6-K 1 fs300606.htm FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS OF JUNE 30, 2006 Financial statements and Summary of Events









     

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549


_____________




FORM 6-K


Report of Foreign Issuer



Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16 of

the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934



For August 31, 2006


Transportadora de Gas del Sur S.A.

Don Bosco 3672, Fifth Floor

1206 Capital Federal

Argentina





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



Form 20-F  X  Form 40-F   



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



Yes   No X  


If "Yes" is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b):






This Form 6-K contains the following information, which has been filed with the Bolsa de Comercio de Buenos Aires, and the Comisión Nacional de Valores.


Financial statements for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2006 and 2005.















Financial statements and Summary of Events

as of June 30th, 2006 and 2005

together with Auditor’s report




TRANSPORTADORA DE GAS DEL SUR S.A. (“TGS” or “the Company”)


ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE SIX-MONTH PERIOD ENDED JUNE 30, 2006 (1)


The following discussion of the financial condition and results of operations of the Company should be read in conjunction with the Company's consolidated financial statements as of June 30, 2006 and 2005, which have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in force in the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires (“Argentine GAAP”), (except for what is mentioned in Note 2.b. to the consolidated financial statements), and the regulations of the Comisión Nacional de Valores (the Argentine National Securities Commission, “CNV”) and the Ente Nacional Regulador del Gas  (National Gas Regulatory Agency in Argentina, “ENARGAS”).


The Companys consolidated interim financial statements for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003 and 2002 have been subjected to limited reviews performed by Price Waterhouse & Co S.R.L., Buenos Aires, Argentina (“Price”), independent auditors.




1- Basis of Presentation of Financial Information


Effects of inflation:


The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in constant Argentine pesos, recognizing the overall effects of inflation up to August 31, 1995. As from that date, in line with professional accounting standards and the requirements of the control authorities, the Company discontinued the restatement of its financial statements until December 31, 2001.


However, as a result of high inflation rates since early 2002 - and as established by Resolution No. 3/2002 of the Professional Council in Economic Sciences of the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires (“CPCECABA”) and Resolution No. 415 of the CNV - as from January 1, 2002 the Company resumed the recognition of the effects of inflation in these consolidated interim financial statements, following the provisions of Technical Resolution (“TR”) No. 6, as amended by TR No. 19, both issued by the Argentine Federation of Professional Councils in Economic Sciences (“Argentine Federation”). Accounting measurements restated due to the change in the purchasing power of the currency up to August 31, 1995, as well as those which have been originated between that date and December 31, 2001, are stated in the currency value as of the later date.


On March 25, 2003, the Argentine Executive Branch (“Executive Branch”) issued Decree No. 664, which provides that financial statements for periods ending after such date shall be stated in historical Argentine pesos. As a consequence and in accordance with Resolution No. 441, issued by the CNV, the Company suspended inflation accounting effective March 1, 2003.

 



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2. Results of Operations


The following table presents a summary of the results of operations for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2006 and 2005:


 

2006

2005

Variation

 

(in millions of Pesos)

Net revenues

640.3

465.9

174.4

Gas transportation

245.9

223.0

22.9

NGL production and commercialization

348.3

213.0

135.3

Other services

46.1

29.9

16.2

Costs of sales

(291.1)

(235.9)

(55.2)

Operating costs

(197.4)

(139.8)

(57.6)

Depreciation and amortization

(93.7)

(96.1)

2.4

Gross profit

349.2

230.0

119.2

Administrative and selling expenses

 (53.9)

 (35.7)

(18.2)

Operating income

295.3

194.3

101.0

Other income / (expense), net

6.9

(2.0)

8.9

Equity in (losses) / earnings of affiliates

(0.7)

0.9

(1.6)

Net financial expense

 (113.7)

 (31.6)

(82.1)

Income tax expense

  (8.6)

  (4.6)

(4.0)

Net income

179.2

157.0

22.2



Overview


For the six-month period ended June 30, 2006, the Company has reported a net income of Ps. 179.2 million, in comparison to the Ps. 157.0 million net income recorded in the same period of 2005. This increase basically reflects the better performance of the NGL production and commercialization segment, represented by a higher production and higher income related to exports, mainly attributable to both a rise of volumes exported and higher international reference prices. This effect was mainly compensated by an increase in the net financial expense, basically explained by foreign exchange loss (gain) generated by the devaluation and revaluation of the Argentine Peso against the US dollar, in 2006 and 2005 periods, respectively.



Net revenues


Gas transportation


Gas transportation service is the main business activity of the Company, taking into account the invested capital and the resources affected to its operation. This business segment represented approximately 38% and 48% of total net revenues earned during the six-month periods ended June 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Gas transportation service revenues are derived principally from firm contracts, under which pipeline capacity is reserved and paid for, regardless of actual usage by the shipper. TGS also provides interruptible transportation services subject to available pipeline capacity.


Gas transportation revenues for six-month period ended June 30, 2006 increased by 10.3% as compared to the same period of 2005. This increase was a consequence of a Ps. 16.3 million impact generated by the new firm transportation contracts that came into effect as a consequence of the San Martín pipeline expansion ended in August 2005, which increased the transportation capacity by 2.9 MMm3/d (102 MMcf/d). This expansion generated revenues of Ps. 11.3 million in the six-month period ended June 30, 2006.


This project involved the construction of approximately 509 km (316 miles) of pipeline and a 30,000 HP compression capacity increase through the construction of a compressor plant and the revamping of some of TGS’s existing compressor units.




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This expansion was carried out within the framework of the Decree No. 180/04 issued by the Executive Branch and the Resolution No. 185/04 issued by the Ministry of Federal Planning and Public Service, which allows the creation of trust fund to finance gas transportation system expansions in light of the lack of expansion of the natural gas transportation system over the last years (as a consequence of the “pesification” of tariffs and the fact that the renegotiation of the License is still pending) and a growing gas demand in certain segments of the Argentine economy.


The trust fund created for this expansion financed US$ 311 million from a total amount of US$ 351 million, while TGS invested approximately US$ 40 million (including Value Added Tax for U$S 7 million). TGS investment generates Ps. 23 million annual revenues, calculated in basis of the 80% of the current tariffs. The 20% remaining is collected by the trust fund. Additionally, the trust fund collects an additional specific charge, which is finally paid by industries, power plants and CNG suppliers which gas transportation supply is made under firm contracts. This charge represents an 81.6% increase in the outstanding tariffs.  


Revenues related to the interruptible transportation service might be affected in the future due to the creation of the Gas Electronic Market in line with the provisions of the Executive Branch Decree No. 180/04 (for further information on this issue and on the current status of tariff renegotiation see Note 7.b. to the consolidated financial statements). Revenues related to this service amounts to Ps. 18.2 million and Ps. 10.9 million for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively.



NGL production and commercialization


As opposed to the gas transportation segment, the NGL production and commercialization segment is not subject to regulation by ENARGAS.


Net revenues from the NGL production and commercialization segment represented approximately 54% and 46% of TGS’s total net revenues during the six-month periods ended June 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively. NGL production and commercialization activities are conducted at the Cerri Complex, located near Bahía Blanca and connected to each of the Company’s main pipelines. At the Cerri Complex, TGS recovers ethane, propane, butane and natural gasoline for both the Company’s own account and on behalf of its clients. TGS sells its production of propane and butane in the local market to NGL marketers. These products and natural gasoline are exported to Petrobras International Finance Company (“PIFC”), a subsidiary of Petrobras Petróleo Brasileiro S.A. at current international market prices. Ethane is entirely sold in the domestic market to PBB-Polisur S.A. (“Polisur”) at agreed prices. Moreover the Company, under certain agreements, processes the natural gas for both the Company’s own account and on behalf of its clients, delivering the extracted liquids to its clients.


NGL production and commercialization revenues increased by Ps. 135.3 million in the six-month period ended June 30, 2006, as compared to the same period in 2005, mainly due to a rise of international reference prices, an increase in the export volumes sold and increased price of ethane agreed with Polisur since January 2006.  



Other services


The Other services segment is not subject to regulations by ENARGAS.


The Company renders services called “midstream”, that mainly consist in gas conditioning, gathering and compression services, which are generally rendered at wellhead, as well as activities related to construction, operation and maintenance of pipelines and compressor plants.


Other Services revenues include telecommunication services rendered by Telcosur S.A., a company controlled by TGS. Revenues from Other Services segment increased by Ps. 16.2 million in the six-month period ended June 30, 2006 as compared to the same period of 2005, mainly due to construction services rendered to natural gas producers.





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Cost of sales and administrative and selling expenses


Cost of sales and administrative and selling expenses for the six-month period ended June 30, 2006 increased by approximately Ps. 73.4 million as compared to the same period of 2005. This variation derives mainly from: (i) Ps. 22.3 million of higher NGL production costs due to an increase in the prices of the natural gas; (ii) Ps 13.9 million of higher accruals for easement expenses(ii) Ps. 11.2 million of taxes and contributions caused basically by increases in exports; and (iii) Ps. 9.9 million due to higher labor costs.



Net financial expense


Net financial expense for the six-month period ended June 30, 2006 reported a positive variation of Ps. 82.1 million as compared to the six-month period of 2005.  The breakdown of net financial expense is as follows:


 

2006

2005

 

(in millions of Pesos)

Generated by assets

  

Interest income

13.5

8.1

Foreign exchange gain / (loss)

15.2

     (14.8)

Other financial results, net

1.1

(1.2)

Subtotal

29.8

     (7.9)

   
   

Generated by liabilities

  

Interest expense

(91.9)

(99.8)

Foreign exchange (loss) / gain

(44.7)

82.8

Other expenses and financial charges

  (6.9)

  (6.7)

Subtotal

(143.5)

(23.7)

Total

(113.7)

(31.6)


The variation is mostly attributable to the impact of the revaluation of the Argentine peso against the US dollar in the first semester of 2005 on TGS dollar-denominated net monetary position which generated a foreign exchange gain of Ps. 68.0 million and the devaluation of the local currency in the same period in 2006, which generated a foreign exchange loss of Ps. 29.6 million. Both effects were partially compensated by a higher interest income generated by current investments and the accrual of lower interest expenses generated by a reduced indebtedness.



Other income / (expense), net


Other income, net recorded in the first semester of 2006 included an advance collected by Ps. 8.3 million with respect to an insurance liquidation associated with the damage in 2005 of a facility located at the Cerri Complex.


Income tax

Income tax expense increased by Ps. 4.0 million in the 2006 first semester compared to the same period of 2005, basically as a result of a higher accrual for Ps. 10.9 million in the 2006 period, partially offset by a higher reversal of a tax loss carry-forward allowance for Ps. 5.5 million.




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3. Liquidity


The Company’s primary sources and uses of cash during the six-month periods ended June 30, 2006 and 2005, are shown in the table below:


 

2006

2005

Variation

 

(in millions of Pesos)

Cash flows provided by operating activities

304.9

245.2

59.7

Cash flows used in investing activities

(61.4)

(93.6)

32.2

Cash flows used in financing activities

(148.0)

(138.0)

(10.0)

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

95.5

13.6

81.9



Cash flows from operating activities for the six-month period ended June 30, 2006, amounted to Ps. 304.9 million. These funds were applied as follows: (i) to investing activities Ps. 61.4 million, (ii) to financing activities Ps. 148 million and (iii) the remainder to increase TGS’s cash position.



4. Second quarter 2006 vs. Second quarter 2005


The following table presents a summary of the consolidated results of operations for the second quarters ended June 30, 2006 and 2005:




 

2006

2005

Variation

 

(In millions of Pesos)

Net revenues

300.6

234.4

66.2

Gas transportation

124.0

113.5

10.5

NGL production and commercialization

148.8

105.4

43.4

Other services

27.8

15.5

12.3

Cost of sales

(150.3)

(123.7)

(26.6)

Operating costs

(103.2)

(75.4)

(27.8)

Depreciation and amortization

(47.1)

(48.3)

 1.2

Gross profit

150.3

110.7

39.6

Administrative and selling expenses

 (22.7)

 (16.3)

(6.4)

Operating income

127.6

94.4

33.2

Other income / (expenses), net

7.3

(6.9)

14.2

Equity in earnings of affiliates

(0.1)

0.7

(0.8)

Net financial expense

 (40.4)

 (28.2)

(12.2)

Income tax

  (5.6)

3.8

(9.4)

Net income

88.8

63.8

25.0



Total net revenues for the second quarter of 2006 increased by 28.2% in comparison with the same period in 2005. Gas transportation revenue for the second quarter of 2006 presented a Ps. 10.5 million increase over the same quarter of 2005. This increase primarily reflects additional firm transportation services generated by the San Martín pipeline expansion that became operational in July and August 2005.  NGL production and commercialization revenues increased by Ps. 43.4 million in the second quarter 2006, as compared to the same period in 2005, mainly due to a rise of international reference prices, an increase in the export volumes sold and increased price of ethane agreed with Polisur.  In the second quarter of 2006, Other Services revenues increased in Ps. 12.3 million compared to the same period of 2005. This increase is mainly due to the effect of higher revenues generated by construction services rendered in the second quarter of 2006.


Costs of sales and administrative and selling expenses for the second quarter of 2006 rose by Ps. 33.0 million, from Ps. 140.0 million registered in the second quarter of 2005 to Ps. 173.0 million for the same



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period of 2006, mainly due to higher accruals for easement expenses associated with the Gas Transportation business segment.


Other income, net amounted to Ps. 7.3 million in the three-month period ended June 30, 2006, which included an advance of Ps. 8.3 million collected with respect to an insurance liquidation associated with the damage in 2005 of a facility located at the Cerri Complex. In the same quarter of 2005, other expenses, net included a Ps. 3.2 million increase due to the allowance accounted for a turnover tax claim, made by Buenos Aires Province on NGL sales billed since 2002.


Net financial expense increased from the Ps. 28.2 million reported for the second quarter of 2005 to Ps. 40.4 million in the same quarter of 2006. The increase of Ps. 12.2 million is mostly attributable to the impact of the revaluation of the Argentine peso against the US dollar in the second quarter of 2005 on TGS dollar-denominated net monetary position which generated a foreign exchange gain of Ps. 21.8 million. This effect was partially offset by a higher interest income generated by current investments and lower accrual of interest expenses generated by a reduced indebtedness.


Income tax expense reported a Ps. 9.4 million negative variation in the second quarter of 2006 compared to the same period of 2005, basically as a result of a higher accrual for Ps. 14.5 million in the 2006 quarter, reflecting the higher net income before income tax of this quarter, partially offset by a higher reversal of a tax loss carry-forward allowance for Ps. 3.7 million.

 


5. Consolidated Balance Sheet Summary


Summary of the consolidated balance sheet information as of June 30, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003 and 2002.


 

(in thousands of Argentine pesos as described in Note 2.b. to the consolidated financial statements)

 

2006

2005

2004

2003

2002

Current assets

840,598

549,920

1,062,868

530,308

364,458

Non-current assets

4,432,464

4,512,867

4,590,968

4,668,861

6,114,751

Total

5,273,062

5,062,787

5,653,836

5,199,169

6,479,209

      

Current liabilities

316,468

265,469

3,529,408

3,103,921

2,289,216

Non-current liabilities

2,353,165

2,433,751

17,989

8,746

2,323,039

Subtotal

2,669,633

2,699,220

3,547,397

3,112,667

4,612,255

Shareholders’ equity

2,603,429

2,363,567

2,106,439

2,086,502

1,866,954

Total

5,273,062

5,062,787

5,653,836

5,199,169

6,479,209




6. Consolidated Statements Of Income Summary


Summary of the consolidated statements of income information for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003 and 2002.


 

(in thousands of Argentine pesos as described in Note 2.b. to the consolidated financial statements)

 

2006

2005

2004

2003

2002

Operating income

295,360

194,328

222,083

184,808

253,637

Other income / (expense), net

6,922

(1,989)

(1,340)

(1,255)

(1,932)

Equity in (losses) / earnings of affiliates

(668)

870

(229)

3,657

1,863

Net financial expense

(113,701)

(31,587)

(160,211)

(9,132)

(799,431)

Net income / (loss) before income tax

187,913

161,622

60,303

178,078

(545,863)

Income tax (expense) / benefit

(8,591)

 (4,655)

(12,536)

135,926

31,917

Net income / (loss)

179,322

156,967

47,767

314,004

(513,946)



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7. Statistical Data (Physical Units)



 

Second semester ended June 30,

Second quarter ended June 30,

 

2006

2005

2004

2003

2002

2006

2005

2004

2003

2002

Gas Transportation

          

Average firm contracted capacity (thousands of m³/d)


71,516


65,405


62,754


61,485


61,545


71,633


65,811


63,716


61,633


61,504

Average daily deliveries (thousands of  m³/d)


63,402


63,264


60,518


54,237


48,783


68,522


67,896


65,927


62,741


56,094


NGL production and commercialization

          

*

Production

          

Ethane (metric tons “mt”)

184,743

160,794

183,281

170,453

166,270

95,245

85,357

86,783

83,795

89,602

Propane and butane (mt)

265,018

206,920

264,485

236,809

250,981

128,078

102,665

119,625

126,970

139,115

Natural Gasoline (mt)

56,188

44,424

54,630

45,513

47,075

26,693

23,013

24,283

25,120

26,900

*

Local market sales (a)

          

Ethane (mt)

184,743

160,794

183,281

170,453

166,270

95,245

85,357

86,783

83,795

89,602

Propane and butane (mt)

127,578

127,028

146,157

128,886

127,154

71,768

80,922

96,245

71,677

82,412

Natural Gasoline (mt)

2,134

1,934

6,128

 5,303

7,808

910

726

3,425

  3,065

4,939

*

Exports (a)

          

Propane and butane (mt)

128,816

73,966

132,094

110,508

 118,655

37,757

18,936

41,678

58,075

58,574

Natural Gasoline (mt)

51,602

40,672

48,016

37,980

38,193

19,889

20,050

18,030

23,607

26,324

(a) Includes natural gas processed on behalf of third parties.




8. Comparative ratios


 

As of June 30,

 

2006

2005

2004

2003

2002

Liquidity (Current assets to current liabilities)

2.66

2.07

0.30

0.17

0.16

Shareholder’s equity to total liabilities

0.98

0.88

0.59

0.67

0.40

Non current assets to total assets

0.84

0.89

0.81

0.90

0.94





9. Other Information


TGS share market value in Buenos Aires Stock Exchange at closing of last business day



 

2006

2005

2004

2003

2002

January

3.25

3.37

3.16

1.06

1.78

February

3.20

3.55

3.06

1.29

1.20

March

3.19

3.40

3.08

1.22

1.05

April

3.11

3.04

2.54

1.66

0.82

May

3.04

3.60

2.38

1.63

0.64

June

3.01

3.26

2.37

1.77

0.51

July

 

3.65

2.53

1.76

0.61

August

 

3.64

2.58

1.67

0.95

September

 

3.79

2.86

1.87

0.94

October

 

3.80

3.06

1.88

1.10

November

 

3.50

3.03

2.18

1.27

December

 

3.36

3.05

2.65

1.10






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10. Outlook


TGS’s key goal is the re-composition of the Company’s economic value for its shareholders through the outlining of a predictable and stable regulatory framework, including an overall tariff review which will restore the profitability of our regulated business. The Company should also reach agreements related to the expansion regime. Moreover, TGS is determined to support any initiative to increase the transportation capacity of its pipeline, as long as it does not affect its shareholders’ economic interests.   


In the NGL production and commercialization segment, TGS will focus its strategy on the improvement of margins and the increase of production volumes, by means of long-term agreements with producers for gas supply and strategic alliances with customers. The Company is certain that this course of action will enable TGS to seize further market opportunities. In the Other Services segment, its future strategy is aimed at positioning TGS in transportation infrastructure, liquids and midstream businesses, both in the local and regional markets.

 

The Company will also strive to maintain its high operational standards, its high reliability and availability indicators, ensuring overall operative efficiency and implementing -among other steps- a procurement strategy for the main goods and services that are pivotal to its competitiveness.




Buenos Aires, July 31, 2006.





                                                                                   João Bezerra

                                                                                  Chairman





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TRANSPORTADORA DE GAS DEL SUR S.A.

AND ITS SUBSIDIARY


NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE SIX-MONTH PERIODS ENDED JUNE 30, 2006 AND 2005

(Amounts stated in thousands of constant Argentine pesos as described in Note 2.b,

except for per share and per ADS amounts in constant Argentine pesos or where otherwise indicated)



  1.

BUSINESS DESCRIPTION


Transportadora de Gas del Sur S.A. (“the Company” or “TGS”) is one of the companies created as a result of the privatization of Gas del Estado S.E. (“GdE”). The Company commenced commercial transactions on December 29, 1992 and it is engaged in the transportation of natural gas and production and commercialization of natural gas liquids (“NGL”) in Argentina. TGS’s pipeline system connects major gas fields in southern and western Argentina with distributors of gas in those areas and in the greater Buenos Aires area. The gas transportation license to operate this system for a period of thirty-five years (“the License”) was exclusively granted to the Company. TGS is entitled to a one-time extension of ten years provided that it has essentially met the obligations imposed by the License and by Ente Nacional Regulador del Gas (National Gas Regulatory Agency or “ENARGAS”). The General Cerri Gas Processing Complex (the “Cerri Complex”), where the Company processes natural gas by extracting NGL, was transferred along with the gas transmission assets. The Company also renders “midstream” services, which mainly consist of gas treatment, removal of impurities from the natural gas stream, gas compression, wellhead gas gathering and pipeline construction, operation, and maintenance services.


TGS’s controlling shareholder is Compañía de Inversiones de Energía S.A. (“CIESA”), which holds approximately 55.3% of the Company’s common stock. Local and foreign investors hold the remaining ownership of TGS’s common stock. CIESA is owned 50% by Petrobras Energía and a subsidiary of Petrobras Energía, 40% by an Argentine affiliate of ABN AMRO BANK N.V. Trust, (“the Trust”), and the remainder 10% by a subsidiary of Enron Corp. (“Enron”).


The current ownership of CIESA’s common stock is the result of the first stage of the Master Settlement and Mutual Release Agreement (the “Settlement Agreement”), signed by Petrobras Energía and Enron subsidiaries on April 16, 2004. The shareholding exchange was carried out on August 29, 2005, after the ENARGAS approval by Note No. 4,858 issued in July 2005. In this stage, Enron subsidiaries transferred 40% of the outstanding share capital of CIESA to the Trust; and Petrobras Energía and its subsidiaries transferred their TGS class “B” common shares (accounting for 7.35% of the outstanding share capital of TGS) to Enron subsidiaries.


The second stage will be implemented through the Restructuring Agreement signed on September 7, 2005 among CIESA, its current shareholders and its creditors. This agreement consists of two stages: the first one that is the partial refinancing of CIESA’s indebtedness (due in April 2002) for approximately US$23 million that has been completed, and the second one that will be achieved once the approvals of the Comisión Nacional de Valores (the Argentine National Securities Commission or “CNV”), ENARGAS and Comisión Nacional de la Defensa de la Competencia are obtained, the cancellation of the remaining debt (whose principal amounts to US$ 201 million) through CIESA’s transfer to its creditors of TGS class “B” common shares that accounts for approximately 4.3% of TGS’s common stock (which will be simultaneously exchanged for the 10% of CIESA’s outstanding shares held by a subsidiary of Enron), and the issuance of new CIESA’s shares in such a manner that the creditors will hold 50% of the common stock, while the remaining 50% will be held by Petrobras Energía.



2.

BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES


The Company’s consolidated interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in force in the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires (“Argentine GAAP”), (except for what is mentioned in b. in the present note) and the regulations of the CNV and ENARGAS, Argentine GAAP differs in certain significant respects from generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“US GAAP”). Such differences involve methods of measuring the amounts shown in the financial statements, as well as additional disclosures required by US GAAP and Regulation S-X of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). These consolidated interim financial statements do not include any valuation adjustments or additional disclosures to reflect such differences.


The consolidated interim financial statements include the accounts of TGS and its subsidiary Telcosur S.A. (“Telcosur”), which have been consolidated following the methodology established in Technical Resolution (“TR”) No. 21 of the Argentine Federation of Professional Councils in Economic Sciences (“Argentine Federation”). The accounting policies followed by Telcosur in the preparation of its financial information are consistent with those applied by TGS. All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.



5





TRANSPORTADORA DE GAS DEL SUR S.A.

AND ITS SUBSIDIARY


NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE SIX-MONTH PERIODS ENDED JUNE 30, 2006 AND 2005

(Amounts stated in thousands of constant Argentine pesos as described in Note 2.b,

except for per share and per ADS amounts in constant Argentine pesos or where otherwise indicated)



Detailed data reflecting subsidiary direct control as of June 30, 2006 and 2005, and December 31, 2005 is as follows:


Company

% of shareholding and votes

Closing date

Legal address

      

Telcosur S.A.

 

99.98 %

 

          December 31,

Don Bosco 3672, 6th Floor

     

Autonomous City of Buenos Aires

      

For consolidation purposes for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2006 and 2005 unaudited financial statements of Telcosur have been used. For the year ended December 31, 2005, audited financial statements of Telcosur have been used.



a)

Use of estimates


The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Estimates are used when accounting for the allowance for doubtful accounts, depreciation, amortization, impairment of long-lived assets, income taxes and contingencies. Actual results could be significantly different from such estimates.


Interim consolidated financial statements for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2006 and 2005 are unaudited. The unaudited interim consolidated financial statements include, in the opinion of the management, all adjustments, consisting only of normal adjustments that are considered necessary for a fair presentation of the information in the financial statements. Results for six-month periods ended June 30, 2006 and 2005 do not necessarily reflect the portion of the Company’s result for the complete fiscal year.

 


b)

Presentation of consolidated financial statements in constant Argentine pesos


The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in constant Argentine pesos, recognizing the overall effects of inflation up to August 31, 1995. As from that date, in line with professional accounting standards and the requirements of the control authorities, the Company discontinued the restatement of its financial statements until December 31, 2001.


As established by Resolution No. 3/2002 of the Professional Council in Economic Sciences of Autonomous City of Buenos Aires (“CPCECABA”) and Resolution No. 415 of the CNV, as from January 1, 2002, the Company resumed the recognition of the effects of inflation in these consolidated financial statements, following the provisions of TR No. 6, as amended by TR No. 19, both issued by the Argentine Federation.  Accounting measurements restated due to the change in the purchasing power of the currency up to August 31, 1995, as well as those which have been originated between that date and December 31, 2001, are stated in the currency value as of the later date.


On March 25, 2003, the Executive Branch issued Decree No. 664, which provides that financial statements for periods ending after such date shall be stated in historical Argentine pesos. As a consequence and in accordance with Resolution No. 441, issued by the CNV, the Company suspended inflation accounting effective March 1, 2003.



c)

Harmonization of accounting standards


In August 2005, CPCECABA approved the Resolution CD No. 93/05, which incorporates changes in the professional accounting standards, as a consequence of an agreement with the Argentine Federation in order to harmonize accounting standards in Argentina. The above mentioned resolution will come into effect as from January 1, 2006, however the application of certain standards is mandatory as from January 1, 2008. Nevertheless,



6





TRANSPORTADORA DE GAS DEL SUR S.A.

AND ITS SUBSIDIARY


NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE SIX-MONTH PERIODS ENDED JUNE 30, 2006 AND 2005

(Amounts stated in thousands of constant Argentine pesos as described in Note 2.b,

except for per share and per ADS amounts in constant Argentine pesos or where otherwise indicated)



in December 2005, the CNV issued Resolutions No. 485 and No. 487, which adopt the resolution issued by the CPCECABA with certain modifications, and its application is required for the fiscal years started as from January 1, 2006.


The new accounting standards establish, among other things: (i) specific risk of the assets; (ii) the valuation at nominal value of deferred tax assets and liabilities and (iii) the recognition of the effects of the inflation adjustment as a temporary difference for purposes of the calculation of the deferred tax position. If the company has not previously recognized this difference as temporary, it is permitted not to record the resulting deferred tax liability, but the company should disclose it in notes to the financial statements instead. The Company decided to apply this last criterion (Note 2.l).



d)

Short-term receivables and liabilities in currency


Short-term receivables and liabilities, including accrued interest if applicable at the end of each period / year, have been valued at their respective nominal amount, which does not materially differ from the present value of the future cash flow that the receivables and liabilities will generate, using the internal rate of return estimated at inception.



e)

Foreign currency assets and liabilities


Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies, including accrued interest, if applicable, have been translated at the prevailing exchange rates at the end of each period / year. Detailed information is disclosed in Exhibit G.



f)

Inventories


Inventories consist of natural gas in the pipeline system owned by TGS in excess of line pack, which is classified as property, plant and equipment, and in the hands of third parties, and NGL obtained from natural gas processing at the Cerri Complex. The Company values these inventories at replacement or reproduction cost, as applicable, at the end of each year. The carrying value of inventories does not exceed its recoverable value.



g)

Current investments


Bank accounts, private bonds and fixed-term deposits in local and foreign currency have been valued at their face values plus accrued interest, which do not materially differ from their discounted value using the internal rate of return effective at inception.


Mutual funds and government bonds in foreign currency have been valued at their respective fair value.



h)

Long-term receivables and liabilities in currency

Long-term receivables and liabilities (except for deferred tax assets and liabilities and asset tax credit as described below) have been valued based on the best estimate of the discounted value of the amounts expected to be collected or paid, as applicable, using the interest rate effective at the time of the initial measurement.

Loans have been valued based on the present value of the amounts expected to be paid, using the internal rate of return estimated at the inception of the transaction. This rate does not significantly differ from the market interest rate at that moment.





7





TRANSPORTADORA DE GAS DEL SUR S.A.

AND ITS SUBSIDIARY


NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE SIX-MONTH PERIODS ENDED JUNE 30, 2006 AND 2005

(Amounts stated in thousands of constant Argentine pesos as described in Note 2.b,

except for per share and per ADS amounts in constant Argentine pesos or where otherwise indicated)



Assets and liabilities generated as a result of the application of the deferred tax method (net of the valuation allowance for non-recoverable deferred tax assets) and the asset tax credit have been calculated at their nominal value.



i)

Non-current investments


Equity investments in companies in which the Company’s ownership interest ranges between 20% and 50%, such as Gas Link S.A. (“Link”), Transporte y Servicios de Gas en Uruguay S.A. (“TGU”) and Emprendimientos de Gas del Sur S.A. (“EGS”), have been accounted for under the equity method. These investments have been valued based on the financial statements at the dates specified in Exhibit C, which have been prepared applying similar criteria to those used by the Company to prepare its consolidated financial statements. As of June 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, the investment in Link has been adjusted by Ps. 4,453 and Ps. 4,538, respectively, due to the elimination of intercompany profits.


The Company considers its foreign subsidiary TGU to be a “non-integrated subsidiary”. Consequently, TGU’s assets and liabilities have been translated into Argentine pesos using the exchange rate in effect at year-end, while its common stock and retained earnings accounts have been translated using historical exchange rates.


As of  March 31, 2006, EGS recorded losses that exceeded the book value of the investment booked by the Company. Due to the intention of the shareholders of supporting the company’s operations, this loss was recorded in the finantial statements and said investment was exposed in Other Liabilities.


The Company’s management is not aware of any significant transactions or events affecting EGS, Link and TGU financial statements, and there have been no significant transactions between TGS and these companies between March  31, 2006 and June 30, 2006.



j)

Property, plant and equipment, net


-

Assets transferred from the privatization of GdE: The value of these assets was determined based on the price paid for the acquisition of 70% of the Company’s common stock, which amounted to US$ 561,2 million. This price was the basis to determine a total value of common stock of US$ 801,7 million, which, when added to the debt assumed under the Company’s privatization agreement (the “Transfer Agreement”) of US$ 395.0 million, resulted in a total value for property, plant and equipment of US$ 1,196.7 million.  Such value, converted at the exchange rate in effect as of the date of the Transfer Agreement, has been restated for the effects of inflation as described in Note 2.b).


-

Line pack: It represents the natural gas in the transportation system that is necessary to keep the system at operating capacity, valued at acquisition cost and restated for the effects of inflation as described in Note 2.b).


-

Capitalization of exchange loss: Resolutions No. 3/2002 and 87/03 issued by the CPCECABA established that exchange losses arising from the devaluation of the peso from January 6, 2002 to July 28, 2003, to the extent that they were related to foreign currency liabilities existing at the first date, are to be added to the cost basis of assets acquired or constructed with direct financing by such foreign currency liabilities. Similar accounting treatment is permitted, but not required, for exchange losses arising from indirect financing. It was assumed that the proceeds from such financings were used, firstly, to cover working capital requirements and, secondly, to finance the acquisition or construction of assets that do not qualify for capitalization. The remainder was assumed to relate to assets for which capitalization is permitted.


-

Additions: They have been valued at acquisition cost restated for the effects of inflation as described in Note 2.b). The Company has capitalized all the investments stipulated as mandatory in the License during the first five-year period, in order to achieve system integrity and public safety equal to those required by international standards. Such investments included, among others, the costs of survey programs related to



8





TRANSPORTADORA DE GAS DEL SUR S.A.

AND ITS SUBSIDIARY


NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE SIX-MONTH PERIODS ENDED JUNE 30, 2006 AND 2005

(Amounts stated in thousands of constant Argentine pesos as described in Note 2.b,

except for per share and per ADS amounts in constant Argentine pesos or where otherwise indicated)



internal and external pipeline inspection, cathodic protection and pipeline replacement and recoating. Additionally, Resolutions No. 1,660 and No. 1,903 issued by ENARGAS include definitions prescribing which costs should be considered improvements and which costs should be considered maintenance expenses. Repair and maintenance costs have been expensed as incurred.


- Depreciation: The Company applied the straight-line method assigning specific useful lives for all assets allocated to transportation service and to the NGL production and commercialization. Assets allocated to natural gas transportation service are regulated by Resolutions No. 1,660 and No.1,903 issued by ENARGAS which establish maximum useful lives applicable to each component of such assets.


Regarding the NGL production and commercialization assets, TGS applied individual depreciation rates to the different class of capital assets.


For depreciation of all other property, plant and equipment, the Company uses the straight-line method of depreciation and applies the annual depreciation rates disclosed in Exhibit A. Gain or loss on retirement of these assets is recognized in income in the year in which such retirement occurs.


Capitalized exchange loss is depreciated over the remaining useful lives of the assets that led to such capitalization.


- Financial charges capitalization: The company capitalizes interest and other financial charges on long term construction projects. Interest capitalized was Ps. 1,640 and Ps. 318 for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively.


Based on the projections made as discussed in Note 2.a) and c), the Company’s management believes that the recorded value of property, plant and equipment does not exceed its recoverable value.



k)

Intangible assets


Intangible assets have been valued at their historical cost, restated to account for the effects of inflation as described in Note 2.b), less accumulated amortization.


The amortization of pre-operating costs, organization costs, cancellation costs of commitments undertaken under the Transfer Agreement and other costs was calculated over a period of primarily thirty-five years through December 31, 2000. Starting January 1, 2001, the net book value of these costs as of December 31, 2000 was amortized over a five-year period. The licenses’ acquisition cost of is being amortized over a five-year period.  



l)

Income tax provision


The Company and its subsidiary have calculated their respective income taxes using the deferred tax method, which considers the effect of temporary differences between the financial reporting and income tax bases of accounting.


To estimate deferred tax assets and liabilities, the tax rate expected to be in effect at the time of utilization was applied to identify temporary differences and tax loss carryforwards based on the legal requirements effective at the time of preparation of these consolidated interim financial statements.



9





TRANSPORTADORA DE GAS DEL SUR S.A.

AND ITS SUBSIDIARY


NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE SIX-MONTH PERIODS ENDED JUNE 30, 2006 AND 2005

(Amounts stated in thousands of constant Argentine pesos as described in Note 2.b,

except for per share and per ADS amounts in constant Argentine pesos or where otherwise indicated)



Income tax expense for the six- month periods ended June 30, 2006 and 2005 consist of the following:


 

2006

2005

Income tax for tax purposes

(685)

(253)

Temporary differences variation

(7,906)

(4,402)

Tax loss carryforwards utilization

(73,485)

(67,926)

Deferred tax assets allowance

73,485

67,926

Income tax expense

(8,591)

(4,655)



The components of the net deferred tax asset and liabilities as of June 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005 are the following:


Non current deferred tax assets and liabilities

06/30/2006

12/31/2005

Allowance for doubtful accounts

98

98

Deferred revenues

(772)

(800)

Present value other receivables

4,258

3,387

Property, plant and equipment, net

(82,637)

(84,050)

Other provisions

622

848

Provision for contingencies

9,563

8,574

Deferred exchange difference (1)

14,500

29,001

Foreign exchange gain generated by current investments

494

(1,198)

Accrued interest from loans

13,530

11,548

Vacation allowance

1,228

1,382

Tax loss carryforwards

195,949

269,434

Deferred tax assets allowance

(71,064)

(144,549)

Net deferred tax asset

85,769

93,675

(1) Corresponds to the loss caused by the devaluation of the Argentine Peso as of December 31, 2002 which according to Decree No. 2,568/02, will be deductible for income tax purposes in five years from 2002 to 2006.


Income tax expense computed at the statutory tax rate (35%) on pre-tax income differs from the income tax expense for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2006 and 2005 as follows:


 

2006

2005

Pre-tax income

187,913

161,622

Statutory income tax rate

35%

35%

Income tax expense at statutory income tax rate

    (65,770)

    (56,568)

Permanent differences at statutory income tax rate

  

  - Inflation adjustment

(16,444)

(18,574)

  - Variation in deferred tax assets allowance

73,485

67,926

  - Exempt incomes or non deductible expenses

734

618

  - Others, not individually significant

(596)

1,943

Total net income tax expense

(8,591)

(4,655)


The accumulated tax loss carryforwards on a consolidated basis that are available to offset future taxable income are the following:


Description

Amount  

Year of expiration

Tax loss carryforward 2002 (1)

767,855

2007

Utilization in 2006

(208,000)

 

Accumulated tax loss carryforward

559,855

 

(1)

Remainder after the filing of the tax return form for fiscal year 2005.





10





TRANSPORTADORA DE GAS DEL SUR S.A.

AND ITS SUBSIDIARY


NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE SIX-MONTH PERIODS ENDED JUNE 30, 2006 AND 2005

(Amounts stated in thousands of constant Argentine pesos as described in Note 2.b,

except for per share and per ADS amounts in constant Argentine pesos or where otherwise indicated)




In assessing the recoverability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become recoverable. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income and tax planning in making these assessments. The Company is required to continuously evaluate the recoverability of deferred tax assets. This evaluation is based on internal projections made as discussed in Note 2.a), which are routinely updated to reflect more recent trends in the Company’s results of operations. Based on current financial information, the Company is uncertain that it will recover its entire deferred tax assets through future taxable income. Accordingly, at June 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, the Company recognized a valuation allowance of Ps. 71,064 and Ps. 144,549 against its deferred tax assets, respectively.


As mentioned in Note 2.c), TGS has decided to disclose in note to the consolidated financial statements the deferred tax liability generated by the net book value of the inflation adjustment included in the accounting value of the property, plant and equipment. Such deferred tax liability does not constitute a liability but it is reversed at the time this book value is depreciated. In compliance with Resolution No. 487 of the CNV, TGS informs that, in the case that liability had been recognized, the deferred tax liability as of June 30, 2006, would have increased in Ps. 740,524, generating a net liability position of Ps. 654,789 and an impact of Ps. 756,935 in the “Adjustment to prior years” account and an effect of Ps. 16,411 on the Company’s net income would have been recognized. Additionally, in 2006 and subsequent years, TGS would have recorded a lower income tax expense as follows:


 

Amount

From 07-01-06 to 12-31-06

17,754

Year 2007

32,062

Year 2008

31,239

Year 2009

30,960

Year 2010

30,666

Year 2011 onwards

597,843

Total

740,524




m)

Asset tax provision


The Company and its subsidiary are subject to the Asset Tax Law (“Impuesto a la Ganancia Mínima Presunta”). The asset tax is calculated on an individual entity basis at the statutory tax rate of 1%, and is based upon the taxable assets of each Argentine entity as of the end of the year. This tax is complementary to income tax and the Company is required to pay the greater of the income tax or the asset tax. Any excess of the asset tax over the income tax may be carried forward and recognized as a payment on account of any excess of income tax over asset tax occurring within the subsequent ten years.


In the opinion of management, it is probable that the Company will utilize such asset against future taxable income charges within the next ten years and, as a result, the Company has recognized the accumulated asset tax charge within “Other non-current receivables” in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. This tax credit has been recorded at its nominal value according to what it is mentioned in Note 2.h).



11





TRANSPORTADORA DE GAS DEL SUR S.A.

AND ITS SUBSIDIARY


NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE SIX-MONTH PERIODS ENDED JUNE 30, 2006 AND 2005

(Amounts stated in thousands of constant Argentine pesos as described in Note 2.b,

except for per share and per ADS amounts in constant Argentine pesos or where otherwise indicated)




The breakdown of the asset tax credit as of June 30, 2006 is as follows:


Fiscal year

Amount

Year of expiration

2002

10,395

2012

2003

26,214

2013

2004

23,861

2014

2005

22,680

2015

2006

11,340

2016

Balance at the end of the year

94,490

 



n)

Allowances and provisions for contingencies


The Company provides for losses relating to its accounts receivable. The allowance for losses is based on management’s evaluation of various factors, including the credit risk of customers, historical trends and other information. While management uses the information available to make evaluations, future adjustments to the allowance may be necessary if future economic conditions differ substantially from the assumptions used in making the evaluations. Management has considered all events and/or transactions that are subject to reasonable and normal methods of estimation, and the consolidated interim financial statements reflect that consideration.


In addition, TGS has recognized a valuation allowance to adjust the remaining balance of the deferred tax assets included in the tax return at the end of each period / year, which based on the income projections, will be utilized before it expires.


The Company has certain contingent liabilities with respect to existing claims, lawsuits and other proceedings, including those involving legal and regulatory matters. The Company records liabilities when it is probable that future costs will be incurred and such costs can be reasonably estimated. Such accruals are based on developments known by TGS at the date of the issuance of these consolidated interim financial statements, estimates of the outcome of these matters and the experience of its legal counsel in contesting, litigating and settling other matters. As the scope of the contingent liabilities become better defined, there will be changes in the estimates of future costs, which could have a material effect on the Company's future results of operations and financial condition or liquidity.


Contingencies and allowances are disclosed in Note 9 and Exhibit E.



o)

Shareholders' equity accounts


These accounts have been restated to account for the effects of inflation as described in Note 2.b), except for "Common stock nominal value" which is stated at original cost. The adjustment derived from the restatement of such account has been disclosed under “Cumulative inflation adjustment to common stock”, line item in the Statement of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity.



p)

Revenue recognition


Firm transportation revenues are recognized based on the accrued contracted capacity reserved regardless of actual usage. For interruptible transportation services and certain NGL production and commercialization contracts, revenues are recognized upon the delivery of natural gas or gas liquids to customers, respectively. For other NGL production and other services contracts, revenues are recognized when services are rendered.




12





TRANSPORTADORA DE GAS DEL SUR S.A.

AND ITS SUBSIDIARY


NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE SIX-MONTH PERIODS ENDED JUNE 30, 2006 AND 2005

(Amounts stated in thousands of constant Argentine pesos as described in Note 2.b,

except for per share and per ADS amounts in constant Argentine pesos or where otherwise indicated)




q)

Statement of income accounts


Accounts relating to the statement of income have been recorded considering the following criteria:


-Accounts that accumulate monetary transactions, at their nominal value.


-Expenses related to consumption of non-monetary assets valued at their acquisition cost have been restated to reflect the effects of the inflation as described in Note 2.b).


-Equity in (losses) / earnings of affiliates were determined on the basis of TGS’ affiliates’ results and were disclosed under “Equity in (losses) / earnings of affiliates”.



r)

Earnings and dividends per share and per American Depositary Shares (“ADS”)


Earnings and dividends per share and per ADS for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2006 and 2005 have been calculated based on 794,495,283 outstanding shares during each period. One ADS represents five Class B shares. As the Company does not have preferred stock or convertible debt, the amount of basic earnings per share is the same as the amount of diluted earnings per share.




3.

CONSOLIDATED BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION


The Company's business segments are as follows: (i) natural gas transportation services through its pipeline system; (ii) NGL production and commercialization and (iii) other services, which include midstream and telecommunication services (the latter rendered by its subsidiary, Telcosur).


Operating income / (loss) consists of net revenues minus operating expenses. In the calculation of operating income / (loss), the following items have not been included: other income / (expenses), net, equity in (losses) / earnings of affiliates, net financial expense and income tax expense.


Assets and liabilities allocated to each segment are those used by the Company to develop each business, Assets and liabilities that cannot be allocated to a specific segment have been grouped under "Corporate" and include current investments and loans, among others.


There were no revenues among the business segments during the reported periods.



As of and for the six-month period

ended June 30, 2006


Gas Transportation

NGL Production and commercialization



Other services



Corporate



Total

Net revenues

245,910

348,307

46,131

-

640,348

Operating income / (loss)

106,973

191,206

16,807

(19,626)

295,360

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment

71,648

15,050

6,868

1,475

95,041

Additions to property, plant and equipment (includes work in progress)


34,994


7,331


12,877


1,058


56,260

Identifiable assets

3,848,256

427,813

184,845

812,148

5,273,062

Identifiable liabilities

91,759

63,069

8,852

2,505,953

2,669,633




13





TRANSPORTADORA DE GAS DEL SUR S.A.

AND ITS SUBSIDIARY


NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE SIX-MONTH PERIODS ENDED JUNE 30, 2006 AND 2005

(Amounts stated in thousands of constant Argentine pesos as described in Note 2.b,

except for per share and per ADS amounts in constant Argentine pesos or where otherwise indicated)





For the six-month period

ended June 30, 2005


Gas Transportation

NGL Production and commercialization


Other services

Corporate

Total

Net revenues

222,982

213,030

29,878

-

465,890

Operating income / (loss)

104,922

95,478

8,612

(14,684)

194,328

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment

69,600

14,399

6,779

1,153

91,931

Additions to property, plant and equipment (includes work in progress)


86,280


4,262


1,154


1,261


92,957



For the year

ended December 31, 2005

     

Identifiable assets

3,882,854

473,787

183,561

657,028

5,197,230

Identifiable liabilities

68,145

61,074

8,067

2,635,837

2,773,123




The Company renders services of gas transportation principally to gas distribution companies, to Petrobras Energía, to Profertil S.A. (“Profertil”) and to Repsol-YPF S.A. (“Repsol-YPF”). The main customers in terms of net revenues from gas transportation for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2006 and 2005 are as follows:


 

As of June 30,

 

2006

 

2005

MetroGAS S.A.

88,468

 

85,787

Camuzzi Gas Pampeana S.A.

44,514

 

39,623

Gas Natural BAN S.A.

35,054

 

30,432

Petrobras Energía

12,627

 

12,852

Camuzzi Gas del Sur S.A.

11,347

 

10,752

Profertil

5,789

 

5,787

Repsol-YPF

15,348

 

7,588


The main customers in the NGL production and commercialization segment are Petrobras International Finance Company (“PIFCO”), a subsidiary of Petrobras Petróleo Brasileiro S.A. and PBB-Polisur S.A. (“Polisur”). Net revenues from these customers (include NGL sales made on behalf of third parties, from which TGS withholds charges for the production and commercialization of NGL) for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2006 and 2005 are as follows:


                                                                                As of June 30,

  

2006

 

2005

PIFCO

 

    262,735

 

   127,640

Polisur

 

      114,981

 

     68,912



    




14





TRANSPORTADORA DE GAS DEL SUR S.A.

AND ITS SUBSIDIARY


NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE SIX-MONTH PERIODS ENDED JUNE 30, 2006 AND 2005

(Amounts stated in thousands of constant Argentine pesos as described in Note 2.b,

except for per share and per ADS amounts in constant Argentine pesos or where otherwise indicated)



4.     SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT BALANCE SHEET ITEMS AS OF JUNE 30, 2006 AND DECEMBER 31, 2005



  

06/30/2006

 

12/31/2005

a)

Current trade receivables

   
 

Gas transportation

   
 

MetroGAS S.A.

20,464

 

16,828

 

Camuzzi Gas Pampeana S.A.

8,557

 

8,252

 

Gas Natural BAN S.A.

7,551

 

7,489

 

Camuzzi Gas del Sur S.A.

2,360

 

1,982

 

Profertil

1,145

 

1,183

 

Repsol-YPF

6,452

 

5,758

 

Related companies

5,023

 

4,899

 

Others

11,274

 

11,860

 

Subtotal

62,826

 

58,251

     
 

NGL production and commercialization

   
 

Polisur

24,586

 

10,909

 

Pan American Energy LLC (Sucursal Argentina)

9,191

 

2,153

 

Total Austral S.A.

4,003

 

7,305

 

Sociedades relacionadas

33,796

 

68,751

 

Otros

10,268

 

6,081

 

Subtotal

81,844

 

95,199


     
 

Other services

   
 

Pan American Energy LLC (Argentine Branch)

5,690

 

7,438

 

Profertil

3,365

 

3,305

 

Sipetrol Argentina S.A.

8,939

 

-

 

Aluar Aluminio Argentino S.A.C.I.

6,132

 

-

 

Related companies

7,460

 

4,459

 

Others

13,557

 

11,880

 

Subtotal

45,143

 

27,082

     
 

Allowance for doubtful accounts (Exhibit E)

(920)

 

(920)

 

Total

188,893

 

179,612

     
     

b)

Other current receivables

   
 

Tax credits

14,229

 

8,004

 

Prepaid insurance expense

9,369

 

4,369

 

Advanced payments to suppliers

3,033

 

1,388

 

Others

7,372

 

8,019

 

Total

34,003

 

21,780

 


  

c)

Non-current trade receivables

   
 

Other services

   
 

Pan American Energy LLC (Argentine Branch)

-

 

2,368

 

Profertil

15,584

 

16,025

 

Total

15,584

 

18,393




15





TRANSPORTADORA DE GAS DEL SUR S.A.

AND ITS SUBSIDIARY


NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE SIX-MONTH PERIODS ENDED JUNE 30, 2006 AND 2005

(Amounts stated in thousands of constant Argentine pesos as described in Note 2.b,

except for per share and per ADS amounts in constant Argentine pesos or where otherwise indicated)





  

06/30/2006

 

12/31/2005

d)

Other non-current receivables

   
 

Deferred income tax  (Note 2.l)

85,769

 

93,675

 

Asset tax credit (Note 2.m)

94,490

 

80,085

 

Easement expense to be recovered

4,233

 

4,233

 

Others

4,193

 

4,169

 

Total

188,685

 

182,162

     
     

e)

Current accounts payable

   
 

Suppliers

93,179

 

91,146

 

Advanced payments from customers

41,994

 

31,968

 

Related companies (Note 10)

6,279

 

4,978

 

Total

141,452

 

128,092

     


f)

Taxes payable

   
 

Asset tax, net

9,591

 

6,364

 

Turnover tax

1,850

 

1,539

 

Value added tax (“VAT”)

3,709

 

-

 

Tax on exports

-

 

702

 

Others

1,108

 

2,595

 

Total

16,258

 

11,200


     

g)

Other liabilities

   
 

Provisions for contingencies (Exhibit E)

27,321

 

24,497

 

Provisions for GdE lawsuit  (1)

23,454

 

43,326

 

Other provisions

894

 

689

 

Total

51,669

 

68,512

  
     

h)

Non-current accounts payable

   
 

Advanced payments from customers

14,839

 

17,221

 

Total

14,839

 

17,221

(1) Net of the cost of Cordillerano Pipeline expansion which belongs to the Argentine Government. This cost amounted to Ps. 19,373 and Ps. 17,537 as of June 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, respectively, and was compensated of the final amount of the sentence, according to Decree No. 959/04.



5.   SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION


In the preparation of the consolidated statements of cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include investments with original maturities of three months or less. The Company uses the indirect method, which requires a series of adjustments to reconcile net income for the year to net cash flows from operating activities.


Cash and cash equivalents at the end of each period are as follows:


 

As of June 30,

 

2006

2005

Cash and deposits in banks

5,337

2,903

Current investments, net

601,270

345,260

Total

606,607

348,163



16





TRANSPORTADORA DE GAS DEL SUR S.A.

AND ITS SUBSIDIARY


NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE SIX-MONTH PERIODS ENDED JUNE 30, 2006 AND 2005

(Amounts stated in thousands of constant Argentine pesos as described in Note 2.b,

except for per share and per ADS amounts in constant Argentine pesos or where otherwise indicated)







Non-cash transactions are as follows:


 

As of June 30,

 

2006

2005

Supplier financing to acquisition of Properties, plant

And equipments


1,685


4,255

Financial charges capitalization

(501)

(1,472)


Cash flows resulting from operations include net financial expense generated by cash and cash equivalent as of June 30, 2006 and 2005 for Ps. 21,043 and (Ps. 3,072), respectively.




6.  LOANS


Detailed information of TGS’s debt profile as of June 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005 is as follows:


 

06/30/2006

 

12/31/2005

Current Loans:

   

Tranche A:

   

2004 Euro medium – term notes (“EMTN”) Program:  Series 1 notes

51,107

 

63,930

Privately placed notes

7,925

 

9,875

Inter-American Development Bank (“IDB”) loans

27,897

 

34,835

    

1999 EMTN Program: Series 2 notes (1)

93

 

379

    

Interests payable

7,159

 

7,510

Leases (rates between 7.65% and 9.00%)

3,000

 

2,765

Total current loans

97,181

 

119,294


    

Non current loans:

   

Tranche A

   

2004 EMTN Program:  Series 1 notes

563,381

 

625,675

Privately placed notes

87,304

 

96,995

IDB loans

307,330

 

341,371

    

Tranches B-A and B-B

   

2004 EMTN Program:  Series 1 notes

787,846

 

774,061

Privately placed notes

122,095

 

119,958

IDB loans

429,778

 

422,258

    

Interests payable

38,658

 

32,995

Leases (rates between 7.65% and 9.00%), due through 2008

1,934

 

3,130

Total non-current loans

2,338,326

 

2,416,443

Total loans

2,435,507

 

2,535,737

(1) Corresponds to notes that were not tendered in the debt exchange.



Debt corresponding to Tranches A, B-A and B-B was issued in December 2004 and was meant to refinance and restructure the terms and conditions of the previous loans, which payments of interest and amortization of principal were suspended in May 2002.



17





TRANSPORTADORA DE GAS DEL SUR S.A.

AND ITS SUBSIDIARY


NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE SIX-MONTH PERIODS ENDED JUNE 30, 2006 AND 2005

(Amounts stated in thousands of constant Argentine pesos as described in Note 2.b,

except for per share and per ADS amounts in constant Argentine pesos or where otherwise indicated)




The principal terms of the Company’s outstanding debt obligations are as follows:


Description

Tranche A

Tranches B-A y B-B

Principal

US$ 470,306,281, which represents 52% of the total principal amount.

US$ 409,044,874 y US$ 25,083,940, respectively, representing approximately 48% of the principal amount.

Interests

Ranging from an annual rate of 5.3% for the first year to 7.5% in the last year, payable on a quarterly basis.

Ranging from an annual rate of 7% for the first year to 10% in the ninth year, payable on a quarterly basis,


The Tranche B-A debt obligations may also accrue additional interest from December 15, 2006 onwards at an incremental annual interest rate ranging from 0.75% to 2%, subject to, if applicable, the level of the Company’s consolidated adjusted EBITDA (as defined in the new debt obligations) for each applicable fiscal year. The Tranche B-B debt obligations will also accrue additional interest at an incremental annual rate starting at 0.60% in the third year and increasing by 5 basis points (0.05%) annually until such annual rate reaches 0.90% in the last year.

Principal amortization

Amortization quarterly payments commencing on March 15, 2005 until December 15, 2010.

Amortization quarterly payments commencing on March 15, 2011 until December 15, 2013.



The outstanding debt obligations include an accelerated amortization feature, referred to as “early cash surplus amortization”, the implementation and amount of which will depend on the Company’s consolidated debt ratio (relationship between the Company’s consolidated total indebtedness and consolidated adjusted EBITDA of the last four quarters -each as defined in the new debt obligations-) for the applicable fiscal period, the liquidity level and the amount of the Company’s cash surplus for such applicable fiscal period, as adjusted for certain subsequent payments that the Company makes. The Company is required to determine whether an early amortization amount is payable with respect to each fiscal year or portion thereof, occurring during the period from and including December 15, 2004 to and including December 15, 2010. Early amortization amounts will be calculated and, if applicable, paid to holders of the Company’s new debt obligations following the applicable reference period. The Company will also be required to determine whether an early amortization amount is payable for any semi-annual period occurring during the period set forth above with respect to which the Company makes a dividend payment to the Company’s shareholders. The Company may also, in its sole discretion, make an early amortization payment with respect to any fiscal quarter occurring during the period set forth above.


The schedule of future principal amortizations is as follows (subject to early cash surplus amortization):


 
 

In millions of Pesos

 

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

Tranche A

14

144

236

308

340

-

-

-

Tranches B-A and B-B

-

-

-

-

-

548

588

200


The new notes and privately placed notes in a principal amount of US$ 531,870,232 and US$ 82,424,863, respectively, were issued pursuant to the Company’s Global Program, which provides for the issuance of notes up to a maximum amount of US$ 800 million. The creation of the Global Program was approved by the Annual Shareholders’ Meeting held on April 2, 2004 and was authorized by the CNV on October 28, 2004. Public trading of notes was authorized by the Bolsa de Comercio de Buenos Aires ("BCBA") and the Mercado Abierto Electrónico (“MAE”).




18





TRANSPORTADORA DE GAS DEL SUR S.A.

AND ITS SUBSIDIARY


NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE SIX-MONTH PERIODS ENDED JUNE 30, 2006 AND 2005

(Amounts stated in thousands of constant Argentine pesos as described in Note 2.b,

except for per share and per ADS amounts in constant Argentine pesos or where otherwise indicated)



Covenants:


The Company is subject to several restrictive covenants under its new debt obligations which include, among others, the following:


i)

The Company may not incur new debt, except for the following, among others:


a.

Debt for the financing of working capital, including short-term financing or imports/exports financing, provided that the aggregate outstanding amount of this type of debt does not exceed US$ 25 million.


b.

Debt for the refinancing of the restructured debt.


c.

As from December 15, 2007, the Company may assume additional indebtedness provided that at the moment of incurring such debt the consolidated debt ratio is lower than 3.50 for any incurrence during the twelve-month period starting as from December 15, 2007. This cap decreases throughout the subsequent years to reach a minimum of 3.00 in the year 2013.  


d.

Outstanding financial leasing obligations shall not exceed US$ 10 million at any moment.


e.

Debt related to hedging or foreign currency agreements, provided that such agreements are not entered into for speculative purposes and are required to cover or manage the risk the Company is or is expected to be exposed to in the normal course of business.



ii)

The Company may not make capital expenditures, other than the following capital expenditures, among others:


a.

Capital expenditures without restrictions when related to (i) capital expenditures used in emergency unscheduled repairs and maintenance; (ii) capital expenditures to be financed by third parties through advance payments from customers and (iii) capital expenditures to be financed by capital contributions in cash or by the issuance of subordinated debt.


b.

Capital expenditures incurred in connection with maintenance activities, up to a maximum annual amount of US$ 26 million in 2004, increasing up to US$ 58 million in 2010 and subsequent years while the restructured debt remains outstanding. However, if in any fiscal year the total amount of capital expenditures is lower than the specified maximum amounts, the difference may be added to the maximum amount of the subsequent year.


c.

Capital expenditures not included in a. and b., out of an initial amount of US$ 75 million which may be increased when early payments of debt principal are made based on liquidity surplus accomplished at the end of each fiscal year.


d.

Any capital expenditures without any restriction from December 15, 2008, if the consolidated debt ratio (as defined in the new debt obligations) is lower than 3.00.


iii)

The Company may pay dividends as long as (i) the Company is not in default under the new debt obligations, (ii) an early cash surplus amortization payment is made and the additional interest payments, if any is required, in respect of the Tranche B debt obligations is made and, (iii) the consolidated coverage ratio at the closing of each annual or quarterly financial statement is higher than 2.70 in fiscal year 2005 (this minimum increases up to 3.00 for fiscal year 2009 and thereafter). The consolidated coverage ratio is the quotient of the consolidated adjusted EBITDA to the consolidated interest expense.


The aggregate amount of management fee and dividends paid shall not exceed US$ 15 million for fiscal years 2005 and 2006, US$ 20 million for fiscal year 2007 and US$ 25 million for fiscal year 2008 and subsequent years, as long as the new debt obligations remain outstanding.



19





TRANSPORTADORA DE GAS DEL SUR S.A.

AND ITS SUBSIDIARY


NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE SIX-MONTH PERIODS ENDED JUNE 30, 2006 AND 2005

(Amounts stated in thousands of constant Argentine pesos as described in Note 2.b,

except for per share and per ADS amounts in constant Argentine pesos or where otherwise indicated)




iv)

Restriction of asset sales: TGS shall not carry out any asset sales unless (i) the sale operation involves a non-regulated asset and is carried out as an arms-length transaction, (ii) the price at the transaction date is at least the fair market value of the assets sold and (iii) at least 75% of the payment received by the Company is in cash or a cash equivalent. Additionally, the proceeds obtained from non-regulated asset sales shall be used to repay the new debt obligations of the Company, unless they are reinvested in new assets within a year as from the date of the sale transaction, or the total amount of the sales made during the fiscal year does not exceed US$ 3 million.




7.

REGULATORY FRAMEWORK


a)

General framework and current tariff context:


The Company’s natural gas transportation business is regulated by Law No. 24,076 (“the Natural Gas Act”), its regulatory decree No. 1,738/92 and by regulations issued by ENARGAS, which is entitled, among other things, to set the basis for the calculation, monitoring and approval of tariffs. According to such regulatory framework, transportation tariffs should be calculated in US dollars and converted into Argentine pesos as of the billing date. The basic gas transportation tariffs charged by TGS were established at the time of privatization and must be adjusted, subject to prior authorization, in the following cases: (i) semi-annually to reflect changes in the US producer price index (“PPI”) and (ii) every five years according to efficiency and investment factors determined by ENARGAS. The efficiency factor is a reduction to the base tariff resulting from future efficiency programs while the investment factor increases the tariffs to compensate the licensees for future investments which are not repaid through tariffs. Also, subject to ENARGAS approval, tariffs must be adjusted to reflect non-recurrent circumstances or tax changes, other than income tax.


The terms mentioned above in connection with tariff adjustments contemplated within the regulatory framework are no longer effective since the enactment of the Public Emergency Law in early 2002 (the “Emergency Law”), which, among other provisions, eliminated tariff increases based on US dollar exchange rate fluctuations, foreign price indexes or any other indexing procedure and established a conversion rate of one peso to one US dollar for tariffs. The Emergency Law also granted the Executive Branch power to renegotiate contracts entered into with private utility companies, pursuant to the framework included in the said Law.


In July 2003, the Unit for Renegotiation and Assessment of Utilities Contracts (“UNIREN”) was created under the joint jurisdiction of the Ministry of Economy and Production and the Ministry of Federal Planning, Public Investment and Services. UNIREN conducts the renegotiation process of the contracts related to utilities and public works, and is entitled to enter into total or partial agreements with the licensees and submit projects regulating the transitory adjustment of tariffs and prices, among other things. At the end of 2003, the UNIREN submitted the “Preliminary Renegotiation Guidelines” to TGS including a draft agenda with main issues to be discussed during the renegotiation process such as costs, investment programs and financing, rates of return and tariffs, etc, and a renegotiation schedule which set December 28, 2004 as the deadline for the adjustment of the regulatory framework with the approval of the National Congress.


In July 2004, UNIREN submitted to TGS a proposal for the adjustment of the contractual terms and conditions of the License, which among other things provided for, , a tariff increase of 10% effective as from 2005, an overall tariff review to become effective as from 2007 and required TGS’s and its shareholders’ abandonment of any claim or lawsuit resulting from the effects of the Public Emergency Law on the License prior to the effectiveness of a renegotiation of the License, and also demanded TGS to hold the Argentine government harmless from any claim or lawsuit filed by its shareholders. As this proposal differed from discussions TGS previously had with UNIREN, the Company rejected it and sought to reach an overall agreement with UNIREN by the end of 2004 (in line with UNIREN’s original proposal set forth in the “Preliminary Renegotiation Guidelines”) and to carry out the process of obtaining approval from the National Congress during the first semester of 2005.



20





TRANSPORTADORA DE GAS DEL SUR S.A.

AND ITS SUBSIDIARY


NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE SIX-MONTH PERIODS ENDED JUNE 30, 2006 AND 2005

(Amounts stated in thousands of constant Argentine pesos as described in Note 2.b,

except for per share and per ADS amounts in constant Argentine pesos or where otherwise indicated)




During the Public Hearing held on April 27, 2005, with the aim of discussing the above mentioned proposal, UNIREN reaffirmed its 10% tariff increase proposal and suggested to advance the process of the overall tariff revision, so that the resulting tariff adjustments would come into effect during 2006. UNIREN also outlined a first stage that included the postponement of the potential claims from the Company and its shareholders, prior to a renegotiation of the License, and the subsequent abandonment of any such claims from TGS or its shareholders, and the agreement to hold harmless the Argentine government. Regarding the original proposal, TGS put forward the need to improve certain items of UNIREN’s original proposal and expressed its willingness to continue the negotiation.


In June and November 2005, TGS received two proposals from UNIREN which are in line with the previous one. Said proposals also established, as an additional condition, the Company’s and its shareholders’ abandonment of any future claim or lawsuit regarding the PPI tariff adjustments which were not applied in 2000 and 2001. TGS responded to the proposals, and declared that the original 10% increase was insufficient and committed not to file any administrative, arbitration or judicial claim or lawsuit in Argentina or abroad, as long as a reasonable renegotiation agreement was reached. Moreover, TGS stated that the Company is determined to make its best efforts to obtain similar commitments from its investors.


In November 2005, in response to the requirement made by the UNIREN, CIESA and Petrobras Energía Holding (as CIESA’s shareholder) confirmed that they had not initiated or intended to initiate in the future any claim against the Argentine Republic. Furthermore, Ponderosa Assets L.P. (“Ponderosa”) as a controlling company of Enron Pipeline Company Argentina S.A. (“EPCA”) and Enron Argentina CIESA Holding S.A. (“EACH”) (both TGS’s shareholders at that time, and in the case of EPCA, currently CIESA’s minority shareholder) informed on the existence of a claim which, jointly with Enron Corp., it had initiated against the Argentine Republic before the International Center for the Settlement of Investment Disputes (“ICSID”) and that it would only consider waiving its claim if Ponderosa has received fair compensation.


In July 2006, the UNIREN made a new proposal to TGS with the same guidelines as the established in the previous proposals. As of the date of the issuance of these consolidated interim financial statements, the Company is evaluating an answer to this proposal.


According to the Public Emergency Law, during its validity, public services contracts must be renegotiated. In accordance with the last extension, the validity of this law is as of December 31, 2006.


The NGL production and commercialization segment is not regulated by the ENARGAS, and as it is provided in the Transfer Agreement, is organized as a branch within the Company, keeping accounting information separately. However, the Federal Energy Bureau regulates the propane and butane sales price for the local market. This organism determines annually a minimum volume of propane and butane to be commercialized in the local market in order to guarantee the domestic supply.


The License establishes, among other restrictions, that the Company will not be able to afford CIESA´s obligations, nor granting loans, real guarantees or of any other sort in favor of the creditors of said company.



b)

Gas Electronic Market (“MEG”)


The Executive Branch, through Decree No. 180/04, among other measures, established the creation of the MEG with the purpose of improving the transparency of financial and operating performance, the coordination of daily transactions both of the gas spot and the transportation and distribution secondary markets along with the shaping of efficient prices through offer and demand free interaction. To that purpose, all firm transportation capacity non-allocated for the following day shall be marketed through the MEG and the proceeds from that capacity sale will be used at the Energy Bureau’s criteria. Non-allocated capacity includes remaining capacity not used in any of the transportation systems or pipelines. This implies that TGS is bound to offer daily non-allocated capacity that complies with this condition in the MEG, which might have a material impact on the Company’s interruptible transportation revenues. Notwithstanding the MEG



21





TRANSPORTADORA DE GAS DEL SUR S.A.

AND ITS SUBSIDIARY


NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE SIX-MONTH PERIODS ENDED JUNE 30, 2006 AND 2005

(Amounts stated in thousands of constant Argentine pesos as described in Note 2.b,

except for per share and per ADS amounts in constant Argentine pesos or where otherwise indicated)



started its operations in August 2005, it has not started yet with respect to the transactions related to natural gas transportation and distribution.



c)

Expansion of the gas transportation system


In light of the lack of expansions of the natural gas transportation system over the last years (as a consequence of the “pesification” of tariffs and the fact that the renegotiation of the license is still pending) and a growing gas demand in certain segments of the Argentine economy, the Argentine Government established - through Executive Branch Decree No. 180/04 and Resolution No. 185/04 issued by the Ministry of Federal Planning, Public Investment and Utilities- the framework for the creation of a trust fund (“the Trust Fund”) which aim is to finance gas transportation system expansions.


To that end in April 2006, the Ministry of Federal Planning and Public Service, the Federal Energy Bureau and gas transporters, among others, signed a Letter of Intent to carry out the second expansion of the gas pipeline system. This new expansion will increase the transportation capacity by 20 millions of cubic meters per day (“MMm3/d”), of which approximately 7.0 MMm3/d correspond to TGS system. In a first stage, this expansion would be for an additional transportation capacity of 3.3 MMm3/d and would be fulfilled between 2007 and 2008. The investment would be financed by the shippers who subscribed the additional capacity.



d)

Essential assets


A substantial portion of the assets transferred by GdE has been defined as essential for the performance of the gas transportation service. Therefore, the Company is required to segregate and maintain these assets, together with any future improvements, in accordance with certain standards defined in the License.


The Company may not, for any reason, dispose of, encumber, lease, sublease or loan essential assets nor use such assets for purposes other than providing the licensed service without the prior authorization of ENARGAS. Any expansion and improvement that the Company may make to the gas pipeline system after the takeover may only be encumbered to secure loans that have a term of more than one year to finance new expansions and improvements to the licensed service. Upon expiration of the License, the Company will be required to transfer to the Argentine Federal Government or its designee, the essential assets listed in the updated inventory as of the expiration date, free of any debt, encumbrance or attachment, receiving compensation equal to the lower of the following two amounts:


i)

the net book value of the essential assets determined on the basis of the price paid by the acquiring joint venture, and the original cost of subsequent investments carried in US dollars and adjusted by the PPI, net of accumulated depreciation according to the calculation rules to be determined by ENARGAS; or


ii)

  the net proceeds of a new competitive bidding.




8.

COMMON STOCK AND DIVIDENDS



a)  Shares’ public offer


TGS's shares are traded on the BCBA and under the form of the American Depositary Shares (registered in the SEC and representing 5 shares each) on the New York Stock Exchange.


The Company is required to have in force the authorization of the public offer of its common stock and the corresponding authorization to trade in the different official stock markets in Argentina at least until 2009.

 



22





TRANSPORTADORA DE GAS DEL SUR S.A.

AND ITS SUBSIDIARY


NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE SIX-MONTH PERIODS ENDED JUNE 30, 2006 AND 2005

(Amounts stated in thousands of constant Argentine pesos as described in Note 2.b,

except for per share and per ADS amounts in constant Argentine pesos or where otherwise indicated)




b)

Limitation on the transfer of the Company's shares


The Company's by-laws provide that prior approval of ENARGAS and the unanimous approval of CIESA’s shareholders, under agreements among them, must be obtained in order to transfer Class “A” shares (representing 51% of common stock). The Bid Package states that approval of ENARGAS will be granted provided that:


-

The sale covers 51% of common stock or, if the proposed transaction is not a sale, the transaction that reduces the shareholding will result in the acquisition of a shareholding of not less than 51% by another investment company; and


-

The applicant provides evidence to the effect that the transaction will not impair the operating quality of the licensed service.


In the case of shareholders of CIESA who have qualified to obtain such condition due to the equity, guarantee and/or technical background of their respective parent companies, the sale of shares representing the capital of such subsidiaries by the respective ultimate, direct or indirect parent companies, and/or the cessation of management running the Company, requires the prior authorization of ENARGAS.


In case the Company wishes to reduce its capital, redeem its shares or distribute any part of its equity, except for the payment of dividends, in accordance with the provisions of the Argentine Business Associations Law, it requires prior authorization from ENARGAS.



c)

Restrictions on distribution of retained earnings


Under current Argentine legal requirements and CNV standards, 5% of each fiscal year net income must be appropriated into a legal reserve, provided that there is no unappropriated retained deficit. In such case, the 5% should be calculated on any excess of the net income over the unappropriated retained deficit. This appropriation is legally binding until such reserve equals 20% of the amount which results from the sum of the “Common stock nominal value” and the balance of “Cumulative inflation adjustment to common stock”.


In addition, the by-laws provide for the issuance of Profit Sharing Vouchers, as defined in Article 230 of the Argentine Business Associations Law, which Vouchers entitle all regular employees to share in 0.25% of the Company’s net income for each year.  


According to law No. 25,063, the dividends paid in cash or in kind, in excess of the tax revenues, will be subject to a 35% withholding tax of the income tax, as sole and only payment.


Furthermore, the Company is subject to certain restrictions for the payment of dividends, which were contemplated in the new debt agreements signed on December 15, 2004 (for further information, see Note 6- Covenants).




9.

LEGAL AND REGULATORY MATTERS



a)

In the framework of the Tax Agreement subscribed by the National Government and the Provinces in 1993, and as from the enactment of provincial Law No. 11,490, NGL sales benefited from the turnover tax exemption in the province of Buenos Aires. In September 2003, the Tax Bureau of the Province of Buenos Aires, through overruling Resolution No. 4,560/03, denied the exemption and requested the payment of the tax related to revenues accrued as from the year 2002. In October 2003, TGS filed an administrative appeal



23





TRANSPORTADORA DE GAS DEL SUR S.A.

AND ITS SUBSIDIARY


NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE SIX-MONTH PERIODS ENDED JUNE 30, 2006 AND 2005

(Amounts stated in thousands of constant Argentine pesos as described in Note 2.b,

except for per share and per ADS amounts in constant Argentine pesos or where otherwise indicated)



before the Tax Court of the Province of Buenos Aires; the resolution is still pending as of the date of the issuance of these consolidated interim financial statements.


In November 2004, TGS received a hearing from the Tax Bureau of the province of Buenos Aires starting thus a tax assessment process regarding the claim mentioned above. On September 26, 2005, TGS was notified of the results of the tax assessment process regarding the turnover tax for the period January 2002 - July 2003, which amounted to Ps. 4.4 million plus interest. On October 18, 2005, TGS presented the corresponding discharge with respect to the inclusion of the NGL production and commercialization activity under the tax exemption mentioned before. On April 12, 2006 the discharge was refused and later, the Company filed an appeal before the Tax Bureau of the province.  


As of June 30, 2006, TGS recorded a provision of Ps. 21.1 million based on the estimative payment to be made in case this claim were solved in an unfavorable manner.



b)

In February 2005, the CNV determined that some notes issued in December 2004 (see Note 6) for US$ 178 million did not fulfill the requirements provided by article 56 of the Chapter VI of the CNV Rules and the Resolution No. 470. Therefore, if CNV’s interpretation prospers those notes would not be entitled to the benefits of the tax exemption provided by the Law No. 23,576 and thus, the Company might be exposed to a contingency for the payment of the withholding income tax corresponding to the interests paid.


On February 18, 2005, TGS filed an appeal before the CNV alleging sufficient grounds to support the applicability of the Art 56 of the Chapter VI of the CNV Rules and the Resolution No. 470/04.


The CNV responded against the Company’s appeal and on July 8, 2005, TGS filed an appeal before the National Ministry of Economy and Production. This ministry has not issued a determination as of the date of the issuance of these consolidated interim financial statements.



c)

In addition to the matters discussed above, the Company is a party to certain lawsuits and administrative proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business.




10.

  BALANCES AND TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED COMPANIES


In late 1992, TGS entered into the Technical Assistance Agreement with EPCA, in compliance with the provisions of the Bid Package and the Transfer Agreement. The term of the Technical Assistance Agreement is for eight years from December 28, 1992, renewable automatically upon expiration for additional eight-year periods. The Settlement Agreement mentioned in Note 1 includes a term which provides for the assignment of the Technical Assistance Agreement in favor of Petrobras Energía. This transfer, which was approved by ENARGAS in June 2004, was carried out on July 15, 2004. As from that date, Petrobras is in charge of providing services related to, among others, the operation and maintenance of the gas transportation system and related facilities and equipment, to ensure that the performance of the system is in conformity with international standards and in compliance with certain environmental standards. For these services, the Company pays a monthly fee based on the higher of: a percentage of certain defined income of the Company or a specified fixed annual amount.


As of June 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, the outstanding balance corresponding to the Board of Directors´ compensations amounted to Ps. 59 and Ps. 96, respectively. On the other hand, the accrued amounts for such compensations, as of June 30, 2006 and 2005, were Ps. 209 and Ps. 144, respectively.




24





TRANSPORTADORA DE GAS DEL SUR S.A.

AND ITS SUBSIDIARY


NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE SIX-MONTH PERIODS ENDED JUNE 30, 2006 AND 2005

(Amounts stated in thousands of constant Argentine pesos as described in Note 2.b,

except for per share and per ADS amounts in constant Argentine pesos or where otherwise indicated)




The detail of significant outstanding balances for transactions entered into by TGS and its related parties as of June 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005 is as follows:



 

06/30/2006

12/31/2005


Company

Accounts receivable

Accounts payable

Accounts receivable

Accounts

payable

Controlling shareholders:

    

    CIESA

37

-

-

-

    Petrobras Energía

8,090

6,279

5,622

2,840

Affiliates with significant influence:

    

    Link

197

-

192

-

    TGU

276

-

259

-

Other related companies:

    

    PIFCO

33,673

-

68,599

-

    Área Santa Cruz II U.T.E.

209

-

345

-

    Quintana y Otros U.T.E.

944

-

945

-

    Refinor S.A.

1,086

-

834

-

    WEB S.A.

1,025

-

914

-

    Petrolera Santa Fe S.A.

-

-

39

2,138

Total

45,537

6,279

77,749

4,978



The detail of significant transactions with related parties for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2006 and 2005 is as follows:


Six-month period ended June 30, 2006


 

Revenues




Company



Gas

transportation


NGL production and commercialization




Other services


Gas

Purchase and others


Compensation for  technical assistance

Revenues

for administrative

services

Controlling shareholders:

      

    EPCA

-

-

-

-

-

42

    CIESA

-

-

-

-

-

68

    Petrobras Energía

12,627

12,472

8,421

4,560

22,566

-

Affiliates with significant influence:

      

    Link

-

-

468

-

-

-

    TGU

-

-

187

-

-

-

Other related companies:

      

    PIFCO

-

262,735

-

-

-

-

    Refinor S.A.

-

-

1,175

-

-

-

    Quintana y Otros U.T.E.

1,558

-

-

-

-

-

    WEB S.A.

1,513

-

-

-

-

-

    Área Santa Cruz II U.T.E.

-

-

945

-

-

-

Total

15,698

275,207

11,196

4,560

22,566

110




25





TRANSPORTADORA DE GAS DEL SUR S.A.

AND ITS SUBSIDIARY


NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE SIX-MONTH PERIODS ENDED JUNE 30, 2006 AND 2005

(Amounts stated in thousands of constant Argentine pesos as described in Note 2.b,

except for per share and per ADS amounts in constant Argentine pesos or where otherwise indicated)




Six-month period ended June 30, 2005

 

Revenues




Company



Gas

transportation


NGL production and commercialization




Other services



Gas

purchase



Salaries and

wages


Compensation for  technical assistance

Revenues

for administrative

services

Controlling shareholders:

       

    EPCA

-

-

-

-

-

-

42

    CIESA

-

-

-

-

-

-

68

    Petrobras Energía

12,852

10,083

6,618

3,191

168

14,449

-

Main affiliates-significant influence:

       

    Link

-

-

430

-

-

-

-

    TGU

-

-

254

-

-

-

-

    EGS

-

-

323

-

-

-

-

Other related companies:

       

    PIFCO

-

127,640

-

-

-

-

-

    Refinor S.A.

-

-

1,026

-

-

-

-

    Petrolera Santa Fé S.A.

-

-

-

2,159

-

-

-

    Quintana y Otros U.T.E.

1,553

-

-

-

-

-

-

    WEB S.A.

1,494

-

-

-

-

-

-

    Área Santa Cruz II U.T.E.

-

-

687

-

-

-

-

Total

15,899

137,723

9,338

5,350

168

14,449

110




11, SUBSIDIARY AND AFFILIATES


Telcosur:


The corporate purpose of Telcosur is to render telecommunication services. Telcosur was created to assure the optimal utilization of TGS’s telecommunication system. TGS’s equity interest in the company is 99.98% and the remaining 0.02% is held by Petrobras Energía Internacional S.A.



Link:


Link was created in February 2001, with the purpose of the operation of a natural gas transportation system, which links TGS’s gas transportation system with Cruz del Sur S.A. pipeline. The connection pipeline extends from Buchanan, located in the high-pressure ring that surrounds the city of Buenos Aires, which is part of TGS’s pipeline system, to Punta Lara. TGS’s ownership interest in such company is 49% and Dinarel S.A. holds the remaining 51%.



TGU:


TGU is a company incorporated in Uruguay. This company renders operation and maintenance services to Gasoducto Cruz del Sur S.A. pipeline in the Uruguayan pipeline tranche. TGS holds the 49% of its common stock.



EGS:


In September 2003, EGS, a company registered in Argentina was incorporated. The ownership is distributed between TGS (49%) and TGU (51%). EGS operates its own pipeline which connects TGS’s main pipeline system in the Province of Santa Cruz with a delivery point on the border with Chile.


João Bezerra



                                                                                                                    Chairman



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35




LIMITED REVIEW REPORT



To the Shareholders, President and Directors of

Transportadora de Gas del Sur S.A.



1.

We have reviewed the accompanying consolidated interim balance sheets of Transportadora de Gas del Sur S.A. and its subsidiary as of June 30, 2006 and the related consolidated interim statements of income, of changes in shareholders’ equity and of cash flows for each of the six-month periods ended June 30, 2006 and 2005. The preparation and issuance of these interim financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.


2.

We conducted our review in accordance with standards established by Technical Pronouncement No. 7 of the Argentine Federation of Professional Councils in Economic Sciences. A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards, the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.


3.

The changes in Argentine economic conditions and the amendments to the License under which the Company operates made by the National Government mentioned in Note 7, mainly the suspension of the original tariff adjustment regime, affect the Company’s economic and financial equation, generating uncertainty as to the future development of the regulated business. Besides, Management is in the process of renegotiating certain terms of the License with the National Government, and has prepared the projections to determine the recoverable value of its non-current assets based on forecasts of the outcome of such process. We are not in a position to anticipate whether the assumptions used by management to prepare the projections will take place in the future and consequently whether the recoverable value of certain non-current assets will exceed their respective net carrying values.


4.

Based on our review and the examination of the consolidated financial statements of the Company for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004, on which we issued our report dated February 8, 2006, containing exceptions due to the circumstances mentioned in paragraph 3, we report that:






1




a)

the consolidated interim financial statements of Transportadora de Gas del Sur S.A. as of June 30, 2006 and 2005 as mentioned in paragraph 1, are prepared in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, considering all significant facts and circumstances that we are aware of, and that in such matter we do not have other observations, apart from that mentioned in paragraph 3;


b)

the information included for comparative purposes as of December 31, 2005, derives from the audited Consolidated Financial Statements of Transportadora de Gas del Sur S.A. at such date.


5.

The accompanying consolidated interim financial statements are presented on the basis of accounting principles generally accepted in Argentina which differ from accounting principles generally accepted in other countries, including the United States of America.



Autonomous City of Buenos Aires,


July 31, 2006




PRICE WATERHOUSE & CO. S.R.L.


by                                                    (Partner)

                 Ruben O. Vega






2





SIGNATURES



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




Transportadora de Gas del Sur S.A.



By:

/s/Eduardo Pawluszek

  

Name:

Eduardo Pawluszek

  

Title:

Chief Financial Officer






By:

/s/Carlos Ariosa

  

Name:

Carlos Ariosa

  

Title:

Senior Legal Counsel













Footnotes

1() Not covered by the Auditor’s Report of Independent Accountants, except for items 5, 6 and 8.



3