CRESUD
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 6-K
REPORT OF FOREIGN ISSUER
PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15b-16 OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the month of May 2003
Cresud S.A.C.I.F. and A
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
Republic of Argentina
(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
Hipolito Yrigiyen 440, 3rd Floor, (1001)
Buenos Aires, Argentina
(Address of principal executive offices)
Form 20-F x Form 40-F o
Indicate by check mark whether the
registrant by furnishing the information contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Yes o
No x
CRESUD S.A.C.I.F. and A
(THE COMPANY)
REPORT ON FORM
6-K
Attached is an English translation of the press release related to the quarterly financial statements of the nine month period
ended on March 31, 2003.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant
has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the city of Buenos Aires, Argentina.
CRESUD S.A.C.I.F. ANDA
By:
/s/ SAÚL ZANG
Name:
Saúl Zang
Title:
Second Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors
Dated: May 13, 2003
CRESUD cordially invite you to participate in the third Quarter
Fiscal Year 2003 Results Conference Call
Thursday, May 15, 2003 at 10:30 a.m.,
Eastern Standard Time
The call will be hosted by:
Alejandro Elsztain, CEO
If you would like to participate, please call:
1-877-825-5811if you are in the US or
+(1 973) 582-2767 for international
calls
Preferably 10 minutes before the call is due to begin. The conference will be in English.
PLAYBACK
Friday, May 16, 2003
Please call:1-877-519-4471 (US)
+(1 973) 341-3080 (International) with the pin #3921107
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For further information
Alejandro Elsztain - CEO
Gustavo Mariani Finance Manager
+54 11 4323 - 7513
gmariani@cresud.com.ar
www.cresud.com.ar
Cresud announces its results for the first nine months of fiscal year 2003
Highlights
We obtained a Net Income of Ps. 44.0 million as compared to a Ps. 49.2 million loss
during the previous year.
We have increased our farmland portfolio in 7,036 hectares.
Cactus Argentina Feed Lot is operating at full capacity.
Favorable crops progress. The sunflower harvest was completed.
New land clearance investments have been undertaken (development of reserved areas).
Results from affiliate companies continue to improve.
Buenos Aires, May 12, 2003 - Cresud S.A.C.I.F.y A. (Nasdaq: CRESY - BASE: CRES), one of the leading agricultural companies in
Argentina, announces results for the nine months ended March 31, 2003.
The Financial Statements as of March 31, 2003 include the recognition of inflation effects until February 28, 2003, when
application of the financial statements restatement method was discontinued in accordance with the regulations of the Argentine Securities Commission (Comisión Nacional de Valores).
The figures for the period ended March 31, 2002 have been restated for comparison purposes, by using a 1.6647 coefficient, corresponding to the 66.47% wholesale inflation between March 2002 and February 2003.
Net Income for the first nine months of the 2003 fiscal year showed a profit of Ps. 44.0 million, compared to a Ps. 49.2 million loss during the same period of the previous year.
This improvement in the net income is attributable to an increase in operating income, which in turns is due to the positive effect of the Peso devaluation on the agricultural sector, the gains from cattle stock holding, and
positive results from Cresud affiliates.
Operating results during the nine-month period ended March 31, 2003 was yielded a Ps. 22.4 million profit, compared to a Ps. 0.8 million loss during the
same period of the previous year.
The affiliate companies result was a Ps. 50.2 million profit, mainly attributable to our 24% interest in IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones S.A. During the
nine months ended March 31, 2002, the result had been highly influenced by the economic market situation, which had negatively affected the value of IRSAs capital stock held by us, which was valued at market values while at present it is
valued according to the proportional equity value method.
Consolidated net sales of the periodamounted to Ps. 51.1 million, a 6.9% decrease compared to the same period of the previous
year, mainly due to a decrease in cattle sales.
Gross profitsduring the first nine months of fiscal year 2003 were Ps. 15.5 million as compared to Ps. 17.7 million during the same
period of the previous year, representing a 12.9% decrease. This reduction is mainly due to the lower gross profit from the grain sector. This business had been highly favored during the previous campaign because supplies had been
purchased at an exchange rate of Ps. 1 per U.S. Dollar while the production sale and valuation was made at a significantly higher exchange rate.
Summary of operations
I.
Crops
Accumulated sales during the first nine months of fiscal year 2003 totaled Ps. 37.9 million as compared to Ps. 31.6 million during the same period of the previous year. This
increase in sales in comparison with the first nine months of fiscal year 2002 was the result of the higher volume sold and the higher average price per ton sold.
During the nine months ended
March 31, 2003, 88,499 tons of grains were sold, representing a 5.7% increase with respect to the 83,752 tons sold during the first nine months of fiscal year 2002.
Average price per ton sold was
Ps. 428 as compared to Ps. 377 during the nine months of the previous year.
Gross profits amounted to Ps. 7.4 million, as compared to a Ps. 13.2 million during the same period of fiscal year
2002. This decrease is mainly due to the fact that a large portion of the supplies used during the previous campaign was purchased at an exchange rate of Ps. 1 per U.S. Dollar while during this campaign the exchange rate was considerably
higher.
During this quarter we have completed the wheat harvesting. The total production reached 10,109 tons, with an average yield of 26 quintals per hectare. In addition, as of the
date hereof, we have completed the sunflower harvesting, with a production of 2,904 tons and a yield of 15 quintals per hectare.
The worldwide grain stock level is presently low, and some
countries, like the United States, have stated their decision to increase their reserves. This fact together with the expectations of an increased consumption in Southeastern Asia as a result of the economic recovery of such region, forecast
favorable prospects for the grain price. Further, the Euro appreciation would contribute to further strengthen the European demand.
II. Beef-cattle
The beef-cattle segment showed a Ps. 8.3 million gross profitas compared to a Ps. 5.6 million profit during the same period of the previous year.
Sales
amounted to Ps. 11.4 million as compared to Ps. 20.1 million during the period ended March 31, 2002. The lower sales as compared to the previous year are attributable to the lower volume sold, as the average price per ton was slightly higher
during this period.
6,124 tons of beef-cattle were sold during the period, representing a 52.7% decrease with respect to the 12,961 tons sold during the first nine months of fiscal year
2002. This decrease is in part attributable to the lower beef-cattle production, which amounted to 7,477 tons during the first nine months of fiscal year 2003, representing a 23.4% decrease as compared to the production during the same period
of the previous year, mainly due to the lower number of cattle heads taken to the feed lot to complete the process, and to a 2.0% decrease in cow stock.
Steers average price at Liniers market during March was Ps. 2.03 per kilogram of live beef-cattle as compared to Ps. 1.59 during June
2002. The increase in prices provided a profit from cattle holding of Ps. 12.6 million.
More than one year after the last outbreak of foot and mouth disease which caused the closure of a large number of international
markets to Argentine beef-cattle, the reopening of new destinations for beef-cattle export has commenced, amounting as of the date hereof to 53 new ports. Important markets reincorporate such as the United States, Mexico and Canada are still
remaining, which have not yet lifted their restrictions but which are expected to do so in the next few months.
This reopening of international markets is beneficial for the local market as the
cattle price in U.S. dollars, even after the last few months increase, is very low if compared to that of our main international competitors, with the steer price being around US$ 0.65 per kilogram of live beef-cattle.
III. Milk
The milk segment showed a gross profit of Ps. 0.6 million as compared to a Ps. 0.6 million loss during the first nine months of the previous
year.
Sales decreased by 10.2% as compared to the first nine months of fiscal year 2002 as a result of a 16.2% drop in the volume sold, which is partially offset by an increase in the price per
liter of about 7.2%. The lower milk production is a result of the decrease in the number of milking cows, due to the sale of a portion of La Adela dairy farm and to a lower individual production per cow due to the shift to a lower cost feeding
system.
The average price per liter sold was Ps. 0.363, higher than the average price for the first nine months of fiscal year 2002 in which case had been Ps. 0.339.
Other Results
Commercial expenses totaled Ps. 2.8 million, out of which Ps. 2.1
million are attributable to crop production and Ps. 0.7 million to beef-cattle production. In respect of sales, commercial expenses from beef-cattle production represented 6.1% as compared to 6.7% during the same period of the previous
year.
Administrative expenses during the first 9 months of fiscal year 2003 amounted to Ps. 2.8 million and were 44.3% lower than those obtained during the same period of the previous year.
This decrease is due to the fact that many of the components of this item, such as salaries and fees, did not increase in accordance with inflation.
Financial Results
During the nine months ended March 31, 2003, financial results amounted to Ps. 17.1 million loss. This charge is basically explained by the fact that our U.S. dollar-denominated assets (US$ 64.3 million, out of
which US$ 49.7 million relate to our holding of IRSAs convertible notes) were negatively affected by the 22% Peso appreciation, thus giving rise to a foreign exchange difference of Ps. 45.4 million, partially offset by the Ps. 30.2 million
gain from the exposure of our U.S. dollar-denominated liabilities (US$ 54.8 millions, out of which US$ 49.8 million relate to the notes convertible into shares of our company).
It is worth being
noted that our holding of IRSA Convertible Notes is valued at its face value while its market value is significantly higher. In addition, for purposes of valuation of the assets and liabilities in local currency, the buying exchange rate and
the selling exchange rate are respectively taken into account, thus causing the negative charge to be higher.
Related Companies Results
The related companies results amounted to a Ps. 50.6 million profit during the first nine months of fiscal year 2003, out of which 47.5 million relate to our 24.0% interest in IRSA, the largest real estate company in
Argentina.
7,036 hectares increase in our land portfolio
In line with our strategy of reorganizing our business, we have sold the 618
hectares Los Maizales farmland, located in Teodelina, Province of Santa Fe and the 706 hectares San Luis farmland, located in OHiggins, Province of Buenos Aires.
Los Maizales was part of the Companys original group of land and it was mainly assigned to crop production. It was sold for US$ 1.9 million, which were paid upon execution of the deed. This sale
provided a Ps. 4.3 million profit, which shall be accounted for during the last quarter of this fiscal year.
San Luis had been acquired in 1997 and was also mainly assigned to crop
production. It was sold for US$ 2.2 million, which were paid upon execution of the deed. This sale provided a Ps. 0.5 million profit, which shall also be accounted for during the last quarter of the fiscal year.
The crops to be harvested from both facilities during the 2002-2003 campaign, which collection shall be made during May and June, shall be owned by Cresud.
The sale
of these two farmlands provided, in aggregate, a Ps. 4.8 million profit.
In addition, we continue consolidating our position in the grain production, by reinvesting the funds raised from the sale of these properties in
the purchase of an 8,360 hectares farmland, located in Trenel, Province of La Pampa. This farmland is presently assigned to crop and beef-cattle production, but it has a 100% agricultural potential if operated under the direct sowing modality,
which shall enable to increase its profitability and future value. The price agreed upon was US$ 9.3 million, which has already been paid, and the title deed has already been executed.
The
average price received from the two farmlands sold was US$ 3,100 per hectare while the price paid for the purchased farmland was US$ 1,100 per hectare.
The result of the three transactions was a
7,036 hectare increase in Cresuds portfolio, with a net investment of US$ 5.2 million.
After the devaluation of the Peso and the increase in crop and beef-cattle production profitability, an
increased demand for of land was noted, which caused prices to increase considerably, reaching levels, in U.S. Dollar terms, similar to those prevalent before the Argentine crisis. In this context and given, our experience we will be able to find
the best opportunities available in the market, both for the purchase and sale of property.
Cactus Argentina Feed Lot
During the
quarter the Feed Lot, Cactus Argentina, in which we hold a 50% interest, continued consolidating its growth, by attaining operations at its full capacity and thus providing a relevant cash generation partially used to settle liabilities in the
amount of Ps. 0.8 million. Further, during the last quarter an agreement was reached with one of the largest supermarket chains for the direct sale of part of the Feed Lot production.
Due to the excellent results obtained from the first Feed Lot, Cactus is currently evaluating the possibility of developing a second
facility.
Land clearance operations
In order to maximize the high profitability of the crop and
beef-cattle production business, during the quarter we undertook the first stage of new investments consisting on the clearance of 1,000 hectares for crop production at our Los Pozos farmland, which may be thereafter extended to 14,000
hectares for beef-cattle production and 1,100 hectares of Agro-irrigation for crops under irrigation.
Conversion of Notes
During the quarter ended March 31, 2003, the holders of Convertible Notes exercised their conversion rights. The aggregate number of converted Notes was 184,084 units of US$ 1 par value each, while the resulting number
of common shares issued was 362,510 shares of Ps. 1.0 par value each.
In this way, the amount of outstanding Convertible Notes is now US$ 49,815,916 while the number of Companys shares
increased by 0.3%, from 124,284,392 to 124,646,902. Prospects for the next quarter
Macroeconomic Context
We are in a quarter of relevant political definitions for the future of the country, where a somber context may potentially counterbalance the signs
of economic recovery presently experienced by the country. Fortunately, the electoral process was conducted without difficulties, which causes us to be optimistic.
The agenda of the next
President of Argentina shall include a number of unsolved issues. It should inexorably include the consummation of governableness agreements to attain the proposed goals. Such issues include, among others, reaching an agreement with
multilateral credit agencies, including tax-related commitments, and undertaking public policies aiming at reducing the high poverty level. Further, a successful restructuring of the sovereign public debt and the renegotiation of the
agreements with privatized public utilities companies shall be issues of the utmost importance for the countrys fate in the next few years.
Our business operations
The agricultural sector, and in particular crop farming, has proven to be one of the most successful in the new Argentine economy. Following the devaluation of the Peso, the new macroeconomic context has made
this operation very profitable. The guidelines should not change after the election of the next President, and therefore, we will be able to continue consolidating our operations by taking full advantage of new business opportunities that may
arise.
In respect of exports tax withholding, the presidential candidates have stated their intention to reduce them on a gradual basis, which will undoubtedly have a positive impact on our
profitability.
As of the date hereof, the wheat and soybean harvests are in progress and they are expected to be completed during the last quarter of the year. The yields obtained are very
good and we expect that this trend shall be maintained in the remaining hectares.
Our feed lot, Cactus Argentina, is improving its performance day after day. The average number of heads of cattle stock, as well as their
operating result, has been continuously growing from its opening, which enables us to plan an expansion of the business.
After the devaluation of the Peso and the increase in crop and
beef-cattle production profitability, an increased demand for of land was noted, which caused prices to increase considerably, reaching levels, in U.S. Dollar terms, similar to those prevalent before the Argentine crisis. In this context and given,
our experience we will be able to find the best opportunities available in the market, both for the purchase and sale of property.
During the nine months period, our website, fyo.com, showed a
positive EBITDA. The internet portal continues consolidating as the leading site of the agricultural sector and has began to expand the range of commercial services offered to the agricultural sector, with direct sales of supplies and grain
brokerage.
This press release contains statements that constitute forward-looking statements, in that they include statements regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of our
directors and officers with respect to our future operating performance. You should be aware that any such forward looking statements are no guarantees of future performance and may involve risks and uncertainties, and that actual results may
differ materially and adversely from those set forth in this press release. We undertake no obligation to release publicly any revisions to such forward-looking statements after the release of this report to reflect later events or
circumstances or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
Principal Operative Indicators
For the nine-month period ended March 31, 2003 and 2002
9 months as of March, 31 2003
9 months as of March, 31 2002
%
Sales Volume
Wheat (tons)
13,110
23,591
-44.4
%
Corn (tons)
45,017
25,609
75.8
%
Sunflower (tons)
3,791
1,282
195.7
%
Soybean (tons)
26,541
32,181
-17.5
%
Others (tons)
40
1,089
-96.3
%
Total crops (tons)
88,499
83,752
5.7
%
Beef Cattle (tons)
6,124
12,961
-52.7
%
Milk (Thousand of liters)
4,562
5,445
-16.2
%
Production
Wheat (Tons)*
9,397
28,051
-66.5
%
Corn (Tons)*
14,053
16,749
-16.1
%
Sunflower (Tons)*
2,904
2,361
23.0
%
Soybean (Tons) *
4,911
4,104
19.7
%
Beef Cattle (Tons)
7,477
9,762
-23.4
%
Milk (Thousand of liters)
4,562
5,445
-16.2
%
Area under Development (acres)
Crops **
Owned Farms
10,010
15,515
-35.5
%
Leased Farms
13,628
28,913
-52.9
%
Beef-cattle
Owned Farms
141,453
144,925
-2.4
%
Leased Farms
5,394
Area under Irrigation (acres)
2,814
3,012
-6.6
%
Storage Facilities (tons)
23,450
24,000
-2.3
%
Head of Beef Cattle
88,229
89,901
-1.9
%
Dairy Stock (head of cattle)
1,297
1,348
-3.8
%
Principal Consolidated Indicators
For the nine-month period ended March 31, 2003 and 2002(In Argentine Pesos
denominated in constant currency as of 02/28/03)
Income Statement
9 months as of March, 31 2003
9 months as of March, 31 2002
%
Sales
Crops
37,905,971
31,607,482
19.9
%
Beef Cattle
11,414,198
20,130,678
-43.3
%
Milk
1,657,986
1,846,740
-10.2
%
Others
563,042
1,666,098
-66.2
%
Total Sales
51,541,197
55,250,998
-6.7
%
Tax on sales
(437,755
)
(374,610
)
16.9
%
Net Sales
51,103,442
54,876,388
-6.9
%
Cost of goods sold
Crops
(30,507,177
)
(18,433,727
)
65.5
%
Beef cattle
(3,132,233
)
(14,498,856
)
-78.4
%
Milk
(1,051,444
)
(2,457,282
)
-57.2
%
Others
(953,137
)
(1,744,877
)
-45.4
%
Total Cost
(35,643,991
)
(37,134,742
)
-4.0
%
Crops
7,398,794
13,173,755
-43.8
%
Beef cattle
8,281,965
5,631,822
47.1
%
Milk
606,543
(610,542
)
Others
(390,095
)
(78,779
)
Gross Income
15,459,451
17,741,646
-12.9
%
Selling expenses
(2,836,271
)
(6,388,449
)
-55.6
%
Administrative expenses
(2,848,558
)
(5,116,669
)
-44.3
%
Result from sale of fixed assets
8,234
4,413,183
Beef cattle holding results
12,629,645
(11,485,966
)
Operating income (loss)
22,412,501
(836,255
)
Financial and Holding results
Generated by assets
(45,000,923
)
(44,813,617
)
Generated by liabilities
27,950,843
(1,978,842
)
Donations
(2,199,288
)
Other income and expenses
(206,221
)
(349,059
)
Results from related companies
50,190,298
(79,047
)
Management fees
(4,887,308
)
Income before Income Tax
48,259,902
(48,056,819
)
Income tax
(4,450,506
)
(1,386,034
)
Minority interest
176,376
255,489
Net Income
43,985,772
(49,187,364
)
Sumary of Balance Sheet
9 months as of
March, 31 2003
9 months as of
March, 31 2002
%
Current Assets
84,203,610
74,731,418
12.7
%
Non current Assets
504,240,660
331,209,895
52.2
%
Total Assets
588,444,270
405,941,313
45.0
%
Current Liabilities
31,709,779
56,246,667
-43.6
%
Non current Liabilities
167,538,326
12,457,922
Total Liabilities
199,248,105
68,704,589
Minority Interest
254,380
278,238
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
388,941,785
336,958,486
15.4
%
Principal Offices
Hipólito Yrigoyen 440
3rd Floor
Tel +(54 11) 4814-7800/9
Fax +(54 11) 4814-7876
www.cresud.com.ar
C1086AAF City of Buenos Aires Argentina
Relationship with InvestorsAlejandro Elsztain - CEO
Gustavo Mariani Finance Manager
Tel +(54 11) 4323 7513
e-mail gmariani@cresud.com.ar
Companys Legal CounselEstudio Zang, Bergel & Viñes
Tel +(54 11) 4322 0033
Florida 537 18th Floor
C1005AAK City of Buenos Aires
Argentina
Companys Independent AuditorsPricewaterhouseCoopers Argentina
Tel +(54 11) 4319 4600
Av. Alicia Moreau de Justo 240 2nd
Floor
C1107AAF City of Buenos Aires Argentina
Registrar and Transfer AgentCaja de Valores S.A.
Tel +(54 11) 4317 8900
25 de Mayo
362
C1002ABH City of Buenos Aires Argentina
ADSs DepositaryBank of New York
Tel +(1 212) 815 2296
101 Barclay Street
10286
New York, NY United States of America
BASE Symbol: CRES
Nasdaq Symbol: CRESY