the individual financial statements. In the consolidated financial statements, investments and all asset and liability balances, revenues and expenses arising from transactions and interest held in subsidiaries are fully eliminated. Investments in joint ventures are measured under the equity method in the consolidated financial statements.

 

On December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company holds direct equity interests in subsidiaries and joint ventures. Selected information on the Company's investees is as follows:

 

Investees   Type of investment   Equity interests   Country (Headquarters)   Core activity
Terra Networks Brasil S.A. ("Terra Networks")   Subsidiary   100.00%   Brazil   Telecommunications
Telefônica Transportes e Logística Ltda ("TGLog")   Subsidiary   99.99%   Brazil   Transports and logistics
POP Internet Ltda ("POP")   Subsidiary   99.99%   Brazil   Internet
Aliança Atlântica Holding B.V. ("Aliança")   Joint venture   50.00%   Brazil   Telecommunications sector holdings
Companhia AIX de Participações ("AIX")   Joint venture   50.00%   Holland   Operation of underground telecommunications networks
Companhia ACT de Participações ("ACT")   Joint venture   50.00%   Brazil   Technical assistance in telecommunication networks

 

Terra Networks: The Company's direct and wholly-owned subsidiary on December 1, 2018 (Note 1 c.1), with headquarters in Brazil, has the purpose of providing digital services (own value-added services ("VAS") and third parties and carrier billing, as well as mobile channels for sales and relationship) and advertising.

 

Since September 1, 2019, Terra Networks became the direct parent company of TIS (Note 1 c.1), a company headquartered in Brazil, engaged in the exploration and provision of services and technology, information security systems, technical support and other services related to the infrastructure, technology and information.

 

TGLog: The Company's direct subsidiary on December 1, 2018 (Note 1 c.2), with its head office in Brazil, has as its object the provision of logistics activities; and the administration and operation of general and customs warehouses throughout the national territory, among other logistics activities.

 

POP: The Company's direct subsidiary with headquarters in Brazil, is engaged in the performance of activities related to information technology, internet and any other networks; hosting services and the commercial operation of websites and portals; handling, provision and storage of information and data; sale of software, hardware, telecommunication equipment and electronics; development, licensing and maintenance of information systems and routines; development of electronic commerce; creation and administration of own and/or third-party databases; sale of publicity and advertising and, banner vehicles; and holding interest in other companies as member or shareholder, and may also form consortia and/or other forms of association.

 

POP is the direct parent of Innoweb Ltda ("Innoweb"), whose business purpose is to operate as an internet provider; performing information activities; all forms of telecommunications activities, including the transmission of voice, data and information; sale of telecommunications and electronic equipment and/or accessories; and holding interest in other companies as member or shareholder, and may also form consortia and/or other forms of association.

 

Aliança: Joint venture, headquartered in Amsterdam, Netherlands, with 50% interest held by the Company, this entity is engaged in the acquisition and management of subsidiaries, and holding interest in companies of the telecommunications industry.

 

AIX: Joint venture, headquartered in Brazil, with 50% interest held by the Company, this entity is engaged in holding interest in Consórcio Refibra, and in performing activities related to the direct and indirect operation of activities associated with the construction, completion and operation of underground networks for optical fiber ducts.

 

ACT: Joint venture, headquartered in Brazil, with 50% interest held by the Company, this entity is engaged in holding interest in Consórcio Refibra, and in performing activities related to the rendering of technical support services for the preparation of projects and completion of networks, by means of studies required to make them economically feasible, and monitor the progress of Consortium-related activities.

 

F-14

e) Segment reporting

 

Business segments are defined as components of a company for which separate financial information is available and regularly assessed by the operational decision-making professional in definition of how to allocate funds to an individual segment and in the assessment of segment performance. Considering that: (i) all officers and managers' decisions are based on consolidated reports; (ii) the Company and its subsidiaries’ mission is to provide their customers with quality telecommunications services; and (iii) all decisions related to strategic planning, finance, purchases, short- and long-term investments are made on a consolidated basis, the Company and its subsidiaries operate in a single operating segment, namely the provision of telecommunications services.

 

f) Significant accounting practices

 

Significant and relevant accounting policies for the understanding of the basis of recognition and measurement applied in the preparation of the Company's financial statements are included in the respective notes to which they refer.

 

The accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2019 are consistent with those used in the preparation of the consolidated annual financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2018, except for the changes required by the new pronouncements, interpretations and amendments approved for the IASB, which came into effect as of January 1, 2019, as follows:

 

Standards and amendments
Improvements to IFRS Standards   2015-2017 Cycle
IFRS 16   Leases
IFRIC23   Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments
Amendments to IFRS 9   Prepayment Features with Negative Compensation
Amendments to IAS 19   Plan Amendment, Curtailment or Settlement
Amendments to IAS 28   Long-term Interest in associates and Joint Ventures

 

The adoption of these standards, changes and interpretations did not have any significant impact on the consolidated financial statements in the initial adoption period, except for the purposes of IFRS 16 and IFRIC 23, which had significant impacts on the individual and consolidated financial position at the time of their adoption and prospectively.

 

The Company does not anticipate the early adoption of any pronouncement, interpretation or amendment that has been issued, before application is mandatory.

 

IFRS 16 Leases

 

IFRS 16 requires lessees to recognize assets and liabilities arising from all leases (except for short-term leases and leases of low-value assets) in the statement of financial position.

 

The Company is a lessee under a significant number of leases for various assets, such as towers and the respective land where they are located, circuits, offices, stores and commercial real estate.

 

The Company concluded its assessment of the impact of this new standard for such contracts. This analyze included an estimate of the lease term, based on the non-cancellable period and the periods covered by options to extend the lease when exercise is at the sole discretion of the Company and where such exercise is reasonably certain. This depends, to a large extent, on the specific facts and circumstances applicable to the main class of assets in the telecom industry (technology, regulation, competition, business model, among others). The Company adopted assumptions to calculate the discount rate, which was based on the incremental borrowing rate of interest over the estimated term. The Company has not separately recognized non-lease components from lease components for those classes of assets in which non-lease components are not material with respect to the total value of the lease.

 

F-15

The standard allows for two transition methods: retrospectively for all periods presented, or a modified retrospective approach that the cumulative effect of adoption is recognized on the date of initial application. The Company has adopted the modified retrospective approach as a practical expedient that allows it to avoid having to re-evaluate whether a contract is or contains a lease on the date of the initial adoption of IFRS 16. It will directly apply the new requirements to all contracts that, under the current standard, have been identified as leasing contracts. Certain assumptions are permitted to be adopted on the first application in connection with the right to use, asset measurement, discount rates, impairment, leases that terminate within 12 months from the date of first adoption, direct start-up costs, and contract term of leasing.

 

Accordingly, the Company opted to adopt the following practical transition expedients to the new criteria: (i) use of a common discount rate for groups of contracts with similar characteristics in terms of term, contract object, currency and economic environment; (ii) non-requirement to adopt the new criteria for contracts that expire in 12 months from the date of the initial adoption; and (iii) exclusion of initial direct costs from the initial valuation of the rights-of-use assets on the date of the initial adoption.

 

Because of the number of contracts affected, as well as the high monetary value of future lease commitments, the adoption of IFRS 16 by the Company has had a significant impact on its financial information as of the date of its adoption (January 1, 2019), including recognition of the balance of the rights-of-use assets (Note 12) and their corresponding lease obligations (Note 19) for most of the contracts.

 

The following are the effects of the initial adoption of IFRS 16 on January 1, 2019:

 

Nominal value payable   9,999,696 
Unrealized financial expenses   (1,381,624)
Present value payable   8,618,072 
      
Current   1,711,092 
Non-current   6,906,980 
      
Initial adoption effects:     
   Property, plant and equipment (Note 12)   8,618,072 
   Loans, financing, debentures and leases (Note 20)   8,618,072 

 

The amortization of rights-of-use assets and the recognition of interest costs over the lease obligation in the statement of incomes replaced the amounts recognized as operating lease expenses in accordance with the lease standards. The classification of lease payments in the statement of cash flows is also affected by the requirements of the new lease standard.

 

To facilitate the understanding and comparability of information, the Company discloses in Note 34 the consolidated income statement for the year ended December 31, 2019, excluding the effects of adopting IFRS 16.

 

IFRIC 23 - Uncertainties over Income Tax Treatments

 

IFRIC 23 (Uncertainty about income tax treatment) deals with the accounting of income tax when tax treatments involve uncertainties that affect the application of IAS 12. This interpretation clarifies that the approach that best predicts the resolution of uncertainty must be followed and specifically addresses the assumptions an entity makes about the examination of tax treatments by tax authorities and how an entity determines taxable profit, tax base, tax losses and unused tax credits and tax rates, where there is uncertainty about the treatment of the tax income.

 

With the application of these requirements, on January 1, 2019, the Company carried out an asset reclassification in the amount of R$68,945 between the groups "Provisions and Contingencies" and "Income Tax and Social Contribution to be collected" (notes 7 and 19).

 

F-16

Amendments to IFRS 9 - Prepayment Features with Negative Compensation

 

Under IFRS 9, a debt instrument can be measured at amortised cost or at fair value through other comprehensive income, provided that the contractual cash flows are ‘solely payments of principal and interest on the principal amount outstanding’ (the SPPI criterion) and the instrument is held within the appropriate business model for that classification. The amendments to IFRS 9 clarify that a financial asset passes the SPPI criterion regardless of the event or circumstance that causes the early termination of the contract and irrespective of which party pays or receives reasonable compensation for the early termination of the contract.

 

Amendments to IAS 19 - Plan Amendment, Curtailment or Settlement

 

The amendments to IAS 19 specify that when a plan amendment, curtailment or settlement occurs during the annual reporting period, an entity is required to:

 

·Determine current service cost for the remainder of the period after the plan amendment, curtailment or settlement, using the actuarial assumptions used to remeasure the net defined benefit liability (asset) reflecting the benefits offered under the plan and the plan assets after that event.

 

·Determine net interest for the remainder of the period after the plan amendment, curtailment or settlement using: the net defined benefit liability (asset) reflecting the benefits offered under the plan and the plan assets after that event; and the discount rate used to remeasure that net defined benefit liability (asset).

 

The amendments also clarify that an entity first determines any past service cost, or a gain or loss on settlement, without considering the effect of the asset ceiling. This amount is recognized in profit or loss. An entity then determines the effect of the asset ceiling after the plan amendment, curtailment or settlement. Any change in that effect, excluding amounts included in the net interest, is recognized in other comprehensive income.

 

Amendments to IAS 28 - Long-term interests in associates and joint ventures

 

The amendments clarify that an entity applies IFRS 9 to long-term interests in an associate or joint venture to which the equity method is not applied but that, in substance, form part of the net investment in the associate or joint venture (long-term interests). This clarification is relevant because it implies that the expected credit loss model in IFRS 9 applies to such long-term interests. The amendments also clarify that, in applying IFRS 9, an entity does not take account of any losses of the associate or joint venture, or any impairment losses on the net investment, recognized as adjustments to the net investment in the associate or joint venture that arise from applying IAS 28 Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures.

 

Annual Improvements to IFRS Standards 2015-2017 Cycle

 

This text includes a number of improvements to existing IFRSs, mainly to eliminate inconsistencies and clarify the wording of some of these standards.

 

IFRS 3 Business Combinations

 

The amendments clarify that, when an entity obtains control of a business that is a joint operation, it applies the requirements for a business combination achieved in stages, including remeasuring previously held Interests in the assets and liabilities of the joint operation at fair value. In doing so, the acquirer remeasures its entire previously held interest in the joint operation.

 

IFRS 11 Joint Arrangements

 

A party that participates in, but does not have joint control of, a joint operation might obtain joint control of the joint operation in which the activity of the joint operation constitutes a business as defined in IFRS 3. The amendments clarify that the previously held interests in that joint operation are not remeasured.

 

F-17

IAS 12 Income Taxes

 

The amendments clarify that the income tax consequences of dividends are linked more directly to past transactions or events that generated distributable profits than to distributions to owners. Therefore, an entity recognises the income tax consequences of dividends in profit or loss, other comprehensive income or equity according to where the entity original recognized those past transactions or events.

 

IAS 23 Borrowing Costs

 

The amendments clarify that an entity treats as part of general borrowings any borrowing originally made to develop a qualifying asset when substantially all of the activities necessary to prepare that asset for its intended use or sale are complete.

 

New IFRS pronouncements, issues, amendments and interpretations of the IASB

 

In addition to the previously issued and amended standards, at the date of preparation of these financial statements, the following issues and changes in IFRS and IFRICs had been published but were not mandatory.

 

Standards and amendments   Mandatory application: annual periods beginning on or after
Amendments to References to the Conceptual Framework in IFRS Standards   January 1, 2020
Amendments to IFRS 3   Definition of a Business   January 1, 2020
Amendments to IAS 1 and IAS 8   Definition of Material   January 1, 2020
IFRS 17   Insurance Contracts   January 1, 2021

  

The adoption of these standards, amendments and interpretations will not have a significant impact on the consolidated financial statements in the initial period of adoption.

 

The Company does not anticipate the early adoption for the year ended December 31, 2019 of any pronouncement, interpretation or amendment that has been issued before application is mandatory.

 

g) Significant accounting judgments estimates and assumptions

 

The preparation of the financial statements requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates and the exercise of judgment by the Company's management in applying its accounting policies. These estimates are based on experience, knowledge, information available at the end of the year, and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable in the circumstances. Actual results involving these estimates could differ in values from those recorded in the financial statements due to the criteria inherent in the estimation process. The Company reviews its estimates at least annually.

 

The significant and relevant estimates and judgments applied by the Company in the preparation of these financial statements are presented in the following notes: trade accounts receivable (Note 4); income and social contribution taxes (Note 7); property, plant and equipment (Note 12); intangible assets (Note 13); provision and contingencies (Note 19); net operating revenue (Note 24); pension plans and other post-employment benefits (Note 30); and financial instruments and risk and capital management (Note 31).

 

3) CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

 

a)Accounting policy

 

These are financial assets classified at amortized cost or measured at fair value through profit or loss maintained in order to meet short-term cash commitments and not for investment or other purposes. The Company and its subsidiaries consider cash equivalents a short-term investment readily convertible into a known amount of cash and subject to insignificant risk of change in value. Short-term investments are classified as cash equivalents when redeemable within 90 days.

 

F-18

b)Breakdown

 

   12.31.19    12.31.18  
Cash and banks   250,168    205,598 
Short-term investments   3,143,209    3,175,730 
Total   3,393,377    3,381,328 

 

Highly liquid short-term investments basically comprise Bank Deposit Certificates (“CDB”) and Repurchase Agreements with first tier rated financial institutions, indexed to the Interbank Deposit Certificate (“CDI”) rate, with original maturities of up to three months, and with immaterial risk of change in value. Income from these investments are recorded as financial income.

 

4) TRADE ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE

 

a)Accounting policy

 

These are financial assets measured initially at fair value and subsequently, at amortized cost and are evaluated by the value of the services provided and goods sold in accordance with the contracted conditions, net of estimated impairment losses. These include the services provided to customers, which were still not billed at the balance sheet date, as well as other trade accounts receivable related to the sale of cell phones, SIM cards, accessories, advertising and rent of IT equipment (“Soluciona TI” product).

 

The Company measures the provision for estimated impairment losses in an amount equal to the loss of credit expected for a lifetime.

 

b) Critical estimates and judgments

 

In determining whether the credit risk of a financial asset has increased significantly since the initial recognition and in estimating the expected credit losses, the Company considers reasonable and bearable information that is relevant and available. This includes quantitative and qualitative information and analysis, based on the Company's historical experience, credit assessment and considering forward-looking information. Although the Company believes that the assumptions used are reasonable, the results may be different.

 

c) Breakdown

 

   12.31.19    12.31.18  
Billed amounts   7,018,601    6,789,257 
Unbilled amounts   2,866,196    2,454,810 
Interconnection amounts   790,046    835,887 
Amounts from related parties (Note 28)   129,904    148,814 
Gross accounts receivable   10,804,747    10,228,768 
Estimated impairment losses   (1,644,797)   (1,498,134)
Total   9,159,950    8,730,634 
           
Current   8,719,497    8,304,382 
Non-current   440,453    426,252 

 

Consolidated balances of non-current trade accounts receivable include:

 

F-19

 

   12.31.19    12.31.18  
Portion resale of goods to legal entities, receivable within 24 months   182,286    180,065 
Portion of accounts receivable from the OI group - Bankruptcy process of companies   89,647    119,365 
Soluciona IT product (1)   317,988    293,531 
Nominal amount receivable   589,921    592,961 
Deferred financial income   (48,086)   (84,060)
Present value of accounts receivable   541,835    508,901 
Estimated impairment losses   (101,382)   (82,649)
Net amount receivable   440,453    426,252 

(1)The maturity schedule of the nominal amounts and the present value of the Soluciona IT product is up to five years.

 

There are no unsecured residual values resulting in benefits to the lessor nor contingent payments recognized as revenue for the year.

 

The following are amounts receivable, net of estimated losses for impairment of accounts receivable, by maturity:

 

   12.31.19    12.31.18  
Falling due   6,862,054    6,485,154 
Overdue – 1 to 30 days   966,986    1,096,639 
Overdue – 31 to 60 days   306,956    305,019 
Overdue – 61 to 90 days   192,622    200,401 
Overdue – 91 to 120 days   250,029    220,221 
Overdue – over 120 days   581,303    423,200 
Total   9,159,950    8,730,634 
           

On December 31, 2019 and 2018, no customer represented more than 10% of trade accounts receivable, net.

 

d) Changes in contractual assets

 

The following table shows the changes in contractual assets (arising from the initial adoption of IFRS 15 on January 1, 2018), in the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018:

 

   Contract assets, gross  Provision for losses  Contract assets, net
Initial adoption on 01.01.18   193,675    (33,196)   160,479 
   Additions   587,733    (512)   587,221 
   Amortizations   (585,675)   -    (585,675)
Balance on 12.31.18   195,733    (33,708)   162,025 
   Additions   558,883    (12,486)   546,397 
   Amortizations   (485,108)   -    (485,108)
Balance on 12.31.19   269,508    (46,194)   223,314 
                

 

e) Changes in estimated losses for impairment

 

The following table shows the changes in estimated losses for impairment of accounts receivable.

 

F-20

Balance on 12.31.17   (1,433,471)
Initial adoption IFRS 9 on 01.01.18   (364,456)
Supplement to estimated losses, net of resersal (Note 25)   (1,533,660)
Write-offs   1,833,453 
Balance on 12.31.18   (1,498,134)
Supplement to estimated losses, net of resersal (Note 25)   (1,682,348)
Write-offs   1,547,577 
Business combinations (Note 1 c.1)   (11,892)
Balance on 12.31.19   (1,644,797)
      

 

5)INVENTORIES

 

a)Accounting policy

 

These are evaluated and presented at the lower of average acquisition cost and net realizable value, whichever is lower. These include resale materials such as cellphones, SIM cards, prepaid cards, accessories, consumption materials and maintenance. Net realizable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less estimated costs to sell.

 

Estimated impairment losses are set up for materials and devices considered obsolete or whose carrying amounts are in excess of those usually sold by the Company within a reasonable period. Additions and reversals of estimated impairment losses and inventory obsolescence are included in cost of goods sold (Note 25).

 

b)Breakdown

 

   12.31.19    12.31.18  
Materials for resale   539,822    413,843 
Materials for consumption   41,584    61,819 
Other inventories   24,115    30,013 
Gross total   605,521    505,675 
Estimated losses from impairment or obsolescence   (27,518)   (43,622)
Total   578,003    462,053 

 

6)PREPAID EXPENSES

 

a)Accounting policy

 

These are stated at amounts effectively disbursed referring to services contracted but not yet incurred. Prepaid expenses are allocated to the statement of incomes to the extent that related services are rendered, and economic benefits are obtained.

 

Includes the amounts of incremental costs related to obtaining a contract (sales commissions and other acquisition costs from third parties), resulting from the adoption of IFRS 15 on January 1, 2018, are amortized over the same period as the revenue associated with that asset.

 

F-21

b)Breakdown

 

   12.31.19    12.31.18  
Advertising and publicity   249,433    252,900 
Insurance   20,459    24,867 
Rental   184,248    32,792 
Software and networks maintenance   33,863    17,485 
Incremental costs - IFRS 15   330,919    255,391 
Financial charges   30,521    43,853 
Personal   30,135    33,970 
Taxes and other   27,007    54,717 
Total   906,585    715,975 
           
Current   686,503    581,743 
Non-current   220,082    134,232 

 

7)INCOME AND SOCIAL CONTRIBUTION TAXES

 

a)Accounting policy

 

a.1) Current taxes

 

Current tax assets and liabilities are measured at the estimated amount recoverable from, or payable to, the tax authorities. The tax rates and laws used in calculating the amounts referred to above are those in effect, or substantially in effect, at year-end. In the balance sheet, current taxes are presented net of prepayments over the year.

 

Current income and social contribution taxes, related to items directly recognized in equity, are also recognized in equity. Management regularly assesses the tax position in circumstances in which tax regulation requires interpretation and sets up provision therefore when appropriate.

 

a.2) Deferred taxes

 

Deferred tax assets are recognized for all deductible temporary differences, unused tax credits and losses, to the extent that taxable profit is likely to be available for realization of deductible temporary differences and unused tax credits and losses are likely to be used, except: (i) when the deferred tax asset related to the deductible temporary difference arises from initial recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction other than a business combination and does not impact, at the transaction date, the book profit, income or loss for tax purposes; and (ii) on deductible temporary differences related to investments in subsidiaries that deferred tax assets are recognized only to the extent that it is probable that temporary differences will be reversed in the near future and taxable profit is likely be available so that temporary differences can be used.

 

The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each reporting date and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable profit shall be available to allow all or part of the deferred tax asset to be used. Derecognized deferred tax assets are reassessed at each reporting date and are recognized to the extent that it has become probable that future taxable profits will allow the deferred tax asset to be recovered.

 

Deferred tax liabilities are recognized on all temporary tax differences, except: (i) when the deferred tax liability arises from initial recognition of goodwill, or an asset or liability in a transaction other than a business combination, and does not affect book profit or taxable profit or tax losses on the transaction date; and (ii) on temporary tax differences related to investments in subsidiaries, in which the temporary difference reversal period can be controlled and temporary differences are not likely to be reversed in the near future.

 

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax rate expected to be applicable for the year the asset will be realized, or the liability will be settled, based on the rates provided in tax legislation and that were published as at year-end.

 

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are not discounted to present value and are classified in the balance sheet as non-current, irrespective of their expected realization.

 

F-22

The tax effects of items recorded directly in equity are also recognized in equity. Deferred tax items are recognized based on the transaction which gave rise to that deferred tax, in comprehensive income or directly in equity.

 

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are presented net when there is a legal or constructive right to offset a tax asset against a tax liability and deferred taxes relate to the same taxpaying entity and are subject to the same tax authority.

 

b) Critical estimates and judgments

 

There are uncertainties regarding the interpretation of complex tax regulations and the amount and timing of future taxable profits. The Company and its subsidiaries set up provision, based on estimates, for possible consequences of different interpretation by the tax authorities. The amount of this provision is based on various factors, such as previous tax audit experience and different interpretations of tax regulations by the taxable entity and by the relevant tax authority. Such differences in interpretation may arise on a wide variety of issues depending on the conditions prevailing in the respective domicile of the Company or those of its subsidiaries.

 

The Company and its subsidiaries evaluate the recoverability of deferred tax assets based on estimates of future profits. This recoverability ultimately depends on the ability to generate taxable profits over the period in which the deferred tax asset is deductible. The analysis considers the reversal period of deferred tax liabilities, as well as estimates of taxable profits, based on updated internal projections reflecting the latest trends.

 

Determining the proper classification of the tax items depends on several factors, including an estimate of the period and the realization of the deferred tax asset and the expected date of payments of these taxes. The actual flow of receipt and payment of income tax could differ from estimates made by the Company and its subsidiaries, as a result of changes in tax laws or of unexpected future transactions that may have an impact on tax balances.

 

c) Income and social contribution taxes recoverable

 

   12.31.19    12.31.18  
Income taxes recoverable   380,314    245,883 
Social contribution taxes recoverable   31,281    28,706 
Total   411,595    274,589 
           

 

d) Income and social contribution taxes payable

 

   12.31.19    12.31.18  
Income taxes payable   76,483    8,756 
Social contribution taxes payable   16,614    3,253 
Total   93,097    12,009 
           
Current   6,585    12,009 
Non-current   86,512    - 

 

The amount of R$86,512, recorded at the Company and consolidated on December 31, 2019, arises from the initial adoption of IFRIC 23 - Uncertainties over Income Tax Treatment on January 1, 2019 (R$68,945) and its movements during the fiscal year. 2019 (Note 19).

 

e) Deferred taxes

 

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

 

F-23

   Balance on 12.31.17  Income statement  Comprehensive income  Effects of the initial adoption of IFRS 9 and IFRS 15  Balance on 12.31.18  Income statement  Comprehensive income  Balance on 12.31.19
Deferred tax assets  (liabilities)                        
Income and social contribution taxes on tax losses (1)   793,933    634,543    -    -    1,428,476    51,360    -    1,479,836 
Income and social contribution taxes on temporary differences (2)   (1,131,850)   (2,151,290)   31,797    70,012    (3,181,331)   (1,343,635)   69,719    (4,455,247)
Provisions for legal, labor, tax civil and regulatory contingencies   2,298,735    (333,035)   -    -    1,965,700    (275,109)   -    1,690,591 
Trade accounts payable and other provisions   651,417    (79,683)   -    -    571,734    (40,393)   -    531,341 
Customer portfolio and trademarks   254,418    (69,815)   -    -    184,603    (86,525)   -    98,078 
Estimated losses on impairment of accounts receivable   434,960    (115,661)   -    122,977    442,276    36,354    -    478,630 
Estimated losses from modems and other P&E items   200,941    (24,811)   -    -    176,130    6,869    -    182,999 
Pension plans and other post-employment benefits   174,534    20,934    30,753    -    226,221    91,746    69,540    387,507 
Profit sharing   110,046    19,643    -    -    129,689    (9,695)   -    119,994 
Licenses   (1,636,886)   (216,328)   -    -    (1,853,214)   (216,330)   -    (2,069,544)
Goodwill  (Spanish and Navytree, Vivo Part. and GVTPart.)   (3,598,172)   (1,002,768)   -    -    (4,600,940)   (1,002,768)   -    (5,603,708)
Property, plant and equipment of small value   -    (395,606)   -    -    (395,606)   107,155    -    (288,451)
Technological Innovation Law   (97,533)   47,406    -    -    (50,127)   25,562    -    (24,565)
Other temporary differences (3)   75,690    (1,566)   1,044    (52,965)   22,203    19,499    179    41,881 
Total deferred tax assets (liabilities), noncurrent   (337,917)   (1,516,747)   31,797    70,012    (1,752,855)   (1,292,275)   69,719    (2,975,411)
                                         
Deferred tax assets   5,288,176                   5,569,885              5,548,581 
Deferred tax liabilities   (5,626,093)                  (7,322,740)             (8,523,992)
Deferred tax assets  (liabilities), net   (337,917)                  (1,752,855)             (2,975,411)
                                         
Represented in the balance sheet as follows:                                        
   Deferred tax assets   371,408                   230,097              171,042 
   Deferred tax liabilities   (709,325)                  (1,982,952)             (3,146,453)

  

(1)Under Brazilian tax legislation these may be offset up to 30% of the annual taxable income but otherwise have no expiry date.

 

(2)Amounts that will be realized upon payment of provision, occurrence of impairment losses for trade accounts receivable, or realization of inventories, as well as upon reversal of other provision.

 

(3)Deferred taxes from other temporary differences, such as deferred income, renewal of licenses, and subsidy on the sale of mobile phones, among others.

 

On December 31, 2019, deferred tax assets (income and social contribution tax losses) were not recognized in the subsidiaries' (Innoweb, TGLog and TIS) accounting records, in the amount of R$54,570 (R$12,649 on December 31, 2018), as it is not probable that future taxable profits will be sufficient for offset for these subsidiaries to benefit from such tax credits.

 

Expected realization of deferred taxes, net, non-current. The amounts are based on projections subject to change in the future.

 

Year   
2020   1,614,967 
2021   550,558 
2022   531,585 
2023   786,837 
2024   654,638 
2025 onwards   (7,113,996)
Total   (2,975,411)
      

 

f) Reconciliation of income tax and social contribution expense

 

The Company and its subsidiaries recognize income and social contribution taxes on a monthly basis, on an accrual basis, and pay taxes based on estimates, as per the tax auxiliary trial balance. Taxes calculated on profits up to the balance sheet date are recorded in liabilities or assets, as applicable.

 

Reconciliation of the reported tax expense and the amounts is calculated by applying the statutory tax rate of 34% (income tax of 25% and social contribution tax of 9%) in the table below for the year ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017.

 

F-24

   2019    2018    2017  
Income before taxes   6,394,535    11,277,490    5,730,773 
Income and social contribution tax expenses, at the tax rate of 34%   (2,174,142)   (3,834,347)   (1,948,463)
Permanent differences               
Equity pickup, net of effects from interest on equity received and surplus value of the assets purchased attributed to the Company (Note 11)   256    (1,988)   537 
Unclaimed  interest on equity   (13,825)   (14,426)   (21,843)
Temporary differences in subsidiaries   -    -    2,007 
Non-deductible expenses, gifts, incentives   (84,487)   (76,671)   (94,413)
Deferred taxes recognized in subsidiaries on tax loss carryforwards, negative basis and temporary differences referring to prior years   -    -    132,080 
Tax benefit related to interest on equity allocated   879,920    1,547,000    821,657 
Other (additions) exclusions   (1,243)   31,200    (13,545)
Tax debits   (1,393,521)   (2,349,232)   (1,121,983)
                
Effective rate   21.8%   20.8%   19.6%
Current income and social contribution taxes   (101,246)   (832,485)   (580,578)
Deferred income and social contribution taxes   (1,292,275)   (1,516,747)   (541,405)

 

g) Uncertainties about Income Tax Treatments

 

The Company and its subsidiaries has several assessments filed by the Federal Revenue of Brazil (“RFB”) for alleged undue deductions of expenses, mainly related to the amortization of goodwill, in various administrative instances and in the judicial system, in the amount of R$9,895,728. Management, supported by the position of its legal advisors, understands that a large part of these deductions will probably be accepted in decisions of higher courts of last resort (acceptance probability greater than 50%).

 

For tax treatments in which the Company and its subsidiaries believes that the probability of acceptance by the tax authority is less than 50%, an income tax and social contribution liability was recognized in the amount of R$86,512 (R$69,945 on January 1, 2019), in relation to these actions.

 

8) TAXES, CHARGES AND CONTRIBUTIONS RECOVERABLE

 

   12.31.19    12.31.18  
State VAT (ICMS) (1)   2,664,499    2,549,006 
Withholding taxes and contributions (2)   142,940    129,741 
PIS and COFINS (3)   2,125,186    5,000,677 
Fistel, INSS, ISS and other taxes   84,935    217,056 
Total   5,017,560    7,896,480 
           
Current   4,176,362    4,674,218 
Non-current   841,198    3,222,262 

 

(1)Includes ICMS credits from the acquisition of property and equipment, available to offset in 48 months; requests for refund of ICMS paid on invoices that were subsequently cancelled; for the rendering of services; tax substitution; and tax rate difference; among others. Non-current consolidated amounts include credits arising from the acquisition of property and equipment of R$537,209 and R$509,920 on December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

 

(2)Withholding income tax (“IRRF”) credits on short-term investments, interest on equity and others, which are used as deduction in operations for the period and social contribution tax withheld at source on services provided to public agencies.

 

(3)The balances of December 31, 2019 and 2018 include the tax credits of PIS and COFINS plus interest accruals based on the SELIC, in the amounts of R$2,046,274 and R$4,915,139, respectively, arising from the final judicial processes on May 17, 2018 and August 28, 2018, in favor of the Company and its subsidiary, which recognized the right to deduct ICMS from the basis of the calculation of PIS and COFINS contributions for the periods from September 2003 to June 2017 and July 2004 to July 2013, respectively. On December 31, 2019 the remaining current balance was R$2,046,274. On December 31, 2018, current and non-current balances were R$2,520,990 and R$2,394,149, respectively.

 

The Internal Revenue Service filed a review, pursuant to Law 13,670/18, with the purpose of approving the PIS and COFINS credits resulting from the dispute that dealt with the exclusion of ICMS from the bases of these contributions. The Company has made every effort, including judicial measures, to meet in a timely manner the requests of this audit procedure and thus continue offsetting its tax credits.

 

F-25

The Company has three other lawsuits of the same nature in progress (including lawsuits of companies that have already been merged - GVT and Telemig), treated as contingent assets, which cover several periods between December 2001 and June 2017, whose ranges of values we estimate between R$1,700 million to R$2,200 million.

 

9)JUDICIAL DEPOSITS AND GARNISHMENTS

 

When granted suspension of tax liability, judicial deposits are required to be made by law to secure the continuance of the claims under discussion.

 

Judicial deposits are recorded at historical cost-plus legal indexation/interest accruals.

 

   12.31.19    12.31.18  
Judicial deposits          
   Tax   2,007,074    1,929,594 
   Labor   316,009    522,201 
   Civil   1,049,922    1,164,835 
   Regulatory   261,005    208,447 
Total   3,634,010    3,825,077 
Garnishments   36,875    84,937 
Total   3,670,885    3,910,014 
           
Current   277,468    313,007 
Non-current   3,393,417    3,597,007 

 

The table below presents the classified balances on December 31, 2019 and 2018 of the tax judicial deposits (classified by tax).

 

   12.31.19    12.31.18  
Telecommunications Inspection Fund (FISTEL)   46,167    44,771 
Corporate Income Tax (IRPJ) and Social Contribution Tax (CSLL)   575,426    551,937 
Universal Telecommunication Services Fund (FUST)   518,372    503,246 
Social Contribution Tax for Intervention in the Economic Order (CIDE)   286,270    278,685 
State Value-Added Tax (ICMS)   269,483    239,220 
Social Security, work accident insurance (SAT) and funds to third parties (INSS)   140,186    141,759 
Withholding Income Tax (IRRF)   57,142    55,425 
Contribution tax on gross revenue for Social Integration Program (PIS) and for Social Security Financing (COFINS)   34,983    39,672 
Other taxes, charges and contributions   79,045    74,879 
Total   2,007,074    1,929,594 

  

10)OTHER ASSETS

 

   12.31.19    12.31.18  
Advances to employees and suppliers   73,849    83,094 
Related-party receivables (Note 28)   64,966    120,776 
Receivables from suppliers   167,540    114,175 
Surplus from post-employment benefit plans (Note 30) (1)   220,939    10,997 
Goods for sale (2)   76,912    - 
Other amounts receivable (3)   14,123    20,670 
Total   618,329    349,712 
           
Current   382,591    302,607 
Non-current   235,738    47,105 

 

(1)On December 31, 2019, includes the amount of R$209,347, referring to the distribution of the PBS-A surplus (Note 30).

 

F-26

(2)Refers to the residual balance of property, plant and equipment available for sale, resulting from the contract entered into by the Company on November 28, 2019, for the sale of 1,909 structures (rooftops and towers) owned by the Company to Telxius Torres Brasil Ltda (note 12).

 

(3)On December 31, 2019, includes a receivable of R$10,226 from a subletting agreement in the Curitiba Data Center, for a period of 22 years. There are no unsecured residual amounts that result in lessor benefits and no contingent payments recognized as income during the year (Note 12).

 

Selected information on subletting agreements on December 31, 2019;

 

Nominal value receivable   16,966 
Deferred financial income   (6,740)
Present value of accounts receivable   10,226 
      
Current   759 
Non-current   9,467 

 

Schedule of amounts receivable from the subletting agreement, segregated into nominal values and present value:

 

Year  Nominal value receivable    Present value receivable  
2020   780    759 
2021   780    721 
2022   780    685 
2023   780    651 
2024   780    619 
2025 onwards   13,066    6,791 
Total   16,966    10,226 

 

11) INVESTMENTS

 

a)Accounting policy

 

The consolidation of a subsidiary begins when the Company obtains control over the subsidiary and ends when the Company ceases to exercise said control. Assets, liabilities and results of a subsidiary acquired or sold during the year are included in the consolidated financial statements from the date on which the Company obtains control until the date on which the Company ceases to exercise control over the subsidiary.

 

Joint control is the contractually agreed sharing of a control, only existing when decisions about relevant activities call for unanimous agreement by the parties sharing control.

 

Control is obtained when the Company is exposed or has the right to variable returns based on its involvement with the investee and has the capacity of affecting those returns through the power exercised over an investee.

 

Based on the equity method, investments are recorded in balance sheets at cost plus changes after the acquisition of the equity interest. The statement of income reflects the portion of the results of operations of the investees.


When changes are directly recognized in the investees' equity, the Company will recognize its portion in variations occurred, and record these variations in the statements of changes in equity and in the statements of comprehensive income, where applicable.

 

The financial statements of investees are prepared for the same reporting period of the Company. Whenever necessary, adjustments are made so that the accounting policies are in accordance with those adopted by the Company.

 


After the equity method is applied, the Company determines whether there is any need to recognize additional impairment of its investment in investees. At each closing date, the Company determines whether there is objective evidence of impairment of investment in the affiliate. If so, the Company calculates the recoverable amount as the difference between the recoverable value of the investees and their carrying amount and recognizes the amount in the statement of incomes.

 

F-27

When there is loss of significant influence over the investees, the Company evaluates and recognizes the investment, at that moment, at fair value. Any difference between the investees’ carrying amount by the time it loses significant influence and the fair value of the remaining investment and revenue from sale is recognized in the statement of incomes.

 

Foreign exchange variations in Aliança’s equity (jointly controlled entity) are recognized in the Company’s equity in other comprehensive income (“Effects on conversion of investments abroad”, Note 23).

 

b)Information on investees

 

Selected financial data of the direct investees in which the Company holds an interest and corporate changes are described in Note 1 d.

 

   Joint Ventures (Aliança / AIX / ACT)
   12.31.19  12.31.18
       
Equity interest   50.00%   50.00%
           
Summary of balance sheets:          
Current assets   221,183    213,481 
Non-current assets   10,556    12,327 
Total assets   231,739    225,808 
           
Current liabilities   7,140    7,103 
Non-current liabilities   16,773    16,101 
Equity   207,826    202,604 
Total liabilities and equity   231,739    225,808 
           
Investment Book value   103,913    101,302 
           

 

   Joint Ventures (Aliança / AIX / ACT)
Summary Statements of Income:  2019    2018    2017  
Net operating income   45,567    45,608    45,704 
Operating costs and expenses   (44,325)   (58,773)   (43,571)
Financial income (expenses), net   1,030    1,334    1,713 
Income and social contribution taxes   (768)   137    (686)
Net income (loss) for the year   1,504    (11,694)   3,160 
                
Equity pickup, according to interest held   752    (5,847)   1,580 
                

 

c)Changes in investments

 

   Joint Ventures (Aliança / AIX / ACT)  Other investments (1)  Total  investments
Balance on 12.31.17   97,222    1,680    98,902 
Equity pick-up   (5,847)   -    (5,847)
Provision for losses on investments   -    (700)   (700)
Other comprehensive  income   9,927    (625)   9,302 
Balance on 12.31.18   101,302    355    101,657 
Equity pick-up   752    -    752 
Other comprehensive  income   1,859    (17)   1,842 
Balance on 12.31.19   103,913    338    104,251 

 

(1)Other investments are measured at fair value.

 

F-28

12)PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

 

a)Accounting policy

 

It is measured at acquisition and/or construction cost, net of accumulated depreciation and/or accumulated impairment losses, if any. Such cost includes the borrowing costs for long-term construction projects if the recognition criteria are met and is stated net of ICMS (State VAT) credits, which were recorded as recoverable taxes.

 

Asset costs are capitalized until the asset becomes operational. Costs incurred after the asset becomes operational and that do not improve the functionality or extend the useful life of the asset are immediately recognized on an accrual basis. When significant parts of fixed assets are required to be replaced at intervals, the Company recognizes such parts as individual assets with specific useful lives and depreciation. Likewise, expenses that represent asset improvement (expanded installed capacity or useful life) are capitalized. All the other repair and maintenance costs are recognized in the statement of income as incurred.

 

The present value of the expected cost for the decommissioning of property, plant and equipment items (towers and equipment on leased property) is capitalized at the cost of the respective asset matched against the provision for dismantling obligations (Note 19) and depreciated over the useful lives of the related assets, which do not exceed the lease term.

 

Depreciation is calculated by the straight-line method over the useful lives of assets at rates that take into account the estimated useful lives of assets based on technical analyses. The assets’ residual values, useful lives and methods of depreciation are reviewed on a yearly basis, adjusted prospectively, if appropriate. Useful lives in terms of depreciation rates are reviewed annually by the Company.

 

Property, plant and equipment items are written off when sold or when no future economic benefit is expected from their use or sale. Any gains or losses arising from write-off of assets (measured as the difference between the net disposal proceeds and the carrying amount of the asset) are recognized in the statement of income in the year in which the asset is written off.

 

b) Critical estimates and judgments

 

The accounting treatment of investment in fixed assets includes estimating the useful life period for depreciation purposes, particularly for assets acquired in business combinations.

 

Useful life determination requires estimates regarding the expected technological developments and alternative uses of assets. The hypotheses related to the technological aspect and its future development imply a significant level of analysis, considering the difficulties in forecasting the time and nature of future technological changes.

 

An impairment loss exists when the carrying amount of an asset or cash-generating unit ("CGU") exceeds its recoverable amount, which is the higher of fair value less costs to sell and value in use. The calculation of fair value less costs to sell is based on available information from sales transactions of similar assets or market prices less additional costs to dispose of the asset. The calculation of the value in use is based on the discounted cash flow model. The recoverable amount is sensitive to the discount rate used in the discounted cash flow method, as well as the expected future cash receipts and the growth rate used for extrapolation purposes.

 

The Company periodically reviews the performance of the defined CGU in order to identify a possible devaluation. The determination of the recoverable value of the CGU also includes the use of assumptions and estimates and requires a significant degree of judgment and criterion.

 

c) Breakdown and changes

 

We present a brief description of the main items that make up fixed assets and their movements.

 

·Switching and transmission media equipment: Includes switching and control centers, gateway, platforms, base radio station, microcells, minicells, repeaters, antennas, radios, access networks, concentrators, cables, TV equipment and other switching and transmission media equipment.

 

F-29

·Terminal/modem equipment: Includes cellphones and modems (rent and free lease), CPCT, public telephones and other terminal equipment.

 

·Infrastructure: This includes buildings, elevators, central air conditioning equipment, towers, posts, containers, energy equipment, land piping, support and protectors, leasehold improvements, etc.

 

·Other fixed asset items: These include vehicles, repair and construction tools and instruments, telesupervision equipment, IT equipment, testing and measurement equipment, fixtures and other goods for general use.

 

   Switching and transmission equipment  Terminal equipment / modems  Infrastructure  Land  Other P&E  Estimated losses (1)  Assets and facilities under construction  Total
                         
                         
Balances and changes:                        
   Balance on 12.31.17   22,809,109    2,724,332    3,885,297    314,353    830,452    (228,052)   2,886,825    33,222,316 
   Additions   10,670    129,640    101,798    550    204,041    (8,975)   6,527,074    6,964,798 
   Write-offs, net   (45,719)   (1,721)   (8,461)   (71)   (2,926)   80,135    (61,430)   (40,193)
   Net transfers   5,380,744    1,098,380    449,369    -    124,772    -    (7,239,573)   (186,308)
   Depreciation (Note 25)   (3,486,592)   (1,379,547)   (658,915)   -    (320,232)   -    -    (5,845,286)
   Balance on 12.31.18   24,668,212    2,571,084    3,769,088    314,832    836,107    (156,892)   2,112,896    34,115,327 
   Initial adoption IFRS 16 effects   91,836    -    8,526,236    -    -    -    -    8,618,072 
   Additions   114,517    142,975    1,790,185    -    258,854    (20,465)   6,576,296    8,862,362 
   Write-offs, net (2)   (17,069)   (268)   (139,857)   (5,735)   (2,182)   3,540    (21,750)   (183,321)
   Net transfers   4,265,573    1,299,368    504,010    -    88,100    -    (6,242,551)   (85,500)
   Transfers of goods destined for sale (3)   (1,183)   -    (248,175)   (30,585)   (67,143)   -    (340)   (347,426)
   Subletting (4)   -    -    (10,310)   -    -    -    -    (10,310)
   Depreciation (Note 25)   (3,936,572)   (1,426,890)   (2,471,456)   -    (297,234)   -    -    (8,132,152)
   Business combinations (Note 1 c.1)   -    9    343    -    10,551    (691)   -    10,212 
   Balance on 12.31.19   25,185,314    2,586,278    11,720,064    278,512    827,053    (174,508)   2,424,551    42,847,264 
                                         
Balance on 12.31.18                                        
   Cost   79,002,102    18,033,246    16,154,562    314,832    4,996,170    (156,892)   2,112,896    120,456,916 
   Accumulated depreciation   (54,333,890)   (15,462,162)   (12,385,474)   -    (4,160,063)   -    -    (86,341,589)
   Total   24,668,212    2,571,084    3,769,088    314,832    836,107    (156,892)   2,112,896    34,115,327 
                                         
Balance on 12.31.19                                        
   Cost   83,028,079    19,329,470    26,269,769    278,512    5,218,153    (174,508)   2,424,551    136,374,026 
   Accumulated depreciation   (57,842,765)   (16,743,192)   (14,549,705)   -    (4,391,100)   -    -    (93,526,762)
   Total   25,185,314    2,586,278    11,720,064    278,512    827,053    (174,508)   2,424,551    42,847,264 

  

(1)The Company and its subsidiaries recognized estimated losses for potential obsolescence of materials used for property and equipment maintenance, based on levels of historical use and expected future use.

 

(2)Includes the amount of R$12,065 in the Infrastructure, related to cancellation of lease agreements (Note 20).

 

(3)Refers to assets sold from the Tamboré and Curitiba (CIC) data centers, sold for the amounts of R$419,690 to a company controlled by Asterion Industrial Partners SGEIC, SA, pursuant to an agreement entered into by the Company on May 8, 2019 and concluded. with the settlement on July 24, 2019, generating a gain in operating income of R$64,275.

 

It also includes the residual balance of property, plant and equipment intended for sale, resulting from the contract entered into by the Company on November 28, 2019, for the sale of 1,909 structures (rooftops and towers) owned by the Company to Telxius Torres Brasil Ltda (note 10).

 

(4)Refers to the lease of areas in the Curitiba data center.

 

d) Depreciation rates

 

In the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company performed valuations of useful lives applied to its property, plant and equipment using the direct comparative method of market data. The results of these evaluations indicated the need for changes in useful lives.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, this change in accounting estimate, which was applied, increased depreciation expense by R$283,552 and R$267,657 in 2019 and 2018, respectively.

 

F-30

The depreciation rates below were reviewed as of January 1, 2019, upon adoption of IFRS 16, generating an increase of R$1,882,950 in depreciation costs and expenses in the year ended December 31, 2019. The following is a comparative table of these rates.

 

Description         12.31.19   12.31.18
Switching and transmission equipment and media       2.50% to 92.31%   2.50% to 25.00%
Terminal equipment / modems         6.67% to 66.67%   6.67% to 66.67%
Infrastructure         2.50% to 92.31%   2.50% to 66.67%
Other P&E assets         10.00% to 25.00%   10.00% to 25.00%

 

e) Additional information on leases

 


Changes in leases, after the adoption of IFRS 16, already included
in the asset movement tables (Note 12.c), are as follows.

 

   Switching and transmission equipment  Infrastructure  Other  Total
             
Annual depreciation rate (%)   5.00 to 92.31    3.13 to 92.31    20.00      
                    
Balances and changes:                    
   Balance on 12.31.18 (1)   186,554    189,455    10,950    386,959 
   Initial Adoption on 01.01.19   91,836    8,526,236    -    8,618,072 
   Additions   107,108    1,696,833    -    1,803,941 
   Subletting (Note 12.c)   -    (10,310)        (10,310)
   Depreciation and write-offs, net (IAS 17)   -    (50,819)   (7,730)   (58,549)
   Depreciation (IFRS 16)   (39,192)   (1,843,758)   -    (1,882,950)
   Cancellation of contracts   -    (105,952)   -    (105,952)
   Balance on 12.31.19   346,306    8,401,685    3,220    8,751,211 

 

(1) Includes lease under IAS 17 and provision for dismantling for the leases.

 

f) Property and equipment items pledged in guarantee

 

On December 31, 2019, the Company had property and equipment pledged in guarantee for lawsuits, of R$81,416 (R$94,641 on December 31, 2018).

 

g) Reversible assets

 

The STFC service concession arrangement establishes that all assets owned by the Company and that are indispensable to the provision of the services described in the arrangement are considered “reversible” (returnable to the concession authority). On December 31, 2019, estimated residual value of reversible assets was R$8,259,852 (R$8,621,863 on December 31, 2018), which comprised switching and transmission equipment and public use terminals, external network equipment, energy, system and operational support equipment.

 

13) INTANGIBLE ASSETS

 

a)Accounting policy

 

Intangible assets acquired separately are measured at acquisition / construction cost upon their initial recognition. The cost of an intangible asset acquired in a business combination is its fair value at the acquisition date.

 

After initial recognition, intangible assets are stated at acquisition and/or buildup cost, net of amortization and accumulated provision for impairment, where applicable. Intangible assets generated internally, excluding capitalized development costs, are not capitalized, and the expense is reflected in the statement of income for the year in which it is incurred.

 

The useful lives of intangible assets are considered finite or indefinite.

 

F-31

·Intangible assets with finite useful lives are amortized over their economic useful lives under the straight-line method and are tested for impairment whenever there is any indication of impairment loss. The amortization period and the amortization method for an intangible asset with a finite useful life are reviewed on an annual basis.

 

Changes in the estimated useful life or the expected pattern of consumption of future economic benefits embodied in an asset are accounted for by changing the amortization period or method, as appropriate, and treated as changes in accounting estimates. The amortization expense on intangible assets with finite lives is recognized in the statement of income in the cost/expense category consistent with the function of the intangible assets.

 

·Intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are not amortized, but are tested for impairment annually, either individually or at the CGU level. The assessment of indefinite life is reviewed annually to determine whether the indefinite life continues to be justifiable. Otherwise, changes in useful life – from indefinite to finite - are carried out prospectively. Goodwill generated upon investment acquisition is treated as an intangible asset with indefinite useful lifes.

 

Gains and losses arising from derecognition of an intangible asset are measured as the difference between the net disposal proceeds and the carrying amount of the asset and recognized in the statement of income on disposal.

 

b) Critical estimates and judgments

 

An impairment loss exists when the carrying amount of an asset or CGU exceeds its recoverable amount, which is the higher of fair value less costs to sell and value in use. The calculation of fair value less costs to sell is based on available information from sales transactions of similar assets or market prices less additional costs to dispose of the asset. The calculation of the value in use is based on the discounted cash flow model. The recoverable amount is sensitive to the discount rate used in the discounted cash flow method, as well as the expected future cash receipts and the growth rate used for extrapolation purposes.

 

The Company periodically reviews the performance of the defined CGU in order to identify a possible devaluation in goodwill and other assets. The determination of the recoverable value of the CGU to which the goodwill is attributed also includes the use of assumptions and estimates and requires a significant degree of judgment and criterion.

 

The accounting treatment of the investment in intangible assets includes making estimates to determine the useful life for amortization purposes, particularly for assets acquired in business combinations.

 

The determination of the useful lives requires estimates in relation to the expected technological evolution and the alternative use of the assets. Hypotheses related to the technological aspect and its future development imply a significant degree of analysis, since the timing and nature of future technological changes are difficult to predict.

 

c) Breakdown, changes and amortization rates

 

A brief description of the key intangible asset items with finite useful lives, is as follows:

 

·Software: This includes licenses for software used in the Company’s operating, commercial and administrative activities.

 

·Customer portfolio and trademarks: This includes intangible assets acquired through business combination.

 

·Licenses: These include concession and authorization licenses, acquired from ANATEL for provision of telecommunication services. These also include licenses from business combinations.

 

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   Indefinite useful life  Finite useful life   
   Goodwill  Software  Customer portfolio  Trademarks  Licenses  Other intangible assets  Estimated losses for software  Software under development  Total
                            
Annual amortization rate (%)        20.00 to 50.00    11.76 to 12.85    5.13 to 66.67    3.60 to 6.67    6.67 to 20.00                
                                              
Balances and changes:                                             
   Balance on 12.31.17   23,062,421    2,720,806    1,978,863    1,073,615    13,969,606    20,952    (499)   506,140    43,331,904 
   Additions   -    970,172    -    -    6,647    -    -    249,307    1,226,126 
   Write-offs, net   -    (16)   -    -    -    -    -    -    (16)
   Net transfers   -    519,539    -    -    -    32,539    -    (365,770)   186,308 
   Amortization (Note 25)   -    (965,459)   (549,589)   (84,205)   (920,116)   (3,968)   -    -    (2,523,337)
   Balance on 12.31.18   23,062,421    3,245,042    1,429,274    989,410    13,056,137    49,523    (499)   389,677    42,220,985 
   Additions   -    374,690    -    -    -    -    -    1,390,731    1,765,421 
   Write-offs, net (1)   (3,249)   (5,066)   -    -    -    (58)   -    -    (8,373)
   Net transfers   -    1,314,978    -    -    -    (6)   -    (1,229,472)   85,500 
   Transfers of goods destined for sale (2)   -    (1,537)   -    -    -    -    -    -    (1,537)
   Business combinations (Note 1 c.1)   -    596    -    -    -    -    -    -    596 
   Amortization (Note 25)   -    (1,234,949)   (500,441)   (84,205)   (964,316)   (3,729)   -    -    (2,787,640)
   Balance on 12.31.19   23,059,172    3,693,754    928,833    905,205    12,091,821    45,730    (499)   550,936    41,274,952 
                                              
Balance on 12.31.18                                             
   Cost   23,062,421    16,604,769    4,513,278    1,658,897    20,244,219    270,741    (499)   389,677    66,743,503 
   Accumulated amortization   -    (13,359,727)   (3,084,004)   (669,487)   (7,188,082)   (221,218)   -    -    (24,522,518)
   Total   23,062,421    3,245,042    1,429,274    989,410    13,056,137    49,523    (499)   389,677    42,220,985 
                                              
Balance on 12.31.19                                             
   Cost   23,059,172    18,310,812    4,513,278    1,658,897    20,244,219    270,000    (499)   550,936    68,606,815 
   Accumulated amortization   -    (14,617,058)   (3,584,445)   (753,692)   (8,152,398)   (224,270)   -    -    (27,331,863)
   Total   23,059,172    3,693,754    928,833    905,205    12,091,821    45,730    (499)   550,936    41,274,952 

 

(1)Refers to proportional write-off in the amount of R$3,249, made in July 2019, resulting from the sale of the Tamboré and Curitiba (CIC) data centers, pursuant to paragraph 86 of IAS 36.

 

(2)Refers to transfers of assets from the Tamboré and Curitiba (CIC) data centers, sold for the amounts of R$419,690 to a company controlled by Asterion Industrial Partners SGEIC, SA, pursuant to an agreement entered into by the Company on May 8, 2019 and concluded. with the settlement on July 24, 2019, generating a gain in operating income of R$64,275.

 

d) Goodwill

 

d.1) Accounting policy

 

Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method. The cost of an acquisition is measured as the aggregate of the consideration transferred, recorded at fair value on the acquisition date, and the fair value of any non-controlling interest in the acquiree.

 

For each business combination, the Company measures non-controlling interests in the acquiree either at its fair value or based on its proportional share in the identifiable net assets of the acquiree. Costs directly attributable to an acquisition are recorded as expenses, as incurred.

 

Upon acquiring a business, the Company assesses financial assets acquired and liabilities assumed so as to classify and allocate them in accordance with contractual terms, economic circumstances and relevant conditions on the acquisition date, including the segregation, by the acquiree, of embedded derivatives existing in host contracts in the acquiree.

 

In the event a business combination is conducted in stages, the ownership interest previously held in the acquiree’s capital is reassessed at fair value on the date control is acquired, and any impacts are recognized in the statement of income.

 

Any contingent portion to be transferred by the acquirer shall be recognized at fair value on the acquisition date. Subsequent changes in the fair value of the contingent portion to be considered as an asset or liability is recognized in the statement of income. Contingent consideration on acquisition of a business that is not classified as equity is subsequently measured at fair value through profit or loss, whether or not included in the scope of IFRS 9.

 

Goodwill is initially measured as excess transferred payment amount in relation to acquired net assets (identifiable net assets acquired, and liabilities assumed). If consideration is lower than the fair value of acquired net assets, the difference must be recognized as a gain in the statement of income.

 

F-33

After initial recognition, goodwill is measured at cost, less any accumulated impairment losses. For the purpose of impairment testing, goodwill acquired in a business combination is, from the acquisition date, allocated to the CGUs that are expected to benefit from the combination, irrespective of whether other assets or liabilities of the acquiree are assigned to those units.

 

When goodwill has been allocated to a CGU and part of the operation within that CGU is disposed that, the goodwill associated with that operation is included in the carrying amount of the operation when determining the gain or loss on disposal. Goodwill disposed in these circumstances is allocated based on the relative fair values of the disposed operation and the portion of the CGU retained.

 

d.2) Goodwill breakdown

 

The table below shows the composition of the goodwill recorded by the Company as of December 31, 2019 and 2018.

 

   12.31.19  12.31.18
Ajato Telecomunicação Ltda.   149    149 
Spanish and Figueira, by the merger of Telefônica Data Brasil Holding (TDBH) in 2006   212,058    212,058 
Santo Genovese Participações, Atrium Telecomunicações, which took place in 2004   71,892    71,892 
Telefônica Televisão Participações, former Navytree, occurred in 2008   780,693    780,693 
Vivo Participações, occurred in 2011 (1)   9,157,239    9,160,488 
GVT Participações, occurred in 2015   12,837,141    12,837,141 
Total   23,059,172    23,062,421 

 

(1)The proportional write-off in the amount of R$3,249, made in July 2019, resulting from the sale of the Tamboré and Curitiba (CIC) data centers, pursuant to paragraph 86 of IAS 36.

 

14)IMPAIRMENT OF NON-FINANCIAL ASSETS

 

a)Accounting policy

 

The Company annually reviews the net carrying amount of assets in order to evaluate events or changes in economic, operating or technological circumstances that may indicate impairment losses. When such evidence is found, and net carrying amount exceeds recoverable amount, a provision for impairment is recorded so as to adjust the net carrying amount to the recoverable amount.

 

The recoverable amount of an asset or a CGU is defined as the higher of value in use and net sales value. Thus, considering the convergence of product and service offerings, in addition, the Company's main operating asset is a single, broadly integrated network, which is used to provide all telecommunications services to its customers, therefore, the Company defines your business as a single CGU.

 

Upon estimation of the value in use of an asset or cash-generating unit, estimated future cash flows are discounted at present value using a discount rate Weighted Average Cost of Capital “WACC” which reflects the weighted rate between (i) the cost of capital (including specific risks) based on the Capital Asset Pricing Model; and (ii) the debt these components being applicable to the asset or CGU before taxes.

 

Whenever possible, the net sale value is determined based on a firm sale agreement executed on an arm’s length basis between knowledgeable and willing parts, adjusted by expenses attributable to the sale of assets or, when there is no firm sale agreement, based on the market price of an active market, or on the latest transaction price involving similar assets.

 

For assets excluding goodwill, an assessment is made at each reporting date as to whether there is any indication that previously recognized impairment losses may no longer exist or may have decreased.

 

A previously recognized impairment loss is reversed only if there has been a change in the assumptions used to determine an asset’s or CGU recoverable amount since the last impairment loss was recognized. Any reversal is limited so that the carrying amount of the asset does not exceed its recoverable amount or exceeds the carrying amount that would have been determined, net of depreciation, had no impairment loss been recognized for the asset in prior years. Such reversal is recognized in the statement of income.

 

The following assets have specific characteristics for impairment testing:

 

F-34

·Goodwill: Goodwill is tested for impairment annually at the reporting date or earlier when circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may be impaired. Where the recoverable amount is lower than the carrying amount, an impairment loss is recognized. Impairment losses relating to goodwill cannot be reversed in future periods.

 

·Intangible assets: Intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are tested for impairment annually at the reporting date either individually or at the CGU level, as appropriate, and when circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may be impaired.

 

·Determination of value in use: The key assumptions used to estimate value in use are: (i) revenues (projected considering the growth in customer base, growth in market revenue against GDP and the Company’s share of this market); (ii) variable costs and expenses (projected in accordance with the dynamics of the customer base, and fixed costs are projected in line with the historical performance of the Company, as well as with revenue growth); and (iii) capital investments (estimated considering the technological infrastructure necessary to enable the provision of services).

 

b) Key assumptions used in the calculation of value in use:

 

The value in use is mainly impacted by the following assumptions:

 

·Revenue growth: is based on the observation of the historical behavior of each revenue line, as well as trends based on market analysis. The projected revenue differs between product lines and services with a tendency of growth in broadband services, pay TV and IT compared to voice services (fixed). Mobile revenues follow the market trend, including mainly migrations from prepaid to postpaid, price convergence and growth in data and M2M.

 

·Capex volume: the projects and future needs were considered, both in line with the evolution of expected revenues and always aiming at better efficiency in the use of these investments. The Capex volume may also be impacted by inflation and currency fluctuations.

 

·Discount rate: represents the assessment of risks in the current market. The calculation of the discount rate is based on the Company’s specific circumstances and being calculated based on the WACC. The WACC takes into account both debt and equity. The cost of equity is derived from the expected return on investment by Company investors. The cost of debt is based on loans with interest income that the Company is obliged to honor. The specific risk segment is incorporated by applying individual notably Beta factors.

 

·Perpetuity growth rate: reflects the Company's condition to generate cash flow in an eternal manner. The percentage considered mainly takes into account investments over the projected period and reproduces the Company's condition in perpetuity.

 

c) Sensitivity to changes in assumptions:

 

The Company carries out a sensitivity analysis of the impairment test by considering reasonable changes in the main assumptions used in such test.

 

The following table shows the increases in/decreases in the percentage points (pp) which were assumed for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018:

 

Changes in key assumptions  In percentage points (p.p)
Financial variables  
   Discount rate +/- 1.0
   Perpetuity growth rates +/- 0.5
   
Operating variables  
   OIBDA Margin +/- 2.0
   Capex/Revenues Margin +/- 1.5

 

F-35

The sensitivity analysis performed at year-end 2019 and 2018 indicates that there are no significant risks arising from possible changes in the financial and operating variables, considered individually. In other words, the Company considers that within the above limits, no losses would be recognized.

 

d) Goodwill impairment testing

 

The Company assessed recoverability of goodwill carrying amounts based on the value in use and discounted cash flow method.

 

The process for determination of the value in use involves the use of assumptions, judgments and estimates on cash flows, such as revenue, cost and expense growth rates, estimated future investments and working capital and discount rates. The assumptions about cash flow increase projections were based on management’s estimates, market studies and macroeconomic projections. Future cash flows were discounted at the WACC rate.

 

Consistent with the economic analysis techniques, the assessment of value in use is made for a period of five years, and thereafter, considering the perpetuity of the assumptions based on the capacity of business continuity for an indefinite time. Management considered that the period of five years is adequate, based on its past experience in preparing cash flow projections.

 

The growth rate used to extrapolate projections beyond the five years period was 4.5% in 2019 and 2018.

 

The estimated future cash flows were discounted at a discount rate of 10.22% and 11.15%, which before taxes are 11.38% and 13.99% in 2019 and 2018, respectively, also in nominal values.

 

The inflation rate for the period analyzed in the projected cash flows was 3.8% and 4.0% in 2019 and 2018, respectively.

 

Key assumptions were based on the Company’s historical performance and reasonable macroeconomic assumptions grounded on financial market projections, documented and approved by the Company’s management.

 

Based on annual impairment testing of the Company’s assets, prepared using projections considering the financial statements on December 31, 2019 and 2018, growth projections and operating results for the year ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, no impairment losses or evidence of losses were identified, since the value was in use is higher than the net carrying amount as at the assessment date.

 

15)PERSONNEL, SOCIAL CHARGES AND BENEFITS

 

   12.31.19  12.31.18
Salaries and wages   38,363    34,767 
Social charges and benefits   400,470    385,695 
Profit sharing   308,918    265,433 
Share-based payment plans (Note 29)   40,523    22,638 
Other compensation   -    86,000 
Total   788,274    794,533 
           
Current   752,246    782,630 
Non-current   36,028    11,903 

 

16)TRADE ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

 

a)Accounting policy

 

These are obligations to pay for goods, services or goods that were acquired in the normal course of business. They are initially recognized at fair value and subsequently measured at amortized cost using the effective tax rate method, if applicable.

 

F-36

b)Breakdown

 

   12.31.19  12.31.18
Sundry suppliers (Opex, Capex, Services and Material)   5,958,280    6,790,882 
Amounts payable (operators, cobilling)   303,087    198,942 
Interconnection / interlink   205,161    269,446 
Related parties (Note 28)   405,271    383,512 
Total   6,871,799    7,642,782 
           

 

17) TAXES, CHARGES AND CONTRIBUTIONS

 

   12.31.19  12.31.18
ICMS   906,447    1,094,769 
PIS and COFINS   331,863    512,714 
Fust and Funttel   89,394    89,794 
ISS, CIDE and other taxes   97,163    139,933 
Total   1,424,867    1,837,210 
           
Current   1,139,812    1,797,965 
Non-current   285,055    39,245 

 

18)DIVIDENDS AND INTEREST ON EQUITY

 

a)Accounting policy

 

a.1) Dividends

 

Minimum mandatory dividends are stated in the balance sheet as legal obligations (provision in current liabilities). Dividends in excess of such minimum amount, not yet approved in the Shareholders’ Meeting, are recorded in equity as proposed additional dividends. After approval at the Shareholders’ Meeting, the dividends in excess of the mandatory minimum are transferred to current liabilities and classified as legal obligations.

 

a.2) Interest on equity

 

Brazilian legislation allows companies to pay interest on equity, which is similar to payment of dividends; however, this is deductible for income tax calculation purposes. In order to comply with Brazilian tax legislation, the Company and its subsidiaries provision, in its accounting records, the amount due to match against the financial expenses account in the statement of income for the year. For the presentation of these financial statements, that expense is reversed against a direct charge to equity, resulting in the same accounting treatment adopted for dividends. The distribution of interest on equity to shareholders is subject to withholding income tax at a 15% rate.

 

a.3) Unclaimed dividends and interest on equity

 

The rights to receive unclaimed interest on equity and dividends prescribe after three years from the initial date available for payment. When dividends and interest on equity expire, these amounts are reversed to retained earnings.

 

F-37

b)Dividends and interest on equity payable

 

b.1) Breakdown:

 

   12.31.19    12.31.18  
Telefónica Latinoamérica Holding   787,823    952,217 
Telefónica   948,662    1,146,619 
SP Telecomunicações Participações   598,064    722,862 
Telefónica Chile   1,667    2,015 
Non-controlling interest   1,251,201    1,349,203 
Total   3,587,417    4,172,916 

 

b.2) Changes:

 

Balance on 12.31.17   2,396,116 
Supplementary dividends for 2017   2,191,864 
Interim interest on equity (net of IRRF)   3,867,500 
Unclaimed dividends and interest on equity   (152,770)
Payment of dividends and interest on equity   (4,136,878)
IRRF on shareholders exempt/immune from interest on equity   7,084 
Balance on 12.31.18   4,172,916 
Supplementary dividends for 2018   2,468,684 
Interim interest on equity (net of IRRF) and dividends   3,199,800 
Unclaimed dividends and interest on equity   (82,898)
Payment of dividends and interest on equity   (6,176,842)
IRRF on shareholders exempt/immune from interest on equity   5,757 
Balance on 12.31.19   3,587,417 

 

For purposes of the cash flow statement, interest on equity and dividends paid to shareholders are recognized in “Financing Activities”.

 

19) PROVISION AND CONTINGENCIES

 

a)Accounting policy

 

Provision is recognized when the Company has a present obligation (legal or constructive) as a result of a past event, when it is probable that economic benefits are required to settle the obligation and a reliable estimate of the value of the obligation can be made. Provision is restated at the balance sheet date considering the likely amount of loss and the nature of each provision.

 

Provision amounts for contingencies are presented at their gross amount, less the corresponding judicial deposits, and are classified as provision for civil, labor, tax and regulatory contingencies.

 

Judicial deposits are classified as assets given that the conditions required for their net presentation with provision do not exist.

 

Provision for civil, labor, tax and regulatory legal claims

 

The Company and its subsidiaries are parts to administrative; labor, tax, civil and regulatory claims, and accounting provision amounts have been recorded in respect of claims whose likelihood of loss was classified as probable. The assessment of the likelihood of loss includes an analysis of available evidence, the hierarchy of laws, available case law, the latest court decisions law and their relevance in the legal system, as well as the opinion of outside legal counsel. Provision is reviewed and adjusted considering changes in existing circumstances, such as the applicable statute of limitations, tax audit conclusions, or additional exposures identified based on new matters or court decisions.

 

F-38

Provision for decommissioning of assets

 

Refers to costs to be incurred due to returning sites to owners (locations intended for tower and equipment installation on leased property) in the same condition as these were found at the time of execution of the initial lease agreement.

 

These costs are provisioned as the present value from amounts expected to settle the obligation using estimated cash flows and they are recognized as part of the cost of the corresponding asset. The cash flows are discounted at a current pre-tax rate that reflects the risks specific to decommissioning of assets. The financial effect of the discount is recorded as incurred and recognized in the statement of income as a finance cost. The estimated future costs of decommissioning are reviewed annually and adjusted as appropriate.

 

Changes in the estimated future costs or in the discount rate applied are added to, or deducted from, the cost of the asset.

 

Contingent liabilities recognized in a business combination

 

A contingent liability recognized in business combination is initially measured at fair value.

 

Refers to contingent liabilities from the Purchase Price Allocation (PPA) on acquisition of the controlling interest of Vivo Participações in 2011 and GVTPart. in 2015.

 

b) Critical estimates and judgments

 

Provision is recognized when the Company has a present obligation arising from a past event, settlement of which requires an outflow of resources rated as probable and when it can be reliably estimated. This obligation can be legal or constructive, derived from, among other factors, regulations, contracts, customary practices or public commitments that expose third parties to a valid expectation that the Company or its subsidiaries will assume certain responsibilities. The determination of the provision is based on the best estimate of the disbursement required to settle the corresponding obligation, considering the information available as at the closing date, including the opinion of independent experts, such as legal advisors.

 

c) Information on provisions and contingencies

 

The Company and its subsidiaries are parts to administrative and judicial proceedings and labor, tax and civil claims filed in different courts. The management of the Company and its subsidiaries, based on the opinion of its legal counsel, recognized provision for proceedings for which an unfavorable outcome is considered probable.

 

Breakdown of changes in provision for cases in which an unfavorable outcome is probable, in addition to contingent liabilities and provision for decommissioning are as follows:

 

   Provisions for contingencies      
   Labor  Tax  Civil  Regulatory  Contingent liabilities (PPA)  Provision for decommissioning  Total
Balance on 12.31.17   980,596    3,579,208    1,055,877    1,103,792    845,796    579,481    8,144,750 
Additions (reversal), net (Note 26)   319,056    452,746    395,631    (41,837)   (27,345)   -    1,098,251 
Other additions (reversal) (1)   (99,372)   (2,443,047)   (14,119)   -    -    16,752    (2,539,786)
Write-offs due to payment   (541,749)   (51,924)   (598,294)   (117,599)   -    -    (1,309,566)
Monetary restatement   121,155    414,914    165,708    77,860    8,824    77,215    865,676 
Balance on 12.31.18   779,686    1,951,897    1,004,803    1,022,216    827,275    673,448    6,259,325 
Initial adoption IFRIC 23 (Note 7)   -    (68,945)   -    -    -    -    (68,945)
Additions (reversal), net (Note 26)   152,105    32,719    364,008    93,634    (16,986)   (90,159)   535,321 
Other additions (reversal) (1)   (5,709)   -    (2,381)   -    -    (4,191)   (12,281)
Write-offs due to payment   (485,539)   (364,992)   (833,579)   (43,068)   -    -    (1,727,178)
Monetary restatement   99,526    25,270    264,590    72,954    21,433    57,591    541,364 
Business combinations (Note 1 c.1)   7,805    -    7    -    -    -    7,812 
Balance on 12.31.19   547,874    1,575,949    797,448    1,145,736    831,722    636,689    5,535,418 
                                    
Balance on 12.31.18                                   
   Current   245,805    -    132,124    -    -    -    377,929 
   Non-current   533,881    1,951,897    872,679    1,022,216    827,275    673,448    5,881,396 
                                    
Balance on 12.31.19                                   
   Current   236,130    -    113,307    25,008    -    -    374,445 
   Non-current   311,744    1,575,949    684,141    1,120,728    831,722    636,689    5,160,973 

 

(1) Refers mainly to the amounts of inflows and losses against judicial deposits (Note 9).

 

F-39

c.1) Labor provision and contingencies

 

   Amounts involved
Nature/Degree of Risk  12.31.19    12.31.18  
Provisions   547,874    779,686 
Possible losses   452,070    191,398 

 

Labor provision and contingencies involve labor claims filed by former employees and outsourced employees (the latter involving subsidiary or joint liability) claiming for, among other issues, overtime, salary equalization, post-retirement benefits, allowance for health hazard and risk premium, and matters relating to outsourcing.

 

The Company is also a defendant in labor claims filed by retired former employees who are covered by the Retired Employees Medical Assistance Plan ("PAMA"), and, among other issues, are demanding the cancellation of amendments to this plan. Most of these claims await a decision by the Superior Labor Court. Based on the opinion of its legal counsel and recent decisions of the courts, management considers the risk of loss in these cases as possible. No amount has been specified for these claims, since is not possible to estimate the cost to the Company in the event of loss.

 

In addition, the Company is a part to Public Civil Actions filed by the Public Prosecution Service whose purpose is essentially the determination of the Company to stop hiring a company to perform the Company's core activities. In August 2018, the majority of the Federal Supreme Court (“STF”) Ministers ruled the unrestricted outsourcing to be legally valid, including the end activity, safeguarding the subsidiary responsibility of the service receiver. However, a final judgment has yet to clarify the scope of this decision, including in cases already final and unappealable. The application of the decision will need to be individually evaluated for each case under discussion. Given these considerations, it is not feasible to estimate amounts or likelihood of loss for the Company.

 

c.2) Tax provision and contingencies

 

   Amounts involved
Nature/Degree of Risk  12.31.19  12.31.18
Provisions   1,575,949    1,951,897 
   Federal (1)   573,229    526,943 
   State   466,164    909,547 
   Municipal   34,915    33,607 
   FUST   501,641    481,800 
Possible losses   26,104,867    36,103,128 
   Federal (1)   2,233,733    12,025,529 
   State   15,460,028    16,294,685 
   Municipal   669,114    637,690 
   FUST, FUNTTEL and FISTEL   7,741,992    7,145,224 

 

(1)On January 1, 2019, the Company applied the requirements of IFRIC 23 - Uncertainties on Income Tax Treatment and, accordingly, we present the information on income tax and social contribution of December 31, 2019 in note 7

 

c.2.1) Tax provisions

 

Management, under advice of legal counsel believes that the following losses are probable in the following federal, state, municipal and regulatory (FUST) tax proceedings:

 

Federal taxes

 

The Company and/or its subsidiaries are parts to administrative and legal proceedings at the federal level relating to: (i) claims resulting from the non-ratification of compensation and refund requests formulated; (ii) CIDE levied on the remittance of amounts abroad related to technical and administrative assistance and similar services, as well as royalties; (iii) withholding income tax on interest on equity; (iv) Social Investment Fund (Finsocial) offset amounts; and (v) additional charges to the PIS and COFINS tax base, as well as additional charges to COFINS required by Law No. 9,718/98.

 

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State taxes

 

The Company and/or its subsidiaries are parts to administrative and judicial proceedings at the state level relating to ICMS, regarding: (i) disallowance credits; (ii) non-taxation of alleged telecommunications services; (iii) tax credit for challenges/disputes over telecommunication services not provided or wrongly charged (Agreement 39/01); (iv) aliquot differential; (v) leasing of infrastructure necessary for internet services (data); (vi) outflows of goods with prices lower than those of acquisition; and (vii) non-taxation of amounts granted as discounts to customers.

 

Municipal taxes

 

The Company and/or its subsidiaries are parts to various municipal tax proceedings, at the judicial level, relating to: (i) Property tax (“IPTU”); (ii) Services tax (“ISS”) on equipment leasing services, non-core activities and supplementary activities; and (iii) withholding of ISS on contractors' services.

 

FUST

 
The Company and/or its subsidiaries have judicial proceedings related to the non-inclusion of interconnection expenses and industrial exploitation of a dedicated line in the calculation basis of FUST.

 

c.2.2) Possible losses - tax contingencies

 

Management, under advice of legal counsel believes that the following losses are possible in the following federal, state, municipal and regulatory (FUST, FUNTTEL and FISTEL):

 

Federal taxes

 

The Company and/or its subsidiaries are parts to various administrative and judicial proceedings, at the federal level, which are awaiting decision in different court levels.

 

The more significant of these proceedings are: (i) statements of dissatisfaction resulting from failure to approve requests for compensation submitted by the Company; (ii) INSS (a) on compensation payment for salary losses arising from the "Plano Verão" and the "Plano Bresser"; (b) SAT, social security amounts owed to third parts (INCRA and SEBRAE); (c) supply of meals to employees, withholding of 11% (assignment of workforce); and (d) Stock Options - requirement of social security contributions on amounts paid to employees under the stock option plan; (iii) withholding income tax and CIDE on the funds remitted abroad related to technical services and to administrative support and similar services, etc., and royalties; (iv) deduction of COFINS on swap operation losses; (v) PIS and COFINS: (a) accrual basis versus cash basis; (b) levied on value-added services; and (c) monthly subscription services; (vi) ex-tariff, cancellation of the benefits under CAMEX Resolution No. 6, increase in the import duty from 4% to 28%; (vii) IPI levied on shipment of fixed access units from the Company's establishment; and (viii) Financial transaction tax (IOF) - required on loan transactions, intercompany loans and credit transactions.

 

State taxes

 

The Company and/or its subsidiaries are parts to various administrative and judicial proceedings, at the state level, related to ICMS, which are awaiting decision in different court levels: (i) rental of movable property; (ii) international calls; (iii) reversal of previously unused credits; (iv) service provided outside São Paulo state paid to São Paulo state; (v) co-billing; (vi) tax substitution with a fictitious tax base (tax guideline); (vii) use of credits related to acquisition of electric power; (viii) secondary activities, value added and supplementary services; (ix) tax credits related to opposition/challenges regarding telecommunications services not provided or mistakenly charged (Agreement 39/01); (x) deferred collection of interconnection (“DETRAF” - Traffic and Service Provision Document); (xi) credits derived from tax benefits granted by other states; (xii) disallowance of tax incentives related to cultural projects; (xiii) transfers of assets among business units owned by the Company; (xiv) communications service tax credits used in provision of services of the same nature; (xv) card donation for prepaid service activation; (xvi) reversal of credit from return and free lease in connection with assignment of networks (used by the Company itself and exemption of public bodies); (xvii) DETRAF fine; (xviii) own consumption; (xix) exemption of public bodies; (xx) amounts given by way of discounts; (xxi) new tax register bookkeeping without prior authorization by tax authorities; (xxii) advertising services; (xxiii) unmeasured services; and (xxiv) monthly subscription, which is in the STF with declaration liens and the Company awaits the judgment of the STF on the request for modulation.

 

Municipal taxes

 

The Company and/or its subsidiaries are parts to various administrative and judicial proceedings, at the municipal level, which are awaiting decision in different court levels.

 

F-41

The more significant of these proceedings are: (i) ISS on: (a) non-core activity, value-added and supplementary services; (b) withholding at source; (c) call identification and mobile phone licensing services; (d) full-time services, provision, returns and cancelled tax receipts; (e) data processing and antivirus congeners; (f) charge for use of mobile network and lease of infrastructure; (g) advertising services; (h) services provided by third parties; and (i) advisory services in corporate management provided by Telefónica Latino América Holding; (ii) IPTU; (iii) land use tax; and (iv) various municipal charges.

 

FUST, FUNTTEL and FISTEL

 

Universal Telecommunications Services Fund ("FUST")

 

Writs of mandamus were filed seeking the right to not include revenues with interconnection and Industrial Use of Dedicated Line (“EILD”) in the FUST tax base, according to Abridgment No. 7 of December 15, 2005, as it does not comply with the provisions contained in the sole paragraph of Article 6 of Law No. 9,998/00, which are awaiting a decision from Higher Courts.

 

Various delinquency notices were issued by ANATEL at the administrative level to collect charges on interconnections, EILD and other revenues not earned from the provision of telecommunication services.

 

On December 31, 2019, the consolidated amount involved totaled R$4,411,759 (R$3,701,208 on December 31, 2018).

 

Fund for Technological Development of Telecommunications ("FUNTTEL")

 

Proceedings have been filed for the right not to include interconnection revenues and any others arising from the use of resources that are part of the networks in the FUNTTEL calculation basis, as determined by Law 10,052/00 and Decree No. 3,737/01, therefore avoiding the improper application of Article 4, paragraph 5, of Resolution 95/13.

 

There are several notifications of debits drawn up by the Ministry of Communications in administrative actions for constitution of the tax credit related to the interconnection, network resources and other revenues that do not originate from the provision of telecommunication services.

 

On December 31, 2019, the consolidated amount involved totaled R$723,105 (R$618,473 on December 31, 2018).

 

Telecommunications Inspection Fund ("FISTEL")

 

There are judicial actions for the collection of TFI on: (i) extensions of the term of validity of the licenses for use of telephone exchanges associated with the operation of the fixed switched telephone service; and (ii) extensions of the period of validity of the right to use radiofrequency associated with the operation of the telephone service personal mobile service.

 

On December 31, 2019, the consolidated amount involved totaled R$2,607,128 (R$2,825,543 on December 31, 2018).

 

c.3) Civil provision civil contingencies

 

   Amounts involved
Nature/Degree of Risk  12.31.19    12.31.18  
Provisions   797,448    1,004,803 
Possible losses   3,494,626    3,493,655 

 

c.3.1) Civil provisions

 

Management, under advice of legal counsel, believes that the following will result in probable losses from civil proceedings:

 

·The Company is part to proceedings involving rights to the supplementary amounts from shares calculated on network expansion plans since 1996 (supplement of share proceedings). These proceedings are at different stages: lower courts, court of justice and high court of justice. On December 31, 2019, the consolidated amount involved totaled R$297,641 (R$334,877 on December 31, 2018).

 

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·The Company and/or its subsidiaries are parts to various civil proceedings related to consumers at the administrative and judicial level, relating to the non-provision of services and/or products sold. On December 31, 2019, the consolidated amount involved totaled R$211,865 (R$353,850 on December 31, 2018).

 

·The Company and/or its subsidiaries are parts to various civil proceedings of a non-consumer nature at administrative and judicial levels, all arising in the ordinary course of business. On December 31, 2019, the consolidated amount involved totaled R$287,942 (R$316,076 on December 31, 2018).

 

c.3.2) Possible losses - civil contingencies

 

Management, under advice of legal counsel, believes that losses are possible from the following civil proceedings:

 

·Collective Action filed by SISTEL Participants' Association (“ASTEL”) in the state of São Paulo, in which SISTEL associates in the state of São Paulo challenge the changes made in the PAMA and claim for the reestablishment of the prior "status quo". This proceeding is still in the appeal phase and awaits a decision on the Interlocutory Appeal filed by the Company against the decision on possible admission of the appeal to higher and supreme courts filed in connection with the Court of Appeals' decision, which partially changed the decision rendering the matter groundless. The amount cannot be estimated, and the claims cannot be settled due to their unenforceability because it entails the return to the prior plan conditions.

 

·Civil Class Actions proposed by ASTEL and the Brazilian National Federation of Associations of Retirees, Pensioners and Pension Fund Members of the Telecommunications Industry “(FENAPAS”), both against SISTEL, the Company and other carriers, in order to annul the spin-off of the PBS private pension plan, alleging, in short, the "windup of the supplementary private pension plan of the SISTEL Foundation", which led to various specific mirror PBS plans, and corresponding allocation of funds from technical surplus and tax contingencies existing at the time of the spin-off. As for the action proposed only by ASTEL, there was a favorable decision in the first degree. Subsequently, ASTEL appealed and the appeal was withdrawn, maintaining a favorable decision. As for the action proposed by FENAPAS, the amount cannot be estimated, and the claims cannot be settled due to their unenforceability because this involves the return of the spun-off assets of SISTEL relating to telecommunication carriers of the former Telebrás System.

 

·The Company is part to other civil claims, at several levels, related to service rendering rights. Such claims have been filed by individual consumers, civil associations representing consumer rights or by the Bureau of Consumer Protection (“PROCON”), as well as by the Federal and State Public Prosecutor's Office. The Company is also part to other claims of several types related to the ordinary course of business. On December 31, 2019, the consolidated amount totaled R$3,467,941 (R$3,466,522 on December 31, 2018).

 

·Terra Networks is a part to: (i) a supplier action related to the transmission of events; (ii) PROCON fine (annulment action); (iii) indemnification action related to the use of content; (iv) ECAD action on copyright collection; and (v) claim actions filed by former subscribers regarding unrecognized collection, collection of undue value and contractual non-compliance. On December 31, 2019, the amount was R$15,443 (R$12,926 on December 31, 2018).

 

·The Company has received notices regarding non-compliance with the Customer Service (“SAC”) Decree. The Company is currently a part to various lawsuits (administrative and legal proceedings). On December 31, 2019, 2019 the amount was R$11,626 (R$14,207 on December 31, 2018).

 

·Intellectual Property: Lune Projetos Especiais Telecomunicação Comércio e Ind. Ltda. (“Lune”), a Brazilian company, filed an action on November 20, 2001 against 23 wireless carriers claiming to own the patent for caller ID and the trademark "Bina". The purpose of that lawsuit was to interrupt provision of such service by carriers and to seek indemnification equivalent to the amount paid by consumers for using the service.

 

F-43

An unfavorable decision was handed down determining that the Company should refrain from selling mobile phones with caller ID service ("Bina"), subject to a daily fine of R$10 (ten thousand reais) in the event of non-compliance. Furthermore, according to that decision, the Company must pay indemnification for royalties, to be calculated on settlement. Motions for Clarification were proposed by all parts and Lune's motions for clarification were accepted since an injunctive relief in this stage of the proceedings was deemed applicable. A bill of review appeal was filed in view of the current decision which granted a stay of execution suspending that unfavorable decision until final judgment of the review. A bill of review was filed in view of the sentence handed down on September 30, 2016, by the 4th Chamber of the Court of Justice of the Federal District, in order to annul the lower court sentence and remit the proceedings back to the lower court for a new examination. There is no way to determine at this time the extent of potential liability with respect to this claim as the expertise is in its early stages.

 

·The Company and other wireless carriers are defendants in several lawsuits filed by the Public Prosecutor's Office and consumer associations challenging the defined period for use of prepaid minutes. The plaintiffs allege that the prepaid minutes should not expire after a specific period. Conflicting decisions were handed down by courts on the matter, even though the Company understands that its criteria for the period determination comply with ANATEL standards.

 

c.4) Regulatory provision and contingencies

 

   Amounts involved
Nature/Degree of Risk  12.31.19    12.31.18  
Provisions   1,145,736    1,022,216 
Possible losses   5,645,107    6,119,136 

 

c.4.1) Regulatory provisions

 

Management, under advice of legal counsel, believes the likelihood of loss of the following regulatory proceedings is probable:

 

The Company is part to administrative proceedings initiated mainly by ANATEL, which were initiated on the grounds of alleged non-compliance with obligations established in the sectoral regulations, as well as in lawsuits that discuss, in the great majority, sanctions applied by ANATEL at the administrative level.

 

c.4.2) Possible losses - regulatory contingencies

 

Management, under advice of legal counsel believes the likelihood of loss of the following regulatory proceedings is possible:

 

The Company is part to administrative proceedings filed by ANATEL (other agents, including other operators, also have claims against the Company) alleging non-compliance with the obligations set forth in industry regulations, as well as legal claims which discuss the mostly sanctions applied by ANATEL at the administrative level.

 

Relevant cases in the possible regulatory contingency portfolio include:

 

·Administrative and legal proceedings that discuss how ANATEL calculates the amount of the charge due to the extension of the radio frequencies associated with the SMP. In the view of the Agency, the calculation of encumbrances should consider the application of a percentage of 2% over the entire economic benefit resulting from the provision of the STFC / SMP service. In the Company's view, however, revenues that are not part of the STFC / SMP service plans, as defined by the regulations at the time of signing the authorization terms / concession contracts, should not be considered when calculating the burden. As a result of this divergence of understanding, the Company filed administrative claims and lawsuits to challenge ANATEL charge collections.

 

F-44

·In May 2018, the Company filed a lawsuit to annul ANATEL final decision, of March of the same year, in the records of the Procedure for Determining Noncompliance with Obligations (“PADO”) for alleged violations of the fixed telephony regulation. The fine imposed by ANATEL, and object of the lawsuit, totals R$211 million as the principal amount. On December 31, 2019, the restated amount, plus interest and monetary restatement, reached approximately R$505 million. On December 31, 2018, this amount was approximately R$482 million. The Company believes that the fine imposed is illegal and undue based, fundamentally, on the following defense arguments: (i) ANATEL's mistake in determining the universe of users considered in the fine (the number of users affected is less than that considered by the ANATEL) and; (ii) the calculation of the fine penalty is disproportionate and without foundation. The lawsuit is in the lower court and, at this moment, awaits judgment, after the Company has gathered an expert report that supports the arguments in favor of reducing the fine.

 

d) Guarantees

 

The Company and its subsidiaries granted guarantees for tax, civil, labor and regulatory proceedings, as follows:

 

   12.31.19  12.31.18
Property and equipment   81,416    94,641 
Judicial deposits and garnishments   3,670,885    3,910,014 
Letters of guarantee   2,608,463    2,301,210 
Total   6,360,764    6,305,865 

 

On December 31, 2019, in addition to the guarantees presented above, the Company and its subsidiaries had amounts under short-term investment withheld by courts (except for loan-related investments) in the consolidated amount of R$50,554 (R$64,461 on December 31, 2018).

 

20) LOANS, FINANCING, DEBENTURES AND LEASES

 

a)Accounting policy

 

These are financial liabilities measured initially and recognized by fair value, net of costs incurred to obtain them and subsequently measured by amortized cost (plus pro-rata charges and interest), considering the effective interest rate of each operation, or by fair value through profit or loss.

 

They are classified as current unless the Company has the unconditional right to settle the liability for at least 12 months after the closing date of the year.

 

Borrowing costs directly related to the acquisition, construction or production of an asset that necessarily requires more than 18 months to be completed for use or sale purposes are capitalized as part of the cost of the corresponding asset. The Company did not capitalize borrowing and financing costs and debentures due to the absence of qualifying assets.

 

All other costs of loans, financing, debentures and leases are recorded in expense in the period in which they are incurred. The costs of loans, financing and debentures comprise interest and other costs incurred.

 

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b)Breakdown

 

   Information on December 31, 2019  12.31.19  12.31.18
   Currency  Annual interest rate  Maturity  Guarantees  Current  Non-current  Total  Current  Non-current  Total
Local currency                   4,126,490    9,698,183    13,824,673    1,367,551    4,675,271    6,042,822 
                                               
Financial institutions (b.1)                   23,865    24,985    48,850    666,213    819,742    1,485,955 
   BNDES FINEM   URTJLP   TJLP+ 0 to 4.08%           -    -    -    214,012    -    214,012 
   BNDES FINEM   URTJLP   TJLP+ 0 to 3.38%           -    -    -    184,200    122,011    306,211 
   BNDES FINEM   R$   5.00%           -    -    -    13,403    -    13,403 
   BNDES FINEM   URTJLP   TJLP+ 0 to 3.12%           -    -    -    103,486    316,269    419,755 
   BNDES FINEM   R$   4.00% to 6.00%           -    -    -    37,837    94,516    132,353 
   BNDES FINEM   R$   Selic Acum. D-2 + 2.32%           -    -    -    80,014    245,887    325,901 
   PSI   R$   2.5% to 5.5%   Jan-23   (1)   8,847    112    8,959    18,207    1,263    19,470 
   BNB   R$   7.06% to 10%   Aug-22   (2)   15,018    24,873    39,891    15,054    39,796    54,850 
                                               
Suppliers (b.2)   R$   109.2% to 122.5% of CDI   Jan-21       996,177    97    996,274    524,244    -    524,244 
                                               
Debentures (b.3)                   1,077,183    2,027,167    3,104,350    123,961    3,049,949    3,173,910 
4th issue – Series 3   R$   IPCA+4.00%   Oct-19   (3)   -    -    -    41,121    -    41,121 
1st issue – Minas Comunica   R$   IPCA+0.50%   Jul-21   (3)   28,366    28,366    56,732    26,250    52,499    78,749 
   5th issue   R$   108.25% of CDI   Feb-22   (3)   44,504    1,998,801    2,043,305    51,233    1,997,694    2,048,927 
   6th issue   R$   100% of CDI + 0.24%   Nov-20   (3)   1,004,313    -    1,004,313    5,357    999,756    1,005,113 
                                               
Leases (b.4)   R$   4.90% / IPCA           2,029,265    7,161,886    9,191,151    53,133    339,894    393,027 
                                               
Contingent consideration (b.5)   R$   Selic           -    484,048    484,048    -    465,686    465,686 
                                               
Foreign currency                   -    -    -    96,615    -    96,615 
                                               
Financial institutions (b.1)                   -    -    -    96,615    -    96,615 
   BNDES FINEM   UMBND   ECM + 2.38%           -    -    -    96,615    -    96,615 
Total                   4,126,490    9,698,183    13,824,673    1,464,166    4,675,271    6,139,437 
                                               

Guarantees:

 

(1)Pledge of financed assets.

 

(2)Bank guarantee provided by Banco Safra in an amount equivalent to 100% of the outstanding financing debt balance. Setting up a liquidity fund represented by financial investments in the amount equivalent to three installments of repayment referenced to the average post-grace period performance. Balances were R$13,212 and R$12,473 on December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

 

(3)Unsecured.

 

b.1) Loans and financing - Financial Institutions

 

Some financing agreements with the financial institutions have lower interest rates than those prevailing in the market. These operations fall within the scope of IAS 20 and therefore the subsidies granted up to December 31, 2017 were adjusted to present value and deferred in accordance with the useful lives of the financed assets.

 

The grants on January 1, 2018 adjusted to present value, were recorded in property, plant and equipment and are being depreciated according to the useful lives of the financed underlying assets.

 

b.2) Financing - Suppliers

 

Under bilateral agreements with suppliers, the Company obtained extension of the terms for payment of trade accounts payable at a cost based on the fixed CDI rate for the corresponding periods, with the net cost equivalent to between 109.2% to 122.5% of the CDI (107.9% to 115.9% of the CDI on December 31, 2018).

 

b.3) Debentures

 

The following is a summary of the debentures in effect on December 31, 2019.

 

      Amounts   
Issue  Issue date  Issued  Outstanding  Issue value
4th issue – Series 3 (1)  10/15/2009   810,000    -    810,000 
1st issue – Minas Comunica  12/17/2007   5,550    5,550    55,500 
5th issue  2/8/2017   200,000    200,000    2,000,000 
6th issue  11/27/2017   100,000    100,000    1,000,000 

 

(1) On October 15, 2019, this issue was settled in the amount of R$42,895.

 

F-46

Transaction costs in connection with the 4th, 5th and 6th issues, totaling R$2,550 on December 31, 2019 (R$3,951 on December 31, 2018), were treated as a reduction of liabilities as costs to be incurred and are recognized as financial expenses, according to the contractual terms of each issue.

 

b.4) Leases

 

The Company has agreements classified as lease agreements as a lessee: (i) lease of towers and rooftops arising from sale and leaseback transactions; (ii) lease of Built to Suit ("BTS") sites to install antennas and other equipment and transmission facilities; (iii) lease of information technology equipment and; (iv) lease of infrastructure and transmission facilities associated with the power transmission network. The net carrying amount of the assets has remained unchanged until sale thereof, and a liability is recognized corresponding to the present value of mandatory minimum installments as per the agreement.

 

The amounts recorded in property, plant and equipment are depreciated over the estimated useful lives of the assets or the lease term, whichever is shorter.

 

Balances of lease payments payable, including the effects of the adoption of IFRS 16 (Note 2.f):

 

   12.31.19    12.31.18  
Nominal value payable   10,932,789    766,215 
Unrealized financial expenses   (1,741,638)   (373,188)
Present value payable   9,191,151    393,027 
           
Current   2,029,265    53,133 
Non-current   7,161,886    339,894 

 

The following is a schedule of the amounts payable on leases on December 31, 2019, settled in nominal amounts and at present value:

 

Year  Nominal value payable  Present value payable
2020   2,098,941    2,029,265 
2021   1,896,313    1,751,557 
2022   1,670,508    1,470,364 
2023   1,484,652    1,241,102 
2024   1,086,093    856,502 
2025 onwards   2,696,282    1,842,361 
Total   10,932,789    9,191,151 

 

The weighted annual interest rate on lease contracts on December 31, 2019 is 4.90%, with an average maturity of 6.18 years.

 

The present value of lease agreements is measured by discounting future fixed payment flows, which do not include the projected inflation, at market interest rates, estimated with the Company's intrinsic risk spread.

 

The use of nominal or real rates, in estimating future flows, as long as they are applied consistently to the discount rate, would have immaterial effects on the updated balance of the lease liabilities as of December 31, 2019, as well as their respective effects on the income for the year ending on this date.

 

The discount curves used are constructed based on observable data. Real and nominal market interest rates are extracted from B3 and the Company's risk spread is estimated from debt securities issued by companies with comparable risk. Accordingly, the final discount curve reliably reflects the Company's incremental loan interest rate.

 

There were no unsecured residual values resulting in benefits to the lessor or contingent payments recognized as revenue on December 31, 2019 and 2018.

 

F-47

b.5) Contingent consideration

 

As part of the Purchase and Sale Agreement and Other Covenants executed by and between the Company and Vivendi to acquire all shares in GVTPart., a contingent consideration relating to the judicial deposit made by GVT for the monthly installments of deferred income tax and social contribution on goodwill amortization was agreed, arising from the corporate restructuring process completed by GVT in 2013. If these funds are realized (being reimbursed, refunded, or via netting), they will be returned to Vivendi, as long as they are obtained in a final unappealable decision. Reimbursement will be made within 15 years and this amount is subject to monthly restatement at the SELIC rate.

 

c) Repayment schedule

 

On December 31, 2019, the breakdown of non-current loans, financing, debentures, leases and contingent consideration by year of maturity was as follows:

 

Year  Loans and financing - financial institutions  Financing - suppliers  Debentures  Leases  Contingent consideration  Total
2021    14,984    97    1,027,167    1,751,557    -    2,793,805 
2022    9,996    -    1,000,000    1,470,364    -    2,480,360 
2023    5    -    -    1,241,102    -    1,241,107 
2024    -    -    -    856,502    -    856,502 
2025 onwards    -    -    -    1,842,361    484,048    2,326,409 
Total    24,985    97    2,027,167    7,161,886    484,048    9,698,183 

 

d) Covenants

 

Loans and financing with financial institutions and debentures carry specific covenants involving a penalty in the event of breach of contract. A breach of contract as provided for in the agreements with the institutions listed above in item b), is characterized as non-compliance with covenants (analyzed on a quarterly, half-yearly or yearly basis), being a breach of a contractual clause, resulting in the early maturity of the contract.

 

On December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the Company was in compliance with all economic and financial indices.

 

e) Changes

 

Changes in loans and financing, debentures, leases agreements and contingent considerations are as follows:

 

   Loans and financing  Debentures  Leases  Financing - suppliers  Contingent consideration  Total
Balance on 12.31.17   2,502,346    4,520,739    385,460    607,152    446,144    8,461,841 
Additions   -    -    18,672    506,397    -    525,069 
Government grants (Note 21)   (40)   -    -    -    -    (40)
Financial charges (Note 27)   169,771    242,415    45,501    33,169    19,542    510,398 
Issue costs   -    1,471    -    -    -    1,471 
Foreign exchange variation (Note 27)   28,848    -    -    -    -    28,848 
Payments   (1,118,355)   (1,590,715)   (56,606)   (622,474)   -    (3,388,150)
Balance on 12.31.18   1,582,570    3,173,910    393,027    524,244    465,686    6,139,437 
Initial adoption IFRS 16 (Note 2.f)   -    -    8,618,072    -    -    8,618,072 
Additions   -    -    1,803,941    967,313    -    2,771,254 
Government grants (Note 21)   15,787    -    -    -    -    15,787 
Financial charges (Note 27)   111,013    197,386    457,985    45,940    18,362    830,686 
Issue costs   -    1,400    -    -    -    1,400 
Foreign exchange variation (Note 27)   (1,104)   -    -    -    -    (1,104)
Write-offs (cancellation of contracts)   -    -    (107,213)   -    -    (107,213)
Payments   (1,659,416)   (268,346)   (1,974,661)   (541,223)   -    (4,443,646)
Balance on 12.31.19   48,850    3,104,350    9,191,151    996,274    484,048    13,824,673 
                               

 

F-48

f) Additions and payments

 

Summary of additions and payments:

 

   2019  2018
      Write-offs (payments)     Write-offs (payments)
   Additions  Principal  Financial charges  Total  Additions  Principal  Financial charges  Total
Loans and financing   -    (1,564,258)   (95,158)   (1,659,416)   -    (961,687)   (156,668)   (1,118,355)
  BNDES   -    (1,549,335)   (91,939)   (1,641,274)   -    (946,763)   (152,447)   (1,099,210)
  BNB   -    (14,923)   (3,219)   (18,142)   -    (14,924)   (4,221)   (19,145)
Debêntures   -    (66,830)   (201,516)   (268,346)   -    (1,324,723)   (265,992)   (1,590,715)
   4th issue – Series 3   -    -    -    -    -    -    (1,583)   (1,583)
   1st issue – Minas Comunica   -    (25,583)   (1,761)   (27,344)   -    (24,723)   (1,082)   (25,805)
   4th issue   -    (41,247)   (1,650)   (42,897)   -    (1,300,000)   (47,257)   (1,347,257)
   5th issue   -    -    (135,242)   (135,242)   -    -    (149,795)   (149,795)
   6th issue   -    -    (62,863)   (62,863)   -    -    (66,275)   (66,275)
Suppliers   967,313    (506,407)   (34,816)   (541,223)   506,397    (571,434)   (51,040)   (622,474)
Leases (1)   10,422,013    (1,559,165)   (415,496)   (1,974,661)   18,672    (35,375)   (21,231)   (56,606)
Total   11,389,326    (3,696,660)   (746,986)   (4,443,646)   525,069    (2,893,219)   (494,931)   (3,388,150)

 

(1) Additions include the amount of the initial adoption of IFRS 16 (Note 2.f).

 

21)DEFERRED INCOME

 

   12.31.19    12.31.18  
Disposal of PP&E (1)   94,383    89,835 
Government grants (2)   61,613    94,335 
Contractual Liabilities - IFRS 15 (3)   499,035    532,207 
Other (4)   63,051    59,658 
Total   718,082    776,035 
           
Current   506,181    525,509 
Non-current   211,901    250,526 

 

(1)Includes the net balances of the residual values from sale of non-strategic towers and rooftops, transferred to income as the conditions for recognition are fulfilled and a portion of the amount arising from the sale of the Tamboré and Curitiba (CIC) data centers to a company controlled by Asterion Industrial Partners SGEIC, S.A, to be recognized in profit or loss over 10 years, pursuant to contractual conditions.

 

(2)This refers to: i) government subsidy arising from funds obtained from credit lines to be used in the acquisition of domestic equipment, which have been amortized over the useful life cycle of the equipment; and ii) subsidies arising from projects related to state taxes, which are being amortized over the contractual period.

 

(3)Refers to the balance of contractual liabilities of customers, being deferred to the extent that they relate to performance obligations that are satisfied over time.

 

(4)Includes amounts of the reimbursement for costs for leaving radio frequency sub-bands 2,500MHz to 2,690MHz due to cancellation of the Multichannel Multipoint Distribution Service.

 

Changes in contractual liabilities (IFRS 15), mainly related to the sale of prepaid credits in the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018:

 

Initial adoption on 01.01.18   178,897 
Reclassification on 01.01.18   383,688 
   Additions   7,271,614 
   Write-offs, net   (7,301,992)
Balance on 12.31.18   532,207 
   Additions   6,762,607 
   Write-offs, net   (6,795,779)
Balance on 12.31.19   499,035 
      
Current   468,776 
Non-current   30,259 

 

F-49

Below, we present the expected periods of realization of contractual liabilities.

 

Year   
2020   468,776 
2021   11,342 
2022   3,468 
2023   3,468 
2024   3,468 
2025 onwards   8,513 
Total   499,035 
      

 

22) OTHER LIABILITIES

 

   12.31.19    12.31.18  
Liabilities with ANATEL (1)   300,119    346,950 
Liabilities with related parties (Note 28)   30,114    31,716 
Third-party withholdings (2)   222,056    120,711 
Surplus from post-employment benefit plans (Note 30)   1,155,067    679,478 
Amounts to be refunded to subscribers   43,794    56,897 
Other liabilities   36,781    61,957 
Total   1,787,931    1,297,709 
           
Current   365,192    368,376 
Non-current   1,422,739    929,333 

 

(a)Includes the cost of renewing STFC and SMP licenses.

 

(b)This refers to payroll withholdings and taxes withheld from pay-outs of interest on equity and on provision of services.

 

23)EQUITY

 

a) Capital

 

Pursuant to its Articles of Incorporation, the Company is authorized to increase its share capital up to 1,850,000,000 common and preferred shares. The Board of Directors is the competent body to decide on any increase and consequent issue of new shares within the authorized capital limit.

 

Brazilian Corporation Law (Law nº 6404/76, Article 166, item IV) - establishes that capital may be increased by means of a Special Shareholders’ Meeting Resolution by modifying the Articles of Incorporation, if the authorized capital increase limit has been reached.

 

Capital increases are not necessarily in proportion to the number of shares in existing classes, however the number of non-voting or restricted-voting preferred shares must not exceed two-thirds of total shares issued. Preferred shares are non-voting, except for cases set forth in Articles 9 and 10 of the Articles of Incorporation but have priority in the event of reimbursement of capital, without premium, and are entitled to dividends 10% higher than those paid on common shares, as per Article 7 of the Company's Articles of Incorporation and item II, paragraph 1, Article 17 of Law No. 6404/76.

 

Preferred shares are also entitled to full voting rights if the Company fails to pay the minimum dividend to which they are entitled for three consecutive financial years. This right continues until payment of said dividend.

 

Subscribed and paid-in capital on December 31, 2019 and 2018 amounted to R$63,571,416, divided into shares without par value, held as follows:

 

F-50

   Common Shares  Preferred Shares  Grand Total
Shareholders  Number  %  Number  %  Number  %
Controlling Group   540,033,264    94.47%   704,207,855    62.91%   1,244,241,119    73.58%
   Telefónica Latinoamérica Holding, S.L.   46,746,635    8.18%   360,532,578    32.21%   407,279,213    24.09%
   Telefónica   198,207,608    34.67%   305,122,195    27.26%   503,329,803    29.76%
   SP Telecomunicações Participações   294,158,155    51.46%   38,537,435    3.44%   332,695,590    19.67%
   Telefónica Chile   920,866    0.16%   15,647    0.00%   936,513    0.06%
Other shareholders   29,320,789    5.13%   415,131,868    37.09%   444,452,657    26.28%
Treasury Shares   2,290,164    0.40%   983    0.00%   2,291,147    0.14%
Total shares   571,644,217    100.00%   1,119,340,706    100.00%   1,690,984,923    100.00%
   Treasury Shares   (2,290,164)        (983)        (2,291,147)     
Total shares outstanding   569,354,053         1,119,339,723         1,688,693,776      

 

b) Capital reserves

 

b.1) Special goodwill reserve

 

This represents the tax benefit generated by the merger of Telefonica Data do Brasil Ltda. which will be capitalized in favor of the controlling shareholders (SP Telecomunicações Participações) after the tax credits are realized under the terms of CVM Ruling No. 319/99.

 

The balance of this account on December 31, 2019 and 2018 totaled R$63,074.

 

b.2) Other capital reserves

 

The breakdown on December 31, 2019 and 2018 was as follows.

 

   12.31.19    12.31.18  
Excess of the value in the issue or capitalization, in relation to the basic value of the share on the issue date (1)   2,735,930    2,735,930 
Cancelation of treasury shares according to the Special Shareholders' Meeting  (SGM) of 3/12/15 (2)   (112,107)   (112,107)
Direct costs of capital increases (3)   (62,433)   (62,433)
Incorporation of shares of GVTPart. (4)   (1,188,707)   (1,188,707)
Effects of the acquisition of Lemontree and GTR by Company and Tglog by TData (5)   (75,388)   (75,388)
Preferred shares delivered referring to the judicial process of expansion plan (6)   2    2 
Effects of the acquisition of Terra Networks Brasil by TData (7)   (59,029)   (59,029)
Effects of the acquisition of TIS by Terra Networks (8)   (48,135)   - 
Other   76    10 
Total   1,190,209    1,238,278 

 

(1)It referes the excess of the value in the issue or capitalization, in relation to the basic value of the share on the issue date.

 

(2)The cancellation of 2,332,686 shares issued by the Company, held in treasury, approved at the Special Shareholders' Meeting held on March 12, 2015.

 

(3)The value refers direct costs (net of taxes) of Company capital that increased on April 30,2015, arising from the Primary Offering of Shares.

 

(4)The value refers the difference between the economic values that comes from the merger of shares owned by GVTPart, issued on the transaction closing date.

 

(5)Regarding the effects of the acquisition of shares of non-controlling shareholders that, with the adoption of IFRS 10, 35 and 36. It would be recorded in equity when there is no change in the shareholding control.

 

(6)It refers about the effects of write-offs due to the transfer of 62 preferred shares in treasury to outstanding shares, for compliance with judicial process decisions in which the Company is involved regarding rights to the complementary receipt of shares calculated in relation to network expansion plans after 1996.

 

(7)The effects refer the acquisition of Terra Networks by TData, related to the difference between the consideration given in exchange for the equity interest obtained and the value of the net assets acquired (Note 1 c.2).

 

(8)The effects referee the acquisition of TIS by Terra Networks, related to the difference between the consideration given in exchange for the equity interest obtained and the value of the net assets acquired (Note 1 c.1).

 

F-51

b.3) Treasury shares

 

These are equity instruments that are repurchased and recognized at cost and deducted from shareholders' equity. No gain or loss is recognized in the statement of income on the purchase, sale, issue or cancellation of the equity instruments of the Company.

 

The Company's shares held in treasury whose balance is resulting: (i) from the exercise of the right to withdraw from the Company's common and preferred shareholders, who expressed their dissent regarding the acquisition of GVTPart.; (ii) the acquisition of preferred shares in the financial market in accordance with the share buyback program in effect at the time of the transaction; and (iii) transfers of preferred shares, related to compliance with court decisions in which the Company is involved, which deals with rights to the complementary receipt of shares calculated in relation to network expansion plans after 1996.

 

The balance of this account on December 31, 2019 and 2018 totaled R$87,820, consisting of 2,290,164 common shares and 983 preferred shares.

 

c) Income reserves

 

c.1) Legal Reserve

 

This reserve is obligatorily constituted by the Company on the basis of 5% of net income for the year, up to 20% of the paid-in capital stock. The legal reserve may only be used to increase share capital and to offset accumulated losses.

 

c.2) Expansion and Modernization Reserve

 

This reserve is constituted based on the capital budget, whose purpose is to guarantee the expansion of the network capacity to meet the Company's increasing demand and guarantee the quality of service rendering. In accordance with Article 196 of Law No. 6404/76, the capital budget will be submitted for appreciation and approval by the Annual Shareholders' Meeting.

 

c.3) Tax Incentives

 

The Company has State VAT (ICMS) tax benefits in the states of Minas Gerais and Espírito Santo, relating to tax credits approved by the relevant bodies of said states, in connection with investments in the installation of SMP support equipment, fully operational, in accordance with the rules in force, ensuring that the localities listed in the call for bid be included in the SMP coverage area. The portion of profit subject to the incentive was excluded from dividend calculation and may be used only in the event of capital increase or loss absorption.

 

c.4) Changes of income reserves

 

The amounts of the income reserves are distributed as follows:

 

   Legal reserve  Expansion and Modernization Reserve  Tax incentives  Total
Balance on 12.31.17   2,138,344    297,000    27,884    2,463,228 
Reversal of reserves   -    (297,000)   -    (297,000)
Recording of reserves   446,413    1,700,000    11,529    2,157,942 
Balance on 12.31.18   2,584,757    1,700,000    39,413    4,324,170 
Reversal of reserves   -    (1,700,000)   -    (1,700,000)
Recording of reserves   250,051    600,000    18,166    868,217 
Balance on 12.31.19   2,834,808    600,000    57,579    3,492,387 

 

d) Dividend and interest on equity (IOE)

 

d.1) Additional dividends proposed for 2018

 

On April 11, 2019, the Annual General Meeting approved the allocation of proposed additional dividends for 2018, not yet distributed, amounting to R$2,468,684 to the holders of common and preferred shares that were registered in the Company's records at the end of the day of the Ordinary General Meeting. The amount was paid on December 17, 2019.

 

F-52

d.2) Remuneration to shareholders

 

The dividends are calculated in accordance with the Company Articles of Incorporation and the Corporation Law. The table below shows the calculation of dividends and interest on equity for 2019 and 2018:

 

   2019    2018  
Net income for the year   5,001,014    8,928,258 
Allocation to legal reserve   (250,051)   (446,413)
(-) Tax incentives - not distributable   (18,166)   (11,529)
Adjusted net income   4,732,797    8,470,316 
           
Dividend and IOE distributed for the year:   (3,588,000)   (4,550,000)
   Interest on equity (gross)   (2,588,000)   (4,550,000)
   Interim dividends   (1,000,000)   - 
Balance of unallocated net income   1,144,797    3,920,316 
           
(+) Reversal special reserve for modernization and expansion   1,700,000    297,000 
(-) Effects of the initial adoption of IFRS 9 and 15, net of taxes on 01.01.18   -    (138,663)
(+) Unclaimed dividends and interest on equity   82,898    152,770 
(+-) Actuarial gains (losses) recognized and effect of limitation of surplus plan assets, net of taxes and other changes   (132,120)   (62,739)
Income available to be distributed   2,795,575    4,168,684 
           
Proposal for Distributions:          
Special reserve for modernization and expansion   600,000    1,700,000 
Additional proposed dividends   2,195,575    2,468,684 
   Proposed additional dividends - Net income for the year   495,575    2,171,684 
   Proposed additional dividends - Based on prior year's net income, referring to the reversal of the special reserve for expansion and modernization   1,700,000    297,000 
   Total   2,795,575    4,168,684 
           
Mandatory minimum dividend - 25% of adjusted net income   1,183,199    2,117,579 

 

The proposal to management of the 2019 financial year that is presented above will be submitted to the annual general meeting to be held in 2020.

 

Total proposed for deliberation - per share  2019    2018  
Common shares   1.219339    1.371013 
Preferred shares   1.341273    1.508114 

 

In 2019 and 2018, the Company allocated interim dividends and interest on equity, which were allocated to mandatory minimum dividends, as follows:

 

2019

 

   Dates  Gross Amount  Net Value  Amount per Share
Nature  Approval  Credit  Beginning of Payment  Common  Preferred  Total  Common  Preferred  Total  Common  Preferred
                                  
IOE   02/15/19    02/28/19    Until 12/31/20    221,338    478,662    700,000    188,137    406,863    595,000    0.33044031480    0.36348434628 
IOE   04/17/19    04/30/19    Until 12/31/20    180,233    389,767    570,000    153,198    331,302    484,500    0.26907282777    0.29598011054 
IOE   06/17/19    06/28/19    Until 12/31/20    306,079    661,921    968,000    260,167    562,633    822,800    0.45695174961    0.50264692458 
IOE   12/19/19    12/30/19    Until 12/31/20    110,669    239,331    350,000    94,069    203,431    297,500    0.16522015740    0.18174217314 
Dividends   12/19/19    12/30/19    Until 12/31/20    316,198    683,802    1,000,000    316,198    683,802    1,000,000    0.55536187362    0.61089806098 
Total                  1,134,517    2,453,483    3,588,000    1,011,769    2,188,031    3,199,800           

 

 

F-53

2018

 

   Dates  Gross Amount  Net Value  Amount per Share
Nature  Approval  Credit  Beginning of Payment  Common  Preferred  Total  Common  Preferred  Total  Common  Preferred
                                  
IOE   06/18/18    06/29/18    08/20/19    126,479    273,521    400,000    107,507    232,493    340,000    0.18882303703    0.20770534073 
IOE   09/05/18    09/17/18    08/20/19    885,353    1,914,647    2,800,000    752,550    1,627,450    2,380,000    1.32176125923    1.45393738515 
IOE   12/04/18    12/17/18    12/17/19    426,867    923,133    1,350,000    362,837    784,663    1,147,500    0.63727774998    0.70100552498 
Total                  1,438,699    3,111,301    4,550,000    1,222,894    2,644,606    3,867,500           

 

The amounts of IOE are calculated and presented net of Withholding Income Tax (IRRF). Exempt shareholders received the full IOE amount, without withholding income tax at source.

 

The gross and net values for the preferred shares are 10% higher than those attributed to each common share, as per article 7 of the Company's Articles of Incorporation.

 

d.3) Unclaimed dividends and interest on equity

 

Pursuant to Article 287, paragraph II, item “a” of Law No. 6404, of December 15, 1976, the dividends and interest on equity unclaimed by shareholders are subject to the statute of limitation three years, as from the initial payment date. The Company reverses the amounts of unclaimed dividends and IOE to equity once the statute of limitation occurred.

 

For the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company reversed unclaimed dividends and interest on equity amounting to R$82,898 and R$152,770, respectively, which were included in calculations for decisions on Company dividends.

 

e) Other comprehensive income

 

Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income: These refer to changes in fair value of financial assets available for sale.

 

Derivative financial instruments: These refer to the effective part of cash flow hedges up to the balance sheet date.

 

Currency translation effects for foreign investments: This refers to currency translation differences arising from the translation of financial statements of Aliança (joint venture).

 

Changes in other comprehensive income were as follows:

 

   Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income  Derivative transactions  Currency translation effects - foreign investments  Total
Balance on 12.31.17   (8,658)   1,954    28,032    21,328 
Translation gains   -    -    9,927    9,927 
Losses from future contracts   -    (1,618)   -    (1,618)
Losses on financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income   (412)   -    -    (412)
Balance on 12.31.18   (9,070)   336    37,959    29,225 
Translation gains   -    -    1,859    1,859 
Losses from future contracts   -    (336)   -    (336)
Losses on financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income   (11)   -    -    (11)
Balance on 12.31.19   (9,081)   -    39,818    30,737 

 

F-54

f) Company share repurchase program

 

On December 7, 2018 the Company's Board of Directors, in accordance with Article 17, item XV of the law, the programs were approved for the repurchase of common and preferred shares pursuant to CVM Instruction 567, of September 17, 2015. The acquisition of own shares was made with the intention of subsequently cancelling, selling or holding in treasury, without reducing the capital stock, thereby increasing shareholder value through the efficient application of available resources in cash and optimize the Company's capital allocation.

 

The repurchase will be made through using the balance capital reserve that was included in the balance sheet of September 30, 2018.

 

This program will be in force until June 6, 2020, with the acquisitions made on B3, at market prices, observing the legal and regulatory limits. The maximum amounts authorized for acquisition are 583,422 common shares and 37,736,465 preferred shares.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2019, there were no acquisitions of shares within the Company's share repurchase program to be held in treasury for further sale and / or cancellation.

 

g) Earnings per share

 

Basic and diluted earnings per share were calculated by dividing profit attributed to the Company’s shareholders by the weighted average number of outstanding common and preferred shares.

 

The table below sets out the calculation of earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017:

 

   2019    2018    2017  
Net income for the year   5,001,014    8,928,258    4,608,790 
   Common shares   1,581,308    2,823,093    1,457,288 
   Preferred shares   3,419,706    6,105,165    3,151,502 
                
Number of shares (thousands):   1,688,694    1,688,694    1,688,694 
    Weighted average number of outstanding common shares for the year   569,354    569,354    569,354 
    Weighted average number of outstanding preferred shares for the year   1,119,340    1,119,340    1,119,340 
                
Basic and diluted earnings per share:               
   Common shares   2.78    4.96    2.56 
   Preferred shares   3.06    5.45    2.82 

 

24)NET OPERATING REVENUE

 

a)Accounting policy

 

Recognition of revenues from services and goods

 

With the adoption of IFRS 15 on January 1, 2018, for packages combining various fixed network, mobile, data, internet or television products or services, total revenue is now allocated to each performance obligation based on its independent selling prices in relation to the total consideration of the package and recognized when (or as soon as) the obligation is met, regardless of whether or not items are delivered. When packages include a discount on the equipment, there is an increase in revenues recognized for the sale of handsets and other equipment, to the detriment of ongoing service revenue over subsequent periods. To the extent that the packages are marketed at a discount, the difference between the revenue from the sale of equipment and the consideration received from the customer in advance is recognized as a contractual asset in the statement of financial position.

 

Revenues correspond substantially to the value of the consideration received or receivable arising from the provision of telecommunications, communications, sales of goods, advertising and other revenues, and are presented net of taxes, rebates and returns (in the case of sale of goods), incident on them.

 

F-55

Revenues from sales of public telephone cards and prepaid cellular recharge credits, as well as the respective taxes due are deferred and recognized in income as services are effectively rendered.

 

Revenues from leasing contracts for equipment classified as financial leasing ("Soluciona IT" product) are recognized at the installation of the equipment, at which time the actual transfer of risk occurs. Revenues are recognized at the present value of future minimum contract payments.

 

Revenue from the sale of appliances to dealers is accounted for at the time of delivery and not at the time of sale to the final customer.

 

Revenues from services and goods are basically subject to the following indirect taxes: ICMS or ISS (as the case may be), PIS and COFINS, as the case may be.

 

b) Critical estimates and judgments

 

The Company has billing systems for services with intermediate cut-off dates. Thus, at the end of each month there are revenues already received by the Company, but not effectively invoiced to its customers. These unbilled revenues are recorded based on estimates, which take into account historical consumption data, number of days elapsed since the last billing date, different cycles of information, and data obtained from different sources which is processed by a large number of application and system, among others. These estimates are subject to significant uncertainties. 

 

c) Breakdown

 

   2019    2018    2017  
Gross operating revenue   66,571,866    65,794,397    66,243,174 
   Services (1)   60,129,579    61,292,362    62,696,433 
   Sale of goods (2)   6,442,287    4,502,035    3,546,741 
                
Deductions from gross operating revenue   (22,303,695)   (22,331,657)   (23,036,342)
  Taxes   (13,894,361)   (14,559,915)   (16,058,584)
      Services   (12,678,809)   (13,820,784)   (15,468,315)
      Sale of goods   (1,215,552)   (739,131)   (590,269)
                
   Discounts granted and return of goods   (8,409,334)   (7,771,742)   (6,977,758)
      Services   (6,319,584)   (6,288,941)   (5,340,476)
      Sale of goods   (2,089,750)   (1,482,801)   (1,637,282)
                
Net operating revenue   44,268,171    43,462,740    43,206,832 
   Services   41,131,186    41,182,637    41,887,642 
   Sale of Goods   3,136,985    2,280,103    1,319,190 

 

(1)These include telephone services, use of interconnection network, data and SVA services, cable TV and other services.

 

(2)These include sale of goods (handsets, SIM cards and accessories) and equipment of “Soluciona TI”.

 

No single customer contributed more than 10% of gross operating revenue for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017.

 

F-56

25) OPERATING COSTS AND EXPENSES

 

   2019
   Cost of sales and services  Selling expenses  General and administrative expenses  Total
Personnel (1)   (758,780)   (2,568,363)   (430,409)   (3,757,552)
Third-party services (2)   (6,601,587)   (6,686,452)   (1,154,823)   (14,442,862)
Rental, insurance, condominium and connection means (3)   (1,388,217)   (78,401)   (57,359)   (1,523,977)
Taxes, charges and contributions (4)   (1,597,066)   (41,810)   (31,127)   (1,670,003)
Estimated impairment losses on accounts receivable (Note 4)   -    (1,682,348)   -    (1,682,348)
Depreciation and amortization (5)   (8,624,228)   (1,501,096)   (794,468)   (10,919,792)
Cost of goods sold   (3,156,964)   -    -    (3,156,964)
Materials and other operating costs and expenses   (32,105)   (142,752)   (29,910)   (204,767)
Total   (22,158,947)   (12,701,222)   (2,498,096)   (37,358,265)
                     

 

   2018
   Cost of sales and services  Selling expenses  General and administrative expenses  Total
Personnel (1)   (872,032)   (2,574,498)   (549,610)   (3,996,140)
Third-party services (2)   (6,656,924)   (6,989,006)   (1,237,527)   (14,883,457)
Rental, insurance, condominium and connection means (3)   (2,957,489)   (147,613)   (202,881)   (3,307,983)
Taxes, charges and contributions (4)   (1,594,836)   (30,703)   (36,122)   (1,661,661)
Estimated impairment losses on accounts receivable (Note 4)   -    (1,533,660)   -    (1,533,660)
Depreciation and amortization (5)   (6,487,909)   (1,352,638)   (528,076)   (8,368,623)
Cost of goods sold   (2,406,099)   -    -    (2,406,099)
Materials and other operating costs and expenses   (50,478)   (204,623)   (44,754)   (299,855)
Total   (21,025,767)   (12,832,741)   (2,598,970)   (36,457,478)

 

   2017
   Cost of sales and services  Selling expenses  General and administrative expenses  Total
Personnel (1)   (845,358)   (2,387,314)   (493,095)   (3,725,767)
Third-party services (2)   (7,032,252)   (7,438,937)   (1,232,379)   (15,703,568)
Rental, insurance, condominium and connection means (3)   (2,624,405)   (151,455)   (204,701)   (2,980,561)
Taxes, charges and contributions (4)   (1,792,764)   (39,050)   (34,779)   (1,866,593)
Estimated impairment losses on accounts receivable (Note 4)   -    (1,481,015)   -    (1,481,015)
Depreciation and amortization (5)   (5,963,153)   (1,433,297)   (457,284)   (7,853,734)
Cost of goods sold   (1,955,890)   -    -    (1,955,890)
Materials and other operating costs and expenses   (58,708)   (205,406)   (20,867)   (284,981)
Total   (20,272,530)   (13,136,474)   (2,443,105)   (35,852,109)

 

(1)Includes costs and expenses with fees, salaries, social charges and benefits, profit sharing, stock-based compensation plans, pension plans and other post-employment benefits, training, transportation, health and nutrition.

 

(2)Includes costs and expenses for interconnection and use of networks, advertising and publicity, plant maintenance, electricity, security, cleaning, TV content purchase, commercial brokerage and intermediation, partnerships, call center, back office, logistics and storage, preparation and posting of telephone bills, banking services, among others.

 

(3)Includes costs and expenses of infrastructure, real estate, equipment, vehicles, insurance and means of connection.

 

(4)Includes costs and expenses with FISTEL, FUST, FUNTTEL, liens for renewal of licenses and other taxes, fees and contributions.

 

(5)Includes the consolidated amounts of R$1,913,241, R$29,631 and R$30,291 in the years ended December 31, 2019 2018 and 2017, respectively, related to the leases depreciation. In 2017, includes R$1,267, related to non-cumulative PIS and COFINS tax credits.

 

F-57

26)OTHER OPERATING INCOME (EXPENSES)

 

   2019    2018    2017  
Recovered expenses and fines (1)   503,777    3,962,150    355,415 
Provisions for labor, tax and civil contingencies (Note 19) (2)   (625,480)   (1,258,966)   (999,419)
Net gain (loss) on asset disposal/loss   408,160    114,853    108,767 
Other operating income (expenses)   17,561    (367,115)   (187,249)
Total   304,018    2,450,922    (722,486)
                
Other operating income   929,498    4,077,003    464,182 
Other operating expenses   (625,480)   (1,626,081)   (1,186,668)
Total   304,018    2,450,922    (722,486)
                

 

(1)For the year ended December 31, 2018, includes tax credits amount to R$3,386,433, from the final court proceeding in favor of the Company and its subsidiary, which recognized the right to exclude ICMS (VAT) from the basis of calculation of PIS and COFINS contributions for the periods from September 2003 to June 2017 and July 2004 to June 2013 (Note 8).

 

(2)For the year ended December 31, 2018, includes the write-off of judicial deposits in the amount of R$160,715.

 

27) FINANCIAL INCOME (EXPENSES)

 

a)Accounting policy

 

These include interest, monetary and exchange variations arising from short-term investments, derivative transactions, loans, financing, debentures, present value adjustments of transactions that generate monetary assets and liabilities and other financial transactions. These are recognized on an accrual basis when earned or incurred by the Company.

 

For all financial instruments measured at amortized cost and interest-yielding financial assets classified as financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income, interest income or expense is recognized using the effective interest method, which exactly discounts estimated future cash payments or receipts over the expected life of the financial instrument or, where appropriate, a shorter period, to the net carrying amount of the financial asset or liability.

 

b)Breakdown

 

   2019  2018  2017
Financial Income         
Interest income   272,158    246,083    655,474 
Interest receivable (customers, taxes and other)   177,636    118,476    124,391 
Gain on derivative transactions (Note 31)   315,351    305,996    373,971 
Foreign exchange variations on loans and financing (Note 20)   5,140    32,326    113,203 
Other revenues from foreign exchange and monetary variation (1)   209,447    3,341,211    406,013 
Other financial income   153,138    68,548    82,906 
Total   1,132,870    4,112,640    1,755,958 
                
Financial Expenses               
Loan, financing, debenture and finance lease charges (Nota 20) (3)   (830,686)   (510,398)   (932,727)
Foreign exchange variation on loans and financing (Note 20)   (4,036)   (61,174)   (129,049)
Loss on derivative transactions (Note 31)   (263,388)   (295,208)   (415,956)
Interest payable (financial institutions, provisions, trade accounts payable, taxes and other)   (144,779)   (186,238)   (136,425)
Other expenses with foreign exchange and monetary variation   (615,291)   (963,463)   (876,948)
IOF, Pis, Cofins and other financial expenses (2)   (94,831)   (269,006)   (167,897)
Total   (1,953,011)   (2,285,487)   (2,659,002)
                
Financial income (expenses), net   (820,141)   1,827,153    (903,044)

 

F-58

(1)For the year ended December 31, 2018, includes tax credits amounting to R$2,926,247, arising from the final court proceeding in favor of the Company and its subsidiary (TData), which recognized the right to exclude ICMS (VAT) from the basis of calculation of PIS and COFINS contributions for the periods from September 2003 to June 2017 and July 2004 to June 2013 (Note 8).

 

(2)For the year ended December 31, 2018, includes the amount of R$136,070 of PIS and COFINS on the indexation for inflation credits in (1) above.

 

(3)Includes the consolidated amounts of R$457,98, R$45,501 and R$45,265 in the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively, related to leases charges.

 

28) BALANCES AND TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTS

 

a)Balances and transactions with related parts

 

The main balances of assets and liabilities with related parties arises from transactions with companies related to the controlling group carried out at the prices and other commercial conditions agreed in contracts between the parts as follows:

 

a)Fixed and mobile telephony services provided by Telefónica Group companies.

 

b)Digital TV services provided by Media Networks Latino America.

 

c)Rental, maintenance of safety equipment and construction services provided by Telefônica Infraestrutura e Segurança (formerly Telefônica Inteligência e Segurança Brasil). The controlling interest of this company was acquired by Terra Networks (Note 1.c.1) and, therefore, the amounts presented in the income statement refer to the period from January to August 2019.

 

d)Corporate services passed through at the cost effectively incurred for these services.

 

e)Right to use certain software licenses, including maintenance and support, provided by Telefónica Global Technology.

 

f)International transmission infrastructure for several data circuits and roaming services provided by Telxius Cable Brasil, Telefónica International Wholesale Services Espanha, Telefónica USA; and Telefónica International Wholesale Services Brazil (formerly Media Net Brazil).

 

g)Operations by Telefónica Group companies, relating to the purchase of internet content, advertising and auditing services.

 

h)Marketing services provided by Telefónica Group companies.

 

i)Information access services through the electronic communications network, provided by Telefonica de Espanha.

 

j)Data communication services and integrated solutions provided by Telefónica International Wholesale Services Espanha and Telefónica USA.

 

k)Long distance call and international roaming services provided by Telefónica Group companies.

 

l)Sundry expenses and costs to be reimbursed by Telefónica Group companies.

 

m)Brand fee for assignment of rights to use the brand paid to Telefónica.

 

n)Platform of health services provided by Axismed.

 

o)Cost Sharing Agreement for digital-business related expenses reimbursed to Telefónica Digital.

 

p)Leases/rentals of Telefónica Group companies’ buildings.

 

q)Financial Clearing House roaming, inflows of funds for payments and receipts arising from roaming operation between group companies operated by Telfisa.

 

r)Integrated e-learning, online education and training solutions provided by Telefônica Serviços de Ensino.

 

F-59

s)Factoring transactions, credit facilities for services provided by the Group's suppliers.

 

t)Social investment in Fundação Telefônica, innovative use of technology to enhance learning and knowledge, contributing to personal and social development.

 

u)Contracts or agreements assigning user rights for cable ducts, optical fiber duct rental services, and right-of-way related occupancy agreements with several highway concessionaires provided by Companhia AIX.

 

v)Adquira Sourcing platform - online solution provided by Telefónica Compras Electrónicas to transact purchase and sale of all types of goods and services.

 

w)Digital media; marketing and sales, in-store and outdoor digital marketing services provided by Telefônica On The Spot Soluções Digitais Brasil.

 

x)Tower lease transactions between Telefonica Brasil and Telxius Torres Brasil.

 

y)Amounts to be reimbursed by SPTE as a result of contractual clause of the purchase of Terra Networks Brasil equity interest.

 

z)Sale of digital products, creation of an exclusive band channel that responds to the commercial demand for these digital services and products.

 

aa)Hosting services, housing and telecommunications solutions for the corporate market provided by Acens.

 

bb)Consulting services, technical support, import and export of goods with the company Telefonica Ingeniería de Seguridad.

 

cc)Negotiations with suppliers in the different global categories provided by Telefónica Global Services GmBH.

 

The Company and its subsidiaries sponsor pension plans and other post-employment benefits for its employees with Visão Prev and Sistel (Note 30).

 

The following table summarizes the consolidated balances with related parts:

 

F-60

      Balance Sheet - Assets
      12.31.19  12.31.18
Companies  Type of transaction  Cash and cash equivalents  Accounts receivable  Other assets and prepaid expenses  Cash and cash equivalents  Accounts receivable  Other assets
Parent Companies                                 
SP Telecomunicações  Participações  d) / l)   -    6    4,924    -    -    10,083 
Telefónica LatinoAmerica Holding  l)   -    -    40,105    -    -    60,387 
Telefónica  l) / z)   -    10,873    2,555    -    9,300    29,757 
       -    10,879    47,584    -    9,300    100,227 
Other Group companies                                 
Colombia Telecomunicaciones  k) / l)   -    159    520    -    1,334    520 
Telefónica International Wholesale Services  a) / d) / l) / p)   -    1,961    3,602    -    903    4,051 
T.O2 Germany GMBH CO. OHG  k)   -    1,688    -    -    20,877    - 
Telefónica Venezolana  k)   -    6,498    2,196    -    5,926    2,196 
Telefônica Digital España  g) / l)   -    696    300    -    197    294 
Telefônica Factoring do Brasil  a) / d) /  l) / s)   -    2,782    45    -    6,360    133 
Telefônica Infraestrutura e Segurança (formerly Telefônica Inteligência e Segurança Brasil)  a) / d) / l)   -    -    -    -    800    986 
Telefónica International Wholesale Services Espanha  j) / k)   -    58,490    -    -    46,537    - 
Telefônica Serviços de Ensino  a) / p)   -    153    14    -    286    - 
Telefónica Moviles Argentina  k)   -    5,145    -    -    5,074    - 
Telefónica Moviles Espanha  k)   -    1,536    -    -    7,576    - 
Telefónica USA  j)   -    5,319    -    -    9,005    - 
Telfisa Global BV  q)   59,657    -    -    46,755    -    - 
Telxius Cable Brasil  a) / d) / l) / p)   -    11,382    5,100    -    11,628    5,295 
Telxius Torres Brasil  d) / p) / x)   -    5,429    6,611    -    6,776    4,268 
Terra Networks Chile, Terra Networks México, Terra Networks Perú, Terra Networks Argentina and Terra Networks Colômbia  g) / h)   -    5,598    -    -    5,341    - 
Other  a) / d) / k) / l) / p) / bb)   -    12,189    2,732    -    10,894    2,806 
       59,657    119,025    21,120    46,755    139,514    20,549 
Total      59,657    129,904    68,704    46,755    148,814    120,776 
                                  
Current assets                                 
   Cash and cash equivalents (Note 3)      59,657    -    -    46,755    -    - 
   Accounts receivable (Note 4)      -    129,904    -    -    148,814    - 
   Prepaid expenses (Note 6)      -    -    3,738    -    -    - 
   Other assets (Note 10)      -    -    64,471    -    -    114,715 
Non-current assets                                 
   Prepaid expenses (Note 6)      -    -    -    -    -    - 
   Other assets (Note 10)      -    -    495    -    -    6,061 

 

F-61

 

         Balance Sheet - Liabilities
         12.31.19  12.31.18
Companies     Type of transaction  Trade  accounts payable and other payables  Other liabilities and  leases  Trade  accounts payable and other payables  Other liabilities
Parent Companies                     
SP Telecomunicações  Participações     l) / y)   -    23,524    -   21,901
Telefónica     l) / m)   2,907    40    687   1,393
          2,907    23,564    687   23,294
Other Group companies                     
Colombia Telecomunicaciones     k)   816    -    1,056   -
Fundação Telefônica     l)   -    86    -   82
Media Networks Latina America SAC     b)   9,245    -    10,212   -
Telefónica International Wholesale Services     f)   44,835    318    44,693   318
T.O2 Germany GMBH CO. OHG     k)   5,000    -    5,706   -
Telefónica Venezolana     k)   6,044    -    5,410   -
Telefónica Compras Electrónicas     v)   28,169    -    32,582   -
Telefônica Digital España     o)   68,015    -    43,340   -
Telefônica Factoring do Brasil     l) / s)   -    4,057    -   2,770
Telefónica Global Technology     e)   28,854    -    28,750   -
Telefônica Infraestrutura e Segurança (formerly Telefônica Inteligência e Segurança Brasil)     c) / l)   -    -    52,184   27
Telefónica International Wholesale Services Espanha     f) / k)   66,976    -    26,097   -
Telefônica Serviços de Ensino     r)   8,373    -    22,518   -
Telefónica Moviles Argentina     k)   3,638    -    4,160   -
Telefónica Moviles Espanha     k)   3,488    -    5,233   -
Telefónica USA     f)   16,015    267    4,411   200
Telxius Cable Brasil     f) / l)   47,168    1,572    39,662   2,067
Telxius Torres Brasil     x)   30,018    480,589    38,735   1,926
Terra Networks Chile, Terra Networks México, Terra Networks Perú, Terra Networks Argentina and Terra Networks Colômbia     h)   7,105    -    1,766   -
Other   a) / d) / g) / k) / h) / l) / bb)   28,605    42    16,310   1,032
          402,364    486,931    382,825   8,422
Total         405,271    510,495    383,512   31,716
                      
Current liabilities                     
   Trade  accounts payable and other payables (Note 15)         405,271    -    383,512   -
   Leases (Note 20)         -    480,381    -   -
   Other liabilities (Note 22)         -    29,529    -   22,220
Non-current liabilities                     
   Leases (Note 20)         -    -    -   -
   Other liabilities (Note 22)         -    585    -   9,496

 

 

F-62

      Income statement
      2019   2018   2017
Companies Type of transaction   Operating revenues   Cost and other expenses (revenues) operating   Financial result   Operating revenues   Cost and other expenses (revenues) operating   Financial result   Operating revenues   Cost and other expenses (revenues) operating   Financial result
Parent Companies                                      
SP Telecomunicações  Participações d) / l)                 5              497                  -                  -              347                  -                  -              268                  -
Telefónica LatinoAmerica Holding   l)                  -         18,309              851                  -         16,466           9,077                  -         36,523         11,030
Telefónica l) / m)                  -       (422,958)          (5,226)                  -       (373,690)        (16,680)                  -       (331,684)             (996)
                    5       (404,152)          (4,375)                  -       (356,877)          (7,603)                  -       (294,893)         10,034
Other Group companies                                      
Colombia Telecomunicaciones k)              111              321               (17)              250          (4,280)          (2,145)              349               (10)              604
Companhia AIX de Participações a) / u)                38        (24,174)                  -                75        (22,645)                  -                36        (22,738)                  -
Fundação Telefônica l) / t)                  -        (11,971)                  -                  -        (12,223)                  -                  -        (11,395)                  -
Telefónica International Wholesale Services a) / d) / f) / l) / p)              757       (104,105)               (54)           2,006       (101,272)                  -              601        (57,177)                  -
Media Networks Latina America SAC b)                  -        (41,023)             (596)                  -        (34,791)          (1,007)                  -        (33,133)             (516)
Telefônica Serviços de Ensino a) / p) / r)           1,085        (35,228)                  -           1,158        (49,130)                  -              292        (54,781)                  -
T.O2 Germany GMBH CO. OHG k)             (100)              489           1,845              148          (1,975)                  -                75          (1,409)                  -
Telefónica Compras Electrónicas v)                  -        (30,814)                  -                  -        (34,534)                  -                  -        (29,062)                  -
Telefônica Digital España l) / o)              299       (127,182)          (3,016)                  -       (124,537)             (813)                  -        (81,893)          (2,600)
Telefônica Factoring do Brasil a) / d) / l) / s)           2,418              239          (4,048)           2,416              212           2,601                69              828                61
Telefónica Global Technology, S.A.U. e) / l)                  -        (63,947)              388                  -        (36,738)          (4,134)                  -        (36,395)                40
Telefônica Infraestrutura e Segurança (formerly Telefônica Inteligência e Segurança Brasil) a) / c) / d) / l) / p)              591        (27,079)                  -           1,568        (54,210)                  -              706        (40,918)                  -
Telefónica International Wholesale Services Espanha f) / j) / k)         48,819        (75,693)          (4,128)         53,357        (64,036)           9,771         56,728        (49,960)          (2,564)
Telefónica Moviles Argentina k)           4,030          (3,437)                90           5,916          (3,437)                  -           3,746           6,147                  -
Telefónica Moviles Espanha k)              410          (1,737)              545             (209)          (4,166)                  -           1,048          (1,969)                  -
Telefónica USA f) / j)                38        (19,793)           1,700           1,518        (19,441)             (539)           2,392        (13,202)          (2,185)
Telxius Cable Brasil a) / d) / f) / l) / p)         13,585       (252,436)          (7,415)         49,777       (206,095)          (7,896)         15,045       (200,537)              787
Telxius Torres Brasil d) / l) / p) / x)           3,652              756        (24,144)           3,218       (129,706)                  -                  -       (107,373)                  -
Terra Networks Chile, Terra Networks México, Terra Networks Perú, Terra Networks Argentina and Terra Networks Colômbia h)           2,535          (5,639)              567                  -          (2,794)           1,450                  -           1,072               (59)
Other a) / d) /  g) / i) / k) / l) / n) / p) / w) / aa) / bb) / cc)           6,269        (31,684)              588           4,840        (27,116)             (244)           9,311        (29,409)              182
            84,537       (854,137)        (37,695)        126,038       (932,914)          (2,956)         90,398       (763,314)          (6,250)
Total           84,542    (1,258,289)        (42,070)        126,038    (1,289,791)        (10,559)         90,398    (1,058,207)           3,784
                                       

 

b)Management compensation

 

Consolidated key management compensation paid by the Company to its Board of Directors and Statutory Officers for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 totaled R$25,483 and R$26,431, respectively. Of this amount, R$16,758 (R$17,493 on December 31, 2018) corresponds to salaries, benefits and social charges and R$8,725 (R$8,938 on December 31, 2018) to variable compensation.

 

These were recorded as personnel expenses in General and administrative expenses (Note 25).

 

For the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Directors and Officers received no pension, retirement or similar benefits.

 

29)SHARE-BASED PAYMENT PLANS

 

a)Accounting policy

 

The Company and subsidiaries measure the cost of transactions settled with shares issued by the parent company (Telefónica), to its officers and employees.

 

The Company and its subsidiaries measure the cost of transactions settled with employees and officers based on shares issued by the parent company (Telefónica), by reference to the fair value of the shares on the date at which they are granted, using the binomial valuation model. This fair value is charged to the statement of income over the period until the vesting date.

 

The Company and its subsidiaries reimburse Telefónica for the fair value of the benefit delivered on the grant date to the officers and employees.

 

b)Information on share-based payment plans

 

Telefónica as the Company´s parent has different share-based payment plans which are also offered to management and employees of its subsidiaries, including the Company and its subsidiaries.

 

F-63

The granting of shares is conditional upon: (i) maintenance of an active employment relationship within the Telefónica Group on the cycle consolidation date; and (ii) achievement, by Telefónica, of results representing fulfillment of the objectives established for the plan.

 

The level of success is based on a comparison of growth in Telefónica shareholder earnings, including their quotations and dividends (Total Shareholder Return - “TSR”), compared with the growth in TSR for companies of the Group in an established basis of comparison and the Telefónica Group's FCF.

 

On December 31, 2019, the value of Telefónica’ share price was Eur 6.2270.

 

Company and subsidiaries share-based compensation plans expenses described above, where applicable, are recorded as personnel expenses, divided into the groups cost of services, selling expenses and general and administrative expenses (Note 25), corresponding to R$10,833 and R$10,433 for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.

 

The main plans in effect on December 31, 2019 are detailed below:

 

b.1) Talent for the Future Share Plan (“TFSP”), for its Senior Managers, Managers and Experts at a global level

 

Telefónica's Annual Shareholders' Meeting, held on June 8, 2018, approved a long-term program with the objective of rewarding the commitment, outstanding performance and high potential of its executives at a global level with the attribution of shares of Telefónica.

 

Participants do not have to pay for their assigned initial actions. The total planned duration of the plan is three years. The cycles are independent of each other. The number of shares is announced at the beginning of the cycle and after the three years period from the grant date, the shares will be transferred to the participants if the goal is achieved.

 

The 2018-2020 cycle (January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2020): includes 158 active executives the potential rights to receive 113,250 shares of Telefónica.

 

The 2019-2021 cycle (January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2021): includes 158 active executives the potential rights to receive 128,750 shares of Telefónica.

 

b.2) Perform Share Plan (“PSP”), for its Vice-Presidents and Directors at the global level

 

Telefónica's Annual Shareholders' Meeting, held on June 8, 2018, approved a long-term program with the objective of rewarding the commitment, outstanding performance and high potential of its Directors at the global level with the attribution of shares of Telefónica.

 

Participants do not have to pay for their assigned shares. The total planned duration of the plan is three years. The cycles are independent of each other. The number of shares is announced at the beginning of the cycle and after the three years period from the grant date, the shares will be transferred to the participants if the target is reached.

 

The 2018-2020 cycle (January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2020): includes 102 active executives (including 3 executives appointed under the Company's by-laws), with the potential right to receive 728,256 shares of Telefónica.

 

The 2019-2021 cycle (January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2021): includes 102 active executives (including 3 executives appointed under the Company's by-laws), with the potential right to receive 997,477 shares of Telefónica.

 

b.3) Global Employee Share Plan (“GESP”)

 

Employees enrolled in the plan acquired Telefónica shares through monthly contributions of €25 to €150 (or the equivalent in local currency) up to €1,800 over 12 months (acquisition period).

 

The 12 months following the purchase period are the retention period for the purchased shares. At the end of the 2nd year, reward shares will be delivered, that is, for every two shares purchased by the employee, a free share will be granted

 

The cycle of this plan is effective from July 1, 2019 to June 31, 2021.

 

F-64

The delivery of shares will take place after the vesting period of the plan, after July 31, 2021, and is subject to: (i) remaining in the company during the two years of the program (vesting period), subject to certain special conditions in relation to casualties; and (ii) the exact number of shares to be delivered at the end of the vesting period depends on the number of shares acquired and held by employees. Thus, employees enrolled in the plan, and who remain in the Telefónica Group, who have maintained the acquired shares for an additional period of another twelve months after the end of the purchase period, will be entitled to receive one free share for every two shares they have acquired and maintained until the end of the vesting period.

 

30)PENSION PLANS AND OTHER POST-EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS

 

a)Accounting policy

 

The Company and its subsidiaries individually sponsor pension funds of post-retirement benefits for active and retired employees, in addition to a multisponsor supplementary retirement plan and health care plan for former employees. Contributions are determined on an actuarial basis and recorded on an accrual basis. Liabilities relating to defined benefit plans are determined based on actuarial evaluations at each year-end, in order to ensure that sufficient reserves have been set up for both current and future commitments.

 

Actuarial liabilities related to defined benefit plans were calculated using the projected unit credit method. Actuarial gains and losses are recognized immediately in equity (in other comprehensive income).

 

For plans with defined contribution characteristics, the obligation is limited to the contributions payable, which are recognized in the P&L in the respective accrual periods.

 

The asset or liability related to defined benefit plan to be recognized in the financial statements corresponds to the present value of the obligation for the defined benefit (using a discount rate based on long-term National Treasury Notes - “NTNs”), less the fair value of plan assets that will be used to settle the obligations. Plan assets are assets held by a privately held supplementary pension plan entity. Plan assets are not available to the Company’s creditors or those of its subsidiaries and cannot be paid directly to the Company or its subsidiaries. The fair value is based on information on market prices and, in the case of securities quoted, on the purchase price disclosed. The value of any defined benefit asset then recognized is limited to the present value of any economic benefits available as a reduction in future plan contribution from the Company.

 

Actuarial costs recognized in the statement of income are limited to the service cost and cost of interest on the defined benefit plan obligation. Any changes in the measurement of plan assets and obligations are initially recognized in other comprehensive income, and immediately reclassified to retained earnings in P&L.

 

The Company and its subsidiaries manage and individually sponsors a health care plan for retired employees and former employees with fixed contributions to the plan, in accordance with Law No. 9656/98 (which provides for private health care and health insurance plans). As provided for in Articles 30 and 31 of said law, participants shall have the right to the health care plan in which they participated while they were active employees.

 

b) Critical estimates and judgments

 

The cost of pension plans with defined benefits and other post-employment health care benefits and the present value of the pension obligation are determined using actuarial valuation methods. Actuarial valuation involves use of assumptions about discount rates, future salary increases, mortality rates and future increases in pension and annuity benefits. The obligation for defined benefits is highly sensitive to changes in these assumptions. All assumptions are reviewed on an annual basis.

 

The mortality rate is based on publicly available mortality tables in the country. Future salary increases, and pension increases are based on expected future inflation rates for the country.

 

c)Information on pension plans and other post-employment benefits

 

The plans sponsored by the Company and its subsidiaries and the related benefit types are as follows:

 

F-65

Plan   Type   Entity   Sponsor
PBS-A   Defined benefit (DB)   Sistel   Telefônica Brasil, jointly with other telecoms resulting from privatization of the Sistema Telebrás
PAMA / PCE   Defined benefit (DB)   Sistel   Telefônica Brasil, jointly with other telecoms resulting from privatization of the Sistema Telebrás
Healthcare - Law No. 9656/98   Defined benefit (DB)   Telefônica Brasil   Telefônica Brasil, Terra Networks, TGLog and TIS
CTB   Defined benefit (DB)   Telefônica Brasil   Telefônica Brasil
Telefônica BD   Defined benefit (DB)   VisãoPrev   Telefônica Brasil
VISÃO   Defined contribution (DC) / Hybrid   VisãoPrev   Telefônica Brasil, Terra Networks, TGLog and TIS

 

The Company has participation in the decisions that directly affect the governance of the plans, with members nominated for both the Deliberative Council and the Fiscal Council of the administrators Sistel and Visão Prev.

 

The defined benefit obligation is made up of different components, according to the pension characteristic of each plan, and may include the actuarial liabilities of supplementary pension liabilities, health care benefits to retirees and dependents or compensation for death or disability of members. This liability is exposed to economic and demographic risks, such as: (i) increases in medical costs that could impact the cost of health care plans; (ii) salary growth; (iii) long-term inflation rate; (iv) nominal discount rate; and (v) life expectancy of members and pensioners.

 

The fair value of plan assets is primarily comprised of fixed income investments (NTN's, LFT’s, LTN's, repurchase agreements, CDBs, debentures, letters of guarantee and FIDC shares) and equity investments (highly liquid, well regarded, large company shares and investments in market indices).

 

Due to the concentration of fixed income and floating rate investments plan assets are mainly exposed to the risks inherent in the financial market and economic environment such as: (i) market risk in the economic sectors where variable income investments are concentrated; (ii) risk events that impact the economic environment and market indices where variable income investments are concentrated; and (iii) the long-term inflation rate that may erode the profitability of fixed income investments at fixed rates.

 

The companies that administer post-employment benefits plans sponsored by the Company (Visão Prev and Sistel) seek to meet the flows of assets and liabilities through the acquisition of fixed income securities and other long-term assets.

 

With the exception of the Companhia Telefônica Brasileira ("CTB") and the healthcare plan under Law No. 9656/98, generally all benefit plans that have funds constituted present a surplus position. The economic benefit recorded in the Company's assets or that of its subsidiaries does not reflect the total surplus determined in these plans. The economic benefit stated under assets considers only the portion of the surplus which presents a real possibility of recovery. The means of plan surplus recovery is solely through reductions in future contributions and given that not all plans currently receive enough contributions for full recovery of surpluses, the economic benefit recorded under assets is limited to the total possible recovery amount in accordance with projected future contributions.

 

The position of plan assets is on December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, and plan assets were apportioned based on the Company’s actuarial liabilities in relation to the total actuarial liabilities of the plan.

 

The actuarial gains and losses generated in each year are immediately recognized in equity (in other comprehensive income).

 

The following is a summary of the pension plans and other post-employment benefits:

 

c.1) Post-Employment Health Benefits Plans

 

The actuarial valuation made for the PAMA health plan used the registration of the participants with a base date of October 31, 2019, while the actuarial valuation made for the health plan Law No. 9,656/98 used the registration of the participants with a base date of December 31, 2019, both plans projected for December 31, 2019. For comparative exercises, the actuarial valuation made for the PAMA health plan and health plan Law No. 9,656/98 used the participants of October 31, 2018 and September 30, 2018, respectively, both plans projected for December 31, 2018.

 

F-66

c.1.1) Healthcare Plan to Retirees and Special Coverage Program (PAMA and PAMA-PCE)

 

The Company, together with other companies of the former Telebrás System, at shared cost, sponsor health care plans (PAMA and PAMA-PCE) to retirees. These plans are managed by Fundação Sistel and are closed plans, not admitting new members.

 

Contributions to the plans are determined based on actuarial valuations prepared by independent actuaries, in accordance with the rules in force in Brazil. The funding procedure is the capitalization method and the sponsor’s contribution are at the fixed percentage of payroll of employees covered by the Telefônica BD plan.

 

c.1.2) Health care plan – Law No. 9656/98

 

The Company manages and together with its subsidiaries sponsors a health care plan to retired employees and former employees with fixed contributions to the plan, in accordance with Law No. 9656/98.

 

As provided for in Articles 30 and 31 of said law, participants shall have the right to the health care plan in which they participated while they were active employees. Benefitted participants are classified as retirees and their dependents and dismissed employees and their dependents.

 

Retirees and dismissed employees, in order to keep their right to the benefits, must make contributions to the plan in accordance with the contribution tables by age bracket established by carriers and/or insurance companies.

 

c.2) Post-employment Social Security Plans

 

The actuarial valuation made for the pension plan (CTB, PBS-A, Telefônica BD and Visão Plans) used the registration of the participants with a base date of July 31, 2019, projected for December 31, 2019 and the registration of the participants with a base date of July 31, 2018, projected for December 31, 2018.

 

On August 15, 2018, Visão Prev obtained approvals from the National Superintendence of Private Pension Plans (“PREVIC”) for the incorporation of the TCO Prev plan into the Visão Telefônica and Telefônica BD plans. Thus, as of November 1, 2018, all participants in the TCO Prev plan became participants in the Visão Telefônica and Telefônica BD plans, according to their profile. This unification preserves all acquired rights and provides the participants of the merged plan with access to the benefits of the Visão Telefônica and Telefônica BD plans.

 

The main objective of the spin-off and merger is to create greater synergy in the benefits offered to participants.

 

They include the PBS Assisted Plans (“PBS-A"), CTB, Telefônica DB and Visão.

 

c.2.1) PBS Assisted Plan (PBS-A)

 

The PBS-A plan is a defined benefit private pension plan managed by Sistel and sponsored by the Company jointly with the other telecommunications companies originating in the privatization of the Telebrás System. The plan is subject to funding by sponsors in the case of any asset insufficiency to ensure pension supplementation of participants in the future.

 

The PBS-A plan comprises assisted participants of the Sistel Benefit Plan who were already retirees on January 31, 2000, from all the participating sponsors, with joint liability of all sponsors to the plan and Sistel.

 

According to PREVIC Ordinance No. 1,061, of December 5, 2019, published in the DOU on December 9, 2019, Sistel approved the distribution of part of its surplus, in the form of PBS-A's special reserve, with reversal of values ​​to sponsors and improvement of benefits, in the form of temporary income, to those assisted.

 

The participation corresponding to the Company in the distribution of this reserve was calculated in the amount of R$215,328, with expected distribution in the form of 36 monthly payments, the first in the amount of R$5,981 (amount already received by the Company in December 2019) and the others in same amount but corrected by the plan's income (Note 10).

 

F-67

Even considering the distribution of the reserve approved by PREVIC, PBS-A still has assets in excess of actuarial obligations as of December 31, 2019 and 2018. These surpluses were not recognized due to the lack of legal provision for their reimbursement and, as they are not a contributory plan, no deduction is possible in future contributions.

 

c.2.2) CTB Plan

 

Contributions to the CTB plan are determined based on actuarial valuations prepared by independent actuaries, in accordance with the rules in force in Brazil. The funding procedure is the capitalization method and the sponsor’s contribution are a fixed percentage of payroll of employees covered by the plan.

 

The Company also individually manages and sponsors the CTB plan, originally provided to former employees of CTB who were in the Company in 1977, with whom an individual retirement concession agreement was executed to encourage their resignation. This is an informal pension supplementation benefit paid to former employees directly by the Company. These plans are closed, and no other members are admitted.

 

c.2.3) Telefônica DB Plan

 

The Company individually sponsors a defined benefit retirement plan, the Telefônica DB plan.

 

In order to improve allocation of Telefônica DB plan assets and analyze the coverage ratio of plan obligations in future years, a stochastic ALM study was prepared by Visão Prev and Willis Towers Watson. This ALM study aimed at projecting the ratio between coverage of liabilities (solvency ratio) and the risk of mismatching measured by the standard deviation of the solvency ratio. The study concluded that the plan presents sustainable projection of their coverage ratio with the current investments’ portfolio.

 

At the time of the concession, a benefit is calculated, which will be paid in a lifelong form and updated by inflation. This plan is not open to new accessions.

 

The contributions are defined according to the costing plan, which is calculated considering financial, demographic and economic hypotheses in order to accumulate enough resources to pay the benefits to the participants who are already receiving them, and to the new pensions.

 

c.2.4) VISÃO Plans

 

The Visão Telefônica and Visão Multi plans will hereinafter be shown jointly under the name VISÃO, due to their similarity.

 

The Company and its subsidiaries sponsor defined contribution pension plans with defined benefit components (hybrid plans), i.e. the VISÃO Plans, managed by Visão Prev. The contribution is attributed to each subsidiary in the economic and demographic proportion of its respective obligation to the plan.

 

The contributions made by the Company and subsidiaries related to defined contribution plans totaled R$27,963 on December 31, 2019 (R$39,967 on December 31, 2018).

 

The contributions to the Visão Telefônica and Visão Multi plans are: (i) basic and additional contribution, with contributions made by the participant and sponsor; and (ii) additional, sporadic and specific contribution, with contributions made only by the participant.

 


In addition, the participant has the possibility to choose one of five investment profiles to apply to their balance, and they are: Super Conservative, Conservative, Moderate, Aggressive and Aggressive Fixed Income Long-Term.

 

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c.3) Consolidated information on pension plans and other post-employment benefits

 

c.3.1) Reconciliation of net liabilities (assets):

 

   12.31.19  12.31.18
   Post-retirement pension plans  Post-retirement health plans  Total  Post-retirement pension plans  Post-retirement health plans  Total
Present value of DB plan obligations   2,429,478    2,016,614    4,446,092    2,011,355    1,313,157    3,324,512 
Fair value of plan assets   3,696,914    1,001,112    4,698,026    2,999,669    763,325    3,762,994 
Net liabilities (assets)   (1,267,436)   1,015,502    (251,934)   (988,314)   549,832    (438,482)
                               
Asset limitation   1,128,691    57,371    1,186,062    1,056,682    50,281    1,106,963 
                               
Current assets   (71,776)   -    (71,776)   0    -    0 
Non-current assets   (149,163)   0    (149,163)   (10,997)   0    (10,997)
Current liabilities   6,937    18,620    25,557    8,114    11,553    19,667 
Non-current liabilities   75,257    1,054,253    1,129,510    71,251    588,560    659,811 

 

c.3.2) Total expenses recognized in the statement of income:

 

   2019  2018  2017
   Post-retirement pension plans  Post-retirement health plans  Total  Post-retirement pension plans  Post-retirement health plans  Total  Post-retirement pension plans  Post-retirement health plans  Total
Current service cost   3,155    16,293    19,448    2,931    13,722    16,653    3,044    7,606    10,650 
Net interest on net actuarial assets/liabilities   5,713    56,612    62,325    6,074    45,892    51,966    5,258    29,325    34,583 
Total   8,868    72,905    81,773    9,005    59,614    68,619    8,302    36,931    45,233 
                                              

 

c.3.3) Amounts recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)

 

   2019  2018  2017
   Post-retirement pension plans  Post-retirement health plans  Total  Post-retirement pension plans  Post-retirement health plans  Total  Post-retirement pension plans  Post-retirement health plans  Total
Actuarial (losses) gains   (188,889)   412,416    223,527    (186,170)   184,527    (1,643)   325,292    208,195    533,487 
Asset limitation effect   (24,297)   2,430    (21,867)   188,259    (93,125)   95,134    (309,780)   (52,411)   (362,191)
Total   (213,186)   414,846    201,660    2,089    91,402    93,491    15,512    155,784    171,296 
                                              

 

c.3.4) Changes in amount net of liability (asset) of defined benefit, net

 

   12.31.19  12.31.18
   Post-retirement pension plans  Post-retirement health plans  Total  Post-retirement pension plans  Post-retirement health plans  Total
Net defined benefit liability (asset) at the beginning of the year   68,368    600,113    668,481    67,148    454,957    522,105 
   Business combinations   -    1,994    1,994    -    -    - 
   Expenses   8,868    72,905    81,773    9,005    59,614    68,619 
   Sponsor contributions   (8,776)   (16,985)   (25,761)   (9,874)   (5,860)   (15,734)
   Amounts recognized in OCI   (213,186)   414,846    201,660    2,089    91,402    93,491 
   Distribution of reserves   5,981    -    5,981    -    -    - 
Net defined benefit liability (asset) at the end of the year   (138,745)   1,072,873    934,128    68,368    600,113    668,481 
   Actuarial assets per balance sheet   (220,939)   -    (220,939)   (10,997)   -    (10,997)
   Actuarial liabilities per balance sheet   82,194    1,072,873    1,155,067    79,365    600,113    679,478 

 

c.3.5) Changes in defined benefit liability

 

   12.31.19  12.31.18
   Post-retirement pension plans  Post-retirement health plans  Total  Post-retirement pension plans  Post-retirement health plans  Total
Defined benefit liability at the beginning of the year   2,011,355    1,313,157    3,324,512    1,861,651    1,050,576    2,912,227 
   Liability assumed after acquisition of company   -    1,994    1,994    -    -    - 
   Current service costs   3,155    16,293    19,448    2,931    13,722    16,653 
   Interest on actuarial liabilities   175,695    121,088    296,783    173,842    103,617    277,459 
   Benefits paid   (165,929)   (53,724)   (219,653)   (136,916)   (37,838)   (174,754)
   Member contributions paid   323    -    323    451    -    451 
   Actuarial losses (gains) adjusted by experience   93,699    226,928    320,627    80,126    64,278    144,404 
   Actuarial losses (gains) adjusted by demographic assumptions   -    (44,249)   (44,249)   -    46,122    46,122 
   Actuarial losses (gains) adjusted by financial assumptions   311,180    435,127    746,307    29,270    72,680    101,950 
Defined benefit liability at the end of the year   2,429,478    2,016,614    4,446,092    2,011,355    1,313,157    3,324,512 

 

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c.3.6) Changes in the fair value of plan assets

 

   12.31.19  12.31.18
   Post-retirement pension plans  Post-retirement health plans  Total  Post-retirement pension plans  Post-retirement health plans  Total
Fair value of plan assets at the beginning of the year   2,999,669    763,325    3,762,994    2,585,679    726,060    3,311,739 
   Benefits paid   (159,001)   (36,774)   (195,775)   (128,991)   (32,011)   (161,002)
   Participants contributions paid   323    -    323    451    -    451 
   Sponsor contributions paid   1,848    35    1,883    1,949    33    1,982 
   Interest income on plan assets   266,287    69,137    335,424    245,014    70,690    315,704 
   Return on plan assets excluding interest income   593,769    205,389    799,158    295,567    (1,447)   294,120 
   Distribution of reserves   (5,981)   -    (5,981)   -    -    - 
Fair value of plan assets at the end of the year   3,696,914    1,001,112    4,698,026    2,999,669    763,325    3,762,994 

 

c.3.7) Changes in asset limitation

 

   12.31.19  12.31.18
   Post-retirement pension plans  Post-retirement health plans  Total  Post-retirement pension plans  Post-retirement health plans  Total
Asset Limitation at the beginning of the year   1,056,682    50,281    1,106,963    791,177    130,440    921,617 
   Interest on the asset limitation   96,306    4,661    100,967    77,246    12,966    90,212 
   Changes in the assets limitation, except interest   (24,297)   2,429    (21,868)   188,259    (93,125)   95,134 
Asset Limitation at the  end of the year   1,128,691    57,371    1,186,062    1,056,682    50,281    1,106,963 

 

c.3.8) Results projected for 2020

 

   Post-retirement pension plans  Post-retirement health plans  Total
Current service cost   3,037    26,575    29,612 
Net interest on net defined benefit liability/asset   (10,386)   82,150    71,764 
Total   (7,349)   108,725    101,376 
                

 

c.3.9) Sponsoring company contributions projected for 2020

 

   Post-retirement pension plans  Post-retirement health plans  Total
Sponsor contributions   2,189    6,937    9,126 
Benefits paid directly by the sponsor   38    18,630    18,668 
Total   2,227    25,567    27,794 
                

 

c.3.10) Average weighted duration of defined benefit liability

 

    Post-retirement pension plans   Post-retirement health plans
In 2019   8.3 years   18.1 years
In 2018   7.8 years   16.5 years

 

c.3.11) Actuarial assumptions

 

    12.31.19
    Post-retirement pension plans   Post-retirement health plans
Discount rate to present value of defined benefit liability   Visão: 6.6%
PBS-A and Telefônica BD: 7.2%
CTB: 7.0%
  PAMA and PCE: 7.4%
Law 9.656/98: 7.5%
Future salary growth rate   CTB and PBS-A: N/A
Visão and Telefônica BD: 5.5%
  N/A
Medical expense growth rate   N/A   6.9%
Nominal annual adjustment rate of pension benefits   3.8%   N/A
Medical service eligibility age   N/A   Female participants: 59 years
Male participants: 63 years
Estimated retirement age   PBS-A, CTB and Telefônica BD: 57 years
Visão: 60 years
  Female participants: 59 years
Male participants: 63 years
Mortality table for nondisabled individuals  

PBS-A, CTB and Telefônica BD: AT-2000 Basic segregated by gender, down-rated by 10%

Visão: AT-2000 Basic segregated by gender, down-rated by 50%

  AT-2000 Basic segregated by gender, down-rated by 10%
Mortality table for disabled individuals  

PBS-A, CTB and Telefônica BD: RP-2000 Disabled Female, down-rated by 40%

Visão: N/A

  RP-2000 Disabled Feminina, down-rated by 40%
Disability table   Telefônica BD: Light-Forte
PBS-A and CTB: N/A
Visão: Light-Fraca, down rated by 30%
  Light-Forte
Turnover  

PBS-A, CTB and Telefônica BD: N/A

Visão: Turnover experience in VISÃO plans (2015 to 2017)

 

PAMA and PCE: N/A

Law No. 9656/98: Turnover experience in VISÃO plans (2015 to 2017)

 

F-70

    12.31.18
    Post-retirement pension plans   Post-retirement health plans
Discount rate to present value of defined benefit liability   Visão: 9.0%
PBS-A and CTB: 9.1%
Telefônica BD: 9.2%
  9.3%
Future salary growth rate   CTB and PBS-A: N/A
Visão and Telefônica BD: 5.7%
  N/A
Medical expense growth rate   N/A   7.1%
Nominal annual adjustment rate of pension benefits   4.0%   N/A
Medical service eligibility age   N/A   Eligibility on retirement 100% to 57 years
Estimated retirement age   PBS-A, CTB and Telefônica BD: 57 years
Visão: 60 years
  57 years
Mortality table for nondisabled individuals  

PBS-A, CTB and Telefônica BD: AT-2000 Basic segregated by gender, down-rated by 10%

Visão: AT-2000 Basic segregated by gender, down-rated by 50%

  AT-2000 Basic segregated by gender, down-rated by 10%
Mortality table for disabled individuals  

PBS-A, CTB and Telefônica BD: RP-2000 Disabled Female, down-rated by 40%

Visão: N/A

  RP-2000 Disabled Feminina, down-rated by 40%
Disability table   Telefônica BD: Light-Forte
PBS-A and CTB: N/A
Visão: Light-Fraca, down rated by 30%
  Light-Forte
Turnover  

PBS-A, CTB and Telefônica BD: N/A

Visão: Turnover experience in VISÃO plans (2015 to 2017)

 

PAMA and PCE: N/A

Law No. 9656/98: Turnover experience in VISÃO plans (2015 to 2017)

 

 

Further to the assumptions stated above, other assumptions common to all plans were adopted in 2019 and 2018 as follows: (i) Long-term inflation rate 3.8%; and (ii) Annual increase in the use of medical services according to age: 4.0%.

 

c.3.12) Changes in actuarial assumptions in relation to the prior year

 

In order to adjust some actuarial assumptions to the economic and demographic reality, a study was conducted for the plans administered by Visão Prev and Sistel, which adopted the definition of the assumptions in their Deliberative Councils.

 

The main economic and financial assumptions that have changed in relation to the previous fiscal year and that interfere with the defined benefit liability are: (i) rates for discount to present value of the defined benefit liability; (ii) long-term inflation rate; (iii) rate of future wage growth; (iv) rate of growth of medical costs; and (v) annual nominal index of adjustment of social security benefits.

 

The impacts on the plans’ defined benefit liabilities due to the new definition of the actuarial assumptions are as follows:

 

   Post-retirement pension plans  Post-retirement health plans  Total
Defined benefit liability, based on current actuarial assumptions   2,429,478    2,016,614    4,446,092 
Defined benefit liability, based on prior-year actuarial assumptions   2,118,297    1,625,737    3,744,034 
Difference from change in actuarial assumptions   311,181    390,877    702,058 
                

 

c.3.13) Sensitivity analysis for actuarial assumptions

 

The Company believes that the significant actuarial assumptions with reasonable likelihood of variation due to financial and economic scenarios, which could significantly change the amount of the defined benefit obligation, are the discount rate used to adjust the defined benefit liability to present value and the rate of growth of medical costs.

 

Sensitivity analysis of the defined benefit liability for scenarios involving a 0.5% increase and a 0.5% decrease in the discount rate used to discount the defined benefit liability to present value is as follows:

 

   Post-retirement pension plans  Post-retirement health plans  Total
Defined benefit liability, discounted to present value at current rate   2,429,478    2,016,614    4,446,092 
Defined benefit liability, discounted to present value considering a rate increased by 0.5%   2,331,330    1,860,204    4,191,534 
Defined benefit liability, discounted to present value considering a rate decreased by 0.5%   2,536,178    2,193,844    4,730,022 

 

The following is a sensitivity analysis of the defined benefit obligation for scenarios of 1% increase and 1% reduction in the rate of growth of medical costs:

 

F-71

   Post-retirement pension plans  Post-retirement health plans  Total
Defined benefit liability, projected by the current medical cost growth rate   2,429,478    2,016,614    4,446,092 
Defined benefit liability, projected by the current medical cost growth considering a rate increased by 1%   2,429,478    2,384,419    4,813,897 
Defined benefit liability, projected by the current medical cost growth considering a rate decreased by 1%   2,429,478    1,724,584    4,154,062 

 

c.3.14) Allocation of plan assets

 

   12.31.19  12.31.18
   Post-retirement pension plans  Post-retirement health plans  Post-retirement pension plans  Post-retirement health plans
Investments with market value quoted in active market:            
Fixed income investments            
National Treasury Note (NTN)   3,067,926    940,144    2,437,547    702,946 
Treasury Financial Letter   270,676    60,968    177,319    60,379 
Repurchase operations   172,895    -    196,830    - 
Debentures   16,818    -    13,487    - 
Treasury Financial Letter (LFT)   14,238    -    12,556    - 
FIDC shares / Others   24,517    -    2,356    - 
National Treasury Notes (LTN)   282    -    462    - 
Bank Deposit Certificates (CDB)   -    -    232    - 
Variable income investments                    
Investments in energy sector   -    -    138    - 
Investments in food and beverage industry   -    -    17,921    - 
Investments in mining sector   -    -    287    - 
Investments linked to funds and market indexes   6,265    -    4,242    - 
Investments in other sectors (1)   622    -    1,580    - 
Real estate investments   100,701    -    111,417    - 
Loans to participants   19,870    -    20,561    - 
Structured and overseas investments   2,104    -    2,734    - 
Total   3,696,914    1,001,112    2,999,669    763,325 

 

(1)Investments in variable income in the following industries: oil, gas and biofuel; telephony; steel and metals; construction and engineering; sales and distribution; transportation; wood and paper; education; financial services and banks; real estate, among; others.

 

31)FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND RISK AND CAPITAL MANAGEMENT

 

a)Accounting policy

 

a.1) Financial assets

 

Initial recognition and measurement

 

On initial recognition, a financial asset is classified in the following measurement categories: (i) at fair value through profit or loss; (ii) at amortized cost; or (iii) at fair value through other comprehensive income, depending on the situation.

 

The classification of financial assets according to IFRS 9 is generally based on the business model in which a financial asset is managed and its characteristics of contractual cash flows.

 

The Company’s consolidated financial assets include cash and cash equivalents, trade accounts receivable, short-term investments pledged as collateral and derivative financial instruments.

 

Subsequent measurement

 

Subsequent measurement of financial assets depends on their classification, as follows:

 

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss: these assets are subsequently measured at fair value. Net income, including interest, is recognized directly in income.

 

F-72

Financial assets at amortized cost: these assets are subsequently measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method. The amortized cost is reduced by impairment losses. Interest income, foreign exchange gains and losses and impairment are recognized in income. Any gain or loss on derecognition is recognized in profit or loss.

 

Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income: these assets are subsequently measured at fair value. Interest income is calculated using the effective interest method, and foreign exchange gains and losses and impairment are recognized in profit or loss. Other net income is recognized in other comprehensive income. In derecognition, the accumulated result in other comprehensive income is reclassified to the statement of income.

 

Derecognition

 

A financial asset (or, whenever the case, a part of a financial asset, or a part of a group of similar financial assets) is derecognized when:

 

·The rights to receive the cash flows from the asset have expired;

 

·The Company has transferred its rights to receive cash flows from it has assumed obligation to pay the received cash flows in full without material delay to a third part under a ‘pass-through’ arrangement; and either (i) the Company has transferred substantially all the risks and rewards of the asset, or (ii) the Company has neither transferred nor retained substantially all the risks and rewards of the asset, but has transferred control of the asset.

 

a.2) Impairment of financial assets

 

The Company and its subsidiaries apply an impairment model for financial assets based on expected credit losses, using a simplified method for certain short and long-term assets (commercial receivables, lease receivables and contractual assets).

 

Under this simplified approach, credit impairment is recognized by reference to expected credit losses over the life of the asset. For this purpose, the Company and its subsidiaries use matrices based on historical bad debt experience by geographical area on a portfolio segmented by customer category according to credit pattern. The matrix for each category has a defined time horizon divided into intervals in accordance with the collection management policy and is fed with historical data that covers at least 24 collection cycles. This data is updated on a regular basis. Based on the information observable at each close, the Company and its subsidiaries assess the need to adjust the rates resulting from these matrices, considering current conditions and future economic forecasts.

 

a.3) Financial liabilities

 

Initial recognition and measurement

 

Upon initial recognition, the Company’s financial liabilities are classified in the following categories: financial liabilities measured at fair value through profit or loss and other financial liabilities.

 

Financial liabilities are initially recognized at fair value plus, in the case of loans and financing, transaction cost directly attributable thereto.

 

The Company’s consolidated financial liabilities include trade accounts payable, loans and financing, debentures, leases, contingent payments and derivative financial instruments.

 

Subsequent measurement

 

Measurement of financial liabilities depends on their classification, as follows:

 

Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss: financial liabilities are designated at initial recognition at fair value through profit or loss. This category also includes derivative financial instruments contracted, except those designated as derivative financial instruments of cash flow hedge. Interest, monetary and exchange variations and changes arising from the valuation at fair value, when applicable, are recognized in the statement of income when incurred.

 

F-73

Financial liabilities at amortized cost: after initial recognition, loans and financing subject to interest are subsequently measured at amortized cost using the effective interest rate method. Gains and losses are recognized in the statement of income at the time of write-off of liabilities, as well as during the amortization process using the effective interest rate method.

 

Derecognition

 

A financial liability is derecognized when the obligation has been revoked, cancelled or expired.

 

When an existing financial liability is replaced by another of the same lender, and the terms of the instruments are substantially different, or when the terms of an existing debt instrument are substantially modified, this replacement or modification is treated as derecognition of the original liability and recognition of a new liability, and the difference in the corresponding carrying amounts is recognized in the statement of income.

 

a.4) Fair value measurement

 

Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. Fair value measurement is based on the assumption that the transaction to sell the asset or transfer the liability will take place (i) in the principal market for the asset or liability; or (ii) in the absence of a principal market, in the most advantageous market for that asset or liability.

 

The Company and or its subsidiaries must have access to the principal (or most advantageous) market.

 

The fair value of an asset or a liability is measured using the assumptions that market participants would use when pricing an asset or liability, assuming that market participants act in their best economic interests.

 

Fair value measurement of a non-financial asset takes into consideration the capacity of a market participant to generate economic benefits through the best use of the asset or selling it to another market participant that would also make the best use of the asset.

 

The Company and its subsidiaries use adequate valuation techniques in the circumstances and for which there is sufficient data to measure the fair value, that maximizes the use of relevant observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs.

 

For assets and liabilities recurrently recognized in the financial statements, the Company determines whether there were transfers between the hierarchy levels, revaluating the classification (based on the lowest level input that is significant to the overall fair value measurement) at the end of each reporting period.

 

For the purposes of fair value disclosures, the Company and its subsidiaries determined classes of assets or liabilities based on the nature, characteristics and risks of those assets or liabilities and the fair value hierarchy level, as mentioned above.

 

a.5) Financial instruments - net

 

Financial assets and liabilities are presented net in the balance sheet if, and only if, there is a current enforceable legal right to offset the amounts recognized and if there is an intention to offset or realize the asset or settle the liability simultaneously.

 

a.6) Derivative financial instruments and hedge accounting

 

IFRS 9 introduced a new accounting record model for hedges, which is less restrictive, which aligns the accounting treatment with risk management activities by requiring an economic relationship between the hedged item and the hedging instrument and that the coverage ratio is the same as the entity applies to its risk management. With this new model, the documentation criteria for hedging relationships are modified and improvements are included in the disclosures about hedging activities.

 

The Company uses derivative financial instruments, such as currency and interest rate swaps or currency non-deliverable forward contracts to hedge against currency risks.

 

F-74

Derivative financial instruments designated in hedge transactions are initially recognized at fair value on the date on which the derivative contract is entered into, and subsequently revalued also at fair value. Derivatives are presented as financial assets when the fair value of the instrument is positive and as financial liabilities when the fair value of the instrument is negative.

 

Any gains or losses resulting from changes in fair value of derivatives during the year are posted directly to the statement of income, except for the effective portion of cash flow hedges, which is recognized directly in equity as other comprehensive income and subsequently reclassified to P&L when the hedged item affects P&L.

 

On the inception initial recognition of a hedge relationship, the Company formally designates and documents the hedge relationship to which it wishes to apply hedge accounting, the risk management objective and strategy for undertaking the hedge.

 

The documentation includes identification of the hedging instrument, the hedged item or transaction, the nature of the hedged risk, the nature of the risks excluded from the hedge relationship, the prospective statement of hedge effectiveness and how the Company shall assess the effectiveness of changes in the hedging instrument’s fair value in offsetting the exposure to changes in the hedged item’s fair value or cash flows attributable to the hedged risk.

 

For the purpose of hedge accounting, hedges are classified as cash flow hedges and fair value hedges.

 

Cash flow hedges

 

Cash flow hedges meeting the recording criteria are accounted for as follows: (i) the portion of gain or loss from the hedge instrument determined as an effective hedge shall be recognized directly in equity (other comprehensive income), and (ii) the ineffective portion of gain or loss from the hedge instrument shall be recognized in the statement of income.

 

When the Company’s documented risk management strategy for any given hedge relationship excludes from the hedge effectiveness evaluation any particular component of gain or loss or the corresponding cash flows from the hedge instrument, that gains or loss component is recognized in financial income (expenses).

 

Amounts recorded in other comprehensive income are immediately transferred to the statement of income when the hedged transaction affects P&L. When a hedged item is the cost of a non-financial asset or liability, amounts recorded in equity are transferred at the initial carrying amount of the non-financial assets and liabilities.

 

If the hedging instrument expires or is sold, terminated or exercised without replacement or rollover (as part of the hedging strategy), or if its designation as a hedge is revoked, or when the hedge fails to meet the hedge accounting criteria, any cumulative gain or loss previously recognized in other comprehensive income remains separately in equity until the forecast transaction occurs or the firm commitment is fulfilled.

 

The Company's contracts are classified as cash flow hedges when they provide protection against changes in cash flows that are attributable to a particular risk associated with a recognized liability that may affect the profit or loss and fair value when they provide protection against exposure to changes in the fair value of the identified part of certain liabilities that is attributable to a particular risk (exchange variation) and may affect the profit or loss.

 

Fair value hedges

 

Fair value hedges meeting the accounting criteria are accounted for as follows: (i) gain or loss from changes in fair value of a hedge instrument shall be recognized in the statement of income as finance costs; and (ii) gain or loss from a hedged item attributable to the hedged risk shall adjust the recorded amount of the hedged item to be recognized in the statement of income, as finance costs.

 

For fair value hedges relating to items carried at amortized cost, any adjustment to carrying amount is amortized through profit or loss over the remaining term of the hedge using the effective interest method. The effective interest rate amortization may begin as soon as any adjustment exists and no later than the point that the hedged item ceases to be adjusted for changes in its fair value attributable to the risk being hedged.

 

F-75

If the hedged item is derecognized, the unamortized fair value is recognized immediately in the statement of income.

 

When an unrecognized firm commitment is designated as a hedged item, the subsequent cumulative change in the fair value of the firm commitment attributable to the hedged risk is recognized as an asset or liability with a corresponding gain or loss recognized in profit and loss.

 

Classification between current and non-current

 

Derivative financial instruments are classified as current and non-current or segregated into short and long-term portions based on an evaluation of the contractual cash flows.

 

When the Company maintains a derivative as an economic hedge (and does not apply hedge accounting), for a period exceeding 12 months after the balance sheet date, the derivative is classified as non-current (or segregated into current and non-current portions), in line with the classification of the corresponding item.

 

Derivative instruments that are designated as effective hedging instruments are classified consistently with the classification of the underlying hedged item.

 

The derivative instrument is segregated into current and non-current portions only when amounts can be reliably allocated.

 

b) Critical estimates and judgments

 

When the fair value of financial assets and liabilities stated in the balance sheet cannot be obtained in active markets, it will be determined using valuation techniques, including the discounted cash flow method. Data for these methods is based on those adopted in the market, whenever possible. However, when this is not feasible, a certain level of judgment is required for fair value determination. Judgment includes consideration of the inputs used, such as liquidity risk, credit risk and volatility. Changes in the assumptions about these factors could affect the reported fair value of financial instruments.

 

c) Derivative transactions

 

The derivative financial instruments contracted by the Company are mainly used for hedging against foreign exchange risk from assets and liabilities in foreign currency and the effects of inflation on leases indexed to the IPCA. There are no derivative financial instruments held for speculative purposes, possible currency risks are hedged.

 

Management believes that the Company's internal controls for its derivatives are adequate to control risks associated with each strategy for the market. Gains/losses obtained or sustained by the Company in relation to its derivatives show that its risk management has been appropriate.

 

As long as these derivative contracts qualify for hedge accounting, the hedged item is adjusted to fair value, offsetting the result of the derivatives, pursuant to the rules of hedge accounting. This hedge accounting applies both to financial liabilities and probable cash flows in foreign currency.

 

Derivatives contracts include specific penalties for breach of contract. Breach of contract provided for in agreements made with financial institutions leads to the anticipated liquidation of the contract.

 

On December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company held no embedded derivatives contracts.

 

c.1) Fair value of derivative financial instruments

 

The valuation method used to calculate the fair value of financial liabilities (if applicable) and derivative financial instruments was the discounted cash flow method, based on expected settlements or realization of liabilities and assets at market rates prevailing at the balance sheet date.

 

The fair values of positions in Reais are calculated by projecting future inflows from transactions using B3 yield curves and discounting these flows to present value using market DI rates for swaps announced by B3.

 

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The market values of foreign exchange derivatives were obtained using the market exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date and projected market rates obtained from the currency's coupon-rate yield curves. The linear convention of 360 calendar days was used to determine coupon rates of positions indexed in foreign currencies, while the exponential convention of 252 business days was used to determine coupon rates for positions indexed to CDI rates.

 

Consolidated derivatives financial instruments shown below are registered with B3 and classified as swaps, usually, that do not require margin deposits.

 

         Accumulated effects from fair value
   Notional Value  Amount receivable (payable)
Description  12.31.19  12.31.18  12.31.19  12.31.18
Long position   515,261    1,184,064    72,163    95,533 
                     
Foreign Currency   72,790    335,194    -    50,536 
US$  (1) (2)   72,790    241,332    -    24,608 
EUR  (2)   -    51,971    -    - 
LIBOR US$  (1)   -    41,891    -    25,928 
                     
Floating rate   369,491    699,595    1,818    7,737 
CDI (1) (2)   369,491    554,336    1,818    - 
TJLP (4)   -    145,259    -    7,737 
                     
Inflation rates   72,980    149,275    70,345    37,260 
IPCA (3) (5)   72,980    149,275    70,345    37,260 
                     
Short position   (515,261)   (1,184,064)   (56,133)   (39,383)
                     
Floating rate   (145,770)   (608,782)   (56,133)   (24,916)
CDI (1) (2) (3) (4) (5)   (145,770)   (608,782)   (56,133)   (24,916)
                     
Foreign Currency   (369,491)   (575,282)   -    (14,467)
US$  (2)   (365,161)   (439,103)   -    (9,396)
EUR  (1) (2)   (4,330)   (115,233)   -    (222)
LIBOR US$  (1)   -    (20,946)   -    (4,849)
                     
      Long position          72,163    95,533 
         Current          19,282    69,065 
         Non-current          52,881    26,468 
                     
      Short position          (56,133)   (39,383)
         Current          (1,921)   (16,538)
         Non-current          (54,212)   (22,845)
      Amounts receivable, net           16,030    56,150 

 

(1)Foreign currency swaps (US$ and LIBOR) x CDI - swap transactions with maturities up to July 2019, according to the debt maturities, with the purpose of hedging the exchange rate risk of the Company's dollar lending operation.

 

(2)Foreign currency swaps (Euro and CDI x Euro) (R$4,334) and (US$ and CDI x US$) (R$292,347) - maturing through October 30, 2019 to hedge currency risk affecting net amounts payable (carrying amount R$3,806 in Euros and LIBOR) and receivables (carrying amount R$292,347 in US$).

 

(3)IPCA x CDI rate swaps to hedge the same flow as the debentures (4th issue - 3rd series) indexed to the IPCA settled on October 15, 2019.

 

(4)TJLP x CDI swaps transactions contracted with maturities up to July 2019 to hedge the risk of TJLP variation on loan with BNDES.

 

(5)IPCA x CDI swaps (R$262,817) - maturing in 2033 to hedge risk of change rate pegged to IPCA (carrying amount R$319,550).

 

The table below shows the breakdown of swaps maturing after December 31, 2019:

 

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   Maturing in   
Swap contract  2020  2021  2022  2023 onwards  Amount receivable (payable) on 12.31.19
Foreign currency x CDI   (1,921)   -    -    -    (1,921)
CDI x Foreign Currency   1,818    -    -    -    1,818 
IPCA x CDI   17,464    3,239    3,507    (8,077)   16,133 
Total   17,361    3,239    3,507    (8,077)   16,030 

 

For the purposes of preparing its financial statements, the Company adopted the fair value hedge accounting methodology for its foreign currency swaps x CDI and IPCA x CDI for hedging or financial debt. Under this arrangement, both derivatives and hedged risk are recognized at fair value.

 

On December 31, 2019 and 2018, the transactions with derivatives generated consolidated positive results of R$51,963 and R$10,788, respectively (Note 27).

 

c.2) Sensitivity analysis to the Company’s risk variables

 

CVM Resolution 475/08 requires listed companies to disclose sensitivity analyses for each type of market risk that management understands to be significant when originated by financial instruments to which the entity is exposed at the end of each period, including all derivative financial instrument transactions.

 

In making the above analysis, each of the transactions with derivative financial instruments was assessed and assumptions included a probable scenario and two others that could adversely impact the Company.

 

In the probable scenario assumption used, on the maturity dates of each of the transactions, were the market rates for the B3 yield curves (currencies and interest rates), and data from the IBGE, Central Bank, FGV, among others. In the probable scenario, there is no impact on the fair value of the above-mentioned derivatives. However, for Scenarios II and III, as per CVM ruling, risk variables were stressed by 25% and 50% respectively.

 

Since the Company only holds derivatives to hedge its foreign currency assets and liabilities, changing scenarios are tracked by the corresponding hedged items the effects are almost non-existent. For these transactions, the Company reported the consolidated net exposure in each of the above-mentioned three scenarios on December 31, 2019.

 

Transaction  Risk  Probable  25% depreciation  50% depreciation
Hedge (long position)  Derivatives (depreciation risk EUR)   (4,334)   (5,418)   (6,501)
Payables in EUR  Debt (appreciation risk EUR)   (25,633)   (32,041)   (38,449)
Receivables in EUR  Debt (depreciation risk EUR)   29,439    36,799    44,158 
   Net Exposure   (528)   (660)   (792)
                   
Hedge (short position)  Derivatives (depreciation risk US$)   (292,347)   (365,433)   (438,520)
Payables in US$  Debt (appreciation risk US$)   (185,022)   (231,277)   (277,532)
Receivables in US$  Debt (depreciation risk US$)   477,369    596,710    716,052 
   Net Exposure   -    -    - 
                   
Hedge (long position)  Derivatives (risk of decrease in IPCA)   262,817    250,228    238,939 
Debt in IPCA  Debt (risk of increase in IPCA)   (319,550)   (306,961)   (295,672)
   Net Exposure   (56,733)   (56,733)   (56,733)
                   
Hedge (CDI position)                  
   Hedge US$ and EUR (short and long position)  Derivatives (risk of decrease in CDI)   (295,777)   (295,547)   (295,320)
   Hedge IPCA (short position)  Derivatives (risk of increase in CDI)   (262,817)   (250,228)   (238,939)
   Net Exposure   (558,594)   (545,775)   (534,259)
                   
Total net exposure in each scenario      (615,855)   (603,168)   (591,784)
                   
Net effect on changes in current fair value      -    12,687    24,071 

 

The assumptions used by the Company for the sensitivity analysis on December 31, 2019 were as follows:

 

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Risk Variable  Probable  25% depreciation  50% depreciation
US$   4.0307    5.0384    6.0461 
EUR   4.5102    5.6377    6.7652 
IPCA   4.05%   5.06%   6.07%
IGPM   3.37%   4.21%   5.05%
CDI   6.42%   8.03%   9.63%

 

For calculation of the net exposure for the sensitivity analysis, all derivatives were considered at market value and hedged items designated for hedges for accounting purposes were also considered at fair value.

 

The fair values shown in the table above are based on the portfolio position on December 31, 2019, but do not reflect an estimate for realization due to the dynamism of the market, which is constantly monitored by the Company. The use of different assumptions could significantly affect the estimates.

 

d) Fair value

 

The Company and its subsidiaries assessed their financial assets and liabilities in relation to market values using available information and appropriate valuation methodologies. However, both the interpretation of market data and the selection of valuation methods require considerable judgment and reasonable estimates to produce the most adequate realization value. As a result, the estimates shown do not necessarily indicate amounts that could be realized in the current market. The use of different assumptions for the market and/or methodologies may have a material effect on estimated realization values.

 

The fair values of all assets and liabilities are classified within the fair value hierarchy described below, based on the lowest level of information that is significant to the fair value measurement as a whole:

 

Level 1: quoted market prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;

 
Level 2: valuation techniques for which there is a significantly lower level of information to measure the fair value directly or indirectly observable; and

 
Level 3: valuation techniques for which the lowest and significant level of information to measure the fair value is not available.

 

During the periods shown in the tables below, there were no transfers between fair value measurements of Level 3 and Levels 1 and 2.

 

e) Classification of financial assets and liabilities by category and fair value hierarchy

 

The tables below present the composition and classification of financial assets and liabilities on December 31, 2019 and 2018.

 

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        Fair value hierarchy   Book value   Fair value
    Classification by category     12.31.19   12.31.18   12.31.19   12.31.18
Financial Assets                          
Current                        
Cash and cash equivalents  (Note 3)     Amortized cost             3,393,377       3,381,328       3,393,377       3,381,328
Trade accounts receivable (Note 4)     Amortized cost             8,719,497       8,304,382       8,719,497       8,304,382
Derivative transactions (Note 31)     Measured at fair value through OCI     Level 2             19,282           69,065           19,282           69,065
                         
Non-current                        
Investments pledged as collateral     Amortized cost                 63,766           76,934           63,766           76,934
Trade accounts receivable (Note 4)     Amortized cost               440,453         426,252         440,453         426,252
Derivative transactions (Note 31)     Measured at fair value through OCI     Level 2             52,881           26,468           52,881           26,468
Total financial assets             12,689,256     12,284,429     12,689,256     12,284,429
                         
                 
Financial Liabilities                      
Current                        
Trade accounts payable, net (Note 16)     Amortized cost             6,871,799       7,642,782       6,871,799       7,642,782
Loans, financing and leases (Note 20)     Amortized cost             1,020,061       1,076,451       1,021,810       1,135,732
Loans, financing and leases (Note 20)     Measured at fair value through profit or loss        Level 2         2,029,246         263,754       2,029,246         263,754
Debentures (Note 20)     Amortized cost             1,077,183           82,840       1,104,539         237,144
Debentures (Note 20)     Measured at fair value through profit or loss        Level 2                      -           41,121                    -           41,121
Derivative transactions (Note 31)     Measured at fair value through profit or loss        Level 2               1,921           16,316             1,921           16,316
Derivative transactions (Note 31)     Measured at fair value through OCI     Level 2                      -                222                    -                222
                         
Non-current                        
Loans, financing and leases (Note 20)     Amortized cost                 25,093         817,908           24,106         796,481
Loans, financing and leases (Note 20)     Measured at fair value through profit or loss        Level 2         7,161,875         341,728       7,161,875         341,728
Contingent consideration (Note 20)     Measured at fair value through profit or loss        Level 2           484,048         465,686         484,048         465,686
Debentures (Note 20)     Amortized cost             2,027,167       3,049,949       1,948,705       2,866,981
Derivative transactions (Note 31)     Measured at fair value through OCI     Level 2             54,212           22,845           54,212           22,845
Total financial liabilities             20,752,605     13,821,602     20,702,261     13,830,792

 

f) Capital management

 

The purpose of the Company's capital management is to ensure maintenance of a high credit rating and an optimal capital ratio to support the Company's business and maximize shareholder value.

 

The Company manages its capital structure by making adjustments and adapting to current economic conditions. For this purpose, the Company may pay dividends, obtain new loans, issue debentures and contract derivatives. For the year ended December 31, 2019, there were no changes in capital structure objectives, policies or processes.

 

The Company’s debt structure includes loans, financing, debentures, leases, contingent consideration and transactions with derivatives, less cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments to secure BNB financing and guarantor of the contingent consideration liability.

 

The Company’s ratio of consolidated debt to shareholders’ equity consists of the following:

 

   12.31.19  12.31.18
Cash and cash equivalents   3,393,377    3,381,328 
Loans, financing, debentures, leases and contingent consideration (1)   (13,824,673)   (6,139,437)
Derivative transactions, net   16,030    56,150 
Short-term investment pledged as collateral   13,212    12,473 
Asset guarantor of contingent consideration   484,048    465,686 
Net debt   9,918,006    2,223,800 
Net equity   70,455,578    71,607,027 
Net debt-to-equity ratio   14.08%   3.11%

 

(1)As of December 31, 2019, includes the effects of the adoption of IFRS 16 on January 1, 2019 (Note 19).

 

F-80

g) Risk management policy

 

The Company and its subsidiaries are exposed to several market risks as a result of its commercial operations, debts contracted to finance its activities and debt-related financial instruments.

 

g.1) Currency Risk

 

Risk arising from foreign exchange rate volatility, affecting loans denominated in foreign currencies.

 

There is also foreign exchange risk for financial assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies, which may generate a smaller amount receivable or larger amount payable depending on the exchange rate in the period.

 

Hedging transactions were executed to minimize the risks associated with exchange rate on financial assets and liabilities in foreign currencies. This balance is subject to daily changes due to the dynamics of the business. However, the Company intends to cover the net balance of these assets and obligations (US$72,530 thousand receivable, €974 thousand and £110 thousand paid by December 31, 2019 and US$61,909 thousand and €15,624 thousand receivable by December 31, 2018) to mitigate its foreign exchange risks.

 

g.2) Interest and Inflation Risk

 

This risk may arise from an unfavorable change in the domestic interest rate, which may adversely affect financial expenses from the portion of debentures referenced to the CDI and liability positions in derivatives (currency hedge and IPCA) pegged to floating interest rates (CDI).

 

To reduce exposure to the floating interest rate (CDI), the Company and its subsidiaries invested cash equivalents of R$3,143,209 and R$3,175,730 on December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, mostly in short-term CDI-based financial investments (CDBs). The carrying amounts of these instruments approximate their fair values, as they may be redeemed in the short term.

 

g.3) Liquidity Risk

 

Liquidity risk may arise from having insufficient funds to meet commitments in different currencies and dates of realization of rights and settlement of obligations.

 

The Company structures the maturity dates of non-derivative financial contracts (Note 20), and their respective derivatives, as shown in the schedule of payments disclosed in this note, to avoid affecting their liquidity.

 

The Company’s cash flow and liquidity are managed on a daily basis by the operating departments to ensure that cash flows and contracted funding, when necessary, it is sufficient to meet scheduled commitments in to avoid liquidity risk.

 

The following is a summary of the maturity profile of the consolidated financial liabilities, which include principal and future interest rates up to the date of maturity. For fixed rate liabilities, interest was calculated on the basis of the indices established in each contract. For variable rate liabilities, interest was calculated on the basis of the market forecast for each period.

 

On 12.31.19  2020  2021  2022  2023  2024  2025 onwards  Total
Trade accounts payable   6,871,799    -    -    -    -    -    6,871,799 
Loans and financing   1,022,302    16,307   10,243   4   -   -    1,048,856 
Leases (1)   2,098,941    1,896,313    1,670,508    1,484,652    1,086,093    2,696,282    10,932,789 
Contingent consideration   -    -    -    -    -    484,048    484,048 
Debentures   1,148,732    1,083,292    1,034,796    -    -    -    3,266,820 
Derivative transactions   1,921    -    -    -    -    54,212    56,133 
Total   11,143,695    2,995,912    2,715,547    1,484,656    1,086,093    3,234,542    22,660,445 

 

(1)Includes the effects of the adoption of IFRS 16 on January 1, 2019 (note 20).

 

F-81

g.4) Credit Risk

 

The risk arises from the possibility of the Company and its subsidiaries incurring losses due to difficulty in receiving amounts billed to their customers and sales of prepaid handsets and cards that have been pre-activated for the distribution network.

 

The credit risk on accounts receivable is diversified and mitigated by strict control of the customer base. The Company constantly monitors the level of accounts receivable from postpaid services and limits bad credit risk by cutting off access to telephone lines if bills are past due. The mobile customer base predominantly uses the prepaid system, which requires purchase of credits beforehand and therefore does not pose credit risk. Exceptions are made for emergency services that must be maintained for security or national defense reasons.

 

Credit risk on sales of pre-activated prepaid handsets and cards is managed by a conservative policy for granting credit, using modern credit scoring methods, analyzing financial statements and consultations to commercial databases, in addition to requesting guarantees.

 

The Company and its subsidiaries are also subject to credit risk arising from their investments, letters of guarantee received as collateral for certain transactions and receivables from derivative transactions. The Company and its subsidiaries control the credit limits granted to each counterpart and diversify this exposure across first-tier financial institutions as per current credit policies of financial counterparts.

 

g.5) Social and Environmental Risks

 

The Company's operations and properties are subject to various environmental laws and regulations that, among others, govern environmental licenses and records, protection of fauna and flora, air emissions, waste management and remediation of contaminated sites. If the Company fails to meet present and future requirements, or to identify and manage new or existing contamination, it will incur significant costs, which include cleaning costs, damages, compensation, fines, activities suspension and other penalties, investments to improve its facilities or change its processes, or interruption of operations. The identification of environmental conditions not currently identified, more stringent inspections by regulatory agencies, the entry into force of more stringent laws and regulations or other unanticipated events may occur and, ultimately, result in significant environmental liabilities and their costs. The occurrence of any of the above factors could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, results of operations and financial position. According to Article 75 of Law No. 9605 of 1998, the maximum fine per breach of environmental law is R$50,000 (fifty million Reais).

 

From a social point of view, the Company is exposed to contingent liabilities as it hires outsourced service providers. These potential liabilities may involve labor claims by employees of the service providers who file claims against the service provider and Company, request the conviction of the Company as an associate, that is, the Company may be compelled to pay in the case the provider does not settle these obligations. There is also a more remote possibility that these employees will be treated as direct employees by the Company, which would generate the risk of joint and several convictions. The demands that are known to Telefónica are already provided.

 

g.6) Insurance Coverage

 

The policy of the Company and its subsidiaries, as well as the Telefónica Group, includes contracting insurance coverage for all assets and liabilities involving significant and high-risk amounts, based on management's judgment and following Telefónica corporate program guidelines.

 

On December 31, 2019, maximum limits of claims (established pursuant to the agreements of each entity consolidated by the Company) for significant assets, liabilities or interests covered by insurance and their respective amounts were R$900,000 for operational risks (including business interruption) and R$75,000 for general civil liability.

 

g.7) Other Risks

 

The Company is required to comply with Brazilian anti-corruption laws and regulations on the same subject in jurisdictions where it has its securities traded. In particular, the Company is subject, in Brazil, to the Law n 12.846/2013 and, in the United States, to the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977.

 

F-82

Although the Company has internal policies and procedures designed to ensure compliance with the aforementioned anti-corruption laws and regulations, there can be no assurance that such policies and procedures will be sufficient or that the Company’s employees, directors, officers, partners, agents and service providers will not take actions in violation of the Company’s policies and procedures (or otherwise in violation of the relevant anti-corruption laws and regulations) for which the Company or they may be ultimately held responsible. Violations of anti-corruption laws and regulations could lead to financial penalties, damage to the Company’s reputation or other legal consequences that could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition. 

 

32) CONTRACTUAL COMMITMENTS

 

The Company and its subsidiaries have unrecognized contractual commitments arising from the purchase of goods and services, which mature on several dates, with monthly payments.

 

On December 31, 2019, the total nominal values equivalent to the full contract period were:

 

2020   1,191,801 
2021   1,284,244 
2022   919,747 
2023   279,386 
2024   278,609 
2025 onwards   569,264 
Total   4,523,051 

 

33) ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON CASH FLOWS

 

a)Reconciliation of cash flow financing activities

 


The following is a reconciliation of consolidated cash flow financing activities for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.

 

      Cash flows from financing activities  Cash flows from operating activities  Financing activities not involving cash and cash equivalents   
   Balance on  12.31.18  Write-offs (payments)  Write-offs (payments)  Financial charges and foreign exchange variation  Additions of leases and supplier financing  Initial adoption IFRS 16  Interim and unclaimed dividends and interest on equity  Balance on  12.31.19
Interim dividends and interest on equity   4,172,916    (6,176,842)   -    -    -    -    5,591,343    3,587,417 
Loans and financing   2,106,814    (2,070,665)   (129,974)   171,636    967,313    -    -    1,045,124 
Leases   393,027    (1,559,165)   (415,496)   350,772    1,803,941    8,618,072    -    9,191,151 
Debentures   3,173,910    (66,830)   (201,516)   198,786    -    -    -    3,104,350 
Derivative financial instruments   (56,150)   91,543    26,234    (77,657)   -    -    -    (16,030)
Contingent Consideration   465,686    -    -    18,362    -    -    -    484,048 
Total   10,256,203    (9,781,959)   (720,752)   661,899    2,771,254    8,618,072    5,591,343    17,396,060 

 

      Cash flows from financing activities  Cash flows from operating activities  Financing activities not involving cash and cash equivalents   
   Balance on  12.31.17  Write-offs (payments)  Write-offs (payments)  Financial charges and foreign exchange variation  Additions of leases and supplier financing  Interim and unclaimed dividends and interest on equity  Balance on  12.31.18
Interim dividends and interest on equity   2,396,116    (4,136,878)   -    -    -    5,913,678    4,172,916 
Loans and financing   3,109,498    (1,533,121)   (207,708)   231,748    506,397    -    2,106,814 
Leases   385,460    (35,375)   (21,231)   45,501    18,672    -    393,027 
Debentures   4,520,739    (1,324,723)   (265,992)   243,886    -    -    3,173,910 
Derivative financial instruments   (143,754)   95,993    -    (8,389)   -    -    (56,150)
Contingent Consideration   446,144    -    -    19,542    -    -    465,686 
Total   10,714,203    (6,934,104)   (494,931)   532,288    525,069    5,913,678    10,256,203 
                                    

 

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b)Financing transactions that do not involve cash

 

The main transactions that do not involve cash of the Company refer to the acquisition of assets through leases and income from financing with suppliers, as follows:

 

   12.31.19  12.31.18
Initial adoption IFRS 16 on 01.01.19   8,618,072    0 
Financing transactions with suppliers   967,313    506,397 
Acquisition of assets through leases   1,803,941    18,672 
Total   11,389,326    525,069 

 

34) ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THE CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME - IFRS 16

 

The consolidated statement of income in the year ended December 31, 2019 includes the effects of the adoption of IFRS 16. To facilitate the understanding and comparability of the information, the following is the consolidated statement of income in the year ended 31 December 2019, 2018 and 2017, excluding the effects of adopting IFRS 16.

 

Item  Cost of sales  Selling expenses  General and administrative expenses  Financial expenses  Total
Rental costs and expenses   (1,699,886)   (71,335)   (130,477)   -    (1,901,698)
Depreciation costs and expenses   1,604,829    76,591    201,530    -    1,882,950 
Financial charges   -    -    -    401,484    401,484 
Income and social contribution taxes   -    -    -    -    (130,130)
Total   (95,057)   5,256    71,053    401,484    252,606 

 

   2019  2018  2017
   Statements of income  ( IFRS 16)  IFRS 15 and IFRS 16 adjustments  Statements of income  (IAS 17)  Statements of income  (IAS 17)  Statements of income  (IAS 17)
Net operating revenue   44,268,171    -    44,268,171    43,462,740    43,206,832 
   Cost of sales   (22,158,947)   (95,057)   (22,254,004)   (21,025,767)   (20,272,530)
Gross profit   22,109,224    (95,057)   22,014,167    22,436,973    22,934,302 
                          
Operating income (expenses)   (14,895,300)   76,309    (14,818,991)   (12,980,789)   (16,302,065)
   Selling expenses   (12,701,222)   5,256    (12,695,966)   (12,832,741)   (13,136,474)
   General and administrative expenses   (2,498,096)   71,053    (2,427,043)   (2,598,970)   (2,443,105)
   Other operating income   929,498    -    929,498    4,077,003    464,182 
   Other operating expenses   (625,480)   -    (625,480)   (1,626,081)   (1,186,668)
Operating income   7,213,924    (18,748)   7,195,176    9,456,184    6,632,237 
                          
   Financial income   1,132,870    -    1,132,870    4,112,640    1,755,958 
   Financial expenses   (1,953,011)   401,484    (1,551,527)   (2,285,487)   (2,659,002)
   Equity pickup   752    -    752    (5,847)   1,580 
Income before taxes   6,394,535    382,736    6,777,271    11,277,490    5,730,773 
   Income and social contribution taxes   (1,393,521)   (130,130)   (1,523,651)   (2,349,232)   (1,121,983)
                          
Net income for the year   5,001,014    252,606    5,253,620    8,928,258    4,608,790 

 

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35) SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

a) Infringement notice from the Brazilian Federal Revenue Service (“RFB”) against the Company

 

On February 3, 2020, the RFB issued a tax assessment notice against the Company, in the amount of R$983,487, alleging insufficient payment of income tax at source on capital gain on the sale of the GVT Group to the Company. Although the preliminary assessment is that there was no insufficiency in the payment of said tax, the Company is protected by an indemnity clause in the purchase and sale agreement signed with the seller, with respect to any losses related to income tax at source on capital gain of the GVT Group in said transaction.

 

b) Sale of the Company's towers

 

On February 7, 2020, the Company concluded the sale of 1,909 structures (rooftops and towers) of its ownership to Telxius Torres Brasil Ltda., indirect subsidiary of Telefónica S.A., for the total amount of R$641 million. The conclusion came after the fulfillment of all suspensive conditions common to this type of operation, including its approval by the Administrative Council for Economic Defense - CADE.

 

c) Interim interest on equity declared by the Company

 

At a meeting held on February 14, 2020, calling upon the General Shareholders’ Meeting to be held in 2021, the Board of Directors approved the payment of interest on equity for the fiscal year 2020, under the terms of article 28 of the Company’s Articles of Incorporation, article 9 of Law No. 9249/95 and CVM Ruling No. 638/12, in the gross amount of R$270,000, equivalent to 0.14994770587 per common share and 0.16494247646 per preferred share, corresponding to a net amount of Withholding Income Tax (IRRF) of R$229,500, equivalent to 0.12745554999 per common share and 0.14020110499 per preferred share, calculated based on the balance sheet of the January 31, 2020.

 

Payment thereof will be made up to the end of fiscal year 2021, on a date to be set by the Board of Directors and timely communicated to the market, being paid individually to shareholders, according to the ownership structure contained in the Company's records, through the end of day February 28, 2020.

 

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