Form 20-F
Table of Contents

 

 

United States

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 20-F

 

¨ 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: June 30, 2008

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

Date of event requiring this shell company report             

For the transition period from              to             

Commission file number: 1-13542

IRSA INVERSIONES Y REPRESENTACIONES SOCIEDAD ANÓNIMA

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

IRSA INVESTMENTS AND REPRESENTATIONS INC.

(Translation of Registrant’s name into English)

Republic of Argentina

(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

Bolívar 108

(C1066AAB) Buenos Aires, Argentina

(Address of principal executive offices)

Gabriel Blasi

Chief Financial Officer

Tel +(5411) 4323-7449 – finanzas@irsa.com.ar

Moreno 877 22nd Floor

(C1091AAQ) Buenos Aires, Argentina

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

 

 

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

 

Title of each class

 

Name of each exchange on which registered

Global Depositary Shares, each representing

ten shares of Common Stock

  New York Stock Exchange
Common Stock, par value one Peso per share   New York Stock Exchange*

 

 

 

* Not for trading, but only in connection with the registration of Global Depositary Shares, pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

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

The number of outstanding shares of the issuer’s common stock as of June 30, 2008 was 578,676,460.

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act:

¨  Yes            x  No

If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

x    Yes            ¨  No

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 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  ¨            Accelerated filer  x            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 by  ¨ the International Accounting Standards Board               Other  x

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

¨  Item 17            x  Item 18

If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

¨  Yes            x  No

 

 

 


Table of Contents

Table of Contents

IRSA INVERSIONES Y REPRESENTACIONES SOCIEDAD ANÓNIMA

 

     Page No.

Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Information

   5

Certain Measurements and Terms

   5

Presentation of Financial and Certain Other Information

   6

Market Data

   7
Part I   

Item 1

   Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers    8

Item 2

   Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable    8

Item 3

   Key Information    8
   (a) Selected Financial Data    8
   (b) Capitalization and Indebtedness    13
   (c) Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds    13
   (d) Risk Factors    13

Item 4

   Information on the Company    38
   (a) History and Development of the Company    38
   (b) Business Overview    45
   (c) Organizational Structure    98
   (d) Property, Plant and Equipment    99

Item 4 A

   Unresolved Staff Comments.    104

Item 5

   Operating and Financial Review and Prospects    104
   (a) Operating Results    104
   (b) Liquidity and Capital Resources    164
   (c) Research and Development, Patents and Licenses, etc    173
   (d) Trend Information    173
   (e) Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements    184
   (f) Tabular Disclosure of Contractual Obligations    184
   (g) Safe Harbor    184

Item 6

   Directors, Senior Management and Employees    184
   (a) Directors and Senior Management    184
   (b) Compensation    190
   (c) Board Practices    192
   (d) Employees    192

 

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   (e) Share Ownership    193

Item 7

   Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions    194
   (a) Major Shareholders    194
   (b) Related Party Transactions    196
   (c) Interests of Experts and Counsel    200

Item 8

   Financial Information    201
   (a) Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information    201
   (b) Significant Changes    206

Item 9

   The Offer and Listing    210
   (a) Offer and Listing Details    210
   (b) Plan of Distribution    212
   (c) Markets    212
   (d) Selling Shareholders    214
   (e) Dilution    214
   (f) Expenses of the Issue    214

Item 10

   Additional Information    215
   (a) Share Capital    215
   (b) Memorandum and Articles of Association    215
   (c) Material Contracts    225
   (d) Exchange Controls    225
   (e) Taxation    230
   (f) Dividends and Paying Agents    240
   (g) Statement by Experts    240
   (h) Documents on Display    240
   (i) Subsidiary Information    241

Item 11

   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk    241

Item 12

   Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities    244
Part II   

Item 13

   Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies    245

Item 14

   Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds    245

Item 15

   Controls and Procedures    247
   A. Disclosure Controls and Procedures    247
   B Management’s annual report on internal control over financial reporting    248
   C Attestation report of the registered public accounting firm    248

 

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   D Changes in internal control over financial reporting    248

Item 16

   (a) Audit Committee Financial Expert    248
   (b) Code of Ethics    249
   (c) Principal Accountant Fees and Services    249
   (d) Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees    250
   (e) Purchase of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers    250

Part III

  

Item 17

   Financial Statements    251

Item 18

   Financial Statements    251

Item 19

   Exhibits    252

 

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DISCLOSURE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a “safe harbor” for forward looking statements.

This annual report includes forward-looking statements, principally under the captions “Summary,” “Risk Factors,” “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects” and “Business Overview.” We have based these forward-looking statements largely on our current beliefs, expectations and projections about future events and financial trends affecting our business. Many important factors, in addition to those discussed elsewhere in this annual report, could cause our actual results to differ substantially from those anticipated in our forward-looking statements, including, among other things:

 

   

changes in general economic, business, political or other conditions in Argentina or changes in general economic or business conditions in Latin America;

 

   

changes in capital markets in general that may affect policies or attitudes toward lending to or investing in Argentina or Argentine companies;

 

   

changes in exchange rates or regulations applicable to currency exchanges or transfer;

 

   

unexpected developments in pending litigation;

 

   

increased costs;

 

   

unanticipated increases in financing and other costs or the inability to obtain additional debt or equity financing on attractive terms; and

 

   

the risk factors discussed under “Risk Factors”.

The words “believe,” “may,” “will,” “aim,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “expect,” “forecast” and similar words are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include information concerning our possible or assumed future results of operations, business strategies, financing plans, competitive position, industry environment, potential growth opportunities, the effects of future regulation and the effects of competition. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they were made, and we undertake no obligation to update publicly or to revise any forward-looking statements after we distribute this annual report because of new information, future events or other factors. In light of the risks and uncertainties described above, the forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this annual report might not occur and are not guarantees of future performance.

CERTAIN MEASUREMENTS AND TERMS

As used throughout this annual report, the terms “IRSA,” the “Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima, together with our consolidated subsidiaries, except where we make clear that such terms refer only to the parent company.

In Argentina the standard measure of area in the real estate market is the square meter (m2), while in the United States and certain other jurisdictions, the standard measure of area is the square foot (sq. ft.). All units of area shown in this annual report (e.g., gross leasable area of buildings and size of undeveloped land) are expressed in terms of square meters. One square meter is equal to approximately 10.764 square feet. One hectare is equal to approximately 10,000 square meters and approximately 2.47 acres.

 

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PRESENTATION OF FINANCIAL AND CERTAIN OTHER INFORMATION

In this annual report where we refer to “Peso,” “Pesos,” or “Ps.” we mean Argentine pesos, the lawful currency in Argentina; when we refer to “U.S. dollars,” or “US$” we mean United States dollars, the lawful currency of the United States of America; and when we refer to “Central Bank” we mean the Argentine Central Bank.

This annual report contains our audited consolidated financial statements as of June 30, 2008 and 2007 and for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006 (our audited consolidated financial statements), which have been audited by Price Waterhouse & Co. S.R.L., Buenos Aires, Argentina, a member firm of PricewaterhouseCoopers, an independent registered public accounting firm, whose report is included herein.

We prepare our consolidated financial statements as of June 30, 2008 and 2007 in thousands of Pesos and in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in Argentina, as set forth by the Federación Argentina de Consejos Profesionales de Ciencias Económicas (“FACPCE”) and as implemented, adapted, amended, revised and/or supplemented by the Consejo Profesional de Ciencias Económicas de la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires (“CPCECABA”) (collectively, “Argentine GAAP”) and the regulations of the Comisión Nacional de Valores, which differ in certain significant respects from accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). Such differences involve methods of measuring the amounts shown in the consolidated financial statements as well as additional disclosures required by U.S. GAAP and Regulation S-X of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). See Note 28 to our consolidated financial statements for a description of the principal differences between Argentine GAAP and U.S. GAAP, as they relate to us, and reconciliation to U.S. GAAP of net income and shareholders’ equity.

In order to comply with regulations of the Comisión Nacional de Valores, we recognized deferred income taxes on an undiscounted basis. This accounting practice represented a departure from Argentine GAAP for the years ended June 30, 2006. However, such departure has not had a material effect on our consolidated financial statements. As further discussed below, the CPCECABA issued revised accounting standards, one of which required companies to account for deferred income taxes on an undiscounted basis, thus aligning its accounting practices with that of the Comisión Nacional de Valores. Since the Comisión Nacional de Valores adopted the CPCECABA standards effective for our fiscal year ended June 30, 2007, there was no longer a difference on this subject between Argentine GAAP and the Comisión Nacional de Valores regulations.

In order to comply with the regulations of the Comisión Nacional de Valores, we discontinued inflation accounting as of February 28, 2003. Since Argentine GAAP required companies to discontinue inflation adjustments only as from October 1, 2003, the application of Comisión Nacional de Valores resolution represented a departure from Argentine GAAP. However, due to low inflation rates during the period from March to September 2003, such a departure has not had a material effect on the consolidated financial statements.

In compliance with Rule 3-09 of Regulation S-X, also contained in this annual report are the consolidated financial statements of Banco Hipotecario S.A. (“Banco Hipotecario”) as of June 30, 2008 and 2007 and for the twelve months ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006, which also have been audited by Price Waterhouse & Co. S.R.L., Buenos Aires, Argentina, a member firm of PricewaterhouseCoopers, an independent registered public accounting firm, whose report is included herein.

 

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The Comisión Nacional de Valores issued General Resolutions 485 and 487 on December 29, 2005 and January 26, 2006, respectively, adopting with certain modifications, the new accounting standards previously issued by the CPCECABA through its Resolution CD 93/2005. These standards were effective for our fiscal year ended June 30, 2007. The most significant changes included in the accounting standards adopted by the Comisión Nacional de Valores related to (i) changes in the impairment test of long-lived assets and (ii) changes to deferred income tax accounting. Under the new standards, the carrying value of a long-lived asset is considered impaired by a company when its value in use or its net realizable value, whichever is greater, is less than its carrying value. Value in use is determined by the expected cash flows from the assets discounted at a rate commensurate with the risk involved. Net realizable value is determined by the selling price of the assets less costs to sell. The new standards also provided for the accounting treatment of differences between the tax basis and book basis of non-monetary items for deferred income tax calculation purposes when companies prepare price-level restated financial statements. The new accounting standard mandated companies to treat these differences as temporary but allowed a one-time accommodation to continue treating those differences as permanent at the time of adoption of the standard. As a result, we elected to continue treating differences as permanent.

Certain amounts which appear in this annual report (including percentage amounts) may not sum due to rounding. Solely for the convenience of the reader, we have translated certain Peso amounts into U.S. dollars at the exchange rate quoted by the Central Bank for June 30, 2008, which was Ps.3.025 = US$1.00. We make no representation that the Peso or U.S. dollar amounts actually represent or could have been or could be converted into U.S. dollars at the rates indicated, at any particular rate or at all.

References to fiscal years 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 are to the fiscal years ended June  30 of each such year.

MARKET DATA

Market data used throughout this annual report were derived from reports prepared by unaffiliated third-party sources. Such reports generally state that the information contained therein has been obtained from sources believed by such sources to be reliable.

 

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PART I

 

ITEM 1. Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers

This item is not applicable.

 

ITEM 2. Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable

This item is not applicable.

 

ITEM 3. Key Information

A. Selected Financial Data

The following selected consolidated financial data has been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements as of the dates and for each of the periods indicated below. This information should be read in conjunction with and is qualified in its entirety by reference to our consolidated financial statements and the discussion in Operating and Financial Review and Prospects included elsewhere in this annual report. The selected consolidated statement of income data for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007, and 2006 and the selected consolidated balance sheet data as of June 30, 2008 and 2007 have been derived from our consolidated financial statements which have been audited by Price Waterhouse & Co. S.R.L., Buenos Aires, Argentina, a member firm of PricewaterhouseCoopers, an independent registered public accounting firm.

The selected consolidated income statement data for the years June 30, 2005 and 2004 and the selected consolidated balance sheet data as of June 30, 2006 and 2005 have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements as of June 30, 2006 and 2005 and for the three years in the period ended June 30, 2006 which are not included herein. Certain reclassifications have been made to financial data derived from the audited consolidated financial statements as of June 30, 2006 and 2005 and for the three years in the period ended June 30, 2006 to conform to the presentation of our fiscal year ended June 30, 2008. The reclassifications had no impact on previously reported net income, net income per share, shareholders equity or cash flows.

The selected consolidated balance sheet data as of June 30, 2004 have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements as of June 30, 2005 and 2004 and for each of the three years in the period ended June 30, 2005, which are not included herein. Certain reclassifications have been made to financial data derived from the audited consolidated financial statements as of June 30, 2005 and 2004 and for the three years in the period ended June 30, 2005 to conform to the presentation of our fiscal year ended June 30, 2008. The reclassifications had no impact on previously reported net income, net income per share, shareholders equity or cash flows.

 

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Summary Consolidated Financial and Other Information for IRSA

 

     As of and for the year ended June 30,  
     (in thousands
of US$,
except ratios)
    (in thousands of Ps., except ratios(2))  
     2008(1)     2008     2007     2006     2005     2004  

STATEMENT OF INCOME DATA

            

Argentine GAAP

            

Revenues:

            

Development and sale of properties

   65,061     196,811     75,751     103,966     32,311     30,257  

Office and other non-shopping center rental properties

   33,385     100,989     55,683     30,565     19,431     15,144  

Shopping centers

   114,180     345,395     270,266     215,003     165,529     113,216  

Consumer financing

   96,208     291,030     212,965     122,969     64,558     30,034  

Hotel operations

   49,206     148,847     122,681     103,763     87,120     71,295  

Financial operations and others

   387     1,170     1,410     1,414     940     859  

Total revenues

   358,427     1,084,242     738,756     577,680     369,889     260,805  

Costs

   (161,871 )   (489,661 )   (311,647 )   (243,831 )   (168,074 )   (147,416 )

Gross profit (loss):

            

Development and sale of properties

   15,179     45,917     17,928     49,766     14,769     4,408  

Office and other non-shopping center rental properties

   24,850     75,171     38,984     21,578     11,685     6,871  

Shopping centers

   81,395     246,220     179,154     137,621     95,748     52,734  

Consumer financing

   53,555     162,005     136,714     79,036     41,456     18,069  

Hotel operations

   21,364     64,627     53,721     45,792     38,196     31,246  

Financial operations and others

   212     641     608     56     (39 )   61  

Total gross profit

   196,556     594,581     427,109     333,849     201,815     113,389  

Gain from recognition of inventories at net realizable value

   936     2,832     20,737     9,063     17,317     —    

Selling expenses

   (54,210 )   (163,986 )   (113,709 )   (60,105 )   (36,826 )   (21,988 )

Administrative expenses

   (59,502 )   (179,994 )   (141,427 )   (96,882 )   (70,670 )   (51,400 )

Net (loss) income from retained interest in securitized receivables

   (417 )   (1,261 )   3,254     2,625     423     261  

Gain from operations and holdings of real estate assets, net

   883     2,670     2,568     12,616     27,938     63,066  

Operating income (loss):

            

Development and sale of properties

   6,370     19,270     6,177     44,277     20,566     183  

Office and other non-shopping center rental properties

   17,286     52,289     19,626     11,862     13,220     29,685  

Shopping centers

   60,252     182,261     124,832     105,583     81,638     58,771  

Consumer financing

   (5,838 )   (17,659 )   32,636     24,836     13,546     4,490  

Hotel operations

   5,964     18,040     14,653     14,552     11,066     10,138  

Financial operations and others

   212     641     608     56     (39 )   61  

Total operating income

   84,245     254,842     198,532     201,166     139,997     103,328  

Amortization of negative goodwill, net

   541     1,638     (1,472 )   (1,080 )   (1,663 )   (2,904 )

(Loss) gain on equity investees

   (4,367 )   (13,209 )   40,026     41,657     67,207     26,653  

Financial results, net

   (25,369 )   (76,742 )   4,099     (40,926 )   (11,848 )   12,203  

Other expenses, net

   (1,865 )   (5,642 )   (14,100 )   (18,263 )   (14,089 )   (12,856 )

Income before taxes and minority interest

   53,186     160,887     227,085     182,554     179,604     126,424  

Income tax and MPIT

   (25,822 )   (78,112 )   (87,539 )   (58,791 )   (53,207 )   (25,720 )

Minority interest

   (9,223 )   (27,900 )   (32,449 )   (27,190 )   (23,152 )   (12,842 )

Net income

   18,140     54,875     107,097     96,573     103,245     87,862  

Basic net income per share(3)

   0.03     0.10     0.24     0.25     0.37     0.39  

Basic net income per GDS(3)

   0.33     1.00     2.41     2.54     3.68     3.90  

Diluted net income per share(4)

   0.03     0.10     0.20     0.23     0.23     0.23  

 

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     As of and for the year ended June 30,  
     (in thousands
of US$,
except ratios)
    (in thousands of Ps., except ratios(2))  
     2008(1)     2008     2007     2006     2005     2004  

Diluted net income per GDS(4)

   0.33     1.00     2.03     2.28     2.31     2.26  

Weighted - average number of shares outstanding

   549,277     549,277     444,904     379,506     280,282     225,005  

Adjusted weighted - average number of shares(4)

   549,277     549,277     558,594     522,636     501,380     554,271  

Capital Stock

   578,676     578,676     464,969     435,448     357,267     248,803  

U.S. GAAP

            

Revenues

   405,884     1,227,797     867,452     621,012     426,499     327,424  

Costs

   (201,182 )   (608,575 )   (413,957 )   (321,788 )   (235,341 )   (216,742 )

Gross profit

   204,701     619,222     453,495     299,224     191,158     110,682  

Gain from recognition of inventories at net realizable value

   —       —       —       —       —       —    

Selling expenses

   (46,624 )   (141,037 )   (104,997 )   (66,278 )   (36,255 )   (23,937 )

Administrative expenses

   (60,154 )   (181,965 )   (142,714 )   (98,956 )   (77,451 )   (57,928 )

Gain on purchasers’ rescissions of sales

   —       —       —       —       —       —    

Net (loss) income from retained interest in securitized receivables

   (4,604 )   (13,928 )   (115 )   (12,274 )   4,591     (1,526 )

Operating (loss) income

   92,305     279,223     205,669     121,716     82,043     27,291  

(Loss) gain on equity investees

   (2,398 )   (7,253 )   42,957     64,697     138,560     (20,161 )

Financial results, net

   (4,841 )   (14,644 )   (43,705 )   (50,854 )   (31,072 )   21,195  

Other incomes (expenses), net

   (2,039 )   (6,167 )   (13,433 )   (7,338 )   (10,271 )   (4,026 )

Income before taxes and minority interest

   81,623     246,911     191,488     128,221     179,259     24,299  

Income tax and MPIT

   (25,896 )   (78,336 )   (39,176 )   (18,678 )   (34,747 )   (12,528 )

Minority interest

   (15,358 )   (46,459 )   (49,090 )   (19,597 )   (15,114 )   (8,946 )

Net income

   40,369     122,116     103,222     89,946     129,398     2,825  

Basic net income (loss) per share(3)

   0.07     0.22     0.23     0.24     0.46     0.01  

Basic net income (loss) per GDS(3)

   0.73     2.22     2.32     2.37     4.62     0.13  

Basic net income (loss) before extraordinary items and accounting changes per share(3)

   0.07     0.22     0.23     0.24     0.46     0.01  

Diluted net income (loss) per share(4)

   0.07     0.22     0.20     0.23     0.31     0.01  

Diluted net income (loss) per GDS(4)

   0.71     2.16     2.05     2.30     3.10     0.13  

Diluted net income (loss) before extraordinary items and accounting changes per share(4)

   0.07     0.22     0.20     0.23     0.31     0.01  

Weighted - average number of shares outstanding

   549,277     549,277     444,904     379,506     280,282     225,005  

Adjusted weighted - average number of shares(4)

   570,472     570,472     540,822     518,606     475,489     225,005  

BALANCE SHEET DATA

            

Argentine GAAP

            

Cash and banks and current investments

   180,229     545,192     856,707     233,438     211,934     163,900  

Inventories

   60,423     182,780     256,203     162,110     99,811     29,711  

Accounts receivable, net

   64,930     196,412     215,175     148,462     73,466     37,402  

Non-current investments(5)

   275,495     833,373     673,273     647,981     542,863     519,499  

Fixed assets, net

   836,410     2,530,141     2,027,311     1,413,212     1,445,551     1,274,675  

Total current assets

   295,485     893,842     1,175,790     481,788     389,735     261,651  

Total assets

   1,478,338     4,471,972     4,144,899     2,740,121     2,524,426     2,208,326  

Short-term debt(6)

   62,860     190,153     214,193     142,140     130,728     143,126  

Total current liabilities

   245,378     742,267     652,082     419,228     310,977     256,022  

 

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     As of and for the year ended June 30,  
     (in thousands
of US$,
except ratios)
    (in thousands of Ps., except ratios(2))  
     2008(1)     2008     2007     2006     2005     2004  

Long-term debt(7)

   370,666     1,121,264     1,222,423     295,282     422,412     468,807  

Total non-current liabilities

   445,888     1,348,812     1,395,693     385,138     515,381     522,213  

Minority interest

   150,980     456,715     450,410     449,989     445,839     470,237  

Shareholders’ equity

   636,092     1,924,178     1,646,714     1,485,766     1,252,229     959,854  

U.S. GAAP

            

Cash and banks and current investments

   175,728     531,575     856,318     233,032     212,855     163,435  

Inventories

   12,861     38,905     160,961     61,720     46,702     25,374  

Accounts receivable, net

   64,552     195,269     208,377     146,225     72,797     37,402  

Other receivables and prepaid expenses

   82,365     249,153     238,546     130,995     113,175     126,979  

Non-current investments(5)

   247,455     748,550     590,646     599,679     436,063     327,883  

Fixed assets, net

   770,808     2,331,695     1,827,263     1,276,181     1,311,386     1,206,866  

Intangible assets, net

   5,550     16,789     22,226     468     712     666  

Total current assets

   301,605     912,354     1,183,147     471,053     386,051     270,883  

Total assets

   1,384,839     4,219,383     3,997,217     2,503,812     2,291,808     1,923,456  

Trade accounts payable

   104,115     314,948     293,522     136,362     68,372     46,414  

Other liabilities

   44,057     133,273     101,764     94,655     90,106     46,524  

Short-term debt(6)

   62,860     190,153     216,829     120,172     111,994     135,661  

Total current liabilities

   247,771     749,505     669,983     431,422     314,939     260,521  

Long-term debt(7)

   370,333     1,120,257     1,225,212     298,570     413,812     465,099  

Total non-current liabilities

   478,623     1,447,833     1,603,747     558,951     698,344     696,791  

Minority interest

   127,590     385,959     366,381     355,385     357,062     378,404  

Shareholders’ equity

   542,435     1,640,864     1,358,739     1,158,364     921,718     587,740  

CASH FLOW DATA

            

Argentine GAAP

            

Net cash provided by operating activities

   105,763     319,933     163,099     194,685     93,490     74,691  

Net cash used in investing activities

   (260,693 )   (788,597 )   (510,774 )   (136,567 )   (126,682 )   (97,186 )

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

   49,304     149,145     892,258     (36,767 )   52,868     (47,649 )

U.S. GAAP(8)

            

Net cash provided by operating activities

   119,904     362,711     111,936     192,589     105,655     92,378  

Net cash used in investing activities

   (275,549 )   (833,536 )   (470,318 )   (128,687 )   (141,746 )   (105,061 )

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

   49,304     149,145     900,907     (36,767 )   52,868     (47,649 )

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

   714     2,161     2,058     (5,784 )   2,899     (8,081 )

OTHER FINANCIAL DATA

            

Argentine GAAP

            

Capital expenditures(9)

   254,115     768,699     419,377     116,201     79,997     26,908  

Depreciation and amortization(10)

   37,633     113,841     96,996     80,979     74,091     65,491  

Ratio of current assets to current liabilities

   1.204     1.204     1.803     1.149     1.253     1.022  

Ratio of shareholders’ equity to total liabilities

   0.920     0.920     0.804     1.847     1.515     1.233  

Ratio of non-current assets to total assets

   0.800     0.800     0.716     0.824     0.846     0.882  

Working capital(11)

   50,107     151,575     523,708     62,560     78,758     5,629  

 

 

(1)

Solely for the convenience of the reader, we have translated Peso amounts into U.S. dollars at the exchange rate quoted by Banco de la Nación Argentina for June 30, 2008 which was Ps.3.025 per US$1.00. We make no representation that the Peso or U.S. dollar amounts actually represent,

 

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could have been or could be converted into dollars at the rates indicated, at any particular rate or at all. See “Exchange Rates and Exchange Controls.” Sums may not total due to rounding.

 

(2) In thousands of Pesos of June 30, 2008. Sums may not total due to rounding.

 

(3) We have calculated earnings per share data under Argentine GAAP and U.S. GAAP based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the respective period. Each Global Depositary Shares (“GDS”) represents ten common shares.

 

(4) Under both Argentine and U.S. GAAP we have considered the diluted effects of our outstanding convertible notes and warrants. However, under U.S. GAAP, we have used the treasury-stock method in calculating the diluted effect of the outstanding warrants. In addition, the computation of diluted net income per share / GDS under U.S. GAAP for the year ended June 30, 2004 excludes potential common shares because the effect of their inclusion would be anti-dilutive, or would increase the reported net income per share / GDS. Each GDS represents ten common shares.

 

(5) Includes our 11.8% investment in Banco Hipotecario and our investments in undeveloped parcels of land.

 

(6) Includes short-term debt and current mortgages payable.

 

(7) Includes long-term debt and non-current mortgages payable.

 

(8) This table is intended to present cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities under Argentine GAAP but following the classification guidelines of SFAS No. 95 under U.S. GAAP. See Note 28 to our consolidated financial statements for details of the differences in classifications affecting the categories of cash flows.

 

(9) Includes the purchase of fixed assets (including facilities and equipment), undeveloped parcels of land and renovation and remodeling of hotels and shopping centers. Also include escrow deposits held in favor of third parties related to the acquisition of certain fixed assets.

 

(10) Corresponds to depreciation and amortization included in operating income.

 

(11) Working capital is calculated by subtracting consolidated current liabilities from consolidated current assets.

Exchange Rates

In April 1991, Argentine law established a fixed exchange rate according to which the Central Bank was statutorily obliged to sell U.S. dollars to any individual at a fixed exchange rate of Ps.1.00 per US$1.00. On January 7, 2002, the Argentine congress enacted the Public Emergency Law, abandoning over ten years of fixed Peso-U.S. dollar parity at Ps.1.00 per US$1.00. After devaluing the Peso and setting the official exchange rate at Ps.1.40 per US$1.00, on February 11, 2002, the government allowed the Peso to float. The shortage of U.S. dollars and their heightened demand caused the Peso to further devalue significantly in the first half of 2002. Since June 30, 2002, the Peso has appreciated versus the U.S. dollar from an exchange rate of Ps.3.80 =US$1.00 to an exchange rate of Ps.3.4060=US$1.00 at December 17, 2008 as quoted by Banco de la Nación Argentina at the U.S. dollar selling rate. During the fiscal year 2008, the Central Bank has indirectly affected the exchange rate market, through active participation, in order to counteract external shocks.

The following table presents the high, low, average and period closing exchange rate for the purchase of U.S. dollars stated in nominal Pesos per U.S. dollar.

 

     Exchange Rate
     High(1)    Low(2)    Average(3)    Period
Closing

Fiscal year ended June 30, 2003

   3.7400    2.7120    3.2565    2.8000

Fiscal year ended June 30, 2004

   2.9510    2.7100    2.8649    2.9580

Fiscal year ended June 30, 2005

   3.0400    2.8460    2.9230    2.8670

Fiscal year ended June 30, 2006

   3.0880    2.8590    3.0006    3.0860

Fiscal year ended June 30, 2007

   3.1080    3.0480    3.0862    3.0930

Fiscal year ended June 30, 2008

   3.1840    3.0160    3.13958    3.0250

June 2008

   3.1110    3.0160    3.0485    3.0250

July 2008

   3.0440    3.0140    3.0230    3.0440

August 2008

   3.0520    3.0250    3.0333    3.0300

September 2008

   3.1350    3.0280    3.0833    3.1350

October 2008

   3.3880    3.1340    3.2423    3.3880

November 2008

   3.3870    3.2850    3.3264    3.3730

December 2008

   3.4680    3.3830    3.4175    3.4060

Source: Banco de la Nación Argentina

 

(1) The high exchange rate stated was the highest closing exchange rate of the month during the fiscal year or any shorter period, as indicated.

 

(2) The low exchange rate stated was the lowest closing exchange rate of the month during the fiscal year or any shorter period, as indicated.

 

(3) Average month-end closing exchange rates.

Fluctuations in the Peso-dollar exchange rate may affect the equivalent in dollars of the price in Pesos of our shares on the Buenos Aires Stock Exchange. Increases in Argentine inflation or devaluation of the Argentine currency could have a material adverse effect on our operating results.

 

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B. Capitalization and Indebtedness

This item is not applicable.

C. Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds

This item is not applicable.

D. Risk Factors

You should carefully consider the risks described below, in addition to the other information contained in this annual report. We may face additional risks and uncertainties that are not presently known to us, or that we currently deem immaterial, which may also impair our business. In general, you take more risk when you invest in the securities of issuers in emerging markets such as Argentina than when you invest in the securities of issuers in the United States. You should understand that an investment in our common shares and GDSs involves a high degree of risk, including the possibility of loss of your entire investment.

Risks Related to Argentina

Argentina’s recent growth may not be sustainable.

The Argentine economy has experienced significant volatility in recent decades, characterized by periods of low or negative growth, high inflation and currency devaluation. During 2001 and 2002, Argentina experienced a period of severe political, economic and social crisis, which caused a significant economic contraction and led to radical changes in government policies. Although the economy has recovered significantly since then, uncertainty remains as to whether the recent growth is sustainable, since it has depended, to a significant extent, on favorable exchange rates, high commodity prices and excess capacity. The recovery, however, has resulted in inflation and has intensified the country’s need for capital investment, with many sectors, in particular the energy sector, operating near full capacity. Additionally, the current global financial crisis and economic downturn has begun to have a significant adverse impact on the country’s performance and could worsen in the foreseeable future. Commodities prices, particularly those related to Argentine exports such as soybean, have declined significantly recently. Access to international financing, already limited as a result of the sovereign default in 2002, is currently virtually unavailable. Moreover, the country’s relative stability since 2002 has been affected recently, by increased political tension and government intervention in the economy.

Our business depends to a significant extent on macroeconomic and political conditions in Argentina. We cannot assure you that Argentina’s recent growth will continue. A deterioration in the country’s economy would likely have a significant adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Continuing inflation may have an adverse effect on the economy.

The devaluation of the Peso in January 2002 created pressures on the domestic price system that generated high inflation throughout 2002, before inflation substantially stabilizing in 2003. However, inflationary pressures have since reemerged with consumer prices increasing by 12.3% in 2005. In 2006 and in 2007, inflation was 9.8% and 8.5%, respectively, in part due to actions implemented by the Argentine government to control inflation, which included limitations on exports and price arrangements agreed to with private sector companies. However, in spite of this decline in inflation, uncertainty surrounding future inflation may impact the country’s growth.

As of November 30, 2008, according to the argentine statistics and census agency, or INDEC, consumer prices increased by 7.9% on an annualized basis.

In the past, inflation has undermined the Argentine economy and the government’s ability to create conditions conducive to growth. A return to a high inflation environment would impact in the long term credit

 

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market and real estate market and may also affect Argentina’s foreign competitiveness by diluting the effects of the Peso devaluation and negatively impacting the level of economic activity and employment. If inflation remains high or continues to rise, Argentina’s economy may be negatively impacted and our business could be adversely affected

There are concerns about the accuracy of Argentina’s official inflation statistics.

In January 2007, INDEC modified its methodology used to calculate the consumer price index, which is calculated as the monthly average of a weighted basket of consumer goods and services that reflects the pattern of consumption of Argentine households. Several economists as well as the international and Argentine press have suggested that this change in methodology was related to the Argentine government’s policy aimed at curbing inflation. At the time that INDEC adopted this change in methodology, the Argentine government also replaced several key personnel at INDEC, prompting complaints of governmental interference from the technical staff at INDEC . In addition, the International Monetary Fund, or IMF, has requested that the government clarify its inflation rates. More recently, in June 2008, INDEC published a new consumer price index that eliminates nearly half of the items included in previous surveys and introduces adjustable weightings for fruit, vegetables and clothing, which have seasonal cost variations. INDEC has indicated that it based its evaluation of spending habits on a study of a national household consumption survey from 2004 to 2005 in addition to other sources; however, the new index has been criticized by economists and investors after its debut report found prices rising well below expectations. These events have affected the credibility of the consumer price index published by INDEC, as well as other indexes published by INDEC which require the consumer price index for their own calculation, including the poverty index, the unemployment index and real gross domestic product. Argentina’s inflation rate may be significantly higher than the rates indicated by official reports,. In addition, if it is determined that it is necessary to correct the consumer price index and the other INDEC indexes derived from the consumer price index, there could be a significant decrease in confidence in the Argentine economy, which could, in turn, have a materially adverse effect on our ability to access international credit markets at market rates to finance our operations.

Argentina’s ability to obtain financing from international markets is limited which may affect its ability to implement reforms and foster economic growth.

In the first half of 2005, Argentina restructured part of its sovereign debt that had been in default since the end of 2001. The Argentine government announced that as a result of the restructuring, it had approximately US$126.6 billion in total outstanding debt remaining. Of this amount, approximately US$19.5 billion are defaulted bonds owned by creditors who did not participate in the restructuring of the external financial debt. As of June 30, 2008, the total outstanding debt was approximately US$ 149.8 billion.

Some bondholders in the United States, Italy and Germany have filed legal actions against Argentina, and holdout creditors may initiate new suits in the future. Additionally, foreign shareholders of certain Argentine companies have filed claims in excess of US$17 billion before the International Centre for the Settlement of Investment Disputes, or ICSID, alleging that certain government measures are inconsistent with the fair and equitable treatment standards set forth in various bilateral treaties to which Argentina is a party. As of the date of this annual report, the ICSID has rendered decisions in eight cases, requiring the Argentine government to pay approximately US$ 1.0 billion plus interest in claims.

Argentina has recently reinitiated discussions with holdout creditors and certain multilateral institutions. However, Argentina’s past default and its failure to restructure completely its remaining sovereign debt and fully negotiate with the holdout creditors may prevent Argentina from reentering the international capital markets. Litigation initiated by holdout creditors as well as ICSID claims may result in material judgments against the Argentine government and could result in attachments of, or injunctions relating to, assets of Argentina that the government intended for other uses. As a result, the government may not have the financial resources necessary to implement reforms and foster growth which could have a material adverse effect on the country’s economy and, consequently, our business. In addition, the difficulties Argentina faces to access financing in the international markets could have an adverse effect on our capacity to obtain financing in the international markets in order to finance our operations and growth.

 

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Significant devaluation of the Peso against the U.S. dollar may adversely affect the Argentine economy as well as our financial performance.

Despite the positive effects of the real depreciation of the Peso in 2002 on the competitiveness of certain sectors of the Argentine economy, it has also had a far-reaching negative impact on the Argentine economy and on businesses and individuals’ financial condition. The devaluation of the Peso has had a negative impact on the ability of Argentine businesses to honor their foreign currency-denominated debt, initially led to very high inflation, significantly reduced real wages, had a negative impact on businesses whose success is dependent on domestic market demand, such as utilities and the financial industry, and adversely affected the government’s ability to honor its foreign debt obligations.

If the Peso devalues significantly, all of the negative effects on the Argentine economy related to such devaluation could recur, with adverse consequences to our business. Moreover, it would likely result in a decline in the value of our common shares and the ADSs as measured in U.S. dollars.

Significant appreciation of the Peso against the U.S. dollar may adversely affect the Argentine economy.

A substantial increase in the value of the Peso against the U.S. dollar also presents risks for the Argentine economy. The appreciation of the Peso against the U.S. dollar negatively impacts the financial condition of entities whose foreign currency-denominated assets exceed their foreign currency-denominated liabilities, such as us. In addition, in the short term, a significant real appreciation of the Peso would adversely affect exports. This could have a negative effect on GDP growth and employment as well as reduce the Argentine public sector’s revenues by reducing tax collection in real terms, given its current heavy reliance on taxes on exports. The appreciation of the Peso against the U.S. dollar could have an adverse effect on the Argentine economy and our business.

Government measures to preempt or respond to social unrest may adversely affect the Argentine economy.

The Argentine government has historically exercised significant influence over the country’s economy. Additionally, the country’s legal and regulatory frameworks have at times suffered radical changes, undue political influence and significant uncertainties. Moreover, during its crisis in 2001 and 2002, Argentina experienced significant social and political turmoil, including civil unrest, riots, looting, nationwide protests, strikes and street demonstrations. Despite Argentina’s economic recovery and relative stabilization, social and political tension and high levels of poverty and unemployment continue. In 2008, Argentina faced nationwide strikes and protests from farmers due to increased export taxes on agricultural products, which disrupted economic activity and have heightened political tension. Future government policies to preempt, or in response to, social unrest may include expropriation, nationalization, forced renegotiation or modification of existing contracts, suspension of the enforcement of creditors’ rights, new taxation policies, including royalty and tax increases and retroactive tax claims, and changes in laws and policies affecting foreign trade and investment. Such policies could destabilize the country and adversely and materially affect the economy, and thereby our business.

The nationalization of Argentina’s pension funds will adversely affect local capital markets.

In December 2008, the Argentina government transferred the approximately Ps. 94.4 billion (US$29.3 billion) in assets held by the country’s ten private Administradoras de Fondos de Jubilaciones y Pensiones (pension fund management companies, or “AFJPs”) to the government-run social security agency (ANSES).

AFJPs were the largest participants in the country’s local capital market. With the nationalization of their assets, the local capital market is expected to diminish in size and be substantially concentrated in the hands of the government. In addition, the government will become a significant shareholder in many of the country’s private companies. As a result, access to liquidity may be further limited, funding costs may rise and the government may have greater influence over the operations of private companies.

 

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The nationalization of the AFJPs has adversely affected investor confidence in Argentina. In addition, we cannot assure you that the government will not take similar measures in the future that interfere with private sector businesses and adversely affect the economy.

Exchange controls and restrictions on transfers abroad and capital inflow restrictions have limited, and can be expected to continue to limit, the availability of international credit.

In 2001 and 2002, Argentina imposed exchange controls and transfer restrictions substantially limiting the ability of companies to retain foreign currency or make payments abroad. Many of these restrictions were substantially eased after the crisis. However, in June 2005, the government issued decree No. 616/2005, that established additional controls on capital inflows, including the requirement that, subject to limit exemptions, 30% of funds remitted to Argentina remain deposited in a domestic financial institution for one year without earning any interest. This measure increases the cost of obtaining foreign funds and limits access to these funds.

The Argentine government may impose additional controls on the foreign exchange market and on capital flows from and into Argentina, in the future, for example in response to capital flight or depreciation of the peso. These restrictions may have a negative effect on the economy and our business if imposed in an economic environment where access to local capital is substantially constrained.

Payment of dividends to non-residents has been limited in the past and may be limited again.

Beginning in February 2002, the payment of dividends, irrespective of amount, outside Argentina required prior authorization from the Central Bank. On January 7, 2003, the Central Bank issued communication “A” 3859 eliminating the limitation on companies´ ability to purchase foreign currency and transfer it outside Argentina to pay dividends. However similar restrictions may be enacted by the Argentine government or the Central Bank again and, if this were to occur, it could have an adverse effect on the value of our common shares and the ADSs. Moreover, in such event, restrictions on the transfers of funds abroad may impede your ability to receive dividend payments as a holder of ADSs.

The stability of the Argentine banking system is uncertain.

During 2001 and the first half of 2002, a significant amount of deposits were withdrawn from Argentine financial institutions. This massive withdrawal of deposits was largely due to the loss of confidence of depositors in the Argentine government’s ability to repay its debts, including its debts within the financial system, and to maintain peso-dollar parity in the context of its solvency crisis. To prevent a run on the U.S. dollar reserves of local banks, the government restricted the amount of money that account holders could withdraw from banks and introduced exchange controls restricting capital outflows. While the condition of the financial system has improved, adverse economic developments, even if not related to or attributable to the financial system, could result in deposits flowing out of the banks and into the foreign exchange market, as depositors seek to shield their financial assets from a new crisis. Any run on deposits could create liquidity or even solvency problems for financial institutions, resulting in a contraction of available credit.

In the event of a future shock, such as the failure of one or more banks or a crisis in depositor confidence, the Argentine government could impose further exchange controls or transfer restrictions and take other measures that could lead to renewed political and social tensions and undermine the Argentine government’s public finances, which could adversely affect Argentina’s economy and prospects for economic growth.

The Argentine economy could be adversely affected by economic developments in other global markets, in particular the current global financial crisis and economic downturn.

Financial and securities markets in Argentina are influenced, to varying degrees, by economic and market conditions in other global markets. Although economic conditions vary from country to country, investors’ perception of the events occurring in one country may substantially affect capital flows into other countries, including Argentina and the availability of funds for issuers in such countries. Lower capital inflows and declining securities prices negatively affect the real economy of a country through higher interest rates or currency volatility.

 

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The Argentine economy was adversely impacted by the political and economic events that occurred in several emerging economies in the 1990s, including Mexico in 1994, the collapse of several Asian economies between 1997 and 1998, the economic crisis in Russia in 1998 and the Brazilian devaluation in January 1999.

In addition, Argentina may also be affected by the economic conditions of major trade partners, such as Brazil, or countries such as the United States, that are significant trade partners and/or have influence over world economic cycles. If interest rates rise significantly in developed economies, including the United States, Argentina and other emerging market economies could find it more difficult and expensive to borrow capital and refinance existing debt, which would negatively affect their economic growth. In addition, if these countries, which are also Argentina’s trade partners, fall into a recession the Argentine economy would be impacted by a decrease in exports. All of these factors would have a negative impact on us, our business, operations, financial condition and prospects.

In 2008, particularly in recent months, the global financial system has been experiencing unprecedented volatility and disruption. The current financial turmoil has led to a significant tightening of credit, low levels of liquidity, extreme volatility in fixed income, credit, currency and equity markets and capital outflows away from emerging markets, including Argentina. This financial crisis has also begun to significantly and adversely impact global economic conditions. Countries around the world are currently experiencing a significant deterioration in economic conditions, including the United States which is currently in a pronounced recession. These conditions have had a negative impact on the Argentine economy, and could continue to adversely affect the conditions in the country in the foreseeable future. Although the extent of the impact is difficult to predict at this time, current global financial and economic conditions are expected to have a material adverse effect on Argentina’s economy, and consequently on our business.

If the decline in international prices for Argentina’s main commodity exports continues it could have an adverse effect on Argentina’s economic growth and on our business

Argentina’s economy has historically relied on the export of commodities, the prices of which have been volatile in the past and largely outside its control.

Argentina’s recovery from the crisis at 2001 and 2002 has depended to a significant extent on the rise in commodity the prices, particularly prices of its main commodity exports, such as soybean. High commodity prices have contributed significantly to government revenues from taxes on exports. In recent months, the prices of the commodities that Argentina exports have decline significantly. If commodity prices continue to decline, the growth of the Argentine economy, could be adversely affected. Such occurrence would have a negative impact on the levels of government revenues and the government’s ability to service its debt.

Restrictions on the supply of energy could negatively affect Argentina’s economy.

As a result of several years of recession, and the forced conversion into Pesos and subsequent freeze of gas and electricity tariffs, there has been a lack of investment in gas and electricity supply and transport capacity in Argentina in recent years. At the same time, demand for natural gas and electricity has increased substantially, driven by a recovery in economic conditions and price constraints. The federal government has been taking a number of measures to alleviate the short-term impact of energy shortages on residential and industrial users. If these measures prove to be insufficient, or if the investment that is required to increase natural gas production and transportation capacity and energy generation and transportation capacity over the medium-and long-term fails to materialize on a timely basis, economic activity in Argentina could be curtailed.

 

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Risks Relating to our Business

Our performance is subject to risks associated with our properties and with the real estate industry.

Our economic performance and the value of our real estate assets, and consequently the value of the securities issued by us, are subject to the risk that if our properties do not generate sufficient revenues to meet its operating expenses, including debt service and capital expenditures, our cash flow and ability to pay distributions to our shareholders will be adversely affected. Events or conditions beyond our control that may adversely affect our operations or the value of our properties include:

downturns in the national, regional and local economic climate;

volatility and decline in discretionary spending;

competition from other office, industrial and commercial buildings;

local real estate market conditions, such as oversupply or reduction in demand for office, or other commercial or industrial space;

changes in interest rates and availability of financing;

the exercise by our tenants of their legal right to early termination of their leases;

vacancies, changes in market rental rates and the need to periodically repair, renovate and re-lease space;

increased operating costs, including insurance expense, utilities, real estate taxes, state and local taxes and heightened security costs;

civil disturbances, earthquakes and other natural disasters, or terrorist acts or acts of war which may result in uninsured or underinsured losses;

significant expenditures associated with each investment, such as debt service payments, real estate taxes, insurance and maintenance costs which are generally not reduced when circumstances cause a reduction in revenues from a property;

declines in the financial condition of our tenants and our ability to collect rents from them;

changes in our ability or our tenants’ ability to provide for adequate maintenance and insurance, possibly decreasing the useful life of and revenue from property; and

law reforms and governmental regulations (such as those governing usage, zoning and real property taxes).

If any one or more of the foregoing conditions were to affect our business, it could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Our investment in property development or redevelopment may be less profitable than we anticipate.

We are engaged in the development and construction of office space, retail and residential properties, frequently through third-party contractors. Risks associated with our development, re-development and construction activities include the following, among others:

abandonment of development opportunities and renovation proposals;

 

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construction costs of a project may exceed its original estimates for reasons including raises in interest rates or increases in the costs of materials and labor, making a project unprofitable;

occupancy rates and rents at newly completed properties may fluctuate depending on a number of factors, including market and economic conditions, resulting in lower than projected rental rates and a corresponding lower return on our investment;

pre-construction buyers may default on their purchase contracts or units in new buildings may remain unsold upon completion of construction;

the unavailability of favorable financing alternatives in the private and public debt markets;

sale prices for residential units may be insufficient to cover development costs;

construction and lease-up may not be completed on schedule, resulting in increased debt service expense and construction costs; and

we may be unable to obtain, or may face delays in obtaining, necessary zoning, land-use, building, occupancy and other required governmental permits and authorizations, or we may be affected by building moratoria and anti-growth legislation.

The real estate industry in Argentina is increasingly competitive.

Our real estate and construction activities are highly concentrated in the Buenos Aires metropolitan area, where the real estate market is highly competitive due to a scarcity of properties in sought-after locations and the increasing number of local and international competitors.

Furthermore, the Argentine real estate industry is generally highly competitive and fragmented and does not have high-entry barriers restricting new competitors from entering the market. The main competitive factors in the real estate development business include availability and location of land, price, funding, design, quality, reputation and partnerships with developers. A number of residential and commercial developers and real estate services companies compete with us in seeking land for acquisition, financial resources for development and prospective purchasers and tenants. Other companies, including joint ventures of foreign and local companies, have become increasingly active in the real estate business in Argentina, further increasing this competition. To the extent that one or more of our competitors are able to acquire and develop desirable properties, as a result of greater financial resources or otherwise, our business could be materially and adversely affected. If we are not able to respond to such pressures as promptly as our competitors, or the level of competition increases, our financial condition and results of our operations could be adversely affected.

In addition, many of our shopping centers are located in close proximity to other shopping centers, numerous retail stores and residential properties. The number of comparable properties located in the vicinity of our properties could have a material adverse effect on our ability to lease retail space in our shopping centers or sell units in our residential complexes and on the rent price or the sale price that we are able to charge. We cannot assure you that other shopping center operators, including international shopping center operators, will not invest in Argentina in the near future. As additional companies become active in the Argentine shopping center market, such increased competition could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

We face risks associated with property acquisitions.

We have in the past acquired, and intend to acquire in the future, properties, including large properties (such as the acquisition of Abasto de Buenos Aires or Alto Palermo Shopping) that would increase our size and potentially alter our capital structure. Although we believe that the acquisitions that we have completed in the past and that we expect to undertake in the future, have, and will, enhance our future financial performance, the success of such transactions is subject to a number of uncertainties, including the risk that:

 

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we may not be able to obtain financing for acquisitions on favorable terms;

acquired properties may fail to perform as expected;

the actual costs of repositioning or redeveloping acquired properties may be higher than we estimate;

acquired properties may be located in new markets where we may have limited knowledge and understanding of the local economy, absence of business relationships in the area or unfamiliarity with local governmental and permitting procedures; and

we may not be able to efficiently integrate acquired properties, particularly portfolios of properties, into our organization and to manage new properties in a way that allows us to realize cost savings and synergies.

Some of the land we have purchased is not zoned for development purposes, and we may be unable to obtain, or may face delays in obtaining the necessary zoning permits and other authorizations.

We own several plots of land which are not zoned for development purposes or for the type of developments we intend to propose, including Santa María del Plata (through Solares de Santa María S.A.) and Puerto Retiro (through Puerto Retiro S.A.C.I. y N (“Puerto Retiro”)). In addition, we do not yet have the required land-use, building, occupancy and other required governmental permits and authorizations. We cannot assure you that we will continue to be successful in our attempts to rezone land and to obtain all necessary permits and authorizations, or that rezoning efforts and permit requests will not be unreasonably delayed. Moreover, we may be affected by building moratoria and anti-growth legislation. If we are unable to obtain all of the governmental permits and authorizations we need to develop our present and future projects as planned, we may be forced to make unwanted modifications to such projects or abandon them altogether.

Acquired properties may subject us to unknown liabilities.

Properties that we acquire may be subject to unknown liabilities for which we would have no recourse, or only limited recourse, to the former owners of such properties. As a result, if a liability were asserted against us based upon ownership of an acquired property, we might be required to pay significant sums to settle it, which could adversely affect our financial results and cash flow. Unknown liabilities relating to acquired properties could include:

liabilities for clean-up of undisclosed environmental contamination;

law reforms and governmental regulations (such as those governing usage, zoning and real property taxes); and

liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of business.

Some potential losses are not covered by insurance, and certain kinds of insurance coverage may become prohibitively expensive.

We currently carry liability and fire insurance policies that cover potential risks such as property damage, negligence liability, fire, falls, collapse, lightning and gas explosion, electrical and water damages, theft and business interruption on all of our properties. Although we believe the policy specifications and insured limits of these policies are generally customary, there are certain types of losses, such as lease and other contract claims and terrorism and acts of war that generally are not insured. Should an uninsured loss or a loss in excess of insured limits occur, we could lose all or a portion of the capital we have invested in a property, as well as the anticipated future revenue from the property. In such an event, we might nevertheless remain obligated for any mortgage debt or other financial obligations related to the property. We cannot assure you that material losses in excess of insurance proceeds will not occur in the future. If any of our properties were to experience a catastrophic loss, it could seriously disrupt our operations, delay revenue and result in large expenses to repair or rebuild the property.

 

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In addition, we cannot assure you that we will be able to renew our insurance coverage in an adequate amount or at reasonable prices. Insurance companies may no longer offer coverage against certain types of losses, such as losses due to terrorist acts and mold, or, if offered, these types of insurance may be prohibitively expensive.

Demand for our premium properties which target the high-income demographic may be insufficient.

We have focused on development projects intended to cater to affluent individuals and have entered into property swap agreements pursuant to which we contribute our undeveloped properties to ventures with developers who will deliver to us units in full-service apartments in premium locations. At the time the developers return these properties to us, demand for premium apartments could be significantly lower than we currently project. In such case, we would be unable to sell these apartments at the prices or in the time frame we estimated, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

It may be difficult to buy and sell real estate quickly and transfer restrictions apply to some of our properties.

Real estate investments are relatively illiquid and this tends to limit our ability to vary its portfolio promptly in response to changes in economic or other conditions. In addition, significant expenditures associated with each equity investment, such as mortgage payments, real estate taxes and maintenance costs, are generally not reduced when circumstances cause a reduction in income from the investment. If income from a property declines while the related expenses do not decline, our business would be adversely affected. A significant portion of our properties are mortgaged to secure payment of indebtedness, and if we are unable to meet its mortgage payments, we could lose money as a result of foreclosure on the properties by the various mortgagees. In addition, if it becomes necessary or desirable for us to dispose of one or more of the mortgaged properties, it might not be able to obtain a release of the lien on the mortgaged property without payment of the associated debt. The foreclosure of a mortgage on a property or inability to sell a property could adversely affect our business. In transactions of this kind, we may also agree, subject to certain exceptions, not to sell the acquired properties for significant periods of time.

We may be negatively affected by the financial crisis in the U.S. and global and capital markets.

We must maintain liquidity to fund our working capital, service our outstanding indebtedness and finance investment opportunities. Without sufficient liquidity, we could be forced to curtail our operations or we may not be able to pursue new business opportunities.

The capital and credit markets have been experiencing extreme volatility and disruption during the last months. If our current resources do not satisfy our liquidity requirements, we may have to seek additional financing. The availability of financing will depend on a variety of factors, such as economic and market conditions, the availability of credit and our credit ratings, as well as the possibility that lenders could develop a negative perception of the prospects of our company or the industry generally. We may not be able to successfully obtain any necessary additional financing on favorable terms, or at all.

The current economic environment for real estate companies and credit crisis may adversely impact our results of operations and business prospects significantly.

The success of our business and profitability of our operations are dependent on continued investment in the real estate markets and access to capital and debt financing. A long term crisis of confidence in real estate investments and lack of available credit for acquisitions would be likely to constrain our business growth. As part of our business goals, we intend to increase our properties portfolio with strategic acquisitions of core properties at advantageous prices, and value added properties where we believe we can bring the necessary expertise to enhance property values. In order to pursue acquisitions, we need access to equity capital and also debt financing.

 

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Current disruptions in the financial markets, including the bankruptcy and restructuring of major financial institutions, may adversely impact our ability to refinance existing debt and the availability and cost of credit in the near future. Presently, access to capital and debt financing options are severely restricted and it is uncertain how long current economic circumstances may last. Any consideration of sales of existing properties or portfolio interests may be tempered by current decreasing property values. Our ability to make scheduled payments or to refinance our indebtedness´ obligations depends on our operating and financial performance, which in turn is subject to prevailing economic conditions. There can be no assurances that government responses to the disruptions in the financial markets will restore investor confidence, stabilize the markets or increase liquidity and the availability of credit.

Our level of debt may adversely affect our operations and our ability to pay our debt as it becomes due.

We have had, and expect to continue to have, substantial liquidity and capital resource requirements to finance our business. As of June 30, 2008, our consolidated financial debt was Ps.1,311.4 million (including accrued and unpaid interest and deferred financing costs). Although we are generating sufficient funds from operating cash flows to satisfy our debt service requirements and our capacity to obtain new financing is adequate, given the current availability of credit lines with banks, we cannot assure you that we will maintain such cash flow and adequate financial structure in the future. The fact that we are leveraged may affect our ability to refinance existing debt or borrow additional funds to finance working capital, acquisitions and capital expenditures. In addition, current disruptions in the financial markets, including the bankruptcy and restructuring of major financial institutions, may adversely impact our ability to refinance existing debt and the availability and cost of credit in the near future. Presently, access to capital and debt financing options are severely restricted and it is uncertain how long current economic circumstances may last. This would require us to allocate a substantial portion of cash flow to repay principal and interest, thereby reducing the amount of money available to invest in operations, including acquisitions and capital expenditures. Our leverage could place us at a disadvantage compared to our competitors who are less leveraged and limit our ability to react to changes in market conditions such as the current international crisis, changes in the real estate industry and economic downturns. Although we have successfully restructured our debt, we cannot assure you that we will not relapse and become unable to pay our obligations.

We may not be able to generate sufficient cash flows from operations to satisfy our debt service requirements or to obtain future financing. If we cannot satisfy our debt service requirements or if we default on any financial or other covenants in our debt arrangements, the holders of our debt will be able to accelerate the maturity of such debt or cause defaults under the other debt arrangements. Our ability to service debt obligations or to refinance them will depend upon our future financial and operating performance, which will, in part, be subject to factors beyond our control such as macroeconomic conditions and regulatory changes in Argentina. Also, the illiquidity of the international capital markets and the illiquidity of the local capital market, due to the nationalization of the Argentine private pension funds, may create us additional difficulties to obtain future financing. If we cannot obtain future financing, we may have to delay or abandon some or all of our planned capital expenditures, which could adversely affect our ability to generate cash flows and repay our obligations.

The current credit crisis could have a negative impact on our major customers which in turn could materially adversely affect our results of operations and liquidity.

The current credit crisis is having a significant negative impact on businesses around the world. Although we believe that our cash provided by operations and available borrowing capacity under the current conditions will provide us with sufficient liquidity through the current credit crisis, the impact of the crisis on our major customers cannot be predicted and may be quite severe. A disruption in the ability of our significant customers to access liquidity could cause serious disruptions or an overall deterioration of their businesses which could lead to a significant reduction in the demand for leasable spaces and the inability or failure on their part to meet their payment obligations to us, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and liquidity.

 

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We are subject to risks inherent to the operation of shopping centers that may affect our profitability.

Shopping centers are subject to various factors that affect their development, administration and profitability. These factors include:

the accessibility and the attractiveness of the area where the shopping center is located;

the intrinsic attractiveness of the shopping center;

the flow of people and the level of sales of each shopping center rental unit;

increasing competition from internet sales;

the amount of rent collected from each shopping center rental unit; and

the fluctuations in occupancy levels in the shopping centers.

An increase in operating costs, caused by inflation or other factors, could have a material adverse effect on us if our tenants are unable to pay higher rent due to the increase in expenses. Moreover, the shopping center business is closely related to consumer spending and to the economy in which customers are located. All of our shopping centers are in Argentina, and, as a consequence, their business could be seriously affected by potential recession in Argentina. For example, during the economic crisis in Argentina, spending decreased significantly, unemployment, political instability and inflation significantly reduced consumer spending in Argentina, lowering tenants’ sales and forcing some tenants to leave our shopping centers. If the international financial crisis has a substantial impact on economic activity in Argentina, it will likely have a material adverse effect on the revenues from the shopping center activity.

The loss of significant tenants could adversely affect both the operating revenues and value of our shopping center and other rental properties.

If certain of our most important tenants were to experience financial difficulties, including bankruptcy, insolvency or a general downturn of business, or if we simply failed to retain their patronage, our business could be adversely affected. Our shopping centers and, to a lesser extent, our office buildings are typically anchored by significant tenants, such as well known department stores who generate shopping traffic at the mall. A decision by such significant tenants to cease operations at our shopping centers or office buildings could have a material adverse effect on the revenues and profitability of the affected segment and, by extension, on our financial condition and results of operations. The closing of one or more significant tenants may induce other tenants at an affected property to terminate their leases, to seek rent relief and/or cease operating their stores or otherwise adversely affect occupancy at the property. If we are not able to successfully lease the affected space again, the bankruptcy and/or closure of significant tenants, could have an adverse effect on both the operating revenues and underlying value of the properties involved.

We are subject to payment default risks due to our investments in consumer financing through our subsidiary Alto Palermo.

Through our subsidiary Alto Palermo we own as of November 30, 2008 a 93.4% interest in Tarshop S.A., or Tarshop, a company dedicated to the consumer financing business that originates credit cards accounts and personal loans to promote sales from Alto Palermo’s tenants and other selected retailers. For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2008, Tarshop had net revenues of Ps 291.0 million, representing 45.5 % of Alto Palermo’s consolidated revenues and 26.8% of our consolidated revenues for such fiscal period and incurred a net loss of Ps 18.6 million. For the three months ended September 30, 2008, Tarshop had net revenues of Ps. 48.8 million, representing for such period 33.9 % of Alto Palermo’s consolidated revenues and 22.3% of our consolidated revenues for such fiscal period, and incurred a net loss of Ps. 57.1 million.

 

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Consumer financing businesses such as Tarshop are adversely affected by defaults or late payments by borrowers and card holders on credit card accounts, difficulties enforcing collection of payments, fraudulent accounts and the writing off of past due receivables. Alto Palermo may face higher liquidity risks due to the nationalization of the AFJPs. Tarshop provides an allowance for uncollectible accounts based on impaired accounts, historical charge-off patterns and management judgment. Due to the current credit crisis and other conditions, some customers experienced delays in payments and delinquency rates increased during the year ended June 30, 2008. Moreover, delinquency rates further increased as of September 30, 2008 and thereafter. Tarshop has increased the level of the allowance for doubtful accounts which amounts to Ps. 66.5 million as of June 30, 2008. The allowance for doubtful accounts was increased to Ps. 83.7 million as of September 30, 2008. Tarshop is closely monitoring the delays, delinquency and uncollectibility rates.

The present rates of delinquency, collection proceedings and loss of receivables may vary and be affected by numerous factors beyond our control, which, among others, include:

adverse changes in the Argentine economy;

adverse changes in the regional economies;

political instability;

changes in regulations;

increases in unemployment; and

erosion of real and/or nominal salaries.

Recent months have witnessed an unprecedented, and largely unpredicted, turmoil in financial markets in the US and in global economies. This contraction and the factors described above may have an adverse effect on rates of delinquency, collections and receivables, any one or more of which could have a material adverse effect on the results of operations of Tarshop’s consumer financing business.

In addition, if our consumer financing business is adversely affected by one or more of the above factors, the quality of Alto Palermo’s securitized receivables is also likely to be adversely affected. Therefore, Alto Palermo could be adversely affected to the extent that Alto Palermo holds an interest in any such securitized receivables.

Tarshop’s accounts receivables, which consist of cash flows from consumer financing and personal loans, are placed into a number of trust accounts that securitize those receivables. Tarshop sells beneficial interests in these trust accounts through the sale of debt certificates, but remains a beneficiary of these trust accounts by holding Ps.156.8 million in equity certificates as of June 30, 2008.

The securitization market is still open and Tarshop completed securitization programs during the recent months with no disruptions. As of June 30, 2008, Tarshop credit risk exposure is contractually limited to the subordinated retained interests representing Ps.156.8 million and Ps.19.4 escrow reserves for losses. As of September 30, 2008, Tarshop credit risk exposure is contractually limited to the subordinated retained interests representing Ps.161.2 million and Ps.17.9 million escrow reserves for loses. Due to the factors mentioned above, as of June 30, 2008, Tarshop recorded an other-than-temporary impairment charge of Ps. 12.0 million to the retained interests to reflect current fair value. For the three months ended September 30, 2008 no additional impairment charge of related to the retained interests in securitized receivables was necessary.

Alto Palermo cannot assure you that collection of payments from credit card accounts and personal loans will be sufficient to distribute earnings to holders of participation certificates, which would reduce Tarshop’s earnings. In addition, local authorities might increase credit card or trust account regulations, negatively affecting Tarshop’s revenues and results of operation. The Company may also face higher liquidity risks on financial trusts.

 

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Our subordinated interest in Tarshop’s securitized assets may have no value.

Tarshop S.A., an Alto Palermo subsidiary, is a consumer financing company that originates credit card accounts and personal loans to promote sales from Alto Palermo’s tenants and other selected retailers. Tarshop operates in the issuance, processing and marketing of its own non-banking credit card called Tarjeta Shopping and grants loans and personal credits.Tarshop’s accounts receivables, which consist of cash flows from consumer financing and personal loans, are placed into a number of trust accounts that securitize those receivables. Tarshop sells beneficial interests in these trust accounts through the sale of debt certificates, but remains a beneficiary of these trust accounts by holding Ps.156.8 million in participation certificates as of June 30, 2008. As of June 30, 2008, the Company has recorded an other-than-temporary impairment charge of Ps. 12.0 million to the retained interests in securitized receivables to reflect current fair value of the participation certificates.

We cannot assure you that collection of payments from credit card accounts and personal loans will be sufficient to distribute earnings to holders of participation certificates, which would reduce Tarshop’s earnings. In addition, local authorities might increase credit card or trust account regulations, negatively affecting Tarshop’s revenues and results of operation. In addition, as the nationalization of the AFJPs may cause cost an increase in funding costs, we may also face higher liquidity risks on financial trusts.

We are subject to risks affecting the hotel industry.

The full-service segment of the lodging industry in which our hotels operate is highly competitive. The operational success of our hotels is highly dependant on our ability to compete in areas such as access, location, quality of accommodations, rates, quality food and beverage facilities and other services and amenities. Our hotels may face additional competition if other companies decide to build new hotels or improve their existing hotels to increase their attractiveness.

In addition, the profitability of our hotels depends on:

our ability to form successful relationships with international and local operators to run our hotels;

changes in tourism and travel patterns, including seasonal changes;

affluence of tourists, which can be affected by a slowdown in global economy; and

taxes and governmental regulations affecting wages, prices, interest rates, construction procedures and costs.

Our business is subject to extensive regulation and additional regulations may be imposed in the future.

Our activities are subject to federal, state and municipal laws, and to regulations, authorizations and licenses required with respect to construction, zoning, use of the soil, environmental protection and historical patrimony, consumer protection, antitrust and other requirements, all of which affect our ability to acquire land, buildings and shoppings, develop and build projects and negotiate with customers. In addition, companies in this industry are subject to increasing tax rates, the creation of new taxes and changes in the taxation regime. We are required to obtain licenses and authorizations with different governmental authorities in order to carry out our projects. Maintaining our licenses and authorizations can be a costly provision. In the case of non-compliance with such laws, regulations, licenses and authorizations, we may face fines, project shutdowns, cancellation of licenses, and revocation of authorizations. In addition, public authorities may issue new and stricter standards, or enforce or interpret existing laws and regulations in a more restrictive manner, which may force us to make expenditures to comply with such new rules. Development activities are also subject to risks relating to potential delays or an inability to obtain all necessary zoning, environmental, land-use, development, building, occupancy and other required governmental permits and authorizations. Any such delays or failures to obtain such government approvals may have an adverse effect on our business.

 

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In the past, the Argentine government imposed strict and burdensome regulations regarding leases in response to housing shortages, high rates of inflation and difficulties in accessing credit. Such regulations limited or prohibited increases on rental prices and prohibited eviction of tenants, even for failure to pay rent. Most of our leases provide that the tenants pay all costs and taxes related to their respective leased areas. In the event of a significant increase in the amount of such costs and taxes, the Argentine government may respond to political pressure to intervene by regulating this practice, thereby negatively affecting our rental income. We cannot assure you that the Argentine government will not impose similar or other regulations in the future. Changes in existing laws or the enactment of new laws governing the ownership, operation or leasing of properties in Argentina could negatively affect the Argentine real estate market and the rental market and materially and adversely affect our operations and profitability.

Lease Law No. 23,091 imposes restrictions that limit our flexibility.

Argentine laws governing leases impose certain restrictions, including the following:

lease agreements may not contain inflation adjustment clauses based on consumer price indexes or wholesale price indexes. Although many of our lease agreements contain readjustment clauses, these are not based on an official index nor do they reflect the inflation index. In the event of litigation it may be impossible for us to adjust the amounts owed to us under our lease agreements;

residential leases must comply with a mandatory minimum term of two years and retail leases must comply with a mandatory minimum term of three years except in the case of stands and/or spaces for special exhibitions;

lease terms may not exceed ten years, except for leases regulated by Law No. 25,248 (which provides that leases containing a purchase option are not subject to term limitations); and

tenants may rescind commercial lease agreements after the initial six-month period.

As a result of the foregoing, we are exposed to the risk of increases of inflation under our leases and the exercise of rescission rights by our tenants could materially and adversely affect our business and we cannot assure you that our tenants will not exercise such right, especially if rent values stabilize or decline in the future.

Eviction proceedings in Argentina are difficult and time consuming.

Although Argentine law permits a summary proceeding to collect unpaid rent and a special proceeding to evict tenants, eviction proceedings in Argentina are difficult and time-consuming. Historically, the heavy workloads of the courts and the numerous procedural steps required have generally delayed landlords’ efforts to evict tenants. Eviction proceedings generally take between six months and two years from the date of filing of the suit to the time of actual eviction.

We have usually attempted to negotiate the termination of lease agreements with defaulting tenants after the first few months of non-payment in order to avoid legal proceedings. Delinquency may increase significantly in the future, and such negotiations with tenants may not be as successful as they have been in the past. Moreover, new Argentine laws and regulations may forbid or restrict eviction proceedings, and in such case, they would likely have a material and adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operation.

Our assets are concentrated in the Buenos Aires area.

Our principal properties are located in the City of Buenos Aires and the Province of Buenos Aires and a substantial portion of our revenues are derived from such properties. For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2008, more than 88% of our consolidated revenues were derived from properties in the Buenos Aires metropolitan area including the City of Buenos Aires. Although we own properties and may acquire or develop additional properties outside Buenos Aires, we expect to continue to depend to a large extent on economic conditions affecting those

 

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areas, and therefore, an economic downturn in those areas could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

We face risks associated with potential expansion to other Latin American markets.

From 1994 to 2002, we had substantial investments outside of Argentina, including Brazil Realty, which was sold in 2002, and Fondo de Valores Inmobiliarios in Venezuela, which was sold in 2001. We continue to believe that Brazil and other Latin American countries offer attractive opportunities for growth in the real estate sector. We will continue to consider investment opportunities outside of Argentina as they arise.

Investments in Brazil and other Latin American countries are subject to significant risks including sovereign risks and risks affecting these countries’ real estate sectors. These risks include competition by well-established as well as new developers, unavailability of financing or financing on terms that are not acceptable to us, exchange rate fluctuations, lack of liquidity in the market, rising construction costs and inflation, extensive and potentially increasing regulation and bureaucratic procedures to obtain permits and authorizations, political and economic instability that may result in sharp shifts in demand for properties, risks of default in payment and difficulty evicting defaulting tenants.

If the bankruptcy of Inversora Dársena Norte is extended to our subsidiary Puerto Retiro, we will likely lose a significant investment in a unique waterfront land reserve in the City of Buenos Aires.

On November 18, 1997, in connection with the acquisition of our subsidiary Inversora Bolívar S.A., or “Inversora Bolívar,” we indirectly acquired 35.2% of the capital stock of Puerto Retiro. Inversora Bolívar had purchased such shares of Puerto Retiro from Redona Investments Ltd. N.V. in 1996. In 1999, through Inversora Bolívar, we increased our interest in Puerto Retiro to 50.0% of its capital stock.

On April 18, 2000, Puerto Retiro received notice of a complaint filed by the Argentine government, through the Ministry of Defense, seeking to extend the bankruptcy of Inversora Dársena Norte S.A. (“Indarsa”). Upon filing of the complaint, the bankruptcy court issued an order restraining the ability of Puerto Retiro to dispose of, in any manner, the real property it had purchased in 1993 from Tandanor S.A. (“Tandanor”). Puerto Retiro appealed the restraining order which was confirmed by the court on December 14, 2000.

In 1991, Indarsa had purchased 90% of Tandanor, a formerly government owned company, which owned a large piece of land near Puerto Madero of approximately 8 hectares, divided into two spaces: Planta 1 and 2. After the purchase of Tandanor by Indarsa, in June 1993 Tandanor sold “Planta 1” to Puerto Retiro, for a sum of US$18 million pursuant to a valuation performed by J.L. Ramos, a well-known real estate brokerage firm in Argentina.

Indarsa failed to pay to the Argentine government the outstanding price for its purchase of the stock of Tandanor. As a result the Ministry of Defense requested the bankruptcy of Indarsa. Since the only asset of Indarsa was its holding in Tandanor, the Argentine government is seeking to extend the bankruptcy to the companies or individuals which, according to its view, acted as a single economic group. In particular, the Argentine government has requested the extension of the bankruptcy to Puerto Retiro which acquired Planta 1 from Tandanor.

The time for producing evidence in relation to these legal proceeding has expired. The parties have submitted their closing arguments and are awaiting a final judgment. However, the judge has delayed his decision until a final judgment in the criminal proceedings against the former Defense Minister and former directors of Indarsa has been delivered. We cannot give you any assurance that we will prevail in this proceeding, and if the plaintiff’s claim is upheld by the courts, all of the assets of Puerto Retiro would likely be used to pay Indarsa’s debts and our investment in Puerto Retiro, valued at Ps.54.5 million, as of June 30, 2008, would be lost. As of June 30, 2008, we had not established any reserve in respect of this contingency.

 

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Property ownership through joint ventures may limit our ability to act exclusively in our interest.

We develop and acquire properties in joint ventures with other persons or entities when we believe circumstances warrant the use of such structures. For example, in the Shopping Center segment, we own 63.3% of Alto Palermo, while Parque Arauco S.A. owns 29.6%. We own 80% of Panamerican Mall S.A., while 20% is owned by Centro Comercial Panamericana S.A. In the Development and Sale segment, we have a majority ownership interests in various properties, including 100% ownership of Pereiraola S.A. We also have ownership of 50% in Puerto Retiro and Cyrsa. In addition we have a 90% stake in Solares de Santa María S.A., while Sutton Group owns the remaining 10%. In the Hotel operations segment, we own 50% of the Llao Llao Hotel, while another 50% is owned by the Sutton Group. We own 80% of the Hotel Libertador, while 20% is owned by Hoteles Sheraton de Argentina S.A. In the financial services sector, we own 11.8% of Banco Hipotecario, while the Argentine government has a controlling interest in it. Finally, after the end of fiscal year ended June 30, 2008 we acquired a 30% interest in Metropolitan 885 Third Avenue LLC.

We could become engaged in a dispute with one or more of our joint venture partners that might affect our ability to operate a jointly-owned property. Moreover, our joint venture partners may, at any time, have business, economic or other objectives that are inconsistent with our objectives, including objectives that relate to the timing and terms of any sale or refinancing of a property. For example, the approval of certain of the other investors is required with respect to operating budgets and refinancing, encumbering, expanding or selling any of these properties. In some instances, our joint venture partners may have competing interests in our markets that could create conflicts of interest. If the objectives of our joint venture partners are inconsistent with our own objectives, we will not be able to act exclusively in our interests.

If one or more of the investors in any of our jointly owned properties were to experience financial difficulties, including bankruptcy, insolvency or a general downturn of business, there could be an adverse effect on the relevant property or properties and in turn, on our financial performance. Should a joint venture partner be declared bankrupt, we could become liable for our partner’s share of joint venture liabilities.

We may not be able to recover the mortgage loans we have provided to purchasers of units in our residential development properties.

In recent years, we have provided mortgage financing to purchasers of units in our residential development properties. Before January 2002, our mortgage loans were U.S. dollar-denominated and accrued interest at a fixed interest rate generally ranging from 10% to 15% per year and for terms generally ranging from one to fifteen years. However, on March 13, 2002, the Central Bank converted all U.S. dollar denominated debts into Peso denominated debts at the exchange rate of Ps.1.00 = US$1.00. In addition, the Central Bank imposed maximum interest rates of 3% for residential mortgage loans to individuals and 6% for mortgage loans to businesses. These regulations adversely affected the U.S. dollar value of our outstanding mortgages.

Beside risks normally associated with providing mortgage financing, including the risk of default on principal and interest, other regulatory risks such as suspension of foreclosure enforcement proceedings could adversely affect our cash flow. Argentine law imposes significant restrictions on our ability to foreclose and auction properties. Thus, when there is a default under a mortgage, we do not have the right to foreclose on the unit. Instead, in accordance with Law No. 24,441, in order to reacquire a property we are required to purchase it at a court ordered public auction, or at an out-of-court auction. However, the Public Emergency Law temporarily suspended all judicial and non-judicial mortgage and pledge enforcement actions. Several laws and decrees extended this mortgage foreclosure suspension period. On June 14, 2006, a new suspension period was approved, which established a 180-day suspension period for mortgage foreclosure proceedings affecting debtors’ only dwellings and where the original loan was no higher than Ps.100,000.

On November 6, 2003 Law No. 25,798 was enacted. It established a system to restructure debts resulting from unpaid mortgage loans, by creating a trust by means of which the Executive Branch will refinance the mortgage debts and reschedule the maturity date. Financial institutions were given up to 60 business days from the enactment of the law to accept said terms. This law was partially modified by Law No. 25,908 (enacted on

 

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July 13, 2004), which included various conditions referring to the incorporation into this system of the mortgage loans that were in judicial or private execution proceedings. The parties to secured loan agreements were given a term to express their adhesion to such system. The term for financial institutions to accept the system was extended in several occasions by Decree No. 352/2004, Law No. 26,062, Law No. 26,084 and Law No. 26,103.

On November 8, 2006, Law No. 26,167 was enacted. It established a special proceeding to replace ordinary trials for the enforcement of some mortgage loans. Such special proceedings give creditors ten days to inform the debtor the amounts owed to them and thereafter agree with the debtor on the amount and terms of payment. In case of failure by the parties to reach an agreement, payment conditions are to be determined by the judge. Also, this law established the suspension of the execution of judicial judgments, judicial and extrajudicial auctions, evictions and other proceedings related to the mortgage loans contemplated in such law.

We cannot assure you that laws and regulations relating to foreclosure on real estate will not continue to change in the future or that any changes will not adversely affect our business, financial condition or result of operations.

Dividend restrictions in our subsidiaries’ debt agreements may adversely affect us.

We have subsidiaries and hence an important source of funds for us is cash dividends and other permitted payments from our subsidiaries. The debt agreements of our subsidiaries contain covenants restricting their ability to pay dividends or make other distributions. If our subsidiaries are unable to make payments to us, or are able to pay only limited amounts, we may be unable to pay dividends or make payments on our indebtedness.

We are dependent on our chairman Eduardo Elsztain and certain other senior managers.

Our success depends on the continued employment of Eduardo S. Elsztain, our chief executive officer, president and chairman of the board of directors, who has significant expertise and knowledge of our business and industry. The loss of or interruption in his services for any reason could have a material adverse effect on our business. Our future success also depends in part upon our ability to attract and retain other highly qualified personnel. We cannot assure you that we will be successful in hiring or retaining qualified personnel. A failure to hire or retain qualified personnel may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

We may face potential conflicts of interest relating to our principal shareholders.

Our largest beneficial owner is Mr. Eduardo S. Elsztain, through his indirect shareholding through Cresud. As of November 30, 2008, such beneficial ownership consisted of: (i) 290,654,653 shares held by Cresud, (ii) 1,503,602 shares held by IFISA, (iii) 661,000 shares held by Consultores Assets Management S.A., (iv) 4,425,439 held by Dolphin Fund PLC, a limited liability company organized under the laws of Isle of Man, (v) 21,874,790 shares held by Agrology S.A., a subsidiary of Cresud, and (vi) 342,197 shares held directly by Mr. Elsztain.

Conflicts of interest between our management, us and our affiliates may arise in the performance of our respective business activities. As of November 30, 2008, Mr. Elsztain also beneficially owned (i) approximately 33.4% of Cresud’s common shares and (ii) approximately63.3% of the common shares of our subsidiary Alto Palermo. We cannot assure you that our principal shareholders and their affiliates will not limit or cause us to forego business opportunities that their affiliates may pursue or that the pursuit of other opportunities will be in our interest.

Due to the currency mismatches between our assets and liabilities, we have significant currency exposure.

As of June 30, 2008, the majority of our liabilities, such as our 8.5% notes due 2017, Alto Palermo’s Series I Notes, the mortgage loan to our subsidiary Hoteles Argentinos S.A. and Alto Palermo’s convertible notes are denominated in U.S. dollars while our revenues and most of our assets as of June 30, 2008 are denominated in

 

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Pesos. This currency gap exposes us to a risk of exchange rate volatility, which would negatively affect our financial results if the dollar were to appreciate against the Peso. Any further depreciation of the Peso against the U.S. dollar will correspondingly increase the amount of our debt in Pesos, with further adverse effects on our results of operation and financial condition and may increase the collection risk of our leases and other receivables from our tenants and mortgage debtors, most of whom have Peso-denominated revenues.

The shift of consumers to purchasing goods over the Internet may negatively affect sales in our shopping centers.

During the last years, retail sales by means of the Internet have grown significantly in Argentina, even though the market share of Internet sales related to retail sales is still not significant. The Internet enables manufacturers and retailers to sell directly to consumers, diminishing the importance of traditional distribution channels such as retail stores and shopping centers. We believe that our target consumers are increasingly using the Internet, from home, work or elsewhere, to shop electronically for retail goods, and this trend is likely to continue. If e-commerce and retail sales through the Internet continue to grow, consumers’ reliance on traditional distribution channels such as our shopping centers could be materially diminished, having a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and business prospects.

Risks Relating to our Investment in Banco Hipotecario

Our investment in Banco Hipotecario is subject to risks affecting Argentina’s financial system.

As of June 30, 2008, IRSA owned 11.8% of Banco Hipotecario which represented 6.5% of our consolidated assets at such date. Banco Hipotecario recorded losses of Ps. 91.0 million for the year ended June 30, 2008. Moreover, for the three months ended September 30, 2008, Banco Hipotecario recorded losses of Ps. 239.6 million and might record new losses for the rest of the fiscal year. Substantially all of Banco Hipotecario’s operations, properties and customers are located in Argentina. Accordingly, the quality of its loan portfolio, its financial condition and results of operations depend to a significant extent on economic and political conditions prevailing in Argentina. The political and economic crisis in Argentina during 2002 and 2003 and the Argentine government’s actions to address it have had and may continue to have a material adverse effect on Banco Hipotecario’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

Financial institutions are subject to significant regulation relating to functions that historically have been mandated by the Central Bank and other regulatory authorities. Measures adopted by the Central Bank have had, and future regulations may have, a material adverse effect on Banco Hipotecario’s financial condition and results of operations.

Laws and decrees implemented during the economic crisis in 2001 and 2002 have substantially altered contractual obligations affecting Argentina’s financial sector. Recently, the Argentine Congress has considered various initiatives intended to reduce or eliminate a portion of the mortgage loan portfolio on the debt owed to Banco Hipotecario. Also, there have been certain initiatives intended to review the terms pursuant to which Banco Hipotecario was privatized. As a result, we cannot assure you that the Argentine legislature will not enact new laws that will have a significant adverse effect on Banco Hipotecario’s shareholders’ equity or that the Argentine government would compensate Banco Hipotecario for the resulting loss. These uncertainties could have a material adverse effect on the value of our investment in Banco Hipotecario.

Over the past few months, the financial markets in the most important countries in the world have been affected by volatility, lack of liquidity and credit, which entailed a significant drop in international stock indexes, and an economic slow-down started to become evident worldwide. Despite the actions taken by central countries, the international markets’ future is still uncertain.

As regards Argentina, and after June 30, 2008, stock markets reflected significant drops in the prices of government and corporate securities, as well as an increase in interest rates, country risk and exchange rates, a situation that is still ongoing as of the date of issuance of this report. Banco Hipotecario considers that these situations did not exist as of June 30, 2008, but arose subsequent to that date.

 

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As a result of the situation described above, the market value of the BODEN 2012, BOGAR and Discount bonds as of December 15, 2008, decreased approximately by Ps.806,451 compared to its market value as of June 30, 2008. The decrease in the prices of government securities plus the increase in the Argentine credit risk originated the necessity to increase the guarantees deposited for swap and repo transactions.

In addition, as a consequence of the financial situation described above, the decrease in the quotation of Banco Hipotecario’s shares have caused a decrease in the fair value of the Total Return Swap approximately by Ps.37,328 as of December 15, 2008 compared to its fair value as of June 30, 2008.

The net position of the derivative financial instruments have experienced a decline of Ps.114,388 as of September 30, 2008, compared to June 30, 2008, as a consequence of the financial crisis described above. Subsequently, and as of the date of issuance of this report, the main variables that determine fair value (EURO/US Dollar/BADLAR/LIBOR/Country Risk), continue being affected by the market volatility mentioned before.

Banco Hipotecario’s management is monitoring the effects derived from the above situation described in order to implement the necessary measures to mitigate its effect. This document must be analyzed taking into consideration the scenario described above.

Banco Hipotecario relies heavily on mortgage lending and the value of our investment in it depends in part on its ability to implement successfully its new business diversification strategy.

Historically, Banco Hipotecario has been engaged exclusively in mortgage lending and related activities. As a result, factors having an adverse effect on the mortgage market have a greater adverse impact on Banco Hipotecario than on its more diversified competitors. Due to its historic concentration in this recession-sensitive sector, Banco Hipotecario is particularly vulnerable to adverse changes in economic and market conditions in Argentina due to their adverse effect on (i) demand for new mortgage loans and (ii) the asset quality of outstanding mortgage loans. The last economic crisis had a material adverse effect on its liquidity, financial conditions and results of operations. In addition, a number of governmental measures that apply to the financial sector have had a material adverse effect particularly on Banco Hipotecario, impairing its financial condition.

In light of the economic conditions in Argentina for the foreseeable future, Banco Hipotecario cannot rely exclusively on mortgage lending and related services. Accordingly, Banco Hipotecario has adapted its business strategy to confront the challenges of these new market conditions. Banco Hipotecario’s ability to diversify its operation will depend on how successfully it diversifies its product offerings and transforms itself into a financial institution that no longer relies solely on mortgage lending.

In the past years Banco Hipotecario has made several investments that are designed to enable it to develop retail banking activities. Banco Hipotecario must overcome significant challenges to achieve this goal including, among others, its lack of experience and client relationships outside the mortgage sector, the existence of large, well-positioned competitors and significant political, regulatory and economic uncertainties in Argentina. As a result, we cannot give you any assurance that Banco Hipotecario will be successful in developing significant retail banking activities in the foreseeable future, if at all. If Banco Hipotecario is unable to diversify its operations by developing its retail banking activities and other non-mortgage banking activities, the value of our substantial investment in Banco Hipotecario would likely be materially and adversely affected.

Banco Hipotecario’s mortgage loan portfolio is not adequately indexed for inflation and any significant increase in inflation could have a material adverse effect on its financial condition.

In accordance with Emergency Decree No. 214/02 and its implementing regulations, pesified assets and liabilities were adjusted for inflation as of February 3, 2002 by application of the Coeficiente de Estabilización de Referencia, or CER, a consumer price inflation coefficient. On May 6, 2002, the Executive Branch issued a decree providing that mortgages originally denominated in U.S. dollars and converted into Pesos pursuant to Decree No. 214/2002 and mortgages on property constituting a borrower’s sole family residence may be adjusted for

 

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inflation only pursuant to a coefficient based on salary variation, the CVS, which during 2002 was significantly less than inflation as measured by the wholesale price index, or WPI. Through December 31, 2002, the WPI and the CVS posted cumulative increases of 118.2% and 0.2%, respectively, and the CER increased 41.4%. During 2003, inflation rose by 4.3% as measured by the WPI, 3.7% as measured by the CER and 15.8% as measured by the CVS. As a result, only 10% of Banco Hipotecario’s mortgage loans are adjusted for inflation in accordance with the CER, 30% are adjusted in accordance with the CVS and 60% remain entirely unindexed. Additionally, pursuant to Law No. 25,796, Section 1, repealed effective April 1, 2004, the CVS as an indexation mechanism applied to the relevant portion of Banco Hipotecario’s mortgages loans. The CVS increased until it was repealed by 5.3%, whereas the increase in CER was 5.5% as of December 31, 2004 and the WPI increased by 7.9%. During 2005, the CER was 11.75% and the WPI 10.7%, while in 2006 the CER and WPI increased by 10.3% and 7.1%, respectively. In 2007, CER and WPI increased by 8.5% and 14.4% respectively. For the six months period ended June 30, 2008, the CER increased 6%.

Argentina’s history prior to the adoption of the Convertibility Law, which set the exchange rate of the Argentine Peso to the U.S. dollar at Ps.1.00 = US$1.00, raises serious doubts as to the ability of the Argentine government to maintain a strict monetary policy and control inflation. As a result of the high inflation in Argentina from 2002 onwards, Banco Hipotecario’s mortgage loan portfolio experienced a significant decrease in value and if inflation continues increasing, it might continue to undergo a major decrease in value. Accordingly, an increase in Banco Hipotecario’s funding and other costs due to inflation might not be offset by indexation, which could adversely affect its liquidity and results of operations.

Legislation limiting Banco Hipotecario’s ability to foreclose on mortgaged collateral may have an adverse effect on it.

Like other mortgage lenders, the ability to foreclose on mortgaged collateral to recover on delinquent mortgage loans impacts the conduct of Banco Hipotecario’s business. In February 2002, the Argentine government amended Argentina’s Bankruptcy Law, suspending bankruptcies and foreclosures on real estate that constitutes the debtor’s primary residence, initially for a six-month period and subsequently extended until November 14, 2002. Since 2003, the Argentine government has approved various laws that have suspended, in some cases, foreclosures for a period of time in accordance with Law No. 25,972 enacted on December 18, 2004, and, in some cases, temporarily suspended all judicial and non-judicial mortgage and pledge enforcement actions. Several laws and decrees extended this mortgage foreclosure suspension period. Most recently, on June 14, 2006, Argentine Law 26,103 was enacted which established a 180-day suspension period for mortgage foreclosure proceedings affecting debtors where the subject mortgage related to the debtor’s sole residence and where the original loan was not greater than Ps.100,000.

Law No. 25,798, enacted November 5, 2003, and implemented by Decrees No. 1284/2003 and No. 352/2004, among others, sets forth a system to restructure delinquent mortgage payments to prevent foreclosures on a debtor’s sole residence (the “Mortgage Refinancing System”). The Mortgage Refinancing System establishes a trust composed of assets contributed by the Argentine government and income from restructured mortgage loans. Banco de la Nación Argentina, in its capacity as trustee of said trust, enters into debt restructuring agreements with delinquent mortgage debtors establishing the following terms: (i) a grace period on the mortgage loan of one year and (ii) monthly installment payments on the mortgage loan not to exceed 30% of the aggregate income of the family living in the mortgaged property. Banco de la Nación Argentina then subrogates the mortgagee’s rights against the debtor, by issuing notes delivered to the mortgagee to settle the amounts outstanding on the mortgage loan. The sum restructured under the Mortgage Refinancing System may not exceed the appraisal value of the property securing the mortgage after deducting any debts for taxes and maintenance. The Mortgage Refinancing System was established for a limited period of time, during which parties to mortgage loan agreements could opt to participate and was subsequently extended by a number of decrees and laws.

Law No. 26,167, enacted on November 29, 2006, suspended foreclosures and also established a special proceeding for the enforcement of certain mortgage loans. Such special proceedings give creditors a 10-day period to inform the court of the amounts owed under the mortgage loan. Soon thereafter, the judge will call the parties for a hearing in order to reach an agreement on the amount and terms of payment thereunder. In case of

 

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failure by the parties to reach such agreement, they will have a 30-day negotiation period, and if the negotiations do not result in an agreement, then, payment and conditions will be determined by the courts.

On November 29, 2006, Law No. 26,177 created the Unidad de Reestructuración, a government agency responsible for the revision of each of the mortgage loans granted by the state-owned Banco Hipotecario Nacional, the predecessor of Banco Hipotecario, before the enactment of the Convertibility Law in 1991. The Unidad de Reestructuración also makes non-binding recommendations to facilitate the restructuring of such mortgage loans. If no agreement is reached, the Unidad de Reestructuración will submit a proposal to the National Congress, which may recommend forgiveness or other write-off of such loans, extensions of their scheduled maturities or other subsidies that adversely affect Banco Hipotecario’s ability to foreclose on such mortgage loans.

On December 7, 2007 Law No. 26,313 was enacted, establishing a mandatory restructuring of certain mortgage loans that were granted by the former Banco Hipotecario Nacional prior to April 1, 1991, for the purchase, improvement, construction and/or expansion of single family residences, or for the repayment of loans that were used for any of such purposes. On December 19, 2008, through Decree 2107/08, the government issued regulations explaining its scope of application. This law applies only to non-performing mortgage loans granted before April 1, 1991, and requires a new balance calculation for loans affected. Banco Hipotecario S.A., as legal successor to the former Banco Hipotecario Nacional, has estimated that it has enough loan allowances to face possible negative economic effects that could arise from this situation.

We cannot assure you that the Argentine government will not enact further new laws restricting Banco Hipotecario’s ability to enforce its rights as creditors. Any such limitation on its ability to successfully implement foreclosures could have a material adverse effect on its financial condition and results of operations.

Banco Hipotecario’s non-mortgage loan portfolio has grown rapidly and is concentrated in the low- and middle-income segments.

As a result of Banco Hipotecario’s strategy to diversify its banking operations and develop retail and other non-mortgage banking activities, in recent years its portfolio of non-mortgage loans has grown rapidly. During the period between June 30, 2005 and June 30, 2008, Banco Hipotecario’s portfolio of non-mortgage loans grew 150.9% from Ps.911.0 million to Ps.2,361.4 million. A substantial portion of its portfolio of non-mortgage loans consists of loans to low- and middle-income individuals and, to a lesser extent, middle-market companies. These individuals and companies are likely to be more seriously affected by adverse developments in the Argentine economy than high income individuals and large corporations. Consequently, in the future Banco Hipotecario may experience higher levels of past due non-mortgage loans that would likely result in increased provisions for loan losses. In addition, large-scale lending to low- and middle-income individuals and middle-market companies is a new business activity for Banco Hipotecario, and as a result its experience and loan-loss data for such loans are necessarily limited. Therefore, we cannot assure you that the levels of past due non-mortgage loans and resulting charge-offs will not increase materially in the future.

Given the current valuation criteria of the Central Bank for the recording of BODEN and other public securities on Banco Hipotecario’s balance sheets, its most recent financial statements may not be indicative of its current financial condition.

Banco Hipotecario prepares its financial statements in accordance with Central Bank accounting rules which differ in certain material respects from Argentine GAAP. During 2002, Central Bank accounting rules were modified in several respects that materially increased certain discrepancies between Central Bank accounting rules and Argentine GAAP. In accordance with Central Bank accounting rules, Banco Hipotecario’s consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2008 includes US$684.7 million of BODEN issued by the Argentine government as compensation for pesification, as well as an US$84.4 million asset representing its right to acquire additional BODEN. Banco Hipotecario’s consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2008 also includes Ps.239.1 million representing Central Bank borrowings which Banco Hipotecario incurred to finance its acquisition of the additional BODEN. Since September 30, 2005 Banco Hipotecario has subscribed additional BODEN 2012 in the

 

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amount of US$773.5 million and reduced Central Bank borrowings in the amount of Ps.1,844.0 million. Additionally, its most recent consolidated annual income statements include the accrual of interest income to be received on BODEN not yet received and interest to be paid adjusted by CER on Central Bank borrowings.

In accordance with Central Bank accounting rules, the BODEN reflected on Banco Hipotecario’s consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2008 have been recorded at 100% of face value. The fair value of the Boden 2012 as of June 30, 2008, decreases the shareholder’s equity in Ps.212.6 million.

Due to interest rate and currency mismatches of its assets and liabilities, Banco Hipotecario has significant currency exposure.

As of June 30, 2008, Banco Hipotecario’s foreign currency-denominated liabilities exceeded its foreign currency-denominated assets by approximately US$238.3 million. Substantially all of Banco Hipotecario’s foreign currency assets consist of dollar-denominated BODEN, but Banco Hipotecario’s liabilities in foreign currencies are denominated in both U.S. Dollars and Euros. This currency gap exposes Banco Hipotecario to risk of exchange rate volatility which would negatively affect Banco Hipotecario’s financial results if the U.S. Dollar were to depreciate against the Peso and/or the Euro. We cannot assure you that the U.S. Dollar will not appreciate against the Peso, or that we will not be adversely affected by Banco Hipotecario’s exposure to risks of exchange rate fluctuations.

Because of its large holdings of BODEN and other government securities, Banco Hipotecario has significant exposure to the Argentine public sector.

On December 23, 2001, the Argentine government declared the suspension of payments on most of its sovereign debt, which as of December 31, 2001, totaled approximately US$144.5 billion, a substantial portion of which was restructured by the issuance of new bonds in the middle of 2005. Banco Hipotecario has a significant exposure to the Argentine government’s solvency. As of June 30, 2008, the net exposure of Banco Hipotecario to the Argentine public sector, without considering liquid assets in accounts opened at the BCRA, amounts to Ps. 2,526,723. The market value of Boden and other government securities as of December 15, 2008, decreased by approximately Ps.877.1 million compared to its market value as of June 30, 2008. Further, defaults by the Argentine government on its debt obligations, including Boden and other government securities held by Banco Hipotecario, would materially and adversely affects its financial condition which would in turn affect our investment.

The market value of lower-case and other government securities as of October 31, 2008, decreased by approximately Ps.1.029 million compared to its market value as of June 30, 2008.

Banco Hipotecario operates in a highly regulated environment, and its operations are subject to regulations adopted, and measures taken, by the Central Bank, the Comisión Nacional de Valores and other regulatory agencies.

Financial institutions are subject to significant regulation relating to functions that historically have been mandated by the Central Bank and other regulatory authorities. Measures adopted by the Central Bank have had, and future regulations may have, a material adverse effect on Banco Hipotecario’s financial condition and results of operations.

Similarly, the Comisión Nacional de Valores, which authorizes Banco Hipotecario’s offerings of securities and regulates the public markets in Argentina, has the authority to impose sanctions on Banco Hipotecario and its board of directors for breaches of corporate governance. Under applicable law, the Comisión Nacional de Valores has the authority to impose penalties that range from minor regulatory enforcement sanctions to significant monetary fines, to disqualification of directors from performing board functions for a period of time, and (in an extreme case) prohibiting issuers from making public offerings, if they were to determine that there was wrongdoing or material violation of law. Although Banco Hipotecario is not currently party to any proceeding

 

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before the Comisión Nacional de Valores, we cannot assure you that the Comisión Nacional de Valores will not initiate new proceedings against Banco Hipotecario, its shareholder or directors or impose further sanctions.

Commencing in early 2002, laws and decrees have been implemented that have substantially altered the prevailing legal regime and obligations established in contract. In the recent past, various initiatives have been presented to Congress intended to reduce or eliminate the debt owed to Banco Hipotecario on a portion of its mortgage loan portfolio and there were initiatives intended to review the terms pursuant to which Banco Hipotecario Nacional was privatized. As a result, we cannot assure you that the legislative branch will not enact new laws that will have a significant adverse impact on Banco Hipotecario’s shareholders’ equity or that, if this were to occur, the Argentine government would compensate us for the resulting loss.

The Argentine government may prevail in all matters to be decided at a Banco Hipotecario’s general shareholders meeting.

According to the Privatization Law and Banco Hipotecario’s by-laws, holders of Class A and Class D Shares have special voting rights relating to certain corporate decisions. Whenever such special rights do not apply (with respect to the Class A Shares and the Class D Shares) and in all cases (with respect to the Class B Shares and the Class C Shares), each share of common shares entitles the holder to one vote. Pursuant to Argentine regulations, Banco Hipotecario may not issue new shares with multiple votes.

The holders of Class D Shares have the right to elect nine of Banco Hipotecario’s board members and their respective alternates. In addition, for so long as Class A Shares represent more than 42.0% of Banco Hipotecario’s capital, the Class D Shares shall be entitled to three votes per share, provided that holders of Class D Shares will be entitled to only one vote per share in the case of a vote on:

a fundamental change in Banco Hipotecario’s corporate purpose;

a change in Banco Hipotecario’s domicile outside of Argentina;

dissolution prior to the expiration of Banco Hipotecario’s corporate existence;

a merger or spin-off after which Banco Hipotecario would not be the surviving corporation;

a total or partial recapitalization following a mandatory reduction of capital; and

approval of voluntary reserves, other than legally mandated reserves, when their amount exceeds Banco Hipotecario’s capital stock and its legally mandated reserves.

In addition, irrespective of what percentage of Banco Hipotecario’s outstanding capital stock is represented by Class A Shares, the affirmative vote of the holders of Class A Shares is required to adopt certain decisions. Class D Shares will not be converted into Class A Shares, Class B Shares or Class C Shares by virtue of their reacquisition by the Argentine government, PPP, or Programa de Propiedad Participada (or the Shared Property Program), participants or companies engaged in housing development or real estate activities.

According to the Privatization Law, there are no restrictions on the ability of the Argentine government to dispose of its Class A shares, and all but one of such shares could be sold to third parties in a public offering. If the Class A shares represent less than 42% of Banco Hipotecario’s total voting stock as a result of the issuance of new shares other than Class A shares or otherwise, the Class D shares we hold will automatically lose their triple voting rights. If this were to occur, we would likely lose its current ability, together with our affiliates that also hold Class D shares of Banco Hipotecario, to exercise substantial influence over decisions submitted to the vote of Banco Hipotecario’s shareholders.

 

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Banco Hipotecario will continue to consider acquisition opportunities which may not be successful.

From time to time in recent years, Banco Hipotecario has considered certain possible acquisitions or business combinations, and Banco Hipotecario expects to continue considering acquisitions that it believes offer attractive opportunities and are consistent with its business strategy. We cannot assure you, however, that Banco Hipotecario will be able to identify suitable acquisition candidates or that Banco Hipotecario will be able to acquire promising target financial institutions on favorable terms. Additionally, its ability to obtain the desired effects of such acquisitions will depend in part on its ability to successfully complete the integration of those businesses. The integration of acquired businesses entails significant risks, including:

unforeseen difficulties in integrating operations and systems;

problems assimilating or retaining the employees of acquired businesses;

challenges retaining customers of acquired businesses;

unexpected liabilities or contingencies relating to the acquired businesses; and

the possibility that management may be distracted from day-to-day business concerns by integration activities and related problem solving.

Risks Related to the Global Depositary Shares and the Shares

Shares eligible for sale could adversely affect the price of our common shares and Global Depositary Shares.

The market prices of our common shares and GDS could decline as a result of sales by our existing shareholders of common shares or GDSs in the market, or the perception that these sales could occur. These sales also might make it difficult for us to sell equity securities in the future at a time and at a price that we deem appropriate.

The GDSs are freely transferable under US securities laws, including shares sold to our affiliates. Cresud, which as of November 30, 2008, owned approximately 54.0% of our common shares (or approximately 312,529,443 common shares which may be exchanged for an aggregate of 31,252,944 GDSs), is free to dispose of any or all of its common shares or GDSs at any time in its discretion. Sales of a large number of our common shares and/or GDSs would likely have an adverse effect on the market price of our common shares and the GDS.

We are subject to certain different corporate disclosure requirements and accounting standards than domestic issuers of listed securities in the United States.

There is less publicly available information about the issuers of securities listed on the Bolsa de Comercio de Buenos Aires than information publicly available about domestic issuers of listed securities in the United States and certain other countries. In addition, all listed Argentine companies must prepare their financial statements in accordance with Argentine GAAP and the regulations of the Comisión Nacional de Valores which differ in certain significant respects from U.S. GAAP. For this and other reasons, the presentation of Argentine financial statements and reported earnings may differ from that of companies in other countries in this and other respects.

We are exempted from the rules under the Exchange Act prescribing the furnishing and content of proxy statements, and our officers, directors and principal shareholders are exempted from the reporting and short-swing profit recovery provisions contained in Section 16 of the Exchange Act.

 

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Investors may not be able to effect service of process within the U.S. limiting their recovery of any foreign judgment.

We are a publicly held corporation (sociedad anónima) organized under the laws of Argentina. Most of our directors and our senior managers, and most of our assets are located in Argentina. As a result, it may not be possible for investors to effect service of process within the United States upon us or such persons or to enforce against us or them, in United States courts, judgments obtained in such courts predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the United States federal securities laws. We have been advised by our Argentine counsel, Zang, Bergel & Viñes, that there is doubt as to whether the Argentine courts will enforce to the same extent and in as timely a manner as a US or foreign court, an action predicated solely upon the civil liability provisions of the United States federal securities laws or other foreign regulations brought against such persons or against us.

If we are considered to be a passive foreign investment company for United States federal income tax purposes, U.S. holders of our equity securities would suffer negative consequences.

Based on the current and projected composition of our income and the valuation of our assets, including goodwill, we do not believe we were a passive foreign investment company (“PFIC”) for United States federal income tax purposes for the taxable year ending June 30, 2008, and we do not currently expect to become a PFIC, although there can be no assurance in this regard. The determination of whether we are a PFIC is made annually. Accordingly, it is possible that we may be a PFIC in the current or any future taxable year due to changes in our asset or income composition or if our projections are not accurate. The volatility and instability of Argentina’s economic and financial system may substantially affect the composition of our income and assets and the accuracy of our projections. If we become a PFIC, U.S. holders of our equity securities will be subject to certain United States federal income tax rules that have negative consequences for U.S. holders such as additional tax and an interest charge upon certain distributions by us or upon a sale or other disposition of our equity securities at a gain, as well as additional reporting requirements. See “Taxation – Certain United States Federal Income Tax Consequences – Passive Foreign Investment Company” for a more detailed discussion of the consequences if we are deemed a PFIC. You should consult your own tax advisors regarding the application of the PFIC rules to your particular circumstances.

Under Argentine law, shareholder rights may be fewer or less well defined than in other jurisdictions.

Our corporate affairs are governed by our by-laws and by Argentine corporate law, which differ from the legal principles that would apply if we were incorporated in a jurisdiction in the United States, such as the States of Delaware or New York, or in other jurisdictions outside Argentina. In addition, your rights or the rights of holders of our common shares to protect your or their interests in connection with actions by our board of directors may be fewer and less well defined under Argentine corporate law than under the laws of those other jurisdictions. Although insider trading and price manipulation are illegal under Argentine law, the Argentine securities markets are not as highly regulated or supervised as the US securities markets or markets in some other jurisdictions. In addition, rules and policies against self dealing and regarding the preservation of shareholder interests may be less well defined and enforced in Argentina than in the United States, putting holders of our common shares and GDSs at a potential disadvantage.

The protections afforded to minority shareholders in Argentina are different from and more limited than those in the United States and may be more difficult to enforce.

Under Argentine law, the protections afforded to minority shareholders are different from, and much more limited than, those in the United States and some other Latin American countries. For example, the legal framework with respect to shareholder disputes, such as derivative lawsuits and class actions, is less developed under Argentine law than under U.S. law as a result of Argentina’s short history with these types of claims and few successful cases. In addition, there are different procedural requirements for bringing these types of shareholder lawsuits. As a result, it may be more difficult for our minority shareholders to enforce their rights against us or our directors or controlling shareholder than it would be for shareholders of a US company.

 

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Holders of common shares may determine to not pay any dividends.

In accordance with Argentine corporate law we may pay dividends to shareholders out of net and realized profits, if any, as set forth in our audited financial statements prepared in accordance with Argentine GAAP. The approval, amount and payment of dividends are subject to the approval by our shareholders at our annual ordinary shareholders meeting. The approval of dividends requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the shareholders entitled to vote at the meeting. As a result, we cannot assure you that we will be able to generate enough net and realized profits so as to pay dividends or that our shareholders will decide that dividends will be paid.

Our ability to pay dividends is limited by law, by our by-laws and by certain restrictive covenants in our debt instruments.

In accordance with Argentine corporate law, we may pay dividends in Pesos only out of retained earnings, if any, to the extent set forth in our audited financial statements prepared in accordance with Argentine GAAP. In addition, our ability to pay dividends on our common shares is limited by certain restrictive covenants in our debt instruments.

On February 2, 2007, we issued our 8.5% notes due 2017 in an aggregate principal amount of US$150.0 million. These bonds contain a covenant limiting our ability to pay dividends which may not exceed the sum of:

50% of our cumulative consolidated net income; or

75% of our cumulative consolidated net income if our consolidated interest coverage ratio for our most recent four consecutive fiscal quarters is at least 3.0 to 1; or

100% of cumulative consolidated net income if our consolidated interest coverage ratio for our most recent four consecutive fiscal quarters is at least 4.0 to 1; or

100% of the aggregate net cash proceeds (with certain exceptions) and the fair market value of property other than cash received by us or by our restricted subsidiaries from (a) any contribution to our equity capital or to the capital stock of our restricted subsidiaries or issuance and sale of our qualified capital stock or the qualified capital stock of our restricted subsidiaries subsequent to the issue of our notes due 2017, or (b) any issuance and sale subsequent to the issuance of our notes due 2017, of our indebtedness, or of the indebtedness of our restricted subsidiaries that has been converted into or exchanged for our qualified capital stock.

As a result, we cannot give you any assurance that in the future we will pay any dividends in respect of our common shares.

 

ITEM 4. Information on the Company

A. History and Development of the Company

General Information

Our legal and commercial name is IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima. We were incorporated and organized on April 30, 1943 under Argentine law as a sociedad anónima (stock corporation), and we were registered with the Public Registry of Commerce of the City of Buenos Aires (Inspección General de Justicia or “IGJ”) on June 23, 1943 under number 284, on page 291, book 46 of volume A. Pursuant to our bylaws, our term of duration expires on April 5, 2043. Our shares are listed and traded on the Bolsa de Comercio de Buenos Aires and Global Depositary Shares representing our shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Our principal executive offices are located at Bolívar 108 1st floor, Buenos Aires (C1066AAD), Argentina. Our headquarters are located at Moreno 877, (C1091AAQ), Buenos Aires, Argentina. Our telephone is

 

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+54 (11) 4323-7400, and our website is www.irsa.com.ar. Information contained in or accessible through our website is not a part of this annual report. All references in this annual report to this or other internet sites are inactive textual references to these URLs, or “uniform resource locators” and are for your information reference only. We assume no responsibility for the information contained on these sites. Our Depositary Agent for the Global Depositary Shares in the United States is The Bank of New York whose address is P.O. Box 11258 Church Street Station, New York, New York 10286, and whose telephone is +1-610-312-5315.

History

Since 1991, when our current management and certain international investors acquired substantially all of our capital stock, we have been actively engaged in diverse real estate activities in Argentina. Following our global public offering in December 1994, we developed our real estate activities in the office rental market by acquiring three office towers located in prime office zones of Buenos Aires: Libertador 498, Maipú 1300 and Madero 1020.

Since 1996, we have, through our subsidiary APSA, expanded our real estate activities into the shopping center segment by acquiring controlling interests in ten shopping centers: Paseo Alcorta, Alto Palermo Shopping, Buenos Aires Design, Alto Avellaneda, Alto Noa, Abasto Shopping, Patio Bullrich, Mendoza Plaza Shopping, Alto Rosario and Córdoba Shopping Villa Cabrera. Since 1996, we also entered into the residential real estate market through the development and construction of multi-tower apartment complexes in the City of Buenos Aires and through the development of private residential communities in greater Buenos Aires.

In 1997, we entered the hotel market through the acquisition of a 50% interest in the Llao Llao Hotel near Bariloche and the Inter-Continental Hotel in the City of Buenos Aires. In 1998, we also acquired the Libertador Hotel in the City of Buenos Aires and subsequently sold a 20% interest to an affiliate of Sheraton Hotels.

In 2002, we issued US$100.0 million of convertible notes due November 2007, accruing a 8% per annum interest rate, payable on a semi-annual basis. A warrant is attached to each convertible note and grants its holder an option to acquire additional shares. As of today, there are no outstanding convertible notes and warrants. As a result of the conversions and exercises our outstanding capital stock increased to 578,676,460.

During the 2004 fiscal year we increased our ownership interest in Banco Hipotecario, reflecting the intention to maintain the participation in Banco Hipotecario as a long-term investment.

During the 2005 fiscal year we increased our ownership interest in Mendoza Plaza Shopping S.A. from 68.8% to 85.4% through our subsidiary Alto Palermo. We also opened Alto Rosario Shopping.

The excellent prospects of the offices business had pushed us to make an important investment in this segment by acquiring Bouchard 710 building on fiscal year 2005, covering 15,014 square meters of rentable premium surface.

In the 2007 fiscal year, we consolidated our cash generating rental businesses, consummating various significant acquisitions in the shopping center and office building business segments.

We purchased Edificio Bouchard Plaza, also known as Edificio La Nación, a 23-floor AAA office building with a total leaseable area of 33,324 sqm., located in downtown Buenos Aires. We also purchased Edificio Dock del Plata which has a gross leaseable area of 7,921 sqm located in the exclusive area of Puerto Madero. With these new purchases, we increased our premium office leaseable area by 70%, our share in this market segment raised close to 20%. We also launched the development of an office building at Dock IV of Puerto Madero, which will have approximately 11,000 sqm. of leasable surface.

In December 2006, we started to operate our tenth shopping center. Located in the neighborhood of Villa Cabrera in the city of Cordoba, Cordoba Shopping has a 35,000 sqm. total area, 104 stores, 12 cinema screens and a parking lot for 1,500 vehicles. Moreover, through our subsidiaries, we have started the construction of one of

 

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our most important projects; The Panamerican Mall, placed in the neighborhood of Saavedra, City of Buenos Aires, in the intersection of the Panamericana Highway and General Paz Avenue. The project includes the construction of a shopping center, a hypermarket, a cinema complex and an office building and/or a residential building.

In order to finance the investments and developments detailed above, in February 2007 we issued 8.5% US$150 million ten-year notes. Bids were received for up to 350% of the offer price, showing the investor community’s strong support for our business plan. In addition, in May 2007 APSA issued 7.875% US$120 million ten year notes and 11% Ps.154 million five year notes.

On August 27, 2007, we acquired a 50% ownership interest in an office building including in place leases of 31,670 square meters of gross leaseable area, known as the BankBoston Tower for the total consideration of US$54 million including in place leases. This modern property is located at 265 Carlos María Della Paolera in the City of Buenos Aires, and was designed by the recognized Architect Cesar Pelli.

On December 28, 2007, Alto Palermo entered into an agreement with INCSA, an unrelated party, for the acquisition of the Soleil Factory shopping center business, for US$ 20.7 million, of which US$ 8.1 million were paid and recorded as supplier advances. The transaction is subject to certain conditions. Upon fulfillment of the conditions and transfer of the business, the remaining balance of the purchase price amounting to US$ 12.6 million will begin to accrue fixed interest at 5% per year. This balance will be paid in seven annual installments starting one year after the signing of the contract. As part of the same agreement, Alto Palermo entered into an offer to acquire, construct and operate a shopping center on land belonging to INCSA located in San Miguel de Tucuman, Province of Tucuman, in the northwest of Argentina. This transaction is also subject to the completion of the “Soleil Factory” transaction, among other suspensive conditions. The parties determined the value of this transaction to be US$ 1.3 million.

In April 2008, we acquired a building known as “República Building”, a property located in the City of Buenos Aires. This property, designed by the renowned architect César Pelli (who also designed the World Financial Center in New York and the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur) is a unique premium office building in downtown Buenos Aires and adds approximately 19,533 gross leaseable square meters to our portfolio. We paid US$ 70.2 million partially financed by a mortgage loan from Banco Macro for an amount of US$ 33.6 million accruing interest at a fixed rate of 12% per annum and payable in five equal, annual and consecutive installments as from April 2009. On May 6, 2008, we filed with the Antitrust Authority a request for its opinion as to the need to notify the Comisión Nacional de Defensa de la Competencia (or Antitrust Authority) the acquisition of Edificio República. The Antitrust Authority advised us that we were in fact required to so notify it. We challenged this opinion in the local courts.

On June 27, 2008, Alto Palermo acquired a plot of land situated at Beruti 3351/3359, between Bulnes and Avenida Coronel Díaz in Palermo, a neighborhood in the City of Buenos Aires quite close to our Shopping Center known as “Shopping Alto Palermo”. The transaction was executed for a total price of US$17.8 million.

On July 2, 2008, we acquired a 30% interest in Metropolitan 885 Third Avenue LLC (“Metropolitan”), a limited liability company organized under the laws of Delaware, United States of America. The main asset of Metropolitan is a 34 story building known as the Lipstick Building located at third avenue between 53rd and 54th streets in Manhattan, New York City. In addition to this asset, the acquired company also includes the debt related to this building. The purchase price paid was US$ 22.6 million. The property has approximately 59,000 square meters of leasable space. Also, we acquired the right ( “put right”) to sell the 50% of our stake in a period starting 6 months after this transaction until the third year anniversary of this transaction. Additionally, we acquired the right of first offer for 60% of the 5% currently held by of one of the shareholders of Metropolitan.

Capital Expenditures

Five months period-Fiscal Year 2009. For the five months of fiscal year 2009 we invested Ps. 116.9 million in capital expenditures of which mainly (i) Ps. 70.9 million were related to the construction of Panamerican Mall; (ii) Ps.

 

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19.4 million in improvements in Dique IV, (iii) Ps. 10.2 million were related to the improvements of our shopping center properties and (iv) Ps. 7.4 million in the Hotel segment, of which Ps. 4.2 million were invested in Sheraton Libertador Hotel. Regarding the capital expenditures for the rest of fiscal year 2009, they could vary according to the potential events described in our risk factors section.

2008 Fiscal Year. For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2008, we invested Ps.768.7 million of which Ps.419.0 million were related to the acquisition of business and assets, mainly the purchase of two buildings (including their in place leases) known as “Edificio República” and “Torre Bank Boston” for Ps.228.3 million and Ps.173.9 million, respectively. We also made investments in fixed assets of Ps. 332.5 million of which, Ps.257.7 million were invested million through Alto Palermo primarily in the partial construction of the Panamerican Mall for Ps.114.4 million, improvements of shopping centers for Ps.50.0 million, in the initial payment for the transfer of Soleil Factory shopping center for Ps.25.6 million, and Ps.40.0 million in the Hotel segment of which Ps. 30.7 million were invested in Hotel Llao Llao. We also invested Ps. 23.1 million relating to Patio Olmos Building and Ps. 16.1 were related to advance payment for a plot of land located at Beruti 3571.We also invested Ps.17.2 million in undeveloped parcels of land.

2007 Fiscal Year. For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2007, we invested Ps.419.4 million of which Ps.410.1 million, were related to the acquisition of Bouchard 551 for Ps.243.2 million, Ps.96.4 million through Alto Palermo primarily for the improvement of shopping centers and Ps.57.1 million in the Hotel segment, of which Ps.49.4 million were invested in Hotel Llao Llao. We also invested Ps.9.3 million in undeveloped parcels of land.

2006 Fiscal Year. For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2006, we invested Ps.116.2 million of which Ps.54.1 million were related to our shopping centers totaling Ps.33.6 million, and in the Hotel segment of Ps.20.1 million.

We believe that our two principal developments projects, the construction of Panamerican Mall through our subsidiary Alto Palermo and our residential project Horizons through CYRSA, will be finished in the first half of 2009 and in early 2011, respectively. However, in view of the current market conditions, construction might suffer some delays. In addition, during the construction period we may need additional financing, which will be dependent the prevailing market conditions at the moment we need the funds.

Recent Developments

Impact of recent credit crisis. During recent months, the world’s principal financial markets have suffered the impact of volatility, lack of liquidity, and uncertainty. Consequently, stock market indexes showed a significant decline worldwide as a result of an evident economic slowdown. Although many countries took immediate action, the future of the international markets is uncertain. We do not yet know direct effects of the crisis on the market value of major financial assets, particularly equity and debt instruments.

In Argentina, stock markets also showed a pronounced downward trend in the price of equity and debt instruments. We also saw increases in interest rates, country risk and foreign exchange rates. As of the date of this annual report, these effects persist. Management is closely evaluating and monitoring the effects of the current liquidity crisis and will take all corrective actions that are necessary.

In addition, we and our subsidiaries have experienced declines in our respective stock prices during the three months ended September 30, 2008 as compared to the prior quarter. Management believes that this decline is reflective of the current macro-economic conditions and is not related to our operating performance. The stability of our tenants (measured by the levels of occupancy in our properties as well as the delinquency or uncollectibility rates) as well as the market value of our properties has not been significantly affected by the current credit crisis as of the date of this annual report. We believe that the stock prices have declined due to reasons unrelated to our business fundamentals. As of the date of these annual report , management believes that the declines in stock prices are temporary.

Furthermore, we have a 11.8 % equity interest in Banco Hipotecario as of June 30, 2008 and carried this investment under the equity method of accounting. Banco Hipotecario recorded losses of Ps. 91.0 million for the

 

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year ended June 30, 2008. Moreover, for the three months ended September 30, 2008, Banco Hipotecario recorded losses of Ps. 239.6 million and could record losses for the rest of the fiscal year. Such losses are primarily due to the decline in the market value of the Argentine government bonds Banco Hipotecario received as compensation and held in its portfolio. In spite of these losses, Banco Hipotecario remains well-capitalized in compliance with regulatory guidelines as of June 30, 2008 and thereafter.

Banco Hipotecario also experienced a significant decline in its stock price during the year ended June 30, 2008 and the three months ended September 30, 2008. Management believes that this decline is not reflective of the current operating performance of Banco Hipotecario.

We considered several factors including, but not limited to, the following (1) the reasons for the decline in value (whether it is credit event, interest or market related); (2) our ability and intent to hold the equity investment for a sufficient period of time to allow for recovery of value; (3) whether the decline is substantial for us; (4) the historical and anticipated duration of the events causing the decline in value and (5) the major fundamentals underlying our business. The evaluation of other-than-temporary impairments is a quantitative and qualitative process, which is subject to various risks and uncertainties. As of the date of these annual report, management believes that these declines are temporary and will continue to monitor market conditions and determine if any impairment to the carrying value of the investment is necessary.

In addition, the other business segment affected by the current credit crisis is Consumer financing. This segment includes the origination of consumer loans and credit card receivables and securitization through the indirect subsidiary Tarshop activities.

Consumer loan and credit card receivables arise primarily under open-end revolving credit accounts used to finance purchases of goods and services offered by our shopping centers, hypermarkets and street stores, and financing and lending activities. These accounts have various billing and payment structures, including varying minimum payment levels and finance charge rates. We provide an allowance for uncollectible accounts based on impaired accounts, historical charge-off patterns and management’s judgment.

Due to the current credit crisis and other conditions, some customers experienced delays in payments and delinquency rates increased during the year ended June 30, 2008. Moreover, delinquency rates further increased as of September 30, 2008 and thereafter. Tarshop has increased the level of the allowance for doubtful accounts which amounts to Ps. 66.5 million as of June 30, 2008. The allowance for doubtful accounts was increased to Ps. 83.7million as of September 30, 2008. We are closely monitoring the delays, delinquency and uncollectibility rates.

Tarshop´s generated a net loss of Ps. 18.6 million for the year ended June 30, 2008. For the three months ended September 30, 2008, Tarshop generated an additional net loss of Ps. 57.1 million. After year-end, we contributed an additional Ps. 60.0 million and increased its interest from 80% to 93.4% as of November 30, 2008. We have committed to support Tarshop financially under a credit line up to a maximum amount of Ps. 120.0 million, including the Ps. 86 million already contributed. At present we are evaluating the suitability of capitalizing these loans. We have taken several actions to enhance Tarshop’s capital base from streamlining operations to closing redundant stores to revising and making credit criteria more stringent. The securitization market is still open and Tarshop completed securitization programs during the recent months with no disruptions. As of June 30, 2008 Tarshop credit risk exposure is contractually limited to the subordinated retained interests representing Ps. 156.8 million and Ps. 19.4 million escrow reserves for losses, respectively. As of September 30, 2008, Tarshop credit risk exposure is contractually limited to the subordinated retained interests representing Ps.161.2 million and Ps.17.9 escrow reserves for losses. Due to the factors mentioned above, as of June 30, 2008, Tarshop has recorded an other-than-temporary impairment charge of Ps. 12.0 million to the retained interests to reflect current fair value. For the three months ended September 30, 2008 no additional impairment charge of related to the retained interests in securitized receivables was necessary.

Acquisition of ownership interest. On July 2, 2008, we acquired a 30% interest in Metropolitan 885 Third Avenue LLC (“Metropolitan”), a limited liability company organized under the laws of Delaware, United States

 

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of America. The main asset of Metropolitan is a 34 story building known as the Lipstick Building located at third avenue between 53rd and 54th streets in Manhattan, New York City. In addition to this asset, the acquired company also includes the debt related to this building. The purchase price paid was US$ 22.6 million. The property has approximately 59,000 square meters of leasable space. Also, we acquired the right ( “put right”) to sell the 50% of our stake in a period starting 6 months after this transaction until the third year anniversary of this transaction. Additionally, we acquired the right of first offer for 60% of the 5% currently held by of one of the shareholders of Metropolitan.

Coto Air Space – Barter commitment between Alto Palermo and CYRSA. In July, 2008 Alto Palermo entered into a barter agreement with CYRSA pursuant to which Alto Palermo, subject to certain closing conditions, would surrender to CYRSA its right to construct a tower over a preexisting structure (owned by a third party) in exchange for a small cash payment (US$0.09 million) and 25% of the housing units in the future buildings. The total fair value of the transaction is US$ 5.9 million.

Dique IV, Puerto Madero. Our current portfolio of projects includes the addition of 11,000 square meters of leasable area in Dique IV in Puerto Madero, currently under construction and entailing a total projected investment of approximately Ps.50.5 million. Completion is scheduled for the beginning of calendar year 2009.

Torres Renoir, Dock III. On November 24, 2008, the Decree of Co-Ownership and Administration of the Renoir building developed on plot 1.c. was granted. The first lien mortgages established by DYPSA on plot 1.c. and on plot 1.e were cancelled, and a new first lien mortgage was established on the functional units to be delivered to IRSA and on an additional functional unit. On the same date, DYPSA began the process of registration of deeds of the units to be delivered to IRSA as consideration in kind for the sale of the plot. The deeds will be granted to IRSA or its assignees within 45 days.

Acquisition of ours shares and consolidation of financial statements. In the first quarter of fiscal year 2009, Cresud purchased 32,539,475 of our shares. As a result of this acquisition, Cresud’s investment in our common shares increased from 42.13% as of June 30, 2008 to 47.76% as of September 30, 2008.

From July 1, 2008 to December 17, 2008 Cresud acquired an additional 68,712,005 of our shares on the open market for US$ 47,423,279. Thus, Cresud’s direct and indirect interest in us through Cresud’s affiliates amounts to 54.01%. Therefore Cresud consolidates us as from that date.

Cresud´s purchase of our Notes. As of November 25, 2008, Cresud had acquired nominal value US$25.21 million of our 8.500% Series No. 1 Notes due 2017, for an average weighted price of US$ 0.4844952 per Note, totaling US$ 12,214,124.

Tarshop. As a result of the current international financial scenario, a high volatility has been observed in interest rates and systemic delinquency has increased, affecting the performance and financing of the consumer finance business. The higher delinquency levels have led to an increase in the subordination of financial trusts which, added to the changes in their tax treatment, the higher interest rates resulting from higher risk and a slight deceleration in private consumption, have resulted in the need to review the general economic and the business specific prospects.

In order to face the growing volatility in the international financial markets and to provide Tarshop S.A. with a suitable capital base taking into account the current market conditions, in September 2008 Alto Palermo decided to take part in Tarshop S.A.’s capital increase for up to Ps.60 million, and increased its equity interest in Tarshop S.A. from 80% to 93.4%.

In addition, Alto Palermo implemented several actions aimed at improving Tarshop S.A.’s performance, including the revision of the point of sale structure, a 17% headcount reduction, the closing of 13 points of sale and a 10% reduction in leased centralized areas.

In line with the commercial actions, various other measures have been implemented, including:

 

  (i) A new distribution channel structure.

 

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  (ii) Changes in cash lending plans and shops financing, which involved tightening its credit origination and credit limits in order to improve our delinquency rates.

 

  (iii) Renegotiation of conditions with shops.

In addition, the recent changes introduced in the tax treatment of financial trusts and other reforms made by the National Executive Branch result in the need to monitor Tarshop S.A. and fine-tune its positioning strategy to gear with the changing conditions.

On October 2008 in the light of the difficult market conditions and in compliance with the strategic plan devised and implemented by Alto Palermo, subordinated loans were granted to Tarshop S.A. for a total amount of Ps. 51 million to improve its financial position given the particular moment by which the financial trust segment is going through, that is a source in Tarshop’s financing.

On November 25, 2008, Alto Palermo completed a disbursement of Ps. 35 million to Tarshop S.A. This disbursement was subject to the revision and verification of the debt portfolio of Tarshop S.A. by Alto Palermo’s Management and the Board of Directors. The amount was part of a credit line of up to Ps. 120 million, Alto Palermo granted to Tarshop S.A. to strengthen it financially, to fund its operating costs and to reposition Tarshop S.A. given the complex situation existing temporarily in the Financial Trusts markets. Out of the credit line approved, as of November 25, 2008, Ps. 86 million were disbursed. At present, Alto Palermo is evaluating the suitability of capitalizing these loans.

Repurchase of Alto Palermo’s Notes. On September 12, 2008 Alto Palermo announced the repurchase of its Serie II Notes for a face value of US$ 3.0 million. As a result, the amount of Alto Palermo’s Notes in its portfolio had a face value of US$ 4.8 million. On November 25, 2008, Alto Palermo announced the repurchase of its Fixed Rate Notes due 2017, Serie I for a face value of US$ 5.00 million.

Cresud’s Purchase of Alto Palermo´s Notes. As of November 25, 2008, Cresud had acquired nominal value US$5.00 million of Alto Palermo’s Series I Notes due 2017, for an average weighted price of US$ 0.4185 per Note, totaling US$ 2.1 million.

Purchase of Alto Palermo´s Notes. On November 25, 2008, we announced the acquisition of nominal value US$8.03 million of Alto Palermo’s Series I Notes due 2017, for an average weighted price of US$0.39820 per Note and for a total amount of US$ 3.2 million

Torres Rosario Project. On November 27, 2008, Alto Palermo executed the deed of barter transfer, resulting from the execution of the option granted to Condominios del Alto S.A. to purchase parcel 2-h. This parcel represents 11,686 square meters. As consideration for its acquisition Condominios del Alto S.A. agreed to deliver forty two housing units, with a total constructed surface area of 3,182 square meters, representing 22% of the apartment area of the building and 47 parking spaces, representing 22% of the parking area of the building.

Luján. In May 2008, we entered into a preliminary purchase contract with transfer of possession with Birafriends S.A. (an unrelated party) for the acquisition of a plot of land in Luján, Province of Buenos Aires, for a total purchase price of US$ 3.0 million. We paid US$ 1.2 million and the remaining balance will be paid at the time of the signing of the deed. On December 2008, we assigned the preliminary purchase contract to Cresud. Cresud will pay the remaining balance at the time of the signing of the deed, and will also refund us the amount we paid at the time of the signing of the preliminary purchase.

 

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B. Business Overview

Operations and principal activities

We are one of Argentina’s leading real estate companies in terms of total assets. We are engaged, directly and indirectly through subsidiaries and joint ventures, in a range of diversified real estate related activities in Argentina, including:

 

   

the acquisition, development and operation of shopping centers,

 

   

the origination of consumer loans and the securitization of corresponding receivables,

 

   

the acquisition and development of residential properties and undeveloped land reserves for future development and sale,

 

   

the acquisition, development and operation of office and other non-shopping center properties primarily for rental purposes, and

 

   

the acquisition and operation of luxury hotels.

As of June 30, 2008, we had total assets of Ps.4,472.0 million and shareholders’ equity of Ps.1,924.2 million. Our net income for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2006, 2007, and 2008 was Ps.96.6 million, Ps.107.1 million, Ps.54.9 million, respectively. We are the only Argentine real estate company whose shares are listed on the Buenos Aires Stock Exchange and whose GDSs are listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

Consolidated Revenues by Geographic Area

 

     Revenues for fiscal years ended June 30, (1) (2)
     2006    2007    2008
     (in thousands of Pesos)

Offices and other non-shopping center leased properties:

        

City of Buenos Aires

   29,918    55,032    100,384

Buenos Aires Province

   647    651    605

Shopping Centers and Consumer Financing Operations:

        

City of Buenos Aires

   281,119    407,294    532,020

Buenos Aires Province

   25,151    31,249    39,958

Salta Province

   5,243    6,635    9,598

Santa Fe Province

   11,823    15,464    20,040

Mendoza Province

   14,636    18,779    24,232

Córdoba Province

   —      3,810    10,577

Sales and Developments:

        

City of Buenos Aires

   99,949    74,536    189,296

Buenos Aires Province

   3,942    1,124    4,030

Córdoba Province

   75    91    57

Salta Province

   —      —      3,428

Hotels:

        

The City of Buenos Aires

   64,607    74,601    92,043

Rio Negro Province

   39,156    48,080    56,804

Mendoza Province

   —      —      —  

Total The City of Buenos Aires

   475,593    611,463    913,743

Total Buenos Aires Province

   29,740    33,024    44,593

Total Rio Negro Province

   39,156    48,080    56,804

Total Santa Fe Province

   11,823    15,464    23,468

Total Salta Province

   5,243    6,635    9,598

Total Córdoba Province

   75    3,901    10,634

 

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     Revenues for fiscal years ended June 30, (1) (2)
     2006    2007    2008
     (in thousands of Pesos)

Total Mendoza Province

   14,636    18,779    24,232

Total

   576,266    737,346    1,083,072

 

 

(1) Shopping centers do not include income for sales and developments.

 

(2) Revenues do not includes our income from “Financial operations and others” segment.

Shopping Centers. We are engaged in purchasing, developing and managing shopping centers through our subsidiary Alto Palermo. Alto Palermo operates and owns majority interests in ten shopping centers, six of which are located in the Buenos Aires metropolitan area, and the other four of which are located in the Provinces of Mendoza, Rosario, Córdoba and Salta. Our Shopping Center segment had assets of Ps.1,705.0 million as of June 30, 2008, representing 38.1% of our consolidated assets at such date, and generated operating income of Ps.182.3 million during our 2008 fiscal year, representing 71.5% of our consolidated operating income for such year.

Consumer Financing. We operate a consumer financing business through our majority-owned subsidiary, Tarshop S.A. Tarshop originates consumer loans and credit card accounts and generally securitizes a portion of its portfolio of receivables. Tarshop’s consumer financing operations consist primarily of lending and servicing activities relating to the credit card products we offer to consumers at shopping centers, hypermarkets and street stores. We finance a substantial majority of our credit card activities through securitization of the receivables underlying the accounts we originate. Our revenues from credit card operations are derived from interest income generated by financing and lending activities, merchants’ fees, insurance charges for life and disability insurance, and fees for data processing and other services. Our consumer financing segment had assets of Ps. 134.1 million as of June 30, 2008, representing 3.0% of our consolidated assets and generated an operating loss of Ps. 17.7 million during our fiscal year ended June 30, 2008 representing (6.9%) of our consolidated operating income.

Residential Properties. The acquisition and development of residential apartment complexes and residential communities for sale is another of our core activities. Our development of residential apartment complexes consists of the construction of high-rise towers or the conversion and renovation of existing structures, such as factories and warehouses. In residential communities, we acquire vacant land, develop infrastructure such as roads, utilities and common areas, and sell plots of land for construction of single-family homes. Our Development and Sale of Properties segment had assets of Ps.462.9 million as of June 30, 2008, representing 10.4% of our consolidated assets at such date, and generated operating income of Ps.19.3 million during our 2008 fiscal year ended June 30, 2008, representing 7.6% of our consolidated operating income for such year.

Office Buildings. In December 1994, we launched our office rental business by acquiring three prime office towers in Buenos Aires: Libertador 498, Maipú 1300 and Madero 1020. As of June 30, 2008, we, directly and indirectly, owned interests in 28 office buildings and other non-shopping center rental properties in Argentina that in the aggregate represented 260,866 square meters of gross leasable area. Our Offices and Other Non-Shopping Center Rental Properties segment had assets of Ps.1.056,5 million as of June 30, 2008, representing 23.6% of our consolidated assets at such date, and generated operating income of Ps.52,3 million during our 2008 fiscal year, representing 20.5% of our consolidated operating income for such year.

Hotels. In 1997, we acquired the Hotel Llao Llao and an indirect controlling interest in the Hotel Intercontinental in Buenos Aires. In March 1998, we acquired the Hotel Sheraton Libertador in Buenos Aires. During fiscal year 1999, we sold a 20% interest in the Hotel Libertador to Hoteles Sheraton de Argentina S.A., and during the fiscal year 2000, we sold 50% of our interest in the Hotel Llao Llao to the Sutton Group. Our Hotels segment, which consists of these three hotels, had assets of Ps. 252.0 million as of June 30, 2008, representing 5.6% of our consolidated assets at such date, and generated income of Ps.18.0 million during our 2008 fiscal year, representing 7.1% of our consolidated operating income for such year.

Banco Hipotecario. We currently own 11.8% of Banco Hipotecario, Argentina’s leading mortgage lender in terms of outstanding mortgage loans. We acquired 2.9% of Banco Hipotecario for Ps.30.2 million when it was

 

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privatized in 1999. During 2003 and 2004, we increased our investment in Banco Hipotecario to 11.8% by acquiring additional shares, and by acquiring and exercising warrants, for an aggregate purchase price of Ps.33.4 million. In May 2004, we sold Class D shares representing 1.9% of Banco Hipotecario to IFISA, one of our controlling shareholders, for Ps.6.0 million, generating a loss of Ps.1.6 million. Our 11.8% investment in Banco Hipotecario is held in the form of Class D shares, which are currently entitled to three votes per share, affording us the right to vote approximately 18.36% of the total votes that can be cast at Banco Hipotecario’s shareholders’ meetings. As of June 30, 2008, our investment in Banco Hipotecario represented 6.5% of our consolidated assets, and during our fiscal years ended June 30, 2006, 2007 and 2008, this investment generated gains of Ps.47.0 million and Ps.41.4 million and a loss of Ps.12.4 million, respectively.

Business Strategy

We seek to take advantage of our position as a leading company in Argentina dedicated to owning, developing and managing real estate. Our business strategy seeks to (i) generate stable cash flows through the operation of our real estate rental assets (shopping centers, office buildings, hotels), (ii) achieve long-term appreciation of our asset portfolio by selectively acquiring strategically located properties by taking advantage of development opportunities, and (iii) enhance the margins of our sales and developments segment through timely transformation of our land reserves into developed residential and commercial properties.

Shopping centers. In recent years, the Argentine shopping center industry has benefited from improved macroeconomic conditions and a significant expansion in consumer credit. We believe that the Argentine shopping center sector offers attractive prospects for long-term growth due to, among other factors, (i) a continuing evolution of consumer preferences in favor of shopping malls (away from small neighborhood shops) and (ii) a level of shopping center penetration that we consider low compared to many developed countries. We seek to improve our leading position in the shopping center industry in Argentina by taking advantage of economies of scale to improve the operating margins of our diversified portfolio of existing shopping centers and by developing new properties at strategic locations in Buenos Aires and other important urban areas, including in Argentine provinces and elsewhere in Latin America. The shopping center business is at present the strongest source of cash generation of our business segments.

Consumer financing. We operate a consumer financing business through Tarshop S.A., our controlled subsidiary. Tarshop’s operations consist primarily of lending and servicing activities relating to the consumer financing products we offer to consumers at shopping centers, hypermarkets and street stores. We seek to consolidate the operations of our consumer financing business and intend to maintain low levels of credit exposure through the securitization of our credit card loans. From time to time we consider strategic alternatives to maximize the value of our investment in Tarshop including its possible merger with, or sale to, another financial institution actively engaged in the Argentine credit card industry. Although we are actively considering a range of such strategic alternatives, we cannot give you any assurance if or when any of them will be in fact be implemented.

Residential properties. During the economic crisis in Argentina in 2001 and 2002, a scarcity of mortgage financing restrained growth in middle class home purchases. As a result, in recent years, we focused on projects for affluent individuals who did not need to finance their home purchases, by concentrating on the development of residential properties for medium- and high-income individuals. In urban areas, we seek to purchase undeveloped properties in densely-populated areas and build apartment complexes offering “greenspace” for recreational activities. In suburban areas, we seek to develop residential communities by acquiring undeveloped properties with convenient access to Buenos Aires, developing roads and other basic infrastructure such as power and water, and then selling lots for the construction of residential units. During fiscal year 2008, we entered into a partnership with Cyrela Brazil Realty S.A. Empreendimentos e Participações, a leading Brazilian residential real estate developer, to penetrate new market segments. IRSA-CYRELA will develop residential real estate projects in Argentina and increase its presence in this business by offering financing to its customers.

Office buildings. During the Argentine economic crisis in 2001 and 2002, little new investment was made in high-quality office buildings in Buenos Aires and, as a result, we believe there is currently substantial demand

 

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for desirable office space in Buenos Aires. We seek to purchase, develop and operate premium office buildings in strategically-located business districts in the City of Buenos Aires and other locations that we believe offer potential for rental income and long-term capital gain. We expect to continue our focus on attracting premium corporate tenants to our office buildings and will consider opportunities to acquire existing properties or construct new buildings depending on the location and circumstances.

Hotel operations. We believe our portfolio of three luxury hotels is positioned to take advantage of future growth in tourism and business travel in Argentina. Our strategy has been investing in high-quality properties which are operated by leading international hotel companies to capitalize on our operating experience and international reputation. We are currently remodeling the Hotel Sheraton Libertador and the Hotel Intercontinental. In December, 2007, we inaugurated 43 new suites in the Hotel Llao Llao in Bariloche, Argentina.

Banco Hipotecario. Banco Hipotecario is a full-service commercial bank offering a wide variety of banking activities and related financial services to individuals, small and medium sized companies and large corporations. Banco Hipotecario is a leader in this segment in Argentina. Since 1999, Banco Hipotecario’s shares have been listed on the Buenos Aires Stock Exchange, and since 2006 it has participated in the Level 1 ADR program of the Bank of New York. We believe that our 11.8% investment in Banco Hipotecario has attractive prospects for long-term appreciation. Unlike certain other countries in Latin America, Argentina has a low level of mortgages outstanding, particularly if measured in terms of GDP; accordingly, a significant potential growth is expected for this sector in the future. Finally, we believe that the mortgage origination business and our real estate development business (which we expect to be bolstered through our recent partnership with Cyrela mentioned above) may potentially benefit from synergies that enhacing operational efficiencies and cross selling opportunities that may promote the development of our projects.

Land reserves. We continuously seek to acquire undeveloped land at locations we consider attractive inside and outside Buenos Aires. In all cases, our intention is to purchase land with significant development or appreciation potential for subsequent sale. We believe that holding a portfolio of desirable undeveloped parcels of land enhances our ability to make strategic long-term investments and affords us a valuable “pipeline” of new development projects for upcoming years.

International. In the past, we have made significant real estate investments outside of Argentina, including investments in Brazil Realty S.A. in Brazil and Fondo de Valores Inmobiliarios in Venezuela which we disposed of in 2002 and 2001, respectively. Although we cannot assure you that we will make further investments outside of Argentina, we believe that Brazil and certain other Latin American countries offer certain interesting real estate opportunities. We expect to continue to evaluate actively such regional opportunities as they arise.

Shopping Centers

Overview

We are engaged in the ownership, acquisition, development, leasing, management and operation of shopping centers through our subsidiary Alto Palermo, and is one of the largest owners and managers of shopping centers in Argentina in terms of gross leasable area and number of shopping centers. As of June 30, 2008, Alto Palermo owned a majority interest in, and operated, a portfolio of ten shopping centers in Argentina, of which five are located in the City of Buenos Aires (Abasto, Paseo Alcorta, Alto Palermo, Patio Bullrich and Buenos Aires Design), one is located in the greater Buenos Aires area (Alto Avellaneda), and the rest are located in different provinces (Alto Noa in the City of Salta, Alto Rosario in the City of Rosario, Mendoza Plaza in the City of Mendoza and Córdoba Shopping Villa Cabrera in the City of Córdoba).

As of June 30, 2008, we owned approximately 63.3% of Alto Palermo, and Parque Arauco S.A. (“Parque Arauco”) owned 29.6%. The remaining shares are held by the public and traded on the Bolsa de Comercio de Buenos Aires and on the Nasdaq National Market (USA) under the symbol “APSA.” In addition, as of June 30, 2008, we owned US$31.7 million of Alto Palermo’s convertible notes due 2014. If we and all other holders of

 

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such convertible Notes were to exercise our option to convert the convertible notes into shares of Alto Palermo’s common stock, our shareholding in Alto Palermo would increase to 65.9% of its fully diluted capital.

Alto Palermo’s shopping centers comprise a total of 232,659 square meters of gross leasable area (excluding certain space occupied by hypermarkets which are not Alto Palermo’s tenants and the surface area of our subsidiary Panamerican Mall that includes several projects one of which is the construction of a shopping center). Total tenant sales in Alto Palermo’s shopping centers, excluding Córdoba Shopping, as reported by retailers, were approximately Ps. 3,581.5 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2008 and Ps. 2,825.8 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2007 (with Córdoba Shopping Villa Cabrera, the total sales to June 30, 2008 were of Ps. 3,702.3 millions). Tenant sales at Alto Palermo’s shopping centers are relevant to its revenues and profitability because they are one of the factors that determine the amount of rent that Alto Palermo charge its tenants. They also affect the tenants’ overall occupancy costs as a percentage of the tenant’s sales.

During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2008, the income from Alto Palermo’s largest tenants who are the biggest tenants of each shopping center, was 4.8% of consolidated sales from revenues and services.

As of June 30, 2008, Alto Palermo owned and/or operated the following ten shopping centers in Argentina:

 

Shopping Center

   Interest owned(4)    

Location

Paseo Alcorta

   100 %   City of Buenos Aires, Argentina

Patio Bullrich

   100 %   City of Buenos Aires, Argentina

Abasto

   100 %   City of Buenos Aires, Argentina

Alto Palermo(1)

   100 %   City of Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires Design(2)

   54 %   City of Buenos Aires, Argentina

Alto Avellaneda

   100 %   Buenos Aires, Argentina            

Alto Noa

   100 %   Salta, Argentina                        

Alto Rosario

   100 %   Santa Fe, Argentina                  

Mendoza Plaza

   100 %   Mendoza, Argentina                  

Córdoba Shopping Villa Cabrera(3)

   100 %   Córdoba, Argentina                   

 

 

(1) Alto Palermo have a 99.99% interest in Alto Palermo through a 99.99% interest in our subsidiary Shopping Alto Palermo S.A. (“SAPSA”).

 

(2) Alto Palermo have a 54% equity interest of Emprendimiento Recoleta S.A. (“ERSA”), which holds the concession to operate the Buenos Aires Design Shopping Center.

 

(3) Alto Palermo have a 100% interest in Córdoba Shopping Villa Cabrera through a 100% interest in our subsidiary Empalme S.A.I.C.F.A.G. y A.

 

(4) Percentage of equity interest owned has been rounded

Tenant Retail Sales

The following table sets forth the total approximate tenant retail sales in Pesos at the shopping centers in which Alto Palermo had an interest for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2006, 2007 and 2008:

 

     Fiscal year ended June 30, (1)
   2006    2007    2008
     Ps    Ps    Ps

Abasto

   453,871,445    573,814,588    720,398,373

Alto Palermo

   436,244,953    502,220,444    631,821,667

Alto Avellaneda

   308,900,404    418,349,117    560,693,754

Paseo Alcorta

   264,060,375    321,948,304    385,515,939

Patio Bullrich

   195,877,528    226,200,714    271,411,516

Alto Noa

   104,529,187    130,318,508    173,998,891

Buenos Aires Design

   91,921,046    110,722,931    132,952,563

Mendoza Plaza

   275,864,008    337,757,597    433,394,266

Alto Rosario

   143,806,266    204,430,069    271,331,827

Córdoba Shopping—Villa Cabrera

   —      —      120,827,838

Total sales (2)

   2,275,075,212    2,825,762,272    3,702,346,634
              

 

 

(1) Retail sales based upon information provided to Alto Palermo by retailers and prior owners. The amounts shown reflect 100% of the retail sales of each shopping center, although in certain cases Alto Palermo owns less than 100% of such shopping centers.

 

(2) Excludes sales from stands and spaces used for special exhibitions.

 

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The following table shows certain information on shopping centers in which Alto Palermo held an interest as of June 30, 2008:

 

     Acquisition
date
   Gross leaseable
area (1)
   Number of
stores
   Occupation
percentage (2)
   Interest
percentage
   Book value as of June 30,
2008(3)
          (m2)         (%)    (%)    (thousands of Ps )

Abasto (4)

   7/94    39,642    171    99.6    100    174,725.3

Alto Palermo (5)

   11/97    18,551    143    100    100    170,512,9

Alto Avellaneda (6)

   11/97    37,030    142    99.8    100    95,905,2

Paseo Alcorta

   6/97    14,465    111    99.5    100    56,006,9

PatioBullrich

   10/98    11,685    80    100.0    100    98,063.3

Alto Noa (7)

   3/95    18,851    89    100.0    100    25,039.3

Buenos Aires Design (8)

   11/97    14,069    63    100.0    54    13,568.4

Mendoza Plaza (9)

   12/94    39,688    152    97.7    100    88,363.2

Alto Rosario (10)

   11/04    28,561    145    99.2    100    83,146.8

Córdoba Shopping – Villa Cabrera - (11) (12)

   12/06    10,117    104    97.2    100    71,186.1

Total

      232,659    1,200    99.3       876,517.5
                         

 

(1) Excludes the gross leaseable area occupied by hypermarkets that are not Alto Palermo’s tenants.

 

(2) Calculated by dividing square meters leased under leases in effect by gross leasable area as of June 30, 2008.

 

(3) Book value equals cost of acquisition of fixed assets or development plus improvements, (adjusted for inflation until February 28, 2003), less accumulated depreciation and impairment charges / recovery.

 

(4) Excludes approximately 3,800 square meters of space occupied by Museo de los Niños, Abasto

 

(5) On November 18, 1997, Alto Palermo acquired a 75% interest in the property and on December 23, 1997, Alto Palermo acquired the remaining 25%.

 

(6) On November 18, 1997, Alto Palermo acquired a 50% interest in the property and on December 23, 1997, Alto Palermo acquired the remaining 50%.

 

(7) In March 1995, September 1996 and January 2000, Alto Palermo acquired a 50%, 30% and 20% interest in the property, respectively.

 

(8) Alto Palermo owns a 54% interest in the company which holds the concession to operate this property. Alto Palermo consolidate sales of this shopping center. The amounts shown reflect 100% of the gross leasable area, the total number of stores and of the percentage leased. During May 2006, Alto Palermo acquired an additional 3% interest, increasing its interest from 51% to 54%.

 

(9) During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2008, Alto Palermo increased its interest in Mendoza Plaza Shopping S.A. from 85.4% to 100%.

 

(10) Excludes approximately 1,260 square meters of space occupied by Museo de los Niños, Rosario.

 

(11) Excludes 12,371 square meters of space occupied by movie theaters and a supermarket.

 

(12) On December 27, 2006, Alto Palermo acquired a 100% interest in the property.

Occupancy Rate

The following table sets forth the occupancy rate expressed as a percentage of the gross leasable area for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2006, 2007 and 2008:

 

     As of June 30
     2006    2007    2008
          %     

Abasto

   99.9    97.0    99.6

Alto Palermo

   100.0    99.6    100.0

Alto Avellaneda

   96.6    95.0    99.8

Paseo Alcorta

   99.2    99.0    99.5

Patio Bullrich

   100.0    100.0    100.0

Alto Noa

   100.0    100.0    100.0

Buenos Aires Design

   100.0    100.0    100.0

Mendoza Plaza

   97.8    95.9    97.7

Alto Rosario

   100.0    93.4    99.2

Córdoba Shopping Villa Cabrera

   —      —      97.2

Overall Average

   99.3    97.8    99.3

 

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Rental Price

The following table shows the annual average rental price per square meter for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2006, 2007 and 2008:

 

     Fiscal year ended June 30, (1)
     2006    2007    2008
     (Ps )    (Ps )    (Ps )

Abasto

   1,021.5    1,273.2    1,436.8

Alto Palermo

   2,432.2    2,925.0    3,058.5

Alto Avellaneda(2)

   899.7    1,099.8    972.4

Buenos Aires Design

   501.4    633.7    672.8

Paseo Alcorta

   1,628.7    2,074.2    2,313.8

Patio Bullrich

   1,791.6    2,051.1    2,095.6

Alto Noa

   280.0    343.9    461.2

Alto Rosario

   376.0    484.2    608.6

Mendoza Plaza

   353.8    455.6    537.0

Córdoba Shopping – Villa Cabrera

         870.6

 

(1) Annual rental price per gross leasable square meter reflects the sum of base rent, percentage rent, stands and revenues from admission rights (excluding any applicable tax on sales) divided by gross leasable square meters.

 

(2)

Alto Avellaneda´s revenue fall per square meter in fiscal year 2008, is due to the inclusion of 11.600 m2 belonging to Falabella.

Lease Expirations

The following table sets forth the schedule of estimated lease expirations for Alto Palermo’s shopping centers for leases in effect as of June 30, 2008, assuming that none of the tenants exercise renewal options or terminate their leases early:

 

Lease Expiration as of June 30,(3)

   Number of
Leases Expiring (1)
   Square Meters
Subject to
Expiring Leases
   Percentage of
Total Square
Meters Subject to
Expiration
   Annual Base
Rent Under
Expiring
Leases (2)
   Percentage of Total
Base Rent Under
Expiring Leases
          (m2)    (%)    (Ps. )    (%)

2009

   554    103,092    44    64,177,684    40

2010

   291    39,340    17    40,347,812    25

2011

   288    37,885    16    41,529,159    26

2012 and subsequent years

   67    52,342    23    13,216,865    9

Totall(2)

   1,200    232,659    100    159,271,520    100

 

(1) Including the vacant stores as of June 30, 2008. A lease may be associated to one or more stores.

 

(2) Including the base rent and does not reflect Alto Palermo’s ownership interest in each property.

 

(3) Even though the leases are cancelable by law, Alto Palermo consider them to be non-cancelable for these purposes. See note 19.Is) to Alto Palermo’s consolidated financial statements for more information as to how we considered this definition.

Depreciation

The net book value of the properties has been determined using the straight-line method of depreciation calculated over the useful life of the property. For more information, see Alto Palermo’s consolidated financial statements.

Detailed Information About Each of Alto Palermo’s Shopping Centers

Set forth below is information regarding Alto Palermo’s shopping center portfolio, including tables with the names of the five largest tenants of each shopping center and certain lease provisions agreed with such tenants.

Abasto, City of Buenos Aires.

Abasto is a 171-store shopping center property located in the center of the City of Buenos Aires with direct access from the Carlos Gardel subway station, six blocks from the Once railway terminal and near the highway to Ezeiza International Airport. Abasto opened on November 10, 1998. Alto Palermo invested approximately

 

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US$111.6 million in Abasto. The main building is a landmark building that, between 1889 and 1984 was the primary fresh produce market for Buenos Aires. Alto Palermo converted the property into an 116,646 square meter shopping center with approximately 39,642 square meters of gross leasable area. Abasto is the fourth largest shopping center in Argentina in terms of gross leasable area. This shopping center is close to Torres de Abasto, Alto Palermo’s developed residential apartment complex, and to Coto supermarket.

Abasto includes a food court with 24 restaurants, a multiplex cinema with 12 movie theaters and seating for approximately 3,100 people covering an area of 9,890 square meters, entertainment facilities and a 3,800 square meter children’s museum that is not included in the gross leasable area. The shopping center is spread out over five levels and has a 1,200-car parking lot consisting of 40,169 square meters (excluding the supermarket).

Abasto’s target clientele consists of middle-income individuals between the ages of 25 and 45 which Alto Palermo believes represent a significant portion of the population in this area of Buenos Aires.

During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2008, visitors to the shopping center generated total retail sales of approximately Ps. 720,4 million, representing sales per square meter of approximately Ps. 18,172.6. Revenues from leases increased from approximately Ps. 56,4 million for the fiscal year 2007 to Ps. 70.3 million for the fiscal year 2008 which represent monthly revenues per gross leasable square meter of Ps. 118.4 in 2007 and Ps. 147.8 in 2008. As of June 30, 2008, the occupancy rate in Abasto was 99.6%.

Abasto’s five largest tenants (in terms of sales in this shopping center) accounted for approximately 11.8% of Abasto’s gross leasable area as of June 30, 2008 and approximately 8.7% of the annual base rent for the fiscal year ended on such date.

Alto Palermo, City of Buenos Aires

Alto Palermo is a 143-store shopping center which opened in 1990 in a well-known middle class and densely populated neighborhood named Palermo in the City of Buenos Aires. Alto Palermo is located at the intersection of Santa Fe and Coronel Díaz avenues, only a few minutes from downtown Buenos Aires with nearby access from the Bulnes subway station. Alto Palermo has a total constructed area of 65,029 square meters that consists of 18,551 square meters of gross leasable area. The shopping center has an entertainment center and a food court with 19 restaurants. Alto Palermo is spread out over four levels and has a 654-car pay parking lot of 32,405 square meters. In 1992 Alto Palermo was awarded a prize from the International Council of Shopping Centers for its overall design and appearance. Alto Palermo’s targeted clientele consists of middle-income individuals between the ages of 28 and 40. In January 2007 Alto Palermo started a substantial renovation of this shopping center that was partially finished in May, 2008. This renovation includes the modification of Coronel Díaz’s front, the low bridge of this street Arenales, the access on Santa Fe, the food court, and general renovations inside the mall.

During fiscal year ended June 30, 2008, visitors to the shopping center generated total retail sales of approximately Ps. 631,8 million, which represented sales per square meter of approximately Ps. 34,058.6. Revenues from leases increased from approximately Ps.57.7 million for the fiscal year 2007 to Ps.70.3 million for the fiscal year 2008, which represented monthly revenues per gross leasable square meter of Ps. 264.2 in 2007 and Ps.315.9 in 2008. As of June 30, 2008, the occupancy rate in Alto Palermo was 100%.

Alto Palermo’s five largest tenants (in terms of sales in this shopping center) accounted for approximately 17.4% of its gross leasable area at June 30, 2008 and approximately 9.2% of its annual base rent for the fiscal year ended on such date.

Alto Avellaneda, greater Buenos Aires area

Alto Avellaneda is a 142-store suburban shopping center that opened in October 1995 and is located in the City of Avellaneda, which is on the southern border of the City of Buenos Aires. This shopping center is next to a railway terminal and is close to downtown Buenos Aires. Alto Avellaneda has a total constructed area of

 

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108,598.8 square meters which consists of 37,030 square meters of gross leasable area and common areas covering 23,712 square meters. The shopping center has a multiplex cinema with six movie theatres, the first Wal-Mart superstore in Argentina, a bowling center, an entertainment center, a food court with 17 restaurants and an anchor store, Falabella, that opened April 28, 2008. Wal-Mart (not included in gross leasable area) purchased the space it occupies, but it pays for its pro rata share of the common expenses of Alto Avellaneda. The shopping center is contained mostly on one floor, with the cinema located on the second floor, and has a 2,700-car free parking lot consisting of 47,856 square meters. Alto Avellaneda Shopping’s targeted clientele consists of middle-income individuals between the ages of 16 and 30.

During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2008, visitors to the shopping center generated total retail sales of approximately Ps.560.7 million which represents sales per square meter of approximately Ps.15, 141.6. Revenues from leases increased from approximately Ps.31.2 million for the fiscal year 2007 to Ps.40.5 million for the fiscal year 2008 which represent monthly revenues per gross leasable square meter of Ps.95.3 in 2007 and Ps.91.2 in 2008. As of June 30, 2008, the occupancy rate in Alto Avellaneda was 99.8%.

Alto Avellaneda’s five largest tenants (in terms of sales in this shopping center) accounted for approximately 34.7% of its gross leasable area as of June 30, 2008 and approximately 12.2% of its annual base rent for the fiscal year ended on such date.

Buenos Aires Design, City of Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires Design is a shopping center with 63 stores specialized in interior and home decoration stores which opened in 1993. Alto Palermo owns a 54% interest in Emprendimiento Recoleta S.A. (“ERSA”), the company which has the concession to operate Buenos Aires Design. The other shareholder of ERSA is o Grupo Bapro S.A.with a 44% interest.

As a result of a public auction, in February 1991, the City of Buenos Aires granted to ERSA a 20-year concession to use a plot of land in the Centro Cultural Recoleta. There can be no assurance that the City of Buenos Aires will extend the term of this concession upon its expiration. The concession agreement provides for ERSA to pay the City of Buenos Aires a monthly amount of Ps. 20,168. It establishes that the concession may be terminated for any of the following reasons, among others:

 

   

material breach of the obligations of the parties, which with regard to ERSA include: (i) breach of applicable law, (ii) change of the purpose of the area under concession; (iii) non payment of the monthly fee for two consecutive periods;

 

   

destruction or abandonment of the area under concession;

 

   

bankruptcy or liquidation;

 

   

restitution of the plot of land under concession, which shall only take place for public interest reasons.

In June 1991, Alto Palermo entered into an agreement with the shareholders of ERSA providing Alto Palermo’s administration of Buenos Aires Design for a monthly administration fee of approximately Ps. 12,000 plus VAT.

Buenos Aires Design is in a high-income neighborhood named Recoleta in the City of Buenos Aires, near Libertador Avenue and downtown Buenos Aires. Buenos Aires Design is located in one of Buenos Aires’ most popular tourist attraction areas. Many exclusive hotels and restaurants are located in this area, and the shopping center is close to the National Museum of Fine Arts, the Museum of Modern Art and other popular cultural institutions.

Buenos Aires Design has a total constructed area of 26,131.5 square meters that consists of 14,069 gross meters of leasable area. The shopping center has five restaurants anchored by the Hard Rock Café and a terrace that covers 3,700 square meters. The shopping center is divided into two floors and has a 174-car pay parking lot. Buenos Aires Design’s targeted clientele consists of upper-middle income individuals between the ages of 25 and 45.

 

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During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2008, visitors to the shopping center generated total retail sales in nominal value of approximately Ps. 132.9 million which represents sales per square meter of approximately Ps. 9,450. Revenues from leases increased from approximately Ps. 10.4 million for the fiscal year 2007 to Ps. 12 million for the fiscal year 2008 which represent monthly revenues per gross leasable square meter of Ps. 61.7 in 2007 and Ps. 71.2 in 2008. As of June 30, 2008, the occupancy rate in Buenos Aires Design was 100%.

Buenos Aires Design’s five largest tenants (in terms of sales in this shopping center) accounted for approximately 22.9% of Buenos Aires Design’s gross leasable area on June 30, 2008 and approximately 20.1% of its annual base rent for the fiscal year ended on such date.

Paseo Alcorta, City of Buenos Aires

Paseo Alcorta is a 111-store shopping center which opened in 1992, located in the residential area of Palermo Chico, one of the most exclusive areas in the City of Buenos Aires, and a short drive from downtown Buenos Aires, has a total constructed area of approximately 87,553.8 square meters that consists of 14,465 square meters of gross leasable area. Paseo Alcorta has a food court with 17 restaurants and a Carrefour hypermarket on the ground floor. Carrefour purchased the space it occupies but pays for its pro rata share of the common expenses of the shopping center. Paseo Alcorta is spread out over three shopping center levels and has a parking lot for approximately 1,300 cars. Paseo Alcorta’s targeted clientele consists of high-income individuals between the ages of 34 and 54.

During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2008, visitors to the shopping center generated total retail sales in nominal value of approximately Ps.385.5 million which represents sales per square meter of approximately Ps.26,652. Revenues from leases increased from approximately Ps 31.2 million for the fiscal year 2007 to Ps.37.4 million for the fiscal year 2008, which represent monthly revenues per gross leasable square meter of Ps.180.8 in 2007 and Ps.215.5 in 2008 As of June 30, 2008, the occupancy rate in Paseo Alcorta was 99.5%.

Paseo Alcorta’s five largest tenants (in terms of sales in this shopping center) accounted for approximately 14.2% of Paseo Alcorta’s gross leasable area at June 30, 2008 and approximately 9.2% of its annual base rent for the fiscal year ended on such date.

Patio Bullrich, City of Buenos Aires

Patio Bullrich is an 80-store shopping center which opened in 1988 and the first shopping center to start operations in the City of Buenos Aires. Alto Palermo acquired Patio Bullrich on October 1, 1998 for US$ 72.3 million.

Patio Bullrich is in the neighborhood of Recoleta, one of the most prosperous areas of the City of Buenos Aires. This district is a residential, cultural and tourist center that includes distinguished private homes, historical sites, museums, theatres and embassies. The shopping center is located within walking distance of prestigious hotels and the subway, bus and train systems. Additionally, the shopping center is only 10 minutes by car from the downtown area of the City of Buenos Aires.

Patio Bullrich has a total constructed area of 29,982 square meters that consist of 11,685 square meters of gross leasable area and common areas covering 12,472 square meters. The shopping center has a multiplex cinema with four- movie theatres complex with 1,381 seats, an entertainment area of 3,066 square meters and a food court of 14 restaurants. The center is spread out over four levels and has a pay parking lot for 215 cars in an area consisting of 4,825 square meters.

 

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Patio Bullrich is one of the most successful shopping centers in Argentina in terms of sales per square meter. Its targeted clientele consists of high-income individuals aged 45 and above.

During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2008, visitors to the shopping center generated total retail sales of approximately Ps. 271.4 million that represent sales per square meter of approximately Ps. 23,227. Revenues from leases increased from approximately Ps. 25.4 million for the fiscal year 2007 to Ps. 28.9 million for the fiscal year 2008, which represent monthly revenues per gross leasable square meter of Ps. 192.6 in 2007 and Ps. 205.9 in 2008. As of June 30, 2008, the occupancy rate in Patio Bullrich was 100%.

Patio Bullrich’s five largest tenants (in terms of sales in the shopping center) accounted for approximately 18.3% of Patio Bullrich’s gross leasable area at June 30, 2008 and approximately 12.7% of its annual base rent for the fiscal year ended on such date.

Alto Noa, City of Salta

Alto Noa is an 89-store shopping center that opened in 1994. Alto Noa is located in the City of Salta, the capital of the Province of Salta, in the northwestern region of Argentina. The province of Salta has a population of approximately 1.2 million inhabitants with approximately 0.6 million inhabitants in the City of Salta. The shopping center has a total constructed area of approximately 30,876 square meters which consists of 18,851 square meters of gross leasable area. Alto Noa has a food court with 14 restaurants, a large entertainment center, a supermarket and a multiplex cinema with eight movie theatres. The shopping center is contained on one floor and has a free parking lot for 551 cars. Alto Noa’s targeted clientele consists of middle-income individuals between the ages of 28 and 40.

On May 29, 1998, Alto Palermo entered into a lending facility agreement with Hoyts which established the terms of the construction and for the lease of space to operate a cinema complex in Alto Noa. Pursuant to this agreement, Hoyts agreed to finance up to US$ 4.0 million of the cost of the construction of the part of the building where the cinema complex would be located. Construction was completed in August 2000, at which time Hoyts started leasing the space for a period of ten years with options for Hoyts to renew the lease for two additional consecutive ten-year periods. As of October 2000, borrowings under the facility totaled US$ 4.0 million. These borrowings accrue interest at the six-month LIBOR plus 2.25%. Under the agreement, borrowings are being repaid by offsetting against the rent payable by Hoyts Cinema. The amount outstanding under this loan as of June 30, 2008 was Ps 3.7 million. If after 30 years of lease, the loan has not been repaid in its entirety, the remaining balance shall become due. Pursuant to Decree No. 214/02, the loan and the lease agreements, which were originally denominated in U.S. Dollars, were mandatorily converted into Pesos.

During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2008, visitors to the shopping center generated total retail sales in nominal value of approximately Ps. 173.9 million, which represents sales per square meter of approximately Ps. 9,230. Revenues from leases increased from approximately Ps. 6.6 million for the fiscal year 2007 to Ps. 9.6 million for the fiscal year 2008 which represent monthly revenues per gross leasable square meter of Ps. 29.4 in 2007 and Ps. 42.5 in 2008. As of June 30, 2008, the occupancy rate in Alto Noa was 100%.

Alto Noa’s five largest tenants (in terms of sales in this shopping center) accounted for approximately 33% of Alto Noa’s gross leasable area at June 30, 2008 and approximately 16.4% of its annual base rent for the fiscal year ended on such date.

Mendoza Plaza, City of Mendoza

Mendoza Plaza is a 152-store shopping center which opened in 1992 and is in the City of Mendoza, the capital of the Province of Mendoza. As of June 30, 2008 Alto Palermo owns a 100% interest in Mendoza Plaza Shopping S.A.. The city of Mendoza has a population of approximately 1.0 million inhabitants, making it the fourth largest city in Argentina. Mendoza Plaza consists of 39,688 square meters of gross leasable area. Mendoza Plaza has a multiplex cinema covering an area of approximately 3,659 square meters with ten movie theatres, the Chilean department store Falabella, a food court with 20 restaurants, an entertainment center and a supermarket which is also a tenant. The shopping center has two levels and has a free parking lot for 2,600 cars. Mendoza Plaza’s targeted clientele consists of middle-income individuals between the ages of 28 and 40.

 

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During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2008, shopping center visitors generated total retail sales in nominal value of approximately Ps.433.4 million, which represents sales per square meter of approximately Ps.10,920. Revenues from leases increased from approximately Ps. 18.8 million for the fiscal year 2007 to Ps.24.2 million for the fiscal year 2008 which represent monthly revenues per gross leasable square meter of Ps.39.7 in 2007 and Ps.50.9 in 2008. As of June 30, 2008, the occupancy rate in Mendoza Plaza Shopping was approximately 97.7%.

Mendoza Plaza’s five largest tenants (in terms of sales in this shopping center) accounted for approximately 33.5% of Mendoza Plaza’s gross leasable area at June 30, 2008 and approximately 21% of its annual base rent for the fiscal year ended on such date.

Alto Rosario, City of Rosario

Alto Rosario is a 145-store shopping center located in the city of Rosario, the third largest city in Argentina in terms of population. It has a total constructed area of approximately 100,750 square meters, which consists of 28,561 square meters of gross leasable area. Alto Rosario has a food court with 15 restaurants, a large entertainment center, a supermarket and a Showcase cinema with 14 state-of-the-art movie theatres. The shopping center occupies on one floor and has a free parking lot for 1,736 cars. Alto Rosarios’s targeted clientele consists of middle-income individuals between the ages of 28 and 40.

During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2008, visitors to the shopping center generated total retail sales in nominal value of approximately Ps. 271.3 million, which represents sales per square meter of approximately Ps. 9,500. Revenues from leases increased from approximately Ps. 15.5 million for the fiscal year 2007 to Ps. 20.0 million for the fiscal year 2008, which represent monthly revenues per gross leasable square meter of Ps. 42.6 in 2007 and Ps. 58.5 in 2008. As of June 30, 2008, the occupancy rate in Alto Rosario was 99.2%.

Alto Rosario’s five largest tenants (in terms of sales in this shopping center) accounted for approximately 37.4% of Alto Rosario’s gross leasable area at June 30, 2008 and approximately 10.3% of its annual base rent for the fiscal year ended on such date.

Córdoba Shopping Villa Cabrera.

On July 7, 2006, Alto Palermo executed a share purchase agreement jointly with Alto Palermo’s subsidiary Shopping Alto Palermo S.A. for the acquisition of all the shares held by Empalme S.A.I.C.F.A. y G., owner of Córdoba Shopping Villa Cabrera. The price agreed upon for such transaction was set at a gross amount of US$12.0 million plus a variable amount (originally established in the contract), that was determined at Ps.4 million. The Company’s incorporation was effective on December 31, 2006. To date, Alto Palermo’s and its subsidiary Shopping Alto Palermo S.A. paid over US$10 million and the amount related to the “year-end adjustment”. As of June 30, 2008, one US$2.0 million installments is pending payment; such installment will become due and payable semi-annually as from December 2008, accruing interest at 6.0% p.a. To secure the unpaid payment price, Alto Palermo has pledged in favor of the sellers 100% of Alto Palermo’s equity interests in Empalme. Upon repaying each of the remaining installments, the encumbrance will be partially lifted.

As of December 16, 2008 the fourth installment was cancelled and the encumbrance was lifted.

Córdoba Shopping Villa Cabrera is a shopping center covering 35,000 square meters of surface area, which consists of 10,117 square meters of gross leasable area. Córdoba Shopping has 104 commercial stores, 12 cinemas and parking lot for 1,500 vehicles, located in Villa Cabrera, City of Córdoba. This investment represents for us a growing opportunity in the commercial centers segment in line with the expansion strategy and presence in the principal markets inside the country.

 

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During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2008, visitors to the shopping center generated total retail sales in nominal value of approximately Ps. 120.8 million, which represents sales per square meter of approximately Ps. 11,943. Revenues from leases for the fiscal year 2008 were Ps. 10.6 million, which represent monthly revenues per gross leasable square meter of Ps. 87.1. As of June 30, 2008, the occupancy rate was 97.2%.

Córdoba Shopping’s five largest tenants (in terms of sales in this shopping center) accounted for approximately 13.7% of Córdoba Shopping’s gross leasable area at June 30, 2008 and approximately 7.6% of its annual base rent for the fiscal year ended on such date.

New Projects and Undeveloped Properties.

Renovation works at existing shopping centers.

During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2008, Alto Palermo completed several renovation projects in its shopping centers. Alto Palermo continued the construction of parking spaces in Paseo Alcorta shopping center which is expected to open shortly. The anchor store, Falabella was opened in Alto Avellaneda shopping center.

In Patio Bullrich, Alto Palermo finished the Yenny store during the first days after the closing of the quarter, and made progress in the construction of the buildings adjacent to the Shopping center. Alto Palermo also renovated the Coronel Díaz avenue facade, the Santa Fe avenue access, and the food court of the Alto Palermo shopping center and as of June 30, 2008, Alto Palermo was close to finishing the under-bridge in Arenales Street and improvements to the shopping centers’ interiors. Alto Palermo Shopping Center’s re-launching was accompanied by the addition of new tenants, which has generated a higher number of customers and, enhanced the sales of the other tenants.

Panamerican Mall Project, Buenos Aires City.

In December 2006, Alto Palermo entered into several agreements for the construction, commercialization, and administration of a new shopping center to be developed in the Saavedra neighborhood, in the City of Buenos Aires, by Panamerican Mall S.A. This project includes the construction of a shopping center, a hypermarket, cinemas, and an office building and/or a residential building. The completed project will cover an area of over 50,000 m2 of gross leasable area. This is one of the most important project in Alto Palermo’s pipeline. In the first half of March 2007, Alto Palermo started the construction of the shopping center, and Alto Palermo believes that it will be open in the first half of 2009.

Barter transaction agreement.

In October 2007, Alto Palermo entered into a barter agreement with Condominios del Alto S.A. pursuant to which Alto Palermo bartered a plot of land located in Rosario, Province of Santa Fe for 15 apartments and 15 parking spaces of the total units to be constructed on the land. Under this agreement, Alto Palermo will have a 14.85% and 15% of the total square meters covered by the apartments and garages, respectively. The total value of the transaction is US$ 1.1 million. Upon signing the agreement, Condominios del Alto S.A. paid Alto Palermo US$ 15,300 and assumed certain obligations. Condominios del Alto S.A. (i) guaranteed the transaction by mortgaging the land in favor of Alto Palermo for US$ 1.1 million; (ii) established a security insurance of US$ 1.6 million in Alto Palermo’s favor; and (iii) made the shareholders of Condominios del Alto S.A. guarantors of its obligations up to the amount of US$ 0.8 million.

Alto Palermo also, entered into another barter agreement with Condominios del Alto S.A. pursuant to which Alto Palermo bartered another plot of land for 42 apartments and 47 parking spaces of the total units to be constructed on the land. Under this agreement, Alto Palermo will have 22% of the total square meters covered by the apartments and garages, respectively. The total value of the transaction is US$ 2.3 million.

 

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Torres Rosario, City of Rosario.

Alto Palermo owns a plot of land of about 50,000 m2 in theCity of Rosario , in the same place where Alto Palermo’s shopping center Alto Rosario Shopping . On October 11, 2007, entered into a barter agreement with Condominios del Alto S.A. whereby Alto Palermo exchanged a fraction of lot 2-g, with a total area of 7,901.30 m2, for 15 units to be built with an area of 1,504.45 m2 and 15 parking spaces. During the fiscal year ended, there has been work progress in the site, its completion being estimated for the first months of the calendar year 2009.

Acquisition of Patio Olmos.

In November 2006, Alto Palermo acquired from the Provincial Government of Cordoba a property known as “Edificio Ex Escuela Gobernador Vicente de Olmos” (“Olmos”) located in Cordoba, Argentina for an aggregate purchase price of Ps. 32.5 million, of which Alto Palermo made a down payment of Ps. 9.7 million as of that date. The property, which is located in the City of Cordoba, is a 5,147 square meter four-story building. The property is leased to an unrelated party who exploits the building as a shopping center. Alto Palermo did not acquire any rights to the shopping center business. The transaction was pending certain approvals which were obtained in September 2007 when the deed was signed and the remaining balance paid.

Caballito Project.

Alto Palermos is the owners of a plot of land with an area of approximately 25,539 m2 in the City of Buenos Aires, in the Caballito neighborhood. This land could be allocated to the construction of a shopping center. Alto Palermo has not yet obtained the authorization from the Government of the City of Buenos Aires to develop the shopping center in this site, and Alto Palermo cannot assure you that Alto Palermo will obtain it.

Exercise of option.

In August 2007, Alto Palermo exercised the option to purchase a 75% interest in a company engaged in the development of a cultural, recreational and entertainment complex in the Palermo neighborhood in Buenos Aires. Alto Palermo paid US$ 0.6 million for the option which is accounted for under non current investments. The purchase is subject to certain approvals by the regulatory authorities which have not been obtained as of the date of this annual report. Should the approvals be obtained, Alto Palermo has committed to invest approximately US$ 24.4 million.

Coto Residential Project.

Alto Palermo is the owners of an air space of about 24,000 m2 above Coto Hypermarket, close to Alto Palermo’s Abasto Shopping Center, in downtown Buenos Aires. Alto Palermo S.A and Coto Centro Integral de Comercialización S.A. (Coto) executed a public deed on September 24, 1997, whereby Alto Palermo acquired the rights to receive parking units and the rights to construct above the building located between Agüero, Lavalle, Guardia Vieja and Gallo Streets, in the Abasto neighborhood of Buenos Aires.

In July, 2008 Alto Palermo entered into a barter agreement with CYRSA pursuant to which Alto Palermo is subject to certain closing conditions, would surrender to CYRSA its right to construct a tower over a preexisting structure (owned by a third party) in exchange for deminimis cash (US$ 0.9 million) and 25% of the housing units in the future buildings. The total fair value of the transaction is US$ 5.9 million.

Acquisition of Soleil Factory, Province of Buenos Aires.

On December 28, 2007, Alto Palermo entered into an agreement with INCSA, an unrelated party, for the acquisition of the Soleil Factory shopping center for an aggregate purchase price of US$ 20.7 million, of which US$ 8.1 million were paid and recorded as supplier advances. The transaction is subject to certain conditions. Upon fulfilment of the conditions and transfer of the business, the remaining balance of the purchase price amounting to US$ 12.6 million will accrue fixed interest at 5% per year. This balance will be paid in seven annual and consecutive installments starting on the first anniversary of the signing of the contract. As part of the same agreement, Alto Palermo entered into an offer to acquire, construct and operate a shopping center on land

 

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belonging to INCSA located in San Miguel de Tucuman, Province of Tucuman, in the northwest of Argentina. This transaction is also subject to the completion of the “Soleil Factory” transaction among other conditions. The parties determined the value of this transaction to be US$ 1.3 million.

Acquisition of Beruti Plot of Land.

In fiscal year 2008, Alto Palermo S.A. acquired a plot of land located at Beruti 3351/9, in the Palermo neighborhood, of the City of Buenos Aires. The property is 3,207 m2 and was acquired for US$ 17.8 million. The significance of this acquisition lies on the strategic location of the property, close to Alto Palermo, its main shopping center.

Neuquén Project.

The main asset of Shopping Neuquén S.A. is a 50,000 m2 undeveloped parcel of land located in Neuquén, Argentina, where Alto Palermo intends to develop a commercial project including the construction of a shopping center, and a hypermarket.

On December 13, 2006, Shopping Neuquén S.A. entered into an agreement with the Municipality of Neuquén and with the Province of Neuquén which rescheduled the terms of the commercial and residential venture and authorized Shopping Neuquén S.A. to transfer to third parties the title to the plots of land, provided that it is not the one on which the Shopping Center will be built. This agreement was conditional on the ratification of the agreement by means of an ordinance of the legislative body of the Municipality of Neuquén, and on the approval of the architectonic project and the extension of the environmental impact research study by the Municipality.

After registering the blueprints for the project, Shopping Neuquén S.A. has to start the works within a term of 90 days. The first stage of the work (a minimum of 21,000 square meters of the Shopping Center and 10,000 square meters of the hypermarket) should be concluded in a maximum of 22 months from the construction starting date. In case of default in any of the covenants established in the agreement, the Municipality of Neuquén is entitled to terminate the agreement.

This agreement put an end to the lawsuit “Shopping Neuquén S.A. against Municipalidad de Neuquén on Administrative Action” before the High Court of Neuquén.

Principal Terms of Alto Palermo’s Leases

Under Argentine Law, terms of commercial leases must be between three to ten years, with most leases in the shopping center business having terms of no more than five years. Alto Palermo’s lease agreements are generally denominated in Pesos.

Decree No. 214/2002 and Decree No. 762/2002, which modify Public Emergency Law No. 25,561, determine that duties to turn over sums of money which are denominated in U.S. dollars and which are not related to the financial system as of January 7, 2002 are subject to the following:

 

   

obligations will have to be paid in Pesos at a rate of Ps.1.00 = US$1.00. Additionally, these obligations are subject to inflation adjustment through the CER index;

 

   

if, as a consequence of this adjustment, the agreement is unfair to any of the parties, as long as the party that has the obligation to pay is not overdue and the adjustment is applicable, either may ask the other for a fairness adjustment. If they do not reach an agreement, a court will make the decision in order to preserve the continuity of the contract relation in a fair way; and

 

   

new lease agreements may be freely entered into between parties, even U.S. dollar denominated lease agreements.

Leasable space in Alto Palermo’s shopping centers is marketed through an exclusive arrangement with Alto Palermo’s real estate brokers Fibesa S.A. and Comercializadora Los Altos S.A.. Alto Palermo has a standard lease

 

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agreement, the terms and conditions of which are described below, which Alto Palermo uses for most tenants. However, Alto Palermo’s largest tenants generally negotiate better terms for their respective leases. No assurance can be given that lease terms will be as set forth in the standard lease agreement.

Alto Palermo charges its tenants a rent which consists of the higher of (i) a monthly base rent (the “Base Rent”) and (ii) a specified percentage of the tenant’s monthly gross sales in the store (the “Percentage Rent”) (which generally ranges between 4% and 10% of tenant’s gross sales). Furthermore, pursuant to the rent escalation clause in most leases, a tenant’s Base Rent generally increases between 4% and 12% each year during the term of the lease. Although many of Alto Palermo’s lease agreements contain readjustment clauses, these are not based on an official index nor do they reflect the inflation index. In the event of litigation, there can be no assurance that Alto Palermo may be able to enforce such clauses contained in Alto Palermo’s lease agreements.

In addition to rent, Alto Palermo charges most of its tenants an admission right, which is required to be paid upon entering into a lease agreement and upon a lease agreement renewal. The admission right is normally paid in one lump sum or in a small number of monthly installments. If the tenant pays this fee in installments, it is the tenant’s responsibility to pay for the balance of any such amount unpaid in the event the tenant terminates its lease prior to its expiration. In the event of unilateral termination and/or resolution for breach of duties by the tenant, a tenant will not be refunded its admission right without Alto Palermo’s consent.

Alto Palermo is responsible for supplying each shopping center with the electrical power connection and provision, a main telephone switchboard, central air conditioning connection and a connection to a general fire detection system. Each rental unit is connected to these systems. Alto Palermo also provides the food court tenants with sanitation and with gas systems connections. Each tenant is responsible for completing all the necessary installations within its own rental unit, in addition to the direct expenses generated by these items within each rental unit. These direct expenses generally include: electricity, water, gas, telephone and air conditioning. Tenants must also pay for a percentage of total charges and general taxes related to the maintenance of the common areas. Alto Palermo determines this percentage based on the tenant’s gross leasable area and the location of its store. The common area expenses include, among others, administration, security, operations, maintenance, cleaning and taxes.

Alto Palermo carries out promotional and marketing activities to increase attendance to Alto Palermo’s shopping centers. These activities are paid for with the tenants´ contributions to the Common Promotional Fund (“CPF”), which is administered by us. Every month tenants contribute to the CPF an amount equal to approximately 15% of their rent (Base Rent plus Percentage Rent), in addition to rent and expense payments. Alto Palermo may increase the percentage that tenants must contribute to the CPF, but the increase cannot exceed 25% of the original amount set forth in the corresponding lease agreement for the contributions to the CPF. Alto Palermo may also require tenants to make extraordinary contributions to the CPF to fund special promotional and marketing campaigns or to cover the costs of special promotional events that benefit all tenants. Alto Palermo may require tenants to make these extraordinary contributions up to four times a year provided that each such extraordinary contribution may not exceed 25% of the preceding monthly rental payment of the tenant.

Each tenant leases its rental unit as a shell without any fixtures. Each tenant is responsible for the interior design of its rental unit. Any modifications and additions to the rental units must be pre-approved by us. Alto Palermo has the option to decide tenants’ responsibility for all costs incurred in remodeling the rental units and for removing any additions made to the rental unit when the lease expires. Furthermore, tenants are responsible for obtaining adequate insurance for their rental units, which must include, among other things, coverage for fire, glass breakage, theft, flood, civil liability and workers’ compensation.

Control Systems

Alto Palermo has computer systems to monitor tenants’ sales in all of its shopping centers. Alto Palermo also conducts regular manual audits of its tenants accounting sales records in all of our shopping centers. Almost every store in those shopping centers has a computerized cash register that is linked to a main computer server in the administrative office of such shopping center. Alto Palermo uses the information generated from the computer

 

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monitoring system for auditing the Percentage Rent to be charged to each tenant and use the statistics regarding total sales, average sales, peak sale hours, etc., for marketing purposes. The lease contracts for tenants in Alto Avellaneda, Alto Palermo, Paseo Alcorta, Patio Bullrich, Buenos Aires Design (only with respect to agreements signed after its acquisition), Abasto, Alto Rosario Shopping, Alto Noa, Empalme and Mendoza Plaza Shopping contain a clause requiring tenants to be linked to the computer monitoring system.

Related Business

Consumer Financing Segment

Alto Palermo participates in the consumer financing business through its subsidiary Tarshop, in which its holds a 93.4% interest as of November 30, 2008. Tarshop is a non-regulated entity, operating in the issue, processing and marketing of its own non-banking credit card called Tarjeta Shopping, and grants loans and personal credits.

Tarshop competes in the two key businesses of the consumer financing market: purchase and credit cards and personal loans. In addition, Tarshop competes in the personal loans segment on the basis of two clearly differentiated product lines: cash loans and direct financing at stores.

As a result of a new commercial strategy implemented by Tarshop based on its positioning as one of the leading companies in the consumer financing market, and in view of the progress in personal loans reflected in the total sales of Tarshop, Alto Palermo has decided to change the name of its Credit Card segment to Consumer financing, to more accurately reflect Tarshop’s business.

As of June 30, 2008, Tarshop had 894,000 customer accounts of which 640,000 had unpaid balances, an average indebtedness of Ps. 1,630 per account. The total loan portfolio amounted to Ps. 1,044.6 million, 78% of which was securitized through the Tarjeta Shopping Financial Trusts Program.

Alto Palermo derives major sales from the credit card line, which in the fiscal year ended on June 30, 2008, accounted for 74% of total sales, amounting to Ps. 1,413.8 million (an average monthly amount of Ps. 117.8 million). As of this filing Tarshop has issued 958,000 cards including main holders and additional holders, and since 2005, it has issued, an average of over 11,000 cards for main holders each year.

During the same period, the personal loans business line generated 26% of the average monthly sales. In recent years, personal loans granted have increased, amounting Ps. 502 million for the fiscal year ended on June 30, 2008.

As of June 30, 2008, Tarshop had a commercial network that, comprised 29 points of sale, spread in the City of Buenos Aires, Greater Buenos Aires, Córdoba, Tucumán, Salta, and Jujuy. As at June 30, 2008, there were over 45,000 stores accepting its credit cards, 46% of which regularly made transactions and generated over 7.5 million transactions during the year.

Tarshop also owns 50% of the capital stock of Metroshop S.A.; the remaining 50% is owned by Metronec S.A., a subsidiary of Roggio S.A. This company is engaged in marketing credit cards by the addition of a chip that grants automatic access to the main means of transport by marking and personal loans through an independent distribution network. Tarshop processes the products marketed by Metroshop.

 

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The table below contains information about Alto Palermo’s consumer financing business for the relevant fiscal years:

 

     Fiscal year ended on June 30,
     2005    2006    2007
     (In constant million Ps.)

Revenue:

        

Interest collected

   14.8    29.9    52

Commissions to merchants

   14.7    22.7    35.8

Other fees and commissions

   0.0    0.1    4.8

Interest, default interest, and other interest

   3.1    5.9    14.8

Charges for account maintenance

   12.7    22.2    33.2

Charges for life and disability insurance

   19.4    41.6    73.2

Income of metroshop

   0.1    0.4    1.7

Other services

   0.0    0.1    2.4

Reissued credit cards

   0.0    0.1    1.5

Total

   64.8    123    219.4

Total credits (1)

   209.2    384.6    723.5

Issued credit cards

   0.4    0.5    0.6

Branches (2)

   19    20    25

Adhered stores (2)

   21,500    25,900    38,100

 

(1) Including securitized fraction

 

(2) Figures expressed in amounts

The table below contains information about Alto Palermo’s consumer financing business for fiscal year ended on June 30, 2008, according to income statement of Tarshop:

 

     Fiscal year ended on June 30,
2008
     (In constant million Ps.)

Tariffs to stores and loans

   41.5

Income from services

   163.8

Interest

   74.6

Other income from services

   6.3

Account statements

   3.9

Income from Metroshop services

   2.8

Less: Revenues discounts

   -2.0

Total Revenues

   290.9

Purchase and credit card

Tarshop operates in this business not only as an issuing and financing company as processor of its own card trademark, and as payer to the network of stores accepting the product. These characteristics are typical of a closed purchase and credit card system.

Tarjeta Shopping is accepted in over 45,000 affiliated stores, as of June 30, 2008, including the main supermarket, household appliances chains, and shopping centers.

Tarshop provides a wide variety of benefits, such as exclusive discounts and promotions, financing plans in installments, cash advances through Banelco and Link networks all over the country, balance financing through minimum payments, payment through automatic teller machine networks “Banelco” and “Link;” through the Internet using the “Pago mis cuentas” service; or through direct debit payment, and, through Alto Palermo owns network of branches.

 

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A differentiating element of Tarshop’s competitive strategy is its ability to establish the eligibility of customers, and grant them their credit card immediately, which allows the customers to have immediately use of the product.

The main channels for attracting customers are Alto Palermo’s branch offices, and by stands and points of sale in its shopping centers and retail stores.

Cash loans and consumer financing at stores

Tarshop’s loans business operates through two distinct modalities:

 

   

Personal loans granting cash amounts without a fixed use, called “Préstamos Tarshop.”

 

   

Consumer financing at stores, granting loans to individuals intending to purchase a specific good, for a fixed amount in a store, called “Créditos Tarshop.”

Cash loans are granted in fixed installments in pesos and the terms offered vary according to market conditions.

Credit is granted immediately, upon the customer’s submittal of the relevant documents. The store submits this documentation to its processing center where, after the relevant analysis of the documents, Alto Palermo decides whether the credit is granted. Alto Palermo is developing a now software tool which will allow affiliated stores to determine eligibility at once in its centralized databases.

“Crédito Tarshop” is a powerful product since it turns each affiliated store into a small branch office to attract more customers.

Distribution Network

As of June 30, 2008, Tarshop had 29 branches, including Alto Palermo’s shopping centers Alto Avellaneda, Alto Palermo and Abasto, as well as storefronts in major commercial centers located in the District of Avellaneda, downtown Buenos Aires and in the cities of Lomas de Zamora, Morón, Quilmes, Liniers, Florencio Varela, San Justo, Moreno, Merlo, among others.It also has branches in the Provinces of Córdoba, Tucumán, Catamarca, Salta and San Salvador de Jujuy.

Alto Palermo has promotion stands, and account representatives at Wal-Mart Avellaneda, Supermercados Coto in the cities of Lanús, Sarandi, Temperley and Supermercado Hyper Libertar located in the city of Salta. Alto Palermo has strategic alliances with certain major household appliances and motorcycle stores, where credit can be granted on the spot.

Each branch is organized as an independent business unit, responsible for achieving its commercial goals, such as invoicing and account opening. Tarshop also has its own ATM structure in branches that allow for the collection of payables and for granting of cash loans to customers.

Assessment

Applications for issue of credit products are subject to a credit assessment process. The steps followed for assessment are classified per activity as follows: verification and control of documents submitted, confirmation through an automated and sequential software that consults credit information supplied to the company by different providers, and finally, and whenever required, the data reported by the customer is validated via telephone verification. Upon completion of all data verification, and analysis a determination of the account credit limit ais made.

 

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Credit Limit Allocation

The allocation of a credit limit consists, as of June 30, 2008, in the assessment of the amount to be granted according to the level of indebtedness, income and risk score. Calculation of income may take into account income of one or more members of the applicant’s family group, who are required to submit evidence of the documents as a guarantee. The limit under the current credit policy shall not exceed the sum of Ps 30,000. Any credit exceeding this amount must be duly authorized. Based on the information submitted by the applicant, and the verifications performed, the corresponding credit limit is allocated. The credit limit allocated to an account is established by using a limit simulator, a program that calculates credit limits according to predefined variables per area, channel and product.

Tarshop assess aplications based on the applicant’s seniority and payment history. Tarshop regularly updates the credit limit of an account, according to the analysis performed by the Portfolio Analysis and Maintenance Group.

Invoicing Cycle

Tarshop handles an invoicing cycle which ends on the 20th day of each month and fixes a first maturity date between the 7th and the 11 th day of the month to be closed. The statement fixes a second maturity date accruing interest on the 20th day each month. Amounts due appearing on account statements may be paid in any branch or in any payment outlet belonging to the mass collection agents contracted by Tarshop for that purpose. On the 20th day of the month, unpaid amounts are considered in default and accounts are blocked for use until the customer makes a payment.

Collection Process

Tarshop’s collection process is carried out according to the strategy defined by its Risk Management group. It is divided into different tranches of default and, preventive action is taken through a system of automatic calls to accounts deemed by the Company as prospectively risky. The internal management process starts on the 23rd day each month through a telephone call by the Collection Group Call Center, which is simultaneously supplemented by letters and automatic messages. This process is enhanced as account default moves forward. When internal management is unsuccessful, collection management is referred in a pre-litigation instance to external law firms hired for that purpose. Upon expiration of the term for external pre-litigation Alto Palermo perform, a portfolio analysis and the accounts that may be subject to judicial proceedings are grouped together. Any accounts not fulfilling the requirements to bring legal action are referred to Collection Agents who visit the defaulting customers personally at their home address. Throughout the process the use of mitigation tools is assessed, ranging from, refinancing to payment reduction settlements.

The policies for allowances for bad debts as of June 30, 2008, are similar to those established by the Banco Central de la República Argentina (Central Bank of the Republic of Argentina)1.

 

1

Allowance for bad debts was estimated based on credit classification performed according to criteria related to debtors’ obligation default levels, and according to this classification the minimum allowance criteria arising from Communication “A” 2729 and amendments of the Banco Central de la República Argentina have been applied.

Further, the Company verifies coverage capabilities of the allowance resulting from the application of the procedure indicated in the previous paragraph, by evaluating the default risk portfolio according to its behavior.

Even if the Company uses the information available to carry out assessments, some future adjustments to allowance may be necessary if economic conditions substantially differ from the hypotheses used to perform the assessments. The Company has considered all the facts and/or operations subject to reasonable and normal assessment methods, which are reflected in the basic financial statements.

 

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The table below shows the percentages of allowance calculated by Tarshop, as of June 30, 2008, based on the rules issued by the Banco Central:

 

Delay

   Allowance (days)    %

Regular Compliance

   0 to 31    1

Inadequate Compliance

   32 to 90    5

Deficient Compliance

   91 to 180    25

Difficult Recovery

   181 to 365    50

Unrecoverable

   Over 365    100

The table below provides information about Alto Palermo’s credit card loans (including securitized fraction):

 

     As of June 30, 2008  
     2007     2008  
     (1)     (1)  

Portfolio Condition

          

Regular Compliance (2)

   627.4    86.71 %   779.3    83.36 %

Matured:

          

31-89 days

   26.2    3.62 %   33.2    3.55 %

90-180 days

   37.8    5.22 %   55.5    5.94 %

181-365 days

   32.2    4.45 %   66.9    7.16 %

Total

   723.6    100.00 %   934.9    100.00 %

Over 365 days and under legal proceedings (3)

   55    —       109.7    —    

Allowance for Bad Debts of Portfolio Effective as Percentage of Defaulting Portfolio

   —      34.5 %   —      36.5 %

Allowance for Bad Debts of Portfolio Effective as Percentage of Effective Portfolio

   —      4.6 %   —      6.1 %

 

(1) In millions of Pesos

 

(2) Loans under regular conditions, with delay not exceeding 30 days.

 

(3) These credits are subject to a 100% allowance for bad debts.

Funding and Securitization Activities

Tarshop’s main liquidity needs and capital uses include: payment of sales made by retail stores, working capital needs, investment in new technology, the opening and improvement of branches and holding of cash to take advantage of investment opportunities that may arise. Tarshop has significantly expanded its business by securitizing its credit card receivables pursuant to the Tarjeta Shopping Trust Program. By resorting to this innovative financial tool, Tarjeta Shopping has led one of the largest issues in the market and successfully placed 48 series for more than Ps.2.0 billion.Tarjeta Shopping was assigned the highest rating by Standard & Poor’s.

Tarshop has historically incurred liabilities mainly in local currency and to a lesser extent in foreign currency, and has leveraged twice the coverage for its commitments incurred in foreign currency.

Receivables Portfolio Securitization

Tarshop has its own Ps.900 million Trust Securitization Program. As of June 30, 2008, 43 series have been issued aggregating Ps.1,670 million in bonds and certificates of participation. During the first semester of 2008, 6 series were issued for Ps. 386 million, while in the same period in 2007, 4 series were issued for Ps.261 million. Total terms under each issue range from 20 to 30 months. The applicable nominal interest rates for Class A and B Bonds are approximately 15.3% and 21.7%, respectively. Interest rates were higher as compared to the previous year as a result of the prevailing local financial market conditions. The interest accrued on both Bonds is subject to floor and ceiling rates. Class A Bonds in both the revolving and non-revolving structures have an AAA rating granted by S&P. Due to the current financial crisis and the increase in delinquency rates, ratings agencies have increased the financial trust’s requirements of subordination, resulting in an increase of the percentage of certificates respect to Class A and B Bonds, such increase was lower than 10%.

Regarding the receivables transferred in connection with Tarshop’s Trust Securitization Program that qualified for sale treatment, neither Tarshop nor the trustee have responsibility over any shortfall or failure in collecting the receivables which are the source of cash payment for the bond holders. Due to the legal

 

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structure of securitization process set forth by Law No. 24,441 the agreements related to the securitization stipulate that the rights of beneficiaries (TDF holders) will not be affected by any financial or liquidity failure of either the trustee or Tarshop. The agreements also state that the transfer qualifies as a non-recourse transfer of receivables since if receivables are not collected in full, neither Tarshop or the trustee is obliged to use their own cash flows to cover any potential shortfall or collection failure.

Liquidity Policy

Tarshop’s policy is to maintain cash and bank account balances for an average of approximately Ps.2.0 million. All balances and reserves are stated in local currency.

Technology

Information systems are an essential element for credit card companies, as the processing of a large number of transactions and the management of unusual transaction volumes in certain key sales dates is required. This has prompted Tarjeta Shopping to procure state-of-the art technology, and for this reason the current data and transaction processing systems maintain all branches linked through its local intranet, allowing expediency and confidentiality in the handling and transmission of data. In addition, the participating stores may carry out transactions on-line 24 hours a day via POS networks operating in Argentina.

The expansion of the call center, Alto Palermo’s credit department and number of branches required a significant investment in technology and communications, resulting in an aggressive growth in the number of transactions and inquiries answered, granting of accounts and increases in transaction processing speed.

The technology group´s resources are divided into four sectors: Systems Development, Technology, Server Management and IT Security. Business growth has enabled us to incorporate highly trained professionals, training programs and, better practice methods.

Tarjeta Shopping operates with proprietary information systems, developed and suited to the company’s business. Its main systems are developed in 4GL language and Java with Informix 10 Data Base Engine, migrating to a new system developed on visual technologies under Oracle 10G Data Base. The main system platform is composed of SUN Spark servers, with Solaris 10 operating systems.

All business processes, from origination to account opening, issue of cards, transaction validation, loan management, customer management, generation and printing of bills, payments, collections, delinquency management and processing, are supported by these systems.

The systems allows the on-line capturing and validation of on-line purchases, receiving transactions through POS networks (mainly Posnet and LaPos), as well as cash withdrawal transactions through Banelco and Link ATMs.

Tarjeta Shopping’s equipment and IT systems are comparable to those used by large-scale credit card companies, which will allow it to mantain its current cost structure while maintaining the growth of accounts it has been showing so far.

 

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Summary Financial and Other Data

The following table sets forth certain balance sheet and other data for Tarshop as of June 30, 2006, 2007 and 2008:

 

     As of June 30,  
     2006     2007     2008  
     (in million Ps., except percentages)  

Income Statement Data

      

Revenues

   122.97     212.97     291.03  

Costs

   (45.53 )   (77.42 )   (131.86 )

Gross profit

   77.44     135.55     159.17  

Selling expenses

   (30.90 )   (61.97 )   (111.42 )

Administrative expenses

   (26.35 )   (46.23 )   (68.55 )

Net (loss) income from retained interest in securitized receivables

   2.62     3.25     (1.26 )

Operating income

   22.81     30.60     (22.06 )

Financial results, net

   0.11     0.83     1.22  

Other income (expenses), net

   (0.13 )   3.03     3.81  

Income before taxes and minority interest

   22.79     34.46     (17.03 )

Income tax expense

   (8.24 )   (15.45 )   (1.52 )

Net income

   14.55     19.01     (18.55 )

Financial results, net

   0.11     0.83     1.22  

Other income (expenses), net

   (0.13 )   3.03     3.81  

Balance Sheet Data

      

Current assets:

      

Cash and banks

   4.65     8.83     11.33  

Investments

   10.79     35.29     54.12  

Accounts receivable

   46.57     70.83     56.31  

Other receivables

   6.16     13.06     36.19  

Inventory

   0.03     0.0     0.0  

Total current assets

   68.19     128.01     157.95  

Non-current assets:

      

Other receivables

   7.43     24.31     21.57  

Property, plant and equipment

   4.88     9.68     12.32  

Investments

   39.81     55.68     111.10  

Accounts receivable

   19.74     40.58     7.72  

Intangible Assets net

   0.03     0.02     0.01  

Total non-current assets

   71.89     130.27     152.72  

Total assets

   140.08     258.28     310.67  

Current liabilities:

      

Accounts payable

   88.53     157.62     173.09  

Customer advances

   2.20     4.40     0.00  

Short-term debt

   5.89     12.90     61.57  

Related parties

   5.92     2.47     24.11  

Salaries and social security payable

   1.65     4.41     5.23  

Taxes payable

   6.44     21.78     13.52  

Other liabilities

   0.51     0.72     0.43  

Total current liabilities

   111.14     204.30     277.95  

Non-current liabilities:

      

Accounts payable

   0.00     0.00     3.24  

Long-term debt

   0.10     6.13     0.19  

Other liabilities

   0.00     0.00     0.00  

Total non-current liabilities

   0.10     6.13     3.44  

Total liabilities

   111.24     210.43     281.39  

Shareholders’ equity

   28.84     47.85     29.29  

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

   140.08     258.28     310.68  

Other Financial Data

      

Return on assets

   10.4 %   7.4 %   (6.0 )%

Return on shareholders’ equity

   101.8 %   65.9 %   (38.8 )%

Net interest margin

   62.84 %   64.72 %   55.01 %

Non-performing loans as a percentage of total loans

   25.20 %   24.48 %   46.31 %

Reserve for loan losses as a percentage of total loans

   16.80 %   15.17 %   47.97 %

Reserve for loan losses as a percentage of non-performing loans

   66.65 %   61.98 %   103.60 %

Development and Sale of Properties

The acquisition and development of residential apartment complexes and residential communities for sale is one of our core activities. Our development of residential apartment complexes consists of the new construction of high-rise towers or the conversion and renovation of existing structures such as factories and warehouses. In connection with our development of residential communities, we frequently acquire vacant land, develop infrastructure such as roads, utilities and common areas, and sell plots of land for construction of single-family homes. We may also develop or sell portions of land for others to develop complementary facilities such as shopping areas within residential developments.

In our fiscal year ended June 30, 2008, revenues from our Development and Sale of Properties segment were Ps.196.8 million, compared to Ps.75.8 million in fiscal year 2007. The local currency remained stable

 

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throughout the 2007 fiscal year; the real estate market was promoted by the increase in the demand for all types of properties, whether office buildings, housings, retail premises or other. Likewise, the current framework provides incentives for the development of projects linked to our real estate activity. Therefore, during the 2009 fiscal year we expect to complete the projects under development, as well as to analyze new undertakings.

Construction and renovation works on our residential development properties is currently performed, under our supervision, by independent Argentine construction companies that are selected through a bidding process. We enter into turnkey contracts with the selected company for the construction of residential development properties pursuant to which the selected company agrees to build and deliver the development for a fixed price and at a fixed date. We are generally not responsible for any additional costs based upon the turnkey contract. All other aspects of the construction including architectural design are performed by third parties.

Another modality for the development of residential undertakings is the exchange of land for constructed square meters. In this way, we deliver undeveloped pieces of land and another firm is in charge of building the project. Eventually, we receive finished square meters for commercialization, without taking part in the construction works.

In the first quarter of the fiscal year ended June 30, 2008, in order to strengthen our presence in the development properties segment, we, together with CYRELA, a Brazilian developer, created a venture that operates under the name IRSA-CYRELA (CYRSA) to develop high end residential units in Argentina.

IRSA-CYRELA’s first project, located on two adjacent blocks in the Vicente López neighborhood, was launched in March under the name “Horizons”. This development will entail a new concept in residential complexes given its emphasis on the use of common spaces. This project includes two complexes with a total of six buildings, totaling 59,000 sqm of construction distributed in 467 units. Horizons has 32 amenities, including a meeting room; a work zone; indoor swimming pools; club house and spa, sauna, gym, children room, teen room; theme-park areas and an aerobic trail. As of June 30, 2008, we had executed preliminary sales agreements for 96% of the available units, and the clients have made advance payments. We expect that the units will be completed and delivered in early 2011. We consolidate the results of this venture in our financial statements, with revenues accruing as work is completed.

 

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The following table shows certain information and gives an overview regarding our sales and development properties:

Sales and Development Properties

 

    Date
of
acquisition
  Estimated
Cost / Real Cost
  Area
intended
for sale
  Total
Units or
Lots(3)
  IRSA’s
Effective
Interest
    Percentage
constructed
    Percentage
sold(4)
    Accumulated
Sales
  Sales for
the year
ended June, 30,
  Book Value
2008
        (Ps. thousand)(1)   (sqm)(2)                         (Ps. thousand)(5)   (Ps. thousand)   (Ps. thousand)
                                          2008   2007   2006    

Residential Apartment

                       

Torres Jardín

  18/07/96   56,579   32,339   490   100.00 %   100.00 %   99.80 %   70,626   577   —     —     212

Torres de Abasto (8)

  17/07/94   74,810   35,630   545   63.33 %   100.00 %   100.00 %   109,561   295   —     —     325

Edificios Cruceros

  22/07/03   5,740   3,633   40   100.00 %   100.00 %   100.00 %   19,676   1,262   8,383   10,031   19

Barrio Chico

  03/2003   12,171   2,891   20   100.00 %   100.00 %   77.20 %   10,916   2,359   8,557   —     1,886

Minetti D

  20/12/96   15,069   6,913   70   100.00 %   100.00 %   98.89 %   11,675   49   —     —     58

Alto Palermo Park (9)

  18/11/97   35,956   10,488   72   100.00 %   100.00 %   100.00 %   47,920   —     390   63   —  

Torres Renoir (15)

  09/09/99   22,861   5,383   28   100.00 %   94.00 %   96.00 %   —     —     —     —     42,485-

Torres Renoir II (15)

  03/11/97   41,808   6,294   37   100.00 %   N/A     100.00 %   56,591   56,591   —     —     —  

Torres de Rosario (8)

  30/04/99   —     1,504   15   63.33 %   0.00 %   0.00 %   —     —     —     —     3,379

Terrenos de Caballito (16)

  03/11/97   —     9,784   1   50.00 %   0.00 %   0.00 %   —     —     —     —     4,429

Credit for barter transaction Terreno Caballito (Cyrsa) (15)

  03/11/97   —     7,451   0   100.00 %   0.00 %   0.00 %   —     —     —     —     19,742

Credit for barter transaction Terreno Caballito (KOAD) (15)

  03/11/97   22,815   6,833   118   100.00 %   50.00 %   100.00 %   22,815   —     —     22,815   22,663

Libertador 1703 y 1755 (16)

  16/01/07   —     59,000   467   50.00 %   0.53 %   98.00 %   —     —     —     —     64,300

Other residential apartments (10)

  N/A   31,101   18,061   162   100.00 %   100.00 %   100.00 %   36,110   —     —     —     13
                                                     

Subtotal Residential Apartments

    318,910   206,204   2,065   N/A     N/A     N/A     385,890   61,133   17,330   32,909   159,511

Residential Communities

                       

Abril/Baldovinos (11)

  03/01/95   130,955   1,408,905   1273   100.00 %   100.00 %   95.90 %   222,091   4,030   1,124   3,942   7,729

Benavidez (15)

  18/11/97   20,544   127,717   110   100.00 %   97.00 %   100.00 %   11,830   —     —     —     9,995

Villa Celina I, II y III

  26/05/92   4,742   75,970   219   100.00 %   100.00 %   98.95 %   13,952   —     —     —     43
                                                     

Subtotal Residential Communities

    156,241   1,612,592   1,602   N/A     N/A     N/A     247,873   4,030   1,124   3,942   17,767

Land Reserves

                       

Puerto Retiro (9)

  18/05/97   —     82,051   —     50.00 %   0.00 %   0.00 %   —     —     —     —     54,498

Santa María del Plata

  10/07/97   —     675,952   —     90.00 %   0.00 %   10.00 %   31,000   —     31,000   —     135,785

Pereiraola (11)

  16/12/96   —     1,299,630   —     100.00 %   0.00 %   0.00 %   —     —     —     —     21,717

Terrenos Alcorta (8)

  07/07/98   —     1,925   —     63.33 %   0.00 %   100.00 %   22,969   —     —     22,969   —  

Terreno Rosario (8)

  30/04/99   —     42,620   —     63.33 %   0.00 %   19.85 %   3,428   3,428   —     —     17,093

Caballito Mz 35

  03/11/97   —     9,784   —     100.00 %   0.00 %   100.00 %   19,152   19,152   —     —     —  

Canteras Natal Crespo

  27/07/05   —     4,320,000   —     50.00 %   0.00 %   0.00 %   223   57   91   75   5,555

Luján

  30/05/08   —     1,160,000   —     100.00 %   0.00 %   0.00 %   —     —     —     —     9,510

Terreno Beruti (8)

  24/06/08   —     3,238   —     63.33 %   0.00 %   0.00 %   —     —     —     —     52,030

Pilar

  29/05/97   —     740,237   —     100.00 %   0.00 %   0.00 %   —     —     —     —     3,408

Padilla 902

  21/07/97   —     125   —     100.00 %   0.00 %   0.00 %   —     —     —     —     101

Air Space Coto (8)

  24/09/97   —     19,755   —     63.33 %   0.00 %   0.00 %   —     —     —     —     13,143

Torres Jardín IV

  18/07/96   —     3,201   —     100.00 %   0.00 %   0.00 %   —     —     —     —     3,030

Terreno Caballito (8)

  03/11/97   —     23,389   —     63.33 %   0.00 %   0.00 %   —     —     —     —     36,696

Patio Olmos

  25/09/07   22,700   5,147   —     100.00 %   100.00 %   100.00 %   —     —     —     —     32,944

Other land reserves (12)

  N/A   —     13,537,620   —     81.67 %   0.00 %   0.00 %   —     —     —     —     11,439
                                                     

Subtotal Land Reserves

    22,700   21,924,674   —     N/A     N/A     N/A     76,772   22,637   31,091   23,044   396,949

Other

                       

Alsina 934

  20/08/92   705   3,750   1   100.00 %   100.00 %   100.00 %   11,745   —     —     1,833   —  

Bouchard 551

  15/03/07   244,148   9,946   N/A   100.00 %   100.00 %   100.00 %   108,423   108,423   —     —     —  

Madero 1020

  21/12/95   16,008   5,056   8   100.00 %   100.00 %   100.00 %   16,947   476   —     —     —  

Dique III

  09/09/99   25,836   10,474   3   100.00 %   0.00 %   100.00 %   91,638   —     26,206   41,808   —  

Other Properties (13)

  N/A   14,418   7,017   33   100.00 %   100.00 %   99.22 %   21,468   112   —     430   1,566
                                                     

Subtotal Other

    301,115   36,243   45   N/A     N/A     N/A     250,221   109,011   26,206   44,071   1,566
                                                   

Total (14)

    798,966   23,779,713   3,712   N/A     N/A     N/A     960,756   196,811   75,751   103,966   575,793
                                                   

 

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Notes:

 

(1) Cost of acquisition plus total investment made and/or planned if the project has not been completed, adjusted for inflation until 02/28/03.

 

(2) Total area devoted to sales upon completion of the development or acquisition and before the sale of any of the units (including parking and storage spaces, but excluding common areas). In the case of Land Reserves the land area was considered.

 

(3) Represents the total units or plots upon completion of the development or acquisition (excluding parking and storage spaces).

 

(4) The percentage sold is calculated dividing the square meters sold by the total saleable square meters.

 

(5) Includes only the cumulative sales consolidated by the RT21 method adjusted for inflation until 02.28.03.

 

(6) Corresponds to our total sales consolidated by the RT4 method adjusted for inflation until 02.28.03. Excludes turnover tax deduction.

 

(7) Cost of acquisition plus improvement, plus activated interest of properties consolidated in portfolio at June 30, 2008, adjusted for inflation at 02/28/03.

 

(8) Indirectly owned through Alto Palermo.

 

(9) Indirectly owned through Inversora Bolivar.

 

(10) Includes the following properties: Dorrego 1916 through IRSA.

 

(11) Directly through IRSA and indirectly through Inversora Bolivar. Includes sale of Abril shares.

 

(12) Includes the following land reserves: Isla Sirgadero, Pontevedra, Mariano Acosta, Merlo, Intercontinental Plaza II, advance purchase of San Luis (through Inversora Bolivar) and C.Gardel 3134, C.Gardel 3128, Aguero 596, Zelaya 3102, Conil and others APSA (through Alto Palermo).

 

(13) Includes the following properties: Puerto Madero Dock XIII (through IRSA).

 

(14) Corresponds to the “Sales and Developments” business unit mentioned in Note 4 to our consolidated financial statements.

 

(15) Corresponds to receivables from swaps disclosed as “Inventories” in the consolidated financial statements.

 

(16) Indirectly owned through CYRSA S.A.

 

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Residential Apartments

In the apartment building market, we acquire undeveloped properties strategically located in densely populated areas of the City of Buenos Aires, particularly properties located next to shopping centers and hypermarkets or those to be constructed. We then develop multi-building high-rise complexes targeting the middle-income market. These are equipped with modern comforts and services, such as open “green areas,” swimming pools, sports and recreation facilities and 24-hour security. In the loft buildings market, our strategy is to acquire old buildings no longer in use located in areas with a significant middle and upper-income population. The properties are then renovated into unfinished lofts allowing buyers the opportunity to design and decorate them according to their preferences.

Apartment Projects Under Development

Torre Caballito, City of Buenos Aires. This undeveloped 2.1 hectare property is situated in the northern area of Caballito’s residential neighborhood in the City of Buenos Aires. On May 4, 2006, we and Koad S.A. (“Koad”), an Argentine developer, entered into an asset exchange agreement valued at US$7.5 million pursuant to which we sold to Koad plot number 36 of “Terrenos de Caballito” in exchange for Koad’s agreement to construct, at its sole expense, a residential complex to be named “Caballito Nuevo”. Koad has agreed to develop a residential complex consisting of two 34-story towers containing 220 apartments each, consisting of one, two and three bedroom residential units with surface areas ranging from 40 to 85 square meters. The proposed apartment complex is currently expected to offer a wide variety of amenities and services. The total area of this apartment complex that will be for sale is estimated to be approximately 28,000 square meters. On August 2009, we will be entitled to ownership of 26.7% of the total square meters and 25% of the parking lots of the entire complex, representing 118 apartments and 55 parking lots located in Tower 1. As a result of an incentive scheme agreed to with Koad, the number of square meters we will receive could vary according to the project’s date of completion. As a result of this transaction, Koad granted to us a first lien mortgage on the property to secure up to US$7.4 million of its obligations to us and posted a surety bond in our favor supporting an additional US$2.0 million of Koad’s obligations to us.

Torres Renoir, Dock III. In September 2004, we and Desarrollos y Proyectos Sociedad Anónima (“DYPSA”) signed a barter contract whereby we delivered DYPSA plot 1c) of Dique III in exchange for receiving, within a maximum term of 36 months, housing units, parking lots and parking spaces, representing in the aggregate 28.50% of the square meters built in the building constructed by DYPSA. The transaction amounted to US$ 8.0million. As a security for the transaction, DYPSA set up a first degree mortgage for US$ 8.0 million in our favor. During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2008 DYPSA transferred us the possession of all of the individual storage spaces and parking lots totaling US$ 0.5 million. We signed preliminary sales agreements for certain units to be received which where valued at their net realizable value. The increase for this method of valuation amounted to Ps. 21.0 million; of which Ps. 2.6 million and Ps. 18.4 million were recorded as of June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

In June 2006, we signed a barter contract with DYPSA whereby we delivered DYPSA plot 1e) of Dique III in exchange for receiving, within a maximum term of 36 months, house units, parking and storages spaces representing in the aggregate 31.50% of the square meters built in the building to be constructed by DYPSA. The value of the transaction amounts to US$ 13.5 million. In November 2007, we and DYPSA resolved the substitution of the mentioned barter exchange for a payment of US$ 18.3 million, which was fully collected as of June 30, 2008. The gain on the substitution was Ps. 14.8 million.

 

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Vicente López, Olivos, Provincia de Buenos Aires. On January 16, 2007, we acquired the total shares of Rummaala S.A. (“Rummaala”), the main asset of which is a plot of land located in Vicente Lopez, Province of Buenos Aires. The purchase price was US$21.17 million, payable as follows: (i) US$4.25 million in cash and (ii) by delivering certain units of the building to be constructed in the land owned by Rummaala in the amount of US$16.92 million, within a 4-year term as from the approval date of the plans by the related authorities or when the facilities be vacated, whichever occurs last. As security for compliance with the construction of the building and transfer of the future units, the shares acquired were pledged.

Simultaneously with the above mentioned transaction, Rummaala acquired a plot of land adjacent to its own property for a total consideration of US$15.00 million, payable as follows: (i) US$0.50 million in cash; (ii) by delivering certain units of buildings Cruceros I and II in the amount of US$1.25 million and (iii) by delivering certain units of the building to be constructed in the land acquired for a total consideration of US$13.25 million, within a 40-month term starting from the approval date of the plans by the related authorities or when the facilities be vacated, whichever occurs last. As security for compliance with the construction of the building and transfer of the units, the property located at Suipacha 652 was mortgaged.

In April 2007, we constituted CYRSA S.A. in order to develop high-end residential units in Argentina. To that end, we contributed 100% of the capital stock in Rummaala S.A. and the debt in kind associated to the acquisition of the land to CYRSA for a net amount of $21.5 million, whereas CYRELA contributed $21.5 million (an amount equivalent to the value of the shares that we contributed).

We also entered into an agreement with Cyrela Brazil Realty S.A. Empreendimentos e Partiçipacões for the development of residential projects in Argentina through CYRSA S.A., which will operate under the name of IRSA - CYRELA.

Cyrsa is presently developing this plot of land. As of June 30, 2008 we had executed preliminary sales agreements representing 96% of the units to be sold.

The sale prices set forth in these preliminary sales contracts consist of a fixed part and a variable part to be determined in line with future construction expenses.

The client can choose from these purchase plans:

 

   

The price determined will be paid on installments and be fully paid at the time of transfer / signature of deeds.

 

   

Partial payment in installments payable up to the time of transfer / signatures of deeds and, the remaining balance is financed for 90 months, with the units mortgaged in our favor as guarantees.

We are committed to transfer the functional units by February 2011.

Torres Rosario Project, City of Rosario, Province of Santa Fe. IRSA’s subsidiary Alto Palermo owns a plot of land of approximately 42,620 (without parcel 7 already permuted) square meters in the city of Rosario, near the Alto Rosario Shopping Center. On October 11, 2007, we entered into a barter agreement with Condominios del Alto S.A. pursuant to which our subsidiary Alto Palermo S.A. bartered a fraction of parcel 2-g representing a total of 7,901.30 square meters for the construction of a residential complex. As consideration for this parcel, Condominios de

 

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Alto S.A. will deliver fifteen housing units, with a total constructed surface area of 1,504.45 square meters and fifteen parking spaces. In addition, APSA granted to Condominios an option to purchase through barter parcel 2-h.

Terreno Caballito, CYRSA. In June 2008 we entered into a barter agreement with CYRSA (the 50-50 joint venture with Cyrela) in which we bartered a 9,784 square meter property in the Caballito neighborhood in the city of Buenos Aires.

CYRSA agreed to develop a residential project comprised of a first stage of two towers and a third tower to be developed in a second stage at the option of CYRSA. In exchange for the transfer of the property, CYRSA paid to IRSA US$0.12 million and agreed to transfer to IRSA certain home units in the buildings to be built which will represent 25% of the area constructed. Furthermore, as security for the performance of its obligations, CYRSA has created a security interest over the property by mortgaging it in favor of IRSA in the amount of US$12.6 million. If CYRSA does not construct the third building by June 2010, then IRSA will receive the functional units and have the right to construct the third building in the future.

Completed Apartment Projects

Torres Jardín, City of Buenos Aires. Torres Jardín is a high-rise residential complex located in the Buenos Aires neighborhood of Villa Crespo, approximately five minutes from Abasto Shopping. Torres Jardín I, II and III have been completed and consist of 490 one, two and three-bedroom residential apartments. The complex also includes 295 spaces of underground parking. As of June 30, 2008 there are 20 parking spaces pending sale. The project originally included four 23-story towers targeting the middle-income market, but we decided not to construct Torres Jardín IV and may consider a barter transaction with a third party for its construction.

Torres de Abasto, City of Buenos Aires. In May 1999, we completed the construction of “Torres de Abasto,” a 545-apartment high-rise residential complex located one block from Abasto in the center of the City of Buenos Aires. The complex had a construction cost of US$34.3 million and consists of three 28-story buildings and one 10-story building, all of which target the middle-income market. The complex has a swimming pool, a terrace, 24-hour security, approximately 310 underground parking spaces and four retail stores on the ground floor of one of the buildings. As of June 30, 2008, 100% of the units in the complex had been sold.

Edificios Cruceros, City of Buenos Aires. “Edificios Cruceros” is a project located in the Puerto Madero area. This building covers 6,400 square meters of surface area of which 3,633 belong to us, and it is close to the “Edificios Costeros” office building. This project targets the high-income segment of the population and all its common areas have views of the river. This development was partially financed through the advance sale of its apartments. As of June 30, 2008, the project was completed and 100% of the units had been sold.

Barrio Chico, City of Buenos Aires. In March 2003 we purchased a plot of land on San Martin de Tours Street in the district of Barrio Parque, an exclusive residential zone in the City of Buenos Aires. At the time the sales contract was signed, US$0.08 million were prepaid. In June 2003 at the time the deed of title was transferred, US$0.23 million were paid. At that time, the property was mortgaged to Providence for US$0.75 million, to guarantee 25% of the housing units we were obligated to deliver upon the building’s completion. We financed the construction of this luxury residential complex designed for high-income customers with its own working capital. This is a unique Project located in Barrio Parque, an exclusive residential zone in the City of Buenos Aires. During May 2006 the successful marketing of this project was launched. As of June 30, 2008 the project was completed and only 2 units and 8 parking spaces remain to be sold.

 

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Palacio Alcorta, City of Buenos Aires. Palacio Alcorta is a 191-loft units residential property that we converted from a former Chrysler factory in the residential neighborhood of Palermo Chico, one of the most exclusive areas of the City of Buenos Aires, located just a ten-minute drive from downtown Buenos Aires. The loft units range from 60 to 271 square meters. This development project targets the upper-income market. Palacio Alcorta also has seven retail units and 165 parking spaces. As of June 30, 2008, all of the loft units in the complex had been sold.

Minetti D., City of Buenos Aires. Minetti D. is a 70-loft residential property located in the north-central area of the City of Buenos Aires. Each loft unit has a salable area of 86 square meters and a parking space. Lofts in this building are targeted towards the middle-income market. As of June 30, 2008, 98.9% of the units had been sold.

Alto Palermo Park and Plaza, City of Buenos Aires. Alto Palermo Park is one of two 34-story apartment buildings located two blocks from Alto Palermo Shopping in the exclusive neighborhood of Palermo. Apartments in this building are targeted primarily towards the upper-income market. Alto Palermo Park is located next to Alto Palermo Plaza. Both buildings are comprised of three- and four-bedroom apartments with an average area of 158 square meters in the case of Alto Palermo Park and of 294.5 square meters, in the case of Alto Palermo Plaza. Each unit includes an average of 18 and 29 square meter parking/storage space, respectively. These buildings were included in the assets we acquired in November 1997 from Pérez Companc S.A. As of June 30, 2008, all of the units in Alto Palermo Plaza were sold and there was only one unit to be sold in the Alto Palermo Park.

Residential Communities

In the residential communities market, we acquire undeveloped properties located in suburban areas or neighborhoods near the large cities to develop private neighborhoods and country clubs in which to sell vacant lots for the construction of single family homes. In these properties we build streets and roads and arrange for the provision of basic municipal services and amenities such as open spaces, sports facilities and security. We seek to capitalize on improvements in transportation and communication around the City of Buenos Aires, the growing suburbanization of the region and the shift of the population moving to countryside-type residential communities.

An important factor in the trend towards living in suburban areas has been the improvements and additions to the Autopista Panamericana, Avenida General Paz and Acceso Oeste highways, which significantly reduce traveling time, encouraging a significant number of families to move to the new residential neighborhoods. Furthermore, improvements in public train, subway and bus transportation since their privatization have also influenced the trend to adopt this lifestyle.

Abril, Hudson, Greater Buenos Aires. Abril is a 312-hectare private residential community located near Hudson City, approximately 34 kilometers south of the City of Buenos Aires. We have developed this property into a private residential community for the construction of single family homes targeting the upper-middle income market. The project includes 20 neighborhoods subdivided into 1,273 lots of approximately 1,107 square meters each. Abril also includes an 18-hole golf course, 130 hectares of woodlands, a 4,000 square meter mansion and

 

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entertainment facilities. A bilingual school, horse stables and sports centers and the construction of the shopping center were concluded in 1999. The neighborhoods have been completed, and as of June 30, 2008, 95.9% of the property had been sold for an aggregate of Ps.222.1 million, with 53,628 square meters left to be sold.

El Encuentro, Benavidez, Tigre. In the district of Benavidez, Municipality of Tigre, 35 km north from downtown Buenos Aires, we are developing a 99.8 hectare gated residential complex known as “El Encuentro”, which will have a privileged front access to Highway No. 9, allowing an easy way to and from the city. On May 21, 2004 an exchange deed was signed whereby DEESA agreed to pay US$3.98 million to Inversora Bolívar, of which US$0.98 million were paid and the balance of US$3.0 million will be paid through the exchange of 110 residential plots already chosen and identified in the option contract signed on December 3, 2003. Furthermore, through the same act, DEESA set up a first mortgage in favor of Inversora Bolívar on real property amounting to US$3.0 million in guarantee of compliance with the operation. As of June 30, 2008, the neighborhood was equipped with all the utilities: power supply, water, sewage, effluent treatment plant, public lighting, finished driveways and accesses, buildings, sports facilities, etc. However, the underground tunnel and the Bancalari-Benavidez road are still pending completion. In mid-fiscal year 2008, the preliminary marketing of the complex started.

Villa Celina, Greater Buenos Aires. Villa Celina is a 400-plot residential community for the construction of single family homes located in the residential neighborhood of Villa Celina on the southwestern edge of the City of Buenos Aires. We have been developing this property in several stages since 1994. The first three stages involved 219 lots, each measuring on average 347 square meters and the last two stages involve 181 lots. As of June 30, 2008, only one plot had not been sold.

Land Reserves

We have acquired large undeveloped properties as land reserves located in strategic areas for the future development of office and apartment buildings, shopping centers and single family housing. We have acquired what we believe to be two of the largest and most important undeveloped river front plots in Buenos Aires, Puerto Retiro and Santa María del Plata, for the future development of residential and office spaces. In addition, we have benefited from the improvement of land values during periods of economic growth, As of June 30, 2008, our land reserves totaled 27 properties consisting of approximately 2,195 hectares (including Rosario, Terreno Beruti, Caballito, and Coto C.I.C.S.A. (“Coto”) air space owned by Alto Palermo).

Land Reserves in the City of Buenos Aires

Solares de Santa María, City of Buenos Aires, (formerly Santa María del Plata). Solares de Santa María is a 70-hectare property facing the Río de la Plata in the south of Puerto Madero, 10 minutes from downtown Buenos Aires. This is an urbanization project developed through our subsidiary Solares de Santa María S.A. (“Solares de Santa María”). This project is currently expected to have residential complexes as well as offices, stores, hotels, sports, water areas, services areas with schools, supermarkets and parking lots.

As part of the project, we sold 10% of the capital stock of Solares de Santa María capital stock for US$10.6 million to Mr. Israel Sutton Dabbah, who is part of the Sutton Group. An initial payment of US$1.5 million was made and the balance of US$9.1 million is payable on December 23, 2009.

 

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Background

A rule passed by the Legislative Branch of the City of Buenos Aires in 1992 (Ordinance 45,665/92), provided general urban standards for the site, and call for a proposal to be submitted for approval of the Environmental Urban Plan Council (Consejo de Planificación Urbana—COPUA). In 1997 we acquired the site which the National Executive Branch had assigned to be the athlete residence of the Olympic Games (Olympic Village) in case Buenos Aires was chosen as host city to hold the Olympic Games (former Boca Juniors Football Club sports town). This property is currently owned by our subsidiary Solares de Santa María S.A. From that date forward, we have sought the approval of a mixed-use development project to be built on the site before the governmental authorities of the City of Buenos Aires.

Evolution of Approval Instances

In 2000, we filed a master plan for the Santa María del Plata site, which was assessed by COPUA and submitted to the City Treasurer’s Office, for approval.

In 2002, by Decree 405/02, the Government called for a public hearing to be held in June 2002, which was attended by professional and private entities and assessed by all competent agencies.

In July 2006, the COPUA made its recommendations about the project. On December 13, 2006, we filed an amendment to the project to adjust it to the recommendations made by COPUA, that included the following:

 

   

The project met the Guidelines of the Environmental Urban Plan.

 

   

The project was included in the proposals for the strategic development of the City’s Southern Area.

 

   

A pedestrian lane was designed along the permiter of the entire site on the Río de la Plata bank.

 

   

Integration with the city was prioritized respecting the surrounding urban landscape, designing a waterfront along the Río de la Plata bank, and providing vehicular integration with the avenues surrounding the site.

 

   

We proposed the donation of 50% of the site to the City of Buenos Aires which is the maximum amount set forth in the Planning Code.

 

   

The specific ruling within the scope of Ordinance Nº 45,665/92, Law 23,738/89 and Decree 5783/92 was proposed.

On March 29, 2007, COPUAM (formerly COPUA) passed the 145-COPUAM-07 REPORT which stated that it had no objections to the company’s proposal and requested that the General Attorney render a decision concerning the ruling proposed.

In May 2007, the Traffic Bureau requested a new traffic study for the area. This new study was carried out and the report and traffic simultarion were discussed with the authorities.

 

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Prior to its execution, the Decree was approved by the Minister of Planning and Public Works, the Traffic and Transport Bureau, the General Attorney and the General Technical Administrative and Legal Bureau of the Ministry of Planning and Public Works. On November 9, 2007, 11 years after the dossier was opened and 15 years after the general ruling on the site was issued by the City Council, the Government chief of the City of Buenos Aires executed Decree No. 1584/07. On December 1, 2007 Decree No. 1584 was published in the City Official Gazette No. 2815. The assignment of space for public use and convenience is the maximum provided for in the Planning Code: 50% of the site will be donated for public use (357,975 sqm).

Notwithstanding this approval, several operational and legal issues remain in the implementation of this project. The Decree has been challenged by an appeal for legal protection (acción de amparo) and as a result, we cannot give you any assurances as to when we will be able to kick off this project.

As of October 30, 2008, our internal team completed the Urban Development project draft for Solares de Santa María. Feasibility studies have been filed with the service companies and we have held multiple informative meetings with several governmental agencies aimed at defining the development of the draft project.

Puerto Retiro. Puerto Retiro is an 8.3 hectare undeveloped riverside property bounded by the Catalinas and Puerto Madero office zones to the west, the transportation hub Retiro to the north and the Río de la Plata to the south and east. One of the only two significant privately owned waterfront properties in The City of Buenos Aires, Puerto Retiro may currently be utilized only for port activities. We have initiated negotiations with municipal authorities in order to rezone the area. Our plan is to develop a 360,000 square meter financial center. The launching date has not been settled and consequently, the estimated cost and financing method are not decided. We own a 50% interest in Puerto Retiro through our wholly-owned subsidiary Inversora Bolívar S.A. (“Inversora Bolívar”). See “–Legal Proceedings –Puerto Retiro.”

Caballito, Ferro Project. This is a property of approximately 23,389 square meters in the City of Buenos Aires, neighborhood of Caballito, one of the most densely populated of the city, purchased by Alto Palermo in November, 1997. This plot would allow developing a shopping center having 30,000 square meters, a hypermarket, a cinema complex, and several recreation and entertainment activity areas. We are currently working to define the commercial project. The authorization of the government of the City of Buenos Aires for the development of a shopping center, an office building and a private hospital in this plot has not been granted yet, and we cannot give assurance that it will be granted.

Terreno Figueroa Alcorta. On December 22, 2005, our subsidiary Alto Palermo s sold the plot of land denominated Alcorta Plaza for a total price of US$7.7 million to RAGHSA S.A.. The agreed terms and conditions of payment were determined in four installments of US$ 1.9 million and 7.5% annual interest on the balance. The four installments had been collected as of the fiscal year ended June 30, 2008.

Terreno Beruti. On June 24, 2008, Alto Palermo acquired a plot of land situated at Beruti 3351/3359, in Palermo, a neighborhood in the City of Buenos Aires quite close to our Shopping Center “Shopping Alto Palermo”. The transaction involved a surface area of 3,238 square meters for a price of US$ 17.8 million. This is a significant acquisition because of the strategic location of the property, in the immediate vicinity of our main shopping center.

 

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Coto Air Space. Alto Palermo is the owners of an air space of about 19,755 m2 above Coto Hypermarket, close to its Abasto Shopping Center, in downtown Buenos Aires. Alto Palermo S.A and Coto Centro Integral de Comercialización S.A. (Coto) executed a public deed on September 24, 1997, whereby Alto Palermo acquired the rights to receive parking units and the rights to construct above the building located between Agüero, Lavalle, Guardia Vieja and Gallo Streets, in the Abasto neighborhood of Buenos Aires.

In July, 2008 Alto Palermo entered into a barter agreement with CYRSA pursuant to which Alto Palermo, subject to certain closing conditions, would surrender to CYRSA its right to construct a tower over a preexisting structure (owned by a third party) in exchange for deminimis cash (US$ 0.9 million) and 25% of the housing units in the future buildings. The total fair value of the transaction is US$ 5.9 million.

Land Reserves in the Province of Buenos Aires

Pereiraola, Hudson. Through Inversora Bolivar, we own a 100.0% interest in Pereiraola S.A., a company whose principal asset is a 130 hectare undeveloped property adjacent to our Abril community. We intend to use this property to develop a private community for the construction of single family homes targeted at the middle-income market. We have not yet established the costs and financing method for this proposed project, but we have already obtained the necessary municipal permits. The plot’s book value is estimated to be Ps.21.7 million as of June 30, 2008.

Pilar. Pilar is a 74 hectare undeveloped land reserve property located close to Pilar City, 55 kilometers northwest of the City of Buenos Aires. The property is easily accessible due to its proximity to the Autopista del Norte. The Pilar area is one of the most rapidly developing areas of the country. We are considering several alternatives for this property including the development of a residential community or the sale of this property as it is and, therefore, we do not have a cost estimate or a financing plan. The plot’s book value is estimated to be Ps. 3.4 million as of June 30, 2008.

Luján. In May 2008, we entered into a preliminary purchase contract with transfer of possession with Birafriends S.A. (an unrelated party) for the acquisition of a plot of land in Luján, Province of Buenos Aires, for a total purchase price of US$ 3.0 million. We paid US$ 1.2 million and the remaining balance will be paid at the time of the signing of the deed. On December 2008, we assigned the preliminary purchase contract to Cresud. Cresud will pay the remaining balance at the time of the signing of the deed, and will also refund us the amount we paid at the time of the signing of the preliminary purchase.

Other Undeveloped Parcels in the City and Province of Buenos Aires. Our land reserve portfolio also includes nine land reserve properties located in Buenos Aires and its surrounding areas. These properties are projected for future developments of offices, shopping centers, apartment buildings and residential communities. The main properties under this category include Merlo, Mariano Acosta and Pontevedra. We also own a property in the outskirts of the City of Santa Fe called Isla Sirgadero.

Land Reserves in Other Provinces

Ex Escuela Gobernador Vicente de Olmos, Córdoba, Province of Córdoba. In November, 2006 we participated in a public bidding process called by Corporación Inmobiliaria Córdoba S.A. for the sale of the building known as Ex Escuela Gobernador Vicente de Olmos, located in

 

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the City of Córdoba. The building has 5,147 square meters of surface area. The building contains a portion of the Patio Olmos shopping center, which operates in four commercial plants and has two underground parking lots. This shopping center also includes two neighboring buildings with cinemas and a commercial annex, legally related through easement contracts. The building is under a concession contract effective for a 40-year term, expiring in February 2032, in which we act as grantor. This contract establishes a monthly rent payment and increases of Ps.2,513 every 47 months. On September 25, 2007, Alto Palermo signed with the Government of the Province of Córdoba the title deed of the property where the Patio Olmos Shopping Center is currently operating and the concession agreement was also transferred. The agreed purchase price balance of Ps.22.7 million was paid. As of June 30, 2008, the concession is in its 196th month with a monthly payment of Ps.12,565.

Canteras Natal Crespo, Province of Córdoba. The initail guidelines for the development of this project are in process on the basis of the master plan of the Chilean architect firm URBE. Preliminary presentations have been submitted to the Municipality of La Calera and to the Provincial Government of Córdoba.

This project consists of a mix of residential and commercial buildings and will be located in an attractive natural setting in the mountains of Córdoba. Canteras Natal Crespo S.A. is a company located in the Province of Córdoba that will have as its main activity the development of this project

Office and Other Non-shopping Center Rental Properties

Overview

We are engaged in the acquisition, development and management of offices and other non-shopping center rental properties in Argentina. As of June 30, 2008, we directly and indirectly, owned interests in 28 office and other rental properties in Argentina which comprised 260,866 square meters of gross leaseable area. Of these properties, 19 were office properties which comprised 163,724 square meters of gross leaseable area. For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2008, we had revenues from office and non shopping center rental properties of Ps.101,0 million.

All of our office rental property in Argentina is located in the City of Buenos Aires. All of these properties are rented to various different premium tenants. For the year ended June 30, 2008 the average occupancy rate for all IRSA’s properties in the Offices and Other Rental Property segment was approximately 93.55%. Nine different tenants accounted for approximately 27.0% of our total revenues for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2008. IRSA’s seven main office rental tenants are: Grupo Total Austral, Price Waterhouse, Apache Energía, Exxon Mobile Business Center, Sibille S.C. (KPMG), Microsoft de Argentina S.A., and Unilever Argentina.

Management. We generally act as the managing agent of the office properties in which we own an interest. These interests consist primarily of the ownership of entire buildings or a substantial number of floors in a building. The buildings in which we own floors are generally managed pursuant to the terms of a condominium agreement that typically provides for control by a simple majority of the interests (based on the area owned) in the building. As the managing agent of operations, we are responsible for handling services, such as security, maintenance and housekeeping. These services are generally contracted to third party providers. The cost of the services are passed-through and paid for by the tenants, except in the case of our units that are not rented, in which case we absorb the cost. Our leasable space is marketed through commissioned brokers, the media, and directly by us.

 

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Leases. We lease our offices and other properties pursuant to contracts with an average term of three years, with the exception of a few contracts with terms of five years. These contracts are renewable for two or three additional years at the tenant’s option. Contracts for the rental of property not located in shopping malls are generally stated in U.S. dollars, and in accordance with Argentine law they are not subject to inflation adjustment. Rental rates for renewed periods are negotiated at market value.

Properties

The following table sets forth certain information regarding our direct and indirect ownership interest in offices and other non-shopping center leased properties.

 

     Date
of
Acquisition
   Leaseable
Area sqm(1)
   Occupancy
Rate(2)
    IRSA’S
Effective
Interest
    Monthly
Rental
Income

Ps./000(3)
   Annual Rental Income for fiscal
years Ps./000(4)
   Book
Value (in
thousands
pesos)(5)
                2008    2007    2006   

Offices

                        

Intercontinental Plaza(6)

   11/18/97    22,535    100 %   100 %   1,368    12,496    10,977    5,436    90,526

Dock Del Plata

   11/15/06    7,921    100 %   100 %   533    6,945    3,103    N/A    25,654

Libertador 498

   12/20/95    10,533    100 %   100 %   782    8,551    6,307    3,872    39,632

Maipú 1300

   09/28/95    10,280    100 %   100 %   701    8,107    6,006    3,515    41,029

Laminar Plaza

   03/25/99    6,521    100 %   100 %   499    5,607    4,631    3,059    28,342

Reconquista 823/41

   11/12/93    5,016    100 %   100 %   185    2,256    1,139    N/A    18,445

Suipacha 652/64

   11/22/91    11,453    100 %   100 %   357    2,480    1,398    1,055    11,840

Edificios Costeros

   03/20/97    6,389    89 %   100 %   325    3,896    3,124    1,760    17,922

Costeros Dique IV

   08/29/01    5,437    100 %   100 %   394    4,603    1,987    1,736    20,287

Bouchard 710

   06/01/05    15,014    100 %   100 %   1,184    12,931    8,900    5,813    67,305

Bouchard 551

   03/15/07    23,378    100 %   100 %   1,674    12,678    3,925    N/A    155,226

Madero 1020

   12/21/95    215    100 %   100 %   7    89    97    78    696

Della Paolera 265

   08/27/07    15,822    100 %   100 %   1,303    15,688    N/A    N/A    165,463

Edificio República

   04/28/08    19,533    19 %   100 %   203    203    N/A    N/A    228,767

Other Offices(7)

   N/A    3,677    100 %   N/A     140    1,385    1,289    1,040    10,606
                                            

Subtotal Offices

      163,724    90 %   N/A     9,655    97,915    52,883    27,364    921,740

Other rental properties

                        

Other rental properties(8)

   N/A    504    56 %   N/A     17    188    242    175    4,150

Works in Progress Dique IV(11)

   12/02/97    N/A    N/A     100 %   N/A    —      N/A    N/A    36,387

Museo Renault

   12/06/07    1,275    100 %   100 %   30    204    —      —      4,970

Thames(6)

   11/01/97    33,191    100 %   100 %   51    607    607    607    3,899

Santa María del Plata S.A.

   07/10/97    60,100    100 %   90 %   67    958    1,043    1,234    12,494

Other Properties(9)

   N/A    2,072    100 %   N/A     16    220    168    106    6,142
                                            

Subtotal

      97,142    100 %   N/A     181    2,177    2,060    2,122    68,042

Related fees(12)

   N/A    N/A    N/A     N/A     N/A    897    740    1,079   

Total offices and other(10)

   N/A    260,866    94 %   N/A     9,836    100,989    55,683    30,565    989,782

Notes:

 

(1) Total leaseable area for each property. Excludes common areas and parking.

 

(2) Calculated dividing occupied square meters by leaseable area.

 

(3) Agreements in force as of June 30, 2008 for each property were computed.

 

(4) Total consolidated leases, according to the RT21 method.

 

(5) Cost of acquisition, plus improvements, less accumulated depreciation, plus adjustment for inflation, less allowance for impairment.

 

(6) Indirectly owned through Inversora Bolivar S.A.

 

(7) Includes the following properties: Madero 942, Av. de Mayo 595, Av. Libertador 602, Rivadavia 2768, and Sarmiento 517.

 

(8) Includes the following properties: Constitución 1111, Alsina 934/44 (fully sold), Crucero I; Retail stores in Abril (wholly assigned to Abril S.A.) and Casona in Abril (through IRSA and Inversora Bolivar).

 

(9) Includes the following properties: one unit in Alto Palermo Park (through IBSA) and Constitución 1159 (through IRSA).

 

(10) Corresponds to the “Offices and Other Rental Properties” business unit mentioned in Note 4 to our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this annual report.

 

(11) Work in progress of an AAA office building in Puerto Madero.

 

(12) Income from building management fees.

 

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The following table shows a schedule of the lease expirations of IRSA’s office and other properties for leases outstanding as of June 30, 2008, assuming that none of the tenants exercise renewal options or terminate their lease early. Most tenants have renewal clauses in their leases.

 

Fiscal
year of
lease
expiration

  Number
of leases
expiring (1)
  Square meters
subject to
expiring leases (2)(3)
  Percentage of
total square
meters subject
to expiration
    Annual rental
income under
expiring leases
  Percentage of total
rental income
under expiring
leases
 
2009   52   47,890   52 %   21,713,170   19 %
2010   56   52,583   22 %   40,081,509   35 %
2011   54   55,537   23 %   46,227,909   40 %
2012+   9   7,652   3 %   6,626,334   6 %
                       
Total   171   163,662   100 %   114,648,922   100 %
                       

 

(1) Includes Offices which contract has not been renewed and vacant stores as of June 30, 2008.

 

(2) Does not include vacant leased square meters.

 

(3) Does not include square meters or revenues from parking spaces.

The following table shows our office occupancy percentage during fiscal years ended June 30, 2006, 2007 and 2008:

 

     Occupancy Percentage
     Fiscal year ended June 30,(1)
     2006    2007    2008
     (in percentage)

Offices

        

Intercontinental Plaza

   100    100    100

Bouchard 710

   100    100    100

Bouchard 557

   N/A    100    100

Dock del Plata

   N/A    100    100

Libertador 498

   100    100    100

Maipu 1300

   95    100    100

Laminar Plaza

   100    100    100

Madero 1020

   100    100    100

Reconquista 823/41

   —      100    100

Suipacha 652/64

   100    100    100

Edificios Costeros

   95    96    89

Costeros Dock IV

   100    96    100

Della Paolera 265

   N/A    N/A    100

Edificio República

   N/A    N/A    19

Others(2)

   100    100    100

 

(1) Leased square meters in accordance with lease agreements in effect as of June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006 considering the total leaseable office area for each year.

 

(2) Includes the following buildings: Madero 942, Av. De Mayo 595, Av. Libertador 602, Sarmiento 517 and Rivadavia 2768.

 

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The following table sets forth the annual average income per square meter for our offices during fiscal years ended June 30, 2006, 2007 and 2008:

 

     Fiscal year ended June 30,(1)
     2006    2007    2008
     (Ps. per square meter)

Offices

        

Intercontinental Plaza

   299    487    555

Bouchard 710

   387    623    861

Bouchard 557(2)

   N/A    118    458

Dock del Plata

   N/A    392    877

Libertador 498

   374    634    812

Maipu 1300

   373    597    789

Laminar Plaza

   479    710    860

Madero 1020

   362    450    414

Suipacha 652/64

   119    123    217

Reconquista 823/41

   —      236    450

Edificios Costeros

   278    504    610

Costeros Dock IV

   259    387    847

Della Paolera 265(3)

   N/A    N/A    992

Edificio República(4)

   N/A    N/A    55

Others(4)

   285    429    448

 

(1) Calculated considering Annual Leases to total leaseable office area, in accordance with IRSA’s percentage of ownership in each building.

 

(2) Lease agreement beginning in the third quarter of fiscal year ended June 30, 2007, consequently income is for only three months of that fiscal year. In the third quarter of fiscal year 2008, 9,946 sqm were sold.

 

(3) The property was acquired on August 27, 2008, consequently income is for only ten months of fiscal year ended June 30, 2008.

 

(4) The property was acquired on April 28, 2008 and construction works were in progress, consequently income is for only 1 month of the fiscal year ended June 30, 2008.

 

(5) Includes the following buildings: Madero 942, Av. de Mayo 595, Av. Libertador 602, Sarmiento 517 and Rivadavia 2768.

Properties

Set forth below you will find information regarding our principal currently owned office properties, including the names of the tenants occupying 5% or more of the gross leasable area of each property.

Intercontinental Plaza, City of Buenos Aires. Intercontinental Plaza is a modern 24-story building located next to the Intercontinental Hotel in the historic neighborhood of Monserrat in downtown City of Buenos Aires. We own the entire building which has floors averaging 900 square meters with 324 parking spaces. The principal tenants currently include Total Austral S.A., Danone Argentina S.A., IRSA, Alto Palermo and Cresud.

Bouchard 710, City of Buenos Aires. Bouchard 710 is an office building acquired by us in June 2005, located in the Retiro area. The building is a 12-story tower, with an average area per floor of 1,251 square meters, with 180 units for car parking. Tenants are Unilever de Argentina S.A., Finterbusch Pickenhayn Sibille S.C. (KPMG), and Microsoft de Argentina S.A.

Bouchard 551, City of Buenos Aires. Bouchard 551 is a Class A office building we acquired in March 2007, for a total price of US$84.1 million, located in the Retiro area close to the intersection of the Leandro N. Alem and Córdoba avenues and the Plaza Roma. The building is a 23-story tower covering a surface area of 2,900 square meters in the low floors that becomes smaller as it goes higher up to 900 square meters approximately, and parking for 177 units. On January 9, 2008, we sold a 29.9% stake in the building, which represented an attractive opportunity for us to realize the appreciation of our portfolio assets. The transaction included a surface area of 9,946 sqm plus 133 parking spaces and amounted to US$ 34.4 million. Principal lessees include La Nación S.A. and Price Waterhouse & Co. and AS. EM. S.R.L.

 

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Dock del Plata, City of Buenos Aires. Dock del Plata is a Class A office building we acquired in November 2006, for a total purchase price of US$8.8 million, located in the Puerto Madero area at Alicia Moreau de Justo 400. The building is 4-story high, with an average surface per plant of 1,500 square meters and parking lot for 309 units. The principal lessees are Veco S.A., Davila 380 S.A., Farmacity S.A., Rosso Alba, Francia y Ruiz Romero, Converse Argentina S.A., AT & T Communications Serv. S.R.L., MCO LEX S.R.L., Garfin Agropecuaria S.A., CA Argentina S.A. and Dell América Latina Corp.

Della Paolera 265, BankBoston Tower. In August 2007, we acquired a 50% interest in the “Bank Boston Tower”, a 31,670 square meter property located in Buenos Aires, for a total consideration of US$54 million. As of June 30, 2008, the occupancy rate of the BankBoston Tower was 100%. The principal tenants include Standard Bank, Exxon Mobile, Kimberly Clark de Argentina, Hope, Duggan & Silva S.C. and Apache Energía.

Libertador 498, City of Buenos Aires. Libertador 498 is a 27-story office tower located at the intersection of three of the most important fares thorough of the City of Buenos Aires, making it accessible from the north, west and south of the city. We own 17 floors with an average area per floor of 620 square meters and 281 parking spaces. The building has a singular cylindrical design and a highly visible circular neon billboard that makes it a landmark in the Buenos Aires skyline. The principal tenants in this building currently include MTV Networks Argentina S.R.L., Epson Argentina S.A., Yara Argentina S.A., Alfaro Abogados S.C., Julius Baer Financial Consultancy S.A., LG Electronics Argentina S.A., Allergan Productos Farmaceuticos S.A. and our subsidiary CYRSA S.A.

Maipú 1300, City of Buenos Aires. Maipú 1300 is a 23-story office tower located on the San Martín Plaza, a prime office zone. The building is also located within walking distance of the Retiro commuter train station, Buenos Aires’ most important public transportation hub, connecting rail, subway and bus transit. We own the entire building which has an average area per floor of 440 square meters. The building’s principal tenants currently include Allende & Brea, Carlson Wagonlint Travel Argentina S.A. and PPD Argentina S.A.

Laminar Plaza, City of Buenos Aires. Laminar Plaza is a 20-story office building located in Catalinas, the City of Buenos Aires’ most exclusive office district. Each floor has an average area of 1,453 square meters, including common areas. We own 5 floors and 66 parking spaces. The main tenants, among others, are as follows: Cisco Systems, Telefónica Moviles de Argentina S.A., Chubb Argentina de Seguros S.A., Hewitt Associates S.A., Apache Petrolera Argentina S.A., Natural Energy S.A. and Fertiva Latinoamérica S.A.

Suipacha 652/64, City of Buenos Aires. Suipacha 652/64 is a 7-story office building located in the office district of the City of Buenos Aires. We own the entire building and 70 parking spaces. The building has unusually large floor, most measuring 1,580 square meters. This property underwent substantial renovations shortly after we acquired the deed in 1991 to prepare the building for rental. The building’s principal tenants currently include Gameloft Argentina S.A., Monitor de Medios Publicitarios S.A, Organización de Servicios Director Empresarios (OSDE) and Alto Palermo’s subsidiary, Tarshop S.A.

Reconquista 823/41, City of Buenos Aires. Reconquista 823/41 is a 15-story office tower located in the Catalinas area. We own the entire building which is made up of three basements,

 

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space for 52 cars in the car parks, the ground floor and 15 floors of office space. The building has floors with an average area of 540 square meters. As of June 30, 2008, we have an occupancy rate of 100.0%. The building’s principal tenants include Marval & O’Farrel and Tracker S.R.L.

Edificios Costeros, Dique II, City of Buenos Aires. Costeros A and B are two four-story buildings developed by us and located in the Puerto Madero area. We own the two buildings which have a gross leasable area of 6,319 square meters. In September 1999 we completed their construction and in April 2000 began to market the office spaces and 147 parking spaces. The main tenants of these properties are as follows: Leo Burnett Worldwide Invest. Inc., Reckitt Benchiser Argentina S.A., Martina Di Trento S.A., Italcred S.A., Minera Agua Rica L.L.C. and Somos Tres S.R.L.

Edificios Costeros, Dique IV, City of Buenos Aires. On August 29, 2001, we signed the deed of purchase of “Section C” of the office complex known as Puerto del Centro that includes buildings “5” and “6.” The property is located in the Puerto Madero area and has approximately 5,500 square meters of gross leasable area and 50 parking spaces. The building’s principal tenants currently include Nextel Argentina S.A., Consultora de Estudios Bonaerense S.R.L., London Supply S.A.C.I.F.I., Techint Cía. Técnica Internacional S.A.C.I. and Trafigura Argentina S.A.

Edificio República. In April 2008, we acquired and paid US$70.2 million for the property. The acquisition was partially financed by a mortgage loan from Banco Macro of US$33.6 million accruing interest at a fixed rate of 12% per annum and payable in five installments beginning in April 2009. This property, which was designed by the renowned architect César Pelli (who also designed the World Financial Center in New York and the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur) is a unique premium office building in downtown Buenos Aires and adds 19,533 gross leaseable square meters to our portfolio. The building has 20 floors, 16 of which were vacated at the time of acquisition. As of June 30, 2008, we executed agreements for 9,000 sqm with several important tenants, including Apache Energía, Deutsche Bank, Estudio Beccar Varela and Banco Itaú, at values of US$37 and US$39 per square meter.

Dock IV, City of Buenos Aires. This luxury office building has a total surface area of approximately 20,668 square meters, and will offer 11,000 square meters of large and versatile office space for lease. The building’s layout welcomes both companies requiring smaller office space, averaging 200 square meters, and corporations in need of an entire floor. The total projected investment amounts to approximately Ps.50.5 million. As of October 31, 2008, approximately 82% of the project had been completed.

Other office properties. We also have interests in three smaller office properties, all of which are located in the City of Buenos Aires. These properties are either entire buildings or portions of buildings, none of which contributed more than Ps.1.4 million in annual rental income for fiscal year 2008. Among these properties are Madero 942, Libertador 602, Av. de Mayo 595, Rivadavia 2768 and Sarmiento 517.

Retail and other properties. Our portfolio of non-shopping center leased properties includes ten non-shopping center leased properties that are leased as street retail, a warehouse, two leased undeveloped parcels of land and various other uses. Most of these properties are located in the City of Buenos Aires, although some are located in other cities in Argentina. These properties include Constitución 1111, Museo Renault, Edificio Crucero I, Thames and Santa María del Plata.

 

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Hotels

At the end of the 1997 fiscal year, we acquired the Hotel Llao Llao, our first luxury hotel. Some months later, as part of the acquisition from Pérez Companc of the Old Alto Palermo, we acquired an indirect 50% interest in the Hotel Intercontinental in Buenos Aires which we own through our subsidiary Inversora Bolívar. In March 1998, we acquired the Hotel Libertador. During fiscal year 1999, we sold a 20% interest in the Hotel Libertador to Hoteles Sheraton de Argentina S.A., (“Hoteles Sheraton de Argentina”) and during the fiscal year 2000, we sold 50% of our interest in the Hotel Llao Llao to the Sutton Group. During fiscal year 2007 we increased our share in Inversora Bolivar by 100% and obtained an indirect share in the Hotel Intercontinental of 76.34%.

The following chart shows certain information regarding our hotels:

 

Hotel

   Date of
Acquisition
   IRSA’s
effective
interest
    Number
of
rooms
   Average
Occupancy
%(1)
    Average
price
per
room
   Sales in Ps.000 as of June 30 of
fiscal(3)
(in thousands Ps.)
   Book
value as
of
06/30/08
                           Ps.(2)    2008    2007    2006     

Intercontinental(3)

   11/97    76.34 %   309    76.1 %   486    57,517    45,263    39,305    59,402

Sheraton Libertador(4)

   3/98    80.00 %   200    89.3 %   400    34,526    29,338    25,302    46,501

Llao Llao(5)

   6/97    50.00 %   201    62.4 %   933    56,804    48,080    39,156    92,868

Plots in Bariloche(5)

   12/06    50.00 %   N/A    N/A     N/A    N/A    N/A    N/A    21,900
                                        

Total

        710    76 %   557    148,847    122,681    103,763    220,671

 

 

(1) Accumulated average in the twelve-month period.

 

(2) Accumulated average in the twelve-month period.

 

(3) Indirectly owned through Nuevas Fronteras S.A.(Subsidiary of Inversora Bolívar S.A.).

 

(4) Indirectly owned through Hoteles Argentinos S.A.

 

(5) Indirectly owned through Llao Llao Resorts S.A.

Hotel Llao Llao, San Carlos de Bariloche, Province of Rio Negro. In June 1997 we acquired the Hotel Llao Llao from Llao Llao Holding S.A. The Sutton Group currently owns a 50% stake in the hotel. The Hotel Llao Llao is located on the Llao Llao península, 25 kilometers from San Carlos de Bariloche and is one of the most important tourist hotels in Argentina. Surrounded by mountains and lakes, this hotel was designed and built by the famous architect Bustillo in a traditional alpine style and first opened in 1938. The hotel was renovated between 1990 and 1993 and has a total constructed surface area of 15,000 square meters and 158 rooms. The hotel-resort also includes an 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, health club, spa, game room and swimming pool. The hotel is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd., a prestigious luxury hospitality organization representing 430 of the world’s finest hotels, resorts and spas. The Hotel Llao Llao is currently being managed by Compañía de Servicios Hoteleros S.A. which manages the Alvear Palace Hotel, a luxury hotel located in the Recoleta neighborhood of Buenos Aires.

During 2007, the hotel was expanded at a cost of approximately US$12.7 million. The number of suites in the hotel increased to 201 rooms, improvements were made in the kitchen and laundry room, and a high technology water purifying plant was constructed. As of June 30, 2008, the works were completed and 43 additional rooms were being offered to the public.

Hotel Intercontinental, City of Buenos Aires. In November 1997, we acquired 51% of the Hotel Intercontinental from Pérez Companc S.A. The Hotel Intercontinental is located in the

 

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downtown City of Buenos Aires neighborhood of Monserrat, adjacent to the Intercontinental Plaza office building. Intercontinental Hotels Corporation, a United States corporation, currently owns 25% of the Hotel Intercontinental. The hotel’s meeting facilities include eight meeting rooms, a convention center and a divisible 588 square meter ballroom. Other amenities include a restaurant, a business center, a spa and a fitness facility with swimming pool. The hotel was completed in December 1994 and has 309 rooms. The hotel is managed by the Intercontinental Hotels Corporation.

During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2008, we invested US$1.5 million in improvements to the rooms (standard and junior suites), corridors and floors of the “Club Continental” sector. These improvements were aimed at providing greater comfort for hotel guests, according to the standards of Intercontinental Hotels worldwide.

Hotel Sheraton Libertador, City of Buenos Aires. In March 1998 we acquired 100% of the Hotel Sheraton Libertador from Citicorp Equity Investment for an aggregate purchase price of US$23 million. This hotel is located in downtown Buenos Aires. The hotel contains 193 rooms and 7 suites, eight meeting rooms, a restaurant, a business center, a spa and fitness facilities with a swimming pool. In March 1999, we sold 20% of our interest in the Sheraton Libertador Hotel for US$4.7 million to Hoteles Sheraton de Argentina. The hotel is currently managed by Sheraton Overseas Management Corporation, a United States corporation.

Terreno Bariloche, “El Rancho,” San Carlos de Bariloche, Province of Río Negro. On December 14, 2006, through our hotel operator subsidiary, Llao Llao Resorts S.A., we acquired a land covering 129,533 square meters of surface area in the City of San Carlos de Bariloche in the Province of Río Negro. The total price of the transaction was US$7.0 million, of which US$4.2 million were paid cash and the balance of US$2.8 million was financed by means of a mortgage to be paid in 36 monthly, equal and consecutive installments of US$0.086 million each. The land is in the border of the Lago Gutiérrez, close to the Hotel Llao Llao in an outstanding natural setting and has a large cottage covering 1,000 square meters of surface area designed by the architect Ezequiel Bustillo.

Our Investment in Banco Hipotecario

We have a significant investment in Banco Hipotecario which represented 6.5% of our consolidated assets as of June 30, 2008. Established in 1886 by the Argentine government and privatized in 1999, Banco Hipotecario has historically been Argentina’s leading mortgage lender, provider of mortgage-related insurance and mortgage loan services. All of its operations and customers are located in Argentina where it operates a nationwide network of 41 branches and 50 sales offices.

Banco Hipotecario is a full-service commercial bank offering a wide variety of banking activities and related financial services to individuals, small- and medium-sized companies and large corporations. As of June 30, 2008, Banco Hipotecario ranked third in the Argentine financial system in terms of shareholders’ equity and tenth in terms of total assets. As of June 30, 2008, Banco Hipotecario’s shareholders’ equity was Ps.2,651.7 million, its assets were Ps.10,572.3 million, and its net income for the first six months of 2008 was Ps.9.5 million. Since 1999, Banco Hipotecario’s shares have been listed on the Buenos Aires Stock Exchange in Argentina, and since 2006 it has had a Level I GDR program.

Banco Hipotecario’s business strategy is focused on leveraging its financial position and developing a diversified banking business built on its existing mortgage franchise. Since its debt

 

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restructuring in 2004, it began to make progress in this diversification strategy, growing its lending business and developing new business lines, implementing integrated technological solutions to enable its entry into retail banking, extending its marketing network and creating back-office services to support its new operations.

In 2004, as part of its business diversification strategy, Banco Hipotecario expanded its product offerings and began offering personal loans, resumed mortgage lending and launched asset-backed loans. It expanded its corporate loan product offerings and implemented certain customer loyalty strategies. In response to demand for retail and wholesale time deposits and savings accounts, Banco Hipotecario started offering personal checking accounts and launched the Visa Banco Hipotecario credit card which has steadily grown in terms of market penetration and transaction size. Banco Hipotecario also continued its strategy of expanding the offering of non-mortgage related insurance products it offers, including combined family, life, unemployment, health, personal accident and ATM theft insurance.

As of June 2008, it continued expanding these business lines, as non-financial private sector loans increased to Ps.669.6 million, principally as a result of retail and consumer loan originations, which represent a 70.5% increase over the amount at June 2007. Commercial loans to the private sector decreased 17.5% during the same period.

Banco Hipotecario seeks to achieve a balanced portfolio of mortgage loans, consumer financing and corporate credit lines, while maintaining an adequate risk management policy. As of June 30, 2008, its portfolio of non-mortgage loans increased to 51.7% of its total loan portfolio compared to 51.2% as of June 30, 2007

During 2007 and the six-month period ended June 30, 2008, Banco Hipotecario also experienced continued growth in deposits, including savings accounts and time deposits.

The following table sets forth Banco Hipotecario’s sources of funding as of the dates indicated.

 

     As of December 31,    As of June 30
     2006    2007    2008

Checking accounts

   Ps. 18.7    Ps. 35.5    Ps. 40.3

Saving accounts

     165.6      190.9      178.1

Time deposits

     428.6      1,069.0      1,657.3

Other deposit accounts

     23.4      29.3      32.4

Accrued interest payable

     3.6      10.1      18.2
                    

Total

   Ps. 639.9    Ps. 1,334.8    Ps. 1,926.3

Seasonality

Our “shopping centers” business unit is subject to strong seasonality. During the summer holiday season (January and February) our tenants experience their minimum sales levels, compared to the winter holiday season (July) and December (Christmas) when our tenants tend to reach their peak sales figures. Clothing and footwear tenants tend to change their collections in the spring and fall. This has a positive effect on the sales of stores. Discount sales at the end of each season also have a major impact on our business.

 

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Competition

Shopping centers

We compete in the shopping center sector through our subsidiary Alto Palermo. Because most of our shopping centers are located in developed and highly populated areas, there are competing shopping centers within, or in close proximity to, our targeted areas. The number of shopping centers in a particular area could have a material effect on our ability to lease space in our shopping centers and on the amount of rent that we are able to charge. We believe that due to the limited availability of large plots of land and zoning restrictions in the City of Buenos Aires, it will be difficult for other companies to compete with us in areas through the development of new shopping center properties. Our principal competitor is Cencosud S.A. which owns and operates Unicenter shopping center and the Jumbo hypermarket chain, among others.

The following chart shows certain information relating to the most important owners and operators of shopping centers in Argentina:

 

Company

  

Shopping Center

  

Location(1)

   Leasable
gross area
   Shops    % Overall
national
leasable
area(2)
    % Shop(2)  

Alto Palermo

                
  

Alto Avellaneda(4)

   CBA    49,604    142    3.73 %   2.98 %
  

Abasto de Buenos Aires

   BA    39,642    171    2.98 %   3.58 %
  

Mendoza Plaza Shopping(4)

   Mendoza    39,421    152    2.96 %   3.19 %
  

Paseo Alcorta(4)

   BA    48,893    111    3.68 %   2.33 %
  

Alto Palermo Shopping

   BA    18,551    143    1.39 %   3.00 %
  

Buenos Airess Design(3)

   BA    14,069    63    1.06 %   1.32 %
  

Patio Bullrich

   BA    11,685    80    0.88 %   1.68 %
  

Alto Noa(4)

   Salta    18,851    89    1.42 %   1.87 %
  

Córdoba Shopping(4)

   Córdoba    23,428    104    1.76 %   2.18 %
  

Alto Rosario (4)

   Rosario    40,415    145    3.04 %   3.04 %
                            
  

Subtotal

      304,559    1200    22.89 %   25.16 %

Cencosud

                
  

Unicenter Shopping(4)

   GBA    95,204    287    7.16 %   6.02 %
  

Plaza Oeste Shopping(4)

   GBA    42,083    146    3.16 %   3.06 %
  

Quilmes Factory(4)

   GBA    43,228    48    3.25 %   1.01 %
  

Portal Lomas(4)

   GBA    34,188    50    2.57 %   1.05 %
  

San Martín Factory(4)

   GBA    35,183    31    2.64 %   0.65 %
  

Parque Brown Factory(4)

   GBA    31,227    91    2.35 %   1.91 %
  

Las Palmas del Pilar Shopping(4)

   GBA    51,862    106    3.90 %   2.22 %
  

Portal de Palermo(4)

   BA    33,023    9    2.48 %   0.19 %
  

Portal de la Patagonia(4)

   Neuquén    34,279    50    2.58 %   1.05 %
  

Portal de Escobar(4)

   GBA    31,937    24    2.40 %   0.50 %
  

Portal de los Andes(4)

   Mendoza    31,380    40    2.36 %   0.84 %
  

Portal de Madryn

   Chubut    4,100    26    0.31 %   0.55 %
  

Portal de Tucumán(4)

   Tucumán    30,679    94    2.31 %   1.97 %
  

Portal de Rosario(4)

   Rosario    66,361    182    4.99 %   3.82 %
  

Subtotal

      564,734    1184    42.45 %   24.82 %

Other Operators

                
  

Subtotal

      461,031    2386    34.66 %   50.02 %

Total

         1,330,324    4770    100.00 %   100.00 %

 

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Source: Argentine Chamber of Shopping Centers.

 

(1) “GBA” means Gran Buenos Aires, the Buenos Aires metropolitan area, and “BA” means the city of Buenos Aires.

 

(2) Percentage over total shopping centers in Argentina. Figures may not sum due to rounding.

 

(3) Alto Palermo has an effective interest of 53,7% in ERSA, a company that operates the concession of this building.

 

(4) Includes total leaseable area occupied by supermarkets and hypermarkets.

Source: Argentine Chamber of Shopping Centers.

Consumer Financing

The credit card market in Argentina is highly competitive due to (i) the active participation in this market of significantly all international and domestic banks conducting business in Argentina, most of which have significantly greater financial resources than we do and (ii) the strong market position of both Visa and Mastercard in Argentina. Our principal competitors in various segments of the credit card market include:

 

   

International and domestic Cards: Visa, Master, AMEX, Cabal and Diners.

 

   

Regional cards: Naranja, Provencred, Efectivo Sí and Credilogros.

 

   

Zonal cards: Italcred, Carta Sur, Crédito Actual and Credial.

 

   

Closed cards: Falabella, Garbarino, Frávega, Musimundo, Carrefour and Johnson’s.

 

   

Banks: Columbia, Itaú, Comafi, Privado, Hipotecario, Macro, StandardBank

 

   

International financial companies: GE Money, Cetelem and AIG (Efectivo Sí).

Development and Sale of Properties

A large number of companies are currently competing with us in the development and sale of properties in Argentina. This segment is highly fragmented, and an increasing number of companies have been taking advantage of low construction costs and attractive property values, making this segment highly competitive. In addition, there is a large supply of comparable properties in the vicinity of our developed properties. This may adversely affect our ability to sell our developed properties at prices that generate a positive return on our investment.

Office and Other Non-Shopping Center Rental Properties

Substantially all of our office and other non-shopping center rentals are located in developed urban areas. There are many office buildings, shopping malls, retail and residential premises in the areas where our properties are located. This is a highly fragmented market, and the abundance of comparable properties in our vicinity may adversely affect our ability to rent or sell office space and other real estate and may affect the sale and lease price of our premises.

 

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In the future, both national and foreign companies may participate in Argentina’s real estate development market, competing with us for business opportunities. Moreover, in the future we may participate in the development of real estate in foreign markets, potentially encountering well established competitors.

Hotels

We own three luxury hotels in Argentina which are managed through strategic alliances by international operators including Sheraton Overseas Management Corporation, Intercontinental Hotels Corporation and the local operator Compañía de Servicios Hoteleros S.A. which manages the Hotel Alvear. The Hotel Llao Llao is unique for its landscape and beauty, and our other two hotels, Hotel Intercontinental and Hotel Sheraton Libertador, are located in the City of Buenos Aires. We compete with many other leading luxury hotels in the City of Buenos Aires including, among others: Abasto Plaza, Alvear Palace, Caesar Park, Claridge, Emperador, Feir’s Park, Four Seasons, Hilton, Loi Suites, Marriot Plaza, Meliá, NH City, Panamericano, Sheraton, Sofitel, Madero, MayFlower, Etoile, Faena, and Regal Pacific.

Regulation and Government Supervision

The laws and regulations governing the acquisition and transfer of real estate, as well as municipal zoning ordinances, are applicable to the development and operation of our properties.

Currently, Argentine law does not specifically regulate shopping center lease agreements. Since our shopping center leases generally differ from ordinary commercial leases, we have created standard provisions that govern the relationship with our shopping center tenants.

Leases

Argentine law imposes certain restrictions on landlords, including:

a prohibition to include price adjustment clauses based on inflation increases in lease agreements; and

the imposition of a three-year minimum lease term for retail property, except in the case of stands and/or spaces in markets and fairs.

Although our lease agreements were U.S. dollar-denominated, Decree No. 214/2002, Decree No. 762/2002 and Law N° 25,820 that amended the Public Emergency Law, provided that monetary obligations in force as of January 7, 2002 arising from agreements governed by private law and which provided for payments in U.S. dollars were subject to the following rules:

financial obligations were to be paid in Pesos at the exchange rate of Ps.1.00 = US$1.00 plus the CER for commercial leases;

from October 1, 2002 and until March 31, 2004 for residential leases, the obligations where the tenant is an individual and the dwelling is used as the family residence of permanent use were to be paid in Pesos at the exchange rate of Ps.1.00 = US$1.00 plus the CVS;

 

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if because of the application of these provisions, the amount of the installment were higher or lower than the amount at the moment of the payment, any of the parties could require an equitable adjustment of the price. If the parties did not reach an agreement, the judicial courts could decide about the difference in each particular case; and

pursuant to Decree No. 117/2004 and Law No. 25,796 that amends Law No. 25,713, the CVS became unenforceable since April 1, 2004.

Under the Argentine Civil Code and the Lease Law No. 23,091, lease terms may not exceed ten years, except for leases regulated by Law No. 25,248 (which provides that real estate leases containing purchase options –leasing inmobiliario- are not subject to term limitations). Generally, terms in our lease agreements go from 3 to 10 years. Despite this restriction, in November 2007, the judicial courts authorized Alto Palermo to enter into a lease agreement with Wal Mart Argentina SRL for a term of 30 years. This exception was authorized taking into consideration the size of the investment required and the amount of time that was necessary to recoup this investment. In June 2008, Alto Palermo requested the judicial courts a new authorization to enter into a lease agreement with Falabella for a term of 30 years. In August 2008, the judicial courts rejected the request and in November 2008 Alto Palermo appealed this decision. As of the date of this filing, the court’s decision is still pending.

Lease Law No. 23,091, as amended by Law No. 24,808 provides that tenants may rescind commercial lease agreements after the first six months by sending a written notice at least 60 days before the termination of the contract. Such rescission is subject to penalties which range from one to one and a half months of rent. If the tenant rescinds during the first year of the lease the penalty is one and a half month’s rent and if the rescission occurs after the first year of lease the penalty is one month’s rent.

While current argentine government policy discourages government regulation of lease agreements, there can be no assurance that additional regulations will not be imposed in the future by the Argentine Congress, including regulations similar to those previously in place. Furthermore, most of our leases provide that the tenants pay all costs and taxes related to the property in proportion to their respective leasable areas. In the event of a significant increase in the amount of such costs and taxes, the argentine government may respond to political pressure to intervene by regulating this practice, thereby negatively affecting our rental income. On August 16, 2006, former economy minister Felisa Miceli announced a loosening of requirements on mortgage loans up to Ps.300,000. Banks were enabled to finance 100 percent of house purchases on property valued at up to Ps.200,000 and 90 percent of purchases of property worth up to Ps.300,000. The duration of these loans will be up to 30 years. These measures were taken in response to the escalating cost of leases and the difficulties in accessing the mortgage loan market. These measures became effective in September, 2006.

The Argentine Civil and Commercial Procedure Code enables the lessor to pursue what is known as an “executory proceeding” where lessees fail to pay rent. In executory proceedings debtors have fewer defenses available to prevent foreclosure, making these proceedings substantially shorter than ordinary ones. In executory proceedings the origin of the debt is not under discussion; the trial focuses on the instrument of the debt itself. The aforementioned code also permits special eviction proceedings, which are carried out in the same way as ordinary proceedings. The Argentine Civil Code enables judges to summon tenants who fall two months in arrears to vacate the property they are renting within 10 days of having received notice to such effect. However, historically, large court dockets and numerous procedural hurdles have resulted in significant delays to evictions proceedings, which generally last from six months to two years from the date of filing of the suit to the time of actual eviction.

 

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On February 4, 2003, the Argentine government enacted Decree No. 204/2003 establishing a mediation procedure for a limited period of 90 days. On May 2003, the Argentine Congress enacted Law No. 25,737 which suspended foreclosures for an additional period of 90 days, which ended in May 2003. On September 2003, several financial institutions voluntarily agreed not to foreclose on their mortgage loans. On November 2005, the Argentine congress enacted Law No. 26,062 that extended the foreclosures suspension for an additional 120 days period, which was extended for 90 days more by Law No. 26,084 and for 180 days more by Law No. 26,103. Pursuant to these successive extensions, foreclosure on mortgaged property was suspended until December 2006.

On November 6, 2003 Law No. 25,798 was enacted. It established a mechanism to reschedule debts resulting from unpaid mortgages, by creating a trust by means of which the Executive Branch will refinance the mortgage debts and reschedule the maturity date. Financial institutions were given until a period of 60 business days from the enactment of the law to accept said terms. This law was partially modified by Law No. 25,908 (enacted on July 13, 2004) which included various conditions referring to the incorporation into this system of the mortgage loans that were in judicial or private execution proceedings. The parties to secured loan agreements were given a term to express their adhesion System. The term for financial institutions to accept the mechanism was extended in several occasions by Decree No. 352/2004, Law No. 26,062, Law No. 26,084 and Law No. 26,103.

On November 8, 2006, Law No. 26,167 was enacted. It established a special proceeding to replace ordinary trials for the enforcement of some mortgage loans. Such special proceedings give creditors ten days to inform the debtor of the amounts owed to them and thereafter agree with the debtor on the amount and terms of payment. In case of failure by the parties to reach an agreement, payment conditions are to be determined by the judge. Also, this law established the suspension of the execution of judicial judgments, judicial and extrajudicial auctions, evictions and other proceedings related to the mortgage loans contemplated in this law.

Development and Land Use

Buenos Aires Urban Planning Code. Our real estate activities are subject to several municipal zoning, building and environmental regulations. In the city of Buenos Aires, where the vast majority of our real estate properties are located, the Buenos Aires Urban Planning Code (Código de Planeamiento Urbano de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires) generally restricts the density and use of property and controls physical features of improvements on property, such as height, design, set-back and overhang, consistent with the city’s urban landscape policy. The administrative agency in charge of the Urban Planning Code is the Secretary of Urban Planning of the City of Buenos Aires.

Buenos Aires Building Code. The Buenos Aires Building Code (Código de la Edificación de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires) complements the Buenos Aires Urban Planning Code and regulates the structural use and development of property in the city of Buenos Aires. The Buenos Aires Building Code requires builders and developers to file applications for building permits, including the submission to the Secretary of Work and Public Services (Secretaría de Obras y Servicios Públicos) of architectural plans for review, to assure compliance therewith.

 

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We believe that all of our real estate properties are in material compliance with all relevant laws, ordinances and regulations.

Sales and Ownership

Real Estate Installment Sales Law. The Real Estate Installment Sales Law No. 14,005, as amended by Law No. 23,266 and Decree No. 2015/1985, imposes a series of requirements on contracts for the sale of subdivided plots of land regarding, for example, the sale price which is paid in installments and the deed, which is not conveyed until final payment. The provisions of this law require, among other things:

the registration of the intention to sell the property in subdivided plots in the Real Estate Registry (Registro de la Propiedad Inmueble) corresponding to the jurisdiction of the property. Registration will only be possible with regards to unencumbered property. Mortgaged property may only be registered where creditors agree to divide the debt in accordance with the subdivided plots. However, creditors may be judicially compelled to agree to the division;

the preliminary registration with the Real Estate Registry of the purchase instrument within 30 days of execution of the agreements.

Once the property is registered, the installment sale may not occur in a manner inconsistent with the Real Estate Installment Sales Act, unless seller registers his decision to desist from the sale in installments with the Real Estate Registry. In the event of a dispute over the title between the purchaser and third-party creditors of the seller, the installment purchaser who has duly registered the purchase instrument will obtain the deed to the plot. Further, the purchaser can demand conveyance of title after at least 25% of the purchase price has been paid, although the seller may demand a mortgage to secure payment of the balance of the purchase price.

After payment of 25% of the purchase price or the construction of improvements on the property equal to at least 50% of the property value, the Real Estate Installment Sales Act prohibits the rescission of the sales contract for failure by the purchaser to pay the balance of the purchase price. However, in such event the seller may take action under any mortgage on the property.

Consumer Protection Law. Consumer Protection Law No. 24,240, as amended, regulates several issues concerning the protection of consumers in the arrangement and execution of contracts. The Consumer Protection Law purports to prevent potential abuses deriving from the strong bargaining position of sellers of goods and services in a mass-market economy where standard form contracts are widespread. As a result, the Consumer Protection Law deems void and unenforceable certain contractual provisions in consumer contracts, including those which:

warranty and liability disclaimers;

waiver of consumer rights;

extension of seller rights; and

shifting of the burden of proof against consumers.

 

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In addition, the Consumer Protection Law imposes penalties ranging from fines to closing down of establishments in order to induce compliance from sellers.

The Consumer Protection Law defines consumers or users, as the individuals or legal entities that acquire or use goods or services free of charge or for a price for final use for of their own benefit or that of their family or social group. It also includes the acquisition of rights on a time-share leasing, country club, private cemetery, among others.

In addition, the Consumer Protection Law defines the suppliers of goods and services as the individuals or legal entities, either public or private that in a professional way, even occasionally, produce, import, distribute or commercialize goods or supply services to consumers or users.

The Consumer Protection Law excludes the services supplied by professionals that require a college degree and registration in officially recognized professional organizations or by a governmental authority. However, this law regulates the advertisements that promotes the services of such professionals.

The Consumer Protection Law determines that the information contained in the offer addressed to undetermined prospective consumers, binds the offeror during the period in which the offer takes place and until its public revocation. Further, it determines that specifications included in advertisements, announcements, prospectuses, circulars or other media bind the offeror and are considered part of the contract entered into by the consumer. On June 2005, Resolution No. 104/05, which complements the Consumer Protection Law, adopted MERCOSUR’s Resolution on which requires that those who engage in commerce over the Internet (E-Business) to disclose in a precise and clear manner the characteristics of the products and/or services offered and the sale terms.

Buildings Law. Buildings Law No. 19,724, as amended, sets forth a regime for the construction of buildings for later subdivision into condominium (Propiedad Horizontal). Under this law, developers must inform potential purchasers of their intention to sell the building as a condominium, as well as of all sale conditions, and the size of each unit in relation to the whole building. The sale of these units is subject to subdivision approval and in order to be included in Buildings Law regime must be registered with the Real Estate Registry (Registro de la Propiedad Inmueble). This law also states that, in the event that construction is not completed, all amounts already deposited must be repaid to the purchasers.

Mortgage Regulation. The Argentine Civil Code regulates mortgages both as a contract and as a right over property. There are no special provisions in the Civil Code aimed at protecting mortgagors. Any agreement entered into by a mortgagor and a mortgagee at time of execution of the mortgage or prior to the default of the mortgagor allowing the mortgagee to recover the property without a public auction of the property will not be enforced by the courts as contrary to Argentine public policy.

Until the enactment of Trust Law No. 24,441, the only procedure available to collect unpaid amounts secured by a mortgage was a proceeding regulated by the Civil and Commercial Procedure Code. The heavy caseload on the courts that hear such matters usually delays the proceeding, which currently takes 1 to 2 years to complete.

Chapter V of Trust Law No. 24,441 institutes a new procedure which may expedite collection of unpaid amounts secured by a mortgage. To be applicable, the new rules, which allow an out-of-court auction, need to be expressly agreed to by the parties in the mortgage contract.

 

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Currently, we include in our mortgages a clause enabling the enforcement of Law No. 24,441. However, there can be no assurance that such collection provisions will accelerate the recovery of unpaid amounts under mortgage guarantees.

The Argentine Government has tried to avoid the massive foreclosure of mortgages since the 2001 crisis. The Public Emergency Law, as amended, established the suspension for the term of 270 days from the enactment of that law, of all the judicial or non-judicial enforcement procedures, including the enforcement of mortgages and pledges, regardless of their origin. On February 14, 2002, Law No. 25,563 amending the Bankruptcy Law (the “New Bankruptcy Law”) was enacted. Under the New Bankruptcy Law, certain bankruptcies and foreclosures (including foreclosures on mortgage loans) were suspended for a period of 180 days from the law’s effective date. Such period was extended for 90 days more by Law No. 25,640 dated September 2002, expiring on February, 2003.

On February 4, 2003, the Executive Branch enacted Decree No. 204/2003 creating a mediation proceeding, for a limited period of 90 days, to be conducted through the Legal Emergency Units (Unidades de Emergencias Legales) depending from the Ministry of Labor, Employment and Social Security and the Ministry of Production.

On May 2003, the Argentine Congress enacted Law No. 25,737 which suspended foreclosures for an additional period of 90 days, which ended in May 2003. On September 2003, several financial institutions voluntarily agreed not to foreclose on their mortgage loans. On November 2005, the Argentine congress enacted Law No. 26,062 that extended the foreclosures suspension for an additional 120 days period, which was extended for 90 days more by Law No. 26,084 and for 180 days more by Law No. 26,103. Pursuant to these successive extensions, foreclosure on mortgaged property was suspended until December 2006.

On November 8, 2006, Law No. 26,167 was enacted. It established a special proceeding to replace ordinary trials for the enforcement of some mortgage loans. These special proceedings give creditors ten days to inform the debtor of the amounts owed to them and agree with the debtor on the amount and terms of payment. In case the parties fail to reach an agreement, payment conditions are to be determined by the judge. Also, this law established the suspension of the execution of judicial judgments, judicial and extrajudicial auctions, evictions and other proceedings related to the mortgage loans contemplated in this law.

Most mortgages executed by us provide that we are empowered to declare the anticipated expiration of the loan upon non-payment of an installment. This enables us to recover the unpaid amounts through the sale of the relevant property pursuant to the Civil and Commercial Procedure Code and Law No. 24,441.

Pursuant to Argentine law, fees and expenses related to collection procedures must be borne by the debtor, and the proceeds from any auction of the property may be used for the settlement of such obligation.

Although our mortgages are U.S. dollar-denominated, Decree No. 214/2002 and Decree No. 762/2002 that amend the Public Emergency Law provide that monetary obligations in force as of January 7, 2002, resulting from agreements governed by private law and which provide for payments in U.S. dollars are subject to the following rules:

financial obligations were to be paid in Pesos at the exchange rate of Ps.1.00 = US$1.00 plus the CER for commercial leases;

 

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from October 1, 2002 and until March 31, 2004 for residential leases, the obligations where the tenant is an individual and the dwelling is used as the family residence of permanent use were to be paid in Pesos at the exchange rate of Ps.1.00 = US$1.00 plus the CVS;

if because of the application of these provisions, the amount of the installment were higher or lower than the amount at the moment of the payment, any of the parties could require an equitable adjustment of the price. If the parties did not reach an agreement, the judicial courts could decide about the difference in each particular case; and

pursuant to Decree No. 117/2004 and Law No. 25,796 that amends Law No. 25,713, the CVS became unenforceable since April 1, 2004.

Protection for the Disabled Law. The Protection for the Disabled Law No. 22,431, enacted on March 20, 1981, as amended, provides that in connection with the construction and renovation of buildings, obstructions to access must be eliminated in order to enable access by handicapped individuals. In the construction of public buildings, entrances, transit pathways and adequate facilities for mobility impaired individuals must be provided.

Buildings constructed before the enforcement of the Protection for the Disabled Law must be adapted to provide accesses, transit pathways and adequate facilities for mobility-impaired individuals. Those pre-existing buildings, which due to their architectural design may not be adapted to the use by mobility-impaired individuals, are exempted from the fulfillment of these requirements. The Protection for the Disabled Law provides that residential buildings must ensure access by mobility impaired individuals to elevators and aisles.

Credit Cards Law. Law No. 25,065, amended by Law No. 26,010 and Law No. 26,361, regulates different aspects of the business known as “credit card system.” The regulations impose minimum contractual contents and the approval thereof by the Industry, Commerce and Mining Secretary (Secretaría de Industria, Comercio y Minería de la Nación), as well as the limitations on the interest to be collected by users and the commissions to the stores adhering to the system. The Credit Card Law applies to banking and non-banking cards, such as “Tarjeta Shopping,” issued by Tarshop S.A.

Antitrust Law. Law No. 25,156, as amended, prevents trust practices and requires administrative authorization for transactions that according to the Antitrust Law constitute an economic concentration. According to this law, mergers, transfers of goodwill, acquisitions of property or rights over shares, capital or other convertible securities, or similar operations by which the acquirer controls or substantially influences a company, are considered as an economic concentration. Whenever an economic concentration involves a company or companies which exceed the accumulated sales volume by approximately Ps.200.0 million in Argentina; then the respective concentration should be submitted for approval to the Comisión Nacional de Defensa de la Competencia, or Antitrust Authority. The request for approval may be filed, either prior to the transaction or within a week after its completion.

When a request for approval is filed, the Antitrust Authority may (i) authorize the transaction, (ii) subordinate the transaction to the accomplishment of certain conditions, or (iii) reject the authorization.

 

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The Antitrust Law provides that economic concentrations in which the transaction amount and the value of the assets absorbed, acquired, transferred or controlled in Argentina, do not exceed Ps.20.0 million are exempted from the administrative authorization. Notwithstanding the foregoing, when the transactions effected during the prior 12-month period exceed in total Ps.20.0 million or Ps.60.0 million in the last 36 months, these transactions must be notified to the Antitrust Authority.

As the consolidated annual sales volume of Alto Palermo and IRSA exceed Ps.200.0 million, IRSA should give notice to the Antitrust Authority of any concentration provided for by the Antitrust Law.

After our acquisition of Bouchard 557, we asked the Argentine Antitrust Authority whether it was necessary to notify it of such acquisition. The Antitrust Authority advised us that we were in fact required to notify it, and the pertinent court ratified such decision. Consequently, on April 22, 2008, the notice of the operation was filed with the Antitrust Authority. As of the date of this annual report, this matter is still to be resolved.

After we sold the 29.85% interest in Bouchard 557, to Techint Compañía Técnica Internacional Sociedad Anónima Comercial e Industrial, we asked the Antitrust Authority if it was necessary to notify this operation. On July 4, 2008, the Antitrust Authority informed us that it was not necessary to report this sale.

We filed a new request for the Antitrust Authority’s opinion regarding our acquisition of Bank Boston Tower on August 30, 2007. The Antitrust Authority advised us that we were in fact required to so notify it, and we challenged this opinion in the local courts.

On May 6, 2008, we filed with the Antitrust Authority a request for its opinion as to the need to notify the Antitrust Authority the acquisition of Edificio República. The Antitrust Authority advised us that we were in fact required to so notify it. We challenged this opinion in the local courts.

On January 15, 2007 we were notified of two claims filed against us before the Antitrust Authority, one by a private individual and the other one by the licensee of the shopping center, both opposing the acquisition from the province of Córdoba of a property known as Ex-Escuela Gobernador Vicente de Olmos. On February 1, 2007 we responded the claims. On June 26, 2007, the Antitrust Authority notified us that it has initiated a summary proceeding to determine whether the completion of the transaction breaches the Antitrust Law. As of the date of this filing the result of this proceeding has not been determined.

On January 22, 2008, Alto Palermo requested the Antitrust Authority’s clearance for the transfer of the Soleil Factory shopping center. As of the date of this filing, the Antitrust Authority has not reached a decision.

For more information see Item 3 “Risk Factors—Risk related to our Business—Our business is subject to extensive regulation and additional regulations may be imposed in the future.”

 

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C. Organizational Structure

The following is our organizational chart showing our principal subsidiaries, as of June 30, 2008:

LOGO

The following table presents information relating to our ownership interest and the percentage of our consolidated total net revenues represented by our subsidiaries as of June 30, 2008.

 

Subsidiary

  

Activity

   Country of
Incorporation
   Ownership
percentage(1)
    Voting power
percentage(1)
    Total revenues
percentage
 

Ritelco S.A.

   Investment    Uruguay    100 %   100 %   0.00 %

Patagonian Investment S.A.

   Investment    Argentina    100 %   100 %   0.00 %

Palermo Invest S.A.

   Investment    Argentina    100 %   100 %   0.00 %

Solares de Santa María S.A.

   Real estate    Argentina    90 %   90 %   0.09 %

CYRSA S.A.(4)

   Real estate    Argentina    50 %   50 %   0.00 %

Pereiraola S.A.I.C.I.F.y A.

   Real estate    Argentina    100 %   100 %   0.00 %

Inversora Bolivar S.A.(3)

   Real estate    Argentina    100 %   100 %   6.76 %

Hoteles Argentinos S.A.

   Hotel    Argentina    80 %   80 %   3.18 %

Llao Llao Resorts S.A.

   Hotel    Argentina    50 %   50 %   5.24 %

Rummaala S.A.

   Real estate    Argentina    50 %   50 %   50 %

Alto Palermo S.A.(2)

   Shopping Centers    Argentina    63.34 %   63.34 %   59.04 %

Quality Invest S.A.

   Real estate    Argentina    100 %   100 %   0.00 %

E-Commerce Latina S.A.

   Investment    Argentina    100 %   100 %   0.00 %

 

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Subsidiary

  

Activity

   Country of
Incorporation
   Ownership
percentage(1)
    Voting
power
percentage(1)
    Total revenues
percentage
 

Financel Communications S.A.

   Electronic Payments of goods and services    Argentina    80 %   80 %   0.00 %

Canteras Natal Crespo S.A.(2)

   Real estate    Argentina    50 %   50 %   0.01 %

 

 

(1) It does not contemplate irrevocable contributions.

 

(2) We have joint control of Canteras Natal Crespo S.A., a land reserve for a future development, with ECIPSA. See Note 2.f. to our audited consolidated financial statements.

 

(3) Percentage of total revenues based upon Inversora Bolivar’s consolidated results which include those of Nuevas Fronteras S.A.

 

(4) We have joint control with Cyrela Brazil Realty S.A. Empreendimentos y Partiçipacões.

We have a significant interest in Banco Hipotecario, an Argentine company organized under Argentine Law engaged in banking activity. As of June 30, 2008, we owned 11.8% of Banco Hipotecario, and 6.76% of such ownership was through our subsidiaries Inversora Bolívar S.A. and Ritelco S.A. Also, as of June 30, 2008, the voting power held by IRSA, Inversora Bolívar S.A. and Ritelco S.A. in Banco Hipotecario was 18.36%.

D. Property, Plants and Equipment

Property

As of June 30, 2008, all of our property (consisting of rental properties in the office and retail real estate sectors, development properties primarily in the residential real estate sector, and shopping centers) was located in Argentina. We lease our headquarters, located at Bolívar 108, C1066AAD and Moreno 877, piso 22, C1091AAQ Buenos Aires, Argentina, pursuant to two lease agreements that expire on February 28, 2014 and November 30, 2008, respectively. We do not currently lease any material properties other than our headquarters.

 

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The following table sets forth certain information about our properties:

 

Property(10)

   Date of
Acquisition
   Leaseable/
Salem2(1)
   Location    Net Book
Value
Ps./000(2)
   Encumbrance   Outstanding
principal
amount Ps./
000
   Maturity
Date
   Balance
due at
maturity
   Rate    Use    Occupancy
rate (11)

Intercontinental Plaza(3)

   11/18/97    22,535    City of
Buenos
Aires
   90,526    —     —      —      —      —      Office
Rental
   100.0%

Dock del Plata

   11/15/06    7,921    City of
Buenos
Aires
   25,654    —     —      —      —      —      Office
Rental
   100.0%

Bouchard 710

   06/01/05    15,014    City of
Buenos
Aires
   67,305    —     —      —      —      —      Office
Rental
   100.0%

Bouchard 551

   03/15/07    23,378    City of
Buenos
Aires
   155,226    —     —      —      —      —      Office
Rental
   100.0%

Libertador 498

   12/20/95    10,533    City of
Buenos
Aires
   39,632    —     —      —      —      —      Office
Rental
   100.0%

Maipú 1300

   09/28/95    10,280    City of
Buenos
Aires
   41,029    —     —      —      —      —      Office
Rental
   100.0%

Laminar Plaza

   03/25/99    6,521    City of
Buenos
Aires
   28,342    —     —      —      —      —      Office
Rental
   100.0%

Madero 1020

   12/21/95    215    City of
Buenos
Aires
   696    —     —      —      —      —      Office
Rental
   100.0%

Reconquista 823/41

   11/12/93    5,016    City of
Buenos
Aires
   18,445    —     —      —      —      —      Office
Rental
   100.0%

Suipacha 652/64

   11/22/91    11,453    City of
Buenos
Aires
   11,840    Mortgage
(7)
  —      —      —      —      Office
Rental
   100.0%

Edificios Costeros

   03/20/97    6,389    City of
Buenos
Aires
   17,922    —     —      —      —      —      Office
Rental
   88.7%

Costeros Dique IV

   08/29/01    5,437    City of
Buenos
Aires
   20,287    —     —      —      —      —      Office
Rental
   100.0%

Edificio República

   4/28/08    19,533    City of
Buenos
Aires
   228,767    Mortgage   101,5    Abr-13    20,3    annual
nominal
12% over
balances
   Office
Rental
   19.0%

Works in progress Dique IV

   12/02/97    N/A    City of
Buenos
Aires
   36,387    —     —      —      —      —      Office
Rental
   N/A

Madero 942

   08/31/94    768    City of
Buenos
Aires
   2,285    —     —      —      —      —      Office
Rental
   100.0%

Av. De Mayo 595/99

   08/19/92    1,958    City of
Buenos
Aires
   4,957    —     —      —      —      —      Office
Rental
   100.0%

Av. Libertador 602

   01/05/96    638    City of
Buenos
Aires
   2,732    —     —      —      —      —      Office
Rental
   100.0%

Rivadavia 2768

   09/19/91    274    City of
Buenos
Aires
   269    —     —      —      —      —      Office
Rental
   100.0%

 

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Property(10)

   Date of
Acquisition
   Leaseable/
Salem2(1)
   Location    Net Book
Value
Ps./000(2)
   Encumbrance    Outstanding
principal
amount Ps./
000
   Maturity
Date
   Balance
due at
maturity
   Rate    Use    Occupancy
rate (11)

Sarmiento 517

   01/12/94    39    City of
Buenos
Aires
   363    —      —      —      —      —      Office
Rental
   100.0%

Constitución 1111

   06/16/94    312    City of
Buenos
Aires
   983    —      —      —      —      —      Commercial
Rental
   11.8%

Della Paolera 265

   8/27/07    15,822    City of
Buenos
Aires
   165,463    —      —      —      —      —      Office
Rental
   100.0%

Museo Renault

   12/6/07    1,275    City of
Buenos
Aires
   4,970    —      —      —      —      —      Commercial
Rental
   100.0%

Local comercial Cruceros

   3/20/97    192    City of
Buenos
Aires
   277    —      —      —      —      —      Commercial
Rental
   100.0%

Santa María del Plata

   07/10/97    60,100    City of
Buenos
Aires
   12,494    —      —      —      —      —      Others
Rentals
   100.0%

Thames(3)

   11/01/97    33,191    Province
of Buenos
Aires
   3,899    —      —      —      —      —      Others
Rentals
   100.0%

Constitución 1159

   06/16/94    2,072    City of
Buenos
Aires
   4,100    —      —      —      —      —      Others
Rentals
   100.0%

Other Properties(8)

   N/A    N/A    City and
Province
of Bs. As.
   4,932    —      —      —      —      —      Office
Rental
   N/A

Alto Palermo Shopping(4)

   12/23/97    18,551    City of
Buenos
Aires
   178,622    —      —      —      —      —      Shopping
Center
   100.0%

Abasto(4)

   07/17/94    39,641    City of
Buenos
Aires
   180,972    —      —      —      —      —      Shopping
Center
   99.6%

Alto Avellaneda(4)

   12/23/97    37,030    City of
Avellaneda
   96,271    —      —      —      —      —      Shopping
Center
   99.8%

Paseo Alcorta(4)

   06/06/97    14,465    City of
Buenos
Aires
   72,144    —      —      —      —      —      Shopping
Center
   99.5%

Patio Bullrich(4)

   10/01/98    11,685    City of
Buenos
Aires
   101,291    —      —      —      —      —      Shopping
Center
   100.0%

Alto Noa(4)

   03/29/95    18,851    City of
Salta
   25,039    —      —      —      —      —      Shopping
Center
   100.0%

Buenos Aires Design(4)

   11/18/97    14,069    City of
Buenos
Aires
   13,617    —      —      —      —      —      Shopping
Center
   100.0%

Alto Rosario(4)

   11/09/04    28,562    City of
Rosario
   81,630    —      —      —      —      —      Shopping
Center
   99.2%

Mendoza Plaza(4)

   12/02/94    39,688    City of
Mendoza
   88,363    —      —      —      —      —      Shopping
Center
   97.7%

 

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Property(10)

  Date of
Acquisition
  Leaseable/
Sale m2(1)
  Location   Net Book
Value
Ps./000(2)
  Encumbrance   Outstanding
principal
amount Ps./
000
  Maturity
Date
  Balance
due at
maturity
  Rate   Use   Occupancy
rate (11)

Córdoba Shopping(4)

  12/31/06   10,117   City of
Córdoba
  72,464   Mortgage   6,1   Dic-08   6,1   Fix
Rate
6%
  Shopping
Center
  97.2%

Panamerican Mall(4)

  12/01/06   37,404   City of
Buenos
Aires
  283,361   —     —     —     —     —     Shopping
Center (in
construction)
  N/A

Neuquén(4)

  07/06/99   N/A   Province of
Neuquén
  12,912   —     —     —     —     —     Shopping
Center (in
construction)
  N/A

Puerto Retiro(3)

  05/18/97   82,051   City of
Buenos
Aires
  54,498   —     —     —     —     —     Land
Reserve
  N/A

Santa María del Plata

  07/10/97   675,952   City of
Buenos
Aires
  135,785   —     —     —     —     —     Land
Reserve
  N/A

Pereiraola(5)

  12/16/96   1,299,630   Province of
Buenos
Aires
  21,717   —     —     —     —     —     Land
Reserve
  N/A

Terreno Torres de Rosario (4)

  4/30/99   42,620   City of
Rosario
  17,093   —     —     —     —     —     Land
Reserve
  N/D

Canteras Natal Crespo

  07/27/05   4,320,000   Province of
Córdoba
  5,555   —     —     —     —     —     Land
Reserve
  N/A

Luján

  5/30/08   1,160,000   Province of
Buenos
Aires
  9,510   —     —     —     —     —     Land
Reserve
  N/A

Terreno Beruti (4)

  6/24/08   3,238   City of
Buenos
Aires
  52,030   Mortgage   27   40.210   14   not
accrues
interests
  Land
Reserve
  N/A

Patio Olmos (4)

  9/25/07   5,147   Province of
Córdoba
  32,944   —     —     —     —     —     Land
Reserve
  N/A

Others Reserves of Land(6)

  N/A   14,324,327   Ciudad y
Provincia
de Buenos
Aires
  67,817   —     —     —     —     —     Land
Reserve
  N/A

Residential apartments, communities and others(9)

  N/A   N/A   City and
Province of
Bs.As.
  178,845   —     —     —     —     —     Residential
apartments
and others
  N/A

Hotel Llao Llao

  06/01/97   15,000   City of
Bariloche
  92,868   —     —     —     —     —     Hotel   62.4%

 

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Property(10)

   Date of
Acquisition
   Leaseable/
Salem2(1)
   Location    Net Book
Value
Ps./000(2)
   Encumbrance    Outstanding
principal
amount Ps./
000
   Maturity
Date
   Balance
due at
maturity
   Rate   Use    Occupancy
rate (11)

Hotel Intercontinental (3)

   11/01/97    37,742    City of
Buenos
Aires
   59,402    —      —      —      —      —     Hotel    76.1%

Hotel Libertador

   03/01/98    17,463    City of
Buenos
Aires
   46,501    Mortgage    17,5    Mar-10    15,3    Libor 6M
+ 700 pb
  Hotel    89.3%

Terrenos Bariloche

   12/01/06    N/A    Province
of Rio
Negro
   21,900    Mortgage    4,5    Dic-09    0,3    Fix

Rate

7%

  Hotel    N/A

 

 

(1) Total leaseable area for each property. Excludes common areas and parking spaces.

 

(2) Cost of acquisition or development (adjusted as discussed in Note 2.c. to the consolidated financial statements), plus improvements, less accumulated depreciation, less allowances.

 

(3) Through IBSA.

 

(4) Through Alto Palermo.

 

(5) Directly through IRSA and indirectly through IBSA.

 

(6) Includes the following land reserves: Terrenos Pilar, Padilla 902 and Terreno Torre Jardín IV (through IRSA), Terreno Pontevedra; Isla Sirgadero; Mariano Acosta, Intercontinental Plaza II, advance purchase San Luis and Merlo (through IBSA), and Terreno Caballito, the Coto project, C. Gardel 3128/34, Agüero 596, Zelaya 3102 and Conil (through Alto Palermo).

 

(7) As security for compliance with the construction of the future building to be constructed in a plot of land in Vicente Lopez, Province or Buenos Aires and transfer of the future units, the company’s property located at Suipacha 652 was mortgaged.

 

(8) Includes the following properties: Abril and Alto Palermo Park (through and Inversora Bolivar) and Torre Renoir I (through IRSA).

 

(9) Includes the following properties: Torres Jardín, Torres Abasto, Edificios Cruceros; Barrio Chico, Concepción Arenal, Torres Renoir II, Torres Rosario Swap receivables Terreno Caballito (Cyrsa), Swap receivables Terreno Caballito (KOAD) Torre Caballito, Horizons, Dorrego1916, Abril/Baldovinos, Benavidez, V.Celina and Dock 13 (through IRSA).

 

(10) All assets are owned by IRSA or through any our subsidiary.

 

(11) Percentage of occupation of each property. The land reserves are assets that the company remains in the portfolio for future development.

 

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On October 29, 2007 we paid US$ 24.3 million of principal and US$ 0.35 million of accrued interest of our secured floating rate notes due November 2009 and US$ 14.95 million of principal and US$ 0.21 million of accrued interest of our unsecured loan agreement. The payment of such debt produced the cancellation of the mortgages that we had in connection with the issuance of the collateralized notes (13 functional units at Libertador 498, 71 complementary units in Laminar Plaza and 19 complementary units in Dique IV).

Insurance.

We carry insurance policies with insurance companies that we consider to be financially sound.

In our Development and Sale of Properties segment, we only maintain insurance when we retain ownership of the land under development or when we develop the property ourselves.

Our liability and fire insurance policies cover potential risks such as property damage, negligence liability, fire, falls, collapse, lightning and gas explosion, electrical and water damages, theft, and business interruption. Such insurance policies have specifications, limits and deductibles which we believe are customary.

We maintain insurance policies for our properties after the end of construction only if we retain ownership, primarily in the Offices and Other Non-Shopping Center Rental Properties segment.

We carry directors and officer’s insurance covering management’s civil liability, as well as legally mandated insurance, including employee personal injury.

We also provide life or disability insurance for our employees as benefits.

We believe our insurance policies are adequate to protect us against the risks for which we are covered. Nevertheless, some potential losses are not covered by insurance and certain kinds of insurance coverage may become prohibitively expensive. See “Risk Factors—Risks Related to our Business—Some potential losses are not covered by insurance, and certain kinds of insurance coverage may become prohibitively expensive.”

 

Item 4A. Unresolved Staff Comments.

None.

 

ITEM 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects

A. Operating Results

The following Operating and Financial Review and Prospects should be read in conjunction with Item 3: “Key Information-Selected Financial Data” and our audited consolidated financial statements and related notes appearing elsewhere in this annual report. This “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects” discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. These forward-looking statements include, among others, those statements including the words “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “believes” and similar language. Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of many risk factors, including those set forth elsewhere in this

 

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annual report. See Item 3 “Risk Factors” for a more complete discussion of the economic and industry-wide factors relevant to us and the opportunities and challenges as a result of the global economic crisis, and risks on which we are focused.

For purposes of the following discussion, unless otherwise specified, references to fiscal years 2008, 2007 and 2006 relate to our fiscal years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

We maintain our financial books and records in Pesos. We prepare our consolidated financial statements in conformity with Argentine GAAP and the regulations of the Comisión Nacional de Valores which differ in significant respects from U.S. GAAP. These differences involve methods of measuring the amounts shown in the financial statements as well as additional disclosures required by U.S. GAAP and Regulation S-X of the SEC. See Note 28 to our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this annual report herein for a description of the principal differences between Argentine GAAP and U.S. GAAP, as they relate to us, and a reconciliation to U.S. GAAP of our net income and shareholders’ equity.

Our Results of Operations

Overview

Effects of the economic crisis since 2001 Our historical financial results have been, and are expected to continue to be, materially affected by the general level of economic activity and growth of per capita disposable income in Argentina, where all of our assets are located and our operations are performed. From December 2001 through most of 2002, Argentina experienced a crisis that virtually paralyzed its economy and led to radical changes in government policies. Argentina’s trade and fiscal deficits and the rigidity of its fixed exchange rate system (known as the convertibility regime), combined with the country’s excessive reliance on foreign capital and with its mounting external debt, resulted in a deep contraction of the economy and in banking and fiscal crises when capital started to leave the country.

In response to the political and economic crisis, the Argentine government undertook a number of far-reaching initiatives that significantly changed the monetary and foreign exchange regime and the regulatory framework for conducting business in Argentina. Between December 2001 and January 2002, Argentina abolished the fixed parity between the Peso and the U.S. dollar, rescheduled bank deposits, converted dollar denominated debts into pesos, and suspended payment on a significant portion of its public debt.

Most sectors of the Argentine economy were severely affected by the crisis and regulatory changes. In April 2002, the economy started its path to stabilization and realized a clear improvement of economic variables during the second half of the year, mainly as a result of expanding exports and decreasing imports. While the devaluation of the Peso had significant adverse consequences, it resulted in a positive balance for Argentina’s current account, which fostered a reactivation of domestic production. The sharp decline in the Peso’s value against foreign currencies, together with a decline in production costs in U.S. dollar terms, made Argentine products relatively inexpensive in the export markets. At the same time, the costs of imported goods increased significantly due to the devaluation of the Peso, forcing Argentine consumers to substitute their purchase of foreign goods with domestic products, substantially boosting domestic demand for domestic products.

During the second half of 2002, Argentina’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) increased 4.4%, and the consumer price index inflation was 8.0% for the six-month period ended

 

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December 31, 2002, compared to 30.5% for the six-month period ended June 30, 2002. The improving economic conditions, particularly the reduction of capital outflows from the Argentine economy and the banking system, allowed the government to begin lifting restrictions on bank withdrawals in November 2002.

Despite the improvement in economic conditions during the second half of 2002, Argentina’s overall GDP contracted 10.9% for the full year, receding to 1993 values, investment collapsed (with, for example, negative growth of 43% in the second quarter compared to the second quarter of 2001), and inflation increased sharply. The main impact of the crisis was the tremendous social hardship. Unemployment rose from 12.9% to 19.7% between 1998 and 2002, real wages declined 24% in 2002, and the poverty index increased from 29% of the population in 2000 to 52% in 2002.

In May 2003, Argentina’s political environment was reorganized when Néstor Kirchner took office as president. The economy continued to show indications of recovery, as GDP grew 8.8% in 2003. A combination of sound fiscal and monetary policies kept consumer price inflation under control at 3.5% in 2003. During 2003, Argentina moved towards normalizing its relationship with the IMF, withdrew all the national and provincial governments’ quasi-money securities from circulation (amounting to Ps.7.8 billion), and eliminated all deposit restrictions. The trade balance experienced a sustained surplus, aided by the rise in commodity prices and export volumes. Social indicators also improved. The unemployment rate decreased to 17.3% in 2003 and real wages began to recover.

During 2004 and 2005, the Argentine economy continued to grow. GDP grew 9.0% in 2004 and 9.0% in 2005 according to the Central Bank’s survey of independent forecasting firms. Inflation remained relatively low in 2004 although it almost doubled to 6.1% from 2003, and it increased to 12.3% during 2005, 9.8% during 2006, 8,5% during 2007 and 4,7% as of the first semester of 2008.

In June 2005, the Argentine government completed a restructuring of a substantial portion of the federal government’s public debt, which had been in default since December 2001. Argentina reduced the outstanding principal amount of its public debt from US$191.3 billion to US$126.6 billion and negotiated lower interest rates and extended payment terms. Approximately US$19.5 billion of defaulted bonds held by creditors who did not participate in the exchange offer remain outstanding.

During 2008, the international scenario has shown signs of deterioration, as a consequence of the subprime mortgages collapse. Thus, from the standpoint of economics and finance, uncertainty has grown and global growth expectations have been revised down, not only with respect to the developed countries, but also to the emerging ones.

Therefore, Argentina faces a global economic slow-down that may significantly impair economic growth. However, Argentina can continue to generate positive export balances through the export of primary commodities and industrial manufactures.

Although the Argentine economy has recovered significantly from the crisis occurred un 2002, the effects of the global economic slow down on Argentina cannot be predicted. See “Risk Factors—Risks Related to Argentina.”

 

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Effects of inflation

From 1997 until the end of year 2001, the Argentine government’s policies substantially reduced the level of inflation. Therefore, during that period inflation did not significantly affect our financial condition and results of operations. The following are annual inflation rates’ since 2002 published by the Argentine Ministry of Economy and Production:

 

Year ended June 30,

  

Consumer Price Index

  

Wholesale Price Index

2002

   28.4%    88.2%

2003

   10.2%    8.1%

2004

   4.9%    8.6%

2005

   9.0%    7.7%

2006

   11.0%    12.1%

2007

   8.8%    9.4%

  2008(1)

   9.3%    13.8%

The increase in inflationary risk may erode our present macroeconomic stability, causing a negative impact on our operations.

During 2006 and 2007 retail prices increased significantly, making inflation one of the main economic issues. In order to hold back inflation, the government signed trade agreements, primarily within the food and textile sectors. In this regard, the Wholesale Price Index (“IPIM”) increased by 9.1% in the first eleven months of 2008. This shows that inflation is one of the most important problems facing Argentina today.

Effects of interest rate fluctuations

Most of our U.S. dollar denominated debt accrues interest at a fixed rate. An increase in interest rates will not necessary result in a significant increase in our financial costs and may not materially affect our financial condition and our results of operations.

Effects of foreign currency fluctuations

A significant portion of our financial debt is denominated in U.S. dollars. Therefore, a devaluation of the Argentine Peso against the U.S. dollar would increase our indebtedness measured in Pesos and materially affect our results of operations. Foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations significantly increase the risk of default on our mortgages and lease receivables. Due to the fact that many of our customers have their cash flows in Pesos, a fluctuation of exchange rate may increase their U.S. dollar-denominated liabilities. Foreign currency exchange restrictions that may be imposed by the Argentine Government could prevent or restrict our access to U.S. dollars, affecting our ability to service our U.S. dollar denominated liabilities.

Evolution of our Business Segments

Shopping centers

The profitability of our shopping center business is highly sensitive to consumer spending, overall GDP growth in Argentina and availability of financing. The contraction in consumer spending and the greater reliance on informal and low quality products that characterized the Argentine economy during the crisis has been significantly lessened along with an increase in GDP growth. This economic reactivation has significantly increased the revenues of Alto Palermo, our subsidiary engaged in shopping center ownership and operation. During the fiscal years ended June 30, 2006, 2007 and 2008, our shopping center revenues were Ps.215.0 million, Ps.270.3 million and Ps.345.4 million respectively.

 

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Consumer Financing operations.

Tarshop S.A. is a subsidiary of Alto Palermo through which we have rolled out a consumer financing business. Economic reactivation and the consequent increase in consumer spending have been fueling the growth in this business as in the case of the shopping center segment. Conceived originally as a marketing tool intended to stimulate sales at our shopping centers, Tarshop’s credit card business has extended beyond our shopping centers, becoming one of the fastest growing consumer financing businesses in the consumer financing industry in Argentina. As of June 30, 2008, Tarshop had 894,000 customer accounts of which 640,000 had unpaid balances, an average indebtedness of Ps. 1,630 per account. Total portfolio amounted to Ps. 1,044.6 million, 78% of which was securitized through the Tarjeta Shopping Financial Trusts Program. During the fiscal years ended June 30, 2006, 2007 and 2008, the revenues of our credit card operations were Ps.123.0 million, Ps.213.0 million and Ps.291.0 million, respectively.

As a result of the current international financial scenario, we have observed a high volatility in interest rates and increases in systemic delinquency, affecting the performance and financing of the consumer finance business. The higher delinquency levels have led to an increase in the subordination of financial trusts which, added to the changes in their tax treatment, the higher interest rates resulting from higher risk and a slight deceleration in private consumption, have forced us to review the general economic and the business prospects of Tarshop S.A. We are focused on improving Tarshop’s capital base and operating performance in order to consolidate its position in the industry. For more information about our consumer financing Segment, please see “Recent Developments” section.

Development and sale of properties

Demand for new residential units is influenced by a number of factors, including employment rates, short-term and long-term interest rates, availability of government-sponsored and private mortgage financing programs and products, consumer confidence, governmental policies, demographic factors and, to a lesser extent, changes in property taxes, energy costs and federal income tax rates. In addition, the feasibility of developing and marketing new residential units depends on a number of factors such as the inventory of existing units, zoning restrictions, government policies, cost and availability of land, construction and sales costs and the availability of financing on reasonable terms, among other factors. At the time of the crisis, residential sales came to a virtual standstill and real estate prices fell sharply. During the last four years, the market has begun to recover, making gradual progress. This continuing market stabilization accounts for much of the revenue increase in our Development and Sale of Properties segment. During the fiscal years ended June 30, 2006, 2007 and 2008, our Development and sale of properties segment had revenues of Ps.104.0 million, Ps.75.8 million and Ps. 196.8 million, respectively.

Office and other non-shopping center rental properties

The profitability of offices and other non-shopping center rental properties segment is similarly affected by the macroeconomic factors described above. Favorable market conditions and the incidence of bankruptcy are also closely related to levels of vacancy and to the price at which we can lease our premises which in turn adversely affect our revenues in this segment. During the 2001 Argentine economic crisis and its aftermath, few development projects were built in Argentina. However, demand for office space and rental properties has increased substantially during the last four years, significantly raising prices. During the fiscal years ended June 30, 2006, 2007 and 2008, our offices and other non-shopping center rental properties segment had revenues of Ps.30.6 million, Ps.55.7 million and Ps.101.0 million, respectively.

 

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Hotel operations

The revenues from our hotel business are also highly sensitive to market conditions. For example, the devaluation of the Peso following the repeal of the Convertibility Law made Argentina a less expensive, and therefore a more attractive, tourist destination, significantly increasing the influx of foreign tourists. The appreciation of foreign currency also rendered domestic travel destinations more appealing to the Argentines, many of whom replaced foreign travel with local travel. During fiscal years ended June 30, 2006, 2007 and 2008, our Hotel operations segment had revenues of Ps.103.8 million, Ps.122.7 million and Ps.148.8 million, respectively.

Factors Affecting Comparability of Results of Operations

Described below are certain considerations that will facilitate an understanding of our overall operating results. These factors are based upon the information which is currently available to us and do not represent all of the factors that are relevant to an understanding of our current and future results of operations.

Recent results on equity investees

We currently own 11.8% of Banco Hipotecario, Argentina’s leading mortgage lender in terms of mortgage loans granted and provider of mortgage-related insurance and mortgage loan services. For fiscal years ended June 30, 2007 and 2008, our investment in Banco Hipotecario generated a gain of Ps.41.4 million and a loss of Ps.12.4 million respectively. The results we recorded in our 2007 and 2008 fiscal years represented 38.6% and (22.5)%, respectively, of our consolidated net income for such years.

Variability of results due to substantial property acquisitions and dispositions

The development and sale of large residential and other properties does not yield a stable, recurring stream of revenue. On the contrary, large acquisitions and sales significantly affect revenues for a reporting period, making it difficult to compare our year-to-year results. For example, the Ps.108.4 million sale of Bouchard 551 and the Ps.56.6 million sale of plot Y of Dique III have significantly impacted our results for our 2008 fiscal year. Our historical revenues have varied from period to period depending upon the timing of sales of properties, and our future period-on-period results of operations are likely to continue to vary, perhaps significantly, as a result of periodic acquisitions and dispositions of properties.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

In connection with the preparation of our consolidated financial statements included in this annual report, we have relied on variables and assumptions derived from historical experience and various other factors that we deemed reasonable and relevant. Although we review these estimates and assumptions in the ordinary course of business, the portrayal of our financial condition and results of operation often requires our management to make judgments regarding the effects of matters that are inherently uncertain on the carrying value of our assets and liabilities. Actual results may differ from those estimated under different variables, assumptions or conditions. In order to provide an understanding about how management forms our judgments about future events, including the variables and assumptions underlying the estimates, and the sensitivity of those judgments to different variables and conditions, we have included comments related to each critical accounting policy described as follows:

revenue recognition;

 

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business combinations;

useful lives of real estate assets;

provision for allowances and contingencies;

impairment of long-lived assets;

debt restructuring;

deferred income tax;

minimum presumed income tax; and

negative goodwill, net

Revenue recognition

We primarily derive our revenues from domestic office space and shopping center leases and services operations, from the development and sale of properties, from consumer financing operations and from hotel operations.

Accounting for real estate barter transactions. During the years ended June 30, 2008 and 2006 we entered into certain non-monetary transactions with third parties pursuant to which we sold plots of land in the ordinary course of business in exchange for cash and/or other real estate properties. Under Argentine GAAP, these transactions were recorded based on the fair value of the assets involved and, as a result, a gain or loss was recognized at the time of the exchange. We believe that this accounting policy is a “critical accounting policy” because the impact of accounting for real estate barter transactions under this method could have a material effect on our consolidated balance sheet as well as on our results of operations.

Recognition of inventories at net realizable value. Inventories, on which we received payments in advance that establish the sales price and the terms and conditions of the contract assuring the closing of the transaction and the realization of the gain, are valued at net realizable value. At June 30, 2008, payments for Ps.2.8 million were valued according to these criteria, which were principally applied to the following developments: Torre Renoir Dock III for Ps.2.6 million and “Torres Rosario” for Ps.0.2 million. We believe that the accounting policy related to recognition of inventories at net realizable value is a “critical accounting policy” because the impact of accounting under this method could have a material effect on our consolidated balance sheet as well as on our results of operations. The performance of a sensitivity analysis, which reduced the fair market value of the properties by 5%, would have resulted in a smaller “Gain from recognition of inventories at net realizable value” by Ps.2.1 million for our fiscal year ended June 30, 2008.

 

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Leases and services from shopping center operations. We account for our leases with tenants as operating leases. We generally charge tenants a rent which consists of the higher of (i) a monthly base rent (the “Base Rent”) and (ii) a specified percentage of the tenant’s monthly gross retail sales (the “Percentage Rent”) (which generally ranges between 4% and 10% of tenant’s gross sales). Furthermore, pursuant to the rent escalation clause in most leases, the tenant’s Base Rent generally increases between 7% and 12% each year during the term of the lease. Certain of our lease agreements contain provisions which provide for rents based on a percentage of sales or based on a percentage of sales volume above a specified threshold. We determine the compliance with specific targets and calculate the additional rent on a monthly basis as provided for in the contracts. Thus, we do not recognize contingent rents until the required thresholds are exceeded.

Our lease agreements vary from 36 to 120 months. Law No. 24,808 provides that tenants may rescind commercial lease agreements after the initial six months, upon not less than 60 days’ written notice, subject to penalties of one and a half months rent if the tenant rescinds during the first year of its lease, and one month of rent if the tenant rescinds after the first year of its lease.

We also charge our tenants a monthly administration fee, prorated among the tenants according to their leases, which varies from shopping center to shopping center, relating to the administration and maintenance of the common area and the administration of contributions made by tenants to finance promotional efforts for the overall shopping centers operations. We recognize administration fees monthly when earned. In addition to rent, we generally charge tenants admission rights. Admission rights are non-refundable admission fees that tenants may be required to pay upon entering into a lease or upon lease renewal. An admission right is normally paid in one lump sum or in a small number of monthly installments. We recognize admission rights using the straight-line method over the life of the respective lease agreements. Furthermore, the lease agreements generally provide for the reimbursement of real estate taxes, insurance, advertising and certain common area maintenance costs. These additional rents and tenant reimbursements are accounted for on the accrual basis.

We also derive revenues for parking lot fees charged to visitors. We recognize parking revenues as services are performed.

Leases and services from office and other non-shopping center rental properties. We account for our leases with tenants as operating leases. We charge tenants a base rent on a monthly basis. We recognize rental income on a straight-line basis over the term of the leases.

Development and sale of properties. We record revenue from the sale of properties when all of the following criteria are met: (a) the sale has been consummated (a sale is not considered consummated until (i) the parties are bound by the terms of a contract, (ii) all consideration has been exchanged, (iii) any permanent financing for which the seller is responsible has been arranged and (iv) all conditions precedent to the closing have been performed); (b) we determine that the buyer’s initial and continuing investments are adequate to demonstrate a commitment to pay for the property (the adequacy of a buyer’s initial investment is measured by (i) its composition and (ii) its size compared with the sales value of the property); (c) our receivable is not subject to future subordination (our receivable will not be placed in or occupy a lower rank, class or position with respect to other obligations of the buyer); and (d) we have transferred to the buyer the risk and rewards of ownership and does not have a continuing involvement in the property.

 

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We generally enter into purchase and sale agreements with purchasers of units in our residential development properties prior to the commencement of construction. Pursuant to this practice, we initiate our marketing and sales efforts on the basis of already-commissioned architectural designs and model units. As a general rule, purchasers pay a booking charge for the units and subsequently enter into fixed price purchase and sale agreements. The balance of the purchase price is due upon delivery of the constructed and completed unit.

Construction of such residential development properties is done pursuant to “turn-key” contracts with major Argentine and South American construction companies that provide for construction to be completed within a prescribed period and budget, subject to customary exceptions.

We use the percentage-of-completion method of accounting with respect to sales of development properties under construction effected under fixed-priced contracts. Under this method, revenue is recognized based on the ratio of costs incurred to total estimated costs applied to the total contract price. We do not commence revenue and cost recognition until such time as the decision to proceed with the project is made and construction activities have begun.

The percentage-of-completion method of accounting requires management to prepare budgeted costs (i.e., the estimated costs of completion) in connection with sales of properties and/or units. All changes to estimated costs of completion are incorporated into revised estimates during the contract period.

Under this method of accounting, revenues for work completed may be recognized in the statement of income prior to the period in which actual cash proceeds from the sale are received. In this situation, a deferred asset is recorded. Alternatively, and as is more common for us, where property and/or unit purchasers pay us an advance down-payment and monthly cash installments prior to the commencement of construction, a liability is recorded. This is recorded as a customer advance in the financial statements.

Consumer financing. We derive revenues from origination of consumer loans and consumer financing transactions and securitization of corresponding receivables. Revenues from credit card transaction are primarily comprised of (i) merchant discount fees which are recognized when transactional information is received and processed by the Company; (ii) data processing services which consist of processing and printing cardholders account statements, and which are recognized as services are provided; (iii) life and disability insurance charges to cardholders which are recognized on an upfront basis, and (iv) interest income generating by financing and lending activities. Revenue from financing and lending activities are comprised of interest income generating by financing and lending activities. Revenue from financing and lending activities are comprised of interest income which is recognized on an accrual basis.

Hotel operations. We recognize revenues from occupation of rooms, catering, and restaurant services as earned at the close of each business day.

Business combinations

Acquisitions are accounted for under the purchase method of accounting. Under the purchase method of accounting, we allocate the purchase price of properties to tangible and identified intangible assets acquired based on their fair values in accordance with the provisions of Technical Resolution No. 18. In making estimates of fair values for the purpose of allocating purchase price, our management uses a number of sources. We also consider information about each property obtained as a result of our pre-acquisition due diligence, marketing and leasing activities in estimating the fair value of tangible and intangible assets acquired. We allocate a portion of the purchase price to tangible assets including the fair value of the building on an as-if-vacant

 

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basis and to land determined either by real estate tax assessments, third-party appraisals or other relevant data. Generally, we determine the as-if-vacant value by using a replacement cost method. Also, a portion of the purchase price is allocated to above-market and below-market in-place lease values for acquired properties based on the present value (using an interest rate which reflects the risks associated with the leases acquired) of the difference between (i) the contractual amounts to be paid pursuant to the in-place leases and (ii) management’s estimate of fair market lease rates for the corresponding in-place leases, measured over a period equal to the remaining noncancelable term of the lease. The capitalized above-market and below-market lease values are amortized as a reduction of or an addition to rental income over the remaining noncancelable terms of the respective leases. Should a tenant terminate its lease, the unamortized portion of the lease intangibles would be charged or credited to income. A portion of the purchase price is also allocated to the value of leases acquired and management uses independent sources or management’s determination of the relative fair values of the respective in-place lease values. Our estimates of value are made using methods similar to those used by independent appraisers. Factors considered by management in performing these analyses include an estimate of carrying costs during the expected lease-up periods, considering current market conditions and costs to execute similar leases. In estimating carrying costs, management includes real estate taxes, insurance and other operating expenses and estimates of lost rental revenue during the expected lease-up periods based on current market demand. We also estimate costs to execute similar leases including leasing commissions, legal expenses and other related costs. Other intangible assets acquired may include tenant relationships which are valued based on management’s evaluation of the specific characteristics of each tenant’s lease and our overall relationship with the respective tenant. We have not identified any lessee with whom we have developed a type of relationship allowing the recognition of an intangible asset.

Useful lives of real estate assets

We are required to make subjective assessments as to the useful lives of our properties for purposes of determining the amount of depreciation to reflect on an annual basis with respect to those properties. These assessments have a direct impact on our net income. If we would lengthen or shorten the expected useful life of a particular asset, it would be depreciated over more or less years and result in less or more depreciation expense and higher or lower net income.

Provisions for allowances and contingencies

We provide for losses relating to mortgage, lease and other accounts receivable. The allowance for losses is recognized when, based on current information and events, it is probable that we will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the terms of our agreements. Allowances are determined on a case-by-case basis, where applicable, by considering the present value of expected future cash flow or the fair market value of collateral if the loan is securitized. Determinations that an allowance should be recognized are dependent on information available at the time of the determination. As a result, future adjustments to the allowance may be necessary if future economic conditions differ substantially from the assumptions used at the time of the determination. We have considered all events and/or transactions subject to reasonable and standard estimation procedures. The consolidated financial statements reflect these considerations.

We have certain contingent liabilities with respect to existing or potential claims, lawsuits and other proceedings, including those involving labor and other matters. We accrue liabilities when it is probable that future costs will be incurred and such costs can be reasonably estimated. Such accruals are based on developments to date, our estimate of the outcomes of these matters

 

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and our lawyers’ experience in contesting, litigating and settling other matters. As the scope of the liabilities becomes better defined, there may be changes in the estimates of future costs, which could have material effect on our future results of operations and financial condition or liquidity.

Impairment of long-lived assets

We periodically evaluate the carrying value of our long-lived assets for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. We consider the carrying value of a long-lived asset to be impaired when its value in use or its net realizable value, whichever is greater, is less than its carrying value. Value in use is determined by the expected cash flows from the assets discounted at a rate commensurate with the risk involved. Net realizable value is determined by the selling price of the assets less costs to sell.

Under Argentine GAAP a previously recognized impairment loss is reversed when there is a subsequent change in estimates used to compute the fair market value of the asset. In that event, the new carrying value of the asset is the lower of its fair market value or the net carrying value the asset would have had if no impairment had been recognized. Both the impairment charge and the impairment reversal are recognized in earnings. U.S. GAAP prohibits the reversal of a previously recognized impairment charge.

We believe that the accounting estimate related to asset impairment is a “critical accounting estimate” because:

 

   

it is highly susceptible to change from period to period because it requires company management and/or independent appraisers to make assumptions such as, future sales and cost of sale, future vacancy rates and future prices, which requires significant adjustments because actual prices and vacancy rates have fluctuated in the past and are expected to continue to do so; and

 

   

the impact that recognizing an impairment would have on assets reported on our balance sheet as well as on the results of our operations could be material.

During the years ended June 30, 2002, 2003, and 2005 we recognized impairment losses. As permitted by Argentine GAAP, due to increases in fair market values, these impairment charges were subsequently reversed during the years ended June 30, 2004 through the current fiscal year. Impairment charges and subsequent reversals are included in the line item “Gain from operations and holdings of real estate assets, net” in the income statement.

The fair market value of our office and rental properties was determined following the rent value method, taking into consideration each property’s future cash flow, its comparability with other properties in the market and its historic vacancy rates. The price per square meter of our properties varies according to the category and type of building, and to each property’s idiosyncratic traits. Vacancy rates are the lowest in history with rates below 1%. Moreover, we currently believe that a significant amount of new office space, comparable to our existing buildings, is not likely to become available in the City of Buenos Aires during our next two or three fiscal years. We applied an assumed 5% vacancy rate in preparing our cash flow analyses. For buildings we consider to be Class A (those having the best location and condition) the average price per square meter used was between Ps.80 and Ps.120 per square meter per month, while for buildings we consider to be Class A/B (having very good location and/or condition) the average price was between Ps.52 and Ps.69 per square meter per month, and for buildings we

 

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consider Class B/C (those having good location and/or condition) it was Ps.36 per square meter per month. The performance of a sensitivity analysis, which would have reduced the fair market value of these properties by 5%, would have resulted in a smaller reversal of impairment losses of Ps.0.2 million, as of June 30, 2008.

With respect to our Hotel Operations segment, the discounted cash flows methodology was applied by taking the forecasts of each hotel in a 10-year flow and discounting such estimated amounts at rates according to risk, location and other relevant factors. The cash flows to be discounted considered revenues per room, per guest, per additional charge as well as the fixed and variable expenditures related to the transaction. Rate increases and occupancy variations were estimated based on the information supplied by each hotel’s management and comparing them to industry-specific data in the local market. We believe that tourism activities and related industries in Argentina have increased by 8% to 12% over the last 12 months, above worldwide figures, according to inbound traveling and spending statistics provided by the National Tourism Agency.

Shopping centers were valued according to the rent value method. We calculated discount rates considering each property’s location, its comparability with other properties in the market, its historic rental income, vacancy rates and cash flow. The average discount rates we used ranged between 14.5% and 16.5%, the average price per leasable square meter was Ps.7,043 and the average vacancy rate was calculated taking into consideration a permanent vacancy rate of 5%.

We used the open market method for determining the fair market value of our land reserves and inventories. We estimated the value of each site by taking into consideration the value of the property according to its surface area and location, as well as the availability of inventory. The performance of a sensitivity analysis, which would have reduced the fair market value of these properties by 5% would have resulted in a smaller reversal of impairment losses of Ps.0.02 million, and an increased recognition of impairment losses of Ps. 0.02 million, as of June 30, 2008.

Debt restructuring

Extension of the Alto Palermo’s Convertible Notes’ maturity date. On August 20, 2002, Alto Palermo issued an aggregate amount of US$50.0 million of uncollateralized convertible notes (the “Convertible Notes”) in exchange for cash and the settlement of certain liabilities. The Convertible Notes accrue interest at a fixed annual interest rate of 10% (payable semiannually), are convertible at any time at the option of the holder into common shares of Ps. 0.10 par value per share and originally matured on July 19, 2006. On May 2, 2006 a Meeting of Noteholders resolved to extend the maturity date of the Convertible Notes through July 19, 2014, leaving the remaining terms and conditions unchanged.

Argentine GAAP requires that an exchange of debt instruments with substantially different terms be considered a debt extinguishment. Argentine GAAP clarifies that from a debtor’s perspective, an exchange of debt instruments between, or a modification of a debt instrument by, a debtor and a creditor shall be deemed to have been accomplished with debt instruments that are substantially different if the present value of the cash flows under the terms of the new debt instrument is at least 10% different from the present value of the remaining cash flows under the terms of the original instrument. The new debt instrument should be initially recorded at fair value, and that amount should be used to determine the extinguishment gain or loss to be recognized.

 

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Fair value should be determined by the present value of the future cash flows to be paid under the terms of the new debt instrument discounted at a rate commensurate with the risks of the debt instrument and time value of money. If it is determined that the original and new debt instrument are not substantially different, then a new effective interest rate is to be determined based on the carrying amount of the original debt instrument and the revised cash flows. Based on the analysis performed, we concluded that the instruments were not substantially different and accordingly the original Convertible Notes were not considered to have been extinguished.

We believe that the accounting policy related to the extension of Alto Palermo’s Convertible Notes’ maturity date is a “critical accounting policy” because it required us to make an estimate of the present value of the future cash flows, using an estimated discount rate which is highly susceptible to changes from period to period, and as a result the impact on the fair market value of our debt instruments could be material.

Deferred income tax

We recognize income tax using the liability method. Accordingly, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recorded or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. Technical Resolution No. 17 requires companies to record a valuation allowance for that component of net deferred tax assets which is not recoverable.

We believe that the accounting estimate related to deferred income tax is a “critical accounting estimate” because:

it is highly susceptible to change from period to period because it requires company management to make assumptions, such as future revenues and expenses, exchange rates and inflation among others; and

the impact that calculating income tax using this method would have on assets or liabilities reported on our consolidated balance sheet as well as on the income tax result reported in our consolidated statement of income could be material.

Minimum presumed income tax (“MPIT”)

We calculate the minimum presumed income tax provision by applying the current 1% rate on computable assets at the end of the year. This tax complements the income tax. Our tax obligation each year will coincide with the highest amount due under either of these two taxes. However, if the minimum presumed income tax provision exceeds income tax in a given year, the amount in excess of income tax can be offset against income tax arising in any of the following ten years.

We have recognized the minimum presumed income tax provision paid in previous years as a credit as we estimate that it will offset future years’ income tax.

We believe that the accounting policy relating to the minimum presumed income tax provision is a “critical accounting policy” because it requires management to make estimates and

 

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assumptions with respect to our future results that are highly susceptible to change from period to period, and as such the impact on our financial position and results of operations could be material.

Negative Goodwill, net

Negative goodwill

When the sum of the individual fair values of the identifiable tangible and intangible assets exceeds the purchase price paid, negative goodwill exists. Under Argentine GAAP, when negative goodwill exists after an acquiring entity initially assigns values to all assets acquired and liabilities assumed, RT No. 18 states that the entity must first reassess whether all acquired assets and assumed liabilities have been identified and properly valued. If an amount of negative goodwill still results after this reassessment, intangible assets acquired (including above and below market leases, in-place leases and tenant relationships, as applicable), are subject to reduction. If after all of these intangible assets are reduced to zero and an amount of negative goodwill still remains, the remaining unallocated negative goodwill is amortized under the straight-line method over the weighted average useful life of the main tangible assets acquired.

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of cost over the fair value of net identifiable assets and is amortized under the straight-line method over the weighted average useful life of the main tangible assets acquired.

The carrying amount does not exceed its respective estimated recoverable value at the end of this year.

Business Segment Reporting

We have determined that our reportable segments are those based on our method of internal reporting. Accordingly, we have six reportable segments. These segments are “Shopping centers,” “Consumer financing,” “Development and sale of properties,” “Offices and other non-shopping center rental properties,” “Hotel operations” and “Financial operations and others.”

A general description of each segment follows:

Shopping centers. This segment includes the operating results of our shopping centers principally consisting of lease and service revenues from tenants.

Consumer financing. We operate a consumer financing business through Alto Palermo’s majority-owned subsidiary Tarshop. Consumer financing operations consist primarily of lending and servicing activities relating to the credit card and personal loans products we offer to consumers at shopping centers, hypermarkets and street stores. We finance a substantial majority of our credit card and personal loans consumer financing activities through securitization of the receivables underlying the accounts we originate. Our revenues from consumer financing transactions are derived from interest income generated by financing and lending activities, merchants’ fees, insurance charges for life and disability insurance and fees for data processing and printing cardholders’ account statement.

Development and sale of properties. This segment includes the operating results of our construction and/or sale of residential buildings business.

 

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Offices and other non-shopping center rental properties. This segment includes the operating results from our lease and service revenues for office space and other non-retail building properties.

Hotel operations. This segment includes the operating results of our hotels principally comprised of room, catering and restaurant revenues.

Financial operations and others. This segment primarily includes revenues and associated costs generated from the sale of equity securities, other securities-related transactions and other non-core activities.

We measure our reportable segments based on net income. Inter-segment transactions, if any, are accounted for at current market prices. We evaluate performance and allocate our resources to each segment based on operating income. The company is not dependent on any single customer.

Allocation of expenses and other income to business segments

Allocation of selling expenses to business segments

Selling expenses directly attributable to the Shopping centers, Consumer financing and Hotel operations segments are directly allocated to these segments. These expenses are individually incurred by each segment. All other selling expenses are allocated to the remaining segments based on the expenses incurred by each segment.

Allocation of administrative expenses to business segments

Administrative expenses directly attributable to the Shopping centers, Consumer financing, and Hotel operations segments are directly allocated to these segments. These expenses are incurred individually by these segments. All other administrative expenses are prorated among the Development and sale of properties and the Offices and other non-shopping center rental properties segments based on the percentage of the operating assets and revenues generated by each segment. Accordingly, 45.8% and 54.2% of administrative expenses (excluding expenses directly attributable to the Shopping centers, Consumer financing, and Hotel operations segments) are allocated to the Development and sale of properties and the Offices and other non-shopping center rental properties segments, respectively.

Allocation of results from retained interest in securitized receivables to business segments

Alto Palermo’s results from its interest in Tarjeta Shopping trusts are allocated to our Consumer financing segment.

Allocation of results from operations and holding of real estate assets, net

These results are allocated to the segment that generates them.

Allocation of the amortization of goodwill

Includes, principally, the amortization of goodwill generated from (i) the acquisition of Alto Palermo, (ii) the acquisition of Alto Palermo’s subsidiaries, (iii) the purchase of Alto Palermo’s Convertible Notes and (iv) the acquisition of 33% interest in Palermo Invest. The amortization is allocated to the segment that generates the corresponding goodwill.

 

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Allocation of financial results to business segments

Financial results, net

Includes interest income, interest on discounting assets and liabilities, gain (loss) on financial operations, financial expenses, exchange gain (loss), and other financial results allocated to each segment, as described below.

Gain (loss) on financial operations

The gains (losses) on financial operations related to the Shopping centers, Consumer financing, and Hotel operations segments are directly allocated to these segments as each of them manages their financial results separately. The remaining financial gains or losses are shown in the Financial operations and others segment since they are not specifically generated by any other separate segment.

Interest income, interest on discounting assets and liabilities and financial expenses

Only the results generated by Alto Palermo, Tarjeta Shopping, and our hotels are recorded in the Shopping centers, Consumer financing and Hotel operations segments, respectively. The remaining results are prorated among Development and sale of properties, Offices and other non-shopping center rental properties, Shopping centers, Consumer financing, Hotel operations, and Financial operations and others in proportion to the corresponding assets to each segment.

Exchange gain (loss) and other financial results

In the case of Shopping centers, Consumer financing, and Hotel operations, exchange gains (losses) and other financial results are attributed to the segments that give rise to them. The remaining items are recorded in Financial operations and others as they are not directly related to any segment.

Allocation of (Loss) gain on equity investees

(Loss) gain on equity investees is allocated to the corresponding segments. (Loss) gain on equity investees carrying out activities not falling under any of our segments of activity are recorded under Financial operations and others.

Allocation of other (income) expenses, net

The Shopping centers, Consumer financing, and Hotel operations segments each manage their expenses individually. The results generated by such operations are directly allocated to these segments. The remaining expenses are shown in the Financial operations and others segment since they are not specifically generated by any other separate segment.

Allocation of minority interest

Minority interests are allocated among our respective segments that generate them.

 

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Allocation of income tax and MPIT

The corresponding taxes are allocated to the segment that generates them, with the exception of our taxes that are prorated among the Development and sale of properties, the Offices and other non-shopping center rental properties and the Financial operations and others segments.

The following tables show certain operating data by business activity:

 

As of and for year ended June 30, 2008

   Development
and sale of
properties
    Offices and
other
non-shopping
center rental
properties (a)
    Shopping
centers
    Hotel
operations
    Consumer
financing (f)
    Financial
operations
and others
    Total  
     (in thousands Ps.)  

Statement of Income Data

              

Revenues

   196,811     100,989     345,395     148,847     291,030     1,170     1,084,242  

Costs

   (150,894 )   (25,818 )   (99,175 )   (84,220 )   (129,025 )   (529 )   (489,661 )
                                          

Gross profit

   45,917     75,171     246,220     64,627     162,005     641     594,581  

Gain from recognition of inventories at net realizable value

   2,832     —       —       —       —       —       2,832  

Selling expenses

   (7,696 )   (3,458 )   (24,809 )   (16,608 )   (111,415 )   —       (163,986 )

Administrative expenses

   (21,849 )   (22,028 )   (39,150 )   (29,979 )   (66,988 )   —       (179,994 )

Net loss from retained interest in securitized receivables

   —       —       —       —       (1,261 )   —       (1,261 )

Gain from operations and holding of real estate assets, net

   66     2,604     —       —       —       —       2,670  
                                          

Operating income (loss)

   19,270     52,289     182,261     18,040     (17,659 )   641     254,842  

Amortization of goodwill

   488     1,782     (390 )   —       (242 )   —       1,638  

Loss on equity investees

   (1,065 )   —       (33 )   (23 )   —       (12,088 )   (13,209 )

Financial results, net

   (8,502 )   (10,069 )   (23,585 )   (5,884 )   (375 )   (28,327 )   (76,742 )

Other income (expenses), net

   —       —       4,975     (5,713 )   3,800     (8,704 )   (5,642 )

Income (loss) before taxes and minority interest

   10,191     44,002     163,228     6,420     (14,476 )   (48,478 )   160,887  

Income tax and MPIT

   1,820     1,679     (74,992 )   (4,010 )   (1,522 )   (1,087 )   (78,112 )

Minority interest

   1     —       (36,347 )   863     7,458     125     (27,900 )

Net income (loss)

   12,012     45,681     51,889     3,273     (8,540 )   (49,440 )   54,875  

Gross margin (b)

   0.23     0.74     0.71     0.43     0.56     0.55     0.55  

Operating margin (c)

   0.10     0.52     0.53     0.12     (0.06 )   0.55     0.24  

Net margin (d)

   0.06     0.45     0.15     0.02     0.03     (42.26 )   0.05  

Depreciation and amortization (e)

   577     24,908     73,185     13,283     1,888     —       113,841  

Balance Sheet Data

              

Operating assets

   436,392     999,060     1,642,341     233,613     113,052     —       3,424,458  

Non operating assets

   26,519     57,433     62,649     18,246     21,068     861,419     1,047,514  

Total assets

   462,911     1,056,493     1,704,990     252,039     134,120     861,419     4,471,972  

Operating liabilities

   25,530     100,430     250,957     33,115     205,671     —       615,703  

Non operating liabilities

   247,320     209,399     662,174     199,813     75,714     80,956     1,475,376  

Total liabilities

   272,850     309,829     913,131     232,928     281,385     80,956     2,091,079  

 

(a) Includes offices, commercial and residential premises.

 

(b) Gross profit divided by revenues.

 

(c) Operating income divided by revenues.

 

(d) Net income divided by revenues.

 

(e) Included in operating income.

 

(f) Formerly known as “Credit Card Operations”

 

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As of and for year ended June 30, 2007

   Development
and sale of
properties
    Offices and
other
non-shopping
center rental
properties (a)
    Shopping
centers
    Hotel
operations
    Consumer
financing (f)
    Financial
operations
and others
    Total  
     (in thousands Ps.)  

Statement of Income Data

              

Revenues

   75,751     55,683     270,266     122,681     212,965     1,410     738,756  

Costs

   (57,823 )   (16,699 )   (91,112 )   (68,960 )   (76,251 )   (802 )   (311,647 )
                                          

Gross profit

   17,928     38,984     179,154     53,721     136,714     608     427,109  

Gain from recognition of inventories at net realizable value

   20,737     —       —       —       —       —       20,737  

Selling expenses

   (12,846 )   (4,376 )   (22,346 )   (12,175 )   (61,966 )   —       (113,709 )

Administrative expenses

   (19,624 )   (16,827 )   (32,717 )   (26,893 )   (45,366 )   —       (141,427 )

Net income from retained interest in securitized receivables

   —       —       —       —       3,254     —       3,254  

(Loss) gain from operations and holding of real estate assets, net

   (18 )   1,845     741     —       —       —       2,568  
                                          

Operating income

   6,177     19,626     124,832     14,653     32,636     608     198,532  

Amortization of goodwill

   286     1,044     (2,802 )   —       —       —       (1,472 )

(Loss) gain on equity investees

   (491 )   —       (818 )   (412 )   —       41,747     40,026  

Financial results, net

   (7,088 )   (6,256 )   (28,190 )   (5,268 )   825     50,076     4,099  

Other income (expenses), net

   —       —       (6,382 )   160     3,034     (10,912 )   (14,100 )

(Loss) Income before taxes and minority interest

   (1,116 )   14,414     86,640     9,133     36,495     81,519     227,085  

Income tax and minimum presumed income tax

   (11,786 )   (1,987 )   (40,798 )   (3,102 )   (15,455 )   (14,411 )   (87,539 )

Minority interest

   (4 )   (326 )   (22,000 )   (1,400 )   (8,719 )   —       (32,449 )

Net (loss) income

   (12,906 )   12,101     23,842     4,631     12,321     67,108     107,097  

Gross margin (b)

   0.24     0.70     0.66     0.44     0.64     0.43     0.58  

Operating margin (c)

   0.08     0.35     0.46     0.12     0.15     0.43     0.27  

Net margin (d)

   (0.17 )   0.22     0.09     0.04     0.06     47.59     0.14  

Depreciation and amortization (e)

   39     16,256     67,046     12,358     1,297     —       96,996  

Balance Sheet Data

              

Operating assets

   508,742     675,321     1,336,166     202,113     139,657     —       2,861,999  

Non operating assets

   30,516     24,662     39,073     6,318     18,771     1,163,560     1,282,900  

Total assets

   539,258     699,983     1,375,239     208,431     158,428     1,163,560     4,144,899  

Operating liabilities

   31,472     83,073     199,616     23,304     165,713     —       503,178  

Non operating liabilities

   278,615     247,763     734,370     153,117     44,722     86,010     1,544,597  

Total liabilities

   310,087     330,836     933,986     176,421     210,435     86,010     2,047,775  

 

(a) Includes offices, commercial and residential premises.

 

(b) Gross profit divided by revenues.

 

(c) Operating income divided by revenues.

 

(d) Net income divided by revenues.

 

(e) Included in operating income.

 

(f) Formerly known as “Credit Card Operations”

 

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As of and for year ended June 30, 2006

   Development
and sale of
properties
    Offices and
other
non-shopping
center rental
properties (a)
    Shopping
centers
    Hotel
operations
    Consumer
financing (f)
    Financial
operations
and others
    Total  
     (in thousands Ps.)  

Statement of Income Data

              

Revenues

   103,966     30,565     215,003     103,763     122,969     1,414     577,680  

Costs

   (54,200 )   (8,987 )   (77,382 )   (57,971 )   (43,933 )   (1,358 )   (243,831 )

Gross profit

   49,766     21,578     137,621     45,792     79,036     56     333,849  

Gain from recognition of inventories at net realizable value

   9,063     —       —       —       —       —       9,063  

Selling expenses

   (1,797 )   (1,020 )   (15,700 )   (10,688 )   (30,900 )   —       (60,105 )

Administrative expenses

   (12,807 )   (11,315 )   (25,837 )   (20,998 )   (25,925 )   —       (96,882 )

Net income from retained interest in securitized receivables

   —       —       —       —       2,625     —       2,625  

Gain from operations and holding of real estate assets, net

   52     2,619     9,499     446     —       —       12,616  

Operating income

   44,277     11,862     105,583     14,552     24,836     56     201,166  

Amortization of goodwill

   —       —       (856 )   —       (224 )   —       (1,080 )

(Loss) gain on equity investees

   —       —       (1,599 )   146     —       43,110     41,657  

Financial results, net

   (5,383 )   (4,579 )   (23,273 )   (1,935 )   106     (5,862 )   (40,926 )

Other expenses, net

   —       —       (9,636 )   (415 )   (125 )   (8,087 )   (18,263 )

Income before taxes and minority interest

   38,894     7,283     70,219     12,348     24,593     29,217     182,554  

Income tax and minimum presumed income tax

   (2,053 )   (2,451 )   (40,220 )   (3,852 )   (8,238 )   (1,977 )   (58,791 )

Minority interest

   —       (1,077 )   (14,582 )   (4,157 )   (7,374 )   —       (27,190 )

Net income

   36,841     3,755     15,417     4,339     8,981     27,240     96,573  

Gross margin (b)

   0.48     0.71     0.64     0.44     0.64     0.04     0.58  

Operating margin (c)

   0.43     0.39     0.49     0.14     0.20     0.04     0.35  

Net margin (d)

   0.35     0.12     0.07     0.04     0.07     19.26     0.17  

Depreciation and amortization (e)

   253     7,903     62,337     9,671     815     —       80,979  

Balance Sheet Data

              

Operating assets

   386,740     359,725     1,139,767     145,796     74,148     —       2,106,176  

Non operating assets

   49,624     46,158     18,536     13,310     10,655     495,662     633,945  

Total assets

   436,364     405,883     1,158,303     159,106     84,803     495,662     2,740,121  

Operating liabilities

   15,183     52,688     129,653     21,281     97,969     —       316,774  

Non operating liabilities

   81,414     72,126     243,303     59,030     13,272     18,447     487,592  

Total liabilities

   96,597     124,814     372,956     80,311     111,241     18,447     804,366  

 

(a) Includes offices, commercial and residential premises.

 

(b) Gross profit divided by revenues.

 

(c) Operating income divided by revenues.

 

(d) Net income divided by revenues.

 

(e) Included in operating income.

 

(f) Formerly known as “Credit Card Operations”

 

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Results of Operations for the Fiscal Years ended June 30, 2007 and 2008.

Revenues

Revenues from sales, leases and services rose 46.8%, from Ps. 738.8 million for fiscal year 2007 to Ps. 1,084.2 million in fiscal year 2008, due mainly to an increase in revenues from our Development and sale of properties, Consumer financing, Shopping centers, Offices and other non-shopping center rental properties, and Hotel operations segments.

Development and Sale of Properties

The revenues of our Development and sale of properties segment rose 159.8% from Ps. 75.8 million for fiscal year 2007 to Ps. 196.8 million in fiscal year 2008. Revenues associated with this segment commonly sustain significant period-on-period variations arising from: (i) the number of properties sold and their prices, (ii) the properties in construction and the degree of progress of such projects.

This increase in revenues was primarily due to the revenues generated during fiscal year 2008 by (i) the sale of 29.9% of the Bouchard Plaza building, commonly known as “Edificio La Nación”, for Ps. 108.4 million; (ii) the sale of Parcel Y at Dock III for Ps. 56.6 million; (iii) a barter agreement through which a plot of land in the project known as “Terreno Caballito” was exchanged for home units and parking lots appraised at Ps. 19.2 million and (iv) a barter agreement through which a plot of land in the project known as “Terreno Rosario” was exchanged for home units and parking lots appraised at Ps. 3.4 million.

Offices and Other Non-Shopping Center Rental Properties

The revenues of our Offices and other non-shopping center rental properties segment increased 81.4%, from Ps. 55.7 million for fiscal year 2007 to Ps. 101.0 million in fiscal year 2008. This increase was mainly due to Ps. 45.0 million increase in revenues from office rentals which rose from Ps. 52.9 million in fiscal year 2007 to Ps. 97.9 million in fiscal year 2008. This Ps. 45 million increase in revenues was mainly attributable to: (i) Ps. 28.3 million in revenues from rentals in the following recently acquired Class A office buildings: Della Paolera 265, purchased in August 2007 generated revenues of Ps. 15.7 million, Bouchard 551, acquired in March 2007, generated revenues of Ps. 8.8 million, and Dock del Plata, acquired in November 2006, generated revenues of Ps. 3.8 million; and (ii) Ps. 16.1 million in revenues from rentals due to the increase in prices charged per square meter and similar increases in occupancy rates (which increased from 94% during fiscal year 2007 to 93.6% during fiscal year 2008).

Shopping Centers

The revenues of our Shopping centers segment rose by 27.8% from Ps. 270.3 million for fiscal year 2007 to Ps. 345.4 million in fiscal year 2008. This increase was due mainly due to a Ps. 62.6 million increase in revenues from rentals and admission rights. This increase was due in turn to a 31.0% increase in the total sales of our tenants which went up from Ps. 2,825.8 million in fiscal year 2007 to Ps. 3,702.3 million in fiscal year 2008. The average occupancy rate at our shopping centers rose from 99.1% in fiscal year 2007 to 99.3% during fiscal year 2008.

Hotel Operations

The revenues of the Hotel operations segment rose by 21.3% from Ps. 122.7 million in fiscal year 2007 to Ps. 148.8 million in fiscal year 2008, mainly due to (i) an 18.8% increase in the average price per room at the hotels (from Ps. 469.0 per night in fiscal year 2007 to Ps. 557.0

 

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per night in fiscal year 2008), (ii) an increase in the average occupancy rate from 74% in fiscal year 2007 to 76% in fiscal year 2008, and (iii) a 27.2% increase in the number of rooms available at Hotel Llao Llao, which were added during fiscal year 2008.

Consumer financing

The revenues of the Consumer financing segment rose by 36.7%, up from Ps. 213.0 million during fiscal year 2007 to Ps. 291.0 million during fiscal year 2008. This was mainly due to (i) the favorable macroeconomic conditions prevailing in Argentina in 2008 and the consequent rise in consumption, (ii) the continuous enhancement in the services rendered to Tarshop customers, (iii) an increase in the fees charged for the issuance of credit card statements and for the issuance of credit cards.

Financial Operations and Others

The revenues of the Financial operations and others segment decreased by Ps. 0.2 million, from Ps. 1.4 million during fiscal year 2007 to Ps. 1.2 million during fiscal year 2008.

Costs

Costs increased by 57.1%, from Ps. 311.6 million for fiscal year 2007 to Ps. 489,7 million in fiscal year 2008, due to an increase in the costs of the following segments: Development and sale of properties, Consumer financing, Hotel operations, Offices and other non-shopping center rental properties, and Shopping centers. When measured as a percentage of IRSA’s revenues, costs went up from 42.2% during fiscal year 2007 to 45.2% during fiscal year 2008.

Development and Sale of Properties

The costs of the Development and sale of properties segment increased by 161.0%, from Ps. 57.8 million for fiscal year 2007 to Ps. 150.9 million in fiscal year 2008. The costs associated with this segment commonly sustain major period-on-period variations according to: (i) the number of properties sold and their prices and (ii) the properties in construction and the degree of progress of such projects.

The increase in costs in fiscal year 2008 was mainly due to: (i) the sale of a 29.9% stake in the Bouchard Plaza building, commonly known as “Edificio La Nación”, for Ps. 89.4 million, (ii) the sale of Parcel Y at Dock III for Ps. 41.8 million, (iii) a barter agreement through which a plot of land in the project known as “Terreno Caballito” was exchanged for home units and parking lots for Ps. 10,1 million, and (iv) Ps. 3.6 million cost of a barter agreement through which a plot of land in the project known as “Terreno Rosario” was exchanged for home units and parking lots. When measured as a percentage of IRSA’s revenues, the costs associated with the Development and sale of properties segment rose from 76.3% during fiscal year 2007 to 76.7% during fiscal year 2008.

Offices and Other Non-Shopping Center Rental Properties

The costs of the Offices and other non-shopping center rental properties segment rose by 54.6%, from Ps. 16.7 million for fiscal year 2007 to Ps. 25.8 million in fiscal year 2008. Depreciation accounts for the most significant portion of the costs associated with this segment.

The increase in the costs for fiscal year 2008 when compared to fiscal year 2007 was mainly due to increased depreciation expenses which amounted to Ps. 4.8 million, as a consequence of the addition to IRSA’s portfolio of three new buildings to be allocated to our

 

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rentals business, namely, Edificio República, Della Paolera 265 and Museo Renault. When measured as a percentage of the segment’s revenues, the costs associated with the Offices and other non-shopping center rental properties segment dropped from 30.0% during fiscal year 2007 to 25.6% during fiscal year 2008.

Shopping Centers

The costs of the Shopping centers segment rose by 8.8% from Ps. 91.1 million for fiscal year 2007 to Ps. 99.2 million in fiscal year 2008, primarily due to: (i) a Ps. 6.2 million increase in depreciation and amortization, (ii) higher costs resulting from lawsuit-related contingencies in the amount of Ps. 1.6 million, (iii) an increase in parking-lot related expenses in the amount of Ps. 1.4 million, and (iv) an increase in costs associated with unrecoverable expenses in the amount of Ps. 1.1 million, offset in part by (v) a decrease in the costs related to refurbishments and changes in leasable areas in the amount of Ps. 2.2 million. When measured as a percentage of the segment’s revenues, the costs associated with the Shopping centers segment dropped from 33.7% during fiscal year 2007 to 28.7% during fiscal year 2008.

Hotel Operations

The costs of the Hotel operations segment rose by 22.1%, from Ps. 69.0 million for fiscal year 2007 to Ps. 84.2 million in fiscal year 2008, mainly due to salary increases and increased social security contributions, increases in the costs of food and beverages, repairs and maintenance, public utilities, and fees and commissions paid. When measured as a percentage of IRSA’s revenues, the costs associated with the Hotel operations segment rose from 56.2% in fiscal year 2007 to 56.6% in fiscal year 2008.

Consumer financing

The costs of the Consumer financing segment rose by 69.2% from Ps. 76.3 million during fiscal year 2007 to Ps. 129.0 million during fiscal year 2008 mainly as a result of: (i) an increase in the expenses related to interest and fees originating in the outsourcing of collection and other related services; (ii) an increase in expenses related to salaries and social security contributions; (iii) an increase in the fees for services; and (iv) an increase in taxes, charges, contributions and tax-related services.

When measured as a percentage of the segment revenues, the costs associated with the Consumer financing segment went up from 35.8% during fiscal year 2007 to 44.3% during fiscal year 2008.

Financial Operations and Others

The costs of the Financial operations and others segment decreased by Ps. 0.3 million, from Ps. 0.8 million for fiscal year 2007 down to Ps. 0.5 million in fiscal year 2008.

Gross profit

As a result of the above, gross profit rose by 39.2%, from Ps. 427.1 million for fiscal year 2007 to Ps. 594.6 million in fiscal year 2008, mainly due to the increase in gross profit from the Shopping centers, Offices and other non-shopping center rental properties, Development and sale of properties, Consumer financing, and Hotel operations segments. When measured as a percentage of the segment’s revenues, gross profit dropped from 57.8% for fiscal year 2007 to 54.8% for fiscal year 2008.

 

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Gain from recognition of inventories at net realizable value

During fiscal year 2008, IRSA recorded a Ps. 2.8 million gain from recognition of inventories at net realizable value, primarily in connection with “Torre Renoir” for Ps. 2.6 million, compared to a Ps. 20.7 million gain during fiscal year 2007, primarily related to “Dock III – Parcel X” for Ps. 18.7 million and to “San Martín de Tours” for Ps. 1.5 million.

Selling expenses

Selling expenses rose by 44.2%, from Ps. 113.7 million for fiscal year 2007 to Ps. 164.0 million in fiscal year 2008, mainly due to an increase in the selling expenses of Consumer financing operations segment and to a lesser extent, to increases in the Hotel operations and Shopping centers segments, which were offset in part by the decreases in the Development and sale of properties, and Offices and other non-shopping center rental properties segments. When measured as a percentage of revenues, Selling expenses decreased from 15.4% for fiscal year 2007 to 15.1% in fiscal year 2008.

Development and Sale of Properties

The selling expenses associated with the Development and sale of properties segment include a turnover tax, commissions and expenses derived from sales, advertising and promotion and the allowance for doubtful accounts. Selling expenses dropped by 40.1%, from Ps. 12.8 million during fiscal year 2007 to Ps. 7.7 million during fiscal year 2008, primarily as a result of a Ps. 7.2 million decrease in turnover tax, offset in part by a Ps. 2.1 million increase in advertising and promotion expenses. When measured as a percentage of the segment’s revenues, the Selling expenses related to the Development and sale of properties segment fell from 17.0% during fiscal year 2007 to 3.9% during fiscal year 2008.

Offices and Other Non-Shopping Center Rental Properties

The selling expenses of the Offices and other non-shopping center rental properties segment decreased by Ps. 0.9 million from Ps. 4.4 million for fiscal year 2007 to Ps. 3.5 million in fiscal year 2008 mainly due to the reduction in the allowance for doubtful accounts and to the decrease in advertising and promotion expenses; which were offset in part by an increase in turnover tax. When measured as a percentage of the segment’s revenues, the Selling expenses associated with the Offices and other non-shopping center rental properties segment fell from 7.9% during fiscal year 2007 to 3.4% during fiscal year 2008.

Shopping Centers

The selling expenses of the Shopping centers segment rose by 11.0% from Ps. 22.3 million for fiscal year 2007 to Ps. 24.8 million in fiscal year 2008 as a result of: (i) a Ps. 2.1 million increase in salaries and social security contributions; (ii) a Ps. 0.9 million increase in exhibitions and events; and (iii) a Ps. 0.7 million increase in turnover tax; (iv) offset in part by a Ps. 1.2 million decrease in the allowance for doubtful accounts. When measured as a percentage of the segment’s revenues, the selling expenses associated with the Shopping centers segment decreased from 8.3% during fiscal year 2007 to 7.2% during fiscal year 2008.

Hotel Operations

The selling expenses of the Hotel operations segment rose by 36.4% from Ps. 12.2 million for fiscal year 2007 to Ps. 16.6 million for fiscal year 2008. This increase was primarily due to (i) an increase in the commissions of travel agents and credit cards in the amount of Ps. 2.1 million,

 

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indicative of the increase in the level of activities; and (ii) a Ps. 0.9 million increase in advertising. When measured as a percentage of the segment’s revenues, the Selling expenses associated with the Hotel operations segment went up from 9.9% during fiscal year 2007 to 11.2% during fiscal year 2008.

Consumer financing

Selling expenses from the Consumer Financing segment increased 79.8%, from Ps.62.0 million during fiscal year ended June 30, 2007 to Ps.111,4 million during fiscal year ended June 30, 2008, mainly due to: (i) an increase in allowance for doubtful accounts of Ps. 38.5 million. In this case it is important to note that as of June 30, 2008 a higher bad debt chargeoff of Ps. 21.8 million resulted from an increase in overdue accounts; (ii) a Ps. 5.5 million increase in advertising expenses and rewards; and (iii) a Ps. 4.7 million increase in turnover tax expenses. When measured as a percentage of the segment’s revenues, the Selling expenses associated with Consumer financing operations increased from 29.1% during fiscal year 2007 to 38.3% during fiscal year 2008.

Administrative expenses

Administrative expenses rose by 27.3%, from Ps. 141.4 million for fiscal year 2007 to Ps. 180.0 million in fiscal year 2008, mainly due to the increase in the activities of the Consumer financing operations segment, and to a lesser extent, to the increases sustained by each one of the remaining segments. The main components of administrative expenses are salaries and social security contributions for administrative personnel, fees and payments for services, directors’ fees, banking expenses, fixed asset depreciation, and taxes (except for turnover tax). When measured as a percentage of revenues, Administrative expenses went down from 19.1% in fiscal year 2007 to 16.6% in fiscal year 2008.

Development and Sale of Properties

The administrative expenses of the Development and sale of properties segment rose by 11.3%, from Ps. 19.6 million for fiscal year 2007 to Ps. 21.8 million in fiscal year 2008, mainly due to a Ps. 1.6 million increase in fees and compensation for services. When measured as a percentage of the segment’s revenues, the administrative expenses associated with the Development and sale of properties segment dropped from 25.9% for fiscal year 2007 to 11.1% in fiscal year 2008.

Offices and Other Non-Shopping Center Rental Properties

The administrative expenses related to the Offices and other non-shopping center rental properties segment rose by 30.9%, from Ps. 16.8 million for fiscal year 2007 to Ps. 22.0 million in fiscal year 2008. The increase was mainly due to (i) a Ps. 2.5 million increase in fees and compensation for services, and (ii) a Ps. 0.7 million increase in salaries and social security contributions. When measured as a percentage of the segment’s revenues, the administrative expenses associated with the Offices and other non-shopping center rental properties segment dropped from 30.2% for fiscal year 2007 to 21.8% in fiscal year 2008.

Shopping Centers

The administrative expenses related to the Shopping centers segment rose by 19.7%, from Ps. 32.7 million for fiscal year 2007 to Ps. 39.2 million in fiscal year 2008 mainly due to (i) a Ps. 3.3 million increase in salaries and social security contributions, (ii) a Ps. 1.7 million increase in taxes, mainly related to the tax on bank debits and credits, and (iii) a Ps. 1.3 million increase in

 

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directors’ fees. When measured as a percentage of the segment’s revenues, the Administrative expenses associated with the Shopping centers segment, decreased from 12.1% during fiscal year 2007 to 11.3% during fiscal year 2008 as a result of the current financial crisis and the increase in delinquency rates.

Hotel Operations

The administrative expenses related to the Hotel operations segment rose by 11.5%, from Ps. 26.9 million for fiscal year 2007 to Ps. 30.0 million in fiscal year 2008, mainly as a result of (i) a Ps. 1.9 million increase in salaries and social security contributions, and (ii) a Ps. 1.6 million increase in fees and compensation for services; offset in part by (iii) a Ps. 1.3 million decrease in commissions. When measured as a percentage of the segment’s revenues, the administrative expenses associated with the Hotel operations segment decreased from 21.9% for fiscal year 2007 to 20.1% for fiscal year 2008.

Consumer financing

The administrative expenses related to the Consumer financing segment rose by 47.7%, jumping from Ps. 45.4 million during fiscal year 2007 to Ps. 67.0 million during fiscal year 2008. This increase was mainly due to (i) a Ps. 9.1 million increase in salaries and social security contributions; (ii) a Ps. 7.5 million increase in fees and compensation for services; and (iii) increased expenses associated with property rentals and taxes of Ps. 4.2 million. When measured as a percentage of the segment’s revenues, the administrative expenses associated with the Consumer financing segment rose from 21.3% during fiscal year 2007 to 23.0% during fiscal year 2008.

Net loss from retained interest in securitized receivables

Income/loss from retained interest in securitized receivables dropped by Ps. 4.5 million, from income of Ps. 3.3 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2007 to a Ps. 1.3 million loss for fiscal year ended June 30, 2008 due to the outcome of the placement of new issuances related to credit card trusts and the appraisal of our interest therein. A loss at the time of placement of new issuances is recognized when, as a consequence of prevailing market conditions, there is an increase in interest rates payable to Tarshop Trust Bond holders resulting in a tightening of the spreads at which receivables underlying such issues are financed. As of June 30, 2008, we increased an allowance for impairment by Ps. 12.0 million, to adjust the book amount of our certificates of interest to their estimated recoverable value.

Gain from operations and holding of real estate assets, net

This item reflects the income and loss resulting from impairment and the reversal of charges for impairment recognized in the past. Results from operation and holding of real estate assets rose by 4.0% from Ps. 2.6 million income for fiscal year 2007 to Ps. 2.7 million income in fiscal year 2008 recognized mainly in relation to the building located at Constitución 1159 for Ps. 2.1 million. During fiscal year 2007, income for Ps. 2.6 million had been attributed mainly as follows: Neuquén Project: Ps. 2.2 million, Suipacha 652: Ps. 0.9 million, and Av. de Mayo 589 for Ps. 0.7 million, offset in part by a loss of Ps. 1.5 million in connection with Torres Rosario.

Operating income (loss)

Operating income rose by 28.4% from Ps. 198.5 million for fiscal year 2007 to Ps. 254.8 million in fiscal year 2008, mainly due to an increase in the Shopping centers, Offices and other

 

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non-shopping center rental properties, Development and sale of properties, and Hotel operations segments, offset in part by a decrease in the Operating income of the Consumer financing segment. When measured as a percentage of revenues, operating income decreased from 26.9% in fiscal year 2007 to 23.5% for fiscal year 2008.

Development and Sale of Properties

Operating income in the Development and sale of properties segment rose by Ps. 13.1 million up from Ps. 6.2 million for fiscal year 2007 to Ps. 19.3 million for fiscal year 2008, due to increases in revenues and a decrease in selling expenses, partially offset by (i) increased costs, (ii) a reduction in income from the recognition of inventories at net realizable value and (iii) an increase in administrative expenses. When measured as a percentage of revenues for the segment, Operating income in the Development and sale of properties segment rose from 8.2% during fiscal year 2007 to 9.8% during fiscal year 2008.

Offices and Other Non-Shopping Center Rental Properties

Operating income in the Offices and other non-shopping center rental properties segment rose by 166.4%, from Ps. 19.6 million for fiscal year 2007 to Ps. 52.3 million in fiscal year 2008, due to an increase in revenues and a decrease in selling expenses, partially offset by increased costs and an increase in Administrative expenses. When measured as a percentage of revenues for the segment, operating income for the Offices and other non-shopping center rental properties segment, rose from 35.2% during fiscal year 2007 to 51.8% during fiscal year 2008.

Shopping Centers

Operating income in the Shopping centers segment rose by 46.0%, from Ps. 124.8 million for fiscal year 2007 to Ps. 182.3 million in fiscal year 2008, due to an increase in revenues, partially offset by an increase in costs, an increase in administrative expenses and an increase in selling expenses. When measured as a percentage of revenues for the segment, Operating income for the Shopping centers segment, increased from 46.2% during fiscal year 2007 to 52.8% during fiscal year 2008.

Hotel Operations

Operating income in the Hotel operations segment rose by 23.1% from Ps. 14.7 million for fiscal year 2007 to Ps. 18.0 million in fiscal year 2008, due to an increase in revenues, partially offset by an increase in costs, an increase in administrative expenses and an increase in selling expenses. When measured as a percentage of revenues for the segment, operating income for the Hotel operations segment increased from 11.9% during fiscal year 2007 to 12.1% during fiscal year 2008.

Consumer financing

Operating income in the Consumer financing segment decreased by 154.1% from Ps. 32.6 million income for fiscal year 2007 to a Ps. 17.7 million loss in fiscal year 2008, due to increases in costs, in selling expenses and in administrative expenses and to a reduction in income from retained interest in securitized receivables concerning Tarjeta Shopping trusts, partially offset by an increase in revenues. When measured as a percentage of revenues for the segment, operating income for the Consumer financing segment decreased from 15.3% for fiscal year 2007 to (6.1)% during fiscal year 2008.

 

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Financial operations and others

Operating income in the Financial operations and others segment remained at Ps. 0.6 million for the fiscal years 2007 and 2008. When measured as a percentage of revenues operating income for the Financial operations and others segment increased from 43.1% for fiscal year 2007 to 54.8% for fiscal year 2008.

Amortization of negative goodwill, net

Amortization of goodwill includes: (i) the amortization of goodwill corresponding to the following Alto Palermo subsidiaries: Shopping Alto Palermo S.A., Fibesa S.A, Tarshop Sociedad Anónima, Emprendimiento Recoleta S.A. and Empalme S.A.I.C.F.A y G as well as (ii) the amortization of IRSA’s negative goodwill resulting from the acquisition of shares in Alto Palermo S.A. and Palermo Invest S.A. Amortization of goodwill rose by Ps. 3.1 million, from a Ps. 1.5 million loss for fiscal year 2007 to Ps. 1.6 million income in fiscal year 2008.

Loss on equity investees

Results from related companies dropped by Ps. 53.2 million, from Ps. 40.0 million income for fiscal year 2007 to a Ps. 13.2 million loss in fiscal year 2008. This decrease was mainly due to a Ps. 53.7 million reduction in Banco Hipotecario’s profit from Ps. 41.4 million in fiscal year 2007 to a Ps. 12.4 million loss in fiscal year 2008.

This loss is primarily due to the decline in the market value of the Argentine government bonds Banco Hipotecario received as compensation and held in its portfolio. In spite of these losses, Banco Hipotecario remains well-capitalized in regards to regulatory guidelines as of June 30, 2008 and thereafter.

Banco Hipotecario also experienced a significant decline in its stock price during the year ended June 30, 2008 and the three months ended September 30, 2008. Management believes that this decline is not reflective of the current operating performance of Banco Hipotecario. For more information please see “Recent Developments”.

Financial results, net

Financial results, net decreased by Ps. 80.8 million, from Ps. 4.1 million income for fiscal year 2007 to a Ps. 76.7 million loss in fiscal year 2008. This loss was mainly due to: (i) a Ps. 88.1 million decrease in results from financial operations, primarily due to a Ps. 85.2 million decrease in the fair value of our holdings of mutual funds; (ii) Ps. 33.5 million increase resulting from higher financing expenses, primarily due to the increase in interest charges paid as a consequence of the issuance of notes by IRSA and Alto Palermo during this fiscal year, partially offset by (iii) a decrease in the interest paid due to the redemption in October 2007 of IRSA’s floating rate secured notes in the amount of US$ 37.4 million, (iv) and the repayment of an unsecured loan for US$ 51 million. These reductions were partially offset by (i) foreign exchange gains in the amount of Ps. 26.3 million compared to fiscal year 2007, as a consequence of a variation in the US Dollar selling exchange rate during the fiscal year (from 3.093 Argentine Pesos per U.S. dollar as of June 30, 2007 to 3.025 Argentine Pesos per U.S. dollar as of June 30, 2008), in contrast to the previous year when the Argentine Peso/US Dollar exchange rate had increased significantly (from 3.086 Argentine Pesos per U.S. dollar as of June 30, 2006 to 3.093 Argentine Pesos per U.S. dollar as of June 30, 2007), and (ii) a Ps. 20.0 million increase due to the interest earned during fiscal year 2008 compared to fiscal year 2007, as a consequence of investments and other interest earned by Alto Palermo.

 

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Other income (expenses), net

Other income (expenses), net, decreased by 60.0% from net expenses of Ps. 14.1 million in fiscal year 2007 to net expenses of Ps. 5.6 million in fiscal year 2008, primarily due to (i) the reversal of a provision for contingencies in the amount of Ps. 5.6 million, and (ii) a decrease in charges for personal property tax of Ps. 1.2 million which, according to Argentine regulations, we must realize on behalf of our shareholders.

Income before taxes and minority interest

Income before taxes and minority interest dropped by Ps. 66.2 million, from Ps. 227.1 million for fiscal year 2007, to income of Ps. 160.9 million in fiscal year 2008.

Income tax and MPIT

Income tax and minimum presumed income tax dropped by 10.8% from Ps. 87.5 million for fiscal year 2007 to Ps. 78.1 million in fiscal year 2008. We applied the deferred tax method in calculating our income tax for the fiscal years 2007 and 2008, thus recognizing the temporary differences in our tax assets and liabilities.

Minority interest

This item includes our proportional equity interest in the subsidiaries in which we own a minority interest. The loss resulting from third-party interests in these subsidiaries dropped by 14%, from a Ps. 32.4 million loss for fiscal year 2007 to a Ps. 27.9 million loss for fiscal year 2008, mainly due to the increase in the income statement accounts of the companies in which we have a minority interest and to the acquisition of the remaining 33.33% stake in Palermo Invest S.A., which eliminated the effect of the minority interest in this company during fiscal year 2008.

Net income

Therefore, net income decreased by Ps. 52.2 million from Ps. 107.1 million for fiscal year 2007 to Ps. 54.9 million in fiscal year 2008.

Results of Operations for the Fiscal Years ended June 30, 2006 and 2007.

Revenues

Revenues increased 27.9% from Ps.577.7 million in fiscal year 2006 to Ps.738.8 million in fiscal year 2007, primarily due to increases in the revenues of each of our Consumer financing, Shopping centers, Offices and other non-shopping center rental properties and Hotel operations segments, partially offset by a decrease in the revenues of our Development and sale of properties segment.

Shopping Centers

Revenues from our shopping centers segment increased 25.7% from Ps.215.0 million in fiscal year 2006 to Ps.270.3 million in fiscal year 2007. This increase was principally due to a Ps.55.3 million increase in revenues from rentals and admission rights as a consequence of (i) a 22.1% increase in the average rental price per square meter and (ii) a 24.3% increase in the total sales of our lessees, from Ps.2,273.3 million during fiscal year 2006 to Ps.2,825.8 million during fiscal year 2007, resulting in a Ps.552.5 million increase in revenues from variable rental

 

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payments. The average occupancy rate of our shopping centers decreased from 99.1% in fiscal year 2006 to 97.0% in fiscal year 2007.

Consumer financing

Revenues from our Consumer Financing segment increased 73.2% from Ps.123.0 million during fiscal year 2006 to Ps.213.0 million during fiscal year 2007. This increase resulted from:

 

   

favorable macroeconomic conditions in fiscal year 2007, which showed a general increase in consumption;

 

   

an increase of 201,114 in the number of newly issued credit cards;

 

   

the opening of four new branches;

 

   

a 90.5% increase in sales made with our shopping card and a 47.1% increase in the number of stores accepting our card; and

 

   

an increase of income from financial operations and others.

Revenues from our Financial Operations and Others segment remained stable with respect to fiscal year 2006. Revenues included in this segment represent fees for services unrelated to our Others segments.

Development and Sale of Properties

Revenues from our development and sale of properties segment decreased 27.1% from Ps.104.0 million in fiscal year 2006 to Ps.75.8 million in fiscal year 2007. This business segment generally does not show consistently recurring revenues due to the nature of our business. As a result, period-on-period comparisons may vary significantly depending on the projects that we are developing and their degree of completion. The decrease of the revenues of this segment in fiscal year 2006 was principally due to the absence in fiscal year 2007 of Ps.104.0 million of revenues which were recognized during fiscal year 2006 principally arising from the following operations:

 

   

Ps.41.8 million from the sale of parcel Y, Dock III;

 

   

Ps.23.0 million from the sale by our subsidiary Alto Palermo of a parcel of land near its Paseo Alcorta shopping center;

 

   

Ps.22.8 million from the sale of block 36 of the parcel called “Terrenos de Caballito;” and

 

   

Ps.10.0 million from the sale of Edificios Cruceros units.

The absence in fiscal year 2007 of the Ps.104.0 million of revenues mentioned above was partially offset by the following revenues recognized during fiscal year 2007:

 

   

Ps.31.0 million from the sale to third parties of 10% of our Santa María del Plata land reserve;

 

   

Ps.26.2 million from the sale of plot “Z,” Dock III;

 

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Ps.8.6 million from the sale of units in San Martín de Tours and

 

   

Ps.8.4 million from the sale of Edificios Cruceros units.

Offices and Other Non-Shopping Center Rental Properties

Revenues from our Offices and Other Non-Shopping Center Rental Properties increased 82.2% from Ps.30.6 million in fiscal year 2006 to Ps.55.7 million in fiscal year 2007. This increase was primarily due to a Ps.25.5 million increase in the revenues from office rentals, from Ps.27.4 million in fiscal year 2006 to Ps.52.9 million in fiscal year 2007. This increase in revenues from office rentals was due to:

 

   

an increase, from 94.0% in fiscal year 2006 to 99.1% in fiscal year 2007, in our average occupancy rates in offices for lease due to our inclusion in fiscal year 2007 of Dock del Plata and Bouchard 551 and Reconquista 823 (which were 100.0% occupied);

 

   

a 93.3% increase in annual rentals from offices for lease arising principally from (i) price increases in the following buildings which increased our total leasable area of Class A buildings by 53% from 78.115 to 119.360 square meters: Intercontinental Plaza resulting in higher rents of Ps.5.5 million, Bouchard 710 resulting in higher rents of Ps.3.1 million, Maipú 1300 resulting in higher rents of Ps.2.5 million and Libertador 498 resulting in higher rents of Ps.2.4 million (ii) the acquisition of two new premium buildings: Bouchard 551 (acquired in March 2007) which generated rental revenues in fiscal year 2007 of Ps.3.9 million and Dock del Plata (acquired in November 2006) which generated rental revenues in fiscal year 2007of Ps.3.1 million; and

 

   

the occupancy rate of the offices and other non-shopping center rental properties segment increased from 96.9% in fiscal year 2006 to 97.4% during fiscal year 2007.

Hotel Operations

Revenues from our hotel operations increased 18.2% from Ps.103.8 million in fiscal year 2006 to Ps.122.7 million in fiscal year 2007, principally due a 23.7% increase in the average price per room in our hotels, from Ps.379.0 in fiscal year 2006 to Ps.469.0 in fiscal year 2007. In fiscal year 2007, revenues from the Hotel Llao Llao increased Ps.8.9 million, revenues from the Hotel Intercontinental increased Ps.6.0 million and revenues from the Hotel Sheraton Libertador increased Ps.4.0 million, in each case compared to fiscal year 2006. These improvements in fiscal year 2007 were partially offset by a decrease in average occupancy rates from 78.7% in fiscal year 2006 to 74.0% during fiscal year 2007.

Costs

Our costs increased 27.8% from Ps.243.8 million in fiscal year 2006 to Ps.311.6 million in fiscal year 2007 as a result of an increase in costs of each of our business segments during fiscal year 2007 other than Financial Operations and Others. Our total costs as a percentage of our revenues remained flat at 42.2% for each of fiscal year 2006 and 2007.

Consumer financing

Costs of the Consumer financing segment increased 73.6%, from Ps.43.9 million during fiscal year ended June 30, 2006 to Ps.76.3 million during fiscal year ended June 30, 2007. This

 

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increase, which reflected the expansion of our Consumer financing segment in fiscal year 2007, was primarily due to:

 

   

a Ps.11.0 million increase in the cost of salaries and social security charges;

 

   

a Ps.9.8 million increase in expenses for interest and commissions;

 

   

a Ps.5.7 million increase in charges for taxes, rates, contributions and services; and

 

   

a Ps.2.8 million increase in fees and services payable to third parties.

The cost of Consumer financing as percentage of revenues from such segment remained flat at 35.8% in each of fiscal years 2006 and 2007.

Financial Operations and Others

The cost of the Financial Operations and Others segment decreased Ps.0.6 million, from Ps.1.4 million in fiscal year 2006 to Ps.0.8 million in fiscal year 2007. Costs included in this line represent expenses unrelated to our other segments.

Shopping Centers

Costs of the Shopping Centers segment increased 17.7%, from Ps.77.4 million in fiscal year 2006 to Ps.91.1 million in fiscal year 2007. This increase was primarily due to:

 

   

a Ps.6.6 million increase in costs related to renovation of shopping centers’ common areas;

 

   

a Ps.4.7 million increase in depreciation and amortization charges due to the depreciation of fixed assets; and

 

   

a Ps.2.3 million increase in costs for unrecovered expenses.

The cost of the Shopping Centers segment as percentage of the revenues from such segment decreased from 36.0% in fiscal year 2006 to 33.7% during fiscal year 2007.

Development and Sale of Properties

Costs related to Development and Sale of Properties increased 6.7%, from Ps.54.2 million in fiscal year 2006 to Ps.57.8 million in fiscal year 2007. This business segment generally does not show consistently recurring costs due to the nature of our business. As a result, period-on-period comparisons may vary significantly depending on the projects that we are developing and their degree of completion. The increase in costs of this segment was principally due to the following costs incurred in fiscal year 2007:

 

   

Ps.26.2 million related to the sale of plot “Z” of Dock III;

 

   

Ps.12.9 million related to the sale of 10% of the Santa María del Plata land reserve;

 

   

Ps.8.2 million related to the sale of San Martín de Tours units; and

 

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Ps.3.2 million related to the sale of Edificio Cruceros units.

The foregoing cost increases in fiscal year 2007 were partially offset by the non-recurrence in fiscal year 2007 of the following costs which were incurred in fiscal year 2006:

 

   

Ps.18.4 million in costs related to the sale of Alcorta Plaza (through Alto Palermo);

 

   

Ps.11.3 million of costs related to the sale of block 36 of the plot called “Terrenos de Caballito”;

 

   

Ps.9.7 million of costs related to the sale of plot “Y,” Dock III; and

 

   

Ps.8.8 million of costs related to the sale of Edificios Cruceros units.

Costs included in this segment as percentage of revenues from such segment increased from 52.1% in fiscal year 2006 to 76.3% in fiscal year 2007.

Offices and Other Non-Shopping Center Rental Properties

Costs of the Offices and Other Non-Shopping Center Rental Properties segment increased 85.5%, from Ps.9.0 million in fiscal year 2006 to Ps.16.7 million in fiscal year 2007. The principal cost component in this office segment is the depreciation of buildings rented, and the increase in fiscal year 2007 was principally due to (i) Ps.3.4 million higher depreciation in fiscal year 2007 as a result of the addition of two new rental properties, Dock del Plata and Bouchard 551 and (ii) Ps.5.9 million higher depreciation as a result of a change in the determination of remaining useful life of our rental buildings, which decreased from an average of 496 months in fiscal year 2006 to an average of 253 months in fiscal year 2007.

Hotel Operations

Costs of Hotel Operations increased 19.0%, from Ps.58.0 million in fiscal year 2006 to Ps.69.0 million in fiscal year 2007 principally due to increases in depreciation of assets, fees for commissions and services, food and beverages and salaries and social security charges in each case related to increasing revenues from such segment. Costs of Hotel Llao Llao increased Ps.6.0 million, those of Hotel Intercontinental increased Ps.2.6 million and those of Hotel Sheraton Libertador increased Ps.2.4 million. Costs of hotel operations as percentage of revenues of such segment increased from 55.9% in fiscal year 2006 to 56.2% in fiscal year 2007.

Gross profit

As a result of the above, gross profit increased 27.9% from Ps.333.8 million in fiscal year 2006 to Ps.427.1 million in fiscal year 2007. Our gross margin, calculated as our gross profit divided by our revenues, remained at 57.8% in fiscal years 2006 and 2007 primarily as a result of improvements in the gross margin of our Shopping Centers and Financial Operations and Others segments, partially offset by a decrease in the gross margin of our Development and Sale of Properties, Offices and Other Non-Shopping Center Rental Properties, Hotel Operations and Consumer financing segments.

 

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Gain from recognition of inventories at net realizable value

This line reflects the valuation at net realization value of inventories in respect of which we received prepayments of rentals pursuant to contractual terms which establish the consummation of the sales and the resulting profits. This business segment generally does not show consistently recurring gains, and as a result, period-on-period comparisons may vary significantly depending on the projects that we are developing and their degree of completion. During fiscal year 2007, we recognized Ps.20.7 million gain which was principally applied to the following developments:

 

   

“Dock III - Plot X” in an amount equal to Ps.18.4 million; and

 

   

“San Martín de Tours” in an amount equal to Ps.1.5 million.

During fiscal year 2006, we recognized a gain of Ps.9.1 million primarily in respect of: “Edificios Cruceros” in an amount equal to Ps.4.6 million, “Torres Rosario” in an amount equal to Ps.3.5 million, “Dock III – Plot Z” in an amount equal to Ps.1.6 million and “San Martín de Tours” in an amount equal to Ps.(0.6) million.

Selling expenses

Selling expenses increased 89.2% from Ps.60.1 million in fiscal year 2006 to Ps.113.7 million in fiscal year 2007 principally due to an increase in the selling expenses of the Consumer financing and Shopping Centers segments of Ps.31.1 million and Ps.6.6 million, respectively. Selling expenses as a percentage of revenues increased from 10.4% in fiscal year 2006 to 15.4% in fiscal year 2007.

Shopping Centers

Selling expenses for the Shopping Centers segment increased 42.3%, from Ps.15.7 million in fiscal year 2006 to Ps.22.3 million in fiscal year 2007 due to: (i) a Ps.2.0 million increase in the costs of salaries and social security charges; (ii) a Ps.1.4 million increase in the charge for turnover tax; and (iii) a Ps.1.2 million increase in the charge for bad debts. Selling expenses related to Shopping Centers as a percentage of revenues from such segment increased from 7.3% in fiscal year 2006 to 8.3% in fiscal year 2007.

Consumer financing

Selling expenses for the Consumer financing segment increased 100.5%, from Ps.30.9 million in the fiscal year ended June 30, 2006 to Ps.62.0 million in the fiscal year ended June 30, 2007 principally due to:

 

   

a Ps.11.7 million increase in advertising expenses;

 

   

a Ps.11.8 million increase in the charge for bad debts; and

 

   

a Ps.5.8 million increase in the charge for turnover tax.

Selling expenses of Consumer financing as a percentage of the revenues from such segment increased from 25.1% in the fiscal year 2006 to 29.1% in fiscal year 2007.

 

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Development and Sale of Properties

Selling expenses for this segment consist of commissions and expenses derived from sales, stamp tax and on gross sales (gross revenues). Selling expenses for Development and Sale of Properties increased Ps.11.0 million in fiscal year 2007 principally due to a higher turnover tax charge during such fiscal year as a result of our sale of Solares de Santa María.

Offices and Other Non-Shopping Center Rental Properties

Selling expenses for the Offices and Other Non-Shopping Center Rental Properties segment increased Ps.3.4 million, from Ps.1.0 million in fiscal year 2006 to Ps.4.4 million in fiscal year 2007 due to a Ps.1.9 million higher charge for bad debtors by our subsidiary Inversora Bolívar, and higher charges for turnover tax and real estate commissions.

Hotel Operations

Selling expenses for the Hotel segment increased 13.9% from Ps.10.7 million in fiscal year 2006 to Ps.12.2 million in fiscal year 2007 principally due to increases in turnover tax, salaries and social security charges and commissions for tourism agencies, in each case reflecting an increase in the revenues of the segment in line with higher activity.

Administrative expenses

Administrative expenses increased 46.0% from Ps.96.9 million in fiscal year 2006 to Ps.141.4 million in fiscal year 2007 primarily due to an increase in administrative expenses in the Consumer financing segment and, to a lesser extent, increases in each of the remaining segments. Principal components of administrative expenses are salaries and social security charges, directors’ fees, fees and remunerations for services and depreciation of fixed assets. Administrative expenses as a percentage of revenues increased from 16.8% in fiscal year 2006 to 19.1% in fiscal year 2007.

Shopping Centers

Administrative expenses of the Shopping Centers segment increased 26.6%, from Ps.25.8 million in fiscal year 2006 to Ps.32.7 million in fiscal year 2007 principally due to (i) a Ps.3.7 million increase in expenses for fees and third parties’ services; (ii) a Ps.2.0 million increase in the charge for directors’ fees and (iii) a Ps.1.3 million increase in expenses for taxes, rates and contributions mostly due to the tax on bank debits and credits. Administrative expenses of the Shopping Centers segment as a percentage of the revenues from such segment remained essentially flat, increasing from 12.0% in fiscal year 2006 to 12.1% in fiscal year 2007.

Consumer financing

Administrative expenses of the Consumer financing segment increased 75.0%, from Ps.25.9 million in fiscal year 2006 to Ps.45.4 million in fiscal year 2007. This increase was primarily due to:

 

   

a Ps.11.4 million increase in expenses for salaries, compensation, social security charges and personnel;

 

   

a Ps.2.4 million increase in expenses for rentals, taxes, rates and contributions; and

 

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a Ps.3.0 million increase in expenses for fees and third parties services.

Administrative expenses of Consumer financing as a percentage of revenues from such segment increased from 21.1% in fiscal year ended 2006 to 21.3% during fiscal year 2007 as a result of a higher proportional average of these expenses in respect of the revenues increase of this segment.

Development and Sale of Properties

Administrative expenses of the Development and Sale of Properties segment increased 53.2%, from Ps.12.8 million in fiscal year 2006 to Ps.19.6 million in fiscal year 2007 due to: (i) a Ps.4.5 million increase for salaries, bonds and social security charges and directors’ fees and (ii) a Ps.2.1 million increase in bank expenses. Administrative expenses of Development and Sale of Properties as a percentage of revenues from this segment increased from 12.3% in fiscal year 2006 to 25.9% in fiscal year 2007.

Offices and Other Non-Shopping Center Rental Properties

Administrative expenses of the Offices and Other Non-Shopping Center Rental Properties segment increased 48.7% from Ps.11.3 million in fiscal year 2006 to Ps.16.8 million in fiscal year 2007. The increase is principally due to an increase of Ps.4.0 million in salaries, bonds and social security charges and fees to directors and to a Ps.1.8 million increase in bank expenses. Administrative expenses of Offices and Other Non-Shopping Center Rental Properties as a percentage of revenues from such segment decreased from 37.0% in fiscal year 2006 to 30.2% in fiscal year 2007.

Hotel Operations

Administrative expenses of the Hotel segment increased 28.1% from Ps.21.0 million in fiscal year 2006 to Ps.26.9 million in fiscal year 2007, principally due to: (i) a Ps.1.7 million increase in administrative expenses of Hotel Intercontinental mostly due to an increase in salaries and social security charges, commissions and depreciation of fixed assets, (ii) a Ps.1.4 million increase in administrative expenses of Hotel Sheraton Libertador principally due to an increase in fees for services and in salaries and social security charges and (iii) a Ps.2.8 million increase in administrative expenses of Hotel Llao Llao principally due to increases in salaries and social security charges, fees for services due to higher sales and taxes, rates and contributions. Administrative expenses of Hotel Operations as a percentage of revenues from such segment increased from 20.2% in fiscal year 2006 to 21.9% in fiscal year 2007.

Net income from retained interest in securitized receivables

This gain reflects the result generated by Alto Palermo’s participation in the Tarjeta Shopping credit card trusts. This gain increased 24.0% , from Ps.2.6 million in fiscal year 2006 to Ps.3.3 million in fiscal year 2007, primarily due to the creation in fiscal year 2007 of new credit card trusts in connection with new securitizations in such year.

Gain from the operations and holdings of real estate assets, net

This line reflects the impairment losses and gains associated with the reversal of previously recognized impairment charges. Results from the operation and holding of real estate assets decreased 79.6%, from a gain of Ps.12.6 million in fiscal year 2006 to a gain of Ps.2.6 million in

 

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fiscal year 2007, principally recorded in Neuquén Project for Ps.2.2. million, Suipacha 652 for Ps.0.9 million, Avenida de Mayo 589 for Ps.0.7 million and Torres de Abasto for Ps.0.1 million, partially offset by a loss of Ps.1.5 million corresponding to Torres Rosario. During fiscal year 2006 the gain of Ps.12.6 million had been attributable to Caballito for Ps.6.5 million, Alto Rosario for Ps.3.5 million, Espacio Aereo Coto for Ps.1.4 million, Torre Constitución for Ps.0.7 million and Reconquista 823 for Ps.0.6 million.

Operating income

Operating income decreased 1.3% million from Ps.201.2 million in fiscal year 2006 to Ps.198.5 million in fiscal year 2007 mainly due to a decrease in the operating income of the Development and Sale of Properties segment that was partially offset by increases in operating income of each of our other segments. Our operating margin, calculated as our operating income divided by our revenues, decreased from 34.8% for fiscal year 2006 to 26.9% for fiscal year 2007 primarily as a result of decreases in the operating margins of our Development and Sale of Properties, Offices and other non-Shopping Center Rental Properties, Shopping Centers, and Consumer Financing segments, partially offset by an increase in the operating margin of our Financial Operations and Others segment.

Shopping Centers

Operating income of Shopping Centers increased 18.2%, from Ps.105.6 million in fiscal year 2006 to Ps.124.8 million in fiscal year 2007 mostly due to a 25.7% increase in the revenues from this segment that was partially offset by increases of 17.7% in costs, 42.3% in selling expenses and 26.6% in administrative expenses. The operating income of this segment as a percentage of revenues from such segment decreased from 49.1% during fiscal year 2006 to 46.2% during fiscal year 2007 primarily as a result of a decrease during fiscal year 2007 in the gain generated by the reversal of previously recognized impairment charges which was only Ps.0.7 million in fiscal year 2007 compared to Ps.9.5 million in fiscal year 2006.

Consumer financing

Operating income of the Consumer Financing segment increased 31.4%, from Ps.24.8 million in fiscal year 2006 to Ps.32.6 million in fiscal year 2007 primarily due to a 73.2% increase in revenues from this segment that were partially offset by increases of 73.6% in costs, 100.5% in selling expenses and 75.0% in administrative expenses. The operating income of this segment as a percentage of the revenues from such segment decreased from 20.2% during fiscal year 2006 to 15.3% during fiscal year 2007 primarily as a result of the increase in selling expenses of almost 101% while the revenues from this segment increased 73.2%. Our selling expenses in this segment increased at a greater rate than our revenues from this segment as a result of a Ps.11.9 million increase in the charge for bad debts.

Development and Sale of Properties

Operating income from the Development and Sale of Properties segment decreased 86.0% from Ps.44.3 million in fiscal year 2006 to Ps.6.2 million in fiscal year 2007 primarily due to a decrease in the revenues from this segment and increases in selling and administrative expenses, partially offset by higher gain from recognition of inventories at their net realizable value during fiscal year 2007. The operating income of this segment as a percentage of the revenues from such segment decreased from 42.6% during fiscal year 2006 to 8.2% during fiscal year 2007.

 

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Offices and Other Non-Shopping Center Rental Properties

Operating income from the Offices and Other Non-Shopping Center Rental Properties segment increased 65.5%, from Ps.11.9 million in fiscal year 2006 to Ps.19.6 million in fiscal year 2007 primarily due to an 82.2% increase in the revenues from this segment. The operating income of this segment as a percentage of the revenues from such segment decreased from 38.8% during fiscal year 2006 to 35.2% during the fiscal year 2007 primarily as a result of the effect during fiscal year 2007 of the adjustment in the remaining useful life of our rental buildings which generated a loss of Ps.5.9 million reflected in the cost of this segment. Without considering this effect our operating income as a percentage of our revenues would have been 45.8% instead of 35.2%.

Hotel Operations

Operating income of Hotel Operations increased from Ps.14.6 million in fiscal year 2006 to Ps.14.7 million in fiscal year 2007 mostly due to an increase in revenues from this segment that was partially offset by increases in costs and expenses. The operating income of this segment as a percentage of the revenues from such segment decreased from 14.0% during fiscal year 2006 to 11.9% during fiscal year 2007, primarily as a Ps.2.4 million increase in depreciation due to a change in the determination of the remaining useful life of our three hotels, which decreased from an average of 408 months in fiscal year 2006 to an average of 207 months in fiscal year 2007.

Financial Operations and Others

Operating income of the Financial Operations and other operations segment increased Ps.0.5 million from Ps.0.1 million in fiscal year 2006 to Ps.0.6 million in fiscal year 2007. Operating revenues of this segment as a percentage of the revenues from such segment increased from 4.0% in fiscal year 2006 to 43.1% in fiscal year 2007 primarily as a result of a 40.9% decrease in the costs of this segment.

Amortization of negative goodwill, net

The amortization of the goodwill includes: (i) amortization of the goodwill of the following subsidiaries of Alto Palermo: Shopping Alto Palermo S.A., FIBESA, Tarshop, ERSA and Empalme and (ii) of our own negative goodwill generated by our purchase of Alto Palermo and Palermo Invest S.A. shares. Amortization of goodwill increased (Ps.0.4 million), from a charge of Ps.1.1 million in fiscal year 2006 to a charge of Ps.1.5 million in fiscal year 2007.

Financial results, net

Financial results, net increased Ps.45.0 million, from a net loss of Ps.40.9 million in fiscal year 2006 to a net gain of Ps.4.1 million in fiscal year 2007. The principal causes for this variation were:

 

   

the increase of Ps.40.4 million in results of financial operations mainly due to an increase of Ps.46.9 million in the fair market value of our investment in the mutual investment fund, Dolphin Fund Plc.;

 

   

a Ps.12.1 million positive exchange difference compared to fiscal year 2006 due to a lower depreciation during fiscal year 2007 of the Peso versus the US dollar; and

 

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Ps.9.9 million due to higher interest income in fiscal year 2007 of which Ps.7.6 million resulted from financial investments.

 

   

These improvements were partially offset by a Ps.16.5 million increase in financial expenses in fiscal year 2007, principally due to higher interest expense resulting from the issuance of bonds by us and Alto Palermo during fiscal year 2007.

Gain on equity investees

Gain from related companies decreased 3.9% from a gain of Ps.41.7 million in fiscal year 2006 to a gain of Ps.40.0 million in fiscal year 2007. This decrease principally resulted from a Ps.5.7 million decrease in the gain of Banco Hipotecario, from Ps.47.0 million in fiscal year 2006 to Ps.41.4 million in fiscal year 2007. This decrease was partially offset by the absence in fiscal year 2007 of the Ps.4.0 million loss incurred in fiscal year 2006 from our investment in Abril S.A.

Other income (expenses), net

Other income (expenses), net, decreased 22.8%, from a net expense of Ps.18.3 million in fiscal year 2006 to a net expense of Ps.14.1 million in fiscal year 2007 principally due to: (i) a Ps.7.5 million decrease in the allowance for uncollectible loans and (ii) a Ps.3.1 million increase for the recovery of allowances, which were partially offset in fiscal year 2007 by: (i) a Ps.4.5 million increase in charges for donations and (ii) a Ps.2.7 million increase in contingencies for lawsuits.

Income before taxes and minority interest

As a result of the above mentioned issue, income before taxes and minority interest increased 24.4% passing for an income of Ps.182.6 million in fiscal year 2006 to an income of Ps.227.1 million in fiscal year 2007.

Income tax and MPIT

Income tax and minimum presumed income tax increased 48.9%, from Ps.58.8 million in fiscal year 2006 to Ps.87.5 million in fiscal year 2007. We applied the deferred tax method to calculate our income tax for the two fiscal years, recognizing the temporary differences in the accounting and in tax assets and liabilities. Our effective tax rate in the fiscal year 2007 was 38.5% compared to 32.2% in fiscal year 2006.

The Ps.28.7 million variation was principally caused by the net impact of:

 

   

Ps.23.6 million increase in the expense for income tax for our company, from Ps.4.0 million during fiscal year 2006 to Ps.27.6 million during fiscal year 2007 due to the charge during fiscal year 2007 for Ps.11.6 million of deferred tax mostly caused by the sale of Santa María del Plata;

 

   

a Ps.12.9 million allowance for income tax in fiscal year 2007 mostly caused by the sale of shares in Banco Hipotecario and ownership units in Dolphin Fund Plc.;

 

   

a of Ps.7.8 million increase in the expense for income tax of Alto Palermo, from Ps.48.5 million in fiscal year 2006 to Ps.56.3 million in fiscal year 2007; and

 

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a Ps.0.5 million increase in the expense for income tax of Nuevas Fronteras S.A.

Minority interest

The negative result caused by third parties’ participation in subsidiaries increased 19.3% from a charge of Ps.27.2 million in fiscal year 2006 to a charge of Ps.32.4 million in fiscal year 2007 as a consequence of an increase in the income accounts of related companies in which we have a minority interest (principally in the Shopping Centers and Consumer financing segments).

Net income

Due to the above-mentioned issues, net income increased 10.9% from Ps.96.6 million in fiscal year 2006 to Ps.107.1 million in fiscal year 2007.

Banco Hipotecario SA ‘s Results of Operations

Overview

We do not consolidate the consolidated financial statements of our investee Banco Hipotecario. However, according to Rule 3-09 of Regulation S-X, we are required to file separate financial statements of significant investees. This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations should be read together with Banco Hipotecario’s consolidated financial statements contained elsewhere in this annual report. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. These forward-looking statements include, among others, those statements including the words “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “believes” and similar language. The actual results may differ materially and adversely from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of many factors, including those set forth elsewhere in this annual report.

Banco Hipotecario maintains its financial books and records in Pesos and prepares its financial statements in conformity with the polices of the Argentine Central Bank which prescribes the reporting and disclosure requirements for banks and financial institutions in Argentina (“Central Bank accounting rules”). These rules differ in certain respects from generally accepted accounting principles in Argentina (“Argentine GAAP”). A description of significant differences between Central Bank accounting rules and Argentine GAAP are set forth in Note 6 to Banco Hipotecario’s consolidated financial statements. Central Bank accounting rules and Argentine GAAP also differ in certain significant respects from U.S. GAAP. Such differences involve methods of measuring the amounts shown in the consolidated financial statements, as well as additional disclosures required by U.S. GAAP and regulations of the SEC. See Note 38 to the consolidated financial statements of Banco Hipotecario included elsewhere in this annual report for a description of the principal differences between Central Bank accounting rules and U.S. GAAP, as they relate to Banco Hipotecario, and a reconciliation to U.S. GAAP of Banco Hipotecario’s net income (loss) and shareholders’ equity.

Events in Argentina and Their Adverse Impact on Banco Hipotecario

Banco Hipotecario’s business and results of operations are dependent on, and significantly impacted by, the macroeconomic situation prevailing in Argentina. As such, its business and results of operations were materially and adversely affected by the Argentine economic crisis which began in 2001 and prevailed throughout most of 2002. Since 2003, the Argentine economy has shown signs of recovery compared to 2001 and 2002 and GDP has grown

 

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in each of 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007. In addition, interest rates have fallen and the foreign exchange market has stabilized. The financial system has gradually recovered its liquidity levels, recording a significant increase in deposits and the level of loan originations began to grow, especially in 2005 and 2006. Based on current data, the Argentine economy during 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007, GDP increased by 9.0%, 9.0%, 8.5% and 8.7% according to INDEC estimates. Based on INDEC estimates, in US dollar terms GDP increased from US$69.8 billion in 2002 to US$257.8 billion in 2007, and unemployment decreased to 7.5% as of the fourth quarter of 2007. As of December 31, 2007, approximately 20% of the population was below the poverty line according to INDEC. In 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 Argentina posted a fiscal surplus of approximately Ps.11,657.8 million and 19,661.0 million, Ps.23,158.0 million and Ps.25,718 million respectively. After the settlement of its exchange offer, Argentina’s sovereign debt outstanding amounted to US$149,847.4 million, representing approximately 57.8% of the GDP estimated for the year ending December 31, 2007.

During 2006 and 2007 inflation was 7.1% and 14.6% as measured by the WPI, and 9.8%, and 8.5% as measured by the CPI. The preceding information is based on data published by the Ministry of Economy and the Central Bank.

Over the past few months, the global financial markets have been affected by volatility, lack of liquidity and credit, which entailed a significant drop in international stock indexes, and a marked economic slow-down. Despite the actions taken by the US and other G7 countries, the future of the international markets is still uncertain.

In Argentina, stock markets have shown significant drops in the prices of government and corporate securities, as well as an increase in interest rates, country risk premiums and exchange rates. This situation is still ongoing as of the date of issue of these financial statements.

Banco Hipotecario’s management is permanently monitoring the effects derived from the above situation in order to implement the necessary measures to mitigate its effects. These uncertainties could have a material adverse effect on the value or IRSA’s investment in Banco Hipotecario.

Critical Accounting Policies

Banco Hipotecario believes that the following are the critical accounting policies under Argentine Banking GAAP and US GAAP, as they are important to the portrayal of its financial condition and results of operations and require its most difficult, subjective and complex judgment and the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain.

Reserve for loan losses

Banco Hipotecario reserves for loan losses are maintained in accordance with Argentine Banking GAAP. Under such regulations, a minimum reserve for loan losses is calculated primarily based upon the classification of Banco Hipotecario’s commercial loan borrowers and the past due status of Banco Hipotecario’s individual loan borrowers. Although Banco Hipotecario are required to follow the methodology and guidelines for determining its reserve for loan loss as set forth by the Central Bank, they are allowed to provide additional allowances for loan loss reserves.

Banco Hipotecario classifies individual loans based on their past due status consistent with the requirements of the Central Bank. Minimum loss percentages required by the Central Bank are also applied to the totals of each loan classification. Balances of loans and reserves are

 

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charged-off and reflected on its balance sheets three months from the date on which the loans were fully covered by its loan loss reserves.

For commercial loans, Banco Hipotecario is required to classify all of Banco Hipotecario’s commercial loan borrowers. In order to perform the classification, Banco Hipotecario must consider the management and operating history of the borrower, the present and projected financial situation of the borrower, the borrower’s payment history and ability to service the debt, the capability of the borrower’s internal information and control systems and the risk in the sector in which the borrower operates. Banco Hipotecario applies the minimum loss percentages required by the Central Bank to Banco Hipotecario’s commercial loan borrowers based on the loan classification and the nature of the collateral, or guarantees, of the loan. In addition, based on the overall risk of the portfolio, Banco Hipotecario considers whether or not additional loan loss reserves in excess of the minimum required are warranted.

Under US GAAP, reserve for loan losses represents the estimate of probable losses in the loan portfolio. Determining the reserve for loan losses requires significant management judgments and estimates including, among others, identifying impaired loans, determining customers’ ability to pay and estimating the fair value of underlying collateral or the expected future cash flows to be received. Actual events are likely to differ from the estimates and assumptions used in determining the allowance for loan losses. Additional provisions for loan losses could be required in the future.

Fair Value Estimates

Banco Hipotecario prepares its financial statements in accordance with the rules of the Central Bank related thereto, which differ from US GAAP in valuing financial instruments.

US GAAP requires financial instruments to be valued at fair value. Banco Hipotecario estimated the fair value as the amount at which a financial instrument could be exchanged in a current transaction between willing parties, other than in a forced sale or liquidation, and such value was best evidenced by a quoted market price, if one existed. In cases where quoted market prices were not available, fair value estimation was based on the quoted market price of a financial instrument with similar characteristics, the present value of expected future cash flows, or other valuation techniques, all of which were significantly affected by the assumptions used.

For a detailed description of the applicable accounting principles, please see Note 5. To the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Government securities – BODEN

The compensatory and hedge ( additional Boden 2012 subscribed) bonds Banco Hipotecario S.A. receives are classified as “Investing securities” at par value based on Central Bank accounting rules, notwithstanding that the estimated market value of such bonds is lower than such par value. The right to receive BODEN that are issued in hedge transactions is classified as “Other receivables from financial transactions” and is recognized at par value of the BODEN to be issued, notwithstanding that the estimated market value of the BODEN linked to such right is significantly below such carrying value. The fair value of the Boden 2012 as of June 30, 2008 decreases the shareholder’s equity in $ 212,577.

Under US GAAP compensatory and hedge bonds are valued at fair value. See “Fair Value Estimates” above.

Other Receivables from Financial Transactions and Miscellaneous Receivables,

Banco Hipotecario carries other receivables from financial transactions and miscellaneous receivables net of allowances for uncollectible amounts. Its judgment regarding the ultimate collectibility is performed on an account-by-account basis considering its assessment of the

 

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borrower’s ability to pay based on factors such as the borrower’s financial condition, past payment history, guarantees and past-due status.

Minimum Presumed Income Tax

Banco Hipotecario has recognized the minimum presumed income tax accrued as of June 30, 2008 and paid in prior years as an asset as of June 30, 2008, that expects to be able to compute it as a payment of account of income in future years because Banco Hipotecario started to generate taxable income. Recognition of this asset arises from the ability to generate sufficient taxable income in future years to absorb the asset before it expires. Management’s determination of the likelihood that deferred tax assets can be realized is subjective, and involves estimates and assumptions about matters that are inherently uncertain. The realization of deferred tax assets arises from levels of future taxable income and the achievement of tax planning strategies.

Underlying estimates and assumptions can change over time, influencing its overall tax positions, as a result of unanticipated events or circumstances.

Argentine Banking GAAP requires income taxes to be recognized on the basis of amounts due in accordance with Argentine tax regulations. Temporary differences between the financial reporting and income tax bases of accounting are therefore not considered in recognizing income taxes.

In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards, or SFAS, N° 109, Accounting For Income Taxes, under US GAAP income taxes are recognized on the liability method whereby deferred tax assets and liabilities are established for temporary differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of our assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets are also recognized for tax loss carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recorded or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance is recognized for that component of net deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that it will not be recoverable.

As of June 30, 2007, and based on the analysis performed on the realizability of the tax loss carryforwards, Banco Hipotecario believes it will recover only a portion of the net operating tax loss carryforwards and all the temporary differences, with future taxable income. Therefore, the remaining portion of the net operating tax loss carryforward is more likely than not to be recovered in the carryforwards periods, and hence, a valuation allowance was provided against it.

As of June 30, 2008, and based on the analysis performed on the realizability of the tax loss carryforwards, Banco Hipotecario believes it will recover only the temporary differences, with future taxable income. Therefore, the net operating tax loss carryforward is more likely than not to be recovered in the carryforwards periods, and hence, a valuation allowance was provided against it.

Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Interpretation No. 48 “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes”, (FIN 48) was issued in July 2006 and interprets FASB Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 109. FIN 48 became effective for the Group on January 1, 2007 and prescribes a comprehensive model for the recognition, measurement, financial statement presentation and disclosure of uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. FIN 48 provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition.

 

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Banco Hipotecario classifies income tax-related interest and penalties as income taxes in the financial statements. The adoption of this pronouncement had no effect on Banco Hipotecario’s overall financial position or results of operations.

Twelve month periods ended June 30, 2008 and 2007

General

The following table sets forth the principal components of its net income for the periods ended June 30, 2008 and 2007.

 

     Period ended June 30,     % Change  
     2008     2007     2008/2007  
     (in millions of pesos, except for percentages)  

Financial income

   Ps. 696.6     Ps. 882.2     (21.0 )

Financial expenses

     (550.7 )     (374.7 )   47.0  

Net financial income

     145.9       507.6     (71.3 )

Provision for losses on loans

     (149.9 )     (43.7 )   243.1  

Net contribution from insurance (1)

     87.2       69.8     24.9  

Other income from services

     194.4       83.4     133.2  

Other expenses on services

     (92.1 )     (67.8 )   35.7  

Administrative expenses

     (382.7 )     (270.8 )   41.3  
                      

Net income from financial operations

     (197.2 )     278.4     (170.8 )

Miscellaneous income, net (2)

     146.9       81.4     80.5  

Minority interest

     (5.6 )     (0.9 )   512.3  

Income tax

     (3.7 )     (1.0 )   270.8  
                      

Net (loss) income

   Ps. (59.6 )   Ps. 357.9     (116.6 )
                      

 

(1) Insurance premiums minus insurance claims paid.

 

(2) Miscellaneous income minus miscellaneous expenses.

Net Income

Banco Hipotecario S.A.’s net loss for the period ended June 30, 2008 of Ps. (59.6) million was lower than the Ps 357.9 net income for the period ended June 30, 2007, principally due to:

 

   

Lower financial income as a result of lower income from government and private securities and hedging transactions partially off set by the increase of financial income from new consumer products.

 

   

Higher financial expenditures as a result of higher interest liabilities resulting from increased average balances on time deposits and the increase of interest rates on bonds and similar obligations.

 

   

Higher administrative expenses mainly related to social security contributions, and fees related to actions adopted by Banco Hipotecario in developing its retail banking business.

 

   

Higher expenses on services mainly related to commissions related to Visa Credit Cards, scoring and origination of personal loans and higher structuring and underwriting expenses.

 

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Higher loan loss provisions resulting from increased balance on mortgage and other loans.

These factors were partially offset by:

 

   

Higher net contributions from insurance as a result of an increase in new loan origination and an expansion on insurance products offered.

 

   

Higher income from services as a result of higher bank activity.

Financial Income

The following table sets forth the principal components of its financial income for the periods ended June 30, 2008 and 2007.

 

     Periods ended June 30,    % Change  
     2008     2007    2008/2007  
     (in millions of pesos, except for percentages)  

Mortgage loans and other financial transactions

   Ps. 229.0     Ps. 177.7    28.9  

Government guaranteed loans

     11.2       10.6    (49.5 )

Government and Private Securities

     143.9       273.1    (47.7 )

Compensatory and other BODEN

     7.5       9.6    (22.2 )

Buyback of restructured debt

     31.3       12.9    142.4  

Hedges

     (137.6 )     140.8    (197.7 )

Mortgage-backed securities

     28.3       51.3    (44.8 )

Other loans

     20.2       32.3    9.9  

Credit Cards loans

     91.4       32.5    181.1  

Personal loans

     149.4       82.1    81.9  

Advance loans

     34.8       24.3    43.1  

Effects of changes in exchange rates

     61.7       19.3    220.1  

Cash and due from banks

     5.7       4.4    30.0  

Interbank Loans

     8.0       5.2    53.5  

Others

     11.5       6.0    91.6  
                 

Total

   Ps. 696.6     Ps. 882.2    (21 )
                     

Banco Hipotecario S.A.’s financial income decreased 21% to Ps. 696.6 million for the period ended June 30, 2008 as compared to Ps.882.2 million for the period ended June 30, 2007 primarily as a result of:

 

   

Lower income from government and private securities as a result of lower market prices.

 

   

Losses from derivate operations resulting from hedging transactions including its total return swap.

These factors were partially offset by:

 

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Higher income from credit cards, personal loans and new consumer products as a result of a significant increase in the volume of such loans granted during the year.

 

   

Higher income from the repurchase of restructured financial debts at market prices.

 

   

Higher income from changes in exchange rates as a result of higher exchange rates.

Financial Expenses

The following table sets forth information regarding its financial expenses for the periods ended June 30, 2008 and 2007.

 

     Periods ended June 30,    % Change  
     2008    2007    2008/2007  
     (in millions of pesos, except for percentages)  

Bonds and similar obligations

   Ps. 387.1    Ps. 278.6    38.9  

Borrowings from Central Bank

     20.3      20.1    0.9  

Borrowings from banks

     8.0      16.2    (50.4 )

Time deposits

     111.0      36.5    203.8  

Other(1)

     1.5      3.5    (57.1 )

Contributions and taxes on financial income

     22.8      19.7    15.6  
                

Total

   Ps. 550.7    Ps. 374.7    47.0  
                

 

(1) Includes interest and other amounts payable on savings accounts, checking accounts, and other deposits.

Banco Hipotecario S.A.’s financial expenses for the period ended June 30, 2008 increased 47.0% to Ps.550.7 million from Ps. 374.7 million for the period ended June 30, 2007 primarily as a result of:

 

   

Higher interest liabilities resulting from increased average balances on time deposits, related to the growth of the private sector.

 

   

Higher interest liabilities as a result of the increase in interest on bonds and similar obligations.

This effect was partially offset by:

 

   

Lower financial expenditures as a result of the reduction of other bank borrowings.

 

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Provision for Losses on Loans

The following table sets forth its provision for loan losses for the periods ended June 30, 2008 and 2007.

 

     Periods ended June 30,    % Change
     2008    2007    2008/2007
     (in millions of pesos, except for percentages)

Provision for loan losses

   Ps. 149.9    Ps. 43.7    243.1

Charge-offs

   Ps. 71.4    Ps. 52.5    36.0

Banco Hipotecario S.A.’s provision for loan losses for the period ended June 30, 2008 increased to Ps. 149.9 million from Ps. 43.7 million in the period ended on June 30, 2007 in connection with the significant increase in the volume of the loans granted during 2007.

The Risk and Credit Committee decided to maintain a maximum 100% coverage of the loan loss reserve, relative to the total amount of those loans classified as non-performing. Reserves and funds created by Risk and Credit Committee dated June 2, 2008, ( Ex - Section 13 of Law 24,143) and the Special fund created by a resolution of the board of Directors of Banco Hipotecario dated December 12, 2001, shall not be included in the total amount used for calculating such coverage.

Net Contribution from Insurance

The following table sets forth the principal components of its net contribution from insurance for the periods ended June 30, 2008 and 2007.

 

     Periods ended June 30    % Change  
     2008    2007    2008/2007  
     (in millions of pesos, except for percentages)  

Insurance premiums earned:

        

Life

   Ps. 75.7    Ps. 60.0    26.1  

Property damage

     11.0      12.1    (9.3 )

Unemployment

     0.9      1.2    (23.7 )

Other

     7.5      3.7    103.6  
                

Total premiums earned

     95.1    Ps. 77.0    23.5  
                

Insurance claims paid:

        

Life

     6.9      6.1    12.7  

Property damage

     0.2      0.3    (34.5 )

Unemployment

     0.1      0.2    (61.8 )

Other

     0.7      0.5    27.2  
                

Total claims paid

     7.9    Ps. 7.2    9.7  
                

Net contribution from insurance

   Ps. 87.2    Ps. 69.8    24.9  
                

 

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Banco Hipotecario S.A.’s net contribution from insurance activities of Ps. 87.2 million during the period ended June 30, 2008 increased 24.9 % from Ps.69.8 million, compared to the period ended June 30, 2007. This increased was primarily a consequence of higher premiums resulted from an increase in new loan origination and an expansion of insurance products offered.

Other Income from Services

The following table includes the principal components of its other income from services for the periods ended June 30, 2008 and 2007.

 

     Periods ended June 30,    % Change
     2008    2007    2008/2007
     (in millions of pesos, except for percentages)

Loan servicing fees from third parties

   Ps. 2.6    Ps. 1.8    42.0

FONAVI commissions

     5.7      4.1    38.5

Other Commissions

     2.6      1.5    67.9

Credit Card Commissions

     104.6      47.9    118.4

Saving accounts commissions

     9.5      5.5    72.9

Current accounts commissions

     6.1      3.2    90.8

BHN Inversión commissions

     20.1       NM

Total commissions

     151.1      64.0    136.0
                

Recovery of loan expenses

     33.2      13.0    155.5

Other

     10.0      6.3    58.6
                  

Total

   Ps. 194.4    Ps. 83.4    133.2
                

Banco Hipotecario S.A.’s income from services increased to Ps. 194.4 million for the period ended June 30, 2008 from Ps 83.4 million in the same period of 2007, as a result of higher commissions derived from credit cards, origination of mortgage loans and new consumer products, and the commissions derived from the insurance activities developed since July 2008 by BHSA subsidiary BHN Inversión.

Other Expenses on Services

The following table includes the principal components of its other expenses on services for the periods ended June 30, 2008 and 2007:

 

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     Periods ended June 30,    % Change  
     2008    2007    2008/2007  
     (in millions of pesos, except for percentages)  

Structuring and underwriting fees

   Ps. 8.2    Ps. 9.5    (14.0 )

Banking services

     12.9      5. 8    120.9  

Commissions on third party originations

     0.1      0.1    (50.5 )

Collections

     0.4      0.4    (15.7 )

Commissions on Visa

     47.3      38.1    24.2  

Commissions on saving accounts

     2.9      2.4    19.2  

Commissions on scoring

     12.4      6.6    87.3  

Commissions paid to real estate agents

     1.7      1.6    1.5  

Total

     85.7      64.7    32.6  
                

Contributions and taxes on income from services

     6.4      3.2    99.9  
            

Total

   Ps. 92.1    Ps. 67.8    35.7  
                

Banco Hipotecario S.A.’s other expenses on services increased 35.7 % to Ps. 92.1 million for the period ended June 30, 2008 from Ps. 67.8 million in the period ended June 30, 2007. This increase was mainly due to commissions recorded in other expenditures on services related to the VISA credit card and scoring, in connection with the higher number of credit cards managed.

Administrative Expenses

The following table sets forth the principal components of its administrative expenses for the periods ended June 30, 2008 and 2007.

 

     Periods ended June 30,    % Change  
     2008    2007    2008/2007  
     (in millions of pesos, except for percentages)  

Salaries and social security contributions

   Ps. 160.6    Ps 111.4    44.2  

Fees and external administrative services

     80.3      55.3    45.3  

Maintenance and repair

     7.6      4.9    53.4  

Advertising and publicity

     16.4      20.9    (21.8 )

Nonrecoverable VAT and other taxes

     21.8      17.0    28.1  

Electricity and communications

     16.6      10.9    52.4  

Depreciation of bank premises and equipment

     11.5      6.7    71.9  

Amortization of organizational expenses

     7.3      3.0    144.8  

Corporate personnel benefits

     31.9      20.6    54.6  

Rent

     11.5      4.8    139.1  

Other

     23.1      15.3    50.5  
                

Total

   Ps. 388.5    Ps. 270.8    43.4  
                

Administrative expenses for the period ended June 30, 2008 increased 43.4 % to Ps. 388.5 million from Ps. 270.8 million for the period ended June 30, 2007. The main reasons for this increase were higher salaries and social security contributions required under applicable regulations in Argentina, and an increase in other fees related to the actions adopted by Banco Hipotecario in developing its retail banking business.

 

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Miscellaneous Income

The following table sets forth its miscellaneous income for the periods ended June 30, 2008 and 2007.

 

     Periods ended June 30,    % Change  
     2008    2007    2008/2007  
     (in millions of pesos as, except for percentages)  

Penalty interest

   Ps. 6.7      6.4    4.8  

Loan loss recoveries

     106.3      207.2    (48.7 )

Reversal of provision for lawsuit

     14.7      —      NM  

Reversal of provision for STAR

     21.4      —      NM  

Reversal of provision for contingencies

     11.6      13.5    (14.3 )

Other

     23.3      4.6    402.8  
                

Total

   Ps. 184.1    Ps. 231.8    (20.6 )
                

Banco Hipotecario S.A.’s miscellaneous income decreased 20.6 % to Ps. 184.1 million for the period ended June 30, 2008 from Ps.231.8 million for the year ended June 30, 2007 primarily as a result of the two sales of a portion of non performing portfolio recorded in memorandum accounts for approximately Ps. 120 million during the period ended June 30, 2007.

Miscellaneous Expenses

The following table sets forth the principal components of its miscellaneous expenses for the periods ended June 30, 2008 and 2007:

 

     Periods ended June 30,    % Change  
     2008    2007    2008/2007  
     (in millions of pesos, except for percentages)  

Provision for lawsuit contingencies

   Ps. 3.0      Ps. 14.6    (79.7 )

Provision StAR granted creditors under guaranteed debt

     —        35.1    NM  

Provision SAR

     —        39.4    NM  

Provision for insurance contingences

     0.4      3.0    (85.6 )

Provision for administrative organization

     13.6      34.9    (58.9 )

Other taxes

     7.6      9.1    (16.5 )

Contingency related to the sale of non-performing mortgage portfolio

     1.0      8.0    NM  

Other

     6.0      6.3    (25.2 )

Total

   Ps. 31.4    Ps. 150.4    (79.1 )
                

Banco Hipotecario S.A.’s miscellaneous expenses decreased 79.1 % to Ps. 31.4 million for the period ended June 30, 2008 from Ps. 150.4 million for 2007 primarily as a result of lower provisions for the appreciation in the trading price of its Class D shares, designed to account for the higher value attributable to the stock appreciation rights issued with and attached to its Medium Term Guaranteed Debt due 2010 and its management compensation plan, and for Stock

 

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Appreciation Compensation plan, Lawsuits contingences, administrative organization and for the sale of a portion of its non-performing portfolio.

Twelve month periods ended June 30, 2007 and 2006

General

The following table sets forth the principal components of its net income for the periods ended June 30, 2007 and 2006.

 

     Period ended June 30,     % Change  
     2007     2006     2007/2006  
     (in millions of pesos, except for percentages)  

Financial income

   Ps. 882.2     Ps. 733.8     20.2  

Financial expenses

     (374.7 )     (412.2 )   (9.1 )

Net financial income

     507.6       321.6     57.8  

Provision for losses on loans

     (43.7 )     (10.5 )   316  

Net contribution from insurance (1)

     69.8       44.9     55.6  

Other income from services

     83.4       47.6     75.3  

Other expenses on services

     (67.8 )     (30.6 )   121.6  

Administrative expenses

     (270.8 )     (185.2 )   46.2  

Miscellaneous income, net (2)

     81.4       124.5     (34.6 )

Minority interest

     (0.9 )     (1.9 )   (51.7 )

Income tax

     (1.0 )     (1.3 )   (23.8 )
                      

Net income

   Ps. 357.9     Ps. 309.1     15.8  
                      

 

(1) Insurance premiums minus insurance claims paid.

 

(2) Miscellaneous income minus miscellaneous expenses.

Net Income

Banco Hipotecario S.A.’s net income for the period ended June 30, 2007 of Ps. 357.9 million was higher than Ps 309.1 for the period ended June 30, 2006, principally due to:

 

   

Higher financial income principally as a result of higher income from government and private securities, hedging transactions and the increase of new consumer products.

 

   

Higher net contributions from insurance as a result of an increase in new loan origination and an expansion on insurance products offered.

 

   

Higher income from services as a result of higher bank activity.

These factors were partially offset by:

 

   

Higher administrative expenses mainly related to social security contributions, and fees related to actions adopted by Banco Hipotecario in developing its retail banking business.

 

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Higher expenses on services mainly to commissions related to Visa Credit Cards, scoring and origination of personal loans and higher structuring and underwriting expenses.

Financial Income

The following table sets forth the principal components of its financial income for the periods ended June 30, 2007 and 2006.

 

     Periods ended June 30,    % Change  
     2007    2006    2007/2006  
     (in millions of pesos, except for percentages)  

Mortgage loans and other financial transactions

   Ps. 177.7    Ps. 170.2    4.4  

Government guaranteed loans

     10.6      96.2    (89.0 )

Government and Private Securities

     273.1      190.7    43.2  

Compensatory and other BODEN

     9.6      24.6    (61.0 )

Buyback of restructured debt

     12.9      51.2    (74.8 )

Hedges

     140.8      37.5    275.2  

Mortgage-backed securities

     51.3      27.6    85.8  

Other loans

     32.3      16.7    93.4  

Credit Cards loans

     32.5      7.0    366.9  

Personal loans

     82.1      38.5    113.4  

Advance loans

     24.3      18.3    33.0  

Effects of changes in exchange rates

     19.3      46.2    (58.3 )

Cash and due from banks

     4.4      3.5    25.4  

Interbank Loans

     5.2      1.8    190.4  

Others

     6.0      3.6    67.0  
                

Total

   Ps. 882.2    Ps. 733.8    20.2  
                    

Banco Hipotecario S.A.’s financial income increase 20.2 % to Ps. 882.2 million for the period ended June 30, 2007 as compared to Ps.733.8 million for the period ended June 30, 2006 primarily as a result of:

 

   

Higher income from some government and private securities as a result of higher market prices.

 

   

Higher income from the increase of LIBO rate accrued during this period on the stock of BODEN US$ 2012 recorded in investment account.

 

   

Higher income from credit cards, personal loans and new consumer products as a result of a significant increase in the volume of such loans granted during 2007.

 

   

Higher income from derivate operations resulting from hedging transactions including its total return swap.

These factors were partially offset by:

 

   

Lower income from hedge bond, as a result of the subscription made.

 

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Lower income from the repurchase of restructured financial debts at market prices.

 

   

Lower income from Secured loans as a consequence of the reduction of the stock.

Financial Expenses

The following table sets forth information regarding its financial expenses for the periods ended June 30, 2007 and 2006.

 

     Periods ended June 30,    % Change  
     2007    2006    2007/2006  
     (in millions of pesos, except for percentages)  

Bonds and similar obligations

   Ps. 278.6    Ps. 222.2    25.4  

Borrowings from Central Bank

     20.1      121.9    (83.5 )

Borrowings from banks

     16.2      30.0    (46.0 )

Time deposits

     36.5      17.7    106.4  

Other(1)

     3.5      6.5    (45.9 )

Contributions and taxes on financial income

     19.7      13.8    42.4  
                

Total

   Ps. 374.7    Ps. 412.2    (9.1 )
                

 

 

(1) Includes interest and other amounts payable on savings accounts, checking accounts, and other deposits.

Banco Hipotecario S.A.’s financial expenses for the period ended June 30, 2007 decreased 9.1% to Ps.374.7 million from Ps. 412.2 million for the period ended June 30, 2006 primarily as a result of:

 

   

Lower financial expenditures principally as result of the substantial reduction of Central Bank and others Banks borrowings.

This effect was partially offset by:

 

   

Higher interest liabilities resulting from increased average balances on savings accounts and time deposits, related to the growth of private sector.

Provision for Losses on Loans

The following table sets forth its provision for loan losses for the periods ended June 30, 2007 and 2006.

 

     Periods ended June 30,    % Change  
     2007    2006    2007/2006  
     (in millions of pesos, except for percentages)  

Provision for loan losses

   Ps. 43.7    Ps. 10.5    316.0  

Charge-offs

   Ps. 52.5    Ps. 142.7    (63.6 )

 

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Banco Hipotecario S.A.’s provision for loan losses for the period ended June 30, 2007 increased to Ps. 43.7 million from Ps. 10.5 million in the period ended on June 30, 2006 in connection with the significant increase in the volume of the loans granted during 2007.

The Risk and Credit Committee decided to maintain a maximum 100% coverage of the loan loss reserve, relative to the total amount of those loans classified as non-performing, consequently a recovery of Ps. 100 million was recorded. Reserves and funds created in connection with the special reserve envisaged by Section 13 of Law 24,143 and the Special fund created by a resolution of the board of Directors of Banco Hipotecario dated December 12, 2001, shall not be included in the total amount used for calculating such coverage.

Net Contribution from Insurance

The following table sets forth the principal components of its net contribution from insurance for the periods ended June 30, 2007 and 2006.

 

     Periods ended June 30    % Change  
     2007    2006    2007/2006  
     (in millions of pesos, except for percentages)  

Insurance premiums earned:

        

Life

   Ps. 60.0    Ps. 37.1    61.8  

Property damage

     12.1      12.6    (4.0 )

Unemployment

     1.2      1.4    (14.5 )

Other

     3.7      2.8    33.2  
                

Total premiums earned

     77.0    Ps. 53.9    43.0  
                

Insurance claims paid:

        

Life

     6.1      8.0    (23.7 )

Property damage

     0.3      0.4    (19.5 )

Unemployment

     0.2      0.2    (2.6 )

Other

     0.5      0.3    57.2  
                

Total claims paid

     7.2    Ps. 9.0    (20.0 )
                

Net contribution from insurance

   Ps. 69.8    Ps. 44.9    55.6  
                

Banco Hipotecario S.A.’s net contribution from insurance activities of Ps. 69.8 million during the period ended June 30, 2007 increased 55.6 % from Ps.44.9 million, compared to the period ended June 30, 2006. This increased was primarily a consequence of higher premiums resulted from an increase in new loan origination and an expansion of insurance products offered.

Other Income from Services

The following table includes the principal components of its other income from services for the periods ended June 30, 2007 and 2006.

 

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     Periods ended June 30,    % Change
     2007    2006    2007/2006
     (in millions of pesos, except for percentages)

Loan servicing fees from third parties

   Ps. 1.8    Ps. 1.4    27.3

FONAVI commissions

     4.1      3.3    22.5

Other Commissions

     1.5      1.4    7.4

Credit Card Commissions

     47.9      12.3    290.0

Saving accounts commissions

     5.5      3.2    70.6

Current accounts commissions

     3.2      1.1    178.5

Commissions for technological services (MSI)

     —        12.0    393.6

Total commissions

     64.0      34.8    84.1
                

Recovery of loan expenses

     13.0      7.7    67.7

Other

     6.3      5.0    26.2
                  

Total

   Ps. 83.4    Ps. 47.6    75.3
                

Banco Hipotecario S.A.’s income from services increased to Ps. 83.4 million for the period ended June 30, 2007 from Ps 47.6 million in the same period of 2006, as a result of higher commissions derived from credit cards, origination of mortgage loans and new consumer products. This higher income was attributable not only to the greater number of credit cards, but also to the greater average purchases made with such cards recorded during the period.

Other Expenses on Services

The following table includes the principal components of its other expenses on services for the periods ended June 30, 2007 and 2006:

 

     Periods ended June 30,    % Change  
     2007    2006    2007/2006  
     (in millions of pesos, except for percentages)  

Structuring and underwriting fees

   Ps. 9.5    Ps. 9.2    3.8  

Banking services

     5.8      4.7    23.2  

Commissions on third party originations

     0.1      0.2    (36.4 )

Collections

     0.4      0.3    56.4  

Commissions on Visa

     38.1      9.9    284.7  

Commissions on saving accounts

     2.4      1.6    52.4  

Commissions on scoring

     6.6      2.0    231.6  

Commissions paid to real estate agents

     1.6      1.0    60.8  

Total

     64.7      28.9    124.0  
                

Contributions and taxes on income from services

     3.2      1.7    82.1  
            

Total

   Ps. 67.8    Ps. 30.6    121.6  
                

Banco Hipotecario S.A.’s other expenses on services increased 121.6 % to Ps. 67.8 million for the period ended June 30, 2007 from Ps. 30.6 million in the period ended June 30, 2006. This increase was mainly to commissions recorded in other expenditures on services related to the VISA credit card and scoring, in connection with the higher number of credit cards managed.

 

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Administrative Expenses

The following table sets forth the principal components of its administrative expenses for the periods ended June 30, 2007 and 2006.

 

     Periods ended June 30,    % Change  
     2007    2006    2007/2006  
     (in millions of pesos, except for percentages)  

Salaries and social security contributions

   Ps. 111.4    Ps 84.4    31.9  

Fees and external administrative services

     55.3      24.6    125.1  

Maintenance and repair

     4.9      4.4    11.8  

Advertising and publicity

     20.9      15.7    33.3  

Nonrecoverable VAT and other taxes

     17.0      11.8    43.7  

Electricity and communications

     10.9      7.1    52.6  

Depreciation of bank premises and equipment

     6.7      7.1    (6.2 )

Amortization of organizational expenses

     3.0      2.9    4.5  

Corporate personnel benefits

     20.6      14.5    42.1  

Other

     20.2      12.6    59.5  
                

Total

   Ps. 270.8    Ps. 185.2    46.2  
                

Administrative expenses for the period ended June 30, 2007 increased 46.2 % to Ps. 270.8 million from Ps. 185.2 million for the period ended June 30, 2006. The main reasons for this increase were higher salaries and social security contributions required under applicable regulations in Argentina, higher advertising expenses related to the launch of its new products and an increase in other fees related to the actions adopted by Banco Hipotecario in developing its retail banking business.

Miscellaneous Income

The following table sets forth its miscellaneous income for the periods ended June 30, 2007 and 2006.

 

     Periods ended June 30,    % Change  
     2007    2006    2007/2006  
     (in millions of pesos as, except for percentages)  

Penalty interest

   Ps. 6.4      5.9    8.9  

Loan loss recoveries

     207.2      87.2    135.9  

Capitalization of presumed income tax

     —        24.6    NM  

Reversal of reserve for loan losses

     —        10.2    NM  

Reversal of provision for contingencies

     13.5      25.4    (46.7 )

Other

     4.6      19.7    (76.4 )
                

Total

   Ps. 231.8    Ps. 173.7    33.5  
                

Banco Hipotecario S.A.’s miscellaneous income increased 33.5 % to Ps. 231.8 million for the period ended June 30, 2007 from Ps.173.7 million for the year ended June 30, 2006 primarily as a result of a reversal of reserve for loan losses of the restructured loans and for the result of the

 

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two sales of a portion of non performing portfolio recorded in memorandum accounts for approximately Ps. 120 million,.

Miscellaneous Expenses

The following table sets forth the principal components of its miscellaneous expenses for the periods ended June 30, 2007 and 2006:

 

     Periods ended June 30,    % Change  
     2007    2006    2007/2006  
     (in millions of pesos, except for percentages)  

Provision for lawsuit contingencies

   Ps. 14.6    Ps. —      NM  

Provision for miscellaneous receivables and others

     —        —      NM  

Provision StAR granted creditors under guaranteed debt

     35.1      —      NM  

Provision SAR

     39.4      —      NM  

Provision for insurance contingences

     3.0      1.5    98.4  

Provision for administrative organization

     34.9      10.8    223.1  

Bogar and Guarantee loans adjustment

     —        20.8    NM  

Other taxes

     9.1      7.7    17.2  

Contingency related to the sale of non-performing mortgage portfolio

     8.0      —      NM  

Other

     6.3      8.4    (25.0 )
                

Total

   Ps. 150.4    Ps. 49.2    205.8  
                

Banco Hipotecario S.A.’s miscellaneous expenses increased 205.8 % to Ps. 150.4 million for the period ended June 30, 2007 from Ps. 49.2 million for 2006 primarily as a result of:

 

   

Higher provisions related to the appreciation in the trading price of its Class D shares, which is designed to account for the higher value attributable to the stock appreciation rights issued with and attached to its Medium Term Guaranteed Debt due 2010 and its management compensation plan.

 

   

Higher provision for: Stock Appreciation Compensation plan, Lawsuits contingences, administrative organization and for the sale of a portion of its non performing portfolio.

This effect was partially offset by an extraordinaire adjust on changes in the valuation of public sector assets given as collateral for central Bank borrowings (BOGAR and Secured loans).

Exchange Rate Sensitivity

Exchange-rate sensitivity is the relationship between the fluctuations of exchange rates and Banco Hipotecario’s net financial income resulting from the revaluation of Banco Hipotecario’s assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currency. The impact of variations in the exchange rate on Banco Hipotecario’s net financial income depends on whether Banco Hipotecario has a net asset foreign currency position (the amount by which foreign currency denominated assets exceed foreign currency denominated liabilities) or a short foreign currency position (the amount by which foreign currency denominated liabilities exceed foreign currency denominated assets).

 

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In the first case an increase/decrease in the exchange rate derives in a gain/loss, respectively. In the second case, an increase/decrease derives in a loss/gain, respectively.

At June 30, 2008 and June 30, 2007 its total foreign currency-denominated liabilities were Ps. 5,068 million and 4.850 million, respectively, all of which were US dollar-and Euro-denominated obligations. At June 30, 2008, its US dollar-denominated assets (including BODEN) were Ps. 3,197 million, and its Euro-denominated assets were Ps. 1,131 million, while its US dollar-denominated liabilities were Ps.4,129 million, and its Euro-denominated liabilities were Ps.938 million.

Liquidity

Its general Banco Hipotecario’s policy has been to maintain adequate liquidity to meet its operational needs and financial obligations. At June 30, 2008, its liquid assets consisted of:

 

   

Ps.248.8 million of cash and receivables from banks;

 

   

Ps.111.8 million of Argentine government debt classified as held for trading, and

 

   

Ps.516.7 million of Argentine Central Bank Bills.

At June 30, 2007, its liquid assets consisted of:

 

   

Ps.206.1 million of cash and receivables from banks;

 

   

Ps.167.1 million of Argentine government debt classified as held for trading; and

 

   

Ps. 525.5 million of Argentine Central Bank Bills.

Cash Flows from Operating Activities. The changes in cash flows from operating activities were principally due to the change in:

 

   

Provision for losses on loans and for contingencies and miscellaneous receivables, net of reversals,

 

   

Net (gain) loss on government securities,

 

   

Net indexing of loans, deposits and other debt, and

 

   

Net change in other assets and liabilities.

Cash Flows from Investing Activities. The changes in cash flow from investing activities were due to subscription of Argentine Government Hedge BODENs.

Cash Flows from Financing Activities. The changes in cash flows from financing activities were principally due to the issuance of notes Series IV partially offset by payments on Central Bank debt, Bonds, Notes and Long Term debts, as a result of the changes from its restructuring of its financial debt in 2004 and 2003.

 

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Funding

Historically, Banco Hipotecario S.A. financed its lending operations mainly through:

 

   

the issuance of fixed and floating rate securities in the international capital markets,

 

   

other financing arrangements with international and domestic financial institutions,

 

   

securitizations of mortgage loans,

 

   

cash flow from existing loans,

 

   

deposits, and

 

   

Central Bank long term loans.

At June 30, 2008 and 2007, Banco Hipotecario S.A. had four principal funding sources: bonds, Central Bank, other liabilities from financial institutions, and deposits. The table below sets forth its liabilities outstanding with respect to each of its sources of funding as of the dates indicated.

 

     At June 30,    %
Change
 
     2008    2007    2008/2007  

Bonds (1)

   Ps. 3,210.2    Ps. 3587.2    (10.5 )

Borrowings from Central Bank

     239.1      218.0    9.7  

Borrowings from banks and international entities

     61.1      231.7    (73.6 )

Deposits

     1908.9      864.5    120.8  
                

Total

   Ps. 5,419.3    Ps. 4,901.4    10.6  
                

 

 

(1) Excludes accrued interest.

Bonds

The principal amounts of the different series of notes that Banco Hipotecario S.A. has issued and are outstanding are as follows:

 

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     Outstanding
principal amount
at

June 30, 2008
  

Date of issue

  

Maturity Date

   Annual
Interest rate
     (millions of pesos)              (%)

Bonds issued prior to restructuring(1)

   Ps. 55.3         

GMTN (US$1,200,000,000)

           

Notes Issued in Restructuring:

           

Guaranteed bonds (US$107,941,000)

     —      Sep. 15, 2003    Aug. 3, 2010    Libor + 2.5

Long term bonds (US$449,880,000)

     478.1    Sep. 15, 2003    Dec. 1, 2013    3.0 – 6.0

Long term bonds (Euro 278,367,000)

     895.8    Sep. 15, 2003    Dec. 1, 2013    3.0 – 6.0

Series 4-9.75% Notes due 2010 (US$150,000,000)

     635.1    Nov. 16, 2005    Nov. 16, 2010    9.75

Series 5 (US$250.000 miles)

     756.1    Abr. 27, 2006    Abr. 27, 2016    9.75

Series 6

     406.9    June, 27, 2007    June, 21, 2010    11.25

Total

   Ps. 3,227.3         
               

 

 

(1) Banco Hipotecario S.A. has 10 series of bonds issued prior to the restructuring that have outstanding amounts that were not tendered in the restructuring process consummated in January 2004.

During January, 2008, out of court settlements were reached with holders of negotiable obligations that were in default and had not accepted Banco Hipotecario’s exchange offer in January 2004. The current settlements reached a face value of US$ 290 thousand.

On January 29, 2008, Banco Hipotecario launched an offer to purchase in cash up to US$ 56,000 of the total Negotiable Obligations in US dollars due in 2013 and the equivalent to a principal amount of up to US$ 56,000 in Euro-denominated negotiable obligations due in 2013. The purchase offer expired on February 27, 2008. As a result of the transaction, securities were bought back for US$ 16,536 and US$ 44,517 for the series in US dollars and Euros, respectively.

Borrowings from Banks and International Entities

We incurred the following indebtedness, which have been fully paid with the proceeds obtained from other financings:

 

   

Banco Hipotecario S.A. obtained Interbank loans in pesos in an aggregate principal amount of Ps.18.7 million.

 

   

Banco Hipotecario S.A. obtained a loan from Warehousing Credit Line Agreement with IFC in an aggregate principal amount of Ps. 42.4 million.

Borrowings from the Central Bank

On November 11 and December 1, 2004, Banco Hipotecario S.A. pre-paid the financial assistance loans granted by the Central Bank in amounts totaling Ps.10.0 million and Ps.30.0 million, respectively, in order to settle in advance restructured foreign debt. On January 20, 2005

 

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and February 25, 2005, Banco Hipotecario S.A. took part in the tender offer established by the Central Bank in accordance with the guidelines of Communications “A” 4268 and 4282, the amount of Ps.63.8 million and Ps.16.9 million, respectively, having been accepted in settlement of the previously refinanced debt. On May 3, 2005 Banco Hipotecario S.A. fully prepaid all outstanding balances due on this indebtedness of approximately Ps.233.5 million. As of June 30, 2008, Banco Hipotecario S.A. recorded in its financial statements borrowings from the Central Bank totaling Ps.239.1 million, respectively, in respect to advances Banco Hipotecario S.A. expects to incur in the future for its right to subscribe additional BODEN.

Loan Securitization Program

Banco Hipotecario has executed various financial trust agreements under which, as trustor, it has transferred the fiduciary ownership of mortgage and consumer loans of the loan portfolio to different financial institutions as trustee. Once the mortgage loans have been transferred to the trust fund, it proceeds to issue the corresponding debt securities and participation certificates and to use the proceeds of the placement thereof for setting the amount of the loans ceded by Banco Hipotecario.

The trustee is responsible for the management of the trust funds previously set up in accordance with the specifications contained in the trust agreement.

As of June 30, 2008 Banco Hipotecario recorded Ps 70.4 million in respect of mortgage loans and Ps 9.9 million in respect of accrued interest and adjustment from application of the CER receivable.

In 2004, Banco Hipotecario created a Global Trust Program “Cedulas Hipotecarias Argentinas” Under this program eight series of Argentine Mortgage Bonds Financial Funds (CHA) were created for the face value of Ps 50.0 million, Ps. 49.9 million, Ps 62.5 million, Ps 64.6 million, Ps 65.0 million, Ps. 69.1 million, Ps 71.4 million and Ps 74.5 million corresponding to Series I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII and VIII respectively.

Under BACS’s Global Trust Securities Program dated April 3, 2008, Series I of the Cédulas Personales Financial Trust was issued for an amount of Ps. 59.4 million.

Deposits

Banco Hipotecario S.A. did not rely historically on deposits as a principal source of funding. Banco Hipotecario S.A. engaged in limited deposit taking activities. Its other deposits consist of checking accounts maintained by different provincial housing funds and agencies representing Argentine government contributions from the collection of federal taxes which have been set aside for use by the provinces for special purposes and transferred to these accounts.

In December 2001 Banco Hipotecario S.A. received authorization from the Central Bank to accept time deposits for individuals as well as institutions and amended its bylaws accordingly, with the approval of a majority of its shareholders as required by Argentine Corporate Law. At June 30, 2008 and 2007 its total deposits consisted of the following:

 

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     At June 30,    At June 30,    %Change  
     2008    2007    2008/2007  

Checking accounts

   Ps. 40.3    Ps. 39.3      2.5  

Saving accounts

     178.1      183.9      (3.2 )

Time deposits

     1657.3      613.4      170.2  

Other deposits accounts

     32.4      27.9      16.0  

Accrued interest payable

     18.2      4.1      349.0  

Total

   Ps. 1926.3    Ps. 868.6    Ps, 121.8  
                      

Its current strategy is to increase deposits significantly over time in order to achieve significant liquidity to maintain and further develop its financing activities.

Contractual Obligations

In connection with our operating activities, we enter into certain contractual obligations. The following table shows the principal amounts plus accrued interests of our contractual obligations and their contractual interest rates as of June 30, 2008:

 

     Maturity   

Annual

Interest Rate

   Total
PS.
   Past
Due
   Less
than
1 year
   1 to 3
Years
   3 to 5
Years
   Over 5
Years

Bonds

                       

Defaulted bonds US$ (1)

         56.6    56.6    —      —      —      —  

Defaulted bonds EURO (1)

         36.1    36.1    —      —      —      —  

Serie 4

   Nov-2010    9,75%    637.8    —      7.7    630.1    —      —  

Serie 5

   Apr-2016    9,75%    758.3    —      13.1    —      —      745.2

Serie 6

   Jun-2010    11,25%    407.0    —      1.3    405.7    —      —  

Long term bond US$

   Dec-2013    3% - 6%    480.5    —      2.4    239.0    239.1    —  

Long term bond EURO

   Dec-2013    3% - 6%    900.1    —      4.3    447.7    448.1    —  

Loans

                       

Repurchase Agreement, Deutsche Bank

   Jul-2008    Libor 180d + 1,10%    41.9    —      41.9    —      —      —  

Repurchase Agreement, Credit Suisse

   Jul-2008    Libor 180d + 1,1%    17.3    —      17.3    —      —      —  

Repurchase Agreement, Credit Suisse

   Jul-2008    Libor 180d + 1,1%    7.6    —      7.6    —      —      —  

Repurchase Agreement, Credit Suisse

   Jul-2008    Libor 180d + 1,1%    66.3    —      66.3    —      —      —  

Repurchase Agreement, Merrill Lynch

   May-2010    Libor 180d + 0.55%    64.8    —      —      64.8    —      —  

Repurchase Agreement, Barclays

   May-2010    Libor 180d + 0.49%    64.8    —      —      64.8    —      —  

Agreement Barclays

   May 2010    3.9150%    29.4    —      —      29.4    —      —  

Repurchase Agreement DEPFA Bank

   Dec 2009    3.0413%    129.8    —      —      129.8    —      —  

Repurchase Agreement Barclays

   Dec 2009    6.3288%    194.2    —      —      194.2    —      —  

Repurchase Agreement DEPFA Bank

   May 2009    3.7156%    47.1    —      47.1    —      —      —  

Repurchase Agreement Deutsche Bank

   Aug 2009    3.9988%    176.0    —      —      176.0    —      —  

Repurchase Agreement DEPFA Bank

   Aug 2009    3.6300%    63.5    —      —      63.5    —      —  

Repurchase Agreement Macquire Bank

   Aug 2009    4.0156%    33.4    —      —      33.4    —      —  

Argentine Central Bank

                       

Acquisition of the Hedge Bond

   Aug-2012    CER + 2%    239.1    —      —      —      239.1   

TOTAL

         4,451.6    92.7    209.0    2,478.4    926.3    745.2

 

(1) Includes debtors who did not accept the restructuring process

B. Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our principal sources of liquidity have historically been:

 

   

cash generated by operations;

 

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cash generated by the issuance of debt securities;

 

   

cash from borrowings and financings arrangements; and

 

   

cash proceeds from the sale of real estate.

Our principal cash requirements or uses (other than in connection with our operating activities) have historically been:

 

   

capital expenditures for property, plant and equipment;

 

   

interest payments and repayments of short-term and long-term debt;

 

   

acquisition of shares in companies;

 

   

payments of dividends; and

 

   

acquisitions or purchases of real estate.

Our liquidity and capital resources include our cash and cash equivalents, proceeds from bank borrowings and long-term debt, capital financing and sales of real estate investments.

As of June 30, 2008, we had a working capital of Ps.151.6 million and cash equivalents totaling Ps.389.0 million, a decrease of 45.1% from the Ps.708.5 million of cash and cash equivalents held as of June 30, 2007.

As of June 30, 2007, we had a working capital of Ps.523.7 million. At the same date, we had cash and cash equivalents totaling Ps.708.5 million, an increase of 332.2% from the Ps.163.9 million of cash and cash equivalents held as of June 30, 2006.

As of June 30, 2006, we had a working capital of Ps.62.6 million. At the same date, we had cash and cash equivalents totaling Ps.163.9 million, an increase of 15.0% from the Ps.142.6 million of cash and cash equivalents held as of June 30, 2005.

The current credit market turmoil may affect our ability to obtain additional capital; however, as of the date of this annual report, we have been able to complete some transactions and do not believe this may severely impact the execution of our business plan. If market conditions continue to deteriorate, we may have the ability to delay the funding of certain new development outlays. Also, we may need to raise additional funds in order to support more rapid expansion, develop or acquire new properties, respond to competitive pressures, or take advantage of unanticipated opportunities.

We believe our working capital (calculated by subtracting current liabilities from current assets) and our cash from operating activities are adequate for our present and future requirements. In the event that cash generated from our operations is at any time insufficient to finance our working capital, we would seek to finance such working capital needs through debt or

 

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equity financing or selective assets sales. For more information about liquidity please see “Risk Factors” section.

Cash Flow Information

Operating Activities

2008 Fiscal Year. Our operating activities resulted in net cash inflows of Ps.319.9 million for fiscal year 2008, primarily as a result of operating gains of Ps.368.7 million, a decrease in inventories of Ps. 129.7 million and an increase in trade accounts payable of Ps.40.8 million. These were partially offset by an increase in accounts receivable, net of Ps.121.1 million, an increase in other receivables and prepaid expenses, net of Ps.51.1 million, a decrease in customer advances, salaries and social security payable and taxes payable of Ps.30.4 million and an increase in current investments of Ps.22.7 million.

2007 Fiscal Year. Our operating activities resulted in net cash inflows of Ps.163.1 million for fiscal year 2007 primarily as a result of operating gains of Ps.276.0 million, an increase in trade accounts payable of Ps.65.1 million, a decrease in inventories of Ps.29.0 million, and an increase in accrued interest of Ps.21.5 million partially offset by an increase in accounts receivables, net of Ps.79.7 million, and increase in other receivables and prepaid expenses, net of Ps.79.6 million, an increase in non-current investments of Ps.35.6 million and an increase in current investments of Ps.29.8 million.

2006 Fiscal Year. Our operating activities resulted in net cash inflows of Ps.194.7 million for fiscal year 2006 primarily as a result of operating gains of Ps.218.5 million, an increase in trade accounts payable of Ps.56.0 million, a decrease in inventories of Ps.25.1 million, an increase in accrued interest of Ps.14.0 million and a decrease in current investments of Ps.10.3 million partially offset by an increase in account receivable, net of Ps.80.3 million, a decrease in customer advances, salaries and social security payable and taxes payable of Ps.28.4 million and an increase in non-current investments of Ps.26.4 million.

Investment Activities

2008 Fiscal Year. Our investing activities resulted in net cash outflows of Ps.788.6 million for fiscal year 2008, of which Ps.419.0 million were related to the acquisition of business and assets, mainly to the purchase of two buildings (including their in place leases) known as “Edificio República” and “Torre Bank Boston” for Ps.228.3 million and Ps.173.9 million, respectively. We also made investments in fixed assets of Ps. 332.5 million of which, Ps.257.7 million were invested through Alto Palermo primarily in the partial construction of the Panamerican Mall for Ps.114.4 million, improvements of shopping centers for Ps.50.0 million, in the initial payment for the transfer of Soleil Factory shopping center for Ps.25.6 million, and Ps.40.0 million in the Hotel segment of which Ps. 30.7 million were invested in Hotel Llao Llao. We also invested Ps. 23.1 million relating to Patio Olmos Building and Ps. 16.1 were related to advance payment for a plot of land located at Beruti 3571. We also invested Ps.17.2 million in undeveloped parcels of land.

2007 Fiscal Year. Our investing activities resulted in net cash outflows of Ps.510.8 million for fiscal year 2007, primarily as a result of investments in fixed assets of Ps.410.1 million due to (i) the acquisition of Bouchard 551 for Ps.243.2 million, (ii) Ps.96.4 million thorough Alto Palermo primarily for improvements made in shopping centers (iii) improvements in the Hotel Operations segment for Ps.57.1 million, principally in Llao Llao for Ps.49.4 million, and as a

 

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result of a decrease in minority interest of Ps.41.0 million principally due to the increase in our ownership in Palermo Invest and in Alto Palermo for Ps.27.5 million and Ps.7.2 million, respectively.

On December 12, 2006 we purchased from different holders 34,710 shares of Canteras Natal Crespo for a total amount of Ps.1.8 million. After this transaction, our interest on Canteras (jointly with our partner ECIPSA) increased up to 98.45%.

2006 Fiscal Year. Our investing activities resulted in net cash outflows of Ps.136.6 million for fiscal year 2006, primarily as a result of investments in fixed assets of Ps.54.1 million due to (i) improvements made in shopping centers amounting to Ps.33.6 million and (ii) improvements in the Hotel Operations segment for Ps.20.1 million. We also invested Ps.62.1 million in undeveloped parcels of land primarily through our subsidiary Alto Palermo. We also made investments of Ps.4.3 million to increase our ownership interest in Alto Palermo, and Ps.4.2 million in the acquisition of 43.2% of Canteras Natal Crespo S.A. Additionally, we posted a guaranty deposit for Ps.8.6 million at Deustche Bank guaranteeing our obligations to Argentimo S.A. relating to an agreement entered into between Alto Palermo, Argentimo S.A. and Constructora San José Argentina S.A. for the acquisition of land for the development of a shopping center and a dwelling and/or office building.

Financing Activities

2008 Fiscal Year. Our financing activities resulted in net cash inflows of Ps.149.1 million. Our net cash provided by financing activities for fiscal year 2008 was primarily related to (i) an increase in short-term and long-term debt of Ps.183.5 million, mainly due to the takeover of the Macro bank loan for the acquisition of Edificio República, (ii) our issuance of common shares as a result of the exercise of warrants for Ps.163.4 million, (iii) a capital contribution by minority owners in related parties of Ps.32.5 million. This was partially offset by (i) the repurchase of debt of Ps.138.6 million (ii) the payment of dividends by subsidiaries to minority shareholders of Ps.24.3 million, and (iii) the partial repayment of Ps.18.4 million of a mortgage obligation.

2007 Fiscal Year. Our financing activities resulted in net cash inflows of Ps.892.2 million. Our net cash provided by financing activities for fiscal year 2007 was primarily related to (i) the proceeds from short-term and long-term debt for Ps.1,199.7 million, primarily due to the issuance of our notes and Alto Palermo notes (ii) our issuance of common shares as a result of the exercise of warrants for Ps.26.0 million, partially offset by (i) the payment of short-term and long-term debt for Ps.292.2 million, (ii) the payment of dividends to minority shareholders for Ps.23.2 million and (iii) a the partial repayment of Ps.18.0 million of a mortgage payable.

2006 Fiscal Year. Our financing activities resulted in net cash outflows of Ps.36.8 million. Our net cash spent on financing activities for fiscal year 2006 was primarily related to the payment of short-term and long-term debt for Ps.82.5 million, the payment of dividends by our subsidiaries to minority shareholders totaling Ps.12.7 million, the repayment of debt owed to minority shareholders for Ps.5.2 million and a partial repayment of Ps.25.6 million of a mortgage payable, partially offset by our issuance of common shares as a result of the exercise of warrants for Ps.43.6 million and proceeds from issuance of short-term and long-term debt totaling Ps.45.1 million.

 

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Indebtedness

The following table sets forth the scheduled maturities of our outstanding debt as of June 30, 2008:

 

Maturity Schedule

     Currency    Less
than 1
year(1)
   From 1
to 2
years
   From 2
to 3
years
   From
3 to 4
years
   More
than 4
years
   Total(2)    Average
annual
interest
rate
   (in millions of Pesos)(3)    %    %

Bank and other debt

                       

Bank loans

   Ps. / US$    139.8    32.9    20.3    20.3    20.3    233.6   

Hoteles Argentinos secured loan

   US$    1.9    16.1    —      —      —      18.0    9.7

Alto Palermo 10% convertible notes due 2014

   US$    2.1    —      —      —      46.9    49.0    10.0

Alto Palermo 11% Series II notes(4)

   Ps.    0.2    43.5    43.8    44.0    16.7    148.1    11.0

Alto Palermo 7.875% Series I notes due 2017(4)

   US$    3.5    -0.5    -0.5    -0.5    360.4    362.4    7.9

IRSA 8.5% notes due 2017(4)

   US$    15.1    -0.9    -0.9    -0.9    449.7    462.1    8.5

Debt related to purchase of subsidiaries

   US$    24.6    9.1    —      —      —      33.7   

Debt related to purchase of subsidiaries

   Ps.    0.1    —      —      —      —      0.1   
                                     

Total bank and other debt

      187.3    100.2    62.7    62.9    894    1,307.0   
                                     

Mortgages payable

                       

Mortgage payable Terrenos Bariloche

   US$    2.9    1.5    —      —      —      4.5    7.0
                                     

Total mortgages payable

      2.9    1.5    0    0    0    4.5   
                                     

Total debt

      190.2    101.7    62.7    62.9    894    1,311.4   
                                     

 

(1) Includes accrued interest.

 

(2) Figures may not sum due to rounding.

 

(3) Exchange rate as of June 30, 2008: US$1.00 = Ps.3.025.

 

(4) Includes issuance expenses (under Argentine GAAP expenses incurred in connection with the issuance of debt are classified as short-term or long-term debts, as appropriate).

Prepayment of our Outstanding Indebtedness

On October 21, 2007, we notified the holders of our secured notes due November 2009 and the creditors under our US$51 million syndicated bank loan agreement dated November 21, 2002 of our intention to redeem all outstanding notes and repay such loans in full, plus interest accrued until the redemption and repayment date, as applicable. On October 29, 2007, we prepaid US$ 24.3 million of principal and US$0.3 million of interest accrued on the notes, and US$14.9 million of principal and US$0.2 million of interest accrued on the loans.

 

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Hoteles Argentinos secured loan

On March 23, 2005, Credit Suisse First Boston International acquired the US$11.1 million indebtedness incurred by Hoteles Argentinos which had been in default since January 2002. On April 21, 2006, Hoteles Argentinos reduced the outstanding principal amount to US$6.0 million with a prepayment, and the unpaid balance was restructured to mature in March 2010 with scheduled amortization payments as described below:

 

Date

   Amount due
     (US$ thousands)

March 15, 2008

   213

September 15, 2008

   225

March 15, 2009

   239

September 15, 2009

   253

March 15, 2010

   5,070

Interest accrues on the unpaid principal of this loan at six-month LIBOR plus 7.0%.

In addition, we entered into a credit default swap agreement with Credit Suisse International which, among other provisions, secures the payment of Hoteles Argentinos’ indebtedness and provides that in the event of default we should acquire the loan. Simultaneously with the amendment to Hoteles Argentinos’ loan agreement, we amended the credit default swap agreement with Credit Suisse International. Thus, we would only assume 80.0% of Hoteles Argentinos’ indebtedness in the event of default. The remaining 20.0% was assumed by Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide Inc. (Starwood), an indirect minority shareholder of Hoteles Argentinos, which has also been instrumented through a credit default swap agreement. To secure performance of our obligations under the agreement with Credit Suisse International, we made an escrow deposit of US$1.2 million.

The loan agreement of Hoteles Argentinos provides that it may not declare or pay any dividends or make any distribution on capital stock, or purchase, redeem, retire, defease or otherwise acquire any of its own shares, or make any distribution of assets, capital stock, warrants, rights, options, obligations or securities to shareholders, except in an amount not to exceed the lesser of (x) Hoteles Argentinos’ excess cash flow for the preceding fiscal year, or (y) the consolidated retained earnings and consolidated profits earned; and then only if, after giving pro forma effect to such action, no default or event of default would occur as a consequence thereof.

On March 15, 2008 we repaid an installment of principal of US$ 0.2 million.

Alto Palermo 10% convertible notes due 2014

On August 20, 2002, Alto Palermo issued US$ 50.0 million unsecured Convertible Notes in exchange for cash and the settlement of certain liabilities owed to its shareholders. These convertible notes mature on July 19, 2014, according to the maturity date extension approved at the meeting of holders of such convertible notes on May 2, 2006. The convertible notes accrue interest (payable semi-annually) at a 10.0% fixed annual interest rate and are convertible at any time at the holder’s option into shares of common stock of Ps. 0.10 par value each. The conversion rate per U.S. dollar is the lower between (i) 30.8642 and (ii) the result from dividing the exchange rate prevailing on the conversion date by Alto Palermo’s common shares’ par value. As of June 30, 2008, as a result of the conversions made, the aggregate outstanding amount of Alto Palermo’s convertible notes was US$47.2 million. If all the noteholders exercise their conversion rights, Alto Palermo’s common shares would increase from 782.0 million (Ps. 224.0 million par value) to 2,239.7 million (Ps. 224.0 million par value). As of June 30, 2008, we hold US$31.7 million of Alto Palermo’s convertible notes.

 

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Our 8% convertible notes due 2007

On November 21, 2002, we issued US$100.0 million of convertible notes due November 2007. The convertible notes accrue interest at 8% per annum, payable on a semi-annual basis. The conversion price is US$0.545 per common share, which means that each US$1.00 principal amount of such convertible note may be exchanged for 1.8347 common shares. Additionally, each convertible note contains a warrant attached that grants its holder an option to acquire 1.8347 shares at a price of US$0.6541 each.

From the date of issuance through June 30, 2007, the holders of our convertible notes exercised their conversion rights for a total of 81.1 million units with a face value of US$1.0 each, issuing 148.8 million common shares with a face value of Ps. 1.0 each. In addition, from the date of issuance through June 30, 2007, the warrants issued by us were exercised for a total amount of US$56.8 million, and 104.2 million shares were issued in exchange thereof. We received funds aggregating US$68.1 million. As of September 30, 2007 the outstanding amount of convertible notes and warrants amounted to 0.9 million and 14.0 million respectively, and the amount of outstanding shares was 551,779,869.

The exercise period of the outstanding warrants and the conversion period of the convertible notes, issued on November 21, 2002, expired on November 14, 2007. During the exercise and conversion periods, the holders of warrants and convertible notes exercised a total of 99,896,806 warrants and converted a total of 99,942,343 convertible notes, increasing our capital stock to 578,676,460 common shares. As of December 31, 2007, there were no warrants or convertible notes remaining.

Alto Palermo series I and series II notes

On May 11, 2007, Alto Palermo issued two new series of notes in an aggregate principal amount of US$170 million. Series I consists of US$120 million of notes due on May 11, 2017, which accrue interest at a fixed rate of 7.875% payable semi-annually on May 11 and November 11 of each year, commencing on November 11, 2007. The Series I notes mature in a single installment on May 11, 2017.

Series II consists of Ps.154 million (equivalent to US$50 million) of notes which mature in seven, equal and consecutive semi-annual installments commencing on June 11, 2009, and which accrue interest at 11% per annum, payable on June 11 and December 11 of each year commencing on December 11, 2007.

Our 8.5% notes due 2017

On February 2, 2007, we issued our 2017 fixed rate notes for a total amount of US$150.0 million, which accrue interest at an annual interest rate of 8.5% payable semi-annually and which mature in a single installment on February 2, 2017.

These notes also contain a covenant limiting our ability to pay dividends which may not exceed the sum of:

 

   

50% of our cumulative consolidated net income; or

 

   

75% of our cumulative consolidated net income if our consolidated interest coverage ratio for our most recent four consecutive fiscal quarters is at least 3.0 to 1; or

 

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100% of cumulative consolidated net income if our consolidated interest coverage ratio for our most recent four consecutive fiscal quarters is at least 4.0 to 1; or

 

   

100% of the aggregate net cash proceeds (with certain exceptions) and the fair market value of property other than cash received by us or by our restricted subsidiaries from (a) any contribution to our capital stock or the capital stock of our restricted subsidiaries or issuance and sale of our qualified capital stock or the qualified capital stock of our restricted subsidiaries subsequent to the issue of our notes due 2017, or (b) issuance and sale subsequent to the issuance of our notes due 2017 or our indebtedness or the indebtedness of our restricted subsidiaries that has been converted into or exchanged for our qualified capital stock.

Debt for the acquisition of Edificio República

On April 28, 2008 we executed a loan agreement secured by a mortgage with Banco Macro S.A. pursuant to which Banco Macro S.A. lent us US$33.6 million which we applied to the repayment of the outstanding balance relating to the acquisition of Edificio República for a total term of 5 years. The principal must be repaid in five annual, equal and consecutive installments maturing on April 28 each year and accruing interest at an annual nominal rate of 12%. Interest must be repaid in semi-annual installments, maturing on April and October 28, of each year. The “Edificio República” has been mortgaged as security for the amount of the loan.

Capital Expenditures

Five months period-Fiscal Year 2009. For the five months of fiscal year 2009 we invested Ps. 116.9 million in capital expenditures of which mainly (i) Ps. 70.9 million were related to the construction of Panamerican Mall; (ii) Ps. 19.4 million in improvements in Dique IV, (iii) Ps. 10.2 million were related to the improvements of our shopping center properties and (iv) Ps. 7.4 million in the Hotel segment, of which Ps. 4.2 million were invested in Sheraton Libertador Hotel. Regarding the capital expenditures for the rest of fiscal year 2009, they could vary according to the potential events described in our risk factors section.

2008 Fiscal Year. For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2008, we invested Ps.768.7 million of which Ps.419.0 million were related to the acquisition of business and assets, mainly the purchase of two buildings (including their in place leases) known as “Edificio República” and “Torre Bank Boston” for Ps.228.3 million and Ps.173.9 million, respectively. We also made investments in fixed assets of Ps. 332.5 million of which, Ps.257.7 million were invested million through Alto Palermo primarily in the partial construction of the Panamerican Mall for Ps.114.4 million, improvements of shopping centers for Ps.50.0 million, in the initial payment for the transfer of Soleil Factory shopping center for Ps.25.6 million, and Ps.40.0 million in the Hotel segment of which Ps. 30.7 million were invested in Hotel Llao Llao. We also invested Ps. 23.1 million relating to Patio Olmos Building and Ps. 16.1 were related to advance payment for a plot of land located at Beruti 3571. We also invested Ps.17.2 million in undeveloped parcels of land.

2007 Fiscal Year. For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2007, we invested Ps.419.4 million of which Ps.410.1 million, were related to the acquisition of Bouchard 551 for Ps.243.2 million, Ps.96.4 million through Alto Palermo primarily for the improvement of shopping centers and Ps.57.1 million in the Hotel segment, of which Ps.49.4 million were invested in Hotel Llao Llao. We also invested Ps.9.3 million in undeveloped parcels of land.

 

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2006 Fiscal Year. For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2006, we invested Ps.116.2 million of which Ps.54.1 million were related to our shopping centers totaling Ps.33.6 million, and in the Hotel segment of Ps.20.1 million.

We believe that our two principal developments projects, the construction of Panamerican Mall through our subsidiary Alto Palermo and our residential project Horizons through CYRSA, will be finished in the first half of 2009 and in early 2011, respectively. However, in view of the current market conditions, construction might suffer some delays. In addition, during the construction period we may need additional financing, which will be dependent the prevailing market conditions at the moment we need the funds.

Principal differences between Argentine GAAP and U.S. GAAP

The principal differences, other than inflation accounting, between Argentine GAAP and U.S. GAAP are related to the following:

 

   

the impact of certain U.S. GAAP adjustments on equity investees;

 

   

the accounting for marketable securities;

 

   

the application of different useful lives for depreciation purposes;

 

   

the deferral of certain preoperating and organization expenses under Argentine GAAP which are expensed as incurred under U.S. GAAP;

 

   

the accounting for a mortgage payable with no stated interest;

 

   

the accounting for securitization programs;

 

   

the application of certain U.S. GAAP adjustments to the estimation of the fair value of net assets acquired;

 

   

the present-value accounting;

 

   

the restoration of previously recognized impairment losses accounting;

 

   

the accounting for convertible notes;

 

   

the accounting for troubled debt restructuring;

 

   

the accounting for real estate barter transactions;

 

   

the accounting for the appraisal revaluation of fixed assets;

 

   

the revenue recognition of deferred brokerage commissions over the term of the respective leases;

 

   

the escalation rental revenue under straight-line method over the term of the leases;

 

   

the deferral of certain revenues from life and disability insurance and origination fees;

 

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the amortization of fees related to the Senior Notes;

 

   

the accounting for software obtained for internal use;

 

   

the accounting for increasing rate debt;

 

   

the differences between the price-level restated amounts of assets and liabilities and their historical basis, that under Argentine GAAP, are treated as permanent differences in accounting for deferred income tax calculation purposes while under U.S. GAAP are treated as temporary differences;

 

   

the effect of the reversal of gain from recognition of financial receivables at net realizable value.

 

   

the effect of the reversal of capitalized exchange differences.

 

   

the effects on deferred income tax of the foregoing taxes of the above-mentioned reconciling items, as appropriate;

 

   

the effect on minority interest of the above-mentioned reconciling items, as appropriate; and

In addition, certain other disclosures required under U.S. GAAP have been included in the U.S. GAAP reconciliation. See Note 28 to our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this annual report.

Net income under Argentine GAAP for the years ended June 30, 2006, 2007 and 2008 was approximately Ps. 96.6 million, Ps.107.1 million and Ps. 54.9 million, respectively, compared to approximately Ps. 89.9 million, Ps.103.2 million and Ps.122.1 million, respectively, under U.S. GAAP. Shareholders’ equity under Argentine GAAP as of June 30, 2007 and 2008, was Ps.1,646.7 million and Ps.1,924.2 million, respectively, compared to Ps.1,358.7 million and Ps.1,640.9 million, respectively, under U.S. GAAP.

C. Research and Development, Patents and Licenses, etc.

We do not have any research, development, patents or licenses that are material for the conduct of our business.

D. Trend Information

We believe the deteriorating international economic conditions may lead to reduced liquidity in the global economy, which in turn may lower global economic growth. This may have a negative impact on the level of economic activity in Argentina and hence on the level of financing of the public budget and foreign trade balances which during the past years have been showing signs of strength. Within this context, we believe our business lines are well positioned to face a scenario of reduced economic growth thanks to our levels of cash flow generation and long term debt maturity profiles.

According to official data for September 2008, the Monthly Estimate of Economic Activities (Estimador Mensual de la Actividad Económica, EMAE) pointed to 7.4% growth

 

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compared to the first nine months of the year 2007. Therefore, although some signs of a slow-down in economic growth have started to be perceived, the data available as of the month of September 2008 showed the sixty-ninth consecutive month of economic expansion since December 2002. For more information see Item 3 “Risk Factors—Risk related to Argentina—There are concerns about the accuracy of Argentina’s official inflation statistics.”

Argentina’s public finances, fiscal accounts, foreign trade current account balances, and the reserves held by the Central Bank of Argentina (Banco Central de la República Argentina, BCRA) have performed well this year. During the first ten months of calendar year 2008, Argentina’s primary fiscal surplus showed a year-on-year 20.3% increase driven by high tax revenues. Argentina’s external accounts posted a US$ 11.362 million surplus in the first ten months of calendar 2008. As a result, the Central Bank strengthened its position in reserves and accumulated as of November 30, 2008 US$46,072 million, which allows the Central Bank to manage the increased volatility in the inflows and outflows of capital caused by the current environment in financial markets.

The construction industry continues to expand, though at a more moderate pace compared to previous periods. According to the data shown by the Summary Indicator of Construction Activities (Indicador Sintético de la Actividad de la Construcción, ISAC) prepared by the National Institute of Statistics and Censuses (Instituto Nacional de Estadísiticas y Censos, INDEC), for the first nine months of calendar 2008 this index has shown a 7.6% increase compared to the same period of the previous year. Compared to the same month of the previous year, during the month of September, the index has shown a positive 5.7% change without accounting for seasonality and a 9.4% change in the series that accounts for seasonality.

As regards the demand for homes in the residential real estate market, on one hand it may be influenced by the impact of a cooler economy and on the other hand, it may be pushed by the impact of local investors’ preference for channeling their savings to the real estate sector in times of volatility in financial markets. What seems to be more apparent, is that our market should not expect to see a crisis in sub-prime mortgage loans affecting the value of homes as has been the case in other economies basically because home mortgage loans in the Argentine market remain at hardly 2% of the country’s GDP.

According to the Argentine Chamber of Medium Sized Companies (Cámara Argentina de la Mediana Empresa, CAME) in October 2008 retail sales dropped by 14.3% compared to the same month of 2007 as a result of the uncertain global and local economic conditions. In contrast, our Shopping Center segment continued to perform favorably over the first quarter of fiscal year 2009 and showed a year-on-year increase in sales. We believe the leading position of our shopping centers and our strong cash flow generation compared to the long-term profile of our debt maturities put our business in a favorable position to face a more adverse economic context.

Regarding the consumer finance market, as a result of the current international financial scenario, a high volatility has been observed in interest rates and increasing loan delinquencies have materially and adversely affected the performance and financing of consumer finance companies including Tarshop. The higher delinquency levels have led to an increase in the subordination of financial trusts which, added to the changes in their tax treatment, the higher interest rates resulting from higher risk and a slight deceleration in private consumption, have resulted in less favorable general economic and business prospects for Tarshop S.A. In this sense, we will continue to seek stabilization of Tarshop’s operating performance towards reversing its operating losses and consolidating its position in the industry.

 

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The Office Rental market in Buenos Aires: up to now, the local market had benefited from the absence of available office space which in turn led to a stepwise increase in prices. In our premium locations, rentals had even largely exceeded the amounts charged in Argentina in the years when the Convertibility Law was in force. Recently, certain caution has been noticed among lessees regarding the decision to lease larger areas. However, this circumstance has not yet had an impact on prices or available space. According to Richard Ellis, the rental prices for AAA class offices in the areas of Plaza San Martín, Catalinas and Plaza Roma are on average above US$35/square meter/month, and the rentals charged in the Plaza Roma area have reached approximately US$40/square meter/month.

The Hotel market, and particularly the five-star hotel sector, has been favored over the past five years by the increase in the number of tourists with high purchasing power and by a nominal exchange rate that has favored industry competitiveness. According to official sources, the receptive tourism between January and September 2008 rose by 3.7% compared to the same period in 2007.

Regarding the financial market, as a result of the current international and local scenario, stock markets reflected significant drops in the prices of government and corporate securities, liquidity restrictions, as well as an increase in interest rates, country risk and exchange rates. In addition, the market is showing a deceleration in private consumption, restriction in loans originations and increasing loan delinquencies. This situation could affect adversely the performance of financial system including Banco Hipotecario.

Nevertheless, the local market should not expect to see a crisis in sub-prime mortgage loan affecting the value of properties as has been the case of other economies. At the date of issuance of this document, the situation is still ongoing and the market’s future is still uncertain. Banco Hipotecario’s management is permanently evaluating and monitoring the effects derived from the above situation in order to implement the necessary measures to mitigate its effect.

At the date of issuance of this document, the situation is still ongoing and the market’s future is still uncertain. Banco Hipotecario’s management is permanently evaluating and monitoring the effects derived from the above situation in order to implement the necessary measures to mitigate its effect.

We believe our business segments continue to show a strong position in the current macroeconomic conditions, and that given our healthy cash flows and our long-term financing, we will be capable of sustaining our leading market position.

Development and sale of properties

In our fiscal year ended June 30, 2008, revenues from our Sales and Development segment were Ps.196.8 million, compared to Ps. 75.8 million in fiscal year 2007.

Apartment Projects Under Development

Torre Caballito, City of Buenos Aires. This undeveloped 2.1 hectare property is situated in the northern area of Caballito’s residential neighborhood in the City of Buenos Aires. On May 4, 2006, we and Koad S.A. (“Koad”), an Argentine developer, entered into an asset exchange agreement valued at US$7.5 million pursuant to which we sold to Koad plot number 36 of “Terrenos de Caballito” in exchange for Koad’s agreement to construct, at its sole expense, a residential complex to be named “Caballito Nuevo”. Koad has agreed to develop a residential

 

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complex consisting of two 34-story towers containing 220 apartments each, consisting of one, two and three bedroom residential units with surface areas ranging from 40 to 85 square meters. The proposed apartment complex is currently expected to offer a wide variety of amenities and services. The total area of this apartment complex that will be for sale is estimated to be approximately 28,000 square meters. On August 2009, we will be entitled to ownership of 26.7% of the total square meters and 25% of the parking lots of the entire complex, representing 118 apartments and 55 parking lots located in Tower 1. As a result of an incentive scheme agreed to with Koad, the number of square meters we will receive could vary according to the project’s date of completion. As a result of this transaction, Koad granted to us a first lien mortgage on the property to secure up to US$7.4 million of its obligations to us and posted a surety bond in our favor supporting an additional US$2.0 million of Koad’s obligations to us.

Torres Renoir, Dock III. In September 2004, we and Desarrollos y Proyectos Sociedad Anónima (“DYPSA”) signed a barter contract whereby we delivered DYPSA plot 1c) of Dique III in exchange for receiving, within a maximum term of 36 months, housing units, parking lots and parking spaces, representing in the aggregate 28.50% of the square meters built in the building constructed by DYPSA. The transaction amounted to US$ 8.0 million. As a security for the transaction, DYPSA set up a first degree mortgage for US$ 8.0 million in our favor. During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2008 DYPSA transferred us the possession of all of the individual storage spaces and parking lots totaling US$ 0.5 million. We signed preliminary sales agreements for certain units to be received which where valued at their net realizable value. The increase for this method of valuation amounted to Ps. 21.0 million; of which Ps. 2.6 million and Ps. 18.4 million were recorded as of June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

In June 2006, we signed a barter contract with DYPSA whereby we delivered DYPSA plot 1e) of Dique III in exchange for receiving, within a maximum term of 36 months, house units, parking and storages spaces representing in the aggregate 31.50% of the square meters built in the building to be constructed by DYPSA. The value of the transaction amounts to US$ 13.5 million. In November 2007, we and DYPSA resolved the substitution of the mentioned barter exchange for a payment of US$ 18.3 million, which was fully collected as of June 30, 2008. The gain on the substitution was Ps. 14.8 million.

Vicente López, Olivos, Provincia de Buenos Aires. On January 16, 2007, we acquired the total shares of Rummaala S.A. (“Rummaala”), the main asset of which is a plot of land located in Vicente Lopez, Province of Buenos Aires. The purchase price was US$21.17 million, payable as follows: (i) US$4.25 million in cash and (ii) by delivering certain units of the building to be constructed in the land owned by Rummaala in the amount of US$16.92 million, within a 4-year term as from the approval date of the plans by the related authorities or when the facilities be vacated, whichever occurs last. As security for compliance with the construction of the building and transfer of the future units, the shares acquired were pledged.

Simultaneously with the above mentioned transaction, Rummaala acquired a plot of land adjacent to its own property for a total consideration of US$15.00 million, payable as follows: (i) US$0.50 million in cash; (ii) by delivering certain units of buildings Cruceros I and II in the amount of US$1.25 million and (iii) by delivering certain units of the building to be constructed in the land acquired for a total consideration of US$13.25 million, within a 40-month term starting from the approval date of the plans by the related authorities or when the facilities be vacated, whichever occurs last. As security for compliance with the construction of the building and transfer of the units, the property located at Suipacha 652 was mortgaged.

 

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In April 2007, we constituted CYRSA S.A. in order to develop high-end residential units in Argentina. To that end, we contributed 100% of the capital stock in Rummaala S.A. and the debt in kind associated to the acquisition of the land to CYRSA for a net amount of $ 21.5 million, whereas CYRELA contributed $ 21.5 million (an amount equivalent to the value of the shares that we contributed).

We also entered into an agreement with Cyrela Brazil Realty S.A. Empreendimentos e Partiçipacões for the development of residential projects in Argentina through CYRSA S.A., which will operate under the name of IRSA—CYRELA.

Cyrsa is presently developing this plot of land. As of June 30, 2008 we had executed preliminary sales agreements representing 96% of the units to be sold.

The sale prices set forth in these preliminary sales contracts consist of a fixed part and a variable part to be determined in line with future construction expenses.

The client can choose from these purchase plans:

 

   

The price determined will be paid on installments and be fully paid atto the time of transfer / signature of deeds.

 

   

Partial payment in installments payable up to the time of transfer / signatures of deeds and, the remaining balance is financed for 90 months, with the units mortgaged in our favor as guarantees.

We are committed to transfer the functional units by February 2011.

Torres Rosario Project, City of Rosario, Province of Santa Fe. IRSA’s subsidiary Alto Palermo owns a plot of land of approximately 42,620 square meters (without parcel 7 already permuted) in the city of Rosario, near the Alto Rosario Shopping Center. On October 11, 2007, we entered into a barter agreement with Condominios del Alto S.A. pursuant to which our subsidiary Alto Palermo S.A. bartered a fraction of parcel 2-g representing a total of 7,901.30 square meters for the construction of a residential complex. As consideration for this parcel, Condominios de Alto S.A. will deliver fifteen housing units, with a total constructed surface area of 1,504.45 square meters and fifteen parking spaces. In addition, APSA granted to Condominios an option to purchase through barter parcel 2-h.

Terreno Caballito, CYRSA. In June 2008 we entered into a barter agreement with CYRSA (the 50-50 joint venture with Cyrela) in which we bartered a 9,784 square meter property in the Caballito neighborhood in the city of Buenos Aires.

CYRSA agreed to develop a residential project comprised of a first stage of two towers and a third tower to be developed in a second stage at the option of CYRSA. In exchange for the transfer of the property, CYRSA paid to IRSA US$ 0.12 million and agreed to transfer to IRSA certain home units in the buildings to be built which will represent 25% of the area constructed. Furthermore, as security for the performance of its obligations, CYRSA has created a security interest over the property by mortgaging it in favor of IRSA in the amount of US$ 12.6 million. If CYRSA does not construct the third building by June 2010, then IRSA will receive the functional units and have the right to construct the third building in the future.

 

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Completed Apartment Projects

Edificios Cruceros, City of Buenos Aires. “Edificios Cruceros” is a project located in the Puerto Madero area. This building covers 6,400 square meters of surface area of which 3,633 belong to us, and it is close to the “Edificios Costeros” office building. This project targets the high-income segment of the population and all its common areas have views of the river. This development was partially financed through the advance sale of its apartments. As of June 30, 2008, the project was completed and 100% of the units had been sold.

Barrio Chico, City of Buenos Aires. In March 2003 we purchased a plot of land on San Martin de Tours Street in the district of Barrio Parque, an exclusive residential zone in the City of Buenos Aires. At the time the sales contract was signed, US$0.08 million were prepaid. In June 2003 at the time the deed of title was transferred, US$0.23 million were paid. At that time, the property was mortgaged to Providence for US$0.75 million, to guarantee 25% of the housing units we were obligated to deliver upon the building’s completion. We financed the construction of this luxury residential complex designed for high-income customers with its own working capital. This is a unique Project located in Barrio Parque, an exclusive residential zone in the City of Buenos Aires. During May 2006 the successful marketing of this project was launched. As of June 30, 2008 the project was completed and only 2 units and 8 parking spaces remain to be sold.

Residential Communities

In the residential communities market, we acquire undeveloped properties located in suburban areas or neighborhoods near the large cities to develop private neighborhoods and country clubs in which to sell vacant lots for the construction of single family homes. In these properties we build streets and roads and arrange for the provision of basic municipal services and amenities such as open spaces, sports facilities and security. We seek to capitalize on improvements in transportation and communication around the City of Buenos Aires, the growing suburbanization of the region and the shift of the population moving to countryside-type residential communities.

An important factor in the trend towards living in suburban areas has been the improvements and additions to the Autopista Panamericana, Avenida General Paz and Acceso Oeste highways, which significantly reduce traveling time, encouraging a significant number of families to move to the new residential neighborhoods. Furthermore, improvements in public train, subway and bus transportation since their privatization has also influenced the trend to adopt this lifestyle.

El Encuentro, Benavidez, Tigre. In the district of Benavidez, Municipality of Tigre, 35 km north from downtown Buenos Aires, we are developing a 99.8 hectare gated residential complex known as “El Encuentro”, which will have a privileged front access to Highway No. 9, allowing an easy way to and from the city. On May 21, 2004 an exchange deed was signed whereby DEESA agreed to pay US$3.98 million to Inversora Bolívar, of which US$0.98 million were paid and the balance of US$3.0 million will be paid through the exchange of 110 residential plots already chosen and identified in the option contract signed on December 3, 2003. Furthermore, through the same act, DEESA set up a first mortgage in favor of Inversora Bolívar on real property amounting to US$3.0 million in guarantee of compliance with the operation. As of June 30, 2008, the neighborhood was equipped with all the utilities: power supply, water, sewage, effluent treatment plant, public lighting, finished driveways and accesses, buildings, sports facilities, etc. However, the underground tunnel and the Bancalari-Benavidez road are still pending completion. In mid-fiscal year 2008, the preliminary marketing of the complex started.

 

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Villa Celina, Greater Buenos Aires. Villa Celina is a 400-plot residential community for the construction of single family homes located in the residential neighborhood of Villa Celina on the southwestern edge of the City of Buenos Aires. We have been developing this property in several stages since 1994. The first three stages involved 219 lots, each measuring on average 347 square meters and the last two stages involve 181 lots. As of June 30, 2008, only one plot had not been sold.

Land Reserves

We have acquired large undeveloped properties as land reserves located in strategic areas for the future development of office and apartment buildings, shopping centers and single family housing. We have acquired what we believe to be two of the largest and most important undeveloped river front plots in Buenos Aires, Puerto Retiro and Santa María del Plata, for the future development of residential and office spaces. In addition, we have benefited from the improvement of land values during periods of economic growth, As of June 30, 2008, our land reserves totaled 27 properties consisting of approximately 2,195 hectares (including Rosario, Terreno Beruti, Caballito and Coto C.I.C.S.A. (“Coto”) air space owned by Alto Palermo).

Land Reserves in the City of Buenos Aires

Solares de Santa María, City of Buenos Aires, (formerly Santa María del Plata). Solares de Santa María is a 70-hectare property facing the Río de la Plata in the south of Puerto Madero, 10 minutes from downtown Buenos Aires. This is an urbanization project developed through our subsidiary Solares de Santa María S.A. (“Solares de Santa María”). This project is currently expected to have residential complexes as well as offices, stores, hotels, sports, water areas, services areas with schools, supermarkets and parking lots.

As part of the project, we sold 10% of the capital stock of Solares de Santa María capital stock for US$10.6 million to Mr. Israel Sutton Dabbah, who is part of the Sutton Group. An initial payment of US$1.5 million was made and the balance of US$9.1 million is payable on December 23, 2009.

Background

A rule passed by the Legislative Branch of the City of Buenos Aires in 1992 (Ordinance 45,665/92), provided general urban standards for the site, and call for a proposal to be submitted for approval of the Environmental Urban Plan Council (Consejo de Planificación Urbana - COPUA). In 1997 we acquired the site which the National Executive Branch had assigned to be the athlete residence of the Olympic Games (Olympic Village) in case Buenos Aires was chosen as host city to hold the Olympic Games (former Boca Juniors Football Club sports town). This property is currently owned by our subsidiary Solares de Santa María S.A. From that date forward, we have sought the approval of a mixed-use development project to be built on the site before the governmental authorities of the City of Buenos Aires.

Evolution of Approval Instances

In 2000, we filed a master plan for the Santa María del Plata site, which was assessed by COPUA and submitted to the City Treasurer’s Office, for approval.

 

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In 2002, by Decree 405/02, the Government called for a public hearing to be held in June 2002, which was attended by professional and private entities and assessed by all competent agencies.

In July 2006, the COPUA made its recommendations about the project. On December 13, 2006, we filed an amendment to the project to adjust it to the recommendations made by COPUA, that included the following:

 

   

The project met the Guidelines of the Environmental Urban Plan.

 

   

The project was included in the proposals for the strategic development of the City’s Southern Area.

 

   

A pedestrian lane was designed along the permiter of the entire site on the Río de la Plata bank.

 

   

Integration with the city was prioritized respecting the surrounding urban landscape, designing a waterfront along the Río de la Plata bank, and providing vehicular integration with the avenues surrounding the site.

 

   

We proposed the donation of 50% of the site to the City of Buenos Aires which is the maximum amount set forth in the Planning Code.

 

   

The specific ruling within the scope of Ordinance Nº 45,665/92, Law 23,738/89 and Decree 5783/92 was proposed.

On March 29, 2007, COPUAM (formerly COPUA) passed the 145-COPUAM-07 REPORT which stated that it had no objections to the company’s proposal and requested that the General Attorney render a decision concerning the ruling proposed.

In May 2007, the Traffic Bureau requested a new traffic study for the area. This new study was carried out and the report and traffic simultarion were discussed with the authorities.

Prior to its execution, the Decree was approved by the Minister of Planning and Public Works, the Traffic and Transport Bureau, the General Attorney and the General Technical Administrative and Legal Bureau of the Ministry of Planning and Public Works. On November 9, 2007, 11 years after the dossier was opened and 15 years after the general ruling on the site was issued by the City Council, the Government chief of the City of Buenos Aires executed Decree No. 1584/07. On December 1, 2007 Decree No. 1584 was published in the City Official Gazette No. 2815. The assignment of space for public use and convenience is the maximum provided for in the Planning Code: 50% of the site will be donated for public use (357,975 sqm).

Notwithstanding this approval, several operational and legal issues remain in the implementation of this project. The Decree has been challenged by an appeal for legal protection (acción de amparo) and as a result, we cannot give you any assurances as to when we will be able to kick off this project.

As of October 30, 2008, our internal team completed the Urban Development project draft for Solares de Santa María. Feasibility studies have been filed with the service companies and we have held multiple informative meetings with several governmental agencies aimed at defining the development of the draft project.

 

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Puerto Retiro. Puerto Retiro is an 8.3 hectare undeveloped riverside property bounded by the Catalinas and Puerto Madero office zones to the west, the transportation hub Retiro to the north and the Río de la Plata to the south and east. One of the only two significant privately owned waterfront properties in The City of Buenos Aires, Puerto Retiro may currently be utilized only for port activities. We have initiated negotiations with municipal authorities in order to rezone the area. Our plan is to develop a 360,000 square meter financial center. The launching date has not been settled and consequently, the estimated cost and financing method are not decided. We own a 50% interest in Puerto Retiro through our wholly-owned subsidiary Inversora Bolívar S.A. (“Inversora Bolívar”).

Caballito, Ferro Project. This is a property of approximately 23,389 square meters in the City of Buenos Aires, neighborhood of Caballito, one of the most densely populated of the city, purchased by Alto Palermo in November, 1997. This plot would allow developing a shopping center having 30,000 square meters, a hypermarket, a cinema complex, and several recreation and entertainment activity areas. We are currently working to define the commercial project. The authorization of the government of the City of Buenos Aires for the development of a shopping center, an office building and a private hospital in this plot has not been granted yet, and we cannot give assurance that it will be granted.

Terreno Figueroa Alcorta. On December 22, 2005, our subsidiary Alto Palermo s sold the plot of land denominated Alcorta Plaza for a total price of US$7.7 million to RAGHSA S.A. The agreed terms and conditions of payment were determined in four installments of US$ 1.9 million and 7.5% annual interest on the balance. The four installments had been collected as of the fiscal year ended June 30, 2008.

Terreno Beruti. On June 24, 2008, Alto Palermo acquired a plot of land situated at Beruti 3351/3359, in Palermo, a neighborhood in the City of Buenos Aires quite close to our Shopping Center “Shopping Alto Palermo”. The transaction involved a surface area of 3,238 square meters for a price of US$ 17.8 million. This is a significant acquisition because of the strategic location of the property, in the immediate vicinity of our main shopping center.

Coto Air Space. Alto Palermo is the owners of an air space of about 19,755 m2 above Coto Hypermarket, close to its Abasto Shopping Center, in downtown Buenos Aires. Alto Palermo S.A and Coto Centro Integral de Comercialización S.A. (Coto) executed a public deed on September 24, 1997, whereby Alto Palermo acquired the rights to receive parking units and the rights to construct above the building located between Agüero, Lavalle, Guardia Vieja and Gallo Streets, in the Abasto neighborhood of Buenos Aires.

In July, 2008 Alto Palermo entered into a barter agreement with CYRSA pursuant to which Alto Palermo, subject to certain closing conditions, would surrender to CYRSA its right to construct a tower over a preexisting structure (owned by a third party) in exchange for deminimis cash (US$ 0.9 million) and 25% of the housing units in the future buildings. The total fair value of the transaction is US$ 5.9 million.

Land Reserves in the Province of Buenos Aires

Pereiraola, Hudson. Through Inversora Bolivar, we own a 100.0% interest in Pereiraola S.A., a company whose principal asset is a 130 hectare undeveloped property adjacent to our Abril community. We intend to use this property to develop a private community for the construction of single family homes targeted at the middle-income market. We have not yet established the costs and financing method for this proposed project, but we have already obtained the necessary municipal permits. The plot’s book value is estimated to be Ps.21.7 million as of June 30, 2008.

 

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Pilar. Pilar is a 74 hectare undeveloped land reserve property located close to Pilar City, 55 kilometers northwest of the City of Buenos Aires. The property is easily accessible due to its proximity to the Autopista del Norte. The Pilar area is one of the most rapidly developing areas of the country. We are considering several alternatives for this property including the development of a residential community or the sale of this property as it is and, therefore, we do not have a cost estimate or a financing plan. The plot’s book value is estimated to be Ps. 3.4 million as of June 30, 2008.

Luján. In May 2008, we entered into a preliminary purchase contract with Birafriends S.A. (an unrelated party) for the acquisition of a plot of land in Luján, Province of Buenos Aires, for a total purchase price of US$ 3.0 million we were granted the possession of the plot of land at the time of the signature of the preliminary purchase contract. IRSA paid US$ 1.2 million and the remaining balance will be paid at the time of the signing of the deed.

Other Undeveloped Parcels in the City and Province of Buenos Aires. Our land reserve portfolio also includes nine land reserve properties located in Buenos Aires and its surrounding areas. These properties are projected for future developments of offices, shopping centers, apartment buildings and residential communities. The main properties under this category include Merlo, Mariano Acosta and Pontevedra. We also own a property in the outskirts of the City of Santa Fe called Isla Sirgadero.

Land Reserves in Other Provinces

Ex Escuela Gobernador Vicente de Olmos, Córdoba, Province of Córdoba. In November, 2006 we participated in a public bidding process called by Corporación Inmobiliaria Córdoba S.A. for the sale of the building known as Ex Escuela Gobernador Vicente de Olmos, located in the City of Córdoba. The building has 5,147 square meters of surface area. The building contains a portion of the Patio Olmos shopping center, which operates in four commercial plants and has two underground parking lots. This shopping center also includes two neighboring buildings with cinemas and a commercial annex, legally related through easement contracts. The building is under a concession contract effective for a 40-year term, expiring in February 2032, in which we act as grantor. This contract establishes a monthly rent payment and increases of Ps.2,513 every 47 months. On September 25, 2007, Alto Palermo signed with the Government of the Province of Córdoba the title deed of the property where the Patio Olmos Shopping Center is currently operating and the concession agreement was also transferred. The agreed purchase price balance of Ps.22.7 million was paid. As of June 30, 2008, the concession is in its 196th month with a monthly payment of Ps.12,565.

Canteras Natal Crespo, Province of Córdoba. The initial guidelines for the development of this project are in process on the basis of the master plan of the Chilean architect firm URBE. Preliminary presentations have been submitted to the Municipality of La Calera and to the Provincial Government of Córdoba.

This project consists of a mix of residential and commercial buildings and will be located in an attractive natural setting in the mountains of Córdoba. Canteras Natal Crespo S.A. is a company located in the Province of Córdoba that will have as its main activity the development of this project

 

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Offices and other non-shopping center rental properties

We are engaged in the acquisition, development and management of offices and other non-shopping center rental properties in Argentina. As of June 30, 2008, we directly and indirectly, owned interests in 28 office and other rental properties in Argentina which comprised 260,866 square meters of gross leaseable area. Of these properties, 19 were office properties which comprised 163,724 square meters of gross leaseable area. For fiscal year 2008, we had revenues from office and non- shopping center rental properties of Ps.101.0 million.

All our office rental property in Argentina is located in the City Buenos Aires. All of these properties are rented to various different premium tenants. For the year ended June 30, 2008 the average occupancy rate for all IRSA’s properties in the Offices and other rental property segment was approximately 93.55%. Nine different tenants accounted for approximately 27.0% of IRSA’s total revenues for fiscal year 2008. IRSA’s seven main office rental tenants are: Grupo Total Austral, Apache Energía, Exxon Mobile Business Center, Sibille S.C. (KPMG), Microsoft Argentina S.A. and Unilever Argentina.

Consumer Financing

Revenues from our Consumer Financing segment increased 36.7% from Ps.213.0 million in fiscal year 2007 to Ps.291.0 million in fiscal year 2008. This was a result of the favorable macroeconomic conditions, the increase in general consumption levels, and the continuing expansion of our services, as reflected by (i) an increase in sales at stores and supermarkets, and (ii) an increase in the bills/statements of accounts issued.

However, the net income results of the segment were affected by an increased delinquency rate due to a lower real salary of the portfolio customers, coupled with a rise of financing and company infrastructure costs amidst the difficult global economic conditions. We believe that, despite the decrease in margins, it is still possible for us to improve the performance of this business segment so that Tarshop can maintain its position in the market.

Shopping centers

We are engaged in purchasing, developing and managing shopping centers through our subsidiary Alto Palermo. As of June 30, 2008, Alto Palermo operated and owned majority interests in ten shopping centers, five of which are located in the City of Buenos Aires, one of which is located in the greater Buenos Aires metropolitan area and the remaining are located in the interior Argentine cities of Salta, Rosario, Mendoza and Córdoba.

At June 30, 2008, Alto Palermo’s shopping centers comprised a total of 232,659 square meters of gross leasable area (excluding certain space occupied by hypermarkets which are not Alto Palermo’s tenants and the surface area of the Panamerican Mall that includes several projects one of which is the construction of a shopping center). For the year ended June 30, 2008, the average occupancy rate of Alto Palermo’s shopping center portfolio was approximately 99.3%.

As a result of our acquisition of several shopping centers and the corporate reorganization of Alto Palermo, we recently centralized management of our shopping centers owned by our subsidiary Alto Palermo.

 

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Hotels operations

At the end of the 1997 fiscal year, we acquired the Hotel Llao Llao in Bariloche, Argentina, our first luxury hotel. Some months later, as part of the acquisition of the Old Alto Palermo from Pérez Companc, we acquired an indirect 50% interest in the Hotel Intercontinental in the City of Buenos Aires which we own through our subsidiary Inversora Bolívar. In March 1998, we acquired the Hotel Libertador. During fiscal year 1999, we sold a 20% interest in the Hotel Libertador to Hoteles Sheraton de Argentina S.A., (“Hoteles Sheraton de Argentina”) and during the fiscal year 2000, we sold 50% of our interest in the Hotel Llao Llao to the Sutton Group. During fiscal year 2007 we increased our share in Inversora Bolivar by 100% and obtained an indirect share in the Hotel Intercontinental of 76.34%.

E. Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

At June 30, 2008, we did not have any off-balance sheet transactions, arrangements or obligations with unconsolidated entities or others that are reasonably likely to have a material effect on our financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.

F. Tabular Disclosure of Contractual Obligations

The following table sets forth our contractual obligations as of June 30, 2008:

 

      Payments due by period(2)

Contractual Obligations

   Total    Less than
1 year
   1-3 years    3-5 years    More than
5 years

Long-Term Debt Obligations

   2,033,839    272,662    359,072    306,230    1,095,875

Purchase Obligations

   71,008    13,498    11,059    46,451    —  

Other Long-Term Obligations

   12,155    4,244    5,276    1,716    919

Total(1)

   2,117,002    290,404    375,407    354,397    1,096,794
                        

 

(1) Includes our main financial and related parties debts, foreign suppliers and tax amnesty plan for gross sales tax payable.

 

(2) Includes accrued interest and prospected interest.

G. Safe Harbor

See the discussion at the beginning of this Item 5 and “Forward Looking Statements” in the introduction of this annual report for the forward looking safe harbor provisions.

 

ITEM 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees

A. Directors and Senior Management

Composition of the Board of Directors

We are managed by a board of directors. Our by-laws provide that our board of directors will consist of a minimum of eight and a maximum of fourteen full directors and an equal or minor number of alternate directors. Currently our board of directors is composed of fourteen directors and five alternate directors. Our directors and alternate directors are elected for three-year terms by a majority vote of our shareholders at a general ordinary shareholders’ meeting. Our directors and alternate directors may be reelected indefinitely.

 

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Alternate directors will be summoned to exercise their functions in case of absence, vacancy of death of a full director up to a new director were designated.

The table below shows information about our directors and alternate directors:

 

Name

   Date of birth    Position    Date of
current
appointment
   Term
expiration
   Current
position
held
since

Eduardo S. Elsztain

   01/26/1960    Chairman    2006    2009    1991

Saúl Zang

   12/30/1945    First Vice-Chairman    2006    2009    1994

Alejandro G. Elsztain

   03/31/1966    Second Vice-Chairman    2007    2010    2001

Oscar P. Bergotto

   06/19/1943    Director    2006    2009    1994

Fernando A. Elsztain

   01/04/1961    Director    2008    2011    1999

Carlos Ricardo Esteves

   05/25/1949    Director    2008    2011    2005

Cedric D. Bridger

   11/09/1935    Director    2006    2009    2003

Marcos Fischman

   04/09/1960    Director    2006    2009    2003

Fernando Rubín

   06/20/1966    Director    2007    2010    2004

Gary S. Gladstein

   07/07/1944    Director    2007    2010    2004

Mario Blejer

   07/07/1944    Director    2008    2011    2005

Mauricio Wior

   10/23/1956    Director    2006    2009    2006

Gabriel A. G. Reznik

   11/18/1958    Director    2008    2011    2008

Ricardo Liberman

   12/18/1959    Director    2008    2011    2008

Juan C. Quintana Terán

   06/11/1937    Alternate director    2008    2011    1996

Emilio Cárdenas

   08/13/1942    Alternate director    2006    2009    2003

Salvador D. Bergel

   04/17/1932    Alternate director    2008    2011    1996

Enrique Antonini

   03/16/1950    Alternate director    2007    2010    2007

Daniel Ricardo Elsztain

   12/22/1972    Alternate director    2007    2010    2007

Carlos Ricardo Esteves, Cedric Bridger, Mario Blejer, Mauricio Wior, Emilio Cárdenas, Ricardo H. Liberman and Enrique Antonini are independent directors, pursuant to Comisión Nacional de Valores’ Resolution No. 400/2002. The following is a brief biographical description of each member of our board of directors:

Eduardo S. Elsztain. Mr. Elsztain studied economic sciences at the Universidad de Buenos Aires. He has been engaged in the real estate business for more than twenty years. He is the chairman of the board of directors of Alto Palermo, Shopping Alto Palermo S.A., Cresud, Consultores Asset Management and BACS Banco de Crédito & Securitización among others. He is also vice-chairman of Banco Hipotecario, E-Commerce Latina S.A. and Director of BrasilAgro, among other companies. He is Fernando A. Elsztain’s cousin and Alejandro G. Elsztain’s brother.

Saúl Zang. Mr. Zang obtained a law degree from the Universidad de Buenos Aires. He is a member of the International Bar Association and the Interamerican Federation of Lawyers. He is a founding partner of Zang, Bergel & Viñes law firm. He is also vice-chairman of Alto Palermo, the first vice-chairman of Shopping Alto Palermo S.A. and Cresud and vice-chairman of Puerto Retiro, Alto Palermo and Fibesa, and a director of Banco Hipotecario, Nuevas Fronteras S.A., Tarshop, Palermo Invest S.A. and BrasilAgro.

 

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Alejandro G. Elsztain. Mr. Elsztain obtained a degree in agricultural engineering from the Universidad de Buenos Aires. Currently he is chairman of BrasilAgro, second vice-chairman of Cresud and executive vice-chairman of Alto Palermo and SAPSA. He is also vice-chairman of Nuevas Fronteras and Hoteles Argentinos and director of IBOSA. He is the brother of Chairman Eduardo S. Elsztain and a cousin of Director Fernando A. Elsztain.

Oscar P. Bergotto. Mr. Bergotto has been our Chief Treasury Officer since 1991. He has also worked in various other real estate companies. He is director of Alto Palermo.

Fernando A. Elsztain. Mr. Elsztain studied architecture at the Universidad de Buenos Aires. He has been engaged in the real estate business as a consultant and as managing officer of a family-owned real estate company. He is chairman of the board of directors of Llao Llao Resorts S.A., Palermo Invest S.A. and Nuevas Fronteras S.A. He is also a director of Alto Palermo, SAPSA, Hoteles Argentinos and Tarshop and an alternate director of Banco Hipotecario and Puerto Retiro, among others. He is Alejandro Elsztain’s and Eduardo S. Elsztain’s cousin.

Carlos Ricardo Esteves. He has a degree in Political Science from the Universidad El Salvador. He was a member of the Boards of Directors of Banco Francés del Río de la Plata, Bunge & Born Holding, Armstrong Laboratories, Banco Velox and Supermercados Disco. He was one of the founders of CEAL (Consejo Empresario de América Latina) and is a member of the board of directors of Encuentro de Empresarios de América Latina (padres e hijos) and is co-President of Foro Iberoamericano.

Cedric D. Bridger. Mr. Bridger is qualified as a certified public accountant in the United Kingdom. From 1992 through 1998, he served as chief financial officer of YPF S.A. Mr. Bridger was also financial director of Hughes Tool Argentina, chief executive officer of Hughes Tool in Brazil and Hughes’ corporate vice-president for South American operations. He is also a director of Banco Hipotecario.

Marcos Fischman. Mr. Fischman studied at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. He is a pioneer in individual and corporate coaching in Argentina. He provides consulting services to businessmen, scholars and artists. Since 1993, he has provided us with consulting services in organizational communication and development.

Fernando Rubín. Mr. Rubin has a degree in psychology from the Universidad de Buenos Aires and attended a post-graduate course in Human Resources and Organizational Analysis at E.P.S.O. Since July 2001, he has been the manager of organizational development at Banco Hipotecario. He served as corporate manager of human resources for IRSA, director of human resources for Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton (“LVMH”) in Argentina and Bodegas Chandon in Argentina and Brazil. He also served as manager of the human resources division for the international consulting firm Roland Berger & Partners-International Management Consultants.

Gary S. Gladstein. Mr. Gladstein has a degree in economics from the University of Connecticut and a master’s degree in business administration from Columbia University. He was operations manager in Soros Fund Management LLC and is currently a senior consultant of Soros Fund Management LLC.

Mario Blejer. Dr. Blejer obtained a degree from Hebrew University and a Ph.D. from the University of Chicago. He lectured courses at Hebrew University, Boston University and New York University. He has published several articles on macroeconomic and financial stability subjects. He served for twenty years in different departments of the IMF. In 2002, he was appointed chairman of the Central Bank and during 2003 was appointed director of the Center for Studies of Central Banks of the Bank of England.

 

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Mauricio Wior. Mr. Wior obtained a masters degree in finance, as well as a bachelors degree in economics and accounting from Tel Aviv University in Israel. Mr. Wior is currently a director of Ertach S.A. and Banco Hipotecario. He has held positions at Bellsouth were he was Vice President for Latin America from 1995 to 2004. Mr. Wior was also CEO of Movicom Bellsouth from 1991 to 2004. In addition, he led the operations of various cellular phone companies in Uruguay, Chile, Peru, Ecuador and Venezuela. He was president of the Asociación Latinoamericana de Celulares (ALCACEL); U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Argentina and the Israeli-Argentine Chamber of Commerce. He was a director of Insituto para el Desarrollo Empresarial de la Argentina (IDEA), Fundación de Investigaciones Económicas Latinoamericanas (FIEL) and Tzedaka.

Gabriel A. G. Reznik. Mr. Reznik obtained a degree in Civil Engineering from University of Buenos Aires (Universidad deBuenos Aires). He worked for IRSA from 1992 until May 2005 when he resigned. He has also worked for an independent construction company in Argentina. He is an alternate director of Puerto Retiro S.A., Tarshop S.A. and Fibesa, as well as member of the board of Banco Hipotecario, and a number of other companies.

Ricardo Liberman. Mr. Liberman obtained a degree in accounting from the Universidad de Buenos Aires. He is an independent consultant, specialized in the areas of auditing and taxes.

Juan C. Quintana Terán. Mr. Quintana Terán obtained a law degree from the Universidad of de Buenos Aires. He is a consultant at Zang, Bergel & Viñes law firm. He has been chairman and Judge of the National Commercial Court of Appeals of the City of Buenos Aires (Cámara Nacional de Apelaciones en lo Comercial). He is an alternate director of Cresud, Alto Palermo and Nuevas Fronteras S.A.

Emilio J. Cárdenas. Mr. Cárdenas obtained a law degree from the Universidad de Buenos Aires and a Ph.D. from University of Michigan. He has been a member of our board of directors since 1996. He was chairman of ABRA, founding partner of Cárdenas, Cassagne & Asociados law firm, Argentina’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, member of United Nations Security Council and is currently a member of the board of directors of HSBC Bank S.A (Bank Roberts).

Salvador D. Bergel. Mr. Bergel obtained a law degree and a PhD from the Universidad del Litoral. He is a founding partner of Zang, Bergel & Viñes law firm and a consultant at Repsol YPF S.A. He is also an alternate director of Cresud.

Enrique Antonini. Mr. Antonini holds a degree in law from the University of Buenos Aires. He is currently a member of the board of directors of Banco Mariva S.A. (since 1992), Mariva Bursátil S.A. (since 1997). He also served as a director of Inversiones y Representaciones S.A. from 1993 to 2002. He is a member of the Banking Lawyers Committee and the International Bar Association.

Daniel R. Elsztain. Mr. Elsztain graduated with a major in Economic Sciences from the Torcuato Di Tella University and has a Master in Business Administration. He has been our Commercial Director since 1998. Mr. Elsztain is the brother of both the Chairman of the Board of Directors, Mr. Eduardo S. Elzstain, and of the Vice-Chairman, Mr. Alejandro G. Elzstain and cousin of the Director Fernando A. Elzstain.

 

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Executive Committee

Pursuant to our by-laws, our day-to-day business is managed by an executive committee consisting of a minimum of five and a maximum of nine directors, among which there should be the chairman, first vice-chairman and second vice-chairman of the board of directors. The current members of the Executive Committee are Messrs. Eduardo S. Elsztain, Saúl Zang, Alejandro Elsztain and Fernando Elsztain as members, and Mr. Oscar P. Bergotto as alternative member. The executive committee meets as needed by our business, or at the request of one or more of its members.

The executive committee is responsible for the management of the day to day business delegated by the Board of Directors in accordance with applicable law and our by-laws. Our by-laws authorize the executive committee to:

 

   

designate the managers and establish the duties and compensation of such managers;

 

   

grant and revoke powers of attorney on behalf of us;

 

   

hire, discipline and fire personnel and determine wages, salaries and compensation of personnel;

 

   

enter into contracts related to our business;

 

   

manage our assets;

 

   

enter into loan agreements for our business and set up liens to secure our obligations; and

 

   

perform any other acts necessary to manage our day-to-day business.

Supervisory Committee

Our supervisory committee (Comisión Fiscalizadora) is responsible for reviewing and supervising our administration and affairs and verifying compliance with our by-laws and resolutions adopted at the shareholders’ meetings. The members of the supervisory committee are appointed at our annual general ordinary shareholders’ meeting for a one-year term. The supervisory committee is composed of three members and three alternate members and pursuant to Section 294 of the Argentine Corporations Law No. 19,550, as amended, must meet at least every three months.

The following table shows information about the members of our supervisory committee, who were elected at the ordinary and extraordinary shareholders’ meeting, held on October 31, 2008:

 

Name

   Date of birth    Position    Expiration
Date
   Current position
held since

José D. Abelovich

   07/20/1956    Member    2009    1992

Marcelo H. Fuxman

   11/30/1955    Member    2009    1992

Roberto Murmis

   04/07/1959    Member    2009    2005

Silvia De Feo

   10/07/1958    Alternate member    2009    2003

Sergio Leonardo Kolaczyk

   11/28/1964    Alternate member    2009    2005

Alicia Graciela Rigueira

   12/02/1951    Alternate member    2009    2006

 

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Set forth below is a brief biographical description of each member of our supervisory committee:

José D. Abelovich. Mr. Abelovich obtained a degree in accounting from the Universidad de Buenos Aires. He is a founding member and partner of Abelovich, Polano & Asociados S.R.L. / Nexia International, a public accounting firm in Argentina. Formerly, he had been a manager of Harteneck, López y Cía/Coopers & Lybrand and has served as a senior advisor in Argentina for the United Nations and the World Bank. He is a member of the supervisory committees of Alto Palermo, Cresud, SAPSA, Hoteles Argentinos, Inversora Bolívar and Banco Hipotecario S.A., among other companies.

Marcelo H. Fuxman. Mr. Fuxman obtained a degree in accounting from the Universidad de Buenos Aires. He is a partner of Abelovich, Polano & Asociados S.R.L. / Nexia International, a public accounting firm in Argentina. He is also a member of the supervisory committee of Alto Palermo, Cresud, SAPSA, Inversora Bolívar and Banco Hipotecario S.A.

Roberto Murmis. Mr. Murmis holds a degree in accounting from the Universidad de Buenos Aires. Mr. Murmis is a partner at Abelovich, Polano & Asociados S.R.L. / Nexia International. Mr. Murmis worked as an advisor to the Secretaría de Ingresos Públicos. Furthermore, he is a member of the supervisory committee of SAPSA, Cresud, Futuros y Opciones S.A. and Llao Llao Resorts S.A.

Silvia De Feo. Mrs. De Feo obtained a degree in accounting from the University of Belgrano. She is a manager at Abelovich, Polano & Asociados S.R.L. / Nexia International, an accounting firm in Argentina and former manager at Harteneck, Lopez & Cía./Coopers & Lybrand. She is also a member of the supervisory committees of SAPSA, Cresud, Inversora Bolivar S.A. and Baldovinos S.A.

Sergio Leonardo Kolaczyk. Mr. Kolaczyk obtained a degree in accounting from the Universidad de Buenos Aires. He is a professional of Abelovich, Polano & Asociados S.R.L. / Nexia International. He is also an alternate member of the supervisory committee of Alto Palermo and Cresud.

Alicia Graciela Rigueira. Mrs. Rigueira holds a degree in accounting from the Universidad de Buenos Aires. Since 1998 she has been a manager at Estudio Abelovich, Polano & Asociados S.R.L./ Nexia International. From 1974 to 1998, Mrs. Rigueira performed several functions in Harteneck, Lopez y Cia affiliated with Coopers & Lybrand. Mrs. Rigueira lectured at the Facultad de Ciencias Económicas de la Universidad de Lomas de Zamora.

 

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Senior Management

The Board of Directors appoints and removes senior management. Senior management performs its duties in accordance with the instructions of the Board of Directors. The following table shows information about our current senior management:

 

Name

   Date of birth   

Position

   Current position
held since

Eduardo S. Elsztain

   01/26/1960    Chief Executive Officer    1991

Gabriel Blasi

   11/22/1960    Chief Financial Officer    2004

Jorge Cruces

   11/07/1966    Chief Real Estate Officer    2007

Daniel R. Elsztain

   12/22/1972    Chief Real Estate Business Officer    2007

David A. Perednik

   11/15/1957    Chief Administrative Officer    2002

The following is a description of each of our senior managers who are not directors:

Gabriel Blasi. Mr. Blasi obtained a degree in business administration and carried out post graduate studies in Finance at CEMA University (Universidad del CEMA—Centro de Estudios Macroeconómicos Argentinos) and in the IAE (Universidad Austral). He formerly worked as a senior securities trader in Citibank. He also held several management positions related to investment banking and capital markets at Banco Río (BSCH) and was financial director of the Argentine Carrefour Group and Goyaique SACIFIA (Grupo Perez Companc). Currently, he also serves as chief financial officer of Alto Palermo and Cresud.

Jorge Cruces. Mr. Jorge Cruces obtained the degree of Architect and a Master in Business Administration, Finance Mention and Strategic Management Mention, at the University of Belgrano. Before becoming part of the group, he worked as Business Development – Real Estate Manager in Diveo Diginet and as Real Estate Projects Manager of Giménez Zapiola Binswagner. At present he serves as Chief Real Estate Officer of IRSA and APSA. He is also Academic coordinator and Professor of the Cluster Portfolio and Asset Management of the Executive program of Real Estate Management at the Torcuato Di Tella University.

David A. Perednik. Mr. Perednik obtained a degree in accounting from the Universidad de Buenos Aires. He has worked for several companies such as Marifran Internacional S.A., a subsidiary of Louis Dreyfus Amateurs where he worked as financial manager from 1986 to 1997. He also worked as a senior consultant in the administration and systems department of Deloitte & Touche. He also serves as chief administrative officer of Alto Palermo and Cresud.

B. Compensation

Directors

Under Argentine law, if the compensation of the members of the board of directors is not established in the by-laws of the company, it should be determined by the shareholders’ meeting. The maximum amount of total compensation to the members of the board of directors, including compensation for technical or administrative permanent activities, cannot exceed 25% of the earnings of the company. That amount should be limited to 5% when there is no distribution of dividends to shareholders and will be increased proportionally to the distribution.

When one or more directors perform special commissions or technical or administrative activities, and there are no earnings to distribute, or they are reduced, the shareholders meeting may approve compensation in excess of the above mentioned limits. The compensation of our directors for each fiscal year is determined pursuant to Argentine Law and taking into consideration whether the directors performed technical or administrative activities and our fiscal year’s results. Once the amount is determined, they are considered at the shareholders’ meeting.

 

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At our shareholders meeting held on October 31, 2008, the shareholders approved an aggregate compensation of Ps.4.2 million for all of our directors for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2008.

We do not have written contracts with our directors. However, Mr. Eduardo Elsztain, Saúl Zang, Alejandro Elsztain, Fernando Elsztain, Oscar Bergoto, Marcos Fischman and Fernando Rubín are employed by us under the Labor Contract Law No. 20.744. This law governs certain conditions of the labor relationship, including remuneration, protection of wages, hours of work, holidays, paid leave, maternity protection, minimum age requirements, protection of young workers and suspension and termination of the contract.

Senior Management

We pay our senior management a fixed amount, established by taking into consideration their background, capacity and experience, and an annual bonus which varies according to their individual performance and our overall results. The total and aggregate cash compensation of our senior management for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2008 was Ps.3.91 million.

During this period our contributions to compensation plan for our senior management amounted to Ps.0.48 million.

Supervisory Committee

The shareholders meeting held on October 31, 2008, approved by majority vote the decision not to pay any compensation to our Supervisory Committee.

Compensation plan for executive management

We have a defined contribution plan covering its key managers in Argentina. The Plan was effective from 01/01/2006. Employees may begin participation voluntarily on monthly enrollment dates. Participants may make pre-tax contributions to the Plan of up to 2.5% of their monthly salary (Base Contributions) and pre-tax contributions of up to 15% of their annual bonuses (Extraordinary Contributions). Under the Plan, we match employee contributions to the plan at a rate of 200% for Base Contributions and 300% for Extraordinary Contributions. Contribution expense was Ps.0.4 million and Ps 0.2 million for the years ended June 30, 2008 and June 30, 2007, respectively. Participant contributions are held in trust as required by law. Individual participants may direct the trustee to invest their accounts in authorized investment alternatives. Our contributions are also held in trust. Participants or their assignees, as the case may be, may have access to the 100% of our contributions under the following circumstances:

 

   

ordinary retirement in accordance with applicable labor regulations;

 

   

total or permanent incapacity or disability; and

 

   

death.

In case of resignation or termination without good cause, the manager may redeem the amounts contributed by us only if he or she has participated in the Plan for at least 5 years.

 

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C. Board Practices

Audit Committee

Pursuant to the System governing the Transparency of Public Offers established through Decree No. 677/2001, the rules of the Comisión Nacional de Valores, its Resolution No. 400 and 402, the board of directors established that the Audit Committee shall be a committee of the board of directors. The main function of the Audit Committee is to assist the board of directors in performing its duty of exercising due care, diligence and competence in issues relating to us, specifically in the enforcement of the accounting policy and in the issue of accounting and financial information, the management of business risk and of internal control systems, the conduct and ethical soundness of the company’s business, the supervision of the integrity of our financial statements, the compliance by our company with the legal provisions, the independence and capability of the independent auditor and the performance of the internal audit function of our company and of the external auditors. Also, the audit committee may be requested by the board of directors to report if the conditions of a related party transaction may be reasonably considered adequate according to normal market conditions.

On November 3, 2008, our board of directors appointed Ricardo Liberman as member of the audit committee. As of the date of this annual report, the members of the audit committee are Cedric Bridger, Ricardo Liberman and Mario Blejer, all of them independent members. Cedric Bridger is the financial expert in accordance with the relevant SEC rules. We have a fully independent audit committee as per the standard provided in Rule 10(A)-3(b)(1).

Compensation of Audit Committee

The members of our Audit Committee do not receive compensation in addition to that received for their service as members of our board of directors.

D. Employees

As of June 30, 2008, IRSA had 3,349 employees. IRSA’s employees corresponding to Argentine real estate are represented by the Commerce Union (approximately 15%) -SEC: Sindicato de Empleados de Comercio- by Horizontal Property Union -SUTERH- (approximately 3% of workers) and the Administrative Construction Union –UECARA- (approximately 5% ). Shopping Centers and Consumer financing employees are also represented by the Commerce Union; approximately 66% of total workers are under commerce collective labor agreements. Hotel workers are represented by the Unión de Trabajadores del Turismo, Hoteleros y Gastronómicos de la República Argentina (UTHGRA).

The following table sets forth the number of employees in our various businesses at the dates indicated:

 

     Argentine
Real
Estate(1)
   Shopping
Centers(2)
   Hotels(3)    Telecommunication(4)    Credit
Cards(5)
   Total

As of June 30, 2004

   129    681    688    51    390    1,939

As of June 30, 2005

   154    872    861    75    556    2,518

As of June 30, 2006

   185    966    1,024    0    979    3,154

As of June 30, 2007

   228    983    785    0    1,302    3,298

As of June 30, 2008

   243    1,043    764    0    1,298    3,349

 

(1) Argentine Real Estate includes IRSA, Inversora Bolívar, Baldovinos, Madero, Libertador 498.

 

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(2) Starting June 2000, Shopping Centers includes Altocity (e-commerce) and does not include Mendoza Plaza prior to fiscal year 2005.

 

(3) Hotels include Intercontinental, Sheraton Libertador and Llao Llao.

 

(4) Telecommunications include Red Alternativa and Alternativa Gratis.

 

(5) Credit cards include Tarshop.

E. Share Ownership

Share ownership of directors, members of the supervisory committee, members of the executive committee and senior management as of November 30, 2008.

The following table sets forth the amount and percentage of our shares beneficially owned by our directors, members of the executive committee, supervisory committee and senior management as of November 30, 2008:

 

Name

  

Position

   Number of Shares    Percentage  

Directors

        

Eduardo S. Elsztain(1)

   Chairman    319,461,681    55.21 %

Saúl Zang

   First Vice-Chairman    1,400,323    0.24 %

Alejandro G. Elsztain

   Second Vice- Chairman    2,339,615    0.40 %

Oscar P. Bergotto

   Director    —      —    

Fernando A. Elsztain

   Director    —      —    

Carlos Ricardo Esteves

   Director    —      —    

Cedric D. Bridger

   Director    —      —    

Marcos Fischman

   Director    20,000    —    

Fernando Rubín

   Director    —      —    

Gary S. Gladstein

   Director    210,030    0.04 %

Mario Blejer

   Director    60,000    0.01 %

Mauricio Wior

   Director    —      —    

Gabriel Adolfo Gregorio Reznik

   Director    —      —    

Ricardo Liberman

   Director    —      —    

Juan C. Quintana Terán

   Alternate director    —      —    

Emilio Cárdenas

   Alternate Director    —      —    

Salvador D. Bergel

   Alternate director    —      —    

Enrique Antonini

   Alternate Director    —      —    

Daniel Ricardo Elsztain

   Alternate director    —      —    

Senior Management

        

Gabriel Blasi

   Chief financial officer    422,360    0.07 %

Jorge Cruces

   Chief real estate officer    58,851    0.01 %

David A. Perednik

   Chief administrative officer    65,540    0.01 %

Supervisory Committee

        

José D. Abelovich

   Member    —      —    

Marcelo H. Fuxman

   Member    —      —    

Roberto Murmis

   Member    —      —    

Silvia C. De Feo

   Alternate member    —      —    

Sergio Kolaczyk

   Alternate member    —      —    

Alicia Rigueira

   Alternate member    —      —    

 

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(1) Includes (i) 290,654,653 common shares beneficially owned by Cresud S.A., (ii) 21,874,790 common shares beneficially owned by Agrology S.A., (iii) 4,425,439 common shares beneficially owned by Dolphin Fund Plc., whose investment manager is a company beneficially owned by Eduardo Elsztain, (iv) 1,503,602 common shares beneficially owned by Inversiones Financieras del Sur S.A., for which Mr. Eduardo S. Elsztain may be deemed beneficial owner, (v) 661,000 common shares beneficially owned by Consultores Assets Management S.A., and (vi) 342,197 common shares owned directly by Eduardo S. Elsztain

 

ITEM 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions

A. Major Shareholders

Information about Major Shareholders

Share Ownership

The following table sets forth information regarding ownership of our capital stock by each person known to us to own beneficially at least 5% of our common shares and all our directors and officers as a group.

 

      Share Ownership as of November 30, 2008  

Shareholder

   Number of Shares    Percentage(5)  

Cresud(1)

   290,654,653    50.2 %

IFISA(2)

   1,503,602    0.3 %

D.E. Shaw & Co. Inc.

   44,955,170    7.8 %

Directors and officers including Eduardo Elsztain(3)

   4,918,916    0.9 %

Argentine pension funds in the aggregate(4)

   24,039,391    4.2 %
           

Total

   321,116,562    55.5 %

 

(1) Eduardo S. Elsztain is the beneficial owner of 167,401,788 shares of Cresud, representing 33.4% of its total share capital. As a result of his 33.4% interest in Cresud, Mr. Elsztain has an 18.4% indirect economic interest in us. Although Mr. Elsztain does not own a majority of the shares of Cresud, he is its largest shareholder and exercises substantial influence over Cresud. If Mr. Elsztain were considered the beneficial owner of Cresud due to his substantial influence over it, he would be the beneficial owner of 50.2% of our shares by virtue of his investment in Cresud.

 

(2) Eduardo S. Elsztain is the Chairman of the board of directors of IFIS Limited (“IFIS”), a corporation organized under the laws of Bermuda and IFISA, a corporation organized under the laws of Uruguay. Mr. Elsztain, is the beneficial owner of 40.93% of IFIS capital stock, which owns 100% of IFISA. As a result, Mr. Elsztain may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of an additional 0.3% of our shares due to IFISA’s 0.3% interest in us, without taking into account his indirect interest in us through Cresud.

 

(3) As described in notes (1) and (2) above, Mr. Elsztain may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of 55.2% of our outstanding shares consisting of (i) 290,654,653 shares held by Cresud and (ii) 1,503,602 shares held by IFISA. In addition, Mr. Elsztain is the beneficial owner of an additional 0.9% of our outstanding shares consisting of (i) 661,000 shares held by Consultores Assets Management S.A., (ii) 4,425,439 held by Dolphin Fund PLC, a limited liability company organized under the laws of Isle of Man, (iii) 21,674,790 shares held by Agrology S.A., Cresud’s subsidiary, and (iv) 342,197 shares held directly by Eduardo Elsztain. As a result, Mr. Elsztain’s aggregate beneficial ownership of our outstanding shares may be as high as 319,461,681 common shares, representing 55.2% of our outstanding shares.

 

(4) Based on estimates from the Superintendency of AFJP (“Administradora de Fondos de Jubilaciones y Pensiones”). None of the pension funds individually own more than 4.2% of our common stock. The highest percentage owners of the shares are Consolidar with approximately 0.9%, Met with approximately 0.7% and Nación with approximately 0.6%. On December 9, 2008, Law 26,425 was enacted. The law approved the government’s plan to nationalized the country’s ten private Retirement and Pension Fund Managements (AFJPs) and transfer the Ps. 94,4 billion (approximately US$ 29,3 billion) they held in assets as of the end of September 2008 to the social security agency (ANSES).

 

(5) As of November 30, 2008, the number of outstanding shares was 578,676,460.

 

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Cresud is a leading Argentine producer of basic agricultural products. Cresud’s shares began trading on the Bolsa de Comercio de Buenos Aires on December 12, 1960, under the trading symbol “CRES” and on March 1997 its ADSs began trading on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the trading symbol “CRESY.”

Between June 30, 2007 and November 30, 2007, Cresud converted all of our 8% convertible notes that it owned and exercised all of its warrants entitling it to purchase additional common shares. As a result of these conversions and exercises, Cresud’s shareholding in us increased from 25.0% at June 30, 2007 to 34.4%.

As of November 30, 2008 Cresud´s shareholding in us increased to 50.2% through purchases in the market.

As of November 30, 2007, IFISA had exercised all of its warrants and owned 1.4% of our shares. As of November 30, 2008, IFISA´s shareholding in us decreased to 0.3%.

Parque Arauco is a significant shareholder in our subsidiary Alto Palermo. Parque Arauco is a Chilean commercial real estate developer engaged in the acquisition, development and operation of shopping centers, and its shares are listed and traded on the Santiago Stock Exchange.

Changes in Share Ownership

 

Changes in Share Ownership    Share Ownership as of(6)

Shareholder

   Nov. 30,
2008
(%)
   June 30,
2008
(%)
   June 30,
2007
(%)
   June 30,
2006
(%)
   June 30,
2005
(%)

Cresud(1)

   50.2    38.4    25    26.7    22.4

IFISA(2)(3)

   0.3    1.6    1.2    0.8    1.4

D.E. Shaw & Co. Inc.

   7.8    6.7    0.2    —      —  

Directors and officers(4)

   0.9    0.5    0.3    0.2    < 0.01

Argentine pension funds in the aggregate(4)

   4.2    4.1    4.8    4.7    6.0

Total

   59.2    44.6    31.3    32.4    29.8

 

(1) Eduardo S. Elsztain is the beneficial owner of 167,401,788 shares of Cresud, representing 33.4% of its total share capital. As a result of his 33.4% interest in Cresud, Mr. Elsztain has an 18.4% indirect economic interest in us. Although Mr. Elsztain does not own a majority of the shares of Cresud, he is its largest shareholder and exercises substantial influence over Cresud. If Mr. Elsztain were considered the beneficial owner of Cresud due to his substantial influence over it, he would be the beneficial owner of 50.2% of our shares by virtue of his investment in Cresud, without taking into account his indirect interest in us through IFISA.

 

(2) Eduardo S. Elsztain is the Chairman of the board of directors of IFIS Limited (“IFIS”), a corporation organized under the laws of Bermuda and IFISA, a corporation organized under the laws of Uruguay. Mr. Elsztain, is the beneficial owner of 40.93% of IFIS capital stock, which owns 100% of IFISA. As a result, Mr. Elsztain may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of an additional 0.3% of our shares due to IFISA’s 0.3% interest in us, without taking into account his indirect interest in us through Cresud.

 

(3) As described in notes (1) and (2) above, Mr. Elsztain may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of 55.2% of our outstanding shares consisting of (i) 290,654,653 shares held by Cresud and (ii) 1,503,602 shares held by IFISA. In addition, Mr. Elsztain is the beneficial owner of an additional 0.9% of our outstanding shares consisting of (i) 661,000 shares held by Consultores Assets Management S.A., (ii) 4,425,439 held by Dolphin Fund PLC, a limited liability company organized under the laws of Isle of Man, (iii) 21,874,790 shares held by Agrology, S.A., Cresud’s subsidiary, and (iv) 342,197 shares held directly by Eduardo Elsztain. As a result, Mr. Elsztain’s aggregate beneficial ownership of our outstanding shares may be as high as 319,461,681 common shares, representing 55.2% of our outstanding shares.

 

(4) Includes only direct ownership of our Directors and Senior Management.

 

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(5) Based on estimates from the Superintendency of AFJP (“Administradora de Fondos de Jubilaciones y Pensiones”). None of the pension funds individually own more than 4.2% of our common stock. The highest percentage owners of the shares are Consolidar with approximately 0.9%, Met with approximately 0.7% and Nación with approximately 0.6%. On December 9, 2008, Law 26,425 was enacted. The law approved the government’s plan to nationalized the country’s ten private Retirement and Pension Fund Managements (AFJPs) and transfer the Ps. 94,4 billion (approximately US$ 29,3 billion) they held in assets as of the end of September 2008 to the social security agency (ANSES).

 

(6) As of November 30, 2008, the number of outstanding shares was 578,676,460.

Except as set forth above, we are not aware of the existence of other shareholders owning more than 5% of our capital stock. The voting rights of our principal shareholders are not different from those of the remaining shareholders.

Differences in Voting Rights

Our major shareholders do not have different voting rights.

Arrangements for change in control

There are no arrangements that may at a subsequent date result in a change in control.

Securities held in the host country

As of November 30, 2008, the Company’s total issued outstanding capital stock outstanding consisted of 578.676.460 common shares. As of November 30, 2008, there were approximately 35,466,359 Global Depositary Shares (representing 354,663,590 of our common shares, or 63.0% of all or our outstanding shares) held in the United States by approximately 86 registered holders of Global Depositary Shares.

As of November 30, 2008 our directors and senior officers controlled, directly or indirectly, approximately 55.9% of our common shares. As a result, these shareholders have, and will continue to have, significant influence on the election of our directors and the outcome of any action requiring shareholder approval.

B. Related Party Transactions

We increased our investment in Banco Hipotecario in fiscal year 2004

Several of our directors are also directors of Banco Hipotecario.

On December 30, 2003, we purchased 4,116,267 shares of Banco Hipotecario at US$2.3868 per share and 37,537 warrants at US$33.86 each with the right to purchase 3,753,700 additional shares. We paid US$11.1 million for these securities. On February 2, 2004, we exercised a substantial portion of the warrants acquired. As a result, we acquired 4,774,000 shares of Banco Hipotecario for a total consideration of Ps.33.4 million. During the last quarter of fiscal year 2004, we sold 2,487,571 shares of Banco Hipotecario to IFIS (indirect shareholders) for a total consideration of US$6.1 million (market value equivalent to Ps.7.0 per share). We recognized a loss in connection with the sale amounting to Ps.1.6 million. See Note 3.c. to our consolidated financial statements for details on the accounting for this investment.

 

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As of June 30, 2008, we owned directly and indirectly Class D shares representing an 11.8% state in Banco Hipotecario, which give us the right to cast 18.36% of the total votes that may be cast at a shareholders’ meeting of Banco Hipotecario.

As of June 30, 2008, other companies affiliated with our chairman, Eduardo Elsztain (including IFIS, of which IFISA is a wholly owned subsidiary), owned Class D shares representing 9.77% of Banco Hipotecario and currently affording such holders the right to cast 15.25% of the total votes that may be cast at a shareholders’ meeting of Banco Hipotecario. As a result, as of June 30, 2008, we and other affiliated companies owned in the aggregate Class D shares representing 21.53% of Banco Hipotecario’s shares, currently affording us and such other affiliated companies the right to cast, in the aggregate, 33.61% of the total votes that may be cast at a shareholders meeting and to nominate 6 of Banco Hipotecario’s 12 directors.

Space for Fundación IRSA and Fundación Museo de los Niños at No Cost

On October 31, 1997, our subsidiary Alto Palermo approved the execution of an agreement granting Fundación IRSA the free right to use 3,800 square meters of constructed area in the Abasto Shopping Center for a 30-year period.

On November 29, 2005, Alto Palermo approved the execution of an agreement granting Fundación Museo de los Niños, the free right to use approximately 2,670.11 square meters of constructed area in the Shopping Rosario for a 30-year period.

Fundación IRSA is a charitable, non-profit organization whose Chairman is Eduardo S. Elsztain and whose Secretary, is Mariana Carmona de Elsztain, Mr. Elsztain’s wife. Fundación IRSA has used the available area to house a museum called “Museo de los Niños, Abasto,” an interactive learning center for children and adults, which opened to the public in April 1999. On September 27, 1999, Fundación IRSA assigned and transferred at no cost, the entirety of Museo de los Niños, as well as Abasto’s rights and obligations to Fundación Museo de los Niños.

Fundación Museo de los Niños is a charitable non-profit organization established by the same founders of Fundación IRSA and run by the same members of the administration committee as Fundación IRSA. Fundación Museo de los Niños acts as special vehicle for the development of Museo de los Niños, Abasto and Museo de los Niños, Rosario. On October 29, 1999, Alto Palermo approved the assignment of Museo de los Niños, Abasto’s agreement to Fundación Museo de los Niños. In addition, on December 12, 2005, an agreement granting the right to use of the space designated for Museo de los Niños, Rosario, at no cost, was signed.

Donations for Fundación IRSA and Fundacion Museo de los Ninos

During the fiscal years ended June 30, 2006, 2007 and 2008, we made donations to Fundación IRSA and Fundación Museo de los Niños for a total amount of Ps.4.3 million, Ps.2.5 million and Ps.4.8 million, respectively. Eduardo S. Elsztain is the chairman of Fundación IRSA and Fundación Museo de los Niños.

Our Shares

As of November 30, 2007, IFISA converted all of its convertible notes and warrants. After this exercise of warrants and conversion of convertible notes, IFISA had no outstanding warrants or convertible notes of our Company. As a result, IFISA owned as of November, 2007 8.0 million of our common shares, representing 1.4% of our total outstanding common shares.

 

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Between November 30, 2007 and November 30, 2008, IFISA decreased its ownership in us to 0.3 %, by selling in the market around 6,494,920 of our shares.

Eduardo S. Elsztain and Saúl Zang are, respectively, Chairman and Vice Chairman of our board of directors and are also shareholders of our company. They are also, respectively, chairman and vice-chairman of the board of directors of Cresud and are also shareholders of Cresud.

During November and December 2002, Cresud purchased US$49.7 million of our 8% convertible notes due 2007 and during July and November 2003, Cresud purchased an additional US$0.25 million of such convertible notes.

Our convertible notes, which were offered on October 15, 2002 for 100 million units consisting of US$100.0 million of 8% convertible notes due 2007, are convertible at any time, at the option of the holder, into a fixed number of common shares. Once converted, the holder has the right to acquire an additional equal number of shares at the exercise price of the warrant.

In May 2004, Cresud decided to exercise its option to convert 5.0 million aggregate principal amount of our Convertible Notes as part of our long term strategy, in order to revert the reduction of Cresud’s ownership percentage, which was diluted by the conversion of notes and the exercise of warrants by third parties. As a result of this conversion, Cresud received 9.2 million of our common shares.

In July 2004, Cresud converted 0.35 million convertible notes issued by us for US$0.5 million. On September 30, 2004, Cresud exercised 5.0 million Warrants for 9.2 million ordinary shares at a total cost of US$6 million. In February 2006, Cresud converted 5.0 million convertible notes issued by us for 9.2 million ordinary shares. In April 2006, Cresud converted 16.0 million of convertible notes issued by us for 29.3 million ordinary shares.

Between June 2007 and November 2007, 12.0 million convertible notes were converted and 33.0 million warrants were exercised. After this exercise of warrants and conversion of convertible notes, Cresud had no outstanding warrants or convertible notes of our Company. As of November 30, 2007 Cresud owned 34.4% of our common shares.

As of June 30, 2008 Cresud increased its participation in our Company to 38.4 % of our common shares by acquisitions in the open market.

As of November 30, 2008 Cresud´s ownership of our Company was 54.01%.

Lease of our Headquarters

Our headquarters are located at Bolívar 108, 1st floor, City of Buenos Aires. We lease this property from Elsztain e Hijos S.C.A., a company controlled by relatives of Eduardo S. Elsztain, and from Hamonet S.A., a company controlled by Fernando A. Elsztain, one of our directors, and several of his relatives. A lease agreement was signed among us, Alto Palermo, Cresud and Isaac Elsztain e Hijos S.C.A., in March 2004. This lease establishes a term of 120 months and monthly rental payments of Ps.8.5 million. We, Alto Palermo, and Cresud each pay one-third, or Ps.2.8 million, of such rent.

 

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Office Space Lease

In December 2003, Alto Palermo, Fibesa S.A. (a wholly owned subsidiary of Alto Palermo) and Cresud leased their administrative headquarters in the Intercontinental Plaza tower, located at Moreno 877, City of Buenos Aires, from our subsidiary Inversora Bolívar S.A. The lease agreements’ initial term is 60 months subject to an optional extension of 36 months. Alto Palermo, Fibesa S.A. and Cresud pay a monthly rent of US$0.045 million, US$0.003 million and US$0.003 million, respectively, to Inversora Bolivar S.A. In addition, IRSA, Cresud and Alto Palermo split between them the rent for the twenty-fourth floor of the above mentioned building, which amounts to US$0.003 million per month.

Legal Services

During the fiscal years ended June 30, 2006, 2007 and 2008 we paid the law firm Zang, Bergel & Viñes an aggregate amount of approximately Ps.1.9 million, Ps.3.3 million and Ps.3.8 million, respectively, as payments for legal services. Our director, Saúl Zang, and our alternate director, Salvador D. Bergel, are partners of this law firm. Juan C. Quintana Terán, our alternate director, is of counsel of this law firm. Ernesto Manuel Viñes, a partner of the firm, is a member of the board of directors of our equity investee Banco Hipotecario.

Dolphin Fund

Since 1996, we have invested in Dolphin Fund Plc, an open-ended investment fund which is related to our director and principal shareholder Eduardo Elsztain. These investments are carried at market value as of year-end. Unrealized gains and losses relating to investment funds are included in financial results, net, in the consolidated statements of income. The amounts relating to our net (loss) gain on holding Dolphin Fund Plc. for the years ended June 30, 2006, 2007 and 2008 were Ps.(0.0) million, Ps.46.8 million and Ps.(37.8) million, respectively.

Loan agreements with members of the Senior Management of Banco Hipotecario

As of June 30, 2008, several members of the senior management of Banco Hipotecario had loans from Banco Hipotecario for a total amount of approximately Ps.4.1 million with an average interest rate of 10%. We believe that each of these loans was made by Banco Hipotecario in the ordinary course of its consumer credit business, is of a type generally made available by Banco Hipotecario to the public, and was made on market terms.

Agreement for Shared Corporate Services with Cresud and Alto Palermo

In order to reduce administrative expenses and to achieve a more efficient allocation of corporate resources, we entered into an Agreement for Shared Corporate Services with Cresud and Alto Palermo, on June 30, 2004, and amended it on August 23, 2007. This agreement has a term of two years, which may be renewed for an equal term unless any of the parties decide to terminate it. Pursuant to this agreement tasks are performed by one or more of the companies for the benefit of one or more of other companies in exchange for a fee to be paid primarily through the provision of services in other areas. Through this agreement, each company continues to maintain its strategic and commercial independence while increasing operating efficiency. This agreement will not affect the independence of each company’s record and accounting systems or adversely affect internal control systems or external audit tasks. Each company will continue to maintain separate assets and liabilities.

 

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On August 15, 2008, we signed the Second Amendment for Shared Corporate Services (Segundo Convenio de Instrumentación de Modificciones al Contrato de Servicios Compartidos) with Cresud and Alto Palermo. Alejandro Gustavo Elsztain is the General Coordinator of the program, which is operated and implemented by Cedric Bridger for us, Gabriel Adolfo Gregorio Reznik for Cresud and Abraham Perelman for Alto Palermo, all of whom are directors and members of the Audit Committees of their respective companies. The main duties for implementation of the project are (a) monitoring the project’s implementation in accordance with the agreement; (b) reviewing the billing report on a monthly basis to analyze and check it against the provisions of the agreement, and, in the event of’ discrepancies or deviations, preparing a report to submit for the consideration of the General Coordinator, and by each company’s boards of directors and (c) assessing, on a permanent basis, the results derived from the project’s implementation and proposing to the General Coordinator changes in the event of a conflict with the agreement or, if appropriate, the possibility of establishing cost or benefit allocation mechanisms or criteria more consistent with the goals of the agreement.

Currently, the areas involved are: Human Resources, Finance, Institutional Relations, Administration and Control, Systems and Technology, Insurance, Purchases and Procurement, Messenger Services, Contracts, Technical, Infrastructure and Services, Internal Audit, Planning and Development, Development of Works, Real Estate, Hotels and Tourism and Risks and Processes.

In the future and in order to continue our policy of achieving a more efficient allocation of corporate resources, we may extend the areas in which we share corporate services with Cresud and Alto Palermo. Our chairman is also chairman of Cresud and Alto Palermo and our vice-chairman is also vice-chairman of Cresud and Alto Palermo. We believe that the terms and conditions of these transactions are consistent in all material respects with those prevailing in the market at the relevant time for agreements between unaffiliated parties.

The Share Services Agreement was filed with the SEC in a report on Form 6-K dated July 1, 2004. Amendments to this agreement were filed in reports on Form 6-K dated September 19, 2007 and the Second Agreement for Shared Corporate Services was filed on form 6K on August 19, 2008. See Exhibit 4.3 and Note 8 to our audited consolidated financial statements contained elsewhere in this annual report.

Convertible Notes of Alto Palermo

At a noteholders’ meeting held on May 2, 2006, the holders of Alto Palermo’s Series I convertible notes unanimously approved an extension of the maturity date to July 19, 2014, which had initially been scheduled to mature in July 2006.

On November 30, 2008, the outstanding principal amount of such convertible notes was US$47.2 million, and we owned US$31.7 million principal amount of such convertible notes on such date. If all the holders of Alto Palermo’s convertible notes were to exercise their conversion rights, the amount of Alto Palermo’s shares outstanding would be increased from 782.1 million to 2,210.7 million.

C. Interests of Experts and Counsel

This section is not applicable

 

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ITEM 8. Financial information

A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information

See Item 18 for our consolidated financial statements.

Legal or Arbitration Proceedings

Legal Proceedings

Set forth below is a description of certain material legal proceedings to which we are a party. We are not engaged in any other material litigation or arbitration and no other material litigation or claim is known to us to be pending or threatened against us or our subsidiaries. Nevertheless, we may be involved in other litigation from time to time in the ordinary course of business.

Puerto Retiro

On November 18, 1997, in connection with our acquisition of our subsidiary Inversora Bolívar S.A. (“Inversora Bolívar”), we indirectly acquired 35.2% of the capital stock of Puerto Retiro. Inversora Bolívar had purchased such shares of Puerto Retiro from Redona Investments Ltd. N.V. in 1996. In 1999, we, through Inversora Bolívar, increased our interest in Puerto Retiro to 50.0% of its capital stock. On April 18, 2000, Puerto Retiro received notice of a complaint filed by the Argentine Government, through the Ministry of Defense, seeking to extend the bankruptcy of Inversora Dársena Norte S.A. (“Indarsa”). Upon filing of the complaint, the bankruptcy court issued an order restraining the ability of Puerto Retiro to dispose of, in any manner, the real property it had purchased in 1993 from Tandanor S.A. (“Tandanor”). Puerto Retiro appealed the restraining order which was confirmed by the Court on December 14, 2000.

In 1991, Indarsa had purchased 90% of Tandanor, a former government-owned company, which owned a piece of land near Puerto Madero of approximately 8 hectares, divided into two parcels: Planta 1 and 2. After the purchase of Tandanor by Indarsa, in June 1993, Tandanor sold “Planta 1” to Puerto Retiro, for a sum of US$18 million pursuant to a valuation performed by J.L. Ramos, a well-known real estate brokerage firm in Argentina. Indarsa failed to pay to the Argentine government the price for its purchase of the stock of Tandanor, and as a result the Ministry of Defense requested the bankruptcy of Indarsa. Since the only asset of Indarsa was its holding in Tandanor, the Argentine government is seeking to extend Indarsa’s bankruptcy to other companies or individuals which, according to its view, acted as a single economic group. In particular, the Argentine government has requested the extension of Indarsa’s bankruptcy to Puerto Retiro which acquired Planta 1 from Tandanor.

The deadline for producing evidence in relation to these legal proceedings has expired. The parties have submitted their closing arguments and are awaiting a final judgment. However, the judge has delayed his decision until a final judgment in the criminal proceedings against the former Defense Minister and former directors of Indarsa has been delivered. We cannot give you any assurance that we will prevail in this proceeding, and if the plaintiff’s claim is upheld by the courts, all of the assets of Puerto Retiro would likely be used to pay Indarsa’s debts and our investment in Puerto Retiro, valued at Ps.54.5 million, as of June 30, 2008, would be lost. As of June 30, 2008, we had not established any reserve with respect of this contingency.

 

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Llao Llao Holding

Llao Llao Holding S.A. purchased Hotel Llao Llao in November, 1997, from the Argentine National Parks Administration. Llao Llao Holding S.A., the predecessor of Llao Llao Resorts S.A., was sued in 1997 by the National Parks Administration to collect the unpaid balance of the purchase price in Argentine sovereign debt securities amounting to US$2.9 million. The trial court ruled in favor of the plaintiff. The ruling was appealed, and the court of appeals confirmed the judgment ordering the payment of US$2.9 million in Argentine sovereign debt securities available at the date of the ruling, plus compensatory and punitive interest and attorneys’ fees. On March 2, 2004, Llao Llao Resorts S.A. deposited a payment of Ps.7.2 million with Banco de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires in favor of the National Parks Administration and deposited Argentine sovereign debt securities class FRB – FRB L+13/16 2005 having a total principal amount of US$4.1 million. The aggregate amount deposited on that date was Ps.9.2 million.

On June 30, 2004, the plaintiff filed a brief rejecting Llao Llao Resorts S. A. payment on the grounds that it was a partial payment and requesting the court to determine the term for the deposit of funds amounting to final payment of the total debt. The trial court pesified the outstanding amount of plaintiff’s ruling against Llao Llao Resorts S.A., as well as the unpaid fee of the plaintiff’s attorneys. The plaintiff appealed this decision. The court of appeals ruled in favor of the plaintiff maintaining the unpaid amounts were payable in U.S. dollars. Llao Llao Resorts S.A. filed an appeal, which was rejected. Llao Llao Resorts S.A. subsequently filed with the National Supreme Court an additional appeal in response to the refusal to allow the appeal and this action is still pending.

The plaintiff filed a petition requesting that the above mentioned deposit amount be transferred to a savings account. Llao Llao Resorts S.A. did not oppose this petition maintaining that its obligations would be cancelled upon such payment. Notwithstanding the appeal the complaint filed by Llao Llao Resorts S.A., the plaintiff has continued the procedure for the collection of the outstanding amount.

The plaintiff requested the court of original jurisdiction to initiate an incidental proceeding for the execution of the judgment. Llao Llao Resorts S.A. contested this settlement and requested the plaintiff to provide additional information in order to evaluate the amount of the settlement. Also, Llao Llao Resorts S.A. requested that the execution be suspended until there is a final judgment in the appeal filed with the National Supreme Court.

Llao Llao Resorts S.A.’s request was denied and on July 14, 2008, the court of appeals announced by means of a decree dated June 18, 2008, that it had confirmed the settlement approved by the court of original jurisdiction. In accordance with the information provided by the attorneys in respect of this lawsuit, the amount to be recovered by virtue of the Court sentence amounts to Ps. 10.2 million as of September 30, 2008, such amount being recorded in Other current liabilities.

Legal issues with the City Hall of Neuquén

In June 2001, Shopping Neuquén requested that the City Hall of Neuquén allow it to transfer certain parcels of land to third parties so that each participant in the commercial development to be constructed would be able to build on its own land. The City Hall Executive Branch previously rejected this request under Decree No. 1437/2002 which also established the expiration of the rights arising from Ordinance 5178, including the loss of any improvement and expenses incurred. As a result, Shopping Neuquén had no right to claim indemnity charges and annulled its buy-sell land contracts.

 

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Shopping Neuquén submitted a written appeal to this decision on January 21, 2003. It also sought permission to submit a revised schedule of time terms, taking account of the current situation and including reasonable short and medium term projections. The City Hall Executive Branch rejected this request in Decree 585/2003. Consequently, on June 25, 2003, Shopping Neuquén filed an “Administrative Procedural Action” with the High Court of Neuquén requesting, among other things, the annulment of Decrees 1,437/2002 and 585/2003 issued by the City Hall Executive Branch. On December 21, 2004, the High Court of Neuquén communicated its decision that the administrative procedural action that Shopping Neuquén had filed against the City Hall of Neuquén had expired. Shopping Neuquén filed an extraordinary appeal for the case to be sent to the Argentine Supreme Court.

On December 13, 2006, Shopping Neuquén signed an agreement with both the City Hall and the Province of Neuquén stipulating a new timetable for construction of the commercial and housing enterprises (the “Agreement”). Also, Shopping Neuquén was permitted to transfer certain parcels to third parties so that each participant in the commercial development to be constructed would be able to build on its own land, with the exception of the land in which the shopping center will be constructed. The Legislative Council of the City Hall of Neuquén duly ratified the Agreement. The City Hall Executive Branch promulgated the ordinance issued on February 12, 2007.

The Agreement also provides that Shopping Neuquén will submit, within 120 days after the Agreement is signed, a new urban project draft with an adjustment of the environmental impact survey, together with a map of the property subdivision, which the City Hall of Neuquén will approve or disapprove within 30 days after its presentation. If the project is approved, Shopping Neuquén will submit the final maps of the works to the City Hall within 150 days of this decision and construction must commence within a maximum period of 90 days thereafter. The first stage of construction (including minimum construction of 21,000 square meters of the shopping center and 10,000 square meters of the hypermarket) is expected to be completed within a maximum period of 22 months. The Agreement is conditional upon the City Hall declaring the feasibility of the draft project submitted, and upon the terms and conditions of this decision being accepted by Shopping Neuquén S.A. The City Hall of Neuquén reserves its right to rescind the Agreement and file the legal actions it deems pertinent if its conditions are contravened.

On March 28, 2007, Shopping Neuquén submitted the new project draft and revised environmental impact survey to the City Hall of Neuquén. On May 10, 2007, the City Hall of Neuquén, requested certain explanations and made recommendations for our consideration before issuing an opinion on the feasibility of the draft project. On July 17, 2007, Shopping Neuquén answered the City Hall’s requests and on September 20, 2007, the City Hall approved the feasibility of the project.

Shopping Neuquén submitted the final maps of the project to City Hall. Once these maps are registered, Shopping Neuquén S.A. will have to start the works within 90 days’.

The agreement referred to above put an end to the legal proceeding between Shopping Neuquén and the City Hall of Neuquén before the High Court of Neuquén.

 

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Other Litigation

As of July 5, 2006, the Administración Federal de Ingresos Públicos or AFIP filed a preliminary injunction with the Federal Court for Administrative Proceedings against Alto Palermo for an aggregate amount of Ps.3,689,485.5, plus an added amount, provisionally estimated, of Ps.900,000 for legal fees and interest. The main dispute is about the income tax due for admission rights. In the first instance, AFIP pleaded for a general restraining order. On November 29, 2006, the Federal Court issued an order substituting such restraining order for an attachment on the parcel of land located in Caballito neighborhood, City of Buenos Aires, where Alto Palermo is planning to develop a shopping center.

After our acquisition of Bouchard 557 we asked the Argentine Antitrust Authority whether it was necessary to notify it of such acquisition. The Antitrust Authority advised us that we were in fact required to notify it, and the pertinent court ratified such decision. Consequently, on April 22, 2008, the notice of the operation was filed with the Antitrust Authority. As of the date of this annual report, such matter is still to be resolved.

After we sold the 29.85% interest of Bouchard 557 to Techint Compañía Técnica Internacional Sociedad Anónima Comercial e Industrial, we asked the Antitrust Authority if it was necessary to notify such operation. On July 4, 2008, the Antitrust Authority informed us that it was not necessary to report such sale.

We filed a new request for the Antitrust Authority’s opinion regarding our acquisition of Bank Boston Tower on August 30, 2007. The Antitrust Authority advised us that we were in fact required to so notify it, and we challenged this opinion in the local courts.

On May 6, 2008, we filed with the Antitrust Authority a request for its opinion as to the need to notify the Antitrust Authority the acquisition of Edificio República. The Antitrust Authority advised us that we were in fact required to so notify it. We challenged this opinion in the local courts.

On January 15, 2007 Alto Palermo and we were notified of two claims filed against Alto Palermo and us before the Antitrust Authority, one by a private individual and the other one by the licensee of the shopping center, both opposing Alto Palermo’s acquisition from the province of Córdoba of a property known as Ex-Escuela Gobernador Vicente de Olmos. On February 1, 2007 Alto Palermo and we responded the claims. On June 26, 2007, the Antitrust Authority notified Alto Palermo and us that it has initiated a summary proceeding to determine whether the completion of the transaction breaches the Antitrust Law. As of the date of this filing the result of this proceeding has not been determined.

On January 22, 2008, Alto Palermo requested the Antitrust Authority’s clearance of the transfer of the Soleil Factory shopping center. As of the date of this filing, the Antitrust Authority has not reached a decision.

We are involved in other litigation which derives from the ordinary course of our business. We accrue liabilities when it is probable that future costs will be incurred and such costs can be reasonably estimated. Such accruals are based on developments to date, our estimates of the outcomes of these matters and the lawyers’ experience in contesting, litigating and settling similar matters. As the scope of the liabilities becomes better defined, there will be changes in the estimates of future costs, which could have a material effect on our future results of operations and financial condition or liquidity.

 

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For more information see Item 4 “Regulation and Government Supervision” and Item 3 “Risk Factors—Risk related to our Business—Our business is subject to extensive regulation and additional regulations may be imposed in the future.

Dividend Policy

Pursuant to Argentine law, the distribution and payment of dividends to shareholders is allowed only if they result from realized and net earnings of the company pursuant to annual financial statements approved by the shareholders. The approval, amount and payment of dividends are subject to the approval by our shareholders at our annual ordinary shareholders meeting. The approval of dividends requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares entitled to vote at the meeting.

In accordance with Argentine law and our by-laws, net and realized profits for each fiscal year are allocated as follows:

 

   

5% of such net profits is allocated to our legal reserve, until such reserve amounts to 20% of our capital stock;

 

   

a certain amount determined at a shareholders’ meeting is allocated to compensation of our directors and the members of our Supervisory Committee; and

 

   

additional amounts may be allocated for the payment of dividends or to optional reserve funds, or to establish reserves or for whatever other purpose our shareholders determine.

According to rules issued by the Comisión Nacional de Valores, cash dividends must be paid to shareholders within 30 days of the resolution approving their distribution. In the case of stock dividends, the shares must be delivered to shareholders within three months of the annual ordinary shareholders’ meeting that approved them.

On February 2, 2007 we issued our 2017 fixed rate notes for a total amount of US$150.0 million at an annual interest rate of 8.5% payable semi-annual and mature on February 2, 2017. This bond limits our ability to pay dividends which may not exceed the sum of:

 

   

50% of our cumulative consolidated net income; or

 

   

75% of our cumulative consolidated net income if the consolidated interest coverage ratio is at least 3.0 to 1; or

 

   

100% of our cumulative consolidated net income if the consolidated interest coverage ratio is at least 4.0 to 1; or

 

   

100% of the aggregate net cash proceeds (with certain exceptions) and the fair market value of property other than cash received by us or by its restricted subsidiaries from (a) any contribution to our equity capital or to the capital stock of its restricted subsidiaries or issuance and sale of our qualified capital stock or the qualified capital stock of its restricted subsidiaries subsequent to the issue of our notes due 2017, or (b) issuance and sale subsequent to the issuance of our notes due 2017 of our indebtedness or of the indebtedness of its restricted subsidiaries that has been converted into or exchanged for its qualified capital stock.

 

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The table below presents the dividend payment ratio and the total amount of dividends paid for, each paid entirely in common shares, for the mentioned years. Amounts in Pesos are stated in historical Pesos of their respective payment date. See “Exchange Rates and Exchange Controls.”

 

Year declared

   Cash dividends(1)    Stock dividends(1)    Total per common share
     (in Pesos)

1996

   0.092    —      0.092

1997

   0.110    —      0.110

1998

   0.060    0.05    0.110

1999

   0.076    0.04    0.116

2000

   —      0.20    0.204

2001

   —      —      —  

2002

   —      —      —  

2003

   —      —      —  

2004

   —      —      —  

2005

   —      —      —  

2006

   —      —      —  

2007

   —      —      —  

2008

   —      —      —  

 

(1) Corresponds to payments per common share.

B. Significant Changes.

Recent Developments

Impact of recent credit crisis. During recent months, the world’s principal financial markets have suffered the impact of volatility, lack of liquidity, and uncertainty. Consequently, stock market indexes showed a significant decline worldwide as a result of an evident economic slowdown. Although many countries took immediate action, the future of the international markets is uncertain. We do not yet know direct effects of the crisis on the market value of major financial assets, particularly equity and debt instruments.

In Argentina, stock markets also showed a pronounced downward trend in the price of equity and debt instruments. We also saw increases in interest rates, country risk and foreign exchange rates. As of the date of this annual report, these effects persist. Management is closely evaluating and monitoring the effects of the current liquidity crisis and will take all corrective actions that are necessary.

In addition, we and our subsidiaries have experienced declines in our respective stock prices during the three months ended September 30, 2008 as compared to the prior quarter. Management believes that this decline is reflective of the current macro-economic conditions and is not related to our operating performance. The stability of our tenants (measured by the levels of occupancy in our properties as well as the delinquency or uncollectibility rates) as well as the market value of our properties has not been significantly affected by the current credit crisis as of the date of this annual report. We believe that the stock prices have declined due to reasons unrelated to our business fundamentals. As of the date of these annual report, management believes that the declines in stock prices are temporary.

Furthermore, we have a 11.8 % equity interest in Banco Hipotecario as of June 30, 2008 and carried this investment under the equity method of accounting. Banco Hipotecario recorded losses of Ps. 91.0 million for the year ended June 30, 2008. Moreover, for the three months ended September 30, 2008, Banco Hipotecario recorded losses of Ps. 239.6 million and could record

 

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losses for the rest of the fiscal year. Such losses are primarily due to the decline in the market value of the Argentine government bonds Banco Hipotecario received as compensation and held in its portfolio. In spite of these losses, Banco Hipotecario remains well-capitalized in compliance with regulatory guidelines as of June 30, 2008 and thereafter.

Banco Hipotecario also experienced a significant decline in its stock price during the year ended June 30, 2008 and the three months ended September 30, 2008. Management believes that this decline is not reflective of the current operating performance of Banco Hipotecario.

We considered several factors including, but not limited to, the following (1) the reasons for the decline in value (whether it is credit event, interest or market related); (2) our ability and intent to hold the equity investment for a sufficient period of time to allow for recovery of value; (3) whether the decline is substantial for us; (4) the historical and anticipated duration of the events causing the decline in value and (5) the major fundamentals underlying our business. The evaluation of other-than-temporary impairments is a quantitative and qualitative process, which is subject to various risks and uncertainties. As of the date of these annual report, management believes that these declines are temporary and will continue to monitor market conditions and determine if any impairment to the carrying value of the investment is necessary.

In addition, the other business segment affected by the current credit crisis is Consumer financing. This segment includes the origination of consumer loans and credit card receivables and securitization activities through our indirect subsidiary Tarshop.

Consumer loan and credit card receivables arise primarily under open-end revolving credit accounts used to finance purchases of goods and services offered by our shopping centers, hypermarkets and street stores, and financing and lending activities. These accounts have various billing and payment structures, including varying minimum payment levels and finance charge rates. We provide an allowance for uncollectible accounts based on impaired accounts, historical charge-off patterns and management’s judgment.

Due to the current credit crisis and other conditions, some customers experienced delays in payments and delinquency rates increased during the year ended June 30, 2008. Moreover, delinquency rates further increased as of September 30, 2008 and thereafter. Tarshop has increased the level of the allowance for doubtful accounts which amounts to Ps. 66.5 million as of June 30, 2008. The allowance for doubtful accounts was increased to Ps. 83.7 million as of September 30, 2008. We are closely monitoring the delays, delinquency and uncollectibility rates.

Tarshop´s generated a net loss of Ps. 18.6 million for the year ended June 30, 2008. For the three months ended September 30, 2008, Tarshop generated an additional net loss of Ps. 57.1 million. After year-end, we contributed an additional Ps. 60.0 million and increased its interest from 80% to 93.4% as of November 30, 2008. We have committed to support Tarshop financially under a credit line up to a maximum amount of Ps. 120.0 million, including the Ps. 86 million already contributed. At present we are evaluating the suitability of capitalizing these loans. We have taken several actions to enhance Tarshop’s capital base from streamlining operations to closing redundant stores to revising and making credit criteria more stringent. The securitization market is still open and Tarshop completed securitization programs during the recent months with no disruptions. As of June 30, 2008 Tarshop credit risk exposure is contractually limited to the subordinated retained interests representing Ps. 156.8 million and Ps. 19.4 million escrow reserves for losses, respectively. As of September 30, 2008, Tarshop credit risk exposure is contractually limited to the subordinated retained interests representing Ps.161.2 million and Ps.17.9 escrow reserves for losses. Due to the factors mentioned above, as of June 30, 2008,

 

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Tarshop has recorded an other-than-temporary impairment charge of Ps. 12.0 million to the retained interests to reflect current fair value. For the three months ended September 30, 2008 no additional impairment charge of related to the retained interests in securitized receivables was necessary.

Acquisition of ownership interest. On July 2, 2008, we acquired a 30% interest in Metropolitan 885 Third Avenue LLC (“Metropolitan”), a limited liability company organized under the laws of Delaware, United States of America. The main asset of Metropolitan is a 34 story building known as the Lipstick Building located at third avenue between 53rd and 54th streets in Manhattan, New York City. In addition to this asset, the acquired company also includes the debt related to this building. The purchase price paid was US$ 22.6 million. The property has approximately 59,000 square meters of leasable space. Also, we acquired the right ( “put right”) to sell the 50% of our stake in a period starting 6 months after this transaction until the third year anniversary of this transaction. Additionally, we acquired the right of first offer for 60% of the 5% currently held by of one of the shareholders of Metropolitan.

Coto Air Space – Barter commitment between Alto Palermo and CYRSA. In July, 2008 Alto Palermo entered into a barter agreement with CYRSA pursuant to which Alto Palermo, subject to certain closing conditions, would surrender to CYRSA its right to construct a tower over a preexisting structure (owned by a third party) in exchange for deminimis cash (US$0.09 million) and 25% of the housing units in the future buildings. The total fair value of the transaction is US$ 5.9 million.

Dique IV, Puerto Madero. Our current portfolio of projects includes the addition of 11,000 square meters of leasable area in Dique IV in Puerto Madero, currently under construction and entailing a total projected investment of approximately Ps.50.5 million. Completion is scheduled for the beginning of calendar year 2009.

Torres Renoir, Dock III. On November 24, 2008, the Decree of Co-Ownership and Administration of the Renoir building developed on plot 1.c. was granted. The first lien mortgages established by DYPSA on plot 1.c. and on plot 1.e were cancelled, and a new first lien mortgage was established on the functional units to be delivered to IRSA and on an additional functional unit. On the same date, DYPSA began the process of registration of deeds of the units to be delivered to IRSA as consideration in kind for the sale of the plot. The deeds will be granted to IRSA or its assignees within 45 days.

Acquisition of ours shares and consolidation of financial statements. In the first quarter of fiscal year 2009, Cresud purchased 32,539,475 of our shares. As a result of this acquisition, Cresud’s investment in our common shares increased from 42.13% as of June 30, 2008 to 47.76% as of September 30, 2008.

From July 1, 2008 to December 17, 2008 Cresud acquired 68,712,005 additional shares of us on the open market for US$ 47,423,279. Thus, Cresud’s direct and indirect interest in us through Cresud’s affiliates amounts to 54.01%. Therefore Cresud consolidates us as from that date.

Cresud´s purchase of our Notes. As of November 25, 2008, Cresud had acquired nominal value US$25,210,000 of our 8.500% Series No. 1 Notes due 2017, for an average weighted price of US$ 0.4844952 per Note, totaling US$ 12,214,124.

 

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Tarshop. As a result of the current international financial scenario, a high volatility has been observed in interest rates and systemic delinquency has increased, affecting the performance and financing of the consumer finance business. The higher delinquency levels have led to an increase in the subordination of financial trusts which, added to the changes in their tax treatment, the higher interest rates resulting from higher risk and a slight deceleration in private consumption, have resulted in the need to review the general economic and the business specific prospects.

In order to face the growing volatility in the international financial markets and to provide Tarshop S.A. with a suitable capital base taking into account the current market conditions, in September 2008 Alto Palermo decided to take part in Tarshop S.A.’s capital increase for up to Ps.60 million, and increased its equity interest in Tarshop S.A. from 80% to 93.4%.

In addition, Alto Palermo implemented several actions aimed at improving Tarshop S.A.’s performance, including the revision of the point of sale structure, a 17% headcount reduction, the closing of 13 points of sale and a 10% reduction in leased centralized areas.

In line with the commercial actions, various other measures have been implemented, including:

 

  (i) A new distribution channel structure.

 

  (ii) Changes in cash lending plans and shops financing, which involved tightening its credit origination and credit limits in order to improve our delinquency rates.

 

  (iii) Renegotiation of conditions with shops.

In addition, the recent changes introduced in the tax treatment of financial trusts and other reforms made by the National Executive Branch result in the need to monitor Tarshop S.A. and fine-tune its positioning strategy to gear with the changing conditions.

On October 2008 in the light of the difficult market conditions and in compliance with the strategic plan devised and implemented by Alto Palermo, subordinated loans were granted to Tarshop S.A. for a total amount of Ps. 51 million to improve its financial position given the particular moment by which the financial trust segment is going through, that is a source in Tarshop’s financing.

On November 25, 2008, Alto Palermo completed a disbursement of Ps. 35 million to Tarshop S.A. This disbursement was subject to the revision and verification of the debt portfolio of Tarshop S.A. by Alto Palermo’s Management and the Board of Directors. The amount was part of a credit line of up to Ps. 120 million, Alto Palermo granted to Tarshop S.A. to strengthen it financially, to fund its operating costs and to reposition Tarshop S.A. given the complex situation existing temporarily in the Financial Trusts markets. Out of the credit line approved, as of November 25, 2008, Ps. 86 million were disbursed. At present, Alto Palermo is evaluating the suitability of capitalizing these loans.

Repurchase of Alto Palermo’s Notes. On September 12, 2008 Alto Palermo announced the repurchase of its Serie II Notes for a face value of US$ 4.8 millions. As a result, the amount of Alto Palermo’s Notes in its portfolio had a face value of US$ 4.8 millions. On November 25, 2008, Alto Palermo announced the repurchase of its Fixed Rate Notes due 2017, Serie I for a face value of US$ 5 million.

 

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Cresud’s Purchase of Alto Palermo´s Notes. As of November 25, 2008, Cresud had acquired nominal value US$5 million of Alto Palermo’s Series I Notes due 2017, for an average weighted price of US$ 0.4185 per Note, totaling US$ 2.1 million.

Purchase of Alto Palermo´s Notes. As of November 25, 2008, we acquired nominal value 8.00 million of Alto Palermo’s Series I Notes due 2017, for an average weighted price of US$ 0.39820 per Note and for a total amount of US$ 3.2 million

Torres Rosario Project. On November 27, 2008, Alto Palermo executed the deed of barter transfer, resulting from the execution of the option granted to Condominios del Alto S.A. to purchase parcel 2-h. This parcel represents 11,686 square meters. As consideration for its acquisition Condominios del Alto S.A. agreed to deliver forty two housing units, with a total constructed surface area of 3,182 square meters, representing 22% of the apartment of the building and 47 parking spaces, representing 22% of the parking of the building.

Luján. In May 2008, we entered into a preliminary purchase contract with transfer of possession with Birafriends S.A. (an unrelated party) for the acquisition of a plot of land in Luján, Province of Buenos Aires, for a total purchase price of US$ 3.0 million. We paid US$ 1.2 million and the remaining balance will be paid at the time of the signing of the deed. On December 2008, we assigned the preliminary purchase contract to Cresud. Cresud will pay the remaining balance at the time of the signing of the deed, and will also refund us the amount we paid at the time of the signing of the preliminary purchase.

 

ITEM 9. The Offer and Listing

A. Offer and Listing Details

The following summary provides information concerning our share capital.

Stock Exchanges in which our securities are listed

Our common shares are listed on the Buenos Aires Stock Exchange and our Global Depositary Shares on the NYSE.

The following description of the material terms of our capital stock is subject to our certificate of incorporation and bylaws, which are included as exhibits to this Form 20-F , and the provisions of applicable Argentine Law.

Price history of our stock on the Bolsa de Comercio de Buenos Aires and NYSE

Our common shares are traded in Argentina on the Buenos Aires Stock Exchange, under the trading symbol “IRSA.” Since 1994, our GDSs, each presenting 10 common shares, have been listed on the NYSE under the trading symbol “IRS.” The Bank of New York is the depositary with respect to the GDSs.

The table below shows the high and low daily closing prices of our common shares in Pesos and the quarterly trading volume of our common shares on the Buenos Aires Stock Exchange for the first quarter of 2002 through December 17, 2008. The table also shows the high and low daily closing prices of our GDSs in U.S. dollars and the quarterly trading volume of our GDSs on the NYSE for the first quarter of 2002 through December 17, 2008. Each GDS represents ten common shares.

 

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     Buenos Aires
Stock Exchange
   NYSE
     Share    Ps. per Share    GDS    US$ per GDS
     Volume    High    Low    Volume    High    Low

2002

                 

1st Quarter

   5,368,206    1.42    0.71    1,083,752    6.25    4.16

2nd Quarter

   5,658,444    1.84    1.42    776,905    5.48    3.58

3rd Quarter

   5,543,385    2.20    1.44    812,784    6.12    3.87

4th Quarter

   9,071,828    2.25    1.75    2,060,029    6.02    4.79

Annual

   25,641,863    2.25    0.71    4,733,470    6.25    3.58

2003

                 

1st Quarter

   9,003,627    2.53    1.82    3,905,500    8.00    5.10

2nd Quarter

   2,924,874    2.88    2.32    3,884,500    10.36    7.96

3rd Quarter

   2,809,542    2.68    2.10    2,376,400    9.22    7.25

4th Quarter

   6,813,720    3.29    2.60    5,876,600    11.43    8.85

Annual

   21,551,763    3.29    1.82    16,043,000    11.43    5.10

2004

                 

1st Quarter

   8,325,595    3.34    2.63    4,714,500    11.52    9.10

2nd Quarter

   2,877,067    2.80    1.90    3,214,000    9.88    6.50

3rd Quarter

   3,977,195    2.42    1.99    2,918,100    8.12    6.65

4th Quarter

   8,723,019    3.43    2.38    5,266,000    11.45    8.11

Annual

   23,902,876    3.43    1.90    16,112,600    11.52    6.50

2005

                 

1st Quarter

   6,954,604    5.05    3.22    14,019,100    17.10    11.00

2nd Quarter

   5,182,675    3.80    3.22    6,986,500    12.84    11.12

3rd Quarter

   2,849,409    3.67    3.34    5,473,500    13.00    11.61

4th Quarter

   1,824,160    3.79    3.35    4,884,000    12.58    11.15

Annual

   16,810,848    5.05    3.22    31,363,100    17.10    11.00

2006

                 

1st Quarter

   3,229,234    4.13    3.35    11,372,300    13.35    10.80

2nd Quarter

   11,204,101    4.20    3.35    13,396,000    13.96    10.74

3rd Quarter

   5,154,760    3.96    3.26    8,678,100    12.86    10.60

4th Quarter

   3,619,656    5.20    4.00    15,941,800    16.98    12.90

Annual

   23,207,751    5.20    3.26       16.98    10.60

2007

                 

1st Quarter

   3,403,858    5.90    4.84    10,414,573    19.13    15.75

2nd Quarter

   11,349,045    6.60    5.70    12,487,722    21.52    18.50

3rd Quarter

   8,409,557    6.45    4.68    12,302,000    20.84    14.45

4th Quarter

   11,105,417    6.60    5.70    12,073,872    21.52    18.5

Annual

   34,267,877    6.60    4.68    47,278,167    21.52    14.45

2008

                 

1st Quarter

   8,223,304    6.45    4.68    12,236,600    20.84    14.45

2nd Quarter

   7,824,963    5.75    4.60    11,040,908    18.05    14.43

3rd Quarter

   14,655,868    4.65    3.98    12,673,507    14.31    12.54

4th Quarter

   4,415,141    4.78    3.62    13,062,516    15.10    11.19

Annual

   35,119,276    6.45    3.62    49,013,531    20.84    11.19

June 2008

   827,183    4.41    3.62    4,671,261    13.94    11.19

July 2008

   2,256,482    3.57    3.30    2,281,963    12.00    10.40

August 2008

   272,858    3.36    2.71    2,905,306    10.80    8.73

September 2008

   1,232,829    3.57    2.26    3,307,471    8.77    7.27

October 2008

   3,117,575    2.25    1.35    7,438,600    7.11    3.59

November 2008

   1,066,805    1.73    1.15    463,900    4.80    3.15

December 2008 (through December 17, 2008)

   4,848,520    1.43    1.18    377,500    4.04    3.08

Source: Bloomberg

 

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B. Plan of Distribution

This item is not applicable.

C. Markets

Argentine Securities Markets

The Comisión Nacional de Valores is a separate governmental entity with jurisdiction covering the territory of Argentina. Its main purpose is to ensure transparency of Argentina’s securities markets, to watch over the market price formation process and to protect investors. The Comisión Nacional de Valores supervises corporations authorized to issue securities to the public, the secondary markets where these securities are traded, and all persons and corporations involved in any capacity in the public offering and trading of these securities. The Argentine markets are governed generally by Law No. 17,811, as amended, which created the Comisión Nacional de Valores and regulates stock exchanges, stockbrokers, market operations and the public offerings of securities. There is a relatively low level of regulation of the market for Argentine securities and of investors’ activities in this market, and enforcement of existing regulatory provisions has been extremely limited. Furthermore, there may be less publicly available information about Argentine companies than is regularly published by or about companies in the United States and certain other countries. However, the Argentine government and the Comisión Nacional de Valores, taking into consideration the deeper global awareness of the importance of having adequate corporate governance practices and a legal framework to enforce principles such as “full information,” and “transparency,” have issued decree No. 677/2001. This decree has the objective of determining the rights of the “financial consumer,” increasing market transparency and an adequate legal framework to increase the investor’s protection within the capital market. Most of its reforms are in line with world trends pertaining to corporate governance practices that have already been adopted by many emerging markets.

In order to offer securities to the public in Argentina, an issuer must meet certain requirements of the Comisión Nacional de Valores regarding assets, operating history, management and other matters, and only securities for which an application for a public offering has been approved by the Comisión Nacional de Valores may be listed on the Buenos Aires Stock Exchange. This approval does not imply any kind of certification or assurance related to the merits or the quality of the securities, or the issuer’s solvency. Issuers of listed securities are required to file unaudited quarterly financial statements and audited annual financial statements, as well as various other periodic reports, with the Comisión Nacional de Valores and the Buenos Aires Stock Exchange.

Securities Exchanges in Argentina

There are 10 securities exchanges in Argentina, of which the principal exchange for the Argentine securities market is the Buenos Aires Stock Exchange, which handles approximately 99% of all equity trading in the country.

Buenos Aires Stock Exchange

The Buenos Aires Stock Exchange is a complex, non-profit, and self-regulated organization. The various markets require different self-organizations of brokers within the Buenos Aires Stock Exchange, which is one of its particular characteristics. The most important and traditional of these markets is Mercado de Valores S.A. (“MERVAL”).

 

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The securities that may be listed on the Buenos Aires Stock Exchange are: Stocks, Corporate Bonds, Convertible Corporate Bonds, Close-ended Investment Funds, Financial Trust, Indexes, Derivatives and Public Bonds. The Buenos Aires Stock Exchange is legally qualified for admission, suspension, and delisting of securities according to its own rules approved by the Comisión Nacional de Valores. Furthermore, the Buenos Aires Stock Exchange works very closely with the Comisión Nacional de Valores in surveillance activities. Also under a special agreement, registration and listing applications are directly filed with the Buenos Aires Stock Exchange for simultaneous processing.

MERVAL

The MERVAL is a corporation whose 134 shareholder members are the only individuals and entities authorized to trade, either as principal or as agent, in the securities listed on the Buenos Aires Stock Exchange. Trading on the Buenos Aires Stock Exchange is conducted by continuous open outcry, or the traditional auction system, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each business trading day of the year. Trading on the Buenos Aires Stock Exchange is also conducted through the automated trading platform, Sistema Integrado de Negociación Asistida por Computación (“SINAC”). SINAC is a computer trading system that permits trading in debt securities and equity securities. SINAC is accessed by brokers directly from workstations located at their offices. Currently, all transactions relating to listed notes and listed government securities can be effected through SINAC.

Over the Counter Market

The Electronic Open Market (Mercado Abierto Electrónico or “MAE) is an exchange organized under the laws of Argentina, which operates as a self-regulatory organization under the supervision of the Comisión Nacional de Valores.

The MAE works as an electronic environment to process Over The Counter transactions. It is an electronic exchange where both government securities and corporate bonds are traded through spot and forward contracts.

The MAE has 90 brokers/dealers members, which include national banks, provincial banks, municipal banks, private national banks, foreign banks, cooperative banks, financial institutions, foreign exchange entities and pure brokers/dealers (exclusively engaged in brokerage activities). Both Argentine or foreign capital banks and financial institutions may be the MAE’s brokers/dealers.

Securities to be traded must be registered with the pertinent supervising authorities and may be traded in the Mercado Abierto Electrónico, in other exchanges or in both of them concurrently.

Securities Central Depositary

Caja de Valores S.A. is a corporation organized under the laws of Argentina, totally private, which acts as central depositary of public bonds and private securities. It was established in 1974 by Act 20,643, and it is supervised by the Comisión Nacional de Valores.

Those authorized to make deposits of securities with the Caja de Valores are stockbrokers, banking financial institutions, and mutual funds.

 

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The majority shareholders of the Caja de Valores S.A. are the Buenos Aires Stock Exchange and the MERVAL (49.98% each).

Information regarding the Buenos Aires Stock Exchange

 

     As of December 31,    As of June 30,
     2006    2007    2007    2008

Market capitalization (Ps. billion)

   1,229.3    1,773.0    1,335.9    1,822.3

Average daily trading volume (Ps. million)

   61.4    88.6    69.9    95.9

Number of listed companies

   106    111    107    111

Although companies may list all of their capital stock on the Buenos Aires Stock Exchange, in many cases a controlling block is retained by the principal shareholders resulting in only a relatively small percentage of many companies’ stock being available for active trading by the public on the Buenos Aires Stock Exchange.

As of June 30, 2008, approximately 111 companies had equity securities listed on the Buenos Aires Stock Exchange. As of June 30, 2008, approximately 6.75% of the total market capitalization of the Buenos Aires Stock Exchange was represented by the securities of the ten largest national companies.

The Argentine securities markets are substantially more volatile than the securities markets in the United States and certain other developed countries. The MERVAL experienced a 13% increase in 1995, a 25% increase in 1996, a 6% increase in 1997, a 37% decrease in 1998, a 28% increase in 1999, a 24% decrease in 2000, a 29% decrease in 2001, a 77% increase in 2002, a 104% increase in 2003, a 28% increase in 2004, a 13% increase in 2005, a 34% increase in 2006, a 2.93% increase in 2007 and a 2.04% decrease for the six month period ended June 30, 2008. In order to control price volatility, the MERVAL operates a system pursuant to which the negotiation of a particular stock or debt security is suspended for a 15- minute period when the price of the security registers a variation on its price between 10% and 15% and between 15% and 20%. Any additional 5% variation on the price of the security after that results in additional 10 – minute successive suspension periods.

The New York Stock Exchange

Our Global Depositary Shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the trading symbol “IRS”.

D. Selling Shareholders

This item is not applicable.

E. Dilution

This item is not applicable.

F. Expenses of the Issue

This item is not applicable.

 

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ITEM 10. Additional Information

A. Share Capital

This item is not applicable.

B. Memorandum and Articles of Association

Our corporate purpose

Our legal name is IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima. We were incorporated under the laws of Argentina on April 30, 1943 as a sociedad anónima (stock corporation) and were registered with the Public Registry of Commerce of the City of Buenos Aires (Inspección General de Justicia or “IGJ”) on June 23, 1943 under number 284, on page 291, book 46 of volume A. Pursuant to our by-laws, our term of duration expires on April 5, 2043.

Pursuant to article 4 of our by-laws our purpose is to perform the following activities:

 

   

Invest, develop and operate real estate developments;

 

   

Invest, develop and operate personal property, including securities;

 

   

Construct and operate works, services and public property;

 

   

Manage real or personal property, whether owned by us or by third parties;

 

   

Build, recycle, or repair real property whether owned by us or by third parties;

 

   

Advise third parties with respect to the aforementioned activities;

 

   

Finance projects, undertakings, works and/or real estate transactions of third parties;

 

   

Finance, create, develop and operate projects related to Internet.

Board of Directors

Voting on proposals in which directors have material interest

Decree No. 677/01 establishes in Section 8 that the directors, administrators and members of the supervisory committee of companies whose securities are publicly offered, shall act in a loyal and diligent manner when exercising their functions. In that sense, they must:

 

   

place the corporate interests of the company and the common interest of the shareholders above any other interest, including the controlling shareholder’s interests;

 

   

refrain from obtaining a personal benefit from the issuer other than the compensation paid for their functions;

 

   

organize and implement preventive systems and mechanisms to protect corporate interests, reducing the risk of conflicts of interests, either permanent or temporary, in

 

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their personal relationships with the company or with persons related to the company. This duty specifically refers to competition with the company, the use or imposition of a lien on corporate assets, the determination of compensation or proposals related thereto, the use of non public information, the use of business opportunities for their own benefit or for the benefit of third parties and, in general, any situation that may generate a conflict of interests affecting the issuer;

 

   

make the necessary arrangements to perform the company’s activities and implement the necessary internal control to ensure a careful management and avoid breaches of the duties established by the applicable regulations; and

 

   

act with due diligence when preparing and disclosing the information to the market, and maintain the independence of external auditors.

The Argentine Corporations Law No. 19,550 establishes in Section 271 that directors may contract with the company when the contract is related to the regular activities of the company and its terms and conditions are established on market terms. All other contracts with directors should be approved by the shareholders.

Further, Section 73 of Decree No. 677/01 establishes a specific procedure for transactions of a company whose securities are publicly offered, entered into with its directors, members of the supervisory committee, or senior managers and which involve a relevant amount. The transaction is considered to have a relevant amount when it exceeds: (i) one percent (1%) of the corporate capital, measured pursuant to the last approved financial statements, and (ii) the equivalent of three hundred thousand Pesos (Ps. 300,000).

The related person with an interest in the transaction should submit all the relevant documentation to the approval of the board of directors. The directors shall request a report of the audit committee stating if the conditions of the operation may be reasonably considered adequate according to normal market conditions and additionally, they may request a report of two independent evaluating firms that shall have informed about the same matter and about the other operation conditions. Immediately after being approved by the board of directors the transaction has to be informed to the Comisión Nacional de Valores.

Notwithstanding that, Section 272 of the Corporations Law No.19,550 provides that when a director has an opposite interest to the one of the company, he or she should notify that situation to the board of directors and the supervisory committee and abstain to vote in that respect. The violation of this provision results in the director being jointly and severally unlimitedly liable.

In the event that the results of the reports are not favorable to the transaction, its approval should be considered by the shareholders’ meeting.

Approval of compensation of the members of the Board of Directors, Senior Management and Supervisory Committee

Our bylaws do not establish the compensation to be paid to members of the board of directors and the supervisory committee, and therefore pursuant to Section 261 of the Corporations Law No.19,550, it should be approved by the shareholders. The maximum amount that may be paid as compensation to members of the board of directors and the supervisory committee should not exceed 25% of the realized and net earnings of the company and 5% when there is no distribution of dividends. If the company does not distribute the total earnings, the

 

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amount of the compensation should be proportional to that distribution and within the mentioned limits. These limits may only be surpassed by express approval of the shareholders.

At our shareholders meeting held on October 31, 2008, the shareholders approved an aggregate compensation of Ps.4.2 million for all of our directors for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2008.

The total and aggregate cash compensation of our senior management for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2008 was Ps.4.05 million.

The shareholders meeting held on October 31, 2008, approved by majority vote the decision not to pay any compensation to our Supervisory Committee.

Powers of directors

Our bylaws establish, in Section 18, that the board of directors has full and broad powers to organize, manage and direct us to fulfilling the corporate purpose.

Retirement of directors

Our bylaws do not establish any requirements or provisions regarding age limits for director’s retirement, nor do they require a number of shares a director must own to qualify for the position.

Rights, preferences and restrictions attaching to the common shares

Dividend rights

The Argentine Corporation Law No. 19,550 establishes that the distribution and payment of dividends to shareholders is valid only if they result from realized and net earnings of the company pursuant to an annual balance sheet approved by the shareholders. Our board of directors submits our financial statements for the previous financial year, together with the reports of our Supervisory Committee, to the Annual Ordinary Shareholders’ Meeting. This meeting must be held by October 30 of each year to approve the financial statements and decide on the allocation of our net income for the year under review. The distribution, amount and payment of dividends, if any, must be approved by the affirmative vote of the majority of the present votes with right to vote at the meeting.

The shareholders’ meeting may authorize payment of dividends on a quarterly basis provided no applicable regulations are violated. In that case, all and each of the members of the board of directors and the supervisory committee will be jointly and severally unlimitedly liable for the refund of those dividends if, as of the end of the respective fiscal year, the realized and net earnings of the Company are not sufficient to allow the payment of dividends.

When we declare and pay dividends on the common shares, the holders of our GDRs, each representing the right to receive ten ordinary shares, outstanding on the corresponding registration date, are entitled to receive the dividends due on the common shares underlying the GDRs, subject to the terms of the Deposit Agreement dated as of May 24, 1994, as amended and restated as of December 12, 1994, as further amended and restated as of November 15, 2000, executed by and between us, The Bank of New York, as depositary and the eventual holders of GDRs. The cash dividends are to be paid in Pesos and, except under certain circumstances, are to be converted by the Depositary into U.S. dollars at the exchange rate prevailing at the conversion

 

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date and are to be paid to the holders of the GDRs net of any applicable fee on the dividend distribution, costs and conversion expenses, taxes and public charges. Since January 2002 and due to the devaluation of the Peso, the exchange rate for the dividends will occur at a floating market rate, which, as of the date of this annual report is Ps.3.406 for each U.S. dollar.

Our dividend policy is proposed from time to time by our board of directors and is subject to shareholders’ approval at an ordinary shareholders’ meeting. Declarations of dividends are based upon our results of operations, financial condition, cash requirements and future prospects, as well as restrictions under debt obligations and other factors deemed relevant by our board of directors and our shareholders.

Dividends may be lawfully paid only out of our retained earnings determined by reference to the financial statements prepared in accordance with Argentine GAAP. In accordance with the Argentine Companies Law, net income is allocated in the following order: (i) 5% is retained in a legal reserve until the amount of such reserve equals 20% of the Company’s outstanding capital; (ii) dividends on preferred stock or common shares or other amounts may be retained as a voluntary reserve, contingency reserve or new account, or (iii) for any other purpose as determined by the Company’s shareholders at an ordinary shareholders’ meeting.

Our legal reserve is not available for distribution. Under the applicable regulations of the Comisión Nacional de Valores, dividends are distributed pro rata in accordance with the number of shares held by each holder within 30 days of being declared by the shareholders for cash dividends and within 90 days of approval in the case of dividends distributed as shares. The right to receive payment of dividends expires three years after the date on which they were made available to shareholders. The shareholders’ meeting may authorize payment of dividends on a quarterly basis provided no applicable regulations are violated. In such case, all and each of the members of the board of directors and the supervisory committee will be jointly and severally liable for the refund of those dividends if, at the end of the respective fiscal year, the realized and net earnings of the Company are not sufficient to allow for the payment of dividends.

Voting rights and staggered elections

Our stock capital is composed by book-entry common shares with face value of Ps. 1 per share and entitled to one vote each.

All directors and alternate directors are elected for a three-year term.

Our by laws do not consider staggered elections.

Rights to share in IRSA’s profits

The holders of our common shares have the right to participate in our net and realized profits on a pro rata basis of their respective interests.

Pursuant to the Corporations Law and Section 29 of our bylaws, liquidated and realized profits of each fiscal year shall be distributed as follows:

 

   

allocate 5% of such net profits to legal reserve, until the amount of such reserve equals 20% of our capital stock;

 

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the sum established by the shareholders’ meeting as remuneration of the board of Directors and the supervisory committee; and

 

   

dividends, additional dividends to preferred shares if any, or to optional reserve funds or contingency reserves or to a new account, or for whatever purpose the shareholders determine at the shareholders’ meeting.

Rights to share in any surplus in the event of liquidation

In the event of liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of our company, our assets are:

 

   

to be applied to satisfy our liabilities; and

 

   

to be proportionally distributed among holders of preferred stock in accordance with the terms of the preferred stock. If any surplus remains, our shareholders are entitled to receive and share proportionally in all net assets available for distribution to our shareholders, subject to the order of preference established by our by-laws.

Provisions related to a shareholder’s ownership of certain amount of shares

Section 9 of our by-laws provides that the acquisition by any person or group, directly or indirectly of our shares, convertible securities, rights to receive any of those securities that may grant that person the control of our company or 35% or more of our capital stock may only be done by complying with certain tender offer rules for all of our shares, except for:

 

   

acquisitions by persons holding or controlling shares or convertible securities in accordance to Decree No. 677/2001, notwithstanding the provisions of the Comisión Nacional de Valores; and

 

   

holdings of more than 35%, which derive from the distribution of shares or dividends paid in shares approved by the shareholders, or the issuance of shares as a result of a merger approved by the shareholders; in both cases, the excess holding shall be disposed of within 180 days of its registration in the relevant shareholder’s account, or prior to the holding of our shareholders meeting, whatever occurs first.

Our shareholders modified the first of the above exceptions in their shareholder meeting on October 10, 2007, to include the control concept under Decree No. 677/2001, which provides for the effective control regularly held in addition to the legal control.

Directors, senior managers, executive officers, members of the supervisory committee, and controlling shareholders of an Argentine company whose securities are publicly listed, should notify the Comisión Nacional de Valores on a monthly basis, of their beneficial ownership of shares, debt securities, and call and put options related to securities of such companies and their controlling, controlled or affiliated companies.

In addition, the Comisión Nacional de Valores must be immediately notified of transactions which cause a person’s holdings of capital stock of an Argentine company whose securities are publicly listed to hold 5% or more of the voting power and of every change in the holdings of such person that represents a multiple of 5% of the voting power. Holders of more than 50% of the common shares of a company or who otherwise have voting control of a company, as well as directors, officers and members of the supervisory committee, must provide

 

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the Comisión Nacional de Valores with annual reports setting forth their holdings in the capital stock of such companies and monthly reports of any change in their holdings.

Procedure to change the rights of stockholders

The rights of holders of stock are established in the Corporations Law and in the bylaws. The rights of shareholders provided for by the Corporations Law may not be diminished by the bylaws. Section 235 of the Corporations Law establishes that the amendment of the bylaws should be approved by the absolute majority of our shareholders at an extraordinary shareholders meeting.

On October 31, 2003 in the ordinary and extraordinary annual shareholders meeting, shareholders decided not to adhere to the “Régimen Estatutario Optativo de Oferta Pública de Adquisición Obligatoria” (Optional Statutory Body of Public Offering of Compulsory Acquisition) provided under Decree No. 677/2001, consequently, shareholders decided to incorporate that provision under Section 1 of the by-laws.

Ordinary and extraordinary shareholders’ meetings

Our by-laws provide that shareholders’ meetings may be called by our board of directors or by our Supervisory Committee or at the request of the holders of shares representing no less than 5% of the common shares. Any meetings called at the request of shareholders must be held within 30 days after the request is made. Any shareholder may appoint any person as its duly authorized representative at a shareholders meeting, by granting a proxy. Co-owners of shares must have single representation.

In general, the following matters can be considered only at a special shareholders’ meeting (asamblea extraordinaria):

 

   

matters that may not be approved at an ordinary shareholders’ meeting;

 

   

the amendment of our by-laws;

 

   

reductions in our share capital;

 

   

redemption, reimbursement and amortization of our shares;

 

   

mergers, and other corporate changes, including dissolution and winding-up;

 

   

limitations or suspensions to preemptive rights to the subscription of the new shares; and

 

   

issuance of debentures, convertible negotiable obligations and bonds that not qualify as notes (obligaciones negociables).

In addition, pursuant to Decree 677/2001, at an ordinary shareholders’ meeting, our shareholders must consider (i) the disposition of, or creation of any lien over, our assets as long as such decision has not been performed under the ordinary course of business; (ii) the execution of administration or management agreements; and (iii) whether to approve the payment of any agreement providing assets or services to us as long as such payment is material when measured against the volume of the ordinary course of business and our shareholders’ equity.

 

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In accordance with our by-laws, ordinary and special shareholders’ meetings (asamblea extraordinaria) are subject to a first and second quorum call, the second to occur upon the failure of the first. The first and second notice of ordinary shareholders’ meetings may be made simultaneously. In the event that both are made on the same day, the second must occur at least one hour after the first. If simultaneous notice was not given, the second notice must be given within 30 days after the failure to reach quorum at the first. Such notices must be given in compliance with applicable regulations.

A quorum for an ordinary shareholders’ meeting on the first call requires the presence of a number of shareholders holding a majority of the shares entitled to vote and, on the second call, the quorum consists of the number of shareholders present, whatever that number. Decisions at ordinary shareholders’ meetings must be approved by a majority of the votes validly exercised by the shareholders.

A quorum for a special shareholders’ meeting (asamblea extraordinaria) on the first call requires the presence of persons holding 60% of the shares entitled to vote and, on the second call, the quorum consists of the number of shareholders present, whatever that number. Decisions at special shareholders’ meeting (asamblea extraordinaria) generally must be approved by a majority of the votes validly exercised.

However, pursuant to the Argentine Corporations Law No. 19,550, all shareholders’ meetings, whether convened on a first or second quorum call, require the affirmative vote of the majority of shares with right to vote in order to approve the following decisions:

 

   

advanced winding-up of the company;

 

   

transfer of the domicile of the company outside of Argentina;

 

   

fundamental change in the purpose of the company;

 

   

total or partial mandatory repayment by the shareholders of the paid-in capital; and

 

   

a merger or a spin-off, when our company will not be the surviving company.

Holders of common shares are entitled to one vote per share. Owners of common shares represented by GDRs exercise their voting rights through the GDR Depositary, who acts upon instructions received from such shareholders and, in the absence of instructions, votes in accordance with the instructions given to the GDR Depositary by the board of directors as set forth in a written notice delivered to the GDR Depositary prior to the meeting.

The holders of preferred stock are not entitled to voting rights. However, in the event that no dividends are paid to such holders for their preferred stock, the holders of preferred stock are entitled to voting rights. Holders of preferred stock are also entitled to vote on certain special matters, such as a transformation of the corporate type, early dissolution, change to a foreign domicile, fundamental change in the corporate purposes, total or partial replacement of capital losses, mergers in which our company is not the surviving entity, and spin-offs. The same exemption will apply in the event the preferred stock is traded on any stock exchange and such trading is suspended or canceled.

 

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Limitations to own securities by non-resident or foreign shareholders

There are no legal limitations on ownership of securities or exercise of voting rights, by non-resident or foreign shareholders. However, foreign shareholders must fulfill certain requirements with the IGJ (“Inspección General de Justicia”) in order to assure that they will be able to properly exercise their voting rights. General Resolution No. 7 passed in September 2003 by the IGJ, and other related regulations set forth certain requirements for foreign entities registered with the IGJ. It provides, among other requirements, disclosure of information related to their proprietary interests in assets located outside Argentina to be at least equivalent in value to those located inside Argentina. The entities must comply with these requirements in order to (1) perform activities on a regular basis through their Argentine branches (Section 118 Argentine Corporate Law), or (2) exercise their ownership rights in Argentine Companies (Section 123 Argentine Corporate Law). In cases where the IGJ has concluded that the entities (a) do not have assets outside Argentina; or (b) have non-current assets that are not materially significant compared to those non-current assets which are owned by them and located in Argentina; or (c) the entity’s address in Argentina becomes the place where this entity makes a majority of its decisions, corporate or otherwise, the entities may be required to amend and register their by-laws to comply with Argentine law, thereby becoming an Argentine entity subject to Argentine law according to Section 124 of Argentine Corporate Law. In addition, Argentine companies with shareholders consisting of such entities that fail to comply with these requirements may be subject to the following sanctions: (1) the IGJ may not register corporate decisions adopted by the Argentine Company when its off-shore shareholder votes as a shareholder and when that vote is essential in attaining a majority. Any decisions made pursuant to such vote related to the approval of its annual balance sheet may be declared null and void for administrative purposes; (2) whether or not the vote of the off-shore entity is necessary for purposes of determining quorum or majority, the IGJ may register the decision without considering that vote; and (3) the directors of the Argentine Company may be held personally liable for actions taken by the Argentine Company.

Ownership threshold above which ownership should be disclosed

Directors, senior managers, executive officers, members of the supervisory committee, and controlling shareholders of an Argentine company whose securities are publicly listed, should notify the Comisión Nacional de Valores on a monthly basis, of their beneficial ownership of shares, debt securities, and call and put options related to securities of such companies and their controlling, controlled or affiliated companies.

In addition, the Comisión Nacional de Valores must be immediately notified of transactions which cause a person’s holdings of capital stock of an Argentine company whose securities are publicly listed to hold 5% or more of the voting power and of every change in the holdings of such person that represents a multiple of 5% of the voting power. Holders of more than 50% of the common shares of a company or who otherwise have voting control of a company, as well as directors, officers and members of the supervisory committee, must provide the Comisión Nacional de Valores with annual reports setting forth their holdings in the capital stock of such companies and monthly reports of any change in their holdings.

Amendments to our by-laws

On the shareholders’ meeting held on October 10, 2007, our shareholders decided to amend the following sections of the by-laws: (i) Section Thirteen in order to adapt the performance bonds granted by directors to current rules and regulations, and (ii) Section Sixteen in order to incorporate the possibility of holding remote board meetings pursuant the provisions of section 65 of Decree 677/01.

 

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Compliance with NYSE listing standards on corporate governance

New York Stock Exchange and Argentine Corporate Governance Requirements

Our corporate governance practices are governed by the applicable Argentine law; particularly, the Corporations Law, Decree N 677/01 and the Standards of the Comisión Nacional de Valores, as well as by our corporate by-laws. We have securities that are registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission and are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”), and is therefore subject to corporate governance requirements applicable to NYSE-listed non-US companies (a “NYSE-listed” company).

NYSE-listed non-US companies that are categorized as “Foreign Private Issuers” may, in general, follow their home country corporate governance practices in lieu of most of the new NYSE corporate governance requirements (the “NYSE Sections”) codified in Section 303A of the NYSE’s Listed Company Manual. However, Foreign Private Issuers must comply with NYSE Sections 303A.06, 303A.11 and 303A.12(b) and 303A.12(c). Foreign Private Issuers must comply with Section 303A.06 prior to July 31, 2005 and with Sections 303A.11 and 303A.12(b) prior to the first annual meeting of shareholders held after January 15, 2004, or by October 31, 2004.

NYSE Section 303A.11 requires that Foreign Private Issuers disclose any significant ways in which their corporate governance practices differ from US companies under NYSE standards. A Foreign Private Issuer is simply required to provide a brief, general summary of such significant differences to its US investors either 1) on the company’s website (in English) or 2) in Form 20-F as distributed to their U.S. investors. In order to comply with Section 303A.11, we have prepared and have updated the comparison in the table below.

The most relevant differences between our corporate governance practices and NYSE standards for listed companies are as follows:

 

NYSE Standards for US companies Listed Companies Manual Section 303.A

  

IRSA’s Corporate Practices

Section 303A.01 A NYSE-listed company must have a majority of independent directors on its board of directors.    IRSA follows Argentine law which does not require that a majority of the board of directors be comprised of independent directors. Argentine law instead requires that public companies in Argentina have a sufficient number of independent directors to be able to form an audit committee of at least three members, the majority of which must be independent pursuant to the criteria established by the Comisión Nacional de Valores.
Section 303A.02 This section establishes general standards to evaluate directors’ independence (no director qualifies as “independent” unless the board of directors affirmatively determines that the director has no material relationship with the listed company (either directly or as a partner, shareholder or officer of an organization that has a relationship with the company)), and emphasizes that the concern is independence from management. The board is also required to express an opinion with regard to the independence or lack of independence, on a case by case basis, of each individual director.    Comisión Nacional de Valores’ standards (General Resolution No. 400, as amended) for purposes of identifying an independent director are substantially similar to NYSE’s standards. Comisión Nacional de Valores standards provide that independence is required with respect to the Company itself and to its shareholders with direct or indirect material holdings (35% or more). To qualify as an independent director, such person must not perform executive functions within the company. Close relatives of any persons who would not qualify as “independent directors” shall also not be considered “independent.” When directors are appointed, each shareholder that nominates a director is required to report at the meeting whether or not such director is independent.

 

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NYSE Standards for US companies Listed Companies Manual Section 303.A

  

IRSA’s Corporate Practices

Section 303A.03 Non-management directors must meet at regularly scheduled executive meetings not attended by management.   

Neither Argentine law nor IRSA’s by-laws require that any such meetings be held.

 

IRSA’s board of directors as a whole is responsible for monitoring the company’s affairs. In addition, under Argentine law, the Board of Directors may approve the delegation of specific responsibilities to designated directors or non-director managers of the Company. Also, it is mandatory for public companies to form a supervisory committee (composed of syndics) which is responsible for monitoring legal compliance by the Company under Argentine law and compliance with its by-laws.

Section 303A.05(a) Listed companies shall have a “Compensation Committee” comprised entirely of independent directors.    Neither Argentine law nor IRSA’s by-laws require the formation of a “Compensation Committee.” Under Argentine law, if the compensation of the members of the board of directors and the supervisory committee is not established in the by-laws of a company, it should be determined at the shareholders meeting.
Section 303A.05(b). The “Compensation Committee” shall have a written charter addressing the committee’s purpose and certain minimum responsibilities as set forth in Section 303A.05(b)(i) and (ii).    Neither Argentine law nor IRSA’s by-laws require the formation of a “Compensation Committee.”
Section 303A.06 Listed companies must have an “Audit Committee” that satisfies the requirements of Rule 10 A-3 under the 1934 Exchange Act (the “Exchange Act”). Foreign private issuers must satisfy the requirements of Rule 10 A-3 under the Exchange Act as of July 31, 2005.    Pursuant to Decree No. 677/01 and Comisión Nacional de Valores Standards, as from May 27, 2004 IRSA has appointed an “Audit Committee” composed of three of the members of the Board of Directors. Since December 21, 2005 all of its members are independent as per the criteria of Rule 10 A-3 under the Exchange Act.
Section 303A.07(a) The Audit Committee shall consist of at least three members. All of its members shall be financially literate or must acquire such financial knowledge within a reasonable period and at least one of its members shall have experience in accounting or financial administration.    In accordance with Argentine law, a public Company must have an Audit Committee with a minimum of three members of the board of directors, the majority of which shall be independent pursuant to the criteria established by the Comisión Nacional de Valores. There is no requirement related to the financial expertise of the members of the Audit Committee. However, our Audit Committee has a financial expert. The committee creates it own written internal code that addresses among others: (i) its purpose; (ii) an annual performance evaluation of the committee; and (iii) its duties and responsibilities.

 

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C. Material Contracts

We do not have any material contract entered into outside the ordinary course of business other than some of the operations previously described under the sections Related Party Transactions, Recent Developments, and Our Indebtedness.

D. Exchange Controls

Currency Exchange Regulation

All foreign currency exchange transactions must be carried out in the free exchange market, in which the Argentine Central Bank participates by purchasing and selling foreign currency.

Import and Export of Capital

Import of Capital

Currently, there are no laws, executive orders or regulations nor any exchange controls in force in Argentina which limits the import of capital.

Pursuant to the Argentine Foreign Investment Law No. 21,382, and Decree No. 1,853/93, enacted in 1993, the purchase by foreign investors (any natural or legal person domiciled out of Argentina or an Argentine company of “foreign capital”) of capital participation in a company existing in Argentina (according to the Foreign Investment Act) shall constitute a foreign investment.

At present there are no restrictions on foreign investments in industries other than public broadcasting media, and no prior authorization is required to make foreign investments.

Therefore, no prior authorization is required in order to purchase our securities.

See Item 3: “Key Information – Exchange Rates”

Export of Capital, including the availability of cash or cash equivalents

From 1989 to December 3, 2001, there were no exchange controls restricting the peso-U.S. Dollar translation or the remittance of U.S. Dollars abroad. In compliance with the economic measures set forth by the Government by means of Decree No. 1570/01 dated December 3, 2001 and subsequent amendments thereto, aimed at protecting the integrity of the Argentine financial system, money could not be transferred abroad, unless expressly authorized by the Argentine Central Bank.

For purposes of accessing the funds deposited with financial institutions, clients were allowed to make electronic transfers between accounts of the same institution or others and in favor of the same holder or other persons; pay expenses by means of debit cards, checks, automatic debits and credit cards. Additionally, the Decree declared that new foreign currency deposits can only be received as time deposits, and no demand accounts denominated in foreign currency may be opened. Such restrictions were later relaxed and deposits of foreign currency in savings accounts (“cajas de ahorro”) by residents were allowed. Law No. 25,561 declared a public emergency in social, economic, administrative, financial and foreign exchange market matters, delegating to the Argentine executive branch until December 10, 2003, the powers to

 

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reorganize the financial, banking and foreign exchange system, reactivate the performance of the economy and improve the employment level and distribution of income, focusing on a program for the development of regional economies, creating the conditions for a sustainable economic growth, consistent with the public debt restructuring, and restructuring outstanding obligations affected by the new foreign exchange system. Such period was extended until December 31, 2006 by Law No. 26,077. Among other provisions, this law put an end to the convertibility system that had been in effect since April 1991, whereby pesos were convertible to U.S. Dollars at a rate of Ps. 1.0 per U.S Dollar.

As a consequence of the enactment of Decree 260/02, as of February 8, 2002 a single and free exchange market was implemented, through which all foreign currency exchange transactions are made. Exchange transactions are freely entered into by parties, but subject to the regulations and requirements set forth by the Central Bank. The Central Bank issued Communication “A” 3471, as amended, establishing restrictions or special requirements for exchange transactions. Lack of compliance with requirements and conditions shall result in the application of sanctions established by the Criminal Law Exchange Regime.

Such regulation has been modified several times and, therefore, only the most important provisions currently in force are mentioned below:

 

   

Argentine individuals and companies are authorized to buy up to US$ 2,000,000 per month;

 

   

the sale of foreign currency to non-residents, with the exception of international organizations, in an aggregate monthly amount exceeding US$ 5,000 shall also be previously authorized by the Central Bank, except when it is evidenced that the amounts used to purchase foreign currency (i) come from the payment of a resident to the non-resident which orders the transfer; and (ii) the payment is performed in relation to import, services, revenues or other commercial transfers for which the resident should have accessed to the exchange market in accordance to the exchange rules that regulated payments abroad to commercial account;

 

   

foreign currency exchange or arbitrage transactions with financial institutions located abroad must be previously authorized by the Central Bank, except where such financial institutions are located in countries which are members of the Basel Committee and have an international credit rating not lower than “A” granted by international rating agencies registered with the Central Bank, or where such transactions are entered into with branches of Argentine official banks located abroad;

 

   

future operations in regulated markets, options or forwards transactions and any other type of derivatives entered into and cancelled in Argentina and settled in local currency are not subject to any restriction, provided, however, that: (i) such operations do not contemplate any payment or transfer obligation of a resident to a foreign country; (ii) any inflow of foreign currency into the local exchange market for the purposes of such an operation by a non resident who is party to such a transaction is subject to a non-transferable deposit denominated in U.S. Dollars for an amount equal to 30% of the relevant transaction for a period of 365 days in accordance to such further conditions as indicated bellow (the “Non- Transferable Deposit”); and (iii) transfer of foreign currency abroad by a non resident derived from such transactions involving an aggregate monthly amount exceeding US$ 5,000 shall also be previously authorized by the Central Bank.

 

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Communication “A” 4285 dated January 17, 2005, relaxed restrictions on foreign currency transactions by abrogating the requirement of prior approval of the Central Bank for the execution of certain future and forward operations and for the access to the foreign exchange market for their cancellation. These operations include: (i) transactions executed by the financial system for the acquisition of certain time deposits having variable retribution; (ii) agreements for the coverage of foreign currencies and interest rates, (iii) agreements executed by exporters or importers for the coverage of commodity prices, as long as they are related to argentine foreign trade transactions; and (iv) the execution of external transactions in the form of Repos provided that they are executed for a term of at least 180 days. With the exception of inflows related to the external transactions in the form of Repos mentioned in (iv), any other inflow of foreign currency devoted to future or forward operations mentioned in (i) to (iii) is exempted from the obligation to constitute the Non- Transferable Deposit.

 

   

financial institutions must obtain prior authorization of the Central Bank in order to purchase any kind of asset, where the payment for such a transaction is made against delivery of foreign currency or any other kind of foreign denominated asset that is part of the General Exchange Position (Posición General de Cambios) (the “GEP”) of these financial institutions;

 

   

new imports of goods may be fully paid in advance, without consideration of the kind of good, as well as debts for imports with any maturity date;

 

   

access to the free and sole exchange market is allowed for payment of expired capital services originated in financial debts, except for financial entities subject to advance refinancings and rediscounts granted by the Central Bank and restructuring of its foreign debt (Decree No. 739/03 and Communication “A” 3940);

 

   

non-residents may have access to the exchange market for purposes of transferring funds in foreign currency collected in Argentina, originated from the amortization installments from national public bonds issued in foreign currency, to accounts in foreign banks;

 

   

there are no restrictions to make payments abroad for services rendered by non-residents on any basis (freight, insurance, royalties, technical advise, fees, etc.);

 

   

transfers abroad for the payment of indebtedness of private entities (comprising both financial and non-financial institutions) and government owned entities; provided that they fulfill certain regulatory requirements among others such as (i) a sworn statement affirming the fulfillment of Communication “A” 3602 informative requirements; (ii) the possession of documents which evidence the genuineness of the operation being cancelled, i.e., the entry into the country of the finance proceed and/or its use to cancel the financial or commercial debt, etc.; (iii) the amounts to be transferred have been adjusted, as the case may be, in accordance to Decree 214/02 as amended; and (iv) the fact that the inflows have remained in the county for the legal minimum term (180 days until May 26, 2005 or 365 for funds entered into after that date) has been verified;

 

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effective as of January 8, 2003, Argentine companies may freely transfer corporate profits and dividends corresponding to audited financial statements of local companies without prior Central Bank approval and transfers of funds abroad in order to pay reinsurance premiums will be subject only to the issuance of a statement from the regulatory authority on insurance matters Superintendencia de Seguros de la Nación (“Superintendent of Insurance Board”), with respect to the reason and amount to be transferred;

 

   

there is an obligation to enter the funds received as payment for the export of goods and services into the exchange market and to convert them into local currency within a time limit established by the Ministry of Economy and Production;

 

   

foreign currency obtained from the collection of exports corresponding to bills of lading shall be sold at the reference exchange rate when the foreign currency so obtained was not clear at the exchange market within the applicable legal terms, in accordance with applicable regulation.

 

   

before September 2005, inflows of foreign currency which would be applied to export advances and prefinancing were allowed into the local exchange market avoiding the non-transferable deposit requirement established by Decree No. 616/05, issued on June 10, 2005 by providing a sworn statement stating that foreign funds would be used for a specific purchase transaction entered into with the buyer. Subsequently, the BCRA by means of the Communication “A” 4415 substituted the sworn statement requirement with the exhibition of the shipping contract involved in said transaction. Later, on November 22, 2005 BCRA’s Communication “A”4443 relaxed this requirement exempting exporters from providing such documentary evidence if they proved that the inflow of funds would not exceed more than 25% of the amount they received during the last year for similar transactions.

The Government, through the Central Bank, holds control over capital inflows and outflows, enacting the applicable rules in this regard. Decree No. 616/05, issued on June 10, 2005, established that inflows and outflows of foreign currency into the local exchange market, and indebtedness transactions incurred by local residents that may result in a foreign currency-denominated payment to non-residents, need to be registered with the Central Bank. Furthermore, as from May 26, 2005, the following situations will be subject to certain requirements and conditions: (a) inflows of funds derived from foreign borrowing by the private financial and non financial sector, and (b) inflows of foreign currency by non-residents for the purpose of (i) holding a position in local currency, (ii) purchasing financial debt or assets and (iii) investing in government bonds in the secondary market. In these situations, the following requirements must be met: (i) inflows must remain in Argentina for 365 days to be computed as from the day they were negotiated in the local exchange market; (ii) the funds involved in the transactions covered by this decree must be deposited in a local bank account; (iii) a non-transferable deposit denominated in U.S. Dollars for an amount equal to 30% of the relevant transaction has to be made with the resulting proceeds. This deposit will only be reimbursed after the expiration of a 365 term, cannot bear interest (nor yield any other type of profit) and may not be used as collateral in any credit transaction. Such requirements do not apply to: (a) foreign direct investment, (b) primary placement of publicly traded debt or equity securities listed in one or more exchange markets, and (c) foreign trade and export finance debt related transactions.

Subsequently, Resolution No. 365/2005 from the Ministry of Economy and Production established that non-resident capital inflows destined for the primary subscription of Argentine Central Bank notes and income derived from the sale by residents of foreign assets for an amount greater than US$ 2 million per month, will also be subject to the aforementioned requirements.

 

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Moreover, said resolution provided certain exemptions to the requirement of making the non-transferable deposit requirement such as: (i) inflows derived from borrowings extended by multilateral and bilateral financial institutions and official credit agencies, and (ii) inflows derived from financial borrowings extended by foreign creditors, so long as they are devoted to investments in non-financial assets and the borrowed amounts are repaid at least 24 months after they were granted.

In that sense, non-financial assets include:

(i) investments recorded in the category “PP&E” of the financial statements (Notice 42303);

(ii) “intangible assets related to mine cost” and/or “research, prospection and exploration expenses” (Notice 42884);

(iii) “acquisition of rights to use” that had been recorded for accounting purposes in the category “intangible assets” of the company’s financial statements ( Notice 44670); and

(iv) investments in assets that are comparable to intellectual property rights, which are commercialized through the assignment of rights to use and should be recorded for accounting purposes in the category “intangible assets” of the company’s financial statements (Notice 46394).

This exemption automatically expires when the reported use is modified. In that case, the deposit established in item 6 of Communication “A” 4359 must be made within 10 business days of such event.

Communications “A” 4554 and “A” 4711, both dated September 24, 2007, established certain requirements and terms to file the documentation evidencing the correct classification of the transaction under the above mentioned exemption.

By contrast, according to Communication “C” 43075 dated September 26, 2005, inflows of foreign currency caused by a non-resident and devoted to the cancellation of payment obligations under a purchase agreement (including installment payments thereof) concerning a real estate property under construction may be registered as foreign direct investments provided that certain conditions are met.

Finally, Resolution No. 637/2005 from the Ministry of Economy and Production dated November 16, 2005 established that any inflow of foreign currency to the local exchange market devoted to the primary subscription of notes, bonds or participation certificates issued by the trustee of a trust, regardless of the channels in which they are traded (public or private offerings, or listings in self-regulated markets) is subject to the non-transferable deposit requirement established by Decree 616/05 if such requirement would be deemed applicable to the acquisition of the underlying assets of the trust.

 

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Reporting requirements on Direct Investments

On March 4, 2005 the Argentine Central Bank issued Communication “A” 4305 that regulates the reporting system of direct investments and real estate investments carried out by non-residents in Argentina and by Argentine residents abroad, which had been implemented through Communication “A” 4237 dated November 10, 2004.

Direct investments in Argentina of non-Argentine residents

Non-Argentine residents are compelled to comply with the reporting regime if the value of their investments in Argentina reaches or surpasses the equivalent of US$ 500,000 – measured in terms of the net worth of the company in which they participate or fiscal value of the real estate owned. If the investments do not reach such amount, the compliance with such regime is optional.

According to Communication “A” 4237, companies in which non-Argentine residents participate in and administrators of real estate pertaining to non-Argentine residents are those obliged to comply with the reporting regime.

Direct investments m7ade abroad by Argentine residents

Argentine investors are compelled to comply with the reporting regime if the value of their investments abroad reaches or surpasses the equivalent of US$ 1,000,000 – measured in terms of net worth of the company in which they participate or the fiscal value of the real estate they own.

If the value of those investments abroad does not exceed the equivalent of US$ 5,000,000, the declaration could be carried out annually instead of semiannually. If the investments do not reach the equivalent of US$ 1,000,000, the compliance with such regime is optional.

The first declarations will correspond to the semester ended on December 31, 2004, and will have to be filed within 90 calendar days as of such date.

Conclusions:

While the foreign exchange market system in Argentina has become increasingly flexible under recent regulations, Decree No. 616/05 severely deters short term inflows of foreign currency which are presumed to be of a speculative nature. Such determination on the part of the government is associated also to another short term economic policy goal and combined measures aimed at pegging or reasonably adjusting the United States Dollar value around Ps. 3.10 per U.S. Dollar. We cannot assess whether these policies will be maintained in the longer run and how changes made therein may affect the economy and our business perspectives. Furthermore, we cannot predict how changes in the evolution of the world economy and commodity prices which constitutes an important part of Argentina’s exports may influence exchange rates and control policies. Moreover, failure of the government to comply with financial commitments with the IMF or failure to reach an agreement with said institution may have an impact on the foreign exchange system. No assurance can be made as to the extent to which all such factors may lead to future restrictions that might further tighten foreign exchange controls or otherwise change the current foreign exchange system.

E. Taxation

United States Taxation

 

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Certain United States Federal Income Tax Consequences

The following summary describes certain United States federal income tax consequences of the ownership of GDS rights, common share rights, common shares, GDSs and warrants (collectively, “Equity Securities”) by U.S. Holders (as defined below) as of the date hereof. Except where noted, it deals only with Equity Securities held as capital assets and does not deal with special situations, such as those of dealers in securities or currencies, financial institutions, regulated investment companies, real estate investment trusts, tax-exempt entities, insurance companies, traders in securities that elect to use the mark-to-market method of accounting for their securities, persons holding Equity Securities as part of a hedging, integrated, conversion or constructive sale transaction or a straddle, persons owning 10% or more of our voting stock, persons liable for alternative minimum tax, investors in pass-through entities or persons whose “functional currency” is not the U.S. dollar.

As used herein, the term “U.S. Holder” means a beneficial holder of an Equity Security that is for United States federal income tax purposes:

 

   

an individual citizen or resident of the United States;

 

   

a corporation (or other entity treated as a corporation for United States federal income tax purposes) created or organized in or under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia;

 

   

an estate the income of which is subject to United States federal income taxation regardless of its source; or

 

   

a trust.

 

   

if it is subject to the primary supervision of a court within the United States and one or more United States persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust; or

 

   

that has a valid election in effect under applicable United States Treasury regulations to be treated as a United States person.

The discussion below is based upon the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), and regulations, rulings and judicial decisions thereunder as of the date hereof, and such authorities may be repealed, revoked or modified so as to result in United States federal income tax consequences different from those discussed below. In addition, this summary is based, in part, upon representations made by the GDS depositary to us and assumes that the deposit agreement, and all other related agreements, will be performed in accordance with their terms.

PERSONS CONSIDERING THE PURCHASE, OWNERSHIP OR DISPOSITION OF EQUITY SECURITIES SHOULD CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS CONCERNING THE UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES IN LIGHT OF THEIR PARTICULAR SITUATIONS AS WELL AS ANY CONSEQUENCES ARISING UNDER THE LAWS OF ANY OTHER TAXING JURISDICTION.

 

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If a partnership holds Equity Securities, the tax treatment of a partner will generally depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. U.S. Holders that are partners of a partnership holding Equity Securities should consult their own tax advisors.

Issuance of GDS Rights, Common Share Rights or Warrants

A U.S. Holder will not be subject to United States federal income taxation with respect to the receipt of GDS rights, common share rights or warrants.

Basis and Holding Period of the GDS Rights and Common Share Rights

Except as provided in the following sentence, the basis of the GDS rights or common share rights distributed to a U.S. Holder will be zero. However, if either (i) the fair market value of the GDS rights or common share rights is 15% or more of the fair market value (on the date of distribution ) of the GDSs or common shares with respect to which they are distributed or (ii) the U.S. Holder of the GDS rights or common share rights irrevocably elects, in such holder’s United States federal income tax return for the taxable year in which the GDS rights or common share rights are received, to allocate part of the basis of such GDSs or common shares to such GDS rights or common share rights, then upon exercise or sale of the GDS rights or common share rights the U.S. Holder’s basis in such GDSs or common shares will be allocated between such GDSs or common shares and the GDS rights or common share rights in proportion to the fair market values of each on the date of distribution of the GDS rights or common share rights. No basis will be allocated to any such GDS rights or common share rights that lapse. A U.S. Holder will include its holding period in GDSs or common shares with respect to which the GDS rights or common share rights were distributed in determining the holding period of the GDS rights or common share rights.

Sale of Common Share Rights

Subject to the discussion under “—Passive Foreign Investment Company” below, for United States federal income tax purposes, a U.S. Holder will recognize taxable gain or loss upon the sale or other disposition of common share rights (including the sale by the GDS rights agent of common share rights corresponding to unexercised GDS rights of a U.S. Holder) in an amount equal to the difference between the amount realized for the common share rights (or, in the case of unexercised GDS rights, distributions by the depositary with respect to the sale of the underlying common share rights) and the U.S. Holder’s tax basis in the GDS rights or common share rights. Such gain or loss will generally be treated as capital gain or loss. Capital gain of individuals derived with respect to capital assets held for more than one year are eligible for reduced rates of taxation. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations under the Code. Gain or loss recognized by a U.S. Holder on a sale of common share rights generally will be treated as United States source gain or loss for United States foreign tax credit purposes.

Exercise of the GDS Rights or Common Share Rights

U.S. Holders of GDS rights or common share rights will not recognize any gain or loss upon the exercise of the GDS rights or common share rights. The aggregate basis of GDSs or common shares and warrants acquired upon exercise of GDS rights or common share rights will be equal to the sum of such U.S. Holder’s basis in the GDS rights or common share rights exercised and the amount paid upon exercise of those GDS rights or common share rights. The basis of the GDSs or common shares and warrants will be determined by allocating such aggregate basis among the GDSs or common shares and the warrants received in proportion to the

 

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relative fair market values of these securities on the date the GDS rights or common share rights are exercised. The holding period of GDSs or common shares and warrants acquired upon exercise of GDS rights or common share rights will begin on the date the GDS rights or common share rights are exercised.

GDSs

If you hold GDSs, for United States federal income tax purposes, you generally will be treated as the owner of the underlying common shares that are represented by such GDSs. Accordingly, deposits or withdrawals of common shares for GDSs will not be subject to United States federal income tax.

The United States Treasury has expressed concerns that intermediaries in the chain of ownership between holders of GDSs and the issuer of the securities underlying the GDSs may be taking actions that are inconsistent with the claiming of foreign tax credits for holders of GDSs. Such actions would also be inconsistent with the claiming of the reduced rate of tax, described below, applicable to dividends received by certain non-corporate holders. Accordingly, the analysis of the creditability of Argentinean taxes and the availability of the reduced rate of tax for dividends received by certain non-corporate holders, each as described below, could be affected by actions taken by intermediaries in the chain of ownership between the holder of an GDS and our company.

Taxation of Dividends

Subject to the discussion under “—Passive Foreign Investment Company” below, distributions on our common shares or GDSs (including amounts withheld to reflect Argentinean withholding taxes) will be taxable as dividends to the extent paid out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits, as determined under United States federal income tax principles. Such dividends will be includable in your gross profit as ordinary income on the day actually or constructively received by you, in the case of our common shares, or by the depositary, in the case of our GDSs. Such dividends will not be eligible for the dividends received deduction allowed to corporations. With respect to United States non-corporate investors, certain dividends received before January 1, 2011 from a qualified foreign corporation may be subject to reduced rates of taxation. A foreign corporation is treated as a qualified foreign corporation with respect to dividends received from that corporation on common shares (or GDSs backed by such common shares) that are readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States. United States Treasury Department guidance indicates that our GDSs (which are listed on the NYSE), but not our common shares, are readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States. Thus, we do not believe that dividends that we pay on our common shares that do not underlie GDSs currently meet the conditions required for these reduced tax rates. Furthermore, there can be no assurance that our GDSs will be considered readily tradable on an established securities market in later years. Non-corporate holders that do not meet a minimum holding period requirement during which they are not protected from the risk of loss or that elect to treat the dividend income as “investment income” pursuant to Section 163(d)(4) of the Code will not be eligible for the reduced rates of taxation regardless of our status as a qualified foreign corporation. In addition, the rate reduction will not apply to dividends if the recipient of a dividend is obligated to make related payments with respect to positions in substantially similar or related property. This disallowance applies even if the minimum holding period has been met. Non-corporate U.S. Holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the application of these rules given their particular circumstances.

 

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The amount of any dividend paid in Pesos will equal the U.S. dollar value of the Pesos received calculated by reference to the exchange rate in effect on the date the dividend is actually or constructively received by you, in the case of our common shares, or by the depositary, in the case of our GDSs, regardless of whether the Pesos are converted into U.S. dollars. If the Pesos received as a dividend are not converted into U.S. dollars on the date of receipt, you will have a tax basis in the Pesos equal to their U.S. dollar value on the date of receipt. Any gain or loss realized on a subsequent conversion or other disposition of the Pesos will be treated as United States source ordinary income or loss.

Subject to certain complex conditions and limitations, Argentinean withholding taxes on dividends may be treated as foreign taxes eligible for credit against your United States federal income tax liability. For purposes of calculating the foreign tax credit, dividends paid on our common shares or GDSs will be treated as income from sources outside the United States and will generally constitute passive income. If you do not elect to claim a credit for any foreign taxes paid during a taxable year, you may instead claim a deduction in respect of such foreign taxes. Further, in certain circumstances, if you:

 

   

have held our common shares or GDSs for less than a specified minimum period during which you are not protected from risk of loss, or

 

   

are obligated to make payments related to the dividends,

you will not be allowed a foreign tax credit for foreign taxes imposed on dividends paid on our common shares or GDSs. The rules governing the foreign tax credit are complex. You are urged to consult your tax advisors regarding the availability of the foreign tax credit under your particular circumstances.

To the extent that the amount of any distribution (including amounts withheld to reflect Argentinean withholding taxes) exceeds our current and accumulated earnings and profits for a taxable year, as determined under United States federal income tax principles, the distribution will first be treated as a tax-free return of capital, causing a reduction in the adjusted basis of our common shares or GDSs (thereby increasing the amount of gain, or decreasing the amount of loss, to be recognized by you on a subsequent disposition of our common shares or GDSs), and thereafter as capital gain recognized on a sale or exchange (as discussed below under “—Taxation of Capital Gains”). Consequently, such distributions in excess of our current and accumulated earnings and profits would generally not give rise to foreign source income and you would generally not be able to use the foreign tax credit arising from any Argentinean withholding tax imposed on such distributions unless such credit can be applied (subject to applicable limitations) against United States federal income tax due on other foreign source income in the appropriate category for foreign tax credit purposes. However, we do not expect to keep earnings and profits in accordance with United States federal income tax principles. Therefore, you should expect that a distribution will generally be treated as a dividend (as discussed above).

Distributions of our common shares that are received as part of a pro rata distribution to all of our shareholders generally will not be subject to United States federal income taxes.

Passive Foreign Investment Company

Based on the current and projected composition of our income and the valuation of our assets, including goodwill, we do not believe we were a passive foreign investment company (“PFIC”) for United States federal income tax purposes for the taxable year ending June 30, 2008, and we do not currently expect to become a PFIC, although there can be no assurance in this regard.

 

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In general, we will be a PFIC for any taxable year in which:

 

   

at least 75% of our gross profit is passive income; or

 

   

at least 50% of the value (determined based on a quarterly average) of our assets is attributable to assets that produce or are held for the production of passive income.

For this purpose, cash is a passive asset and passive income generally includes dividends, interest, royalties, and rents (other than royalties and rents derived in the active conduct of a trade or business and not derived from a related person). If we own at least 25% by value of the stock of another corporation, we will be treated, for purposes of the PFIC tests, as owning our proportionate share of that other corporation’s assets and receiving our proportionate share of its income.

The determination of whether we are a PFIC is made annually. Accordingly, it is possible that we may become a PFIC in the current or any future taxable year due to changes in the fair market value of our assets or income composition. If we are a PFIC for any taxable year during which you hold our Equity Securities, you will be subject to special tax rules discussed below.

If we are a PFIC for any taxable year during which you hold any of our Equity Securities, you will be subject to special tax rules with respect to any gain realized from a sale or other disposition, including a pledge, of such Equity Securities. If we are a PFIC for any taxable year during which you hold our common shares or GDSs, you will also be subject to special tax rules with respect to any “excess distribution” received. Distributions received in a taxable year that are greater than 125% of the average annual distributions received during the shorter of the three preceding taxable years or your holding period for the common shares or GDSs will be treated as excess distributions. Under these special tax rules:

 

   

the gain will be allocated ratably over your holding period for the Equity Securities;

 

   

the excess distribution will be allocated ratably over your holding period for our common shares or GDSs;

 

   

the amount allocated to the current taxable year, and any taxable year prior to the first taxable year in which we become a PFIC, will be treated as ordinary income; and

 

   

the amount allocated to each other year will be subject to tax at the highest tax rate in effect for that 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 are a PFIC for any taxable year during which you hold our Equity Securities and any of our non- United States subsidiaries is also a PFIC, a U.S. Holder would be treated as owning a proportionate amount (by value) of the common shares of the lower tier PFIC for purposes of the application of these rules. You are urged to consult your tax advisors about the application of the PFIC rules to any of our subsidiaries.

In addition, non-corporate U.S. Holders will not be eligible for reduced rates of taxation on any dividends received from us prior to January 1, 2011, if we are a PFIC in the taxable year in

 

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which such dividends are paid or in the preceding taxable year. You will be required to file Internal Revenue Service Form 8621 if you hold our Equity Securities in any year in which we are classified as a PFIC.

In certain circumstances, in lieu of being subject to the excess distribution rules discussed above, you may make an election to include gain on our common shares and GDSs as ordinary income under a mark-to-market method, provided that our common shares or GDSs are regularly traded on a qualified exchange or other market. Our common shares are listed on the Buenos Aires Stock Exchange , which must meet certain trading, listing, financial disclosure and other requirements to be treated as a qualified exchange under applicable United States Treasury regulations for purposes of the mark-to-market election, and no assurance can be given that the common shares are or will continue to be “regularly traded” for purposes of the mark-to-market election. Our GDSs are currently listed on the NYSE, which constitutes a qualified market, although there can be no assurance that the GDSs are or will be “regularly traded.” The mark to market election is currently not available with respect to GDS rights, common share rights and warrants.

If you make an effective mark-to-market election, you will include in each year as ordinary income the excess of the fair market value of our common shares or GDSs at the end of the year over your adjusted tax basis in our common shares or GDSs. You will be entitled to deduct as an ordinary loss each year the excess of your adjusted tax basis in our common shares or GDSs over their fair market value at the end of the year, but only to the extent of the net amount previously included in income as a result of the mark-to-market election.

Your adjusted tax basis in our common shares or GDSs will be increased by the amount of any income inclusion and decreased by the amount of any deductions under the mark-to-market rules. If you make a mark-to market election, it will be effective for the taxable year for which the election is made and all subsequent taxable years unless our common shares or GDSs are no longer regularly traded on a qualified exchange or the Internal Revenue Service consents to the revocation of the election. You are urged to consult your tax advisors about the availability of the mark-to-market election, and whether making the election would be advisable in your particular circumstances.

In some cases, holders of commons shares or GDSs (but not holders of GDS rights, common share rights or warrants) in a PFIC may be able to avoid the rules described above by electing to treat the PFIC as a “qualified electing fund” under Section 1295 of the Code. This option will not be available to you because we do not intend to comply with certain calculation and reporting requirements necessary to permit you to make this election.

You are urged to consult your tax advisors concerning the United States federal income tax consequences of holding our Equity Securities if we are considered a PFIC in any taxable year.

Taxation of Capital Gains

Subject to the discussion under “—Passive Foreign Investment Company” above, for United States federal income tax purposes, you will recognize taxable gain or loss on any sale, exchange, redemption or other taxable disposition of our Equity Securities in an amount equal to the difference between the amount realized for the common shares or GDSs and your tax basis in the common shares or GDSs. Such gain or loss will generally be treated as capital gain or loss. Capital gains of non-corporate shareholders derived with respect to capital assets held for more than one year are eligible for reduced rates of taxation. The deductibility of capital losses is

 

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subject to limitations under the Code. Any gain or loss recognized by you will generally be treated as United States source gain or loss for United States foreign tax credit purposes.

Information Reporting and Backup Withholding

In general, information reporting will apply to dividends in respect of our Equity Securities and the proceeds from the sale, exchange or redemption of our Equity Securities that are paid to you within the United States (and in certain cases, outside the United States), unless you are an exempt recipient such as a corporation. A backup withholding tax may apply to such payments if you fail to provide a taxpayer identification number or certification of other exempt status or fail to report in full dividend and interest income.

Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules will be allowed as a refund or a credit against your United States federal income tax liability provided the required information is timely furnished to the Internal Revenue Service.

Argentine Taxation

The following discussion is a summary of certain Argentine tax considerations associated with an investment in, ownership or disposition of, the shares or the GDSs by (i) an individual holder that is resident in Argentina, (ii) an individual holder that is neither domiciled nor resident in Argentina, (iii) a legal entity organized under the laws of Argentina and (iv) a permanent business establishment in Argentina owned by a foreign entity and (v) a legal entity that is not organized under the laws of Argentina, that does not have a permanent establishment in Argentina and is not otherwise doing business in Argentina on a regular basis. The discussion is for general information only and is based on current Argentine tax laws. Moreover, while this summary is considered to be a correct interpretation of existing laws in force as of the date of this annual report, no assurance can be given that the courts or administrative authorities responsible for the administration of such laws will agree with this interpretation or that changes in such laws or interpretations will not occur.

PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS ARE URGED TO CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISOR REGARDING THE PARTICULAR TAX CONSEQUENCES ARISING UNDER ANY TAXING JURISDICTION.

Taxation of Dividends

Dividends, either in cash, shares, or kind approved by our shareholders are currently exempt from Argentine withholding or other taxes.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, according to Argentine law, income tax will be applied to the amount of dividends distributed in excess of a company’s net taxable income determined in accordance with general income tax regulations for the fiscal years preceding the date of the distribution of such dividends. The legislation requires that companies withhold 35% of the amount of distributed dividends in excess of the net taxable income of such distribution, as determined in accordance with the income tax law. The withholding would not be applied to the payment of future dividends derived out of retained earnings obtained in the fiscal years ended prior to December 30, 1998. Dividends distributed by an Argentine company are not subject to this tax to the extent that those dividends arise from dividend income or other distributions received by such company from other Argentine companies.

 

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Taxation of Capital Gains

Due to certain amendments made to the Argentine Income Tax Law, it is not entirely clear whether certain amendments concerning payment of income tax on capital gains arising from the sale, exchange, or other disposition of shares are in effect or not. Although Opinion No. 351 of the National Treasury General Attorney Office clarified the legal status of certain matters affecting the tax treatment of capital gains certain issues still remain unclear.

Resident individuals

Under what we believe to be a reasonable interpretation of existing applicable tax laws and regulations: (i) income derived from the sale, exchange or other disposition of shares or GDSs by resident individuals who do not sell or dispose of Argentine shares on a regular basis would not be subject to Argentine income tax, and (ii) although there still exists uncertainty regarding this issue, income derived from the sale, exchange or other disposition of shares or GDSs by resident individuals who sell or disposes of Argentine shares on a regular basis should be exempt from Argentine income tax.

Foreign beneficiaries

Capital gains obtained by non residents or foreign entities from the sale, exchange or other disposition of shares or GDSs are exempt from income tax. Pursuant to a reasonable interpretation of existing applicable laws and regulations, and although the matter is not completely free from doubt, such treatment should also apply to those foreign beneficiaries that qualify as “offshore entities” for Argentine tax law purposes, when the shares are not listed in Argentina or in other jurisdictions. For this purpose, an offshore entity is any foreign legal entity which pursuant to its by-laws or to the applicable regulatory framework: (i) its principal activity is to invest outside the jurisdiction of its incorporation and/or (ii) cannot perform in such jurisdiction certain transactions.

Local entities

Capital gains obtained by Argentine entities (generally entities organized or incorporated under Argentine law, certain traders and intermediaries, local branches of non Argentine entities, sole proprietorships and individuals carrying on certain commercial activities in Argentina) derived from the sale, exchange or other disposition of shares or GDSs are subject to income tax at the rate of 35%.

Losses arising from the sale, exchange or other disposition of shares or GDSs can be applied only to offset such capital gains arising from the sale, exchange or other disposition of these securities.

WE RECOMMEND PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS TO CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISOR REGARDING THE PARTICULAR TAX CONSEQUENCES CONCERNING THE SALE OR OTHER DISPOSITIONS OF SHARES AND GDSs.

Value Added Tax

The sale, exchange, disposition, or transfer of shares or GDSs is not subject to Value Added Tax.

 

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Personal Assets Tax

Law No. 25,585 issued on April 24, 2002 and published in the Official Gazette on May 15, 2002 (and applicable to personal assets held as of December 31, 2002) introduces amendments to Law No. 23,966 and imposes the personal assets tax on shares and GDSs held by individuals and undivided estates domiciled or located in Argentina or abroad and legal entities not domiciled in Argentina, separately from other assets.

This amendment imposes the obligation to pay the personal assets tax on the Argentine private issuer of the shares and GDSs, and authorizes it to seek recovery of the amount so paid, without limitation, by way of withholding or by foreclosing on the assets that gave rise to such payment. The tax is levied on the proportional equity value of the shares as reflected in the most recent balance sheet closed as of December 31 of the taxable year, at the rate of 0.5% without any non-taxable minimum being applicable.

Our shareholders approved the absorption of personal asset tax by the Company for the years 2002 to 2008. There can be no assurance that in the future this tax will be absorbed by the Company.

Tax on Minimum Notional Income (Impuesto a la Ganancia Mínima Presunta, IGMP)

Companies domiciled in Argentina, partnerships, foundations, sole proprietorships, trusts, certain mutual funds organized in Argentina, and permanent business establishments owned by foreign persons, among other taxpayers, shall apply a 1% rate to the total value of assets held by such persons, above an aggregate nominal amount of Ps. 200,000. Nevertheless, shares and GDSs issued by entities subject to such tax are exempt from paying the IGMP.

Gross Income Tax

The gross income tax is a local tax; therefore, the rules of the relevant provincial jurisdiction should be considered, which may levy this tax on the customary purchase and sale, exchange or other disposition of shares and GDSs, and/or the collection of dividends at an average rate of 3%, unless an exemption is applicable. In the particular case of the City of Buenos Aires, any transaction involving shares and/or the collection of dividends and revaluations is exempt from this tax.

There is no gross income tax withholding system applicable to the payments made to foreign beneficiaries.

Stamp Tax

The stamp tax is a local tax that is generally levied on the instrumentation of onerous acts executed within a certain territorial jurisdiction or outside a certain territorial jurisdiction but with effects in such jurisdiction.

In the City of Buenos Aires, the stamp tax has been repealed for all those acts that do not imply an onerous conveyance of real property or the lease of real property. However, most provincial tax authorities maintain this tax in effect for all acts in general; therefore, the instruments which implement onerous transactions (including issuance, subscription, placement and transfer) involving the shares or GDSs, executed in other jurisdictions, or with effects in those jurisdictions, could be deemed to be subject to this tax.

 

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Tax on Credits and Debits in Bank Accounts

This tax is levied upon debits and credits in bank accounts and upon other transactions which, due to their special nature and characteristics, are similar or could be used in substitution for a checking account, such as payments on behalf of or in the name of third parties, procedures for the collection of securities or documents, drafts and transfers of funds made by any means, when these transactions are performed by local banks.

The tax law and its regulations provide several exemptions to this tax. For example, it does not apply to entities recognized as exempt from income tax, to debits and credits relating to salaries, to retirement and pension emoluments credited directly by banking means and withdrawals made in connection with such credits, to credits in checking accounts originated from bank loans, and to transfers of checks by endorsement.

The general rate of the tax is 0.6%. An increased rate of 1.2% applies in cases in which there has been a substitution for the use of a checking account.

Pursuant to Argentine Regulatory Decree 380/2001, as amended, 34% of the tax paid on credits levied at the 0.6% rate and 17% of the tax paid on transactions levied at the 1.2% tax rate can be used, to its exhaustion, as a credit against income tax, tax on minimum notional income and/or the special contribution on cooperatives capital.

Court and Other Taxes

In the event that it becomes necessary to institute legal actions in relation to the shares or GDS’s in Argentina, a court tax (currently at a rate of 3.0%) will be imposed on the amount of any claim brought before the Argentine courts sitting in the City of Buenos Aires.

Argentina imposes neither an estate nor gift tax on a decedent, donor, legatee or donee. No Argentine tax is imposed on the deposit or withdrawal of shares in exchange for GDSs. Other than the taxes discussed above, no other Argentine taxes are applicable to an investment in shares or GDSs. At present, there is no national tax specifically applicable to the transfer of securities.

Tax Treaties

Argentina has entered into tax treaties with several countries. There is currently no tax treaty or convention in effect between Argentina and the United States.

F. Dividends and Paying Agents

This Section is not applicable.

G. Statement by Experts

This section is not applicable.

H. Documents on display

We file annual, quarterly and other information with the SEC. You may read and copy any document that we file at the public reference rooms of the SEC at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549; and 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661. You may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Rooms by calling the SEC at 1-

 

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800-SEC-0330. Our Internet address is http://www.irsa.com.ar. It should be noted that nothing on our website should be considered part of this annual report. You may request a copy of these filings at no cost, by writing or calling the offices of IRSA, Moreno 877, (C1091AAQ) Buenos Aires, Argentina. Our telephone number is +54-11-4323-7400.

I. Subsidiary Information

This section is not applicable.

 

Item 11. Quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk

In the normal course of business, we are exposed to interest rate and exchange rates risks, primarily related to changes in exchanges rates and interest rates. We manage our exposure to these risks through the use of various financial instruments, none of which are entered into for trading purposes. We have established policies and procedures governing the use of such financial instruments. The use of financial derivatives instruments is oriented to our core business and is supervised by internal control policies.

The following discusses our exposure to these risks. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results could vary materially as a result of a number of factors including those set forth in the risk factors section of this Form 20-F. Uncertainties that are either nonfinancial or nonquantifiable, such as political, economic, tax, other regulatory, or credit risks, are not included in the following assessment of our market risks.

Interest Rate Risk

The primary objective of our investment activities is to preserve capital while maximizing yields without significantly increasing risk. To achieve this objective, we maintain our portfolio of cash equivalents and short-term investments in a variety of securities, including both government and corporate obligations and money market funds.

Investments in both fixed rate and floating rate interest earning instruments carry varying degrees of interest rate risk. Fixed rate securities may have their fair market value adversely impacted due to a rise in interest rates. In general, longer dated securities are subject to greater interest rate risk than shorter dated securities. While floating rate securities are generally subject to less interest rate risk than fixed rate securities, floating rate securities may produce less income than expected if interest rates decrease. Due in part to these factors, our investment income may fall short of expectations or we may suffer losses in principal if securities that have declined in market value due to changes in interest rates are sold. To date, we have not utilized derivative financial instruments to hedge interest rate risk; however, there can be no assurance as to the employment of hedging strategies in the future.

We are also exposed to changes in interest rates primarily as a result of our borrowing activities, which include short-term borrowings, and other floating-rate long-term debt used to maintain liquidity and fund our business operations.

We are also exposed to changes in interest rates as a result of Tarshop S.A.´s retained interests in securitized credit card receivables which fair value depends, among others factors, on the TDFs interest rate. Under securitization programs, TDFs pay the variable interest rate published by Argentine Central Bank, known as “BADLAR” plus a fixed spread. The spread

 

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level is set according to general market conditions at the time of issuance. Both TDFs “A” and “B” have different cap and floor settings in order to mitigate interest rate risk exposure. Regarding to the fair value calculation, revolving series have less interest rate risk than non revolving series.

Foreign Exchange Risk

From April 1, 1991, until the beginning of 2002, Convertibility Law No. 23,928 was applicable to Argentina. This law established a fixed exchange rate, under which the Argentine Central Bank was obliged to sell U.S. Dollars to any person at a fixed rate of one Peso per U.S. Dollar. Accordingly, the foreign currency fluctuations were reduced to a minimum level, during this period.

The primary economic change implemented by the current Argentine government in January 2002 was the announcement of the devaluation of the Peso. Due to the end of the Convertibility Plan, our foreign exchange exposure has increased considerably.

Foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations could impact our cash flow in Pesos, since some of our products and inputs are payable in U.S. Dollars.

Foreign currency exchange restrictions imposed by the Argentine government in the future could prevent or restrict our access to U.S. Dollars, thus affecting our ability to service our U.S. Dollar-denominated liabilities. Also, fluctuations in the exchange rate between the Peso and the U.S. Dollar may adversely affect the U.S. Dollar equivalent of the Peso price of our common shares on the Buenos Aires Stock Exchange, and as a result would likely affect the market price of our GDSs in the United States.

IRSA Indebtedness

 

     As of June 30, 2008
Expected contractual maturity date (Ps. million)
   Average
Interest Rate
    Total Long-
Term
Outstanding
Debt 2008
   Under
1 year
   More than 1
and not more
than 2 years
   More than 2
and not more
than 3 years
   More than 3
and not more
than 5 years
   More than 5
and not more
than 10 years
   Fair Value(2)

Long-Term Debt:

                      

Fixed rate

                      

(US$ denominated)(1)(3)

   8.5 %   469,71    15,96    —      —      —      453,75    357,64

(US$ denominated)(1)(4)

   12 %   103,58    22,37    20,30    20,30    40,61       103,58

 

(1) Dollars-denominated loans were converted to Pesos at an exchange rate of Ps. 3.025 per U.S. Dollar.

 

(2) It includes accrued interest

 

(3) It corresponds to the Note due 2017

 

(4) Dollar-denominated bank loan.

 

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Alto Palermo Indebtedness

 

     As of June 30, 2008
Expected contractual maturity date
     Average
Interest Rate
    Total Long-
Term
Outstanding
Debt 2008
   Under
1 year
   More than 1
and not more
than 2 years
   More than 2
and not more
than 3 years
   More than 3
and not more
than 5 years
   More than 5
and not more
than 10 years
   Fair Value(4)

Long-Term Debt:

                      

Fixed rate Debt (US$)(5)

                      

Principal Payment and accrued interest(1)

     149,40    6,54          142,86       1729,81

Average Interest Rate

   10 %                    

Fixed rate Debt (US$)(5)

                      

Principal Payment and accrued interest(2)

     366,89    3,89             363,00    264,34

Average Interest Rate

   7,875 %                    

Fixed rate Debt (Pesos)

                      

Principal Payment and accrued interest(3)

     154,91    22,90    44,01    44,01    44,01       129,22

Average Interest Rate

   11 %                    

 

(1) It corresponds to Convertible Note.

 

(2) It corresponds to the series I Note due 2017.

 

(3) It corresponds to the series II Note due 2012

 

(4) It includes accrued interest.

 

(5) Dollars-denominated loans were converted to Pesos at an exchange rate of Ps. 3.025 per U.S. Dollar.

Sensitivity to Exchange Rates and Interest rates

We are also exposed to changes in interest rates primarily as a result of our borrowing activities, which include short-term borrowings, and other floating-rate long-term debt used to maintain liquidity and fund our business operations. Our interest expense is sensitive to changes in the general level of interest rates because part of our long-term debt (i.e., our secured floating rate notes and syndicated loan, which as of the date of this annual report have been repaid) bear interest at floating rates.

As of the date of this annual report we do not have any floating rate notes or loans, as a result our interest expenses are not sensitive to changes in the general level of interest rates.

As of the date of this Form 20-F, outstanding indebtedness represented by our notes due 2017 accrues interest at a fix rate of 8.5% per year. Its fair market value tends to drop 5.3% per 100 Bps of increase in interest rate levels. In addition, APSA’s Series I fair market value tends to drop 5.5% and Series II 1.99% per 100 Bps of increase in interest rate levels.

Also, a change of 1% in Ps. / US$ exchange rate would imply a Ps. 5.6 million change in the Peso equivalent of our debt face value and increases our interest expenses in Ps. 0.5 million annually. In addition, a change of 1% in Ps. / US$ exchange rate would imply a Ps. 5.1 million change in the Peso equivalent of APSA’s debt face value and increases their interest expenses in Ps. 0.4 million annually.

 

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Since June 30, 2008, the Peso has deppreciated versus the U.S. dollar from an exchange rate of Ps.3.025 =US$1.00 to an exchange rate of Ps.3.4060=US$1.00 at December 17, 2008 as quoted by Banco de la Nación Argentina at the U.S. dollar selling rate. The devaluation of the Peso against the U.S. dollar during such period was 12,6%.

This sensitivity analysis provides only a limited, point-in-time view of the market risk sensitivity of certain of our financial instruments. The actual impact of our market foreign exchange rate and/or interest rate changes on our financial instruments may differ significantly from the impact shown in the sensitivity analysis

Current Situation

Although during the six months after the close of fiscal year ended June 30, 2008, the nominal value of our debt did not change, variations in market prices and in exchange rates produced significant variations on the fair value of our debt.

As of December 10, 2008, the fair market value of the outstanding indebtedness was Ps. 216.5 millions. The fair market value of our debt tends to drop 4.6% per 100 Bps of increase in interest rate levels. In addition, APSA’s Series I fair market value tends to drop 4.1% and Series II 0.8% per 100 Bps of increase in interest rate levels.

Also, a change of 1% in Ps. / US$ exchange rate would imply a Ps. 6.3 million change in the Peso equivalent of our debt face value and would increase our interest expenses in Ps. 0.6 million annually. In addition, a change of 1% in Ps. / US$ exchange rate would imply a Ps. 5.7 million change in the Peso equivalent of APSA’s debt face value and increases their interest expenses in Ps. 0.5 million annually.

As of December 10, 2008 the amount of cash, cash equivalents and current investments was reduced by approximately 75% since Junes 30, 2008. A 100 BPs parallel change in the interest rate curve would not have a significant impact on the value of our investment portfolio, its value tends to drop in Ps. 0.17 millions per 100 Bps of increase in interest rate level. Also, an increase of 1% in Pesos / dollars exchange rate would imply an increase of Ps. 0.1 million in the value of our investments in foreign currency.

The resuts of Alto Palermo’s subsidiary Tarshop S.A., might be negatively impacted by a reduction in revenues because of lower transaction volumes following a general slowdown in the economy, increased competition or regulation and increased perceived risk thatmay prompt Tarshop to reduce its credit exposure. A drop in interest rates on customer accounts may reduce revenues as a result of increased regulations or more competition in the marketplace. Results may also be affected negatively because of higher funding costs that result from negative conditions in global and local financial markets, higher levels of subordination upon the underwriting of Credit Card Trusts as a result of increasing delinquency levels, lack of traditional sources of funding such as Pension Funds or increased financial trust operating costs. We cannot assure you that it will be able to seek funding through financial trusts in the furture. Results may also be adversely affected because of increases in bad loans and write offs caused by a decrease in the purchasing power of cardholders or a slowdown of the economy, extending our credit portfolio average duration.

 

ITEM 12. Description of Other than Equity Securities

This item is not applicable.

 

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PART II

 

ITEM 13. Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies

This item is not applicable.

 

ITEM 14. Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds

A. Fair Price Provision

At our annual meeting held on October 30, 2000, our shareholders approved an amendment to our bylaws which included the adoption of a fair price provision (the “Fair Price Provision”). On March 8, 2002 our shareholders decided to make a new amendment to Article Nine of our bylaws including, among others, an increase in the minimum percentage of capital obliged to comply with the Fair Price Provision, from twenty percent (20%) to thirty five percent (35%), according to Decree No. 677/2001. On October 10, 2007, our shareholders decided to make a new amendment to Article Nine of our bylaws, to include the control concept under Decree No. 677/2001, which provides for the effective control regularly held in addition to the legal control.

The following description is a summary of the main provisions of the Fair Price Provision, which constitutes Article Nine of our bylaws and does not contain a description of all of the terms of the Fair Price Provision. The Fair Price Provision prohibits a party seeking to acquire, directly or indirectly, either control or (together with such party’s other holdings) thirty five percent (35%) or more of our capital stock without complying with the procedural and price requirements described below. Acquisitions made in violation of the Fair Price Provision are deemed ineffective against us and will not be registered in our share registry. Shares acquired in violation of the Fair Price Provision shall have no voting or equity rights until the Fair Price Provision has been complied with. The Fair Price Provision applies to transactions involving shares of our common stock and any securities convertible in shares of our common stock, including, without limitation, convertible debentures and bonds and our global depositary receipts (“GDRs”). The Fair Price Provision excludes certain acquisitions of shares in certain limited circumstances.

The Fair Price Provision provides that a party seeking to acquire, directly or indirectly, control of our company or thirty five percent (35%) or more of our capital stock shall be required to make a public tender offer for all of the outstanding common stock of us and any shares of common stock into which outstanding securities of our company are presently convertible or exchangeable in accordance with the procedural and price terms of the Fair Price Provision and in accordance with applicable law. For purposes of the thirty five percent threshold contained in the Fair Price Provision parties acting in concert or which are under common control or administration are deemed a single party.

There are cases excluded from the tender offer requirements:

 

   

acquisitions by existing shareholders or by those exercising control over shares or convertible securities in accordance with the provisions under Decree 677/2001, irrespective of the application of the regulations imposed by the Comisión Nacional de Valores; and

 

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holdings of more than 35%, which derive from the distribution of shares or dividends paid in shares approved by the shareholders, or the issuance of shares as a result of a merger approved by the shareholders; in both cases, the excess holding shall be disposed of within 180 days of its registration in the relevant shareholder’s account, or prior to the holding of our shareholders meeting, whatever occurs first.

The Fair Price Provision requires the offering party to notify use of the tender offer simultaneously with its filing of the public tender offer with the Comisión Nacional de Valores. The notice to us is required to set forth all of the terms and conditions of any agreement that the offering party has made with any other of our shareholders with respect to the proposed transaction and to provide, among other things, the following information:

 

   

the identity and nationality of the offering party and, in the event the offer is made by a group, the identity of each member of the group;

 

   

the terms and conditions of the offering, including the price, the tender offer period and the requirements for accepting the tender offer;

 

   

accounting documentation required by Argentine law relating to the offering party;

 

   

details of all prior acquisitions by the offering party of shares or securities convertible into shares of our capital stock.

We will distribute the information provided by the offering party to our shareholders.

The Comisión Nacional de Valores regulations require that transactions which cause a person’s holdings of capital stock of a registered Argentine company, to hold 5% or more of the voting power, should be immediately notified to the Comisión Nacional de Valores. Thereafter, every change in the holdings that represents a multiple of 5% of the voting power should also be notified.

The Fair Price Provision requires that the consideration paid in the tender offer be paid in cash and that the price paid for each share in the tender offer be the same and not less than the highest price per share derived from the five following alternative valuation methods:

 

   

the highest price per share of our common stock paid by the offering party, or on behalf of the offering party, for any acquisition of shares or convertible securities within the 2 years prior to the commencement of the tender offer;

 

   

the highest closing selling price of a share of our common stock on the Bolsa de Comercio de Buenos Aires during the thirty day period immediately preceding the commencement of the tender offer;

 

   

the highest price resulting from the calculations made according to the provisions of (i) and (ii) above multiplied by a fraction the numerator of which is such highest price and the denominator of which is the lowest closing price of a share of our common stock on the Bolsa de Comercio de Buenos Aires during the two-year period prior to the period referred to in sub-sections (i) or (ii), as applicable;

 

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our aggregate net earnings per share during our preceding four completed fiscal quarters prior to the commencement of the tender offer, multiplied by our highest price to earnings ratio during the two-year period immediately preceding the commencement of the tender offer. Such multiples shall be determined considering the average closing selling price of our common stock on the Bolsa de Comercio de Buenos Aires, and our aggregate net income from our preceding four completed fiscal quarters; and,

 

   

the book value per share of our common stock at the time the tender offer is commenced, multiplied by the highest ratio determined by a fraction the numerator of which is the closing selling price of a share of our common stock on the Bolsa de Comercio de Buenos Aires on each day during the two year period prior to the commencement of the tender offer and the denominator of which is the latest known book value per share of our common stock on each such date.

B. Limitations on the payment of dividends.

On February 2, 2007 we issued our 2017 fixed rate notes for a total amount of US$150 million at an annual interest rate of 8.5% payable semi-annual and mature on February 2, 2017. This bond limits our ability to pay dividends which may not exceed the sum of:

 

   

50% of our cumulative consolidated net income; or

 

   

75% of our cumulative consolidated net income if the consolidated interest coverage ratio is at least 3.0 to 1; or

 

   

100% of our cumulative consolidated net income if the consolidated interest coverage ratio is at least 4.0 to 1.

 

   

100% of the aggregate net cash proceeds (with certain exceptions) and the fair market value of property other than cash received by us or by its restricted subsidiaries from (a) any contribution to our equity capital or to the capital stock of its restricted subsidiaries or issuance and sale of our qualified capital stock or the qualified capital stock of its restricted subsidiaries subsequent to the issue of our notes due 2017, or (b) issuance and sale subsequent to the issuance of our notes due 2017 of our indebtedness or of the indebtedness of its restricted subsidiaries that has been converted into or exchanged for its qualified capital stock.

C. This section is not applicable.

D. This section is not applicable.

E. This section is not applicable.

 

ITEM 15. Controls and Procedures

A. Disclosure Controls and Procedures.

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports we file or submit under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), is recorded, processed, summarized

 

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and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Administrative Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In connection with the preparation of this Annual Report on Form 20-F, we carried out an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Administrative Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of June 30, 2008. Based upon this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of fiscal year 2008.

B. Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

The management of IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones S.A. 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 Exchange Act. Our internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with Argentine generally accepted accounting principles and reconciling the Argentine GAAP figures to US GAAP.

Management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of June 30, 2008. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”) in Internal Control–Integrated Framework. Based on this assessment and the criteria set forth in Internal Control–Integrated Framework, management concluded that, as of the end of fiscal year 2008, our internal control over the financial reporting was effective.

C. Attestation Report of the Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, Price Waterhouse & Co. S.R.L., Buenos Aires, Argentina -member firm of PricewaterhouseCoopers-, has issued an attestation report on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting, as stated in their report included herein. See “Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm”.

D. Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

During the period covered by this report, there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

ITEM 16.

A. Audit Committee Financial Expert

Pursuant to the System governing the Transparency of Public Offers established through Decree No. 677/2001, the rules of the Comisión Nacional de Valores, its Resolution No. 400 and 402, the board of directors established that the Audit Committee shall be a committee of the board of directors. The main function of the Audit Committee is to assist the board of directors in performing its duty of exercising due care, diligence and competence in issues relating to us,

 

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specifically in the enforcement of the accounting policy and in the issue of accounting and financial information, the management of business risk and of internal control systems, the conduct and ethical soundness of the company’s business, the supervision of the integrity of our financial statements, the compliance by our company with the legal provisions, the independence and capability of the independent auditor and the performance of the internal audit function of our company and of the external auditors. Also, the audit committee may be requested by the board of directors to report if the conditions of a related party transaction may be reasonably considered adequate according to normal market conditions.

On November 3, 2008, our board of directors appointed Ricardo Liberman as member of the audit committee. As of the date of this annual report, the members of the audit committee are Cedric Bridger, Ricardo Liberman, and Mario Blejer, all of them independent members. Cedric Bridger is the financial expert in accordance with the relevant SEC rules. We have a fully independent audit committee as per the standard provided in Rule 10(A)-3(b)(1).

B. Code of Ethics

We have adopted a code of ethics that applies to our directors, officers and employees. Our code of ethics is posted in our website www.irsa.com.ar. On July 25 2005, our Code of Ethics was amended by our board of directors. The amendment was reported in a report on Form 6-K on August 1, 2005.

If we make any substantive amendment to the code of ethics or grant any waivers, including any implicit waiver to any of its provision we will disclose the nature of such amendment or waiver in a report on Form 6-K or in our next annual report and we will post it in our website.

C. Principal Accountant Fees and Services

Audit Fees

During the fiscal years ended June 30, 2008 and June 30, 2007, we were billed a total amount of Ps. 3.8 million and Ps.2.4 million respectively, for professional services rendered by our principal accountants for the audit of our annual financial statements, performance of the audit or review of our interim financial statements, and other services normally provided in connection with regulatory filings or engagements.

Audit-Related Fees

During the fiscal years ended June 30, 2008 and June 30, 2007, we were billed a total amount of Ps.0.02 million and Ps.0.3 million respectively, for professional services rendered by our principal accountants mainly related to the issuance of covenants certificates and other certifications.

Tax Fees

During the fiscal years ended June 30, 2008 and June 30, 2007, we were billed a total amount of Ps.0.1 million and Ps.0.00 million, respectively, for professional services rendered by our principal accountants for tax compliance, tax advice, and tax planning.

 

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All Other Fees

During fiscal year ended June 30, 2008 and June 30, 2007 we were billed for professional services rendered by our principal accountants, including fees mainly related to special assignments and courses, a total amount of Ps. 0.4 million and Ps. 0.0 million, respectively.

Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures

Audit Committee pre-approves all services, fees and services provided by the external auditors to ensure auditors’ independence. One of the main tasks of the Audit Committee is to give it opinion in relation to the appointment of the external auditors, proposed by the Board of Directors to the General Shareholder’s Meeting. In order to accomplish such task, the Audit Committee shall:

Require any additional and complementary documentation related to this analysis.

 

   

Verify the independence of the external auditors;

 

   

Analyze different kinds of services that the external auditor would provide to the company. This description must also include an estimate of the fees payable for such services, specifically in order to maintain the principle of independence;

 

   

Inform the fees billed by the external auditor, separating the services related to the Audit Committee and other special services that could be not included as fees related to the Audit Committee;

 

   

Take notice of any strategy proposed by of the external auditors and review it in accordance with the reality other business and the risks involved;

 

   

Analyze and supervise the working plan of the external auditors considering the business’ reality and the estimated risks;

 

   

Propose adjustments (if necessary) to such working plan;

 

   

Hold meetings with the external auditors in order to: (a) analyze the difficulties, results and conclusions of the proposed working plan; (b) analyze eventual possible conflicts of interests, related party transactions, compliance with the legal framework and information transparency;

 

   

Evaluate the performance of external auditors and their opinion regarding the Financial Statements.

D. Exemption from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees

This section is not applicable.

E. Purchase of Equity Securities by the Issuer and its Affiliates

This section is not applicable.

 

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PART III

 

ITEM 17. Financial Statements

The Registrant has responded to Item 18 in lieu of responding to this Item.

 

ITEM 18. Financial Statements

Reference is made to pages F-1 through F-171.

Index to Financial Statements (see page F-1).

 

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ITEM 19. Exhibits

 

Exhibit
No.

 

Description of Exhibit

      1.1*   Estatutos of the registrant, which serve as the registrant’s articles of incorporation and bylaws, and an English translation thereof.
      1.2****   English translation of the amendment to the bylaws.
      2.1****   Indenture dated February 2, 2007, between the Company as Issuer, The Bank of New York as trustee, Co-Registrar, Principal Paying Agent and Transfer Agent, and Banco Río de la Plata S.A. as Registrar, Paying Agent, Transfer Agent and Representative of the Trustee in Argentina for the US$ 200,000,000 Global Note Program for Notes due no less than 30 days from date of original issue.
      4.1**   Exchange of Operating Services Agreement between the Company, Cresud and Alto Palermo dated June 30, 2007.
      4.2****   English translation of the Amendment to the Exchange of Operating Services Agreement between the Company, Cresud and Alto Palermo dated August 23, 2007.
      4.3   English translation of the Second Agreement for the Implementation of the Amendment to the Corporate Services Master Agreement, dated August 14, 2008.
      8.1   List of Subsidiaries.
    11.1***   Code of Ethics of the Company.
    12.1   Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 for Chief Executive Officer.
    12.2   Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 for Chief Financial Officer.
    13.1   Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 for Chief Executive Officer.
    13.2   Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 for Chief Financial Officer.

 

 

* Incorporated herein by reference to the exhibit to the registrant’s registration statement on Form F-3 (File No. 333-7984) filed with the SEC on November 18, 1997.

 

** Incorporated herein by reference to the exhibit to the registrant’s registration statement on Form 6-K (File No. 001-13542) filed with the SEC on July 6, 2004.

 

*** Incorporated herein by reference to the registrant’s registration statement on Form 6-K (File No. 001-13542) filed with the SEC on August 1, 2005.

 

**** Incorporated herein by reference to the annual report on Form 20-F (File No. 001-13542) filed with the SEC on December 27, 2007.

 

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SIGNATURES

The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorized the undersigned to sign this annual report on its behalf.

 

IRSA INVERSIONES Y REPRESENTACIONES
SOCIEDAD ANÓNIMA

 

/s/ Eduardo S. Elsztain

Eduardo S. Elsztain

Chief Executive Officer

Date: December 30, 2008

 

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IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

  
     Page

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

   F-2

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2008 and 2007

   F-4

Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

   F-5

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

   F-6

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

   F-7

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

   F-9

Banco Hipotecario S.A.

  
     Page

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

   F-111

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2008 and 2007

   F-113

Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

   F-115

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the years ended June 30,2008, 2007 and 2006

   F-117

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

   F-118

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

   F-119


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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related consolidated statements of income, of changes in shareholders’ equity and of cash flows present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima and its subsidiaries at June 30, 2008 and 2007, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended June 30, 2008 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in Argentina. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of June 30, 2008, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company’s management is responsible for these financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express opinions on these financial statements and on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audits (which was an integrated audit for the year ended June 30 2008). We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

Accounting principles generally accepted in Argentina vary in certain significant respects from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Information relating to the nature and effect of such differences is presented in Note 28 to the consolidated financial statements.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

 

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Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

PRICE WATERHOUSE & Co. S.R.L.
By  

/s/ Andrés Suarez (Partner)

 

Andrés Suarez

Buenos Aires, Argentina

December 30, 2008

 

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IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Consolidated Balance Sheets

as of June 30, 2008 and 2007

(Amounts in thousands, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

     2008     2007  

ASSETS

    

Current Assets

    

Cash and banks (Notes 4.a. and 29.e.)

   Ps. 161,748     Ps. 218,356  

Investments (Notes 4.b. and 29.e.)

     383,444       638,351  

Accounts receivable, net (Notes 4.c. and 29.e.)

     186,017       172,733  

Other receivables and prepaid expenses (Notes 4.d. and 29.e.)

     109,031       110,975  

Inventories (Note 4.e.)

     53,602       35,375  
                

Total current assets

     893,842       1,175,790  
                

Non-Current Assets

    

Accounts receivable, net (Notes 4.c. and 29.e.)

     10,395       42,442  

Other receivables and prepaid expenses (Notes 4.d. and 29.e.)

     140,314       81,202  

Inventories (Note 4.e.)

     129,178       220,828  

Investments (Notes 4.b. and 29.e.)

     833,373       673,273  

Fixed assets, net (Note 29.a.)

     2,530,141       2,027,311  

Intangible assets, net (Note 29.b.)

     8,612       2,822  
                

Subtotal Non-Current Assets

     3,652,013       3,047,878  
                

Negative goodwill, net

     (73,883 )     (78,769 )
                

Total non-current assets

     3,578,130       2,969,109  
                

Total Assets

   Ps. 4,471,972     Ps. 4,144,899  
                

LIABILITIES

    

Current Liabilities

    

Trade accounts payable (Notes 4.f. and 29.e.)

   Ps. 242,063     Ps. 195,870  

Mortgages payable (Notes 4.l. and 29.e.)

     2,919       17,538  

Customer advances (Notes 4.g. and 29.e.)

     104,584       88,810  

Short-term debt (Notes 4.i. and 29.e.)

     187,234       196,655  

Salaries and social security payable (Note 4.h.)

     33,955       26,841  

Taxes payable (Notes 4.j. and 29.e.)

     76,708       64,712  

Other liabilities (Notes 4.k. and 29.e.)

     94,804       61,656  
                

Total current liabilities

     742,267       652,082  
                

Non-Current Liabilities

    

Trade accounts payable (Notes 4.f. and 29.e.)

     55,140       40,942  

Mortgages payable (Notes 4.l. and 29.e.)

     1,538       4,557  

Customer advances (Note 4.g.)

     98,797       63,908  

Long-term debt (Notes 4.i. and 29.e.)

     1,119,726       1,217,866  

Taxes payable (Note 4.j.)

     35,327       29,556  

Other liabilities (Notes 4.k. and 29.e.)

     38,284       38,864  
                

Total non-current liabilities

     1,348,812       1,395,693  
                

Total Liabilities

     2,091,079       2,047,775  
                

Minority interest

     456,715       450,410  
                

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

     1,924,178       1,646,714  
                

Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

   Ps. 4,471,972     Ps. 4,144,899  
                

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

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IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Consolidated Statements of Income

for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts in thousands, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

     2008     2007     2006  

Revenues

   Ps. 1,084,242     Ps. 738,756     Ps. 577,680  

Costs (Note 29.d)

     (489,661 )     (311,647 )     (243,831 )
                        

Gross profit

     594,581       427,109       333,849  
                        

Gain from recognition of inventories at net realizable value

     2,832       20,737       9,063  

Selling expenses

     (163,986 )     (113,709 )     (60,105 )

Administrative expenses

     (179,994 )     (141,427 )     (96,882 )
                        

Subtotal

     (341,148 )     (234,399 )     (147,924 )
                        

Net (loss) income from retained interest in securitized receivables (Note 16)

     (1,261 )     3,254       2,625  

Gain from operations and holdings of real estate assets, net (Note 7)

     2,670       2,568       12,616  
                        

Operating income

     254,842       198,532       201,166  
                        

Amortization of negative goodwill, net

     1,638       (1,472 )     (1,080 )

(Loss) gain on equity investees

     (13,209 )     40,026       41,657  

Financial results, net (Note 8)

     (76,742 )     4,099       (40,926 )

Other expenses, net (Note 9)

     (5,642 )     (14,100 )     (18,263 )
                        

Income before taxes and minority interest

     160,887       227,085       182,554  
                        

Income tax and MPIT

     (78,112 )     (87,539 )     (58,791 )

Minority interest

     (27,900 )     (32,449 )     (27,190 )
                        

Net income

   Ps. 54,875     Ps. 107,097     Ps. 96,573  
                        

Earnings per share (Note 18):

      

Basic net income per share

   Ps. 0.10     Ps. 0.24     Ps. 0.25  
                        

Diluted net income per share

   Ps. 0.10     Ps. 0.20     Ps. 0.23  
                        

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

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IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity

for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts in thousands, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

     Shareholders´ contributions      
     Common stock
(Note 5.a.)
   Inflation
adjustment of
common stock
(Note 5.b.)
   Additional
paid-in-capital
(Note 5.a.)
    Total     Legal
reserve
(Note 5.d.)
   Reserve for new
developments
(note 5.d.)
   Retained earnings
(Accumulated
deficit)
    Shareholders’
equity

Balances as of June 30, 2005

   Ps. 357,267    Ps. 274,387    Ps. 676,171     Ps. 1,307,825     Ps. 19,447    Ps. —      Ps. (75,043 )   Ps. 1,252,229
                                                          

Conversion of debt into common shares

     55,961      —        37,360       93,321       —        —        —         93,321

Exercise of warrants

     22,220      —        21,423       43,643       —        —        —         43,643

Accumulated losses absorption of approved by shareholders meeting held November 29, 2005

     —        —        (75,043 )     (75,043 )     —        —        75,043       —  

Net income for the year

     —        —        —         —         —        —        96,573       96,573
                                                          

Balances as of June 30, 2006

   Ps. 435,448    Ps. 274,387    Ps. 659,911     Ps. 1,369,746     Ps. 19,447    Ps. —      Ps. 96,573     Ps. 1,485,766
                                                          

Conversion of debt into common shares

     16,641      —        11,252       27,893       —        —        —         27,893

Exercise of warrants

     12,880      —        13,078       25,958       —        —        —         25,958

Appropriation of retained earnings approved by shareholders meeting held October 31, 2006

     —        —        —         —         4,829      91,744      (96,573 )     —  

Net income for the year

     —        —        —         —         —        —        107,097       107,097
                                                          

Balances as of June 30, 2007

   Ps. 464,969    Ps. 274,387    Ps. 684,241     Ps. 1,423,597     Ps. 24,276    Ps. 91,744    Ps. 107,097     Ps. 1,646,714
                                                          

Conversion of debt into common shares

     34,582      —        24,591       59,173       —        —        —         59,173

Exercise of warrants

     79,125      —        84,291       163,416       —        —        —         163,416

Appropriation of retained earnings approved by shareholders meeting held October 10, 2007

     —        —        —         —         5,355      101,742      (107,097 )     —  

Net income for the year

     —        —        —         —         —        —        54,875       54,875
                                                          

Balances as of June 30, 2008

   Ps. 578,676    Ps. 274,387    Ps. 793,123     Ps. 1,646,186     Ps. 29,631    Ps. 193,486    Ps. 54,875     Ps. 1,924,178
                                                          

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts in thousands, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

     2008     2007     2006  

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

      

Net income for the year

   Ps. 54,875     Ps. 107,097     Ps. 96,573  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from operating activities:

      

Income tax and MPIT

     78,112       87,539       58,791  

Depreciation and amortization

     116,631       98,299       81,313  

Minority interest

     27,900       32,449       27,190  

Accruals for director’s fees

     15,658       14,464       13,778  

Allowances and provisions

     75,745       38,612       23,916  

Loss (gain) on equity investees

     13,209       (40,026 )     (41,657 )

Gain from operations and holdings of real estate assets, net

     (2,670 )     (2,568 )     (12,616 )

Financial results

     6,566       (39,716 )     24,252  

Gain from recognition of inventories at net realizable value

     (2,832 )     (20,737 )     (9,063 )

Goodwill impairment

     —         635       —    

Gain from sale of inventories

     (14,541 )     —         (44,020 )

Changes in certain assets and liabilities, net of non-cash transactions and the effects of acquisitions:

      

(Increase) decrease in current investments

     (22,721 )     (29,833 )     10,279  

Increase in non-current investments

     (1,400 )     (35,587 )     (26,433 )

Increase in accounts receivable, net

     (121,069 )     (79,732 )     (80,339 )

(Increase) decrease in other receivables and prepaid expenses, net

     (51,089 )     (79,555 )     8,128  

Decrease in inventories

     129,729       28,967       25,070  

(Increase) decrease in intangible assets

     (1,619 )     (762 )     112  

Increase in trade accounts payable

     40,755       65,148       55,980  

Decrease in customer advances, salaries and social security payable and taxes payable

     (30,408 )     (12,759 )     (28,378 )

Increase (decrease) in other liabilities

     1,489       9,622       (2,157 )

Increase in accrued interest

     7,613       21,542       13,966  
                        

Net cash provided by operating activities

     319,933       163,099       194,685  
                        

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

      

Acquisition of businesses and assets net of cash acquired (i)

     (419,020 )     (56,093 )     (4,231 )

Acquisition of undeveloped parcels of land

     (17,225 )     (9,297 )     (62,082 )

Acquisition of fixed assets

     (332,454 )     (410,080 )     (54,119 )

Increase in equity investees and non-current investments

     (23,892 )     —         (1,618 )

Decrease in minority interest

     —         (41,013 )     (7,251 )

Guarantee deposit

     —         9,111       (8,610 )

Sale of IRSA Telecommunications N.V.

     —         —         1,719  

Advance payments for the acquisition of shares

     (683 )     (3,995 )     —    

Loans granted to related parties

     —         —         (375 )

Cash collected from insurance claims

     4,677       593       —    
                        

Net cash used in investing activities

     (788,597 )     (510,774 )     (136,567 )
                        

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

      

Proceeds from settlement of swap agreement

     —         —         1,190  

Increase in short-term and long-term debt

     183,485       1,199,675       45,066  

Payment of short-term and long-term debt

     (48,950 )     (292,158 )     (82,474 )

Exercise of warrants

     163,416       25,958       43,642  

Dividends paid by subsidiaries to minority shareholders

     (24,332 )     (23,175 )     (12,715 )

Payment of seller financing of Mendoza Plaza Shopping S.A.

     —         —         (5,150 )

Decrease in mortgages payable

     (18,425 )     (18,042 )     (25,561 )

Settlement of debt with related companies

     —         —         (765 )

Re purchase of debt

     (138,583 )     —         —    

Capital contribution by minority owners in related parties

     32,534       —         —    
                        

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     149,145       892,258       (36,767 )
                        

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

     (319,519 )     544,583       21,351  

Cash and cash equivalents as of the beginning of the year

     708,523       163,940       142,589  
                        

Cash and cash equivalents as of the end of the year

   Ps. 389,004     Ps. 708,523     Ps. 163,940  
                        

 

(i) Includes Ps. 228.3 million for the acquisition of the República Building (asset acquisition). See Note 2.g. for details.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006 (continued)

(Amounts in thousands, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

     2008     2007     2006  

Supplemental cash flow information:

      

Cash paid during the year for:

      

Interest paid

   Ps. 125,063     Ps. 43,968     Ps. 51,342  

Income tax paid

     63,743     17,603     11,440  

Non-cash investing and financing activities:

      

Conversion of debt into common shares

   Ps. 59,174     Ps. 27,893     Ps. 93,322  

Increase in inventory through a decrease in undeveloped parcels of land

     —       —       33,006  

Liquidation of interest in credit card receivables

     56,573     8,873     10,364  

Increase in fixed assets through a decrease in undeveloped parcels of land

     —       66,958     1,626  

Increase in inventory through a decrease in fixed assets

     —       —       1,422  

Increase in fixed assets through an increase in other receivables

     —       12,161     348  

Increase in undeveloped parcels of land through an increase in accounts payable

     5,445     —       —    

Increase in fixed assets through a decrease in inventory

     —       1,521     293  

Increase in other receivables through a decrease in fixed assets

     —       —       71  

Increase in other receivables through a decrease in intangible assets

     —       —       12  

(Decrease) Increase in fixed assets through an (increase) decrease in other investments

     (49,872 )   59,912     8  

Increase in intangible assets through a decrease in fixed assets

     —       —       6  

Decrease in undeveloped parcels of land through an increase in inventories

     9,223     —       —    

Transfer of inventories to long-term investment

     705     —       —    

Increase in non current investment through an increase in long-term debt

     23,212     27,522     —    

Increase in fixed assets through an increase in accounts payable

     1,069     —       —    

Increase in accounts receivable through a decrease in inventories

     365     —       —    

Increase in costs of issuance of debt through an increase in trade accounts payables

     —       1,691     —    

Increase in short-term and long-term debt through a decrease in other liabilities

     —       2,614     —    

Decrease in inventory through a decrease in mortgages payables

     —       3,632     —    

Seller financing for acquisition of subsidiaries and minority interest

     9,090     27,522     —    

Increase in long-term investment through a decrease in other receivables

     3,995     —       —    

Increase in fixed assets through an increase in mortgages payable

     —       8,649     —    
     2008     2007     2006  

Acquisitions of business or net assets:

      

Cash and cash equivalents

     —       29,417     —    

Fair market value of inventories

     —       66,057     —    

Fair market value of fixed assets acquired (i)

     405,446     158,549     —    

Fair market value of intangible assets acquired (i)

     6,533     —       —    

Fair market value of other assets acquired

     5,398     5,661     4,320  

Fair market value of liabilities assumed (i)

     (13,028 )   (47,491 )   (89 )
                    

Net assets acquired

     404,349     212,193     4,231  

Minority interest

     20,049     (36,029 )   —    

Goodwill (negative goodwill)

     3,712     (10,036 )   —    
                    

Purchase price

     428,110     166,128     4,231  

Seller financing

     (9,090 )   (80,618 )   —    
                    

Purchase price paid

     419,020     85,510     4,231  

Less: cash and cash equivalents acquired

     —       (29,417 )   —    
                    

Net cash paid for the acquisition

     419,020     56,093     4,231  
                    

 

(i) Includes Ps. 229.9 million, Ps. 0.6 million and Ps. 2.2 million relating to the fair market value of fixed and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed for the acquisition of República Building (asset acquisition). See Note 2.g. for details.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts in thousands, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

1. Organization and description of business

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima (“IRSA”), is a real estate company incorporated under the laws of Argentina which, through its investments in subsidiaries and joint ventures (IRSA and subsidiaries are collectively referred hereinafter as the “Company”), is primarily involved in (i) the acquisition and development of residential properties primarily for sale and the acquisition of undeveloped land reserves either for future development or sale, (ii) the acquisition, development and operation of office and other non-shopping center properties primarily for rental purposes, (iii) the acquisition, development and operation of shopping center properties, (iv) the acquisition and operation of luxury hotels, (v) the origination of consumer loans and credit card receivables and securitization activities and (vi) other non-core activities. The Company is the only Argentine real estate company whose shares are listed and traded on both the Buenos Aires Stock Exchange (“BASE”) and the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”).

 

2. Preparation of financial statements

 

  a. Basis of presentation

The consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles used in Argentina, as set forth by the Federación Argentina de Consejos Profesionales de Ciencias Económicas (“FACPCE”) and implemented, adapted, amended, revised and/or supplemented by the Consejo Profesional de Ciencias Económicas de la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires (“CPCECABA”) (collectively “Argentine GAAP”). In addition, the Company must comply with the regulations of the Comisión Nacional de Valores (“CNV”), the National Securities Commission in Argentina. Argentine GAAP and the regulations of the CNV, as applicable, differ in certain significant respects from generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“US GAAP”). Such differences involve methods of measuring the amounts shown in the consolidated financial statements, as well as additional disclosures required by US GAAP and Regulation S-X of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). A description of the significant differences between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP as they relate to the Company are set forth in Note 28 to these consolidated financial statements.

Additionally as discussed in Note 3.n. in order to comply with regulations of the CNV, the Company recognized deferred income taxes on an undiscounted basis. This accounting practice represented a departure from Argentine GAAP but did not have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements for the year ended June 30, 2006. As further discussed in Note 2.d., in December 2005 and January 2006, the CPCECABA issued revised accounting standards. One of these standards required companies to account for deferred income taxes on an undiscounted basis, thus aligning its accounting practices with that of the CNV. Since the CNV adopted the CPCECABA standards effective for the Company for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2007, there was no longer a difference on this subject between Argentine GAAP and the CNV regulations.

As discussed in Note 2.c., in order to comply with the regulations of the CNV, the Company discontinued inflation accounting as from February 28, 2003. Since Argentine GAAP required companies to discontinue inflation adjustments only as from October 1, 2003, the application of CNV resolution represented a departure from Argentine GAAP. However, due to low inflation rates during the period from March to September 2003, such a departure has not had a material effect on the consolidated financial statements.

 

  b. Basis of consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries over which the Company has effective control. Investments in companies in which the Company exercises significant influence, but not control, are accounted for under the equity method. Investments in joint ventures and/or jointly controlled operations in which the company exercises joint control are accounted for under the proportionate consolidation method. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

In accordance with Argentine GAAP, the presentation of the parent company’s individual financial statements is mandatory. Consolidated financial statements are to be included as supplementary information to the individual financial statements. For the purpose of these financial statements, individual financial statements have been omitted since they are not required for SEC reporting purposes.

 

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Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts in thousands, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

2. Preparation of financial statements (continued)

 

  b. Basis of consolidation (continued)

 

A description of the subsidiaries over which the Company has effective control and joint control, with their respective percentage of capital stock owned, is presented as follows:

 

     Percentage of capital stock
owned as of June 30, (i)
 
     2008     2007     2006  

Controlled and jointly controlled companies

      

Ritelco S.A. (“Ritelco”)

   100.00 %   100.00 %   100.00 %

Palermo Invest S.A. (“Palermo Invest”) (iii) and (iv)

   100.00 %   100.00 %   66.67 %

Abril S.A. (“Abril”) (ii) and (iii)

   —       —       83.33 %

Pereiraola S.A. (“Pereiraola”) (ii)

   100.00 %   100.00 %   83.33 %

Baldovinos S.A. (“Baldovinos”) (ii)

   —       —       83.33 %

Hoteles Argentinos S.A. (“Hoteles Argentinos”)

   80.00 %   80.00 %   80.00 %

Patagonian Investment S.A. (“Patagonian Investment”) (v)

   100.00 %   100.00 %   —    

Alto Palermo S.A. ( “APSA”)

   63.34 %   62.48 %   61.54 %

Llao Llao Resorts S.A. (“LLR”)

   50.00 %   50.00 %   50.00 %

Rummaala S.A. (“Rummaala”) (iii)

   50.00 %   100.00 %   —    

Canteras Natal Crespo S.A. (“Canteras Natal Crespo”)

   50.00 %   50.00 %   43.18 %

CYRSA S.A. (“CYRSA”) (vi)

   50.00 %   100.00 %   —    

Solares de Santa María S.A. (“Solares de Santa María”) (iii)

   90.00 %   90.00 %   —    

Inversora Bolívar S.A.(“Inversora Bolívar”)

   100.00 %   100.00 %   66.67 %

Quality Invest S.A. (iii)

   100.00 %   —       —    

E-Commerce Latina S.A. (“E-Commerce”) (iii)

   100.00 %   —       —    

Financel Communications S.A. (iii)

   80.00 %   —       —    

 

(i) Percentage of equity interest owned has been rounded and does not consider the effects of the potential conversion of irrevocable contributions into common shares.
(ii) Equity interests in Pereiraola are held 50% directly by IRSA and 50% indirectly through its subsidiary Inversora Bolívar. Equity interests in Abril and Baldovinos were held 50% directly by IRSA and 50% indirectly through its subsidiary Inversora Bolívar. In the fiscal year ended June 30, 2007, Baldovinos was merged with and into Inversora Bolívar. In the fiscal year June 30, 2007 IRSA transferred the shares of Abril (See Note 2.g. for details)
(iii) See Note 2.g. for details.
(iv) Equity interest in Palermo Invest is held 98% directly by IRSA and 2% indirectly through Patagonian Investment.
(v) Formed on July 21, 2006.
(vi) Formed on April 13, 2007 to develop specific projects. See Note 2.g.

Proportionate consolidation

The Company exercises joint control over Metroshop (through APSA), Canteras Natal Crespo, Rummaala and CYRSA. As required by Technical Resolution No. 21 “Equity Method of Accounting, Consolidation of Financial Statements and Related Party Transactions” (“RT No. 21”), under Argentine GAAP, the Company accounted for these investments under the proportionate consolidation method. Accordingly, these financial statements reflect the Company’s pro rata equity interest in these investments on a line-by-line basis.

 

  c. Presentation of financial statements in constant Argentine pesos

On August 22, 1995, the Argentine government issued Decree No. 316/95 discontinuing the requirement that financial information be restated for inflation for any date or period after August 31, 1995. Effective September 1, 1995 in accordance with CNV resolutions and Argentine GAAP, the Company began accounting for its financial transactions on a historical cost basis, without considering the effects of inflation. Prior to September 1, 1995, the financial statements were prepared on the basis of general price level accounting, which reflected changes in purchasing power of the Argentine Peso in the historical financial statements. The financial statement information of periods prior to August 31, 1995 was restated to pesos of general purchasing power as of August 31, 1995. The August 31, 1995 balances, adjusted to the general purchasing power of the Peso at that date, became the historical cost basis for subsequent accounting and reporting.

 

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Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts in thousands, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

2. Preparation of financial statements (continued)

 

  c. Presentation of financial statements in constant Argentine pesos (continued)

 

However, as a result of the inflationary environment in Argentina in 2002, the CPCECABA approved on March 6, 2002, a resolution reinstating the application of inflation accounting in financial statements as from January 1, 2002. This resolution provided that all recorded amounts restated for inflation through August 31, 1995, as well as those arising between that date and December 31, 2001 are to be considered stated in currency as of December 31, 2001.

On July 16, 2002, the Argentine government issued a decree, instructing the CNV to issue the necessary regulations for the acceptance of financial statements prepared in constant currency. On July 25, 2002, the CNV reinstated the requirement to submit financial statements in constant currency.

However, after considering inflation levels for the second half of 2002 and the first months of 2003, on March 25, 2003, the Argentine government repealed the provisions of the previous decree related to the inflation adjustment and instructed the CNV to issue the necessary regulations to preclude companies under its supervision from presenting price-level restated financial statements. Therefore, on April 8, 2003, the CNV issued a resolution providing for the discontinuance of inflation accounting as of March 1, 2003. The Company complied with the CNV resolution and accordingly recorded the effects of inflation until February 28, 2003.

Since Argentine GAAP required companies to discontinue inflation accounting as from October 1, 2003, the application of the CNV resolution represented a departure from Argentine GAAP. However, due to the low level of inflation rates during the period from March to September 2003, such a departure did not have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements.

 

  d. Adoption by the CNV of CPCECABA accounting standards

The CNV issued General Resolutions 485 and 487 on December 29, 2005 and January 26, 2006, respectively adopting, with certain modifications, the new accounting standards previously issued by the CPCECABA through its Resolution CD 93/2005. The standards were effective for the Company for the year ended June 30, 2007.

The most significant changes included in the accounting standards adopted by the CNV related to (i) changes in the impairment test of long-lived assets, (ii) changes to deferred income tax accounting and (iii) accounting of deferred income taxes on a non-discounted basis.

Under the new standards, the carrying value of a long-lived asset is considered impaired by a company when its value in use or its net realizable value, whichever is greater, is less than its carrying value. Value in use is determined by the expected cash flows from the assets discounted at a rate commensurate with the risk involved. Net realizable is determined by the selling price of the assets costs to sell.

The new standards provided for the accounting treatment of differences between the tax basis and book basis of non-monetary items for deferred income tax calculation purposes when companies prepare price-level restated financial statements. The new accounting standard mandated companies to treat these differences as temporary differences but allowed a one-time accommodation to continue treating these differences as permanent at the time of adoption of the standard. As a result, the Company elected to continue treating differences as permanent. Should the inflation adjustment be treated as a temporary difference for deferred income tax purposes, the shareholders´ equity as of June 30, 2008 would have decreased approximately Ps. 155.4 million with a corresponding effect of Ps. 20.6 million and Ps. 176.0 million in the in statement of income of the year ended June 30, 2008 and retained earnings, respectively.

In accordance with the Company’s Management the potential effect that the new accounting standards would have in its subsidiary Banco Hipotecario S.A. would not be significant on the amount of the Company’s investment.

 

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Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts in thousands, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

2. Preparation of financial statements (continued)

 

  e. Reclassifications

Certain reclassifications of prior year’s information have been made to conform to the current year presentation. The reclassifications had no impact on previously reported net income, net income per share, shareholders’ equity or cash flows.

 

  f. Functional currency and reporting currency

The Company’s functional and reporting currency is the Argentine Peso. Solely for the convenience of the reader certain amounts are alternatively expressed in Argentine Pesos or US Dollars in the notes to the financial statements. Translations should not be construed as a representation that the amounts shown could have been, or could be, converted into US Dollars at that or any other rate.

 

  g. Significant acquisitions, dispositions and development of businesses

In the preparation of these consolidated financial statements, unless otherwise indicated, the operating results of all acquired businesses have been included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements since the date of the respective acquisition.

Year ended June 30, 2008

Financel Communications S.A.

In August 2007, the Company together with an unrelated party, Prisma Investments S.A., formed Financel Communications S.A. (“Financel”) for the purpose of creating innovative solutions for collections and payments through the use of cell phones. Financel together with Tarjeta Shopping S.A. (a subsidiary of APSA) and CTI Móvil (a cell phone company in Argentina) created “Compra Móvil”, a cell phone purchase system by which CTI cell users would be able to complete purchase transactions in a quick and secure fashion. As of the date of these financial statements, Financel has not started operations yet.

Quality Invest S.A.

In August 2007, the Company formed Quality Invest S.A. for the purpose of investing in different individual or corporate businesses, as well as, transacting with financial instruments except for transactions which would require registration of the company under the law for financial institutions. As of the date of these financial statements, Quality Invest has not started operations yet.

Exercise of option

In August 2007, APSA exercised the option to purchase a 75% interest in a company engaged in the development of a cultural, recreational and entertainment complex in the Palermo neighborhood in Buenos Aires. APSA paid US$ 0.6 million for the option and is accounted for under non current investments. The purchase is subject to certain approvals by the regulatory authorities which have not been obtained as of the date of these financial statements. Should the approvals be obtained, APSA committed to invest approximately US$ 24.4 million.

Barter transaction agreement

In October 2007, APSA entered into a barter agreement with an unrelated party Condominios del Alto S.A. pursuant to which APSA bartered a plot of land located in Rosario, Province of Santa Fe for future 15 apartments and 15 parking spaces of the total units to be constructed on the land. Under this agreement, APSA will have a 14.85% and 15% of the total square meters covered by the apartments and garages, respectively. The total fair value of the transaction is US$ 1.1 million. Upon signing of the agreement, Condominios del Alto S.A. paid APSA US$ 15 and assumed certain obligations. Condominios del Alto S.A. (i) guaranteed the transaction by the assumption of a first degree mortgage on the land in favor of APSA for US$ 1.1 million; (ii) established a security insurance of which APSA will be assignor of the insured amount of US$ 1.6 million; and (iii) the shareholders of Condominios del Alto S.A. assumed a personal guarantee of the obligations of Condominios del Alto S.A. up to the amount of US$ 0.8 million.

 

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Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts in thousands, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

2. Preparation of financial statements (continued)

 

  g. Significant acquisitions, dispositions and development of businesses (continued)

 

Acquisition of Soleil Factory shopping center business

On December 28, 2007, APSA entered into an agreement with INCSA, an unrelated party, for the acquisition of Soleil Factory shopping center business, for an aggregate purchase price of US$ 20.7 million, of which US$ 8.1 million were paid. The transaction is subject to certain suspensive conditions. Upon fulfillment of the conditions and transfer of the business, the remaining balance of the purchase price amounting to US$ 12.6 million will accrue fixed interest at 5% per year. This balance will be paid in seven annual and consecutive installments starting on the first anniversary of the signing of the contract. As part of the same agreement, APSA entered into an offer to acquire, construct and operate a shopping center on land property of INCSA located in San Miguel de Tucumán, Province of Tucumán, in the northwest of Argentina. This transaction is also subject to the completion of the “Soleil Factory” transaction among other suspensive conditions. The parties determined the value of this transaction to be US$ 1.3 million, of which a de minimis amount was paid in January 2008.

Acquisition of plot of land

On June 24, 2008, APSA purchased from Dowler Company S.A, an unrelated party,. a plot of land located at Beruti street No. 3351/3359 in the vicinity of the Alto Palermo shopping mall. The purchase price was US$ 17.8 million of which, as of the date of these financial statements, US$ 8.9 million was paid. The unpaid balance will be paid in two annual and consecutive installments of US$ 4.4 million due on February 2009 and 2010. The plot of land was mortgaged in favor of Dowler Company S.A..

Acquisition of 50% of Bank Boston building.

In August 2007, the Company acquired a 50% interest in the building (including in place leases) known as “Bank Boston Tower”, a 31,670 sq. meter property located in Buenos Aires, for total consideration of US$ 54 million. The acquisition has been accounted for as a business acquisition.

Offer for the acquisition of Uruguayan company.

In May 2008, the Company offered to acquire an Uruguayan company owner of several plots of land in Montevideo, Uruguay for approximately US$ 7 million. The Company intends to develop an urban project on the site. As of the date of these financial statements, the transaction has not been closed yet.

Acquisition of a plot of land in Luján

In May 2008, IRSA entered into a preliminary purchase contract with transfer of possession with Birafriends S.A. (an unrelated party) for the acquisition of a plot of land in Luján, Province of Buenos Aires, for a total purchase price of US$ 3.0 million. IRSA paid US$ 1.2 million and the remaining balance will be paid at the time of the signing of the deed. On December 2008, IRSA assigned the preliminary purchase contract to Cresud. Cresud will pay the remaining balance at the time of the signing of the deed, and will also refund IRSA the amount the Company paid at the time of the signing of the preliminary purchase.

Barter transaction with CYRSA

The Company signed with CYRSA a deed of exchange for US$ 12,600 by which IRSA handed over to CYRSA a plot of land in the Caballito neighborhood. On its part, CYRSA committed itself to build a housing real estate development in such plot. In a first stage two buildings will be constructed and a third future building will be developed in the second stage, upon CYRSA´s election. As consideration CYRSA will pay US$ 120 and the balance will be cancelled by handing over 25% of the functional units of the buildings to be constructed in the plot of land. If CYRSA decides not to construct the third building by June 2010, then IRSA will receive the functional unit having the right to over-raise the future third building. To guarantee the compliance with its obligations CYRSA has mortgaged the plot of land in the amount of US$ 12,600. This transaction generated a gross result before taxes of Ps. 29,100, which was eliminated in accordance with the ownership of CYRSA S.A. On July 31, 2008, the title deed to the land was executed.

 

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Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts in thousands, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

2. Preparation of financial statements (continued)

 

  g. Significant acquisitions, dispositions and development of businesses (continued)

 

Acquisition of Museo Renault

In December 2007 the Company acquired certain functional units (including in place lease) of the “Palacio Alcorta” (also known as “Museo Renault”) real estate for the total consideration of US$ 3,200. The acquisition has been accounted for as a business acquisition.

Acquisition of minority interest in Mendoza Plaza Shopping S.A.

On September 29, 2004, upon executing the agreement to purchase the capital stock of Mendoza Plaza Shopping S.A., APSA signed an agreement with Inversiones Falabella Argentina S.A. (“Falabella”), the remaining minority shareholder of Mendoza Plaza Shopping S.A., pursuant to which, among other things, Falabella had the irrevocable right to sell to APSA (put option) its ownership interest in Mendoza Plaza Shopping S.A. for a total consideration of US$ 3.0 million.

On June 30, 2008, Inversiones Falabella Argentina S.A. formally notified the put exercise previously granted by which this company sells to APSA 2,062,883 nonendorsable, registered share of common stock, Class A, with face value of Ps. 1 each and with 5 voting rights per share and 2,062,883 nonendorsable, registered shares of common stock, Class B, with face value of Ps. 1 each and with 1 voting rights per share, thus acquiring 5% of the share on behalf of Shopping Alto Palermo S.A. (“SAPSA”).

Total shares acquired represent 14.6% of the capital stock of Mendoza Plaza Shopping S.A. at the price of US$ 3.0 million established in the respective option agreement (equivalent to Ps. 9.1 million). Such price was fully paid in by APSA on July 2, 2008, when the respective deed to close between both companies was executed.

The shares acquired on behalf of SAPSA were transferred to such company on July 2, 2008 by means of a Shares Assignment Agreement and the amount paid of US$ 1.0 million will be returned to APSA on October 2, 2008.

Sale of Bouchard building

On January 9, 2008, the Company sold to Techint Compañía Técnica International S.A.C.I. (Techint) an undivided 29.85% interest in the building known as Bouchard Plaza Building including in-place lease contracts for an aggregate price of US$ 34.4 million. The gain on the sale was Ps. 19 million.

Acquisition of Patio Olmos

In November 2006, APSA acquired from the Provincial Government of Cordoba a property known as “Edificio Ex Escuela Gobernador Vicente de Olmos” (“Olmos”) located in Córdoba, Argentina for an aggregate purchase price of Ps. 32.5 million, of which APSA made a down payment of Ps. 9.7 million as of that date. The property, which is located in the City of Córdoba, is a 5,147 square meter four-story building. The property is leased to an unrelated party who exploits the building as a shopping center. APSA did not acquire any rights to the shopping center business. The transaction was pending certain approvals which were obtained in September 2007 when the deed was signed and remaining balance paid.

As part of the agreement, two spaces of the building aggregating 931 sq. meters had been reserved for public use from governmental authorities until 2032. Thus, APSA was unable to exploit the space through that date. However, in November 2007, the Government enacted a law declaring the spaces as for public use and subject to expropriation procedures for the spaces subject to payment of Ps. 0.5 million. APSA challenged the valuation before the corresponding authorities. As of the date of these financial statements, expropriation has not taken place and final payment has not been negotiated.

 

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Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts in thousands, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

2. Preparation of financial statements (continued)

 

  g. Significant acquisitions, dispositions and development of businesses (continued)

 

Acquisition of Edificio República.

In April 2008, the Company acquired a building known as “República Building”, a property located in Buenos Aires. The Company paid US$ 70.2 million partially financed by a mortgage loan from Banco Macro for an amount of US$ 33.6 million accruing interest at a fixed rate of 12% per annum and payable in five equal, annual and consecutive installments as from April 2009. The Company consulted with the Argentine Antitrust Commission whether or not this transaction should be reported as a transaction regarded as infringing antitrust laws. The Commission resolved unfavorably and the Company challenged this ruling judicially. As of the date of these financial statements, there was no final sentence as to this matter.

Commercialization of Dique III

 

   

Plot 1c) Dique III

In September 2004, the Company and Desarrollos y Proyectos Sociedad Anónima (“DYPSA”) signed a commitment of barter contract whereby the Company delivered DYPSA plot 1c) of Dique III in exchange for receiving, within a maximum term of 36 months, housing unit, parking lots and parking spaces, representing in the aggregate 28.50% of the square meters built in the building constructed by DYPSA. The transaction amounted to US$ 8,030. As a guaranty for the transaction, DYPSA set up a first degree mortgage for US$ 8,030 plot in favor of IRSA. During the fiscal year DYPSA transferred to the Company the possession of all of the individual storage spaces and parking lots in a total amount of US$ 487, corresponding to the barter for the plot 1c). The Company signed preliminary sales agreements for certain units to be received which where valued at its net realizable value. The increase for this method of valuation amounted to Ps. 21,012; of which Ps. 2,618 and Ps. 18,394 were recorded as of June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

 

   

Plot 1e) Dique III

In June 2006, the Company and DYPSA signed a barter contract whereby the Company delivered DYPSA plot 1e) of Dique III in exchange for receiving, within a maximum term of 36 months, house units, parking and storages representing in the aggregate 31.50% of the square meters built in the building to be constructed by DYPSA. The value of the transaction to amount of US$ 13,530. In November 2007, the Company and DYPSA resolved the substitution of the mentioned exchange for a payment of US$ 18,250, which was fully collected as of June 30, 2008. The gain on the substitution was Ps. 14.8 million.

Purchase of additional shares of APSA

During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2008 the Company acquired 672,639 shares of APSA for a total amount of Ps. 7,071. As a result of this transaction, as of the date of these financial statements, IRSA’s ownership interest in APSA is 63.34%.

Year ended June 30, 2007

Acquisition of plots of land in Bariloche

In December 2006, LLR acquired from an unrelated party a plot of land located in Bariloche in the Province of Río Negro, Argentina, for an aggregate purchase price of US$ 7,000. The company paid US$ 4,200 in cash and the remaining US$ 2,800 was financed through the assumption of a first-degree mortgage on the property. The mortgage, bearing interest at a fixed rate of 7% per annum, will be payable in 36 monthly installments of US$ 86 each, beginning on January 14, 2007.

 

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Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts in thousands, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

2. Preparation of financial statements (continued)

 

  g. Significant acquisitions, dispositions and development of businesses (continued)

 

Acquisition of additional interest in Palermo Invest

In October 2006, the Company acquired the remaining 33,33% of Palermo Invest from GSEM/AP Holdings, L.P. for an aggregate purchase price of US$ 18,000. Palermo Invest is a corporation whose main activity is the purchase and holding of equity securities of entities which principal businesses are real estate and investment in equity securities and other form of investment. The transaction was financed US$ 9,000 in cash and US$ 9,000 through a note payable in three annual installments of US$ 3.0 million each, beginning on October 4, 2007. The note will accrue interest at a fixed rate of 9% per annum.

Acquisition of plot of land in Vicente López and creation of CYRSA

On January 16, 2007, the Company acquired the total shares of the company named Rummaala, the main asset of which was a plot of land located in Vicente López, Province of Buenos Aires. The purchase price was US$ 21,172, payable as follows: (i) US$ 500 in cash paid in April 2006; (ii) US$ 3,752 in cash and (iii) by delivering certain units of the building to be constructed in the plot of land owned by Rummaala in the amount of US$ 16,920, within a 4-year term as from the approval date of the plans by the related authorities or when the facilities be vacated, whichever last occurs. As security for compliance with the construction of the future building and transfer of the future units, the shares acquired were pledged. Simultaneously with the above transaction, Rummaala acquired a plot of land adjacent to its own property in the amount of US$ 15,000, payable as follows: (i) US$ 500 in cash paid in April 2006; (ii) by delivering certain units of buildings Cruceros I and II owned by the Company in the amount of US$ 1,247 and (iii) by delivering certain units of the building to be constructed in the land acquired in the amount of US$ 13,253, within a 40-month term considered as from the approval date of the plans by the related authorities or when the facilities be vacated, whichever last occurs. As security for compliance with the construction of the future building and transfer of the future units, the Company’s property located at Suipacha 652 was mortgaged.

In April, 2007, the Company constituted CYRSA S.A., to have a legal entity that allows developing a specific project together with one or more investors having the required knowledge and expertise. In August 2007, Cyrela Brazil Realty S.A. Emprendimentos e Partiçipacões (“CYRELA”) is incorporated with the ownership of 50% of CYRSA capital stock.

In the same act, the Company contributed 100% of the shareholding of Rummaala S.A. and the liability in kind related to the acquisition of the plot of land to CYRSA in the amount of Ps. 21,500 and CYRELA contributed Ps. 21,500 (amount equivalent to the net value of the shares contributed by the Company).

The Company has subscribed with CYRELA an agreement, by which through CYRSA, operating under the name IRSA- CYRELA will start developing housing units in the Argentine Republic.

During May and June 2008 the Company (through Rummaala) continued the marketing process of the building units to be constructed on the plot referred to above called “Horizons”. Certain clients have made advances by means of signing preliminary sales contracts for 96% of the units to be marketed, which are disclosed in customer advances.

The sales price in the preliminary sales contracts consist of a fixed portion and a variable portion that will be determined according to future construction expenses. The buyer can choose from the following purchase plans:

- The balance is cancelled in installments and is fully paid at the time of transfer and signature of the deeds.

- The balance can be partially cancelled by the time of transfer and signatures of the deeds, with the remaining balance financed for 90 months, with the units mortgaged as security.

The Company has committed to transfer the functional units by February, 2011.

 

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Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts in thousands, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

2. Preparation of financial statements (continued)

 

  g. Significant acquisitions, dispositions and development of businesses (continued)

 

Panamerican Mall Project

In June 2006, APSA acquired from an unrelated party, Phillips Argentina S.A., a 28,741 square meters plot of land (the “Phillips land”) located in Saavedra, a neighborhood in the northern area of Buenos Aires, for an aggregate purchase price of US$ 17.9 million. APSA developed a project for the construction of a mall including a hypermarket, a movie theatre complex and office and/or residential buildings. For that purpose, in December 2006, APSA entered into a Construction, Management and Commercialization Agreement with an unrelated party, Centro Comercial Panamericano S.A. (“CCP”). APSA incorporated Panamerican Mall S.A. (“PAMSA”) for this purpose. APSA contributed cash and the Phillips land to PAMSA amounting to Ps. 158.3 million. APSA acquired from CCP an adjacent property amounting to Ps. 36.9 million through cash and 20% of the stock of PAMSA. In addition, APSA and CCP committed to make capital contributions amounting to US$ 37.8 million and US$ 9.4 million, respectively, to complete the project.

During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2008, APSA and CCP made irrevocable contributions to PAMSA for Ps. 87.5 million and Ps. 21.9 million, respectively.

Córdoba Shopping

On December 27, 2006, APSA acquired 100% interest in the Cordoba Shopping Villa Cabrera located in Cordoba, Argentina, owned by Empalme S.A.I.C.F.A.I.G. (“Empalme”). The property, which is located in the Villa Cabrera neighborhood of the city of Cordoba, is a 35,000 square meter shopping center comprising 106 stores, a 12 movie theatre complex and a 1,500 vehicle parking lot.

The interest was acquired for US$ 13.3 million. APSA paid US$ 5.3 million in cash and financed the remaining portion of the purchase price in four equal installments of US$ 2.0 million each due every six months as from December 2007. This financing accrues interest at a fixed rate of 6% per annum. The unpaid balance was collateralized by a pledge on the shares of Empalme in favor of the sellers. Governmental approval was obtained in December 2006. Subsequent to year end, on December 11, 2008, the fourth installment was paid.

APSA’s purchase of Empalme has been accounted for following the guidance in Technical Resolution No. 18 (RT No. 18), as explained in Note 3.i. The purchase price was allocated based on the fair value of each component. However, since the sum of the individual fair values of the identifiable tangible and intangible assets exceeded the purchase price paid, negative goodwill exists. Under Argentine GAAP, when negative goodwill exists after an acquiring entity initially assigns values to all assets acquired and liabilities assumed, RT No. 18 states that the entity must first reassess whether all acquired assets and assumed liabilities have been identified and properly valued. If an amount of negative goodwill still results after this reassessment, intangible assets acquired (including above and below market leases, in-place leases and tenant relationships, as applicable), are subject to reduction. If after all of these intangible assets are reduced to zero and an amount of negative goodwill still remains, the remaining unallocated negative goodwill is amortized under the straight-line method over the weighted average useful life of the main tangible assets acquired.

Incorporation of Solares de Santa María – Sale of Santa María del Plata and sale of shares

In May 2007, the Company formed Solares de Santa María (“Solares”) and contributed cash in the amount of Ps. 310,000. Solares acquired the Ex Ciudad Deportiva Boca Juniors (Santa María del Plata) plot of land located in Buenos Aires for US$ 100,000. On June 26, 2007, the Company sold in commission a 10% interest in Solares to Israel Sutton Dabbah.

 

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Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts in thousands, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

2. Preparation of financial statements (continued)

 

  g. Significant acquisitions, dispositions and development of businesses (continued)

 

Transfer of the administration of Abril

On May 24, 2006, the Company revised the May 4, 2005 proposal submitted to the Residents Subcommision of Abril Club de Campo (the “Club”) pursuant to which the Company would transfer the Club’s management and shares of Abril to the residents (the “Letter of Offer”).The proposal included monetary and non monetary renderies to be done by the company.

 

  1- Contribute cash to Abril for Ps. 650 and repave the Club’s roads and streets;

 

  2- Transfer to Abril of two plots of land;

 

  3- Pay severance to one dismissed employee of Abril;

 

  4- Grant Abril a free and perpetual right of way and covenant not to build on certain premises;

 

  5- Settle unpaid municipal taxes claimed by the Municipality where the Club is located if higher than amounts recognized as of September 30, 2005.

In June 2007, after compliance of the Letter of Offer, IRSA transferred the shares of Abril to a trust. The trustee, as instructed by the residents of the Club, elected three directors of the Board of Directors of Abril. The mentioned transaction transferred Abril S.A. shareholding to the owners of plots of land of Abril Club de Campo.

Acquisition of additional shares of Canteras Natal Crespo

In a series of transactions between December 2006 and January 2007, the Company increased its ownership interest in Canteras Natal Crespo to 55.93% for an aggregate purchase price of US$ 645. Subsequently, in April 2007, the Company sold 5.93% to ECIPSA for US$ 312. The Company’s interest in Canteras Natal Crespo is 50% as of the date of these financial statements.

Acquisition of the Bouchard Building

On March 15, 2007, the Company acquired from an unrelated party a 33,324 square meter office building and the related lease contracts known as “Bouchard Building” for an aggregate purchase price of US$ 84,100. The transaction was fully paid in cash as of the date of these financial statements. In April 22, 2008 the notice of the operation was filed with the Argentine Antitrust Authority. As of the date of these financial statements the Commission has not issued the resolution yet.

Acquisition of the Dock Del Plata Building

In June 2005, the Company entered into a Credit Default Swap Agreement (the “Agreement”) with Credit Suisse International (“CSI”) pursuant to which the Company, provided certain conditions were met, would acquire a mortgage receivable for US$ 10,000 on a 8,900 square meter office building known as Dock del Plata Building located in Puerto Madero, Buenos Aires. As guarantee for the Agreement, the Company paid a deposit US$ 4,000. The Agreement was rescinded in November 2006 and the guarantee deposit was released. The Company executed the mortgage and acquired the building (including in place leases) for US$ 8,800 (using US$ 4,000 of the deposit guarantee plus available cash of US$ 4,800).

Year ended June 30, 2006

Investment in IRSA Telecomunicaciones N.V. (ITNV)

On August, 2005, a share purchase agreement was entered into by and between ITNV, Ritelco and Dolphin Fund PLC (another shareholder of ITNV) whereby ITNV acquired all the common shares held by those shareholders for US$ 0.147 per share. The amount of this transaction was US$ 850, of which US$ 604 correspond to Ritelco. On that date, ITNV cancelled the total amount of the transaction.

 

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Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts in thousands, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

2. Preparation of financial statements (continued)

 

  g. Significant acquisitions, dispositions and development of businesses (continued)

 

Acquisition of Canteras Natal Crespo

During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2006, the Company acquired from Ecipsa Holding S.A. (ECIPSA), a 43.18% equity interest in Canteras Natal Crespo. Such shares have equal percentage of votes. The total amount agreed for such purchase was US$ 1,541.

Canteras Natal Crespo is a company located in the Province of Cordoba, Argentina, which primary operations are the development of own or third-party plots, countries, sale or rent of plots of land, real estate and house-building.

Purchase of additional shares and convertible notes of APSA

During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2006 the Company acquired 759,393 shares of APSA for a total amount of Ps. 4,300. As a result of this transaction, the Company’s ownership interest in APSA increased from 60.69% to 61.54%.

Sale of the Alcorta Plaza plot of land

On December 22, 2005, APSA subscribed a preliminary purchase contract with possession, by which the Company sold to RAGHSA S.A. the plot of land denominated Alcorta Plaza for a total price of US$ 7.7 million. On March 13, 2006 the deed title of the building was registered and a first privilege degree mortgage guarantee was established on certain functional units to be used as offices and garages of the building property of RAGHSA S.A., located in Buenos Aires. The mortgage amounted to US$ 4.4 million. The agreed terms and conditions of payment were determined in four installments of US$ 1.9 million and 7.5% annual interest on the balance. During December, 2007, the last installment was collected.

 

  h. Use of estimates

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires the company’s management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting years. Significant estimates include those required in the accounting for barter transactions, gain from recognition of inventories at net realizable value, provisions for allowances and contingencies, impairment of long-lived assets, depreciation and amortization, current value of assets acquired in business combination and assets acquisition, deferred income asset and asset tax credit. Future actual results could differ from those estimates and evaluations made at the date of preparation of these financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts in thousands, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

3. Significant accounting policies

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Company in the preparation of these consolidated financial statements.

 

  a. Revenue recognition

The Company primarily derives its revenues from domestic office and shopping center leases, the development and sale of properties, hotel operations, origination of consumer loans and credit card receivables and other non-core activities. See Note 6 for details on the Company’s business segments.

 

   

Development and sale of properties

The Company records revenue from the sale of properties when all of the following criteria are met:

 

  (i) the sale has been consummated;

 

  (ii) the Company has determined that the buyer’s initial and continuing investments are adequate to demonstrate a commitment to pay for the property;

 

  (iii) the Company’s receivable is not subject to future subordination; and

 

  (iv) the Company has transferred to the buyer the risk of ownership, and does not have a continuing involvement in the property.

The Company uses the percentage-of-completion method of accounting with respect to sales of development properties under construction effected under fixed-priced contracts. Under this method, revenue is recognized based on the ratio of costs incurred to total estimated costs applied to the total budget cost. The Company does not commence revenue and cost recognition until such time as the decision to proceed with the project is made and construction activities have begun.

The percentage-of-completion method of accounting requires company’s management to prepare budgeted costs (i.e. the estimated costs of completion) in connection with sales of properties and/or units. All changes to estimated costs of completion are incorporated into revised estimates during the contract period.

 

   

Leases and services from office and other buildings

Leases with tenants are accounted for as operating leases. Tenants are charged a monthly rent. Rental income is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease and unpaid rents are included in accounts receivable in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

 

   

Leases and services from shopping center operations

Leases with tenants are accounted for as operating leases. Tenants are generally charged a rent which consists of the higher of (i) a monthly base rent (the “Base Rent”) and (ii) a specified percentage of the tenant’s monthly gross retail sales (the “Percentage Rent”) (which generally ranges between 4% and 10% of tenant’s gross sales). Furthermore, pursuant to the rent escalation clause in most leases, the tenant’s Base Rent generally increases between 7% and 12% each year during the term of the lease. For the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006, the majority of the tenants were charged with the Percentage Rent.

Certain lease agreements contain provisions, which provide for rents based on a percentage of sales or based on a percentage of sales volume above a specified threshold. The Company determines the compliance with specific targets and calculates the additional rent on a monthly basis as provided for in the contracts. Thus, these contingent rents are not recognized until the required thresholds are exceeded.

Generally, the Company’s lease agreements vary from 36 to 120 months. Law No. 24,808 provides that tenants may rescind commercial lease agreements after the initial six months, upon not less than 60 days’ written notice, subject to penalties which vary from one to one and a half months rent if the tenant rescinds during the first year of its lease, and one month of rent if the tenant rescinds after the first year of its lease.

The Company also charges its tenants a monthly administration fee relating to the administration and maintenance of the common area and the administration of contributions made by tenants to finance promotional efforts for the overall shopping centers’ operations. The administration fee is prorated among the tenants according to their leases, which varies from shopping center to shopping center. Administration fees are recognized monthly when earned.

 

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Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts in thousands, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

3. Significant accounting policies (continued)

 

  a. Revenue recognition (continued)

 

In addition to rent, tenants are generally charged “admission rights”, a non-refundable admission fee that tenants may be required to pay upon entering into a lease and upon lease renewal. Admission right is normally paid in one lump sum or in a small number of monthly installments. Admission rights are recognized using the straight-line method over the life of the respective lease agreements.

The Company also derives revenues for parking lot fees charged to visitors. Parking revenues are recognized as services are performed.

 

   

Lease agent operations

In September 2000, APSA completed the acquisition of the 99.99% equity interest of Fibesa S.A. (“Fibesa”). Fibesa acts as the leasing agent bringing together the Company and potential lessees for the retail space available in certain of the Company’s shopping centers. Fibesa’s revenues are derived primarily from success fees paid by tenants calculated as a percentage of the final rental income value for both the lessee and the Company. Revenues related to success fees are recognized at the time that the transaction is successfully concluded. A transaction is considered successfully concluded when both parties have signed the related lease contract.

 

   

Consumer Financing

The Company, through APSA subsidiary’s Tarshop S.A. (“Tarshop”) is engaged in the origination of consumer loans and credit card transactions and securitization of corresponding receivables. Revenues from credit card transactions are primarily comprised of (i) merchant discount fees which are recognized when transactional information is received and processed by the Company; (ii) data processing services which consist of processing and printing cardholders statement of accounts, and which are recognized as services are provided; (iii) life and disability insurance charges to cardholders which are recognized on an up-front basis, and (iv) interest income generated by financing and lending activities. Revenue from financing and lending activities are comprised of interest income which is recognized on an accrual basis. For securitization activity see Note 16 for details.

 

   

Hotel operations

The Company recognizes revenues from its rooms, catering, and restaurant facilities as earned on the close of each business day.

 

  b. Cash and cash equivalents

For purposes of the statements of cash flows, the Company considers all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents consist of time deposits with original maturities of less than three months at date of purchase and mutual funds. Mutual funds are considered to be cash equivalents by reference to the frequency with which liquidity is available according to current Argentine GAAP guidance and practice.

 

  c. Investments

 

  (i) Current

Current investments primarily include mutual funds, time deposits, government bonds and mortgage bonds. Time deposits are valued at cost plus accrued interest at year-end. Mutual funds, government bonds and mortgage bonds are carried at market value at year-end.

Unrealized gains and losses on these investments are included within “Financial results, net” in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

Current investments also include retained interests in securitized receivables pursuant to the securitization programs of Tarshop (See Note 16) and the retained interest in securitized mortgage receivables (See Note 15).

 

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Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts in thousands, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

3. Significant accounting policies (continued)

 

  c. Investments (continued)

 

  (ii) Non-current

 

  a) Equity investments

The Company has an 11.76% investment in Banco Hipotecario S.A. (“BHSA”). This investment is accounted for under the equity method due to the significant influence of the Company on the decisions of BHSA and to the intention of holding the investment permanently. In accordance with regulations of the Banco Central de la República Argentina (“BCRA”) and also as imposed by the agreements signed by BHSA as a result of its financial debt restructuring process, there are certain restrictions on the distribution of profits by BHSA. The Company also has a 5.10% investment in Banco de Crédito y Securitización S.A. (“BACSA”).

The financial statements of BHSA and BACSA are prepared in accordance with BCRA standards. For the purpose of valuation of the investment in the Company adjustments necessary to adequate the financial statements to Argentine GAAP have been considered.

 

  b) Retained interests in securitization programs

Non-current investments also include the non-current portion of the Company’s retained interests in securitized receivables (evidenced as “Certificates of Participation” or “CPs”) and trust debt securities (“TDFs”) pursuant to the securitization programs of credit card and personal loans receivables (See Note 16 for details).

This balance also includes a residual amount related to a retained interests in securitized mortgage receivables pursuant to the securitization programs entered into by the Company back in 2001 (see Note 15).

 

  c) Undeveloped parcels of land

The Company acquires undeveloped land in order to provide an adequate and well-located supply for its residential and office building operations. The Company’s strategy for land acquisition and development is dictated by specific market conditions where the Company conducts its operations.

Land held for development and sale and improvements are stated at cost (adjusted for inflation as described in Note 2.c.) less allowances for impairment or estimated fair market value, whichever is lower. Land and land improvements are transferred to inventories or fixed assets, as appropriate, when the Company determines that the properties are to be marketed for sale, when construction commences or the land is leased.

The carrying amount does not exceed their respective estimated recoverable value at the end of this year.

During the years ended June 30, 2002 and 2003 the Company recognized significant impairment. As permitted by Argentine GAAP, due to increases in fair market values, these impairment charges were subsequently reversed during the years ended June 30, 2004 through the current fiscal year. Impairment charges and subsequent reversals are included in the line item “Gain from operations and holdings of real estate assets, net” in the income statement. The balance of allowance for impairment of undeveloped parcels of land amounts to Ps. 360, Ps. 458 and Ps. 1,758 for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. See Note 3.t. for details on accounting for impairment losses.

 

  d. Inventories

Inventories are comprised primarily of properties held for development and sale and to a lesser extent other minor inventories from hotel operations. A property is classified as held for sale upon determination by the Board of Directors that the property is to be marketed for sale in the normal course of business.

Residential, office and other non-retail properties completed or under construction are stated at acquisition or construction cost (adjusted for inflation as described in Note 2.c.) less allowances for impairment or estimated fair market value, whichever is lower. The Company records impairment losses for certain inventories which have market values lower than costs. Costs include land and land improvements, direct construction costs, construction overhead cost, interest on indebtedness and real estate taxes.

 

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Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts in thousands, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

3. Significant accounting policies (continued)

 

  d. Inventories (continued)

 

Inventories on which the Company received down payments that fix the sales price and the terms and conditions of the contract provide reasonable assurance the closing of the transaction and realization of the gain are valued at net realizable value. See “Gain from recognition of inventories at net realizable value” in the consolidated statements of income.

Properties held for sale are classified as current or non-current based on the estimated date of sale and the time at which the related receivable is expected to be collected by the Company.

In addition, inventory includes receivables representing the rights to receive certain property units. The units relating to the projects called “Caballito (CYRSA)”, “Caballito (Koad)”, “Benavidez”, “Rosario” and “Dique III” have been valued at acquisition or construction cost, as applicable.

During the years ended June 30, 2002, 2003 and 2005, the Company recognized significant impairment losses. As permitted by Argentine GAAP, due to increases in fair market values, these impairment charges were subsequently reversed partially during the years ended June 30, 2004 until 2007. Impairment charges and subsequent reversals are included in the line item “Gain from operations and holdings of real estate assets, net” in the income statement. The balance of allowance for impairment of inventory amounts to Ps. 1,111, Ps. 1,140 and Ps. 2,229 for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. See Note 3.t. for details on accounting for impairment losses.

 

  e. Fixed assets, net

Fixed assets, net are comprised primarily of rental properties (including shopping centers), hotels and other property and equipment held for use by the Company.

 

   

Rental properties (including shopping centers)

Rental properties are carried at cost (adjusted for inflation as described in Note 2.c.), less accumulated depreciation and allowances for impairment. Accumulated depreciation is computed under the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which are estimated between 10 to 30 years for office buildings and related improvements and between 19 and 31 years for shopping centers. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred. Significant renewals and improvements are capitalized and depreciated over their estimated remaining useful lives. At the time depreciable assets are retired or otherwise disposed of, the cost and the accumulated depreciation and allowances for impairment of the assets are removed from the accounts and any profit or loss is recognized. The Company capitalizes financial costs (interest and foreign exchange differences) on long-term construction projects. Capitalized financial costs amounted to Ps. 10,509 Ps. 7,100 and Ps. 2,100 for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively, mainly in connection with the construction of the Panamerican Mall and Shopping Alto Rosario.

During the year ended June 30, 2002, 2003 and 2005 the Company recognized significant impairment losses. As permitted by Argentine GAAP, due to increases in fair market values, these impairment charges were subsequently reversed partially during the years ended June 30, 2003 through the current fiscal year. Impairment charges and subsequent reversals are included in the line item “Gain from operations and holdings of real estate assets, net” in the income statement. The balance of allowance for impairment of fixed assets amounts to Ps. 4,974. Ps. 7,613 and Ps. 11,723 for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

 

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Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts in thousands, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

3. Significant accounting policies (continued)

 

  e. Fixed assets, net (continued)

 

 

   

Other property and equipment

Other property and equipment are carried at cost (adjusted for inflation as described in Note 2.c.), less accumulated depreciation at the end of the year. Accumulated depreciation is computed under the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, as specified below:

 

Asset

  

Estimated useful life (years)

Leasehold improvements

   Lesser of lease term or asset useful life

Facilities

   Between 10 and 20

Machinery and equipment

   10

Vehicles

   5

Software

   3

Computer equipment

   3

Furniture and fixtures

   Between 5 and 10

Other

   10

 

  f. Intangible assets, net

Intangible assets are carried at cost, adjusted for inflation (as described in Note 2.c.), less accumulated amortization.

 

   

Preoperating and organization expenses

Represents primarily expenses incurred relating to pre-opening activities of certain shopping centers and development projects. These expenses are amortized on a straight-line basis over a three-year period commencing upon the opening of the shopping center or the sale of the project.

 

   

Trademarks

Fees and expenses related to the registration of trademarks are amortized on a straight line basis over 10 years.

 

   

Above and below market leases an In-place leases

See Note 3.g. for details on accounting for these intangibles.

 

  g. Business combinations

Acquisitions are accounted for under the purchase method of accounting. Under the purchase method of accounting, the Company allocates the purchase price of properties to tangible and identified intangible assets acquired based on their fair values in accordance with the provisions of Technical Resolution No. 18. In making estimates of fair values for the purpose of allocating purchase price, management utilized a number of sources. The Company also considers information about each property obtained as a result of our pre-acquisition due diligence, marketing and leasing activities in estimating the fair value of tangible and intangible assets acquired. The Company allocates a portion of the purchase price to tangible assets including the fair value of the building on an as-if-vacant basis and to land determined either by real estate tax assessments, third-party appraisals or other relevant data. Generally the Company determines the as-if-vacant value by using a replacement cost method. Also, a portion of the purchase price is allocated to above-market and below-market in-place lease values for acquired properties based on the present value (using an interest rate which reflects the risks associated with the leases acquired) of the difference between (i) the contractual amounts to be paid pursuant to the in-place leases and (ii) management’s estimate of fair market lease rates for the corresponding in-place leases, measured over a period equal to the remaining noncancelable term of the lease. The capitalized above-market and below-market lease values are amortized as a reduction of or an addition to rental income over the remaining noncancelable terms of the respective leases. Should a tenant terminate its lease, the unamortized portion of the lease intangibles would be charged or credited to income. A portion of the purchase price is also allocated to the value of leases acquired and management utilizes independent sources or

 

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Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts in thousands, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

3. Significant accounting policies (continued)

 

  g. Business combinations (continued)

 

management’s determination of the relative fair values of the respective in-place lease values. The Company´s estimates of value are made using methods similar to those used by independent appraisers. Factors considered by management in performing these analyses include an estimate of carrying costs during the expected lease-up periods, considering current market conditions and costs to execute similar leases. In estimating carrying costs, management includes real estate taxes, insurance and other operating expenses and estimates of lost rental revenue during the expected lease-up periods based on current market demand. The Company also estimates costs to execute similar leases including leasing commissions, legal expenses and other related costs. Other intangible assets acquired may include tenant relationships which are valued based on management’s evaluation of the specific characteristics of each tenant’s lease and the Company’s overall relationship with the respective tenant. The Company has not identified any lessee with whom it has developed a type of relationship allowing the recognition of an intangible asset.

 

  h. Negative goodwill, net

Negative goodwill, net represents the net effect of goodwill and negative goodwill arising out of business combinations.

 

  (i) Negative goodwill:

When the sum of the individual fair values of the identifiable tangible and intangible assets exceeds the purchase price paid, negative goodwill exists. Under Argentine GAAP, when negative goodwill exists after an acquiring entity initially assigns values to all assets acquired and liabilities assumed, RT No. 18 states that the entity must first reassess whether all acquired assets and assumed liabilities have been identified and properly valued. If an amount of negative goodwill still results after this reassessment, intangible assets acquired (including above and below market leases, in-place leases and tenant relationships, as applicable), are subject to reduction. If after all of these intangible assets are reduced to zero and an amount of negative goodwill still remains, the remaining unallocated negative goodwill is amortized under the straight-line method over the weighted average useful life of the main tangible assets acquired.

 

  (ii) Goodwill:

Goodwill represents the excess of cost over the fair value of net identifiable assets and is amortized under the straight-line method over the weighted average useful life of the main tangible assets acquired.

The carrying amount does not exceed their respective estimated recoverable value at the end of this year.

 

  i. Other receivables and liabilities

Certain other receivables and liabilities (value added tax, cash reserves and guarantee deposits) have been measured based on the best estimate of the amount receivable and payable, respectively, discounted at the interest rate that reflect the time-value of money and the estimate specific transactions risks at the time of incorporation to assets and liabilities, respectively. The remaining other receivables and liabilities have been valued at their nominal value plus interest, if any.

 

  j. Financial receivables and payables

Financial receivables and payables have been valued at the amount deposited and collected, respectively, net of operating costs, plus accrued interests based on the interest rate estimated at the time of the transaction. In the case, the Company has the intention and feasibility of selling financial receivables after the year-end, those receivables are valued at their net realizable value.

 

  k. Accounts receivable and trade accounts payable

Accounts receivable and trade accounts payable have been valued at the price applicable to spot operations at the time of the transaction plus accrued interest based on the internal rate of return.

 

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Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts in thousands, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

3. Significant accounting policies (continued)

 

  l. Liabilities in kind related to barter transactions

Obligations to deliver units to be built are valued at the higher of (i) the cost of construction of the units to deliver plus additional costs to transfer the assets to the creditor, or (ii) the value of the barter agreed by the parties. Liabilities in kind are disclosed in the “Trade accounts payable”.

 

  m. Related party balances and other transactions

Receivables and payables with related parties generated by financial transactions and other sundry transactions have been valued in accordance with the terms agreed by the parties.

 

  n. Income tax

The subsidiaries of the Company calculate their income taxes on a separate basis. The Company did not either calculate or pay income taxes on a consolidated basis for any of the years presented. The statutory income tax rate was 35% for all the years presented.

The Company records income taxes using the deferred tax method required by Technical Resolution No. 17 “Overall Considerations for the Preparation of Financial Statements” (“RT 17”). Accordingly, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recorded or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance is recognized for that component of net deferred tax assets which is not recoverable.

As discussed in note 2.d. the Company has treated the differences between the price-level restated amounts of assets and liabilities and their historical basis as permanent differences for deferred income tax calculation purposes.

In accordance with CNV regulations, deferred tax assets and liabilities have not been discounted. Since Argentine GAAP required (for the Company’s fiscal year ended June 30, 2006) the accounting for deferred tax assets and liabilities on a discounted basis, the application of the CNV resolution represented a departure from generally accepted accounting principles until the Company’s fiscal year ended June 30, 2006. However, such a departure did not have a significant effect on the 2006 consolidated financial statements. As from July 1, 2006, there is no such difference between CNV regulations and Argentine GAAP, as discussed in Note 2.d..

 

  o. Minimum Presumed Income Tax (MPIT)

The company and its subsidiaries are subject to the Minimum Presumed Income Tax Law (“Impuesto a la Ganancia Mínima Presunta” or “MPIT”). The MPIT is calculated on an individual entity basis at the statutory tax rate of 1%, and is based upon the taxable assets of each Argentine entity as of the end of the year. This tax is complementary to Income Tax and the Company is required to pay the greater of the income tax or the MPIT. Any excess of the MPIT over the income tax may be carried forward and recognized as a payment on account of any excess of income tax over MPIT occurring within the subsequent ten years. In the opinion of that the Company will utilize such asset against future taxable income charges within the next ten years and, as a result, the Company has recognized the accumulated MPIT charge within “Other current and non-current receivables”, as appropriate, in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. This tax credit has been recorded at its nominal value.

 

  p. Customer advances

Customer advances represent payments received in advance in connection with the sale and lease of certain properties and have been valued at the amount collected.

 

  q. Mortgage payables

Mortgage payables includes the debt assumed in the acquisition of Bouchard 710 and LLR (see Notes 13 and 2.g., respectively, for details) and have been valued at the amount collected net of expenses plus accrued interests based on the interest rate estimated at the time of the transaction.

 

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Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts in thousands, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

3. Significant accounting policies (continued)

 

  r. Provisions for allowances and contingencies

The Company provides for losses relating to mortgage, lease and other accounts receivable. The allowance for losses is recognized when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the terms of the agreements. The allowance is determined on a one-by-one basis considering the present value of expected future cash flow or the fair value of collateral if the loan is collateral dependent, when applicable. While management uses the information available to make evaluations, future adjustments to the allowance may be necessary if future economic conditions differ substantially from the assumptions used in making the assessments. Management has considered all events and/or transactions that are subject to reasonable and normal methods of estimations, and the consolidated financial statements reflect that consideration.

The Company has certain contingent liabilities with respect to existing or potential claims, lawsuits and other proceedings, including those involving tax claims and labor. The Company accrues liabilities when it is probable that future costs will be incurred and such costs can be reasonably estimated. Such accruals are based on developments to date, the Company’s estimates of the outcomes of these matters and the Company’s lawyers’ experience in contesting, litigating and settling other matters. As the scope of the liabilities becomes better defined, there may be changes in the estimates of future costs, which could have a material effect on the Company’s future results of operations and financial condition or liquidity.

At the date of issuance of these financial statements Company’s Management understands that there are no elements to foresee other potential contingencies having a negative impact on these financial statements.

 

  s. Advertising expenses

The Company generally expenses advertising and promotion costs as incurred.

Advertising and promotion expenses were approximately Ps. 37,375, Ps. 31,720 and Ps. 19,495 for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

 

  t. Impairment of long-lived assets

The Company periodically evaluates the carrying value of its long-lived assets for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. The carrying value of a long-lived asset is considered impaired by the Company when its value in use or its net realizable value, whichever is grater, is less than its carrying value. In that event, a loss is recognized based on the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the greater of the value in use or the net realizable value. Value in use is determined by the expected cash flows from the assets discounted at a rate commensurate with the risk involved. Net realizable value is determined by the selling price of the assets less costs to sell.

Under Argentine GAAP, the impairment loss is recorded in the income statement against a liability account. This liability account is a contra account to fixed assets or undeveloped parcels of land or inventories, which means that it is presented on the balance sheet as a direct reduction from the book value of these assets to arrive at the carrying value at any particular point in time. The liability account is depreciated over the useful life of the related asset decreasing depreciation expense each period. Under Argentine GAAP, a previously recognized impairment loss should only be reversed when there is a subsequent change in estimates used to compute the value in use or its net realizable value, whichever is greater. In that event, the new carrying amount of the asset should be the lower of its value in use or its net realizable value, whichever is greater, or the net carrying amount the asset would have had if no impairment had been recognized. Both the impairment charge and the impairment reversal are recognized in earnings in the period in which they are incurred.

 

  u. Vacation expenses

Vacation expenses are fully accrued in the period the employee renders services to earn such vacation.

 

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Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts in thousands, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

3. Significant accounting policies (continued)

 

  v. Derivative financial instruments

As part of its risk management strategy, the Company may use derivative financial instruments. In entering into these contracts, the Company assumes the risk that might arise from the possible inability of counter parties to meet the terms of their contracts. The Company does not expect any losses as a result of counterparty defaults. The Company applies Technical Resolution No. 20 (“RT No. 20”), “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities”, which establishes accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments and for hedging activities. RT No. 20 requires that an entity recognize all derivatives as either assets or liabilities in the balance sheet and measure those instruments at fair value. The accounting for changes in the fair value of a derivative depends on the intended use of the derivative and how it is designated. RT No. 20 prescribes that changes in the fair value of effective cash flow hedges are deferred as a separate component of the balance sheet and subsequently reclassified into earnings when the hedged items affect earnings. Gains and losses from fair value hedges are recognized in earnings in the period of any changes in the fair value of the related recognized asset or liability. Gains and losses on derivative instruments that are not designated as a hedging instrument are recognized in earnings in the period of change.

The Company also engages in trading of certain financial instruments. For details on the Company’s derivative instruments activity, see Note 14.

 

  w. Monetary assets and liabilities

Monetary assets and liabilities are disclosed at their face value, adding or deducting the corresponding financial results.

 

  x. Earnings per share

The Company is required to disclose earnings per share information for all years presented. Basic earnings per share (“basic EPS”) are computed by dividing the net income available to common shareholders for the years by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the year. Diluted earnings per share (“diluted EPS”) are computed by dividing the adjusted net income for the year by the weighted-average number of common shares and potential common shares outstanding during the year.

In computing diluted EPS, income available to common shareholders used in the basic EPS calculation is adjusted to add back the after-tax amount of interest recognized for the year with respect to any debt convertible to common stock. Additional adjustments are made for any other income or loss items that would result from the assumed conversion of potential common shares. The weighted-average number of common shares outstanding is adjusted to include the number of additional common shares that would have been outstanding if the dilutive potential common shares had been issued. Diluted EPS is based on the most advantageous conversion rate or exercise price over the entire term of the instrument from the standpoint of the security holder. The calculation of diluted EPS excludes potential common shares if their effect is anti-dilutive. For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2008 the Company does not have convertible debt and warrants outstanding. For the year ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 the Company considered the dilutive effect of outstanding warrants and convertible debt in calculating diluted EPS.

 

  y. Debt issuance costs

Expenses incurred in connection with the issuance of debt are amortized over the term of the debt, applying effective interest method. Debt issuance costs are classified within short-term or long-term debts, as appropriate. In the case of redemption or conversion of these debts, the related expenses are amortized using the accelerated depreciation method. Amortization of debt issuance costs are included within “Financial results, net” in the accompanying statements of income as a greater financing expense.

 

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Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts in thousands, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

4. Details of balance sheet accounts

 

  a. Cash and banks:

 

     As of June 30,
     2008    2007

Bank accounts

   Ps. 154,260    Ps. 213,478

Cash on hand

     5,861      4,067

Checks to be deposited

     1,627      811
             
   Ps. 161,748    Ps. 218,356
             

 

  b. Investments:

 

     As of June 30,
     2008     2007

Current

    

Mutual funds (iv)

   Ps. 150,123     Ps. 600,919

Time deposits

     138,232       5,024

Retained interests in securitized receivables (i)

     57,106       22,104

U.S. Treasury Bonds

     24,448       —  

Government bonds

     21,429       6,620

TDFs (i)

     2,243       —  

Other investments

     —         1,505

Mortgage bonds issued by BHSA (see Note 11)

     1,286       2,073

Retained interest in securitized mortgage receivables (ii)

     —         106

Allowance for impairment of CPs (i)

     (11,423 )     —  
              
   Ps. 383,444     Ps. 638,351
              

Non-Current

    

Equity investments:

    

Banco Hipotecario S.A.

   Ps. 289,298     Ps. 301,672

Manibil S.A.

     23,508       —  

Banco de Crédito y Securitización S.A.

     5,444       5,181

Advance payments for the acquisition of shares

     6,383       1,108

Others

     40       40

Retained interests in securitization programs:

    

Retained interests in securitized receivables (i)

     111,675       55,683

Retained interest in securitized mortgage receivables (ii)

     653       687

Allowance for impairment of CPs (i)

     (577 )     —  

Undeveloped parcels of land (iii):

    

Santa María del Plata

     135,785       135,785

Puerto Retiro (Note 13)

     54,498       54,861

Terreno Beruti plots of land (Note 2.g.)

     52,030       —  

Caballito (v) (Note 13)

     36,696       36,681

Patio Olmos (Note 2.g.)

     32,944       —  

Pereiraola

     21,717       21,717

Torres Rosario

     17,093       16,111

Air space Supermercado Coto – Agüero 616

     13,143       13,143

Luján (Note 2.g.)

     9,510       —  

Canteras Natal Crespo

     5,555       5,559

Pilar

     3,408       3,408

Torre Jardín IV

     3,030       3,010

Padilla 902

     101       94

Caballito plot of land

     —         9,223

Others

     11,439       9,310
              
   Ps. 833,373     Ps. 673,273
              

 

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Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts in thousands, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

4. Details of balance sheet accounts (continued)

 

  b. Investments (continued)

 

 

(i) As part of its credit card and personal loans securitization programs, Tarshop transfers credit card and personal loans receivables to trusts in exchange for cash and certificates representing undivided interests in such receivables. Trusts debt securities represent debt certificates (TDFs) issued by trusts which are valued at amortized cost. Retained interests in transferred credit card and personal loans receivables represent equity certificates (CPs) issued by trusts which are accounted for under the equity method of accounting (See Note 16 for details).
(ii) Represents retained interests in the Company’s securitization program described in Note 15.
(iii) Shown net of allowances for impairment losses mentioned in Note 3.c.
(iv) As of June 30, 2008 and 2007 includes an amount of Ps.61,099 and Ps.115,776, respectively, relates to investment in mutual funds which has not been considered as cash equivalents for purposes of the statement of cash flow. See Note 19 for additional details.
(v) This asset is restricted in relation to certain tax claims.

 

  c. Accounts receivable, net:

 

     As of June 30,  
     2008     2007  

Current

    

Consumer financing receivables (Tarshop)

   Ps. 116,972     Ps. 86,329  

Leases and services receivables

     59,903       51,083  

Checks to be deposited

     52,244       31,626  

Debtors under legal proceedings (i)

     29,550       24,905  

Pass-through expenses receivables (ii)

     14,843       15,342  

Hotel receivables

     10,076       7,910  

Receivables with collection agents (Tarshop)

     3,829       3,110  

Related parties (Note 11)

     1,730       910  

Receivables from the sale of properties (iii) (iv)

     1,591       7,594  

Less:

    

Allowance for doubtful accounts (Note 29.c.)

     (104,721 )     (56,076 )
                
   Ps. 186,017     Ps. 172,733  
                

Non-Current

    

Consumer financing receivables (Tarshop)

   Ps. 9,684     Ps. 42,532  

Leases and services receivables

     2,117       977  

Receivables from the sale of properties (iv)

     550       888  

Less:

    

Allowance for doubtful accounts (Note 29.c.)

     (1,956 )     (1,955 )
                
   Ps. 10,395     Ps. 42,442  
                

 

(i) Comprised of Ps. 1.4 million and Ps. 1.3 million related to mortgage receivables and Ps. 28.1 million and Ps. 23.6 million related to leases receivables, as of June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
(ii) Represents receivables for common area maintenance and other operating expenses charged to tenants of shopping centers.
(iii) As of June 30, 2007 corresponds mainly to the balance of the receivable for the sale of the Alcorta Plaza’s land. During December 2007, the last installment of US$ 1,900 was collected, plus interests.
(iv) Include fixed-rate mortgage receivables from several borrowers. At June 30, 2007, the amount due from the largest individual borrower was Ps. 328 at a contractual interest rate of 10% (see Note 28.II. s.).

 

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Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts in thousands, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

4. Details of balance sheet accounts (continued)

 

  d. Other receivables and prepaid expenses:

 

     As of June 30,  
     2008     2007  

Current

    

Receivables from the sale of shares

   Ps. 27,527     Ps. 26,652  

Related parties (Note 11)

     26,582       11,984  

Prepaid expenses and services

     21,892       16,918  

MPIT

     7,799       16,595  

Miscellaneous debtors (iii)

     6,891       7,861  

Guarantee deposits re. securitization programs (Note 16)

     6,497       2,926  

Value Added Tax (“VAT”)

     1,811       17,640  

Receivable for third party services offered in Tarshop stores

     1,578       966  

Income tax prepayment

     1,208       978  

Gross revenue tax prepayment

     840       1,242  

Guarantee deposits (i)

     508       1,208  

Guarantee of defaulted credits (Note 23)

     457       785  

Others

     5,441       5,220  
                
   Ps. 109,031     Ps. 110,975  
                

Non-Current

    

Deferred income tax (Note 17)

   Ps. 70,055     Ps. 25,402  

VAT

     31,064       10,637  

MPIT

     23,536       21,251  

Guarantee deposits re. securitization programs (Note 16)

     12,931       18,976  

Guarantee of defaulted credits (Note 23)

     3,178       3,096  

Mortgage receivable (ii)

     2,208       2,208  

Allowance for doubtful mortgage receivable (ii)

     (2,208 )     (2,208 )

Gross revenue tax prepayment.

     1,173       1,154  

Guarantee deposits

     392       606  

Related parties (Note 11)

     4       84  

Others

     3,568       779  

Less:

    

Present value – other receivables

     (5,587 )     (783 )
                
   Ps. 140,314     Ps. 81,202  
                

 

(i) At June 30, 2008 the balance is mainly comprised of restricted cash of Ps. 0.4 million related to deposits required as collateral for certain labor lawsuits/claims of the Company.
(ii) Corresponds to a loan granted to an unaffiliated third party, which is collateralized by a mortgage on certain properties. During fiscal year 2001, this debtor filed for bankruptcy. As a result, the Company has recognized an allowance for the entire balance based on the opinion of its legal counsel.
(iii) As of June 30, 2007 includes a loan granted by the Company for Ps. 3,995 to the shareholders of Baicom Networks S.A. (“Baicom”). At the same time the Company signed a purchase option with the shareholders of Baicom due on December 4, 2007 for Ps. 3,995 which represented 50% of Baicom shares. As of June 30, 2008 the Company had exercised the option referred to above. The amount of the option is included, as of June 30, 2008 in Non-Current investments.

.

 

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Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts in thousands, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

4. Details of balance sheet accounts (continued)

 

  e. Inventories:

 

     As of June 30,
     2008    2007

Current

     

Plot 1 c) Dique III (i)

   Ps. 42,485    Ps. 13,068

Abril / Baldovinos

     4,377      2,646

San Martín de Tours

     1,158      3,929

Dock 13 Puerto Madero

     1,250      1,595

Torres de Rosario (v)

     —        6,338

Benavidez (iii)

     —        2,722

Other inventories

     4,332      5,077
             
   Ps. 53,602    Ps. 35,375
             

Non-Current

     

Horizons (vi)

   Ps. 64,300    Ps. 115,623

Caballito (iv)

     22,663      22,663

Credit from barter transaction of Caballito (CYRSA) (Note 2.g.)

     18,970      —  

Benavidez (iii)

     9,995      7,273

Caballito plot of land

     5,201      —  

Credit from barter transaction of Rosario

     3,379      —  

Abril / Baldovinos

     3,352      6,662

San Martin de Tours

     728      —  

Dock 13 Puerto Madero

     317      —  

Plot 1 e) Dique III (ii)

     —        41,808

Plot 1 c) Dique III (i)

     —        26,799

Other inventories

     273      —  
             
   Ps. 129,178    Ps. 220,828
             

 

(i) On September 2004, the Company and Desarrollos y Proyectos Sociedad Anónima (“DYPSA”) signed a commitment of barter contract whereby the Company delivered DYPSA plot 1c) of Dique III in exchange for receiving, within a maximum term of 36 months, housing unit, parking lots and parking spaces, representing in the aggregate 28.50% of the square meters built in the building constructed by DYPSA. The transaction amounted to US$ 8,030. As a guaranty for the transaction, DYPSA set up a first degree mortgage for US$ 8,030 plot in favor of IRSA. During the fiscal year DYPSA transferred to the Company the possession of all of the individual storage spaces and parking lots in a total amount of US$ 487. The Company signed preliminary sales agreements for certain units to be received which where valued at its net realizable value. The increase for this method of valuation amounted to Ps. 21,012; of which Ps. 2,618 and Ps. 18,394 were recorded as of June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
(ii) On June 2006, the Company and DYPSA signed a barter contract whereby the Company delivered DYPSA plot 1e) of Dique III in exchange for receiving, within a maximum term of 36 months, house units, parking and storages representing in the aggregate 31.50% of the square meters built in the building to be constructed by DYPSA. The value of the transaction to amount of US$ 13,530. In November 2007, the Company and DYPSA resolved the substitution of the mentioned exchange for a payment of US$ 18,250, which was fully collected as of June 30, 2008.
(iii) On May 21, 2004, the Company sold to Desarrolladora El Encuentro S.A. (DEESA) an undeveloped parcel of land located in Benavidez, Province of Buenos Aires, in exchange for US$ 980 in cash and 110 residential plots to be subdivided by DEESA in the acquired land which were valued at US$ 3,000. As a guarantee of the obligations assumed for this transaction, DEESA set up a first mortgage on the acquired land in favor of the Company amounting to US$ 3,000 of guarantee for the transaction.
(iv) On May 4, 2006, the Company entered into a barter agreement with an unrelated party, Koad S.A. (Koad) pursuant to which the Company exchanged an undeveloped parcel of land of its property for the future delivery of units of property in a building complex to be constructed by Koad on the land. Both parties valued the transaction in US$ 7,500. As consideration for the transaction, Koad made a down payment of US$ 50 and will settle the remaining balance through the delivery of 118 apartments and 55 parking units within a maximum period of 1,188 days. However, the final number of units to be received is subject to certain adjustments, depending on completion of milestone dates contemplated in the agreement. Koad encumbered with a mortgage the plot subject to this transaction in the amount of US$ 7,450 and constituted insurance for US$ 2,000 and is going to constitute another one for US$ 500 at the time the units are transferred. During the fiscal year, the building was included in the Pre-apartments Regime and the complementary deed was signed. Such deed includes a detail of the units to be received by the Company.
(v) Valued at net realizable value.
(vi) See note 2.g.

 

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Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts in thousands, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

4. Details of balance sheet accounts (continued)

 

 

  f. Trade accounts payable:

 

     As of June 30,
     2008    2007

Current

     

Suppliers (i)

   Ps. 197,150    Ps. 161,162

Accruals

     38,645      34,094

Related parties (Note 11)

     1,099      614

Other

     5,169      —  
             
   Ps. 242,063    Ps. 195,870
             

Non-Current

     

Suppliers

   Ps. 55,140    Ps. 40,901

Related parties (Note 11)

     —        41
             
   Ps. 55,140    Ps. 40,942
             

 

     
  (i) As of June 30, 2008 and 2007, includes accounts payable to merchants for credit card operations of Ps. 166.9 million and Ps. 152.1 million, respectively.

 

  g. Customer advances:

 

     As of June 30,
     2008    2007

Current

     

Customers advances (iii)

   Ps. 48,243    Ps. 26,898

Admission rights (Note 3.a)

     34,906      30,563

Lease advances (i)

     21,206      28,839

Related parties (Note 11)

     229      —  

Advance for the sale of Torres Rosario plot of land (ii)

     —        2,510
             
   Ps. 104,584    Ps. 88,810
             

Non-Current

     

Admission rights (Note 3.a.)

   Ps. 48,613    Ps. 35,531

Lease advances (i)

     36,457      28,377

Customer advances (iii)

     13,727      —  
             
   Ps. 98,797    Ps. 63,908
             

 

     
  (i) Lease advances include (a) the current and non-current balances of Ps. 0.3 million and Ps. 3.4 million as of June 30, 2008 respectively, and Ps. 1.2 million and Ps. 3.7 million as of June 30, 2007, respectively, received from Hoyts Cinemas (“Hoyts”) at the time of the construction of the movie theater complexes at the Abasto and Alto Noa shopping centers. These advances accrue interest at the six-month LIBOR plus 2-2.25%. As of June 30, 2008 the six-month LIBOR was 3.1%. Lease advances are settled overtime against lease expense owed by the lessees,(b) Ps. 17.8 million and Ps. 16.9 million, as of June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively, received from NAI International II, Inc. at the time of the construction of a movie theater complex and a portion of parking facilities in the Cordoba Shopping and (c) Ps. 3.7 million received from Wal-Mart Argentina SRL to secure a 30-year lease in the Panamerican Mall project which is currently under construction.
  (ii) As of June 30, 2007 corresponded to an advance payment of Euros 600 received from Villa Hermosa S.A.
  (iii) Include payments received under preliminary sale contracts for under-construction units of “Horizons” project

 

  h. Salaries and social security payable:

 

     As of June 30,
     2008    2007

Provision for vacation and bonuses

   Ps. 24,754    Ps. 20,257

Salaries and social security payable

   8,575    6,385

Other

   626    199
         
   Ps. 33,955    Ps. 26,841
         

 

F-33


Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts in thousands, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

4. Details of balance sheet accounts (continued)

 

  i. Short-term and long-term debt:

 

     As of June 30,  
     2008     2007  

Short-term debt

    

Bank loans (v)

   Ps. 83,943     Ps. 12,021  

Bank overdrafts including accrued interests

     45,030       40,833  

Mortgage loans (viii)

     10,781       106  

Seller financings (iv)

     24,703       22,357  

IRSA Non-Convertible Notes (i)

     15,963       15,993  

IRSA Convertible Notes (i)

     —         59,083  

APSA Non-Convertible Notes (ii)

     4,832       6,413  

APSA Convertible Notes (ii) (Note 11)

     2,144       2,126  

HASA collateralized loan (Note 23)

     1,910       1,228  

Debt issuance costs (vi)

     (875 )     (910 )

Debt issuance costs (vii)

     (1,197 )     (1,016 )

Uncollateralized Loan Agreement (iii)

     —         14,636  

Collateralized Notes (iii)

     —         23,785  
                
   Ps. 187,234     Ps. 196,655  
                

Long-term debt

    

APSA Non-Convertible Notes (ii)

   Ps. 511,420     Ps. 525,180  

APSA Convertible Notes (ii) (Note 11)

     46,856       47,910  

IRSA Non-Convertible (i)

     453,750       463,950  

HASA collateralized loan (Note 23)

     16,102       17,900  

Seller financing (iv)

     9,075       76,841  

Debt issuance costs (vii)

     (4,605 )     (4,823 )

Debt issuance costs (vi)

     (6,705 )     (7,580 )

Uncollateralized Loan Agreement (iii)

     —         35,164  

Bank loans (v)

     81,402       6,133  

Mortgage loans (viii)

     12,431       —    

Collateralized Notes (iii)

     —         57,191  
                
   Ps. 1,119,726     Ps. 1,217,866  
                

 

(i) See Note 10 for additional details.
(ii) In May 2007, APSA issued an aggregate amount of US$ 170.0 million of non-convertible notes (the APSA Non-Convertible Notes) under the Global Program for up to US$ 200.0 million authorized by the CNV on April 19, 2007. The APSA Non-Convertible Notes were issued at par in two series. Out of the total amount, US$ 120.0 million were issued as Series I of APSA Non-Convertible Notes due May 11, 2017 (“Series I”) and Ps. 154.0 million (equivalent to US$ 50.0 million) were issued as Series II of APSA Non-Convertible Notes due June 11, 2012 (“Series II”). Series I bear interest at a fixed rate of 7.875% per annum and Series II bear interest at a fixed rate of 11.0% per annum. Series I pay interest in cash semi-annually in arrears on May 11 and November 11 of each year as from November 11, 2007. On May 11, 2008 the second interest installment was paid for U$S 4.7 million. Series II pay interest in cash semi-annually in arrears on June 11 and December 11 of each year as from December 11, 2007. On June 11, 2008 the second interest installment was cancelled for Ps. 8.5 million. Principal on the Series I is fully paid at maturity while principal on the Series II is paid semi-annually in seven equal and consecutive installments beginning on June 11, 2009. During the fiscal year, APSA repurchased 1,818,000 Series II Notes for US$ 1.5 million. This transaction resulted in a gain of Ps. 0.9 million, disclosed in the line item “Gain on repurchase of debt” in Financial results, net.

On July 19, 2002, APSA, issued an aggregate amount of US$ 50.0 million of uncollateralized convertible notes (the “APSA Convertible Notes”) in exchange for cash and the settlement of certain liabilities. The issuance was approved by the meeting of shareholders on December 4, 2001 and subsequently by the CNV on March 15, 2002. The issuance was authorized for listing on the Buenos Aires Stock Exchange on July 8, 2002. Proceeds from the issuance were used to repay certain short-term debt aggregating Ps. 27.3 million and the redemption of previously issued APSA Senior Notes for a principal amount of Ps. 52.8 million. The APSA Convertible Notes accrue interest at a fixed annual interest rate of 10%, are convertible at any time at the option of the holder into common shares of APSA of Ps. 0.10 par value per share and originally matured on July 19, 2006. A meeting of noteholders resolved to extend the maturity date of the APSA Convertible Notes through July 19, 2014 although the remaining terms and conditions were left unchanged. Argentine GAAP requires that an exchange of debt instruments with substantially different terms be considered a debt extinguishment

 

F-34


Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts in thousands, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

4. Details of balance sheet accounts (continued)

 

  i. Short-term and long-term debt (continued)

and that the old instrument be derecognized. Argentine GAAP clarifies that from a debtor’s perspective, an exchange of debt instruments between, or a modification of a debt instrument by, a debtor and a creditor shall be deemed to have been accomplished with debt instruments that are substantially different if the present value of the cash flows under the terms of the new debt instrument is at least 10 percent different from the present value of the remaining cash flows under the terms of the original instrument. The new debt instrument should be initially recorded at fair value and that amount should be used to determine the debt extinguishment gain or loss to be recognized. Fair value should be determined by the present value of the future cash flows to be paid under the terms of the new debt instrument discounted at a rate commensurate with the risks of the debt instrument and time value of money. If it is determined that the original and new debt instruments are not substantially different, then a new effective interest rate is to be determined based on the carrying amount of the original debt instrument and the revised cash flows. Based on the analysis performed, the Company concluded that the instruments were not substantially different and accordingly, the old instrument was not derecognized. The outstanding balance was reclassified as non-current in these consolidated financial statements. During fiscal years 2007 and 2006, holders of approximately US$ 0.01 million and US$ 0.05 million Convertible Notes exercised their conversion rights and, as a result, APSA issued 101,580 and 1,539,000 common shares, respectively. During fiscal year 2008 the holders of the Convertible Notes didn’t exercised their conversion rights and, as a result, APSA didn’t issue any shares of common stock. As of June 30, 2008 holders of Convertible Notes have exercised their right to convert ordinary shares for a total of US$ 2.8 million. The outstanding balance of the APSA Convertible Notes as of June 30, 2008 amounts to US$ 47.2 million, of which US$ 31.7 million is held by IRSA. Accordingly, balances shown reflect amount held by third parties after intercompany eliminations. Subsequent to year end, on July 21, 2008 the twelfth interest installment was cancelled by an amount of US$ 2.3 million.

(iii) The Collateralized Notes and the Uncollateralized Loan Agreement were paid as of June 30, 2008. As of June 30, 2007 the balances related to (i) current and non current portion of the Collateralized Notes originally due November 2009 and (ii) the current and non current portion of the Uncollateralized Loan Agreement originally due November 2009.
(iv) As of June 30, 2008 the balance mainly includes: (a) Ps. 6,053 corresponding to the amount owed for the acquisition of Empalme S.A.I.C.F.A. y G. This loan accrues interest at 6% per annum, payable in 4 installments of US$ 2,000 each, due on June 25, 2007; December 22, 2007; June 19, 2008 and December 16, 2008. On December 11, 2008 the fourth principal installment was paid; (b) US$ 6.0 million related to the purchase of 33.33% of the shareholding of Palermo Invest S.A. (See note 2.g.) and (c) US$ 3,000 related to the debt for purchase of additional interest in Mendoza Plaza Shopping S.A. (See note 2.g.).
(v) The outstanding balance at June 30, 2008 includes mainly the following loans:

 

  (a) Several loans of APSA’s subsidiary Tarshop, maintained with Industrial de Azul, Standard Bank, Itaú Buen Ayre, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, CMF, BST, BNP Paribas, Supervielle and Comafi banks.
  (b) Debt for purchase of Edificio República (See note 2.g.).

 

(vi) Related to IRSA non-convertible notes.
(vii) Related to APSA non-convertible notes.
(viii) As of June 30, 2008 relates to the debt for the purchase of Beruti plot of land, which is guaranteed by a mortgage over the plot of land. As of June 30 2007, under current debt, it included a debt from Shopping Neuquén S.A. which was guaranteed by a mortgage over the plot of land.

 

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Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts in thousands, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

4. Details of balance sheet accounts (continued)

 

  j. Taxes payable:

 

     As of June 30,
     2008    2007

Current

     

Income tax provision, net

   Ps. 39,638    Ps. 38,743

VAT payable

     17,578      9,912

MPIT

     3,558      1,661

Gross revenue tax

     3,442      4,226

Provision for tax on shareholders’ personal assets

     2,850      3,163

Income tax withholdings

     685      5,520

VAT withholdings

     418      178

Other

     8,539      1,309
             
   Ps. 76,708    Ps. 64,712
             

Non-Current

     

Deferred income tax (Note 17)

   Ps. 31,065    Ps. 27,300

Gross revenue tax

     4,262      2,256
             
   Ps. 35,327    Ps. 29,556
             

 

  k. Other liabilities:

 

     As of June 30,  
     2008     2007  

Current

    

Loans with shareholders of related parties

   Ps. 39,166     Ps. 19,909  

Accrual for directors fees (Note 11) (iii)

     13,821       13,089  

Payables to Nationals Parks Administration (Note 21)

     10,189       —    

Related parties (Note 11)

     6,036       4,874  

Provision for donations committed (Note 11)

     4,656       4,363  

Derivative financial instruments (Note 14)

     4,600       —    

Below market leases (Note 3.g.)

     3,811       —    

Guarantee deposits

     3,666       4,029  

Provision for contingencies (Note 29.c.) (i)

     1,787       7,595  

Contributed leasehold improvements (ii)

     1,015       526  

Others

     6,057       7,271  
                
   Ps. 94,804     Ps. 61,656  
                

Non-Current

    

Loans with shareholders of related parties

   Ps. 10,588     Ps. 10,826  

Contributed leasehold improvements (ii)

     10,055       10,421  

Provision for contingencies (Note 29.c.) (i)

     7,899       12,732  

Below market leases (Note 3.g.)

     5,390       —    

Guarantee deposits

     4,049       2,851  

Related parties (Note 11)

     20       20  

Others

     568       2,150  

Less:

    

Present value – other liabilities

     (285 )     (136 )
                
   Ps. 38,284     Ps. 38,864  
                
 
  (i) This reserve relates to labor, tax and other miscellaneous matters. This balance also includes reserves the claims related to Shopping Neuquén further discussed in Note 20. In the opinion of management and based on consultation with external legal counsel, the Company has established provisions for amounts which are probable of adverse occurrence and which, according to estimates developed by the Company’s legal counsel, would meet all related contingencies and corresponding fees relating to these claims. The classification of contingency reserves as non-current liabilities was based on a review of the current facts and circumstances and consultation with external legal counsel. Management reassesses these matters as new facts are brought into management’s attention.  

 

F-36


Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts in thousands, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

4. Details of balance sheet accounts (continued)

 

  j. Other liabilities (continued)

 

  (ii) Contributed leasehold improvements relate to improvements made by tenants in Abasto Shopping Center and Mendoza Plaza Shopping. Contributed leasehold improvements are recorded as fixed assets based on construction costs incurred with a corresponding deferred liability. Contributed leasehold improvements are amortized to income over the term of lease. Such amortization, net of the related depreciation of the leasehold improvement, was not significant for the years ended June 30, 2008 and 2007.
  (iii) Net of advances for Ps. 1,837 and Ps. 1,375 for the years ended June 30, 2008 and 2007.

 

  l. Mortgage payables

 

     As of June 30,
     2008    2007

Current

     

Mortgage payable Llao Llao (Note 13)

   Ps.2,919    Ps.2,783

Mortgage payable Bouchard 710 (i)

   —      14,755
         
   Ps.2,919    Ps.17,538
         

Non-Current

     

Mortgage payable Llao Llao

   Ps.1,538    Ps.4,557
         
   Ps.1,538    Ps.4,557
         
 
  (i) As of June 30, 2008 the mortgage for the purchase of the Bouchard 710 Building was totally paid.

 

5. Shareholders’ equity

 

  a. Common stock

As of June 30, 2008, the Company had 578,676,460 authorized and outstanding shares of common stock, having a par value of Ps. 1.0 per share. Holders of the common stock are entitled to one vote for each share held of record on all matters submitted to a vote of shareholders. Following is a detail of the activity during the years ended June 30, 2006, 2007 and 2008:

 

     Common Stock    Approved by     
     Shares issued    Par value    Additional
paid-in-

capital
   Body    Date    Date of
registration

Balances as of June 30, 2006

   Ps.435,448,510    Ps.435,448    Ps.659,911         
                       

Conversion of debt into common shares (Note 10.a)

   16,640,658    16,641    11,252    Board of
Directors
Meeting
   September, 29,
2006, January
11, April 11,
June 29 2007
   November 29,
2006,
February 28,
June 26,
2007. 11,412
shares are
pending
registration

Exercise of warrants (Note 10.a)

   12,879,988    12,880    13,078         
                       

Balances as of June 30, 2007

   Ps.464,969,156    Ps.464,969    Ps.684,241         
                       

Conversion of debt into common shares

   34,582,162    34,582    24,591    Board of
Directors
Meeting
   October 1,
2007
December 3,
2007
   November 30,
2007
March 12,
2008

Exercise of warrants

   79,125,142    79,125    84,291         
                       

Balances as of June 30, 2008

   Ps.578,676,460    Ps.578,676    Ps.793,123         
                       

 

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Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts in thousands, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

5. Shareholders’ equity (continued)

 

  b. Inflation adjustment of common stock

As mentioned in Note 2.c. the Company’s consolidated financial statements were prepared on the basis of general price-level accounting which reflected changes in the purchase price of the peso in the historical financial statements through February 28, 2003. The inflation adjustments related to common stock and treasury stock were appropriated to inflation adjustment reserves that form part of shareholders’ equity. According to CNV Rules, the balances of the inflation adjustment reserves may be applied only towards the issuance of common stock to shareholders of the Company.

 

  c. Restriction on the distribution of profits

In accordance with the Argentine Corporations Law and the Company’s By-laws, 5% of the net and realized profit for the year calculated in accordance with Argentine GAAP plus (less) prior year adjustments must be appropriated by resolution of the shareholders to a legal reserve until such reserve equals 20% of the Company’s outstanding capital (including inflation adjustment). This legal reserve may be used only to absorb losses.

 

  d. Reserve for new developments

Pursuant to a resolution of the Inspección General de Justicia, companies should indicate the intended use of the accumulated retained earnings balance of the period. Accordingly, a special reserve labeled as “Reserve for New Developments” is created. The accumulated retained earnings balance is transferred to this equity account. This reclassification has no impact on the total shareholders equity of the Company.

 

6. Segment information

The Company is required to disclose segment information in accordance with RT 18. RT 18 establishes standards for reporting information about operating segments in annual financial statements and requires reporting of selected information about operating segments in interim financial reports issued to shareholders. Operating segments are components of a company about which separate financial information is available that is regularly evaluated by the chief operating decision maker(s) in deciding how to allocate resources and assess performance. The statement also establishes standards for related disclosures about a company’s products and services, geographical areas and major customers. The Company has determined that its reportable segments are those that are based on the Company’s method of internal reporting. Accordingly, the Company has six reportable segments. These segments are Development and Sale of Properties, Office and Other Non-Shopping Center Rental Properties, Shopping Centers, Consumer Financing (formerly known as “Credit Card Operations”), Hotel Operations and Financial Operations and Others.

A general description of each segment follows:

 

   

Development and Sale of Properties

This segment includes the operating results of the Company’s construction and ultimate sale of residential buildings business.

 

   

Office and Other Non-Shopping Center Rental Properties

This segment includes the operating results of the Company’s lease and service revenues of office space and other non-retail building properties from tenants.

 

   

Shopping Centers

This segment includes the operating results of the Company’s shopping centers principally comprised of lease and service revenues from tenants.

 

   

Consumer Financing

This segment was formerly known as “Credit Card Operations”. The Company modified its name to better reflect the nature of operations included in this segment. However, there was no change in the way the business is managed and reviewed. This segment includes the origination of loans and credit card receivables and related securitization programs.

 

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Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts in thousands, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

6. Segment information (continued)

 

   

Hotel Operations

This segment includes the operating results of the Company’s hotels principally comprised of room, catering and restaurant revenues.

 

   

Financial Operations and Others

This segment primarily includes revenues and associated costs generated from the sale of equity securities, other securities-related transactions and other non-core activities of the Company. This segment also includes the gains or losses on in equity investees of the Company relating to the banking activity.

Inter-segment transactions, if any, are accounted for at current market prices. The Company evaluates performance of its segments and allocates resources to them based on operating income. The Company is not dependent on any single customer.

The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in Note 3.

As of and for the year ended June 30, 2008:

 

     Development
and Sale of
Properties
    Office and
Other
Non- Shopping
Center Rental
Properties (a)
    Shopping
Centers
    Consumer
Financing (c)
    Hotel
Operations
    Financial
Operations and
Others
    Total  

Revenues

   Ps. 196,811     Ps. 100,989     Ps. 345,395     Ps. 291,030     Ps. 148,847     Ps. 1,170     Ps. 1,084,242  

Costs

     (150,894 )     (25,818 )     (99,175 )     (129,025 )     (84,220 )     (529 )     (489,661 )
                                                        

Gross profit

     45,917       75,171       246,220       162,005       64,627       641       594,581  

Gain from valuation of inventories at net realizable value

     2,832       —         —         —         —         —         2,832  

Selling expenses

     (7,696 )     (3,458 )     (24,809 )     (111,415 )     (16,608 )     —         (163,986 )

Administrative expenses

     (21,849 )     (22,028 )     (39,150 )     (66,988 )     (29,979 )     —         (179,994 )

Net loss from retained interest in securitized receivables

     —         —         —         (1,261 )     —         —         (1,261 )

Gain from operations and holdings of real estate assets, net

     66       2,604       —         —         —         —         2,670  
                                                        

Operating income (loss)

     19,270       52,289       182,261       (17,659 )     18,040       641       254,842  

Amortization of goodwill

     488       1,782       (390 )     (242 )     —         —         1,638  

Loss on equity investees

     (1,065 )     —         (33 )     —         (23 )     (12,088 )     (13,209 )

Financial results, net

     (8,502 )     (10,069 )     (23,585 )     (375 )     (5,884 )     (28,327 )     (76,742 )

Other (expenses) income, net

     —         —         4,975       3,800       (5,713 )     (8,704 )     (5,642 )
                                                        

(Loss) Income before taxes and minority interest

     10,191       44,002       163,228       (14,476 )     6,420       (48,478 )     160,887  

Income tax and MPIT

     1,820       1,679       (74,992 )     (1,522 )     (4,010 )     (1,087 )     (78,112 )

Minority interest

     1       —         (36,347 )     7,458       863       125       (27,900 )
                                                        

Net (loss) income

     12,012       45,681       51,889       (8,540 )     3,273       (49,440 )     54,875  

Acquisitions of fixed assets and intangible assets

     3,118       442,585       250,887       6,822       40,077       —         743,489  

Depreciation and amortization (b)

     577       24,908       73,185       1,888       13,283       —         113,841  

Non-current investments in affiliated companies

     —         —         —         —         —         318,250       318,250  

Operating assets

     436,392       999,060       1,642,341       113,052       233,613       —         3,424,458  

Non-operating assets

     26,519       57,433       62,649       21,068       18,426       861,419       1,047,514  
                                                        

Total assets

   Ps. 462,911     Ps. 1,056,493     Ps. 1,704,990     Ps. 134,120     Ps. 252,039     Ps. 861,419     Ps. 4,471,972  
                                                        

Operating liabilities

     25,530       100,430       250,957       205,671       33,115       —         615,703  

Non-operating liabilities

     247,320       209,399       662,174       75,714       199,813       80,956       1,475,376  
                                                        

Total liabilities

   Ps. 272,850     Ps. 309,829     Ps. 913,131     Ps. 281,385     Ps. 232,928     Ps. 80,956     Ps. 2,091,079  
                                                        

 

(a) Includes offices, commercial and residential premises.
(b) Included in operating income.
(c) Formerly known as “Credit Card Operations”.

 

F-39


Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts in thousands, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

6. Segment information (continued)

 

As of and for the year ended June 30, 2007:

 

     Development
and Sale of
Properties
    Office and
Other
Non-Shopping
Center Rental
Properties (a)
    Shopping
Centers
    Consumer
Financing (c)
    Hotel
Operations
    Financial
Operations
and Others
    Total  

Revenues

   Ps. 75,751     Ps. 55,683     Ps. 270,266     Ps. 212,965     Ps. 122,681     Ps. 1,410     Ps. 738,756  

Costs

     (57,823 )     (16,699 )     (91,112 )     (76,251 )     (68,960 )     (802 )     (311,647 )
                                                        

Gross profit

     17,928       38,984       179,154       136,714       53,721       608       427,109  

Gain from valuation of inventories at net realizable value

     20,737       —         —         —         —         —         20,737  

Selling expenses

     (12,846 )     (4,376 )     (22,346 )     (61,966 )     (12,175 )     —         (113,709 )

Administrative expenses

     (19,624 )     (16,827 )     (32,717 )     (45,366 )     (26,893 )     —         (141,427 )

Net income from retained interest in securitized receivables

     —         —         —         3,254       —         —         3,254  

(Loss) Gain from operations and holdings of real estate assets, net

     (18 )     1,845       741       —         —         —         2,568  
                                                        

Operating income

     6,177       19,626       124,832       32,636       14,653       608       198,532  

Amortization of goodwill

     286       1,044       (2,802 )     —         —         —         (1,472 )

(Loss) Gain on equity investees

     (491 )     —         (818 )     —         (412 )     41,747       40,026  

Financial results, net

     (7,088 )     (6,256 )     (28,190 )     825       (5,268 )     50,076       4,099  

Other (expenses) income, net

     —         —         (6,382 )     3,034       160       (10,912 )     (14,100 )
                                                        

(Loss) Income before taxes and minority interest

     (1,116 )     14,414       86,640       36,495       9,133       81,519       227,085  

Income tax and MPIT

     (11,786 )     (1,987 )     (40,798 )     (15,455 )     (3,102 )     (14,411 )     (87,539 )

Minority interest

     (4 )     (326 )     (22,000 )     (8,719 )     (1,400 )     —         (32,449 )
                                                        

Net (loss) income

     (12,906 )     12,101       23,842       12,321       4,631       67,108       107,097  

Acquisitions of fixed assets and intangible assets

     2,895       263,104       157,857       —         57,115       —         480,971  

Depreciation and amortization (b)

     39       16,256       67,046       1,297       12,358       —         96,996  

Non-current investments in affiliated companies

     —         —         —         —         —         306,853       306,853  

Operating assets

     508,742       675,321       1,336,166       139,657       202,113       —         2,861,999  

Non-operating assets

     30,516       24,662       39,073       18,771       6,318       1,163,560       1,282,900  
                                                        

Total assets

   Ps. 539,258     Ps. 699,983     Ps. 1,375,239     Ps. 158,428     Ps. 208,431     Ps. 1,163,560     Ps. 4,144,899  
                                                        

Operating liabilities

     31,472       83,073       199,616       165,713       23,304       —         503,178  

Non-operating liabilities

     278,615       247,763       734,370       44,722       153,117       86,010       1,544,597  
                                                        

Total liabilities

   Ps. 310,087     Ps. 330,836     Ps. 933,986     Ps. 210,435     Ps. 176,421     Ps. 86,010     Ps. 2,047,775  
                                                        

 

(a) Includes offices, commercial and residential premises.
(b) Included in operating income.
(c) Formerly known as “Credit Card Operations”.

 

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Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts in thousands, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

6. Segment information (continued)

 

As of and for the year ended June 30, 2006:

 

     Development
and Sale of
Properties
    Office and
Other
Non-Shopping
Center Rental
Properties (a)
    Shopping
Centers
    Consumer
Financing (c)
    Hotel
Operations
    Financial
Operations and
Others
    Total  

Revenues

   Ps.  103,966     Ps.  30,565     Ps.  215,003     Ps.  122,969     Ps.  103,763     Ps.  1,414     Ps.  577,680  

Costs

     (54,200 )     (8,987 )     (77,382 )     (43,933 )     (57,971 )     (1,358 )     (243,831 )
                                                        

Gross profit

     49,766       21,578       137,621       79,036       45,792       56       333,849  

Gain from valuation of inventories at net realizable value

     9,063       —         —         —         —         —         9,063  

Selling expenses

     (1,797 )     (1,020 )     (15,700 )     (30,900 )     (10,688 )     —         (60,105 )

Administrative expenses

     (12,807 )     (11,315 )     (25,837 )     (25,925 )     (20,998 )     —         (96,882 )

Net income from retained interest in securitized receivables

     —         —         —         2,625       —         —         2,625  

Gain from operations and holdings of real estate assets, net

     52       2,619       9,499       —         446       —         12,616  
                                                        

Operating income

     44,277       11,862       105,583       24,836       14,552       56       201,166  

Amortization of goodwill

     —         —         (856 )     (224 )     —         —         (1,080 )

(Loss) Gain on equity investees

     —         —         (1,599 )     —         146       43,110       41,657  

Financial results, net

     (5,383 )     (4,579 )     (23,273 )     106       (1,935 )     (5,862 )     (40,926 )

Other expenses, net

     —         —         (9,636 )     (125 )     (415 )     (8,087 )     (18,263 )
                                                        

Income before taxes and minority interest

     38,894       7,283       70,219       24,593       12,348       29,217       182,554  

Income tax and MPIT

     (2,053 )     (2,451 )     (40,220 )     (8,238 )     (3,852 )     (1,977 )     (58,791 )

Minority interest

     —         (1,077 )     (14,582 )     (7,374 )     (4,157 )     —         (27,190 )
                                                        

Net income

     36,841       3,755       15,417       8,981       4,339       27,240       96,573  

Acquisitions of fixed assets and intangible assets

     619       320       29,524       3,586       20,070       —         54,119  

Depreciation and amortization (b)

     253       7,903       62,337       815       9,671       —         80,979  

Non-current investments in affiliated companies

     —         —         129       —         —         265,082       265,211  

Operating assets

     386,740       359,725       1,139,767       74,148       145,796       —         2,106,176  

Non-operating assets

     49,624       46,158       18,536       10,655       13,310       495,662       633,945  
                                                        

Total assets

   Ps. 436,364     Ps. 405,883     Ps.  1,158,303     Ps. 84,803     Ps. 159,106     Ps.  495,662     Ps.  2,740,121  
                                                        

Operating liabilities

     15,183       52,688       129,653       97,969       21,281       —         316,774  

Non-operating liabilities

     81,414       72,126       243,303       13,272       59,030       18,447       487,592  
                                                        

Total liabilities

   Ps. 96,597     Ps.  124,814     Ps. 372,956     Ps. 111,241     Ps. 80,311     Ps.  18,447     Ps. 804,366  
                                                        

 

(a) Includes offices, commercial and residential premises.
(b) Included in operating income.
(c) Formerly known as “Credit Card Operations”.

 

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Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts in thousands, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

7. Gain from operations and holdings of real estate assets, net:

 

     Year ended June 30,
     2008    2007    2006

Gain from operations and holdings of real estate assets, net

   Ps. 2,670    Ps. 2,568    Ps. 12,616
                    
   Ps. 2,670    Ps. 2,568    Ps. 12,616
                    

 

8. Financial results, net:

 

     Year ended June 30,  
     2008     2007     2006  

Generated by assets:

      

Interest income

   Ps. 42,169     Ps. 22,197     Ps. 12,312  

Foreign exchange gain (loss)

     1,386       (4,893 )     21,546  

Gain on derivative instruments (Note 14)

     (2,689 )     665       2,942  

Interest on discounting assets

     (4,807 )     (31 )     456  

Net unrealized (loss) gain on investments and others

     (31,330 )     53,441       10,782  
                        
   Ps. 4,729     Ps. 71,379     Ps. 48,038  
                        

Generated by liabilities:

      

Interest expense and others (Note 29.f.)

   Ps. (100,220 )   Ps. (66,642 )   Ps. (49,710 )

Foreign exchange gain (loss)

     19,246       (749 )     (39,274 )

Gain on repurchase of debt (Note 29.f.)

     116       —         —    

Interest on discounting liabilities

     (613 )     111       20  
                        
     (81,471 )     (67,280 )     (88,964 )
                        

Financial results, net

   Ps. (76,742 )   Ps. 4,099     Ps. (40,926 )
                        

 

9. Other expenses, net:

 

     Year ended June 30,  
     2008     2007     2006  

Other income:

      

Recovery of allowance for doubtful accounts and lawsuit, net

   Ps. 6,215     Ps. —       Ps. 8  

Gain on cancellation of liabilities

     3,015       3,127       —    

Easement income (i)

     —         —         2,428  

Other

     1,172       1,892       822  
                        
   Ps. 10,402     Ps. 5,019     Ps. 3,258  
                        

Other expenses:

      

Provision for contingencies

   Ps. (6,684 )   Ps. (3,031 )   Ps. (373 )

Tax on shareholders’ personal assets

     (5,885 )     (7,110 )     (5,848 )

Donations

     (6,850 )     (7,390 )     (2,921 )

Recovery (loss) on fire damages (net of insurance recoveries)

     2,646       1,773       (5,788 )

Unreimbursed expenses

     2,002       (298 )     (1,743 )

Unrecoverable VAT

     (1,098 )     (2,252 )     (2,743 )

Other

     (175 )     (811 )     (2,105 )
                        
     (16,044 )     (19,119 )     (21,521 )
                        

Other expenses, net

   Ps.  (5,642 )   Ps.  (14,100 )   Ps.  (18,263 )
                        

 

 

(i) As of June 30, 2006, the charge relates to the termination of the easement agreement with Riocruz S.C.S. On February 2, 1999, Mendoza Plaza Shopping S.A. had entered into an easement agreement with one anchor tenant, C&A, for an aggregate purchase price of US$ 2.9 million. Easement revenue was amortized to income under the straight-line method over the term of the agreement. In September 2005, Mendoza Plaza Shopping S.A. acquired from Riocruz S.C.S. the retail space where the C&A store was located, and consequently, the easement agreement was terminated.

 

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Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts in thousands, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

10. Issuance of IRSA Notes

 

  a) IRSA Convertible Notes

On November 21, 2002, the Company issued US$ 100,000 of 8% convertible notes due November 2007 (the “IRSA Convertible Notes”) with non-detachable warrants to acquire additional shares of common stock (the “Warrants”) in exchange for US$ 85,000 in cash and the settlement of certain liabilities (See Note 4.i.). In accordance with the agreement, the IRSA Convertible Notes were convertible, at any time, at the option of the holder, into a fixed number of common shares of the Company. The agreement provided for an original conversion price of US$ 0.55713, which only could be adjusted as a result of anti-dilution provisions. Once converted, the holder had the right to acquire an additional equal number of shares at the exercise price of US$ 0.66856 per share. The exercise price of the warrants was also adjusted as a result of anti-dilution provisions. Under Argentine GAAP no proceeds were allocated to the conversion feature and warrants. Proceeds from the issuance of the IRSA Convertible Notes were mainly used to the settlement and restructuring of the debts outstanding at that date and for working capital needs. As a result of the distribution of treasury shares approved by the shareholders in November 2002, effective December 20, 2002 the conversion price and the warrants exercise price was decreased to US$ 0.54505 and to US$ 0.65406, respectively.

During the years ended June 30, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008, certain holders of IRSA Convertible Notes (aggregating US$ 99,900) exercised their conversion rights and, as a result, the Company issued 12,531 shares, 23,734,388 shares, 52,448,952 shares, 55,961,675 shares 16,640,658 and 34,582,162 shares of common stock, respectively. During the years ended June 30, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 the Company also issued 183,296,821 shares of common stock in exchange for US$ 119,900 in cash as a result of the exercise of warrants.

The IRSA Convertible Notes were fully paid as of June 30, 2008.

 

  b) IRSA Non-Convertible Notes

In February 2007, the Company issued US$ 150,000 of non-convertible notes (the “IRSA Non-Convertible Notes”) due February 2017 under the Global Program for up to US$ 200,000 authorized by the CNV in December 2006. The IRSA Non-Convertible Notes bear interest at a fixed rate of 8.5% per annum. The IRSA Non-Convertible Notes pay interest in cash semi-annually in arrears on February 2 and August 2 of each year, beginning on August 2, 2007. Principal on the IRSA Non-Convertible Notes is fully paid at maturity.

The IRSA Non-Convertible Notes contain certain customary covenants including restrictions to pay dividends in accordance with certain limits.

 

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Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts in thousands, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

11. Balances and transactions with related parties

The following is a summary of the balances and transactions with related parties:

 

Company

  

Relation

  

Description of

Transaction / caption

   Income (loss) included in the statement of
income for the year ended June 30,
    Balance receivable
(payable) as of June 30,
 
         2008     2007     2006     2008     2007  

Comercializadora Los Altos S.A.

   Subsidiary of E-Commerce Latina S.A., an equity investee of the Company    Sales and developments    Ps. —       Ps. —       Ps. 2     Ps. —       Ps. —    

BHSA

   Equity investee of the Company (i) (vii)    Other receivables and prepaid expenses (current)      —         —         —         7       113  
      Investments (current)      —         —         —         1,286       2,073  
      Results from holding and operations      —         12       49       —         —    
      Interests and exchange differences      (2 )     —         —         —         —    
      Short-term debt (current) (APSA Convertible Notes)      —         —         —         (1 )     (1 )
      Long-term debt (non-current) (APSA Convertible Notes)      —         —         —         (22 )     (22 )
      Other liabilities (current)      —         —         —         (29 )     (56 )

BACSA

   Equity investee of the Company and subsidiary of BHSA (i)    Accounts receivable, net (current)      —         —         —         18       56  

Cresud S.A.C.I.F. y A.

   Shareholder of the Company    Accounts receivable, net (current)      —         —         —         765       430  
      Other receivables and prepaid expenses (current)      —         —         —         4,335       1,895  
      Trade accounts payable (current)      —         —         —         (621 )     (232 )
      Trade accounts payable (non-current)      —         —         —         —         (41 )
      Other liabilities (current)      —         —         —         (830 )     (919 )
      Short and long-term debt - IRSA Convertible Notes      —         —         —         —         (37,495 )
      Accrued interest      —         (2,960 )     (7,124 )     —         —    
      Sales and developments      1,198       2,146       607       —         —    
      Interests and exchange differences      1       —         —         —         —    
      Cost of services      —         (390 )     —         —         —    

Dolphin Fund PLC

   Related party (iii)    Accrued interest        1,400       —         —         —    
      Investments (current)      —         —         —         58,072       96,687  
      Results from holding and operations      (37,800 )     46,817       (32 )     —         —    

 

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Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts in thousands, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

11. Balances and transactions with related parties (continued)

 

Company

  

Relation

  

Description of

Transaction / caption

   Income (loss) included in the statement of
income for the year ended June 30,
    Balance receivable
(payable) as of June 30,
 
         2008     2007     2006     2008     2007  

Estudio Zang (legal advisory)

   Shareholders of law firm are directors    Cost of legal services    Ps.  (3,820 )   Ps.  (3,286 )   Ps.  (1,612 )   Ps. —       Ps. —    
  

of the Company

   Other receivables and prepaid expenses (current)      —         —         —         14       —    
      Other liabilities (current)      —         —         —         (278 )     —    
      Trade accounts payable (current)      —         —         —         (264 )     (303 )

Fundación IRSA

   (iv)    Donations      (4,805 )     (2,543 )     (2,597 )     —         —    
      Sales and developments      —         —         14       —         —    
      Other liabilities (current) - Provision for donations committed      —         —         —         (4,656 )     (4,363 )
      Accounts receivable, net (current)      —         —         —         14       14  
      Other receivables and prepaid expenses (current)      —         —         —         5       4  

Puerto Retiro S.A.

   Equity investee of the Company (i)    Accounts receivable, net (current)      —         —         —         47       —    
      Other receivables and prepaid expenses (current)      —         —         —         26       —    

Cactus S.A.

   Subsidiary of Cresud S.A.    Other receivables and prepaid expenses (current)      —         —         —         10       5  

Futuros y Opciones.com S.A.

   Subsidiary of Cresud S.A.    Other receivables and prepaid expenses (current)      —         —         —         4       1  

Managers, Directors and other staff of the Company

   (ii)    Accounts receivable, net (current) - Director’s Guarantee deposits      —         —         —         1       101  
      Other receivables and prepaid expenses (current) (Personnel loans)      —         —         —         1,598       1,266  
      Other receivables and prepaid expenses (non-current) (Personnel loans)      —         —         —         4       84  
      Trade accounts payable (current)      —         —         —         (31 )     (78 )
      Other liabilities (current)      —         —         —         —         (931 )
      Expenses to be recovered      (422 )     (520 )     8         —    
      Interest and exchange differences      13       (5 )     (7 )       —    

 

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Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts in thousands, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

11. Balances and transactions with related parties (continued)

 

Company

 

Relation

 

Description of

Transaction /caption

  Income (loss) included in the statement
of income for the year ended June 30,
    Balance receivable
(payable) as of June 30,
 
      2008     2007     2006     2008     2007  

Consultores Assets Management S.A.

  (v)   Accounts receivable, net (current)   Ps. —       Ps. —       Ps. —       Ps. 262     Ps. 193  
    Other receivables and prepaid expenses (current)     —         —         —         16       48  

Museo de los Niños

  Related party   Other receivables and prepaid expenses (current)     —         —         —         143       57  
    Accounts receivable, net (current)     —         —         —         21       21  

Parque Arauco S.A.

  Shareholder of APSA   Accrued interest     (3,720 )     (4,887 )     (7,787 )     —         —    
    Short-term debt (current) (APSA Convertible Notes)     —         —         —         (2,142 )     (2,124 )
    Long-term debt (non-current) (APSA Convertible Notes)     —         —         —         (46,804 )     (47,856 )

Directors

  Related party   Other liabilities (current), - Accrual for directors fees     —         —         —         (13,821 )     (13,089 )
    Administrative expenses     (8,613 )     (14,727 )     (14,859 )     —         —    
    Short-term debt (current) (APSA Convertible Notes)     —         —         —         (1 )     (1 )
    Other receivables and prepaid expenses (current)     —         —         —         107       —    
    Long-term debt (non-current) (APSA Convertible Notes)     —         —         —         (30 )     (32 )
    Accounts receivable, net (current)     —         —         —         —         72  
    Other liabilities (current)     —         —         —         —         (519 )
    Customer advances (current)     —         —         —         (229 )     —    
    Other liabilities (non-current)     —         —         —         (20 )     (20 )

Canteras Natal Crespo S.A.

  Equity investee of the Company (vi)   Accounts receivable, net (current)     —         —         —         57       23  
    Other receivables and prepaid expenses (current)     —         —         —         577       —    
    Other liabilities (current)     —         —         —         —         (223 )
    Other receivables and prepaid expenses (current)     —         —         —         —         275  
    Trade accounts payable (current)     —         —         —         —         (1 )
    Interest and exchange differences     45       —         —         —         —    

CYRSA S.A.

  Equity investee of the Company (vi)   Accounts receivable, net (current)     —         —         —         545       —    
    Other receivables and prepaid expenses (current)     —         —         —         712       —    
    Trade accounts payable (current)     —         —         —         (183 )     —    
    Other liabilities (current)     —         —         —         (88 )     —    
    Interest and exchange differences     43       —         —         —         —    

Metroshop S.A.

  Equity investee of APSA (vi)   Other receivables and prepaid expenses (current)     —         —         —         19,028       8,320  
    Other liabilities (current)     —         —         —         (4,811 )     (2,226 )

 

(i) The Company is a shareholder of BHSA, BACSA and Puerto Retiro S.A.
(ii) The Company provided loans and advances to employees, the balances of which amounted to Ps. 1,602 and Ps. 1,350 as of June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Such balances are to be repaid via scheduled payroll deductions.
(iii) An open-ended investment fund which is related to our chairman Eduardo Elsztain.
(iv) A not-for-profit organization whose chairman is Eduardo Elsztain.
(v) A shareholder and director of Cresud (Shareholder of the Company) is the owner of 85% of the capital stock of Consultores Asset Management S.A. (“CAM”). Remaining 15% is owned by Cresud’s first vice chairman of the Board.
(vi) The Company exercises joint control over Metroshop (through APSA), Canteras Natal Crespo, Rummaala and CYRSA.
(vii) Includes BHSA Directors.

 

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Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts in thousands, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

11. Balances and transactions with related parties (continued)

 

Company

 

Relation

 

Description of
transaction

  Sale of goods and/or services for the
year ended June 30,
  Purchase of goods and/or services for
the year ended June 30,
      2008   2007   2006   2008   2007   2006

BACSA

  Equity investee of the Company and subsidiary of BHSA   Expenses recovery   48   48   —     —     —     —  

Cresud S.A.C.I.F. y A.

  Shareholder of the Company   Shared services   526   734   257   783   173   116

Cresud S.A.C.I.F. y A.

  Shareholder of the Company   Expenses recovery   331   130   150   164   145   66

Fundación IRSA

  (i)   Director’s fees   —     14   14   —     —     —  

Consultores Assets Management S.A.

  (ii)   Expenses recovery   49   50   34   —     —     —  

Personnel

  Employees   Interests   —     9   8   —     —     —  

 

(i) A not-for-profit organization whose chairman is Eduardo Elsztain.
(ii) A shareholder and director of Cresud (Shareholder of the Company) is the owner of 85% of the capital stock of CAM. Remaining 15% is owned by Cresud’s first vice chairman of the Board.

 

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Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts in thousands, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

12. Additional information on assets and liabilities

The breakdown of main assets and liabilities as of June 30, 2008 is as follows:

 

     To mature in
3 months
   To mature
between

4 and 6 months
   To mature
between
7 and 9 months
   To mature
between

10 and 12
months
   To mature in
greater than

1 year
   Past due    

 

 

No fixed term

   Total
                    Current    Non-Current   

Assets

                         

Investments

   Ps.  298,236    Ps.  18,917    Ps.  13,405    Ps.  2,068    Ps.  111,098    Ps.  11,845     Ps.  38,973    Ps.  325,326    Ps.  819,868

Accounts receivable, net

     48,997      25,983      17,293      12,865      10,395      80,379       500      —        196,412

Other receivables and prepaid expenses

     58,781      38,392      3,762      4,078      28,317      379       3,639      111,997      249,345
                                                               
   Ps. 406,014    Ps. 83,292    Ps. 34,460    Ps.  19,011    Ps. 149,810    Ps. 92,603     Ps. 43,112    Ps. 437,323    Ps.  1,265,625
                                                               

Liabilities

                         

Trade accounts payable

   Ps. 179,340    Ps. 40,904    Ps. 1,361    Ps. 1,302    Ps. 48,515    Ps. 7,666     Ps. 11,490    Ps. 6,625    Ps. 297,203

Customer advances

     30,256      39,015      14,058      16,727      94,587      2,746       1,782      4,210      203,381

Salaries and social security payable

     27,696      2,825      2,092      36      —        1,085       221      —        33,955

Mortgage payables

     711      723      736      749      1,538      —         —        —        4,457

Short and long term debt

     119,261      21,927      11,653      26,066      1,119,726      8,236       91      —        1,306,960

Taxes payable

     21,240      48,368      3,725      3,373      5,295      2       —        30,032      112,035

Other liabilities

     8,030      30,055      1,176      4,458      30,014      381       50,702      8,272      133,088
                                                               
   Ps. 386,534    Ps.  183,817    Ps. 34,801    Ps. 52,711    Ps.  1,299,675    Ps. 20,116     Ps. 64,286    Ps. 49,139    Ps. 2,091,079
                                                               
     Accruing interest at a fixed rate    Accruing interest at a variable rate    Not accruing interest                
     Current    Non-Current    Current    Non-Current    Current    Non-Current     Total          

Assets

                         

Investments

   Ps.  140,542    Ps. —      Ps.  132,782    Ps.  —      Ps.  110,120    Ps.  436,424     Ps.  819,868      

Accounts receivable, net

     654      266      17,263      283      168,100      9,846       196,412      

Other receivables and prepaid expenses

     1,676      261      1,596      3,178      105,759      136,875       249,345      
                                                       
   Ps.  142,872    Ps. 527    Ps. 151,641    Ps.  3,461    Ps. 383,979    Ps. 583,145     Ps.  1,265,625      
                                                       

Liabilities

                         

Trade accounts payable

   Ps. —      Ps. 5,444    Ps. 41    Ps. —      Ps. 242,021    Ps. 49,697     Ps. 297,203      

Customer advances

     —        3,443      300      —        104,284      95,354       203,381      

Salaries and social security payable

     1,819      —        24,016      —        8,120      —         33,955      

Mortgage payables

     2,919      1,538      —        —        —        —         4,457      

Short and long term debt

     131,959      1,124,141      32,910      —        22,364      (4,414 )     1,306,960      

Taxes payable

     604      2,111      2      —        76,102      33,216       112,035      

Other liabilities

     16,114      10,383      14,976      482      63,714      27,419       133,088      
                                                       
   Ps. 153,415    Ps.  1,147,060    Ps. 72,245    Ps. 482    Ps. 516,605    Ps. 201,272     Ps. 2,091,079      
                                                       

 

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Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts in thousands, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

13. Restricted assets

In the ordinary course of business, certain assets of the Company have been restricted for various reasons.

As of June 30, 2008, these restrictions are as follows:

 

  (i) In a series of transactions, which occurred between 1999 and 2000, the Company acquired from an unrelated party, 50 % of Puerto Retiro S.A.C.I. y N, whose sole asset is an undeveloped parcel of land in Retiro, Buenos Aires. Prior to the acquisition by the Company, Puerto Retiro had acquired land from Tandanor S.A. (“Tandanor”), a formerly state-owned entity, which had been acquired by Inversora Dársena Norte S.A. (“Indarsa”) in 1991 through a privatization process. The Argentine Government sustained Indarsa had not cancel the outstanding balance of the purchase price of Tandanor, and as a result petitioned the bankruptcy of Indarsa. Since the sole asset of Indarsa was its ownership interest in Tandanor, the Argentine Government was seeking to extend the bankruptcy procedures to any company or individual, which, according to its view, acted as a group, and therefore, in this process requested the bankruptcy of Puerto Retiro and other companies and individuals. In this connection, the bankruptcy court for the Buenos Aires District issued an order restraining the ability of Puerto Retiro to sell or dispose in any manner the land acquired from Tandanor. The Company is vigorously defending against this case. Management and legal advisors of the Company estimate that there are legal and technical issues sufficient to consider that the request for bankruptcy will be denied by the court. However, taking the circumstances into account and the progress of the legal action, this position cannot be considered final. The Company’s investment in Puerto Retiro amounts to Ps. 54.5 million at June 30, 2008.

 

  (ii) The Company mortgaged the following properties under certain obligations:

 

Property

   Net Book Value as
of June 30, 2008

Suipacha 652

   11,840

Plots of land in Bariloche

   21,900

Sheraton Libertador Hotel

   36,966

Caballito plot of land

   5,201

Beruti plot of land

   52,030

Edificio República

   228,767

 

  (iii) The Company has pledged shares of Rummaala and Empalme under certain obligations.

 

  (iv) Certain investments, cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivable of the Company were restricted aggregating less than Ps. 2.0 million in total.

 

  (v) Certificates of Participation (retained interest in securitization programs) aggregating Ps. 68.8 million were pledged under certain obligations.

 

  (vi) As part of the secuitization program a portion of the proceeds amouting to Ps. 19.4 million was retained by the trustee and maintained as a cash reserve to serve a collateral for the payment of amounts due of TDFs. Cash reserves flow back to tarshop on a monthly basis according to a schedule until all TDFs are fully paid.

 

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Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts in thousands, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

14. Derivative financial instruments

According to the Company’s risk management strategy, the Company entered into certain derivative transactions to minimize financial costs. The Company did not apply hedge accounting for these transactions.

Liabilities originated from Derivative financial instruments relate to foreign-currency forward contracts, as follows:

 

Forwards contracts

  

Bank

   Amount    Maturity    Loss  

Open transactions

           

Purchase of US$

   Citibank    2,000    10.31.08    Ps. (325 )

Purchase of US$

   Citibank    7,000    01.30.09      (1,020 )

Purchase of US$

   Itau    9,000    01.30.09      (1,369 )

Purchase of US$

   Santander    2,000    07.31.08      (350 )

Purchase of US$

   Santander    4,000    10.31.08      (656 )

Purchase of US$

   Santander    6,000    01.30.09      (880 )
                 

Subtotal

            Ps. (4,600 )
                 

Closed transactions

              500  
                 

Loss from derivative instruments

            Ps. (4,100 )
                 

From time to time the Company may enter into derivative financial instruments for trading purposes. During the current fiscal year the Company subscribed future purchase of gold contracts.

As of June 30, 2008, the Company does not have derivative instruments agreements outstanding nor does it have any guarantee.

As of June 30, 2007 the Company had 30 contracts for the purchase of 100 ounces of “gold” due in December 2007 at an average market price of US$ 0.7. As guarantee for such contracts, the Company had deposits in the amount of US$ 81 (equivalent to Ps. 247).

During the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006, the Company recognized Ps. 2,689 loss, Ps. 665 gain and Ps. 2,942 gain related to these contracts

 

15. Mortgage receivable securitization

In December 2001, the Company, and certain subsidiaries on one side (hereinafter the “Trustors”) and Banco Sudameris Argentina S.A. (hereinafter the “Trustee”) agreed to set up the IRSA I Financial Trust. The Trustors sold their personal and real estate receivables, secured with mortgages or arising from bills of sale with the possession of the related properties, for the total amount of US$ 26,586 to the Trustee, in exchange for (i) US$ 10,000 cash (ii) US$ 3,300 Class A Participation Certificates (iii) US$ 2,600 Class B and C Participation Certificates, (iv) US$ 10,686 Class D Participation Certificates.

As of June 30, 2008, the value of Class D Participation Certificates amounted to Ps. 653. Class A, B, and C Certificates have been totally amortized at year end.

 

16. Tarshop credit card receivables securitization

The Company has ongoing revolving year securitization programs through which Tarshop, a majority-owned subsidiary of APSA, transfers a portion of its customer credit card and personal loans receivable balances to master trusts that issue certificates to public and private investors.

 

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IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts in thousands, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

16. Tarshop credit card receivables securitization (continued)

 

Under the securitization programs, the trusts may issue two types of certificates representing undivided interests in the Trust – Títulos de Deuda Fiduciaria (“TDF”) and Certificados de Participación (“CP”), which represent debt, and equity certificates, respectively. Interest and principal services are paid periodically to the TDF holders throughout the life of the security. CPs are subordinated securities which entitle the CP holders to share pro rata in the cash flows of the securitized credit card and personal loans receivables, after principal and interest on the TDFs and other fees and expenses have been paid. During the revolving period no payments are made to TDF and CP holders. Principal collections of the underlying financial assets are used by the Trust to acquire additional credit card and personal loans receivables throughout the revolving period. Once the revolving period ends, a period of liquidation occurs during which: (i) no further assets are purchased (ii) all cash collections are used to fulfill the TDF service requirements and (iii) the remaining proceeds are used to fulfill the CPs service requirements.

At the time of the securitization, Tarshop transfers credit card and personal loans receivables to the trust in exchange for cash and retained interests in the trust (CPs). Part of the proceeds is retained by the trustee and maintained as a cash reserve to serve as collateral for the payment of amounts due on the TDFs. Cash reserves flow back to Tarshop on a monthly basis according to a schedule until all TDFs are fully paid. Cash reserves are stated at cost and are classified as “Guarantee deposits” within the caption “Other receivables and prepaid expenses” in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. CPs are carried at their equity value based on financial statements issued by the trusts and classified as “Investments” in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Gain or losses on CPs are reported as a component of “Net (loss) income from retained interest in securitized receivables” in the accompanying statements of income. Tarshop recognizes a result on the sale of receivables when the carrying value of transferred credit card and personal loans receivables differs from the amount of cash and CPs received. Results recognized on the sale of receivables are reported as a component of “Net (loss) income from retained interest in securitized receivables” in the accompanying statements of income. Expenses related to the securitization of receivables are expensed as incurred.

As of June 30, 2008 the Company has thirty one securitization programs outstanding, pursuant to which Tarshop has sold an aggregate amount of Ps. 1,440 million of its customer credit card and personal loans receivable balances to Trusts in exchange for Ps. 1,231.4 million in cash proceeds, Ps. 74.4 million variable rate interest TDFs, and Ps. 134.3 million nominal value subordinated CPs. Under the securitization programs, the Trusts issued Ps. 1,231.5 million TDFs which pay the variable interest rate published by Argentine Central Bank, known as “BADLAR” plus a spread between 2% and 4% for TDFs “A” and between 4% and 6% for TDFs “B”, with a floor in the range of 11.5% to 17% for TDFs “A” and 12.5% to 18% for TDFs “B”, a cap between 19% and 25% for TDFs “A” and from 19% to 26% for TDFs “B”. Additionally, one of the Trusts issued TDFs A at a fixed interest rate of 11.5%. Except for certain TDFs acquired by Tarshop as mentioned above, the TDFs were sold to other investors through a public offering in Argentina. As mentioned above, as a credit protection for investors, the trusts have established cash reserves for losses amounting to Ps. 19.4 million

 

17. Income tax and MPIT

The Company accounts for income taxes using the deferred tax method where by deferred tax asset and liability account balances are determined based on differences between financial reporting and tax based assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates.

Income tax expense for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006 consists of the following:

 

      2008     2007    2006

Current income and MPIT expense

   Ps.114,480     Ps.49,751    Ps.51,858

Deferred income tax expense

   (36,368 )   37,788    6,933
               

Income and MPIT expense

   Ps. 78,112     Ps.87,539    Ps.58,791
               

 

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IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts in thousands, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

17. Income tax and MPIT (continued)

 

The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities at June 30, 2008 and 2007 are presented below:

 

Deferred tax assets (liabilities):

   Balances as of
beginning of year
    Changes for the
year (ii)
    Balances
at year-end
 

Cash equivalents

   Ps. 583     Ps. (583 )   Ps. —    

Investments

     (24,864 )     18,882       (5,982 )

Accounts receivable

     9,641       (2,339 )     7,302  

Other receivables and prepaid expenses

     59,563       4,445       64,008  

Inventory

     (26,849 )     19,723       (7,126 )

Fixed assets

     (29,849 )     (15,877 )     (45,726 )

Intangible assets

     (202 )     48       (154 )

Short-term and long-term debt

     (5,015 )     272       (4,743 )

Liabilities

     9,474       7,759       17,816  

Tax loss carryforwards (i)

     8,965       10,658       19,623  

Valuation allowance

     (3,345 )     (2,683 )     (6,028 )
                        

Net deferred income tax (liability) asset

   Ps. (1,898 )   Ps. 40,888     Ps. 38,990  
                        
 
  (i) As of June 30, 2008, the Company and its subsidiaries had accumulated tax loss carryforwards of Ps. 56,066, which expire at various dates through 2013.
  (ii) Includes the effect of deferred taxes of the acquisition of BankBoston Building, Museo Renault and Mendoza Plaza Shopping minority interest, which do not impact earnings of the year

Income tax expense for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006 differed from the amounts computed by applying the Company’s statutory income tax rate to pre-tax income as a result of the following:

 

     Years ended June 30,  
     2008     2007     2006  

Pretax income

   Ps. 160,887     Ps. 227,085     Ps. 182,554  

Statutory income tax rate

     35 %     35 %     35 %

Income tax expense at statutory tax rate on pretax income

     56,310       79,480       63,894  

Non-deductible expenses

     22,816       5,888       4,416  

Gain on equity investees

     4,623       (14,009 )     (14,580 )

Change in valuation allowance

     (9,645 )     (32,019 )     (14,453 )

Inflation adjustment

     6,352       35,449       17,566  

Others, net

     (2,344 )     12,750       1,948  
                        

Income and MPIT expense

   Ps. 78,112     Ps. 87,539     Ps. 58,791  
                        

 

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IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts in thousands, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

18. Earnings per share

The following tables set forth the computation of basic and diluted net income per share under Argentine GAAP for all years presented:

 

     Year ended June 30,
     2008    2007    2006

Numerator:

        

Net income available to common shareholders

   Ps .54,875    Ps. 107,097    Ps. 96,573

Plus: income impact of assumed conversions:

        

Interest expense on convertible debt

     —        6,174      11,832

Foreign currency exchange loss on convertible debt

     —        38      10,836
                    

Net income available to common shareholders plus assumed conversions

   Ps. 54,875    Ps. 113,309    Ps. 119,241
                    

Denominator:

        

Weighted-average number of shares outstanding

   Ps. 549,277    Ps. 444,904    Ps. 379,506

Plus: incremental shares of assumed conversions:

        

Convertible debt and warrants

     —        113,690      143,130
                    

Adjusted weighted-average number of shares

   Ps. 549,277    Ps. 558,594    Ps. 522,636
                    

Basic and diluted EPS:

        

Basic EPS

   Ps. 0.10    Ps. 0.24    Ps. 0.25

Diluted EPS

   Ps. 0.10    Ps. 0.20    Ps. 0.23

 

19. Supplementary cash flow information

The following table reconciles the balances included as cash and banks and current investments in the consolidated balance sheets to the total amounts of cash and cash equivalents at the beginning and end of the period shown in the consolidated statements of cash flows:

 

     As of June 30,
     2008    2007    2006

Cash and banks

   161,748    218,356    103,018

Current investments

   383,444    638,351    130,420
              

Total cash and banks and current investments as per balance sheet

   545,192    856,707    233,438

Less: Items not considered cash and cash equivalents

        

- Mutual funds

   61,099    115,776    54,241

- Retained interest in securitized mortgage receivables

   —      106    184

- Government bonds

   21,429    6,620    1,287

- Retained interests in securitized receivables

   45,683    22,104    10,319

- Mortgage bonds issued by BHSA.

   1,286    2,073    2,704

- United States Treasury Bond

   24,448    —      —  

- TDFs

   2,243    —      —  

- Other investments

   —      1,505    763
              

Cash and cash equivalents as shown in the consolidated statement of cash flows

   389,004    708,523    163,940
              

 

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IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts in thousands, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

20. Shopping Neuquén S.A.

APSA´s subsidiary, Shopping Neuquén S.A.’s sole asset is a 50,000 square meter undeveloped parcel of land located in Neuquén, Argentina, where APSA intends to develop a commercial project including the construction of a shopping center, a hypermarket and other compatible purposes.

On December 13, 2006, Shopping Neuquén S.A. entered into an agreement with the Municipality of Neuquén and with Province of Neuquén by which, mainly, the terms to carry out the commercial and residential venture were rescheduled and authorized Shopping Neuquén S.A. to transfer to third parties the title to the plots of land into which the property is divided, provided that it is not that one on which the Shopping Center will be built. Such agreement was subject to two conditions, both already complied with, consisting in the ratification of the agreement by means of an ordinance of the legislative body of the Municipality of Neuquén, and that the new architectonic project and the extension of the environmental impact research submitted were approved by such Municipality.

After having obtained the approval, Shopping Neuquén S.A. had a 150 days´ term to submit the drafts of the architectonic project, such term maturing on February 17 of the current year. However, such drafts presentation took place prior to the referred date. Once the mentioned drafts are registered, which to the date of these financial statements has not occurred, Shopping Neuquén S.A. has to start the works within a 90 days´ term.

The first stage of the work (contemplating the minimum construction of 21,000 square meters of the Shopping Center and 10,000 square meters of the hypermarket) should be concluded in a maximum 22 month term as from the construction starting date. In case of default in any of the covenants established in the agreement, the Municipality of Neuquén is entitled to terminate the agreement and carry out the actions that may be considered necessary for such respect.

The agreement referred to above put an end to the file called “Shopping Neuquén S.A. against Municipalidad de Neuquén on Administrative Action” under judicial procedure before the High Court of Neuquén.

 

21. Llao Llao Resorts S,A,

LLao Llao Holdings S.A. (“LLH”) (in liquidation process following the merger with and into the Company), predecessor of Llao Llao Resorts (“LLR”), as operator of the Llao Llao Hotel was sued in 1997 by the National Parks Administration (“NPA”), a governmental entity, seeking collection of US$ 2,870 in Argentine External Debt Bonds (“EDB”) relating to the unpaid balance of the additional sales price. The Court of First Instance sustained the demand. The Company appealed the sentence but it was rejected by the Court of Appeals which demanded the Company to pay NPA an amount of US$ 3,799 including interest, penalties and attorney’s fees. In March 2004, LLH paid NPA $9,156 in cash and Argentine EDBs. The plaintiff requested the court of original jurisdiction to initiate an incidental procedure for execution of sentence by performing a settlement through the Ministry of Economy, the procedure having being questioned by the Company. In view of the fact that the information provided was not sufficient to evaluate the amount settled by the Ministry of Economy, it was requested that the execution be suspended until there is a sentence on the complaint recourse filed with the National Supreme Court for the denial of the extraordinary recourse soliciting that the debt be converted to pesos (“pesification”).

On July 14, 2008 the Court of Appeal notified LLR that by means of a resolution dated June 18, 2008 it had confirmed the settlement approved by the court of original jurisdiction.

In accordance with the information provided by the attorneys in respect of this lawsuit, the amount to be recorded by virtue of the Court sentence amounts to Ps. 10,189 as of June 30, 2008, such amount being recorded in Other current liabilities – Payable to National Parks Administration.

 

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IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts in thousands, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

22. BHSA exposure to public sector

As discussed in Note 3.c., the Company has a 11.76% equity interest in BHSA.

Following the Argentine crisis in December 2001 and to prevent widespread insolvencies, the Argentine Government pledged to provide offsetting compensation to banks. The general principles of the compensation scheme were to: (1) maintain the peso value of each bank’s net worth, and (2) leave the banks hedged in terms of currency. To that end, the Argentine Government issued two types of bonds to banks. BHSA sought compensation in the amounts of US$ 360,811 in BODEN 2012 “compensation bonds” and US$ 832,827 in BODEN 2012 “coverage bonds”. In September 2002 and October 2005, the BCRA credited US$ 344,050 and US$ 16,761 in BODEN 2012 compensation bonds, respectively, as compensation. BODEN 2012 compensation bonds are US-dollar denominated bonds that the BCRA offered to affected banks at a discounted price of Ps. 1.40 plus CER indexation to US$ 1.00, to compensate for the consequences of creating a mismatch between a bank’s dollar and peso position as a result of the pesification in 2002. In September 2005, the subscription process for BODEN 2012 coverage bonds commenced. As of June 30, 2008, the subscription amounts to US$ 773,533.

In addition, in July 2007 the Bank requested an advance of Ps. 83,012 (through Dossier 27.551/07) to purchase US$ 59,294 in “National Government Bonds in US Dollars Libor Due 2012” (“BODEN 2012”) pursuant to the provisions of Section 29, subsections f) and g) of Decree No. 905/02 of the Executive Branch and regulations.

In order to guarantee the advance to be received, the Bank submitted as collateral a) Secured Bonds (BOGAR) for a face value of Ps. 47,098 and b) Mortgage Securities granted customers of the non-financial private sectors, in Situation 1, equivalent to Ps. 26,163.

As of June 30, 2008, BHSA has an aggregate asset receivable position with the non-financial public sector amounting to Ps. 2,687,281. On the other hand, liabilities from BCRA amount to Ps. 199,154, representing advances to subscribe BODEN 2012 bonds. The net exposure to the public sector (without considering liquid assets in BCRA accounts) amounts to Ps. 2,488,126 and Ps. 3,053,622 as of June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. BHSA intends to use a portion of the assets receivable with the public sector towards the subscription of BODEN 2012 coverage bonds.

For the year ended June 30, 2007, a BCRA ruling established that the total exposure of any bank to the non-financial public sector must not be higher than 40% of the total bank’s assets measured as of the last day of the last month prior to measurement date. For the year ended June 30, 2008, the BCRA reduced the limit to 35%. BHSA was in compliance with these limits for all years presented aggregating 26% and 32% as of June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

 

23. Hoteles Argentinos mortgage loan

On January 5, 2001, the Extraordinary Shareholders Meeting of Hoteles Argentinos (HASA), subsidiary of the Company, entered into a long-term mortgage loan (the “Mortgage Loan”) with Bank Boston N.A. for US$ 12,000, the proceeds of which were used to refinance existing debt. The loan was payable in 19 quarterly installments of US$ 300 each and a final payment of US$ 6,300 at maturity in January 2006. Following the crisis in Argentina, HASA defaulted on the loan after January 26, 2002. In March 2004, Bank Boston N.A. notified HASA of the loan assignment in favor of Marathon Master Fund Ltd. (“MMF”). In December 2004, the Company repurchased the loan from MMF and subsequently, in March 2005, sold the loan to Credit Suisse International (CSI). In April 2006, HASA and CSI entered into an agreement to revise the terms of the Mortgage Loan (the “Revised Mortgage Loan”). Under the Revised Mortgage Loan, HASA paid US$ 2,000 as a partial payment. The remaining principal balance is payable as follows: US$ 213 on March 15, 2008; US$ 225 on September 15, 2008; US$ 239 on March 15, 2009; US$ 253 on September 15, 2009 and US$ 5,070 on March 15, 2010. Interest was payable at a fixed rate of 12.07% per annum for the period March 15, 2006 through September 15, 2006. As from September 15, 2006, interest is payable semi-annually in arrears at a rate of six-month LIBO plus 7%. As part of the restructuring of the debt, a deed was signed between the Company and HASA’s creditor, CSI, for the 80% of the value of the reorganized debt where the Company guarantees the fulfillment of HASA’s debt. As a reward for the guarantee, the Company charges an interest at 6-month LIBOR plus 450 basis points. As of the date of these financial statements the two first installments were paid.

 

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Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts in thousands, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

24. Damages in Alto Avellaneda

On March 5, 2006, one of the shopping centers of APSA, Alto Avellaneda Shopping Mall was affected by a fire caused by an electrical failure in one of the stores. The fire produced no injuries to persons, or casualties, but caused significant damages to the property. The total area damaged by the fire represented 36 stores or 15.7% of the square meters built. The area was reopened for normal business between June and August 2006. APSA carries insurance coverage which covers fire damage. Days after June 30, 2007 part of the liquidation process related with the reconstruction work had been finished. As of the issuance date of these financial statements, the insurance liquidation process related with the insurance coverage previously mentioned has been finished. The final indemnification amount obtained and collected corresponding to this item amounts, as of the date of these financial statements, to Ps. 10.5 million.

 

25. Compensation plan for executive management

The Company has a defined contribution plan covering its key managers in Argentina. The Plan was effective from 01/01/2006. Employees may begin participation voluntarily on monthly enrollment dates. Participants may make pre-tax contributions to the Plan of up to 2.5% of their monthly salary (Base Contributions) and pre-tax contributions of up to 15% of their annual bonuses (Extraordinary Contributions). Under the Plan, the Company matches employee contributions to the plan at a rate of 200% for Base Contributions and 300% for Extraordinary Contributions. Contribution expense was Ps.0.4 million and Ps 0.2 million for the years ended June 30, 2008 and June 30, 2007, respectively. Participant contributions are held in trust as required by law. Individual participants may direct the trustee to invest their accounts in authorized investment alternatives. Company’s contributions are also held in trust. Participants or their assignees, as the case may be, may have access to the 100% of the Company contributions under the following circumstances:

 

  (i) ordinary retirement in accordance with applicable labor regulations;

 

  (ii) total or permanent incapacity or disability; and

 

  (iii) death.

In case of resignation or termination without good cause, the manager may redeem the amounts contributed by the Company only if he or she has participated in the Plan for at least 5 years.

 

26. Financing and occupation agreement with NAI Internacional II, INC.

As discussed in Note 2.g, APSA acquired Empalme in December, 2006. Prior to APSA´s acquisition, back in August 1996, Empalme had entered into a Financing and Occupancy Agreement with NAI INTERNACIONAL II, INC. (“NAI”) (the “NAI Agreement”) pursuant to which NAI financed the construction of a movie theatre complex and a portion of parking facilities in the Cordoba Shopping for up to US$ 8.2 million. The financing accrued interest at LIBOR plus 1.5%. As part of the NAI Agreement, NAI had the right to occupy a portion of the building for a period of 10 years as from the commencement of NAI operations in October 1997, renewable for four additional periods of 5 years each. Interest payments under the NAI Agreement were to be offset against the lease payments to be received from NAI. The NAI Agreement originally established that in the event that any outstanding loan balance remained unpaid after the total lease period (together with renewals and extensions), the NAI Agreement would be further extended for the lower of a 10-year period or the period necessary to settle the loan. Any unpaid outstanding balance after that extension was to be forgiven by NAI. In July 2002, following the Argentine crisis, the NAI Agreement was amended to, among other matters, (i) pesify the payments, (ii) establish a CER-adjustment indexing clause, and (iii) impose restrictions to Empalme and/or third parties on the use of the space occupied by NAI.

Principal owed as of June 30, 2008 and interest accrued through that date, due to the original loan agreement and respective amendments are disclosed in Customers advances - Lease and pass-through expenses advances for Ps. 17,8 million.

 

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IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts in thousands, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

27. Subsequent events

Barter with CYRSA S.A.

In July 2008 APSA entered into a barter agreement with CYRSA pursuant to which APSA, subject to certain closing conditions, would surrender to CYRSA its right to construct a building over a preexisting structure (owned by a third party) in exchange for a de minimis cash and 25% of the housing units in the future building. The total fair value of the transaction is US$ 5.9 million.

Acquisition of shareholdings of a Company

On July 2, 2008, the Company acquired a 30% interest in Metropolitan 885 Third Avenue LLC (“Metropolitan”), a limited liability company organized under the laws of Delaware, United States of America. The main asset of Metropolitan is a 34 story building known as the Lipstick Building located at third avenue between 53rd and 54th streets in Manhattan, New York City. In addition to this asset, the acquired company also includes the debt related to this building. The purchase price paid was US$ 22.6 million. The property has approximately 59,000 square meters of leasable space.

Also, the Company acquired the right (the “put right”) to sell the 50% acquired in an exercisable period from 6 months after this transaction until 3 years anniversary of this transaction.

Additionally, the Company acquired the right of first offer to purchase the 60% of the 5% currently held by one of the shareholders of Metropolitan.

Subsequent events Tarshop S.A.

 

   

On July 30, 2008, Tarshop S.A. obtained a loan of Ps. 4,500 from Banco CMF S.A., payable in six, equal, monthly and consecutive installments, the first of which will fall due in February 2009. Such loan accrues interest at a variable rate.

In security of repayment, the Company created a security interest on the Certificate of the Financial Trust Shopping Card Series XXIX (certificates of participation).

 

   

On July 2, 2008 and August 15, 2008, Financial Trust Shopping Card Series 44 and 45, respectively, were placed.

Until the close of fiscal year 2007, Financial Trust Shopping Card, under the non revolving form, were authorized to deduct from their income all amounts that were to be assigned as distribution of income. On August 1, 2008, the Official Bulleting published Decree No. 1.207/2008 that nullifies the previously mentioned tax benefit. As of the issuance date of the financial statements of Fideicomisos Financieros Tarjeta Shopping, the trustee (Banco de Valores S.A.) was analyzing the impact on such provision on the equity and cash flows. Financial Statements of Fideicomisos Financieros Tarjeta Shopping as of June 30, 2008, do not recognize the accounting effect of applying the previously mentioned amendments. Apart from that, Tarshop S.A. has considered such effect upon determining the recoverable values of their holding of Certificates of Participation.

Ordinary and Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders held October 31, 2008

The Ordinary and Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders held October 31, 2008 decided to approve the following items:

 

   

To apply 5% of the income for the year ended June 30, 2008 to the Legal Reserve;

 

   

That the balance of the income accounts of the year be carried forward, entitling the Board of Directors to use the balance and free availability reserves for the purposes that follow, among other: appropriate dividends or provide for the acquisition of own shares. All this due to the financial crisis shown in the national and international markets from were it is clear the impact on the quotation prices of the Company values, which certainly do not agree with the Company’s reality. It is, therefore, essential to protect the shareholders’ interests from the sudden fluctuations of quotation prices;

 

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IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts in thousands, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

27. Subsequent events (continued)

 

   

That the tax on personal assets levied on the shareholders and paid by the Company in its capacity as substitute responsible for up to $ 5,433, be fully absorbed by the Company as long as such decision is not modified by virtue of a meeting of shareholders;

 

   

The renewal of the delegation on the Board of Directors of the powers to establish the time and currency of issuance, terms, prices, form and payment conditions, type and rate of interest, destination of the funds and other terms and conditions in conformity with the issues approved by the Meeting of Shareholders held October 31, 2006, of the issuances of negotiable bonds within the global program under the terms of section 9 of Law 23,576.

Meeting of Shareholders of APSA held on October 31, 2008

On October 31, 2008 the Annual Meeting of Shareholders by majority resolved the following items:

 

   

Approval of the financial statements for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2008.

 

   

Appropriation of a cash dividend of Ps. 60,238 prior to deducting 5% from the results for legal reserve.

Acquisition of Company´ shares by Cresud S.A.C.I.F. y A.

During the quarter and up to December 17, 2008, Cresud S.A.C.I.F. y A. (“Cresud”, a Company shareholder) acquired 32,539,475 and 36,172,530 additional shares of the Company, respectively. Consequently, Cresud´ share in the Company, either directly and indirectly through its subsidiary companies, amounts approximately to 47.76% and 54.01% as of September 30 and December 17, 2008, respectively. Therefore, as from October 2008 Cresud exercises control on the Company as it holds the necessary votes to form the social will in the ordinary meetings of shareholders in accordance with the terms of Technical Resolution 21.

Financial and capital markets situation

During the recent months, the world’s principal financial markets have suffered the impact of volatility conditions as well as lack of liquidity, credit and uncertainty. Consequently, stock market rates showed a significant decline worldwide together with an evident economic slowdown. Although the majority of the countries took immediate action on the matter, the future prospects of the international markets is uncertain, as well as its direct effects on the market value of major financial assets, particularly equity and debt instruments.

As far as the impact in Argentina is concerned, stock markets also showed a pronounced downward trend in the price of equity and debt instruments, as well as increases in interest rates, country risk and foreign exchange rates. As of the date of these financial statements, these effects persist. Management is closely evaluating and monitoring the effects of the current liquidity crisis and will take all corrective actions as necessary.

In addition, the Company and its subsidiaries have experienced declines in their respective stock prices during the three months ended September 30, 2008 as compared to the prior quarter. Management believes that this decline is reflective of the current macro-economic state of the economy and is not related to the operating performance of the Company. The stability of the Company’s shopping center and office buildings tenants (measured by the levels of occupancy as well as the delinquency or uncollectibility rates) as well as the market value of the Company’s properties has not been significantly affected by the current credit crisis as of the date of these financial statements. The Company notes that the stock prices have declined due to reasons unrelated to the Company’s business fundamentals. As of the date of these financial statements, management believes that these declines are temporary.

Furthermore, as discussed in Note 3.c., the Company have a 11,76 % equity interest in Banco Hipotecario as of June 30, 2008 and carried this investment under the equity method of accounting. Banco Hipotecario recorded losses of Ps. 91.0 million for the year ended June 30, 2008. Moreover, for the three months ended September 30, 2008, Banco Hipotecario recorded losses of Ps. 239.6 million and could might record new losses for the rest of the fiscal year. Such losses are primarily due to the decline in the market value of the Argentine government bonds Banco Hipotecario received as compensation and held in its portfolio. In spite of these losses, Banco Hipotecario remains well-capitalized in compliance with regulatory guidelines as of June 30, 2008 and thereafter.

 

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IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts in thousands, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

27. Subsequent events (continued)

 

Banco Hipotecario also experienced a significant decline in its stock price during the year ended June 30, 2008 and the three months ended September 30, 2008. Management believes that this decline is not reflective of the current operating performance of Banco Hipotecario.

The Company considered several factors including, but not limited to, the following (1) the reasons for the decline in value (whether it is credit event, interest or market related); (2) the Company’s ability and intent to hold the equity investment for a sufficient period of time to allow for recovery of value; (3) whether the decline is substantial for the Company; (4) the historical and anticipated duration of the events causing the decline in value and (5) the major fundamentals underlying of the Company’s business. The evaluation of other-than-temporary impairments is a quantitative and qualitative process, which is subject to various risks and uncertainties. As of the date of these financial statements, management believes that these declines are temporary and will continue to monitor market conditions and determine if any impairment to the carrying value of the investment is necessary.

The Company´s business segment affected by the current credit crisis is Consumer Financing. This segment includes the origination of consumer loans and credit card receivables and securitization activities through the indirect subsidiary Tarshop.

Consumer loan and credit card receivables arise primarily under open-end revolving credit accounts used to finance purchases of goods and services offered by the Company’s shopping centers, hypermarkets and street stores, and financing and lending activities. These accounts have various billing and payment structures, including varying minimum payment levels and finance charge rates. The Company provides an allowance for uncollectible accounts based on impaired accounts, historical charge-off patterns and management judgment.

Due to the current credit crisis and other conditions, some customers experienced delays in payments and also uncollectibility rates increased during the year ended June 30, 2008. Moreover, delinquency and uncollectibility rates further increased as of September 30, 2008 and thereafter. The Company evaluated all available evidence and increased the level of the allowance for doubtful accounts which amounts to Ps. 66.5 million as of June 30, 2008. The allowance for doubtful accounts was increased to Ps. 83.7 million as of September 30, 2008. The Company is closely monitoring the delays, delinquency and uncollectibility rates.

Tarshop´s generated a net loss of Ps. 18.6 million for the year ended June 30, 2008. For the three months ended September 30, 2008, Tarshop generated an additional net loss of Ps. 57.1 million. As discussed before, the Company contributed Ps. 60.0 million and increased its interest from 80% to 93.4% as of November 30, 2008. The Company has committed to support Tarshop financially under a credit line up to a maximum amount of Ps. 120.0 million, including a loan of Ps. 86 million already contributed. The Company is currently evaluating the appropriateness of capitalizing such loans.

The Company has taken several actions to enhance Tarshop’s capital base from streamlining operations to closing redundant stores to revising and making credit criteria more stringent. The securitization market is still open and Tarshop completed securitization programs during the recent months with no disruptions. As of June 30, 2008, the Company’s credit risk exposure is contractually limited to the subordinated retained interests representing Ps. 156.8 million and Ps. 19.4 million escrow reserves for losses. As of September 30, 2008, the Company’s credit risk exposure is contractually limited to the subordinated retained interests representing Ps. 161.2 million and Ps. 17.9 million escrow reserves for losses. Due to the factors mentioned above, as of June 30, 2008, the Company has recorded an other-than-temporary impairment charge of Ps. 12.0 million to the retained interests to reflect its current fair value. For the three months ended September 30, 2008, no additional impairment charge related to the retained interests in securitized receivables was necessary.

Irrevocable contributions to PAMSA

As subsequent event, APSA and CCP made irrevocable contributions to PAMSA for Ps. 90.9 million and Ps. 19.7 million, respectively.

The project contemplates the construction of a commercial center, a hypermarket, a multiplex cinema and an office and/or apartment building and represents one of the most important ventures to be started by APSA.

 

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IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts in thousands, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

27. Subsequent events (continued)

 

Capital increase and loans in Tarshop S.A.

As a consequence of the international financial context, a high volatility in interest rates and increases in the so-called systemic default has been noted, both having caused a negative impact on the performance and financing of the consumption financing business. The highest default levels provoked an increase in the subordination of financial trusts that, added to the modification of their tax treatment, to the higher interest rate for risk increasing and to certain deceleration of private consumption, generated the need to review the general and specific economic prospects of Tarshop S.A. activities.

To face the increasing volatility of the international financing market and to provide Tarshop S.A. with a capital base in line with the current market conditions, in September 2008 APSA decided to participate in a capital increase of Tarshop S.A. for up to Ps. 60 million by increasing the Tarshop S.A. shareholding from 80% to 93.4%.

Several measures were implemented since then to complement the financial support via the direct advising from APSA´s management to Tarshop S.A. aiming at improving the performance of the latter by lightening the point of sale structure that would lead to 17% decrease of the payroll, the reduction of 13 point of sales and centralized areas leased by 10% of the total. The streamlining of resources included areas such as consulting services.

In line with the commercial actions other measures have been implemented, such as:

 

  (i) Structure redesigning of distribution channels.

 

  (ii) Changes in cash loans and direct financing plans at stores.

 

  (iii) Renegotiation of terms and conditions with member stores.

Subsequent to June 30, 2008 within the changing general environment and following the strategic plan implemented and carried out by APSA, loans were given to Tarshop S.A. in a total of Ps. 86 million with the purpose of improving its financial position taking into account that Tarshop S.A. develops trust activities and that such segment is undergoing quite a particular moment. APSA is currently evaluating the convenience of capitalizing such loans.

Fideicomisos Financieros Tarjeta Shopping

On July 2, 2008 and August 15, 2008, Financial Trust Shopping Card Series XLIV and XLV, respectively, were placed.

Until the end of fiscal year 2007, Fideicomisos Financieros Tarjeta Shopping, under the non revolving form, were authorized to deduct from their income all amounts that were to be assigned as distribution of income. On August 1, 2008, the Official Bulleting published Decree No. 1207/2008 that nullifies the previously mentioned tax benefit. As of the issuance date of the financial statements of Fideicomisos Financieros Tarjeta Shopping, the trustee (Banco de Valores S.A.) was analyzing the impact of such provision on the equity and cash flows. Financial Statements of Fideicomisos Financieros Tarjeta Shopping as of June 30, 2008, do not recognize the accounting effect of applying the previously mentioned amendments. However, Tarshop S.A. has considered such effect upon determining the recoverable values of its holding over Certificates of Participation.

Purchase of the Anchorena street building

On August 7, 2008, the Company subscribed a preliminary purchase contract by which it acquired the functional units numbers one and two, covering a total surface area of 2,875,9 sq., located in Dr. Tomás Manuel de Anchorena street, numbers 665, 667, 669 and 671, between Tucumán and Zelaya streets. The total price agreed is US$ 2.0 million to be paid as follows: i) US$ 1.0 million were paid on account of the price at the time of signing the preliminary purchase contract; ii) US$ 0.5 million will be paid on January 15, 2009; and iii) US$ 0.5 million will be paid on March 15, 2009 at the time of taking possession and signing the final transfer deed document.

 

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IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts in thousands, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

27. Subsequent events (continued)

 

On August 7, 2008, the Company subscribed a preliminary sales contract by which it acquired the functional unit number three covering a surface area of 988 sq. located in Dr. Tomás Manuel de Anchorena street numbers 665, 667, 669 and 671, between Tucumán and Zelaya streets. The total price agreed is US$ 1.3 million payable as follows: i) US$ 0.3 million on account of the price paid at the time of the signature of the preliminary sales contract; ii) US$ 0.5 million to be paid on January 15, 2009; and iii) US$ 0.5 million will be paid on March 15, 2009 at the time of taking possession and signing the final transfer deed document.

Barter transaction with Condominios del Alto S.A.

On November 27, 2008, APSA entered into a barter agreement with an unrelated party Condominios del Alto S.A. pursuant to which APSA bartered a plot of land located in Rosario, Province of Santa Fe for future 42 apartments and 47 parking spaces of the total units to be constructed on the land. Under this agreement, APSA will have a 22% of the total square meters covered by the apartments and garages. The total fair value of the transaction is US$ 2.3 million. As part of the agreement, Condominios del Alto S.A. will pay APSA US$ 34,125 and assumed certain obligations. Condominios del Alto S.A. (i) guaranteed the transaction by the assumption of a first degree mortgage on the land in favor of APSA for US$ 2.3 million; (ii) established a security insurance of which APSA will be assignor of the insured amount of US$ 2.3 million; and (iii) the shareholders of Condominios del Alto S.A. assumed a personal guarantee of the obligations of Condominios del Alto S.A. up to the amount of US$ 1.0 million.

Repurchase of APSA Notes

As subsequent event, APSA repurchased Series II Non-Convertible Notes for a face value of US$ 3.0 million. Such repurchase generated an income of Ps. 2.5 million. Series II Non-Convertible Notes repurchased amount to US$ 4.8 million.

On November 25, 2008, APSA reported the repurchase of Series I Non-Convertible Notes for a face value of US$ 5.0 million for an average weighted price of US$ 0.3978438 per Note and for a total amount of US$ 2.0 million.

IRSA´s and Cresud´s purchase of APSA Notes

On November 25, 2008, Cresud S.A.C.I.F. y A. reported that, as of that date, it has acquired APSA’s Series I Non-Convertible Notes for a face value of US$ 5.0 million for an average weighted price of US$ 0.4185 per Note and for a total amount of US$ 2.1 million. As of the same date, IRSA acquired APSA´s Series I Non-Convertible Notes for a face value of US$ 8.0 million, for an average weighted price of US$ 0.39820 per Note and for a total amount of US$ 3.2 million.

 

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BANCO HIPOTECARIO SA AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of and for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

28. Differences between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP

The Company’s consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Argentine GAAP and the regulations of the CNV, which differ in certain significant respects from US GAAP. Such differences involve methods of measuring the amounts shown in the consolidated financial statements, as well as additional disclosures required by US GAAP and the Regulation S-X of the SEC.

Since Argentine GAAP required companies to discontinue inflation adjustments only as from October 1, 2003, the application of CNV resolution represented a departure from Argentine GAAP. However, due to low inflation rates during the period from March to September 2003, such a departure has not had a material effect on the consolidated financial statements.

In addition, in accordance with the CNV regulations, deferred income taxes have been accounted for on an undiscounted basis. The CNV resolution represented a departure from Argentine GAAP. Such departure did not have a significant impact on these consolidated financial statements. However, as previously discussed in Note 2.d., the CPCECABA issued revised accounting standards. One of these standards required companies to account for deferred income taxes on an undiscounted basis, thus aligning the accounting to that of the CNV. Since the CNV adopted the CPCECABA standards effective for the Company for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2007, there was no longer a difference on this subject between Argentine GAAP and the CNV regulations.

I. Differences in measurement methods

The following reconciliation to US GAAP does not include the reversal of the adjustments to the consolidated financial statements for the effects of inflation because the application of this standard represents a comprehensive measure of the effects of price level changes in the Argentine economy.

The principal differences, other than inflation accounting, between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP are described below, together with an explanation, where appropriate, of the method used in the determination of the necessary adjustments.

 

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IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts in thousands, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

28. Differences between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP (continued)

 

Reconciliation of net income:

 

     Year ended June 30,  
     2008     2007     2006  

Net income under Argentine GAAP

   Ps. 54,875     Ps. 107,097     Ps. 96,573  

US GAAP adjustments:

      

Impact of US GAAP adjustments on equity investees (Note 28.I.(a))

     9,979       4,229       23,753  

Accounting for marketable securities (Note 28.I.(b))

     45,238       (49,105 )     (6,262 )

Depreciation of fixed assets (Note 28.I.(c))

     541       541       (1,210 )

Pre-operating and organization expenses (Note 28.I.(d))

     (1,061 )     694       1,120  

Depreciation and amortization expense (Notes 28.I.(e) and (g))

     3,809       6,477       2,715  

Securitization accounting (Note 28.I.(f))

     4,455       2,101       (6,739 )

Present-value accounting (Note 28.I.(h))

     4,661       (87 )     (333 )

Reversal of previously recognized impairment losses (Note 28.I.(i))

     1,572       1,905       (7,431 )

Accounting for IRSA Convertible Notes (Note 28.I.(j))

     (466 )     (2,047 )     (6,758 )

Reversal of loss recognized on troubled debt restructuring (Note 28.I.(k))

     6,908       3,756       3,081  

Accounting for real estate barter transactions (Note 28.I.(l))

     17,332       —         (44,172 )

Reversal of loss (gain) from valuation of inventories at net realizable value (Note 28.I.(m))

     145       (891 )     (3,705 )

Amortization of fees related to Series II of APSA Non-Convertible Notes (Note 28.I.o)

     209       —         —    

Software developed or obtained for internal use (Note 28.I.(p))

     60       5       (101 )

Accounting for increasing rate debt (Note 28.I.(q))

     —         203       (9 )

Reversal of capitalized foreign exchange differences (Note 28.I.(r))

     5,786       (432 )     —    

Debtor’s accounting for a modification of APSA convertible debt instruments (Note 28.I.(s))

     (132 )     (161 )     (18 )

Revenue recognition – deferred commissions (Note 28.I.(t.1))

     (3,324 )     (2,132 )     —    

Revenue recognition – scheduled rent increases (Note 28.I.(t.2))

     5,341       4,554       —    

Deferred revenues – insurance & fees (Note 28.I.(t.3))

     (17,122 )     (5,330 )     (8,219 )

Deferred income tax (Note 28.I.(u))

     1,869       48,486       40,068  

Minority interest (Note 28.I.(v))

     (18,559 )     (16,641 )     7,593  
                        

Net income under US GAAP

   Ps. 122,116     Ps. 103,222     Ps. 89,946  
                        

Earnings per share under US GAAP (Note 28.II.(i)):

      

Basic net income per common share

   Ps. 0.222     Ps. 0.23     Ps. 0.24  

Diluted net income per common share

   Ps. 0.216     Ps. 0.20     Ps. 0.23  

 

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IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts in thousands, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

28. Differences between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP (continued)

 

Reconciliation of shareholders’ equity:

 

     As of June 30,  
     2008     2007  

Total shareholders’ equity under Argentine GAAP

   Ps. 1,924,178     Ps. 1,646,714  

US GAAP adjustments:

    

Impact of US GAAP adjustments on equity investees (Note 28.I.(a))

     (54,691 )     (31,712 )

Depreciation of fixed assets (Note 28.I.(c))

     (9,150 )     (9,691 )

Pre-operating and organization expenses (Note 28.I.(d))

     (4,370 )     (3,309 )

Mortgage payable with no stated interest rate (Note 28.I.(e))

     (2,029 )     (2,029 )

Differences in basis related to purchase accounting (Note 28.I.(g.1))

     48,197       48,197  

Depreciation and amortization expense (Note 28.I.(e) and (g))

     21,140       17,331  

Securitization accounting (Note 28.I.(f))

     (653 )     3,361  

Present-value accounting (Note 28.I.(h))

     5,301       640  

Reversal of previously recognized impairment losses (Note 28.I.(i))

     (115,663 )     (117,235 )

Accounting for IRSA Convertible Notes (Note 28.I.(j))

     —         466  

Reversal of gain recognized on troubled debt restructuring (Note 28.I.(k))

     —         (6,908 )

Accounting for real estate barter transactions (Note 28.I.(l))

     (42,506 )     (59,838 )

Reversal of gain from valuation of inventories at net realizable value (Note 28.I.(m))

     (22,538 )     (22,683 )

Appraisal revaluation of fixed assets (Note 28.I.(n))

     (3,953 )     (3,953 )

Amortization of fees related to Serie II of APSA Non-Convertible Notes (Note 28.I.o)

     209       —    

Software obtained for internal use (Note 28.I.(p))

     (114 )     (174 )

Reversal of capitalized foreign exchange differences (Note 28.I.(r))

     5,354       (432 )

Debtor’s accounting for a modification of convertible debt instruments (Note 28.I.(s))

     798       930  

Revenue recognition – Deferred commissions (Note 28.I.(t.1))

     (17,891 )     (14,567 )

Revenue recognition – Scheduled rent increases (Note 28.I.(t.2))

     13,148       7,807  

Deferred revenues – insurance & fees (Note 28.I.(t.3))

     (32,151 )     (15,029 )

Deferred income tax (Note 28.I.(u))

     (138,221 )     (158,887 )

Minority interest (Note 28.I.(v))

     66,469       79,740  
                

Shareholders’ equity under US GAAP

   Ps. 1,640,864     Ps. 1,358,739  
                

Description of changes in shareholders’ equity under US GAAP:

 

     For the year ended June 30,  
     2008     2007  

Shareholders’ equity under US GAAP at the beginning of the year

   Ps. 1,358,739     Ps. 1,158,364  

Cumulative effect of the initial application of SAB No. 108

     —         (3,755 )

Issuance of common stock upon conversion of debt and exercise of warrants

     113,707       29,521  

Additional paid-in-capital common stock

     102,223       22,951  

Additional paid-in-capital warrants

     6,660       1,379  

Unrealized (loss) gain on available-for-sale securities

     (27,792 )     30,945  

Unrealized loss on retained interest in securitization programs

     (1,830 )     (174 )

Unrealized (loss) gain on available-for-sale securities on equity investees

     (32,958 )     16,286  

Net income under US GAAP

     122,116       103,222  
                

Shareholders’ equity under US GAAP at the end of the year

   Ps. 1,640,864     Ps. 1,358,739  
                

 

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IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts in thousands, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

28. Differences between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP (continued)

 

  (a) Impact of US GAAP adjustments on equity investees

Under Argentine GAAP, investments in companies in which the Company exercises significant influence, but not control, are accounted for under the equity method. Under the equity method, the investment is recorded at original cost and periodically increased (decreased) by the investor’s proportionate share of earnings (losses) of the investee and decreased by all dividends received from the investor by the investee. The Company applies its percentage ownership interest to the financial statements of its equity method investments prepared under Argentine GAAP. For purposes of this reconciliation, the Company has assessed the impact of US GAAP adjustments on the Argentine GAAP financial statements of its equity investees. US GAAP adjustments primarily relate to: (i) the accounting for the restructuring of its debts, (ii) the accounting for the acquisition of treasury shares and (iii) the accounting for loans loss reserves for reinstated loans.

For the year ended June 30, 2008, the equity investees of the Company are BHSA, BACSA and Manibil. Accordingly, the Company recognized a net gain of Ps. 10.0 million, Ps. 4.2 million and Ps. 23.8 million for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

 

  (b) Accounting for marketable securities

Under Argentine GAAP, the Company’s investments in mutual funds, government and mortgage bonds are carried at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses included in the statement of income.

Under US GAAP, the Company has classified these investments as available-for-sale and carried them at fair value with unrealized gains and losses, if any, included in stockholders’ equity in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 115 “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities” (“SFAS No. 115”). The Company’s investments are considered available for sale as these securities could potentially be sold in response to needs for liquidity, changes in the availability of and the yield on alternative instruments or changes in funding sources or terms.

During the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006, proceeds from the sale of available-for-sale securities were Ps. 4,455.9 million Ps. 1,307.7 million and Ps. 316.3 million, respectively. Gross realized gain was Ps. 19.3 million, Ps. 8.8 million and Ps. 6.7 million for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

The Company has classified the following investments in marketable securities as available for sale and, as such, the securities are carried at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses determined to be temporary are recorded as other comprehensive income, net of related deferred taxes, until realized. Unrealized losses determined to be other than temporary are recognized in the period the determination is made. As of the date of these financial statements, the Company has not determined any unrealized losses to be other than temporary.

 

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IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts in thousands, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

28. Differences between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP (continued)

 

  (b) Accounting for marketable securities (continued)

 

The cost and estimated fair values of marketable securities available for sale at June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006 were as follows:

 

     Cost    Fair Value    Gross
unrealized
Gain
   Gross
unrealized
Loss
 

June 30, 2006

           

Mutual funds

   Ps. 54,601    Ps. 58,267    Ps. 3,666    —    

Dolphin Fund

     27,882      49,976      22,094    —    

Mortgage bonds

     2,712      2,704       (8 )(i)

Government bonds

     1,254      1,287      33    —    
                           
   Ps.   86,449    Ps.   112,234    Ps.   25,793    (8 )
                           

June 30, 2007

           

Mutual funds

   Ps.   496,440    Ps. 502,212    Ps. 5,772    —    

Dolphin Fund

     27,882      96,687      68,805    —    

Mortgage bonds

     2,069      2,073      4    —    

Government bonds

     6,311      6,620      309    —    
                           
   Ps. 532,702    Ps. 607,592    Ps. 74,890    —    
                           

June 30, 2008

           

Mutual funds

   Ps. 89,732    Ps. 92,053    Ps. 2,378    (57 )(i)

Dolphin Fund

     27,882      58,070      30,188    —    

Mortgage bonds

     1,199      1,286      87    —    

Government bonds

     48,821      45,877      —      (2,944 )(i)
                           
   Ps. 167,634    Ps. 197,286    Ps. 32,653    (3,001 )
                           
 
  (i) Unrealized loss position for less than 12 months.

In evaluating whether a security was other than temporarily impaired, the Company considered the severity and length of time impaired for each security in a loss position and other qualitative data.

At June 30, 2008, government bonds have been in a continuous unrealized loss position for less than 12 months. These unrealized losses are not deemed to be other than temporarily impaired. The Company has the ability and intent to hold these securities for reasonable period of time to allow for recovery of value.

 

  (c) Depreciation of fixed assets

Prior to 2007, certain office and apartment buildings of the Company were being depreciated over a useful life of 50 years under Argentine GAAP. For US GAAP purposes, these buildings were being depreciated over a useful life of 40 years. Accordingly, the US GAAP adjustment reflected higher depreciation charges for US GAAP purposes. As a result of this adjustment, the net book value of these assets for US GAAP purposes differs from the book value for Argentine GAAP purposes. In the year ended June 30, 2007, independent appraisers reassessed the appropriateness of the useful lives of the Company’s office buildings and other properties. As a result of the work, the remaining useful lives of certain of these properties were reduced and no difference exists in the remaining useful life of these assets between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP . However, due to the different cost base of fixed assets for Argentine GAAP and US GAAP purposes, a US GAAP reconciling item for depreciation still exists.

 

  (d) Pre-operating and organization expenses

Under Argentine GAAP, the Company capitalizes certain costs related to pre-operating activities of the Company’s shopping centers, residencial projects and expenses incurred in the organization of subsidiaries. These expenses are generally amortized on a straight-line basis over periods ranging from 3 to 5 years commencing upon the opening of the shopping center and/or launching of a project. Under US GAAP, these expenses are charged to expense as incurred.

 

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IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts in thousands, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

28. Differences between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP (continued)

 

  (e) Mortgage payable with no stated interest rate

In 1991, the Company obtained a non-interest bearing mortgage with a face value of US$ 3,300 to acquire a property (Suipacha 652/64). Under Argentine GAAP, the Company did not make any fair value adjustment for this non-interest bearing mortgage. Under US GAAP however, and in accordance with Accounting Principles Board (“APB”) Opinion No. 21, “Interest on Receivables and Payables”, the non-interest bearing mortgage held by the Company was recorded at the estimated market value of the note. The Company used an interest rate of 12%, which approximated its weighted-average borrowing rate, in determining the present value of this debt. This mortgage was fully repaid in November 1996. As a result, the carrying value of the acquired property was decreased by Ps. 2,000. This adjustment gives rise to differences in depreciation expense and is included in the line item “Depreciation and amortization expense” in the US GAAP reconciliation.

 

  (f) Securitization accounting

As discussed in Notes 15 and 16, the Company has entered into securitization programs, through which the Company transferred a portion of its mortgage receivables and credit card receivables to the trusts in exchange for cash, debt certificates (TDFs) and retained interests in the trusts (CPs). Part of the proceeds is retained by the trustee and maintained as a cash reserve to serve as collateral for the payment of amounts due on the TDFs. Cash reserves flow back to the Company on a monthly basis according to a schedule until all TDFs are fully paid. In the past the Company remained the servicer on the accounts and received a fee for the services performed. Income from servicing activities was recognized as services were performed.

Under Argentine GAAP, the Company recognizes a result on the sale of receivables when the carrying value of transferred receivables differs from the amount of cash, TDFs and CPs received. Results recognized on the sale of receivables are reported as a component of “Net (loss) income from retained interest in securitized receivables” in the accompanying statements of income. Cash reserves are stated at cost and are classified within the caption “Other receivables and prepaid expenses” in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. TDFs are valued at amortized costs and CPs are carried at their equity value based on financial statements issued by the trusts. TDFs and CPs are classified as investments in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Certain expenses associated with the securitization of receivables are capitalized and amortized over the term of the agreements.

Under US GAAP, the Company applies Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 140, “Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities” (“SFAS No. 140”). SFAS No. 140 requires an entity to recognize the financial and servicing assets it controls and the liabilities it has incurred and to derecognize financial assets when control has been surrendered. The proceeds of securitized financial assets are allocated to the assets sold, the servicing asset or liability and retained interest, based on their relative estimated fair values at the transfer date in determining the gain on the securitization transaction. SFAS No. 140 also requires an entity to recognize a servicing asset or servicing liability each time it undertakes an obligation to service financial assets that have been securitized and amortize it over the period of estimated net servicing income or loss. As of June 30, 2008 the Company has recognized a servicing liability of Ps. 8.2 million due to the fact that Tarshop, resigned its right to collect the fee from the Trusts as compensation for the administration services of the credit card and personal loans receivables which met the requirements for sale accounting.

The retained interests in mortgage and credit card receivables are treated as debt securities classified as available-for-sale in accordance with SFAS No. 115 and are carried at fair value. At the time of securitization, the retained interest is initially recorded at the basis allocated in accordance with SFAS No. 140. This original cost basis is periodically adjusted to fair value, which is based on the discounted anticipated future cash flows on a “cash out” basis. The cash out method projects cash collections to be received only after all amounts owed to investors have been paid. Adjustments to fair value (net of related deferred income taxes) are recorded as a component of other comprehensive income. SFAS No. 115 also states that for individual securities classified as available-for-sale an enterprise shall determine whether a decline in fair value below the amortized cost basis is other than temporary. In such event, accumulated unrealized losses included in other comprehensive income shall be reclassified into the statement of income. Cash reserves are considered retained interests and as such they are considered in calculating the gain or loss on the sale of receivables under US GAAP.

 

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Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts in thousands, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

28. Differences between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP (continued)

 

  (f) Securitization accounting (continued)

 

Provided below is an analysis of the securitization accounting adjustments, including a description of each significant component, where appropriate.

The US GAAP adjustments affecting shareholders’ equity at June 30, 2008 and 2007 are as follows:

 

     2008     2007  

Equity value as reported under Argentine GAAP (i) (ii)

   Ps. 155,546     Ps. 74,145  

Less: retained interests related to securitization programs that did not qualify as a sale under US GAAP

     (50,893 )     (14,379 )
                

Equity value reported under Argentine GAAP of retained interests related to securitization programs that qualified as a sale under US GAAP (i)

   Ps. 104,653     Ps. 59,766  

Estimated fair market value of retained interests related to securitization programs that qualified as a sale under US GAAP

     104,000       63,127  
                

US GAAP adjustment

   Ps. (653 )   Ps. 3,361  
                

 

(i) For the year ended June 30, 2008, under Argentine GAAP, the Company recognized an impairment loss to value the retained interests at fair value.
(ii) Excludes certificates under liquidation process (Ps. 1.9 million)

The US GAAP adjustments affecting net income as reported under Argentine GAAP for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006 are as follows:

 

     2008     2007     2006  

Reversal of results recognized under Argentine GAAP

   Ps. 25,187     Ps. 3,394     Ps. 1,150  

Recognition of results under US GAAP

     (3,868 )     (1,293 )     (7,889 )

Reclassification of unrealized losses (ii)

     (16,864 )     —         —    
                        

US GAAP adjustment

   Ps. 4,455     Ps. 2,101     Ps. (6,739 )
                        

 

(ii) As provided by FAS 115, the Company determined that the decline in fair value below amortized cost is other-than-temporary. As such, the Company recognized an impairment loss of Ps. 24.0 million partially compensated by the recognition of the gain previously recorded in OCI for the year ended June 30, 2007 for Ps. 16.9 million.

Regarding receivables transferred in connection with the Company’s securitization programs that qualified for sale treatment under US GAAP, neither the Company nor the trustee have responsibility over any shortfall or failure in collecting the receivables which are the source of cash payment for the TDF holders. Furthermore, the agreements relating to the securitization stipulate that the rights of the beneficiaries (TDF holders) will not be affected by any financial or liquidity failure of either the trustee or the Company. The agreements also state that the transfer qualifies as a non-recourse transfer of receivables since if receivables are not collected in full, neither the trustee nor the Company is obligated to use its own cash flows to cover any potential shortfall or collection failure.

During the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006 proceeds from securitization programs were Ps. 589.4 million, 363.7 million and Ps. 193.9 million, respectively.

 

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Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts in thousands, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

28. Differences between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP (continued)

 

  (f) Securitization accounting (continued)

 

The following summarizes the changes in the balance of the Company’s retained interest under US GAAP for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006:

 

     Cost     Estimated Unrealized
(loss) gain (i)
    Fair value (ii)  

Balance at June 30, 2005

   Ps. 23,486     Ps. 3,602     Ps. 27,088  

Increase in retained interest

     10,833       —         10,833  

Liquidation of retained interest

     (11,999 )     —         (11,999 )

Unrealized loss

     —         4,279       4,279  
                        

Balance at June 30, 2006

   .Ps. 22,320     Ps. 7,881     Ps. 30,201  

Increase in retained interest

     39,062       —         39,062  

Liquidation of retained interest

     (6,725 )     —         (6,725 )

Unrealized loss

     —         589       589  
                        

Balance at June 30, 2007

   Ps. 54,657     Ps. 8,470     Ps. 63,127  

Increase in retained interest

     69,134       —         69,134  

Liquidation of retained interest

     (2,927 )     —         (2,927 )

Unrealized gain/(loss)

     —         (25,334 )     (25,334 )

Reclassifications of unrealized losses

     (16,864 )     16,864       —    
                        

Balance at June 30, 2008

   Ps. 104,000     Ps. —       Ps. 104,000  
 
  (i) Unrealized gains for the years ended June 30, 2005, 2006 and 2007 were included as a component of “Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income” in shareholders’ equity.
  (ii) Unrealized losses for the year ended June 30, 2008 were included in earnings (losses).

As of June 30, 2007 and 2006, the gross net unrealized gain has been offset by a deferred tax loss of Ps 2,965, and Ps. 2,758, respectively.

The key economic assumptions used in measuring the fair value of retained interests at the time of and subsequent to a securitization are the estimated cash flows and the discount rate. The estimated cash flows have been discounted at rates that include charges for losses. The valuation models use information deriving from or that can be observed with market data.

The fair value is more accurately reflected through a quoted market price, if available. If a quoted market price is not available, fair value will be based on the quoted market price of a financial instrument with similar characteristics, the present value of estimated future cash flows or other valuation techniques, which are significantly affected by the assumptions used.

The following represents the sensitivity of the current fair value of retained interest in securitizations at June 30, 2008 to changes to key assumptions:

 

     Impact on fair value of a  
     5% interest rate increase     10% interest rate increase  

Discount rate

   Ps. (1,828 )   Ps. (6,542 )

The above sensitivities are hypothetical and should be used with caution. As the amounts indicate, changes in fair value based on variations in assumptions generally cannot be extrapolated because the relationship of the change in assumption to the change in fair value may not be linear. Also, in this table, the effect of a variation in a particular assumption on the fair value of the retained interest is calculated without changing any other assumption. In reality, changes in one factor may result in changes in another, which might magnify or counteract the sensitivities. The Company’s managed mortgage and credit card receivables consist of retained interests in mortgage and credit card receivable securitizations and investor’s share of securitizations sold to unrelated parties without recourse. The Company records its retained interests in mortgage and credit card receivables securitizations on the consolidated balance sheet.

 

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Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts in thousands, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

28. Differences between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP (continued)

 

  (g.1) Differences in basis relating to purchase accounting

The reconciling item of Ps. 48.2 million relates to various adjustments related to purchase accounting for business combinations which occurred prior to 2005 resulting in a difference between the amount of goodwill recorded under Argentine GAAP and US GAAP.

In addition, as discussed in Note 3.g, under Argentine GAAP, the Company followed the guidance in RT No. 18 in accounting for business combination. The purchase price was allocated based on the fair value of each component. A portion of the purchase price was allocated to tangible assets considering the value of the property as if it were vacant. In addition, a portion of the purchase price was allocated to below-market leases and in-place leases. No customer relationships were identified as part of the place leases. For the acquisitions of Empalme, the remaining 33% interest in Palermo Invest, and Bouchard 551 and Dock del Plata buildings consummated during the year ended June 30, 2007, the sum of the individual fair values of the identifiable tangible and intangible assets exceeded the respective purchase price paid. Under Argentine GAAP, the amount of negative goodwill was fully allocated to reduce the value of intangible assets acquired to zero. The remaining amount of negative goodwill is amortized under the straight-line method over the remaining weighted average useful life at the main tangible assets acquired. Under US GAAP, upon acquisitions of real estate, the Company also assesses the fair value of acquired assets (including land, buildings and improvements, and identified intangibles such as above and below market leases and acquired in-place leases and customer relationships) and acquired liabilities in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 141, Business Combinations, and SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, and allocates purchase price based on these assessments. There is no difference between US GAAP and Argentine GAAP in the purchase price allocation process. However, under US GAAP, when negative goodwill exists, eligible assets (tangible and intangible) are subject to pro rata reduction. Accordingly, under US GAAP, a liability for below-market leases and intangible assets for in-place leases amounting to Ps. 28.6 million and Ps. 23.0 million, respectively, were recognized. The fair value of below market leases is recorded as deferred income and amortized as additional lease revenue over the remaining contractual lease period and any renewal option periods included in the valuation analysis.

Intangible assets associated with at-market in-place leases are amortized as additional expense over the remaining contractual lease term. There is no USGAAP adjustment to equity for this item. The US GAAP adjustment to net income as described in note 28.I.(g.2) represents the net effect of (i) reversing the amortization of the negative goodwill recorded under Argentine GAAP; (ii) lower depreciation charges on fixed assets under US GAAP, (iii) amortization charges for intangible assets recognized under US GAAP and (iv) amortization of below-market leases.

Also, in 2006 APSA acquired an additional 2.7% in ERSA. Under Argentine GAAP, the unallocated portion of negative goodwill is amortized over the average remaining useful lives of tangible assets acquired, mainly the shopping center property. Under US GAAP, a pro rata reduction was performed following the guidance in SFAS No. 141. This reduction resulted in lower depreciation charges under US GAAP. Since the amortization of negative goodwill under Argentine GAAP equals the lower depreciation charge of the assets acquired under US GAAP (after pro rata reduction), there is no effect in the US GAAP reconciliation.

As further discussed above, due to certain differences in purchase accounting for acquisitions prior to 2005, goodwill under Argentine GAAP differed from goodwill under US GAAP. In addition, amortization of goodwill under US GAAP ceased effective June 30, 2002. Total goodwill under US GAAP as of adoption of FAS 142 was Ps.82.1 million.

Subsequent acquisitions through June 30, 2007 did not generate additional goodwill under either US GAAP or Argentine GAAP. For the year ended June 30, 2008 goodwill under US GAAP increased Ps. 10.0 million due to the acquisitions completed during fiscal year 2008 (see Note 2.g. for details)

As required by paragraph 26 of SFAS 142, following an acquisition, initial annual goodwill impairment testing should be performed within 12 months of the acquisition date. Therefore, the Company has not yet performed goodwill impairment testing related to the acquisitions completed in 2008 as of June 30, 2008.

In accordance with the requirements of SFAS 142, the Company does not amortize goodwill. SFAS 142 requires the Company to periodically test for goodwill impairment, at least annually, or sooner if evidence of possible impairment arises. The Company performs its annual impairment testing as of June 30, using a two-step process that begins with an estimation of the fair values of the reporting units that have goodwill.

 

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Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts in thousands, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

28. Differences between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP (continued)

 

  (g.1) Differences in basis relating to purchase accounting (continuing)

 

Step 1 of impairment testing consists of determining and comparing the fair value of a reporting unit to the carrying value of the reporting unit. If step 1 is failed for a reporting unit, indicating a potential impairment, the Company is required to complete step 2, which is a more detailed test to calculate the implied fair value of goodwill, and compare that value to the carrying value of the goodwill. If the carrying value of goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, an impairment loss is required to be recorded.

The Company performed step 1 impairment tests of recorded goodwill as of June 30, 2008 amounting to Ps. 82.1 (excluding goodwill generated for the fiscal 2008 acquisitions which will be tested after year-end as discussed above). The step 1 tests indicated that the fair values of the reporting units, calculated primarily using discounted expected future cash flows, exceeded their carrying values as of the test dates. Accordingly, step 2 of the impairment tests was not required to be performed for those reporting units, and no impairment charges were necessary.

In addition, the broader stock market has experienced significant price and volume fluctuations in recent months. This volatility has affected the market price of the Company’s securities for reasons unrelated to its operating performance. The Company believes that the fact that its market capitalization is trading below book value is not indicative of its operating performance and is not related to its business fundamentals. Moreover, since step 1 of the goodwill impairment test performed as of June 30, 2008 resulted in the fair value of the reporting units being higher for a large percentage than the respective carrying values, the Company believes an interim impairment testing of goodwill is not necessary. The Company continues to monitor current market conditions, which may trigger interim impairment testing analysis at any given point in time.

 

  (g.2) Purchase accounting - Amortization and depreciation expense

This reconciling item includes adjustments related to purchase accounting for business combinations which occurred prior to 2005 resulting in a difference between the amount of goodwill recorded under Argentine GAAP and US GAAP. The differences in the carrying amount of goodwill between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP of Ps. 48.2 million gave rise to differences in amortization expense under US GAAP until June 30, 2002. Effective July 1, 2002, the Company adopted SFAS No. 142 and, as such, discontinued amortization of this goodwill as from that date.

In addition, under Argentine GAAP, goodwill is amortized under the straight-line method generating amortization expense of Ps. 14.4 million for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006. Under US GAAP, amortization expense recorded was reversed for all periods presented.

In addition, the differences in the carrying amount of fixed assets, intangible assets and liabilities (below-market leases) acquired between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP and the reversing of the amortization of the negative goodwill recorded under Argentine GAAP as described above gave rise (i) amortization charges for intangible assets recognized under US GAAP, (ii) higher amortization of deferred revenues (below-market leases), (iii) lower (higher) depreciation charges on fixed assets and (iv) reversing the amortization of the negative goodwill recorded under Argentine GAAP, amounting to a net lower effect of Ps. 0.8 million, Ps. 2.3 million and Ps. (2,7) million during fiscal years 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

 

  (h) Present-value accounting

As indicated in Note 3.i., under Argentine GAAP, certain other tax receivables and liabilities are measured at present-values as of year-end. Under US GAAP, present valuing or discounting of these assets and liabilities is precluded.

 

  (i) Reversal of previously recognized impairment losses

Under Argentina GAAP previously recognized impairment losses can be reversed. Amounts reversed in 2008, 2007 and 2006 amounted to Ps. 2.7 million, Ps. 2.6 million and Ps. 13.0 million, respectively, given rise to higher depreciation charges under Argentine GAAP. Under US GAAP, reversal of a previously recognized impairment loss is prohibited. When an impairment loss is recognized, the adjusted carrying amount of the asset becomes the new cost basis, which is depreciated over the remaining useful life of the asset. Depreciation expense reversed under US GAAP for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006 amounted to Ps. 4.3 million, Ps. 4.4 million and Ps. 5.6 million, respectively, and are shown netted against the reversal impairment losses under Argentine GAAP.

 

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Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts in thousands, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

28. Differences between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP (continued)

 

  (j) Accounting for IRSA Convertible Notes

As discussed in Note 10.a., in November 2002, the Company issued US$ 100,000 of IRSA Convertible Notes with non-detachable warrants to acquire additional shares of common stock. In accordance with the agreement, the IRSA Convertible Notes are convertible, at any time, at the option of the holder, into a fixed number of common shares. Once converted, the holder has the right to acquire an additional equal number of shares at the exercise price of the warrant. Under Argentine GAAP purposes, no proceeds were allocated to the conversion feature and non-detachable warrants.

Under US GAAP, the Company applied EITF No. 00-27, “Application of Issue No. 98-5 to Certain Convertible Instruments” (EITF No. 00-27), which address how a beneficial conversion amount should be measured when an entity issues a convertible instrument that, if converted, will result in the holder receiving common stock and other equity instruments of the issuer, such as warrants to acquire common stock of the issuer. In EITF No. 00-27, the Task Force reached a tentative conclusion that the intrinsic value of the conversion option should be computed based on a comparison of (a) the proceeds of the convertible instrument allocated to the common stock portion of the conversion option and (b) the fair value at the commitment date of the common stock to be received by the holder upon conversion. The excess of (b) over (a) is the intrinsic value of the embedded conversion option that should be recognized by the issuer at the issuance date for the convertible instrument. In EITF No. 00-27 the Task Force also reached a consensus that the Issue 98-5 model should be modified for convertible instruments that have a stated redemption date to require a discount resulting from recording a beneficial conversion option to be accreted from the date of issuance to the stated redemption date of the convertible instrument, regardless of when the earliest conversion date occurs. EITF 00-27 also states that the entire unamortized discount, if any, remaining at the date of conversion should be immediately recognized as interest expense.

As a result of applying EITF 00-27, under US GAAP the Company allocated Ps. 36,191 of the proceeds received, representing the intrinsic value of the embedded beneficial conversion feature at the commitment date, to additional paid-in capital (Ps. 23,524 net of income tax). The resulting debt discount is being recognized as expense over the term of the IRSA Convertible Notes. Upon conversion, warrants are recognized as additional paid-in capital and any unamortized discount is immediately recognized as interest expense. Total discount amortization recognized during the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006 totaled Ps. 469 Ps. 2,039 and Ps. 7,338, respectively (included accelerated amortization recognized as a result of conversions made during those years). As IRSA Convertible Notes are denominated in U.S. Dollars, the US GAAP adjustment also includes the elimination of exchange rate differences between the Argentine peso and the U.S. Dollar related to the debt discount. Foreign exchange gain (losses) reversed under US GAAP totaled Ps. (3) Ps. 8 and Ps. (580) during the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

During the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005 and 2004 the holders of IRSA Convertible Notes for a total amount issued, exercised its conversion rights and, as a result, the Company issued 34,582,162, 16,640,658, 55,961,675, 52,448,952, and 23,734,388 shares of common stock, respectively. Upon conversion, during the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004 and 2003 the Company issued US$ 18.9 million , US$ 9.1 million ,US$ 30.5 million , US$ 28.6 million , US$ 12.9 million and US$ 0 million of warrants, of which US$ 43.1 million, US$ 7 million, US$ 12.1 million and US$ 30.5 million were exercised during fiscal year ended June 30, 2008, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. As a result of the conversions and exercises of warrants, under US GAAP the Company has reclassified in 2008 and 2007 a net amount of Ps. 6,659 and Ps. 1,379, respectively from additional paid-in capital of common stock to additional paid-in capital of warrants. As of June 30, 2008 the remaining balance of IRSA’s Convertible Notes have been fully paid.

 

  (k) Reversal of gain recognized on trouble debt restructuring

Under Argentine GAAP, the restructuring of debts occurred in November 2002 was treated as an exchange of debt instruments with substantially different terms. As a result, the Company removed the original loans from the consolidated balance sheet and recognized the new debt instruments at their present value discounted at an 8% market interest rate. Gain on restructuring recorded in fiscal year 2003 amounted to Ps. 36.5 million (Ps. 31.7 million net of related expenses). Under Argentine GAAP the Company also recognized a gain of Ps. 7.6 million from interest expense reductions.

 

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Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts in thousands, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

28. Differences between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP (continued)

 

  (k) Reversal of gain recognized on trouble debt restructuring (continuing)

 

For US GAAP purposes, the restructuring of the debt was accounted for in accordance with SFAS No. 15, Accounting by Debtors and Creditors for Troubled Debt Restructurings (“SFAS 15”), as the creditors made certain concessions due to the financial difficulties of the Company. SFAS No. 15 requires that a comparison be made between the future cash outflows associated with the new debt instruments (including interest), and the recorded amount of the payables at the time of restructuring. Gain on trouble debt restructuring is only recognized when the carrying amount of the payable at the time of restructuring exceeds the total future cash payments specified by the new debt terms. Since the total future cash outflows associated with the new debt instruments exceeded the carrying value of the old debts, no gain on restructuring was recorded under US GAAP. As a result, the carrying amount of the new debt instruments under US GAAP is greater than the amount recorded under Argentine GAAP and a new effective interest rate was determined, which equates the present value of the future cash payments specified by the new debt instruments with the carrying amount of the old debts. Under US GAAP, expenses incurred in a trouble debt restructuring are recorded in earnings.

As discussed in Note 4.i.(iii) the Company fully paid all of the restructured obligations. Therefore the unrealized gain was fully recognized under USGAAP as of June 30, 2008. The adjustment to interest expense recognized under Argentine GAAP according to the new effective interest rate totaled Ps. 6.9 million, Ps. 3.8 million and Ps. 3.1 million for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. As the Company’s new debt instruments are denominated in US Dollars, the US GAAP adjustment also includes the recognition of exchange rate differences related to the difference in the carrying amount of the debts. Foreign exchange gains (losses) recorded under US GAAP were not significant for any of the periods presented.

 

  (l) Accounting for real estate barter transactions

In the ordinary course of business, the Company enters into certain non-monetary transactions with third parties pursuant to which the Company sells parcels of land held for sale in exchange for cash and/or other real estate properties. See Note 2.g. for details of the transactions.

Under Argentine GAAP, these transactions are recorded based on the fair value of the assets involved and, as a result, a gain or loss is recognized at the time of the exchange. As a result, under Argentine GAAP, the Company recorded gains of Ps. 14,700 and Ps. 44,172 for the years ended June 30, 2008 and June 30, 2006, respectively. No barter transactions were consummated for the year ended June 30, 2007.

Under US GAAP, the Company applied the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 153, Exchanges of Non-monetary Assets—An Amendment of APB Opinion No. 29. SFAS 153 amends APB Opinion No. 29 (Opinion 29), Accounting for Non-monetary Transactions, which was issued in 1973. The amendments made by SFAS 153 are based on the principle that exchanges of non-monetary assets should be measured based on the fair value of the assets exchanged. Further, the amendments eliminate the narrow exception for non-monetary exchanges of similar productive assets and replaced it with a broader exception for exchanges of non-monetary assets that do not have “commercial substance.” Previously, Opinion 29 required that the accounting for an exchange of a productive asset for a similar productive asset or an equivalent interest in the same or similar productive asset should be based on the recorded amount of the asset relinquished. The provisions in SFAS 153 are effective for non-monetary asset exchanges occurring in fiscal periods beginning after June 15, 2005, thus are effective for all non-monetary exchanges entered into by the Company for the years ended on and after June 30, 2006.

Under SFAS 153 the Company determined that all of its barter transactions have commercial substance and therefore the transactions must be measured at fair value.

In certain barter transactions, the Company does not receive a down payment or receives a down payment which is less than 10% of the sales price. In those cases, the Company follows the deposit method prescribed under FAS 66. Under the deposit method the Company does not recognize profit, nor records a receivable and continues to report the property and related liabilities in its balance sheet even if the liability has been assumed by the buyer. The Company discloses that those items are subject to a sales contract. Therefore, under US GAAP, the gains recognized under Argentine GAAP were reversed.

 

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Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts in thousands, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

28. Differences between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP (continued)

 

  (l) Accounting for real estate barter transactions (continuing)

 

However, for the year ended June 30, 2008, the US GAAP adjustment represents the net effect of (i) the reversal of the Ps. 14.7 million recognized under Argentine GAAP and (ii) the recognition of a gain of Ps. 32.0 million related to a prior year barter transaction which was not completed as originally planned.

This latter transaction dated back to the year ended June 30, 2006 when the Company recognized a gain under Argentine GAAP and reversed it for US GAAP purposes due to not meeting FAS 66 criteria (this reversal forms part of the Ps. 44.2 million reconciling item for 2006). No activity occurred during fiscal year 2007. In fiscal year 2008, this transaction was completed by the counterparty surrendering cash in lieu of the future real estate property. Thus the Company recognized the gain on consummation of this transaction in 2008.

Prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 153, under US GAAP, the Company applied the provisions APB Opinion No. 29, “Accounting for Non-monetary Transactions” (“APB 29”). APB 29 stated that exchanges of real estate held for sale in the ordinary course of business in exchange for real estate to be sold in the same line of business are transactions not resulting in a culmination of the earnings process (referred to as “like-kind” exchanges). The recognition of gain on like-kind exchanges depends on whether monetary consideration is received and, if so, how much. If no monetary consideration is involved in the exchange, the property received is recorded at the book value of the property given up and no gain is recorded in the exchange. If monetary consideration is involved in the exchange, the recognition of gain depends on whether the amount of the monetary consideration is less than 25% of the fair value of the exchange. When monetary consideration is less than 25%, the Company should recognize a portion of any gain on the transaction in the ratio of cash received to total consideration (cash plus fair value of the asset received). If monetary consideration is 25% or more of the exchange, the transaction should be allocated between the monetary and nonmonetary component based on the relative fair values of the components at the time of the transaction. Any loss on the exchange should be recognized immediately.

Under US GAAP the barter transactions entered into by the Company prior to July 1, 2005 were accounted for as follows:

The Company recorded the exchange of “Cruceros” in 2004 at its fair market value since the Company incurred a loss of Ps. 763 in the exchange. As a result no difference existed in accounting for this transaction between Argentine and US GAAP.

In connection with the exchange of “Benavidez” in 2004, as monetary consideration represented less than 25% of the fair value of the exchange, the Company recognized a pro-rata gain amounting to Ps. 226. As a result, the US GAAP adjustment represents the partial reversal of the gain recognized under Argentine GAAP amounting to Ps. 907.

The Company recorded the exchange of plot 1c) of Dique III in 2005 at the book value of the land given up, thus not recording any gain on the exchange. As a result, the US GAAP adjustment represents the reversal of the gain recognized under Argentine GAAP amounting to Ps. 14,985 in fiscal year ended June 30, 2007.

 

  (m) Reversal of the gain from valuation of inventories at net realizable value

In the ordinary course of business, the Company may enter into promissory sales contracts to sell housing units for which the respective transfer title deeds have not been consummated at year-end. However, as the Company received advance payments fixing the sales prices and the terms and conditions of the contracts provide reasonable assurance of the closing of the transaction and the realization of the gain, under Argentine GAAP the Company valued these inventories at net realizable value. Under US GAAP, inventories are valued at cost. As such, the US GAAP adjustment represents the net effect of (i) reversal of the gain recognized under Argentine GAAP in 2008, 2007 and 2006 for non consummated transactions and the (ii) recognition of the gain under US GAAP from deeds executed in 2008, 2007 and 2006. In addition in 2006 the Company recognized an exchange gain difference in connection with the receivable recorded under Argentine GAAP in an amount of Ps. 1,741, which under US GAAP was reversed and recognized in 2007 together with the sale of the property.

 

  (n) Appraisal revaluation of fixed assets

Under Argentine GAAP, APSA recognized a parcel of land acquired prior to June 30, 1986 at its appraised value as of such date. This appraisal increased the carrying value of the land by Ps. 4.0 million. Under US GAAP, this parcel of land was recorded at original cost.

 

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Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts in thousands, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

28. Differences between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP (continued)

 

  (o) Amortization of fees related to Series II of APSA Non Convertible Notes

Under Argentine GAAP, fees and expenses relating to Serie II of APSA Non Convertible Notes are amortized on a straight-line method over the term of the agreement. Under US GAAP, following SFAS No. 91 such costs are amortized over the same period using the effective interest method. Since the issuance of the APSA Non- Convertible Notes occurred in May 2007, the amount of the adjustment for the year ended June 30, 2007 was not significant.

 

  (p) Software developed or obtained for internal use

Under Argentine GAAP, the Company capitalized certain costs related to software developed as obtained for internal use, which would be expensed under US GAAP pursuant to the provisions of Statement of Position 98-1 “Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software Developed or Obtained for Internal Use” (SOP 98-1). The US GAAP adjustment for the year 2006, 2007 and 2008 represents the effect net of (i) expenses such costs and (ii) reversal of depreciation charges previously capitalized costs under Argentine GAAP and expenses under US GAAP.

 

  (q) Accounting for increasing rate debt

The syndicated loan discussed in Note 4.i.(iv), accrued interest at a fixed rate of 7.875% per annum during the first year and “Encuesta” variable rate plus 3% thereafter. The outstanding balance of the syndicated loan was fully paid in April 2007. Under Argentine GAAP, interest was recognized based on the interest rate applicable to each interest period. Under US GAAP, the Company followed the guidance in EITF 86-15, “Increasing Rate Debt”. In EITF 86-15, the Task Force reached a consensus that the borrower’s periodic interest cost should be determined using the interest method based on the estimated outstanding term of the debt. This loan was paid April 5, 2007

 

  (r) Reversal of capitalized foreign exchange differences

Under Argentine GAAP, the Company capitalized financial costs comprising of interest and foreign exchange differences for the year ended June 30, 2007 and 2008 related to the PAMSA project. The Company did not capitalize any financial costs for the year ended June 30, 2006. Under US GAAP, the Company applied the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 34, “Capitalization of Interest Cost” (SFAS No. 34), which requires interest capitalization on assets which have a period of time to get them ready for their intended use. Capitalization of foreign exchange differences is not allowed under SFAS No. 34. The US GAAP reconciling item represents the effect of reversing the foreign exchange differences capitalized under Argentine GAAP mainly related to the acquisition and construction of PAMSA for the years ended June 30, 2007 and capitalizing interest in the year ended June 30, 2008 for an amount of Ps. 0.4 million and Ps. 5.8 million, respectively.

 

  (s) Debtor’s accounting for a modification of APSA convertible debt instruments

As indicated in Note 4.i.(ii), in August 2002 APSA issued US$ 50,000 of Convertible Notes. Under US GAAP, the Company applied APB 14, “Accounting for Convertible Debt and Debt Issued with Stock Purchase Warrants”, which requires that no portion of the proceeds be allocated to the conversion feature if the convertible debt securities are convertible into common stock of the issuer at a specified price at the option of the holder and are sold at a price or have a value at issuance not significantly in excess of the face amount. In considering the accounting treatment of the Convertible Notes under US GAAP the Company took account of the guidance provided in EITF 98-5. This regulation, EITF 98-5, requires that embedded beneficial conversion features present in convertible securities be valued separately at issuance when the non-detachable conversion feature is “in-the-money” at the commitment date. The embedded beneficial conversion feature should be recognized and measured by allocating to additional paid-in capital a portion of the proceeds equal to the intrinsic value of that feature. That amount is calculated at the commitment date as the difference between the conversion price and the fair value of the common stock or other securities into which the security is convertible, multiplied by the number of shares into which the security is convertible (intrinsic value). As a result of the analysis the Company performed, no proceeds were allocated to the embedded conversion feature since it was “out-the-money” at the commitment date (i.e. the intrinsic value at the commitment date was zero).

 

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Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts in thousands, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

28. Differences between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP (continued)

 

  (s) Debtor’s accounting for a modification of APSA convertible debt instruments (continued)

 

As discussed in Note 4.i.(ii), the terms of the convertible debt instrument were modified to extend the maturity date through July 19, 2014. Argentine GAAP requires that an exchange of debt instruments with substantially different terms be considered a debt extinguishment and that the old debt instrument be derecognized. Argentine GAAP clarifies that from a debtor’s perspective, an exchange of debt instruments between, or a modification of a debt instrument by, a debtor and a creditor shall be deemed to have been accomplished with debt instruments that are substantially different if the present value of the cash flows under the terms of the new debt instrument is at least 10 percent different from the present value of the remaining cash flows under the terms of the original instrument. The new debt instrument should be initially recorded at fair value and that amount should be used to determine the debt extinguishment gain or loss to be recognized. Fair value should be determined by the present value of the future cash flows to be paid under the terms of the new debt instrument discounted at a rate commensurate with the risks of the debt instrument and time value of money. If it is determined that the original and new debt instruments are not substantially different, then a new effective interest rate is to be determined based on the carrying amount of the original debt instrument and the revised cash flows. Based on the analysis performed, the Company concluded that the instruments were not substantially different and accordingly the old instrument was not derecognized. The outstanding balance was reclassified to non-current in these consolidated financial statements.

Under US GAAP, in November 2006, the EITF reached a final consensus in EITF Issue 06-6 “Debtor’s Accounting for a Modification (or Exchange) of Convertible Debt Instruments”. EITF 06-6 reconsidered the original consensus in Issue 05-7 “Accounting for Modification to Conversion Options Embedded in Debt Instruments and Related Issues” that the change in fair value of an embedded conversion option should be included in the cash flow analysis under EITF Issue 96-19, “Debtor’s Accounting for a Modification or Exchange of Debt Instruments,” in determining whether a debt instrument has been modified or extinguished. This Issue considers the accounting for a modification of debt terms (or exchange in debt instruments) when a change in the fair value of an embedded conversion option has occurred or an embedded conversion option has been added or eliminated from the debt instrument. This Issue also amended the guidance in EITF Issue 96-19.

The consensus stipulates that, in evaluating whether a convertible debt instrument has been modified or extinguished, three aspects of the modification (or exchange of debt instruments) must be considered.

 

  1. Change in cash flows: If the change in cash flows as prescribed by the analysis under Issue 96-19 is greater than 10% of the carrying value of the original debt instrument, the modification (or exchange of debt instruments) should be accounted for as an extinguishment. This test would not include any changes in fair value to the embedded conversion option.

 

  2. Change in fair value of the embedded conversion option: If the change in the fair value of the embedded conversion option is greater than 10% of the carrying value of the original debt instrument immediately before the change (or exchange of debt instruments), the modification (or exchange) should be accounted for as an extinguishment.

 

  3. Addition or removal of an embedded conversion option: The addition or removal of a substantive conversion option would automatically result in extinguishment accounting. Whether an embedded conversion option is substantive would be assessed as of the modification date and would be based on the definition of substantive in EITF Issue 05-1, “Accounting for the Conversion of an Instrument That Becomes Convertible upon the Issuer’s Exercise of a Call Option.”

Any one of the three criteria needs to be met to account for the modification of the debt instrument (or exchange of debt instruments) as an extinguishment. When the result of the three-pronged evaluation above results in a conclusion that a convertible debt instrument has been modified (and not extinguished), the Task Force affirmed as a final consensus that any increase in the fair value of the embedded conversion option should reduce the carrying value of the debt instrument (with a corresponding increase to additional paid-in capital), but any decrease in the fair value of the embedded conversion option is ignored.

Based on the analysis performed, neither of criteria 1, 2 or 3 above are met. Accordingly, the change of the debt instrument has not been accounted for as an extinguishment. Thus, the increase in the fair value of the conversion option reduced the carrying value of the debt instrument with a corresponding increase to additional paid-in-capital. This resulted in an increase in interest expense prospectively.

 

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Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts in thousands, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

28. Differences between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP (continued)

 

  (t) Revenue recognition

Cumulative effect of the initial application of SAB No. 108

In September 2006, the Securities and Exchange Commission issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 108 (SAB No. 108), “Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements when Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements”, which provides guidance on quantifying financial statement misstatements. SAB No. 108 was issued in order to eliminate the diversity of practice surrounding how public companies quantify financial statement misstatements.

SAB No. 108 was effective for the Company for the year ended June 30, 2007. Traditionally, there have been two widely recognized methods for quantifying the effects of financial statement misstatements: the roll-over method and the iron curtain method. The roll-over method focuses primarily on the impact of a misstatement on the income statement, including the reversing effect of prior year misstatements, but its use can lead to the accumulation of misstatements in the balance sheet. The iron-curtain method, on the other hand, focuses primarily on the effect of correcting the period-end balance sheet with less emphasis on the reversing effects of prior year errors on the income statement. Prior to the Company’s application of the guidance in SAB No. 108, the Company’s management used the roll-over method for quantifying financial statement misstatements both for Argentine GAAP and US GAAP purposes.

In SAB No. 108, the SEC staff established an approach that requires quantification of financial statement misstatements based on the effects of the misstatements on each of the company’s financial statements and the related financial statement disclosures. This model is commonly referred to as a dual approach because it requires quantification of errors under both the iron curtain and the roll-over methods.

SAB No. 108 permitted existing public companies to initially apply its provisions either by (i) restating prior financial statements as if the dual approach had always been applied or (ii) recording the cumulative effect of initially applying the dual approach as adjustments to the carrying values of assets and liabilities with an offsetting adjustment recorded to the opening balance of retained earnings. For the year ended June 30, 2007, under US GAAP, the Company elected to record the effects of applying SAB No. 108 using the cumulative effect transition method. The Company’s management previously quantified these errors under the roll-over method and concluded that they were immaterial.

The total amount of the misstatements that have been corrected as of the date of adoption of SAB 108 (July 1, 2006) was Ps. (10.7) million (excluding the effects for minority interest and deferred income taxes amounting to Ps. 3.3 million and Ps. 3.6 million, respectively) and was related to the US GAAP adjustments for (i) deferred insurance and fees revenues; (ii) deferred commissions; and (iii) scheduled rent increases, further detailed below.

For purposes of the presentation for the year ended June 30, 2008, the Company has included the cumulative effect of these adjustments as part of the respective US GAAP adjustments described in Notes 28.I.(t.3)., 28.I.(t.1) and 28.I.(t.2), respectively. The related effects for minority interest and deferred income taxes have also been included as part of the US GAAP adjustments described in Notes 28.I. (v). and 28.I.(u)., respectively.

 

  (t.1) Deferred commissions

Under Argentine GAAP, lease commissions earned are recognized at the time a transaction is successfully completed. A transaction is considered successfully concluded when both parties have signed the related lease contract. Upon adoption of SAB 108, (July 1, 2006), under US GAAP, lease commissions are deferred and amortized to income over the term of the respective leases. The US GAAP adjustment to equity also includes the portion of the total cumulative effect of the initial application of SAB 108 related to this reconciling item.

 

  (t.2) Scheduled rent increases

        Under Argentine GAAP, revenue from “non-cancelable” leases subject to rent escalation clauses is recognized when the escalated payment is due rather than recognizing the effects of the scheduled rent increases under the straight-line method over the lease term. Upon adoption of SAB 108, (July 1, 2006), under US GAAP, the Company applied the provisions of SFAS No. 13 and FTB 85-3 and accordingly, recognized escalated rental revenue under the straight-line method over the term of the leases. The US GAAP adjustment to equity also includes the portion of the total cumulative effect of the initial application of SAB 108 related to this reconciling item.

 

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Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts in thousands, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

28. Differences between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP (continued)

 

  (t.2) Scheduled rent increases (continued)

 

In the determination of the US GAAP adjustment, the Company considered the definition of lease term in paragraph 5(f) of FAS 13. All lease agreements are cancelable pursuant to Law 23,091 as amended by Law 24,808. This law provides that after an initial six-month period tenants may rescind commercial lease agreements upon 60 days’ written notice by incurring non-significant monetary penalties (cancellations are subject to one-and-a-half month’s rent if rescinded during the first year of the lease and one month’s rent if rescinded after the first year of the lease).

Paragraph 5(f) of FAS 13 provides that a lease that is cancelable (a) only upon the occurrence of some remote contingency, (b) only with the permission of the lessor, (c) only if the lessee enters into a new lease with the same lessor or (d) only if the lessee incurs a penalty in such amount that continuation of the lease appears, at inception, reasonably assured shall be considered “noncancelable” for purposes of this definition.

Based on the provisions of paragraph 5(f) of FAS 13, the Company concluded that, even though the lease are cancelable, lessees would incur significant “economic penalties” if these agreements were to be rescinded prior to maturity. The Company considered that these economic penalties are of such an amount that continuation of the lease agreements by lessees appear to be reasonably assured at the inception of the respective agreements.

The Company reached this conclusion based on the factors mentioned in paragraph 5(o) of FAS 13, including (i) the geographical location and accessibility of the Company’s properties; (ii) the nature and tenure of tenants, (iii) limited availability of identical space in certain neighborhoods; (iv) the tenants’ brand image and other competitive considerations; (v) tenants’ significant expenses in renovation, maintenance and improvements

The Company believes that all of the above mentioned factors represent significant non-contractual penalties for the lessees which support the Company’s view that it is reasonably assured at the inception of lease agreements that such leases will not be rescinded prior to maturity even though they are cancelable as permitted by law.

 

  (t.3) Deferred revenues – insurance & fees

Under Argentine GAAP, the Company, accounts for revenues from life and disability insurance and origination fees on an up-front basis. Upon adoption of SAB 108, (July 1, 2006), under US GAAP, life and disability insurance and origination fees are recognized to income on a straight-line basis over the term of the respective receivables. The US GAAP adjustment to equity also includes the portion of the total cumulative effect of the initial application of SAB 108 related to this reconciling item.

 

  (u) Deferred income tax

The Company accounts for income taxes using the liability method under both Argentine GAAP and US GAAP. Argentine GAAP is similar to the guidance in SFAS No. 109 “Accounting for Income Taxes”. However, as discussed in Note 2.e, following CNV Resolutions 485 and 487, the Company elected to continue treating the differences between book basis and inflation-adjusted basis of non-monetary balance sheet items as permanent for deferred income tax calculation purposes.

Under US GAAP, the Company applies EITF 93-9, “Application of FASB Statement No.109 in Foreign Financial Statements Restated for General Price-Level Changes”, which requires such differences to be treated as temporary differences in calculating deferred income taxes.

In addition, the US GAAP adjustment includes the effect on deferred income taxes of the foregoing reconciling items, as appropriate.

 

  (v) Minority interest

This adjustment represents the effect on minority interest of the reconciling items, as appropriate.

 

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Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts in thousands, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

28. Differences between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP (continued)

 

  (w) Adoption of FIN 48, “accounting for uncertainty in income taxes — an interpretation of FASB statement no. 109”

On July 1, 2007, the company adopted FASB interpretation no. 48, “accounting for uncertainty in income taxes — an interpretation of FASB statement no. 109” (FIN 48). FIN 48 addresses the accounting and disclosure of uncertain tax positions. FIN 48 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. The difference between the tax benefit recognized in the financial statements for a position in accordance with FIN 48 and the tax benefit claimed in the tax return is referred to as an unrecognized tax benefit.

The adoption of FIN 48 did not result in an increase to the net liability for unrecognized tax benefits.

The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits as of the adoption of FIN 48 at July 1, 2007, was not significant. The company classified unrecognized tax benefits not expected to be paid in the next 12 months in other non-current liabilities.

The company’s principal taxable jurisdiction is Argentina. At any point in time, the company may have tax audits underway at various stages of completion. The company evaluates the tax positions and establishes liabilities for uncertain tax positions that may be challenged by local authorities and may not be fully sustained, despite the company’s belief that the underlying tax positions are fully supportable. Uncertain tax positions are reviewed on an ongoing basis and are adjusted in light of changing facts and circumstances, including progress of tax audits, developments in case law, and closing of statute of limitations. Such adjustments are reflected in the tax provision as appropriate.

The Company has tax years open ranging from 2003 and forward. The Company is generally not able to reliably estimate the ultimate settlement amounts until the close of an audit.

 

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Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts in thousands, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

28. Differences between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP (continued)

 

II. Additional disclosure requirements

 

  (a) Balance sheet classification differences

Under Argentine GAAP, assets and liabilities are classified as current or non-current depending on their respective settlement dates. Under US GAAP, balance sheets of real companies generally do not present a classified balance sheet.

In addition, under Argentine GAAP the Company has classified the net deferred tax asset as of June 30, 2008 amounting to Ps. 39.0 million and the net deferred tax liability as of June 30, 2007 amounting to Ps. 1.9 million, as follows: Ps. 70.1 million and Ps. 25.4 million as of June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively, as non-current other receivables and prepaid expenses; and Ps. 31.1 million and Ps. 27.3 million as of June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively, as non-current taxes payable. Under US GAAP, the classification of deferred taxes is determined by the classification of the asset or liability for financial reporting to which the temporary difference is related. A temporary difference is related to an asset or liability if reduction of the asset or liability causes the temporary difference to reverse. For deferred tax balances not related to an asset or liability for financial reporting (e.g. tax loss carryforwards), the classification is based on the expected realization date. As of June 30, 2008 and 2007, Ps. 24.2 million and Ps. 13.7 million, respectively, would have been classified as current assets, and Ps. 87.7 million and Ps. 21.5 million, respectively, would have been classified as non-current assets. As June 30, 2008 and 2007 Ps. 2.1 million and Ps. 6.4 million, respectively, would have been classified as current liabilities and Ps. 70.9 million and Ps. 30.7 million, respectively, would have been classified as non-current liabilities.

Furthermore, under Argentine GAAP, deferred debt costs are shown as a deduction of the corresponding liability. Under US GAAP, and in accordance with Accounting Principles Board (“APB”) Opinion No. 21, “Interest on Receivables and Payables”, issue costs should be reported as deferred charges of Ps. 13,382.

As these differences have no effect on net income or on shareholders’ equity, no reconciling items are presented for US GAAP purposes.

 

  (b) Statement of income classification differences

Should a US GAAP income statement be presented, certain items shown in some line items of the income statement under Argentine GAAP would have to be reclassified to affect other line items. The following reclassifications are intended to present Argentine GAAP numbers using a different criterion of classification under US GAAP. The numbers included below are not US GAAP numbers.

Revenues

Gross vs. net presentation

As part of the lease agreements, tenants are required to pay their proportionate share of common area maintenance expenses. The Company does not charge any mark up on reimbursable costs. These expenses are incurred and paid by the Company and then passed through to tenants as reimbursable costs.

Under Argentine GAAP, pass-through expenses, such as these reimbursable costs, are accounted for on a net basis and, as such, excluded from revenues and expenses in the consolidated financial statements. However, Note 29.f shows the total amount of expenses passed through to tenants by expense category with the corresponding offsetting amount therefore having no impact in the consolidated costs of the Company. No amount is shown as revenues.

Under US GAAP, the Company accounts for pass-through revenue and expenses in accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force, or EITF, Issue 01-14, “Income Statement Characterization of Reimbursements Received for Out of Pocket Expenses Incurred,” and include these costs incurred as a component of revenue and as a component of operating expenses in the statement of income. These costs, which are pass-through expenses to tenants included in both revenues and expenses were Ps. 181.2, Ps. 134.4 million and Ps. 107.3 million for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. As these expenses are fully reimbursed, without mark-up, by the tenants, there is no impact on operating income, net income, EPS, cash flows or the balance sheet.

 

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Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts in thousands, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

28. Differences between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP (continued)

 

  (b) Statement of income classification differences (continued)

 

Should the EITF 01-14 be applied to the Argentine GAAP income statement, net revenues under Argentine GAAP would have been Ps. 1,265.4 million, Ps. 873.1 million and Ps. 685.0 million for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

Operating income

Under US GAAP, certain income and expense items included in the Argentine GAAP financial statements of the Company within “Other expenses, net” would have been included in the determination of operating income. In addition, under Argentine GAAP, the recovery of certain allowances and provisions has been included within “Other expenses, net”. Under US GAAP, such items would have been classified as a reversal to the amounts in the line items which were originally recorded.

Should certain other expenses, financial results and the recovery of allowances and provisions be reclassified into/out of operating income, as applicable, operating income under Argentine GAAP would have been Ps. 263.3 million, Ps. 201.3 million, and Ps. 194.7 million for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

 

  (c) Maturities of long-term debt

Aggregate annual maturities during the next years (excluding current portion and capitalized costs of issuance of debt—See Note 28.II.(a)), as of June 30, 2008, are as follows:

 

2010

   Ps. 102,108

2011

     64,309

2012

     64,309

Thereafter 2013

     900,311
      
   Ps. 1,131,037
      

 

(1) Not including deferred debt issuance costs in the amount of Ps. 11,310.

 

  (d) Operating leases

This note discloses operating leases information of the Company and its controlled and jointly controlled subsidiaries:

- Operating lease information:

 

   

Leases and services from office and other buildings

The Company enters into cancelable commercial leases with its tenants for terms ranging from three to five years, with most leases having terms of no more than 5 years. Tenants are charged a base rent on a monthly basis. No contingent rentals were recorded for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006.

 

   

Leases and services from shopping center operations

The Company enters into cancelable commercial leases with its tenants for terms ranging from three to ten years, with most leases having terms of no more than five years. Tenants are generally charged a rent, which consists of the higher of (i) the base rent and (ii) the percentage rent (which generally ranges between 4% and 10% of the tenants sales). Furthermore, pursuant to the rent escalation clause in most leases, a tenant’s base rent generally increases between 7% and 12% each year during the term of the lease. Included in lease revenues for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006 were contingent rentals of P.s 73.3 million, Ps. 51.9 million and Ps. 40.9 million, respectively. Even though the leases are cancelable by law, the Company considered them to be non-cancelable for these purposes. See Note 28.I.(t.2). for more information as to how the Company considered this definition.

 

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Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts in thousands, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

28. Differences between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP (continued)

 

  (d) Operating leases (leases)

Minimum future rentals on cancelable leases as of June 30, 2008 for each of the five succeeding fiscal years are as follows:

 

2009

   Ps. 180,711

2010

     114,539

2011

     48,933

2012

     13,000

Thereafter 2013

     14,401
      
   Ps. 371,584
      

 

  (e) Disclosure of related parties transactions

The following additional disclosures of transactions with related parties are required under US GAAP:

- Acquisition of IRSA Units by Cresud: During November and December 2002, Cresud purchased 49.7 million Convertible Notes issued by us and during July and November 2003, Cresud purchased an additional 0.25 million Convertible Notes.

In May 2004 Cresud decided to exercise their option to convert 5.0 million aggregate principal amount of our Convertible Notes. As a result of this conversion, Cresud has received 9.2 million of our common shares.

In July 2004, Cresud purchased 0.35 million of convertible notes issued by us for US$ 0.5 million.

On September 30, 2004, Cresud exercised 5.0 million of our Warrants for 9.2 ordinary shares at a total cost of US$ 6 million.

In February 2006 and April 2006, Cresud purchased 5.0 million and 16.0 million of convertible notes issued by us for 9.2 million and 29.3 million ordinary shares.

In April 2006, Cresud converted 16.0 million of convertible notes issued by us for 29.3 million ordinary shares.

Between June 2007 and November 2007, 12.0 million convertible notes were exercised. In addition Cresud incremented it’s participation in the Company by adquisitions in the market.

As of June 30, 2008 Cresud owned 38.4% of our common shares

- Donations: For the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007, and 2006, the Company made unconditional promises to give money to two not-for-profit organizations, namely Fundación IRSA and Museo de los Niños, amounting Ps.4.8 million, Ps. 2.5 million and Ps. 4.3 million, respectively. Unconditional promises are paid in the subsequent year. A director and shareholder of the Company is the President of these organizations.

- Lease agreements: Our principal executive offices are located at Bolívar 108, in the City of Buenos Aires. In the past we subleased a portion of our headquarters from Consultores Assets Management S.A. (formerly Dolphin Fund Management) pursuant to two lease agreements dated June 30, 1997. As of November 25, 2003 Dolphin Fund Management S.A has spun off in two companies. One of them is Consultores Assets Management S.A. and the other remains as Dolphin Fund Management S.A. In respect of Consultores Assets Management S.A., Eduardo Elsztain is the owner of 100% of its capital stock. Consultores Assets Management S.A. (formerly Dolphin Fund Management) leased such offices both from Elsztain e Hijos S.C.A., a company controlled by relatives of Eduardo S. Elsztain, our chairman, and also from Hamonet S.A., a company controlled by Fernando A. Elsztain, our director, and certain of his relatives.

 

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IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts in thousands, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

28. Differences between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP (continued)

 

  (e) Disclosure of related parties transactions (continued)

 

These lease and sublease agreements were cancelled on February, 2004 and a new lease agreement was signed by the Company, APSA, Cresud and Isaac Elsztain e Hijos S.C.A. We have leased our headquarters located in Bolivar 108, City of Buenos Aires pursuant to this agreement since March 2014. This lease has a term of 120 months and rent of Ps. 10.3 is payable monthly. The Company, APSA and Cresud each pay one-third of such rent in an amount of Ps. 3.4 each.

- Mutual investment fund: Since 1996, the Company has investments in Dolphin Fund Plc, an open – ended investment fund which is related to the Company’s directors. These investments are carried at market value as of year-end, with unrealized gains reported in earnings within “Financial results, net” in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

The Company recognized net (loss) gains of Ps. (37.8) million; Ps. 46.8 million and Ps. 0.0 million for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006 respectively.

- Corporate services: In order to reduce administrative expenses and to achieve a more efficient allocation of corporate resources, a program for partial operating integration in the areas of Human Resources, Finance, Institutional Relations, Administration, Systems, Insurance, Purchasing, Contracts and Operations, among others, was implemented on June 30, 2003 by the Company, and its subsidiary APSA and Cresud (the “Parties”). This program was implemented to reduce operating costs by optimizing the individual administrative efficiencies of each Party.

On the basis of this program, the Parties entered into the Exchange of Operating Services Agreement on June 30, 2004, a two-year agreement (being renewed for an equal period of time unless any of the Parties decides to terminate it) by which tasks are performed by one or more Parties for the benefit of one or more other Parties in exchange for a fee to be paid primarily through the provision of services in other areas. Through this agreement, each party continues to maintain its strategies and commercial independence, while increasing operating efficiency.

In the ordinary course of business, the Company shares corporate services (finance, human resources, procurement, internal audit, systems, administration, etc.) with APSA and Cresud under an Exchange of Operating Services Agreement entered into by all three companies in 2004 and amended on August 2008. The Company pays a fee, primarily through the provision of services to the other parties.

- Legal services: During the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006, the Company paid the law firm Zang, Bergel & Viñes an aggregate amount of Ps. 3.8 million, Ps. 3.3 million and Ps. 1.9 million, respectively, for legal services. Certain directors or alternative directors of the Company are partners of the law firm and an alternate director of the Company is off counsel of the law firm.

 

  (f) Disclosure about fair value of financial instruments

Under Argentine GAAP, there are no specific rules regarding disclosure of fair value of financial instruments.

Under US GAAP, SFAS No. 105 requires reporting entities to disclose certain information about financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk of accounting loss. SFAS No. 107, “Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments”, requires disclosure of fair value information about financial instruments whether or not recognized in the balance sheet, for which it is practicable to estimate fair value. Financial instruments include such items as to cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivable and other instruments. SFAS No. 107 excludes from its disclosure requirements lease contracts and various significant assets and liabilities that are not considered to be financial instruments. SFAS No. 119 requires reporting entities to disclose certain information for derivative financial instruments. SFAS No. 133 superseded SFAS No. 105 and SFAS No. 119 and amended SFAS No. 107 to include in SFAS No. 107 the disclosure requirements of credit risk concentrations from SFAS No. 105. See Note 28.II. (g) for details of concentration of credit risk.

Fair value estimates are made as of a specific point in time based on the characteristics of the financial instruments and the relevant market information. Quoted market prices are used when available. In other cases, fair values are based on estimates using other valuation techniques, such as discounting estimated future cash flows using a rate commensurate with the risks involved or other acceptable methods. These techniques involve uncertainties and are significantly affected by the assumptions used and the judgments made regarding risk characteristics of various financial instruments, prepayments, discount rates, and estimates of future cash flows, future expected loss

 

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IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts in thousands, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

28. Differences between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP (continued)

 

  (f) Disclosure about fair value of financial instruments (continued)

 

experience, and other factors. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect these estimates. Derived fair value estimates cannot be substantiated by comparison to independent markets and, in many cases, could not be realized in an immediate sale of the instrument. Also, because of differences in methodologies and assumptions used to estimate fair value, the Company’s fair values should not be compared to those of other companies.

Under this statement, fair value estimates are based on existing financial instruments without attempting to estimate the value of anticipated future business and the value of assets and liabilities that are not considered financial instruments. Accordingly, the aggregate fair value amount presented does not represent the underlying value of the Company. For certain assets and liabilities, the information required under this statement is supplemental with additional information relevant to an understanding of the fair value.

The methods and assumptions used to estimate the fair values of each class of financial instruments as of June 30, 2008 and 2007 are as follows:

Cash and cash equivalents

The Company considers all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, consisting of time deposits and mutual funds, to be cash and cash equivalents. The carrying amounts reported in the consolidated balance sheets approximate fair value.

Marketable securities

The fair value of marketable securities is based on quoted market prices for those or similar investments. Marketable securities are carried at fair value on the consolidated balance sheet.

Mortgages and leases receivable, net

The carrying value of mortgages and lease receivables reported in the consolidated balance sheet approximates its estimated fair value. All amounts that are assumed to be uncollectible within a reasonable time are written off and/or reserved.

Retained interest in transferred mortgage, credit card and personal loans receivables

Fair value is estimated by discounting anticipated future cash flows using a discount rate based on specific factors. The anticipated future cash flows are projected on a “cash out” basis to reflect the restriction of cash flows until the investors have been fully paid. As of June 30, 2008 and 2007, the fair value of retained interests in transferred mortgage and credit card receivables totaled Ps. 104.0 million and Ps. 61.6 million, respectively.

Accounts payable

The carrying amounts of accounts and notes payable reported in the consolidated balance sheets approximate their fair value.

Short-term debt

The carrying amounts of short-term debt reported in the consolidated balance sheets approximate fair value due to its short-term nature.

Long-term debt (includes current portion of the non-current item)

As of June 30, 2008 and 2007, except for the Convertible Notes issued by IRSA and Non-Convertible Notes of APSA and IRSA, the carrying amounts of long-term debt reported in the consolidated balance sheets approximate their fair value.

The fair value of APSA Convertible Notes was Ps 616.1 million and Ps. 794.3 million at June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Such fair value was determined based on the market price of the shares assuming full conversion of the notes at year-end.

 

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IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts in thousands, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

28. Differences between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP (continued)

 

  (f) Disclosure about fair value of financial instruments (continued)

 

The fair value of IRSA Convertible Notes was Ps. 325.3 million at June 30, 2007. Such fair value was determined based on the market price of the shares assuming full conversion of the notes at year-end plus the estimated fair value of the warrants that should be issued by the Company upon conversion.

The fair value of IRSA Notes (see Note 10) was Ps. 341.7 million, Ps. 441.8 million at June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively and was determined based on quoted market prices of the notes.

Other receivables and other liabilities

The carrying amounts of other receivables and other liabilities reported in the consolidated balance sheets approximate fair value.

Options and future contracts to purchase foreign currency and metals

The fair value of the futures contracts is based on the estimated amount at which they could be settled based on future market prices. The fair value of future contracts outstanding at June 30, 2008 and 2007 was Ps. 4.6 million and Ps. (0.13) million. Future contracts are reported at their fair market value on the consolidated balance sheet. There were no future contracts in 2006.

Seller financings

The fair value of the seller financings is estimated based on discounted cash flows using rates offered to the Company for debt of the same remaining maturities. The carrying value approximates fair value.

 

  (g) Credit risk

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to a concentration of credit risk consist of cash, cash equivalents, accounts receivable, and short-term investments.

The Company places its cash and cash equivalents, investments, and other financial instruments with various high credit quality financial institutions, thus mitigating the amount of credit exposure to any one institution. The Company has not experienced any significant losses in such accounts.

The Company’s accounts receivable are primarily derived from leases and services from the Company’s shopping center and office buildings customers and origination of consumer loans and credit card receivables. The Company is not dependent on any single customer. Accounts receivable derived from leases and services are related to the Company’s shopping center operations and rental of office buildings. The Company has not experienced any significant losses resulting from non-performance of any counterpart to the lease contracts.

Consumer loan and credit card receivables arise primarily under open-end revolving credit accounts used to finance purchases of goods and services offered by the Company’s shopping centers, hypermarkets and street stores, and financing and lending activities through the Company’s indirect subsidiary Tarshop. These accounts have various billing and payment structures, including varying minimum payment levels and finance charge rates. The Company provides an allowance for uncollectible accounts based on impaired accounts, historical charge-off patterns and management judgment. Due to the current credit crisis and other conditions, some customers experienced delays in payments and also uncollectibility rates increased during the year ended June 30, 2008 and thereafter. As of June 30, 2008, the allowance for doubtful accounts increased Ps. 45.9 million, or 223.2 % as compared to June 30, 2007, which reflects current economic conditions and recent delinquency trends. As of September 30, 2008 the allowance for doubtful accounts increased Ps. 17.2 million, or 25.9% as compared to June 30, 2008, reflecting weakening economic environment affecting consumers and card members delinquencies and charge-offs. The Company is closely monitoring the delays, delinquency and uncollectibility rates.

 

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IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts in thousands, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

28. Differences between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP (continued)

 

  (g) Credit risk (continued)

 

As discussed in Note 16, as of June 30, 2008, the Company sold receivables aggregating Ps. 1,440.2 million through securitization programs outstanding, for which the Company’s credit risk exposure is contractually limited to the subordinated CPs held by the Company representing Ps. 156.8 million and Ps. 19.4 million escrow reserves for losses. As of September 30, 2008, the Company’s credit risk exposure is contractually limited to the subordinated CPs held by the Company representing Ps. 161.2 million and Ps. 17.9 million escrow reserves for losses. Due to the factors mentioned above, the Company has recorded an other-than-temporary impairment charge of Ps. 12.0 million to the CPs to reflect current fair value. For the three months ended September 30, 2008, no additional impairment charge related to the retained interests in securitized receivables was necessary.

 

  (h) Recently issued accounting pronouncements

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157 (“SFAS 157”), “Fair Value Measurements.” This statement defines fair value and establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. The key changes to current practice are (1) the definition of fair value, which focuses on an exit price rather than an entry price; (2) the methods used to measure fair value, such as emphasis that fair value is a market-based measurement, not an entity-specific measurement, as well as the inclusion of an adjustment for risk, restrictions and credit standing and (3) the expanded disclosures about fair value measurements. This statement does not require any new fair value measurements.

SFAS 157 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and interim periods within those fiscal years.

The FASB has issued FASB Staff Position No. FAS 157-2, “Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157” which defers the provisions of SFAS 157 relating to nonfinancial assets and liabilities, except for items that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually), until fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008, and interim periods within those fiscal years.

In October 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. FAS 157-3, “Determining the Fair Value of a Financial Asset When the Market for That Asset is Not Active,” to clarify the provisions of SFAS 157 relating to valuing a financial asset when the market for that asset is not active. This FSP will be effective upon issuance of SFAS 157.

Therefore SFAS 157 will be effective for the Company’s year ended June 30, 2009 as it relates to financial assets and liabilities currently recorded or disclosed at fair value and SFAS 157 will be effective for the Company’s year ended June 30, 2010 as it relates to non financial assets and liabilities.

The Company has not finalized the assessment of SFAS 157 as it relates to the financial assets and liabilities currently recorded or disclosed at fair value, although is not expected to materially affect how the Company determines fair value, but it may result in certain additional disclosures

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159 (“SFAS 159”), “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities.” SFAS 159 expands opportunities to use fair value measurement in financial reporting and permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. SFAS 159 is effective as of the beginning of an entity’s first fiscal year that begins after November 15, 2007. Therefore SFAS 159 will be effective for the Company’s year ended June 30, 2009. The Company has not yet decided whether or not it would elect to measure any of its current eligible financial assets or liabilities at fair value upon adoption.

 

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IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts in thousands, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

28. Differences between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP (continued)

 

  (f) Recently issued accounting pronouncements (continued)

 

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007) (“SFAS 141R”), “Business Combinations.” SFAS 141R expands the original guidance’s definition of a business. It broadens the fair value measurement and recognition to all assets acquired, liabilities assumed and interests transferred as a result of business combinations. SFAS 141R requires expanded disclosures to improve the ability to evaluate the nature and financial effects of business combinations. SFAS 141R is effective for business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008. Therefore SFAS 141R will be effective for the Company for business combinations made on or after July 1, 2009. While the Company has not yet finalized the full evaluation of potential impact of this statement, the Company expects the adoption of SFAS 141R to have a material effect on the accounting for future acquisitions of businesses and properties.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160 (“SFAS 160”), “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements—an amendment of ARB No. 51.” SFAS 160 requires that a noncontrolling interest in an unconsolidated entity be reported as equity and any losses in excess of an unconsolidated entity’s equity interest be recorded to the noncontrolling interest. The statement requires fair value measurement of any noncontrolling equity investment retained in a deconsolidation. SFAS 160 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2008. Therefore SFAS 160 will be effective for the Company’s year ended June 30, 2010 and many provisions will be applied retrospectively. The Company is currently evaluating the impact SFAS 160 will have on the consolidated financial statements.

In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161 (“SFAS 161”), “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities—an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133.” SFAS 161 requires enhanced disclosures about an entity’s derivative and hedging activities. SFAS 161 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008, with early application encouraged, as amended by FASB Staff Position No. FAS 133-1 and FIN 45-4 (see below) on December 31, 2008. Therefore SFAS 161 will be effective for the Company’s year ended June 30, 2010. The Company is currently evaluating the impact SFAS 161 will have to the disclosures included in the consolidated financial statements.

In April 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. FAS 142-3 (“FSP FAS 142-3”), “Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets.” FSP FAS 142-3 amends the factors that should be considered in developing renewal and extension assumptions used to determine the useful life of a recognized intangible asset and the period of expected cash flows used to measure the fair value of assets considered in a business combination. FSP FAS 142-3 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is prohibited. Therefore FSP FAS 142-3 will be effective for the Company’s year ended June 30, 2010. The Company is currently evaluating the impact FSP FAS 142-3 will have on the consolidated financial statements.

In May 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. APB 14-1 (“FSP APB 14-1”), “Accounting for Convertible Debt Instruments That May Be Settled in Cash upon Conversion (Including Partial Cash Settlement).” FSP APB 14-1 will require that the initial debt proceeds from the sale of convertible and exchangeable debt instruments be allocated between a liability component and an equity component in a manner that will reflect the effective nonconvertible borrowing rate. The resulting debt discount would be amortized using the effective interest method over the period the debt is expected to be outstanding as additional interest expense. FSP APB 14-1 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is not permitted. Therefore FSP APB 14-1 will be effective for the Company’s year ended June 30, 2010 and will require retroactive application. The Company is currently evaluating the impact FSP FAS 142-3 will have on the consolidated financial statements.

In May 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 162 (“SFAS 162”), “The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.” SFAS 162 identifies the sources of accounting principles and the framework for selecting the principles to be used in presenting financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States. The Company believes that the adoption of this standard on its effective date will not have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts in thousands, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

28. Differences between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP (continued)

 

  (h) Recently issued accounting pronouncements (continued)

 

In September 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. FAS 133-1 and FIN 45-4 (“FSP FAS 133-1”), “Disclosures about Credit Derivatives and Certain Guarantees: An Amendment of FASB Statement No. 133 and FASB Interpretation No. 45; and Clarification of the Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 161.” FSP FAS 133-1 requires disclosures by sellers of credit derivatives; additional disclosures on current status of payment/performance risk of guarantees and clarified the effective date of SFAS 161. FSP FAS 133-1 is effective for reporting periods (annual or interim) ending after November 15, 2008. Therefore FSP FAS 133-1 will be effective for the Company’s year ended June 30, 2010. The Company is currently evaluating the impact FSP FAS 133-1 will have on the consolidated financial statements.

In June 2008, the Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) of the FASB issued EITF Issue No. 07-5, (“EITF 07-5”) “Determining Whether an Instrument (or Embedded Feature) Is Indexed to an Entity’s Own Stock”. This Issue is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Earlier application by an entity that has previously adopted an alternative accounting policy is not permitted. Therefore, EITF 07-5 will be effective for the Company’s year ended June 30, 2010. The guidance in this Issue shall be applied to outstanding instruments as of the beginning of the fiscal year in which this Issue is initially applied. The cumulative effect of the change in accounting principle shall be recognized as an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings (or other appropriate components of equity or net assets in the statement of financial position) for that fiscal year, presented separately. The cumulative-effect adjustment is the difference between the amounts recognized in the statement of financial position before initial application of this Issue and the amounts recognized in the statement of financial position at initial application of this Issue. The amounts recognized in the statement of financial position as a result of the initial application of this Issue shall be determined based on the amounts that would have been recognized if the guidance in this Issue had been applied from the issuance date of the instrument(s). However, in circumstances in which a previously bifurcated embedded conversion option in a convertible debt instrument no longer meets the bifurcation criteria in Statement 133 at initial application of this Issue, the carrying amount of the liability for the conversion option (that is, its fair value on the date of adoption) shall be reclassified to shareholders’ equity. Any debt discount that was recognized when the conversion option was initially bifurcated from the convertible debt instrument shall continue to be amortized. Paragraphs 12 and 13 of this Issue shall not result in a transition adjustment at the effective date because that guidance is consistent with guidance previously contained in Issue 01-6, which is nullified by this Issue. The transition disclosures in paragraphs 17 and 18 of Statement 154 shall be provided. The Company is currently evaluating the impact EITF 07-5 will have on the consolidated financial statements.

In November 2007, the EITF issued EITF Issue No. 07-6, (“EITF 07-6”) “Accounting for the Sale of Real Estate Subject to the Requirements of FASB Statement No. 66, When the Agreement Includes a Buy-Sell Clause”. This Issue is effective for new arrangements entered into and assessments performed in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2007, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Earlier application is not permitted. Therefore EITF 07-6 will be effective for the Company’s year ended June 30, 2009. For purposes of the transition guidance, assessments are any assessment performed pursuant to Statement 66 after the effective date of this Issue for arrangements accounted for under the deposit, profit-sharing, leasing, or financing methods for reasons other than the existence of a buy-sell clause. The Company is currently evaluating the impact EITF 07-6 will have on the consolidated financial statements.

In September 2008, the FASB issued for comment revisions to SFAS No. 140 (“SFAS 140”) “Transfers of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities” and FASB Interpretation No. 46, as revised (“FIN 46R”), “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities.” The changes proposed include a removal of the scope exemption from FIN 46R for QSPEs, a revision of the current risks and rewards-based FIN 46R consolidation model to a qualitative model based on control and a requirement that consolidation of VIEs be reevaluated on an ongoing basis. Although the revised standards have not yet been finalized, these changes may have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements as the Company may be required to consolidate QSPEs to which the Company has previously sold assets. In addition, the Company may also be required to consolidate other VIEs that are not currently consolidated based an analysis under the current FIN 46R consolidation model. The proposed revisions would be effective for fiscal years that begin after November 15, 2009.

 

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Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts in thousands, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

28. Differences between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP (continued)

 

  (i) Earnings per share

As described in Note 3.y., under Argentine GAAP the Company is required to disclose earnings per share information in accordance with RT 18 for all periods presented. Note 18 to the consolidated financial statements disclose the computation of basic and diluted net income per common share under Argentine GAAP. Guidance set forth in RT 18 is similar to the basic principles set forth in SFAS No. 128 “Earnings per Share” (SFAS No.128) although certain differences exist.

Under US GAAP, basic and diluted earnings per share are presented in conformity with SFAS No. 128.

Under Argentine GAAP, the Company has considered the dilutive effects of outstanding warrants using the if converted method, as applicable. As of the year ended June 30, 2008 the Company does not have any convertible instruments and/or warrants outstanding. Under US GAAP, dilutive options or warrants that are issued during a period or that expire or are cancelled during a period must be included in the weighted average number of shares outstanding for purposes of computing diluted EPS for the period that they were outstanding. Additionally, dilutive options or warrants exercised during the period must be included in the weighted average number of shares outstanding for purposes of computing diluted EPS for the period prior to actual exercise. Thereafter, the shares issued will be included in the weighted average calculation of shares outstanding used for both basic and diluted EPS. Under US GAAP, the Company applied the treasury-stock method as required by US GAAP. Using the treasury-stock method, the weighted-average number of potential common stock would have been 21,195 shares, 95,918 shares and 139,100, for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Diluted net income per common share under Argentine GAAP for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006 using the treasury-stock method, would have been Ps. 0.22, Ps. 0.23 and Ps. 0.24, respectively.

The following tables set forth the computation of basic and diluted net income per common share under US GAAP for all periods presented:

 

     Year ended June 30,  
   2008     2007     2006  

Numerator:

      

Net income available to common shareholders

   Ps. 122,116     Ps. 103,222     Ps. 89,946  

Plus (less): income (loss) impact of assumed conversions:

      

Interest expense on convertible debt

     1,214       8,213       19,170  

Foreign currency exchange gain on convertible debt

     11       46       10,257  

Income tax effects

     (163 )     (716 )     (2,366 )
                        

Net income available to common shareholders plus assumed conversions

   Ps. 123,178     Ps. 110,765     Ps. 117,007  
                        

Denominator:

      

Weighted-average number of shares outstanding

   Ps. 549,277     Ps. 444,904     Ps. 379,506  

Plus: incremental shares of assumed conversions:

      

Warrants (i)

     13,527       49,317       46,985  

Convertible Notes

     7,668       46,601       92,115  
                        

Adjusted weighted-average number of shares

   Ps. 570,472     Ps. 540,822     Ps. 518,606  
                        

Earnings per share under US GAAP:

      

Basic net income per common share

   Ps. 0.222     Ps. 0.23     Ps. 0.24  

Diluted net income per common share

   Ps. 0.216     Ps. 0.20     Ps. 0.23  

 

(i) Potential common shares related to the warrants have been calculated using the treasury-stock method as required by US GAAP.

 

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IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts in thousands, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

28. Differences between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP (continued)

 

  (j) Risks and uncertainties

The Company is subject to certain business risks arising in connection with its operations which include, among others:

Risks associated with Argentine operations. A substantial part of the Company’s operations and properties are located in Argentina. As a result, the Company financial condition and results of operations depend to a significant extent on macroeconomic and political conditions prevailing in Argentina.

Risks associated with office and other buildings leases: The Company’s lease revenues from its real estate operations may be adversely affected by (i) local or national economic conditions in the areas in which the properties are located, (ii) oversupply of office space or a reduction in demand for such space, (iii) increased competition from other real estate operators, (iv) changes in the ability of the Company or the tenants to provide for adequate maintenance and/or insurance, (v) increases in operating expenses, (vi) adverse changes in the regional or national economy, (vii) the bankruptcy or insolvency of, or a downturn in the business of, any of its major tenants, and/or (vii) the possibility that such tenants will not renew their leases as they expire. Unfavorable economic conditions could also result in the inability of tenants in certain sectors to meet their lease obligations and otherwise could adversely affect the Company’s ability to attract and retain desirable tenants.

Risks associated with development properties activities: Include (i) the potential abandonment of development opportunities; (ii) construction costs may exceed the Company’s original estimates, possibly making a project uneconomical; (iii) occupancy rates and rents at a newly completed project may be insufficient to make the project profitable; (iv) the Company’s inability to obtain financing on favorable terms for the development of the project; (v) construction and lease-up may not be completed on schedule, resulting in increased debt service expense and construction costs; and (vi) the Company’s inability to obtain, or the delays in obtaining, all necessary zoning, land-use, building, occupancy and other required governmental permits and authorizations; (vii) preconstruction buyers may default on their purchase contracts or units in new buildings may remain unsold upon completion of constructions. (viii) sales prices for residential units may be insufficient to cover development cost.

Risks associated with the hotel industry. The success of the Company’s operated hotels will depend, in large part, upon the Company’s ability to compete in areas such as access, location, quality of accommodations, room rate structure, quality and scope of food and beverage facilities and other services and amenities. The Company’s hotels may face additional competition if other companies decide to build new hotels or improve their existing hotels such that they are more attractive to potential guests. In addition, the profitability of the Company’s hotels depends on (i) the Company’s ability to form successful relationships with international operators to run the hotels; (ii) changes in travel patterns, including seasonal changes; and (iii) taxes and governmental regulations which influence or determine wages, prices, interest rates, construction procedures and costs.

Shopping center operating risks: The development, administration and profitability of shopping centers are impacted by various factors including: the accessibility and the attractiveness of the area where the shopping center is located, the intrinsic attractiveness of the shopping center, the flow of people and the level of sales of each shopping center rental unit, increasing competition from internet sales, the amount of rent collected from each shopping center rental unit and the fluctuations in occupancy levels in the shopping centers. In the event that there is an increase in operational costs, caused by inflation or other factors, it could have a material adverse effect on the Company if its tenants are unable to pay their higher rent obligations due to the increase in expenses.

Since May 28, 1997, Law No. 24,808 provides that tenants may rescind commercial lease agreements after the initial six months upon not less than sixty days written notice, subject to penalties of only one-and-a-half months rent if the tenant rescinds during the first year of the lease, and one-month rent if the tenant rescinds after the first year of the lease. The exercise of such rescission rights could materially and adversely affect the Company.

The Company’s property is currently and will continue to be subject to risks incident to the ownership and operation of commercial real estate and residential development properties. The Company’s lease sales from its real estate operations may be adversely affected by (i) local or national economic conditions in the areas in which the properties are located; (ii) oversupply of retail space or a reduction in demand for retail space; (iii) increased competition from other real estate operators; (iv) changes in the ability of the Company or the tenants to provide for adequate maintenance and/or insurance; (v) increases in operating expenses; and/or (vi) adverse changes in the regional or national economy. Other risks include the

 

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Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts in thousands, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

28. Differences between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP (continued)

 

  (j) Risks and uncertainties (continued)

 

inability to collect rent due to bankruptcy or insolvency of tenants or otherwise, the need to periodically renovate, repair and release space and the costs thereof and the ability of a tenant to provide adequate maintenance and insurance. In addition, the failure to sell the property to be constructed (General Paz Project, Caballito Project, Coto Residential Project and Rosario Project), could have a material adverse effect on the Company.

An economic downturn in the areas in which the shopping centers are located might adversely affect the Company’s sales (through bankruptcy of tenants and reduction in the shopping center sales due to lower variable income). Increases in operating costs due to inflation and other factors may result in some tenants being unable or unwilling to pay rent or expense increases. In addition, the Company has several tenants occupying space in more than one shopping center and, as a result, if any of such tenants should experience financial difficulties and cease paying rent, the Company’s operating results could be adversely affected. Furthermore, as leases on properties expire, the Company may be unable to find new tenants or tenants may enter into new leases on terms that are less favorable to the Company. The failure to lease such properties could have a material adverse effect on the Company.

Credit card operating risks: Credit card operations are subject to federal legislation and regulation. From time to time, such legislation, as well as competitive conditions, may affect, among other things, credit card finance charges. While the Company cannot predict the effect of future competitive conditions and legislation or the measures the Company might take in response thereto, a significant reduction in the finance charges imposed by Tarshop would have an adverse effect on the Company. In addition, adverse changes in general Argentine economic conditions, including, but not limited to changes in regulations affecting capital market access, market volatility, higher interest rates and increases in delinquencies, charge-offs and personal bankruptcies have a negative effect on the Company.

 

  (k) Summarized financial information of unconsolidated equity investees

Equity investments in unconsolidated affiliated companies where the Company exercises significant influence, generally representing between 20% and 50% of the capital stock in such companies, have been accounted for under the equity method.

The Company’s share of the income of these affiliates was Ps, 13.2 loss in 2008, Ps. 40.0 million gain in 2007 and Ps. 41.7 million gain in 2006, and its investment in these companies totaled Ps. 318.2 million and Ps. 306.9 million at June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

Summarized financial information in accordance with Central Bank’s policies which prescribe the reporting and disclosure requirements for banks and financial institutions in Argentina (“Argentine Banking GAAP”) of BHSA a significant equity investee (on a 100% basis) is as follows:

 

     As of and for the year ended June 30,  
     2008     2007  

Current assets

   Ps. (i )   Ps. (i )

Non-current assets

     (i )     (i )
                

Total assets

     10,572,332       10,167,649  

Current liabilities

     (i )     (i )

Non-current liabilities

     (i )     (i )
                

Total liabilities

     7,887,223       7,423,415  

Minority interest

     33,375       32,938  

Shareholders’ equity

   Ps. 2,651,734     Ps. 2,711,296  

 

     For the year ended June 30,
   2008     2007    2006

Revenues

   Ps. 696,591     Ps. 882,220    Ps. 733,803

Gross profit

     145,898       507,554      321,619

Net income

   Ps. (59,562 )   Ps. 357,891    Ps. 309,078

 

(i) Balance sheets of banking entities are unclassified.

 

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IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts in thousands, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

28. Differences between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP (continued)

 

  (l) Severance indemnities

Under Argentine law and labor agreements, the Company is required to make minimum severance payments to its dismissed employees without cause and employees leaving its employment in certain other circumstances. Under Argentine GAAP, severance payments are expensed as incurred. Under US GAAP, the Company follows the guidelines established by SFAS No. 112, “Employers’ Accounting for Post-employment Benefits”, and SFAS No. 43, “Accounting for Compensated Absences”, which requires the accrual of severance costs if they relate to services already rendered, are related to rights that accumulate or vest, are probable of payment and are reasonably estimable. While the Company expects to make severance payments in the future, it is impossible to estimate the number of employees that will be dismissed without proper cause in the future, if any, and accordingly the Company has not recorded such liability.

 

  (m) Statements of cash flows classification differences

The statements of cash flows presented in the primary financial statements are prepared based on Argentine GAAP amounts.

Under Argentine GAAP, the Company considers all short-term, highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash and with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Under Argentine GAAP, mutual funds are considered to be cash equivalents since original maturity is determined by reference to the frequency with which liquidity is available according to current Argentine GAAP guidance and practice. However, under SFAS No. 95 “Statement of Cash Flows”, the original maturity is determined by reference to the stated term of the security or the timeframe for exercising any put features to the issuer, not by reference to the frequency with which liquidity may be available through an auction, a put feature to a third party, or otherwise.

Therefore, for US GAAP purposes, certain mutual funds are not considered to be cash equivalents. As a result, differences exist between the total amount of the increase or decrease in cash and cash equivalents reported in the primary financial statements and the same totals that would be reported in a statement of cash flows prepared following SFAS 95 provisions.

The following tables set forth the amounts of cash and cash equivalents at the beginning and end of each year and corresponding increases and/or decreases that would be reported in a statement of cash flow following SFAS 95 provisions:

 

     For the year ended June 30,
     2008    2007    2006

Cash and cash equivalents under US GAAP as of the beginning of the year

   Ps. 270,416    Ps. 163,940    Ps. 142,589

Cash and cash equivalents under US GAAP as of year-end

     384,553      270,416      163,940
                    

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents under US GAAP

   Ps. 114,137    Ps. 106,476    Ps. 21,351
                    

Differences exist between cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities reported in the primary financial statements and the cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities that would be reported under SFAS No. 95. Due to the difference in the definition of cash and cash equivalents, cash flows from purchasing and selling of mutual funds would be reported as cash flows from investing activities following SFAS 95 provisions.

In addition, under Argentine GAAP the effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents were not disclosed by presenting a fourth cash flow statement category as required by US GAAP.

The following tables set forth the condensed statements of cash flows prepared in accordance with US GAAP:

 

     For the year ended June 30,  
     2008     2007     2006  

Net cash provided by operating activities

   Ps. 362,711     Ps. 111,936     Ps. 192,589  

Net cash used in investing activities

     (833,536 )     (470,318 )     (128,687 )

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     149,145       900,907       (36,767 )

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

     2,161       2,058       (5,784 )
                        

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

   Ps. (319,519 )   Ps. 544,583     Ps. 21,351  
                        

 

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Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts in thousands, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

28. Differences between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP (continued)

 

  (m) Statements of cash flows classification differences (continued)

 

Additionally, under Argentine GAAP, the Company consolidates the accounts of Metroshop S.A., CYRSA and Canteras Natal Crespo S.A. on a pro rata basis. Under US GAAP, proportionate consolidation is not appropriate since the Company does not exercise control over this investment. As a result, differences exist between the amount of cash and cash equivalents reported in the primary financial statements and the amount of cash and cash equivalents that would be reported in a statement of cash flows prepared under US GAAP using Argentine GAAP numbers. For this reason, cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities would be different in a statement of cash flows prepared under US GAAP using Argentine GAAP since each line item would exclude the pro rata equity interest of the accounts of Metroshop S.A., CYRSA and Canteras Natal Crespo S.A.

 

  (n) Comprehensive income

On July 1, 1998, the Company adopted SFAS No. 130, “Reporting Comprehensive Income”. SFAS No. 130 establishes guidelines for the reporting and display of comprehensive income and its components in a full set of general-purpose financial statements. Comprehensive income represents the change in shareholder’s equity of the Company during the period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources. It includes all changes in equity during a period except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners. The adoption of SFAS No. 130 had no impact on total shareholders’ equity. The following table summarizes the components of comprehensive income for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006.

 

     Year ended June 30,
     2008     2007     2006

Net income under US GAAP

   Ps. 122,116     Ps. 103,222     Ps. 89,946

Other comprehensive income:

      

Unrealized (loss) gain on available-for-sale-securities (i)

     (27,792 )     30,945       4,042

Unrealized (loss) gain on retained interest in transferred mortgage and credit card receivables (ii)

     (1,830 )     (174 )     1,043

Unrealized (loss) gain on available-for-sale-securities of equity investees

     (32,958 )     16,286       3,544
                      

Comprehensive income

   Ps. 59,536       Ps.150,279     Ps. 98,575
                      

 

(i) Net of minority interest and income taxes of Ps. 1,611 and Ps. 15,833, respectively, for 2008, Ps. (973) and Ps. (17,187), respectively, for 2007 and Ps. 29 and Ps. 2,192, respectively, for 2006.
(ii) Net of minority interest and income taxes of Ps. 3,676 and Ps. 2,964, respectively, for 2008, Ps.(557) and Ps. (206), respectively, for 2007 and Ps. (1,739) and Ps. (1,498), respectively for 2006.

Accumulated non-owner changes in equity (accumulated other comprehensive income) for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006 were as follows:

 

     2008    2007    2006

Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities

   Ps.19,819    Ps.47,611    Ps.16,666

Unrealized gain on retained interest in transferred mortgage and credit card receivables

   —      1,830    2,004

Unrealized gain on available-for-sale-securities on equity investees

   13,344    46,302    30,016
              

Accumulated other comprehensive income

   Ps.33,163    Ps.95,743    Ps.48,686
              

 

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Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts in thousands, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

28. Differences between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP (continued)

 

  (o) Pro-rata consolidation of Canteras Natal Crespo S.A, Metroshop S.A. and CYRSA

As discussed in footnote (v) of Note 2.b. under Argentine GAAP the Company consolidates the accounts of Natal Crespo S.A. and CYRSA on a pro-rata basis and also, APSA consolidates Metroshop S.A. on a pro-rata basis. Under US GAAP consolidation is not appropriate since the Company does not exercise control over these subsidiaries.

Presented below is the consolidated condensed information of the Company at June 30, 2008 and 2007 considering Natal Crespo S.A., CYRSA (only for June 30, 2008) and Metroshop S.A. as an equity investee:

 

     As of and for the year ended June 30, 2008
     As reported    Eliminations of
Metroshop S.A,

CYRSA and
Natal Crespo S.A.
accounts
    Inclusion of
Metroshop S.A,
CYRSA and
Natal Crespo S.A. as
an equity investee
    As adjusted

Current assets

   Ps. 893,842    Ps. 7,314     Ps. —       Ps. 901,156

Non-current assets

     3,578,130      (107,930 )     28,204       3,498,404
                             

Total assets

     4,471,972      (100,616 )     28,204       4,399,560

Current liabilities

     742,267      (12,000 )     —         730,267

Non-current liabilities

     1,348,812      (60,412 )     —         1,288,400
                             

Total liabilities

     2,091,079      (72,412 )     —         2,018,667

Minority interest

     456,715      (3,829 )     3,829-       456,715

Shareholders’ equity

     1,924,178      (24,375 )     24,375       1,924,178

Revenues

     1,084,242      (21,965 )     —         1,062,277

Gross profit

     594,581      (11,066 )     —         583,515

Net income

   Ps. 54,875    Ps. 3,742     Ps. (3,742 )   Ps. 54,875
     As of and for the year ended June 30, 2007
     As reported    Eliminations of
Metroshop S.A. and
Natal Crespo S.A.
accounts
    Inclusion of
Metroshop S.A. and
Natal Crespo S.A. as
an equity investee
    As adjusted

Current assets

   Ps. 1,175,790    Ps. 2,185     Ps. —       Ps. 1,177,975

Non-current assets

     2,969,109      (6,950 )     3,133       2,965,292
                             

Total assets

     4,144,899      (4,765 )     3,133       4,143,267

Current liabilities

     652,082      (1,632 )     —         650,450

Non-current liabilities

     1,395,693      —         —         1,395,693
                             

Total liabilities

     2,047,775      (1,632 )     —         2,046,143

Minority interest

     450,410      —         —         450,410

Shareholders’ equity

     1,646,714      —         —         1,646,714

Revenues

     738,756      (5,620 )     —         733,136

Gross profit

     427,109      (3,606 )     —         423,503

Net income

   Ps. 107,097    Ps. —       Ps. —       Ps. 107,097

 

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Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts in thousands, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

28. Differences between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP (continued)

 

  (p) Business combinations

1)     Fair values of assets and liabilities acquired

The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition for each transaction (in millions):

 

     Museo
Renault
   Bank Boston     Mendoza Plaza
Shopping
 

Working capital

   0.0    0.0     1.2  

Goodwill

   3.5    6.5     0.0  

Fixed assets

   5.0    167.8     4.4  

In place leases

   0.2    5.8     1.3  

Below market leases

   0.0    (9.8 )   (0.3 )

Deferred income tax

   1.9    3.5     2.5  
                 

Net assets acquired

   10.6    173.8     9.1  
                 

2)     Acquisition of Museo Renault, Bank Boston and Mendoza Plaza Shopping S.A.

The following schedule presents 2008 and 2007 supplemental unaudited pro forma information as if the transactions of Museo Renault, Bank Boston and Mendoza Plaza Shopping S.A. had occurred on July 1, 2006. The unaudited pro forma information is presented based on information available, is intended for informational purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of and does not purport to represent what the Company’s future financial condition or operating results will be after giving effect to the transactions and does not reflect actions that may be undertaken by management in integrating this business. In addition, this information does not reflect financial and operating benefits the Company expects to realize as a result of the transactions.

The following table summarizes the unaudited pro forma income statement information of the Company for the fiscal years ended 2008 and 2007:

 

     Year ended June 30,
   2008    2007

Revenues

   Ps. 1,086,222    Ps. 756,831

Net income

   Ps. 57,880      118,869

Earning per share under Argentine GAAP

   Ps. 0.11      0.27

 

  q) Condensed balance sheet information on equity investees

The Company used the equity method of accounting for its investments over which the Company exercises significant influence. As such, these investments were recorded at the amount of the underlying equity in their net assets and adjusted to recognize the Company’s share of the undistributed earnings or losses. The Company had a 50% ownership interest in E-commerce Latina S.A as of June 30, 2006. In January 2007, the Company acquired the remaining 50% in E-commerce Latina S.A. The Company gained control of E-commerce Latina S.A. through this acquisition and accordingly the results of operations of E-commerce Latina S.A. were fully consolidated as from the date. The Company’s share of the losses of this company was Ps. 0.7 million during the year ended June 30, 2006, and its investment in this company totaled 0.1 million as of that date. Summarized financial information of this affiliate (on a 100% basis) was as follows:

 

     For the year ended
June 30,
 
     2006  

Revenues

   Ps. 5,593  

Operating loss

   Ps. (1,299 )

Net loss

   Ps. (1,358 )

As of June 30, 2006 accumulated losses of E-Commerce Latina totaled Ps. 1.4 million. On February 6, 2006 the Extraordinary Shareholders’ Meeting approved a capital increase for the amount of Ps. 22.0 million through the capitalization of additional paid-in-capital. The Company issued 22,010,575 nominative common stock of Ps. 1 nominal value each and 1 vote per share. As a result, the capital stock increased to Ps. 22.0 million.

 

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Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts in thousands, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

28. Differences between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP (continued)

 

  (r) Investments in real estate and accumulated depreciation

The following is a summary of the Company’s investments in real estate as of June 30, 2008 prepared in accordance with SEC Regulation S-X 12-28.

 

Description

  Land   Buildings
and
improvement
  Impairment     Improvements   Total buildings
and
improvements
  Total   Accumulated
depreciation
  Net carrying value
as of June 30
 

Date of construction

 

Date acquired

  Life on which
depreciation

in latest income
statements

is computed

Alto Palermo Park

  474   187   —       9   196   670   119   551   June 1996   November 1997   23

Alto Palermo Plaza

  1   —     —       —     —     1   —     1  

December 1996- March 1997 and

September 1997

  November 1997   50

Av. de Mayo 595

  679   6,659   —       —     6,659   7,338   2,381   4,957   July 1992   March 1992   19

Av. Madero 942

  651   2,626   —       —     2,626   3,277   992   2,285   N/A   July 1994- August 1994   10

Bouchard 551

  84,945   75,712   —       —     75,712   160,657   5,431   155,226     March, 2007  

Bouchard 710

  39,466   32,994   —       —     32,994   72,460   5,155   67,305     May, 2005   28

Constitución 1111

  256   1,081   —       —     1,081   1,337   354   983  

September 1994-

March 1995

  June 1994 – January 1994   18

Constitución 1159

  7,966   796   (4,662 )   —     796   4,100   —     4,100       50

Costeros Dique IV

  4,260   19,077   —       —     19,077   23,337   3,050   20,287   N/A   June 2001   28

Dique II Edificio A y B “Edificios Cruceros”

  2,967   18,217   —       —     18,217   21,184   3,262   17,922   September 1998   March 1997   28

Dock del Plata

  14,020   12,924   —       —     12,924   26,944   1,290   25,654   N/A   November, 2006  

Hotel Intercontinental

  8,672   47,666   —       —     47,666   56,338   6,764   49,574      

Hotel Libertador

  3,027   65,084   —       6,970   72,054   75,081   38,115   36,966  

October 1973-

November 1990-

December 1997

  March 1998   16

Hotel Llao Llao

  24,973   64,262   —       30,676   94,938   119,911   10,790   109,121       15

Intercontinental Plaza

  8,671   89,289   —       344   89,633   98,304   7,778   90,526   June 1996   November 1997   24

Laminar Plaza

  6,723   26,790   —       —     26,790   33,513   5,171   28,342   N/A   March 1999   27

Libertador 498

  10,228   40,922   —       —     40,922   51,150   11,518   39,632   N/A   December 1995   22

Libertador 602

  698   2,787   —       —     2,787   3,485   753   2,732   N/A   May 1996   22

Store Cruceros

  59   234   —       —     234   293   16   277       50

Madero 1020

  187   787   —       —     787   974   278   696   N/A   December 1995   10

Maipú 1300

  10,293   42,339   —       61   42,400   52,693   11,664   41,029   N/A   September 1995   23

Reconquista 823

  4,943   19,813   —       8   19,821   24,764   6,319   18,445   June 1995   November 1993   22

Rivadavia 2768

  76   258   —       —     258   334   65   269   N/A     10

Santa María del Plata

  12,494   —     —       —     —     12,494   —     12,494   N/A    

Sarmiento 517

  96   389   (67 )   —     389   418   55   363   March 1995  

December 1994-

August 1994-

July 1994

  19

Suipacha 652

  2,547   14,463   —       —     14,463   17,010   5,170   11,840   April-June 1994   November 1991   22

 

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Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts in thousands, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

28. Differences between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP (continued)

 

Della Paolera 265

    89,626     78,418   —         —         78,418     168,044     2,581     165,463   N/A   August 2007    30

Museo Renault

    3,010     2,055   —         —         2,055     5,065     95     4,970   N/A   December 2008   

Edificio República

    111,536     118,374   —         —         118,374     229,910     1,143     228,767   N/A   May 2008   

Obras en Curso Dique IV

    —       9,684   —         26,703       36,387     36,387     —       36,387   Under Construction     

Shopping Abasto

    9,752     251,153   —         2,167       253,320     263,072     82,100     180,972   November 1998   N/A    31

Shopping Alto Palermo

    8,694     398,583   —         22,467       421,050     429,744     251,122     178,622   October 1990  

November 1997-

March 1998

   26

Shopping Alto Avellaneda

    18,089     159,901   —         16,882       176,783     194,872     98,601     96,271   October 1995  

November 1997-

December 1997

   19

Shopping Paseo Alcorta

    8,006     104,142   —         11,879       116,021     124,027     51,883     72,144   June 1992   June 1997    25

Alto Noa

    357     42,951   —         82       43,033     43,390     18,351     25,039   September 1994  

March 1995-September

1996- January 2000

   22

Buenos Aires Design

    —       49,020   —         9       49,029     49,029     35,412     13,617   November 1993- December 1993   November 1997    20

Patio Bullrich

    8,419     152,332   —         5,277       157,609     166,028     64,737     101,291   September 1988   October 1998    23

Alto Rosario

    25,686     64,267   —         156       64,423     90,109     8,479     81,630   November 2004   N/A    29

Mendoza Plaza Shopping

    15,193     101,191   —         3,115       104,306     119,499     31,136     88,363   June 1994   December 2004    22

Neuquén Project

    3,314     8,988   —         610       9,598     12,912     —       12,912   Under construction   September 1999    N/A

Panamerican Mall

    123,568     44,038   —         115,755       159,793     283,361     —       283,361   Under construction   November, 2006    N/A

Córdoba Shopping - Villa Cabrera -

    5,009     88,388   —         1,267       89,655     94,664     22,200     72,464   March, 1990   December, 2006    16

Other

    1,830     12,181   (245 )     (7 )     12,174     13,759     5,480     8,279   N/A   N/A    N/A
                                                        

Total

  Ps. 681,461   Ps. 2,271,022   Ps.(4,974 )   Ps. 244,430     Ps. 2,515,452   Ps. 3,191,939   Ps. 799,810   Ps. 2,392,129       
                                                        

 

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Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts in thousands, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

28. Differences between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP (continued)

 

  (r) Investments in real estate and accumulated depreciation (continued)

 

     Year ended June 30,  
   2008     2007    2006  

Balance, beginning of the year

   Ps.  2,625,519     Ps.  1,976,105    Ps.  1,945,452  

Additions during the year:

       

Acquisition

     403,019       —        —    

Improvements

     230,958       566,309      18,138  

Recovery of impairment

     2,639       2,466      5,800  

Transfers from work-in-progress leasehold improvements

     20,026       

Transfers from undeveloped parcels of land

     —         66,958      12,165  

Transfers from real estate inventory

     —         1,521      293  

Transfers from other receivables

     —         12,160      —    
                       
     3,282,161       2,625,519      1,981,848  
                       

Deductions during the year:

       

Transfers to real estate inventory

     —         —        (1,776 )

Transfers to intangible assets

     —         —        —    

Transfers to undeveloped parcels of land

     —         —        (2,690 )

Sales

     (90,222 )     —        (1,277 )
                       
     (90,222 )     —        (5,743 )
                       

Balance, end of the year

   Ps. 3,191,939     Ps. 2,625,519    Ps. 1,976,105  
                       

 

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Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts in thousands, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

28. Differences between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP (continued)

 

  (s) Mortgage loans on real estate

Prepared in accordance with SEC Regulation S-X 12-29

 

Col. A.

   Col. B.     Col. C.    Col. D.    Col. E.    Col. F.    Col. G.    Col. H.

Description

   Interest
Rate
    Final maturity date    Periodic payment
term
   Prior liens    Face amount
of mortgages
   Carrying
amount of
mortgages
   Principal amount of
loans subject to
delinquent principal

or interest

Customer A

   14 %   June 2014    Monthly    None    Ps. 128    Ps. 68    None

Customer B

   14 %   May 2014    Monthly    None      77      158    None

Customer C

   12 %   April 2015    Monthly    None      73      39    None

Customer D

   14 %   July 2009    Monthly    None      60      187    None

Customer E

   14 %   April 2014    Monthly    None      58      38    None

Customer F

   12 %   April 2015    Monthly    None      53      52    None

Customer G

   14 %   February 2014    Monthly    None      50      83    None

Customer H

   16 %   September 2009    Monthly    None      20      60    None

Customer I

   9 %   November 2008    Monthly    None      472      73    None

Customer J

   10 %   October 2008    Monthly    None      1006      164    None

Customer K

   12 %   November 2012    Monthly    None      361      328    None

Mortgage receivables Ps. 30,000-Ps. 49,999

   14-17 %   September 2007 –
September 2009-
January 2011
   Monthly    None      76      15    None

Mortgage receivables Ps. 50,000-Ps.69,999

   14-16 %   May 2009 –

July 2014

   Monthly    None      169      50    None

Mortgage receivables Ps. 70,000-Ps.89,999

   14-16 %   June 2009-

December 2014

   Monthly    None      146      28    None
                           
              Ps. 2,749    Ps. 1,343   
                           

 

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Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts in thousands, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

28. Differences between Argentine GAAP and US GAAP (continued)

 

  (s) Mortgage loans on real estate (continued)

 

The summary of activity in mortgage receivables is as follows:

 

     Year ended June 30,  
     2008     2007     2006  

Balance, beginning of year

   Ps. 1,749     Ps. 2,033     Ps. 1,373  

Additions during the year:

      

New mortgage loans

     328       163       1,005  

Deductions during the year:

      

Collections of principal

     (734 )     (447 )     (345 )
                        

Balance, end of year

   Ps. 1,343     Ps. 1,749     Ps. 2,033  
                        

 

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Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts in thousands, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

29. Other financial statement information

The following tables present additional financial statement disclosures required under Argentine GAAP:

a. Fixed assets, net

b. Intangible assets, net

c. Allowances and provisions

d. Cost of sales, leases and services

e. Foreign currency assets and liabilities

f. Other expenses

 

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Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts in thousands, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

29. Other financial statement information (continued)

 

  a. Fixed assets

 

     Original value    Depreciation         Net carrying value as of June 30,
                               Current year                         

Principal account

   Value as of
beginning
of year
   Additions and
transfers
   Deductions and
transfers
    Value as of
end of
year
   Accumulated as of
beginning of year
   Increases /
(decreases)
and transfers
    Amount (i)    Accumulated as
of end of year
   Impairment    2008    2007    2006

Facilities

   Ps. 95,502    Ps. 9,285    Ps. (1 )   Ps. 104,786    Ps. 68,835    Ps. —       Ps. 5,966    Ps. 74,801    Ps. —      Ps. 29,985    Ps. 26,667    Ps. 26,819

Furniture and fixtures

     58,207      8,302      (10 )     66,499      47,610      —         3,792      51,402      —        15,097      10,597      8,387

Machinery and equipment

     5,982      971      (37 )     6,916      5,634      (37 )     890      6,487      —        429      348      451

Computer equipment

     54,779      2,795      (27 )     57,547      42,862      —         5,632      48,494      —        9,053      11,917      8,572

Vehicles

     1,050      25      —         1,075      751      —         119      870      —        205      299      314

Leasehold improvements

     18,145      1,497      (668 )     18,974      14,837      (278 )     1,679      16,238      —        2,736      3,308      4,724

Advances to suppliers

     40,232      25,976      (5,088 )     61,120      14      —         —        14      —        61,106      40,218      2,614

Properties:

                                 

Alsina 934

     —        —        —         —        —        —         —        —        —           —        —  

Alto Palermo Park

     661      9      —         670      101      —         18      119      —        551      560      519

Av. de Mayo 595

     7,338      —        —         7,338      2,147      —         234      2,381      —        4,957      5,134      4,630

Av. Madero 942

     3,277      —        —         3,277      809      —         183      992      —        2,285      2,468      2,651

Bouchard 551

     244,548      —        (83,891 )     160,657      2,649      (2,272 )     5,054      5,431      —        155,226      241,899      —  

Bouchard 710

     72,460      —        —         72,460      4,070      —         1,085      5,155      —        67,305      68,390      70,786

Constitución 1111

     1,337      —        —         1,337      311      —         43      354      —        983      777      760

Constitución 1159

     8,762      —        —         8,762      —        —         —        —        4,662      4,100      2,050      2,000

Costeros Dique IV

     23,337      —        —         23,337      2,462      —         588      3,050      —        20,287      20,875      21,463

Dique II Edificio A y B “Edificios Cruceros”

     21,184      —        —         21,184      2,713      —         549      3,262      —        17,922      18,471      19,020

Dock del Plata

     26,944      —        —         26,944      750      —         540      1,290      —        25,654      26,194      —  

Hotel Intercontinental

     56,338      —        —         56,338      4,941      —         1,823      6,764      —        49,574      51,397      44,772

Hotel Libertador

     68,111      6,970      —         75,081      35,150      —         2,965      38,115      —        36,966      32,961      30,741

Hotel Llao Llao

     89,235      35,094      (4,418 )     119,911      8,702      —         2,088      10,790      —        109,121      80,533      38,212

Intercontinental Plaza

     97,960      344      —         98,304      2,968      —         4,810      7,778      —        90,526      94,992      66,277

Laminar Plaza

     33,513      —        —         33,513      4,326      —         845      5,171      —        28,342      29,187      30,032

Libertador 498

     51,150      —        —         51,150      10,089      —         1,429      11,518      —        39,632      41,061      42,490

Libertador 602

     3,485      —        —         3,485      654      —         99      753      —        2,732      2,831      2,929

Av. Madero 1020

     2,188      —        (1,214 )     974      494      (312 )     96      278      —        696      1,694      1,818

Maipu 1300

     52,632      61      —         52,693      10,285      —         1,379      11,664      —        41,029      42,347      43,726

Reconquista 823

     24,756      8      —         24,764      5,663      —         656      6,319      —        18,445      19,093      19,560

Rivadavia 2768

     334      —        —         334      39      —         26      65      —        269      295      321

Santa María del Plata

     12,494      —        —         12,494      —        —         —        —        —        12,494      12,494      10,513

Sarmiento 517

     485      —        —         485      37      —         18      55      67      363      98      86

Store Cruceros

     293      —        —         293      8      —         8      16      —        277      285      293

Suipacha 652

     17,010      —        —         17,010      4,718      —         452      5,170      —        11,840      12,292      11,808

Della Paolera 265

     —        168,044      —         168,044      —        —         2,581      2,581      —        165,463      

Museo Renault

     —        5,065      —         5,065      —        —         95      95      —        4,970      

Edificio Republica

     —        229,910      —         229,910      —        —         1,143      1,143      —        228,767      

Work-in-progress

                                 

Dique IV

     9,684      26,703      —         36,387      —        —         —        —        —        36,387      9,684      —  

Shopping Centers:

                                 

Shopping Abasto

     260,905      2,171      (4 )     263,072      73,469      —         8,631      82,100      —        180,972      187,436      194,892

Shopping Alto Palermo

     407,277      22,467      —         429,744      231,760      —         19,362      251,122      —        178,622      175,517      193,513

Shopping Alto Avellaneda

     177,990      16,884      (2 )     194,872      88,326      —         10,275      98,601      —        96,271      89,664      86,289

Shopping Paseo Alcorta

     112,148      11,973      (94 )     124,027      47,716      —         4,167      51,883      —        72,144      64,432      62,260

Shopping Alto Noa

     43,308      82      —         43,390      16,268      —         2,083      18,351      —        25,039      27,040      29,016

Shopping Buenos Aires Design

     49,020      9      —         49,029      32,938      —         2,474      35,412      —        13,617      16,082      18,517

Shopping Patio Bullrich

     160,751      5,485      (208 )     166,028      57,614      —         7,123      64,737      —        101,291      103,137      109,409

 

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Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts in thousands, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

29. Other financial statement information (continued)

 

  a. Fixed assets (continued)

 

 

Principal account

   Original value    Depreciation         Net carrying value as of June 30,
   Value as of
beginning

of year
   Additions and
transfers
   Deductions and
transfers
    Value as of
end of year
   Accumulated as of
beginning of year
   Current year    Accumulated as
of end of year
   Impairment    2008    2007    2006
                 Increases /
(decreases)
and transfers
    Amount (i)               

Shopping Alto Rosario

   Ps. 89,953    Ps. 553    Ps. (397 )   Ps. 90,109    Ps. 5,808    Ps. —       Ps. 2,671    Ps. 8,479      —      Ps. 81,630    Ps. 84,145    Ps. 85,516

Shopping Córdoba

     93,397      1,267      —         94,664      17,889      —         4,311      22,200      —        72,464      75,508      —  

Mendoza Plaza Shopping

     116,384      3,115      —         119,499      27,380      —         3,756      31,136      —        88,363      89,004      88,601

Neuquén Project

     12,302      610      —         12,912      —        —         —        —        —        12,912      12,302      10,012

Panamerican Mall

     167,606      115,755      —         283,361      —        —         —        —        —        283,361      167,606      —  

Other

     32,546      5,197      (7 )     37,736      8,279      —         1,531      9,810      245      27,681      24,022      17,899
                                                                                     

Total as of June 30, 2008

   Ps.  2,927,000    Ps.  706,627    Ps.  (96,066 )   Ps.  3,537,561    Ps.  892,076    Ps.  (2,899 )   Ps.  113,269    Ps.  1,002,446    Ps.  (ii) 4,974    Ps.  2,530,141      
                                                                             

Total as of June 30, 2007

   Ps. 2,197,235    Ps. 744,408    Ps .(14,643 )   Ps. 2,927,000    Ps. 772,300    Ps. 22,840     Ps. 96,936    Ps. 892,076    Ps. (ii) 7,613       Ps. 2,027,311   
                                                                             

Total as of June 30, 2006

   Ps. 2,164,209    Ps. 54,919    Ps. (21,893 )   Ps. 2,197,235    Ps. 700,234    Ps. (8,562 )   Ps. 80,628    Ps. 772,300    Ps.  (ii) 11,723          Ps. 1,413,212
                                                                             

 

(i) The allocation of annual depreciation charges in the consolidated statements of income is included in “Other expenses” (Note 29 f.), except for Ps. (502), Ps. (250) and Ps. 6 for the years ended 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively allocated in “Costs” and Ps. 336, Ps. 316 and Ps. 301 for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively, passed-through to tenants.
(ii) Net of the depreciation of the year for Ps. 36, Ps. 112 and Ps. 388 for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006 and recovery of impairment of Ps. 2,603 for the year ended 2008 and Ps. 3,998 for the year ended 2007.

 

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Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts in thousands, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

29. Other financial statement information (continued)

 

  b. Intangible assets, net:

 

Principal account

   Original value    Amortization    Net carrying value as of
June 30,
   Value as
of

beginning
of year
   Additions /
(deductions)

(iv)
    Value as
of end of
year
   Current year     Amount (i)    Accumulated as of
end of year
   Impairment    2008    2007    2006
           Accumulated as of
beginning of year
   Increases /
(decreases)
                  

Preoperating and organization expenses

   Ps. 18,013    Ps. 1,630     Ps.  19,643    Ps.  15,313    Ps. —       Ps. 627    Ps.  15,940    Ps. —      Ps.  3,703    Ps.  2,700    Ps.  3,423

Intangible assets – savings expenses

                              

-Della Paolera 265

     —        5,767       5,767      —        —         1,627      1,627      —        4,140      —        —  

-Museo Renault

     —        198       198      —        —         46      46      —        152      —        —  

-Edificio República

     —        555       555      —        —         4      4      —        551      —        —  

Trademarks

     599      —         599      477      —         56      533      —        66      122      176
                                                                              

Total as of June 30, 2008

   Ps. 18,612    Ps. 8,150     Ps. 26,762    Ps. 15,790    Ps. —       Ps.  2,360    Ps. 18,150    Ps. —      Ps. 8,612      
                                                                      

Total as of June 30, 2007

   Ps.  30,578    Ps.  (11,966 )   Ps. 18,612    Ps. 26,979    Ps.  (12,730 )   Ps. 1,541    Ps. 15,790    Ps. —         Ps. 2,822   
                                                                      

Total as of June 30, 2006

   Ps. 30,545    Ps. (ii) 33     Ps. 30,578    Ps. 25,215    Ps. —       Ps. 1,764    Ps. 26,979    Ps. (iii) —            Ps. 3,599
                                                                      

 

(i) The allocation of annual amortization charges in the consolidated statements of income is included in “Other expenses, net” (Note 29.f.); except for Ps. 39 and Ps. 8 for the years ended 2008 and 2006 allocated in “Cost” .
(ii) Includes:

Ps. (12) reclassified to Other receivables and prepaid expenses.

(iii) Net of the amortization of the year of Ps. 152. (See Note 29.f.) and recovery of impairment of Ps. 203.

 

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Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts in thousands, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

29. Other financial statement information (continued)

 

  c. Allowances and provisions

 

                      Carrying value of June 30,

Item

   Balances as of
beginning of year
   Additions    Deductions     2008    2007    2006

Deducted from current assets:

                

Allowance for doubtful accounts

     56,076    (i) 62,955    (ii) (14,310 )     104,721      56,076      44,043

Allowance for Impairment of investments

     —      (vi) 11,423      —         11,423      —        —  
                                          

Total as of June 30, 2008

   Ps. 56,076    Ps .74,378    Ps. (14,310 )   Ps. 116,144      —        —  
                                          

Total as of June 30, 2007

   Ps. 44,043    Ps. 36,014    Ps. (23,981 )     —      Ps. 56,076      —  
                                          

Total as of June 30, 2006

   Ps. 38,255    Ps. 13,306    Ps. (7,518 )     —        —      Ps. 44,043
                                          

Deducted from non-current assets:

                

Allowance for doubtful accounts

     1,955    (i) 1      —         1,956      1,955      1,333

Allowance for doubtful mortgage receivable

     2,208      —        —         2,208      2,208      2,208

Allowance for impairment of fixed assets

     7,613      —      (iii) (2,639 )     4,974      7,613      11,723

Allowance for impairment of inventories

     1,140      61    (vii) (90 )     1,111      1,140      2,229

Allowance for impairment of undeveloped plots of land

     458      —        (98 )     360      458      1,758

Allowance for impairment of intangible assets

     —        —        —         —        —        —  

Allowance for impairment of non-current investments

     —      (vi) 577      —         577      —        —  
                                          

Total as of June 30, 2008

   Ps. 13,374    Ps. 639    Ps. (2,827 )   Ps. 11,186      —        —  
                                          

Total as of June 30, 2007

   Ps. 19,251    Ps. 718    Ps. (6,595 )     —      Ps. 13,374      —  
                                          

Total as of June 30, 2006

   Ps. 33,604    Ps. 765    Ps. (15,118 )     —        —      Ps. 19,251
                                          

Included in current liabilities:

                

Provision for contingencies

     7,595    (iv) 1,570    (v) (7,378 )     1,787      7,595      8,755
                                          

Total as of June 30, 2008

   Ps. 7,595    Ps. 1,570    Ps. (7,378 )   Ps. 1,787      —        —  
                                          

Total as of June 30, 2007

   Ps. 8,755    Ps. 603    Ps. (1,763 )     —      Ps. 7,595      —  
                                          

Total as of June 30, 2006

   Ps. 9,776    Ps. 1,047    Ps. (2,068 )     —        —      Ps. 8,755
                                          

Included in non-current liabilities:

                

Provision for contingencies

     12,732    (iv) 2,226    (v) (7,059 )     7,899      12,732      10,942
                                          

Total as of June 30, 2008

   Ps. 12,732    Ps. 2,226    Ps. (7,059 )   Ps. 7,899      —        —  
                                          

Total as of June 30, 2007

   Ps. 10,942    Ps. 5,166    Ps. (3,376 )     —      Ps. 12,732      —  
                                          

Total as of June 30, 2006

   Ps. 11,027    Ps. 821    Ps. (906 )     —        —      Ps. 10,942
                                          

 

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Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts in thousands, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

29. Other financial statement information (continued)

 

c. Allowances and provisions (continued)

 

 

(i) Doubtful accounts are disclosed in “Other expenses” (Note 29.f.),.
(ii) Related to off set and recovery of the year, except for Ps. (56) shown in “Other expenses” (Note 29.f.),.
(iii) Includes recovery of impairment of Ps. (2,603) disclosed in “Gain from operations and holdings of real estate assets, net” and the depreciation of the year of Ps. (36).
(iv) Includes Ps. 1,371 shown in “Other expenses, net” (Note 9) and Ps. 2,425 shown in “Other expenses” (Note 29.f.),.
(v) Ps. (7,350) included in “Other expenses, net” (Note 9), Ps. (2,185) related to utilization of the year; Ps. (2) included in Note 20.f – Other expenses; Ps. (597) disclosed in “Other liabilities” (Note 4.k.) and Ps. (4,303) shown in “Financial results, net” (Note 8).
(vi) Included in “Net income from retained interest in securitized receivables”.
(vii) Related to utilization of the year.

 

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Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts in thousands, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

29. Other financial statement information (continued)

 

  d. Cost of sales, leases and services

 

     Year ended June 30,  
   2008     2007     2006  

I. Cost of sales

      

Stock as of beginning of year

   Ps. 253,246     Ps. 159,774     Ps. 98,522  

Plus:

      

Expenses (Note 29.f.)

     4,678       2,728       2,384  

Transfers to fixed assets

     (4,856 )     (3,399 )     (293 )

Transfers from investments

     —         —         —    

Transfers from fixed assets

     —         10,513       1,422  

Transfers to other receivables and prepaid expenses

     —         (1,773 )     (1,516 )

Transfers from undeveloped parcels of land

     4,611       4,465       33,006  

Capitalized interest

     —         —         222  

Decrease in mortgage loans

     —         (3,632 )     —    

Exchange gain

     —         133       —    

Transfer from intangible assets

     —         2,217       —    

Merger

     —         978       —    

Adjustment to purchase price of inventory (i)

     69,974       119,615       70,740  

Stock as of end of year

     (179,560 )     (253,246 )     (159,774 )
                        

Subtotal

     148,093       38,373       44,713  
                        

Plus:

      

Gain from valuation of inventories at fair market value

     2,832       20,737       9,727  

Results from holding of real estate assets

     (31 )     101       13  

Impairment of the year

     —         (1,599 )     —    
                        

Cost of properties sold

     150,894       57,612       54,453  
                        

II. Cost of leases

      

Expenses (Note 29.f.)

     124,993       107,063       85,120  
                        

Cost of properties leased

     124,993       107,063       85,120  
                        

III. Cost of fees and services

      

Expenses (Note 29.f.)

     529       1,505       2,354  
                        

Cost of fees for services

     529       1,505       2,354  
                        

IV. Cost of hotel activities

      

Stock as of beginning of year

     2,957       2,336       1,289  

Purchases of the year

     263       621       1,047  

Expenses (Note 29.f.)

     84,220       69,216       57,971  

Stock as of end of year

     (3,220 )     (2,957 )     (2,336 )
                        

Cost of hotel activities

     84,220       69,216       57,971  
                        

V. Cost of consumer financing

      

Expenses (Note 29.f.)

     129,025       76,251       43,933  
                        

Cost of consumer financing

     129,025       76,251       43,933  
                        

TOTAL COSTS

   Ps. 489,661     Ps. 311,647     Ps. 243,831  
                        

 

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Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts in thousands, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

29. Other financial statement information (continued)

 

  e. Foreign currency assets and liabilities

 

Captions

   Currency   Amount
of foreign
currency
    Current
Exchange
rate (i)
   Total as of June 30,
          2008     2007

Assets

           

Current assets

           

Cash and banks:

           

Cash on hand

   U$S   286     2.985    Ps. 853     Ps. 706

Cash on hand

   Euros   9     4.701      44       27

Cash on hand

   Reales   16     1.690      28       1

Cash on hand

   Libras   1     5.945      5       2

Cash on hand

   Pesos Uruguayos   6     0.154      1       —  

Bank accounts

   U$S   37,667     2.985      112,436       53,962

Bank accounts

   Euros   444     4.701      2,088       1,749

Bank Accounts

   Yens   —            —         29,070

Checks to be deposited

   U$S   10     2.985      30       427

Investments:

           

Government bonds

   U$S (ii)   8,241     2.985      24,501       25

Other investments

   Euros   —       4.701      —         126

Mutual funds

   U$S   27,875     2.985      83,207       423,483

Time deposits and money markets

   U$S   11,334     2.985      33,831       —  

Accounts receivable, net:

           

Accounts receivable, net

   U$S   2,044     2.985      6,100       12,268

Accounts receivable, net

   Euros   1     4.701      7       —  

Related parties

   U$S   99     3.025      298       57

Other receivables and prepaid expenses:

           

Related parties

   U$S   (9 )   3.025      (29 )     27,049

Receivables from the sale of shares

   U$S   9,100     3.025      27,527       —  

Prepaid expenses and services

   U$S   123     2.985      367       141

Guarantee of defaulted credits

   U$S   153     2.985      457       785

Guarantee deposits

   U$S   3     2.985      10       5

Others

   U$S   285     2.985      851       515

Others

   Reales   0     1.790      1       —  

Others

   Pesos Uruguayos   1     0.154      0       —  
                     

Total current assets

            292,613       550,398
                     

Non-current assets

           

Investments:

           

Advance payments for the acquisition of shares

   U$S   800     2.985      2,388       1,108

Accounts receivable, net:

           

Accounts receivable, net

   U$S   367     2.985      1,095       454

Accounts receivable, net

   Euros   —       4.701      —         12

Guarantee receivable

   U$S   —       2.985      —         3,096

Other receivables and prepaid expenses:

           

Related parties

   U$S   0     3.025      1       —  

Credito default swap

   U$S   1,065     2.985      3,178       —  

Others

   U$S   624     2.985      1,862       137
                     

Total non-current assets

            8,524       4,807
                     

Total assets as of June 30, 2008

          Ps. 301,137    
                 

Total assets as of June 30, 2007

            Ps. 555,205
               

 

(i) Official exchange rate prevailing as of June 30, 2008.
(ii) Includes US$ 45 valuated at fair market value (Ps.34).

 

F-108


Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts in thousands, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

29. Other financial statement information (continued)

 

  e. Foreign currency assets and liabilities (continued)

 

Captions

   Currency    Amount of
foreign
currency
   Current
Exchange
rate (i)
   Total as of June 30,
            2008    2007

Liabilities

              

Current liabilities

              

Trade accounts payable:

              

Trade accounts payable

   U$S    7,110    3.025    Ps. 21,507    Ps. 2,161

Trade accounts payable

   Euros    7    4.701      34      18

Related parties

   U$S    283    3.025      856      —  

Mortgage payables:

              

Mortgages payables

   U$S    965    3.025      2,919      17,538

Customer advancers:

              

Customer advances

   U$S    8,384    3.025      25,360      22,461

Customer advances

   Euros    —      4.701      —        2,510

Short-term debt:

              

Short-term debt

   U$S    27,192    3.025      82,257      137,194

Taxes payables:

              

Taxes payable

   U$S    —      3.025      —        1,218

Other liabilities:

              

Guarantee deposits

   U$S    626    3.025      1,894      2,324

Provision for discount

   U$S    —      3.025      —        723

Related parties

   U$S    257    3.025      779      2,368

Other

   U$S    258    3.025      781      998
                      

Total current liabilities

              136,387      189,513
                      

Non-current liabilities

              

Trade accounts payable:

              

Trade accounts payable

   U$S    1,800    3.025      5,445      135

Mortgage payables:

              

Mortgages payables

   U$S    508    3.025      1,538      4,557

Customer advancers:

              

Customer advances

   U$S    4,538    3.025      13,727      —  

Long-term debt:

              

Long-term debt

   U$S    324,776    3.025      982,448      1,028,683

Other liabilities

              

Loans with shareholders of related parties

   U$S    3,500    3.025      10,588      —  

Guarantee deposits

   U$S    1,190    3.025      3, 600      2,781
                      

Total non-current liabilities

              1,017,346      1,036,156
                      

Total liabilities as of June 30, 2008

            Ps. 1,153,733   
                  

Total liabilities as of June 30, 2007

               Ps. 1,225,669
                  

 

(i) Official exchange rate prevailing as of June 30, 2008.

 

F-109


Table of Contents

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Amounts in thousands, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

29. Other financial statement information (continued)

 

  f. Other expenses

 

Items

  Cost of
properties
leased
    Cost of
properties
sold
  Cost of fees
and
services
  Cost of
hotel
activities
  Cost of
consumer
financing
  Cost of
pass-through
expenses
    Cost of
collective
promotion
fund
    Cost of
expenses
recovery
    Administrative   Selling     Financing   Total as
of
June 30,
2008
  Total as
of
June 30,
2007
  Total as
of
June 30,
2006

Director’s fees

  Ps. —       Ps. —     Ps. —     Ps. —     Ps. —     Ps. —       Ps. —       Ps. —       Ps. 17,251   Ps. 2,179     Ps. —     Ps. 19,430   Ps. 16,395   Ps. 20,351

Fees and payments for services

    35       291     —       4,195     15,541     6,668       33       (6,701 )     43,750     583       —       64,395     42,330     25,440

Salaries and bonuses

    146       91     —       33,810     35,271     51,368       5,914       (57,282 )     67,351     10,519       —       147,188     109,877     68,511

Social security contributions

    —         —       —       7,304     —       —         —         —         1,924     766       —       9,994     7,837     8,396

Depreciation and amortization

    97,099       221     —       10,069     1,930     299       17       (316 )     6,367     34       911     116,631     98,299     82,082

Maintenance of building

    11,307       1,578     —       5,471     868     37,056       105       (37,161 )     1,781     4       —       21,009     38,509     27,955

Mail and telephone

    40       49     —       3,665     —       4,838       —         (4,838 )     689     138       —       4,581     3,611     3,028

Advertising

    —         —       —       —       —       66       36,572       (36,638 )     —       37,375       —       37,375     31,720     19,465

Lease expense

    —         —       —       —       1,058     1,909       100       (2,009 )     2,217     (127 )     —       3,148     2,201     2,597

Commissions and property sales charges

    —         —       —       1,503     46,532     1       —         (1 )     —       5,164       —       53,199     27,799     15,470

Freight and transportation

    —         4     —       277     1,171     2,830       269       (3,099 )     2,626     862       —       4,940     3,954     2,746

Taxes, rates and contributions

    1,070       2,251     —       2     23,346     20,571       1,820       (22,391 )     18,205     67       —       44,941     27,376     17,124

Subscriptions and publications

    —         1     —       —       —       124       —         (124 )     321     —         —       322     166     199

Interest and index – adjustment

    —         —       —       —       —       18       —         (18 )     —       —         97,933     97,933     66,622     49,125

Bank charges

    —         4     —       —       —       182       —         (182 )     6,595     —         —       6,599     5,006     1,700

Safe deposits box

    —         —       —       —       —       —         —         —         466     —         —       466     530     515

Allowance for doubtful accounts

    —         —       —       —       —       —         —         —         24     62,876       —       62,900     26,110     11,033

Travel expenses

    —         —       —       —       —       —         —         —         832     —         —       832     1,503     398

Food and beverages

    —         —       —       7,248     —       —         —         —         —       —         —       7,248     8,882     5,892

Personnel

    —         —       —       —       1,477     3,789       277       (4,066 )     2,403     —         —       3,880     3,796     1,093

Training expenses

    —         —       —       —       —       —         —         —         —       1,258       —       1,258     —       304

Contingencies

    —         —       —       —       —       —         —         —         99     —         —       99     —       965

Insurances

    (17 )     57     —       71     1,767     1,576       35       (1,611 )     2,959     —         —       4,837     3,672     2,246

Surveillance

    155       59     —       —       —       2,769       —         (2,769 )     1,025     —         —       1,239     783     446

Training courses

    —         —       —       —       —       1       —         (1 )     150     —         —       150     327     22

Change for contingencies for lawsuits

    1,975       —       —       —       —       —         —         —         61     —         —       2,036     324     —  

Gross sales tax

    —         —       —       —       —       12       —         (12 )     —       38,951       —       38,951     40,027     20,021

Expenses recovery

    —         —       —       —       —       (136,008 )     (45,148 )     181,156       —       —         —       —       —       —  

Unrecovered expenses

    13,182       —       —       —         600       —         (600 )     —       —         —       13,182     —       —  

Other

    1       72     529     10,605     64     1,331       6       (1,337 )     2,898     3,337       1,260     18,766     10,885     11,335
                                                                                             

Total as of June 30,2008

    124,993       4,678     529     84,220     129,025     —         —         —         179,994     163,986       100,104     787,529    
                                                                                     

Total as of June 30,2007

    107,063       2,728     1,505     69,216     76,251     —         —         —         141,427     113,709       66,642       578,541  
                                                                                     

Total as of June 30,2006

    85,120       2,384     2,354     57,971     43,933     —         —         —         96,882     60,105       49,710         398,459
                                                                                     

 

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of

Banco Hipotecario S.A.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Banco Hipotecario S.A. and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as the “Bank”) as of June 30, 2008 and 2007 and the related consolidated statements of income, of changes in shareholders’ equity and of cash flows for each of the three twelve-month periods in the period ended June 30, 2008. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Bank’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform an audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of 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, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Banco Hipotecario S.A. and its subsidiaries at June 30, 2008 and 2007, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three twelve-month periods in the period ended June 30, 2008 in conformity with accounting rules prescribed by the Banco Central de la República Argentina (the “BCRA”).

 

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As described in Notes 6 and 34 to the consolidated financial statements, respectively, accounting rules prescribed by the BCRA differ in certain significant respects from, and is a comprehensive basis of accounting other than, accounting principles generally accepted in Argentina for enterprises in general (“Argentine GAAP”) and accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and as allowed by Item 17 to Form 20-F (“US GAAP”). Information relating to the nature and effect of the differences between accounting rules prescribed by the BCRA and US GAAP is presented in Note 34 to the consolidated financial statements.

 

Price Waterhouse & Co S.R.L.
    /s/ Diego Sisto    
Diego Sisto
Partner

Buenos Aires, Argentina

December 30, 2008.

 

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BANCO HIPOTECARIO SA AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

As of June 30, 2008 and 2007

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

     June 30,  
     2008     2007  

ASSETS

    

Cash and due from banks

   Ps. 84,723     Ps. 54,578  

Banks and correspondents

     562,968       273,095  
                
     647,691       327,673  

Government and corporate securities (Note 8)

     1,091,604       2,159,941  

Loans (Note 9)

    

Mortgage loans

     2,205,418       1,767,133  

Other loans

     2,361,411       1,855,887  
                
     4,566,829       3,623,020  

Plus: Accrued interest receivable

     48,555       38,496  

Less: Allowance for loan losses (Note 10)

     (214,551 )     (136,120 )
                
     4,400,833       3,525,396  

Other receivables from financial transactions (Note 11)

    

Securities receivable under repurchase agreements

     1,433,201       1,261,850  

Amounts receivable under derivative financial instruments (Note 21)

     1,292,449       1,133,603  

Loans in trust pending securitization

     70,361       81,378  

Amounts receivable under reverse repurchase agreements of government and corporate securities

     2,460       3,573  

Receivable from Argentine Government compensatory and hedge bonds (Note 2)

     255,173       260,960  

Other (Note 11)

     745,758       961,258  
                
     3,799,402       3,702,622  

Plus: Accrued interest receivable

     10,028       9,757  

Less: Allowance for loan losses (Note 10)

     (18,490 )     (34,684 )
                
     3,790,940       3,677,695  

Investments in other companies

     66       11  

Miscellaneous receivables (Note 12)

     454,527       325,977  

Bank premises and equipment (Note 13)

     111,064       105,000  

Miscellaneous assets (Note 14)

     14,278       16,183  

Intangible assets (Note 13)

     60,196       29,666  

In-process items

     1,133       107  
                

Total Assets

   Ps. 10,572,332     Ps. 10,167,649  
                

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

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BANCO HIPOTECARIO SA AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS – (Continued)

As of June 30, 2008 and 2007

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

     June 30
     2008    2007

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY LIABILITIES

     

Deposits

     

Checking accounts

   Ps. 40,287    Ps. 39,288

Saving accounts

     178,062      183,903

Time deposits

     1,657,346      613,382

Other deposit accounts

     32,390      27,927
             
     1,908,085      864,500

Plus: Accrued interest payable

     18,228      4,060
             
     1,926,313      868,560

Other liabilities from financial transactions

     

Other banks and international entities (Note 17)

     61,072      231,619

Bonds (Note 18)

     3,210,224      3,587,186

Argentine Central Bank (Note 16)

     239,104      218,031

Amounts payable under derivative financial instruments (Note 21)

     975,606      968,395

Borrowings under repurchase agreements collateralized by government securities

     955,173      965,803

Obligation to return securities acquired under reverse repurchase agreements of government and private securities

     3,142      4,159

Collections and other transactions on behalf of third parties

     69,600      22,236

Other

     116,286      144,729
             
     5,630,207      6,142,158

Plus: Accrued interest payable

     66,574      84,485
             
     5,696,781      6,226,643

Miscellaneous liabilities

     

Taxes

     11,561      1,511

Sundry creditors (Note 23)

     44,958      38,520

Other (Note 23)

     22,701      23,433
             
     79,220      63,464

Reserve for contingencies (Note 15)

     182,428      262,214

In-process items

     2,481      2,534

Minority interests

     33,375      32,938
             

Total Liabilities

     7,920,598      7,456,353
             

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

     

Common stock

     1,500,000      1,500,000

Inflation adjustment of common stock

     717,115      717,115

Reserves

     143,912      68,868

Retained earning

     290,707      425,313
             

Total Shareholders’ Equity

     2,651,734      2,711,296
             

Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

   Ps. 10,572,332    Ps. 10,167,649
             

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

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BANCO HIPOTECARIO SA AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

For the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

     2008     2007    2006

Financial income

       

Interest on loans and other receivables from financial transactions

   Ps. 485,931     Ps. 547,246    Ps. 443,845

Income from government and corporate securities

     204,973       330,598      286,469

Other

     5,687       4,376      3,489
                     
     696,591       882,220      733,803

Financial expenses

       

Interest on deposits and other liabilities from financial transactions

     527,924       354,969      398,355

Contributions and taxes on financial income

     22,769       19,697      13,829
                     
     550,693       374,666      412,184

Provision for loan losses (Note 10)

     149,861       43,673      10,498

Income from services

       

Insurance premiums

     95,070       76,999      53,851

Commissions (Note 24)

     151,137       64,044      34,796

Other (Note 24)

     43,234       19,318      12,759
                     
     289,441       160,361      101,406

Expenses for services

       

Insurance claims

     7,870       7,172      8,965

Commissions (Note 24)

     85,719       64,653      28,860

Contributions and taxes on income from services

     6,354       3,179      1,746
                     
     99,943       75,004      39,571

Administrative expenses

       

Salaries and social security contributions

     160,618       111,364      84,440

Advertising expenses

     16,350       20,914      15,692

Value added tax and other taxes

     21,763       16,987      11,819

Directors’ and Syndics’ fees

     5,726       17,541      3,109

Fees for administrative services

     74,598       37,744      21,455

Maintenance and repairs

     7,573       4,938      4,417

Electricity and communications

     16,584       10,885      7,134

Depreciation of bank premises and equipment

     11,506       6,695      7,134

Rent

     11,484       4,803      2,817

Other

     62,258       38,942      27,173
                     
     388,460       270,813      185,190
                     

Net (loss) income from financial transactions

   Ps. (202,925 )   Ps. 278,425    Ps. 187,766

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

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BANCO HIPOTECARIO SA AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME – (Continued)

For the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

     2008     2007     2006  

Miscellaneous income

      

Penalty interest

   6,749     6,437     5,912  

Loans recoveries

   153,983     220,745     123,450  

Other (Note 25)

   23,341     4,642     44,346  
                  
   184,073     231,824     173,708  

Miscellaneous expenses

      

Provision for other contingencies and miscellaneous receivables

   11,155     127,046     12,275  

Other (Note 25)

   20,267     23,398     36,922  
                  
   31,422     150,444     49,197  
                  

(Loss) income before income taxes and minority interests

   (50,274 )   359,805     312,277  
                  

Income taxes (Note 27)

   3,734     1,007     1,321  

Minority interests

   (5,554 )   (907 )   (1,878 )
                  

Net (loss) income for the period

   (59,562 )   357,891     309,078  
                  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

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BANCO HIPOTECARIO SA AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

For the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

    Common
stock
(Note 29)
  Paid in
capital
    Inflation
adjustment of
common stock

(Note 29)
    Reserves     Retained
earnings /
(Accumulated
deficit)
    Total
shareholders´
equity
 
          Legal
(Note 29)
    Voluntary
(Note 29)
     

Balance as of
June 30, 2005

  Ps. 1,500,000   Ps. 1     Ps.  1,797,623     Ps.  1,022,078     Ps.  169,608     Ps.  (2,444,983 )   Ps.  2,044,327  
                                                     

Net income for the period

    —       —         —         —         —         309,078       309,078  
                                                     

Balance as of
June 30, 2006

  Ps. 1,500,000   Ps. 1     Ps. 1,797,623     Ps. 1,022,078     Ps. 169,608     Ps.  (2,135,905 )   Ps. 2,353,405  
                                                     

Absorption of accumulated deficit approved by the General Shareholders’ Meeting held on July 21, 2006

    —       (1 )     (1,080,508 )     (1,022,078 )     (169,608 )     2,272,195       —    

Retained earnings distribution approved by the General Shareholders’ Meeting held on April 12, 2007 – Legal Reserve

    —       —         —         68,868       —         (68,868 )     —    

Net income for the period

    —       —         —         —         —         357,891       357,891  
                                                     

Balance as of
June 30, 2007

  Ps. 1,500,000   Ps. —       Ps. 717,115     Ps. 68,868     Ps. —       Ps. 425,313     Ps. 2,711,296  
                                                     

Retained earnings distribution approved by the General Shareholders’ Meeting held on May 23, 2008 – Legal Reserve

    —       —         —         75,044       —         (75,044 )     —    

Net loss for the period

    —       —         —         —         —         (59,562 )     (59,562 )
                                                     

Balance as of
June 30, 2008

  Ps.  1,500,000   Ps. —       Ps. 717,115     Ps. 143,912     Ps. —       Ps. 290,707     Ps. 2,651,734  
                                                     

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements

 

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BANCO HIPOTECARIO SA AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOW

For the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

     2008     2007     2006  

Cash flows from operating activities:

      

Net (loss) income

   Ps. (59,562 )   Ps. 357,891     Ps. 309,078  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by Cash Flows from operating activities:

      

Provision for loan losses and for contingencies and miscellaneous receivables, net of reversals

     161,016       170,719       22,773  

Net gain on investment government securities

     (94,929 )     (138,070 )     (99,240 )

Gain on derivative financial instruments

     (112,934 )     (81,935 )     (41,635 )

Depreciation and amortization

     19,254       10,000       10,364  

Net gain on sale of premises and equipment and miscellaneous assets

     (5,775 )     (2,806 )     —    

Net Indexing (CER and CVS) of loans and deposit

     69,112       137,689       328,442  

Net Interest and indexing (CER) of borrowings and compensations from Argentine Central Bank

     26,860       9,614       555,021  

Loss on sale of the equity investment

     —         16,466       —    

Minority interest

     5,554       907       1,878  

Net change in trading investments

     392,838       64,271       (1,107 )

Net reverse repurchase agreements of government and corporate securities

     (180,839 )     (29,192 )     (200,866 )

Net change in other assets

     171,676       (301,530 )     298,776  

Net change in other liabilities

     (141,733 )     (120,038 )     (26,662 )
                        

Net cash provided by operating activities

     250,538       93,986       1,156,822  
                        

Cash flows from investing activities:

      

Increase in loans, net

     (920,684 )     (1,149,879 )     (88,886 )

Proceeds from securitization of consumer loans

     50,514       117,115       110,003  

Purchase of government securities

     —         —         (2,437,897 )

Proceeds from government securities

     —         —         41,645  

Proceeds from maturities of investments

     499,116       540,669       278,965  

Sales of investments in other companies

     —         9,272       —    

Proceeds from sale of premises and equipment

     5,468       21,463       4,849  

Purchases of premises and equipment, miscellaneous and intangible assets

     (57,421 )     (66,427 )     (12,807 )
                        

Net cash used in investing activities

     (423,007 )     (527,787 )     (2,104,128 )
                        

Cash flows from financing activities:

      

Increase in deposits, net

     1,043,585       254,477       189,855  

Proceeds from issuance of bonds, notes and other long term debts

     —         461,205       1,542,400  

Proceeds from borrowings from Banks

     —         —         154,240  

Principal payments on bonds, notes, and other debts

     (293,316 )     (442,359 )     (1,261,274 )

(Decrease)/Increase in borrowings, net

     (254,193 )     159,086       316,849  
                        

Net cash provided by financing activities

     496,076       432,409       942,070  
                        

Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     323,607       (1,392 )     (5,236 )

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period

     327,673       327,856       314,059  

Effect of foreign exchange changes on cash and cash equivalents

     (3,589 )     1,209       19,033  
                        

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period

   Ps. 647,691     Ps. 327,673     Ps. 327,856  
                        

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

      

Cash paid for interest

   Ps. 5,965     Ps. 69,366     Ps. 53,178  

Cash paid for presumptive minimum income tax

     26,197       15,432       12,709  

Non-cash transactions involving securitizations

     8,914       28,757       24,147  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

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BANCO HIPOTECARIO SA AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of and for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

1. General

a. Description of business

Banco Hipotecario SA (herein after referred to as the “Bank” or “BHSA”), is a commercial bank, organized under the laws of Argentina.

The Bank historically has provided general banking services, focused on individual residential mortgage loans and construction-project loans directly to customers as well as indirectly through selected banks and other financial intermediaries throughout Argentina. In 2004, as part of its business diversification strategy, the Bank resumed the mortgage lending and expanded its product offerings, beginning to offer personal loans, credit card loans and also engaging in mortgage loan securitizations, mortgage loan servicing, other corporate loans and mortgage-related insurance in connection with its lending activities.

b. Basis of presentation

The consolidated financial statements of the Bank have been prepared in accordance with the rules of Banco Central de la República Argentina (“Argentine Central Bank” or “BCRA”) which prescribes the accounting reporting and disclosure requirements for banks and financial institutions in Argentina (“Argentine Banking GAAP”). These rules differ in certain respects from generally accepted accounting principles in Argentina (“Argentine GAAP”) applicable to companies in general. The significant differences between Argentine Banking GAAP and Argentine GAAP are described in Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements. Argentine Banking GAAP and Argentine GAAP also differ in certain significant respects from generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“US GAAP”). Such differences involve methods of measuring the amounts shown in the consolidated financial statements, as well as additional disclosures required by US GAAP and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). These consolidated financial statements include solely a reconciliation of net income and shareholders’ equity to US GAAP. Pursuant to Item 17 of Form 20-F, this reconciliation does not include disclosure of all information that would be required by US GAAP and Regulation S-X of the SEC. See Note 34 for details.

Certain disclosures required by the Argentine Banking GAAP have not been presented herein since they are not required under US GAAP or the SEC and are not considered to be relevant to the accompanying consolidated financial statements taken as a whole.

c. Principles of consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Bank and its subsidiaries over which the Bank has effective control. The percentages directly or indirectly held in those companies’ capital stock as of June 30, 2008 are as follows:

 

Issuing Company

      

BHN Sociedad de Inversión Soeciedad Anónima

   99.99 %

BHN Seguros Generales Sociedad Anónima

   99.98 %

BACS Banco de Crédito y Securitización Sociedad Anónima

   70.00 %

BH Valores Sociedad de Bolsa SA

   100.00 %

 

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BANCO HIPOTECARIO SA AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of and for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

d. Presentation of financial statements in constant argentine pesos

Effective September 1, 1995, pursuant to Decree No. 316/95, the Bank discontinued its prior practice of adjusting the financial statements for inflation. Effective January 1, 2002, however, as a result of the application of Argentine Central Bank, National Securities Commission (“CNV”) and Argentine Federation of Professional Councils in Economic Sciences (“FACPCE”) rules, the Bank resumed the application of the adjustment for inflation.

In 2002, Argentina experienced a high rate of inflation. The wholesale Price Index “WPI” increased approximately 118.44% in 2002.

Primarily as a result of the stabilization of the WPI during the first half of 2003, the Argentine government, the Argentine Central Bank and the CNV eliminated the requirement that financial statements be prepared in constant currency.

2. Economic and social situation prevailing in Argentina

2.1 Current economic situation

Over the past few months, the financial markets in the most important countries in the world have been affected by volatility, lack of liquidity and credit, which entailed a significant drop in international stock indexes, and an economic slow-down started to become evident worldwide. Despite the actions taken by central countries, the international markets’ future is still uncertain.

As regards Argentina, and after June 30, 2008 stock markets reflected significant drops in the prices of government and corporate securities, as well as an increase in interest rates, country risk and exchange rates, a situation that is still ongoing as of the date of issuance of these financial statements. The Bank considers that these situations did not exist as of June 30, 2008 but arose subsequent to that date.

As a result of the situation described above, the market value of the BODEN 2012, BOGAR and Discount bonds as of December 15, 2008 decreased approximately by Ps.806,451 compared to its market value as of June 30 2008.

In addition, as a consequence of the financial situation described above, the decrease in the quotation of Banco Hipotecario’s shares have caused a decrease in the fair value of the Total Return Swap approximately by Ps.37,328 as of December 15, 2008 compared to its fair value as of June 30, 2008.

The Bank’s management is permanently evaluating and monitoring the effects derived from the above situation in order to implement the necessary measures to mitigate its effect. These financial statements must be analyzed taking into consideration the scenario described above.

The net position of the derivative financial instruments have experienced a decline of Ps.114,388 as of September 30, 2008 compared to June 30, 2008, as a consequence of the financial crisis described above. Subsequently and as of the date of issuance of these financial statements the main variables that determine these fair value (EURO/US Dollar/BADLAR/LIBOR/Country Risk), continue being affected by the market volatility mentioned before, however management believes that the subsequent changes in the variables would not significantly affect the Bank’s Shareholders’ Equity at the date of issuance of these financial statements.

 

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BANCO HIPOTECARIO SA AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of and for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

The Bank’s management is monitoring the effects derived from the above situation described in order to implement the necessary measures to mitigate its effect. These financial statements must be analyzed taking into consideration the scenario described above.

2.2 Pending events derived from the system’s crisis in late 2001

As a consequence of the crisis that took place in Argentina during 2001 and 2002, the National government adopted measures that influenced the banking activity, and specifically the Bank’s activity, among which were: i) a single free exchange market system was established, ii) Deposits and Loans in US dollars or any other foreign currency granted by the Argentine financial system were converted into pesos, iii) compensations to the Financial System for the effects of the asymmetric pesification process, iv) certain adjustments to the Reorganization and Bankruptcy Laws and v) conversion of provincial public debt.

Compensation granted by the National Government to financial institutions.

Asymmetric pesification

Through Decree 905, the Government established the issuance of “National Government Compensating Bonds” to compensate financial institutions for the negative effects on their equities of the conversion into pesos at different exchange rates of receivables and obligations denominated in foreign currency, as provided for by Law 25561, Decree 214 and its amendments and complementary rules, and to cover the negative difference between assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currency arising from their conversion into pesos, as established by the above-mentioned regulations.

The Bank complied with the reporting requirements established by Sections 28 and 29 of Decree 905—Compensation to financial institutions, applying for such purpose the regulations in force and particular criteria, exercising the following options:

 

 

National Government Compensating Bond in US dollars, due 2012: Compensatory bond—difference between assets and liabilities converted into pesos at Ps. 1.00, for the exchange rate difference of Ps. 0.40, converted into pesos at the Ps. 1.40 =US$ 1 rate: US$ 374,647 thousand (consolidated amount).

 

 

National Government Hedge Bond in US dollars, due 2012: Hedge Bond—difference between assets and liabilities in US dollars, net of the compensating bond: US$ 845,729 thousand (consolidated amount).

In September 2002 and October 2005 the Argentine Central Bank credited US$ 356,015 thousand and US$ 16,761 thousand in BODEN 2012, respectively, as compensation (consolidated amount).

Finally, between September 2005 and January 2006, hedge BODEN 2012 for US$ 773,531 were subscribed.

In addition, in July 2007 the Bank requested an advance of Ps. 83,012 to purchase US$ 59,294,200 in “National Government Bonds in US Dollars Libor Due 2012” (“BODEN 2012”) pursuant to the provisions of Section 29, subsections f) and g) of Decree No. 905/02 of the Executive Branch and regulations.

 

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BANCO HIPOTECARIO SA AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of and for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

In order to guarantee the advance to be received, the Bank submitted as collateral a) Secured Bonds (BOGAR) for a face value of 83,011,880, and b) Mortgage Securities granted customers of the non-financial private sectors, in Situation 1, equivalent to Ps. 26,163.

For purposes of these financial statements, i) BODEN 2012 bonds credited by the Argentine Central Bank have been recorded in Government and Corporate Securities – Held-for-investment, ii) the amount in respect of the right to receive the Compensatory and Hedge bonds has been recorded in Other receivables for financial transactions – Receivable for Argentine Government—Compensatory and Hedge bond—In foreign currency, iii) bonds delivered as collateral for Negotiable Obligations and secured facilities to banks, have been recorded in Miscellaneous receivables, and iv) the advance to be requested for the acquisition of the Hedge bond, has been recorded in Other liabilities for financial transactions—Argentine Central Bank.

Mortgage refinancing system

On November 6, 2003, Law 25798, regulated by Decree N° 1284/03, established the creation of a system for the refinancing of mortgage loans and of a restructuring unit for the purpose of analyzing loans arranged prior to the application of the Convertibility Law 23928.

On December 12, 2006, the National Congress approved Law 26177 modifying the Mortgage Refinancing System. The new law establishes the Reestructuring Unit, which will be in charge of the analysis and proposal of refinancing of mortgage loans agreed among awardees and the ex Banco Hipotecario Nacional, settled before the Convertibility Law (Law 23928).

On November 21, 2007, National Congress through Law No. 26313, established a mandatory procedure for restructuring mortgage loans included in Section 23 of Law 25798, pursuant to the guidelines of Law 26177. For such purpose, a new calculation of some mortgage loans originated by the former Banco Hipotecario Nacional before April 1, 1991 was established. On December 19, 2008, through Decree 2107/08 the government issued regulations explaining its application. This law applies only to non-performing mortgage loans granted before April 1, 1991 and requires a new balance calculation for loans affected. Banco Hipotecario S.A., as legal successor to the former Bank, has estimated that it has enough loan allowances to face possible negative economic effects that could arise from this situation.

3. Comprehensive financial debt restructuring

The financial debt restructuring process resulting from the significant adverse changes that took place in Argentina in 2002, which affected the Bank’s balance sheet and financial position, ended on December 29, 2003. On that date, the term for receiving exchange offers expired and the Bank accepted all existing validly offered securities in view of compliance with the conditions for the Bank’s exchange offers and the simultaneous restructuring of all its outstanding debt with bank creditors. On January 14, 2004, the total final principal on validly offered securities of Ps. 2,662,242, representing approximately 93% of the total principal on the outstanding securities existing at that date, was settled.

After January 14, 2004, the settlement date of the transaction, the Bank continued to exchange negotiable obligations with holders adhering to the offering late. At June 30, 2008, the face value of the obligations exchanged amounted to US$ 8,995 thousand and Euro 10,695 thousand.

At the date of these financial statements, the Bank had honored the total amount of amortization and interest according to the contractual terms.

 

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BANCO HIPOTECARIO SA AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of and for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

4. Exposure to the Public Sector

As of June 30, 2008, the Bank maintains Ps. 2,765,827, in government-related assets:

 

  a) Government securities for Ps.847,590 (excluding Argentine Central Bank Bills).

 

  b) Loans to the provincial and municipal governments for Ps.98,315.

 

  c) Rights to receive BODEN 2012 (Compensatory and Hedge bonds) for Ps.255,173 pursuant to Sections 28 and 29 of Decree 905/02.

 

  d) Other receivables for financial transactions for Ps.1,433,201 to BODEN 2012 of which Ps.1,410,229 corresponds to repo transactions and Ps. 22,972 corresponds to swap transactions.

 

  e) Miscellaneous receivables of Ps.131,548 related to BODEN 2012 deposited as collateral for the currency swap transaction (See note 35).

As of June 30, 2008, the Bank has Ps. 239,104 in advances to be requested from Argentine Central Bank for the acquisition of the Hedge Bond (BODEN 2012).

The net exposure to the Public Sector, without considering liquid assets in BCRA accounts, amounts to Ps.2,526,723 and Ps. 3,096,580 at June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

To guarantee the loan to be received by the government, the bank granted the following assets as collateral: a) Secured Bonds (BOGAR) for a face value of 47,097,934, and b) Mortgage Securities granted customers of the non-financial private sectors, classified as performing, equivalent to Ps. 26,163,258.29.

In addition, Decree 905/02 states that in the event of default by the National Government on the payment of principal or interest of BODEN, Secured Loans or BOGAR, of more than 30 days following the respective maturity dates, each financial institution will be entitled to repay in advance, either fully or partially, the advances received for the acquisition of the Hedge bond, using for that purpose all or the equivalent portion of the assets provided as collateral, taken at the value in which they were recorded at the time the advances were granted, plus interest accrued until the repayment date, less the amount actually repaid.

Since January 1, 2006 according to BCRA regulations, the financial assistance to the Public Sector, may not exceed 40% of total assets as of the last day of the previous month. The Bank’s exposure to the public sector stems from compensations received from the National Government. Therefore, and considering that the exposure to the Public Sector exceed said limit, on January 19, 2006 the Bank informed the BCRA that it would gradually reduce the ratio of its exposure to the Public Sector, to the extent that bonds received from the National Government, as compensation for the asymmetric pesification will start amortizing principal. As of the date of issuance of these financial statements, there were no objections from the BCRA.

Communication “A” 4546 dated July 9, 2006, stated that, as from July 1, 2007, exposure to the Public Sector, may not exceed 35% of total assets as of the last day of the previous month.

As of June 30, 2008 the Bank’s exposure to the public sector represents 26.2% of its total assets.

5. Significant Accounting Policies

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies used in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements.

 

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BANCO HIPOTECARIO SA AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of and for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

5.1. Foreign Currency Assets and Liabilities

Foreign currency assets and liabilities are translated at the prevailing exchange rate at period-end. Transactions denominated in foreign currencies are translated into pesos at the prevailing exchange rates on the date of transaction settlement. Foreign currency transactions net gains or losses are recorded within “Financial income” or “Financial expenses” in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

5.2. Government and Corporate Securities

BODEN US$ 2012 received as compensatory bonds, are classified as “Investment Securities” and are recognized at their technical value (the adjusted balance of each instrument according to contractual conditions), in accordance with the rules issued by the BCRA.

Securities classified as “held for trading – quoted” are marked to market, at the Buenos Aires Stock Exchange spot quotation, and any changes in their market value is recognized as a gain or loss in the consolidated income statement.

Secured Bonds (“BOGAR”) issued by the Provincial Government within the framework of Decree 1579/02 are classified as “held for trading – unquoted” and are recorded at its present value as required by the BCRA.

Discount Bonds exchanged for sovereign debt are classified as “held for trading – unquoted” and have been recorded at the lower of (a) the aggregate nominal cash flow until maturity, under the contractual conditions of the new securities, and (b) the carrying value of the securities offered, which is equivalent to the present value of the Secured Bonds.

5.3. Loans

The portfolio of performing loans and loans with 90 days or less past due, has been recorded at principal amounts, net of amortization, adjusted by CER, and CVS, where applicable, plus accrued interest and net of allowance for loan losses.

Other loans to the public sector originally granted in foreign currency have been converted into pesos at the exchange rate of Ps. 1.40 per US dollar, as established by Law 25561, Decree 214 and complementary rules and amendments. Since February 3, 2002, the CER has been applied to the amount of those loans and maximum rates have been established, as provided for by Decree 1579/02, if those assets were subject to the Exchange of Provincial Public Debt.

Loans to the non-financial private sector originally granted in foreign currency prior to December 2001 have been converted into pesos at the exchange rate of Ps. 1.00 per US dollar, as established by Law 25561, Decree 214 and complementary rules and amendments. Since February 3, 2002, the CER and CVS have been applied to the amount of those loans and maximum rates have been established, depending on the borrower.

Law 25796 established the elimination of the CVS since April 2004.

5.4. Interest accruals and adjustments of principal amounts (CER and CVS)

Interest income is recognized on an accrual basis using the straight-line method. For all lending and certain borrowing transactions in local and foreign currency with maturities greater than 92 days, interest is recognized on a compounded basis, which provides for an increasing effective rate over the life of the loan. Interest accruals for loans past due more than 90 days, were discontinued.

 

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BANCO HIPOTECARIO SA AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of and for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

Adjustments of principal amounts from the application of the CER and CVS, were accrued as established by BCRA regulations, and interest accruals for loans past due more than 90 days, were discontinued.

Interest is recognized on a cash basis on past due loans of more than 90 days, after reducing the balance of accrued interest.

5.5. Derivative Financial Instruments

The rights and obligations arising from currency swap transactions carried out as a hedge for the restructured obligations issued in Euros have been recorded at the exchange rate of that currency following the criterion described in Note 5.1.

Currency swap transactions carried out as a hedge for the Bank’s exposure to foreign currency-denominated liabilities, without transferring the underlying asset, have been recorded according to the net asset or liability position derived from variations in the underlying assets and variations in the US dollar exchange rate plus interest agreed for liabilities.

Interest rate swap transactions carried out for purposes of hedging assets and liabilities with fixed and floating rates, have been recorded in accordance with the unsettled balances of on the agreed upon lending and borrowing interests rates.

The CER swap, linked to Secured loans due in 2008 and External Debt transaction, has been recorded in accordance with unsettled balances of the agreed upon lending and borrowing interests rates.

5.6. Securitizations of Loans

The Bank accounted for the transfer of US dollar-denominated and peso-denominated mortgage loans to a mortgage trust and the issuance of mortgage bonds, as a sale and recorded its retained interest in the securitization trusts at their principal amounts. Retained interests relating to certificates of participation are adjusted on a monthly basis to reflect the net results of the Bank’s equity in the trusts. A gain or loss is recognized for the difference between the cash proceeds received and the principal balance of mortgage loans underlying the mortgage bonds sold.

Debt securities have been recorded at face value, adjusted by CER, where applicable, plus accrued interest.

5.7. Allowance for Loan Losses

Allowances for loan losses recorded at June 30, 2008 and 2007, cover the minimum reserves required by the BCRA, which consist of the debtors payment capacity and cash-flows analysis for commercial loans and clients aging for consumer loans, and were calculated considering the accounting policies adopted for certain refinanced consumer loans and the changes in certain estimates related to the loan portfolio.

Pursuant to the guidelines of Law 24441 on Housing and Construction Financing, the criterion followed by the Bank to set up reserves for construction projects, where the fiduciary ownership is transferred, consists in classifying debtors on the basis of the evaluation of the future cash flow of the individual project financed by the Bank.

 

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BANCO HIPOTECARIO SA AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of and for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

Until Communication “A” 4648 were made effective, the Bank held the following policy regarding the procedure followed for classifying non-performing and restructured individual loans:

 

a. Maintaining for six months the classification and reserves in respect of all those loans subject to refinancing.

 

b. After this period expires, the Bank will proceed, as the case may be, as follows:

b.1. If the loan is no more than 30 days past due, it shall be reclassified as “performing” loan.

b.2. If the loan is more than 30 days past due, its classification will arise from the aggregate of the current number of days in arrears and those recorded before the refinancing.

 

c. All individual loans, which are more than 24 months past due, must be fully reserved. Loans and reserves are charged-off from the Bank’s assets, three months after the date on which those loans were fully reserved.

 

d. Those loans that had been charged off, according to c. above, which had been restructured and are still performing, are re-recognized as assets if no delinquency greater than 30 days is showed during the following six months.

As a result of the policies adopted, and in line with BCRA rules, at June 30, 2008 and 2007 the Bank has recorded in memorandum accounts Ps. 836,993 and Ps. 816,237, respectively, for loans charged off from the Bank’s assets three months after the date on which those loans were fully reserved.

Through Communications “4648”, supplementary rules and amendments, the BCRA established new application regulations for the classification and provisioning of consumer loan portfolios. For such purpose, as from November 27, 2007, consumer loans refinancing will generate the freezing of the debtor classification and provision before refinancing. Furthermore, as from March 1, 2008, the aforementioned regulations are in force, and their main effects are the following: i) the classification of refinanced loans is maintained for three installments (or until collection of an equivalent amount), ii) the improvement of the situation of the refinanced client is based on paid installments (periodical, monthly or quarterly payment financing) or on the percentage of paid capital (sole payment financing or periodical payment, when over two months or irregular payment), iii) timely payment of the refinanced payments (or default of no more than 31 days) is a requirement for improving the situation, iv) advance payments and/or prepayments to access refinancing or after it are calculated in equivalent “installments” to measure the possibility of improving the client’s situation and v) in case the refinanced client shows arrears of more than 31 days, the “theoretical default” days are determined by adding the number of days in default in refinancing and minimum default in the category the debtor had at the time of refinancing, and based on these theoretical default days, he or she will be reclassified in the category corresponding to said default, as if it was real. As to the date of these financial statements, the Bank started implementing the detailed regulation.

The individual mortgage loans granted and managed by the Retail Bank Network, in which said banks assume 100% of funds flow guarantees, have been classified pursuant to the categories corresponding to financial institutions involved pursuant to BCRA standards.

 

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BANCO HIPOTECARIO SA AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of and for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

As of June 30, 2006, the Bank’s Risk and Credit Committee decided to maintain a 100% coverage of the loan loss reserve, relative to the total amount of those loans classified as non-performing.

Based on the foregoing, the Board of Directors of the Bank believes that the allowance for loan losses set up are sufficient to cover the minimum reserves required by Argentine Banking GAAP rules.

5.8. Mortgage Related Insurance

The Bank records provisions for incurred but not reported insurance claims and pending insurance claims based on historical loss experience. The Bank provides property damage, life and unemployment insurance for its mortgage loan customers as well as for debtors of loans which the Bank services. Income from insurance premiums is recognized as it is charged as a component of the monthly loan installment under “Income from services” in the accompanying consolidated statement of income.

The Bank has set up a reserve for incurred but not reported and pending insurance claims for Ps.10,513 and Ps.10,947 as of June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

The Bank discontinues accruing insurance premiums for individual loans when the related loan is over 90 days past due.

5.9. Loans in trust pending securitization

The Bank has executed various financial trust agreements under which it has transferred the fiduciary ownership of certain of its mortgage loans to other financial entities as trustees for the benefit of trust. Once the mortgage loans have been transferred, the trust fund issues the corresponding debt securities and certificates of participation and remits the proceeds to the Bank. The Bank may also retain an ownership interest in the trust in the form of debt securities or certificates of participation.

These receivables, corresponding to pesified mortgage loans registered in the name of the trustee, are recorded as an asset of the Bank, since the trustee has not issued the corresponding debt securities and certificates participation, and therefore the Bank maintains the dual roles of trustor and sole beneficiary.

All the loans in trust at June 30, 2008 are held in a trust where the Bank is the only beneficiary and are not intended to be securitized.

5.10. Investments in Other Companies

Investments in Other Companies include equity interest in companies where a minority interest is held.

Under Argentine Banking GAAP, the equity method is used to account for investments where a significant influence in the corporate decision making process exists.

Permanent equity investments in companies where corporate decision are not influenced, are accounted for at the lower of cost and the equity method.

 

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BANCO HIPOTECARIO SA AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of and for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

5.11. Bank Premises and Equipment and Miscellaneous Assets

Bank premises and equipment are recorded at cost, adjusted for inflation (as described in Note 1.d), less accumulated depreciation.

Depreciation is computed under the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets. The estimated useful lives for bank premises and equipment are as follows:

 

Buildings

   50 years

Furniture and fixtures

   10 years

Machinery and equipment

   5 years

Other

   5 years

The cost of maintenance and repairs of these properties is charged to expense as incurred. The cost of significant renewals and improvements is added to the carrying amount of the respective assets. When assets are retired or otherwise disposed of, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts, and any resulting gain or loss is reflected in the consolidated statement of income.

The Bank has recorded under “Miscellaneous assets”—properties received in lieu of payment of loans. These assets are initially recognized at the lower of market value or the value of the loan, net of allowances and subsequently, adjusted for inflation (as described in Note 1.d), and depreciation. Depreciation of Miscellaneous assets is also computed under the straight-line method over the estimated useful of the related assets.

5.12. Intangible Assets, Net

Intangible assets represent software expenses as well as start-up costs. These assets are carried at cost, adjusted for inflation (as described in Note 1.d), less accumulated amortization. Intangible assets are amortized under the straight-line method over their estimated useful life.

5.13. Other Financial Instruments

On January 29, 2004, the Bank entered into a transaction to partially hedge its Stock Appreciation Right clause (“StARS”) included in the issuance of the Medium-term Secured Facility. This transaction includes the acquisition of 71,100,000 Class D ordinary shares of Banco Hipotecario SA (see Note 29.a.). The amount agreed under this transaction was US$17,519. The Bank recognized the right to receive its shares as an asset, which is marked to market based on the market value of its shares at year end. The maturity date is January 30, 2009.

The rights arising from this purchase have been valued at the lower of the market price of the underlying asset or average quotation price for the last two months.

In order to offset the CER index-adjustable foreign currency assets and liabilities the Bank enter into several repurchase agreements with certain international entities, which, in aggregate amounted to US$ 714,315 of face value of BODEN 2012.

Underlying assets of repurchase agreements with BODEN 2012 have been recorded following the criteria mentioned in the first paragraph of Note 5.2.

 

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BANCO HIPOTECARIO SA AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of and for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

As of June 30, 2008, the Bank recorded Ps. 22,965 (asset position) as reverse repurchase agreements involving government securities.

5.14. Miscellaneous receivables

BODEN 2012 deposited as collateral, have been valued following the criteria described in the mentioned in the first paragraph of Note 5.2.

5.15. Minority interest

The breakdown of supplementary equity interests recorded in “Minority interests” in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets is as follows:

 

     %     June 30
       2008    2007

BHN Sociedad de Inversión SA

   0.01 %   Ps. 1    Ps. 1

BACS Banco de Crédito y Securitización SA

   30.00 %   Ps.  33,374    Ps.  32,937

Total

     Ps. 33,375    Ps. 32,938

5.16. Income Tax

The Bank recognizes income tax charges and liabilities on the basis of the tax returns corresponding to each fiscal year at the statutory tax rates. As of June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006, the corporate tax rate was 35%. Under Argentine Banking GAAP the Bank does not recognize deferred income taxes.

5.17. Statements of Cash Flows

The consolidated statements of cash flows were prepared using the measurement methods prescribed by the BCRA, but in accordance with the presentation requirements of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards N° 95: Statement of Cash Flows (“SFAS 95”).

For purposes of reporting cash flows, “Cash and cash equivalents” include “Cash and due from banks”.

5.18. Use of Estimates

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities as of the financial statement dates and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Significant estimates include those required in the accounting of the reserve for loan losses and the reserve for contingencies. Since management’s judgment involves making estimates concerning the likelihood of future events, the actual results could differ from those estimates which would have a positive or negative effect on future period results.

5.19. Dismissal indemnities

The disbursements in respect to dismissal indemnities are expensed in the year in which they occur.

 

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BANCO HIPOTECARIO SA AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of and for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

5.20. Personnel benefits

The Bank has set up provisions recorded at the present value of the remaining payment for its employees’ retirement plans.

5.21. Reclassifications

Certain balances from prior periods have been reclassified to conform to the twelve-month period ended June 30, 2008 presentation.

5.22. Deposits

Deposits have been valued at their placement value, plus adjustments from application of the CER and accrued interest, when applicable.

5.23. Reserve for contingencies

The Bank estimates contingencies and records them in Reserve for contingencies, under Liabilities. These reserves cover various items, such as insurance risk, provisions for lawsuits, other contingencies, etc.

5.24. Other liabilities from financial transactions

Unsubordinated negotiable obligations have been valued at their residual value plus interests accrued.

6. Summary of differences between Argentine Banking GAAP and Argentine GAAP

The Bank’s accounting policies and financial statement presentation generally conform to the rules prescribed by the Argentine Central Bank which prescribes the reporting and disclosure policies for all banks and financial institutions in Argentina. These rules differ in certain respects from Argentine GAAP. The following is a summary of the principal differences between Argentine Banking GAAP and Argentine GAAP:

Valuation criteria

a) Compensation to be received, per Sections 28 and 29 of National Executive Branch Decree 905/02, and investment account securities

As of June 30, 2008 and 2007, the Bank carries the government securities received and to be received in the “Government Securities – holdings in investment accounts”, “Miscellaneous receivables” and “Other Receivables for financial transactions” captions, respectively, arising from the compensation established by Sections 28 and 29 of National Executive Branch Decree 905/02.

Under Argentine GAAP, those assets should be marked to market with the resulting gain or loss reflected in the income statement, unless the Bank demonstrates the ability and the intention to maintain these securities upon maturity.

 

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BANCO HIPOTECARIO SA AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of and for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

b) Accounting for income taxes

The Bank determines income tax at the statutory rate applicable to the estimated taxable income, without considering the effect of any timing differences between the accounting and taxable results. Under Argentine GAAP applicable in the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, income tax must be recognized according to the deferred tax method and, therefore, deferred tax assets or liabilities based on temporary differences must be recognized.

c) Secured Bonds and other government securities

As established by Decree 1579/02 the Bank and the Fiduciary Fund for the Provincial Development exchanged loans to the provincial governments for Provincial Secured Loans (BOGAR) which at June 30, 2008 and 2007 have been disclosed under Government and Corporate Securities.

At those dates, the Bank valued the two assets at the lower of present or technical value, as established by the BCRA, except for those granted as collateral for advances granted by the Governing Entity for the subscription of the bonds foreseen in Decree 905/02. Under Argentine GAAP, those assets should be valued at their quotation values net of estimated selling expenses, charging the quotation differences to the results for each period or fiscal year, except there is a possibility and intention to carry them until maturity.

Discount Bonds have been valued pursuant to the provisions of Communication “A” 4270, supplementary rules and amendments thereof. Under professional accounting standards, those bonds should be valued at their quotation value less estimated selling expenses.

d) Derivatives

Under Argentine Banking GAAP, derivatives financial instruments have been valued according to the criterion described in Note 5.5. Under Argentine GAAP, the derivatives financial instruments are recorded at fair value.

e) Receivables and debts stemming from refinancing

Under Argentine GAAP, when certain receivables and debts are replaced by others the terms and conditions thereof are substantially different to the original ones, the existing account shall be closed and a new receivable or debt shall be recorded, the accounting measurement thereof shall be made on the best possible estimate of the amount payable or receivable, discounted at a market rate that reflects market valuations on the time value of money and the specific risks of such assets and liabilities. Said transactions are valued under Argentine Banking GAAP standards based on the rates contractually agreed upon and, as the case may be, the risk is measured pursuant to the classification and provisioning criteria specifically set forth.

f) Financial Trusts

Under Argentine Banking GAAP, the certificates of participation in financial trusts have been valued according to the equity method of accounting. In addition, debt securities issued by the trust are recorded at face value, adjusted by CER, when applicable, plus accrued interest and less the negative amount of the equity method applied to the certificates of participation, when applicable. Under Argentine GAAP the certificates of participation and debt securities must be recorded at the lesser of the amortized cost and the market value.

 

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BANCO HIPOTECARIO SA AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of and for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

g) Commissions, Interest and Costs related to Loans and Credit Cards

Pursuant to Argentine GAAP, certain items for commissions, fees, charges and costs incurred in connection with loans or credit cards, should be capitalized according to future income. This criterion is not applied under Argentine Banking GAAP.

7. Restricted Assets

At June 30, 2008 and 2007, the Bank has deposited BODEN 2012 for Ps. 131,548 and Ps. 114,253, respectively as collateral for the currency swap transaction.

As of June 30, 2008, Mercado de Valores de Buenos Aires SA’s share belonging to BH Valores Sociedad de Bolsa SA (ex-Hexagon Argentina SA Sociedad de Bolsa) is pledged on behalf of Chubb Argentina de Seguros SA.

On July 07, 2006, BACS Banco de Crédito y Securitización SA assigned Senior trust debt securities of the BACS III Mortgage Trust as collateral under the “Warehousing Credit Line Agreement” executed with International Finance Corporation.

8. Government and Corporate securities

Government and Corporate Securities held by the Bank consist of the following balances:

 

     June 30,
     2008    2007

Held for investment

     

BODEN 2012- Compensatory bond (denominated in US$) (*)

   Ps. 505,797    Ps. 1,276,225

Held for Trading

     

- Quoted

     

Argentine government bonds (denominated in Pesos)

     111,795      167,141

Corporate equity securities (denominated in Pesos)

     85,497      117,462

Argentine Central Bank bills—Lebacs (denominated in Pesos)

     117,879      403,902

Corporate equity securities (denominated in US$)

     40,638      46,377

- Unquoted

     

National and Guaranteed government bonds (denominated in Pesos)

     229,998      148,834
             

Total

   Ps. 1,091,604    Ps. 2,159,941
             

 

(*) As of June 30, 2008 and 2007 the bank has registered Ps.1,564,749 and Ps.1,247,920, respectively, in Other receivables from financial transactions and in Miscellaneous receivables corresponding to repo and currency swap transactions. In addition, during the year BODEN 2012 bond has amortized 12.5% of its face value.

 

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BANCO HIPOTECARIO SA AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of and for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

9. Loans

Descriptions of the categories of loans in the accompanying balance sheets include:

 

 

Mortgage loans:

 

   

Construction project loans—loans made to various entities for the construction of housing units

 

   

Individual residential mortgage loans—mortgage loans made to individuals to finance the acquisition, construction, completion, enlargement, and/or remodeling of their homes

 

 

Other loans:

 

   

Certain financial and non-financial sector loans including loans to credit cardholders and to individuals

 

   

Public Loans—loans to National Government and Provinces

Under Argentine Central Bank regulations, the Bank must disclose the composition of its loan portfolio by non-financial Public sector, and financial and non-financial private sector. Additionally, the Bank must disclose the type of collateral pledged on non-financial private sector loans. The breakdown of the Bank’s loan portfolio in this regard is as follows:

 

     June,  
     2008     2007  

Non-financial public sector

   Ps. 95,002     Ps. 113,516  

Financial sector

     28,798       88,604  

Non-financial private sector

    

With preferred guarantees (a)

     2,206,943       1,768,215  

Without preferred guarantees (b)

     2,236,086       1,652,685  

Accrued interest receivable

     48,555       38,496  

Reserve for loan losses (see Note 10)

     (214,551 )     (136,120 )
                

Total

   Ps. 4,400,833     Ps. 3,525,396  
                

 

(a) Preferred guarantees include first priority mortgages or pledges, cash, gold or public sector bond collateral, certain collateral held in trust, or certain guarantees by the Argentine government.
(b) Includes personal loans for Ps. 839,640 and Ps. 509,186, credit cards loans for Ps. 766,415 and Ps. 381,132, overdraft facilities Ps. 261,651 and Ps. 419,797 and other loans for Ps. 368,380 and Ps. 342,570, as of June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

 

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BANCO HIPOTECARIO SA AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of and for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

10. Allowance for loan losses

The activity in the allowance for loan losses for the periods presented is as follows:

a) Loans:

 

     June 30,  
     2008     2007  

Balance at beginning of period

   Ps. 136,120     Ps. 145,297  

Provision charged to income

     147,656       42,782  

Loans charged off

     (69,225 )     (51,959 )
                

Balance at end of period

   Ps. 214,551     Ps. 136,120  
                

b) Loans in trust pending securitization (Note 5.9):

 

     June 30,  
     2008     2007  

Balance at beginning of period

   Ps. 34,684     Ps. 33,840  

Provision charged to income

     2,205       891  

Loans charged off

     (18,399 )     (47 )
                

Balance at end of period

   Ps. 18,490     Ps. 34,684  
                

11. Other receivables from financial transactions

The breakdown of other receivables from financial transactions, by type of guarantee for the periods indicated, is as follows:

 

     June 30,  
     2008     2007  

Preferred guarantees, including deposits with the Argentine Central Bank

   Ps. 718,139     Ps. 758,275  

Unsecured guarantees (1)

     3,091,291       2,954,104  
                

Subtotal

     3,809,430       3,712,379  

Less: Allowance for loan losses

     (18,490 )     (34,684 )
                

Total

   Ps. 3,790,940     Ps. 3,677,695  
                

 

(1) Includes Ps.1,433,201 and Ps.1,133,687 of Securities receivables under repurchase agreements of BODEN 2012 and Ps.1,292,449 and Ps.1,133,603 of Amounts receivable under derivative financial instruments, as of June 30, 2008 and 2007.

 

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BANCO HIPOTECARIO SA AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of and for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

The breakdown of the caption “Other” included in the balance sheet is as follows:

 

     June 30,
     2008    2007

Class B subordinated mortgage-backed bonds

   Ps. 214,745    Ps. 222,018

Certificates of participation

     180,860      223,372

Bonds held in the Bank’s portfolio (1)

     164,856      139,997

Treasury shares receivable (See Note 5.13)

     80,343      219,272

Assignment of outstanding mortgage loans (2)

     —        52,137

Other

     104,954      104,462
             

Total

   Ps. 745,758    Ps. 961,258
             

 

(1) The Bank carries long-term Negotiable Obligations for Ps. 119,778 and Ps. 116,945 as of June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively, held in its portfolio for purposes of their possible exchange with holders that did not participate in the initial offering.
(2) On June 29, 2007, the Bank accepted the offer to assign certain mortgage loans under collection enforcement proceedings with a book value of Ps. 124,744 as of March 31, 2007, most of which were recorded in memorandum accounts.

12. Miscellaneous receivables

Miscellaneous receivables are comprised of the following for the periods indicated:

 

     June 30,  
     2008     2007  

Withholdings, credits and prepaid income tax

   Ps. 5,926     Ps. 3,863  

Receivables from governmental entities

     488       477  

Recoverable expenses, taxes, and advances to third parties

     3,421       241  

Attachments for non-restructured ON

     66,475       91,626  

Guarantee deposit (1)

     131,548       114,253  

Presumptive minimum income – Credit tax (Note 28)

     104,085       77,888  

Receivables from master servicing activities

     6,196       4,828  

Other Directors fees

     1,367       2,548  

Loans to Bank staff

     73,691       6,953  

Other

     64,498       27,170  
                

Subtotal

     457,695       329,847  

Less: Allowance for collection risks

     (3,168 )     (3,870 )
                

Total

   Ps. 454,527     Ps. 325,977  
                

 

(1) As of June 30, 2008 and 2007 guarantee deposits comprised mainly BODEN 2012 granted as collateral to Ps. 131,548 and Ps. 114,253 deposit securing financial agreements, respectively.

 

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BANCO HIPOTECARIO SA AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of and for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

13. Bank Premises and Equipment and Intangible Assets

The book values of major categories of bank premises and equipment and total accumulated depreciation as of the periods indicated are as follows:

 

      June 30,  
      2008     2007  

Land and buildings

   Ps.  106,479     Ps.  107,609  

Furniture and fixtures

     24,947       20,265  

Machinery and equipment

     68,937       55,507  

Other

     3,023       2,965  

Accumulated depreciation

     (92,322 )     (81,346 )
                

Total

   Ps. 111,064     Ps. 105,000  
                

Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization, as of the end of periods indicated are as follows:

 

     June 30,
     2008    2007

Third parties fees, re-engineering, restructuring and capitalized software costs

     60,196      29,666
             

Total

   Ps.  60,196    Ps.  29,666
             

14. Miscellaneous assets

Miscellaneous assets consists of the following as of the end of each period:

 

     June 30,  
     2008     2007  

Properties held for sale

   Ps.  11,622     Ps.  11,109  

Assets leased to others

     5,977       5,977  

Other

     4,667       6,700  

Accumulated depreciation

     (7,988 )     (7,603 )
                

Total

   Ps. 14,278     Ps. 16,183  
                

 

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BANCO HIPOTECARIO SA AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of and for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

15. Reserve for contingencies

The reserve for contingencies as of the end of each period is as follows:

 

     June 30,
     2008    2007

Legal Contingencies (1)

   Ps.  86,328    Ps.  103,463

Incurred but not reported and pending insurance claims (2)

     10,513      10,947

Contingency risks (3)

     32,380      32,003

Tax Provision

     6,073      8,149

Stock Appreciation Rights (StAR)

     34,367      67,064

Directors Compensation Plan

     12,767      40,588
             

Total

   Ps.  182,428    Ps. 262,214
             

 

(1) Includes legal contingencies and expected legal fees.
(2) As of June 30, 2008 and 2007, it is composed of: technical commitments for Ps. 163 and Ps. 856 (pending risks for Ps.163 and Ps. 856, without generating charges against the reserve for insufficient premiums), Debts to insured for Ps. 1,900 and Ps. 1,841 (outstanding claims for Ps. 1,284 and Ps. 1,228, IBNR for Ps. 616 and Ps. 613) and Catastrophe Allowances for Ps. 8,450 and Ps. 8,250, respectively.
(3) Comprised of:

 

     June 30,
     2008    2007

Contingency sale of non-performing mortgage portfolio

   Ps.  1,000    Ps.  7,000

Retirement plans

     29,131      25,003

Municipality guarantee fund (a)

     2,249      —  
             

Total

   Ps.  32,380    Ps.  32,003
             

 

(a) This fund represents the amount estimated for future claims or contingencies deriving from recovery of guarantee funds during the period.

16. Other Liabilities from Financial Transactions—Argentine Central Bank

The amounts outstanding corresponding to the Argentine Central Bank debt and advances, as of the end of twelve month periods are as follows:

 

     June 30,
     2008    2007

Advances to be requested for the acquisition of the Hedge bond (1)

   Ps.  239,104    Ps.  218,031
             

Total

   Ps. 239,104    Ps. 218,031
             

 

(1) Accrued interest plus CER amounted to Ps.137,989 and Ps.116,911 at June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The maturity of this advance will be determined once the Hedge bond is received. Includes CER plus interest at 2% until February 3, 2003.

The Bank has been paying the advances to be requested for the acquisition of the Hedge bond for a face value of US$ 773,531 thousand.

 

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BANCO HIPOTECARIO SA AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of and for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

17. Other Liabilities from Financial Transactions—Other Banks and International Entities

The breakdown of the bank debt is as follows:

 

                June 30,

Description

   Annual
interest rate
    Maturity
date
   2008    2007

Warehousing Credit Line Agreement with IFC.

   8.60 %   2009    42,360    40,953

Interbank loans in pesos

   8.75 %   2008    18,712    190,666
              

Total

        61,072    231,619
              

On January 17, 2006 BACS Banco de Crédito y Securitización SA executed a Warehousing Credit Line Agreement with International Finance Corporation. Under this agreement IFC grants the Bank line of credit for up to of US$ 50,000 in two tranches of US$ 25,000 for a term of three years.

18. Other Liabilities from Financial Transactions—Bonds

The balance of the negotiable obligations has been included in the “Other liabilities for financial transactions” caption. The residual face values of the different negotiable obligation series issued are as follows:

 

                          June 30,
     Issue date    Maturity
date
        Annual
interest rate
    2008    2007

EMTN (CHA)

                

Series III (US$ 100,000 thousand)

   07/08/96    07/08/06    a    10.625 %   272    1,113

GMTN

                

Series I (US$ 300,000 thousand)

   17/04/98    17/04/03    a    10.000 %   10,322    27,669

Series IV (US$ 175,000 thousand)

   03/12/98    03/12/08    a    13.000 %   —      1,360

Series VI (US$ 135,909 thousand)

   15/03/99    15/03/02    a    12.250 %   454    464

Series XVI (US$ 125,000 thousand)

   17/02/00    17/02/03    a    12.625 %   16,418    26,797

Series XVII (EURO 100,000 thousand)

   27/03/00    27/03/02    a    9.000 %   2,907    2,554

Series XXIII (EURO 150,000 thousand)

   06/02/01    06/02/04    a    10.750 %   13,682    14,319

Series XXIV (US$ 107,000 thousand)

   15/03/02    15/03/05    a    9.000 %   5,747    12,551

Series XXV (EURO 165,700 thousand)

   15/03/02    15/06/05    a    8.000 %   5,461    6,068

Long term bond (US$ 449,880 thousand)

   15/09/03    01/12/13    b    3.0 – 6.0 %   478,108    563,012

Long term bond (EURO 278,367 thousand)

   15/09/03    01/12/13    b    3.0 – 6.0 %   895,838    946,246

Series 4 (US$ 150,000 thousand)

   16/11/05    16/11/10    a    9.750 %   328,004    456,855

Series 4-Trnache II (US$ 100,000 thousand)

   26/01/06    16/11/10    a    9.750 %   302,061    308,559

Series 5 (US$ 250,000 thousand)

   27/04/06    27/04/16    a    9.750 %   745,242    760,242

Series 6 (US$ 150,000 thousand)

   21/06/07    21/06/10    a    11.250 %   405,708    459,377
                    
              3,210,224    3,587,186
                    

 

(a) fixed interest rate
(b) variable interest rate

 

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BANCO HIPOTECARIO SA AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of and for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

The contractual maturities of bonds are as follows as of June 30, 2008:

 

Past due (*)

   Ps. 55,263

June 30, 2009

     228,900

June 30, 2010

     634,608

June 30, 2011

     858,965

June 30, 2012

     228,900

Thereafter

     1,203,588
      

Total

   Ps.  3,210,224
      

 

(*) Includes debtors who did not accept the restructuring process.

The General Shareholders’ Meeting held on May 23, 2008, approved the creation of a new Global Program for issuing Negotiable Obligations, not convertible into shares, with or without collateral, for an amount of up to two billion US dollars (US$ 2,000,000,000) or the equivalent thereof in pesos.

19. Prepayment of financial debt

On September 21, 2007, the anticipated redemption of negotiable obligations Series 4 – maturity date 2010 – was made for a face value of US$ 40,000 thousand.

Between October 2007 and January 2008, out of court settlements were agreed with defaulting holders of negotiable obligations, who had not accepted the exchange offer made by the Bank back in January 2004. Settlements amounted to a face value of US$ 11,401 thousand and Euro 819 thousand.

On January 29, 2008, the Bank launched an offer to purchase in cash up to US$ 56,000 thousand of the total Negotiable Obligations capital in US dollars due in 2013 and the equivalent to a capital amount of up to US$ 56,000 thousand in Euro-denominated negotiable obligations due in 2013. The purchase offer expired on February 27, 2008. As a result of this transaction, securities were bought back for US$ 16,536 thousand and US$ 44,517 thousand for the series in US dollars and Euro, respectively.

20. Level I American Depositary Receipts Program

On March 27, 2006 the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has made effective the Level I American Depositary Receipts, “ADR” program.

This program allows foreign investors to buy the Bank’s stock through the secondary market where ADRs are traded freely within the United States. The Bank of New York has been appointed as depositary institution.

21. Derivative Financial Instruments

 

1. Cross Currency Swaps: Cross currency swaps were carried out in order to reduce the volatility of the Bank’s results derived from variations in the Euro quotation, in view of the net liability position of that currency, stemming from the restructuring of Euro-denominated negotiable obligations. Through these transactions, the Bank receives Euros, in exchange for a certain amount of US dollars, guaranteed with BODEN 2012. The Bank records the changes in the assets and liabilities position in Euros and US dollars plus the corresponding interest rate. Within this framework, the following transactions have been carried out:

 

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BANCO HIPOTECARIO SA AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of and for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

   

On March 5, 2004, the Bank and Deutsche Bank AG executed a currency swap contract for Euros 150,000 thousand which due date shall be December 1, 2013.

 

   

On October 29, 2004, the Bank and Credit Suisse First Boston executed a currency swap contract for Euros 70,000 thousand which due date shall be December 1, 2013.

 

   

On July 25, 2007, the Bank and Deutsche Bank AG executed a currency swap contract for Euros 30,000 thousand which due date shall be December 1, 2013.

The net book value as of June 30, 2008 amounts of Ps. 209,619.

 

2. Credit Currency Swaps: in order to reduce the volatility of the Bank’s results derived from variations in the CER index, in view the net liability position stemming from obligations in pesos adjustable by said index, related to the financial assistance to be requested from the Argentine Central Bank for the subscription of BODEN 2012 pursuant to the provisions of Section 29, subsect. g) of Decree 905/02, the Bank carried out currency swap transactions paying US dollars and receiving in exchange CER index. These transactions are guaranteed with BODEN 2012. The Bank records positive results for its assets position in CER and allocates its results stemming from its liabilities position in accordance with the US dollar variations plus the interest rate agreed upon. Within this framework, the following transactions have been carried out:

 

   

On January 25, 2005, the Bank entered into a currency swap contract (Cross Currency Swap) with Deutsche Bank AG. According to this transaction, the Bank receives interest at a rate of 2% on a notional principal of Ps. 438,870 adjusted by applying the CER and pays interest at 180-day LIBOR plus 435 basis points on a notional principal of US$ 150,000 thousand without transfer of principal on each due date.

 

   

On February 1, 2005, the Bank entered into a currency swap contract (Cross Currency Swap) with Credit Suisse First Boston. According to this transaction, the Bank receives interest at a rate of 2% on a principal of Ps. 87,537 adjusted by applying the CER and pays interest at 180-day LIBOR plus 420 basis points on a principal of US$ 30,000 thousand.

The net book value as of June 30, 2008 amounts of Ps. 112,046.

 

3. Forward contracts: In order to balance its foreign currency global position, the Bank carried out forward transactions under which it commits to receive US dollars and deliver pesos. Within this framework, on March 23, 2006, the Bank and Deutsche Bank AG entered into a currency swap contract involving US$ 100,000 thousand and Ps. 307,500. The maturity date is March 23, 2046.

The net book value as of June 30, 2008 amounts of Ps. (206).

 

4. Interest rate Swaps: In order to hedge the position relative to issuance of debt at fixed rate and giving consideration to the holdings of floating rate securities, interest rate swap agreements have been subscribed for transactions in foreign currencies through which the Bank receives fixed rate and pays the rate agreed upon during the first year and a variable rate for the remaining term. Within this framework, during the period from April to June 2007 interest rate swap agreements were subscribed with different financial institutions for Ps. 115,000. According to these transactions, the Bank receives a fixed rate (established in 9.20% and 10.20%) and pay a variable rate BADLAR. The due date of the last of these transactions shall be June 2010.

 

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BANCO HIPOTECARIO SA AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of and for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

The net book value as of June 30, 2008 amounts of Ps. (420).

 

5. CER Swap linked to Secured Loans due 2008 and External Debt: On February 23, 2007, the Bank entered into a currency swap contract with Deutsche Bank AG applying local legislation through which on an initial notional principal of Ps. 621,496 adjusted by CER an annual 2.5% rate is paid and an annual 4% annual rate with monthly exchanges is received. Amortization shall be carried out in 6 half-yearly installments as from June 2009, the last installment falling due on December 2011. The Swap’s objective is to adjust performance curves of sovereign bonds adjusted by CER, that of Secured Loans adjusted by CER and the existing difference between sovereign bonds with local and foreign legislation.

In addition to the interest rate paid, the Bank assumed the credit risk of the Secured Loans issued by the National Government. In any event of default of those loans, the Bank committed to pay the defaulted amount to Deutsche Bank.

The net book value as of June 30, 2008 amounts of Ps. 1,217.

 

6. Futures: Future currency transactions have been carried out through which the forward purchase and sale of foreign currencies (US dollar) was agreed upon. These transactions were performed as hedge for foreign currency position.

 

7. On July 17, 2006, BACS entered into a currency swap contract with a local Financial Entity. According to this transaction, the Bank receives argentine pesos adjusted by CER on a notional principal of Ps. 48,300 and pays interest fixed rates of 12.3% without transfer of principal on each due date.

The net book value as of June 30, 2008 amounts of Ps. (539).

22. Securitization of mortgage loans

The Bank created sixteen separate mortgage trusts (BHN I Mortgage Fund, BHN II Mortgage Trust, BHN III Mortgage Trust, BHN IV Mortgage Trust, BACS I Mortgage Trust, BACS Funding I Mortgage Trust, BACS Funding II Mortgage Trust BHSA I 2002 Mortgage Trust, CHA I Financial Trust, CHA II Financial Trust, CHA III Financial Trust, CHA IV Financial Trust, CHA V Financial Trust, CHA VI Financial Trust, CHA VII and CHA VIII Financial Trust) under its US securitization program and “Cédulas Hipotecarias Argentina – program”; and a consumer trust (Cédulas Personales I Financial Trust) under BACS’s Global Trust Securities Program. For each mortgage or consumer trust, the Bank transfers a portfolio of mortgages or consumer originated by banks and other financial institutions in trust to the relevant trustee. The trustee then issues Class A senior Bonds, Class B subordinated bonds and certificates of participation. The trust’s payment obligations in respect of these instruments are collateralized by, and recourse is limited to, the trust’s assets consisting of the portfolio of mortgages or consumer and any reserve fund established by the Bank for such purpose. The securitizations were recorded as sales, and accordingly, the mortgage loans conveyed to the trusts are no longer recorded as assets of the Bank.

 

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BANCO HIPOTECARIO SA AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of and for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

At the date of these financial statements the following trust funds have been set up:

 

     Debt Securities
Class A1/AV
   Debt Securities
Class A2/AF
   Debt Securities
Class B
   Participation
Certificates
   Total

BHN I – Issued on 10.29.96 (*)

              

Face value in Ps.

   60,292    18,778    9,302    4,652    93,024

Declared Maturity Date

   05.25.2005    09.25.2001    01.25.2014    01.25.2014   

BHN II – Issued on 05.09.97 (*)

              

Face value in Ps.

   44,554    51,363    3,730    6,927    106,574

Declared Maturity Date

   03.25.2001    07.25.2009    03.25.2012    05.25.2013   

BHN III – Issued on 10.29.97 (*)

              

Face value in Ps.

   14,896    82,090    5,060    3,374    105,420

Declared Maturity Date

   05.31.2017    05.31.2017    05.31.2018    05.31.2018   

BHN IV – Issued on 03.15.00 (*)

              

Face value in Ps.

   36,500    119,500    24,375    14,625    195,000

Declared Maturity Date

   03.31.2011    03.31.2011    01.31.2020    01.31.2020   

BACS I – Issued on 02.15.2001 (*)

              

Face value in Ps.

   30,000    65,000    12,164    8,690    115,854

Declared Maturity Date

   05.31.2010    05.31.2010    06.30.2020    06.30.2020   

BACS Funding I Issued on 11.15.2001 (*)

              

Face value in Ps.

   —      —      —      29,907    29,907

Declared Maturity Date

            11.15.2031   

BACS Funding II Issued on 11.23.2001 (*)

              

Face value in Ps.

   —      —      —      12,104    12,104

Declared Maturity Date

            11.23.2031   

BHSA I Issued on 02.01.2002

              

Face value in Ps.

   —      —      —      43,412    43,412

Declared Maturity Date

            02.01.2021   

CHA I Issued on 6.25.2004

              

Face value in Ps.

   40,000    —      5,000    5,000    50,000

Declared Maturity Date

   12.31.2010       03.31.2012    03.31.2012   

CHA II Issued on 11.19.2004

              

Face value in Ps.

   39,950    —      4,995    5,002    49,947

Declared Maturity Date

   12.31.2011       01.31.2016    01.31.2013   

 

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BANCO HIPOTECARIO SA AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of and for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

     Debt Securities
Class A1/AV
   Debt Securities
Class A2/AF
   Debt Securities
Class B
   Participation
Certificates
   Total

CHA III Issued on 04.07.2005

              

Face value in Ps.

   50,000    —      6,250    6,270    62,520

Declared Maturity Date

   04.30.2012       12.31.2013    01.31.2020   

CHA IV Issued on 6.22.2005

              

Face value in Ps.

   54,900    —      4,848    4,849    64,597

Declared Maturity Date

   01.31.2013       07.31.2023    07.31.2023   

CHA V Issued on 10.20.2005

              

Face value in Ps.

   53,301    —      —      11,700    65,001

Declared Maturity Date

   12.31.2014          04.30.2023   

CHA VI Issued on 04.07.2006

              

Face value in Ps.

   56,702    —      —      12,447    69,149

Declared Maturity Date

   12.31.2016          12.31.2026   

CHA VII Issued on 09.27.2006

              

Face value in Ps.

   58,527    —      —      12,848    71,375

Declared Maturity Date

   08.31.2017          02.28.2028   

CHA VIII Issued on 03.26.2007

              

Face value in Ps.

   61,088    —      —      13,409    74,497

Declared Maturity Date

   08.31.2024          08.31.2028   

Cedupe I Issued on 04.03.2008

              

Face value in Ps.

   50,514    —      —      8,914    59,428

Declared Maturity Date

   07.31.2010          11.30.2013   

 

(*) Trusts subject to the pesification of foreign currency assets and liabilities at the $1.00=US$1 rate established by Law 25561 and Decree 214, as they were created under Argentine legislation. Certain holders of Class A debt securities have started declarative actions against the trustee pursuant to the application of the pesification measures set forth in Law 25561 and Decree 214, in order to maintain the currency of origin of said securities. In these declarative actions, the Bank acted together with BACS as third party. The trustee has duly answered to this claim, being the final resolution to this situation is still pending.

23. Miscellaneous Liabilities

Sundry creditors and other miscellaneous liabilities consist of the following as of the end of each period:

 

     June 30,
     2008    2007

Sundry creditors:

     

Accrued fees and expenses

   Ps. 34,210    Ps. 22,919

Unallocated collections

     1,518      7,881

Withholdings and taxes payable

     6,361      3,439

Other

     2,869      4,281
             

Total

   Ps. 44,958    Ps. 38,520
             

Other:

     

Directors and Syndics accrued fees

   Ps. 7,757    Ps. 6,421

Payroll withholdings and contributions

     6,352      6,395

Gratifications

     4,600      6,598

Salaries and social securities

     3,992      4,019
             

Total

   Ps. 22,701    Ps. 23,433
             

 

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BANCO HIPOTECARIO SA AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of and for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

24. Income from Services and Expenses on Services

Income from Services—Commissions and Other

Commissions earned consist of the following for each period:

 

     June 30,
     2008    2007    2006

Loan servicing fees from third parties

   Ps. 2,599    Ps. 1,830    Ps. 1,438

Commissions from FONAVI

     5,660      4,086      3,335

Commissions for credit cards

     104,649      47,914      12,287

Other (1)

     38,229      10,214      17,736
                    

Total

   Ps. 151,137    Ps. 64,044    Ps. 34,796
                    

 

(1) Includes Ps. 20,071 of Commissions for BHN Inversión SA as of June 30, 2008, and Ps. 11,950 of Commissions for technological services (MSI), as of June 30, 2006, respectively.

Other income from services is comprised of the following for each period:

 

     June 30,
     2008    2007    2006

Reimbursement of loan expenses paid by third parties

   Ps. 33,203    Ps. 12,995    Ps. 7,748

Other

     10,031      6,323      5,011
                    

Total

   Ps. 43,234    Ps. 19,318    Ps. 12,759
                    

Expenses on Services—Commissions

Commissions expensed consist of the following for each period:

 

     June 30,
     2008    2007    2006

Structuring and underwriting fees

   Ps. 8,209    Ps. 9,543    Ps. 9,195

Retail bank originations

     52      105      165

Collections

     360      427      273

Banking services

     63,066      46,339      16,220

Commissions paid to real state agents

     14,032      8,239      3,007
                    

Total

   Ps. 85,719    Ps. 64,653    Ps. 28,860
                    

 

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BANCO HIPOTECARIO SA AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of and for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

25. Other Miscellaneous Income and Miscellaneous Expenses

Other miscellaneous income are comprised of the following for each year:

 

     June 30,
     2008    2007    2006

Income on operations with premises and equipment and miscellaneous assets

   Ps. 5,743    Ps. 939    Ps. 3,497

Recovery of Director’s fees

     —        —        9,765

Capitalization of the presumptive minimum income tax

     —        —        24,640

Bank loan interest

     3,909      71      —  

Recovery of guarantee funds

     7,495      —        —  

Other

     6,194      3,632      6,444
                    

Total

   Ps. 23,341    Ps. 4,642    Ps. 44,346
                    

Other miscellaneous expenses are comprised of the following for each period:

 

     June 30,
     2008    2007    2006

Depreciation of miscellaneous assets

   Ps. 455    Ps. 417    Ps. 380

Gross revenue tax

     473      590      344

Other taxes

     7,566      9,085      7,727

BOGAR and Secured Loans valuation adjustment

     —        —        20,806

Equity in loss of affiliates

     —        6,141      —  

Donations

     2,283      1,882   

Allocation of mortgage loan relief fund

     1,351      —        —  

Other

     8,139      5,283      7,665
                    

Total

   Ps. 20,267    Ps. 23,398    Ps. 36,922
                    

 

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BANCO HIPOTECARIO SA AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of and for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

26. Balances in Foreign Currency

The balances of assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currency (principally in US dollars and Euros) are as follows:

 

Assets:

  

Cash and due from banks

   Ps.  436,755

Government and corporate securities

     544,785

Loans

     224,979

Other receivables from financial transactions

     3,124,957

Miscellaneous receivables

     148,090

In-process items

     480
      

Total as of June 30, 2008

   Ps. 4,480,046
      

Total as of June 30, 2007

   Ps. 4,526,643
      

Liabilities:

  

Deposits

   Ps. 380,032

Other liabilities from financial transactions

     4,819,899

Miscellaneous liabilities

     695

In-process items

     124
      

Total as of June 30, 2008

   Ps.  5,200,750
      

Total as of June 30, 2007

   Ps. 4,891,468
      

27. Income Tax

Prior to January 1, 1996, the Bank was exempt from the payment of income tax. Beginning January 1, 1996, the Bank was only exempt from the payment of income tax on income from its operations, assets, and interest income attributable to its residential mortgage lending activities. Effective October 1997, as a result of conversion to a sociedad anónima, the Bank is subject to income tax in Argentina except on its income attributable to mortgage loan commitments made prior to that date.

As a general rule, the income tax law allows the deduction of expenses incurred to obtain or maintain the source of taxable income. For purposes of deducting from the taxable revenues those expenses incurred to obtain jointly taxable and non –taxable income, expenses should be segregated accordingly.

Furthermore, the fiscal rule gives prerogative to the direct allocation method rather than the apportionment method to determine the deductible expenses. Thus, the apportionment method should only be used when it is not possible to make direct allocation of expenses to the taxable revenue.

The Bank has a tax net operating loss carry forward of Ps. 309,868 and Ps. 838,675 at June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

28. Presumptive Minimum Income Tax

The Bank is subject to presumptive minimum income tax. Pursuant to this tax regime, the Bank is required to pay the greater of the income tax or the presumptive minimum income tax. Any excess of the presumptive minimum income tax over the income tax may be carried forward and recognized as a tax credit against future income taxes payable over a 10-year period. The presumptive minimum income tax provision is calculated on an individual entity basis at the statutory asset tax rate of 1% and is based upon the taxable assets of each company as of the end of the year, as defined by Argentine law. For financial entities, the taxable basis is 20% of their computable assets.

 

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BANCO HIPOTECARIO SA AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of and for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

As accepted by the BCRA, at June 30, 2008 the Bank capitalized the Ps.103,167 tax credit corresponding to the fiscal years between 1999 and 2007.

The tax credit balances held by BHSA at the closing date of these financial statements are the following:

 

Fiscal Year

   Tax credit balance

1999

   4,441

2000

   6,034

2001

   5,084

2002

   12,516

2003

   12,471

2004

   15,517

2005

   12,889

2006

   15,581

2007

   18,634

29. Shareholders’ Equity

The following information relates to the statements of changes in the Bank’s shareholders’ equity.

(a) Common Stock

Prior to June 30, 1997, the Bank’s capital stock consisted of assigned capital with no par value owned 100% by the Argentine government. In accordance with the by-laws approved as a result of the conversion of the Bank to a sociedad anónima, the Bank’s capital stock was established at Ps.1,500,000 and divided into four classes of ordinary common shares.

As of June 30, 2008, the Bank’s capital stock consists of:

 

Shareholder

   Class of
Shares
   Number of
Shares
   Total %
Ownership
    Voting
Rights
 

Argentine government (through FFFRI)

   A    658,530,880    43.9 %   1 vote  (b)

Banco Nación, as trustee for the Bank’s Programa de Propiedad Participada (a)

   B    75,000,000    5.0 %   1 vote  

Argentine government (through FFFRI)

   C    75,000,000    5.0 %   1 vote  

Public investors

   D    691,469,120    46.1 %   3 votes  (c)
                
      1,500,000,000    100 %  
                

 

(a) The Bank’s Programa de Propiedad Participada (“PPP”) is the Bank’s employee stock ownership plan.
(b) Under the Bylaws, the affirmative vote of the holders of Class A Shares is required in order to effectuate: (i) mergers or spin-offs; (ii) an acquisition of shares (constituting a Control Acquisition or resulting in the Bank being subject to a control situation); (iii) the transfer to third parties of a substantial part of the loan portfolio of the Bank, (iv) a change in the Bank’s corporate purpose; (v) the transfer of the Bank’s corporate domicile outside of Argentina, and (vi) the voluntary dissolution of the Bank.

 

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BANCO HIPOTECARIO SA AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of and for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

(c) For so long as Class A Shares represent more than 42% of the Bank’s capital, the Class D Shares shall be entitled to three votes per share, except that holders of Class D Shares will be entitled to one vote per share in the case of a vote on: (i) a fundamental change in the Bank’s corporate purpose; (ii) a change of the Bank’s domicile to be outside of Argentina; (iii) dissolution prior to the expiration of the Bank’s corporate existence; (iv) a merger or spin-off in which the Bank is not the surviving corporation; and (v) a total or partial recapitalization following a mandatory reduction of capital.

The Class B shares have been set aside for sale to the Bank’s employees in the future pursuant to the PPP on terms and conditions to be established by the Argentine government. Any Class B shares not acquired by the Bank’s employees at the time the Bank implements the PPP will automatically convert into Class A shares. The Class C shares are eligible for sale only to companies engaging in housing construction or real estate activities. Any Class B shares transferred by an employee outside the PPP will automatically convert to Class D shares or Class C shares transferred to persons not engaged in construction or real estate activities will automatically convert into Class D shares.

(b) Restriction on the distribution of profits

In accordance with the regulations of the Argentine Central Bank, 20% of the Bank’s annual net income net of any adjustments for prior periods must be allocated to a legal reserve. Legal reserve may be used to absorb losses.

Under Argentine law, cash dividends may be declared and paid only out of the Bank’s unrestricted retained earnings reflected in the audited annual financial statements and approved by the shareholders.

Those banks which proceed to distribution of profits must be previously authorized by the Financial and Exchange Institutions Superintendency.

Furthermore, on October 29, 2002 Argentine Central Bank restricted the distribution of cash dividends and established that the Bank should adjust its earnings to be distributed as cash dividends with the difference between the market value and the carrying value of the compensatory and hedge bonds after netting the legal reserve and other reserves established by the Bank’s by-laws.

Under the contracts signed as a result of the restructuring of the Bank’s financial debt, there are restrictions on the distribution of profits until such time as at least 60% of the total initial principal amount of the long-term and guaranteed tranches of the new debt has been amortized.

In addition, for the purposes of determining distributable balances, the minimum presumed income tax asset shall be deducted from retained earnings.

On April 24, 2006, the BCRA established that when the Legal Reserve is used to absorb losses, earnings shall not be distributed until the reimbursement thereof. Should the balance prior to the absorption exceed 20% of the Capital Stock plus the Capital Adjustment, profits may be distributed once the latest value is reached.

 

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BANCO HIPOTECARIO SA AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of and for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

(c) Minimum Capital Requirements

Under the Argentine Central Bank regulations, the Bank is required to maintain minimum levels of capital (“minimum capital”). The minimum capital is based upon risk-weighted assets, and the balances of Bank premises and equipment, intangible assets and unquoted equity investments. The required minimum capital and the Bank’s capital calculated under Argentine Central Bank requirements were as follows:

 

     Minimum Capital
requirement
   Shareholders’
Equity

June 30, 2008

   Ps. 1,677,311    Ps. 2,641,937

June 30, 2007

     1,874,897      2,689,044

June 30, 2006

     1,040,941      2,343,701

As established for by Argentine Central Bank, effective January 2004, financial institutions were to comply with regulations on minimum capital which had been suspended until that time. Effective January 2004, an “alpha 1” coefficient is to be applied to temporarily reduce the minimum capital requirement to cover credit risk attaching to holdings in investment accounts and financing granted to the national non-financial public sector until May 31, 2003. It also provides for the application of an “alpha 2” coefficient effective January 2004, to temporarily reduce the minimum capital requirement to cover interest rate risk.

30. Employee Benefit Plan

The Bank is obligated to make employer contributions to the National Pension Plan System determined on the basis of the total monthly payroll. These expenses are recorded in “Salaries and social security contributions” under the “Administrative expenses” caption in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

31. Financial Instruments with Off-Balance Sheet Risk

In the normal course of its business the Bank is party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk in order to meet the financing needs of its customers. These instruments expose the Bank to credit risk in addition to amounts recognized in the balance sheets. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit.

Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer at a future date, subject to such customers meeting of pre-defined contractual milestones. Typically, the Bank will commit to extend financing for construction project lending on the basis of the certified progress of the work under construction. Most arrangements require the borrower to pledge the land or buildings under construction as collateral. As of June 30, 2008 and 2007, the commitments to extend credit under these arrangements amounted to approximately Ps.54,916 and Ps.147,914, respectively. Furthermore, the Bank has a unilateral and irrevocable right to reduce or change the credit card limit, thus it considered there is no off-balance sheet risk. The total unused credit card limit at June 30, 2008 and 2007 amounts to Ps. 1,266,212 and Ps. 592,048.

 

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BANCO HIPOTECARIO SA AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of and for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

In the opinion of management, the Bank’s outstanding commitments do not represent unusual credit risk. The Bank’s exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party is represented by the contractual notional amount of those commitments.

The Bank accounts for items drawn on other banks in memorandum accounts until such time as the related item clears or is accepted. In the opinion of management, the Bank’s risk of loss on these clearing transactions is not significant as the transactions primarily relate to collections on behalf of third parties. The amounts of clearing items in process were Ps. 52,782 and Ps 74,549 as of June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

Additionally, the Bank recorded in memorandum accounts: i) Guarantees provided to the Argentine Central Bank for Ps. 86,209 and Ps. 101,353 as of June 30, 2008 and 2007 respectively, and ii) other guarantees provided not included in the debtor classification regulations for Ps.162,748 and Ps. 114,368 as of June 30, 2008 and 2007 respectively.

32. Out-of-court reorganization plan

On June 9, 2004, the Bank requested approval of an out-of-court reorganization plan from the Federal Court of Original Jurisdiction on Commercial Matters N° 14, Clerk’s Office N° 28. On October 29, 2004 that court rejected the plan submitted, because it considered that financial institutions may not resort to this type of proceeding. The Bank filed an appeal against the lower court decision, which was rejected by a decision issued by Division D of the Federal Court of Appeals in Commercial Matters; notice thereof was served in May 31, 2006. Against this last Resolution, on June 15, 2006, the Bank filed an extraordinary appeal before the ante la Argentine Supreme Court of Justice, which was granted on October 13, 2006; therefore, this court shall make the final decision on the issue.

Through Resolution N° 282 dated August 16, 2006, the Superintendent of Financial and Exchange Institutions of the BCRA decided to conduct a preliminary investigation on the Bank, its Directors, members of the Syndics Committee and the Financial area Manager (who held office at that time), since it considered the provisions of item 1.3 of Resolution by the BCRA Board of Directors N° 301 dated July 24, 2003, have been violated, since it established that the Bank needed to eliminate all references to an out-of-court reorganization plan, to the terms of the external liabilities restructuring plan submitted before the monetary authority, within the framework of the provisions of Communication “A” 3940. This was informed to the National Securities Commission (CNV) on September 29, 2006. The Bank, as well as its Directors, members of the Supervisory Committee and the Financial area Manager have duly submitted the corresponding deposition requesting to be exempted from any kind of penalty, since to the best of their knowledge no punishable actions took place.

33. Claim by the Federal Tax Commission

Through note N° 42/08 dated June 3, 2008, the “Federal Tax Commission” served the Bank notice about a Declaratory Order issued by Executive Committee No. 4, dated September 28, 2007, stating the following: i) Banco Hipotecario SA’s right to collect commissions on National Housing Fund resource transfers to the Provinces and to the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires expired on July 23, 2007, ii) this task shall be transferred to Banco Nación Argentina, and iii) Banco Hipotecario SA shall refrain from withholding such banking commission as from the day following notice thereof and shall credit the respective accounts with the commissions collected after July 23, 2007.

 

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BANCO HIPOTECARIO SA AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of and for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

On July 23, 2008, the Bank objected said order by arguing the following: i) the incompetence of the Federal Tax Commission for issuing such order, based on the legal origin of the Bank’s exclusive right to centralize and distribute FONAVI funds; ii) the incorrect interpretation of the provisions of decree 927/97, containing the regulations for Law 24855, Act for Privatizing former Banco Hipotecario Nacional, since it only obliged the Bank to maintain the service provision conditions in force at the time of passing said law during 10 years, without any expiration provisions regarding the role of the Bank in the process, and iii) the unlawfulness of requiring a retroactive reimbursement of commissions, giving consideration to the fact they were collected for services that were effectively rendered on behalf of the Department of Urban Development and Housing.

As of the date of these financial statements, no decision about the objection had been made yet, and funds were still being sent to the Bank for distribution to the Provinces, in accordance with the directives of the Department of Urban Development and Housing.

34. Summary of Significant Differences between Argentine Banking GAAP and US GAAP

The Bank’s consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Argentine Banking GAAP, which differs in certain significant respects from US GAAP. Such differences involve methods of measuring the amounts shown in the consolidated financial statements, as well as additional disclosures required by US GAAP and regulations of the SEC. These consolidated financial statements include solely a reconciliation of net income and shareholders’ equity to US GAAP. Pursuant to Item 17 of Form 20-F, this reconciliation does not include disclosure of all information that would be required by US GAAP and regulations of the SEC.

a. Loan origination fees and costs

Under Argentine Banking GAAP, the Bank does not defer loan origination fees and costs on mortgage, personal and credit card loans.

In accordance with US GAAP, under SFAS N° 91, “Accounting for Non-refundable Fees and Costs Associated with Originating or Acquiring Loans and Initial Direct Costs of Leases”, loan origination fees and certain direct loan origination costs should be recognized over the life of the related loan as an adjustment of yield.

b. Public Sector Loan – Exchange of Public Debt

During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2001, and as a consequence of Decree N° 1387/01, effective as of November 6, 2001, the Bank swapped part of its Argentine public-sector debt instruments, under the Promissory Note/Bond program, for secured loans.

As established by article 20 of the above mentioned decree, the conversion was made at the nominal value, at a rate of exchange of Ps. 1.0 = US$ 1.0 and in the same currency as that of the converted obligation.

The Argentine Central Bank provided that the difference between the nominal value of the secured loans and the book value of the public-sector debt instruments exchanged (in the case of securities, classified and valued as “investment accounts” or “for trading purposes”, under Argentine Central Bank rules) must be credited to income and added to the recorded amount included in Loans to the non-financial public sector on a monthly basis, in proportion to the term of each of the secured loans received. Consequently a discount of the current value of these loans has been recorded based on the interest rate determined on each period by the Central Bank.

 

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BANCO HIPOTECARIO SA AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of and for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

In accordance with US GAAP, specifically in the Emerging Issues Task Force N° 01-07 (“EITF 01-07”), satisfaction of one monetary asset (in this case a loan or debt security) by the receipt of another monetary asset (in the case a secured loan) for the creditor is generally based on the market value of the asset received in satisfaction of the debt (an extinguishment). In this particular case, the secured loan being received is significantly different in structure and in interest rates than the debt securities swapped. Therefore, the fair value of the loans was determined on the balance sheet date based on the contractual cash flows of the loan received discounted at an estimated market rate. The estimated fair value of the loan received constitutes the cost basis of the asset. Any difference between the old asset and the fair value of the new asset is recognized as a gain or loss. The difference between the cost basis and amounts expected to be collected is amortized on an effective yield basis over the life on the loan.

During the period ended June 30, 2007, the Bank sold its remaining position in Secured Loans. Therefore, no US GAAP shareholders’ equity adjustment has been recorded as of June 30, 2008 and 2007.

c. Allowance for loan losses

The Bank’s accounting for its allowance for loan losses differs in some significant respects with practices of US-based banks.

Under Argentine Banking GAAP, the allowance for loan losses is calculated according to specific criteria. This criteria is different for commercial loans (those in excess of Ps. 500) and consumer loans. Loan loss reserves for commercial loans are principally based on the debtors’ payment capacity and cash-flows analysis. Loan loss reserves for consumer loans are based on the client’s aging. Argentine banks may maintain other reserves to cover potential loan losses which management believes to be inherent in the loan portfolio, and other Argentine Central Bank required reserves.

Under US GAAP, the allowance for loan losses should be in amounts adequate to cover inherent losses in the loan portfolio at the respective balance sheet dates. Specifically:

All large commercial loans which are considered impaired in accordance with SFAS N° 114, Accounting by Creditors for an Impairment of a Loan (“SFAS N° 114”), as amended by SFAS N° 118, Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan-Income Recognition and Disclosures (“SFAS N° 118”), are valued at the present value of the expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective contractual interest rate or at the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent.

As of June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006, the result of applying SFAS N° 114, shows that the Bank recorded an adjustment to Shareholders’ Equity for US GAAP purposes of Ps. (1,119), Ps. 8,878 and Ps. 3,290, respectively.

In addition, the Bank has performed a migration analysis for mortgage, credit cards and consumer loans following the SFAS 5 considerations.

As of June 30, 2008 and 2007, the result of the migration analysis showed that the Bank has provided for loan losses in deficit of this analysis for Ps.105,762 and Ps. 46,813. For US GAAP purposes, this amount of provision has been charged.

 

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BANCO HIPOTECARIO SA AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of and for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

As of June 30, 2006, the result of the migration analysis showed that the bank provided for loan losses in excess of this analysis for Ps. 16,036. For US GAAP purposes, this amount of provision has been reversed.

Under Argentine Banking GAAP, loans that were previously charged-off, which are subsequently restructured and become performing loans, are included again in the Bank’s assets, according to the policies adopted by the bank mentioned in Note 5.7. Under US GAAP recoveries of loans previously charged off should be recorded when received.

d. Derivative Instruments

As mentioned in Note 21 and 5 the Bank entered in several derivative transactions, mainly, to hedge: i) the exchange rate risk attached to liabilities denominated in euros and in pesos plus CER, ii) assets denominated in US dollars (BODEN 2012) and iii) interest rate swaps to manage its interest rate risk.

Under US GAAP, the Bank accounts for derivative financial instruments in accordance with SFAS N° 133 as amended, which establishes the standards of accounting and reporting derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded within contracts (collectively referred to as derivatives) and hedging activities. This statement requires institutions to recognize all derivatives in the balance sheet, whether as assets or liabilities, and to measure those instruments at their fair value. If certain conditions are met, a derivative may be specifically designated as (a) a hedge for the exposure to changes in the fair value of a recorded asset or liability or unrecorded firm commitment, (b) a hedge for the exposure of future cash flows and (c) a hedge for the exposure of foreign currency. If such a hedge designation is achieved then special hedge accounting can be applied for the hedged transactions, that will reduce the volatility in the income statement to the extent that the hedge is effective. In order for hedge accounting to be applied the derivative and the hedged item must meet strict designation and effectiveness tests.

The Bank’s derivatives do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment under US GAAP. Therefore gains and losses are recorded in earnings in each period.

Under US GAAP, the Bank’s estimates the fair value of the receivable and payable on the derivative instrument. As of June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006 the difference between Argentine Banking GAAP and US GAAP amounts to Ps. (212,577), Ps. (50,188) and Ps. (18,087), respectively.

Under US GAAP, derivatives should be recorded at fair value, on a net basis, and therefore the Bank’s assets and liabilities should both be decreased by approximately Ps. 1,048,000, Ps. 1,047,000 and Ps. 990,000 at June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

e. Compensatory and hedge bonds

In connection with the Bank’s right (but not the obligation) to purchase the hedge bond, under Argentine Banking GAAP the Bank has recognized it at their equivalent value as if the Bank had the associated bonds in their possession (technical value), and recognized the associated liability to fund the hedge bonds as if the Bank had executed the debt agreement with the Argentine Central Bank. The receivable is denominated in U.S. dollars bearing interest at Libor whereas the liability to the Argentine Central Bank is denominated in pesos with interest being accrued at CER plus 2%, each retroactive to February 3, 2002.

 

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BANCO HIPOTECARIO SA AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of and for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

As of June 30, 2005, the Bank obtained the benefit of the hedge bond to be purchased as the transaction was approved by the Argentine Central Bank. During September 2005, the Bank started to purchase the bonds.

Therefore, for US GAAP purposes, the Bank started recognizing the fair value of the option to receive the Hedge bond in the period ended June 30, 2005. The remaining portion of the Hedge bond to be received as of June 30, 2008 and 2007 is also recognized at their fair value for US GAAP purposes.

In connection with the Compensatory Bonds received or receivable by the Bank they were recognized at the technical value (nominal value plus interest accrued) according to Argentine Banking GAAP. Under US GAAP such amounts should initially be recognized at their quoted market value (limited to the amounts of the loss BHSA suffered in connection with the asymmetric pesification). Thereafter, Compensatory Bonds received are classified as available for sale securities and recognized at market value with the gains or losses recognized as a charge or credit to equity through other comprehensive income. In connection with the Compensatory Bond to be received it has been recognized at market value with the gain or loss recognized through income statement.

The Bank has evaluated whether there was a decline in the value of the security that is other-than temporary as defined by SFAS N°115 and SAB 59. As of June 30, 2008 the fair value of the investment is greater than its amortized cost, consequently no impairment was recognized for US GAAP purposes.

f. Other government securities

As of june 30, 2004 the Bank held certain defaulted Argentine government bonds. Such bonds were not quoted in the public market. On January 2005, the Bank accepted the offer to exchange its defaulted government securities for “Discount Bonds in pesos” issued under the Argentine debt restructuring. On April 1, 2005 the government securities were exchange.

For US GAAP purposes and in accordance with EITF 01-07, satisfaction of one monetary asset (in this case a defaulted government securities) by the receipt of another monetary asset (in this case Discount Bonds) from the creditor is generally based on the market value of the asset received in satisfaction of the debt. In this particular case, the Bonds being received are significantly different in structure and in interest rates than the securities swapped. Therefore, the fair value of the Bonds was determined on the balance sheet date based on their market value and will constitute the cost basis of the asset. Any difference between the old asset and the fair value of the new asset is recognized as a gain or loss.

Under Argentine Banking GAAP, the Discount Bonds have been recorded at the lower of the total future nominal cash payments up to maturity, specified by the terms and conditions of the new securities tendered as of March 17, 2005, equivalent to the present value of the BOGAR Bonds’ cash flows at that date.

As of June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006 the Discount Bonds were considered available for sale securities for US GAAP purposes according with SFAS N° 115 and recorded at fair value with the unrealized gains and losses recognized as a charge or credit to equity through other comprehensive income.

The Bank has evaluated whether there was a decline in the value of the security that is other-than temporary as defined by SFAS N°115 and SAB 59. As of June 30, 2008 the fair value of the investment is less than its amortized cost, consequently the Bank has recorded an other-than temporary impairment of Ps.2,218 for US GAAP purposes. Therefore the fair value of the security was determined on the balance sheet date based on their market value and will constitute the cost basis for the asset.

 

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BANCO HIPOTECARIO SA AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of and for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

g. Provincial Public Debt

As of June 2002, the Bank offered to exchange certain loans to Argentine provincial governments for loans or securities of the Argentine National Government; however the exchange had not been finalized until 2003. As these loans were performing no provision was recorded under US GAAP in accordance with SFAS N° 114.

In 2003, the Bank tendered in the exchange under Decree N°1579/02 almost all its portfolio of loans to provincial governments and received securities of the Argentine National Government (“BOGAR”).

For US GAAP purposes and in accordance with EITF 01-07, satisfaction of one monetary asset (in this case a loan) by the receipt of another monetary asset (in this case BOGAR) from the creditor is generally based on the market value of the asset received in satisfaction of the debt. In this particular case, the BOGAR being received is significantly different in structure and in interest rates than the loans swapped. Therefore, such amounts should initially be recognized at their market value. The estimated fair value of the securities received will constitute the cost basis of the asset. Any difference between the old asset and the fair value of the new asset is recognized as a gain or loss. The difference between the cost basis and the amount expected to be collected will be amortized on an effective yield basis over the life of the bond.

For US GAAP purposes, these BOGAR are classified by the Bank, as available for sale securities and recorded at fair value with the unrealized gains or losses recognized as a charge or credit to equity through other comprehensive income.

The Bank has evaluated whether there was a decline in the value of the security that is other-than temporary as defined by SFAS N°115 and SAB 59. As of June 30, 2008 the fair value of the investment is greater than its amortized cost, consequently no impairment was recognized for US GAAP purposes.

h. Trouble debt restructuring

On January 14, 2004, the Bank refinanced its outstanding defaulted debt. Under Argentine Banking GAAP the restructuring of the debt was treated as an exchange of debt instruments with substantially different terms. As a result, the Bank removed the original loans and its related accrued interest payable and recognized new debt instruments and associated cash payments for interest payable and for certain principal settlements, resulting in a gain on restructuring of Ps. 783,698. Under Argentine Banking GAAP, expenses incurred in a trouble debt restructuring are reported in earnings.

For US GAAP purposes, the restructuring of the debt was accounted for in accordance with SFAS N° 15, Accounting by Debtors and Creditors for Troubled Debt Restructurings (“SFAS N° 15”), as the creditors made certain concessions due to the financial difficulties of the Company. SFAS N° 15 requires that a comparison be made between the future cash outflows associated with the new debt instruments (including interest), and the recorded amount of the payables at the time of restructuring. Gain on trouble debt restructuring is only recognized when the carrying amount of the payable at the time of restructuring exceeds the total future cash payments specified by the new debt terms, and only for the difference between the book value of the old debt and the future cash flows of the new debt. The total future cash outflows associated with the new debt instruments exceeded the carrying value of

 

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BANCO HIPOTECARIO SA AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of and for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

the old debts for some payables. The gain on restructuring recorded under US GAAP was lower than the gain recorded under Argentine Banking GAAP and therefore, the carrying amount of the new debt instruments under US GAAP was greater than the amount recorded under Argentine Banking GAAP and a new effective interest rate was determined, which equates the present value of the future cash payments specified by the new debt instruments with the carrying amount of the old debts. Under US GAAP, expenses incurred in a trouble debt restructuring are reported in earnings.

During 2006, 2007 and 2008, the Bank repurchased restructured negotiable obligations and debt. The difference between the carrying value of the repurchased debt under US GAAP and the price paid by the Bank was recognized as a gain for US GAAP purposes.

i. Securitization of mortgage loans

The Bank has securitized certain of their mortgage loans originated by the retail banks on their behalf through the transfer of such loans to a special purpose mortgage trust which issues multiple classes of mortgage bonds and certificates of participation.

Under Argentine Banking GAAP, the Bank accounted for its securitizations as sales of loans. The Bank retained certain interests in the transferred loans represented by the Class A and Class B bonds and the certificates of participation as applicable. The Class A and Class B bonds and the certificates of participation retained were originally recorded at their stated amounts which represent a percentage of the principal value of the underlying mortgage loans. The Class A and Class B bonds accrue interest at various rates. The certificates of participation accrue income based upon the net income of the securitization trust.

For US GAAP purposes, these types of transactions are covered by different accounting pronouncements depending on the transaction date. For transactions prior to January 1, 1997, SFAS N° 77, Accounting for Sales of Receivables with Recourse and FASB Technical Bulletin N° 85-2, Accounting for Collateralized Mortgage Obligations, provided the authoritative accounting guidance. Under this guidance, the BHN I securitization should be accounted for as a collateralized borrowing. The loans and the restated bond obligations would be reinstated on the balance sheet for US GAAP purposes and would be accounted for in the normal manner as other mortgage loans and borrowings.

SFAS N° 125, Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities (“SFAS N° 125”) became effective for securitizations of receivables after December 31, 1996 (since amended by SFAS N° 140). SFAS N° 125 bases the accounting for transfers on the consistent application of a financial-components approach that focuses on control. Upon a transfer of assets, an entity recognizes the financial and servicing assets it controls and the liabilities it has incurred and derecognizes the financial assets when control has been surrendered. This statement provides consistent standards for distinguishing transfers of financial assets that are sales from transfers that are collateralized borrowings. Under SFAS N° 125, the BHN II and BHN III securitizations that occurred during the year ended December 31, 1997 would be accounted for as sales. For US GAAP purposes under SFAS N° 140, BHN IV and BACS I securitizations were considered sales. For that reason debt securities and certificates retained by the Bank are considered as “available for sale securities” under U.S. GAAP and the unrealized gains (losses) on these securities are reported as an adjustment to shareholder’s equity, unless unrealized losses are deemed to be other than temporary in accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force N° 99-20. The unrealized loss on the retained interests at June 30, 2002 has been deemed to be other than temporary and such loss has been charged to income. The retained interests were initially recorded based on their allocated book value using the fair value allocation method. At the date of the securitization, the Bank recognized interests in the securitization

 

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BANCO HIPOTECARIO SA AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of and for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

trust through the bonds and the certificates of participation hold and cease recognizing the loans over which they have surrendered control. The basis of retained interest and the sold interest are based upon a relative fair value allocation of the basis of the loans transferred.

Subsequent to the initial recognition, any retained interests in the securitizations should be recorded for as securities under SFAS N° 115, Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities (“SFAS N° 115”) and accounted for as available for sale securities

Mortgage-backed securities created after a securitization of mortgages held for sale should be classified as either trading or available for sale securities in accordance with SFAS N° 65, Accounting for Certain Mortgage Banking Activities and as amended by SFAS N° 134, Accounting for Mortgage-Backed Securities Retained after the Securitization of Mortgage Loans Held for Sale by a Mortgage Banking Enterprise.

Consequently, the adjustments to record the securitization of the portfolio under U.S. GAAP consists of:

 

   

The re-consolidation of the loans under BHN I, BACS Funding I, BACS Funding II, BHSA I, BACS III, CHA I and Cédulas Personales I resulted in an adjustment. See Note 34.c. for allowance for loan losses.

 

   

The recognition of the effect of accounting for the certificates of participation in BHN II and BHN III, BHN IV and BACS I as available for sale securities that includes the recognition of other than temporary impairment for a 100% of the carrying values of such securities as of June 30, 2006, considering the economic projections as of those dates and the declarative actions mentioned in Note 22. During the twelve-month period ended June 30, 2007, expectations about the recoverability of such securities have significantly changed considering among others, (a) decisions of the Supreme Court related to pesification matters and (b) new expectations about the CER, which adjusts the face value of the senior debt securities issued by the trust. The fair value of the securities is determined based on expected cash flows, discounted at a market interest rate. Increases in the fair value of these securities are recorded in other comprehensive income. As of June 30, 2007 and 2008, such carrying values are determined based upon an estimate of cash flows to be remitted to us as holder of the retained interests discounted at an estimated market rate.

 

   

The fair value recognition of those certificates of participation and debt securities held by the Bank from certain securitization trusts (CHA II, CHA III, CHA IV, CHA V, CHA VI, CHA VII and CHA VIII) considered sales under US GAAP and classification as available for sale securities.

The Bank has evaluated whether there has been an adverse change in the estimated cash flows of the certificates of participation and debt securities. For certain securitizations (CHA II, CHA III, CHA IV, CHA V, CHA VI, CHA VII and CHA VIII) the condition of an accrual of loss contingencies is met and an other-than-temporary impairment of Ps.25,630 is considered to have occurred and the beneficial interest have been written down to fair value, with the resulting change between the fair value and the amortized cost being charged to the income statement. The fair value at June 30, 2008 represents the new cost basis of these trusts.

 

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BANCO HIPOTECARIO SA AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of and for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

j. Acquisition of Treasury shares

Under Argentine Banking GAAP, an acquisition by a company of its own shares is recognized as an asset and marked to market daily with the resulting gain or loss reflected in the statement of income (see Note 5.13.). Under US GAAP acquisitions of the Bank’s shares adjust Shareholders’ Equity and changes in quoted market prices between the acquisition date and the reporting date are not recognized.

On January 29, 2004 BHSA entered in a transaction with Deutsche Bank AG (“DBAG”). Under this transaction Banco Hipotecario SA paid US$ 17.5 M and DBAG agreed to transfer to the Bank 71,100,000 BHSA Class D shares on January 29, 2009 or at an earlier date, if requested by BHSA (see Note 29.a.). Under Argentine Banking GAAP, BHSA recognized the right to receive its shares as an asset, which is marked to market based on the market value of its shares at period end. Changes in fair value are recognized in earnings. Under US GAAP, following the guidance of SFAS N° 150, “Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity” BHSA recognized the right to receive its shares at a future date at cost, as a reduction of equity. Subsequent charges in the market value of the shares are not recognized.

k. Intangible Assets

Under Argentine Banking GAAP fees paid for a re-engineering project and for restructuring expenses incurred in relation to certain equity transactions are recognized as an intangible asset and amortized in a maximum of five years. Such cost should be expensed as incurred under US GAAP.

Under Argentine Banking GAAP, the Bank capitalizes costs relating to all three of the stages of software development. Under US GAAP SOP 98-1, effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1998, defines three stages for the costs of computer software developed or obtained for internal use: the preliminary project stage, the application development stage and the post-implementation operation stage. Only the second stage costs should be capitalized.

l. Impairment of fixed assets and foreclosed assets

Under Argentine Banking GAAP, fixed assets and foreclosed assets are restated for inflation using the WPI index at February 28, 2003. As such, the balances of fixed assets and foreclosed assets were increased approximately 120%.

In accordance with Statement of Accounting Standards N° 144, “Impairment of Long-lived Assets”, such assets are subject to impairment tests in certain circumstances. Because projected cash flows associated with fixed assets and foreclosed assets are insufficient to recover the restated carrying amounts of the assets, those assets should be tested for impairment. During 2002, in the absence of credible market values for our fixed and foreclosed assets, the Bank under US GAAP reversed the restatement of fixed and foreclosed assets.

Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. During the year these assets have evidenced an increase in the market prices.

As of June 2008 and 2007, no additional impairment was recorded in fixed and foreclosed assets, since the carrying amount of long lived assets does not exceed the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset.

 

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BANCO HIPOTECARIO SA AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of and for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

m. Minority Interest

This adjustment represents the effect on minority interest on the US GAAP reconciling items, as appropriate.

n. Vacation Provision

The Bank’s policy for vacation benefits is to expense such benefits as taken. For U.S. GAAP purposes, the vacation accrual is based on an accrual basis, where earned but untaken vacation is recognized as a liability.

o. Insurance Technical reserve

Until September 2003, the calculation of the local technical reserves performed by the Bank was the same as that used under US GAAP.

On September 2003, the National Insurance Superintendency issued certain regulations on the calculation of reserves introducing changes to the local regulations. For US GAAP purposes the Bank has accounted these type of transactions under SFAS N° 60.

Therefore, the technical reserves for the twelve month periods ended June 2006, 2007 and 2008 were adjusted for US GAAP.

p. Capitalization of interest cost

Under Argentine Banking GAAP, during the process of construction of an asset the capitalization of interest is not recognized.

For US GAAP purposes, as stated in paragraph 12 of FAS 34, the amount of interest cost to be capitalized for qualifying assets is intended to be that portion of the interest cost incurred during the assets’ acquisition periods that theoretically could have been avoided (for example, by avoiding additional borrowings or by using the funds expended for the assets to repay existing borrowings) if expenditures for the assets had not been made.

The amount capitalized in an accounting period shall be determined by applying an interest rate to the average amount of accumulated expenditures for the asset during the period. The capitalization rates used in an accounting period shall be based on the rates applicable to borrowings outstanding during the period.

The total amount of interest cost capitalized in an accounting period shall not exceed the total amount of interest cost incurred by the enterprise in that period.

q. Income Tax

Argentine Banking GAAP requires income taxes to be recognized on the basis of amounts due in accordance with Argentine tax regulations. Temporary differences between the financial reporting and income tax bases of accounting are therefore not considered in recognizing income taxes.

In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards, or SFAS, N° 109, Accounting For Income Taxes, under US GAAP income taxes are recognized on the liability method whereby deferred

 

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BANCO HIPOTECARIO SA AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of and for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

tax assets and liabilities are established for temporary differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of our assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets are also recognized for tax loss carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recorded or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance is recognized for that component of net deferred tax assets which is more likely than not that it will not be recoverable.

For the twelve-month period ended June 30, 2006, the Bank believed it was more likely than not, that it would not generate future taxable income sufficient to absorb any of its net deferred tax assets. For that reason, the Bank provided a full reserve of its net deferred tax assets for such years.

As of June 30, 2007, and based on the analysis performed on the realizability of the tax loss carryforwards, the Bank believes it will recover only a portion of the net operating tax loss carryforwards and all the temporary differences, with future taxable income. Therefore, the remaining portion of the net operating tax loss carryforward is more likely than not to be recovered in the carryforwards periods, and hence, a valuation allowance was provided against it.

As of June 30, 2008, and based on the analysis performed on the realizability of the tax loss carryforwards, the Bank believes it will recover only the temporary differences, with future taxable income. Therefore, the net operating tax loss carryforward is more likely than not to be recovered in the carryforwards periods, and hence, a valuation allowance was provided against it.

In a consolidated basis, the Bank has recognized a net deferred tax asset that amounted to Ps. 185,466 and Ps. 215,185, as of June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Interpretation No. 48 “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes”, (FIN 48) was issued in July 2006 and interprets FASB Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 109. FIN 48 became effective for the Group on January 1, 2007 and prescribes a comprehensive model for the recognition, measurement, financial statement presentation and disclosure of uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. FIN 48 provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition.

The Bank classifies income tax-related interest and penalties as income taxes in the financial statements. The adoption of this pronouncement had no effect on the Bank’s overall financial position or results of operations.

The following table shows the tax years open for examination as of June 30, 2008, by major tax jurisdictions in which the Bank operates:

 

Jurisdiction

   Tax year

Argentina

   2004 - 2008

r. Items in process of collection

The Bank does not give accounting recognition to checks drawn on the Bank or other banks, or other items to be collected until such time as the related item clears or is accepted. Such items are recorded by the Bank in memorandum accounts. U.S. banks, however, account for such items through balance sheet clearing accounts at the time the items are presented to the Bank.

 

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BANCO HIPOTECARIO SA AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of and for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

The Bank’s assets and liabilities would be increased by approximately Ps. 51,164, Ps. 74,443 and Ps. 27,624, had US GAAP been applied at June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

s. Fair Value Measurements Disclosures

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS 157, which is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and interim periods within these fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. SFAS 157:

 

   

Defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date, and establishes a framework for measuring fair value;

 

   

Establishes a three-level hierarchy for fair value measurements based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability as of the measurement date;

 

   

Nullifies the guidance in EITF 02-3, which required the deferral of profit at inception of a transaction involving a derivative financial instrument in the absence of observable data supporting the valuation technique;

 

   

Eliminates large position discounts for financial instruments quoted in active markets and requires consideration of the Bank’s creditworthiness when valuing liabilities; and

 

   

Expands disclosures about instruments measured at fair value.

SFAS 159 provides an option to elect fair value as an alternative measurement for selected financial assets, financial liabilities, unrecognized firm commitments and written loan commitments not previously recorded at fair value. Under SFAS 159, fair value is used for both the initial and subsequent measurement of the designated assets, liabilities and commitments, with the changes on fair value recognized in net income. As a result of SFAS 159 analysis, the Bank has not elected to apply fair value accounting for any of its financial instruments not previously carried at fair value.

Valuation hierarchy

SFAS 157 establishes a three-level valuation hierarchy for disclosure of fair value measurements. The valuation hierarchy is based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability as of the measurement date. The three levels are defined as follows.

 

   

Level 1 – inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.

 

   

Level 2 – inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument.

 

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BANCO HIPOTECARIO SA AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of and for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

   

Level 3 – inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement.

A financial instrument’s categorization within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

Following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for instruments measured at fair value, as well as the general classification of such instruments pursuant to the valuation hierarchy.

Determination of fair value

Following is a description of the Bank’s valuation methodologies for assets and liabilities measured at fair value

Fair value is based upon quoted market prices, where available. If listed prices or quotes are not available, fair value is based upon internally developed models that use primarily market-based or independently-sourced market parameters, including interest rate yield curves, option volatilities and currency rates. Valuation adjustments may be made to ensure that financial instruments are recorded at fair value. These adjustments include amounts to reflect counterparty credit quality, the Bank’s creditworthiness, liquidity and unobservable parameters that are applied consistently over time.

The Bank believes its valuation methods are appropriate and consistent with other market participants, the use of different methodologies, or assumptions, to determine the fair value of certain financial instruments could result in a different estimate of fair value at the reporting date.

Assets

a) Securities

The Bank’s securities are classified within level 1 of the valuation hierarchy using quoted prices available in the active market where the securities are traded. Level 1 securities include national and government bonds, instruments issued by BCRA and corporate securities.

b) Securities receivable under repurchase agreements

The Bank’s securities receivable under repurchase agreements which do not qualify for sale accounting for US GAAP purposes, are classified within level 1 of the valuation hierarchy. To estimate the fair value of this securities (BODEN 2012), quoted prices are available in active market.

c) Subordinated mortgage backed bonds / Retained interests in securitizations

The Bank’s retained interests in securitizations are classified within level 3 of the valuation hierarchy. As quoted market prices are not available, then fair values are estimated by using a discount cash flow model which includes assumptions based upon projected finance charges related to the securitized assets, estimated net credit losses, prepayment assumptions and contractual interest paid to third-party investors.

d) Derivatives

The fair value of level 3 derivative positions are determined using internally developed models that utilize both market observable and unobservable parameters. Level 3 derivative instruments have primary risk characteristics that relate to unobservable pricing parameters such as private name credit spreads, credit correlations, long dated equity or interest rate

 

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BANCO HIPOTECARIO SA AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of and for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

volatility skews and forward spreads. Such derivatives include long-dated interest rate or currency swaps, and credit default swaps where swap rates may be unobservable for longer maturities.

Liabilities

e) Derivatives

The fair value of level 3 derivative positions are determined using internally developed models that utilize both market observable and unobservable parameters. Level 3 derivative instruments have primary risk characteristics that relate to unobservable pricing parameters such as private name credit spreads, credit correlations, long dated equity or interest rate volatility skews and forward spreads. Such derivatives include long-dated interest rate or currency swaps, and credit default swaps where swap rates may be unobservable for longer maturities.

The following table presents the financial instruments carried at fair value as of June 30, 2008, by SFAS 157 valuation hierarchy (as described above).

 

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BANCO HIPOTECARIO SA AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of and for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis

 

Balances as of June 30, 2008

   Total
carrying
value
    Quoted
market prices
in active
markets

(Level 1)
   Internal
models with
significant
observable
market
parameters

(Level 2)
   Internal
models with
significant
unobservable
market
parameters

(Level 3)
 

ASSETS

          

Securities

          

BODEN 2012 – Compensatory Bond

   595,399     595,399    —      —    

Provincial Public Debt – BOGAR

   145,040     145,040    —      —    

Other government securities

   108,628     108,628    —      —    

Instrument issued by the BCRA

   117,879     117,879    —      —    

Corporate securities

   148,025     148,025    —      —    

Hedge Bond – BODEN 2012

   241,892     241,892    —      —    

Securities receivable under repurchase agreements

          

Securities receivable under repurchase agreements – BODEN 2012

   1,232,640     1,232,640    —      —    

Subordinated mortgage backed bonds / Retained interests in securitizations

          

Subordinated mortgage backed bonds

   221,018     —      —      221,018  

Derivatives

          

Cross Currency Swap (Euro/Dollar)

   157,051     —      —      157,051  

Credit Currency Swap (Ps. CER/Dollar)

   36,751     —      —      36,751  

TOTAL ASSETS AT FAIR VALUE

   3,004,323     2,589,503    —      414,820  

LIABILITIES

          

Derivatives

          

Foreign currency forward contracts

   (4,189 )   —      —      (4,189 )

Interest rate Swaps

   (12,217 )   —      —      (12,217 )

CER Swap linked to Secured Loans due 2008 and External Debt

   (44,279 )   —      —      (44,279 )

TOTAL LIABILITIES AT FAIR VALUE

   (60,685 )   —      —      (60,685 )

 

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BANCO HIPOTECARIO SA AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of and for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

Changes in level 3 fair value measurements

The table below includes a roll forward of the balance sheet amounts as of June 30, 2008 (including the change in fair value) for financial instruments classified by the Bank within level 3 of the valuation hierarchy. When a determination is made to classify a financial instrument within level 3 of the valuation hierarchy, the determination is based upon the significance of the unobservable factors to the overall fair value measurement.

 

Balances as of June 30, 2008

   Total Fair Value Measurements  
   Net Derivative financial instruments     Available for
sale securities
 
    
   Cross
Currency
Swaps
(Euro/
Dollar)
   Credit
Currency
Swaps
(pesos CER
/ dollar)
   Currency
Swap USD
2046
    Interest rate
Swaps
BADLAR
    CER Swap
Linked to
PG08s and
External Debt
    Subordinated
mortgage
backed bonds
 

Fair value, July 1, 2007

   109,335    25,389    (429 )   423     (20,280 )   222,534  

Total gains or losses (realized/unrealized)

              

Included in earnings

   47,716    11,362    (3,760 )   (12,291 )   (23,999 )   (15,301 )

Included in other comprehensive income

   —      —      —       —       —       13,785  

Purchases, issuances and settlements

   —      —      —       (349 )   —       —    

Transfers in to/ out of level 3

   —      —      —       —       —       —    
                                  

Fair value, June 30, 2008

   157,051    36,751    (4,189 )   (12,217 )   (44,279 )   221,018  
                                  

The table below summarizes gains and losses due to changes in fair value, recorded in earnings for level 3 assets and liabilities during the year:

 

Balances as of June 30, 2008

   Total Gains and Losses  
   Net Derivative financial instruments     Available for
sale securities
 
    
   Cross
Currency
Swaps
(Euro/
Dollar)
   Credit
Currency
Swaps
(pesos CER
/ dollar)
   Currency
Swap USD
2046
    Interest rate
Swaps
BADLAR
    CER Swap
Linked to
PG08s and
External Debt
    Subordinated
mortgage
backed bonds
 

Classification of gains and losses (realized/unrealized) included in earnings for 2008:

              

Financial Income

   47,716    11,362    (3,760 )   (12,291 )   (23,999 )   (15,301 )
                              

Total

   47,716    11,362    (3,760 )   (12,291 )   (23,999 )  
                              

 

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BANCO HIPOTECARIO SA AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of and for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

t. Effects of Conforming to US GAAP

Reconciliation of shareholders’ equity

 

         June 30,  
         2008     2007  

Total shareholders’ equity under Argentine Banking GAAP

     Ps. 2,651,734     2,711,296  

US GAAP adjustments:

      

- Loan origination fees and costs

   (a)   11,855     9,252  

- Loan losses reserve

   (c)   (201,432 )   (89,874 )

- Derivative Instruments

   (d)   (188,599 )   (50,188 )

- Compensatory and Hedge Bonds

   (e)   (212,577 )   (183,969 )

- Other government securities

   (f)   (16,060 )   (9,110 )

- Provincial Public Debt

   (g)   (55,693 )   (18,446 )

- Trouble debt Restructuring

   (h)   (127,596 )   (158,589 )

- Securitization of mortgage loans

   (i)   (69,355 )   (47,428 )

- Acquisition of treasury shares

   (j)   (80,343 )   (219,272 )

- Intangible assets

   (k)   (12,839 )   (3,513 )

- Impairment of fixed and foreclosed assets

   (l)   (45,149 )   (46,590 )

- Minority Interest on US GAAP Adjustments

   (m)   8,892     5,238  

- Vacation provision

   (n)   (6,783 )   (4,548 )

- Insurance technical reserve

   (o)   (24 )   (1,716 )

- Capitalization of interest cost

   (p)   1,541     1,471  

- Deferred Income Tax

   (q)   185,466     215,185  
              

Total Shareholders’ Equity under US GAAP

     Ps. 1,843,038     2,109,199  
              

 

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BANCO HIPOTECARIO SA AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of and for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

Reconciliation of net income:

 

           June 30,  
           2008     2007     2006  

Net (loss) income as reported under Argentine Banking GAAP

     Ps. (59,562 )   357,891     309,078  

US GAAP adjustments:

        

- Loan origination fees and costs

   (a )     2,603     2,495     281  

- Public Sector Loan received from Bond Swap

   (b )     —       23,326     56,581  

- Loan losses reserve

   (c )     (111,558 )   (109,200 )   12,250  

- Derivative instruments

   (d )     (138,411 )   (32,101 )   (37,942 )

- Compensatory and Hedge Bonds

   (e )     179,408     74,431     112,927  

- Other government securities

   (f )     (18 )   411     (3,063 )

- Provincial public debt

   (g )     14,494     8,860     10,121  

- Trouble debt Restructuring

   (h )     30,993     11,314     149,377  

- Securitization of mortgage loans

   (i )     (21,802 )   (14,708 )   (36,183 )

- Acquisition of treasury shares

   (j )     138,929     (140,351 )   20,619  

- Intangible assets

   (k )     (9,326 )   (23 )   (2,041 )

- Impairment of fixed and foreclosed assets

   (l )     1,441     2,790     2,025  

- Minority interest on US GAAP Adjustments

   (m )     3,519     (313 )   1,551  

- Vacation provision

   (n )     (2,235 )   (1,603 )   254  

- Insurance technical reserve

   (o )     1,692     (4,010 )   367  

- Capitalization of interest of cost

   (p )     70     508     963  

- Deferred tax

   (q )     (29,719 )   209,166     7,835  
                      

Net income in accordance with US GAAP

     Ps. 518     388,883     605,000  
                      

Basic and diluted net income per share in accordance with U.S. GAAP

       0.000     2.722     4.234  

Average number of shares outstanding (in thousands)

       1,428,900     1,428,900     1,428,900  

Description of changes in shareholders’ equity under US GAAP:

 

     Total Shareholders’
Deficit
 

Balance as of June 30, 2006

   Ps. 1,592,014  

Other comprehensive Income

   128,302  

Net income for the twelve month period in accordance with US GAAP

   388,883  
      

Balance as of June 30, 2007

   Ps. 2,109,199  

Other comprehensive Income

   (266,679 )

Net income for the twelve month period in accordance with US GAAP

   518  
      

Balance as of June 30, 2008

   Ps. 1,843,038  
      

 

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BANCO HIPOTECARIO SA AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of and for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

Comprehensive income

SFAS N° 130 “Reporting Comprehensive Income” establishes standards for reporting and disclosure of comprehensive income and its components (revenues, expenses, gains and losses) in the financial statements. Comprehensive income is the total of net income and other charges or credits to equity that are not the result of transactions with owners.

The following disclosure presented for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006, shows all periods in Argentine Banking GAAP format reflecting US GAAP income and comprehensive statement adjustments.

 

     June 30,  
     2008     2007     2006  

Income Statement

      

Financial income

   Ps.  900,184     Ps.  813,402     Ps.  1,006,240  

Financial expenses

     (550,693 )     (374,666 )     (412,184 )

Net financial income

     349,491       438,736       594,056  

Provision for loan losses

     (261,419 )     (152,873 )     1,752  

Income from services

     292,044       162,856       101,687  

Expenses for services

     (99,943 )     (75,004 )     (39,571 )

Administrative expenses

     (390,549 )     (267,538 )     (184,243 )

Net income from financial transactions

     (110,376 )     106,177       473,681  

Miscellaneous income

     184,073       231,824       173,708  

Miscellaneous expenses

     (37,691 )     (156,057 )     (48,576 )

Income before income taxes and minority interests

     36,006       181,944       598,813  

Income taxes

     (33,453 )     208,160       6,515  

Minority interests

     (2,035 )     (1,221 )     (328 )
                        

Net income under U.S. GAAP

     518       388,883       605,000  
                        

Other comprehensive income:

      

Unrealized gains on securities

     (266,679 )     128,302       29,877  
                        

Other comprehensive income

     (266,679 )     128,302       29,877  
                        

Comprehensive income

   Ps.  (266,161 )   Ps. 517,185     Ps. 634,877  
                        

 

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BANCO HIPOTECARIO SA AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of and for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

Concentration of risk.

1) Total exposure to the public sector—Argentine government and provinces

The Bank has significant exposure to the Argentine national government and provinces in the form of government securities, secured loans and other debt obligations. As of June 30, 2008 and 2007, the Bank had the following assets outstanding (excluding balances with the BCRA):

 

     June 30, 2008    June 30, 2007
     Argentine
Banking

GAAP
   U.S. GAAP    Argentine
Banking

GAAP
   U.S. GAAP

Argentine national government loans

   Ps. —      Ps. —      Ps.  769    Ps.  769

Argentine provincial debt

     200,733      145,040      208,127      189,681

Other Argentine public-sector receivables (3)

     124,688      108,628      320,610      311,500

Compensatory bond received

     2,027,335      1,828,039      2,524,145      2,402,174

Compensatory and hedge bonds to be received (1) (2)

     255,173      241,892      260,960      198,962
                           

Total

   Ps.  2,607,929    Ps.  2,323,599    Ps.  3,314,611    Ps.  3,103,086
                           

 

(1) Includes the compensatory bond to be received related to the asymetric pesification and the hedge bond.
(2) The advance to be requested from the Argentine Central Bank for the subscription of the hedge bond was recorded in “Other Liabilities from Financial Transactions – Argentine Central Bank”, for Ps. 239,104 as of June 2008.
(3) Includes bonds such as national government bonds and Discount Bonds.

Risks and Uncertainties

As we mentioned in note 2.1, over the past few months, the financial markets in the most important countries in the world have been affected by volatility, lack of liquidity and credit, which entailed a significant drop in international stock indexes, and an economic slow-down started to become evident worldwide. Despite the actions taken by central countries, the international markets’ future is still uncertain.

As regards Argentina, and after June 30, 2008 stock markets reflected significant drops in the prices of government and corporate securities, as well as an increase in interest rates, country risk and exchange rates, a situation that is still ongoing as of the date of issuance of these financial statements. The Bank considers that these situations did not exist as of June 30, 2008 but arose subsequent to that date.

The quality of the Bank financial condition and results of operations depend to a significant extent on macroeconomic and political conditions prevailing from time to time in Argentina. Risks and

 

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BANCO HIPOTECARIO SA AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of and for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

uncertainties facing the Bank that are generally the result of the recent economic crisis and the resulting government actions, include the fact that an important amount of the Bank’s assets are concentrated in Argentine public-sector debt instruments.

As of June 30, 2008, the Bank’s exposure to the Argentine public sector, including the compensatory and hedge bonds represented approximately 26,2% of total assets under Argentine Banking GAAP. Although the Bank’s exposure to the Argentine public sector consists mostly of performing assets, the realization of the Bank’s assets, its income and cash flow generation capacity and future financial condition may be dependent on the Argentine government’s ability to comply with its payment obligations, and on its ability to establish an economic policy that is successful in promoting sustainable economic growth in the long run.

2) Concentration of deposits

As of June 30, 2008 and 2007, the concentration of deposits is a follow:

 

Number of customers

   2008     2007  
   Balance    % of total
portfolio
    Balance    % of total
portfolio
 

10 largest customers

   134,144    6.89 %   168,072    19.35 %

50 following largest customers

   276,134    14.17 %   175,079    20.16 %

100 following largest customers

   290,478    14.91 %   61,456    7.07 %

Rest of customers

   1,247,315    64.03 %   463,953    53.42 %
                      

Total

   1,948,071    100 %   868,560    100 %

US GAAP estimates

Valuation reserves, impairment charges and estimates of market values on assets, as established by the Bank for US GAAP purposes are subject to significant assumptions of future cash flows and interest rates for discounting such cash flows. Losses on the exchange of government and provincial bonds, and on retained interests in securitization trusts were affected by the impact of discount rates. Discount rates remained stable in June 30, 2008 and 2007. Should the discount rates change in the future years, the carrying amounts and charges to income and shareholders’ equity will also change. In addition, as estimates to future cash flows change, so too will the carrying amounts which are dependent on such cash flows.

35. Subsequent events

Legal regulations

On August 1, 2008 Decree 1207/2008 by the Executive Branch was published in the Official Gazette, which limits the deduction of profits deriving from participation certificates in trust fund related to utilities’ infrastructure works when they meet the requirements of section 70.2 the income tax regulatory decree. In turn, all the requirements included in the amendment are similar to those included in section 70.2 of the income tax regulatory decree. Accordingly, those trust funds created for a purpose other than the abovementioned will not be subject to deduction of profits allocatable to participation certificates.

 

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BANCO HIPOTECARIO SA AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of and for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006

(Expressed in thousands of Argentine pesos, except share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

Financial trust redemption

Through Minutes N° 239 dated October 23, 2008, the Board of Directors resolved:

 

1) Proceed to the early redemption of participation certificates and the termination of the Cédulas Hipotecarias Argentinas Financial Trust Series I, 2004-1. Accept the loans with the rating and valuation recorded by the trust’s trustor.

 

2) Proceed to the early redemption of participation certificates and the termination BHI Mortgage Financial Fund. Reverse loans from the trust fund and allot them, without altering the trust assets thereof, to BHN Master Mortgage Trust, with the rating and value recorded.

Guarantees deposited for swap and repo transactions

The decrease in prices of government securities and the increase in Argentine credit risk originated the need to set up additional guarantees. As of November 25, 2008, the guarantees deposited for swap and repo transactions amounts Ps.640,576 (in U$S) and Ps.96,005 in BODEN 2012. These escrow deposits have been recorded in “Miscellaneous Receivables”. The breakdown of the abovementioned guarantees for each transaction is described as follows (See Note 7):

 

1. Cross Currency Swaps: the Bank has deposited Ps.15,026 (in U$S) and Ps.43,274 in BODEN as collateral.

 

2. Credit Currency Swaps: the Bank has deposited Ps.89,318 (in U$S) and Ps.10,052 in BODEN as collateral.

 

3. Swap linked to Secured Loans due 2008 and External Debt: the Bank has deposited Ps.153,487 (in U$S) and Ps.42,679 in BODEN as collateral.

 

4. Repo transactions: the Bank has deposited Ps.382,745 (in U$S) as collateral.

 

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