RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL--(Marketwire - August 15, 2008) - MMX Mineração e Metálicos S.A.
(BOVESPA: MMXM3) (
SUMMARY OF THE PERIOD
-- MMX's iron ore production totaled 1.430 thousand tons in the 2Q08, with sales of 1.163 thousand tons, of which 57% to the domestic market and 43% to exports markets.
-- Net revenue reached R$90.1 million in the quarter reflecting the increase in sales volume from MMX Sudeste and Corumbá, higher exports and higher average prices.
-- In April 2008, the Extraordinary Shareholders' Meeting approved the split of MMX's common shares, in the proportion of 20 shares for each existing share.
-- At the Extraordinary Shareholders' Meeting held on June 19, 2008, the partial split-up of the Company was approved, with the allocation of portions of its net worth to IronX and to LLX, under the terms of the sale transaction of certain assets of MMX to Anglo American Participações em Mineração Ltda ("Anglo American").
-- On June 20, the 30-day withdrawal period for shareholders began, due to the partial split-up of the Company. The deadline for the withdrawal rights ended on July 21, with no shareholder exercising its withdrawal rights.
Analysis of the Quarters Consolidated Result
Production
MMX's iron ore production totaled 1,430 thousand tons in the 2Q08, of which 1,009 thousand tons from MMX Sudeste and 421 thousand tons from MMX Corumbá. In addition, MMX Corumbá produced 59.2 thousand tons of pig iron in the period. In the first semester of 2008 the iron ore production reached 2,656 thousand tons and the pig iron production totaled 112 thousand tons.
MMX Corumbá has carried on its iron ore production plan, aimed at producing 1.9 million tons in 2008. Up to the 2Q08, the iron ore production totaled 817 thousand tons. The pig iron plant reached its nominal production capacity of 400 thousand tons per year in January 2008, after the operation startup of its second blast furnace. However, in light of the lack of certified charcoal supply in the region, MMX has decided to revise the 2008 production to 230 thousand tons, as released in a Public Announcement on July 24. MMX has decided to adopt even more restrictive criteria than those imposed by law until higher standards are enforced by all MMX suppliers.
Up to the 2Q08, the MMX Sudeste iron ore production totaled 1,839 thousand tons. This level of production could have been even higher if it wasn't for the delay in the closing of a collective agreement with the employees to implement 4-shifts in the operations and in the hiring of workforce, which led MMX to revise its 2008 production to 4.3 million tons. The fourth shift was implemented in mid-May and MMX Sudeste is carrying on its iron ore production plan with estimated recovery of its effective production capacity expected for 2009.
Sales
In the 2Q08, iron ore Sales volume reached 1,163 thousand tons, of which 57% directed to the domestic market and 43% to the export market. Of total sales, MMX Sudeste contributed with 803 thousand tons and MMX Corumbá with 360 thousand tons. MMX Sudeste's sales to the export market were negatively affected by shipment problems at the Itaguaí port, where only 2 vessels were shipped, out of the 10 scheduled. This situation has been partially solved with the confirmation of 8 vessels to be shipped in the coming months. In the first semester of 2008 iron ore sales reached 2,111 thousand tons, of which 66% directed to the domestic market and 34% to the export market, and pig iron sales totaled 87 thousand tons.
Net Revenue
Net revenue in the 2Q08 reached R$90.1 million and was positively influenced by higher sales volume, higher exports volume, as well as higher average market prices, as a result of the annual iron ore price adjustment. Net revenue in the 1S08 was R$250 million.
Operating Revenue and Expenses
In the 1Q08, administrative expenses totaled R$12.8 million and sales expenses amounted to R$38.3 million in the 2Q08, and in the 1S08 these expenses amounted to R$65.7 million and R$69 million, respectively.
The negative other operating expenses of R$8.8 million in the 1Q08 reflect the goodwill amortization from the Minerminas and AVG acquisitions of R$14.9 million, which was partially offset by the reversion in the provision for inventory write-down to market value, in the amount of R$6.1 million. In the 1S08 the negative other operating expenses of R$24 million is due mainly to the goodwill amortization from the Minerminas and AVG acquisitions.
EBITDA
The 2Q08 EBITDA was R$56 million, positively affected by the decrease in administrative expenses. In the 1S08 the accumulated EBITDA was negative R$21.6 million. This indicator expresses the initial phase of MMX's operations, with production volume at a development phase, aimed at reaching full capacity. The Company expects systematical improvements as operations develop leading to sales increase.
Financial Result and debt
MMX recorded a net financial income of R$76 million in the 1Q08 and R$83 in the 1S08 as a result of: (a) R$22.1 million interest income in the quarter, obtained through the cash investment in marketable securities, and R$61 million interest income in the 1S08; (b) a R$55 million exchange rate variation gain in the quarter -- resulting from the effect of the 9% appreciation of the Brazilian Real in relation to the US Dollar on the foreign denominated debt, and R$68.3 million in the 1S08; and (c) R$1.1 million financial expenses in the quarter, mainly from interest payment on debt, with R$45.9 million financial expenses in the 1S08.
MMX recorded net cash of (R$421) million in the 2Q08:
-- Cash and equivalents balance totaled 528.6 million on June 30, 2008. -- Gross debt of R$950 million.
Non Operating Result
In the 2Q08, the Company recorded a negative non operating result of R$252.3 million due to the exclusion of the capital gain obtained as a result of the sale of a 15% stake in the former subsidiary LLX to Ontario Teachers Pension Plan (OTPP). As a result of the partial split-up of the Company's shareholders equity, this amount is no longer a MMX result. In the 1S08 this effect is nullified and the non operating result was of R$2.4 million.
Net Loss
The Company recorded a net loss of R$181.6 million in the 2Q08, mainly due to the negative non operating result which was partially offset by the positive operating and financial results. The Company recorded a net profit of R$2.6 million in the 1S08.
Capex
MMX continued its development plan in course, aimed at achieving the scheduled execution timeline. Total capex in fixed and deferred assets required in the Corumbá and Sudeste operations was of R$43 million in the 1Q08, and the total amount invested to date in MMX's operations reached R$456 million. In the first semester of 2008 investments amounted to R$86 million in MMX's operations, of which R$66 million in the Corumbá and Sudeste operations.
MMX's New Business Plan, disclosed on July 24, 2008, estimates total capex of US$1.5 billion up to 2015, of which US$62 million for MMX Corumbá Mining, US$333 million for MMX Corumbá Metallics, mainly in the billets plant, and US$1.1 billion in the expansion of MMX Sudeste.
Comments regarding the consolidated performance include information regarding future investments and mineral production volume outlook, which are not part of the quarterly revision scope, and therefore, were not revised by KPMG Auditores Independentes.
Parent Company Financial Statements
Listed below are the highlights for the 2Q08 and for the 1S08:
-- Net financial revenue of R$17.9 million in the 2Q08 and R$33.6 million in the 1S08; -- General and administrative expenses of R$20.4 million in the 1Q08 and R$34.1 million in the 1S08; -- Negative R$252.3 million non operating result in 1Q08 due to the exclusion of the capital gain obtained as a result of the sale of a 15% stake in the former subsidiary LLX to Ontario Teachers Pension Plan (OTPP). As a result of the partial split-up of the Company, this amount is no longer a MMX result. In the first semester of 2008 this effect is nullified; -- Shareholders' Equity of R$778 million at the quarter end.
MMX in Novo Mercado
MMX is listed on Bovespa's Novo Mercado, under the ticker MMXM3. The Company is included in the Special Corporate Governance Stock Index (IGC), the differentiated tag along index ("ITAG") and the Brasil Index ("IBrX-100"). Shares are priced at unitary price and traded in units.
The capital stock is composed exclusively of common shares and minority shareholders are entitled to the same treatment given to the controlling shareholder in the eventuality of a control block trade (100% tag along rights), as stated in the Company's Bylaws.
On April 7, 2008, following the Company's share split program, disclosed on the IPO memorandum, the third split of the Company's common shares was approved, in the proportion of 20 shares for each existing share. Therefore, the Company's capital stock is now represented by 304,610 thousand shares.
By the end of the 2Q08 MMX's free float reached 32.7%, represented by approximately 2,500 shareholders participating in the Bovespa, of which 2,149 are individual investors.
MMX's share price reached R$49.50 on June 30, 2008, corresponding to a 4.76% appreciation in the second quarter of 2008, a 5.3% appreciation in 2008 and 93% appreciation in 12 months. The market value reached R$15.1 billion.
In the second quarter of 2008, 45,751 thousand shares were traded in 38,747 transactions. MMX's shares were present in 100% of the stock exchange's trading days, with a daily average of 605 transactions, 392% higher than in the 1Q08, indicating an increase in the Company's share liquidity.
MMX's GDRs on the TSX
MMX is listed at the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) with its Level 1 Global Depositary Receipts ("GDR"), since June 2007, under the ticker XMM. With this initiative, MMX became the first Brazilian company to be listed in Canada.
After the share split approved in April 2008, each MMX share, which previously corresponded to 20 GDRs, now corresponds to 1 (one) GDR. On June 30, 2008, the GDRs represented 10.7% of the Company's free float, corresponding to 10,704 thousand common shares.
Subsequent Events
Acquisition of the Bom Sucesso Mining Right
On July 3, 2008, the Company, through an indirect subsidiary of MMX Sudeste Ltda., concluded the acquisition of the Bom Sucesso mining right for US$193 million, to be paid in four installments, with maturity in January, 2010. The Bom Sucesso site is a greenfield project to be developed by MMX.
With this acquisition, the MMX Sudeste System is now composed of the Serra Azul Unit -- consisting of the already operationally integrated AVG and Minerminas companies -- and the Bom Sucesso Unit. The Company expects the MMX Sudeste System to reach an annual iron ore production capacity of 33.7 million tons as of 2013, as disclosed in the New Business Plan released in a Public Announcement on July 24, 2008.
Result from End of the Withdrawal Rights Period
On July 22, 2008, MMX released a Notice to Shareholders announcing that no shareholder exercised its withdrawal rights as a result of the partial split-up (the "Partial Split-up"). The deadline for the above mentioned withdrawal rights ended on July 21st 2008.
The shares of IronX, LLX and MMX began trading separately in the BOVESPA Novo Mercado segment on July 28, 2008. The initial share price for each company was calculated by multiplying the portion of the net worth of MMX allocated to each company, according to the Appraisal Report prepared by KPMG Auditores Independentes, by the July 25 closing price of R$43.50. The trading started with an auction having the following prices as reference:
MMX: 42.78% x R$43.50 = R$18.61 LLX: 9.15% x R$43.50 = R$3.98 IronX: 48.07% x R$43.50 = R$20.91
Federal Police Investigation Process
On July 11, 2008, the Federal Police initiated an investigative process carried out through a search warrant issued by the 1st Federal Court of Macapá in MMX Amapá and MMS Logística. On July 23, 2008, MMX Amapá clarified, through a notice to the market, that:
The Amapá Railroad ("EFA" or the "Railway") was built in 1957 by Icomi (part of the Caemi Group) and returned to the State of Amapá in 2004, after an intense legal dispute that took place after the State of Amapá refused to assume the operations of the railroad that was running with recurring monthly losses and with poor maintenance conditions.
In this context, MMX Amapá accepted the burden to operate the Railway on an emergency basis under a 6-month contract, upon the State of Amapá committing to carry out a bidding process for the privatization of the Railway, as determined by a court decision, and to include in the rules of the tender the obligation of the Railway concessionaire to compensate MMX Amapá for the investments made under the terms of the emergency contract. MMX Amapá undertook to invest at least R$3 million in 6 months without any contractual assurances or additional collateral from the State of Amapá, and assumed the obligation to continue operating the Railway at a continuing deficit.
Thereafter, the bidding rules were published by the State of Amapá. In accordance with the rules the winning bidder would simply be the company who made the highest offer for the purchase of the EFA concession. Seven companies declared their interest to participate in the bidding process and conducted a survey of the Railway's facilities. However, on the bid date, January 31, 2006, only one company, of the MMX group posted the required bid bond at an amount of approximately US$1.6 million.
The bidding process for the EFA concession was twice challenged before courts, and all challenges were turned down confirming the legality of the bidding process.
Contrary to what was published by the media -- that the bid had been "influenced" by MMX Amapá -- the concession would be awarded to whomever bid the highest price for the concession, and all requirements and guaranties demanded from the bidders were proportional to the responsibilities from the future operator of the Railway, and there clearly has not been any intention to exclude suitable competitors from the bidding process.
The company of the MMX group that won the bid paid an acquisition price of R$814 thousand for the EFA concession. In addition, MMX Logística committed, as set forth by the bid rules, to make a minimum investment of R$40.7 million during the first 2 years of the concession. The group's investments in the Railways to date have exceeded R$70 million, almost double the minimum required by State. The EFA operates, until today, with successive monthly deficits accumulating more than R$60 million of losses to date.
Besides the investigation on the concession bid, there are investigations concerning alleged offenses related to the evasion of federal taxes by MPBA (through the sale of gold) and an "exchange of favors" that MPBA would have engaged with certain companies indirectly related to the state government. MPBA does not belong to the same group as MMX since January 2004. At that time MPBA did not carry out the production of gold in the State.
After revising all documents related to the investigation, Anglo American's consultants, that company and Eike Batista, MMX's and IronX's controlling shareholder, concluded the operation which led to Anglo American acquiring control of IronX, the company that controls the Minas-Rio and Amapá Systems iron ore projects.
In regards to the ongoing investigation in Brazil, Mr. Batista has offered a personal indemnity, with no additional obligation on MMX, to cover any potential losses that may be incurred by Anglo American Participações as a result of the investigation. Anglo American Participações has accepted the terms of the indemnity.
Anglo American Acquires the Control of IronX
On August 5, 2008, MMX, IronX Mineração S.A. ("IronX") and Anglo American Participações em Mineração Ltda. ("Anglo American"), announced to the market that Anglo American has acquired all shares of IronX directly owned by Mr. Eike Batista and certain other selling shareholders related to Mr. Eike Batista (the "Acquisition").
As a result of the Acquisition, Anglo American purchased, in cash, from Mr. Eike Batista and the other selling shareholders 193,462,160 common shares representing 63.3% of IronX's capital stock for an amount of approximately R$5.4 billion, representing a price of R$28.147 per common share of IronX.
Once the Acquisition has resulted in the transfer of control of IronX, Anglo American will launch a tender offer for the common shares held by the remaining IronX shareholders, in accordance with the terms and conditions of article 254-A of the Brazilian Corporate Law, CVM Instruction No. 361 and item 8.1 of the Rules of the Novo Mercado issued by Bovespa (the "Tag-Along Offer"), at the same IronX price-per-share paid to Mr. Eike Batista and the other selling shareholders. The total purchase, including the Acquisition, for 100% of the outstanding shares of IronX, if the Tag-Along Offer is successful, will amount to approximately R$8.6 billion.
Furthermore, according to a formal communication filed by Anglo American at the headquarters of the Company on March 31st, 2008, Anglo American intends to implement, concurrently to the Tag-Along Offer, a public offer to delist IronX and to withdraw IronX from the Novo Mercado segment of the Bovespa (the "Delisting Offer"). If the valuation made according to the laws and regulations applicable to the Delisting Offer reaches an amount per-share that is higher than the per-share price paid to Mr. Eike Batista and the other selling shareholders, Anglo American will decide whether or not to proceed with the Delisting Offer. If Anglo American decides not to proceed with the Delisting Offer it will nevertheless maintain and implement the Tag-Along Offer.
To this extent, the current management of IronX has called an extraordinary shareholders' meeting to be held on August 18th, 2008, which will decide upon, amongst other things, the (i) delisting of IronX from the Novo Mercado segment, and the (ii) engagement of the financial institution or specialized firm responsible for the preparation of the valuation report of the economic value of the shares of the Company.
Comments regarding parent company performance include information regarding future investments and mineral production volume outlook, which are not part of the quarterly revision scope, and therefore, were not revised by KPMG Auditores Independentes.
MMX Mineração e Metálicos S.A. (Public Company) Balance Sheet as of June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007 (In R$ '000) Parent Company Consolidated ----------------------- ----------------------- Assets 6/30/08 12/31/07 6/30/08 12/31/07 Current Cash and equivalents 393,235 368,931 528,579 1,424,938 Accounts Receivable - - 61,104 40,510 Inventories - - 140,826 153,968 Sundry advances 3,756 5,715 18,028 41,147 Recoverable taxes 31,102 23,118 43,606 36,479 Restricted Deposits 4,848 6,375 4,848 6,375 Contractual retention 11,438 42,992 11,438 42,992 Prepaid expenses 58 58 742 1,924 Accounts Receivable - transfer of fixed assets - 13,359 - - Other receivables 140 6 577 1,368 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- 444,577 460,554 809,748 1,749,701 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Non Current Long Term Sundry advances - - 11,230 41,621 Recoverable taxes 223 124 23,891 47,877 Prepaid expenses 179 203 233 257 Judicial deposits 8 8 306 611 Subsidiaries and associated companies 168,950 316,417 3,455 4,449 Loans to third party - - 2,887 2,774 Inventories - - 2,872 - ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- 169,360 316,752 44,874 97,589 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Permanent Assets Investments 242,141 1,077,377 1,214 3,396 Intangible 604 810 619,014 744,746 Provision for investment losses (9780) (9780) (9780) (9780) Goodwill from the acquisition of subsidiaries 9,784 9,990 571,826 457,499 Mining rights and concessions 600 600 52,013 285,156 Obligations related to withdrawal of assets - - 4,955 10,101 Right of Way - - - 1,770 Fixed 39,155 16,698 370,618 1,115,104 Deferred - - 49,166 278,953 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- 281,900 1,094,885 1,040,012 2,142,199 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- 895,837 1,872,191 1,894,634 3,989,489 =========== =========== =========== =========== MMX Mineração e Metálicos S.A. (Public Company) Balance Sheet as of June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007 (In R$ '000) Parent Company Consolidated ----------------------- ----------------------- Liabilities 6/30/08 12/31/07 6/30/08 12/31/07 Current Suppliers 8,987 15,351 40,593 129,116 Loans and Financing 754 548 333,263 701,900 Taxes and contributions payable 4,106 13,594 27,580 61,420 Salaries and payroll 274 4,528 2,621 17,564 Provision for losses from derivaties - - - 20,495 Investment acquisition liabilities - - 144,549 149,192 Fixed assets acquisition liabilities - - - 12,004 Subsidiaries and associated companies 1,211 682 544 2,851 Income tax and social contribution payable - - 2,948 84,859 Provision for uncovered liabilities 14,824 12,959 - - Third party payables 78,906 78,906 Other liabilities 1,560 2,948 7,917 41,360 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- 110,622 50,610 638,921 1,220,761 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Non current Long Term Loans and Financing 6,823 7,909 108,069 388,239 Taxes and contributions payable - - 511 972 Investment acquisition liabilities - - 364,109 437,038 Obligation related to withdrawal of assets and reforestation - - 5,758 12,431 Provision for contingencies - - 4,042 242 Fixed assets acquisition liabilities - 0 Results for future years - - - 68,774 Other liabilities - - 804 3,776 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- 6,823 7,909 483,293 911,472 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Minority Interest - - (5,972) 43,584 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Shareholders' Equity Capital stock 775,799 1,142,804 775,799 1,142,804 Profit Reserve - 670,868 - 670,868 Accumulated losses 2,593 - 2,593 - ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- 778,392 1,813,672 778,392 1,813,672 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- 895,837 1,872,191 1,894,634 3,989,489 =========== =========== =========== =========== MMX Mineração e Metálicos S.A. (Public Company) Income of Statement as of June 30, 2008 and 2007 (In R$ '000) Parent Company Consolidated ----------------------- ----------------------- 06/30/08 06/30/07 06/30/08 06/30/07 Gross operating revenue - - 269,862 50,551 Deductions - - (19,704) (601) ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Net operating revenue - - 250,158 49,950 Cost of goods sold and services rendered - - (167,401) (38,486) ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Gross income (lost) - - 82,757 11,464 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Other operating revenue (expenses) Administrative and general (34,128) (20,318) (65,738) (29,590) Selling - - (69,031) (35,666) Financial revenues 35,011 58,792 60,989 61,000 Financial expenses (552) (1,147) (45,898) (16,712) Exchange rate variation, net (889) 225 68,298 13,171 Equity result 14,566 (9,575) - - Provision for uncovered liabilities (11,415) - - - Provision for the booking of inventories at market value - - 3,647 - Goodwill amortization (27,827) Other operating revenue (expenses) - (12,174) 181 2,823 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Operating income (loss) 2,593 15,803 7,378 6,490 Non operating result - - 2,357 - ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Income (loss) before income tax and social contribution 2,593 15,803 9,735 6,490 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Income tax and social contribution - (7,732) (10,621) (7,732) Income (loss) before minority interest 2,593 8,071 (886) (1,242) ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Minority interest - - 3,479 9,313 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Net income (loss) for the period 2,593 8,071 2,593 8,071 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Net income (loss) per '000 shares - R$ - 1 =========== =========== Number of shares at the end of the period (per '000 shares) 7,608 =========== =========== MMX Mineração e Metálicos S.A. (Public Company) Statements of Cash Flow As of June 30, 2008 and 2007 (In R$ '000) Parent Company Consolidated ----------------------- ----------------------- 06/30/08 06/30/07 06/30/08 06/30/07 Cash flow from operating activities Net income (loss) for the period 2,593 8,071 2,593 8,071 Items not affecting working capital Depreciation and amortization 837 82 44,472 4,906 Equity result 14,566 9,575 - - Provision for uncovered liabilities 1,865 12,174 - - Monetary variation and interest 11,047 (9,560) (36,449) (30,083) Minority interest - - 131,389 49,780 Gain from change in percentage of interest held in subsidiraries - - - - Residual cost on disposal of fixed assets 15 - 45,762 3,804 Changes in assets and liabilities Increase in contractual retentions 31,554 104,539 31,554 104,539 Increase (decrease) in restricted deposits 1,528 (146) 1,527 (146) Increase (decrease) in inventories - - (1,959) (84,539) Increase (decrease) in accounts receivable - (8,984) (36,190) (71,256) Subsidiaries and associated companies - - 561 - Increase in other credits 7,125 - (110,851) - Increase (decrease) in suppliers (6,365) (674) (28,206) 30,300 Increase in payable income tax and social contributions - - 42,852 - Increase in payable taxes and contributions (9,488) - 8,098 - Investment acquisition liabilities - - 39,169 - Increase (decrease) in other liabilities 73,263 10,812 (312) 540,006 Increase in investment acqusition liabilities - - 39,116 - Increase in future results - - 288,502 - ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Net cash generated by (used in) operating activities 128,540 125,889 461,628 69,382 Cash flow from investing activities Credit from related parties Acquiried loans (173,422) (204,517) - - Settled loans 311,507 170,817 - - Provision for losses with derivatives - - (20,495) - Acquisition for permanent investments in other companies (333,887) (147,222) (204,152) (9,780) Decrease in the amount for investment acquisition - - - (76,967) Obligation related to withdrawal of assets - - (1,360) - Acquisition of permanent assets (23,309) (557) (607,169) (361,985) Write-off rights - - - 525 Acquisition of mining rights - - 17,383 (11,027) Additions to deferrred assets - - (264,464) 51,764 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Net cash generated by (used in) investing activities (219,111) (181,479) (1,080,257) (407,470) ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Cash flow from financing activities Capital decrease, net (367,005) - - - Decrease in profit reserves (670,868) - - - Loans and financing Acquired loans - - 704,077 464,711 Settled loans (334) (10,038) (416,342) (158,033) Debits with related parties Acquired loans 57,230 - - - Settled loans (58,911) - - - ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Net cash generated by (used in) financing activities (1,039,888) (10,038) 287,735 306,678 Net effect from split-up 1,154,763 - (565,465) - ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Statement of increase (decrease) in the cash and equivalents At the beggining of the period 368,931 727,843 1,424,938 779,212 At the end of the period 393,235 662,215 528,579 747,802 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Increase (decrease) in cash and equivalents 24,304 (65,628) (896,359) (31,410) =========== =========== =========== ===========