20-F 1 d174525d20f.htm 20-F 20-F

As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 29, 2016

 

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 20-F

 

 

(Mark one)

 

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

OR

 

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

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015

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

For the transition period from                     to

Commission file number: 001-14950

 

 

ULTRAPAR PARTICIPAÇÕES S.A.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

ULTRAPAR HOLDINGS INC.

(Translation of Registrant’s name into English)

The Federative Republic of Brazil

(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

Av. Brigadeiro Luis Antônio, 1343, 9º Andar

São Paulo, SP, Brazil 01317-910

Telephone: 55 11 3177 6695

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

 

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

Common Shares, without par value (represented by, and

traded only in the form of, American Depositary Shares

(evidenced by American Depositary Receipts), with each

American Depositary Share representing one common share)

   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:

None

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

The number of outstanding shares of each class as of December 31, 2015.

 

Title of Class

  

Number of Shares Outstanding

Common Stock

   556,405,096

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

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

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    x  Yes    ¨  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 Regulations 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    x  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 Standards as issued    other  ¨
   by the International Accounting Standards Board x   

Indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow: Item 17 ¨ Item 18 x

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 x No

 

 

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

     Page  

PART I

     7   

ITEM  1.            IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISORS

     7   

ITEM  2.            OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIME TABLE

     7   

ITEM  3.            KEY INFORMATION

     7   

ITEM  4.            INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY

     29   

ITEM  4A.         UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

     96   

ITEM  5.            OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS

     96   

ITEM  6.            DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES

     127   

ITEM  7.            MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

     140   

ITEM  8.            FINANCIAL INFORMATION

     142   

ITEM  9.            THE OFFER AND LISTING

     149   

ITEM  10.          ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

     150   

ITEM  11.          QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

     165   

ITEM  12.          DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES

     173   

PART II

     175   

ITEM  13.          DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES

     175   

ITEM  14.          MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS

     175   

ITEM  15.          CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

     175   

ITEM  16.          [Reserved]

     177   

ITEM  16A.      AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT

     177   

ITEM  16B.     CODE OF ETHICS

     177   

ITEM  16C.      PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

     178   

ITEM  16D.      EXEMPTIONS FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEES

     179   

ITEM  16E.       PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS

     180   

ITEM  16F.       CHANGE IN REGISTRANT’S INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

     180   

ITEM  16G.     CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

     180   

ITEM  16H.     MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE

     183   

PART III

     183   

ITEM  17.          FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

     183   

ITEM  18.          FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

     183   

ITEM  19.          EXHIBITS

     183   

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

     F-1   

 

i


INTRODUCTION

Ultrapar is a Brazilian company with almost 80 years of history, with leading positions in the markets in which it operates: specialized distribution and retail through Ultragaz, Ipiranga and Extrafarma, production of specialty chemicals through Oxiteno and liquid bulk storage services through Ultracargo. Ultragaz is the leader in LPG distribution in Brazil with a 23% market share in 2015 and one of the largest independent LPG distributors in the world in terms of volume sold. We deliver LPG to an estimated 11 million households through a network of approximately 5,100 independent retailers in the bottled segment and to approximately 50 thousand customers in the bulk segment. Ipiranga is the second largest fuel distributor in Brazil, with a network of 7,230 service stations and 22% market share in 2015. Oxiteno is one of the largest producers of ethylene oxide and its main derivatives in Latin America, a major producer of specialty chemicals and the sole producer of fatty-alcohols and related by-products in Latin America. Oxiteno has twelve industrial units in Brazil, Mexico, the United States, Uruguay and Venezuela and commercial offices in Argentina, Belgium, China and Colombia. Ultracargo has a leading position in its sector, being the largest provider of storage for liquid bulk in Brazil, with six terminals and a storage capacity of 630 thousand cubic meters as of December 31, 2015. Extrafarma is one of the leading drugstore chains in the North and Northeast of Brazil, with 254 drugstores and two distribution centers operating in December 2015. The Extrafarma Transaction closed on January 31, 2014 and, accordingly, Extrafarma’s results of operations were consolidated into Ultrapar’s results of operations as from February 1, 2014. See “Item 4.A. Information on the Company — History and Development of the Company — Extrafarma Transaction.”

References in this annual report to “Ultrapar”, “we”, “our”, “us” and “the Company” are to Ultrapar Participações S.A. and its consolidated subsidiaries (unless the context otherwise requires). In addition, all references in this annual report to:

 

    “ABIHPEC” are to Associação Brasileira da Indústria de Higiene Pessoal, Perfumaria e Cosméticos, the Brazilian association of personal care products;

 

    “ABIQUIM” are to Associação Brasileira da Indústria Química, the Brazilian association of chemical industries;

 

    “ABTL” are to Associação Brasileira de Terminais de Líquidos, the Brazilian association of liquid bulk terminal operators;

 

    “ABRAFARMA” are to Associação Brasileira de Redes de Farmácias e Drogarias, the Brazilian association of pharmacy and drugstore chains;

 

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

 

    “ADSs” are to our American Depositary Shares, each representing (i) one common share, with respect to any period on or after August 17, 2011; or (ii) one non-voting preferred share, with respect to any period prior to August 17, 2011;

 

    “am/pm” are to Ipiranga’s convenience stores franchise network that operate under the brand am/pm, managed by am/pm Comestíveis Ltda.;

 

    “American Chemical” are to American Chemical I.C.S.A., a company that was acquired by Oxiteno in November 2012, currently Oxiteno Uruguay;

 

    • “ANFAVEA” are to Associação Nacional dos Fabricantes de Veículos Automotores, the Brazilian association of vehicle producers;

 

    “ANP” are to the Agência Nacional de Petróleo, Gás Natural e Biocombustíveis, the Brazilian oil, natural gas and biofuels regulatory agency;

 

    “ANVISA” are to the Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária, the Brazilian health surveillance agency;

 

    “Arch Andina” are to Arch Química Andina, C.A., a company that was acquired by Oxiteno in September 2007, currently Oxiteno Andina;

 

    “Aqces” are to Aqces Logística Internacional Ltda.;

 

1


    “BM&FBOVESPA” are to the BM&FBOVESPA S.A. – Bolsa de Valores, Mercadorias e Futuros, the São Paulo Stock Exchange;

 

    “Braskem” are to Braskem S.A.;

 

    “Brazilian Corporate Law” are to Law No. 6,404 enacted in December 1976, as amended by Law No. 9,457 enacted in May 1997, by Law No. 10,303 enacted in October 2001, by Law No. 11,638 enacted in December 2007, by Law No. 11,941 enacted in May 2009, and by Law No. 12,431 enacted in June 2011;

 

    “Brazilian government” are to the federal government of the Federative Republic of Brazil;

 

    “Canamex” are to the chemical business formerly owned by the Berci Group, a company that was acquired by Oxiteno in December 2003, currently Oxiteno Mexico;

 

    “CBPI” are to Companhia Brasileira de Petróleo Ipiranga, a company that was merged into IPP in November 2009;

 

    “CBL” are to Chevron Brasil Ltda. (currently IPP), a former subsidiary of Chevron that, together with Galena, held Texaco;

 

    “CDI” are to the Brazilian money market interest rate (Certificados de Depósito Interbancário);

 

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

 

    “Chevron” are to Chevron Latin America Marketing LLC and Chevron Amazonas LLC;

 

    “Cia Ultragaz” are to Companhia Ultragaz S.A.;

 

    “ConectCar” are to ConectCar Soluções de Mobilidade Eletrônica S.A., a joint venture initially formed by Ipiranga and OTP (Odebrecht Transport S.A.), which started its operations in November 2012. In January 2016, Redecard S.A. acquired OTP’s interest in ConectCar;

 

    “Conversion” are to the conversion of all preferred shares issued by the company into common shares, at a ratio of 1 (one) preferred share for 1 (one) common share, as approved at the extraordinary general shareholders’ meeting and the special preferred shareholders’ meeting, both held on June 28, 2011;

 

    “CVM” are to Comissão de Valores Mobiliários, the Securities and Exchange Commission of Brazil;

 

    “ICVM 527/12” are to CVM Instruction No. 527/12, issued by CVM on October 4, 2012, which governs the voluntary disclosure by listed companies in Brazil of EBITDA — Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization, and EBIT— Earnings Before Interest and Taxes, for the results disclosed from January 1, 2013 onwards;

 

    “Deposit Agreement” are to the Deposit Agreement between Ultrapar Participações S.A. and the Bank of New York Mellon, dated September 16, 1999, and all subsequent amendments thereto;

 

    “DNP” are to Distribuidora Nacional de Petróleo Ltda., a company that was acquired by Ipiranga in October 2010 and was merged into IPP in February 2011;

 

    “DPPI” are to Distribuidora de Produtos de Petróleo Ipiranga S.A., a company that was merged into CBPI in December 2008;

 

    “EMCA” are to Empresa Carioca de Produtos Químicos S.A.;

 

    “Extrafarma” are to Imifarma Produtos Farmacêuticos e Cosméticos S.A.;

 

    “Extrafarma Transaction” are to the merger of Extrafarma with Ultrapar on January 31, 2014, as described in “Item 4.A. Information on the Company — History and Development of the Company — Extrafarma Transaction.”

 

    “FGTS” are to Fundo de Garantia do Tempo de Serviço, the Brazilian government severance indemnity fund;

 

    “Galena” are to Sociedade Anônima de Óleo Galena Signal, a former subsidiary of Chevron that, together with CBL, held Texaco;

 

2


    “IAS” are to International Accounting Standard;

 

    “IFRS” are to International Financial Reporting Standards, as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”);

 

    “IGP-M” are to General Index of Market Prices of Brazilian inflation, calculated by the Getulio Vargas Foundation;

 

    “IMS Health” are to IMS Health Holdings, Inc.;

 

    “Ipiranga” are to Ultrapar’s subsidiaries that operate in the fuel distribution business and related activities;

 

    “Ipiranga Group” are to RPR, DPPI, CBPI, Ipiranga Química S.A. (“IQ”), Ipiranga Petroquímica S.A. (“IPQ”), Companhia Petroquímica do Sul S.A. (“Copesul”) and their respective subsidiaries prior to their sale to Ultrapar, Petrobras and Braskem;

 

    “Ipiranga Group SPA” are to the Share Purchase Agreement entered into and among Ultrapar, with the consent of Petrobras and Braskem, and the Key Shareholders on March 18, 2007;

 

    “Ipiranga Group Transaction Agreements” are to agreements related to the acquisition of Ipiranga Group by Ultrapar, Petrobras and Braskem. Each Ipiranga Group Transaction Agreement is incorporated by reference to Exhibits 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6 and 4.7 to Form 20-F of Ultrapar Participações S.A. filed on June 7, 2007;

 

    “IPP” are to Ipiranga Produtos de Petróleo S.A., formerly CBL;

 

    “Key Shareholders” are to Ipiranga Group’s former controlling shareholders prior to the closing of the Ipiranga Group SPA;

 

    “Latin America” are to countries in America other than the United States and Canada;

 

    “LPG” are to liquefied petroleum gas;

 

    “LPG International” are to LPG International Inc.;

 

    “Maxfácil” are to Maxfácil Participações S.A., a company that was split between the partners in proportion to their shareholdings and subsequently merged by each partner in November 2012;

 

    “NYSE” are to the New York Stock Exchange;

 

    “Northern Distribution Business” are to former CBPI’s fuel and lubricant distribution businesses located in the North, Northeast and Midwest regions of Brazil;

 

    Novo Mercado” are to Novo Mercado listing segment of BM&FBOVESPA;

 

    “Selic” are to the Brazilian base interest rate;

 

    “Oleoquímica” are to Oleoquímica Indústria e Comércio de Produtos Químicos Ltda.;

 

    “Oxiteno Andina” are to the business of Oxiteno carried out in Venezuela;

 

    “Oxiteno Mexico” are to the business of Oxiteno carried out in Mexico;

 

    “Oxiteno Nordeste” are to Oxiteno Nordeste S.A. Indústria e Comércio;

 

    “Oxiteno Overseas” are to Oxiteno Overseas Co.;

 

    “Oxiteno Uruguay” are to the business of Oxiteno carried out in Uruguay;

 

    “Oxiteno USA” are to the business of Oxiteno carried out in the United States;

 

    “Oxiteno” are to Oxiteno S.A. – Indústria e Comércio, our wholly owned subsidiary and its subsidiaries that produce ethylene oxide and its principal derivatives, fatty alcohols and other specialty chemicals;

 

    “Petrobras” are to Petrobras – Petróleo Brasileiro S.A.;

 

    “Petrochemical Business” are to IQ, IPQ and IPQ’s stake in Copesul;

 

3


    “PIS and COFINS taxes” are to Programa de Integração Social (Integration Program Taxes) and Contribuição para o Financiamento da Securidade Social (Contribution for the Financing of Social Security Taxes), respectively;

 

    “PFIC” are to Passive Foreign Investment Company;

 

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

 

    “Repsol” are to Repsol Gás Brasil S.A., a company that was acquired by Ultragaz in October 2011 and was merged into Cia Ultragaz in December 2012;

 

    “RPR” are to Refinaria de Petróleo Riograndense S.A. (formerly Refinaria de Petróleo Ipiranga S.A.), a joint venture owned by Petrobras, Braskem and Ultrapar;

 

    “SBP” are to Sociedade Brasileira de Participações Ltda., a company that was merged into IPP in August 2009;

 

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

 

    “Securities Act” are to the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended;

 

    • “Serma” are to Associação dos Usuários de Equipamentos de Processamento de Dados e Serviços Correlatos, our wholly owned company, responsible for providing IT services to Ultrapar;

 

    “Share Exchange” are to the exchanges of RPR’s, DPPI’s and CBPI’s preferred shares and any remaining common shares for Ultrapar’s preferred shares in connection with the acquisition of Ipiranga Group;

 

    “Sindigás” are to the Brazilian association of LPG distributors;

 

    “Sindicom” are to the Brazilian association of fuel distributors;

 

    “Sindusfarma” are to Sindicato da Indústria de Produtos Farmacêuticos no Estado de São Paulo, the Brazilian association of the industry of pharmaceutical products in the state of São Paulo;

 

    “Southern Distribution Business” are to Ipiranga Group’s fuel and lubricant distribution businesses located in the South and Southeast regions of Brazil and their related activities;

 

    “STF” are to Supremo Tribunal Federal, the Brazilian Supreme Federal Court;

 

    “SUDENE” are to Superintendência do Desenvolvimento do Nordeste, the development agengy of the Northeast of Brazil;

 

    “Temmar” are to Terminal Marítimo do Maranhão S.A., a company that was acquired by Ultracargo in August 2012 and was merged into Tequimar in December 2013;

 

    “Tequimar” are to Terminal Químico de Aratu S.A., Ultrapar’s subsidiary that operates in the liquid bulk storage segment;

 

    “Texaco” are to the Texaco-branded fuels marketing business in Brazil, previously carried-out by CBL and Galena, companies that were acquired by Ipiranga in March 2009;

 

    “Tropical” are to Tropical Transportes Ipiranga Ltda.;

 

    “TRR” are to Retail Wholesale Resellers, specialized resellers in the fuel distribution;

 

    “Ultra S.A.” are to Ultra S.A. Participações, a holding company owned by members of the founding family and senior management of Ultrapar. Ultra S.A. is the largest shareholder of Ultrapar, holding 22% of its total capital stock. Prior to the Conversion, Ultra S.A. owned 66% of the voting capital of Ultrapar;

 

    “Ultracargo” are to Ultracargo Operações Logísticas e Participações Ltda., our wholly owned subsidiary and its subsidiaries that provide storage, handling and logistics services for liquid bulk cargo;

 

    “Ultragaz” are to Ultrapar’s subsidiaries that operate in the distribution of LPG;

 

    “União Terminais” are to União Terminais e Armazéns Gerais Ltda., a company that was merged into Tequimar in December 2008;

 

4


    “União Vopak” are to União Vopak Armazéns Gerais Ltda., a joint venture in which Ultracargo has a 50% stake;

 

    “Unipar” are to União das Indústrias Petroquímicas S.A.;

 

    “U.S. Holder” has the meaning given in “Item 10. Additional Information – E. Taxation – U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations”;

 

    “US$”, “dollar”, “dollars” or “U.S. dollars” are to the United States dollar; and

 

    “2014 Ultra S.A. Shareholders’ Agreement” has the meaning given in “Item 4.A. Information on the Company — History and Development of the Company”, “Item 7.A. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions — Major Shareholders” and “Item 10. Additional Information — Material Contracts”.

Unless otherwise specified, data related to (i) the Brazilian petrochemical industry included in this annual report were obtained from ABIQUIM, (ii) the LPG business were obtained from Sindigás and ANP, (iii) the fuel distribution business were obtained from Sindicom and ANP, (iv) the liquid bulk storage industry were obtained from ABTL, and (v) the retail pharmacy business were obtained from ABRAFARMA, IMS Health, ABIHPEC and Sindusfarma.

PRESENTATION OF FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Our audited consolidated financial statements included in Item 18 were prepared in accordance with IFRS and include our consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 and the related consolidated income statements, statements of comprehensive income, changes in equity and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, as well as notes thereto.

The financial information presented in this annual report should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements.

On January 31, 2014, Ultrapar acquired Extrafarma, one of Brazil’s top ten drugstore chains, marking our entry in the retail pharmacy business. The results of operations of the business acquired were consolidated into Ultrapar’s financial statements as from February 1, 2014. Ultrapar’s financial statements as of and for the periods prior to February 1, 2014 do not reflect any financial information of the acquired businesses. Accordingly, unless otherwise stated, 2014 financial and operational information for Extrafarma presented in this annual report relates to and refers to the 11-month period from February 1, 2014 to December 31, 2014 only. See “Item 4.A. Information on the Company — History and Development of the Company — Extrafarma Transaction.”

On April 25, 2016 the exchange rate for Reais into U.S. dollars was R$3.547 to US$1.00, based on the commercial selling rate as reported by the Central Bank. The commercial selling rate was R$3.905 to US$1.00 on December 31, 2015, and R$2.656 to US$1.00 on December 31, 2014. The Real/dollar exchange rate fluctuates widely, and the current commercial selling rate may not be indicative of future exchange rates. See “Item 3.A. Key Information — Selected Consolidated Financial Data — Exchange Rates” for information regarding exchange rates for the Brazilian currency. Solely for the convenience of the reader, we have translated some amounts included in “Item 3.A. Key Information — Selected Consolidated Financial Information” and elsewhere in this annual report from Reais into U.S. dollars using the commercial selling rate as reported by the Central Bank at December 31, 2015 of R$3.905 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. The Real/dollar exchange rate has presented significant volatility since December 31, 2015 and as of the date of this annual report is considered materially different from the rate used to perform the translations throughout this document.

Segment information for our businesses is presented on an unconsolidated basis. Consequently, intercompany transactions have not been eliminated in segment information, and such information may differ from consolidated financial information provided elsewhere in this annual report. See “Item 7.B. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions — Related Party Transactions” for more information on intercompany transactions.

 

 

5


Certain figures included in this annual report have been subject to rounding adjustments. Accordingly, figures shown as totals in certain tables and charts may not be an arithmetic aggregation of the figures that precede them.

Market share and economic information

All market share information, unless otherwise specified, related to (i) the LPG business was obtained from ANP, (ii) the fuel distribution business was obtained from Sindicom and ANP, (iii) the liquid bulk storage industry was obtained from ABTL and (iv) the retail pharmacy business was obtained from ABRAFARMA. Unless otherwise specified, all macroeconomic data are obtained from the Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística—IBGE, Fundação Getulio Vargas—FGV and the Central Bank. Although we do not have any reason to believe any of this information is inaccurate in any material respect, we have not independently verified any such information.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This annual report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act subject to risks and uncertainties, including our estimates, plans, forecasts and expectations regarding future events, strategies and projections. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they were made, and we undertake no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements after we distribute this annual report because of new information, future events and other factors. Words such as “believe”, “expect”, “may”, “will”, “plan”, “strategy”, “prospect”, “foresee”, “estimate”, “project”, “anticipate”, “can”, “intend” and similar words are intended to identify forward-looking statements. We have made forward-looking statements with respect to, among other things, our:

 

    strategy for marketing and operational expansion;

 

    capital expenditures forecasts; and

 

    development of additional sources of revenue.

The risks and uncertainties described above include, but are not limited to:

 

    the effect of the global economic situation on the Brazilian and Latin American economic condition;

 

    general economic and business conditions, including the price of crude oil and other commodities, refining margins and prevailing foreign exchange rates;

 

    competition;

 

    ability to produce and deliver products on a timely basis;

 

    ability to anticipate trends in the LPG, fuels, chemicals, logistics and retail pharmacy industries, including changes in capacity and industry price movements;

 

    changes in official regulations;

 

    receipt of official authorizations and licenses;

 

    political, economic and social events in Brazil;

 

    access to sources of financing and our level of indebtedness;

 

    ability to integrate acquisitions;

 

    regulatory issues relating to acquisitions;

 

    instability and volatility in the financial markets;

 

6


    availability of tax benefits; and

 

    other factors contained in this 20-F under “Item 3.D. Key Information—Risk Factors.”

Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties and are not a guarantee of future results. In light of the risks and uncertainties described above, the forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this annual report might not occur and our future results may differ materially from those expressed in or suggested by these forward-looking statements.

PART I

 

ITEM 1. IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISORS

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 2. OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 3. KEY INFORMATION

 

A. Selected Consolidated Financial Data

We have selected the following consolidated financial data from our audited consolidated financial statements, for the periods indicated. You should read our selected consolidated financial data in conjunction with “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects” and our audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in this annual report. Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in Reais in accordance with IFRS. The consolidated balance sheets as of and for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 and the consolidated income statements and cash flows as of and for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 are derived from our audited consolidated financial statements included in this annual report. See “Presentation of Financial Information” and “Item 5.A. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects — Operating Results — Critical accounting policies.” The following table presents our selected financial information in accordance with IFRS at the dates and for each of the periods indicated.

 

7


     Years Ended December 31  
     2015(1)     2015     2014     2013     2012     2011  
     (in millions, except per share data)  

Income statements data:

     US$        R$        R$        R$        R$        R$   

Net revenue from sales and services

     19,374.9        75,655.3        67,736.3        60,940.2        53,868.9        48,628.7   

Cost of products and services sold

     (17,653.6     (68,933.7     (62,304.6     (56,165.4     (49,768.1     (45,124.3
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross profit

     1,721.4        6,721.6        5,431.7        4,774.9        4,100.8        3,504.4   

Operating income (expenses)

            

Selling and marketing

     (644.5     (2,516.6     (2,158.7     (1,756.4     (1,579.6     (1,348.6

General and administrative

     (338.4     (1,321.3     (1,130.3     (1,012.3     (891.1     (773.7

Gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment and intangibles

     7.0        27.3        37.0        40.3        3.7        21.4   

Other operating income, net

     13.0        50.6        106.9        97.6        74.1        52.2   

Operating income before financial income (expenses) and share of profit of joint ventures and associates

     758.4        2,961.5        2,286.6        2,144.0        1,707.9        1,455.7   

Financial income

     109.2        426.4        366.0        240.6        208.2        309.1   

Financial expenses

     (289.3     (1,129.8     (811.4     (578.2     (478.5     (616.6

Share of profit (loss) of joint ventures and associates

     (2.8     (10.9     (16.5     (5.0     10.5        13.9   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income before income and social contribution taxes

     575.5        2,247.3        1,824.7        1,801.4        1,448.0        1,162.0   

Income and social contribution taxes

            

Current

     (205.4     (802.0     (615.1     (534.5     (356.3     (238.6

Deferred

     (3.8     (14.8     (21.7     (91.0     (108.4     (91.3

Taxes incentives

     21.1        82.4        63.4        52.8        43.4        28.2   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     (188.1     (734.3     (573.5     (572.7     (421.3     (301.7
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income for the year

     387.5        1,513.0        1,251.2        1,228.7        1,026.8        860.3   

Net income for the year attributable to:

            
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Shareholders of the Company

     385.0        1,503.5        1,241.6        1,225.1        1,019.9        854.3   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Non-controlling interests in subsidiaries

     2.4        9.5        9.7        3.6        6.9        6.0   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Earnings per share(2)

            

Basic

     0.71        2.76        2.28        2.29        1.91        1.60   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Diluted

     0.70        2.74        2.26        2.28        1.90        1.59   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Dividends per share

     0.41        1.60        1.42        1.37        1.17        0.98   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other financial data

            

Cash flows from operating activities

     819.9        3,201.7        2,650.7        2,120.7        2,443.7        1,673.7   

Cash flows from investing activities

     (205.3     (801.8     (1,540.2     (1,287.9     (1,565.0     (1,445.2

Cash flows from financing activities

     (645.5     (2,520.7     (539.3     (578.9     (622.7     (1,093.7

Depreciation and amortization(3)

     256.8        1,002.6        887.8        778.9        693.1        578.0   

EBITDA(4)

     1,012.4        3,953.3        3,157.9        2,918.0        2,411.4        2,047.5   

Net debt(5)

     (1,262.2     (4,928.4     (3,975.1     (3,425.9     (3,084.0     (2,882.8

Number of common shares (in thousands)(6)

     556,405.1        556,405.1        556,405.1        544,384.0        544,384.0        544,384.0   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1)  The figures in Reais for December 31, 2015 have been converted into U.S. dollars using the exchange rate of US$1.00 = R$3.905, which is the commercial rate reported by the Central Bank on that date. This information is presented solely for the convenience of the reader. You should not interpret the currency conversions in this annual report as a statement that the amounts in Reais currently represent such values in U.S. dollars. Additionally, you should not interpret such conversions as statements that the amounts in Reais have been, could have been or could be converted into U.S. dollars at this or any other foreign exchange rates. See “Item 3.A. Key Information — Selected Consolidated Financial Data — Exchange Rates.”
(2)  Earnings per share are calculated based on the net income attributable to Ultrapar’s shareholders and the weighted average shares outstanding during each of the years presented. Earnings per share for 2011 have been retroactively adjusted for the 1:4 stock split approved in the extraordinary general shareholders’ meeting held on February 10, 2011 described under “Item 4.A. Information on the Company — History and Development of the Company.”
(3)  Represents depreciation and amortization expenses included in cost of products and services sold and in selling, marketing, general and administrative expenses.
(4) 

EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization) is presented in this document in accordance with ICVM 527/12 and represents our net income before (i) income and social contribution taxes, (ii) net financial expense (income) and (iii) depreciation and amortization. The purpose of including EBITDA information is to provide a measure used by management for internal assessment of our operating results, and because a portion of our employee profit sharing plan is linked directly or indirectly to EBITDA performance. It is also a financial indicator widely used by investors and analysts to measure our ability to generate cash from operations and our operating performance. We also calculate EBITDA in connection with covenants related to some of our financing, as described in Note 14 to our consolidated financial statements. We believe EBITDA allows a better understanding not only of our financial performance but also of our capacity of meeting the payment of interest and principal from our debt and of obtaining resources for our investments and working capital. Our definition of EBITDA may differ from, and, therefore, may not be comparable with similarly titled measures used by other companies, thereby limiting its usefulness as a comparative measure. Because EBITDA excludes net financial expense (income), income and social contribution taxes and depreciation and amortization, it provides an indicator of general economic performance that is not affected by debt restructurings, fluctuations in interest rates or changes in income and social contribution taxes, depreciation and amortization. EBITDA is not a measure of financial performance under IFRS, and it should not be considered in isolation, or as a substitute for net income, as a measure of operating performance, as a substitute for cash flows from operations or as a measure of liquidity. EBITDA has material limitations that impair its value as a measure of a company’s overall profitability since it does not address certain ongoing costs of our business that could significantly affect profitability such as financial expense (income), income and social contribution taxes, depreciation and amortization. The tables below provide a reconciliation of net income and operating income to EBITDA for Ultrapar and a reconciliation of operating income to EBITDA for Ultragaz, Ipiranga, Oxiteno and Ultracargo for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012 and 2011, and the reconciliation of operating income to EBITDA for Extrafarma for the year ended December 31, 2015 and for 2014, related to the period from February 1 to December 31, 2014:

 

8


     Ultrapar  
     Reconciliation of net income to EBITDA  
     Years ended December 31  
     2015      2014      2013      2012      2011  
     (in millions of Reais)  

Net income

     1,513.0         1,251.2         1,228.7         1,026.8         860.3   

Depreciation and amortization

     1,002.6         887.8         778.9         693.1         578.0   

Net financial expenses

     703.3         445.4         337.6         270.3         307.6   

Income and social contribution taxes

     734.3         573.5         572.7         421.3         301.7   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

EBITDA(4)

     3,953.3         3,157.9         2,918.0         2,411.4         2,047.5   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

     Ultrapar  
     Reconciliation of operating income to EBITDA  
     Years ended December 31  
     2015     2014     2013     2012      2011  
     (in millions of Reais)  

Operating income before financial income (expenses) and share of profit (loss) of joint-ventures and associates

     2,961.5        2,286.6        2,144.0        1,707.9         1,455.7   

Depreciation and amortization

     1,002.6        887.8        778.9        693.1         578.0   

Share of profit (loss) of joint-ventures and associates

     (10.9     (16.5     (5.0     10.5         13.9   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

EBITDA(4)

     3,953.3        3,157.9        2,918.0        2,411.4         2,047.5   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

     Ultragaz  
     Reconciliation of operating income to EBITDA  
     Years ended December 31  
     2015     2014      2013      2012      2011  
     (in millions of Reais)  

Operating income before financial income (expenses) and share of profit (loss) of associates

     213.9        169.0         147.0         114.3         163.4   

Depreciation and amortization

     143.2        136.4         133.5         131.4         117.5   

Share of profit (loss) of associates

     (0.1     0.2         0.0         0.0         0.0   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

EBITDA(4)

     357.0        305.5         280.5         245.7         280.9   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

     Oxiteno  
     Reconciliation of operating income to EBITDA  
     Years ended December 31  
     2015      2014      2013      2012     2011  
     (in millions of Reais)  

Operating income before financial income (expenses) and share of profit (loss) of associates

     579.5         264.2         308.6         228.8        156.0   

Depreciation and amortization

     158.3         138.5         131.9         123.1        106.3   

Share of profit (loss) of associates

     2.0         1.0         0.1         (0.1     0.0   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

EBITDA(4)

     739.8         403.7         440.6         351.8        262.3   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

9


     Ultracargo  
     Reconciliation of operating income to EBITDA  
     Years ended December 31  
     2015     2014      2013      2012      2011  
     (in millions of Reais)  

Operating income before financial income (expenses) and share of profit of
joint-ventures and associates

     (16.1     117.3         108.9         105.5         87.4   

Depreciation and amortization

     41.7        49.4         47.3         36.6         28.2   

Share of profit of joint-ventures and associates

     0.7        0.2         1.3         0.6         1.2   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

EBITDA(4)

     26.3        166.9         157.5         142.7         116.8   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

     Ipiranga  
     Reconciliation of operating income to EBITDA  
     Years ended December 31  
     2015      2014      2013      2012      2011  
     (in millions of Reais)  

Operating income before financial income (expenses) and share of profit of joint-ventures and associates

     2,154.6         1,758.1         1,574.7         1,254.4         1,042.4   

Depreciation and amortization

     612.7         529.0         454.2         390.7         316.2   

Share of profit of joint-ventures and associates

     1.5         1.0         0.8         7.4         7.9   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

EBITDA(4)

     2,768.8         2,288.0         2,029.6         1,652.6         1,366.4   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

     Extrafarma  
     Reconciliation of operating income to EBITDA  
     Years ended December 31  
     2015      2014(7)      2013      2012      2011  
     (in millions of Reais)  

Operating income before financial income (expenses)

     5.0         16.9            

Depreciation and amortization

     23.7         12.8            
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

EBITDA(4)

     28.7         29.8         —           —           —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

10


The reconciliation of EBITDA to cash flows from operating activities for the years ending December 31, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012 and 2011 is presented in the table below:

 

     2015     2014     2013     2012     2011  
     (in millions of Reais)  

Net income for the year

     1,513.0        1,251.2        1,228.7        1,026.8        860.3   

Adjustments to reconcile net income to EBITDA:

          

Depreciation and amortization

     1,002.6        887.8        778.9        693.1        578.0   

Net financial expenses

     703.3        445.4        337.6        270.3        307.6   

Income and social contribution taxes

     734.3        573.5        572.7        421.3        301.7   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

EBITDA(4)

     3,953.3        3,157.9        2,918.0        2,411.4        2,047.5   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjustments to reconcile EBITDA to cash provided by operating activities:

          

Financial result that affected the cash flow from operating activities

     879.2        519.4        274.5        345.2        424.4   

Current income and social contribution taxes

     (802.0     (615.1     (534.5     (356.3     (238.6

Tax incentives (income and social contribution taxes)

     82.4        63.4        52.8        43.4        28.2   

PIS and COFINS credits on depreciation

     12.1        12.7        12.4        11.6        10.1   

Assets retirement obligation

     (3.9     (4.0     (5.4     (2.5     (3.0

Others

     0.3        (14.5     (31.1     (2.9     (20.3

(Increase) decrease in current assets

          

Trade receivables

     (615.4     (212.3     (8.4     (247.8     (316.0

Inventories

     (615.4     (184.3     (298.9     48.5        (180.2

Recoverable taxes

     (60.1     (106.8     (2.0     (4.5     (117.4

Other receivables

     13.6        (8.2     1.1        1.3        (2.7

Prepaid expenses

     (14.2     8.1        (11.4     (10.6     (4.8

Increase (decrease) in current liabilities

          

Trade payables

     181.0        192.1        (328.8     198.3        153.2   

Salaries and related charges

     109.7        (19.6     45.1        (18.4     38.6   

Taxes payable

     30.0        19.1        8.6        (2.5     (42.1

Income and social contribution taxes

     504.5        437.1        350.8        208.2        93.1   

Post-employment benefits

     —          (0.5     1.9        (1.7     1.9   

Provision for tax, civil and labor risks

     (18.8     (5.1     19.8        8.5        1.7   

Other payables

     29.2        (21.0     36.6        (0.2     26.2   

Deferred revenue

     1.0        0.6        (0.3     (1.7     5.2   

(Increase) decrease in non-current assets

          

Trade receivables

     (8.4     (19.3     13.0        (19.6     (21.0

Recoverable taxes

     (60.0     (38.0     11.7        32.3        (26.4

Escrow deposits

     (44.0     (80.6     (81.2     (64.5     (88.7

Other receivables

     (10.7     0.8        2.2        (9.7     (0.6

Prepaid expenses

     (15.4     0.5        (18.2     1.5        (27.9

Increase (decrease) in non-current liabilities

          

Post-employment benefits

     10.9        9.5        8.3        8.8        (4.8

Provision for tax, civil and labor risks

     61.4        (12.0     18.8        38.6        41.7   

Other payables

     20.1        (10.8     (21.8     (3.1     25.0   

Deferred revenue

     3.3        (1.4     (0.7     1.1        2.8   

Income and social contribution taxes paid

     (422.0     (416.6     (312.1     (169.1     (131.5
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

     3,201.7        2,650.7        2,120.7        2,443.7        1,673.7   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(5)  Net debt is included in this document in order to provide the reader with information relating to our overall indebtedness and financial position. Net debt is not a measure of financial performance or liquidity under IFRS. In managing our businesses we rely on net debt as a means of assessing our financial condition. We believe that this type of measurement is useful for comparing our financial condition from period to period and making related management decisions. Net debt is also used in connection with covenants related to some of our financings. The table below provides a reconciliation of our consolidated balance sheet data to the net debt positions shown in the table, as of December 31, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012 and 2011:

 

11


     Ultrapar  
     Reconciliation of consolidated balance sheets to net debt  
     As of December 31  
     2015     2014     2013     2012     2011  
     (in millions of Reais)  

Cash and cash equivalents

     2,702.9        2,827.4        2,276.1        2,021.1        1,765.5   

Current financial investments

     803.3        1,441.8        1,149.1        961.2        819.3   

Non-current financial investments

     467.0        130.9        118.5        149.5        74.4   

Current loans and finance leases

     (1,050.5     (2,557.5     (1,769.6 )     (1,575.0     (1,302.5

Current debentures

     (47.4     (884.9     (60.4 )     (53.0     (1,002.5

Non-current loans and finance leases

     (5,604.9     (3,533.9     (3,740.6 )     (3,192.6     (3,237.1

Non-current debentures

     (2,198.8     (1,399.0     (1,399.0 )     (1,395.3     —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net debt position

     (4,928.4     (3,975.1     (3,425.9 )     (3,084.0     (2,882.8
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(6)  The number of shares corresponds to the totality of shares issued by the Company, including those held in treasury. The number of shares for the year ended December 31, 2011 were retroactively adjusted for the 1:4 stock split approved in the extraordinary general shareholders’ meeting held on February 10, 2011 described under “Item 4.A. Information on the Company — History and Development of the Company.”
(7)  Reflects results of operations for the 11-month period from February 1, 2014, the date on which Extrafarma’s results of operations were consolidated into our financial statements, through December 31, 2014. For additional information, see “Presentation of Financial Information.”

 

 

12


The following tables present our consolidated balance sheet in accordance with IFRS as of the dates indicated.

 

     As of December 31  
     2015(1)      2015      2014      2013      2012      2011  
     (in millions)  

Consolidated balance sheets data:

     US$         R$         R$         R$         R$         R$   

Current assets

                 

Cash and cash equivalents

     692.2         2,702.9         2,827.4         2,276.1         2,021.1         1,765.5   

Financial investments

     205.7         803.3         1,441.8         1,149.1         961.2         819.3   

Trade receivables, net

     811.1         3,167.2         2,604.1         2,321.5         2,306.5         2,023.4   

Inventories, net

     639.0         2,495.2         1,925.0         1,592.5         1,290.7         1,303.5   

Recoverable taxes, net

     161.0         628.8         593.5         480.0         478.0         466.5   

Other receivables

     8.3         32.5         43.3         19.4         20.5         20.2   

Prepaid expenses, net

     20.9         81.5         67.3         65.2         53.8         39.9   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total current assets

     2,538.2         9,911.4         9,502.4         7,903.9         7,133.0         6,438.4   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Non-current assets

                 

Financial investments

     119.6         467.0         130.9         118.5         149.5         74.4   

Trade receivables, net

     39.0         152.2         143.8         124.5         137.4         117.7   

Related parties

     0.1         0.5         10.9         10.9         10.9         10.1   

Deferred income and social contribution taxes

     143.2         559.0         462.6         376.1         469.3         511.0   

Recoverable taxes, net

     34.7         135.4         75.4         37.4         49.1         81.4   

Escrow deposits

     189.7         740.8         696.8         614.9         533.7         469.2   

Other receivables

     4.2         16.5         5.8         6.6         11.0         1.3   

Prepaid expenses, net

     37.6         146.7         131.2         97.8         79.7         67.9   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     568.1         2,218.1         1,657.5         1,386.7         1,440.5         1,333.0   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Investments

                 

In joint-ventures

     20.3         79.4         54.5         44.4         28.2         120.8   

In associates

     5.5         21.5         13.1         11.7         12.7         12.6   

Other

     0.7         2.8         2.8         2.8         2.8         2.8   

Property, plant and equipment, net

     1,392.9         5,438.9         5,092.0         4,860.2         4,667.0         4,250.9   

Intangible assets, net

     843.6         3,293.9         3,158.1         2,168.8         1,965.3         1,539.1   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     2,263.0         8,836.6         8,320.5         7,087.9         6,676.0         5,926.2   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total non-current assets

     2,831.1         11,054.7         9,978.0         8,474.6         8,116.5         7,259.3   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

TOTAL ASSETS

     5,369.3         20,966.0         19,480.4         16,378.5         15,249.6         13,697.7   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Current liabilities

                 

Loans

     268.4         1,048.1         2,554.7         1,767.8         1,573.0         1,300.3   

Debentures

     12.1         47.4         884.9         60.4         53.0         1,002.5   

Finance leases

     0.6         2.4         2.7         1.8         2.0         2.2   

Trade payables

     374.0         1,460.5         1,279.5         969.0         1,297.7         1,066.8   

Salaries and related charges

     103.5         404.3         294.6         297.7         252.5         267.2   

Taxes payable

     43.2         168.8         138.8         116.3         107.7         109.2   

Dividends payable

     76.5         298.8         218.4         242.2         222.4         163.8   

Income and social contribution taxes payable

     55.5         216.9         134.4         113.9         75.2         36.2   

Post-employment benefits

     3.5         13.7         11.4         11.9         10.0         11.7   

Provision for assets retirement obligation

     1.3         5.2         4.6         3.4         3.7         7.3   

Provision for tax, civil and labor risks

     11.6         45.3         64.2         69.3         49.5         41.0   

Other payables

     25.0         97.5         80.4         93.0         56.5         55.4   

Deferred revenue

     6.3         24.4         23.5         17.7         18.1         19.7   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     981.7         3,833.4         5,692.1         3,764.5         3,721.3         4,083.2   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

13


     As of December 31  
     2015(1)     2015     2014     2013     2012     2011  

Consolidated balance sheets data:

     US$        R$        R$        R$        R$        R$   

Non-current liabilities

            

Loans

     1,424.2        5,561.4        3,489.6        3,698.0        3,151.7        3,195.7   

Debentures

     563.1        2,198.8        1,399.0        1,399.0        1,395.3          

Finance leases

     11.1        43.5        44.3        42.6        40.9        41.4   

Related parties

     1.1        4.4        4.4        3.9        3.9        4.0   

Subscription warrants — indemnification

     28.7        112.2        92.1                     

Deferred income and social contribution taxes

     68.1        266.0        152.8        101.5        84.9        37.4   

Provision for tax, civil and labor risks

     175.3        684.7        623.3        569.7        551.0        512.2   

Post-employment benefits

     28.9        112.8        108.4        99.4        118.5        97.5   

Provision for assets retirement obligation

     17.8        69.5        66.2        66.2        66.7        60.3   

Other payables

     24.1        94.1        74.0        77.7        99.6        90.6   

Deferred revenue

     2.8        11.0        7.7        9.1        9.9        8.7   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total non-current liabilities

     2,345.5        9,158.5        6,061.7        6,067.2        5,522.2        4,047.8   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES

     3,327.2        12,991.9        11,753.8        9,831.7        9,243.5        8,131.0   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Shareholder’s equity

            

Share capital

     983.1        3,838.7        3,838.7        3,696.8        3,696.8        3,696.8   

Capital reserve

     140.0        546.6        547.5        20.2        20.2        9.8   

Revaluation reserve

     1.4        5.6        5.8        6.1        6.7        7.1   

Profit reserves

     973.7        3,802.0        3,169.7        2,706.6        2,224.5        1,831.8   

Treasury shares

     (125.7     (490.9     (103.0     (114.9     (114.9     (118.2

Additional dividends to the minimum mandatory dividends

     40.2        157.2        189.0        161.6        147.2        122.2   

Valuation adjustments

     4.9        19.0        7.1        5.4        (12.6     (4.4

Cumulative translation adjustments

     17.1        66.9        43.2        38.1        12.6        (4.4
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Shareholders’ equity attributable to:

            

Shareholders of the Company

     2,034.7        7,945.0        7,698.0        6,520.0        5,980.6        5,540.5   

Non-controlling interest in subsidiaries

     7.4        29.1        28.6        26.9        25.5        26.2   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

TOTAL SHAREHOLDER’S EQUITY

     2,042.1        7,974.1        7,726.6        6,546.9        6,006.1        5,566.7   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

     5,369.3        20,966.0        19,480.4        16,378.5        15,249.6        13,697.7   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1)  The figures in Reais for December 31, 2015 have been converted into dollars using the exchange rate of US$1.00 = R$3.905, which is the commercial rate reported by the Central Bank on that date. This information is presented solely for the convenience of the reader. You should not interpret the currency conversions in this annual report as a statement that the amounts in Reais currently represent such values in U.S. dollars. Additionally, you should not interpret such conversions as statements that the amounts in Reais have been, could have been or could be converted into U.S. dollars at this or any other foreign exchange rates. See “Item 3.A. Key Information — Selected Consolidated Financial Data — Exchange Rates.”
(2)  See “Presentation of Financial Information.”

 

Exchange Rates

Before March 14, 2005, there were two principal foreign exchange markets in Brazil, in which notes were freely negotiated but could be strongly influenced by Central Bank intervention:

 

    the commercial rate exchange market dedicated principally to trade and financial foreign exchange transactions such as the buying and selling of registered investments by foreign entities, the purchase or sale of shares, or the payment of dividends or interest with respect to shares; and

 

    the floating rate exchange market generally used for transactions not conducted through the commercial foreign exchange market.

 

 

14


On March 4, 2005, the National Monetary Council enacted Resolution No. 3,265, pursuant to which the commercial rate exchange market and the floating rate exchange market were unified in a sole exchange market, effective as of March 14, 2005. This resolution allowed, subject to certain procedures and specific regulatory provisions, the purchase and sale of foreign currency and the international transfer of Reais by a person or legal entity, without limitation of the amount involved; provided, however, the transaction is legal. Foreign currencies may only be purchased through financial institutions domiciled in Brazil authorized to operate in the exchange market. Resolution No. 3,265 was revoked by Resolution No. 3,568, effective as of July 1, 2008; however, the main directives provided by Resolution No. 3,265 were maintained.

In 2011, the unstable international economic environment, especially in the second half of the year as a result of the effects of the European crisis, contributed to a 13% depreciation of the Real against the U.S. dollar for the year, reversing the appreciation trend in the first half of the year. In 2012, the Brazilian government adopted counter-cyclical measures to foster economic growth. Such measures included the reduction of the base interest rate (SELIC) and the reduction of federal taxes on the automotive sector. The effects of the lower economic growth, the lower interest rate and the unstable international environment contributed to a 9% depreciation of the Real against the U.S. dollar. In 2013, the Real depreciated 15% against the U.S. dollar due to the performance of the Brazilian economy, the economic rebound in the United States and the economic instability in the international markets. In 2014, despite the weak performance of the Brazilian economy, and the recovery of the North American economy, the Real remained relatively stable against the dollar until September, when it started to devalue, closing the year with a depreciation of 13% against the U.S. dollar. In 2015, the political instability, the downgrade of Brazil’s sovereign credit rating and the expectation for an interest rate rise by the Federal Reserve System contributed to a 47% depreciation of the Real against the U.S. dollar.

It is not possible to predict whether the Real will remain at its present level and what impact the Brazilian macroeconomic scenario and the Brazilian government’s exchange rate policies may have on us.

On April 25, 2016, the exchange rate for Reais into U.S. dollars was R$3.547 to US$1.00, based on the commercial selling rate as reported by the Central Bank. The following table sets forth information on prevailing commercial foreign exchange selling rates for the periods indicated, as published by the Central Bank on its electronic information system, SISBACEN, using PTAX 800, Option 5.

 

     Exchange rates of nominal Reais per US$1.00  
     High      Low      Average     Period-
Ended
 

Year Ended

          

December 31, 2011

     1.902         1.535         1.671 (1)     1.876   

December 31, 2012

     2.112         1.702         1.959 (1)     2.044   

December 31, 2013

     2.446         1.953         2.174 (1)     2.343   

December 31, 2014

     2.740         2.197         2.360 (1)     2.656   

December 31, 2015

     4.195         2.575         3.388 (1)     3.905   

Month Ended

          

November 30, 2015

     3.851         3.701         3.776 (2)     3.851   

December 31, 2015

     3.983         3.748         3.865 (2)     3.905   

January 31, 2016

     4.156         3.986         4.071 (2)     4.043   

February 29, 2016

     4.049         3.865         3.957 (2)     3.980   

March 31, 2016

     3.991         3.559         3.775 (2)     3.559   

April 25, 2016

     3.692         3.513         3.602 (2)     3.547   

 

(1)  Average of the foreign exchange rates on the last day of each month in the period.
(2) Average of the high and low foreign exchange rates for each month.

 

B. Capitalization and Indebtedness

Not applicable.

 

 

15


C. Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds

Not applicable.

 

D. Risk Factors

Investing in our shares and ADSs involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully consider the risks described below and the other information contained in this annual report in evaluating an investment in our shares or ADSs. Our business, results of operations, cash flow, liquidity and financial condition could be harmed if any of these risks materializes and, as a result, the trading price of the shares or the ADSs could decline and you could lose a substantial part or even all of your investment.

We have included information in these risk factors concerning Brazil based on information that is publicly available.

Risks Relating to Ultrapar and Its Industries

Petrobras is the main supplier of LPG and oil-based fuels in Brazil. Fuel and LPG distributors in Brazil, including Ipiranga and Ultragaz, have formal contracts with Petrobras for the supply of oil-derivatives. Any interruption in the supply of LPG or oil-based fuels from Petrobras would immediately affect Ultragaz or Ipiranga’s ability to provide LPG and oil-based fuels to their customers.

Prior to 1995, Petrobras held a constitutional monopoly for the production and importation of petroleum products in Brazil. Although this monopoly was removed from the Brazilian constitution, Petrobras effectively remains the main provider of LPG and oil-based fuels in Brazil. Currently, Ultragaz and all other LPG distributors in Brazil purchase all or nearly all LPG from Petrobras. Ultragaz’s net revenue from sales and services represented 6% of our consolidated net revenue from sales and services for the year ended December 31, 2015. The procedures for ordering and purchasing LPG from Petrobras are generally common to all LPG distributors — including Ultragaz. For more details, see “Item 4.B. Information on the Company — Business Overview — Distribution of Liquefied Petroleum Gas — Ultragaz — Supply of LPG.”

With respect to fuel distribution, Petrobras also supplied nearly all of Ipiranga and other distributors’ oil-based fuel requirements in 2015. Petrobras’ supply to Ipiranga is governed by an annual contract, under which the supply volume is established based on the volume purchased in the previous year. Ipiranga’s net revenue from sales and services represented 86% of our consolidated net revenue from sales and services for the year ended December 31, 2015.

The last significant interruption in the supply of oil derivatives by Petrobras to LPG and fuel distributors occurred during the 1995 strike by Petrobras employees. See “Item 4.B. Information on the Company — Business Overview — Distribution of Liquefied Petroleum Gas — Industry and Regulatory Overview” and “Item 4.B. Information on the Company — Business Overview — Fuel Distribution — Industry and Regulatory Overview.”

Petrobras is currently under investigation by the CVM, the SEC, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), the Brazilian Federal Police and other Brazilian public authorities in connection with corruption allegations (so called Lava Jato investigations) consisting, among other things, of illegal payments made to officers, directors and other employees of Petrobras to influence commercial decisions. In addition, Petrobras is subject to securities litigation (including class actions) in the United States. Such investigations and litigation have had a destabilizing effect on Petrobras, and it is difficult to ascertain what impact the investigations and litigation will have on Petrobras’ supply of LPG and oil-based fuels to market players.

Significant interruptions of LPG and oil-based fuel supply from Petrobras may occur in the future. Any interruption in the supply of LPG or oil-based fuels from Petrobras would immediately affect Ultragaz or Ipiranga’s respective ability to provide LPG or oil-based fuels to its customers. If we are not able to obtain an adequate supply of LPG or oil-based fuels from Petrobras under acceptable terms, we may seek to meet our demands through LPG or oil-based fuels purchased on the international market. The logistics infrastructure for LPG and oil-based fuels imports in Brazil is limited and is substantially all controlled by Petrobras. As a result, any such interruption could increase our purchase costs and, consequently, adversely affect our operating margins.

 

 

16


Intense competition is generally inherent to distribution markets, including the LPG, the fuel distribution and the retail pharmacy markets and may affect our operating margins.

The Brazilian LPG market is very competitive in all segments — residential, commercial and industrial. Petrobras, our supplier of LPG, and other major companies participate in the Brazilian LPG distribution market. Intense competition in the LPG distribution market could lead to lower sales volumes and increased marketing expenses, which may have a material adverse effect on our operating margins. See “Item 4.B. Information on the Company — Business Overview — Distribution of Liquefied Petroleum Gas — Industry and Regulatory Overview — The role of Petrobras” and “Item 4.B. Information on the Company — Business Overview — Distribution of Liquefied Petroleum Gas — Ultragaz — Competition.”

The Brazilian fuel distribution market is highly competitive in both retail and wholesale segments. Petrobras, our supplier of oil-derivative products, and other major companies with significant resources participate in the Brazilian fuel distribution market. Intense competition in the fuel distribution market could lead to lower sales volumes and increased marketing expenses which may have a material adverse effect on our operating margins. See “Item 4.B. Information on the Company — Business Overview — Fuel Distribution — Industry and Regulatory Overview — The role of Petrobras” and “Item 4.B. Information on the Company — Business Overview — Fuel Distribution — Ipiranga — Competition.” In addition, a number of small local and regional distributors entered the Brazilian fuel distribution market in the late 1990’s, after the market was deregulated, which further increased competition in such market.

In addition, the Brazilian drugstore market is highly competitive. Extrafarma competes with national, regional and local drugstore chains, independent drugstores, phone marketing services, direct marketing companies, prescription-only pharmacies, internet purveyors of pharmaceutical and beauty products, and other retailers such as supermarkets, beauty products stores and convenience stores. In addition, new retailers may enter the market and compete with us. Competition in the retail pharmacy market is shaped by a variety of factors, such as location, range of products, advertising, commercial practices, price, quality of services and strength of brand name, among others. If we are unable to anticipate, predict and meet the preferences of our customers, we may lose revenues and market share to our competitors.

Anticompetitive practices by our competitors may distort market prices.

In the recent past, anticompetitive practices have been one of the main problems affecting fuels distributors in Brazil, including Ipiranga. Generally these practices have involved a combination of tax evasion and fuels adulteration, such as the dilution of gasoline by mixing solvents or adding anhydrous ethanol in an amount greater than that permitted by applicable law.

Taxes constitute a significant portion of the cost of fuels sold in Brazil. For this reason, tax evasion on the part of some fuel distributors has been prevalent, allowing them to lower the prices they charge. As the final prices for the products sold by these distributors, including Ipiranga, are calculated based on, among other factors, the amount of taxes levied on the purchase and sale of these fuels, anticompetitive practices such as tax evasion may affect Ipiranga’s sales volume and could have a material adverse effect on our operating margins. Should there be any increase in the taxes levied on fuel, tax evasion may increase, resulting in a greater distortion of the prices of fuels sold.

These practices have enabled certain distributors to supply fuel products at prices lower than those offered by the major distributors, including Ipiranga.

Although the Brazilian government has been taking measures to inhibit these practices, if such practices become more prevalent, Ipiranga could suffer from a reduction in sales volume and in margins, which could have a material adverse effect on the results of our operations.

 

 

17


LPG and oil-based fuels competes with alternative sources of energy. Competition with and the development of alternative sources of energy in the future may adversely affect the LPG and oil-based fuels market.

LPG competes with alternative sources of energy, such as natural gas, wood, diesel, fuel oil and electricity. Natural gas is currently the principal source of energy against which we compete. Natural gas is currently less expensive than LPG for industrial consumers who purchase large volumes, but more expensive for the vast majority of residential consumers. Changes in relative prices or the development of alternative sources of energy in the future may adversely affect the LPG market and consequently our business, financial results and results of operations. Oil-based fuels also compete with alternative sources of energy, such as electricity. See “Item 4.B. Information on the Company — Business Overview — Distribution of Liquefied Petroleum Gas — Ultragaz — Competition.”

Ethylene, the principal raw material used in our petrochemical operations, comes from limited supply sources. Any reduction in the supply of ethylene would have an immediate impact on Oxiteno’s production and results of operations.

All second generation petrochemical producers in Brazil that use ethylene as their key raw material, including Oxiteno purchase ethylene from Brazilian suppliers. Approximately 3% of our net revenue from sales and services were derived from the sale of chemical products that require ethylene in 2015. Oxiteno purchases ethylene from two of Brazil’s three naphtha cracker units, which are the sole sources of ethylene in Brazil. Pursuant to long-term contracts, Braskem supplies all of our ethylene requirements at our plants located at Camaçari and at Mauá. For more detailed information about these contracts see “Item 5.F. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects — Tabular Disclosure of Contractual Obligations.” Given its characteristics, ethylene is difficult and expensive to store and transport, and cannot be easily imported to Brazil. Therefore, Oxiteno is almost totally dependent on ethylene produced at Braskem for its supply. For the year ended December 31, 2015, Brazil’s ethylene imports totaled 19 tons, representing less than 0.01% of Brazil’s installed capacity.

Due to ethylene’s chemical characteristics, Oxiteno does not store any quantity of ethylene, and reductions or interruptions in supply from Braskem would have an immediate impact on our production and results of operations. See “Item 4.A. Information on the Company — History and Development of the Company — Investments.” If we further expand our production capacity, there is no assurance that we will be able to obtain additional ethylene from Braskem. In addition, Petrobras is the principal supplier of naphtha to crackers in Brazil, and any interruption in the supply of naphtha from Petrobras to the crackers could adversely impact their ability to supply ethylene to Oxiteno.

The price of ethylene and palm kernel oil, Oxiteno’s main raw materials, is subject to fluctuations in international markets.

The price of ethylene, which is the principal component of Oxiteno’s cost of sales and services, is directly linked to the price of naphtha, which, in turn, is largely linked to the price of crude oil. Consequently, ethylene prices are subject to fluctuations in international oil prices. A significant increase in the price of crude oil and, consequently, naphtha and ethylene, could increase our costs, which could have a material adverse effect on Oxiteno’s results of operations, particularly in Brazil.

Palm kernel oil is one of Oxiteno’s main raw materials, used to produce fatty alcohols and its by-products in the oleochemical unit. Oxiteno imports the palm kernel oil from the main producing countries, especially Malaysia and Indonesia. Palm kernel oil is a vegetable oil, also commonly used by the food industry. Consequently, palm kernel oil prices are subject to the effects of environmental and climatic variations that affect the palm plantations, fluctuations of harvest periods, economic environment in major producing countries and fluctuations in the demand for its use in the food industry. A significant increase in palm kernel oil could increase our costs, which could have a material adverse effect on Oxiteno’s results of operations.

 

 

18


New natural gas reserves, primarily in North America, may reduce the global prices of natural gas-based ethylene, which could affect Oxiteno’s competitiveness with imported petrochemical products.

The ethylene used in the chemical and petrochemical industries can be obtained either from ethane, which is derived from natural gas, or naphtha, which is derived from oil. During the last few years, naphtha-based ethylene has been more expensive than natural gas-based ethylene, as oil prices have been higher than those of natural gas. The discovery of new shale gas reserves in North America and improvements in the technology to extract natural gas from shale gas have intensified the difference between naphtha- and natural gas-based ethylene prices. Most of the ethylene produced in Brazil is derived from naphtha. As Oxiteno competes in the Brazilian market largely with imported products, lowering feedstock costs of international players could affect the competitiveness of Oxiteno, which could materially affect our results.

The Brazilian petrochemical industry is influenced by the performance of the international petrochemical industry and its cyclical behavior.

The international petrochemical market is cyclical by nature, with alternating periods typically characterized by tight supply, increased prices and high margins, or by overcapacity, declining prices and low margins. The decrease in Brazilian import tariffs on petrochemical products, the increase in demand for such products in Brazil, and the ongoing integration of regional and world markets for commodities have contributed to the increasing integration of the Brazilian petrochemical industry into the international petrochemical marketplace. As a consequence, events affecting the petrochemical industry worldwide could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

The reduction in import tariffs on petrochemical products can reduce our competitiveness in relation to imported products.

Final prices paid by importers of petrochemical products include import tariffs. Consequently, import tariffs imposed by the Brazilian government affect the prices we can charge for our products. The Brazilian government’s negotiation of commercial and other intergovernmental agreements may result in reductions in the Brazilian import tariffs on petrochemical products, which generally range between 12% and 14%, and may reduce the competitiveness of Oxiteno’s products vis-à-vis imported petrochemical products. Additionally, Oxiteno’s competitiveness may also be reduced in case of higher import tariffs imposed by countries to which the company exports its products.

Regulatory, political, economic and social conditions in the countries where we have operations or projects could adversely impact our business and the market price of our securities.

Our financial and operational performance may be negatively affected by regulatory, political, economic and social conditions in countries where we have operations or projects. In some of these jurisdictions, we are exposed to various risks such as potential renegotiation, nullification or forced modification of existing contracts, expropriation or nationalization of property, foreign exchange controls, changes in local laws, regulations and policies and political instability. We also face the risk of having to submit to the jurisdiction of a foreign court or arbitration panel or having to enforce a judgment against a sovereign nation within its own territory.

Actual or potential political or social changes and changes in economic policy may undermine investor confidence, which may hamper investment and thereby reduce economic growth, and otherwise may adversely affect the economic and other conditions under which we operate in ways that could have a materially negative effect on our business.

We may be adversely affected by changes to specific laws and regulations in our operating sectors.

We are subject to extensive federal and state legislation and regulation by government agencies and sector associations in the industries we operate. Rules related to quality of products, days of product storage, staff working hours, among others, may become more stringent or be amended overtime, and require new investments or the increase in expenses to adequate our operations. Changes in specific laws and regulations in the sectors we operate may adversely affect the conditions under which we operate in ways that could have a materially negative effect on our business and our results.

 

 

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We may be adversely affected by the imposition and enforcement of more stringent environmental laws and regulations.

We are subject to extensive federal and state legislation and regulation by government agencies responsible for the implementation of environmental and health laws and policies in Brazil, Mexico, the Unites States, Uruguay and Venezuela. Companies like ours are required to obtain licenses for their manufacturing facilities from environmental authorities who may also regulate their operations by prescribing specific environmental standards in their operating licenses. Environmental regulations apply particularly to the discharge, handling and disposal of gaseous, liquid and solid products and by-products from manufacturing activities.

In 2007, a legislation entitled REACH (Registration Evaluation Authorization of Chemicals) was established by the European Union, focusing on controlling the production, imports and utilization of chemical products in the region. According to REACH, all the chemical products sold in the European Economic Area (“EEA”) must be registered, through the submission of information regarding properties, uses and safety of each product that will be analyzed by the European Regulatory Agency. In 2015, 2% of the volume sold by Oxiteno was exported to this region. Oxiteno is in compliance with the current legislative requirements for the products it currently exports in the EEA. As REACH is now an established regulation and has been well accepted by multilateral trade organizations, such as the World Trade Organization, it is possible that other countries may adopt similar procedures in the future. We cannot guarantee the effect that amendments to this new legislation could have on any product we export to the EEA, or whether similar legislation will come into force in other regions.

Changes in these laws and regulations, or changes in their enforcement, could adversely affect us by increasing our cost of compliance or operations. In addition, new laws or additional regulations, or more stringent interpretations of existing laws and regulations, could require us to spend additional funds on related matters in order to stay in compliance, thus increasing our costs and having an adverse effect on our results. See “Item 4.B. Information on the Company — Business Overview — Distribution of Liquefied Petroleum Gas — Industry and Regulatory Overview — Environmental, health and safety standards”, “Item 4.B. Information on the Company — Business Overview — Fuel Distribution — Industry and Regulatory Overview — Environmental, health and safety standards” and “Item 4.B. Information on the Company — Business Overview — Petrochemicals and Chemicals — Industry and Regulatory Overview — Environmental, health and safety standards.”

The production, storage and transportation of LPG, fuels and petrochemicals are inherently hazardous.

The operations we perform at our plants involve safety risks and other operating risks, including the handling, production, storage and transportation of highly inflammable, explosive and toxic materials. These risks could result in personal injury and death, severe damage to or destruction of property and equipment and environmental damage. A sufficiently large accident at one of our plants, service stations or storage facilities could force us to suspend our operations in the facility temporarily and result in significant remediation costs, loss of revenues and contingent liabilities. In addition, insurance proceeds may not be available on a timely basis and may be insufficient to cover all losses. Equipment breakdowns, natural disasters and delays in obtaining imports or required replacement parts or equipment can also affect our manufacturing operations and consequently our results from operations.

For example, on April 2, 2015, part of the storage facilities operated by Ultracargo in Santos, in the State of São Paulo, endured a nine-day fire surrounding six ethanol and gasoline tanks. There were no casualties in this accident and the cause of such accident and its impacts are still being investigated, including the extent of operational losses, damage to assets, potential environmental damages and other liabilities and reputational harm. See “Item 4.A. Information on the Company — History and Development of the Company — Ultracargo – Fire at storage facilities in Santos.”

Our insurance coverage may be insufficient to cover losses that we might incur.

The operation of any chemical manufacturing plant and the specialized distribution and retail, as well as the operations of logistics of oil, chemical products, LPG, fuel and pharmaceuticals distribution involve substantial risks of property damage and personal injury and may result in material costs and liabilities. Although we believe that current insurance levels are adequate, the occurrence of losses or other liabilities that are not covered by insurance or that exceed the limits of our insurance coverage could result in significant unexpected additional costs.

 

 

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The suspension, cancellation or non-renewal of certain federal tax benefits may adversely affect our results of operations.

We are entitled to federal tax benefits providing for income tax exemption or reduction for our activities in the northeast region of Brazil. These benefits have defined terms and may be cancelled or suspended at any time if we distribute to our shareholders the amount of income tax that was not paid as a consequence of tax benefits or if the relevant tax authorities decide to suspend or cancel our benefits. As a result, we may become liable for the payment of related taxes at the full tax rates. If we are not able to renew such benefits, or if we are only able to renew them under terms that are substantially less favorable than expected, our results of operations may be adversely affected. Income tax exemptions amounted to R$82.4 million and R$63.4 million, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014. See “Item 4.B. Information on the Company — Business Overview — Distribution of Liquefied Petroleum Gas — Ultragaz — Income tax exemption status,” “Item 4.B. Information on the Company — Business Overview — Petrochemicals and Chemicals — Oxiteno — Income tax exemption status” and “Item 4.B. Information on the Company — Business Overview — Storage services for liquid bulk — Ultracargo — Income tax exemption status.”

Our founding family and part of our senior management, through their ownership interest in Ultra S.A., own a significant portion of our shares and may influence the management, direction and policies of Ultrapar, including the outcome of any matter submitted to a vote of shareholders.

Although there is no controlling shareholder of Ultrapar, our founding family and part of our senior management, through their ownership interest in Ultra S.A., beneficially own 22% of our outstanding common stock. These individuals are party to a shareholders’ agreement executed on February 24, 2014. See “Item 4.A. Information on the Company — History and Development of the Company” and “Item 7.A. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions — Major Shareholders — Shareholders’ Agreements.” Accordingly, these shareholders, acting together through Ultra S.A., may exercise significant influence over all matters requiring shareholder approval, including the election of our directors. Although our Board of Directors is responsible for nominating the slate of directors to be elected by our shareholders at our annual shareholders’ meetings, some of the current members of our Board of Directors, who were elected at our April 15, 2015 shareholders’ meeting, are the same as those who previously served as members of our Board of Directors elected by Ultra S.A. on April 27, 2011, which, at that time, held approximately 66% of our voting shares.

No single shareholder or group of shareholders holds more than 50% of our capital stock, which may increase the opportunity for alliances between shareholders and other events that may occur as a result thereof.

No single shareholder or group of shareholders holds more than 50% of our capital stock. Due to the absence of a controlling shareholder, we may be subject to future alliances or agreements between our shareholders, which may result in the exercise of a relevant influence over our Company by them. In the event a controlling group is formed and decides to exercise its influence over our Company, we may be subject to unexpected changes in our corporate governance and strategies, including the replacement of key executive officers. Any unexpected change in our management team, business policy or strategy, any dispute between our shareholders, or any attempt to acquire control of our Company may have an adverse impact on us. The term of office of our current members of our Board of Directors will expire in the annual general shareholders’ meeting to be held in 2017.

Our status as a holding company may limit our ability to pay dividends on the shares and consequently, on the ADSs.

As a holding company, we have no significant operating assets other than the ownership of shares of our subsidiaries. Substantially all of our operating income comes from our subsidiaries, and therefore we depend on the distribution of dividends or interest on shareholders’ equity from our subsidiaries. Consequently, our ability to pay dividends depends solely upon our receipt of dividends and other cash flows from our subsidiaries.

 

 

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As a result of the significant acquisitions of Ipiranga, União Terminais, Texaco, the Extrafarma Transaction, as well as other smaller acquisitions and possible future acquisitions, Ultrapar has assumed and may assume in the future certain liabilities related to the transactions and certain liabilities of the businesses acquired and all the risks related to those liabilities.

Ultrapar has assumed certain liabilities of previously acquired businesses; therefore, certain existing financial obligations, legal liabilities or other known and unknown contingent liabilities or risks of the businesses acquired have become Ultrapar´s responsibility. Ultrapar may acquire new businesses in the future and, as a result, it may be subject to additional liabilities, obligations and risks. See “Item 4.A. Information on the Company — History and Development of the Company” for more information in connection with these acquisitions.

These liabilities may cause Ultrapar to be required to make payments, incur charges or take other actions that may adversely affect Ultrapar’s financial position and results of operations and the price of Ultrapar’s shares.

In February 2014, we started operating in the retail pharmacy business, a new business unit in which we have limited experience and that could subject us to additional and unknown business and operating risks.

In February, 2014 we started to operate in the retail pharmacy business through Extrafarma, our wholly-owned subsidiary operating in the sector, after the approval of the merger of shares by the extraordinary general meetings of Ultrapar and Extrafarma. Prior to this transaction, we were not involved in the drugstore business. The drugstore business is complex and involves assets and operations in which we have limited operating experience. Our ability to succeed in this business unit will depend upon our ability to address and overcome limitations in our experience. The difficulties of integrating new business activities with our existing operations include, among other things, operating distinct business segments that require different operating strategies and different managerial expertise, necessity of coordinating organization systems and facilities in different locations and integrating personnel with diverse backgrounds and organizational cultures. Failure to overcome these limitations and difficulties may have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

If we fail to successfully implement our organic growth strategy in Extrafarma, our future results of operations may not meet the expectations of investors, which could adversely affect the market price of our shares and ADSs.

Our main growth strategy for Extrafarma consists of the accelerated opening of new drugstores in Brazil. It includes the opening of stores by leveraging our access to Ipiranga and Ultragaz resellers’ sites (service stations and LPG shops). Our ability to open new drugstores could be affected if we are unable to find enough appropriate outlets for new drugstores, or if the necessary investments to adapt the property to our needs are too high. Stricter regulations, including those relating to land use and zoning laws in the regions in which we operate may also result in increased expenses and make it more difficult to find suitable outlets for opening our drugstores.

In addition, new or recently opened drugstores may not achieve maturity of its sales within the period we estimate. Also, our new or recently opened stores may adversely affect the profitability of our drugstores, what could adversely affect our business and our consolidated results.

Moreover, personnel are a key success factor in the retail pharmacy business, and we may be adversely affected if we are unable to hire, train or retain employees. Our business strategy will require the opening of new drugstores, heightening the need to hire, train and retain employees. Failure to do so may impair the process of opening new stores and our operating and financial results. Additionally, a shortage of pharmacists in Brazil as a result of continued robust market growth may result in increased wages or limit our ability to retain or recruit new pharmacists and, consequently, limit our ability to open new drugstores in the long term.

Other risks associated with the opening of new drugstores include (i) entry of new competitors in the retail pharmacy business, (ii) limited knowledge about the new regions where we may open new drugstores and (iii) decrease in demand for our products as a result of restrictions in consumer spending or other factors. Any of these risks could adversely affect our ability to implement our organic growth strategy with respect to Extrafarma and, therefore, our business and operating and financial results. This could lead to our failure to meet the expectations of investors and to meet our goals for the operating and financial results of our drugstore business.

 

 

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Rising climate change concerns could lead to additional regulatory measures that may result in increased costs of operation and compliance, as well as a decrease in demand for our products.

Due to concern over the risk of climate change, a number of countries, including Brazil, have adopted, or are considering the adoption of, regulatory frameworks to, among other things, reduce greenhouse gas emissions. These include adoption of cap and trade regimes, carbon taxes, increased efficiency standards, and incentives or mandates for renewable energy. These requirements could reduce demand for hydrocarbons, as well as shifting hydrocarbon demand toward relatively lower-carbon sources. In addition many governments are providing tax advantages and other subsidies and mandates to make alternative energy sources more competitive against oil and gas. Governments are also promoting research into new technologies to reduce the cost and increase the scalability of alternative energy sources, all of which could lead to a decrease in demand for our products. In addition, current and pending greenhouse gas regulations may substantially increase our compliance costs and, as a result, increase the price of the products we produce or distribute.

Our governance and compliance processes may fail to prevent regulatory penalties and reputational harm.

We are committed to conduct our businesses in a legal and ethical manner in compliance with the local and international statutory requirements and standards applicable to our activities. However, our governance and compliance processes, which include the review of internal control over financial reporting, may not prevent future breaches of legal, accounting or governance standards. Although we have implemented what we understand to be a robust compliance and anti-corruption program to detect and prevent violations of applicable anti-corruption laws, we may be subject to breaches of our Code of Ethics and Conduct, anti-corruption policies and business conduct protocols and to instances of fraudulent behavior, corrupt practices and dishonesty by our employees, contractors or other agents. Our failure to comply with applicable laws and other standards could subject us to, among others, litigation, investigations, expenses, fines, loss of operating licenses and reputational harm.

Risks Relating to Brazil

The Brazilian government has exercised, and continues to exercise, significant influence over the Brazilian economy. Brazilian political and economic conditions, including ongoing political instability and perceptions of these conditions in the international markets, could adversely affect our businesses and the market price of our shares and ADSs.

The Brazilian government frequently intervenes in the Brazilian economy and occasionally makes substantial changes in policy and regulations. The Brazilian government’s actions to control inflation and affect other policies and regulations have involved price and wage controls, currency devaluations, capital controls, and limits on imports, among other measures. Our businesses, financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected by changes in policy or regulations involving or affecting tariffs, exchange controls and other matters, as well as factors such as:

 

    currency fluctuations;

 

    inflation;

 

    interest rates;

 

    price instability;

 

    energy and water shortages and rationing;

 

    liquidity of domestic capital and lending markets;

 

    fiscal policy; and

 

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

 

 

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Uncertainty over whether the Brazilian government may implement changes in policy or regulation affecting these or other factors in the future may contribute to economic uncertainty in Brazil and to heightened volatility in the Brazilian securities markets and securities issued abroad by Brazilian issuers, as well as heightened volatility in the Brazilian Real. These and other future developments in the Brazilian economy and government policies may adversely affect us and our businesses and results of operations and may adversely affect the trading price of our ADSs and shares. Furthermore, the Brazilian government may enact new regulations that may adversely affect us and our businesses.

Brazil faced a series of economic and political difficulties in 2015. These adversities included increasing unemployment rates, decreasing consumer and business confidence, falling industrial output, a deficit in Brazil’s primary accounts, shrinking gross domestic product, rising inflation above recently observed ceilings, increasing uncertainties with regards to Congressional decisions, political instability and the significant devaluation of the Real. Moreover, the political crisis in recent months could worsen economic conditions in Brazil. All these factors contributed to Brazil’s loss of its investment grade rating and an economic recession.

Brazilian president Dilma Rousseff was reelected for a second four-year term in October 2014, which began in January 2015. Uncertainty regarding future policies and appointments to influential governmental positions following the reelection as well as ongoing investigations into allegations of corruption in state-controlled enterprises or otherwise may also affect the confidence of investors and the general public. In addition, widescale protests throughout Brazil have called for the impeachment of Dilma Rousseff and impeachment proceedings are ongoing. On April 17, 2016, Brazil’s lower house of Congress voted in favour of sending an impeachment motion against Mrs. Rousseff to the Brazilian Senate. Any of these factors may have an adverse impact on the Brazilian economy, our business, financial condition, results of operations and the market price of our ADSs and shares.

Currently, Brazilian markets are experiencing heightened volatility due to the uncertainties derived from the ongoing Lava Jato investigation, being conducted by Law Courts in Paraná and the Office of the Brazilian Federal Prosecutor, and its impact on the Brazilian economy and political environment. Members of the Brazilian federal government and of the legislative branch, as well as senior officers of large state-owned companies as well as privately held companies have faced allegations of political corruption, including through the alleged acceptance of bribes by means of kickbacks on contracts granted by the government to infrastructure, oil and gas and construction companies. The potential outcome of these investigations is uncertain, but they have already had an adverse impact on the image and reputation of the implicated companies, and on the general market perception of the Brazilian economy. We cannot predict whether such allegations will lead to further political and economic instability or whether new allegations against government officials will arise in the future. In addition, we cannot predict the outcome of any such allegations nor their effect on the Brazilian economy. The development of such unethical cases could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Inflation and certain governmental measures to curb inflation may contribute significantly to economic uncertainty in Brazil and could harm our business and the market value of the ADSs and our shares.

In the past, Brazil has experienced extremely high rates of inflation. Inflation and some of the Brazilian government’s measures taken in an attempt to curb inflation have had significant negative effects on the Brazilian economy. Since the introduction of the Real in 1994, Brazil’s inflation rate has been substantially lower than that in previous periods. However, during the last several years, the economy has experienced increasing inflation rates and actions taken in an effort to curb inflation, coupled with speculation about possible future governmental actions, have contributed to economic uncertainty in Brazil and heightened volatility in the Brazilian securities market. According to the Índice Geral de Preços-Mercado, or IGP-M, an inflation index, the Brazilian general price inflation rates were inflation of 10.5% in 2015, 3.7% in 2014, 5.5% in 2013, 7.8% in 2012 and 5.1% in 2011. From January 2016 to March 2016, IGP-M index was 3.0%. According to the Índice Nacional de Preços ao Consumidor Amplo, or IPCA, an inflation index to which Brazilian government’s inflation targets are linked, inflation in Brazil was 10.7% in 2015, 6.4% in 2014, 5.9% in 2013, 5.8% in 2012 and 6.5% in 2011.

 

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Brazil may continue to experience high levels of inflation in the future. In 2015, Brazil experienced the highest levels of inflation since 2002 and the Brazilian government is already introducing policies aimed at reducing inflationary pressures, which could have the effect of reducing overall performance of the Brazilian economy. There can be no assurance that the lower levels of inflation experienced in Brazil throughout 2014 will return or that inflation going forward will not continue the upward trend experienced in 2015. Our operating expenses are substantially in Reais and tend to increase with Brazilian inflation. Inflationary pressures may also hinder our ability to access foreign financial markets or may lead to further government intervention in the economy, including the introduction of government policies that could harm our business or adversely affect the market value of our shares and, as a result, our ADSs.

Exchange rate instability may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations and the market price of the ADSs and our shares.

During the last decades, the Brazilian government has implemented various economic plans and a number of exchange rate policies, including sudden devaluations, periodic mini-devaluations during which the frequency of adjustments has ranged from daily to monthly, floating exchange rate systems, exchange controls and dual exchange rate markets. Although over long periods depreciation of the Brazilian currency has been generally correlated with the rate of inflation in Brazil, there have historically been observed shorter periods of significant fluctuations in the exchange rate between the Brazilian currency and the U.S. dollar and other currencies, in particular in the last 10 years.

In 2011, the unstable international economic environment, especially in the second half of the year as a result of the effects of the European crisis, contributed to a 13% depreciation of the Real against the U.S. dollar for the year. In 2012, the effects of the lower economic growth, the lower interest rate and the unstable international environment contributed to a 9% depreciation of the Real against the U.S. dollar. In 2013, the Real depreciated 15% against the U.S. dollar due to the performance of the Brazilian economy, the economic rebound of the United States and the economic instability in the international markets. In 2014, despite the weak performance of the Brazilian economy, and the recovery of the North American economy, the Real remained relatively stable against the dollar until September, when started to devalue, closing the year with a depreciation of 13%. In 2015, the political instability, the downgrade of Brazil’s sovereign credit rating and the expectation for an interest rate rise by the Federal Reserve System contributed to a 47% depreciation of the Real against the U.S. dollar. From December 31, 2015 to April 25, 2016 the Real appreciated by 9% against the U.S. dollar. See “Item 3.A. Key Information — Selected Consolidated Financial Data — Exchange Rates.”

There are no guarantees that the exchange rate between the Real and the U.S. dollar will stabilize at current levels. Although we have contracted hedging instruments with respect to our existing U.S. dollar debt obligations, in order to reduce our exposure to fluctuations in the dollar/Real exchange rate, we cannot guarantee that such instruments will be adequate to protect us fully against further devaluation of the Real, and we could in the future experience monetary losses as a result. See “Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk — Foreign Exchange Risk” for information about our foreign exchange risk hedging policy.

Depreciations of the Real relative to the U.S. dollar can create additional inflationary pressures in Brazil that may negatively affect us. Depreciations generally curtail access to foreign financial markets and may prompt government intervention, including recessionary governmental policies. Depreciations also reduce the U.S. dollar value of distributions and dividends on the ADSs and the U.S. dollar equivalent of the market price of our shares and, as a result, the ADSs. On the other hand, 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, as well as to a dampening of export-driven growth.

Although a large part of our sales is denominated in Reais, prices and certain costs in the chemical business (including but not limited to ethylene and palm kernel oil, purchased by our subsidiary Oxiteno) are benchmarked to prices prevailing in the international markets. Therefore, we are exposed to foreign exchange rate risks that could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations as well as our capacity to service our debt.

See “Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk.”

 

 

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Developments and the perception of risk in other countries, especially emerging market countries, may adversely affect the results of our operations and the market price of the shares and ADSs.

The market value of securities of Brazilian companies is affected to varying degrees by economic and market conditions in other countries, including other Latin American and emerging market countries. Although economic conditions in such countries may differ significantly from economic conditions in Brazil, investors’ reactions to developments in these other countries may have an adverse effect on the market value of securities of Brazilian issuers. Crises such as the global financial crisis started in 2008 may diminish investor interest in securities of Brazilian issuers, including our shares and ADSs. This could also make it more difficult for us to access the capital markets and finance our operations in the future on acceptable terms or at all.

Our businesses, financial condition and results of operations may be materially adversely affected by a general economic downturn and by instability and volatility in the financial markets.

The turmoil of the global financial markets and the scarcity of credit in 2008 and 2009, and to a lesser extent, the European crisis deteriorated in 2011, led to lack of consumer confidence, increased market volatility and widespread reduction of business activity. An economic downturn could materially adversely affect the liquidity, businesses and/or financial conditions of our customers, which could in turn result not only in decreased demand for our products, but also increased delinquencies in our accounts receivable. Furthermore, an eventual new global financial crisis could have a negative impact on our cost of borrowing and on our ability to obtain future borrowings. The disruptions in the financial markets could also lead to a reduction in available trade credit due to counterparties’ liquidity concerns. If we experience a decrease in demand for our products or an increase in delinquencies in our accounts receivable, or if we are unable to obtain borrowings our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.

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

We are a company incorporated under the laws of Brazil. All members of our Board of Directors, executive officers and experts named in this annual report are residents of Brazil or have business address in Brazil. All or a substantial part of the assets pertaining to these individuals and to Ultrapar are located outside the United States. As a result, it is possible that investors may not be able to effect service of process upon these individuals or us in the United States or other jurisdictions outside Brazil, or enforce judgments against us or these other persons obtained in the United States or other jurisdictions outside Brazil, including for civil liability based upon United States federal securities laws or otherwise. In addition, because judgments of United States courts for civil liabilities based upon the United States 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 against us or our board of directors or executive officers than would shareholders of a United States corporation.

Risks Relating to the Shares and the American Depositary Shares

Asserting limited voting rights as a holder of ADSs may prove more difficult than for holders of our common shares.

Under the Brazilian Corporate Law, only shareholders registered as such in our corporate books may attend shareholders’ meetings. All common shares underlying the ADSs are registered in the name of the depositary bank. A holder of ADSs, accordingly, is not entitled to attend shareholders’ meetings. A holder of ADSs is entitled to instruct the depositary bank as to how to exercise the voting rights of its common shares underlying the ADSs in accordance with procedures provided for in the Deposit Agreement, but a holder of ADSs will not be able to vote directly at a shareholders’ meeting or appoint a proxy to do so. In addition, a holder of ADSs may not have sufficient or reasonable time to provide such voting instructions to the depositary bank in accordance with the mechanisms set forth in the Deposit Agreement and custody agreement, and the depositary bank will not be held liable for failure to deliver any voting instructions to such holders.

 

 

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Holders of our shares or ADSs may not receive dividends.

Under our bylaws, unless otherwise proposed by the Board of Directors and approved by the voting shareholders at our annual shareholders’ meeting, we must generally pay our shareholders a mandatory distribution equal to at least 50% of our adjusted net income. However, our net income may be capitalized, used to set off losses and/or otherwise retained in accordance with the Brazilian Corporate Law and may not be available for the payment of dividends, including in the form of interest on shareholders’ equity. Therefore, whether or not you receive a dividend depends on the amount of the mandatory distribution, if any, and whether the Board of Directors and the voting shareholders exercise their discretion to suspend these payments. See “Item 8.A. Financial Information — Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information — Dividend and Distribution Policy — Dividend Policy” for a more detailed discussion of mandatory distributions.

Holders of our shares may be unable to exercise preemptive rights with respect to the shares.

In the event that we issue new shares pursuant to a capital increase or offer rights to purchase our shares, shareholders would have preemptive rights to subscribe for the newly issued shares or rights, as the case may be, corresponding to their respective interest in our share capital, allowing them to maintain their existing shareholder percentage.

However, our bylaws establish that the Board of Directors may exclude preemptive rights to the current shareholders or reduce the time our shareholders have to exercise their rights, in the case of an offering of new shares to be sold on a registered stock exchange or otherwise through a public offering.

The holders of our shares or ADSs may be unable to exercise their preemptive rights in relation to the shares represented by the ADSs, unless we file a registration statement for the offering of rights or shares with the SEC pursuant to the United States Securities Act or an exemption from the registration requirements applies. We are not obliged to file registration statements in order to facilitate the exercise of preemptive rights and, therefore, we cannot assure ADS holders that such a registration statement will be filed. As a result, the equity interest of such holders in our Company may be diluted. However, if the rights or shares, as the case may be, are not registered as required, the depositary will try to sell the preemptive rights held by holder of the ADSs and you will have the right to the net sale value, if any. However, the preemptive rights will expire without compensation to you should the depositary not succeed in selling them.

If shareholders exchange ADSs for shares, they may lose certain foreign currency remittance and Brazilian tax advantages.

The ADSs benefit from the depositary’s certificate of foreign capital registration, which permits the depositary to convert dividends and other distributions with respect to the shares into foreign currency and remit the proceeds abroad. If you exchange your ADSs for shares, you will only be entitled to rely on the depositary’s certificate of foreign capital registration for five business days from the date of exchange. Thereafter, you will not be able to remit abroad non-Brazilian currency unless you obtain your own certificate of foreign capital registration or you qualify under National Monetary Council Resolution 4,373 of September 29, 2014 (which replaced Resolution 2,689, of January 26, 2000) which entitles certain investors to buy and sell shares on Brazilian stock exchanges without obtaining separate certificates of registration. If you do not qualify under Resolution 4,373 (which replaced Resolution 2,689), you will generally be subject to less favorable tax treatment on distributions with respect to the shares. The depositary’s certificate of registration or any certificate of foreign capital registration obtained by you may be affected by future legislative or regulatory changes, and additional Brazilian law restrictions applicable to your investment in the ADSs may be imposed in the future. For a more complete description of Brazilian tax regulations, see “Item 10.E. Additional Information — Taxation — Brazilian Tax Consequences.”

 

 

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The relative volatility and illiquidity of the Brazilian securities markets may adversely affect you.

Investing in securities, such as the shares or ADSs, of issuers from emerging market countries, including Brazil, involves a higher degree of risk than investing in securities of issuers from more developed countries. For the reasons above, investments involving risks relating to Brazil, such as investments in ADSs, are generally considered speculative in nature and are subject to certain economic and political risks, including but not limited to:

 

    changes to the regulatory, tax, economic and political environment that may affect the ability of investors to receive payments, in whole or in part, in respect of their investments; and

 

    restrictions on foreign investment and on repatriation of capital invested.

The Brazilian securities market is substantially smaller, less liquid, more concentrated and more volatile than major securities markets in the United States. This may limit your ability to sell the shares underlying your ADSs at the price and time at which you wish to do so. The BM&FBOVESPA, the only Brazilian stock exchange, had a market capitalization of US$0.5 trillion as of December 31, 2015 and an average monthly trading volume of US$42 billion for 2015. In comparison, the NYSE had a market capitalization of US$18.4 trillion as of December 31, 2015 and an average monthly trading volume of US$0.9 trillion for 2015.

There is also a large concentration in the Brazilian securities market. The ten largest companies in terms of market capitalization represented 51% of the aggregate market capitalization of the BM&FBOVESPA as of December 31, 2015. Ultrapar’s average daily trading volume on both stock exchanges in 2015, 2014 and 2013 was R$136.7 million, R$88.4 million and R$69.9 million, respectively.

Controls and restrictions on the remittance of foreign currency could negatively affect your ability to convert and remit dividends, distributions or the proceeds from the sale of our shares, Ultrapar’s capacity to make dividend payments to non-Brazilian investors and the market price of our shares and ADSs.

Brazilian law provides that, whenever there is a serious imbalance in the Brazilian balance of payments or reasons for believing that there will be a serious imbalance in the future, the Brazilian government can impose temporary restrictions on remittances of income on investments by non-Brazilian investors in Brazil. The probability that the Brazilian government might impose such restrictions is related to the level of the country’s foreign currency reserves, the availability of currency in the foreign exchange markets on the maturity date of a payment, the amount of the Brazilian debt servicing requirement in relation to the economy as a whole, and the Brazilian policy towards the International Monetary Fund, among other factors. We are unable to give assurances that the Central Bank will not modify its policies or that the Brazilian government will not introduce restrictions or cause delays in payments by Brazilian entities of dividends relating to securities issued in the overseas capital markets up to the present. Such restrictions or delays could negatively affect your ability to convert and remit dividends, distributions or the proceeds from the sale of our shares, Ultrapar’s capacity to make dividend payments to non-Brazilian investors and the market price of our shares and the ADSs.

Changes in Brazilian tax laws may have an adverse impact on the taxes applicable to a disposition of our ADSs.

According to Law No. 10,833, enacted on December 29, 2003, the disposition of assets located in Brazil by a non-resident to either a Brazilian resident or a non-resident is subject to taxation in Brazil, regardless of whether the disposal occurs outside or within Brazil. In the event that the disposal of assets is interpreted to include a disposal of our ADSs, this tax law could result in the imposition of the withholding income tax on a disposal of our ADSs between non-residents of Brazil. See “Item 10.E. Additional Information — Taxation — Brazilian Tax Consequences — Taxation of Gains.”

Substantial sales of our shares or our ADSs could cause the price of our shares or our ADSs to decrease.

Shareholders of Ultra S.A., which own 22% of our outstanding shares, have the right to exchange their shares of Ultra S.A. for shares of Ultrapar and freely trade them in the market as more fully described under “Item 7.A. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions — Major Shareholders — Shareholders’ Agreements.” Other shareholders, who may freely sell their respective shares, hold a substantial portion of our remaining shares. A sale of a significant number of shares could negatively affect the market value of the shares and ADSs. The market price of our shares and the ADSs could drop significantly if the holders of shares or the ADSs sell them or the market perceives that they intend to sell them.

 

 

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There may be adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences to U.S. shareholders if we are or become a PFIC under the U.S. Internal Revenue Code.

If we were characterized as a PFIC, in any year during which a U.S. Holder holds shares or ADSs, certain adverse U.S. federal tax income consequences could apply to that person. Based on the manner in which we currently operate our business, the projected composition of our income and valuation of our assets, and the current interpretation of the PFIC rules, we do not believe that we were a PFIC in 2015 and we do not expect to be a PFIC in the foreseeable future. However, because PFIC classification is a factual determination made annually and is subject to change and differing interpretations, there can be no assurance that we will not be considered a PFIC for the current taxable year or any subsequent taxable year. U.S. Holders should carefully read “Item 10.E. Additional Information — Taxation — U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations” for a description of the PFIC rules and consult their own tax advisors regarding the likelihood and consequences if we were treated as a PFIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

 

ITEM 4. INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY

 

A. History and Development of the Company

We were incorporated on December 20, 1953, with our origins going back to 1937, when Ernesto Igel founded Ultragaz and pioneered the use of LPG as cooking gas in Brazil, using bottles acquired from Companhia Zeppelin. The gas stove began to replace the traditional wood stove and, to a lesser degree, kerosene and coal, which dominated Brazilian kitchens at the time.

In 1966, the market demand for high-quality and safe transportation services led to the entrance in the transportation of chemicals, petrochemicals and LPG segments. In 1978, Tequimar, was founded for the specific purpose of operating the storage business.

We were also one of the pioneers in developing the Brazilian petrochemicals industry with the creation of Oxiteno in 1970, whose first plant was located in the Mauá petrochemical complex in São Paulo metropolitan area. In 1974, Oxiteno inaugurated its second industrial unit, in the Camaçari petrochemical complex in Bahia. In 1986, Oxiteno established its own research and development center in order to respond to specific customer needs.

In 1997, through Ultragaz, we introduced UltraSystem — a small bulk distribution system — to residential, commercial and industrial segments, and we started the process of geographical expansion through the construction of new LPG filling and satellite plants. We also concluded the capacity expansion of Oxiteno’s industrial unit in Camaçari Petrochemical Complex, in the state of Bahia.

On October 6, 1999, we concluded our initial public offering, listing our shares simultaneously on BM&FBOVESPA and NYSE.

In 2000, Ultragaz started the construction of four new filling plants, therefore covering a large portion of the Brazilian territory. Still in 2000, the first of the four new plants, located in Goiânia, in the state of Goiás, started operations. In 2001, Ultragaz started two new plants: in Fortaleza, in the state of Ceará, and in Duque de Caxias, in the state of Rio de Janeiro. In 2002, the company started operations at a filling plant in Betim, in the state of Minas Gerais.

In March 2000, Ultra S.A’s shareholders signed an agreement, assuring equal treatment of all shareholders (holders of both common and/or preferred shares) in the event of any change in control tag along rights. The agreement stipulated that any transfer of control of Ultrapar, either direct or indirect, would only be executed in conjunction with a public offer by the acquiring entity to purchase the shares of all shareholders in the same proportion and under the same price and payment terms as those offered to the controlling shareholders.

 

 

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In April 2002, Oxiteno completed a tender offer for the acquisition of the shares of its subsidiary Oxiteno Nordeste, through the acquisition of approximately 73.3% of the shares held by minority shareholders. Oxiteno increased its share ownership from 97% to 98.9% for R$4.4 million.

In December 2002, we completed a corporate restructuring process that had begun in October 2002. The effects of the corporate restructuring were (i) the merger of Gipóia Ltda. into Ultrapar, increasing our ownership in Ultragaz to 100% and (ii) the exchange of shares issued by Oxiteno for shares issued by Ultrapar.

In August 2003, Ultragaz acquired Shell Gás, Royal Dutch Shell plc’s LPG operations in Brazil, for a total amount of R$170.6 million. With this acquisition, Ultragaz became the Brazilian market leader in LPG, with a 24% share of the Brazilian market on that date.

In December 2003, we concluded the acquisition of Canamex, a Mexican specialty chemicals company. In June 2004, we acquired the operational assets of Rhodia Especialidades S.A. de C.V. in Mexico. Both acquisitions had the target of establishing a stronger presence in the Mexican petrochemical market and to create a production and distribution platform to serve the United States market. Since July 2007, Canamex has been renamed Oxiteno Mexico S.A. de C.V., or Oxiteno Mexico.

In April 2005, we concluded a primary and secondary offering of our preferred shares and in July 2005, at an extraordinary general shareholders’ meeting held, our shareholders approved a reverse stock split of all our issued common and preferred shares.

In July 2005, Ultracargo started up a new terminal in Santos, its second port terminal that integrates road, rail and maritime transportation systems. The new terminal had a storage capacity of 33.5 thousand cubic meters for chemical products, 40 thousand cubic meters for ethanol and 38 thousand cubic meters for vegetable oil at the time.

In August 2006, Ultrapar announced the signing of an agreement between its subsidiary Oxiteno Nordeste and Braskem, for the supply of ethylene, with a 15-year term.

Also in August 2006, Oxiteno opened its first commercial office outside Brazil, in Buenos Aires, Argentina — Oxiteno Argentina S.R.L.

In March 2007, Ultrapar, Petrobras and Braskem announced their intent to acquire the Ipiranga Group, and Ultrapar entered into, and Petrobras and Braskem acknowledged, the Ipiranga Group SPA with the Key Shareholders of the principal companies constituting of the Ipiranga Group. In April 2007, Ultrapar acquired the control of the Southern Distribution Business, EMCA and a one-third stake in RPR, in connection with the acquisition of the Ipiranga Group. Following the acquisition, Ultrapar, which was already Brazil’s largest LPG distributor, became the second largest fuel distributor in the country, with a 14% market share in 2007. After the completion of the acquisition of Ipiranga Group, its businesses were divided among Petrobras, Ultrapar and Braskem. Ultrapar retained the fuel and lubricant distribution businesses located in the South and Southeast regions of Brazil; Petrobras received the fuel and lubricant distribution businesses located in the North, Northeast and Midwest regions of Brazil; Petrobras and Braskem received the Petrochemical Business, in the proportion of 60% for Braskem and 40% for Petrobras. For a more detailed discussion of the acquisition of Ipiranga Group, see our Form F-4 filed with the Commission on December 17, 2007.

In April 2007, Ultrapar acquired the sulfate and sulfonate assets of Unión Química S.A. de C.V., in San Juan del Río, Mexico through its subsidiary Oxiteno Mexico.

In September 2007, Oxiteno acquired Arch Andina, a subsidiary of the U.S. company Arch Chemicals, Inc. At such time, Arch Andina was the sole producer of ethoxylates in Venezuela, which had been the only ethylene oxide producing country in Latin America where Oxiteno did not have operations. The amount paid for the acquisition was US$7.6 million. The company was renamed Oxiteno Andina. Also in September 2007, Oxiteno announced the opening of a sales office in the United States.

In January 2008, Ultrapar significantly increased the liquidity of its shares through the issuance of 55 million preferred shares, as a consequence of the Share Exchange. The Share Exchange increased Ultrapar’s free float from 32 million shares to 87 million shares, with the free float reaching 64% of the Company’s total capital. The significant increase in the size of the free float helped Ultrapar to become part of Ibovespa, the BM&FBOVESPA index.

 

 

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In June 2008, Ultrapar announced that its subsidiary Ultracargo signed the sale and purchase agreement for the acquisition of 100% of the shares of União Terminais held by Unipar. In October 2008, Ultrapar completed the acquisition in relation to the port terminals in Santos and Rio de Janeiro. In November 2008, it completed the acquisition of 50% of the total capital stock held by Unipar of União/Vopak, which owned a port terminal in Paranaguá. The combination of its operations with those of União Terminais doubled the size of Ultracargo in terms of EBITDA, and made it the largest liquid bulk storage company in Brazil, strengthening its operating scale. With this acquisition, Ultracargo increased its presence at the port of Santos, the largest Brazilian port, and is now strategically positioned in the ports of Rio de Janeiro and Paranaguá, where the company did not previously have operations.

In July 2008, Oxiteno inaugurated its first sales office in Europe and the third outside Brazil in Brussels, Belgium, as part of Oxiteno’s internationalization strategy.

In August 2008, Ultrapar announced that its subsidiary SBP entered into a sale and purchase agreement with Chevron for the acquisition of 100% of the shares of CBL and Galena. Prior to the closing, Chevron’s lubricant and oil exploration activities in Brazil were spun-off from CBL and Galena to other Chevron’s legal entities. In March 2009, Ultrapar completed the acquisition and paid R$1,106 million to Chevron, in addition to a US$38 million deposit that it had made to Chevron in August 2008. In August 2009, Ultrapar also paid R$162 million related to the expected working capital adjustment, reflecting the increased working capital effectively received by Ultrapar on the closing date of the acquisition (as set forth in the sale and purchase agreement). The combination with Texaco created a nationwide fuel distribution business, strengthening its competitiveness through a larger operational scale. After completion of the acquisition, Ultrapar implemented its business plan, which consisted of two main work streams (i) the integration of operations, administrative and financial functions of Texaco, and (ii) the implementation of Ipiranga’s business model in the expanded network, with a wider range of products and services and a differentiated approach to its resellers. As of December 31, 2012, Ultrapar had also converted all the acquired Texaco branded stations into the Ipiranga brand. Under the terms of the Ipiranga Group Transaction Agreements, Petrobras had the exclusive right to use Ipiranga’s brand in the operating regions of the Northern Distribution Business for five years from the date of the acquisition of Ipiranga Group, which expired in March 2012. Until then, Ipiranga operated under the Texaco brand in those regions.

Also in August 2008, Ultrapar announced the execution of a supply contract between Oxiteno and Braskem for the supply of ethylene to the Mauá unit, in the state of São Paulo, effective through 2023. At the same time, Oxiteno sold the equity interest it owned in Quattor, equivalent to 2,803,365 shares, for R$46 million.

In October 2008, certain production capacity expansions at Oxiteno were completed, including (i) the operational start-up of the oleochemicals plant with an annual production capacity of approximately 100 thousand tons of fatty alcohols and by-products; (ii) the expansion of the ethylene oxide unit at Mauá, adding 38 thousand tons to the annual production capacity of this product; and (iii) the expansion of the ethoxylate and ethanolamine production at Camaçari, adding 120 thousand tons to the annual capacity of these products.

In February 2009, a capital increase of R$15 million was approved at an extraordinary general shareholders’ meeting of RPR through the issuance of 15 million new common and preferred shares and the admission of new shareholders in its capital stock, as part of the acquisition of the Ipiranga Group. As a result, RPR ceased to be a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ultrapar. Ultrapar now retains an equity interest of 33% in RPR.

In December 2009, Ultrapar, through Ultracargo, paid R$44 million for the acquisition of Puma Storage do Brasil Ltda., a storage terminal for liquid bulk with 83 thousand cubic meters capacity located at the port of Suape, in the state of Pernambuco.

In March 2010, Ultrapar entered into a sale and purchase agreement to sell Ultracargo’s in-house logistics, solid bulk storage and road transportation businesses for R$82 million. The sale was closed in July 2010.

 

 

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In August 2010, Oxiteno concluded the expansion of the ethoxylate unit at Camaçari, which added 70 thousand tons per year to its production capacity.

In October 2010, Ultrapar, through Ipiranga, entered into a sale and purchase agreement for the acquisition of 100% of the shares of DNP. The total value of the acquisition was R$73 million. DNP distributes fuels in the states of Amazonas, Rondônia, Roraima, Acre, Pará and Mato Grosso through a network of 110 service stations, with 4% market share in 2009 in the North of Brazil, and was the fourth largest fuel distributor in this geographic area.

In February 2011, the extraordinary general shareholders’ meeting approved a stock split of the shares issued by Ultrapar resulting in each share converting into four shares of the same class and type, with no modification in the shareholders’ financial position or interest in the Company. After the stock split, the 1:1 ratio between preferred shares and ADSs was maintained, and each ADS consequently continued to represent one share.

In April 2011, our Board of Directors approved a proposal to (a) convert any and all shares of preferred stock issued by the Company into shares of common stock, on a 1:1 conversion ratio; (b) amend the Company’s bylaws, modifying several of its provisions, aiming to strengthen the Company’s corporate governance; and (c) adhere to the Novo Mercado segment rules.

In August 2011, Ultrapar’s shares began trading on the Novo Mercado under ticker symbol UGPA3. Simultaneously, Ultrapar’s ADSs, formerly represented by preferred shares, began representing Ultrapar’s common shares and began trading on the NYSE under this new format.

In August 2011, we completed the expansion of the ethylene oxide plant in Camaçari, increasing the production capacity by 90 thousand tons per year.

In August 2011, Oxiteno opened a commercial office in Bogota, Colombia — Oxiteno Colombia S.A.S.

In September 2011, Ultracargo’s expanded terminal in Suape started operations, increasing its storage capacity by 26 thousand cubic meters. This project was part of Ultracargo’s expansion plan that began in 2010.

In October 2011, Ultrapar acquired, through Ultragaz, Repsol’s LPG distribution business in Brazil for a total value of R$50 million, which included R$2 million related to the net cash of the acquired company.

In April 2012, Oxiteno acquired a specialty chemicals plant in the United States for US$15 million, with no debt assumption. The plant is located in Pasadena, Texas, one of the most important chemical hubs in the world, benefiting from attractive feedstock conditions, including competitive natural gas-based raw materials, and highly efficient logistics infrastructure. During 2012 and 2013, Oxiteno invested R$42 million in capital expenditures to retrofit the plant for its product line of specialty surfactants. The total production capacity is 32 thousand tons per year and operations started in late 2012. See “Item 4.A. Information on the Company — History and Development of the Company — Investments” for more information.

In May 2012, the Board of Directors approved the nomination of Thilo Mannhardt to succeed Pedro Wongtschowski as Chief Executive Officer starting January 1, 2013. Pedro Wongtschowski replaced Thilo Mannhardt on the Board of Directors consistent with Ultrapar’s philosophy of adequately planning changes in its management.

In May 2012, Oxiteno opened a commercial office in Shanghai, China — Oxiteno Shanghai Trading LTD.

In July 2012, Ultracargo acquired Temmar from Temmar Netherlands B.V. and Noble Netherlands B.V., subsidiaries of Noble Group Limited for R$68 million, in addition to the assumption of net debt in the amount of R$91 million. In December 2013, in order to simplify our corporate structure, the subsidiary Temmar was merged into Tequimar. Temmar owned a terminal in the port of Itaqui, which added 55 thousand cubic meters to Ultracargo’s capacity.

 

 

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In September 2012, we concluded an expansion in the terminal of Santos, adding 30 thousand cubic meters to Ultracargo’s storage capacity. This expansion, together with the expansion in the same terminal concluded in January 2012, which added 12 thousand cubic meters to its capacity, and with the expansion in the terminal of Aratu concluded in June 2012, which added approximately 4 thousand cubic meters to its capacity, represented combined additional storage capacity of 46 thousand cubic meters to Ultracargo. This project was part of Ultracargo’s expansion plan started in 2010, to increase its total storage capacity by 15%.

In November 2012, Oxiteno acquired American Chemical (currently Oxiteno Uruguay), a Uruguayan specialty chemicals company, for R$107 million, in addition to the assumption of R$33 million in net debt. Oxiteno Uruguay’s production capacity is 81 thousand tons per year, particularly sulfonate and sulfate surfactants for the home and personal care industries, as well as products for the leather industry. With the acquisition of Oxiteno Uruguay, Oxiteno continued the expansion of its international activities, initiated in 2003 and based on its deep knowledge of the technology for the production and application of surfactants and specialty chemicals and on a strong relationship with its customers.

In November 2012, Ipiranga entered the segment of electronic payment for tolls, parking and fuels through ConectCar. This initiative was driven by new rules implemented in 2012 to incentivize competition in this segment and combines the experience and complementarity of its partners, each with a 50% interest in the company. ConectCar fits into Ipiranga’s strategy of differentiation, offering more products and services in its service station network focused on convenience and practicality, generating benefits for its clients, retailers and for the company itself. ConectCar started operations in April 2013 and operates in markets that have strong growth perspectives.

In May 2013, Ultracargo concluded an expansion in the terminal of Aratu, adding 22 thousand cubic meters, and in the terminal of Santos, adding 4 thousand cubic meters, totaling 26 thousand cubic meters of additional storage capacity.

In September 2013, Ultrapar and the former shareholders of Extrafarma entered into an agreement to acquire Extrafarma, one of Brazil’s top ten drugstores chains, marking our entry in the retail pharmacy business. See “— Extrafarma Transaction” below.

In February 2014, Ultra S.A.’s shareholders executed a new shareholders’ agreement which became effective as of that date and replaced the 2011 Ultra S.A. shareholders’ agreement. The Ultra S.A. shareholders agreement’s main terms are substantially related to (i) the decision process of Ultra S.A.’s vote at Ultrapar’s shareholders meetings and (ii) procedures to exchange any party’s shares in Ultra S.A. into shares of Ultrapar. The terms and conditions of the new shareholders’ agreement are substantially the same as the previous shareholder’s agreement among the same parties effective since 2011, except, mainly, for the replacement of preliminary meetings among the agreeing parties for extraordinary shareholders’ meetings of Ultra S.A. to decide upon the vote of Ultra S.A. regarding certain matters in general shareholders’ meetings of Ultrapar. See “Item 7.A. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions — Major Shareholders — Shareholders’ Agreements.”

In June 2015, Ultrapar announced changes in its executive board approved by its Board of Directors. After eight years as Chief Financial and Investor Relations Officer of Ultrapar, André Covre took over as Chief Executive Officer of Extrafarma. André Covre succeeded Paulo Lazera, who continued involved with Ultrapar as a shareholder and special consultant to Extrafarma. The Chief Financial and Investor Relations Officer position was assumed by André Pires de Oliveira Dias.

In October 2015, Redecard entered into an agreement with OTP to acquire 50% of ConectCar, for R$170 million. This new partner will provide opportunities to ConectCar expand its services to new markets, continuing with its purpose of offering customers mobility, convenience, flexibility and, above all, differentiated benefits.

 

 

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Extrafarma Transaction

Summary. On September 30, 2013, Ultrapar entered into an association agreement with Extrafarma, one of Brazil’s ten largest drugstore chains. According to the terms of the agreement, Ultrapar and Extrafarma entered into an incorporação de ações (merger of shares), pursuant to which Ultrapar acquired 100% of the shares of Extrafarma in exchange for up to 2.9% of shares issued by Ultrapar to Extrafarma’s shareholders. The Extrafarma Transaction closed on January 31, 2014 with the approval of the merger of shares by the Extraordinary General Meetings of Ultrapar and Extrafarma and, consequently, Extrafarma became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ultrapar from February 1, 2014 onwards. The total consideration of the Extrafarma Transaction consisted of the issuance of up to 16,028,131 shares of Ultrapar and the assumption by Ultrapar of Extrafarma’s net debt of R$106 million as of December 31, 2012.

Structure of the Extrafarma Transaction. Ultrapar acquired from the former seven shareholders of Extrafarma (who are the heirs of Extrafarma’s founder) all of the shares of Extrafarma in exchange for 12,021,100 newly issued shares of Ultrapar, in accordance with Art. 252 of the Brazilian Corporate Law, increasing our issued share capital to 556,405,096 shares. In addition, as a mechanism for possible adjustments related to contingencies whose triggering events occurred prior to the closing of the transaction, we issued subscription warrants to the former Extrafarma shareholders that, if exercised, could potentially lead to the issuance of up to 4,007,031 shares in the future, subject to adjustment based on numerous factors. Of the total possible shares that could be issued to the former Extrafarma shareholders upon exercise of the subscription warrants, Extrafarma’s shareholders could receive up to 801,409 additional shares based on working capital adjustments and 3,205,622 shares based on absence of indemnification obligations.

On June 30, 2014, after assessing Extrafarma’s working capital and indebtedness, we have determined that the subscription warrants related to working capital will not be exercised by the former shareholders of Extrafarma and, accordingly, we have reversed the full provision for the issuance of 801,409 shares related to such warrants, corresponding to R$42.1 million. In addition, we also recorded R$12.2 million in receivables under “other receivables” in current assets as of December 31, 2014 to reflect additional amounts payable to us by the former Extrafarma shareholders. On June 22, 2015, the agreement related to the final adjustment of working capital and net debt of the transaction was executed by and between the parties in the amount of R$26.0 million, that was received by Ultrapar in the third quarter of 2015. The indemnification subscription warrants may still be exercised beginning in 2020, the value of which will be determined based on variations to provisions for fiscal, civil and labor risks and contingent liabilities related to the period prior to January 31, 2014. See Note 3.a to our consolidated financial statements for further information on the Extrafarma Transaction, including information on the business combination and goodwill, and “Exhibit 4.18. — Protocol and Justification of Incorporação de Ações (merger of shares).”

Ultrapar’s 12,021,100 shares received by the former shareholders of Extrafarma are subject to lock-up agreements and will become available for trading in phases. Of the total shares, 33.5% were immediately available for trading after the closing, 8.3% became available in February 2015 and the remaining shares to be unlocked in five annual tranches of 8.3% from 2016 to 2020, with a final tranche of 25% to be released from the lock-up on 2020, which is in the sixth year after the closing.

Extrafarma became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ultrapar, and the former shareholders of Extrafarma became long-term shareholders of Ultrapar, which we believe evidences their confidence in the growth potential of the sector and in the project to be developed by Ultrapar and Extrafarma.

Ultracargo – Fire at storage facilities in Santos

On April 2, 2015, part of the storage facilities operated by Ultracargo in Santos, in the state of São Paulo, endured a nine-day fire surrounding six ethanol and gasoline tanks. The six tanks represented 4% of Ultracargo’s overall capacity in Brazil as of December 31, 2014. There were no casualties in this accident and the cause of such accident and its impacts are still being investigated, including the extent of operational losses, damage to assets, potential environmental damages and other liabilities and reputational harm. We maintain insurance policies to cover certain risks to which we are exposed. See “Item 4.B. Business Overview — Insurance”.

 

 

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On April 9, 2015, the Santos municipal government suspended Ultracargo’s activities in that city. Ultracargo’s operations in Santos comprise two separate areas. On April 27, 2015, the authorization granted by the municipal government to Ultracargo to resume operations in the area not affected by the accident was published at the Santos Official Gazette (Diário Oficial de Santos). The still suspended operations correspond to 185 thousand cubic meters capacity, or 22.5% of Ultracargo’s previous capacity in Brazil.

In addition to loss of revenues resulting from the partial interruption of Santos operations, Ultracargo incurred expenses related to the fire accident in the amount of R$92 million in the year ended December 31, 2015. A significant portion of such expenses are entitled to reimbursement under our insurance policies.

Ultracargo completed the preparation and started the implementation of the decommissioning plan, which consists of the removal of equipment and structures of the terminal affected by the fire. This process will allow the experts of the Criminalistics Institute (Instituto de Criminalística) to finalize the assessment to determine the causes of the incident.

Recent Developments

Renegotiation of financing

In February 2016, IPP renegotiated a loan with Banco do Brasil, which would mature in February 2016, with principal total amount of R$166.7 million, extending the maturity to February 2019, and changing the floating interest rate to 114% of CDI.

Loan agreement

In February 2016, Oxiteno USA entered into a loan agreement in the amount of US$40 million, due in February 2021 and bearing interest of LIBOR + 3% p.a., paid quarterly. The loan is guaranteed by Ultrapar and the subsidiary Oxiteno Nordeste and the proceeds of this loan will be used to fund the construction of a new alcoxylation plant in the state of Texas.

Ultracargo – Fire at storage facilities in Santos

On March 16, 2016, Ultracargo decided to pay a fine in the amount of R$ 16 million to the CETESB (Companhia Ambiental do Estado de São Paulo, the São Paulo state environmental agency), as a result of an unfavorable decision at the administrative level.

Also in March 2016, Ultracargo received advances relating to certain rescue and containment expenses from the insurers in the amount of R$29.8 million and paid advances to a customer in the amount of R$30.0 million.

In addition, lawsuits and extrajudicial claims for third-party indemnification, claiming damages, presented until the date of this annual report, will be entitled to insurance coverage and are being analyzed by the insurers.

See notes 20.b.2.2, 26 and 32 to our consolidated financial statements.

Investments

We have made substantial investments in our operations over the last three fiscal years. At Ultragaz, we have invested in (i) small bulk LPG distribution (UltraSystem); (ii) the purchase and renewal of LPG bottles and tanks; and (iii) the strengthening and restructuring of our distribution logistics. We have also invested in the consolidation of our national coverage over the past three years. Investments at Ipiranga have been directed to (i) the expansion of the Ipiranga network of service stations, convenience stores and lubricant service shops, (ii) the expansion of its logistics infrastructure to support the growing demand, and (iii) the maintenance of its operations. Oxiteno has invested in (i) the expansion of production capacity, mainly for specialty chemicals in Brazil and Mexico, and the commencement of operations in the United States, (ii) the modernization of its industrial plants and (iii) the development of new products. Ultracargo has invested in the expansion and maintenance of its storage facilities in response to strong demand for logistics infrastructure in Brazil, including investments in capacity expansions at the Aratu and Santos terminals. In 2015, Extrafarma invested mainly in the opening and maintenance of its stores. See “Item 4.A. Information on the Company — History and Development of the Company.” We have also invested in information technology at all our businesses for integrating processes, improving the quality of information, decreasing the response time in decision-making and improving our services.

 

 

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The following table shows our organic investments (see definition in note 3 below) for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013:

 

     Year ended December 31,  
     2015      2014      2013  
     (in millions of Reais)  

Ipiranga

     853.9         810.0         758.3   

Oxiteno

     131.4         113.9         139.3   

Ultragaz

     219.9         180.5         150.9   

Ultracargo

     23.9         26.4         37.4   

Extrafarma

     80.8         57.1          

Others(1)

     24.2         27.8         15.6   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total – additions to property, plant, equipment and intangible assets

     1,334.2         1,215.7         1,101.5   

Financing and bonuses to our resellers(2)

     18.1         4.6         (12.2

Total organic investments(3), net of disposals

     1,352.2         1,220.3         1,089.4   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)  Includes mainly capital expenditures related to corporate information technology and headquarters’ building maintenance.
(2)  Financing and bonuses to our resellers, net of repayments. Bonuses are lump sum payments made by distributors to resellers. Resellers typically use these payments to improve their facilities or to invest in working capital. Financing for clients is included under working capital in the cash flow statement and bonuses are included under intangible assets.
(3)  Organic investments consist of acquisitions of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets and financing and repayments to resellers, and do not include investments in acquisitions of subsidiaries and interest in other companies neither capital increases in joint ventures and associates.

In 2015, Ultrapar continued with an investment strategy focused on the continuing to generate economies of scale and increase competitiveness, better serving an increasing number of customers. Investments, net of disposals, totaled R$1,352 million in organic investments. At Ipiranga, R$872 million were invested, of which (i) R$374 million in the expansion of its service stations network (through the conversion of unbranded service stations, the opening of new gas stations and new customers) and am/pm and Jet Oil franchises, focused on the Midwest, Northeast and North regions of Brazil, (ii) R$115 million in expanding its logistics infrastructure to support the growing demand, through the construction and expansion of logistics facilities, (iii) R$86 million in modernization, mainly in logistics facilities, and (iv) R$297 million in the maintenance of its operations, mainly in the renewal of contracts of its distribution network and the renovation of service stations. Out of the total amount invested, R$854 million were related to property, plant, equipment and intangible assets and R$18 million were related to the financing to clients, net of repayments. At Oxiteno, the total investments in 2015 amounted to R$131 million, mainly in the maintenance of its production units and the completion of the expansion of its production capacity in Coatzacoalcos, Mexico. At Ultragaz, R$220 million were invested, mainly in new clients in the bulk segment, replacement of bottles and maintenance of its bottling facilities. In 2015, Ultracargo invested R$24 million, mainly directed towards modernization and maintenance of its terminals. Extrafarma invested R$81 million, mainly directed towards the opening of new drugstores, maintenance of existing stores and IT retail-facing projects.

Ultrapar’s investment plan for 2016 amounts to R$1,809 million, which demonstrates the continuity of good opportunities to grow through increased scale and productivity gains, as well as modernization of existing operations. At Ipiranga, we plan to invest (i) R$354 million to maintain the pace of expansion of its distribution network (through the conversion of unbranded service stations and the opening of new gas stations) and of am/pm and Jet Oil franchises, focused on the Midwest, Northeast and North regions of Brazil, and in new distribution centers to supply the convenience stores, (ii) R$112 million in the expansion of its logistics infrastructure to support growth, mainly through the construction and expansion of logistics facilities, and (iii) R$421 million in the maintenance and modernization of its activities, mainly in the renewal of contracts of its distribution network and the renovation of service stations, as well as information systems to support its operations. Oxiteno’s investment plan approved for 2016 totals R$460 million. This amount includes US$65 million to the construction of the new ethoxylation unit at its site in Texas (USA), which was announced in November 2015, and is expected to be concluded by the end of 2017. The new unit’s capacity will be 170,000 tons per year at its final stage. The remaining amount will be focused in maintenance and modernization of its plants for higher productivity, as well as information systems. Ultragaz’s investiment plan approved for 2016 totals R$208 million, which will be focused mainly (i) on capturing new clients in the bottled and bulk segment, (ii) on the replacement and purchase of LPG bottles, (iii) on the expansion and maintenance of filling plants, and (iv) on IT with focus on systems to support its operations. Ultracargo’s investment plan approved for 2016 totals R$118 million, which will mainly be focused on (i) the modernization of safety systems of its terminals, (ii) the expansion of Itaqui terminal, which is expected to start operating in 2017, and (iii) the adjustment and maintenance of the infrastructure of its terminals. At Extrafarma, we plan to invest R$124 million mainly in the opening of new drugstores and in the maintenance of its activities.

 

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Equity investments

We have also made several acquisitions and related investments to maintain and create new opportunities for growth and to consolidate our position in the markets in which we operate.

The Extrafarma Transaction closed on January 31, 2014 and, accordingly, Ultrapar started to consolidate the equity investment related to Extrafarma as from such date.

The table below shows our equity investments (see definition in note 7 below) for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013:

 

     Year ended December 31,  
     2015     2014     2013  

Ipiranga

     41.1 (1)      28.5 (1)      23.3 (2) 

Oxiteno

                   6.2 (3) 

Ultragaz

                     

Ultracargo

                     

Acquisition of Extrafarma

            719.9          

Total equity investments(4)

     41.1        748.4        29.5   

 

(1)  Capital invested in ConectCar.
(2)  Capital invested in ConectCar (R$24.9 million), net of capital reduction in the affiliated Transportadora Sulbrasileira de Gás S.A. (R$1.5 million). See “Item 4.A. Information on the Company — History and Development of the Company.”
(3)  Working capital and net debt closing adjustments relating to the acquisition of American Chemical. See “Item 4.A. Information on the Company — History and Development of the Company.”
(4)  Equity investments consist of investments with acquisition of subsidiaries and interest in other companies and capital increases in joint ventures and associates.

We are a company incorporated under the laws of Brazil. Our principal executive office is located at Brigadeiro Luis Antônio Avenue, 1343, 9th Floor, 01317-910, São Paulo, SP, Brazil. Our telephone number is 55 11 3177 7014. Our Internet website address is http://www.ultra.com.br. Our agent for service of process in the United States is C.T. Corporation System, located at 111 Eighth Avenue, New York, New York 10011.

 

B. Business Overview

Ultrapar is a Brazilian company with almost 80 years of history, with leading positions in the markets in which it operates: specialized distribution and retail through Ultragaz, Ipiranga and Extrafarma, production of specialty chemicals through Oxiteno and liquid bulk storage services through Ultracargo. Ultragaz is the leader in LPG distribution in Brazil with a 23% market share in 2015 and one of the largest independent LPG distributors in the world in terms of volume sold. We deliver LPG to an estimated 11 million households through a network of approximately 5,100 independent retailers in the bottled segment and to approximately 50 thousand customers in the bulk segment. Ipiranga is the second largest fuel distributor in Brazil, with a network of 7,230 service stations and 22% market share in 2015. Oxiteno is one of the largest producers of ethylene oxide and its main derivatives in Latin America, a major producer of specialty chemicals and the sole producer of fatty-alcohols and related by-products in Latin America. Oxiteno has twelve industrial units in Brazil, Mexico, the United States, Uruguay and Venezuela and commercial offices in Argentina, Belgium, China and Colombia. Ultracargo has a leading position in its sector, being the largest provider of storage for liquid bulk in Brazil, with six terminals and a storage capacity of 630 thousand cubic meters as of December 31, 2015. Extrafarma is one of the leading drugstore chains in the North and Northeast of Brazil, with 254 drugstores and two distribution centers in December 2015. The Extrafarma Transaction closed on January 31, 2014 and, accordingly, Extrafarma’s results of operations were consolidated into Ultrapar’s results of operations as from February 1, 2014. See “Item 4.A. Information on the Company — History and Development of the Company — Extrafarma Transaction.”

 

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The following chart simplifies our organizational structure as of the date hereof, showing our principal business units. For more detailed information about our current organizational structure, see “Item 4.C. Information on the Company — Organizational Structure.”

 

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Our Strengths

Leading market positions across businesses

Ultragaz is the largest LPG distributor in Brazil. In 2015, Ultragaz’s national market share was 23%, serving approximately 11 million homes in the bottled segment and approximately 50 thousand customers in the bulk segment. For the year ended December 31, 2015, Ultragaz’s total volume of LPG sold was 1.7 million tons.

Ipiranga is the second largest fuel distributor in Brazil with a 22% market share in 2015, and a network of 7,230 service stations as of December 31, 2015. In addition to the service stations, Ipiranga’s network has approximately 1.9 thousand am/pm convenience stores and 1.5 thousand Jet Oil franchises. In 2015, Ipiranga focused on its strategy of expansion to the North, Northeast and Midwest regions of Brazil, where the consumption growth rate has been above the national average and the market share of Ipiranga is lower than that in the South and Southeast. The implementation of Ipiranga’s business model in its service station network allows it to offer a broad range of products and services, which benefits consumers and resellers. The volume of fuel sold by Ipiranga in 2015 was 25.7 million cubic meters.

Oxiteno is a major producer of specialty chemicals and the largest producer of ethylene oxide and its principal derivatives in Latin America. Our chemical operations supply a broad range of market segments, particularly crop protection chemicals, food, cosmetics, detergents, packaging for beverages, thread and polyester filaments, brake fluids, petroleum and coatings. For the year ended December 31, 2015, Oxiteno sold 725 thousand tons of chemical products. In Brazil, Oxiteno competes principally against imports.

Ultracargo is the largest provider of storage for liquid bulk in Brazil, with six terminals and storage capacity of 630 thousand cubic meters as of December 31, 2015, with leading positions in the main ports in Brazil.

Extrafarma is the sixth largest drugstore network in the country according to Abrafarma’s ranking, with 254 drugstores and 2 distribution centers as of December 31, 2015.

 

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Robust business portfolio

Our operations encompass LPG and fuel distribution, operation of a drugstore chain, the production of ethylene oxide and its derivatives and liquid bulk storage services. We believe our businesses provide us with increased financial capability and flexibility. Our business mix makes us less vulnerable to economic fluctuations and allows us to pursue growth opportunities as they arise in any of our business segments.

Ultrapar’s businesses are simultaneously resilient and leveraged on the Brazilian economic growth. Certain of Ultrapar’s businesses, such as LPG for residential use and fuels for light vehicles, are of a resilient nature and, therefore, are less volatile to economic downturns. Other Ultrapar’s businesses such as sales of diesel, specialty chemicals and bulk LPG are linked to economic performance and tend to boost volumes during periods of strong economic growth.

Bottled LPG is an essential good, as it is mainly used for cooking, and, therefore, has a lower correlation with economic performance. Volume of fuels for light vehicles tends to grow linked to the number of light vehicles in Brazil. The Brazilian light vehicle fleet grew at rates ranging from 3% to 8% per year during the last five years, despite the volatility in the economic growth during this period, leading to a similar level of growth in the volume of fuels for light vehicles. On the other hand, diesel, specialty chemicals and bulk LPG sales growth have been historically correlated to the performance of the Brazilian economy.

Highly efficient LPG distribution network

Ultragaz is the only LPG distributor in Brazil with an exclusive network of independent dealers. This network is constituted of approximately 5,100 dealers who sell Ultragaz LPG bottles. This has enabled Ultragaz to control the quality and productivity of its dealers leading to a strong brand name recognition that we believe is associated with quality, safety and efficiency, and also to have frequent contact with LPG customers. In addition, Ultragaz was the first player to introduce LPG small bulk delivery in Brazil, with lower distribution costs than bottled distribution. Over the years, it has built a strong client base in this segment.

Efficiencies in retail network logistics in addition to resale management know-how

We believe that the expertise in logistics and resale management that we have gained at Ultragaz is complemented by Ipiranga’s know-how in the same areas, thus maximizing efficiency and profitability at both companies.

Differentiated positioning in the fuel distribution sector

We believe that Ipiranga has a differentiated positioning in its sector, supported by a strong brand and ample coverage of products and services at its service stations to increase the convenience of the customer. These services and products include convenience stores, lubricant-changing service shops, electronic payment, bakeries, loyalty program, Ipiranga-branded credit cards, and a set of initiatives that aim at enhancing customer’s convenience and loyalty.

Flexibility across the petrochemical cycle

Oxiteno is the largest producer of ethylene oxide and its principal derivatives in Latin America. In 2015, 98% of its ethylene oxide production was used internally in the production of ethylene oxide derivatives, which can be roughly classified in two groups: specialty and commodity chemicals. Oxiteno is a major producer of specialty chemicals, which have traditionally higher margins and less exposure to petrochemical cycles than commodity chemicals. Oxiteno has also been heavily investing in the development of products derived from renewable raw materials, such as those produced at its oleochemicals unit, aiming at reducing its dependence on oil-based feedstock and expanding its product portfolio.

 

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Cost-efficient operations

Oxiteno’s operations have a high degree of production efficiency derived from a scale that we believe is similar to that of the largest producers in the world. Ultragaz has significant market presence in densely populated areas, which allows it to operate its filling plants and distribution system with a high level of capacity utilization and efficiency. Ipiranga also has a significant market presence in the South and Southeast regions of Brazil, which allows it to operate its extensive network of primary and secondary storage terminals and its distribution system in a cost-efficient manner. After the consolidation of Texaco and DNP and the network expansion through the opening of new gas stations and the conversion of unbranded service stations, the increased scale of Ipiranga allowed improved efficiency and competitiveness in the distribution and sales processes, dilution of advertising, marketing and new product development expenses, and gains from economies of scale in administrative functions. Extrafarma also has a significant market presence in the regions it operates (North and Northeast of Brazil), allowing it to distribute more efficiently its products to its drugstores.

Strong operational track record

Our Company has exhibited a solid operational track record. Our EBITDA presented an average compound annual growth of 20% from 1998 to 2015, in spite of the overall macroeconomic volatility in Brazil and in the world during this same period. See “Item 3.A. Key Information — Selected Consolidated Financial Data” for more information about EBITDA. Our net income attributable to shareholders of the Company presented average compound annual growth of 23% from 1998 to 2015.

Experienced management team

We are led by a strong and experienced management team with a proven track record in the LPG and fuel distribution, petrochemical and specialized logistics industries. Our senior management team has on average almost 20 years of experience in the Company.

Alignment of interests

The members of Ultrapar’s management are relevant shareholders of Ultrapar and have variable compensation linked to performance and value generation to shareholders measured by Economic Value Added (EVA®) growth targets. Moreover, Ultrapar has consistently implemented improvements in corporate governance, such as being the first Brazilian company to grant 100% tag along right to all its shareholders, the separation of the roles of Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors and the constant and transparent interaction with the capital market. Ultrapar is also a founding member of the Latin American Corporate Governance Roundtable Companies Circle, a group dedicated to promoting corporate governance in Latin America.

In 2011, Ultrapar completed the implementation of its new corporate governance structure, further aligning our shareholders’ interests by converting all preferred shares into common voting shares. The Conversion resulted in all of our shares having identical voting rights, which allows our shareholders to actively participate in the decisions of the shareholders’ meeting, without (i) any limitation on voting rights, (ii) special treatment to current shareholders, (iii) required public tender offers for prices greater than the acquisition price of a controlling interest or (iv) any other poison pill provisions.

Our Strategy

Build on the strength of our brands

Ultrapar is a multi-business company engaged in specialized distribution and retail (Ipiranga / Ultragaz / Extrafarma), specialty chemicals (Oxiteno) and storage for liquid bulk (Ultracargo). Our businesses have a high brand recognition associated with quality, safety and efficiency. We intend to reinforce this market perception by continuing to supply high-quality products and services and to introduce new services and distribution channels.

 

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Maintain a strong relationship with our resellers in the LPG and fuel distribution business

We intend to preserve our strong relationship with dealers by keeping their distribution exclusivity and continuing to implement our differentiated incentive programs in Ultragaz and Ipiranga. We plan to continue to invest in training our dealers, in order to maximize efficiency, to further strengthen our relationship and to promote the high standards of our distribution network. In parallel, we plan to continue to increase our operational efficiency and productivity at Ultragaz and Ipiranga.

Continuously improve cost and capital efficiency in the LPG and fuel distribution

We plan to continue to invest in the cost and capital efficiency of our distribution systems. Current initiatives include enhanced discipline with respect to our capital allocations and programs to revise Ultragaz’s distribution structure.

Increase market share in fuel distribution

Our sales strategy is to increase Ipiranga’s market share by converting unbranded stations to Ipiranga’s brand and by opening new service stations, focusing on the Midwest, Northeast and North regions of Brazil, where we have lower market share and where consumption growth is higher than the national average, given the lower car penetration and faster-growing household income in these regions. Ipiranga’s strategy also includes expanding its logistics infrastructure to support the growing demand for fuels in Brazil and initiatives aiming at differentiating our products and services.

Promote and benefit from the formalization of the fuel distribution market

We plan to continue to collaborate with the competent authorities to promote improvements to legislation and to enhance regulatory enforcements in the fuel distribution sector as means of creating a level playing field in the market, increasing sales volume in the formal market and improving our gross margin, thus reducing the competitiveness of players which benefited from cost advantages derived from unfair practices.

Enhance retail network

Ipiranga’s strategy is strongly focused on differentiation and innovation. This focus has translated to the creation of new market niches through its reseller network characterized by customer service and convenience, thus contributing to high levels of customer loyalty. We believe these initiatives result in a better value proposition for customers and resellers, creating benefits for the whole chain – the client has access to differentiated, more convenient products; the reseller has a more attractive business; and the service station has differentiated positioning, contributing to the evolution of the company’s results.

Ipiranga’s Posto Ecoeficiente project (Eco-Efficient service station) is one of the initiatives that reflect Ultrapar’s innovation philosophy. It aggregates, in a single project, innovative solutions and sustainable technologies, in harmony with the profitability of the service station for the reseller. This project involves solutions in the construction and operation of service stations that result in better use of resources, such as water and electricity, and reduction of wastage and residues. Ipiranga ended 2015 with 1,159 eco-efficient services stations operating and over 226 service stations under constructions.

In another pioneering initiative, Ipiranga launched in 2009 the program Km de Vantagens, a loyalty program in the fuel industry that grants rewards and benefits to customers and resellers that has strengthened as an important platform for customer relationship and for other initiative of Ipiranga, currently with around 21 million participants, up 15% compared to 2014.

In 2010, also as part of its differentiation strategy, Ipiranga opened bakeries within its am/pm stores and became Brazil’s largest bakery franchise chain. Over the year, it developed a new image, further strengthening the perception of being a convenience center always close to its consumer.

In 2011, Ipiranga was the first distributor to launch online sales of fuel. This initiative allows clients to purchase credits of fuel through its website. With these credits, clients are able to purchase fuel at any of the Ipiranga’s accredited service stations. Participants of the Km de Vantagens program who purchase credits online can get a discount on the credit price, which represents another benefit for client loyalty.

 

 

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In 2012, among the initiatives of Ipiranga, we highlight the strengthening of Posto Virtual and the entrance in the segment of electronic payment for tolls, parking and fuels through ConectCar. Once installed on a vehicle’s windshield, ConectCar’s tag automatically opens toll gates at lower costs through a prepaid system with free enrollment. In addition, the tag may be used to purchase fuel as well as accumulate and redeem points of the Km de Vantagens program, points which will be acquired by ConectCar from Ipiranga. The client can buy the tag at Ipiranga’s service stations, using the points of the loyalty program Km de Vantagens. At the end of 2015, ConectCar reached approximately 600 thousand customers, and is now available in almost all toll roads in Brazil.

In 2013, Ipiranga developed “Ipiranga Frotas”, a service for the remote control of the fleet, allowing Ipiranga’s business customers to control and monitor better their vehicle fleet. Another pioneering initiative in 2013 was the app Posto Ipiranga na Web, the first of its kind to be launched in Brazil. The app allows the user with a smartphone to purchase fuels credit, which was already possible through the Ipiranga website.

In order to create value to its am/pm convenience stores clients and franchisees, Ipiranga launched in 2014 its own supply solution. This solution concentrates logistic, selling and service to am/pm convenience stores in one single structure. This initiative aims to facilitate am/pm operations, improve the competitiveness of franchisees and ensure a higher quality product assortment. In 2015, am/pm supply solution handled products from suppliers of the main categories, except tobacco and ice cream, and supplied stores in the states of Rio de Janeiro, Espírito Santo, São Paulo, Paraná and Santa Catarina.

Also in 2014, Ipiranga launched a new beer purchase experience at am/pm convenience stores. The Beer Cave is a refrigerated container that stores more than 100 national and international brands of cold beers, ready to be taken away. In December 31, 2015, there were 237 Beer Caves installed in its franchisees premises. In 2015, the convenience stores am/pm increased its private label lines in 20 items, including ready to drink juice category.

In addition, in 2015, Ipiranga presented in São Paulo new configurations of the “am/pm store concept, the “am/pm Super Store”, which increases the offer of convenience in urban service stations by offering fresh products – fruits, vegetables, meats – and a broader range of fast foods. It was also launched in Sao Paulo a flagship store of the “am/pm Estação”, a model developed for highway service stations, with a broader offer of convenience and personal care for long distances drivers and travelers.

Expand our operations in regions that grow above the national average

Extrafarma’s organic expansion plan is primarily focused on the consolidation of the presence on the North and Northeast regions of Brazil, where GDP and household income have grown above the Brazilian average, consequently increasing population’s access to health care programs, to medicines and to personal care and beauty products.

Ipiranga’s expansion strategy is focused on the Midwest, Northeast and North regions of Brazil, where we have lower market share and where consumption growth has been higher than the national average, given the lower car penetration and faster-growing household income in these regions.

Take advantage of opportunities in the retail pharmacy business to expand our growth

On January 31, 2014, we concluded the Extrafarma Transaction, which marked our entry into Brazil’s retail pharmacy business. The Brazilian retail pharmacy segment is a relevant market in Brazil and during the last several years has presented significant growth. We believe the outlook of the retail pharmacy business in Brazil remains favorable mainly due to (i) the aging population; (ii) higher levels of disposable income among consumers; (iii) greater access to medicines, especially due to the growing prominence of generic drugs; and (iv) growing demand for personal care and beauty products. In addition, consolidation of the sector, supported by increasing formalization and consequent investments, is still in the incipient stages, and we intend to participate in this process.

We intend to accelerate Extrafarma’s expansion plan through (i) increasing its investment capacity, (ii) expanding its distribution network through the potential opening of drugstores at Ipiranga’s service stations and Ultragaz’s resellers, which together have over 12 thousand retail outlets; and (iii) strengthening its management structure through the implementation of Ultrapar’s recognized corporate governance practices and incentives-based model aimed at the alignment of interests. Through the integration of sites and product, service and convenience offering we intend to develop business models that are continuously more attractive to Extrafarma’s, Ipiranga’s and Ultragaz’s consumers, thus increasing differentiation potential in each of these businesses.

 

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Invest in niche segments for LPG distribution

Ultragaz is strengthening its presence in the North and Northeast regions of Brazil by focusing on expanding to states, such as Pará and Maranhão, where it did not use to have significant operations and where LPG consumption has historically grown faster than Brazil’s national average rate.

For the bulk segment, Ultragaz strategy is focused on two areas. The first one is offering its clients mainly in industrial and agribusiness segments new applications for LPG. As a result, Ultragaz aims at expanding its participation in the use of LPG for localized heating, such as pre-heating of industrial furnaces, especially in steel and metallurgical plants, and in new applications in agribusiness, such as drying grains and plague control, with greater operational and economic efficiency.

The second one is to invest in the expansion of the bulk LPG distribution to small- and medium-sized businesses, such as laundry shops, restaurants, bakeries, residential condominiums, on the basis of agile and convenience services.

Expand capacity at Oxiteno

We intend to maintain Oxiteno’s production capacity ahead of demand in Brazil. We also plan to continue our efforts to apply the best global practices to Oxiteno’s plants and production processes with a view to remain technologically competitive.

On November 4, 2015, Ultrapar’s Board of Directors approved the expansion of Oxiteno’s specialty chemicals’ capacity in Pasadena (TX), in the U.S., by building an ethoxylation unit at its current site, which is expected to be concluded by the end of 2017. The plant is located in one of the world’s most important chemical hubs, taking advantage of attractive conditions of raw materials, as well as highly efficient logistics infrastructure. The total investment, estimated at US$113 million, will expand Oxiteno’s footprint in the U.S., focusing on local markets of agrochemicals, personal care, household and industrial cleaning, coatings and oil and gas. The new unit’s capacity will be 170,000 tons per year at its final stage.

Continue to enhance product mix at Oxiteno

We increased Oxiteno’s capacity to produce a variety of value-added ethylene oxide derivatives and other specialty chemicals in order to optimize its sales mix across petrochemical cycles. Oxiteno’s investments in research and development have resulted in the introduction of 70 new products during the last three years. Oxiteno will continue to invest in research and development focused on developing new products to meet clients’ needs. In addition, we intend to continue to focus Oxiteno’s sales in the Brazilian market, which allows us to continuously add value to our products.

Maintain financial strength

We seek to maintain a sound financial position to allow us to pursue investment opportunities and enhance our shareholders’ return on their investment in our Company. Our net debt (consisting of loans, debentures and financial leases recorded as current and non-current liabilities, net of cash and cash equivalents and financial investments) as of December 31, 2015 was R$4,928 million, representing a 1.2 times net debt (consisting of loans, debentures and financial leases recorded as current and non-current liabilities, net of cash and cash equivalents and financial investments) to EBITDA ratio. We have been consistently distributing dividends to our shareholders. During the five years ended December 31, 2015, we have declared yearly dividends representing an average of 60% of our net income.

 

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Continue to grow our businesses

Our principal corporate goals are to enhance shareholder value and to strengthen our market presence by growing our businesses. Historically, we have grown our businesses organically and through acquisitions, such as the acquisitions of Shell Gás, Ipiranga, União Terminais, Texaco, DNP, Repsol, Temmar, American Chemical and Extrafarma, and we intend to continue this strategy.

We have also made several investments in the expansion of our existing operations. In Oxiteno, in the last five years ended December 31, 2015, we invested in the expansion of our production capacity focusing on specialty chemicals including investments outside Brazil – in Mexico, the United States and Uruguay. In Ipiranga, organic investments were mainly directed to the expansion of our resellers’ network and logistics infrastructure. In Ultracargo, investments were made to increase the capacity of our terminals in Suape, Santos and Aratu. We constantly analyze acquisition opportunities in the segments in which we operate and in complementary segments that could add value to our Company.

Key Financial Information

The table below sets forth certain financial information for us and our principal businesses:

 

     Year ended December 31,  
     2015     2014     2013     2012     2011  
     (in millions of Reais)  

Net revenue from sales and services(1)

          

Ultrapar

     75,655.3        67,736.3        60,940.2        53,868.9        48,628.7   

Ultragaz

     4,621.2        4,091.3        3,982.3        3,847.1        3,776.8   

Ipiranga

     65,349.8        58,830.1        53,384.1        46,829.4        42,221.6   

Oxiteno

     4,082.5        3,413.6        3,277.8        2,928.8        2,408.6   

Ultracargo

     315.5        346.5        332.1        293.6        259.9   

Extrafarma(2)

     1,336.3        1,101.3                     

EBITDA(3)

          

Ultrapar

     3,953.3        3,157.9        2,918.0        2,411.4        2,047.5   

Ultragaz

     357.0        305.5        280.5        245.7        280.9   

Ipiranga

     2,768.8        2,288.0        2,029.6        1,652.6        1,366.4   

Oxiteno

     739.8        403.7        440.6        351.8        262.3   

Ultracargo

     26.3        166.9        157.5        142.7        116.8   

Extrafarma(2)

     28.7        29.8                     

Net income attributable to Ultrapar’s shareholders

     1,503.5        1,241.6        1,225.1        1,019.9        854.3   

Net debt(4)

          

Ultrapar

     (4,928.4     (3,975.1     (3,425.9     (3,084.0     (2,882.8

 

(1)  Segment information for Ultragaz, Ipiranga, Oxiteno, Ultracargo and Extrafarma is presented on an unconsolidated basis. See “Presentation of Financial Information” for more information.
(2)  In 2014, reflects results of operations for the 11-month period from February 1, 2014, the date on which Extrafarma’s results of operations were consolidated into our financial statements, through December 31, 2014. For additional information, see “Presentation of Financial Information.”
(3)  See footnote 5 under “Item 3.A. Key Information — Selected Consolidated Financial Data” for a more complete discussion of EBITDA and its reconciliation to information in our financial statements.
(4)  See footnote 6 under “Item 3.A. Key Information — Selected Consolidated Financial Data” for a more complete discussion of net debt and its reconciliation to information in our financial statements.

 

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Distribution of Liquefied Petroleum Gas

Industry and Regulatory Overview

Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is a fuel derived from the oil or natural gas refining process. In Brazil, 76% of local demand in 2015 was produced in local refineries and the remaining 24% was imported. LPG has the following primary uses in Brazil:

 

    Bottled LPG — used primarily by residential consumers for cooking; and

 

    Bulk LPG — used primarily for cooking and water heating in shopping malls, hotels, residential buildings, restaurants, laundries, hospitals and industries, with several other specific applications to each industrial process, such as furnace heating, asphalt production, among others.

The following chart shows the process of LPG distribution:

 

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Historically, bottled LPG has represented a substantial portion of the LPG distributed in Brazil, and is primarily used for cooking. The use of LPG for domestic heating in Brazil is immaterial compared with its use in other developed and emerging countries, primarily because of Brazil’s generally warm climate. Consequently, demand seasonality throughout the year is relatively small. In addition, because LPG is not used to a significant extent for domestic heating in Brazil, overall consumption of LPG per capita is lower in Brazil compared to countries where domestic heating is a major element of LPG demand, making low distribution costs a major competitive differential in the Brazilian LPG market.

Prior to 1990, extensive governmental regulation of the LPG industry essentially limited the use of LPG to domestic cooking. Since 1990, regulations have permitted the use of LPG for certain commercial and industrial uses, and the use of LPG has increased accordingly.

The primary international suppliers of LPG are major oil companies and independent producers of both liquefied natural gas and oil. However, due to Petrobras’ monopoly over the production and import of petroleum and petroleum products until the end of 2001, Petrobras is currently the de facto sole supplier of LPG in Brazil.

Currently, the LPG distribution industry in Brazil consists of 15 LPG distribution companies or groups of companies, and is regulated by the ANP. The LPG distribution industry includes purchasing nearly all its LPG requirements from Petrobras, filling LPG bottles and bulk delivery trucks at filling stations, selling LPG to dealers and end users, controlling product quality and providing technical assistance to LPG consumers. See “Item 4.B. Information on the Company — Business Overview — Distribution of Liquefied Petroleum Gas — Industry and Regulatory Overview — The role of the ANP.” LPG produced by Petrobras, which represented 76% of total LPG sold in Brazil in 2015, is transported in pipelines and by trucks from Petrobras’ production and storage facilities to filling stations maintained by LPG distributors. The balance is imported by Petrobras into Brazil and stored in large storage facilities mostly maintained by Petrobras. The imported LPG is then transported from the storage facilities by pipeline and truck to the LPG distributors’ filling stations.

LPG can be delivered to end users either in bottles or in bulk. The bottles are filled in the LPG distributors’ filling stations. Distribution of bottled LPG is conducted through the use of bottles via two principal channels:

 

    home delivery of LPG bottles; and

 

    the sale of LPG bottles in retail stores and at filling stations.

In both cases, the bottles are either delivered by the LPG distributors themselves or by independent dealers.

Bulk delivery is the principal delivery method to large volume consumers, such as residential buildings, hospitals, small- and medium-sized businesses and industries. In the case of bulk delivery, LPG is pumped directly into tanker trucks at filling stations, transported to customers and pumped into a bulk storage tank located at the customer’s premises.

The role of the Brazilian government. The Brazilian government historically regulated the sale and distribution of LPG in Brazil. The period from 1960 to 1990 was characterized by heavy governmental regulation, including price controls, regulation of the geographical areas in which each LPG distributor could operate, regulation of the services offered by distributors and governmental quotas for the LPG sold by distributors, thus restricting the growth of larger LPG distributors. In 1990, the Brazilian government started a deregulation process of the LPG market. This process included easing the requirements for the entry into the market of new distribution companies, reducing certain administrative burdens and removing restrictions on the areas in which distributors could conduct their business and on sales quotas. There are currently no restrictions on foreign ownership of LPG companies in Brazil.

 

 

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Since 2001, distributors have been allowed to freely establish retail prices, which were previously set by the Brazilian government. Until the end of 2001, the LPG refinery price charged by Petrobras to all LPG distributors was determined by the Brazilian government and was the same for all LPG distributors in all regions of Brazil. Historically, refinery prices have been subsidized by the Brazilian government. In 2002, the Brazilian government abolished subsidies to refinery prices and in January 2002, Petrobras started to freely price LPG in the domestic market, adopting the international price plus surcharges as its benchmark. However, the Petrobras refinery price of LPG is still subject to the Brazilian government influence when the government deems appropriate. Refinery prices of LPG in Reais remained unchanged from May 2003 to the end of 2007, despite increases in oil and LPG prices in the international markets, which were partially offset by the appreciation of the Real compared to the U.S. dollar, reducing the difference between LPG prices in Brazil and in the international markets. However, since 2008 Petrobras has increased LPG refinery prices for commercial and industrial usage sporadically, as shown below:

 

(% increase)

   Jan/08      Apr/08      Jul/08      Jan/10      Dec/14      Sep/15      Dec/15  

Commercial and industrial LPG

     15%         10%         6%         6%         15%         11%         4%   

The LPG refinery price for residential use remained unchanged from May 2003 to September 2015, when Petrobras increased prices by 15%. In the last few years, Petrobras’ practice has been not to immediately reflect in its oil derivatives prices in Brazil the volatility of international prices of oil and oil derivatives.

In 2013 and 2014, Petrobras’ average refinery price was US$457 per ton and US$425 per ton, respectively, compared with the average international price of US$575 per ton and US$544 per ton, respectively. In 2015, Petrobras’ average refinery price was US$331 per ton compared with the average international price of US$254 per ton.

The role of Petrobras. Petrobras, Brazil’s national oil and oil products company, had a legal monopoly in the exploration, production, refining, importing and transporting of crude oil and oil products in Brazil and Brazil’s continental waters since its establishment in 1953. This monopoly was confirmed in Brazil’s federal constitution enacted in 1988. As a result, Petrobras was historically the sole supplier in Brazil of oil and oil-related products, including LPG.

In November 1995, Petrobras’ monopoly was removed from the federal constitution by a constitutional amendment approved by the Brazilian Congress. According to this amendment, other state and private companies would be able to compete with Petrobras in virtually all fields in which Petrobras operated. This amendment was implemented through Law No. 9,478, dated August 6, 1997, which effectively allowed Petrobras’ monopoly to continue for a maximum period of three years. Law No. 9,478, also known as Lei do Petróleo, prescribed that the termination of Petrobras’ monopoly would be accompanied by the deregulation of prices for oil, gas and oil products, and created a new regulatory agency, the ANP, to oversee oil-related activities. However, in practice, Petrobras still remains the sole LPG supplier in Brazil, even though there are no legal restrictions to the operation of other suppliers or to imports.

On June 25, 2004, Petrobras entered the LPG distribution market in Brazil through the acquisition of Liquigás, one of the main players in the market.

With the discovery of the pre-salt reservoirs, the Brazilian government adopted a series of measures in the regulatory environment, establishing a new legal framework for the oil industry, which may result in a series of regulations, such as production-sharing and concession contracts, among others. This discovery may bring a new scenario for the sector, creating major investments and adaptations in infrastructure such as new refineries, highways, pipelines, platforms, ports and ships, among others.

The role of the ANP. The ANP is responsible for the control, supervision and implementation of the government’s oil, gas and biofuels policies. The ANP regulates all aspects of the production, distribution and sale of oil and oil products in Brazil, including product quality standards and minimum storage capacities required to be maintained by distributors.

 

 

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In order to operate in Brazil, an LPG distributor must be licensed with the ANP and must comply with certain minimum operating requirements, including:

 

    maintenance of sufficient LPG storage capacity;

 

    maintenance of an adequate quantity of LPG bottles;

 

    use of bottles stamped with the distributor’s own brand name;

 

    possession of its own filling plant;

 

    appropriate maintenance of LPG filling units;

 

    distribution of LPG exclusively in areas where it can provide technical assistance to the consumer either directly or indirectly through an authorized dealer; and

 

    full compliance with the Unified Suppliers Registration System — Sistema Único de Cadastramento Unificado de Fornecedores — SICAF.

LPG distributors are required to provide the ANP with monthly reports showing their sales in the previous month and the volume of LPG ordered from Petrobras for the next four months. The ANP limits the volume of LPG that may be ordered by each distributor based on the number of bottles and infrastructure owned by the distributor. Based on the information provided by the distributors, Petrobras supplies the volume of LPG ordered, provided its production and imports of LPG are sufficient to meet the demand.

LPG distribution to the end consumer may be carried out directly by the LPG distribution companies or by independent dealers. Each LPG distributor must provide the ANP with information regarding its contracted independent dealers on a monthly basis. The construction of LPG filling plants and storage facilities is subject to the prior approval of the ANP, and filling plants and storage facilities may only begin operations after ANP inspection.

The self-regulatory code/ANP Resolution 15/2005. In August 1996, most of the Brazilian LPG distributors, representing more than 90% of the market, bottle manufacturers, LPG transportation companies and certain LPG retail stores, under the supervision of the Brazilian government, entered into a statement of intent regarding the establishment of a program for “requalifying” LPG bottles (a process under which they undergo safety and quality checks) and other safety procedures, known as the “Self-Regulatory Code” or “Código de Auto-Regulamentação.” See “Item 4.B. Information on the Company — Business Overview — Distribution of Liquefied Petroleum Gas — Ultragaz — Bottle swapping centers” and “Item 4.B. Information on the Company — Business Overview — Distribution of Liquefied Petroleum Gas — Ultragaz — Requalification of bottles.” Before the Self-Regulatory Code came into effect, certain LPG distributors, not including Ultragaz, would fill bottles stamped with another distributor’s brand. This practice resulted in a low level of investment in new bottles, giving rise to concerns regarding the safety of older bottles. The Self-Regulatory Code provides, among other things, that:

 

    each LPG distributor may only fill and sell bottles that are stamped with its own trademark;

 

    each LPG distributor is responsible for the quality and safety control of its bottles; and

 

    each LPG distributor must maintain a sufficient number of bottles to service its sales volume.

Under the Ministry of Mines and Energy Normative Ruling No. 334 of November 1, 1996, or Ruling 334, any party that defaults on its obligations under the Self-Regulatory Code will be subject to the legal penalties, ranging from payment of a fine and suspension of supply of LPG to such party to suspension of such party’s LPG distribution operations.

Ruling 334 set forth the following timetable for the implementation of the measures adopted under the Self-Regulatory Code:

 

    the construction of at least 15 bottle swapping centers, starting in November 1996 (see “Item 4.B. Information on the Company — Business Overview — Distribution of Liquefied Petroleum Gas — Ultragaz — Bottle swapping centers” and “Item 4.B. Information on the Company — Business Overview — Distribution of Liquefied Petroleum Gas — Ultragaz — Requalification of bottles”);

 

    the filling of third-party bottles which ceased in October 1997;

 

    the requalification of 68.8 million bottles manufactured up to 1991 starting in November 1996; and

 

    the requalification of 12.8 million bottles manufactured between 1992 and 1996 starting in November 1996.

 

 

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The Self-Regulatory Code was replaced by ANP Resolution 15/2005, which regulates the distribution of LPG activities.

Ultragaz itself was required to requalify 13.8 million bottles before November 2006 and an additional 10.7 million bottles by November 2011. Ultragaz requalified 3.0 million bottles, 3.8 million bottles and 3.1 million bottles in 2013, 2014 and 2015, respectively. In 2016, Ultragaz expects to requalify approximately 2.5 million bottles.

Environmental, health and safety standards. LPG distributors are regulated by ANP and subject to Brazilian federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment, public health and safety. The National Council of the Environment, or Conselho Nacional do Meio Ambiente — CONAMA, the Ministry of Labor, or Ministério do Trabalho, and the Ministry of Transport, or Ministério dos Transportes, are the primary regulators of LPG distribution at the federal level.

ANP and Brazilian federal and state environmental laws and regulations require LPG distributors to obtain operating permits from the state environmental agencies, from municipal authorities and from the fire department. In order to obtain such permits, distributors must satisfy regulatory authorities that the operation, maintenance and repair of facilities are in compliance with regulations and are not prejudicial to the environment and the community. In addition, regulations establish standard procedures for transporting, delivering and storing LPG and for testing and requalification of LPG bottles. Civil, administrative and criminal sanctions, including fines and the revocation of licenses, may apply to violations of regulations. Under applicable law, distributors are strictly liable for environmental damages.

The LPG industry and market are also subject to federal, state and local laws and regulations that prescribe occupational health and safety standards. In accordance with such laws and regulations, it is mandatory for distributors to prepare reports on their occupational health and safety records on an annual basis to the local office of the Ministry of Labor in each of the states in which they operate. In addition, they are also subject to all federal, state and local governmental regulation and supervision generally applicable to companies doing business in Brazil, including labor laws, social security laws and consumer protection laws.

Ultragaz

We distribute LPG through Ultragaz. Founded in 1937, we were the first LPG distributor in Brazil. At that time, Brazilians used wood stoves and, to a lesser extent, alcohol, kerosene and coal stoves. Ultragaz was the leading company by sales volume in the Brazilian LPG market as of December 31, 2015.

Ultragaz operates nationwide in the distribution of both bottled and bulk LPG, including the most highly populated states in Brazil, such as São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Bahia, and may sell bottled LPG through its own retail stores, through independent dealers as well as through its own truck fleet, which operates on a door-to-door basis or on a scheduled delivery basis. Bulk LPG is serviced through Ultragaz own truck fleet.

In August 2003, Ultragaz acquired Shell Gás, Royal Dutch Shell’s LPG operations in Brazil, for a total price of R$171 million. Shell Gás had about a 4.5% market share in Brazilian LPG distribution, selling 287.4 thousand tons of LPG in 2002. With this acquisition, Ultragaz became the national market leader in LPG, with a 24% share of the Brazilian market in 2003. In October, 2011, Ultragaz acquired Repsol, which sold approximately 22 thousand tons of LPG in 2011. See “Item 4.A. Information on the Company — History and Development of the Company”

 

 

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Ultragaz is comprised of the following operating subsidiaries:

 

    Companhia Ultragaz S.A., or Cia Ultragaz, the company that pioneered our LPG operations;

 

    Bahiana Distribuidora de Gás Ltda., or Bahiana, which primarily operates in the Northeast region of Brazil; and

 

    Utingás Armazenadora S.A., or Utingás, a storage services provider that operates two facilities in São Paulo and Paraná. Utingás was incorporated in 1967 when Ultragaz and other LPG distributors joined to construct LPG storage facilities based in the states of São Paulo and Paraná. Ultragaz currently owns 57% of Utingás. See “Item 4.B. Information on the Company — Business Overview — Distribution of Liquefied Petroleum Gas — Ultragaz — Storage of LPG”.

Markets and marketing. When Ultragaz began its operations, it served only the Southeast region of Brazil. Currently, Ultragaz is present in almost all of Brazil’s significant population centers. In the last four years, Ultragaz strengthened its presence in the North and Northeast of Brazil, selling LPG in the states of Pará and Maranhão, where it did not have significant operations and where LPG consumption has historically grown faster than Brazil’s national average growth rate. Distribution of bottled LPG includes direct home delivery and retail stores, both carried out by Ultragaz or its dealership network mainly using 13 kg ANP approved bottles. In the case of Ultragaz, the bottles are painted blue, which we believe is an important element in recognizing the “Ultragaz” brand. Ultragaz’s operating margins for bottled LPG vary from region to region and reflect market share and the distribution channel in the region.

Before Shell Gás’ acquisition, Ultragaz’s sales strategy for bottled LPG delivery was to increase market share through geographical expansion as well as protecting and incrementing market participation in regions where it already operated. With the acquisition of Shell Gás, Ultragaz became the Brazilian market leader in LPG, and the focus of its marketing strategy evolved to investing in the brand, protecting market share and strengthening its position in certain regions where it does not have a significant presence. The LPG bottled market in Brazil is a mature one and Ultragaz believes that growth in demand in the long term will be a function of an increasing number of households consuming the product as well as an increasing level of household income.

Distribution of bulk LPG is largely carried out through 190 kg storage tanks installed on its clients’ premises. Since 1997, Ultragaz operates small- and medium-sized bulk delivery facilities with bob-tail trucks, known together as UltraSystem, which deliver LPG in bulk to residential buildings, commercial and industrial clients. Ultragaz’s clients in the commercial sector include shopping centers, hotels, residential buildings, restaurants, laundries and hospitals. Ultragaz’s trucks supply clients’ stationary tanks using a system that is quick, safe and cost effective.

Ultragaz’s bulk sales include large industrial clients, including companies in the food, metallurgical and steel sectors that have large fixed tanks at their plants and consume monthly volumes in excess of five tons of LPG. These clients represent a small portion of Ultragaz’s sales volume since, in the case of large volume consumers, Ultragaz is competing with other highly competitive energy sources such as natural gas, diesel and fuel oil.

Ultragaz supplies its bulk clients on the basis of supply contracts with terms ranging typically from two to five years. This type of contract limits fluctuations in sales given that the installation of the tanks is carried out by Ultragaz, and any change in supplier would imply the client’s reimbursing Ultragaz’s investments. The contract also requires that any tank supplied by Ultragaz may only be filled with LPG delivered by the company. When the bulk delivery contract expires, it can be renegotiated or the tank is removed. Since the installation of the tank represents a significant investment for Ultragaz, it seeks to achieve a return on its investment within the term of the contract.

Ultragaz’s strategy for bulk LPG distribution is to continue its process of product and service innovation and to increase the profile of its trademark. Ultragaz also has a team to identify the needs of each bulk LPG client and to develop technical solutions for using LPG as an energy source. Furthermore, in 2015 Ultragaz started operating under a new concept for the small- and medium business clients, named Ultrapronto. As an innovative concept in the LPG industry, Ultrapronto represents a more agile and complete service to the client, including client prospection, setup of equipment, logistics and after-sale service, and permeates the entire value chain of the bulk segment, based on: (i) differentiated value proposition for the client, (ii) standardization of processes, in order to enable the service to client, (iii) substantially increase the generation of new business, and (iv) rationalization of the installation process (30% of time reduction on average).

 

 

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The table below shows Ultragaz’s sales of LPG to clients of bottled and bulk LPG:

 

     Year ended December 31,  

Client category

   2015      2014      2013  
     (in thousands of tons)  

Bottled LPG

        

Residential delivery by Ultragaz / Ultragaz owned retail stores

     63.2         65.9         64.4   

Independent dealers(1)

     1,104.5         1,089.6         1,069.6   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total bottled LPG

     1,167.8         1,155.4         1,134.0   

Total bulk LPG

     528.8         555.8         562.3   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total tons delivered

     1,696.6         1,711.2         1,696.3   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)  Includes residential deliveries and distribution through retailers’ stores.

Residential delivery has evolved during the last years from primarily door-to-door to a primarily scheduled or phone-ordered delivery.

LPG distribution is a very dynamic retail market where consumers’ habits change constantly, thus creating opportunities for the company. In order to more closely track market developments and differentiate itself from its competitors, Ultragaz has developed and enhanced sales channels and payment methods. In the last decade, the company expanded the participation of Disk Gás (sale of LPG bottles by telephone) and, more recently, introduced ordering through a smartphone app (Ultragaz Connect). These initiatives provide customers with greater convenience, add further value and generate logistic optimization to Ultragaz. The same principles have been extended to the bulk segment, in which Ultragaz is a pioneer and has a leading position, and where it has been developing new usages for its products, such as localized heating for the ignition of industrial furnaces, mainly in iron and steel industries. Ultragaz also began offering new solutions that make it an alternative or supplement for companies located in areas supplied with natural gas. Lastly, tracking consumption trends in the bulk segment, Ultragaz intensified its unique account billing service in residential condominiums, through which it provides individual gas bills.

Given Ultragaz’s capillarity and outreach of the most remote communities in Brazil, it has engaged in a series of initiatives and partnerships to promote social inclusion, education and culture. The table below shows the most relevant ones.

 

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Project

   Year of
launch
    

Brief description

Ultragaz Cultural

     2000      

ü Series of shows, movies, theater, literature and educational workshops

ü 2008 – 2014: attended 22 states in Brazil and 125,000 children

ü 2015: benefited more than 12,000 children in 13 states in Brazil

 

  

 

 

    

 

Partnership with Ministry of Health

     2008      

ü Awareness and educational campaigns to address diseases prevention, such as dengue, and H1N1, as well as other basic health concerns

 

  

 

 

    

 

UN Global Compact

     2009       ü Ultragaz is a signatory of the UN Global Compact

 

  

 

 

    

 

Junior Achievement

     2009      

ü The largest and oldest organization in Brazil dedicated to educating youth in business

ü 2015: benefited more than 300,000 students in 13 states in Brazil

 

  

 

 

    

 

“Pega Pilhas, Baterias e Celulares”

     2012      

ü Collection and disposal of used batteries in Ultragaz’s consumers’ households

ü 2015: more than 1 ton of batteries collected in 10 states in Brazil

 

  

 

 

    

 

“Campanha Junte Óleo: Ultragaz Coleta e Soya Recicla” – Partnership with Bunge and Triângulo Institute, a NGO

     2013      

ü Cooking oil recycle campaign to avoid its disposal into drinkable water sources

ü 2015: over 300,000 liters of oil collected, reaching 180,000 Brazilian households

ü 2015: the project won the 14th Marketing Best Sustainability Award

 

  

 

 

    

 

Partnership with BNDES

     2014      

ü Improvement of the infrastructure of Brazilian cooperatives of recyclable materials and training of the cooperative members in basic management tools

ü 2014 – 2015: carried out in six cities in Brazil

 

  

 

 

    

 

“Somar Sustentabilidade”

     2014      

ü A project that aims to foster sustainability concept and practices among its resellers

 

  

 

 

    

 

Also, in 2014, Ultragaz developed its first LPG Shop constructed according to USGBC (United States Green Building Council) criteria, seeking to be accredited by LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and AQUA (High Environmental Quality) certifications. It has recyclable materials collectors, rainwater utilization system, saving light bulbs, LPG heater and “green wall”. The first store was launched in 2014 in São Paulo, and there are expansion projects in progress in Ceará and Salvador.

Distribution infrastructure. Ultragaz’s distribution strategy includes having its own distribution infrastructure for bulk LPG, since it believes proximity to customers is a significant factor in successful distribution and sales strategies. Ultragaz also maintains a large independent dealers network for the bottled LPG. See “— Independent dealers”. The services associated with Ultragaz’s home deliveries strongly influence the ranking of the “Ultragaz” brand name in the bottled market. Ultragaz seeks to expand its home delivery services, including faster delivery, quality and comfort for its customers, having delivery personnel that provide safety recommendations to household customers. For both bottled and bulk LPG, deliveries are made by a staff wearing Ultragaz uniforms and driving vehicles with Ultragaz’s logo. Ultragaz has also invested in information technology for improving its process, such as logistics optimization and production efficiency.

Ultragaz delivers bottled LPG, using a distribution network, which as of December 31, 2015 included 52 company-owned points of sales, and approximately 5,100 independent dealers. As of December 31, 2015 Ultragaz had a fleet of 93 vehicles for the delivery of gas bottles and 281 for bulk delivery. Ultragaz also maintains a call center, which centralizes LPG bottle orders made through phone calls.

Bottled sales capacity derives from the number of bottles bearing Ultragaz’s brands. Ultragaz estimates that, as of December 31, 2015, there were 23.2 million 13 kg bottles stamped with Ultragaz’s brands in the market.

 

 

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Independent dealers. Ultragaz’s independent distribution network ranges from large dealers, which carry out extensive home delivery, to single retail stores, which sell small quantities of LPG bottles. Until the enactment of ANP Rule 297 on November 18, 2003, independent dealers needed only to be registered with ANP for the sale of LPG bottles. No licenses were required except for those required by the fire department and the municipal authorities. Rule 297 established that the independent dealers must be registered with ANP and comply with a list of prerequisites contained in such rule, as well as those required by law for the storage of bottles up to 90 kg. Also, each municipality sets forth its own safety regulations applicable to stores that sell LPG, including a minimum distance from certain locations, such as schools. For the year ended December 31, 2015, 95% of Ultragaz’s bottled LPG sales were made through independent dealers. The agreements entered into between Ultragaz and independent dealers require the use of the Ultragaz brand and the display of the Ultragaz logo in the delivery vehicles and on the uniforms worn by delivery personnel. Proprietary rights in the trademark and logo are retained by Ultragaz and are duly registered with the National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI —Instituto Nacional de Propriedade Industrial). All contracted dealers are Ultragaz’s exclusive representatives. Under the terms of the respective contracts, each dealer agrees not to deliver non-Ultragaz LPG bottles.

Ultragaz understands that investing in the efficiency if its resellers network is key for staying ahead of competition and at the same time aligned with market demand for LPG. Accordingly, Ultragaz has developed several programs aimed at improving resellers management quality and standards.

The main tool is the Programa de Qualificação de Revendas (Reseller Qualification Program), which seeks to standardize Ultragaz’s resellers’ best management practices, including brand standardization, management quality, and strict compliance with the laws applicable to the industry. Through an assessment process, resellers are classified into categories (blue diamond, diamond, golden, bronze and opportunity), allowing the participants to check their performance compared to Ultragaz’s excellence standards and stimulating constant improvement. In 2015, approximately 4.7 thousand resellers participated in the program – a significant increase compared to 2008, when the program began with approximately 700 resellers evaluated. Out of the resellers that participated in the program in 2015, 74% (or 3.5 thousand) were qualified as bronze or above, in line with 2014 (75%) and 2013 (74%), attesting their compliance with most of Ultragaz’s quality requirements. In addition to the Reseller Qualification Program, Ultragaz has been deploying new initiatives to improve the efficiency of its resellers, such as the pre-operation training programs, aiming to accelerate their maturing process and anticipate financial results, increasing success rates among the new resellers, comprised of courses focused on key aspects of LPG operations, marketing and cash flows, among others.

Ultragaz also has invested in the development of training programs offered to its dealers. The first of them is Project SOMAR (Marketing Solutions Applied to Dealers), a program that includes replication of best practices and recommendations of changes to dealers’ operating procedures aiming at improving the efficiency of their operations.

The main initiative carried out since 2007 is Academia Revenda (Reseller’s Academy), which includes the training programs Formação em Gestão de Revenda (Reseller Management Education), O Especialista em Atendimento (The serving specialist) and Disk Especialista (Disk specialist).These programs seek to provide its resellers and their employees with critical skills to ensure an effective management in the LPG retail market and strengthen the qualification of the resellers’ network.

Distribution channels to bulk consumers. Large bulk distribution, classified by Ultragaz as consumption of more than five tons per month and constituted mostly of industrial users, is made by tanker trucks that deliver the LPG directly to the storage tanks located at the customers’ premises. Small bulk distribution, classified by Ultragaz as consumption under five tons per month and comprised of residential buildings and commercial users, and smaller industrial users, is made primarily by bob-tail trucks. Ultragaz uses the UltraSystem trade name in connection with its small bulk distribution through bob-tail trucks. Ultragaz makes bulk sales directly to customers using its own fleet and transportation provided by third-party transportation companies.

Payment terms. Ultragaz’s sales through its retail stores and through home delivery are made mainly on a cash basis. Ultragaz’s sales to independent dealers and to industrial and commercial users have payment terms of 18 days on average.

 

 

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Bottle swapping centers. Pursuant to the Self-Regulatory Code, established in 1996 and approved by ANP, the LPG distributors have established 9 operating swapping centers to facilitate the return of the bottles to the appropriate distributor. Under the Self-Regulatory Code, while LPG distributors may pick up any empty LPG bottles tendered by customers in exchange for full LPG bottles, whether or not such empty bottles were put in circulation by that distributor, after October 1997, LPG distributors were not permitted to refill third-party bottles. Accordingly, LPG distributors may deliver third-party bottles to a swapping center where such bottles may be exchanged for bottles placed in circulation by such LPG distributor. The swapping centers currently charge a fee of R$0.48 per exchanged LPG bottle. In areas where only one LPG distributor has a sizable market share, it is customary to use the facilities of that distributor as an unofficial swapping center.

Requalification of bottles. The useful life of a bottle varies depending on a number of factors, the most important of which are the extent to which the bottle has been exposed to corrosion from the atmosphere and whether the bottle has been damaged. The Self-Regulatory Code and ANP regulation provides that all bottles must be requalified after their first 15 years of use, and every ten years thereafter. Each bottle is visually inspected for damage and corrosion to determine if it can be requalified or if it should be scrapped. In the case of bottles which pass the quality and safety checks, several procedures are followed before the bottles are stamped with the year of requalification and the next term in which they are due for requalification.

Supply of LPG. Currently, Ultragaz and all other LPG distributors in Brazil purchase all or nearly all LPG from Petrobras. Ultragaz has a formal contract with Petrobras for the supply of LPG. The procedures for ordering and purchasing LPG from Petrobras are generally common to all LPG distributors, including Ultragaz, which basically consist of sending an estimate of our needs to Petrobras four months in advance and a more precise estimate of our needs one month in advance. There have been no significant interruptions in the supply of LPG by Petrobras to the distributors since an interruption in 1995 due to a 15-day strike by Petrobras employees.

Petrobras freely prices LPG in the domestic market, adopting the international price plus surcharges as its benchmark. However, the Petrobras refinery price of LPG is still subject to the Brazilian government influence when the government deems appropriate. Refinery prices of LPG in Reais remained unchanged from May 2003 to the end of 2007, despite increases in oil and LPG prices in the international markets, which were partially offset by the appreciation of the Real compared to the U.S. dollar, reducing the difference between LPG prices in Brazil and in the international markets. However, since 2008 Petrobras has increased LPG refinery prices for commercial and industrial usage sporadically, as shown below:

 

(% increase)

   Jan/08      Apr/08      Jul/08      Jan/10      Dec/14      Sep/15      Dec/15  

Commercial and industrial LPG

     15%         10%         6%         6%         15%         11%         4%   

The LPG refinery price for residential use remained unchanged from May 2003 to September 2015, when Petrobras increased prices by 15%. In the last few years, Petrobras’ practice has been not to immediately reflect in its oil derivatives prices in Brazil the volatility of international prices of oil and oil derivatives. We cannot guarantee that this trend will continue. Any sharp increase in LPG prices charged to LPG distributors could have an impact on Ultragaz’s results if it is unable to maintain its operational margins or sales volume.

In 2013 and 2014, Petrobras’ average refinery price was US$457 per ton and US$425 per ton, respectively, compared with the average international price of US$575 per ton and US$544 per ton, respectively. LPG refinery prices for residential use have remained unchanged since 2003. In 2015, Petrobras’ average refinery price was US$331 per ton compared with the average international price of US$254 per ton. See “Item 4.B. Information on the Company — Business Overview — Distribution of Liquefied Petroleum Gas — Industry and Regulatory Overview — The role of the Brazilian government.”

 

 

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Storage of LPG. On December 31, 2015, Ultragaz’s storage capacity was approximately 19.4 thousand tons, including Utingás’ storage capacity. Based on its 2015 average LPG sales, Ultragaz could store approximately 3.5 days of LPG supply. Accordingly, an interruption in the production of LPG may result in shortages, such as the one that occurred during the Petrobras strike in 1995.

Ultragaz stores its LPG in large tanks at each of its filling plants located throughout the regions in which it operates. Primary filling plants receive LPG directly from Petrobras by pipeline; secondary filling plants are supplied by truck; and satellite plants primarily hold LPG which is used to fill bob-tail trucks for small bulk distribution to customers that are not located near a primary or secondary filling plant. See “Item 4.D. Information on the Company — Property, Plants and Equipment.”

Competition. Ultragaz’s main competitors are:

 

    Liquigás, which was acquired by Petrobras in June 2004 from the ENI Group and has been operating in the Brazilian LPG distribution sector for more than 60 years;

 

    Supergasbras, formed by the merger of Minasgás S.A., founded in 1955, and Supergasbras S.A., founded in 1946, and controlled by SHV Energy, a major multinational LPG distributor, which operates through its two separate brands, Minasgás and Supergasbras; and

 

    Nacional Gás Butano, a Brazilian LPG distributor which has been present in the market for more than 60 years.

The following table sets forth the market share of Ultragaz and its competitors in terms of volume:

 

     Year ended December 31,  

LPG Distributor

   2015     2014     2013  

Ultragaz

     23.2 %     23.0 %     23.1 %

Liquigás

     22.6 %     22.5 %     22.6 %

Supergasbras

     20.4 %     21.1 %     21.1 %

Nacional Gás Butano

     19.2 %     18.8 %     18.8 %

Others

     14.6 %     14.6 %     14.3 %
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Prior to 1990, the Brazilian government specified the areas in which LPG distributors were permitted to operate and each LPG distributor was allocated a limit in its LPG sales for each Brazilian geographic region in which it operated. These limits impacted the growth of larger LPG distributors and limited competition among LPG distributors. These restrictions were removed as part of the deregulation process, resulting in a substantial increase in competition among domestic LPG distributors.

Considering that the bottled market for LPG is a mature market with relatively low consumption growth, the competition is largely based upon attempts by LPG distributors to increase market share at the expense of their competitors. LPG distributors in the bottled market compete primarily on brand awareness and reliability of delivery and the service provided to customers. Ultragaz believes that it is competitive in these aspects. Since per capita consumption is small, low distribution cost is the critical factor in dictating profitability. Therefore, LPG distributors largely compete on the basis of efficiencies in distribution and delivery as all LPG distributors currently purchase nearly all of their LPG requirements from Petrobras, and as Petrobras’ refinery price charged to the distributors is the same to all LPG distributors. Ultragaz’s principal markets, including the cities of São Paulo, Salvador and Recife, contain heavy concentration of residential consumers and therefore distribution to this market can be carried out with great economies of scale resulting in lower distribution costs to Ultragaz. Additionally, Ultragaz enjoys low bulk LPG distribution costs through UltraSystem.

In addition to competing with other LPG distributors, Ultragaz competes with companies that offer alternative energy sources to LPG, mainly natural gas, and other sources such as wood, diesel, fuel oil and electricity. Natural gas is currently the principal source of energy against which we compete. Natural gas is currently less expensive than LPG for industrial consumers who purchase large volumes, but more expensive for the vast majority of residential consumers. In addition, supply of natural gas requires significant investments in pipelines. While fuel oil is less expensive than LPG, LPG has performance and environmental advantages over fuel oil in most uses.

 

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In 2013, the Brazilian LPG market increased by 2.7% compared to 2012, mainly driven by the growth of 5.8% in the bulk segment due to the country’s economic growth. In 2014, the Brazilian LPG market increased by 1.2% compared to 2013. The bulk segment grew by 1.4% over 2013, a lower growth compared to the previous year mainly due to the worsening of the economic environment in Brazil. In 2015, the Brazilian LPG market decreased by 1.5% compared to 2014, mainly driven by the decrease of 5.4% in the bulk segment compared to 2014, mostly due to the continued worsening of the economic environment in Brazil.

The following graph shows LPG sales volume for the Brazilian market and Ultragaz for the periods indicated:

 

LOGO

 

Source: ANP (volume for 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 according to Sindigás)

Income tax exemption status. Brazilian legislation provides a 75% income tax reduction for businesses located in the northeast region of Brazil, which depends of SUDENE’s formal and previous consent. The tax benefits that Ultragaz’s filling plant located at Caucaia benefited from expired in 2012. On December 2015, a new request for the incentive was filled, without response until the date of this report. Mataripe’s plant has renewed its 75% income tax reduction up to December 2024, based on investments made to increase production capacity and on the modernization of the facility. Also, Aracaju’s and Suape’s plants are entitled to this tax benefit up to 2017 and 2018, respectively. The total amount of SUDENE’s income tax exemption for Ultragaz for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 was R$5.3 million and R$3.9 million, respectively. For further information, see Note 9(c) to our 2015 consolidated financial statements.

Quality. We were the first Brazilian LPG distributor to receive ISO (International Standards Organization) certification for excellence in quality management. We were also the first LPG distributor in Brazil to be awarded with Prêmio Paulista de Qualidade, a well-recognized quality award in Brazil. Ultragaz is implementing the Management Excellence Model (Modelo de Excelência da Gestão® – MEG), of the National Quality Foundation (FNQ). This system standardizes and certifies the main working processes in four areas: Quality Management (ISO 9001), Environmental Management (ISO 14001), Occupational Health and Safety Management (OHSAS 18001) and Social Responsibility Management (SA 8000). Also, in 2014, Ultragaz received several awards related to quality and management quality in different states in which it operates.

Fuel Distribution

Industry and Regulatory Overview

The Brazilian fuels market comprises the distribution and marketing of gasoline, ethanol, diesel, fuel oil, kerosene and natural gas for vehicles (NGV). In 2015, diesel represented 47% of the fuels distributed in Brazil, followed by gasoline, ethanol, fuel oils, NGV and kerosene, each of which represented 33%, 15%, 4%, 1% and less than 0.01%, respectively.

 

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Growth in the fuel distribution sector has been directly influenced by GDP growth rates and size of light vehicle fleet. GDP growth is the main driver for diesel volume, given that diesel in Brazil is highly used for buses, trucks and agricultural engines. The size of the light vehicle fleet influences the growth in the combined volumes of gasoline, ethanol and NGV, which are basically used for light vehicles. The growth in the size of the car fleet in turn, is highly correlated with credit availability and disposable income. Since 2005, the Brazilian economy has been passing through a structural change with the creation of a larger credit market for consumer goods.

In December 2015, credit in Brazil reached 54% of GDP, compared to 59% in December 2014, 56% in December 2013, 54% in December 2012 and 49% in December 2011, which, combined with an increase in disposable income in Brazil, had a positive effect on the sales of vehicles in those years. According to ANFAVEA, approximately 2.5 million new light vehicles were registered in Brazil in 2015, a decrease of 26% compared to 2014. The light vehicle fleet was estimated to have grown by 3% in 2015, reaching 40 million at the end of the year. Among the total vehicles sold in 2015, 88% were flex-fuel vehicles, which have engines adapted to operate using either gasoline or ethanol, or by any combination of the two, 5% were gasoline-only fueled vehicles and the remaining 6% were diesel-only. Since the launching of flex-fuel vehicles in Brazil in 2003, 26.8 million flex-fuel cars were sold in Brazil.

Moreover, recent changes to legislation and inspection in the fuel distribution sector have helped to progressively curb unfair competition, creating a level playing field. These improvements should benefit the formal market by capturing the volume from the grey market.

According to ANP, the distribution of fuels (gasoline, ethanol and diesel) is made mainly through three channels, as follows:

 

    Service stations (78% of the market in terms of volume in 2014, last available data), which serve final retail consumers;

 

    Large consumers (16% of the market in terms of volume in 2014, last available data), mainly industries and fleets; and

 

    Retail — wholesale resellers — TRR (6% of the market in terms of volume in 2014, last available data), specialized resellers that distribute diesel to medium and small volume end-users.

The following chart shows the oil-derivative fuel distribution process in Brazil:

 

LOGO

 

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The following chart shows the ethanol distribution process in Brazil:

 

LOGO

Distribution of oil-derivative products is carried out through an extensive network of primary and secondary storage terminals. Primary storage terminals are generally located near refineries and are used to store products to be sold to customers (service stations, large consumers and TRRs) and to be transported to secondary storage terminals.

Oil-derivative products are transported from refineries to primary storage terminals via pipelines and coastal or river shipment. Transportation of oil-derivative products between primary and secondary storage terminals is provided by pipeline, railroads, trucks and coastal or river barges. Ethanol is transported from the many distilleries to primary and secondary storage bases by trucks and railroads. Delivery to service stations, large consumers and TRRs is made exclusively by trucks.

All gasoline sold in Brazil must contain a certain proportion of anhydrous ethanol that can vary from 18% to 27.5%. In October, 2011, the Brazilian Agriculture Ministry reduced the required percentage of anhydrous ethanol mixed with gasoline from 25% to 20%. In May 2013, the Brazilian Mines and Energy Ministry increased the required percentage of anhydrous ethanol mixed with gasoline again to 25%. In March 2015, the Brazilian Agriculture Ministry increased the required percentage of anhydrous ethanol mixed with gasoline from 25% to 27.5%.

Gasoline “A”, as it is known in its unmixed form, is mixed with anhydrous ethanol at primary storage terminals or at secondary storage terminals. Gasoline “A,” mixed with anhydrous ethanol, forms gasoline “C,” which is delivered directly to service stations and large consumers by truck.

Since January 2008, under the Biodiesel Program, distributors have been required to include a percentage of biodiesel in the volume of diesel sold, in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, this program has also the social purpose of encouraging and developing small agriculture producers of biodiesel raw materials. From January 2008 to June 2008, the biodiesel mix requirement was 2%. On July 1, 2008 and 2009, the biodiesel mix requirement was increased to 3% and to a further 4%, respectively. On January 1, 2010, the biodiesel mix requirement was increased to 5%, on July 1, 2014 to 6% and on November 1, 2014 to 7%. In March 2016, the government enacted the Law 13,263 which rises the required percentage of biodiesel mix to diesel to 8% until 2017, reaching 10% in 2019.

As of December 31, 2015, there were 188 fuel distributors authorized by ANP to operate in Brazil.

Supply. Petrobras is currently the only relevant supplier of oil derivatives in Brazil, accounting for 99% of the domestic production. There are currently 17 oil refineries in Brazil, of which Petrobras owns 13. Petrobras’s total refining capacity in 2015 was 367 thousand cubic meters per day. Brazilian refineries are located predominantly in the South and Southeast regions of Brazil. The overall product yield for these refineries in 2015 was 42% diesel, 22% gasoline, 12% fuel oil, 6% LPG and 18% other products, including naphtha.

 

 

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Ethanol is purchased from various producers. In 2015, there were nearly 400 distilleries in Brazil, which produced approximately 30 million cubic meters of ethanol, 39% of which was anhydrous ethanol and the rest of which was hydrated ethanol. Brazil’s supply of anhydrous and hydrated ethanol is seasonal and depends on the sugarcane harvest. In 2015, 92% of such supply came from Central and Southern Brazil and the remainder of which came from Northern Brazil.

Biodiesel is purchased from the many producers of biofuels in Brazil, and its main raw materials are tallow and soy seeds. As of December 31, 2015, there were 51 biodiesel producers, located predominantly in the Midwestern region. Brazil’s biodiesel production in 2015 was about half of its total production capacity. Since January 2008, which was the first year of the Biodiesel Program, Petrobras has been required to purchase biofuels in auctions promoted by ANP and supply distributors with amounts of biodiesel corresponding to the proportional volume of diesel purchased. This policy aims to prevent distributors from selling diesel without including the minimum required amount of biodiesel.

The role of the Brazilian government. The Brazilian government has historically regulated the pricing of oil and oil-derivative products, ethanol, natural gas and electric energy. From 1990 onwards, the Brazilian oil and gas sector has been significantly deregulated. Until the adoption of the Law No. 9,478 in 1997, the Brazilian government maintained strict control over the prices that could be charged by (i) refineries to distributors, (ii) distributors to service stations and other channels and (iii) service stations to end-users.

Currently there is no legislation or regulation in force giving the Brazilian government power to set oil-derivative and ethanol fuel prices. However, given that Petrobras is a state-controlled company and the dominant supplier in this market, prices of oil-derivative fuels are still subject to indirect government influence, resulting in potential differences between international prices and domestic oil-derivative prices. Until 2005, the prices of certain oil-derivative products, especially gasoline and diesel, were periodically updated by Petrobras to minimize the differences between prices practiced in Brazil and in the international markets. From September 2005 to May 2008, gasoline and diesel prices remained unchanged.

From 2008 to 2010, Petrobras changed the prices of gasoline and diesel charged by refineries twice, and the Brazilian government simultaneously changed the CIDE tax in order to partially or fully offset the effect of the change in prices to the end consumer.

In October 2011, the Brazilian government reduced the percentage of anhydrous ethanol mixed into gasoline from 25% to 20%, due to a shortage of ethanol production. To avoid the gasoline price increase to the end consumer, the Brazilian government decided to simultaneously reduce the CIDE tax of gasoline A from R$230 per cubic meter to R$193 per cubic meter. In November 2011, Petrobras increased gasoline and diesel prices by 10% and 2%, respectively and, simultaneously, the Brazilian government reduced once more the CIDE tax of gasoline A to R$91 per cubic meter and that of diesel from R$70 per cubic meter to R$47 per cubic meter, therefore without affecting final consumer prices.

In June 2012, as a consequence of its increased requirements for importing oil products at prices above those practiced in Brazil, Petrobras increased gasoline and diesel prices by 3.9% and 7.8%, respectively, and the CIDE tax of both products was simultaneously reduced to zero by the Brazilian government, offsetting the effect of the increase in prices. In July 2012, Petrobras further increased its refinery price for diesel by 6.2%.

Due to the Real depreciation and that the average cost of oil derivatives imported from the international markets was higher than the price practiced by Petrobras in the Brazilian market, (i) in January 2013, Petrobras increased gasoline and diesel prices by 6.6% and 5.4%, respectively; (ii) in March 2013, Petrobras announced a new adjustment in diesel price, of 4.9%; and (iii) in November 2013, Petrobras increased gasoline and diesel prices by 4.0% and 8.0%, respectively. In November 2014, Petrobras announced another increase in the gasoline and diesel prices by 3.0% and 5.0%, respectively.

In January 2015, the Brazilian government announced the return of the CIDE tax and the increase in the PIS and COFINS taxes on fuel, with an impact of R$220 per cubic meter for gasoline and R$150 per cubic meter for diesel, valid from February 1, 2015. On September, 30 2015, Petrobras announced a new increase in gasoline and diesel prices of 6.0% and 4.0%, respectively.

 

 

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Ethanol prices are deregulated, being freely charged by the ethanol producers. In order to curb unfair competitive practices in the ethanol sales, some measures have been taken by the government, supported by Sindicom members. In April 2008, it became mandatory for fuel producers and distributors, as well as TRRs, to issue electronic tax invoices in all the states of Brazil. In addition, in June 2008 the government, through the Brazilian Congress, enacted the Law 11,727/08, based on the Provisional Measure 425 (Medida Provisória 425), which came into force in October 2008. Under this law, two initiatives were imposed to prevent tax evasion: (i) increasing the proportion of collection of PIS and COFINS taxes at distilleries from 25% to 40% and (ii) requiring distilleries to install flow meters (medidores de vazão) to control the output of ethanol, which is still awaiting the definition of certain technical aspects to be implemented. In 2009, ANP started to track sales of methanol. The blending of methanol with ethanol is an example of product adulteration practiced by certain distributors or gas station owners, mainly in the State of São Paulo. On May 7, 2013, the government adopted the Provisional Measure 613 (Medida Provisória 613), which, among other resolutions, granted tax incentives to ethanol producers and to chemical producers through PIS and COFINS tax credits and reductions. As a result, all PIS and COFINS taxes levied on ethanol, which corresponded to R$120 per cubic meter as of December 31, 2013, are collected by the producers, and they receive a R$120 per cubic meter tax credit to offset the increased PIS and COFINS taxes levied on ethanol.

In accordance with the publication of the Law No. 11,097 on January 13, 2005, the National Biodiesel Program (Programa Nacional de Biodiesel) was created. Since 2008, a certain amount of biodiesel has been required to be added to diesel. In addition, some changes were required in the distributors’ facilities, as well as the restructuring of its logistics. In March 2016, the government enacted the Law 13,263 which rises the required percentage of biodiesel mix to diesel to 8% until 2017, reaching 10% in 2019.

The role of Petrobras. Since its establishment in 1953, Petrobras maintained a legal monopoly in the exploration, production, refining, importing and transporting of crude oil and oil products in Brazil and its continental waters. This monopoly was confirmed in Brazil’s federal constitution enacted in 1988. As a result, Petrobras has historically been the sole supplier of oil and oil-derivatives in Brazil.

In November 1995, Petrobras’ monopoly was removed from the federal constitution by a constitutional amendment approved by the Brazilian Congress. According to this amendment, other state and private companies are permitted to compete against Petrobras in virtually all fields in which Petrobras operates. This amendment was also reflected in Law No. 9,478, dated August 6, 1997, which limited Petrobras’ monopoly to a maximum period of three years. Law No. 9,478 prescribed that the termination of Petrobras’ monopoly would be accompanied by the deregulation of oil, gas and oil-derivative product prices, and created a new regulatory agency, the ANP, to oversee all oil-related activities. However, in practice, Petrobras still remains basically the sole oil-derivative supplier of oil and oil-related products, including naphtha, LPG and oil-derivative fuels in Brazil, even though there are no legal restrictions on the operations of other suppliers or to imports.

Since 1971, Petrobras has acted in the Brazilian fuel distribution market through its subsidiary BR. BR is the leader in the fuel distribution market, with market share of 33% in 2014, according to ANP.

With the discovery of the pre-salt reservoirs, the Brazilian government adopted a series of measures in the regulatory environment, establishing a new legal framework for the oil industry, which may result in a series of regulations, such as production-sharing and concession contracts, among others. This discovery may bring a new scenario for the sector, creating major investments and adaptations in infrastructure such as new refineries, highways, pipelines, platforms, ports and ships, among others.

 

 

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The role of the ANP. The ANP is responsible for the control, supervision and implementation of the Brazilian government’s policies with respect to activities related to oil, natural gas and biofuels. The ANP regulates all aspects of the industry, from the exploration and/or production, transportation to the sale of these products, including product quality standards and to the minimum storage capacities required to be maintained by distributors with respect to oil and oil products in Brazil. Prior to 1999, there were no formal requirements imposed by the Brazilian government on the fuel distribution segment. Distributors were only required to register with the national department of fuels or the national Petroleum Agent or the National Agency prior to starting operations. On December 30, 1999, the ANP established through Resolution No. 202, a number of requirements, with which all distributors must comply. In October 2014, the ANP Resolution No. 202 was replaced by Resolution ANP No 58/2014. Under the new rules a fuel distributor, in order to operate in Brazil, must obtain an operating authorization and meet certain minimum requirements of operation, including:

 

    minimum paid-in capital of R$4,500,000.00;

 

    proof of financial capacity equivalent to expected volumes to be sold (proof of such capacity may include proof of ownership of assets, insurance or a bank guarantee).

ANP is also responsible for establishing the limits of oil-based fuel volume purchased by distributors based on their storage capacity. Fuel distributors are required to provide the ANP with monthly reports showing their previous month sales.

Fuel distribution for service stations and large consumers must be carried out only by a registered distributor. TRRs are allowed to trade only diesel, lubricants and grease to small-end consumers. Each distributor must provide the ANP with information regarding its contracted independent dealers on a monthly basis. The construction of storage facilities and approval for new retail sellers to operate is subject to the prior approval of the ANP. Service stations and storage facilities may only begin operations after ANP inspections.

Regulation. Distributors are prohibited from operating service stations, other than for training purposes or for the development and testing of new products and services, and therefore, service stations are operated by independent resellers. Three types of arrangements between distributors and service station operators are generally used in the fuels industry: (i) the distributor owns land, equipment and buildings for a service station that it leases to an operator, (ii) a third party owns land, leases it to a distributor who constructs a service station facility or makes improvements to an existing facility and leases the station to an operator and (iii) the operator or a third party owns the land and constructs a service station facility or makes improvements to an existing facility, which is typically financed by the distributor (the most common practice in Brazil). Agreements between distributors and operators of service stations are generally exclusive for a given period. In exchange for being an exclusive supplier, the operator is granted the right to operate under the distributor’s brand name. The agreement might also include provisions related to the leasing of pumps and tanks, layout standards, training, quality control, technical and financial support, marketing and advertising support and franchises for complementary services, such as convenience stores (am/pm) and lubricant servicing franchises (Jet Oil).

Sindicom represents the interests of major Brazilian fuel distributors, which controlled 77% of the Brazilian fuel market in 2015. Sindicom was formed in 1941 and its primary purpose is to promote uniform standards for industry regulation and to provide a forum in which members can discuss matters affecting the industry. Sindicom represents its members in discussions before federal and state governmental bodies and presents its members perspectives on relevant laws and regulations, including those relating to taxation, operations, industrial and occupational safety and environmental protection.

During the 1990s, when the process of deregulation began in the fuel distribution sector in Brazil, a number of parties entered the market with a business model based on cost advantages derived from anticompetitive practices through fuel adulteration and tax evasion, including (i) diluting gasoline by mixing solvents or adding anhydrous ethanol in an amount greater than the permitted by applicable law (anhydrous ethanol has its taxation incorporated into gasoline “A” and is historically cheaper than gasoline), (ii) non-payment of federal taxes on fuels, taxes on gross revenues and state value-added taxes and (iii) selling anhydrous ethanol mixed with water as hydrated ethanol. Such practices have enabled these players, all of them non-Sindicom distributors, to increase their market share by charging artificially lower prices also based on artificially lower costs. Sindicom distributors, including Ipiranga, have taken, individually and collectively, a number of actions targeted at reducing or eliminating the effects of these anticompetitive and illegal practices.

 

 

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Among the actions taken were:

(i) significant interaction with the Brazilian judiciary, including holding seminars for judges and prosecutors concerning the problems facing the industry and directly participating in tax litigation involving distributors that are not Sindicom members, (ii) sponsorship of the development of a chemical coloring solvent that is added to anhydrous ethanol, in order to prevent the addition of water (and later to be sold as hydrated ethanol), (iii) support of ANP resolution that restricts the sale of hydrated ethanol by producers to distributors and prohibits sales by producers to resellers or end-consumers; (iv) support of ANP resolution that forbids distributors to sell fuels to resellers operating under another brand, except for white-flag dealers, who operate without a brand; (v) contribution to the development of CODIF, a system that electronically controls the collection of value-added taxes on fuel sales, (vi) support in the implementation of electronic invoices at the federal level, concluded in 2008, (vii) support for ANP regulation which established brand definition and the obligation of disclosing the origin of the fuels in order to inhibit certain distributors from using a fake brand (known as cloned stations); and (viii) the suggestion of several other measures, supported by ANP, including focusing the collection of PIS and COFINS on distilleries and the installation of flow meters, which were included in Law 11,727/2008. As a result of these efforts, the more regulated market is leading to the weakening of the business model of lower prices based on artificially lower costs and unfair practices, creating a level playing field and increasing sales volume of the formal market. In 2015, share of ethanol volume sold by Sindicom members over the total market was 62%, an increase compared to 58% in 2011, as a result of the practices mentioned above and investments made by the branded distributors in converting unbranded service stations.

Environmental, health and safety standards. Fuel distributors are subject to Brazilian federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to environmental protection, safety and occupational health and safety licensing by the fire department and transportation. The National Environment Council — CONAMA — is the principal responsible for ruling and accepting matters with respect to the environment. Environmental state agencies and municipal departments are also responsible for establishing and supervising complementary laws and regulations within its areas of operation.

Fuel distributors must obtain authorizations and/or licenses from federal, state and/or municipal environmental agencies and fire departments to implement and operate their facilities. They are required to develop programs to control air and water pollution and hazardous waste. Emergency plans for its plants and headquarters, involving communities, public companies and other private companies must also be implemented. Additionally, fuel distributors must also comply with laws from the Ministry of Labor, which prescribes occupational health and safety standards. To maintain a safe and healthy workplace, companies must carry out comprehensive occupational health and safety programs.

Fuels may be transported only under special conditions. In Brazil, transportation of dangerous products is regulated and the regulations cover all modes of transport.

Ipiranga

Ipiranga was founded in 1937 and is currently the largest private player in the Brazilian fuel distribution market, with 22% market share in terms of volume in 2015 and 7,230 service stations as of December 31, 2015.

Ipiranga distributes diesel, gasoline, ethanol, NGV, fuel oil, kerosene, ARLA (liquid agent to reduce nitrogen oxides emissions from heavy vehicles), lubricants and greases nationwide. In addition to a traditional fuel distribution business, Ipiranga has implemented a differentiation strategy, by offering other products and services throughout its service station network. This strategy has led to a significant and growing convenience store business, branded am/pm, including the expansion of the bakery network and private label products under the same brand, as well as lubricant servicing businesses, Jet Oil and Jet Oil Motos, and the consolidation of other related products and services. In 2014 Ipiranga launched its own supply solution for its am/pm convenience stores, the am/pm Suprimentos. At the end of 2015, am/pm Suprimentos operated three distribution centers in Brazil (Rio de Janeiro, Paraná and São Paulo). In 2015, Ipiranga launched in São Paulo new configurations of the am/pm store concept, “the am/pm Super Store”, for urban service stations, and “am/pm Estação”, for service station in highways. The newly launched am/pm models increased the offer of convenience by adding new services and products to the traditional ones: health and beauty space, grocery store, full meals and a new fast food concept appropriate to each type of client. For more information see “Item 4.B. Information on the Company — Business Overview — Our Strategy — Enhance retail network.”

 

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Among the other related products and services, we highlight Ipiranga’s loyalty program, Km de Vantagens, which has reached 21 million participants as of December 31, 2015, and the online service station, “Posto Ipiranga na Web”, where customers can acquire fuel credits online and use them to purchase fuel at our accredited fuel stations.

Markets and marketing. Until March 2009, Ipiranga only operated in the South and Southeast regions of Brazil. After the acquisition of Texaco, Ipiranga became a nationwide distributor and started to operate in the Northeast, North and Midwest regions of Brazil, regions where the fuel consumption grows above the national average rate, given the lower car penetration and faster-growing household income compared to other regions. Under the terms of the Ipiranga Group Transaction Agreements, Petrobras had the exclusive right to use Ipiranga’s brand in the operating regions of the Northern Distribution Business for five years from the date of the acquisition of Ipiranga Group, which expired in April 2012. Until then, Ipiranga operated under the Texaco brand in those regions. In November 2010, Ultrapar closed the acquisition of DNP, which distributes fuel in the states of Amazonas, Rondônia, Roraima, Acre, Pará and Mato Grosso through a network of 110 service stations, with 4% market share in the North region of Brazil in 2010. See “Item 4.A. Information on the Company — History and Development of the Company.” In 2015, Ipiranga continued its strategy to increase its scale of operations, adding 174 service stations through the conversion of unbranded service stations and the opening of new gas stations. Furthermore, Ipiranga ended 2015 with 1,159 eco-efficient service stations (Posto Ecoeficiente — service stations with a set of solutions that reduce the consumption of materials, natural resources and energy of these service stations, including the reduction of waste generated during the construction). Ipiranga is also focusing on the expansion of Jet Oil and am/pm franchises to enhance the service and convenience of consumers at the Ipiranga service stations.

Growth in the fuel distribution sector is directly influenced by GDP growth rates and by the size of the car fleet. In 2010, 2011 and 2012, the automotive sector reached new records of new light vehicles registered, mainly as a result of the increased disposable income and credit availability. See “Item 5.D. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects — Trend Information.” See “Item 4.B. Information on the Company — Business Overview — Fuel Distribution — Industry and Regulatory Overview.” Furthermore, legislative changes and inspection in the fuel distribution sector occurred in the last years have progressively curbed unfair competition, creating a level playing field in the Brazilian distribution market. Overtime, these improvements should benefit the formal market by capturing the volume from the grey market.

In 2015, 2.5 million new light vehicles were registered according to ANFAVEA, a decrease of 26% in relation to 2014, with flex fuel cars representing 88% of the total light vehicles registered in 2015.

According to ANFAVEA, the estimated total light vehicles fleet in Brazil as of December 31, 2015 was 40 million, an increase of 3% from 2014, as a consequence of the 2.5 million new cars registered and an estimated scrapping of 1.4 million cars in 2015.

In 2015, the fuel volume sold by Ipiranga slightly increased by 0.4% compared to 2014, with (i) the combined sales volume of gasoline, ethanol and NGV increasing by 2.5 driven by the growth in light vehicle fleet and investments made to expand its service station network, partially offset by the effects of higher unemployment rates over the year and the consequent impact on household consumption, and (ii) diesel sales volume decreased 1.6% in the period, as a result of the economic downturn, partially offset by the investments made to capture new clients.

Ipiranga’s sales volume from its service station network accounted for 75% of its total sales in 2015. As of December 31, 2015, there were 7,230 service stations operating under the Ipiranga brand, of which 795 had the land either owned by us or under a long term lease to us and 6,435 owned by third parties. In 2015, 90% of these service stations were located in urban areas, with the remaining 10% located in highways.

Distribution to large consumers represented 18% of Ipiranga’s sales in 2015. Ipiranga directly sold to 5,630 customers in 2015, including state and municipal governments, industries and cargo and passenger transportation fleet owners.

Ipiranga also sells diesel, lubricants, fuel oil and kerosene to 281 independent TRRs that redistribute these products to small and medium-sized companies throughout Brazil. Ipiranga’s TRR clients consist mostly of companies that have large fixed tanks at their facilities. These clients represented 7% of Ipiranga’s sales volume in 2015.

 

 

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The relationship between Ipiranga and its clients is generally governed by exclusive supply contracts with terms ranging from 1 to 10 years. The types of contracts change according to the distribution channel. For service stations, contracts usually have longer terms (5 to 10 years) and may provide for the installation of pumps and tanks on the client’s premises and for the offering of financing and bonuses. Supply to large consumers and TRRs is rarely made under contracts. When contracts are entered into with these clients, the terms range from 1 to 3 years.

The table below shows Ipiranga’s sales by product:

 

     Year ended December 31,  
     (in thousand cubic meters)  
     2015      2014      2013  

Diesel (by client category)

        

Service station

     6,982.9         7,226.2         7,003.5   

Large consumers

     4,379.5         4,386.0         4,619.1   

Retail—wholesale resellers (TRR)

     1,733.8         1,696.4         1,709.7   

Total Diesel

     13,096.2         13,308.6         13,332.3   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Gasoline

     8,554.4         9,204.1         8,580.9   

Ethanol

     3,444.8         2,478.5         2,194.6   

Others(1)

     629.5         622.3         650.1   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total volume sold

     25,724.8         25,613.5         24,757.9   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)  Includes NGV, fuel oil, kerosene, arla and lubricants.

Distribution infrastructure. Ipiranga operated through 91 storage terminals as of December 31, 2015 that were strategically located to facilitate fast and economic delivery of its products. There are two types of facilities: primary storage terminals, generally located near the coast and major cities, which are supplied by refineries through pipelines, and secondary storage terminals, which are mainly located inland, and are supplied by primary terminals by railroad or through road transportation for locations not accessible by railroad. Ethanol is supplied to the terminals by road.

Ipiranga has its own fleet of trucks through its transportation company, Tropical, which was responsible for transportation of 28% of the volume of fuels sold by Ipiranga in 2015, with the remaining portion of the transportation provided by third parties.

Resellers. Ipiranga generally enters into three types of arrangements with resellers in which: (i) it owns land, equipment and buildings for a service station that it leases to an operator, (ii) a third party owns land, and leases it to Ipiranga and it constructs a service station facility or make improvements to an existing facility and leases the station to an operator and (iii) the operator or a third party owns the land and constructs a service station facility or makes improvements to an existing facility that is typically financed by Ipiranga. Under the terms of the contracts and in accordance with applicable law, each reseller operating under Ipiranga’s brand must purchase fuels exclusively from us. For the year ended December 31, 2015, 75% of Ipiranga’s volume sold was through resellers.

Ipiranga has created incentive programs over the years in order to strengthen brand loyalty and its relationship with its reseller network, as well as to differentiate itself from its competitors. These incentive programs include annual rewards to its resellers with international trips through the relationship program Clube do Milhão (Million Club), upon the accomplishment of pre-established goals.

Ipiranga also establishes relationship programs with resellers’ employees, such as Clube Vip (VIP Club), to encourage the sale of added-value products and services, including credit cards, such as Cartão Ipiranga (Ipiranga private label credit card), Cartão Ipiranga Carbono Zero (Ipiranga Zero Carbon Card), premium gasoline and lubricants. Training programs are provided to these employees focusing on developing their knowledge about the business and their capacity for selling products and services.

 

 

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In 2009, Ipiranga created Km de Vantagens, a pioneer customer loyalty program in the fuel industry that provides awards and benefits to customers and resellers. Ipiranga developed strategic partnerships to broaden the scope of the program and the benefits for its clients and resellers, including partnerships in areas of entertainment, tourism, magazines and airline tickets, among others. By the end of 2015, Km de Vantagens, the largest loyalty program in Brazil, had more than 21 million clients registered. Each year, Ipiranga seeks new initiatives to add further value to the program, maintain current participants and increase the number of new participants.

In 2010, through its am/pm convenience stores, the largest convenience store network in Brazil, Ipiranga began launching initiatives to increase product offerings through the launch of private label products, including energy drinks and snacks, and the expansion of the am/pm bakeries, providing to resellers an additional source of income, as well as strengthening the am/pm brand. In 2014, Ipiranga launched a new beer purchase experience through its Beer Cave, which is a refrigerated container that stores more than 100 brands of beer. Ipiranga ended 2015 with 1,910 am/pm stores, 521 bakeries and 237 Beer Caves.

In November 2012, Ipiranga launched ConectCar. See “Item 4.A. Information on the Company — History and Development of the Company” and “Item 4.B. Information on the Company — Business Overview — Our Strategy — Enhance retail network.”

The Jet Oil units, Ipiranga’s lubricant-changing and automotive service specialized network, ended 2015 with 1,466 franchises, including 251 Jet Oil Motos, the first specialized lubricant-changing and service network for motorcycles.

In 2014, we entered into partnerships with Shoptime, the first Brazilian home shopping television channel, which also operates via the Internet and catalog. The customers are offered more than 100 thousand products, from home care to electronics.

In order to strengthen the am/pm convenience stores’ product offering and operations, Ipiranga launched in 2014 its own supply solution. The am/pm Suprimentos concentrates logistics, sales and customer service of the convenience stores main products in just one structure. This initiative aims to streamline the am/pm’s convenience store operation, increase the competitiveness of franchisees and ensure higher quality product range. At the end of 2015, am/pm Suprimentos supplied the stores of Rio de Janeiro, Espírito Santo, São Paulo, Paraná and Santa Catarina states with the main categories of products, except for tobacco and ice cream.

In 2015, Ipiranga presented in São Paulo new configurations of the am/pm store concept, as previously described. The new am/pm store models increase the options for complementary revenues to resellers.

These strategic differentiation initiatives implemented by Ipiranga resulted in a better value proposition for customers and resellers, generating benefits for the whole chain – the consumer gets access to differentiated products, the reseller earns higher revenues, and the service station obtains a differentiated positioning, thus contributing for an increase in the company’s income.

In line with this strategy, Ipiranga created the marketing campaign “Ipiranga: um lugar completo esperando por você” (“Ipiranga: a complete place waiting for you”). The concept consists of creating a place where customers can find a broader range of products and services to meet their consumption needs. This concept is stimulated on Ipiranga’s communications, especially its TV ads, which includes the catchphrase “Pergunta lá no Posto Ipiranga” (“Ask there at the Ipiranga service station”), commonly used by many Brazilians in other contexts than purchasing fuels.

Since 2013, Ipiranga is a signatory of the UN Global Compact, an initiative sponsored by the United Nations formed by companies, institutions and the society. Its main goal is to mobilize the international business community to adopt internationally accepted business practices in the areas of human rights, labor relations, environment and anti-corruption intended to promote sustainable growth and civic awareness. Ipiranga annually publishes a Communication of Progress – COP – showing projects and actions taken during the year to comply with the UN Global Compact.

 

 

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Supply of fuels. Currently, Ipiranga and its competitors purchase all or nearly all oil-derivative fuels from Petrobras under a formal supply contract that establishes the volume and the terms for supply. The contract is renewed annually and the volume contracted for is based on the volume purchased in the previous year. The procedures for ordering and purchasing fuels from Petrobras are generally common to all distributors, including Ipiranga. There have been no significant interruptions in the supply of fuels by Petrobras to the distributors, with the exception of an interruption in 1995 due to a 15-day strike by Petrobras employees.

The ethanol fuel market in Brazil consists of nearly 400 distilleries, producing sugar and ethanol from sugarcane. Ethanol production occurs approximately eight months per year. A portion of the production is stored in the distilleries to meet demand during the inter-harvest season. Distilleries produce two types of ethanol: (i) anhydrous ethanol, which must be blended with gasoline and (ii) hydrated ethanol, which is essentially used for flex fuel vehicles.

Ethanol in Brazil is substantially based on sugarcane that can either be used to produce ethanol or sugar. From an ethanol producer’s perspective, the production ratio between ethanol and sugar is determined based on the respective prices of ethanol in the Brazilian market and of sugar in the international markets, such choice being fundamental for leveraging the profitability of their plant. Although ethanol production is subject to favorable climate conditions, the risk of interruptions in supply is primarily confined to the end of the harvest.

Storage of fuels. Ipiranga stores its fuels in large tanks at each of its facilities located throughout the regions in which it operates. Primary facilities receive fuels directly from Petrobras by pipeline and from distilleries by railroad and road transportation and secondary facilities are supplied by railroad and truck. See “Item 4.D. Information on the Company — Property, Plant and Equipment.” In 2015, Ipiranga’s storage capacity was 576,211 cubic meters. Based on its 2015 average sales, Ipiranga can store approximately eight days of fuel supply, in line with the average stock period of the fuel distribution industry. Accordingly, an interruption in the production of oil-based fuels for longer than that time period could result in shortages, such as the one that occurred during the Petrobras strike in 1995.

Competition. Ipiranga’s main competitors in 2015 were:

 

    Petrobras Distribuidora S.A. (“BR”), a subsidiary of Petrobras, which has been operating in the Brazilian fuel distribution sector since 1971. BR is the Brazilian market leader and operates throughout the entire country.

 

    Raízen Combustíveis S.A. (“Raízen”), a joint venture between Cosan S.A. (“Cosan”) and Shell International Petroleum Company Limited (“Shell”), a subsidiary of Royal Dutch Shell. Cosan is the largest producer of sugar and ethanol in Brazil, having entered the fuel distribution market in 2008, when it acquired Esso’s fuel distribution business in Brazil. In June 2011, Cosan established Raízen, a joint venture with Shell in June 2011 by combining certain of their respective assets, including their respective distribution businesses.

 

    Alesat, a domestic Brazilian fuel distributor created in 2006 as a result of the merger of Ale and Satelite, is present in 21 states. In December 2008, Alesat acquired the fuel distribution business of Repsol YPF in Brazil.

 

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The following table sets forth the market share of Ipiranga and its competitors based on ANP data:

 

     Year ended December 31,  

Distributor(1)

   2015     2014     2013  

Petrobras

     31.3     32.8     33.3

Ipiranga

     21.6     21.3     21.8

Raízen

     19.3     18.8     18.2

Alesat

     3.7     4.1     4.1

Others

     24.1     23.0     22.7
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total cubic meters

     100.0     100.0     100.0
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1)  Volume sold of gasoline, ethanol and diesel.

The retail market for gasoline, diesel and ethanol in Brazil is highly competitive, with similar products and relatively low margins. Therefore, our strategy is to differentiate ourselves in the market by offering value-added services to complement our main products, with the goal of becoming the preferred choice of customers. For more information on Ipiranga’s strategy see “Item 4.B. Information on the Company — Business Overview — Our Strategy — Enhance retail network.”

The following graphs show sales volumes for the Brazilian market and Ipiranga for the periods indicated:

 

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(1)  Diesel, gasoline, ethanol (Source: ANP and Sindicom) and NGV (Source: Abegás). Information provided by ANP and Sindicom are subject to retroactive adjustments and, therefore, can differ from the information contained herein.

 

 

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Quality. In 1998, Ipiranga’s terminal in Londrina (PR), received the first ISO 14001 (Environmental Management System) certificate for a fuel distribution terminal in Latin America. In the same year, Ipiranga’s lubricant factory located in Rio de Janeiro obtained an ISO 9001 (Quality Management System). One year later, Ipiranga’s Betim terminal obtained ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certifications and in 2008 the OHSAS 18001 (Safety and Occupational Health Management System) certificate. These certifications are reaffirmed every three years. Furthermore, since 2002, Ipiranga has adopted its own environmental management system through a program named SIGA, which applies what we believe to be the highest international standards to its policies and practices. Initially focused only on environmental initiatives, in 2009 the program expanded its scope to include areas such as safety, health, quality and social responsibility, in order to align the operations of its terminals to a broader vision of sustainability, becoming SIGA+ (Ipiranga’s management system applied to health, safety, environment, quality and social responsibility). The program included audits in 2010 to verify the results of its implementation and to identify areas of improvement. Since then, SIGA+ grew from 23 operational units audited in 2010 to 54 in 2015, including some offices and all owned storage terminals and joint operated terminals.

Petrochemicals and Chemicals

Industry and Regulatory Overview

The petrochemical industry transforms crude oil or natural gas into widely used consumer and industrial goods. The Brazilian petrochemical industry is generally divided in three sectors, depending on the stage of transformation of the petrochemical raw materials. The companies that operate in these different stages are known as first, second and third generation companies.

First generation companies. Brazil’s first generation companies, which are referred to as “crackers”, break down or “crack” naphtha (a by-product of the oil refining process), their principal feedstocks, into basic petrochemicals. In Brazil, the crackers supply their naphtha requirements from Petrobras and through imports. Currently, Petrobras is the major Brazilian producer of naphtha. The basic petrochemicals produced by the crackers include olefins, primarily ethylene, propylene and butadiene, and aromatics, such as benzene, toluene and xylenes. Braskem has three naphtha-cracker plants, located in Camaçari, in Triunfo and in Mauá. Brazil’s naphtha cracker units sell these basic petrochemicals to second generation companies. The basic petrochemicals, which are in the form of either gases or liquids, are transported to the second generation companies through pipelines for further processing. This sector passed through a restructuring process, with the emergence of Braskem as the main player and Petrobras as a relevant minority shareholder.

Second generation companies. Second generation companies process the basic petrochemicals produced by the crackers to obtain intermediate petrochemicals, such as:

 

    polyethylene, ethylene oxide, polystyrene and polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, each produced from ethylene;

 

    polypropylene, oxo-alcohols and acrylonitrile, each produced from propylene;

 

    styrene butadiene rubber, or SBR, and polybutadiene, each produced from butadiene;

 

    caprolactam, produced from benzene; and

 

    purified terephtalic acid, or PTA, produced from p-xylene.

In 2015, there were about 50 second generation companies operating in Brazil, including Oxiteno. The intermediate petrochemicals are produced in solid form (as plastic pellets or powders) and in liquid form and are transported through roads, railroads or by ship to third generation companies.

Third generation companies. Third generation companies, known as transformers, purchase the intermediate petrochemicals from the second generation companies and transform them into final products, including:

 

    polyester — produced from PTA and ethylene glycol (ethylene glycols produced from ethylene oxide);

 

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    plastics produced from polyethylene, polypropylene and PVC;

 

    elastomers produced from butadiene;

 

    acrylic fibers produced from acrylonitrile; and

 

    nylon produced from caprolactam.

Third generation companies produce a variety of consumer and industrial goods, including containers and packaging materials, such as bags, film and bottles, textiles, detergents and paints as well as automobile parts, toys and consumer electronic goods. There are over 11,500 third generation companies operating in Brazil.

Petrochemical complexes. The production of first and second generation petrochemicals in Brazil centers around three complexes: the northeast complex, the São Paulo petrochemical complex and the southern petrochemical complex. Each complex has a single first generation producer or cracker and several second generation companies.

The northeast complex, located in the municipality of Camaçari in the state of Bahia, began operations in 1978. It consists of approximately 15 second generation companies, including Oxiteno, situated around Braskem. Braskem currently has an ethylene production capacity of 1.3 million tons per annum.

The São Paulo complex, located in the municipality of Santo André and Mauá in the state of São Paulo, was created in 1972 and is the oldest petrochemical complex in Brazil. Braskem, supplies first generation petrochemicals to 25 second generation companies including Oxiteno. Braskem has an ethylene production capacity of 700 thousand tons per annum.

The southern complex, located in the municipality of Triunfo in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, is based around the raw materials cracker, Braskem, and includes six second generation companies. Braskem’s plant in Triunfo has an ethylene production capacity of 1.5 million tons per annum. Oxiteno does not purchase ethylene from Braskem in Triunfo, but purchases C4, a raw material used in the production of Methyl-ethyl-ketone, or MEK.

In December 2005, Rio Polímeros S.A. (“RioPol”), a subsidiary of Braskem located in the state of Rio de Janeiro, started operations of its ethylene production plant based on natural gas. RioPol has an ethylene production capacity of 520 thousand tons per year. All of RioPol’s ethylene production is used in its own polyethylene production.

Role of Petrobras. Naphtha is the raw material used in Brazil for the production of basic petrochemicals such as ethylene and propylene. Petrobras is still the most important naphtha supplier in Brazil, even though its legal monopoly ended in August 2000. See “Item 4.B. Information on the Company — Business Overview — Distribution of Liquefied Petroleum Gas — Industry and Regulatory Overview” for a discussion of the termination of the Petrobras monopoly.

Environmental, health and safety standards. Petrochemical companies are subject to Brazilian federal, state and local laws and regulations governing the protection of the environment. At the federal level, the main regulators are CONAMA and the Ministry of Labor.

In accordance with environmental laws and regulations, petrochemical companies are required to obtain licenses for their manufacturing facilities from competent environmental authorities, which may also regulate their operations by prescribing specific environmental standards in their operating licenses. Petrochemical companies must satisfy regulatory authorities that the operation, maintenance, and reclaiming of facilities comply with regulations and do not cause damage to the environment.

 

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Environmental regulations apply particularly to the discharge, handling and disposal of gaseous, liquid and solid products and by-products from manufacturing activities. Rules issued by CONAMA and by state authorities also prescribe preventive measures relating to environmental pollution and waste treatment requirements. In addition, the transportation, storage and supply of products are subject to specific standards designed to prevent spills, leakages and other accidents.

Historically, environmental regulations have imposed increasingly stricter standards, higher fines, and greater exposure to liability and increased operating costs and capital expenditures. In addition, civil, administrative and criminal sanctions, including fines and the revocation of licenses may apply to violations of environmental regulations. Under applicable law, Oxiteno is strictly liable for environmental damages.

Petrochemical companies are also subject to federal, state and local laws and regulations that establish occupational health and safety standards. In accordance with such laws and regulations, these companies are also required to report on their occupational, health and safety records on a yearly basis to the local office of the Ministry of Labor in each of the states in which they operate. They are also subject to all federal, state and local government regulation and supervision generally applicable to companies doing business in Brazil, including labor laws, social security laws, public health, consumer protection, securities laws and antitrust laws.

Oxiteno

We operate in the chemical sector through the second generation company, Oxiteno, a wholly owned subsidiary of Ultrapar and major producer of specialty chemicals. Oxiteno is the only producer of ethylene oxide, ethylene glycols, ethanolamines, glycol ethers and methyl-ethyl-ketone in Brazil, as well as the only producer of fatty alcohol in Latin America. Besides a plant in Venezuela, Oxiteno is the only ethylene oxide producer in South America. Its products are used in a broad range of industrial sectors, such as cosmetics, detergents, crop protection chemicals, polyester, packaging, coatings and oil industry. During the year ended December 31, 2015, Oxiteno sold 725 thousand tons of chemical and petrochemical products.

Oxiteno’s strategic focus is to provide a broad coverage of the ethylene oxide and derivatives, maintaining a leading position in these markets that strengthens its market positioning in Brazil. Oxiteno’s strategy is to increase its specialty chemical production capacity and its geographic reach.

Products and markets. Although a portion of Oxiteno’s products could be classified as either a commodity or a specialty chemical depending on the use of each product by our customer, for ease of understanding, Oxiteno’s products are here divided into two principal groups: (i) commodity chemicals, which are generally higher-volume products, with standard specifications, and (ii) specialty chemicals, which tend to be lower-volume products sold on the basis of chemical features and suitability to meet a particular end-use requirement. Oxiteno’s principal commodity chemicals are ethylene oxide and ethylene glycol. Oxiteno’s principal specialty chemicals include a wide variety of products that are used as surfactants, softeners, dispersants, emulsifiers and hydraulic fluids.

 

 

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The following chart outlines the principal raw materials used by Oxiteno and their intermediate and final products.

 

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Specialty chemicals. The following table sets forth Oxiteno’s principal specialty chemical products and their principal uses and markets.

 

Major Markets

  

Specialty Chemicals

   Examples of uses and effects

Detergents

   Alkylbenzene sulfonic acids, alkylsulfates, alkyl ether sulfates, ethoxylated alkylphenols, ethoxylated fatty alcohols, polyethyleneglycols, alkanolamides, betaines, sulphosuccinates, block copolymers EO/PO    Used in detergents, the specialty
chemicals are added mainly to improve
cleaning power and foaming and to
reduce skin irritability.

Cosmetics

   Alkylsulfates, alkyl ether sulfates, betaines, ethoxylated fatty alcohols, polyethyleneglycols, alkanolamides, ethoxylated sorbitan esters, sorbitan fatty esters    Used in cosmetics as moisturizers,
detergents for foaming and residue
removal, and reduction of eye irritation
in shampoos.

Crop protection chemicals

   Ethoxylated fatty amines, ethoxylated alkylphenols, alkyl ether sulfates, blends, naphthalene sulfonate, ethoxylated vegetable oil, copolymers EO/PO    Used as part of the composition of crop
protection chemical, such as herbicides.
Increases their efficiency, by
improving soil penetration and
adherence of the products to plant
surfaces.

Foods

   Sorbitan fatty esters, ethoxylated sorbitan esters, emulsifiers, stabilizers, dispersants    Principally used as additives for breads
and cakes, improving their texture and
consistency, and as an emulsifier
responsible for ice cream creaminess.

Textiles

   Ethoxylated alkylphenols, ethoxylated fatty alcohols, ethoxylated vegetable oils, ethoxylated fatty amines, antistatic agents, lubricants, softeners, emulsifiers, antifoamers, mercerizing additives, humectants, low foam detergents    Used in the processing of textiles,
improving spinning and weaving
performance. Permits greater evenness
in the mixing of fibers, dyeing,
bleaching and improving the softness
of the final cloth.

Hydraulic fluids

   Ethylene glycol ethers, ethylene glycols, corrosion inhibitors    Used directly as hydraulic fluids in
vehicles. Brake fluids guarantee brake
system performance and safe braking.
Cooling liquids help to cool the motor
and maintain the correct operating
temperature.

 

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Major Markets

  

Specialty Chemicals

   Examples of uses and effects

Oil field chemicals

   Additives, emulsion breaker, mutual solvent, surfactant, antifouling, glycols, ethanolamines and dispersants    Chemical inputs applied in all stages of
the production of oil and gas, such as
drilling, cementing, completion,
stimulation, production and refining,
each one with specific characteristics.

Coatings

   Acetates, alcohols, glycols ethers, glycols, ketones, alkyl ether sulfates, ethoxylated alkylphenols, ethoxylated fatty alcohols, block copolymers EO/PO    Solvents and surfactants are used in the
preparation of paints and coatings,
adhesives and inks. Solvents serve
multiple functions in solvent borne
paints and coatings: solubilization of
the resin or polymer forming the
continuous coating phase, pigment
wetting and viscosity reduction to
facilitate the application of the coating.
Surfactants are used in emulsion
polymerization and also as additive:
thickeners, antifoaming agents,
additives used to control rheological
properties and others.

 

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Commodity products. The following are Oxiteno’s principal commodity products and their principal uses and markets:

Ethylene oxide. Ethylene oxide is a colorless and highly flammable gas at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. Ethylene oxide is produced in a continuous production process by gaseous phase catalytic partial oxidation of ethylene by oxygen at high temperature and pressure. In 2015, Oxiteno used 98% of its ethylene oxide production in the production of derivatives and sold the remaining 2% to other chemical companies.

Ethylene glycols. The principal ethylene glycol produced by Oxiteno is mono-ethylene glycol, known as MEG. Oxiteno also produces di- and tri-ethylene glycol. Mono-ethylene glycol is a clear, non-flammable, non-volatile liquid at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. Ethylene glycols are produced in a continuous process from an ethylene oxide solution and principally sold to chemical companies for the manufacture of polyester fibers and polyethylene terephthalate, known as PET, with the remainder sold for use in the production of antifreeze, brake fluids, solvent and other chemicals.

Domestic sales. The Brazilian petrochemicals industry seeks to prioritize demand from the domestic market, where there is greater value added, although sales are also made to the overseas market. While Oxiteno sells the larger part of its commodities and specialty chemicals in Brazil, production capacity exceeds domestic market demand, with Oxiteno exporting surplus production to more than 40 countries in Asia, Latin America, Europe and North America. Oxiteno maintains production capacity above local demand for strategic reasons. For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, 33%, 29% and 31% of Oxiteno’s net revenue from sales and services, respectively, were from sales outside Brazil. For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, 28%, 29% and 30% of Oxiteno’s sales volume, respectively, were from sales outside Brazil.

The following table shows Oxiteno’s domestic market sales volume by market segment for the period indicated:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  

Market sector

   2015      2014      2013  
     (in thousand tons)  

Polyester

     103.3         101.9         84.0   

Cosmetics and detergents

     123.1         121.5         115.4   

Crop protection

     91.2         98.4         104.6   

Distributors

     53.5         56.7         58.8   

Coatings

     45.2         54.6         54.7   

EO / DOT (brake fluids)

     33.0         38.1         38.7   

Performance Products(1)

     26.1         28.6         27.7   

Glycols

     19.6         19.8         24.2   

Oil and Gas

     20.1         30.2         28.5   

Others(2)

     6.7         7.7         8.8   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Brazilian market

     521.8         557.3         545.5   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)  Includes food, civil construction, textiles, leather and paper.
(2)  Includes mineral oils and polymers.

Many of Oxiteno’s commodity product prices in the Brazilian market are set by reference to international contract prices in U.S. dollars, although the prices are denominated in Reais. For specialty products, sales are individually negotiated and sometimes made pursuant to contracts. Specialty chemicals are designed to meet specific customer needs and are less exposed to replacement by imported products. Accordingly, specialty chemicals have a higher value added and Oxiteno has more flexibility in pricing for these products.

Sales outside Brazil. Oxiteno’s export sales are made mainly to customers in the Mercosur, Far East, Europe and NAFTA. In Europe, Oxiteno exports its products mainly to the Netherlands, Germany, Italy, Belgium and Spain. In the Far East, Oxiteno exports its products mainly to China, Taiwan, Japan and South Korea.

 

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The following table sets forth Oxiteno’s sales by volume for each geographic market served by Oxiteno in the periods indicated:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  

Breakdown of sales volume outside Brazil(1)

   2015      2014      2013  
     (in thousand metric tons and percentage of the total)  

From Oxiteno Brazil

                 

Mercosur (not including Brazil)

     40.7         19%         43.4         18%         42.1         17%   

NAFTA

     11.0         5%         13.2         5%         22.3         9%   

Asia

     16.8         8%         19.8         8%         18.7         8%   

Europe

     12.2         6%         13.7         6%         13.4         6%   

Other

     17.1         7%         14.6         7%         16.6         7%   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Sub-Total

     97.8         46%         104.6         43%         113.1         46%   

From Oxiteno Mexico

                 

Mexico

     41.2         19%         34.9         14%         37.6         15%   

USA

     10.5         5%         15.9         7%         14.0         6%   

Other

     6.4         3%         9.9         4%         7.3         3%   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Sub-Total

     58.0         27%         60.7         27%         58.9         24%   

From Oxiteno Andina

                 

Venezuela

     6.0         3%         8.0         3%         17.3         7%   

Other

     2.9         1%         0.7         0%         0.3         0%   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Sub-Total

     8.8         4%         8.7         4%         17.6         7%   

From Oxiteno Uruguay

                 

Brazil

     14.0         7%         24.4         12%         23.6         3%   

Uruguay

     9.6         5%         11.6         5%         13.7         6%   

USA

     0.7         0%         0.7         0%         1.1         0%   

Other

     15.1         7%         15.3         8%         12.0         5%   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Sub-Total

     39.5         19%         52.0         24%         50.4         22%   

From Oxiteno USA

                 

USA

     7.4         3%         5.6         3%         3.7         2%   

Sub-Total

     7.6         4%         6.0         3%         3.7         2%   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     211.8         100%         232.1         100%         230.1         100%   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)  Does not include intercompany sales volume.

Oxiteno exports a wide variety of chemical products including glycols, MEK, ethoxylated alkylphenols, glycol ether acetates, glycol ethers, ethanolamines and surfactants.

Since 2003, Oxiteno has focused on expanding its presence in Americas, and on increasing its specialty chemicals sales, creating a closer relationship with its customers. As a first step, in December 2003 Oxiteno acquired Canamex — a Mexican specialty chemicals company (renamed Oxiteno Mexico). In April 2007, Oxiteno acquired the operating assets of Unión Química SA de CV, in San Juan del Río, Mexico. For the year ended December 31, 2015, Oxiteno Mexico’s sales volume totaled 58,031 tons, which represented a 4% decreased compared to the year ended December 31, 2014. See “Item 4.A. Information on the Company — History and Development of the Company.”

In September 2007, Oxiteno acquired 100% of the shares of Arch Andina in Santa Rita, Venezuela (renamed Oxiteno Andina). For the year ended December 31, 2015, Oxiteno Andina’s sales volume totaled 8,849 tons, representing an increase of 1% compared to the year ended December 31, 2014. See “Item 4.A. Information on the Company — History and Development of the Company.”

In April 2012, Oxiteno acquired a specialty chemicals plant in Pasadena, Texas. For the year ended December 31, 2015, sales volume from the plant totaled 7,647 tons, representing an increase of 27% compared to the year ended December 31, 2014. See “Item 4.A. Information on the Company — History and Development of the Company.”

 

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In November 2012, Oxiteno acquired of 100% of the shares of American Chemical (renamed Oxiteno Uruguay), a Uruguayan specialty chemicals company. For the year ended December 31, 2015, Oxiteno Uruguay’s sales volume totaled 39,473 tons, which represented a 24% decrease compared to the year ended December 31, 2014, due to the decision to discontinue a line of products for the leather market. See “Item 4.A. Information on the Company — History and Development of the Company.”

As part of our strategy to grow outside of Brazil, we opened commercial offices in Argentina in 2006, in Belgium in 2008, in Colombia in 2011 and in China in 2012.

In November 2015, Oxiteno announced the approval of investments to build an ethoxylation plant in the U.S. See “Item 4.A. Information on the Company — History and Development of the Company — Investments.”

In most cases, Oxiteno’s sales prices for its commodity chemicals in the export markets are based on international prices. International spot prices are established by reference to published data regarding the price at which industry participants have sold the relevant product. In general, Oxiteno’s operating margins on products manufactured in Brazil and sold in the international market are lower than operating margins for similar products sold in the domestic market. Nevertheless, Oxiteno deems it important to maintain a presence in international markets and is focused on expanding its presence in other specialty chemicals markets by opening international commercial offices. Oxiteno intends to shift sales to the domestic market as local demand for its products increases, but will continue to export and will maintain its presence in the international market.

Customers. Oxiteno’s most important customers for its commodity chemicals are chemical companies, surface coating producers and polyester producers. In turn, the customers for specialty chemicals constitute a variety of industrial and commercial enterprises including brake fluid distributors, agrochemical producers, manufacturers of food additives and manufacturers of detergents and cosmetics. Oxiteno believes that by distributing its products to a variety of markets it is able to protect itself, to a certain extent, from the effects of a decrease in economic activity in any particular market.

In 2015, Oxiteno’s main customers in the domestic market included Monsanto, which mainly purchases ethanolamines, Syngenta, Indústrias Gessy Lever Ltda. (Unilever), which mainly purchase surfactants and MEGlobal, which mainly purchases glycols. In the international market, Oxiteno sells both to industrial customers, including Unilever, Procter&Gamble and Syngenta, as well as trading companies and other third-party distributors. In 2015, Oxiteno’s ten largest customers accounted for 32% of its net revenue from sales and services. No single customer accounted for more than 6% of Oxiteno’s net sales in such year.

Competition. Oxiteno competes in the Brazilian market largely with imported products. Since 1990, it has had to operate in an increasingly competitive environment due to imports from international and transnational petrochemical industries. As imported products are mostly commodity chemicals, competition is based principally on price. Importers incur additional costs when selling their products in the Brazilian market, due to import tariffs which generally range between 12% and 14%, and additional freight charges. However, factors such as product quality, timely delivery, reliability of supply and technical service and support are also important competitive factors. Because it is a local producer, Oxiteno believes it has a particular competitive advantage over imports with regard to timely delivery and reliability of supply.

In the case of specialty chemicals, pricing is a less decisive competitive factor than with true commodity chemicals, while conformity with specifications, product performance and reliability of service are comparatively more important. Access to technology, technical assistance and research and development are important factors with regard to conformity to specifications and product performance, especially in the development of new products to meet customers’ needs. Oxiteno’s strategy involves ensuring access to technology through its own research and development activity, licensing and joint ventures, if appropriate opportunities become available.

Oxiteno’s principal competitors are Shell Chemical, Dow Chemical, Clariant, BASF S.A., Solvay and Stepan.

 

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Research and development. Oxiteno carries on a wide range of research and development activities, principally related to the application of specialty chemicals and improvements in production processes. As of December 31, 2015, 133 employees of Oxiteno were engaged in research and development and engineering activities. Oxiteno’s research and development expenditures in 2015, 2014 and 2013 were R$41 million, R$36 million and R$28 million, respectively. In 2004, Oxiteno founded its own “Science and Technology Council”, with six of the world’s major specialists in surfactants as members. These specialists, with experience in the surfactants industry or in the academic environment in the US, Europe and Latin America, follow the trends and opportunities in the sector. Since 2004, the council, currently composed of five specialists, has met once a year in São Paulo to analyze Oxiteno’s research and development project portfolio, as well as the management methodology applied. Their recommendations enable Oxiteno to improve its research and development activities’ efficiency, as well as to broaden the reach of its partnerships with international entities. In addition, Oxiteno has created specific scientific councils with specialists from its main segments.

Oxiteno’s investments in research and development have resulted in the introduction of 70 new applications for its products during the last three years. Oxiteno will continue to invest in research and development focused on developing new product applications to meet clients’ needs.

Raw materials. Oxiteno’s principal raw material is ethylene. For the year ended December 31, 2015, ethylene was responsible for 30% of Oxiteno’s variable costs of production and 24% of its total cost of sales and services. Among Oxiteno’s other raw materials, the principal materials include palm kernel oil, C4, butyl alcohol, primary fatty amine and phenol. Supply of ethylene constitutes an entry barrier for new ethylene oxide producers in Brazil since the current production capacity of ethylene by Brazilian crackers is committed to existing second generation companies, including Oxiteno, and significant investments are needed for the construction of a new cracker. Additionally, ethylene’s transport and storage is complex and expensive because it must be kept at a temperature below -200 degrees Fahrenheit (-100 degrees Celsius) during transportation and storage, therefore importing and exporting of ethylene is generally uneconomical. Accordingly, the naphtha crackers, such as Braskem, are largely dependent for their sales upon the second generation petrochemical companies, such as Oxiteno, located in the respective petrochemical complexes.

Ethylene supply. Ethylene is used for the production of ethylene oxide at the Camaçari plant and the Mauá plant. Braskem supplies all of Oxiteno’s ethylene requirements for the Camaçari plant and Mauá plant, through pipelines, thus minimizing the costs of delivery of ethylene and helping to ensure the reliability of supply. See “Item 4.B. Information on the Company — Business Overview — Petrochemicals and Chemicals — Industry and Regulatory Overview.”

Oxiteno has a supply agreement with Braskem which establishes a minimum annually consumption level of ethylene, calculated quarterly, and conditions for the supply of ethylene until 2021 at the Camaçari plant. The minimum purchase commitment clause is 190 thousand tons of ethylene and a maximum of 205 thousand tons of ethylene per year. Should the minimum purchase commitment not be met, Oxiteno would be liable for a fine of 40% of the current ethylene price for the quantity not purchased. The minimum purchase commitment is subject to proportional reduction in the case of scheduled shutdowns in the supplier’s and/or Oxiteno’s facilities.

In addition, Oxiteno has a supply agreement with Braskem that expires in 2023 at the Mauá plant. The contract establishes and regulates the conditions for the supply of ethylene to Oxiteno based on the international market for this product. The minimum purchase is 22,050 tons of ethylene semiannually. Should the minimum purchase commitment not be met, Oxiteno be liable for a fine of 30% of the current ethylene price for the quantity not purchased. The minimum purchase commitment is subject to proportional reduction in the case of scheduled shutdowns in the supplier’s and/or Oxiteno’s facilities.

Oxiteno does not maintain storage of ethylene and any unexpected interruptions in supply from the crackers would have an immediate impact on Oxiteno’s production.

First generation petrochemical companies undergo scheduled maintenance shutdowns. Oxiteno anticipates these shutdowns by building up inventory. Oxiteno also uses these planned shutdowns for regular maintenance work on its own plants or eventual substitution of catalysts or for expansion of installed capacity.

 

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Price of ethylene. The price of ethylene supplied by Braskem to Oxiteno for the production of goods to be sold in Brazil is linked to ethylene contract prices on international markets as from August 2006 to our plant in Camaçari and as from August 2008 to our plant in Mauá.

The following table shows the average ethylene prices referenced to the North-Western Europe (NWE) contract prices:

 

     NWE  
     (US$/ton)  

2015

      

First Quarter

     972   

Second Quarter

     1,155   

Third Quarter

     1,128   

Fourth Quarter

     996   

Maximum Price in Year

     1,240   

Minimum Price in Year

     946   

Year Average

     1,063   

2014

      

First Quarter

     1,647   

Second Quarter

     1,603   

Third Quarter

     1,574   

Fourth Quarter

     1,326   

Maximum Price in Year

     1,676   

Minimum Price in Year

     1,245   

Year Average

     1,534   

2013

      

First Quarter

     1,707   

Second Quarter

     1,567   

Third Quarter

     1,608   

Fourth Quarter

     1,654   

Maximum Price in Year

     1,719   

Minimum Price in Year

     1,509   

Year Average

     1,634   

As naphtha is the main raw material for the production of ethylene in Brazil, fluctuations in the price of naphtha strongly influence fluctuations in the price of ethylene. Because the main determinant of the price of naphtha is the price of crude oil, the price of naphtha, and thus ethylene, is subject to fluctuations based on changes in the international oil price. The increases in the price of ethylene could affect Oxiteno’s competitiveness in the petrochemical market. See “Item 3.D. Key Information — Risk Factors — Risks Relating to Ultrapar and Its Industry.”

 

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In April 2013, the Brazilian government announced a reduction in the PIS and COFINS taxes levied on certain raw materials for the petrochemical industry (first and second generation), including ethylene. The PIS and COFINS paid on raw material procurement, including ethylene, was reduced to 1% from 9.25%. The lower tax rate was effective from May 2013 and is valid until 2015. According to the current legislation, the level of PIS and COFINS taxes levied in the acquisition of ethylene will gradually increase from 3% in 2016 to 5.6% in 2018.

Other raw materials. For the year ended December 31, 2015, other raw materials, such as palm kernel oil, C4, butyl alcohol, acetic acid, nonene, phenol, primary fatty amine, ethanol, oxygen, base oils, ammonium and other accounted for approximately 35% of Oxiteno’s variable costs and 28% of its total costs of sales and services.

Oxiteno generally obtains these other raw materials from a variety of sources, except for phenol, which Oxiteno purchases principally from a single supplier, Rhodia Poliamida Especialidades Ltda., and for C4, which is supplied by Braskem in Triunfo.

Utilities. Electric power, steam and natural gas are the main utilities required for Oxiteno’s production. Part of the electricity and steam used by Oxiteno is generated internally and part is purchased from electricity companies and third-party suppliers of steam in the regions where Oxiteno’s plants are located. Natural gas is purchased from local companies. In 2015, electric power represented 3% of Oxiteno’s variable costs.

Income tax exemption status. Brazilian legislation provides a 75% income tax reduction for businesses located in the northeast region of Brazil, which depends of SUDENE’s formal and previous consent. Oxiteno is entitled to this tax benefit at Oxiteno Nordeste and Oleoquímica, due in 2016 and 2021, respectively. The total amount of SUDENE’s income tax exemption for Oxiteno for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 is R$75 million and R$49 million, respectively. For further information, see Note 9(c) to our 2015 consolidated financial statements.

Maintenance and quality control. Oxiteno carries out a program of preventive maintenance at each of its plants and uses statistical analysis to help predict production problems. The shutdowns due to the maintenance program usually take place at the same time as the shutdowns for the change of the ethylene oxide catalyst. In the case of the ethylene oxide and ethylene glycol units at the Mauá and Camaçari plants, which have continuous production processes, maintenance is preferably scheduled for periods when the relevant cracker, which supplies ethylene to the plant, is scheduled to be shut down for maintenance. Each cracker is typically shut down for maintenance for a period of approximately 20 days every 36 to 48 months. The same happens to the Triunfo plant, which receives C4 from Braskem. In the case of the other production units at such plants and the Tremembé plants, maintenance is performed during scheduled breaks in production, and the frequency and period for maintenance vary depending on the nature of the product. Oxiteno uses its own employees for specialized maintenance and uses third-party contractors for routine maintenance. In addition, Oxiteno has a team of employees responsible for quality control that operates continuously.

Health, safety and environmental matters. Oxiteno continuously monitors its compliance with federal, state and municipal legislation applicable to its various places of operation. In accordance with applicable law, Oxiteno is strictly liable for losses and damages of an environmental nature. See “Item 4.B. Information on the Company — Business Overview — Petrochemicals and Chemicals — Industry and Regulatory Overview.”

Each of Oxiteno’s plants is licensed by the competent environmental authorities. Licenses granted are valid for a fixed period of time and then must be renewed. The other terms of the licenses vary according to the applicable legislation and to the periodic inspections performed by environmental authorities.

Waste products from Oxiteno’s industrial plants are discharged in accordance with legal requirements. Effluents are discharged and treated in Oxiteno’s own treatment centers or by petrochemical complexes where it has activities. Oxiteno seeks to reprocess solid waste products in cement furnaces. Where reprocessing is not possible, these products are mainly incinerated.

 

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Oxiteno’s health and safety indicators are comparable to relevant international standards and are a priority in Oxiteno’s activities and in the action plans for the upcoming years.

In addition to the legal requirements, Oxiteno voluntarily complies with other requirements, such as those related to the Responsible Care Program, issued by ABIQUIM, which sets forth international standards for environmental protection and occupational health as well as safety measures to be followed by chemical product producers.

Oxiteno developed an important project to increase the use of renewable raw materials, the oleochemical unit, which uses palm kernel oil, extracted from the palm seed, to produce fatty alcohols and its by-products. After the start-up of the oleochemical unit, the share of renewable raw materials in Oxiteno’s raw materials total costs reached 25% in 2015, compared with 8% in 2007. In 2010, Oxiteno joined the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil, an organization that works to regulate the sustainable plantation of palm, aiming to strengthen its regional leadership and its sustainability practices.

Storage services for liquid bulk

Ultracargo

Ultracargo is the largest provider of storage for liquid bulk in Brazil. Ultracargo’s main differentiating characteristic is the strategic location of its facilities, located close to the main Brazilian ports and rail junctions in Brazil. Ultracargo stores and handles liquid bulk, mainly chemicals, fuels and vegetable oil. Ultracargo also offers ship loading and unloading services, the operation of pipelines, logistics programming and installation engineering. Ultracargo’s ten largest clients accounted for 77% of its revenues in 2015, with its three largest clients, Braskem, Petrobras and Oxiteno accounting for 21%, 16% and 8%, respectively, of Ultracargo’s revenues. Ultracargo’s strategic location of its operations, close to the main Brazilian port terminals, railroad junctions and roads, is one of the company’s main strengths and a key driver of integrated services profitability. As of December 31, 2015, Ultracargo operated storage facilities with a capacity of 630 thousand cubic meters. Ultracargo’s history is one of pioneering logistics solutions in the Brazilian market. The latest available data shows that Ultracargo accounted for 67% of all tank capacity for liquids at the Aratu port in the State of Bahia, which serves South America’s largest petrochemicals complex. The company is also present in the port of Santos, in the state of São Paulo, which was responsible for 27% of the Brazilian foreign trade in 2015. The Santos terminal, which started operating in mid-2005, has become the largest storage facility operated by Ultracargo after the integration of the terminals acquired from União Terminais in 2008. In December 2009, with the acquisition of Puma, Ultracargo added 83.4 thousand cubic meters to its current capacity. In May 2012, Ultracargo acquired a liquid bulk storage terminal in Itaqui port, in the State of Maranhão, that added 55 thousand cubic meters to Ultracargo’s current capacity. See “Item 4.A. Information on the Company — History and Development of the Company.”

Storage. Ultracargo primarily provides storage services for liquid bulk, especially chemicals, fuels and vegetable oil. Ultracargo provides storage facilities to Braskem and most of the second-generation petrochemical companies in the Northeastern Petrochemical Complex, including Oxiteno. Transactions between Ultracargo and Oxiteno are carried out strictly on an arm’s-length basis. At the end of 2003, Ultracargo maintained four liquid bulk storage terminals — in Aratu in the state of Bahia, in Paulínia and Santos in the state of São Paulo, and in Suape in the state of Pernambuco. In late 2004, Ultracargo completed construction of an intermodal terminal in Montes Claros, in the state of Minas Gerais. With the acquisition of União Terminais in 2008, Ultracargo also started to operate in Paranaguá, in the state of Paraná, and in Rio de Janeiro, in the state of Rio de Janeiro. Since August 2012, Ultracargo has been operating in Itaqui, in the State of Maranhão. In 2012, Ultracargo sold to Ipiranga a liquid bulk terminal for fuels in Montes Claros in the state of Minas Gerais. Ultracargo operated the terminal until March 2013. Ultracargo’s terminal in Paulínia was permanently closed in August 2015.

Ultracargo completed the construction of another intermodal terminal in Santos in mid-2005. This project is Ultracargo’s second port installation to integrate road, rail and maritime transportation systems, the first being Aratu. Ultracargo’s investment in this terminal was approximately R$80 million. The terminal occupies an area of approximately 64 thousand square meters that hosts 38 thousand cubic meters of tankage space for chemical products, 40 thousand cubic meters for ethanol and 38 thousand cubic meters for vegetable oils. The terminal was built in partnership with Crystalsev, later assumed by Cosan, and Cargill/Coinbra whose capacity is exclusively operated by Ultracargo. In 2007, Ultracargo also expanded its liquid storage capacity with the addition of 10 thousand cubic meters to Aratu.

 

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In 2008, Ultracargo added 184 thousand cubic meters to its liquid bulk storage capacity through: (i) the acquisition of União Terminais which added 170 thousand cubic meters and (ii) the expansion of its terminal in Aratu, adding 14 thousand cubic meters. In 2009, Ultracargo added 95 thousand cubic meters to its liquid bulk storage capacity through (i) the acquisition of Puma’s assets in Suape, adding 83 thousand cubic meters and (ii) the expansion of its terminal in Aratu, adding 12 thousand cubic meters.

In 2010, Ultracargo added 16 thousand cubic meters to its liquid bulk storage in the terminal of Santos. Additionally, in July 2010, Ultrapar sold Ultracargo’s in-house logistics, solid bulk storage and road transportation businesses, with the transfer of shares of AGT and Petrolog to Aqces. This transaction allowed Ultracargo to focus exclusively on its liquid bulk storage business, a segment in which it has a market leadership position. See “Item 4.A. Information on the Company — History and Development of the Company.” In 2011, Ultracargo added 26 thousand cubic meters to its liquid bulk storage capacity in the Suape terminal. In 2012, Ultracargo added 55 thousand cubic meters to its liquid bulk storage capacity through the acquisition of a terminal in Itaqui. In 2013, Ultracargo concluded an expansion in the terminal of Santos, adding 46 thousand cubic meters (42 thousand cubic meters in 2012 and 4 thousand cubic meters in 2013), and in the terminal of Aratu, adding 26 thousand cubic meters (4 thousand cubic meters in 2012 and 22 thousand cubic meters in 2013).

Income tax exemption status. Brazilian legislation provides a 75% income tax reduction for businesses located in the northeast region of Brazil, which depends on SUDENE formal and previous consent. Ultracargo is entitled to this tax benefit at the Aratu and Suape terminals, up to 2022 and 2020, respectively. The total amount of SUDENE’s Income tax exemption for the years ended on December 31, 2015 and 2014 is R$2.3 million and R$10.5 million, respectively. For further information see Note 9(c) to our consolidated financial statements. On December 30, 2014, Ultracargo filed its request for SUDENE’s tax benefit for its Itaqui terminal, without response up to the moment this report was published.

Quality. In 2007, Ultracargo’s terminal in Aratu obtained an ISO 14001 certification and underwent re-certification processes, being the last one in 2015. The evaluation process occurred under a unified Quality Management System for the entire country. Paulínia terminal obtained the ISO 14001 certification in 2004 and underwent re-certification processes, being the last one in 2012. In 2012 Santos terminal obtained the ISO 14001 certification and OHSAS 18001 in 2003. In 2011, Suape terminal obtained an ISO 14001 certification. In 2012, Suape and Aratu terminals obtained OHSAS 18001 certification. In 2013, Paulínia terminal obtained OHSAS 18001 certification. Ultracargo’s terminal in Paulínia was permanently closed in August 2015.In 2014, the Aratu terminal was recognized for its performance in Health, Safety and the Environment by Industrial Development Committee of Camaçari (Cofic). In 2015, Itaqui terminal obtained an ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 certification.

Retail Pharmacy

Industry Overview

The retail pharmacy business in Brazil is responsible for the purchase, distribution and resale of medicines to end consumers through drugstores. It is also a common practice in this industry to sell beauty and personal care products as well as certain convenience products at drugstores. Its main suppliers are pharmaceutical producers and beauty and personal care producers.

The retail pharmacy business is a highly regulated industry. In Brazil, the regulation of the sector is divided among the Brazilian government, the state governments and municipalities. The Brazilian government enacts laws and regulations of general applicability, which are enforced and complemented by actions of the state governments and municipalities. At the federal level, the health and pharmaceutical sectors are regulated and supervised by the Ministry of Health, through ANVISA, established by Federal Law No. 9,782, of January 26, 1999.

 

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The main rules governing the retail pharmacy business in Brazil are related to pricing of medicines and the restrictions in the handling, transportation, storage, marketing and sale of these products. Every year, as of March 31, the government approves maximum wholesale and consumer price adjustments of medicines, according to a metric that includes inflation, currency and the level of competition in each product category. In Brazil, the front-store area occupied by drugstores is usually smaller than 300 square meters.

Brazilian drugstores’ total revenues, according to data from IMS Health, exceeded R$82 billion in 2015, a 12% growth compared to 2014. We believe the sector has potential for continued growth, mainly due to (i) the aging population; (ii) greater access to medicines, especially due to the growing prominence of generic drugs; (iii) the growing demand for personal care and beauty products in drugstores; and (iv) higher levels of disposable income among, consumers in the longer term. In addition, consolidation of the sector, supported by increasing market formalization and consequent investments, is in its early stages, with the top five drugstore chains in Brazil accounting for only 28% of the overall market revenues. According to IMS Health, there were approximately 71 thousand drugstores in Brazil in 2014.

The main types of pharmaceutical products sold in Brazil are listed below:

Branded medicine – All medicines requiring a doctor’s prescription identified by trademark, usually consisting of innovative products, the efficacy, safety and quality of which have been scientifically proven upon registration with the ANVISA. The pharmaceutical company that developed the medicine typically holds its patent and exclusivity for its marketing during a minimum 10-year period, after which such medicine becomes a reference for the production of similar or generic medicines.

Generic medicine – Generic medicine is a drug product that is comparable to the reference (branded) medicine in dosage form, strength, route of administration, quality and performance characteristics, and intended use, and must contain the same active ingredients as the original formulation. However, instead of being marketed under a trademark, the generic medicine is designated by the name of the active ingredient. Generic medicines may be prescribed as an alternative to the reference medicines or may replace them at the time the medication is dispensed, as permitted by law. Generics can only be produced and sold after expiration, waiver or loss of the patent or other exclusivity rights associated with the comparable reference medicine. In addition, production and marketing of generic medication also requires proof of the efficacy, safety and quality of the generic drugs, as established through bioequivalence and bioavailability testing pursuant to which the composition and absorption by the body of the generic drugs are analyzed against the comparable reference medicine. Generic medicines have no trademark, but the name of the constitutive substance and the name of the laboratory that produces and sells it are printed on the label and packaging.

Similar medicine – Medicines containing the same or more active ingredients and the same concentration, manner of administration, dosage and therapeutic indication as the reference medicine, marketed under a different trademark that did not undergo the bioequivalence testing to prove its efficacy, safety and quality. Similar medicines, like generic medicines, can only be produced and sold after expiration or waiver of the patent for the comparable reference medicine. As the producers do not necessarily submit similar medicines to bioequivalence testing, which is an expensive process, similar medicines are usually cheaper than generic medicines and reference medicines.

OTC medicines – Over the Counter (OTC) medicines consist of both branded and generic medicines, as well as other products related to health and well-being that do not need prescription to be sold. They are generally used for the treatment of easily self-diagnosed acute conditions such as pain medication, flu, cough, fever and cold, antacids, vitamins, herbal products, products for vision, health equipment, first aid as well as nutritional dietary and convenience products.

According to ABRAFARMA, the sale of medicines accounted for 66% of the total sales of its members in the retail pharmacy business in Brazil in 2015, and products other than medicines accounted for the remaining 34% of the sales. Sales of OTC products during the winter are usually higher than in warmer seasons, while sales of personal care products during the summer are usually higher than in other seasons.

 

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The following chart shows the supply process of retail pharmacy in Brazil:

 

LOGO

Extrafarma

Benefitting from over 50 years of activity in the wholesale and retail of pharmaceutical products, Extrafarma is a leading drugstore chain in the regions in which it operates. Extrafarma operates in areas where recent sales growth rates have been above the national average, which we believe presents attractive potential for future growth.

As of December 31, 2015, Extrafarma operated 254 drugstores in six states of Brazil (103 in Pará, 11 in Amapá, 63 in Ceará, 57 in Maranhão, 11 in Rio Grande do Norte, 6 in Piauí, 1 in Pernambuco, 1 in Paraíba and 1 in São Paulo). Extrafarma operates two distribution centers in Belém, in the state of Pará, and in Aquiraz, in the state of Ceará, which are responsible for supplying all of our stores.

 

LOGO

Extrafarma operates both in the retail and wholesale of pharmaceutical products. In 2015, Extrafarma’s gross revenues reached over R$1.4 billion, of which the retail business represented 87% and the wholesale business represented 13%.

 

 

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Extrafarma’s main strategy is focused on the retail business, which is responsible for the larger share of its revenues. Within this business, Extrafarma’s product mix consists of all the main types of pharmaceutical products (branded medicine; generic medicine; similar medicine; OTC) in addition to personal care products and convenience products. In 2015, out of Extrafarma’s revenues in the retail business, branded medicines represented 34%, generic/similar medicines represented 15%, OTC 10%, convenience products represented 21% and personal care products represented 21%.

On the wholesale side, Extrafarma operates as a distributor of both pharmaceutical and personal care products. We purchase the products from manufacturers and sell them to other drugstore chains and independent retailers, which are serviced through Extrafarma’s own and leased truck fleet. In December 31, 2015, the average payment term of Extrafarma’s sales to independent retailers was 46 days.

In January 2016, Extrafarma remodeled its loyalty program and renamed it Clube Extrafarma (www.clubeextrafarma.com.br). The program provides immediate discounts on purchases, in addition to accumulating 1 point for each R$1 spent. Points received by Extrafarma’s customers may be exchanged during the period of 6 months for significant discounts in store products, pre-paid mobile phone credits, Ipiranga’s Km de Vantagens and Multiplus Fidelidade.

Ultrapar’s plan is to strengthen and accelerate the expansion of Extrafarma through (i) increased investment capacity, (ii) access to retail space in Ipiranga’s service stations and Ultragaz’s resellers, with over 12 thousand potential retail outlets; and (iii) strengthening Extrafarma’s management through the implementation of Ultrapar’s recognized corporate governance, incentives, and alignment of interests. These mechanisms also contributed to an efficient integration of the operations into Ultrapar and to the development of business models that are attractive to Extrafarma’s, Ipiranga’s and Ultragaz’s consumers, thus increasing differentiation potential in each of these businesses.

Competition. The consolidation process of the retail pharmacy business is in its early stages.

The drugstore chains associated to ABRAFARMA represented an estimated 43% of the total revenues in the sector in 2015. There were more than 20 drugstore chains associated to ABRAFARMA in 2015. According to ABRAFARMA the main players in Brazil are Raia Drogasil, DPSP, Pague Menos, Brasil Pharma, Araujo and Panvel.

See “Item 4.A. Information on the Company — History and Development of the Company — Extrafarma Transaction.”

Oil Refining

RPR consists of a refinery in the city of Rio Grande, in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, in the Southern region of Brazil. The refinery’s nominal capacity is 17,000 barrels per day, and its principal products include gasoline, diesel, naphtha, fuel oil, LPG, kerosene, asphalt and special solvents. In 2015, the average production of the refinery was 10,087 barrels per day, which represented 59% of its nominal capacity and less than 1% of the total Brazilian oil refining capacity, according to ANP data. Ultrapar currently owns approximately one third of the capital of RPR. See “Item 4.A. Information on the Company — History and Development of the Company.” RPR’s results are accounted for using the equity method, as share of profit of joint ventures and associates. Results generated by the oil refining operations are not significant to Ultrapar. In 2015, the share of profits from RPR operations recognized into Ultrapar’s results amounted to R$8.2 million, corresponding to less than 1% of Ultrapar’s consolidated net income for the year.

Between 2011 and the third quarter of 2014, RPR faced a challenging operating scenario, due to costly raw materials and controlled selling prices that have not followed these variations in raw material costs. From August 2014, there was a sharp reduction in the international crude oil prices, reaching in December 2015 the lowest level since December 2008 (US$36 per barrel). Despite the reduction in oil prices, the prices of oil – based fuels in Brazil have increased during the same period, helping improve RPR´s margins. No assurance can be given that market conditions will not change throughout this year or that RPR will be able to continue to operate profitably. See “Item 4.A. Information on the Company — History and Development of the Company.”

 

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Insurance

We maintain insurance policies covering all the facilities of our wholly owned subsidiaries, which we consider appropriate to cover the risks to which we believe we are exposed, including but not limited to loss and damage from fire, lightning, explosion of any nature, windstorm, plane crash and electrical damage. The maximum compensation values based on the maximum possible loss that could result from specific location, as of December 31, 2015, are shown below:

 

     Maximum
compensation
value(*)
 

Oxiteno

     US$         1,062   

Ipiranga

     R$         769   

Ultracargo

     R$         550   

Ultragaz

     R$         300   

Extrafarma

     R$         125   

 

(*)  In millions. Currency as indicated.

We have general liability insurance that covers all our wholly owned subsidiaries with coverage of up to a maximum of US$400 million as of December 31, 2015 for losses and damage incurred by third parties as a result of any accidents that occur in connection with our commercial/industrial operations and/or the distribution and sale of our products and services.

We maintain Directors & Officers Liability (D&O) insurance policies to indemnify members of the board of directors, fiscal council and executive officers of Ultrapar and its subsidiaries (insureds) in the total amount of US$50 million, which covers any insured liabilities resulting from wrongful acts, including any act or omission or any matter claimed against them solely by reason of his or her serving in such capacity, except if the act, omission or the claim is consequence of gross negligence or willful misconduct.

In addition, we also take out group life and personal accident, health and national and international transportation and other insurance policies.

We believe that our insurance covers, in all material respects, the risks to which we are exposed and is in line with industry standards. However, the occurrence of losses or other liabilities that are not covered by insurance or that exceed the limits of our insurance coverage could result in significant unexpected additional costs to us.

 

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C. Organizational Structure

The following chart shows our organizational structure(1) for our principal subsidiaries as of December 31, 2015:

 

LOGO

 

(1)  Percentages represent approximate ownership of voting share capital and total capital (voting capital/total capital).
(2)  Non-controlling interests in Utingás are mainly held by Liquigás Distribuidora S.A. and SHV Gas (31% and 8% of total capital, respectively).
(3)  Other shareholders of RPR are Petrobras and Braskem, each holding 1/3 of the voting shares.
(4)  União Vopak – a company jointly owned by Tequimar and Vopak Brasil S.A.
(5)  ConectCar.

We conduct our LPG distribution business through Ultragaz, composed of Cia Ultragaz, Bahiana and Utingás. Cia Ultragaz operates in the business of distribution of LPG, primarily in the South, Southeast and Midwest regions of Brazil. Bahiana operates in the business of distribution of LPG, primarily in the Northeast regions of Brazil. Utingás is an LPG storage company, with facilities in the states of São Paulo and Paraná.

We conduct our fuel distribution business through Ipiranga, represented by our wholly-owned subsidiary IPP, except for IPP’s subsidiaries that operates in the LPG distribution business, as described above. Ipiranga covers the distribution and marketing of petroleum products, fuel ethanol and NGV throughout Brazil. IPP also, through its subsidiary ITL, owns am/pm brand in Brazil and Tropical, which provides transportation services for Ipiranga and other fuel distributors.

 

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We conduct petrochemical and chemical activities through our wholly-owned subsidiary, Oxiteno. Oxiteno operates in the petrochemical and chemical sector directly and through its subsidiaries, Oxiteno Nordeste, Oleoquímica, EMCA, Oxiteno Mexico and Oxiteno Andina. Oxiteno directly operates plants located in the state of São Paulo. Oxiteno Nordeste operates plants located in Camaçari, in the state of Bahia, and in Triunfo, in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. Oleoquímica and EMCA also operate in the Camaçari plant. Oxiteno Mexico operates three plants in Mexico and one plant in the United States through Oxiteno USA. Oxiteno Andina operates one plant located in Venezuela. Oleoquímica is the subsidiary through which we built a fatty alcohol plant in Camaçari. Oxiteno Uruguay, acquired in November 2012, operates one plant located in Uruguay.

We conduct liquid bulk storage business through our wholly-owned subsidiary, Ultracargo, which operates through its subsidiary Tequimar. Tequimar maintains storage facilities at seven terminals, of which two are located near the main petrochemical complexes in Brazil, Camaçari and São Paulo.

On January 31, 2014, we closed the Extrafarma Transaction, pursuant to which Extrafarma became our wholly owned subsidiary. Extrafarma operates a retail and wholesale pharmacy business in the North and Northeast regions of Brazil. See “Item 4.A. Information on the Company — History and Development of the Company — Extrafarma Transaction.”

Except for Oxiteno Mexico, Oxiteno Andina, Oxiteno USA and Oxiteno Uruguay, all of our material subsidiaries are incorporated under the laws of Brazil.

For further information see “Item 4.A. Information on the Company — History and Development of the Company.”

 

D. Property, Plant and Equipment

Ultragaz

Ultragaz’s LPG distribution network includes 17 filling plants. LPG is carried to the filling plants either via gas pipelines from Petrobras’ installations or by tanker trucks. When LPG transportation is via gas pipeline the bases are known as primary and when transportation is via tanker truck, the bases are known as secondary. Ultragaz also operates LPG storage bases, known as satellite bases for supplying our bulk trucks. Ultragaz maintains storage facilities for LPG bottles and satellite bulk distribution plants at strategic locations in order to maintain supplies close to its customer bases and thus to reduce transportation costs. LPG is stored in the filling plants in large LPG storage tanks with a typical capacity of 60 tons per tank. In the case of LPG to be delivered in bulk, the LPG is pumped directly from the storage tanks into the bulk tankers. In the case of LPG to be delivered in bottles, the LPG is pumped from the storage tanks into a number of filling heads, which fills the LPG bottles.

 

 

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The following table sets forth the total storage capacity, total filling capacity during 2015 and the 2015 average filling utilization for each of Ultragaz’s primary and secondary filling stations and satellite stations.

 

Base

   Type    Total storage
capacity
     Filling
capacity
    2015 average
filling
utilization
rate
 
          (in tons)     

(in tons per

month)

       

Aracaju

   Secondary      240         4,263        91

Araçatuba

   Satellite      180        

Aracruz

   Secondary      120         4,212        33

Araraquara

   Satellite      60        

Araucária

   Primary      240         9,693        68

Barra de São Francisco

   Secondary      360         2,400        24

Barueri

   Secondary      1,500         5,850        76

Bauru

   Satellite      60        

Betim

   Secondary      480         9,360 (1)     45

Blumenau

   Satellite      60        

Canoas

   Secondary      600         4,750        80

Capuava

   Primary      720         14,449        50

Cascavel

   Satellite      120        

Caucaia

   Secondary      420         7,371 (1)     98

Caxias do Sul

   Satellite      60        

Chapecó

   Satellite      60        

Florianópolis

   Satellite      60        

Goiânia

   Secondary      360         5,850        64

Imbiruçu

   Satellite      372        

João Pessoa

   Satellite      60        

Joinville

   Satellite      60        

Juazeiro

   Satellite      60        

Londrina

   Satellite      60        

Mauá

   Satellite      720        

Mataripe

   Primary      1,025         21,508 (1)     74

Paulínia

   Primary      2,260         9,982        74

Pirajá — Salvador

   Satellite      60        

Ponta Grossa

   Satellite      60        

Pouso Alegre

   Satellite      60        

Ribeirão Preto

   Secondary      180         4,646        78

Rio de Janeiro

   Primary      480         5,850 (1)     77

Santos

   Primary      2,400         3,608        57

São José do Rio Preto

   Satellite      60        

São José dos Campos

   Primary      960         5,850        55

Sorocaba

   Satellite      120        

Suape

   Primary      480         5,962        104
     

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

        15,177         125,604        68
     

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1)  These facilities operated with more than one 8-hour shift per day.

Note: Facilities with more than 100% average filling utilization rate operated during and outside of normal business hours.

In addition, Ultragaz maintains headquarters in the city of São Paulo and regional offices in the areas in which it operates. Ultragaz also maintains 52 points of sales.

 

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Ipiranga

Distribution of fuels is carried out through an extensive network of primary and secondary storage terminals. Primary storage terminals are generally located near refineries and are used as storage terminals for products to be transported either to secondary storage terminals or to large customers and TRRs. Distributors own their storage terminals (Owned), lease space in third parties’ storage terminals (Third Party Agreement — TPA) or participate in pools (Joint-Operated terminals — JO) that serve two or more distributors. The following table sets forth the total storage capacity and ownership structure for each of Ipiranga’s primary and secondary facilities in 2015.

 

Base

   Type    Owner Structure of Storage Teminal   Storage
Capacity
(m³)
 

Açailândia

   Secondary    JO operated by others(2)     3,013   

Araucária

   Primary    TPA(1)     850   

Araucária

   Primary    JO operated by others(2)     54,093   

Bagé

   Secondary    Owned     4,721   

Barcarena

   Primary    Owned     8,202   

Barra do Piraí

   Secondary    MRS(3)     869   

Barueri

   Primary    TPA(1)     6,100   

Bauru

   Secondary    TPA(1)     —     

Bauru

   Secondary    Owned     3,288   

Belém

   Primary    Owned     13,585   

Belém

   Primary    TPA(1)     1,700   

Belo Horizonte MRS

   Secondary    MRS(3)     45   

Betim

   Primary    JO operated by Ipiranga(2)     12,024   

Betim

   Primary    JO operated by others(2)     7,258   

Biguaçu

   Primary    TPA(1)     2,313   

Brasília

   Primary    JO operated by others(2)     6,939   

Cabedelo

   Primary    TPA(1)     10,464   

Campo Grande

   Secondary    Owned     3,405   

Campos

   Secondary    JO operated by Ipiranga(2)     3,728   

Canoas

   Primary    Owned     36,216   

Canoas

   Primary    TPA(1)     1,000   

Cascavel

   Secondary    Owned     4,047   

Caxias

   Primary    Owned     36,084   

Caxias

   Primary    JO operated by others(2)     6,695   

Chapadão do Sul

   Secondary    TPA(1)     1,000   

Cruz Alta

   Secondary    Owned     4,325   

Cubatão

   Primary    TPA(1)     2,463   

Cuiaba

   Secondary    Owned     1,064   

Cuiaba

   Secondary    TPA(1)     75   

Esteio

   Primary    TPA(1)     400   

Fortaleza

   Primary    TPA(1)     5,900   

Goiânia

   Primary    JO operated by others(2)     5,693   

Goiânia

   Primary    TPA(1)     2,185   

Governador Valadares

   Secondary    Owned     3,245   

Guamare

   Primary    JO operated by others(2)     2,258   

Guaramirim

   Primary    TPA(1)     402   

Guarapuava

   Secondary    Owned     5,625   

Guarulhos

   Primary    TPA(1)     3,410   

Imbiruçu

   Primary    JO operated by Ipiranga(2)     5,241   

Itabuna

   Primary    TPA(1)     105   

Itaguaí MRS

   Secondary    MRS(3)     631   

Itaituba

   Secondary    Owned     1,350   

Itajaí

   Primary    JO operated by Ipiranga(2)     10,625   

Itajaí

   Primary    TPA(1)     923   

Jequié

   Primary    JO operated by others(2)     2,414   

Juazeiro

   Secondary    JO operated by others(2)     1,821   

Jundiaí MRS

   Secondary    MRS(3)     87   

 

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Base

   Type    Owner Structure of Storage Teminal   Storage
Capacity
(m³)
 

Lages

   Secondary    TPA(1)     385   

Londrina

   Secondary    JO operated by Ipiranga(2)     6,469   

Macapá

   Primary    JO operated by Ipiranga(2)     3,076   

Maceió

   Primary    JO operated by others(2)     6,895   

Manaus

   Primary    Owned     6,370   

Manaus

   Primary    TPA(1)     700   

Marabá

   Secondary    TPA(1)     213   

Maringá

   Secondary    TPA(1)     7,453   

Montes Claros

   Secondary    Owned     1,171   

Munguba

   Secondary    Owned     12,377   

Ourinhos

   Secondary    Owned     5,015   

Ourinhos

   Secondary    Owned     2,163   

Passo Fundo

   Primary    JO operated by Ipiranga(2)     10,088   

Paulínia

   Primary    Owned     7,994   

Paulínia

   Primary    Owned     3,461   

Paulínia

   Primary    TPA(1)     170   

Paulínia

   Primary    JO operated by Ipiranga(2)     30,785   

Piaceguera MRS

   Secondary    MRS(3)     55   

Porto Velho

   Secondary    Owned     8,318   

Pres. Prudente

   Secondary    Owned     2,712   

Ribeirão Preto

   Primary    JO operated by others(2)     11,922   

Rio Grande

   Primary    TPA(1)     3,356   

Rondonópolis

   Secondary    Owned     10,709   

Santa Maria

   Secondary    Owned     5,913   

Santarém

   Secondary    Owned     846   

São Brás Suaçui

   Secondary    MRS(3)     2,736   

São Caetano

   Primary    Owned     21,265   

São Francisco do Conde

   Primary    TPA(1)     4,740   

São José do Rio Preto

   Secondary    Owned     6,491   

São José do Rio Preto

   Secondary    Owned     1,189   

São José do Rio Preto (Simeira)

   Secondary    JO operated by others(2)     1,838   

São José dos Campos

   Primary    JO operated by others(2)     7,541   

São José dos Campos

   Secondary    MRS(3)     269   

São Luis

   Primary    JO operated by Ipiranga(2)     13,899   

São Luis

   Primary    TPA(1)     22,913   

Suape

   Primary    JO operated by others(2)     11,228   

Suape

   Primary    TPA(1)     10,450   

Teresina

   Secondary    JO operated by others(2)     4,395   

Uberaba

   Primary    TPA(1)     685   

Uberlândia

   Primary    JO operated by others(2)     5,834   

Uberlândia

   Primary    TPA(1)     1,000   

Vilhena

   Secondary    Owned     884   

Vitória

   Primary    TPA(1)     19,566   

Porto Nacional

   Secondary    TPA(1)     2,790   
       

 

 

 
          576,211   
       

 

 

 

 

(1)  Third party agreements.
(2)  Joint-operated with other distributors.
(3)  Storage terminal dedicated to MRS, a Brazilian logistic company, and operated by Ipiranga.

Oxiteno

Oxiteno has six plants in Brazil: Camaçari plants in the northeast complex, Mauá plant in the São Paulo complex, Triunfo plant in the southern complex and Tremembé and Suzano plants in the state of São Paulo.

 

 

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The following table sets forth the current ethylene oxide production capacity of Oxiteno’s plants in Brazil as of December 31, 2015.

 

Units

   Capacity  
     (in tons per year)  

Camaçari

     350,000   

Mauá

     90,000   

Tremembé

       

Triunfo

       

Suzano

       
  

 

 

 

Total

     440,000   
  

 

 

 

Ethylene oxide is primarily an intermediate material used in the production of ethylene oxide derivatives — only 1% of Oxiteno’s sales volume in the year ended December 31, 2015 were ethylene oxide. Therefore, Oxiteno’s total production output may not be determined by adding the capacities of ethylene oxide and its derivatives.

As Oxiteno’s capacity for ethylene oxide derivatives exceeds its ethylene oxide production capacity, Oxiteno cannot produce the maximum amount of each derivative product in any year and, accordingly, actual production of ethylene oxide derivatives is less than its capacity shown in the tables below.

However, the excess production capacity of ethylene oxide derivatives provides a degree of operating flexibility that enables the company to switch production partially to other products and re-manage its ethylene oxide output for derivative products depending on relative demand, thus mitigating the effects of reductions in demand for certain products resulting from downturns in the petrochemical business cycle.

Camaçari plants. The Camaçari plants, located in the Northeast Complex, was built by Oxiteno and commenced production in 1978. The Camaçari plants produce ethylene oxide and ethylene oxide derivatives, such as ethylene glycols, ethanolamines, glycol ethers and ethoxylated derivatives.

In 2007, in connection with the acquisition of Ipiranga Group by Ultrapar, Oxiteno started to operate a mineral oils production plant, EMCA.

See “Item 4.A. Information on the Company — History and Development of the Company — Investments.”

The following table sets forth the production capacity of the Camaçari plant for each of its principal products.

 

Units

   Capacity  
     (in tons per year)  

Ethylene oxide

     350,000   

Ethylene glycols

     285,000   

Ethanolamines

     110,000   

Glycol ethers

     25,000   

 

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Units

   Capacity  
     (in tons per year)  

Ethoxylated derivatives

     270,000   

White Mineral Oils

     60,000   

Fatty Alcohols

     77,000   

Fatty Acids

     7,000   

Glycerin

     11,000   

In 2015, the Camaçari plant operated at 65% of its production capacity. The plant had planned stoppages for regular maintenance.

Mauá plant. The Mauá plant, located in the São Paulo Complex, was the first plant built by Oxiteno and it commenced production in 1974. The Mauá plant has process units for ethylene oxide, ethylene glycols, glycol ethers, glycol ether acetates, natural alcohols and ethoxylated derivatives. In addition to the production units, the plant has drumming, storage, warehouse and maintenance facilities and also houses Oxiteno’s principal research and development laboratory. The following table sets forth the current production capacity of the Mauá plant for each of its principal products.

 

Units

   Capacity  
     (in tons per year)  

Ethylene Oxide

     90,000   

Ethylene Glycols

     40,000   

Glycol Ethers

     40,000   

Acetates

     72,000   

C4+C5 Alcohols

     14,000   

Ethoxylated Derivatives

     106,000   

Alkylation

     17,000   

Esterification

     4,000   

Hydraulic fluids

     30,000   

In 2015, the Mauá plant operated at 58% of its production capacity.

Tremembé plant. The Tremembé plant, located at Bairro dos Guedes, Tremembé, in the state of São Paulo, has three principal production units, a sulfonation/sulfation unit and two multipurpose units. The Tremembé plant commenced production in 1970 and was subsequently acquired by us in 1985.

 

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The following table shows the current capacity of the principal units at the Tremembé plant.

 

Units

   Capacity  
     (in tons per year)  

Esterification

     10,000   

Specialties

     15,000   

Sulfonation/Sulfation

     16,000 (1) 

Betaines

     10,000   

Hydraulic fluids

     3,200   

Naphthalenes Sulfonates

     9,000   

Agricultural Blends

     15,000   

 

(1)  Capacity adjusted for 100% active matter.

In 2015, the Tremembé plant operated at 81% of its production capacity.

Suzano plant. In 2007, Oxiteno began operating a sulfonation and sulfation plant in Suzano, with a production capacity of 13.5 thousand tons per year. In 2012, Oxiteno added 14 thousand tons per year to its capacity. As a result, production capacity at the Suzano plant increased to 27.5 thousand tons per year.

 

Units

   Capacity  
     (in tons per year)  

Sulfonation/Sulfation

     13,500   

Esterification

     12,000   

Betaines

     2,000   

In 2015, the Suzano plant operated at 70% of its production capacity.

Triunfo plant. The Triunfo plant is located in the Southern Complex. The Triunfo plant was built by Oxiteno and started production in October 1989. The Triunfo plant has two process units, one for the production of secondary butyl alcohol, which is used in the production of MEK, and one for the production of MEK.

The following table shows the current capacity of the principal units at the Triunfo plant.

 

Units

   Capacity  
     (in tons per year)  

Oxygenated solvents

     42,000   

In 2015, the Triunfo plant operated at 95% of its production capacity.

With the acquisition of Oxiteno Mexico (formerly Canamex) in December 2003 and Unión Química in 2007, Oxiteno acquired three specialty chemical plants in Mexico. As of December 31, 2015, the Coatzacoalcos plant had a production capacity of 90 thousand tons per year of ethoxylates and 8 thousand tons per year of alkyphenols; the Guadalajara plant had a production capacity of 32 thousand tons per year of specialty chemicals and San Juan del Río had a production capacity of 8 thousand tons per year of specialty chemicals. In 2015, the Guadalajara, the Coatzacoalcos and San Juan del Río plants operated at an average rate of 77%, 50% and 85% of their production capacity, respectively.

With the acquisition of Oxiteno Andina in September 2007, Oxiteno acquired a specialty chemical plant in Venezuela. As of December 31, 2015, the Santa Rita plant had a production capacity of 70 thousand tons per year of ethoxylates and operated with 30% of its production capacity in 2015.

 

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Oxiteno acquired a specialty chemical plant in Pasadena, Texas in April 2012. As of December 31, 2015, the Pasadena plant had a production capacity of 32 thousand tons per year of specialty and agricultural blends. In 2015, Pasadena plant operated at an average rate of 23% of its production capacity.

With the acquisition of Oxiteno Uruguay in November 2012, Oxiteno acquired a specialty chemical plant in Montevideo, Uruguay. As of December 31, 2015, the Montevideo plant had a production capacity of 63 thousand tons per year of specialty chemicals and operated with 71% of its production capacity.

The following table sets forth Oxiteno’s production plants located outside of Brazil:

 

Units

   Capacity  
     (in metric tons per year)  

Ethoxylated derivatives — Coatzacoalcos plant

     56,000   

Alkylation — Coatzacoalcos plant

     8,000   

Ethoxylated derivatives — Guadalajara plant

     19,000   

Esterification — Guadalajara plant

     13,000   

Sulfonation/Sulfation — San Juan del Río

     8,000   

Alkoxylated derivatives — Santa Rita

     70,000   

Specialties/Agricultural Blends — Pasadena

     32,000   

Sulfonation/Sulfation — Montevideo

     45,000   

Fatty Acid Sulfate (FAS) — Montevideo

     10,000   

Betaines/Amides — Montevideo

     6,000   

Fatliquor oils — Montevideo

     2,000   

Ultracargo

The following tables set forth the principal products stored at, and the storage capacity operated by, Ultracargo’s facilities at December 31, 2015, and the average utilization of Ultracargo’s facilities during 2015.

 

Facility

   Capacity
(in cubic meters)
     Average
utilization %(2)
    Product Lines

Aratu (Bahia)

     218,190         96   Chemicals, vegetable
oils, corrosives, and fuels

Suape (Pernambuco)

     157,910         117   Chemicals, ethanol,
corrosives and fuels

Itaqui (Maranhão)

     55,280         134   Fuels

Santos (São Paulo)(1)

     152,800         78   Chemicals, lubricants,
fuels, corrosives, ethanol
and vegetable oils

Rio de Janeiro (Rio de Janeiro)

     17,247         108   Corrosives and lubricants

Paranaguá (Paraná)

     28,262         58   Corrosives, vegetable oils

Paulínia (São Paulo)(3)

     0         44   Chemicals and ethanol

Total

     629,689         97  

 

(1)  185 thousand cubic meters of effective capacity at our Santos facilities have been interrupted due to the fire accident. Please see “Item 4.A. Information on the Company — History and Development of the Company — Ultracargo – Fire at storage facilities in Santos.”
(2)  Based on an estimated turnover of products for each terminal.
(3) Ultracargo’s terminal in Paulínia was permanently closed in August 2015.

 

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Extrafarma

As of December 31, 2015, Extrafarma operated 254 drugstores and 2 distribution centers in the North and Northeast regions of Brazil.

The following tables set forth the breakdown per region of Extrafarma’s drugstores and the capacity for each of Extrafarma’s distribution centers as of December 31, 2015:

 

Location

   # of stores  

North

     114   

Pará

     103   

Amapá

     11   

Northeast

     139   

Ceará

     63   

Maranhão

     57   

Rio Grande do Norte

     11   

Piauí

     6   

Pernambuco

     1   

Paraíba

     1   

Southeast

     1   

São Paulo

     1   
  

 

 

 

Total

     254   
  

 

 

 

 

Distribution center

   Area
(in square meters)
     Height
(in meters)
 

Belém (Pará)

     11,400         6.8   

Aquiraz (Ceará)

     7,500         12.3   

Total

     18,900      

Collateral

As of December 31, 2015, Ultrapar had no debt secured by property, plant and equipment.

 

ITEM 4A. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

 

ITEM 5. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS

 

A. Operating Results

You should read this discussion together with our consolidated financial statements, including the notes thereto, and other financial information included elsewhere in this annual report and in conjunction with the financial information included under “Item 3.A. Key Information — Selected Consolidated Financial Information.”

Our audited consolidated financial statements included herein were prepared in accordance with IFRS and include our consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the related income statements, statements of comprehensive income, changes in equity and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, as well as notes thereto.

 

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The financial information presented in this annual report should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements.

Overview

Ultrapar is a Brazilian Company with leading positions in the markets in which it operates with almost 80 years of history. Our five principal businesses, as of December 31, 2015, were:

 

    LPG distribution, conducted by Ultragaz;

 

    fuel distribution, conducted by Ipiranga;

 

    chemicals production, conducted by Oxiteno;

 

    storage services for liquid bulk, conducted by Ultracargo; and

 

    retail pharmacy business, conducted by Extrafarma.

Ultragaz distributes LPG to residential, commercial and industrial market segments. Ipiranga distributes gasoline, ethanol, diesel, NGV, fuel oil, kerosene and lubricants through a network of 7,230 service stations and directly to large customers. Oxiteno produces ethylene oxide and its principal derivatives, and is also a significant producer of specialty chemicals, particularly surfactants. It manufactures approximately 1,500 products used in various industrial sectors such as cosmetics, detergents, crop protection chemicals, packaging, textiles and coatings. Ultracargo is the largest provider of storage for liquid bulk in Brazil, with six terminals and storage capacity of approximately 630 thousand cubic meters.

On September 30, 2013, Ultrapar entered into an association agreement with Extrafarma, one of Brazil’s ten largest drugstore chains. The Extrafarma Transaction closed on January 31, 2014 with the approval of the merger of shares by the Extraordinary General Meetings of Ultrapar and Extrafarma and, consequently, Extrafarma became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ultrapar from February 1, 2014 onwards. Accordingly, Extrafarma’s results of operations did not affect our results of operations in 2013. Extrafarma’s results of operations were consolidated into Ultrapar’s results of operations as from February 1, 2014. See “Item 4.A. Information on the Company — History and Development of the Company — Extrafarma Transaction.”

Brazilian economic background

Since most of our operating businesses are located in Brazil, we are significantly affected by Brazil’s economic and social conditions, including, but not limited to, gross domestic product, or GDP, growth rates, the domestic rate of inflation and exchange rate fluctuations.

Gross domestic product. Despite the domestic inflationary pressure and the effects of the economic crisis in Europe, Brazil’s GDP grew by 3.9% in 2011, primarily as a result of the good performance of the agricultural and retail sectors, combined with an increase in families’ consumption and historically low unemployment rates. In 2012, despite the Brazilian government’s measures to stimulate the economy through record low interest rates and tax incentives to certain segments, GDP grew by 1.8%, the lowest level since 2009, partially as a result of the slowdown in the global economy and low levels of local investments in previous years. In 2013, the macroeconomic environment remained challenging in Brazil, with a slightly better situation in the international market, influenced by the recovery in the U.S. and European economies. In order to curb the rising inflation rates observed throughout the year, the Brazilian government raised the economy’s base interest rate (SELIC), from 7.25% at the end of 2012 to 10.0% at the end of 2013. Brazil’s GDP grew by 2.7% over 2012. In 2014, inflation remained at high levels, reaching 6.4% at the end of the year, and the Brazilian government raised again the economy’s basic interest rate from 10.0% at the end of 2013 to 11.75% at the end of 2014. Brazil´s GDP grew 0.1% in 2014. In 2015, Brazilian GDP decreased 3.8%, influenced by a challenging domestic environment with a combination of economic slowdown, higher unemployment levels, inflationary pressure and a higher economy’s basic interest rate (from 11.75% at the end of 2014 to 14.25% at the end of 2015). Our operations are significantly impacted by Brazilian GDP growth, specifically, sales of LPG to commercial and industrial customers, sales of diesel, Oxiteno’s sales to the domestic market and Ultracargo’s logistics operations.

 

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Inflation and currency fluctuations. Our cash operating expenses are substantially in Reais and tend to increase with inflation. However, some of our costs of sales and services rendered are linked to the U.S. dollar and are not substantially affected by the Brazilian inflation rate. In addition, some of our Real-denominated debt is indexed to take into account the effects of inflation. In 2011, the unstable international economic environment, especially in the second half of the year as a result of the effects of the European crisis, contributed to a 13% depreciation of the Real against the U.S. dollar for the year, reversing the appreciation trend in the first half of the year. In 2011, the IGP-M and the IPCA index rates were 5.1% and 6.5%, respectively. In 2012, the Brazilian government adopted counter-cyclical measures during the year to foster economic growth, such as the reduction of the SELIC rate and the reduction of federal taxes on the automotive sector. The effects of the lower economic growth, the lower interest rate and the unstable international environment contributed to a 9% depreciation of the Real against the U.S. dollar. In 2012, the IGP-M and the IPCA index rates were 7.8% and 5.8%, respectively. In 2013, the Real depreciated 15% against the U.S. dollar influenced by the performance of the Brazilian economy, the economic rebound in the United States and the economic instability in the international markets. In 2014, the weak performance of the Brazilian economy and the recovery of the North American economy contributed to a 13% depreciation of Real against the U.S. dollar. The IGP-M and the IPCA index rates were 3.7% and 6.4%, respectively. In 2015, the IGP-M and the IPCA index rates were 10.5% and 10.7%, respectively, impacted by the adjustment of regulated prices, such as fuels and electric energy, and the Real depreciated 47% against the U.S. dollar influenced by the downgrade of Brazil’s sovereign credit rating and the expectation for an interest rate rise by the Federal Reserve System. From December 31, 2015 to April 25, 2016 the Real appreciated by 9% against the U.S. dollar. The principal foreign exchange risk we face arises from certain U.S. dollar denominated costs and expenses. Although a substantial part of our debt is dollar-denominated, it is currently hedged against currency devaluation through the use of various derivative instruments or matching investments in the same currency. Additionally, a significant part of our raw materials is also denominated or indexed to the U.S. dollar. A large part of our sales is denominated in Reais, although prices in the chemical business are benchmarked to prices prevailing in the international markets, which in turn are linked to U.S. dollars. Hence, we are exposed to foreign exchange rate risks which could negatively impact our businesses, financial situation and operating results as well as our capacity to service our debt.

The table below shows the inflation rate for the periods indicated, as measured by the IGP-M as well as the devaluation (or appreciation) of the Real against the U.S. dollar.

 

     Year ended December 31,  

Index

   2015     2014     2013  

IGP-M

     10.5     3.7     5.5

IPCA

     10.7     6.4     5.9

Devaluation of the Real against the U.S. dollar

     47.0     13.4     14.6

We manage the foreign exchange risk associated with the scheduled payments under the terms of our U.S. dollar indebtedness by investing in U.S. dollar-denominated securities and foreign currency/interest swap contracts, under which we pay variable interest in Reais based on the interbank certificate of deposit rate, or CDI, and receive fixed interest in U.S. currency. As of December 31, 2015 our total obligations denominated in foreign currency were R$2,694.7 million (US$690.1 million), including payables arising from imports, net of advances to foreign suppliers. At the same date our total asset position in foreign currency was R$3,615.2 million (US$925.8 million), comprised of investments indexed to U.S. dollars and hedging instruments used to manage fluctuations of exchange rates and foreign currency receivables exposures. As of December 31, 2015, Ultrapar had a net long exposure in foreign currency of R$920.5 million (US$235.7 million), comprised of a net short position in U.S. dollars of R$552.7 million (US$141.5 million), a net long position in U.S. dollars of R$94.6 million (R$24.2 million) and a net long position in other currencies, principally the Mexican Peso of R$273.2 million (US$70.0 million), due to the company’s operations in this country. For the purposes of this paragraph, U.S. dollar values were calculated based on the December 31, 2015 Real/dollar exchange rate. See “Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk — Foreign Exchange Risk” for information about our foreign exchange risk hedging policy and Notes 14 and 30 to our consolidated financial statements.

 

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Critical accounting policies and estimates

The presentation of our financial condition and results of operations requires our management to make judgments regarding the effects of matters that are inherently uncertain on the carrying value of our assets and liabilities and may affect the reported amount of them as well as our revenues and expenses. Actual results may differ from those estimated under different variables, assumptions or conditions, even though our management believes that its accounting estimates are reasonable. The following paragraphs review the critical accounting estimates that management considers most important for understanding our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. An accounting estimate is considered a critical accounting estimate if it meets the following criteria:

 

    The accounting estimate requires management to make assumptions about matters that were highly uncertain at the time the accounting estimate was made; and

 

    Different estimates that management reasonably could have used for the accounting estimate in the current period, or changes in the accounting estimate that are reasonably likely to occur from period to period, would have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

We have identified the following accounting policies as critical.

Allowance for doubtful accounts. We maintain allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the subsequent inability of our customers to make required payments. The allowance for doubtful accounts is recorded in an amount we consider sufficient to cover any probable losses on realization of our accounts receivable from our customers, as well as other receivables, and is included as selling expenses; no adjustment is made to net revenue from sales and services. In order to establish the allowance for doubtful accounts, our management constantly evaluates the amount and characteristics of our accounts receivable. When significant delays occur and the likelihood of receiving these payments decreases, a provision is made. In case receivables in arrears are guaranteed or there are reasonable grounds to believe they will be paid, no provision is made. If the financial conditions of our customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances would be required in future periods. However, because we cannot predict with certainty the future financial stability of our customers, we cannot guarantee that our allowances will continue to be adequate. Actual credit losses may be greater than the allowance we have established, which could have a significant impact on our selling expenses. See Notes 5 and 30 to our consolidated financial statements, for additional information about our allowance for doubtful accounts.

Provisions for inventory losses. If net realizable values are below inventory costs, a provision corresponding to this difference is recognized. Provisions are also made for obsolescence of products, materials or supplies that (i) do not meet our specifications, (ii) have exceeded their expiration date or (iii) are considered slow-moving inventory. This classification is made by management with the support of its industrial and operation teams. See Note 6 to our consolidated financial statements for additional information about our provisions for inventory losses.

Deferred income and social contribution taxes. We recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities, which do not expire, arising from tax loss carry forwards, temporary add-backs, revaluation of property, plants and equipment and other procedures. The deferred tax assets are recognized to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profit will be available against which they can be utilized. We periodically review the deferred tax assets for recoverability considering historical taxable income, projected future taxable income, and the expected timing of the reversals of existing temporary differences. In the event we or one of our subsidiaries operate at a loss or are unable to generate sufficient future taxable income, or if there is a material change in the actual effective tax rates or time period within which the underlying temporary differences become taxable or deductible, we reduce all or a significant portion of our deferred tax assets, resulting in an increase in our effective tax rate, thereby decreasing net income. A high degree of management judgment is required in determining the recoverability of deferred tax assets. The principal uncertainty relates to the likelihood of future taxable income from the subsidiary that generated the deferred tax asset. A change in our projections of profitability could result in the need to reduce the deferred tax assets, resulting in a negative impact of future results. See Note 9 to our consolidated financial statements for additional information on taxes.

 

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Provisions for tax, civil and labor risks. We are currently involved in certain legal and administrative proceedings that arise from our normal course of business as described in “Item 8.A. Financial Information Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information — Legal Proceedings” and Note 20 to our consolidated financial statements. We believe that the provisions for such proceedings in our consolidated financial statements are adequate. It is our policy to record provisions in regard to lawsuits when the probability of an existing obligation is considered more-likely-than-not to occur in the opinion of our management, based on information available to us, including information obtained from our internal and external legal counsel. Future results of operations could be materially affected by changes in our assumptions, by the effectiveness of our strategies relating to these proceedings, by future developments in each matter being discussed or by changes in approach, such as a change in settlement strategy in dealing with these matters.

Property, plant and equipment. Property, plant and equipment is recognized at acquisition or construction cost, including financial charges incurred on property, plant and equipment under construction, as well as maintenance costs resulting from scheduled plant outages and estimated costs to remove, to decommission or to restore assets (see Note 19 to our consolidated financial statements). Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method, for the periods mentioned in Note 12 to our consolidated financial statements, taking into account the useful lives of the assets, which are reviewed annually. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of the lease contract term and useful life of the property.

Intangible assets. Intangible assets include assets acquired by us from third parties, according to the criteria below (see Note 13 to our consolidated financial statements):

 

    Goodwill is carried net of accumulated amortization as of December 31, 2008, when it ceased to be amortized. Goodwill generated since January 1, 2009 is shown as intangible asset corresponding to the positive difference between the amount paid or payable to the seller and the fair value of the identified assets and liabilities assumed of the acquired entity, and is tested annually for impairment. Goodwill is allocated to the respective cash generating units (“CGU”) for impairment testing purposes.

 

    Bonus disbursements as provided in Ipiranga’s agreements with reseller service stations and major consumers are recognized as distribution rights when paid and amortized using the straight-line method according to the term of the agreement.

 

    Other intangible assets acquired from third parties, such as software, technology and commercial property rights, are measured at the total acquisition cost and amortized using straight-line method, for the periods mentioned in Note 13 to our consolidated financial statements, taking into account their useful lives, which is reviewed annually.

We have not recognized intangible assets that were created internally. We and our subsidiaries have goodwill and brands acquired in business combinations, which are evaluated as intangible assets with indefinite useful life (see Note 13 items i and vi).

Impairment of assets. We review, at least annually, the existence of indication that an asset may be impaired. If there is an indication, we estimate the recoverable amount of the asset. Assets that cannot be evaluated individually are grouped in the smallest group of assets that generate cash flow from continuous use and that are largely independent of cash flows of other assets (CGU). The recoverable amount of assets or CGUs corresponds to the greater of their fair value net of applicable direct selling costs and their value in use.

 

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The fair value less costs of disposal is determined by the price that would be received to sell an asset in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date, net of costs of removing the asset, direct incremental costs to bring an asset into condition for its sale, legal costs and taxes.

To assess the value in use, we consider the projections of future cash flows, trends and outlooks, as well as the effects of obsolescence, demand, competition and other economic factors. Such cash flows are discounted to their present values using the discount rate before tax that reflects market conditions for the period of impairment testing and the specific risks of the asset or CGU being evaluated. In cases where the expected discounted future cash flows are less than their carrying amount, the impairment loss is recognized for the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value of these assets. Losses for impairment of assets are recognized in profit or loss. In case goodwill has been allocated to a CGU, the recognized losses are first allocated to reduce the corresponding goodwill. If the goodwill is not enough to absorb such losses, the surplus is allocated to the assets on a pro-rata basis. An impairment of goodwill cannot be reversed. For other assets, impairment losses may be reversed only to the extent that the asset’s carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined, net of depreciation or amortization, if the impairment had not been recognized.

We tested the balances of goodwill shown in the table of Note 13 to our consolidated financial statements for impairment. The determination of value in use involves assumptions, judgments and estimates of cash flows, such as growth rates of revenues, costs and expenses, estimates of investments and working capital and discount rates. The assumptions about growth projections and future cash flows are based on our business plan, as well as comparable market data, and represent management’s best estimate of the economic conditions that will exist over the economic life of the various CGUs, to which goodwill is related.

The evaluation of the value in use is calculated for a period of five years (except the Extrafarma segment), after which we calculate the perpetuity, considering the possibility of carrying the business on indefinitely. For the Extrafarma segment, a 10-year period was used due to its expansion plan and considering a three-year period to maturity of new stores.

On December 31, 2015, the discount and real growth rates used to extrapolate the projections ranged from 10.3% to 17.1% (except discount rate of Oxiteno Andina of 43.5%) and 0% to 1% p.a., respectively, depending on the CGU analyzed.

Our goodwill impairment tests did not result in the recognition of losses for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013.

Provisions for assets retirement obligations – fuel tanks. We make provisions for assets retirement obligations that correspond to the legal obligation to remove Ipiranga’s underground fuel tanks located at Ipiranga-branded service stations after a certain period. The estimated cost of the obligation to remove these fuel tanks is recognized as a liability when tanks are installed. The estimated cost is recognized in property, plant and equipment and depreciated over the respective useful life of the tanks. The amounts recognized as a liability are monetarily restated until the respective tank is removed. An increase in the estimated cost of the obligation to remove the tanks could result in negative impact in future results. The estimated removal cost is reviewed and updated annually or when there is significant change in its amount. For further detail on provisions for assets retirement obligations of Ipiranga, see Note 19 to our consolidated financial statements.

Exchange rate used in translation of Oxiteno Andina’ financial statements. Due to the political and economic situation in Venezuela, the Company’s management reassessed the exchange rate used in the translation of financial statements and changed, on December 31, 2015, the rate from SICAD—Sistema Complementario de Administración de Divisas to SIMADI—Sistema Marginal de Divisas, due to the fact that currently this exchange rate is the one that most closely matches the best expression of the Venezuelan economy. SIMADI: Bolivar is traded at variable exchange rate of approximately 199 VEF/US$ on December 31, 2015. For further detail, see Note 2.r to our consolidated financial statements.

Subscription warrants – indemnification fair value determination. Subscription warrants are valued according to Ultrapar´s share price (UGPA3) on the effective date of financial statements, reduced by the dividend yield, once the subscription warrants’ exercise is only possible from 2020 onward, without dividends rights until then. The quantity of shares of the subscription warrants – indemnification is also adjusted according to the variation of the amounts of provisions and of tax, civil and labor risks contingent liabilities, relative to the period before January 31, 2014. For further detail, see Notes 3.a and 30 to our consolidated financial statements.

 

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Financial assets. In accordance with IAS 32, IAS 39, and IFRS 7, our financial instruments are classified as follows:

 

    Measured at fair value through profit or loss: financial assets held for trading, that is, acquired or incurred principally for the purpose of selling or repurchasing in the near term, and derivatives. The balances are stated at fair value. The interest earned, the exchange variation, and changes in fair value are recognized in profit or loss.

 

    Held to maturity: non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments, and fixed maturities for which the entity has the positive intention and ability to hold to maturity. The interest earned and the foreign currency exchange variation are recognized in profit or loss, and balances are stated at acquisition cost plus the interest earned, using the effective interest rate method.

 

    Available for sale: non-derivative financial assets that are designated as available for sale or that are not classified into other categories at initial recognition. The balances are stated at fair value, and the interest earned and the foreign currency exchange variation are recognized in profit or loss. Differences between fair value and acquisition cost plus the interest earned are recognized in other comprehensive income in the “Valuation adjustments”. Accumulated gains and losses recognized in shareholders’ equity are reclassified to profit or loss in case of prepayment.

 

    Loans and receivables: non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments or receipts, not quoted in an active market, except: (i) those which the entity intends to sell immediately or in the near term and which the entity classified as measured at fair value through profit or loss; (ii) those classified as available for sale; or (iii) those for which the Company may not recover substantially all of its initial investment for reasons other than credit deterioration. The interest earned and the foreign currency exchange variation are recognized in profit or loss. The balances are stated at acquisition cost plus interest, using the effective interest rate method. Loans and receivables include cash and banks, trade receivables, dividends receivable, and other trade receivables.

The Company uses derivative financial instruments for hedging purposes, applying the concepts described below:

 

    Hedge accounting – fair value hedge: derivative financial instruments used to hedge exposure to changes in the fair value of an item, attributable to a particular risk, which can affect the entity’s profit or loss. In the initial designation of the fair value hedge, the relationship between the hedging instrument and the hedged item is documented, including the objectives of risk management, the strategy in conducting the transaction, and the methods to be used to evaluate its effectiveness. Once the fair value hedge has been qualified as effective, the hedge item is also measured at fair value. Gains and losses from hedge instruments and hedge items are recognized in profit or loss. The hedge accounting must be discontinued when the hedge becomes ineffective.

 

   

Hedge accounting – cash flow hedge: derivative financial instruments used to hedge the exposure to variability in cash flows that is attributable to a risk associated with an asset or liability or highly probable transaction that may affect the income statements. The portion of the gain or loss on the hedging instrument that is determined to be effective relating to the effects of exchange rate effect, is recognized directly in equity in accumulated other comprehensive income as “Valuation adjustments” while the ineffective portion is recognized in profit or loss. Gains or losses on the hedging instrument relating to the effective portion of this hedge that had been recognized directly in accumulated other comprehensive income shall be recognized in profit or loss in the period in which the hedged item is recognized in profit or loss or as initial cost of non-financial assets, in the same line of the statement that the hedged item is recognized. The hedge accounting shall be discontinued when (i) the Company cancels the hedging relationship; (ii) the hedging instrument expires; and (iii) the hedging instrument no longer qualifies for hedge accounting. When hedge accounting is discontinued, gains and losses recognized in other comprehensive income in equity are reclassified to profit or loss in the period which the hedged item is recognized in profit or loss. If the transaction hedged is canceled or is not expected to occur, the cumulative gains and losses in other comprehensive income in equity shall be recognized immediately in profit or loss.

 

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    Hedge accounting – hedge of net investments in foreign operation: derivative financial instruments used to hedge exposure on net investments in foreign subsidiaries due to the fact that the local functional currency is different from the functional currency of the Company. The portion of the gain or loss on the hedging instrument that is determined to be effective, referring to the exchange rate effect, is recognized directly in equity in accumulated other comprehensive income as cumulative translation adjustments, while the ineffective portion and the operating costs are recognized in profit or loss. The gain or loss on the hedging instrument that has been recognized directly in accumulated other comprehensive income shall be recognized in income upon disposal of the foreign operation.

The fair value of financial instruments, including currency and interest hedging instruments, was determined as follows:

 

    The fair value of cash and bank deposit balances are identical to their carrying values.

 

    Financial investments in investment funds are valued at the value of the fund unit as of the date of the reporting period, which corresponds to their fair value.

 

    Financial investments in CDBs (Bank Certificates of Deposit) and similar investments offer daily liquidity through repurchase at the “yield curve” and, therefore, the Company believes their fair value corresponds to their carrying value.

 

    The fair value calculation of LPG International’s notes in the foreign market in 2014 was based on the quoted prices in an active market. In 2015 the notes were settled by LPG International on the maturity date (see Note 14.b to our consolidated financial statements).

 

    The subscription warrants – indemnification were measured based on the share price of Ultrapar (UGPA3) at the reporting date and are adjusted to the Company’s dividend yield, since the exercise is only possible starting in 2020 onwards and they are not entitled to dividends until then. The number of shares of subscription warrants – indemnification is also adjusted according to the changes in the amounts of provision for tax, civil, and labor risks and contingent liabilities related to the period prior to January 31, 2014. For further information of the Extrafarma acquisition, see Note 3.a to our consolidated financial statements.

The fair value of other financial investments and financing was determined using calculation methodologies commonly used for mark-to-market reporting, which consist of calculating future cash flows associated with each instrument adopted and adjusting them to present value at the market rates as of December 31, 2015 and 2014. For some cases where there is no active market for the financial instrument, the Company and its subsidiaries can use quotes provided by the transaction counterparties.

The interpretation of market information on the choice of calculation methodologies for the fair value requires considerable judgment and estimates to obtain a value deemed appropriate to each situation. Consequently, the estimates presented do not necessary indicate the amounts that may be realizable in the current market.

For further detail on financial instruments of the Company, see Notes 4, 14 and 30 to our consolidated financial statements.

Financial liabilities. Financial liabilities are classified as “financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss” or “financial liabilities at amortized cost”. The financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss refer to derivative financial instruments, subscription warrants, and financial liabilities designated as hedged items in a fair value hedge relationship upon initial recognition (see Note 2.c – Fair Value Hedge to our consolidated financial statements). The financial liabilities at amortized cost are stated at the initial transaction amount plus related charges and transaction costs, net of amortization. The charges are recognized in profit or loss using the effective interest rate method.

 

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Transaction costs incurred and directly attributable to the activities necessary for contracting loans or for issuing bonds, as well as premiums and discounts upon issuance of debentures and other debt, are allocated to the instrument and amortized to profit or loss over its term, using the effective interest rate method (see Note 14.j to our consolidated financial statements). Transaction costs incurred and directly attributable to the issue of shares or other equity instruments are recognized in equity and are not amortized.

Post-employment benefits. We recognized a provision for post-employment benefits mainly related to seniority bonus, payment of FGTS, and health, dental care, and life insurance plan for eligible retirees. The amounts related to such benefits were determined based on a valuation conducted by an independent actuary and are recognized in the financial statements in accordance with IAS 19 (Revised 2011).

Significant actuarial assumptions adopted include:

Economic factors

 

     2015      2014  
     % p.a.      % p.a.  

Discount rate for the actuarial obligation at present value

     12.7         11.8   

Average projected salary growth rate

     9.0         8.4   

Inflation rate (long term)

     5.0         5.2   

Growth rate of medical services

     9.2         9.4   

Demographic factors

 

    Mortality Table for the life insurance benefit – CSO-80

 

    Mortality Table for other benefits—AT 2000 Basic decreased by 10%

 

    Disabled Mortality Table—RRB 1983

 

    Disability Table—RRB 1944 modified

For further information on our post-employment benefits, see Note 18.b) to our consolidated financial statements.

Standards and criteria adopted in preparing the information

The consolidated financial information presented below was prepared based on the consolidated financial statements as of and for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, which were prepared in accordance with IFRS. Ultrapar’s financial information is presented on a consolidated basis. Financial information relating to Ultragaz, Ipiranga, Oxiteno, Ultracargo and Extrafarma is presented on an individual basis and does not reflect elimination of intercompany transactions. Accordingly, the sum of individual financial information of Ultrapar’s subsidiaries may not correspond to the consolidated financial information of Ultrapar.

 

 

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The reconciliation of the EBITDA starting from the net income is presented below:

 

R$ million

   2015      2014      2013  

Net income for the year

     1,513.0         1,251.2         1,228.7   

(+) Income and social contribution taxes

     734.3         573.5         572.7   

(+) Net financial expenses

     703.3         445.4         337.6   

(+) Depreciation and amortization

     1,002.6         887.8         778.9   

EBITDA(1)

     3,953.3         3,157.9         2,918.0   

 

(1)  See footnote 7 under “Item 3.A. Key Information — Selected Consolidated Financial Data” for a more complete discussion of EBITDA and its reconciliation to information in our financial statements.

Results of operations

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

Year ended December 31, 2015 compared to the year ended December 31, 2014.

The following table shows a summary of our results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014:

 

     Year ended
December 31,
2015
    % of net
revenue from
sales and
services
    Year ended
December 31,
2014
    % of net
revenue from
sales and
services
    Percent
change
2015-
2014
 
     (R$ million)  

Net revenue from sales and services

     75,655.3        100     67,736.3        100     12

Cost of products and services sold

     (68,933.7     -91     (62,304.6     92     11

Gross profit

     6,721.6        9     5,431.7        8     24

Selling, marketing, general and administrative expenses

     (3,837.9     -5     (3,289.0     -5     17

Other operating income, net

     50.6        0     106.9        0     -53

Income from disposal of assets

     27.3        0     37.0        0     -26

Operating income

     2,961.5        4     2,286.6        3     30

Financial results

     (703.3     -1     (445.4     -1     58

Income and social contribution taxes

     (734.3     -1     (573.5     -1     28

Share of profit (loss) of joint ventures and associates

     (10.9     0     (16.5     -1     -34

Net income

     1,513.0        2     1,251.2        2     21

Net income attributable to:

          

Shareholders of Ultrapar

     1,503.5        2     1,241.6        2     21

Non-controlling shareholders of the subsidiaries

     9.5        0     9.7        0     -1

EBITDA(1)

     3,953.3        5     3,157.9        5     25

Depreciation and amortization

     1,002.6        1     887.8        1     13

 

(1)  See footnote 7 under “Item 3.A. Key Information — Selected Consolidated Financial Data” for additional discussion of EBITDA and its reconciliation to other information in our financial statements.

Net revenue from sales and services. Ultrapar’s net revenue from sales and services increased 12%, from R$67,736.3 million in 2014 to R$75,655.3 million in 2015. Ultrapar’s net revenue from sales and services generally includes revenues from fuel and gas sales by Ultragaz and Ipiranga, respectively, pharmaceutical products sales by Extrafarma, specialty chemicals sales by Oxiteno and liquid bulk storage services provided by Ultracargo, reduced by sales taxes such as ICMS, PIS and COFINS and by discounts and sales returns.

 

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The following table shows the change in net revenue from sales and services for each of our businesses:

 

     2015      2014      Percent
change
2015-
2014
 
     (R$ million)  

Ipiranga

     65,349.8         58,830.1         11

Oxiteno

     4,082.5         3,413.6         20

Ultragaz

     4,621.2         4,091.3         13

Ultracargo

     315.5         346.5         -9

Extrafarma(1)

     1,336.3         1,101.3         21

 

(1)  In 2014, reflects results of operations for the 11-month period from February 1, 2014, the date on which Extrafarma’s results of operations were consolidated into our financial statements, through December 31, 2014. For additional information, see “Presentation of Financial Information.”

Ipiranga’s net revenue from sales and services increased by 11%, from R$58,830.1 million in 2014 to R$65,349.8 million in 2015, mainly due to (i) the rise on diesel and gasoline refinery prices, charged by Petrobras in November 2014 and September 2015, as well as the increase of CIDE, PIS and COFINS taxes on gasoline and diesel as from February 2015, impacting ethanol costs, and (ii) the strategy of constant innovation in services and convenience in the service station, generating greater customer satisfaction and loyalty. Ipiranga’s sales volume in 2015 slightly increased by 0.4%, from 25,614 thousand cubic meters in 2014 to 25,725 thousand cubic meters in 2015. In 2015, sales volume of gasoline, ethanol and natural gas for vehicles (Otto cycle) increased by 2% from 2014, as a result of an estimated 3% growth of the light vehicles fleet and investments made in new service stations and conversion of unbranded service stations, partially offset by the effects of higher unemployment rates over the year and the consequent impact on household consumption. In 2015, the total volume of diesel decreased by 2% compared to 2014 due to the weak performance of the economy.

Oxiteno’s net revenue from sales and services increased by 20%, from R$3,413.6 million in 2014 to R$4,082.5 million in 2015, as a result of (i) the 42% weaker Real, due to the fact that Oxiteno’s sales are highly influenced by the foreign exchange rate, with the depreciation effectively increasing Oxiteno’s net revenue in Reais, and (ii) its continuing strategic focus on specialty chemicals. The increase in Oxiteno’s net revenue was partially offset by the lower sales volume and the decrease in the prices of main raw materials. Sales volume of specialty chemicals decreased by 8%, from 673 thousand tons in 2014 to 618 thousand tons in 2015, mainly due to the effects of the Brazilian economy slowdown, resulting in a 7% decrease in total volume compared to 2014.

Ultragaz’s net revenue from sales and services increased by 13%, from R$4,091.3 million in 2014 to R$4,621.2 million in 2015, mainly due to the increase on LPG refinery prices, charged by Petrobras for use in the bulk segment in December 2014, September 2015 and December 2015, and in the bottled segment in September 2015. Ultragaz’s sales volume decrease 1%, from 1,711 thousand tons in 2014 to 1,697 thousand tons in 2015, mainly due to the economy slowdown in bulk segment, partially offset by the capture of new customers in the residential and small- and medium-sized companies segments and condominiums and the 1% growth in bottled segment.

Ultracargo’s net revenue from sales and services decreased by 9%, from R$346.5 million in 2014 to R$315.5 million in 2015, mainly due to the partial stoppage of the Santos terminal as a result of the fire accident occurred in the beginning of April. Average storage had an 8% reduction over 2014, mainly as a result of the partial stoppage of the Santos terminal offset by the increased demand of fuels in Suape and Aratu.

Extrafarma’s net sales and services grew by 21%, from R$1,101.3 million in 2014 to R$1,336.3 million in 2015, due to the higher average number of stores and a 10% increase in same store sales excluding mobile phones (sales in stores with more than 12 months). Extrafarma ended the year with 14% growth compared to 2014 in the average number of stores, compared to a growth of 8% Abrafarma, gaining two positions when compared to December 2014 in the Abrafarma ranking, ending the year in 6th position.

Cost of products and services sold. Ultrapar’s cost of products and services sold increased by 11%, from R$62,304.6 million in 2014 to R$68,933.7 million in 2015. Our main costs of products and services sold are related to the purchase of raw materials, including diesel, gasoline and ethanol for Ipiranga, ethylene for Oxiteno, LPG for Ultragaz and pharmaceutical products for Extrafarma, and depreciation and amortization.

 

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The following table shows the change in cost of products and services sold for each of our businesses:

 

     2015      2014      Percent
change
2015-
2014
 
     (R$ million)  

Ipiranga

     61,236.8         55,338.9         11

Oxiteno

     2,809.8         2,624.7         7

Ultragaz

     3,884.6         3,478.5         12

Ultracargo

     151.9         141.9         7

Extrafarma(1)

     900.9         752.4         20

 

(1)  In 2014, reflects results of operations for the 11-month period from February 1, 2014, the date on which Extrafarma’s results of operations were consolidated into our financial statements, through December 31, 2014. For additional information, see “Presentation of Financial Information.”

Ipiranga’s cost of products and services sold increased by 11%, from R$55,338.9 million in 2014 to R$61,236.8 million in 2015, mainly due to the increases in diesel and gasoline costs by Petrobras and the increase of CIDE tax on such costs and higher sales volume.

Oxiteno’s cost of products and services sold had a 7% increase compared to 2014, from R$2,624.7 million in 2014 to R$2,809.8 million in 2015, mainly due to the 42% weaker Real against the U.S. dollar, which increased our costs denominated or linked to the U.S. dollar, particularly variable costs associated with raw materials such as the ethylene. The increase in Oxiteno’s cost of products and services sold was partially offset by a 22% reduction in unit variable costs in dollars (calculated as Oxiteno’s variable cost of products and services sold in dollars divided by the volume of products sold) and a decrease in sales volume.

Ultragaz’s cost of products and goods sold was 12% higher than in 2014, from R$3,478.5 million in 2014 to R$3,884.6 million in 2015, due to the increase in the cost of LPG for use in the bottled and bulk segments by Petrobras and the effects of a 10.7% inflation rate (as measured by the IPCA) on personnel expenses.

Ultracargo’s cost of services sold increased by 7%, from R$141.9 million in 2014 to R$151.9 million in 2015, maily as a result ofthe effects of a 10.7% inflation rate (as measured by the IPCA), mainly on personnel expenses.

The cost of products sold by Extrafarma increased by 20%, from R$752.4 million in 2014 to R$900.9 million in 2015, due to increased sales volume and the annual adjustment in the prices of medicines, set by the Chamber for the Regulation of the Medical Pharmaceuticals Market (CMED).

Gross profit. Ultrapar’s gross profit increased by 24%, from R$5,431.7 million in 2014 to R$6,721.6 million in 2015, as a result of the increased gross profit in all businesses units, except in Ultracargo. Ipiranga’s gross profit increased by 18%, from R$3,491.1 million in 2014 to R$4,113.0 million in 2015. Oxiteno’s gross profit increased by 61%, from R$788.9 million in 2014 to R$1,272.7 million in 2015. Ultragaz’s gross profit increased by 20%, from R$612.7 million in 2014 to R$736.7 million in 2015. Ultracargo’s gross profit decreased by 20%, from R$204.5 million in 2015 to R$163.6 million in 2015, due to the fire that occurred in Santos in April 2015. Extrafarma’s gross profit increased by 25%, from R$349.0 million in 2014 to R$435.3 million in 2015.

Selling, marketing, general and administrative expenses. Ultrapar’s selling, marketing, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses generally include personnel delivery, freight, marketing and depreciation and amortization expenses. Ultrapar’s SG&A expenses increased by 17%, from R$3,289.0 million in 2014 to R$3,837.9 million in 2015.

 

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The following table shows the change in SG&A expenses for each of our businesses:

 

     2015      2014      Percent
change
2015-
2014
 
     (R$ million)  

Ipiranga

     2,087.2         1,871.1         12

Oxiteno

     690.8         522.7         32

Ultragaz

     525.4         444.2         18

Ultracargo

     100.6         94.1         7

Extrafarma(1)

     427.5         332.5         29

 

(1)  In 2014, reflects results of operations for the 11-month period from February 1, 2014, the date on which Extrafarma’s results of operations were consolidated into our financial statements, through December 31, 2014. For additional information, see “Presentation of Financial Information.”

Ipiranga’s SG&A expenses increased by 12% compared to 2014, from R$1,871.1 million in 2014 to R$2,087.2 million in 2015 mainly due to (i) the expansion of the distribution network, (ii) higher freight expenses mainly due to the rise in diesel costs and (iii) higher expenses with variable compensation, in line with the earnings progression.

Oxiteno’s SG&A expenses increased by 32% compared to 2014, from R$522.7 million in 2014 to R$690.8 million in 2015 mainly due to (i) higher expenses with variable compensation, in line with the earnings progression, (ii) the effects of the weaker Real on expenses with logistics and international units, and (iii) the effects of a 10.7% inflation rate (as measured by the IPCA).

Ultragaz’s SG&A expenses increased by 18% compared to 2014, from R$444.2 million in 2014 to R$525.4 million in 2015 mainly due to (i) higher expenses with variable compensation, in line with the earnings progression, (ii) the effects of a 10.7% inflation rate (as measured by the IPCA) on expenses, and (iii) higher expenses with advertising and marketing in the relaunch campaign of the Ultragaz brand, highlighting the attributes of its current strategy focused on convenience and services for consumers.

Ultracargo’s SG&A expenses increased by 7% in 2015, from R$94.1 million in 2014 to R$100.6 million in 2015, excluding expenses related to the fire in the Santos terminal referred to below under “Other operating results”.

Extrafarma’s SG&A expenses increased by 29% in 2015, from R$332.5 million in 2014 to R$427.5 million in 2015 mainly due to (i) the 14% increase in the average number of stores, (ii) the inclusion of expenses for the structuring for a more accelerated growth during 2014, (iii) the beginning of the operation of the new distribution center of Ceará at the end of 2014, and (iv) due to the effects of a 10.7% inflation rate (as measured by the IPCA) on expenses, partially offset by lower integration expenses.

Other operating income, net. Other operating income, net is mainly composed of merchandising fees from Ipiranga’s suppliers. Ultrapar’s other operating income, net decreased from R$106.9 million in 2014 to R$50.6 million in 2015, mainly as a result of the expansion in Ipiranga’s operations, partially offset by expenses related to the fire in the terminal Ultracargo in Santos, which resulted in expenses of R$92.0 million in 2015.

Income from disposal of assets. Ultrapar’s income from disposal of assets is mainly composed of the sale of real estate at Ipiranga in both years and decreased from R$37.0 million in 2014 to R$27.3 million in 2015.

Operating income before financial income (expenses) and share of profit of joint ventures and associates. Ultrapar’s operating income before financial income (expenses) and share of profit of joint ventures and associates increased by 30%, from R$2,286.6 million in 2014 to R$2,961.5 million in 2015, as a result of the increased operating income before financial income (expenses) and share of profit of joint ventures and associates in Ipiranga, Oxiteno and Ultragaz. Ipiranga’s operating income before financial income (expenses) and share of profit of joint ventures and associates increased by 23%, from R$1,758.1 million in 2014 to R$2,154.6 million in 2015. Oxiteno’s operating income before financial income (expenses) and share of profit of associates increased by 119%, from R$264.2 million in 2014 to R$579.5 million in 2015. Ultragaz’s operating income before financial income (expenses) and share of profit of associates increased by 27%, from R$169.0 million in 2014 to R$213.9 million in 2015. Ultracargo’s operating income before financial income (expenses) and share of profit of joint ventures and associates decreased by 114%, from profit of R$117.3 million in 2014 to loss of -R$16.1 million in 2015. Extrafarma’s operating income before financial income (expenses) and share of profit of joint ventures and associates decreased by 71%, from R$16.9 million in 2014 to R$5.0 million in 2015.

 

 

108


Net financial expenses. Net financial expenses include mainly income and expenses from (i) interest on financial investments and financings and (ii) exchange rate variation. Ultrapar’s net financial expenses increased by 58%, from R$445.4 million in 2014 to R$703.3 million in 2015, mainly due to (i) higher CDI during the period, (ii) the higher net debt, in line with the growth of the company, (iii) the exchange rate fluctuations in the period and (iv) PIS and COFINS contributions on financial revenue as from July. Ultrapar’s net debt to EBITDA ratio was 1.2 at the end of 2015, compared with 1.3 at the end of 2014.

As of December 31, 2015, Ultrapar’s gross debt was R$8,901.6 million and its net debt was R$4,928.4 million, compared to gross debt of R$8,375.2 million and net debt of R$3,975.1 million on December 31, 2014. See footnote 8 under “Item 3.A. Key Information — Selected Consolidated Financial Data” for a more complete discussion of net debt and its reconciliation to information in our financial statements, as well as Notes 4, 14 and 30 to our consolidated financial statements.

Income and social contribution taxes. Ultrapar’s income and social contribution taxes, net of benefits from income tax exemptions, increased by 28%, from R$573.5 million in 2014 to R$734.3 million in 2015, mainly as a result of an increase in pre-tax income due to the increase in Ultrapar’s operational income.

Net income for the year. Ultrapar’s net income for 2015 reached R$1,513.0 million, a 21% increase in net income compared to 2014, mainly due to the EBITDA growth between the periods, partially offset by the increase in financial expenses and higher expenses and costs with depreciation and amortization costs, as a result of investments made over the period.

EBITDA. Ultrapar’s EBITDA increased 25%, from R$3,157.9 million in 2014 to R$3,953.3 million in 2015, as a result of EBITDA growth in Ipiranga, Oxiteno and Ultragaz.

The following table shows the change in EBITDA for each of our businesses:

 

     2015      2014      Percent
change
2015-
2014
 
     (R$ million)  

Ipiranga

     2,768.8         2,288.0         21

Oxiteno

     739.8         403.7         83

Ultragaz

     357.0         305.5         17

Ultracargo

     26.3         166.9         -84

Extrafarma(1)

     28.7         29.8         -4

 

(1)  In 2014, reflects results of operations for the 11-month period from February 1, 2014, the date on which Extrafarma’s results of operations were consolidated into our financial statements, through December 31, 2014. For additional information, see “Presentation of Financial Information.”

Ipiranga reported EBITDA of R$2,768.8 million in 2015, an increase of 21% compared to 2014, primarily due to (i) the strategy of constant innovation in services and convenience in service stations, generating greater customer satisfaction and loyalty, (ii) increased sales volume in Otto cycle, and (iii) effects of import and inventory gains resulting from the economic adjustments in the Brazilian fuels market.

Oxiteno reported EBITDA of R$739.8 million, an 83% increase compared to 2014, mainly due to the effect of a weaker Real against U.S. dollar and its strategic focus on specialty chemicals, partially offset by lower sales volume. Oxiteno’s unit EBITDA reached US$306/ton in 2015, compared to a unit EBITDA of US$ 220/ton in 2014.

 

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Ultragaz’s EBITDA totaled R$357.0 million, 17% higher than 2014, mainly due to the company’s commercial initiatives, specially in capturing residential and small- and medium-sized companies and condominiums, as well as the expansion of its resellers.

Ultracargo’s EBITDA totaled R$26.3 million in 2015, an 84% decrease mainly due to the lower handling, due to the partial stoppage of the Santos terminal and its fire related expenses. Excluding Santos operations, other Ultracargo’s terminals reported an EBITDA of R$92.9 million, a 5% decrease mainly due to the effects of economy slowdown on handling of chemicals.

Extrafarma reported EBITDA of R$28.7 million, a 4% decrease as compared to 2014, due to expenses related to the initiatives for a more accelerated growth, including the beginning of the operation of the new distribution center of Ceará and the increased of new drugstores openings, the benefits of which are expected to be generated in the next years, partially offset by the increased in same store sales.

For a reconciliation of our EBITDA and the EBITDA of Ipiranga, Oxiteno, Ultragaz, Ultracargo and Extrafarma to information in our financial statements, see footnote 7 under “Item 3.A. Key Information — Selected Consolidated Financial Data.”

Year ended December 31, 2014 compared to the year ended December 31, 2013.

The following table shows a summary of our results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013:

 

     Year ended
December 31,
2014
    % of net
revenue from
sales and
services
    Year ended
December 31,
2013
    % of net
revenue from
sales and
services
    Percent
change
2014-
2013
 
     (R$ million)  

Net revenue from sales and services

     67,736.3        100     60,940.2        100     11

Cost of products and services sold

     (62,304.6     92     (56,165.4     92     11

Gross profit

     5,431.7        8     4,774.9        8     14

Selling, marketing, general and administrative expenses

     (3,289.0     -5     (2,768.7     -5     19

Other operating income, net

     106.9        0     97.6        0     10

Income from disposal of assets

     37.0        0     40.3        0     -8

Operating income

     2,286.6        3     2,144.0        4     7

Financial results

     (445.4     -1     (337.6     -1     32

Income and social contribution taxes

     (573.5     -1     (572.7     -1     0

Share of profit (loss) of joint ventures and associates

     (16.5     -1     (5.0     0     230

Net income

     1,251.2        2     1,228.7        2     2

Net income attributable to:

          

Shareholders of Ultrapar

     1,241.6        2     1,225.1        2     1

Non-controlling shareholders of the subsidiaries

     9.7        0     3.6        0     170

EBITDA(1)

     3,157.9        5     2,918.0        5     8

Depreciation and amortization

     887.8        1     778.9        4     14

 

(1)  See footnote 7 under “Item 3.A. Key Information — Selected Consolidated Financial Data” for additional discussion of EBITDA and its reconciliation to other information in our financial statements.

Net revenue from sales and services. Ultrapar’s net revenue from sales and services increased 11%, from R$60,940.2 million in 2013 to R$67,736.3 million in 2014, mainly as a result of the increased sales volume in all businesses. Ultrapar’s net revenue from sales and services generally includes revenues from fuel and gas sales by Ultragaz and Ipiranga, respectively, pharmaceutical products sales by Extrafarma, specialty chemicals sales by Oxiteno and liquid bulk storage services provided by Ultracargo, reduced by sales taxes such as ICMS, PIS and COFINS and by discounts and sales returns.

 

110


The following table shows the change in net revenue from sales and services for each of our businesses:

 

     2014      2013      Percent
change
2014-
2013
 
     (R$ million)  

Ipiranga

     58,830.1         53,384.1         10

Oxiteno

     3,413.6         3,277.8         4

Ultragaz

     4,091.3         3,982.3         3

Ultracargo

     346.5         332.1         4

Extrafarma(1)

     1,101.3         

 

(1)  Reflects results of operations for the 11-month period from February 1, 2014, the date on which Extrafarma’s results of operations were consolidated into our financial statements, through December 31, 2014. For additional information, see “Presentation of Financial Information.”

Ipiranga’s net revenue from sales and services increased by 10%, from R$53,384.1 million in 2013 to R$58,830.1 million in 2014, mainly due to (i) 3.5% higher sales volume, (ii) the 5% increase on diesel refinery prices and the 3% increase on gasoline refinery prices, charged by Petrobras in November 2014, coupled with an increase of ethanol costs, (iii) improved sales mix, resulting from investments in the expansion of the service station network, which enabled an increased share of fuels for light vehicles and diesel sold through the reseller segment (sales in service stations), which represented 75% of Ipiranga’s sales volume in 2014, and (iv) the strategy of constant innovation in services and convenience in the service station, generating greater customer satisfaction and loyalty. Ipiranga’s sales volume in 2014 grew by 3.5%, from 24,758 thousand cubic meters in 2013 to 25,614 thousand cubic meters in 2014. Sales volume of gasoline, ethanol and natural gas for vehicles increased by 8% in relation to 2013, mainly as a result of an estimated 6% growth of the light vehicles fleet and strong investments made in new service stations and in the conversion of unbranded service stations. In 2014, diesel volumes remained stable, with an increase of 3% in the reseller segment compared to 2013, which is the result of investments for the expansion of the network, offset by the weak performance of the economy.

Oxiteno’s net revenue from sales and services increased by 4%, from R$3,277.8 million in 2013 to R$3,413.6 million in 2014, as a result of a 9% depreciation of the average Real against the U.S. dollar in 2014, due to the fact that Oxiteno’s sales are highly influenced by the foreign exchange rate, with the depreciation effectively increasing Oxiteno’s net revenue in Reais. This increase was partially offset by a less favorable sales mix, with an increased share of commodities and lower international prices of glycols. Sales volume of specialty chemicals decreased by 2%, from 687 thousand tons in 2013 to 673 thousand tons in 2014, mainly due to the slowdown of the Brazilian economy and the decision to reduce the level of operations in Venezuela since the beginning of 2014, as a result of the limitations in importing raw materials in that country. The reduction in specialty chemicals was offset by the increase of 21% in sales of glycols, and Oxiteno’s total volume sold presented a slight increase compared to 2013.

Ultragaz’s net revenue from sales and services increased by 3%, from R$3,982.3 million in 2013 to R$4,091.3 million in 2014, mainly as a result of the growth in the sales volume in bottled segment and commercial initiatives in the commercial and industrial segments including an improved sales mix, especially in the residential and small- and medium-sized companies segments. Total sales volume grew 1%, from 1,696 thousand tons in 2013 to 1,711 thousand tons in 2014, due to growth of 2% in the bottled segment and growth in small- and medium-business and residential condominiums, due to commercial initiatives focused on convenience and services.

Ultracargo’s net revenue from sales and services increased by 4%, from R$332.1 million in 2013 to R$346.5 million in 2014, mainly due to the increased average storage in its liquid bulk terminals. Average storage grew by 3% compared with 2013, driven by higher demand of fuel oil for thermoelectric plants and automotive fuels, which were possible by investments in additional storage capacity made in recent years.

As a result of Extrafarma Transaction, Extrafarma added R$1,101.3 million to Ultrapar’s net revenues in 2014.

Cost of products and services sold. Ultrapar’s cost of products and services sold increased by 11%, from R$56,165.4 million in 2013 to R$62,304.6 million in 2014, as a result of the increased sales volume of all businesses and unit costs of products. Our main costs of products and services sold are related to the purchase of raw materials, including diesel, gasoline and ethanol for Ipiranga, ethylene for Oxiteno, LPG for Ultragaz and pharmaceutical products for Extrafarma, and depreciation and amortization.

 

111


The following table shows the change in cost of products and services sold for each of our businesses:

 

     2014      2013      Percent
change
2014-
2013
 
     (R$ million)  

Ipiranga

     55,338.9         50,190.2         10

Oxiteno

     2,624.7         2,479.5         6

Ultragaz

     3,478.5         3,398.2         2

Ultracargo

     141.9         133.8         6

Extrafarma(1)

     752.4         

 

(1)  Reflects results of operations for the 11-month period from February 1, 2014, the date on which Extrafarma’s results of operations were consolidated into our financial statements, through December 31, 2014. For additional information, see “Presentation of Financial Information.”

Ipiranga’s cost of products and services sold increased by 10%, from R$50,190.2 million in 2013 to R$55,338.9 million in 2014, mainly due to the 3.5% higher sales volume and the rise in diesel and gasoline costs by Petrobras in November 2014 and, consequently, increased ethanol costs.

Oxiteno’s cost of products and services sold increased by 6%, from R$2,479.5 million in 2013 to R$2,624.7 million in 2014, mainly due to the 9% depreciation of the average Real against the U.S. dollar, which increased our costs denominated or linked to the U.S. dollars, particularly variable costs associated with raw materials such as ethylene. The increase in Oxiteno’s cost of product and services sold was partially offset by a 4% reduction in unit variable costs in dollars, calculated as Oxiteno’s variable cost of products and services sold in dollars divided by the volume of products sold.

Ultragaz’s cost of products and services sold increased by 2%, from R$3,398.2 million in 2013 to R$3,478.5 million in 2014, as a result of (i) increased sales volume, (ii) the effects of a 6.4% inflation rate (as measured by the IPCA) on costs, and (iii) increased requalification of LPG bottles in 2014. These increases were partially offset by cost reduction initiatives implemented over the year, such as the management of freight contracts and the increased automation in bottling facilities.

Ultracargo’s cost of services sold increased by 6%, from R$133.8 million in 2013 to R$141.9 million in 2014, mainly as a result of increased average storage and the effects of a 6.4% inflation rate (as measured by the IPCA) on costs, mainly personnel costs.

As a result of Extrafarma Transaction, Extrafarma added R$752.4 million to Ultrapar’s cost of products and services sold in 2014.

Gross profit. Ultrapar’s gross profit increased by 14%, from R$4,774.9 million in 2013 to R$5,431.7 million in 2014, as a result of the increased gross profit in all businesses units, except in Oxiteno. Ipiranga’s gross profit increased by 9%, from R$3,194.0 million in 2013 to R$3,491.1 million in 2014. Oxiteno’s gross profit decreased by 1%, from R$798.3 million in 2013 to R$788.9 million in 2014. Ultragaz’s gross profit increased by 5% from R$584.1 million in 2013 to R$612.7 million in 2014. Ultracargo’s gross profit increased by 3%, from R$198.3 million in 2013 to R$204.5 million in 2014. As a result of Extrafarma Transaction, Extrafarma added R$349.0 million to Ultrapar’s gross profit in 2014.

Selling, marketing, general and administrative expenses. Ultrapar’s selling, marketing, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses generally include personnel delivery, freight, marketing and depreciation and amortization expenses. Ultrapar’s SG&A expenses increased by 19%, from R$2,768.7 million in 2013 to R$3,289.0 million in 2014.

 

112


The following table shows the change in SG&A expenses for each of our businesses:

 

     2014      2013      Percent
change
2014-
2013
 
     (R$ million)  

Ipiranga

     1,871.1         1,759.5         6

Oxiteno

     522.7         486.9         7

Ultragaz

     444.2         432.4         3

Ultracargo

     94.1         94.5         0

Extrafarma(1)

     332.5         

 

(1)  Reflects results of operations for the 11-month period from February 1, 2014, the date on which Extrafarma’s results of operations were consolidated into our financial statements, through December 31, 2014. For additional information, see “Presentation of Financial Information.”

Ipiranga’s SG&A expenses increased by 6%, from R$1,759.5 million in 2013 to R$1,871.1 million in 2014, mainly resulting from (i) the 3.5% higher sales volume, (ii) the expansion of the distribution network, (iii) the effects of a 6.4% inflation rate (as measured by the IPCA) on expenses and (iv) the increase of diesel costs impacting freight expenses.

Oxiteno’s SG&A expenses increased by 7%, from R$486.9 million in 2013 to R$522.7 million in 2014, due to (i) increased logistics expenses, resulting from the rises in diesel costs and the effect of the weaker Real, which adversely affected Oxiteno’s SG&A expenses denominated in U.S. dollars, particularly expenses related to international freight and its plants located outside Brazil, and (ii) the effects of a 6.4% inflation rate (as measured by the IPCA) on expenses, partially offset by lower variable compensation in line with the earnings progression.

Ultragaz’s SG&A expenses increased by 3%, from to R$432.4 million in 2013 to R$444.2 million in 2014, mainly due to (i) the effects of inflation on personnel and freight expenses and (ii) the increase in variable compensation, in line with the earnings progression, effects partially offset by initiatives for expense reduction during the year.

Ultracargo’s SG&A expenses remained stable, from R$94.5 million in 2013 to R$94.1 million in 2014, with the effects of inflation on expenses offset by lower expenses with projects.

As a result of Extrafarma Transaction, Extrafarma added R$332.5 million to Ultrapar’s SG&A expenses in 2014.

Other operating income, net. Other operating income, net is mainly composed of merchandising fees from Ipiranga’s suppliers. Ultrapar’s other operating income, net increased from R$97.6 million in 2013 to R$106.9 million in 2014, mainly as a result of the expansion in Ipiranga’s operations.

Income from disposal of assets. Ultrapar’s income from disposal of assets is mainly composed of the sale of real estate at Ipiranga in both years and decreased from R$40.3 million in 2013 to R$37.0 million in 2014.

Operating income before financial income (expenses) and share of profit of joint ventures and associates. Ultrapar’s operating income before financial income (expenses) and share of profit of joint ventures and associates increased by 7%, from R$2,144.0 million in 2013 to R$2,286.6 million in 2014, as a result of the increased operating income before financial income (expenses) and share of profit of joint ventures and associates in Ipiranga, Ultragaz and Ultracargo. Ipiranga’s operating income before financial income (expenses) and share of profit of joint ventures and associates increased by 12%, from R$1,574.7 million in 2013 to R$1,758.1 million in 2014. Oxiteno’s operating income before financial income (expenses) and share of profit of associates decreased by 14%, from R$308.6 million in 2013 to R$264.2 million in 2014. Ultragaz’s operating income before financial income (expenses) and share of profit of associates increased by 15%, from R$147.0 million in 2013 to R$169.0 million in 2014. Ultracargo’s operating income before financial income (expenses) and share of profit of joint ventures and associates increased by 8%, from R$108.9 million in 2013 to R$117.3 million in 2014. As a result of Extrafarma Transaction, Extrafarma added R$16.9 million to Ultrapar’s operating income before financial income (expenses) and share of profit of joint ventures and associates in 2014.

 

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Net financial expenses. Net financial expenses include mainly income and expenses from (i) interest on financial investments and financings and (ii) exchange rate variation. Ultrapar’s net financial expenses increased by 32%, from R$337.6 million in 2013 to R$445.4 million in 2014, mainly due to the higher CDI during the period and increased average net debt. Ultrapar’s net debt to EBITDA ratio was 1.3 at the end of 2014, compared with 1.2 at the end of 2013.

As of December 31, 2014, Ultrapar’s gross debt was R$8,375.2 million and its net debt was R$3,975.1 million, compared to gross debt of R$6,969.6 million and net debt of R$3,425.9 million on December 31, 2013. See footnote 8 under “Item 3.A. Key Information — Selected Consolidated Financial Data” for a more complete discussion of net debt and its reconciliation to information in our financial statements, as well as Notes 4, 14 and 30 to our consolidated financial statements.

Income and social contribution taxes. Ultrapar’s income and social contribution taxes, net of benefits from income tax exemptions, remained stable, from R$572.7 million in 2013 to R$573.5 million in 2014.

Net income for the year. Ultrapar’s net income for the year increased by 2%, from R$1,228.7 million in 2013 to R$1,251.2 million in 2014, as a result of the growth in operating income. Net income attributable to Ultrapar’s shareholders increased by 1%, from R$1,225.1 million in 2013 to R$1,241.6 million in 2014.

EBITDA. Ultrapar’s EBITDA increased 8%, from R$2,918.0 million in 2013 to R$3,157.9 million in 2014, as a result of EBITDA growth in Ipiranga, Ultragaz and Ultracargo.

The following table shows the change in EBITDA for each of our businesses:

 

     2014      2013      Percent
change
2014-
2013
 
     (R$ million)  

Ipiranga

     2,288.0         2,029.6         13

Oxiteno

     403.7         440.6         -8

Ultragaz

     305.5         280.5         9

Ultracargo

     166.9         157.5         6

Extrafarma(1)

     29.8         

 

(1)  Reflects results of operations for the 11-month period from February 1, 2014, the date on which Extrafarma’s results of operations were consolidated into our financial statements, through December 31, 2014. For additional information, see “Presentation of Financial Information.”

Ipiranga’s EBITDA increased by 13% from R$2,029.6 million in 2013 to R$2,288.0 million in 2014, mainly due to (i) investments in the resellers’ network expansion resulting in increased sales volume in the reseller segment (sales in service stations), (ii) the strategy of constant innovation in services and convenience in the service station, generating greater customer satisfaction and loyalty, and (iii) initiatives to reduce the grey market in the ethanol market, mainly on the Midwest, Northeast and North regions of Brazil.

Oxiteno’s EBITDA decreased by 8% from R$440.6 million in 2013 to R$403.7 million in 2014, as a result of (i) lower sales volume of specialty chemicals, (ii) the reduction in the international prices of glycols and (iii) the decision to reduce the level of operations in Venezuela since the beginning of the year, partially compensated by the 9% weaker Real. Oxiteno’s unit EBITDA reached US$220/ton in 2014, compared to a unit EBITDA of US$263/ton in 2013.

Ultragaz’s EBITDA increased by 9% from R$280.5 million in 2013 to R$305.5 million in 2014, mainly due to increased sales volume, commercial initiatives and reduction in costs and expenses.

 

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Ultracargo’s EBITDA increased by 6%, from R$157.5 million in 2013 to R$166.9 million in 2014, mainly due to the increased average storage.

As a result of Extrafarma Transaction, Extrafarma added R$29.8 million to Ultrapar’s EBITDA in 2014.

For a reconciliation of our EBITDA and the EBITDA of Ultragaz, Ipiranga, Oxiteno and Ultracargo to information in our financial statements, see footnote 7 under “Item 3.A. Key Information — Selected Consolidated Financial Data.”

 

B. Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our principal sources of liquidity derive from (i) cash, cash equivalents and financial investments, (ii) cash generated from operations and (iii) financings. We believe that these sources are sufficient to satisfy our current funding requirements, which include, but are not limited to, working capital, capital expenditures, amortization of debt and payment of dividends.

Periodically, we assess the opportunities for acquisitions and investments. We consider different types of investments, either directly or through joint ventures, or associated companies, and we finance such investments using cash generated from our operations, debt financing, through capital increases or through a combination of these methods.

Sources and uses of funds. We generated cash flow from operations of R$3,201.7 million, R$2,650.7 million and R$2,120.7 million for 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. In 2015, our cash flow from operations was R$551.0 million higher than that of 2014, mainly due to the growth of our operations, partially offset by increased investment in working capital, which grew from a divestment of R$99.0 million in 2014 to an investment of R$436.2 million in 2015. In 2014, our cash flow from operations was R$530.0 million higher than that in 2013, mainly due to the growth of our operations and lower investment in working capital, which decreased from an investment of R$185.8 million to a divestment of R$99.0 million in 2014.

Cash flow of investing activities used an amount of R$801.8 million, R$1,540.2 million and R$1,287.9 million in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. In 2015, Ultrapar continued with an investment strategy focused on the continuing growth of scale and competitiveness, better serving an increasing number of customers. In 2015, 2014 and 2013, we invested R$1,334.2 million, R$1,215.7 million and R$1,101.5 million in additions to fixed assets, equipment and intangible assets, net of disposals. In addition, capital investments were made in ConectCar of R$41.1 million (including an advance payment of R$4 million for future capital increase), R$28.5 million and R$24.9 million in 2015, 2014 and 2013 respectively.

Cash flows used by financing activities totaled R$2,520.7 million, R$539.3 million and R$578.9 million for 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. In 2015, cash used by financing activities increased R$1,981.4 million compared to 2014, mainly as a result increased use of resources for amortization of debt interest payment and as for acquisition of shares issued by the Company (share buyback program). In 2014, cash used by financing activities decreased R$39.5 million compared to 2013, mainly as a result of an increase of R$369.5 million in new loans and debentures, which was partially offset by a greater use of resources of R$327.0 million for amortization of financing and debentures, interest and dividend payments. In 2013, the cash used by financing activities decreased R$43.8 million, primarily as a result of an increase of R$1,307.8 million in new loans and debentures, which was partially offset by a greater use of resources in R$1,297.6 million for amortization of financing and debentures, interest and dividend payments.

Accordingly, cash and cash equivalents totaled R$2,702.9 million in 2015, R$2,827.4 million in 2014 and R$2,276.1 million in 2013.

We believe we have sufficient working capital to meet our current needs. In addition to the cash flow generated from operations explained above, we had R$3,506.2 million in cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments as of December 31, 2015. The gross indebtedness due from January 1 to December 31, 2016 totaled R$1,515.7 million, including estimated interest payments on loans, as of December 31, 2015. Furthermore, we estimate investments of R$1,809.4 in 2016.

We anticipate that we will spend approximately R$13.7 billion in the next five years to meet long-term contractual obligations described in the Tabular Disclosure of Contractual Obligations and for the 2016 budgeted capital expenditures. We expect to meet these cash requirements through a combination of cash generated from operating activities and cash generated by financing activities, including new debt financing and the refinancing of some of our indebtedness as it becomes due.

 

 

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The Company uses exchange rate hedging instruments (especially between the Real and the U.S. dollar) available in the financial market to protect its assets, liabilities, receipts and disbursements in foreign currency and net investments in foreign operations. Hedging instruments are used to reduce the effects of variations in exchange rates on the Company’s income and cash flows in Reais within the exposure limits under its Policy. For additional information regarding our funding and treasury policies see “Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.”

Indebtedness

As of December 31, 2015, our consolidated short and long-term debt was as follows:

 

Indebtedness

  

Currency

   Interest Rate(1)   Principal amount of
outstanding and accrued
interest through
December 31
 
              2015      2014  
              (in millions of Reais)  

Foreign currency-denominated loans:

          

Foreign loan

   US$    LIBOR(2) + 0.7%     1,111.7         603.0   

Foreign loan

   US$    +2.1%     576.6         —     

Foreign loan

   US$    LIBOR(2) + 1.4%     397.6         158.0   

Advances on Foreign Exchange Contracts

   US$    1.5%     222.5         184.1   

Financial institutions

   US$    2.8%     142.8         113.9   

Financial institutions

   US$    LIBOR(2) + 2.0%     77.8         53.3   

Foreign currency advances delivered

   US$    1.3%     50.1         25.4   

Financial institutions

   MX$(3)    TIIE(3) + 1.0%     27.1         32.3   

BNDES

   US$    6.0%     24.1         33.2   

Notes in the foreign market

   US$    —       —           664.1   

Reais – denominated loans:

          

Banco do Brasil floating rate

   R$    105.0% of CDI     3,115.8         2,873.6   

Debentures – 1st and 2nd public issuances IPP

   R$    107.9% of CDI     1,413.1         1,409.5   

Debentures – 5th issuance

   R$    108.3% of CDI     833.1         —     

BNDES

   R$    TJLP(4) + 2.7%     409.3         531.0   

Export Credit Note floating rate

   R$    101.5% of CDI     158.6         —     

Banco do Nordeste do Brasil

   R$    8.5%     66.1         85.1   

FINEP – Research and Projects Financing

   R$    4.0%     61.7         74.8   

BNDES

   R$    4.6%     49.7         62.6   

Finance leases

   R$    IGP-M(5) + 5.6%     45.5         45.9   

BNDES

   R$    SELIC(6) + 2.2%     30.9         —     

Export Credit Note

   R$    8.0%     27.0         25.7   

FINEP – Research and Projects Financing

   R$    TJLP(4)-1.4%     11.2         9.1   

Fixed rate working capital loan

   R$    10.3%     1.2         3.4   

Floating rate finance leases

   R$    CDI + 2.8%     0.3         0.5   

FINAME – Financing for Machines and Equipment

   R$    TJLP(4) + 5.6%     0.3         0.5   

Fixed rate finance leases

   R$    15.4%     0.1         0.7   

Debentures – 4th issuance

   R$    —       —           874.3   

Banco do Brasil fixed rate

   R$    —       —           503.9   

Total loans

          8,854.2         8,367.8   

Unrealized losses on swaps transactions

          47.4         7.4   
       

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

          8,901.6         8,375.2   
       

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)  Interest rate as of December 31, 2015.
(2)  LIBOR = London Interbank Offered Rate.
(3)  MX$ = Mexican peso and TIIE = the Mexican interbank balance interest rate.
(4)  TJLP (Long-Term Interest Rate) = set by the National Monetary Council, TJLP is the basic financing cost of BNDES. On December 31, 2015, TJLP was fixed at 7.0% p.a.
(5)  IGP-M = General Index of Market Prices of Brazilian inflation, calculated by the Getulio Vargas Foundation.
(6)  SELIC = Brazilian base interest rate.

 

 

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Our consolidated debt as of December 31, 2015 had the following maturity schedule:

 

Maturity

   Amount  
     (in millions of Reais)  

January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016

     1,097.9   

January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2017

     3,393.6   

January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2018

     3,165.6   

January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019

     1,155.8   

January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020

     38.6   

2021 thereafter

     50.2   
  

 

 

 

Total

     8,901.6   
  

 

 

 

As provided in IAS 39, the transaction costs and issuance premiums associated with our fundraising are included as part of our financial liabilities. See Note 14(j) to our consolidated financial statements for more information.

Ultrapar contracted hedging instruments against foreign currency exchange and interest rate variations for a portion of its indebtedness. See “Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk” and Note 30 to our consolidated financial statements for more information.

The financings are guaranteed by collateral in the amount of R$52.3 million as of December 31, 2015 and by guarantees and promissory notes in the amount of R$4,370.0 million as of December 31, 2015. In addition, Ultrapar and its subsidiaries offer collateral in the form of letters of credit for commercial and legal proceeding in the amount of R$187.6 million and guarantees related to raw materials imported by the subsidiary Ipiranga in the amount of R$ 133.2 million as of December 31, 2015.

Some subsidiaries issued collateral to financial institutions in connection with the amounts owed by some of their customers to such institutions (vendor financing). If a subsidiary is required to make any payment under this collateral, this subsidiary may recover the amount paid directly from its customers through commercial collection. The maximum amount of future payments related to this collateral is R$27.1 million as of December 31, 2015 with maturities of less than 213 days. As of December 31, 2015, Ultrapar did not have losses in connection with this collateral. The fair value of collaterals recognized in current liabilities as other payables was R$0.7 million as of December 31, 2015, which is recognized as profit or loss as customers settle their obligations with the financial institutions.

Some financing agreements of the Company contain cross default clauses whereby we are required to pay the debt assumed in case of default of other debts equal to or greater than US$15 million. As of December 31, 2015, there was no event of default on such debts.

Notes in the foreign market

In December 2005, the subsidiary LPG International issued US$250 million in notes in the foreign market, maturing in December 2015, with interest rate of 7.3% p.a., paid semiannually. The notes were guaranteed by Ultrapar and Oxiteno.

The notes were settled by LPG International at their maturity date.

Foreign loans

 

1) The subsidiary IPP contracted foreign loans in the total amount of US$440 million. IPP also contracted hedging instruments for floating interest rate in U.S. dollar and exchange rate variation, changing the foreign loans charge to an average cost of 102.1% of CDI (see Note 30 to our consolidated financial statements). IPP designated these hedging instruments as a fair value hedge; therefore, loans and hedging instruments are both measured at fair value from inception, with changes in fair value recognized through profit or loss. The foreign loans are guaranteed by Ultrapar.

 

117


The maturity of the principal amount of these loans are as follows:

 

Maturity

   Amount      Cost  
   in millions
of dollars
     % of
CDI
 

March, 2017

     70.0         99.5   

September, 2017

     150.0         103.7   

July, 2018

     60.0         103.0   

September, 2018

     80.0         101.5   

November, 2018(*)

     80.0         101.4   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total / average cost

     440.0         102.1   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(*)  The subsidiary IPP renegociated this foreign loan, in the total amount of US$80 million, changing its maturity date from November, 2015 to November, 2018.

 

2) The subsidiary Oxiteno Overseas has a foreign loan in the amount of US$60 million with maturity in January 2017 and interest rate of LIBOR + 1.0% p.a., paid semiannually. Ultrapar, through its subsidiary Cia Ultragaz, contracted hedging instruments with floating interest rate in U.S. dollar and exchange rate variation, changing the foreign loan charge to 94.0% of CDI (see Note 30 to our consolidated financial statements). The foreign loan is guaranteed by Ultrapar and its subsidiary Oxiteno S.A.

 

3) In December 2015, the subsidiary LPG contracted a foreign loan in the amount of US$30 million, with maturity in December 2018 and interest rate equivalent to LIBOR + 1.85% p.a., paid quarterly. The foreign loan is guaranteed by Ultrapar and its subsidiary IPP.

 

4) In December 2015, the subsidiary Global Petroleum Products Trading Corporation contracted a foreign loan in the amount of US$12 million, with maturity in December 2018 and interest rate equivalent to LIBOR + 1.85% p.a., paid quarterly. The foreign loan is guaranteed by Ultrapar and its subsidiary IPP.

During these contracts, Ultrapar shall maintain the following financial ratios, calculated based on its audited consolidated financial statements:

 

    Maintenance of a financial ratio, determined by the ratio between consolidated net debt and consolidated EBITDA, at less than or equal to 3.5; and

 

    Maintenance of a financial ratio determined by the ratio between consolidated EBITDA and consolidated net financial expenses, higher than or equal to 1.5.

The Company is in compliance with the levels of covenants required by these loans. The restrictions imposed on Ultrapar and its subsidiaries are usual for this type of transactions and have not limited their ability to conduct their business to date.

 

 

118


Debentures

In March 2015, Ultrapar carried out its fifth issuance of debentures, in a single series of 80,000 simple, nonconvertible into shares, unsecured debentures, and its main characteristics are as follows:

 

Face value unit:

   R$10,000.00

Final maturity:

   March 16, 2018

Payment of the face value:

   Lump sum at final maturity

Interest:

   108.3% of CDI

Payment of interest:

   Semiannually

Reprice:

   Not applicable

The proceeds of the issuance were used to manage liquidity of the issuer, in order to strengthen its cash position and extend its debt profile, providing greater financial flexibility.

In January 2014, the subsidiary IPP made its second public issuance of debentures in single series of 80,000 simple, nonconvertible into shares, unsecured, nominative and registered debentures, and its main characteristics are as follows:

 

Face value unit:

   R$10,000.00

Final maturity:

   December 20, 2018

Payment of the face value:

   Lump sum at final maturity

Interest:

   107.9% of CDI

Payment of interest:

   Semiannually

Reprice:

   Not applicable

The proceeds of the issuance were used to manage liquidity of the issuer, in order to strengthen its cash position and extend its debt profile, providing greater financial flexibility.

In December 2012, the subsidiary IPP made its first public issuance of debentures in single series of 60,000 simple, nonconvertible into shares, unsecured, nominative and registered debentures, and its main characteristics are as follows:

 

Face value unit:

   R$10,000.00

Final maturity:

   November 16, 2017

Payment of the face value:

   Lump sum at final maturity

Interest:

   107.9% of CDI

Payment of interest:

   Semiannually

Reprice:

   Not applicable

The proceeds of the issuance were used to manage liquidity of the issuer, in order to strengthen its cash and extend its debt profile, providing greater financial flexibility.

BNDES

Ultrapar has financing from BNDES (Brazilian National Development Bank) for some of its investments. As of December 31, 2015, such lines of credit with BNDES totaled R$1.6 billion, of which R$0.4 billion had been drawn down. See “Item 10.C. Additional Information — Material Contracts — BNDES.”

During the term of these agreements, Ultrapar must maintain the following capitalization and current liquidity levels, as determined in the annual consolidated audited balance sheet:

 

    capitalization level: shareholders’ equity / total assets equal to or above 0.3; and

 

    current liquidity level: current assets / current liabilities equal to or above 1.3.

 

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We are in compliance with the levels of covenants required by these loans. The restrictions imposed on Ultrapar and its subsidiaries are usual for this type of transactions and have not limited their ability to conduct their business to date.

Financial institutions

The subsidiaries Oxiteno Mexico, Oxiteno USA LLC and Oxiteno Uruguay have loans to finance investments and working capital.

Banco do Brasil

The subsidiary IPP has floating interest rate loans from Banco do Brasil S.A. to finance the marketing, processing or manufacturing of agricultural goods (ethanol).

IPP renegotiated loans with original maturity in February 2015, with principal total amount of R$333.3 million, changing the maturity to July 2017 and January 2018, and changing the floating interest rate to 106.0% of CDI.

IPP renegotiated loans with original maturity in May 2015, with principal total amount of R$200.0 million, changing the maturity to November 2017 and April 2018, and changing the floating interest rate to 107.0% of CDI.

These loans mature as follows (include interest until December 31, 2015):

 

Maturity

   Balance in 2015  
     (in millions of Reais)  

February, 2016

     226.0   

May, 2016

     133.4   

January, 2017

     1,146.7   

July, 2017

     177.5   

November, 2017

     101.6   

January, 2018

     177.5   

April, 2018

     101.6   

May, 2019

     1,051.6   
  

 

 

 
     3,115.8   
  

 

 

 

In February 2016, IPP renegotiated a loan with original maturity in February 2016, with principal total amount of R$166.7 million, extending the maturity to February 2019, and changing the floating interest rate to 114.0% of CDI. See “Item 4.A. Information on the Company — History and Development of the Company — Recent Developments”.

Export credit note.

The subsidiary Oxiteno Nordeste has export credit notes in the amounts of R$17.5 million and R$10.0 million, with maturities in March and August 2016, respectively, and fixed interest rate of 8% per year, paid quarterly. In May 2015, the subsidiary Oxiteno Nordeste contracted an export credit note in the amount of R$156.8 million, with maturity in May 2018 and floating interest rate of 101.5% of CDI, paid quarterly.

For the fixed rates contracts, Oxiteno Nordeste contracted interest hedging instruments, thus converting the fixed rates for these loans into 88.8% of CDI (see Note 30 to our consolidated financial statements). Oxiteno Nordeste designated these hedging instruments as a fair value hedge; therefore, loans and hedging instruments are both measured at fair value from inception. Changes in fair value are recognized in profit or loss.

 

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Investments

Equity investments

 

     Year ended December 31,  
     2015     2014     2013  
     (in millions of Reais)  

Ipiranga

     41.1 (1)     28.5 (1)     23.3 (2)

Oxiteno

     —         —         6.2 (3)

Ultragaz

     —         —         —    

Ultracargo

     —         —         —    

Acquisition of Extrafarma

     —         719.9        —    

Others

     —         —         —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total equity investments(4)

     41.1        748.4        29.5   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1)  Capital invested in ConectCar.
(2)  Capital invested in ConectCar (R$24.9 million), net of capital reduction in the affiliated Transportadora Sulbrasileira de Gás S.A. (R$1.5 million). See “Item 4.A. Information on the Company — History and Development of the Company.”
(3)  Working capital and net debt closing adjustments relating to the acquisition of American Chemical. See “Item 4.A. Information on the Company — History and Development of the Company.”
(4)  Equity investments consist of investments with acquisition of subsidiaries and interest in other companies and capital increases in joint ventures and associates.

Organic Investments

The following table shows our organic investments for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 and does not include equity investments:

 

     Year ended December 31,  
     2015      2014      2013  
     (in millions of Reais)  

Ipiranga

     853.9         810.0         758.3   

Oxiteno

     131.4         113.9         139.3   

Ultragaz

     219.9         180.5         150.9   

Ultracargo

     23.9         26.4         37.4   

Extrafarma

     80.8         57.1         —    

Others(1)

     24.2         27.8         15.6   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total – additions to property, plant, equipment and intangible assets

     1,334.2         1,215.7         1,101.5   

Financing and bonuses to our resellers(2)

     18.1         4.6         (12.2
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total organic investments(3), net of disposals

     1,352.2         1,220.3         1,089.4   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)  Includes mainly capital expenditures related to corporate information technology and headquarters’ building maintenance.
(2)  Financing and bonuses to our resellers, net of repayments. Bonuses are lump sum payments made by distributors to resellers. Resellers typically use these payments to improve their facilities or to invest in working capital. Financing for clients is included under working capital in the cash flow statement and bonuses are included under intangible assets.
(3)  Organic investments consist of acquisitions of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets and financing and repayments to resellers, and do not include investments in acquisitions of subsidiaries and interest in other companies neither capital increases in joint ventures and associates.

 

 

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In 2015, Ultrapar continued with an investment strategy focused on the continuing growth of scale economy and competitiveness, better serving an increasing number of customers. Investments, net of disposals, totaled R$1,352 million in organic investments. At Ipiranga, R$872 million were invested, of which (i) R$374 million in the expansion of its service stations network (through the conversion of unbranded service stations, the opening of new gas stations and new customers) and am/pm and Jet Oil franchises, focused on the Midwest, Northeast and North regions of Brazil, (ii) R$115 million in expanding its logistics infrastructure to support the growing demand, through the construction and expansion of logistics facilities, (iii) R$86 million in the modernization, mainly in logistics facilities and information systems, and (iv) R$297 million in the maintenance of its operations, mainly in the renewal of contracts of its distribution network and the renovation of service stations. Out of the total amount invested, R$854 million were related to property, plant, equipment and intangible assets and R$18 million were related to the financing to clients, net of repayments. At Oxiteno, the total investments in 2015 amounted to R$131 million, mainly in the maintenance of its production units and the completion of the expansion of its production capacity in Coatzacoalcos, Mexico. At Ultragaz, R$220 million were invested, mainly in new clients in the bulk segment, replacement of LGP bottles and maintenance of its bottling facilities. In 2015, Ultracargo invested R$24 million, mainly directed towards modernization and maintenance of its terminals. Extrafarma invested R$81 million, mainly directed towards the opening of new drugstores, maintenance of existing stores and IT retail-facing projects.

Ultrapar’s investment plan for 2016 amounts to R$1,809 million, which demonstrates the continuity of good opportunities to grow through increased scale and productivity gains, as well as modernization of existing operations. At Ipiranga, we plan to invest (i) R$354 million to maintain the pace of expansion of its distribution network (through the conversion of unbranded service stations and the opening of new gas stations) and of am/pm and Jet Oil franchises, focused on the Midwest, Northeast and North regions of Brazil, and in new distribution centers to supply the convenience stores, (ii) R$112 million in the expansion of its logistics infrastructure to support growth, mainly through the construction and expansion of logistics facilities, and (iii) R$421 million in the maintenance and modernization of its activities, mainly in the renewal of contracts of its distribution network and the renovation of service stations, as well as information systems to support its operations. Oxiteno’s investment plan approved for 2016 totals R$460 million. This amount includes US$65 million to the construction of the new ethoxylation unit at its site in Texas (USA), which was announced in November 2015, and is expected to be concluded by the end of 2017. The new unit’s capacity will be 170,000 tons per year at its final stage. The remaining amount will be focused in maintenance and modernization of its plants for higher productivity, as well as information systems. Ultragaz’s investment plan approved for 2016 totals R$208 million, which will be focused mainly (i) on capturing new clients in the bottled and bulk segment, (ii) on the replacement and purchase of LPG bottles, (iii) on the expansion and maintenance of filling plants, and (iv) on IT with focus on systems to support its operations. Ultracargo’s investiment plan approved for 2016 totals R$118 million, which will mainly be focused on (i) the modernization of safety systems of its terminals, (ii) the expansion of Itaqui terminal, which is expected to start operating in 2017, and (iii) the adjustment and maintenance of the infrastructure of its terminals. At Extrafarma, we plan to invest R$124 million mainly in the opening of new drugstores and in the maintenance of its activities.

 

C. Research and Development, Trademarks and Patents

Research and Development

Oxiteno carries on a wide range of research and development activities, principally related to the application of specialty chemicals and improvements in production processes. As of December 31, 2015, 133 employees of Oxiteno were engaged in research and development and engineering activities. Oxiteno’s research and development expenditures in 2015, 2014 and 2013 were R$41 million, R$36 million and R$28 million, respectively. In 2004, Oxiteno founded its own “Science and Technology Council” with six of the world’s major specialists in surfactants as members. These specialists, with experience in the surfactants industry or in the academic environment in the US, Europe and Latin America, follow the trends and opportunities in the sector. Since 2004, the council, currently composed of five specialists, has met once a year in São Paulo to analyze Oxiteno’s research and development project portfolio, as well as the management methodology applied. Their recommendations enable Oxiteno to improve its research and development activities’ efficiency, as well as to broaden the reach of its partnerships with international entities. In addition, Oxiteno has created specific scientific councils with specialists from its main segments.

 

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Oxiteno’s investments in research and development have resulted in the introduction of 70 new products during the last three years. Oxiteno will continue to invest in research and development focused on developing new product applications to meet clients’ needs.

Trademarks and Patents

Ipiranga owns registrations for the trademarks used in its distribution business, such as Ipiranga, Quilômetros de Vantagens Ipiranga (“Km de Vantagens”), Jet Oil, Clube VIP Ipiranga, Clube do Milhão Ipiranga, Posto 24 horas, Atlantic, Ipiranga 4x4, Gasolina Original Ipiranga (Original Ipiranga Gasoline), among several others. The 10-year period of validity of the registrations for these trademarks will expire between 2016 and 2022. IPP also owns a supplying fuel pump and other patents. Ipiranga acquired the am/pm brand in Brazil in November 2012 through an agreement signed with Atlantic Richfield Company.

Additionally, Ipiranga has filed applications for the trademarks “Abastece Aí”, “am/pm Super Store” and “am/pm Estação” which are under INPI analysis.

The Company owns registrations for all its main trademarks: Extrafarma, Ultragaz, Brasilgás, Oxiteno and Ultracargo.

 

D. Trend Information

LPG business

Between 2003 and the end of 2007, LPG prices charged to LPG distributors in Brazil remained stable, despite increases in oil and LPG prices in the international markets, which were partially offset by the appreciation of the Real compared to the U.S. dollar, reducing the difference between LPG prices in Brazil and in the international markets. However, since 2008 Petrobras has increased LPG refinery prices for commercial and industrial usage sporadically, as shown below:

 

(% increase)

   Jan/08      Apr/08      Jul/08      Jan/10      Dec/14      Sep/15      Dec/15  

Commercial and industrial LPG

     15%         10%         6%         6%         15%         11%         4%   

The LPG refinery prices for residential use remained unchanged from May 2003 to September 2015, when Petrobras increased prices by 15%. In the last years, Petrobras’ practice was not to immediately reflect volatility of international prices of oil and its derivatives in the Brazilian market. We cannot guarantee that this trend will continue. Any sharp increase in LPG prices charged to LPG distributors could have an impact on Ultragaz’s results if it is unable to maintain its operational margins or sales volume.

LPG bulk sales are correlated to economic growth. Thus an acceleration or deceleration in Brazilian GDP growth can affect our sales volume. This segment represented approximately 30% of the volume sold by Ultragaz. Bottled LPG is an essential good and, therefore, it has a relatively low correlation with economic performance.

Chemical and petrochemical business

The specialty chemicals volume in the Brazilian market is correlated to economic growth. Therefore, an acceleration or deceleration in the Brazilian GDP growth can affect our sales volume, as Oxiteno’s specialty chemicals sales in Brazil represented 58% of its total sales in 2015. In periods of the Brazilian market growth, Oxiteno aims at (i) increasing the volume sold in the domestic market once the logistics costs are usually lower than those of sales outside Brazil, and (ii) increasing sales volume of specialties products of higher value added than commodities. In 2015, sales of specialty chemicals represented 85% of the total volume sold by Oxiteno.

 

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In 2012, Oxiteno expanded its activities to the United States, through the acquisition of a specialty chemicals plant in Pasadena, Texas, with production capacity of 32,000 tons per year, and to Uruguay, through the acquisition of American Chemical, a specialty chemicals Company, with production capacity of 81,000 tons per year. In 2013, Oxiteno invested in the expansion of its production capacity in Coatzacoalcos, in Mexico. In 2015, Oxiteno announced investments of R$460 million in 2016. Such amount includes US$65 million to build a new ethoxylation unit in its site in Texas, which is expected to be completed in 2017. The new facility will reach production capacity of 170,000 tons per year in its final stage. Sharp changes in the foreign exchange rates can impact Oxiteno’s investments in Reais, leading to increased use of cash.

Almost all of Oxiteno’s products prices and variable costs are linked to U.S. dollar. Therefore, a sharp appreciation or depreciation of the U.S. dollar could have an impact on Oxiteno’s contribution margin in the future. In 2015, Real depreciated 47% against the U.S. dollar, influencing positively Oxiteno’s results. From December 31, 2015 to April 25, 2016, the Real appreciated 9% against the U.S. dollar. We cannot predict what will be the trend of the Real in the future.

Oxiteno’s main raw material is ethylene, which is produced from naphtha in Brazil. Generally, naphtha prices in Brazil fluctuate with oil prices. In 2014, the slowdown in the global economy and the decisions of the OPEC member countries on oil production influenced the international oil price, which started the year at US$111/barrel (Brent) and remained stable until the third quarter, but ended 2014 at US$62/barrel. In 2015, oil prices ended at US$38/barrel, down 39% compared to 2014. From December 31, 2015 to April 25, 2016, oil prices increased by 10%. We cannot predict whether oil and ethylene prices maintain this trend. A sharp variation in ethylene prices would impact Oxiteno’s results if it is not able to keep operating margins.

The increase in demand for chemical and petrochemical products in Brazil during the last years and the ongoing integration of regional and world markets have contributed to the increasing integration of the Brazilian petrochemical industry into the international marketplace. As a consequence, events affecting the petrochemical industry worldwide could have a material effect on our business and results of operations. The chemical industry performance worldwide was strongly affected by the world financial crisis in 2009, which caused the demand for chemical products to decrease in several countries. Due to the growth of the Brazilian chemicals market that year, Oxiteno faces tougher competition from certain foreign producers since 2009, including ethylene oxide and derivatives producers with access to natural-gas-based raw materials.

Fuel distribution business

In the recent past, the combined sales of gasoline, ethanol and natural gas (Otto cycle) in Brazil have been correlated to the growth of the light vehicle fleet. According to ANFAVEA, in 2015, the light vehicle fleet continued to grow, with about 2.5 million new vehicles licensed in Brazil, and estimated growth of 3% of the fleet compared to 2014, reaching about 40 million light vehicles. Additionally, we believe the current ratio of inhabitants per vehicle in Brazil is still low when compared to the rate seen in countries with similar level of development. According to 2013 data released by ANFAVEA (the last available data), the penetration of light vehicles in Brazil is about 20% of total inhabitants, while in Argentina and in Mexico is 30%. Recent data show a growth of Otto cycle below the fleet growth, due to worsening in employment levels and household income. Diesel sales, which in 2015 accounted for 51% of the volume sold by Ipiranga, have historically been correlated with Brazilian economic performance, particularly the agricultural and consumer goods segments. In 2015, the Brazilian diesel market, according to ANP data, experienced a reduction of 5% when compared to 2014, influenced by the weak performance of the economy and decrease in diesel consumption for thermoelectric power plants. A decrease in fuel consumption could have a negative effect on the future volume sold by the Company and on its results.

 

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In the last few years, Petrobras’ practice was not to immediately reflect the volatility of international prices of oil and its derivatives in the Brazilian market. We cannot guarantee that this trend will continue. In October 2011, the Brazilian government reduced the percentage of anhydrous ethanol mixed to gasoline from 25% to 20%, due to a shortage of ethanol production. To avoid the price increase of the gasoline to the end consumer, the government decided to reduce the CIDE tax from R$230/m³ to R$193/m³ at the same time. In November 2011, the government reduced again the CIDE tax of the gasoline A to R$91/m³ and the diesel from R$70/m³ to R$47/m³. This reduction of the CIDE tax allowed Petrobras to increase gasoline and diesel prices by 10% and 2%, respectively, without affecting prices to the distributor.

In June 2012, Petrobras started to sporadically increase diesel and gasoline prices, as shown below, but the CIDE tax of both products was simultaneously reduced to zero, offsetting the effect of the price increase at that moment to consumers. Subsequent increases had an impact on consumer prices. In January 2015, the Brazilian government announced the return of the CIDE tax and the increase in the PIS and COFINS taxes on fuel, with an impact of R$220/m³ for gasoline and R$150/m³ for diesel as from February 1, 2015.

 

(% increase)

   Jun/12      Jul/12      Jan/13      Mar/13      Nov/13      Nov/14      Sep/15  

Diesel

     3.9%         6.2%         5.4%         4.9%         8.0%         5.0%         4.0%   

Gasoline

     7.8%                 6.6%                 4.0%         3.0%         6.0%   

Retail pharmacy business

Retail pharmacy is a relevant market in Brazil and during the last years has presented significant growth. According to ABRAFARMA, the revenues of its member companies grew by 12% in 2015 compared to 2014. We believe the sector has potential for continued growth, mainly due to:

 

  (i) Brazilian aging population – the estimated Brazilian population over 60 years, which is responsible for the largest part of the consumption of medicines is estimated at 24 million people and is expected to reach 42 million people in 2030, an average growth of 4% per year, according to IBGE data;

 

  (ii) greater access to medicines, especially due to the growing prominence of generic drugs, which are cheaper than the reference branded medicine;

 

  (iii) the growing sale of personal care and beauty products through the drugstore chanel.

 

E. Off Balance Sheet Arrangements

We do not have any off balance sheet arrangements.

 

F. Tabular Disclosure of Contractual Obligations

The following table summarizes our contractual obligations, as of December 31, 2015:

 

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     Payment due by period  

Contractual obligations

   Total      Up to 1 year      Between 1
and 3 years
     Between 3
and 5 years
    More than 5
years
 
     (in millions of Reais)  

Financing

     8,854.2         1,067.7         6,541.9         1,194.4        50.2   

Estimated interest payments on financing(1)(2)

     2,257.6         448.0         1,036.2         754.7        18.7   

Currency and interest rate hedging instruments(3)

     369.7         184.6         185.1                  

Estimated planned funding of pension plan — Ultraprev(4)

     696.4         22.4         48.2         53.2        572.6   

Purchase obligations — raw materials(5)

     2,098.3         330.8         661.7         661.7        444.1   

Purchase obligations — utilities(6)

     62.5         20.3         45.8         (3.5       

Minimum tariff obligations — Ultracargo(7)

     69.4         8.6         16.4         16.4        28.1   

Operating leases(8)

     282.7         65.8         98.2         51.9        67.0   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total contractual obligations

     14,690.9         2,148.2         8,633.4         2,728.6        1,180.7   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1)  The estimated interest payment amount was calculated based on macro-economic assumptions including, on average for the period, principally (i) a 16.4% CDI interest rate, (ii) Reais to U.S. dollar exchange rate of R$4.18 in 2016, R$4.67 in 2017, R$5.25 in 2018, R$5.90 in 2019 and R$6.64 in 2020, (iii) a 7.0% TJLP rate and (iv) Brazilian inflation (IGP-M – General Market Price Index) at a rate of 7.3% in 2016, 6.5% in 2017 and 6.3% from 2018 to 2020. See “Item 5.B. Operating and Financial Review and Prospect — Liquidity and Capital Resources — Indebtedness” and Note 14 to our consolidated financial statements for more information about the maturity of our debt and applicable interest rates. See Notes 14 and 30 to our consolidated financial statements for more information on the maturity and the fair value of our swap agreements.
(2)  Includes estimated interest payments on our short-term and long-term debt. Does not include any information about our derivative instruments, for which the fair value is disclosed in Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk. See “Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” for more information about our derivative instruments.
(3)  The currency and interest rate hedging instruments were estimated based on projected U.S. dollar futures contracts and the futures curve of DI x Pre contract quoted on BM&FBOVESPA as of December 30, 2015, and on the futures curve of LIBOR (ICE – IntercontinentalExchange) on December 31, 2015. In the table above, only the hedging instruments that are expected to result in a disbursement at the time of settlement were considered.
(4)  The estimated payment amount was calculated based on (i) a 5.0% inflation assumption, (ii) the average age of the participants as of December 31, 2015 (37 years) and (iii) the Company’s contribution in December 2015.
(5)  Our subsidiary Oxiteno Nordeste has a supply agreement with Braskem which establishes a minimum annually consumption level of ethylene, calculed quarterly, and conditions for the supply of ethylene until 2021. Pursuant to the terms of this agreement, Oxiteno’s annual purchase commitment may not be lower than 190 thousand tons or higher than 205 thousand tons. Should the minimum purchase commitment not be met, the subsidiary would be liable for a fine of 40% of the current ethylene price for the quantity not purchased. The minimum purchase commitment was revised to adapt the interest of the companies, with no pending issues. Our subsidiary Oxiteno has a supply agreement with Braskem, valid until 2023, which establishes and regulates the conditions for supply of ethylene to Oxiteno based on the international market for this product. The minimum purchase is 22,050 tons of ethylene semiannually. Should the minimum purchase commitment not be met, the subsidiary would be liable for a fine of 30% of the current ethylene price for the quantity not purchased.
(6)  The purchase obligation relates to long-term contracts under which Oxiteno is required to purchase a minimum amount of energy annually.
(7)  Tequimar has agreements with CODEBA — Companhia Docas do Estado da Bahia and Complexo Industrial Portuário Governador Eraldo Gueiros, in connection with its ports facilities in Aratu and Suape, respectively. Such agreements establish a minimum cargo movement of products (i) in Aratu, of 100,000 tons per year until 2016, and of 900,000 tons per year from 2017 to 2022, as well as (ii) in Suape, of 250,000 tons per year, until 2027, and of 400,000 tons per year in Suape in 2028 and 2029. If the annual movement is less than the minimum contractual movement, the subsidiary is liable to pay the difference between the effective movement and the minimum contractual movement based on the port tariff rates on the date established for payment. As of December 31, 2015, these rates per ton were R$6.99 for Aratu and R$2.90 for Suape.
(8)  The subsidiaries IPP, Extrafarma and Cia Ultragaz have operating lease contracts related to land and building of service stations, drugstores and stores, respectively.

 

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ITEM 6. DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES

 

A. Directors and Senior Management

The following table lists the members of our Board of Directors and senior management as of April 25, 2016:

 

Name

   Position    Years with the
Company
     Age  

Board of Directors

        

Paulo Guilherme Aguiar Cunha

   Chairman      49         76   

Lucio de Castro Andrade Filho

   Vice Chairman      39         71   

Alexandre Gonçalves Silva(1)

   Director      1         71   

Carlos Tadeu da Costa Fraga(1)

   Director      1         58   

Jorge Marques de Toledo Camargo(1)

   Director      1         61   

José Maurício Pereira Coelho(1)

   Director      1         49   

Nildemar Secches

   Director      14         67   

Olavo Egydio Monteiro de Carvalho

   Director      13         74   

Pedro Wongtschowski

   Director      38         70   

Executive Officers

        

Thilo Mannhardt

   Chief Executive Officer      5         61   

André Pires de Oliveira Dias(2)

   Chief Financial and Investor
Relations Officer, Ultrapar
     0         49   

João Benjamin Parolin

   Officer, Oxiteno      30         57   

Leocadio de Almeida Antunes Filho

   Officer, Ipiranga      8         65   

André Covre

   Officer, Extrafarma      12         45   

Pedro Jorge Filho

   Officer, Ultragaz      38         62   

Ricardo Isaac Catran

   Officer, Ultracargo      36         61   

 

(1)  Members of the Board of Directors elected to first term at the Annual General Shareholders’ Meeting held in April 2015.
(2)  Mr. Pires assumed the position of Chief Financial and Investor Relations Officer in July, 2015. See “Item 4.A. Information on the Company — History and Development of the Company”.

Summarized below is information regarding the business experience, areas of experience and principal outside business interest of the current members of our Board of Directors and our senior management.

Board of Directors

Paulo Guilherme Aguiar Cunha. Mr. Cunha has been the chairman of our Board of Directors since 1998 and was our Chief Executive Officer until January 2007. Mr. Cunha has been a member of the Board of Directors of Monteiro Aranha since 1997. Mr. Cunha joined Ultrapar in 1967 and was appointed vice president in 1973 and Chief Executive Officer in 1981. Mr. Cunha has also been a member of the CMN – National Monetary Council, a member of the board of BNDESPAR, a subsidiary of BNDES, president of the Brazilian Association of Technical Standards – ABNT, a member of the consulting board of ABIQUIM and president of IBP, the Brazilian Petroleum Institute (Instituto Brasileiro de Petróleo). Mr. Cunha is a board member of the Superior Council of Economy and of the Consultative Council for Industry of FIESP, the state of São Paulo Industry Association and ex-president of IEDI – Research Institution for the Industrial Development, where he currently is a member of the Board of Directors. Mr. Cunha is also a member of the board of Insper – IBMEC Business School, of the board of IPT – Technological Research Institution and of Development Council of PUC – RJ, an educational institution. Since 2008, Mr. Cunha has also been a board member of the Superior Strategic Council of FIESP. Mr. Cunha received a degree in industrial mechanical engineering from PUC – Catholic University in Rio de Janeiro in 1962. Mr. Cunha also was a Professor of Engineering at the Catholic University and at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro from 1963 to 1966.

Lucio de Castro Andrade Filho. Mr. Andrade Filho has been the vice chairman of our Board of Directors since 1998. He joined Ultrapar in 1977 and since then Mr. Andrade Filho has held a number of positions with Ultrapar’s subsidiaries in the LPG, logistics, engineering and chemicals segments, as well as serving as Ultrapar’s vice president from 1982 to 2006. Mr. Andrade Filho was also the Chief Executive Officer of GLP – Qualidade Compartilhada, an LPG industry association and a member of the Board of Directors of the Brazilian Petroleum Institute. He has also been a member of Associação Arte Despertar, from 2005 to 2009. Mr. Andrade Filho received degrees in civil engineering and in administration from Mackenzie University in São Paulo in 1968 and 1972, respectively.

 

127


Pedro Wongtschowski. Mr. Wongtschowski has served as an officer of Ultrapar since 1985, becoming President and CEO from January 2007 to December 2012 and currently serves on the Board of Directors. He is Chairman of the Board of the National Research Center in Energy and Materials (“Centro Nacional de Pesquisa em Energia e Materiais”), Chairman of the Board of the National Association for Research, Development and Engineering of Innovative Companies (“Associação Nacional de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento das Empresas Inovadoras”) and Chairman of the Board of EMPRAPII (“Associação Brasileira de Pesquisa e Inovação Industrial”). Mr. Wongtschowski is a member of the Board of Directors of Embraer S.A., Companhia Nitroquímica Brasileira, CTC (Centro de Tecnologia Canavieira) and other private companies and non-profit-organizations. He is author or co-author of books related to the chemical industry. Mr. Wongtschowski is a Chemical Engineer, with MSc and PhD from Escola Politécnica — Universidade de São Paulo.

Jorge Marques de Toledo Camargo. Mr. Camargo joined us as a member of the Board of Directors in April 2015. He has been a member of the Board of Directors of Prumo Logística S.A. since 2014. Mr. Camargo currently serves as a senior consultant of Statoil Brazil. He has also been a Senior Consultant at McKinsey & Comp., Inc. since 2012, and a member of the Board of Directors of Mills Estruturas e Serviços de Engenharia S.A. since 2011. He was a member of the Board of Directors of Deepflex do Brasil Ltda from 2010 to 2013. He has more than 35 years of experience in the oil industry. He graduated in geology from the University of Brasilia and obtained a master’s degree in geophysics from the University of Texas.

Nildemar Secches. Mr. Secches joined us in April 2002 as a member of our Board of Directors. Mr. Secches is a member of the Board of Directors of Itaú Unibanco Holding S.A., of WEG S.A. and of Cia Suzano Papel and Celulose. From 2007 to 2013, he was the chairman of the Board of Directors of Brasil Foods S.A. and from 1995 to 2008 he was the CEO of Empresas Perdigão S.A. From 1972 to 1990, Mr. Secches worked for National Bank for Economic and Social Development (Banco Nacional de Desenvolvimento Econômico e Social – BNDES), serving as an executive officer from 1987 to 1990. From 1990 to 1994, Mr. Secches served as Chief Executive Officer of Grupo Iochpe-Maxion, where he is currently a member of the Board of Directors. Mr. Secches also previously held positions of Chief Executive Officer of ABEF – Brazilian Association of Chicken Producers and Exporters and vice-president of ABIPECS – Brazilian Association of Pork Producers and Exporters Industries. Mr. Secches received a degree in mechanical engineering from the University of São Paulo, a master’s degree in finance from Catholic University in Rio de Janeiro and a doctoral course in economics from the University of Campinas (in the state of São Paulo).

José Maurício Pereira Coelho. Mr. Coelho joined Ultrapar in April 2015 as a member of the Board of Directors. He is the Vice-president of Financial Management and Investor Relations of Banco do Brasil S.A. since 2015, a member of the Board of Directors of Grupo Neoenergia and has been a member of the Board of Directors of the BB Securities LLC, New York, since 2009. He has also been a member of the Board of Directors of Cielo S.A since 2012. He obtained a degree in accounting from Faculdade Unigranrio, Rio de Janeiro, in 1990. He has an MBA in Finance and Capital Markets, with specialization in Corporate Governance from FGV/RJ.

Olavo Egydio Monteiro de Carvalho. Mr. Monteiro de Carvalho joined our Company in December 2002 as a member of the Board of Directors. He is the chairman of the Board of Directors of Monteiro Aranha S.A. and a member on the Board of Directors of Klabin S.A. He is also a member of the Board of the Municipal Development Advisory (Conselho Municipal do Desenvolvimento – COMUDES), partner of Geociclo Biotecnologia S.A., member of the of the Board of Directors of Agência Rio-Negócios, an investment and promotion agency created to promote the economic and commercial development of Rio de Janeiro and was president of Associação Comercial do Rio de Janeiro until 2009. He holds a mechanical engineering degree from Technische Hochschule in Munich.

Alexandre Gonçalves Silva. Mr. Silva joined us in April 2015 as a member of the Board of Directors. Mr. Silva has been a member of the Board of Directors of Embraer S.A. since 2011, and in 2012 he became the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Embraer S.A. He has also been a member of the Board of Directors of Fibria Celulose S.A. since 2011, Tecsis – Tecnologia e Sistemas Avançados since 2003 and Companhia Nitro Química Brasileira since 2012. Mr. Silva was CEO of General Electric in Brazil from 2001 to 2007. He is a member of the Board of AMCHAM – American Chamber of Commerce for Brazil since 2003. He received a degree in industrial mechanical engineering from PUC – Catholic University in Rio de Janeiro in 1967.

 

128


Carlos Tadeu da Costa Fraga. Mr. Fraga joined us in April 2015 as a member of the Board of Directors. Mr. Fraga was a member of the Technological Park Council of the Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro from 2006 to 2012. He was also a member of the Orientation Board of Instituto de Pesquisas Tecnológicas de São Paulo from 2008 to 2012, and the Executive Manager of Exploration and Production of the Pre-salt of Petrobras – Petróleo Brasileiro S.A. from 2012 to 2015 (February). He earned a degree in civil engineering from UFRJ (Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro) in 1980.

Executive Officers

Thilo Mannhardt. Mr. Mannhardt has been the Company’s CEO since January 2013. Mr. Mannhardt joined our Company in April 2011 as a member of our Board of Directors until December 2012. He was a senior partner and director of McKinsey & Co., a global management consulting firm, where he served from 1985 to 2012. Mr. Mannhardt has a master’s degree in aeronautical and aerospace engineering from Technische Universität Berlin and holds additionally a degree in business administration. Furthermore, Mr. Mannhardt holds a PhD in systems engineering and aeronautics from Technische Universität Berlin.

André Pires de Oliveira Dias. Mr. Pires joined Ultrapar in July 2015 as Chief Financial and Investor Relations Officer. With over 25 years of experience in the financial and capital markets, Mr. Pires began his career in 1988 and held several positions in Brazil and in the United States in Banco Geral de Comércio, Montgomery Asset Management, Banco BBA Creditanstalt and BNP Paribas. He joined Gerdau S.A. in 2004 where he worked as a fund manager in Gerdau’s family office and as CFO in Gerdau Ameristeel in the United States. In 2013, Mr. Pires was appointed Executive Vice President of the Executive Committee of Gerdau and CFO, positions he held until 2015. Mr. Pires holds a bachelor degree in business administration with an emphasis in finance from Fundação Getulio Vargas and attended the Advanced Management Program at the University of Pennsylvania in the United States.

André Covre. Mr. Covre joined Ultrapar in September 2003 as Corporate Planning and Investor Relations Director. Mr. Covre has been the Company’s Chief Financial and Investor Relations Officer since March 2007. Mr. Covre has 25 years of experience in multiple management functions, including the field of strategic and corporate development, growth and turnaround ventures, corporate governance, mergers & acquisitions and capital markets. Mr. Covre was the coordinator of the Capital Markets Committee of IBGC (Brazilian Institute of Corporate Governance from 2012 to 2015). From 2008 to 2010, Mr. Covre was the chairman and from 2010 to 2013 was vice-chairman of the Latin American Corporate Governance Roundtable’s Companies Circle, a group supported by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development – OECD, International Finance Corporation – IFC and Global Corporate Governance Forum – GCGF, aiming at developing corporate governance in Latin America. Mr. Covre began his career with Unisys Corp. in the United States, was formerly the treasurer of Pepsi Cola Engarrafadora in Brazil and a director of ABN AMRO Capital in Amsterdam, a private equity and venture capital fund. Mr. Covre holds an MBA from INSEAD, in France, and a bachelor degree in government studies from Fundação Getulio Vargas in São Paulo.

João Benjamin Parolin. Mr. Parolin joined the Company in 1986, working in Oxiteno’s commercial department prior to assuming the position of Oxiteno’s Chief Operating Officer in 2007. Mr. Parolin formerly served as marketing manager from 1989 to 1992 and sales manager from 1992 to 2000. From 2000 to 2006, he held the sales director position at Oxiteno. Prior to joining Oxiteno, Mr. Parolin worked in the commercial area at Dow Química S.A. Mr. Parolin received a bachelor degree in chemical engineering from Escola Politécnica da Universidade de São Paulo in 1980, a post-graduate degree in Marketing Administration at Fundação Getulio Vargas and a master’s degree in business administration from Fundação Instituto de Administração – Universidade de São Paulo in 2003. As a complement to his academic background he attended the STC – Skills, Tools and Competences from Fundação Dom Cabral/J.L Kellogg Graduate School of Management (Northwestern University) in 2000 and the Advanced Management Program at Wharton University in 2005.

 

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Leocadio de Almeida Antunes Filho. Mr. Antunes has been an officer of Ultrapar since May 2008. He has held a number of positions at Ipiranga since 1987 when he joined as commercial officer at Fertisul S.A. and officer at Ipiranga Serrana Fertilizantes S.A. From 1993 to 2008, he served as an executive officer at CBPI and DPPI. Currently Mr. Antunes is Ipiranga’s Chief Operating Officer and is also a member of the Board of Sindicom. Mr. Antunes is also a member of the Board of Directors of the Brazilian Petroleum Institute – IBP and of the Association for Convenience and Fuel Retailing – NACS. He earned a degree in Economics from Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul and post graduate and a master’s degree in Agricultural Economics at University of Reading (UK) and University of London, respectively. Furthermore, he has completed the Advanced Executive Program, from J.L. Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University.

Pedro Jorge Filho. Mr. Jorge has been an officer of Ultrapar since April 2005. He has been with the Company since 1977 and has held a number of positions with the Company, including serving as an officer of Utingás and Director of Engineering and Marketing at Ultragaz. Mr. Jorge was also responsible for the Southeastern and Midwest regions. Mr. Jorge became Ultragaz’s Chief Operating Officer in 2002. He is an officer at Sindigás and at AIGLP (Associación Iberoamericana de Gás Licuado de Petróleo) and first vice-president at World LP Gas Association – Paris. Mr. Jorge is also the Chief Executive Officer of GLP – Qualidade Compartilhada, an LPG industry association. He earned a degree in Industrial and Chemical Engineering from Universidade Mackenzie. He also earned a certificate from the Advanced Management Program at INSEAD, in Fontainebleau, France in 1998, and from the program “HR’s – Contribution to Continuous Improvement” at Instituto IESE of Universidade de Navarra, in Barcelona, Spain in 1999.

Ricardo Isaac Catran. Mr. Catran has been an officer of Ultrapar since May 2010. He joined the Company in 1980 and since then has held a number of positions, including commercial officer of Transultra and Tequimar for the Northeast region. Mr. Catran became Ultracargo’s Chief Operating Officer in 2008. He earned a degree in civil engineering from Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro and post graduate degree in transport engineering from COPPE UFRJ (Instituto Alberto Luiz Coimbra de Pós-Graduação e Pesquisa de Engenharia – Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro).

 

B. Compensation

The purpose of Ultrapar’s compensation policy and practices are (i) to align the interests between management and shareholders, based on the principle of sharing risks and returns, (ii) to converge individual goals to the Company’s strategy, and (iii) to recognize the contribution and retain professionals, based on market references. Following these principles, Ultrapar adopts a differentiated and competitive compensation plan that includes the use of value creation metrics to establish variable compensation targets, differentiated benefits to executives and a stock ownership plan.

 

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For the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company recognized aggregate compensation of our directors and executive officers of R$49.1 million in its financial statements, distributed as follows:

 

     Board of Directors      Executive Officers      Total  
     (in thousands of Reais,
except for the number of members)
 

Number of members(1)

     8.83         7.00      

Annual fixed compensation

     5,289.5         15,251.6         20,541.1   

Salary

     3,963.7         9,182.4         13,146.1   

Direct and indirect benefits

     1,325.8         6,069.2         7,394.9   

Variable compensation

             19,519.7         19,519.7   

Short-term variable compensation

             17,218.1         17,218.1   

Long-term variable compensation

             2,301.6         2,301.6   

Post-employment benefit

             2,936.0         2,936.0   

Stock-based compensation

             6,125.9         6,125.9   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total compensation

     5,289.5         43,833.2         49,122.7   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The table below shows the higher, lower and average individual compensation recognized in our financial statements for our directors and executive officers in 2015:

 

Body

   Number of
members(1)
     Highest
individual
compensation
     Lowest
individual
compensation
     Average
individual
compensation
 
     (in thousands of Reais, except for the number of members)  

Board of Directors

     8.83         1,493.1         399.5         599.0   

Executive Officers

     7.00         13,069.0         3,710.1         6,261.9   

 

(1)  Weighted average number of members over the period, which reflects that (a) Mr. Ivan de Souza Monteiro was a board member until February 11, 2015 and no additional board member was added until April, 2015 and (b) Mr. José Maurício Pereira Coelho was elected at the annual shareholder’s meeting held in April 15, 2015.

 

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The main components of our management compensation plan are:

 

    Fixed compensation (salary and direct and indirect benefits): a monthly amount paid with the purpose of remunerating the responsibility and complexity inherent to each position, the individual contribution and the experience of each professional.

 

    Short-term variable compensation: an annual amount paid in order to align the interests of the executives with those of the Company. This amount is linked to (i) the businesses performance, which is measured through the Economic Value Added (EVA®) metric, and (ii) the achievement of annual individual goals established based on the strategic planning and focused on expansion and operational excellence projects, people development and market positioning, among others.

 

    Long-term variable compensation: the purpose of this portion is to align long-term interests of executives and shareholders and to retain executives. The previous program had been effective from 2006 to 2011, with payment in 2012 after verified the achievement of the established goals. In February 2014, a similar program was established for the CEO of Ultrapar.

In addition, a portion of the aggregated compensation is represented by the amortization of the shares granted to the executive officers under the Deferred Stock Plan (defined below). See “Item 6.D. Directors, Senior Management and Employees — Employees.”

On April 27, 2001, the annual general shareholders’ meeting approved a stock-based compensation plan to members of management and employees in executive positions in the Company. On November 26, 2003, the extraordinary general shareholders’ meeting approved certain amendments to the original plan of 2001 (the “Deferred Stock Plan”). In the Deferred Stock Plan, certain members of management of the Company have the voting and economic rights of shares and the ownership of these shares is retained by the subsidiaries of the Company. The Deferred Stock Plan provides for the transfer of the ownership of the shares to those eligible members of management after five to ten years from the initial concession of the rights subject to uninterrupted employment of the participant during the period. The total number of shares to be used for the Deferred Stock Plan is subject to the availability in treasury of such shares. It is incumbent on Ultrapar’s Board of Directors to select the members of management eligible for the plan and propose the number of shares in each case for approval by the Board of Directors. On December 31, 2015, the amount granted to the Company’s executives, including tax charges, totaled R$112.3 million. This amount is amortized over the vesting period of the Deferred Stock Plan, between five and ten years from the grant date. The amortization in 2015 in the amount of R$16.9 million was recognized as a general and administrative expense. The fair value of the awards were determined on the grant date based on the market value of the shares on the BM&FBOVESPA.

 

 

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The chart below sets forth a historical summary of the shares provided to the members of our board of executive officers as of December 31, 2015:

 

Body

   Statutory Officers  

Number of members

     6.00   

Granting date(1)

    

 

 

18-

Dec-

03

  

  

  

    

 

 

04-

Oct-

04

  

  

  

    

 

 

14-

Dec-

05

  

  

  

    

 

 

09-

Nov-

06

  

  

  

    

 

 

12-

Dec-

07

  

  

  

    

 

 

08-

Oct-

08

  

  

  

    

 

 

16-

Dec-

09

  

  

  

    

 

 

10-

Nov-

10

  

  

  

    

 

 

07-

Nov-

12

  

  

  

    

 

 

03-

Feb-

14

  

  

  

    

 

 

05-

Mar-

14

  

  

  

    

 

 

10-

Dec-

14

  

  

  

                                   

Number of shares granted(2)

     239,200         94,300         20,000         133,600         100,000         496,000         40,000         140,000         70,000         150,000         38,400         100,000   
                                   
                
 

 

1/3 in
Nov-

2012

 
  

  

    
 

 

1/3 in
Sep-

2013

 
  

  

    
 

 

1/3 in
Nov-

2014

 
  

  

    
 

 

1/3 in
Oct-

2015

 
  

  

    
 

 

1/3 in
Oct-

2017

 
  

  

    
 

 

1/3 in
Jan-

2018

 
  

  

    
 

 

1/3 in
Mar-

2019

 
  

  

    
 

 

1/3 in
Dec-

2019

 
  

  

                                   

Period for the share effective ownership to be transferred

    

 

Nov-

2013

  

  

    

 

Sep-

2014

  

  

    

 

Nov-

2015

  

  

    

 

Oct-

2016

  

  

    
 
 
1/3 in
Nov-
2013
 
 
  
    
 

 

1/3 in
Sep-

2014

 
  

  

    
 

 

1/3 in
Nov-

2015

 
  

  

    
 

 

1/3 in
Oct-

2016

 
  

  

    
 

 

1/3 in
Oct-

2018

 
  

  

    
 

 

1/3 in
Jan-

2019

 
  

  

    
 

 

1/3 in
Mar-

2020

 
  

  

    
 

 

1/3 in
Dec-

2020

 
  

  

                                   
                
 
 
1/3 in
Nov-
2014
 
 
  
    
 

 

1/3 in
Sep-

2015

 
  

  

    
 
 
1/3 in
Nov-
2016
 
 
  
    
 

 

1/3 in
Oct-

2017

 
  

  

    
 

 

1/3 in
Oct-

2019

 
  

  

    
 

 

1/3 in
Jan-

2020

 
  

  

    
 

 

1/3 in
Mar-

2021

 
  

  

    
 

 

1/3 in
Dec-

2021

 
  

  

Price assigned to the shares granted (R$)(³)

     7.58         10.20         8.21         11.62         16.17         9.99         20.75         26.78         42.90         55.36         52.15         50.64   

 

 

(¹)  Weighted average of the number of statutory officers over the period, which reflects that (a) Mr. Ivan de Souza Monteiro was a board member until February 11, 2015 and no additional board member was added until April, 2015 and (b) Mr. José Maurício Pereira Coelho was elected at the annual shareholder’s meeting held in April 15, 2015.
(²)  Includes shares granted from 2004 to 2008 to certain officers who were not statutory officers at the granting date.
(³)  The number and the price of shares granted were adjusted to reflect the stock split of the shares issued by the Company at a ratio of 1 existing share to 4 shares approved by extraordinary general meeting on February 10, 2011.

For more information on our Deferred Stock Plan, please see Note 8(c) to our financial statements.

 

C. Board Practices

We are managed by our Board of Directors (Conselho de Administração) and by our executive officers (Diretoria). As of December 31, 2015, our Board of Directors elected at the annual general shareholders’ meeting held on April 15, 2015, consisted of nine members, six of whom are independent, according to the Brazilian rules, non-executive members (including one appointed by former minority preferred shareholders). Two members of the board were executive officers until December 2006 and one member was an executive officer until December 2012. Our Board of Directors must meet regularly every three months and extraordinarily whenever called by its chairman or by any two directors. During 2015, eleven board meetings were held. Each meeting of the Board of Directors requires that a majority of the directors be present, including the chairman or the vice-chairman, before the meeting may commence. The vote of a majority of the members present is required for approval of a resolution by the Board of Directors. In case of a tie, the chairman, or in the chairman’s absence, the vice chairman, will provide the casting vote. The chairman of our Board of Directors has the power to call a special meeting of the Board of Directors as circumstances may require; provided, however, that two-thirds of board members are present in order to convene such special meeting. Among other responsibilities, the Board of Directors is responsible for (i) our general guidelines, (ii) electing and removing our executive officers, supervising their management and fixing their compensation, (iii) deliberating on the issuance of new shares, within the limits of our authorized capital, (iv) authorizing the distributions of dividends and interest on shareholders’ equity, (v) approving transactions with value exceeding three percent of our shareholders’ equity, (vi) approving our dissolution or merger and (vii) the appointment of independent registered public accounting firm, among other responsibilities. Pursuant to Brazilian law, each member of the Board of Directors must be elected by the holders of our shares at the general shareholders’ meeting.

 

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Members of the Board of Directors are elected for a period of two years and may be reelected.

Our bylaws require that at least thirty percent of the members of our Board of Directors be independent directors, in accordance with independence requirements of the Novo Mercado segment regulation. In addition, our bylaws set forth that the election of the members of the Board of Directors must be made through the nomination of a slate of candidates, unless cumulative voting is requested. Only the following slates of candidates will be eligible; (i) those nominated by the Board of Directors; or (ii) those nominated by any shareholder or group of shareholders. See “Item 4.A. Information on the Company — History and Development of the Company – New corporate governance structure” and “Exhibit 1.1. — Bylaws of Ultrapar, dated as of January 31, 2014.”

When electing members to the Board of Directors, shareholders will be entitled to request, as required by law and our bylaws, the adoption of a cumulative voting process, provided that they do so within, at least, forty-eight hours in advance of the shareholders’ meeting. The minimum percentage of capital necessary for requesting the cumulative voting process is 5% of the shares. In the event the election has been conducted by cumulative voting, the removal of any member of the Board of Directors by the shareholders’ meeting shall entail the removal of the other members, giving rise to a new election. See “Exhibit 1.1. — Bylaws of Ultrapar, dated as of January 31, 2014.”

Executive Officers

As of December 31, 2015, our Board of Executive Officers was comprised of a minimum of four and a maximum of eight members, including our Chief Executive Officer.

Members of Board of Executive Officers are appointed for a two-year term and can be reelected. For the dates on which our executive officers began holding their respective position, see “Item 6.A. Directors, Senior Management and Employees — Directors and Senior Management.”

Fiscal Council and Audit Committee Exemption

Brazilian Corporate Law requires us to establish a fiscal council (Conselho Fiscal), which may operate on a permanent or non-permanent basis. According to the Brazilian Corporate Law, a fiscal council acting on a non-permanent basis is required to be formed when requested by 10% of voting shareholders in an annual general shareholders’ meeting. However, pursuant to CVM Instruction 324/00, in the case of Ultrapar, holders of 2% of the voting capital are entitled to request the installation of the fiscal council. The elected members of the fiscal council will remain in place only until the following annual general shareholders’ meeting, in which they may be reelected by our shareholders.

As set forth in our bylaws approved on June 28, 2011, our fiscal council acts on a non-permanent basis. In addition, our bylaws provide for an audit committee as an ancillary body of the Board of Directors. In the event the fiscal council is installed in accordance with Brazilian Corporate Law, the fiscal council will operate as the audit committee during that mandate, exercising all the duties and in accordance with the requirements set forth in our bylaws, including with respect to its members. The audit committee will not operate in any fiscal year when a fiscal council is installed. See “Exhibit 1.1. —Bylaws of Ultrapar, dated as of January 31, 2014.” We currently have a fiscal council installed.

Currently, our fiscal council acts as an audit committee pursuant to the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Under Rule 10A-3(c)(3) of the Exchange Act, non-U.S. issuers, such as Ultrapar, are exempt from the audit committee requirements of Section 303A of the NYSE Listed Company Manual if they establish, according to their local law or regulations, another body that acts as an audit committee.

 

134


The fiscal council is a separate corporate body independent of our management and our external independent registered public accounting firm. According to the Brazilian Corporate Law, the fiscal council must meet at least four times per year. Since its establishment, in July 2005, our fiscal council has been meeting on a regular basis, and in 2015, they held twelve meetings. Our fiscal council is responsible for reviewing the accuracy and integrity of quarterly and annual financial statements in accordance with applicable accounting, internal control and auditing requirements and in compliance with the provisions of Brazilian Corporate Law; the forms of the CVM and requirements for listing on BM&FBOVESPA; the rules of the SEC and the requirements for listing on NYSE. Our fiscal council also (1) makes recommendations to our board of directors regarding the appointment, retention and oversight of our independent registered public accounting firm, (2) discusses matters related to interim and annual financial statements with the management of the Company and the independent registered public accounting firm, (3) reviews and evaluates the performance of internal auditing and (4) discusses matters related to effectiveness of the internal controls of the Company with management and independent registered public accounting firm. With the support of our fiscal council, the Company improved 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 matters. Our fiscal council may hire outside advisors to assist it with matters related to the course of their duties, and such expenses are covered by the Company. 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 Brazilian Corporate Law, individuals 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 are not eligible to serve on the fiscal council. To be eligible to serve on our fiscal council, a person must be a resident of Brazil and either a university graduate or has been a Company officer or fiscal council member of another Brazilian company for at least three years prior to election to our fiscal council.

On June 28, 2011, the extraordinary shareholders’ meeting approved the modification of the number of fiscal council members from five to three members. See “Item 4.A. Information on the Company — History and Development of the Company — New corporate governance structure” and “Exhibit 1.1. — Bylaws of Ultrapar, dated as of January 31, 2014.”

On April 13, 2016, the annual general shareholders’ meeting approved compensation for fiscal council members of R$16,200 per month for each effective (non-alternate) member, except for the president of the fiscal council, whose compensation was set at R$17,500 per month.

As of December 31, 2015, our fiscal council consisted of three members and their respective alternate members, set forth on the following table:

 

Name

   First Year of
Appointment
 

Flavio César Maia Luz

     2005   

Márcio Augustus Ribeiro (alternate)

     2007   

Mario Probst

     2005   

Pedro Ozires Predeus (alternate)

     2005   

Janio Carlos Endo Macedo

     2015   

Paulo Cesar Pascotini (alternate)

     2014   

On April 13, 2016, at the annual general shareholders’ meeting, the fiscal council members Flavio César Maia Luz (president) and Mario Probst were reelected, as well as Márcio Augustus Ribeiro, Paulo Cesar Pascontini and Pedro Ozires Predeus as alternates of Mr. Luz, Mr. Probst and Mr. Nilson Martiniano Moreira, respectively, the latter elected in replacement of Mr. Macedo. Summarized below is information regarding the business experience, areas of experience and principal outside business interests of the current members of our fiscal council.

 

135


Flavio César Maia Luz. Mr. Luz has been our fiscal council president since 2005. Mr. Luz is a partner-officer at Doing Business Consultoria Empresarial Ltda, a business and corporate finance Company. He is also a member of the fiscal council at CTEEP S.A. and Itaúsa S.A. and a member of the Board of Directors of Senior Solutions S.A., of Ser Educacional S.A. and of Marcopolo S.A. Mr. Luz was corporate and finance vice-president of Cofra Latin America Ltda. – C&A Group from 2001 to 2010 and was Chief Executive Officer of Banco Ibi – C&A Group in 2009. From 1999 to 2001, Mr. Luz served as executive director and vice-president of the Board of Directors at Eletropaulo and as a member of the Board of Directors at Light S.A. From 1976 to 1998, Mr. Luz worked at Duratex, where he occupied the executive vice-president position from 1993 to 1998. Mr. Luz received a degree in civil engineering from Escola Politécnica da Universidade de São Paulo and a post-graduate degree in business administration from Escola de Administração de Empresas de São Paulo da Fundação Getulio Vargas. He also holds certificates of continuing education programs in Finance, Marketing and Mergers & Acquisitions, from Harvard Business School, Stanford University and Wharton Business School, respectively.

Mario Probst. Mr. Probst served as partner at KPMG Auditores Independentes from 1991 to 2004, and is currently retired. Mr. Probst was a member of the fiscal council at Odontoprev S.A. until 2014 and was a member of the fiscal council at Companhia Brasileira de Distribuição and at ViaVarejo S.A., a secretary of the audit committee at Gafisa S.A. and an alternate member of the statutory audit council at Banco Ibi S.A. Mr. Probst is also a member of the Board of Directors of Hospital Alemão Oswaldo Cruz since 2007 and a member of the fiscal council of Mahle Metal Leve S.A. Mr. Probst received a degree in business administration from Escola de Administração de Empresas de São Paulo da Fundação Getulio Vargas and accountancy from Faculdade de Ciências Polĺticas e Econômicas do Rio de Janeiro.

Nilson Martiniano Moreira. Mr. Moreira joined the Company in April 2016 as a member of fiscal council. He has been an officer of Banco do Brasil S.A. since 2007 and a member of fiscal council of Alelo – Companhia Brasileira de Soluções e Serviços S.A. since 2014. Mr. Moreira was also a member of fiscal council of Neoenergia from 2011 to 2014 and a member of Board of Directors of BB Tecnologia e Serviços in 2014. He holds a bachelor degree in Economics from PUC – Pontificia Universidade Católica de Minas Gerais and an MBA from IBMEC – Instituto Brasileiro de Mercado de Capitais.

Corporate Governance

We are incorporated under the laws of Brazil and we are subject to Brazilian laws related to corporate governance. Under Brazilian Corporate Law, there are no legal requirements with respect to corporate governance regarding (i) the independence of our Board of Directors, (ii) meetings of non-management directors, (iii) the mandatory establishment and composition of certain board committees or (iv) the adoption and disclosure of corporate governance guidelines or codes of business conduct and ethics. As a non-U.S. issuer, we are exempt from adopting certain NYSE corporate governance requirements. However, we aim to ensure that best practices, recommendations and standards of corporate governance are employed in our functioning and operations. As of December 31, 2015, we had adopted corporate governance practices, such as the requirement that at least 30% of the members of the Board of Directors be independent, the implementation of a code of ethics for Ultra S.A., senior officers and all employees, and the implementation of the compensation and audit committees. According to our bylaws, the fiscal council will act on a non-permanent basis and will be installed when requested by our shareholders as set forth in Brazilian Corporate Law. We currently have a fiscal council installed. The audit committee will not operate in any fiscal year when a fiscal council is installed. See “Fiscal Council and Audit Committee Exemption” and “Description of the Audit Committee”.

In 2000, BM&FBOVESPA introduced three special listing segments, known as Levels 1 and 2 of Differentiated Corporate Governance Practices and Novo Mercado, which seek to foster a secondary market for securities issued by Brazilian companies with securities listed on BM&FBOVESPA, by requiring such companies to follow good practices of corporate governance. The listing segments were designed for the trading of shares issued by companies voluntarily abiding by corporate governance practices and disclosure requirements in addition to those already imposed by Brazilian law. These rules generally increase shareholders’ rights and enhance the disclosure of information provided to shareholders.

 

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In October 2005, we entered into an agreement with BM&FBOVESPA and have complied with the requirements to become a Level 1 Company, which is the entrance level of the Differentiated Corporate Governance Practices of BM&FBOVESPA.

On June 28, 2011, the extraordinary general shareholders’ meeting and the special preferred shareholders’ meeting approved the conversion of each preferred share into one common voting share, the migration of Ultrapar to Novo Mercado segment of BM&FBOVESPA and amendments to our bylaws. See “Exhibit 2.11 – Rules of Novo Mercado.”

Our bylaws have provisions that exceed the listing requirements of Novo Mercado. For example, according to the rules of Novo Mercado the minimum percentage of independent members of the Board of Directors is set at 20%, while a minimum of 30% is required in our bylaws. Our bylaws also establish (i) a mandatory tender offer to 100% of the Company’s shareholders in the event a shareholder, or a group of shareholders acting in concert, acquire or become holders of 20% of the Company’s shares, excluding treasury shares, and (ii) creation of audit and compensation committees, as ancillary bodies of the Board of Directors. Our bylaws do not establish any limitation on voting rights, special treatment to current shareholders, public tender offers for a price above that of the acquisition price of shares or any other poison pill provisions, thus assuring the effectiveness of a majority shareholders’ approval on all matters to be deliberated. See “Item 4.A. History and Development of the Company – New corporate governance structure” and “Exhibit 1.1. — Bylaws of Ultrapar, dated as of January 31, 2014.”

Description of the Audit Committee

Our bylaws establish the audit committee as an ancillary body of the Board of Directors. The audit committee shall be comprised of three independent members, of whom at least two shall be external members, all elected by the Board of Directors for a one-year term of office, with reelection being permitted for successive terms. The external members of the audit committee shall not be a member of the Board of Directors of the Company or of its controlled companies and shall have knowledge or experience in auditing, controls, accounting, taxation or rules applicable to publicly-held companies, in so far as they refer to the adequate preparation of their financial statements. The audit committee shall (a) propose to the Board of Directors the nomination of the independent registered public accounting firm as well as their replacement; (b) review the management report and the financial statements of the Company and of its controlled companies, and provide the recommendations it deems necessary to the Board of Directors; (c) review the quarterly financial information and the periodic financial statements prepared by the Company; (d) assess the effectiveness and sufficiency of the internal control structure and of the internal and independent audit processes of the Company and of its controlled companies, including in relation to the provisions set forth in the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, submitting the recommendations it deems necessary for the improvement of policies, practices and procedures; (e) provide its opinion, upon request of the Board of Directors, with respect to the proposals of the management bodies, to be submitted to the shareholders’ meetings, relating to changes to the capital stock, issuance of debentures or warrants, capital budgets, dividend distribution, transformation, merger, amalgamation or spin-off; and (f) provide its opinion on the matters submitted to it by the Board of Directors, as well as on those matters it determines to be relevant. As determined in our bylaws, in the event the fiscal council is established as set forth in Brazilian Corporate Law, the fiscal council shall operate as the audit committee exercising all the duties provided for in our bylaws. The audit committee will not operate in any fiscal year when a fiscal council is installed. As set forth by our bylaws, our fiscal council will act on a non-permanent basis and its current members will remain in office until the annual general shareholders’ meeting that will be held on 2017. See “Item 4.A. History and Development of the Company – New corporate governance structure” and “Exhibit 1.1. — Bylaws of Ultrapar, dated as of January 31, 2014.”

Description of the Compensation Committee

Our bylaws establish the compensation committee as an ancillary body of the Board of Directors. The compensation committee shall be comprised of three members of the Board of Directors, two of which shall be independent directors. The compensation committee shall (a) pursuant to the proposal received from the Chief Executive Officer, propose to the Board of Directors and periodically revise the parameters and guidelines of a remuneration and benefits framework to directors, executive officers and senior employees of the Company and subsidiaries, and members of the committees and other governing bodies assisting the Board of Directors, (b) propose to the Board of Directors, pursuant to the proposal received from the Chief Executive Officer, the overall compensation of the directors and executive officers of the Company, which shall be submitted to the shareholders’ meeting; (c) ensure that the Company prepares itself adequately for the succession of its directors, executive officers and other key employees, particularly the Chief Executive Officer and the principal executive officers; and (d) carry out diligence and supervise the steps taken to ensure that the Company adopts a model of competence and leadership, attraction, retention and motivation in line with its strategic plans. See “Item 4.A. History and Development of the Company – New corporate governance structure” and “Exhibit 1.1. — Bylaws of Ultrapar, dated as of January 31, 2014.”

 

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As set forth in our bylaws, the compensation committee was installed by the Board of Directors at the meeting held on November 9, 2011. Mr. Alexandre Gonçalves Silva, Mr. Nildemar Secches and Mr. Pedro Wongtschowski were appointed as members of the compensation committee on the Board of Directors meeting held on May 6, 2015. The members of our compensation committee shall maintain their positions up the end of their term of office as Directors, on annual general shareholders’ meeting of 2017.

Termination Agreements

Not applicable.

 

D. Employees

As of December 31, 2015, we had 14,597 employees. The following table sets forth our number of employees per line of business at the dates indicated:

 

     As of December 31,  
     Number of employees  
     2015      2014      2013  

Ultragaz

     3,603         3,636         3,704   

Ipiranga

     2,864         2,769         2,682   

Oxiteno

     1,806         1,809         1,829   

Ultracargo

     596         613         604   

Extrafarma

     5,269         4,711          

Others(1)

     459         440         416   

Ultrapar

     14,597         13,978         9,235   

 

(1)  Includes corporate center personnel.

Ultrapar’s employees are covered by collective agreements with the labor unions that represent different industry sectors: Ultragaz in the minerals trading and transportation sectors; Ipiranga in the fuel distribution sector; Oxiteno in the chemicals sector; Ultracargo in the storage sector; and Extrafarma in the retail pharmacy business. All agreements, signed between the companies and labor unions of each sector, addresses social, financial, labor union and labor relations issues.

In February 2001, our Board of Directors approved the adoption of a defined contribution pension plan to be sponsored by Ultrapar and each of its subsidiaries. Participating employees have been contributing to this plan, managed by Ultraprev —Associação de Previdência Complementar, since August 2001. Under the terms of the plan, every year each participating employee chooses his or her basic contribution to the plan. Each sponsoring Company provides a matching contribution in an amount equivalent to each basic contribution, up to a limit of 11% of the employee’s reference salary, according to the rules of the plan. As participating employees retire, they may choose to receive either (i) a monthly sum ranging between 0.5% and 1.0% of their respective contribution in Ultraprev or (ii) a fixed monthly amount which will exhaust their respective contribution over a period of 5 to 25 years. The sponsoring Company does not guarantee the amounts or the duration of the benefits received by each employee that retires. The total number of participating employees as of December 31, 2015 was 8,903.

 

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E. Share Ownership

In accordance with our bylaws, our common shares are our sole class of capital stock authorized and outstanding. They entitle their holders to voting rights on any matter. See “Item 6.B. Directors, Senior Management and Employees — Board Practices — Corporate Governance.”

On February 10, 2011, the extraordinary general shareholders’ meeting approved a stock split of the shares issued by Ultrapar, so that each share would be represented by four shares of the same class and type, with no modification in the shareholders’ financial position and interest in the Company. After the stock split, our numbers of preferred shares and common shares increased to 197,719,588 and 346,664,408, respectively.

In addition, on June 28, 2011, the extraordinary general shareholders’ meeting and the special preferred shareholders’ meeting approved the conversion of each preferred share issued by the Company into one common share with voting rights.

As of December 31, 2015, following the Extrafarma Transaction and the shares issued to the former Extrafarma shareholders in connection therewith, Ultrapar’s capital stock was composed of 556,405,096 common voting shares.

The table below sets forth the number of our common shares beneficially owned by each of our directors and executive officers as of December 31, 2015, including through their participation in Ultra S.A., and does not reflect changes to our capital stock subsequent to such date:

 

     Total  
     Shares      %  

Board of directors

     

Paulo Guilherme Aguiar Cunha(1)

     15,730,616         2.8 %

Lucio de Castro Andrade Filho(1)

     5,568,164         1.0 %

Pedro Wongtschowski(1)

     2,368,987         0.4 %

Alexandre Gonçalves Silva

             0.0 %

Carlos Tadeu da Costa Fraga

             0.0 %

Jorge Marques de Toledo Camargo

             0.0 %

José Maurício Pereira Coelho

             0.0 %

Nildemar Secches(2)

     168,068         0.0 %

Olavo Egydio Monteiro de Carvalho

     4         0.0 %

Executive officers

     

Thilo Mannhardt

     150,001         0.0 %

André Pires de Oliveira Dias

             0.0 %

André Covre(3)

     401,600         0.1 %

João Benjamin Parolin(3)

     280,000         0.1 %

Leocadio de Almeida Antunes Filho(3)

     300,000         0.1 %

Pedro Jorge Filho(3)

     339,900         0.1 %

Ricardo Isaac Catran(3)

     149,650         0.0 %
  

 

 

    

Board of directors and executive officers

     25,456,990         4.6 %
  

 

 

    

Total

     556,405,096      
  

 

 

    

 

(1)  Individuals who beneficially own shares primarily through their participation in the holding company Ultra S.A. See “Item 7.A. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions — Major Shareholders.”
(2)  Individual who owns shares through an exclusive fund.
(3)  Executives who were granted shares through the Deferred Stock Plan.

 

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ITEM 7. MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

A. Major Shareholders

The table below shows the capital stock of Ultrapar as of December 31, 2015:

 

     Total  
     Shares      %  

Shareholders

     

Ultra S.A. Participações

     119,760,601         22

Aberdeen Asset Management PLC(1)

     65,205,340         12

Parth do Brasil Participações(2)

     42,833,956         8

Others

     328,605,199         59
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     556,405,096         100 %
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)  Fund managers headquartered in England (according to relevant shareholder position notice disclosed by the respective funds). Position informed by the shareholder on June 13, 2011.
(2)  Parth do Brasil Participações Ltda. is controlled by Daisy Igel’s family. In November 2015, it was renamed from Parth Investments Company to Parth do Brasil Participações Ltda.

 

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Ownership and Capital Structure of Ultra S.A. Participações

As of December 31, 2015, Ultra S.A. owned 22% of Ultrapar’s voting shares. As of December 31, 2015, the capital stock of Ultra S.A. was beneficially owned as follows:

 

     Common     Preferred     Total  
     Shares      %     Shares      %     Shares      %  

Shareholders

               

Ana Maria Levy Villela Igel

     9,764,689         17     12,395,100         52     22,159,789         27

Fabio Igel

     7,518,770         13     1,768,275         7     9,287,045         11

Marcia Igel Joppert

     6,201,602         11     2,062,988         9     8,264,590         10

Joyce Igel de Castro Andrade

     5,916,246         10     1,262,989         5     7,179,235         9

Rogério Igel

     3,634,187         6     130,519         1     3,764,706         5

Christy Participações Ltda

     4,049,199         7     4,990,444         21     9,039,643         11

Others

     4,140,702         7     1,332,571         6     5,473,273         7
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Shareholders

     41,225,395         72     23,942,886         100     65,168,281         80
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

     Common     Preferred     Total  
     Shares      %     Shares      %     Shares      %  

Directors and officers

               

Paulo Guilherme Aguiar de Cunha

     10,654,109         19             0     10,654,109         13

Lucio de Castro Andrade Filho

     3,775,470         7             0     3,775,470         5

Pedro Wongtschowski

     1,606,301         3             0     1,606,301         2
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Directors and Officers

     16,035,880         28             0     16,035,880         20
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     57,261,275         100     23,942,886         100     81,204,161         100
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

All of the securities of Ultra S.A. are held in Brazil and there are 20 record holders of these securities in Brazil.

 

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Shareholders’ Agreements

Ultra S.A.’s shareholders executed, on February 24, 2014, a new shareholders’ agreement which became effective as of that date and replaced the Ultra S.A. Shareholders’ Agreement executed on 2011. The Ultra S.A. shareholders agreement’s main terms are substantially related to (i) the decision process of Ultra S.A.’s vote at Ultrapar’s shareholders meetings and (ii) procedures to exchange any party’s shares in Ultra S.A. into shares of Ultrapar, provided that the party’s percentage held in our capital remains the same percentage held indirectly through his or her interest in Ultra S.A. The terms and conditions of the new shareholders’ agreement are substantially the same as the previous shareholder’s agreement among the same parties effective since 2011, except, mainly, for the replacement of previous meetings among the agreeing parties for extraordinary shareholders’ meetings of Ultra S.A. to decide upon the vote of Ultra S.A. regarding certain matters in general shareholders’ meetings of Ultrapar. The 2014 Shareholders’ Agreement will be valid for a five-year term and is renewable by a unanimous resolution. It can be terminated prior to the expiration of its term by a resolution of 80% of Ultra S.A. voting shares. Additionally, in line with the 2011 Shareholders’ Agreement, the following provisions remain:

 

    any party purchasing shares of Ultra S.A. must agree to be bound by the terms of the 2014 Shareholders’ Agreement;

 

    the requirement for prior approval at a shareholders’ meeting for a third party to become an Ultra S.A. shareholder; and

 

    the obligation to the agreeing parties of the 2014 Shareholders’ Agreement to vote favorably at the extraordinary shareholders’ meeting of Ultra S.A. convened to discuss and approve the necessary actions for the exchange of any party’s shares in Ultra S.A. into our shares at an exchange ratio necessary to obtain the same percentage of our capital stock as was held in Ultra S.A.

See “Exhibit 2.13 – 2014 Ultra S.A. Shareholders’ Agreement, dated as of February 25, 2014.”

 

B. Related Party Transactions

As of December 31, 2015, Ultrapar is responsible for guarantees and securities provided to subsidiaries in the amount of R$4,370.0 million. This disclosure of related party transactions is provided for purposes of the rules governing Annual Reports on Form 20-F and is not meant to suggest that these matters would be considered related party transactions under IFRS.

Utingás’ bylaws provide for each of its shareholders to use a proportion of Utingás’ total storage capacity equal to such shareholder’s proportionate ownership of Utingás. Accordingly, Ultragaz is entitled to use 4.3 thousand tons of LPG storage capacity at Utingás’ facilities, reflecting Ultragaz’s 57% ownership in Utingás. The amount of payments made by Ultragaz to Utingás in 2015 with respect to the use of storage capacity at Utingás’ facilities totaled R$7.7 million.

See Note 8.a) to our consolidated financial statements for a detailed breakdown of related party transactions as of December 31, 2015.

 

C. Interests of Expert and Counsel

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information

For our consolidated financial statements and notes thereto see “Item 18. Financial Statements.”

 

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Dividends and Distribution Policy

Dividend policy

The bylaws of a Brazilian company may establish a minimum percentage of the profit that must be paid to shareholders as mandatory dividends. The amounts due as dividends may be paid as interest on net equity. Our bylaws provides for a mandatory distribution equal to 50% of the Distributable Amount (as defined below).

Brazilian Corporate Law defines the “net profit” as the results of the relevant fiscal year, reduced by accumulated losses of prior fiscal years, provisions for income tax and social contribution on the net profit for such fiscal year, and amounts allocated to employees’ and management’s participation on the results in such fiscal year.

The amount available for distribution of dividends, referred to as the “Distributable Amount,” is the net profit, as reduced or increased by the following:

 

    amounts allocated to the legal reserve;

 

    amounts allocated to the statutory reserve, if any;

 

    amounts allocated to the contingency reserve, if required;

 

    amounts allocated to the unrealized profit reserve;

 

    amounts allocated to the retained profit reserve;

 

    amounts allocated to the income tax exemption reserve;

 

    reversions of reserves registered in prior years, in accordance with Brazilian GAAP; and

 

    reversions of the amounts allocated to the unrealized profit reserve, when realized and not absorbed by losses.

Legal reserves. We are required to maintain a legal reserve to which we must allocate 5% of our net profit until the amount of our legal reserve equals 20% of paid-in capital. We are not required to make any allocations to the legal reserve for any fiscal year in which such reserve, when added to our capital reserves, exceeds 30% of our capital stock. Accumulated losses, if any, may be charged against the legal reserve. Other than that, the legal reserve can only be used to increase our capital.

Statutory reserves. Under Brazilian Corporate Law, any corporation may create statutory reserves, in which case it shall be provided in its respective bylaws. In this case, the bylaws must also indicate the reserve purpose, allocation criteria and maximum amount of reserve. As provided in our bylaws, we may allocate up to 45% of our net profit to an investment reserve, up to the limit of 100% of our capital stock.

Contingency reserves. Under Brazilian Corporate Law, our shareholders may decide, upon a proposal of our Board of Directors, to allocate a discretionary amount of our net profit to a contingency reserve for estimated future losses, which are deemed probable. The distributable amount may be further increased by the reversal of such reserve in the fiscal year when the reasons that justified the creation of such reserve cease to exist or in which the anticipated loss occurs. Accordingly, there is no specific percentage of net profit allocable to this type of reserve.

Unrealized profits reserves. Under Brazilian Corporate Law, when the mandatory dividend amount exceeds the realized net profits in a given fiscal year, our shareholders may elect, upon a proposal of our Board of Directors, to allocate some or all of the excess dividend amount to any unrealized profits reserve. Brazilian Corporate Law defines “realized” net profits as the amount by which the company’s net profits exceed the sum of (1) its net positive results, if any, from the equity method of accounting for earnings and losses of the company’s subsidiaries and certain of its affiliates and (2) the profits, gains or returns that will be received by the company after the end of the next fiscal year. The distributable amount is increased by the profits that were allocated to such reserve when they are realized.

Income tax exemption reserve. Under Brazilian Corporate Law, the portion of the net profit derived from donations or governmental incentives directed to investments, can be excluded of the Distributable Amount.

 

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Retained profits reserve. Under Brazilian Corporate Law, our shareholders may decide to retain a discretionary amount of our net profits that is provided for in a budget approved in the general shareholders’ meeting, upon the proposal of its Board of Directors, for the expansion of our installations and other investment projects. After the conclusion of the relevant investments, we may retain the reserve until the shareholders approve the transfer of the reserve, in full or in part, to its capital or to the accumulated profits reserve. In accordance with Brazilian Corporate Law, if a project to which part of the reserve has been allocated has a term exceeding one year, the budget for such project must be approved by the general shareholders’ meeting each fiscal year through the conclusion of the project.

Brazilian Corporate Law provides that all statutory allocations of net profit, including the unrealized profits reserve and the reserve for investment projects, are subject to approval by the shareholders voting at a general shareholders’ meeting and may be used for capital increases or for the payment of dividends in subsequent years. The legal reserve is also subject to approval by the general shareholders’ meeting and may be transferred to capital or used to absorb losses, but is not available for the payment of dividends in subsequent years.

The balance for the profit reserve accounts, except for the contingency reserve and unrealized profits reserve, may not exceed the share capital. If this happens, our shareholders must determine whether the excess will be applied to pay in the subscribed and unpaid capital, to increase and pay in the subscribed stock capital or to distribute dividends.

The profits unallocated to the accounts mentioned above must be distributed as dividends.

A company is permitted to allocate to the unrealized profits reserves all income from equity gains in subsidiaries that are not distributed to the company in the form of cash dividends. When such gains are distributed to the company in the form of cash dividends, the company is required to reverse the reserve. See “Item 3.D. Key Information — Risk Factors — Risks Relating to the Shares and the American Depositary Shares.” In addition to the mandatory distribution, the Board of Directors may recommend to the shareholders the payment of interim distributions from other funds that are legally available for such purposes. Any payment of an interim dividend may be set off against the amount of the mandatory dividend distribution for that fiscal year.

As an alternative form of payment of dividends, Brazilian companies may distribute interest on capital, which payments may be treated by a company as a deductible expense for income and social contribution taxes purposes. Payments of interest on capital may be made at the discretion of our Board of Directors, subject to the approval of the holders of our common shares. Payments of interest attributed to shareholders’ equity, net of withholding tax, may be distributed as part of the minimum mandatory dividends, to the extent that it does not exceed the limits described below. This interest is calculated in accordance with the daily pro rata variation of the Brazilian government’s long-term interest rate, (TJLP), as determined by the Central Bank from time to time, and cannot exceed the greater of:

 

    50% of net income (after the deduction of the social contribution on profits and before the provision for corporate income tax and the amounts attributable to shareholders as net interest on equity) related to the period in respect of which the payment is made; or

 

    50% of the sum of retained profits and profit reserves in the beginning of the period with respect to which the payment is made.

Under Brazilian Corporate Law, a company may suspend the mandatory distribution either in the form of dividends or payments of interest on capital if the shareholders at the general shareholders’ meeting determine, based on the Board of Directors’ proposal, which is reviewed by the fiscal council, that payment of the mandatory distribution for the preceding fiscal year would be inadvisable in light of the company’s financial condition. Our managers must report to the CVM such suspension within five days of the relevant general shareholders’ meeting. Under Brazilian law, mandatory distributions that are suspended and not offset against losses in future years must be paid as soon as the financial condition of the company permits.

We declare and pay dividends and/or interest on capital, pursuant to Brazilian Corporate Law and our bylaws. Our Board of Directors may approve the distribution of dividends and/or interest on capital, calculated based on our annual or semi-annual financial statements or on financial statements relating to shorter periods. The amount of any distributions will depend on a series of factors, such as our financial condition, prospects, macroeconomic conditions, tariff adjustments, regulatory changes, growth strategies and other issues our Board of Directors and our shareholders may consider relevant.

 

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The amount of retention of profits and investments reserve are free of distribution restrictions and totaled R$3.3 billion as of December 31, 2015 (R$2.8 billion as of December 31, 2014).

For 2015 and 2014, we declared dividends to our shareholders in the amounts of R$871 million and R$779 million, respectively, corresponding to 58% and 62% of our reported net income for each year, respectively.

We usually pay dividends twice a year – interim dividends are paid after the reporting of the second quarter financial statements and the remaining is paid after the reporting of the annual financial statements.

The following table sets forth the dividends per share distributed by us with respect to our capital stock in the past five years.

Dividend history

 

Year’s results

   Common
shares
 
     (in Reais per
share)
     (in US$ per
share)(1)
 

2011

     0.98         0.59   

2012

     1.17         0.60   

2013

     1.37         0.58   

2014

     1.42         0.53   

2015

     1.60         0.44   

 

(1)  The amounts in Reais have been converted into dollars using the exchange rates at each respective payment date.

Holders of our shares are entitled to receive dividends declared by us solely from the date of the subscription and/or acquisition of such shares.

Payment of dividends. Within the four months following the end of each fiscal year, our shareholders are required to hold an annual shareholders’ meeting to decide, among other things, on the allocation of our net profits with respect to the fiscal year ended immediately prior to the shareholders’ meeting and the payment of an annual dividend. Additionally, interim dividends may be declared by our Board of Directors. Under Brazilian Corporate Law, dividends are generally required to be paid within 60 days following the date the dividend was declared, unless a shareholders’ resolution sets forth another date of payment, which, in either case, must occur prior to the end of the fiscal year in which such dividend was declared. Unclaimed dividends revert to us three years after the date when we begin to pay such declared dividends.

Shareholders who are not residents of Brazil must register with the Central Bank to have dividends, sales proceeds or other amounts with respect to their shares eligible to be remitted in foreign currency outside of Brazil. The shares underlying the ADSs will be held in Brazil by the Custodian, Itaú Corretora de Valores S.A., as agent for the Depositary. For purposes of the registration requirement, the Depositary is deemed to be the stockholder of the shares underlying the ADSs. The Depositary will register such common shares with the Central Bank.

 

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Payments of cash dividends and distributions, if any, will be made in Brazilian currency to the Custodian on behalf of the Depositary. The Custodian will then convert such proceeds into U.S. dollars and will cause such U.S. dollars to be delivered to the Depositary for distribution to holders of ADSs. See “Description of American Depositary Receipts” in our Registration Statement filed on Form F-1, declared effective on April 12, 2005. In the event that the Custodian is unable to convert immediately the Brazilian currency received as dividends into U.S. dollars, the amount of U.S. dollars payable to holders of ADSs may be adversely affected by devaluations of the Brazilian currency that may occur before such dividends are converted and remitted. See “Item 3.A. Key Information — Selected Consolidated Financial Data — Exchange Rates” and “Item 3.D. Key Information — Risk factors — Risks Relating to Brazil.” Dividends in respect of the shares paid to shareholders who are not Brazilian residents, including holders of ADSs, are exempt from Brazilian withholding tax except for dividends declared based on profits generated prior to December 31, 1995. Distributions of interest attributable to shareholders’ equity are currently subject to withholding tax at a rate of 15%, or 25% in the case of a shareholder domiciled in a “tax haven”. See “Item 10.E. Additional Information — Taxation — Brazilian Tax Consequences.”

Legal proceedings

Provisions for tax, civil and labor risks. We are party to administrative proceedings and lawsuits in relation to tax, civil, environmental, regulatory and labor matters, that are incidental to the normal course of our business, and whenever applicable, the Company maintains escrow deposits. The provisions for the losses related to those suits are based in the opinion of the legal departments of the Company and its subsidiaries and also of its legal advisors, being estimated and updated by the administration.

The following chart summarizes our provisions by kind as of December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014:

 

Provisions

   2014      Additions      Write-offs     Monetary
restatement
    2015  
     (in millions of Reais)  

IRPJ and CSLL

     406.5         —           —          33.4        439.9   

PIS and COFINS

     119.2         —           —          16.6        135.8   

ICMS

     20.8         —           (3.5     (0.7     16.6   

Social security

     10.5         0.3         (0.2     0.9        11.5   

Civil, environmental and regulatory claims

     58.3         6.7         (4.9     0.1        60.3   

Labor litigation

     71.5         6.3         (13.7     1.2        65.4   

Others

     0.6         0.0         (0.0     0.0        0.5   

Total

     687.4         13.3         (22.3     51.5        730.0   

Some of the provisions above involve escrow deposits in the amount of R$548.1 million as of December 31, 2015 (R$505.6 million as of December 31, 2014).

Social Security and tax provisions. On October 7, 2005, our subsidiaries Cia Ultragaz and Bahiana were granted with a preliminary injunction issued in a writ of mandamus, which aims at recognizing their right to ascertain PIS and COFINS credits upon LPG purchases and offset then against other taxes collected by the Brazilian Federal Revenue Service, specially IRPJ and CSLL. The preliminary decision was confirmed by the 1st instance decision, issued on May 16, 2008. Given the preliminary injunction, the subsidiaries made judicial escrow deposits in relation to the debts discussed in such lawsuit (and registered the corresponding liability). The current amount of the judicial deposits is of R$422.7 million, updated to December 31, 2015 (R$388.7 million as of December 31, 2014). The 1st instance decision was revoked by the Court of Appeals on July 18, 2014 and, since then, the subsidiaries suspended the escrow deposits and have been collecting the IRPJ and CSLL. In order to reassure their right of making escrow deposits, the subsidiaries filed a writ of prevention that was defeated on December 30, 2014.The subsidiaries appealed against such decision on February 3, 2015. In what concerns to the merits of the case, the subsidiaries presented the relevant appeals before the Brazilian Superior Court of Justice and Brazilian Supreme Court (STJ and STF), but the final decision yet have not been issued.

 

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The subsidiaries Oxiteno S.A., Oxiteno Nordeste, Cia Ultragaz, Tequimar, Tropical, EMCA, IPP and Extrafarma filed a writ of mandamus seeking for the recognition of their right to deduct the ICMS from their PIS and COFINS tax basis. Oxiteno Nordeste and IPP obtained the right to ‘pay’ the challenged amounts into escrow deposits through an injunction, and recognized a corresponding provision in the amount of R$99.9 million as of December 31, 2015 (R$92.5 million as of December 31, 2014).

Civil, environmental and regulatory provisions. Certain subsidiaries are engaged in lawsuits and administrative proceedings, mainly derived from contracts entered into with customers and former suppliers, as well as proceedings related to environmental issues. The company and its subsidiaries maintained total provisions of R$60.3 million as of December 31, 2015 (R$58.3 million as of December 31, 2014) for such lawsuits and administrative proceedings.

Labor provisions. The Company and its subsidiaries maintain provisions of R$65.4 million as of December 31, 2015 (R$71.5 million as of December 31, 2014) for labor litigation filed by former employees and by employees of our service providers mainly contesting the non-payment of labor rights.

Contingent liabilities. The company and its subsidiaries are party into tax, civil, environmental, regulatory and labor proceedings which loss prognosis is evaluated as ‘possible’ (loss chances up to 50%) by their legal departments and external advisors as well. Based on this assessment, those suits have no provisions in the financial reports. The total amount involved in these cases is R$2.07 billion as of December 31, 2015.

Tax and social security contingent liabilities. The Company and its subsidiaries have tax and social security contingent liabilities of R$1.26 billion as of December 31, 2015, as stated below.

The subsidiary IPP has assessments invalidating the offset of IPI credits in connection with the purchase of raw materials used in the manufacturing of products which sales are not subject to IPI due to tax immunity. The non-provisioned amount of this contingency in 2015 was R$154.8 million.

In addition, Ipiranga has legal proceedings related to ICMS matters. The total amount involved as at December 31, 2015, was R$509.6 million. Such proceedings arise mostly (i) of the disregard of ICMS credits amounting to R$294.5 million, of which R$119.7 million refers to proportional reversal requirement of ICMS credits related to the acquisition of hydrated alcohol; (ii) of alleged non-payment in the amount of R$105.1 million; (iii) inventory differences in the amount of R$103.4 million related to the leftovers or faults occurred in function of temperature changes or product handling, and (iv) noncompliance of ancillary obligations in the amount of R$6.7 million.

The Company and its subsidiaries are party into administrative and judicial suits involving Income Tax, Social Security Contribution, PIS and COFINS, substantially about denials for offset claims and credits disallowance which total amount is R$308.4 million as of December 31, 2015.

Civil, environmental and regulatory contingent liabilities. The Company and its subsidiaries have civil, environmental and regulatory contingent liabilities in the total amount of R$583.0 million as of December 31, 2015, as stated below.

The subsidiary Cia Ultragaz is party to an administrative proceeding before CADE (Conselho Administrativo de Defesa Econômica), the Brazilian antitrust authority, based on alleged anti-competitive practices in the State of Minas Gerais in 2001. In 2009, the CADE entered a decision against Cia Ultragaz imposing a penalty of R$23.1 million. The imposition of the administrative decision was suspended by a court order and its merit is being judicially reviewed. Based on the above elements and on the opinion of its legal counsel, the management of the subsidiary did not record a provision for this contingency.

 

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Additionally, certain former shareholders of RPR, CBPI and DPPI filed two lawsuits in the States of São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro questioning the Share Exchange in connection with the acquisition of the Ipiranga Group in order to prevent the Company’s shareholders’ meeting that would deliberate on the Share Exchange from taking place. Decisions by administrative and judicial courts stated that there were no legal grounds for the request. Based on such administrative and court decisions, the Share Exchange was approved by the shareholders’ meeting of the companies on December 18, 2007. The lawsuit filed in the State of Rio de Janeiro terminated as a result of loss of interest to sue, due to the sale of the correspondent shareholding at Ultrapar. Regarding the lawsuit filed in the state of São Paulo, the former Ipiranga shareholders that filed the suit appealed against the decision issued and the court of appeals rejected this appeal and maintained the lower court’s decision. Nonetheless, such former shareholders filed a special appeal against such decision, which was also not admitted by the court of appeals. Against this specific decision on non-admittance, they filed an interlocutory appeal to forcibly refer the case records to the Brazilian High Court of Justice, where both admission and merits of the special appeal will be judged. In 2011, a new lawsuit in the State of Rio de Janeiro was filed by some of these former shareholders, questioning aspects of the Share Exchange. This new lawsuit is still pending a lower court decision. The Company has not recorded any provision for these lawsuits in its financial statements.

Labor contingent liabilities. The Company and its subsidiaries have labor contingent liabilities in the total amount of R$225.2 million as of December 31, 2015, as mentioned below.

In 1990, the Petrochemical Industry Labor Union (Sindiquímica), of which the employees of Oxiteno Nordeste and EMCA, companies located in the Camaçari Petrochemical Complex, are members, filed separate lawsuits against the subsidiaries demanding the compliance with the fourth section of the collective labor agreement, which provided for a salary adjustment in lieu of the salary policies practiced. In the same year, a collective labor dispute was also filed by the Union of Employers (SINPEQ) against Sindiquímica, requiring the recognition of the loss of effectiveness of such fourth section. Individual claims were rejected. The collective bargain agreement is currently pending trial by STF. In the second half of 2010, some companies in the Camaçari Petrochemical Complex signed an agreement with Sindiquímica and reported the fact in the collective bargain agreement dispute. Based on the opinion of their legal advisors that reviewed the latest STF decision in the collective bargain agreement dispute as well as the final judgement of the individual claims involving the subsidiaries Oxiteno Nordeste and EMCA, the management of such subsidiaries believed that it was not necessary to recognize a provision as of December 31, 2015.

Antitrust matters

Acquisition of American Chemical. The acquisition of 100% of the shares of American Chemical by Oxiteno was duly submitted to the antitrust authorities on June 18, 2012. A non-binding opinion of the General Superintendence of CADE was issued on April 19, 2013 recommending disapproval of the transaction. However, on November 20, 2013, the plenary session of CADE voted unanimously to approve the transaction, subject to the execution of a Performance Commitment Agreement (Termo de Compromisso de Desempenho), setting forth certain business conduct obligations in relation to the acquired company for a period of five years as from the date of the execution of the TCD.

Acquisition of Extrafarma. The merger of shares (incorporação de ações), of Extrafarma with Ultrapar, pursuant to which Ultrapar acquired all of the shares of Extrafarma and Extrafarma became our wholly-owned subsidiary, was duly submitted to the antitrust authorities on October 11, 2013. On October 25, 2013, CADE approved the transaction, which closed on January 31, 2014.

Acquisition of Certain Assets of Servgás. The acquisition of certain assets of Servgás Distribuidora de Gás S.A. by Cia Ultragaz S.A. was duly submitted to the antitrust authorities on October 22, 2015. On November 19, 2015, CADE approved the transaction, which closed on December 5, 2015.

 

B. Significant Changes

None.

 

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ITEM 9. THE OFFER AND LISTING

 

A. Offer and Listing Details

The table below sets forth, for the indicated periods, the high and low closing prices of the ADSs on NYSE, in U.S. dollars, and the shares on the São Paulo Stock Exchange, in Reais:

 

     New York Stock Exchange      São Paulo Stock Exchange  
     High      Low      Volume(1)      High      Low      Volume(1)  
     (in US$ per ADS)      (in Reais per share)(2)  

Year ended

           

December 31, 2011

     18.70         14.83         350,892         32.50         23.54         879,910   

December 31, 2012

     24.02         17.75         496,314         49.00         32.01         812,998   

December 31, 2013

     27.73         21.39         339,862         60.20         45.28         972,171   

December 31, 2014

     26.18         17.80         393,511         58.40         48.30         1,270,075   

December 31, 2015

     24.50         15.25         554,041         73.85         49.00         1,576,482   

Year ended December 31, 2014

                 

First quarter

     24.13         20.99         343,811         54.91         50.05         1,245,149   

Second quarter

     26.18         23.34         304,209         58.40         52.60         1,158,987   

Third quarter

     25.61         21.12         361,089         57.75         51.10         1,215,078   

Fourth quarter

     22.18         17.80         561,209         56.00         48.30         1,459,760   

Year ended December 31, 2015

                 

First quarter

     20.88         17.80         449,955         64.83         49.00         1,684,418   

Second quarter

     24.50         20.74         441,078         73.85         65.70         1,503,695   

Third quarter

     21.70         15.54         657,291         70.89         59.71         1,485,663   

Fourth quarter

     18.81         15.25         661,194         69.89         60.45         1,637,622   

Month ended

                 

November 30, 2015

     18.81         16.00         653,970         69.44         62.73         1,818,526   

December 31, 2015

     17.26         15.25         604,632         65.34         60.45         1,517,490   

January 31, 2016

     14.95         13.14         655,581         59.38         54.35         1,639,958   

February 29, 2016

     15.71         14.14         519,265         62.85         56.77         1,308,842   

March 31, 2016

     19.62         16.22         571,408         71.00         64.00         1,712,850   

April 30, 2016 (through April 25)

     20.93         18.75         486,029         73.71         68.04         1,396,013   

 

(1)  Average daily — number of shares.
(2)  Common shares, with respect to any period on or after the Conversion, which was concluded on August 17, 2011, or preferred shares, with respect to any period prior to the Conversion. See “Item 4.A. Information on the Company — History and Development of the Company.”

 

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The prices and volumes are retroactively adjusted for the stock split described under “Item 4.A. Information on the Company — History and Development of the Company.”

 

B. Plan of Distribution

Not applicable.

 

C. Markets

Our shares are listed on the São Paulo Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “UGPA3” and the ADSs are listed on NYSE under the symbol “UGP”.

 

D. Selling Shareholders

Not applicable.

 

E. Dilution

Not applicable.

 

F. Expenses of the Issue

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 10. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 

A. Share Capital

Not applicable.

 

B. Memorandum and Bylaws

We are registered with the commercial registry of the state of São Paulo under the registration number 35,300,109,724. Pursuant to chapter I, article 3 of our bylaws, our main corporate purpose is the investment of our capital in the trade, industry and agriculture sectors and in companies providing services, through the subscription for or acquisition of shares or quotas in other companies.

General

Set forth below is a summary of selected significant provisions of our bylaws and the Brazilian Corporate Law, the rules and regulations of the CVM and the Novo Mercado listing segment of BM&FBOVESPA regarding certain corporate matters in force since the completion of the Conversion. This description does not purport to be complete and is qualified by reference to our bylaws, Brazilian Corporate Law, the rules and regulations of CVM and the rules of the Novo Mercado.

 

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In connection with the Conversion, at the extraordinary shareholders’ meeting and the special preferred shareholders’ meeting, both held on June 28, 2011, our shareholders approved (i) the conversion of all preferred shares into common shares at a ratio of one preferred share for one common share; (ii) changes to and consolidation of our bylaws; (iii) the Company’s adherence to the rules of the Novo Mercado of the BM&FBOVESPA; and (iv) the confirmation that the new provisions related to the rights of all Company’s shareholders in the event of a sale of control of the Company, pursuant to its new bylaws and the Novo Mercado regulations, are equivalent to the provisions of the Ultra S.A. shareholders’ agreement dated as of March 22, 2000. Such decisions became effective on the date the shares issued by the Company were admitted to trade at the Novo Mercado of the BM&FBOVESPA.

As a result of the Conversion, all preferred shares were converted into common shares. Therefore, certain rights granted to preferred shareholders by Brazilian law or our previous bylaws no longer apply, such as, for example, the priority in capital distribution in the event of our liquidation. Also, due to our new capital structure, other shareholders’ rights are currently not applicable, for instance, the right to separate elections for the Board of Directors and Fiscal Council. On the other hand, common shareholders are entitled to voting rights in any matter. See “Item 14. Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds.”

Since our shares are listed on the Novo Mercado, we are required to comply with heightened requirements for corporate governance. In addition, we are not permitted to issue preferred shares or any shares with restricted voting rights while listed on the Novo Mercado pursuant to the rules of the Novo Mercado and our bylaws.

Description of Capital Stock

As of December 31, 2015 our subscribed and paid-in capital stock consisted of 556,405,096 common shares, all of which have equal voting and equity rights, with no par value.

Voting Rights

Each common share entitles its holder to one vote at the matters of the shareholders’ meetings, in accordance with the Brazilian Corporate Law, our bylaws and the Novo Mercado regulations. For more detailed information with respect to the voting rights of our common shares see our Form 8-A filed with the SEC on August 15, 2011 in the section “Description of Capital Stock—Shareholders’ Meetings.”

Deregistration as Publicly-Held Company

We may only deregister as a publicly-held company if such deregistration is approved by a majority of the shareholders present at a shareholders’ meeting and we, our controlling shareholders or a group of controlling shareholders conduct a public tender offer for the acquisition of all of our outstanding shares in accordance with the provisions of Brazilian Corporate Law, the CVM rules and regulations, the Novo Mercado regulation and our bylaws, in which case we would become a privately-held company. The price offered for such outstanding shares must at least correspond to the economic value of such shares as set forth in the respective appraisal report issued by a specialized institution, paid for by the offeror.

The specialized institution must have proven experience and it must be independent with respect to the Company’s decision making power, our Board of Directors, our executive officers and any controlling shareholder. The institution will be chosen at the shareholders’ meeting from a list of three alternatives submitted by the Board of Directors. The institution will be chosen by a majority vote of the shareholders representing the free float present at such shareholders’ meeting, not counting blank votes. The shareholders’ meeting, if convened on first call, must have shareholders representing at least 20% of the entire free float in attendance. If convened on second call, the shareholders’ meeting may have any number of shareholders representing the free float in attendance.

 

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Shareholders holding at least 10 percent of the free float of our shares may require our management to call a special shareholders’ meeting to determine whether to perform another valuation using the same or a different valuation method. This request must be made within 15 days following the disclosure of the price to be paid for the shares in the public tender offer. If the new valuation price is lower than the original valuation price, the shareholders making such request as well as those who vote in its favor must reimburse the Company for any costs incurred in preparing the new valuation. If the new valuation price is higher than the original valuation price, the public tender offer must be made at the higher price.

If a transaction which results in our deregistration as publicly-held company is approved and there is no controlling shareholders or group of controlling shareholders, then the shareholders at the meeting approving such delisting will determine the persons responsible for launching the tender offer.

Withdrawal from the Novo Mercado

We may at any time withdraw the Company from the Novo Mercado, pursuant to majority shareholder approval at a shareholders’ meeting and with 30-day prior notice to BM&FBOVESPA. The withdrawal from the Novo Mercado does not necessarily result in our deregistration as a publicly-held company on the BM&FBOVESPA.

Pursuant to our bylaws, the withdrawal from the Novo Mercado approved by the shareholders’ present at a shareholders’ meeting, by the controlling shareholders or a group of controlling shareholders (including if the withdrawal is a result of the approval of a corporate reorganization) will be conditioned upon the launching of a mandatory tender offer for the acquisition of our remaining shares by such shareholders at a price at least equal to the economic value of such shares as set forth in the respective valuation report issued by a specialized institution.

If there is no controlling shareholder, the shareholders who approve the withdrawal from the Novo Mercado will determine the persons responsible for carrying out the tender offer among those present at the shareholders’ meeting. If no such persons are determined, in case of a corporate reorganization in which the securities of the Company resulting from such reorganization are not admitted for trading in the Novo Mercado, the shareholders having voted in favor of the corporate reorganization shall carry out the referred offer.

If the Company is withdrawn from the Novo Mercado as a result of a violation of the rules of the Novo Mercado, the controlling shareholders will be required to carry out a tender offer for the remaining shares at a price that corresponds to at least the economic value of such shares as set forth in an appraisal report prepared by a specialized institution. If there are no controlling shareholders, the tender offer shall be carried out by those shareholders who voted in favor of the resolution that resulted in the violation of the rules of the Novo Mercado. If, however, the violation results from management action or fact, our management must call a shareholders’ meeting for the purpose of taking the necessary actions to remedy the breach of its Novo Mercado obligations or to approve the delisting. In the event the shareholders approve the Company’s delisting from the Novo Mercado, the shareholders’ must determine the persons responsible for carrying out the public tender offer. The appointment of the institutions responsible for preparing reports as mentioned above will comply with the same procedures applicable to a going private transaction. See “—Deregistration as a Publicly-Held Company.”

According to the rules of the Novo Mercado, in the event of a transfer of our shareholding control within 12 months following our delisting from the Novo Mercado, the selling controlling shareholders and the acquirer must offer to acquire the remaining shares for the same price and terms offered to the selling controlling shareholders, adjusted for inflation.

If our shares are delisted from the Novo Mercado, we will not be permitted to rejoin the Novo Mercado for a period of two years after the delisting date, unless there is a change in the Company’s control following our delisting.

Sale of Control

In the event of a direct or indirect sale of the Company’s corporate control, through a single or series of transactions, the acquirer must conduct a public tender offer to buy all of the shares held by the remaining shareholders in order to ensure equal treatment of all shareholders (tag-along right). Such right has been provided to Ultrapar’s shareholders since March 22, 2000, in accordance with the terms of the Ultra S.A. shareholders’ agreement signed on the same date, which has since then been rescinded and replaced by our bylaws. The tender offer is subject to applicable laws, our bylaws and the rules of the Novo Mercado.

 

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A public tender offer is also required when there is an assignment for consideration of share subscription rights or rights of other securities convertible into our shares, which results in the transfer of control of the Company. In such a case, the acquiring shareholder must (i) complete a public tender offer for the acquisition of our remaining shares on the same terms and conditions offered to the selling shareholder and (ii) reimburse the counterparties from whom it has acquired our shares on the stock exchange in the six-month period preceding the transaction which resulted in a change in control. The reimbursement amount corresponds to the positive difference between the price paid to the selling shareholder in the transaction that resulted in a change of control and the adjusted price paid in the transactions carried out on the BM&FBOVESPA during this six-month period, as adjusted by the SELIC rate up until the payment date.

The acquirer of our corporate control, if applicable, must take all necessary measures to reconstitute the minimum 25% free float within six months of the acquisition.

The controlling shareholder may not transfer our shares held by it to the purchaser of control of the Company, and we may not register the transfer of such shares, if the purchaser fails to execute the terms of consent of the rules of the Novo Mercado and the arbitration regulation established by the BM&FBOVESPA.

Acquisition of a Relevant Interest

Any person, regardless of whether he/she is a shareholder, which, on his/her own account or acting jointly with another person, acquires our shares, through a single transaction or a series of successive transactions, representing 20% or more of our capital stock, is required to make a tender offer for the acquisition of the shares held by the remaining shareholders at a price equal to the highest value per share paid by him/her in the preceding six months, adjusted pursuant to the SELIC rate. Such persons will not be required to carry out a public tender offer in the event they timely and cumulatively sell on a stock exchange the number of our shares that exceeds such thresholds, within 30 days from the date they provide notice to the Company of their intent to make such sales. In addition, the requirement to carry out a public tender offer will not apply in the event any shareholder or group of shareholders hold more than 50% of our capital stock at the time of acquisition of the relevant interest.

Public Tender Offers

A single public tender offer may be made for more than one of the purposes provided for in our bylaws, the rules of the Novo Mercado, Brazilian Corporate Law or in the regulations issued by the CVM, provided that the procedures used in conducting the public tender offer are compatible with all requirements of each distinct public tender offer, the public tender offerees do not suffer any damages and the authorization of the CVM is obtained, when required by applicable law.

 

C. Material Contracts

2014 Ultra S.A. Shareholders’ Agreement

Ultra S.A.’s shareholders executed, on February 24, 2014, a new shareholders’ agreement which became effective as of that date and replaced the Ultra S.A. shareholders’ agreement executed in April, 2011. The Ultra S.A. shareholders agreement’s main terms are substantially related to (i) the decision process of Ultra S.A.’s vote at Ultrapar’s shareholders meetings and (ii) procedures to exchange shares in Ultra S.A. into shares of Ultrapar. The terms and conditions of the new shareholders’ agreement are substantially the same as the previous shareholder’s agreement among the same parties effective since 2011, except, mainly, for the replacement of preliminary meetings among the agreeing parties for extraordinary shareholders’ meetings of Ultra S.A. to decide upon the vote of Ultra S.A. regarding certain matters in general shareholders’ meetings of Ultrapar. The 2014 Shareholders’ Agreement will be valid for a five-year term and is renewable by a unanimous resolution. It can be terminated prior to the expiration of its term by a resolution of 80% of Ultra S.A. voting shares. See “Item 7.A. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions — Major Shareholders — Shareholders’ Agreements” and “Exhibit 2.13 – 2014 Ultra S.A. Shareholders’ Agreement, dated as of February 24, 2014.”

 

153


Association and Other Covenants Agreement – Extrafarma

On September 30, 2013, Ultrapar, Extrafarma, Paulo Correa Lazera, Katia Correa Lazera, Pedro José Correa Lazera, Roberto Correa Lazera, Tania Lazera Lima Paes, Tereza Lazera Kemp and Sandra Correa Lazera, each individual being a former shareholder of Extrafarma entered into an Association and Other Covenants Agreement to effect the merger of shares (incorporação de ações) of Extrafarma with Ultrapar. See “Exhibit 4.17 – Summary of the Association and Other Covenants Agreement, dated September 30, 2013.”

Notes in the foreign market

In December 20, 2005, the subsidiary LPG International issued US$250 million in notes in the international market, with the aim of lengthening the Company’s debt profile, financing possible acquisitions and other corporate purposes. The notes had a coupon of 7.3% per annum paid semiannually. The notes were settled by LPG at their maturity date.

BNDES

Ultrapar has financing from BNDES (Brazilian National Development Bank) for some of its investments. As of December 31, 2015, such line of credit with BNDES totaled R$1.6 billion, of which R$0.4 billion had been drawn down.

The loans under this credit agreement bear mainly an annual interest of TJLP plus an additional rate that varies according to each subsidiary. The credit line agreement contains certain financial ratio covenants and limits on permitted usages of the borrowed amounts (which are limited to certain fixed asset and working capital expenditures). In addition, the subsidiaries may redeem the debt prior to the maturity date, but will be subject to the payment of certain premiums.

Debentures

In December 2012, the subsidiary IPP made its first issuance of R$600 million in public debentures, which mature in November 2017 and bear interest at 107.9% of CDI, with principal due at maturity. The proceeds from this issuance were used for general corporate purposes, in order to strengthen its cash position and lengthen its debt profile, providing greater financial flexibility.

In January 2014, the subsidiary IPP made its second issuance of R$800 million in public debentures, which mature in December 2018 and bear interest at 107.9% of CDI, with principal due at maturity. The proceeds from this issuance were used to lengthen its debt profile, providing greater financial flexibility.

In March 2015, Ultrapar completed its fifth issuance of debentures in a single series of 800 simple, nonconvertible into shares, unsecured debentures. The proceeds of the issuance were used to redeem 800 debentures from the fourth issuance, at the final maturity date. The terms of the fifth issuance of debentures are substantially the same of those of the fourth issuance, except for the maturity date, which is March 16, 2018.

For more information on our debentures, see “Item 5.B. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects — Liquidity and Capital Resources — Indebtedness.”

Banco do Brasil

Our subsidiary IPP entered into several loan agreements with Banco do Brasil S.A. to finance the marketing, processing or manufacturing of agricultural goods (particularly ethanol). The loan agreements contain certain financial penalties for failure to make required payments, limits on permitted usages of the borrowed amounts (which are linked to certain agricultural products expenditures) and loan acceleration clauses. In addition, these agreements contain cross default clauses, requiring the principal and accrued interest to be paid in full for certain events.

 

154


For further detail on financial instruments of Ultrapar and its subsidiaries, see Note 30 to our consolidated financial statements and “Item 4.A. Information on the Company — History and Development of the Company — Recent Developments.”

Other material contracts are described in other sections of this report

For information regarding our contract with Braskem relating to the supply of ethylene, see “Item 4.B. Information on the Company — Business Overview — Petrochemicals and Chemicals — Oxiteno — Raw materials” and “Item 5.F. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects — Tabular Disclosure of Contractual Obligations.”

 

D. Exchange Controls

There are no restrictions on ownership of our common shares by individual or legal entities domiciled outside Brazil. However, the right to convert dividend payments and proceeds from the sale of our shares into foreign currency and to remit such amounts abroad is subject to restrictions under foreign investment legislation which generally require, among other things, that the relevant investment be registered with the Central Bank and the CVM.

Foreign investors may register their investment in our shares under Law 4,131, dated as of September 3, 1962, as amended, or Resolution 4,373, dated as of September 29, 2014 (which replaced Resolution 2,689, dated of January 26, 2000). Registration under Resolution 4,373 affords favorable tax treatment to non-Brazilian investors who are not residents in a “tax haven” jurisdiction (i.e. countries that do not impose income tax or where the maximum income tax rate is lower than 20%), as defined by Brazilian tax laws.

Under Resolution 4,373, investments of non-Brazilian investors shall be made in Brazil pursuant to the same instruments and operational modalities available to the investors resident or domiciled in Brazil. The definition of non-Brazilian investor includes individuals, legal entities, funds and other collective investment entities, resident, domiciled or headquartered abroad.

Pursuant to Resolution 4,373, among the requirements applicable to the investment of a non-Brazilian investor in the Brazilian financial and capital marker, such investor must:

 

    appoint at least one representative in Brazil, which must be a financial institution or other institution authorized by the Central Bank of Brazil to operate. The local representative appointed by the foreign investor shall be responsible for performing and keeping updated the registration of the investments made by the foreign investor with the Central Bank of Brazil, as well as the registration of the foreign investor with the CVM;

 

    obtain a registry as foreign investor with the CVM, through the representative appointed pursuant to item (i) above; and

 

    establish or contract one or more custodians authorized by CVM to perform custody activities.

Securities and other financial assets held by non-Brazilian investors pursuant to Resolution 4,373 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 with clearing houses or other entities that provide services of registration, clearing and settlement duly licensed by the Brazilian Central Bank or the CVM. In the case of Depositary Receipts (DRs), the record must be made by the Brazilian custodian entity on behalf of the foreign depositary institution.

For purposes of the mandatory registration with the Central Bank of Brazil of foreign investments in the Brazilian financial and capital markets, Resolution 4,373 expressly provides that simultaneous foreign exchange transactions (i.e. without effective transfer of funds) shall be required in specific situations, including (i) conversion of credits held by foreign investors in Brazil into foreign investment in Brazilian companies; (ii) transfer of investments made in depositary receipts into foreign direct investments (or investimento externo direto) or investments in the Brazilian financial and capital markets; and (iii) transfer of investments in the Brazilian financial and capital markets into foreign direct investments.

 

155


In addition, Resolution 4,373 does not allow foreign investors to perform investments outside of organized markets, except as expressly authorized by CVM through specific regulation. Pursuant to CVM Rule 560/15, the exceptions for investments outside of organized markets include subscription, stock bonus, initial purchase offers and the exercise of put options due to initial purchase offers, among others.

Foreign investors must be registered with the Brazilian internal Revenue Service (“Receita Federal”) pursuant to the Nominative Instruction 1,470, dated as of May 30, 2014. This registration process is undertaken by the investor’s legal representative in Brazil.

Resolution 4,373 provides that foreign investors may invest in the financial and capital markets in Brazil, including by means of the issuance of depositary receipts in foreign markets in respect of shares of Brazilian issuers.

The right to convert dividend payments and proceeds from the sale of our shares into foreign currency and to remit such amounts outside Brazil is subject to restrictions under foreign investment legislation which generally requires, among other things, that the relevant investment be registered with the Central Bank. Restrictions on the remittance of foreign capital abroad could hinder or prevent the custodian for the shares represented by ADSs, or holders who have exchanged ADSs for shares, from converting dividends, distributions or the proceeds from any sale of shares, as the case may be, into U.S. dollars and remitting such U.S. dollars abroad. Delays in, or refusal to, granting the required government approval for conversions of Brazilian currency payments and remittances abroad could adversely affect holders of ADSs.

We have obtained a certificate of registration in the name of The Bank of New York, the depositary. Pursuant to this certificate, the custodian and the depositary are able to convert dividends and other distributions with respect to the shares represented by ADSs into foreign currency and to remit the proceeds outside Brazil. If a holder exchanges ADSs for shares, such holder may continue to rely on the depositary’s certificate of capital registration for only five business days after such exchange. After that, such holder must seek to register its investment directly with the Central Bank. Thereafter, unless the holder has registered its investment with the Central Bank, such holder may not convert into foreign currency and remit outside Brazil the proceeds from the disposition of, or distributions with respect to, such shares. Such holder generally will be subject to less favorable Brazilian tax treatment than a holder of ADSs.

As from 2005, the National Monetary Council enacted new regulations allowing, subject to certain procedures and specific regulatory provisions, the purchase and sale of foreign currency and the international transfer of Reais by a person or legal entity, without limitation of the amount involved, provided that the transaction is legal and has economic grounds (as evidenced by documents presented by the Brazilian person or legal entity).

Under Brazilian law, whenever there is a serious imbalance in Brazil’s balance of payments or reasons to foresee a serious imbalance, the Brazilian government may impose temporary restriction on the remittance of foreign currency abroad and on the conversion of Brazilian currency into foreign currencies. Such restrictions may hinder or prevent the custodian or holders who have exchanged ADSs for underlying shares from converting distributions or the proceeds from any sale of such shares, as the case may be, into U.S. dollars and remitting such U.S. dollars abroad.

 

E. Taxation

This description does not purport to be a comprehensive description of all of the tax considerations that may be relevant to any particular investor, including tax considerations that arise from rules of general application to all taxpayers or to certain classes of investors or that are generally assumed to be known by investors.

 

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This summary is based upon tax laws of Brazil and the United States as of the date of this annual report, which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect, and to differing interpretations. Investors who hold our shares and ADSs should consult their own tax advisors as to the Brazilian, United States or other tax considerations relating to the ownership and disposition of shares or ADSs, including, in particular, the effect of any non U.S., state or local tax laws.

The tax considerations described below do not take into account the effects of a possible future income tax treaty between Brazil and the United States. We cannot assure you as to whether or when an income tax treaty will enter into force or how it will affect U.S. Holders (as defined below) of our shares or ADSs.

This summary does not address any tax issues that affect solely the Company, such as deductibility of expenses.

Brazilian Tax Consequences

General. The following discussion summarizes the main Brazilian tax considerations relating to the ownership and disposal of our shares or ADSs, as the case may be, by a holder that is not domiciled in Brazil for purposes of Brazilian taxation and, in the case of shares, has registered its investment in such securities with the Central Bank as a direct investment (in each case, a “Non-Brazilian Holder”). The following discussion does not address all of the Brazilian tax considerations applicable to any particular Non-Brazilian Holder. Therefore, each Non-Brazilian Holder should consult his or her own tax advisors concerning the Brazilian tax considerations relating to an investment in our shares or ADSs.

Provisory Measure No. 627 enacted on November 11, 2013 that was converted into the Law No. 12,973 enacted on May 13, 2014 established new rules that may potentially impact the withholding tax exemption available on the payment of dividends and interest on capital related to the period from 2009 to 2014. For the purposes of the fiscal year of 2014, the Company was not required to follow the rules settled by Law No. 12,973, but within the fiscal year of 2015 the rules of the Law No. 12,973 were followed and their impact was not material, as foreseen by the tax consultants in the 20-F form in the previous year.

Taxation of dividends. Dividends paid by us, including stock dividends and other dividends paid in property, to the depositary in respect of the shares, or to a Non-Brazilian Holder in respect of shares, are currently exempted from withholding tax in Brazil to the extent that the dividends are paid out of profits as of January 1, 1996. Dividends relating to profits generated prior to January 1, 1996 may be subject to Brazilian withholding income tax at varying rates, depending on the year the profits were generated.

Interpretation of the Discussion on the Definition of “Favorable Tax Jurisdiction”. On June 4, 2010, Brazilian tax authorities enacted Normative Instruction 1,037 listing (i) the countries and jurisdictions considered as favorable tax jurisdiction or where local legislation does not allow access to information related to the shareholding composition of legal entities to their ownership or to the identity of the effective beneficiary of the income attributed to non-residents, or “tax haven” jurisdictions, and (ii) the privileged tax regimes, whose definition is provided by Law No. 11,727, dated as of June 23, 2008. Although we believe that the best interpretation of the current tax legislation could lead to the conclusion that the above mentioned “privileged tax regime” concept should apply solely for purposes of Brazilian transfer pricing, thin capitalization and controlled foreign company rules, we cannot assure you whether subsequent legislation or interpretations by the Brazilian tax authorities regarding the definition of a “privileged tax regime” provided by Law No. 11,727/08 will also apply to a Non-Brazilian Holder on payments potentially made by a Brazilian source.

Moreover, on November 28, 2014, due to the enactment of Ordinance No. 488, the definition of a favorable tax jurisdiction, for the purposes described above, was changed from jurisdictions where there is no income tax, or the income tax applicable rate is inferior to 20%, to jurisdictions where there is no income tax, or the income tax applicable rate is inferior to 17%. Due to this change, the listing of Normative Instruction No. 1,037 may soon be updated.

 

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We recommend prospective investors consult their own tax advisors from time to time to verify any possible tax consequences arising of Normative Ruling No. 1,037/10 and Law No. 11,727/08. If the Brazilian tax authorities determine that the concept of “privileged tax regime” provided by Law No. 11,727/08 will also apply to a Non-Resident Holder on payments potentially made by a Brazilian source the withholding income tax applicable to such payments could be assessed at a rate up to 25%.

Payments of interest on capital. Law No. 9,249, dated as of December 26, 1995, permits Brazilian corporations to make distributions to shareholders of interest on capital, or interest attributed to shareholders’ equity.

These distributions may be paid in cash and such payments represent a deductible expense from the payer’s corporate income tax and social contribution tax basis. This interest is limited to the daily pro rata variation of the Federal Government’s long-term interest rate, as determined by the Central Bank from time to time, and cannot exceed the greater of:

 

    50% of net income (after the social contribution on net profits and before the provision for corporate income tax, and the amounts attributable to shareholders as interest on net equity) for the fiscal year; or

 

    50% of the sum of retained profits and profits reserves.

Any payment of interest on capital to shareholders (including holders of ADSs in respect of shares) is subject to a withholding income tax at a rate of 15%, or 25% if the Non-Brazilian Holder is domiciled in a “tax haven” jurisdiction (“Tax Haven Holder”). These payments may be included, net of withholding income taxes, as part of any mandatory dividend.

Under the Decree 8,426 of 2014 the payment of interest on capital are also subjected to PIS and COFINS at a rate of 9.25%.

To the extent that payments of interest on capital are included as part of a mandatory dividend, we are required to distribute an additional amount to ensure that the net amount received by shareholders, after payment of the applicable withholding income tax, is at least equal to the mandatory dividend.

Distributions of interest on net equity to foreign holders may be converted into U.S. dollars and remitted outside Brazil, subject to applicable exchange controls, to the extent that the investment is registered with the Central Bank.

We cannot assure you if our Board of Directors will determine that future distributions should be made by means of dividends or interest on capital.

Taxation of gains. According to Law No. 10,833, dated as of December 29, 2003, the gains recognized on a disposal of assets located in Brazil, such as our shares, by a Non-Brazilian Holder, are subject to withholding income tax in Brazil. This rule is applicable regardless of whether the disposal is conducted in Brazil or abroad and/or if the disposal is or is not made to an individual or entity resident or domiciled in Brazil.

As a general rule, capital gains realized as a result of a disposal transaction are the positive difference between the amount realized on the disposal of the shares and the respective acquisition cost.

 

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Capital gains realized by Non-Brazilian Holders on the disposal of shares sold on the Brazilian stock exchange (which includes the transactions carried out on the organized over-the-counter market):

 

    are subject to the withholding income tax at a zero percent rate when realized by a Non-Brazilian Holder that (i) has registered its investment in Brazil before the Central Bank under the rules of the Brazilian Monetary Counsel (“Registered Holder”) and (ii) is not a Tax Haven Holder; and

 

    are subject to income tax at a rate of 15% with respect to gains realized by a Non-Brazilian Holder that is not a Registered Holder (including a Non-Brazilian Holder who qualifies under Law No. 4,131/62) and gains earned by Tax Haven Holders that are Registered Holders. In this case, a withholding income tax of 0.005% shall be applicable and can be offset against any income tax due on the capital gain.

Any other gains realized on the disposal of shares that are sold on the Brazilian stock exchange or on the organized over-the-counter market:

 

    are subject to income tax at a rate of 15% when realized by any Non-Brazilian Holder that is not a Tax Haven Holder, no matter if a Registered Holder or not; and

 

    are subject to income tax at a rate of 25% when realized by a Tax Haven Holder, no matter if a Registered Holder or not.

In the cases above, if the gains are related to transactions conducted on the Brazilian non-organized over-the-counter market with intermediation, the withholding income tax of 0.005% shall also be applicable on the gross proceeds and can be offset against any income tax due on the capital gain.

Any exercise of preemptive rights relating to shares will not be subject to Brazilian income tax. Gains realized by a Non-Brazilian Holder on the disposal of preemptive rights will be subject to Brazilian income tax according to the same rules applicable to disposal of shares.

There can be no assurance that the current favorable tax treatment of Registered Holders will continue in the future.

Sale of ADS and shares by U.S. Holders to other non-residents in Brazil

Pursuant to Section 26 of Law No. 10,833, published on December 29, 2003, the sale of property located in Brazil involving non-resident investors is subject to Brazilian income tax as of February 1, 2004. Our understanding is that ADSs do not qualify as property located in Brazil and, thus, should not be subject to the Brazilian withholding tax. Insofar as the regulatory norm referred to in Section 26 is recent and generic and since, at the present time, no definitive jurisprudence provided by Brazilian Superior Courts has been established with respect to this matter, we are unable to assure the final outcome of such discussion.

Gains on the exchange of ADS for shares

Although there is no clear regulatory guidance, the exchange of ADSs for shares should not be subject to Brazilian income tax. Non-Brazilian Holders may exchange their ADSs for the underlying shares, sell the shares on a Brazilian stock exchange and remit abroad the proceeds of the sale within five business days from the date of exchange (in reliance on the depositary’s electronic registration). For further information, see “Item 10. Additional Information — Taxation — Brazilian Tax Consequences — Taxation of Bonds and Securities Transactions (IOF/Bonds).” Our understanding is that the exchange of ADSs for the underlying shares and sale of shares within the period mentioned above by a Non-Brazilian Holder that (i) is a Registered Holder and (ii) is not a Tax Haven Holder, should not be subject to the withholding income tax.

Upon receipt of the underlying shares in exchange for ADSs, Non-Brazilian Holders may also elect to register with the Central Bank the U.S. dollar value of such shares as a foreign portfolio investment under the rules of the Brazilian Monetary Counsel, which will entitle them to the tax treatment referred above in connection with Registered Holders.

 

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Alternatively, the Non-Brazilian 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 No. 4,131/62, in which case the respective sale would be subject to the tax treatment of Non-Brazilian Holders that are not Registered Holders.

Gains on the exchange of shares for ADS

The deposit of shares in exchange for the ADSs may be subject to Brazilian income tax on capital gains if the amount previously registered with the Central Bank as a foreign investment in shares (direct investment registered under Law No. 4,131/62) or, in the case of Registered Holders, the acquisition cost of the shares, as the case may be, is lower than:

 

    the average price per share on the Brazilian stock exchange on which the greatest number of such shares were sold on the day of the deposit; or

 

    if no shares were sold on that day, the average price on the Brazilian stock exchange on which the greatest number of shares were sold during the 15 preceding trading sessions.

The difference between the amount previously registered, or the acquisition cost, as the case may be, and the average price of the shares, calculated as set forth above, is considered a capital gain subject to income tax at a rate of 15%, or 25% for Tax Haven Holders.

Taxation of Foreign Exchange Transactions (IOF/Exchange). IOF/Exchange is imposed on the conversion of Reais into foreign currency and on the conversion of foreign currency into Reais. In the case of the settlement of foreign exchange transactions for the flow of capital into the country, made by foreign investors, for transactions in the financial and capital markets, the applicable rate is 0%. The Brazilian Federal Government is permitted to increase the rate at any time, up to 25%. However, any increase in rates only applies to future transactions.

Taxation of Bonds and Securities Transactions: (IOF/Bonds). Law No. 8,894, dated as of June 21, 1994, created the IOF/Bonds, which may be imposed on any transaction involving bonds and securities, even if the transaction includes Brazilian stock, futures or commodities exchange. The Federal Supreme Court of Brazil recently decided that the transfer of shares shall be taxed1 by IOF/Bonds. The current rate of IOF/Bonds with respect to transactions of shares is 0%. Regarding the ADSs, under the Decree No. 8,165, from December 23, 2013 which amended the Decree No. 6,306, from December 14, 2007, the IOF/Bonds rate applicable to the transfer of shares listed on the Brazilian stock exchange, with the specific purpose of guaranteeing the issuance of depositary receipts in the foreign market, is currently 0%. The Brazilian government may increase the rate up to 1.5% per day during the terms of the securities, but only with respect to future transactions relating to shares or ADSs.

Other Brazilian Taxes. Some Brazilian states impose gift and inheritance tax on gifts or bequests made by individuals or entities not domiciled or residing in Brazil to individuals or entities domiciled or residing within such states. There are no Brazilian stamp, issue, registration, or similar taxes or duties payable by holders of shares or ADSs.

U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations

The following is a discussion of U.S. federal income tax considerations relating to the ownership and disposition of our shares or ADSs, but it does not purport to be a comprehensive description of all the tax considerations that may be relevant to U.S. Holders (as defined below) of our shares or ADSs. The discussion applies only to a U.S. Holder (as defined below) that holds our shares or ADSs as capital assets (generally, for investment purposes) for U.S. federal income tax purposes and does not address all the U.S. federal income tax considerations that may be relevant to a holder in light of its particular circumstances or to holders subject to special rules, such as dealers and traders in securities or currencies, financial institutions, insurance companies, tax-exempt entities, real estate investment trusts, regulated investment companies, persons that own, or have owned directly, indirectly or constructively, 10% or more of our voting shares for U.S. federal income tax purposes, persons holding our shares or ADSs as part of a hedging transaction, wash sale, straddle, conversion transaction or other integrated transaction for U.S. federal income tax purposes, persons entering into a “constructive sale” with respect to our shares or ADSs for U.S. federal income tax purposes, persons that have a functional currency for U.S. federal income tax purposes other than the U.S. dollar, persons liable for the alternative minimum tax, certain former citizens or long-term residents of the United States, persons who acquired our shares or ADSs pursuant to the exercise of any employee stock option or otherwise as compensation, or entities or arrangements classified as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes and their partners.

 

 

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Moreover, this discussion does not address the U.S. federal estate and gift tax, Medicare contribution or alternative minimum tax considerations relating to the acquisition, ownership or disposition of our shares or ADSs. U.S. Holders should consult their own tax advisors with respect to the U.S. federal, state, local and non-U.S. tax considerations relating to the acquisition, ownership and disposition of our shares or ADSs.

This discussion is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), administrative pronouncements, judicial decisions and final, temporary and proposed U.S. Treasury regulations, in each case as in effect and available on the date hereof. All of the foregoing are subject to change (possibly on a retroactive basis), or differing interpretations, which could affect the U.S. federal income tax considerations described herein. In addition, this discussion assumes that each obligation provided for in or otherwise contemplated by the Deposit Agreement and any other related document will be performed in accordance with its terms.

For purposes of this discussion, a “U.S. Holder” is a beneficial owner of our shares or ADSs that is for U.S. federal income tax purposes (i) a citizen or individual resident of the United States, (ii) a corporation, or other entity taxable as a corporation, created or organized under the laws of the United States or any political subdivision thereof, (iii) an estate the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source, or (iv) a trust, if such trust has validly elected to be treated as a U.S. person for U.S. federal income tax purposes, or if (1) a court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over its administration and (2) one or more U.S. persons have the authority to control all of the substantial decisions of such trust.

If a partnership, or any other entity or arrangement treated as a partnership for U.S. federal tax income tax purposes, holds shares or ADSs, the U.S. federal income tax treatment of a partner in such partnership generally will depend on the status of the partner and on the activities of the partnership. Partnerships holding shares or ADSs and partners in such partnerships should consult their own tax advisors as to the particular U.S. federal income tax consequences of owning and disposing of the shares or ADSs.

U.S. Holders should consult their own tax advisors with regard to the application of the U.S. federal income tax laws to their particular situations as well as any tax consequences arising under the laws of any non-U.S., state and local tax jurisdiction.

Ownership of ADSs in general

In general, U.S. Holders of ADSs will be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as owners of the shares underlying the ADSs. Accordingly, no gain or loss will be recognized if a U.S. Holder exchanges ADSs for the underlying shares represented by those ADSs or exchanges the underlying shares represented by those ADSs for ADSs.

Taxation of distributions

Subject to the discussion below under “— Passive foreign investment company”, the gross amount of any distributions made to a U.S. Holder on shares or ADSs, before reduction for any Brazilian taxes, including withholding taxes attributable to interest on equity, will be includable as ordinary dividend income on the day on which the dividends are actually or constructively received by a U.S. Holder to the extent paid out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits, as determined for U.S. federal income tax purposes. A distribution in excess of our current and accumulated earnings and profits will be treated as a non-taxable return of capital to the extent of the U.S. Holder’s adjusted basis in the shares or ADSs and as a capital gain to the extent it exceeds the U.S. Holder’s basis. We do not maintain calculations of our earnings and profits under U.S. federal income tax principles. Therefore, U.S. Holders should expect that distributions by us generally will be treated as dividends to U.S. Holders for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

 

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Subject to applicable limitations, dividends paid to certain non-corporate U.S. Holders may be eligible for the preferential tax rate currently applicable to certain “qualified dividend income” received by individuals, and dividends paid to corporate U.S. Holders will not be eligible for the dividends-received-deduction generally allowed to U.S. corporations in respect of dividends received from other U.S. corporations.

Dividends paid to U.S. Holders in Reais will be includable in income in a U.S. dollar amount based on the exchange rate in effect on the date of actual or constructive receipt whether or not converted into U.S. dollars at that time. If dividends received in Reais are converted into U.S. dollars on the day they are actually or constructively received, the U.S. Holder generally will not be required to recognize foreign currency gain or loss in respect of the dividend income. 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 that a U.S. Holder recognizes on a subsequent conversion of Reais into U.S. dollars (or other disposition) generally will be U.S. source ordinary income or loss for U.S. foreign tax credit purposes.

Dividends on our shares or ADSs received by a U.S. Holder generally will be treated as foreign source income for U.S. foreign tax credit purposes. Subject to certain conditions and limitations under U.S. federal income tax law concerning credits or deductions for non-U.S. taxes and certain exceptions for short-term and hedged positions, a Brazilian withholding tax imposed on dividends would 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 income taxes eligible for the U.S. foreign tax credit is calculated separately with respect to specific “baskets” of income. The rules with respect to foreign tax credits are complex and U.S. Holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the availability of the foreign tax credit under their particular circumstances.

Taxation of sale, exchange or other disposition of shares or ADSs

Subject to the discussion below under “— Passive foreign investment company”, a U.S. Holder generally will recognize gain or loss on the sale, exchange or other disposition of a share or ADS equal to the difference between the amount realized (including the gross amount of the proceeds before the reduction of any Brazilian tax) on such sale, exchange or other disposition and the U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in the share or ADS. Subject to the discussion below under “— Passive foreign investment company”, gain or loss on the disposition of a share or ADS will be capital gain or loss and will be long-term capital gain or loss if the U.S. Holder held the share or ADS for more than one year. Gain or loss recognized by a U.S. Holder generally will be treated as U.S. source gain or loss for U.S. foreign tax credit purposes, as the case may be. An individual U.S. Holder may be entitled to preferential rates of taxation for net long-term capital gains; however, the deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations under the Code.

A U.S. Holder’s initial tax basis of shares or ADSs will be the U.S. dollar value of the purchase price determined on the date of purchase. If the 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 U.S. dollar value of the cost of such 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 shares or ADSs generally will not result in taxable gain or loss for a U.S. Holder.

A U.S. Holder that receives Reais upon a sale, exchange or other disposition of our shares or ADSs will realize an amount equal to the U.S. dollar value of the Reais on the date of sale, exchange, or other disposition. If the 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 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. A U.S. Holder will have a tax basis in the Reais received equal to that U.S. dollar amount. Any gain or loss realized by a U.S. Holder on a subsequent conversion of Reais into U.S. dollars (or other disposition) generally will be U.S. source ordinary income or loss for U.S. foreign tax credit purposes.

If any gain from the sale or exchange of our shares or ADSs is subject to Brazilian tax, U.S. Holders may not be able to credit such taxes against their U.S. federal income tax liability under the U.S. foreign tax credit limitations of the Code since such gain generally would be U.S. source income, unless such tax can be credited (subject to applicable limitations) against tax due on other income treated as derived from foreign sources. Alternatively, the U.S. Holder may take a deduction for the Brazilian income tax if such holder does not take a credit for any foreign income tax during the taxable year. The rules with respect to foreign tax credits are complex and U.S. Holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the availability of the foreign tax credit under their particular circumstances.

 

 

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Passive foreign investment company

In general, certain adverse consequences could apply to a U.S. Holder if we are treated as a PFIC for any taxable year during which the U.S. Holder holds shares or ADSs. A non-U.S. corporation will be classified as a PFIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes in any taxable year in which, after applying certain look-through rules, either (i) at least 75 percent of its gross income consists of passive income, such as dividends, interest, rents, royalties and certain gains, or (ii) at least 50 percent of the average quarterly value of its gross assets is attributable to assets that produce passive income or are held for the production of passive income.

Based on a review of our gross income and assets, the manner in which we currently operate our business, the current market price of our shares, and the current interpretation of the PFIC provisions in the Code, we believe that we were not a PFIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes for the 2014 taxable year. However, the determination as to whether we will be a PFIC for any taxable year is based on the application of complex U.S. federal income tax rules, which are subject to differing interpretations, depends upon the composition of a company’s income and assets and the market value of its assets from time to time, and is not made until after the end of a taxable year. Consequently, there can be no assurance that we will not be considered a PFIC for the current taxable year or any subsequent taxable year.

If we were a PFIC for any taxable year during which a U.S. Holder held shares or ADSs, a U.S. Holder of shares or ADSs may be subject to imputed interest charges and other generally adverse tax consequences with respect to any gain from the sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of, and certain excess distributions with respect to, the shares or ADSs. Distributions received in a taxable year that are greater than 125 percent of the average annual distributions received during the shorter of (i) the three preceding taxable years or (ii) a U.S. Holder’s holding period for the shares or ADSs will be treated as excess distributions. Under these special tax rules: (i) the excess distribution or gain will be allocated ratably to each day in the U.S. Holder’s holding period for the shares or ADSs, (ii) the amount allocated to the taxable year of disposition, and any taxable year prior to the first taxable year in which we are a PFIC, will be treated as ordinary income, and (iii) the amount allocated to each other taxable year that we were a PFIC will be subject to tax at the highest tax rate applicable to ordinary income for each such earlier taxable year and the interest charge generally applicable to underpayments of tax will be imposed on the resulting tax attributable to each such year.

If we were a PFIC in any taxable year and provided certain requirements were met, a U.S. Holder might be able to make a mark-to-market election that could alleviate certain of the tax consequences described above. A qualified electing fund election would not be available to U.S. Holders because we do not intend to provide the necessary information to allow U.S. Holders to make such an election for any tax year in which we were to be a PFIC.

U.S. Holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the tax consequences that would arise if we were treated as a PFIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes, any applicable information reporting requirements, and the possibility of making a mark-to-market election in order to alleviate certain of these tax consequences.

Foreign tax credit for Brazilian taxes

Any Brazilian IOF/Exchange Tax imposed on a purchase of our shares or ADSs or IOF/Bonds Tax imposed on a transaction (as discussed above under “Brazilian Tax Consequences”) will not be treated as a creditable foreign tax for U.S. federal income tax purposes. U.S. Holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the tax consequences of these Brazilian taxes.

Information reporting and backup withholding requirement

Payment of dividends and sales proceeds that are made within the United States or through certain U.S.-related financial intermediaries generally are subject to information reporting and to backup withholding unless (1) the holder is a corporation or other tax exempt recipient or (2) in the case of backup withholding, the holder provides a correct taxpayer identification number and certifies that such holder is not subject to backup withholding.

 

 

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Backup withholding is not an additional tax. A holder may be entitled to a refund or credit of any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules against its U.S. federal income tax liability, provided the required information is furnished to the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) in a timely manner.

In addition, certain U.S. Holders are required to report to the IRS information relating to an interest in the shares or ADSs, subject to exceptions (including an exception for shares or ADSs held in accounts maintained by certain financial institutions), by attaching a complete IRS Form 8938, Statement of Specified Foreign Financial Assets, with its tax return for each year in which it held an interest in the shares or ADSs. U.S. Holders are urged to consult their own tax advisors regarding the effect, if any, of this information reporting requirement on their acquisition, ownership and disposition of the shares or ADSs.

 

F. Dividends and Paying Agents

Not applicable.

 

G. Statement by Experts

Not applicable.

 

H. Documents on Display

Statements contained in this annual report as to the contents of any contract or other document referred to 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 filed as an exhibit hereto. A copy of the complete annual report including the exhibits and schedules filed herewith may be inspected without charge at the public reference facilities maintained by the SEC at, 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Such reports and other information may also be inspected at the offices of NYSE, 11 Wall Street, New York, New York 10005, on which ADSs are listed. In addition, the SEC maintains a website that contains information filed electronically with the SEC, which can be accessed over the Internet at http://www.sec.gov.

We are subject to the information and periodic reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as amended, and, in accordance therewith, file periodic reports and other information with the SEC. However, as a foreign private issuer, we are exempt from the rules under the Exchange Act relating to the furnishing and content of proxy statements and relating to short-swing profits reporting and liability.

We furnish to The Bank of New York, as depositary, copies of all reports we are required to file with the SEC under the Exchange Act, including our annual reports in English, containing a brief description of our operations and our audited annual consolidated financial statements which are prepared in accordance with IFRS. In addition, we are required under the Deposit Agreement to furnish the depositary with copies of English translations to the extent required under the rules of the SEC of all notices of meetings of holders of preferred shares and other reports and communications that are generally made available to holders of common shares. Under certain circumstances, the depositary will arrange for the mailing, at our expense, of these notices, other reports and communications to all ADS holders.

We also file financial statements and other periodic reports with the CVM located as Sete de Setembro Street, 111, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 20050-901. In addition the CVM maintains a website that contains information in Portuguese filed electronically with the CVM, which can be accessed over the internet at http:// www.cvm.gov.br.

 

 

164


I. Subsidiary Information

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 11. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

The main risks to which the company is exposed reflect strategic/operational and economic/financial aspects. Operational/strategic risks (including, but not limited to, demand behavior, competition, technological innovation, and material changes in the industry structure) are addressed by Ultrapar’s management model. Economic/financial risks primarily reflect default of customers credit quality, behavior of macroeconomic variables, such as exchange and interest rates, as well as the characteristics of the financial instruments used by the company and by their counterparties. These risks are managed through control policies, specific strategies, and establishment of limits.

The Company has a conservative policy for the management of resources, financial instruments and risks approved by its Board of Directors (the “Policy”). In accordance with the Policy, the main objectives of financial management are to preserve the value and liquidity of financial assets and ensure financial resources for the development of business, including expansions. The main financial risks considered in the Policy are risks associated with currencies, interest rates, credit and selection of financial instruments. Governance of the management of financial risks and financial instruments follows the segregation of duties below:

 

    Implementation of the management of financial assets, instruments and risks is the responsibility of the financial area, through its treasury department, with the assistance of the tax and accounting departments;

 

    Supervision and monitoring of compliance with the principles, guidelines and standards of the Policy is the responsibility of the Risk and Investment Committee composed of members of the company’s executive board (“Committee”). The Committee holds regular meetings and is in charge, among other responsibilities, of discussing and monitoring the financial strategies, existing exposures, and significant transactions involving investment, fundraising, or risk mitigation. The Committee monitors the risk standards established by the Policy through a monitoring map on a monthly basis;

 

    Changes in the Policy, or revisions of its standards are subject to the approval of Board of Directors of Ultrapar;

 

    Continuous enhancement of the Policy is the joint responsibility of the Board of Directors, the Committee, and the financial area; and

 

    The internal audit department audits the compliance with the requirements of the Policy.

Currency risk

Most business operations of Ultrapar are located in Brazil and, therefore, the reference currency for risk management is the Real. Currency risk management is guided by neutrality of currency exposures and considers the transactional, accounting, and operational risks of Ultrapar and its exposure to changes in exchange rates. The Company considers as its main currency exposures the assets and liabilities in foreign currency and the short-term flow of net sales in foreign currency of Oxiteno.

 

165


The Company uses exchange rate hedging instruments (especially between the Real and the U.S. dollar) available in the financial market to protect their assets, liabilities, receipts and disbursements in foreign currency and net investments in foreign operations. Therefore, hedge is used in order to reduce the effects of changes in exchange rates on the Company’s income and cash flows in Reais within the exposure limits under its Policy. Such foreign exchange hedging instruments have amounts, periods, and rates substantially equivalent to those of assets, liabilities, receipts and disbursements in foreign currency to which they are related. Assets and liabilities in foreign currencies are stated below, translated into Reais as of December 31, 2015 and 2014:

Assets and liabilities in foreign currency

 

In millions of Reais

   2015     2014  

Assets in foreign currency

    

Cash, cash equivalents and financial investments in foreign currency (except hedging instruments)

     147.8        594.9   

Foreign trade receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts

     188.8        190.3   

Net investments in foreign subsidiaries (except cash, cash equivalents, financial investments, trade receivables, financing and payables)

     611.4        507.3   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     948.0        1,292.5   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities in foreign currency

    

Financing in foreign currency

     (2,630.3     (1,867.2

Payables arising from imports, net of advances to foreign suppliers

     (64.4     (70.6
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     (2,694.7     (1,937.8
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Foreign currency hedging instruments

     2,667.2        783.3   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset position — Total

     920.5        138.0   

Sensitivity analysis of assets and liabilities in foreign currency

The table below shows the effect of exchange rate changes on different scenarios, based on the net asset position of R$920.5 million in foreign currency.

 

In millions of Brazilian Reais

        Scenario I     Scenario II     Scenario III  
     Risk    10%     25%     50%  

(1) Income statement effect

   Real devaluation      (7.7     (19.4     (38.7

(2) Shareholders’ equity effect

        99.8        249.5        499.0   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(1) + (2)

   Net effect      92.1        230.1        460.3   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(3) Income statement effect

   Real appreciation      7.7        19.4        38.7   

(4) Shareholders’ equity effect

        (99.8     (249.5     (499.0
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(3) + (4)

   Net effect      (92.1     (230.1     (460.3
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gains (losses) directly recognized in equity in cumulative translation adjustments are due to changes in the exchange rate on equity of foreign subsidiaries. See Note 30 to our consolidated financial statements.

Sensitivity analysis of currency derivative instruments

The Company uses derivative financial instruments only to hedge against identified risks and in amounts consistent with the risk (limited to 100% of the identified risk). Thus, for purposes of sensitivity analysis of market risks associated with financial instruments, the Company analyzes the hedging instrument and the hedged item together, as shown on the charts below.

 

166


For the sensitivity analysis of foreign exchange hedging instruments, management adopted as a likely scenario the Real/U.S. dollar exchange rates at maturity of each swap, projected by U.S. dollar futures contracts quoted on BM&FBOVESPA as of December 31, 2015. As a reference, the exchange rate for the last maturity of foreign exchange hedging instruments is R$5.49 in the likely scenario. Scenarios II and III were estimated with a 25% and 50% additional appreciation or depreciation of the Real against the likely scenario, according to the risk to which the hedged item is exposed.

Based on the balances of the hedging instruments and hedged items as of December 31, 2015, the exchange rates were replaced, and the changes between the new balance in Reais and the balance in Reais as of December 31, 2015 were calculated in each of the three scenarios. The table below shows the change in the values of the main derivative instruments and their hedged items, considering the changes in the exchange rate in the different scenarios:

 

     Risk    Scenario I
(Likely)
    Scenario II     Scenario III  
     (In millions of Reais)  

Currency swaps receivable in U.S. dollars

         

(1) U.S. dollar / Real swaps

   Dollar appreciation      578.4        1,392.8        2,207.1   

(2) Debts/firm commitments in dollars

        (578.4     (1,392.8     (2,207.1
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(1)+(2)

   Net Effect      0.0        0.0        0.0   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Currency swaps payable in U.S. dollars

         

(3) Real / U.S. Dollar swaps

   Dollar devaluation      (0.7     7.2        15.1   

(4) Gross margin of Oxiteno

        0.7        (7.2     (15.1
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(3)+(4)

   Net Effect      0.0        0.0        0.0   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Interest Rate Risk

Ultrapar adopts prudent policies for borrowing and investing financial resources and for capital cost minimization. The financial investments of Ultrapar are primarily held in transactions linked to the CDI. Our borrowings primarily relate to financings from Banco do Brasil S.A., BNDES and other development agencies, debentures and borrowings in foreign currency. Ultrapar does not actively manage risks associated with changes in the level of interest rates and attempts to maintain its financial interest assets and liabilities at floating rates. As of December 31, 2015, the Company had interest rate derivative financial instruments linked to domestic loans, swapping the fixed interest rate of certain debts to floating interest rate (CDI). See Notes 4, 14 and 30 to our consolidated financial statements.

 

167


The table below provides information as of December 31, 2015 about our debt obligations in foreign currency and in Reais that are subject to variable and fixed rates of interest. The table summarizes information on instruments and transactions that are sensitive to foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates:

 

                        Principal by year of maturity(1)  

Debt

   Weighted
average
interest rate
   Fair
value
     Book value      2016      2017      2018      2019      2020      2021 and
thereafter
 
     (in millions of Reais)  

R$ borrowings

   6.2%      190.7         205.8         78.6         44.0         35.4         23.5         13.6         10.7   

Borrowings indexed to the CDI

   106.1% of

the CDI

     5,391.9         5,520.9         431.2         2,009.3         2,019.1         1,061.3         —           —     

Borrowings indexed to the TJLP

   2.5%      394.8         420.8         154.5         114.0         72.1         59.9         16.2         4.0   

U.S. dollar borrowings

   2.1%      1,015.1         1,016.1         350.2         353.5         309.8         2.4         0.2         —     

Borrowings indexed to the LIBOR

   1.0%      1,585.3         1,587.1         19.5         864.3         703.2         —           —           —     

Borrowings indexed to the IGP-M

   5.6%      45.5         45.5         2.1         2.1         2.2         2.3         2.4         34.5   

Borrowings indexed to the SELIC

   2.2%      30.4         30.9         4.4         6.4         6.5         6.5         6.1         1.0   

Borrowings indexed to the MX$+ TIIE

   1.0%      27.1         27.1         27.1         —           —           —           —           —     
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Subtotal

        8,680.8         8,854.2         1,067.7         3,393.6         3,148.3         1,155.8         38.6         50.2   

Unrealized losses on swaps transactions

        47.4         47.4         30.1         —           17.3         —           —           —     
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

        8,728.2         8,901.6         1,097.9         3,393.6         3,165.6         1,155.8         38.6         50.2   
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)  Figures include interest accrued through December 31, 2015.

For sensitivity analysis of hedging instruments for interest rates in Reais, the Company used the futures curve of DI x Pre contract on BM&FBOVESPA as of December 30, 2015 for each of the swap and debt (hedged item) maturities, to determine the likely scenarios. Scenarios II and III were estimated based on a 25% and 50% deterioration, respectively, of the likely scenario pre-fixed interest rate.

Based on the three scenarios of interest rates in Reais, the Company estimated the values of its debt and hedging instruments according to the risk which is being hedged (variations in the pre-fixed interest rates in Reais), by projecting them to future value at the contracted rates and bringing them to present value at the interest rates of the estimated scenarios. The results are shown in the table below:

 

     Risk    Scenario I
(likely)
     Scenario II     Scenario III  
     (In millions of Reais)  

Interest rate swap (in R$)

          

(1) Fixed rate swap – CDI

   Decrease in Pre-
fixed rate
             0.2        0.6   

(2) Fixed rate financing

                (0.2     (0.6
     

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

(1)+(2)

   Net effect              (0.0     (0.0
     

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

See Notes 4, 14 and 30 to our consolidated financial statements for a discussion of the accounting policies for derivative instruments and information with respect to financial instruments.

Credit risk

The financial instruments that would expose the Company to credit risks of the counterparty are basically represented by cash and cash equivalents, financial investments, hedging instruments and trade receivables.

Customer credit risk — Such risks are managed by each business unit through specific criteria for acceptance of customers and their credit rating and are additionally mitigated by diversification of sales. As of December 31, 2015, the allowance for doubtful accounts on their trade receivables recorded for Ipiranga, Ultragaz, Extrafarma, Oxiteno and Ultracargo were R$151.9 million, R$28.1 million, R$5.4 million, R$12.4 million and R$3.0 million, respectively. In addition, as of December 31, 2015, no single customer or group accounts for more than 10% of total revenue.

 

168


Credit risk of financial institutions — Such risk results from the inability of financial institutions to comply with their financial obligations to the Company due to insolvency. The Company regularly conducts a credit review of the institutions with which they hold cash and cash equivalents, financial investments, and hedging instruments through various methodologies that assess liquidity, solvency, leverage, portfolio quality, etc. Cash and cash equivalents, financial investments, and hedging instruments are held only with institutions with a solid credit history, chosen for safety and soundness. The volumes of cash and cash equivalents, financial investments, and hedging instruments are subject to maximum limits by each institution and, therefore, require diversification of counterparties.

Government credit risk — The Company’s Policy allows investments in government securities from countries classified as investment grade AAA or Aaa by specialized credit rating agencies and in Brazilian government bonds. The volume of such financial investments is subject to maximum limits by each country and, therefore, requires diversification of counterparties.

Liquidity risk

The Company main sources of liquidity derive from (i) cash, cash equivalents and financial investments, (ii) cash generated from operations and (iii) financing. The Company believes that these sources are sufficient to satisfy its current funding requirements, which include, but are not limited to, working capital, capital expenditures, amortization of debt and payment of dividends.

The Company periodically examines opportunities for acquisitions and investments. The Company considers different types of investments, either directly, through joint ventures, or through associated companies, and finance such investments using cash generated from operations, debt financing, through capital increases or through a combination of these methods.

The Company believes it has sufficient working capital to satisfy its current needs. The gross indebtedness due over the next twelve months totals R$1,515.7 million, including estimated interests on loans. Furthermore, the investment plan for 2016 totals R$1,809.4 million. In 2015, the Company had R$3,506.2 million in cash, cash equivalents and short-term financial investments (for quantitative information, see Notes 4 and 14).

For further information on financial liabilities as of December 31, 2015, see Note 30 to our consolidated financial statements.

Capital management

The Company manages its capital structure based on indicators and benchmarks. The key performance indicators related to the capital structure management are the weighted average cost of capital, and the net debt/EBITDA, interest coverage and indebtedness/equity ratios. Net debt is composed of cash, cash equivalents and financial investments (see Note 4 to our consolidated financial statements) and loans, including debentures (see Note 14 to our consolidated financial statements). The Company can change its capital structure depending on economic and financial conditions, in order to optimize its financial leverage and capital management. The Company seeks to improve its return on invested capital by implementing efficient working capital management and a selective investment program.

Selection and use of financial instruments

In selecting financial investments and hedging instruments, an analysis is conducted to estimate rates of return, risks involved, liquidity, calculation methodology for the carrying value and fair value, and a review is conducted of any documentation applicable to the financial instruments. The financial instruments used to manage the financial resources of the Company are intended to preserve value and liquidity.

The Policy contemplates the use of derivative financial instruments only to cover identified risks and in amounts consistent with the risk (limited to 100% of the identified risk). The risks identified in the Policy are described in the above sections, and are subject to risk management. In accordance with the Policy, the Company can use forward contracts, swaps, options, and futures contracts to manage identified risks. Leveraged derivative instruments are not permitted. Because the use of derivative financial instruments is limited to the coverage of identified risks, the Company use the term “hedging instruments” to refer to derivative financial instruments.

 

169


As mentioned in the section “Risk Management and Financial Instruments – Governance”, the Committee monitors compliance with the risk standards established by the Policy through a risk map, including the use of hedging instruments, on a monthly basis. In addition, the internal audit department verifies the compliance with the requirements of the Policy.

The table below summarizes the position of hedging instruments entered by the Company:

 

Hedging instruments

   Counterparty    Maturity      Notional amount(1)      Fair value      Amounts
receivable
     Amounts
payable
 
                 2015      2014      2015      2014      2015  
                               R$
million
     R$
million
     R$
million
     R$
million
 

a –Exchange rate swaps receivable in U.S. dollars

                       

Receivables in U.S. dollars (LIBOR)

   Bradesco, BTMU,

Itaú, JP

      US$  350.0       US$ 290.0         1,364.4         761.8         1,364.4         —     

Receivables in U.S. dollars (Fixed)

   Morgan,      Jan 2016 to       US$ 334.5       US$ 50.6         1,335.1         136.6         1,335.1         —     

Payables in CDI interest rate

   Santander,
Scotiabank
     Nov 2018       US$  (684.5)       US$  (340.6)         (2,225.1)         (749.1)         —           2,225.1   
        

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total result

           —           —           474.4         149.3         2,699.5         2,225.1   
        

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
                       

b.1 and b.2 – Exchange rate swaps payable in U.S. dollars + COUPON

                       

Receivables in CDI interest rates

   Bradesco,
Citibank,
      US$ 7.9       US$ 42.9         30.6         114.2         30.6         —     

Payables in U.S. dollars (Fixed)

   Itaú, Santander      Jan 2016 to       US$ (7.9)       US$ (42.9)         (32.3)         (115.6)         —           32.3   
        

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total result

        Mar 2016         —           —           (1.7)         (1.4)         30.6         32.3   
        

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
                       

c – Interest rate swaps in R$

                       

Receivables in fixed interest rate

   Itaú      Mar 2016 to       R$ 27.5       R$ 327.5         27.4         532.0         27.4         —     

Payables in CDI interest rate

        Aug 2016       R$ (27.5)       R$ (327.5)         (27.8)         (486.1)         —           27.8   
        

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total result

           —           —           (0.4)         45.9         27.4         27.8   
        

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
                       

d – Exchange rate swaps receivable in Euros

                       

Receivables in Euros (Fixed)

        —           —         0.2         —           0.5         —           —     

Payables in CDI interest rate

           —         (0.2)         —           (0.5)         —           —     
        

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total result

           —           —           —           —           —           —     
        

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
                       

Total gross result

                 472.3         193.8         2,757.5         2,285.2   

Income tax

                 (86.0)         (36.7)         (86.0)         —     
              

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total net result

                 386.3         157.1         2,671.5         2,285.2   
              

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
                       

Positive result (see Note 4)

                 433.7         164.5         

Negative result (see Note 14)

                 (47.4)         (7.4)         

 

(1)  In millions. Currency as indicated.

 

170


All transactions mentioned above were properly registered with CETIP S.A. (the Brazilian over-the-counter clearing house).

Hedging instruments existing in 2015 are described below, according to their category, risk, and hedging strategy:

– Hedging against foreign exchange exposure of liabilities in foreign currency — The purpose of these contracts is (i) to offset the effect of the change in exchange rates of debts or firm commitments in U.S. dollars by converting them into debts or firm commitments in Reais linked to CDI and (ii) change a financial investment linked to the CDI and given as guarantee to loan in U.S. dollars, into a financial investment linked to U.S. dollars. The tables below present our position in this category of swaps as of December 31, 2015:

 

     Maturity  

Swap

   2016      2017 and
thereafter
 

Notional amount of swaps (in millions of Reais)(1)

     642.4         663.8   

Notional amount of swaps (in millions of dollars)

     164.5         170.0   

Average receiving rate

     US$ + 0.08%         US$ + 2.50%   

Average payment rate

     82.09% of the CDI         100.59% of the CDI   

 

(1)  Notional amount converted according to the commercial selling rate reported by the Central Bank (PTAX) as of December 31, 2015.

 

     Maturity  

Swap

   2016      2017 and
thereafter
 

Notional amount of swaps (in millions of Reais)(1)

     —           1,366.7   

Notional amount of swaps (in millions of dollars)

     —           350.0   

Average receiving rate

     —         US$  + LIBOR + 0.85%   

Average payment rate

     —           101.50% of the CDI   

 

(1)  Notional amount converted according to the commercial selling rate reported by the Central Bank (PTAX) as of December 31, 2015.

b – Hedging against foreign exchange exposure of operations — The purpose of these contracts is to make the exchange rate of the revenues of subsidiaries Oleoquímica, Oxiteno S.A. and Oxiteno Nordeste equal to the exchange rate of the cost of their main raw materials during their operating cycles. The table below presents our position in this category of swaps as of December 31, 2015:

 

171


Swap

   Maturity
2016
 

Notional amount of swaps (in millions of Reais)(1)

     30.9   

Notional amount of swaps (in millions of dollars)

     7.9   

Average receiving rate

     75.69% of the CDI   

Average payment rate

     US$   

 

(1)  Notional amount converted according to the commercial selling rate reported by the Central Bank (PTAX) as of December 31, 2015.

c – Hedging against the interest rate fixed in local financing — The purpose of these contracts is to convert the interest rate on financing contracted in Reais from fixed into floating. The table below presents our position on this category of swaps as of December 31, 2015:

 

Swap

   Maturity
2016
 

Notional amount of swaps (in millions of Reais)

     27.5   

Notional amount of swaps (in millions of dollars)(1)

     7.0   

Average receiving rate

     8.00% p.a.   

Average payment rate

     88.81% of the CDI   

 

(1)  Notional amount converted according to the commercial selling rate reported by the Central Bank (PTAX) as of December 31, 2015.

Hedge accounting

The Company tests, throughout the duration of the hedge, the effectiveness of its derivatives, as well as the changes in their fair values. The Company designates as fair value hedges certain derivative financial instruments used to offset the variations in interest and exchange rates, which are based on the market value of financing contracted in Brazilian Reais and U.S. dollars.

In 2015, the notional amount of foreign exchange hedging instruments designated as fair value hedge totaled US$440.0 million. In 2015, a gain of R$285.3 million related to the result of hedging instruments, a loss of R$4.6 million related to the fair value adjustment of debt and a loss of R$403.2 million related to the financial expense of the debt were recognized in the income statements, transforming the average effective cost of the operation into 102.5% of CDI.

In 2015, the notional amount of exchange rate hedging instruments of firm commitments designated as cash flow hedge totaled US$151.4 million, and a gain of R$120.2 million was recognized through the income statement. In 2015, the balance of “Other comprehensive income” was R$6.3 million.

In 2015, the notional amount of exchange rate hedging instruments designated as hedges of net investment in foreign operation relating to the portion of investments in entities which have functional currency different from the Real was zero. In 2015, a loss of R$31.3 million was recorded. The exchange rate on investments and the hedging instrument effects were offset in equity.

In 2015, the notional amount of interest rate hedging instruments totaled R$27.5 million referring to the principal of the pre-fixed loans in Brazilian Reais. In 2015, a gain of R$2.0 million related to the result of hedging instruments, a loss of R$0.9 million related to the fair value adjustment of debt, and a loss of R$25.0 million related to the accrued interest rate of the debt were recognized in the income statement, transforming the average effective cost of the operations into 88.8% of CDI.

 

172


ITEM 12. DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES

 

A. Debt securities

Not applicable.

 

B. Warrants and Rights

Not applicable.

 

C. Other Securities

Not applicable.

 

D. American Depositary Shares

In the United States, our common shares are traded in the form of ADSs. Each of our ADSs represents one common share of Ultrapar, issued by The Bank of New York Mellon, as depositary, pursuant to a deposit agreement, dated July 22, 1999, as amended and restated on May 5, 2005, on January 26, 2011 and on August 15, 2011. The depositary’s principal executive office is located at One Wall Street, New York, NY 10286.

Fees and expenses

The following table summarizes the fees and expenses payable by holders of ADSs:

 

Persons depositing or withdrawing shares must pay:

  

For

$5.00 (or less) per 100 ADSs (or portion of 100 ADSs)   

(i) Issuance of ADSs, including issuances resulting from a distribution of shares or rights or other property

(ii) Cancellation of ADSs for the purpose of withdrawal, including if the Deposit Agreement terminates

 

$0.02 (or less) per ADSs   

Any cash distribution, except for a distribution in respect of a cash dividend

 

A fee equivalent to the fee that would be payable if securities distributed to you had been shares and the shares had been deposited for issuance of ADSs

 

   Distribution of securities to holders of deposited securities which are distributed by the depositary to ADS holders
Registration or transfer fees   

Transfer and registration of shares on our share register to or from the name of the depositary or its agent when you deposit or withdraw shares

 

Expenses of the depositary   

(i) Cable, telex and facsimile transmissions

(ii) Converting foreign currency to U.S. dollars

 

Taxes and other governmental charges the depositary or the custodian have to pay on any ADS or share underlying an ADS, for example, stock transfer taxes, stamp duty or withholding taxes

 

   As necessary
Any charges incurred by the depositary or its agents for servicing the deposited securities    As necessary

 

173


Payment of taxes

The depositary may deduct the amount of any taxes owed from any payments to investors who hold ADSs. It may also sell deposited securities, by public or private sale, to pay any taxes owed. Investors who hold ADSs will remain liable if the proceeds of the sale are not sufficient to pay the taxes. If the depositary sells deposited securities, it will, if appropriate, reduce the number of ADSs to reflect the sale and pay to investors who hold ADSs any proceeds, or send to investors who hold ADSs any property, remaining after it has paid the taxes.

Reimbursement of fees

The Bank of New York Mellon, as depositary, has agreed to reimburse us for expenses we incur that are related to establishment and maintenance expenses of the ADS program. The depositary has agreed to reimburse us for our continuing annual stock exchange listing fees. The depositary has also agreed to pay the standard out-of-pocket maintenance costs for the ADRs, which consist of the expenses of postage and envelopes for mailing annual and interim financial reports, printing and distributing dividend checks, electronic filing of United States federal tax information, mailing required tax forms, stationery, postage, facsimile, and telephone calls.

Reimbursement of fees incurred in 2015

From January 1, 2015 until December 31, 2015, Ultrapar received from the depositary US$643,934, net of withholding taxes, for continuing annual stock exchange listing fees, standard out-of-pocket maintenance costs for the ADSs (consisting of the expenses of postage and envelopes for mailing annual and interim financial reports, printing and distributing dividend checks, electronic filing of U.S. Federal tax information, mailing required tax forms, stationery, postage, facsimile, and telephone calls), any applicable performance indicators relating to the ADR facility, underwriting fees and legal fees.

 

174


PART II

 

ITEM 13. DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES

None.

 

ITEM 14. MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 15. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

(a) Disclosure Controls and Procedures

As of December 31, 2015, under management’s supervision and with its participation, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we performed an evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures for the period relating to the information contained in this 20F report. Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that (a) our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2015 to enable the company to record, process, summarize, and report information required to be included in the reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, within the time periods required and (b) our disclosure controls and procedures were also effective as of December 31, 2015 to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the company’s management, including its chief executive officer and chief financial officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

(b) Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

The Management of Ultrapar Participações S.A. (the “Company”) is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, our Chief Executive Officer, or CEO and Chief Financial Officer, or CFO, and effected by our Board of Directors, Management and other personnel, 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. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company; (2) 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 (3) 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 inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or improper Management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation.

Management has assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015 based on the criteria established in the Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”). Based on such assessment and criteria, Management has concluded that the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting are effective as of December 31, 2015.

The Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Auditores Independentes, audited the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting, and their report, dated April 29, 2016 and included herein, expressed an unqualified opinion.

(c) Report of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

The Report of independent registered public accounting firm on internal control over financial reporting issued by our independent registered public accounting firm, Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Auditores Independentes (“Deloitte”), is presented below.

 

 

175


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of

Ultrapar Participações S.A.

São Paulo – SP – Brazil

We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Ultrapar Participações S.A. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2015, based on criteria established in the Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission—COSO. The Company’s Management is responsible 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 Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board—PCAOB (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures, as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company’s principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company’s Board of Directors, Management and other personnel 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: (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) 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 (3) 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 inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or improper Management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting 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.

In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013) issued by COSO.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB (United States), the consolidated financial statements as of and for the three years ended December 31, 2015 of the Company and our report, dated April 29, 2016, expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.

/S/ DELOITTE TOUCHE TOHMATSU

Auditores Independentes

São Paulo, Brazil

April 29, 2016

 

176


(d) Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting for the year ended December 31, 2015 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

ITEM 16.     [RESERVED]

 

ITEM 16A.     AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT

Our fiscal council acts as an audit committee pursuant to the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Under Rule 10A-3(c)(3) of the Exchange Act, non-U.S. issuers, such as Ultrapar, are exempt from the audit committee requirements of Section 303A of the NYSE Listed Company Manual if they establish, according to their local law or regulations, another body that acts as an audit committee. See “Item 6.C. Directors, Senior Management and Employees — Board Practices.”

Ultrapar has determined that it will not appoint an audit committee financial expert, as Brazilian law does not require a fiscal council member to have the same attributes of such a financial expert. However, the Company believes that its fiscal council members have broad commercial experience and extensive business leadership, having held various roles in accountancy, financial management and supervision, treasury and corporate finance. For example, one member of the Company’s fiscal council is a former partner of a major audit firm. In addition, other members of the Company’s fiscal council have served as the chief financial officer of major Brazilian companies and as a member of the board of executive officers in a major Brazilian bank. We believe that there is a broad and suitable mix of business and financial experience on the fiscal council.

Notwithstanding the above, our bylaws provides for an audit committee to be appointed by the Board of Directors which will only be installed during the periods when the fiscal council is not installed. See “Item 6. Directors, senior management and employees reference — Board Practices — Fiscal Council and Audit Committee Exemption.” We currently have a fiscal council installed.

 

ITEM 16B.     CODE OF ETHICS

In 2004, we established a code of ethics which covered (i) the Board of Directors; (ii) the whole executive board (including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer); (iii) the fiscal council of Ultrapar; (iv) the Board of Directors and executive board of its subsidiaries; and (v) remaining bodies with technical or advisory functions that are directly subordinated to the Board of Directors, to the executive board or to the fiscal committee of Ultrapar. Our code of ethics was amended on June 17, 2009 to (i) improve certain existing items of the code by including examples of acceptable or unacceptable behavior and clarifying the language to avoid misunderstanding of such items and (ii) improve access to the channel for reporting non-compliance with the code. On July 31, 2013, we amended our Code of Ethics in order to increase the number of permanent members of the Conduct Committee from three to four members. On September 17, 2014, we approved a new Code of Ethics. For the complete amended Code of Ethics please see our 6-K furnished to the SEC on April 30, 2015. The objective of this code is (i) to reduce the subjectivity of personal interpretations of ethical principles; (ii) to be a formal and institutional benchmark for the professional conduct of the employees, including the ethical handling of actual or apparent conflicts of interests, becoming a standard for the internal and external relationship of Ultrapar with its stakeholders, namely: shareholders, clients, employees, partners, suppliers, service providers, labor unions, competitors, society, government and the communities in which it operates; and (iii) to ensure that the daily concerns with efficiency, competitiveness and profitability do not override ethical behavior.

Also, in 2014, we approved the Anti-Corruption and Relationship with Public Officers Policy, applicable to shareholders, employees of the Company, third parties and business partners when representing or acting on behalf of the Company. This policy consolidates the guidelines for corruption prevention to be adopted in the relationship with public officers to protect the integrity and transparency of our businesses.

You can obtain a copy of our Code of Ethics and of our Anti-Corruption and Relationship with Public Officers Policy, free of charge, at our website (www.ultra.com.br), or by requesting a copy from the Investor Relations Department (e-mail: invest@ultra.com.br).

 

 

177


ITEM 16C.     PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

The relationship with our independent registered public accounting firm in respect to the contracting of services unrelated to the external audit is based on principles that preserve the independence of the independent registered public accounting firm. Our Board of Directors approves our financial statements, the performance by our independent registered public accounting firm of audit and permissible non-audit services, and associated fees, supported by our fiscal council, which acts as an audit committee pursuant to the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. See “Item 6.C. Directors, Senior Management and Employees — Board Practices — Fiscal Council and Audit Committee Exemption” for more information about the responsibilities of the fiscal council. Our consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 were audited by the independent registered public accounting firm Deloitte.

The following table describes the total amount billed to us by Deloitte for services performed in 2015 and 2014 and the respective compensation for these services.

 

     2015      2014  
     (in thousands of Reais)  

Audit Fees

     5,753.8         4,513.3   

Audit Related Fees

     —           —     

Tax Fees

     131.2         126.7   

All Other Fees

     —           —     

Total Consolidated Audit Fees

     5,885.0         4,640.0   

“Audit Fees” are the aggregate fees billed by independent registered public accounting firms for the audit of our consolidated and annual financial statements, reviews of interim financial information and attestation services that are provided in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements.

“Tax Fees” are fees charged by Deloitte related to tax compliance services.

For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, Ultrapar and its subsidiaries did not contract for any service from their independent registered public accounting firm that was not directly linked to the auditing of financial statements.

 

 

178


ITEM 16D.     EXEMPTIONS FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEES

Our fiscal council meets the requirements for exemption from audit committee independence pursuant to the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Under Rule 10A-3(c)(3) of the Exchange Act, non-U.S. issuers, such as Ultrapar, are exempt from the audit committee independence requirements of Section 303A of the NYSE Listed Company Manual if they establish, according to their local law or regulations, another body that meets certain requirements. See “Item 6.C. Directors, Senior Management and Employees — Board Practices — Fiscal Council and Audit Committee Exemption.”

The fiscal council currently in office meets the following requirements of the general exemption contained in Rule 10A-3(c)(3):

 

    the fiscal council is established pursuant to Brazilian Corporate Law and our bylaws;

 

    under the requirements of Brazilian Corporate Law, our fiscal council is a separate body from our Board of Directors;

 

    the fiscal council was not elected by Ultrapar’s management and no executive officer of Ultrapar is a member of the fiscal council;

 

    all of the members of the fiscal council meet the independence requirements from Ultrapar, the management and the independent registered public accounting firm, as set forth by Brazilian Corporate Law and/or listing provisions in Brazil;

 

    the fiscal council makes recommendations to our Board of Directors regarding the appointment, retention and oversight of the work of the independent registered public accounting firm engaged for the purpose of preparing or issuing audit reports for Ultrapar;

 

    the fiscal council adopted a complaints procedure in accordance with Rule 10A-3(b)(3) of the Exchange Act;

 

    the fiscal council is authorized to engage independent counsel and other advisers, as it deems appropriate; and

 

    Ultrapar has provided for appropriate funding, as determined by the fiscal council, for the payment of (i) compensation to Ultrapar’s independent registered public accounting firm engaged for the purpose of issuing audit reports, (ii) compensation to independent counsel and other advisers engaged by the fiscal council, and (iii) ordinary administrative expenses of the fiscal council in carrying out its duties.

Ultrapar’s reliance on Rule 10A-3(c)(3) does not, in its opinion, materially adversely affect the ability of its fiscal council to act independently and to satisfy the other requirements of Rule 10A-3.

 

 

179


ITEM 16E.     PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS

In December 2014, the Board of Directors approved a share repurchase program with a 12-month term under which we can acquire our own shares at market price and hold them in treasury for subsequent sale or cancellation. The maximum number of shares that may be repurchased is 6,500,000 shares. The total shares repurchased through December 31, 2015 under this program, were 6,143,200 shares, as follows:

 

Period

   Total
number of
shares
repurchased
     Average
price
per
share in
Reais
     Total
number of
shares
repurchased
as part of
publicly
announced
plans or
programs
     Maximum
number of
shares that
may
yet be
repurchased
under the
plans
or program
 

January 1, 2015 – January 31, 2015

     864,200         50.97         864,200         5,635,800   

February 1, 2015 – February 28, 2015

     275,000         54.84         1,139,200         5,360,800   

March 1, 2015 – March 31, 2015

     715,000         60.09         1,854,200         4,645,800   

April 1, 2015 – April 30, 2015

     275,000         65.97         2,129,200         4,370,800   

May 1, 2015 – May 31, 2015

     440,000         71.56         2,569,200         3,930,800   

June 1, 2015 – June 30, 2015

     220,000         68.48         2,789,200         3,710,800   

July 1, 2015 – July 31, 2015

     385,000         66.22         3,174,200         3,325,800   

August 1, 2015 – August 31, 2015

     495,000         62.36         3,669,200         2,830,800   

September 1, 2015 – September 30, 2015

     1,048,000         64.86         4,717,200         1,782,800   

October 1, 2015 – October 31, 2015

     552,000         68.32         5,269,200         1,230,800   

November 1, 2015 – November 30, 2015

     782,000         66.88         6,051,200         448,800   

December 1, 2015 – December 31, 2015

     92,000         63.89         6,143,200         356,800   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total shares repurchased during 2015

     6,143,200         63.00         6,143,200         356,800   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

ITEM 16F.     CHANGE IN REGISTRANT’S INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 16G.     CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Under the rules of the NYSE, foreign private issuers are subject to a more limited set of corporate governance requirements than are U.S. domestic issuers. As a foreign private issuer, we must comply with four principal NYSE corporate governance rules: (i) we must satisfy the requirements of Exchange Act Rule 10A–3 relating to audit committees; (ii) our Chief Executive Officer must promptly notify the NYSE after any executive officer becomes aware of any material noncompliance with the applicable NYSE rules; (iii) we must provide the NYSE with annual and interim written affirmations; and (iv) we must provide a brief description of any significant differences between our corporate governance practices and those followed by U.S. companies under NYSE listing standards.

 

180


The significant differences between our corporate governance practices and the NYSE corporate governance standards are as follows:

Independence of Directors

NYSE rules require that a majority of the Board of Directors must consist of independent directors as defined under NYSE rules. Under Brazilian Corporate Law, we are not required to have a majority of independent directors. According to the rules of Novo Mercado, at least 20% of the members of the Board of Directors must meet the independence requirements as established set forth these rules. Furthermore, according to our bylaws, at least 30% of the members of the Board of Directors must be independent. The Brazilian Corporate Law requires that our directors be elected by our shareholders at a general shareholders’ meeting. As of December 31, 2015, our Board of Directors consisted of nine members, six of whom were independent non-executive members and three are shareholders of Ultra S.A. Two of these three non-independent board members were executive officers of Ultrapar until December 2006 and one of them was executive officer of Ultrapar until December 2012. See “Item 6.C. Directors, Senior Management and Employees — Board Practices” and “Exhibit 1.1 — Bylaws of Ultrapar, dated as of January 31, 2014.”

No member of the Board has any material relationship with the Company, either directly or as a partner or officer of an organization that has relationship with Ultrapar, except for their interest as shareholders of Ultrapar, when applicable. The Brazilian Corporate Law, the rules of Novo Mercado and CVM establish rules relating to the qualification of the members of our Board of Directors and our executive officers, including their compensation, duties and responsibilities. We believe these rules provide adequate assurances that our directors are independent according to the independence tests established by the NYSE.

Executive Sessions

NYSE rules require that the non-management directors must meet at regularly scheduled executive sessions without management present. Such provision does not apply to Ultrapar given that none of our directors is currently an executive officer of the Company.

Committees

NYSE rules require that U.S. domestic listed companies have a nominating/corporate governance committee and a compensation committee composed entirely of independent directors and governed by a written charter addressing the committee’s purpose and responsibilities. Under the Brazilian Corporate Law, we are not required to have a nominating committee, a corporate governance committee or a compensation committee. Our bylaws provides for a compensation and an audit committee, as ancillary bodies of the Board of Directors. See “Item 6.C. Directors, Senior Management and Employees — Board Practices” and “Exhibit 1.1 — Bylaws of Ultrapar, dated as of January 31, 2014”.

Alexandre Gonçalves Silva, Nildemar Secches and Pedro Wongtschowski, who are also members of the Board of Directors elected on the Annual General Shareholders Meeting held on April 2015, are members of our compensation committee. The members of such committee shall maintain their positions up to the end of their term of office as Directors, on the annual general shareholders’ meeting of 2017.

Fiscal Council and Audit Committee

U.S. domestic listed companies must have an audit committee with a minimum of three independent directors who are financially literate and who satisfy the independence requirements of Rule 10A–3 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), with a written charter addressing the committee’s purpose and responsibilities.

However, as the Brazilian Corporate Law requires the establishment of a corporate body whose duties are similar to those established by the Exchange Act (the fiscal council), we may be exempt from the requirements of Rule 10A–3 if we satisfy the conditions of Rule 10A–3(c)(3) of the Exchange Act.

 

 

181


Our fiscal council currently in office satisfies the requirements of Rule 10A–3(c)(3) of the Exchange Act. Our fiscal council consists of three members and their respective alternate members, and it is a separate corporate body independent from our management. The members of our fiscal council are elected by our shareholders at the annual general shareholders’ meeting for one-year term and are eligible for reelection. Under the Brazilian Corporate Law, individuals who are members of the Board of Directors or are executive officers or employees or spouses or relatives of any member of the Company’s management are not eligible to serve on the fiscal council.

Our fiscal council acts on a non-permanent basis. In addition, our bylaws establish an audit committee as an ancillary body of the Board of Directors. As determined by our bylaws, in the event the fiscal council is established as set forth in the Brazilian Corporate Law, the fiscal council shall operate as the audit committee exercising all the duties provided for in our bylaws as required of the audit committee, and with respect to its members, subject to all the requirements and limitations provided for by law. The audit committee will not operate in any fiscal year when a fiscal council is installed. See “Item 4.A. History and Development of the Company – New corporate governance structure” and “Exhibit 1.1 — Bylaws of Ultrapar, dated as of January 31, 2014”.

For more information see “Item 6.C. Directors, Senior Management and Employees — Board Practices — Fiscal Council and Audit Committee Exemption” and “Exhibit 1.1 — Bylaws of Ultrapar, dated as of January 31, 2014”.

Shareholder Approval of Equity Compensation Plans

NYSE rules require that equity compensation plans for U.S. domestic listed companies be subject to shareholder approval, with limited exceptions. In November 2003, our shareholders approved the Deferred Stock Plan. In accordance with the Deferred Stock Plan, the Board of Directors determines the eligible participants and the number of shares to which each participant shall have rights. See “Item 6.B. Directors, Senior Management and Employees — Compensation”.

Corporate Governance Guidelines

NYSE rules require that U.S. domestic listed companies adopt and disclose corporate governance guidelines. We have adopted corporate governance guidelines set out by our Board of Directors or required by the Brazilian Corporate Law, the CVM and BM&FBOVESPA and which we believe are consistent with best practices, such as the 100% tag along rights to all shareholders, the implementation of a code of ethics, and the adoption of the Policy of Disclosure of Material Acts or Facts, which deals with the public disclosure of all relevant information and the trading of shares issued by Ultrapar as per CVM Instruction No. 358.

Since June 28, 2011, we have been listed on the Novo Mercado segment of BM&FBOVESPA. According to the rules of Novo Mercado the minimum percentage of independent members of the Board of Directors is set at 20%, while a minimum of 30% is required in our bylaws. Our bylaws also establish (i) a mandatory tender offer to 100% of the Company’s shareholders in the event a shareholder, or a group of shareholders acting in concert, acquire or become holder of 20% of the Company’s shares, excluding treasury shares, and (ii) creation of audit and compensation committees, as ancillary bodies of the Board of Directors. Our bylaws do not establish any limitation on voting rights, special treatment to current shareholders, public tender offers for a price above that of the acquisition price of shares or any other poison pill provisions, thus assuring the effectiveness of a majority shareholders’ approval on all matters to be deliberated. See “Item 4.A. History and Development of the Company – New corporate governance structure” and “Exhibit 1.1 — Bylaws of Ultrapar, dated as of January 31, 2014”.

Code of Business Conduct and Ethics

NYSE rules require that U.S. domestic listed companies adopt and disclose a code of business conduct and ethics for directors, officers and employees. In 2004 we established a code of ethics, which was amended on September 17, 2014. For the complete amended code of ethics please see our 6K furnished to the SEC on September 18, 2014. The main objectives of this code is (i) to reduce the subjectivity of personal interpretations of ethical principles; and (ii) to be a formal and institutional benchmark for the professional conduct of our employees, including the ethical handling of actual or apparent conflicts of interests, becoming a standard for the internal and external relationship of the Company with its stakeholders. See “Item 16.B. — Code of Ethics”.

 

182


ITEM 16H. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE

Not applicable.

PART III

 

ITEM 17. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

We have responded to Item 18 in lieu of responding to this Item.

 

ITEM 18. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

We file the following consolidated financial statements together with the reports of independent registered public accountants firms, as part of this annual report:

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

   F-3

Consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2015 and 2014

   F-4

Consolidated income statements for the years ended December  31, 2015, 2014 and 2013

   F-6

Consolidated statements of comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013

   F-7

Consolidated statements of changes in equity for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013

   F-8

Consolidated statements of cash flows — Indirect method for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013

   F-11

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

   F-13

 

ITEM 19. EXHIBITS

We are filing the following documents as part of this Annual Report Form 20F:

 

1.1

   Bylaws of Ultrapar, dated as of January 31, 2014 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.1 to Form 20-F of Ultrapar Participações S.A. filed on April 30, 2014).
  

2.1

   Shareholders’ Agreement dated March 22, 2000 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to Form 20-F of Ultrapar Participações S.A. filed on June 7, 2007).
  

2.2

   Amendment dated as of March 31, 2006 to the Indenture dated as of December 20, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.3 to Form 20-F of Ultrapar Participações S.A. filed on May 5, 2006).
  

2.3

   Ipiranga Group Shareholders’ Agreement entered into by and among Ultrapar, Petrobras and Braskem, dated April 18, 2007 — English Translation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.7 to Form 20-F of Ultrapar Participações S.A. filed on June 7, 2007).

 

183


2.4

   RPR Shareholders Agreement entered into by and among Ultrapar, Petrobras and Braskem, dated April 18, 2007 — English Translation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.8 to Form 20-F of Ultrapar Participações S.A. filed on June 7, 2007).
  

2.5

   Ultrapar Participações S.A. 3rd Public Offering Indenture of Simple Debentures, Non-Convertible, Unsecured and Non-Preferred in a Single Series between Ultrapar Participações S.A. and Pentágono S/A DTVM, dated May 20, 2009 – English Summary (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.8 to Form 20-F of Ultrapar Participações S.A. filed on June 30, 2010).
  

2.6

   First Amendment to Ultrapar Participações S.A. 3rd Public Offering Indenture of Simple Debentures, Non-Convertible, Unsecured and Non-Preferred in a Single Series between Ultrapar Participações S.A. and Pentágono S/A DTVM, dated June 3, 2009 — English Summary (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.9 to Form 20-F of Ultrapar Participações S.A. filed on June 30, 2010).
  

2.7

   Second Amendment to Ultrapar Participações S.A. 3rd Public Offering Indenture of Simple Debentures, Non-Convertible, Unsecured and Non-Preferred in a Single Series between Ultrapar Participações, S.A. and Pentágono S/A DTVM, dated December 4, 2009 – English Summary (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.11 to Form 20-F of Ultrapar Participações S.A. filed on June 30, 2010).
  

2.8

   Ultrapar Participações S.A. 4th Public Offering Indenture of Simple Debentures, Non-Convertible, Unsecured and Non-Preferred in a Single series between Ultrapar Participações S.A. and Pentágono S.A. DTVM, dated March 2, 2012 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.13 to Form 20-F of Ultrapar Participações S.A. filed on April 30, 2012).
  

2.9

   Rules of the Novo Mercado (English translation) (incorporated by reference to Form 8-A of Ultrapar Participações S.A. filed on August 15, 2011).
  

2.10

   Ipiranga Produtos de Petróleo S.A. 1st Public Offering Indenture of Simple Debentures, Non-Convertible, Unsecured and Non-Preferred in a Single series between Ipiranga Produtos de Petróleo S.A. and Banco Bradesco BBI S.A. as lead manager and Banco Bradesco S.A. as co-manager, dated November 7, 2012 — English Summary (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.13 to Form 20-F of Ultrapar Participações S.A. filed on April 30, 2013).
  

2.11

   2014 Ultra S.A. Shareholders’ Agreement dated February 24, 2014 (incorporated by reference to Item 2 of the report on Form 6-K furnished by Ultrapar Participações S.A. on February 25, 2014).
  

2.12

   Ultrapar Participações S.A. 5th Public Offering Indenture of Simple, Non-Convertible into Shares, Single-Series, Unsecured Debentures, for Public Distribution with Restricted Placement Efforts between Ultrapar Participações S.A. and Pentágono S.A. DTVM, dated March 3, 2015 (incorporated by reference to Form 6-K of Ultrapar Participações S.A. filed on March 13, 2015).
  

4.1

   Share Sale and Purchase Agreement related to the sale and purchase of the entire share capital of Shell Gás (LPG) Brasil S.A. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Form F-1 of Ultrapar Participações S.A. filed on February 2, 2005).
  

4.2

   Form of agreement between Ultragaz and independent dealers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to Form F-1 of Ultrapar Participações S.A. filed on February 2, 2005, as amended).
  

4.3

   Take or pay agreement between Tequimar and CODEBA (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to Form F-1 of Ultrapar Participações S.A. filed on February 2, 2005, as amended).

 

184


4.4

   The Investment Agreement entered into by and among Ultrapar, Petrobras and Braskem dated March 18, 2007 — English translation, as amended by the Amendment to Investment Agreement entered into by and among Ultrapar, Petrobras and Braskem dated April 18, 2007 — English Summary (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to Form 20-F of Ultrapar Participações S.A. filed on June 7, 2007).
  

4.5

   Share Purchase Agreement entered into by and among Ultrapar, Petrobras, Braskem and the Key Shareholders of RPR, DPPI and CBPI, dated March 18, 2007 — English Summary (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to Form 20-F of Ultrapar Participações S.A. filed on June 7, 2007).
  

4.6

   Braskem/Petrobras Asset Security Agreement entered into by and among Ultrapar, Petrobras and Braskem, dated April 18, 2007 — English Summary (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.6 to Form 20-F of Ultrapar Participações S.A. filed on June 7, 2007).
  

4.7

   Petrobras Asset Security Agreement entered into by and among Ultrapar, Petrobras and Braskem, dated April 18, 2007 — English Summary (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.7 to Form 20-F of Ultrapar Participações S.A. filed on June 7, 2007).
  

4.8

   Ethylene Supply Agreement between Braskem S.A. and Oxiteno Nordeste S.A. Indústria e Comércio, dated June 13, 2008 — English Summary (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.8 to Form 20-F of Ultrapar Participações S.A. filed on June 30, 2010).
  

4.9

   Fourth Amendment to the Ethylene Supply Agreement between Braskem S.A. and Oxiteno Nordeste S.A. Indústria e Comércio, dated January 1, 2013 — English Summary (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.9 to Form 20-F of Ultrapar Participações S.A. filed on April 30, 2013).
  

4.10

   Share Purchase Agreement between Ultrapar Participações S.A.’s subsidiary Terminal Químico de Aratu S.A. and Unipar, dated June 6, 2008, including Amendment dated September 22, 2008 — English Summary (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.8 to From 20-F of Ultrapar Participações S.A. filed on June 29, 2009).
  

4.11

   Ethylene Supply Agreement between Petroquímica União S.A. and Oxiteno S.A. Indústria e Comércio, dated August 1, 2008 — English Summary (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.10 to Form 20-F of Ultrapar Participações S.A. filed on June 30, 2010).
  

4.12

   Securities Purchase Agreement entered into by and among Chevron, CBL, Galena and SBP, dated August 14, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.9 to Form 20-F of Ultrapar Participações S.A. filed on June 29, 2009).
  

4.13

   Revolving Line of Credit Agreement among Banco Nacional de Desenvolvimento Econômico e Social (BNDES), Companhia Brasileira de Petróleo Ipiranga, Companhia Ultragaz S/A, Oleoquímica Indústria e Comércio de Produtos Químicos Ltda, Oxiteno Nordeste S/A Indústria e Comércio, Tequimar — Terminal Químico de Aratu S/A, Tropical Transportes Ipiranga Ltda. and Ultrapar Participações S.A., dated December 16, 2008 — English Summary (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.12 to Form 20-F of Ultrapar Participações S.A. filed on June 30, 2010).
  

4.14

   Amendment No. 1 to Securities Purchase Agreement entered into by and among Chevron, CBL, Galena and SBP, dated March 30, 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.10 to Form 20-F of Ultrapar Participações S.A. filed on June 29, 2009).
  

4.15

   Line of Credit Agreements between Banco do Brasil S.A. and Ipiranga Produtos de Petróleo S.A., each dated June 16, 2010 — English Summary (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.10 to Form 20-F of Ultrapar Participações S.A. filed on June 30, 2010).
  

4.16

   Amendment to the line of Credit Agreements between Banco do Brasil S.A. and Ipiranga Produtos de Petróleo S.A., each dated February 7, 2013 — English Summary (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.16 to Form 20-F of Ultrapar Participações S.A. filed on April 30, 2013).

 

185


4.17

   Association and Other Covenants Agreement to effect the merger of shares (incorporação de ações) of Extrafarma with Ultrapar — English Summary (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.17 to Form 20-F of Ultrapar Participações S.A. filed on April 30, 2014).
  

4.18

   Protocol and Justification of Incorporação de Ações (merger of shares) issued by Imifarma Produtos Farmacêuticos e Cosméticos S.A. by Ultrapar Participações S.A. (incorporated by reference to the report on Form 6-K furnished by Ultrapar Participações S.A. on December 27, 2013).
  

6.1

   Statement regarding computation of earnings per share (incorporated by reference to Note 30 to our consolidated financial statements included in this annual report).
  

8.1

   List of subsidiaries of Ultrapar (incorporated by reference to Note 3 to our consolidated financial statements included in this annual report).
  

11.1

   Code of Ethics, amended on July 31, 2013 (incorporated by reference to the report on Form 6-K furnished by Ultrapar Participações S.A. on August 1, 2013).
  

12.1

   Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
  

12.2

   Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
  

13

   Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
  

15.1

   Documentation with respect to our corporate restructuring of 2002 (incorporated by reference to the reports on Form 6-K, furnished on October 15, 2002, November 1, 2002 and December 6, 2002).

There are certain promissory notes and other instruments and agreements with respect to long-term debt of our Company omitted from the exhibits filed with or incorporated by reference into this annual report, none of which authorizes securities in a total amount that exceeds 10% of the total assets of our Company. We hereby agree to furnish to the SEC copies of any such omitted promissory notes or other instruments or agreements as the Commission requests.

 

186


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant certifies that it meets all requirements for filing on Form 20-F and has duly caused this annual report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

    ULTRAPAR PARTICIPAÇÕES S.A.
    By:   /S/    THILO MANNHARDT        
    Name:   Thilo Mannhardt
    Title:   Chief Executive Officer

 

Date: April 29, 2016     By:   /S/    ANDRÉ PIRES DE OLIVEIRA DIAS
    Name:   André Pires de Oliveira Dias
    Title:   Chief Financial and Investor Relations Officer


Ultrapar Participações S.A.

Consolidated Financial Statements

for the Year Ended

December 31, 2015 and

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Auditores Independentes

 

F-1


Ultrapar Participações S.A. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Financial Statements

for the Years Ended December 31, 2015 and 2014

 

 

Table of Contents

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

     F-3   

Balance Sheets

     F-4   

Income Statements

     F-6   

Statements of Comprehensive Income

     F-7   

Statements of Changes in Equity

     F-8   

Statements of Cash Flows—Indirect Method

     F-11   

Notes to the Financial Statements

     F-13   

 

F-2


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of

Ultrapar Participações S.A.

São Paulo - SP - Brazil

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Ultrapar Participações S.A. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in equity and cash flows for the three years ended December 31, 2015. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s Management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board - PCAOB (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free from material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by Management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Ultrapar Participações S.A. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the three years ended December 31, 2015, in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards - IFRS, issued by the International Accounting Standards Board - IASB.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB (United States), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission - COSO, and our report, dated April 29, 2016, expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

/S/ DELOITTE TOUCHE TOHMATSU

Auditores Independentes

São Paulo, Brazil

April 29, 2016

 

F-3


Ultrapar Participações S.A. and Subsidiaries

Balance Sheets

as of December 31, 2015 and 2014

(In thousands of Brazilian Reais)

 

 

Assets

   Note    2015      2014  

Current assets

        

Cash and cash equivalents

   4      2,702,893         2,827,369   

Financial investments

   4      803,304         1,441,813   

Trade receivables, net

   5      3,167,164         2,604,101   

Inventories, net

   6      2,495,237         1,925,002   

Recoverable taxes, net

   7      628,778         593,462   

Dividends receivable

        2,710         —     

Other receivables

        29,787         43,342   

Prepaid expenses, net

   10      81,476         67,268   
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total current assets

        9,911,349         9,502,357   

Non-current assets

        

Financial investments

   4      466,965         130,940   

Trade receivables, net

   5      152,239         143,806   

Related parties

   8.a      490         10,858   

Deferred income and social contribution taxes

   9.a      558,993         462,573   

Recoverable taxes, net

   7      135,449         75,404   

Escrow deposits

   20.a      740,835         696,835   

Other receivables

        16,507         5,832   

Prepaid expenses, net

   10      146,664         131,228   
     

 

 

    

 

 

 
        2,218,142         1,657,476   

Investments

        

In joint-ventures

   11.a      79,377         54,508   

In associates

   11.b      21,537         13,143   

Other

        2,814         2,814   

Property, plant, and equipment, net

   12      5,438,895         5,091,971   

Intangible assets, net

   13      3,293,935         3,158,113   
     

 

 

    

 

 

 
        8,836,558         8,320,549   

Total non-current assets

        11,054,700         9,978,025   
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

        20,966,049         19,480,382   
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

F-4


Ultrapar Participações S.A. and Subsidiaries

Balance Sheets

as of December 31, 2015 and 2014

(In thousands of Brazilian Reais)

 

 

 

Liabilities

   Note    2015     2014  

Current liabilities

     

Loans

   14      1,048,098        2,554,730   

Debentures

   14.g      47,372        884,900   

Finance leases

   14.i      2,385        2,734   

Trade payables

   15      1,460,532        1,279,502   

Salaries and related charges

   16      404,313        294,579   

Taxes payable

   17      168,804        138,835   

Dividends payable

   22.g      298,791        218,375   

Income and social contribution taxes payable

        216,883        134,399   

Post-employment benefits

   18.b      13,747        11,419   

Provision for asset retirement obligation

   19      5,232        4,598   

Provision for tax, civil, and labor risks

   20.a      45,322        64,169   

Other payables

        97,492        80,392   

Deferred revenue

   21      24,420        23,450   
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

        3,833,391        5,692,082   

Non-current liabilities

     

Loans

   14      5,561,401        3,489,586   

Debentures

   14.g      2,198,843        1,398,952   

Finance leases

   14.i      43,509        44,310   

Related parties

   8.a      4,372        4,372   

Subscription warrants – indemnification

   3.a      112,233        92,072   

Deferred income and social contribution taxes

   9.a      266,004        152,847   

Provision for tax, civil, and labor risks

   20.a      684,660        623,272   

Post-employment benefits

   18.b      112,848        108,372   

Provision for asset retirement obligation

   19      69,484        66,204   

Other payables

        94,139        74,009   

Deferred revenue

   21      11,036        7,709   
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total non-current liabilities

        9,158,529        6,061,705   

Shareholders’ equity

     

Share capital

   22.a      3,838,686        3,838,686   

Capital reserve

   22.c      546,607        547,462   

Revaluation reserve

   22.d      5,590        5,848   

Profit reserves

   22.e      3,801,999        3,169,704   

Treasury shares

   22.b      (490,881     (103,018

Additional dividends to the minimum mandatory dividends

   22.g      157,162        188,976   

Valuation adjustments

   2.c; 2.o; 22.f      18,953        7,149   

Cumulative translation adjustments

   2.c; 2.r; 22.f      66,925        43,192   
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Shareholders’ equity attributable to:

     

Shareholders of the Company

        7,945,041        7,697,999   

Non-controlling interests in subsidiaries

        29,088        28,596   
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total shareholders’ equity

        7,974,129        7,726,595   
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

        20,966,049        19,480,382   
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

F-5


Ultrapar Participações S.A. and Subsidiaries

Income Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013

(In thousands of Brazilian Reais, except earnings per share)

 

 

 

     Note    2015     2014     2013  

Net revenue from sales and services

   23      75,655,274        67,736,298        60,940,246   

Cost of products and services sold

   24      (68,933,702     (62,304,631     (56,165,382
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross profit

        6,721,572        5,431,667        4,774,864   

Operating income (expenses)

         

Selling and marketing

   24      (2,516,561     (2,158,659     (1,756,376

General and administrative

   24      (1,321,341     (1,130,303     (1,012,316

Gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment and intangibles

   25      27,276        36,978        40,280   

Other operating income, net

   26      50,584        106,914        97,581   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income before financial income (expenses) and share of profit of joint ventures and associates

        2,961,530        2,286,597        2,144,033   

Financial income

   27      426,429        366,009        240,562   

Financial expenses

   27      (1,129,767     (811,416     (578,167

Share of profit (loss) of joint ventures and associates

   11      (10,884     (16,489     (4,993
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income before income and social contribution taxes

        2,247,308        1,824,701        1,801,435   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income and social contribution taxes

         

Current

   9.b      (801,959     (615,148     (534,481

Deferred

   9.b      (14,813     (21,745     (90,996

Tax incentives

   9.b; 9.c      82,436        63,405        52,755   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
        (734,336     (573,488     (572,722

Net income for the year

        1,512,972        1,251,213        1,228,713   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income for the year attributable to:

         

Shareholders of the Company

        1,503,466        1,241,563        1,225,143   

Non-controlling interests in subsidiaries

        9,506        9,650        3,570   

Earnings per share (based on weighted average number of shares outstanding) – R$

         

Basic

   28      2.7649        2.2753        2.2938   

Diluted

   28      2.7433        2.2592        2.2840   

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

F-6


Ultrapar Participações S.A. and Subsidiaries

Statements of Comprehensive Income

For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013

(In thousands of Brazilian Reais)

 

 

 

     Note    2015      2014      2013  

Net income for the year attributable to shareholders of the Company

        1,503,466         1,241,563         1,225,143   

Net income for the year attributable to non-controlling interests in subsidiaries

        9,506         9,650         3,570   
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net income for the year

        1,512,972         1,251,213         1,228,713   
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Items that are subsequently reclassified to profit or loss:

           

Fair value adjustments of financial instruments

   2.c; 22.f      7,733         46         (18

Cumulative translation adjustments, net of hedge of net investments
in foreign operations

   2.c; 2.r; 22.f      23,733         5,116         25,455   

Items that are not subsequently reclassified to profit or loss:

           

Actuarial gains of post-employment benefits

   2.o; 22.f      4,071         1,675         18,063   
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total comprehensive income for the year

        1,548,509         1,258,050         1,272,213   
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total comprehensive income for the year attributable to shareholders
of the Company

        1,539,003         1,248,400         1,268,641   

Total comprehensive income for the year attributable to non-controlling interest in subsidiaries

        9,506         9,650         3,572   

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

F-7


Ultrapar Participações S.A. and Subsidiaries

Statements of Changes in Equity

For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013

(In thousands of Brazilian Reais, except dividends per share)

 

 

                              Profit reserve      Cumulative other
comprehensive income
                       Shareholders’ equity
attributable to:
       
     Note    Share
capital
     Capital
reserve
     Revaluation
reserve of
subsidiaries
    Legal
reserve
     Investments
statutory
reserve
     Retention
of profits
     Valuation
adjustments
    Cumulative
translation
adjustments
     Retained
earnings
    Treasury
shares
    Additional
dividends
to the
minimum
mandatory
dividends
    Shareholders
of the
Company
    Non-controlling
interests in
subsidiaries
    Consolidated
shareholders’
equity
 

Balance as of December 31, 2012

        3,696,773         20,246         6,713        273,842         617,641         1,333,066         (12,615 )      12,621         —          (114,885 )      147,195        5,980,597        25,481        6,006,078   
                                     

Net income for the year

        —           —           —          —           —           —           —          —           1,225,143        —          —          1,225,143        3,570        1,228,713   

Other comprehensive income:

                                     

Fair value adjustments of available for sale financial instruments

   2.c; 20.f      —           —           —          —           —           —           (18     —           —          —          —          (18     —          (18

Actuarial gains of post-employment benefits, net

   2.o; 20.f      —           —           —          —           —           —           18,061        —           —          —          —          18,061        2        18,063   

Currency translation of foreign subsidiaries

   2.r; 20.f      —           —           —          —           —           —           —          25,455         —          —          —          25,455        —          25,455   
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total comprehensive income for the year

        —           —           —          —           —           —           18,043        25,455         1,225,143        —          —          1,268,641        3,572        1,272,213   
                                     

Realization of revaluation reserve of subsidiaries

   20.d      —           —           (606     —           —           —           —          —           606        —          —          —          —          —     

Income and social contribution taxes on realization of revaluation reserve of subsidiaries

   20.d      —           —           —          —           —           —           —          —           (139     —          —          (139     —          (139

Transfer to investments reserve

        —           —           —          —           467         —           —          —           (467     —          —         
—  
  
    —          —     

Approval of additional dividends by the Shareholders’ Meeting

   20.g      —           —           —          —           —           —           —          —           —          —          (147,195     (147,195     —          (147,195

Additional dividends attributable to non-controlling interests

        —           —           —          —           —           —           —          —           —          —          —          —          (4,295     (4,295

Prescribed dividends of non-controlling interests

        —           —           —          —           —           —           —          —           —          —          —          —          4,097        4,097   

Proposed dividends of non-controlling interests

        —           —           —          —           —           —           —          —           —          —          —          —          (1,930     (1,930

Allocation of net income:

                                     

Legal reserve

   20.e;20.g      —           —           —          61,257         —           —           —          —           (61,257     —          —          —          —          —     

Interim dividends (R$ 0.66 per share of the Company)

   20.g      —           —           —          —           —           —           —          —           (354,032     —          —          (354,032     —          (354,032

Proposed dividends (R$ 0.71 per share of the Company)

   20.g      —           —           —          —           —           —          
—  
  
    —           (389,495     —          161,584        (227,911     —          (227,911

Retention of profits

   20.e;20.g      —           —           —          —           420,359         —           —          —           (420,359     —          —          —          —          —     
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
                                     

Balance as of December 31, 2013

        3,696,773         20,246         6,107        335,099         1,038,467         1,333,066         5,428        38,076         —          (114,885 )      161,584        6,519,961        26,925        6,546,886   
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

F-8


Ultrapar Participações S.A. and Subsidiaries

Statements of Changes in Equity

For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013

(In thousands of Brazilian Reais, except dividends per share)

 

 

                             Profit reserve      Cumulative other
comprehensive income
                    Shareholders’ equity
attributable to:
       
     Note    Share
capital
     Capital
reserve
    Revaluation
reserve of
subsidiaries
    Legal
reserve
     Investments
statutory
reserve
     Retained
earnings
reserve
     Valuation
adjustments
     Cumulative
translation
adjustments
     Retained
earnings
   Treasury
shares
   Additional
dividends
to the
minimum
mandatory
dividends
   Shareholders
of the
Company
   Non–controlling
interests in
subsidiaries
    Consolidated
shareholders’
equity
 
                                         

Balance as of December, 31 2013

        3,696,773         20,246        6,107        335,099         1,038,467         1,333,066         5,428         38,076       —      (114,885)    161,584    6,519,961      26,925        6,546,886   

Net income for the year

        —           —          —          —           —           —           —           —         1,241,563    —      —      1,241,563      9,650        1,251,213   

Other comprehensive income:

                                         

Fair value adjustments of financial instruments

   2.c; 22.f      —           —          —          —           —           —           46         —         —      —      —      46      —          46   

Actuarial gains of post–employment benefits, net

   2.o; 22.f      —           —          —          —           —           —           1,675         —         —      —      —      1,675      —          1,675   

Currency translation of foreign subsidiaries

   2.c, 2.r; 22.f      —           —          —          —           —           —           —           5,116       —      —      —      5,116      —          5,116   
     

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total comprehensive income for the year

        —           —          —          —           —           —           1,721         5,116       1,241,563    —      —      1,248,400      9,650        1,258,050   

Increase in share capital

   3.a; 22.a      141,913         —          —          —           —           —           —           —         —      —      —      141,913      —          141,913   

Capital surplus on subscription of shares

   3.a; 22.c      —           498,812        —          —           —           —           —           —         —      —      —      498,812      —          498,812   

Share issue costs

   22.c      —           (2,260     —          —           —           —           —           —         —      —      —      (2,260)      —          (2,260

Sale of treasury shares

        —           30,664        —          —           —           —           —           —         —      11,867    —      42,531      —          42,531   

Realization of revaluation reserve of subsidiaries

   22.d      —           —          (259     —           —           —           —           —         259    —      —      —        —          —     

Income and social contribution taxes on realization of revaluation reserve of subsidiaries

   22.d   

 

—  

  

     —          —          —           —           —           —           —         (32)    —      —      (32)      —          (32

Transfer to investments reserve

        —           —          —          —           227         —           —           —         (227)    —      —      —        —          —     

Dividends attributable to non–controlling interests

        —           —          —          —           —           —           —           —         —      —      —      —        (2,714     (2,714

Acquisition of non–controlling interests

        —           —          —          —           —           —           —           —         —      —      —      —        (106     (106

Additional dividends attributable to non–controlling interests

        —           —          —          —           —           —           —           —         —      —      —      —        (5,159     (5,159

Approval of additional dividends by the Shareholders’ Meeting

   22.g      —           —          —          —           —           —           —           —         —      —      (161,584)    (161,584)      —          (161,584

Allocation of net income:

                                         

Legal reserve

   22.e; 22.g      —           —          —          62,078         —           —           —           —         (62,078)    —      —      —        —          —     

Interim dividends (R$ 0.71 per share of the Company)

   22.g      —           —          —          —           —           —           —           —         (389,554)    —      —      (389,554)      —          (389,554
                                         

Proposed dividends (R$ 0.71 per share of the Company)

   22.g      —           —          —          —           —           —           —           —         (389,164)    —      188,976    (200,188)      —          (200,188

Retention of profits

   22.e; 22.g      —           —          —          —           400,767         —           —           —         (400,767)    —      —      —        —          —     
     

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance as of December, 31 2014

        3,838,686         547,462        5,848        397,177         1,439,461         1,333,066         7,149         43,192       —      (103,018)    188,976    7,697,999      28,596        7,726,595   
     

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

F-9


Ultrapar Participações S.A. and Subsidiaries

Statements of Changes in Equity

For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013

(In thousands of Brazilian Reais, except dividends per share)

 

 

                  Profit reserve      Cumulative other
comprehensive income
                 Shareholders’ equity
attributable to:
       
     Note      Share
capital
     Capital
reserve
    Revaluation
reserve on
subsidiaries
    Legal
Reserve
     Investments
statutory
reserve
     Retained
earnings
reserve
     Valuation
adjustments
     Cumulative
translation
adjustments
     Retained
earnings
    Treasury
shares
    Additional
dividends
to the
minimum
mandatory
dividends
    Shareholders
of the
Company
    Non–controlling
interests in
subsidiaries
    Consolidated
shareholders’
equity
 

Balance as of December, 31 2014

        3,838,686         547,462        5,848        397,177         1,439,461         1,333,066         7,149         43,192         —          (103,018 )      188,976        7,697,999        28,596        7,726,595   

Net income for the year

        —           —          —          —           —           —           —           —           1,503,466        —          —          1,503,466        9,506        1,512,972   

Other comprehensive income:

                                     

Fair value adjustments of financial instruments

     2.c; 22.f         —           —          —          —           —           —           7,733         —           —          —          —          7,733        —          7,733   

Actuarial gains of post–employment benefits, net

     2.o; 22.f         —           —          —          —           —           —           4,071         —           —          —          —          4,071        —          4,071   

Currency translation of foreign subsidiaries hedge of net investments in foreign operation

     2.c; 2.r; 22.f         —           —          —          —           —           —           —           23,733         —          —          —          23,733        —          23,733   
     

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total comprehensive income for the year

        —           —          —          —           —           —           11,804         23,733         1,503,466        —          —          1,539,003        9,506        1,548,509   

Acquisition of own shares to held in treasury

     22.b         —           (855     —          —           —           —           —           —           —          (387,863     —          (388,718     —          (388,718

Realization of revaluation reserve of subsidiaries

     22.d         —           —          (258     —           —           —           —           —           258        —          —          —          —          —     

Income and social contribution taxes on realization of revaluation reserve of subsidiaries

     22.d         —           —          —          —           —           —           —           —           (120     —          —          (120     —          (120

Transfer to investments reserve

        —           —          —          —           138         —           —           —           (138     —          —          —          —          —     

Dividends attributable to non–controlling interests

        —           —          —       

 

—  

  

     —           —           —           —           —          —          —          —          (2,757     (2,757

Acquisition of non–controlling interests

        —           —          —          —           —           —           —           —           —          —          —          —          (9     (9

Additional dividends attributable to non–controlling interests

        —           —          —          —           —           —           —           —           —          —          —          —          (6,248     (6,248

Approval of additional dividends by the Shareholders’ Meeting

     22.g         —           —          —          —           —           —           —           —           —          —          (188,976     (188,976     —          (188,976

Allocation of net income:

                                     

Legal reserve

     22.e; 22.g         —           —          —          75,173         —           —           —           —           (75,173     —          —          —          —          —     

Interim dividends (R$ 0.80 per share of the Company)

     22.g         —           —          —          —           —           —           —           —           (436,842     —          —          (436,842     —          (436,842

Proposed dividends (R$ 0.80 per share of the Company)

     22.g         —           —          —          —           —           —           —           —           (434,467     —          157,162        (277,305     —          (277,305

Retention of profits

     22.e; 22.g         —           —          —          —           556,984         —           —           —           (556,984     —          —          —          —          —     
     

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance as of December, 31 2015

        3,838,686         546,607        5,590        472,350         1,996,583         1,333,066         18,953         66,925         —          (490,881 )      157,162        7,945,041        29,088        7,974,129   
     

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

F-10


Ultrapar Participações S.A. and Subsidiaries

Statements of Cash Flows—Indirect Method

For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013

(In thousands of Brazilian Reais)

 

 

 

     Note      2015     2014     2013  

Cash flows from operating activities

         

Net income for the year

        1,512,972        1,251,213        1,228,713   

Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities

         

Share of loss (profit) of joint ventures and associates

     11         10,884        16,489        4,993   

Depreciation and amortization

     12;13         1,002,647        887,827        778,937   

PIS and COFINS credits on depreciation

     12;13         12,146        12,667        12,368   

Asset retirement obligation

     19         (3,949     (4,026     (5,435

Interest, monetary, and foreign exchange rate variations

        1,582,579        964,788        612,095   

Deferred income and social contribution taxes

     9.b         14,813        21,745        90,996   

Gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment and intangibles

     25         (27,276     (36,978     (40,280

Others

        13,313        3,924        (172

Dividends received from subsidiaries and joint-ventures

        3,417        2,039        4,319   
         

(Increase) decrease in current assets

         

Trade receivables

     5         (615,381     (212,325     (8,357

Inventories

     6         (615,390     (184,339     (298,930

Recoverable taxes

     7         (60,141     (106,778     (2,016

Other receivables

        13,555        (8,209     1,102   

Prepaid expenses

     10         (14,209     8,116        (11,366

Increase (decrease) in current liabilities

         

Trade payables

     15         181,030        192,061        (328,785

Salaries and related charges

     16         109,734        (19,614     45,128   

Taxes payable

     17         29,969        19,086        8,649   

Income and social contribution taxes

        504,495        437,068        350,813   

Post-employment benefits

     18.b         —          (503     1,887   

Provision for tax, civil, and labor risks

     20.a         (18,847     (5,137     19,792   

Other payables

        29,235        (20,972     36,587   

Deferred revenue

     21         970        568        (323

(Increase) decrease in non-current assets

         

Trade receivables

     5         (8,433     (19,328     13,031   

Recoverable taxes

     7         (60,045     (38,039     11,705   

Escrow deposits

        (44,000     (80,639     (81,183

Other receivables

        (10,675     802        2,221   

Prepaid expenses

     10         (15,437     461        (18,153

Increase (decrease) in non-current liabilities

         

Post-employment benefits

     18.b         10,868        9,521        8,283   

Provision for tax, civil, and labor risks

     20.a         61,388        (11,959     18,751   

Other payables

        20,130        (10,814     (21,839

Deferred revenue

     21         3,327        (1,425     (719

Income and social contribution taxes paid

        (422,010     (416,594     (312,126
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

        3,201,679        2,650,696        2,120,686   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

F-11


Ultrapar Participações S.A. and Subsidiaries

Statements of Cash Flows—Indirect Method

For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013

(In thousands of Brazilian Reais)

 

 

 

 

 

     Note      2015     2014    2013  

Cash flows from investing activities

       

Financial investments, net of redemptions

        573,446      (305,123)      (156,917

Cash and cash equivalents of acquired subsidiaries

     3.a         —        9,123      —     

Acquisition of subsidiaries, net

        —        —        (6,033

Acquisition of property, plant, and equipment

     12         (803,503   (705,936)      (661,215

Acquisition of intangible assets

     13         (609,600   (608,881)      (542,936

Capital increase in joint ventures

     11.b         (41,080   (28,500)      (24,945

Capital reduction to associates

     11.b         —        —        1,500   

Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment and intangibles

     25         78,941      99,087      102,646   
     

 

 

   

 

  

 

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

        (801,796   (1,540,230)      (1,287,900
     

 

 

   

 

  

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities

          

Loans and debentures

          

Proceeds

     14         2,384,589      1,815,562      1,446,024   

Repayments

     14         (2,824,543   (925,356)      (760,626

Interest paid

     14         (855,190   (639,122)      (548,497

Payments of financial lease

     14.i         (5,174   (5,545)      (4,348

Dividends paid

        (831,654   (783,021)      (711,410

Acquisition of non-controlling interests of subsidiaries

        (9   (106)      —     

Acquisition of own shares to hold in treasury

        (388,718   —        —     

Share issue costs

     22.c         —        (2,260)      —     

Related parties

        —        500      —     
     

 

 

   

 

  

 

 

 
          

Net cash used in financing activities

        (2,520,699   (539,348)      (578,857
     

 

 

   

 

  

 

 

 

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents in foreign currency

        (3,660   (19,818)      1,026   
     

 

 

   

 

  

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

        (124,476   551,300      254,955   
     

 

 

   

 

  

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year

     4         2,827,369      2,276,069      2,021,114   

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year

     4         2,702,893      2,827,369      2,276,069   

Additional information—transactions that do not affect cash and cash equivalents:

       

Extrafarma acquisition – capital increase and subscription warrants

     3.a         —        719,926      —     

Extrafarma acquisition – gross debt assumed on the closing date

     3.a         —        207,911      —     

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

F-12


Ultrapar Participações S.A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands of Brazilian Reais, unless otherwise stated)

 

 

1. Operations

Ultrapar Participações S.A. (“Ultrapar” or “Company”), is a publicly-traded company headquartered at the Brigadeiro Luis Antônio Avenue, 1343 in the city of Săo Paulo – SP, Brazil.

The Company engages in the investment of its own capital in services, commercial, and industrial activities, through the subscription or acquisition of shares of other companies. Through its subsidiaries, it operates in the segments of liquefied petroleum gas—LPG distribution (“Ultragaz”), fuel distribution and related businesses (“Ipiranga”), production and marketing of chemicals (“Oxiteno”), and storage services for liquid bulk (“Ultracargo”), and, as from January 31, 2014, retail distribution of pharmaceutical, hygiene, beauty, and skincare products, through Imifarma Produtos Farmacêuticos e Cosméticos S.A. (“Extrafarma”) – see Note 3.a. For further information about segments see Note 29.

 

2. Presentation of Financial Statements and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

The Company’s consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with the International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”).

The presentation currency of the Company’s consolidated financial statements is the Brazilian Real (“R$”), which is the Company’s functional currency.

The accounting policies described below were applied by the Company and its subsidiaries in a consistent manner for all years presented in the consolidated financial statements.

 

a. Recognition of Income

Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable, net of sales returns, discounts, and other deductions, if applicable.

Revenue from sales of fuels and lubricants is recognized when the products are delivered to gas stations and to large consumers. Revenue from sales of LPG is recognized when the products are delivered to customers at home, to independent dealers and to industrial and commercial customers. Revenue from sales of pharmaceuticals is recognized when the products are delivered to end user customers in own drugstores and when the products are delivered to independent resellers. Revenue from sales of chemical products is recognized when the products are delivered to industrial customers, depending of the freight mode of delivery. The revenue provided from storage services is recognized as services are performed.

Costs of products sold and services provided include goods (mainly fuels, lubricants, LPG, and pharmaceutical products), raw materials (chemicals and petrochemicals) and production, distribution, storage, and filling costs.

 

b. Cash and Cash Equivalents

Includes cash, banks deposits, and short-term, highly-liquid investments that are readily convertible into a known amount of cash and are subject to an insignificant risk of change in value. See Note 4 for further details on cash and cash equivalents of the Company and its subsidiaries.

 

F-13


Ultrapar Participações S.A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands of Brazilian Reais, unless otherwise stated)

 

 

c. Financial Assets

In accordance with International Accounting Standards (“IAS”) 32, IAS 39, and IFRS 7, the financial assets of the Company and its subsidiaries are classified in accordance with the following categories:

 

  Measured at fair value through profit or loss: financial assets held for trading, that is, acquired or incurred principally for the purpose of selling or repurchasing in the near term, and derivatives. The balances are stated at fair value. The interest earned, the exchange variation, and changes in fair value are recognized in profit or loss.

 

  Held to maturity: non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments, and fixed maturities for which the entity has the positive intention and ability to hold to maturity. The interest earned and the foreign currency exchange variation are recognized in profit or loss, and balances are stated at acquisition cost plus the interest earned, using the effective interest rate method.

 

  Available for sale: non-derivative financial assets that are designated as available for sale or that are not classified into other categories at initial recognition. The balances are stated at fair value, and the interest earned and the foreign currency exchange variation are recognized in profit or loss. Differences between fair value and acquisition cost plus the interest earned are recognized in other comprehensive income in the “Valuation adjustments”. Accumulated gains and losses recognized in shareholders’ equity are reclassified to profit or loss in case of prepayment.

 

  Loans and receivables: non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments or receipts, not quoted in an active market, except: (i) those which the entity intends to sell immediately or in the near term and which the entity classified as measured at fair value through profit or loss; (ii) those classified as available for sale; or (iii) those for which the Company may not recover substantially all of its initial investment for reasons other than credit deterioration. The interest earned and the foreign currency exchange variation are recognized in profit or loss. The balances are stated at acquisition cost plus interest, using the effective interest rate method. Loans and receivables include cash and banks, trade receivables, dividends receivable, and other trade receivables.

The Company and its subsidiaries use derivative financial instruments for hedging purposes, applying the concepts described below:

 

  Hedge accounting—fair value hedge: derivative financial instruments used to hedge exposure to changes in the fair value of an item, attributable to a particular risk, which can affect the entity’s profit or loss. In the initial designation of the fair value hedge, the relationship between the hedging instrument and the hedged item is documented, including the objectives of risk management, the strategy in conducting the transaction, and the methods to be used to evaluate its effectiveness. Once the fair value hedge has been qualified as effective, the hedge item is also measured at fair value. Gains and losses from hedge instruments and hedge items are recognized in profit or loss. The hedge accounting must be discontinued when the hedge becomes ineffective.

 

  Hedge accounting—cash flow hedge: derivative financial instruments used to hedge the exposure to variability in cash flows that is attributable to a risk associated with an asset or liability or highly probable transaction that may affect the income statements. The portion of the gain or loss on the hedging instrument that is determined to be effective relating to the effects of exchange rate effect, is recognized directly in equity in accumulated other comprehensive income as “Valuation adjustments” while the ineffective portion is recognized in profit or loss. Gains or losses on the hedging instrument relating to the effective portion of this hedge that had been recognized directly in accumulated other comprehensive income shall be recognized in profit or loss in the period in which the hedged item is recognized in profit or loss or as initial cost of non- financial assets, in the same line of the statement that the hedged item is recognized. The hedge accounting shall be discontinued when (i) the Company cancels the hedging relationship; (ii) the hedging instrument expires; and (iii) the hedging instrument no longer qualifies for hedge accounting. When hedge accounting is discontinued, gains and losses recognized in other comprehensive income in equity are reclassified to profit or loss in the period which the hedged item is recognized in profit or loss. If the transaction hedged is canceled or is not expected to occur, the cumulative gains and losses in other comprehensive income in equity shall be recognized immediately in profit or loss.

 

 

F-14


Ultrapar Participações S.A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands of Brazilian Reais, unless otherwise stated)

 

 

  Hedge accounting—hedge of net investments in foreign operation: derivative financial instruments used to hedge exposure on net investments in foreign subsidiaries due to the fact that the local functional currency is different from the functional currency of the Company. The portion of the gain or loss on the hedging instrument that is determined to be effective, referring to the exchange rate effect, is recognized directly in equity in accumulated other comprehensive income as cumulative translation adjustments, while the ineffective portion and the operating costs are recognized in profit or loss. The gain or loss on the hedging instrument that has been recognized directly in accumulated other comprehensive income shall be recognized in income upon disposal of the foreign operation.

For further detail on financial instruments of the Company and its subsidiaries, see Notes 4, 14, and 30.

 

d. Trade Receivables

Trade receivables are recognized at the amount invoiced, adjusted to present value if applicable, and includes all direct taxes attributable to the Company and its subsidiaries. An allowance for doubtful accounts is recorded based on estimated losses and is set at an amount deemed by management to be sufficient to cover any probable loss on realization of trade receivables (see Notes 5 and 30—Customer Credit Risk).

 

e. Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of acquisition cost or net realizable value (see Note 6). The cost value of inventory is measured using the weighted average cost and includes the costs of acquisition and processing directly related to the units produced based on the normal capacity of production. Estimates of net realizable value are based on the average selling prices at the end of the reporting period, net of applicable direct selling expenses. Subsequent events related to the fluctuation of prices and costs are also considered, if relevant. If net realizable values are below inventory costs, a provision corresponding to this difference is recognized. Provisions are also made for obsolescence of products, materials, or supplies that (i) do not meet the Company and its subsidiaries’ specifications, (ii) have exceeded their expiration date, or (iii) are considered slow-moving inventory. This classification is made by management with the support of its industrial and operations teams.

 

f. Investments

Investments in associates and joint ventures are accounted for under the equity method of accounting in the individual and consolidated financial statements (see Note 11).

An associate is an investment, in which an investor has significant influence, that is, has the power to participate in the financial and operating decisions of the investee but does not exercise control.

A joint venture is an investment in which the shareholders have the right to net assets on behalf of a joint control. Joint control is the agreement which establish that decisions about the relevant activities of the investee require the consent from the parties that share control.

Other investments are stated at acquisition cost less provision for losses, unless the loss is considered temporary.

 

F-15


Ultrapar Participações S.A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands of Brazilian Reais, unless otherwise stated)

 

 

g. Property, Plant, and Equipment

Property, plant, and equipment is recognized at acquisition or construction cost, including financial charges incurred on property, plant, and equipment under construction, as well as maintenance costs resulting from scheduled plant outages and estimated costs to remove, to decommission, or to restore assets (see Notes 2.m and 19).

Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method, over the periods mentioned in Note 12, taking into account the estimated useful lives of the assets, which are reviewed annually.

Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of the lease contract term and useful life of the property.

 

h. Leases

 

  Finance Leases

Certain lease contracts transfer substantially all the risks and benefits associated with the ownership of an asset to the Company and its subsidiaries. These contracts are characterized as finance leases, and assets thereunder are capitalized at lease commencement at their fair value or, if lower, present value of the minimum lease payments under the contracts. The items recognized as assets are depreciated and amortized using the lower of the straight-line method over the lower of the useful lives applicable to each group of assets or the contract terms, as mentioned in Notes 12 and 13. Financial charges under the finance lease contracts are allocated to profit or loss over the lease contract term, based on the amortized cost and the effective interest rate method of the related lease obligation (see Note 14.i).

 

  Operating Leases

There are lease transactions where the risks and benefits associated with the ownership of the asset are not transferred and where there is no purchase option, or the purchase option at the end of the contract is equivalent to the market value of the leased asset. Payments made under an operating lease contract are recognized as cost or expense in the income statement on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease contract (see Note 31.c).

 

i. Intangible Assets

Intangible assets include assets acquired by the Company and its subsidiaries from third parties, according to the criteria below (see Note 13):

 

  Goodwill is carried net of accumulated amortization as of December 31, 2008, when it ceased to be amortized. Goodwill generated since January 1, 2009 is shown as intangible assets corresponding to the positive difference between the amount paid or payable to the seller and the fair value of the identified assets and liabilities assumed of the acquired entity, and is tested annually for impairment. Goodwill is allocated to the business segments, which represent the lowest level that goodwill is monitored by the Company for impairment testing purposes.

 

  Bonus disbursements as provided in Ipiranga’s agreements with reseller service stations and major consumers are recognized as distribution rights when paid and amortized using the straight-line method according to the term of the agreement.

 

  Other intangible assets acquired from third parties, such as software, technology, and commercial property rights, are measured at the total acquisition cost and amortized using straight-line method, over the periods mentioned in Note 13, taking into account their useful life, which is reviewed annually.

The Company and its subsidiaries have not recognized intangible assets that were generated internally. The Company and its subsidiaries have goodwill and brands acquired in business combinations, which are evaluated as intangible assets with indefinite useful life (see Note 13 items i and vi).

 

j. Other Assets

Other assets are stated at the lower of cost and realizable value, including, if applicable, interest earned, monetary changes and changes in exchange rates incurred or less a provision for loss and, if applicable, adjustment to present value (see Note 2.u).

 

 

F-16


Ultrapar Participações S.A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands of Brazilian Reais, unless otherwise stated)

 

 

k. Financial Liabilities

The Company and its subsidiaries’ financial liabilities include trade payables and other payables, loans, debentures, finance leases and derivative financial instruments. Financial liabilities are classified as “financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss” or “financial liabilities at amortized cost”. The financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss refer to derivative financial instruments, subscription warrants, and financial liabilities designated as hedged items in a fair value hedge relationship upon initial recognition (see Note 2.c – Fair Value Hedge). The financial liabilities at amortized cost are stated at the initial transaction amount plus related charges and transaction costs, net of amortization. The charges are recognized in profit or loss using the effective interest rate method.

Transaction costs incurred and directly attributable to the activities necessary for contracting loans or for issuing bonds, as well as premiums and discounts upon issuance of debentures and other debt, are allocated to the instrument and amortized to profit or loss over its term, using the effective interest rate method (see Note 14.j). Transaction costs incurred and directly attributable to the issue of shares or other equity instruments are recognized in equity and are not amortized.

 

l. Income and Social Contribution Taxes on Income

Current and deferred income tax (“IRPJ”) and social contribution on net income tax (“CSLL”) are calculated based on their current rates, considering the value of tax incentives. Taxes are recognized based on the rates of IRPJ and CSLL provided for by the laws enacted on the last day of the reporting period. The current rates in Brazil are 25% for income tax and 9% for social contribution on net income tax. For further details about recognition and realization of IRPJ and CSLL, see Note 9.

 

m. Provision for Asset Retirement Obligation – Fuel Tanks

The Company and its subsidiaries have the legal obligation to remove Ipiranga’s underground fuel tanks located at Ipiranga-branded service stations after a certain period. The estimated cost of the obligation to remove these fuel tanks is recognized as a liability when the tanks are installed. The estimated cost is recognized in property, plant, and equipment and depreciated over the respective useful lives of the tanks. The amounts recognized as a liability are monetarily restated using the National Consumer Price Index—IPCA until the respective tank is removed (see Note 19). An increase in the estimated cost of the obligation to remove the tanks could result in negative impact in future results. The estimated removal cost is reviewed and updated annually or when there is significant change in its amount and change in the estimated costs are recognized in income when they become known.

 

n. Provisions for Tax, Civil, and Labor Risks

A provision for tax, civil and labor risks is recognized for quantifiable risks, when the chance of loss is more-likely-than-not in the opinion of management and internal and external legal counsel, and the amounts are recognized based on the evaluation of the outcomes of the legal proceedings (see Note 20 items a,b).

 

o. Post-Employment Benefits

Post-employment benefits granted and to be granted to employees, retirees, and pensioners are based on an actuarial calculation prepared by an independent actuary, using the projected unit credit method (see Note 18.b). The actuarial gains and losses are recognized in cumulative other comprehensive income in the “Valuation adjustments” and presented in the statement of shareholders’ equity. Past service cost is recognized in the income statement.

 

p. Other Liabilities

Other liabilities are stated at known or measurable amounts plus, if applicable, related charges, monetary restatement, and changes in exchange rates incurred. When applicable, other liabilities are recognized at present value, based on interest rates that reflect the term, currency, and risk of each transaction.

 

q. Foreign Currency Transactions

Foreign currency transactions carried out by the Company or its subsidiaries are remeasured into their functional currency at the exchange rate prevailing at the date of each transaction. Outstanding monetary assets and liabilities of the Company and its subsidiaries are translated using the exchange rate at the end of the reporting period. The effect of the difference between those exchange rates is recognized in profit or loss until the conclusion of each transaction.

 

 

F-17


Ultrapar Participações S.A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands of Brazilian Reais, unless otherwise stated)

 

 

r. Basis for Translation of Financial Statements of Foreign Subsidiaries

Assets and liabilities of the foreign subsidiaries, denominated in currencies other than that of the Company (functional currency: Brazilian Real), which have administrative autonomy, are translated using the exchange rate at the end of the reporting period. Revenues and expenses are translated using the average exchange rate of each year and shareholders’ equity is translated at the historic exchange rate of each transaction affecting shareholders’ equity. Gains and losses resulting from changes in these foreign investments are directly recognized in shareholders’ equity in cumulative other comprehensive income in the “cumulative translation adjustments” and will be recognized in profit or loss if these investments are disposed of. The balance in cumulative other comprehensive income and presented in the shareholders’ equity as cumulative translation adjustments, net of the exchange rate effect of hedge of net investments, in 2015 was a gain of R$ 66,925 (gain of R$ 43,192 in 2014).

The foreign subsidiaries with functional currency different from the Company and which have administrative autonomy are listed below:

 

Subsidiary

   Functional currency    Location

Oxiteno México S.A. de C.V.

   Mexican Peso    Mexico

Oxiteno Servicios Corporativos S.A. de C.V.

   Mexican Peso    Mexico

Oxiteno Servicios Industriales de C.V.

   Mexican Peso    Mexico

Oxiteno USA LLC

   U.S. Dollar    United States

Oxiteno Andina, C.A.

   Bolivar    Venezuela

Oxiteno Uruguay S.A.

   U.S. Dollar    Uruguay

The subsidiary Oxiteno Uruguay S.A. (“Oxiteno Uruguay”) determined its functional currency as the U.S. dollar (“US$”), as its sales, purchases of goods, and financing activities are performed substantially in this currency.

According to IAS 29, Venezuela is classified as a hyperinflationary economy. As a result, the financial information of Oxiteno Andina, C.A. (“Oxiteno Andina”) was adjusted by the Venezuelan Consumer Price Index.

On February 10, 2015, the Venezuelan Central Bank issued Foreign Exchange Regulation No. 33 altering the Venezuelan foreign exchange markets and regulating the legally recognized types of exchange rates:

 

a) Oficial: Bolivar (“VEF”) is traded at an exchange rate of 6.30 VEF/US$. This rate is applied to importation of essential goods (medicines and food) channeled through CENCOEX—Centro Nacional de Comercio Exterior en Venezuela;

 

b) SICAD—Sistema Complementario de Administración de Divisas: Bolivar is traded at exchange rate of 13.50 VEF/US$, last quotation of September 1, 2015. In accordance with the Foreign Exchange Regulation No. 25, only some transactions are allowed to be exchanged using this rate, for example, imports of goods, payment of dividends, among other transactions.

 

c) SICAD-II—this foreign exchange market was eliminated with Foreign Exchange Regulation No. 33. The last quotation was 52.1013 VEF/US$; and

 

d) SIMADI—Sistema Marginal de Divisas: Bolivar is traded at variable exchange rate of approximately 199 VEF/US$ on December 31, 2015. This rate is applied through the bank market, retail market and securities market.

Due to the political and economic situation in Venezuela, the Company’s management reassessed the exchange rate used in the translation of financial statements and changed, on December 31, 2015, the rate from SICAD to SIMADI, due to the fact that currently this exchange rate is the one that most closely matches the best expression of the Venezuelan economy. Thus, on December 31, 2015, the amounts in Bolivar have been translated to the U.S. dollar at the exchange rate of SIMAD and subsequently translated into Brazilian Reais using the official exchange rate published by the Central Bank of Brazil.

Assets and liabilities of the other foreign subsidiaries, which do not have administrative autonomy, are considered an extension of the activities of their parent company and are translated using the exchange rate at the end of the reporting period. Gains and losses resulting from changes in these foreign investments are directly recognized as financial income or loss. The gain recognized in income in 2015 amounted to R$ 6,243 (R$ 2,906 gain in 2014 and R$ 4,845 gain in 2013).

 

F-18


Ultrapar Participações S.A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands of Brazilian Reais, unless otherwise stated)

 

 

s. Use of Estimates, Assumptions and Judgments

The preparation of the financial statements requires the use of estimates, assumptions, and judgments for the accounting of certain assets, liabilities, and income. Therefore, the Company’s and subsidiaries’ management use the best information available at the time of preparation of the financial statements, as well as the experience of past and current events, also considering assumptions regarding future events. The financial statements therefore include estimates, assumptions, and judgments related mainly to determining the fair value of financial instruments (Notes 2.c, 2.k, 4, 14 and 30), the determination of the allowance for doubtful accounts (Notes 2.d, 5 and 30), the determination of provisions for losses of inventories (Notes 2.e and 6), the determination of deferred income taxes amounts (Notes 2.l and 9), the determination of control in subsidiaries (Notes 2.r and 3), the determination of joint control in joint venture (Notes 2.f and 11.a), the determination of significant influence in associates (Notes 2.f and 11.b), the determination of exchange rate used to translation of Oxiteno Andina’ financial statements (Notes 2.r), the useful lives of property, plant, and equipment (Notes 2.g and 12), the useful lives of intangible assets, and the determination of the recoverable amount of goodwill (Notes 2.i and 13), provisions for assets retirement obligations (Notes 2.m and 19), provisions for tax, civil, and labor risks (Notes 2.n and 20 items a,b), estimates for the preparation of actuarial reports (Notes 2.o and 18.b) and the determination of fair value of subscription warrants – indemnification (Notes 3.a and 30). The actual result of the transactions and information may differ from their estimates.

 

t. Impairment of Assets

The Company and its subsidiaries review, at least annually, the existence of any indication that an asset may be impaired. If there is an indication, the Company and its subsidiaries estimate the recoverable amount of the asset. Assets that cannot be evaluated individually are grouped in the smallest group of assets that generate cash flow from continuous use and that are largely independent of cash flows of other assets (cash generating units -“CGU”). The recoverable amount of assets or CGUs corresponds to the greater of their fair value net of applicable direct selling costs and their value in use.

The fair value less costs of disposal is determined by the price that would be received to sell an asset in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date, net of costs of removing the asset, and direct incremental costs to bring an asset into condition for its sale, legal costs, and taxes.

To assess the value in use, the Company and its subsidiaries consider the projections of future cash flows, trends, and outlooks, as well as the effects of obsolescence, demand, competition, and other economic factors. Such cash flows are discounted to their present values using the discount rate before tax that reflects market conditions for the period of impairment testing and the specific risks of the asset or CGU being evaluated. In cases where the expected discounted future cash flows are less than their carrying amount, an impairment loss is recognized for the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value of these assets. Losses for impairment of assets are recognized in profit or loss. In case goodwill has been allocated to a CGU, the recognized losses are first allocated to reduce the corresponding goodwill. If the goodwill is not enough to absorb such losses, the surplus is allocated to the assets on a pro-rata basis. An impairment of goodwill cannot be reversed. For other assets, impairment losses may be reversed only to the extent that the asset’s carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined, net of depreciation or amortization, if the impairment had not been recognized.

No impairment was recognized in the years presented (see Note 13.i).

 

u. Adjustment to Present Value

Some of the Company’s subsidiaries recognized a present value adjustment to Tax on Goods and Services (“ICMS”, the Brazilian VAT) credit balances related to property, plant, and equipment (CIAP). Because recovery of these credits occurs over a 48 month period, the present value adjustment reflects, in the financial statements, the time value of the ICMS credits to be recovered. The balance of these adjustment to present value totaled R$ 109 in 2015 (R$ 279 in 2014).

The Company and its subsidiaries reviewed all items classified as non-current and, when relevant, current assets and liabilities, and did not identify the need to recognize other present value adjustments.

 

F-19


Ultrapar Participações S.A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands of Brazilian Reais, unless otherwise stated)

 

 

v. Business Combination

A business combination is accounted applying the acquisition method. The cost of the acquisition is measured based on the consideration transferred and to be transferred, measured at fair value at the acquisition date. In a business combination, the assets acquired and liabilities assumed are measured in order to classify and allocate them accordingly to the contractual terms, economic circumstances and relevant conditions on the acquisition date. The non-controlling interest in the acquired is measured at fair value or based on its interest in identifiable net assets acquired. Goodwill is measured as the excess of the consideration transferred and to be transferred over the fair value of net assets acquired (identifiable assets and liabilities assumed, net). After the initial recognition, goodwill is measured at cost less any accumulated impairment losses. For impairment testing purposes, goodwill is allocated to the Company’s operating segments. When the cost of the acquisition is lower than the fair value of net assets acquired, a gain is recognized directly in the income statement. Costs related to the acquisition are recorded in the income statement when incurred.

 

w. Statements of Cash Flows

The Company and its subsidiaries prepared its individual and consolidated statements of cash flows in accordance with IAS 7—Cash Flow Statement. The Company and its subsidiaries present the interest paid on loans and debentures in financing activities.

 

x. Adoption of the Pronouncements Issued by IFRS

The following standards, amendments, and interpretations to IFRS were issued by the IASB but are not yet effective and were not adopted as of December 31, 2015:

 

     Effective date  

•       IFRS 9: Financial instrument classification and measurement: includes new requirements for the classification and measurement of financial assets and liabilities, derecognition requirements, new impairment methodology for financial instruments, and new hedge accounting guidance.

     2018   

•       IFRS 15—Revenue from contracts with customers: establish the principles of nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flow arising from a contract with a customer.

     2018   

•       IFRS 16—Lease: requires lessees record, in the financial statements, a liability reflecting future payments of a lease and the right to use an asset for the lease contracts, except for certain short-term leases and low asset value contracts. The criteria for recognition and measurement of leases in the financial statements of lessors are substantially maintained.

     2019   

The Company is assessing the potential effects of these standards.

 

y. Authorization for Issuance of the Financial Statements

These financial statements were authorized for issue by the Board of Officers on April 29, 2016.

 

F-20


Ultrapar Participações S.A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands of Brazilian Reais, unless otherwise stated)

 

 

3. Principles of Consolidation and Investments in Subsidiaries

The consolidated financial statements were prepared following the basic principles of consolidation established by IFRS 10. Investments of one company in another, balances of asset and liability accounts, and revenues and expenses were eliminated, as well as the effects of transactions conducted between the companies. Non-controlling interests in subsidiaries are presented within consolidated shareholders’ equity and net income.

Consolidation of a subsidiary begins when the parent company obtains direct or indirect control over a company and ceases when the parent company loses control of a company. Income and expenses of a subsidiary acquired are included in the consolidated income statement and other comprehensive income from the date the parent company gains the control. Income and expenses of a subsidiary, in which the parent company loses control, are included in the consolidated income statement and other comprehensive income until the date the parent company loses control.

When necessary, adjustments are made to the financial statements of subsidiaries to bring their accounting policies into line with the Company’s accounting policies.

 

F-21


Ultrapar Participações S.A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands of Brazilian Reais, unless otherwise stated)

 

 

The consolidated financial statements include the following direct and indirect subsidiaries:

 

               % interest in the share  
               12/31//2015      12/31/2014  
               Control      Control  
     Location    Segment    Direct
control
     Indirect
control
     Direct
control
     Indirect
control
 

Ipiranga Produtos de Petróleo S.A.

   Brazil    Ipiranga      100         —           100         —     

am/pm Comestíveis Ltda.

   Brazil    Ipiranga      —           100         —           100   

Centro de Conveniências Millennium Ltda.

   Brazil    Ipiranga      —           100         —           100   

Icorban—Correspondente Bancário Ltda. (*)

   Brazil    Ipiranga      —           100         —           100   

Ipiranga Trading Limited

   Virgin Islands    Ipiranga      —           100         —           100   

Tropical Transportes Ipiranga Ltda.

   Brazil    Ipiranga      —           100         —           100   

Ipiranga Imobiliária Ltda.

   Brazil    Ipiranga      —           100         —           100   

Ipiranga Logística Ltda.

   Brazil    Ipiranga      —           100         —           100   

Oil Trading Importadora e Exportadora Ltda.

   Brazil    Ipiranga      —           100         —           100   

Companhia Ultragaz S.A.

   Brazil    Ultragaz      —           99         —           99   

Bahiana Distribuidora de Gás Ltda.

   Brazil    Ultragaz      —           100         —           100   

Utingás Armazenadora S.A.

   Brazil    Ultragaz      —           57         —           57   

LPG International Inc.

   Cayman Islands    Ultragaz      —           100         —           100   

Imaven Imóveis Ltda.

   Brazil    Others      —           100         —           100   

Isa-Sul Administração e Participações Ltda. (b)

   Brazil    Ipiranga      —           —           99         1   

Imifarma Produtos Farmacêuticos e Cosméticos S.A. (b)

   Brazil    Extrafarma      —           100         —           100   

Oxiteno S.A. Indústria e Comércio

   Brazil    Oxiteno      100         —           100         —     

Oxiteno Nordeste S.A. Indústria e Comércio

   Brazil    Oxiteno      —           99         —           99   

Oxiteno Argentina Sociedad de Responsabilidad Ltda.

   Argentina    Oxiteno      —           100         —           100   

Oleoquímica Indústria e Comércio de Produtos Químicos Ltda.

   Brazil    Oxiteno      —           100         —           100   

Oxiteno Uruguay S.A.

   Uruguay    Oxiteno      —           100         —           100   

Barrington S.L.

   Spain    Oxiteno      —           100         —           100   

Oxiteno México S.A. de C.V.

   Mexico    Oxiteno      —           100         —           100   

Oxiteno Servicios Corporativos S.A. de C.V.

   Mexico    Oxiteno      —           100         —           100   

Oxiteno Servicios Industriales S.A. de C.V.

   Mexico    Oxiteno      —           100         —           100   

Oxiteno USA LLC

   United States    Oxiteno      —           100         —           100   

Global Petroleum Products Trading Corp.

   Virgin Islands    Oxiteno      —           100         —           100   

Oxiteno Overseas Corp.

   Virgin Islands    Oxiteno      —           100         —           100   

Oxiteno Andina, C.A.

   Venezuela    Oxiteno      —           100         —           100   

Oxiteno Europe SPRL

   Belgium    Oxiteno      —           100         —           100   

Oxiteno Colombia S.A.S

   Colombia    Oxiteno      —           100         —           100   

Oxiteno Shanghai Trading LTD.

   China    Oxiteno      —           100         —           100   

Empresa Carioca de Produtos Químicos S.A.

   Brazil    Oxiteno      —           100         —           100   

Ultracargo—Operações Logísticas e Participações Ltda.

   Brazil    Ultracargo      100         —           100         —     

Terminal Químico de Aratu S.A. – Tequimar

   Brazil    Ultracargo      —           99         —           99   

SERMA—Ass. dos usuários equip. proc. de dados

   Brazil    Others      —           100         —           100   

 

(*) In October 2015, the name of Conveniências Ipiranga Norte Ltda. was changed to Icorban—Correspondente Bancário Ltda.

The percentages in the table above are rounded.

 

F-22


Ultrapar Participações S.A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands of Brazilian Reais, unless otherwise stated)

 

 

a) Business Combination – Acquisition of Extrafarma

On January 31, 2014, Extrafarma became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ultrapar, through the merger of the total shares issued by Extrafarma. As a result, 12,021,100 new ordinary, nominative, book-entry shares with no par value of the Company were issued, totaling an increase in equity in the amount of R$ 640,725. The Company also issued subscription warrants – working capital of up to 801,409 shares, equivalent to R$ 42,138. On December 31, 2014, the Company determined that it had a receivable in the amount of R$ 12,222 due to the adjustment of working capital, recognizing in “Other receivables” in current assets. In 2015, the final agreement of working capital and net debt was formalized in the amount of R$ 26,006, and the Company recognized a revenue of R$ 13,784 in “other operating income” (see Note 26). In addition, 7 subscription warrants – indemnification were issued, corresponding to up to 3,205,622 shares. The shares of the subscription warrants – indemnification may be exercised from 2020 onwards and are adjusted according to the changes in the amounts of provisions for tax, civil, and labor risks and contingent liabilities related to the period prior to January 31, 2014. The subscription warrants – indemnification’s fair value is measured based on the share price of Ultrapar (UGPA3) and is reduced by the dividend yield until 2020, since the exercise is possible only from 2020, and they are not entitled to dividends until that date. As of December 31, 2015, the subscription warrants – indemnification were represented by 2,011,766 shares and amounted R$ 112,233 (in 2014 were represented by 2,002,773 and totaled R$ 92,072). This transaction did not affect the Company’s cash flow.

The purchase price is presented below:

 

Increase in share capital

     141,913   

Capital surplus on subscription of shares

     498,812   

Receivables—working capital adjustments

     (12,222

Subscription warrants—indemnification

     91,423   
  

 

 

 

Purchase price

     719,926   
  

 

 

 

The purchase price in the amount of R$ 719,926 was allocated among the identified assets acquired and liabilities assumed, measured at fair value. The goodwill of R$ 661,553 is substantiated related to the Company’s entry into the pharmaceutical retail and wholesale markets in Brazil and by Extrafarma bringing a significant initial scale, an excellent network of drugstores as a starting point and specific knowledge and expertise of the market sector. The deductible tax basis of goodwill is R$ 780,239. During the process of identification of assets and liabilities, intangible assets which were not previously recognized in the acquired entity’s books were also taken into account, as shown below:

 

     Amount      Useful life      Amortization method  

Brand—Extrafarma

     72,523         Indefinite           

Loyalty program—Clube Extrafarma

     31,953         4 years         Straight line   

Customer relationship—wholesale

     17,346         10 years         Straight line   

Other

     517         By contract         Straight line   
  

 

 

       

Total

     122,339         
  

 

 

       

 

F-23


Ultrapar Participações S.A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands of Brazilian Reais, unless otherwise stated)

 

 

The table below summarizes the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date:

 

Current assets

         

Current liabilities

 

Cash and cash equivalents

     9,123       Loans(1)      179,818   

Trade receivables

     65,104       Trade payables      118,769   

Inventories

     154,937       Salaries and related charges      16,539   

Recoverable taxes

     12,385       Income and social contribution taxes payable      3,150   

Other

     5,109       Deferred revenue      5,152   
  

 

 

       
     246,658       Other      6,316   
        

 

 

 
           329,744   

Non-current assets

         

Non-current liabilities

      

Property, plant, and equipment

     48,838       Loans(1)      28,093   

Intangible assets

     135,636       Provision for tax, civil and labor risks      65,517   

Deferred income and social contribution taxes

     56,408       Other      7,097   
        

 

 

 

Escrow deposits

     1,284            100,707   

Goodwill

     661,553         
  

 

 

       
     903,719       Total liabilities assumed      430,451   
        

 

 

 

Total assets acquired and goodwill

     1,150,377       Purchase price      719,926   
  

 

 

       

 

 

 

 

(1) The gross debt assumed on the closing date amounted to R$ 207,911.

The acquisition costs related to lawyers and consultants were recognized as administrative expenses and represent approximately 2% of the transaction amount. Additionally, the Company recognized in shareholders’ equity, reducing the capital reserve, the amount of R$ 2,260 of expenses with lawyers and external audit related to transaction costs for the issuance of shares to the shareholders of Extrafarma.

The following summary presents the Company’s consolidated information for 2014, as if the acquisition had been completed at the beginning of that year. The pro forma information is only presented for comparative purposes and does not purport to be indicative of what would have occurred had the acquisition actually been made at such date, neither is an indicative of future operating results:

 

     2014  

Net revenue from sales and services

     67,824,629   

Operating income

     2,287,695   

Net income for the year

     1,248,369   

Earnings per share basic—whole R$ (see Note 28)

     2.2701   

Earnings per share diluted—whole R$ (see Note 28)

     2.2540   

 

F-24


Ultrapar Participações S.A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands of Brazilian Reais, unless otherwise stated)

 

 

 

b) Statutory reorganization

On December 10, 2014, the Company and the wholly-subsidiary Ipiranga Produtos de Petróleo S.A. (“IPP”), approved a capital increase in Isa-Sul Administração e Participações Ltda. (“Isa-Sul”), in the amount of R$ 995,696 with the issuance of 995,696,000 new shares. All shares were subscribed and paid up with ordinary shares of Extrafarma held by the Company. After this reorganization, the Company became the direct parent company of Isa-Sul and Isa-Sul became the parent company of Extrafarma.

On October 31, 2015, the Company increased the capital of IPP in the amount of R$ 986,886 with the capital contribution of 995,696,017 shares issued by Isa-Sul. After this step, Isa-Sul became a direct subsidiary of IPP and Extrafarma became an indirect subsidiary of IPP. On December 1, 2015, Isa-Sul was merged by its subsidiary Extrafarma with equity fully incorporated at book-value. After this reorganization, the Extrafarma became the subsidiary of IPP and Isa-Sul was extinguished.

 

4. Cash and Cash Equivalents and Financial Investments

Cash equivalents and financial investments, excluding cash and bank deposits, are substantially represented by investments: (i) in Brazil, in certificates of deposit of first-rate financial institutions linked to the Interbank Certificate of Deposit (“CDI”), in repurchase agreement and in short term investments funds, whose portfolio comprised exclusively of Brazilian Federal Government bonds; (ii) outside Brazil, in certificates of deposit of first-rate financial institutions; and (iii) in currency and interest rate hedging instruments.

The financial assets were classified in Note 30, according to their characteristics and intention of the Company and its subsidiaries.

The balance of cash, cash equivalents and financial investments amounted to R$ 3,973,162 in 2015 (R$ 4,400,122 in 2014) and are distributed as follows:

 

    Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents are considered: (i) cash and bank deposits, and (ii) highly-liquid short-term investments that are readily convertible into a known amount of cash and are subject to an insignificant risk of change in value.

 

     2015      2014  

Cash and bank deposits

     

In local currency

     92,160         47,426   

In foreign currency

     99,856         85,870   

Financial investments considered cash equivalents

     

In local currency

     

Fixed-income securities

     2,497,903         2,690,638   

In foreign currency

     

Fixed-income securities

     12,974         3,435   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total cash and cash equivalents

     2,702,893         2,827,369   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-25


Ultrapar Participações S.A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands of Brazilian Reais, unless otherwise stated)

 

 

    Financial Investments

The financial investments of the Company and its subsidiaries, which are not classified as cash and cash equivalents, are distributed as follows:

 

     2015      2014  

Financial investments

     

In local currency

     

Fixed-income securities and funds

     801,587         902,683   

In foreign currency

     

Fixed-income securities and funds

     35,013         505,574   

Currency and interest rate hedging instruments (a)

     433,669         164,496   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total financial investments

     1,270,269         1,572,753   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Current

     803,304         1,441,813   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Non-current

     466,965         130,940   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(a)  Accumulated gains, net of income tax (see Note 30).

 

F-26


Ultrapar Participações S.A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands of Brazilian Reais, unless otherwise stated)

 

 

 

5. Trade Receivables

The composition of trade receivables is as follows:

 

     2015     2014  

Domestic customers

     2,971,019        2,424,756   

Reseller financing—Ipiranga

     350,119        310,062   

Foreign customers

     199,081        191,533   

(-) Allowance for doubtful accounts

     (200,816     (178,444
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     3,319,403        2,747,907   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Current

     3,167,164        2,604,101   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Non-current

     152,239        143,806   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Reseller financing is provided for renovation and upgrading of service stations, purchase of products, and development of the automotive fuels and lubricants distribution market.

The breakdown of trade receivables, gross of allowance for doubtful accounts, is as follows:

 

            Past due  
     Total      Current      less than
30 days
     31-60
days
     61-90
days
     91-180
days
     more than
180 days
 

2015

     3,520,219         3,080,681         113,136         22,834         13,473         30,411         259,684   

2014

     2,926,351         2,515,782         128,778         25,479         12,457         23,542         220,313   

Movements in the allowance for doubtful accounts are as follows:

 

Balance in 2012

     128,816   

Additions

     31,745   

Write-offs

     (13,481
  

 

 

 

Balance in 2013

     147,080   

Initial balance of Extrafarma (January 31, 2014)

     6,964   

Additions

     26,864   

Write-offs

     (2,464
  

 

 

 

Balance in 2014

     178,444   

Additions

     44,380   

Write-offs

     (22,008
  

 

 

 

Balance in 2015

     200,816   
  

 

 

 

For further information about allowance for doubtful accounts see Note 30 – Customer credit risk.

 

F-27


Ultrapar Participações S.A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands of Brazilian Reais, unless otherwise stated)

 

 

6. Inventories

The composition of inventories is as follows:

 

     2015      2014  
     Cost      Provision
for losses
    Net
balance
     Cost      Provision
for losses
    Net
balance
 

Finished goods

     400,994         (7,649     393,345         345,255         (7,849     337,406   

Work in process

     1,723         —          1,723         986         —          986   

Raw materials

     257,700         (1,026     256,674         193,726         (2,661     191,065   

Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)

     58,875         (5,761     53,114         41,616         (5,761     35,855   

Fuels, lubricants, and greases

     1,205,598         (729     1,204,869         907,466         (619     906,847   

Consumable materials and other items for resale

     103,013         (9,259     93,754         81,662         (3,594     78,068   

Pharmaceutical, hygiene, and beauty products

     303,603         (9,568     294,035         272,864         (25,841     247,023   

Advances to suppliers

     171,726         —          171,726         103,124         —          103,124   

Properties for resale

     25,997         —          25,997         24,628         —          24,628   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
     2,529,229         (33,992     2,495,237         1,971,327         (46,325     1,925,002   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Movements in the provision for losses are as follows:

 

Balance in 2012

     8,443   

Additions to net realizable value adjustment

     4,087   

Additions to obsolescence and other losses

     2,708   
  

 

 

 

Balance in 2013

     15,238   

Initial balance of Extrafarma (January 31, 2014)

     27,689   

Additions to net realizable value adjustment

     2,637   

Additions to obsolescence and other losses

     761   
  

 

 

 

Balance in 2014

     46,325   

Additions to net realizable value adjustment

     2,003   

Reversals of obsolescence and other losses

     (14,336
  

 

 

 

Balance in 2015

     33,992   
  

 

 

 

The breakdown of provisions for losses related to inventories is shown in the table below:

 

     2015      2014  

Net realizable value adjustment

     14,137         12,134   

Obsolescence and other losses

     19,855         34,191   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     33,992         46,325   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-28


Ultrapar Participações S.A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands of Brazilian Reais, unless otherwise stated)

 

 

7. Recoverable Taxes

Recoverable taxes are substantially represented by credits of State VAT (ICMS), Contribution for Social Security Financing (COFINS), Social Integration Program (PIS), Income Tax (IRPJ), and Social Contribution (CSLL).

 

     2015     2014  

IRPJ and CSLL

     197,890        182,602   

ICMS

     350,325        296,747   

Provision for ICMS losses (1)

     (64,891     (67,657

PIS and COFINS

     248,254        207,694   

Value-Added Tax (IVA) of subsidiaries Oxiteno Mexico, Oxiteno Andina and Oxiteno Uruguay

     22,791        40,035   

Excise tax—IPI

     4,542        4,157   

Others

     5,316        5,288   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     764,227        668,866   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Current

     628,778        593,462   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Non-current

     135,449        75,404   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1)  The provision for ICMS losses relates to tax credits that the subsidiaries believe will not be utilized or offset in the future, based on its estimative, and its movements are as follows:

 

Balance in 2012

     61,717   

Write-offs, additions and reversals, net

     3,463   
  

 

 

 

Balance in 2013

     65,180   

Initial balance of Extrafarma (January 31, 2014)

     20,888   

Write-offs, additions and reversals, net

     (18,411
  

 

 

 

Balance in 2014

     67,657   

Write-offs, additions and reversals, net

     (2,766
  

 

 

 

Balance in 2015

     64,891   
  

 

 

 

 

F-29


Ultrapar Participações S.A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands of Brazilian Reais, unless otherwise stated)

 

 

8. Related Parties

 

a. Related Parties

Balances and transactions between the Company and its subsidiaries have been eliminated in consolidation and are not disclosed in this note. The balances and transactions between the Company and its subsidiaries with other related parties are disclosed below:

 

     Loans      Commercial transactions  
     Assets      Liabilities      Receivables(1)      Payables(1)  

Oxicap Indústria de Gases Ltda.

     —           —           —           1,506   

Química da Bahia Indústria e Comércio S.A.

     —           3,046         —           —     

ConectCar Soluções de Mobilidade Eletrônica S.A.

     —           —           12,553         6,562   

Refinaria de Petróleo Riograndense S.A.

     —           —           —           23,784   

Others

     490         1,326         —           —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total in 2015

     490         4,372         12,553         31,852   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

     Loans/AFAC      Commercial transactions  
     Assets     Liabilities      Receivables(1)      Payables(1)  

Oxicap Indústria de Gases Ltda.

     10,368 (2)      —           —           1,061   

Química da Bahia Indústria e Comércio S.A.

     —          3,046         —           —     

ConectCar Soluções de Mobilidade Eletrônica S.A.

     —          —           10,499         1,494   

Others

     490        1,326         —           —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total in 2014

     10,858        4,372         10,499         2,555   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) Included in “trade receivables” and “trade payables,” respectively.
(2)  On January 28, 2015, the subsidiary Oxiteno S.A. Indústria e Comércio (“Oxiteno S.A.”) capitalized this Advance for Future Capital Increase – “AFAC” (see Note 11.b).

 

     Commercial transactions  
     Sales and
services
     Purchases  

Oxicap Indústria de Gases Ltda.

     6         12,353   

Refinaria de Petróleo Riograndense S.A.

     —           615,014   

ConectCar Soluções de Mobilidade Eletrônica S.A.

     18,205         —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total in 2015

     18,211         627,367   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

     Commercial transactions  
     Sales and
services
     Purchases  

Oxicap Indústria de Gases Ltda.

     6         12,725   

Refinaria de Petróleo Riograndense S.A.

     —           59,162   

ConectCar Soluções de Mobilidade Eletrônica S.A.

     18,887         —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total in 2014

     18,893         71,887   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-30


Ultrapar Participações S.A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands of Brazilian Reais, unless otherwise stated)

 

 

     Commercial transactions  
     Sales      Purchases  

Oxicap Indústria de Gases Ltda.

     6         12,371   

Refinaria de Petróleo Riograndense S.A.

     —           30,607   

ConectCar Soluções de Mobilidade Eletrônica S.A.

     10,161         —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total in 2013

     10,167         42,978   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Purchase and sale transactions relate substantially to the purchase of raw materials, feedstock, transportation, and storage services based on similar market prices and terms with customers and suppliers with comparable operational performance. The above operations related to ConectCar Soluções de Mobilidade Eletrônica S.A. (“ConectCar”) refer to the adhesion to Ipiranga’s marketing plan and services provided. Borrowing agreements are for an indeterminate period and do not contain interest clauses. In the opinion of the Company and its subsidiaries’ management, transactions with related parties are not subject to credit risk, which is why no allowance for doubtful accounts or collateral is provided. Collateral provided by the Company in loans of subsidiaries and affiliates are mentioned in Note 14.k). Intercompany loans are contracted in light of temporary cash surpluses or deficits of the Company, its subsidiaries, and its associates.

 

b. Key executives

The Company’s compensation strategy combines short and long-term elements, following the principles of alignment of interests and of maintaining a competitive compensation, and is aimed at retaining key officers and remunerating them adequately according to their attributed responsibilities and the value created to the Company and its shareholders.

Short-term compensation is comprised of: (a) fixed monthly compensation paid with the objective of rewarding the executive’s experience, responsibility, and his/her position’s complexity, and includes salary and benefits such as medical coverage, check-up, life insurance, and others; (b) variable compensation paid annually with the objective of aligning the executive’s and the Company’s objectives, which is linked to: (i) the business performance measured through its economic value creation and (ii) the fulfillment of individual annual goals that are based on the strategic plan and are focused on expansion and operational excellence projects, people development and market positioning, among others. In addition, the chief executive officer is entitled to additional long term variable compensation relating to the Company’s shares’ performance between 2013 and 2018, reflecting the target of more than doubling the share value of the Company in 5 years. Further details about the Deferred Stock Plan are contained in Note 8.c) and about post-employment benefits in Note 18.b).

The Company and its subsidiaries recognized expenses for compensation of its key executives (Company’s directors and executive officers) as shown below:

 

     2015      2014      2013  

Short-term compensation

     37,759         30,187         28,041   

Stock compensation

     6,126         5,462         3,642   

Post-employment benefits

     2,936         3,660         2,599   

Long-term compensation

     2,302         1,684         —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     49,123         40,993         34,282   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-31


Ultrapar Participações S.A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands of Brazilian Reais, unless otherwise stated)

 

 

 

c. Deferred Stock Plan

On April 27, 2001, the General Shareholders’ Meeting approved a benefit plan to members of management and employees in executive positions in the Company and its subsidiaries. On November 26, 2003, the Extraordinary General Shareholders’ Meeting approved certain amendments to the original plan of 2001 (the “Deferred Stock Plan”). In the Deferred Stock Plan, certain members of management of the Company and its subsidiaries have the voting and economic rights of shares and the ownership of these shares is retained by the subsidiaries of the Company. The Deferred Stock Plan provides for the transfer of the ownership of the shares to those eligible members of management after five to ten years from the initial concession of the rights subject to uninterrupted employment of the participant during the period. The total number of shares to be used for the Deferred Stock Plan is subject to the availability in treasury of such shares. It is incumbent on Ultrapar’s executive officers to select the members of management eligible for the plan and propose the number of shares in each case for approval by the Board of Directors. The fair value of the awards were determined on the grant date based on the market value of the shares on the BM&FBOVESPA S.A. – Bolsa de Valores, Mercadorias e Futuros (“BM&FBOVESPA”), the Brazilian Securities, Commodities and Futures Exchange and the amounts are amortized between five and ten years from the grant date.

The table below summarizes shares granted to the Company and its subsidiaries’ management:

 

Grant date

   Balance of
number of
shares granted
     Vesting period      Market price of
shares on the
grant date

(in R$ per share)
     Total grant costs,
including taxes
     Accumulated
recognized
grant costs
    Accumulated
unrecognized
grant costs
 

December 9, 2014

     590,000         2019 to 2021         50.64         41,210         (7,583     33,627   

March 5, 2014

     83,400         2019 to 2021         52.15         5,999         (1,868     4,131   

February 3, 2014

     150,000         2018 to 2020         55.36         11,454         (4,513     6,941   

November 7, 2012

     320,000         2017 to 2019         42.90         19,098         (10,347     8,751   

December 14, 2011

     120,000         2016 to 2018         31.85         5,272         (3,656     1,616   

November 10, 2010

     173,336         2015 to 2017         26.78         9,602         (8,319     1,283   

December 16, 2009

     83,328         2014 to 2016         20.75         7,155         (6,843     312   

October 8, 2008

     —           2013 to 2015         9.99         8,090         (8,090     —     

November 9, 2006

     207,200         2016         11.62         3,322         (3,045     277   

December 14, 2005

     —           2015         8.21         1,060         (1,060     —     
  

 

 

          

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
     1,727,264               112,262         (55,324     56,938   
  

 

 

          

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

In 2015, the amortization in the amount of R$ 16,935 (R$ 12,289 in 2014 and R$ 9,729 in 2013) was recognized as a general and administrative expense.

The table below summarizes the changes of number of shares granted:

 

Balance in 2013

     1,886,028   

Shares granted on February 3, 2014

     150,000   

Shares granted on March 5, 2014

     83,400   

Shares granted on December 9, 2014

     590,000   

Shares vested and transferred

     (496,564
  

 

 

 

Balance in 2014

     2,212,864   

Shares vested and transferred

     (455,600

Cancellation of granted shares due to termination of executive employment

     (30,000
  

 

 

 

Balance in 2015

     1,727,264   
  

 

 

 

 

F-32


Ultrapar Participações S.A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands of Brazilian Reais, unless otherwise stated)

 

 

9. Income and Social Contribution Taxes

a. Deferred Income and Social Contribution Taxes

The Company and its subsidiaries recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities which are not subject to the statute of limitations, resulting from tax loss carryforwards, temporary differences, negative tax bases and revaluation of property, plant, and equipment, among others. Deferred tax assets are sustained by the continued profitability of their operations. Deferred IRPJ and CSLL are recognized under the following main categories:

 

     2015      2014  

Assets—Deferred income and social contribution taxes on:

     

Provision for impairment of assets

     41,428         55,527   

Provisions for tax, civil, and labor risks

     140,707         128,365   

Provision for post-employment benefits

     42,297         40,729   

Provision for differences between cash and accrual basis

     989         457   

Goodwill

     33,894         48,162   

Business combination – fiscal basis vs. accounting basis of goodwill

     72,691         68,458   

Provision for asset retirement obligation

     22,418         21,116   

Other provisions

     145,336         59,802   

Tax losses and negative basis for social contribution carryforwards (d)

     59,233         39,957   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     558,993         462,573   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Liabilities—Deferred income and social contribution taxes on:

     

Revaluation of property, plant, and equipment

     2,887         3,009   

Lease

     4,426         4,948   

Provision for differences between cash and accrual basis

     184,951         77,266   

Provision for goodwill/negative goodwill

     17,794         11,183   

Business combination – fair value of assets

     47,110         49,181   

Temporary differences of foreign subsidiaries

     2,855         5,097   

Other provisions

     5,981         2,163   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     266,004         152,847   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-33


Ultrapar Participações S.A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands of Brazilian Reais, unless otherwise stated)

 

 

Changes in the net balance of deferred IRPJ and CSLL are as follows:

 

     2015     2014     2013  

Initial balance

     309,726        274,633        384,407   

Deferred IRPJ and CSLL recognized in income of the year

     (14,813     (21,745     (90,996

Deferred IRPJ and CSLL recognized in comprehensive income of the year

     (2,250     (863     (9,304

Deferred IRPJ and CSLL recognized in business combinations

     —          56,408        (8,365

Others

     326        1,293        (1,109
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Final balance

     292,989        309,726        274,633   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The estimated recovery of deferred tax assets relating to IRPJ and CSLL is stated as follows:

 

Up to 1 year

     195,705   

From 1 to 2 years

     88,552   

From 2 to 3 years

     44,149   

From 3 to 5 years

     69,225   

From 5 to 7 years

     111,256   

From 7 to 10 years

     50,106   
  

 

 

 
     558,993   
  

 

 

 

 

F-34


Ultrapar Participações S.A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands of Brazilian Reais, unless otherwise stated)

 

 

b. Reconciliation of Income and Social Contribution Taxes

IRPJ and CSLL are reconciled to the statutory tax rates as follows:

 

     2015     2014     2013  

Income before taxes and share of profit (loss) of joint ventures, and associates

     2,258,192        1,841,190        1,806,428   

Statutory tax rates—%

     34        34        34   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income and social contribution taxes at the statutory tax rates

     (767,785     (626,005     (614,185
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjustments to the statutory income and social contribution taxes:

      

Nondeductible expenses (i)

     (70,540     (26,519     (24,793

Nontaxable revenues (ii)

     3,753        2,596        6,569   

Adjustment to estimated income (iii)

     12,926        13,638        6,050   

Interest on equity (iv)

     —          —          (218

Other adjustments

     4,874        (603     1,100   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income and social contribution taxes before tax incentives

     (816,772     (636,893     (625,477
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Tax incentives—SUDENE

     82,436        63,405        52,755   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income and social contribution taxes in the income statement

     (734,336     (573,488     (572,722
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Current

     (801,959     (615,148     (534,481

Deferred

     (14,813     (21,745     (90,996

Tax incentives—SUDENE

     82,436        63,405        52,755   

Effective IRPJ and CSLL rates—%

     32.5        31.1        31.7   

 

(i) Nondeductible expenses consist of certain expenses that cannot be deducted for tax purposes under applicable tax legislation, such as expenses with fines, donations, gifts, losses of assets, negative effects of foreign subsidiaries and certain provisions;
(ii) Nontaxable revenues consist of certain gains and income that are not taxable under applicable tax legislation, such as the reimbursement of taxes and the reversal of certain provisions;
(iii) Brazilian tax law allows for an alternative method of taxation for companies that generated gross revenues of up to R$ 78 million in their previous fiscal year. Certain subsidiaries of the Company adopted this alternative form of taxation, whereby income and social contribution taxes are calculated on a basis equal to 32% of operating revenues, as opposed to being calculated based on the effective taxable income of these subsidiaries. The adjustment to estimated income represents the difference between the taxation under this alternative method and the income and social contribution taxes that would have been paid based on the effective statutory rate applied to the taxable income of these subsidiaries.
(iv) Interest on equity is an option provided by Brazilian corporate law which permits the distribution of profits to shareholders, calculated based on the long-term interest rate (“TJLP”), which does not affect the income statement, but is deductible for purposes of IRPJ and CSLL.

 

F-35


Ultrapar Participações S.A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands of Brazilian Reais, unless otherwise stated)

 

 

c. Tax Incentives—SUDENE

The following subsidiaries are entitled to federal tax benefits providing for IRPJ reduction under the program for development of northeastern Brazil operated by the Superintendency for the Development of the Northeast (“SUDENE”):

 

Subsidiary

   Units   Incentive—%      Expiration  

Oxiteno Nordeste S.A. Indústria e Comércio

   Camaçari plant     75         2016   

Bahiana Distribuidora de Gás Ltda.

   Caucaia base(1)     75         2012   
   Mataripe base(2)     75         2024   
   Aracaju base     75         2017   
   Suape base     75         2018   

Terminal Químico de Aratu S.A.—Tequimar

   Suape terminal     75         2020   
   Aratu terminal     75         2022   

Oleoquímica Indústria e Comércio de Produtos Químicos Ltda.

   Camaçari plant     75         2021   

 

On December 30, 2014, Terminal Químico de Aratu S.A.—Tequimar (“Tequimar”) filed a request at SUDENE requiring the income tax reduction incentive, due to the implementation of the Itaqui Terminal in São Luis—Maranhão.

 

(1) On December 22, 2015, the subsidiary requested SUDENE the extension of the recognition of tax incentives for another 10 years, due to the expansion of the Caucaia base.
(2)  Due to modernization realized in the Mataripe base, SUDENE approved the 75% income tax reduction until 2024 through an appraisal report issued on December 30, 2015. On January 19, 2016, the constitutive benefit appraisal report was forwarded to the Brazilian Federal Revenue Service for approval within a term of 120 days.

 

d. Income and Social Contribution Taxes Carryforwards

In 2015, certain subsidiaries of the Company had tax loss carryforwards related to income tax (IRPJ) of R$ 190,359 (R$ 126,624 in 2014) and negative basis of CSLL of R$ 129,368 (R$ 92,232 in 2014), whose compensations are limited to 30% of taxable income in a given tax year, which do not expire. Based on these values, the Company and its subsidiaries recognized deferred income and social contribution tax assets in the amount of R$ 59,233 in 2015 (R$ 39,957 in 2014).

 

F-36


Ultrapar Participações S.A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands of Brazilian Reais, unless otherwise stated)

 

 

10. Prepaid Expenses

 

     2015      2014  

Rents

     114,439         99,285   

Deferred Stock Plan, net (see Note 8.c)

     45,889         61,183   

Advertising and publicity

     25,195         6,103   

Insurance premiums

     24,644         20,295   

Software maintenance

     8,937         6,790   

Purchases of meal and transportation tickets

     1,757         1,559   

Taxes and other prepaid expenses

     7,279         3,281   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     228,140         198,496   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Current

     81,476         67,268   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Non-current

     146,664         131,228   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-37


Ultrapar Participações S.A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands of Brazilian Reais, unless otherwise stated)

 

 

11. Investments

 

a. Joint Ventures

The Company holds an interest in Refinaria de Petróleo Riograndense (“RPR”), which is primarily engaged in oil refining.

The subsidiary Ultracargo—Operações Logísticas e Participações Ltda. (“Ultracargo Participações”) holds an interest in União Vopak —Armazéns Gerais Ltda. (“União Vopak”), which is primarily engaged in liquid bulk storage in the port of Paranaguá.

The subsidiary IPP holds an interest in ConectCar, which is primarily engaged in electronic payment of tolls, parking and fuel. ConectCar, formed in November 2012 currently operates in the States of Alagoas, Bahia, Ceará, Espírito Santo, Goiás, Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, Minas Gerais, Paraná, Pernambuco, Rio de Janeiro, Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina and São Paulo, and the Distrito Federal.

These investments are accounted for under the equity method of accounting based on their financial statements as of December 31, 2015.

Balances and changes in joint ventures are as follows:

 

     Movements in investments  
     Uniăo Vopak     RPR     ConectCar     Total  

Balance in 2012

     5,714        19,759        2,736        28,209   

Capital increase

     —          —          24,945        24,945   

Share of profit (loss) of joint ventures

     1,302        4,780        (11,962     (5,880

Dividends received

     (1,100     (1,788     —          (2,888
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance in 2013

     5,916        22,751        15,719        44,386   

Capital increase

     —          —          28,500        28,500   

Valuation adjustments

     —          1,375        —          1,375   

Share of profit (loss) of joint ventures

     181        (50     (18,747     (18,616

Dividends received

     (1,137     —          —          (1,137
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance in 2014

     4,960        24,076        25,472        54,508   

Capital increase

     —          —          37,080        37,080   

Advance for Future Capital Increase

     —          —          4,000        4,000   

Valuation adjustments

     —          1,535        —          1,535   

Share of profit (loss) of joint ventures

     699        8,248        (23,234     (14,287

Dividends received

     (1,114     (2,345     —          (3,459
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance in 2015

     4,545        31,514        43,318        79,377   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

F-38


Ultrapar Participações S.A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands of Brazilian Reais, unless otherwise stated)

 

 

The table below presents the full amounts of balance sheets and income statements of joint ventures:

 

     2015  
     Uniăo Vopak     RPR     ConectCar  

Current assets

     3,360        234,094        59,599   

Non-current assets

     7,300        114,123        85,195   

Current liabilities

     1,570        176,134        62,158   

Non-current liabilities

     —          77,172        —     

Shareholders’ equity

     9,090        94,911        82,636   

Net revenue from sales and services

     12,026        974,807        18,410   

Costs and operating expenses

     (10,198     (926,392     (89,431

Net financial income and income and social contribution taxes

     (430     (20,768     24,553   

Net income (loss)

     1,398        27,647        (46,468

Number of shares or units held

     29,995        5,078,888        94,579,500   

% of capital held

     50        33        50   

The percentages in the table above are rounded.

 

     2014  
     Uniăo Vopak     RPR     ConectCar  

Current assets

     2,762        160,789        38,852   

Non-current assets

     8,066        102,738        53,236   

Current liabilities

     908        101,083        41,143   

Non-current liabilities

     —          89,935        —     

Shareholders’ equity

     9,920        72,509        50,945   

Net revenue from sales and services

     10,490        233,308        9,981   

Costs and operating expenses

     (10,114     (232,634     (66,797

Net financial income and income and social contribution taxes

     (14     (825     19,323   

Net income (loss)

     362        (151     (37,493

Number of shares or units held

     29,995        5,078,888        57,500,000   

% of capital held

     50        33        50   

The percentages in the table above are rounded.

 

     2013  
     Uniăo Vopak     RPR     ConectCar  

Current assets

     3,814        115,968        26,585   

Non-current assets

     9,358        98,407        25,301   

Current liabilities

     1,340        46,973        20,448   

Non-current liabilities

     —          98,883        —     

Shareholders’ equity

     11,832        68,519        31,438   

Net revenue from sales and services

     12,632        200,328        4,146   

Costs and operating expenses

     (8,954     (191,860     (40,319

Net financial income and income and social contribution taxes

     (1,074     (4,505     12,248   

Net income (loss)

     2,604        3,963        (23,925

Number of shares or units held

     29,995        5,078,888        50,000,000   

% of capital held

     50        33        50   

The percentages in the table above are rounded.

 

F-39


Ultrapar Participações S.A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands of Brazilian Reais, unless otherwise stated)

 

 

b. Associates (Consolidated)

Subsidiary IPP holds an interest in Transportadora Sulbrasileira de Gás S.A., which is primarily engaged in natural gas transportation services.

Subsidiary Oxiteno S.A. holds an interest in Oxicap Indústria de Gases Ltda. (“Oxicap”), which is primarily engaged in the supply of nitrogen and oxygen for its shareholders in the Mauá petrochemical complex.

Subsidiary Oxiteno Nordeste S.A. Indústria e Comércio (“Oxiteno Nordeste”) holds an interest in Química da Bahia Indústria e Comércio S.A., which is primarily engaged in manufacturing, marketing, and processing of chemicals. The operations of this associate are currently suspended.

Subsidiary Companhia Ultragaz S.A. (“Cia. Ultragaz”) holds an interest in Metalúrgica Plus S.A., which is primarily engaged in the manufacture and trading of LPG containers. The operations of this associate are currently suspended.

Subsidiary IPP holds an interest in Plenogás Distribuidora de Gás S.A., which is primarily engaged in the marketing of LPG. The operations of this associate are currently suspended.

The investment of subsidiary Oxiteno S.A. in the associate Oxicap is accounted for under the equity method of accounting based on its financial information as of November 30, 2015, while the other associates are valued based on the financial statements in 2015.

Balances and changes in associates are as follows:

 

     Movements in investments  
     Transportadora
Sulbrasileira de
Gás S.A.
    Oxicap
Indústria de
Gases Ltda.
    Química da
Bahia

Indústria e
Comércio S.A.
    Metalúrgica
Plus S.A.
    Total  

Balance in 2012

     7,014        2,020        3,636        —          12,670   

Capital reduction

     (1,500     —          —          —          (1,500

Share of profit (loss) of associates

     764        124        (1     —          887   

Dividends received

     (316     —          —          —          (316
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance in 2013

     5,962        2,144        3,635        —          11,741   

Dividends received

     (725     —          —          —          (725

Share of profit of associates

     975        946        41        165        2,127   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance in 2014

     6,212        3,090        3,676        165        13,143   

Capital increase

     —          10,368 (1)      —          —          10,368   

Dividends received

     (1,924     (3,453     —          —          (5,377

Share of profit (loss) of associates

     1,455        1,995        8        (55     3,403   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance in 2015

     5,743        12,000        3,684        110        21,537   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) As mentioned in Note 8.a) – Consolidated, in the 1st quarter 2015, Oxiteno realized a capital increase in Oxicap. Thus the interest in the associate has been changed from 25% to 15% approximately.

 

F-40


Ultrapar Participações S.A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands of Brazilian Reais, unless otherwise stated)

 

 

The table below presents the full amounts of balance sheets and income statements of associates:

 

     2015  
     Transportadora
Sulbrasileira de
Gás S.A.
    Oxicap
Indústria de
Gases Ltda.
    Química da
Bahia

Indústria e
Comércio S.A.
    Metalúrgica
Plus S.A.
    Plenogás
Distribuidora
de Gás S.A.
 

Current assets

     5,175        13,390        73        759        691   

Non-current assets

     18,773        79,203        10,403        1,681        2,830   

Current liabilities

     644        8,682        —          403        101   

Non-current liabilities

     332        4,371        3,109        1,708        1,777   

Shareholders’ equity

     22,972        79,540        7,367        329        1,643   

Net revenue from sales and services

     10,628        42,799        —          —          —     

Costs, operating expenses, and income

     (4,703     (14,050     (34     (172     1,792   

Net financial income and income and social contribution taxes

     (7     (9,973     49        8        14   

Net income (loss) for the year

     5,918        18,776        15        (164     1,806   

Number of shares or units held

     20,124,996        1,987        1,493,120        3,000        1,384,308   

% of capital held

     25        15        50        33        33   

The percentages in the table above are rounded.

 

     2014  
     Transportadora
Sulbrasileira de
Gás S.A.
    Oxicap
Indústria de
Gases Ltda.
    Química da
Bahia

Indústria e
Comércio S.A.
    Metalúrgica
Plus S.A.
     Plenogás
Distribuidora
de Gás S.A.
 

Current assets

     5,832        12,434        103        923         231   

Non-current assets

     19,978        77,199        10,358        1,682         2,830   

Current liabilities

     632        2,771        —          403         80   

Non-current liabilities

     332        74,502        3,109        1,708         3,144   

Shareholders’ equity

     24,846        12,360        7,352        494         (163

Net revenue from sales and services

     8,525        32,972        —          —           —     

Costs, operating expenses, and income

     (4,543     (27,174     (45     344         442   

Net financial income and income and social contribution taxes

     (84     (2,013     127        990         (13

Net income for the period

     3,898        3,785        82        1,334         429   

Number of shares or units held

     20,124,996        156        1,493,120        3,000         1,384,308   

% of capital held

     25        25        50        33         33   

The percentages in the table above are rounded.

 

F-41


Ultrapar Participações S.A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands of Brazilian Reais, unless otherwise stated)

 

 

     2013  
     Transportadora
Sulbrasileira de
Gás S.A.
    Oxicap
Indústria de
Gases Ltda.
    Química da
Bahia

Indústria e
Comércio S.A.
    Metalúrgica
Plus S.A.
    Plenogás
Distribuidora
de Gás S.A.
 

Current assets

     4,482        19,507        85        555        3   

Non-current assets

     20,449        73,767        10,085        331        2,926   

Current liabilities

     749        11,019        —          17        62   

Non-current liabilities

     332        73,681        2,901        1,708        3,459   

Shareholders’ equity

     23,850        8,574        7,269        (839     (592

Net revenue from sales and services

     6,794        31,458        —          —          —     

Costs, operating expenses, and income

     (3,665     (30,629     (30     (159     276   

Net financial income and income and social contribution taxes

     (74     (335     28        1        12   

Net income (loss) for the year

     3,055        494        (2     (158     288   

Number of shares or units held

     20,124,996        156        1,493,120        3,000        1,384,308   

% of capital held

     25        25        50        33        33   

The percentages in the table above are rounded.

 

F-42


Ultrapar Participações S.A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands of Brazilian Reais, unless otherwise stated)

 

 

12. Property, Plant, and Equipment

Balances and changes in property, plant, and equipment are as follows:

 

     Weighted
average
useful life
(years)
     Balance
in 2014
    Additions     Depreciation     Transfer     Write-offs
and
disposals
    Effect of
foreign
currency
exchange
rate
variation
    Balance
in 2015
 

Cost:

                 

Land

     —           476,107        45,843        —          3,077        (4,947     4,079        524,159   

Buildings

     31         1,275,728        14,521        —          86,725        (4,060     9,689        1,382,603   

Leasehold improvements

     11         631,342        17,825        —          55,615        (3,599     —          701,183   

Machinery and equipment

     13         3,909,475        99,038        —          108,286        (12,300     (112,660     3,991,839   

Automotive fuel/lubricant distribution equipment and facilities

     14         2,096,563        121,746        —          81,386        (17,233     —          2,282,462   

LPG tanks and bottles

     12         494,691        83,608        —          2,777        (39,725     —          541,351   

Vehicles

     7         244,467        21,883        —          11,358        (18,341     (591     258,776   

Furniture and utensils

     9         156,115        14,198        —          4,888        (440     (4,066     170,695   

Construction in progress

     —           372,974        373,774        —          (337,967     (2,550     31,302        437,533   

Advances to suppliers

     —           19,527        10,685        —          (18,095     —          8        12,125   

Imports in progress

     —           59        1,959        —          (817     —          —          1,201   

IT equipment

     5         239,930        24,255        —          1,124        (4,810     186        260,685   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
        9,916,978        829,335        —          (1,643     (108,005     (72,053     10,564,612   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Accumulated depreciation:

                 

Buildings

        (565,308     —          (40,766     15        1,919        12,309        (591,831

Leasehold improvements

        (313,647     —          (48,132     1        2,661        —          (359,117

Machinery and equipment

        (2,158,390     —          (234,792     (240     9,005        143,173        (2,241,244

Automotive fuel/lubricant distribution equipment and facilities

        (1,164,074     —          (116,010     —          9,287        —          (1,270,797

LPG tanks and bottles

        (231,001     —          (34,392     (136     16,295        —          (249,234

Vehicles

        (90,004     —          (15,769     369        12,126        821        (92,457

Furniture and utensils

        (105,483     —          (10,050     —          323        4,951        (110,259

IT equipment

        (189,859     —          (16,872     (7     3,667        (722     (203,793
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
        (4,817,766     —          (516,783     2        55,283        160,532        (5,118,732
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Provision for losses:

                 

Advances to suppliers

        —          (83     —          —          —          —          (83

Land

        (197     —          —          —          —          —          (197

Leasehold improvements

        (462     —          —          —          2        (199     (659

Machinery and equipment

        (5,895     (1,137     —          —          2,964        (671     (4,739

Automotive fuel/lubricant distribution equipment and facilities

        —          (1,342     —          —          36        —          (1,306

IT equipment

        (683     —          —          —          683        —          —     

Furniture and utensils

        (4     (1     —          —          4        —          (1
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
        (7,241     (2,563     —          —          3,689        (870     (6,985
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net amount

        5,091,971        826,772        (516,783     (1,641     (49,033     87,609        5,438,895   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

F-43


Ultrapar Participações S.A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands of Brazilian Reais, unless otherwise stated)

 

 

 

     Weighted
average
useful life
(years)
     Balance
in 2013
    Additions     Depreciation     Transfer     Write-
offs and
disposals
    Opening
balance of
Extrafarma(1)
    Effect of
foreign
currency
exchange
rate
variation
    Balance
in 2014
 

Cost:

                   

Land

     —           458,619        6,586        —          16,126        (6,668     —          1,444        476,107   

Buildings

     30         1,219,746        8,781        —          53,395        (11,189     —          4,995        1,275,728   

Leasehold improvements

     11         549,841        9,104        —          51,047        (1,634     23,023        (39     631,342   

Machinery and equipment

     13         3,745,901        81,454        —          77,810        (6,957     6,365        4,902        3,909,475   

Automotive fuel/lubricant distribution equipment and facilities

     14         1,939,720        103,387        —          76,431        (22,975     —          —          2,096,563   

LPG tanks and bottles

     12         460,596        85,958        —          —          (51,863     —          —          494,691   

Vehicles

     8         213,635        25,207        —          18,642        (18,668     5,554        97        244,467   

Furniture and utensils

     9         126,758        13,094        —          2,116        (1,030     14,923        254        156,115   

Construction in progress

     —           302,076        328,034        —          (266,699     (1,150     6,752        3,961        372,974   

Advances to suppliers

     —           27,558        26,320        —          (32,100     (2,251     —          —          19,527   

Imports in progress

     —           130        1,723        —          (1,690     —          —          (104     59   

IT equipment

     5         206,286        25,830        —          714        (1,556     8,683        (27     239,930   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
        9,250,866        715,478        —          (4,208     (125,941     65,300        15,483        9,916,978   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Accumulated depreciation:

                   

Buildings

        (533,776     —          (37,671     (26     6,171        —          (6     (565,308

Leasehold improvements

        (269,598     —          (40,367     (280     1,146        (4,585     37        (313,647

Machinery and equipment

        (1,939,238     —          (226,811     312        5,875        (1,756     3,228        (2,158,390

Automotive fuel/lubricant distribution equipment and facilities

        (1,066,425     —          (115,095     2        17,444        —          —          (1,164,074

LPG tanks and bottles

        (221,321     —          (29,653     —          19,973        —          —          (231,001

Vehicles

        (87,860     —          (12,509     —          12,922        (2,503     (54     (90,004

Furniture and utensils

        (93,246     —          (9,449     (3     902        (3,624     (63     (105,483

IT equipment

        (173,942     —          (13,206     (37     1,417        (3,994     (97     (189,859
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
        (4,385,406     —          (484,761     (32     65,850        (16,462     3,045        (4,817,766
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Provision for losses:

                   

Land

        (197     —          —          —          —          —          —          (197

Leasehold improvements

        —          (459     —          —          —          —          (3     (462

Machinery and equipment

        (5,027     (1,451     —          —          592        —          (9     (5,895

IT equipment

        (6     (677     —          —          —          —          —          (683

Furniture and utensils

        (5     —          —          —          1        —          —          (4
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
        (5,235     (2,587     —          —          593        —          (12     (7,241
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net amount

        4,860,225        712,891        (484,761     (4,240     (59,498     48,838        18,516        5,091,971   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1)  For further information about the Extrafarma acquisition, see Note 3.a).

Construction in progress relates substantially to expansions and renovations of industrial facilities and terminals and construction and upgrade of service stations and fuel distribution bases.

Advances to suppliers of property, plant, and equipment relate basically to manufacturing of equipment for expansion of plants, terminals and bases, modernization of service stations, and acquisition of real estate.

 

F-44


Ultrapar Participações S.A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands of Brazilian Reais, unless otherwise stated)

 

 

 

13. Intangible Assets

Balances and changes in intangible assets are as follows:

 

     Weighted
average
useful life
(years)
     Balance in
2014
    Additions      Amortization     Transfer     Write-
offs and
disposals
    Effect of
foreign
currency
exchange
rate
variation
    Balance in
2015
 

Cost:

                  

Goodwill (i)

     —           1,456,179        —           —          —          —          —          1,456,179   

Software (ii)

     5         451,936        82,612         —          453        (59     4,580        539,522   

Technology (iii)

     5         32,617        —           —          —          —          —          32,617   

Commercial property rights (iv)

     10         31,881        4,994         —          —          (287     —          36,588   

Distribution rights (v)

     5         2,762,985        515,502         —          —          —          —          3,278,487   

Brands (vi)

     —           105,458        —           —          2        —          15,484        120,944   

Others (vii)

     4         38,606        6,492         —          (79     —          1,932        46,951   
     

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
        4,879,662        609,600         —          376        (346     21,996        5,511,288   
     

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Accumulated amortization:

                

Software

        (303,780     —           (44,346     —          59        (2,693     (350,760

Technology

        (29,471     —           (1,785     —          —          —          (31,256

Commercial property rights

        (14,545     —           (2,643     —          209        —          (16,979

Distribution rights

        (1,366,128     —           (433,869     (2,992     —          —          (1,802,989

Others

        (7,625     —           (7,821     96        —          (19     (15,369
     

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
        (1,721,549     —           (490,464     (2,896     268        (2,712     (2,217,353
     

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net amount

        3,158,113        609,600         (490,464     (2,520     (78     19,284        3,293,935   
     

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

     Weighted
average
useful
life
(years)
     Balance in
2013
    Additions      Amortization     Transfer     Write-
offs and
disposals
    Opening
balance of
Extrafarma(1)
    Effect of
foreign
currency
exchange
rate
variation
    Balance in
2014
 

Cost:

                

Goodwill (i)

     —           794,626        —           —          —          —          661,553        —          1,456,179   

Software (ii)

     5         353,637        73,994         —          16,379        (456     7,817        565        451,936   

Technology (iii)

     5         32,436        181         —          —          —          —          —          32,617   

Commercial property rights (iv)

     11         16,334        1,838         —          —          —          13,709        —          31,881   

Distribution rights (v)

     4         2,213,573        532,461         —          (190     (205     17,346        —          2,762,985   

Brands (vi)

     —           29,048        —           —          —          —          72,523        3,887        105,458   

Others (vii)

     9         16,475        407         —          (10,294     —          31,953        65        38,606   
     

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
        3,456,129        608,881         —          5,895        (661     804,901        4,517        4,879,662   
     

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Accumulated amortization:

                  

Software

        (261,693     —           (36,780     (3,922     455        (1,416     (424     (303,780

Technology

        (27,690     —           (1,782     —          —          —          1        (29,471

Commercial property rights

        (5,515     —           (2,742     8        —          (6,296     —          (14,545

Distribution rights

        (992,022     —           (367,681     (6,536     111        —          —          (1,366,128

Others

        (454     —           (7,164     —          —          —          (7     (7,625
     

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
        (1,287,374     —           (416,149     (10,450     566        (7,712     (430     (1,721,549
     

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net amount

        2,168,755        608,881         (416,149     (4,555     (95     797,189        4,087        3,158,113   
     

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) For further information about the Extrafarma acquisition, see Note 3.a).

 

F-45


Ultrapar Participações S.A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands of Brazilian Reais, unless otherwise stated)

 

 

i) Goodwill from acquisition of companies was amortized until December 31, 2008, when its amortization ceased. The net remaining balance is tested annually for impairment.

The Company has the following balances of goodwill:

 

     Segment      2015      2014  

Goodwill on the acquisition of:

        

Extrafarma

     Extrafarma         661,553         661,553   

Ipiranga

     Ipiranga         276,724         276,724   

Uniăo Terminais

     Ultracargo         211,089         211,089   

Texaco

     Ipiranga         177,759         177,759   

Oxiteno Uruguay

     Oxiteno         44,856         44,856   

Temmar

     Ultracargo         43,781         43,781   

DNP

     Ipiranga         24,736         24,736   

Repsol

     Ultragaz         13,403         13,403   

Others

        2,278         2,278   
     

 

 

    

 

 

 
        1,456,179         1,456,179   
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

On December 31, 2015, the Company tested the balances of goodwill shown in the table above for impairment. The determination of value in use involves assumptions, judgments, and estimates of cash flows, such as growth rates of revenues, costs and expenses, estimates of investments and working capital, and discount rates. The assumptions about growth projections and future cash flows are based on the Company’s business plan of its operating segments, as well as comparable market data, and represent management’s best estimate of the economic conditions that will exist over the economic life of the various CGUs, to which goodwill is related.

The evaluation of the value in use is calculated for a period of five years (except the Extrafarma segment), after which we calculate the perpetuity, considering the possibility of carrying the business on indefinitely. For the Extrafarma segment, a period of 10 years was used due to its expansion plan and considering a three-years period to maturity of new stores.

On December 31, 2015, the discount and real growth rates used to extrapolate the projections ranged from 10.3% to 17.1% (except discount rate of Oxiteno Andina of 43.5%) and 0% to 1% p.a., respectively, depending on the CGU analyzed.

The goodwill impairment tests and net assets of the Company and its subsidiaries did not result in the recognition of losses for the year ended December 31, 2015. The Company assessed a sensitivity analysis of discount and growth rate of perpetuity, due to their significant impact on cash flows and value in use. An increase of 0.5 percentage points in the discount rate or a decrease of 0.5 percentage points in the growth rate of the perpetuity of the cash flow of each business segment would not result in the recognition of impairment.

 

ii) Software includes user licenses and costs for the implementation of the various systems used by the Company and its subsidiaries, such as: integrated management and control, financial management, foreign trade, industrial automation, operational and storage management, accounting information, and other systems.

 

iii) The subsidiaries Oxiteno S.A., Oxiteno Nordeste and Oleoquímica Indústria e Comércio de Produtos Químicos Ltda. (“Oleoquímica”) recognize as technology certain rights of use held by them. Such licenses include the production of ethylene oxide, ethylene glycols, ethanolamines, glycol ethers, ethoxylates, solvents, fatty acids from vegetable oils, fatty alcohols, and specialty chemicals, which are products that are supplied to various industries.

 

F-46


Ultrapar Participações S.A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands of Brazilian Reais, unless otherwise stated)

 

 

iv) Commercial property rights include those described below:

 

  Subsidiary Tequimar has an agreement with CODEBA – Companhia das Docas do Estado da Bahia, which allows it to explore the area in which the Aratu Terminal is located for 20 years, renewable for a similar period. The price paid by Tequimar was R$ 12,000, which is being amortized from August 2002 to July 2042.

 

  Subsidiary Tequimar has a lease contract for an area adjacent to the Port of Santos for 20 years from December 2002, renewable for a similar period, which allows the construction, operation, and use of a terminal for liquid bulk unloading, tank storage, handling, and distribution. The price paid by Tequimar was R$ 4,334, which is being amortized from August 2005 to December 2022.

 

  Subsidiary Extrafarma pays key money to obtain certain commercial establishments to open drugstores which is stated at the cost of acquisition, amortized using the straight line method, considering the lease contract terms. In the case of the closedown of stores, the residual amount is written off.

 

v) Distribution rights refer mainly to bonus disbursements as provided in Ipiranga’s agreements with resellers and large customers. Bonus disbursements are recognized when paid and recognized as an expense in the income statement over the term of the agreement (typically 5 years), which is reviewed as per the changes occurred in the agreements.

 

vi) Brands are represented by the acquisition cost of the ‘am/pm’ brand in Brazil and of the Extrafarma brand.

 

vii) Other intangibles refer mainly to the loyalty program “Clube Extrafarma”.

The amortization expenses were recognized in the financial statements as shown below:

 

     2015      2014      2013  

Inventories and cost of products and services sold

     11,522         8,916         11,534   

Selling and marketing

     436,253         370,828         298,786   

General and administrative

     42,689         36,405         30,511   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     490,464         416,149         340,831   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-47


Ultrapar Participações S.A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands of Brazilian Reais, unless otherwise stated)

 

 

14 Loans, Debentures, and Finance Leases

 

a. Composition

 

Description

   2015      2014      Index/Currency   Weighted average
financial charges
2015—% p.a.
     Maturity  

Foreign currency – denominated loans:

             

Foreign loan (c.1)(*)

     1,111,721         603,002       US$ + LIBOR(i)     +0.7         2017 to 2018   

Foreign loan (c.1)(*)

     576,645         —         US$     +2.1         2017 to 2018   

Foreign loan (c.2) (c.3) (c.4)

     397,586         158,039       US$ + LIBOR(i)     +1.4         2017 to 2018   

Advances on foreign exchange contracts

     222,478         184,057       US$     +1.5         < 351 days   

Financial institutions (e)

     142,779         113,873       US$     +2.8         2016 to 2017   

Financial institutions (e)

     77,800         53,254       US$ + LIBOR(i)     +2.0         2016 to 2017   

Foreign currency advances delivered

     50,132         25,409       US$     +1.3         < 60 days   

Financial institutions (e)

     27,110         32,343       MX$ + TIIE(ii)     +1.0         2016   

BNDES (d)

     24,057         33,160       US$     +6.0         2016 to 2020   

Notes in the foreign market (b)

     —           664,078       US$     
  

 

 

    

 

 

         

Subtotal

     2,630,308         1,867,215           
  

 

 

    

 

 

         

Brazilian Reais – denominated loans:

             

Banco do Brasil – floating rate (f)

     3,115,752         2,873,622       CDI     105.0         2016 to 2019   

Debentures—IPP (g.2 and g.3)

     1,413,101         1,409,540       CDI     107.9         2017 to 2018   

Debentures—5th issuance (g.4)

     833,114         —         CDI     108.3         2018   

BNDES (d)

     409,339         530,983       TJLP(iii)     +2.7         2016 to 2021   

Export Credit Note – floating rate (h)

     158,648         —         CDI     101.5         2018   

Banco do Nordeste do Brasil

     66,096         85,068       R$     +8.5         2016 to 2021   

FINEP

     61,724         74,774       R$     +4.0         2016 to 2021   

BNDES (d)

     49,681         62,581       R$     +4.6         2016 to 2022   

Finance leases (i)

     45,480         45,883       IGP-M(iv)     +5.6         2016 to 2031   

BNDES (d)

     30,878         —         SELIC(vi)     +2.2         2016 to 2021   

Export Credit Note (h)(*)

     27,039         25,744       R$     +8.0         2016   

FINEP

     11,174         9,078       TJLP(iii)     -1.4         2016 to 2023   

Working capital loans Extrafarma – fixed rate (i)

     1,160         3,445       R$     +10.3         2016   

Floating finance leases (i)

     319         475       CDI     +2.8         2016 to 2017   

FINAME

     255         484       TJLP(iii)     +5.6         2016 to 2022   

Fixed finance leases (i)

     95         686       R$     +15.4         2016 to 2017   

Banco do Brasil – fixed rate (f)(*)

     —           503,898           

Debentures—4th issuance (g.1)

     —           874,312           
  

 

 

    

 

 

         

Subtotal

     6,223,855         6,500,573           
  

 

 

    

 

 

         

Currency and interest rate hedging instruments

     47,445         7,424           
  

 

 

    

 

 

         

Total

     8,901,608         8,375,212           
  

 

 

    

 

 

         

Current

     1,097,855         3,442,364           
  

 

 

    

 

 

         

Non-current

     7,803,753         4,932,848           
  

 

 

    

 

 

         

 

(*)  These transactions were designated for hedge accounting (see Note 30 – Hedge Accounting).

 

(i)  LIBOR = London Interbank Offered Rate.
(ii)  MX$ = Mexican Peso; TIIE = the Mexican interbank balance interest rate.
(iii)  TJLP (Long-term Interest Rate) = set by the National Monetary Council, TJLP is the basic financing cost of Banco Nacional de Desenvolvimento Econômico e Social (“BNDES”), the Brazilian Development Bank. On December 31, 2015, TJLP was fixed at 7% p.a.
(iv)  IGP-M = General Market Price Index is a measure of Brazilian inflation, calculated by the Getúlio Vargas Foundation.
(v)  SELIC = basic interest rate set by the Brazilian Central Bank.

 

 

F-48


Ultrapar Participações S.A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands of Brazilian Reais, unless otherwise stated)

 

 

The long-term consolidated debt had the following principal maturity schedule:

 

     2015      2014  

From 1 to 2 years

     3,393,586         571,991   

From 2 to 3 years

     3,165,603         2,390,747   

From 3 to 4 years

     1,155,809         894,301   

From 4 to 5 years

     38,585         1,006,869   

More than 5 years

     50,170         68,940   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     7,803,753         4,932,848   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

As provided in IAS 39, the transaction costs and issuance premiums associated with debt issuance by the Company and its subsidiaries were added to their financial liabilities, as shown in Note 14.j).

The Company’s management entered into hedging instruments against foreign exchange and interest rate variations for a portion of its debt obligations (see Note 30).

 

b. Notes in the Foreign Market

In December 2005, the subsidiary LPG International Inc. (“LPG Inc.”) issued US$ 250 million in notes in the foreign market, maturing in December 2015, with interest rate of 7.3% p.a., paid semiannually. The notes were guaranteed by the Company and its subsidiary Oxiteno S.A.

The notes were settled by LPG Inc. on the maturity date.

 

F-49


Ultrapar Participações S.A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands of Brazilian Reais, unless otherwise stated)

 

 

c. Foreign Loans

1) The subsidiary IPP has foreign loans in the amount of US$ 440 million. IPP also contracted hedging instruments with floating interest rate in U.S. dollar and exchange rate variation, changing the foreign loans charges, on average, to 102.1% of CDI (see Note 30). IPP designated these hedging instruments as a fair value hedge; therefore, loans and hedging instruments are both measured at fair value from inception, with changes in fair value recognized through profit or loss. The foreign loans are secured by the Company.

The foreign loans have the maturity distributed as follows:

 

Maturity

   US$ (million)      Cost in % of CDI  

Mar/17

     70.0         99.5   

Sep/17

     150.0         103.7   

Jul/18

     60.0         103.0   

Sep/18

     80.0         101.5   

Nov/18(*)

     80.0         101.4   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total/average cost

     440.0         102.1   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(*)  The subsidiary IPP renegotiated foreign loans which would mature in November 2015, in the notional amount of US$ 80 million changing its maturity to November 2018.

2) The subsidiary Oxiteno Overseas Corp. (“Oxiteno Overseas”) has a foreign loan in the amount of US$ 60 million with maturity in January 2017 and interest of LIBOR + 1.0% p.a., paid semiannually. The Company, through its subsidiary Cia. Ultragaz, contracted hedging instruments with floating interest rates in dollar and exchange rate variation, changing the foreign loan charge to 94.0% of CDI (see Note 30). The foreign loan is guaranteed by the Company and its subsidiary Oxiteno S.A.

3) The subsidiary LPG Inc. has a foreign loan in the amount of US$ 30 million with maturity in December 2018 and interest rate of LIBOR + 1.85% p.a, paid quarterly. The foreign loan is guaranteed by the Company and its subsidiary IPP.

4) The subsidiary Global Petroleum Products Trading Corporation has a foreign loan in the amount of US$ 12 million with maturity in December 2018 and interest rate of LIBOR + 1.85% p.a, paid quarterly. The foreign loan is guaranteed by the Company and its subsidiary IPP.

During these contracts, the Company shall maintain the following financial ratios, calculated based on its audited consolidated financial statements:

 

  Maintenance of a financial ratio, determined by the ratio between consolidated net debt and consolidated Earnings before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization (EBITDA), at less than or equal to 3.5.

 

  Maintenance of a financial ratio, determined by the ratio between consolidated EBITDA and consolidated net financial expenses, higher than or equal to 1.5.

The Company is in compliance with the levels of covenants required by these loans. The restrictions imposed on the Company and its subsidiaries are usual for this type of transaction and have not limited their ability to conduct their business to date.

 

F-50


Ultrapar Participações S.A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands of Brazilian Reais, unless otherwise stated)

 

 

d. BNDES

The Company and its subsidiaries have financing from BNDES for some of their investments and for working capital.

During the term of these agreements, the Company must maintain the following capitalization and current liquidity levels, as determined in the annual consolidated audited balance sheet:

 

  Capitalization level: shareholders’ equity / total assets equal to or above 0.3; and

 

  Current liquidity level: current assets / current liabilities equal to or above 1.3.

The Company is in compliance with the levels of covenants required by these loans. The restrictions imposed on the Company and its subsidiaries are usual for this type of transaction and have not limited their ability to conduct their business to date.

 

e. Financial Institutions

The subsidiaries Oxiteno Mexico S.A. de C.V., Oxiteno USA LLC and Oxiteno Uruguay have loans to finance investments and working capital.

 

f. Banco do Brasil

The subsidiary IPP has floating interest rate loans with Banco do Brasil to finance the marketing, processing, or manufacturing of agricultural goods (ethanol).

The subsidiary IPP renegotiated loans with Banco do Brasil, which would mature in February 2015, in the notional amount of R$ 333 million, changing the maturities to July 2017 and January 2018, with floating interest rate of 106% of CDI.

The subsidiary IPP renegotiated loans with Banco do Brasil, which would mature in May 2015, in the notional amount of R$ 200 million, changing the maturities to November 2017 and April 2018, with floating interest rate of 107% of CDI.

These loans mature, as follows (including interest until December 31, 2015):

 

Maturity

      

Feb/16

     226,016   

May/16

     133,428   

Jan/17

     1,146,711   

Jul/17

     177,453   

Nov/17

     101,565   

Jan/18

     177,453   

Apr/18

     101,566   

May/19

     1,051,560   
  

 

 

 

Total

     3,115,752   
  

 

 

 

 

F-51


Ultrapar Participações S.A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands of Brazilian Reais, unless otherwise stated)

 

 

g. Debentures

 

1) In March 2012, the Company made its fourth issuance of debentures, in a single series of 800 simple, nonconvertible into shares, unsecured debentures, and its main characteristics are as follows:

 

Face value unit:

   R$ 1,000,000.00

Final maturity:

   March 16, 2015

Payment of the face value:

   Lump sum at final maturity

Interest:

   108.3% of CDI

Payment of interest:

   Annually

Reprice:

   Not applicable

The debentures were settled by the Company on the maturity date.

 

2) In December 2012, the subsidiary IPP made its first issuance of public debentures in single series of 60,000 simple, nonconvertible into shares, unsecured, nominative and registered debentures, and its main characteristics are as follows:

 

Face value unit:

   R$ 10,000.00

Final maturity:

   November 16, 2017

Payment of the face value:

   Lump sum at final maturity

Interest:

   107.9% of CDI

Payment of interest:

   Semiannually

Reprice:

   Not applicable

 

3) In January 2014, the subsidiary IPP made its second issuance of public debentures in single series of 80,000 simple nonconvertible into shares, unsecured, nominative and registered debentures, which main characteristics are as follows:

 

Face value unit:

   R$ 10,000.00

Final maturity:

   December 20, 2018

Payment of the face value:

   Lump sum at final maturity

Interest:

   107.9% of CDI

Payment of interest:

   Semiannually

Reprice:

   Not applicable

 

4) In March 2015, the Company made its fifth issuance of debentures, in a single series of 80,000 simple, nonconvertible into shares, unsecured debentures, and its main characteristics are as follows:

 

Face value unit:

   R$ 10,000.00

Final maturity:

   March 16, 2018

Payment of the face value:

   Lump sum at final maturity

Interest:

   108.25% of CDI

Payment of interest:

   Semiannually

Reprice:

   Not applicable

The resources of the issuance were used to manage liquidity of the issuer, in order to strengthen its cash and lengthen its debt profile, providing greater financial flexibility.

 

F-52


Ultrapar Participações S.A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands of Brazilian Reais, unless otherwise stated)

 

 

h. Export Credit Note

The subsidiary Oxiteno Nordeste has export credit note contracts in the amounts of R$ 17.5 million and R$ 10.0 million, with maturities in March and August 2016, respectively, and fixed interest rate of 8% p.a., paid quarterly. In May 2015, the subsidiary Oxiteno Nordeste contracted an export credit note in the amount of R$ 156.8 million, with maturity in May 2018 and floating interest rate of 101.5% of CDI, paid quarterly.

For the fixed interest rate contracts, the subsidiary Oxiteno Nordeste contracted interest hedging instruments, thus converting the fixed rates for these loans into 88.8% of CDI (see Note 30). Oxiteno Nordeste designated these hedging instruments as a fair value hedge; therefore, loans and hedging instruments are both measured at fair value from inception. Changes in fair value are recognized in profit or loss.

 

i. Finance Leases

The subsidiary Cia. Ultragaz has a finance lease contract related to LPG bottling facilities, maturing in April 2031.

Subsidiary Extrafarma has finance lease contracts related to IT equipment, software and vehicles, with terms between 24 to 60 months.

The amounts of equipment and intangible assets, net of depreciation and amortization, and the amounts of the corresponding liabilities are shown below:

 

     2015  
     LPG
bottling
facilities
     IT
equipment
and
software
     Vehicles      Furniture,
machinery
and
equipment
     Total  

Equipment and intangible assets, net of depreciation and amortization

     19,890         438         95         —           20,423   

Financing (present value)

     45,480         396         18         —           45,894   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Current

     2,107         260         18         —           2,385   

Non-current

     43,373         136         —           —           43,509   

 

     2014  
     LPG
bottling
facilities
     IT
equipment
and
software
     Vehicles      Furniture,
machinery
and
equipment
     Total  

Equipment and intangible assets, net of depreciation and amortization

     24,720         883         1,483         1,283         28,369   

Financing (present value)

     45,883         874         163         124         47,044   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Current

     1,950         515         145         124         2,734   

Non-current

     43,933         359         18         —           44,310   

 

F-53


Ultrapar Participações S.A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands of Brazilian Reais, unless otherwise stated)

 

 

The future disbursements (installments) assumed under these contracts are presented below:

 

     2015  
     LPG
bottling
facilities
     IT
equipment
and
software
     Vehicles      Total  

Up to 1 year

     4,371         287         18         4,676   

From 1 to 2 years

     4,371         155         —           4,526   

From 2 to 3 years

     4,371         —           —           4,371   

From 3 to 4 years

     4,371         —           —           4,371   

From 4 to 5 years

     4,371         —           —           4,371   

More than 5 years

     45,165         —           —           45,165   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     67,020         442         18         67,480   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

     2014  
     LPG
bottling
facilities
     IT
equipment
and
software
     Vehicles      Furniture
and
utensils
     Total  

Up to 1 year

     4,238         566         155         123         5,082   

From 1 to 2 years

     4,238         288         18         —           4,544   

From 2 to 3 years

     4,238         155         —           —           4,393   

From 3 to 4 years

     4,238         —           —           —           4,238   

From 4 to 5 years

     4,238         —           —           —           4,238   

More than 5 years

     48,024         —           —           —           48,024   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     69,214         1,009         173         123         70,519   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The above amounts include Services Tax (“ISS”) payable on the monthly installments, except for disbursements for the LPG bottling facilities.

 

F-54


Ultrapar Participações S.A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands of Brazilian Reais, unless otherwise stated)

 

 

j. Transaction Costs

Transaction costs incurred in issuing debt were deducted from the value of the related financial instruments and are recognized as an expense according to the effective interest rate method, as follows:

 

     Effective rate
of transaction
costs (% p.a.)
     Balance in
2014
     Incurred
cost
     Amortization     Balance in
2015
 

Banco do Brasil (f)

     0.3         14,474         600         (3,191     11,883   

Foreign Loans (c)

     0.3         3,016         3,151         (1,518     4,649   

Debentures (g)

     0.0         2,157         958         (1,314     1,801   

Notes in the foreign market (b)

     0.2         1,309         —           (1,309     —     

Other

     0.5         318         367         (140     545   
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  

     21,274         5,076         (7,472     18,878   
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

     Effective rate
of transaction
costs (% p.a.)
     Balance in
2013
     Incurred
cost
     Amortization     Balance in
2014
 

Banco do Brasil (f)

     0.4         19,797         —           (5,323     14,474   

Foreign Loans (c)

     0.3         504         3,140         (628     3,016   

Debentures (g)

     0.2         4,730         1,422         (3,995     2,157   

Notes in the foreign market (b)

     0.2         2,309         —           (1,000     1,309   

Other

     0.1         412         30         (124     318   
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  

     27,752         4,592         (11,070     21,274   
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

The amount to be appropriated to profit or loss in the future is as follows:

 

     Up to 1
year
     1 to 2
years
     2 to 3
years
     3 to 4
years
     4 to 5
years
     More than
5 years
     Total  

Banco do Brasil (f)

     2,894         3,473         3,881         1,635         —           —           11,883   

Foreign Loans (c)

     2,425         1,459         765         —           —           —           4,649   

Debentures (g)

     644         716         441         —           —           —           1,801   

Other

     190         222         71         45         16         1         545   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     6,153         5,870         5,158         1,680         16         1         18,878   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-55


Ultrapar Participações S.A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands of Brazilian Reais, unless otherwise stated)

 

 

k. Guarantees

The financings are guaranteed by collateral in the amount of R$ 52,312 in 2015 (R$ 50,570 in 2014) and by guarantees and promissory notes in the amount of R$ 4,369,977 in 2015 (R$ 3,779,450 in 2014).

In addition, the Company and its subsidiaries offer collateral in the form of letters of credit for commercial and legal proceedings in the amount of R$ 187,551 in 2015 (R$ 173,644 in 2014) and guarantees related to raw materials imported by the subsidiary Ipiranga in the amount of R$ 133,154 in 2015.

Some subsidiaries of Oxiteno issue collateral to financial institutions in connection with the amounts owed by some of their customers to such institutions (vendor financing). If a subsidiary is required to make any payment under these collaterals, this subsidiary may recover the amount paid directly from its customers through commercial collection. The maximum amount of future payments related to these collaterals is R$ 27,106 in 2015 (R$ 26,684 in 2014), with maturities of up to 213 days. As of December 31, 2015, the subsidiaries did not have losses in connection with these collaterals. The fair value of collaterals recognized in current liabilities as other payables is R$ 656 in 2015 (R$ 646 in 2014), which is recognized as profit or loss as customers settle their obligations with the financial institutions.

Some financing agreements of the Company and its subsidiaries have cross default clauses that require them to pay the debt assumed in case of default of other debts equal to or greater than US$ 15 million. As of December 31, 2015, there was no event of default of the debts of the Company and its subsidiaries.

 

15. Trade Payables

 

     2015      2014  

Domestic suppliers

     1,390,204         1,196,876   

Foreign suppliers

     70,328         82,626   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     1,460,532         1,279,502   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The Company’s subsidiaries acquire oil based fuels and LPG from Petróleo Brasileiro S.A.—Petrobras and its subsidiaries and ethylene from Braskem S.A. These suppliers control almost all of the markets for these products in Brazil. The Company’s subsidiaries depend on the ability of those suppliers to deliver products in a timely manner and at acceptable prices and terms. The loss of any major supplier or a significant reduction in product availability from these suppliers could have a significant adverse effect on the Company and its subsidiaries. The Company and its subsidiaries believe that their relationship with suppliers is satisfactory.

 

F-56


Ultrapar Participações S.A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands of Brazilian Reais, unless otherwise stated)

 

 

16. Salaries and Related Charges

 

     2015      2014  

Provisions on payroll

     149,818         128,181   

Profit sharing, bonus and premium

     201,579         108,632   

Social charges

     43,782         44,747   

Salaries and related payments

     6,993         10,904   

Benefits

     1,558         1,617   

Others

     583         498   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     404,313         294,579   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

17. Taxes Payable

 

     2015      2014  

ICMS

     111,107         93,761   

Value-Added Tax (IVA) of subsidiaries Oxiteno Mexico, Oxiteno USA, Oxiteno Andina and Oxiteno Uruguay

     26,342         14,822   

PIS and COFINS

     11,165         11,922   

ISS

     6,976         6,304   

IPI

     4,949         3,858   

National Institute of Social Security (INSS)

     3,309         2,991   

Income Tax Withholding (IRRF)

     2,418         2,267   

Others

     2,538         2,910   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     168,804         138,835   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

18. Employee Benefits and Private Pension Plan

 

a. ULTRAPREV- Associaçăo de Previdência Complementar

In February 2001, the Company’s Board of Directors approved the adoption of a defined contribution pension plan to be sponsored by the Company and each of its subsidiaries. Participating employees have been contributing to this plan, managed by Ultraprev—Associaçăo de Previdência Complementar (“Ultraprev”), since August 2001. Under the terms of the plan, every year each participating employee chooses his or her basic contribution to the plan. Each sponsoring company provides a matching contribution in an amount equivalent to each basic contribution, up to a limit of 11% of the employee’s reference salary, according to the rules of the plan. As participating employees retire, they may choose to receive either (i) a monthly sum ranging between 0.5% and 1.0% of their respective accumulated fund in Ultraprev or (ii) a fixed monthly amount which will exhaust their respective accumulated fund over a period of 5 to 25 years. The sponsoring company does not guarantee the amounts or the duration of the benefits received by each employee that retires. In 2015, the Company and its subsidiaries contributed R$ 22,216 (R$ 19,784 in 2014 and R$ 17,876 in 2013) to Ultraprev, which is recognized as expense in the income statement. The total number of participating employees as of December 31, 2015 was 8,903 active participants and 169 retired participants. In addition, Ultraprev had 28 former employees receiving benefits under the rules of a previous plan whose reserves are fully constituted.

 

F-57


Ultrapar Participações S.A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands of Brazilian Reais, unless otherwise stated)

 

 

b. Post-employment Benefits

The Company and its subsidiaries recognized a provision for post-employment benefits mainly related to seniority bonus, payment of Government Severance Indemnity Fund (“FGTS”), and health, dental care, and life insurance plan for eligible retirees.

The amounts related to such benefits were determined based on a valuation conducted by an independent actuary as of December 31, 2015 and are recognized in the financial statements in accordance with IAS 19 R2011.

 

     2015      2014  

Health and dental care plan

     24,869         28,521   

FGTS Penalty

     59,517         50,881   

Bonus

     28,835         25,288   

Life insurance

     13,374         15,101   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     126,595         119,791   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Current

     13,747         11,419   

Non-current

     112,848         108,372   

Changes in the present value of the provision for post-employment benefits are as follows:

 

     2015     2014  

Opening balance

     119,791        111,296   

Current service cost

     6,395        2,594   

Interest cost

     13,681        12,718   

Actuarial (gains) losses from changes in actuarial assumptions

     (6,288     (455

Benefits paid directly by Company and its subsidiaries

     (6,984     (6,362
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending balance

     126,595        119,791   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The expense of the year is presented below:

 

     2015      2014      2013  

Health and dental care plan

     3,291         3,699         3,550   

FGTS Penalty

     10,445         6,740         5,893   

Bonus

     4,352         3,159         3,043   

Life insurance

     1,683         1,714         1,617   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     19,771         15,312         14,103   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-58


Ultrapar Participações S.A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands of Brazilian Reais, unless otherwise stated)

 

 

Significant actuarial assumptions adopted include:

Economic factors

 

     2015      2014  
     % p.a.      % p.a.  

Discount rate for the actuarial obligation at present value

     12.71         11.82   

Average projected salary growth rate

     8.98         8.38   

Inflation rate (long term)

     5.0         5.2   

Growth rate of medical services

     9.20         9.41   

Demographic factors

 

  Mortality Table for the life insurance benefit—CSO-80

 

  Mortality Table for other benefits—AT 2000 Basic decreased by 10%

 

  Disabled Mortality Table—RRB 1983

 

  Disability Table—RRB 1944 modified

Sensitivity analysis

The significant actuarial assumptions to determine the provision for post-employment benefits are: discount rate, wage and medical costs increases. The following sensitivity analyses on December 31, 2015 were determined based on reasonably possible changes of assumptions occurring at the reporting date of the financial statements, keeping all other assumptions constant.

 

Assumption

   Change in
assumptions
     Increase in
liability
     Change in assumptions      Decrease in
liability
 

Discount rate

     increase by 1.0 p.p         6,794         decrease by 1.0 p.p         7,742   

Wage growth rate

     increase by 1.0 p.p         578         decrease by 1.0 p.p         534   

Medical services growth rate

     increase by 1.0 p.p         2,759         decrease by 1.0 p.p         2,342   

The sensitivity analysis presented may not represent the real change in the post-employment benefits obligation, since it is unlikely that changes occur in just one assumption alone, considering that some of these assumptions may be correlated.

Inherent risks related to post-employment benefits

Interest rate risk: a long-term interest rate is used to calculate the present value of post-employment liabilities. A reduction in this interest rate will increase the corresponding liability.

Growth wage risk: the present value of the liability is calculated using as reference the wages of the plan participants, projected with the average nominal wage growth rate. An increase in the real wages of plan participants will increase the corresponding liability.

Medical costs growth risk: the present value of the liability is calculated using as reference the medical cost by age based on actual healthcare costs, projected based on the growth rate of medical services costs. An increase in the real medical costs will increase the corresponding liability.

 

F-59


Ultrapar Participações S.A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands of Brazilian Reais, unless otherwise stated)

 

 

19. Provision for Asset Retirement Obligation – Fuel Tanks

The provision corresponds to the legal obligation to remove Ipiranga’s underground fuel tanks located at Ipiranga-branded service stations after a certain use period (see Note 2.m).

Changes in the provision for asset retirement obligation are as follows:

 

     2015     2014     2013  

Initial balance

     70,802        69,661        70,411   

Additions (new tanks)

     625        709        715   

Expense with tanks removed

     (3,949     (4,026     (5,435

Accretion expense

     7,238        4,458        3,970   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Final balance

     74,716        70,802        69,661   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Current

     5,232        4,598        3,449   

Non-current

     69,484        66,204        66,212   

 

20. Provisions, Contingencies and Commitments

 

a. Provisions for tax, civil, and labor risks

The Company and its subsidiaries are parties in tax, civil, environmental, regulatory, and labor disputes at the administrative and judiciary levels, which, when applicable, are backed by escrow deposits. Provisions for losses are estimated and updated by Management based on the opinion of the Company’s legal department and its external legal advisors.

The table below demonstrates the breakdown of provisions by nature and its movement:

 

Provisions

   Balance
in 2014
     Additions      Write-offs     Monetary
restatement
    Balance
in 2015
 

IRPJ and CSLL (a.1.1)

     406,478         —           —          33,445        439,923   

PIS and COFINS (a.1.2)

     119,237         —           —          16,581        135,818   

ICMS

     20,829         —           (3,503     (726     16,600   

Social security

     10,483         317         (212     867        11,455   

Civil, environmental and regulatory claims (a.2.1)

     58,336         6,689         (4,860     128        60,293   

Labor litigation (a.3.1)

     71,516         6,335         (13,653     1,190        65,388   

Other

     562         7         (88     24        505   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     687,441         13,348         (22,316     51,509        729,982   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Current

     64,169                45,322   

Non-current

     623,272                684,660   

Some of the tax provisions above involve, in whole or in part, escrow deposits in the amount of R$ 548,150 in 2015 (R$ 505,650 in 2014).

 

F-60


Ultrapar Participações S.A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands of Brazilian Reais, unless otherwise stated)

 

 

a.1 Provisions for Tax Matters and Social Security

 

a.1.1) On October 7, 2005, the subsidiaries Cia. Ultragaz and Bahiana Distribuidora de Gás Ltda. (“Bahiana”) filed for and obtained a preliminary injunction to recognize and offset PIS and COFINS credits on LPG purchases, against other taxes levied by the Brazilian Federal Revenue Service, notably IRPJ and CSLL. The decision was confirmed by a trial court on May 16, 2008. Under the preliminary injunction, the subsidiaries made escrow deposits for these debits which amounted to R$ 422,678 in 2015 (R$ 388,675 in 2014). On July 18, 2014, a second instance unfavorable decision was published and the subsidiaries suspended the escrow deposits, and started to pay income taxes from that date. To revert the court decision, the subsidiaries presented a writ of prevention which was dismissed on December 30, 2014, and the Company appealed this decision on February 3, 2015. Appeals were also presented to the respective higher courts (STJ and STF) whose trials are pending.

 

a.1.2) The subsidiaries Oxiteno S.A., Oxiteno Nordeste, Cia. Ultragaz, Tequimar, Tropical Transportes Ipiranga Ltda., Empresa Carioca de Produtos Químicos S.A. (“EMCA”), IPP and Extrafarma filed for a preliminary injunction seeking the deduction of ICMS from their PIS and COFINS tax bases. Oxiteno Nordeste and IPP paid the amounts into escrow deposits, and recognized a corresponding provision in the amount of R$ 99,874 in 2015 (R$ 92,457 in 2014).

 

.a.2) Provisions for Civil, Environmental and Regulatory Claims

 

a.2.1) The Company and its subsidiaries maintained provisions for lawsuits and administrative proceedings, mainly derived from contracts entered into with customers and former services providers, as well as proceedings related to environmental and regulatory issues in the amount of R$ 60,293 in 2015 (R$ 58,336 in 2014).

 

a.3) Provisions for Labor Matters

 

a.3.1) The Company and its subsidiaries maintained provisions of R$ 65,388 in 2015 (R$ 71,516 in 2014) for labor litigation filed by former employees and by employees of our service providers mainly contesting the non-payment of labor rights.

 

b. Contingent Liabilities (Possible)

The Company and its subsidiaries have other pending administrative and legal proceedings of tax, civil, environmental, regulatory, and labor nature, which are individually less relevant, and were estimated by their legal counsel as having possible and/or remote risks (proceedings whose chance of loss is 50% or less). A such, the related potential losses were not provided for by the Company and its subsidiaries based on these opinions. The Company and its subsidiaries are also litigating for recovery of taxes and contributions, which were not recognized in the financial statements due to their contingent nature. The estimated amount of this contingency is R$ 2,069,516 in 2015.

 

b.1) Contingent Liabilities for Tax Matters and Social Security

The Company and its subsidiaries have contingent liabilities for tax matters and social security in the amount of R$ 1,261,396 in 2015, mainly represented by:

 

b.1.1) The subsidiary IPP and its subsidiaries have assessments invalidating the offset of excise tax (“IPI”) credits in connection with the purchase of raw materials used in the manufacturing of products which sales are not subject to IPI under the protection of tax immunity. The amount of this contingency is R$ 154,821 in 2015.

 

b.1.2) The subsidiary IPP and its subsidiaries have legal proceedings related to ICMS. The total amount involved in 2015 in these proceedings, was R$ 509,604. Such proceedings arise mostly of the disregard of ICMS credits amounting to R$ 294,454, of which R$ 119,663 refer to proportional reversal requirement of ICMS credits related to the acquisition of hydrated alcohol; of alleged non-payment in the amount of R$ 105,070; inventory differences in the amount of R$ 103,428 related to the leftovers or faults due to temperature changes or product handling, and noncompliance of ancillary obligations in the amount of R$ 6,652.

 

F-61


Ultrapar Participações S.A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands of Brazilian Reais, unless otherwise stated)

 

 

b.1.3) The Company and its subsidiaries are parties to administrative and judicial suits involving Income Tax, Social Security Contribution, PIS and COFINS, substantially about denials of offset claims and credits disallowance which total amount is R$ 308,377 in 2015.

 

b.2) Contingent Liabilities for Civil, Environmental and Regulatory Claims

The Company and its subsidiaries have contingent liabilities for civil, environmental and regulatory claims in the amount of R$ 582,960 in 2015, mainly represented by:

 

b.2.1) The subsidiary Cia. Ultragaz is party to an administrative proceeding before CADE (Brazilian antitrust authority) based on alleged anti-competitive practices in the State of Minas Gerais in 2001. The CADE entered a decision against Cia. Ultragaz and imposed a penalty of R$ 23,104. The imposition of such administrative decision was suspended by a court order and its merit is being judicially reviewed.

 

b.2.2) As a result of the fire on April 2nd, 2015 at the Santos Terminal of the subsidiary Tequimar, CETESB—Environmental Company of the State of São Paulo charged a fine of R$ 22,500, due to the environmental and urban impacts allegedly caused by the incident. Tequimar filed before such Environmental Agency its refutation under the first administrative jurisdiction, in which, among other things, it claimed the inapplicability of federal legislation due to the existence of state legislation that not only regulate the issue but also may cause the fine reduction. It also denied the unlawful conduct by Tequimar. On March 16, 2016, Ultracargo decided to pay the fine in the amount of R$ 16,032 to CETESB, with discount of 30%, as a result of an unfavorable decision at the administrative level and quit the lawsuit. For more information about the fire accident in Santos and the related contingent liabilities, see Note 32.

 

b.3) Contingent Liabilities for Labor Matters

The Company and its subsidiaries have contingent liabilities for labor matters in the amount of R$ 225,160 in 2015, mainly represented by:

 

b.3.1) In 1990, the Petrochemical Industry Labor Union (Sindiquímica), of which the employees of Oxiteno Nordeste and EMCA, companies located in the Camaçari Petrochemical Complex, are members, filed separate lawsuits against the subsidiaries demanding the compliance with the fourth section of the collective labor agreement, which provided for a salary adjustment in lieu of the salary policies practiced. In the same year, a collective labor dispute was also filed by the Union of Employers (SINPEQ) against Sindiquímica, requiring the recognition of the loss of effectiveness of such fourth section. The decisions rendered on the individual claims which were favorable to the subsidiaries Oxiteno Nordeste and EMCA are final and unappealable. The collective labor dispute remains pending trial by STF. In 2010, some companies in the Camaçari Petrochemical Complex signed an agreement with Sindiquímica and reported the fact in the collective labor dispute. In October 2015, Sindiquímica filed enforcement lawsuits against all Camaçari Petrochemical Complex companies that have not yet made settlements, including Oxiteno Nordeste and EMCA.

 

F-62


Ultrapar Participações S.A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands of Brazilian Reais, unless otherwise stated)

 

 

21. Deferred Revenue

The Company’s subsidiaries have recognized the following deferred revenue:

 

     2015      2014  

‘am/pm’ and Jet Oil franchising upfront fee

     16,988         14,785   

Loyalty program “Km de Vantagens”

     10,569         10,025   

Loyalty program “Clube Extrafarma”

     7,899         6,349   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     35,456         31,159   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Current

     24,420         23,450   

Non-current

     11,036         7,709   

Loyalty Programs

Subsidiary Ipiranga has a loyalty program called Km de Vantagens (www.kmdevantagens.com.br) under which registered customers are rewarded with points when they buy products at Ipiranga service stations or at its partners. The customers may exchange these points, during the period of one year, for discounts on products and services offered by Ipiranga and its partners. Points received by Ipiranga’s customers that may be used with the partner Multiplus Fidelidade and for discounts of fuel in Ipiranga’s website (www.postoipiranganaweb.com.br) and are considered part of sales revenue.

Subsidiary Extrafarma has a loyalty program called Clube Extrafarma (www.clubeextrafarma.com.br) under which registered customers are rewarded with points when they buy products at its drugstore chain. The customers may exchange these points, during the period of one year, for prizes offered by its partners. Points received by Extrafarma’s customers may be used with the partner Multiplus Fidelidade and as recharge credit on a mobile phone are considered part of sales revenue.

Deferred revenue is estimated based on the fair value of the points granted, considering the value of the prizes and the expected redemption of points. Deferred revenue is recognized in profit or loss when the points are redeemed, on which occasion the costs incurred are also recognized. Deferred revenue of unredeemed points is also recognized in profit or loss when the points expire.

Franchising Upfront Fee

am/pm is the convenience stores chain of the Ipiranga service stations. Ipiranga ended in 2015 with 1,909 stores (1,708 stores in 2014). Jet Oil is Ipiranga’s lubricant-changing and automotive service specialized network. Ipiranga ended in 2015 with 1,466 stores (1,337 stores in 2014). The franchising upfront fee received by Ipiranga is deferred and recognized in profit or loss on the straight-line accrual basis throughout the terms of the agreements with the franchisees.

 

F-63


Ultrapar Participações S.A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands of Brazilian Reais, unless otherwise stated)

 

 

22. Shareholders’ Equity

 

a. Share Capital

The Company is a publicly traded company listed on BM&FBOVESPA in the Novo Mercado listing segment under the ticker “UGPA3” and on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in the form of level III American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”) under the ticker “UGP”. As of December 31, 2015, the subscribed and paid-in capital stock consists of 556,405,096 common shares with no par value and the issuance of preferred shares and participation certificates is prohibited. Each common share entitles its holder to one vote at Shareholders’ Meetings.

The price of the shares issued by the Company as of December 31, 2015, on BM&FBOVESPA was R$ 60.45.

On January 31, 2014, the Extraordinary Shareholders’ Meetings of Ultrapar and Extrafarma approved the issuance of 12,021,100 new ordinary, nominative, book-entry shares with no par value of the Company, increasing its capital stock by R$ 141,913, resulting in a total capital stock of R$ 3,838,686 represented by 556,405,096 shares. For further information, see Note 3.a).

As of December 31, 2015, the Company is authorized to increase capital up to the limit of 800,000,000 common shares, without amendment to the Bylaws, by resolution of the Board of Directors.

As of December 31, 2015, there were 29,385,497 common shares outstanding abroad in the form of ADRs (31,714,297 shares as of December 31, 2014).

 

b. Treasury Shares

The Company acquired its own shares at market prices, without capital reduction, to be held in treasury and to be subsequently disposed of or cancelled, in accordance with the Brazilian Securities and Exchange Commission (“CVM”) Instructions 10, of February 14, 1980 and 268, of November 13, 1997.

On December 10, 2014, the Board of Directors approved Ultrapar’s Shares Repurchase Program (“Share Repurchase Program 2014/15”), with maximum period for the acquisition of 365 days, from December 12, 2014 and maximum acquisition number of 6,500,000 common shares. The Company acquired in the Share Repurchase Program 2014/15, 6,143,200 common shares at an average cost of R$ 63.07 per share.

As of December 31, 2015, 13,321,356 common shares (7,148,156 in 2014) were held in the Company’s treasury, acquired at an average cost of R$ 36.85 per share (R$ 14.42 in 2014).

 

c. Capital Reserve

The capital reserve reflects the gain on the transfer of shares at market price to be held in treasury by the Company’s subsidiaries, at an average price of R$ 26.09 per share. Such shares were used in the Deferred Stock Plan granted to executives of these subsidiaries, as mentioned in Note 8.c).

As a result of the issuance of 12,021,100 new shares occurred on January 31, 2014, the Company recognized an increase in the capital reserves in the amount of R$ 498,812, due to the difference between the value attributable to share capital and the market value of the Ultrapar shares on the date of issue. For further information, see Note 3.a). In addition, the Company incurred costs directly attributable to issuing new shares in the amount of R$ 2,260, reducing the capital reserve amount.

 

F-64


Ultrapar Participações S.A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands of Brazilian Reais, unless otherwise stated)

 

 

d. Revaluation Reserve

The revaluation reserve reflects the revaluation of assets of subsidiaries and is based on depreciation, write-off, or disposal of the revalued assets of the subsidiaries, as well as the tax effects recognized by these subsidiaries.

 

e. Profit Reserves

Legal Reserve

Under Brazilian Corporate Law, the Company is required to appropriate 5% of net annual earnings to a legal reserve, until the balance reaches 20% of capital stock. This reserve may be used to increase capital or absorb losses, but may not be distributed as dividends.

Retention of Profits

Reserve recognized in previous fiscal years and used for investments contemplated in a capital budget, mainly for expansion, productivity, and quality, acquisitions and new investments, in accordance with Article 196 of Brazilian Corporate Law.

Investments Reserve

In compliance with Article 194 of the Brazilian Corporate Law and Article 55.c) of the Bylaws this reserve is aimed to protect the integrity of the Company’s assets and to supplement its capital stock, in order to allow new investments to be made. As provided in its Bylaws, the Company may allocate up to 45% of net income to the investments reserve, up to the limit of 100% of the share capital.

The amounts of retention of profits and investments reserve are free of distribution restrictions and totaled R$ 3,329,649 in 2015 (R$ 2,772,527 in 2014).

 

f. Other Comprehensive Income

Valuation Adjustments

The differences between the fair value and amortized cost of financial investments classified as available for sale are recognized directly in equity as valuation adjustments. The gains and losses recognized in the shareholders’ equity are reclassified to profit or loss in case the financial instruments are prepaid.

Actuarial gains and losses relating to post-employment benefits, calculated based on a valuation conducted by an independent actuary, are recognized in shareholders’ equity under the title “valuation adjustments”. Actuarial gains and losses recorded in equity are not reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent periods.

Gains and losses on the hedging instruments of firm commitment of exchange rate designated as cash flows hedges are recorded in shareholders’ equity as “valuation adjustments”. Gains and losses are reclassified to initial cost of non-financial assets.

Cumulative Translation Adjustments

The change in exchange rates on assets, liabilities, and income of foreign subsidiaries that have (i) functional currency other than the presentation currency of the Company and (ii) an independent administration, is directly recognized in the shareholders’ equity. This accumulated effect is reflected in profit or loss as a gain or loss only in case of disposal or write-off of the investment.

 

F-65


Ultrapar Participações S.A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands of Brazilian Reais, unless otherwise stated)

 

 

Balance and changes in other comprehensive income of the Company are as follows:

 

     Valuation adjustments  
     Fair value of
cash flow
hedging
instruments
     Fair value of
financial
instruments
classified as
available for sale
    Actuarial
gains of post-
employment
benefits
    Total     Cumulative
translation
adjustment
 

Balance in 2012

     —           23        (12,638     (12,615     12,621   

Translation of foreign subsidiaries, including the exchange rate effect of hedge of investments

     —           —          —          —          25,455   

Changes in fair value

     —           (18     —          (18     —     

Actuarial gain of post-employment benefits

     —           —          27,365        27,365        —     

Income and social contribution taxes on actuarial gains

     —           —          (9,304     (9,304     —     

Balance in 2013

     —           5        5,423        5,428        38,076   

Translation of foreign subsidiaries, including the exchange rate effect of hedge of investments

     —           —          —          —          5,116   

Changes in fair value

     —           46        —          46        —     

Actuarial gain of post-employment benefits

     —           —          2,538        2,538        —     

Income and social contribution taxes on actuarial gains

     —           —          (863     (863     —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance in 2014

     —           51        7,098        7,149        43,192   

Translation of foreign subsidiaries, including the exchange rate effect of hedge of investments

     —           —          —          —          23,733   

Changes in fair value

     6,261         1,472        —          7,733        —     

Actuarial gain of post-employment benefits

     —           —          6,321        6,321        —     

Income and social contribution taxes on actuarial gains

     —           —          (2,250     (2,250     —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance in 2015

     6,261         1,523        11,169        18,953        66,925   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

F-66


Ultrapar Participações S.A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands of Brazilian Reais, unless otherwise stated)

 

 

g. Dividends

The shareholders are entitled, under the Bylaws, to a minimum annual dividend of 50% of adjusted net income calculated in accordance with Brazilian Corporate Law. The dividends and interest on equity in excess of the obligation established in the Bylaws are recognized in shareholders’ equity until they are approved by the Shareholders. The proposed dividends payable as of December 31, 2014 in the amount of R$ 389,164 (R$ 0.71 – seventy one cents of Brazilian Real per share), were approved by the Board of Directors on February 25, 2015, and paid as of March 13, 2015, having been ratified in the Annual General Shareholders’ Meeting on April 15, 2015. On August 5, 2015, the Board of Directors approved the anticipation of 2015 dividends, in the amount of R$ 436,842 (R$ 0.80– eighty cents of Brazilian Real per share), paid as from August 21, 2015. The proposed dividends payable as of December 31, 2015 in the amount of R$ 434,467 (R$ 0.80 – eighty cents of Brazilian Real per share), were approved by the Board of Directors on February 17, 2016, and will be paid as from March 4, 2016.

The proposed dividends reflected in the financial statements of the Company, subject to approval of shareholders at a General Meeting, are as follows:

 

     2015  

Net income for the year attributable to shareholders of Ultrapar

     1,503,466   

Legal reserve

     (75,173
  

 

 

 

Net income for the year after legal reserve

     1,428,293   

Minimum mandatory dividends

     714,147   

Interim dividends paid (R$ 0.80 per share)

     (436,842
  

 

 

 

Mandatory dividends payable – Current liabilities

     277,305   

Additional dividends to the minimum mandatory dividends – shareholders’ equity

     157,162   
  

 

 

 

Dividends payable (R$ 0.80 per share)

     434,467   

Statutory investments reserve

     556,984   

 

F-67


Ultrapar Participações S.A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands of Brazilian Reais, unless otherwise stated)

 

 

23. Revenue from Sale and Services

 

     2015     2014     2013  

Gross revenue from sale

     77,463,652        69,088,648        62,054,471   

Gross revenue from services

     568,556        578,205        546,159   

Sales taxes

     (2,011,860     (1,628,483     (1,393,073

Discounts and sales returns

     (360,777     (302,915     (267,714

Deferred revenue (see Note 21)

     (4,297     843        403   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net revenue from sales and services

     75,655,274        67,736,298        60,940,246   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

24. Expenses by Nature

The Company presents its expenses by function in the consolidated income statement and presents below its expenses by nature:

 

     2015      2014      2013  

Raw materials and materials for use and consumption

     67,763,793         61,308,509         55,158,800   

Personnel expenses

     1,950,776         1,619,830         1,393,115   

Freight and storage

     1,134,388         1,003,462         975,904   

Depreciation and amortization

     1,002,647         887,827         778,937   

Advertising and marketing

     177,336         182,674         169,235   

Services provided by third parties

     255,750         223,632         156,730   

Lease of real estate and equipment

     143,677         122,130         83,311   

Other expenses

     343,237         245,529         218,042   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     72,771,604         65,593,593         58,934,074   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Classified as:

        

Cost of products and services sold

     68,933,702         62,304,631         56,165,382   

Selling and marketing

     2,516,561         2,158,659         1,756,376   

General and administrative

     1,321,341         1,130,303         1,012,316   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     72,771,604         65,593,593         58,934,074   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Research and development expenses are recognized in the income statements and amounted to R$ 41,368 in 2015 (R$ 36,956 in 2014 and R$ 29,052 in 2013).

 

F-68


Ultrapar Participações S.A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands of Brazilian Reais, unless otherwise stated)

 

 

25. Gain on Disposal of Property, Plant and Equipment and Intangibles

The gain is determined as the difference between the selling price and residual book value of the investment, property, plant, and equipment, or intangible asset disposed of. In 2015, the gain was R$ 27,276 (gain of R$ 36,978 in 2014 and gain of R$ 40,280 in 2013), represented primarily from disposal of property, plant, and equipment.

 

26. Other Operating Income, Net

 

     2015     2014      2013  

Commercial partnerships(1)

     21,646        46,140         28,689   

Merchandising(2)

     58,275        37,177         41,956   

Loyalty program(3)

     22,455        13,305         28,189   

Adjustment of working capital and net debt—Extrafarma acquisition (see Note 3.a)

     13,784        —           —     

Ultracargo—fire accident in Santos (see Note 32)

     (92,192     —           —     

Compensation of undue use of Ultratecno brand

     16,000        —           —     

Others

     10,616        10,292         (1,253
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Other operating income, net

     50,584        106,914         97,581   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) Refers to contracts with service providers and suppliers which establish trade agreements for convenience stores and gas stations.
(2)  Refers to contracts with suppliers of convenience stores, which establish, among other agreements, promotional campaigns.
(3) Refers to sales of “Km de Vantagens” to partners of the loyalty program. Revenue is recognized at the time that the partners transfer the points to their customers.

 

F-69


Ultrapar Participações S.A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands of Brazilian Reais, unless otherwise stated)

 

 

27. Financial Income (Expense)

 

     2015     2014     2013  

Financial income:

      

Interest on financial investments

     341,739        298,977        178,275   

Interest from customers

     81,374        63,090        58,182   

Other financial income

     3,316        3,942        4,105   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     426,429        366,009        240,562   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Financial expenses:

      

Interest on loans

     (666,791     (526,707     (354,151

Interest on debentures

     (308,290     (255,419     (124,908

Interest on finance leases

     (4,023     (5,883     (5,816

Bank charges, financial transactions tax, and other charges

     (46,966     (20,512     (43,499

Exchange variation, net of gains and losses with derivative instruments

     (71,384     (1,365     (40,654

Changes in subscription warranty—indemnification (see Note 3.a)

     (21,154     (649     —     

Monetary restatement of provisions, net, and other financial expenses

     (11,159     (881     (9,139
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     (1,129,767     (811,416     (578,167
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Financial income (expense)

     (703,338     (445,407     (337,605
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

F-70


Ultrapar Participações S.A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands of Brazilian Reais, unless otherwise stated)

 

 

28 Earnings per Share

The table below presents a reconciliation of numerators and denominators used in computing earnings per share. The Company has subscription warrants—indemnification and a deferred stock plan, as mentioned in Notes 3.a) and 8.c), respectively.

 

Basic Earnings per Share

   2015      2014      2013  

Net income for the period of the Company

     1,503,466         1,241,563         1,225,143   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Weighted average shares outstanding (in thousands)

     543,775         545,679         534,114   

Basic earnings per share –R$

     2.7649         2.2753         2.2938   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

Diluted Earnings per Share

   2015      2014      2013  

Net income for the period of the Company

     1,503,466         1,241,563         1,225,143   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Weighted average shares outstanding (in thousands), including deferred stock plan and subscription warrants—indemnification

     548,054         549,552         536,412   

Diluted earnings per share –R$

     2.7433         2.2592         2.2840   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

Weighted Average Shares Outstanding (in thousands)

   2015      2014      2013  

Weighted average shares outstanding for basic per share calculation:

     543,775         545,679         534,114   

Dilution effect

        

Subscription warrants—indemnification

     2,161         1,832         —     

Deferred Stock Plan

     2,118         2,041         2,298   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Weighted average shares outstanding for diluted per share calculation:

     548,054         549,552         536,412   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-71


Ultrapar Participações S.A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands of Brazilian Reais, unless otherwise stated)

 

 

29. Segment Information

The Company operates five main business segments: gas distribution, fuel distribution, chemicals, storage and, as from January 31, 2014, drugstores. The gas distribution segment (Ultragaz) distributes LPG to residential, commercial, and industrial consumers, especially in the South, Southeast, and Northeast regions of Brazil. The fuel distribution segment (Ipiranga) operates the distribution and marketing of gasoline, ethanol, diesel, fuel oil, kerosene, natural gas for vehicles, and lubricants and related activities throughout all the Brazilian territory. The chemicals segment (Oxiteno) produces ethylene oxide and its main derivatives and fatty alcohols, which are raw materials used in the home and personal care, agrochemical, paints, varnishes, and other industries. The storage segment (Ultracargo) operates liquid bulk terminals, especially in the Southeast and Northeast regions of Brazil. The drugstores segment (Extrafarma) trades pharmaceutical, hygiene, and beauty products through its own drugstore chain in the states of Amapá, Ceará, Maranhão, Pará, Paraiba, Pernambuco, Piauí, Rio Grande do Norte, and São Paulo. The segments shown in the financial statements are strategic business units supplying different products and services. Intersegment sales are at prices similar to those that would be charged to third parties.

The main financial information of each of the Company’s segments are stated as follows:

 

     2015     2014     2013  

Net revenue from sales and services:

      

Ultragaz

     4,621,242        4,091,273        3,982,300   

Ipiranga

     65,349,812        58,830,055        53,384,116   

Oxiteno

     4,082,479        3,413,620        3,277,839   

Ultracargo

     315,510        346,477        332,070   

Extrafarma

     1,336,255        1,101,310 (1)      —     

Others(2)

     45,244        40,005        37,146   

Intersegment sales

     (95,268     (86,442     (73,225
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     75,655,274        67,736,298        60,940,246   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Intersegment sales:

      

Ultragaz

     3,027        3,222        1,300   

Ipiranga

     —          —          —     

Oxiteno

     2,576        1,459        871   

Ultracargo

     44,395        41,998        33,940   

Extrafarma

     —          —          —     

Others(2)

     45,270        39,763        37,114   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     95,268        86,442        73,225   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net revenue from sales and services, excluding intersegment sales:

      

Ultragaz

     4,618,215        4,088,051        3,981,000   

Ipiranga

     65,349,786        58,830,055        53,384,116   

Oxiteno

     4,079,903        3,412,161        3,276,968   

Ultracargo

     271,115        304,479        298,130   

Extrafarma

     1,336,255        1,101,310 (1)      —     

Others(2)

     —          242        32   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     75,655,274        67,736,298        60,940,246   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

F-72


Ultrapar Participações S.A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands of Brazilian Reais, unless otherwise stated)

 

 

 

     2015     2014     2013  

Operating income:

    

Ultragaz

     213,895        168,964        147,034   

Ipiranga

     2,154,606        1,700,879        1,574,677   

Oxiteno

     579,541        264,246        308,589   

Ultracargo

     (16,058     117,339        108,865   

Extrafarma

     4,985        16,946 (1)      —     

Others(2)

     24,561        18,223        4,868   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     2,961,530        2,286,597        2,144,033   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Share of profit of joint-ventures and associates:

    

Ultragaz

     (55     165        —     

Ipiranga

     (21,779     (17,772     (11,198

Oxiteno

     2,003        987        123   

Ultracargo

     699        181        1,302   

Others(2)

     8,248        (50     4,780   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     (10,884     (16,489     (4,993
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Financial income

     426,429        366,009        240,562   

Financial expenses

     (1,129,767     (811,416     (578,167
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income before income and social contribution taxes

     2,247,308        1,824,701        1,801,435   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Additions to property, plant, and equipment and intangible assets:

  

Ultragaz

     251,463        214,305        179,862   

Ipiranga

     921,634        880,502        836,176   

Oxiteno

     136,314        115,986        141,122   

Ultracargo

     24,463        28,565        38,905   

Extrafarma

     80,813        57,188 (1)      —     

Others(2)

     24,248        27,813        15,636   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
      

Total additions to property, plant, and equipment and intangible assets (see Notes 12 and 13)

     1,438,935        1,324,359        1,211,701   

Asset retirement obligation – fuel tanks (see Note 19)

     (625     (709     (715

Capitalized borrowing costs

     (25,207     (8,833     (6,835
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
      

Total investments in property, plant, and equipment and intangible assets (cash flow)

     1,413,103        1,314,817        1,204,151   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
      

Depreciation and amortization charges:

      

Ultragaz

     143,207        136,413        133,489   

Ipiranga

     612,727        528,987        454,156   

Oxiteno

     158,261        138,501        131,857   

Ultracargo

     41,668        49,372        47,349   

Extrafarma

     23,744        12,843 (1)      —     

Others(2)

     23,040        21,711        12,086   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     1,002,647        887,827        778,937   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

F-73


Ultrapar Participações S.A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands of Brazilian Reais, unless otherwise stated)

 

 

 

     2015      2014  

Total assets (excluding intersegment account balances):

     

Ultragaz

     2,195,314         2,701,673   

Ipiranga

     11,292,350         9,138,758   

Oxiteno

     4,148,716         4,229,501   

Ultracargo

     1,283,613         1,382,969   

Extrafarma

     1,570,024         602,409   

Others (2)

     476,033         1,425,072   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     20,966,049         19,480,382   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)  Information of the period from February 1st to December 31, 2014.
(2)  Composed of the parent company Ultrapar (including goodwill of certain acquisitions) and subsidiaries Serma—Associação dos Usuários de Equipamentos de Processamento de Dados e Serviços Correlatos (“Serma”) and Imaven Imóveis Ltda.

Geographic Area Information

The fixed and intangible assets of the Company and its subsidiaries are located in Brazil, except those related to Oxiteno’ plants abroad, as shown below:

 

     2015      2014  

United States of America (1)

     201,286         137,470   

Mexico (1)

     140,759         107,554   

Uruguay (1)

     79,408         55,855   

Venezuela

     4,364         18,763   

 

(1)  The increase in fixed and intangible assets in 2015 is substantially due to the devaluation of the Real against the functional currencies of the foreign subsidiaries used in the translation of information.

The Company generates revenue from operations in Brazil, Mexico, United Stated of America, Uruguay and Venezuela, as well as from exports of products to foreign customers, as disclosed below:

 

     2015      2014      2013  

Net revenue:

        

Brazil

     74,337,803         66,798,903         59,963,359   

Mexico

     215,141         138,651         134,241   

Venezuela

     158,020         73,390         207,008   

Uruguay

     37,938         32,293         37,014   

Other Latin American countries

     392,748         324,612         295,723   

United States of America and Canada

     166,277         152,384         136,666   

Far East

     190,160         58,684         45,808   

Europe

     101,931         89,370         73,624   

Others

     55,256         68,011         46,802   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     75,655,274         67,736,298         60,940,246   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-74


Ultrapar Participações S.A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands of Brazilian Reais, unless otherwise stated)

 

 

 

30. Risks and Financial Instruments

Risk Management and Financial Instruments—Governance

The main risks to which the Company and its subsidiaries are exposed reflect strategic/operational and economic/financial aspects. Operational/strategic risks (including, but not limited to, demand behavior, competition, technological innovation, and material changes in the industry structure) are addressed by the Company’s management model. Economic/financial risks primarily reflect default of customers, behavior of macroeconomic variables, such as exchange and interest rates, as well as the characteristics of the financial instruments used by the Company and its subsidiaries and their counterparties. These risks are managed through control policies, specific strategies, and the establishment of limits.

The Company has a conservative policy for the management of resources, financial instruments, and risks approved by its Board of Directors (“Policy”). In accordance with the Policy, the main objectives of financial management are to preserve the value and liquidity of financial assets and ensure financial resources for the development of the business, including expansions. The main financial risks considered in the Policy are risks associated with currencies, interest rates, credit, and selection of financial instruments. Governance of the management of financial risks and financial instruments follows the segregation of duties below:

 

  Implementation of the management of financial assets, instruments, and risks is the responsibility of the financial area, through its treasury department, with the assistance of the tax and accounting departments.

 

  Supervision and monitoring of compliance with the principles, guidelines, and standards of the Policy is the responsibility of the Risk and Investment Committee, which is composed of members of the Company’s Executive Board (“Committee”). The Committee holds regular meetings and is in charge, among other responsibilities, of discussing and monitoring the financial strategies, existing exposures, and significant transactions involving investment, fundraising, or risk mitigation. The Committee monitors the risk standards established by the Policy through a monitoring map on a monthly basis.

 

  Changes in the Policy or revisions of its standards are subject to the approval of the Board of Directors of Ultrapar.

 

  Continuous improvement of the Policy is the joint responsibility of the Board of Directors, the Committee, and the financial area.

 

  The internal audit department audits the compliance with the requirements of the Policy.

 

F-75


Ultrapar Participações S.A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands of Brazilian Reais, unless otherwise stated)

 

 

Currency Risk

Most transactions of the Company and its subsidiaries are located in Brazil and, therefore, the reference currency for risk management is the Brazilian Real. Currency risk management is guided by neutrality of currency exposures and considers the transactional, accounting, and operational risks of the Company and its subsidiaries and their exposure to changes in exchange rates. The Company considers as its main currency exposures the assets and liabilities in foreign currency and the short-term flow of net sales in foreign currency of Oxiteno.

The Company and its subsidiaries use exchange rate hedging instruments (especially between the Brazilian Real and the U.S. dollar) available in the financial market to protect their assets, liabilities, receipts, and disbursements in foreign currency and net investments in foreign operations. Hedge is used in order to reduce the effects of changes in exchange rates on the Company´s income and cash flows in Brazilian Reais within the exposure limits under its Policy. Such foreign exchange hedging instruments have amounts, periods, and rates substantially equivalent to those of assets, liabilities, receipts, and disbursements in foreign currencies to which they are related. Assets and liabilities in foreign currencies are stated below, translated into Brazilian Reais in 2015 and 2014:

Assets and Liabilities in Foreign Currencies

 

In millions of Brazilian Reais

   2015     2014  

Assets in foreign currency

    

Cash, cash equivalents and financial investments in foreign currency (except hedging instruments)

     147.8        594.9   

Foreign trade receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts

     188.8        190.3   

Net investments in foreign subsidiaries (except cash, cash equivalents, financial investments, trade receivables, financing, and payables)

     611.4        507.3   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     948.0        1,292.5   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities in foreign currency

    

Financing in foreign currency

     (2,630.3     (1,867.2

Payables arising from imports, net of advances to foreign suppliers

     (64.4     (70.6
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     (2,694.7     (1,937.8
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Foreign currency hedging instruments

     2,667.2        783.3   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset position – Total

     920.5        138.0   

 

F-76


Ultrapar Participações S.A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands of Brazilian Reais, unless otherwise stated)

 

 

Sensitivity Analysis of Assets and Liabilities in Foreign Currency

The table below shows the effect of exchange rate changes in different scenarios, based on the net asset position of R$ 920.5 million in foreign currency:

 

In millions of Brazilian Reais

                       
     Risk    Scenario I     Scenario II     Scenario III  
          10%     25%     50%  

(1) Income statement effect

   Real devaluation      (7.7     (19.4     (38.7

(2) Shareholders’ equity effect

        99.8        249.5        499.0   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(1) + (2)

   Net effect      92.1        230.1        460.3   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(3) Income statement effect

   Real appreciation      7.7        19.4        38.7   

(4) Shareholders’ equity effect

        (99.8     (249.5     (499.0
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(3) + (4)

   Net effect      (92.1     (230.1     (460.3
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gains (losses) directly recognized in equity in cumulative translation adjustments are due to changes in the exchange rate on equity of foreign subsidiaries (see Notes 2.r and 22.f—Cumulative Translation Adjustments).

 

F-77


Ultrapar Participações S.A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands of Brazilian Reais, unless otherwise stated)

 

 

Interest Rate Risk

The Company and its subsidiaries adopt conservative policies for borrowing and investing financial resources and for capital cost minimization. The financial investments of the Company and its subsidiaries are primarily held in transactions linked to the CDI, as set forth in Note 4. Borrowings primarily relate to financing from Banco do Brasil, BNDES, and other development agencies, as well as debentures and borrowings in foreign currency, as shown in Note 14.

The Company does not actively manage risks associated with changes in the level of interest rates and attempts to maintain its financial interest assets and liabilities at floating rates. As of December 31, 2015, the Company and its subsidiaries had interest rate derivative financial instruments linked to domestic loans, in which the Company swapped the fixed interest rate of certain debts to floating interest rates (CDI).

The table below shows the financial assets and liabilities exposed to floating interest rates in 2015 and 2014:

 

 

In millions of Brazilian Reais

                   
     Note      2015     2014  

CDI

       

Cash equivalents

     4         2,497.9        2,690.6   

Financial investments

     4         801.6        902.7   

Asset position of foreign exchange hedging instruments—CDI

     30         30.6        114.2   

Loans and debentures

     14         (5,520.9     (5,157.9

Liability position of foreign exchange hedging instruments—CDI

     30         (2,225.1     (749.6

Liability position of hedging instruments from pre-fixed interest to CDI

     30         (27.8     (486.1
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net liability position in CDI

        (4,443.7     (2,686.1
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

TJLP

       

Loans—TJLP

     14         (420.8     (540.5
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net liability position in TJLP

        (420.8     (540.5
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

LIBOR

       

Asset position of foreign exchange hedging instruments—LIBOR

     30         1,364.4        761.8   

Loans—LIBOR

     14         (1,587.1     (814.3
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net liability position in LIBOR

        (222.7     (52.5
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

TIIE

       

Loans—TIIE

     14         (27.1     (32.3
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net liability position in TIIE

        (27.1     (32.3
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

SELIC

       

Loans—SELIC

     14         (30.9     —     
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net liability position in SELIC

        (30.9     —     
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total net liability position exposed to floating interest

        (5,145.2     (3,311.4
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

F-78


Ultrapar Participações S.A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands of Brazilian Reais, unless otherwise stated)

 

 

Sensitivity Analysis of Floating Interest Rate Risk

The table below shows the incremental expenses and income that would be recognized in financial income in 2015, due to the effect of floating interest rate changes in different scenarios:

 

In millions of Brazilian Reais

                       
     Risk    Scenario I     Scenario II     Scenario III  
          10%     25%     50%  

Exposure of interest rate risk

         

Interest effect on cash equivalents and financial investments

   Increase in CDI      33.6        84.0        168.1   

Foreign exchange hedging instruments (assets in CDI) effect

   Increase in CDI      2.1        5.2        10.4   

Interest effect on debt in CDI

   Increase in CDI      (71.1     (177.7     (355.4

Interest rate hedging instruments (liabilities in CDI) effect

   Increase in CDI      (20.1     (50.1     (100.1
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Incremental expenses

        (55.5 )      (138.6 )      (277.0 ) 
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Interest effect on debt in TJLP

   Increase in TJLP      (3.0     (7.4     (14.8
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Incremental expenses

        (3.0     (7.4     (14.8
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Foreign exchange hedging instruments (assets in LIBOR) effect

   Increase in LIBOR      0.3        0.7        1.5   

Interest effect on debt in LIBOR

   Increase in LIBOR      (0.4     (0.9     (1.9
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Incremental expenses

        (0.1     (0.2     (0.4
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Interest effect on debt in TIIE

   Increase in TIIE      (0.1     (0.3     (0.7
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Incremental expenses

        (0.1     (0.3     (0.7
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Interest effect on debt in SELIC

   Increase in SELIC      (0.2     (0.4     (0.8
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Incremental expenses

        (0.2     (0.4     (0.8
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

F-79


Ultrapar Participações S.A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands of Brazilian Reais, unless otherwise stated)

 

 

Credit Risks

The financial instruments that would expose the Company and its subsidiaries to credit risks of the counterparty are basically represented by cash and bank deposits, financial investments, hedging instruments, and trade receivables.

Credit risk of financial institutions—Such risk results from the inability of financial institutions to comply with their financial obligations to the Company and its subsidiaries due to insolvency. The Company and its subsidiaries regularly conduct a credit review of the institutions with which they hold cash and cash equivalents, financial investments, and hedging instruments through various methodologies that assess liquidity, solvency, leverage, portfolio quality, etc. Cash and cash equivalents, financial investments, and hedging instruments are held only with institutions with a solid credit history, chosen for safety and soundness. The volume of cash and cash equivalents, financial investments, and hedging instruments are subject to maximum limits by each institution and, therefore, require diversification of counterparties.

Government credit risk—The Company’s policy allows investments in government securities from countries classified as investment grade AAA or Aaa by specialized credit rating agencies and in Brazilian government bonds. The volume of such financial investments is subject to maximum limits by each country and, therefore, requires diversification of counterparties.

Customer credit risk—Such risks are managed by each business unit through specific criteria for acceptance of customers and their credit rating and are additionally mitigated by the diversification of sales. No single customer or group accounts for more than 10% of total revenue.

The Company maintained the following allowances for doubtful accounts on trade receivables:

 

     2015      2014  

Ipiranga

     151,921         136,104   

Ultragaz

     28,136         24,140   

Oxiteno

     12,412         4,522   

Extrafarma

     5,376         11,067   

Ultracargo

     2,971         2,611   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     200,816         178,444   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-80


Ultrapar Participações S.A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands of Brazilian Reais, unless otherwise stated)

 

 

Liquidity Risk

The Company and its subsidiaries’ main sources of liquidity derive from (i) cash, cash equivalents, and financial investments, (ii) cash generated from operations and (iii) financing. The Company and its subsidiaries believe that these sources are sufficient to satisfy their current funding requirements, which include, but are not limited to, working capital, capital expenditures, amortization of debt, and payment of dividends.

The Company and its subsidiaries periodically examine opportunities for acquisitions and investments. They consider different types of investments, either directly, through joint ventures, or through associated companies, and finance such investments using cash generated from operations, debt financing, through capital increases, or through a combination of these methods.

The Company and its subsidiaries believe to have enough working capital to satisfy their current needs. The gross indebtedness due over the next twelve months totals R$ 1,515.7 million, including estimated interests on loans. Furthermore, the investment plan for 2016 totals R$ 1,809 million. As of December 31, 2015, the Company and its subsidiaries had R$ 3,506.2 million in cash, cash equivalents, and short-term financial investments (for quantitative information, see Notes 4 and 14).

The table below presents a summary of financial liabilities as of December 31, 2015 to be settled by the Company and its subsidiaries, listed by maturity. The amounts disclosed in this table are the contractual undiscounted cash outflows, and, therefore, these amounts may be different from the amounts disclosed on the balance sheet as of December 31, 2015.

 

In millions of Brazilian Reais

                           

Financial liabilities

   Total      Less
than 1
year
     Between
1 and 3
years
     Between
3 and 5
years
     More
than
5
years
 

Loans including future contractual interest (1) (2)

     11,111.8         1,515.7         7,578.1         1,949.1         68.9   

Currency and interest rate hedging instruments (3)

     369.7         184.6         185.1         —           —     

Trade payables

     1,460.5         1,460.5         —           —           —     

 

(1) To calculate the estimated interest on loans some macroeconomic assumptions were used, including averaging for the period the following: (i) CDI of 16.4% p.a., (ii) exchange rate of the Real against the U.S. dollar of R$ 4.18 in 2016, R$ 4.67 in 2017, R$ 5.25 in 2018, R$ 5.90 in 2019 and R$ 6.64 in 2020, (iii) TJLP of 7.0% p.a. and (iv) IGP-M of 7.3% in 2016, 6.5% in 2017, 6.3% in 2018, 6.3% in 2019 and 6.3% in 2020 (source: BM&FBOVESPA, Bulletin Focus and financial institutions).
(2)  Includes estimated interest payments on short-term and long-term loans until the payment date.
(3) The currency and interest rate hedging instruments were estimated based on projected U.S dollar futures contracts and the futures curve of DI x Pre contract quoted on BM&FBOVESPA on December 30, 2015 and on the futures curve of LIBOR (ICE—IntercontinentalExchange) on December 31, 2015. In the table above, only the hedging instruments with negative results at the time of settlement were considered.

 

F-81


Ultrapar Participações S.A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands of Brazilian Reais, unless otherwise stated)

 

 

Capital Management

The Company manages its capital structure based on indicators and benchmarks. The key performance indicators related to the capital structure management are the weighted average cost of capital, net debt / EBITDA, interest coverage, and indebtedness / equity ratios. Net debt is composed of cash, cash equivalents, and financial investments (see Note 4) and loans, including debentures (see Note 14). The Company can change its capital structure depending on the economic and financial conditions, in order to optimize its financial leverage and capital management. The Company seeks to improve its return on invested capital by implementing efficient working capital management and a selective investment program.

Selection and Use of Financial Instruments

In selecting financial investments and hedging instruments, an analysis is conducted to estimate rates of return, risks involved, liquidity, calculation methodology for the carrying value and fair value, and a review is conducted of any documentation applicable to the financial instruments. The financial instruments used to manage the financial resources of the Company and its subsidiaries are intended to preserve value and liquidity.

The Policy contemplates the use of derivative financial instruments only to cover identified risks and in amounts consistent with the risk (limited to 100% of the identified risk). The risks identified in the Policy are described in the above sections, and are subject to risk management. In accordance with the Policy, the Company and its subsidiaries can use forward contracts, swaps, options, and futures contracts to manage identified risks. Leveraged derivative instruments are not permitted. Because the use of derivative financial instruments is limited to the coverage of identified risks, the Company and its subsidiaries use the term “hedging instruments” to refer to derivative financial instruments.

As mentioned in the section “Risk Management and Financial Instruments – Governance”, the Committee monitors compliance with the risk standards established by the Policy through a risk map, including the use of hedging instruments, on a monthly basis. In addition, the internal audit department verifies the compliance with the requirements of the Policy.

 

F-82


Ultrapar Participações S.A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands of Brazilian Reais, unless otherwise stated)

 

 

The table below summarizes the position of hedging instruments entered into by the Company and its subsidiaries:

 

Hedging instruments

   Counterparty    Maturity      Notional amount(1)      Fair value      Amounts
receivable
     Amounts
payable
 
                 2015      2014      2015      2014      2015  
                               R$
million
     R$
million
     R$
million
     R$
million
 

a –Exchange rate swaps receivable in U.S. dollars

                       

Receivables in U.S. dollars (LIBOR)

   Bradesco, BTMU,

Itaú, JP

      US$  350.0       US$ 290.0         1,364.4         761.8         1,364.4         —     

Receivables in U.S. dollars (Fixed)

   Morgan,      Jan 2016 to       US$ 334.5       US$ 50.6         1,335.1         136.6         1,335.1         —     

Payables in CDI interest rate

   Santander,
Scotiabank
     Nov 2018       US$  (684.5)       US$  (340.6)         (2,225.1)         (749.1)         —           2,225.1   
        

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total result

           —           —           474.4         149.3         2,699.5         2,225.1   
        

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
                       

b.1 and b.2 – Exchange rate swaps payable in U.S. dollars + COUPON

                       

Receivables in CDI interest rates

   Bradesco,
Citibank,
      US$ 7.9       US$ 42.9         30.6         114.2         30.6         —     

Payables in U.S. dollars (Fixed)

   Itaú, Santander      Jan 2016 to       US$ (7.9)       US$ (42.9)         (32.3)         (115.6)         —           32.3   
        

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total result

        Mar 2016         —           —           (1.7)         (1.4)         30.6         32.3   
        

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
                       

c – Interest rate swaps in R$

                       

Receivables in fixed interest rate

   Itaú      Mar 2016 to       R$ 27.5       R$ 327.5         27.4         532.0         27.4         —     

Payables in CDI interest rate

        Aug 2016       R$ (27.5)       R$ (327.5)         (27.8)         (486.1)         —           27.8   
        

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total result

           —           —           (0.4)         45.9         27.4         27.8   
        

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
                       

d – Exchange rate swaps receivable in Euros

                       

Receivables in Euros (Fixed)

        —           —         0.2         —           0.5         —           —     

Payables in CDI interest rate

           —         (0.2)         —           (0.5)         —           —     
        

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total result

           —           —           —           —           —           —     
        

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
                       

Total gross result

                 472.3         193.8         2,757.5         2,285.2   

Income tax

                 (86.0)         (36.7)         (86.0)         —     
              

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total net result

                 386.3         157.1         2,671.5         2,285.2   
              

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
                       

Positive result (see Note 4)

                 433.7         164.5         

Negative result (see Note 14)

                 (47.4)         (7.4)         

 

(1) In million. Currency as indicated.

All transactions mentioned above were properly registered with CETIP S.A.

Hedging instruments existing as of December 31, 2015 are described below, according to their category, risk, and hedging strategy:

a—Hedging against foreign exchange exposure of liabilities in foreign currency—The purpose of these contracts is (i) to offset the effect of the change in exchange rates of debts or firm commitments in U.S. dollars by converting them into debts or firm commitments in Brazilian Reais linked to CDI, (ii) firm commitments in U.S. dollars, changing them into debts or firm commitments in Reais indexed to the CDI and (iii) change a financial investment linked to the CDI and given as a guarantee to a loan in the U.S. dollar into a financial investment linked to the U.S. dollar. As of December 31, 2015, the Company and its subsidiaries had outstanding swap contracts totaling US$ 684.5 million in notional amount with a liability position, on average of 95.7% of CDI, of which US$ 334.5 million, on average, had an asset position at US$ + 1.31% p.a. and US$ 350.0 million had an asset position at US$ + LIBOR + 0.85% p.a. This amount includes US$ 440.0 million related to the fair value of hedging instruments of Ipiranga’ debt (see Notes 14.c and “hedge accounting” below) and US$ 151.4 million related to hedging instruments of cash flow of firm commitment (see “hedge accounting” below).

 

F-83


Ultrapar Participações S.A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands of Brazilian Reais, unless otherwise stated)

 

 

b.1—Hedging against foreign exchange exposure of operations—The purpose of these contracts is to make the exchange rate of the revenues of subsidiaries Oleoquímica, Oxiteno S.A. and Oxiteno Nordeste equal to the exchange rate of the cost of their main raw materials during their operating cycles. As of December 31, 2015, these swap contracts totaled US$ 7.9 million and, on average, had an asset position at 75.7% of CDI and a liability position at US$ + 0.0% p.a.

b.2—Hedging against foreign exchange exposure of net investments in foreign operations—The purpose of these contracts is to minimize the effect of exchange variation of investments in foreign subsidiaries with functional currencies different from the functional currency of the Company, turning them into investments in Brazilian Reais. As of December 31, 2015, the Company and its subsidiaries had no swap contracts.

c—Hedging against the interest rate fixed in local financing—The purpose of these contracts is to convert the interest rate on financing contracted in Brazilian Reais from fixed into floating. As of December 31, 2015 these swap contracts totaled R$ 27.5 million of notional amount corresponding to principal amount of related debt, and on average had an asset position at 8.0% p.a. and a liability position at 88.8% of CDI.

d—Hedging against the foreign currency exchange exposure of liabilities—The purpose of these contracts is offset the effect of exchange variation of debts or firm commitments in euro, turning them into debts or firm commitments in Reais indexed to the CDI. As of December 31, 2015, the Company and its subsidiaries had no swap contracts.

Hedge Accounting

The Company and its subsidiaries test, throughout the duration of the hedge, the effectiveness of their derivatives, as well as the changes in their fair value. The Company and its subsidiaries designate as fair value hedges certain derivative financial instruments used to offset the variations in interest and exchange rates, which are based on the market value of financing contracted in Brazilian Reais and U.S. dollars.

On December 31, 2015, the notional amount of foreign exchange hedging instruments designated as fair value hedge totaled US$ 440.0 million. In 2015, a gain of R$ 285.3 million related to the result of hedging instruments, a loss of R$ 4.6 million related to the fair value adjustment of debt, and a loss of R$ 403.2 million related to the financial expense of the debt were recognized in the income statements, transforming the average effective cost of the operation into 102.5% of CDI (see Note 14.c.1).

On December 31, 2015, the notional amount of exchange rate hedging instruments of firm commitments designated as cash flow hedges totaled US$ 151.4 million, and a gain of R$ 120.2 million was recognized through the income statement. On December 31, 2015, the balance of “Other comprehensive income” is R$ 6.3 million.

On December 31, 2015, the notional amount of exchange rate hedging instruments designated as hedges of net investment in a foreign operation relating to the portion of investments in entities which have functional currency different from the Real was zero. In 2015, a loss of R$ 31.3 million was recorded. The exchange rate on investment and the hedging instrument effects were offset in equity.

On December 31, 2015, the notional amount of interest rate hedging instruments totaled R$ 27.5 million, referring to the principal of the pre-fixed loans in Brazilian Reais. In 2015, a gain of R$ 2.0 million related to the result of hedging instruments, a loss of R$ 0.9 million related to the fair value adjustment of debt, and a loss of R$ 25.0 million related to the accrued interest rate of the debt were recognized in the income statement, transforming the average effective cost of the operations into 88.8% of CDI.

 

F-84


Ultrapar Participações S.A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands of Brazilian Reais, unless otherwise stated)

 

 

Gains (losses) on Hedging Instruments

The following tables summarize the value of gains (losses) recognized, which affected the shareholders’ equity and income in 2015, 2014 and 2013 of the Company and its subsidiaries:

 

     R$ million  
     2015  
     Profit or loss     Equity  

a – Exchange rate swaps receivable in U.S. dollars (i) (ii)

     (143.1     6.3   

b – Exchange rate swaps payable in U.S. dollars (ii)

     (2.2     (31.3

c – Interest rate swaps in R$ (iii)

     1.1        —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     (144.2     (25.0
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

     R$ million  
     2014  
     Profit or loss     Equity  

a – Exchange rate swaps receivable in U.S. dollars (i) (ii)

     (51.2     —     

b – Exchange rate swaps payable in U.S. dollars (ii)

     6.6        (7.3

c – Interest rate swaps in R$ (iii)

     13.3        —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     (31.3     (7.3
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

     R$ million  
     2013  
     Profit or loss     Equity  

a – Exchange rate swaps receivable in U.S. dollars (i) (ii)

     (26.9     —     

b – Exchange rate swaps payable in U.S. dollars (ii)

     (4.8     —     

c – Interest rate swaps in R$ (iii)

     51.9        —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     20.2        —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The table above: (i) does not consider the effect of exchange rate variation of exchange swaps receivable in U.S. dollars when this effect is offset in the gain or loss of the hedged item (debt/ firm commitments), (ii) considers the designation effect of foreign exchange hedging and (iii) considers the designation effect of interest rate hedging in Brazilian Reais.

 

F-85


Ultrapar Participações S.A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands of Brazilian Reais, unless otherwise stated)

 

 

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The fair values and the carrying values of the financial instruments, including currency and interest rate hedging instruments, in 2015 and 2014, are stated below:

 

                 2015      2014  
     Category    Note      Carrying
value
     Fair
value
     Carrying
value
     Fair
value
 

Financial assets:

              

Cash and cash equivalents

              

Cash and bank deposits

   Loans and receivables      4         192,016         192,016         133,296         133,296   

Financial investments in local currency

   Measured at fair value
through profit or loss
     4         2,497,903         2,497,903         2,690,638         2,690,638   

Financial investments in foreign currency

   Measured at fair value
through profit or loss
     4         12,974         12,974         3,435         3,435   

Financial investments

              

Fixed-income securities and funds in

    local currency

   Available for sale      4         790,969         790,969         892,065         892,065   

Fixed-income securities and funds in

    local currency

   Held to maturity      4         10,618         10,618         10,618         10,618   

Fixed-income securities and funds in foreign

    currency

   Available for sale      4         35,013         35,013         505,574         505,574   

Currency and interest rate hedging

    instruments

   Measured at fair value
through profit or loss
     4         433,669         433,669         164,496         164,496   
        

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

           3,973,162         3,973,162         4,400,122         4,400,122   
        

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Financial liabilities:

              

Financing

   Measured at fair value
through profit or loss
     14         1,715,405         1,715,405         1,132,644         1,132,644   

Financing

   Measured at
amortized cost
     14         4,846,649         4,686,178         4,904,248         4,878,005   

Debentures

   Measured at
amortized cost
     14         2,246,215         2,233,313         2,283,852         2,281,353   

Finance leases

   Measured at
amortized cost
     14         45,894         45,894         47,044         47,044   

Currency and interest rate

    hedging instruments

   Measured at fair value
through profit or loss
     14         47,445         47,445         7,424         7,424   

Subscription warrants – indemnification

   Measured at fair value
through profit or loss
     3.a         112,233         112,233         92,072         92,072   
        

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

           9,013,841         8,840,468         8,467,284         8,438,542   
        

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

F-86


Ultrapar Participações S.A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands of Brazilian Reais, unless otherwise stated)

 

 

The fair value of financial instruments, including currency and interest hedging instruments, was determined as follows:

 

  The fair value of cash and bank deposit balances are identical to their carrying values.

 

  Financial investments in investment funds are valued at the value of the fund unit as of the date of the reporting period, which corresponds to their fair value.

 

  Financial investments in CDBs (Bank Certificates of Deposit) and similar investments offer daily liquidity through repurchase at the “yield curve” and, therefore, the Company believes their fair value corresponds to their carrying value.

 

  The fair value calculation of LPG Inc.’s notes in the foreign market in 2014 was based on the quoted prices in an active market. In 2015 the notes were settled by LPG Inc. on the maturity date (see Note 14.b).

 

  The subscription warrants – indemnification were measured based on the share price of Ultrapar (UGPA3) at the reporting date and are adjusted to the Company’s dividend yield, since the exercise is only possible starting in 2020 onwards and they are not entitled to dividends until then. The number of shares of subscription warrants – indemnification is also adjusted according to the changes in the amounts of provision for tax, civil, and labor risks and contingent liabilities related to the period prior to January 31, 2014. Due to the final adverse decision of some of these lawsuits, on December 31, 2015, the maximum number of shares that could be issued related to the subscription warrants – indemnification was up to 3,070,106 shares. For further information of the Extrafarma acquisition, see Note 3.a).

The fair value of other financial investments and financing was determined using calculation methodologies commonly used for mark-to-market reporting, which consist of calculating future cash flows associated with each instrument adopted and adjusting them to present value at the market rates as of December 31, 2015 and 2014. For some cases where there is no active market for the financial instrument, the Company and its subsidiaries can use quotes provided by the transaction counterparties.

The interpretation of market information on the choice of calculation methodologies for the fair value requires considerable judgment and estimates to obtain a value deemed appropriate to each situation. Consequently, the estimates presented do not necessary indicate the amounts that may be realizable in the current market.

Financial instruments were classified as loans and receivables or financial liabilities measured at amortized cost, except (i) all exchange rate and interest rate hedging instruments, which are measured at fair value through profit or loss, (ii) financial investments classified as measured at fair value through profit or loss, (iii) financial investments that are classified as available for sale, which are measured at fair value through other comprehensive income (see Note 4), (iv) loans and financing measured at fair value through profit or loss (see Note 14), (v) guarantees to customers that have vendor arrangements (see Note 14.k), which are measured at fair value through profit or loss, and (vi) subscription warrants – indemnification, which are measured at fair value through profit or loss (see Note 3.a). The financial investments classified as held-to-maturity are measured at amortized cost. Cash, banks, and trade receivables are classified as loans and receivables. Trade payables and other payables are classified as financial liabilities measured at amortized cost.

 

F-87


Ultrapar Participações S.A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands of Brazilian Reais, unless otherwise stated)

 

 

Fair Value Hierarchy of Financial Instruments

The financial instruments are classified in the following categories:

 

(a) Level 1—prices negotiated (without adjustment) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;

 

(b) Level 2—inputs other than prices negotiated in active markets included in Level 1 and observable for the asset or liability, either directly (as prices) or indirectly (derived from prices); and

 

(c) Level 3—inputs for the asset or liability which are not based on observable market variables (unobservable inputs).

The table below shows a summary of the financial assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value in the Company’s and its subsidiaries in 2015 and 2014:

 

     Category      Note      2015      Level 1      Level 2      Level 3  

Financial assets:

                 

Cash equivalents

                 

Cash and banks

    
 
Loans and
receivables
  
  
     4         192,016         192,016         —           —     

Financial investments in local currency

    
 
 
Measured
at fair value
through profit or loss
  
  
  
     4         2,497,903         2,497,903         —           —     

Financial investments in foreign currency

    
 
 
Measured at fair
value through profit
or loss
  
  
  
     4         12,974         12,974         —           —     

Financial investments

                 

Fixed-income securities and funds in local currency

     Available for sale         4         790,969         790,969         —           —     

Fixed-income securities and funds in local currency

     Held to maturity         4         10,618         10,618         —           —     

Fixed-income securities and funds in foreign currency

     Available for sale         4         35,013         25,615         9,398         —     

Currency and interest rate hedging instruments

    
 
 
Measured at fair
value through profit
or loss
  
  
  
     4         433,669         —           433,669         —     
        

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

           3,973,162         3,530,095         443,067         —     
        

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Financial liabilities:

                 

Financing

    
 
 
Measured at fair
value through profit
or loss
  
  
  
     14         1,715,405         —           1,715,405         —     

Financing

    
 
Measured at
amortized cost
  
  
     14         4,686,178         —           4,686,178         —     

Debentures

    
 
Measured at
amortized cost
  
  
     14         2,233,313         —           2,233,313         —     

Finance leases

    
 
Measured at
amortized cost
  
  
     14         45,894         —           45,894         —     

Currency and interest rate hedging instruments

    
 
 
Measured at fair
value through profit
or loss
  
  
  
     14         47,445         —           47,445         —     

Subscription warrants – indemnification (1)

    
 
 
Measured at fair
value through profit
or loss
  
  
  
     3.a         112,233         —           112,233         —     
        

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

           8,840,468         —           8,840,468         —     
        

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-88


Ultrapar Participações S.A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands of Brazilian Reais, unless otherwise stated)

 

 

 

     Category      Note      2014      Level 1      Level 2      Level 3  

Financial assets:

                 

Cash equivalents

                 

Cash and banks

    
 
Loans and
receivables
  
  
     4         133,296         133,296         —           —     

Financial investments in local currency

    
 
 
Measured at fair
value through
profit or loss
  
  
  
     4         2,690,638         2,690,638         —           —     

Financial investments in foreign currency

    
 
 
Measured at fair
value through
profit or loss
  
  
  
     4         3,435         3,435         —           —     

Financial investments

                 

Fixed-income securities and funds in local currency

     Available for sale         4         892,065         892,065         —           —     

Fixed-income securities and funds in local currency

     Held to maturity         4         10,618         10,618         —           —     

Fixed-income securities and funds in foreign currency

     Available for sale         4         505,574         146,782         358,792         —     

Currency and interest rate hedging instruments

    
 
 
Measured at fair
value through
profit or loss
  
  
  
     4         164,496         —           164,496         —     
        

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

           4,400,122         3,876,834         523,288         —     
        

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Financial liabilities:

                 

Financing

    
 
 
Measured at fair
value through
profit or loss
  
  
  
     14         1,132,644         —           1,132,644         —     

Financing

    
 
Measured at
amortized cost
  
  
     14         4,878,005         707,281         4,170,724         —     

Debentures

    
 
Measured at
amortized cost
  
  
     14         2,281,353         —           2,281,353         —     

Finance leases

    
 
Measured at
amortized cost
  
  
     14         47,044         —           47,044         —     

Currency and interest rate hedging instruments

    
 
 
Measured at fair
value through
profit or loss
  
  
  
     14         7,424         —           7,424         —     

Subscription warrants – indemnification (1)

    
 
 
Measured at fair
value through
profit or loss
  
  
  
     3.a         92,072         —           92,072         —     
        

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

           8,438,542         707,281         7,731,261         —     
        

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)  Refers to subscription warrants issued by the Company in the Extrafarma acquisition. For further information of the Extrafarma acquisition, see Note 3.a).

Sensitivity Analysis

The Company and its subsidiaries use derivative financial instruments only to hedge against identified risks and in amounts consistent with the risk (limited to 100% of the identified risk). Thus, for purposes of sensitivity analysis of market risks associated with financial instruments, the Company analyzes the hedging instrument and the hedged item together, as shown on the charts below.

For the sensitivity analysis of foreign exchange hedging instruments, management adopted as a likely scenario the Real/U.S. dollar exchange rates at maturity of each swap, projected by U.S dollar futures contracts quoted on BM&FBOVESPA as of December 31, 2015. As a reference, the exchange rate for the last maturity of foreign exchange hedging instruments is R$ 5.49 in the likely scenario. Scenarios II and III were estimated with a 25% and 50% additional appreciation or depreciation of the Brazilian Real against the likely scenario, according to the risk to which the hedged item is exposed.

 

F-89


Ultrapar Participações S.A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands of Brazilian Reais, unless otherwise stated)

 

 

Based on the balances of the hedging instruments and hedged items as of December 31, 2015, the exchange rates were replaced, and the changes between the new balance in Brazilian Reais and the original balance in Brazilian Reais as of December 31, 2015 were calculated in each of the three scenarios. The table below shows the change in the values of the main derivative instruments and their hedged items, considering the changes in the exchange rate in the different scenarios:

 

     Risk    Scenario I
(likely)
    Scenario II     Scenario III  

Currency swaps receivable in U.S. dollars

         

(1) U.S. Dollar / Real swaps

   Dollar      578,420        1,392,762        2,207,105   

(2) Debts/firm commitments in dollars

   appreciation      (578,426     (1,392,789     (2,207,152
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(1)+(2)

   Net effect      (6     (27     (47
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Currency swaps payable in U.S. dollars

         

(3) Real / U.S. Dollar swaps

   Dollar      (728     7,189        15,107   

(4) Gross margin of Oxiteno

   devaluation      728        (7,189     (15,107
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(3)+(4)

   Net effect      —          —          —     
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

For sensitivity analysis of hedging instruments for interest rates in Brazilian Reais, the Company used the futures curve of the DI x Pre contract on BM&FBOVESPA as of December 30, 2015 for each of the swap and debt (hedged item) maturities, to determine the likely scenarios. Scenarios II and III were estimated based on a 25% and 50% deterioration, respectively, of the likely scenario pre-fixed interest rate.

Based on the three scenarios of interest rates in Brazilian Reais, the Company estimated the values of its debt and hedging instruments according to the risk which is being hedged (variations in the pre-fixed interest rates in Brazilian Reais), by projecting them to future value at the contracted rates and bringing them to present value at the interest rates of the estimated scenarios. The results are shown in the table below:

 

     Risk    Scenario I
(likely)
     Scenario II     Scenario III  

Interest rate swap (in R$)

        

(1) Fixed rate swap—CDI

   Decrease in      —           250        553   

(2) Fixed rate financing

   Pre-fixed rate      —           (250     (553
     

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

(1)+(2)

   Net effect      —           —          —     
     

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

F-90


Ultrapar Participações S.A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands of Brazilian Reais, unless otherwise stated)

 

 

31. Commitments

 

a. Contracts

Subsidiary Tequimar has agreements with CODEBA and Complexo Industrial Portuário Governador Eraldo Gueiros, in connection with its port facilities in Aratu and Suape, respectively. Such agreements establish a minimum cargo movement of products, as shown below:

 

Port

   Minimum movement
in tons per year
     Maturity  

Aratu

     100,000         2016   

Aratu

     900,000         2022   

Suape

     250,000         2027   

Suape

     400,000         2029   

If the annual movement is less than the minimum contractual movement, the subsidiary is liable to pay the difference between the effective movement and the minimum contractual movement, based on the port tariff rates in effect on the date established for payment. As of December 31, 2015, these rates were R$ 6.99 per ton for Aratu and R$ 2.90 per ton for Suape. The subsidiary has met the minimum cargo movement required since the beginning of the contractual agreements.

Subsidiary Oxiteno Nordeste has a supply agreement with Braskem S.A. which establishes a minimum annually consumption level of ethylene, calculated quarterly, and conditions for the supply of ethylene until 2021. The minimum purchase commitment clause provided for a minimum annual consumption of 190 thousand tons and a maximum of 205 thousand tons in 2015. The minimum purchase commitment and the actual demand accumulated to December 31, 2015 and 2014, expressed in tons of ethylene, are shown below. Should the minimum purchase commitment not be met, the subsidiary would be liable for a fine of 40% of the current ethylene price for the quantity not purchased. The minimum purchase commitment for the 4th quarter of 2015 was revised to adapt the interests of Braskem S.A. and of Oxiteno Nordeste, with no pending issues.

 

     Minimum purchase
commitment(*)
     Accumulated demand
(actual)
 

In tons of ethylene

   2015      2014      2015      2014  

1st quarter

     37,743         52,048         44,352         52,196   

2nd quarter

     46,596         48,450         51,112         48,450   

3rd quarter

     47,890         51,225         48,507         51,225   

4th quarter

     47,890         53,353         41,950         53,353   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     180,119         205,076         185,921         205,224   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(*) Adjusted for scheduled shutdowns in Braskem S.A. during the periods.

 

F-91


Ultrapar Participações S.A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands of Brazilian Reais, unless otherwise stated)

 

 

Subsidiary Oxiteno S.A. has a supply agreement with Braskem S.A., valid until 2023, which establishes and regulates the conditions for supply of ethylene to Oxiteno based on the international market for this product. The minimum purchase is 22,050 tons of ethylene semiannually. The minimum purchase commitment and the actual demand accumulated to December 31, 2015 and 2014, expressed in tons of ethylene, are shown below. Should the minimum purchase commitment not be met, the subsidiary would be liable for a fine of 30% of the current ethylene price for the quantity not purchased. In agreement with Braskem S.A., in the fisrt semester of 2015 the ethylene volume acquired jointly by Oxiteno S.A and Oxiteno Nordeste was considered for minimum purchase commitment purposes. Thus, the subsidiary met the minimum purchase required in the agreement.

 

     Minimum purchase
commitment(*)
     Accumulated
demand (actual)
 

In tons of ethylene

   2015      2014      2015      2014  

1st semester

     20,101         22,050         17,669         22,085   

2nd semester

     17,376         17,017         19,482         17,169   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     37,477         39,067         37,151         39,254   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(*) Adjusted for scheduled shutdowns in Braskem S.A. during the periods.

 

F-92


Ultrapar Participações S.A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands of Brazilian Reais, unless otherwise stated)

 

 

b. Insurance Coverage in Subsidiaries

The Company maintains appropriate insurance policies with the objective of covering several risks to which it is exposed, including loss of profits, losses and damage from fire, lightning, explosion of any kind, gale, aircraft crash, electric damage, and other risks, covering the industrial plants and distribution bases and branches of all subsidiaries. The maximum compensation values based on the risk analysis of maximum possible losses of certain locations are shown below:

 

     Maximum compensation
value(*)
 

Oxiteno

     US$ 1,062   

Ipiranga

     R$ 769   

Ultracargo

     R$ 550   

Ultragaz

     R$ 300   

Extrafarma

     R$ 125   

 

(*) In millions. In accordance with policy conditions.

The General Liability Insurance program covers the Company and its subsidiaries with a maximum aggregate coverage of US$ 400 million against losses caused to third parties as a result of accidents related to commercial and industrial operations and/or distribution and sale of products and services.

The Company maintains liability insurance policies for directors and executive officers (D&O) to indemnify the members of the Board of Directors, fiscal council and executive officers of Ultrapar and its subsidiaries (“Insured”) in the total amount of US$ 50 million, which cover any of the Insured liabilities resulting from wrongful acts, including any act or omission committed or attempted, except if the act, omission or the claim is consequence of gross negligence or willful misconduct.

In addition, group life and personal accident, health and national and international transportation and other insurance policies are also maintained.

The coverage and limit of the insurance policies are based on a careful study of risks and losses conducted by independent insurance advisors. The type of insurance is considered by management to be sufficient to cover potential losses based on the nature of the business conducted by the companies.

 

F-93


Ultrapar Participações S.A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands of Brazilian Reais, unless otherwise stated)

 

 

c. Operating Lease Contracts

Subsidiaries Cia. Ultragaz, Tequimar, Serma, and Oxiteno S.A. have operating lease contracts for the use of IT equipment. These contracts have terms of 36 and 45 months. The subsidiaries have the option to purchase the assets at a price equal to the fair market price on the date of option, and management does not intend to exercise such option. Subsidiaries Cia. Ultragaz and Bahiana have operating lease contracts related to vehicles in their fleet. These contracts have terms of 24 to 60 months and there is no purchase option. The future disbursements (installments), assumed under these contracts, amount approximately to:

 

     Up to 1 year      Between 1
and 5 years
     More than
5 years
     Total  

2015

     19,212         29,319         —           48,531   

The subsidiaries IPP, Extrafarma, and Cia. Ultragaz have operating lease contracts related to land and building of service stations, drugstores, and stores, respectively. The future disbursements and receipts (installments), arising from these contracts, amount approximately to:

 

          Up to 1 year     Between 1
and 5 years
    More than
5 years
    Total  

2015

   payable      95,476        271,286        140,179        506,941   
   receivable      (48,913     (150,594     (73,221     (272,728

The expense recognized in 2015 for operating leases was R$ 100,522 (R$ 72,969 in 2014 and R$ 41,013 in 2013), net of sublease income.

 

F-94


Ultrapar Participações S.A. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands of Brazilian Reais, unless otherwise stated)

 

 

32. Ultracargo – Fire accident in Santos

On April 2, 2015, part of the storage facilities operated by Ultracargo in Santos, in the State of São Paulo, endured a nine-day fire accident surrounding six ethanol and gasoline tanks. The six tanks represented 4% of Ultracargo’s overall capacity in Brazil as of December 31, 2014. There were no casualties and the cause of such accident and its impacts are still being investigated, including the extent of operational losses, damage to assets, potential environmental damages (see Note 20.b.2.2) and other liabilities and reputational harm. The Company maintains insurance policies to cover certain risks to which the subsidiaries are exposed (see Note 31.b).

On April 9, 2015, the Santos municipal government suspended Ultracargo’s activities in that city. Ultracargo’s operations in Santos comprise two separate areas. On April 27, 2015, the municipal government granted Ultracargo the authorization to resume its operations in the area not affected by the accident as published in the Santos Official Gazette (Diário Oficial de Santos). The operations corresponding to 185 thousand cubic meters capacity, or 22.5% of Ultracargo’s overall capacity in Brazil, are still suspended.

Ultracargo started the implementation of the decommissioning plan, which is the removal of equipments and structures of the terminal affected by the fire. This process will allow the experts of the Criminalistics Institute to conclude their work and the assessment to determine the causes of the incident.

According to its services contracts with clients, Ultracargo has the obligation to hire insurance coverage and any indemnification will be paid by the insurer, according to the respective insurer’s analysis and processing terms for the insurance adjustment. Therefore, Ultracargo has not accrued any indemnification obligation to customers as of December 31, 2015. The amounts pleaded by customers relating to losses of assets and certain logistics costs as of December 31, 2015 total R$ 164,892. Such amounts are covered by insurance and their adjustment process is underway. Its completion and the indemnification payments from insurers to clients or to Ultracargo are subject to the conclusion of the Criminalistics Institute assessment, and are not expected to materially affect the results of the Company.

In addition, lawsuits and extrajudicial claims for third-party indemnification, claiming damages, presented until the date of these financial statements, will be entitled to insurance coverage and are being analyzed by the insurers. The amounts of contingent liabilities relating to lawsuits and extrajudicial claims is R$ 93,691 and R$ 33,582, respectively.

Finally, Ultracargo pleaded advances related to expenses with rescue/containment and business interruption, which are being adjusted by the insurers, in the amounts of R$ 50,818 and R$ 40,453, respectively. The Company has not recognized such contingent assets as of December 31, 2015.

In March 2016, Ultracargo received advances relating to certain rescue and containment expenses from the insurers in the amount of R$ 29,751. Additionally, in March 2016, Ultracargo paid advances to a customer in the amount of R$ 30,000.

 

33. Financial information for subsidiary guarantors and non-guarantor subsidiaries

Ultrapar (Company) and Oxiteno S.A. (a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ultrapar) were guarantors of LPG Inc. obligation in connection with the issuance of registered notes. The guarantees were full and unconditional and were joint and several. Until 2014, the Company presented, pursuant to Rule 3-10 of Regulation S-X, condensed consolidated financial information of the issuer, guarantors and non-guarantor subsidiaries.

As disclosed in the Note 14.b), the Notes in the Foreign Market were settled by LPG Inc. on the maturity date, December 2015. Thus, the Company is not presenting the condensed consolidated financial information of the issuer, guarantors and non-guarantor subsidiaries.

 

34. Subsequent event

Loan agreement

In February 2016, Oxiteno USA entered into a loan agreement in the amount of US$40 million, due in February 2021 and bearing interest of LIBOR + 3% p.a., paid quarterly. The loan is guaranteed by Ultrapar and the subsidiary Oxiteno Nordeste and the proceeds of this loan will be used to fund the construction of a new alcoxylation plant in the state of Texas.

 

F-95