Filed by Bowne Pure Compliance
Table of Contents

 
 
United States
Securities and Exchange Commission
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 6-K
Report of Foreign Private Issuer
Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16
of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the month of
February 2009
Companhia Vale do Rio Doce
Avenida Graça Aranha, No. 26
20030-900 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
(Address of principal executive office)
(Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F.)
(Check One) Form 20-F þ Form 40-F o
(Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1))
(Check One) Yes o No þ
(Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7))
(Check One) Yes o No þ
(Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.)
(Check One) Yes o No þ
(If “Yes” is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b). 82-                    .)
 
 

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

Press Release
Signature Page


Table of Contents

(VALE LOGO)
COMPANHIA VALE DO RIO DOCE
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
         
    Page  
 
       
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
    2  
 
       
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
    3  
 
       
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2008 and 2007
    4  
 
       
Consolidated Statements of Income for the three-month periods ended December 31, 2008, September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007 and for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
    6  
 
       
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three-month periods ended December 31, 2008, September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007 and for the years ended December 31, 2008 2007 and 2006
    7  
 
       
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the three-month periods ended December 31, 2008, September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007 and for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
    8  
 
       
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
    9  
 
       
Supplemental Financial Information (unaudited)
    50  

 

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(VALE LOGO)
(PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LETTERHEAD)
Report of Independent Registered
Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders
Companhia Vale do Rio Doce
In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related consolidated statements of income, of cash flows and of changes in stockholders’ equity present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Companhia Vale do Rio Doce and its subsidiaries at December 31, 2008 and 2007, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2008 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 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 integrated audits. 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.
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.
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.
(PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS)
PricewaterhouseCoopers
Auditores Independentes

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
February 19, 2009

 

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(VALE LOGO)
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
The management of Companhia Vale do Rio Doce – VALE is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting.
The 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. The 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.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, and that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Vale’s management has assessed the effectiveness of the company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008 based on the criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission - COSO. Based on such assessment and criteria, Vale’s management has concluded that the company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2008.
The effectiveness of the company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008 has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers Auditores Independentes, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which appears herein.
             
By:
           
         
 
  Name:   Roger Agnelli    
 
  Title:   Chief Executive Officer    
 
           
By:
           
         
 
  Name:   Fabio de Oliveira Barbosa    
 
  Title:   Chief Financial Officer    
Date: February 19, 2009

 

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(VALE LOGO)
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Expressed in millions of United States Dollars
                 
    December 31,     December 31,  
    2008     2007  
Assets
               
Current assets
               
Cash and cash equivalents
    10,331       1,046  
Short term investments
    2,308        
Accounts receivable
               
Related parties
    137       281  
Unrelated parties
    3,067       3,671  
Loans and advances to related parties
    53       64  
Inventories
    3,896       3,859  
Deferred income tax
    583       603  
Recoverable taxes
    1,993       1,159  
Other
    870       697  
 
           
 
    23,238       11,380  
 
           
 
               
Property, plant and equipment, net, and intangible assets
    49,329       54,625  
Investments in affiliated companies, joint ventures and other investments
    2,408       2,922  
Other assets
               
Goodwill on acquisition of subsidiaries
    1,898       3,791  
Loans and advances
               
Related parties
          3  
Unrelated parties
    77       127  
Prepaid pension cost
    622       1,009  
Prepaid expenses
    223       200  
Judicial deposits
    1,141       1,124  
Advances to suppliers — energy
    408       574  
Recoverable taxes
    394       199  
Unrealized gains on derivative instruments
    32       673  
Other
    161       90  
 
           
 
    4,956       7,790  
 
           
TOTAL
    79,931       76,717  
 
           

 

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(VALE LOGO)
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Expressed in millions of United States Dollars
(Except number of shares)
                 
    (Continued)  
    December 31,     December 31,  
    2008     2007  
 
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity
               
Current liabilities
               
Suppliers
    2,261       2,430  
Payroll and related charges
    591       734  
Current portion of long-term debt
    633       1,249  
Short-term debt
          167  
Loans from related parties
    77       6  
Provision for income taxes
    502       1,198  
Taxes payable and royalties
    55       322  
Employees postretirement benefits
    102       131  
Railway sub-concession agreement payable
    400       210  
Unrealized losses on derivative instruments
          346  
Provisions for asset retirement obligations
    48       64  
Minimum mandatory dividends payable
    2,068       2,683  
Other
    500       543  
 
           
 
    7,237       10,083  
 
           
 
               
Long-term liabilities
               
Employees postretirement benefits
    1,485       2,204  
Long-term debt
    17,535       17,608  
Provisions for contingencies (Note 20 (b))
    1,685       2,453  
Unrealized losses on derivative instruments
    573       5  
Deferred income tax
    4,005       5,725  
Provisions for asset retirement obligations
    839       911  
Railway sub-concession agreement payable
          210  
Other
    1,525       1,687  
 
           
 
    27,647       30,803  
 
           
Minority interests
    2,491       2,555  
 
           
 
               
Commitments and contingencies (Note 20)
               
 
               
Stockholders’ equity
               
Preferred class A stock - 7,200,000,000 no-par-value shares authorized and 2,108,579,618 (2007 - 1,919,516,400) issued
    9,727       4,953  
Common stock - 3,600,000,000 no-par-value shares authorized and 3,256,724,482 (2007 - 2,999,797,716) issued
    15,262       7,742  
Treasury stock - 76,854,304 (2007 - 30,341,144) preferred and 74,937,899 (2007 - 56,582,040) common shares
    (1,141 )     (389 )
Additional paid-in capital
    393       498  
Mandatorily convertible notes — common shares
    1,288       1,288  
Mandatorily convertible notes — preferred shares
    581       581  
Other cumulative comprehensive income (loss)
    (11,510 )     1,655  
Undistributed retained earnings
    18,340       15,317  
Unappropriated retained earnings
    9,616       1,631  
 
           
 
    42,556       33,276  
 
           
TOTAL
    79,931       76,717  
 
           
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

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(VALE LOGO)
Consolidated Statements of Income
Expressed in millions of United States Dollars
(Except per share amounts)
                                                 
    Three-month period ended (unaudited)     Year ended of December 31,  
    December     September     December                    
    31, 2008     30, 2008     31, 2007     2008     2007     2006  
Operating revenues, net of discounts, returns and allowances
                                               
Sales of ores and metals
    6,052       10,425       7,213       32,779       28,441       16,511  
Aluminum products
    779       889       672       3,042       2,722       2,381  
Revenues from logistic services
    310       473       389       1,607       1,525       1,376  
Other products and services
    301       335       138       1,081       427       95  
 
                                   
 
    7,442       12,122       8,412       38,509       33,115       20,363  
Taxes on revenues
    (187 )     (383 )     (249 )     (1,083 )     (873 )     (712 )
 
                                   
Net operating revenues
    7,255       11,739       8,163       37,426       32,242       19,651  
 
                                   
 
                                               
Operating costs and expenses
                                               
Cost of ores and metals sold
    (2,730 )     (4,051 )     (3,687 )     (14,055 )     (13,628 )     (7,946 )
Cost of aluminum products
    (529 )     (684 )     (486 )     (2,267 )     (1,705 )     (1,355 )
Cost of logistic services
    (190 )     (272 )     (231 )     (930 )     (853 )     (777 )
Other
    (71 )     (109 )     (100 )     (389 )     (277 )     (69 )
 
                                   
 
    (3,520 )     (5,116 )     (4,504 )     (17,641 )     (16,463 )     (10,147 )
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    (708 )     (374 )     (424 )     (1,748 )     (1,245 )     (816 )
Research and development expenses
    (295 )     (331 )     (262 )     (1,085 )     (733 )     (481 )
Impairment of goodwill
    (950 )                 (950 )            
Other
    (719 )     (383 )     (290 )     (1,254 )     (607 )     (570 )
 
                                   
 
    (6,192 )     (6,204 )     (5,480 )     (22,678 )     (19,048 )     (12,014 )
 
                                   
Operating income
    1,063       5,535       2,683       14,748       13,194       7,637  
 
                                               
Non-operating income (expenses)
                                               
Financial income
    247       277       58       602       295       327  
Financial expenses
    (399 )     (457 )     (554 )     (1,765 )     (2,517 )     (1,222 )
Gains (losses) on derivatives, net
    (586 )     (587 )     316       (812 )     931       (116 )
Foreign exchange and indexation gains (losses), net
    (241 )     (321 )     315       364       2,553       529  
Gain on sale of investments
                      80       777       674  
 
                                   
 
    (979 )     (1,088 )     135       (1,531 )     2,039       192  
 
                                   
Income before income taxes, equity results and minority interests
    84       4,447       2,818       13,217       15,233       7,829  
 
                                   
Income taxes
                                               
Current
    966       (477 )     (610 )     (1,338 )     (3,901 )     (1,134 )
Deferred
    219       621       394       803       700       (298 )
 
                                   
 
    1,185       144       (216 )     (535 )     (3,201 )     (1,432 )
 
                                   
Equity in results of affiliates, joint ventures and other investments
    125       290       136       794       595       710  
Minority interests
    (27 )     (60 )     (165 )     (258 )     (802 )     (579 )
 
                                   
Net income
    1,367       4,821       2,573       13,218       11,825       6,528  
 
                                   
 
                                               
Basic and diluted earnings per share
                                               
Earnings per preferred share
    0.25       0.94       0.52       2.58       2.41       1.35  
Earnings per common share
    0.25       0.94       0.52       2.58       2.41       1.35  
Earnings per prefered share linked to (*)
    0.76       1.19       0.79       4.09       3.30        
Earnings per common share linked to (*)
    0.81       1.25       0.85       4.29       3.51        
     
(*)  
Basic earnings per share only, as dilution assumes conversion.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

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(VALE LOGO)
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Expressed in millions of United States Dollars
                                                 
    Three-month period ended (unaudited)     Year ended of December 31,  
    December     September     December                    
    31, 2008     30, 2008     31, 2007     2008     2007     2006  
Cash flows from operating activities:
                                               
Net income
    1,367       4,821       2,573       13,218       11,825       6,528  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash from operations:
                                               
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
    568       713       737       2,807       2,186       997  
Dividends received
    116       126       112       513       394       516  
Equity in results of affiliates, joint ventures and other investments
    (125 )     (290 )     (136 )     (794 )     (595 )     (710 )
Deferred income taxes
    (219 )     (621 )     (394 )     (803 )     (700 )     298  
Impairment of goodwill
    950                   950              
Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment
    10       243       104       376       168       106  
Gain on sale of investments
                      (80 )     (777 )     (674 )
Foreign exchange and indexation losses (gains), net
    740       1,133       (266 )     451       (2,827 )     (917 )
Unrealized derivative losses (gains), net
    586       587       (326 )     812       (917 )     116  
Minority interests
    27       60       165       258       802       579  
Unrealized interest (income) expense, net
    (3 )     83       (23 )     116       102       36  
Others
    17       1       46       (3 )     115       (93 )
Decrease (increase) in assets:
                                               
Accounts receivable
    1,615       (1,481 )     135       (466 )     235       (438 )
Inventories
    (43 )     (77 )     (558 )     (467 )     (343 )     859  
Others
    (171 )     5       80       (242 )     (292 )     (12 )
Increase (decrease) in liabilities:
                                               
Suppliers
    200       237       429       703       998       (47 )
Payroll and related charges
    (25 )     97       106       1       170       (86 )
Income taxes
    119       (291 )     (582 )     (140 )     393       84  
Others
    564       (14 )     260       (96 )     75       90  
 
                                   
Net cash provided by operating activities
    6,293       5,332       2,462       17,114       11,012       7,232  
 
                                   
Cash flows from investing activities:
                                               
Short term investments
    (1,674 )     (634 )           (2,308 )            
Loans and advances receivable
                                               
Related parties
                                               
Loan proceeds
    (3 )           (32 )     (37 )     (33 )     (18 )
Repayments
    18       15             58       10       11  
Others
    24       (40 )     (1 )     (15 )     1       (16 )
Judicial deposits
    (71 )     (26 )     (50 )     (133 )     (125 )     (78 )
Investments
    (19 )     (85 )     (230 )     (128 )     (324 )     (107 )
Property, plant and equipment
    (3,689 )     (1,553 )     (2,747 )     (8,972 )     (6,651 )     (4,431 )
Proceeds from disposal of investments
                      134       1,042       837  
Proceeds from disposals of property, plant and equipment
                                  49  
Acquisition of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired
                            (2,926 )     (13,201 )
 
                                   
Net cash used in investing activities
    (5,414 )     (2,323 )     (3,060 )     (11,401 )     (9,006 )     (16,954 )
 
                                   
Cash flows from financing activities:
                                               
Short-term debt, additions
    1       65       2,021       1,076       4,483       4,912  
Short-term debt, repayments
    (125 )     (65 )     (1,877 )     (1,311 )     (5,040 )     (4,233 )
Loans
                                               
Related parties
                                               
Loan proceeds
    33             1       54       259       10  
Repayments
          (16 )     (39 )     (20 )     (273 )     (50 )
Issuances of long-term debt
                                               
Related parties
                                  14  
Others
    253       71       646       1,890       7,212       21,993  
Repayments of long-term debt
                                               
Others
    (65 )     (313 )     (114 )     (1,130 )     (11,130 )     (7,635 )
Treasury stock
    (752 )                 (752 )           (301 )
Mandatorily convertible notes
                            1,869        
Capital increase
          12,190             12,190              
Dividends and interest attributed to stockholders
    (1,600 )           (1,050 )     (2,850 )     (1,875 )     (1,300 )
Dividends to minority interest
    (56 )           (429 )     (143 )     (714 )     (65 )
 
                                   
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    (2,311 )     11,932       (841 )     9,004       (5,209 )     13,345  
 
                                   
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    (1,432 )     14,941       (1,439 )     14,717       (3,203 )     3,623  
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
    (2,863 )     (2,469 )     (23 )     (5,432 )     (199 )     (216 )
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
    14,626       2,154       2,508       1,046       4,448       1,041  
 
                                   
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
    10,331       14,626       1,046       10,331       1,046       4,448  
 
                                   
Cash paid during the period for:
                                               
Interest on short-term debt
          (1 )     (8 )     (11 )     (49 )     (9 )
Interest on long-term debt
    (314 )     (305 )     (361 )     (1,255 )     (1,289 )     (565 )
Income tax
    (149 )     (726 )     (732 )     (2,867 )     (3,284 )     (586 )
 
                                               
Non-cash transactions
                                               
Interest capitalized
    185       14       15       230       78       126  
Issuance of preferred stock for the acquisition of Caemi, net of cash acquired
                                  2,552  
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

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(VALE LOGO)
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity
Expressed in millions of United States Dollars
(except number of shares and per-share amounts)
                                                 
    Three-month period ended (unaudited)     Year ended of December 31,  
    December
31, 2008
    September
30, 2008
    December
31, 2007
    2008     2007     2006  
Preferred class A stock (including twelve special shares)
                                               
Beginning of the period
    9,727       4,953       4,953       4,953       4,702       2,150  
Capital increase
          4,774             4,774             2,552  
Transfer from undistributed retained earnings
                            251        
 
                                   
End of the period
    9,727       9,727       4,953       9,727       4,953       4,702  
 
                                   
Common stock
                                               
Beginning of the period
    15,262       7,742       7,742       7,742       3,806       3,806  
Capital increase
          7,520             7,520              
Transfer from undistributed retained earnings
                            3,936        
 
                                   
End of the period
    15,262       15,262       7,742       15,262       7,742       3,806  
 
                                   
Treasury stock
                                               
Beginning of the period
    (389 )     (389 )     (389 )     (389 )     (389 )     (301 )
Acquisitions
    (752 )                 (752 )           (88 )
 
                                   
End of the period
    (1,141 )     (389 )     (389 )     (1,141 )     (389 )     (389 )
 
                                   
Additional paid-in capital
                                               
Beginning and end of the period
    393       498       498       498       498       498  
Change in the period
          (105 )           (105 )            
 
                                   
End of the period
    393       393       498       393       498       498  
 
                                   
Mandatorily convertible notes — common shares
                                               
Beginning and end of the period
    1,288       1,288       1,288       1,288       1,288        
 
                                   
Mandatorily convertible notes — preferred shares
                                               
Beginning and end of the period
    581       581       581       581       581        
 
                                   
Other cumulative comprehensive income (deficit)
                                               
Cumulative translation adjustments
                                               
Beginning of the period
    (3,993 )     2,842       1,003       1,340       (1,628 )     (2,856 )
Change in the period
    (7,500 )     (6,835 )     337       (12,833 )     2,968       1,228  
 
                                   
End of the period
    (11,493 )     (3,993 )     1,340       (11,493 )     1,340       (1,628 )
 
                                   
Unrealized gain (loss) — available-for-sale securities, net of tax
                                               
Beginning of the period
    (79 )     111       229       211       271       127  
Change in the period
    96       (190 )     (18 )     (194 )     (60 )     144  
 
                                   
End of the period
    17       (79 )     211       17       211       271  
 
                                   
Surplus (deficit) accrued pension plan
                                               
Beginning of the period
    (304 )     164       540       75       353       460  
Change in the period
    270       (468 )     (465 )     (109 )     (278 )     (107 )
 
                                   
End of the period
    (34 )     (304 )     75       (34 )     75       353  
 
                                   
Cash flow hedge
                                               
Beginning of the period
    28       8       23       29              
Change in the period
    (28 )     20       6       (29 )     29        
 
                                   
End of the period
          28       29             29        
 
                                   
Total other cumulative comprehensive income (deficit)
    (11,510 )     (4,348 )     1,655       (11,510 )     1,655       (1,004 )
 
                                   
Undistributed retained earnings
                                               
Beginning of the period
    14,183       17,021       6,560       15,317       9,555       4,357  
Transfer from/to unappropriated retained earnings
    4,157       (2,838 )     8,757       3,023       9,949       5,198  
Capitalized earnings
                            (4,187 )      
 
                                   
End of the period
    18,340       14,183       15,317       18,340       15,317       9,555  
 
                                   
Unappropriated retained earnings
                                               
Beginning of the period
    14,521       6,886       10,524       1,631       2,505       3,983  
Net income
    1,367       4,821       2,573       13,218       11,825       6,528  
Interest on mandatorily covertible debt
                                               
Preferred class A stock
    (15 )     (8 )     (8 )     (46 )     (22 )      
Common stock
    (32 )     (16 )     (18 )     (96 )     (45 )      
Dividends and interest attributed to stockholders’ equity
                                               
Preferred class A stock
    (806 )           (1,049 )     (806 )     (1,049 )     (1,098 )
Common stock
    (1,262 )           (1,634 )     (1,262 )     (1,634 )     (1,710 )
Appropriation from/to undistributed retained earnings
    (4,157 )     2,838       (8,757 )     (3,023 )     (9,949 )     (5,198 )
 
                                   
End of the period
    9,616       14,521       1,631       9,616       1,631       2,505  
 
                                   
Total stockholders’ equity
    42,556       51,218       33,276       42,556       33,276       19,673  
 
                                   
 
                                               
Number of shares:
                                               
Preferred class A stock (including twelve special shares)
    2,108,579,618       2,108,579,618       1,919,516,400       2,108,579,618       1,919,516,400       1,919,516,400  
Common stock
    3,256,724,482       3,256,724,482       2,999,797,716       3,256,724,482       2,999,797,716       2,999,797,716  
Buy-backs
                                               
Beginning of the period
    (86,922,944 )     (86,923,052 )     (86,923,184 )     (86,923,184 )     (86,927,072 )     (56,627,872 )
Acquisitions
    (64,869,259 )                 (64,869,259 )           (30,299,200 )
Sales
          108             240       3,888        
 
                                   
End of the period
    (151,792,203 )     (86,922,944 )     (86,923,184 )     (151,792,203 )     (86,923,184 )     (86,927,072 )
 
                                   
 
    5,213,511,897       5,278,381,156       4,832,390,932       5,213,511,897       4,832,390,932       4,832,387,044  
 
                                   
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

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(VALE LOGO)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Expressed in millions of United States Dollars, unless otherwise stated
1  
The Company and its operation
 
   
Companhia Vale do Rio Doce (“Vale”, the “Company” or “we”) is a limited liability company incorporated in Brazil. Operations are carried out through Vale and our subsidiary companies, joint ventures and affiliates, and mainly consist of mining, non-ferrous metal production, logistics and steel activities.
 
   
At December 31, 2008, our principal consolidated operating subsidiaries are the following:
                                 
            % voting     Head office        
Subsidiary   % ownership     capital     location     Principal activity  
Alumina do Norte do Brasil S.A. — Alunorte (“Alunorte”)
    57.03       59.02     Brazil   Alumina
Alumínio Brasileiro S.A. — Albras (“Albras”)
    51.00       51.00     Brazil   Aluminum
CADAM S.A (CADAM)
    61.48       100.00     Brazil   Kaolin
CVRD Overseas Ltd.
    100.00       100.00     Cayman Islands   Trading
Ferrovia Centro-Atlântica S. A.
    100.00       100.00     Brazil   Logistics
Minerações Brasileiras Reunidas S.A. — MBR
    92.99       92.99     Brazil   Iron ore
Pará Pigmentos S.A. (“PPSA”)
    86.17       85.57     Brazil   Kaolin
PT International Nickel Indonesia Tbk (“PT Inco”)
    61.16       61.16     Indonesia   Nickel
Vale Manganês S.A. (formely Rio Doce Manganês S.A.)
    100.00       100.00     Brazil   Manganese and Ferroalloys
Vale Manganèse France (formely Rio Doce Manganèse Europe — RDME)
    100.00       100.00     France   Ferroalloys
Rio Doce Manganese Norway — RDMN
    100.00       100.00     Norway   Ferroalloys
Vale Australia Pty Ltd.
    100.00       100.00     Australia   Coal
Vale Inco Limited
    100.00       100.00     Canada   Nickel
Vale International S.A (formerly CVRD International S.A)
    100.00       100.00     Swiss   Trading
Valesul Aumínio S.A.
    100.00       100.00     Brazil   Aluminum
2  
Basis of consolidation
 
   
All majority-owned subsidiaries in which we have both share and management control are consolidated. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated. Our variable interest entities in which we are the primary beneficiary are consolidated. Investments in unconsolidated affiliates and joint ventures are accounted for under the equity method (Note 12).
 
   
We evaluate the carrying value of our equity accounted investments in relation to publicly quoted market prices when available. If the quoted market price is below book value, and such decline is considered other than temporary, we write-down our equity investments to quoted market value.
 
   
We define joint ventures as businesses in which we and a small group of other partners each participate actively in the overall entity management, based on a shareholders agreement. We define affiliates as businesses in which we participate as a minority stockholder but with significant influence over the operating and financial policies of the investee.
 
   
Our participation in hydroelectric projects are made via consortium contracts under which we have undivided interests in the assets and are liable for our proportionate share of liabilities and expenses, which are based on our proportionate share of power output. We do not have joint liability for any obligations. No separate legal or tax status is granted to consortia under Brazilian law. Accordingly, we recognize our proportionate share of costs and our undivided interest in assets relating to hydroelectric projects (Note 11).
 
3  
Summary of significant accounting policies
 
   
The preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Estimates are used for, but not limited to, the selection of useful lives of property, plant and equipment, impairment, provisions necessary for contingent liabilities, fair values assigned to assets and liabilities acquired in business combinations, income tax valuation allowances, employee post retirement benefits and other similar evaluations. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

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(VALE LOGO)
(a)  
Basis of presentation
 
   
We have prepared our consolidated financial statements in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (“US GAAP”), which differ in certain respects from the accounting practices adopted in “Brazilian GAAP” which are the basis for our statutory financial statements.
 
   
In December 2007, significant modifications were made to Brazilian GAAP as part of a convergence project with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). Such changes became effective for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008, whereas other changes will be introduced subsequently.
 
   
Our condensed consolidated interim financial information for the three-month periods ended December 31, 2008, September 30, 2008, and December 31, 2007, presented herein are unaudited. However, in our opinion, such condensed consolidated financial information include all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the results for interim periods.
 
   
The Brazilian Real is the parent Company’s functional currency. We have selected the U.S. Dollar as our reporting currency. The financial statements have been translated in accordance with the criteria set forth in Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. (“SFAS”) 52 – “Foreign Currency Translation”.
 
   
All assets and liabilities have been translated to U.S. Dollars at the closing rate of exchange at each balance sheet date (or, if unavailable, the first available exchange rate). All statement of income accounts have been translated to U.S. Dollars at the average exchange rates prevailing during the respective periods. Capital accounts are recorded at historical exchange rates. Translation gains and losses are recorded in the Cumulative Translation Adjustments account (“CTA”) in stockholders’ equity. The results of operations and financial position of our entities that have a functional currency other than the U.S. Dollar, have been translated in accordance with SFAS 52.
 
   
The exchange rates used to translate the assets and liabilities of the Brazilian operations at December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, were R$ 2.3370 and R$ 1.7713, respectively.
 
   
The net transaction gain (loss) included in our statement of income (“Foreign exchange and indexation gains (losses), net”) was US$ (1,011), US$ 1,639 and US$ 452 in the year ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
 
(b)  
Cash equivalents and short-tem investment
 
   
Cash flows from overnight investments and fundings are reported net. Short-term investments that have a ready market and original maturities of 90 days or less are classified as “Cash equivalents”. The remaining investments, with longer maturities are stated at fair value and presented as “Short-term investments”.
 
(c)  
Long-term
 
   
Assets and liabilities that are realizable or due more than 12 months after the balance sheet date are classified as long-term.
 
(d)  
Inventories
 
   
Inventory is recorded at the average cost of purchase or production, reduced to market value (net realizable value less a reasonable margin) when lower.
 
   
We classify proven and probable reserve quantities attributable to stockpiled inventories as inventories and account for them as processed when they are removed from the mine. These reserve quantities are not included in the total proven and probable reserve quantities used in the units of production, depreciation, depletion and amortization calculations.
 
   
We periodically assess our inventories to identify obsolescence or slow moving and if needed, we recognize definitive allowances for slow movement or obsolete inventories.

 

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(VALE LOGO)
(e)  
Removal of waste materials to access mineral deposits
 
   
Stripping costs (the costs associated with the removal of overburden and other waste materials) incurred during the development of a mine, before production commences, are capitalized as part of the depreciable cost of developing the property. Such costs are subsequently amortized over the useful life of the mine based on proven and probable reserves.

Post-production stripping costs are included in the cost of the inventory produced (that is extracted), at each mine individually during the period that the stripping cost are incurred.
 
(f)  
Property, plant and equipment and Intangible Assets
 
   
Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost, including interest cost incurred during the construction of major new facilities. We compute depreciation on the straight-line basis at annual average rates which take into consideration the useful lives of the assets, as follows: 3.03% for railroads, 3.65% for buildings, 3.78% for installations and 7.30% for other equipment. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to operating costs and expenses as incurred.
 
   
We capitalize the costs of developing major new ore bodies or expanding the capacity of operating mines and amortize these to operations on the unit-of-production method based on the total probable and proven quantity of ore to be recovered. Exploration costs are expensed. Once the economic viability of mining activities is established, subsequent development costs are capitalized.
 
   
Separately acquired intangible assets are shown at historical cost. Intangible assets acquired in a business combination are recognized at fair value at the acquisition date. All our intangible assets have definite useful lives and are carried at cost less accumulated amortization, which is calculated using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives.
 
(g)  
Business combinations
 
   
We adopt SFAS 141 “Business Combinations” to record acquisitions of interests in other companies. This “purchase method”, requires that we reasonably determine the fair value of the identifiable tangible and intangible assets and liabilities of acquired companies and segregate goodwill as an intangible asset.
 
   
We assign goodwill to reporting units and test each reporting unit’s goodwill for impairment at least annually, and whenever circumstance indicating that recognized goodwill may not be fully recovered are identified. We perform the annual goodwill impairment tests during the last quarter of the year using September 30 as our base date.
 
   
Goodwill is reviewed for impairment utilizing a two step process. In the first step, we compare a reporting unit’s fair value with its carrying amount to identify any potential goodwill impairment loss. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds the unit’s fair value, based on a discounted cash flow analysis, we carry out the second step of the impairment test, measuring and recording the amount, if any, of the unit’s goodwill impairment loss.
 
(h)  
Impairment of long-lived assets
 
   
All long-lived assets, are tested to determine if they are recoverable from operating earnings on an undiscounted cash flow basis over their useful lives whenever events or changes in circumstance indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable.
 
   
When we determine that the carrying value of long-lived assets and definite-life intangible assets may not be recoverable, we measure any impairment loss based on a projected discounted cash flow method using a discount rate determined to be commensurate with the risk inherent in our current business model.
 
(i)  
Available-for-sale equity securities
 
   
Equity securities classified as “available-for-sale” are recorded pursuant to SFAS 115 “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities”. Accordingly, we classify unrealized holding gains and losses, net of taxes, as a separate component of stockholders’ equity until realized.
 
(j)  
Compensated absences
 
   
The liability for future compensation for employee vacations is fully accrued as earned.

 

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(VALE LOGO)
(k)  
Derivatives and hedging activities
 
   
We apply SFAS 133 “Accounting for Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities”, as amended. This standard requires that we recognize all derivative financial instruments as either assets or liabilities on our balance sheet and measure such instruments at fair value. Changes in the fair value of derivatives are recorded in each period in current earnings or in other comprehensive income, in the latter case depending on whether a transaction is designated as an effective hedge and has been effective during the period.
 
(l)  
Asset retirement obligations
 
   
Our retirement obligations consist primarily of estimated closure costs, the initial measurement of which is recognized as a liability discounted to present value and subsequently accreted through earnings. An asset retirement cost equal to the initial liability is capitalized as part of the related asset’s carrying value and depreciated over the asset’s useful life.
 
(m)  
Revenues and expenses
 
   
Revenues are recognized when title is transferred to the customer or services are rendered. Revenue from exported products is recognized when such products are loaded on board the ship. Revenue from products sold in the domestic market is recognized when delivery is made to the customer. Revenue from logistic services is recognized when the service order has been fulfilled. Expenses and costs are recognized on the accrual basis.
 
(n)  
Income taxes
 
   
The deferred tax effects of tax loss carryforwards and temporary differences are recognized pursuant to SFAS 109 “Accounting for Income Taxes”. A valuation allowance is made when we believe that it is more likely than not that tax assets will not be fully recovered in the future.
 
(o)  
Earnings per share
 
   
Earnings per share are computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common and preferred shares outstanding during the period.
 
(p)  
Interest attributed to stockholders’ equity (dividend)
 
   
Brazilian corporations are permitted to distribute interest attributable to stockholders’ equity. The calculation is based on the stockholders’ equity amounts as stated in the statutory accounting records and the interest rate applied may not exceed the long-term interest rate (TJLP) determined by the Brazilian Central Bank. Also, such interest may not exceed 50% of net income for the year nor 50% of retained earnings plus revenue reserves as determined by “Brazilian GAAP”.
 
   
As the notional interest charge is tax deductible in Brazil, the benefit to us, as opposed to making a dividend payment, is a reduction in our income tax charge. Income tax of 15% is withheld on behalf of the stockholders relative to the interest distribution. Under Brazilian law, interest attributed to stockholders’ equity is considered as part of the annual minimum mandatory dividend (Note 16). This notional interest distribution is treated for accounting purposes as a deduction from stockholders’ equity in a manner similar to a dividend and the tax credit recorded in income.
 
(q)  
Comprehensive income
 
   
We present comprehensive income as part of the Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity, in compliance with SFAS 130 “Reporting Comprehensive Income”, net of taxes.
 
(r)  
Pension and other post retirement benefits
 
   
We sponsor private pension and other post retirement benefits for our employees which are actuarially determined and recognized as an asset or liability or both depending on the funded or unfunded status of each plan in accordance with SFAS 158 “Employees’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Post retirement Plans”. The cost of our defined benefit and prior service costs or credits that arise during the period and are not components of net periodic benefit costs are recorded in other cumulative comprehensive income (deficit).

 

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(VALE LOGO)
4  
Recently-issued accounting pronouncements
 
   
In January 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued EITF 99-20-1 ”Amendments to the Impairment Guidance of EITF Issue No. 99-20”, to achieve more consistent determination of whether an other-than-temporary impairment has occurred. It is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2008. We are currently studying the effects of this pronouncement.

In December 2008, the FASB issued Staff Position No. FAS 132(R)-1, “Employers’ Disclosures about Post Retirement Benefit Plan Assets”. It is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2009. We are currently studying the effects of this pronouncement.
 
   
In November 2008, the FASB issued EITF 08-08, “Accounting for an Instrument (or an Embedded Feature) with a Settlement Amount That Is Based on the Stock of an Entity’s Consolidated Subsidiary”, which addresses the fair value of an outstanding instrument and its presentation. It is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2008. We are currently studying the effects of this pronouncement.
 
   
In November 2008, the FASB issued EITF 08-06, “Equity Method Investment Accounting Considerations”, which clarifies the accounting for certain transactions and impairment considerations involving equity method investments. It is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2008. We are currently studying the effects of this pronouncement.
 
   
In October 2008, the FASB issued Staff Position No. FAS 157-3, “Determining the Fair Value of a Financial Asset in a Market That Is Not Active” (FSP 157-3), which clarifies the application of SFAS 157 when the market for a financial asset is inactive. Specifically, FSP 157-3 clarifies how (1) management’s internal assumptions should be considered in measuring fair value when observable data are not present, (2) observable market information from an inactive market should be taken into account, and (3) the use of broker quotes or pricing services should be considered in assessing the relevance of observable and unobservable data to measure fair value. The guidance in FSP 157-3 was effective immediately upon issuance and did not generate impact on our Financial Statements.
 
   
In June 2008, the FASB issued FSP EITF 03-6-1, “Determining Whether Instruments Granted in Share-Based Payment Transactions are Participating Securities”. The FSP provides that instruments granted in share-based payment transactions that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents (whether paid or unpaid) are participating securities prior to vesting and, therefore, need to be included in the earnings allocation in computing earnings per share (EPS) under the two-class method described in paragraphs 60 and 61 of FASB Statement No. 128, Earnings per Share. It is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2008. Early application is not permitted. We are currently studying the effects of this pronouncement.
 
   
In May 2008, the FASB issued FSP APB 14-1, “Accounting for Convertible Debt Instruments That May Be Settled in Cash upon Conversion (Including Partial Cash Settlement)”. According to this FSP these debt instruments are not addressed by paragraph 12 of APB Opinion No. 14, Accounting for Convertible Debt and Debt Issued with Stock Purchase Warrants. Additionally, it specifies that issuers of such instruments should separately account for the liability and equity components in a manner that will reflect the entity’s nonconvertible debt borrowing rate when interest cost is recognized in subsequent periods. This FSP is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. We are currently studying the effects of this pronouncement.
 
   
In May 2008, the FASB issued FAS 162, “The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles”. The objective of this Statement is to identify the sources of accounting principles and the framework for selecting the principles used in the preparation of financial statements of nongovernmental entities that are presented in conformity with US GAAP (the GAAP hierarchy). This Statement shall be effective 60 days following the SEC’s approval of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) amendments to AU Section 411, The Meaning of Present Fairly in Conformity With Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. There are no specific disclosure requirements with this statement. We are currently assessing the effects of this Statement and believe that it will not have a material impact on our Consolidation Financial Statements.
 
   
In April 2008, the FASB issued FSP FAS 142-3, “Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets”. The objective of this FSP is to address situations of renewing or extending the useful life of a recognized intangible asset. It is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2008. Early application is not permitted. We are currently studying the effects of this pronouncement.

 

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In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS 160, which clarifies that a no controlling interest in a subsidiary is an ownership interest in the consolidated entity that should be reported as equity in the consolidated financial statements. SFAS 160 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning on or after December 15, 2008 (that is, in the case of Vale, January 1, 2009).
 
   
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS 141(R), that applies prospectively to 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 (that is, in the case of Vale, January 1, 2009).
 
5  
Major acquisitions and disposals
 
   
In February 2008, we sold our interest in Jubilee Mines N.L. (held through Vale Inco), representing 4.83% of its common shares, for US$134 generating a gain of US$80.
 
   
In October, 2007 we were awarded, in a public auction, a 30-year sub-concession agreement to operate the Ferrovia Norte Sul S.A. – FNS railway for R$1,482 million equivalent to US$837 at the exchange rate in effect on that date, payable in three installments. The first installment, equivalent to US$412 and corresponding to 50% was paid in December 2007. The second and third installments, each representing 25% of the total amount, are to be paid upon the completion of the railroad. The outstanding installments are indexed to the general price index (IGP-DI) and accrue interest of 12% p.a. This sub-concession right has been accounted for as an intangible asset (Note 11).
 
   
In July 2007, we sold our interest in Lion Ore Mining International Ltd. (held through Vale Inco), representing 1.80% of its common shares for US$105, generating a gain of US$80.
 
   
In June 2007, we sold 25,213,664 common shares, representing 57.84% of the total capital of our subsidiary Log-In Logística Intermodal S.A. (“Log-In”) for US$179, recording a gain of US$155. In July 2007, we sold an additional 5.10% stake in Log-In for US$24 recording a gain of US$21. At December 31, 2008, we held 31.33% of the voting and total capital of this entity, which is accounted for under the equity method.
 
   
In May 2007, we sold part (12.43%) of our stockholding in Usinas Siderúrgicas de Minas Gerais S.A. — USIMINAS, an available-for-sale investee, for US$728, recording a gain of US$456. We have retained 5.89% of the ordinary shares the minimum number of shares required to participate in the current shareholders agreement of the investee, representing 2.93% of the total capital.
 
   
In May 2007, we acquired a further 6.25% of the total share capital of Empreendimentos Brasileiros de Mineração S.A. — EBM, which main asset is its interest in MBR, for US$231 and as a result, our direct and indirect stake in MBR increased to 92.99% of total and voting capital. We simultaneously entered into an usufruct agreement with minority shareholders whereby they transferred to us all rights and obligations with respect to their shares, including rights to dividends for the next 30 years, for which we will make an initial payment of US$61 plus an annual fee of US$48 for each of the next 29 years. The present value of the future obligation is recorded as a liability and the corresponding charge recorded to minority interests in the balance sheet.
 
   
In April 2007, we concluded the acquisition of 100% of Vale Australia (formerly AMCI Holdings Australia Pty – AMCI HA), a private company based in Australia, which owns and operates coal mines in that country, for US$656.

 

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6  
Income taxes
 
   
Income taxes in Brazil comprise federal income tax and social contribution, which is an additional federal tax. The statutory composite enacted tax rate applicable in the periods presented is 34%. In other countries where we have operations, the applicable tax rates vary from 1.67% to 40%.
 
   
The amount reported as income tax expense in our consolidated financial statements is reconciled to the statutory rates as follows:
                                                                         
    Three-month period ended (unaudited)  
    December 31, 2008     September 30, 2008     December 31, 2007  
    Brazil     Foreign     Total     Brazil     Foreign     Total     Brazil     Foreign     Total  
Income before income taxes, equity results and minority interests
    (2,489 )     2,573       84       334       4,113       4,447       1,299       1,519       2,818  
 
                                                     
 
                                                                       
Tax at Brazilian composite rate
    846       (875 )     (29 )     (114 )     (1,398 )     (1,512 )     (442 )     (516 )     (958 )
Adjustments to derive effective tax rate:
                                                                       
Tax benefit on interest attributed to stockholders
    238             238       278             278       129             129  
Difference on tax rates of foreign income
          347       347             808       808             777       777  
Exchange variation — not taxable
          667       667             633       633             (101 )     (101 )
Tax incentives
    (48 )           (48 )     14             14       7             7  
Other non-taxable gains (losses)
    (68 )     78       10       57       (134 )     (77 )     (12 )     (58 )     (70 )
 
                                                     
 
Income taxes per consolidated statements of income
    968       217       1,185       235       (91 )     144       (318 )     102       (216 )
 
                                                     
                                                         
    Year ended of December 31,  
    2008     2007     2006  
    Brazil     Foreign     Total     Brazil     Foreign     Total     Total  
Income before income taxes, equity results and minority interests
    2,434       10,783       13,217       7,769       7,464       15,233       7,829  
 
                                         
 
                                                       
Tax at Brazilian composite rate
    (828 )     (3,667 )     (4,495 )     (2,641 )     (2,538 )     (5,179 )     (2,662 )
Adjustments to derive effective tax rate:
                                                       
Tax benefit on interest attributed to stockholders
    692             692       474             474       343  
Difference on tax rates of foreign income
          1,728       1,728             1,729       1,729       1,129  
Exchange variation — not taxable
          982       982             (290 )     (290 )     (125 )
Tax incentives
    53             53       173             173       194  
Valuation allowance reversal (provision)
                      16             16       (21 )
Other non-taxable gains (losses)
    287       218       505       64       (188 )     (124 )     (290 )
 
                                         
 
Income taxes per consolidated statements of income
    204       (739 )     (535 )     (1,914 )     (1,287 )     (3,201 )     (1,432 )
 
                                         
We have certain Brazilian income tax incentives relating to our manganese operations in Carajás, our potash operations in Rosario do Catete, our alumina and aluminum operations in Barcarena and our kaolin operations in Ipixuna and Mazagão. The incentives relating to manganese, aluminum and kaolin comprise partial exemption up to 2013. The incentive relating to alumina and potash comprise full income tax exemption on defined production levels, which expires in 2009 and 2013, respectively. An amount equal to the tax saving is appropriated from retained earnings to a reserve account within stockholders’ equity and may not be distributed in the form of cash dividends.
We also have income tax incentives related to our Goro Project under development in New Caledonia (“The Goro Project”). These incentives include an income tax holiday during the construction phase of the project and throughout a 15-year period commencing in the first year in which commercial production, as defined by the applicable legislation, is achieved followed by a five-year, 50 per cent income tax holiday. The Goro Project also qualifies for certain exemptions from indirect taxes such as import duties during the construction phase and throughout the commercial life of the project. Certain of these tax benefits, including the income tax holiday, are subject to an earlier phase out should the project achieve a specified cumulative rate of return. We are subject to a branch profit tax commencing in the first year in which commercial production is achieved, as defined by the applicable legislation. To date, we have not recorded any taxable income for New Caledonian tax purposes. The benefits of this legislation are expected to apply with respect to taxes payable once the Goro project is in operation.
We are subject to examination by the tax authorities for up to five years regarding our operations in Brazil, ten years for Indonesia, and five and six years for Canada, except for Newfoundland which has no limit.

 

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Brazilian tax loss carryforwards have no expiration date though offset is restricted to 30% of annual taxable income.
Effective January 1, 2007, the Company adopted the provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes”.
The reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:
                 
    As of December 31,  
    2008     2007  
 
Beginning of the period
    1,046       663  
 
           
Increase resulting from tax positions taken
    103       264  
Decrease resulting from tax positions taken
    (261 )     (47 )
Changes in tax legislation
    2       29  
Cumulative translation adjustments
    (233 )     137  
 
           
End of the period
    657       1,046  
 
           
Recognized deferred income tax assets and liabilities are composed as follows:
                 
    As of December 31,  
    2008     2007  
Current deferred tax assets
               
Accrued expenses deductible only when disbursed
    583       603  
 
           
 
               
Long-term deferred tax assets and liabilities
               
 
               
Assets
               
 
               
Employee postretirement benefits provision
    171       461  
Tax loss carryforwards
    119       348  
Other temporary differences
    548        
Asset retirement obligation
    207       195  
 
           
 
    1,045       1,004  
 
           
 
               
Liabilities
               
Fair value of financial instruments
    (326 )     (173 )
Unrealized tax indexation effects
    (108 )     (138 )
Property, plant and equipment
    (47 )     (150 )
Prepaid retirement benefit
    (199 )     (203 )
Fair value adjustments in business combinations
    (4,446 )     (5,770 )
Other temporary differences
    198       (191 )
 
           
 
    (4,928 )     (6,625 )
 
           
 
               
Valuation allowance
               
Beginning balance
    (104 )     (113 )
Translation adjustments
    18       (20 )
Change in allowance
    (36 )     29  
 
           
Ending balance
    (122 )     (104 )
 
           
Net long-term deferred tax liabilities
    (4,005 )     (5,725 )
 
           

 

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7  
Cash and cash equivalents
                 
    As of December 31,  
    2008     2007  
 
               
Cash
    767       424  
Short-term investments denominated in Brazilian Reais
    7,548       123  
Short-term investments denominated in other currencies, mainly U.S. dollars
    2,016       499  
 
           
 
    10,331       1,046  
 
           
   
The increase in cash and cash equivalents corresponds mainly to the proceeds received from the Global equity offering (Note 16).
8  
Accounts receivable
                 
    As of December 31,  
    2008     2007  
Customers
               
Denominated in Brazilian Reais
    461       750  
Denominated in other curriencies, mainly U.S. Dollars
    2,828       3,311  
 
           
 
    3,289       4,061  
 
               
Allowance for doubtful accounts
    (85 )     (100 )
Allowance for ore weight credits
          (9 )
 
           
Total
    3,204       3,952  
 
           
   
Accounts receivable from customers in the steel industry represent 47% of receivables at December 31, 2008.
 
   
No single customer accounted for more than 10% of total revenues.
 
   
Additional allowances for doubtful accounts charged to the statement of income as expenses in 2008 and 2007 totaled US$ 9 and US$ 31, respectively. We wrote-off US$ nil in 2008 and US$ 6 in 2007.
9  
Inventories
                 
    As of December 31,  
    2008     2007  
Finished products
               
 
               
Nickel (co-products and by-products)
    1,514       1,812  
Iron ore and pellets
    728       588  
Manganese and ferroalloys
    199       176  
Aluminum products
    150       106  
Kaolin
    40       42  
Copper concentrate
    26       15  
Coal
    43       38  
Others
    80       36  
Spare parts and maintenance supplies
    1,116       1,046  
 
           
 
    3,896       3,859  
 
           
   
At December 31, 2008, we recorded an adjustment of US$ 77, to reduce nickel inventory to its market value (nil in 2007 and 2006).

 

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10  
Recoverable taxes
                 
    As of December 31,  
    2008     2007  
Income tax
    1,646       643  
Value-added tax — ICMS
    258       294  
PIS and COFINS
    380       354  
Others
    103       67  
 
           
Total
    2,387       1,358  
 
           
 
Current
    1,993       1,159  
Non-current
    394       199  
 
           
 
    2,387       1,358  
 
           
11  
Property, plant and equipment and intangible assets
 
   
By type of assets:
                                                 
    As of December 31, 2008     As of December 31, 2007  
            Accumulated                     Accumulated        
    Cost     depreciation     Net     Cost     depreciation     Net  
Land
    182             182       110             110  
Buildings
    3,742       905       2,837       4,086       842       3,244  
Installations
    9,990       2,748       7,242       10,974       2,889       8,085  
Equipment
    5,391       1,626       3,765       5,703       1,709       3,994  
Railroads
    5,830       1,358       4,472       5,819       1,614       4,205  
Mine development costs
    15,976       2,062       13,914       19,270       1,632       17,638  
Others
    4,974       1,639       3,335       7,146       1,813       5,333  
 
                                   
 
    46,085       10,338       35,747       53,108       10,499       42,609  
Construction in progress
    13,582             13,582       12,016             12,016  
 
                                   
Total
    59,667       10,338       49,329       65,124       10,499       54,625  
 
                                   
   
Losses on disposal of property, plant and equipment totaled US$ 376, US$ 168 and US$ 106 in 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Mainly relate to losses on sales of ships and trucks, locomotives and other equipment, which were replaced in the normal course of business.
 
   
Assets given in guarantee of judicial processes totaled US$ 141.
 
   
Hydroelectric assets
 
   
We participate in several jointly-owned hydroelectric plants, already in operation or under construction, in which we record our undivided interest in these assets as Property, plant and equipment.
 
   
At December 31, 2008 the cost of hydroelectric plants in service totals US$ 1,162 (2007 US$ 803) and the related depreciation in the year was US$ 304 (2007 US$ 68). The cost of hydroelectric plant under construction at December 31, 2008 totals US$ 206 (2007 US$ 735). Income and operating expenses for such plants are not material
 
   
Intangibles
 
   
All of the intangible assets recognized in our financial statements were acquired from third parties, either directly or through a business combination and have definite useful lives from 6 to 30 years.
 
   
At December 31, 2008 the intangibles amount to US$ 875 (December 31, 2007 — US$ 1,113), and are comprised of rights granted by the government – North-South Railroald of US$ 671 and off take-agreements of US$ 204.

 

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12  
Investments in affiliated companies and joint ventures
                                                                                                                                                 
    2008     Investments     Equity in earnings (losses) of investee adjustments     Dividends received  
                  Net income                     Three-month period ended (unaudited)     As of December 31,     Three-month period ended (unaudited)     As of December 31,  
    Participation in     Net     (loss) for the           December 31,     September     December 31,           December     September     December        
    capital (%)     equity     year     2008     2007     2008     30, 2008     2007     2008     2007     2006     31, 2008     30, 2008     31, 2007     2008     2007     2006  
    Voting     Total                                                                                                  
Ferrous
                                                                                                                                               
Companhia Nipo-Brasileira de Pelotização — NIBRASCO (1)
    51.11       51.00       215       166       110       61       18       36       2       84       12       18                                     22  
Companhia Hispano-Brasileira de Pelotização — HISPANOBRÁS (1)
    51.00       50.89       143       117       73       43       7       17       (3 )     59       9       15             6             6       16       13  
Companhia Coreano-Brasileira de Pelotização — KOBRASCO (1)
    50.00       50.00       109       88       55       45       4       19       4       44       19       17       13             21       13       21       21  
Companhia Ítalo-Brasileira de Pelotização — ITABRASCO (1)
    51.00       50.90       114       66       58       46       14       18             34       10       12                               8       12  
Minas da Serra Geral S.A. — MSG
    50.00       50.00       42       3       21       30       (1 )     1       1       1       3       2                                     1  
SAMARCO Mineração S.A. — SAMARCO (2)
    50.00       50.00       732       629       412       546       37       82       56       315       242       229       50       112       25       300       150       225  
Others
                            26       30       1       2       3       6       6       19                                     1  
 
                                                                                                                   
 
                                    755       801       80       175       63       543       301       312       63       118       46       319       195       295  
 
Logistics
                                                                                                                                               
LOG-IN Logística Intermodal S.A. (3)
    31.33       31.33       282       37       94       107       6       3       6       20       8                               3              
MRS Logística S.A
    37.86       41.50       786       273       326       342       87       44       34       113       117       95                   24       34       51       41  
 
                                                                                                                   
 
                                    420       449       93       47       40       133       125       95                   24       37       51       41  
 
Holdings
                                                                                                                                               
Steel
                                                                                                                                               
California Steel Industries Inc. — CSI
    50.00       50.00       320       21       160       163       (35 )     18       (7 )     11       (1 )     54       13                   13       11       40  
THYSSENKRUPP CSA Companhia Siderúrgica (Cost $431) — available-for-sale
    10.46       10.46                   443       388                                                                          
Usinas Siderúrgicas de Minas Gerais S.A. — USIMINAS (cost $180) - available-for-sale (5)
                            164       465             8             18       31       147             8             18       31       48  
 
                                                                                                                   
 
                                    767       1,016       (35 )     26       (7 )     29       30       201       13       8             31       42       88  
 
Bauxite
                                                                                                                                               
Mineração Rio do Norte S.A. — MRN
    40.00       40.00       347       156       140       184       22       18       21       62       84       64       13                   99       64       77  
Valesul Alumínio S.A. — VALESUL (5)
    100.00       100.00                                                             12                                      
 
                                                                                                                   
 
                                    140       184       22       18       21       62       84       76       13                   99       64       77  
 
Coal
                                                                                                                                               
Henan Longyu Resources Co. Ltd.
    25.00       25.00       703       315       176       115       15       28       12       79       46       31       27             42       27       42       15  
Shandong Yankuang International Company Ltd.
    25.00       25.00       44       (66 )     11       23       (17 )           2       (17 )           (5 )                                    
 
                                                                                                                   
 
                                    187       138       (2 )     28       14       62       46       26       27             42       27       42       15  
 
Nickel
                                                                                                                                               
Heron Resources Inc (cost $25) — available-for-sale
                            2       34                                                                          
Jubilee Mines N.L (cost $5) (4) — available-for-sale
                                  126                                                                          
Mirabela Nickel Ltd (cost $24) — available-for-sale
                            8       72                                                                          
Hudbay Minerals (cost $31) available for sale
                            9                                                                                
Corea Nickel Corp
                            21                                                                                
Skye Resources (6)
                                          44       (38 )                 (38 )                                                
 
Others
                            13       23       4             5       4       9                                            
 
                                                                                                                   
 
                                    53       299       (34 )           5       (34 )     9                                            
Other affiliates and joint ventures
                                                                                                                                               
Others
                            86       35       1       (4 )           (1 )                                                
 
                                                                                                                   
 
                                    86       35       1       (4 )           (1 )                                                
 
                                                                                                                   
 
                                    1,233       1,672       (48 )     68       33       118       169       303       53       8       42       157       148       180  
 
                                                                                                                   
Total
                                    2,408       2,922       125       290       136       794       595       710       116       126       112       513       394       516  
 
                                                                                                                   
     
(1)  
Although Vale held a majority of the voting interest of investees accounted for under the equity method, existing veto rights held by minority shareholders under shareholder agreements preclude consolidation;
 
(2)  
Investment includes goodwill of US$ 46 in 2008 and US$ 61 in 2007;
 
(3)  
Consolidation discontinued from June, 2007; (4) Sold in February, 2008 (Note 5);
 
(5)  
Equity in results of affilites refers to dividends received.
 
(6)  
Losses considered other than temporary.

 

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(VALE LOGO)
13  
Impairment of goodwill
 
   
As described on note 3 (g), we test goodwill and long-lived assets for impairment at least annually, or more frequently when events or changes in circumstances indicate that they might be impaired. For impairment test purposes goodwill is allocated to reporting units.
 
   
Following the downturn in the economy, which contributed to the decline in the prices of certain commodities produced by us during the last quarter of 2008, we updated our impairment test based on forecasted discounted cash flows. As a result, we determined that the goodwill associated with the acquisition of Vale Inco, included within the reportable segment “Non-ferrous – nickel” was partially impaired. In the case of Vale Inco, goodwill has been allocated by us to the finished products and intermediate products reporting units. The impairment charge recorded in operating results in the fourth quarter of 2008 was US$950.
 
   
Management determined discounted cash flows based on approved financial budgets. Gross margin projections were based on past performance and management’s expectations of market developments. Information about sales prices are consistent with the forecasts included in industry reports, considering quoted prices when available and when appropriate. The discount rates used reflect specific risks relating to the relevant assets in each reporting unit, depending on their composition and location.
 
   
Recognition of additional goodwill impairment charges in the future would depend on several estimates including market conditions, recent actual results and management’s forecasts. This information shall be obtained at the time when our assessment is to be updated. It is not possible at this time to determine if any such future impairment charge would result or, if it does, whether such charge would be material.
 
14  
Short-term debt
 
   
Short-term borrowings outstanding on December 31, 2007, mainly from commercial banks for export financing denominated in U.S. Dollars, with average annual interest rates of 5.5%.
 
15  
Long-term debt
                                 
    Current liabilities     Long-term liabilities  
    2008     2007     2008     2007  
Foreign debt
                               
 
                               
Loans and financing denominated in the following currencies:
                               
U.S. Dollars
    210       212       5,905       5,927  
Others
    23       64       167       214  
 
                               
Fixed Rate Notes — US Dollar denominated
                6,510       6,680  
Debt securities — export sales (*) — US Dollar denominated
    55       53       149       205  
Perpetual notes
                83       87  
Accrued charges
    217       282              
 
                       
 
    505       611       12,814       13,113  
 
                       
Brazilian debt
                               
 
                               
Brazilian Reais indexed to Long-Term Interest Rate — TJLP/CDI
    33       586       1,989       1,148  
Brazilian Reais indexed to General Price Index-Market (IGPM)
          1       1       1  
Basket of currencies
    1       2       4       6  
Non-convertible debentures
                2,562       3,340  
U.S. Dollars Denominated
                165        
Accrued charges
    94       49              
 
                       
 
    128       638       4,721       4,495  
 
                       
Total
    633       1,249       17,535       17,608  
 
                       
     
(*)  
Secured by receivables from future export sales.

 

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(VALE LOGO)
   
The long-term portion at December 31, 2008 falls due as follows:
         
2010
    2,304  
2011
    2,618  
2012
    1,137  
2013
    2,556  
2014 and thereafter
    8,628  
No due date (Perpetual notes and non-convertible debentures)
    292  
 
     
 
    17,535  
 
     
   
At December 31, 2008 annual interest rates on long-term debt were as follows:
         
Up to 3%
    690  
3.1% to 5%
    5,845  
5.1% to 7% (*)
    5,596  
7.1% to 9% (*)
    2,136  
9.1% to 11%
    87  
Over 11% (*)
    3,729  
Variable (Perpetual notes)
    85  
 
     
 
    18,168  
 
     
     
(*)  
Includes non-convertible debentures and other Brazilian Reais-denominated debt that bear interest at CDI (Brazilian interbank certificate of deposit) and TJLP (Brazilian government long-term interest) rates plus a spread. For these operations we have entered into derivative transactions to mitigate our exposure on the floating rate debt denominated in Brazilian Reais, totaling US$ 4,169 wich US$ 3,522 has original interest rate above 11%. The average cost after taking into account the derivative transactions is 4.9%.
The indexation indices/ rates applied to our debt were as follows (unaudited):
                                         
    Three-month period ended     Year ended of December 31,  
    December     September     December              
    31, 2008     30, 2008     31, 2007     2008     2007  
 
                                       
TJLP — Long-Term Interest Rate (effective rate)
    1.5       1.5       1.5       6.3       6.4  
IGP-M — General Price Index — Market
    1.2       1.6       3.5       9.8       7.8  
Appreciation (Devaluation) of Real against U.S. Dollar
    (18.1 )     (16.8 )     3.8       (24.2 )     20.7  
   
In January 2008 we entered into a trade finance agreement with a Brazilian bank in the amount of US$ 1,100 with final maturity in 2018.
 
   
During 2008, we entered into agreements with Banco Nacional de Desenvolvimento Econômico e Social — BNDES, (the Brazilian National Development Bank) and with long-term Japanese financing agencies, Japan Bank for International Cooperation — JBIC and Nippon Export and Investment Insurance — NEXI related to future lines of credit to finance mining, logistics and power generation projects as part of our investment program for 2008-2012.
 
   
Additionally, we have revolving credit lines available under which amounts can be drawn down and repaid at the option of the borrower. At December 31, 2008, the total amount available under revolving credit lines was of US$1,900, of which US$ 1,150 was granted to Vale International and the balance to Vale Inco. As of December 31, 2008, neither Vale International nor Vale Inco had drawn any amounts under these facilities.
 
   
Vale Inco had drawn down US$ 101 by way of letters of credit.
 
   
At December 31, 2008 the US Dollar denominated Fixed Rate Notes of US$ 6,510 (December 31, 2007 – US$ 6,680) and other debt of US$ 11,102 (December 31, 2007 – US$ 11,511) are unsecured. The export securitization of US$ 204 (December 31, 2007 – US$ 258) represents debt securities collateralized by receivables from future export sales of CVRD Overseas Ltd.. Loans from international lenders of US$ 57 (December 31, 2007 – US$ 82) are guaranteed by the Brazilian Federal Government, to which we have provided like counter guarantees. The remaining long-term debt of US$ 295 (December 31, 2007 – US$ 326) is collateralized mainly by receivables.
 
   
Our principal covenants require us to maintain certain ratios, such as debt to EBITDA and interest coverage. We were in full compliance with our financial covenants as of December 31, 2008 and 2007.

 

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(VALE LOGO)
16  
Stockholders’ equity
 
   
Each holder of common and preferred class A stock is entitled to one vote for each share on all matters brought before stockholders’ meetings, except for the election of the Board of Directors, which is restricted to the holders of common stock. The Brazilian Government holds twelve preferred special shares which confer permanent veto rights over certain matters.
 
   
Both common and preferred stockholders are entitled to receive a mandatory minimum dividend of 25% of annual adjusted net income under Brazilian GAAP, once declared at the annual stockholders’ meeting. In the case of preferred stockholders, this dividend cannot be less than 6% of the preferred capital as stated in the statutory accounting records or, if greater, 3% of the Brazilian GAAP equity value per share. For the year ended December 31, 2008, this dividends corresponds to US$2,068, provided against stockholders’ equity.
 
   
In July 2008, we issued 80,079,223 common ADS, 176,847,543 common shares, 63,506,751 preferred ADS and 100,896,048 preferred shares through a Global equity offering. Our capital increased by US$11,666, upon subscription of preferred stock of US$4,146 corresponding to 164,402,799 shares and common stock of US$7,520 corresponding to 256,926,766 shares. In August, 2008, we issued an additional 24,660,419 preferred shares, representing an increase of US$628. After the closing of the operation, our capital stock increased by US$12,294 in 2008; the transaction costs of US$105 were recorded as a reduction of the additional paid-in capital account.
 
   
In September 2007, a stock split was effected whereby each existing common and preferred share was split into two shares. After the split our capital comprises 4,919,314,116 shares, of which 1,919,516,400 are preferred class “A” shares and 2,999,797,716 are common shares, including twelve special class shares without par value (“Golden Shares”). All references to numbers of share and per share amounts included herein reflect retroactive application of the stock split.
   
In June 2007, we issued US$ 1,880 Mandatorily Convertible Notes due June 15, 2010 for total proceeds of US$ 1,869, net of commissions. The Notes bear interest at 5.50% per year payable quarterly and additional interest which will be payable based on the net amount of cash distribution paid to ADS holders. A tranche of US$ 1,296 Notes are mandatorily convertible into an aggregate maximum of 56,582,040 common shares and a tranche of US$ 584 Notes are mandatorily convertible into an aggregate maximum of 30,295,456 preferred class A shares. On the maturity date (whether at stated maturity or upon acceleration following an event of default), the Series RIO Notes will automatically convert into ADSs, each ADS representing one common share of Vale, and the Series RIO P Notes will automatically convert into ADSs, each ADS representing one preferred class A share of Vale. We currently hold the shares to be issued on conversion in treasury. The Notes are not repayable in cash. Holders of notes will have no voting rights. We will pay to the holders of our Series RIO Notes or RIO P Notes additional interest in the event that Vale makes cash distributions to all holders of RIO ADSs or RIO P ADSs, respectively. We determined, using a statistical model, that the potential variability in the number of shares to be converted is not a predominant feature of this hybrid financial instrument and thus classified it as an equity instrument within stockholders’ equity. Other than during the cash acquisition conversion period, holders of the notes have the right to convert their notes, in whole or in part, at any time prior to maturity in the case of the Series RIO Notes, into RIO ADSs at the minimum conversion rate of 0.8664 RIO ADSs per Series RIO Note, and in the case of Series RIO P Notes, into RIO P ADSs at the minimum conversion rate of 1.0283 RIO P ADSs per Series RIO P Note.
 
   
In April 2007, at an Extraordinary Shareholders ´ Meeting, paid-up capital was increased by US$ 4,187 through transfer of reserves, without issuance of shares, to US$ 12,695.
 
   
Brazilian law permits the payment of cash dividends only from retained earnings as stated in the BR GAAP statutory records and such payments are made in Brazilian Reais. Pursuant to the Company’s statutory books, undistributed retained earnings at December 31, 2008 total US$ 16,854, comprising the unrealized income and expansion reserves, which could be freely transferred to retained earnings and paid as dividends, if approved by the stockholders, after deducting of the minimum annual mandatory dividend.

 

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(VALE LOGO)
   
No withholding tax is payable on distribution of profits earned except for distributions in the form of interest attributed to stockholders’ equity (Note 3 (p)).
 
   
Brazilian laws and our By-laws require that certain appropriations be made from retained earnings to reserve accounts on an annual basis, all determined in accordance with amounts stated in the statutory accounting records, as detailed below:
                                                 
    Three-month period ended (unaudited)     Year ended of December 31,  
    December     September     December                    
    31, 2008     30, 2008     31, 2007     2008     2007     2006  
Undistributed retained earnings
                                               
Unrealized income reserve
                                               
Beginning of the period
    67       73       105       73       57       101  
Transfer from (to) retained earnings
    (22 )     (6 )     (32 )     (28 )     16       (44 )
 
                                   
End of the period
    45       67       73       45       73       57  
Expansion reserve
                                               
Beginning of the period
    12,857       13,881       5,726       13,881       8,485       3,621  
Transfer to capital stock
                            (3,776 )      
Transfer from (to) retained earnings
    3,952       (1,024 )     8,155       2,928       9,172       4,864  
 
                                   
End of the period
    16,809       12,857       13,881       16,809       13,881       8,485  
Legal reserve
                                               
Beginning of the period
    1,212       1,310       724       1,310       970       599  
Transfer to capital stock
                            (370 )      
Transfer from (to) retained earnings
    236       (98 )     586       138       710       371  
 
                                   
End of the period
    1,448       1,212       1,310       1,448       1,310       970  
Fiscal incentive investment reserve
                                               
Beginning of the period
    47       53       5       53       43       36  
Transfer to capital stock
                            (41 )      
Transfer from (to) retained earnings
    (9 )     (6 )     48       (15 )     51       7  
 
                                   
End of the period
    38       47       53       38       53       43  
 
                                   
Total undistributed retained earnings
    18,340       14,183       15,317       18,340       15,317       9,555  
 
                                   
   
The purpose and basis of appropriation to such reserves is described below:
 
   
Unrealized income reserve — this represents principally our share of the earnings of affiliates and joint ventures, not yet received in the form of cash dividends.
 
   
Expansion reserve — this is a general reserve for expansion of our activities.
 
   
Legal reserve — this reserve is a requirement for all Brazilian corporations and represents the appropriation of 5% of annual net income up to a limit of 20% of capital stock all determined under Brazilian GAAP.
 
   
Fiscal incentive investment reserve — this reserve results from an option to designate a portion of income tax otherwise payable for investment in government approved projects and is recorded in the year following that in which the taxable income was earned. As from 2000, this reserve basically contemplates income tax incentives (Note 6).

 

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(VALE LOGO)
   
Basic and diluted earnings per share
 
   
Basic and diluted earnings per share amounts have been calculated as follows:
                                                 
    Three-month period ended (unaudited)     As of December 31,  
    December     September     December                      
    31, 2008     30, 2008     31, 2007     2008     2007     2006  
Net income for the period
    1,367       4,821       2,573       13,218       11,825       6,528  
 
                                   
 
                                               
Interest attributed to preferred convertible notes
    (15 )     (8 )     (8 )     (46 )     (16 )      
Interest attributed to common convertible notes
    (32 )     (16 )     (18 )     (96 )     (37 )      
 
                                               
Net income for the period adjusted
    1,320       4,797       2,547       13,076       11,772       6,528  
 
                                               
Basic and diluted earnings per share
                                               
 
                                               
Income available to preferred stockholders
    507       1,850       978       5,027       4,552       2,568  
Income available to common stockholders
    791       2,866       1,524       7,823       7,092       3,960  
Income available to convertible notes linked to preferred shares
    8       28       16       78       45        
Income available to convertible notes linked to common shares
    14       53       29       148       83        
Weighted average number of shares outstanding (thousands of shares) — preferred shares
    2,042,341       1,976,727       1,889,175       1,946,454       1,889,171       1,908,852  
Weighted average number of shares outstanding (thousands of shares) — common shares
    3,185,750       3,063,752       2,943,216       3,028,817       2,943,216       2,943,216  
Treasury preferred shares linked to mandatorily convertible notes
    30,295       30,295       30,295       30,295       18,478        
Treasury common shares linked to mandatorily convertible notes
    56,582       56,582       56,582       56,582       34,510        
 
                                   
Total
    5,314,968       5,127,356       4,919,268       5,062,148       4,885,375       4,852,068  
 
                                   
 
                                               
Earnings per preferred share
    0.25       0.94       0.52       2.58       2.41       1.35  
Earnings per common share
    0.25       0.94       0.52       2.58       2.41       1.35  
Earnings per convertible notes linked to preferred share (*)
    0.76       1.19       0.79       4.09       3.30        
Earnings per convertible notes linked to common share (*)
    0.81       1.25       0.85       4.29       3.51        
     
(*)  
Basic earnings per share only, as dilution assumes conversion.
Had the conversion of the convertible notes been included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share they would have generated the following dilutive effect as shown below:
                                                 
    Three-month period ended (unaudited)     As of December 31,  
    December     September     December                      
    31, 2008     30, 2008     31, 2007     2008     2007     2006  
 
                                               
Income available to preferred stockholders
    530       1,885       1,002       5,151       4,613        
Income available to common stockholders
    837       2,936       1,571       8,067       7,212        
Weighted average number of shares outstanding (thousands of shares) — preferred shares
    2,072,636       2,007,022       1,919,470       1,976,749       1,907,649        
Weighted average number of shares outstanding (thousands of shares) — common shares
    3,242,332       3,120,334       2,999,798       3,085,399       2,977,726        
Earnings per preferred share
    0.26       0.94       0.52       2.61       2.42        
Earnings per common share
    0.26       0.94       0.52       2.61       2.42        
17  
Other cumulative comprehensive income (deficit)
                                                 
    Three-month period ended (unaudited)     As of December 31,  
    December     September     December                      
    31, 2008     30, 2008     31, 2007     2008     2007     2006  
 
                                               
Comprehensive income (deficit) is comprised as follows:
                                               
Net income
    1,367       4,821       2,573       13,218       11,825       6,528  
Cumulative translation adjustments
    (7,500 )     (6,835 )     337       (12,833 )     2,968       1,228  
Unrealized gain (loss) — available-for-sale securities, net of tax
    96       (190 )     (18 )     (194 )     (60 )     144  
Surplus (deficit) accrued pension plan
    270       (468 )     (465 )     (109 )     (278 )     (107 )
Cash flow hedge
    (28 )     20       6       (29 )     29        
 
                                   
Total comprehensive income (deficit)
    (5,795 )     (2,652 )     2,433       53       14,484       7,793  
 
                                   
 
                                               
Tax effect on other comprehensive income allocated to each component
                                               
 
                                               
Unrealized gain (loss) — available-for-sale securities, net of tax
                                               
Gross balance as of the period end
    42       (105 )     271       42       271       395  
Tax (expense) benefit
    (25 )     26       (60 )     (25 )     (60 )     (124 )
 
                                   
Net balance as of the period end
    17       (79 )     211       17       211       271  
 
                                   
Surplus accrued pension plan
                                               
Gross balance as of the period end
    (63 )     (415 )     134       (63 )     134       540  
Tax (expense) benefit
    29       111       (59 )     29       (59 )     (187 )
 
                                   
Net balance as of the period end
    (34 )     (304 )     75       (34 )     75       353  
 
                                   

 

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18  
Pension plans
 
   
Since 1973 we sponsor a supplementary social security plan with characteristics of a defined benefit plan (the “Old Plan”) covering substantially all Brazilian employees, with benefits calculated based on years of service, age, contribution salary and supplementary social security benefits. This plan is administered by Fundação Vale do Rio Doce de Seguridade Social – VALIA and was funded by monthly contributions made by us and our employees, calculated based on periodic actuarial appraisals.
 
   
In May 2000, we implemented a new supplementary social security plan with characteristics of defined contribution, which complements the earnings of programmed retirements. The plan offers benefits to cover death, physical invalidity, and sickness, with defined benefit characteristics. Brazilian employees could opt to migrate to the “New Plan” (a Benefit Mix Plan – Vale Mais) which was taken up by over 98% of our employees. The Old Plan will continue in existence, covering almost exclusively retired participants and their beneficiaries.
 
   
Additionally we provide supplementary payments to a specific group of former Brazilian employees, in addition to the regular benefits from Valia. The plan provides represents a postretirement health care, dental and pharmaceutical benefits.
 
   
Upon the acquisition of Inco, we assumed benefits through defined benefit pension plans that cover essentially all its employees and post retirement benefits other than pensions that also provide certain health care and life insurance benefits for retired employees.
 
   
The following information details the status of the defined benefit elements of all plans in accordance with SFAS 132 “Employers’ Disclosure about Pensions and Other Post retirement Benefits” and SFAS 158 “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans”, as amended.
 
(a)  
Change in benefit obligation
                                                 
    As of December 31,  
    2008     2007  
    Overfunded     Underfunded     Underfunded     Overfunded     Underfunded     Underfunded  
    pension plans     pension plans     other benefits     pension plans     pension plans     other benefits  
Benefit obligation at beginning of year
    3,178       4,436       1,671       2,531       3,743       1,287  
Liability recognized upon consolidation of Inco
                            100       213  
Service cost
    11       60       25       9       61       20  
Interest cost
    309       245       85       306       229       78  
Plan amendment
          16                   4        
Benefits paid
    (283 )     (291 )     (70 )     (301 )     (279 )     (63 )
Effect of exchange rate changes
    (779 )     (775 )     (272 )     526       607       215  
Actuarial loss (gain)
    (12 )     (660 )     (370 )     107       (29 )     (79 )
 
                                   
Benefit obligation at end of year
    2,424       3,031       1,069       3,178       4,436       1,671  
 
                                   
   
We use a measurement date of December 31 for our pension and post retirement benefit plans
 
(b)  
Change in plan assets
                                                 
    As of December 31,  
    2008     2007  
    Overfunded     Underfunded     Underfunded     Overfunded     Underfunded     Underfunded  
    pension plans     pension plans     other benefits     pension plans     pension plans     other benefits  
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year
    4,187       3,762       10       3,508       3,078       4  
Actual return on plan assets
    57       (603 )     1       250       85       1  
Employer contributions
    41       272       70       33       372       67  
Benefits paid
    (283 )     (291 )     (70 )     (301 )     (279 )     (63 )
Effect of exchange rate changes
    (959 )     (633 )     (2 )     697       506       1  
 
                                   
Fair value of plan assets at end of year
    3,043       2,507       9       4,187       3,762       10  
 
                                   

 

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Plan assets at December 31, 2008 include US$ 188 (US$ 693 at December 31, 2007) and US$ 53 (US$ 73 at December 31, 2007) of portfolio investments in our own shares and debentures, respectively, and US$ 44 (US$ 48 at December 31, 2007) and US$ nil (US$ nil at December 31, 2007) of shares of related parties and debentures, as well. They also include US$ 2,472 of Brazilian Federal Government securities (US$ 1,116 at December 31, 2007) and US$ 347 of Canada Federal Government securities (US$ 475 at December 31, 2007).
 
(c)  
Funded Status and Financial Position
                                                 
    As of December 31,  
    2008     2007  
    Overfunded     Underfunded     Underfunded     Overfunded     Underfunded     Underfunded  
    pension plans     pension plans     other benefits     pension plans     pension plans     other benefits  
Other assets
    619             3       1,009              
Current liabilities
          38       64             54       77  
Long-term liabilities
          486       999             620       1,584  
 
                                   
Funded status
    619       524       1,060       1,009       674       1,661  
 
                                   
(d)  
Assumptions used (nominal terms)
                                                 
    Brazil  
    2008     2007  
    Overfunded     Underfunded     Underfunded     Overfunded     Underfunded     Underfunded  
    pension plans     pension plans     other benefits     pension plans     pension plans     other benefits  
Discount rate
    11.28 % p.a.     11.28 % p.a.     11.28 % p.a.     10.24 % p.a.     10.24 % p.a.     10.24 % p.a.
Expected return on plan assets
    12.22 % p.a.     13.00 % p.a.           12.78 % p.a.     11.70 % p.a.      
Rate of compensation increase — up to 47 years
    7.12 % p.a.                 7.12 % p.a.            
Rate of compensation increase — over 47 years
    4.00 % p.a.                 4.00 % p.a.            
Inflation
    4.00 % p.a.     4.00 % p.a.     4.00 % p.a.     4.00 % p.a.     4.00 % p.a.     4.00 % p.a.
Health care cost trend rate
                7.12 % p.a.                 7.64 % p.a.
                                                 
    Foreign  
    2008     2007  
    Overfunded     Underfunded     Underfunded     Overfunded     Underfunded     Underfunded  
    pension plans     pension plans     other benefits     pension plans     pension plans     other benefits  
Discount rate
          5.58 % p.a.     7.32 % p.a.           5.21 % p.a.     5.55 % p.a.
Expected return on plan assets
          6.99 % p.a.     7.35 % p.a.           7.18 % p.a.     7.50 % p.a.
Rate of compensation increase — up to 47 years
          4.12 % p.a.     3.58 % p.a.           4.01 % p.a.     3.58 % p.a.
Rate of compensation increase — over 47 years
          4.12 % p.a.     3.58 % p.a.           4.01 % p.a.     3.58 % p.a.
Inflation
          2.00 % p.a.     2.00 % p.a.           2.00 % p.a.     2.00 % p.a.
Health care cost trend rate
                6.19 % p.a.                 6.35 % p.a.

 

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(e)  
Investment targets and composition of plan assets
   
Overfunded pension plans
The fair value of the Brazil overfunded pension plan assets is US$3,043 and US$4,187 at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. There are no foreign overfunded pension plans assets at the period end. The asset allocation for these plans at December 31, 2008 and 2007, and the target allocation for 2009, by asset category, follows:
                         
    Percentage of plan assets Brazil  
    Target for 2009     At December 31,  
    (Unaudited)     2008     2007  
 
                       
Equity securities
    26 %     20 %     29 %
Real estate
    6 %     4 %     4 %
Loans
    7 %     6 %     4 %
Fixed Income
    61 %     70 %     63 %
 
                 
Total
    100 %     100 %     100 %
 
                 
   
Underfunded pension plans
The fair value of the underfunded pension plan assets is US$146 and US$146 at the end of 2008 and 2007, respectively, for Brazilian plans and US$2,361 and US$3,616 at the end of 2008 and 2007, respectively, for foreign plans. The asset allocation for these plans at the end of 2008 (Brazil and foreign) and 2007 (Brazil and foreign), and the target allocation for 2009, by asset category, follows:
                         
    Percentage of plan assets Brazil  
    Target for 2009     At December 31,  
    (Unaudited)     2008     2007  
 
                       
Loans
    0 %     0 %     5 %
Fixed Income
    100 %     100 %     95 %
 
                 
Total
    100 %     100 %     100 %
 
                 
                         
    Percentage of plan assets Foreign  
    Target for 2009     At December 31,  
          2008     2007  
 
                       
Equity securities
    61 %     54 %     61 %
Fixed Income
    39 %     46 %     39 %
 
                 
Total
    100 %     100 %     100 %
 
                 
The asset allocation policy follows the asset class targets determined by our ALM — Asset Allocation Modelling. The fixed income asset allocation target for the Brazilian plans was established in order to surpass the benefit obligation and to be used for the payment of short-term plans. The proposal for 2009 is to increase the investments in inflation-indexed bonds.
The target for equity securities of these plans reflects the expected appreciation of the Brazilian stock markets and its expected long term return.
The asset allocation policy for the foreign plans of 39% fixed income and 61% equity securities, approximates the policy mix through a rebalancing policy.

 

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Underfunded other benefits
The fair value of the foreign underfunded other benefit assets is US$9 and US$10 at the end of 2008 and 2007, respectively. There are no Brazilian underfunded other benefit assets in our postretirement benefit other than pensions at the period end.
The asset allocation for these benefits at the end of 2008 and target allocation for 2009, by asset category, follows:
                         
    Percentage of plan assets Foreign  
    Target for 2009     At December 31,  
    (Unaudited)     2008     2007  
 
                       
Equity securities
                       
Fixed Income
    61 %     61 %     61 %
Total
    39 %     39 %     39 %
 
                 
 
    100 %     100 %     100 %
 
                 
The asset allocation policy is the same for the foreign underfunded pension plan.
(f)  
Pension costs
                         
    Three-month period ended (unaudited)  
    December 31, 2008  
    Overfunded     Underfunded     Underfunded  
    pension plans     pension plans     other benefits  
Service cost — benefits earned during the period
    3       13       5  
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation
    86       53       21  
Expected return on assets
    (143 )     (57 )     (5 )
Amortization of initial transition obligation
    4       (2 )     6  
Net deferral
    (1 )     11       (2 )
 
                 
Net periodic pension cost
    (51 )     18       25  
 
                 
                         
    Three-month period ended (unaudited)  
    September 30, 2008  
    Overfunded     Underfunded     Underfunded  
    pension plans     pension plans     other benefits  
Service cost — benefits earned during the period
    3       15       6  
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation
    87       66       21  
Expected return on assets
    (145 )     (63 )      
Amortization of initial transition obligation
    4       2       (2 )
Net deferral
    (2 )            
 
                 
Net periodic pension cost
    (53 )     20       25  
 
                 
                         
    Three-month period ended (unaudited)  
    December 31, 2007  
    Overfunded     Underfunded     Underfunded  
    pension plans     pension plans     other benefits  
Service cost — benefits earned during the period
    3       18       6  
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation
    110       76       26  
Expected return on assets
    (205 )     (73 )     (4 )
Amortization of initial transition obligation
    5              
Net deferral
    (6 )            
 
                 
Net periodic pension cost
    (93 )     21       28  
 
                 

 

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(VALE LOGO)
                                                 
    As of December 31,  
    2008     2007  
    Overfunded     Underfunded     Underfunded     Overfunded     Underfunded     Underfunded  
    pension plans     pension plans     other benefits     pension plans     pension plans     other benefits  
 
Service cost — benefits earned during the period
    11       60       25       9       61       20  
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation
    309       245       85       306       229       78  
Expected return on assets
    (515 )     (253 )     (5 )     (570 )     (247 )     (4 )
Amortization of initial transition obligation
    15                   14              
Net deferral
    (5 )     11       (2 )     (17 )            
 
                                   
Net periodic pension cost
    (185 )     63       103       (258 )     43       94  
 
                                   
(g)  
Expected contributions and benefits
Employer contributions expected for 2009 are US$338.
The benefit payments, which reflect future service, are expected to be made as follows:
                                 
    Overfunded     Underfunded     Underfunded        
    pension plans     pension plans     other benefits     Total  
 
                               
2009
    195       262       68       525  
2010
    197       263       72       532  
2011
    199       261       76       536  
2012
    200       260       79       539  
2013
    201       256       82       539  
2014 and thereafter
    1,011       1,265       412       2,688  
(h)  
Accumulated benefit obligation
                                                 
    2008     2007  
    Overfunded     Underfunded     Underfunded     Overfunded     Underfunded     Underfunded  
    pension plans     pension plans     other benefits     pension plans     pension plans     other benefits  
 
                                               
Accumulated benefit obligation
    2,415       2,955       1,069       3,166       4,293       1,671  
Projected benefit obligation
    2,424       3,031       1,069       3,178       4,436       1,671  
Fair value of plan assets
    (3,043 )     (2,507 )     (9 )     (4,187 )     (3,762 )     (10 )
(i)  
Impact of 1% variation in assumed health care cost trend rate
                                 
    1% increase     1% decrease  
    2008     2007     2008     2007  
 
                               
Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation (APBO)
    134       261       (110 )     (201 )
Interest and service costs
    18       15       (14 )     (12 )
(j)  
Other Cumulative Comprehensive Income (Deficit)
                                                 
    As of December 31,  
    2008     2007  
    Overfunded     Underfunded     Underfunded     Overfunded     Underfunded     Underfunded  
    pension plans     pension plans     other benefits     pension plans     pension plans     other benefits  
 
                                               
Net transition assets
    (16 )                 (24 )            
Net actuarial loss / (gain)
    (240 )     (206 )     282       (6 )     (34 )     97  
Effect of exchange rate changes
    (18 )     10       3       94       (7 )     (2 )
Deferred income tax
    94       83       (106 )     (22 )     14       (35 )
 
                                   
Amounts recognized in other cumulative comprehensive income (deficit)
    (180 )     (113 )     179       42       (27 )     60  
 
                                   

 

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(k)  
Change in Other Cumulative Comprehensive Income (Deficit)
                                                 
    As of December 31,  
    2008     2007  
    Overfunded     Underfunded     Underfunded     Overfunded     Underfunded     Underfunded  
    pension plans     pension plans     other benefits     pension plans     pension plans     other benefits  
 
Net transition obligation / (asset) not yet recognized in NPPC at beginning of period
    (31 )                 (38 )            
Net actuarial loss / (gain) not yet recognized in NPPC at beginning of period
    94       (41 )     (14 )     491       (33 )     (11 )
Deferred income tax at beginning of period
    (21 )     14       5       (154 )     11       4  
 
                                   
Effect of initial recognition of cumulative comprehensive Income (deficit)
    42       (27 )     (9 )     299       (22 )     (7 )
Change in the period Amortization of net transition obligation / (asset)
    15                   14              
Amortization of net actuarial loss / (gain)
    (6 )                 (17 )            
Total net actuarial loss / (gain) arising during period
    (328 )     (165 )     296       (480 )     (1 )     108  
Effect of exchange rate changes
    (18 )     10       3       94       (7 )     (2 )
Deferred income tax
    115       69       (111 )     132       3       (39 )
 
                                   
Total recognized in other cumulative comprehensive income (deficit)
    (180 )     (113 )     179       42       (27 )     60  
 
                                   
(l)  
Net periodic pension cost for 2009
                         
    As of December 31, 2009  
    Overfunded     Underfunded     Underfunded  
    pension plans     pension plans     other benefits  
 
Service cost
    9       41       17  
Interest cost
    263       240       85  
Expected return on plan assets
    (362 )     (195 )     (1 )
Net transition obligation / (asset) amortization
    12              
Net prior service cost / (credit) amortization
          3        
Net actuarial loss / (gain) amortization
          1       (23 )
 
                 
 
    (78 )     90       78  
 
                 
19  
Long-term incentive compensation plan
In 2008, the Board of Directors approved a long-term incentive compensation plan, which was implemented in April 2008, over a three-year cycle (2008 to 2010).
Under the terms of the plan, the participants, restricted to certain executives, may elect to allocate part of their annual bonus to the plan. The allocation is applied to purchase preferred shares of Vale, through a predefined financial institution, at market conditions and with no benefit provided by Vale.
The shares purchased by each executive are unrestricted and may, at the participant’s discretion, be sold at any time. However, the shares must be held for a three-year period and the executive must be continually employed by Vale during that period. The participant then becomes entitled to receive from Vale, a cash payment equivalent to the total amount of shares held, based on market rates.
We account for the compensation cost provided to our executives under this long-term incentive compensation plan, following the requirements of FAS 123(R) “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation”. Liabilities are measured at each reporting date at fair value, based on market rates. Compensation costs incurred are recognized, over the defined three-year vesting period. At December, 2008, we recognized a long-term liability of US$7, relating to 711,005 shares, through the Statements of Income.

 

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(VALE LOGO)
20  
Commitments and contingencies
(a)  
We provided certain guarantees on behalf of the Goro Project pursuant to which we guaranteed payments due from Goro of up to a maximum amount of US$100 (“Maximum Amount”) in connection with an indemnity. We also provided additional guarantees covering the amounts payable by Goro regarding (a) amounts exceeding the Maximum Amount in connection with the indemnity and (b) certain other amounts under lease agreements.

Sumic Nickel Netherlands B.V. — Sumic, a 21% shareholder of Goro, has a put option to sell to Vale Inco 25%, 50%, or 100% of its share in Goro. The put option can be exercised if the defined cost of the initial Goro project exceeds US$4,200 at project rates and an agreement cannot be reached on how to proceed with the project.
We provided guarantees covering certain termination payments by Goro to a supplier under an electricity supply agreement (“ESA”) entered into in October 2004 for the Goro nickel-cobalt project. The amount of the termination payments guaranteed depends upon a number of factors, including whether any termination of the ESA occurs as a result of a default by Goro and the date of such early termination. If Goro defaults under the ESA prior to the anticipated start date for electricity supply, the termination payment, which currently is at its maximum amount, would be €$145 million. Once the supply of electricity under the ESA to the project begins, the guaranteed amounts will decrease over the life of the ESA.
(b)  
We and our subsidiaries are defendants in numerous legal actions in the normal course of business. Based on the advice of our legal counsel, management believes that the amounts recognized are sufficient to cover probable losses in connection with such actions.
The provision for contingencies and the related judicial deposits are composed as follows:
                                 
    December 31, 2008     December 31, 2007  
    Provision for             Provision for        
    contingencies     Judicial deposits     contingencies     Judicial deposits  
 
                               
Labor and social security claims
    458       378       519       372  
Civil claims
    386       242       311       135  
Tax — related actions
    828       518       1,605       613  
Others
    13       3       18       4  
 
                       
 
    1,685       1,141       2,453       1,124  
 
                       
Labor and social security — related actions principally comprise claims by Brazilian employees and former employees for (i) payment of time spent traveling from their residences to the work-place, (ii) additional health and safety related payments and (iii) various other matters, often in connection with disputes about the amount of indemnities paid upon dismissal and the one-third extra holiday pay.
Civil — actions principally related to claims made against us by contractors in Brazil in connection with losses alleged to have been incurred by them as a result of various past Government economic plans during which full inflation indexation of contracts was not permitted, as well, as for accidents and land appropriations disputes.
Tax — tax-related actions principally comprise challenges initiated by us, on certain taxes on revenues and value added taxes and uncertain tax positions. We continue to vigorously pursue our interests in all the above actions but recognize that we probably will incur some losses in the final instance, for which we have made provisions.
Judicial deposits are made by us following the court requirements, in order to be entitled to either initiate or continue a legal action. These amounts are released to us, upon receipt of a final favorable outcome from the legal action; in the case of an unfavorable outcome, the deposits are transferred to the prevailing party.
Contingencies settled in 2008, 2007 and 2006 totaled US$148, US$331, US$424, respectively. Provisions recognized in the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, totaled US$213, US$364, US$439, respectively, classified as other operating expenses. During 2008, we reversed a provision of US$300 previously recognized, in connection with a favorable decision obtained for a process regarding income tax.
In addition to the contingencies for which we have made provisions we are defendants in claims where in our opinion, and based on the advice of our legal counsel, the likelihood of loss is possible but not probable, in the total amount of US$2,476 at December 31, 2008, and for which no provision has been made (2007 — US$2,381).

 

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(VALE LOGO)
(c)  
At the time of our privatization in 1997, we issued shareholder revenue interest instruments known in Brazil as “debentures participativas” (debentures) to our then-existing shareholders, including the Brazilian Government. The terms of the debentures, were set to ensure that our pre-privatization shareholders, including the Brazilian Government, would participate alongside us in potential future financial benefits that we could be able to derive from exploiting our mineral resources.
In preparation for the issuance of the debentures, we issued series B preferred shares on a one-for-one basis to all holders of our common shares and series A preferred shares. We then exchanged all of the series B shares for the debentures at par value. The debentures are not redeemable or convertible, and do not trade on a stapled basis or otherwise with our common or preferred shares. During 2002 we registered the debentures with the Brazilian Securities Commissions (CVM) in order to permit trading.
Under the terms of the debentures, holders will have the right to receive semi-annual payments equal to an agreed percentage of our net revenues (revenues less value added tax) from certain identified mineral resources that we owned as of May 1997, to the extent that we exceed defined threshold production volumes of these resources, and from the sale of mineral rights that we owned as of May 1997. Our obligation to make payments to the holders will cease when the relevant mineral resources are exhausted at which time we are required to repay the original par value plus accrued interest. Based on current production levels, and estimates for new projects, we began payments relating to copper resources in 2004 and expect to start payments relating to iron ore resources from approximately 2013 for our Northern System and 2018 for our South steam System in Brazil, and payments related to other mineral resources at the end of the current decade.
The table below summarizes the amounts we will be required to pay under the debentures based on the net revenues we earn from the identified mineral resources and the sale of mineral rights.
         
Area   Mineral   Required Payments by CVRD
 
       
South steam System
  Iron ore   1.8% of net revenue, after total sales from May 1997 exceeds 1.7 billion tons.
Northern System
  Iron ore   1.8% of net revenue, after total sales from May 1997 exceeds 1.2 billion tons.
Pojuca, Andorinhas, Liberdade and Sossego
  Gold and copper   2.5% of net revenue from the beginning of commercialization.
Igarapé Bahia and Alemão
  Gold and copper   2.5% of net revenue, after total sales from May 1997 exceeds 70 tons of gold.
Other areas, excluding Carajás / Serra Leste
  Gold   2.5% of net revenue.
Other areas owned as of May 1997
  Other minerals   1% of net revenue, 4 years after the beginning of the commercialization.
All areas
  Sale of mineral rights owned as of May 1997   1% of the sales price.
In September 2008 and April 2008 we paid remuneration on these debentures of US$6 and US$5, respectively. During 2007 we paid a total of US$11.

 

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(VALE LOGO)
(d)  
We are committed under a take-or-pay agreement to purchase approximately 32,300 thousand metric tons of bauxite from Mineração Rio do Norte S.A. — MRN at a formula driven price, calculated based on the current London Metal Exchange — LME quotation for aluminum. Based on a market price of US$32,26 per metric ton as of December 31, 2008, this arrangement represents the following total commitment per metric ton as of December 31, 2008:
         
2009
    281  
2010
    191  
2011
    187  
2012
    190  
2013
    192  
 
     
 
       
 
    1,041  
 
     
(e)  
Description of Leasing Arrangements
Part of our railroad operations include leased facilities. The 30-year lease, renewable for a further 30 years, expires in August, 2026 and is classified as an operating lease. At the end of the lease term, we are required to return the concession and the lease assets. In most cases, management expects that in the normal course of business, leases will be renewed.
The following is a schedule by year of future minimum rental payments required under the railroad operating leases that have initial or remaining non-cancelable lease terms in excess of one year as of December 31, 2008:
         
Year ending December 31:
       
 
2009
    53  
2010
    53  
2011
    53  
2012
    54  
2013 thereafter
    714  
 
     
 
Total minimum payments required
    927  
 
     
The total expenses of operating leases for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 was US$53, US$62 and US$48, respectively.
During 2008, we entered into operating lease agreements with our joint ventures Nibrasco, Itabrasco and Kobrasco, under wich we leased four pellet plants. The lease terms are from 5 to 30 years.
The following is a schedule by year of future minimum rental payments required under the pellet plants operating leases that have initial or remaining non-cancelable lease terms in excess of one year as of December 31, 2008:
         
Year ending December 31:
       
 
2009
    81  
2010
    81  
2011
    81  
2012
    81  
2013 thereafter
    987  
 
     
 
       
Total
    1,311  
 
     

 

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(VALE LOGO)
(f)  
Asset retirement obligations:
We use various judgments and assumptions when measuring our asset retirement obligations.
Changes in circumstances, law or technology may affect our estimates and we periodically review the amounts accrued and adjust them as necessary. Our accruals do not reflect unasserted claims because we are currently not aware of any such issues. Also the amounts provided are not reduced by any potential recoveries under cost sharing, insurance or indemnification arrangements because such recoveries are considered uncertain.
The changes in the provisions for asset retirement obligations are as follows:
                                         
    Three-month period ended (unaudited)     As of December 31,  
    December     September     December            
    31, 2008     30, 2008     31, 2007     2008     2007  
 
                                       
Beginning of period
    1,000       1,101       859       975       676  
Accretion expense
    50       45       23       164       84  
Liabilities settled in the current period
    (2 )     (1 )     (8 )     (7 )     (15 )
Revisions in estimated cash flows
    (45 )           83       (47 )     83  
Cumulative translation adjustment
    (116 )     (145 )     18       (198 )     147  
 
                             
End of period
    887       1,000       975       887       975  
 
                             
21  
Other expenses
The line item “Other operating expenses” totaled US$1,254 in 2008 (US$607 in 2007). During the last quarter of 2008 we recognized certain expenses considered to be one off events which substantially caused the increase in 2008 as compared to 2007. The most significant items recognized during the last quarter of 2008 in this respect were: (i) a US$204 expense relating to additional payment relating to tax assessments on transportation services, (ii) inventory market value write-down of US$77, and (iii) write-off of intangible asset (patent right) in the amount of US$65.
22  
Fair Value disclosure of Financial Assets and Liabilities
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS N. 157, “Fair Value Measurements”, which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS 157 does not require any new fair value measurements, but provides guidance on how to measure fair value by providing a fair value hierarchy used to classify the source of the information.
In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS N. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities—Including an amendment of FASB Statement N. 115”. SFAS N. 159 permits the choice of measuring financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. SFAS N. 159 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007.
On January 1, 2008, the Company adopted SFAS N. 159 and elected not to apply the provisions of SFAS No. 159 to its eligible financial assets and financial liabilities on the date of adoption. Accordingly, the initial application of both SFAS N. 157 and SFAS N. 159 had no effect on the Company.
Under SFAS N. 157, the inputs used to measure fair value must be classified into one of three level as follows:
Level 1 — Quoted prices in an active market for identical assets or liabilities;

 

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(VALE LOGO)
Level 2 — Observable inputs other than Level 1, quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active, and model-derived prices whose inputs are observable or whose significant value drivers are observable; and
Level 3 — Assets and liabilities whose significant value drivers are unobservable.
The valuation of assets measured at fair value in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2008 is summarized below:
                                 
            Fair Value Measurements  
            Quoted prices in active              
            markets for identical     Significant Other     Significant  
    Fair value December     assets or liabilities,     Observable Inputs     unobservable inputs  
    31, 2008     (Level 1)     (Level 2)     (Level 3)  
Available-for-sale securities
    2,408       2,408              
 
Unrealized losses on derivatives
    (539 )           (539 )      
Other financial liabilities
    (380 )           (380 )      
Our long-term debt is reported at amortized costs, however its fair value measurements at December 31, 2008 are as follows:
                                         
    Carrying amount     Fair Value     Level 1     Level 2     Level 3  
 
                                       
Long-term debt (less interests)
    17,857       16,635       7,833       8,802        
The carrying amount of our current financial instruments generally approximates fair market value because of the short-term maturity or frequent repricing of these instruments.
The market value of our listed long-term investments, where available, is disclosed in Note 12.
23  
Segment and geographical information
We adopt SFAS 131 “Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information” with respect to the information we present about our operating segments. SFAS 131 introduced a “management approach” concept for reporting segment information, whereby such information is required to be reported on the basis that the chief decision-maker uses internally for evaluating segment performance and deciding how to allocate resources to segments. We analyze our segment information on aggregated and disaggregated basis as follows:
Ferrous products — comprises iron ore mining and pellet production, as well as our Brazilian Northern and Southern transportation systems, including railroads, ports and terminals, as they pertain to mining operations. Manganese mining and ferroalloys are also included in this segment.
Non-ferrous — comprises the production of non-ferrous minerals, including nickel (co-products and by-products), potash, kaolin, copper and aluminum — comprises aluminum trading activities, alumina refining and aluminum metal smelting and investments in joint ventures and affiliates engaged in bauxite mining.
Logistics — comprises our transportation systems as they pertain to the operation of our ships, ports and railroads for third-party cargos.
Others — comprises our investments in joint ventures and affiliates engaged in other businesses.
Information presented to senior management with respect to the performance of each segment is generally derived directly from the accounting records maintained in accordance with accounting practices adopted in Brazil together with certain minor inter-segment allocations.

 

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(VALE LOGO)
Consolidated net income and principal assets are reconciled as follows:
Results by segment — before eliminations (Aggregated)
                                                                                                                                                                         
    Three-month period ended (unaudited)  
    December 31, 2008     September 30, 2008     December 31, 2007  
            (*) Non                                                     (*) Non                                                     (*) Non                                
    Ferrous     ferrous     Aluminum     Logistics     Others     Eliminations     Consolidated     Ferrous     ferrous     Aluminum     Logistics     Others     Eliminations     Consolidated     Ferrous     ferrous     Aluminum     Logistics     Others     Eliminations     Consolidated  
RESULTS
                                                                                                                                                                       
Gross revenues — Foreign
    7,540       1,416       1,001       6       212       (3,848 )     6,327       11,577       2,536       1,122       14       203       (5,615 )     9,837       5,904       2,978       841       22       87       (2,863 )     6,969  
Gross revenues — Domestic
    685       71       179       303       53       (176 )     1,115       1,601       133       261       491       66       (267 )     2,285       1,116       113       217       388       1       (392 )     1,443  
Cost and expenses
    (5,764 )     (1,515 )     (929 )     (217 )     (165 )     4,024       (4,566 )     (8,202 )     (1,567 )     (1,143 )     (328 )     (185 )     5,882       (5,543 )     (4,895 )     (1,795 )     (907 )     (275 )     (113 )     3,255       (4,730 )
Research and development
    (107 )     (112 )           (17 )     (59 )           (295 )     (92 )     (122 )           (31 )     (86 )           (331 )     (84 )     (92 )           (26 )     (60 )           (262 )
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
    (171 )     (318 )     (38 )     (26 )     (15 )           (568 )     (270 )     (353 )     (47 )     (34 )     (9 )           (713 )     (262 )     (404 )     (36 )     (29 )     (6 )           (737 )
Impairment
          (950 )                             (950 )                                                                                    
 
                                                                                                                             
Operating income
    2,183       (1,408 )     213       49       26             1,063       4,614       627       193       112       (11 )           5,535       1,779       800       115       80       (91 )           2,683  
Financial income
    883       154       10       3       1       (804 )     247       923       201       12       3             (862 )     277       653       227       5       1       1       (829 )     58  
Financial expenses
    (825 )     (309 )     (18 )     (10 )     (41 )     804       (399 )     (954 )     (360 )     (11 )     (1 )     7       862       (457 )     (906 )     (462 )     (37 )     (10 )     33       829       (553 )
Gains (losses) on derivatives, net
    (635 )     (15 )     64                         (586 )     (639 )     16       36                         (587 )     149       110       67                         326  
Foreign exchange and monetary gains (losses), net
    35       25       (206 )     12       (107 )           (241 )     (102 )     4       (185 )     (41 )     3             (321 )     246       70       38       (5 )     (45 )           304  
Gain on sale of investments
                                                                                                                             
Equity in results of affiliates and joint ventures and change in provision for losses on equity investments
    80       (38 )     22       93       (32 )           125       175             18       47       50             290       63       5       21       40       7             136  
Income taxes
    968       203       12       4       (2 )           1,185       190       (74 )     9       19                   144       (298 )     104       (30 )     (2 )     10             (216 )
Minority interests
    (6 )     (6 )     (20 )           5             (27 )     (14 )     (38 )     (20 )           12             (60 )     4       (86 )     (72 )           (11 )           (165 )
 
                                                                                                                             
Net income
    2,683       (1,394 )     77       151       (150 )           1,367       4,193       376       52       139       61             4,821       1,690       768       107       104       (96 )           2,573  
 
                                                                                                                             
 
                                                                                                                                                                       
Sales classified by geographic destination:
                                                                                                                                                                       
Foreign market America, except United States
    335       116       348                   (271 )     528       601       216       322                   (432 )     707       417       468       139                   (240 )     784  
United States
    44       259       108             9       (70 )     350       313       406       93                   (155 )     657       102       517       145             24       (116 )     672  
Europe
    2,715       464       353       (2 )           (1,639 )     1,891       3,714       735       478       12       8       (1,933 )     3,014       1,949       636       378       22             (1,044 )     1,941  
Middle East/Africa/Oceania
    543       15       50             54       (304 )     358       605       56       58             61       (303 )     477       204       134       45             63       (138 )     308  
Japan
    1,609       230       142             74       (703 )     1,352       1,304       323       158             98       (573 )     1,310       551       392       134                   (226 )     851  
China
    1,240       127             8             (420 )     955       3,926       223       13       2       4       (1,686 )     2,482       1,958       400                         (817 )     1,541  
Asia, other than Japan and China
    1,054       205                   75       (441 )     893       1,114       577                   32       (533 )     1,190       723       431                         (282 )     872  
 
                                                                                                                             
 
    7,540       1,416       1,001       6       212       (3,848 )     6,327       11,577       2,536       1,122       14       203       (5,615 )     9,837       5,904       2,978       841       22       87       (2,863 )     6,969  
Domestic market
    685       71       179       303       53       (176 )     1,115       1,601       133       261       491       66       (267 )     2,285       1,116       113       217       388       1       (392 )     1,443  
 
                                                                                                                             
 
    8,225       1,487       1,180       309       265       (4,024 )     7,442       13,178       2,669       1,383       505       269       (5,882 )     12,122       7,020       3,091       1,058       410       88       (3,255 )     8,412  
 
                                                                                                                             
     
(*)  
Other than Aluminum.

 

36


Table of Contents

(VALE LOGO)
Operating segment — after eliminations (Disaggregated)
                                                                                                         
    As of and for the three-month period ended (unaudited)
    December 31, 2008
                                                                                    Property,     Addition to        
                                                                                    Plant and     Property,        
                                                                                    Equipment,     Plant and        
                                                            Depreciation,                     Net and     Equipment        
    Revenues     Value     Net     Cost and             depletion and             Operating     Intangible     and        
    Foreign     Domestic     Total     added tax     revenues     expenses     Net     amortization     Impairment     income     Assets     Intangible     Investments  
Ferrous
                                                                                                       
Iron ore
    3,105       431       3,536       (64 )     3,472       (1,497 )     1,975       (147 )           1,828       14,595       1,360       47  
Pellets
    914       114       1,028       (25 )     1,003       (522 )     481       (19 )           462       645       76       708  
Manganese
    19       5       24       (4 )     20       (17 )     3                   3       18       1        
Ferroalloys
    92       83       175       (21 )     154       (69 )     85       (3 )           82       166       18        
Pig iron
                                                                144       116        
 
                                                                             
 
    4,130       633       4,763       (114 )     4,649       (2,105 )     2,544       (169 )           2,375       15,568       1,571       755  
 
                                                                                                       
Non ferrous
                                                                                                       
Nickel and other products (*)
    1,111       7       1,118             1,118       (1,298 )     (180 )     (295 )     (950 )     (1,425 )     21,729       1,233       53  
Potash
          23       23       (2 )     21       (15 )     6       (1 )           5       159       35        
Kaolin
    35       10       45       (2 )     43       (40 )     3       (5 )           (2 )     199       2        
Copper concentrate
    73       30       103       (6 )     97       (285 )     (188 )     (17 )           (205 )     3,543       89        
Aluminum products
    713       66       779       (3 )     776       (543 )     233       (38 )           195       3,831       115       140  
 
                                                                             
 
    1,932       136       2,068       (13 )     2,055       (2,181 )     (126 )     (356 )     (950 )     (1,432 )     29,461       1,474       193  
 
                                                                                                       
Logistics
                                                                                                       
Railroads
          240       240       (40 )     200       (152 )     48       (22 )           26       1,431       10       326  
Ports
          70       70       (10 )     60       (41 )     19       (4 )           15       1,441       113        
Ships
                                                                374       342       94  
 
                                                                             
 
          310       310       (50 )     260       (193 )     67       (26 )           41       3,246       465       420  
Others
    265       36       301       (10 )     291       (195 )     96       (17 )           79       1,054       179       1,040  
 
                                                                             
 
    6,327       1,115       7,442       (187 )     7,255       (4,674 )     2,581       (568 )     (950 )     1,063       49,329       3,689       2,408  
 
                                                                             
     
(*)  
Includes nickel co-products and by-products (copper, precious metals, cobalt and others).

 

37


Table of Contents

(VALE LOGO)
Operating segment — after eliminations (Disaggregated)
                                                                                                 
    As of and for the three-month period ended (unaudited)  
    September 30, 2008  
                                                                            Property,     Addition to        
                                                                            Plant and     Property,        
                                                                            Equipment,     Plant and        
                                                            Depreciation,             Net and     Equipment        
    Revenues     Value     Net     Cost and             depletion and     Operating     Intangible     and        
    Foreign     Domestic     Total     added tax     revenues     expenses     Net     amortization     income     Assets     Intangible     Investments  
Ferrous
                                                                                               
Iron ore
    5,149       1,026       6,175       (142 )     6,033       (2,075 )     3,958       (239 )     3,719       16,139       708       56  
Pellets
    1,095       317       1,412       (75 )     1,337       (746 )     591       (25 )     566       1,273       (2 )     848  
Manganese
    101       18       119       (6 )     113       (20 )     93       (1 )     92       79       1        
Ferroalloys
    212       152       364       (39 )     325       (141 )     184       (4 )     180       137       11        
Pig iron
    60             60             60       (21 )     39             39       176       5        
 
                                                                       
 
    6,617       1,513       8,130       (262 )     7,868       (3,003 )     4,865       (269 )     4,596       17,804       723       904  
 
                                                                                               
Non ferrous
                                                                                               
Nickel and other products (*)
    1,933       12       1,945             1,945       (1,107 )     838       (314 )     524       23,355       555       93  
Potash
          103       103       (5 )     98       (36 )     62       (5 )     57       130       2        
Kaolin
    46       11       57       (2 )     55       (56 )     (1 )     (11 )     (12 )     232       (5 )      
Copper concentrate
    244       6       250       (1 )     249       (153 )     96       (22 )     74       1,838       73        
Aluminum products
    767       122       889       (25 )     864       (675 )     189       (49 )     140       4,391       24       126  
 
                                                                       
 
    2,990       254       3,244       (33 )     3,211       (2,027 )     1,184       (401 )     783       29,946       649       219  
 
                                                                                               
Logistics
                                                                                               
Railroads
          386       386       (64 )     322       (207 )     115       (26 )     89       1,696       75       289  
Ports
          87       87       (14 )     73       (65 )     8       (9 )     (1 )     1,637       44        
Ships
                                                          33       1       109  
 
                                                                       
 
          473       473       (78 )     395       (272 )     123       (35 )     88       3,366       120       398  
Others
    230       45       275       (10 )     265       (189 )     76       (8 )     68       3,346       61       1,152  
 
                                                                       
 
    9,837       2,285       12,122       (383 )     11,739       (5,491 )     6,248       (713 )     5,535       54,462       1,553       2,673  
 
                                                                       
     
(*)  
Includes nickel co-products and by-products (copper, precious metals, cobalt and others).

 

38


Table of Contents

(VALE LOGO)
Operating segment — after eliminations (Disaggregated)
                                                                                                 
    As of and for the three-month period ended (unaudited)  
    December 31, 2007  
                                                                            Property,     Addition to        
                                                                            Plant and     Property,        
                                                                            Equipment,     Plant and        
                                                            Depreciation,             Net and     Equipment        
    Revenues     Value     Net     Cost and             depletion and     Operating     Intangible     and        
    Foreign     Domestic     Total     added tax     revenues     expenses     Net     amortization     income     Assets     Intangible     Investments  
Ferrous
                                                                                               
Iron ore
    2,818       531       3,349       (74 )     3,275       (1,522 )     1,753       (222 )     1,531       17,031       958       60  
Pellets
    524       202       726       (46 )     680       (490 )     190       (26 )     164       754       31       741  
Manganese
    21       8       29       (1 )     28       (21 )     7       (2 )     5       79       1        
Ferroalloys
    181       102       283       (26 )     257       (137 )     120       (8 )     112       168       12        
Pig iron
    24             24             24       (22 )     2             2       198       6        
 
                                                                       
 
    3,568       843       4,411       (147 )     4,264       (2,192 )     2,072       (258 )     1,814       18,230       1,008       801  
 
                                                                                               
Non ferrous
                                                                                               
Nickel and other products (*)
    2,480       11       2,491             2,491       (1,398 )     1,093       (370 )     723       23,668       705       299  
Potash
          58       58       (3 )     55       (35 )     20       (7 )     13       218       6        
Kaolin
    62       12       74       (2 )     72       (40 )     32       (10 )     22       295       2        
Copper concentrate
    175       28       203       (6 )     197       (146 )     51       (21 )     30       1,841       86        
Aluminum products
    586       86       672       (24 )     648       (492 )     156       (37 )     119       4,448       281       184  
 
                                                                       
 
    3,303       195       3,498       (35 )     3,463       (2,111 )     1,352       (445 )     907       30,470       1,080       483  
 
                                                                                               
Logistics
                                                                                               
Railroads
          322       322       (52 )     270       (194 )     76       (23 )     53       1,735       462       342  
Ports
    11       56       67       (9 )     58       (52 )     6       (6 )           1,371       58        
Ships
                                                          36             107  
 
                                                                       
 
    11       378       389       (61 )     328       (246 )     82       (29 )     53       3,142       520       449  
Others
    87       27       114       (6 )     108       (194 )     (86 )     (5 )     (91 )     2,783       139       1,189  
 
                                                                       
 
    6,969       1,443       8,412       (249 )     8,163       (4,743 )     3,420       (737 )     2,683       54,625       2,747       2,922  
 
                                                                       
     
(*)  
Includes nickel co-products and by-products (copper, precious metals, cobalt and others).

 

39


Table of Contents

(VALE LOGO)
Operating segment — after eliminations (Disaggregated)
                                                                                                                                                                         
    As of and for the year ended December 31,  
    2008     2007     2006  
            (*) Non                                                 (*) Non                                                     (*) Non                                
    Ferrous     ferrous     Aluminum     Logistics     Others     Eliminations     Consolidated     Ferrous     ferrous     Aluminum     Logistics     Others     Eliminations     Consolidated     Ferrous     ferrous     Aluminum     Logistics     Others     Eliminations     Consolidated  
RESULTS
                                                                                                                                                                       
Gross revenues — Foreign
    33,369       9,752       3,916       51       588       (15,842 )     31,834       21,126       13,338       3,506       61       242       (10,437 )     27,836       15,729       4,199       3,125       67       54       (7,029 )     16,145  
Gross revenues — Domestic
    4,342       491       850       1,640       234       (882 )     6,675       3,865       487       751       1,519       1       (1,344 )     5,279       2,738       277       474       1,373       7       (651 )     4,218  
Cost and expenses
    (24,143 )     (5,838 )     (3,948 )     (1,097 )     (617 )     16,724       (18,919 )     (16,882 )     (7,301 )     (3,307 )     (983 )     (310 )     11,781       (17,002 )     (12,004 )     (3,301 )     (2,597 )     (970 )     (56 )     7,680       (11,248 )
Research and development
    (338 )     (380 )           (101 )     (266 )           (1,085 )     (175 )     (329 )           (39 )     (190 )           (733 )     (123 )     (166 )           (10 )     (182 )           (481 )
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
    (1,021 )     (1,452 )     (171 )     (128 )     (35 )           (2,807 )     (917 )     (1,039 )     (110 )     (103 )     (17 )           (2,186 )     (632 )     (219 )     (66 )     (76 )     (4 )           (997 )
Impairment
          (950 )                             (950 )                                                                                    
 
                                                                                                                             
Operating income
    12,209       1,623       647       365       (96 )           14,748       7,017       5,156       840       455       (274 )           13,194       5,708       790       936       384       (181 )           7,637  
Financial income
    3,048       768       30       10       1       (3,255 )     602       2,514       578       17       9       25       (2,848 )     295       789       97       20       28       2       (609 )     327  
Financial expenses
    (3,479 )     (1,431 )     (59 )     (15 )     (36 )     3,255       (1,765 )     (4,008 )     (1,152 )     (166 )     (17 )     (14 )     2,848       (2,509 )     (1,526 )     (172 )     (107 )     (8 )     (18 )     609       (1,222 )
Gains (losses) on derivatives, net
    (719 )     (71 )     (22 )                       (812 )     854       (90 )     153                         917       (15 )     86       (187 )                       (116 )
Foreign exchange and monetary gains (losses), net
    767       10       (275 )     (32 )     (106 )           364       2,302       93       181       (15 )     (2 )           2,559       206       214       119       (11 )     1             529  
Gain on sale of investments
          80                               80             81             237       459             777       443                         231             674  
Equity in results of affiliates and joint ventures and investments
    543       (38 )     62       133       94             794       301       9       84       125       76             595       312             76       96       226             710  
Income taxes
    130       (626 )     (71 )     23       9             (535 )     (1,959 )     (1,005 )     (231 )     (16 )     10             (3,201 )     (976 )     (250 )     (187 )     (18 )     (1 )           (1,432 )
Minority interests
    (8 )     (151 )     (105 )           6             (258 )     (31 )     (444 )     (326 )     (1 )                 (802 )     (157 )     (190 )     (232 )                       (579 )
 
                                                                                                                             
Net income
    12,491       164       207       484       (128 )           13,218       6,990       3,226       552       777       280             11,825       4,784       575       438       471       260             6,528  
 
                                                                                                                             
 
                                                                                                                                                                       
Sales classified by geographic destination:
                                                                                                                                                                       
Foreign market
                                                                                                                                                                       
America, except United States
    1,805       1,051       1,164       1             (1,201 )     2,820       1,449       1,555       850       23             (1,026 )     2,851       1,249       438       726       30             (823 )     1,620  
United States
    648       1,789       412       1       9       (392 )     2,467       432       2,462       308             81       (318 )     2,965       506       450       95             54       (237 )     868  
Europe
    11,215       2,598       1,534       26       9       (5,933 )     9,449       6,823       2,589       1,606       33             (3,716 )     7,335       5,465       1,020       1,346       19             (2,667 )     5,183  
Middle East/Africa/Oceania
    1,904       220       174             154       (952 )     1,500       827       396       142             161       (412 )     1,114       767       218       263       1             (239 )     1,010  
Japan
    4,516       1,293       600       1       245       (1,918 )     4,737       2,131       2,041       584                   (929 )     3,827       1,779       523       548                   (662 )     2,188  
China
    9,743       864       23       21       4       (3,949 )     6,706       7,570       1,457             4             (3,168 )     5,863       4,781       499       126       16             (1,716 )     3,706  
Asia, other than Japan and China
    3,538       1,937       9       1       167       (1,497 )     4,155       1,894       2,838       16       1             (868 )     3,881       1,182       1,050       21       1             (684 )     1,570  
 
                                                                                                                             
 
    33,369       9,752       3,916       51       588       (15,842 )     31,834       21,126       13,338       3,506       61       242       (10,437 )     27,836       15,729       4,198       3,125       67       54       (7,028 )     16,145  
Domestic market
    4,342       491       850       1,640       234       (882 )     6,675       3,865       487       751       1,519       1       (1,344 )     5,279       2,738       277       474       1,373       7       (651 )     4,218  
 
                                                                                                                             
 
    37,711       10,243       4,766       1,691       822       (16,724 )     38,509       24,991       13,825       4,257       1,580       243       (11,781 )     33,115       18,467       4,475       3,599       1,440       61       (7,679 )     20,363  
 
                                                                                                                             
     
(*)  
Other than Aluminum.

 

40


Table of Contents

(VALE LOGO)
Operating segment — after eliminations (Disaggregated)
                                                                                                         
    As of and for the year ended December 31, 2008  
       
                                                                                    Property,     Addition to        
                                                                                    Plant and     Property,        
                                                                                    Equipment,     Plant and        
                                                            Depreciation,                     Net and     Equipment        
    Revenues     Value     Net     Cost and             depletion and             Operating     Intangible     and        
    Foreign     Domestic     Total     added tax     revenues     expenses     Net     amortization     Impairment     income     Assets     Intangible     Investments  
Ferrous
                                                                                                       
Iron ore
    15,102       2,673       17,775       (364 )     17,411       (6,547 )     10,864       (876 )           9,988       14,595       3,645       47  
Pellets
    3,481       820       4,301       (189 )     4,112       (2,394 )     1,718       (112 )           1,606       645       127       708  
Manganese
    221       45       266       (15 )     251       (77 )     174       (5 )           169       18       3        
Ferroalloys
    704       507       1,211       (128 )     1,083       (457 )     626       (22 )           604       166       32        
Pig iron
    146             146             146       (67 )     79       (3 )           76       144       122        
 
                                                                             
 
    19,654       4,045       23,699       (696 )     23,003       (9,542 )     13,461       (1,018 )           12,443       15,568       3,929       755  
 
                                                                                                       
Non ferrous
                                                                                                       
Nickel and other products (*)
    7,785       44       7,829             7,829       (4,425 )     3,404       (1,323 )     (950 )     1,131       21,729       2,813       53  
Potash
          295       295       (16 )     279       (120 )     159       (19 )           140       159       43        
Kaolin
    167       42       209       (9 )     200       (213 )     (13 )     (32 )           (45 )     199       6        
Copper concentrate
    787       106       893       (22 )     871       (683 )     188       (77 )           111       3,543       283        
Aluminum products
    2,681       361       3,042       (66 )     2,976       (2,288 )     688       (172 )           516       3,831       440       140  
 
                                                                             
 
    11,420       848       12,268       (113 )     12,155       (7,729 )     4,426       (1,623 )     (950 )     1,853       29,461       3,585       193  
 
                                                                                                       
Logistics
                                                                                                       
Railroads
          1,303       1,303       (205 )     1,098       (749 )     349       (103 )           246       1,431       121       326  
Ports
    11       293       304       (39 )     265       (198 )     67       (26 )           41       1,441       242        
Ships
                                                                374       343       94  
 
                                                                             
 
    11       1,596       1,607       (244 )     1,363       (947 )     416       (129 )           287       3,246       706       420  
Others
    749       186       935       (30 )     905       (703 )     202       (37 )           165       1,054       752       1,040  
 
                                                                             
 
    31,834       6,675       38,509       (1,083 )     37,426       (18,921 )     18,505       (2,807 )     (950 )     14,748       49,329       8,972       2,408  
 
                                                                             
     
(*)  
Includes nickel co-products and by-products (copper, precious metals, cobalt and others).

 

41


Table of Contents

(VALE LOGO)
Operating segment — after eliminations (Disaggregated)
                                                                                                 
    As of and for the year ended December 31, 2007  
       
                                                                            Property,     Addition to        
                                                                            Plant and     Property,        
                                                                            Equipment,     Plant and        
                                                            Depreciation,             Net and     Equipment        
    Revenues     Value     Net     Cost and             depletion and     Operating     Intangible     and        
    Foreign     Domestic     Total     added tax     revenues     expenses     Net     amortization     income     Assets     Intangible     Investments  
Ferrous
                                                                                               
Iron ore
    9,873       2,035       11,908       (286 )     11,622       (4,520 )     7,102       (777 )     6,325       17,031       2,496       60  
Pellets
    2,151       587       2,738       (132 )     2,606       (1,860 )     746       (87 )     659       754       92       741  
Manganese
    48       21       69       (5 )     64       (66 )     (2 )     (7 )     (9 )     79       2        
Ferroalloys
    445       274       719       (70 )     649       (442 )     207       (25 )     182       168       22        
Pig iron
    81             81             81       (57 )     24       (5 )     19       198       34        
 
                                                                       
 
    12,598       2,917       15,515       (493 )     15,022       (6,945 )     8,077       (901 )     7,176       18,230       2,646       801  
 
                                                                                               
Non ferrous
                                                                                               
Nickel and other products (*)
    11,664       125       11,789             11,789       (6,077 )     5,712       (927 )     4,785       23,668       2,088       299  
Potash
          178       178       (10 )     168       (108 )     60       (23 )     37       218       19        
Kaolin
    202       36       238       (9 )     229       (228 )     1       (33 )     (32 )     295       33        
Copper concentrate
    663       139       802       (30 )     772       (456 )     316       (64 )     252       1,841       197        
Aluminum products
    2,418       304       2,722       (66 )     2,656       (1,717 )     939       (111 )     828       4,448       856       184  
 
                                                                       
 
    14,947       782       15,729       (115 )     15,614       (8,586 )     7,028       (1,158 )     5,870       30,470       3,193       483  
 
                                                                                               
Logistics
                                                                                               
Railroads
          1,220       1,220       (199 )     1,021       (636 )     385       (88 )     297       1,735       491       342  
Ports
    13       254       267       (46 )     221       (177 )     44       (22 )     22       1,371       102        
Ships
    17       21       38       (3 )     35       (44 )     (9 )     (3 )     (12 )     36       12       107  
 
                                                                       
 
    30       1,495       1,525       (248 )     1,277       (857 )     420       (113 )     307       3,142       605       449  
Others
    261       85       346       (17 )     329       (474 )     (145 )     (14 )     (159 )     2,783       207       1,189  
 
                                                                       
 
    27,836       5,279       33,115       (873 )     32,242       (16,862 )     15,380       (2,186 )     13,194       54,625       6,651       2,922  
 
                                                                       
     
(*)  
Includes nickel co-products and by-products (copper, precious metals, cobalt and others).

 

42


Table of Contents

(VALE LOGO)
Operating segment — after eliminations (Disaggregated)
                                                                                                 
    As of and for the year ended December 31, 2006  
       
                                                                            Property,     Addition to        
                                                            Depreciation,             Plant and     Property,        
    Revenues     Value     Net     Cost and             depletion and     Operating     Equipment,     Plant and        
    Foreign     Domestic     Total     added tax     revenues     expenses     Net     Amortization     income     Net     Equipment     Investments  
Ferrous
                                                                                               
Iron ore
    8,167       1,860       10,027       (271 )     9,756       (4,060 )     5,696       (528 )     5,168       13,235       2,616       48  
Pellets
    1,590       389       1,979       (86 )     1,893       (1,210 )     683       (53 )     630       593       110       529  
Manganese
    39       16       55       (3 )     52       (97 )     (45 )     (4 )     (49 )     65       19        
Ferroalloys
    342       166       508       (43 )     465       (443 )     22       (19 )     3       186       34        
 
                                                                       
 
    10,138       2,431       12,569       (403 )     12,166       (5,810 )     6,356       (604 )     5,752       14,079       2,779       577  
 
                                                                                               
Non ferrous
                                                                                               
Nickel and other products (*)
    2,786       16       2,802             2,802       (2,267 )     535       (124 )     411       17,193       483       222  
Potash
          143       143       (8 )     135       (84 )     51       (23 )     28       178       16        
Kaolin
    188       30       218       (9 )     209       (182 )     27       (27 )           249       19        
Copper concentrate
    690       89       779       (20 )     759       (246 )     513       (49 )     464       1,386       150        
Aluminum products
    2,220       161       2,381       (37 )     2,344       (1,354 )     990       (65 )     925       2,829       749       164  
 
                                                                       
 
    5,884       439       6,323       (74 )     6,249       (4,133 )     2,116       (288 )     1,828       21,835       1,417       386  
 
                                                                                               
Logistics
                                                                                               
Railroads
          1,011       1,011       (177 )     834       (488 )     346       (72 )     274       720       95       222  
Ports
    15       246       261       (44 )     217       (137 )     80       (16 )     64       222       12        
Ships
    52       52       104       (8 )     96       (97 )     (1 )     (5 )     (6 )     45       2        
 
                                                                       
 
    67       1,309       1,376       (229 )     1,147       (722 )     425       (93 )     332       987       109       222  
Others
    56       39       95       (6 )     89       (352 )     (263 )     (12 )     (275 )     1,106       126       1,168  
 
                                                                       
 
    16,145       4,218       20,363       (712 )     19,651       (11,017 )     8,634       (997 )     7,637       38,007       4,431       2,353  
 
                                                                       
     
(*)  
Includes nickel co-products and by-products (copper, precious metals, cobalt and others).

 

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24  
Related party transactions
 
   
Balances from transactions with major related parties are as follows:
                                 
    As of December 31,  
    2008     2007  
    Assets     Liabilities     Assets     Liabilities  
AFFILIATED COMPANIES AND JOINT VENTURES
                               
Companhia Hispano-Brasileira de Pelotização — HISPANOBRÁS
    7       34       59       46  
Companhia Ítalo-Brasileira de Pelotização — ITABRASCO
    37       64       53       49  
Companhia Nipo-Brasileira de Pelotização — NIBRASCO
    29       71       108       30  
Companhia Coreano-Brasileira de Pelotização — KOBRASCO
    1       22       24       13  
Baovale Mineração S.A.
    2       20       16       41  
Usinas Siderúrgicas de Minas Gerais S.A. — USIMINAS
    18             34        
Minas da Serra Geral S.A. — MSG
          13             14  
MRS Logística S.A.
    8       219       11       35  
Mineração Rio Norte S.A.
    8       38             29  
Samarco Mineração S.A.
    10             10       0  
Korea Nickel Corporation
    38             9        
Mitsui & CO, LTD
                      21  
Others
    32       24       24       10  
 
                       
 
    190       505       348       288  
 
                       
Current
    190       414       345       287  
 
                       
Long-term
          91       3       1  
 
                       
These balances are included in the following balance sheet classifications:
                                 
    As of December 31,  
    2008     2007  
    Assets     Liabilities     Assets     Liabilities  
Current assets
                               
Accounts receivable
    137             281        
Loans and advances to related parties
    53             64        
Other assets
                               
Loans and advances to related parties
                3        
Current liabilities
                               
Suppliers
          302             281  
Loans from related parties
          112             6  
Long-term debt
          91             1  
 
                       
 
    190       505       348       288  
 
                       

 

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Income and expenses from the principal transactions and financial operations carried out with major related parties are as follows:
                                                 
    Year ended of December 31,  
    2008     2007     2006  
    Income     Expense     Income     Expense     Income     Expense  
AFFILIATED COMPANIES AND JOINT VENTURES
                                               
Companhia Nipo-Brasileira de Pelotização — NIBRASCO
    105       393       386       328       363       292  
Samarco Mineração S.A.
    259             117             79        
Companhia Ítalo-Brasileira de Pelotização — ITABRASCO
    240       163       233       163       204       58  
Companhia Hispano-Brasileira de Pelotização — HISPANOBRÁS
    342       378       247       195       224       159  
Companhia Coreano-Brasileira de Pelotização — KOBRASCO
    101       234       220       270       226       191  
Usinas Siderúrgicas de Minas Gerais S.A. — USIMINAS
    651             442             410        
Valesul Alumínio S.A.
                            11        
Mineração Rio Norte S.A.
          249             232             234  
Gulf Industrial Investment Company — GIIC
                            56       2  
MRS Logística S.A.
    9       829       17       593       14       516  
Others
    34       34       30       29       3       39  
 
                                   
 
    1,741       2,280       1,692       1,810       1,590       1,491  
 
                                   
These amounts are included in the following statement of income line items:
                                                 
    Year ended of December 31,  
    2008     2007     2006  
    Income     Expense     Income     Expense     Income     Expense  
 
Sales / Cost of iron ore and pellets
    1,698       1,369       1,649       960       1,553       712  
Revenues / expense from logistic services
    25       624       17       593       13       516  
Sales / Cost of aluminum products
          249             232       11       234  
Financial income/expenses
    18       38       26       24       13       16  
Others
                      1             13  
 
                                   
 
    1,741       2,280       1,692       1,810       1,590       1,491  
 
                                   
Additionally we have loans payable to Mitsui & Co, Ltd, Banco Nacional de Desenvolvimento Social and BNDES Participações S.A in the amounts of US$ 4, US$ 604 and US$ 305, accruing with interest at market rates, which fall due through 2013. We also maintan cash equivalent balances with Banco Bradesco S.A. in the amount of US$ 18 at December 31, 2008.
25  
Derivative financial instruments
 
   
Risk Management Policy
 
   
We consider the effective management of risk a key objective to support our growth strategy and financial flexibility. In furtherance of this objective, the Board of Directors has established an enterprise risk management policy and a risk management committee. Under the policy, we measure, monitor, and manage risk at the portfolio level, using a single framework, and consider the natural diversification of our portfolio.
 
   
The risk management committee is responsible to the assist our executive officers in overseeing and reviewing information regarding our enterprise risk management activities including the principles, significant policies, risk management process and procedures and instruments employed to manage risk. The risk management committee reports periodically to the executive board how the risks have been monitored, what are the most important risks and their impact on our cash flows.

 

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Any risk mitigation strategy will only be implemented, whenever necessary, to support our corporate strategy or to maintain our target level of financial flexibility. The risk management policy and the risk management norms, that complement the normatives of risk management governance model, explicitly prohibit speculative transactions with derivatives and require the diversification of operations and counterparties.
Under SFAS 133 “Accounting for Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities,” as amended by SFAS 137 and SFAS 138, we recognize all derivatives on our balance sheet at fair value, and the gain or loss in fair value is included in current earnings, unless designated as a cash flow hedge.
The main market risks we face are interest rate risk, exchange rate risk and product price risk. We manage some of these risks through the use of derivative instruments. Our risk management activities follow the risk management policy, which requires diversification of transactions and counter-parties. We monitor and evaluate our overall position regularly in order to evaluate financial results and impact on our cash flow. We also periodically review the credit limits and creditworthiness of our hedging counter-parties.
Foreign exchange and interest rate risk
Vale’s cash flows are exposed to volatility of several different currencies. While most of our product prices are indexed to US dollars, representing around 94% of the total revenue, most of our costs, disbursements and investments are indexed to currencies different than the US dollar, mainly Brazilian reais and Canadian dollars.
Derivatives instruments may be used in order to reduce Vale’s potential cash flow volatility arising from the currencies mismatch between the currencies witch the debt is denominated and revenues are generated. Vale’s foreign exchange and interest rate derivative portfolio consists, basically, of interest rate swaps to convert floating cash flows in Brazilian reais to fixed or floating US dollar cash flows, without any leverage.
Vale is also exposed to interest rate risks on loans and financings. Our US dollar denominated floating rate debt consists mainly of loans including export pre-payments, commercial banks and multilateral organizations loans. In general, our US dollars floating rate debt is subject to changes in the Libor (London Interbank Offer Rate in US dollars). To mitigate the impact of the interest rate volatility on its cash flows, Vale takes advantage of natural hedges resulting from the positive correlation of metal prices and US dollar floating rates. When natural hedges are not present, we may opt to realize the same effect by using financial instruments.
Our Real denominated debt subject to floating interest rates are debentures, loans obtained from Banco Nacional de Desenvolvimento Econômico e Social (BNDES) and property and services acquisition financing in the Brazilian market. These debts are mainly linked to CDI and TJLP.
The swap transactions entered into have settlement dates similar to the interest and principal payment dates, taking into account the liquidity restrictions of the market. At each settlement date, the results on the swap transactions partially offset the impact of the US dollar / Brazilian reais exchange rate in our obligations, contributing to a stable flow of cash disbursements in US dollars for interest and/or principal payment of our real denominated debt.
In the event of an appreciation (depreciation) of the Brazilian reais against US dollar, the negative (positive) impact on our Real denominated debt obligations (interest and/or principal payment) measured in US dollars will be almost totally offset by a positive (negative) effect from any existing swap transaction, regardless of the US dollar / Brazilian Reais exchange rate on the payment date.
We have other exposures associated with our outstanding debt portfolio. In order to reduce cash flow volatility associated with a financing from KFW (Kreditanstalt Für Wiederaufbau) indexed to Euribor, Vale entered into a swap contract where the cash flows in Euros are converted into cash flows in US dollars.

 

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Product Price Risk
Vale is also exposed to several market risks associated with global commodities prices volatilities.
Currently, derivative transactions entered into related to commodities prices are nickel, aluminum, copper, gold platinum and natural gas derivatives and all have the same purpose of mitigating Vale’s cash flow volatility.
Nickel — The Company has purchased nickel future contracts in the London Metal Exchange (LME), with the purpose of maintaining its exposure to nickel price variation, regarding the fact that, in some cases, the commodity is sold at a fixed price to some customers. Vale has also sold nickel futures in the LME, in order to minimize the risk of mismatch between the pricing on the costs of intermediate products and finished goods.
Aluminum — In order to reduce cash flow volatility after Inco’s acquisition when Vale increased its leverage, we entered in aluminum hedging operations, which matured in December 2008.
Copper — Vale Inco Ltd., Vale’s wholly-owned subsidiary, makes use of hedging to protect the price mismatch between the date of copper scrap purchase and the date of selling the finished good.
PGMs and other precious metals — Transactions regarding gold and platinum are executed in order to manage the risk associated with the volatility of these commodities prices. Platinum and gold hedging transactions matured in December 2008.
Natural gas — Vale uses natural gas swap contracts to minimize the impact of price fluctuation of this input cost in the cash flow.
In addition to the contracts mentioned above, Vale IncoLtd., Vale’s wholly-owned subsidiary, has nickel concentrate and raw materials purchase agreements, where there are provisions based on nickel and copper future prices behavior. These provisions are considered embedded derivatives.
There is also an embedded derivative related to energy in our subsidiary Albras on which we have no unrealized gain as of December 31, 2008 and US$17 as of December 31, 2007.

 

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The asset (liability) balances and the change in fair value of derivative financial instruments are as follows (the quarterly information is unaudited):
                                                         
    Interest                                        
    rates             Products of                          
    (LIBOR) /             aluminum                          
    Currencies     Gold     area     Copper     Nickel     Platinum     Total  
 
                                                       
Unrealized gains (losses) at October 31, 2008
    168       (10 )     (46 )     (40 )     38       (2 )     108  
Financial settlement
    (54 )     9       (24 )     (27 )     32       1       (63 )
Unrealized gains (losses) in the period
    (649 )     (12 )     65       49       (36 )     (2 )     (585 )
Effect of exchange rate changes
    (38 )     13       5       18       (2 )     3       (1 )
 
                                         
 
                                                       
Unrealized gains (losses) at December 31, 2008
    (573 )                       32             (541 )
 
                                         
 
                                                       
Unrealized gains (losses) at July 1, 2008
    1,201       (21 )     (189 )     (166 )     37       (21 )     841  
Gain (Loss) recognized upon consolidation of Inco
                                         
Financial settlement
    (176 )     10       57       62       20       6       (21 )
Unrealized gains (losses) in the period
    (635 )     (14 )     75       33       (18 )     14       (545 )
Effect of exchange rate changes
    (222 )     15       11       31       (1 )     (1 )     (167 )
 
                                         
 
                                                       
Unrealized gains (losses) at September 30, 2008
    168       (10 )     (46 )     (40 )     38       (2 )     108  
 
                                         
 
                                                       
Unrealized gains (losses) at October 31, 2007
    649       (39 )     (176 )     (356 )     3       (25 )     56  
Gain (Loss) recognized upon consolidation of Inco
                                           
Financial settlement
    (200 )     10       16       63       26       5       (80 )
Unrealized gains (losses) in the period
    149       (5 )     67       106       13       (4 )     326  
Effect of exchange rate changes
    28       (2 )     (5 )     (1 )                 20  
 
                                         
 
                                                       
Unrealized gains (losses) at December 31, 2007 (*)
    626       (36 )     (98 )     (188 )     42       (24 )     322  
 
                                         
 
                                                       
Unrealized gains (losses) at January 1, 2008
    626       (36 )     (98 )     (188 )     42       (24 )     322  
Financial settlement
    (394 )     41       120       173       38       27       5  
Unrealized gains (losses) in the period
    (682 )     (30 )     (18 )     (29 )     (46 )     (6 )     (811 )
Effect of exchange rate changes
    (123 )     25       (4 )     44       (2 )     3       (57 )
 
                                         
 
                                                       
Unrealized gains (losses) at December 31, 2008
    (573 )                       32             (541 )
 
                                         
 
                                                       
Unrealized gains (losses) at January 1, 2007
    (10 )     (53 )     (318 )     (298 )     16       (20 )     (683 )
Financial settlement
    (290 )     33       112       240       (38 )     13       70  
Unrealized gains (losses) in the period
    854       (7 )     153       (129 )     63       (17 )     917  
Effect of exchange rate changes
    72       (9 )     (45 )     (1 )     1             18  
 
                                         
 
                                                       
Unrealized gains (losses) at December 31, 2007 (*)
    626       (36 )     (98 )     (188 )     42       (24 )     322  
 
                                         
     
(*)  
At December 31, 2007, US$ 5 was recorded in long-term liabilities.
Changes for the three month periods ended December 31, 2008, September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007 are unaudited.
Unrealized gains (losses) in the period are included in our income statement under the caption of Financial expenses and Foreign exchange and monetary gains (losses), net.
Final maturity dates for the above instruments are as follows:
         
Cross currency interest rate swaps
  December 2019
Copper concentrate
  March 2009
Nickel
  March 2011

 

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Under U.S. GAAP, all derivatives, whether designated in hedging relationships or not, are required to be recorded in the balance sheet at fair value. A derivative must be designated in a hedging relationship in order to qualify for hedge accounting. These requirements include a determination of what portions of hedges are deemed to be effective versus ineffective. In general, a hedging relationship is effective when a change in the fair value of the derivative is offset by an equal and opposite change in the fair value of the underlying hedged item. In accordance with these requirements, effectiveness tests are performed in order to assess effectiveness and quantify ineffectiveness for all designated hedges.
   
At December 31, 2008, we had no outstanding cash flow hedges. A cash flow hedge is a hedge of the exposure to variability in expected future cash flows that is attributable to a particular risk such as a forecasted purchase or sale. If a derivative is designated as a cash flow hedge, the effective portions of the changes in the fair value of the derivative are recorded in other comprehensive income and are recognized in earnings when the hedged item affects earnings. Ineffective portions of changes in the fair value of the derivatives designated as hedges are recognized in earnings. Under U.S. GAAP, if a portion of a derivative contract is excluded for purposes of effectiveness testing, such as time value, the value of such excluded portion is included in earnings. At December 31, 2008, unrealized net losses in respect of derivative instruments which were not qualified for hedge accounting under United States GAAP amounted to US$ 811. The unrealized net gain as of December 31, 2007 amounted to US$ 869.
 
26  
Subsequent events
 
   
On January 30, 2009 we entered into a purchase and sale agreement with Rio Tinto Plc to acquire iron ore (in Brazil) and potash (in Argentina and Canada) assets. The price to be paid for the iron assets amounts to US$ 750, while the potash deposits will be acquired for US$ 850. Negotiations are still ongoing.

 

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Supplemental Financial Information (Unaudited)
The following unaudited information provides additional details in relation to certain financial ratios.
EBITDA — Earnings Before Financial Expenses, Minority Interests, Gain on Sale of Investments, Foreign Exchange and Monetary Gains (Losses), Equity in Results of Affiliates and Joint Ventures and Change in Provision for Losses on Equity Investments, Income Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization
  (a)  
EBITDA represents operating income plus depreciation, amortization and depletion plus impairment/gain on sale of property, plant and equipment plus dividends received from equity investees.
 
  (b)  
EBITDA is not a U.S. GAAP measure and does not represent cash flow for the periods presented and should not be considered as an alternative to net income (loss), as an indicator of our operating performance or as an alternative to cash flow as a source of liquidity.
 
  (c)  
Our definition of EBITDA may not be comparable with EBITDA as defined by other companies.
 
  (d)  
Although EBITDA, as defined above, does not provide a U.S. GAAP measure of operating cash flows, our management uses it to measure our operating performance and financial analysts in evaluating our business commonly use it.
Selected financial indicators for the main affiliates and joint ventures are available on our website, www.vale.com, under “investor relations”

 

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Indexes on Vale’s Consolidated Debt (Supplemental information)
                                         
    Three-month period ended     As of December 31,  
    December     September     December              
    31, 2008     30, 2008     31, 2007     2008     2007  
Current debt
                                       
Current portion of long-term debt — unrelated parties
    633       733       1,249       633       1,249  
Short-term debt
          46       167             167  
Loans from related parties
    77       16       6       77       6  
 
                             
 
    710       795       1,422       710       1,422  
 
                                       
Long-term debt
                                       
Long-term debt — unrelated parties
    17,535       18,393       17,608       17,535       17,608  
 
                             
Gross debt (current plus long-term debt)
    18,245       19,188       19,030       18,245       19,030  
 
                             
 
                                       
Interest paid over:
                                       
Short-term debt
          (9 )     (8 )     11       (49 )
Long-term debt
    314       1,938       (361 )     1,255       (1,289 )
 
                             
Interest paid
    314       1,929       (369 )     1,266       (1,338 )
EBITDA
    2,697       6,374       3,532       19,018       15,774  
Stockholders’ equity
    42,556       51,218       33,276       42,556       33,276  
LTM (1) EBITDA / LTM (1) Interest paid
    15.02       15.03       11.79       15.02       11.79  
Gross Debt / LTM (1) EBITDA
    0.96       0.97       1.21       0.96       1.21  
Gross debt / Equity Capitalization (%)
    13       27       36       13       36  
 
                                       
Financial expenses
                                       
Interest expense
    (334 )     (293 )     (313 )     (1,194 )     (1,348 )
Labor and civil claims and tax-related actions
    (23 )     (23 )     (39 )     (99 )     (98 )
Tax on financial transactions — CPMF
                (27 )           (132 )
Others
    (42 )     (141 )     (175 )     (472 )     (939 )
 
                             
 
    (399 )     (457 )     (554 )     (1,765 )     (2,517 )
 
                             
 
                                       
Financial income
                                       
Cash and cash equivalents
    217       252       32       520       105  
Others
    30       25       26       82       190  
 
                             
 
    247       277       58       602       295  
 
                             
 
                                       
Derivatives
    (586 )     (587 )     316       (812 )     931  
 
                                       
 
                             
Financial income (expenses), net
    (738 )     (767 )     (180 )     (1,975 )     (1,291 )
 
                             
Foreign exchange and monetary gain (losses), net
                                       
Cash and cash equivalents
    1,427       1,104       (8 )     2,457       (100 )
Loans
    (2,266 )     (2,169 )     500       (3,102 )     2,923  
Others
    598       744       (177 )     1,009       (270 )
 
                             
 
    (241 )     (321 )     315       364       2,553  
 
                             
Financial result, net
    (979 )     (1,088 )     135       (1,611 )     1,262  
 
                             
     
(1)  
Last twelve months

 

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(VALE LOGO)
Calculation of EBITDA (Supplemental information — Unaudited)
                                         
    Three-month period ended     As of December 31,  
    December
31, 2008
    September
30, 2008
    December
31, 2007
    2008     2007  
 
                                       
Operating income
    1,063       5,535       2,683       14,748       13,194  
Depreciation
    568       713       737       2,807       2,186  
Impairment
    950                   950        
 
                             
 
    2,581       6,248       3,420       18,505       15,380  
Dividends received
    116       126       112       513       394  
 
                             
EBITDA
    2,697       6,374       3,532       19,018       15,774  
 
                             
 
                                       
Net operating revenues
    7,255       11,739       8,163       37,426       32,242  
Margin EBITDA
    37.2 %     54.3 %     43.3 %     50.8 %     48.9 %
Adjusted EBITDA x Operating Cash Flows (Supplemental information — Unaudited)
                                                 
    Three-month period ended  
    December 31, 2008     September 30, 2008     December 31, 2007  
          Operating           Operating           Operating  
    EBITDA     cash flows     EBITDA     cash flows     EBITDA     cash flows  
 
                                               
Net income
    1,367       1,367       4,821       4,821       2,573       2,573  
Income tax — deferred
    (219 )     (219 )     (621 )     (621 )     (394 )     (394 )
Income tax — current
    (966 )           477             610        
Equity in results of affiliates and joint ventures and other investments
    (125 )     (125 )     (290 )     (290 )     (136 )     (136 )
Foreign exchange and monetary gains, net
    241       740       321       1,133       (304 )     (266 )
Financial expenses, net
    738       (3 )     767       83       169       (23 )
Minority interests
    27       27       60       60       165       165  
Net working capital
          2,259             (1,524 )           (130 )
Others
          613             831             (176 )
 
                                   
Operating income
    1,063       4,659       5,535       4,493       2,683       1,613  
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
    568       568       713       713       737       737  
Impairment
    950       950                          
Dividends received
    116       116       126       126       112       112  
 
                                   
 
    2,697       6,293       6,374       5,332       3,532       2,462  
 
                                   
 
                                               
Operating cash flows
            6,293               5,332               2,462  
Income tax
            (966 )             477               610  
Foreign exchange and monetary gains (losses)
            (499 )             (812 )             (38 )
Financial expenses
            741               684               192  
Net working capital
            (2,259 )             1,524               130  
Others
            (613 )             (831 )             176  
 
                                         
EBITDA
            2,697               6,374               3,532  
 
                                         

 

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(VALE LOGO)
                                 
    Year ended of December 31,  
    2008     2007  
            Operating             Operating  
    EBITDA     cash flows     EBITDA     cash flows  
Net income
    13,218       13,218       11,825       11,825  
Income tax — deferred
    (803 )     (803 )     (700 )     (700 )
Income tax — current
    1,338             3,901        
Equity in results of affiliates and joint ventures and other investments
    (794 )     (794 )     (595 )     (595 )
Foreign exchange and monetary gains, net
    (364 )     451       (2,559 )     (2,827 )
Financial expenses, net
    1,975       116       1,297       102  
Minority interests
    258       258       802       802  
Gain on sale of investments
    (80 )     (80 )     (777 )     (777 )
Net working capital
          (707 )           1,236  
Others
          1,185             (634 )
 
                       
Operating income
    14,748       12,844       13,194       8,432  
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
    2,807       2,807       2,186       2,186  
Impairment
    950       950              
Dividends received
    513       513       394       394  
 
                       
 
    19,018       17,114       15,774       11,012  
 
                       
 
                               
Operating cash flows
            17,114               11,012  
Income tax
            1,338               3,901  
Foreign exchange and monetary gains (losses)
            (815 )             268  
Financial expenses
            1,859               1,195  
Net working capital
            707               (1,236 )
Others
            (1,185 )             634  
 
                           
EBITDA
            19,018               15,774  
 
                           

 

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(VALE LOGO)
Board of Directors, Fiscal Council, Advisory committees and Executive Officers
     
Board of Directors   Fiscal Council
 
   
Sérgio Ricardo Silva Rosa
  Marcelo Amaral Moraes
Chairman
  Chairman
 
   
Mário da Silveira Teixeira Júnior
  Aníbal Moreira dos Santos
Vice-President
  Antônio José de Figueiredo Ferreira
 
  Bernard Appy
Francisco Augusto da Costa e Silva
   
João Batista Cavaglieri
  Alternate
Jorge Luiz Pacheco
  Marcos Coimbra
José Ricardo Sasseron
  Marcus Pereira Aucélio
Luciano Galvão Coutinho
  Oswaldo Mário Pêgo de Amorim Azevedo
Masami lijima
   
Oscar Augusto de Camargo Filho
  Executive Officers
Renato da Cruz Gomes
   
Sandro Kohler Marcondes
  Roger Agnelli
 
  Chief Executive Officer
 
   
Advisory Committees of the Board of Directors
   
 
   
 
  Carla Grasso
Controlling Committee
Luiz Carlos de Freitas
  Executive Officer for Human Resources and Corporate Services
Paulo Ricardo Ultra Soares
   
Paulo Roberto Ferreira de Medeiros
   
 
  Demian Fiocca
 
  Executive Officer for Management and Sustainability
Executive Development Committee
   
João Moisés de Oliveira
  Eduardo de Salles Bartolomeo
José Ricardo Sasseron
  Executive Officer for Logistics, Engineering and Project Management
 
   
Oscar Augusto de Camargo Filho
   
 
  Fabio de Oliveira Barbosa
Strategic Committee
  Chief Financial Officer and Investor Relations
Roger Agnelli
   
Mário da Silveira Teixeira Júnior
  José Carlos Martins
Oscar Augusto de Camargo Filho
  Executive Officer for Ferrous Minerals
Sérgio Ricardo Silva Rosa
   
 
  Tito Botelho Martins
Finance Committee
  Executive Officer for Non Ferrous
Fabio de Oliveira Barbosa
   
Ivan Luiz Modesto Schara
  Marcus Vinícius Dias Severini
Luiz Maurício Leuzinger
Wanderlei Viçoso Fagundes
  Chief Officer of Accounting and Control Department
 
  Vera Lúcia de Almeida Pereira Elias
Governance and Sustainability Committee
  Chief Accountant
Jorge Luiz Pacheco
  CRC-RJ — 043059/O-8
Renato da Cruz Gomes
   
Ricardo Simonsen
   

 

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Signatures
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
         
Date: February 19, 2009  COMPANHIA VALE DO RIO DOCE
(Registrant)
 
 
  By:   /s/ Roberto Castello Branco    
    Roberto Castello Branco   
    Director of Investor Relations