bakform20f_2014.htm - Generated by SEC Publisher for SEC Filing  

 

 

 

As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 24, 2015

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 20-F

¨          REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR

12(g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

OR

x         ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014

OR

¨          TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

OR

¨             SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Commission file number: 001-14862

BRASKEM S.A.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

 

 

N/A

The Federative Republic of Brazil

(Translation of Registrant’s Name into English)

(Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)

Rua Lemos Monteiro, 120 – 24° andar
Butantã—São Paulo—SP, CEP 05501-050, Brazil

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

 

Mário Augusto da Silva

                                                                                                      Braskem S.A.       

Rua Lemos Monteiro, 120 – 24° andar

Butantã—São Paulo—SP, CEP 05501-050, Brazil

Telephone: + (55 11) 3576-9000

Fax: + (55 11) 3576-9532

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

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

 

 

Title of Each Class

Name of Each Exchange on which Registered

Preferred Shares, Class A, without par value per share, each represented by American Depositary Receipts

New York Stock Exchange

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

 

Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act:

TITLE OF EACH CLASS:

6.450% Notes due 2024, issued by Braskem Finance Limited

The total number of issued shares of each class of stock of Braskem S.A. as of December 31, 2014 was:

451,688,652 Common Shares, without par value

345,002,878 Preferred Shares, Class A, without par value

593,818 Preferred Shares, Class B, without par value 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    Yes  x    No  ¨

If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.    Yes  ¨    No  x


 
 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).   Yes  ¨    No  ¨

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

Large accelerated filer  x    Accelerated filer  ¨    Non-accelerated filer  ¨

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

                         U.S. GAAP                         International Financial Reporting                Other ¨
               Standards as issued by the International
                   Accounting Standards Board  
x

 

 

 

 

If “Other” has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow.    ¨  Item 17    ¨  Item 18

If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  x

 


 
 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

 

 

Page

 

PRESENTATION OF FINANCIAL AND OTHER INFORMATION

ii

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT WITH RESPECT TO FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

iv

PART I

Item 1.

Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisors

1

Item 2.

Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable

1

Item 3.

Key Information

1

Item 4.

Information on the Company

21

Item 4A.

Unresolved Staff Comments

51

Item 5.

Operating and Financial Review and Prospects

52

Item 6.

Directors, Senior Management and Employees

96

Item 7.

Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions

110

Item 8.

Financial Information

116

Item 9.

The Offer and Listing

123

Item 10.

Additional Information

125

Item 11.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

140

Item 12.

Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities

143

PART II

 

Item 13.

Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies

144

Item 14.

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

144

Item 15.

Controls and Procedures

144

Item 16A.

Audit Committee Financial Expert

144

Item 16B.

Code of Ethics

144

Item 16C.

Principal Accountant Fees and Services

145

Item 16D.

Exemptions From the Listing Standards for Audit Committees

145

Item 16E.

Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchases

146

Item 16F.

Change in Registrant’s Certifying Accountant

146

Item 16G.

Corporate Governance

146

Item 16H.

Mine Safety Disclosure

149

PART III

 

Item 17.

Financial Statements

150

Item 18.

Financial Statements

150

Item 19.

Exhibits

150

 

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PRESENTATION OF FINANCIAL AND OTHER INFORMATION

All references herein to the “real,” “reais” or “R$” are to the Brazilian real, the official currency of Brazil. All references to “U.S. dollars,” “dollars” or “US$” are to U.S. dollars, the official currency of the United States.

All references herein (1) to “we,” “us” or “our company” are references to Braskem S.A., its consolidated subsidiaries and jointly controlled entities, and (2) to “Braskem” are references solely to Braskem S.A. All references herein to “Braskem Europe” mean Braskem Europe GmbH and its consolidated subsidiaries, including Braskem America, Inc., or Braskem America.

On April 20, 2015, the exchange rate for reais into U.S. dollars was R$3.047 to US$1.00, based on the selling rate as reported by the Central Bank of Brazil (Banco Central do Brasil), or the Central Bank. The selling rate was R$2.6562 to US$1.00 on December 31, 2014, R$2.3426 to US$1.00 on December 31, 2013 and R$2.0435 to US$1.00 on December 31, 2012, in each case, as reported by the Central Bank. The real/U.S. dollar exchange rate fluctuates widely, and the selling rate on April 20, 2015 may not be indicative of future exchange rates. See “Item 3. Key Information—Exchange Rates” for information regarding exchange rates for the real since January 1, 2010.

Solely for the convenience of the reader, we have translated some amounts included in “Item 3. Key Information—Selected Financial and Other Information” and elsewhere in this annual report from reais into U.S. dollars using the selling rate as reported by the Central Bank as of December 31, 2014 of R$2.6562 to US$1.00. These translations should not be considered representations that any such amounts have been, could have been or could be converted into U.S. dollars at that or at any other exchange rate. Such translations should not be construed as representations that the real amounts represent or have been or could be converted into U.S. dollars as of that or any other date.

Financial Statements

We maintain our books and records in reais. Our consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 and for the three years ended December 31, 2014 have been audited, as stated in the report appearing herein, and are included in this annual report.

We have prepared our consolidated financial statements included in this annual report in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards, as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board, or IFRS.

Market Share and Other Information

We make statements in this annual report about our market share in the petrochemical industry in Brazil and our production capacity relative to that of other petrochemical producers in Brazil, Latin America, the United States and the world. We have made these statements on the basis of information obtained from third-party sources that we believe are reliable. We have calculated our Brazilian market share with respect to specific products by dividing our domestic net sales volumes of these products by the total Brazilian domestic consumption of these products as estimated by the Brazilian Chemical Industry Association (Associação Brasileira da Indústria Química), or ABIQUIM. We derive information regarding the production capacity of other companies in the Brazilian petrochemical industry and the estimated total Brazilian domestic consumption of petrochemical products principally from reports published by ABIQUIM. We derive information regarding the production capacity of other companies in the global petrochemical industry, the United States petrochemical industry and the Latin American petrochemical industry, international market prices for petrochemicals products and per capita consumption in certain geographic regions, principally from reports published by IHS, Inc., or IHS. We derive information regarding the size of the chemical distribution industry and our market share in this industry principally from reports published by the Brazilian Chemical and Petrochemical Distributors Association (Associação Brasileira dos Distribuidores de Produtos Químicos e Petroquímicos). We derive information relating to Brazilian imports and exports from the System for Analyzing International Trade (Sistema de Análise das Informações de Comércio Exterior), or ALICE-Web, produced by the Brazilian Secretary of International Trade (Secretaria de Comércio Exterior) and the Brazilian Secretary of Development, Industry and Trade (Ministério do Desenvolvimento, Indústria e Comércio Exterior).

 

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We have no reason to believe that any of this information is inaccurate in any material respect. However, we have not independently verified the production capacity, market share, market size or similar data provided by third parties or derived from industry or general publications.

We provide information regarding domestic apparent consumption of some of our products, based on information available from the Brazilian government, Institute of Applied Economic Research (Instituto de Pesquisa Econômica Aplicada), or IPEA, and ABIQUIM. Domestic apparent consumption is equal to domestic production plus imports minus exports. Domestic apparent consumption for any period may differ from actual consumption because this measure does not give effect to variations of inventory levels in the petrochemical supply chain.

Production Capacity and Sales Volume

As used in this annual report:

·      “production capacity” means the annual nominal capacity for a particular facility, calculated based upon operations for 24 hours each day of a year and deducting scheduled downtime for regular maintenance; and

·      “ton” means a metric ton, which is equal to 1,000 kilograms or 2,204.62 pounds.

Rounding

We have made rounding adjustments to some of the amounts included in this annual report. As a result, numerical figures shown as totals in some tables may not be arithmetic aggregations of the amounts that precede them.

 

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CAUTIONARY STATEMENT WITH RESPECT TO FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This annual report contains forward-looking statements. Some of the matters discussed concerning our business operations and financial performance include forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, or the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act.

Statements that are predictive in nature, that depend upon or refer to future events or conditions or that include words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates” and similar expressions are forward-looking statements. Although we believe that these forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, these statements are subject to several risks and uncertainties and are made in light of information currently available to us.

Our forward-looking statements may be influenced by numerous factors, including the following:

·      general economic, political and business conditions in the markets in which we operate, including demand and prices for petrochemical products;

·      interest rate fluctuations, inflation and exchange rate movements of the real in relation to the U.S. dollar;

·      the cyclical nature of the global petrochemical industry;

·      competition in global petrochemical industry;

·      prices of naphtha, natural gas, propylene and other raw materials;

·      actions taken by our major shareholders;

·      our ability to implement our financing strategy and to obtain financing on satisfactory terms;

·      our progress in integrating the operations of companies or assets that we may acquire in the future, so as to achieve the anticipated benefits of these acquisitions;

·      changes in laws and regulations, including, among others, laws and regulations affecting tax and environmental matters and import tariffs in other markets in which we operate or to which we export our products;

·      future changes in Brazilian policy and related actions undertaken by the Brazilian government;

·      a deterioration in the world economy that could negatively impact demand for petrochemicals;

·      decisions rendered in major pending or future tax, labor and other legal proceedings; and

·      other factors identified or discussed under “Item 3. Key Information—Risk Factors.”

Our forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, and our actual results or other developments may differ materially from the expectations expressed in the forward-looking statements. As for forward-looking statements that relate to future financial results and other projections, actual results will be different due to the inherent uncertainty of estimates, forecasts and projections. Because of these uncertainties, potential investors should not rely on these forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we do not undertake any obligation to update them in light of new information or future developments or to release publicly any revisions to these statements in order to reflect later events or circumstances or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

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PART I

ITEM 1. IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS

Not applicable.

ITEM 2. OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE

Not applicable.

ITEM 3. KEY INFORMATION

Selected Financial and Other Information

The following selected information should be read in conjunction with “Presentation of Financial and Other Information,” “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects” and our audited consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto, which are included in this annual report.

The selected financial data as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 and for the three years ended December 31, 2014 have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements, prepared in accordance with IFRS, and included in this annual report. The selected financial data as of December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 and for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements, prepared in accordance with IFRS, which are not included in this annual report.

We have included information with respect to the dividends and/or interest attributable to shareholders’ equity paid to holders of our common shares and preferred shares since January 1, 2009 in reais and in U.S. dollars translated from reais at the commercial market selling rate in effect as of the payment date under the caption “Item 8. Financial Information—Dividends and Dividend Policy—Payment of Dividends.” We prepare individual financial statements in accordance with Brazilian GAAP for certain purposes, including for the calculation of dividends.

 

For the Year Ended December 31,

 

2014(1)

2014

2013

2012(2)

2011(2)(3)

2010(4)

 

(in millions of US$, except per share data and as indicated)

(in millions of reais, except per share data and as indicated)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Statement of Operations Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales revenue

US$17,329.8

R$46,031.4

R$40,969.5

R$36,160.3

R$33,086.5

R$25,025.7

Cost of products sold

(15,080.7)

(40,057.3)

(35,820.8)

(32,709.1)

(29,265.0)

(21,028.9)

Gross profit

2,249.1

5,974.0

5,148.7

3,451.2

3,821.5

3,996.8

Income (expenses):

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selling and Distribution

(435.1)

(1,155.8)

(1,000.7)

(990.4)

(820.0)

(689.1)

General and administrative

(455.6)

(1,210.1)

(1,077.9)

(1,071.0)

(1,008.1)

(931.1)

Research and development

(52.1)

(138.4)

(115.8)

(106.2)

(99.1)

(78.8)

Results from equity investments

1.5

3.9

(3.2)

(25.8)

(1.0)

18.2

Results from business combinations

30.0

975.3

Other operating income (expenses), net

36.0

95.6

(211.1)

333.5

2.9

(96.6)

Operating profit

1,343.7

3,569.2

2,740.0

1,591.3

1,926.2

3,194.7

Financial results:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financial expenses

(1,033.8)

(2,745.9)

(2,549.1)

(3,926.2)

(3,560.5)

(1,692.0)

Financial income

133.7

355.2

773.0

532.0

759.0

364.9

Profit (loss) before income tax and social contribution

443.7

1,178.6

963.9

(1,802.9)

(875.3)

1,867.6

Income tax and social contribution

(170.3)

(452.3)

(456.9)

783.1

359.5

6.1

Profit (loss) from continuing operations

273.4

726.3

507.0

(1,019.8)

(515.8)

1,873.7

Results from discontinued operations

281.5

27.6

15.8

Profit (loss)

US$273.4

R$726.3

R$507.0

R$(738.3)

R$(488.2)

R$1,889.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income attributable to shareholders of the company

325.3

R$864.1

R$509.7

R$(731.1)

R$(496.5)

R$1,895.3

Net income attributable to non-controlling interest

(51.9)

(137.8)

(2.7)

(7.2)

8.3

(5.8)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings (loss) per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common shares

 

1.0857

0.6403

(1.2718)

(0.6566)

2.6816

Preferred class “A” shares

 

1.0857

0.6403

(1.2718)

(0.6566)

2.5683

Preferred class “B” shares

 

0.6062

0.6062

0.6029

ADS

 

2.1714

1.2806

(2.5436)

(1.3132)

5.1366

Diluted:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common shares

 

1.0857

0.6403

(1.2718)

(0.6566)

2.6816

Preferred class “A” shares

 

1.0857

0.6403

(1.2718)

(0.6566)

2.5683

Preferred class “B” shares

 

0.6062

0.6062

0.6029

ADS(5)

 

2.1714

1.2806

(2.5436)

(1.3132)

5.1366

________________________________________________________________
(1)     Translated for convenience only using the selling rate as reported by the Central Bank as of December 31, 2014 for reais into U.S. dollars of R$2.6562=US$1.00.

(2)     As a result of our decision to maintain IQ Soluções & Química, or QuantiQ, and Ipiranga Química Armazéns Gerais Ltda., or and IQAG, which previously represented the Chemical Distribution segment before we temporarily offered them for sale during 2013, we have restated our financials to include the Chemical Distribution segment for the year ended December 31, 2011.

(3)     The financial information for 2011 and 2010, presented for comparison purposes against 2012, was restated to reflect the impacts of the discontinued operations of Cetrel S.A. and Distribuidora de Água Camaçari (formerly Braskem Distribuidora S.A.).

(4)     Includes Braskem America as from April 1, 2010, Braskem Qpar S.A. (formerly known as Quattor Participações S.A.), or Braskem Qpar, and its subsidiaries, Unipar Comercial and Polibutenos as from May 1, 2010. The financial information for 2010 has not been restated to reflect the impacts of our decision to maintain QuantiQ and IQAG after we temporarily offered them for sale last year because such impacts did not have a material effect in 2010.

(5)     American depositary shares (ADS) are U.S. dollar-denominated equity shares of a foreign-based company on an American stock exchange. In our case, each ADS represents two class A preferred shares.

 

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At and For the Year Ended December 31,

 

2014(1)

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010(2)

 

(in millions of US$, except as indicated)

(in millions of reais, except as indicated)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance Sheet Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

US$1,503.4

R$3,993.4

R$4,335.9

R$3,287.6

R$2,986.8

R$2,624.3

Short-term trade accounts receivable

1,013.7

2,692.6

2,810.5

2,326.5

1,843.8

1,894.6

Inventories

2,021.0

5,368.1

5,150.3

4,102.1

3,623.5

3,015.7

Non-current assets held for sale

37.7

277.8

Property, plant and equipment, net

10,918.4

29,001.5

25,413.5

21,176.8

20,622.7

19,366.3

Total assets

18,606.2

49,421.8

46,815.8

39,872.3

36,821.13

33,993.2

Short-term borrowings (including current portion of long-term borrowings)

534.0

1,418.5

1,248.8

1,836.0

1,391.8

1,206.4

Short-term debentures (including current portion of debentures)

517.7

Non-current liabilities held for sale

109.8

Long-term borrowings

7,122.2

18,918.0

17,353.7

15,675.6

13,753.0

11,004.3

Long-term debentures

19.1

Share capital

3,028.1

8,043.2

8,043.2

8,043.2

8,043.2

8,043.2

Shareholders’ equity (including non-controlling interest)

2,219.1

5,894.4

7,681.3

8,652.0

9,979.9

10,408.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other Financial and Operating Information:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash Flow Information:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in):

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating activities

US$1,427.6

R$3,791.9

R$2,457.8

R$2,571.8

R$2,777.5

R$2,720.4

Investing activities

(1,873.8)

(4,977.1)

(4,954.2)

(2,834.3)

(2,866.5)

(2,387.6)

Financing activities

336.7

894.4

3,614.2

633.9

494.7

(388.3)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other Information:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital expenditures:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property, plant and equipment

1,996.0

5,301.8

5,656.4

2,792.9

2,252.5

1,689.0

Investments in other companies

619.2

939.4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Domestic Sales Volume Data (in thousands of tons) (3):

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ethylene

 

3,203.9

3,360.0

3,329.3

3,097.4

2,949.9

Propylene

 

1,068.5

1,187.7

1,170.4

1,123.1

1,212.1

Polyethylene

 

1,706.1

1,765.7

1,668.2

1,524.9

1,546.8

Polypropylene

 

1,204.0

1,268.9

1,233.3

1,149.8

1,086.9

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)

 

667.5

636.5

560.9

484.0

504.9

____________________________

(1)     Translated for convenience only using the selling rate as reported by the Central Bank as of December 31, 2014 for reais into U.S. dollars of R$2.6562=US$1.00.

(2)     Includes Braskem America as from April 1, 2010, Braskem Qpar and the subsidiaries, Unipar Comercial and Polibutenos as from May 1, 2010.

(3)     Including intra-company sales within our company. Intra-company sales of ethylene totaled approximately 2,704,300 tons in 2014, 2,828,200 tons in 2013, 2,805,500 in 2012, 2,606,100 in 2011 and 2,511,500 tons in 2010. Intra-company sales of propylene totaled approximately 859,500 tons in 2014, 977,900 tons in 2013, 950,000 tons in 2012, 905,400 tons in 2011 and 926,300 tons in 2010.

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Exchange Rates

The Brazilian foreign exchange system allows the purchase and sale of foreign currency and the international transfer of reais by any person or legal entity, regardless of the amount, subject to certain regulatory procedures.

Since 1999, the Central Bank has allowed the U.S. dollar-real exchange rate to float freely, and, since then, the U.S. dollar-real exchange rate has fluctuated considerably.

In the past, the Central Bank has intervened occasionally to control unstable movements in foreign exchange rates. We cannot predict whether the Central Bank or the Brazilian government will continue to permit the real to float freely or will intervene in the exchange rate market through the return of a currency band system or otherwise. The real may depreciate or appreciate against the U.S. dollar substantially. Furthermore, Brazilian law provides that, whenever there is a serious imbalance in Brazil’s balance of payments or there are serious reasons to foresee a serious imbalance, temporary restrictions may be imposed on remittances of foreign capital abroad. We cannot assure you that such measures will not be taken by the Brazilian government in the future. See “—Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Brazil—Brazilian government exchange control policies could increase the cost of servicing our foreign currency-denominated debt, adversely affect our ability to make payments under our foreign currency-denominated debt obligations and impair our liquidity” and “—Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Class A Preferred Shares and the ADSs— If holders of the ADSs exchange them for class A preferred shares, they may risk temporarily losing, or being limited in, the ability to remit foreign currency abroad and certain Brazilian tax advantages.”

 

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The following table shows the selling rate for U.S. dollars for the periods and dates indicated. The information in the “Average” column represents the average of the exchange rates on the last day of each month during the periods presented.

 

Reais per U.S. Dollars

Year

High

Low

Average

Period End

2010

R$1.881

R$1.655

R$1.759

R$1.666

2011

1.902

1.535

1.675

1.876

2012

2.112

1.702

1.955

2.043

2013

2.446

1.953

2.161

2.343

2014

2.740

2.197

2.355

2.656

 

 

Reais per U.S. Dollars

Month

High

Low

September 2014

R$2.452

R$2.232

October 2014

2.534

2.391

November 2014

2.614

2.484

December 2014

2.740

2.561

January 2015

2.711

2.575

February 2015

2.881

2.689

March 2015

3.268

2.865

April 2015(through April 20)

3.155

3.046

______________

Source: Central Bank

Risk Factors

Risks Relating to Our Company and the Petrochemical Industry

The cyclical nature of the petrochemical industry may reduce our net sales revenue and gross margin.

The petrochemical industry, including the markets in which we compete, is cyclical and sensitive to changes in global supply and demand. This cyclicality may reduce our net sales revenue and gross margin, including as follows:

·      downturns in general business and economic activity may cause demand for our products to decline;

·      when global demand falls, we may face competitive pressures to lower our prices; and

·      if we decide to expand our plants or construct new plants, we may do so based on an estimate of future demand that never materializes or materializes at levels lower than we predicted.

Historically, the international petrochemical markets have experienced alternating periods of limited supply, which have caused prices and profit margins to increase, followed by expansion of production capacity, which has resulted in oversupply and reduced prices and profit margins. Prices in the Brazilian petrochemical industry follow the global petrochemical industry, and we establish the prices for the products we sell in Brazil with reference to international market prices. Therefore, our net sales revenue and gross margin are increasingly linked to global industry conditions that we cannot control.

 

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Global macroeconomic factors have had, and may continue to have, adverse effects on the margins that we realize on our products.

Our results of operations may be materially affected by adverse conditions in the financial markets and depressed economic conditions generally. Economic downturns in geographic areas in which we sell our products may substantially reduce demand for our products and result in decreased sales volumes. Recessionary environments adversely affect our business because demand for our products is reduced.

Slowed growth in emerging economies resulted in decreased growth in the global economy, which recorded growth of 3.3% in 2014. In 2014, the Brazilian economy did not register significant GDP growth, as compared to 2.5% in 2013 and 1.0% in 2012 and apparent consumption for thermoplastic resins in Brazil declined by 2.4%.

Our ability to export to other countries is a function of the level of economic growth in these countries and other economic conditions, including prevailing inflation and interest rates. In addition, disruptions in the global balance between supply and demand may impair our ability to export our products in response to a decline in domestic demand for these products. Prolonged volatility in economic activity in our key export markets could continue to reduce demand for some of our products and lead to increased margin pressure by importers into Brazil, which would adversely affect our results of operations.

We face competition from producers of polyethylene, polypropylene, PVC and other petrochemical products.

We face competition in Brazil from foreign producers of polyethylene, polypropylene, PVC and other petrochemical products. Our U.S. operations face competition in the United States from other U.S. producers of polypropylene. Our German operations face competition in Europe and the other export markets that it serves from European and other foreign producers of polypropylene. We generally set the prices for our second generation products sold in Brazil with reference to the prices charged for these products by foreign producers in international markets and set the prices for polypropylene sold in the United States with reference to industry indices or based on negotiations with its customers. We generally set the prices for our second generation products exported from Brazil based on international spot market prices. As a result of the announced commissioning of new ethylene capacity, particularly in the Middle East and in China, coupled with the increased competitiveness of gas-based ethylene producers in United States as a result of their relatively lower raw material costs, we anticipate that we may experience increasing competition from other producers of second generation products in the markets in which we sell these products. In addition, the appreciation of the real against the U.S. dollar increases the competitiveness of prices of imported products in reais, which may increase the competition in Brazil from other producers of second generation products. Some of our foreign competitors are substantially larger and have greater financial, manufacturing, technological and marketing resources than our company.

Higher raw materials costs would increase our cost of sales and services rendered and may reduce our gross margin and negatively affect our overall financial performance.

Naphtha, a crude oil derivative, is the principal raw material used by our Basic Petrochemicals Unit and, indirectly, in our other business units. Naphtha accounted, directly and indirectly, for approximately 48.3% of our consolidated cost of sales and services rendered in 2014.

We purchase a portion of the naphtha used by our Basic Petrochemical Unit from Petróleo Brasileiro S.A.- Petrobras, or Petrobras, at prices based on a variety of factors, including the Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp market prices of naphtha and a variety of other petrochemical derivatives, the volatility of the prices of these products in the international markets, the real/U.S. dollar exchange rate, and the level of paraffinicity of the naphtha that is delivered.

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The price of naphtha that we purchase from international suppliers is also linked to the Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp. The Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp market price of naphtha fluctuates primarily based on changes in the U.S. dollar-based price of Brent crude oil on the Intercontinental Exchange based in London.  Oil markets may face strong volatility due to: (1) the impact of new non-OPEC production, primarily from the United States; (2) OPEC’s decisions with regards to their production quotas; and (3) political uncertainties in the Middle East and North Africa. In 2014, the price of the front-month contract on Brent crude oil decreased by 50.2% from a high of US$115.06 per barrel in June 2014 to a low of US$57.33 per barrel in December 2014. Volatility of the price of naphtha and the upward trend in the price of oil and naphtha have effects on the price competitiveness of our naphtha-based crackers.

The average Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp market price of naphtha in U.S. dollars declined by 7.4% to US$836 per ton in 2014 from US$903 per ton in 2013 and US$936 per ton in 2012, with its highest price of reaching US$952 per ton in June 2014 and its lowest price reaching US$492 per ton in December 2014. The price of naphtha in U.S. dollars has been, and may continue to be, volatile.

In addition, the fluctuations of the U.S. dollar in the future may effectively increase our naphtha costs in reais. Any increase in naphtha costs would reduce our gross margin and negatively affect our overall financial performance to the extent we are unable to pass on these increased costs to our customers and could result in reduced sales volumes of our products.

The production of natural gas liquids, particularly in North America, may reduce the global prices of polyethylene, which would reduce our gross margin and negatively affect our overall financial performance.

In recent years, the use of ethane as a feedstock for the production of ethylene has increased as a result of its increasing availability and the divergence between the cost of natural gas and oil (from which naphtha is derived and the pricing of condensate is based). Production of natural gas liquids have increased, particularly in North America, as the technology to extract gas from shale has improved. In order to improve their global competitiveness, most U.S. ethylene producers with the raw material flexibility to use ethane as a feedstock have converted to the use of light feedstocks.

As a result of the increase in the production of natural gas liquids in North America, (1) ethane has returned as a low-cost alternative to oil-based products and (2) additional gas production has resulted in an increasingly competitive ethane price. North American polyethylene producers have benefited from the low-cost position of natural gas prices, and the resulting increased competitiveness of North American polyethylene producers could decrease the global and domestic price of polyethylene, which would reduce our gross margin and negatively affect our overall financial performance.

We do not hedge against changes in the price of naphtha, so we are exposed to fluctuations in the price of our primary raw material.

We currently do not hedge our exposure to fluctuations in U.S. dollar or real prices of naphtha. Although we attempt to pass on increases in naphtha prices through higher prices for our products, in periods of high volatility in the U.S. dollar price of naphtha or in the real/U.S. dollar exchange rate, there is usually a lag between the time that the U.S. dollar price of naphtha increases or the real depreciates against the U.S. dollar and the time that we may effectively pass on those increased costs in reais to our customers in Brazil. As a result, if the U.S. dollar price of naphtha increases precipitously, or if the real depreciates against the U.S. dollar, as has occurred in recent years, we may not immediately be able to pass on all of the corresponding increases in our naphtha costs to our customers in Brazil, which would likely reduce our gross margin and net income.

We depend on Petrobras to supply us with a substantial portion of our naphtha, ethane and propane requirements.

Petrobras is the only Brazilian supplier of naphtha and has historically supplied approximately 70% of the naphtha consumed by our Basic Petrochemicals Unit. Petrobras produces most of the naphtha it sells to us and imports naphtha to serve the gasoline pool and to sell to us. Petrobras currently is also the only Brazilian supplier of ethane and propane and has historically supplied almost all of the ethane and propane consumed at our petrochemical complex located in Duque de Caxias in the State of Rio de Janeiro, or the Rio de Janeiro Complex.

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Our production volume and net sales revenue would likely decrease and our overall financial performance would likely be negatively affected in the event of the following:

·      significant damage to Petrobras’ refineries or to the port facilities through which Petrobras imports naphtha, or to any of the pipelines connecting our plants to Petrobras’ facilities, whether as a consequence of an accident, natural disaster, fire or otherwise; or

·      any termination by Petrobras of the naphtha, ethane or propane supply contracts with our company, which provide that Petrobras may terminate the contracts for certain reasons described in “Item 4. Information on the Company—Basic Petrochemicals Unit—Raw Materials of Our Basic Petrochemicals Unit.”

In February 28, 2014, we extended our naphtha supply contract with Petrobras under the same terms of this contract until August 31, 2014. On August 29, 2014, we amended our naphtha supply contract with Petrobras to extend the maturity to February 28, 2015, under the same terms of the original contract. On February 27, 2015, we amended our naphtha supply contract with Petrobras to extend the agreement to August 31, 2015. Pursuant to this amendment, the existing terms and conditions of the contract have been maintained and the price will be adjusted retroactively to March 1, 2015 in accordance with the terms of a replacement contract that we are currently negotiating once it is executed. We cannot assure that the price adjustment on this amendment will not reduce our gross margin and net income.

We cannot assure you that the pricing formula under the new naphtha supply contract will be as favorable to our company as the pricing formulas under our existing naphtha supply contracts. To the extent that the price that we pay naphtha under our new naphtha supply contract causes our costs for naphtha to increase relative to contract or spot prices available for in the international commodities market or the volatility of naphtha pricing under our new naphtha supply contract increases, the revisions to this pricing formula could have a material adverse effect on the margins that we are able to achieve for our petrochemical products and, as a result, on our results of operations.

In addition, we cannot assure you that we will be successful in our negotiation of a new naphtha supply contract. In the event that our current naphtha supply contracts, as extended, were to expire and Petrobras was unwilling to further extend these contracts, we would seek to replace this supply through other long-term contracts with other suppliers and through purchases on the spot market. However, because our naphtha delivery infrastructure has been designed to accommodate large deliveries from Petrobras refineries in Brazil, we would initially be constrained with respect to storage and delivery of naphtha to our naphtha-based crackers in Brazil. As a result, any interruption in our supply of naphtha from Petrobras could have an adverse effect on the cost of naphtha to our company, and consequently the margins we achieve on our petrochemical products, as well as our capacity utilization rates as we upgraded our infrastructure to permit delivery from other suppliers, each of which would have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

Finally, although regulatory changes have ended Petrobras’ monopoly in the Brazilian naphtha market and have allowed us to import naphtha, any restrictions imposed on the importation of naphtha into Brazil could increase our production costs

Our Polyolefins Unit and Vinyls Unit depend on our basic petrochemicals plants to supply them with their ethylene and propylene requirements.

Our Basic Petrochemicals Unit is the only supplier of ethylene to our Vinyls Unit, the only supplier of ethylene to the polyethylene plants of our Polyolefins Unit and the principal supplier of propylene to the polypropylene plants of our Polyolefins Unit. Because the cost of storing and transporting ethylene is substantial and there is inadequate infrastructure in Brazil to permit the importing of large quantities of ethylene and propylene, our polyolefins plants in Brazil and our Vinyls Unit are highly dependent on the supply of these products by our basic petrochemicals plants. Consequently, our production volumes of, and net sales revenue from, polyolefins and vinyls products would decrease, and our overall financial performance would be negatively affected, in the event of the following:

·      any significant damage to the facilities of our Basic Petrochemicals Unit through which ethylene or propylene is produced, or to the pipeline or other facilities that connect our polyolefins plants or vinyls plants to our basic petrochemicals plants, whether as a consequence of an accident, natural disaster, fire or otherwise;

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·      any significant reduction in the supply of naphtha to our Basic Petrochemicals Unit, as naphtha is the principal raw material used by our Basic Petrochemicals Unit in the production of ethylene and propylene; or

·      any significant reduction in the supply of ethane or propane to our subsidiary Rio Polímeros S.A., or RioPol, as ethane and propane are the principal raw materials used by RioPol in the production of ethylene and propylene.

We depend on Petrobras for a significant portion of the propylene that we use in Brazil to produce polypropylene.

During 2014, 47.3 % of the propylene used by our Polyolefins Unit was supplied by Petrobras. Because there is inadequate infrastructure in Brazil to permit the importation of large quantities of these products and the cost of storing and transporting propylene is substantial, we are highly dependent on propylene supplied by Petrobras and production volumes of, and net sales revenue from, polypropylene products would decrease, and our overall financial performance would be negatively affected, in the event of the following:

·      significant damage to Petrobras’ refineries or to any of the pipelines connecting our polypropylene plants to Petrobras’ facilities, whether as a consequence of an accident, natural disaster, fire or otherwise; or

·      any termination by Petrobras of the supply contracts with our company, which provide that Petrobras may terminate the contracts for a number of reasons described in “Item 4. Information on the Company—Polyolefins Unit—Raw Materials of Our Polyolefins Unit.”

Any downgrade in the ratings of our company or our debt securities would likely result in increased interest and other financial expenses related to our borrowings and debt securities and could reduce our liquidity.

Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., or Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s Investors Service, or Moody’s, and Fitch, Inc., or Fitch, maintain ratings of our company and our debt securities. Currently, Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s and Fitch maintain ratings of our company on a local and a global basis. On a global basis, Standard & Poor’s maintains a local currency rating for our company of “BBB- (stable)” and a foreign currency rating for our company of “BBB- (stable),” Moody’s maintains a local currency rating for our company of “Baa3 (negative)” and foreign currency rating for our company of “Baa3 (negative),” and Fitch maintains a local currency rating for our company of “BBB- (stable)” and foreign currency rating for our company of “BBB- (stable).” Any decision by these agencies to downgrade the ratings of our company or of our debt securities in the future would likely result in increased interest and other financial expenses relating to our borrowings and debt securities and the inclusion of financial covenants in the instruments governing new indebtedness, and could significantly reduce our ability to obtain such financing on satisfactory terms or in amounts required by us and our liquidity.

Some of our shareholders may have the ability to determine the outcome of corporate actions or decisions, which could affect the holders of our class A preferred shares and the ADSs.

Odebrecht S.A., or Odebrecht, directly or through its wholly-owned subsidiary Odebrecht Serviços e Participações S.A., or OSP, owns 38.3% of our outstanding share capital, including 50.11% of our voting share capital. Designees of Odebrecht constitute a majority of the members of our board of directors. Under a shareholders’ agreement to which OSP and Petrobras are parties, which we refer to as the Petrobras Shareholders’ Agreement, we have agreed to undertake certain actions only after Odebrecht and Petrobras have reached a consensus with respect to those actions and Odebrecht will have the sole power to approve the business plan of our company, as described under “Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions—Major Shareholders—Shareholders’ Agreements.” As a result, Odebrecht will have the ability to determine the outcome of most corporate actions or decisions requiring the approval of our shareholders or our board of directors — in certain instances, with the consent of Petrobras — which could affect the holders of our class A preferred shares and the American Depositary Shares, or ADSs.

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We may face conflicts of interest in transactions with related parties.

We maintain trade accounts receivable and current and long-term payables with some of our affiliates and other related parties, including Petrobras, which is our domestic supplier of naphtha and other raw materials such as propylene, ethane and propane. Petrobras holds 36.1% of our outstanding share capital, including 47.0% of our voting share capital. These accounts receivable and accounts payable balances result mainly from purchases and sales of goods, which are at prices and on terms equivalent to the average terms and prices of transactions that we enter into with third parties, other than the prices that we pay under our naphtha purchase agreements with Petrobras, which we believe are more suitable to the products that we receive from Petrobras compared to products and prices available in transactions that we enter into with other third parties. We also engage in financial and other transactions with some of our direct and indirect shareholders. These and other commercial and financial transactions between us and our affiliates could result in conflicting interests between our company and these shareholders.

We may make significant acquisitions which, if not successfully integrated with our company, may adversely affect our operating results.

We may make significant acquisitions in the future. Acquisitions involve risks, including the following:

·      failure of the acquired businesses to achieve expected results;

·      possible inability to retain or hire key personnel of the acquired businesses;

·      possible inability to achieve expected synergies and/or economies of scale;

·      unanticipated liabilities; and

·      antitrust considerations.

If we are unable to integrate or manage acquired businesses successfully, we may not realize anticipated cost savings, revenue growth and levels of integration, which may result in reduced profitability or operating losses.

We may face unforeseen challenges in the implementation of Project Ethylene XXI which could result in this project failing to provide expected benefits to our company.

In 2012, we began construction of an olefins complex, or the Mexico Complex, to be located in the Mexican state of Veracruz. For more information about this project, which we refer to as Project Ethylene XXI, see “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Capital Expenditures—Joint Venture Projects—Project Ethylene XXI.”

Braskem Idesa S.A.P.I., or Braskem Idesa, our joint venture with Grupo Idesa, S.A. de C.V., or Idesa, one of Mexico’s leading petrochemical groups, to develop Project Ethylene XXI will undertake significant capital expenditure programs to implement this project. Our ability to achieve our strategic objectives relating to this project will depend on, in large part, the successful, timely and cost-effective implementation of this project. Factors that could affect this implementation include the following:

·      the outcome of negotiations with governments, suppliers, customers or others;

·      the ability of Braskem Idesa to complete the project’s milestones in order to obtain future disbursements under our project finance facilities that are necessary for the implementation of this project;

·      the occurrence of unforeseen technical difficulties (including technical problems that may delay start-up of, or interrupt production from, Project Ethylene XXI or lead to unexpected downtime of the plants of Braskem Idesa);

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·      delays in the delivery of third-party equipment or services by Braskem Idesa’s vendors;

·      the failure of the equipment supplied by these vendors to comply with the expected capabilities of this equipment; and

·      delays resulting from the failure of third-party suppliers or contractors to meet their obligations in a timely and cost-effective manner.

Although we believe that the cost estimate and implementation schedule of Project Ethylene XXI is reasonable, we cannot assure you that the actual costs or time required to complete the implementation of this project will not substantially exceed our current estimates. Any significant cost overrun or delay could hinder or prevent the implementation of our business plan as originally conceived, and result in revenues and net income being less than expected.

Future adjustments in tariffs on imports that compete with our products could cause us to lower our prices.

We currently benefit from tariffs imposed by the Brazilian government on imports that allow us to charge prices for our polyolefins and vinyls products in the domestic market that include a factor based on the tariffs levied on comparable imports of those products. However, the Brazilian government has in the past used import and export tariffs to effect economic policies, with the consequence that tariffs can vary. For example, in September 2012, the Brazilian government increased import duties on 100 products related to various industries, including an increase on the import tariff for polyethylene. In October 2012, it increased the import tariff for polyethylene from 14% to 20% and in October 2013, it reduced the import tariff for polyethylene to the previous level of 14%.  Future adjustments of tariffs could lead to increase competition from imports and cause us to lower our domestic prices, which would likely result in lower net sales revenue and could negatively affect our overall financial performance. Additionally, the products we produce in the United States and Europe are subject to tariffs in the amount of 6.5% in each jurisdiction, subject to certain preferences. These tariffs generally favor our products produced locally and any future adjustments to these tariff structures could negatively impact our sales in these jurisdictions.

Our business is subject to stringent environmental regulations, and the imposition of new regulations could require significant capital expenditures and increase our operating costs.

We, like other Brazilian petrochemical producers, are subject to stringent Brazilian federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations concerning human health, the handling and disposal of solid and hazardous wastes and discharges of pollutants into the air and water. Petrochemical producers are sometimes subject to unfavorable market perceptions as a result of the environmental impact of their business, which can have an adverse effect on their results of operations.

Our operations in the United States and Germany are subject to extensive U.S. and German federal, state and local laws, regulations, rules and ordinances relating to pollution, protection of the environment and the generation, storage, handling, transportation, treatment, disposal and remediation of hazardous substances and waste materials. U.S. environmental laws and regulations may impose liability on us for the conduct of third parties, or for actions that complied with applicable requirements when taken, regardless of negligence or fault. Of particular significance to us are (1) regulatory programs to be established to implement air quality standards under the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for ozone and fine particles promulgated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, or the EPA, and (2) various legislative and regulatory measures in the United States which are under review, discussion or implementation to address greenhouse gas emissions.

Costs and capital expenditures relating to environmental, health or safety matters are subject to evolving regulatory requirements and will depend on the timing of the promulgation and enforcement of specific standards which impose the requirements. Moreover, changes in environmental regulations could inhibit or interrupt our operations, or require modifications to our facilities. Accordingly, environmental, health or safety regulatory matters may result in significant unanticipated costs or liabilities.

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We manufacture products that are subject to the risk of fire, explosions and other hazards.

Our operations are subject to hazards, such as fires, explosions and other accidents, associated with the manufacture of petrochemicals and the storage and transportation of feedstocks and petrochemical products. These hazards can cause personal injury and loss of life, severe damage to or destruction of property and equipment and environmental damage. A sufficiently large accident at one of our plants or storage facilities could force us to suspend our operations temporarily and result in significant remediation costs and lost net sales revenue. For example, in May 2011, our Alagoas chlor-alkali plant experienced a chlorine leak and rupture of equipment caused by an abnormal and unpredictable increase in the concentration of trichloramine generated in this plant’s production process. As a result of the chlorine leak, approximately 150 local residents were examined for respiratory contamination by the emergency room of a local hospital. All were released within 24 hours. The equipment rupture resulted in the hospitalization of five employees of Mills Estruturas e Serviços de Engenharia S.A. working at this plant, three of whom were released from the hospital the following day. As a result of these incidents, our chlor-alkali plant was temporarily shut down for approximately two weeks.

Although we maintain insurance coverage for losses due to fire damage and for losses of income resulting from shutdowns due to fire, explosion or electrical damage, those insurance proceeds may not be available on a timely basis and may be insufficient to cover all losses, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial performance.

Unfavorable outcomes in pending or future litigation may reduce our liquidity and negatively affect our financial performance and financial condition.

We are, and in the future may be, involved in numerous tax, civil and labor disputes, among others, involving monetary claims. If unfavorable decisions are rendered in one or more of these lawsuits, we could be required to pay substantial amounts. For some of these lawsuits, we have not established any provision on our balance sheet or have established provisions only for part of the amounts in question, based on our judgments as to the likelihood of winning these lawsuits. For more information about our legal proceedings, see “Item 8. Financial Information—Legal Proceedings.”

Labor unrest may materially and adversely affect our operations.

Labor unrest in our plants and facilities may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations. For example, in August 2010, the unionized employees at our Neal, West Virginia plant went on strike. During the strike, the plant operated under the supervision of management until May 2011, when Braskem America entered into a new collective bargaining agreement. Although we believe that we maintain good relations with our employees, future labor actions, including strikes, could have a material adverse effect on our financial performance.

Natural disasters, severe weather and climate conditions could have a material adverse effect on our overall business.

Some of our facilities are located in places that could be affected by natural disasters, such as floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, tornados and other natural disasters, which could disrupt our operations or the operations of our customers and could damage or destroy infrastructure necessary to transport our products as part of the supply chain. Such events could require maintenance shutdowns, delay shipments of existing inventory or result in costly repairs, replacements or other costs, all of which could have a material adverse effect on our financial performance.

Additionally, approximately 70% of Brazil’s installed electric generation capacity is currently dependent upon hydroelectric generation facilities. If the amount of water available to energy producers becomes increasingly scarce due to drought or diversion for other uses, as has occurred in recent years, the cost of energy, which represented approximately 2.2% of our total cost of goods sold in 2014, may increase.  Such conditions could have a material adverse effect on our sales and margins.

 

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We could be materially adversely affected by violations of the Brazilian Anti-Corruption Law, U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and similar anti corruption laws.

We, our subsidiaries and our joint venture partners are subject to a number of anti-corruption laws, including Law No. 12,486/2013, or the Brazilian Anti-Corruption Law, which became effective on January 28, 2014, the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and various other anti-corruption and anti-bribery laws of other jurisdictions. In the context of anti-corruption allegations against certain individuals and entities in Brazil, including Petrobras, we were mentioned in allegations of improper payments made in order to receive favorable treatment in connection with certain contracts that we are party to with Petrobras. We have not received notice of any proceeding or investigation involving us that has been commenced in Brazil or the United States in connection with these allegations.

Although we have certain procedures in place, we have implemented additional procedures and controls to monitor our compliance with applicable anti-corruption laws and as a result of the recent allegations against us, have engaged Brazilian and U.S. legal counsel to conduct a voluntary internal investigation of this matter.  If any of these allegations prove to be true, or if we or any of our subsidiaries, or joint venture partners fails to comply with any of these laws, we could be subject to applicable civil or criminal penalties, which could adversely affect our overall performance.

Risks Relating to Brazil

Brazilian political and economic conditions, and the Brazilian government’s economic and other policies, may negatively affect demand for our products as well as our net sales revenue and overall financial performance.

The Brazilian economy has been characterized by frequent and occasionally extensive intervention by the Brazilian government and unstable economic cycles. The Brazilian government has often changed monetary, taxation, credit, tariff and other policies to influence the course of Brazil’s economy. The Brazilian government’s actions to control inflation and implement other policies have at times involved wage and price controls, blocking access to bank accounts, imposing capital controls and limiting imports into Brazil.

Our results of operations and financial condition may be adversely affected by factors such as:

·      fluctuations in exchange rates;

·      exchange control policies;

·      interest rates;

·      inflation;

·      tax policies;

·      expansion or contraction of the Brazilian economy, as measured by rates of growth in GDP;

·      liquidity of domestic capital and lending markets; and

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

Uncertainty over whether possible changes in policies or rules affecting these or other factors may contribute to economic uncertainties in Brazil and to heightened volatility in the Brazilian securities markets and securities issued abroad by Brazilian issuers. The President of Brazil has considerable power to determine governmental policies and actions that relate to the Brazilian economy and, consequently, affect the operations and financial performance of businesses, such as our company. We cannot assure you that the policies that may be implemented by the Brazilian federal or state governments will not adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Future changes in industrial policy and related actions undertaken by the Brazilian government may negatively affect demand for our products as well as our net sales revenue and overall financial performance.

We currently benefit from certain industrial policies and related actions undertaken by the Brazilian government intended to strengthen the domestic economic and certain local industries. Some of these policies and actions have recently included reductions in payroll taxes for plastic manufacturers, a program to improve the competitiveness of Brazilian plastics producers in the export markets by refunding the federal taxes levied on their export sale, intervention of the federal government to limit uniform import tariffs at local ports, increases in import duties on certain products, including polyethylene, and the reduction in the rates of Social Integration Program (Programa de Integração Social), or PIS, a federal value-added tax, and Contribution for Social Security Financing (Contribuição para Financiamento da Seguridade Social), or COFINS, taxes on feedstock purchases by first- and second-generation petrochemical producers. These taxes were set at a rate of 5.6% prior to June 2013, when they were lowered to 1%. These tax rates are expected to continue at a 1% rate during 2015 but the rate is expected to increase to 3% in 2016 and 5% in 2017 and, then return to 5.6% in 2018. Such industrial policies may be of limited duration and may be renewed or discontinued at the discretion of the Brazilian government. We cannot predict or control which policies will be renewed or discontinued and whether future changes to Brazilian industrial policy will be proposed and enacted in the future. If industrial policies that benefit us expire, or policies detrimental to us are implemented, our business, results of operations and financial condition may be adversely affected.

 

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Fluctuations in the real/U.S. dollar exchange rate could increase inflation in Brazil, raise the cost of servicing our foreign currency-denominated debt and negatively affect our overall financial performance.

The exchange rate between the real and the U.S. dollar and the relative rates of depreciation and appreciation of the real have affected our results of operations and may continue to do so.

The Brazilian currency has been devalued on several occasions during the last four decades. Throughout this period, the Brazilian government has implemented various economic plans and various exchange rate policies, including sudden devaluations, periodic mini-devaluations (during which the frequency of adjustments has ranged from daily to monthly), exchange controls, dual exchange rate markets and a floating exchange rate system. From time to time, there have been significant fluctuations in the exchange rate between the Brazilian currency and the U.S. dollar and other currencies. The real appreciated against the U.S. dollar by 4.3% during 2010. The real depreciated by 12.6% against the U.S. dollar during 2011, by 8.9% during 2012, by 14.6% during 2013 and by 13.4% during 2014.

Depreciation of the real relative to the U.S. dollar also could result in inflationary pressures in Brazil by generally increasing the price of imported products and services. On the other hand, the appreciation of the real against the U.S. dollar may lead to a deterioration of the country’s current account and the balance of payments and may dampen export-driven growth.

We had total foreign currency-denominated debt obligations, all of which were denominated in U.S. dollars, in an aggregate amount of R$13,928.4 million (US$5,248.1 million) as of December 31, 2014, representing 68.5% of our consolidated indebtedness, not including transaction costs or the aggregate amount of R$7,577.5 million (US$2,878.9 million) outstanding as of December 31, 2014 in connection with the project finance debt related to Project Ethylene XXI. As of December 31, 2014, we had US$858.0 million in foreign currency-denominated cash and cash equivalents.

A significant depreciation of the real in relation to the U.S. dollar or other currencies could increase our financial expenses as a result of foreign exchange losses that we must record and could reduce our ability to meet debt service requirements of our foreign currency-denominated obligations. To enable us to more efficiently manage the effects of exchange rate fluctuations on our results, in 2013 we decided to designate part of our dollar-denominated liabilities as a hedge for our future exports.  See “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Year Ended December 31, 2013 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2012—Financial Results” for more information.

The prices of naphtha, our most important raw material, and of some of our other raw materials, are denominated in or linked to the U.S. dollar. Naphtha accounted, directly and indirectly, for 48.3% of our consolidated cost of sales and services rendered in 2014. When the real depreciates against the U.S. dollar, the cost in reais of our U.S. dollar-denominated and U.S. dollar-linked raw materials increases, and our operating income in reais may decrease to the extent that we are unable to pass on these cost increases to our customers.

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The Brazilian government’s actions to combat inflation may contribute significantly to economic uncertainty in Brazil and reduce demand for our products.

Historically, Brazil has experienced high rates of inflation. Inflation, as well as government efforts to combat inflation, had significant negative effects on the Brazilian economy, particularly prior to 1995. The inflation rate, as measured by the General Price Index—Internal Availability (Índice Geral de Preços—Disponibilidade Interna), or the IGP-DI, reached 2,708% in 1993. Although inflation rates have been substantially lower since 1994 than in previous periods, inflationary pressures persist. Inflation rates, as measured by the IGP-DI, were 11.3% in 2010, 5.1% in 2011, 7.8% in 2012, 5.5% in 2013 and 3.7% in 2014. The Brazilian government’s measures to control inflation have often included maintaining a tight monetary policy with high interest rates, thereby restricting availability of credit and reducing economic growth. Inflation, actions to combat inflation and public speculation about possible additional actions also may contribute to economic uncertainty in Brazil and to heightened volatility in the Brazilian securities markets.

Brazil may experience high levels of inflation in future periods. Increasing prices for petroleum, the depreciation of the real and future governmental measures seeking to maintain the value of the real in relation to the U.S. dollar may trigger increases in inflation in Brazil. Periods of higher inflation may slow the rate of growth of the Brazilian economy, which would lead to reduced demand for our products in Brazil and decreased net sales revenue. Inflation is also likely to increase some of our costs and expenses, which we may not be able to pass on to our customers and, as a result, may reduce our profit margins and net income. In addition, high inflation generally leads to higher domestic interest rates, and, as a result, the costs of servicing our real denominated debt may increase, causing our net income to be reduced. Inflation and its effect on domestic interest rates can, in addition, lead to reduced liquidity in the domestic capital and lending markets, which could adversely affect our ability to refinance our indebtedness in those markets. Any decline in our net sales revenue or net income and any deterioration in our financial condition would also likely lead to a decline in the market price of our class A preferred shares and the ADS.

Fluctuations in interest rates could raise the cost of servicing our debt and negatively affect our overall financial performance.

Our financial expenses are affected by changes in the interest rates that apply to our floating rate debt. As of December 31, 2014, we had, among other debt obligations, R$2,375.5 million of loans and financing and debentures that were subject to the Long-Term Interest Rate (Taxa de Juros de Longo Prazo), or TJLP, R$2,362.0 million of loans and financing and debentures that were subject to the Interbank Deposit Certificate (Certificado de Depósito Interbancário), or CDI rate, and R$7,377.5 million of loans and financing that were subject to the London Interbank Offered Rate, or LIBOR.

The TJLP includes an inflation factor and is determined quarterly by the Central Bank. In particular, the TJLP and the CDI rate have fluctuated significantly in the past in response to the expansion or contraction of the Brazilian economy, inflation, Brazilian government policies and other factors. See “Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.” A significant increase in any of these interest rates could adversely affect our financial expenses and negatively affect our overall financial performance.

Brazilian government exchange control policies could increase the cost of servicing our foreign currency-denominated debt, adversely affect our ability to make payments under our foreign currency-denominated debt obligations and impair our liquidity.

The purchase and sale of foreign currency in Brazil is subject to governmental control. Many factors could cause the Brazilian government to institute more restrictive exchange control policies, including the extent of Brazil’s foreign currency reserves, the availability of sufficient foreign exchange on the date a payment is due, the size of Brazil’s debt service burden relative to the economy as a whole, Brazil’s policy towards the International Monetary Fund and political constraints to which Brazil may be subject. A more restrictive policy could increase the cost of servicing, and thereby reduce our ability to pay, our foreign currency-denominated debt obligations and other liabilities.

Our foreign-currency debt denominated in dollars represented an aggregate of 68.5% of our indebtedness on a consolidated basis as of December 31, 2014, not including transaction costs or the aggregate amount of R$7,577.5 million (US$2,852.8 million) outstanding as of December 31, 2014 in connection with the project finance debt related to Project Ethylene XXI. If we fail to make payments under any of these obligations, we will be in default under those obligations, which could reduce our liquidity as well as the market price of our class A preferred shares and the ADS.

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Changes in tax laws may result in increases in certain direct and indirect taxes, which could reduce our gross margin and negatively affect our overall financial performance.

The Brazilian government implements from time to time changes to tax regimes that may increase our and our customers’ tax burdens. These changes include modifications in the rate of assessments and, on occasion, enactment of temporary taxes, the proceeds of which are earmarked for designated governmental purposes. We cannot predict the changes to Brazilian tax law that may be proposed and enacted in the future. However, future changes in Brazilian tax law may result in increases in our overall tax burden, which could reduce our gross margin and negatively affect our overall financial performance.

Risks Relating to Our Equity and Debt Securities

Holders of our class A preferred shares or the ADSs may not receive any dividends or interest on shareholders’ equity.

According to our by-laws and Brazilian corporate law, we must generally pay our shareholders at least 25% of our annual net income as dividends or interest on shareholders’ equity, as calculated and adjusted under Brazilian GAAP (which, for this purpose, is identical to IFRS). This adjusted net income may be capitalized, used to absorb losses or otherwise retained as allowed under Brazilian GAAP and may not be available to be paid as dividends or interest on shareholders’ equity. The Brazilian Corporation Law allows a publicly traded company like ours to suspend the mandatory distribution of dividends in any particular year if our board of directors informs our shareholders that such distributions would be inadvisable in view of our financial condition or cash availability. Holders of our class A preferred shares or the ADSs may not receive any dividends or interest on shareholders’ equity in any given year if our board of directors makes such a determination or if our operations fail to generate net income.

Our class A preferred shares and the ADSs have limited voting rights and are not entitled to vote to approve corporate transactions, including mergers or consolidations of our company with other companies, or the declaration of dividends.

Under the Brazilian Corporation Law and our by-laws, holders of our class A preferred shares and, consequently, the ADSs are not entitled to vote at meetings of our shareholders, except in very limited circumstances. These limited circumstances directly relate to key rights of the holders of class A preferred shares, such as modifying basic terms of our class A preferred shares or creating a new class of preferred shares with superior rights. Holders of preferred shares without voting rights are entitled to elect one member and his or her respective alternate to our board of directors and our fiscal council. Holders of our class A preferred shares and the ADSs are not entitled to vote to approve corporate transactions, including mergers or consolidations of our company with other companies, or the declaration of dividends. See “Item 10. Additional Information—Description of Our Company’s By-laws—Voting Rights.”

Holders of the ADSs may find it difficult to exercise even their limited voting rights at our shareholders’ meetings.

Under Brazilian law, only shareholders registered as such in our corporate books may attend our shareholders’ meetings. All class A preferred shares underlying the ADSs are registered in the name of the depositary. ADS holders may exercise the limited voting rights with respect to our class A preferred shares represented by the ADSs only in accordance with the deposit agreement relating to the ADSs, which provides that voting rights are only available to ADS holders at our discretion. There are practical limitations upon the ability of ADS holders to exercise their voting rights due to the additional steps involved in communicating with ADS holders. For example, we are required to publish a notice of our shareholders’ meetings in certain newspapers in Brazil. To the extent that holders of our class A preferred shares are entitled to vote at a shareholders’ meeting, they will be able to exercise their voting rights by attending the meeting in person or voting by proxy. By contrast, holders of the ADSs will receive notice of a shareholders’ meeting by mail from the depositary following our notice to the American Depositary Receipt, or ADR, depository requesting the ADR depository to do so. To exercise their voting rights, ADS holders must instruct the depositary on a timely basis. This noticed voting process will take longer for ADS holders than for holders of class A preferred shares. If it fails to receive timely voting instructions for all or part of the ADSs, the depositary will assume that the holders of those ADSs are instructing it to give a discretionary proxy to a person designated by us to vote their ADSs, except in limited circumstances.

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In the limited circumstances in which holders of the ADSs have voting rights, they may not receive the voting materials in time to instruct the depositary to vote the class A preferred shares underlying their ADSs. In addition, the depositary and its agents are not responsible for failing to carry out the voting instructions of the holders of the ADSs or for the manner of carrying out those voting instructions. Accordingly, holders of the ADSs may not be able to exercise their voting rights, and they will have no recourse if the class A preferred shares underlying their ADSs are not voted as requested.

If holders of the ADSs exchange them for class A preferred shares, they may risk temporarily losing, or being limited in, the ability to remit foreign currency abroad and certain Brazilian tax advantages.

The Brazilian custodian for the preferred shares underlying the ADSs must obtain an electronic registration number with the Central Bank to allow the depositary to remit U.S. dollars abroad. ADS holders benefit from the electronic certificate of foreign capital registration from the Central Bank obtained by the custodian for the depositary, which permits it to convert dividends and other distributions with respect to the class A preferred shares into U.S. dollars and remit the proceeds of such conversion abroad. If holders of the ADSs decide to exchange them for the underlying preferred shares, they will only be entitled to rely on the custodian’s certificate of registration with the Central Bank for five business days after the date of the exchange. Thereafter, they will be unable to remit U.S. dollars abroad unless they obtain a new electronic certificate of foreign capital registration in connection with the preferred shares, which may result in expenses and may cause delays in receiving distributions. See “Item 10. Additional Information—Exchange Controls.”

Also, if holders of the ADSs that exchange the ADSs for our Class A preferred shares do not qualify under the foreign investment regulations, they will generally be subject to less favorable tax treatment of dividends and distribution on, and the proceeds from any sale of, our preferred shares. See “Item 10. Additional information—Exchange Controls” and “Item 10. Additional Information—Taxation—Brazilian Tax Considerations.”

Restrictions on the movement of currency out of Brazil may impair the ability of holders of the 6.450% Notes due 2024, issued by Braskem Finance Limited, or the 2024 Notes, to receive interest and other payments on the notes.

The Brazilian government may impose temporary restrictions on the conversion of Brazilian currency into foreign currencies and on the remittance to foreign investors of proceeds of their investments in Brazil. Brazilian law permits the government to impose these restrictions whenever there is a serious imbalance in Brazil’s balance of payments or there are reasons to foresee a serious imbalance. The Brazilian government imposed remittance restrictions for approximately six months in 1990. Similar restrictions, if imposed in the future, would impair or prevent the conversion of interest payments on the notes from reais into U.S. dollars and the remittance of U.S. dollars abroad to holders of the 2024 Notes. The Brazilian government may take similar measures in the future.

The foreign exchange policy of Brazil may affect the ability of Braskem to make money remittances outside Brazil in respect of the guarantees.

Under current Brazilian regulations, Brazilian companies are not required to obtain authorization from the Central Bank in order to make payments under guarantees in favor of foreign persons, such as the holders of the 2024 Notes. We cannot assure you that these regulations will continue to be in force at the time Braskem is required to perform its payment obligations under the guarantees. If these regulations or their interpretation are modified and an authorization from the Central Bank is required, Braskem would need to seek an authorization from the Central Bank to transfer the amounts under the guarantees out of Brazil or, alternatively, make such payments with funds held by Braskem outside Brazil. We cannot assure you that such an authorization will be obtained or that such funds will be available. If such authorization is not obtained, we may be unable to make payments to holders of the 2024 Notes in U.S. dollars. If we are unable to obtain the required approvals, if needed for the payment of amounts owed by Braskem through remittances from Brazil, we may have to seek other lawful mechanisms to effect payment of amounts due under the notes. However, we cannot assure you that other remittance mechanisms will be available in the future, and even if they are available in the future, we cannot assure you that payment on the 2024 Notes would be possible through such mechanism.

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Judgments of Brazilian courts enforcing Braskem’s obligations under the guarantees would be payable only in reais.

If proceedings are brought in the courts of Brazil seeking to enforce Braskem’s obligations under the guarantees, Braskem would not be required to discharge its obligations in a currency other than reais. Any judgment obtained against Braskem in Brazilian courts in respect of any payment obligations under the guarantees would be expressed in reais. We cannot assure you that this amount in reais will afford you full compensation of the amount sought in any such litigation.

Holders of the ADSs may face difficulties in protecting their interests because we are subject to different corporate rules and regulations as a Brazilian company and our shareholders may have fewer and less well-defined rights.

Holders of the ADSs are not direct shareholders of our company and are unable to enforce the rights of shareholders under our by-laws and the Brazilian Corporation Law.

Our corporate affairs are governed by our by-laws and the Brazilian Corporation Law, which differ from the legal principles that would apply if we were incorporated in a jurisdiction in the United States, such as the State of Delaware or New York, or elsewhere outside Brazil. Even if a holder of ADSs surrenders its ADSs and becomes a direct shareholder, its rights as a holder of the class A preferred shares underlying the ADSs under the Brazilian Corporation Law to protect its interests relative to actions by our board of directors may be fewer and less well-defined than under the laws of those other jurisdictions.

Although insider trading and price manipulation are crimes under Brazilian law and are the subject of continuously evolving regulations promulgated by the CVM, the Brazilian securities markets are not as highly regulated and supervised as the U.S. securities markets or the markets in some other jurisdictions. In addition, rules and policies against self-dealing or for preserving shareholder interests may be less well-defined and enforced in Brazil than in the United States and certain other countries, which may put holders of our class A preferred shares and the ADSs at a potential disadvantage. Corporate disclosures also may be less complete or informative than for a public company in the United States or in certain other countries.

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

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

We cannot assure you that a judgment of a U.S. court for liabilities under U.S. securities laws would be enforceable in Brazil or the Cayman Islands, or that an original action can be brought in Brazil or the Cayman Islands against Braskem or Braskem Finance Limited or their respective officers and directors for liabilities under U.S. securities laws, among others.

Braskem Finance Limited is an exempted company incorporated with limited liability under the laws of the Cayman Islands. Braskem is a corporation organized under the laws of Brazil. All of the directors of Braskem Finance Limited, all of the directors and officers of Braskem and some of the advisors named herein reside in Brazil or elsewhere outside the United States, and all or a significant portion of the assets of such persons may be located outside the United States. As a result, it may not be possible for investors to effect service of process within the United States or other jurisdictions outside Brazil upon such persons, or to enforce against such persons judgments predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the U.S. federal securities laws or the laws of such other jurisdictions. In addition, it may not be possible to bring an original action in Brazil against Braskem for liabilities under applicable securities laws. Furthermore, as most of our assets are located in Brazil, any action for enforceability of the guarantees would likely need to be validated by the courts of Brazil. We cannot assure you that such judicial validation would be obtained in a timely manner or at all.

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Actual or anticipated sales of a substantial number of class A preferred shares could decrease the market prices of our class A preferred shares and the ADSs.

Sales of a substantial number of our class A preferred shares could negatively affect the market prices of our class A preferred shares and the ADSs. If, in the future, substantial sales of shares are made through the securities markets by OSP, Petrobras or other existing or future holders of class A preferred shares, the market price of our class A preferred shares and, by extension, the ADSs may decrease significantly. As a result, holders of the ADSs may not be able to sell the ADSs at or above the price they paid for them.

 

Holders of the ADSs or class A preferred shares in the United States may not be entitled to the same preemptive rights as Brazilian shareholders have, pursuant to Brazilian legislation, in the subscription of shares resulting from capital increases made by us.

Under Brazilian law, if we issue new shares in exchange for cash or assets as part of a capital increase, subject to certain exceptions, we must grant our shareholders preemptive rights at the time of the subscription of shares, corresponding to their respective interest in our share capital, allowing them to maintain their existing shareholding percentage. We may not legally be permitted to allow holders of ADSs or class A preferred shares in the United States to exercise any preemptive rights in any future capital increase unless (1) we file a registration statement for an offering of shares resulting from the capital increase with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, or (2) the offering of shares resulting from the capital increase qualifies for an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act. At the time of any future capital increase, we will evaluate the costs and potential liabilities associated with filing a registration statement for an offering of shares with the SEC and any other factors that we consider important in determining whether to file such a registration statement. We cannot assure the holders of the ADSs or class A preferred shares in the United States that we will file a registration statement with the SEC to allow them to participate in any of our capital increases. As a result, the equity interest of such holders in our company may be diluted.

Brazilian tax laws may have an adverse impact on the taxes applicable to the disposition of our ADSs and preferred shares.

According to Law No. 10,833, enacted on December 29, 2003, if a nonresident of Brazil disposes of assets located in Brazil, the transaction will be subject to taxation in Brazil, even if such disposition occurs outside Brazil or if such disposition is made to another nonresident. Dispositions of our ADSs between nonresidents, however, are currently not subject to taxation in Brazil. Nevertheless, in the event that the concept of “disposition of assets” is interpreted to include the disposition between nonresidents of assets located outside Brazil, this tax law could result in the imposition of withholding taxes in the event of a disposition of our ADSs made between nonresidents of Brazil. Due to the fact that as of the date of this annual report Law No. 10,833/2003 has no judicial guidance as to its application, we are unable to predict whether an interpretation applying such tax laws to dispositions of our ADSs between nonresidents could ultimately prevail in Brazilian courts. See “Item 10. Additional Information—Taxation—Brazilian Tax Considerations.”

The relative volatility and liquidity of the Brazilian securities markets may adversely affect holders of our class A preferred shares and the ADSs.

The Brazilian securities markets are substantially smaller, less liquid and more volatile than major securities markets in the United States and other jurisdictions, and may be regulated differently from the manner in which U.S. investors are accustomed. Factors that may specifically affect the Brazilian equity markets may limit the ability of holders of the ADSs to sell class A preferred shares underlying ADSs at a price and at a time when they wish to do so and, as a result, could negatively impact the market price of the ADSs themselves.

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Developments in the international capital markets may decrease the market price of our class A preferred shares, ADSs and 2024 Notes.

The market price of our class A preferred shares, ADSs and 2024 Notes may be adversely affected by declines in the international financial markets and world economic conditions. Brazilian securities markets are influenced, to varying degrees, by economic and market conditions in other countries, especially those in Latin America.

Although economic conditions are different in each country, investors’ reaction to developments in one country may affect the securities markets and the securities of issuers in other countries, including Brazil. The recent global economic and financial crisis has had a significant negative impact on the economies of countries around the world. Developed economies like the United States have sustained some of the most direct effects while some emerging economies like that of China and Brazil have suffered substantial but comparatively milder effects. More recently, several European economies have revealed significant macroeconomic imbalances. We cannot assure you that the market for Brazilian securities will not continue to be affected negatively by events elsewhere. Any adverse economic developments in other emerging markets may adversely affect investor confidence in securities issued by Brazilian companies, causing their market price and liquidity to suffer. Any such developments could immediately affect our ability to raise capital when needed and the market price of our class A preferred shares, ADSs and 2024 Notes.

The imposition of IOF taxes may indirectly influence the price and volatility of our ADSs and preferred shares.

Brazilian law imposes the IOF/Exchange Tax, on the conversion of reais into foreign currency and on the conversion of foreign currency into reais. The objective of this tax is to slow the pace of speculative inflows of foreign capital into the Brazilian market and the appreciation of the real against the U.S. dollar. The imposition of this tax may discourage foreign investment in shares of Brazilian companies, including our company, due to higher transaction costs, and may negatively impact the price and volatility of our ADSs and preferred shares on the NYSE and the Brazilian Securities, Commodities and Futures Exchange (BM&FBOVESPA – Bolsa de Valores, Mercadorias e Futuros), or BM&FBOVESPA. See “Item 10. Additional information—Taxation—Brazilian Tax Considerations.”

Because Braskem Finance Limited has no operations of its own, holders of the 2024 Notes must depend on Braskem to provide Braskem Finance Limited with sufficient funds to make payments on the 2024 Notes when due.

Braskem Finance Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Braskem incorporated in the Cayman Islands, has no operations other than the issuing and making payments on the 2024 Notes and other indebtedness ranking equally with the 2024 Notes, and using the proceeds therefrom as permitted by the documents governing these issuances, including lending the net proceeds of the 2024 Notes and other indebtedness incurred by Braskem Finance Limited to Braskem and subsidiaries of Braskem. Accordingly, the ability of Braskem Finance Limited to pay principal, interest and other amounts due on the 2024 Notes and other indebtedness will depend upon the financial condition and results of operations of Braskem and its subsidiaries that are creditors of Braskem Finance Limited. In the event of an adverse change in the financial condition or results of operations of Braskem and its subsidiaries that are creditors of Braskem Finance Limited, these entities may be unable to service their indebtedness to Braskem Finance Limited, which would result in the failure of Braskem Finance Limited to have sufficient funds to repay all amounts due on or with respect to the 2024 Notes.

Payments on Braskem’s guarantees will be junior to Braskem’s secured debt obligations and effectively junior to debt obligations of Braskem’s subsidiaries and jointly controlled companies.

The 2024 Notes will be fully guaranteed by Braskem on an unsecured basis. The Braskem guarantees will constitute senior unsecured obligations of Braskem. The guarantees will rank equal in right of payment with all of Braskem’s other existing and future senior unsecured indebtedness. Although the guarantees will provide the holders of the 2024 Notes with a direct, but unsecured claim on Braskem’s assets and property, payment on the guarantees will be subordinated to secured debt of Braskem to the extent of the assets and property securing such debt. Payment on the guarantees will also be structurally subordinated to the payment of secured and unsecured debt and other creditors of Braskem’s subsidiaries and jointly controlled companies.

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Upon any liquidation or reorganization of Braskem, any right of the holders of the 2024 Notes, through enforcement of the guarantees, to participate in the assets of Braskem, including the capital stock of its subsidiaries and jointly controlled entities, will be subject to the prior claims of Braskem’s secured creditors, and to participate in the assets of Braskem’s subsidiaries and jointly controlled entities will be subject to the prior claims of the creditors of its subsidiaries and jointly controlled entities. The indenture relating to the 2024 Notes includes a covenant limiting the ability of Braskem and its subsidiaries to create or suffer to exist liens, although this limitation is subject to significant exceptions.

As of December 31, 2014, Braskem had (1) consolidated corporate debt, net of transaction costs, of R$20,366.6 million (US$7,656.3 million), and (2) consolidated project debt of R$7,577.5 million (US$2,852.8 million). Of the consolidated corporate debt, R$3,697.6 million (US$1,392.1 million) was unsecured debt of Braskem, R$4,205.8 million (US$1,583.4 million) was secured debt of Braskem, R$3,070.3 million (US$1,155.9 million) was debt of Braskem’s subsidiaries and special purpose entities (other than Braskem Finance Limited and Braskem Idesa S.A.P.I.).

Braskem conducts a portion of its business operations through subsidiaries and jointly controlled companies, including Braskem Qpar, Braskem Petroquímica (formerly Quattor Petroquímica S.A.), Braskem America and QuantiQ. In servicing payments to be made on its guarantees of the 2024 Notes, Braskem will rely, in part, on cash flows from these subsidiaries and jointly controlled companies, mainly in the form of dividend payments and interest on shareholders’ equity. The ability of these subsidiaries and jointly controlled entities to make dividend payments to Braskem will be affected by, among other factors, the obligations of these entities to their creditors, requirements of Brazilian corporate and other law, and restrictions contained in agreements entered into by or relating to these entities.

Braskem’s obligations under the guarantees are subordinated to certain statutory preferences.

Under Brazilian law, Braskem’s obligations under the guarantees are subordinated to certain statutory preferences. In the event of a liquidation, bankruptcy or judicial reorganization of Braskem, such statutory preferences, including post-petition claims, claims for salaries, wages, social security, taxes and court fees and expenses and claims secured by collateral, among others, will have preference over any other claims, including claims by any investor in respect of the guarantees. In such event, enforcement of the guarantees may be unsuccessful, and holders of the 2024 Notes may be unable to collect amounts that they are due under the 2024 Notes.

Brazilian bankruptcy laws may be less favorable to you than bankruptcy and insolvency laws in other jurisdictions.

If we are unable to pay our indebtedness, including our obligations under the guarantees, then we may become subject to bankruptcy proceedings in Brazil. The bankruptcy laws of Brazil currently in effect are significantly different from, and may be less favorable to creditors than, those of certain other jurisdictions. For example, holders of the 2024 Notes may have limited voting rights at creditors’ meetings in the context of a court reorganization proceeding. In addition, any judgment obtained against us in Brazilian courts in respect of any payment obligations under the guarantees normally would be expressed in the real equivalent of the U.S. dollar amount of such sum at the exchange rate in effect (1) on the date of actual payment, (2) on the date on which such judgment is rendered, or (3) on the date on which collection or enforcement proceedings are started against us. Consequently, in the event of our bankruptcy, all of our debt obligations that are denominated in foreign currency, including the guarantees, will be converted into reais at the prevailing exchange rate on the date of declaration of our bankruptcy by the court. We cannot assure you that such rate of exchange will afford full compensation of the amount invested in the 2024 Notes plus accrued interest.

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ITEM 4. INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY

We are the largest producer of thermoplastic resins in the Americas, based on annual production capacity of our 29 plants in Brazil, five plants in the United States and two plants in Germany as of December 31, 2014. We are the only producer of ethylene, polyethylene and polypropylene in Brazil. We produce a diversified portfolio of petrochemical and thermoplastic products and have a strategic focus on thermoplastic resins, including polyethylene, polypropylene and PVC. We are also the third largest Brazilian-owned private sector industrial company, based on net sales revenue in 2013 (the latest year for which such information is available). We recorded net sales revenue of R$ 46,031.4 million and a net profit of R$ 726.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2014.

As of December 31, 2014, our business operations were organized into five production business units, which corresponded to our principal production processes, products and services. Our business units were as follows:

·      Basic Petrochemicals, which includes our production and sale of basic petrochemicals at the petrochemical complex located in Camaçari in the State of Bahia, or the Northeastern Complex, the petrochemical complex located in Triunfo in the State of Rio Grande do Sul, or the Southern Complex, the petrochemical complex located in Capuava in the State of São Paulo, or the São Paulo Complex and the Rio de Janeiro Complex and our supply of utilities produced at these complexes to second generation producers, including some producers owned or controlled by our company. This segment accounted for net sales revenue of R$25,576.3 million, or 46.0% of the net sales revenue of all reportable segments, including net sales to our other business units, and had an operating margin of 7.1% in 2014;

·      Polyolefins, which includes the production and sale of polyethylene, including the production of “green polyethylene” from renewable resources, and polypropylene produced by our company in Brazil. This segment accounted for net sales revenue of R$18,502.2 million, or 33.3% of the net sales revenue of all reportable segments, including net sales to our other business units, and had an operating margin of 10.2% in 2014;

·      Vinyls, which includes our production and sale of PVC and caustic soda. This segment accounted for net sales revenue of R$2,709.5 million, or 4.9% of the net sales revenue of all reportable segments, including net sales to our other business units, and had a negative operating margin of 0.4% in 2014;

 

·      USA and Europe, which includes the operations of Braskem Europe, and consists of the production and sale of polypropylene in the United States and the operations of the polypropylene business in the United States and Germany. This segment accounted for net sales revenue of R$7,934.3 million, or 14.3% of the net sales revenue of all reportable segments, including net sales to our other business units, and had an operating margin of 1.0% in 2014; and

·      Chemical Distribution, which includes the operations of QuantiQ and IQAG and distributes petrochemical products manufactured by our company and other domestic and international companies. This segment accounted for net sales revenue of R$842.7 million, or 1.5% of the net sales revenue of all reportable segments, including net sales to our other business units, and had a negative operating margin of 0.9% in 2014.

Strategy of Our Company 

Our strategic objective is to satisfy our customers in the plastics value chain and the chemical industry in Brazil and the Americas, while maximizing return on the capital invested by shareholders.

The key elements of our strategy include:

·      Differentiation of Our Business. We recognize the cyclical nature of the markets for our petrochemical products and believe that, by focusing on relationships with our customers, we can foster customer loyalty even during periods of lower demand. For instance, we offer our customers more flexible delivery options and credit terms than importers, which typically offer deliveries only through port facilities financed through letters of credit. Our growth strategy is centered on increasing the consumption of our products, enabling customers to substitute non-plastic materials with thermoplastic resins. We are seeking to establish close, long-term relationships with our customers and are committed to providing technological support and solutions to our customers through our research centers in Rio Grande do Sul (Brazil), and in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (United States), which develop processes, products and applications for the petrochemical sector and which, as of December 31, 2014, collectively had 312 employees.  

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·      Acquisition of Feedstocks at Competitive Prices. In order to obtain feedstocks at competitive prices, we are constantly seeking to diversify our feedstock profile and to negotiate purchases of feedstocks at competitive prices.

As part of our efforts to acquire feedstock at competitive prices, in 2012 we acquired from Sunoco Chemicals, in the United States, a propylene splitter that was integrated into its unit in Marcus Hook, Pennsylvania. This acquisition provides a long-term solution to the unit’s propylene supply. Additionally, we have entered into a partnership with Enterprise Products in the United States, which will supply approximately 65% of the propylene feedstock required by our three plants in the U.S. Gulf region. In addition to guaranteeing the supply of this feedstock for 15 years, the partnership establishes Enterprise’s obligation to build a propane dehydrogenation plant (PDH) that will use shale gas and other untraditional feedstock sources, giving Braskem access to competitive opportunities in gas-based feedstock in the region.

With respect to the diversification of our feedstock profile, we have advanced in the construction of the Ethylene XXI Project, a complex in Mexico that will include a cracker using ethane as feedstock and three integrated polyethylene plants with annual capacity of 1.05 million tons, with startup slated for the end of 2015. Developed through a joint venture with the Mexican group Idesa, Braskem Idesa has entered into a long-term supply contract to purchase ethane from Pemex Gas y Petroquímica Básica, or Pemex Gas, a state-owned Mexican company, under competitive commercial conditions.

Additionally, we are involved in studies for a new project for the integrated production of polyethylene in the state of West Virginia. This project, called the Appalachian Shale Cracker Enterprise, or Ascent, contemplates the involvement of third party investors. The role of each participant and the business model of the project has not yet been determined will be subject to board approval if the initial findings of the study are positive. Given recent developments in the world energy markets, we are considering new oil price models into this project analysis.

·      Expansion in Selected International Markets. As part of the continuous evaluation of our business and plans, we regularly consider a range of strategic options and transactions. From time to time, we consider a variety of potential strategic transactions to expand our presence in the global petrochemicals market. We plan to expand the production capacity of our business units during the next several years by constructing new facilities (greenfield projects) with access to competitive raw material sources independently or in conjunction with third parties and/or through the acquisition of petrochemical producers that currently compete with us or produce complementary products.

We believe that additional capacity purchased or developed by us together with joint venture partners will enable us to maintain and expand our leadership position in the Americas and support the growth of our main markets.

·      New Business Opportunities. We seek to pursue new business opportunities by developing new and specialized products and technologies, including the following:

Ø  We have expanded and converted one of our polyethylene production lines in Bahia to produce metallocene-based linear low density polyethylene. This resin has distinctive characteristics for the flexible packaging industry, including greater resistance to impact and punctures, higher polish and greater transparency. This production line commenced operations in the fourth quarter of 2014;

Ø  We are continuously evaluating opportunities to improve our existing products and to act as partner or supplier in connection with the manufacture of new value-added products; and

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Ø  We are seeking a strong position in the technological development of chemicals from renewable resources and/or using production processes that generate fewer emissions by investing in research, development and technological innovation.

 

History and Development of Our Company

We were founded in 1972 as Petroquímica do Nordeste Copene Ltda. to plan, execute and coordinate the activities of the petrochemical complex located in Camaçari in the State of Bahia, or the Northeastern Complex. The construction of the Northeastern Complex formed part of a development policy of the Brazilian government implemented in the early 1970’s to diversify the geographical distribution of industrial assets and to promote economic growth across different regions of Brazil. On June 18, 1974, we were incorporated as a corporation under the laws of Brazil (registered with the Board of Trade of the State of Bahia under company registry No. 29300006939) and were renamed Copene Petroquímica do Nordeste S.A. In 2002, we changed our corporate name to Braskem S.A.

The following discussion highlights the important developments in our business since January 1, 2014.

Merger of Braskem Qpar

Braskem Qpar merged with and into Braskem on December 1, 2014. This merger is part of Braskem’s reorganization strategy to simplify its current corporate structure. Because all of Braskem Qpar’s shares are held by Braskem, the merger did not result in an increase in Braskem’s share capital or alteration in the number of its shares.

Joint Venture with Styrolution

In October 2013, we signed a memorandum of understanding with Styrolution Group GmbH, or Styrolution, a global leader in the production of styrene, to assess the economic feasibility of forming a joint venture in Brazil. If approved, this joint venture would build and operate a plant with an expected annual production capacity of 100,000 tons of the copolymers acrylonitrile, butadiene, styrene and styrene acrylonitrile. We expect that the joint venture would market these copolymers to customers in Brazil and throughout South America. The memorandum of understanding contemplates that Styrolution would hold a 70% controlling interest in the joint venture and would contribute its expertise in developing and producing these copolymers, providing the technology licenses and leveraging its existing acrylonitrile butadiene styrene and styrene acrylonitrile businesses in the region. The memorandum of understanding contemplates that Braskem would hold a 30% interest in the joint venture and would contribute the required infrastructure and the site of the plant. The implementation of this joint venture is subject to, among other things, the negotiation of definitive agreements among the parties with respect to the joint venture and regulatory and antitrust approval. If this joint venture is implemented, we expect that construction will commence in early 2016 and that this plant would commence operations in 2018.

Investment in Metallocene-based LLDPE

In October 2013, we announced that we would invest approximately R$50 million in one of our polyethylene production lines in the Northeastern Complex to (1) expand the annual production capacity of this line by 30,000 tons and (2) convert 100,000 tons of the annual production capacity of this line to the production of metallocene-based LLDPE. We expect to sell this resin, which takes advantage of the development of more modern technology, primarily to manufacturers of plastic films. This production line commenced operations in the fourth quarter of 2014.

Sale of Southern Complex Water Treatment Assets

On December 31, 2013, we entered into a share purchase agreement relating to all of our shares of Distribuidora de Água Triunfo S.A., or DAT, which represented all of its outstanding shares, for an aggregate principal amount of R$315.0 million. This sale occurred in February 2014. Pursuant to this agreement, we sold DAT, which owned our water treatment assets located in our Southern Complex, to Odebrecht Ambiental, which is part of Odebrecht. In connection with this agreement, we entered into a long-term agreement with Odebrecht Ambiental for the supply of industrial water.

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Our Corporate Structure

The following chart presents our ownership structure and the corporate structure of our principal subsidiaries as of the date of this annual report. The percentages in bold italics represent the direct and indirect percentage of the voting share capital owned by each entity, and the percentages not in bold italics represent the direct and indirect percentage of the total share capital owned by each entity.

 

________________________________

(1)   Braskem Qpar merged with and into Braskem on December 1, 2014.

(2)   Braskem America is wholly owned by Braskem Europe GmbH, or Braskem Europe, which is wholly owned by Braskem Netherlands B.V.

Basic Petrochemicals Unit

As of December 31, 2014, our Basic Petrochemicals Unit’s facilities had one of the largest annual production capacities of all first generation producers in Latin America. Including net sales to our other business units, our Basic Petrochemicals Unit generated net sales revenue of R$25,576.3 million in 2014, or 46.0% of the net sales revenue of all reportable segments. Net sales revenue generated by sales to our other business units was R$11,495.5 million during 2014, representing 44.9% of the net sales revenue of our Basic Petrochemicals Unit.

Our Basic Petrochemicals Unit is comprised of the basic petrochemicals operations conducted by our company in the Northeastern Complex, the Southern Complex, the São Paulo Complex and the Rio de Janeiro Complex.

Our Basic Petrochemicals Unit produces:

·      olefins, such as ethylene, polymer and chemical grade propylene, butadiene, isoprene and butene-1;

·      BTX products;

·      fuels, such as automotive gasoline and liquefied petroleum gas, or LPG;

·      intermediates, such as cumene; and

·      other basic petrochemicals, such as ethyl tertiary butyl ether, or ETBE, solvent C9 and pyrolysis C9.

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The products of our Basic Petrochemicals Unit are used primarily in the manufacture of intermediate second generation petrochemical products, including those manufactured by our Polyolefins Unit and our Vinyls Unit. Our Basic Petrochemicals Unit also supplies utilities to other second generation producers in each of the petrochemical complexes in which we operate and other companies located outside of these complexes, and renders services to those producers. In 2014, 83.8% of our Basic Petrochemicals Unit’s net sales revenue (including intra-company sales) was derived from the sale of basic petrochemicals, 6.3% from the sale of fuels, 4.0% from the sale of naphtha and condensate, 3.5% from the sale of intermediates and 2.4% from the sale of utilities and services. In 2014, 44.9% of our Basic Petrochemicals Unit’s net sales revenue from sales of basic petrochemicals was derived from sales made to our Polyolefins and Vinyls Units.

Products of Our Basic Petrochemicals Unit

Our other business units and third-party petrochemical producers use ethylene and propylene produced by our Basic Petrochemicals Unit to produce second generation products such as polyethylene, polypropylene and PVC. We also sell butadiene, a variety of aromatics, including BTX products, and intermediates, such as cumene, to third-party petrochemical producers for use as raw materials in the production of a variety of second generation products, including synthetic rubber, elastomers, resins, nylon fibers, ethyl benzene (which is used to make styrene monomer/polystyrene), linear alkyl benzene, purified terephthalic acid, dimethyl terephthalate, bisphenol A, a feedstock for the production of polycarbonate resins, phthalic anhydride, plasticizers and paint.

The following table sets forth the sales volume of basic petrochemicals by our Basic Petrochemicals Unit (excluding our intra-company sales) for the periods indicated.

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

2014

2013

2012

 

(thousands of tons)

Domestic sales:

 

 

 

Ethylene

499.6

531.8

523.8

Propylene

208.9

209.9

220.4

Cumene

211.6

234.1

250.5

Butadiene

210.0

210.8

216.4

BTX products(1)

716.0

686.3

744.4

Others

394.9

395.0

400.9

Total domestic sales of basic petrochemicals

2,241.0

2,267.9

2,356.4

Total export sales of basic petrochemicals

1,324.9

1,274.6

1,208.0

Total sales of basic petrochemicals

3,565.9

3,542.5

3,564.4

___________________________

(1)   Includes benzene, toluene, ortho-xylene, para-xylene and mixed xylenes.

 

In addition, we had the following intra-company sales:

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

2014

2013

2012

 

(thousands of tons)

Ethylene

2,704.3

2,828.2

2,805.5

Propylene

859.5

977.9

950.0

Benzene

7.5

36.9

 

Production Facilities of Our Basic Petrochemicals Unit

We believe that the technological processes we use at our basic petrochemicals plants are among the most advanced in the world. Our Basic Petrochemicals Unit currently owns and operates:

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·      five major basic petrochemicals units in the Northeastern Complex (two olefins units, two aromatics units and one utilities unit);

·      four major basic petrochemicals units in the Southern Complex (two olefins units, one aromatics unit, and one utilities unit);

·      three basic petrochemicals units in the São Paulo Complex (one olefins unit, one aromatics unit and one utilities unit); and

·      two basic petrochemicals units in the Rio de Janeiro Complex (one olefins unit and one utilities unit).

We define the term “unit” to mean several production lines that are linked together to produce olefins, aromatics or utilities.

The table below sets forth the primary products of our Basic Petrochemicals Unit, annual production capacity as of December 31, 2014 and annual production for the years presented.

 

Annual Production

Production
For the Year Ended December 31,

Primary Products

Capacity

2014

2013

2012

 

(in tons, except automotive gasoline)

Olefins:

 

 

 

 

Ethylene

3,752,000

3,237,886

3,372,825

3,329,758

Propylene

1,585,000

1,306,636

1,505,595

1,349,142

Butadiene(1)

477,000

374,827

389,854

355,703

Aromatics:

 

 

 

 

BTX products(2)

1,503,000

1,013,873

1,217,831

1,079,644

         

___________________________

(1)   Includes revenue generated from sales of butadiene by our butadiene plant in the Southern Complex which has an annual production capacity of 103,000 tons and commenced operations in September 2012.

(2)   Consists of benzene, toluene, para-xylene and ortho-xylene.

 

Raw Materials of Our Basic Petrochemicals Unit

Naphtha

Naphtha is the principal raw material that we use to produce our basic petrochemical products and represents the principal production and operating cost of our Basic Petrochemicals Unit. We also use condensate as a raw material in our basic petrochemical units in the Southern Complex.

The price of naphtha and condensate that we purchase varies primarily based on changes in the U.S. dollar-based international price of crude oil. Naphtha and condensate accounted for 74.9% of the total cost of sales of our Basic Petrochemicals Unit during 2014, and naphtha accounted for 48.3% of our direct and indirect consolidated cost of sales and services rendered during 2014.

The following table shows the average Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp market price of naphtha for the periods indicated.

 

2015

2014

2013

2012

 

 

 

 

 

Average(1)

US$467.96

US$836.23

US$903.01

US$1,031.57

Month ended:

 

 

 

 

January

396.90

918.58

932.95

950.61

February

502.13

913.65

991.86

1,026.88

March(2)

504.86

911.40

910.29

1,068.84

April (through April 20)

496.72

925.63

815.70

1,029.51

May

937.84

833.20

877.11

June

952.45

843.60

729.49

July

935.59

876.79

825.40

August

865.81

913.88

935.18

September

841.36

929.81

966.06

October

711.52

901.87

954.59

November

628.94

929.33

930.99

December

491.98

956.78

938.06

____________________________
(1)   The information in the “Average” row represents the mean average monthly naphtha prices during each respective year.
Source:  IHS

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Supply Contracts and Pricing of the Basic Petrochemicals Unit

Naphtha

The following table shows the distribution of the naphtha purchases by our Basic Petrochemicals Unit for the periods indicated by geographic location of the suppliers.

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

2014

2013

2012

Brazil

69.8%

72.4%

73.0%

Algeria

10.2%

13.0%

10.3%

Venezuela

9.0%

9.0%

5.2%

Argentina

0.8%

4.0%

Others

11.0%

4.9%

7.4%

Total

100%

100%

100%

Supply Contracts with Petrobras

In July 2009, we and Petrobras entered into a Petrochemical Naphtha Purchase and Sale Contract, which we have operated under since March 2009. This contract replaced the naphtha supply contract between our company and Petrobras for the supply of naphtha to our basic petrochemicals plants located in the Northeastern Complex, which was terminated in June 2008, and superseded the naphtha supply contract between our company and Petrobras for the supply of naphtha to our basic petrochemicals plants located in the Southern Complex. This contract had a term of five years and expired in March 2014. On February 28, 2014, we extended our naphtha supply contract with Petrobras under the same terms of this contract until August 31, 2014. On August 29, 2014, we amended our naphtha supply contract with Petrobras to extend the maturity to February 28, 2015, under the same terms of the original contract. On February 27, 2015, we amended our naphtha supply contract with Petrobras to extend the agreement to August 31, 2015. Pursuant to this amendment, the existing terms and conditions of the contract were maintained and the price will be adjusted retroactively to March 1, 2015 in accordance with the terms of a replacement contract that we are currently negotiating once it is executed.

Under the terms of this contract:

·      Petrobras has agreed to sell and deliver naphtha to our basic petrochemicals plants in the Northeastern Complex and the Southern Complex exclusively for our use as a raw material;

·      we are required to purchase a minimum monthly volume of naphtha;

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·      we provide Petrobras with a firm commitment order for naphtha each month, together with an estimate of the volume of naphtha that we will purchase over the following six months;

·      we may request volumes of naphtha that exceed a monthly firm commitment order, which Petrobras may supply at its discretion;

·      since March 2009, the price that we pay for naphtha is based on a variety of factors, including the market prices of naphtha and a variety of petrochemical derivatives, the volatility of the prices of these products in the international markets, the real/U.S. dollar exchange rate, and the level of paraffinicity of the naphtha that is delivered;

·      the contract will be amended in the event that unforeseen extraordinary events occur that cause a disruption in the economic-financial equilibrium of the contract; and

·      Petrobras may terminate the contract, without prior notice, in the event of: (1) our failure to cure any breach of the contract following a 30 day grace period; (2) a force majeure event that continues for more than 90 days; (3) we transfer or offer as a guaranty all or part of our rights and obligations under the contract to a third party without Petrobras’ consent; (4) an alteration of our ownership or corporate purposes that conflicts with the object of the contract; or (5) our dissolution, bankruptcy or liquidation.

In May 2006, Quattor Química (formerly known as Braskem Qpar) and Petrobras entered into a Petrochemical Naphtha Purchase and Sale Contract for the supply of naphtha to our basic petrochemicals plants located in São Paulo Complex, which superseded a previous naphtha supply agreement between the parties. In October 2010, this contract was amended to extend the term of this contract until February 2014, when it expired. On February 28, 2014, we extended our naphtha supply contract with Petrobras under the same terms until August 31, 2014. On August 29, 2014, we amended our naphtha supply contract with Petrobras to extend the maturity to February 28, 2015, under the same terms of the original contract. On February 27, 2015, we amended our naphtha supply contract with Petrobras to extend the agreement to August 31, 2015. Pursuant to this amendment, the existing terms and conditions of the contract were maintained and the price will be adjusted retroactively to March 1, 2015 in accordance with the terms of a replacement contract that we are currently negotiating once it is executed.

Under the terms of our amended naphtha supply contract:

·      Petrobras agrees to sell and deliver naphtha to our basic petrochemicals plants in the São Paulo Complex exclusively for use as a raw material;

·      we are required to purchase a minimum annual volume of naphtha;

·      we agree to provide Petrobras with a firm commitment order for naphtha each year;

·      the price that we pay for naphtha under this contract is based on a variety of factors, including the market prices of naphtha and a variety of petrochemical derivatives, the volatility of the prices of these products in the international markets, the real/U.S. dollar exchange rate, and the level of paraffinicity of the naphtha that is delivered;

·      the contract will be amended in the event that unforeseen extraordinary events occur that cause a disruption in the economic-financial equilibrium of the contract; and

·      Petrobras may terminate the contract, without prior notice, in the event of: (1) our failure to cure any breach of the contract following a 30-day grace period; (2) a force majeure event that continues for more than 180 days; (3) we transfer or offers as a guaranty all or part of its rights and obligations under the contract to a third party without Petrobras’ consent; (4) an alteration of Braskem Qpar’s ownership or corporate purposes that conflicts with the object of the contract; (5) a change of entity type, merger, sale, spin-off or any other corporate reconstruction of Braskem Qpar that may conflict with the execution of contract’s object; or (6) the dissolution, bankruptcy or liquidation of Braskem Qpar.

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Supply Arrangements with SONATRACH

La Société Nationale pour la Recherche, la Production, le Transport, la Transformation et la Commercialisation des Hydrocarbures, or SONATRACH (an Algerian national petroleum company), is one of our suppliers of imported naphtha and condensate. We have imported naphtha supplied by SONATRACH since 2002. On an annual basis, we negotiate the minimum and maximum volumes of naphtha and condensate that we will purchase from SONATRACH. In the event that we were unable to renew our supply arrangements with SONATRACH, we believe that we could purchase sufficient quantities of naphtha from other suppliers from other sources to meet the supply needs of our basic petrochemicals plants in the Northeastern Complex and the Southern Complex.

Other Supply Contracts

As part of our strategy to diversify our sources of supply of naphtha, we are acquiring naphtha under annual supply arrangements with suppliers in Argentina, Venezuela and other countries in Latin America and North Africa.

Spot Market Purchases of Naphtha

In addition to our supplies of naphtha under the agreements described above, we purchase naphtha on the spot market from time to time from foreign suppliers located in North Africa and South America.

Ethane and Propane

Ethane and propane are the principal raw materials that we use to produce our basic petrochemical products in the Rio de Janeiro Complex and represents the principal production and operating cost of the basic petrochemical unit in the Rio de Janeiro Complex. The price of ethane and propane that we purchase varies primarily based on changes in the U.S. dollar-based international price of these feedstocks.

In December 2000, RioPol and Petrobras entered into an ethane and propane supply agreement. The initial term of this contract expires in 2020 and this agreement is automatically renewable for one two-year period, unless either party notifies the other party in writing, at least one year prior to the expiration of the contract, that it does not intend to renew this agreement. Under the terms of this agreement:

·      Petrobras agrees to sell and deliver ethane and propane to our basic petrochemical plant in the Rio de Janeiro Complex exclusively for use as a raw material;

·      we are required to purchase and Petrobras is required to deliver a minimum annual volume of ethane and/or propane;

·      we agree to provide Petrobras with a firm commitment order for ethane and propane each month, together with an estimate of the volume of ethane and propane that we will purchase over the immediately succeeding four months;

·      the price for ethane and propane is based on the US Marketscan Mont Belvieu price;

·      the contract will be amended in the event that unforeseen extraordinary events occur that cause a disruption in the economic-financial equilibrium of the contract; and

·      Petrobras may terminate the contract, without prior notice, in the event of: (1) our failure to cure any breach of the contract following a 60-day grace period; (2) a force majeure event that continues for more than 365 days; (3) we transfer or offer as a guaranty all or part of our rights and obligations under the contract to a third party without Petrobras’ consent; and (4) the dissolution, bankruptcy or liquidation of RioPol.

Light Refinery Hydrocarbons

In January 2005, Braskem Qpar and Petrobras entered into an agreement for the purchase and sale of a chain of light refinery hydrocarbons, from which we separate ethylene and propylene. This agreement provides that we and Petrobras will negotiate the renewal of this agreement prior to its expiration in 2020 and that, in the event that Petrobras does not intend to renew this agreement, it must notify us at least two years prior to the expiration of this agreement and must perform under the terms and conditions of this agreement until 2028. Under the terms of this agreement:

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·      Petrobras agrees to sell and deliver light refinery hydrocarbons to our basic petrochemical plant in the São Paulo Complex exclusively for use as raw materials;

·      we are required to purchase a minimum daily volume of light refinery hydrocarbons;

·      the price for light refinery hydrocarbons is based on a variety of market indices;

·      the contract will be amended in the event that unforeseen extraordinary events occur that cause a disruption in the economic-financial equilibrium of the contract; and

·      Petrobras may terminate the contract, without prior notice, in the event of: (1) our failure to cure any breach of the contract following a 30-day grace period; (2) a force majeure event that prevents the execution of the contract; (3) we transfer or offers as a guarantee all or part of its rights, obligations and credits under the contract to a third party without Petrobras’ consent, unless the third party is a member of our economic group; (4) the dissolution or bankruptcy of Braskem Qpar; and (5) a change of entity type, merger, sale, spin-off or any other corporate reconstruction of Braskem Qpar that conflicts with or impedes the execution of contract’s object.

Utilities

We self-generate approximately 39% of the Northeastern Complex’s energy consumption requirements, and the remainder is furnished by Companhia Hidro Elétrica do São Francisco, or CHESF, a Brazilian government-owned electric power generation company located in the State of Bahia.

We self-generate approximately 34% of the Southern Complex’s energy consumption requirements, and the remainder is acquired primarily under long-term contracts in the free market for energy (Mercado Livre de Energia) from several companies.

We self-generate approximately 15% of the São Paulo Complex’s energy consumption requirements, and the remainder is acquired primarily under long-term contracts in the free market for energy from several companies.

We purchase substantially all of the energy consumption requirements of the Rio de Janeiro Complex’s from Petrobras Energia under a long-term contract, which expires in August 2015, and from other energy suppliers under several long-term contracts, which will start to expire in 2018.

Sales and Marketing of Our Basic Petrochemicals Unit

We sell our basic petrochemical products principally in Brazil, mainly to second generation petrochemical producers, including our other business units, as well as to customers in the United States, Europe, South America and Asia.

As is common with other first generation petrochemical producers, our Basic Petrochemicals Unit has a high concentration of sales to a limited number of customers. Net sales to our Basic Petrochemicals Unit’s 10 largest customers (excluding intra-company sales) accounted for 52.3% of our Basic Petrochemicals Unit’s total net sales revenue (excluding intra-company sales) during the year ended December 31, 2014.

The following table sets forth our net sales revenue derived from domestic and export sales, excluding inter-company sales, by our Basic Petrochemicals Unit for the years indicated:

 

For the Year Ended December 31,

 

2014

2013

2012

 

(in millions of reais)

Net sales revenue:

 

 

 

Domestic sales

R$8,459.5

R$7,786.3

R$7,705.7

Export sales

5,389.8

5,661.7

6,022.7

 

R$13,849.3

R$13,448.0

R$13,728.4

 

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Domestic Sales of Basic Petrochemicals

As part of our commercial strategy, our Basic Petrochemicals Unit focuses on developing longer-term relationships with our customers and entering into long-term supply contracts that provide for minimum and maximum quantities to be purchased and monthly deliveries. We determine the domestic prices that we charge for ethylene by reference to Western European contract prices. We determine the domestic prices that we charge for propylene based on a formula under which 34% of the price is determined by reference to Northwest Europe prices and the remaining 66% is determined by reference to the North American contract prices. We determine the domestic price of butadiene by reference to the U.S. Gulf contract price, and our price for butadiene, unlike our prices for our other basic petrochemical products, include freight costs. We set the domestic prices of our BTX products, including benzene, para-xylene, ortho-xylene and toluene by reference to North American spot market prices. We set the domestic prices of solvents by reference to international market prices and we determine the domestic prices for our other olefins and aromatics products with reference to several market indicators.

Export Sales of Basic Petrochemicals

We export basic petrochemicals mainly to customers in the United States and in Europe. We set export prices for:

·      benzene, toluene and para-xylene with reference to market prices prevailing in the U.S. Gulf market; and

·      propylene, ETBE, ortho-xylene, butene-l and isoprene with reference to market prices prevailing in the European market.

We are focused on maintaining our leading position in the Brazilian market, while continuing to use our exports to hedge our operations and adjust the imbalances between demand and production. Export net sales of our Basic Petrochemicals Unit represented 21.1% of our Basic Petrochemicals Unit’s net sales revenue during 2014.

Additionally, we have applied our expertise in commodities trading to increase our resale operations of naphtha and oil derivatives in the international markets. In order to meet our crackers’ naphtha requirements (in terms of timing, pricing and quality), we maintain an excess supply of naphtha and resell the surplus on the spot market. During 2014, we recorded average resale operations of R$257.7 million per month.

Competition

Our basic petrochemical customers, which are mostly second generation petrochemical producers with plants located in the Brazilian petrochemical complexes, would have difficulty obtaining their feedstocks from other sources at lower prices due to the high cost of transportation of these products, as well as other logistical difficulties. In addition, because Brazil produces sufficient quantities of olefins to meet domestic demand, imports of these products are generally sporadic and usually related to scheduled plant maintenance shutdowns or to meet unsatisfied domestic demand.

During the past several years, as the relative cost of naphtha and gas as feedstocks for petrochemical crackers has diverged, many crackers using gas as a feedstock have become low-cost producers in the global markets and have seen their margins improve substantially as compared to naphtha crackers, such as our company. However, as gas crackers are able to produce fewer of the co-products and byproducts that naphtha crackers generate, such as propylene, butadiene and BTX products, and in smaller quantities, the prices of these products in the international markets have increased. As a result of the increased prices available for these co-products and byproducts, our net sales revenue from export sales of these products increased and we believe that this increase in net sales revenue from exports of these products will continue in future periods in which the relative competitiveness of cracker feedstocks is disrupted. Competition in the international markets for these products is primarily based on the price of delivered products and competition has increased since mid-2008 as the balance between supply and demand was disrupted due to the impact of the global economic downturn on consumers of these products. In the international markets for our basic petrochemical products, we compete with a large number of producers, some of which are substantially larger and have substantially greater financial, manufacturing, technological and marketing resources than our company.

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Polyolefins Unit

As of December 31, 2014, our polyolefins production facilities had the largest annual production capacity of all second generation producers of polyolefins products in Latin America. Our Polyolefins Unit generated net sales revenue of R$18,397.6 million during 2014, or 33.3% of the net sales revenue of all reportable segments.

Our Polyolefins is comprised of the operations conducted by our company at thirteen polyethylene plants and six polypropylene plants located in the Northeastern Complex, the Southern Complex, the São Paulo Complex and the Rio de Janeiro Complex.

Products of Our Polyolefins Unit

Our Polyolefins Unit produces:

·      polyethylene, including LDPE, LLDPE, HDPE, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, or UHMWPE, EVA and “green polyethylene” from renewable resources; and

·      polypropylene.

We manufacture a broad range of polyolefins products for use in consumer and industrial applications, including:

·      plastic films for food and industrial packaging;

·      bottles, shopping bags and other consumer goods containers;

·      automotive parts; and

·      household appliances.

The following table sets forth a breakdown of the sales volume of our Polyolefins Unit by product line and by market for the years indicated.

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

2014

2013

2012

 

(thousands of tons)

Domestic sales:

 

 

 

Polyethylene (1)

1,743.0

1,765.7

1,660.5

Polypropylene

1,204.0

1,268.9

1,233.3

Other

20.3

19.6

21.5

Total domestic sales

2,967.4

3,054.2

2,915.3

Total export sales

1,112.5

1,150.3

1,334.8

Total Polyolefins Unit sales

4,079.9

4,204.5

4,250.1

____________________________

(1)   Includes EVA.

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We provide technical assistance to our customers to meet their specific needs by adapting and modifying our polyethylene and polypropylene products. In particular, we develop customized value-added polypropylene compounds for use by our customers in their specialized applications. We believe that the variety of technological processes at our polyolefins plants provides us with a competitive advantage in meeting our customers’ needs.

Production Facilities of Our Polyolefins Unit

As of December 31, 2014, our Polyolefins Unit owned 19 production facilities. Our Polyolefins Unit operates seven plants located in the Southern Complex, five plants located in the Northeastern Complex, five plants located in the São Paulo Complex and two plants located in the Rio de Janeiro Complex.

The table below sets forth for each of our primary polyolefins products, our annual production capacity as of December 31, 2014 and annual production for the years presented.

 

Annual Production

Production
For the Year Ended December 31,

Primary Products

Capacity

2014

2013

2012

 

(in tons)

(in tons)

Polyethylene:

 

 

 

 

LDPE/EVA(1)

801,000

616,849

697,540

702,625

HDPE/LLDPE/UHMWPE(2)

2,230,000

1,890,974

1,960,394

1,910,685

Polypropylene(3)

1,965,000

1,592,491

1,627,142

1,646,618

____________________________

(1)   Represents capacity and production at five plants with swing line capable of producing two types of resins.

(2)   Represents capacity and production at eight plants with swing line capable of production two types of resins. Capacity varies depending on actual production demands.

(3)   Represents capacity and production at six plants.

In September 2010, we commenced production of ethylene at a new plant located in the Southern Complex that produces “green” ethylene using sugar cane ethanol received through the Santa Clara Terminal as its primary raw material. This plant has an annual production capacity of 200,000 tons of ethylene.

Raw Materials of Our Polyolefins Unit

Ethylene and Propylene

The most significant direct costs associated with our production of polyethylene and polypropylene are the costs of purchasing ethylene and propylene, which together accounted for 88.9% of our Polyolefins Unit’s total variable cost of production during 2014. Our Polyolefins Unit purchases ethylene and propylene from our Basic Petrochemicals Unit at prices determined by reference to international market prices for ethylene. During 2014, our Polyolefins Unit purchased all of its ethylene requirements and 53.1% of its propylene requirements from our Basic Petrochemicals Unit.

Propylene Contracts with Petrobras and its Subsidiaries

In August 2013, we entered into a twelve-month propylene supply contract with Petrobras, on behalf of its subsidiary Refinaria Alberto Pasqualini S.A., or REFAP, a refinery that is owned and operated by Petrobras. This contract expires in June 2015.  Under this contract, we will purchase an annual supply of 92,500 tons of propylene.  We expect to negotiate an extension of this contract prior to its expiration. 

Under this contract:

·      REFAP has agreed to sell and deliver propylene to us exclusively for our use as a raw material; and

·      we agreed to purchase, and REFAP agreed to sell, at prices determined by reference to U.S. Gulf Coast prices for propylene.

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This volume will be used to supply the existing plants of our Polyolefins Unit in the Southern Complex and will be available to meet additional demand that arises through the expansion of these plants and the acquisition of additional plants.

In September 2005, we entered into a 20-year propylene supply contract, effective since May 2008, with Petrobras for our Paulínia plant. This contract is automatically renewable for consecutive two-year terms following the initial term, unless terminated by one of the parties. Under this contract, we purchase 300,000 tons of propylene per year. Under this contract:

·      Petrobras has agreed to sell and deliver propylene to us exclusively for our use as a raw material; and

·      we agreed to purchase, and Petrobras agreed to sell, at prices determined by reference to U.S. Gulf Coast prices for propylene.

Between May 2001 and February 2006, Quattor Petroquímica and Petrobras entered into five propylene supply contracts. These contracts have initial terms expiring at various dates between May 2016 through February 2026 and two of these contracts are automatically renewable for additional five-year terms, unless either party notifies the other party in writing, at least six months prior to the expiration of the contract, that it does not intend to renew the contract. Under the terms of these contracts:

·      Petrobras has agreed to sell and deliver propylene to our polypropylene plants in the States of São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro exclusively for use as a raw material;

·      Petrobras has agreed to supply an aggregate of 440,000 tons of propylene to us annually;

·      we agree to provide Petrobras with a firm commitment order for propylene each month, together with an estimate of the volume of propylene that we will purchase over the immediately succeeding three or four months;

·      the price that we pay for propylene under these contracts is based primarily on ICIS-LOR’s prices for propylene in the U.S. Gulf Coast; and

·      the contract will be amended in the event that unforeseen extraordinary events occur that cause a disruption in the economic-financial equilibrium of the contract.

Petrobras may terminate the contract, without prior notice, in the event of: (1) our failure to cure any breach of the contract following a 30-day grace period; (2) a force majeure event occurs, although some of these contracts require that the force majeure event continues for more than 180 days; (3) we transfer or offer as a guaranty all or part of its rights and obligations under the contract to a third party without Petrobras’ consent; (4) an alteration of Braskem Petroquímica’s management or corporate purposes that conflicts with the object of the contract; (5) the dissolution, bankruptcy or liquidation of Braskem Petroquímica; and (6) a change of entity type, merger, sale, spin-off or any other corporate reconstruction of Braskem Petroquímica that conflicts with or impedes the execution of contract’s object.

Ethanol Supply Contracts

In March 2010, we entered into an ethanol supply contract with a major producer of ethanol to supply our new facility that produces ethylene using sugar cane ethanol. This agreement took effect in August 2010 and expires in July 2016. In November 2013, we entered into a new contract with a major producer of ethanol, which became effective in May 2014 and expires in April 2016. Under these contracts, we are or will be required to purchase an annual supply of ethanol sufficient to meet approximately 70% of the capacity of this ethylene plant. The price that we pay under these contracts is or will be determined by reference to the monthly price of combustible hydrated alcohol as published by the Center for Advanced Studies in Applied Economics of the Superior School of Agriculture (Centro de Estudos Avançados em Economia Aplicada da Escola Superior de Agricultura – CEPEA/ESALQ).

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We also purchase ethanol on the spot market from time to time to supplement the supplies that we obtain under these contracts. The price that we pay for ethanol under most of these contracts is determined by reference to market indexes.

Other Materials and Utilities

In addition to direct sales of polyolefins to our customers, our Polyolefins Unit sells products in Brazil through exclusive independent distributors. Our Polyolefins Unit is served by six distributors, through which we distribute our products pursuant to formal agreements and spot market transactions.

Our Polyolefins Unit uses butene and hexane as raw materials in the production of HDPE and LLDPE. Butene is supplied by our Basic Petrochemicals Unit, and we import hexane from suppliers located in South Africa.

Our Unipol® plants in the Northeastern Complex and Rio de Janeiro Complex use catalysts supplied to us by Univation Technologies. Our HDPE plant in the São Paulo Complex uses catalysts supplied to us by W.R. Grace & Co. Our HDPE slurry plant in the Northeastern Complex produces its own catalysts, and we purchase the inputs that we need to produce our own catalysts from various suppliers at market prices. We purchase most of the catalysts that we use in our Polyolefins Unit’s polypropylene plants from Basell Polyolefins Company N.V., or Basell, and we also import some catalysts from suppliers in the United States and Europe. We purchase the catalysts that our Polyolefins Unit uses in its swing line LLDPE/HDPE plants from Basell. We produce our own catalysts for our HDPE plants in the Southern Complex using Hoechst technology, and we purchase the inputs that we need to produce these catalysts from various suppliers at market prices.

Our Basic Petrochemicals Unit supplies most of the steam and water requirements of our Polyolefins Unit’s facilities. We purchase steam and water for our polyethylene plant in the Rio de Janeiro Complex from Lanxess. We purchase water for our polyethylene plants located in Santo André from Petrobras’ Refinaria de Capuava, or RECAP, or Serviço Municipal de Saneamento Ambiental de Santo André.

We purchase electric power for each of our polyolefins plants, other than our plants in the Northeastern Complex, from third parties pursuant to long-term power purchase agreements. In the Northeastern Complex, our polyolefins plants purchase their electric power requirements from our Basic Petrochemicals Unit. Our polyolefins plants in the Northeastern Complex are able to purchase electric power from alternative sources if our Basic Petrochemicals Unit is unable to meet our total demand for electric power.

In general, we believe that there are sufficient alternative sources available at reasonable prices for each of these other inputs used in our polyolefins production process such that the loss of any single supplier would not have a material adverse effect on our operations.

Sales and Marketing of Our Polyolefins Unit

Our Polyolefins Unit sells polyethylene and polypropylene products to approximately 1,302 customers. We have a diversified product mix that allows us to serve a broad range of end users in several industries. The customers of our Polyolefins Unit generally are third generation petrochemical producers that manufacture a wide variety of plastic-based consumer and industrial goods.

Net sales revenue to the 10 largest customers of our Polyolefins Unit accounted for 19.2% of our Polyolefins Unit’s total net sales revenue during 2014. No customer of our Polyolefins Unit accounted for more than 3.0% of our total net sales revenue in 2014, 2013 or 2012.

The following table sets forth our net sales revenue derived from domestic and export sales by our Polyolefins Unit for the years indicated:

 

For the Year Ended December 31,

 

2014

2013

2012

 

(in millions of reais)

 

 

 

 

Net sales revenue:

 

 

 

Domestic sales

R$14,098.6

R$12,848.6

R$10,427.3

Export sales:

 

 

 

South America (excluding Brazil)

2,421.1

2,093.2

2,073.1

Europe

872.1

905.2

944.2

North America

896.4

642.9

655.1

Asia

189.4

166.0

245.8

Other

24.6

288.8

111.3

Total export sales

4,403.6

4,096.1

4,029.5

 

R$18,502.2

R$16,944.7

R$14,456.8

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Domestic Sales

We are focused on developing longer-term relationships with our customers. Given the cyclical nature of the markets for our polyolefins products, we believe that we can strengthen customer loyalty during periods of reduced demand for polyethylene or polypropylene by providing a reliable source of supply to these customers during periods of high demand. We work closely with our customers to determine their needs, to provide technical assistance and to coordinate the production and delivery of our products. Customers submit annual proposals giving their estimated monthly requirements for the upcoming year for each of our polyolefins products, including technical specifications, delivery terms and proposed payment conditions. We evaluate these proposals on a monthly basis to make any required adjustments and to monitor and attempt to ensure adequate supply for each customer.

In addition to direct sales of polyolefins to our customers, our Polyolefins Unit sells products in Brazil through exclusive independent distributors. Our Polyolefins Unit is served by six distributors, through which we distribute our products pursuant to formal agreements and spot market transactions.

We have selected our distributors based on their ability to provide full service to their customers, including the ability to prepare our products on a customized basis. These distributors sell our polyethylene and polypropylene products to manufacturers with lower production requirements and are able to aggregate multiple orders for production and delivery to customers that would otherwise be uneconomical for us to serve. Furthermore, by serving smaller customers through a network of distributors, our account managers focus their efforts on delivering high quality service to a smaller number of large, direct customers.

Export Sales

Our volume of polyolefins export sales has generally varied based upon the level of domestic demand for our products. Our Polyolefins Unit has a sales office in Argentina which we use to consolidate our marketing efforts in Argentina. Our Polyolefins Unit has a sales office in the Netherlands which we use to support our European customers, improve our knowledge of the European market, optimize our logistics process in this market and develop regional partners. In addition to our offices in Argentina and the Netherlands, we maintain an office in the United States that is focused on further developing the market for engineering plastics under the UTEC™ brand. We also maintain a sales office in Chile, Peru and Colombia.

We have established a strategic position in the polyolefins business in South America and Europe through regular direct sales, local distributors and agents who understand their respective markets. Our strategy to increase our presence in these foreign markets is intended, among other things, to reduce our exposure to the cyclicality of the international spot market for polyolefins through the development of long-term relationships with customers in neighboring countries.

The main focus of our Polyolefins Unit is to maintain our leading position in the Brazilian market while continuing to export in order to manage the relationship between our production capacity and domestic demand for our products. We believe that our continued presence in export markets is essential to help manage any overcapacity in the Brazilian market and to maintain our position as leader in the supply of polyolefins in South America.

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Prices and Sales Terms

We determine the domestic prices for polyethylene by reference to North American contract prices and our domestic prices for polypropylene by reference to Northeast Asian spot market prices. Our customers in Brazil may pay in full on delivery or elect credit terms that require payment in full within seven to 56 days following delivery. We charge interest based on prevailing market rates to our Brazilian customers that elect to pay on credit.

Over the last few years, some Brazilian states have encouraged imports of polyethylene and polypropylene, as well as final products made from these polymers, by providing tax benefits on imported goods. However, on January 1, 2013, federal legislation took effect reducing the maximum Imposto sobre Circulação de Mercadorias e Serviços, or ICMS tax (a state value-added tax on sales and services) tax that states can charge from a rate of 12% to 4% on interstate sales of imported raw materials and other goods that are not wholly or partially manufactured in Brazil. As a result, Brazilian states are no longer able to attempt to attract imports at local ports by offering tax benefits in the form of reduced ICMS tax rates. For more information, see “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Principal Factors Affecting Our Results of Operations—Effects of Brazilian Industrial Policy—Import Tariffs at Local Ports.”

Our Polyolefins Unit generally conducts export sales to buyers in countries outside the Southern Cone through the international spot market. Our customer base in these markets consists primarily of trading houses and distributors, most of which have operations in Europe, the United States or in Asia, principally Hong Kong. Pricing is based on international spot market prices. We make all sales in these markets with letters of credit. Export prices for polyethylene and polypropylene sales in the Southern Cone countries by our Polyolefins Unit are primarily based on regional prices and sales are generally made either with letters of credit or through direct bank collections.

Competition

We are the only producer of polyethylene and polypropylene in Brazil. We compete with polyolefins producers located in South America and with other importers of these products. In 2014, Brazilian polyethylene and polypropylene imports increased by 8.5% and represented 29.0% of Brazilian polyolefin consumption.

We compete for export sales of our polyolefins products in other countries in Latin America and in markets in the United States, Asia and Europe. Our export business is a commodities business and we compete with a variety of resin producers, some of which have greater financial, research and development, production and other resources than our company. Our competitive position in the export markets that we serve is primarily based on raw material costs, selling prices, product quality and customer service and support.

Vinyls Unit

We are the leading producer of PVC in Brazil, based on sales volumes in 2014. As of December 31, 2014, our PVC production facilities had the third largest annual production capacity in Latin America. Our Vinyls Unit generated net sales revenue of R$2,709.5 million in 2014, or 4.9% of our net sales revenue of all reportable segments.

Our Vinyls Unit is the only vertically integrated producer of PVC in Brazil. Our PVC production is integrated through our production of chlorine, ethylene and other raw materials. Our Vinyls Unit also manufactures caustic soda, which is used by producers of aluminum and paper and chlorine.

In 2014, we had an approximate 52.8% share of the Brazilian PVC market, based on sales volumes of our Vinyls Unit.

Products of Our Vinyls Unit

The following table sets forth a breakdown of the sales volume of our Vinyls Unit by product line for the years indicated.

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For the Year Ended December 31,

 

2014

2013

2012

 

(thousands of tons)

PVC

659.5

636.4

560.9

Caustic soda

478.1

475.0

471.6

Other(1)

126.7

127.6

118.3

Total Vinyls Unit sales

1,264.4

1,239.0

1,150.8

____________________________

(1)   Includes chlorine, hydrogen, caustic soda flake, sodium hypochlorite and exports.

 

Production Facilities of Our Vinyls Unit

We own five vinyls production facilities. Two of our facilities are located in the Northeastern Complex, and three others are located in the State of Alagoas.

The table below sets forth for each of our primary vinyls products, our annual production capacity as of December 31, 2014 and annual production for the years presented.

 

Annual Production

Production
For the Year Ended December 31,

Primary Products

Capacity

2014

2013

2012

 

(in tons)

PVC(1)

710,000

633,942

582,579

498,621

Caustic Soda(2)

539,000

448,062

437,334

393,940

____________________________

(1)   Represents capacity at three plants and production at four plants, including production during 2012 at our new PVC plant in Alagoas that has an annual production capacity of 200,000 tons and commenced operations in August 2012.

(2)   Represents capacity and production at two plants.

Raw Materials of Our Vinyls Unit

Ethylene

The most significant direct cost associated with the production of PVC is the cost of ethylene, which accounted for 55.4% of our Vinyls Unit’s total cost of sales in 2014. Our Basic Petrochemical Unit supplies all of the ethylene required by our Vinyls Unit.

Electric Power

Electric power is a significant cost component in our production of chlorine and caustic soda. Electric power accounted for 12.4% of our Vinyls Unit’s total cost of sales in 2014. Our Vinyls Unit obtains its electric power requirements from various generators under long-term power purchase agreements. Our caustic soda plants at Camaçari and Alagoas and our PVC plant at Camaçari purchase their electric power requirements from CHESF under a long-term contract that expires in June 2015. Companhia Energética de Alagoas S.A., or CEAL, distributes electric power to our PVC plant in Alagoas. The power purchase agreement with CEAL is renewable contracts with automatic rolling one-year extensions. These agreements provide us with the option to purchase our total electric power requirements based on an annual estimate. The price terms of this contract are based upon tariffs regulated by the Brazilian National Electrical Energy Agency (Agência Nacional de Energia Elétrica).

Salt

We used approximately 823,000 tons of salt during 2014. Salt accounted for 0.3% of our Vinyls Unit’s total cost of sales in 2014. We have exclusive salt exploration rights at a salt mine located near our Alagoas plant. We estimate that the salt reserves of this mine are sufficient to allow us to produce chlorine at expected rates of production for approximately 35 to 45 years. We enjoy significant cost advantages when compared to certain of our competitors due to the low extraction costs of rock salt (particularly compared to sea salt), and low transportation costs due to the proximity of the salt mine to our production facility.

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Sales and Marketing of Our Vinyls Unit

Net sales revenue to our 10 largest Vinyls Unit customers accounted for 44.8% of our Vinyls Unit’s total net sales revenue during 2014. One customer accounted for 9.4% of our Vinyl Unit’s total sales revenue in 2014, 13.3% in 2013 and 12.2% in 2012.

There is a structural link between the PVC and caustic soda markets that exists because caustic soda is a byproduct of the production of chlorine required to produce PVC. When demand for PVC is high, then greater amounts of caustic soda are produced, leading to an increase in supply and generally lower prices for caustic soda. Conversely, when demand for PVC is low, prices for caustic soda tend to rise.

We make most of our sales of PVC and caustic soda directly to Brazilian customers without the use of third party distributors. However, our Vinyls Unit maintains contractual relationships with three distribution centers located in Paulínia and Barueri, both in the State of São Paulo, and Joinville in the State of Santa Catarina that provide logistical support. In addition, we operate three warehouse facilities for PVC and six terminal tank facilities for caustic soda strategically located along the Brazilian coast to enable us to deliver our products to our customers on a “just-in-time” basis. Our Vinyls Unit develops its business through close collaboration with its customers, working together to improve existing products as well as to develop new applications for PVC. Our marketing and technical assistance groups also advise customers and potential customers that are considering the installation of manufacturing equipment for PVC end products.

Prices and Sales Terms

We determine the domestic prices for our PVC resins with reference principally to the prices paid by third generation producers in Brazil for imports of PVC, which generally reflect the Northeast Asian spot market price, plus additional service charges and transportation costs. Delivery time, quality and technical service also affect the levels of sales of PVC resins. We establish our domestic price for caustic soda based on North American spot market prices, taking into account any import duties and freight costs. Approximately 36.6% of our caustic soda sales in 2014 were effected pursuant to agreements that are generally for one- to three-year terms and may include minimum and maximum prices.

Prices that we charge for our PVC and caustic soda products in the Brazilian market are traditionally higher than the prices that we could obtain if we exported these products. The difference in prices between the Brazilian and export markets results generally from:

·      transportation costs;

·      tariffs, duties and other trade barriers;

·      a pricing premium reflecting the tighter demand/supply relationship in Brazil; and

·      our reliability of supply, coupled with the technical support that we provide.

Our customers in Brazil may pay in full on delivery or elect credit terms that require payment in full within seven to 90 days following delivery. We charge interest based on prevailing market rates to our customers in Brazil that elect longer payment options. In the event we export PVC and caustic soda products, terms for exports generally require payment between 90 and 120 days following delivery. We require irrevocable letters of credit for export sales made on the spot market.

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Competition

PVC

We and Solvay are the only two producers of PVC in Brazil. Solvay’s total Brazilian installed annual production capacity is 300,000 tons, compared to our annual production capacity of 710,000 tons. Solvay’s production facilities are located in São Paulo and, therefore, are closer than our facilities to the primary PVC market in Brazil. However, we believe that our vertically integrated production capabilities, our modern PVC suspension plants, our strong relationship with our customers and our technical assistance programs enable us to compete effectively with Solvay.

We also compete with importers of PVC. Solvay, which has a plant in Argentina in addition to its plants in Brazil, is also our principal competitor in the Brazilian PVC market. Imports accounted for approximately 27.1% of Brazilian PVC consumption in 2014. Domestically produced PVC is currently competitively priced with imported PVC after taking into account transportation costs and import duties.

In addition, we compete with other producers of thermoplastics that manufacture the same PVC products or substitutes for products in our PVC product line. Thermoplastic resins, principally polyethylene and polypropylene, are used in certain applications as substitutes for PVC. Wood, glass and metals also are used in some cases as substitutes for PVC.

Caustic Soda

The four largest Brazilian producers of caustic soda accounted for 90.1% of Brazilian production in 2014. Our company and another international petrochemical company operate in this market throughout Brazil, while the other domestic producers of caustic soda generally operate on a local or regional basis. Imports accounted for 46.2% of Brazil’s total caustic soda consumption in 2014.

Our principal competitors in the caustic soda market elsewhere in South America are other international petrochemical companies operating in Brazil and producers located on the U.S. Gulf Coast.

USA and Europe Unit

Our USA and Europe Unit includes:

·         the operations of Braskem America, which consist of five polypropylene plants in the United States; and

·         the operations of two polypropylene plants in Germany.

As of December 31, 2014, our USA and Europe Unit’s facilities had the largest annual polypropylene production capacity in the United States. Our USA and Europe Unit generated net sales revenue of R$7,934.3 million during 2014, or 14.3% of the net sales revenue of all reportable segments.

In June 2014, we announced the construction of an UHMWPE production facility in our La Porte, Texas complex, which is expected to become operational in 2016. We believe that the production of specialized UHMWPE at this new plant complements our existing portfolio of products and will enable us to access new markets and to develop close relationships with new and existing clients.

Products of Our USA and Europe Unit

Our USA and Europe Unit produces polypropylene. The sales volume of polypropylene by this unit was approximately 1,862,600 ton in 2014, 1,790,700 tons in 2013 and 1,744,100 tons in 2012. For a description of the uses of our polypropylene products, see “—Polyolefins Unit.”

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Production Facilities of our USA and Europe Unit

The table below sets forth the annual production capacity as of December 31, 2014 of the USA and Europe Unit’s polypropylene plants in the United States and Germany and the annual production for the years presented.

 

Annual Production

Production
For the Year Ended December 31,

Plant

Capacity

2014

2013

2012

 

(in tons)

 

 

 

 

 

United States

1,465,000

1,317,800

1,306,863

1,264,772

Germany

545,000

537,876

479,075

492,294

 

Raw Materials of Our USA and Europe Unit

Propylene

The most significant direct cost associated with the production of polypropylene by our USA and Europe Unit is the cost of purchasing propylene.

We acquire propylene for our polypropylene plants in the Unites States under a variety of long-term supply agreements and through the spot market. As of December 31, 2014, we had long-term supply agreements with multiple suppliers. The pricing formulas for propylene under these supply agreements are generally based on market prices. A portion of the propylene supplied to our gulf coast plants is provided by a limited partnership that we formed with a leading basic petrochemicals producer, under which we acquire propylene produced by an ethylene facility of that producer in La Porte, Texas. Under the terms of the partnership agreement, the partnership has agreed to provide us with sufficient propylene to produce up to 35% of our U.S. gulf coast plants’ current annual production capacity through 2018, at prices calculated a cost-based formula that includes a fixed discount that declines until 2018.

As a result of rising natural gas production, U.S. crackers have shifted to lighter feeds, which lowered the production of propylene. Recently, several companies have announced plans to build propane dehydrogenation (PDH) plants, which would produce on-purpose propylene. Braskem has secured a long-term propylene agreement with one of those companies, Enterprise Products, which plans to build a PDH plant in Texas with an annual capacity of 750,000 tons. We expect this agreement with an established producer to provide us with a competitive, long-term supply of propylene, using shale gas and other nontraditional sources as its feedstock. This plant is expected to commence operations in 2016. Under this arrangement, following completion of this plan, Enterprise Products will supply us with sufficient propylene to produce approximately 65% of our U.S. gulf coast plants’ current annual production capacity under a long-term contract with a term of 15 years. Pricing under this contract will be based on market prices for propane and other market costs.

In June 2012, we acquired the propylene splitter assets at Sunoco’s Marcus Hook refinery, which we are currently using to convert refinery grade propylene to polymer grade propylene for use at our Marcus Hook polypropylene plant.

We acquire propylene for our polypropylene plants in Germany under long-term supply agreements that provide for the supply of all of the propylene requirements of these plants. One of these supply agreements expires in December 2016 and is renewable until December 2021, and the other supply agreement expires in March 2021, and is automatically renewable for consecutive one-year terms, unless cancelled by one of the parties. The pricing formula for propylene under these supply agreements is based on market prices.

Sales and Marketing of Our USA and Europe Unit

Our USA and Europe Unit sells polypropylene products to approximately 350 customers. We have a diversified product mix that allows us to serve a broad range of end users in several industries. The customers of our USA and Europe Unit generally are third generation petrochemical producers that manufacture a wide variety of plastic-based consumer and industrial goods.

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Net sales revenue to the 10 largest customers of our USA and Europe Unit accounted for 50.4% of our USA and Europe Unit’s total net sales revenue during 2014.

The following table sets forth our net sales revenue derived from sales of our USA and Europe Unit for the years indicated:

 

For the Year Ended December 31,

 

2014

2013

2012

 

(in millions of reais)

Net sales revenue:

 

 

 

Europe

R$2,167.3

R$1,690.1

R$1,587.3

North America

5,767.0

5,058.4

3,877.9

 

R$7,934.3

R$6,748.5

R$5,465.2

Approximately 50% of the sales of polypropylene by the USA and Europe Unit are made under long-term supply agreements with our customers. These supply contracts generally have an initial two-year term and are automatically renewable for one-year periods unless one party notifies the other of its intention not to renew. These contracts also provide for minimum and maximum quantities to be purchased and monthly deliveries.

We market the remainder of the polypropylene production of the USA and Europe Unit through (1) our direct sales force that seeks to establish supply relationships with customers, (2) a select number of distributors authorized to represent the Braskem brand in the U.S. and European markets, (3) resellers that trade these products under private labels in the North American and European markets, and (4) traders that resell these products in the export markets.

Competition

The USA and Europe Unit is largely a commodities business and competes with local, regional, national and international companies, some of which have greater financial, research and development, production and other resources than our company. Although competitive factors may vary among product lines, our competitive position is primarily based on raw material and production costs, selling prices, product quality, product technology, manufacturing technology, access to new markets, proximity to the market and customer service and support.

Our primary competitors for sales in the polypropylene industry in North America are other large international petrochemical companies. In general, demand is a function of economic growth in North America and elsewhere in the world. Braskem’s total market share in North America in 2014 was 17.9%.

Our primary competitors for sales in the polypropylene industry in Europe are other large international petrochemical companies. In general, demand is a function of economic growth in Europe and elsewhere in the world.

Chemical Distribution Unit

Our Chemical Distribution Unit generated net sales revenue of R$842.7 million during 2014, or 1.5% of the net sales revenue of all reportable segments. Our Chemical Distribution Unit distributes products manufactured by our Basic Petrochemicals Unit, as well as products from more than 100 domestic and international companies. Our Chemical Distribution Unit distributes products in a broad range of market segments, including agrochemicals, rubber and general purpose chemicals; food and feed; flavor and fragrance; cosmetics and pharmaceuticals; household and other industrial segments; engineering plastics; and paints, resins, adhesives and civil construction.

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Products Distributed by Our Chemical Distribution Unit

Our Chemical Distribution Unit distributes a large and diverse portfolio of products consisting of more than 1,000 products. We classify the products distributed by our Chemical Distribution Unit as:

·         solvents, including aliphatic solvents, aromatic solvents, synthetic solvents and ecologically-friendly solvents (having lower toxicity and greater biodegradability than standard solvents);

·         engineering plastics;

·         hydrocarbonic solvents and isoparafins; and

·         general purpose chemicals, including process oils, chemical intermediates, blends, specialty chemicals, pharmaceuticals and santoprene.

The following table sets forth a breakdown of the sales volume of our Chemical Distribution Unit by product for the periods presented.

 

For the Year Ended December 31,

 

2014

2013

2012

 

(thousands of tons)

Solvents

122.4

 149.5

 222.9

General purpose chemicals

99.3

122.7

111.1

Total net sales

221.7

271.3

334.3

Distribution Agreements

Our Chemical Distribution Unit has commercial relationships with more than 100 domestic and international companies, under which our Chemical Distribution Unit distributes specified products, including:

·         Conoco-Phillips for the distribution of hydrocarbon solvents;

·         Sasol Solvents for the distribution of synthetic solvents;

·         Lubrizol for the distribution of additives for lubricants;

·         Wacker Chemie GmbH for the distribution of silicone-derived products;

·         RT Vanderbilt for the distribution of specialty chemicals for the rubber, cosmetics and lubricants industries;

·         Sasol Wax for the distribution of waxes;

·         DCC for the distribution of pigments;

·         Emerald Kalama for the distribution of chemical intermediates and specialty chemicals; and

·         Sandoz for the distribution of active pharmaceutical ingredients.

Our Chemical Distribution Unit also has entered into distribution agreements that provide it with exclusive rights to distribute specified products in Brazil, including distribution agreements with:

·         Ergon for the distribution of naphtenic oils;

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·         SK for the distribution of paraffinics GIII; and

·         RT Vanderbilt for the distribution of specialty chemicals for the rubber, cosmetics and lubricants industries, under which QuantiQ may not distribute products for Vanderbilt’s competitors.

Generally, our Chemical Distribution Unit initiates distribution activities for a producer with a letter of intent with a term of one-year and, following this period, extends these commercial relationships or distribution agreements for an indefinite period. Distribution agreements with our Chemical Distribution Unit generally may be terminated by either party on 30 to 180 days’ notice.

Our distribution agreements are generally local stock agreements, indent sales agreements or agreements that combine the features of both. Under our local stock agreements, we purchase chemicals for resale to its customers. These agreements do not contain minimum volume or maximum margin requirements. Sales to us under these agreements are at prices negotiated between us and the producer. Our distribution agreement with Petrobras provides that we are eligible to receive a discount on purchases based on the volume of products purchased. Under our indent sales agreements, we act as a sales agent and receive a commission on the total sales revenue (FOB price) generated for the producer by these sales.

Sales and Marketing by Our Chemical Distribution Unit

Our Chemical Distribution Unit distributes products to chemical retailers, third generation petrochemical producers and other manufacturers. We determine the prices for the products distributed by reference to several market factors, including the prices paid by third generation producers for imports of these products and prevailing market prices in Brazil.

We serve approximately 5,000 active clients in more than 50 market segments, through 7business units supported by eight sales offices throughout Brazil. We operate five distribution centers that include warehouses and tank farms. We own our distribution centers in Guarulhos in the State of São Paulo, Canoas in the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Duque de Caxias in the State of Rio de Janeiro and Mauá in the State of São Paulo.

Our Chemical Distribution Unit distributes products in a broad range of market segments. No customer represented more than 10% of the net sales revenue of our Chemical Distribution Unit during 2014, 2013 or 2012.

Competition

The chemical distribution industry in Brazil had revenues of US$6.6 billion in 2013 (the latest year for which such information is available), according to preliminary data published by the Brazilian Chemical and Petrochemical Distributors Association. The chemical distribution industry in Brazil is highly fragmented, with a small number of large distributors, such as Bandeirantes Brazmo, M Cassab, Coremal, Arinos, Makeni Química and Brenntag, and a large number of small distributors. The Brazilian Chemical and Petrochemical Distributors Association estimates that 14% of the companies in this industry have annual sales of more than US$150 million while 75% have annual sales of less than US$50 million. The customer base for chemical distributors is primarily composed of customers that consume small volumes of any distributed product.

Technology, Research and Development

Technology Licenses

Our Basic Petrochemicals Unit uses engineering process technology under non-exclusive arrangements from a variety of sources for specific production processes. We have entered into several non-exclusive agreements with a number of leading petrochemical companies to use certain technology and catalysts for our Polyolefins Unit. Some of the license agreements used by our Polyolefins Unit allow us to use the licensed technology in both existing and future plants. We have entered into several non-exclusive agreements with a number of leading petrochemical companies to use technology for our Vinyls Unit. We have entered into several non-exclusive agreements with a number of leading petrochemical companies to use certain technology and catalysts for the polypropylene production of our USA and Europe Unit. Some of the license agreements used by our USA and Europe Unit allow us to use the licensed technology in both existing and future plants. If any of the arrangements or licenses under which we use third-party technology were terminated or no longer available to us, we believe that we would be able to replace this technology with comparable or better technology from other sources.

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We do not pay any continuing royalties under any of the arrangements or licenses used by our Basic Petrochemicals Unit or our Vinyls Unit. Most of the license agreements used by our Polyolefins Unit or our USA and Europe Unit do not require us to pay any continuing royalties. Under the license agreements that require continuing royalty payments, we pay royalties on a quarterly basis based on the volume of the products produced using the licensed technology.

Our smallest chlor-alkali plant in the Northeastern Complex uses mercury cell technology to produce chlorine and caustic soda, which technology can no longer be used in new petrochemical production facilities under Brazilian legislation due in part to environmental concerns regarding mercury emissions resulting from this manufacturing process. The Brazilian government may require us to shift to newer diaphragm technology, which we use in our Alagoas chlor-alkali plant, or membrane technology. We have not shifted to these newer technologies yet, in part because the return from the capital expenditures associated with this shift would not be as high as those from other potential investments that we may undertake.

Research and Development

Our ability to compete in the Brazilian and foreign markets that we serve depends on our ability to integrate new production processes developed by our company and third parties in order to lower our costs and offer new thermoplastic products. In addition, our relationships with our customers are enhanced by our ability to develop new products and customize existing products to meet their needs.

In June 2014, we entered into a partnership with Amyris, Inc., or Amyris, a renewable products company in the United States, and Compagnie Générale des Établissements Michelin SCA, or Michelin, a tire manufacturer based in France, which Amyris and Michelin originally entered into in 2011, to develop and produce isoprene obtained from renewable sources such as biomass.  Under the terms of this partnership, we will work with Amyris and Michelin to develop technology to use plant sugars, such as those from Brazilian sugarcane or cellulose feedstocks, to produce renewable isoprene.  The rights to sell the renewable isoprene will be shared by Amyris and Braskem, to the extent such technology is developed in partnership.  Michelin will maintain certain preferential, but not exclusive, access to renewable isoprene developed by this technology.

We maintain a research and development program that is primarily implemented at two research centers that we operate: the Braskem Center for Technology and Innovation located in the Southern Complex and the Braskem America Technology Center located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Through these research centers, we coordinate and maintain our research and development program, which includes the operation of (1) pilot plants, (2) catalysis, polymerization and polymer sciences laboratories, and (3) process engineering and automation centers. Our investments in research and development, which are classified as expenses, totaled R$138.4 million in 2014, R$115.8 million in 2013 and R$106.2 million in 2012.

Maintenance

Most of our maintenance is performed by third-party service providers. For example, we have contracts with CNO, Asea Brown Boveri Ltd., Cegelec Ltda., Rip Serviços Industriais S.A., Cl Engenharia Ltda. and other service providers to perform maintenance for our basic petrochemical plants in the Northeastern Complex and in the Southern Complex. We also perform some of our ordinary course maintenance with our small team of maintenance technicians, which also coordinate the planning and execution of maintenance services performed by third parties.

Basic Petrochemicals Plants

Regular basic petrochemicals plant maintenance requires complete plant shutdowns from time to time, and these shutdowns usually take approximately 30 days to complete. We occasionally undertake brief shutdowns of the basic petrochemical operations at our basic petrochemical plants that do not materially affect our production output, primarily for maintenance purposes, catalyst regeneration and equipment cleaning. In addition, because we have two independent Olefins units and two independent Aromatics units at the Northeastern Complex and two independent Olefins units at the Southern Complex, we may continue production of basic petrochemicals at these complexes without interruption, even while we perform certain maintenance services.

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The next scheduled general maintenance shutdown of:

·      the Rio de Janeiro Complex’s Olefins unit is scheduled to occur in 2017;

·      the Southern Complex’s Olefins 2 and Aromatics 2 units are scheduled to occur in 2018;

·      the Northeastern Complex’s Aromatics 1 and Olefins 1 units in 2019;

·      the Southern Complex’s Olefins 1 and Aromatics 1 units are scheduled to occur in 2020; and

·      the São Paulo Complex’s Olefins and Aromatics units are scheduled to occur in 2021.

Plants of Our Polyolefins, Vinyls and USA and Europe Units

We have a regular maintenance program for each of our polyolefins plants. Production at each of our polyolefins plants generally is shut down for seven to 20 days every two to three years to allow for regular inspection and maintenance. In addition, we undertake other brief shutdowns for maintenance purposes that do not materially affect our production of polyolefins. We coordinate the maintenance cycles of our polyolefins plants with those of our basic petrochemicals plants. While our basic petrochemicals facilities must be shut down for up to 30 days for maintenance, our polyolefins facilities may be shut down for shorter periods because these facilities are less complex to operate and maintain than our basic petrochemicals plants. Similarly, our USA and Europe plants attempt to coordinate their maintenance cycles with the routines of their largest suppliers.

We have a regular maintenance program for each of our vinyls plants. Our Camaçari and Alagoas PVC plants are generally shut down for 15 to 20 days every two years to allow for regular inspection and maintenance. Our caustic soda and chlorine plant in Alagoas shuts down once a year for three days of maintenance in different parts of the plant. Our caustic soda and chlorine plant in Camaçari does not require prolonged maintenance shutdowns and is shut down for two or three days each year.

Environmental Regulation

In each of the countries in which we operate, our operations are subject to federal, state and local laws and regulations governing the discharge of effluents and emissions into the environment and the handling and disposal of industrial waste and otherwise relating to the protection of the environment.

Our consolidated annual expenditures on environmental control were R$190.0 million in 2014, R$292.6 million in 2013, R$256.3 million in 2012, R$198.9 million in 2011 and R$134.9 million in 2010. Our consolidated environmental expenses relate to our continuous control and monitoring policies, and we do not expect to have any material future environmental liabilities. However, our environmental compliance costs are likely to increase as a result of the projected increase in our production capacity and projected increases in unit costs for treatment and disposal of industrial waste, as well as the cost of compliance with future environmental regulations.

We had established a provision for recovery of potential environmental liabilities in the amount of R$26.2 million as of December 31, 2014.

Compliance with Environmental Laws in Brazil

The Brazilian government enacted an Environmental Crimes Law in 1998 that imposes criminal penalties on corporations and individuals causing environmental damage. Corporations found to be polluting can be fined up to R$50.0 million, have their operations suspended, be prohibited from government contracting, be required to repair damage that they cause and lose certain tax benefits and incentives. Executive officers, directors and other individuals may be imprisoned for up to five years for environmental violations.

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Our operations are in compliance in all material respects with applicable Brazilian environmental laws and regulations currently in effect. Some environmental studies that we have commissioned have indicated instances of environmental contamination at certain of our plants. In addition, we and certain executive officers of our company and of our subsidiaries have received notices from time to time of minor environmental violations and are or have been subject to investigations or legal proceedings with respect to certain alleged environmental violations. These environmental issues, and any future environmental issues that may arise, could subject us to fines or other civil or criminal penalties imposed by Brazilian authorities. We are addressing all environmental issues of which we are aware, and we believe that none of these issues will have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Operating Permits

Under Brazilian federal and state environmental laws and regulations, we are required to obtain operating permits for our manufacturing facilities. If any of our environmental licenses and permits lapse or are not renewed or if we fail to obtain any required environmental licenses and permits, we may be subject to fines ranging from R$500 to R$50.0 million, and the Brazilian government may partially or totally suspend our activities and impose civil and criminal sanctions on our company or both.

Each State in which we operate has its own environmental standards and state authorities in each state have issued operating permits that must be renewed periodically. Additionally, all projects for the installation and operation of industrial facilities in the Northeastern Complex, Southern Complex São Paulo Complex and Rio de Janeiro Complex are subject to approval by various environmental protection agencies, which must approve installed projects prior to their commencement of operations and must renew such approval periodically thereafter. State authorities have issued operating permits for all of our plants, as follows: the Northeastern Complex (State of Bahia); Southern Complex (State of Rio Grande do Sul), São Paulo Complex and Cubatão, Santo André, Mauá and Paulínia plants (State of São Paulo), Rio de Janeiro Complex (State of Rio de Janeiro) and our Alagoas plants (State of Alagoas). We are in possession of all necessary permits and do not expect to have difficulty in renewing any of them.

Industrial Waste

Companhia Riograndense de Saneamento, or Corsan, a state-owned sanitation company, operates an integrated system for liquid effluents treatment, or Sitel, in the Southern Complex. Sitel treats wastewater generated by our company and the other petrochemical producers at the Southern Complex at a liquid effluents treatment station located in the Southern Complex. This treatment station also includes a system for the collection of contaminated wastewater and disposal after treatment. We treat wastewater generated by our company at the Rio de Janeiro Complex at a liquid effluents treatment station located in the Rio de Janeiro Complex. This treatment station also includes a system for the collection and disposal of contaminated wastewater. Hazardous solid waste is co-processed in cement kilns or incinerated and other kinds of solid waste are disposed of in landfills at facilities approved by our company.

We treat wastewater generated by our company at the São Paulo Complex at a liquid effluents treatment station located in the São Paulo Complex. This treatment station also includes a system for the collection and disposal of contaminated wastewater, while hazardous waste generated at the São Paulo Complex is incinerated in cement kilns and other kinds of solid waste is disposed of in landfills.

In our Bahia facilities, all wastewater is transported to Cetrel, a wastewater treatment facility. Solid waste is incinerated in cement kilns or incinerators and the remaining waste is disposed of in landfills.

Additionally, we have a series of recycling programs that includes recycling of solid waste and wastewater. We recycle or reuse 26.8% of the solid waste generated by our facilities and 28.2% of the water used in our production processes.

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Compliance with Environmental Laws in the United States

Our operations in the United States are subject to U.S. federal, state and local laws and regulations governing the discharge of effluents and emissions into the environment; the generation, storage, handling, management, transportation and disposal of hazardous waste, industrial waste and other types of waste; the use, storage, and handling of various types of products and materials; and the protection of human health, safety and the environment. In many instances, specific permits must be obtained for particular types of operations, emissions or discharges.  For example, our facilities in Texas, Pennsylvania and West Virginia are required to maintain various permits relating to air quality and treatment of industrial wastewater, and to comply with regulatory requirements relating to waste management.  We are in possession of necessary permits to operate our facilities (or they are in the process of being renewed in the ordinary course).  We believe that our operations in the United States are in compliance in all material respects with applicable U.S. federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations currently in effect.

As with the U.S. petrochemical industry generally, compliance with existing and anticipated laws and regulations increases the overall cost of operating our U.S. plants, including operating costs and capital costs to construct, maintain and upgrade equipment and facilities. These laws and regulations have required, and are expected to continue to require us to make, expenditures of both a capital and an expense nature.

The Clean Air Act, which was last amended in 1990, requires the United States Environmental Protection Agency, or the EPA, to set National Ambient Air Quality Standards, or the NAAQS, for pollutants considered harmful to public health and the environment.  The Clean Air Act requires periodic review of the science upon which the standards are based and the standards themselves.  NAAQS for ozone and fine particulate matter (referred to as PM2.5), promulgated by the EPA have resulted in identification of nonattainment areas throughout the country, including certain areas within Texas, Pennsylvania and West Virginia, where Braskem America operates facilities.  As a result of these nonattainment designations by the EPA, state or local air pollution control agencies are required to apply permitting and/or control requirements intended to reduce emissions of ozone precursors (nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds), and fine particles (including PM2.5 precursors), in order to demonstrate attainment with the applicable NAAQS.  Such requirements may include imposition of offset requirements, and could result in enhanced emission control standards.  In addition, the EPA has published a notice that during 2015 it plans to reevaluate the sufficiency of the current PM2.5 NAAQS.  This reevaluation could result in more stringent ambient standards, which could in turn translate into additional state-specific requirements to further reduce allowable emission rates for PM2.5 or its precursor pollutants.  Such state-specific requirements would become applicable, if at all, following a multi-year process. Furthermore, in December 2014, the EPA proposed lowering the primary NAAQS for ozone from 0.075 ppm to between 0.065 to 0.070 ppm. Such regulations will likely not be promulgated until early 2016.

In addition to permitting and/or control requirements that may result from the implementation of the NAAQS at the state or local level, the EPA may promulgate new or revised federal New Source Performance Standards or National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants that would apply directly to certain facility operations and may require the installation or upgrade of control equipment in order to satisfy applicable emission limits and/or operating standards under these regulatory programs.  The EPA’s currently-proposed regulations in this area would not specifically apply to Braskem America’s operations.

Additionally, there are various legislative and regulatory measures to address greenhouse gas emissions which are in various stages of review, discussion or implementation by Congress and the EPA.  In June, 2014, the EPA proposed new regulations aimed at lowering greenhouse gas emissions from existing, new and reconstructed electric generating units. Comments were submitted in the fourth quarter of 2014 and final regulations are not expected to be promulgated until late 2015 or early 2016. While it is currently not possible to predict the final impact, if any, that these regulations may have on Braskem America or the U.S. petrochemical industry in general, they could result in increased utility costs to operate our facilities in the United States.  In addition, future regulations limiting greenhouse gas emissions of carbon content of products, which target specific industries such as petrochemical manufacturing could adversely affect our ability to conduct Braskem America’s business and also may reduce demand for its products.  The EPA’s currently-proposed regulations in this area would not specifically apply to Braskem America’s operations.

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Environmental Regulation in Germany and the European Union

Our operations of Germany are subject to German federal, state and local laws and regulations governing the discharge of effluents and emissions into the environment and the handling and disposal of industrial waste and otherwise relating to the protection of the environment and waste management. Our operations in Germany are in compliance in all material respects with applicable German federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations currently in effect.

As with the petrochemical industry in the European Union generally, compliance with existing and anticipated German laws and regulations increases the overall cost of operating our European business, including operating costs and capital costs to construct, maintain and upgrade equipment and facilities. These laws and regulations have required, and are expected to continue to require us to make expenditures of both a capital and an expense nature.

At our Schkopau and Wesseling, Germany facilities, we are required to maintain air, radiation, waste water and waste management permits from the German government and local agreements relating to the treatment of industrial wastewaters. We are in possession of all necessary permits.

Furthermore, our Wesseling, Germany facility is subject to existing European greenhouse gas regulations and a cap and trade program relating to emissions. We have purchased sufficient carbon dioxide emissions permits for its operations until 2018, provided it operates under normal business conditions. We will purchase any additional permits that may be required on the emission trade market. We are not aware of any new environmental regulations that would affect our European operations. Accordingly, we cannot estimate the potential financial impact of any future European Union or German environmental regulations.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Our properties consist primarily of petrochemical production facilities in:

·      Camaçari in the State of Bahia;

·      Triunfo in the State of Rio Grande do Sul;

·      Duque de Caxias in the State of Rio de Janeiro;

·      São Paulo, Paulínia, Cubatão, Santo André and Mauá in the State of São Paulo;

·      Maceió and Marechal Deodoro in the State of Alagoas;

·      the United States in La Porte, Freeport and Seadrift, Texas, Marcus Hook, Pennsylvania, Neal, West Virginia, and

·      Germany in Schkopau and Wesseling.

Our principal executive offices are located in São Paulo in the State of São Paulo, and we have an administrative support office in the City of Salvador in the State of Bahia. We also have equity interests in investments located in other parts of the country. We own all our production facilities, but we generally rent our administrative offices.

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The following table sets forth our properties as of December 31, 2014 by location of facilities, products produced and size of plant.

Type of Product or Service

Location of Facilities

Size of Plant

 

 

(in hectares)(1)

 

 

 

Basic petrochemicals

Triunfo

152.8

Basic petrochemicals

Santo André

74.1

Basic petrochemicals

Camaçari

65.5

Basic petrochemicals

Duque de Caxias

53.0

Polypropylene

Paulínia

39.7

Polyethylene

Triunfo

30.5

Polyethylene

Camaçari

24.5

Polyethylene

Cubatão

17.6

Polyethylene

Santo André

15.8

Polyethylene

Duque de Caxias

15.0

Polypropylene

LaPorte, Texas

87.0

Polypropylene

Neal, West Virginia

27.1

Polypropylene

Mauá

15.8

Polypropylene

Duque de Caxias

15.0

Polypropylene

Camaçari

13.2

Polypropylene

Triunfo

10.0

Polypropylene

Marcus Hook, Pennsylvania

6.9

Polypropylene

Freeport, Texas

8.9

Polypropylene

Seadrift, Texas

2.5

Polypropylene

Schkopau, Germany

3.7

Polypropylene

Wesseling, Germany

26.0

Caustic soda/chlorine

Maceió

15.0

PVC/caustic soda/chlorine

Camaçari

12.6

PVC

Marechal Deodoro

186.7

Distribution Center

Vila Prudente/Capuava

3.2

                                                                 

(1)   One hectare equals 10,000 square meters.

We believe that all of our production facilities are in good operating condition. As of December 31, 2014, the consolidated net book value of our property, plant and equipment was R$29,001.5 million.

The following properties are mortgaged or pledged to secure certain of our financial transactions: (1) our basic petrochemicals plant and our polyethylene plant located in the Southern Complex; (2) our chlor-alkali plant and PVC plant located in the Northeastern Complex; (3) our basic petrochemicals plant and our polyethylene plant located in São Paulo Complex; (4) our chlor-alkali plant and PVC plant located in the State of Alagoas; and (5) our basic petrochemicals plant, our polyethylene plant and our polypropylene plant located in the Rio de Janeiro Complex.

Insurance

In addition to the policies described below for our Brazilian and international operations, we maintain other insurance policies for specific risks, including directors and officers liability coverage, workers’ compensation, employers practice liability and automotive insurance.

We do not anticipate having any difficulties in renewing any of our insurance policies and believe that our insurance coverage is reasonable in amount and consistent with industry standards applicable to chemical companies operating globally.

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Operations in Brazil, the United States and Germany

We carry insurance for all our plants against material damage and consequent business interruption through comprehensive “all risk” insurance policies.

The all risks insurance program for our plants provides for a total replacement value of US$22.2 billion for property damage. This insurance program is underwritten through separate policies in Brazil and the United States by large insurance companies. This all risk insurance program/policies are in force until October 2015.

The material damage insurance for our plants provides insurance coverage for losses due to accidents resulting from fire, explosion and machinery breakdown, among others. This coverage has a maximum indemnification limit of US$2 billion per event (combined material damage and business interruption coverage) for the Brazilian plants and US$250 million (combined material damage and business interruption coverage, excluding flood and earthquake damages, which have a maximum indemnification limit of US$200 million per event) for our plants in the United States and Germany. Our policies have deductibles from US$250,000 to US$40 million, depending on the plant and/or coverage.

The business interruption coverage under our policies provides coverage for losses resulting from interruptions due to any material damage covered by the policy. The losses are covered with maximum indemnity periods ranging from 12 to 24 months and deductibles ranging from 45 to 60 days, depending on the plant.

As a part of our insurance program, we also have a third-party liability policy for our operations, which covers losses for damages caused to third parties from our operations, including sudden environmental pollution.

Operations in Mexico

We have an insurance program for our Project Ethylene XXI project in Mexico that provides coverage for the project during the construction and testing stages until the commencement of operations, which is expected to occur by the end of 2015. This insurance program is comparable to policies issued by large insurance companies in Mexico and includes: (1) all risk policies for construction and delays in commencement of operations up to an aggregate amount of US$4.1 billion, (2) terrorism coverage up to a limit of US$900 million, (3) marine cargo coverage up to a limit per shipment of US$50 million and (4) delays in commencement of operations up to a combined limit of US$629 million. The project also has comprehensive third-party liability insurance coverage for the construction and testing period.

ITEM 4A. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

Not Applicable.

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ITEM 5. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS

The following discussion of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 and for the three years ended December 31, 2014, included in this annual report, as well as with the information presented under “Presentation of Financial and Other Information” and “Item 3. Key Information—Selected Financial and Other Information.”

The following discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results may differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including those set forth in “Cautionary Statement with Respect to Forward-Looking Statements” and “Item 3. Key Information—Risk Factors.”

Overview

Our results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 have been influenced, and our results of operations will continue to be influenced, by a variety of factors, including:

·      the growth rate of Brazilian GDP, which grew by an annual rate of 0.1% in 2014, 2.7% in 2013 and 1.8% in 2012, which affects the demand for our products and, consequently, our domestic sales volume;

·      the expansion of global production capacity for the products that we sell and the growth rate of the global economy;

·      the international market price of naphtha, our principal raw material, expressed in dollars, which has a significant effect on the cost of producing our products and which has been volatile during the three years ended December 31, 2014, fluctuating in a range between US$492 and US$952 per ton during 2014, between US$816 and US$992 per ton during 2013 and between US$729 and US$1,069 during 2012;

·      the average domestic prices of our principal products expressed in dollars, which fluctuate to a significant extent based on fluctuations of international prices for these products and which also have a high correlation to our raw material costs;

·      our capacity utilization rates, which declined in 2014, primarily as a result of (1) the scheduled maintenance shutdown of one of our cracker production lines in the Southern Complex; (2) the scheduled maintenance shutdown of our cracker production line at our São Paulo Complex; and (3) a lack of propylene supply at the Rio de Janeiro Complex;

·      government industrial policy adopted by the government of Brazil;

·      sales outside Brazil, which increased to R$20.1 billion in 2014 from R$17.5 billion in 2013;

·      changes in the real/U.S. dollar exchange rate, including the depreciation of the real against the U.S. dollar by 13.4% in 2014, 14.6% in 2013 and 8.9% in 2012, which have affected our financial expenses as a result of our significant U.S. dollar-denominated liabilities that require us to make principal and interest payments in U.S. dollars;

·      the level of our outstanding indebtedness, fluctuations in benchmark interest rates in Brazil, which affect our interest expenses on our real-denominated floating rate debt, and fluctuations in the LIBOR rate, which affect our interest expenses on our dollar-denominated floating rate debt;

·      the inflation rate in Brazil, which was 3.7% in 2014, 5.5% in 2013 and 7.8% in 2012, in each case, as measured by the IGP-DI, and the effects of inflation on our operating expenses denominated in reais and our real-denominated debt that is indexed to take into account the effects of inflation or bears interest at rates that are partially adjusted for inflation; and

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·      the tax policies adopted by, and resulting tax obligations to, the Brazilian government and the governments of the Brazilian states in which we operate.

Our financial condition and liquidity is influenced by various factors, including:

·      our ability to generate cash flows from our operations and our liquidity;

·      prevailing Brazilian and international interest rates and movements in exchange rates, which affect our debt service requirements;

·      our ability to continue to be able to borrow funds from Brazilian and international financial institutions and to sell our debt securities in the Brazilian and international securities markets, which is influenced by a number of factors discussed below;

·      our capital expenditure requirements, which consist primarily of maintenance of our operating facilities, expansion of our production capacity and research and development activities; and

·      the requirement under Brazilian law and our by-laws that we pay dividends on an annual basis in an amount equal to at least 25% of our adjusted net income, unless our board of directors deems it inconsistent with our financial position and the decision of our board of directors is ratified by our shareholders.

Financial Presentation and Accounting Policies

Presentation of Financial Statements

We have prepared our audited consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 and for each of the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 in accordance with IFRS.

Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with IFRS 10 (Consolidated Financial Statements). As a result of our decision to dispose of our former subsidiary Cetrel, which we sold in December 2012, and our former subsidiary Braskem Distribuidora, which we sold in December 2012, we have recorded the operations of these subsidiaries as discontinued operations as from January 1, 2010. In accordance with IFRS, we have not made adjustments to our balance sheet.  

Operating Segments and Presentation of Segment Financial Data

We believe that our organizational structure as of December 31, 2014 reflected our business activities and corresponded to our principal products and production processes. As described in “—Results of Operations,” we no longer record results for our distribution segment as the operations of this segment are accounted for as discontinued operations. As of December 31, 2014, we had five production business units and reported our results by five corresponding segments to reflect this organizational structure:

·       Basic Petrochemicals—This segment includes (1) our production and sale of basic petrochemicals at the Northeastern Complex and the Southern Complex, (2) our production and sale of basic petrochemicals at the São Paulo Complex and the Rio de Janeiro Complex, and (3) our supply of utilities produced at these complexes to second generation producers, including some producers owned or controlled by our company.

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·      Polyolefins—This segment includes the production and sale of polyethylene, including the production of “green polyethylene” from renewable resources, and polypropylene by our company, excluding the operations of Braskem Europe.

·      USA and Europe—This segment includes the operations of our five polypropylene plants in the United States and the operations of our two polypropylene plants in Germany.

·      Vinyls—This segment includes our production and sale of PVC and caustic soda.

·      Chemical distribution—This segment includes operations of QuantiQ and IQAG, which consists of distribution of petroleum-based solvents, intermediate chemicals, special chemicals and pharmacons.

We have included a reconciliation of the results of operations of our segments, as they existed as of December 31, 2014, to our consolidated results of operations under “—Results of Operations” below.

Critical Accounting Policies

The presentation of our financial condition and results of operations in conformity with IFRS requires us to make certain judgments and estimates regarding the effects of matters that are inherently uncertain and that impact the carrying value of our assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ from these estimates. In order to provide an understanding about how we form our judgments and estimates about certain future events, including the variables and assumptions underlying the estimates, and the sensitivity of those judgments to different variables and conditions, we have included comments related to the following critical accounting policies under IFRS:

·      Impairment of property, plant and equipment and non-financial assets. Our goodwill based on expected future profitability as of December 31, 2014 were R$2,058.9 million. The recoverable value of property, plant and equipment and other noncurrent assets including intangible assets (other than goodwill based on expected future profitability) are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. The recoverable value of goodwill based on expected future profitability is reviewed for impairment on an annual basis. An impairment loss is recognized for the amount by which the asset’s carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is the higher of (1) an asset’s fair value less costs to sell; and (2) its value in use. For the purposes of assessing impairment, assets are grouped at the lowest level for which there are separately identifiable cash flows that can be cash-generating units or operating segments. Non-financial assets other than goodwill that suffered an impairment are reviewed for possible reversal of the impairment at each reporting date.

We did not record any impairment charges in the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012. As of December 31, 2014, we do not believe that any of our cash generating units were at risk of impairment.

Our impairment tests of goodwill consider the lowest level of cash-generating operations at (1) the Southern Complex in the Basic Petrochemicals Unit, (2) the Polyolefins Unit and (3) the Vinyls Unit.

The discount rate applied is based on the weighted average cost of capital for our company at the relevant dates of valuation. Our projections include assumptions regarding (1) volumes that consider our current and projected production; (2) prices based on a sales prices cycle of approximately five years for our products; (3) costs of goods sold based on international reference prices; and (4) capital expenditures projected for future years. The current price cycle has exhibited low margins during the last three years, which reached a low point in 2012 due to global economic volatility. Changes to our projected margins resulting from changes in the petrochemical cycle, global economic conditions or strategic decisions to suspend or terminate production of certain products and to close the related plants could significantly impact our impairment charges. The impairment test performed as of October 31, 2012 supports a 5% negative fluctuation in contribution margin without changing the impairment result.

·      Valuation of derivative instruments. We use swaps, non-deliverable forwards and other derivative instruments to manage risks from changes in foreign exchange, interest rates and commodities prices. We record these instruments at their estimated fair market value based on market quotations for similar instruments, and based on standard mark-to-market practices, which take into account reliable market curves for interest rates, foreign exchange rates and commodities prices.

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·      Deferred Income Tax and Social Contribution. We recognize deferred income tax and social contribution assets and liabilities based on the differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax basis of assets and liabilities using prevailing tax rates. We regularly review any deferred income tax and social contribution assets for recoverability and reduce their carrying value based on our historical taxable income, projected future taxable income and the expected timing of any reversals of existing temporary differences. If one of our subsidiaries operates at a loss or is unable to generate sufficient future taxable income, or if there is a material change in the actual effective tax rates or the time period within which the underlying temporary differences become taxable or deductible, we evaluate the need to reduce partially or completely the carrying value of our deferred income tax and social contribution assets.

·      Provisions and Contingencies. We are currently involved in numerous judicial and administrative proceedings, as described under “Item 8. Financial Information—Legal Proceedings,” and in notes 20 and 23 to our audited consolidated financial statements. We record accrued liabilities for provisions that we deem probable of creating an adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition. For the main contingencies that we deem possible of creating an adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition, we disclose relevant information regarding the proceedings in accordance with IAS 37. Additionally, the contingencies assumed in a business combination for which an unfavorable outcome is considered possible are recognized at their fair value on the acquisition date. We believe that these judicial and administrative proceedings are properly recognized or disclosed in our financial statements.

·      Allowance for doubtful accounts. We record an allowance for doubtful accounts in an amount considered sufficient to cover estimated losses on the realization of our trade accounts receivable, taking into account our loss experience and the aging of our accounts receivable. Additionally, we analyze, on a monthly basis, the amounts and characteristics of trade accounts receivable compared to our pre-defined credit limits for our customers in order to determine if additional provisions are required. As of December 31, 2014, our total trade accounts receivable was R$3,040.5 million and the provision for doubtful accounts was R$322.8 million. Significant changes in our historical loss experience on accounts receivable which are not apparent through our aging analysis could require significant changes to our provisions for doubtful accounts.

·      Pension plans. For defined benefit plans that we sponsor, we calculate our funding obligations based on calculations performed by independent actuaries using assumptions provided by the plan’s management, such as interest rates investment returns, and levels of inflation, and provided by the actuaries, such as mortality rates and future employment levels. Collectively, these assumptions directly impact our liability for accrued pension costs and the amounts we record as pension costs, although individual assumptions are not expected to be material.

·      Useful life of long-lived assets. We recognize the depreciation of long-lived assets based on their estimated useful life, which in turn is based on industry practices and previous experience. However, the actual useful life can vary based on the current state of technologies at each unit. The useful life of the long-lived asset also affects the impairment testing. We do not believe that there are any indications of material change in the estimates and assumptions used in the calculation or the impairment losses of long-lived assets. However, if the actual results are not consistent with the estimates and assumptions used in the future cash flows estimating the fair value of the assets, we could be exposed to potentially significant losses.

·      Valuation of assets and liabilities in business combinations. We have entered into certain business combinations that we have accounted for in accordance with IFRS. In this regard, we hire specialized service providers to evaluate the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. We allocate the cost of the entity acquired to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, on a fair value basis, estimated at the date of acquisition. Any difference between the cost of the acquisition and the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed is recorded as goodwill or a gain on bargain purchase. We exercise significant judgment in the process of identifying the tangible and intangible assets and liabilities, valuing such assets and liabilities in determining the remaining useful life. Assumptions used to value those assets and liabilities include estimates of discounted cash flows or discount rates and may result in a difference between the estimated and actual values. If the actual results are not consistent with the estimates and assumptions used, we could be exposed to potentially significant losses.

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Principal Factors Affecting Our Results of Operations

Growth of Brazil’s GDP and Domestic Demand for Our Products

Our sales in Brazil represented 56.7% of our net sales revenue in the year ended December 31, 2014. As a Brazilian company with a substantial majority of our operations in Brazil, we are significantly affected by economic conditions in Brazil. Our results of operations and financial condition have been, and will continue to be, affected by the growth rate of Brazilian GDP because our products are used in the manufacture of a wide range of consumer and industrial products.

Because of our significant market share in many of the Brazilian markets in which our petrochemical products are sold, fluctuations in Brazilian demand for polyethylene, polypropylene and PVC affect our production levels and net sales revenue. Brazilian GDP grew at an estimated compound average annual rate of 3.2% from 2010 through 2014. From 2010 through 2014, the apparent consumption volumes in Brazil of polyethylene (including EVA), polypropylene and PVC increased at compound average annual rates of 2.3%, 0.7% and 4.1%, respectively.

The following table sets forth the growth rates of Brazilian GDP and domestic apparent consumption for polyethylene, polypropylene and PVC for the periods presented.

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brazilian GDP

0.1%

2.7%

1.8%

3.97%

7.6%

Brazilian consumption of polyethylene

10.2

2.9

(3.4)

22.8

Brazilian consumption of polypropylene

(5.7)

8.7

4.5

(4.0)

18.1

Brazilian consumption of PVC

(3.2)

16.0

(1.1)

5.7

18.9

                                                                 

Source: Brazilian government, IPEA and ABIQUIM

 

Brazilian GDP growth has fluctuated significantly, and we anticipate that it will likely continue to do so. Our management believes that economic growth in Brazil should positively affect our future net sales revenue and results of operations. However, continued low growth or a recession in Brazil would likely reduce our future net sales revenue and have a negative effect on our results of operations.

Despite government incentives, the Brazilian economy did not grow as expected in 2012, registering an increase in GDP growth of only 1.0%. Even with the slower growth, Brazilian consumption volumes increased by 2.9% for polyethylene and 4.5% for polypropylene, primarily as a result of a decline of imports of resins and finished goods and the depreciation of the real against the U.S. dollar, and declined by 1.1% for PVC.

In 2013, Brazilian GDP growth fell short of market expectations and increased by only 2.3% in 2013. However, the stronger performance of certain sectors, such as food, infrastructure, automotive and agribusiness, and the trend toward restocking supply chains positively influenced apparent consumption of thermoplastic resins, which increased by 10.2% for polyethylene, 8.7% for polypropylene and 2.4% for PVC.

In 2014, the Brazilian economy continued to face challenges, registering low GDP growth. The decrease in consumer confidence, demonstrated by the deceleration of consumption, and weaker external demand affected most economic sectors, including the industrial and services sectors, which registered decreased growth as compared to 2013.  As a result, Brazilian consumption volumes of thermoplastic resins declined by 5.7% for polypropylene and 3.2% for PVC. Brazilian consumption volumes of polyethylene remained stable.

We generally obtain higher prices in Brazil for our products than the prevailing international prices. The difference in prices between the Brazilian and export markets results from:

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·      costs of transporting products to and within Brazil;

·      warehousing, and other logistics costs; and

·      tariffs and duties.

In addition, we are generally able to charge higher prices for our products than the real price of imports because we are able to provide better product customization services to our customers than sellers of imported products.

During periods in which the domestic demand for our products is reduced, we actively pursue export opportunities for our products in order to maintain capacity utilization rates. During periods of increased domestic demand for our products, our export sales volumes may decline as we increase domestic sales of our products.

We believe that domestic demand for thermoplastic resins may continue to be affected by global macroeconomic factors. Exports of basic petrochemicals and thermoplastic resins, which represent a large percentage of our sales, are also affected by global macroeconomic factors. 

Cyclicality Affecting the Petrochemical Industry

Global consumption of petrochemical products has increased significantly over the past 30 years. Due to this growth in consumption, producers have experienced periods of insufficient capacity for these products. Periods of insufficient capacity, including some due to raw material shortages, have usually resulted in increased capacity utilization rates and international market prices for our products, leading to increased domestic prices and operating margins. These periods have often been followed by periods of capacity additions, which have resulted in declining capacity utilization rates and international selling prices, leading to declining domestic prices and operating margins.

We expect that these cyclical trends in international selling prices and operating margins relating to global capacity shortfalls and additions will likely persist in the future, principally due to the continuing impact of four general factors:

·      cyclical trends in general business and economic activity produce swings in demand for petrochemicals;

·      during periods of reduced demand, the high fixed cost structure of the capital intensive petrochemicals industry generally leads producers to compete aggressively on price in order to maximize capacity utilization;

·      significant capacity additions, whether through plant expansion or construction, can take three to four years to implement and are therefore necessarily based upon estimates of future demand; and

·      as competition in petrochemical products is generally focused on price, being a low-cost producer is critical to improved profitability. This favors producers with larger plants that maximize economies of scale, but construction of plants with high capacity may result in significant increases in capacity that can outstrip demand growth.

A variety of petrochemical companies have announced plans to build significant additional ethylene production capacity, primarily in Asia, the Middle East and North America. According to IHS, 30.7 million tons of annual global ethylene capacity is scheduled to be commissioned between 2015 and 2019, including approximately 10.8 million tons of annual capacity in China and 5.5 million tons of annual capacity in the Middle East. According to IHS, the majority of the new capacity in China (4.7 million tons of annual capacity) will be based on coal as their principal feedstock. The majority of the new capacity in the Middle East (3.4 million tons of annual capacity) will be based on ethane as their principal feedstock. However, expansions of ethylene capacity are frequently subject to delays, and we cannot predict when the planned additional capacity will be commissioned, if at all.

International pricing pressures increased in 2010 and continued during 2011 and 2012 as the price differential between naphtha and gas increased and producers using ethane as raw materials were able to maintain competitive margins at sales prices lower than those required by some naphtha based producers. In 2013, the global economy showed signs of recovery, as reflected by the improved performance of the U.S. economy and indications that the euro zone had begun to emerge from crisis. This scenario helped support a recovery in the profitability of the global petrochemical industry, and the spreads for thermoplastic resins and main basic petrochemicals improved during the year. In 2014, world GDP growth fell short of initial forecasts for the year, reflecting the slower growth in emerging economies and in the Eurozone. However, the recovery in the U.S. economy and the good performance of other developed markets, such as the United Kingdom, had a positive impact on the world economy in 2014. This scenario, coupled with the decline in oil prices, and consequently the decline in naphtha prices, as well as the cancelation and postponements of previously announced petrochemical projects, supported an improvement of thermoplastics resins spreads.

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We believe that the pricing scenario for the short-term is marked by caution. As expected, petrochemical prices have followed the downward trend in naphtha prices, which in turn followed the downward trend in crude oil markets. However, it is expected that the improvement in the world economy will continue to positively influence the demand and profitability of the sector in the short term.

Based on historical growth of demand for polyethylene, polypropylene and PVC, we believe that the additional capacity introduced in the market in 2012, 2013 and 2014 will be absorbed by the market in the medium-term. However, the production generated by this increase in capacity may lead to continued pressure on prices in the international markets and an increase in competition from imports in the Brazilian markets, which could adversely affect our net sales revenues, gross margins and overall results of operations.

Effects of Fluctuations in Naphtha Prices

Fluctuations in the international market price of naphtha have significant effects on our costs of goods sold and the prices that we are able to charge our customers for our first and second generation products. Political instability in the Middle East or similar events that may occur in the future may lead to unpredictable effects on the global economy or the economies of the affected regions, have had and may continue to have negative effects on oil production and price volatility, consequently driving naphtha and petrochemical prices higher worldwide.

Effects on Cost of Sales

Naphtha is the principal raw material used by our Basic Petrochemicals Unit and, indirectly, in several of our other business units. Naphtha and condensate accounted for approximately 74.9% of the total cost of sales of our Basic Petrochemicals Unit during 2014. Naphtha accounted for approximately 48.3% of our direct and indirect consolidated cost of sales and services rendered during 2014.

The cost of naphtha varies in accordance with international market prices, which fluctuate depending upon the supply and demand for oil and other refined petroleum products. We purchase naphtha under a long-term supply contract with Petrobras, and we import naphtha from other suppliers through our terminal at Aratú in the State of Bahia and Petrobras’ terminal at Osório in the State of Rio Grande do Sul. The prices that we pay for naphtha under these arrangements, other than our supply contract with Petrobras, are based on the Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp market price for naphtha. As a result, fluctuations in the Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp market price for naphtha have had a direct impact on the cost of our first generation products.

Our contracts with Petrobras provides for naphtha prices based on a variety of factors, including the market prices of naphtha and other basic petrochemical derivatives, the volatility of the prices of these products in the international markets, the real/U.S. dollar exchange rate, and the level of paraffinicity of the naphtha that is delivered. We believe that these contracts have reduced the exposure of the cost of our first generation products to fluctuations in the Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp market price for naphtha.

The international price of naphtha has fluctuated significantly in the past, and we expect that it will continue to do so in the future. Significant increases in the price of naphtha and, consequently, the cost of producing our products, generally reduce our gross margins and our results of operations to the extent that we are unable to pass all of these increased costs on to our customers, and may result in reduced sales volumes of our products. Conversely, significant decreases in the price of naphtha and, consequently, the cost of producing our products, generally increase our gross margins and our results of operations and may result in increased sales volumes if this lower cost leads us to lower our prices. In periods of high volatility in the U.S. dollar price of naphtha, there is usually a lag between the time that the U.S. dollar price increases or decreases and the time that we are able to pass on increased, or required to pass on reduced, costs to our customers in Brazil. These pricing discrepancies decrease when the U.S. dollar price of naphtha is less volatile.

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We do not currently hedge our exposure to changes in the prices of naphtha because a portion of our sales are exports payable in foreign currencies and linked to the international market prices of naphtha and also because the prices of our polyethylene, polypropylene and PVC products sold in Brazil generally reflect changes in the international market prices of these products.

Effects on Prices of Our Products

The prices that we charge for many of our basic petrochemical products are determined by reference to the European contract prices for these products. Because European producers of basic petrochemical products primarily use naphtha as a raw material, changes in the European contract prices are strongly influenced by fluctuations in international market prices for naphtha. To the extent that our prices are based on the European contract prices for our products, the prices that we charge for these products are significantly influenced by international market prices for naphtha.

We negotiate the real prices for certain of our products, principally polyethylene, polypropylene and PVC, on a monthly basis with our domestic customers. We attempt to revise our prices to reflect (1) changes in the international market prices of these products, which tend to fluctuate in tandem with naphtha prices, and (2) the appreciation or depreciation of the real against the U.S. dollar. However, during periods of high volatility in international market prices or exchange rates, we are sometimes unable to fully reflect these changes in our prices in a prompt manner.

The international market prices of our petrochemical products have fluctuated significantly, and we believe that they will continue to do so. Volatility of the price of naphtha and the upward trend in the price of petroleum and naphtha have effects on the price competitiveness of our naphtha-based crackers and our resins. Because pricing trends for naphtha and ethane have diverged in recent years to a greater extent than has been the case historically, producers of ethylene and resin products derived from ethane generally have experienced lower unit raw material costs than naphtha-based producers of these products. As a consequence, significant increases in the pricing differential between naphtha and gas increases the competitiveness of products derived from ethane and may result in pricing pressure in the international markets.

Significant increases in the international market prices of our petrochemical products and, consequently, the prices that we are able to charge, generally increase our net sales revenue and our results of operations to the extent that we are able to maintain our operating margins and increased prices do not reduce sales volumes of our products. Conversely, significant decreases in the international prices of our petrochemical products, and, consequently, the prices that we charge, generally reduce our net sales revenue and our results of operations if we are unable to increase our operating margins or these reduced prices do not result in increased sales volumes of our products.

Capacity Utilization

Our operations are capital intensive. Accordingly, to obtain lower unit production costs and maintain adequate operating margins, we seek to maintain a high capacity utilization rate at all of our production facilities.

The table below sets forth capacity utilization rates with respect to the production facilities for some of our principal products for the periods presented.

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

2014

2013

2012

 

 

 

 

Ethylene

86%

90%

89%

Polyethylene

80%

85%

84%

Polypropylene

81%

83%

84%

PVC(1)

89%

83%

84%

                                                                 

(1)   Giving effect to our new PVC plant in Alagoas in August 2012.

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In August 2012, our new PVC plant in Alagoas commenced operations with an annual production capacity of 200,000 tons. In June 2012, we expanded our annual production capacity of butadiene by 100,000 tons as a result of the completion of our butadiene plant in the Southern Complex, which was formally inaugurated in September 2012.

In 2013, our utilization rate was affected by a power outage that occurred on August 28, 2013, which affected the entire Brazilian Northeast and caused unscheduled shutdowns at our plants in the region. In addition, the utilization rate of our ethylene production capacity was adversely affected during 2013 as a result of planned maintenance shutdowns of the Northeastern Complex’s Olefins 1 unit for 40 days in September, October and November of 2013.

In 2014, the average capacity utilization of Braskem's crackers was affected by (1) the scheduled maintenance shutdown of one of our cracker production lines in the Southern Complex; (2) the scheduled maintenance shutdown at our cracker production line in the São Paulo Complex; and (3) a lack of propylene supply at the Rio de Janeiro Complex.

Effects of Brazilian Industrial Policy

The Brazilian government has a significant influence in some sectors of the domestic economy, including the petrochemical sector in which we operate. The Brazilian government in actively involved in undertaking measures to manage the valuation of the Brazilian real and to improve the competitiveness of Brazilian manufacturers under the “Brasil Maior” economic stimulus plan. Additionally, the Brazilian government has adopted, or is considering adopting, measures to boost the competitiveness of domestic companies, as described below.

Reintegra

In December 2011, the Brazilian government implemented the “Reintegra” program, which is designed to improve the competitiveness of Brazilian plastics producers in the export markets by refunding the federal taxes levied on their export sales.  As a result of this incentive, exports of third generation products by Brazilian companies have increased therefore increasing Brazilian demand for our products. The original program ended in the end of December 2013. It was reinstated in August 2014 with a refund tax rate of 0.1% and in October 2014, the Brazilian government restored the rate to 3.0% until the end of 2015. However, in March 2015, the government again decreased the rate to 1.0% for 2015 and 2016.

Import Tariffs at Local Ports

Historically, tariffs on imports have been established by the federal government. However, in recent years, some Brazilian states established tax benefits to attract imports at local ports in order to raise revenue and develop local port infrastructure, primarily in the form of reductions of ICMS taxes that would otherwise be due to these states. Industry and union leaders alleged that such legislation creates a subsidy for imported products, thereby harming local industry.

On January 1, 2013, legislation took effect reducing the maximum ICMS tax that the state can charge from a rate of 12% to 4% on interstate sales of imported raw materials and other goods that are not wholly or partially manufactured in Brazil. In addition to certain other limited exceptions, this tax reduction does not apply to imported goods that do not have Brazilian-made substitutes. As a result, current tax benefits offered by some Brazilian states for the import of goods in the form of reduced ICMS tax rates have become less attractive.

Pricing and Tariffs

We set prices for ethylene, the principal first generation petrochemical product that we sell to third-party second generation producers, by reference to international market prices. See “—Basic Petrochemicals Unit—Sales and Marketing of Our Basic Petrochemicals Unit.” Prices paid by second generation producers for imported first generation petrochemical products partly reflect transportation and tariff costs. We establish the prices of ethylene by-products, such as butadiene, by reference to several market factors, including the prices paid by second generation producers for imported products. Prices paid for such imports also reflect transportation and tariff costs.

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Second generation producers, including our company, generally set prices for their petrochemical products by reference to several market factors, including the prices paid by third generation producers for imported products. Prices paid for such imports also reflect transportation and tariff costs.

The Brazilian government has used import tariffs to implement economic policies. As a result, import tariffs imposed on petrochemical products have varied in the past and may vary in the future. Tariffs on imports of first generation petrochemical products are between 0% and 4%, and tariffs on polyethylene, polypropylene and PVC resins are 14.0%.

Imports and exports within the free trade area in South America (Mercado Comum do Sul), or Mercosul, which is composed of Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay, have not been subject to tariffs since December 2001. Imports of suspension PVC from Colombia are not subject to tariffs and imports of suspension PVC from Venezuela are subject to reduced tariffs of 2.1% under the Acordo de Alcance Parcial de Complementação Econômica nº 59, under which imports from these countries are lower than generally applicable tariffs.

Imports of suspension PVC from the U.S. and Mexico have been subject to anti-dumping duties of 16.0% and 18.0%, respectively, that were imposed  by the Brazilian Foreign Trade Chamber (Câmara de Comércio Exterior), or CAMEX, of the Ministry of Development, Industry and Trade. In 2005, the anti-dumping regime was changed so that duties were assessed on a sliding scale (from 0% to 16.0% and 0% to 18.0% for the U.S. and Mexico, respectively), in which the rate of the duties are determined based on a variety of factors, including the price of the products and the likelihood that imports of these products will adversely affect local industry. In September 2011, however, CAMEX changed the application of the anti-dumping practices for imports from the U.S. to an ad valorem rate of 16%, maintaining the sliding scale for Mexico.

Since 2008, imports of suspension PVC from China have been subject to duties ranging between 10.5% and 21.6%, and imports of suspension PVC from South Korea have been subject to duties ranging between 0% and 18.9%, depending on the producer, as a result of the imposition of anti-dumping duties by CAMEX. In August 2014, CAMEX changed the anti-dumping rates for imports from China to 21.6% and maintained the range of duties on imports from South Korea to between 0% and 18.9%.

Additionally, in December 2010, CAMEX imposed an additional anti-dumping duty of 10.6% on polypropylene imports from the United States for a period of five years. This anti-dumping duty is scheduled to expire in December 2015.

Beginning in August 2014, the Brazilian government imposed additional anti-dumping duties on polypropylene imports from South Africa, India and South Korea of 16.0%, 6.4 to 9.9% and 2.4 to 6.3%, respectively. These duties are scheduled to expire in 2019.

In 2014, approximately 30.0% of Brazilian polyethylene, polypropylene and PVC resins were imported products, which reflected a 2.7% annual increase in the volume of resins imported, reflecting the volatility in the U.S. dollar-denominated prices of thermoplastic resins, which triggered an increase in the purchase of thermoplastic resins in Brazil. For more information, see “Effects of Brazilian Industrial Policy—Import Tariffs at Local Ports.”

Increased Import Duties on Polyethylene

As part of its initiative to strengthen domestic manufacturers, on October 1, 2012, the Brazilian government adopted a resolution that increased import duties on 100 products related to various industries, including an increase on the import tariff for polyethylene from 14% to 20%. In October 2013, the Brazilian government reduced the import tariff for polyethylene to the previous level of 14%.  

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Legislative Change Affecting Accumulated ICMS

In May 2013, the State of São Paulo approved new legislation reducing ICMS on certain acquisitions of naphtha, ethylene and propylene within the state. This reduction is conditioned upon certain requirements, including (1) the parties to the transactions must use a specified governmental data processing system to issue and account for tax documents, and they must regularly comply with related obligations and (2) the buyer must be accredited by the applicable governmental authority. In accordance with the requirements prescribed by law,  in 2014 we used the reduced ICMS on the purchase of naphtha, ethylene and propylene, resulting in a ICMS credit balance in the State of São Paulo of zero.  

Effect of Sales Outside Brazil on Our Financial Performance

We have significant production capacity located outside of Brazil from our plants located in the United States and Germany, through our subsidiaries Braskem America and Braskem Europe.

During the past several years, as the relative cost of naphtha and gas as feedstocks for petrochemical crackers has diverged, many naphtha crackers, such as our company, have seen their margins come under increasing pressure as crackers using gas as a feedstock have become low-cost producers in the global markets. However, as gas crackers are unable to produce the co-products and byproducts that naphtha crackers generate, such as propylene, butadiene and BTX products, the prices of these products in the international markets have increased. As a result of the increased prices available for most of these co-products and byproducts, our net sales revenue from export sales of these products substantially increased and we believe that this increase in net sales revenue from exports of these products will continue in future periods in which the relative competitiveness of cracker feedstocks is disrupted.

During the year ended December 31, 2014, 43.3% of our net sales revenue was derived from sales of our products outside Brazil as compared with 42.5% during 2013 and 42.4% during 2012. Net sales revenues derived from sales outside Brazil increased by 14.5% during 2014, 13.7% during 2013 and 8.3% during 2012.

During the year ended December 31, 2014, sales to customers in countries in the Americas (other than Brazil) accounted for 66.0% of our sales outside Brazil. During the year ended December 31, 2014, sales to customers in Europe accounted for 24.7% of our sales outside Brazil, and sales to customers in East Asia accounted for 9.3% of our sales outside Brazil.

Our ability to export to other countries is a function of the level of economic growth in these countries and other economic conditions, including prevailing inflation rates and interest rates. We believe that continued slow or negative growth in the global economy, coupled with the increase in global capacity in the petrochemical industry, may lead to reduced profitability of the global petrochemical industry, and consequently reduced margin for our products. In addition, reduced global demand for our products may impair our ability to export our products in response to a decline in domestic demand for these products.

Effects of Fluctuations in Exchange Rates between the Real and the U.S. Dollar

Our results of operations and financial condition have been, and will continue to be, affected by the rate of depreciation or appreciation of the real against the U.S. dollar because:

·      a substantial portion of our net sales revenue is denominated in or linked to U.S. dollars;

·      our costs for some of our raw materials, principally naphtha and certain catalysts required in our production processes, are incurred in U.S. dollars or are U.S. dollar-linked;

·      we have operating expenses, and make other expenditures, that are denominated in or linked to U.S. dollars; and

·      we have significant amounts of U.S. dollar-denominated liabilities that require us to make principal and interest payments in U.S. dollars.

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Virtually all of our sales are of petrochemical products for which there are international market prices expressed in U.S. dollars. We generally attempt to set prices that take into account (1) the international market prices for our petrochemical products, and (2) in Brazil, variations in the real/U.S. dollar exchange rate. As a result, although a significant portion of our net sales revenue is denominated in reais, substantially all of our products are sold at prices that are based on international market prices that are quoted in U.S. dollars.

Fluctuations in the real affect the cost of naphtha and other U.S. dollar-linked or imported raw materials. The price of naphtha, our principal raw material, is linked to the U.S. dollar. The pricing formula included in the contract with Petrobras under which we purchase naphtha for our basic petrochemical plants in the Northeastern Complex and in the Southern Complex includes a factor that adjusts the price to reflect the real/U.S. dollar exchange rate.

The depreciation of the real against the U.S. dollar generally increases the production cost for our products and we generally attempt to increase the Brazilian prices for our products in reais (to the extent possible in light of then-prevailing market conditions in Brazil), which may result in reduced sales volumes of our products. To the extent that our price increases are not sufficient to cover the increased costs for raw materials, our operating margin decreases. Conversely, the appreciation of the real against the U.S. dollar generally decreases the production cost for our products and we generally decrease the Brazilian prices for our products in reais, which may result in increased sales volumes of our products. In periods of high volatility in the real/U.S. dollar exchange rate, there is usually a lag between the time that the U.S. dollar appreciates or depreciates and the time that we are able to pass on increased, or are required to pass on reduced, costs in reais to our customers in Brazil. These pricing discrepancies decrease when the real/U.S. dollar exchange rate is less volatile.

Our consolidated U.S. dollar-denominated indebtedness represented 68.5% of our outstanding indebtedness as of December 31, 2014. As a result, when the real depreciates against the U.S. dollar:

·      the interest costs on our U.S. dollar-denominated indebtedness increase in reais, which adversely affects our results of operations in reais;

·      the amount of our U.S. dollar-denominated indebtedness increases in reais, and our total liabilities and debt service obligations in reais increase; and

·      our financial expenses tend to increase as a result of foreign exchange losses that we must record, mitigated by our decision to designate, on May 1, 2013, part of our dollar-denominated liabilities as a hedge for our future exports.

Appreciation of the real against the U.S. dollar has the converse effects.

Export sales and sales by our USA and Europe Unit, which enable us to generate receivables payable in foreign currencies, tend to provide a hedge against a portion of our U.S. dollar-denominated debt service obligations, but they do not fully match them. To further mitigate our exposure to exchange rate risk, we try, where possible, to enter into trade finance loans for our working capital needs, which funding is generally available at a lower cost because it is linked to U.S. dollar exports.

Effect of Level of Indebtedness and Interest Rates

As of December 31, 2014, our total outstanding consolidated indebtedness, net of transaction costs, was R$20,336.5 million. The level of our indebtedness results in significant financial expenses that are reflected in our statement of operations. Financial expenses consist of interest expense, exchange variations of U.S. dollar- and other foreign currency-denominated debt, foreign exchange losses or gains, and other items as set forth in note 29 to our audited consolidated financial statements. In the year ended December 31, 2014, we recorded total financial expenses in the financial expenses line item of R$2,745.9 million, of which R$1,272.8 million consisted of interest expense, R$320.5 million consisted of expenses related to monetary variation on financing and R$38.9 million consisted of foreign exchange losses. The interest rates that we pay depend on a variety of factors, including prevailing Brazilian and international interest rates and risk assessments of our company, our industry and the Brazilian economy made by potential lenders to our company, potential purchasers of our debt securities and the rating agencies that assess our company and its debt securities.

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Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s and Fitch maintain ratings of our company and our debt securities. Currently, Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s and Fitch maintain ratings of our company on a local and a global basis. On a global basis, Standard & Poor’s maintains a local currency rating for our company of “BBB- (stable)” and a foreign currency rating for our company of “BBB- (stable),” Moody’s maintains a local currency rating for our company of “Baa3 (negative),” and Fitch maintains a local currency rating for our company of “BBB- (stable)” and a foreign currency rating for our company of “BBB- (stable).” Any decision by these agencies to downgrade the ratings of our company or of our debt securities in the future would likely result in increased interest and other financial expenses relating to our borrowings and debt securities and the inclusion of financial covenants in the instruments governing new indebtedness, and could significantly reduce our ability to obtain such financing on satisfactory terms or in amounts required by us and our liquidity and would require us to post cash collateral pursuant to our obligations.”

Effects of Brazilian Inflation

Brazilian inflation affects our financial performance by increasing some of our operating expenses denominated in reais (and not linked to the U.S. dollar). A significant portion of our costs of sales and services rendered, however, are denominated in or linked to the U.S. dollar and are not substantially affected by the Brazilian inflation rate. Some of our real-denominated debt is indexed to take into account the effects of inflation. Under this debt, the principal amount generally is adjusted with reference to the General Price Index—Market (Índice Geral de Preços—Mercado), an inflation index, so that inflation results in increases in our financial expenses and debt service obligations. In addition, a significant portion of our real-denominated debt bears interest at the TJLP or the CDI rate, which are partially adjusted for inflation.

Effect of Taxes on Our Income

We are subject to a variety of generally applicable Brazilian federal and state taxes on our operations and results. We are generally subject to Brazilian federal income tax (combined with Social Contribution on Net Income (Contribuição Social Sobre o Lucro Líquido), or CSLL) at an effective rate of 34%, which is the standard corporate tax rate in Brazil. We have available certain federal tax exemptions based upon federal law that offers tax incentives to companies that locate their manufacturing operations in the Brazilian states of Bahia and Alagoas. These exemptions have been granted for varying lengths of time to each of our manufacturing plants located in these states.

We are entitled to pay 25% of the statutory income tax rate on the profits arising from the sale of:

·      polyethylene manufactured at one of our polyethylene plants in the Northeastern Complex until December 31, 2016; and

·      PVC manufactured at our plant in the Alagoas until December 31, 2019.

Additionally, until December 31, 2012, we were entitled to pay 25% of the statutory income tax rate on the profits arising from the sale of polyethylene manufactured at one of our polyethylene plants in the Northeastern Complex and caustic soda, chlorine and ethylene dichloride produced at our plants in the Northeastern Complex and Alagoas.

Each of our exemptions entitles us to pay only 44.9% of the statutory income tax rate (of 34%) on the profits arising from products manufactured at these plants.

Due to operating losses sustained by us in the past, we had R$444.4 million of deferred income tax and social contribution assets arising from tax loss carryforwards available as of December 31, 2014. Income tax loss carryforwards available for offset in Brazil do not expire. However, the annual offset is limited to 30% of our adjusted net profits. This limit also affects the CSLL.

Our export sales are currently exempt from (1) PIS (2) COFINS, a federal value-added tax, (3) the Tax on Industrial Products (Imposto sobre Produtos Industrializados), or IPI, a federal value-added tax on industrial products, and (4) ICMS.

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Recent Developments

The following is a summary of major transactions entered into, and other developments affecting, our company since December 31, 2014.

Petros Copesul Defined Benefit Plan

In February 2015, we paid an aggregate amount of R$358.5 million in order to liquidate the Petros Copesul plan, which we became a sponsor of as a result of our merger with Copesul. In anticipation of this payment, we provisioned an amount of R$336.4 million, recorded under current liabilities. The difference between the amount provisioned and the payment made corresponds to interest incurred in 2015. For more information, see “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employment—Employees—Employees in Brazil—Post-Employment Benefits in Brazil—Petros Copesul Defined Benefit Plan.”

Project Ethylene XXI

On March 26, 2015, Braskem announced that the amount of the investment in Project Ethylene XXI, a joint venture between Braskem (75%) and Idesa (25%), has been increased byrevised to include an additional contribution of approximately US$600 million. This increase which will be fully funded by the shareholders in proportion to their participation in the joint venture, was primarily attributable to (1) a change in the scope of the power generating unit in order to ensure the self-sufficiency of the complex and improve the reliability of energy supply, with the possibility of selling any surplus energy to the grid; and (2) by additional costs arising from  infrastructure and local services.

On April 22, 2015 our subsidiary Braskem Idesa received a disbursement in an aggregate amount of US$290.0 million from international finiancial instituions in connect with the financing agreements relating to Project Ethylene XXI. For more information, see “Item 4. Information on the Company—Capital Expenditures—Joint Venture Projects—Project Ethylene XXI.”

Results of Operations

The following discussion of our results of operations is based on our consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with IFRS.

As a result of our decision to dispose of our former subsidiary Cetrel and Braskem Distribuidora, both of which were sold in December 2012, we have recorded the operations of these subsidiaries as discontinued operations as from January 1, 2010.

The discussion of the results of our business segments is based upon financial information reported for each of the segments of our business, as presented in the following tables, which set forth the results of each of our segments and the reconciliation of these results of our segments to our consolidated results of operations. This segment information was prepared on the same basis as the information that our senior management uses to allocate resources among segments and evaluate their performance. We evaluate and manage the performance of our segments based on information generated from our statutory accounting records maintained in accordance with IFRS, and reflected in our consolidated financial statements.

 

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

Net sales revenue

Cost of products sold

Gross profit

Selling, general, administrative, distribution and research and development expenses

Results from equity investments

Other operating income (expense), net(1)

Operating profit (loss)

 

(in millions of reais)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic Petrochemicals

25,576.3

(23,252.8)

2,323.5

(692.7)

190.3

1,821.1

Polyolefins

18,502.2

(15,599.6)

2,902.6

(965.7)

(53.2)

1,883.7

Vinyls

2,709.5

(2,551.5)

158.0

(205.3)

57.3

10.0

USA and Europe

7,934.3

(7,477.5)

456.8

(294.9)

(82.5)

79.3

Chemical Distribution

842.7

(700.9)

141.8

(105.2)

(28.8)

7.8

Total segments

55,565.0

(49,582.3)

5,982.7

(2,263.9)

83.0

3,801.8

Other segment(2)

402.7

(284.3)

118.4

(170.0)

(4.1)

(55.7)

Corporate unit(3)

(70.5)

16.7

(49.9)

Reclassifications and eliminations(4)

(9,936.3)

9,809.3

127.0

3.9

(127.0)

Consolidated

46,031.4

(40,057.3)

5,974.1

(2,504.4)

3.9

95.6

3,569.2

 

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Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

Net sales revenue

Cost of products sold

Gross profit

Selling, general, administrative, distribution and research and development expenses

Results from equity investments

Other operating income (expense), net(1)

Operating profit (loss)

 

(in millions of reais)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic Petrochemicals

25,037.8

(22,561.2)

2,476.6

(534.9)

(67.8)

1,873.9

Polyolefins

16,944.7

(14,694.3)

2,250.4

(852.6)

(30.7)

1,367.1

Vinyls

2,581.1

(2,384.5)

196.6

(174.1)

(11.2)

11.3

USA and Europe

6,748.5

(6,419.6)

328.9

(282.8)

(37.6)

8.5

Chemical Distribution

891.7

(761.1)

130.6

(96.7)

(6.5)

27.4

Total segments

52,203.8

(46,820.7)

5,383.1

(1,941.1)

(153.8)

3,288.1

Other segment(2)

130.3

(133.6)

(3.3)

(68.6)

0.1

(71.8)

Corporate unit(3)

(184.7)

(3.2)

(57.4)

(245.3)

Reclassifications and eliminations(4)

(11,364.6)

11,133.5

(231.1)

(231.1)

Consolidated

40,969.5

(35,820.8)

5,148.7

(2,194.4)

(3.2)

(211.1)

2,739.9

 

 

Year Ended December 31, 2012

 

Net sales revenue

Cost of products sold

Gross profit

Selling, general, administrative, distribution and research and development expenses

Results from equity investments

Other operating income (expense), net(1)

Operating profit (loss)

 

(in millions of reais)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic Petrochemicals

23,603.0

(21,793.5)

1,809.5

(492.0)

(64.1)

1,253.4

Polyolefins

14,456.8

(13,131.8)

1,325.0

(868.4)

(20.0)

436.6

Vinyls

2,019.9

(1,947.7)

72.2

(129.7)

1.8

(55.7)

USA and Europe

5,465.2

(5,272.1)

193.1

(243.3)

364.8

314.6

Chemical Distribution

898.8

(751.0)

147.8

(94.8)

(0.3)

527.0

Total segments

46,443.7

(42,896.1)

3,547.6

(1,828.2)

282.2

2,001.6

Other segment(2)

72.6

(88.1)

(15.5)

(37.8)

(98.2)

(151.5)

Corporate unit(3)

(301.6)

(25.8)

149.5

(177.9)

Reclassifications and eliminations(4)

(10,356.0)

10,275.1

(80.9)

(80.9)

Consolidated

36,160.3

(32,709.1)

3,451.2

(2,167.6)

(25.8)

333.5

1,591.3

_______________________________________

(1)   Includes research and development.

(2)   Includes revenues and expenses of Braskem ldesa S.A.P.I. and revenues and expenses related to sales of cyclohexane and cyclohexanone.

(3)   Represents expenses of Braskem that are not allocated to any particular segment.

(4)   Eliminations consist primarily of intersegment sales, which are made on an arm's-length basis.

____________________

In the following discussion, references to increases or declines in any period are made by comparison with the corresponding prior period, except as the context otherwise indicates.

Year Ended December 31, 2014 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2013

The following table sets forth consolidated financial information for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

2014

2013

% Change

 

(in millions of reais)

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales revenue

R$46,031.4

R$40,969.5

12.4

Cost of products sold

(40,057.3)

(35,820.8)

11.8

Gross profit

5,974.0

5,148.7

16.0

Income (expenses):

 

 

 

Selling and distribution

(1,155.8)

(1,000.7)

15.5

General and administrative

(1,210.1)

(1,077.9)

12.3

Research and development

(138.4)

(115.8)

19.5

Results from equity investments

3.9

(3.2)

n.m.

Other operating income (expenses), net

95.6

(211.1)

n.m.

Operating profit

3,569.2

2,740.0

30.3

Financial results:

 

 

 

Financial expenses

(2,745.9)

(2,549.1)

7.7

Financial income

355.2

773.1

(54.1)

Profit (loss) before income tax and social contribution

1,178.6

963.9

22.3

Income tax and social contribution

(452.3)

(456.9)

(1.0)

Profit (loss)

R$726.3

R$507.0

43.2

____________________________

n.m.: Not meaningful

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Net Sales Revenue

Net sales revenue increased by 12.4% during 2014, primarily as a result of (1) a 9.2% increase in net sales revenue of our Polyolefins segment, (2) a 17.6% increase in net sales revenue of our USA and Europe segment, and (3) a 2.2% increase in net sales revenue of our Basic Petrochemicals segment. Reclassifications and eliminations of net sales revenues of our segments in consolidation, primarily reflecting intercompany sales of basic petrochemicals by our Basic Petrochemicals segment to our other segments, declined by 12.6% during 2014.

Net Sales Revenue of Basic Petrochemicals Segment

Net sales revenue of the Basic Petrochemicals segment increased by 2.2% during 2014, primarily as a result of (1) a 7.6% increase in net sales revenue generated by sales of basic petrochemicals (excluding condensate, fuels, intermediates and utilities) to third parties to R$9,932.9 million during 2014 from R$9,227.2 million during 2013, and (2) a 1.2% increase in net sales revenue generated by sales of basic petrochemicals to our other business units to R$11,727.0 million during 2014 from R$11,378.2 million during 2013.

Net sales revenue generated by sales of:

·      naphtha, condensate and crude oil increased by 38.0% to R$3,092.3 million during 2014 from R$2,241.0 million during 2013, primarily as a result of a 43.2% increase in volume of these sales; and

·      basic chemicals (including fuels, intermediaries and utilities) increased by 9.8% to R$3,133.5 million during 2014 from R$2,853.9 million during 2013, primarily as a result of a 16.1% increase in net sales revenues from fuels.

The most significant factors contributing to the increase of net sales revenue generated by sales of basic petrochemicals to third parties were (1) a R$330.9 million, or 29.5%, increase in net sales revenue generated by sales of propylene, (2) a R$199.5 million, or 6.1%, increase in net sales revenue generated by sales of BTX products, and (3) a R$68.6 million, or 3.9%, increase in net sales revenue generated by sales of ethylene.

Sales volume of ethylene to third parties, substantially all of which is sold in the domestic market, declined by 4.5% to approximately 511,400 tons during 2014 from 535,400 tons during 2013, primarily as a result of a lower production volume due to the scheduled maintenance shutdown of one of our cracker production lines in the Southern Complex and one of cracker production line at our São Paulo Complex. The average prices that we realized for sales of ethylene increased primarily as a result of a 8.9% average depreciation of the real against the euro, the effect of which was partly offset by the 5.8% decline in the average Western Europe contract price of ethylene in euros, as reported by IHS.

Sales volume of propylene to third parties increased by 14.6% to approximately 445,400 tons during 2014 from approximately 389,000 tons during 2013. Domestic sales volume of propylene to third parties declined by 0.5%, principally due to reduced demand in the domestic market. Export sales volume of propylene increased by 32.2%, principally due to an oversupply of propylene in the domestic market, which led us to take advantage of demand in export markets. The average prices that we realized for sales of propylene increased primarily as a result of (1) a 3.2% increase in the average North American contract price of propylene in U.S. dollars, as reported by IHS, and (2) the effects of the average depreciation of the realagainst the U.S. dollar.

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The principal factors leading to the increase in net sales revenue generated by sales of BTX products to third parties were (1) a 13.3% increase in net sales revenue generated by sales of benzene, and (2) a 32.6% increase in net sales revenue generated by sales of mixed xylenes.  The effects of these increases were partially offset by a 27.5% decline in net sales revenue generated by sales of para-xylene.

Sales volume of benzene to third parties increased by 1.6% to approximately 667,200 tons during 2014 from approximately 656,700 tons during 2013. Domestic sales volume of benzene increased by 5.8% and export sales volume of benzene declined by 7.5%. The average prices that we realized for sales of benzene increased primarily as a result of (1) a 3.2% increase in the average North American contract market price of benzene in U.S. dollars, as reported by IHS, and (2) the effects of the average depreciation of the real against the U.S. dollar. Sales volume of mixed xylenes to third parties increased by 55.5% to approximately 130,300 tons during 2014 from approximately 83,900 tons during 2013. The average prices that we realized for sales of mixed xylenes declined primarily as a result of the decline in international prices. Sales volume of para-xylene to third parties declined by 23.1% to approximately 99,000 tons during 2014 from approximately 128,600 tons during 2013. The average prices that we realized for sales of para-xylene declined primarily as a result of the decline in international prices.

Net Sales Revenue of Polyolefins Segment

Net sales revenue of the Polyolefins segment increased by 9.2% during 2014, primarily as a result of a 6.5% increase in net sales revenue generated by sales of polyethylene and a 11.6% increase in net sales revenue generated by sales of polypropylene.

Sales volume of polyethylene declined by 6.2% to approximately 2,313,300 toms during 2014 from 2,467,300 tons during 2013. During 2014, domestic sales volume of polyethylene declined by 3.7%, principally as a result of the opportunistic entry of imported products in the fourth quarter of the year and the weak performance of the Brazilian economy. Export sales volume of polyethylene declined by 12.0%, primarily as a result of lower production volume due to the scheduled maintenance shutdown of one of our cracker production lines in the Southern Complex and one of our cracker production line at our São Paulo Complex. The average prices that we realized for sales of polyethylene increased primarily as a result of the effects of (1) the average depreciation of the real against the U.S. dollar and (2) a 8.9%, 8.9% and 8.5% increase in HDPE, LLDPE and LDPE contract prices in the North American market, respectively, according to IHS.

Sales volume of polypropylene increased by 0.7% to approximately 1,591,900 tons during 2014 from 1,580,800 tons during 2013. During 2014, domestic sales volume of polypropylene declined by 5.1%, reflecting the weak demand in the industrial and automotive sector. Export sales volume of polypropylene declined by 24.4%, primarily as a result of lower production volume due to the scheduled maintenance shutdown of one of our cracker production lines in the Southern Complex and one of cracker production line at our São Paulo Complex. The average prices that we realized for sales of polypropylene increased primarily as a result of the effects of (1) the average depreciation of the real against the U.S. dollar and (2) a 0.1% increase in the spot prices of the Northeast Asian market, according to IHS.

Net Sales Revenue of Vinyls Segment

Net sales revenue of the Vinyls segment increased by 5.0% during 2014, primarily as a result of a 9.1% increase in net sales revenue from the sale of PVC, the effects of which were partially offset by a 7.0% decline in net sales revenue from the sale of caustic soda.

Sales volume of PVC increased by 3.6% to approximately 659,500 tons during 2014 from 636,500 tons during 2013, primarily as a result of our increased production, with the normalization of operations at our new plant in the state of Alagoas. The average prices that we realized for sales of PVC increased primarily as a result of the average depreciation of the real against the U.S. dollar and the 0.9% increase in the average Northeast Asian spot market prices of PVC in U.S. dollars, as reported by IHS.

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Sales volume of caustic soda increased by 0.7% to approximately 472,200 tons during 2014 from 468,800 tons during 2013, primarily as a result of the increased production.

Net Sales Revenue of USA and Europe Segment

Net sales revenue of the USA and Europe segment, which includes our polypropylene assets in the United States and Europe, increased by 17.6% during 2014, primarily as a result of the increase in average prices of sales in the USA and Europe segment, which increased as a result of (1) the translation of the currencies of the countries in the USA and Europe segment into reais when preparing our financial statements, which resulted in foreign exchange gains attributable to fluctuations in the relative value of these currencies against the real, rather than operational gains, and (2) a 0.1% increase in the spot prices of the Northeast Asian market of polypropylene, according to IHS. Sales volume of polypropylene by our USA and Europe Unit increased by 4.0% to approximately 1,862,600 tons during 2014 from 1,790,700 tons during 2013, primarily due to recovery in the U.S. economy and the improved performance of the European economy.

Net Sales Revenue of Chemical Distribution Segment

Net sales revenue of the Chemical Distribution segment declined by 5.5% during 2014, primarily as a result of a decline in the sales volume of solvents, such as methanol.

Cost of Products Sold and Gross Profit

Cost of products sold increased by 11.8% during 2014, primarily as a result of (1) a 16.5% increase in cost of products sold in our USA and Europe segment, (2) a 6.2% increase in cost of products sold in our Polyolefins segment, and (3) a 3.1% increase in cost of products sold in our Basic Petrochemicals segment. Reclassifications and eliminations of cost of sales and services rendered of our segments in consolidation, primarily reflecting the costs of basic petrochemicals purchases by our Polyolefins and Vinyls segments from our Basic Petrochemicals segment, declined by 11.9% during 2014.

Consolidated gross profit increased by 16.0% during 2014. Gross margin (gross profit as a percentage of net sales revenue) increased to 13.0% during 2014 from 12.6% during 2013.

Cost of Products Sold of Basic Petrochemicals Segment

Cost of products sold of the Basic Petrochemicals segment increased by 3.1% during 2014, primarily as a result of the appreciation in the average U.S. dollar exchange rate against the real during the year. These were partially offset by (1) a 7.4% decline in the average Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp market price of naphtha in U.S. dollars as reported by IHS to US$837.0 per ton during 2014 from US$903.0 per ton during 2013, and (2) a 2.7% decline in sales volume of basic petrochemicals.

Gross profit of the Basic Petrochemicals segment declined by 6.2% to R$2,323.5 million during 2014 from R$2,476.6 million during 2013. and gross margin declined to 9.1% during 2014 from 9.9% in 2013.

Cost of Products Sold of Polyolefins Segment

Cost of products sold of the Polyolefins segment increased by 6.2% during 2014, primarily as a result of (1) the effects of the average depreciation of the real against the euro on the cost of raw materials of our Polyolefins Unit that are determined by reference to euro-denominated prices, and (2) the effects of the increase in the average cost of propylene, which was influenced by a 3.2% increase in the average North American contract price of propylene in U.S. dollars and a 1.9% increase in the average Western Europe contract price of propylene in euros, as reported by IHS. These factors were partially offset by (1) the effects on our average cost of ethylene, which was influenced by the 5.8% decline in the average Western Europe contract price of ethylene in euros, as reported by IHS, and (2) a 3.0% decline in sales volume of the Polyolefins segment. 

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Gross profit of the Polyolefins segment increased by 29.0% to R$2,902.6 million during 2014 from R$2,250.4 million during 2013, and gross margin increased to 15.7% during 2014 from 13.3% during 2013.

Cost of Products Sold of Vinyls Segment

Cost of products sold of the Vinyls segment increased by 7.0% during 2014, primarily as a result of (1) the effects of the average depreciation of the real against the euro on the cost of raw materials of our Vinyls Unit that are determined by reference to euro-denominated prices, and (2) a 2.7% increase in the total sales volume of our Vinyls Unit. These factors were partially offset by the effects on our Vinyls Unit’s average cost of ethylene of the 5.8% of decline in the average Western Europe contract price of ethylene in euros, as reported by IHS.

Gross profit of the Vinyls segment declined by 19.6% to R$158.0 million during 2014 from R$196.5 million during 2013, while gross margin declined to 5.8% during 2014 from 7.6% during 2013.

Cost of Products Sold of USA and Europe Segment

Cost of products sold of the USA and Europe segment increased by 16.5% during 2014, primarily as a result of (1) a 4.0% increase in polypropylene sales volume recorded by this segment, (2) the effects on this segment’s average cost of propylene of a 3.2% increase in the average North American contract price of propylene in U.S. dollars, as reported by IHS, together with the translation effects of a 9.1% average depreciation of the real against the U.S. dollar, and (3) the effects on this segment’s average cost of propylene of the average depreciation of the real against the euro, which were partially offset by a 5.8% decline in the average Western Europe contract price of propylene in euros, as reported by IHS.

Gross profit of the USA and Europe segment increased by 38.8% to R$456.8 million during 2014 from R$328.9 million during 2013, and gross margin increased to 5.8% during 2014 from 4.9% during 2013.

Cost of Products Sold of Chemical Distribution Segment

Cost of sales of the Chemical Distribution segment declined by 7.9% during 2014 primarily as a result of decrease in sales volume of solvents.

Gross profit of the Chemical Distribution segment increased by 8.6% to R$141.8 million during 2014 from R$130.6 million during 2013, while gross margin declined to 16.8% during 2014 from 14.6% during 2013.

Selling and Distribution Expenses

Selling and distribution expenses increased by 15.5% during 2014, primarily as a result of higher expenses related to exports, such as storage and demurrage, due to higher export sales volume. Selling and distribution expenses as a percentage of net sales revenue increased to 2.5% during 2014 from 2.4% during 2013.

General and Administrative Expenses

General and administrative expenses increased by 12.3% during 2014, primarily as a result of (1) higher personnel expenses related to wage adjustments granted under the collective bargaining agreement and to the price adjustment in the health insurance policy; and (2) sporadic expenses with institutional marketing, advertising materials and third-party services. General and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales revenue remained stable at 2.6% during 2014 and 2013.

Research and Development Expenses

Research and development expenses increased by 19.5% during 2014. Research and development expenses as a percentage of net sales revenue remained stable at 0.3% during 2014 and 2013.

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Results from Equity Investments

Results from equity investments was a gain of R$3.9 million in 2014 compared to a loss of R$3.2 million in 2013.

Other Operating Income (Expenses), Net

Other operating income, net was R$95.6 million during 2014, primarily consisting of (1) revenues from the divestment of the water treatment unit in the Southern Complex of R$277.3 million, (2) revenues from the recognition of credits of subsidiaries to settle installment payment under Federal Law 11,941/09 of R$98.3 million, and (3) revenues from discount from the prepayment of the tax installment under Federal Law 11,941/09 of R$79.6 million. This revenue was partially offset by (1) expenses related to additional provisions for the Petros Copesul pension plan of R$65.0 million, (2) depreciation expenses of R$119.8 million for idle plants, (3) expenses related to inventory adjustments and losses of raw materials of R$50.0 million, (4) expenses related to contingencies included in the installment payment plan under Federal Law 11,941/09 of R$71.8 million, and (5) expenses related to provisions for environmental damages of R$30.7 million.

Other operating expenses, net was R$211.1 million during 2013, primarily consisting of (1) expenses related to provisions for environmental damages of R$94.4 million, (2) expenses related to inventory at idled plants of R$44.0 million, (3) depreciation expenses of R$39.5 million for idled plants and (4) expenses related to inventory adjustments and losses on changes in raw materials of R$25.4 million.

Operating Profit (Loss)

As a result of the foregoing:

·      operating profit on a consolidated basis increased by 30.3% during 2014. As a percentage of net sales revenue, operating profit increased to 7.8% during 2014 from 6.7% during 2013;

·      operating profit of the Basic Petrochemical segment declined by 2.8% to R$1,821.1 million during 2014 from R$1,873.9 million during 2013, and the operating margin of the Basic Petrochemical segment declined to 7.1% during 2014 for 7.5% during 2013;

·      operating profit of the Polyolefins segment increased by 37.8% to R$1,883.7 million during 2014 from R$1,367.0 million during 2013, and the operating margin of the Polyolefins segment increased to 10.2% during 2014 from 8.1% during 2013;

·      operating profit of the USA and Europe segment increased to R$79.3 million during 2014 from R$8.5 million during 2013, and the operating margin of the USA and Europe segment increased to 1.0% during 2014 from 0.1% during 2013;

·      operating profit of the Vinyls segment declined by 11.8% to R$10.0 million during 2014 from R$11.3 million during 2013, while the operating margin of the Vinyls segment remained stable at 0.4% during 2014 and 2013; and

·      operating profit of the Chemical Distribution segment declined by 71.6% to R$7.8 million during 2014 from R$27.4 million during 2013, and the operating margin of the Chemical Distribution segment declined to 0.9% during 2014 from 3.1% during 2013.

Financial Results

Financial results increased by 34.6% during 2014 as a result of a 54.1% decline in financial income and a 7.7% increase in financial expenses.

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Financial Income

Financial income declined by 54.1% to R$355.2 million during 2014 from R$$773.1 million during 2013, primarily as a result of our recording a R$46.2 million loss on exchange variation on monetary assets during 2014 compared to a gain of R$333.4 million during 2013 as a result of a 9.1% depreciation in the average U.S. dollar exchange rate against the real during the year.

Financial Expenses

Financial expenses increased by 7.7% to R$2,745.9 million during 2014 from R$2,549.1 million during 2013, primarily as a result of (1) a 13.5% increase in interest expense to R$1,272.8 million during 2014 from R$1,121.8 million during 2013, principally due to the impact from exchange variation on the calculation of interest payable on dollar-denominated debt, and (2) a 27.4% increase in net interest on fiscal provisions to R$221.6 million during 2014 from R$173.9 million during 2013, principally due to the restatement of the provision for the Petros Plans.

Income Tax and Social Contribution

The composite corporate statutory income tax and social contribution rate was 34% during 2014 and 2013. Income tax and social contribution expense declined by 1.0% to R$452.3 million during 2014 and R$456.9 million during 2013.

The effective tax rate applicable to our profit before income tax and social contribution was 38.4% during 2014, primarily as a result of (1) permanent adjustments caused by differences of income tax rates of investments in countries that have a lower tax rate than Brazil, which increased the effective tax rate by approximately 9.0% and (2) permanent adjustments caused by a discount on our tax installment payment, established by Law 13,043/2014, which reduced the applicable effective tax rate by 4.0%.

The effective tax rate applicable to our profit before income tax and social contribution was 47.4% during 2013, primarily as a result of (1) permanent adjustments caused by differences of income tax rates of investments in countries that have a lower tax rate than Brazil by 6.3%, (2) adjustments of transfer pricing on business transactions with affiliated companies by 4.5% and (3) the effects of other non-deductible expenses by 2.6%.

Profit (Loss)

Our profit increased by 43.2% to R$726.3 million, or 1.6% of net sales revenue, during 2014 from R$507.0 million, or 1.2% of net sales revenue, during 2013.

Year Ended December 31, 2013 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2012

The following table sets forth consolidated financial information for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012.

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

2013

2012 (1)

% Change

 

(in millions of reais)

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales revenue

R$40,969.5

R$36,160.3

13.3

Cost of products sold

(35,820.8)

(32,709.1)

9.5

Gross profit

5,148.7

3,451.2

49.2

Income (expenses):

 

 

 

Selling and distribution

(1,000.7)

(990.4)

1.0

General and administrative

(1,077.9)

(1,071.0)

0.6

Research and development

(115.8)

(106.2)

9.0

Results from equity investments

(3.2)

(25.8)

(87.6)

Other operating income (expenses), net

(211.1)

333.5

n.m.

Operating profit

2,740.0

1,591.3

72.2

Financial results:

 

 

 

Financial expenses

(2,549.1)

(3,926.2)

(35.1)

Financial income

773.0

532.0

45.3

Profit (loss) before income tax and social contribution

963.9

(1,802.9)

(153.5)

Income tax and social contribution

(456.9)

783.1

(158.3)

Profit (loss) from continuing operations

507.0

(1,019.8)

(149.7)

Results from discontinued operations

281.5

n.m.

Profit (loss)

R$507.0

R$(738.3)

(168.7)

_______________________________________
n.m.: Not meaningful

(1) Restated to include the consolidation of QuantiQ and IQAG.

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Net Sales Revenue

Net sales revenue increased by 13.3% during 2013, primarily as a result of (1) a 17.2% increase in net sales revenue of our Polyolefins segment, (2) a 6.1% increase in net sales revenue of our Basic Petrochemicals segment and (3) a 10% appreciation in the average U.S. dollar exchange rate against the real during the year, which led to substantial increases in the prices of all our products as reported in reais, given that the pricing of our products is primarily linked to the U.S. dollar. Reclassifications and eliminations of net sales revenues of our segments in consolidation, primarily reflecting intercompany sales of basic petrochemicals by our Basic Petrochemicals segment to our other segments, increased by 9.7% during 2013.

Net Sales Revenue of Basic Petrochemicals Segment

Net sales revenue of the Basic Petrochemicals segment increased by 6.1% during 2013, primarily as a result of (1) a 1.9% increase in net sales revenue generated by sales of basic petrochemicals (excluding condensate, fuels, intermediates and utilities) to third parties to R$9,227.2 million during 2013 from R$9,054.1 million during 2012, and (2) a 17.4% increase in net sales revenue generated by sales of basic petrochemicals to our other business units of R$11,378.2 million during 2013 from R$9,692.5 million during 2012.

Net sales revenue generated by sales of:

·      naphtha, condensate and crude oil declined by 7.3% to R$2,241.0 million during 2013 from R$2,417.4 million during 2012, as a result of (1) a 3.5% decline in the average Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp market price of naphtha in U.S. dollars to US$903.0 per ton during 2013 from US$936.1 per ton during 2012 and (2) the reduction of our resales volumes of naphtha in 2013; and

·      basic chemicals (including intermediaries, fuels and utilities) increased by 16.6% to R$2,853.9 million during 2013 from R$2,447.5 million during 2012, primarily as a result of a 15.5% increase in revenues from intermediates and a 27.4% increase in the revenues from fuels.

The most significant factors contributing to the increase of net sales revenue generated by sales of basic petrochemicals to third parties were (1) a R$246.6 million, or 9.0%, increase in net sales revenue of BTX products, (2) a R$240.5 million, or 15.9%, increase in net sales revenue of ethylene, and (3) a R$132.7 million, or 13.4% increase in net sales revenue of propylene. The effects of these increases were partially offset by a R$448.3 million, or 27.3%, decline in net sales revenue of butadiene.

Sales volume of ethylene to third parties, substantially all of which is sold in the domestic market, remained stable at approximately 535,400 tons during 2013, as compared to approximately 531,900 tons during 2012. The average prices that we realized for sales of ethylene increased primarily as a result of a 14.2% average depreciation of the real against the euro, the effect of which was partly offset by the 0.7% decline in the average Western Europe contract price of ethylene in euros, as reported by IHS.

Sales volume of propylene to third parties declined by 4.3% to approximately 389,000 tons during 2013 from approximately 406,600 tons during 2012. Domestic sales volume of propylene to third parties declined by 4.8%, principally due to reduced demand in the domestic market. Export sales volume of propylene declined by 3.8%, principally due to our increased consumption as a result of operational problems with our suppliers. The average prices that we realized for sales of propylene increased primarily as a result of (1) a 13.7% increase in the average North American contract price of propylene in U.S. dollars, as reported by IHS, and (2) the effects of the average depreciation of the real against the U.S. dollar.

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The principal factors leading to the increase in net sales revenue generated by sales of BTX products to third parties were (1) a 23.1% increase in net sales revenue of benzene and (2) a 21.8% increase in net sales revenue of toluene. The effects of these increases were partially offset by a 25.5% decline in net sales revenue of para-xylene.

Sales volume of benzene to third parties increased by 4.5% to approximately 656,700 tons during 2013 from approximately 628,200 tons during 2012. Domestic sales volume of benzene increased by 0.6% and export sales volume of benzene increased by 14.2%. The average prices that we realized for sales of benzene increased primarily as a result of (1) a 3.1% increase in the average North American contract market price of benzene in U.S. dollars, as reported by IHS and (2) the effects of the average depreciation of the real against the U.S. dollar.  Sales volume of para-xylene to third parties declined by 29.8% to approximately 128,600 tons during 2013 from 183,200 tons during 2012. The average prices that we realized for sales of para-xylene increased primarily as a result of the increase in international prices.   

Sales volume of butadiene to third parties increased by 6.9% to approximately 381,800 tons during 2013 from 357,800 tons during 2012. The average prices that we realized for sales of butadiene declined primarily as a result of the decline in international prices.

Net Sales Revenue of Polyolefins Segment

Net sales revenue of the Polyolefins segment increased by 17.2% during 2013, primarily as a result of a 20.9% increase in net sales revenue generated by sales of polyethylene and a 14.0% increase in net sales revenue generated by sales of polypropylene.

Sales volume of polyethylene increased by 1.5% to approximately 2,467,300 tons in 2013 from approximately 2,467,300 tons in 2012. During 2013, domestic sales volume of polyethylene increased by 6.3%, principally as a result of increased demand for polyethylene products from producers of bags, inventory re-stocking by many of our customers, and the increased demand from manufactures using rotational molding to create pipes and related products in connection with the Brazilian government’s “Agua para Todos” (“Water for All”) program. Export sales volume of polyethylene declined by 7.7%, principally due to the reallocation of available polyethylene to the domestic market. The average prices that we realized for sales of polyethylene increased primarily as a result of the effects of (1) the average depreciation of the real against the U.S. dollar and (2) a 6.5%, 6.2% and 5.6% increase in HDPE, LLDPE and LDPE contract prices in the North American market, respectively, according to IHS.

Sales volume of polypropylene declined by 4.1% to approximately 1,580,800 tons during 2013 from approximately 1,648,800 tons during 2012. During 2013, domestic sales volume of polypropylene increased by 2.9%, reflecting the better performance of the agribusiness and food packaging sectors in Brazil. Export sales volume of polypropylene declined by 24.9% due to lower production volume and a change in our product mix to increase sales in the domestic market. The average prices that we realized for sales of polypropylene increased primarily as a result of the effects of (1) the average depreciation of the real against the U.S. dollar and (2) a 7.5% increase in the spot prices of the Northeast Asian market, according to IHS.

Net Sales Revenue of Vinyls Segment

Net sales revenue of the Vinyls segment increased by 27.8% during 2013, primarily as a result of (1) a 13.4% increase in sales volume of PVC, (2) a 3.2% increase in the average Northeast Asian spot market prices of PVC in U.S. dollars, as reported by IHS, and (3) the average depreciation of the real against the U.S. dollar. 

Sales volume of PVC increased by 13.4% to approximately 636,500 tons during 2013 from approximately 561,500 tons during 2012, primarily as a result of our increased production volume as a result of the start-up of our new PVC facility in Alagoas in August 2012.

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Sales volume of caustic soda increased by 0.6% to approximately 468,800 tons during 2013 from 471,600 tons in 2012, primarily as a result of our importation of raw materials to supply the domestic market to compensate for the lower production volume.

Net Sales Revenue of USA and Europe Segment

Net sales revenue of the USA and Europe segment, which includes our polypropylene assets in the United States and Europe, increased by 23.5% during 2013, primarily as a result of the increase in average prices of sales in the USA and Europe segment, which increased as a result of (1) the translation of the currencies of the countries in the USA and Europe segment into reais when preparing our financial statements, which resulted in foreign exchange gains attributable to fluctuations in the relative value of these currencies against the real, rather than operational gains, and (2) a 7.5% increase in the spot prices of the Northeast Asian market of polypropylene, according to IHS. Sales volume of polypropylene by our USA and Europe Unit increased by 2.7% to approximately 1,790,700 tons during 2013 from 1,744,600 tons during 2012, primarily due the increase in demand in the United States.

Net Sales Revenue of Chemical Distribution Segment

Net sales revenue of the Chemical Distribution segment declined by 0.8% during 2013 primarily as a result of (1) a 32.9% decline in sales volume of solvents, including a decline in sales volume of ecologically-friendly solvents to approximately zero. These effects were partially offset by (1) a 60.7% increase in sales volume of chlor-alkali and (2) a 10.9% increase in sales volume of pharmaceuticals products.

Cost of Products Sold and Gross Profit

Cost of products sold increased by 9.5% during 2013, primarily as a result of (1) a 11.9% increase in cost of products sold in our Polyolefins segment, (2) a 3.5% increase in cost of products sold in our Basic Petrochemicals segment and (3) a 10% in the average U.S. dollar exchange rate against the real during the year, which generated a negative impact of R$2.9 billion as a result of an increase in our main raw material costs (given that naphtha is dollar-linked). The higher costs were partially offset by the reduction in the price of naphtha in the international market and by the lower PIS and COFINS tax rates on raw material purchases, which took effect in May 2013. Reclassifications and eliminations of cost of sales and services rendered of our segments in consolidation, primarily reflecting the costs of basic petrochemicals purchases by our Polyolefins and Vinyls segments from our Basic Petrochemicals segment, increased by 8.4% during 2013.

Consolidated gross profit increased by 49.2% during 2013. Gross margin (gross profit as a percentage of net sales revenue) increased to 12.6% during 2013 from 9.5% during 2012.

Cost of Products Sold of Basic Petrochemicals Segment

Cost of products sold of the Basic Petrochemicals segment increased by 3.5% during 2013, primarily as a result of (1) the higher sales volume of basic petrochemicals and (2) the appreciation in the average U.S. dollar exchange rate against the real during the year. These were partially offset by a 3.5% decline in the average Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp market price of naphtha in U.S. dollars as reported by IHS to US$903.0 per ton during 2013 from US$936.1 per ton during 2012.

Gross profit of the Basic Petrochemicals segment increased by 36.9% to R$2,476.6 million during 2013 and gross margin increased to 9.9% in 2013 from 7.7% during 2012.

Cost of Products Sold of Polyolefins Segment

Cost of products sold of the Polyolefins segment increased by 11.9% during 2013, primarily as a result of (1) the effects of the average depreciation of the real against the euro on the cost of raw materials of our Polyolefins Unit that are determined by reference to euro-denominated prices, and (2) the effects of the increase in the average cost of propylene, which was influenced by a 13.7% increase in the average North American contract price of propylene in U.S. dollars, as reported by IHS. These factors were partially offset by (1) the effects on our average cost of ethylene and propylene, which was influenced by the 0.7% and 2.3% decline in the average Western Europe contract price of ethylene and propylene in euros, respectively, as reported by IHS, and (2) a 1.1% decline in sales volume of the Polyolefins segment. 

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Gross profit of the Polyolefins segment increased by 69.8% to R$2,250.4 million during 2013, and gross margin increased to 13.3% in 2013 from 9.2% during 2012.

Cost of Products Sold of Vinyls Segment

Cost of products sold of the Vinyls segment increased by 22.4% during 2013, primarily as a result of (1) the effects of the average depreciation of the real against the euro on the cost of raw materials of our Vinyls Unit that are determined by reference to euro-denominated prices, and (2) a 7.7% increase in the total sales volume of our Vinyls Unit. These factors were partially offset by the effects on our Vinyls Unit’s average cost of ethylene of the 0.7% of decline in the average Western Europe contract price of ethylene in euros, as reported by IHS.

Gross profit of the Vinyls segment increased by 172.2% to R$196.5 million during 2013, while gross margin increased to 7.6% during 2013 from 3.6% during 2012.

Cost of Products Sold of USA and Europe Segment

Cost of products sold of the USA and Europe segment increased by 21.8% during 2013, primarily as a result of (1) the effects on this segment’s average cost of propylene of a 13.7% increase in the average North American contract price of propylene in U.S. dollars, as reported by IHS, together with the effects of a 10% average depreciation of the real against the U.S. dollar, (2) the effects on this segment’s average cost of propylene of the average depreciation of the real against the euro, which were partially offset by a 2.3% decline in the average Western Europe contract price of propylene in euros, as reported by IHS, and (3) a 5.5% increase in polypropylene sales volume recorded by this segment.

Gross profit of the USA and Europe segment increased by 70.3% to R$328.9 million during 2013, and gross margin increased to 4.9% in 2013 from 3.5% during 2012.

Cost of Products Sold of Chemical Distribution Segment

Cost of sales of the Chemical Distribution segment increased by 1.3% during 2013 primarily as a result of a 10% appreciation in the average U.S. dollar exchange rate against the real during the year.

Gross profit of the Chemical Distribution segment declined by 11.6% to R$130.6 million during 2013, while gross margin declined to 14.6% during 2013 from 16.4% during 2012.

Selling and Distribution Expenses

 Selling and distribution expenses increased by 1.0% during 2013, primarily as a result of increased sales volumes.  Selling and distribution expenses as a percentage of net sales revenue declined to 2.4% during 2013 from 2.7% during 2012.

General and Administrative Expenses

General and administrative expenses increased by 0.6% during 2013, primarily as a result of our successful efforts to reduce fixed expenses, despite inflationary pressures. General and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales revenue declined to 2.6% during 2013 from 3.0% during 2012.

Research and Development Expenses

Research and development expenses increased by 9.0% during 2013 and as a percentage of net sales revenue remained stable at 0.3% during 2013 and 2012.

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Results from Equity Investments

Results from equity investments was a loss of R$3.2 million in 2013 compared to a loss of R$25.8 million in 2012, primarily as a result of a R$3.2 million loss recorded as equity in the results of jointly-controlled subsidiaries and associate compared to a R$22.2 million gain during 2012.

Other Operating Income (Expenses), Net

Other operating expenses, net was R$211.1 million during 2013, primarily consisting of (1) expenses related to provisions for environmental damages of R$94.4 million, (2) expenses related to inventory at idled plants of R$44.0 million, (3) depreciation expenses of R$39.5 million for idled plants and (4) expenses related to inventory adjustments and losses on changes in raw materials of R$25.4 million.

Operating Profit (Loss)

As a result of the foregoing:

·      operating profit on a consolidated basis increased by 72.2% during 2013. As a percentage of net sales revenue, operating profit increased to 6.7% during 2013 from 4.4% during 2012;

·      operating profit of the Basic Petrochemical segment declined by 49.5% to R$1,873.9 million during 2013 from R$1,253.4 million during 2012, and the operating margin of the Basic Petrochemical segment increased to 7.5% during 2013 from 5.3% during 2013;

·      operating profit of the Polyolefins segment increased by 213.1% to R$1,367.0 million 2013 from R$436.6 million during 2012, and the operating margin of the Polyolefins segment increased to 8.1% during 2013 from 3.0% during 2012;

·      operating profit of the USA and Europe segment declined by 97.3% to R$8.5 million during 2013 from R$314.6 million during 2012, primarily as a result of our recording as other operating income of this segment during 2012 the R$263.5 million in indemnification that Sunoco agreed to pay as a result of its termination of the feedstock supply agreement, and the operating margin of the USA and Europe segment declined to 0.1% during 2013 from 5.8% during 2012;

·      operating profit of the Vinyls segment was R$11.3 million during 2013 compared to an operating loss of R$55.7 million during 2012, and the operating margin of the Vinyls segment was 0.4% during 2013 compared to an operating loss of 2.8% during 2012; and

·      operating profit of the Chemical Distribution segment declined by 48.0% to R$27.4 million during 2013 from R$52.7 million during 2012, and the operating margin of the Chemical Distribution segment was 3.1% during 2013 and 5.9% during 2012.

Financial Results

Financial results increased by 47.7% during 2013, primarily as a result of a 45.3% increase in financial income and a 35.1% decline in financial expenses.

Financial Income

Financial income increased by 45.4% to R$$773.1 during 2013 from R$531.9 during 2012, primarily as a result of (1) a 51.7% increase in gain on exchange variation on monetary assets to R$333.4 million during 2013 from R$219.8 million during 2012 as a result of a 10% appreciation in the average U.S. dollar exchange rate against the real during the year, and (2) to a lesser extent, a 27.9% increase in interest income to R$281.7 million during 2013 from R$220.2 million during 2012 as a result of the increase of the CDI rate during 2013.

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Financial Expenses

Financial expenses declined by 35.1% to R$2,549.1 during 2013 from R$3,926.2 during 2012, primarily as a result of a 95.9% decline in loss on exchange variation on monetary liabilities to R$78.5 million during 2013 from R$1,898.7 million during 2012 as a result of our designation on May 1, 2013 of part of our dollar-denominated liabilities as a hedge for our future exports in compliance with IAS 39. We regularly export a portion of our production and determined that the volume of highly probable future exports supported the treatment of these debt instruments as hedging instruments. As a result of this designation, the impact of exchange rates on future cash flows in dollars derived from these exports will be partially offset by the foreign exchange variation on the designated liabilities, partly eliminating the volatility in our statements of operations. Following the designation of these liabilities as a hedge, we record the exchange variation from the designated liabilities, which was previously recorded as a component of our net financial results as comprehensive income or loss and periodically adjust the other comprehensive income component of our shareholders’ equity by this amount. The accumulated gain or loss related to exchange variation on the designated liabilities will be recorded against the revenue recorded in reais from our exports over the term of the designated liabilities, allowing us to simultaneously recognize the impacts of exchange rate fluctuations on our liabilities and exports. Because the value of the real fell substantially during the year following May 1, 2013, in the absence of the designation of these liabilities as a hedge, we would have recorded a net loss on exchange rate variation of R$2,048.6 million and net financial expense of R$4,079.5 million during 2013, primarily as a result of the foreign exchange variation of R$2,303.5 relating to the hedged liabilities, which was recorded in “Other Comprehensive Income or Loss” in our income statement and statement of comprehensive income for the year ended December 31, 2013.

Income Tax and Social Contribution

The composite corporate statutory income tax and social contribution rate was 34% during 2013 and 2012. Income tax and social contribution was an expense of R$456.9 million during 2013 and a benefit of R$639.8 million during 2012.

The effective tax rate applicable to our profit before income tax and social contribution was 47.4% during 2013, primarily as a result of (1) permanent adjustments caused by differences of income tax rates of investments in countries that have a lower tax rate than Brazil by 6.3%, (2) adjustments of transfer pricing on business transactions with affiliated companies by 4.5% and (3) the effects of other non-deductible expenses by 2.6%.

The effective tax rate applicable to our loss before income tax and social contribution was 35.5% during 2012, primarily as a result of our inclusion of additional tax liabilities in the settlement that we entered into with tax authorities pursuant to the federal tax installment program established by Law No. 11,941/09, which increased the effective tax rate applied to our operating loss by 1.5 percentage points.

Profit (Loss)

We recorded profit of R$507.0 million, or 1.2% of net sales revenue, during 2013 compared to net loss of R$738.3 million, or 2.0% of net sales revenue, during 2012.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our principal cash requirements for 2014 consisted of the following:

·      servicing our indebtedness;

·      working capital requirements;

·      capital expenditures related to investments in operations, construction of new plant facilities, and maintenance and expansion of plant facilities; and

·      dividends on our shares, including in the form of interest attributable to shareholders’ equity.

Our principal sources of liquidity have traditionally consisted of the following:

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·      cash flows from operating activities;

·      short-term and long-term borrowings; and

·      sales of debt securities in domestic and international capital markets.

During 2014, cash flow generated by operations was used primarily for investing activities, for working capital requirements and to service our outstanding debt obligations. As of December 31, 2014, our consolidated cash and cash equivalents amounted to R$3,993.4 million. As of December 31, 2014, we had net working capital (defined as (1) current assets plus non-current assets held for sale, minus (2) current liabilities plus non-current liabilities held for sale) of R$677.9 million.

Projected Sources and Uses of Cash

We anticipate that we will be required to spend approximately R$15.7 billion to meet our short-term contractual obligations and commitments and budgeted capital expenditures during 2015 (excluding equity contributions to our joint ventures in Mexico and Venezuela). We expect that we will meet these cash requirements for (1) our operations through sales of our products, and (2) our debt service through operating cash flow and new financing activities, including new debt financings and the refinancing of our existing short-term indebtedness as it becomes due.

We have commitments from several financial institutions to provide us with financing in the future, including commitments from the Brazilian National Bank for Economic and Social Development (Banco Nacional do Desenvolvimento), or BNDES, to lend us funds under our revolving stand-by credit facilities (Contrato de Abertura de Limite de Crédito), or CALC facilities, described under “—Indebtedness and Financing Strategy—Credit Facilities with BNDES.” As of December 31, 2014, an aggregate principal amount of R$475.4 million was available for disbursement under these facilities.

These commitments are subject to conditions precedent which we believe that we will be able to satisfy in connection with any amounts drawn under these facilities. We pay commitment fees to these financial institutions in connection with their commitments, other than our BNDES revolving stand-by credit facilities.

In addition, we entered into a project finance facility to fund the development of Project Ethylene XXI. For more information regarding this facility, see “—Capital Expenditures—Joint Venture Projects—Project Ethylene XXI.”

Cash Flows

Cash Flows Provided by Operating Activities

Net cash provided by operating activities was R$3,791.9 million during 2014, R$2,457.8 million during 2013 and R$2,571.8 million during 2012.

Net cash provided by operating activities increased by R$1,334.1 million during 2014 compared to 2013, primarily as a result of:

·         the R$486.0 million decline in recoverable taxes during 2014 compared to a R$448.4 million increase during 2013, which principally resulted from monetization of value-added tax on sales and services (ICMS) credits that we have accumulated over the past few years arising mainly from domestic sales subject to deferred taxation and export sales;

·         an increase in non-cash interest and monetary and exchange variations, net to R$2,183.9 million during 2014 compared to R$1,341.8 million during 2013, primarily as a result of our designation on May 1, 2013 of part of the liabilities our dollar-denominated debt instruments as a hedge for our future exports;

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·         the R$270.4 million increase in inventories during 2014 compared to a R$927.4 million increase during 2013, which resulted from the increase in inventories of polyolefins at the end of the year due to weak demand;

·         a R$144.1 million decline in accounts receivable during 2014 compared to a R$492.9 million increase in accounts receivable during 2013, primarily as a result of decline in international prices of thermoplastic resins which led to a decline in revenues from polyethylene, polypropylene and PVC; and

·         our profit before income tax and social contribution of R$1,178.6 million during 2014 compared to R$963.9 million during 2013.

The effects of these factors were partially offset by:

·         the R$419.5 million decline in accounts payable to suppliers during 2014 compared to a R$742.6 million increase during 2013, which resulted from the average depreciation of the real against the U.S. dollar, which impacted our contract to purchase certain raw materials;

·         the R$539.3 million decline in taxes and contributions payable during 2014 compared to the R$127.4 million decline during 2013, which resulted from the prepayment of the outstanding balance of installment under the Federal Law 11,941/09 payment program; and

·         the R$261.9 million decline in advances from customers during 2014 compared to the R$6.3 million increase during 2013, which resulted from the settlement in 2014 of transactions in which we had collected advances from customers during 2014.

Net cash provided by operating activities declined by R$114.0 million during 2013 compared to 2012, primarily as a result of:

·         the R$742.6 million increase in trade payables during 2013 compared to the R$2,165.5 million increase in trade payables during 2012 as a result of better payment terms available to our company from our principal Brazilian supplier of raw materials;

·         a decline in non-cash interest and monetary and exchange variations, net to R$1,341.8 million during 2013 compared to R$2,443.0 million during the corresponding period of 2012, primarily as a result of our designation on May 1, 2013 of part of the liabilities our dollar-denominated debt instruments as a hedge for our future exports;

·         the R$927.4 million increase in inventories during 2013 compared to a R$566.0 million increase during 2012, which resulted from increases in our inventories in the first half of 2013 to ensure that we would be able to serve our customers in the domestic polyolefin market during the scheduled maintenance shutdown of one of our polypropylene plants in the São Paulo Complex, which occurred in July 2013; and

·         an increase in interest paid to R$1,123.7 million during 2013 compared to a R$ 1,006.8 million increase during 2012, primarily as a result of exchange variation.

The effects of these factors were partially offset by:

·         our profit before income tax and social contribution and after discontinued operations of R$963.9 million during 2013 compared to a loss of R$1,378.1 million during the corresponding period of 2012; and

·         a R$492.9 million increase in accounts receivable during 2013 compared to a R$625.1 million increase during 2012, primarily as a result of a 10% appreciation in the average U.S. dollar exchange rate against the real during the year.

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Cash Flows Used in Investing Activities

Investing activities used net cash of R$4,977.1 million during 2014, R$4,954.2 million during 2013 and R$2,834.3 million during 2012.

During 2014, investing activities for which we used cash on a consolidated basis primarily consisted of (1) investments of R$3,533.8 million in new capacity projects, including investments of R$3,465.6 million for the construction of our facilities in Mexico, of which R$621.8 million corresponds to our equity investments,  (2) investments of R$ 1,009.1 million to perform maintenance on our plants during scheduled shutdowns, (3) investments of R$252.1 million in modernization, in information technology  and increased reliability of our systems, (4) investments of R$ 322.8 million in equipment replacement, and (5) investments of R$ 215.7 million in productivity, safety improvements and others. These investments were partially offset by our receipt of R$315.0 million from the divestments of the water treatment unit in the Southern Complex.

During 2013, investing activities for which we used cash on a consolidated basis primarily consisted of (1) investments of R$4,102.1 million in new capacity projects, including investments of R$4,053.0 million for the construction of our facilities in Mexico, of which R$1,098.4 million was in the form of an equity contribution, (2) investments of R$781.0 million to perform maintenance on our plants during scheduled shutdowns, (3) investments of R$275.5 million in modernization, in information technology and increased reliability of our systems, (4) investments of R$284.7 million in equipment replacement, (5) investments of R$194.1 million in productivity and safety improvements.  These investments were partially offset by our receipt of R$689.9 million from the divestments of Cetrel and Braskem Distribuidora.

During 2012, investing activities for which we used cash on a consolidated basis primarily consisted of (1) investments of R$1,629.3 million in new capacity projects, including investments of R$993.0 million for the construction of our facilities in Mexico, of which R$34.0 million corresponds to our equity contribution, R$357.0 million for the construction of our new PVC facilities and R$174.2 million for the construction of our new butadiene plant, (2) investments of R$486.6 million to perform maintenance on our plants during scheduled shutdowns, (3) investments of R$183.5 million in information technology modernization and increased reliability of our systems, (4) investments of R$180.8 million in equipment replacement, and (5) investments of R$173.1 million in productivity and safety improvements.

Cash Flows Used in Financing Activities

Financing activities provided net cash of R$894.4 million during 2014, R$3,614.2 million during 2013 and R$633.9 million during 2012.

During 2014:

·       Braskem Finance Limited issued US$750.0 million aggregate principal amount of 6.450% Notes due 2024 in February 2014 and May 2014;

·       Braskem Idesa borrowed US$465.0 million from international financial institutions in connection with the financing agreements relating to Project Ethylene XXI in April 2014;

·       we entered into a credit facility agreement with an international financial institution under which we borrowed an aggregate principal amount of US$75.0 million in January 2014;

·       we entered into a credit facility agreement with an international financial institution under which we borrowed an aggregate principal amount of US$62.5 million in August 2014;

·       we entered into a credit facility agreement with a local financial institution under which we borrowed an aggregate principal amount of R$100.0 million in September 2014; and

·       we entered into a credit facility agreement with a local financial institution under which we borrowed an aggregate principal amount of R$100.0 million in November 2014.

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During 2014, we used cash:

·         to prepay US$50.3 million, representing all principal amounts and interest outstanding under a loan agreement that Braskem Netherlands entered into with an international financial institution in December 2011;

·         to prepay US$50.3 million, representing all principal amounts and interest outstanding under a loan agreement that Braskem Netherlands entered into with an international financial institution in September 2011;

·         to prepay US$50.1 million, representing all principal amounts and interest outstanding under a loan agreement that Braskem Netherlands entered into with an international financial institution in December 2011;

·         to prepay R$299.8 million, representing all principal amounts and interest outstanding under a loan agreement that Braskem S.A. entered into with an international financial institution in October 2013;

·         to prepay US$50.0 million, representing all principal amounts and interest outstanding under three foreign exchange contracts (adiantamento sobre contrato de câmbio) that we entered into with a Brazilian financial institution in December 2013;

·         to prepay US$50.7 million, representing all principal amounts and interest outstanding under an export prepayment agreement that we entered into with a Brazilian financial institution in December 2010;

·         to repurchase US$58.1 million aggregate principal amount of our 8.00% notes due 2017, US$266.1 million aggregate principal amount of our 7.25% notes due 2018 and US$349.8 million aggregate principal amount of our 7.00% notes due 2020 pursuant to tender offers we completed in February 2014 and May 2014; and

·         to make other scheduled payments and prepayments under various of our outstanding debt instruments.

In addition, we used cash to pay dividends in the aggregate amount of R$482.1 million.

During 2013:

·       we borrowed US$200.0 million aggregate principal amount in January 2013 under an export prepayment facility that we entered into with certain international financial institutions in December 2012;

·       we entered into three credit export notes facilities with Brazilian financial institutions in the aggregate amount of R$300.0 million in February 2013;

·       we entered into a credit facility agreement with an international financial institution for a principal aggregate amount of US$90.0 million in March 2013;

·       we entered into a credit facility agreement with an international financial institution for a principal aggregate amount of US$210.0 million in June 2013;

·       Braskem Idesa borrowed US$1,483.9 million aggregate principal amount in July 2013 under the financing agreements that Braskem Idesa entered into in December 2012 to finance the Ethylene XXI project;

·       we entered into several credit export notes facilities with an international financial institution in the aggregate amount of R$163.5 million in August 2013;

·       we entered into a loan agreement with a Brazilian financial institution under which we borrowed an aggregate principal amount of US$70.0 million in September 2013;

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·       we received disbursements under a financing agreement with BNDES, in the amounts of R$178.0 million, R$144.1 million and R$188.7 million in October, November and December 2013, respectively;

·       Braskem Idesa borrowed US$546.9 million aggregate principal amount in November 2013 under the financing agreements that Braskem Idesa entered into in December 2012 to finance the Project Ethylene XXI project;

·       we borrowed R$150.0 million under a credit export note facility that we entered into in December 2013 with a Brazilian financial institution; and

·       we entered into a ACC (advance payment on exchange contract) with an international financial institution for a principal aggregate amount of US$50.0 million in December 2013.

During 2013, we used cash:

·       to prepay R$512.7 million, representing all principal amounts and interest outstanding under four export credit note facilities;

·       to prepay R$452.3 million, representing all principal amounts and interest outstanding under two export prepayment facilities;

·       to prepay R$123.6 million, representing all principal amounts and interest outstanding under a financing agreement with BNDES; and

·       to make other scheduled payments and prepayments under several of our outstanding debt instruments.

During 2012:

·      we borrowed R$732.5 million and US$81.5 million under our credit facilities with BNDES;

·      we issued and sold US$500 million aggregate principal amount of our 5.375% Notes due 2022;

·      we issued and sold US$250.0 million aggregate principal amount of our 5.75% Notes due 2021;

·      we issued and sold US$250.0 million aggregate principal amount of our 7.125% Notes due 2041;

·      we issued and sold US$250.0 million aggregate principal amount of our 7.375% Perpetual Bonds;

·      we borrowed R$300.0 million aggregate principal amount under a credit export note facility that we entered into with a Brazilian financial institution in September 2012;

·      we borrowed R$200.0 million aggregate principal amount under a credit export note facility that we entered into with a Brazilian financial institution in January 2012;

·      we borrowed R$100.0 million aggregate principal amount under a credit export note facility that we entered into with a Brazilian financial institution in June 2012; and

·      we borrowed R$100.0 million aggregate principal amount under a credit export note facility that we entered into with a Brazilian financial institution in November 2012.

During 2012, we used cash:

·      to prepay R$504.6 million, representing all principal amounts and interest outstanding under three credit export note facilities;

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·      to prepay R$129.2 million, representing a working capital loan;

·      to prepay US$600.0 million, representing all principal amounts outstanding, under four export prepayment facilities; and

·      to make other scheduled payments and prepayments under various of our outstanding debt instruments.

In addition, we used cash to pay dividends in the aggregate amount of R$482.1 million.

Unless our board of directors deems it inconsistent with our financial position and the decision of our board of directors is ratified by our shareholders, payment of dividends is mandatory under Brazilian Corporation Law and our by-laws and also is required under agreements with two of our shareholders and, consequently, may give rise to significant cash requirements in future periods.

Share Repurchase Program

On August 13, 2012, our board of directors authorized a share repurchase program under which we were authorized to repurchase up to 13,376,161 class A preferred shares at market prices over the BM&FBOVESPA at any time and from time to time prior to August 28, 2013. Shares that were repurchased will be held in treasury and may be resold or cancelled. As of December 31, 2012, we had repurchased 262,300 class A preferred shares for an aggregate of R$3.5 million.

We did not repurchase any shares in 2013 or 2014.

On February 11, 2015, our board of directors authorized a share repurchase program under which we are authorized to repurchase up to 3,500,000 class A preferred shares at market prices over the BM&FBOVESPA. The program started in February 19, 2015, and will be effective until February 18, 2016. As of April 20, 2015, we had repurchased 80,000 class A preferred shares for an aggregate of R$0.9 million.

Contractual Commitments

The following table summarizes significant contractual obligations and commitments as of December 31, 2014 that have an impact on our liquidity:

 

Payments Due by Period

 

 

Less than one Year

One to Three Years

Three to Five Years

More than Five Years

Total

 

(in millions of reais)

 

 

Loans and financings (1)

1,495.4

3,365.1

5,432.2

22,685.7

32,978.4

Project Ethylene XXI – Project finance debt (2)

40.9

668.3

1,342.8

9,515.0

11,567.0

Derivatives (3)

95.6

(39.2)

633.6

690.0

Petros Copesul plan contributions (4)

336.4

336.4

Defined benefit actuarial obligation (5)

0.0

69.2

69.2

Other payables (6)

44.5

252.4

296.9

Project Ethylene XXI – EPC (7)

544.5

207.2

751.7

Purchase obligations for raw materials (8)

10,640.8

15,233.8

5,906.0

5,922.6

37,703.1

Purchase obligations for electric power and gas (8)

1,162.0

2,004.0

791.0

297.0

4,254.0

Total contractual obligations

14,360.2

21,691.5

14,105.6

38,489.4

88,646.7

           

____________________________

(1)       Consists of estimated future payments of amortization amounts plus interest on our loans and financings, calculated based on interest rates and foreign exchange rates applicable as of December 31, 2014 and assuming (i) that all amortization payments and payments at maturity on our loans and financings will be made on their scheduled payment dates, and (ii) that our perpetual bonds are redeemed after 100 years.

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(2)       Consists of limited recourse project finance debt, which is repaid solely from the cash generated by the project itself and shareholders provide limited guarantees. For further information, see note 15 of our consolidated financial statements elsewhere in this annual report.

(3)       Consists substantially of foreign exchange swaps that we entered into to offset the variation in the rates of export credit notes contracts. For further information, see note 16.2.1 of our consolidated financial statements elsewhere in this annual report.

(4)       Consists of payments to the participants of the Petros Copesul defined post-employment benefit plan in connection with our withdrawal as sponsor of this plan. For further information, see note 21.3 to our consolidated financial statements elsewhere in this annual report.

(5)       Consists of the actuarial liabilities in connection with the Novamont and Braskem Europe defined benefit plans. For further information, see note 21.2 to our consolidated financial statements elsewhere in this annual report.

(6)       Consists of (i) amounts payable to non-controlling shareholders of Braskem Idesa and (ii) amounts payable to BNDES Participações S.A. as part of the business combination with Braskem Qpar. For further information, see note 22 of our consolidated financial statements elsewhere in this annual report.

(7)       Consists of contractual commitments for the engineering, procurement and construction of Project Ethylene XXI and technology license fee regarding this project, calculated based on estimated future contractual payments and interest and based on the foreign exchange rate in effect as of December 31, 2014.

(8)       Consists of purchase commitments for raw materials and electric power and gas pursuant to binding agreements of the company that specify all significant terms, including: fixed or minimum quantities to be purchased; fixed, minimum or variable price provisions; and the approximate timing of the transaction. Based upon the applicable purchase prices as of December 31, 2014.

 

We are also subject to potential liabilities with respect to tax, labor, distributors and other claims, for which the chances of loss are considered probable, and for which we maintain provisions of R$412.8 million as of December 31, 2014. These proceedings relate primarily to federal income taxes and VAT. See “Item 8. Financial Information—Legal Proceedings” and note 20 to our audited consolidated financial statements.

Indebtedness and Financing Strategy

As of December 31, 2014, our total outstanding consolidated indebtedness, net of transaction costs, was R$20,336.5 million, consisting of R$1,418.5 million of short-term indebtedness, including current portion of long‑term indebtedness (7.0% of our total indebtedness), and R$18,918.0 million of long-term indebtedness (93.0% of our total indebtedness), in addition to an aggregate amount of R$7,577.5 million (US$2,878.9 million) outstanding as of December 31, 2014 in connection with the project finance debt related to Project Ethylene XXI. As of December 31, 2014, we had no outstanding indebtedness to related parties on a consolidated basis. On a consolidated basis, our real-denominated indebtedness as of December 31, 2014 was R$6,408.2 million (31.5% of our total indebtedness), and our foreign currency-denominated indebtedness was R$13,928.4 million (68.5% of our total indebtedness).

Our financing strategy has been to continue to extend the average maturity of our outstanding indebtedness, including by repaying short-term debt through longer-term borrowings and issuing longer-term debt securities, in order to increase our liquidity levels and improve our strategic, financial and operational flexibility. Our financing strategy over the next several years involves maintaining adequate liquidity and a debt maturity profile that is compatible with our anticipated cash flow generation and anticipated capital expenditures. In addition, we do not expect our capital expenditures to adversely affect the quality of our debt leverage ratios or our disciplined approach to capital allocation.

Short-Term Indebtedness

Our consolidated short-term debt, including current portion of long-term debt, was R$1,418.5 million as of December 31, 2014.

We maintain short-term finance lines denominated in reais with a number of financial institutions in Brazil. Although we have no committed lines of credit with these financial institutions, we believe that we will continue to be able to obtain sufficient credit to finance our working capital needs based on our relationships with these financial institutions and current market conditions. As of December 31, 2014, the consolidated outstanding balance under our short-term finance lines denominated in reais was R$894.2 million.

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We also obtain advances on certain export contracts from a variety of Brazilian financial institutions. These advances generally have a maturity of less than one year and relatively low interest rates. These advances on export contracts are generally secured by receivables to be generated from future export sales under those contracts. As of December 31, 2014, we did not have any consolidated outstanding advances on export contracts. See note 14 to our consolidated financial statements included in this annual report.

Long-Term Indebtedness

Our principal sources of long-term debt are:

·      fixed-rate notes issued in the international market;

·      export credit notes;

·      credit facilities with BNDES;

·      bank credit facilities;

·      project financing;

·      BNB/FINAME/FINEP/FUNDES; and

·      export prepayment facilities.

Some of these instruments also contain other covenants that could restrict, among other things, the ability of our company and most of our subsidiaries to incur liens or merge or consolidate with any other person or sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of our assets. In addition, the instruments governing a substantial portion of our indebtedness contain cross-default or cross-acceleration clauses, such that the occurrence of an event of default under one of these instruments could trigger an event of default under other indebtedness or enable the creditors under other indebtedness to accelerate that indebtedness.

As of December 31, 2014, R$3,809.5 million of our real-denominated debt and R$396.4 million of our foreign currency-denominated debt was secured. In order to secure this debt, we have pledged certain of our property and equipment and certain of our accounts receivable. The security arrangements for our secured debt vary depending on the transaction.

As of December 31, 2014, all of our project finance debt related to Project Ethylene XXI was secured. In order to secure this debt, we have pledged our shares in Braskem Idesa, some of our rights to repayment under subordinated loans that Braskem S.A. has made to Braskem Idesa and all of the assets of Braskem Idesa.

Fixed-Rate Notes

We have issued fixed-rate debt securities in the international market. All of these securities pay interest semi-annually in arrears, except for our perpetual bonds on which interest is payable quarterly in arrears. The table below sets forth our outstanding fixed-rate debt securities, the outstanding principal amount of these securities and their maturity dates.

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Security

Outstanding Principal Amount as of
December 31, 2014

Final Maturity

 

(in millions of
U.S. dollars)

 

 

 

 

9.375% Notes due 2015

55.8

June 2015

8.00% Notes due 2017

60.4

January 2017

7.250% Notes due 2018(1)

142.9

June 2018

7.00% Notes due 2020(1)

397.7

May 2020

5.75% Notes due 2021(1)

997.5

April 2021

5.375% Notes due 2022(1)

500.0

May 2022

6.45% Notes due 2024(1)

750.0

February 2024

7.125% Notes due 2041(2)

750.0

July 2041

7.375% Perpetual Bonds(1)

700.0

____________________________

(1)   Represents notes issued by Braskem Finance Limited and guaranteed by Braskem.

(2)   Represents notes issued by Braskem America Finance and guaranteed by Braskem.

Export Credit Note Facilities

We have entered into several credit export note facilities. The table below sets forth our significant outstanding credit export note facilities, the amount outstanding under these facilities, the interest rate applicable to these facilities, the amortization schedule of these facilities and their maturity dates.

Issue Date

Outstanding Principal and Interest as of
December 31, 2014

Interest Rate

Amortization Schedule

Final Maturity

 

(in millions of reais)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

November 2014

151.1

8.00%

Bullet Maturity

November 2017

September 2014

103.6

108.0% of CDI

Annual (1)

August 2020

February 2013

202.3

8.00%

Bullet Maturity

February  2016

February 2013

202.3

8.00%

Bullet Maturity

September 2017

September 2012

216.7

105.0% of CDI

Annual (2)

October 2021

August 2011

404.3

112.5% of CDI

Bullet Maturity

August 2019

April 2011

461.3

112.5% of CDI

Bullet Maturity

April 2019

February 2011

144.5

105.0% of CDI

Annual (2)

October 2021

June 2010

144.5

105.0% of CDI

Annual (2)

October 2021

January 2008(3)

410.7

7.3%

Bullet Maturity

February 2020

May 2007(3)

200.5

7.85%

Bullet Maturity

May 2019

April 2007(3)

135.2

7.87%

Bullet Maturity

March 2018

November 2006(3)

209.6

8.1%

Bullet Maturity

May 2018

___________________________

(1)   Principal of this facility is due in annual payment on October of each year commencing in October 2018.

(2)   Facilities amended in October 2013 to extend maturity from February 2014 to October 2021.

(3)   Facility denominated in U.S. dollars.

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Credit Facilities with BNDES

Term Loan Facilities

We have entered into a variety of credit facilities with BNDES. The proceeds of these credit facilities have been used to finance a variety of capital expenditures, including:

·         the expansion of the annual ethylene production capacity of the Santo André plant by 233,000 tons;

·         the extension of a gas pipeline from REVAP, located in São José dos Campos, to RECAP, located in Mauá;

·         the expansion of the annual polypropylene production capacity of one of our plants located in the Southern Complex by 100,000 tons;

·         the expansion of the annual LDPE and HDPE production capacity of the Capuava plant by 200,000 tons;

·         the construction of our “green” polyethylene facilities;

·         the construction of our new butadiene plant;

·         the construction of our new PVC facilities;

·         the construction of a new salt well in Maceió, Alagoas to supply our Vinyls Unit;

·         the replacement of some equipment at our PVC plant in the Northeastern Complex; and

·         quality, productivity, environmental, health and safety projects and maintenance shutdowns at our plants.

The table below sets forth selected information with respect to our BNDES term loan credit facilities as of December 31, 2014.

Facility

Outstanding Principal and Interest

Interest Rate

Amortization Schedule

Final Maturity

 

(in millions of reais)

 

 

 

June 2009 credit facility(1)

 

 

 

 

Cesta de Moedas loans

32.6

Cesta de Moedas plus 2.58%

Monthly

July 2017

TJLP loans

197.9

TJLP plus 0% to 4.78%

Monthly

June 2017

December 2010 credit facility(2)

 

 

 

 

Cesta de Moedas loans

109.1

Cesta de Moedas plus 2.58%

Monthly

January 2020

TJLP loans

293.6

TJLP plus 0% to 3.58%

Monthly

December 2019

Fixed-rate loans

33.4

5.50%

Monthly

December 2019

November 2011 credit facility(3)

 

 

 

 

Cesta de Moedas loans

39.4

Cesta de Moedas plus 2.45%

Monthly

January 2021

TJLP loans

115.2

TJLP plus 0% to 3.45%

Monthly

December 2020

August 2014 credit facility(4)

 

 

 

 

TJLP loans

192.8

TJLP plus 2.78%

Monthly(5)

March 2021

Fixed-rate loans

2.7

6.0%

Monthly(5)

March 2021

SELIC loans

129.3

SELIC plus 2.78%

Monthly(5)

March 2021

______________

(1)   Relates to our “green” polyethylene plant that began operations in September 2010.

(2)   Relates to our PVC plant in Alagoas that began operations in August 2012.

(3)   Relates to our butadiene plant in the Southern Complex that began operations in September 2012.

(4)   Relates to our operational investments and maintenance shutdowns.

(5)   Principal payments on this tranche will commence in April 2016.

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Each of these credit facilities is secured by mortgages on (1) four of our plants located in the Southern Complex and (2) one of our plant located in Maceió, AL (including the land on which this plant is located, as well as certain of the equipment, machinery and improvements in this plant).

Revolving Stand-by Credit Facilities

In addition, we have entered into two revolving stand-by credit facilities with BNDES. Loans under these facilities are required to be used to fund specified capital expenditure projects, including:

·         expansion and modernization of fixed assets;

·         acquisition of new machinery and equipment produced in Brazil;

·         programs related to technical training and management, and information technology;

·         social investment programs;

·         environmental investments; and

·         investments in research, development and innovation.

The interest rates for loans drawn under these facilities are set at the time the loans are made and are based on the TJLP rate or the average annual currency basket rate published by BNDES, or the Cesta de Moedas rate or the accumulated annual average of SELIC.

Loans made under these facilities may have maturities up to ten years. The outstanding principal and interest of each of these loans is payable in monthly installments following the expiration of the grace period for these loans, which is generally one year or 18 months, depending upon the terms of the relevant facility.

The table below sets forth selected information with respect to our BNDES revolving credit facilities as of December 31, 2014.

Facility

Committed Principal Amount

Outstanding Principal and Interest

Weighted Average
Interest Rate

Expiration of Commitment

 

(in millions of reais)

(in millions of reais)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 2009(1)

R$500.0

 

 

 

Cesta de Moedas loans

 

61.9

Cesta de Moedas plus 2.58%

January 2017

TJLP loans

 

162.8

TJLP plus 2.58% to 3.58%

January 2017

Fixed rate

 

93.9

4.0% to 4.5%

January 2021

November 2011

R$2,460.0

 

 

 

Cesta de Moedas loans

 

141.9

Cesta de Moedas plus 2.42% to 2.45%

October 2018

TJLP loans

 

1,331.7

TJLP plus 0.00% to 3.58%

January 2021

Fixed rate

 

250.5

3.5% to 6.0%

January 2021

SELIC

 

260.5

SELIC plus 2.58% to 2.78%

January 2021

 ______________

(1)   Relates to the CALC facility with BNDES, secured by a pledge of one of our crackers in the Southern Complex.

Disbursements under these facilities are contingent on our pledge of fixed assets with a value at least equal to the aggregate outstanding principal amount under these facilities. We have pledged one of our crackers in the Southern Complex, one of our polyethylene plants in the Southern Complex and our chlor-alkali plant in Alagoas to secure loans under these facilities (including the land on which this plant is located, as well as certain of the equipment, machinery and improvements in this plant).

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Revolving Credit Facility Agreements

We have entered into five revolving credit lines, under which no amounts were outstanding as of December 31, 2014. The first line, which we entered into in August 2011, in the amount of US$250.0 million, may be drawn down at any time until August 2016. The second line, which we entered into in November 2012, in the amount of US$350.0 million, may be drawn down at any time until November 2016.

In May 2014, we and several of our subsidiaries entered into a revolving credit facility agreement with several international financial institutions for a principal amount of US$250.0 million, which matures in 2019.

In September 2014, we entered into a revolving credit facility agreement with a Brazilian financial institution for a principal amount of R$500.0 million, which matures in September 2019.

In December 2014, we and several of our subsidiaries entered into a revolving credit facility agreement with several international financial institutions for a principal amount of US$750.0 million, which matures in December 2019.

Bank Credit Facilities

In September 2013, we entered into a loan agreement with a Brazilian financial institution under which we borrowed an aggregate principal amount of US$70.0 million. The loan proceeds will be used for working capital purposes. This loan bears interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 1.13% payable quarterly in arrears. Principal on this loan is payable upon maturity in September 2016.

In January 2014, our subsidiary Braskem Netherlands, as borrower, and we, as guarantor, entered into a credit facility agreement with an international financial institution for a principal amount of US$75.0 million. The facility bears interest at a floating rate of LIBOR plus 1.75% per annum, payable semi-annually, and matures in 2019. We used the proceeds of this loan for our general operating activities. 

In August 2014, our subsidiary Braskem Netherlands, as borrower, and we, as guarantor, entered into a loan and guaranty agreement with an international financial institution, as lender, for a principal amount of US$62.5 million. The facility bears interest at a floating rate of LIBOR plus 1.55% to 1.85% per annum, payable upon maturity in 2019. We used the proceeds of this loan for the manufacture and sale of petrochemical products and for general corporate purposes. 

In October 2014, we received disbursements in an aggregate principal amount of R$196.3 million under a credit facility we entered into in August 2014 with a Brazilian financial institution. In August 2014, we entered into a credit facility for a principal amount of R$200.0 million. This credit facility bears interest at a rate of 8.24% per annum payable monthly until August 2015 and quarterly thereafter through maturity in August 2024. The outstanding principal amount is payable in 108 successive monthly installments beginning in September 2015.

Export Prepayment Agreements

We have entered into a several export prepayment agreements. One of our export prepayment agreements is secured by certain of our export receivables. The table below sets forth our significant outstanding export prepayment agreements, the outstanding principal amount of these facilities, the interest rate applicable to these facilities, the amortization schedule of these facilities and their maturity dates.

Issue Date

Outstanding Principal Amount as of December 31, 2014

Interest Rate

Amortization Schedule

Final Maturity

 

(in millions of U.S. dollars)

 

 

 

January 2013

160.0

LIBOR + 1.10%

Semi-annual (1)

November 2022

____________________________
(1)  Amortization on this facility commenced in May 2013.

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On December 3, 2012, the Brazilian federal government introduced changes to the regulations applicable to new export prepayment financings. These regulations allowed export prepayment financings for finance operations maturing in up to five years, which had previously been limited to a 360 day maximum.

Although export prepayment facilities have historically accounted for an important part of our financing strategy, as of December 31, 2014, they accounted for only 2.1% of our outstanding indebtedness.

Financing Agreements

In December 2012, Braskem Idesa entered into a common terms agreement with certain financial institutions to finance the development, design, construction and initial operation of the Mexico Complex. In connection with the common terms agreement, Braskem Idesa entered into eight separate financing agreements with Brazilian and international financial institutions and development banks in an aggregate principal amount of up to US$3.2 billion. In July 2013, Braskem Idesa received the initial disbursement of US$1,483.9 million (R$3,316.2 million) under these credit facilities and in November 2013, it received the second disbursement in the amount of US$546.9 million (R$1,246.1 million) under credit facilities. In April and August 2014, Braskem Idesa received additional disbursements in an aggregate amount of US$465.0 million (R$ 1,021.7 million) and US$383.1 million (R$ 872.7 million), respectively to Project Ethylene XXI. The financing consists of fixed and floating tranches. The interest rates on the fixed tranche are within a range of 4.33% to 6.17%. The interest rates on the floating tranche are within a range of LIBOR plus 2.73% to LIBOR plus 4.65%. To reduce the interest rate risk, the second tranche is hedged through several swap agreements. Interest on both types of tranches is payable quarterly in arrears and principal is amortized quarterly. The final maturity date of these loans is February 15, 2029 with amortizations beginning in May 2016.

Capital Expenditures

In 2014, our total investments on property, plant and equipment and intangible assets totaled R$5.370.4 million, consisting primarily of (1) a capital expenditure of R$1,904.8 million (excluding capitalized interest) on our various projects and in maintaining and improving our assets; and (2) a R$3,465.6 million disbursement for our Project Ethylene XXI. Our total investments on property, plant and equipment and intangible assets in 2013 and 2012 totaled R$5,682.2 million 2013 and R$2,808.6 million, respectively.

Capital Expenditure Budget

We currently are budgeting total capital expenditures of approximately R$2,333.3 million for 2015, to be approved by our board of directors. Our principal capital expenditures for 2015 will consist of, in addition to the projects referred to in the following paragraphs:

·      approximately R$1,096.1 million for operational investments; and

·      approximately R$1,237.2 million for strategic investments.

Acquisitions

Acquisition of Interest in Odebrecht Comercializadora de Energia S.A.

In July 2012, we acquired 2,000 shares, or 20%, of the capital of Odebrecht Comercializadora de Energia. Odebrecht Comercializadora de Energia is also owned by Odebrecht Energia S.A., Odebrecht Agroindustrial S.A., Odebrecht Ambiental S.A. (currently Foz do Brasil S.A.) and Odebrecht Transport S.A, each holding an equal interest of 20%. In July 2013, the shareholders of Odebrecht Comercializadora de Energia entered into a shareholders’ agreement governing the rights and obligations of all parties.

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Greenfield Plants

Alagoas PVC Plant

In May 2010, we commenced construction of a new PVC plant in Alagoas. This plant, which commenced production in August 2012, has an annual production capacity of 200,000 tons. The total cost of this project was approximately R$1,000 million.

Butadiene Plant

In March 2011, we commenced construction of a new butadiene plant in the Southern Complex. This plant, which commenced production in September 2012, has an annual production capacity of 103,000 tons. The total cost of this project was approximately R$300 million.

Joint Venture Projects

Project Ethylene XXI

Braskem and Idesa formed Braskem Idesa in April 2010 to develop, construct and operate the Mexico Complex, to be located in the Mexican state of Veracruz. The Mexico Complex is expected to include an ethylene cracker that produces 1.05 million tons of ethylene per year from ethane based on Innovene S technology licensed from Technip Italy S.p.A, or Technip, and is expected to include two high density polyethylene plants based on technology licensed from Ineos Commercial Services UK Limited (as successor to Ineos Europe Limited) and a low density polyethylene plant based on Lupotech T technology licensed from Basell Polyolefin GmbH. The three polyethylene plants are expected to have a combined annual production capacity of 1.0 million tons of HDPE and LDPE.

Braskem Idesa (as successor to us and Idesa) is party to an ethane supply agreement with Pemex Gas dated February 19, 2010, pursuant to which Pemex Gas will provide 66,000 barrels per day of ethane to the Mexico Complex for a period of 20 years at prices based on the Mont Belvieu purity ethane price. Beginning on the date of scheduled completion of the project, Braskem Idesa will be required to purchase, and Pemex Gas will be required to deliver, the minimum daily volume of ethane provided under the supply agreement.

In February 2010, we and Idesa entered into the Braskem Idesa shareholders’ agreement to govern our relationship with respect to Braskem Idesa, which was amended in November 2012, December 2012 and April 2015. The Braskem Idesa shareholders’ agreement, as amended, sets forth the understanding of the parties regarding the implementation of this project and the relationship of Braskem and Idesa as shareholders of Braskem Idesa. Under the Braskem Idesa shareholders’ agreement, as amended:

·   the parties agree to use their best efforts to use Braskem Idesa as their commercialization vehicle for polyethylene in Mexico; 

·   the parties agree that the polyethylene production of Braskem Idesa shall be used primarily to supply the Mexican market; 

·   we have the right to appoint four members and Idesa has the right to appoint two members of Braskem Idesa’s board of directors; decisions considered at Braskem Idesa’s ordinary shareholders’ meetings or by Braskem Idesa’s board of directors require the approval by a simple majority; prior to the start-up of the project, so long as Idesa holds at least 20% of the voting capital of Braskem Idesa, Braskem Idesa’s financial manager will be nominated by Idesa, subject to board approval; and Braskem Idesa’s chief executive officer, construction, corporate, industrial and commercial managers will be nominated by Braskem, subject to board approval;

·   upon the failure of Braskem and Idesa to agree to vote in favor of certain matters requiring a supermajority vote in an extraordinary shareholders’ meeting, (1) we will have the right to seek approval of such matters by a simple majority vote of Braskem Idesa’s shareholders, (2) in the event that such matters are approved by a simple majority vote of Braskem Idesa’s shareholders, we will have the option to purchase all of the shares then held by Idesa, and (3) in the event that we do not exercise this right, Idesa will have the option to sell all of its shares of Braskem Idesa to us; and

·   any disputes between Braskem and Idesa arising out of or in connection with the Braskem Idesa shareholders’ agreement will be resolved through arbitration.

 

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The Braskem Idesa shareholders’ agreement also contains rights of first refusal, tag along rights and drag along rights in connection with the disposition of Braskem Idesa shares.

The original estimated total cost of the Mexico Complex of approximately US$4.5 billion, including financial costs during construction and initial working capital requirements, was revised to US$5.2 billion primarily as a result of  (i) a change in the scope of the power generating unit in order to ensure the self-sufficiency of the complex and improve the reliability of energy supply, with the possibility of selling any surplus energy to the grid; and (ii) additional costs arising from infrastructure and local services.

We anticipate that (1) we and Idesa will contribute an aggregate of approximately 38% of the total costs as equity in proportion to our ownership interests in Braskem Idesa, and (2) the remainder will be borrowed by Braskem Idesa under project finance arrangements, secured by the assets of this project, with multilateral credit agencies, export credit agencies, development banks and private banks. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—Capital Expenditures—Joint Venture Projects—Project Ethylene XXI.”

Construction of the Mexico Complex began in 2012 and we expect that it will achieve start-up by the end of 2015.

Financing Agreements Relating to Project Ethylene XXI

In December 2012, Braskem Idesa entered into a common terms agreement with certain financial institutions to finance the development, design, construction and initial operation of the Mexico Complex. This will include an ethane cracker with annual capacity of 1.05 million tons to produce ethylene, two high density polyethylene plants and a low density polyethylene plant. In connection with the common terms agreement, Braskem Idesa entered into eight separate financing agreements with Brazilian and international financial institutions and development banks in an aggregate principal amount of up to US$3.2 billion.

All amounts under these credit facilities are secured by Braskem’s shares in Braskem Idesa. The conditions precedent to the initial disbursement and each subsequent disbursement under the common terms agreement include a debt to base equity ratio after disbursement, as calculated under the common terms agreement, no greater than 70:30.

In July 2013, Braskem Idesa received the initial disbursement of US$1,483.9 million under these credit facilities and in November 2013, it received the second disbursement in the amount of US$546.9 million under credit facilities. In April and August 2014, Braskem Idesa received additional disbursements in aggregate amounts of US$465.0  million and US$383.1 million, respectively. In April 2015 Braskem will receive an additional disbursement of US$ 290 million. The financing consists of fixed and floating tranches. The interest rates on the fixed tranche are within a range of 4.33% to 6.17%. The interest rates on the floating tranche are within a range of LIBOR plus 2.73% to LIBOR plus 4.65%. To reduce the interest rate risk, the second tranche is hedged through several swap agreements. Interest on both tranches is payable quarterly in arrears and principal is amortized quarterly. The final maturity date of these loans is February 15, 2029 with amortizations beginning in May 2016.

Equity Support Agreement Relating to Project Ethylene XXI

In December 2012, we, Braskem Idesa, Etileno XXI, S.A. de C.V., and Idesa entered into an equity support agreement pursuant to which Braskem Idesa’s shareholders agreed to make and guarantee payment of certain equity contributions to Braskem Idesa. This contract was amended and restated in April 2015.  Pursuant to the amended and restated equity support agreement, the parties assume a base equity commitment of US$1.9 billion in proportion to their percentage ownership in Braskem Idesa (Braskem 75% and Idesa 25%). Base equity contributions must be made ten days prior to loan disbursements made under the project financing agreements (discussed above) or otherwise as needed after full disbursement of the loans, in amounts calculated pursuant to the amended and restated equity support agreement. In the event that project costs exceed the cost of US$5.2 billion, the shareholders have also assumed the obligation of making certain primary and secondary contingent equity contributions to cover any additional amounts necessary to complete the project. The primary contingent equity commitment is US$208 million and such commitment will be available until the Mexico Complex achieves ready for start-up.  The secondary contingent equity commitment is also US$208 million, and such commitment will be available from the date that the Mexico Complex achieves ready for start-up (or such earlier date that the primary contingent equity commitment has been reduced to zero and an event of default under the project finance arrangements has occurred) and will be available until the occurrence of the contingent equity release date in accordance with the amended and restated equity support agreement.  Currently, we have not provided credit support for any of our obligations to fund base equity or primary or secondary contingent equity, but in the event that we cease to have an investment grade rating prior to the release of our base and contingent equity obligations, we will be required to provide cash collateral or letters of credit in an amount equal to any such equity contributions that we may be required to make under the agreement.

 

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Engineering, Procurement and Construction Contract Relating to Project Ethylene XXI

In September 2012, Braskem Idesa, as owner, and Ethylene XXI Contractors, S.A.P.I. de C.V. and Etileno XXI Services B.V., as contractors, entered into an alliance engineering, procurement and construction contract, or the EPC contract. This contract was amended and restated in December 2012.  Each contractor consists of a joint venture among Odebrecht Industrial Engineering B.V., ICA Fluor Petroquímica, S.A. de C.V. and Technip Italy S.p.A. Payments under the EPC contract are made on a “cost-plus” basis, in which Braskem Idesa reimburses costs of the contractors and pays a profit margin. Payments of costs are made prior to the beginning of each month based on an estimate of costs expected to be incurred during that month and are reconciled with costs actually incurred in the following month, and payments of the profit margin are made based on the achievement of milestones defined under the contract. Any cost overrun will be borne equally between Braskem Idesa and the contractors and any cost savings will be shared equally by Braskem Idesa and the contractors, in each case up to a maximum amount as calculated pursuant to the EPC contract. The contract provides for a guaranteed completion date of June 30, 2015 for the Mexico Complex and contains certain other performance guarantees and provisions for damages in case completion does not occur on or prior to the scheduled completion date.

Amendments to Braskem Idesa Shareholders’ Agreement Relating to Project Ethylene XXI

In February 2010, Braskem and Idesa entered into a shareholders’ agreement, which we refer to as the Braskem Idesa shareholders’ agreement, to govern our relationship with respect to Braskem Idesa. In November 2012, Braskem and Idesa entered into the first amendment to the Braskem Idesa shareholders’ agreement, under which our ownership interest in Braskem Idesa was increased to 75% minus one share of the equity interest in Braskem Idesa and Idesa’s ownership interest in Braskem Idesa was reduced to 25% plus one share of the equity interest. In December 2012, we and Idesa entered into the second amendment to the Braskem Idesa shareholders’ agreement to include the commitment of both Sponsors to fund certain primary and secondary contingent equity to the Project. In April 2015, we and Idesa entered into the third amendment to the Braskem Idesa shareholders’ agreement to include additional base equity contribution and reaffirm the new the commitments of contingency equity, under which we agreed to fund up to 100% of the primary contingent equity commitment under the equity support agreement up to start-up date.  The primary contingent equity commitment is approximately US$ 208 million.

 

COMPERJ Project

In connection with the acquisition of Quattor Participações S.A. , we entered into an Association Agreement on January 22, 2010 with Odebrecht, OSP, Petroquisa and Petrobras regarding the continued development of the Rio de Janeiro Petrochemical Complex which we refer to as the COMPERJ Petrochemical Facility and which is part of the COMPERJ Complex, an integrated refinery and petrochemical complex, to be developed by Petrobras  and located in Itaboraí in the State of Rio de Janeiro. On December 14, 2011 we entered into a non-binding memorandum of understanding with Odebrecht, OSP and Petrobras that governs the development of the COMPERJ Petrochemical Facility subject to further technical and economic analysis. The scope and the definition of the project remain dependent on economic analysis and negotiation of raw material supply.

Joint Venture with Styrolution

In October 2013, we signed a memorandum of understanding with Styrolution, a global leader in the production of styrene, to assess the economic feasibility of forming a joint venture in Brazil. If approved, this joint venture would build and operate a plant with an expected annual production capacity of 100,000 tons of the copolymers acrylonitrile, butadiene, styrene and styrene acrylonitrile. We expect that the joint venture would market these copolymers to customers in Brazil and throughout South America. The memorandum of understanding contemplates that Styrolution would hold a 70% controlling interest in the joint venture and would contribute its expertise in developing and producing these copolymers, providing the technology licenses and leveraging its existing acrylonitrile butadiene styrene and styrene acrylonitrile businesses in the region. The memorandum of understanding contemplates that Braskem would hold a 30% interest in the joint venture and would contribute the required infrastructure and the site of the plant. The implementation of this joint venture is subject to, among other things, the negotiation of definitive agreements among the parties with respect to the joint venture and regulatory and antitrust approval. If this joint venture is implemented, we expect that construction will commence in early 2016 and that this plant would commence operations in 2018.

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Other Investments

In October 2013, we announced that we would invest approximately R$50 million in one of our polyethylene production lines in the Northeastern Complex to (1) expand the annual production capacity of this line by 30,000 tons and (2) convert 100,000 tons of the annual production capacity of this line to the production of metallocene-based LLDPE. We expect to sell this resin, which takes advantage of the development of more modern technology, primarily to manufacturers of plastic films. This production line commenced operations in the fourth quarter of 2014.

Additionally, we have projects in less advanced stages in Peru, Bolivia and Venezuela.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We do not currently have any transactions involving off-balance sheet arrangements.

 

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ITEM 6. DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES

Directors and Senior Management

Our board of directors (conselho de administração) and our board of executive officers (diretoria) are responsible for operating our business.

Board of Directors of Braskem

Our by-laws provide for a board of directors of eleven members and eleven alternate members. During periods of absence or temporary unavailability of a regular member of our board of directors, the corresponding alternate member substitutes for the absent or unavailable regular member. Our board of directors is a decision-making body responsible for, among other things, determining policies and guidelines for our business and our wholly-owned subsidiaries and controlled companies. Our board of directors also supervises our board of executive officers and monitors its implementation of the policies and guidelines that are established from time to time by the board of directors. Under the Brazilian Corporation Law, our board of directors is also responsible for hiring independent accountants.

The members of our board of directors are elected at general meetings of shareholders for two-year terms and are eligible for reelection. The terms of all current members expire at our 2016 annual shareholders’ meeting. Members of our board of directors are subject to removal at any time with or without cause at a general meeting of shareholders. Our by-laws do not contain any citizenship or residency requirements for members of our board of directors and the members of our board of directors need not be shareholders of our company. Our board of directors is presided over by the president of the board of directors, and, in his absence, the vice president of the board of directors. The president and the vice president of our board of directors are elected at a general meeting of shareholders from among the members of our board of directors, serve for two-year terms and are eligible for reelection.

Our board of directors ordinarily meets four times a year and extraordinarily when a meeting is called by the president, the vice president or any two other members of our board of directors. Decisions of our board of directors require a quorum of a majority of the directors and are taken by majority vote, other than certain actions which require the consensus of the nominees of Odebrecht and Petrobras under the Petrobras Shareholders’ Agreement. See “Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions—Major Shareholders—Shareholders’ Agreements—Petrobras Shareholders’ Agreement.”

The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the current members of our board of directors and their alternates:

 

Name

Member Since

Position Held

Age

Marcelo Bahia Odebrecht

July 25, 2008

President of the Board

46

Alfredo Lisboa Ribeiro Tellechea

April 15, 2009

Board Member

57

Alvaro Fernandes da Cunha Filho

November 6, 1997

Board Member

66

Andrea Damiani Maia

April 30, 2010

Board Member

43

Antonio Aparecida de Oliveira

April 30, 2010

Board Member

53

Antonio Rubens da Silva Silvino

April 9, 2015

Board Member

62

Daniel Bezerra Villar

August 27, 2013

Board Member

42

Marcela Aparecida Drehmer Andrade

August 27, 2013

Board Member

46

Mauricio Roberto de Carvalho Ferro

March 26, 2014

Board Member

47

Patrick Horbach Fairon

August 13, 2012

Board Member

59

Roberto Zurli Machado

April 27, 2012

Board Member

58

Arão Dias Tisser

July 25, 2008

Alternate

38

Cláudio Melo Filho

October 3, 2005

Alternate

47

José de Freitas Mascarenhas

August 15, 2001

Alternate

73

Laura Lopes de Oliveira

April 9, 2015

Alternate

56

Luciano Dequech

April 9, 2015

Alternate

40

Luis Adolfo Pereira Beckstein

April 9, 2015

Alternate

37

Luiz de Mendonça

April 27, 2012

Alternate

51

Marcus Vinicius Magalhães

April 9, 2015

Alternate

53

Mauro Motta Figueira

April 27, 2012

Alternate

44

Paulo Oliveira Lacerda de Melo

April 27, 2012

Alternate

61

Roberto Prisco Paraíso Ramos

April 9, 2015

Alternate

69

 

 

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The following is a summary of the business experience, areas of expertise and principal outside business interests of our current directors and their alternates.

Directors

Marcelo Bahia Odebrecht. Mr. Odebrecht was elected to our board of directors as a nominee of Odebrecht. He joined the Odebrecht group in 1992 and was appointed CEO of Construtora Norberto Odebrecht in 2002. At the end of 2008, he was appointed the president of the Odebrecht holding company, which is active in several business segments such as engineering and construction, petrochemicals, transportation and logistics, oil and gas, bioenergy, real estate, environmental services, defense and technology and properties. Mr. Odebrecht holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Universidade Federal da Bahia, or UFBA, and an MBA from International Institute for Management Development, or IMD, Business School, in Lausanne, Switzerland.

Alfredo Lisboa Ribeiro Tellechea. Mr. Tellechea was elected to our board of directors as a nominee of Odebrecht. He served as one of the vice president executive officers of Braskem from 2007 to 2009 and headed Braskem’s Polyolefins Units from 2008 to 2009. Mr. Tellechea has previously held a variety of positions in the Ipiranga Group including serving as the chief superintendent of Distribuidora de Produtos de Petróleo Ipiranga from 2002 to 2006, chief superintendent of Ipiranga Petroquímica from 2006 to 2007, and chief executive officer of Copesul from 2007 until 2008. Mr. Tellechea holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul and a post-graduate degree in marketing from the Escola Superior de Propaganda e Marketing.

Alvaro Fernandes da Cunha Filho. Mr. Cunha Filho was elected to our board of directors as a nominee of Odebrecht. He is currently the president of Valora Participações Ltda., as well as the owner of the Valora Group.  Previously from 1973 to 1986 he developed several duties in the Government of Bahia, such as Transportation Coordinator in the Transportation and Communication desk, Superintendent of the Bahia development bank (Banco de Desenvolvimento do Estado da Bahia), President of Embasa and Secretary of the Commerce and Turism Industry. From 1987 to 2002 was head of the petrochemical sector in the Odebrecht Group. Mr. Cunha Filho holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and a master’s degree in economics from the Federal University of Bahia - UFBA.

Andrea Damiani Maia de Andrade. Ms. Andrade was elected as an alternate member of our board of directors as a nominee of Petrobras. Ms. Andrade was elected as an alternate member of our board of directors as a nominee of Petrobras. She has been a lawyer at Petrobras since 2004. She has served as sectional manager of new business in Petrobras’ legal department, and she has served as legal manager for the petrochemicals business since 2012. Ms. Andrade holds a degree in law from USP and a postgraduate degree in competition law from FGV in Rio de Janeiro. She has also taken extension courses in natural gas contract negotiations at the University of Dundee in Scotland.

Antonio Aparecida de Oliveira. Mr. Oliveira was elected to our board of directors as a nominee of Petrobras. He is currently the manager of petrochemicals at Petrobras. He has worked at Petrobras since 1987 in several technical, executive and management positions. He has also served as a member of the board of directors of Ipiranga Petroquímica from 2007 to June 2008, a member of the board of directors of Braskem Qpar from June 2008 to June 2010 and corporate and planning superintendent of FINEP. Mr. Oliveira holds a degree in engineering from the Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, or UFMG, and a Master in business administration from UFRJ. He also attended various programs specializing in business administration and the petroleum industry, including executive education programs at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and Harvard Business School.

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Antonio Rubens da Silva Silvino. Mr. Silvino was elected member of the Board of Directors by Petrobras in April 2015. Mr. Silvino was President of Liquigas Distribuidora S/A for the period from February 2006 to April 2014. In April 2014, he was appointed Executive Manager of Corporate Supply of Petróleo Brasileiro SA, a position he currently holds. In addition, he works as Member of the Board of Directors of Liquigas since April 2014 and was appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors in February 2015.

Daniel Bezerra Villar. Mr. Villar was elected was elected to our board of directors as an alternate member of our board of directors as a nominee of Odebrecht. Mr. Villar is a member of the Odebrecht Group since 1994 and since December 2013 has been responsible for Odebrecht’s human resources. At Construtora Norberto Odebrecht S.A., or CNO, the engineering branch within the Odebrecht Group, where he headed the company’s Southern Cone infrastructure market (Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay and Bolivia) between 2006 and 2007 as well as the Libyan infrastructure market between 2008 and 2010. He currently heading Odebrecht Realizações Imobiliárias’ Rio de Janeiro real estate market, which he joined in 2011. His international background also includes seven years of work experience in Peru and three years in Ecuador. Mr. Villar holds a degree in civil engineering from Pontificia Unversidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, or PUC/RJ.

Marcela Aparecida Drehmer Andrade. Ms. Drehmer was elected to our board of directors as a nominee of Odebrecht. She has served as one of our vice president executive officers, our chief financial officer and our director of investor relations from 2010 until June 2013. She has served as financial officer for Odebrecht since July 2013 and served as a member of the board of directors of Braskem Qpar, Quattor Química S.A. and Rio Polímeros S.A. in 2010, Borealis Brasil S.A. from 2005 to 2006, and Braskem Idesa SAPI from 2010 to 2013. Ms. Drehmer served as our financial officer from 2005 to 2010. She worked for our company in structured operations and financial operations from 2002 to 2005, and worked for OPP Petroquímica S.A. in the financial department where she was responsible for the structured operations and planning departments from 1994 to 1999, served directly under the vice president of investments of Odebrecht from 2001 to 2002. In 2000, Ms. Drehmer participated in Credit Suisse First Boston’s Corporate Finance Internship Program, in New York. Ms. Drehmer holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from UNIFACS and an MBA in finance from IBMEC.

Mauricio Roberto de Carvalho Ferro. Mr. Ferro was elected to our board of directors as a nominee of Odebrecht. Mr. Ferro is currently an officer of Odebrecht. Mr. Ferro served as an officer in Braskem from 2001 to 2013. He served as a member of the board of directors of Ipiranga Petroquímica, prior to its merger into Braskem, and Copesul, prior to its merger into Ipiranga Petroquímica. He was also the vice president of the board of directors of Politeno prior to our merger with Politeno, an alternate member of the board of directors of Petroflex Indústria e Comércio S.A., or Petroflex, until the sale of our interest in Petroflex in April 2008, and a member of the board of directors of Polialden until our merger with Polialden. He served as a lawyer at the law firm of Carlos Eduardo Paladini Cardoso in 1989 and as a lawyer at the law firm of Bulhões Pedreira, Bulhões Carvalho e Advogados Associados from 1991 until 1995. Mr. Ferro holds a law degree from the PUC/RJ and an LL.M. from the University of London and from the London School of Economics.

Patrick Horbach Fairon. Mr. Fairon was elected to our board of directors as a nominee of Petrobras.  Previously, he served on our board of directors from 2004 to 2007, as president of the board of directors of Nova Petroquímica S.A. from 2007 to 2008, as vice president of the board of directors of Braskem Qpar and its subsidiaries and as a member of the board of directors of Petroquímica Suape from 2006 to 2010 and of REFAP from 2003 to 2010. From 2000 to 2005, Mr. Fairon served as the chief financial officer of Downstream Participações S.A. and from 2004 to 2010 as executive director of Petroquisa S.A. From 2010 to 2012, Mr. Fairon served as executive officer of Braskem. Since 2012, he has been the executive manager of Petrobras Petrochemical Downstream. He has also served as general manager of business development for Petrobras. Mr. Fairon holds a bachelor´s degree in electrical engineering from the Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, a master´s degree in business administration from PUC/RJ and an MBA in finance from COPPEAD. He also attended the Advanced Management Program at INSEAD in France and the Management Executive Program at Kellogg and completed a post-graduate course in automation at Petrobras (CENEL).

Roberto Zurli Machado. Mr. Zurli was elected to our board of directors as a nominee of Odebrecht. He worked as a consultant in transportation projects up until 1984, when he joined BNDES.  From 1985 to 2006, he assumed various executive positions in the Transportation, Logistics and Telecommunications divisions of BNDES. From 2006 to 2011, he worked as deputy director of basic industries divisions, where he was responsible for the mining, steel, chemical and petrochemical, pulp and paper, oil and gas sectors.  Mr. Zurli was elected to the board of director of BNDES in 2011, and currently still holds that position where he is responsible for the infrastructure area, including the energy and transport sectors, as well as basic industries.  Mr. Zurli holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and a master’s degree in industrial engineering.

Alternate Directors

Arão Dias Tisser. Mr. Tisser was elected as an alternate member of to our board of directors as a nominee of Petrobras. He previously served as a member of our board of directors from May 2008 to July 2008, and was first elected as an alternate member of our board of directors in March 2008. He has been the management coordinator of holdings in petrochemical centers for Petrobras since 2004, and worked in the commercial sector of naphtha and industrial raw materials for Petrobras from February 2001 to October 2004. Mr. Tisser holds a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from UFRJ, a master’s degree in engineering from the Instituto Alberto Luiz Coimbra de Pos-Graduação e Pesquisa de Engenharia, or COPPE, of UFRJ and an LLM in corporate law from the IBMEC – Rio de Janeiro.

Cláudio Melo Filho. Mr. Melo was elected as an alternate member of our board of directors as a nominee of Odebrecht. He currently serves as the vice president of institutional and political relations at Odebrecht. Mr. Melo served as financial manager and contract manager in several projects in Brazil and Angola for CNO from 1990 to 2004. Mr. Melo holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the Universidade de Brasilia and a post-graduate degree in financial administration from FGV.

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 José de Freitas Mascarenhas. Mr. Mascarenhas was elected as an alternate member of our board of directors as a nominee of Odebrecht. He has been an executive officer of Odebrecht since September 2001 and serves in various capacities with other companies in the Odebrecht Group. He served as vice president of Confederação Nacional das Indústrias, from October 1985 to October 2014, and as president of Federação das Indústrias do Estado da Bahia, from 1992 to 2002 and April 2010 to March 2014. He also has served as vice president of the Brazilian Association of Chemical Industry and Derivative Products from May 1993 to April 2008. He is also a member of the Board of the Brazilian Competitiveness Council (Movimento Brasil Competitivo) and, in 2014, was elected as a member of the board of the Associação Comercial da Bahia. Mr. Mascarenhas holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from UFBA.

Laura Lopes de Oliveira. Mrs. Oliveira was elected as an alternate member of our board of directors as a nominee of Petrobras. Mrs. Oliveir currently holds the position of Petrochemical Projects Manager at Petrobras since August 2014. Prior to this, she worked as General Manager for the Development of the COMPERJ Project, from December 2012 to August 2014. She also served as first generation Petrochemical Process Manager at the COMPERJ companies from 2010 to December 2012.

Luciano Dequech. Mr. Dequech was elected as an alternate member of our board of directors as a nominee of Odebrecht. Mr. Dequech has been the legal director of Odebrecht Agroindustrial S.A. since 2007. He previously held the position of legal director of Totvs S.A. from 2006 to 2007; legal manager of Braskem from 2003 to 2006; and attorney and intern for the law firm of Pinheiro Neto Advogados from 2003 to 2009. Mr.Dequech has a degree in Law from the University of São Paulo and obtained a Master's degree in Civil Law from the same institution, in addition to obtaining an LL.M degree in Corporate Law from Insper, in São Paulo, and completing a specialization course in Consumption Relations Law at the Pontifical Catholic University of São Paulo.

Luis Adolfo Pereira Beckstein. Mr Beckstein was elected to alternate member of our board of directors as a nominee of Petrobras. Mr.Beckstein has held, since 2013, the position of Coordinator of Petrochemical Shareholdings at Petrobras and has been an alternate member of the Board of Directors of Metanor S/A since 2014. He started at Petrobras in 2008 and has a degree in Economy from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro.

Luiz de Mendonça. Mr. Mendonça was elected to our board of directors as a nominee of Odebrecht. He is currently the chief executive officer of Odebrecht Agroindustrial (former ETH Bioenergia).  Mr. Mendonça joined the Odebrecht Group in 2002 when he started working at Braskem, where he held several positions, such as executive vice president of the polyolefins unit, executive vice president of the basic petrochemicals unit and executive vice president of the polymers unit.  He also acted as chief executive officer of Braskem Qpar S.A. In 2011, Mr. Mendonça was appointed chief executive officer of Braskem America and executive vice president of the international unit of Braskem. Before joining Braskem, Luiz spent a significant part of his career at Rhodia, in the textile and chemical sectors, where he held several business/operational positions throughout Latin America, France and the United States. Luiz has a bachelor’s degree in production engineering from University of São Paulo and a MBA from Insead-France.

Marcus Vinicius de Oliveira Magalhães. Mr Magalhães was elected as an alternate member of our board of directors as a nominee of Petrobras. Mr. Magalhães is a senior processing engineer, and he works as a petrochemical refinery Integration manager at petrobras.

Mauro Motta Figueira. Mr. Figueira was elected as an alternate member of our board of directors as a nominee of Odebrecht. Mr. Figueira currently serves as the financial planning director of Odebrecht. Previously, he was a financial analyst at Citibank and strategic planning manager at OPP Petroquimica until 2002; senior consultant at management consulting firm A.T. Kearney from 2004 to 2006, marketing controller at Johnson & Johnson from 2006 to 2008 and senior manager at strategic consulting firm Monitor Group from 2008 to 2010. Mr. Figueira holds a degree in production engineering from the University of São Paulo and has an MBA from the Darden School of Business.

Paulo Oliveira Lacerda de Melo. Mr. Melo was elected as an alternate member of our board of directors as a nominee of Odebrecht. He is currently the operations director of Odebrecht. and acted as senior vice president of CNO from 1997 to 2010. Ever since he joined the Odebrecht Group he has worked as project manager in several projects in Brazil from 1978 to 1987. He also served as managing director of Odebrecht in Angola from 1988 to 1992 and chief executive officer of Tenenge – Técnica Nacional de Engenharia S.A., the EPC division of Odebrecht, from 1993 to 1996. He holds a degree in civil engineering from Escola Politécnica da Fundação de Ensino Superior de Pernambuco.

Roberto Prisco Paraíso Ramos. Mr. Ramos was elected as an alternate member of our board of directors as a nominee of Odebrecht. Mr Ramos graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro in 1971, and also participated in the Program for Administrative Development at Harvard University in 1982. Since July 2014 he has worked as the Senior Consultant and Director Responsible for Exploration and Production Projects of Odebrecht Óleo e Gás. He began working with the Odebrecht Organization in May 1995 and held various executive and board of directors' positions, and is currently member of the Board of Directors of Braskem IDESA S.A. (México), Chairman of the Board for Odebrecht Defesa e Tecnologia and Chairman of the Board of Enseada Indústria Naval. From 2003 to 2004 and from 2005 to 2006 he was the Chairman of the Board of Petroflex S.A. Mr. Roberto Ramos previously held the position of Executive Vice-President of Braskem (from August 2002 to December 2010) and that of Chief Executive Officer of Odebrecht Óleo e Gás (from 1998 to 2002 and from November 2010 to July 2014). He was also the Financial Director of Tenenge Holdings (London) and Director and Vice-President of North Sea Production Company (Aberdeen). From September 1992 to April 1995, he was the Chief Financial Officer of the Focchi Group in Bologna, Italy. From 1971 to 1992, he worked for Montreal Engenharia S.A. (Brazil). Except for the position as member of the Board of Directors held in the Company.

Board of Executive Officers of Braskem

Our board of executive officers is our executive management body. Our executive officers are our legal representatives and are responsible for our internal organization and day-to-day operations and the implementation of the general policies and guidelines established from time to time by our board of directors.

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Our by-laws require that the board of executive officers consist of a chief executive officer and between three and nine additional members, each responsible for business areas that our board of directors assigns to them. The members of our board of executive officers, other than our chief executive officer, have no formal titles (other than the title of executive officer or “Diretor”) but have the informal titles set forth in the table below.

The members of our board of executive officers are elected by our board of directors for three-year terms and are eligible for reelection. The current term of all of our executive officers ends at the first board of directors meeting held immediately after our annual shareholders’ meeting to be held in 2015. Our board of directors may remove any executive officer from office at any time with or without cause. According to the Brazilian Corporation Law, executive officers must be residents of Brazil but need not be shareholders of our company. Our board of executive officers holds meetings when called by our chief executive officer.

The following table lists the current members of our board of executive officers:

Name

Year of Appointment

Position Held

Age

Carlos José Fadigas de Souza Filho

2010

Chief Executive Officer

45

Mário Augusto da Silva

2013

Vice President Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Director of Investor Relations

38

Gustavo Sampaio Valverde

2013

Vice President Executive Officer and General Counsel

40

Décio Fabricio Oddone da Costa

2010

Vice President Executive Officer of Investments

53

Edmundo José Correia Aires

2010

Vice President Executive Officer of Technology and Innovation

56

Luciano Nitrini Guidolin

2012

Vice President Executive Officer of Polyolefins, Project COMPERJ and Renewable Chemicals

42

Marcelo de Oliveira Cerqueira

2013

Vice President Executive Officer of Basic Petrochemicals Unit

48

Summarized below is information regarding the business experience, areas of expertise and principal outside business interests of our current executive officers.

Carlos José Fadigas de Souza Filho. Mr. Fadigas is currently our chief executive officer, a position which he has held since December 2010. Mr. Fadigas joined Braskem in 2007 and previously held the positions of chief financial officer and investor relations officer of Braskem and chief executive officer of Braskem America. He joined the Odebrecht Group as investment analyst at Odebrecht Química in 1993 and subsequently worked as strategic planning director at OPP Petroquímica and Trikem. Later, Mr. Fadigas held several different positions throughout the Odebrecht Group, as controller-director at OPP Petroquímica and Trikem in 2000, finance manager at CNO in 2002, and finance director at CNO in 2004. From 1991 to 1992 Mr. Fadigas worked as relationship manager at Citibank. Mr. Fadigas holds a degree in business administration from Universidade Salvador, or UNIFACS, and a MBA from the IMD in Switzerland.

Mário Augusto da Silva. Mr. Silva is currently our chief financial officer and investor relations officer and previously served in our strategic planning area from 2001 to 2005. He has also been responsible for the financial areas of CNO, Odebrecht Óleo & Gás and, most recently, Odebrecht Infraestrutura – América Latina. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Universidade de Salvador, or UNIFACS, and an MBA from Harvard Business School.

Gustavo Sampaio Valverde. Mr. Valverde is currently our vice president of legal and corporate affairs and previously served as our vice president of legal and external affairs from 2011 to 2013, our legal director from 2009 to 2011 and senior in-house counsel to Braskem S.A. (OPP Química S.A.) from 2001 to 2002. Mr. Valverde also served as legal director at CBPO Ingeniería de Venezuela from 2007 to 2009, senior in-house counsel at CNO from 2003 to 2007, and previously as an attorney at Costa, Mello & Cavalcanti Advogados from and in-house counsel at Meta Brasil Engenharia. He holds a bachelor’s degree in law from Universidade Federal da Bahia, a specialization in tax law and a master’s degree in law from Pontifícia Universidade Católica de São Paulo and a master’s degree in law from Columbia University.

Décio Fabricio Oddone da Costa. Mr. Oddone is currently our vice president executive officer of investments. He has served as the chief executive officer of Petrobras Energía S.A. from 2008 to 2010 and, since 2005, as a member of its board of directors. He has also served as chairman of the board of directors of Innova from 2008 to 2010. Mr. Oddone previously held several managerial positions with Petrobras and other companies in the Petrobras group in Brazil, Argentina, Angola, Libya, and Bolivia, including chief executive officer and chairman of Petrobras Bolivia S.A. He was responsible for Petrobras’ international operations in the Southern Cone and other countries in Latin America. He holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. He completed post-graduate courses in petroleum engineering promoted by Petrobras and attended the Advanced Management Program at Harvard University Business School and the Advanced Management Program at INSEAD in France. He holds an Honoris Causa Doctoral Degree in Education from Aquino University, Bolivia.

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Edmundo José Correia Aires. Mr. Aires is currently our vice president executive officer of technology and innovation. He served as a member of our board of directors from 2008 to 2010 and as an alternate member of our board of directors from 2001 to 2008. He served as president of the board of directors of Triunfo from 2005 to 2008 and as a member of the board of directors of FCC—Fábrica Carioca de Catalisadores S.A. from 2004 to 2008, and of Ipiranga Petroquímica from 2007 to 2008. He served as the partnership manager of Petroquisa since 2001. Previously, Mr. Aires occupied several executive positions with Petroquisa and Petrobras beginning in 1980. Mr. Aires holds a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from UFRJ and an MBA in finance from COPPEAD. He has also completed a post-graduate course in petrochemical process at Petrobras (CENPEQ).

Luciano Nitrini Guidolin. Mr. Guidolin is currently our vice president executive officer of polyolefins, project COMPERJ and renewable chemicals.  He joined the Odebrecht Group in 1994 and has held several positions in OPP and later at Braskem, such as corporate planning director, vinyl marketing and development director, polyolefin export director and vinyl commercial director. In 2007, Mr. Guidolin was appointed executive director of Odebrecht Agroindustrial (former ETH Bioenergia), in which he was responsible for the finance, information technology and planning areas. From 2011 to 2012, Mr. Guidolin worked as chief financial officer for Odebrecht where he served on the board of directors of several of the Odebrecht group companies, including Braskem. He holds a bachelor´s degree in engineering from Universidade de São Paulo, and a master’s degree in business administration from Harvard Business School. 

Marcelo de Oliveira Cerqueira. Mr. Cerqueira is currently the vice president of our Basic Petrochemicals Unit. Mr. Cerqueira previously served as head of our Vinyls Unit from 2010 until October 2013, as industrial vinyls director from 2009 until 2010 and as production manager of our PVC production unit in the State of Bahia from 2003 until 2008. Previously he worked at Trikem in various capacities, including production manager of the PVC production unit in the State of Alagoas from 1997 until 2002. At Companhia Petroquímica Camaçari, he worked with the production logistics, health, safety and the environment and procurement engineering areas from 1989 until 1996. He began his career at Companhia Alcoolquímica Nacional and COPERBO (now Lanxess), where he worked from 1987 until 1989. He holds a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of Pernambuco and an MBA from FGV.

Fiscal Council

The Brazilian Corporation Law requires us to establish a permanent or non-permanent fiscal council (conselho fiscal). Our by-laws provide for a permanent fiscal council composed of five members and their respective alternate members. The fiscal council is a separate corporate body, independent of our management and our independent accountants.

The members of our fiscal council are elected by our shareholders at the annual general shareholders’ meeting for one-year terms and are eligible for reelection. The terms of the members of our fiscal council expire at the next annual general shareholders’ meeting. Under the Brazilian Corporation Law, the fiscal council may not contain members who are members of our board of directors or our board of executive officers or are employees or spouses or relatives of any member of our management. To be eligible to serve on our fiscal council, a person must be a resident of Brazil and either be a university graduate or have been a company officer or fiscal council member of another Brazilian company for at least three years prior to election to our fiscal council. Holders of (1) preferred shares without voting rights and; (2) non-controlling common shareholders that together hold at least 10.0% of our voting share capital are each entitled to elect one member and his or her respective alternate to the fiscal council.

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The responsibilities of a fiscal council are established by the Brazilian Corporation Law. In accordance with the Brazilian Corporation Law, our fiscal council has the right and obligation to, among other things:

·      supervise, through any of its members, the actions of our managers and to verify their fulfillment of their duties;

·      give an opinion on the annual report of our management, including the supplementary information deemed necessary or useful for deliberation at a general meeting;

·      at least every three months examine the trial balance sheet and other financial statements periodically prepared by the company;

·      examine the accounts and financial statements for the financial year and give an opinion on them;

·      opine on any management proposals to be submitted to a vote of our shareholders related to:

Ø  changes in our share capital;

Ø  issuances of debentures or rights offerings entitling the holder to subscribe for equity securities;

Ø  distributions of dividends; and

Ø  transformation of our corporate form and any corporate restructuring, such as takeovers, mergers and spin-offs;

·      inform our management of any error, fraud or misdemeanor detected and suggest measures we should take in order to protect our primary interests. If our management fails to take the measures required to protect our interests, inform our shareholders at a shareholders’ meeting of these facts; and

·      call general shareholders’ meetings if management delays the general shareholders' meeting for more than one month and call special shareholders' meetings in the event that important matters arise.

As described in “Item 16D. Exemptions From the Listing Standards for Audit Committees,” we are relying on the general exemption from the listing standards relating to audit committees contained in Rule 10A-3(c)(3) under the Exchange Act. In order to comply with the requirements of this exemption, our board of directors has delegated to our fiscal council certain additional responsibilities and our fiscal council adopted rules under which our fiscal council has the duties and responsibilities of a U.S. audit committee to the extent permitted under Brazilian corporate law. Because Brazilian corporate law does not permit the board of directors to delegate responsibility for the appointment, retention and compensation of the external auditors and does not provide our board of directors or fiscal council with the authority to resolve disagreements between management and our external auditors regarding financial reporting, our fiscal council cannot fulfill these functions. Our fiscal council may only make recommendations to our board of directors and shareholders with respect to the appointment, retention and compensation of the external auditors, and with regard to resolution of disagreements between management and the external auditors, our fiscal council may only make recommendations to our board of directors and shareholders. Under the rules governing our fiscal council, our fiscal council has the following rights and obligations, among others, in addition to those established by the Brazilian Corporation Law:

·      to follow and analyze the process of hiring independent auditors, observing applicable Brazilian rules and legislation, and considering the technical expertise, independence, efficiency, experience and costs of the independent auditors, and recommend to our board of directors the selection and remuneration for the work of independent auditors and their possible replacement;

·      to approve the annual list of pre-approval services that may be provided in a given year by the independent auditors, as well as ensure that the policy is observed by our management and independent auditors;

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·      to supervise the work of our independent auditors, as well as to discuss the scope of audit services to be performed by them;

·      to analyze the recommendations report prepared by our independent auditors and the internal control over financial reporting, including items that may impact our financial statements;

·      to request from our independent auditors, if necessary, any clarification or information that is deemed to be necessary for the verification of specific facts;

·      to meet with our management and independent auditors, whenever required, for the analysis of adoption of critical accounting policies and practices, including analysis of alternative treatments of policies, practices and disclosures related to material items, giving preferential treatment to the guidelines of our independent auditors;

·      to intermediate possible discussion and conflicts arising between our independent auditors and our management related to the draft of financial reports, providing, if necessary, opinions regarding such conflicts;

·      to discuss the content of all material and relevant communication made in writing by our independent auditors to our management which come to its knowledge;

·      to hire, as appropriate, in accordance with § 8 of Article 163 of the Brazilian Corporation Law, independent experts and advisers, including but not limited to legal counsel, to advise and give opinions on matters related to the performance of its duties;

·      to meet regularly and privately with the head of internal audit to discuss any issues and/or concerns; and

·      to receive information and oversee the evaluation process regarding complaints received by the Company, whether through its confidential, anonymous ethics hotline or otherwise, with respect to the company’s financial statements, internal accounting controls and auditors (whether internal or independent).

The following table lists the current members of our fiscal council and their alternates:

Name

First Year of Appointment

Aluízio da Rocha Coelho Neto

2010

Ismael Campos de Abreu

2003

Gilberto Braga

2015

Luiz Gonzaga do Monte Teixeira

2014

Marcos Antonio Zacarias

2015

Amós da Silva Cancio (alternate)

2015

Ana Patricia Soares Nogueira (alternate)

2010

Afonso Celso Florentino (alternate)

2010

Hubert Georg Deierl (alternate)

2015

Tatiana Macedo Costa Rego Tourinho (alternate)

2014

The following is a summary of the business experience, areas of expertise and principal outside business interests of the current members of our fiscal council and their alternates.

Members of Fiscal Council

Aluízio da Rocha Coelho Neto. Mr. Rocha was elected as a member of our fiscal council as a nominee of Odebrecht. He has served as treasurer of CNO since May 2014 and previously served as controller, from 2010 to 2014, and leader of the international tax planning department of CNO since 2008. He has previously served as the senior manager of tax planning of our company, as part of the tax planning team at Arcelor—Cia. Siderúrgica de Tubarão, and as a senior auditor with PricewaterhouseCoopers. Mr. Rocha holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the Federal Universidade do Espírito Santo, or UFES, a master’s degree in accounting from USP (FIPECAFI) and a master’s degree in finance from USP (FIA).

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Ismael Campos de Abreu. Mr. Abreu was elected as a member of our fiscal council as a nominee of Odebrecht. He served as president of our fiscal council from 2006 to 2010. Mr. Abreu has been an executive officer of Kieppe Participações e Administração Ltda. since April 2011 and previously served as controller of Odebrecht from 1995 to 2011 and manager of the tax consulting division of PricewaterhouseCoopers Auditores Independentes from 1978 to 1985, controller of Corrêa Ribeiro S.A. Comércio e Indústria from 1986 to 1988, manager of the consulting area of Arthur Andersen from 1989 to 1991, and a partner of Performance Auditoria e Consultoria from 1992 to 1995. He was a member of the fiscal council of Petroflex until the sale of our interest in Petroflex in April 2008 and was a member of the fiscal council of Polialden until our merger with Polialden. Mr. Abreu holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Fundação Visconde de Cairú, and a post-graduate degree in economic engineering from Centro Interamericano de Desenvolvimento.

Gilberto Braga. Mr Braga was elected as a member of the fiscal council by the holders of preferred shares in April 2015, Mr. Braga is a business consultant in the financial, capital markets, corporate, tax, legal expertise and expertise of assistance, besides working  as fiscal member and audit committee of listed companies and professional associations. Member of the Advisory Committee on Accounting Standards of CVM investment funds, graduation and post-graduation professor and writer of the newspaper jornal O Dia. Mr. Braga holds a degree in Economics from UCAM Ipanema and Accounting from UGF, postgraduate from IAG-PUC Rio in Financial Management and Master in Business Administration (Finance and Capital Markets) by IBMEC- Rio.

Marcos Antonio Zacarias Mr.  Zacarias was elected as a member of the fiscal council as representative of Petrobras in April 2015. Mr. Zacarias is General Manager of Financial Management at Petrobras since 2006, reporting to the Executive Management of Corporate Finance.

Luiz Gonzaga do Monte Teixeira. Mr. Teixeira was elected as a member of our fiscal council as a nominee of Petrobras. He joined Petrobras from 1975 to 2014 and held various positions in the company’s accounting department. Since September 2012, he has served as general accounting manager for its subsidiaries. Previously, from 2006 to 2012, he served as general manager of accounting support, from 2000 to 2005, he served as accounting planning manager, and from 1996 to 2000, he served as head of the cost and managerial accounting division. He has served as a member of the fiscal council of the Petrobras companies since 2005, including PETROCOQUE S.A., COMPERJ, Cia. Integrada Textil de Pernambuco and Petroquímica SUAPE. Mr. Gonzaga holds bachelor’s degrees in accounting sciences and business administration from Faculdade Moraes Junior (Mackenzie).

Alternate Members of Fiscal Council

Amós da Silva Cancio. Mr Cancio was elected as an alternate member of our fiscal council as a nominee of Petrobras. Mr. Cancio has worked at Petróleo Brasileiro S.A. starting in 2004 up to the present date, where he has occupied the position of Manager of Planning and Accounting Guidelines since August 2012. Prior to this he held the position of Accounting Coordinator for New Business, between April 2006  until July 2012.

Ana Patricia Soares Nogueira. Ms. Nogueira was elected as an alternate member of our fiscal council as a nominee of Odebrecht and currently serves as a corporate law legal consultant. Ms. Nogueira served as an attorney for our company from August 2001 until December 2008. She was a private practitioner from October 1997 to August 2001. Prior to October 1997, Ms. Nogueira held a variety of legal positions at Trikem and Odebrecht. She holds a bachelor’s degree in law from Universidade Católica de Salvador and an MBA in business administration from FGV.

Afonso Celso Florentino de Oliveira. Mr. Oliveira was elected as an alternate member of our fiscal council as a nominee of Odebrecht. He has served as accounting manager for CNO and ODB since March 2008 and served as a senior manager with PricewaterhouseCoopers from July 1994 through February 2008. Mr. Oliveira holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting sciences from UFMG, an MBA from IMBEC in Minas Gerais and an MBA from INSPER in São Paulo.

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Hubert Georg Deierl. Mr Deierl. was elected as an alternate member of our fiscal council as a nominee of Petrobras. Mr. Deierl has worked at the Sector Manager for Corporate Management at Petrobras since September of 2012. From 2006 to 2012 he worked as the Manager for International Financial Monitoring and Analysis and was responsible for the financial monitoring and analysis of the business conducted by the companies of Petrobras located abroad. In addition, he has worked on the following fiscal boards: INNOVA S.A.: as an alternate member of the fiscal board from March of 2013 to October of 2014;  GASPETRO: full member of the fiscal board since March of 2013; TAG: alternate member of the fiscal board from March of 2011 to March of 2014; TBG: full member of the fiscal board from March of 2008 to March of 2013

Tatiana Macedo Costa Rego Tourinho. Mrs. Tourinho was elected as an alternate member of our fiscal council as a nominee of Odebrecht. Mrs. Tourinho is currently the head of the controlling team at CNO. From 2007 to 2013, she served as the head of tax planning at CNO. Previously, she worked for seven years in the tax department of Vivo S.A. as tax planning division manager. Previously she worked for two years at Arthur Andersen. Except for the position of alternate member on our audit board from 2010 to 2011, she has not served in the past and does not currently serve in management positions in any other publicly held corporation. She holds a bachelor’s degree in public and private business administration from the Federal University of Bahia and an MBA in management from IBMEC.

Board Committees

On June 22, 2005, our board of directors approved its internal operating rules. An English translation of the internal operating rules of our board of directors is available on our investor relations website at www.braskem.com.br/ir. Under these rules, our board of directors has established three permanent committees and has the power to establish ad-hoc committees. Permanent committees must have no fewer than three and no more than four members. Members of permanent committees serve one-year terms and may be re-appointed. Ad-hoc committees may be convened for a limited period to consider temporary issues and are dissolved when their purpose has been achieved or when the term established upon the creation of such committees expires. The number of members of the ad-hoc committees is defined upon the creation of such committees. As of the date of this annual report, we do not have any existing ad-hoc committees.

We currently have the following three permanent committees: (1) the Finance and Investments Committee, (2) the Personnel and Corporate Issues Committee, and (3) the Strategy and Communication Committee. The duties of each permanent committee are established by our board of directors. The members of each permanent committee are appointed by our board of directors, solely from among its members and alternate members, and the board of directors also designates the coordinating of each permanent committee. Our board of directors does not delegate the power to take actions on behalf of our company to the permanent committees; rather the role of the permanent committees is to provide analyses of issues in order to assist the full board of directors in its deliberations.

Finance and Investments Committee

Our Finance and Investments Committee meets quarterly and has the following duties: (1) to evaluate new policies relating to financial management, insurance and guarantees and analyze existing policies, (2) to evaluate new risk management policies and analyze existing policies, (3) to analyze opportunities related to financing and investment transactions that may improve our capital structure, and (4) to analyze transactions approved by our board of directors that involve parties related to our company. Our Finance and Investments Committee is currently composed of Marcela Aparecida Drehmer Andrade and Roberto Zurli Machado.

Personnel and Corporate Issues Committee

Our Personnel and Corporate Issues Committee meets quarterly and has the following duties: (1) to evaluate new policies and review existing policies relating to personnel matters and organizational issues, (2) to analyze processes relating to identification, training, development and succession of executives for or in strategic positions, (3) to analyze processes relating to the determination of fixed and variable compensation for executives in strategic positions, (4) to analyze issues relating to compliance with our Code of Conduct, and (5) to evaluate new policies and review existing policies relating the maintenance and strengthening of our corporate culture. Our Personnel and Corporate Issues Committee is currently composed of Daniel Bezerra Villar and Álvaro Fernandes da Cunha Filho.

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Strategy and Communication Committee

Our Strategy and Communication Committee meets at least twice a year and has the following duties: (1) to evaluate determinations relating to the foundation of our business plan, (2) to evaluate the business direction being pursued to achieve objectives defined by our board of directors, (3) to evaluate new policies and review existing policies relating to the capital markets and social responsibility, (4) to evaluate the image of our company projected to and perceived in the market and make recommendations to our board of directors to maintain or to redefine our social communications programs, and (5) to analyze guidelines and protocols for our business planning and execution cycle. Our Strategy and Communication Committee is currently composed of Alfredo Lisboa Ribeiro Tellechea and Patrick Horbach Fairon.

Compensation

According to our by-laws, our shareholders are responsible for establishing the aggregate compensation we pay to the members of our board of directors, our board of executive officers and our fiscal council. Our shareholders determine this aggregate compensation at the general shareholders’ meeting each year. Once aggregate compensation is established, the members of the board of directors are responsible for distributing such aggregate compensation individually to the members of our board of directors, our board of executive officers and our fiscal council in compliance with our bylaws.

Compensation and Benefits

The aggregate compensation paid by us to all members of our board of directors, board of executive officers and our fiscal council for services in all capacities was approximately R$30.9 million in 2014. On April 9, 2015, our shareholders (acting in the annual general meeting) established the compensation for our board of directors, our board of executive officers and the member of our fiscal council for the year 2015.

The members of the board of directors receive a fixed monthly compensation, which is not affected by the numbers of meetings that take place each month. The members of the fiscal council receive a fixed monthly compensation, which is not affected by the numbers of meetings that take place each month. The alternate members of the board of directors and of the fiscal council do not receive any compensation.

Our executive officers receive the same benefits generally provided to our employees, such as medical (including dental) assistance, private pension plan and meal vouchers. Like our employees, our executive officers also receive a yearly bonus equal to one-month’s salary (known as the “thirteenth” (monthly) salary in Brazil), an additional one-third of one-month’s salary for vacation, and contributions of 8.0% of their salary into a defined contribution pension fund known as the Guarantee Fund for Time of Service (Fundo de Garantia por Tempo de Serviço). Members of our board of directors and fiscal council are not entitled to these benefits.

Members of our board of directors, board of executive officers and fiscal council are not parties to contracts providing for benefits upon the termination of employment other than, in the case of executive officers, the benefits described above.

Long-Term Incentive Plan

On September 26, 2005, we adopted a long-term incentive plan. Under the terms of this plan, we issued investment units, each having an economic value equivalent to the economic value of one class A preferred share of our company, to our executive officers, senior management and other employees involved in our strategic programs, which the plan refers to as our business partners.

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The long-term incentive plan was terminated by a meeting of our board of directors held on May 7, 2014.

Corporate Governance Practices

The significant differences between our corporate governance practices and the standards of the NYSE are described in “Item 16G. Corporate Governance.”

Share Ownership of Directors and Officers

As of April 20, 2015, no member of Braskem’s board of directors or executive officer owned more than 0.1% of Braskem’s share capital. All shares owned by our directors and executive officers were purchased at market prices through the BM&FBOVESPA.

Employees

The following table sets forth the number of our employees by geographic location at the dates indicated.

Number of Employees by Geographic Location

2014

2013

2012

State of Bahia

1,763

1,811

1,858

State of Rio Grande do Sul

1,732

1,781

1,787

State of São Paulo

2,186

2,109

1,846

State of Alagoas

530

535

523

State of Rio de Janeiro

457

493

474

Other Brazilian states

2

13

14

Brazil

6,670

6,742

6,502

United States

668

624

595

Germany

162

168

147

Mexico

588

524

81

Other countries

38

38

40

Total

8,126

8,096

7,365

We do not employ a material number of temporary employees.

Employees in Brazil

In Brazil, both employees and employers have the right to organize unions. Employees belonging to a specific “professional category” and employers constituting a specific “economic category” may each be represented by a single union in a particular geographic area. Individual unions generally belong to state-wide union federations, which in turn belong to nationwide union confederations. We are a member of the Petrochemicals and Synthetic Resins Industries Union of the States of Bahia, Alagoas, Rio Grande do Sul and São Paulo, and our employees belong to the Petrochemicals Industries Workers’ Unions in each of these states. As of December 31, 2014, approximately 28.4% of our employees in Brazil were union members. We believe that we have good ongoing relations with our employees and their unions. We have not experienced a strike in Brazil since Trikem was privatized in 1995. The current collective bargaining agreements with our unions have one-year to two year terms and are subject to annual renegotiation. We have traditionally applied the terms of bargaining agreements entered into with the unions equally to unionized and non-unionized employees.

Post-Employment Benefits in Brazil

ODEPREV Defined Contribution Plan

The majority of our employees (approximately 83%) participate in the Odebrecht Pension Plan (Odebrecht Previdência), or ODEPREV. We pay part of the monthly payments made by our employees to ODEPREV. This pension fund is a defined contribution plan that pays pension and retirement amounts that supplement those paid by the Brazilian government’s pension system and is intended to provide its members with income upon retirement. In 2014, we paid R$28,245 million into this fund.

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Petros Copesul Defined Benefit Plan

As a result of our merger with Copesul, we became the sponsor of the Petros Copesul plan. On October 2, 2012, PREVIC approved the withdrawal of sponsorship of this plan by Braskem. In February 2015, we paid the reserves of this fund to the participants in an aggregate amount of R$358.5 million. In anticipation of this payment, we provisioned an amount of R$336.4 million, recorded under current liabilities. The difference between the amount provisioned and the payment made corresponds to interest incurred in 2015.

Petros PQU Defined Benefit Plan

With the acquisition of Braskem Qpar in April 2010 (which merged into our company on December 1, 2014), we assumed the liabilities of Petros PQU.  On August 6, 2012, PREVIC approved the sponsorship withdrawal process, which had been requested on September 30, 2009. The payment of the reserves to participants is expected to be made in 2015. This plan currently has a surplus and consequently no provision has been made.

Other Benefits in Brazil

Our employees in Brazil and their dependents receive medical and dental assistance through a network of accredited doctors. We pay most of the costs for these services, with a small portion being paid by our employees. A small monthly fee is also charged to our employees to pay for more costly medical services. In 2014, we spent
R$
60,809 million on this assistance.

Employees in the United States

The employees of Braskem America are not represented by any union, other than employees of Braskem America’s Neal, West Virginia plant. As of December 31, 2014, approximately 57% of the employees of this plant were represented by the United Steel, Paper & Forestry, Rubber, Manufacturing, Energy Allied-Industrial & Service Workers International Union. The collective bargaining agreement with this union expires in May 2019.

Post-Employment Benefits in the United States

Braskem America administers a closed defined benefit pension plan that, as of December 31, 2014, had 54 active participants, compared to 53 participants in 2013. The company made a cash contribution to the plan of US$1,165 million in 2014. There were no participant contributions in 2014.

We offer a 401(k) savings plan that, as of December 31, 2014, had total assets of US$55.6 million, including US$11.6 million in participant contributions made in 2014.

Other Benefits in the United States

Braskem America offers its employees the ability to participate in a variety of health and welfare benefit plans, including medical, dental vision, life and disability coverage.

Employees in Germany

The employees of Braskem Europe are not represented by any union, other than certain employees in our Schkopau plant. As of December 31, 2014, approximately 73% of the employees of this plant were represented by IG BCE Ost.

In October 2011, the obligations of Dow under German pension plans were assumed by Braskem Europe as a result of the Dow Polypropylene Acquisition. In 2013, Braskem Europe implemented a new defined contribution pension plan. As of December 31, 2014, 35 of our employees were active participants in this new pension plan.

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Other Benefits in Germany

Braskem Europe offers its employees the ability to participate in benefit plans, including pension, life and disability coverage.

Employees in Mexico

Post-Employment Benefits in Mexico

Braskem Idesa employees are granted a government retirement benefit plan when they retire or reach retirement age. On December 31, 2014, this government retirement plan had 548 active participants.

Other Benefits in Mexico

Braskem Mexico offers its employees the ability to participate in benefit plans, including a savings plan, food plan, life insurance and health insurance.

Performance-Based Employee Compensation Plan

We have adopted and applied a personnel management philosophy which emphasizes a performance related pay structure and a decentralized management structure. Employees in each of our business units participate in setting and achieving their business unit’s annual objectives. As a result, employees in those business units that meet or exceed their goals share in our financial performance through performance-based employee compensation plans. During 2014, we recorded an expense of R$271.2 million related to this program with respect to approximately 8,533 employees, including our executive officers. The members of our board of directors do not participate in this program.

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ITEM 7. MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Major Shareholders

As of April 20, 2015, we had outstanding share capital of R$8,043,222,080.50 equal to 797,265,348 total shares consisting of 451,668,652 common shares, 345,002,878 class A preferred shares and 593,818 class B preferred shares. As of April 20, 2015, all of our authorized shares were issued and outstanding, other than 1,154,758 class A preferred shares held in treasury. All of our share capital is fully paid. All of our shares are without par value.

Generally, only our common shares have voting rights. Our preferred shares have voting rights only in exceptional circumstances.

As permitted by the Brazilian Corporation Law, our by-laws specify that 25% of our adjusted net profits for each fiscal year must be distributed to shareholders as dividends or interest attributable to shareholders’ equity. Under our by-laws, our preferred shareholders are entitled to a minimum annual non-cumulative preferential dividend, or the Minimum Preferred Dividend, equal to 6% of their pro rata share of our capital before dividends may be paid to our common shareholders. Distributions of dividends in any year are made:

Our class B preferred shareholders are not entitled to receive any additional dividend amounts after they have received the Minimum Preferred Dividend. If the Minimum Preferred Dividend is not paid for a period of three years, holders of preferred shares will be entitled to full voting rights.

The following table sets forth information concerning the ownership of our common shares and class A preferred shares as of April 20, 2015 by each person whom we know to be the owner of more than 5.0% of our common shares and our class A preferred shares, and by all of our directors and executive officers as a group. Our principal shareholders have the same voting rights with respect to each class of our shares that they own as other holders of shares of that class.

 

Common Shares

Class A Preferred Shares

Total

 

Number of Shares

%

Number of Shares

%

Number of Shares

%

Odebrecht(1)

226,334,623

50.1

79,182,498

23.0

305,517,121

38.3

Petrobras

212,426,952

47.0

75,171,630

22.9

287,598,582

36.1

BNDESPAR

40,102,837

11.6

40,102,837

5.0

All directors, fiscal council members, their alternates and executive officers as a group (39 persons)

100

*

77,526

*

77,526

*

____________________________ ______

*      less than 1%

(1)   Includes 79,182,486 class A preferred shares held by OSP, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Odebrecht.

We currently have no management or employee option plans or management or employee options outstanding. See “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees—Compensation—Long-Term Incentive Plan.”

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Changes in Ownership

On January 27, 2012, OSP, Petrobras and Petroquisa approved a partial split off (cissão) in which BRK transferred 102,222,019 of our common shares to Petrobras and 92,204,840 of our common shares to Petroquisa. BRK retained 226,334,622 of our common shares and became a wholly-owned subsidiary of OSP. On the same date, the shareholders of Petrobras voted to merge its subsidiary Petroquisa into Petrobras.

Shareholders’ Agreements

Petrobras Shareholders’ Agreement

Odebrecht, OSP, Petrobras and Petroquisa, with Braskem and BRK as intervening parties, entered into the Petrobras Shareholders’ Agreement, effective February 8, 2010, which has a term of 35 years. The Petrobras Shareholders’ Agreement superseded the Shareholders’ Agreement that formerly governed the relationship between Petrobras, Petroquisa, Odebrecht and Norquisa regarding our shares.

Under the Petrobras Shareholders’ Agreement Petrobras has the right to designate:

·      four members of our board of directors and their alternates for so long as they own, directly or indirectly, an aggregate of 30% or more of our voting share capital;

·      three members of our board of directors and their alternates for so long as they own, directly or indirectly, an aggregate of 18%, but less than 30%, of our voting share capital;

·      two members of our fiscal council and their alternates, one of which will serve as president, for so long as they own, directly or indirectly, an aggregate of 30% or more of our voting share capital; and

·      two members of our fiscal council and their alternates for so long as they own, directly or indirectly, an aggregate of 18%, but less than 30%, of our voting share capital and for so long as Odebrecht has the right to elect more than a majority of the members.

For so long as Petrobras has the right to designate three or four members of our board of directors, one of these designees will serve as vice president of our board of directors.

Under the Petrobras Shareholders’ Agreement, Odebrecht is entitled to nominate our chief executive officer. Our chief executive officer must choose our chief financial officer from among three nominees submitted by Odebrecht and the executive officer responsible for our investment and portfolio area from among three nominees submitted by Petrobras. Our chief executive officer has the power to nominate the other members of our board of executive officers.

Under the Petrobras Shareholders’ Agreement, Odebrecht has the sole power to approve the business plan of our company. However, for so long as Petrobras owns, directly or indirectly, an aggregate of less than 30% and more than 18% of our voting share capital, we are prohibited from taking certain strategic actions unless a consensus regarding those actions is reached between Odebrecht and Petrobras, including, among others:

·      actions affecting our share capitalization or the rights of holders of our shares;

·      mergers, spin-offs or similar transactions;

·      investments and purchases of non-current assets with a value in excess of 30% of our non-current assets;

·      dispositions of non-current assets with a value in excess of 10% of our non-current assets;

·      creation of liens on our non-current assets with a value in excess of the lesser of R$350 million and 20% of our non-current assets; and

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·      actions that would result in our violating specified net debt to EBITDA and EBITDA to total interest ratios.

Under the Petrobras Shareholders’ Agreement, we have agreed that investments that we make to increase our capacity must be supported by an evaluation demonstrating profitability under standards such as net present value or internal rate of return. Petrobras has granted a right of first refusal to our company with respect to development of any petrochemical project that Petrobras proposes to pursue. In the event that we decide not to participate in any such proposed project, Petrobras has agreed that we will have the right to market the products produced by the proposed project on conditions satisfactory to us and Petrobras.

Under the Petrobras Shareholders’ Agreement, Petrobras has the right to sell a pro rata portion of their common shares of our company in connection with any direct or indirect sale of our common shares by the Odebrecht Group to a third party.

Under the Petrobras Shareholders’ Agreement, each of the parties has agreed:

·      subject to certain exceptions, not to grant any liens on any of its Braskem shares;

·      to grant a right of first refusal and tag along rights to the other parties to the Petrobras Shareholders’ Agreement with respect to any sale of its Braskem shares;

·      in the event that a party’s interest in our voting share capital is diluted in a transaction involving one or more of the other parties to the Petrobras Shareholders’ Agreement, the diluted party will have the right to purchase shares of Braskem from the diluting parties in an amount that would, after giving effect to such purchase, result in the diluted party holding the same percentage interest in our voting share capital that it held immediately prior to the dilution event; and

·      in the event that any party acquires or receives a right to acquire common shares of Braskem from a third party, to offer to sell to the other parties to the Petrobras Shareholders’ Agreement an amount of common shares of Braskem that would, after giving effect to such sale, result in each of the parties to the Petrobras Shareholders’ Agreement holding the same direct and/or indirect proportion of the common shares of Braskem that the parties held prior to the acquisition of common shares of Braskem from the third party.

Pension Funds Memorandum of Understanding

On July 20, 2001, Odebrecht Química, Petroquímica da Bahia S.A., Petros and the pension fund of Banco do Brasil S.A. (Caixa de Previdência dos Funcionários do Banco do Brasil), or Previ, entered into a Memorandum of Understanding Regarding Shareholders Agreement, which we refer to as the Pension Funds Memorandum of Understanding. The Pension Funds Memorandum of Understanding grants certain preemptive and share transfer rights to Petros and Previ. The Pension Funds Memorandum of Understanding has a term of 20 years, unless a shareholders’ agreement containing the terms set out below is entered into prior to that date. Under the Pension Funds Memorandum of understanding, the parties agreed to adopt the following basic principles for our management:

·      our board of executive officers will be composed of competent professionals;

·      our dividend policy will have as its objective the distribution of at least 50.0% of net income available during the relevant period, provided that all necessary reserves for the efficient operation and development of our business are established and maintained; and

·      we will adopt a commercial policy that assures the regular and continuous supply of raw materials and utilities on a competitive basis and consistent with the domestic and international markets.

Under the Pension Funds Memorandum of Understanding, Petros and Previ have the right to sell our shares owned by each of them in connection with any sale of our shares by our controlling shareholders to a third party that involves a change of our control.

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BNDESPAR Shareholders’ Agreement

We, Odebrecht and BNDESPAR have entered into a shareholders’ agreement. This shareholders’ agreement will expire on the earlier of the first date on which BNDESPAR ceases to own more than 5.0% of our total share capital and August 24, 2016. This shareholders’ agreement provides that BNDESPAR has the right to appoint one member of our board of directors for so long as Odebrecht and its subsidiaries have the right to elect more than a majority of the members of our board of directors. This shareholders’ agreement also provides that BNDESPAR has the right to (1) require our company and Odebrecht to purchase the shares that it owns in our company if we do not comply with the terms of this shareholders’ agreement and do not cure any such non-compliance within a specified period, and (2) sell its shares in the event that Odebrecht sells its voting control of our company to a third party.

Related Party Transactions

The following summarizes the material transactions that we have engaged in with our principal shareholders and their affiliates since January 1, 2014.

We have engaged in extensive transactions with our principal shareholders and their affiliates and expect to do so in the future. We also have commercial relationships with some of our affiliates and, as a result, record trade accounts receivable and current and long-term liabilities mainly from purchases and sales of goods and services at prices and on terms equivalent to the average terms and prices of transactions that we enter into with third parties. In addition, we have entered into financial and other transactions with our principal shareholders and their affiliates, including, among others, as a party to three shareholders’ agreements or memoranda of understandings with shareholders of our company. See “—Major Shareholders—Shareholders’ Agreements.”

Under the Brazilian Corporation Law, each of our directors, their alternates and our executive officers cannot vote on any matter in which they have a conflict of interest and such transactions can only be approved on reasonable and fair terms and conditions that are no more favorable than the terms and conditions prevailing in the market or offered by third parties. However, if one of our directors is absent from a meeting of our board of directors, that director’s alternate may vote even if that director has a conflict of interest, unless the alternate director shares that conflict of interest or has another conflict of interest.

The Odebrecht Group

In February 2007, we entered into an Alliance Agreement with CNO under which we have appointed CNO as a non-exclusive preferred provider with respect to maintenance services and efficiency enhancement projects at each of our plants. This agreement was unanimously approved by our board of directors. Under this agreement, we are required to request bids from CNO for these services and projects. If CNO is retained for any specific service or project, we will pay CNO its costs related to the service or project plus 15%. We are also required to pay any applicable taxes with respect to such fees. This agreement expires in February 2014.

In April 2011, we entered into another Alliance Agreement with companies in the Odebrecht Group and Genpro Engenharia S.A. for the construction of a new Butadiene plant in Triunfo. For more information regarding this project, see “Item 6. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Capital Expenditures—Greenfield Plants—Butadiene Plant.”

In October 2011, we entered into an Alliance Agreement with companies in the Odebrecht Group and ICA Flour for the site preparation construction works to be performed for the construction of Project Ethylene XXI.  The total value of this contract was US$150.0 million. 

In September 2012, we entered into an Alliance EPC contract with Ethylene XXI Contractors, S.A.P.I. de C.V. and Etileno XXI Services B.V., as contractors, and Technip and ICA Flour for the construction of Project Ethylene XXI.  Each contractor consists of a joint venture among Odebrecht Industrial Engineering B.V., ICA Fluor Petroquímica, S.A. de C.V. and Technip Italy S.p.A. Payments under the EPC contract are made on a “cost-plus” basis, in which Braskem Idesa reimburses costs of the contractors and pays a profit margin. Payments of costs are made prior to the beginning of each month based on an estimate of costs expected to be incurred during that month and are reconciled with costs actually incurred in the following month, and payments of the profit margin are made based on the achievement of milestones defined under the contract. Any cost overrun will be borne equally between Braskem Idesa and the contractors and any cost savings will be shared equally by Braskem Idesa and the contractors, in each case up to a maximum amount as calculated pursuant to the EPC contract. The contract provides for a guaranteed completion date of June 30, 2015 for the Mexico Complex and contains certain other performance guarantees and provisions for damages in case completion does not occur on or prior to the scheduled completion date.

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The aggregate amount of services we purchased under these Alliance Agreements in 2014 was R$3,631.2 million. We had accounts payable to companies in the Odebrecht Group of R$459.4 million as of December 31, 2014.

In December 2012, we sold all of our shares of Braskem Distribuidora, which owned our water treatment unit, and Cetrel, to Odebrecht Ambiental, a subsidiary of Odebrecht, for an aggregate principal amount of R$652 million, to be adjusted pursuant to the net cash position on December 28, 2012. The sale was for: (1) all of our shares in Braskem Distribuidora, equivalent to 100% of the total and voting capital of Braskem Distribuidora, which owned the assets related to the water treatment unit located at the Camaçari petrochemical complex (owned by Braskem Distribuidora), which is responsible for producing demineralized, clear and drinkable water, as well as for managing the fire water reservoir, and (2) all our shares in Cetrel, equivalent to 54.2% of the total and voting capital of Cetrel, which is responsible, among other things, for the treatment and final disposal of industrial effluents and waste, as well as for environmentally monitoring the Camaçari petrochemical complex. The supply of industrial water and the treatment and disposal of industrial effluents and waste are guaranteed to Braskem through contracts entered into with Braskem Distribuidora (currently Distribuidora de Águas Camaçari) and Cetrel, respectively.

In July 2013, we acquired 2,000 shares, or 20%, of the capital of Odebrecht Comercializadora de Energia. See “Item 4—Information on the Company—Acquisition of Interest in Odebrecht Comercializadora de Energia S.A.”

On December 31, 2013, we entered into a share purchase agreement relating to all of our shares of Distribuidora de Água Triunfo S.A., or DAT, which represented all of its outstanding shares, for an aggregate principal amount of R$315.0 million. See “Item 4—Information on the Company—Sale of Southern Complex Water Treatment Assets.”

Petrobras

Commercial Transactions with Petrobras

We have entered into the following supply contracts with Petrobras:

·      A Petrochemical Naphtha Purchase and Sale Contract that we and Petrobras entered into in 2009. See “Item 4—Information on the Company—Supply Contracts and Pricing of the Basic Petrochemicals Unit—Supply Contracts with Petrobras” for more information.

·      A Petrochemical Naphtha Purchase and Sale Contract that we and Petrobras entered into in May 2006. See “Item 4—Information on the Company—Supply Contracts and Pricing of the Basic Petrochemicals Unit—Supply Contracts with Petrobras” for more information.

·      An ethane and propane supply agreement that RioPol and Petrobras entered into in December 2000. See “Item 4—Information on the Company—Supply Contracts and Pricing of the Basic Petrochemicals Unit—Ethane and Propane” for more information.

·      An agreement for the purchase and sale of a chain of light refinery hydrocarbons, that Quattor Química (formerly known as Braskem Qpar before it merged into our company on December 1, 2014) and Petrobras entered into in January 2005. See “Item 4—Information on the Company—Supply Contracts and Pricing of the Basic Petrochemicals Unit—Light Refinery Hydrocarbons” for more information.

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·      Two five-year propylene supply contracts that we and REFAP, a subsidiary of Petrobras, entered into in March 2007, a subsidiary of Petrobras. See “Item 4—Information on the Company—Raw Materials of Our Polyolefins Unit—Propylene Contracts with Petrobras and its Subsidiaries” for more information.

·      A 20-year propylene supply contract we and Petrobras entered into in May 2008 for our Paulínia plant. See “Item 4—Information on the Company—Raw Materials of Our Polyolefins Unit—Propylene Contracts with Petrobras and its Subsidiaries” for more information.

·      Five propylene supply agreements that Braskem Petroquímica (formerly known as Quattor Petroquímica) and Petrobras entered into between May 2001 and February 2006. See “Item 4—Information on the Company—Raw Materials of Our Polyolefins Unit—Propylene Contracts with Petrobras and its Subsidiaries” for more information.

·      A three-year caustic soda supply contract that we Petrobras entered into January 2012, under which we will supply approximately 68,000 tons of caustic soda for use by Petrobras’ Brazilian refineries. This contract expires in January 2015.

We purchased raw materials from Petrobras and its subsidiaries of R$18,183.6 million in 2014 and sold products to Petrobras and its subsidiaries of R$1,817.1 million in 2014. We had accounts payable to Petrobras and its subsidiaries in an aggregate amount of R$1,497.7 million at 2014, and we had accounts receivable from Petrobras and its subsidiaries in an aggregate amount of R$123.4 million as of December 31, 2014.

BNDESPAR

In August 2010, BNDESPAR exercised its option to sell 60% of the RioPol shares that it held to Braskem for R$210.0 million. Payment for the shares acquired by Braskem will be made in three annual installments beginning in June 2015 and the amounts of each installment will be adjusted by the TJLP plus 2.5% per annum from June 2008 until the respective payment dates.

Our Jointly Controlled Companies and Associated Companies

Borealis Brasil S.A.

We sell polypropylene and polyethylene to Borealis in which we have a 20.0% interest. We recorded net sales to Borealis of R$245.7 million in 2014. We account for Borealis under the equity method of accounting. We had accounts receivable from Borealis of R$18.6 million as of December 31, 2014.

Refinaria de Petróleo Rio-grandense S.A.

We own directly 33.2% of the voting and total share capital of RPR. As of January 1, 2012, we have valued this investment using the equity method, which was proportionally consolidated prior to that date. We sell condensate to RPR and purchase naphtha from RPR. In 2014, we recorded sales to RPR of R$52.3 million and purchases from RPR of R$43.3 million.

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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information

Reference is made to Item 19 for a list of all financial statements filed as part of this annual report.

Legal Proceedings

We are, and may be in the future, involved in numerous tax, civil and labor disputes, among others, involving monetary claims. If any of these legal proceedings were decided adversely to us, we do not believe that our results of operations or financial condition would be materially and adversely affected.

For some of these lawsuits, we have not established any provision on our balance sheet nor have we established provisions only for part of the amounts claimed, based on our judgments as to the outcomes of these lawsuits.

Tax Proceedings

We are engaged in several legal proceedings with Brazilian tax authorities for which we have established provisions in an aggregate amount of R$270.3 million as of December 31, 2014. In addition, there are currently certain legal proceedings pending in which we are involved for which we have not established provisions. If any of these legal proceedings were decided adversely to us, we do not believe that our results of operations, cash flows or financial condition would be materially and adversely affected.

IR/CSLL Tax Assessment Notices

In 2007, tax assessment notices were issued by the Federal Brazilian Revenue Service against Braskem Petroquímica claiming unpaid income tax and CSLL in connection with foreign exchange variation in foreign subsidiary investment accounts in 2002. As of December 31, 2014, the amount in dispute of these claims was approximately R$126.5 million. We challenged these assessment notices in the administrative court because we believe that there are reasonable grounds on which we can successfully defend against these assessments. We believe that a loss in this claim is possible. As of December 31, 2014, we have established related provisions in the amount of R$35.7 million.

In 2013 and 2014, we received tax assessment notices from the Federal Brazilian Revenue Service claiming that the amortization of the goodwill recorded in 2001 and 2002 in connection with the purchase of shares of certain companies related to the formation of Braskem was not deductible for purposes of calculating our income tax and social contribution. The amount claimed is R$1.0 billion, including interest and fines. We challenged these assessment notices because we believe that these claims are based on a misinterpretation of both the applicable law and facts by the tax authorities and that the statute of limitations has expired. We believe that a loss in this claim is possible and have made no provision with respect to this claim.

In December 2013, we received tax assessment notices were from the Federal Brazilian Revenue Service claiming that the interest expenses and exchange variation losses recorded by Braskem relating to indebtedness of Ipiranga Petroquímica S.A. was not deductible for purposes of calculating our income tax and social contribution. The amount claimed is R$57.5 million. We challenged this assessment because we believe that the assumption of Ipiranga Petroquímica debt instruments had strong business purposes. We believe that a loss in this claim is possible and have made no provision with respect to this claim. We believe that a loss in this claim is possible and have made no provision with respect to this claim.

In July 2014, we received a tax assessment notice from the Federal Brazilian Revenue Service claiming that the tax losses and social contribution negative tax base used to pay debts under the MP 470/2009 installments program were not included in the income tax and social contribution tax base in 2009. The amount claimed is R$426.7 million. We challenged these assessment notices because we believe that these claims are based on a misinterpretation of both the applicable law and facts by the tax authorities. We believe that a loss in this claim is possible and have made no provision with respect to this claim.

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ICMS Tax Assessment Notice

In December 2010, 2011 and 2012, tax assessment notices were issued by the internal revenue department of the State of Bahia against Braskem claiming unpaid ICMS taxes in the amount of R$525.8 million, retrospectively revised by inflation and the benchmark rate, in connection with several alleged violations of certain provisions of the ICMS tax legislation, including, among others: (1) the failure to account for certain tax credits in the amount of R$435.5 million granted in connection with the purchase of goods that we subsequently sold on a reduced tax basis; (2) the failure to adhere to certain ancillary obligations under the ICMS tax legislation; and (3) the transfer of goods below the cost of production. We challenged these assessment notices in the administrative court because we believe that there are reasonable grounds on which we can successfully defend against these assessments. We believe that a loss in the claim described in item (1) is remote and that losses in claims described in items (2) and (3) above are possible. As of December 31, 2014, we have not recognized any provision with respect thereto.

In addition, the internal revenue department of the State of Bahia has repeatedly issued tax assessment notices claiming other unpaid ICMS taxes. The subject matter of the tax assessments include, among others: (1) inappropriately claiming ICMS credits for the acquisition of assets; (2) the transfer of goods at prices below production cost; (3) failure to ship goods; (4) lack of evidence that the company exported goods; (5) failure to register invoices; and (6) claiming ICMS credits on transportation services without providing adequate evidence. As of December 31, 2014, the amount in dispute of these claims was approximately R$247.3 million. We challenged these assessment notices in the administrative court because we believe that there are reasonable grounds on which we can successfully defend against these assessments. We believe that a loss in this claim is possible. As of December 31, 2014, we have not recognized any provision with respect thereto.

From 1999 to 2009, the internal revenue department of the States of Alagoas, São Paulo and Rio Grande do Sul issued tax assessment notices claiming unpaid ICMS taxes in the aggregate amount of R$381.7 million. The subject matter of the tax assessments include, among others: (1) inappropriately claiming ICMS credits for the acquisition of goods that the internal revenue department considers for use and consumption; (2) inappropriately claiming ICMS credits for the acquisition of assets not related to production; (3) failure to pay taxes on the sale of products subject to tax substitution; (4) failure to register invoices; and (5) unpaid ICMS taxes on charges for electricity transmission. We challenged these assessment notices in the administrative court because we believe that there are reasonable grounds on which we can successfully defend against these assessments. We believe that a loss in this claim is possible. As of December 31, 2014, we have not recognized any provision with respect thereto.

In 2009, tax assessment notices were issued by the internal revenue department of the State of São Paulo against Braskem Qpar claiming unpaid ICMS taxes in connection with several alleged violations of certain provisions of the ICMS tax legislation, including (1) inappropriately claiming ICMS credits for the acquisition of assets between February 2004 and January 2008 and (2) failure to register invoices. As of December 31, 2014, the amount in dispute of these claims was approximately R$335.6 million. We challenged these assessment notices in the administrative court because we believe that there are reasonable grounds on which we can successfully defend against these assessments. We believe that a loss in this claim is possible. As of December 31, 2014, we have established related provisions in the amount of R$94.7 million.

PIS and COFINS Non-Cumulative Tax Assessment Notice

We received assessment notices from the federal internal revenue department alleging that we had inappropriately claimed certain PIS and COFINS credits in relation to: (1) wastewater treatment, (2) charges for electricity transmission, (3) freight related to the storage of finished goods and (4) credits claimed at inappropriate times, relating to the acquisition of fixed assets between 2006 and 2011. As of December 31, 2014, the amount in dispute of these claims was approximately R$761.0 million. We challenged these assessment notices in an administrative court because we believe that there are reasonable grounds on which we can successfully defend against these assessments. We believe that a loss on these claims is possible. As of December 31, 2014, we have not recognized any provision with respect thereto.

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PIS and COFINS Tax Assessment Notice

Braskem Petroquímica is involved in several judicial and administrative proceedings related to the payment of PIS and COFINS, including (1) unpaid COFINS from March 1999 to December 2000, February 2001 to March 2002, May 2002 to July 2002 and during September 2002, (2) inappropriately claimed credits due to the additional 1% in the COFINS rate and PIS Decree-Law No. 2,445 and 2,449, and (3) an omission in the base revenue resulting from exchange gains earned due to successive reductions of our associated capital. As of December 31, 2014, the amount in dispute of these claims was approximately R$76.9 million. We challenged these assessment notices in an administrative court because we believe that there are reasonable grounds on which we can successfully defend against these assessments. We believe that a loss on these claims is possible. As of December 31, 2014, we have established related provisions in the amount of R$39.1 million.

In 2014, we received a tax assessment notice from the Federal Brazilian Revenue Service claiming that the tax losses and social contribution negative tax base used to pay debts under the MP 470/2009 installments program, as well as interest, fines exoneration afforded in installments of the MP 470/09 are taxable. The amount or PIS and COFINS claimed is R$891.0 million.  We challenged this assessment notice because we believe that these claims are based on a misinterpretation of both the applicable law and facts by the tax authorities. We believe that a loss in this claim is possible and have made no provision with respect to this claim.

Other Tax Proceedings

We and our affiliates are involved in several other judicial and administrative proceedings regarding withholding taxes, corporate income taxes (Imposto de Renda da Pessoa Jurídica), the COFINS, IPI, the tax on financial transactions (Imposto Sobre Operações Financeiras), monetary adjustments, the PIS and other issues related to tax matters. As of December 31, 2014, the amounts in material disputes relating to COFINS was approximately R$271.4 million. In 2014, Braskem paid debts related to disputes regarding IPI in the amount of R$111.0 million. Regarding the amount remaining under discussion, we believe that a loss in this claim is possible. As of December 31, 2014, we have not recognized any provision with respect thereto.

In December 2013, we received a deficiency notice from the Brazilian federal tax authority claiming that the amortization of the goodwill recorded in 2002 and 2003 in connection with the purchase of shares of our then subsidiaries as part of the formation of our company was not deductible for purposes of calculating our income tax and social contribution on net profits. The amount under discussion is R$465.0 million, including interest and fines. We believe that this tax assessment is based on a misinterpretation of both the applicable law and facts by the tax authorities and that the statute of limitations for this claim has expired. We intend to vigorously defend ourselves against this claim. We believe that the chances of success are more likely than not and have made no provision with respect to this claim.

In December 2013, we received a deficiency notice from the Brazilian federal tax authority claiming that the tax losses offset in the taxable year ended September 30, 2008 by Ipiranga Petroquímica S.A. (which merged with and into Braskem on September 30, 2008) were in excess of the limitation of 30% of the taxable profits of a given year, as imposed by Brazilian tax law. The amount under discussion is R$278.6 million, including interest and fines. We believe that the 30% limitation is not applicable in the event of the merger of the taxpayer and that the statute of limitations for this claim has expired. We intend to vigorously defend ourselves against this claim. We believe that chances of success are more likely than not and have made no provision with respect to this claim.

In December 2013, we received a deficiency notice from the Brazilian federal tax authority claiming that the interest expenses and exchange variation losses recorded by Braskem relating to the indebtedness of Ipiranga Petroquímica prior to its merger with and into Braskem were not deductible for purposes of calculating our income tax and social contribution on net profits. Consequently, the deficiency notice alleges that the amount of R$169.1 million was not tax deductible, which would have reduced our tax losses for 2008 by the same amount. Given that our losses for 2008 were higher than R$169.1 million, no taxes, interest or fines were claimed in the deficiency notice. As we believe that this tax assessment does not have a sound legal basis, we intend to vigorously defend ourselves against this claim. We believe that chances of success are more likely than not and have made no provision with respect to this claim.

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Labor Proceedings

Overtime Claims

In late September 2010, we received notice that a lawsuit had been commenced against our company by the Petrochemical Industry Workers’ Union of Triunfo (Sindicato dos Trabalhadores das Indústrias Petroquímicas de Triunfo) alleging that we had violated an agreement regarding payment of overtime at our Triunfo basic petrochemicals plant. The suit claims damages of R$331.0 million, retrospectively revised by inflation and the benchmark rate. We have presented our defense to the court and have received a favorable decision by the higher labor court, which the Petrochemical Industry Workers’ Union of Triunfo has appealed. We believe that the likelihood of loss in this suit is possible.

The Petrochemical Industry Workers’ Union of Triunfo filed similar claims in the second quarter of 2005 claiming overtime payment in the amount of R$840.0 million. These suits are pending. We believe the chances of loss are remote in regards to R$749.5 million of the alleged claims and are possible in regards to the remaining R$40.0 million and are probable in regards to R$50.5 million.

Employment and Occupational Health and Safety Proceedings

As of December 31, 2014, we were involved in approximately 2,428 employment and occupational health and safety proceedings as to which the total amount claimed was approximately R$876.3 million. We have established a provision for these claims in an aggregate amount of R$141.2 million as of December 31, 2014. We do not believe that these proceedings will have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or operations.

Social Security

As of December 31, 2014, we were involved in approximately 50 social security proceedings as to which the aggregate amount claimed was approximately R$144.0 million. We believe that our chance of loss is possible and therefore have not established a provision for these claims.

Other Proceedings

As of December 31, 2014, we were a defendant in two civil suits filed by a former caustic soda distributor, its controlling shareholder and a former transporter for breach of a caustic soda distribution agreement. The damages claimed in these suits totaled R$112.8 million as of December 31, 2014. These suits are pending and we believe that our chance of loss is possible in these suits.

Dividends and Dividend Policy

Payment of Dividends

Our dividend distribution policy has historically included the distribution of periodic dividends, based on annual balance sheets approved by our board of directors. When we pay dividends on an annual basis, they are declared at our annual shareholders’ meeting, which we are required by the Brazilian Corporation Law and our by-laws to hold by April 30 of each year. When we declare dividends, we are generally required to pay them within 60 days of declaring them unless the shareholders’ resolution establishes another payment date. In any event, if we declare dividends, we must pay them by the end of the fiscal year for which they are declared. Any holder of record of shares at the time that a dividend is declared is entitled to receive dividends. Our payment of annual dividends is based on our audited financial statements prepared for our preceding fiscal year.

Our board of directors may declare interim dividends based on the accrued profits recorded or the realized profits in our annual or semi-annual financial statements approved by our common shareholders. In addition, we may pay dividends from net income based on our unaudited quarterly financial statements. These quarterly interim dividends may not exceed the amounts included in our capital reserve accounts. We may set off any payment of interim dividends against the amount of the mandatory distributable amount for the year in which the interim dividends were paid.

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The following table sets forth the dividends and/or interest attributable to shareholders’ equity paid to holders of our common shares, class A preferred shares and class B preferred shares since January 1, 2010 in reais and in U.S. dollars translated from reais at the commercial market selling rate in effect as of the payment date.

 

 

Nominal Brazilian Currency per

US$ equivalent per

Year

Payment Date

Common
shares

Class A
Preferred
Shares

Class B
Preferred
Shares

Common
shares

Class A
Preferred
Shares

Class B
Preferred
Shares

2011

May 10, 2011

0.83

0.83

0.60

0.52

0.52

0.37

2012

November 19, 2012

0.61

0.61

0.61

0.29

0.29

0.29

2014

April 23, 2014

0.61

0.61

0.61

0.27

0.27

0.27


 

On April 9, 2015, our shareholders approved a dividend payment of R$0.61 per share and R$1.21 per ADR with respect to the fiscal year 2014. The payment of dividends is expected to begin on April 23, 2015.

The following discussion summarizes the principal provisions of the Brazilian Corporation Law and our by-laws relating to the distribution of dividends, including interest attributable to shareholders’ equity.

Calculation of Adjusted Net Profits

At each annual shareholders’ meeting, our board of directors is required to recommend how to allocate our net profits for the preceding fiscal year, which recommendation our board of executive officers initially submits to our board of directors for approval. This allocation is subject to approval by our common shareholders. The Brazilian Corporation Law defines “net profits” for any fiscal year as our net income after income taxes for that fiscal year, net of any accumulated losses from prior fiscal years and any amounts allocated to employees’ participation in our net profits in that fiscal year. Under the Brazilian Corporation Law, our adjusted net profits available for distribution are equal to our net profits in any fiscal year, reduced by amounts allocated to our legal reserve and other applicable reserves, and increased by any reversals of reserves that we constituted in prior years.

Reserve Accounts

Under the Brazilian Corporation Law and our by-laws, we are required to maintain a legal reserve. In addition, we are permitted by the Brazilian Corporation Law to establish the following discretionary reserves:

·         a contingency reserve for an anticipated loss that is deemed probable in future years. Any amount so allocated in a previous year must be reversed in the fiscal year in which the loss had been anticipated if the loss does not occur as projected or charged off in the event that the anticipated loss occurs;

·         a reserve for investment projects, in an amount based on a capital expenditure budget approved by our shareholders;

·         an unrealized profit reserve described under “—Mandatory Distributions” below; and

·         a tax incentive investment reserve, included in our capital reserve accounts, in the amount of the reduction in our income tax obligations due to government tax incentive programs. See note 23(c) of our consolidated financial statements elsewhere in this annual report.

Allocations to each of these reserves (other than the legal reserve) are subject to approval by our common shareholders voting at our annual shareholders’ meeting.

Legal Reserve Account

Under the Brazilian Corporation Law and our by-laws, we must allocate 5% of our net profits for each fiscal year to our legal reserve until the aggregate amount of our legal reserve equals 20% of our paid-in capital. However, we are not required to make any allocations to our legal reserve in a fiscal year in which our legal reserve, when added to our other reserves, exceeds 30% of our shareholders’ equity. As of December 31, 2014, we had a balance of R$44.6 million in our legal reserve account.

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Dividend Preference of Preferred Shares

Under our by-laws, our preferred shareholders are entitled to a Minimum Preferred Dividend, equal to 6% of the book value of such shares, before dividends may be paid to our common shareholders. Distributions of dividends in any year are made:

·         first, to the holders of preferred shares, up to the amount of the Minimum Preferred Dividend for such year;

·         then, to the holders of common shares, until the amount distributed in respect of each common share is equal to the amount distributed in respect of each preferred share; and

·         thereafter, to the holders of our common shares and our class A preferred shares on a pro rata basis.

Our class B preferred shareholders are not entitled to receive any additional dividend amounts after they have received the preferential dividend. If the Minimum Preferred Dividend is not paid for a period of three years, holders of preferred shares will be entitled to full voting rights.

Mandatory Distributions

As permitted by the Brazilian Corporation Law, our by-laws specify that 25% of our adjusted net profits for each fiscal year must be distributed to shareholders as dividends or interest attributable to shareholders’ equity. We refer to this amount as the mandatory distributable amount.

Under the Brazilian Corporation Law, the amount by which the mandatory distributable amount exceeds the “realized” portion of net income for any particular year may be allocated to the unrealized profit reserve, and the mandatory distribution may be limited to the “realized” portion of net income. The “realized” portion of net income is the amount by which our net income exceeds the sum of (1) our net positive results, if any, from the equity method of accounting for earnings and losses of our subsidiaries and certain associated companies, and (2) the profits, gains or income obtained on transactions maturing after the end of the following fiscal year. As amounts allocated to the unrealized profit reserve are realized in subsequent years, such amounts must be added to the dividend payment relating to the year of realization.

The Brazilian Corporation Law permits us to suspend the mandatory distribution if our board of directors reports to our annual shareholders’ meeting that the distribution would be incompatible with our financial condition at that time. Our fiscal council must approve any suspension of the mandatory distribution. In addition, our management must report the reasons of any suspension of the mandatory distribution to the CVM. We must allocate net profits not distributed by our company as a result of a suspension to a special reserve and, if not absorbed by subsequent losses, we must distribute these amounts as soon as our financial condition permits. In case our profits reserves, as defined in the Brazilian Corporation Law, exceed our share capital, the excess must be credited to shareholders’ equity or used for the payment of distributions.

Interest Attributable to Shareholders’ Equity

Brazilian companies, including our company, are permitted to pay interest attributable to shareholders’ equity as an alternative form of payment of dividends to our shareholders. These payments may be deducted when calculating Brazilian income tax and social contribution tax. The interest rate applied to these distributions generally cannot exceed the TJLP for the applicable period. The amount of interest paid that we can deduct for tax purposes cannot exceed the greater of:

·         50% of our net income (after the deduction of the provision for social contribution tax and before the deduction of the provision for corporate income tax) before taking into account any such distribution for the period for which the payment is made; and

·         50% of the sum of our retained earnings and profit reserves.

 

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 Any payment of interest attributable to shareholders’ equity to holders of common shares, preferred shares or ADSs, whether or not they are Brazilian residents, is subject to Brazilian withholding tax at the rate of 15%, except that a 25% withholding tax rate applies if the recipient is a resident of a tax haven jurisdiction. A tax haven jurisdiction is a country (1) that does not impose income tax or whose income tax rate is lower than 20% or (2) which does not permit disclosure of the identity of shareholders of entities organized under its jurisdiction. See “Item 10. Additional Information—Taxation—Brazilian Tax Considerations.” Under our by-laws, we may include the amount distributed as interest attributable to shareholders’ equity, net of any withholding tax, as part of the mandatory distributable amount.

Significant Changes

Other than as disclosed in this annual report, no significant change has occurred since the date of the audited consolidated financial statements included in this annual report. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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ITEM 9. THE OFFER AND LISTING

Markets for Our Equity Securities

The principal trading market for our common shares, class A preferred shares and class B preferred shares is the BM&FBOVESPA, where they are traded under the symbols “BRKM3”, “BRKM5”, and “BRKM6”, respectively. Our common shares and class A preferred shares began trading on the BM&FBOVESPA on November 11, 1980, and our class B preferred shares began trading on the BM&FBOVESPA on August 19, 1983.

On December 21, 1998, ADSs representing our class A preferred shares began trading on the NYSE. Our ADSs are traded under the symbol “BAK”. On December 31, 2014, there were 16,817,133 ADSs outstanding, representing 33,634,266 class A preferred shares, or 9.7% of our outstanding class A preferred shares. Each ADS represents two class A preferred shares.

On October 8, 2003, we listed our class A preferred shares on the LATIBEX, a stock market for Latin American issuers that is quoted in Euros on the Madrid Stock Exchange, under the symbol “XBRK.” Our class A preferred shares are traded on the LATIBEX in lots of one share.

Price History of Our Class A Preferred Shares and the ADSs

The tables below set forth the high and low closing sales prices and the approximate average daily trading volume for our class A preferred shares on the BM&FBOVESPA and the high and low closing sales prices and the approximate average daily trading volume for the ADSs on the NYSE for the periods indicated.

 

BM&FBOVESPA

NYSE

 

Closing Price per

 

 

 

Class A Preferred Share

Closing Price per ADS

 

High

Low

High

Low

 

(in reais)

(in dollars)

 

 

 

 

 

2010

R$19.85

R$9.74

R$24.62

R$10.77

2011

25.00

12.80

32.15

13.91

2012

16.60

10.48

18.58

10.54

2013

21.18

13.32

18.40

13.34

2014

20.61

13.73

17.41

12.30

 

 

BM&FBOVESPA

NYSE

 

Closing Price per

 

 

 

Class A Preferred Share

Closing Price per ADS

 

High

Low

High

Low

 

(in reais)

(in dollars)

 

 

 

 

 

2013

 

 

 

 

First Quarter

R$15.31

R$13.32

R$15.51

R$13.34

Second Quarter

17.40

13.60

17.65

13.61

Third Quarter

18.63

15.78

16.82

13.91

Fourth Quarter

21.18

17.90

18.40

16.27

2014

 

 

 

 

First Quarter

20.61

15.45

17.41

12.75

Second Quarter

17.59

14.09

15.72

12.85

Third Quarter

16.20

13.73

14.12

12.30

Fourth Quarter

19.45

16.06

15.44

12.42

2015

 

 

 

 

First Quarter

17.41

10.35

12.82

6.53

 

 

 

 

 

Most Recent Six Months

 

 

 

 

September 2014

16.20

14.94

14.12

13.02

October 2014

18.13

16.06

14.67

13.11

November 2014

19.45

18.25

15.44

14.22

December 2014

19.30

16.79

14.98

12.42

January 2015

17.41

11.91

12.82

9.27

February 2015

13.30

12.40

9.80

8.73

March 2015

13.84

10.35

8.85

6.53

April 2015(through April 20) 

12.03  

10.45  

7.80  

6.65  

_________________________________

Source: Economática Ltda/Bloomberg

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On April 20, 2015, the closing sales price of:

·         our class A preferred shares on the BM&FBOVESPA was R$11.98 per share;

·         our class A preferred shares on the LATIBEX was €3.70 per share; and

·         the ADSs on the NYSE was US$7.80 per ADS.

Regulation of Brazilian Securities Markets

The Brazilian securities markets are regulated by the CVM, which has regulatory authority over the stock exchanges and the securities markets generally, the National Monetary Council and the Central Bank, which has, among other powers, licensing authority over brokerage firms and which regulates foreign investment and foreign exchange transactions. The Brazilian securities markets are governed by (1) Law No. 6,385, as amended and supplemented, which is the principal law governing the Brazilian securities markets and which we refer to as the Brazilian Securities Law; (2) the Brazilian Corporation Law; and (3) the regulations issued by the CVM, the National Monetary Council and the Central Bank.

Trading on the BM&FBOVESPA

Overview of the BM&FBOVESPA

In 2000, the Bolsa de Valores de São Paulo S.A. – BVSP (the São Paulo Stock Exchange), or the BM&FBOVESPA, was reorganized through the execution of memoranda of understanding by the Brazilian stock exchanges. Following this reorganization, the BM&FBOVESPA was a non-profit entity owned by its member brokerage firms and trading on the BM&FBOVESPA was limited to these member brokerage firms and a limited number of authorized nonmembers. Under the memoranda, all securities are now traded only on the BM&FBOVESPA, with the exception of electronically traded public debt securities and privatization auctions, which are traded on the Rio de Janeiro Stock Exchange.

Regulation of Foreign Investments

Trading on the BM&FBOVESPA by a holder not deemed to be domiciled in Brazil for Brazilian tax and regulatory purposes, or a non-Brazilian holder, is subject to certain limitations under Brazilian foreign investment regulations. With limited exceptions, non-Brazilian holders may trade on the BM&FBOVESPA only in accordance with the requirements of Resolution No. 2,689 of the National Monetary Council. Resolution No. 2,689 requires that securities held by non-Brazilian holders be maintained in the custody of, or in deposit accounts with, financial institutions that are authorized by the Central Bank and the CVM. In addition, Resolution No. 2,689 requires non-Brazilian holders to restrict their securities trading to transactions on the BM&FBOVESPA or qualified over-the-counter markets. With limited exceptions, non-Brazilian holders may not transfer the ownership of investments made under Resolution No. 2,689 to other non-Brazilian holders through private transactions. See “Item 10. Additional Information—Exchange Controls” for further information about Resolution 2,689, and “Item 10. Additional Information—Taxation—Brazilian Tax Considerations—Taxation of Gains in Brazil” for a description of certain tax benefits extended to non-Brazilian holders who qualify under Resolution No. 2,689.

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ITEM 10. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

General

As of April 20, 2015, we had outstanding share capital of R$8,043,222,080.50, equal to 797,265,348 total shares consisting of 451,668,652 common shares, 345,002,878 class A preferred shares and 593,818 class B preferred shares, including 1,154,758 class A preferred shares held in treasury. All of our share capital is fully paid. All of our shares are without par value. Under the Brazilian Corporation Law, the aggregate number of our non-voting and limited voting class A and class B preferred shares may not exceed two-thirds of our total outstanding share capital.

Description of Our Company’s By-laws

The following is a summary of the material provisions of our by-laws and of the Brazilian Corporation Law. In Brazil, a company’s by-laws (estatuto social) is the principal governing document of a corporation (sociedade por ações).

Corporate Purposes

Article 2 of our by-laws establishes our corporate purposes to include:

·         the manufacture, trading, import and export of chemical and petrochemical products and petrochemical derivatives;

·         the production, distribution and trading of utilities such as: steam, water, compressed air, industrial gases, as well as the provision of industrial services;

·         the production, distribution and trading of electricity for its own consumption and that of other companies;

·         holdings of equity stakes in other companies, pursuant to Law No. 6,404/76, as a holder of quotas or shares; and

·         the manufacture, distribution, trading, import and export of gasoline, diesel oil, LPG and other oil derivatives.

Board of Directors

Under the Brazilian Corporation Law, any matters subject to the approval of our board of directors can be approved by a simple majority of votes of the members present at a duly convened meeting, unless our by-laws otherwise specify. Under our by-laws, our board of directors may only deliberate if a majority of its members are present at a duly convened meeting. Any resolutions of our board of directors may be approved by the affirmative vote of a majority of the members present at the meeting, provided that certain matters may only be approved by mutual agreement between the parties under the Petrobras Shareholders’ Agreement. See “Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions—Major Shareholders—Shareholders Agreements—Petrobras Shareholders’ Agreement.” The majority of the members of our board of directors are elected by the Odebrecht Group. In addition, any director appointed by a shareholder pursuant to a shareholders agreement is bound by the terms of such agreement. See “Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions—Major Shareholders—Shareholders Agreements.” The members of our board of directors are elected at general meetings of shareholders for concurrent two-year terms. Our by-laws do not require the members of our board of directors to be a resident in Brazil or a shareholder of our company. The Brazilian Corporation Law requires each of our executive officers to be residents of Brazil. Under our by-laws, our common shareholders approve the aggregate compensation payable to our directors, executive officers and members of our fiscal council. Subject to this approval, our board of directors establishes the compensation of its members and of our executive officers. See “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees—Compensation.” Neither the Brazilian Corporation Law nor our by-laws establish any mandatory retirement age for our directors or executive officers.

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Share Capital

Under the Brazilian Corporation Law, the number of issued and outstanding non-voting shares or shares with limited voting rights, such as our class A preferred shares and class B preferred shares, may not exceed two-thirds of total outstanding share capital. Each of our common shares entitles its holder to one vote at our shareholders’ meetings. Holders of our common shares are not entitled to any preference in respect of our dividends or other distributions or otherwise in case of our liquidation. Our class A preferred shares and class B preferred shares are non-voting, except in limited circumstances, and have priority over our common shares in the case of our liquidation. See “—Voting Rights” for information regarding the voting rights of our preferred shares, “—Liquidation” for information regarding the liquidation preferences of our preferred shares, and “Item 8. Financial Information—Dividends and Dividend Policy—Calculation of Adjusted Net Profits” and “Item 8. Financial Information—Dividends and Dividend Policy—Dividend Preference of Preferred Shares” for information regarding the distribution preferences of our preferred shares.

Shareholders’ Meetings

Under the Brazilian Corporation Law, we must hold an annual shareholders’ meeting by April 30 of each year in order to:

·         approve or reject the financial statements approved by our board of directors and board of executive officers, including any recommendation by our board of directors for the allocation of net profits and distribution of dividends; and

·         elect members of our board of directors (upon expiration of their two-year term) and members of our fiscal council, subject to the right of minority shareholders to elect members of our board of directors and our fiscal council.

In addition to the annual shareholders’ meetings, holders of our common shares have the power to determine any matters related to changes in our corporate purposes and to pass any resolutions they deem necessary to protect and enhance our development whenever our interests so require, by means of extraordinary shareholders’ meetings.

Under the Brazilian Corporation Law, the holders of our common shares have the power, among other powers, to vote at shareholders’ meetings to:

·         amend our by-laws;

·         approve any capital increase in excess of the amount of our authorized capital;

·         approve any capital reduction;

·         accept or reject the valuation of assets contributed by any of our shareholders in exchange for the issuance of our share capital;

·         suspend the rights of any of our shareholders in default of their obligations established by law or by our by-laws;

·         authorize the issuance of convertible debentures;

·         approve any reorganization of our legal form or any merger, consolidation or spin-off involving us;

·         authorize our dissolution and liquidation, the election and dismissal of liquidators appointed in connection with any dissolution or liquidation of our company, and the examination of the liquidators’ accounts;

·         participate in a centralized group of companies (as defined under the Brazilian Corporation Law);

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·         approve the aggregate compensation payable to our directors and executive officers;

·         authorize management to declare us insolvent or bankrupt and to request a concordata (a procedure involving our protection from our creditors similar in many respects to a reorganization under the U.S. bankruptcy code);

·         elect and substitute members of our board of directors and fiscal council;

·         modify the number of members our board of directors;

·         alter our dividend policy; and

·         authorize the delisting of our shares.

We convene our shareholders’ meetings, including our annual shareholders’ meeting, by publishing a notice in the Diário Oficial do Estado da Bahia, in at least one additional newspaper designated by our shareholders with general circulation in Bahia, where we maintain our registered office. On the first call of any meeting, the notice must be published no fewer than three times, beginning at least 15 calendar days prior to the scheduled meeting date. The notice must contain the meeting’s place, date, time, agenda and, in the case of a proposed amendment to our by-laws, a description of the subject matter of the proposed amendment.

In order for a valid action to be taken at a shareholders’ meeting, shareholders representing at least 25% of our issued and outstanding voting share capital must be present on first call. However, shareholders representing at least two-thirds of our issued and outstanding voting share capital must be present at a shareholders’ meeting called to amend our by-laws. If a quorum is not present, our board of directors may issue a second call by publishing a notice as described above at least eight calendar days prior to the scheduled meeting. The quorum requirements do not apply to a meeting held on the second call, and the shareholders’ meetings may be convened with the presence of shareholders representing any number of shares (subject to the voting requirements for certain matters described below). A shareholder without a right to vote may attend a shareholders’ meeting and take part in the discussion of matters submitted for consideration.

Voting Rights

Under the Brazilian Corporation Law and our by-laws, each of our common shares entitles its holder to one vote at our shareholders’ meetings. Our preferred shares generally do not confer voting rights, except in the limited circumstances. We may not restrain or deny any voting rights without the consent of the majority of the shares affected. Whenever the shares of any class of share capital are entitled to vote, each share is entitled to one vote.

Preemptive Rights

Under the Brazilian Corporation Law, each of our shareholders has a general preemptive right to subscribe for our shares or securities convertible into our shares in any capital increase, in proportion to the number of our shares held by such shareholder. However, under our by-laws, the holders of our class B preferred shares do not have preemptive rights. In the event of a capital increase that would maintain or increase the proportion of our capital represented by our class A preferred shares, holders of our class A preferred shares would have preemptive rights to subscribe to newly issued class A preferred shares only. In the event of a capital increase that would reduce the proportion of our capital represented by our class A preferred shares, holders of our preferred shares would have preemptive rights to subscribe to any new class A preferred shares in proportion to the number of our shares that they hold, and to our common shares only to the extent necessary to prevent dilution of their interests in our total capital.

Under our by-laws, except when issuing voting shares or securities convertible into voting shares, our board of directors or our shareholders, as the case may be, may decide to reduce the term of preemptive rights or not to extend preemptive rights to our shareholders with respect to any issuance of our non-voting shares, debentures convertible into our shares or warrants made in connection with a public exchange made to acquire control of another company or in connection with a public offering or through a stock exchange. The preemptive rights are transferable and must be exercised within a period of at least 30 days following the publication of notice of the issuance of shares or securities convertible into our shares. Holders of the ADSs may not be able to exercise the preemptive rights relating to our class A preferred shares underlying their ADSs unless a registration statement under the Securities Act is effective with respect to those rights or an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act is available. We are not obligated to file a registration statement with respect to the shares relating to these preemptive rights or to take any other action to make preemptive rights available to holders of the ADSs, and we may not file any such registration statement.

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Redemption, Amortization, Tender Offers and Rights of Withdrawal

Our by-laws or our shareholders at a shareholders’ meeting may authorize us to use our profits or reserves to redeem or amortize our shares in accordance with conditions and procedures established for such redemption or amortization. The Brazilian Corporation Law defines “redemption” (resgate de ações) as the payment of the value of the shares in order to permanently remove such shares from circulation, with or without a corresponding reduction of our share capital. The Brazilian Corporation Law defines “amortization” (amortização) as the distribution to the shareholders, without a corresponding capital reduction, of amounts that they would otherwise receive if we were liquidated. If an amortization distribution has been paid prior to our liquidation, then upon our liquidation, the shareholders who did not receive an amortization distribution will have a preference equal to the amount of the amortization distribution in the distribution of our capital.

The Brazilian Corporation Law authorizes us to redeem shares not held by our controlling shareholders, if, after a tender offer effected as a consequence of delisting or a substantial reduction in the liquidity of our shares, our controlling shareholders increase their participation in our total share capital to more than 95%. The redemption price in such case would be the same price paid for our shares in any such tender offer.

Rights of Withdrawal

The Brazilian Corporation Law provides that, in certain limited circumstances, a dissenting shareholder may withdraw its equity interest from our company and be reimbursed by us for the value of our common or preferred shares that it then holds.

This right of withdrawal may be exercised by the holders of the adversely affected common or preferred shares if we decide:

·         to create a new class of our preferred shares with greater privileges than the existing classes of our preferred shares;

·         to increase an existing class of our preferred shares relative to the other classes of our preferred shares (unless such actions are provided for or authorized by our by-laws); or

·         to modify a preference, privilege or condition of redemption or amortization conferred on one or more classes of our preferred shares.

In addition, holders of our common and preferred shares may exercise their right of withdrawal if we decide to undertake any of the following actions:

·         to merge with another company or to consolidate with another company in a transaction in which our company is not the surviving entity;

·         to transfer all of our shares to another company or to acquire all of the shares of another company (“incorporação de ações”);

·         to participate in a centralized group of companies as defined under the Brazilian Corporation Law;

·         to reduce the mandatory distribution of dividends;

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·         to change our corporate purposes; or

·         to spin-off a portion of our company.

Only shareholders who own shares on the date of publication of the first notice convening the relevant shareholders’ meeting or the press release concerning the relevant shareholders’ meeting is published, whichever is earlier, will be entitled to withdrawal rights.

Shareholders will not be entitled to this right of withdrawal if the shares of the entity resulting from a merger, incorporation, consolidation of our company or participation of our company in a group of companies have minimal market liquidity and are dispersed among a sufficient number of shareholders. For this purpose, shares that are part of general indices representative of portfolios of securities traded in Brazil or abroad are considered liquid, and sufficient dispersion will exist if the controlling shareholder holds less than half of the class and type of the outstanding shares. In case of a spin-off, the right of withdrawal will only exist if there is a significant change in the corporate purpose or a reduction in the mandatory dividend.

The redemption of shares arising out of the exercise of any withdrawal rights would be made at book value per share, determined on the basis of their most recent audited balance sheet approved by our dissenting shareholders. However, if the shareholders’ meeting approving the action that gave rise to withdrawal rights occurred more than 60 days after the date of the most recent approved audited balance sheet, a shareholder may demand that its shares be valued on the basis of a balance sheet prepared specifically for this purpose. The right of withdrawal lapses 30 days after the date of publication of the minutes of the shareholders’ meeting that approved one of the matters described above. Our shareholders may reconsider any resolution giving rise to withdrawal rights within 10 days following the expiration date for such rights if we believe that the withdrawal of shares of dissenting shareholders would jeopardize our financial stability.

Disclosures of Share Ownership

Brazilian regulations require that (1) each of our controlling shareholders, directly or indirectly, (2) shareholders who have elected members of our board of directors, and (3) any person or group of persons representing a person that has directly or indirectly acquired or sold an interest corresponding to at least 5% of the total number of our shares of any type or class to disclose its or their share ownership or divestment to the CVM and to the BM&FBOVESPA. In addition, a statement (fato relevante) containing certain required information must be published in the newspapers with wide circulation generally used by us and/or on websites in which the information may be viewed in its entirety free of charge.

Our controlling shareholders, shareholders that appoint members of our board of directors or fiscal council and members of our board of directors, board of executive officers or fiscal council must file a statement of any change in their holdings of our shares with the CVM and the Brazilian stock exchanges on which our securities are traded.

Form and Transfer

Our preferred shares and common shares are in book-entry form, registered in the name of each shareholder or its nominee. The transfer of our shares is governed by Article 35 of the Brazilian Corporation Law, which provides that a transfer of shares is effected by our transfer agent, Banco Itaú S.A., by an entry made by the transfer agent in its books, upon presentation of valid written share transfer instructions to us by a transferor or its representative. When preferred shares or common shares are acquired or sold on a Brazilian stock exchange, the transfer is effected on the records of our transfer agent by a representative of a brokerage firm or the stock exchange’s clearing system. The transfer agent also performs all the services of safe-keeping of our shares. Transfers of our shares by a non-Brazilian investor are made in the same manner and are executed on the investor’s behalf by the investor’s local agent. If the original investment was registered with the Central Bank pursuant to foreign investment regulations, the non-Brazilian investor is also required to amend, if necessary, through its local agent, the electronic certificate of registration to reflect the new ownership.

The BM&FBOVESPA operates a central clearing system. A holder of our shares may choose, at its discretion, to participate in this system, and all shares that such shareholder elects to be put into the clearing system are deposited in custody with the clearing and settlement chamber of the BM&FBOVESPA (through a Brazilian institution that is duly authorized to operate by the Central Bank and maintains a clearing account with the clearing and settlement chamber of the BM&FBOVESPA). Shares subject to the custody of the clearing and settlement chamber of the BM&FBOVESPA are noted as such in our registry of shareholders. Each participating shareholder will, in turn, be registered in the register of the clearing and settlement chamber of the BM&FBOVESPA and will be treated in the same manner as shareholders registered in our books.

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Material Contracts

We have not entered into any material contracts, other than those described elsewhere in this annual report or entered into in the ordinary course of business.

Exchange Controls

There are no restrictions on ownership or voting of our capital stock by individuals or legal entities domiciled outside Brazil. However, the right to convert dividend payments, interest on shareholders’ equity payments and proceeds from the sale of our share capital into foreign currency and to remit such amounts outside Brazil is subject to restrictions under foreign investment legislation and foreign exchange regulations, which generally require, among other things, the registration of the relevant investment with the Central Bank and the CVM.

Investments in our class A preferred shares by (1) a holder not deemed to be domiciled in Brazil for Brazilian tax purposes, (2) a non-Brazilian holder who is registered with the CVM under Resolution No. 2,689, or (3) the depositary, are eligible for registration with the Central Bank. This registration (the amount so registered is referred to as registered capital) allows the remittance outside Brazil of foreign currency, converted at the commercial market rate, acquired with the proceeds of distributions on, and amounts realized through, dispositions of our class A preferred shares.

Resolution No. 1,927 of the National Monetary Council, as amended, provides for the issuance of depositary receipts in foreign markets in respect of shares of Brazilian issuers. It restates and amends Annex V to Resolution No. 1,289 of the National Monetary Council, known as the Annex V Regulations. The ADS program was approved under the Annex V Regulations by the Central Bank and the CVM prior to the issuance of the ADSs. Accordingly, the proceeds from the sale of ADSs by ADS holders outside Brazil are not subject to Brazilian foreign investment controls, and holders of the ADSs who are not resident in a “tax haven” jurisdiction are entitled to favorable tax treatment. See “—Taxation—Brazilian Tax Considerations.”

We pay dividends and other cash distributions with respect to our class A preferred shares in reais. We have obtained an electronic certificate of foreign capital registration from the Central Bank in the name of the depositary with respect to our ADSs to be maintained by the custodian on behalf of the depositary. Pursuant to this registration, the custodian is able to convert dividends and other distributions with respect to our class A preferred shares represented by ADSs into foreign currency and remit the proceeds outside Brazil to the depositary so that the depositary may distribute these proceeds to the holders of record of the ADSs.

Registration under Resolution No. 2,689 affords favorable tax treatment to non-Brazilian portfolio investors who are not resident in a tax haven jurisdiction, which is defined under Brazilian tax laws as a country or jurisdiction that does not impose taxes or where the maximum income tax rate is lower than 20% or that restricts the disclosure of shareholder composition or ownership of investments. See “—Taxation—Brazilian Tax Considerations.”

Under Resolution No. 2,689, non-Brazilian investors registered with the CVM may invest in almost all financial assets and engage in almost all transactions available to Brazilian investors in the Brazilian financial and capital markets without obtaining a separate Central Bank registration for each transaction, provided that certain requirements are fulfilled. Under Resolution No. 2,689, the definition of a non-Brazilian investor includes individuals, legal entities, mutual funds and other collective investment entities, domiciled or headquartered outside Brazil.

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Pursuant to Resolution No. 2,689, non-Brazilian investors must:

·         appoint at least one representative in Brazil with powers to take action relating to its investments;

·         appoint an authorized custodian in Brazil for its investments, which must be a financial institution duly authorized by the Central Bank and CVM;

·         complete the appropriate foreign investor registration forms;

·         register as a non-Brazilian investor with the CVM;

·         register its investments with the Central Bank; and

·         obtain a taxpayer identification number from the Brazilian federal tax authorities.

The securities and other financial assets held by a non-Brazilian investor pursuant to Resolution No. 2,689 must be registered or maintained in deposit accounts or under the custody of an entity duly licensed by the Central Bank or the CVM or be registered in registration, clearing and custody systems authorized by the Central Bank or by the CVM. In addition, the trading of securities held under Resolution No. 2,689 is restricted to transactions carried out on stock exchanges or through organized over-the-counter markets licensed by the CVM.

Foreign direct investors under Law No. 4,131 may sell their shares in both private or open market transactions, but these investors will generally be subject to less favorable tax treatment on gains with respect to our class A preferred shares. See “—Taxation—Brazilian Tax Considerations.”

Foreign investors must be registered with the Brazilian Internal Revenue Service (“Receita Federal”) pursuant to the Nominative Instruction 1,183, dated as of August 19, 2011. This registration process is undertaken by the investor’s legal representative in Brazil.

Taxation

The following summary contains a description of the material Brazilian and U.S. federal income tax consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of class A preferred shares and ADSs, but it does not purport to be a comprehensive description of all of the tax considerations that may be relevant to a decision to purchase any such securities.

There is at present no income tax treaty between Brazil and the United States.

The description below is not intended to constitute a complete analysis of all tax consequences relating to the acquisition, ownership and disposition of class A preferred shares or ADSs. Prospective purchasers of our class A preferred shares or ADSs are advised to consult their own tax advisors in respect of the consequences that the purchase, ownership or disposition of our class A preferred shares or ADSs might trigger under the laws of Brazil, the United States or any other jurisdiction in light of their particular investment circumstances.

Brazilian Tax Considerations

The following discussion summarizes the material Brazilian tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of class A preferred shares or ADSs by an individual, entity, trust or organization that is not domiciled or resident in Brazil for purposes of Brazilian taxation and, in the case of a holder of class A preferred shares, which has registered its investment with the Central Bank, or a non-resident holder. The following discussion is based upon the tax laws of Brazil as in effect on the date of this annual report, which are subject to change, with possible retroactive effect, and to differing interpretation. Furthermore, the following discussion does not specifically address all of the Brazilian tax considerations applicable to any particular non-resident holder, and each non- resident holder should consult his or her own tax advisor concerning the Brazilian tax consequences of an investment in any of such securities.

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Acquisition of ADSs or Class A Preferred Shares

The acquisition of ADSs or class A preferred shares by non- resident holders is not a taxable event in Brazil. See “—Taxation of Gains Outside Brazil” for further information on the tax implications arising from the exchange of existing class A preferred shares for ADSs, as well as those arising from the exchange of ADSs for class A preferred shares.

Taxation of Dividends

Dividends paid by a Brazilian corporation with respect to profits generated as of January 1, 1996, including dividends paid in kind to the depositary in respect of our class A preferred shares underlying the ADSs or to a non- resident holder in respect of class A preferred shares, are not subject to withholding income tax in Brazil.

Dividends paid from profits generated before January 1, 1996 may be subject to Brazilian withholding income tax at variable rates, according to the tax legislation applicable to each corresponding year.

Interest on Shareholders’ Equity

Distributions of interest on our shareholders’ equity in respect of our class A preferred shares or the ADSs are subject to Brazilian withholding tax at the rate of 15% or 25% in the case of a non-resident holder domiciled in a country or location or other jurisdiction (1) that does not impose income tax, (2) where the maximum income tax rate is lower than 20%, or (3) the laws of which do not allow access to information related to the composition of shareholders, ownership of investments or identification of beneficial owners of earnings attributed to non-residents, or a tax favorable jurisdiction.

Since 1997 and in accordance with Laws Nos. 9,249/95 and 9,430/96, we have been permitted to deduct these distributions for purposes of calculating the CSLL and the corporate income taxes that we owe, provided that each such distribution is approved by our shareholders in a general meeting and complies with the limits established by Brazilian tax legislation.

Payments of interest on shareholders’ equity may be included, at their net value, as part of any mandatory dividend. To the extent payment of interest on shareholders’ equity is so included, the corporation is required to distribute to shareholders an additional amount to ensure that the net amount received by them, after payment of the applicable withholding income tax plus the amount of declared dividends, is at least equal to the mandatory dividend.

Taxation of Gains Outside Brazil

According to Brazilian Law No. 10,833/03, gains realized on the disposition or sale of assets located in Brazil are subject to income tax in Brazil, regardless of whether the sale or the disposition is made by the non-resident holder to a Brazilian resident or to another non-resident of Brazil, as follows: “the acquiror, individual or legal entity resident or domiciled in Brazil, or the acquiror’s attorney-in-fact, when such acquiror is resident or domiciled abroad, shall be responsible for the retention and payment of the income tax applicable to capital gains under Article 18 of Law 9,249 of December 26, 1995 earned by the individual or legal entity resident or domiciled abroad who disposes of property located in Brazil.”

Holders of the ADSs outside of Brazil may have grounds to assert that Brazilian Law No. 10,833/03 does not apply to sales or other dispositions of ADSs as ADSs are not assets located in Brazil. However, the sale or other disposition of class A preferred shares abroad may be subject to the provisions of Brazilian Law No. 10,833/03. Any capital gains arising from sales or other dispositions outside Brazil would be subject to Brazilian income tax at the rate of 15% or 25% if the investor is located in a Tax Favorable Jurisdiction. Brazilian Law No. 10,833/03 requires the purchaser of our class A preferred shares outside Brazil or its attorney-in-fact in Brazil to withhold the income tax. A disposition of class A preferred shares can only occur abroad if any investor decides to cancel its investment in ADSs and register the underlying class A preferred shares as a direct foreign investment under Law No. 4,131/62.

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Taxation of Gains in Brazil

The exchange of ADSs for class A preferred shares is not subject to Brazilian tax. Upon receipt of the underlying class A preferred shares in exchange of ADSs, a non-resident investor will be entitled to register with the Central Bank the U.S. dollar value of such shares as a foreign portfolio investment under Resolution No. 2,689/00. See “—Exchange Controls” and “—Tax on Foreign Exchange and on Bonds and Securities Transactions—Registered Capital.” The sale or disposition of class A preferred shares on a Brazilian stock exchange is exempt from capital gains tax, provided that such shares are held by a non-resident holder that (1) has registered its investment in Brazil with the Central Bank under the rules of under Resolution No. 2,689/00, or a 2,689 Holder, and (2) is not resident or domiciled in a tax favorable jurisdiction. Upon receipt of the underlying class A preferred shares, a non-resident holder is also entitled to register with the Central Bank the U.S. dollar value of such shares as a foreign direct investment under Law 4,131/62. See “—Exchange Controls” and “—Tax on Foreign Exchange and on Bonds and Securities Transactions—Registered Capital.” A 15% capital gains tax is applicable to the sale or other disposition of preferred class A shares in Brazil where such shares are held by a non-resident holder as a foreign direct investment and the transaction is executed outside a Brazilian stock exchange. If the non-resident holder is domiciled in a tax favorable jurisdiction and the disposition of the preferred class A shares is executed outside a Brazilian stock exchange, the income tax rate will be 25%.

If the sale or other disposition of such shares is carried out on a Brazilian stock exchange, the capital gains on the sale or disposition will be taxed at a rate of 15%. This 15% rate applies to all transactions carried out on a Brazilian stock exchange by non-resident holders regardless of whether or not they are domiciled in tax favorable jurisdiction (except to gains realized by a 2,689 Holder that is not resident or domiciled in a tax favorable jurisdiction as described above). In these transactions, the gain realized is calculated based on the amount registered with the Central Bank. As of January 1, 2005, a withholding tax of 0.005% will also be assessed on the sales price or other disposition value of shares sold or disposed of in transactions carried out on a Brazilian stock exchange. The withholding tax, to be offset against tax due on eventual capital gain, must be withheld by one of the following entities: (1) the agent receiving the sale or disposition order from the client; (2) the stock exchange responsible for registering the transactions; or (3) the entity responsible for the settlement and payment of the transactions. Such withholding does not apply to a 2,689 Holder that is not a resident of or domiciled in a favorable tax jurisdiction.

The deposit of class A preferred shares in exchange for ADSs is not subject to Brazilian tax, provided that these shares are held by the non-resident holder as a foreign portfolio investment under Resolution No. 2,689/00. In the event our class A preferred shares are held by the non-resident holder as a foreign direct investment under Law No. 4,131/62, the deposit of these shares in exchange for ADSs is subject to payment of Brazilian capital gains tax at the rate of 15% (25% in the case of a non-resident holder located in a tax favorable jurisdiction).

The current preferential treatment for non-resident holders of ADSs and non-resident holders of class A preferred shares under Resolution No. 2,689/00 may not continue in the future.

Any exercise of preemptive rights relating to our class A preferred shares will not be subject to Brazilian taxation. Gains on the sale or assignment of preemptive rights relating to our class A preferred shares by the depositary may be subject to Brazilian taxation. Tax authorities may attempt to tax such gains even when the sale or assignment of such rights takes place outside Brazil, based on the provisions of Law No. 10,833/03. These authorities may allege that the preemptive rights relate to assets located in Brazil (the class A preferred shares) and require payment of capital gains tax at the rate of 15% (or 25% if the beneficiary of the payments is resident of a tax favorable jurisdiction). If the preemptive rights are assigned or sold in Brazil, capital gains tax will apply at a rate of 15% (or 25% in the case of a non-resident holder located in a tax favorable jurisdiction). Sales or assignments of preemptive rights effected on Brazilian stock exchanges are exempt from income tax, provided that such preemptive rights relate to shares registered as a foreign portfolio investment under Resolution No. 2,689/00 and the 2,689 Holder is not a resident of or domiciled in a tax favorable jurisdiction.

Other Brazilian Taxes

There are no Brazilian inheritance, gift or succession taxes applicable to the ownership, transfer or disposition of class A preferred shares or ADSs by a non-resident holder except for gift and inheritance imposed by some states of Brazil on gifts made or inheritances bestowed by individuals or entities not resident or domiciled in Brazil or domiciled within the state to individuals or entities resident or domiciled within such state in Brazil. There are no Brazilian stamp, issue, registration or similar taxes or duties payable by holders of class A preferred shares or ADSs.

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Tax on Foreign Exchange and on Bonds and Securities Transactions

Foreign Exchange Transactions

Pursuant to Decree 6,306 of December 14, 2007, as amended, or Decree 6,306/07, the conversion of Brazilian currency into foreign currency (e.g., for purposes of paying dividends and interest) and on the conversion of foreign currency into Brazilian currency may be subject to the IOF/Exchange Tax. Currently, for most exchange transactions, the rate of IOF/Exchange is 0.38%. This is the rate applicable to the inflow and outflow of foreign direct investments for companies in Brazil according to Law 4,131/62 (other than trading portfolio investments in securities under Resolution 2,689/00).

The IOF/Exchange Tax levies a 6% flat rate on capital inflows from non-residents who invest in the Brazilian stock exchange, futures and commodities exchanges, including inflows that serve as margin guarantees in these transactions. As of December 2011, however, the 6.0% rate was reduced to 0% on the following capital inflows from non-residents: (1) investments in securities bearing a variable rate of return that are purchased on the Brazilian stock exchange, futures and commodities exchanges; (2) acquisition of stocks in public offerings on the Brazilian stock exchange or subscriptions of capital increases; (3) investments in Brazilian stocks using funds derived from the cancelation of “depositary receipts”; (4) certain investments in private equity or emerging companies investment funds (FIP and FIEE) and funds of these funds; and (5) conversion of foreign direct investments in stocks under Law 4,131/62 into foreign investment in stocks under Resolution 2,689/00.

In March 2012, Brazilian federal regulators clarified that the 0% rate also applies to investments in Brazilian depository receipts representing shares of foreign companies and traded in Brazilian stock exchanges.

The IOF is 0% on the outflow of foreign investments in portfolio in Brazil under Resolution 2,689/00. The remittance abroad of dividends and interest on equity to non-Brazilian residents is subject to 0% IOF tax.

Additionally, the transfers of shares traded on the stock exchange with the purpose of enabling the issuance of ADSs are subject to the IOF/Bonds Tax at a rate of 1.5%, which is aimed at correcting an asymmetry created by the IOF/Exchange Tax.

The Brazilian government may increase the rate of the IOF/Exchange Tax to a maximum of 25% of the amount of the foreign exchange transaction at any time, but such an increase would only apply to future foreign exchange transactions. The imposition of these taxes may discourage foreign investment in shares of Brazilian companies, including our company, due to higher transaction costs, and may negatively impact the price and volatility of our ADSs and preferred shares on the NYSE and the BM&FBOVESPA.

Registered Capital

The amount of an investment in class A preferred shares held by a non-Brazilian holder as a foreign direct investment under Law No. 4,131/02 or a foreign portfolio investment under Resolution No. 2,689/00 or in ADSs held by the depositary representing such holder, as the case may be, is eligible for registration with the Central Bank; such registration (the amount so registered is referred to as “registered capital”) allows the remittance outside Brazil of foreign currency, converted at the commercial market rate, acquired with the proceeds of distributions on, and amounts realized with respect to disposition of, such class A preferred shares. The registered capital for class A preferred shares purchased in the form of ADSs, or purchased in Brazil and deposited with the depositary in exchange for an ADS, is equal to their purchase price in U.S. dollars paid by the purchaser. The registered capital for class A preferred shares that are withdrawn upon surrender of ADSs is the U.S. dollar equivalent of (1) the average price of our class A preferred shares on the Brazilian stock exchange on which the greatest number of such class A preferred shares was sold on the day of withdrawal, or (2) if no class A preferred shares were sold on such day, the average price of class A preferred shares that were sold in the fifteen trading sessions immediately preceding such withdrawal. The U.S. dollar value of our class A preferred shares is determined on the basis of the average commercial market rates quoted by the Central Bank on such date (or, if the average price of class A preferred shares is determined under clause (2) of the preceding sentence, the average of such average quoted rates on the same fifteen dates used to determine the average price of our class A preferred shares).

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A non-Brazilian holder of class A preferred shares may experience delays in effecting the registration of registered capital, which may delay remittances abroad. Such a delay may adversely affect the amount, in U.S. dollars, received by the non-Brazilian holder. See “—Exchange Controls” and “Item 3. Key Information—Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Class A Preferred Shares and the ADSs.

U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations

The following is a discussion of the material U.S. federal income tax consequences that may be relevant with respect to the acquisition, ownership and disposition of our class A preferred shares or ADSs, which are evidenced by ADRs. This description addresses only the U.S. federal income tax considerations of U.S. holders (as defined below) that will hold class A preferred shares or ADSs as capital assets. This description does not address tax considerations applicable to holders that may be subject to special tax rules, such as banks, financial institutions, insurance companies, real estate investment trusts, grantor trusts, regulated investment companies, dealers or traders in securities or currencies, tax-exempt entities, pension funds, persons that received our class A preferred shares or ADSs pursuant to an exercise of employee stock options or rights or otherwise as compensation for the performance of services, persons that will hold our class A preferred shares or ADSs as a position in a “straddle” or as a part of a “hedging”, “conversion” or other risk reduction transaction for U.S. federal income tax purposes, persons that have a “functional currency” other than the U.S. dollar, persons that will own our class A preferred shares or ADSs through partnerships or other pass through entities, holders subject to the alternative minimum tax, certain former citizens or long-term residents of the United States or holders that own (or are deemed to own) 10% or more (by voting power) of our shares.

This description does not address any state, local or non-U.S. tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of our class A preferred shares or ADSs. Moreover, this description does not address the consequences of any U.S. federal tax other than income tax, including but not limited to the U.S. federal estate and gift taxes. This description is based on (1) the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), existing, proposed and temporary U.S. Treasury Regulations and judicial and administrative interpretations thereof, in each case as in effect and available on the date of this annual report and (2), in part, on the representations of the depositary and the assumption that each obligation in the deposit agreement and any related agreement will be performed in accordance with its terms. All of the foregoing are subject to change, which change could apply retroactively and could affect the tax consequences described below.

As used below, a “U.S. holder” is a beneficial owner of a class A preferred share or ADS that is, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, (1) an individual citizen or resident of the United States, (2) a corporation organized under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia, (3) an estate the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source, or (4) a trust if (i) a court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over its administration and (ii) one or more U.S. persons have the authority to control all of the substantial decisions of such trust. As used below, a “Non-U.S. holder” is a beneficial owner of a class A preferred share or ADS that is neither a U.S. holder nor a partnership (or other entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes).

If a partnership (or any other entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) holds class A preferred shares or ADSs, the tax treatment of a partner in such partnership will generally depend on the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. A partnership or its partners should consult their tax advisor as to its tax consequences.

The class A preferred shares will be treated as equity for U.S. federal income tax purposes. In general, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, a holder of an ADR evidencing an ADS will be treated as the beneficial owner of our class A preferred shares represented by the applicable ADS. The U.S. Treasury Department has expressed concern that depositaries for ADSs, or other intermediaries between the holders of shares of an issuer and the issuer, may be taking actions that are inconsistent with the claiming of U.S. foreign tax credits by U.S. holders of such receipts or shares. Such actions include, for example, a pre-release of an ADS by a depository. Accordingly, the analysis regarding the availability of a U.S. foreign tax credit for Brazilian taxes, the sourcing rules and the availability of the reduced tax rate for dividends received by certain non-corporate holders, each described below could be affected by future actions that may be taken by the U.S. Treasury Department.

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Taxation of Dividends

Subject to the discussion under “—Passive Foreign Investment Company Rules,” in general, the gross amount of a distribution made with respect to a class A preferred share or ADS (which for this purpose shall include distributions of interest attributable to shareholders’ equity before any reduction for any Brazilian taxes withheld therefrom) will, to the extent made from the current or accumulated earnings and profits of our company, as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles, constitute a dividend to a U.S. holder for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Non-corporate U.S. holders may be taxed on dividends from a qualified foreign corporation at the lower rates applicable to long-term capital gains (i.e., gains with respect to capital assets held for more than one year). A foreign corporation is treated as a qualified foreign corporation with respect to dividends received from that corporation on shares or ADSs that are readily tradable on an “established securities market” in the United States. U.S. Treasury Department guidance indicates that the ADSs (which are listed on the NYSE), but not our class A preferred shares, are readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States. Thus, subject to the discussion below under “—Passive Foreign Investment Company Rules,” dividends that we pay on the ADSs, but not on our class A preferred shares, currently meet the conditions required for these reduced tax rates. There, however, can be no assurance that the ADSs will be considered readily tradable on an established securities market in later years. Furthermore, a U.S. holder’s eligibility for such preferential rate is subject to certain holding period requirements and the non-existence of certain risk reduction transactions with respect to the ADSs. Such dividends will not be eligible for the dividends received deduction generally allowed to corporate U.S. holders. Subject to the discussion below under “—Passive Foreign Investment Company Rules,” if a distribution exceeds the amount of our company’s current and accumulated earnings and profits, it will be treated as a non-taxable return of capital to the extent of the U.S. holder’s tax basis in our class A preferred share or ADS on which it is paid and thereafter as capital gain. Our company does not maintain calculations of our earnings and profits under U.S. federal income tax principles. Therefore, U.S. holders should expect that distributions by our company generally will be treated as dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

A dividend paid in reais will be includible in the income of a U.S. holder at its value in U.S. dollars calculated by reference to the prevailing spot market exchange rate in effect on the day it is received by the U.S. holder in the case of our class A preferred shares or, in the case of a dividend received in respect of ADSs, on the date the dividend is received by the depositary, whether or not the dividend is converted into U.S. dollars. Assuming the payment is not converted at that time, the U.S. holder will have a tax basis in reais equal to that U.S. dollar amount, which will be used to measure gain or loss from subsequent changes in exchange rates. Any gain or loss realized by a U.S. holder that subsequently sells or otherwise disposes of reais, which gain or loss is attributable to currency fluctuations after the date of receipt of the dividend, will be ordinary gain or loss. The amount of any distribution of property other than cash will be the fair market value of such property on the date of distribution.

The gross amount of any dividend paid (which will include any amounts withheld in respect of Brazilian taxes) with respect to a class A preferred share or ADS will be subject to U.S. federal income taxation as foreign source dividend income, which may be relevant in calculating a U.S. holder’s foreign tax credit limitation. Subject to limitations under U.S. federal income tax law concerning credits or deductions for foreign taxes and certain exceptions for short-term and hedged positions, any Brazilian withholding tax will be treated as a foreign income tax eligible for credit against a U.S. holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability (or at a U.S. holder’s election, may be deducted in computing taxable income if the U.S. holder has elected to deduct all foreign income taxes for the taxable year). The limitation on foreign taxes eligible for the U.S. foreign tax credit is calculated separately with respect to specific “baskets” of income. For this purpose, the dividends should generally constitute “passive category income”, or in the case of certain U.S. holders, “general category income.” The rules with respect to foreign tax credits are complex, and U.S. holders are urged to consult their own tax advisors regarding the availability of the foreign tax credit under their particular circumstances.

Subject to the discussion under “—Information Reporting and Backup Withholding,” a Non-U.S. holder of class A preferred shares or ADSs generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income or withholding tax on dividends received on such shares or ADSs, unless such income is effectively connected with the conduct by such Non-U.S. holder of a trade or business in the United States.

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Sale, Exchange or Other Disposition of Class A Preferred Shares or ADSs

A deposit or withdrawal of class A preferred shares by a holder in exchange for an ADS that represents such shares will not result in the realization of gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes. A U.S. holder generally will recognize capital gain or loss upon a sale, exchange or other disposition of a class A preferred share or ADS held by the U.S. holder or the depositary, as the case may be, in an amount equal to the difference between the U.S. holder’s adjusted basis in our class A preferred share or ADS (determined in U.S. dollars) and the U.S. dollar amount realized on the sale, exchange or other disposition. If a Brazilian tax is withheld on the sale, exchange or other disposition of a share, the amount realized by a U.S. holder will include the gross amount of the proceeds of that sale, exchange or other disposition before deduction of the Brazilian tax. In the case of a non-corporate U.S. holder, the maximum marginal U.S. federal income tax rate applicable to capital gain will generally be lower than the maximum marginal U.S. federal income tax rate applicable to ordinary income (other than, as discussed above, certain dividends) if such holder’s holding period for such class A preferred share or ADS exceeds one year (i.e., such gain is a long-term capital gain). Capital gain, if any, realized by a U.S. holder on the sale or exchange of a class A preferred share or ADS generally will be treated as U.S. source income for U.S. foreign tax credit purposes. Consequently, in the case of a disposition or deposit of a class A preferred share or ADS that is subject to Brazilian tax, the U.S. holder may not be able to use the foreign tax credit for that Brazilian tax unless it can apply the credit against U.S. tax payable on other income from foreign sources in the appropriate income category, or, alternatively, it may take a deduction for the Brazilian tax if it elects to deduct all of its foreign income taxes. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations under the Code.

The initial tax basis of class A preferred shares or ADSs to a U.S. holder is the U.S. dollar value of the reais-denominated purchase price determined on the date of purchase. If our class A preferred shares or ADSs are treated as traded on an “established securities market,” a cash basis U.S. holder, or, if it elects, an accrual basis U.S. holder, will determine the dollar value of the cost of such class A preferred shares or ADSs by translating the amount paid at the spot rate of exchange on the settlement date of the purchase. The conversion of U.S. dollars to reais and the immediate use of that currency to purchase class A preferred shares or ADSs generally will not result in taxable gain or loss for a U.S. holder.

With respect to the sale or exchange of class A preferred shares or ADSs, the amount realized generally will be the U.S. dollar value of the payment received determined on (1) the date of receipt of payment in the case of a cash basis U.S. holder and (2) the date of disposition in the case of an accrual basis U.S. holder. If our class A preferred shares or ADSs are treated as traded on an “established securities market,” a cash basis taxpayer, or, if it elects, an accrual basis taxpayer, will determine the U.S. dollar value of the amount realized by translating the amount received at the spot rate of exchange on the settlement date of the sale.

Subject to the discussion below under “—Information Reporting and Backup Withholding,” a Non-U.S. holder of class A preferred shares or ADSs generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income or withholding tax on any gain realized on the sale or exchange of such shares or ADSs unless (1) such gain is effectively connected with the conduct by such Non-U.S. holder of a trade or business in the United States or (2) in the case of any gain realized by an individual Non-U.S. holder, such holder is present in the United States for 183 days or more in the taxable year of such sale or exchange and certain other conditions are met.

Passive Foreign Investment Company Rules

A Non-U.S. corporation will be classified as a “passive foreign investment company”, or a PFIC, for U.S. federal income tax purposes in any taxable year in which, after applying certain look-through rules, either (1) at least 75 percent of its gross income is “passive income” or (2) at least 50 percent of the average value of its gross assets is attributable to assets that produce “passive income” or is held for the production of passive income. Passive income for this purpose generally includes dividends, interest, royalties, rents and gains from commodities and securities transactions.

Based on certain estimates of its gross income and gross assets and the nature of its business, our company believes that it will not be classified as a PFIC for its taxable year ending December 31, 2014. The company’s status in future years will depend on its assets and activities in those years. The company has no reason to believe that its assets or activities will change in a manner that would cause it to be classified as a PFIC for the taxable year ended December 31, 2014 or any future year, but there can be no assurance that the company will not be considered a PFIC for any taxable year. If we were a PFIC, a U.S. holder of class A preferred shares or ADSs generally would be subject to imputed interest charges and other disadvantageous tax treatment with respect to any gain from the sale or exchange of, and certain distributions with respect to, the shares or ADSs (including the loss of the potential reduced tax rate on certain dividends described above).

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If we were a PFIC, a U.S. holder of class A preferred shares or ADSs could make a variety of elections that may alleviate certain of the tax consequences referred to above, and one of these elections may be made retroactively. However, it is expected that the conditions necessary for making certain of such elections will not apply in the case of the class A preferred shares or ADSs. U.S. holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the tax consequences that would arise if the company were treated as a PFIC.

If a U.S. holder owns our class A preferred shares or ADSs during any year in which we were a PFIC, the U.S. holder generally must file IRS Form 8621 with respect to our company, generally with the U.S. holder’s federal income tax return for that year. If our company was a PFIC for a given taxable year, then U.S. holders of class A preferred shares or ADSs should consult their tax advisor concerning their annual filing requirements.

Medicare Tax on “Net Investment Income”

Certain U.S. Holders who are individuals, estates or trusts are required to pay an additional 3.8% tax on, among other things, dividends and capital gains for the sale or other disposition of class A preferred shares and ADSs.

Foreign Asset Reporting

Pursuant to the Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment Act of 2010 and recently promulgated temporary regulations thereunder, certain U.S. holders who are individuals are required to report information relating to an interest in our class A preferred shares or ADSs, subject to certain exceptions (including an exception for shares or ADSs held in custodial accounts maintained with a financial institution). U.S. holders of the class A preferred shares or ADSs are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding their information reporting obligations, if any, with respect to their ownership and disposition of our class A preferred shares or ADSs.

Information Reporting and Backup Withholding

U.S. backup withholding tax and information reporting requirements generally apply to certain payments to certain non-corporate holders of shares. Information reporting generally will apply to payments of dividends on, and to proceeds from the sale or redemption of, our class A preferred shares or the ADSs made within the United States or by a U.S. payor or U.S. middleman to a holder of our class A preferred shares or the ADSs, other than an exempt recipient, including a corporation, a payee that is not a U.S. person that provides an appropriate certification and certain other persons. Backup withholding tax will apply to any payments of dividends on, or the proceeds from the sale or redemption of, class A preferred shares or the ADSs within the United States or by a U.S. payor or U.S. middleman to a holder, other than an exempt recipient, if such holder fails to furnish its correct taxpayer identification number or otherwise fails to comply with, or establish an exemption from, such backup withholding tax requirements. The backup withholding tax rate is 28%.

Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Holders generally will be entitled to credit any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules against their U.S. federal income tax liability or a refund of the amounts withheld provided the required information is furnished to the IRS in a timely manner.

The above description is not intended to constitute a complete analysis of all tax consequences relating to ownership and disposition of class A preferred shares or ADSs. Prospective purchasers should consult their own tax advisors concerning the tax consequences of their particular situations.

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Documents on Display

Statements contained in this annual report regarding the contents of any contract or other document filed as an exhibit to this annual report summarize their material terms, but are not necessarily complete, and each of these statements is qualified in all respects by reference to the full text of such contract or other document.

We are subject to the periodic reporting and other informational requirements of the Exchange Act applicable to a foreign private issuer. Accordingly, we are required to file with or furnish to the SEC, reports and other information, including annual reports on Form 20-F and reports on Form 6-K.

As a foreign private issuer, we are exempt under the Exchange Act from, among other things, the rules prescribing the furnishing and content of proxy statements, and members of our board of directors and board of executive officers and our principal shareholders are exempt from reporting and short-swing profit recovery provisions contained in Section 16 of the Exchange Act. In addition, as a foreign private issuer, we will not be required under the Exchange Act to file periodic reports and financial statements with the SEC as frequently or as promptly as U.S. companies whose securities are registered under the Exchange Act.

You may inspect and copy reports and other information that we file with or furnish to the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room located at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington D.C. 20549. Copies of these materials may be obtained by mail from the SEC’s Public Reference Room at prescribed rates. The public may obtain information on the operation of the SEC’s Public Reference Room by calling the SEC in the United States at 1-800-SEC-0330. In addition, the SEC maintains an internet website at www.sec.gov from which you can electronically access these materials.

We also file financial statements and other periodic reports with the CVM, which are available for investor inspection at the CVM’s offices located at Rua Sete de Setembro, 111, 2nd floor, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, and Rua Cincinato Braga, 340, 2nd, 3rd and 4th floors, São Paulo, SP. The telephone numbers of the CVM in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo are +55-21-3554-8686 and +55-11-2146- 2097, respectively.

Copies of our annual report on Form 20-F and documents referred to in this annual report and our bylaws are available for inspection upon request at our headquarters at Rua Lemos Monteiro, 120 – 24° andar, Butantã—São Paulo—SP, CEP 05501-050, Brazil. Our filings are also available to the public through the internet at our website at www.braskem.com.br. The information included on our website or that might be accessed through our website is not included in this annual report and is not incorporated into this annual report by reference.

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ITEM 11. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
 

We are exposed to market risks arising from our normal business activities. These market risks, which are beyond our control, principally involve the possibility that changes in interest rates, exchange rates or commodity prices will adversely affect the value of our financial assets and liabilities or future cash flows and earnings. Market risk is the potential loss arising from adverse changes in market rates and prices.

In order to mitigate the market risks to which we are exposed, we have used, and we may use, foreign currency, interest rate and commodity derivative instruments, as well as cash and receivables. As of December 31, 2014, we had non-deliverable forward, cross-currency and interest rate swaps with an aggregate notional amount of R$1,570.5 million in addition to R$5,323.9 million related to Project Ethylene XXI. These cross-currency and interest rate swaps match certain of our foreign currency-denominated debt obligations.

It is our policy to assess the potential and consolidated impact of market risks and to mitigate assessed risks in accordance with our risk management policy.

On August 9, 2010, our board of directors adopted a new risk management policy covering our cash flow management and liquidity, investment of cash and cash equivalents, funding activities and guarantees, and management of foreign exchange and commodity risks. This policy reflects our conservative financial practices and risk management procedures. Its objective is to manage and anticipate risks by continuously evaluating several key factors, including the risk-adjusted return of our business strategies, the overall financial health of the company, any financial operations we have with related parties, our ratings, counterparty risk and hedging strategy. Additionally, the policy aims to ensure the alignment of the objectives of the teams involved in risk management with the overall objectives of Braskem.

We do not enter into derivative transactions for speculative purposes.

As of December 31, 2014, we had R$1,945 million in foreign currency-denominated cash, cash equivalents and financial investments, which may partially offset the effects of any depreciation of the real against the foreign currency on our ability to service our foreign currency-denominated debt to the extent of these foreign currency-denominated cash equivalents and other investments.

Interest Rate Risk

Our variable interest rate exposure is primarily subject to the variations of the LIBOR rate and, for real-denominated borrowings and short-term cash investments, variations of the TJLP rate and the CDI rate.

With respect to Brazilian interest rates:

·      the short-term domestic CDI rate increased to 11.1% per annum as of December 31, 2014 from 9.8% per annum as of December 31, 2013 and 6.9% per annum as of December 31, 2012; and

·      the TJLP remained stable at 5.0% per annum as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 from 5.5% per annum as of December 31, 2012.

 

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The table below provides information about our significant interest-rate sensitive instruments:

 

Payment Schedule—Breakdown by Type of Interest Rate

 

As of December 31, 2014

 

Expected Maturity Date

 

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

Thereafter

Total

Fair Value(1)

 

(in millions of reais, unless otherwise indicated)

Liabilities:

               

Loans and financings (excluding debentures):

               

Fixed rate, denominated in U.S. dollars

378.3

160.4

719.6

199.2

11,276.0

12,733.5

12,857.5

Average interest rate

7.8%

8,0%

7.6%

7.9%

6.5%

 

 

Variable rate, denominated in U.S. dollars

175.8

167.1

130.9

497.3

316.7

167.7

1,455.5

1,455.5

Average interest rate (over LIBOR)

2.1%

2.1%

1.9%

1.6%

1.6%

1.2%

   

Ethylene XXI Project finance fixed rate, denominated in U.S. dollars

10.2

45.8

108.6

124.2

128.2

1,350.2

1,767.2

1,767.2

Average interest rate

4.8%

4.8%

4.8%

4.8%

4.8%

4.7%

   

Ethylene XXI Project finance variable rate, denominated in U.S. dollars

30.3

105.6

322.0

400.2

416.6

4,647.2

5,921.9

5,921.9

Average interest rate

4.0%

4.2%

4.0%

3.9%

3.9%

4.0%

   

Fixed rate, denominated in reais

289.7

205.8

187.9

182.7

150.8

278.0

1,294.8

1,294.8

Average interest rate

6.6%

5.5%

5.2%

5.4%

5.6%

6.5%

   

Variable rate, denominated in reais

545.9

587.8

473.8

356.4

265.2

146.3

2,375.5

2,375.5

Average interest rate (over TJLP)

2.9%

2.9%

2.8%

2.8%

2.8%

2.8%

   

Variable rate, denominated in reais

38.6

256.0

528.5

172.9

1,019.9

346.2

2,362.0

2,362.0

Variable rate, denominated in reais

23.6

69.4

78.4

78.4

74.7

65.4

389.8

389.8

Average interest rate (over SELIC)

2.6%

2.7%

2.7%

2.7%

2.7%

2.8%

   

Total loans and financings

1,451.9

1,286.1

1,559.9

2,007.3

2,026.5

12,279.6

28,300.3

28,424.2

                 

Assets:

               

Cash and cash equivalents and other instruments:

1,945.0

1,945.0

1,945.0

Fixed rate, denominated in foreign currency

1,178.6

42.8

50.2

17.8

17.2

1,846.7

1,846.7

Total cash and cash equivalents and other investments

3,663.6

42.8

50.2

17.8

17.2

3,791.7

3,791.7

_________________________________

 (1)  Represents the net present value of the future cash flows from the obligations converted into reais at fair market value as of December 31, 2014.

In the event that the average interest rate applicable to our financial assets and debt in 2015 were 1% higher than the average interest rate in 2014, our financial income would increase by approximately R$37.9 million and our financial expenses would increase by approximately R$283.0 million.

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk

Our liabilities that are exposed to foreign currency exchange rate risk are primarily denominated in U.S. dollars. To partially offset our risk of any devaluation of the real against the U.S. dollar, we currently maintain available liquid resources denominated in U.S. dollars and may enter into derivative contracts. Additionally, in order to provide a better representation of the actual exchange rate risk related to future exports, we designated part of our dollar-denominated liabilities as a hedging instrument using the hedge accounting treatment on May 1, 2013. We borrow in the international markets to support our operations and investments, we are exposed to market risks from changes in foreign exchange rates and interest rates.

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The table below provides information about our significant foreign currency exposures:

 

Payment Schedule—Breakdown by Currency

 

As of December 31, 2014

 

Expected Maturity Date

 

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

Thereafter

Total

Fair Value(1)

 

(in millions of reais)

Liabilities:

             

Loans, financings and trade payables:

             

Loans and financings denominated in U.S. dollars

594.6

318.5

721.8

1,741.4

1,060.7

17,441.1

21,878.2

Accounts payable denominated in U.S. dollars

6,394.0

6,394.0

6,394.0

Total loans, financings and trade payables

6,988.6

318.5

721.8

1,741.4

1,060.7

17,441.1

28,272.1

28,396.0

Hedge accounting designated liabilities

23.6

2,229.7

2,203.8

2,092.8

1,949.6

9,472.6

17,948.6

17,948.6

Net income statement exposure to U.S. dollars

6,965.0

(1,911.2)

(1,482.0)

(351.4)

(888.9)

7,968.5

10,323.6

10,447.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents and other investments:

               

Denominated in foreign currency

1,945.0

1,945.0

1,945.0

Total cash and cash equivalents and other investments

1,945.0

1,945.0

1,945.0

_________________________________

 (1)  Represents the net present value of the future cash flows from the obligations converted into reais at fair market value as of December 31, 2014.

Our foreign currency exposures give rise to market risks associated with exchange rate movements of the real against the U.S. dollar. Foreign currency-denominated liabilities as of December 31, 2014 consisted primarily of U.S. dollar-denominated debt. Our U.S. dollar-denominated debt, including short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt, was R$21,878.2 million (US$8,236.6 million) as of December 31, 2014 and R$17,804.0 million (US$7,600.1 million) as of December 31, 2013. This foreign currency exposure is represented by debt in the form of notes, bonds, pre-export finance facilities and working capital loans. Our cash and funds available in U.S. dollars partially protect us against exposure arising from the U.S. dollar-denominated debt. Similarly, revenues from future exports partially offset this foreign currency exposure for U.S. dollar-denominated debt, and we therefore adopted hedge accounting treatment to provide a better representation of our actual exposure.

In the event that the real were to devalue by 10% against the U.S. dollar during 2015 as compared to the real/U.S. dollar exchange rate as of December 31, 2014, our financial expenses indexed to the dollar in 2015 would increase by approximately R$2,187.8 million, and our financial income would increase by approximately R$160.8 million.

Commodity Prices

Although we have commodities swaps related to specific transactions, we do not currently hedge our main exposure to changes in prices of naphtha, our principal raw material, which are linked to international market prices denominated in U.S. dollars of naphtha and other petroleum derivatives. We do not hedge this main exposure, in part, because a portion of our sales are exports payable in foreign currencies and linked to the international market prices of these commodities denominated in U.S. dollars and, in part, because the prices of our polyethylene, polypropylene and PVC products sold in domestic markets generally reflect changes in the international market prices of these products denominated in U.S. dollars, converted into reais. In periods of high volatility in the U.S. dollar price of naphtha or the real/U.S. dollar exchange rate, there is usually a lag between the time that the U.S. dollar price of naphtha increases or the U.S. dollar appreciates and the time that we can effectively pass on the resulting increased cost in reaisto our customers in Brazil. Accordingly, if the U.S. dollar price of naphtha increases precipitously or the realdevalues precipitously against the U.S. dollar in the future, we may not immediately be able to pass on all of the corresponding increases in our naphtha costs to our customers in Brazil, which could materially adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition. See “Item 3. Key Information—Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Company and the Petrochemical Industry.”

 

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ITEM 12. DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES

The depositary, JP Morgan Chase Bank, NA, collects its fees for the delivery and surrender of ADSs directly from investors depositing shares or surrendering ADSs or from intermediaries acting for them. The depositary also collects fees for making distributions to investors by deducting those fees from the amounts distributed or by selling a portion of distributable property to pay the fees. The depositary may collect its annual fee for depositary services by deductions from cash distributions or by directly billing investors or by charging the book-entry system accounts of participants acting for them. The depositary may generally refuse to provide fee-attracting services until its fees for those services are paid.

Persons depositing or withdrawing shares must pay:

·       U.S.$5.00 for each 100 ADSs (or portion thereof) issued, delivered, reduced, cancelled or surrendered (as the case may be) plus any additional fees charged by any governmental authorities or other institutions such as the Companhia Brasileira de Liquidação e Custódia (the Brazilian Clearing and Depository Corporation); 

·       a fee of U.S.$0.05 or less per ADS for any Cash distribution made pursuant to the Deposit Agreement; 

·       a fee of U.S.$1.50 per ADR or ADRs for transfers made pursuant to paragraph; 

·       a fee for the distribution or sale of securities;

·       an aggregate fee of U.S.$0.05 or less per ADS per calendar year (or portion thereof) for services performed by the Depositary in administering the ADRs;

·       a fee for the reimbursement of such fees, charges and expenses as are incurred by the Depositary and/or any of its agents; and

·       transfer or registration fees for the registration or transfer of Deposited Securities on any applicable register in connection with the deposit or withdrawal of Deposited Securities.

During the year ended December 31, 2014, we received from the depositary of our ADSs approximately US$750.0, which was used for general corporate purposes such as the payment of costs and expenses associated with (1) the preparation and distribution of proxy materials, (2) the preparation and distribution of marketing materials and (3) consulting and other services related to investor relations.

 

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PART II

ITEM 13. DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES

Not applicable.

ITEM 14. MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS

Not applicable.

ITEM 15. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our chief executive officer and our chief financial officer are responsible for establishing and maintaining our disclosure controls and procedures. These controls and procedures were designed to ensure that information that we are required to disclose in the reports that we file under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the applicable rules and forms of the SEC, and that it is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our chief executive officer and our chief financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. We performed an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2014 under the supervision of our chief executive officer and our chief financial officer. Based on our evaluation, our chief executive officer and our chief financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2014.

Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting and Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Our management’s report on internal control over financial reporting is included in this annual report on page F-2 and the opinion issued by our independent registered public accounting firm is included in the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers Auditores Independentes that is included in this annual report on pages F-3 and F-4.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the year ended December 31, 2014 that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.

ITEM 16A. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT

Our fiscal council currently includes an “audit committee financial expert” within the meaning of this Item 16A. Our fiscal council has determined that Ismael Campos de Abreu is our fiscal council financial expert. Mr. Neto’s biographical information is included in “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees—Directors and Senior Management—Fiscal Council.” Given that our board has not made a formal determination as to Mr. Abreu’s independence, as that term is defined in Rule 303A.02 of the New York Stock Exchange’s Listed Company Manual, he is not considered independent under that standard. However, he meets the standards of independence for fiscal council members under Brazilian Corporation Law. See “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees—Directors and Senior Management—Fiscal Council” for more information.

ITEM 16B. CODE OF ETHICS

We have adopted a code of conduct that applies to members of our board of directors, fiscal council and board of executive officers, as well as to our other employees. This code of conduct was updated and approved by our board of directors in February 2014. A copy of our code of conduct may be found on our website at www.braskem.com.br. The information included on our website or that might be accessed through our website is not included in this annual report and is not incorporated into this annual report by reference.

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ITEM 16C. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

Audit and Non-Audit Fees

The following table sets forth the fees billed to us by our independent registered public accounting firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers Auditores Independentes, during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

2014

2013

 

(in millions of reais)

 

 

 

Audit fees(1)

R$10.6

R$8.0

Audit-related fees

2.1

Tax fees(2)

0.6

0.4

All other fees

0,2

Total fees

R$13.4

R$8.4

_________________________________

 (1)  Audit fees consist of the aggregate fees billed by PricewaterhouseCoopers Auditores Independentes in connection with the audit of our annual financial statements, interim audits, interim reviews of our quarterly financial information, issuance of comfort letters, procedures as related to audit of income tax provisions and related reserves in connection with the audit and review of financial statements and review of documents filed with the CVM and the SEC.

 (2)  Tax fees consist of the aggregate fees billed by PricewaterhouseCoopers Auditores Independentes for tax compliance reviews.

Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures

Our fiscal council and board of directors have approved an Audit and Non-Audit Services Pre-Approval Policy that sets forth the procedures and the conditions pursuant to which services proposed to be performed by our independent auditors may be pre-approved. This policy is designed to (1) provide both general pre-approval of certain types of services through the use of an annually established schedule setting forth the types of services that have already been pre-approved for a certain year and, with respect to services not included in an annual schedule, special pre-approval of services on a case by case basis by our fiscal council and our independent auditors, and (2) assess compliance with the pre-approval policies and procedures. Our management periodically reports to our fiscal council the nature and scope of audit and non-audit services rendered by our independent auditors and is also required to report to our fiscal council any breach of this policy of which our management is aware.

ITEM 16D. EXEMPTIONS FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEES

We are relying on the general exemption from the listing standards relating to audit committees contained in Rule 10A-3(c)(3) under the Exchange Act for the following reasons:

·         we are a foreign private issuer that has a fiscal council, which is a board of auditors (or similar body) established and selected pursuant to and as expressly permitted under Brazilian law;

·         Brazilian law requires our fiscal council to be separate from our board of directors;

·         members of our fiscal council are not elected by our management, and none of our executive officers is a member of our fiscal council;

·         Brazilian law provides standards for the independence of our fiscal council from our management;

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·         our fiscal council, in accordance with its charter, makes recommendations to our board of directors regarding the appointment, retention and oversight of the work of any registered public accounting firm engaged (including, the intermediation of disagreements between our management and our independent auditors regarding financial reporting) for the purpose of preparing or issuing an audit report or performing other audit, review or attest services for our company, as Brazilian law requires that our board of directors appoint, retain and oversee the work of our independent public accountants;

·         our fiscal council (1) has implemented procedures for receiving, retaining and addressing complaints regarding accounting, internal control and auditing matters, including the submission of confidential, anonymous complaints from employees regarding questionable accounting or auditing, and (2) has authority to engage independent counsel and other advisors as it determines necessary to carry out its duties; and

·         our company compensates our independent auditors and any outside advisors hired by our fiscal council and provides funding for ordinary administrative expenses incurred by the fiscal council in the course of its duties.

We do not believe that our reliance on this general exemption will materially adversely affect the ability of our fiscal council to act independently and to satisfy the other requirements of the listing standards relating to audit committees contained in Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act.

ITEM 16E. PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS

On August 13, 2012, our board of directors authorized a share repurchase program under which we are authorized to repurchase up to 13,376,161 class A preferred shares at market prices over the BM&FBOVESPA at any time and from time to time prior to August 28, 2013. In 2012, we repurchased 262,300 shares under this program. In 2013 and 2014, we did not repurchase any shares.

On February 11, 2015, our board of directors authorized a share repurchase program under which we are authorized to repurchase up to 3,500,000 class A preferred shares at market prices over the BM&FBOVESPA. The program started in February 19, 2015, and will be effective until February 18, 2016. As of April 20, 2015, we had repurchased 80,000 class A preferred shares for an aggregate of R$0.9 million.

 

ITEM 16F. CHANGE IN REGISTRANT’S CERTIFYING ACCOUNTANT

Not applicable.

ITEM 16G. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

On November 4, 2003, the SEC approved the final corporate governance rules established by the NYSE. According to these rules, foreign private issuers that are listed on the NYSE, such as Braskem, are subject to a more limited set of corporate governance requirements than those imposed on U.S. domestic issuers. As a foreign private issuer, Braskem must comply with the following four requirements imposed by the NYSE:

·         Braskem must satisfy the audit committee requirements of Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act;

·         Braskem’s Chief Executive Officer must promptly notify the NYSE in writing if any executive officer of Braskem becomes aware of any material non-compliance with any of the applicable NYSE corporate governance rules;

·         Braskem must provide a brief description of any significant ways in which Braskem’s corporate governance practices differ from those required to be followed by U.S. domestic issuers under the NYSE corporate governance rules; and

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·         Braskem must submit an executed written affirmation annually to the NYSE and an interim written affirmation to the NYSE each time a change occurs to Braskem’s board of directors or any committees of Braskem’s board of directors that are subject to Section 303A, in each case in the form specified by the NYSE.

Significant Differences

The significant differences between Braskem’s corporate governance practices and the NYSE’s corporate governance standards are mainly due to the differences between the U.S. and Brazilian legal systems. Braskem must comply with the corporate governance standards set forth under the Brazilian Corporation Law, the rules of the CVM and the applicable rules of the BM&FBOVESPA, as well as those set forth in Braskem’s bylaws.

The significant differences between Braskem’s corporate governance practices and the NYSE’s corporate governance standards are set forth below.

Independence of Directors and Independence Tests

In general, the NYSE corporate governance standards require listed companies to have a majority of independent directors and set forth the principles by which a listed company can determine whether a director is independent. However, under the NYSE corporate governance standards, a listed company (whether U.S or foreign) of which more than 50% of the voting power is held by another company (a “controlled company”), need not comply with the following NYSE corporate governance standards:

·         A controlled company need not have a majority of independent directors;

·         A controlled company need not have a nominating/corporate governance committee composed of independent directors with a charter that complies with the NYSE corporate governance rules; and

·         A controlled company need not have a compensation committee composed of independent directors with a charter that complies with the NYSE corporate governance rules.

Because a majority of the voting power of Braskem’s capital stock is directly controlled by Odebrecht, Braskem is a controlled company, and would therefore not be required to have a majority of independent directors if it were a U.S. domestic issuer.

Although Brazilian Corporation Law and Braskem’s by-laws establish rules in relation to certain qualification requirements of its directors, neither Brazilian Corporation Law nor Braskem’s by-laws require that Braskem have a majority of independent directors nor require Braskem’s board of directors or management to test the independence of Braskem’s directors before such directors are appointed.

Executive Sessions

The NYSE corporate governance standards require non-management directors of a listed company to meet at regularly scheduled executive sessions without management.

According to the Brazilian Corporation Law, up to 1/3 of the members of Braskem’s board of directors can be elected to management positions. The remaining non-management directors are not expressly empowered to serve as a check on Braskem’s management, and there is no requirement that those directors meet regularly without management. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Braskem’s board of directors consists entirely of non-management directors, and therefore Braskem believes it would be in compliance with this NYSE corporate governance standard.

Nominating/Corporate Governance and Compensation Committees

The NYSE corporate governance standards require that a listed company have a nomination/corporate governance committee and a compensation committee, each composed entirely of independent directors and each with a written charter that addresses certain duties. However, as a controlled company, Braskem would not be required to comply with these requirements if it were a U.S. domestic company.

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Braskem is not required under Brazilian law to have, and accordingly does not have, a nominating/corporate governance committee. Currently, all of Braskem’s directors are nominated by certain of its shareholders, including Odebrecht, pursuant to shareholders agreements and Braskem’s Bylaws.

Braskem is not required under Brazilian law to have a compensation committee. However, Braskem has a personnel and organization committee, which is a subcommittee of its board of directors which is responsible for, among other things, analyzing proposals and making recommendations to Braskem’s board of directors with respect to the total compensation paid to Braskem’s management, including Braskem’s chief executive officer. This committee, however, does not evaluate the performance of the chief executive officer in light of corporate goals and objectives. Under Brazilian Corporation Law, Braskem’s shareholders establish the aggregate compensation of its directors and executive officers, including benefits and allowances, at a general shareholder’s meeting based on the recommendation of Braskem’s board of directors.

Audit Committee and Audit Committee Additional Requirements

The NYSE corporate governance standards require that a listed company have an audit committee with a written charter that addresses certain specified duties and that is composed of at least three members, all of whom satisfy the independence requirements of Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act and Section 303A.02 of the NYSE’s Listed Company Manual.

As a foreign private issuer that qualifies for the general exemption from the listing standards relating to audit committees set forth in Section 10A-3(c)(3) under the Exchange Act, Braskem is not subject to the independence requirements of the NYSE corporate governance standards. See “Item 16D. Exemptions From the Listing Standards for Audit Committees.”

Shareholder Approval of Equity Compensation Plans

The NYSE corporate governance standards require that shareholders of a listed company must be given the opportunity to vote on all equity compensation plans and material revisions thereto, subject to certain exceptions.

Under Brazilian Corporation Law, shareholder pre-approval is required for the adoption and revision of any equity compensation plans. Braskem does not currently have any equity compensation plans.

Corporate Governance Guidelines

The NYSE corporate governance standards require that a listed company must adopt and disclose corporate governance guidelines that address certain minimum specified standards which include: (1) director qualification standards; (2) director responsibilities; (3) director access to management and independent advisors; (4) director compensation; (5) director orientation and continuing education; (6) management succession; and (7) annual performance evaluation of the board of directors.

Braskem has adopted the BM&FBOVESPA’s corporate governance rules for Level 1 companies and must also comply with certain corporate governance standards set forth under Brazilian Corporation Law. See “Item 9. The Offer and Listing—Trading on the BM&FBOVESPA—BM&FBOVESPA Corporate Governance Standards.” The Level 1 rules do not require Braskem to adopt and disclose corporate governance guidelines covering the matters set forth in the NYSE’s corporate governance standards. However, certain provisions of Brazilian Corporation Law that are applicable to Braskem address certain aspects of director qualifications standards and director responsibilities.

Code of Business Conduct and Ethics

The NYSE corporate governance standards require that a listed company must adopt and disclose a code of business conduct and ethics for directors, officers and employees and promptly disclose any waivers of the code for directors or officers. Each code of business conduct and ethics should address the following matters: (1) conflicts of interest; (2) corporate opportunities; (3) confidentiality; (4) fair dealing; (5) protection and proper use of company assets; (6) compliance with laws, rules and regulations (including insider trading laws); and (7) encouraging the reporting of any illegal or unethical behavior.

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Although the adoption of a code of business conduct is not required by Brazilian law, Braskem has adopted a code of business conduct applicable to its directors, officers and employees, which addresses each of the items listed above. Braskem’s code of business conduct is available on Braskem’s website at www.braskem.com.br. The information included on our website or that might be accessed through our website is not included in this annual report and is not incorporated into this annual report by reference. No waivers of the provisions of the code of business conduct are permitted, except that the restrictions on outside activities do not apply to Braskem’s directors and members of its fiscal council.

ITEM 16H.          MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE

The information concerning mine safety violations or other regulatory matters required by Section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and this Item is included in exhibit 99.01.

 

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PART III

ITEM 17. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

We have responded to Item 18 in lieu of responding to this item.

ITEM 18. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Reference is made to Item 19 for a list of all financial statements filed as part of this annual report.

ITEM 19. EXHIBITS

(a)   Financial Statements

Management’s Report on Internal Controls over Financial Reporting

F-2

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

F-

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2014 and 2013

F-

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012

F-

Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012

F-

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Financial Position for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012

F-

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012

F-

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

F-

 (b)  List of Exhibits

Exhibit Number

Exhibit

 

 

1.01

By-laws, as amended (English translation) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.01 to Form 6-K of Braskem S.A. filed on March 1, 2012).

2.01

Amended and Restated Deposit Agreement, dated as of March 3, 2008, among Braskem S.A., The Bank of New York and all and all Owners and holders from time to time of American Depositary Shares issued thereunder (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1 to Form F-6 of Braskem S.A. filed on February 22, 2008).

2.02

The total amount of long-term debt securities of our company and its subsidiaries under any one instrument does not exceed 10% of the total assets of our company and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis. We agree to furnish copies of any or all such instruments to the SEC upon request.

3.01

Shareholders’ Agreement of BRK Investimentos Petroquímicos S.A. and Braskem S.A., dated as of February 8, 2010, among Odebrecht S.A., Odebrecht Serviços e Participações S.A., Petróleo Brasileiro S.A. – Petrobras, and Petrobras Química S.A. – Petroquisa, and BRK Investimentos Petroquímicos S.A. and Braskem S.A., as intervening parties (English translation) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.01 to Form 20-F of Braskem S.A. filed on June 1, 2010).

3.02

Memorandum of Understanding Regarding Shareholders Agreement, dated July 20, 2001, among Odebrecht Química S.A., Petroquímica da Bahia S.A., PETROS—Fundação Petrobras de Seguridade Social and PREVI—Caixa de Previdéncia dos Funcionários do Banco do Brasil (English translation) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.05 to Form 20-F of Braskem S.A. filed on June 30, 2003).

3.03

Shareholders’ Agreement Entered into between the Controlling Shareholders of Trikem S.A. and BNDES Participações S.A. – BNDESPAR, with Trikem S.A acting as Intervening Party (English translation) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to Form 20-F of Braskem S.A. filed on June 30, 2008).

3.04

Fourth Addendum to the Shareholders’ Agreement Entered into between the Controlling Shareholders of Trikem S.A. and BNDES Participações S.A. – BNDESPAR (English translation)(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.4 to Form 20-F of Braskem S.A. filed on June 30, 2008).

4.01

Investment Agreement, dated as of January 22, 2010, among Odebrecht S.A., Odebrecht Serviços e Participações S.A., Petróleo Brasileiro S.A. – Petrobras, Petrobras Química S.A. – Petroquisa, Braskem S.A. and UNIPAR – União de Indústrias Petroquímicas S.A. (English translation) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.02 to Form 20-F of Braskem S.A. filed on June 1, 2010).

4.02

Braskem S.A. Long-Term Incentive Plan (English translation)(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.23 to Form 20-F of Braskem S.A. filed on June 23, 2006).

4.03

Amendment and Restatement of Section 7 of Braskem’s Long-Term Incentive Plan, adopted at Extraordinary Shareholder’s Meeting on April 7, 2006 (English translation)(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.24 to Form 20-F of Braskem S.A. filed on June 23, 2006).

 

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4.04

Naphtha Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated as of May 17, 2006, between Petróleo Brasileiro S.A. and Quattor Química S.A. (English translation)(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.04 to Form 20-F of Braskem S.A. filed on April 10, 2012). (*Confidential treatment has been granted for certain portions omitted from this exhibit pursuant to Rule 24b-2 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Confidential portions of this Exhibit have been separately filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.)

4.05

First Amendment, dated February 29, 2008, to the Naphtha Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated as of May 17, 2006, between Petróleo Brasileiro S.A. and Quattor Química S.A. (English translation) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.05 to Form 20-F of Braskem S.A. filed on April 10, 2012). (*Confidential treatment has been granted for certain portions omitted from this exhibit pursuant to Rule 24b-2 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Confidential portions of this Exhibit have been separately filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.)

4.06

Second Amendment, dated October 22, 2010, to the Naphtha Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated as of May 17, 2006, between Petróleo Brasileiro S.A. and Quattor Química S.A. (English translation) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.06 to Form 20-F of Braskem S.A. filed on April 10, 2012). (*Confidential treatment has been granted for certain portions omitted from this exhibit pursuant to Rule 24b-2 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Confidential portions of this Exhibit have been separately filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.)

4.07

Petrochemical Naphtha Purchase and Sale Contract, dated as of July 24, 2009, between Petróleo Brasileiro S.A. and Braskem S.A. (English translation)(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.07 to Form 20-F of Braskem S.A. filed on April 10, 2012). (*Confidential treatment has been granted for certain portions omitted from this exhibit pursuant to Rule 24b-2 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Confidential portions of this Exhibit have been separately filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.)

4.08

Third Amendment, dated February 28, 2014, to the Naphtha Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated as of May 17, 2006, between Petróleo Brasileiro S.A. and Braskem Qpar S.A. (formerly Quattor Química S.A.) (English translation).

4.09

Fourth Amendment, dated August 29, 2014, to the Naphtha Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated as of May 17, 2006, between Petróleo Brasileiro S.A. and Braskem Qpar S.A. (formerly Quattor Química S.A.) (English translation). (*Confidential treatment has been requested for certain portions omitted from this exhibit pursuant to Rule 24b-2 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Confidential portions of this Exhibit have been separately filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.)

4.10

Fifth Amendment, dated February 27, 2015, to the Naphtha Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated as of May 17, 2006, between Petróleo Brasileiro S.A. and Braskem S.A. (as successor to Qpar S.A., formerly Quattor Química S.A.) (English translation). (*Confidential treatment has been requested for certain portions omitted from this exhibit pursuant to Rule 24b-2 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Confidential portions of this Exhibit have been separately filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.)

4.11

First Amendment, dated February 28, 2014, to the Petrochemical Naphtha Purchase and Sale Contract, dated as of July 24, 2009, between Petróleo Brasileiro S.A. and Braskem S.A. (English translation).

4.12

Second Amendment, dated August 29, 2014, to the Petrochemical Naphtha Purchase and Sale Contract, dated as of July 24, 2009, between Petróleo Brasileiro S.A. and Braskem S.A. (English translation). (*Confidential treatment has been requested for certain portions omitted from this exhibit pursuant to Rule 24b-2 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Confidential portions of this Exhibit have been separately filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.)

4.13

Third Amendment, dated February 27, 2015, to the Petrochemical Naphtha Purchase and Sale Contract, dated as of July 24, 2009, between Petróleo Brasileiro S.A. and Braskem S.A. (English translation). (*Confidential treatment has been requested for certain portions omitted from this exhibit pursuant to Rule 24b-2 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Confidential portions of this Exhibit have been separately filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.)

8.01

List of subsidiaries (incorporated by reference to note 2.1(a) to our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this annual report).

12.01

Certification of Principal Executive Officer dated April 24, 2015 pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e).

12.02

Certification of Principal Financial Officer dated April 24, 2015 pursuant to Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e).

13.01

Certifications of Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer dated April 24, 2015 pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

15.01

Consent letter of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

99.01

Disclosure of Mine Safety and Health Administration Safety Data.

 

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SIGNATURES

The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorized the undersigned to sign this annual report on its behalf.

April 24, 2015

BRASKEM S.A.

By    /s/    Carlos José Fadigas de Souza Filho         

Name: Carlos José Fadigas de Souza Filho

Title:   Chief Executive Officer

 

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INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Management’s Report on Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting

F-2

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

F-3

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2014 and 2013

F-5

Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012

F-7

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012

F-8

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012

F-9

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 2014, 2013 and 2012

F-11

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

F-12

 

 

 


 
 

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INDEX TO EXHIBITS

Exhibit
Number

Exhibit

 

 

4.08

Third Amendment, dated February 28, 2014, to the Naphtha Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated as of May 17, 2006, between Petróleo Brasileiro S.A. and Braskem Qpar S.A. (formerly Quattor Química S.A.) (English translation).

4.09

Fourth Amendment, dated August 29, 2014, to the Naphtha Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated as of May 17, 2006, between Petróleo Brasileiro S.A. and Braskem Qpar S.A. (formerly Quattor Química S.A.) (English translation). (*Confidential treatment has been requested for certain portions omitted from this exhibit pursuant to Rule 24b-2 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Confidential portions of this Exhibit have been separately filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.)

4.10

Fifth Amendment, dated February 27, 2015, to the Naphtha Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated as of May 17, 2006, between Petróleo Brasileiro S.A. and Braskem S.A. (as successor to Qpar S.A., formerly Quattor Química S.A.) (English translation). (*Confidential treatment has been requested for certain portions omitted from this exhibit pursuant to Rule 24b-2 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Confidential portions of this Exhibit have been separately filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.)

4.11

First Amendment, dated February 28, 2014, to the Petrochemical Naphtha Purchase and Sale Contract, dated as of July 24, 2009, between Petróleo Brasileiro S.A. and Braskem S.A. (English translation).

4.12

Second Amendment, dated August 29, 2014, to the Petrochemical Naphtha Purchase and Sale Contract, dated as of July 24, 2009, between Petróleo Brasileiro S.A. and Braskem S.A. (English translation). (*Confidential treatment has been requested for certain portions omitted from this exhibit pursuant to Rule 24b-2 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Confidential portions of this Exhibit have been separately filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.)

4.13

Third Amendment, dated February 27, 2015, to the Petrochemical Naphtha Purchase and Sale Contract, dated as of July 24, 2009, between Petróleo Brasileiro S.A. and Braskem S.A. (English translation). (*Confidential treatment has been requested for certain portions omitted from this exhibit pursuant to Rule 24b-2 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Confidential portions of this Exhibit have been separately filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.)

12.01

Certification of Principal Executive Officer dated April 24, 2015 pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e).

12.02

Certification of Principal Financial Officer dated April 24, 2015 pursuant to Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e).

13.01

Certifications of Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer dated April 24, 2015 pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

15.01

Consent letter of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

99.01

Disclosure of Mine Safety and Health Administration Safety Data.

 

154


 

 

PRESENTATION OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Page

   

Management’s Report on Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting

F-2

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

F-3

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2014 and 2013

F-5

Consolidated Statement of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012

F-7

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012

F-8

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2013

F-9

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity for the year ended December 31, 2014

F-10

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012

F-11

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

F-12

 

 

 

 

 

F - 1


 

 

(a)  Management´s report on internal controls over financial reporting

  

The management of Braskem S.A.("Braskem" or the "Company"), including the CEO and CFO, is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal controls over financial reporting, as defined on article 13a-15 (f) according “Exchange Act” of United States of America.

  

The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards - “IFRS” issued by International Accounting Standards Board - “IASB”. The Company´s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with IFRS, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company´s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

  

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of internal control to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, and that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Braskem’s management has assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014 based on the criteria established in Internal Control – “Integrated Framework” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO” 2013) and, based on such criteria, Braskem´s management has concluded that, as of December 31, 2014, the Company´s internal control over financial reporting is effective.

  

(b)  Attestation report of the registered public accounting firm.

  

The effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014 has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers Auditores Independentes, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which appears herein.

  

  

February 12, 2015

  

  

      

   

By: /s/ Carlos José Fadigas de Souza Filho

 

/s/ Mario Augusto da Silva

Name: Carlos José Fadigas de Souza Filho

 

Name: Mario Augusto da Silva

Title: Chief Executive Officer

 

Title: Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

F - 2


 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

Report of Independent Registered

Public Accounting Firm

 

 

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of

Braskem  S.A.

 

In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income, of shareholders’ equity and of cash flows present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Braskem S.A. and its subsidiaries at December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2014 in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.  Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework 2013 issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company's management is responsible for these financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying “Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting”.  Our responsibility is to express opinions on these financial statements and on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our integrated audits.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.  Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.  Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk.  Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

 

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.  A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

 

F - 3


 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.  Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

 

Salvador, February 12, 2015, except as it relates to Note 34 - Subsequent events, as to which the date of our report is April 24, 2015.

 

 

 

/s/PricewaterhouseCoopers

Auditores Independentes

CRC 2SP000160/O-5 "F" BA

 

 

 

/s/Fábio Cajazeira Mendes

Contador CRC 1SP196825/O-0 “S BA

F - 4


 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Braskem S.A.

 

Balance sheet at December 31

All amounts in thousands of reais                                                                                                                                                                                   

 

 

Assets

 

Note

 

2014

 

2013

     

2.1

     

Revised

Current assets

           
 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

5

 

3,993,359

 

4,335,859

 

Financial investments

 

6

 

89,729

 

86,719

 

Trade accounts receivable

 

7

 

2,692,612

 

2,810,520

 

Inventories

 

8

 

5,368,146

 

5,033,593

 

Taxes recoverable

 

10

 

2,129,837

 

2,237,213

 

Dividends and interest on capital

     

 

 

150

 

Prepaid expenses

     

99,469

 

62,997

 

Related parties

 

9

 

66,616

 

124,487

 

Insurance claims

 

16.2

 

33,555

 

34,101

 

Other receivables

 

 

 

287,876

 

233,808

         

 

 

 

     

 

 

14,761,199

 

14,959,447

     

 

       

Non-current assets held for sale

 

1(a)

 

 

 

37,681

               
     

 

 

14,761,199

 

14,997,128

               

Non-current assets

 

 

       
 

Financial investments

 

6

 

42,494

 

20,779

 

Trade accounts receivable

 

7

 

25,050

 

61,875

 

Advances to suppliers

 

8

 

68,988

 

116,714

 

Taxes recoverable

 

10

 

1,045,428

 

1,285,990

 

Deferred income tax and social contribution

 

19

 

870,206

 

1,123,313

 

Judicial deposits

 

 

 

230,945

 

209,910

 

Related parties

 

9

 

138,501

 

133,649

 

Insurance claims

 

 

 

143,932

 

139,497

 

Derivatives operations

 

16.2

 

39,350

 

137,345

 

Other receivables

 

 

 

91,905

 

141,526

 

Investments in subsidiaries and jointly-controlled investments

 

11

 

120,024

 

115,385

 

Other investments

 

 

 

6,511

 

6,501

 

Property, plant and equipment

 

12

 

29,001,490

 

25,413,548

 

Intangible assets

 

13

 

2,835,728

 

2,912,630

         

 

 

 

         

34,660,552

 

31,818,662

               

Total assets

     

49,421,751

 

46,815,790

        

 

The Management notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

 

 

F - 5


 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Braskem S.A.

 

Balance sheet at December 31

All amounts in thousands of reais

Continued

 

 

Liabilities and shareholders' equity

 

Note

 

2014

 

2013

     

2.1

     

Revised

               

Current liabilities

           
 

Trade payables

     

10,852,410

 

10,421,687

 

Borrowings

 

14

 

1,418,542

 

1,248,804

 

Project finance

 

15

 

26,462

 

25,745

 

Derivatives operations

 

16.2

 

95,626

 

95,123

 

Payroll and related charges

 

 

 

533,373

 

490,816

 

Taxes payable

 

17

 

203,392

 

445,424

 

Dividends

 

 

 

215,888

 

131,799

 

Advances from customers

 

 

 

99,750

 

297,403

 

Sundry provisions

 

20

 

88,547

 

105,856

 

Post-employment benefits

 

21

 

336,357

 

158,137

 

Other payables

 

22

 

212,945

 

174,007

         

 

 

 

         

14,083,292

 

13,594,801

               

Non-current liabilities

           
 

Borrowings

 

14

 

18,918,021

 

17,353,687

 

Project finance

 

15

 

7,551,033

 

4,705,661

 

Derivatives operations

 

16.2

 

594,383

 

396,040

 

Taxes payable

 

17

 

30,699

 

902,875

 

Ethylene XXI Project Loan

 

18

 

792,188

 

370,420

 

Deferred income tax and social contribution

 

19

 

603,490

 

863,405

 

Post-employment benefits

 

21

 

69,176

 

44,054

 

Advances from customers

 

 

 

88,402

 

152,635

 

Sundry provisions

 

20

 

505,677

 

449,694

 

Other payables

 

22

 

291,040

 

301,184

         

 

 

 

         

29,444,109

 

25,539,655

               

Shareholders' equity

 

24

       
 

Capital

     

8,043,222

 

8,043,222

 

Capital reserve

     

232,430

 

232,430

 

Revenue reserves

     

736,180

 

410,149

 

Other comprehensive income

     

(2,924,057)

 

(1,092,691)

 

Treasury shares

     

(48,892)

 

(48,892)

         

 

 

 

 

Total attributable to the Company's shareholders

     

6,038,883

 

7,544,218

               
 

Non-controlling interest in Braskem Idesa

     

(144,533)

 

137,116

             

 

         

5,894,350

 

7,681,334

               

Total liabilities and shareholders' equity

     

49,421,751

 

46,815,790

                                                                

The Management notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

 

F - 6


 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Braskem S.A.

 

Statement of operations

Years ended December 31

All amounts in thousands of reais, except earnings (loss) per share

 

     

Note

 

2014

 

2013

 

2012

     

 

           

Continued operations

 

26

           

Net sales revenue

     

46,031,389

 

40,969,490

 

36,160,327

 

Cost of products sold

 

 

 

(40,057,341)

 

(35,820,761)

 

(32,709,068)

     

 

         

 

Gross profit

 

 

 

5,974,048

 

5,148,729

 

3,451,259

     

 

         

 

Income (expenses)

 

 

         

 

 

Selling and distribution

 

30

 

(1,155,800)

 

(1,000,749)

 

(990,365)

 

General and administrative

 

30

 

(1,210,124)

 

(1,077,934)

 

(1,071,029)

 

Research and development

 

30

 

(138,441)

 

(115,812)

 

(106,197)

 

Results from equity investments

 

11(c)

 

3,929

 

(3,223)

 

(25,807)

 

Other operating income (expenses), net

 

28

 

95,596

 

(211,090)

 

333,457

     

 

         

 

Operating profit

 

 

 

3,569,208

 

2,739,921

 

1,591,318

     

 

         

 

Financial results

 

29

         

 

 

Financial expenses

 

 

 

(2,745,864)

 

(2,549,111)

 

(3,926,209)

 

Financial income

 

 

 

355,221

 

773,138

 

531,928

     

 

         

 

     

 

 

(2,390,643)

 

(1,775,973)

 

(3,394,281)

     

 

         

 

Profit (loss) before income tax and

 

 

         

 

social contribution

 

 

 

1,178,565

 

963,948

 

(1,802,963)

     

 

         

 

 

Current and deferred income tax and social contribution

 

19

 

(452,264)

 

(456,910)

 

783,111

     

 

 

(452,264)

 

(456,910)

 

783,111

     

 

         

 

Profit (loss) for the period of continued operations

 

 

 

726,301

 

507,038

 

(1,019,852)

     

 

         

 

Discontinued operations results

             

 

 

Profit from discontinued operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

424,860

 

Current and deferred income tax and social contribution

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(143,313)

     

 

 

 

 

 

 

281,547

     

 

           

Profit (loss) for the year

 

 

 

726,301

 

507,038

 

(738,305)

     

 

           

Attributable to:

 

 

         

 

 

Company's shareholders

 

 

 

864,064

 

509,697

 

(731,143)

 

Non-controlling interest in Braskem Idesa

 

 

 

(137,763)

 

(2,659)

 

(7,162)

     

 

           

Profit (loss) for the year

 

 

 

726,301

 

507,038

 

(738,305)

 

 

                        The Management notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

 

F - 7


 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Braskem S.A.

 

Statement of comprehensive income

Years ended December 31

All amounts in thousands of reais

 

     

Note

 

2014

 

2013

 

2012

                   
                   

Profit (loss) for the year

     

726,301

 

507,038

 

(738,305)

                   

Other comprehensive income or loss:

               

Items that will be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss

               
 

Fair value of cash flow hedge

     

(352,700)

 

(127,520)

 

16,238

 

Income tax and social contribution

     

116,532

 

40,120

 

(5,522)

         

(236,168)

 

(87,400)

 

10,716

                   
 

Exchange variation of foreign sales hedge

 

16.2.1(b.ii)

 

(2,775,852)

 

(2,303,540)

 

 

 

Income tax and social contribution

     

917,518

 

783,204

 

 

         

(1,858,334)

 

(1,520,336)

 

 

                   
 

Foreign currency translation adjustment

     

147,453

 

221,270

 

78,780

         

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

     

(1,947,049)

 

(1,386,466)

 

89,496

                   

Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss

               
 

Defined benefit plan actuarial (loss) gain

     

 

 

169

 

(18,204)

 

Income tax and social contribution

     

 

 

 

 

6,388

                   
 

Total

     

 

 

169

 

(11,816)

                   
         

(1,947,049)

 

(1,386,297)

 

77,680

                   

Total comprehensive income (loss) for the year

     

(1,220,748)

 

(879,259)

 

(660,625)

                   

Attributable to:

               
 

Company's shareholders - continued operations

     

(939,099)

 

(890,241)

 

(952,128)

 

Company's shareholders - discontinued operations

     

 

     

281,547

 

Non-controlling interest in Braskem Idesa

     

(281,649)

 

10,982

 

9,956

         

 

 

 

 

 

Total comprehensive income (loss) for the year

     

(1,220,748)

 

(879,259)

 

(660,625)

                   
                   
         

Basic and diluted

     

Note

 

2014

 

2013

 

2012

                   

Profit (loss) per share attributable to the shareholders of the Company

               

of continued operations at the end of the year (R$)

 

25

           
 

Earnings per share - common

 

 

 

1.0857

 

0.6403

 

(1.2718)

 

Earnings per share - preferred shares class "A"

 

 

 

1.0857

 

0.6403

 

(1.2718)

 

Earnings per share - preferred shares class "B"

     

0.6062

 

0.6062

 

 

     

 

           

Profit (loss) per share attributable to the shareholders of the Company

 

 

           

of discontinued operations at the end of the year (R$)

               
 

Earnings per share - common

             

0.3536

 

Earnings per share - preferred shares class "A"

     

 

 

 

 

0.3536

                   

Profit (loss) per share attributable to the shareholders of the Company

               

at the end of the year (R$)

               
 

Earnings per share - common

     

1.0857

 

0.6403

 

(0.9182)

 

Earnings per share - preferred shares class "A"

     

1.0857

 

0.6403

 

(0.9182)

 

Earnings per share - preferred shares class "B"

     

0.6062

 

0.6062

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Management notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

F - 8


 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Braskem S.A.

 

Statement of changes in equity

All amounts in thousands of reais

 

 

     

Attributed to shareholders' interest

       
             

Revenue reserves

             

Total

       
                     

Unrealized

     

Additional

 

Other

         

Braskem

 

Non-controlling

 

Total

         

Capital

 

Legal

 

Tax

 

profit

 

Retained

 

dividends

 

comprehensive

 

Treasury

 

Accumulated

 

shareholders'

 

interest in

 

shareholders'

 

Note

 

Capital

 

reserve

 

reserve

 

incentives

 

reserve

 

earnings

 

proposed

 

income

 

shares

 

loss

 

interest

 

Braskem Idesa

 

equity

                                                       

At December 31, 2011

   

8,043,222

 

845,998

 

87,710

 

4,547

 

16,457

 

  

 

482,593

 

315,586

 

(60,217)

 

28,692

 

9,764,588

 

215,322

 

9,979,910

 

 

                                                   

Comprehensive income for the year:

                                                     

Loss for the year

                               

 

     

(731,143)

 

(731,143)

 

(7,162)

 

(738,305)

Fair value of cash flow hedge, net of taxes

                               

10,716

     

 

 

10,716

 

 

 

10,716

Foreign currency translation adjustment

   

  

                         

61,662

     

  

 

61,662

 

17,118

 

78,780

                                 

72,378

     

(731,143)

 

(658,765)

 

9,956

 

(648,809)

                                                       

Equity valuation adjustments

                                                   

 

Realization of deemed cost of jointly-controlled investment, net of taxes

                               

(952)

     

952

           

Realization of additional property, plant and equipment price-level restatement, net of taxes

                               

(27,236)

     

27,236

           

Actuarial loss with post-employment benefits, net of taxes

                               

(11,816)

     

  

 

(11,816)

 

  

 

(11,816)

                                        

(40,004)

     

28,188

 

(11,816)

 

 

 

(11,816)

                                                       

Contributions and distributions to shareholders:

                                                     

Additional dividends approved at Shareholders’ Meeting

                           

(482,593)

             

(482,593)

 

 

 

(482,593)

Capital loss from non-controlling interest in Braskem Idesa

                                           

 

 

(17,962)

 

(17,962)

Write-off non-controlling by investments sale

                                           

 

 

(125,420)

 

(125,420)

Loss on interest in subsidiary

                               

(5,917)

         

(5,917)

 

5,917

 

 

Write-off gain on interest in subsidiary by sale

                               

(4,632)

         

(4,632)

     

(4,632)

Repurchase of treasury shares

                                   

(36,694)

     

(36,694)

     

(36,694)

Cancellation of shares

       

(48,019)

 

 

 

 

 

 

             

48,019

     

 

       

Absorption of losses

       

  

 

(87,710)

 

(4,547)

 

(16,457)

     

  

     

  

 

108,714

 

  

       
          

(48,019)

 

(87,710)

 

(4,547)

 

(16,457)

     

(482,593)

 

(10,549)

 

11,325

 

108,714

 

(529,836)

 

(137,465)

 

(667,301)

                                                         

At December 31, 2012

   

8,043,222

 

797,979

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

337,411

 

(48,892)

 

(565,549)

 

8,564,171

 

87,813

 

8,651,984

                                                                    

Comprehensive income for the year:

                                                     

Profit for the year

                               

 

     

509,697

 

509,697

 

(2,659)

 

507,038

Exchange variation of foreign sales hedge, net of taxes

                               

(1,520,336)

         

(1,520,336)

 

 

 

(1,520,336)

Fair value of cash flow hedge, net of taxes

                               

(85,020)

         

(85,020)

 

(2,380)

 

(87,400)

Foreign currency translation adjustment

                               

205,249

      

  

 

205,249

 

16,021

 

221,270

                                 

(1,400,107)

     

509,697

 

(890,410)

 

10,982

 

(879,428)

                                                       

Equity valuation adjustments

                                                     

Realization of deemed cost of jointly-controlled investment, net of taxes

                               

(27,236)

 

 

 

27,236

         

 

Realization of additional property, plant and equipment price-level restatement, net of taxes

                               

(967)

     

967

         

 

Actuarial loss with post-employment benefits, net of taxes

                               

169

            

  

 

169

      

169

     

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(28,034)

          

28,203

 

169

      

169

                                                       

Contributions and distributions to shareholders:

                                                     

Absorption of losses

       

(565,549)

 

 

                         

565,549

     

 

 

 

Capital loss from non-controlling interest in Braskem Idesa

           

 

                                 

38,321

 

38,321

Loss on interest in subsidiary

           

 

                 

(1,961)

         

(1,961)

     

(1,961)

Legal reserve

           

26,895

                         

(26,895)

 

 

     

 

Mandatory minimum dividends

           

 

                         

(127,751)

 

(127,751)

     

(127,751)

Additional dividends proposed

           

 

             

354,842

         

(354,842)

           

Retained earnings

           

  

         

28,412

 

  

          

(28,412)

           
         

(565,549)

 

26,895

         

28,412

 

354,842

 

(1,961)

     

27,649

 

(129,712)

 

38,321

 

(91,391)

                                                         

At December 31, 2013

   

8,043,222

 

232,430

 

26,895

         

28,412

 

354,842

 

(1,092,691)

 

(48,892)

 

  

 

7,544,218

 

137,116

 

7,681,334

 

F - 9


 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Braskem S.A.

 

 

Statement of changes in equity

All amounts in thousands of reais

 Continued
 
     

Attributed to shareholders' interest

       
             

Revenue reserves

             

Total

       
                     

Unrealized

     

Additional

 

Other

         

Braskem

 

Non-controlling

 

Total

         

Capital

 

Legal

 

Tax

 

profit

 

Retained

 

dividends

 

comprehensive

 

Treasury

 

Accumulated

 

shareholders'

 

interest in

 

shareholders'

 

Note

 

Capital

 

reserve

 

reserve

 

incentives

 

reserve

 

earnings

 

proposed

 

income

 

shares

 

loss

 

interest

 

Braskem Idesa

 

equity

At December 31, 2013

 

 

8,043,222

 

232,430

 

26,895

 

 

 

 

 

28,412

 

354,842

 

(1,092,691)

 

(48,892)

 

 

 

7,544,218

 

137,116

 

7,681,334

                                                       

Comprehensive income for the year:

                                                     

Profit for the year

   

 

 

 

 

 

         

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

864,064

 

864,064

 

(137,763)

 

726,301

Exchange variation of foreign sales hedge, net of taxes

   

 

 

 

 

 

         

 

 

 

 

(1,743,396)

 

 

 

 

 

(1,743,396)

 

(114,938)

 

(1,858,334)

Fair value of cash flow hedge, net of taxes

   

 

 

 

 

 

         

 

 

 

 

(204,647)

 

 

 

 

 

(204,647)

 

(31,521)

 

(236,168)

Foreign currency translation adjustment

   

 

 

 

 

 

         

 

 

 

 

144,880

 

 

 

 

 

144,880

 

2,573

 

147,453

     

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1,803,163)

 

 

 

864,064

 

(939,099)

 

(281,649)

 

(1,220,748)

                                                       

Equity valuation adjustments

                                                     

Realization of additional property, plant and equipment price-level restatement, net of taxes

   

 

 

 

 

 

         

 

 

 

 

(27,238)

 

 

 

27,238

 

 

 

 

 

 

Realization of deemed cost of jointly-controlled investment, net of taxes

   

 

 

 

 

 

         

 

 

 

 

(965)

 

 

 

965

 

 

 

 

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(28,203)

 

 

 

28,203

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                       

Contributions and distributions to shareholders:

                                                     

Prescribed dividends

   

 

 

 

 

 

         

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

682

 

682

 

 

 

682

Additional dividends approved by the General Meeting

24(e.1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

         

 

 

(354,842)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(354,842)

 

 

 

(354,842)

Legal reserve

24(e.1)

 

 

 

 

 

44,647

         

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(44,647)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mandatory minimum dividends

24(e.1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

         

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(212,076)

 

(212,076)

 

 

 

(212,076)

Additional dividends proposed

24(e.1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

         

 

 

270,517

 

 

 

 

 

(270,517)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Retained earnings

24(e.1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

         

365,709

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(365,709)

 

 

 

 

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

44,647

 

 

 

 

 

365,709

 

(84,325)

 

 

 

 

 

(892,267)

 

(566,236)

 

 

 

(566,236)

                                                       

At December 31, 2014

   

8,043,222

 

232,430

 

71,542

 

 

 

 

 

394,121

 

270,517

 

(2,924,057)

 

(48,892)

 

 

 

6,038,883

 

(144,533)

 

5,894,350

 

The Management notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

F - 10


 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Braskem S.A.

 

Statement of cash flows

Years ended December 31

All amounts in thousands of reais

 

 

   

Note

 

2014

 

2013

 

2012

                 

Profit (loss) before income tax and social contribution

             
 

and after of discontinued operations results

   

1,178,565

 

963,948

 

(1,378,103)

                 

Adjustments for reconciliation of profit (loss)

             
 

Depreciation, amortization and depletion

   

2,056,362

 

2,056,088

 

1,924,265

 

Results from equity investments

11(c)

 

(3,929)

 

3,223

 

25,807

 

Interest and monetary and exchange variations, net

   

2,183,896

 

1,341,770

 

2,442,973

 

Gain from divestment in subsidiary

28

 

(277,338)

 

 

   
 

Other

   

9,805

 

9,175

 

294,199

       

 

 

 

 

 

       

5,147,361

 

4,374,204

 

3,309,141

                 

Changes in operating working capital

             
 

Held-for-trading financial investments

   

(19,057)

 

97,693

 

16,716

 

Trade accounts receivable

   

144,087

 

(492,851)

 

(625,130)

 

Inventories

   

(270,351)

 

(927,435)

 

(566,025)

 

Taxes recoverable

   

486,082

 

(448,378)

 

(458,763)

 

Prepaid expenses

   

(36,472)

 

(8,915)

 

49,707

 

Other receivables

   

27,832

 

(27,019)

 

(529,103)

 

Trade payables

   

(419,476)

 

742,649

 

2,165,530

 

Taxes payable

   

(539,262)

 

(127,443)

 

(430,789)

 

Advances from customers

   

(261,886)

 

6,344

 

206,044

 

Sundry provisions

   

38,674

 

139,858

 

94,382

 

Other payables

   

677,071

 

307,603

 

384,224

       

 

 

 

 

 

Cash from operations

   

4,974,603

 

3,636,310

 

3,615,934

                 
 

Interest paid

   

(1,044,593)

 

(1,123,691)

 

(1,006,840)

 

Income tax and social contribution paid

   

(138,144)

 

(54,828)

 

(37,283)

       

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash generated by operating activities

   

3,791,866

 

2,457,791

 

2,571,811

                 

Proceeds from the sale of fixed assets

   

10,646

 

2,576

 

115,846

Proceeds from the sale of investments

1(a)

 

315,000

 

689,868

 

 

Cash effect of discontinued operations

   

-  

 

9,985

 

(141,348)

Acquisitions of investments in subsidiaries and associates

   

(55)

 

(86)

 

 

Acquisitions to property, plant and equipment

12(a)

 

(5,301,778)

 

(5,656,440)

 

(2,792,853)

Acquisitions of intangible assets

13

 

(30,269)

 

(25,748)

 

(15,734)

Held-for-maturity financial investments

   

29,380

 

25,645

 

(218)

       

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

   

(4,977,076)

 

(4,954,200)

 

(2,834,307)

                 

Short-term and long-term debt

             
 

Obtained borrowings

   

6,174,678

 

6,317,022

 

6,665,938

 

Payment of borrowings

   

(6,692,638)

 

(7,300,718)

 

(5,493,015)

Project finance

15

         

 

 

Obtained funds

   

1,894,507

 

4,562,343

 

 

Dividends paid

   

(482,147)

 

(35)

 

(482,051)

Non-controlling interests in Braskem Idesa

   

-  

 

35,628

 

(20,295)

Repurchase of treasury shares

   

 

 

 

 

(36,694)

       

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided by financing activities

   

894,400

 

3,614,240

 

633,883

                 

Exchange variation on cash of foreign subsidiaries

   

(51,690)

 

(69,594)

 

(36,037)

       

 

 

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

   

(342,500)

 

1,048,237

 

335,350

                 

Represented by

             
 

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning for the year

   

4,335,859

 

3,287,622

 

2,952,272

 

Cash and cash equivalents at the end for the year

   

3,993,359

 

4,335,859

 

3,287,622

       

 

 

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

   

(342,500)

 

1,048,237

 

335,350

 

    

The Management notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

F - 11


 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Braskem S.A.

 

Management notes to the financial statements

at December 31, 2014

All amounts in thousands of reais, except as otherwise stated

 

1                    Operations

 

Braskem S.A. together with its subsidiaries (hereinafter “Braskem” or “Company”) is a public company headquartered in Camaçari, Bahia (“BA”), which jointly with its subsidiaries, operates 36 industrial units, 29 of which in the Brazilian states of Alagoas (“AL”), BA, Rio de Janeiro (“RJ”), Rio Grande do Sul (“RS”) and São Paulo (“SP”), five are located in the United States, in the states of Pennsylvania, Texas and West Virginia and two are located in Germany, in the cities Wesseling and Schkopau. These units produce thermoplastic resins – polyethylene (“PE”), polypropylene (“PP”) and polyvinyl chloride (“PVC”), as well as basic petrochemicals.

 

Additionally, Braskem is also engaged in the import and export of chemicals, petrochemicals and fuels, the production, supply and sale of utilities such as steam, water, compressed air, industrial gases, as well as the provision of industrial services and the production, supply and sale of electric energy for its own use and use by other companies. Braskem also invests in other companies, either as a partner or as shareholder.

 

The Company is controlled by Odebrecht S.A. (“Odebrecht”), which directly and indirectly holds interests of 50.11% and 38.32% in its voting and total capital, respectively.

 

The issue of these financial statements was authorized by the Company’s Board of Directors on February 11, 2015, except with respect to the subsequent events described in Note 34 as to which the date of authorization for issuance is April 24, 2015.

 

(a)               Significant corporate and operating events impacting these financial statements

 

On December 31, 2013, the Company entered into a share sales agreement with Odebrecht Ambiental (“OA”), through which it sold its interest in the subsidiary Distribuidora de Águas Triunfo S.A. (“DAT”) for R$315 million, which were received over the course of the second quarter of 2014. The assets of DAT were shown in the balance sheet of December 31, 2013 as “non-current assets held for sale.” The sale price agreed upon by the parties was evaluated by a specialized company, which issued a favorable opinion of the price.

 

On February 3, 2014, the Extraordinary Shareholders’ Meeting of DAT approved the change in its management and consequently the transfer of the management of the operations from Braskem to OA, upon the recognition of a gain of R$277,338 (Note 28).

 

(b)               Solvay Indupa

 

On December 17, 2013, the Company entered into a share sales agreement (“Agreement”) with Solvay Argentina S.A. (“Solvay Argentina”), through which it committed to acquire, upon the fulfillment of certain conditions provided for in the Agreement ("Acquisition"), 70.59% of the total and voting capital of Solvay Indupa S.A.I.C. (“Solvay Indupa”). On November 12, Brazil’s antitrust agency Conselho Administrativo de Defesa Econômica (“CADE”) rejected the transaction.

 

(c)               Naphtha agreement with Petrobras

 

On August 29, 2014, Braskem and Petrobras executed a new amendment to the naphtha supply agreement dated July 24, 2009. The amendment is valid through February 2015 and maintained the formula for determining the naphtha price provided for in said agreement. The amendment also established that if a new price formula is adopted in a new agreement, it would be applied to the purchases made during the period in which the amendment was valid. As of the date on which the issue of these financial statements was authorized, Braskem and Petrobras had not concluded their negotiations of a new agreement.

 

 

F - 12


 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Braskem S.A.

 

Management notes to the financial statements

at December 31, 2014

All amounts in thousands of reais, except as otherwise stated

 

2                    Summary of significant accounting policies

 

The principal accounting policies applied consistently in the preparation of these financial statements are described in the notes of the items on which they have impacts.

 

2.1              Basis of preparation and presentation of the financial statements

 

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention and were adjusted, when necessary, to reflect the fair value of assets and liabilities.

 

The preparation of financial statements requires the use of certain estimates. It also requires Management to exercise its judgment in the process of applying the Company’s accounting policies. The areas involving a higher degree of judgment or complexity, or areas where assumptions and estimates are significant to the consolidated financial statements are disclosed in Note 3.

 

The Company started to include in its balance sheet the net value, per legal entity, of the amounts related to deferred income and social contribution tax assets and liabilities on its profit, due to due legal right of each entity to offset these amounts. The balance sheet at December 31, 2013 was revised to reflect such adjustment, as shown below:

 

     

 

 

 

 

2013

Balance sheet

     

Revised

   
     

Published

 

effects

 

Revised

Assets

           
 

Current

 

14,997,128

 

 

 

14,997,128

               
 

Non-current

           
 

Deferred income tax and social contribution

 

2,653,606

 

(1,530,293)

 

1,123,313

 

Other non-current assets

 

30,695,349

 

 

 

30,695,349

     

33,348,955

 

(1,530,293)

 

31,818,662

               

Total assets

 

48,346,083

 

(1,530,293)

 

46,815,790

               

Liabilities and equity

           
 

Current

 

13,594,801

 

 

 

13,594,801

               
 

Non-current

           
 

Deferred income tax and social contribution

 

2,393,698

 

(1,530,293)

 

863,405

 

Other liabilities

 

24,676,250

 

 

 

24,676,250

     

27,069,948

 

(1,530,293)

 

25,539,655

               
 

Equity

 

7,681,334

 

 

 

7,681,334

               

Total liabilities and equity

 

48,346,083

 

(1,530,293)

 

46,815,790

 

 

F - 13


 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Braskem S.A.

 

Management notes to the financial statements

at December 31, 2014

All amounts in thousands of reais, except as otherwise stated

 

2.1.1        Consolidated financial statements

 

The consolidated financial statements were prepared and presented in accordance with the International Financial Reporting Standards “IFRS” issued by the International Accounting Standards Board “IASB”.

 

(a)               Consolidation

 

The consolidated financial statements comprise the financial statements of the Braskem S.A. and the following entities:

 

         

Total interest - %

                       
         

Headquarters

 

2014

 

2013

 

2012

Direct and Indirect subsidiaries

                   

Alclor Química de Alagoas Ltda ("Alclor")

     

Brazil

 

100.00

 

100.00

 

100.00

Braskem America Finance Company ("Braskem America Finance")

     

USA

 

100.00

 

100.00

 

100.00

Braskem America, Inc. (“Braskem America”)

     

USA

 

100.00

 

100.00

 

100.00

Braskem Argentina S.A. (“Braskem Argentina”)

     

Argentina

 

100.00

 

100.00

 

100.00

Braskem International GmbH ("Braskem Austria")

     

Austria

 

100.00

 

100.00

 

100.00

Braskem Austria Finance GmbH ("Braskem Austria Finance")

     

Austria

 

100.00

 

100.00

 

100.00

Braskem Chile Ltda. ("Braskem Chile")

     

Chile

 

100.00

 

100.00

 

100.00

Braskem Europe GmbH ("Braskem Alemanha")

     

Germany

 

100.00

 

100.00

 

100.00

Braskem Finance Limited (“Braskem Finance”)

     

Cayman Islands

 

100.00

 

100.00

 

100.00

Braskem Idesa S.A.P.I ("Braskem Idesa")

     

Mexico

 

75.00

 

75.00

 

75.00

Braskem Idesa Servicios S.A. de CV ("Braskem Idesa Serviços")

     

Mexico

 

75.00

 

75.00

 

75.00

Braskem Importação e Exportação Ltda. ("Braskem Importação")

     

Brazil

 

100.00

 

100.00

 

100.00

Braskem Incoporated Limited ("Braskem Inc")

     

Cayman Islands

 

100.00

 

100.00

 

100.00

Braskem Mexico, S. de RL de CV ("Braskem México")

     

Mexico

 

100.00

 

100.00

 

100.00

Braskem Mexico Servicios S. RL de CV ("Braskem México Serviços")

     

Mexico

 

100.00

 

100.00

   

Braskem Netherlands B.V (“Braskem Holanda”)

     

Netherlands

 

100.00

 

100.00

 

100.00

Braskem Participações S.A. ("Braskem Participações")

     

Brazil

 

100.00

 

100.00

 

100.00

Braskem Petroquímica Chile Ltda. (“Petroquímica Chile”)

     

Chile

 

100.00

 

100.00

 

100.00

Braskem Petroquímica Ibérica, S.L. ("Braskem Espanha")

     

Spain

 

100.00

 

100.00

 

100.00

Braskem Petroquímica Ltda ("Braskem Petroquímica")

     

Brazil

 

100.00

 

100.00

 

100.00

Braskem Qpar S.A.

 

(i)

 

Brazil

 

 

 

100.00

 

100.00

Common Industries LTD. ("Common")

 

(ii)

 

Uruguay

 

 

 

100.00

 

100.00

DAT

 

(iii)

 

Brazil

 

 

 

100.00

   

IQ Soluções e Química S.A. ("Quantiq")

     

Brazil

 

100.00

 

100.00

 

100.00

IQAG Armazéns Gerais Ltda ("IQAG")

     

Brazil

 

100.00

 

100.00

 

100.00

Lantana Trading Co. Inc. (“Lantana”)

     

Bahamas

 

100.00

 

100.00

 

100.00

Norfolk Trading S.A. (“Norfolk”)

     

Uruguay

 

100.00

 

100.00

 

100.00

Politeno Empreendimentos Ltda. (“Politeno Empreendimentos”)

     

Brazil

 

100.00

 

100.00

 

100.00

Rio Polímeros S.A. ("Riopol")

     

Brazil

         

100.00

                       

Specific Purpose Entity ("SPE")

                   

Fundo de Investimento Multimercado Crédito Privado Sol (“FIM Sol”)

   

Brazil

 

100.00

 

100.00

 

100.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

           

 

(i)         Merged into the parent company in December 2014 (Note 1(a.ii)).

(ii)        Dissolved in September 2014.

(iii)      Divested in 2014 (Note 1(a.i)).

 

 

 

F - 14


 

Braskem S.A.

 

Management notes to the financial statements

at December 31, 2014

All amounts in thousands of reais, except as otherwise stated

 

(a.i)     Foreign currency translation

 

(a)               Functional and presentation currency

 

The functional and presentation currency of the Company is the real.

 

(b)               Functional currency other than the Brazilian real

 

Some subsidiaries and a jointly controlled subsidiary have a different functional currency from that of the Braskem S.A., as follows:

 

     

Functional currency

       

Subsidiaries

   
 

Braskem Alemanha, Braskem Austria e Braskem Austria Finance

 

Euro

 

Braskem America e Braskem America Finance

 

U.S.dollar

 

Braskem Idesa , Braskem Idesa Serviços, Braskem México e Braskem México Serviços

 

Mexican peso

       

Jointly-controlled investments

   
 

Propileno Del Sur S.A. ("Propilsur")

 

U.S.dollar

 

 

 

The other subsidiaries adopt the Brazilian real as functional currency.

 

(c)               Exchange variation effects

 

The main effects from exchange variation that impacted these financial statements are shown below:

 

 

End of period rate at December 31

 

Average rate

 

2014

 

2013

 

Variation

 

2014

 

2013

 

Variation

U.S. dollar - Brazilizan real

2.6562

 

2.3426

 

13.39%

 

2.3547

 

2.1605

 

8.99%

U.S. dollar - Mexican peso

14.7180

 

13.1005

 

12.35%

 

13.3113

 

12.7692

 

4.24%

U.S. dollar - Euro

0.8231

 

0.7261

 

13.37%

 

0.7545

 

0.7532

 

0.17%

 

 

2.2              New or revised pronouncements with first-time adoption in 2014

 

IFRS 10, IFRS 12 and IAS 27 – "Investment Entities" – Braskem does not have this type of investment.

 

IFRS 8 – “Segment Information” – in December 2013, the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) issued a review that introduced two changes, namely: aggregations of operating segments and reconciliation of total reportable assets with the total assets of the Company. The adoption of these changes to the rule did not have any impact on these financial statements. 

 

IFRS 13 – “Fair value measurement” – in December 2013, a revision of this rule was issued that removed the paragraph addressing the measurement of short-term assets and liabilities without embedded interest rates reported by the invoiced amounts. The adoption did not have any impact on these financial statements.

 

IAS 24 – “Related parties” – in December 2013, as part of the review, the IASB revised the definition and the requirements for the disclosure of key managers. The adoption did not have any impact on these financial statements.

 

 

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Braskem S.A.

 

Management notes to the financial statements

at December 31, 2014

All amounts in thousands of reais, except as otherwise stated

 

IAS 38 – “Intangible assets” – in December 2013, the IASB issued a review clarifying the accumulated amortization at the date of a revaluation. This change is not applicable to Braskem.

 

IAS 32 – “Financial Instruments: Presentation” – in December 2011, the IASB issued a review providing further clarification to the application guidance in IAS 32 on the requirement to offset financial assets and liabilities in the balance sheet. The adoption did not have any impact on these financial statements.

 

IFRIC 21 – “Levies” – in May 2013, the IASB issued an interpretation regarding the fees and taxes charged by public authorities on entities that operate in a specific market. The adoption of this rule did not have any impact on these financial statements.

 

2.3              Rules, changes and interpretations of standards that are not yet in force

 

Rules, changes and interpretations of standards that currently are not in force and have not been adopted early by the Company:

 

IAS 16 and IAS 38 – “Property, plant and equipment” and “Intangible assets” – in May 2014, said accounting rules were revised to clarify the prohibition of the use of revenue-based methods for depreciation or amortization. The Company conducted an evaluation of the changes, which did not have any impacts on the financial statements.

 

IFRS 10 and IAS 28 – “Consolidated financial statements” and “Investments in Associates, Subsidiaries and Jointly Controlled Entities” – in September 2014, a revision was issued proposing that gains or losses resulting from the sale or contribution of a subsidiary that does not constitute a business, as defined in IFRS 3, between an investor and its subsidiary or jointly-controlled company is recognized only in the share of the unrelated investors in the subsidiary or jointly-controlled companies.

 

IFRS 7 – “Financial Instruments: Disclosures” – in September 2014, the IASB revised rule IFRS 7, which adds additional guidance for servicing contracts to decide when said contract represents continuing involvement and that the additional disclosure requirements are not specifically for interim periods.

 

IFRS 9 – “Financial instruments” – in July 2014, a review of the rule introduced the classification and measurement, impairment and hedge accounting in a single document, following a single measurement and classification logic, reflecting a business model in which these are managed and the characteristics of cash flows. The concept of provisioning for losses based on future expectations recognition of the impairment of financial assets, will be at a more opportune moment.

 

IFRS 15 – “Revenue from contracts with customers” – in May 2014, the accounting standard for the recognition of revenue from contracts with customers was issued. The Company conducted an evaluation of the standard, believes that this did not have any impacts on the financial statements.  

 

3                    Application of critical estimates and judgments

 

Critical estimates and judgments are those that require the most difficult, subjective or complex judgments by management, usually as a result of the need to make estimates that affect issues that are inherently uncertain. Estimates and judgments are continually reassessed and are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results can differ from planned results due to differences in the variables, assumptions or conditions used in making estimates.

 

The Company makes a series of other estimates that are presented in the respective notes, such as allowance for doubtful accounts, fair-value adjustment of inventories and provision for repairing environmental damage.

 

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Braskem S.A.

 

Management notes to the financial statements

at December 31, 2014

All amounts in thousands of reais, except as otherwise stated

 

 

In order to provide an understanding of the way the Company forms its judgments on future events, the variables and assumptions used in critical estimates are presented below:

 

3.1              Deferred income tax and social contribution

 

The recognition and the amount of deferred taxes assets depend on the generation of future taxable income, which requires the use of an estimate related to the Company’s future performance. These estimates are included in the business plan, which is annualy submitted for approval by the Board of Directors. This plan is prepared by the Executive Board using as main variables the price of the products manufactured by the Company, prices of raw materials, gross domestic product, exchange variation, interest rate, inflation rate and fluctuations in the supply and demand of inputs and finished products. These variables are obtained from expert external consultants, historical performance of the Company and its capacity to generate taxable income, internal programs focused on operational efficiency, and specific incentives from the Brazilian government for the petrochemical sector in Brazil.

 

3.2              Fair value of derivative and non-derivative financial instruments

 

The Company evaluates the derivative financial instruments at their fair value and the main sources of information are the stock exchanges, commodities and futures markets, disclosures of the Central Bank of Brazil and quotation services like Bloomberg and Reuters. Nevertheless, the high volatility of the foreign exchange and interest rate markets in Brazil caused, in certain periods, significant changes in future rates and interest rates over short periods of time, leading to significant changes in the market value of swaps and other financial instruments.

 

The fair values of non-derivative, quoted financial instruments are based on current bid prices. If the market for a financial asset and for unlisted securities is not active, the Company establishes fair value by using valuation techniques. These include the use of recent arm’s length transactions, reference to other instruments that are substantially the same, discounted cash flow analysis, and option pricing models that make maximum use of market inputs and rely as little as possible on information provided by the Company’s Management.

 

3.3              Useful life of assets

 

The Company recognizes the depreciation and depletion of its long-lived assets based on their useful life estimated by independent appraisers and approved by the Company’s technicians taking into consideration the experience of these professionals in the management of Braskem’s plants. The useful lives initially established by independent appraisers are reviewed at the end of every year by the Company’s technicians in order to check whether they need to be changed. This analysis indicated that the useful lives applied in 2014 should be maintained in 2015.

 

The main factors that are taken into consideration in the definition of the useful life of the assets that compose the Company’s industrial plants are the information of manufacturers of machinery and equipment, level of the plants’ operations, quality of preventive and corrective maintenance and the prospects of technological obsolescence of assets.

 

The Company’s management also decided that (i) depreciation should cover all assets value because when the equipment and installations are no longer operational, they are sold by amounts that are immaterial; and (ii) land is not depreciated because it has an indefinite useful life.

 

 

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Braskem S.A.

 

Management notes to the financial statements

at December 31, 2014

All amounts in thousands of reais, except as otherwise stated

 

The useful lives applied to the assets determined the following average depreciation and depletion rates:

 

 

(%)

 

2014

 

2013

Buildings and improvements

3.38

 

3.42

Machinery, equipment and installations

7.29

 

7.23

Mines and wells

8.83

 

8.96

Furniture and fixtures

10.82

 

10.28

IT equipment

20.15

 

21.21

Lab equipment

9.59

 

9.30

Security equipment

9.79

 

9.83

Vehicles

19.91

 

20.02

Other

18.19

 

15.86

 

 

3.4              Impairment test and analysis

 

(a)               Tangible and intangible assets with defined useful lives

 

On the balance sheet date, the Company makes an analysis to determine if there is indicators that the accounting blance of long-lived tangible assets and intangible assets with defined useful lives may not be recoverable. This analysis is conducted to assess the likelihood of scenarios that could adversely affect its cash flow and the recovering on the invested assets. The scenarios arise from issues of a macroeconomic, legal, competitive or technological nature.

 

Some significant aspects of this analysis include: (i) the possibility of an oversupply of products manufactured by the Company or of a significant reduction in demand due to adverse economic factors; (ii) the prospects of material fluctuations in the prices of products and inputs; (iii) the likelihood of the development of new technologies or raw materials that could materially reduce production costs and consequently impact sales prices, ultimately leading to the obsolescence of the industrial facilities of the Company; and (iv) changes in the general regulatory environment that make the production process of Braskem infeasible or that significantly impact the sale of its products. For this analysis, the Company maintains an in-house team with a more strategic vision of the business and also remains in permanent contact with a team of external consultants. If the aforementioned variables indicate significant risks to cash flows, the Management of Braskem conducts impairment tests in accordance with Note 3.4(b).

 

The assets are allocated to the Cash Generating Units (“CGU”) as follows:

 

Basic petrochemicals operating segment:

 

·           CGU UNIB Bahia: represented by assets of the basic petrochemicals plants located in the state of Bahia;

·           CGU UNIB South: represented by assets of the basic petrochemicals plants located in the state of Rio Grande do Sul;

·           CGU UNIB Southeast: represented by assets of the basic petrochemicals plants located in the states of Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo;

 

 

 

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Braskem S.A.

 

Management notes to the financial statements

at December 31, 2014

All amounts in thousands of reais, except as otherwise stated

 

Polyolefins operating segment:

 

·           CGU Polyethylene: represented by assets of the PE plants located in Brazil;

·           CGU Polypropylene: represented by assets of the PP plants located in Brazil;

·           CGU Renewables: represented by the Green PE plant located in Brazil;

 

Vinyls operating segment:

 

·           CGU Vinyls: represented by assets of PVC plants and chloride soda located in Brazil;

 

USA and Europe operating segment:

 

·           CGU Polypropylene USA: represented by assets of PP plants located in the United States;

·           CGU Polypropylene Europe: represented by assets of PP plants located in the Europe;

 

Chemical Distribution operating segment:

 

·           represented by assets of the subsidiaries Quantiq and IQAG.

 

(b)               Intangible assets with indefinite useful lives

 

The balances of goodwill from future profitability arising from business combinations and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are tested for impairment once a year. These tests are based on the projected cash generation for a five-year period, which are extracted from the business plan of the Company and cited in Note 3.1. In addition to cash flow is also used discount rate based on the weighted average cost of capital (“WACC”). This rate, adjusted for inflation, is the rate to perpetuity, without real growth.

 

The goodwill allocated to the Polyolefins operating segment (Note 13) was generated in a business combination that resulted in the simultaneous acquisition of polypropylene and polyethylene plants. The main raw materials of these plants were already supplied by the Company, which allowed for the obtainment of significant synergies in the operation. These synergies were one of the main drivers of that acquisition. Accordingly, the Company’s management tested this goodwill for impairment in the operating segment since the benefits of the synergies are associated with all units acquired.

 

The remaining existing goodwill is allocated to the UNIB South CGU and to the Vinyls operating segment (Note 13).

 

3.5              Provisions and contingent liabilities

 

Existing contingent liabilities and provisions are mainly related to discussions in the judicial and administrative spheres arising from primarily labor, pension, civil and tax lawsuits and administrative procedures.

 

The Management of Braskem, based on the opinion of its external legal advisors, classifies these proceedings in terms of probability of loss as follows:

 

Probable loss – these are proceedings for which there is a higher probability of loss than of a favorable outcome, i.e., the probability of loss exceeds 50%. For these proceedings, the Company recognizes a provision that is determined as follows:

 

(i)       labor claims – the amount of the provision corresponds to the amount to be disbursed as estimated by the Company’s legal counsels;

 

 

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Braskem S.A.

 

Management notes to the financial statements

at December 31, 2014

All amounts in thousands of reais, except as otherwise stated

 

 

(ii)     tax claims - the amount of the provision corresponds to the value of the matter plus charges corresponding to the variation in the Selic rate; and

 

(iii)   other claims – the amount of the provision corresponds to the value of the matter.

 

Possible loss – these are proceedings for which the possibility of loss is greater than remote. The loss may occur, however, the elements available are not sufficient or clear to allow for a conclusion on whether the trend is for a loss or a gain. In percentage terms, the probability of loss is between 25% and 50%. For these claims, except for the cases of business combinations, the Company does not recognize a provision and mentions the most significant ones in a note to the financial statements (Note 23). In business combination transactions, in accordance with the provision in IFRS 3, the Company records the fair value of the claims based on the assessment of loss (Note 20). The amount of the provision corresponds to the value of the matter, plus charges corresponding to the variation in the Selic rate, multiplied by the probability of loss, as determined by our external counsels.

 

The Company’s management believes that the estimates related to the outcome of the proceedings and the possibility of future disbursement may change in view of the following: (i) higher courts may decide in a similar case involving another company, adopting a final interpretation of the matter and, consequently, advancing the termination of the of a proceeding involving the Company, without any disbursement or without implying the need of any financial settlement of the proceeding; and (ii) programs encouraging the payment of the debts implemented in Brazil at the Federal and State levels, in favorable conditions that may lead to a disbursement that is lower than the one that is recognized in the provision or lower than the value of the matter.

 

3.6              Hedge accounting

 

The Company designated foreign-denominated liabilities (financing and trade accounts payable) to hedge future exports. The transaction involves two main critical estimates and judgments: sales and the refinancing, rollover or substitution of the designated liabilities. In the case of exports, these are provided for in the business plan of the Company (Note 3.1), since constitute part of its strategy and are inherent to its business. This is confirmed by the historical data series for exports. In the case of liabilities, the Company imports around 30% of the naphtha it consumes and has in the export market a permanent source for financing its projects to expand and maintain its production capacity. The maintenance of a minimum level of net liabilities in U.S. dollar is provided for in the Financial Policy of the Company.

 

Braskem Idesa designated all of the financing it obtained for the construction of its industrial plant to protect part of its sales to be made in the same currency as said financing, the U.S. dollar. The sales estimate are contemplated in the project that was presented to the lenders, which verified the consistency of the projection and in turn granted Braskem Idesa a financing line to be paid exclusively using the cash generated by these sales. All the commercial considerations of the project were based on market studies conducted by expert consulting firms during the feasibility-analysis phase.

 

4                    Risk management

 

Braskem is exposed to market risks arising from variations in commodity prices, foreign exchange rates and interest rates, credit risks of its counterparties in cash equivalents, financial investments and trade accounts receivable, and liquidity risks to meet its obligations from financial liabilities.

 

Braskem adopts procedures for managing market and credit risks that are in conformity with its Financial Policy approved by the Board of Directors on August 9, 2010. The purpose of risk management is to protect the cash flows of Braskem and reduce the threats to the financing of its operating working capital and investment programs.

 

 

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Braskem S.A.

 

Management notes to the financial statements

at December 31, 2014

All amounts in thousands of reais, except as otherwise stated

 

4.1              Market risks

 

Braskem prepares a sensitivity analysis for foreign exchange rate and interest rate risks to which it is exposed, which is presented in Note 16.4.

 

(a)               Exposure to commodity risks

 

Braskem is exposed to the variation in the prices of various commodities (naphta, PP, PE, PVC, etc.) and, in general, seeks to transfer the variations caused by fluctuations in market prices.

 

(b)               Exposure to foreign exchange risk

 

Braskem has commercial operations denominated in or pegged to foreign currencies. Braskem’s inputs and products have prices denominated in or strongly influenced by international prices of commodities, which are usually denominated in U.S. dollar. Additionally, Braskem has long-term loans in foreign currencies that expose it to variations in the foreign exchange rate between the functional currency (Brazilian real, Mexican peso and Euro) and the foreign currency, in particular the U.S. dollar. Braskem manages its exposure to foreign exchange risk through the combination of debt, financial investments, accounts receivable and raw material purchases denominated in foreign currencies and through derivative operations. Braskem’s financial policy for managing foreign exchange risks provides for the maximum and minimum coverage limits that must be observed and which are continuously monitored by its Management.

 

On December 31, 2014, Braskem prepared sensitivity analyses for exposures to the risk of fluctuation in U.S. dollar, as informed in Note 16.4.

 

(c)               Exposure to interest rate risk

 

Braskem is exposed to the risk that a variation in floating interest rates causes an increase in its financial expense due to payments of future interest. Debt denominated in foreign currency subject to floating rates is mainly subject to fluctuations in Libor. Debt denominated in local currency is mainly subject to the variation in the Long-Term Interest Rate (“TJLP”) and in the Interbank Certificate of Deposit (“daily CDI”) rate.

 

In the year, Braskem held swap contracts (Note 16.2.1) in which it: (i) receives the pre-contractual rate and pays the CDI overnight rate; and (ii) receives Libor and pays a fixed rate.

 

On December 31, 2014, Braskem prepared a sensitivity analysis for the exposure to the floating interest rates Libor, CDI and TJLP, as informed in Notes 16.4(b.1) and (b.2).

 

 

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Braskem S.A.

 

Management notes to the financial statements

at December 31, 2014

All amounts in thousands of reais, except as otherwise stated

 

4.2              Exposure to credit risk

 

The transactions that subject Braskem to the concentration of credit risks are mainly in current accounts with banks, financial investments and trade accounts receivable in which Braskem is exposed to the risk of the financial institution or customer involved. In order to manage this risk, Braskem maintains bank current accounts and financial investments with major financial institutions, weighting concentrations in accordance with the credit rating and the daily prices observed in the Credit Default Swap market for the institutions, as well as netting contracts that minimize the total credit risk arising from the many financial transactions entered into by the parties.

 

On December 31, 2014, Braskem held netting contracts with Banco Citibank S.A., HSBC Bank Brasil S.A. – Banco Múltiplo, Banco Itaú BBA S.A., Banco Safra S.A., Banco Santander S.A.,  Banco Votorantim S.A., Banco West LB do Brasil S.A., Banco Caixa Geral – Brasil S.A., and Banco Bradesco S.A.  Approximately 31% of the amounts held in cash and cash equivalents (Note 5) and financial investments (Note 6) are contemplated by these agreements, whose related liabilities are accounted for under “borrowings” (Note 14). The effective netting of these amounts is possible only in the event of default by one of the parties.

 

With respect to the credit risk of customers, Braskem protects itself by performing a rigorous analysis before granting credit and obtaining secured and unsecured guarantees when considered necessary.

 

The maximum exposure to credit risk of non-derivative financial instruments on the reporting date is the sum of their carrying amounts less any provisions for impairment losses. On December 31, 2014, the balance of trade accounts receivable was net of allowance for doubtful accounts of R$322,831 (R$282,753 in 2013) (Note 7).

 

4.3              Liquidity risk

 

Braskem has a calculation methodology to determine operating cash and minimum cash for the purpose of, respectively: (i) ensuring the liquidity needed to comply with obligations of the following month; and (ii) ensuring that the Company maintains liquidity during potential crises. These amounts are calculated mainly based on the projected operating cash generation, less short-term debts and working capital needs.

 

Braskem has two revolving credit lines for the purpose of managing liquidity risks, which may be used without restrictions in the amounts of: (i) US$750 million for a period of five years as from December 2014; and (ii) US$500 million for a period of three years as from September 2014. These credit facilities enable Braskem to reduce the amount of cash it holds. As of December 31, 2014, none of these credit lines had been used.

 

The table below shows Braskem’s financial liabilities by maturity. These amounts are calculated from undiscounted cash flows and may not be reconciled with the balance sheet.

 

       

Maturity

   
       

Until

 

Between one and

 

Between two and

 

More than

   
   

Note

 

one year

 

two years

 

five years

 

five years

 

Total

                         

Trade payables

     

11,038,788

             

11,038,788

Borrowings

     

1,495,374

 

3,365,142

 

5,432,193

 

22,685,686

 

32,978,395

Project finance

     

40,949

 

668,275

 

1,342,785

 

9,514,958

 

11,566,967

Derivatives

     

95,626

 

(39,219)

 

633,602

 

 

 

690,009

Ethylene XXI Project Loan

                 

792,188

 

792,188

Other payables

 

(i)

 

44,545

 

252,424

 

 

 

 

 

296,969

At December 31, 2014

     

12,715,282

 

4,246,622

 

7,408,580

 

32,992,832

 

57,363,316

 

(i)         Amounts payable to BNDES Participações S.A. (“BNDESPAR”) (Note 22).

 

 

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Braskem S.A.

 

Management notes to the financial statements

at December 31, 2014

All amounts in thousands of reais, except as otherwise stated

 

4.4              Capital management

 

The ideal capital structure, according to Braskem’s Management, considers the balance between own capital and the sum of all payables less the amount of cash and cash equivalents and financial investments. This composition meets the Company’s objectives of perpetuity and of offering an adequate return to shareholders and other stakeholders. This structure also permits borrowing costs to remain at adequate levels to maximize shareholder remuneration.

 

Due to the impact of the U.S. dollar on the Company’s operations, the Management of Braskem believes that the own capital used for capital management purposes should be measured in this currency and on a historical basis. Moreover, the Company may temporarily maintain a capital structure that is different from this ideal. This occurs, for example, during periods of growth, when the Company may finance a large portion of its projects through borrowings, provided that this option maximizes return for shareholders once the financed projects start operating. In order to adjust and maintain the capital structure, the Management of Braskem may also consider the sale of non-strategic assets, the issue of new shares or even adjustments to dividend payments. 

 

5                    Cash and cash equivalents

 

     

2014

 

2013

         

 

Cash and banks (i)

 

227,237

 

987,824

Cash equivalents:

       
 

Domestic market

 

2,253,648

 

1,906,790

 

Foreign market (i)

 

1,512,474

 

1,441,245

Total

 

3,993,359

 

4,335,859

 

(i)         On December 31, 2014, it includes cash and banks of R$26,830 (R$656,427 in 2013) and cash equivalents of R$307,034 (R$153,448 in 2013) of the subsidiary Braskem Idesa, available for use in its project (Note 15).

 

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks and highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less. They are convertible into a known amount and subject to an inmaterial risk of change in value.

 

Cash equivalents in Brazil are mainly represented by fixed-income instruments and time deposits held by the exclusive FIM Sol fund. The cash equivalents abroad comprise fixed–income instruments issued by first-class financial institutions (time deposit) with high market liquidity.

 

6                    Financial investments

 

     

2014

 

2013

Held-for-trading

       
 

Investments in FIM Sol

 

85,573

 

61,670

 

Other

 

4,155

 

4,943

Held-to-maturity

       
 

Quotas of investment funds in credit rights

 

42,495

 

40,696

 

Time deposit investment

 

 

 

189

 

Investments in foreign currency

(i)

399,005

 

469,376

 

Compensation of investments in foreign currency

(i)

(399,005)

 

(469,376)

Total

 

132,223

 

107,498

           

In current assets

 

89,729

 

86,719

In non-current assets

 

42,494

 

20,779

Total

 

132,223

 

107,498

 

 

F - 23


 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Braskem S.A.

 

Management notes to the financial statements

at December 31, 2014

All amounts in thousands of reais, except as otherwise stated

 

(i)         On December 31, 2014, Braskem Holanda had financial investments held to maturity that are irrevocably offset, by an export prepayment agreement of the Braskem S.A., in the amount of US$150 million, as provided for in the credit assignment agreement entered into between these two companies and Banco Bradesco. This accounting offset was carried out in accordance with IAS 32, which provide for the possibility of offsetting financial instruments when there is intent and rightfully executable right to realize an asset and settle a liability simultaneously.

 

7                    Trade accounts receivable

 

The Company’s billing period is generally 30 days; therefore, the amount of the trade accounts receivable corresponds to their fair value on the date of the sale. The Company realizes part of its trade accounts receivable through the sale of trade notes to funds that acquire receivables. These operations are not entitled to recourse, for which reason the trade notes are written-off at the moment of the operation.

 

     

2014

 

2013

Consumers

       
 

Domestic market

 

1,523,458

 

1,578,008

 

Foreign market

 

1,517,035

 

1,577,140

Allowance for doubtful accounts

 

(322,831)

 

(282,753)

Total

 

2,717,662

 

2,872,395

           

In current assets

 

2,692,612

 

2,810,520

In non-current assets

 

25,050

 

61,875

Total

 

2,717,662

 

2,872,395

 

 

The breakdown of trade accounts receivable by maturity is as follows:

  

     

2014

 

2013

         

 

Accounts receivables not past due

 

2,256,932

 

2,650,938

Past due securities:

       

Up to 90 days

 

531,966

 

246,740

91 to 180 days

 

45,271

 

8,393

As of 180 days

 

206,324

 

249,077

     

3,040,493

 

3,155,148

Allowance for doubtful accounts

 

(322,831)

 

(282,753)

Total customers portfolio

 

2,717,662

 

2,872,395

 

 

The changes in the balance of the allowance for doubtful accounts are presented below:

 

     

2014

 

2013

 

2012

         

 

 

 

Balance of provision at the beginning of the year

 

(282,753)

 

(256,884)

 

(253,607)

Provision in the year

 

(81,078)

 

(27,333)

 

(53,255)

Write-offs

 

41,000

 

23,250

 

27,374

Write-off by investment sale

 

 

     

818

Transfers (of) to non-current assets held for sale

     

(21,786) 

 

21,786

Balance of provision at the end of the year

 

(322,831)

 

(282,753)

 

(256,884)

 

 

The methodology adopted by the Company for recognizing the provision for impairment is based on the history of losses and considers the sum of (i) 100% of the amount of receivables past due for over 180 days; (ii) 50% of the amount of receivables past due for over 90 days; (iii) 100% of the amount of receivables under judicial collection (iv) all the receivables from the first renegotiation maturing within more than 24 months; and (v) 100% of the receivables arising from a second renegotiation with customers. Receivables from related parties are not considered in this calculation. This methodology is revised on an annual basis by the Management of the Company.

 

 

F - 24


 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Braskem S.A.

 

Management notes to the financial statements

at December 31, 2014

All amounts in thousands of reais, except as otherwise stated

 

 

8                    Inventories

 

   

2014

 

2013

         

Finished goods

 

3,681,204

 

3,429,979

Raw materials, production inputs and packaging

 

1,067,512

 

1,113,272

Maintenance materials

 

247,327

 

230,822

Advances to suppliers

 

346,885

 

236,672

Imports in transit and other

 

94,206

 

139,562

Total

 

5,437,134

 

5,150,307

         

In current assets

 

5,368,146

 

5,033,593

In non-current assets

 

68,988

 

116,714

Total

 

5,437,134

 

5,150,307

 

Inventories are stated at the lower between the average acquisition or production cost or at the estimated retail or sales price, net of taxes, whichever is lower. The Company determines the cost of its production using the absorption method.

 

A portion of the final inventory of finished products and raw materials was adjusted to fair value is less than the cost of production/acquisition. This adjustment was R$83,265 (2013 – R$12,333). For this estimate, the Company considers the purchase/sale price projected for the period during which it expects to sell or consume the product. This period is determined based on the historical data for the turnover of the respective inventory.

 

Advances to suppliers and expenditures with imports in transit are mainly related to operations for the acquisition of raw materials.

 

9                    Related parties

 

The Company carries out transactions among themselves and with other related parties in the ordinary course of its operations and activities. The Company believes that all the conditions set forth in the contracts with related parties meet the Company’s interests. To ensure that these contracts present terms and conditions that are as favorable to the Company as those it would enter into with any other third parties is a permanent objective of Braskem’s management.

 

 

F - 25


 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Braskem S.A.

 

Management notes to the financial statements

at December 31, 2014

All amounts in thousands of reais, except as otherwise stated

 

     

2014

 

2013

 

2012

     

Associated companies, Jointly-controlled investment and Related companies

 

Associated companies, Jointly-controlled investment and Related companies

 

Associated companies, Jointly-controlled investment and Related companies

         
     

Odebrecht and

 

Petrobras and

         

Odebrecht and

 

Petrobras and

         

Odebrecht and

 

Petrobras and

       

Balance sheet

 

subsidiaries

 

subsidiaries

 

Other

 

Total

 

subsidiaries

 

subsidiaries

 

Other

 

Total

 

subsidiaries

 

subsidiaries

 

Other

 

Total

Assets

                                               

Current

                                               
 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

 

 

 

 

1,486,360

 

1,486,360

 

 

 

 

 

1,396,323

 

1,396,323

               
 

Trade accounts receivable

 

4,347

 

104,857

 

33,009

 

142,213

 

440

 

99,018

 

26,503

 

125,961

               
 

Inventories

(i)

108,929

 

123,377

 

 

 

232,306

 

35,473

 

42,013

 

 

 

77,486

               
 

Related parties

 

55

 

66,375

 

186

 

66,616

 

78,068

 

46,232

 

187

 

124,487

               
 

Other

 

 

 

 

 

4,535

 

4,535

 

1,963

 

 

 

150

 

2,113

               
                                 

 

               

Non-current

                             

 

               
 

Advances to suppliers

 

68,988

 

 

 

 

 

68,988

 

116,714

 

 

 

 

 

116,714

               
 

Related parties

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

               
 

Intracompany loan

 

 

 

138,501

 

 

 

138,501

 

 

 

67,348

 

 

 

67,348

               
 

Other receivabels

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

66,301

 

 

 

66,301

               
 

Other

(ii)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

665,851

 

 

 

 

 

665,851

               

Total assets

 

182,319

 

433,110

 

1,524,090

 

2,139,519

 

898,509

 

320,912

 

1,423,163

 

2,642,584

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                   

Liabilities

                                               

Current

                                               
 

Trade payables

 

459,412

 

1,497,675

 

 

 

1,957,087

 

533,498

 

1,833,040

 

3,106

 

2,369,644

             

 

Total liabilities

 

459,412

 

1,497,675

 

 

 

1,957,087

 

533,498

 

1,833,040

 

3,106

 

2,369,644

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                   

Transactions

                                               
 

Sales of products

 

82,750

 

1,817,056

 

326,586

 

2,226,392

 

23,707

 

1,369,882

 

344,625

 

1,738,214

 

 

 

1,227,344

 

198,932

 

1,426,276

 

Purchases of raw materials, finished goods

 

-  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                   
 

services and utilities

 

3,631,198

 

18,183,600

 

70,700

 

21,885,498

 

284,433

 

15,980,040

 

44,265

 

16,308,738

 

276,193

 

16,783,645

 

286,963

 

17,346,801

 

Financial income (expenses)

 

 

 

964

 

 

 

964

 

 

 

4,525

 

 

 

4,525

     

4,304

 

786

 

5,090

 

General and administrative expenses

             

 

                               
 

Post-employment benefits

 

 

 

 

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

             

 

 

Odebrecht previdência Privada ("Odeprev")

 

 

 

 

 

20,695

 

20,695

 

 

 

 

 

19,703

 

19,703

         

24,898

 

24,898

 

Gain from divestment of asset

(iii)  

277,338

 

 

 

 

 

277,338

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

             

 

Total transactions

 

3,991,286

 

20,001,620

 

417,981

 

24,410,887

 

308,140

 

17,354,447

 

408,593

 

18,071,180

 

276,193

 

18,015,293

 

511,579

 

18,803,065

                                                   

(i) Amount related to advances to raw material suppliers.

(ii) Amount in "Property, plant and equipment", related to work in progress.

(iii) Amount related to divestment in subsidiary (Note 1(a)).

 

 

 

F - 26


 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Braskem S.A.

 

Management notes to the financial statements

at December 31, 2014

All amounts in thousands of reais, except as otherwise stated

 

As provided for in the Company’s bylaws, the Board of Directors has the exclusive power to decide on any contract but those related to the supply of raw materials that exceed R$5,000 per operation or R$15,000 altogether per year. This provision encompasses contracts between the Braskem S.A. and its subsidiaries and any of its common shareholders, directors of the Company, its Braskem S.A. or subsidiary or its respective related parties. Additionally, the Company has a Finance and Investment Committee that, among other things, monitors the contracts with related parties that are approved by the Board of Directors.

 

Pursuant to Brazilian Corporations Law, officers and directors are prohibited from: (i) performing any acts of liberality with the use of the Company’s assets and in its detriment; (ii) intervening in any operations in which these officers and directors have a conflict of interest with the Company or in resolutions in which they participate; and (iii) receiving, based on their position, any type of personal advantage from third parties, directly or indirectly, without statutory authorization or the general meeting.

 

The related parties that have significant relationship with the Company are as follows:

 

·           Construtora Norberto Odebrecht S.A. (“CNO”): subsidiary of Odebrecht

·           Odebrecht Ambiental: subsidiary of Odebrecht

·           Petrobras: shareholder of Braskem

 

The transactions with related parties, except wholly owned subsidiaries of the Company, are summarized below:

 

·           CNO:

 

(i)       Braskem – in May 2014, an alliance agreement was signed for maintenance services with duration of four years and estimated value of R$121 million;

 

(ii)     Braskem Idesa – an agreement was executed on September 28, 2012, for the engineering, procurement and construction services of the Ethylene XXI Project for an estimated value of US$3 billion and duration through 2015; and

 

(iii)   Braskem – the lease agreement for the floors in the building where the offices of Braskem are located in São Paulo came into force as of January 1, 2014. The agreement is worth R$226,217 and is valid through December 2028.

 

·           Odebrecht Ambiental:

 

On September 30, 2009, the Company entered into an agreement for the acquisition of reuse water with Aquapolo (a special purpose entity formed by Odebrecht Ambiental and the water utility Companhia de Saneamento Básico do Estado de São Paulo – SABESP for the production of industrial reuse water) by the plants located in the São Paulo Petrochemical Complex. The agreement is valid through 2053 and has an estimated annual value of R$65 million.

 

 

 

F - 27


 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Braskem S.A.

 

Management notes to the financial statements

at December 31, 2014

All amounts in thousands of reais, except as otherwise stated

 

·           Petrobras:

 

(i)       Naphtha

 

Braskem maintains an agreement with Petrobras for the acquisition of naphtha, as cited in Note 1.

 

(ii)     Propylene

 

Braskem has propylene supply agreements with Petrobras for the Company’s plants located in the Petrochemical Complexes of Triunfo, Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. These agreements provide for the full supply of approximately 910,000 metric tons of propylene a year. The contracted propylene price is based on various international references linked to the most important markets for propylene and polypropylene, particularly the U.S., European and Asian markets.

 

(iii)   Ethane, propane, light refinery hydrocarbons (“HLR”) and electricity

 

The Company has an agreement with Petrobras for the supply of 392,500 metric tons of ethane a year, 392,500 metric tons of propane a year, 438,000 Nm³/year of HLR and 306.6 GWh of electricity a year in 2014 and 204.4 GWh a year in 2015.

 

(b)              Key management personnel

 

The Company considers “Key management personnel” to be the members of the Board of Directors and the Executive Board, composed of the CEO and vice-presidents. Not all the members of the Executive Board are members of the statutory board.

 

Non-current liabilities

 

2014

 

2013

   
             

Long-term incentives

 

-

 

2,333

   

Total

 

-

 

2,333

   
             
         

Income statement transactions

 

2014

 

2013

 

2012

Remuneration

           

Short-term benefits to employees and managers

 

35,963

 

35,380

 

35,026

Post-employment benefit

 

256

 

275

 

214

Long-term incentives

 

560

 

15

 

565

Total

 

36,779

 

35,670

 

35,805

 

 

(i)       In a meeting held on May 7, 2014, the Board of Directors approved the termination of the long-term incentive plan. The plan had been created in September 2005 and was not based on the Company’s shares. Through this plan, members of strategic programs could acquire securities issued by the Company called “Certificates of Investment Units”. These securities did not entitle their holder to the status of Braskem shareholder or to any rights or privileges inherent to such status, especially voting and other political rights. The amount paid to terminate the plan, including participants not designated as “Key management personnel” was R$14,002.

 

 

 

 

F - 28


 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Braskem S.A.

 

Management notes to the financial statements

at December 31, 2014

All amounts in thousands of reais, except as otherwise stated

 

10                Taxes recoverable

 

     

2014

 

2013

Brazil

     

 

 

IPI

 

20,456

 

28,701

 

Value-added tax on sales and services (ICMS) - normal operations

(a)

413,066

 

729,500

 

ICMS - credits from PP&E

 

136,308

 

123,354

 

Social integration program (PIS) and social contribution on revenue (COFINS) - normal operations

(b)

675,983

 

710,357

 

PIS and COFINS - credits from PP&E

 

244,194

 

269,006

 

Income tax and social contribution (IR and CSL)

 

692,723

 

536,460

 

REINTEGRA program

(c)

263,771

 

267,049

 

Federal supervenience

(d)

170,264

 

231,432

 

Other

 

9,217

 

51,892

           

Other countries

       
 

Value-added tax

(e)

547,947

 

572,432

 

Other

 

1,336

 

3,020

Total

 

3,175,265

 

3,523,203

           

Current assets

 

2,129,837

 

2,237,213

Non-current assets

 

1,045,428

 

1,285,990

Total

 

3,175,265

 

3,523,203

 

(a)               ICMS – normal operations

 

The Company has accumulated ICMS credits over the past few years arising mainly from domestic sales subject to deferred taxation and export sales.

 

The Management of the Company has been prioritizing a series of actions to maximize the use of these credits and currently does not expect losses on their realization. These include the maintenance of the terms of the agreements with the states in which the Company produces petrochemical products in order to defer the ICMS tax levied on naphtha purchases, which increases the effective monetization of the balances.

 

(b)               PIS and COFINS

 

The Company has PIS and COFINS tax credits arising materially from the incentivized domestic outflows and exports.

 

The realization of these credits occurs in two ways: (i) offset of overdue or falling due liabilities related to taxes levied by the Federal Revenue Service; or (ii) cash reimbursement.

 

(c)               REINTEGRA Program

 

The REINTEGRA program aims to refund to exporters the federal taxes levied on the production chain for goods sold abroad. The amount to be refunded is equivalent to 3% of all export revenue and such credits may be made in two ways: (i) by offsetting own debits overdue or undue related to taxes levied by the Federal Revenue Service; or (ii) by a cash reimbursement.

 

In accordance with Provisional Presidential Decree (“MP”) 601/12, the program was valid until December 31, 2013. However, MP 651/14, which was converted into Federal Law 13,043/14, determined the new starting date of the program as from October 1, 2014, similarly to what had been established by MP 601.

 

 

F - 29


 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Braskem S.A.

 

Management notes to the financial statements

at December 31, 2014

All amounts in thousands of reais, except as otherwise stated

 

In the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014, the Company recognized credits in the amount of R$65,701 (R$229,742 in 2013) and offset the amount of R$69,192 (R$180,468 in 2013). In the Statement of Operations, credits are recognized in the item “Cost of Products Sold.”

 

(d)               Federal supervenience

 

This item includes credits arising from legal discussions regarding the legality and constitutionality of various taxes and contributions in which the Company has already obtained a favorable ruling or has unquestionable jurisprudence in its favor.

 

(e)               Value added tax – subsidiaries abroad

 

On December 31, 2014, this line included:

 

(i)     R$16,185 from sales by Braskem Alemanha to other countries. These credits are reimbursed in cash by the local government; and

 

(ii)   R$483,668 from purchases of machinery and equipment for the Ethylene XXI project (Note 16). These credits will be reimbursed in cash by the local government after validating the credits according to established tax procedures. In the fourth quarter of 2014, Braskem Idesa was reimbursed in the amount of R$634,911 (US$250,454 thousand).

 

 

 

F - 30


 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Braskem S.A.

 

Management notes to the financial statements

at December 31, 2014

All amounts in thousands of reais, except as otherwise stated

 

11                Investments

 

(a)               Information on investments

 

 

         

Adjusted net profit (loss)

 

Adjusted

     

Interest in total

 

for the year

 

equity

     

capital (%) - 2014

 

2014

 

2013

 

2012

 

2014

 

2013

                           

Jointly-controlled investment

                       
 

Refinaria de Petróleo Riograndense S.A.("RPR")

 

33.20

 

(3,166)

 

1,871

 

24,335

 

125,955

 

124,980

 

Odebrecht Comercializadora de Energia S.A. ("OCE")

 

20.00

 

129

 

402

 

 

 

734

 

689

 

Propilsur

 

49.00

 

(72)

 

(4,445)

 

(556)

 

121,547

 

109,300

                           

Associates

                       
 

Borealis

 

20.00

 

7,246

 

5,492

 

16,102

 

174,433

 

166,746

 

Companhia de Desenvolvimento

                       
 

Rio Verde ("Codeverde")

 

35.97

 

(596)

 

(596)

 

(596)

 

46,342

 

46,342

 

 

 

 

 

 

(b)               Changes in investments

 

           

Dividends

   

Currency

   
   

Balance at

 

Capital

 

and interest

 

Effect

 

translation

 

Balance at

   

Dec/2013

 

increase

 

on equity

 

of results

 

adjustments

 

Dec/2014

                         

Associates

                       

Borealis

 

33,349

         

1,538

 

 

 

34,887

   

33,349

 

 

 

 

 

1,538

 

 

 

34,887

                         

Jointly-controlled investments

                       

Propilsur

 

40,398

         

(29)

 

2,796

 

43,165

RPR

 

41,500

         

(1,050)

 

1,374

 

41,824

OCE

 

138

 

55

 

(3)

 

(42)

     

148

   

82,036

 

55

 

(3)

 

(1,121)

 

4,170

 

85,137

                         

Total

 

115,385

 

55

 

(3)

 

417

 

4,170

 

120,024

 

 

 

 

(c)                Breakdown of equity accounting results

 

   

 

 

Consolidated

   

2014

 

2013

 

2012

             

Equity in results of subsidiaries, associate and jointly-controlled investments

 

3,929

 

(3,223)

 

(22,199)

Other

 

 

     

(3,608)

   

3,929

 

(3,223)

 

(25,807)

 

 

 

F - 31


 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Braskem S.A.

 

Management notes to the financial statements

at December 31, 2014

All amounts in thousands of reais, except as otherwise stated

 

(d)               Summarized information of the subsidiary not full Braskem Idesa

 

Balance sheet

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assets

2014

 

2013

 

Liabilities

2014

 

2013

Current

       

Current

     
 

Cash and cash equivalents

333,864

 

809,875

   

Trade payables

620,953

 

590,429

 

Inventories

238,193

 

116,691

   

Project finance

26,462

 

25,745

 

Taxes recoverable

499,173

 

544,420

   

Other payables

101,596

 

87,519

 

Other receivables

96,350

 

144,160

     

749,011

 

703,693

   

1,167,580

 

1,615,146

           

Non-current

       

Non-current

     
 

Other receivables

219,010

 

142,699

   

Project finance

7,551,033

 

4,705,661

 

Property, plant and equipment

9,260,814

 

5,684,813

   

Loan agreements

2,921,275

 

1,481,359

   

9,479,824

 

5,827,512

   

Other payables

4,210

 

3,479

               

10,476,518

 

6,190,499

                     
           

Shareholders' equity

(578,125)

 

548,466

                     

Total assets

10,647,404

 

7,442,658

 

Total liabilities and shareholders' equity

10,647,404  

 

7,442,658

                   

-

                     

Statement of operations

 

 

 

 

Statement of cash flows

 

 

 

   

2014

 

2013

     

2014

 

2013

Gross profit

5,320

 

2,294

 

Cash flows from operating activities

     
 

Operating expenses, net

(52,834)

 

(31,113)

   

Cash generated by operating activities

812,826

 

(204,798)

 

Financial results

(420,512)

 

38,095

   

Interest paid

(336,998)

 

(98,272)

Profit (loss) before income tax

(468,026)

 

9,276

 

Net cash generated (used) by operating activities

475,828

 

(303,070)

 

Income tax

(83,030)

 

(19,911)

           

Loss for the year

(551,056)

 

(10,635)

 

Net cash used in investing activities

(3,465,621)

 

(4,052,864)

           

Net cash provided by financing activities

     
             

Project finance

1,894,507

 

4,562,343

             

Related parties

653,118

 

463,859

             

Capital increase

 

 

153,285

               

2,547,625

 

5,179,487

                     
           

Exchange variation on cash

(33,843)

 

(61,533)

                     
           

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

(476,011)

 

762,020

                     
           

Represented by

     
             

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning for the year

809,875

 

47,855

             

Cash and cash equivalents at the end for the year

333,864

 

809,875

                     
           

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

(476,011)

 

762,020

 

 

F - 32


 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Braskem S.A.

 

Management notes to the financial statements

at December 31, 2014

All amounts in thousands of reais, except as otherwise stated

 

12                Property, plant and equipment

 

(a)               Change

 

   

Land

 

Buildings and Improvements

 

Machinery, Equipment and Facilities

 

Projects and Stoppage in Progress

 

Other  

 

Total

                         

Cost

 

428,908

 

1,830,245

 

25,671,115

 

8,832,906

 

936,228

 

37,699,402

Accumulated depreciation/depletion

 

 

 

(783,084)

 

(11,044,102)

 

 

 

(458,668)

 

(12,285,854)

Balance as of December 31, 2013

 

428,908

 

1,047,161

 

14,627,013

 

8,832,906

 

477,560

 

25,413,548

                         

Acquisitions

     

28,630

 

107,855

 

4,540,352

 

1,779

 

4,678,616

Capitalized financial charges

             

623,162

 

 

 

623,162

Foreign currency translation adjustment

 

7,642

 

7,770

 

88,533

 

130,629

 

3,777

 

238,351

Transfers by concluded projects

 

 

 

32,373

 

779,078

 

(936,794)

 

125,343

 

 

Other, net of depreciation/depletion

 

(10)

 

 

 

(3,097)

 

(10,780)

 

1,736

 

(12,151)

Depreciation / depletion

 

 

 

(65,159)

 

(1,790,563)

 

 

 

(84,314)

 

(1,940,036)

Net book value

 

436,540

 

1,050,775

 

13,808,819

 

13,179,475

 

525,881

 

29,001,490

Cost

 

436,540

 

1,899,018

 

26,581,334

 

13,179,475

 

1,065,324

 

43,161,691

Accumulated depreciation/depletion

 

-

 

(848,243)

 

(12,772,515)

 

 

 

(539,443)

 

(14,160,201)

Balance as of December 31, 2014

 

436,540

 

1,050,775

 

13,808,819

 

13,179,475

 

525,881

 

29,001,490

 

 

On December 31, 2014, the main project in progress is located in Mexico, through the subsidiary Braskem Idesa (Note 15).

 

The financial charges are capitalized on the balance of the projects in progress using (i) an average funding rate of all borrowings; and (ii) the portion of the foreign exchange variation that corresponds to a possible difference between the average rate of financing in the internal market and the rate mentioned in item (i).

 

The machinery, equipment and facilities of the Company require inspections, replacement of components and maintenance in regular intervals. The Company makes shutdowns in regular intervals that vary from two to six years to perform these activities. These shutdowns can involve the plant as a whole, a part of it, or even relevant pieces of equipment, such as industrial boilers, turbines and tanks. Shutdowns that take place every six years, for example, are usually made for the maintenance of industrial plants as a whole. Expenses with each scheduled shutdown are included in property, plant and equipment items that were the subject matter of the stoppage and are fully depreciated until the beginning of the following related stoppage. The expenditures with personnel, the consumption of small materials, maintenance and the related services from third parties are recorded, when incurred, as production costs. Property, plant and equipment items are depreciated on a straight-line basis. Projects in progress are not depreciated. Depreciation begins when the assets are available for use.

 

Based on the analysis cited in Note 3.4(a), the Management of Braskem believes that the plants will operate at their full capacity, or close to it, within the projected period, therefore impairment tests of these assets were not necessary. The prices of products manufactured by the Company are quoted in international markets and adjust to the prices of raw materials to preserve the historical margins of the business.

 

 

 

F - 33


 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Braskem S.A.

 

Management notes to the financial statements

at December 31, 2014

All amounts in thousands of reais, except as otherwise stated

 

13                Intangible assets

 

   

Goodwill

               
   

based on

         

Costumers

   
   

expected future

 

Brands

 

Software

 

and Suppliers

   
   

profitability

 

and Patents

 

licenses

 

Agreements

 

Total

Cost

 

3,187,722

 

208,574

 

473,560

 

712,499

 

4,582,355

Accumulated amortization

 

(1,128,804)

 

(82,176)

 

(244,924)

 

(213,821)

 

(1,669,725)

Balance as of December 31, 2013

 

2,058,918

 

126,398

 

228,636

 

498,678

 

2,912,630

                     

Acquisitions

     

10

 

30,058

 

201

 

30,269

Foreign currency translation adjustment

     

1,186

 

3,783

 

17,011

 

21,980

Other, net of amortization

     

3,267

 

(6,148)

 

 

 

(2,881)

Amortization

     

(8,951)

 

(50,766)

 

(66,553)

 

(126,270)

Net book value

 

2,058,918

 

121,910

 

205,563

 

449,337

 

2,835,728

Cost

 

3,187,722

 

213,031

 

497,813

 

729,711

 

4,628,277

Accumulated amortization

 

(1,128,804)

 

(91,121)

 

(292,250)

 

(280,374)

 

(1,792,549)

Balance as of December 31, 2014

 

2,058,918

 

121,910

 

205,563

 

449,337

 

2,835,728

                     

Average annual rates of amortization

     

5.93%

 

10.04%

 

6.00%

   

 

 

The Company adopts the following accounting practice for each class of intangible assets:

 

(a)               Goodwill based on future profitability

 

The existing goodwill was determined in accordance with the criteria established by the accounting practices adopted in Brazil before the adoption of the IFRS pronouncements and represent the excess of the amount paid over the amount of equity of the entities acquired.

 

The Company’s goodwill was systematically amortized until December 2008. As from 2009, it has been subject to annual impairment tests in accordance with the provisions in IAS 36. On December 31, 2014, the goodwill of the Company is allocated at the CGU of UNIB-South and at the Polyolefins and Vinyls operating segments.

 

The CGU UNIB-South belongs to the Basic Petrochemicals operating segment, which is divided into three CGUs. The other CGU, called UNIB-Bahia and UNIB-Southeast do not have goodwill allocated.

 

In October 2014, Braskem conducted an impairment test of the goodwill using the value in use method (discounted cash flow) and did not identify any loss, as shown in the table below:

 

           

Book value

   
   

Allocated
goodwill

 

Cash flow
(CF)

 

(with goodwill and work capital)

 

CF/Book
value

CGU and operating segments

               

CGU - UNIB - South

 

926,854

 

8,132,990

 

1,965,601

 

4.1

Operating segment - Polyolefins

 

939,711

 

23,443,616

 

6,130,688

 

3.8

Operating segment - Vinyls

 

192,353

 

4,173,987

 

3,452,561

 

1.2

 

 

The premises adopted to determine the discounted cash flow are described in Note 3.4(a).The WACC used was of 13.76% p.a..

 

 

F - 34


 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Braskem S.A.

 

Management notes to the financial statements

at December 31, 2014

All amounts in thousands of reais, except as otherwise stated

 

(b)               Sensitivity analysis

 

Given the potential impact on cash flows of the “discount rate” and the “growth rate in perpetuity”, Braskem conducted a sensitivity analysis based on changes in these variables, with cash flows shown in the table below:

 

       

-0,5% on

   

+0,5% on

 

growth rate

   

discount rate

 

to perpetuity

CGU and operating segments

       

CGU - UNIB - South

 

7,702,066

 

7,670,081

Operating segment - Polyolefins

 

22,400,570

 

22,323,151

Operating segment - Vinyls

 

3,986,779

 

3,972,884

 

 

(c)               Intangible assets with defined useful lives

 

(c.1)     Trademarks and patents

The technologies acquired from third parties, including those acquired through business combination, are recorded at the cost of acquisition and/or fair value and other directly attributed costs, net of accumulated amortization and provision for impairment, when applicable. Technologies that have defined useful lives and are amortized using the straight-line method based on the term of the purchase agreement (between 10 and 20 years). Expenditures with research and development are accounted for in profit or loss as they are incurred.

 

(c.2)     Contractual customer and supplier relationships

Contractual customer and supplier relationships arising from a business combination were recognized at fair value at the respective acquisition dates. These contractual customer and supplier relationships have a finite useful life and are amortized using the straight-line method over the term of the respective purchase or sale agreement (between 14 and 28 years).

 

(c.3)     Software

All software booked has defined useful life estimated between 3 and 10 years and is amortized using the straight-line method. Costs associated with maintaining computer software programs are recognized in profit or loss as incurred.

 

 

 

F - 35


 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Braskem S.A.

 

Management notes to the financial statements

at December 31, 2014

All amounts in thousands of reais, except as otherwise stated

 

14                Borrowings

 

     

Annual financial charges

       
         

Average interest (unless otherwise stated)

       
     

Monetary restatement

   

2014

 

2013

Foreign currency

             

 

 

Bonds and Medium term notes (MTN)

 

Note 14 (a)

 

Note 14 (a)

 

11,776,438

 

10,432,526

 

Advances on exchange contracts

 

US dollar exchange variation

 

0.88%

 

 

 

117,132

 

Export prepayment

 

Note 14 (b)

 

Note 14 (b)

 

427,074

 

540,744

 

BNDES

 

Note 14 (c)

 

Note 14 (c)

 

396,439

 

453,065

 

Export credit notes

 

Note 14 (d)

 

Note 14 (d)

 

956,010

 

843,060

 

Working capital

 

US dollar exchange variation

 

1.59% above Libor

 

633,104

 

633,632

 

Other

 

US dollar exchange variation

 

4.00% above Libor

 

 

 

1,268

 

Other

 

Exchange variation (UMBNDES)

           
 

Other

 

US dollar exchange variation

     

 

 

 

 

Transactions costs

         

(260,656)

 

(81,375)

                   

Local currency

               
 

Export credit notes

 

Note 14 (d)

 

Note 14 (d)

 

2,435,839

 

2,528,077

 

BNDES

 

Note 14 (c)

 

Note 14 (c)

 

3,137,035

 

2,464,987

 

BNB/ FINAME/ FINEP/ FUNDES

     

6.54%

 

762,757

 

658,372

 

BNB/ FINAME/ FINEP/ FUNDES

 

TJLP

 

0.47%

 

8,512

 

16,093

 

Fundo de Desenvolvimento do Nordeste (FDNE)

     

6.50%

 

51,090

   
 

Other

     

0.04%

 

26,928

   
 

Transactions costs

         

(14,007)

 

(5,090)

Total

         

20,336,563

 

18,602,491

                   

Current liabilities

         

1,418,542

 

1,248,804

Non-current liabilities

         

18,918,021

 

17,353,687

Total

         

20,336,563

 

18,602,491

 

(a)                 Bonds and MTN

 

     

Issue amount

     

Interest

   

Issue date

 

 

(US$ in thousands)

 

Maturity

 

(% per year)

 

2014

 

2013

July-1997

   

250,000

 

June-2015

 

9.38

 

149,394

 

152,328

January-2004

   

250,000

 

January-2014

 

11.75

 

 

 

178,897

September-2006

(i)

 

275,000

 

January-2017

 

8.00

 

165,863

 

305,006

June-2008

(i)

 

500,000

 

June-2018

 

7.25

 

381,567

 

1,000,375

May-2010

(i)

 

400,000

 

May-2020

 

7.00

 

127,945

 

940,780

May-2010

 

 

350,000

 

May-2020

 

7.00

 

939,251

 

828,360

October-2010

(ii)

 

450,000

 

no maturity date

 

7.38

 

1,216,348

 

1,072,742

April-2011

   

750,000

 

April-2021

 

5.75

 

2,009,294

 

1,772,070

July-2011

   

500,000

 

July-2041

 

7.13

 

1,369,631

 

1,207,927

February-2012

   

250,000

 

April-2021

 

5.75

 

672,005

 

592,666

February-2012

(ii)

 

250,000

 

no maturity date

 

7.38

 

675,749

 

595,968

May-2012

   

500,000

 

May-2022

 

5.38

 

1,339,601

 

1,181,443

July-2012

   

250,000

 

July-2041

 

7.13

 

684,815

 

603,964

Feb-2014

(i)

 

500,000

 

February-2024

 

6.45

 

1,363,317

   

May-2014

(i)

 

250,000

 

February-2024

 

6.45

 

681,658

   

Total

   

5,725,000

         

11,776,438

 

10,432,526

 

(i)       The Bonds issued in February and May 2014 were primarily to refinance the Bonds issued in September 2006, June 2008 and May 2010. The issues in 2014 were considered as refinancing of previous debt in accordance with IFRS 9, and hence all expenses involved in structuring the operations, including premiums paid to holders of the refinanced bonds, were deemed transaction costs. These expenses, in the amount of R$206,136 are being amortized as financial expenses on a straight-line basis over the duration of the new Bonds.

 

(ii)     The perpetual Bonds issued in October 2010 and February 2012 may be redeemed, at Braskem’s discretion, in full or part, at any time after October 4, 2015, at 100% of the value of the principal plus any unpaid interest. In the case of partial redemption, a minimum of US$100 million of the principal must remain outstanding.

 

F - 36


 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Braskem S.A.

 

Management notes to the financial statements

at December 31, 2014

All amounts in thousands of reais, except as otherwise stated

 

(b)                 Export prepayments (“EPP”)

 

     

Initial amount

               
     

of the transaction

           

Issue date

 

 

(US$ thousand)

 

Maturity

 

Charges (% per year)

 

2014

 

2013

December 2010

(i)

100,000

 

December-2017

 

US dollar exchange variation + semiannual Libor + 2.47

 

 

 

118,505

January 2013

   

200,000

 

November-2022

 

US dollar exchange variation + semiannual Libor + 2.47

 

427,074

 

422,239

Total

   

300,000

         

427,074

 

540,744

 

(i)       Settled early in June 2014.

 

(c)                 BNDES borrowings

 

Projects

 

Issue date

 

Maturity

 

Charges (% per year)

 

2014

 

2013

                     

Foreign currency

                   

Other

 

2006

 

October-2016

 

US dollar exchange variation + 6.90

 

4,795

 

6,533

Braskem Qpar expansion

 

2006/2007/2008

 

April-2016

 

US dollar exchange variation + 6.75 to 6.90

 

6,717

 

10,389

Green PE

 

2009

 

July-2017

 

US dollar exchange variation + 6.68

 

32,577

 

39,838

Limit of credit II

 

2009

 

January-2017

 

US dollar exchange variation + 6.68

 

61,946

 

80,826

New plant PVC Alagoas

 

2010

 

January-2020

 

US dollar exchange variation + 6.68

 

109,077

 

115,082

Limit of credit III

 

2011

 

October-2018

 

US dollar exchange variation + 6.52 to 6.55

 

141,894

 

159,917

Butadiene

 

2011

 

January-2021

 

US dollar exchange variation + 6.55

 

39,433

 

40,480

               

396,439

 

453,065

                     

Local currency

                   

Other

 

2006

 

September-2016

 

TJLP + 2.80

 

31,376

 

49,294

Braskem Qpar expansion

 

2006/2007/2008

 

February-2016

 

TJLP + 2.15 to 3.30

 

40,617

 

75,867

Green PE

 

2008/2009

 

June-2017

 

TJLP + 0.00 to 4.78

 

198,608

 

280,631

Limit of credit II

 

2009

 

January-2017

 

TJLP + 2.58 to 3.58

 

162,815

 

240,915

Limit of credit II

 

2009

 

January-2021

 

4.00 to 4.50

 

93,875

 

10,763

New plant PVC Alagoas

 

2010

 

December-2019

 

TJLP + 0.00 to 3.58

 

293,568

 

352,364

New plant PVC Alagoas

 

2010

 

December-2019

 

5.50

 

33,414

 

40,091

Limit of credit III

 

2011

 

October-2019

 

TJLP + 0.00 to 3.58

 

1,331,699

 

969,715

Limit of credit III

 

2011

 

October-2019

 

SELIC + 2.58 to 2.78

 

260,508

 

82,362

Limit of credit III

 

2011

 

November-2019

 

3.50 to 6.00

 

250,505

 

228,583

Butadiene

 

2011

 

December-2020

 

TJLP + 0.00 to 3.45

 

115,225

 

134,402

Finem

 

2014

 

March-2021

 

TJLP + 2.78

 

192,827

   

Finem

 

2014

 

March-2021

 

SELIC + 2.78

 

129,326

   

Finem

 

2014

 

March-2021

 

6.00

 

2,672

   
               

3,137,035

 

2,464,987

                     

Total

             

3,533,474

 

2,918,052

 

 

 

F - 37


 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Braskem S.A.

 

Management notes to the financial statements

at December 31, 2014

All amounts in thousands of reais, except as otherwise stated

 

(d)                 Export credit notes (“NCE”)

 

     

Initial amount

               

Issue date

 

 

of the transaction

 

Maturity

 

Charges (% per year)

 

2014

 

2013

                       

Foreign currency

                     

November-2006

#####

 

167,014

 

May-2018

 

Us dollar exchange variation + 8.10

 

209,561

 

184,778

April-2007

#####

 

101,605

 

March-2018

 

Us dollar exchange variation + 7.87

 

135,220

 

119,255

May-2007

#####

 

146,010

 

May-2019

 

Us dollar exchange variation + 7.85

 

200,518

 

176,806

January-2008

#####

 

266,430

 

February-2020

 

Us dollar exchange variation + 7.30

 

410,711

 

362,221

     

681,059

         

956,010

 

843,060

                       

Local currency

                     

April-2010

(i)

 

50,000

 

October-2021

 

105% of CDI

 

36,120

 

50,880

June-2010

(i)

 

200,000

 

October-2021

 

105% of CDI

 

144,481

 

203,521

February-2011

(i)

 

250,000

 

October-2021

 

105% of CDI

 

144,481

 

203,521

April-2011

(ii)

 

450,000

 

April-2019

 

112.5% of CDI

 

461,254

 

459,408

June-2011

(i)

 

80,000

 

October-2021

 

105% do CDI

 

57,792

 

81,408

August-2011

(ii)

 

400,000

 

August-2019

 

112.5% of CDI

 

404,309

 

403,513

June-2012

(i)

 

100,000

 

October-2021

 

105% of CDI

 

72,241

 

101,761

September-2012

(i)

 

300,000

 

October-2021

 

105% of CDI

 

216,722

 

305,282

October-2012

(i)

 

85,000

 

October-2021

 

105% of CDI

 

61,405

 

86,496

February-2013

(iii) e (v)

100,000

 

September-2017

 

8.00

 

101,161

 

101,183

February-2013

(iv)

 

50,000

 

February-2016

 

7.50

 

 

 

50,505

February-2013

(iii)

 

100,000

 

February-2016

 

8.00

 

101,161

 

101,010

February-2013

(iii) e (v)

50,000

 

September-2017

 

8.00

 

50,440

 

50,440

February-2013

(iii)

 

100,000

 

February-2016

 

8.00

 

101,096

 

100,923

March-2013

(iii)

 

50,000

 

March-2016

 

8.00

 

50,257

 

50,257

March-2013

(iv)

 

17,500

 

March-2016

 

8.00

     

17,583

August-2013

(iv)

 

10,000

 

August-2016

 

8.00

     

10,129

December-2013

(vi)

 

150,000

 

December-2016

 

8.00

     

150,257

June-2014

(iii)

 

50,000

 

June-2017

 

7.50

 

50,010

   

June-2014

(iii)

 

17,500

 

June-2017

 

8.00

 

17,504

   

June-2014

(iii)

 

10,000

 

June-2017

 

8.00

 

10,002

   

September-2014

-

 

100,000

 

August-2020

 

108% of CDI

 

103,579

   

November-2014

(iii)

 

150,000

 

November-2017

 

8.00

 

151,094

   

November-2014

-

 

100,000

 

April-2015

 

8.00

 

100,730

   

Total

   

2,970,000

         

2,435,839

 

2,528,077

 

(i)         In November 2014, the Company anticipated the installments for 2015 and 2016 of these contracts in the amount of R$290 million.

(ii)       The Company enters into swap transactions for these NCE contracts to offset the variation in the Interbank Certificate of Deposit (CDI) rate.

(iii)      The Company enters into swap transactions for these NCE contracts (67.10% to 92.70% of CDI).

(iv)      Financing settled early in June 2014.

(v)       In September 2014, these agreements were amended to change the expiration date from February 2016 to September 2017.

(vi)      Financing facility prepaid in November 2014.

 

 

 

F - 38


 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Braskem S.A.

 

Management notes to the financial statements

at December 31, 2014

All amounts in thousands of reais, except as otherwise stated

 

(e)                 Payment schedule

 

The maturity profile of the long-term amounts is as follows:

 

   

2014

 

2013

       

 

2015

 

 

 

1,121,998

2016

 

1,253,774

 

1,738,496

2017

 

1,528,616

 

1,576,790

2018

 

1,977,384

 

1,881,848

2019

 

1,997,887

 

1,479,686

2020

 

1,940,691

 

2,366,125

2021

 

2,947,526

 

2,561,516

2022

 

1,417,085

 

1,248,355

2023

 

7,652

 

1,676

2024

 

2,008,387

 

-

2025 and thereafter

 

3,839,019

 

3,377,197

Total

 

18,918,021

 

17,353,687

 

 

(f)                  Capitalized financial charges

 

In 2014, the Company capitalized financial charges presented in this note in the amount of R$95,542 (R$87,942 in 2013), including monetary variation and part of the exchange variation. The average rate of these charges in the year was 7.69% p.a. (7.40% p.a. in 2013).

 

(g)                 Guarantees

 

Braskem gave collateral for part of its borrowings as follows:

 

       

Total

 

Total

   

Loans

 

Maturity

 

debt 2014

 

guaranteed

 

Guarantees

                 

BNB

 

March-2023

 

488,052

 

488,052

 

Mortgage of plants, pledge of machinery and equipment

BNDES

 

January-2021

 

3,533,474

 

3,533,474

 

Mortgage of plants, land and property, pledge of machinery and equipment

FUNDES

 

June-2020

 

175,741

 

175,741

 

Mortgage of plants, land and property, pledge of machinery and equipment

FINEP

 

August-2023

 

104,751

 

104,751

 

Bank surety

FINAME

 

February-2022

 

2,725

 

2,725

 

Pledge of equipment

Total

     

4,304,743

 

4,304,743

   

 

 

 

F - 39


 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Braskem S.A.

 

Management notes to the financial statements

at December 31, 2014

All amounts in thousands of reais, except as otherwise stated

 

15                Project finance

 

Braskem Idesa is constructing a plant in Mexico (Ethylene XXI Project), with capacity to produce around 750 kton of high-density polyethylene and 300 kton of low-density polyethylene using ethane as feedstock. The raw material will be supplied through an agreement with PEMEX-Gás for delivery of 66,000 barrels of ethane per day for 20 years.

 

In line with the Company’s financial policy, the investment is being financed under the Project finance mode, whereby the project loan must be paid exclusively with the cash generated by the project itself and shareholders provide limited guarantees. Thus, this financing has the usual guarantees of this type of operation such as assets, receivables, cash generation and other rights from the project, as well commitments by shareholders to inject a limited amount of capital to provide for eventual additional costs of the project.

 

The financing structure was concluded in December 2012, at the ratio of 70% debt and 30% equity. The total financing contracted to meet construction expenses and start project operation was US$3,193,095 thousand. In 2014, a total of R$1,894,507 (US$848,123 thousand) was released.

 

In 2014, Braskem Idesa capitalized the interest on this financing in the amount of R$527,620 (R$274,586 in 2013). The average rate of charges in the year was 7.76% p.a.

 

The breakdown of charges and final maturities is as follows:

 

   

US$ thousands

               

Identification

 

Contract value

 

Value received

 

Maturity

 

Charges (% per year)

 

2014

 

2013

Project finance I

 

700,000

 

643,626

 

February-2027

 

Us dollar exchange variation + quarterly Libor + 3.25

 

1,716,943

 

1,141,515

Project finance II

 

210,000

 

141,637

 

February-2027

 

Us dollar exchange variation + 6.17

 

378,992

 

121,387

Project finance III

 

600,000

 

519,801

 

February-2029

 

Us dollar exchange variation + 4.33

 

1,388,166

 

621,410

Project finance IV

 

660,000

 

658,298

 

February-2029

 

Us dollar exchange variation + quarterly Libor + 3.88

 

1,757,438

 

1,298,791

Project finance V

 

400,000

 

367,787

 

February-2029

 

Us dollar exchange variation + quarterly Libor + 4.65

 

982,688

 

653,288

Project finance VI

 

90,000

 

57,624

 

February-2029

 

Us dollar exchange variation + quarterly Libor + 2.73

 

153,762

 

79,630

Project finance VII

 

533,095

 

490,163

 

February-2029

 

Us dollar exchange variation + quarterly Libor + 4.64

 

1,311,104

 

866,581

Transactions costs

                 

(111,598)

 

(51,196)

Total

 

3,193,095

 

2,878,936

         

7,577,495

 

4,731,406

                         

Current liabilities

                 

26,462

 

25,745

Non-current liabilities

             

7,551,033

 

4,705,661

Total

                 

7,577,495

 

4,731,406

 

 

F - 40


 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Braskem S.A.

 

Management notes to the financial statements

at December 31, 2014

All amounts in thousands of reais, except as otherwise stated

 

The maturity profile of this long-term financing, by year of maturity, is as follows:

 

   

2014

 

2013

         

2016

 

137,360

 

85,068

2017

 

417,129

 

254,883

2018

 

511,886

 

313,944

2019

 

533,244

 

327,391

2020

 

630,543

 

389,584

2021

 

722,211

 

447,535

2022

 

603,387

 

377,156

2023

 

797,728

 

493,770

2024

 

863,811

 

534,866

2025 and thereafter

 

2,333,734

 

1,481,464

Total

 

7,551,033

 

4,705,661

 

 

16                Financial instruments

 

16.1          Non-derivative financial instruments measured at fair value

  

           

Fair value

 

Book value

 

Fair value

   

Note

 

Classification by category

 

hierarchy

 

2014

 

2013

 

2014

 

2013

                             

Cash and cash equivalents

 

5

                       

Cash and banks

             

227,237

 

987,824

 

227,237

 

987,824

Financial investments in Brazil

     

Held-for-trading

 

Level 2

 

1,146,880

 

687,938

 

1,146,880

 

687,938

Financial investments in Brazil

     

Loans and receivables

     

1,106,768

 

1,218,852

 

1,106,768

 

1,218,852

Financial investments abroad

     

Held-for-trading

 

Level 2

 

1,512,474

 

1,441,245

 

1,512,474

 

1,441,245

               

3,993,359

 

4,335,859

 

3,993,359

 

4,335,859

                             

Financial investments

 

6

                       

FIM Sol investments

     

Held-for-trading

 

Level 2

 

85,573

 

61,670

 

85,573

 

61,670

Other

     

Held-for-trading

 

Level 2

 

4,155

 

3,773

 

4,155

 

3,773

Investments in foreign currency

     

Held-to-maturity

         

189

     

189

Shares

     

Held-for-trading

 

Level 1

     

1,170

     

1,170

Quotas of receivables investment fund

     

Held-to-maturity

     

42,495

 

40,696

 

42,495

 

40,696

               

132,223

 

107,498

 

132,223

 

107,498

                             

Trade accounts receivable

 

7

         

2,717,662

 

2,872,395

 

2,717,662

 

2,872,395

                             

Related parties credits

 

9

 

Loans and receivables

     

205,117

 

258,136

 

205,117

 

258,136

                             

Trade payables

             

10,852,410

 

10,421,687

 

10,852,410

 

10,421,687

                             

Borrowings

 

14

                       

Foreign currency - Bond

         

Level 1

 

11,776,438

 

10,432,526

 

11,900,361

 

10,241,359

Foreign currency - other borrowings

             

2,412,627

 

2,588,901

 

2,412,627

 

2,588,901

Local currency

             

6,422,161

 

5,667,529

 

6,422,161

 

5,667,529

               

20,611,226

 

18,688,956

 

20,735,149

 

18,497,789

                             

Project finance

 

15

         

7,689,093

 

4,782,602

 

7,689,093

 

4,782,602

                             

Ethylene XXI Project Loan

 

18

         

792,188

 

370,420

 

792,188

 

370,420

                             

Other payables

 

22

         

296,969

 

275,743

 

296,969

 

275,743

 

 

 

F - 41


 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Braskem S.A.

 

Management notes to the financial statements

at December 31, 2014

All amounts in thousands of reais, except as otherwise stated

 

(a)               Fair value

 

The fair value of financial assets and liabilities is estimated as the amount for which a financial instrument could be exchanged in an arm’s length transaction and not in a forced sale or settlement. The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value:

 

(i)      Held-for-trading and available-for-sale financial assets are measured in accordance with the fair value hierarchy (Level 1 and Level 2), with inputs used in the measurement processes obtained from sources that reflect the most recent observable market prices.

 

(ii)    Trade accounts receivable and trade payables approximate their respective carrying amount due to the short-term maturity of these instruments.

 

(iii)  The fair value of borrowings is estimated by discounting future contractual cash flows at the market interest rate, which is available to Braskem in similar financial instruments.

 

(iv)  The fair values of the remaining assets and liabilities correspond to their book value.

 

(b)               Fair value hierarchy

 

The Company adopts IFRS 7 for financial instruments that are measured in the balance sheet; this requires disclosure of measurements by level of the following fair value measurement hierarchy:

 

Level 1 – fair value obtained through prices quoted (without adjustments) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities, such as the stock exchange; and

 

Level 2 – fair value obtained from discounted cash flow models, when the instrument is a forward purchase or sale or a swap contract, or valuation models of option contracts, such as the Black-Scholes model, when the derivative has the characteristics of an option.

 

 

F - 42


 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Braskem S.A.

 

Management notes to the financial statements

at December 31, 2014

All amounts in thousands of reais, except as otherwise stated

 

16.2          Financial hedge instruments designated and not designated for hedge accounting

 

16.2.1    Changes

 

           

Operation characteristics

               
       

Fair value

 

Principal exposure

     

Balance at

 

Change in

 

Financial

 

Balance at

Identification

 

Note

 

hierarchy

   

Derivatives

 

2013

 

fair value

 

settlement

 

2014

                                 

Non-hedge accounting transactions

                               

Commodity swap - Naphtha

 

0

 

Level 2

 

Fixed price

 

Variable price

 

(470)

 

5

 

465

 

 

Exchange swap

 

0

 

Level 2

 

Argentine peso

 

Dollar

 

 

 

1,383

 

 

 

1,383

Interest rate swaps

 

16.2.1 (a.i)

 

Level 2

 

Fixed rate

 

CDI

 

20,751

 

(12,966)

 

10,803

 

18,588

Deliverable Forward

 

0

 

Level 2

 

Euro

 

Dollar

 

(5,022)

 

2,448

 

4,804

 

2,230

                   

15,259

 

(9,130)

 

16,072

 

22,201

                                 

Hedge accounting transactions

                               

Exchange swap

 

16.2.1 (b.i)

 

Level 2

 

CDI

 

Dollar+Interests

 

367,559

 

224,583

 

(31,314)

 

560,828

Commodity swap - ethylene

 

0

 

Level 2

 

Variable price

 

Fixed price

 

(69)

 

(72)

 

141

   

Commodity swap - PGP

 

0

 

Level 2

 

Fixed price

 

Variable price

 

(59)

 

(132)

 

191

   

Interest rate swaps

 

0

 

Level 2

 

Libor

 

Fixed rates

 

(110,253)

 

78,362

 

35,433

 

3,542

Deliverable Forward

 

16.2.1 (c.i.i)

 

Level 2

 

Mexican peso

 

Dollar

 

47,280

 

19,567

 

(36,314)

 

30,533

                   

304,458

 

322,308

 

(31,863)

 

594,903

                                 

Derivatives operations

                               

Current assets

                 

(34,101)

         

(33,555)

Non current assets

                 

(137,345)

         

(39,350)

Current liabilities

                 

95,123

         

95,626

Non current liabilities

                 

396,040

         

594,383

                   

319,717

         

617,104

 

 

 

The counterparties in these contracts are daily monitored based on the analysis of their respective ratings and Credit Default Swaps – CDS. Braskem has many bilateral risk mitigators in its derivative contracts, such as the possibility of depositing or requesting deposits of a guarantee margin from the counterparties it deems convenient.

 

Financial instruments designated and not designated for hedge accounting are presented in the balance sheet at their fair value in an asset or liability account depending on whether the fair value represents a positive or a negative balance to Braskem, respectively. Financial instruments are necessarily classified as "held-for-trading". The regular changes in the fair value are recognized as financial income or expense in the period in which they occur, except when designated and qualified for hedge accounting.

 

All financial instruments held at December 31, 2014 were contracted on Over the Counter - OTC markets with large financial counterparties under global derivative contracts in Brazil or abroad and its fair value is classified as Level 2.

 

Braskem’s Financial Policy provides for a continuous short-term hedging program for foreign exchange rate risk arising from its operations and financial items. The other market risks are addressed on a case-by-case basis for each transaction. In general, Braskem assesses the need for hedging in the analysis of prospective transactions and seeks to customize the hedge for each operation and keeps it in place for the whole period of the hedged transaction.

 

Braskem may elect derivatives for the application of hedge accounting in accordance with IAS 39-32 and IFRS 7. The hedge designation is not mandatory. In general, Braskem will elect to designate financial instruments as hedges when the application is expected to provide a significant improvement in the presentation of the offsetting effect on the changes in the hedged items.

 

 

F - 43


 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Braskem S.A.

 

Management notes to the financial statements

at December 31, 2014

All amounts in thousands of reais, except as otherwise stated

 

The effective portion of the changes in the fair value of hedge derivatives and of the exchange variation of financial liabilities designated and qualified as sales flow hedge is recognized in equity, under “other comprehensive income”. These amounts are transferred to profit or loss for the periods in which the hedged item affects the financial results. The ineffective portion is recognized immediately in the statement of operations as “financial result”.

 

When a hedge instrument matures or is sold or when it no longer meets the criteria for hedge accounting, it is prospectively discontinued and any cumulative gain or loss in equity remains in equity and is recognized in financial result when the hedged item or transaction affects profit or loss. If the hedged item or transaction is settled in advance, discontinued or is not expected to occur, the cumulative gain or loss in equity is immediately transferred to financial result.

 

(a)               Non-hedge accounting transactions

 

The Company has operations that were not designated as hedge accounting, when the relation between the instrument and the object is already fairly stated in the Company’s profit or loss.

 

The regular changes in the fair value of these swaps are recorded as financial income or expenses in the same period in which they occur.

 

Derivatives not designated as hedge instruments are classified as current assets or liabilities. Changes in the fair value of these derivative instruments are recognized immediately in the statement of operations under “financial results”.

 

(a.i)     Interest rate swap linked to NCE

 

            The Braskem S.A. has contracted financing facilities in the form of NCE (Note 14(d)) with fixed interest payments. Considering that the cash in Brazilian real is largely invested in the overnight rate (CDI)-indexed investments, the company contracted swaps to match financial charges with cash yields.

 

Identification

 

 

 

Hedge

 

Maturity

 

 

 

Fair value

 

Nominal value

 

(interest rate)

 

 

2014

 

2013

Swap NCE I

 

100,000

 

90.65% CDI

 

February-2016

 

3,576

 

4,086

Swap NCE II

 

50,000

 

88.20% CDI

 

February-2016

 

1,879

 

2,243

Swap NCE III

 

100,000

 

92.64% CDI

 

February-2016

 

3,773

 

4,435

Swap NCE IV

 

50,000

 

92.70% CDI

 

February-2016

 

1,928

 

2,315

Swap NCE V

 

100,000

 

91.92% CDI

 

February-2016

 

3,781

 

4,407

Swap NCE VI

 

50,000

 

92.25% CDI

 

March-2016

 

1,911

 

2,310

Swap NCE VII

 

17,500

 

91.10% CDI

 

March-2016

 

640

 

765

Swap NCE VIII

 

10,000

 

77.52% CDI

 

August-2016

 

241

 

190

Swap NCE IX

 

50,000

 

68.15% CDI

 

December-2016

 

360

   

Swap NCE X

 

50,000

 

67.15% CDI

 

December-2016

 

251

   

Swap NCE XI

 

50,000

 

67.10% CDI

 

December-2016

 

248

   

Total

 

627,500

         

18,588

 

20,751

                     

Derivatives operations

                   

Current liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

18,588

 

20,751

Total

 

 

 

 

 

18,588

 

20,751

 

 

F - 44


 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Braskem S.A.

 

Management notes to the financial statements

at December 31, 2014

All amounts in thousands of reais, except as otherwise stated

 

(b)               Hedge accounting transactions

 

(b.i)     Swaps related to NCE

 

In line with the Company’s risk management strategy and based on its financial policy, the Management contracted swap operations to offset the interest rate and currency risks arising from the financings mentioned in Note 14(d), by maintaining its exposure to long-term financial liabilities in the U.S. dollar.

 

 

Identification

     

 

 

Hedge

 

Maturity

 

Fair value

 

Nominal value

 

US$ mil

 

interest rate per year

   

2014

 

2013

Swap NCE I

(i)

200,000

 

122,100

 

6.15%

 

August 2019

 

155,961

 

101,904

Swap NCE II

(i)

100,000

 

60,187

 

6.15%

 

August 2019

 

75,373

 

48,414

Swap NCE III

(i)

100,000

 

59,588

 

6.15%

 

August 2019

 

73,565

 

46,642

Swap NCE IV

 

100,000

 

56,205

 

5.50%

 

April 2019

 

57,906

 

39,005

Swap NCE V

 

100,000

 

56,180

 

5.50%

 

April 2019

 

57,831

 

38,939

Swap NCE VI

 

150,000

 

82,372

 

5.43%

 

April 2019

 

80,506

 

52,745

Swap NCE VII

 

100,000

 

58,089

 

4.93%

 

April 2019

 

59,686

 

39,910

Total

 

850,000

 

494,721

         

560,828

 

367,559

 

Derivatives operations         

Current assets

 

(33,555)

 

(28,481)

Non current liabilities

 

594,383

 

396,040

Total

 

560,828

 

367,559

 

(i)       Over the course of 2014, the Company as part of its financial strategy assigned the respective derivatives to a new counterparty and as a result, it made a new designation for hedge accounting.The Company,

(b.ii)     Non-derivative liabilities designated to export hedge accounting

 

(b.ii.i)   Future exports in U.S. dollars

 

On May 1, 2013, Braskem S.A. designated non-derivative financial instrument liabilities, denominated in U.S. dollars, as hedge for the flow of its highly probable future exports. Thus, the impact of exchange rates on future cash flows in dollars derived from these exports will be offset by the foreign exchange variation on the designated liabilities, partly eliminating the volatility of results.

 

Hedged exports amounted to US$6,757,231, as shown below:

 

 

 

Total nominal value

 

 

US$ thousands

 

 

 

2016

 

839,447

2017

 

829,685

2018

 

787,894

2019

 

733,980

2020

 

724,000

2021

 

716,000

2022

 

719,000

2023

 

718,372

2024

 

688,853

 

 

6,757,231

 

 

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Braskem S.A.

 

Management notes to the financial statements

at December 31, 2014

All amounts in thousands of reais, except as otherwise stated

 

The Company considers these exports in the selected period (2016/2024) as highly probable, based on the following factors:

 

 

On December 31, 2014, the original maturities of the financial liabilities designated as this hedge, within the scope of the consolidated balance sheet, were as follows:

 

 

 

Total nominal value

   

US$ thousands

 

 

 

2015

 

2,458,717

2016

 

33,576

2017

 

87,103

2018

 

1,139,510

2019

 

183,684

2020

 

567,677

2021

 

1,016,964

2022

 

520,000

2024

 

750,000

 

 

6,757,231

 

 

As the preceding chart shows, a portion of export flows has longer maturities than the financial liabilities that hedge them. To ensure the continuity of the proposed relationship, the Company, in keeping with its hedge strategy, plans to refinance and/or substitute these hedge instruments to adjust them to the schedule and value of the hedged exports. In this regard, the financing facilities considered in the hedge position (export credit notes, bonds and export prepayment agreements) will be renegotiated in accordance with the needs of the Company and in line with its strategy The Company may also substitute financing facilities designated as hedge, always seeking to maintain the proposed protection. Trade payables, especially naphtha, were also considered in the transaction. The rollover or substitution of these liabilities are also considered in the strategy of this hedge. The rollover or replacement of the hedge instrument are provided for in IAS 39(paragraph 91). It is important to note that the long period of export flows does not affect the ability of the Company to rollover and/or refinance its liabilities. If the refinancing and/or rolling over of these liabilities does not occur, the exchange variation related to the period in which the hedge was in effect will be recorded under “other comprehensive income” until the exports are realized.

 

Given favorable market conditions, the Company may prepay or lengthen the maturity of designated liabilities to beyond the periods of the hedged exports. If these transactions do come to occur and cause any inefficiency to the hedge position, they must be discontinued due to their ineffectiveness. In this case, the exchange variation related to the period in which the hedge was effective will be recorded under “other comprehensive income” until the exports are realized.

 

For the purposes of analyzing the prospective and retroactive effectiveness of the transactions, the Company used the dollar offset and volatility reduction methods, respectively.

 

 

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Braskem S.A.

 

Management notes to the financial statements

at December 31, 2014

All amounts in thousands of reais, except as otherwise stated

 

(b.ii.ii)   Liabilities related to the Project Finance of future sales in U.S. dollar

 

On October 1, 2014, Braskem Idesa designated its liabilities related to Project Finance, denominated in U.S. dollar, as hedge instruments to protect highly probably future sales flows. Therefore, the impact of exchange variation on future cash flows in U.S. dollar derived from these sales in dollar will be offset by the exchange variation on the designated liabilities, partially eliminating the volatility in the results of the subsidiary.

 

The Management of Braskem Idesa believes these exports are highly probable, based on the following:

 

 

On December 31, 2014, hedged sales and the maturities of financial liabilities amounted to US$2,878,936 thousand and were distributed as follows:

 

 

 

Total nominal value

   

US$ thousands

 

 

 

2016

 

60,862

2017

 

165,217

2018

 

200,138

2019

 

206,844

2020

 

240,596

2021

 

273,942

2022

 

229,136

2023

 

300,853

2024

 

324,902

2025

 

322,097

2026

 

278,065

2027

 

136,576

2028

 

111,765

2029

 

27,943

 

 

2,878,936

 

 

For the purposes of analyzing the prospective and retroactive effectiveness of the transactions, the Company used the dollar offset and volatility reduction coefficient methods, respectively.

 

 

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Braskem S.A.

 

Management notes to the financial statements

at December 31, 2014

All amounts in thousands of reais, except as otherwise stated

 

(c)               Hedge operations by Braskem Idesa related to project finance

 

The hedge operations of Braskem Idesa follow the same mode as project finance, whereby the project loan must be paid exclusively with the cash generated by the project itself and shareholders provide limited guarantees (limited recourse project finance) (Note 15).

 

(c.i)      Operations designated for hedge accounting

 

(c.i.i)    Currency futures contract– Mexican Peso

 

Braskem Idesa contracted currency purchase transactions through futures contracts to hedge its future obligations in Mexican peso (local trade payables, payroll, taxes and etc.). Since the cash of this subsidiary is maintained in U.S. dollar, these operations were contracted to ensure cash flow balance.

  

                     

Identification

 

Nominal value

 

Hedge

 

Maturity

 

 

 

Fair value

 

US$ thousands

 

(foreign exchange)

   

2014

 

2013

Deliverable Forward

 

41,020

 

12.6185

 

jan-2014

     

3,620

Deliverable Forward

 

35,453

 

12.5394

 

feb-2014

     

3,815

Deliverable Forward

 

39,206

 

12.5926

 

mar-2014

     

4,065

Deliverable Forward

 

54,084

 

12.8643

 

apr-2014

     

3,468

Deliverable Forward

 

52,182

 

12.9268

 

jun-2014

     

3,164

Deliverable Forward

 

51,191

 

12.8909

 

jun-2014

     

3,624

Deliverable Forward

 

46,889

 

12.8789

 

jul-2014

     

3,612

Deliverable Forward

 

45,959

 

12.9465

 

sep-2014

     

3,281

Deliverable Forward

 

36,561

 

12.9044

 

sep-2014

     

2,988

Deliverable Forward

 

37,215

 

12.9570

 

oct-2014

     

2,923

Deliverable Forward

 

31,908

 

12.9465

 

dec-2014

     

2,707

Deliverable Forward

 

28,169

 

12.9881

 

dec-2014

     

2,344

Deliverable Forward

 

23,381

 

12.9518

 

feb-2014

 

7,723

 

2,202

Deliverable Forward

 

29,047

 

13.1969

 

mar-2015

 

8,485

 

1,788

Deliverable Forward

 

18,625

 

13.0980

 

mar-2015

 

5,841

 

1,519

Deliverable Forward

 

10,230

 

13.0490

 

apr-2015

 

3,334

 

961

Deliverable Forward

 

5,897

 

13.1167

 

jun-2015

 

1,878

 

525

Deliverable Forward

 

7,014

 

13.4329

 

jun-2015

 

1,947

 

317

Deliverable Forward

 

2,245

 

13.2538

 

jul-2015

 

708

 

176

Deliverable Forward

 

1,847

 

13.1486

 

aug-2015

 

617

 

181

Total

 

598,123

         

30,533

 

47,280

                     

Derivatives operations

                   

Current liabilities

             

30,533

 

47,280

Total

             

30,533

 

47,280

 

 

(d)               Estimated maximum loss

 

The value at risk of the derivatives held by Braskem as of December 31, 2014, which is defined as the loss that could result in one month with a 5% probability and under normal market conditions, was estimated at US$54,404  thousand for the foreign exchange NCE swap (Note 16.2.1 (b.i)) and at R$1,206 for the interest rate NCE swap (Note 16.2.1 (a.i)).

 

 

 

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Braskem S.A.

 

Management notes to the financial statements

at December 31, 2014

All amounts in thousands of reais, except as otherwise stated

 

16.3          Credit quality of financial assets

 

(a)               Trade accounts receivable

 

Virtually none of Braskem’s clients have risk ratings assigned by credit rating agencies. For this reason, Braskem developed its own credit rating system for all accounts receivable from domestic clients and for part of the accounts receivable from foreign clients. Braskem does not apply this rating to all of its foreign clients because most accounts receivable from them are covered by an insurance policy or letters of credit issued by banks. On December 31, 2014, the credit ratings for the domestic market were as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

(%)

 

 

 

2014

 

2013

1

Minimum risk

 

5.09

 

16.56

2

Low risk

 

40.23

 

32.61

3

Moderate risk

 

30.81

 

23.54

4

High risk

 

23.15

 

26.26

5

Very high risk

(i)

0.72

 

1.03

 

 

 

 

 

 

(i) Most clients in this group are inactive and the respective accounts are in the process of collection actions in the courts. Clients in this group that are still active buy from Braskem and pay in advance.

 

Default indicators for the periods ended:

 

 

Last 12 months

 

Domestic market

 

Export market

 

 

December 31, 2014

0.65%

 

0.18%

December 31, 2013

0.14%

 

0.13%

December 31, 2012

0.28%

 

0.37%

 

 

 

 

(b)               Other financial assets

 

In order to determine the credit ratings of counterparties in financial assets classified as cash and cash equivalents, held-for-trading, held-to-maturity and loans and receivables, Braskem uses the following credit rating agencies: Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s and Fitch Ratings.

 

 

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Braskem S.A.

 

Management notes to the financial statements

at December 31, 2014

All amounts in thousands of reais, except as otherwise stated

 

   

2014

 

2013

Financial assets with risk assessment

     

 

AAA

 

3,765,527

 

3,436,378

AA

 

65,304

 

93,955

A+

 

53,229

 

 

A

 

180,233

 

865,105

A-

 

13,648

 

1,485

   

4,077,941

 

4,396,923

Financial assets without risk assessment

       

Quotas of investment funds in credit rights (i)

 

42,495

 

40,696

Sundry funds (ii)

 

3,056

 

3,773

Other financial assets with no risk assessment

 

2,090

 

1,965

   

47,641

 

46,434

         

Total

 

4,125,582

 

4,443,357

 

(i)         Financial assets with no internal or external ratings and approved by the Management of the Company.

(ii)       Investment funds with no internal and external risk assessment whose portfolio is composed of assets from major financial institutions and that comply with Braskem’s financial policy.

 

Braskem’s financial policy determines “A-” as the minimum rating for financial investments.

 

16.4          Sensitivity analysis

 

Financial instruments, including derivatives, may be subject to changes in their fair value as a result of the variation in commodity prices, foreign exchange rates, interest rates, shares and share indexes, price indexes and other variables. The sensitivity of the derivative and non-derivative financial instruments to these variables are presented below:

 

(a)               Selection of risks

 

On December 31, 2014, the main risks that can affect the value of Braskem’s financial instruments are:

 

·      Brazilian real/U.S. dollar exchange rate;

·      Libor floating interest rate;

·      CDI interest rate; and

·      TJLP interest rate.

 

For the purposes of the risk sensitivity analysis, Braskem presents the exposures to currencies as if they were independent, that is, without reflecting in the exposure to a foreign exchange rate the risks of the variation in other foreign exchange rates that could be directly influenced by it.

 

(b)               Selection of scenarios

 

In accordance with CVM Instruction No. 475/08, Braskem included three scenarios in the sensitivity analysis, with one that is probable and two that represent adverse effects to the Company. In the preparation of the adverse scenarios, only the impact of the variables on the financial instruments, including derivatives, and on the items covered by hedge transactions, was considered. The overall impacts on Braskem’s operations, such as those arising from the revaluation of inventories and revenue and future costs, were not considered. Since Braskem manages its exposure to foreign exchange rate risk on a net basis, adverse effects from depreciation in the Brazilian real in relation to the U.S. dollar can be offset by opposing effects on Braskem’s operating results.

 

 

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Braskem S.A.

 

Management notes to the financial statements

at December 31, 2014

All amounts in thousands of reais, except as otherwise stated

 

(b.1)    Probable scenario

 

The Market Readout published by the Central Bank of Brazil on December 26, 2014 was used to create the probable scenario for the U.S. dollar/Brazilian real exchange rate and the CDI interest rate, using the reference date of December 31, 2014. The Focus market readout presents the findings of a market survey covering the forecasts made by financial and non-financial institutions. According to Focus, at the end of 2015 the U.S. dollar will have gained 5.41% against the real compared to end-2014, and the CDI rate will reach 12.50%.

 

The probable scenario for the TJLP is an increase of 0.50% from the current rate of 5%, in line with the scale of the government’s most recent decisions to increase or decrease the rate, whereas the CDI rate is expected to increase 0.75% by end-2015. Focus does not publish forecasts for the Libor interest rate. Hence, to determine the probable scenario, Braskem considered a 5% increase over current market levels.

 

(b.2)    Possible and extreme adverse scenarios

 

The sensitivity values in the table below are the changes in the value of the financial instruments in each scenario.

 

       

Possible adverse

 

Extreme adverse

Instrument / Sensitivity

 

Probable

(25%)

 

(50%)

             

Brazilian real/U.S. dollar exchange rate

           

Bonds and MTN

 

(624,353)

 

(2,883,181)

 

(5,766,363)

BNDES

 

(21,462)

 

(99,110)

 

(198,220)

Working capital / structured operations

 

(86,031)

 

(397,278)

 

(794,557)

Export prepayments

 

(22,203)

 

(102,533)

 

(205,066)

Project finance

 

(410,227)

 

(1,894,374)

 

(3,788,747)

Financial investments abroad

 

79,834

 

368,662

 

737,324

Swaps

 

(79,593)

 

(287,956)

 

(655,504)

             

Mexican peso/U.S. dollar exchange rate

           

Deliverable Forward

 

(5,510)

 

(45,897)

 

(76,512)

             

Libor floating interest rate

           

Working capital / structured operations

 

(1,928)

 

(9,639)

 

(19,277)

Export prepayments

 

(3,128)

 

(15,641)

 

(31,281)

             

CDI interest rate

           

Swaps Export credit notes

 

(32,762)

 

(133,723)

 

(282,682)

Swaps NCE

 

(24,808)

 

(100,210)

 

(208,865)

Agricultural credit note

 

(21,873)

 

(90,999)

 

(197,475)

Foreign loans / other in local currency

 

(2,692)

 

(10,732)

 

(21,987)

Financial investments in local currency

 

18,956

 

74,289

 

148,696

   

 

 

 

 

 

   

Probable

 

Possible adverse

 

Extreme adverse

Instrument / Sensitivity

 

5.5%

 

6.0%

 

6.5%

             

TJLP interest rate

           

BNDES

 

(43,070)

 

(86,715)

 

(130,939)

 

 

 

 

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Braskem S.A.

 

Management notes to the financial statements

at December 31, 2014

All amounts in thousands of reais, except as otherwise stated

 

17                Taxes payable

 

     

2014

 

2013

         

 

Brazil

       
 

IPI

 

53,536

 

81,282

 

Income tax and social contribution

 

31,474

 

52,226

 

ICMS

 

99,328

 

120,941

 

Federal tax payment program - Law 11,941/09

(a)  

 

 

1,024,127

 

Other

 

45,177

 

68,295

           

Other countries

       
 

Other

 

4,576

 

1,428

Total

 

234,091

 

1,348,299

           

Current liabilities

 

203,392

 

445,424

Non-current liabilities

 

30,699

 

902,875

Total

 

234,091

 

1,348,299

 

(a)               Installment payments under Federal Law 11,941/09

 

In November 2014, Braskem fully settled the outstanding balance of this installment payment program, in the amount of R$1,022,698, which included R$71,754 in new contingencies included in the program of November and recorded in “Other operating income (expenses), net.” The conditions for this transaction were established by Federal Law 13,043/14. This prepayment generated a discount of R$95,191, which was broken down and recorded as follows: (i) R$79,636 under “Other operating income and expenses;” and (ii) R$15,555 under “Financial income.” After the deduction, the outstanding balance was paid with (i) R$238,438 in cash; and (ii) R$689,069 in tax credits held by the Braskem S.A. and its subsidiaries. The use of the credits of the subsidiaries led to the recording of R$98,263 under “Other operating income (expenses), net.”

 

18                Ethylene XXI Project Loan

 

The contribution made by the shareholders to the Braskem Idesa project (Note 15) can be made via capital or subordinated loan (loan). This loan is owed to the non-controlling shareholder of Braskem Idesa, and will be paid exclusively with the cash generation from the project.

 

 

 

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Braskem S.A.

 

Management notes to the financial statements

at December 31, 2014

All amounts in thousands of reais, except as otherwise stated

 

19                Income tax (“IR”) and social contribution (“CSL”)

 

19.1          Reconciliation of the effects of income tax and social contribution on profit or loss

 

   

2014

 

2013

 

2012

           

 

Income (loss) before IR and CSL and after discontinued operations

 

1,178,565

 

963,948

 

(1,802,963)

             

IR and CSL at the rate of 34%

 

(400,712)

 

(327,742)

 

613,007

             

Permanent adjustments to the IR and CSL calculation basis

           

IR and CSL on equity in results of investees

 

23,815

 

(1,096)

 

(7,548)

Effects from pre-payment of taxes

 

41,046

 

8,539

 

27,374

IR and CSL accrued in previous years

 

 

 

1,236

 

1,652

Other permanent adjustments

 

(116,413)

 

(137,847)

 

5,313

             

Effect of IR and CSL on results of operations

 

(452,264)

 

(456,910)

 

639,798

             

Breakdown of IR and CSL:

           
             

Current IR and CSL / continued operations

 

(57,806)

 

(45,218)

 

(29,165)

Current IR and CSL

 

(57,806)

 

(45,218)

 

(29,165)

             

Deferred IR and CSL / continued operations

 

(394,458)

 

(411,692)

 

812,276

Deferred IR and CSL / discontinued operations

 

 

     

(143,313)

Deferred IR and CSL

 

(394,458)

 

(411,692)

 

668,963

             

Total

 

(452,264)

 

(456,910)

 

639,798

 

(i)       Includes the impact from the difference between the tax rates of the countries of the subsidiaries and the tax rate in Brazil (34%) used for the calculation of this note.

 

The nominal income tax (IR) rates of subsidiaries abroad differ from those in Brazil, of 34% (IR – 25% and CSL 9%), as shown below:

  

   

Official rate - %

   

Headquarters

   
   

(Country)

 

2014

         

Direct and Indirect subsidiaries

       

Braskem America and Braskem America Finance

 

USA

 

35.00

Braskem Argentina

 

Argentina

 

35.00

Braskem Austria and Braskem Austria Finance

 

Austria

 

25.00

Braskem Alemanha

 

Germany

 

31.90

Braskem Idesa, Braskem Idesa Serviços, Braskem México and Braskem México Serviços

 

Mexico

 

30.00

Braskem Holanda

 

Netherland

 

25.00

Petroquímica Chile

 

Chile

 

20.00

Braskem Espanha

 

Spain

 

30.00

Norfolk

 

Uruguay

 

25.00

 

 

 

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Braskem S.A.

 

Management notes to the financial statements

at December 31, 2014

All amounts in thousands of reais, except as otherwise stated

 

19.2          Deferred income tax and social contribution

 

The income tax (“IR”) and social contribution (“CSL”) recorded in the year are determined on the current and deferred tax basis. These taxes are calculated on the basis of the tax laws enacted at the balance sheet date in the countries where the Company operates and are recognized in the statement of operations, except to the extent they relate to items recorded in equity.

 

Deferred income tax and social contribution are recognized on the following bases: (i) tax losses and social contribution tax loss carryforwards; (ii) temporarily non-taxable and nondeductible income and expenses, respectively; (iii) tax credits and expenses that will be reflected in the books in subsequent periods; and (iv) asset and liability amounts arising from business combinations that will be treated as income or expenses in the future and that will not affect the calculation of income tax and social contribution.

 

(a)               Breakdown of and changes in deferred IR and CSL

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated

Assets

 

As of December 31, 2013

 

Impact on the P&L

 

Impact on the equity

 

Use for settlement Federal tax payment program - Law 11,941/09

 

As of December 31, 2014

Tax losses (IR) and negative base (CSL)

 

1,015,587

 

19,625

     

(590,806)

 

444,406

Goodwill amortized

 

12,065

 

(4,654)

         

7,411

Exchange variations

 

791,508

 

511,293

         

1,302,801

Temporary adjustments

 

408,233

 

329,932

 

51,165

     

789,330

Business combination

 

232,039

 

(44,180)

         

187,859

Pension plan

 

61,927

 

42,300

         

104,227

Deferred charges - write-off

 

37,971

 

(13,117)

         

24,854

Investments in subsidiaries

 

94,276

 

(94,276)

         

 

   

2,653,606

 

746,923

 

51,165

 

(590,806)

 

2,860,888

                     

Liabilities

                   
                     

Amortization of goodwill based on future profitability

 

643,050

 

56,129

         

699,179

Tax depreciation

 

541,325

 

152,714

         

694,039

Exchange variations

 

 

 

(1,273)

         

(1,273)

Temporary differences

 

426,186

 

(16,972)

 

7,016

     

416,230

Business combination

 

585,250

 

(352,949)

         

232,301

Write-off negative goodwill of incorporated subsidiaries

 

1,187

 

(593)

         

594

Additional indexation PP&E

 

140,157

 

(15,395)

         

124,762

Hedge accounting

 

 

 

889,752

 

(889,752)

     

 

Amortization of fair value adjustments on the assets from the acquisiton of Quattor

 

 

 

313,422

 

 

     

313,422

Other

 

56,543

 

116,546

 

(58,171)

     

114,918

   

2,393,698

 

1,141,381

 

(940,907)

 

 

 

2,594,172

                     

Net

 

259,908

 

(394,458)

 

992,072

 

(590,806)

 

266,716

                     

Assets presented in Balance Sheet

 

1,123,313

             

870,206

(-) Liabilities presented in Balance Sheet

 

863,405

             

603,490

   

259,908

             

266,716

 

  

 

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Braskem S.A.

 

Management notes to the financial statements

at December 31, 2014

All amounts in thousands of reais, except as otherwise stated

 

(b)               Net balance of deferred income and social contribution tax assets and liabilities

(c)                                        

     

 

 

2014

     

Headquarters

 

 

 

IR and CSL

 

 

   

(Country)

 

Asset

 

Liability

 

Balance

                 

Assets

               

Braskem S.A.

 

Brazil

 

2,328,160

 

(1,834,857)

 

493,303

Braskem Argentina

 

Argentina

 

3,772

     

3,772

Braskem Alemanha

 

Germany

 

88,999

     

88,999

Braskem Idesa

 

Mexico

 

231,504

 

(52,463)

 

179,041

Quantiq

 

Brazil

 

8,393

 

(1,392)

 

7,001

Braskem Petroquímica - business combination effects

 

Brazil

 

98,090

 

 

 

98,090

         

2,758,918

 

(1,888,712)

 

870,206

Liabilities

               

Braskem Petroquímica - business combination effects

 

Brazil

 

 

 

(150,951)

 

(150,951)

Braskem Petroquímica

 

Brazil

 

101,919

 

(149,897)

 

(47,978)

Petroquímica Chile

 

Chile

 

51

 

(84)

 

(33)

Braskem America

 

USA

 

 

 

(404,528)

 

(404,528)

                   
       

101,970

 

(705,460)

 

(603,490)

                   
                   
                   
     

 

 

2013

     

Headquarters

 

 

 

IR and CSL

 

 

     

(Country)

 

Asset

 

Liability

 

Balance

                   

Assets

               

Braskem S.A.

 

Brazil

 

1,769,683

 

(1,095,410)

 

674,273

Braskem Argentina

 

Argentina

 

5,552

     

5,552

Braskem Alemanha

 

Germany

 

67,910

     

67,910

Braskem Idesa

 

Mexico

 

57,613

 

(52,554)

 

5,059

Braskem Petroquímica

 

Brazil

 

215,348

 

(129,022)

 

86,326

Braskem Qpar

 

Brazil

 

390,017

 

(253,307)

 

136,710

Petroquímica Chile

 

Chile

 

123

     

123

IQAG

 

Brazil

 

23

     

23

Quantiq

 

Brazil

 

5,069

     

5,069

Braskem Petroquímica and Braskem Qpar - business combination effects

 

Brazil

 

142,268

     

142,268

         

2,653,606

 

(1,530,293)

 

1,123,313

                   

Liabilities

               

Braskem Qpar e Braskem Petroquímica - efeitos combinação de negócios

 

Brazil

 

 

 

(501,699)

 

(501,699)

Braskem America

 

USA

 

  

 

(361,706)

 

(361,706)

         

   

 

(863,405)

 

(863,405)

 

 

       

The tax losses and negative social contribution bases do not expire under the Brazilian taxation regime, as do tax losses in Germany.

                 

 

 

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Braskem S.A.

 

Management notes to the financial statements

at December 31, 2014

All amounts in thousands of reais, except as otherwise stated

 

(c)        Realization of deferred income tax and social contribution

                  

 

 

 

 

Balance at

 

Realization

       

December 31,

     

2016 and

 

2018 and

 

2020

Assets

 

Note

 

2014

 

2015

 

2017

 

2019

 

thereafter

                         

Tax losses (IR) and negative base (CSL)

 

3.1

 

444,406

 

28,561

 

161,788

 

159,966

 

94,091

Goodwill amortized

 

 

 

7,411

 

1,358

 

2,242

 

1,188

 

2,623

Exchange variations

 

(i)

 

1,302,801

 

 

         

1,302,801

Temporary adjustments

 

(ii)

 

789,330

 

347,670

 

18,950

 

12,504

 

410,206

Business combination

 

(iii)

 

187,859

 

 

         

187,859

Pension plan

 

(iv)

 

104,227

 

104,227

         

 

Deferred charges - write-off

 

(v)

 

24,854

 

11,055

 

13,799

       

Total assets

     

2,860,888

 

492,871

 

196,779

 

173,658

 

1,997,580

                         

Liabilities

                       
                         

Amortization of goodwill based on future profitability

 

(vi)

 

699,179

             

699,179

Tax depreciation

 

(vii)

 

694,039

             

694,039

Exchange variations

 

 

 

(1,273)

 

(1,273)

         

 

Temporary differences

 

(viii)

 

416,230

 

43,197

 

86,395

 

87,664

 

198,974

Business combination

 

(ix)

 

232,301

 

16,063

 

32,126

 

32,126

 

151,986

Write-off negative goodwill of incorporated subsidiaries

 

 

 

594

 

297

 

297

       

Additional indexation PP&E

 

(x)

 

124,762

 

12,490

 

24,980

 

24,980

 

62,312

Amortization of fair value adjustments on the assets from the acquisiton of Quattor

 

(ix)

 

313,422

 

72,087

 

72,087

 

72,087

 

97,161

Other

 

 

 

114,918

             

114,918

Total liabilities

     

2,594,172

 

142,861

 

215,885

 

216,857

 

2,018,569

                         

Net

     

266,716

 

350,010

 

(19,106)

 

(43,199)

 

(20,989)

 

 

Basis for constitution and realization:

 

(i)         Exchange variation of assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currency, whose tax realization is recognized upon their receipt or settlement.

(ii)       Accounting expenses not yet deductible for calculating income tax and social contribution, whose recognition for tax purposes occurs in subsequent periods.

(iii)      Refers to: tax-related goodwill, and contingencies recognized from business combinations. Tax realization of goodwill will occur upon the merger of the investments and contingencies arising from write-offs due to the settlement or reversal of the processes involved.

(iv)     Provision for the Petros Copesul plan (Note 21), with realization projected for 2015.

(v)       Amounts constituted based on the deferred assets written off due to the adoption of Law 11,638/07. Tax realization is based on the application of the amortization rate used prior to the adoption of this law.

(vi)     Goodwill for the future profitability of the merged companies not amortized since the adoption of Law 11,638/07. Tax realization is associated with the impairment or realization of assets related to goodwill.

(vii)    Difference between the accounting and tax depreciation rates in accordance with Normative Rule 1 of July 29, 2011.

(viii)  Revenues whose taxation will occur in subsequent periods.

(ix)     Fair value adjustments on property, plant and equipment and intangible assets identified in business combinations, whose tax realization is based on the depreciation and amortization of these assets.

(x)       Adjustments to the additional indexation of property, plant and equipment, whose tax realization is based on the depreciation of assets.

 

According to tax laws, which limit to 30% in Brazil and 60% in Germany, the amount of tax loss and negative social contribution base to be offset using the taxable income of each year, and considering the known impacts on the position of deferred taxes, the Company estimates that it will be necessary to generate taxable income of around R$4,032,409 in the following years to realize its deferred tax assets on the tax losses registered on December 31, 2014.

 

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Braskem S.A.

 

Management notes to the financial statements

at December 31, 2014

All amounts in thousands of reais, except as otherwise stated

 

 

Annually, the Company revises its projection of taxable income based on the business plan (Note 3.1). If this projection indicates that the taxable income will not be sufficient to absorb the deferred taxes, the amount corresponding to portion of the asset that will not be recovered is written off.

 

19.3          Federal Law 12,973/14

 

Federal Law 12,973 of May 13, 2014, which converts Provisional Presidential Decree 627 of November 11, 2013, revoked the Transitional Tax System (RTT) and included additional measures, the main ones being:  (i) changes in the federal tax laws related to income and social contribution, PIS/PASEP and COFINS taxes in order to align tax accounting with corporate accounting; (ii) provisions on the calculation of interest on capital payable; (iii) considerations on investments valued using the equity accounting method; (iv) provision regarding the tax treatment of dividends calculated based on the results in the period from January 2008 to December 2013; and (v) new rules on taxation of profits earned abroad. The provisions in this law are applicable as from 2015, except in the event of early adoption as form 2014.

 

Later, in the fourth quarter of 2014, Brazil’s Federal Revenue Service issued a few normative instructions to regulate the provisions of Federal Law 12,973/14, notable among them being IN RFB 1,515/14, which specifically addressed the effects of the cancellation of RTT, and IN 1,520/14, which regulated the provisions on taxation of profits earned abroad.

 

With regard to the exercise of the option by applying the effects of Law 12,973/14 for calendar year 2014, in November 2014, with the submission of the Declaration of Federal Contributions and Taxes (DCTF) for August 2014, the Company did not opt for the early adoption of the effects of said law, both with regard to articles 1, 2 and 4 through 70 and articles 76 to 92.

 

However, this decision was not final since, in accordance with IN RFB 1,499/14, the option of early adoption of the effects of Law 12,973/14 in calendar year 2014 could still be irrevocably confirmed or changed in the DCTF for December 2014, which must be submitted on or before February 24, 2015.

 

20                Sundry provisions

 

     

2014

 

2013

Measures to

       

 

Provision for customers rebates

(a)

 

66,702

 

45,060

Provision for recovery of environmental damages

(b)

 

102,534

 

132,762

Judicial and administrative provisions

(c)

 

412,811

 

362,896

Other

   

12,177

 

14,832

Total

   

594,224

 

555,550

           

Current liabilities

   

88,547

 

105,856

Non-current liabilities

   

505,677

 

449,694

Total

   

594,224

 

555,550

 

 

 

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Braskem S.A.

 

Management notes to the financial statements

at December 31, 2014

All amounts in thousands of reais, except as otherwise stated

 

(a)               Provision for client bonus

 

Some sales agreements of Braskem provide for a rebate, in products, should some sales volumes be achieved within the year, six-month period or three-month period, depending on the agreement. The rebate is monthly recognized in a provision, assuming that the minimum contractual amount will be achieved. As it is recognized based on contracts, the provision is not subject to significant uncertainties with respect to their amount or settlement.  

 

(b)               Provision for recovery of environmental damages

 

Braskem has a provision for future expenses for the recovery of environmental damages in some of its industrial plants. The amount provisioned corresponds to the best and most conservative estimate of the expenses required to repair the damages. Considering these assumptions, the technicians of the Company involved in the matter believe that five years is the limit for this projection.

 

(c)               Judicial and administrative provisions

 

     

2014

 

2013

         

 

Labor claims

(c.1)

 

141,240

 

125,887

           

Tax claims

(c.2)

       

Income tax and social contribution

(i)

 

35,682

 

32,319

PIS and COFINS

(ii)

 

39,145

 

35,634

ICMS - interstate purchases

(iii)

 

94,732

 

86,233

ICMS - other

   

12,559

 

11,432

Other

   

88,202

 

61,372

           

Societary claims and other

   

1,251

 

10,019

     

412,811

 

362,896

 

 

(c.1)     Labor claims

 

The provision, on December 31, 2014 is related to 350 labor claims, including occupational health and security cases (358 in 2013). The Company’s legal advisors estimate that the term for the termination of these types of claims in Brazil exceeds five years. The estimates related to the outcome of proceedings and the possibility of future disbursement may change in view of new decisions in higher courts. The Company’s management believes that the chances of having to increase the existing provision amount are remote.

 

(c.2)     Tax claims

 

On December 31, 2014, the main claims are the following:

 

(i)                 IR and CSL

 

The provisioned derives from assessments in the administrative level of income tax and social contribution on the foreign exchange variation in the account of investments in foreign subsidiaries in 2002. This assessment of Braskem Petroquímica involves other issues for which provisions have not been accrued. There is no judicial deposit or other type of guarantee for this claim. The Company’s management expects this case to be concluded by 2016.

           

 

 

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Braskem S.A.

 

Management notes to the financial statements

at December 31, 2014

All amounts in thousands of reais, except as otherwise stated

 

(ii)               PIS and COFINS taxes

 

The Company is assessed for the payment of these taxes in many claims, such as:

 

·                Insufficient payment of COFINS for the period from March 1999 to December 2000, from February 2001 to March 2002, from May to July 2002 and September 2002 due to alleged calculation errors, and non-complience of widening the tax calculation base and increasing the contribution rate envisaged in Law 9,718/98;

 

·                Offset of the COFINS dues relating to September and October 1999 using the credit resulting from the addition of 1% to the COFINS rate;

 

·                Rejection of the offset of PIS and COFINS dues relating to the period from February to April 2002 using the PIS credits under Decree-Laws 2,445 and 2,449, calculated between June 1990 and October 1995, under the argument that the time period for using said credits had expired;  and

 

·                Alleged non-taxation of revenue from foreign exchange variations, determined as a result of successive reductions in the capital of the associated company.

 

Guarantees were offered for these claims in the form of bank guarantee and finished products manufactured by Braskem Petroquímica, which, together, cover the amount of the claims. The Company’s management estimates that these cases should be terminated by 2020.

 

(iii)             ICMS - interstate purchases

 

In 2009, the merged company Braskem Qpar was assessed by the Finance Department of the State of São Paulo for the payment, at the administrative level, of ICMS in view of:

 

·                Use of tax credits in the periods from February 2004 to August 2005, November 2005 to February 2006, and September 2006 to January 2008, arising from the bookkeeping of credits that were presented in the purchase invoices of products acquired from another company, since the operations were aimed at the export of the products and, as such, they would not be subject to ICMS;

 

·                Issue of invoices without registering the shipment of the goods from its facilities for storage; and

 

·                Non-presentation of the tax documents requested by inspection authorities.

 

No judicial deposits or other types of security were accrued for this procedure. Management estimates that this case should be terminated by 2019.

 

 

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Braskem S.A.

 

Management notes to the financial statements

at December 31, 2014

All amounts in thousands of reais, except as otherwise stated

 

(d)               Changes in provisions

 

     

Recovery of

           
     

environmental

 

Legal

       
 

Bonus

 

damage

 

provisions

 

Other

 

Total

                   

December 31, 2011

13,577

 

36,777

 

266,302

 

5,067

 

321,723

Additions, inflation adjustments and exchange variation, net

58,387  

 

18,622

 

68,268

 

3,780

 

149,057

Write-offs through usage and payments

(31,298) 

 

(22,455)

 

(1,352)

 

 

 

(55,105)

December 31, 2012

40,666

 

32,944

 

333,218

 

8,847

 

415,675

                   

Additions, inflation adjustments and exchange variation, net

58,794  

 

96,589

 

92,575

 

5,985

 

253,943

Write-offs through usage and payments

(54,400) 

 

3,229

 

(62,897)

 

 

 

(114,068)

December 31, 2013

45,060

 

132,762

 

362,896

 

14,832

 

555,550

                   

Additions, inflation adjustments and exchange variation, net

53,794  

 

30,741

 

97,553

 

357

 

182,445

Write-offs through usage and payments

(32,152) 

 

(60,969)

 

(47,638)

 

(3,012)

 

(143,771)

December 31, 2014

66,702

 

102,534

 

412,811

 

12,177

 

594,224

 

21                Post-employment benefits

 

21.1          Defined contribution plan - ODEPREV

 

The Braskem S.A. and the subsidiaries in Brazil sponsor a defined contribution plan for its employees managed by ODEPREV, a private pension plan entity. ODEPREV offers its participants, an optional defined contribution plan in which monthly and additional participant contributions and monthly and annual sponsor contributions are made to individual pension savings accounts. As soon as the contributions are paid, the sponsors do not have any further obligations related to additional payments.

 

At December 31, 2014, the number of active participants in this plan totals 5,545 (5,451 in 2013). The contributions made by the sponsors in the year amount to R$28,245 (2013 - R$19,703) and the contributions made by the participants amounted to R$50,227 (R$46,411 in 2013).

 

21.2          Defined benefit plans

 

(a)               Novamont

 

Braskem America is the sponsor of Novamont, which is a defined benefit plan of the employees of the plant located in the State of West Virginia. At December 31, 2014, the plan has 53 active participants and 152 assisted participants (54 active participants and 149 assisted participants in 2013). Neither Braskem America nor the participants made contributions in 2014 and 2013.

 

(b)               Braskem Alemanha

 

Braskem Alemanha is the sponsor of the defined benefit plan of the employees of the plants located in that country. At December 31, 2014, the plan has 136 active participants (136 active participants in 2013). Neither Braskem Alemanha nor the participants made contributions in 2014 and 2013.

 

The defined benefit plan of Braskem Alemanha is a non-contribution plan, that is, the contributions of the sponsor are managed directly by the company and this type of plan is allowed by legislation of that country.

 

 

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Braskem S.A.

 

Management notes to the financial statements

at December 31, 2014

All amounts in thousands of reais, except as otherwise stated

 

21.3          Petros Copesul and PQU Plans

 

Braskem, as the company that merged Copesul and Quattor, became the sponsor of the Petros Copesul and Petros PQU plans.

 

In August and October 2012, the Brazilian Private Pension Plan Superintendence (PREVIC - Superintendência Nacional de Previdência Complementar) approved the withdrawal of the sponsorship by Braskem of these plans, which required the payment of the mathematical reserves of the respective beneficiaries and in turn the monetization of the assets of the plans administered by Petros. In view of the default of Petros in monetizing the assets within the deadline agreed and established in the Withdrawal instrument, and after almost two years since the approval by PREVIC, the Management of the Company had no alternative but to file for a court order to resume sponsorship of the plans. This decision was formalized through a legal instrument, on April 3, 2014, to preserve the rights of Braskem and participants

 

PREVIC, after becoming aware of all the facts, decided, through the Rules 619 and 621, of November 26, 2014, to establish, for a period of 180 days, a special administration regime, giving it powers to intervene in the Petros Copesul and Petros PQU plans.

 

The primary consequence of these acts was the resumption, by the intervening party, of the process to withdraw the sponsorship of the plans. Therefore, on December 23, the intervening party issued an official letter to the president of Petros requesting the monetization of the assets of the plan on December 31, 2014. On January 6, 2015, the same intervening party issued an official letter to the Management of Braskem requesting the contribution related to the capital deficit of the Petros Copesul Plan on the date of the withdrawal of the sponsorship (October 2012), restated by the IPCA consumer price index + 6% p.a. through December 31, 2014. The value of this deficit, in October 2012, amounted to R$259,932. This amount, restated as cited above, comes to R$336,357. Before receiving said official letter, Braskem had accrued a provision of R$259,149 for this plan, already including R$24,017 to cover probable losses arising from lawsuits filed by participants against the fund. To adjust the obligation to the required amount, the Company restated the provision by recognizing a financial expense of R$77,208. The amount provisioned was transferred to Current Liabilities.

 

To date the Petros PQU Plan does not require any further contribution by Braskem, since the plan registers a surplus.

 

21.3.1    Composition and changes in the balances of the defined benefit plans

 

(a)               Amounts in balance sheet

 

 

   

2014

 

2013

Defined benefit

       

Novamont Braskem America

 

18,356

 

9,554

Braskem Alemanha

 

50,820

 

34,515

   

69,176

 

44,069

         

Benefit obligations

 

(100,398)

 

(67,668)

Fair value of plan assets

 

31,222

 

23,599

Funded status of the plan

 

(69,176)

 

(44,069)

Consolidated net balance

 

(69,176)

 

(44,069)

         

In non-current liability

 

(69,176)

 

(44,069)

 

 

 

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Management notes to the financial statements

at December 31, 2014

All amounts in thousands of reais, except as otherwise stated

 

(b)               Change in obligations

  

   

2014

 

2013

 

2012

             

Balance at beginning of year

 

67,668

 

56,338

 

37,166

Current service cost

 

2,943

 

2,593

 

1,255

Interest cost

 

3,277

 

2,561

 

2,138

Special retirement

 

-

       

Benefits paid

 

(1,927)

 

(1,693)

 

(2,561)

Actuarial losses (gain)

 

20,766

 

(909)

 

14,769

Exchange variation

 

4,295

 

8,778

 

3,571

Balance at the end of the year

 

100,398

 

67,668

 

56,338

 

 

(c)               Change in fair value plan assets

  

   

2014

 

2013

 

2012

             

Balance at beginning of year

 

23,599

 

19,736

 

18,981

Actual return on plan assets

 

3,343

 

1,158

 

314

Employer contributions

 

3,166

 

1,392

 

178

Current expenses

         

(39)

Benefits paid

 

(1,894)

 

(1,619)

 

(1,406)

Exchange variation

 

3,008

 

2,932

 

1,708

Balance at the end of the year

 

31,222

 

23,599

 

19,736

 

 

(d)               Amounts recognized in profit or loss

  

   

2014

 

2013

 

2012

             

Current service cost

 

2,957

 

2,593

 

1,255

Interest cost

 

3,277

 

2,547

 

2,138

Expected return on plan assets

 

(2,045)

 

(1,614)

 

(1,489)

Amortization of actuarial loss

 

135

 

675

 

74

Amortization of unrecognized service cost

 

119

 

119

 

104

Actuarial losses

 

12,511

 

-

   
   

16,954

 

4,320

 

2,082

 

 

The amounts recognized in the statement of operations refer to transactions involving the defined benefit pension plans that are recognized in “other operating (revenues) expenses, net” and in “financial results”, depending on their nature.

 

 

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Braskem S.A.

 

Management notes to the financial statements

at December 31, 2014

All amounts in thousands of reais, except as otherwise stated

 

(e)               Actuarial assumptions

      

   

 

(%)

2014

2013

 

 

2012

   

United

     

United

     

United

   
   

States

 

Germany

 

States

 

Germany

 

States

 

Germany

                         

Discount rate

 

4.20

 

3.75

 

5.00

 

3.75

 

5.00

 

5.75

Inflation rate

 

3.00

 

2.00

 

3.00

 

1.51

 

3.00

 

2.00

Expected return on plan assets

 

7.50

 

n/a

 

7.50

 

n/a

 

7.50

 

n/a

Rate of increase in future salary levels

 

n/a

 

3.00

 

n/a

 

3.00

 

n/a

 

3.00

Rate of increase in future pension plan

 

n/a

 

n/a

 

n/a

 

n/a

 

n/a

 

n/a

 

 

(f)                Hierarchy of fair value assets

 

On December 31, 2014, the balance of the fair value of assets is represented by the assets of the Novamont defined benefit plan, which has a level-1 fair value hierarchy.

 

22                Other accounts payable

 

(a)               Non-current

 

(i)    On August 9, 2010, as part of the business combination of the companies of the Quattor group BNDESPAR exercised its option to sell the shares in Riopol, incorporated by Braskem Qpar in August, 2013. The balance, on December 31, 2014, is R$296,970 (R$275,743 in 2013).

 

The purchase price will be paid in 3 installments, with restatement by the TJLP, as follows:

 

·                On June 11, 2015, the amount corresponding to 15% of the purchase price;

·                On June 11, 2016, the amount corresponding to 35% of the purchase price; and

·                On June 11, 2017, the amount corresponding to 50% of the purchase price.

 

23                Contingencies

 

Braskem has contingent liabilities related to lawsuits and administrative proceedings arising from the normal course of its business. These contingencies are of a labor and social security, tax, civil and corporate nature and involve risks of losses that are classified as possible. No provisions have been accrued for these lawsuits, except in relevant cases involving business combinations.

 

The balance of contingent liabilities as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:

 

     

2014

 

2013

           

Labor claims

(a)

 

463,001

 

606,166

Tax claims

(b)

 

5,477,192

 

3,399,794

Other lawsuits

(c)

 

447,411

 

389,352

Total

   

6,387,604

 

4,395,312

           

 

 

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Braskem S.A.

 

Management notes to the financial statements

at December 31, 2014

All amounts in thousands of reais, except as otherwise stated

 

(a)               Labor

 

The amount at December 31, 2014 is related to 1,430 indemnity and labor claims. Among these claims are:

 

(a.1)    Class actions filed by the Union of Workers in the Petrochemical and Chemical Industries in Triunfo (RS), in the second quarter of 2005, claiming the payment of overtime amounting to R$40 million. The Management of the Company does not expect further disbursements to terminate these lawsuits.

 

All lawsuits in progress are with the Superior Labor Court and Management expects them to be judged in 2015.

There are judicial deposits related to these claims.

 

(a.2)    Class actions filed by the Union of Workers in the Petrochemical and Chemical Industries in Triunfo (RS) in the third quarter of 2010 claiming the payment of overtime referring to work breaks and integration into base salary of the remunerated weekly day-off amounting to R$338 million. The Management of the Company does not expect to disburse any amounts upon their closure.

 

The claims are in the fact-finding and appeals phase and they are expected to be granted a final and unappealable decision in the last quarter of 2014. No judicial deposit or other form of security was accrued for these claims.

 

(b)               Tax

 

On December 31, 2014, the main tax contingencies, grouped by matter and totaling, at least, R$60 million, are the following

 

(b.1)    ICMS

 

The Company is involved in many ICMS collection claims related to assessment notices drawn up mainly by the Finance Department of the States of São Paulo, Rio Grande do Sul, Bahia and Alagoas. On December 31, 2014, the adjusted amounts of these claims total R$629 million and the claims include the following matters:

 

·           ICMS credit on the acquisition of assets that are considered by the Revenue Services as being of use and consumption. The Revenue Service understands that the asset has to be a physically integral part of the final product to give rise to a credit. Most of the inputs questioned do not physically compose the final product. However, the Judicial branch has a precedent that says that the input must be an integral part of the product or be consumed in the production process;

 

·           ICMS credit arising from the acquisition of assets to be used in property, plant and equipment, which is considered by the Revenue Services as not being related to the production activity, such as laboratory equipment, material for the construction of warehouses, security equipment, etc.;

 

·           transfer of goods for an amount lower than the production cost;

 

·           omission of the entry or shipment of goods based on physical count of inventories;

 

·           lack of evidence that the Company exported goods so that the shipment of the goods is presumably taxed for the domestic market;

 

 

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Braskem S.A.

 

Management notes to the financial statements

at December 31, 2014

All amounts in thousands of reais, except as otherwise stated

 

·           non-payment of ICMS on the sale of products subject to tax substitution and credit from acquisitions of products subject to tax substitution;

 

·           fines for the failure to register invoices; and

 

·           nonpayment of ICMS tax on charges related to the use of the electricity transmission system in operations conducted in the Free Market (ACL) of the Electric Power Trading Chamber (CCEE).

 

The Company’s legal advisors estimate that: (i) these judicial proceedings are expected to be terminated in 2020, and (ii) in the event of an unfavorable decision to the Company, which is not expected, these contingencies could be settled for up to 40% of the amounts in dispute. This estimate is based on the probability of loss of the Company’s defense theory taking into consideration the case law at the administrative and judicial levels. No judicial deposit or other form of security was accrued for these claims.

 

(b.2)    PIS and COFINS sundry

 

The Company is involved in collection actions related to PIS and COFINS assessments, which discuss alleged undue offsetting of credits discussed in administrative proceedings and lawsuits, including: (i) negative balance of income tax; (ii) FINSOCIAL; (iii) taxes on net income; (iv) PIS-Decrees; and (v) the COFINS tax arising from the undue payment or payment in excess, as well the as COFINS levied on Interest on Capital.

 

On December 31, 2014, the adjusted amounts involved of these assessments total R$281 million.

 

The Company’s external legal advisors estimate that: (i) these judicial proceedings are expected to be terminated in 2018; and (ii) in the event of an unfavorable decision to the Company, which is not expected, these contingencies could be settled for up to 50% of the amounts in dispute. This estimate is based on the probability of loss of the Company’s defense theory taking into consideration the case law at the administrative and judicial levels.

 

The Company offered assets in guarantee, in the amount of R$54 million, which cover the amount involved in these claims.

 

(b.3)    PIS, COFINS, IR and CSL: taxation of tax losses and reductions in debits in connection with the installment payment program under MP 470/09

 

The Company was assessed for not recording as taxable the amounts of the credits from tax losses and social contribution tax loss carryforwards used to settle tax debits paid in installments under MP 470. In the specific case of PIS/COFINS taxes, the assessment also includes the reductions applied to fines and interest arising from the adoption of the installment payment plan. Said tax credits and reductions of debits were not taxed, given the understanding of the Company that they did not represent taxable income.

 

On December 31, 2014, the tax deficiency notices amounted to R$1,3 billion. No guarantees have been accrued for these assessments.

 

The Company’s legal advisors estimate that: (i) the administrative level of these judicial proceedings is expected to be concluded by 2018; and (ii) in the event of an unfavorable decision to the Company, which is not expected, these contingencies could be settled for up to 40% of the amounts in dispute. This estimate is based on the probability of loss of the Company’s defense theory taking into consideration the case law at the administrative and judicial levels.

 

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Braskem S.A.

 

Management notes to the financial statements

at December 31, 2014

All amounts in thousands of reais, except as otherwise stated

 

 

 (b.4)   IPI – presumed credit

 

The Company was involved in tax assessments that questioned the undue use of presumed IPI credit as a way to offset the payment of PIS and COFINS levied on the acquisitions of raw materials, intermediate products and packaging material used in the industrialization of exported products. The Revenue Service understands that only the inputs that have been in contact with or have a direct influence on the final product are entitled to the presumed credit. On December 31, 2014, the adjusted amount involved of these assessments was R$111 million.

 

In July 2014, this contingency was fully included in the Refis tax amnesty program (“REFIS”) reopened by the federal government under Federal Law 12,973/2014. 

 

(b.5)    Non-cumulative PIS and COFINS

 

The Company received a deficiency notice from the Brazilian Federal Revenue Service due to the use of non-cumulative PIS and COFINS tax credits. The matters whose chance of loss is deemed as possible are mainly related to the following: (i) expenditures with treatment of effluents; (ii) charges on transmission of electricity; (iii) freight for storage of finished products; and (iv) extemporaneous credits from acquisitions of property, plant and equipment. These matters have already been contested at the administrative level and comprise the period from 2006 to 2011, and as of December 31, 2014 totaled R$761 million, of which R$366 million related to principal and R$394 million of fine and interest.

 

The Company's legal counsel, in view of the recent decisions by the Tax Resources Administrative Board and the evidence provided by the Company, assess as possible the chances of loss at the administrative and legal levels. Any changes in the court’s understanding of the position could cause future impacts on the financial statements of the Company due to such proceedings.

 

The Company’s external legal counsel expect the proceedings at administrative level to conclude in 2020.

 

No judicial deposit or other form of guarantee was accrued for this claim.

 

(b.6)    IR and CSL – Charges with goodwill amortization and other

 

The Company was served by the Federal Revenue Service for deducting amortization charges, from 2007 to 2012, relating to goodwill originated from acquisitions of shareholding interests in calendar year 2002. In that year, several business groups divested their petrochemical assets, which were consolidated to enable the consequent foundation of Braskem. The current value of these notices on December 31, 2014, was R$1,1 billion of income tax and social contribution. The Company also received a tax deficiency notice due to the inclusion in the income tax and social contribution calculation base of interest and exchange variation expenses related to obligations assumed in business combinations.

 

There is no judicial deposit or any other type of guarantee for these proceedings.

 

The Management, based on the opinion of its legal advisors, assess the probability of the loss of these cases as possible, therefore no provision has been accrued, with conclusion expected by 2022. This conclusion is based on the following: (i) The equity interests were acquired with effective payment, business purpose and the participation of independent parties; and (ii) The real economic nature of the transactions that resulted in the recording of interest and exchange variation expenses.

 

 

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Braskem S.A.

 

Management notes to the financial statements

at December 31, 2014

All amounts in thousands of reais, except as otherwise stated

 

 

(c)               Other court disputes involving the Company and its subsidiaries

 

(c.1)     Civil

 

The Company is the defendant in civil lawsuits filed by the owner of a former distributor of caustic soda and by the shipping company that provided services to this former distributor, which, at December 31, 2014, totaled R$113 million. The claimants seek indemnity for damages related to the alleged non-performance of the distribution agreement by the Company.

 

No judicial deposit or other form of guarantee was accrued for these lawsuits.

Management's evaluation, supported by the opinion of its external legal advisors who are responsible for the cases, is that the lawsuits will possibly be dismissed within a period of 8 years.

 

24                Equity

 

(a)                Capital

 

On December 31, 2014, the Company's subscribed and paid up capital stock amounted to R$8,043,222 and comprised 797,265,348 shares with no par value, distributed as follows:

 

             

Preferred

     

Preferred

           
     

Common

     

shares

     

shares

           
     

shares

 

%

 

class A

 

%

 

class B

 

%

 

Total

 

%

                                   

OSP e Odebrecht

   

226,334,623

 

50.11%

 

79,182,498

 

22.95%

         

305,517,121

 

38.32%

Petrobras

   

212,426,952

 

47.03%

 

75,243,737

 

21.81%

         

287,670,689

 

36.08%

BNDESPAR

           

40,102,837

 

11.62%

         

40,102,837

 

5.03%

ADR

(i)

         

33,634,266

 

9.75%

         

33,634,266

 

4.22%

Other

   

12,907,077

 

2.86%

 

115,684,782

 

33.53%

 

593,818

 

100.00%

 

129,185,677

 

16.20%

Total

   

451,668,652

 

100.00%

 

343,848,120

 

99.67%

 

593,818

 

100.00%

 

796,110,590

 

99.86%

Braskem shares owned by subsidiary of Braskem Petroquímica

(ii)

 

 

     

1,154,758

 

0.33%

 

 

     

1,154,758

 

0.14%

Total

   

451,668,652

 

100.00%

 

345,002,878

 

100.00%

 

593,818

 

100.00%

 

797,265,348

 

100.00%

 

(i)       American Depositary Receipts traded on the New York Stock Exchange (USA);

(ii)     These share are considered “treasury shares” in the consolidated shareholders’ equity, amounting to R$48,892.

 

(b)               Share rights

 

Preferred shares carry no voting rights but they ensure priority, non-cumulative annual dividend of 6% of their unit value, according to profits available for distribution. The unit value of the shares is obtained through the division of capital by the total number of outstanding shares. Only class “A” preferred shares will have the same claim on the remaining profit as common shares and will be entitled to dividends only after the priority dividend is paid to preferred shareholders. Only class “A” preferred shares also have the same claim as common shares on the distribution of shares resulting from capitalization of other reserves. Only class “A” preferred shares can be converted into common shares upon resolution of majority voting shareholders present at a General Meeting. Class “B” preferred shares can be converted into class “A” preferred shares at any time, at the ratio of two class “B” preferred shares for one class “A” preferred share, upon a simple written request to the Company, provided that the non-transferability period provided for in specific legislation that allowed for the issue and payment of such shares with tax incentive funds has elapsed.

 

 

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Braskem S.A.

 

Management notes to the financial statements

at December 31, 2014

All amounts in thousands of reais, except as otherwise stated

 

In the event of liquidation of the Company, class “A” and “B” preferred shares will have priority in the reimbursement of capital.

 

Shareholders are entitled to receive a mandatory minimum dividend of 25% on profit for the year, adjusted under Brazilian Corporation Law.

 

(c)               Capital reserve

 

This reserve is recorded goodwill recorded in various Company's capital increases. The possible uses of this reserve are contained in Article 200 of the Law of Business Corporations.

 

(d)               Legal reserve

 

Under Brazilian Corporation Law, companies must transfer 5% of net profit for the year, determined in accordance with the accounting practices adopted in Brazil, to a legal reserve until this reserve is equivalent to 20% of the paid-up capital. The legal reserve can be used for capital increase or absorption of losses.

 

(e)               Dividends proposed and appropriation of profit

 

Under the Company’s bylaws, profit for the year, adjusted according to Law 6,404/76, is appropriated as follows:

 

(i)       5% to a legal reserve;

 

(ii)     25% to pay for mandatory, non-cumulative dividends, provided that the legal and statutory advantages of the Class “A” and “B” preferred shares are observed. When the amount of the priority dividend paid to class “A” and “B” preferred shares is equal to or higher than 25% of profit for the year calculated under Article 202 of Brazilian Corporation Law, it is the full payment of the mandatory dividend.

 

Any surplus remaining after the payment of the priority dividend will be used to:

 

·      pay dividends to common shareholders up to the limit of the priority dividends of preferred shares; and

 

·      if there still is any surplus, distribute additional dividends to common shareholders and class “A” preferred shareholders so that the same amount of dividends is paid for each common share or class “A” preferred share.

 

 

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Braskem S.A.

 

Management notes to the financial statements

at December 31, 2014

All amounts in thousands of reais, except as otherwise stated

 

(e.1)     Profit or loss in 2014 and dividends proposed

 

   

2014

     

Net income for the year of Company's shareholders

 

864,064

Amounts recorded directly to retained earnings

   

Realization of additional property, plant and equipment

 

28,203

Prescribed dividends

 

682

   

892,949

Legal reserves distribution

 

(44,647)

   

848,302

Destinations:

   

Proposed dividends

(i)

(482,593)

Portion allocated to unrealized profit reserves

(ii)

(365,709)

   

(848,302)

     

Composition of the total proposed dividends

   

Minimum dividends - 25% adjusted net income

(iii)

(212,076)

Additional proposed dividends

(iv)

(270,517)

Total dividends

 

(482,593)

     

 

(i)       Unit dividend of R$0.6061888020 for all types of shares;

(ii)     The retained earnings reserve was accrued pursuant to Article 196 of Federal Law 6,404/76, for use in future investments, which will be submitted for approval by shareholders assembled in a Shareholders’ Meeting.

(iii)    Recorded in current liabilities;

(iv)    Recorded in shareholders' equity, under the item “proposed additional dividend”.

 

(e.2)     Dividend payment

 

The Annual Shareholders’ Meeting held on April 9, 2014 approved the declaration of dividends in the amount of R$482,593, the payment of which started to be paid on April 22, 2014, of which R$273,796 was paid to holders of common shares and R$208,437 and R$360 to holders of class A and class B preferred shares, respectively.

 

 

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Braskem S.A.

 

Management notes to the financial statements

at December 31, 2014

All amounts in thousands of reais, except as otherwise stated

 

(f)                Other comprehensive income – Equity

 

             

Defined

     

Foreign

       
     

Additional

 

Deemed

 

benefit

     

currency

 

Gain (loss)

   
     

indexation of

 

cost of

 

plan actuarial

 

Fair value

 

translation

 

on interest

   
     

PP&E

 

PP&E

 

Gain (loss)

 

of hedge

 

adjustment

 

in subsidiary

   
     

(i)

 

(i)

 

(ii)

 

(iii)

 

(iv)

 

(v)

 

Total

As of December 31, 2011

 

326,541

 

21,159

 

 

 

(10,716)

 

(24,504)

 

3,106

 

315,586

                               

Additional indexation

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Realization by depreciation or write-off assets

 

(41,268)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(41,268)

 

Income tax and social contribution

 

14,032

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

14,032

       

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deemed cost of jointly-controlled investment

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Realization by depreciation or write-off assets

 

 

 

(1,442)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1,442)

 

Income tax and social contribution

 

 

 

490

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

490

       

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Defined benefit plan actuarial loss

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Actuarial loss

 

 

 

 

 

(18,204)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(18,204)

 

Income tax and social contribution

 

 

 

 

 

6,388

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6,388

       

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair value of Cash flow hedge

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

Change in fair value

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,948

 

 

 

 

 

1,948

 

Transfer to result

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

14,290

 

 

 

 

 

14,290

 

Income tax and social contribution

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(5,522)

 

 

 

 

 

(5,522)

       

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss on interest in subsidiary

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(5,917)

 

(5,917)

                               

Write-off gain on interest in subsidiary

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(4,632)

 

(4,632)

                               

Foreign currency translation adjustment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

61,662

 

 

 

61,662

                               

On December 31, 2012

 

299,305

 

20,207

 

(11,816)

 

 

 

37,158

 

(7,443)

 

337,411

                               

Additional indexation

                           
 

Realization by depreciation or write-off assets

 

(41,268)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(41,268)

 

Income tax and social contribution

 

14,032

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

14,032

                               

Deemed cost of jointly-controlled investment

                           
 

Realization by depreciation or write-off assets

 

 

 

(1,465)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1,465)

 

Income tax and social contribution

 

 

 

498

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

498

                       

 

     

Foreign sales hedge

                           
 

Exchange rate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(2,303,540)

 

 

 

 

 

(2,303,540)

 

Income tax and social contribution

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

783,204

 

 

 

 

 

783,204

                               

Fair value of Cash flow hedge

                           
 

Change in fair value

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(83,413)

 

 

 

 

 

(83,413)

 

Transfer to result

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(41,727)

 

 

 

 

 

(41,727)

 

Income tax and social contribution

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

40,120

 

 

 

 

 

40,120

                               

Gain on interest in subsidiary

 

 

 

 

 

169

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

169

                               

Write-off gain on interest in subsidiary

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1,961)

 

(1,961)

                               

Foreign currency translation adjustment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

205,249

 

 

 

205,249

                               

On December 31, 2013

 

272,069

 

19,240

 

(11,647)

 

(1,605,356)

 

242,407

 

(9,404)

 

(1,092,691)

                               

Additional indexation

                           
 

Realization by depreciation or write-off assets

 

(41,268)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(41,268)

 

Income tax and social contribution

 

14,030

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

14,030

       

 

 

 

                 

Deemed cost of jointly-controlled investment

   

 

 

 

                 
 

Realization by depreciation or write-off assets

 

 

 

(1,464)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1,464)

 

Income tax and social contribution

 

 

 

499

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

499

                               

Foreign sales hedge

                           
 

Exchange rate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(2,611,655)

 

 

 

 

 

(2,611,655)

 

Income tax and social contribution

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

868,259

 

 

 

 

 

868,259

                               

Fair value of Cash flow hedge

                           
 

Change in fair value

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(332,695)

 

 

 

 

 

(332,695)

 

Transfer to result

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

26,472

 

 

 

 

 

26,472

 

Income tax and social contribution

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

101,576

 

 

 

 

 

101,576

                               

Foreign currency translation adjustment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

144,880

 

 

 

144,880

                               

On December 31, 2014

 

244,831

 

18,275

 

(11,647)

 

(3,553,399)

 

387,287

 

(9,404)

 

(2,924,057)

                               

(i)

Realization as the asset is depreciated or written-off.

(ii)

Realization upon extinction of the plan.

(iii)

Realization upon maturity, prepayment or loss of efficacy for hedge accounting.

(iv)

Realization upon write-off of subsidiary abroad.

(v)

Realization upon divestment or transfer of control of subsidiary.

 

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Braskem S.A.

 

Management notes to the financial statements

at December 31, 2014

All amounts in thousands of reais, except as otherwise stated

 

25                Earnings per share

 

Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share is calculated by means of the division of adjusted profit for the year attributable to the Company’s common and preferred shareholders by the weighted average number of these shares held by shareholders, excluding those held in treasury and following the rules for the distribution of dividends provided for in the Company’s bylaws, as described in Note 24(e), particularly in relation to the limited rights enjoyed by class “B” preferred shares. In view of these limited rights, this class of share does not participate in losses. In this case, the diluted result takes into account the conversion of two class "B" preferred shares into one class “A” preferred share, as provided for in the bylaws of the Company.

 

The weighted average numbers per share is calculated based on the number of outstanding common and Class “A” preferred shares at the beginning of the period, adjusted by the number of shares repurchased or issued in the period, multiplied by a weighting time factor. There has been no change in the number of shares in fiscal year 2014 and 2013. The calculation of the weighted average in 2012 is shown below:

 

     

Total of outstanding shares

 

Weighted average

 

Note

 

Common shares

 

Preferred shares class "A"

 

Total of weighted average

 

Common shares

 

Preferred shares class "A"

 

Total of weighted average

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

As of December 31, 2011

 

 

451,668,652

 

345,300,320

 

796,968,972

 

451,668,652

 

346,451,489

 

798,120,141

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Repurchase of shares

(i)

 

 

 

(1,452,200)

 

(1,452,200)

 

 

 

(700,738)

 

(700,738)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2012

 

 

451,668,652

 

343,848,120

 

795,516,772

 

451,668,652

 

344,599,582

 

796,268,234

 

(i)    The shares repurchased were not considered in the calculation of earnings per share since they are not entitled to dividends.

 

Class A preferred shares participate in dividends with common shares after the mandatory dividends has been attributed in accordance with the formula provided for in the Company’s bylaws, as described in Note 24(e). There is no highest limit for their participation.

 

Diluted and basic earnings (losses) per share are equal when there is profit in the year, since Braskem has not issued convertible financial instruments.

 

 

 

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Braskem S.A.

 

Management notes to the financial statements

at December 31, 2014

All amounts in thousands of reais, except as otherwise stated

 

As required by IAS 33, the table below show the reconciliation of profit (loss) for the period adjusted to the amounts used to calculate basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share.

  

   

Basic and diluted

   

2014

 

2013

 

2012

             
             

Profit (loss) for the period attributed to Company's shareholders

           

of continued operations

 

864,064

 

509,697

 

(1,012,690)

             

Distribution of dividends attributable to priority:

           

Preferred shares class "A"

 

208,437

 

208,437

 

 

Preferred shares class "B"

 

360

 

360

 

 

   

208,797

 

208,797

 

 

             

Distribution of 6% ​​of unit value of common shares

 

273,796

 

273,796

 

 

             

Distribution of plus income, by class

           

Common shares

 

216,587

 

15,389

 

 

Preferred shares class "A"

 

164,884

 

11,715

 

 

   

381,471

 

27,104

 

 

             

Reconciliation of income available for distribution, by class (numerator):

           

Common shares

 

490,383

 

289,185

 

(574,430)

Preferred shares class "A"

 

373,321

 

220,152

 

(438,260)

Preferred shares class "B"

 

360

 

360

 

 

   

864,064

 

509,697

 

(1,012,690)

             

Weighted average number of shares, by class (denominator):

           

Common shares

 

451,668,652

 

451,668,652

 

451,668,652

Preferred shares class "A"

(i)

343,848,120

 

343,848,120

 

344,599,582

Preferred shares class "B"

 

593,818

 

593,818

 

 

   

796,110,590

 

796,110,590

 

796,268,234

             

Profit (loss) per share (in R$)

           

Common shares

 

1.0857

 

0.6403

 

(1.2718)

Preferred shares class "A"

 

1.0857

 

0.6403

 

(1.2718)

Preferred shares class "B"

 

0.6062

 

0.6062

 

 

 

 

F - 72


 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Braskem S.A.

 

Management notes to the financial statements

at December 31, 2014

All amounts in thousands of reais, except as otherwise stated

 

26                Net sales revenues

 

   

Note

 

2014

 

2013

 

2012

                 

Sales revenue

             
 

Domestic market

   

32,964,432

 

30,236,855

 

27,409,691

 

Foreign market

   

20,117,322

 

17,532,783

 

15,572,798

       

53,081,754

 

47,769,638

 

42,982,489

Sales deductions

             

 

Taxes

   

(6,657,794)

 

(6,414,524)

 

(6,487,401)

 

Customers rebates

20(a)

 

(59,818)

 

(57,236)

 

(58,583)

 

Sales returns

   

(332,753)

 

(328,388)

 

(276,178)

       

(7,050,365)

 

(6,800,148)

 

(6,822,162)

                 

Net sales revenue

   

46,031,389

 

40,969,490

 

36,160,327

 

 

Sales revenue comprises the fair value of the consideration received or receivable for the sale of goods and services in the ordinary course of the Company’s activities. Revenue is shown net of taxes, returns and rebates.

 

Revenue from the sale of goods is recognized when (i) the amount of revenue can be reliably measured and the Company no longer has control over the goods sold; (ii) it is probable that future economic benefits will be received by the Company; and (iii) all legal rights and risks and rewards of ownership have been transferred to the customer. The Company does not make sales with continued Management involvement. Most of Braskem’s sales are made to industrial customers and, in a lower volume, to resellers.

 

The moment when the legal right, as well as the risks and benefits, are substantially transferred to the client is determined as follows:

 

(i)      for contracts in which the Company is responsible for the freight and insurance, the legal right and the risks and benefits are transferred to the client when the goods are delivered at the destination established in the contract;

(ii)     for agreements in which the freight and insurance are the responsibility of the client, the risks and benefits are transferred when the products are delivered to the client’s carrier; and

(iii)   for contracts in which product delivery involves the use of pipelines, especially basic petrochemicals, the risks and benefits are transferred immediately after the Company’s official meters, which is the point of delivery of products and transfer of their ownership.

 

The cost of freight services related to sales, transfers to storage facilities and finished products transfers are included in cost of sales.

 

 

F - 73


 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Braskem S.A.

 

Management notes to the financial statements

at December 31, 2014

All amounts in thousands of reais, except as otherwise stated

 

27                Tax incentives

 

(a)               Income Tax

 

The benefit of the 75% reduction in the income tax from the sale of production applies to one Camaçari PE plant, in Bahia, and the PVC plant, in Marechal Deodoro (AL), until 2016 and 2019 respectively. The other industrial plants located in the states of Bahia and Alagoas are in the process of requesting for renewal of this benefit. The Management of the Company expects to obtain the renewal of this benefit in 2016.

 

(b)               PRODESIN - ICMS

 

The Company has ICMS tax incentives granted by the state of Alagoas, through the state of Alagoas Integrated Development Program – PRODESIN, which are aimed at implementing and expanding a plant in that state. This incentive is considered an offsetting entry to sales taxes (Note 26). In 2014, the amount of this incentive was R$60,033 (R$50,908 in 2013).

 

28                Other operating income (expenses), net

 

In fiscal year 2014, the main effects on this item were as follows:

 

Gain/Incomes  – (i) gain from the divestment of DAT (Note 1 (a.i)) – R$277,338; (ii) revenue from the recognition of credits of subsidiaries to settle the installment payment (Note 17(a)) – R$98,263; and (iii) discount from the prepayment of the tax installment (Note 17(a)) - R$79,636.

 

Expenses – (i) additional provision for the Petros Copesul - R$65,000; (ii) depreciation and maintenance of idle plants – R$119,834; (iii) adjustment of inventory and losses of raw materials – R$50,025; (iv) new contingencies included in the installment payment plan (Note 17(a)) – R$71,754; and (v) provision for recovery of environmental damages – R$30,741.

 

29                Financial results

 

     

2014

 

2013

 

2012

               

Financial income

           
 

Interest income

 

282,837

 

281,669

 

220,169

 

Monetary variations

 

74,675

 

24,117

 

40,599

 

Exchange rate variations

 

(46,173)

 

333,424

 

219,757

 

Other

 

43,882

 

133,928

 

51,403

     

355,221

 

773,138

 

531,928

               

Financial expenses

           
 

Interest expenses

 

(1,272,839)

 

(1,121,761)

 

(973,195)

 

Monetary variations

 

(320,497)

 

(300,310)

 

(274,881)

 

Exchange rate variations

 

(38,901)

 

(78,510)

 

(1,898,677)

 

Inflation adjustments on fiscal debts

 

(221,582)

 

(173,864)

 

(208,186)

 

Tax expenses on financial operations

 

(28,614)

 

(32,884)

 

(17,289)

 

Discounts granted

 

(110,535)

 

(89,495)

 

(58,859)

 

Loans transaction costs - amortization

 

(44,824)

 

(6,200)

 

(27,221)

 

Adjustment to present value - appropriation

 

(527,703)

 

(592,413)

 

(310,525)

 

Other

 

(180,369)

 

(153,674)

 

(157,376)

     

(2,745,864)

 

(2,549,111)

 

(3,926,209)

               
 

Total

 

(2,390,643)

 

(1,775,973)

 

(3,394,281)

 

  

 

F - 74


 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Braskem S.A.

 

Management notes to the financial statements

at December 31, 2014

All amounts in thousands of reais, except as otherwise stated

 

 

   

2014

 

2013

 

2012

             

Interest income

           

Held for sale

 

26,012

 

13,416

 

5,023

Loans and receivables

 

168,259

 

102,623

 

139,580

Held-to-maturity

 

34,881

 

31,147

 

17,841

   

229,152

 

147,186

 

162,444

Other assets not classifiable

 

53,685

 

134,483

 

57,725

Total

 

282,837

 

281,669

 

220,169

 

 

The Company calculates the adjustment to present value whose amount has material impact on its financial statements. 

 

30                Expenses by nature

 

The Company chose to present its expenses by function in the statement of operations. As required by IAS 1, the breakdown of expenses by nature is presented below:

 

     

2014

 

2013

 

2012

               

Raw materials other inputs

 

(34,579,173)

 

(30,515,643)

 

(27,812,462)

Personnel expenses

 

(2,215,484)

 

(1,953,194)

 

(1,772,097)

Outsourced services

 

(1,699,325)

 

(1,570,320)

 

(1,633,747)

Tax expenses

 

(11,822)

 

(9,847)

 

(8,293)

Depreciation, amortization and depletion

 

(2,041,048)

 

(2,038,366)

 

(1,902,475)

Freights

 

(1,555,125)

 

(1,471,853)

 

(1,302,899)

Other expenses, net

 

(364,133)

 

(667,123)

 

(111,229)

Total

 

(42,466,110)

 

(38,226,346)

 

(34,543,202)

 

 

31                Segment information

 

Management defined the organizational structure of Braskem based on the types of business, the main products, markets and production processes, and identified five operating and reportable segments - four production segments and one distribution segment.

 

On December 31, 2014 and 2013, the organizational structure of Braskem was formed by the following segments:

 

·      Basic petrochemicals: comprises the activities related to the production of ethylene, propylene butadiene, toluene, xylene, cumene and benzene, as well as gasoline, diesel and LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas), and other petroleum derivatives and the supply of electric energy, steam, compressed air  and other inputs to second-generation producers located in the Camaçari, Triunfo, São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro petrochemical complexes.

 

·      Polyolefins: comprises the activities related to the production of PE and PP.

 

·      Vinyls: comprises the activities related to the production of PVC, caustic soda and chloride.

 

·      United States and Europe: operations related to PP production in the United States and Europe, through subsidiaries Braskem America and Braskem Alemanha, respectively.

 

 

F - 75


 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Braskem S.A.

 

Management notes to the financial statements

at December 31, 2014

All amounts in thousands of reais, except as otherwise stated

 

 

·      Chemical distribution: consists of Quantiq’s operations related to the distribution of petroleum-based solvents, intermediate chemicals, special chemicals and pharmacons.

 

(a)               Presentation, measurement and conciliation of results

 

Information by segment is generated in accounting records maintained in accordance with the accounting principles and practices adopted in Brazil, according to IFRS, and which are reflected in the consolidated financial statements.

 

The eliminations stated in the operating segment information, when compared with the consolidated balances, are represented by transfer or raw materials between segments, that are treated and measured as arm’s length sales.

 

The operating segments are stated based on the results of operations, which does not include financial results, and current and deferred income tax and social contribution expenses.

 

The Company does not disclose assets by segment since this information is not presented to its chief decision maker.

 

(b)               Concentration of sales

 

In 2014 and 2013, the Company does not have any revenue arising from transactions with only one client that is equal to or higher than 10% of its total net revenue.

 

In 2014, the most significant revenue from a single client amounts to approximately 3% of total net revenues of the Company and refers to the basic petrochemical segment.

 

 

F - 76


 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Braskem S.A.

 

Management notes to the financial statements

at December 31, 2014

All amounts in thousands of reais, except as otherwise stated

 

(c)               Results of operations by segment

 

 

   

2014

   

Reporting segments

 

Total

         

Braskem

       
   

Basic

         

USA and

 

Chemical

 

reportable

 

Other

 

Corporate

 

consolidated

     

Braskem

   

petrochemicals

 

Polyolefins

 

Vinyls

 

Europe

 

distribution

 

segments

 

segments (i)

 

unit

 

before eliminations

 

Eliminations

 

consolidated

                                             

Net sales revenue

 

25,576,275

 

18,502,238

 

2,709,491

 

7,934,281

 

842,715

 

55,565,000

 

402,655

 

 

 

55,967,655

 

(9,936,266)

 

46,031,389

Cost of products sold

 

(23,252,820)

 

(15,599,615)

 

(2,551,464)

 

(7,477,507)

 

(700,917)

 

(49,582,323)

 

(284,269)

 

 

 

(49,866,592)

 

9,809,251

 

(40,057,341)

Gross profit

 

2,323,455

 

2,902,623

 

158,027

 

456,774

 

141,798

 

5,982,677

 

118,386

 

 

 

6,101,063

 

(127,015)

 

5,974,048

                                             

Operating expenses

                                           

Selling, general and distribution expenses

 

(692,662)

 

(965,737)

 

(205,343)

 

(294,923)

 

(105,242)

 

(2,263,907)

 

(169,976)

 

(70,482)

 

(2,504,365)

 

 

 

(2,504,365)

Results from equity investments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,929

 

3,929

 

 

 

3,929

Other operating income (expenses), net

 

190,292

(ii)

(53,226)

 

57,268

 

(82,515)

 

(28,783)

 

83,036

 

(4,135)

 

16,695

 

95,596

 

 

 

95,596

   

(502,370)

 

(1,018,963)

 

(148,075)

 

(377,438)

 

(134,025)

 

(2,180,871)

 

(174,111)

 

(49,858)

 

(2,404,840)

 

 

 

(2,404,840)

                                             

Operating profit (loss)

 

1,821,085

 

1,883,660

 

9,952

 

79,336

 

7,773

 

3,801,806

 

(55,725)

 

(49,858)

 

3,696,223

 

(127,015)

 

3,569,208

                                             

(ii) Includes the gain on disposal of DAT (Note 1 (a.i) and Note 28).

   

2013

   

Reporting segments

 

Total

         

Braskem

       
   

Basic

         

USA and

 

Chemical

 

reportable

 

Other

 

Corporate

 

consolidated

     

Braskem

   

petrochemicals

 

Polyolefins

 

Vinyls

 

Europe

 

distribution

 

segments

 

segments (i)

 

unit

 

before eliminations

 

Eliminations

 

consolidated

                                             

Net sales revenue

 

25,037,780

 

16,944,709

 

2,581,076

 

6,748,502

 

891,734

 

52,203,801

 

130,289

 

 

 

52,334,090

 

(11,364,600)

 

40,969,490

Cost of products sold

 

(22,561,151)

 

(14,694,326)

 

(2,384,543)

 

(6,419,523)

 

(761,136)

 

(46,820,679)

 

(133,690)

 

 

 

(46,954,369)

 

11,133,608

 

(35,820,761)

Gross profit

 

2,476,629

 

2,250,383

 

196,533

 

328,979

 

130,598

 

5,383,122

 

(3,401)

 

 

 

5,379,721

 

(230,992)

 

5,148,729

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Operating expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Selling, general and distribution expenses

 

(534,896)

 

(852,680)

 

(174,072)

 

(282,880)

 

(96,673)

 

(1,941,201)

 

(68,576)

 

(184,718)

 

(2,194,495)

 

 

 

(2,194,495)

Results from equity investments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(3,223)

 

(3,223)

 

 

 

(3,223)

Other operating income (expenses), net

 

(67,835)

 

(30,673)

 

(11,179)

 

(37,621)

 

(6,537)

 

(153,845)

 

196

 

(57,441)

 

(211,090)

 

 

 

(211,090)

   

(602,731)

 

(883,353)

 

(185,251)

 

(320,501)

 

(103,210)

 

(2,095,046)

 

(68,380)

 

(245,382)

 

(2,408,808)

 

 

 

(2,408,808)

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Operating profit (loss)

 

1,873,898

 

1,367,030

 

11,282

 

8,478

 

27,388

 

3,288,076

 

(71,781)

 

(245,382)

 

2,970,913

 

(230,992)

 

2,739,921

                                             
   

 

   

2012

   

Reporting segments

 

Total

         

Braskem

       
   

Basic

         

USA and

 

Chemical

 

reportable

 

Other

 

Corporate

 

consolidated

     

Braskem

   

petrochemicals

 

Polyolefins

 

Vinyls

 

Europe

 

distribution

 

segments

 

segments (i)

 

unit

 

before eliminations

 

Eliminations

 

consolidated

                                             

Net sales revenue

 

23,603,038

 

14,456,827

 

2,019,884

 

5,465,180

 

898,786

 

46,443,715

 

72,652

 

 

 

46,516,367

 

(10,356,040)

 

36,160,327

Cost of products sold

 

(21,793,497)

 

(13,131,842)

 

(1,947,749)

 

(5,272,065)

 

(751,013)

 

(42,896,166)

 

(88,052)

 

 

 

(42,984,218)

 

10,275,150

 

(32,709,068)

Gross profit

 

1,809,541

 

1,324,985

 

72,135

 

193,115

 

147,773

 

3,547,549

 

(15,400)

 

 

 

3,532,149

 

(80,890)

 

3,451,259

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Operating expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Selling, general and distribution expenses

 

(491,999)

 

(868,410)

 

(129,696)

 

(243,300)

 

(94,796)

 

(1,828,201)

 

(37,823)

 

(301,567)

 

(2,167,591)

 

 

 

(2,167,591)

Results from equity investments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(25,807)

 

(25,807)

 

 

 

(25,807)

Other operating income (expenses), net

 

(64,050)

 

(20,012)

 

1,808

 

364,798

 

(265)

 

282,279

 

(98,298)

 

149,476

 

333,457

 

 

 

333,457

   

(556,049)

 

(888,422)

 

(127,888)

 

121,498

 

(95,061)

 

(1,545,922)

 

(136,121)

 

(177,898)

 

(1,859,941)

 

 

 

(1,859,941)

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Operating profit (loss)

 

1,253,492

 

436,563

 

(55,753)

 

314,613

 

52,712

 

2,001,627

 

(151,521)

 

(177,898)

 

1,672,208

 

(80,890)

 

1,591,318

                                             

(i) The other segments, includes the results of the subsidiary Braskem Idesa.

 

 

F - 77


 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Braskem S.A.

 

Management notes to the financial statements

at December 31, 2014

All amounts in thousands of reais, except as otherwise stated

 

(d)               Net sales revenue by country

 

   

2014

 

2013

 

2012

             

Brazil

 

26,077,194

 

23,548,870

 

20,840,355

United States

 

9,125,441

 

7,981,211

 

5,642,946

Argentina

 

1,264,787

 

1,222,729

 

1,195,728

United Kingdom

 

1,111,454

 

578,351

 

406,132

Germany

 

1,067,563

 

536,343

 

583,952

Mexico

 

949,423

 

680,054

 

764,244

Italy

 

860,765

 

318,357

 

282,671

Netherlands

 

713,301

 

1,099,945

 

913,208

Singapore

 

671,222

 

1,514,216

 

561,669

Switzerland

 

467,104

 

211,371

 

1,725,665

Colombia

 

444,040

 

299,287

 

219,405

Spain

 

332,148

 

186,354

 

216,405

Chile

 

331,744

 

282,231

 

224,956

Peru

 

288,051

 

247,427

 

200,952

Uruguay

 

263,648

 

243,672

 

263,163

Japan

 

236,171

 

190,729

 

269,672

Poland

 

206,803

 

221,433

 

232,004

Paraguay

 

187,208

 

136,393

 

 

France

 

174,503

 

117,429

 

136,664

Bolivia

 

167,729

 

154,473

 

 

Canada

 

135,164

 

145,378

 

 

South Korea

 

70,683

 

90,531

 

143,036

Venezuela

 

 

 

90,595

 

152,870

Other

 

885,243

 

872,111

 

1,184,628

   

46,031,389

 

40,969,490

 

36,160,327

 

 

(e)               Net sales revenue by product

 

   

2014

 

2013

 

2012

             

PE/PP

 

26,436,519

 

23,693,211

 

19,922,007

Ethylene, Propylene

 

3,274,529

 

2,875,381

 

2,502,111

Naphtha, condensate and crude oil

 

3,092,262

 

2,240,950

 

2,019,884

Benzene, toluene and xylene

 

3,084,916

 

2,974,235

 

2,727,659

PVC/Caustic Soda/EDC

 

2,709,491

 

2,548,457

 

2,417,416

ETBE/Gasoline

 

2,128,225

 

2,015,749

 

1,751,961

Butadiene

 

1,196,602

 

1,194,839

 

1,643,172

Specialty chemicals and drugs

 

822,790

 

879,801

 

889,190

Cumene

 

745,252

 

729,999

 

646,286

Solvents

 

620,986

 

527,083

 

515,130

Other

 

1,919,817

 

1,289,785

 

1,125,511

   

46,031,389

 

40,969,490

 

36,160,327

 

 

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Braskem S.A.

 

Management notes to the financial statements

at December 31, 2014

All amounts in thousands of reais, except as otherwise stated

 

(f)                Property plant and equipment and intangible assets by country

 

   

2014

 

2013

         

Brazil

 

21,060,399

 

21,238,537

Mexico

 

9,260,814

 

5,684,813

United States of America

 

1,291,557

 

1,160,186

Germany

 

222,998

 

241,069

Other

 

1,450

 

1,573

   

31,837,218

 

28,326,178

 

 

32                Insurance coverage

 

Braskem has a comprehensive program to manage risks and insurances, in accordance with the policy approved by the Board of Directors. The risk assessment practices and procedures set forth in the policy apply to the entire Company.

 

In April 2014, the All Risks insurance policies were renewed for the units in Brazil, the United States and Germany. In 2012, Braskem Idesa contracted insurance to cover the risks related to the construction of its industrial plant.

 

Braskem's All Risks policies have Maximum Indemnity Limits per event, established based on the amounts of maximum possible loss, considered sufficient to cover any claims given the nature of the Company's activity and the advice of consultants.

 

Information about All Risks policies in force is provided below:

 

       

Maximum indemnity limit

 

Amount insured

   

Maturity

 

US$ million

 

US$ million

Units in Brazil

October 8, 2015

 

2,000

 

23,859

Units in United States and Germany

October 8, 2015

 

250

 

2,187

Braskem Idesa

September 30, 2015

 

4,148

 

4,148

Quantiq

May 30, 2015

 

78

 

78

Total

       

30,272

 

 

Additionally, the Company contracted civil liability, transportation, sundry risk and vehicle insurance. The risk assumptions adopted are not part of the audit scope and, therefore, were not subject to review by our independent accountants.

 

 

 

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Braskem S.A.

 

Management notes to the financial statements

at December 31, 2014

All amounts in thousands of reais, except as otherwise stated

 

 

33                Information related to guaranteed securities issued by subsidiaries

 

Braskem S.A. has fully and unconditionally guaranteed the debt securities issued by Braskem Finance, a 100-percent-owned finance subsidiary of Braskem. There are no siginificant restrictions on the abilitiy of Braskem to obtain funds from Braskem Finance.

 

 

34                Subsequent events

 

 

Allegations

 

In early March 2015, declarations made by defendants in lawsuits filed against third parties were made public, in which Braskem and two of its former executive officers were cited in allegations of supposed improper payments between 2006 and 2012 to benefit the Company in raw-material supply agreements entered into with Petrobras. As of April 24, 2015, to the knowledge of the management, Braskem has not received any notification of the filing of any proceeding or investigation by Brazilian or U.S. authorities.

 

In light of such facts, the Company's Management and Board of Directors approved in April the internal plan for investigation into the allegations ("Investigation") to be carried out by law firms experienced in similar cases in the United States and in Brazil.  The law firms will work under the coordination of an ad hoc committee formed by members of its Board of Directors, specially created for this purpose.

 

In addition, the following measures have already been taken:

i)    Voluntary announcement about the Investigation and periodical updates sent to regulatory agencies of capital markets in Brazil (Securities and Exchange Commission of Brazil - CVM) and the United States (Securities and Exchange Commission – SEC, and the Department of Justice - DOJ);

ii)    Publication of two Material Fact notices and one Notice to the Market to clarify the news reports and to keep shareholders and the market informed of actions taken by the Company;

iii)   Updating the Audit Board and external auditors about the progress of the Investigation and of the actions already taken.

 

Braskem and its subsidiaries are subject to a series of anticorruption and anti-bribery laws in the countries where they operate. To reduce the likelihood of infringement of such laws, a series of procedures and controls were implemented and are continuously being improved.

 

On the other hand, if any of the allegations proves to be true, the Company may be subject to material penalties envisaged in law. At this moment, the Company Management believes that it is not possible to estimate the duration or outcome of the Investigation and, consequently, whether it will have any impact on future financial statements.

 

The Management is committed to taking all the necessary measures to clarify the facts and will keep the market informed of any progress on this matter.

 

 

 

 

F - 80