Petrobras (PBR)

 

 

We may specifically be affected by certain initiatives to increase taxation on our upstream activities. In June 2003, the State of Rio de Janeiro enacted a new tax law that imposed a Domestic State Tax (ICMS) on our upstream activities, including on import of oil and gas exploratory equipment. The State of Rio de Janeiro has never enforced this law, and its constitutionality is being challenged in the Brazilian Supreme Court (Supremo Tribunal Federal, or STF). In the event that the state government attempts to enforce this law and the courts uphold that enforcement, we estimate that the amount of ICMS that we would be required to pay to the State of Rio de Janeiro could increase approximately R$10.7 billion (U.S.$6.2 billion) per year. In addition, there have been recent initiatives in the Brazilian Congress to reform the Brazilian tax laws and there is a risk that the proposed reforms would increase taxation on our upstream activities. Due to the uncertainties related to these initiatives, we cannot quantify what our tax burden would be if the new laws or reforms were approved.

 

In addition, the recent discovery of large petroleum and natural gas reserves in the pre-salt geological layer of the Campos and Santos basins has prompted discussions on possible changes to the existing Oil Law. The Brazilian government has created an inter-ministerial committee to consider substantial changes in the regulation of exploration and production activities in areas of the pre-salt geological layer not subject to existing concessions. The committee has not yet made a formal recommendation to the Brazilian government, and we cannot estimate the impact that any change to the Oil Law would have on Petrobras, or when any new regulations may become effective. See Item 4. “Information on the Company—Regulation of the Oil and Gas Industry in Brazil—Discussions on Possible Changes to the Oil Law.”

 

Uncertainty over whether the Brazilian government will implement these or other changes in policy or regulations that may affect any of the factors mentioned above or other

 

factors in the future may lead to economic uncertainty in Brazil and increase the volatility of the Brazilian securities market and securities issued abroad by Brazilian companies. Such changes in policies and regulations may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

 

Inflation and government measures to curb inflation may contribute significantly to economic uncertainty in Brazil and to heightened volatility in the Brazilian securities markets and, consequently, may adversely affect the market value of our securities and financial condition.

 

Our principal market is Brazil, which has, in the past, periodically experienced extremely high rates of inflation. Inflation, along with governmental measures to combat inflation and public speculation about possible future measures, has had significant negative effects on the Brazilian economy. The annual rates of inflation have been historically high in Brazil prior to 1995 and Brazil experienced hyperinflation in the past. As measured by the National Consumer Price Index (Índice Nacional de Preços ao Consumidor Amplo, or IPCA), Brazil had annual rates of inflation of 3.14% in 2006, 4.46% in 2007 and 5.90% in 2008. Considering the historically high rates of inflation, Brazil may experience higher levels of inflation in the future. The lower levels of inflation experienced since 1995 may not continue. Future governmental actions, including actions to adjust the value of the real, could trigger increases in inflation, which may adversely affect our financial condition.

 

Developments and the perception of risk in other countries, especially in the United States and in emerging market countries, may adversely affect the market price of Brazilian securities, including our shares and ADSs, and limit our ability to finance our operations.

 

The market value of securities of Brazilian companies is affected to varying degrees by economic and market conditions in other countries, including the United States and other Latin American and emerging market countries. Although economic conditions in these 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 in other countries or economic policies of other

 

countries may diminish investor interest in securities of Brazilian issuers, including ours. This could adversely affect the market price of our shares and ADSs, and could limit our ability to finance our operations.

 

The recent global financial crisis has had significant consequences worldwide, including in Brazil, such as stock and credit market volatility, unavailability of credit, higher interest rates, a general slowdown of the world economy, volatile exchange rates and inflationary pressure, among others, which have and may continue to, directly or indirectly, adversely affect our operating results, financial position and the price of securities issued by Brazilian companies.