Table of Contents

As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 20, 2004

Registration No. 333-117795

 


SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549


AMENDMENT NO. 1

TO

FORM F-3

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

Under

THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

 


Fomento Económico Mexicano, S.A. de C.V.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

Mexican Economic Development, Inc.

(Translation of Registrant’s name into English)

 


 

United Mexican States   Not Applicable
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)   (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

 


 

General Anaya No. 601 Pte.   Puglisi & Associates
Colonia Bella Vista   850 Library Avenue, Suite 204
Monterrey, NL 64410 Mexico   Newark, DE 19711, U.S.A.
(52-81) 8328-6000   (302) 738-6680

(Address and telephone number of

Registrant’s principal executive offices)

  (Name, address and telephone number of agent for service)
Copies to:
Jaime A. El Koury, Esq.   Glenn M. Reiter, Esq.
Cleary, Gottlieb, Steen & Hamilton   Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP
One Liberty Plaza   425 Lexington Avenue
New York, New York 10006   New York, New York 10017
(212) 225-2000   (212) 455-2000

 


 

Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: As soon as practicable after the registration statement becomes effective.

 

If the only securities being registered on this form are being offered pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following box.     ¨

 

If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following box.     ¨

 

If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering:     ¨

 

If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering:     ¨

 

If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434, please check the following box:     ¨


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CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

 


Title of the class of

securities to be registered (1)

  

Proposed maximum
aggregate offering
price (2)

  

Amount of
registration fee

BD Units (without par value, which may be evidenced by American Depositary Shares) (3)

   $345,000,000    $43,712 (4)

Series B Shares (without par value) (5)(6)

     

Series D-B Shares (without par value) (5)

     

Series D-L Shares (without par value) (5)

     

Series L Shares, without par value (6)

     

 

(1) Includes (i) all BD Units represented by American Depositary Shares initially offered and sold in the international offering (described in this registration statement), (ii) all BD Units initially offered and sold in the share allocation program in the concurrent Mexican BD Unit offering (described in this registration statement) to beneficial owners of BD Units as of the record date who are U.S. persons or otherwise inside the United States, (iii) all other BD Units initially offered and sold in the concurrent Mexican BD Unit offering, but which may be resold from time to time in the United States in transactions requiring registration under the Securities Act of 1933 and (iv) all BD Units represented by American Depositary Shares or initially offered and sold in the share allocation program in the concurrent Mexican BD Unit offering to U.S. persons or persons otherwise inside the United States (referred to in (ii) above) which the underwriters may purchase solely to cover over-allotments, if any. Offers and sales of BD Units in the concurrent Mexican BD Unit offering are not covered by this registration statement, except in the circumstances referred to in (ii), (iii) and (iv) above.
(2) Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee, which is calculated in accordance with Rule 457(o) of the rules and regulations under the Securities Act of 1933. Rule 457(o) permits the registration fee to be calculated on the basis of the maximum aggregate offering price.
(3) American Depositary Shares evidenced by American Depositary Receipts issuable on deposit of the BD Units registered hereby have previously been registered under a separate registration statement on Form F-6 (File No. 333-112342). Each American Depositary Share represents 10 BD Units.
(4) Previously paid in connection with the initial filing of this Form F-3 on July 30, 2004.
(5) Prior to May 11, 2008, each BD Unit consists of one Series B Share, two Series D-B Shares and two Series D-L Shares. No separate consideration will be received for these underlying shares.
(6) On May 11, 2008, the BD Units will cease to exist, each Series D-B Share will convert automatically into one Series B Share and each Series D-L Share will convert automatically into one Series L Share. No separate consideration will be received for these Series B Shares and Series L Shares.

 


 

The registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 or until the Registration Statement shall become effective on such date as the Securities and Exchange Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.

 


 


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The information in this prospectus is incomplete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer is not permitted.

 

PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS

Subject to Completion, Dated September 17, 2004

 

 

LOGO

 


 

             BD Units

(including BD Units in the form of American Depositary Shares)

 


 

Fomento Económico Mexicano, S.A. de C.V. is conducting a global offering. The global offering consists of an international offering outside Mexico of American Depositary Shares, or ADSs, each representing 10 of our BD Units, and a concurrent offering of BD Units in Mexico. Each BD Unit represents one of our Series B Shares, two of our Series D-B Shares and two of our Series D-L Shares.

 

Concurrently with the global offering,              B Units are being offered in a Mexican offering. Each B Unit represents five of our Series B Shares. The B Units will be sold at the equivalent of the public offering price per BD Unit in the Mexican BD Unit offering. A voting trust, the participants of which are members of five families, several of whom are members of our board of directors, owns 91.8% of our B Units as of September 15, 2004 and is expected to acquire substantially all of the B Units in the Mexican B Unit offerings.

 


 

Beneficial owners of outstanding ADSs as of             , 2004, which is the record date, will be eligible, subject to compliance with the procedures and conditions summarized in this prospectus, to purchase up to              ADSs for each ADS beneficially owned by them as of the record date through a share allocation program in the international offering. Beneficial owners of outstanding BD Units not in the form of ADSs will also be eligible, subject to compliance with the applicable procedures and conditions, to purchase BD Units through a share allocation program in the concurrent Mexican BD Unit offering. The aggregate number of ADSs and BD Units initially available under the share allocation programs will represent 50% of the BD Units, including BD Units in the form of ADSs, to be sold in the global offering.

 


 

The ADSs are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “FMX,” and the BD Units are listed on the Mexican Stock Exchange under the symbol “FEMSA UBD.” On September 16, 2004, the last reported sale price of the ADSs on the New York Stock Exchange was US$ 45.10 per ADS, and the last reported sale price of the BD Units on the Mexican Stock Exchange was Ps. 51.80 per unit, equivalent to a price of US$ 45.00 per ADS, assuming an exchange rate of Ps. 11.5055 per U.S. dollar.

 


 

Investing in the ADSs and BD Units involves risk. See “ Risk Factors ” beginning on page 14.

 


 

PRICE US$                         AN AMERICAN DEPOSITARY SHARE

 

 


       Price to Public

     Underwriting Discounts
and Commissions


     Proceeds to FEMSA

Per ADS

     US$                   US$                   US$             

Total

     US$                   US$                   US$             

 

We have granted options, exercisable for 30 days, to the underwriters of the global offering to purchase up to              additional BD Units in the form of ADSs or BD Units to cover over-allotments, if any.

 

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

The underwriters expect to deliver the ADSs to purchasers on or about             , 2004.

 


Citigroup

Morgan Stanley

 

                , 2004


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You should rely only on the information incorporated by reference or contained in this prospectus. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with information different from that contained in this prospectus. The ADSs are being sold only in jurisdictions where sales are permitted. The information contained in this prospectus is accurate only as of the date of this prospectus, regardless of the time of delivery of this prospectus or of any sale of ADSs.

 

T ABLE OF CONTENTS

 

     Page

Incorporation by Reference

   ii

Presentation of Financial Information

   ii

Summary

   1

The Offerings

   11

Risk Factors

   14

Forward-Looking Statements

   24

Market Prices

   25

Dividends and Dividend Policy

   27

Use of Proceeds

   29

Capitalization

   30

Selected Consolidated Financial Information

   31

Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Information

   34

Operating and Financial Review and Prospects

   45

Business

   85

Management

   142

Major Shareholders

   154

Description of Our Capital Stock

   156

Description of Our ADSs

   164

Taxation

   172

Underwriting

   176

Share Allocation Programs

   179

Legal Matters

   182

Experts

   182

Enforceability of Civil Liabilities

   183

Where You Can Find More Information

   184

Index to Financial Statements

   F-1

 

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INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

 

The Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, allows us to “incorporate by reference” information in this prospectus, which means that we can disclose important information by referring you to another document that we have filed separately with the SEC. The information incorporated by reference is considered to be part of this prospectus, and certain later information that we file with the SEC will automatically update and supersede this information. We incorporate by reference the following documents:

 

  our annual report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003, filed with the SEC on April 8, 2004 (File No. 333-08752);

 

  the consolidated balance sheet of Corporación Interamericana de Bebidas, S.A. de C.V., formerly known as Panamerican Beverages, Inc., or Panamco, and subsidiaries, as of December 31, 2002 and 2001 and the related consolidated statements of operations, of shareholders’ equity and comprehensive income (loss) and of cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2002 included in its annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002, filed with the SEC on March 28, 2003 (File No. 001-12290);

 

  the condensed consolidated financial statements of Panamco included in its filing on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2003, filed with the SEC on May 6, 2003 (File No. 001-12290); and

 

  any future filings on Form 6-K made by us with the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, after the date of this prospectus and prior to the termination of the offering of ADSs that are identified in such forms as being incorporated into this prospectus.

 

You may request a copy of any and all of the information that has been incorporated by reference in this prospectus and that has not been delivered with this prospectus, at no cost, by writing to us at General Anaya No. 601 Pte., Colonia Bella Vista, Monterrey, Nuevo León 64410, Mexico, Attention: Investor Relations. Our telephone number at this location is (52-81) 8328-6000.

 

PRESENTATION OF FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Our audited consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2003 and 2002 and the related consolidated statements of income, changes in stockholders’ equity and changes in financial position for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 are included in our annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2003, which is incorporated by reference in this prospectus. Our unaudited consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2004 and the related consolidated statement of income, changes in stockholders’ equity and changes in financial position for the six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003 are included in this prospectus.

 

We publish our financial statements in Mexican pesos and prepare our financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in Mexico, or Mexican GAAP. Mexican GAAP differs in certain significant respects from generally accepted accounting principles in the United States, or U.S. GAAP. Notes 25 and 26 to our audited consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2003 and Notes 27 and 28 to our unaudited consolidated financial statements as of and for the six months ended June 30, 2004 provide a description of the principal differences between Mexican GAAP and U.S. GAAP as they relate to our company, and a reconciliation to U.S. GAAP of majority net income and majority stockholders’ equity.

 

Unless otherwise specified, we have presented financial data for all full-year periods included in our consolidated financial statements in constant Mexican pesos at December 31, 2003. We have presented financial data as of June 30, 2004 and for the six months ended June 30, 2004 and June 30, 2003 in constant Mexican pesos at June 30, 2004. We believe that the effect of not restating the financial data for the full-year periods included in our consolidated financial statements in constant Mexican pesos at June 30, 2004 is not material, as the Mexican Consumer Price Index was 1.63% for the six months ended June 30, 2004.

 

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This prospectus contains translations of certain Mexican peso amounts into U.S. dollars at specified rates solely for the convenience of the reader. These translations should not be construed as representations that the Mexican peso amounts actually represent such U.S. dollar amounts or could be converted into U.S. dollars at the rate indicated. Unless otherwise indicated, these U.S. dollar amounts have been translated from Mexican pesos at an exchange rate of Ps. 11.5123 to US$ 1.00, the exchange rate quoted by dealers to FEMSA for the settlement of obligations in foreign currencies on June 30, 2004. On June 30, 2004, the noon buying rate for Mexican pesos as published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York was Ps. 11.538 to US$ 1.00. On September 16, 2004, the noon buying rate was Ps. 11.5055 to US$ 1.00.

 

Our subsidiary Coca-Cola FEMSA, S.A. de C.V., or Coca-Cola FEMSA, acquired Panamco on May 6, 2003. Unless otherwise indicated, our consolidated financial statements included or incorporated by reference in this prospectus include Panamco only from May 2003. As a result, our consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2003 and as of and for the six months ended June 30, 2004 are not comparable to prior periods. These financial statements may also not be comparable to subsequent periods, as Panamco is only included in our consolidated financial statements for eight months in 2003.

 

The terms “FEMSA,” “our company,” “we,” “us” and “our” are used in this prospectus to refer to Fomento Económico Mexicano, S.A. de C.V., and, except where the context otherwise requires, its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis. We refer to our subsidiary FEMSA Cerveza, S.A. de C.V. as “FEMSA Cerveza,” our subsidiary FEMSA Comercio, S.A. de C.V. as “FEMSA Comercio,” and our subsidiary FEMSA Empaques, S.A. de C.V., as “FEMSA Empaques.” References herein to “U.S. dollars,” “US$” or “$” are to the lawful currency of the United States. References herein to “Mexican pesos,” “Pesos” or “Ps.” are to the lawful currency of the United Mexican States or Mexico.

 

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SUMMARY

 

This summary highlights information presented in detail elsewhere in this prospectus and in the documents incorporated by reference. You should read carefully this entire prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference.

 

FEMSA

 

Our Company

 

We are the largest integrated beverage company in Latin America, based on total sales in 2003, and we have a portfolio of leading beer and soft drink brands. We are the second largest brewer in Mexico, based on sales volume in 2003, with brands that include Tecate , Dos Equis and Sol . Through our subsidiary, Coca-Cola FEMSA, we are the largest Coca-Cola bottler in Latin America and the second largest in the world, based on sales volumes in 2003. We sell our products through approximately two million points of sale, which serve a population of over 170 million people in nine countries, including some of the most populous metropolitan areas in Latin America, such as Mexico City, São Paulo and Buenos Aires. Our manufacturing and distribution capabilities are enhanced by our retail and packaging operations. We operate Oxxo, the largest convenience store chain in Mexico, with 2,798 stores at December 31, 2003. Our integrated business operations enable us to operate more efficiently and effectively and provide us with a platform for growth in Latin America.

 

The following chart provides an overview of our operations by segment:

 

LOGO


(1) Expressed in millions of Mexican pesos, except for ownership percentages. The sum of the financial data for each of our segments differs from our consolidated financial information due to intercompany transactions, which are eliminated in consolidation, and certain assets and activities of FEMSA which are not included in these four segments, including corporate services.
(2) Percentage of capital stock, equal to 53.6% of capital stock with full voting rights.
(3) On August 31, 2004, we acquired the remaining 30% interest in FEMSA Cerveza, and as a result of this acquisition as of the date of this prospectus FEMSA owns 100% of FEMSA Cerveza.

 

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Summary of Operations

 

Coca-Cola FEMSA’s most important brand is Coca-Cola , which accounted for 60.2% of its total consolidated sales volume in 2003. Coca-Cola FEMSA depends on its bottler agreements with The Coca-Cola Company to have the right to bottle and distribute Coca-Cola trademark beverages in its territories. Coca-Cola FEMSA’s territories represented approximately 40% of Coca-Cola sales volume in Latin America in 2003. Coca-Cola FEMSA’s Mexican territories cover central Mexico, including Mexico City, and southeast Mexico. In 2003, 66.7% of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s total revenue and 84.0% of its income from operations were generated in Mexico. In addition to Mexico, Coca-Cola FEMSA operates in Guatemala, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil and Argentina.

 

Through FEMSA Cerveza, we produce and distribute 15 brands of beer in a variety of bottle and can presentations. The most important brands in our beer portfolio include Tecate , Carta Blanca , Sol and Superior , which together accounted for approximately 88% of our domestic beer sales volume in 2003. In 2003, we sold 91.9% of our total beer sales volume in the Mexican market, which is the eighth largest beer market in the world based on sales volume in 2003. We export our beer brands to more than 70 countries worldwide, with the United States being our most important export market. Our export sales represented 8.1% of our total beer sales volume in 2003. Our principal export brands are Tecate , XX Lager , Dos Equis (Amber) and Sol .

 

Through FEMSA Comercio, we operated 2,798 Oxxo stores throughout Mexico at December 31, 2003. We have tripled the number of our Oxxo stores over the five years ended December 31, 2003 and expect to continue to increase the number of stores. FEMSA Comercio’s sales increased at a compounded annual rate of 22% over the five years ended December 31, 2003. Oxxo stores exclusively sell our beer brands and represented 5.4% of FEMSA Cerveza’s domestic sales volume in 2003. Soft drinks, telephone cards and cigarettes are the other main products sold at Oxxo stores. As a retail operation, FEMSA Comercio has lower operating margins than our core beverage businesses.

 

In order to support our beverage operations, we manufacture and distribute a wide variety of packaging products, primarily in Mexico. Our principal packaging products are aluminum beverage cans, crown caps and glass bottles. The majority of our packaging products are sold to Coca-Cola FEMSA and FEMSA Cerveza.

 

Competitive Strengths

 

We believe the combination of our production, distribution and selling infrastructure creates a platform for growth in Latin America with the following competitive strengths:

 

  Leading Market Position . We are among the largest beverage companies in our territories, which have a total population of approximately 170 million people. Our markets include some of the most populous metropolitan areas in Latin America, such as Mexico City, São Paulo and Buenos Aires. Although our markets are highly competitive and we have experienced challenging conditions in some of these markets, we believe that our size will allow us to realize economies of scale and take advantage of profitable growth opportunities in our markets.

 

  Broad Portfolio of Leading Brands. Our beverage products comprise 46 soft drink brands and 15 beer brands, including Coca-Cola , which is one of the most widely recognized brands in the world. We believe that our Sol brand is the fastest growing brand of beer in the Mexican market in terms of sales volume for the three years ended December 31, 2003. We believe we have the ability to introduce new brands and new presentations to target particular consumer preferences in each of our territories.

 

  Well-Developed Distribution Network. We sell our beverage products in approximately two million points of sale throughout Latin America. We have developed long-term relationships with smaller predominately “mom and pop” style retailers in Mexico, who are the main sellers of our products. In recent years, our Oxxo stores have gained importance as an effective distribution channel for our beverage products.

 

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  Expanding Presence in U.S. Beer Market . Over the past several years, sales of Mexican beers in the United States have grown significantly faster than U.S. domestic brands. Our Tecate beer brand currently is the fourth largest import brand in the United States based on estimated sales volume in 2003. We have recently entered into a distribution agreement with Heineken USA, Inc., or Heineken USA.

 

  Sophisticated Information Systems. We are making significant investments in our information gathering and processing systems. As we continue to improve these systems, we believe we will be better able to optimize price and to segment markets by brand, presentation, channel and consumption occasion on a point of sale basis. Our systems are gradually allowing us to be more efficient and effective in production, marketing and distribution.

 

  Proven Management Track Record . Our total sales increased over the five years ended December 31, 2003 at a compounded annual rate of 12%, while our income from operations increased at a compounded annual rate of 14% during the same period. We have an experienced management team that has delivered solid financial results, and we believe that our improved profitability is attributable in large part to the strength of our management.

 

Strategy

 

We are a beverage company. Soft drinks and beer are our core businesses, which together define our identity and are the main avenues for our future growth. As a beverage company, we understand the importance of connecting with our consumers by interpreting their needs and ultimately delivering the right products to them for the right occasions. We strive to achieve this by investing in developing and strengthening the brands under which we market and sell our products, expanding our already significant distribution capabilities and improving the efficiency of our operations. Our ultimate objectives are achieving sustainable revenue growth, improving profitability and increasing the return on invested capital in each of our operations. We believe that by achieving these goals we will create sustainable value for our shareholders.

 

The following are the key elements of our strategy:

 

  Grow Profitably in Beer. We seek to achieve profitable volume growth in our beer business ultimately to generate value for our shareholders. In order to achieve these objectives in our core Mexican markets, we are following a comprehensive strategy which seeks to:

 

  differentiate brand portfolios through market segmentation and brand positioning;

 

  develop advanced capabilities to gather information at the point of sale, by ensuring that appropriate products are being sold at the right price points;

 

  establish profitable, long-term relationships with retailers, by helping them to sell more products to consumers;

 

  achieve balanced and profitable market coverage, by selecting the appropriate mix of “on-premise” accounts (bars and restaurants where our products are consumed at the point of sale) and “off-premise” accounts (convenience stores and supermarkets where our products are purchased for consumption at a later point in time); and

 

  continuously pursue the maximization of efficiencies and cost reductions from production to final distribution, by using information technology and adapting processes accordingly.

 

  Increase Beer Sales in the United States . We seek to increase the sales of our beer brands in the United States. We have recently entered into an agreement with Heineken USA under which Heineken USA will become the exclusive distributor of our beers in the United States. We believe that our brands complement Heineken USA’s existing portfolio of brands in the United States and that this arrangement will allow us to expand the geographic focus of our brands, especially in the eastern United States.

 

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  Enhance Profitability in Soft Drinks. Coca-Cola FEMSA seeks to increase its profitability by implementing well-planned product, package and pricing strategies through channel distribution and by identifying and implementing successful business practices across territories in order to improve operational efficiencies. Coca-Cola FEMSA seeks to increase per capita consumption of soft drinks in the territories in which it operates and to develop its product portfolio to better meet market demand and maintain overall profitability. In addition, Coca-Cola FEMSA uses market information systems and strategies developed with The Coca-Cola Company to improve its coordination with the worldwide marketing efforts of The Coca-Cola Company.

 

  Continued Expansion of Oxxo Chain. We plan to continue to expand the number of Oxxo stores in Mexico. Because Oxxo exclusively carries our beer brands, we believe that Oxxo’s expansion will contribute to increased market penetration of our beer brands in Mexico. Market segmentation is becoming an important strategic tool, and we expect that it will increasingly allow us to improve the operating efficiency of each store location and the overall profitability of the chain by providing products that customers demand. We are currently further developing our own distribution capabilities, which will permit us to expand our product offerings to include items such as fast food at a lower cost and we believe, ultimately, will enhance our profitability.

 

  Maximizing Operating Efficiencies. We believe the size and scope of our businesses present us with opportunities to improve the efficiency of our operations and leverage our operating strengths across our company. For example, in our beer operations, unsold product returned at the end of a route decreased to 2% from 40% as a result of the implementation in 2003 of “pre-sale” (a distribution method in which the sales and delivery functions are separated and trucks are loaded with the actual mix of products that retailers have previously ordered). Coca-Cola FEMSA decreased the number of production facilities existing at the time of the Panamco acquisition from 52 to 32, while at the same time increasing productivity measured in terms of unit cases sold by its remaining plants by more than 50% on a company-wide basis.

 


 

Our legal name is Fomento Económico Mexicano, S.A. de C.V., and in commercial contexts we frequently refer to ourselves as FEMSA. Our principal executive offices are located at General Anaya No. 601 Pte., Colonia Bella Vista, Monterrey, Nuevo León 64410, Mexico. Our telephone number at this location is (52-81) 8328-6000. Our website is www.femsa.com. The contents of our website do not constitute part of this prospectus.

 

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Recent Developments

 

Interbrew Transactions

 

On August 31, 2004, we consummated a series of transactions with InBev S.A. (formerly known as Interbrew S.A., or Interbrew), or InBev, Labatt Brewing Company Limited, or Labatt, and certain of their affiliates pursuant to a series of agreements entered into on May 24, 2004, to terminate the existing arrangements between FEMSA Cerveza and Labatt. InBev was created from the combination of Interbrew and Companhia de Bebidas das Américas, or AmBev, that was consummated on August 27, 2004. As a result of these transactions:

 

  FEMSA owns 100% of FEMSA Cerveza and existing arrangements among affiliates of FEMSA and Interbrew relating to governance, transfer of ownership and other matters with respect to FEMSA Cerveza have been terminated;

 

  InBev indirectly owns 100% of its U.S. distribution and brewing subsidiaries, Labatt USA LLC and Latrobe Brewing Company LLC, which we collectively refer to as Labatt USA, and existing arrangements among affiliates of FEMSA and InBev relating to governance, transfer of ownership and other matters with respect to Labatt USA have been terminated; and

 

  Labatt USA’s right to distribute the FEMSA Cerveza brands in the United States will terminate on December 31, 2004.

 

We paid InBev US$ 1.245 billion for its affiliates’ 30% interest in FEMSA Cerveza, which was financed as follows:

 

Source


   Amount
(U.S. dollar or equivalent)


Cash

   US$ 295 million

Bridge loans to FEMSA, borrowed on August 23, 2004, maturing one year from the borrowing date and consisting of a Ps. 2.878 billion loan and a US$ 250 million loan, to be refinanced with the net proceeds of the global offering and the Mexican B Unit offerings

   US$ 500 million

Certificados bursátiles , issued on July 8, 2004, in the amount of Ps. 2.500 billion by FEMSA and guaranteed by FEMSA Cerveza, with maturities of four and five years

   US$ 217 million

Term loan to FEMSA, borrowed on August 20, 2004, in the amount of Ps. 1.763 billion, maturing four years from the borrowing date

   US$ 150 million

Term loan to FEMSA Cerveza, borrowed on August 20, 2004, in the amount of Ps. 1.155 billion (the equivalent of US$ 83 million of which was used to finance the payment to InBev, with the balance used for general corporate purposes), maturing five years from the borrowing date

   US$ 83 million
    

Total

   US$ 1,245 million
    

 

Heineken U.S. Distribution Agreements

 

On June 21, 2004, FEMSA Cerveza and two of its subsidiaries entered into distributor and sublicense agreements with Heineken USA. In accordance with these agreements, Heineken USA will be the exclusive importer, marketer and seller of FEMSA Cerveza’s brands in the United States, commencing on January 1, 2005. These agreements will expire on December 31, 2007.

 

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Other Recent Developments

 

On June 8, 2004, a group of Brazilian investors, among them Mr. José Luis Cutrale, a recently appointed member of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s board of directors, made a capital contribution equivalent to approximately US$ 50 million to Coca-Cola FEMSA’s Brazilian operations in exchange for a 16.9% equity stake in these operations. Mr. Cutrale is a Brazilian entrepreneur and owns businesses that are producers of fruit juices, with customers that include The Minute Maid Company, a division of The Coca-Cola Company.

 

On June 22, 2004, FEMSA Cerveza’s brewing subsidiary and Coors Brewing Company entered into an agreement pursuant to which FEMSA Cerveza’s subsidiary was appointed the exclusive importer, distributor, marketer and seller of Coors Light beer in Mexico. This agreement has an initial term of 10 years and is automatically renewable.

 

In May 2004, our subsidiary Coca-Cola FEMSA obtained a favorable final ruling not subject to appeal from a Mexican federal court allowing it to deduct a tax loss carry forward arising from a sale of shares during 2002. As a result of the ruling, our consolidated net income for the first six months of 2004 increased by Ps. 1.258 billion. In August 2004, we received Ps. 1.124 billion in the form of a cash reimbursement and will receive the balance in the form of a tax deduction.

 

On August 24, 2004, the Mexican Antitrust Commission announced that it was launching an investigation into beer industry practices with respect to exclusivity arrangements in general. We received a request for information on September 15, 2004 from the Mexican Antitrust Commission, and we are in the process of responding. We cannot give any assurance that any action in the future taken as a result of this investigation will not negatively affect us.

 

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SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Historical

 

The following tables present selected financial information of our company. This information should be read in conjunction with, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, our audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in our annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2003, which is incorporated by reference in this prospectus, and our unaudited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in this prospectus. The selected financial information is presented on a consolidated basis and is not necessarily indicative of our financial position or results of operations at or for any future date or period.

 

Information as of and for the five years ended December 31, 2003 has been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements, and information as of and for the six months ended June 30, 2003 and June 30, 2004 has been derived from our unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

    

Year Ended December 31,


 
     2003(1)

    2003

    2002

    2001

    2000

    1999

 
     (in millions of U.S. dollars and constant Mexican pesos at December 31, 2003, except
for per share data and the weighted average number of shares outstanding)
 

Income Statement Data

                                      

Mexican GAAP:

                                      

Total revenues

   $ 6,592     Ps.  75,891     Ps.55,395     Ps.52,465     Ps.50,151     Ps.45,463  

Income from operations

     1,050     12,084     9,791     8,868     7,957     7,173  

Taxes (2)

     293     3,378     3,764     3,069     2,615     2,253  

Change in accounting principle

     —       —       —       (30 )   —       —    

Net income

     405     4,657     4,791     5,215     3,995     4,734  

Net majority income

     269     3,093     2,947     3,547     2,865     3,587  

Net minority income

     136     1,564     1,844     1,668     1,130     1,147  

Net majority income: (3)

                                      

Per Series B Share

     0.05     0.52     0.50     0.60     0.48     0.60  

Per Series D Share

     0.06     0.65     0.62     0.75     0.60     0.75  

Weighted average number of shares outstanding (millions):

                                      

Series B Shares

     2,737.7     2,737.7     2,737.7     2,737.8     2,745.8     2,746.5  

Series D Shares

     2,559.6     2,559.6     2,559.6     2,559.8     2,591.8     2,594.8  

Allocations of earnings:

                                      

Series B Shares

     46.11 %   46.11 %   46.11 %   46.11 %   45.85 %   45.85 %

Series D Shares

     53.89 %   53.89 %   53.89 %   53.89 %   54.15 %   54.15 %

U.S. GAAP:

                                      

Total revenues

   $ 6,592     Ps.  75,891     Ps.55,048     Ps.54,815     Ps.52,154     Ps.48,296  

Income from operations

     1,011     11,642     8,723     8,133     7,009     6,644  

Change in accounting principle

     —       —       —       (54 )   —       21  

Net minority income

     140     1,608     1,876     1,645     1,200     1,145  

Net income

     284     3,271     3,206     3,305     2,673     2,306  

Net income: (3)

                                      

Per Series B Share

     0.05     0.55     0.54     0.56     0.45     0.38  

Per Series D Share

     0.06     0.69     0.67     0.70     0.56     0.48  

Balance Sheet Data

                                      

Mexican GAAP:

                                      

Total assets

   $ 9,063     Ps.104,334     Ps.62,660     Ps.53,320     Ps.50,111     Ps.48,781  

Current liabilities

     1,452     16,716     12,314     8,954     8,759     8,834  

Long-term debt (4)

     2,896     33,345     10,192     7,399     8,005     8,343  

Other long-term liabilities

     710     8,175     5,856     5,568     5,592     978  

Capital stock

     369     4,243     4,243     4,243     4,249     4,271  

Total stockholders’ equity

     4,004     46,098     34,298     31,399     27,755     30,626  

Majority interest

     2,467     28,400     24,024     22,127     19,509     21,813  

Minority interest

     1,537     17,698     10,274     9,272     8,246     8,813  

 

(Footnotes on next page)

 

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Table of Contents
     Year Ended December 31,

 
     2003 (1)

    2003

    2002

    2001

    2000

    1999

 
     (in millions of U.S. dollars and constant Mexican pesos at December 31, 2003,
except for per share data and the weighted average number of shares outstanding)
 

U.S. GAAP:

                                      

Total assets

   $ 10,380     Ps.119,496     Ps.78,688     Ps.70,212     Ps.69,482     Ps.67,964  

Current liabilities

     1,670     19,220     14,142     10,964     11,006     11,188  

Long-term debt (4)

     3,054     35,160     11,308     8,507     8,029     8,350  

Other long-term liabilities

     503     5,789     5,019     5,015     6,543     6,632  

Minority interest

     1,495     17,215     9,986     9,129     8,670     7,934  

Capital stock

     369     4,243     4,243     4,243     4,249     4,271  

Stockholders’ equity

     3,658     42,112     38,233     36,597     35,234     33,860  

Other Information

                                      

Mexican GAAP:

                                      

Depreciation (5)

   $ 272     Ps.    3,126     Ps.  2,523     Ps.  2,406     Ps.  2,534     Ps.  2,316  

Capital expenditures (6)

     590     6,789     5,780     5,531     4,764     4,536  

Operating margin (7)

     15.9 %   15.9 %   17.7 %   16.9 %   15.9 %   15.8 %

U.S. GAAP:

                                      

Depreciation (5)

   $ 278     Ps.    3,199     Ps.  2,400     Ps.  2,393     Ps.  2,450     Ps.  2,227  

Operating margin (7)

     15.3 %   15.3 %   15.8 %   14.8 %   13.4 %   13.8 %

(1) Translation to U.S. dollar amounts at an exchange rate of Ps. 11.5123 to US$ 1.00 solely for the convenience of the reader.
(2) Includes income tax, tax on assets and employee profit sharing.
(3) The net income (after changes in accounting principles) per Series B Share and per Series D Share was calculated in accordance with Bulletin B-14 of Mexican GAAP, which is similar to SFAS No. 128 of U.S. GAAP. The following table presents the calculations of the weighted average number of shares and income per share allocation:

 

     Series B Shares

    Series D Shares

 
     Number of
Shares


  Weighted
Average


    Number of
Shares


  Weighted
Average


 
     (in millions of shares)  

At December 31, 1999

   2,746.546   2,746.546     2,594.794   2,594.794  

Allocation of earnings

       45.85 %       54.15 %

Repurchase of our shares in 2000 from October 29, 2000 to December 29, 2000

   6.750   0.736     27.000   2.945  

At December 31, 2000

   2,739.796   2,745.810     2,567.794   2,591.849  

Allocation of earnings

       45.85 %       54.15 %

Repurchase of our shares in 2001 from January 4, 2001 to January 16, 2001

   2.056   2.005     8.224   8.019  

At December 31, 2001

   2,737.740   2,737.791     2,559.570   2,559.776  

Allocation of earnings

       46.11 %       53.89 %

At December 31, 2002 and 2003

   2,737.740   2,737.740     2,559.570   2,559.570  

Allocation of earnings

       46.11 %       53.89 %

(4) Includes long-term debt minus the current portion of long-term debt.
(5) Includes bottle breakage for Coca-Cola FEMSA.
(6) Includes investments in property, plant and equipment and deferred charges.
(7) Operating margin is calculated by dividing income from operations by total revenues.

 

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Table of Contents
     Six Months Ended June 30,

 
     2004 (1)

     2004

     2003

 
     (in millions of U.S. dollars and constant
Mexican pesos at June 30, 2004, except
per share data)
 

Income Statement Data

                      

Mexican GAAP:

                      

Total revenues

   $ 3,798      Ps.  43,712      Ps.  33,439  

Income from operations

     541      6,208      5,298  

Taxes (2)

     168      1,920      1,329  

Extraordinary items

     102      1,175         

Net income

     359      4,130      1,827  

Net majority income

     211      2,434      1,217  

Net minority income

     148      1,696      610  

Net majority income: (3)

                      

Per Series B Share:

                      

Before extraordinary items

     0.03      0.32      0.21  

Extraordinary items

     0.01      0.09         

Per Series D Share:

                      

Before extraordinary items

     0.04      0.40      0.26  

Extraordinary items

     0.01      0.11         

U.S. GAAP:

                      

Total revenues

   $ 3,797      Ps.  43,712      Ps.  33,109  

Income from operations

     503      5,785      4,593  

Extraordinary items

     102      1,175      —    

Net minority income

     150      1,727      562  

Net income

     219      2,520      1,349  

Net majority income: (3)

                      

Per Series B Share:

                      

Before extraordinary items

     0.03      0.33      0.23  

Extraordinary items

     0.01      0.09         

Per Series D Share:

                      

Before extraordinary items

     0.04      0.42      0.28  

Extraordinary items

     0.01      0.11         

Balance Sheet Data

                      

Mexican GAAP:

                      

Total assets

   $ 9,328      Ps.107,383      Ps.105,107  

Current liabilities

     1,433      16,491      19,426  

Long-term debt (4)

     2,760      31,774      34,248  

Other long-term liabilities

     684      7,871      7,995  

Minority interest in consolidated subsidiaries

     1,753      20,185      16,601  

Capital stock

     375      4,312      4,312  

Majority interest

     2,698      31,062      26,837  

Total stockholders’ equity

     4,451      51,247      43,438  

U.S. GAAP:

                      

Total assets

   $ 10,767      Ps.123,953      Ps.120,541  

Current liabilities

     1,605      18,475      20,950  

Long-term debt (4)

     2,760      31,774      34,248  

Other long-term liabilities

     771      8,872      8,417  

Minority interest

     1,723      19,840      16,365  

Capital stock

     375      4,312      4,312  

Stockholders’ equity

     3,908      44,992      40,561  

Other Information

                      

Mexican GAAP:

                      

Depreciation (5)

   $ 154      Ps.    1,768      Ps.    1,373  

Capital expenditures (6)

     251      2,884      3,129  

Operating margin (7)

     14.2 %    14.2 %    15.8 %

U.S. GAAP:

                      

Depreciation (5)

   $ 155      Ps.    1,783      Ps.    1,345  

Operating margin (7)

     13.2 %    13.2 %    13.9 %

(1) Translation to U.S. dollar amounts at an exchange rate of Ps. 11.5123 to US$ 1.00 solely for the convenience of the reader.
(2) Includes income tax, tax on assets and employee profit sharing.
(3) Income per share calculations are based on the weighted average number of shares and income per share allocation, as follows:

 

Millions of:    Weighted average
number of shares


   Allocations of
earnings


 

Series B shares

   2,737.740    46.11 %

Series D shares

   2,559.570    53.89 %

 

(4) Includes long-term debt minus the current portion of long-term debt.
(5) Includes bottle breakage for Coca-Cola FEMSA.
(6) Includes investments in property, plant and equipment and deferred charges.
(7) Operating margin is calculated by dividing income from operations by total revenue.

 

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Pro Forma

 

The following table presents pro forma income statement and balance sheet information for our company giving effect to the acquisition of Panamco and the Interbrew transactions and related financing transactions as if each had occurred on January 1, 2003 and pro forma balance sheet as if each transaction had occurred on June 30, 2004. The unaudited pro forma information should be read in conjunction with the unaudited financial statements and related footnotes contained in this prospectus.

 

     Year Ended
December 31,
(Pro Forma)


   Six Months Ended
June 30,
(Pro Forma)


     2003 (1)

   2003

   2004 (1)

   2004

     (in millions of U.S. dollars or Mexican pesos
at December 31, 2003 and June 30, 2004, as
applicable, except for per share data)

Income Statement Data

                       

Mexican GAAP:

                       

Total revenues

   $ 7,311    Ps.84,168      $3,797    Ps.43,712

Income from operations

     1,141    13,141      539    6,208

Net income before extraordinary items

     403    4,644      240    2,761

Net majority income before extraordinary items

     277    3,185      173    1,986

Net minority income before extraordinary items

     127    1,459      67    775

Net majority income before extraordinary items (2) :

                       

Per Series B Share

     0.05    0.54      0.03    0.34

Per Series D Share

     0.06    0.67      0.04    0.42

U.S. GAAP:

                       

Total revenues

   $ 7,311    Ps.84,168      $3,797    Ps.43,712

Income from operations

     1,102    12,691      512    5,894

Net minority income before extraordinary items

     126    1,449      71    812

Net income before extraordinary items

     296    3,409      179    2,066

Net income before extraordinary items (2) :

                       

Per Series B Share

     0.05    0.57      0.03    0.35

Per Series D Share

     0.06    0.72      0.04    0.44

Balance Sheet Data

                       

Mexican GAAP:

                       

Total assets

                 $9,793    Ps.112,742

Current liabilities

                 1,932    22,247

Long-term debt (4)

                 3,210    36,957

Other long-term liabilities

                 684    7,871

Minority interest

                 1,269    14,605

Majority interest

                 2,698    31,062

Total stockholders’ equity

                 3,967    45,667

U.S. GAAP:

                       

Total assets

               $ 11,233    Ps.129,312

Current liabilities

                 2,105    24,231

Long-term debt (4)

                 3,340    38,454

Other long-term liabilities

                 641    7,375

Minority interest

                 1,254    14,432

Stockholders’ equity

                 3,893    44,820

(1) Translation to U.S. dollar amounts at an exchange rate of Ps.11.5123 to US$ 1.00 solely for the convenience of the reader.
(2) Income per share calculations are based on the weighted average number of shares and income per share allocation, as follows:

 

Millions of:    Weighted average
number of shares


   Allocations of
earnings


 

Series B shares

   2,737.740    46.11 %

Series D shares

   2,559.570    53.89 %
(3) Includes long-term debt minus the current portion of long-term debt.

 

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THE OFFERINGS

 

The global offering

We are offering              BD Units (including BD Units in the form of ADSs) in a global offering, consisting of the international offering and the concurrent Mexican BD Unit offering.

 

The international offering

We are offering ADSs in an international offering. Each ADS represents 10 of our BD Units. Each BD Unit represents one of our Series B Shares, two of our Series D-B Shares and two of our Series D-L Shares.

 

The concurrent Mexican BD Unit offering

Concurrently with the international offering, we are offering BD Units in a public offering in Mexico.

 

The Mexican B Unit offerings

Concurrently with the global offering,              B Units are being offered in a Mexican public offering and in an offering to the voting trust and other holders of B Units. Each B Unit represents five of our Series B Shares. The B Units will be sold at the equivalent of the public offering price per BD Unit in the concurrent Mexican BD Unit offering. A voting trust, the participants of which are members of five families, several of whom are members of our board of directors, owns 91.8% of our B Units as of September 15, 2004 and is expected to acquire substantially all of the B Units in the Mexican B Unit offerings.

 

Over-allotment options

We have granted options, exercisable for 30 days, to the underwriters of the global offering to purchase up to              additional BD Units in the form of ADSs or BD Units to cover over-allotments, if any.

 

Share allocation programs

Beneficial owners of outstanding ADSs as of             , 2004, which is the record date, will be eligible, subject to compliance with the procedures and conditions summarized in this prospectus, to purchase up to              ADSs for each ADS beneficially owned by them as of the record date through a share allocation program in the international offering. Beneficial owners of outstanding BD Units not in the form of ADSs will also be eligible, subject to compliance with applicable procedures and conditions, to purchase BD Units through a share allocation program in the concurrent Mexican BD Unit offering.

 

 

Beneficial owners of ADSs and BD Units who fail or are unable to comply with the applicable procedures and conditions in a timely manner will not be eligible to receive an allocation of ADSs or BD Units, as applicable.

 

 

Any ADSs or BD Units not allocated to or purchased by beneficial owners in the share allocation programs in the global offering will be offered by the underwriters on the same basis as the other ADSs or BD Units offered in the global offering.

 

 

Holders of ADSs or BD Units may seek to purchase ADSs or BD Units in the global offering in addition to any ADSs or BD Units they are eligible to purchase in the share allocation programs.

 

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Table of Contents

Share allocation program in the international offering

Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated, one of the underwriters in the international offering, is administering, on behalf of FEMSA, the share allocation program in the international offering. For information on the procedures and conditions that a beneficial owner of ADSs must comply with to participate in the share allocation program, see “Share Allocation Programs—Share Allocation Program in International Offering.”

 

 

We have appointed MacKenzie Partners, Inc. to act as information agent for the share allocation program in the international offering. The information agent may be contacted at +1-800-322-2885 (toll-free in the U.S.) or +1-212-929-5500 (collect) to answer questions with respect to the share allocation program in the international offering.

 

Share allocation program in the concurrent Mexican BD Unit offering

Acciones y Valores de México, S.A. de C.V., Casa de Bolsa, Integrante del Grupo Financiero Banamex, one of the underwriters in the concurrent Mexican BD Unit offering, is administering, on behalf of FEMSA, the share allocation program in the concurrent Mexican BD Unit offering. For information on the procedures and conditions for purchasing BD Units in the share allocation program in the concurrent Mexican BD Unit offering, see “Share Allocation Programs—Share Allocation Program in Concurrent Mexican BD Unit Offering” and our related report on Form 6-K to be filed with the SEC and which is incorporated by reference in this prospectus.

 

Outstanding share capital

As of June 30, 2004, we had outstanding 419,569,500 B Units and 639,892,590 BD Units, which together consist of 2,737,740,090 Series B Shares and 1,279,785,180 Series D-B Shares and Series D-L Shares. As of August 31, 2004, 68.4% of the BD Units were held in the form of ADSs.

 

 

Immediately after completion of the global offering and the Mexican B Unit offerings, and assuming no exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment options, we will have outstanding              B Units and              BD Units, including              BD Units held in the form of ADSs, which together will consist of              Series B Shares and              Series D-B Shares and Series D-L Shares.

 

Voting trust

As of September 15, 2004, a voting trust owned 36.4% of our capital stock and 70.4% of our capital stock with full voting rights, consisting of the Series B Shares. Immediately after completion of the global offering and the Mexican B Unit offerings, and assuming no exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment options, the voting trust will own             % of our capital stock and             % of our capital stock with full voting rights. Assuming exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment options in full, the voting trust will own             % of our capital stock and             % of our capital stock with full voting rights.

 

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Table of Contents

Dividends

The holders of our ADSs will receive dividends to the same extent as the holders of our BD Units, subject to the deduction of any fees and

 

charges of the ADS depositary. Before May 11, 2008, the Series D-B Shares and the Series D-L Shares will receive 125% of any dividend distributed in respect of the Series B Shares. See “Dividends and Dividend Policy.”

 

Voting rights

Each BD Unit consists of one Series B Share with full voting rights and two Series D-B Shares and two Series D-L Shares, each with limited voting rights, as described in this prospectus.

 

Use of proceeds

The aggregate net proceeds from the global offering will be used to repay indebtedness in respect of bridge loans incurred in connection with the Interbrew transactions and the remaining amounts will be used for general corporate purposes.

 

Listings

The ADSs are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “FMX,” and the ADSs purchased in the international offering will be listed and traded on the New York Stock Exchange upon issuance.

 

 

The BD Units are listed on the Mexican Stock Exchange under the symbol “FEMSA UBD,” and the BD Units purchased in the concurrent Mexican BD Unit offering will be listed and traded on the Mexican Stock Exchange upon issuance.

 

ADS depositary

The Bank of New York.

 

Risk factors

See “Risk Factors” for information you should consider before purchasing ADSs or BD Units in the global offering.

 


 

Unless otherwise specified, share amounts in this prospectus do not reflect the exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment options.

 


 

This prospectus relates to the offer and sale of ADSs in the international offering and the offer and sale of BD Units in the share allocation program in the concurrent Mexican BD Unit offering to beneficial owners of BD Units as of the record date who are U.S. persons or otherwise inside the United States. In addition, this prospectus relates to BD Units that are being offered in the concurrent Mexican BD Unit offering, but that may be resold from time to time in the United States in transactions requiring registration under the Securities Act of 1933. This prospectus does not relate to the Mexican B Unit offerings or, except as indicated above, to the concurrent Mexican BD Unit offering.

 


 

The BD Units underlying the ADSs being sold pursuant to this prospectus will be registered in the Securities Section ( Sección de Valores ) and the Special Section ( Sección Especial ) of the National Registry of Securities ( Registro Nacional de Valores ), or Registry, maintained by the Mexican National Banking and Securities Commission ( Comisión Nacional Bancaria y de Valores ), or the CNBV. Registration of the BD Units with the Registry does not imply any certification as to the investment quality of the BD Units, our solvency or the accuracy or completeness of the information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus.

 

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Table of Contents

RISK FACTORS

 

Risks Related to Our Company

 

Coca-Cola FEMSA

 

Coca-Cola FEMSA’s business depends on its relationship with The Coca-Cola Company, and changes in this relationship may adversely affect its results of operations and financial position.

 

Approximately 93.2% of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s sales volumes in 2003 were derived from sales of Coca-Cola trademark beverages. Coca-Cola FEMSA produces, markets and distributes Coca-Cola trademark beverages through standard bottler agreements that cover all of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s present territories.

 

Under Coca-Cola FEMSA’s bottler agreements, The Coca-Cola Company may unilaterally set the price for its concentrate. Coca-Cola FEMSA prepares a three-year general business plan that is submitted to Coca-Cola FEMSA’s board of directors for approval. The Coca-Cola Company may require that Coca-Cola FEMSA demonstrates its financial ability to meet Coca-Cola FEMSA’s plans and may terminate Coca-Cola FEMSA’s rights to produce, market and distribute soft drinks in territories with respect to which such approval is withheld. The Coca-Cola Company also makes significant contributions to Coca-Cola FEMSA’s marketing budget although it is not required to contribute a particular amount. In addition, Coca-Cola FEMSA is prohibited from bottling any soft drink product or distributing other beverages without The Coca-Cola Company’s authority or consent. The Coca-Cola Company has the exclusive right to import and export Coca-Cola trademark beverages to and from Coca-Cola FEMSA’s territories. Coca-Cola FEMSA may not transfer control of the bottler rights of any of its territories without the consent of The Coca-Cola Company.

 

Coca-Cola FEMSA depends on The Coca-Cola Company to renew its bottler agreements. Two of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s bottler agreements for Mexico expire in May 2005 and the remaining two expire in 2013, renewable in each case for ten-year terms. The bottler agreements for Brazil expired in April 2004 and the bottler agreement for Colombia will expire in December 2004, renewable in each case for five-year terms. Coca-Cola FEMSA is currently in the process of renewing these agreements. Coca-Cola FEMSA’s remaining territories are governed by bottler agreements that expire after 2005 and have similar renewal periods. There can be no assurances that The Coca-Cola Company will decide to renew any of these agreements. In addition, these agreements generally may be terminated in the event that Coca-Cola FEMSA fails to comply with their terms. Non-renewal or termination would prevent Coca-Cola FEMSA from selling Coca-Cola trademark beverages in the affected territory and would have an adverse effect on Coca-Cola FEMSA’s business, financial condition, prospects and results of operations.

 

The Coca-Cola Company has substantial influence on the conduct of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s business, which may result in Coca-Cola FEMSA taking actions contrary to the interest of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s other shareholders.

 

As of June 30, 2004, The Coca-Cola Company indirectly owned 39.6% of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s outstanding capital stock, representing 46.4% of the voting rights in Coca-Cola FEMSA. The Coca-Cola Company is entitled to appoint four of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s 18 directors and certain of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s executive officers and, except under limited circumstances, has the power to veto significant decisions of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s board of directors. Thus, The Coca-Cola Company has the power to affect the outcome of all actions requiring approval by Coca-Cola FEMSA’s board of directors and, except in certain limited situations, has the power to affect the outcome of all actions requiring approval of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s shareholders. In addition, through its rights under the bottler agreements, The Coca-Cola Company has the ability to exercise substantial influence over the conduct of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s business. The interests of The Coca-Cola Company may be different from the interests of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s remaining shareholders, which may result in Coca-Cola FEMSA taking actions contrary to the interest of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s remaining shareholders.

 

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Coca-Cola FEMSA has significant transactions with affiliates, particularly The Coca-Cola Company, which create potential conflicts of interest and could result in less favorable terms to Coca-Cola FEMSA.

 

Coca-Cola FEMSA engages in transactions with subsidiaries of The Coca-Cola Company. Coca-Cola FEMSA has entered into cooperative marketing arrangements with The Coca-Cola Company. Coca-Cola FEMSA is a party to a number of bottler agreements with The Coca Cola Company and has also entered into a credit agreement with The Coca-Cola Company pursuant to which Coca-Cola FEMSA may borrow up to US$ 250 million for working capital and other general corporate purposes. Transactions with affiliates may create the potential for conflicts of interest, which could result in terms less favorable to Coca-Cola FEMSA than could be obtained from an unaffiliated third party.

 

Coca-Cola FEMSA has recently significantly increased its leverage as a result of the Panamco acquisition, which may adversely affect its business.

 

In connection with the acquisition of Panamco, Coca-Cola FEMSA incurred approximately Ps. 26.4 billion of debt (including existing debt of Panamco). Coca-Cola FEMSA’s total indebtedness as of June 30, 2004 was Ps. 26.7 billion. Its debt level is now significantly higher than it has been historically. The increase in debt may reduce the amount of cash otherwise available to Coca-Cola FEMSA to invest in its business or meet its obligations and may prevent it in the future from pursuing acquisitions and other opportunities that may present themselves to Coca-Cola FEMSA or from obtaining additional financing or completing refinancings on terms favorable to Coca-Cola FEMSA.

 

Coca-Cola FEMSA may not achieve expected operating efficiencies in the newly acquired territories, which may adversely affect its sales growth and operating margins.

 

Through the acquisition of Panamco, Coca-Cola FEMSA acquired new territories in Mexico as well as in the following countries in which it has not historically conducted operations: Guatemala, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela and Brazil. Since the acquisition, Coca-Cola FEMSA has undertaken a plan in the newly acquired territories to integrate Coca-Cola FEMSA’s operations, to improve the utilization of assets across Coca-Cola FEMSA’s territories and to implement the commercial strategies that Coca-Cola FEMSA has historically applied in its territories in Mexico and Argentina. Conditions in these new territories are different from the conditions under which Coca-Cola FEMSA has historically operated including, for example, less favorable consumption patterns than those experienced in Mexico and different and more challenging political, labor and economic climates. In addition, distribution and marketing practices in Coca-Cola FEMSA’s new territories differ from Coca-Cola FEMSA’s historical practices. Several of these territories have a lower level of “pre-sale” (a distribution method in which the sales and delivery functions are separated and trucks are loaded with the actual mix of products that retailers have previously ordered) as a percentage of total distribution than Coca-Cola FEMSA is accustomed to having, and product offering and packaging varies from territory to territory with customer preferences. Coca-Cola FEMSA’s ability to realize operating efficiencies in Mexico to date has been adversely affected by changes in the competitive conditions in the Mexican soft drink market. There can be no assurance that Coca-Cola FEMSA’s initiatives will reduce operating costs or maintain or improve sales in the near term or at all, which may adversely affect Coca-Cola FEMSA’s sales growth and operating margins.

 

Competition could adversely affect Coca-Cola FEMSA’s financial performance.

 

The beverage industry throughout Latin America is highly competitive. Coca-Cola FEMSA faces competition from other bottlers of soft drinks such as PepsiCo, Inc., which we refer to as PepsiCo, and from producers of low cost beverages or “B” brands. Coca-Cola FEMSA also competes against beverages other than soft drinks such as water, fruit juice and sport drinks. Although competitive conditions are different in each of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s territories, Coca-Cola FEMSA competes principally in terms of price, packaging, consumer sale promotions, customer service and non-price retail incentives. There can be no assurances that Coca-Cola FEMSA will be able to avoid lower pricing as a result of competitive pressure. Lower pricing, changes made in response to competition and changes in consumer preferences may have an adverse effect on Coca-Cola FEMSA’s financial performance.

 

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Coca-Cola FEMSA’s principal competitor in Mexico is The Pepsi Bottling Group, or PBG. PBG is the largest Pepsi bottler worldwide and competes with Coca-Cola trademark beverages. Coca-Cola FEMSA has also experienced stronger competition in Mexico from lower priced soft drinks in larger, multiple serving packaging. In Argentina and Brazil, Coca-Cola FEMSA competes with AmBev, the largest brewer in Latin America, which sells Pepsi products, in addition to a portfolio that includes local brands with flavors such as guaraná and proprietary beers. In each of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s territories it competes with Pepsi bottlers and with various other bottlers and distributors of national and regional soft drinks as well as complementary beverages such as water, juice and sports drinks. In certain territories, Coca-Cola FEMSA also competes with soft drink flavors that have a strong local presence, such as La Colombiana in Colombia.

 

A water shortage or a failure to maintain existing concessions could adversely affect Coca-Cola FEMSA’s business.

 

Water is an essential component of soft drinks. Coca-Cola FEMSA obtains water from various sources in its territories, including springs, wells, rivers and municipal water companies. In Mexico, Coca-Cola FEMSA purchases water from municipal water companies and pumps water from its own wells pursuant to concessions granted by the Mexican government. Coca-Cola FEMSA obtains the vast majority of the water used in its soft drink production in Mexico pursuant to these concessions, which the Mexican government granted based on studies of the existing and projected groundwater supply. Coca-Cola FEMSA’s existing water concessions in Mexico may be terminated by governmental authorities under certain circumstances, and their renewal depends on receiving necessary authorizations from municipal and/or federal water authorities. In Coca-Cola FEMSA’s other territories, its existing water supply may not be sufficient to meet its future production needs and the available water supply may be adversely affected by shortages or changes in governmental regulations.

 

Coca-Cola FEMSA cannot assure that water will be available in sufficient quantities to meet its future production needs, or that its concessions will not be terminated or will prove sufficient to meet its water supply needs.

 

Increases in the prices of raw materials would increase Coca-Cola FEMSA’s cost of sales and may adversely affect its results of operations.

 

Coca-Cola FEMSA’s most significant raw materials are concentrate, which it acquires from companies designated by The Coca-Cola Company, sweeteners and packaging materials. Prices for concentrate are determined by The Coca-Cola Company pursuant to its bottler agreements as a percentage of the weighted average retail price, net of applicable taxes. The prices for remaining raw materials are driven by market prices and local availability as well as the imposition of import duties and import restrictions and fluctuations in exchange rates. Coca-Cola FEMSA is also required to meet all of its supply needs from suppliers approved by The Coca-Cola Company, which may limit the number of suppliers available to Coca-Cola FEMSA. Coca-Cola FEMSA’s sales prices are denominated in the local currency in which it operates, while the prices of certain materials used in the bottling of its products, mainly aluminum cans and plastic bottles, are paid in or determined with reference to the U.S. dollar and therefore may increase if the U.S. dollar appreciates against the currency of any country in which it operates, particularly against the Mexican peso.

 

After concentrate, packaging and sweeteners constitute the largest portion of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s raw material costs. Sugar prices in all of the countries in which Coca-Cola FEMSA operates other than Brazil are subject to local regulations and other barriers to market entry that cause Coca-Cola FEMSA to pay in excess of international market prices for sugar. In Mexico, sugar prices increased approximately 8% in 2003, and Coca-Cola FEMSA’s ability to substitute other sweeteners has been limited by the imposition of a 20% excise tax on carbonated soft drinks produced with non-sugar sweeteners. In Venezuela, there was a shortage of sugar during the second half of 2003 due to the inability of the main sugar importers to access foreign currencies as a result of the exchange controls implemented at the beginning of 2003.

 

Coca-Cola FEMSA cannot assure that its raw material prices will not increase in the future. Increases in the prices of raw materials would increase Coca-Cola FEMSA’s cost of sales and may adversely affect its results of operations.

 

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Taxes on soft drinks could adversely affect Coca-Cola FEMSA’s business.

 

Coca-Cola FEMSA’s products are subject to excise and value-added taxes in many of the countries in which it operates. The imposition of new taxes or increases in taxes on Coca-Cola FEMSA’s products may have a material adverse effect on its business, financial condition, prospects and results of operations. In 2003, Mexico implemented a 20% excise tax on carbonated soft drinks produced with non-sugar sweeteners. Certain countries in Central America, Argentina and Brazil have also imposed taxes on carbonated soft drinks. Coca-Cola FEMSA cannot assure that any governmental authority in any country where it operates will not impose or increase any such taxes in the future.

 

Regulatory developments may adversely affect Coca-Cola FEMSA’s business.

 

Coca-Cola FEMSA is subject to regulation in each of the territories in which it operates. The principal areas in which Coca-Cola FEMSA is subject to regulation are environment, labor, taxes and antitrust. The adoption of new laws or regulations in the countries in which Coca-Cola FEMSA operates may increase its operating costs or impose restrictions on its operations which, in turn, may adversely affect Coca-Cola FEMSA’s financial condition, business and results of operations. In particular, environmental standards are becoming more stringent recently in several of the countries in which Coca-Cola FEMSA operates, and Coca-Cola FEMSA is in the process of complying with these new standards. Further changes in current regulations may result in an increase in compliance costs, which may have an adverse effect on Coca-Cola FEMSA’s future results of operations or financial condition.

 

Voluntary price restraints or statutory price controls have been imposed historically in several of the countries in which Coca-Cola FEMSA operates. The imposition of these restrictions may have an adverse effect on its results of operations and financial position. Although Mexican bottlers have been free to set prices for carbonated soft drinks without governmental intervention since January 1996, such prices had been subject to statutory price controls and to voluntary price restraints, which effectively limited Coca-Cola FEMSA’s ability to increase prices in the Mexican market without governmental consent. Coca-Cola FEMSA cannot assure that governmental authorities in any country where Coca-Cola FEMSA operates will not impose statutory price controls or voluntary price restraints.

 

FEMSA Cerveza

 

Unfavorable economic conditions in Mexico or the United States may adversely affect FEMSA Cerveza’s business.

 

Demand for the products of FEMSA Cerveza may be affected by economic conditions in Mexico or the United States. In particular, demand in our northern stronghold regions in Mexico, where there are a large number of border towns, may be disproportionately affected by the performance of the United States’ economy. In addition, our exports to the United States may be affected by reduced demand from the United States or from a reduction in prices by our competitors. Any depreciation of the Mexican peso may negatively affect our results of operations because a significant portion of our costs and expenses are denominated in, or determined by reference to, the U.S. dollar.

 

Uncertainty in commodity prices of raw materials used in beer production may result in increased costs and adversely affect our results of operations.

 

FEMSA Cerveza purchases a number of commodities for the production of its products (principally barley, malt and hops) from Mexican producers and in the international market. The prices of such commodities can fluctuate and are determined by global supply and demand and other factors, including changes in exchange rates, over which FEMSA Cerveza has no control. There can be no assurance that FEMSA Cerveza will be able to recover increases in the cost of raw materials. An increase in raw materials costs would adversely affect our results of operations.

 

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FEMSA Cerveza’s new United States distribution arrangements may adversely affect sales of our beer brands in the United States.

 

Commencing January 1, 2005, Heineken USA will replace Labatt USA as the exclusive importer, marketer and distributor of FEMSA Cerveza’s beer brands in the United States. Accordingly, FEMSA Cerveza’s exports to the United States during the three-year term of the distributor agreement will depend to a significant extent on Heineken USA’s performance under this agreement. Heineken USA has no prior experience importing, marketing or distributing FEMSA Cerveza’s beer brands. We cannot assure that Heineken USA will be able to maintain or increase sales of FEMSA Cerveza’s beer brands in the United States or that, upon expiration of the agreement, FEMSA Cerveza will be able to renew the agreement or enter into a substitute arrangement on comparable terms.

 

FEMSA Cerveza’s sales in the Mexican market depend on its ability to compete with Grupo Modelo.

 

FEMSA Cerveza faces competition in the Mexican beer market from Grupo Modelo, S.A. de C.V., or Grupo Modelo. FEMSA Cerveza’s ability to compete successfully in the Mexican beer market will have a significant impact on its Mexican sales.

 

Competition from imports in the Mexican beer market is increasing and may adversely affect FEMSA Cerveza’s business.

 

Imports do not currently constitute a significant portion of the Mexican beer market. Under the North American Free Trade Agreement, or NAFTA, the tariffs applicable to beers imported from the United States and Canada were eliminated in January 2001. During 2003 imports grew 10.6% versus 2002 and represented 1.8% of the Mexican beer market. FEMSA Cerveza believes that imports will continue to represent a small percentage of the Mexican beer market. Increased import competition, however, could lead to greater competition in general, and we cannot assure that such a trend would not adversely affect FEMSA Cerveza’s business, financial condition and results from operations.

 

Regulatory developments in Mexico could adversely affect FEMSA Cerveza’s business.

 

FEMSA Cerveza’s business is subject to a variety of different Mexican government regulations, both federal and local, and may be affected by changes in law, regulation or regulatory policy. Actions of Mexican federal and local authorities, in particular changes in governmental policy with respect to excise and value-added tax laws, cold beer regulation or the beer industry practice of “tied-customer arrangements,” which are agreements with retailers to sell and promote its products, may have a material adverse impact on FEMSA Cerveza’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Federal regulation of beer consumption in Mexico is primarily effected through a 25% excise tax and a 15% value-added tax. Currently, we do not anticipate an increase in these taxes, but federal regulation relating to excise taxes may change in the future, resulting in an increase or decrease in the tax. Local regulations are primarily effected through the issuance of licenses authorizing retailers to sell alcoholic beverages. Other regulations affecting beer consumption in Mexico vary according to local jurisdictions and include limitations on the hours during which restaurants, bars and other retail outlets are allowed to sell beer.

 

A water supply shortage could adversely affect FEMSA Cerveza’s business.

 

FEMSA Cerveza purchases water from Mexican government entities and obtains pump water from its own wells pursuant to concessions granted by the Mexican government.

 

FEMSA Cerveza believes that its water concessions will satisfy its current and future water requirements. We cannot assure, however, that isolated periods of adverse weather will not affect FEMSA Cerveza’s supply of water to meet its future production needs in any given period, or that its concessions will not be terminated or will be renewed by the Mexican government. Any of these events or actions may adversely affect FEMSA Cerveza’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

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FEMSA Comercio

 

Competition from other retailers in Mexico could adversely affect our company’s business.

 

The Mexican retail sector is highly competitive. FEMSA participates in the retail sector primarily through FEMSA Comercio. FEMSA Comercio’s Oxxo convenience stores face competition on a regional basis from 7-Eleven, Super Extra, AM/PM and Circle K stores. In particular, the Super Extra chain is owned and managed by Grupo Modelo, our main competitor in the Mexican beer market, and in 2003 the Super Extra chain launched an aggressive expansion in the number of its stores. Oxxo convenience stores also face competition from numerous small chains of retailers across Mexico. We cannot assure that FEMSA Comercio will not be affected by an increase in competition.

 

Sales of Oxxo convenience stores may be adversely affected by changes in economic conditions in Mexico.

 

Convenience stores often sell certain products at a premium. The convenience store market is thus highly sensitive to economic conditions, since an economic slowdown is often accompanied by a decline in consumer purchasing power, which in turn results in a decline in the overall consumption of our main product categories. During periods of economic slowdown, Oxxo stores may experience a decline in traffic per store and purchases per customer, and this may result in a decline in operating revenue.

 

FEMSA Empaques

 

FEMSA Empaques’ beverage can operation may be adversely affected by changes in economic conditions and competition from alternative beverage presentations.

 

The aluminum can operations of Fábricas Monterrey, S.A. de C.V., a subsidiary of FEMSA Empaques, are sensitive to economic conditions because beverage cans are more expensive to the consumer than alternative forms of packaging. FEMSA Empaques’ beverage can business exclusively serves the beverage industry and therefore is vulnerable to shifts in demand for beverage products. Furthermore, beverage cans also compete with alternative forms of packaging such as glass and plastic. Demand for canned beverages has decreased in recent years due to a shift toward plastic packaging in the soft drink industry. A decrease in demand may adversely affect FEMSA Empaques’ business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

The Mexican beverage can industry may have excess capacity, which may result in decreases in prices and adversely impact our business.

 

Certain of FEMSA Empaques’ significant competitors in the beverage can industry operate at average levels of capacity utilization below 60%. We cannot assure that some of these businesses will not practice aggressive pricing strategies in order to increase their sales volumes, which may have an adverse impact on our business.

 

FEMSA Empaques’ sales of glass bottles may be adversely affected by competition and from alternative beverage presentations.

 

FEMSA Empaques’ principal domestic competitor in the sale of glass bottles is Vitro, S.A. de C.V., or Vitro. We cannot assure that FEMSA Empaques will not be affected by price competition from Vitro or other producers of glass bottles or alternative containers.

 

Moreover, like the beverage can business, FEMSA Empaques’ glass bottle business exclusively serves the beverage industry and, thus, is vulnerable to shifts in preferences for those products and forms of packaging. Demand for glass bottles has declined in recent years due to a shift towards non-returnable plastic bottles for soft drinks. We cannot assure that there will not be a further shift in demand towards such alternative forms of packaging, which would have an effect on our glass bottle operations.

 

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FEMSA Empaques’ operating expenses may be adversely affected by changes in commodity prices and exchange rate fluctuations.

 

A significant portion of FEMSA Empaques’ raw materials consist of commodities, the prices of which are subject to volatility in accordance with international market conditions. In addition, FEMSA Empaques’ operating expenses are denominated in Mexican pesos while its revenues are linked to the U.S. dollar. As a result, the operating margins of FEMSA Empaques may be adversely affected as a result of increases in commodity prices or an appreciation in the Mexican peso against the U.S. dollar.

 

Risks Related to Mexico and the Other Countries in Which We Operate

 

Adverse economic conditions in Mexico may adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

 

We are a Mexican corporation, and our Mexican operations are our single most important geographic division. For the year ended December 31, 2003, 84.2% of our total sales were attributable to Mexico. In the past, Mexico has experienced both prolonged periods of weak economic conditions and deteriorations in economic conditions that have had a negative impact on our company. We cannot assume that such conditions will not return or that such conditions will not have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

 

Our business may be significantly affected by the general condition of the Mexican economy, or by the rate of inflation in Mexico, interest rates in Mexico and exchange rates for the Mexican peso. Decreases in the growth rate of the Mexican economy, periods of negative growth and/or increases in inflation or interest rates may result in lower demand for our products, lower real pricing of our products or a shift to lower margin products. Because a large percentage of our costs and expenses are fixed, we may not be able to reduce costs and expenses upon the occurrence of any of these events, and our profit margins may suffer as a result. In addition, an increase in interest rates in Mexico would increase the cost to us of variable rate Mexican peso-denominated funding and have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

 

Depreciation of the Mexican peso relative to the U.S. dollar could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

 

A depreciation of the Mexican peso relative to the U.S. dollar would increase the cost to us of a portion of the raw materials we acquire, the price of which is tied to the U.S. dollar, and of our debt obligations denominated in U.S. dollars, and thereby may have a negative effect on our financial position and net results of operations. We generally do not hedge our exposure to the U.S. dollar with respect to the Mexican peso and other currencies. A severe devaluation or depreciation of the Mexican peso may also result in disruption of the international foreign exchange markets and may limit our ability to transfer or to convert Mexican pesos into U.S. dollars and other currencies for the purpose of making timely payments of interest and principal on our indebtedness. While the Mexican government does not currently restrict, and for many years has not restricted, the right or ability of Mexican or foreign persons or entities to convert Mexican pesos into U.S. dollars or to transfer other currencies out of Mexico, the Mexican government could institute restrictive exchange rate policies in the future, as it has done in the past. Currency fluctuations may have an adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows in future periods.

 

Political events in Mexico could adversely affect our operations.

 

Political events in Mexico may significantly affect our operations. In the Mexican federal elections held on July 2, 2000, Vicente Fox of the National Action Party ( Partido Acción Nacional ), or PAN, won the presidency. Although his victory ended more than 70 years of presidential rule by the Institutional Revolutionary Party ( Partido Revolucionario Institucional ), or PRI, neither the PRI nor the PAN succeeded in securing a majority in the Mexican congress. In elections in 2003 and 2004, the PAN lost additional seats in the Mexican congress and state governorships. The resulting legislative gridlock has impeded the progress of reforms in Mexico, which may adversely affect economic conditions in Mexico, and consequently, our results of operations.

 

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Developments in other Latin American countries in which we operate may adversely affect our business.

 

In addition to Mexico, our subsidiary Coca-Cola FEMSA conducts operations in Guatemala, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil and Argentina. These countries expose us to different or greater country risk than Mexico. For many of these countries, results of operations in recent years have been adversely affected by deteriorating macroeconomic and political conditions. In Argentina and Venezuela, significant economic and political instability, including a contracting economy, a drastic currency devaluation, high unemployment, the introduction of exchange controls and social unrest have resulted in higher production costs and declining profitability for Coca-Cola FEMSA. In Colombia, Coca-Cola FEMSA has experienced problems with production and distribution as a result of political instability.

 

Coca-Cola FEMSA’s future results may be significantly affected by the general economic and financial conditions in the countries where it operates, by the devaluation of the local currency, inflation and high interest rates, or by political developments or changes in law. Devaluation of the local currency against the U.S. dollar may increase our operating costs in that country, and a depreciation against the Mexican peso may negatively affect the results of operations for that country as reported in our Mexican GAAP financial statements. In addition, some of these countries may impose exchange controls that could impact Coca-Cola FEMSA’s ability to purchase raw materials in foreign currencies and the ability of the subsidiaries in these countries to remit dividends abroad or make payments other than in local currencies, as is currently the case in Venezuela under regulations imposed in January 2003. As a result of these potential risks, Coca-Cola FEMSA may experience lower demand, lower real pricing, or increases in costs, which may negatively impact its results of operations.

 

Risks Related to the BD Units and the ADSs

 

Beneficial owners of ADSs who were not beneficial owners of ADSs as of the record date, or who do not comply with all of the procedures and conditions relating to the share allocation program in a timely manner, will not be eligible to purchase ADSs in the share allocation program.

 

A beneficial owner of ADSs will not be eligible to participate in the share allocation program unless that person was a beneficial owner of ADSs as of the record date and complies on a timely basis with all of the procedures and conditions summarized in this prospectus under “Share Allocation Programs—Share Allocation Program in International Offering.” These procedures require, among others, the ability to access a specific website, timely completion and submission of an eligibility/expression of interest form and confirmation of purchase on the evening of the pricing date. The conditions include, among others, the consent to the electronic delivery of documents relating to the share allocation program in the international offering. Beneficial owners of BD Units other than in the form of ADSs may not participate in the international offering, but may, if they are eligible and comply with the applicable procedures and conditions, participate in the share allocation program in the concurrent Mexican BD Unit offering. For information on the procedures for purchasing BD Units in the share allocation program in the concurrent Mexican BD Unit offering, see “Share Allocation Programs—Share Allocation Program in Concurrent Mexican BD Unit Offering.” Beneficial owners of ADSs and BD Units who fail or are unable to comply with the applicable procedures and conditions in a timely manner will not be eligible to receive an allocation of ADSs or BD Units, as applicable, under the relevant share allocation program.

 

This prospectus and instructions for contacting Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated in order to participate in the share allocation program in the international offering will be distributed following the identification of the beneficial owners of ADSs as of the record date. However, because none of our company, the ADS depositary and the registered holders of the ADSs is responsible for maintaining a current list of beneficial owners, some beneficial owners may not receive this prospectus with sufficient time—if at all—for them to participate in the share allocation program, even if they were beneficial owners of ADSs as of the record date. Neither we nor the underwriters will be responsible for any failure to identify all beneficial owners of ADSs nor for the timely delivery of this prospectus to any such beneficial owner.

 

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Upon the completion of the global offering and the Mexican B Unit offerings, you may own a smaller proportionate interest in our capital stock.

 

Pursuant to Article 81 of the Mexican Securities Market Law and as approved by our shareholders, the BD Units sold in the international offering in the form of ADSs and in the concurrent Mexican BD Unit offering will not entitle holders of BD Units or ADSs at the time of the offering to preemptive rights. Beneficial owners of BD Units, including BD Units in the form of ADSs, will be eligible, subject to compliance with the applicable procedures and conditions, to participate in the share allocation programs in the global offering under which up to 50% of the BD Units, including BD units in the form of ADSs, will be allocated to beneficial owners of outstanding ADSs and BD Units as of the record date. In addition, assuming the underwriters in the global offering do not exercise their over-allotment options, a disproportionate number of B Units will be issued in the Mexican B Unit offerings, and the outstanding B Units will increase from 39.6% to       % of our outstanding capital stock after giving effect to the global offering and the Mexican B Unit offerings. As a result, upon completion of the offering, you may own a smaller proportionate interest in our company’s capital stock.

 

A majority of our voting shares are held by a voting trust, which effectively controls the management of our company, and whose interests may differ from those of other shareholders.

 

As of September 15, 2004, a voting trust, the participants of which are members of five families, owned 36.4% of our capital stock and 70.4% of our capital stock with full voting rights, consisting of the Series B Shares. See “Major Shareholders.” After giving effect to the global offering and the Mexican B Unit offerings, assuming the underwriters do not exercise their over-allotment options, the ownership of the voting trust will increase to       % of our capital stock and       % of our capital stock with full voting rights. Assuming the underwriters exercise their over-allotment options in full, the ownership of the voting trust will be       % of our capital stock and       % of our capital stock with full voting rights. Consequently, the voting trust has, and will continue to have after the global offering, the power to elect a majority of the members of our board of directors and to play a significant or controlling role in the outcome of substantially all matters to be decided by our shareholders. The interests of the voting trust may differ from those of our other shareholders.

 

Holders of Series D-B and D-L Shares have limited voting rights.

 

Holders of Series D-B and D-L Shares have limited voting rights and are only entitled to vote on specific matters, such as changes in our corporate form, a dissolution or liquidation and the cancellation of the registration of the Series D-B and D-L Shares. As a result, these holders will not be able to influence our business or operations. See “Description of Our Capital Stock.”

 

Holders of ADSs may not be able to vote at our shareholder meetings.

 

Our shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange in the form of ADSs. We cannot assure that holders of our shares through ADSs will receive notice of shareholders’ meetings from our ADS depositary in sufficient time to enable such holders to return voting instructions to the ADS depositary in a timely manner. In the event that instructions are not received with respect to any shares underlying ADSs, the ADS depositary will, subject to certain limitations, grant a proxy to a person designated by us in respect of these shares. In the event that this proxy is not granted, the ADS depositary will vote these shares in the same manner as the majority of the shares of each class for which voting instructions are received. See “Description of Our ADSs.”

 

Holders of BD Units in the United States and holders of ADSs may not be able to participate in any future preemptive rights offering and as a result may be subject to dilution of their equity interests.

 

Under applicable Mexican law, if we issue new shares for cash as a part of a capital increase, we are generally required to grant our shareholders the right to purchase a sufficient number of shares to maintain their existing ownership percentage. No right is applicable to offerings conducted under Article 81 of the Mexican Securities Market Law, pursuant to which we are conducting the global offering and the Mexican B Unit

 

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offering. Rights to purchase shares in these circumstances are known as preemptive rights. We may not legally allow holders of our shares or ADSs who are located in the United States to exercise any preemptive rights in any future capital increases unless (1) we file a registration statement with the SEC with respect to that future issuance of shares or (2) the offering qualifies for an exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933. At the time of any future capital increase, we will evaluate the costs and potential liabilities associated with filing a registration statement with the SEC, as well as the benefits of preemptive rights to holders of our shares in the form of ADSs in the United States and any other factors that we consider important in determining whether to file a registration statement.

 

We cannot assure that we will file a registration statement with the SEC to allow holders of our shares or ADSs who are located in the United States to participate in a preemptive rights offering. In addition, under current Mexican law, the sale by the ADS depositary of preemptive rights and the distribution of the proceeds from such sales to the holders of our shares through ADSs is not possible. As a result, the equity interest of holders of our shares in the form of ADSs would be diluted proportionately. See “Description of Our ADSs.”

 

The protections afforded to minority shareholders in Mexico are different from those afforded to minority shareholders in the United States.

 

Under Mexican law, the protections afforded to minority shareholders are different from, and may be less than, those afforded to minority shareholders in the United States. Mexican laws concerning duties of directors are not well developed, there is no procedure for class actions as such actions are conducted in the United States, and there are different procedural requirements for bringing shareholder lawsuits for the benefit of companies. Therefore, it may be more difficult for minority shareholders to enforce their rights against us, our directors, or our controlling shareholders than it would be for minority shareholders of a United States company.

 

Investors may experience difficulties in enforcing civil liabilities against us or our directors, officers and controlling persons.

 

FEMSA is organized under the laws of Mexico, and most of our directors, officers and controlling persons reside outside the United States. In addition, all or a substantial portion of our assets and their respective assets are located outside the United States. As a result, it may be difficult for investors to effect service of process within the United States on such persons or to enforce judgments against them, including in any action based on civil liabilities under the U.S. federal securities laws. There is doubt as to the enforceability against such persons in Mexico, whether in original actions or in actions to enforce judgments of U.S. courts, of liabilities based solely on the U.S. federal securities laws.

 

Developments in other countries may adversely affect the market for our securities.

 

The market value of securities of Mexican companies are, to varying degrees, influenced by economic and securities market conditions in other emerging market countries. Although economic conditions are different in each country, investors’ reaction to developments in one country can have effects on the securities of issuers in other countries, including Mexico. We cannot assure you that events elsewhere, especially in emerging markets, will not adversely affect the market value of our securities (including, in particular, the BD Units).

 

The failure or inability of our subsidiaries to pay dividends or other distributions to us may adversely affect us and our ability to pay dividends to holders of ADS.

 

FEMSA is a holding company whose cash flows are principally derived from dividends, interest and other distributions made to FEMSA by subsidiaries. Currently, FEMSA’s subsidiaries do not have contractual obligations that require them to pay dividends to FEMSA. However, debt and other contractual obligations of our subsidiaries may in the future impose restrictions on our subsidiaries’ ability to make dividend or other payments to FEMSA, which in turn may adversely affect FEMSA’s ability to pay dividends to shareholders and meet its obligations.

 

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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

This prospectus contains words, such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate” and similar expressions that identify forward-looking statements. Use of these words reflects our views about future events and financial performance. Actual results could differ materially from those projected in these forward-looking statements as a result of various factors that may be beyond our control, including but not limited to effects on our company from changes in our relationship with or among our affiliated companies, movements in the prices of raw materials, competition, significant developments in Mexico or international economic or political situations or changes in our regulatory environment. Accordingly, we caution readers not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. In any event, these statements speak only as of their respective dates, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise any of them, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

 

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MARKET PRICES

 

The following tables set forth, for the periods indicated, the reported high, low and closing sale prices and the average daily trading volumes for the BD Units and B Units on the Mexican Stock Exchange and the reported high, low and closing sale prices and the average daily trading volumes for the ADSs on the New York Stock Exchange.

 

     BD Units (1)

     Nominal Pesos

   US$ (4)
Close


  

Average Daily

Trading

Volume

(Units)


     High (2)

   Low (2)

   Close (3)

     

1999

   42.30    19.42    42.30    4.46    1,791,831

2000

   49.35    25.25    28.60    2.97    1,310,216

2001

   41.00    25.20    31.02    3.39    1,132,468

2002

                        

First Quarter

   42.45    31.89    41.95    4.66    1,332,724

Second Quarter

   46.00    37.02    39.05    3.91    1,001,819

Third Quarter

   41.22    33.98    34.56    3.38    755,405

Fourth Quarter

   39.40    35.22    37.93    3.64    733,989

2003

                        

First Quarter

   38.34    33.50    35.86    3.33    604,877

Second Quarter

   44.68    35.25    43.01    4.11    719,752

Third Quarter

   43.56    39.52    41.87    3.81    1,195,971

Fourth Quarter

   42.60    38.49    41.48    3.69    1,500,219

2004

                        

January

   46.80    41.02    45.59    4.14    1,781,348

February

   50.70    47.21    49.67    4.49    1,403,274

March

   55.00    50.05    54.97    4.92    1,580,930

April

   56.70    49.70    49.70    4.36    1,094,090

May

   52.46    48.18    48.80    4.28    1,820,433

June

   53.10    48.90    52.72    4.57    970,845

July

   52.76    49.02    50.09    4.39    818,532

August

   50.83    47.26    49.24    4.33    565,127

September (5)

   52.33    49.79    51.80    4.50    887,900

(1) The prices and average daily trading volume for the BD Units were taken from Bloomberg.
( 2) High and low closing prices for the periods presented.
(3) Closing price on the last day of the periods presented.
(4) Represents the translation from Mexican pesos to U.S. dollars of the closing price of the BD Units on the last day of the periods presented based on the noon buying rate for the purchase of U.S. dollars, as reported by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York on such date.
(5) Through September 16, 2004.

 

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     B Units (1)

     Nominal Pesos

   US$ (4)
Close


  

Average Daily

Trading

Volume

(Units)


     High (2)

   Low (2)

   Close (3)

     

1999

   37.00    27.50    37.00    3.90    256,624

2000

   45.00    31.30    45.00    4.68    81,836

2001

   45.00    27.92    36.10    3.94    15,967

2002

                        

First Quarter

   39.00    34.00    39.00    4.33    2,849

Second Quarter

   40.00    39.00    39.44    3.95    327

Third Quarter

   39.44    38.00    38.00    3.72    32

Fourth Quarter

   37.50    34.60    37.00    3.55    389

2003

                        

First Quarter

   36.70    33.70    36.30    3.37    426

Second Quarter

   40.90    37.00    40.90    3.91    61

Third Quarter

   40.90    39.00    39.00    3.54    2,223

Fourth Quarter

   40.00    34.00    38.70    3.44    7,231

2004

                        

January

   42.00    39.50    42.00    3.81    43,431

February

   45.00    43.50    45.00    4.07    64

March

   49.00    46.20    47.50    4.25    570

April

   48.50    48.00    48.00    4.21    1,125

May

   48.40    46.00    48.40    4.24    1,837

June

   48.40    48.40    48.40    4.19    200

July

   48.39    47.69    47.69    4.18    800

August

   47.70    47.70    47.70    4.19    51,350

September (5)

   47.50    47.00    47.50    4.13    28,300

(1) The prices and average daily trading volume for the B Units were taken from Bloomberg.
(2) High and low closing prices for the periods presented.
(3) Closing price on the last day of the periods presented.
(4) Represents the translation from Mexican pesos to U.S. dollars of the closing price of the B Units on the last day of the periods presented based on the noon buying rate for the purchase of U.S. dollars, as reported by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York on such date.
(5) Through September 16, 2004.

 

     ADSs (1)

     U.S. dollars

  

Average Daily

Trading Volume

(ADSs)


     High (2)

   Low (2)

   Close (3)

  

1999

   44.63    18.56    44.50    203,850

2000

   53.19    26.63    29.88    221,984

2001

   45.00    26.80    34.55    231,109

2002

                   

First Quarter

   47.15    35.00    47.15    244,122

Second Quarter

   49.21    37.15    39.22    243,161

Third Quarter

   42.16    33.80    33.80    248,427

Fourth Quarter

   39.49    34.63    36.42    181,302

2003

                   

First Quarter

   36.50    30.65    33.27    209,310

Second Quarter

   42.11    32.82    41.20    195,548

Third Quarter

   41.26    36.60    38.15    260,361

Fourth Quarter

   38.68    34.15    36.88    332,581

2004

                   

January

   42.92    37.01    41.17    380,760

February

   45.51    42.35    45.00    313,089

March

   49.71    45.58    49.27    425,417

April

   50.70    43.72    43.72    251,095

May

   45.30    41.52    42.94    407,650

June

   46.92    42.65    45.84    288,973

July

   46.03    42.71    43.94    262,219

August

   44.46    41.40    43.23    191,445

September (4)

   45.32    43.30    45.10    172,727

(1) Each ADS is comprised of 10 BD Units. Prices and average daily trading volume were taken from Bloomberg.
(2) High and low closing prices for the periods presented.
(3) Closing price on the last day of the periods presented.
(4) Through September 16, 2004.

 

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DIVIDENDS AND DIVIDEND POLICY

 

We intend to pay aggregate dividends equal to approximately 15% to 30% of our net income, subject to changes in our results of operating and financing position including due to extraordinary economic events and to the factors described in “Risk Factors” that affect our financial situation and liquidity. These factors may affect whether or not dividends are declared and the amount of such dividends. We do not expect to be subject to any contractual restrictions on our ability to pay dividends, although our subsidiaries may be subject to such restrictions. Because we are a holding company with no significant operations of our own, we will have distributable profits and cash to pay dividends only to the extent that we receive dividends from our subsidiaries. Accordingly, we cannot assure you that we will pay dividends or as to the amount of any dividends.

 

The following table sets forth for each year the nominal amount of dividends per share that we declared in Mexican pesos and the U.S. dollar equivalent amounts that were actually paid on each of the respective payment dates for the period 2000 to 2004:

 

Date Dividend Paid


   Fiscal Year
with Respect
to which
Dividend was
Declared


   Aggregate Amount
of Dividend Declared
(Nominal Pesos) (1)


   Per Series B
Share
Dividend
(Nominal
Pesos)


   Per Series B
Share
Dividend
(US$) (2)


   Per Series D
Share Dividend
(Nominal
Pesos)


   Per Series D
Share Dividend
(US$) (2)


July 31, 2000

   1999    Ps. 503,163,279    Ps. 0.0840    $  0.0090    Ps. 0.105000    $  0.0112

May 21, 2001

   2000    Ps. 435,790,703    Ps. 0.0734    $  0.0082    Ps. 0.091700    $  0.0103

May 31, 2002

   2001    Ps. 664,966,740    Ps. 0.1120    $  0.0116    Ps. 0.140000    $  0.0145

May 30, 2003

   2002    Ps. 397,792,604    Ps. 0.0670    $  0.0065    Ps. 0.083750    $  0.0081

May 31, 2004

   2003    Ps. 531,379,672    Ps. 0.0895    $  0.0078    Ps. 0.111875    $  0.0098

(1) The aggregate amount of dividend declared is determined by the per series dividend amount multiplied by the number of shares outstanding at the date the dividend is declared:

 

     Outstanding Shares

Date Dividend Paid


   Series B

   Series D

July 31, 2000

   2,746,546,090    2,594,794,360

May 21, 2001

   2,737,740,090    2,559,570,360

May 31, 2002

   2,737,740,090    2,559,570,360

May 30, 2003

   2,737,740,090    2,559,570,360

May 31, 2004

   2,737,740,090    2,559,570,360

 

(2) Translated to U.S. dollars at the corresponding noon buying rate of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

 

At the annual ordinary general shareholders meeting, the board of directors submits the financial statements of our company for the previous fiscal year, together with a report thereon by the board of directors and the report of the statutory examiner. Once the holders of Series B Shares have approved the financial statements, they determine the allocation of our net profits for the preceding year. Mexican law requires the allocation of at least 5% of net profits to a legal reserve, which is not subsequently available for distribution, until the amount of the legal reserve equals 20% of our capital stock. Thereafter, the holders of Series B Shares may determine and allocate a certain percentage of net profits to any general or special reserve, including a reserve for open-market purchases of our shares. The remainder of net profits is available for distribution in the form of dividends to our shareholders.

 

Our bylaws provide that, before May 11, 2008, dividends will be allocated among the shares outstanding and fully paid at the time a dividend is declared in such manner that each Series D-B Share and Series D-L Share receives 125% of the dividend distributed in respect of each Series B Share. Holders of Series D-B Shares and Series D-L Shares are entitled to this dividend premium in connection with all dividends paid by us other than payments in connection with the liquidation of our company. On May 11, 2008, the Series D-B Shares will

 

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automatically convert into Series B Shares and the Series D-L Shares will automatically convert into Series L Shares, which will not be entitled to a dividend premium. From and after May 11, 2008, the Series L Shares and Series B Shares that are outstanding and fully paid at the time a dividend is declared will be entitled to share equally in the dividend.

 

Subject to certain exceptions contained in the deposit agreement dated February 11, 2004, among FEMSA, The Bank of New York, as ADS depositary, and holders and beneficial owners from time to time of our ADSs evidenced by American Depositary Receipts, any dividends distributed to holders of our ADSs will be paid to the ADS depositary in Mexican pesos and will be converted by the ADS depositary into U.S. dollars. As a result, exchange rate fluctuations may affect the U.S. dollar amount actually received by holders of our ADSs. Although the Mexican government does not currently restrict the ability of Mexican and foreign persons or entities to convert Mexican pesos to U.S. dollars or other currencies or to transfer other currencies out of Mexico, we cannot give you any assurance that the Mexican government will not institute a restrictive exchange control policy in the future. Any restrictive exchange control policy could affect the ADS depositary’s ability to convert dividends received in Mexican pesos into U.S. dollars for purposes of making a distribution to holders of the ADSs.

 

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USE OF PROCEEDS

 

Our net proceeds from the global offering will be approximately US$ 290.4 million, or approximately US$ 334.4 million if the underwriters exercise their over-allotment options in full, and our net proceeds from the Mexican B Unit offerings (described below) will be approximately US$ 230 million. We will use the aggregate net proceeds from the global offering and the Mexican B Unit offerings to repay indebtedness in respect of bridge loans incurred in connection with our acquisition of the equity interest of approximately 30% in FEMSA Cerveza previously held by affiliates of Interbrew. See “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Recent Developments—Interbrew Transactions” and “—Financing for Interbrew Transactions.” Remaining amounts will be used for general corporate purposes.

 

We entered into two bridge loan agreements on August 12, 2004 under which we made borrowings on August 20, 2004. The U.S. dollar-denominated bridge loan has a principal amount of US$ 250 million and bears interest at a rate equal to the London interbank offered rate, or LIBOR, plus a 0.25% margin. The initial lender under the U.S. dollar-denominated bridge loan is Morgan Stanley Senior Funding, Inc., which is an affiliate of one of the underwriters in the international offering. The Mexican peso-denominated bridge loan has a principal amount of Ps. 2.8775 billion, which is equal to the Mexican peso equivalent of US$ 250 million on the borrowing date, and bears interest at a rate equal to the Tasa de Interés Interbancaria de Equilibrio (TIIE), plus a 0.15% margin. The initial lender under the Mexican peso-dominated bridge loan is Banco Nacional de México, S.A., Institución de Banco Múltiple, Integrante del Grupo Financiero Banamex, which is an affiliate of one of the underwriters in the international offering. The interest rate for each loan increases periodically beginning 90 days from the date of borrowing. Both loans mature on August 20, 2005.

 

Mexican B Unit Offerings

 

Concurrently with the global offering, we are offering                 B Units in a Mexican public offering and an offering to the voting trust and other holders of B Units. Each B Unit represents five of our Series B Shares. Our bylaws require the Series B Shares to represent at least 51% of the outstanding shares of our capital stock. The number of B Units to be sold in the Mexican B Unit offerings will be calculated to maintain the approximate percentage of the Series B Shares as a percentage of our outstanding capital stock, assuming the exercise in full of the underwriters’ overallotment options, after giving effect to the global offering and the Mexican B Unit offerings. The B Units will be sold at the equivalent of the public offering price per BD Unit in the concurrent Mexican BD Unit offering. The Mexican B Unit offerings are not underwritten, and the underwriters in the global offering are not acting as underwriters in the Mexican B Unit offerings; however, Casa de Bolsa BBVA Bancomer, S.A. de C.V., Grupo Financiero BBVA Bancomer, or Bancomer, one of the underwriters in the concurrent Mexican BD Unit offering, is acting as placement agent for the Mexican B Unit directed offering and Bancomer and Acciones y Valores de México, S.A. de C.V., Casa de Bolsa, Integrante del Grupo Financiero Banamex, are participating in placing B Units in the Mexican B Unit public offering.

 

A voting trust, the participants which are members of five families, several of whom are members of our board of directors, owns 91.8% of our B Units as of September 15, 2004 and is expected to acquire substantially all of the B Units in the Mexican B Unit offerings. Because of its ownership of a majority of the Series B Shares with full voting rights, the voting trust may be deemed to control our company. See “Major Shareholders.”

 

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CAPITALIZATION

 

The following table sets forth our consolidated capitalization under Mexican GAAP as of June 30, 2004 (1) on an actual basis, (2) on an adjusted basis to reflect the Interbrew transactions and the related financings and (3) on a further adjusted basis to reflect the sale of BD Units in the form of ADSs and BD Units in the global offering with an estimated aggregate sale price of US$ 290.4 million, net of underwriting discounts and commissions, and the sale of B Units in the Mexican B Unit offerings with an estimated aggregate sale price of US$ 230 million.

 

     As Reported

   As Adjusted for
Interbrew Transactions


   As Adjusted for Offerings

    

(in millions of U.S. dollars and in millions of

Mexican pesos at June 30, 2004 (1) )

Short-term debt:

                                         

Secured

   Ps. 495    $ 43    Ps. 495    $ 43    Ps. 495    $ 43

Unsecured

     1,575      137      7,331      637      1,575      137
    

  

  

  

  

  

       2,070      180      7,826      680      2,070    $ 180

Current maturities of long-term debt

     2,620      228      2,620      228      2,620      228

Long-term debt (2)

     31,774      2,760      36,957      3,210      36,957      3,210
    

  

  

  

  

  

Total debt (3)

   Ps. 36,464    $ 3,168    Ps. 47,403    $ 4,118    Ps. 41,647    $ 3,618
    

  

  

  

  

  

Stockholders’ equity:

                                         

Minority interest in consolidated subsidiaries

     20,185      1,753      14,605      1,269      14,605      1,269

Majority interest:

                                         

Capital stock and additional paid-in capital

     16,569      1,439      16,569      1,439      22,216      1,930

Net income

     2,434      211      2,434      211      2,434      211

Cumulative other comprehensive income

     12,059      1,048      12,059      1,047      12,059      1,047
    

  

  

  

  

  

Total majority interest

     31,062      2,698      31,062      2,697      36,709      3,188
    

  

  

  

  

  

Total stockholders’ equity

     51,247      4,451      45,667      3,966      51,314      4,457
    

  

  

  

  

  

Total capitalization (4)

   Ps. 87,711    $ 7,619    Ps. 93,070    $ 8,084    Ps. 92,960    $ 8,075
    

  

  

  

  

  


(1) Translation to U.S. dollar amounts at an exchange rate of Ps. 11.5123 to US$ 1.00 solely for the convenience of the reader.
(2) None of our long term debt is secured.
(3) None of our indebtedness is guaranteed by any person other than a consolidated affiliate, and we and our consolidated affiliates do not guarantee any indebtedness of any such person.
(4) Represents total debt plus total stockholders’ equity.

 

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SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

The following tables present selected financial information of our company. This information should be read in conjunction with, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, our audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in our annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2003, which is incorporated by reference in this prospectus, and our unaudited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in this prospectus. The selected financial information is presented on a consolidated basis and is not necessarily indicative of our financial position or results of operations at or for any future date or period.

 

Information as of and for the five years ended December 31, 2003 has been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements, and information as of and for the six months ended June 30, 2003 and June 30, 2004 has been derived from our unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

    

Year Ended December 31,


 
     2003(1)

    2003

    2002

    2001

    2000

    1999

 
     (in millions of U.S. dollars and constant Mexican pesos at December 31, 2003, except
for per share data and the weighted average number of shares outstanding)
 

Income Statement Data

                                      

Mexican GAAP:

                                      

Total revenues

   $ 6,592     Ps.  75,891     Ps.55,395     Ps.52,465     Ps.50,151     Ps.45,463  

Income from operations

     1,050     12,084     9,791     8,868     7,957     7,173  

Taxes (2)

     293     3,378     3,764     3,069     2,615     2,253  

Change in accounting principle

     —       —       —       (30 )   —       —    

Net income

     405     4,657     4,791     5,215     3,995     4,734  

Net majority income

     269     3,093     2,947     3,547     2,865     3,587  

Net minority income

     136     1,564     1,844     1,668     1,130     1,147  

Net majority income: (3)

                                      

Per Series B Share

     0.05     0.52     0.50     0.60     0.48     0.60  

Per Series D Share

     0.06     0.65     0.62     0.75     0.60     0.75  

Weighted average number of shares outstanding (millions):

                                      

Series B Shares

     2,737.7     2,737.7     2,737.7     2,737.8     2,745.8     2,746.5  

Series D Shares

     2,559.6     2,559.6     2,559.6     2,559.8     2,591.8     2,594.8  

Allocations of earnings:

                                      

Series B Shares

     46.11 %   46.11 %   46.11 %   46.11 %   45.85 %   45.85 %

Series D Shares

     53.89 %   53.89 %   53.89 %   53.89 %   54.15 %   54.15 %

U.S. GAAP:

                                      

Total revenues

   $ 6,592     Ps.  75,891     Ps.55,048     Ps.54,815     Ps.52,154     Ps.48,296  

Income from operations

     1,011     11,642     8,723     8,133     7,009     6,644  

Change in accounting principle

     —       —       —       (54 )   —       21  

Net minority income

     140     1,608     1,876     1,645     1,200     1,145  

Net income

     284     3,271     3,206     3,305     2,673     2,306  

Net income: (3)

                                      

Per Series B Share

     0.05     0.55     0.54     0.56     0.45     0.38  

Per Series D Share

     0.06     0.69     0.67     0.70     0.56     0.48  

Balance Sheet Data

                                      

Mexican GAAP:

                                      

Total assets

   $ 9,063     Ps.104,334     Ps.62,660     Ps.53,320     Ps.50,111     Ps.48,781  

Current liabilities

     1,452     16,716     12,314     8,954     8,759     8,834  

Long-term debt (4)

     2,896     33,345     10,192     7,399     8,005     8,343  

Other long-term liabilities

     710     8,175     5,856     5,568     5,592     978  

Capital stock

     369     4,243     4,243     4,243     4,249     4,271  

Total stockholders’ equity

     4,004     46,098     34,298     31,399     27,755     30,626  

Majority interest

     2,467     28,400     24,024     22,127     19,509     21,813  

Minority interest

     1,537     17,698     10,274     9,272     8,246     8,813  

 

(Footnotes on next page)

 

31


Table of Contents
     Year Ended December 31,

 
     2003 (1)

    2003

    2002

    2001

    2000

    1999

 
     (in millions of U.S. dollars and constant Mexican pesos at December 31, 2003,
except for per share data and the weighted average number of shares outstanding)
 

U.S. GAAP:

                                      

Total assets

   $ 10,380     Ps.119,496     Ps.78,688     Ps.70,212     Ps.69,482     Ps.67,964  

Current liabilities

     1,670     19,220     14,142     10,964     11,006     11,188  

Long-term debt (4)

     3,054     35,160     11,308     8,507     8,029     8,350  

Other long-term liabilities

     503     5,789     5,019     5,015     6,543     6,632  

Minority interest

     1,495     17,215     9,986     9,129     8,670     7,934  

Capital stock

     369     4,243     4,243     4,243     4,249     4,271  

Stockholders’ equity

     3,658     42,112     38,233     36,597     35,234     33,860  

Other Information

                                      

Mexican GAAP:

                                      

Depreciation (5)

   $ 272     Ps.    3,126     Ps.  2,523     Ps.  2,406     Ps.  2,534     Ps.  2,316  

Capital expenditures (6)

     590     6,789     5,780     5,531     4,764     4,536  

Operating margin (7)

     15.9 %   15.9 %   17.7 %   16.9 %   15.9 %   15.8 %

U.S. GAAP:

                                      

Depreciation (5)

   $ 278     Ps.    3,199     Ps.  2,400     Ps.  2,393     Ps.  2,450     Ps.  2,227  

Operating margin (7)

     15.3 %   15.3 %   15.8 %   14.8 %   13.4 %   13.8 %

(1) Translation to U.S. dollar amounts at an exchange rate of Ps. 11.5123 to US$ 1.00 solely for the convenience of the reader.
(2) Includes income tax, tax on assets and employee profit sharing.
(3) The net income (after changes in accounting principles) per Series B Share and per Series D Share was calculated in accordance with Bulletin B-14 of Mexican GAAP, which is similar to SFAS No. 128 of U.S. GAAP. The following table presents the calculations of the weighted average number of shares and income per share allocation:

 

     Series B Shares

    Series D Shares

 
     Number of
Shares


  Weighted
Average


    Number of
Shares


  Weighted
Average


 
     (in millions of shares)  

At December 31, 1999

   2,746.546   2,746.546     2,594.794   2,594.794  

Allocation of earnings

       45.85 %       54.15 %

Repurchase of our shares in 2000 from
October 29, 2000 to December 29, 2000

   6.750   0.736     27.000   2.945  

At December 31, 2000

   2,739.796   2,745.810     2,567.794   2,591.849  

Allocation of earnings

       45.85 %       54.15 %

Repurchase of our shares in 2001 from
January 4, 2001 to January 16, 2001

   2.056   2.005     8.224   8.019  

At December 31, 2001

   2,737.740   2,737.791     2,559.570   2,559.776  

Allocation of earnings

       46.11 %       53.89 %

At December 31, 2002 and 2003

   2,737.740   2,737.740     2,559.570   2,559.570  

Allocation of earnings

       46.11 %       53.89 %

(4) Includes long-term debt minus the current portion of long-term debt.
(5) Includes bottle breakage for Coca-Cola FEMSA.
(6) Includes investments in property, plant and equipment and deferred charges.
(7) Operating margin is calculated by dividing income from operations by total revenues.

 

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Table of Contents
     Six Months Ended June 30,

 
     2004 (1)

     2004

     2003

 
     (in millions of U.S. dollars and constant
Mexican pesos at June 30, 2004, except
per share data)
 

Income Statement Data

                      

Mexican GAAP:

                      

Total revenues

   $ 3,798      Ps.  43,712      Ps.  33,439  

Income from operations

     541      6,208      5,298  

Taxes (2)

     168      1,920      1,329  

Extraordinary items

     102      1,175         

Net income

     359      4,130      1,827  

Net majority income

     211      2,434      1,217  

Net minority income

     148      1,696      610  

Net majority income: (3)

                      

Per Series B Share:

                      

Before extraordinary items

     0.03      0.32      0.21  

Extraordinary items

     0.01      0.09         

Per Series D Share:

                      

Before extraordinary items

     0.04      0.40      0.26  

Extraordinary items

     0.01      0.11         

U.S. GAAP:

                      

Total revenues

   $ 3,797      Ps.  43,712      Ps.  33,109  

Income from operations

     503      5,785      4,593  

Extraordinary items

     102      1,175         

Net minority income

     150      1,727      562  

Net income

     219      2,520      1,349  

Net majority income: (3)

                      

Per Series B Share:

                      

Before extraordinary items

     0.03      0.33      0.23  

Extraordinary items

     0.01      0.09         

Per Series D Share:

                      

Before extraordinary items

     0.04      0.42      0.28  

Extraordinary items

     0.01      0.11         

Balance Sheet Data

                      

Mexican GAAP:

                      

Total assets

   $ 9,328      Ps.107,383      Ps.105,107  

Current liabilities

     1,433      16,491      19,426  

Long-term debt (4)

     2,760      31,774      34,248  

Other long-term liabilities

     684      7,871      7,995  

Minority interest in consolidated subsidiaries

     1,753      20,185      16,601  

Capital stock

     375      4,312      4,312  

Majority interest

     2,698      31,062      26,837  

Total stockholders’ equity

     4,451      51,247      43,438  

U.S. GAAP:

                      

Total assets

   $ 10,767      Ps.123,953      Ps.120,541  

Current liabilities

     1,605      18,475      20,950  

Long-term debt (4)

     2,760      31,774      34,248  

Other long-term liabilities

     771      8,872      8,417  

Minority interest

     1,723      19,840      16,365  

Capital stock

     375      4,312      4,312  

Stockholders’ equity

     3,908      44,992      40,561  

Other Information

                      

Mexican GAAP:

                      

Depreciation (5)

   $ 154      Ps.    1,768      Ps.    1,373  

Capital expenditures (6)

     251      2,884      3,129  

Operating margin (7)

     14.2 %    14.2 %    15.8 %

U.S. GAAP:

                      

Depreciation (5)

   $ 155      Ps.    1,783      Ps.    1,345  

Operating margin (7)

     13.2 %    13.2 %    13.9 %

(1) Translation to U.S. dollar amounts at an exchange rate of Ps. 11.5123 to US$ 1.00 solely for the convenience of the reader.
(2) Includes income tax, tax on assets and employee profit sharing.
(3) Income per share calculations are based on the weighted average number of shares and income per share allocation, as follows:

 

Millions of:    Weighted average
number of shares


   Allocations of
earnings


 

Series B shares

   2,737.740    46.11 %

Series D shares

   2,559.570    53.89 %
(4) Includes long-term debt minus the current portion of long-term debt.
(5) Includes bottle breakage for Coca-Cola FEMSA.
(6) Includes investments in property, plant and equipment and deferred charges.
(7) Operating margin is calculated by dividing income from operations by total revenue.

 

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Table of Contents

UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

We prepared the following unaudited pro forma consolidated income statements for the year ended December 31, 2003 and for the six months ended June 30, 2004 and unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2004 to illustrate the estimated effects on our results of operations and financial condition of the acquisitions of:

 

  100% of Panamco on May 6, 2003; and

 

  30% of our subsidiary FEMSA Cerveza from affiliates of Interbrew on August 31, 2004, including the assignment of the rights to FEMSA Cerveza’s beer brands in the United States back to Wisdom Import Sales Co. LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of FEMSA Cerveza, in consideration for the redemption of its 30% interest in Labatt USA and the related financing transactions.

 

The unaudited pro forma income statements give effect to these transactions as if they had occurred on January 1, 2003, and the unaudited pro forma condensed balance sheet as if they had occurred on June 30, 2004.

 

The unaudited pro forma financial information was prepared in accordance with Mexican GAAP. A reconciliation of unaudited pro forma majority net income and unaudited pro forma stockholders’ equity to U.S. GAAP is provided in Note 4 below.

 

The unaudited pro forma financial information does not purport to indicate the results of operations and financial position that would actually have occurred had the transactions occurred on the dates indicated or which may be expected to be achieved in the future.

 

The following unaudited pro forma financial information should be read in conjunction with “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects,” as well as with Notes 25 and 26 to our audited consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2003 contained in our annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2003, which is incorporated by reference in this prospectus, and Notes 27 and 28 to our unaudited consolidated financial statements as of and for the six months ended June 30, 2004 included in this prospectus.

 

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Table of Contents

Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Income Statement

Year Ended December 31, 2003

 

     FEMSA As
Reported


   

Panamco
Income
Statement
from

January to
April 2003


    Panamco
Pro forma
Adjustments


   

Termination

of FEMSA-
Interbrew

Joint Venture


    Minority
Interest of
the Pro forma
Adjustments


    Pro forma

 
    

(in millions of Mexican pesos as of December 31, 2003,

except per share data)

 

Net sales

   Ps. 75,597     Ps. 8,224     Ps. —       Ps. —       Ps. —       Ps. 83,821  

Other operating revenues

     294       53       —         —         —         347  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Total revenues

     75,891       8,277       —         —         —         84,168  

Cost of sales

     39,371       4,499       (23 )(a)     —         —         43,847  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Gross profit

     36,520       3,778       23       —         —         40,321  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Operating expenses:

                                                

Administrative

     5,740       609       (5 )(a)     —         —         6,344  

Sales

     18,696       2,192       (52 )(a)     —         —         20,836  
    


 


 


 


 


 


       24,436       2,801       (57 )     —         —         27,180  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Income from operations

     12,084       977       80       —         —         13,141  

Participation in affiliated companies

     30       —         —         (30 )(d)     —         —    
    


 


 


 


 


 


       12,114       977       80       (30 )     —         13,141  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Integral result of financing:

                                                

Interest expense

     (2,540 )     (310 )     (425 )(b1)     (620 )(e1)     —         (3,895 )

Interest income

     695       53       (35 )(b2)     (217 )(e2)     —         496  

Foreign exchange gain (loss)

     (2,532 )     (239 )     81 (b3)     (270 )(e3)     —         (2,960 )

Gain on monetary position

     954       289       240 (b4)     571 (e4)     —         2,054  
    


 


 


 


 


 


       (3,423 )     (207 )     (139 )     (536 )     —         (4,305 )

Other expenses, net

     (656 )     (100 )     24 (a)     —         —         (732 )
    


 


 


 


 


 


Income before income tax, tax on assets and employee profit sharing

     8,035       670       (35 )     (566 )     —         8,104  

Income tax, tax on assets and employee profit sharing

     3,378       279       (15 )(c)     (182 )(f)     —         3,460  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Consolidated net income

     4,657       391       (20 )     (384 )     —         4,644  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Net majority income

     3,093       388       (20 )     (384 )     108       3,185  

Net minority income

     1,564       3       —         —         (108 )     1,459  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Consolidated net income

   Ps. 4,657     Ps. 391     Ps. (20 )   Ps. (384 )   Ps. —       Ps. 4,644  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Weighted average number of shares outstanding: (in millions)

                                                

Per Series “B” shares

     2,737.7       —         —         —         —         2,737.7  

Per Series “D” shares

     2,559.6       —         —         —         —         2,559.6  

Allocation of earning:

                                                

Per Series “B” shares

     46.11 %     —         —         —         —         46.11 %

Per Series “D” shares

     53.89 %     —         —         —         —         53.89 %

Net majority income:

(in Mexican pesos)

                                                

Per Series “B” Share

   Ps. 0.52                                     Ps. 0.54  

Per Series “D” Share

     0.65                                       0.67  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of this unaudited pro forma consolidated income statement.

 

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Table of Contents

Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Income Statement

Six Months Ended June 30, 2004

 

     FEMSA
As Reported


   

Termination

of FEMSA-

Interbrew
Joint Venture


   

Minority

Interest of
the Pro forma
Adjustments


    Pro forma

 
    

(in millions of Mexican pesos as of June 30, 2004,

except per share data)

 

Net sales

   Ps. 43,568     Ps.—       Ps.—       Ps. 43,568  

Other operating revenues

     144     —       —         144  
    


 

 

 


Total revenues

     43,712     —       —         43,712  

Cost of sales

     23,198     —       —         23,198  
    


 

 

 


Gross profit

     20,514     —       —         20,514  
    


 

 

 


Operating expenses:

                            

Administrative

     3,124     —       —         3,124  

Sales

     11,182     —       —         11,182  
    


 

 

 


       14,306     —       —         14,306  
    


 

 

 


Income from operations

     6,208     —       —         6,208  

Participation in affiliated companies

     9     (9 )(d)   —         —    
    


 

 

 


       6,217     (9 )   —         6,208  
    


 

 

 


Integral result of financing:

                            

Interest expense

     (1,668 )   (294 )(e1)   —         (1,962 )

Interest income

     180     (76 )(e2)   —         104  

Foreign exchange loss

     (167 )   (140 )(e3)   —         (307 )

Gain on monetary position

     544     234 (e4)   —         778  
    


 

 

 


       (1,111 )   (276 )   —         (1,387 )

Other expenses, net

     (231 )   —       —         (231 )
    


 

 

 


Income before income tax, tax on assets and employee profit sharing

     4,875     (285 )   —         4,590  

Income tax, tax on assets and employee profit sharing

     1,920     (91 )(f)   —         1,829  
    


 

 

 


Consolidated net income before extraordinary items

   Ps. 2,955     Ps.(194 )   Ps.—       Ps. 2,761  
    


 

 

 


Net majority income before extraordinary items

     1,897     (194 )   283       1,986  

Net minority income before extraordinary items

     1,058     —       (283 )     775  
    


 

 

 


Consolidated net income before extraordinary items

   Ps. 2,955     Ps.(194 )   Ps.—       Ps. 2,761  
    


 

 

 


Weighted average number of shares outstanding: (in millions)

                            

Per Series “B” shares

     2,737.7     —       —         2,737.7  

Per Series “D” shares

     2,559.6     —       —         2,559.6  

Allocations of earnings:

                            

Per Series “B” shares

     46.11 %   —       —         46.11 %

Per Series “D” shares

     53.89 %   —       —         53.89 %

Net majority income before extraordinary items:

(in Mexican pesos)

                            

Per Series “B” share

   Ps. 0.32                 Ps. 0.34  

Per Series “D” share

   Ps. 0.40                 Ps. 0.42  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of this unaudited pro forma consolidated income statement.

 

36


Table of Contents

Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet

As of June 30, 2004

 

    

FEMSA

June 30, 2004

As Reported


  

Termination

of FEMSA-

Interbrew

Joint Venture


    Pro forma

         (in millions of Mexican pesos as of June 30, 2004)    

Assets

                     

Current assets:

                     

Cash and cash equivalents

   Ps. 7,890    Ps. (3,624 )(a)   Ps. 4,266

Other current assets

     13,465      —         13,465
    

  


 

Total current assets

     21,355      (3,624 )     17,731
    

  


 

Investments in shares

     926      (160 )(b)     766

Property, plant and equipment

     42,887      —         42,887

Other assets

     6,445      —         6,445

Intangible assets and goodwill

     35,770      9,143 (c)     44,913
    

  


 

Total assets

   Ps. 107,383    Ps. 5,359     Ps. 112,742
    

  


 

Liabilities and stockholders’ equity

                     

Total current liabilities

     16,491      5,756 (d)     22,247

Long-term liabilities:

                     

Bank loans and notes payable

     31,774      5,183 (d)     36,957

Other long-term liabilities

     7,871      —         7,871
    

  


 

Total long-term liabilities

     39,645      5,183       44,828
    

  


 

Total liabilities

     56,136      10,939       67,075
    

  


 

Stockholders’ equity:

                     

Minority interest in consolidated subsidiaries

     20,185      (5,580 )(e)     14,605

Majority interest

     31,062      —         31,062
    

  


 

Total stockholders’ equity

     51,247      (5,580 )     45,667
    

  


 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   Ps. 107,383    Ps. 5,359     Ps. 112,742
    

  


 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of this unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated balance sheet.

 

37


Table of Contents

Notes to the Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 1. Acquisition of Panamco

 

On May 6, 2003, Coca-Cola FEMSA acquired 100% of the outstanding stock of Panamco for Ps. 29,999 million. As part of the acquisition, our company assumed Ps. 9,233 million of net debt and incurred transaction costs of Ps. 394 million, which consist of financial, advisory and legal fees, capitalized as adjustments to the purchase price.

 

Panamco produced and distributed Coca-Cola trademark beverages in Mexico, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Venezuela, Colombia and Brazil, as well as bottled water and other beverages in some of these territories and beer in Brazil.

 

The transaction was financed with an equity contribution from FEMSA of Ps. 2,824 million, an exchange of The Coca-Cola Company’s equity interests in Panamco valued at Ps. 7,158 million for new shares of Coca-Cola FEMSA, cash on hand of Ps. 2,866 million and additional indebtedness of Ps. 17,548 million.

 

Coca-Cola FEMSA’s capital was increased by 421.374 million shares. Of these shares, 117.328 million shares were subscribed by FEMSA and 304.046 million shares were subscribed by The Coca-Cola Company at US$ 2.216 per share. Because The Coca-Cola Company’s contribution to Coca-Cola FEMSA was greater than FEMSA’s contribution, FEMSA’s ownership in Coca-Cola FEMSA decreased from 51.0% to 45.7% of its outstanding capital stock and from 63.0% to 53.6% of its capital stock with full voting rights.

 

The exchange of equity interests of The Coca-Cola Company generated additional paid-in capital in majority stockholders’ equity, since the shares were subscribed at a value greater than the book value of the shares at the subscription date.

 

The results of Panamco’s operations for the period from May 1, 2003 to December 31, 2003 have been included in the consolidated financial statements of Coca-Cola FEMSA and subsidiaries for the year ended December 31, 2003.

 

Our company accounted for the acquisition by the purchase method and allocated the purchase price to the fair value of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed. The fair value adjustments include recognition of an intangible asset with an indefinite life for a total amount of Ps. 34,279 million included in our financial statements as “Rights to produce and distribute Coca-Cola trademark products” and the reduction to fair value of certain assets consisting primarily of facilities that we consider non-strategic as well as the elimination of certain intangible assets that were generated from acquisitions previously effected by Panamco.

 

Note 2. Termination of the FEMSA and Interbrew Joint Venture Agreements

 

On August 31, 2004, our company consummated a series of agreements with InBev (formerly known as Interbrew), Labatt and certain of their affiliates pursuant to a series of agreements entered into on May 24, 2004 to terminate the existing arrangements among affiliates of FEMSA and Interbrew. These agreements provided for payments by affiliates of FEMSA in a total amount of US$ 1.245 billion. As a result of these transactions:

 

  FEMSA owns 100% of FEMSA Cerveza;

 

  InBev owns 100% of Labatt USA, its U.S. distribution subsidiary; and

 

  Labatt USA’s right to distribute the FEMSA Cerveza brands in the United States will terminate on December 31, 2004.

 

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The transaction was financed as follows:

 

  US$ 295 million of cash on hand;

 

  US$ 500 million bridge loans to FEMSA, of which US$ 250 million is denominated in U.S. dollars and the remaining US$ 250 million is denominated in Mexican pesos, each to be refinanced with the net proceeds of the global offering and the Mexican B Unit offerings;

 

  US$ 217 million equivalent in Mexican peso-denominated certificados bursátiles issued by FEMSA and guaranteed by FEMSA Cerveza, of which US$ 108.5 million have a maturity of five years and US$ 108.5 million have a maturity of four years;

 

  US$ 150 million equivalent in a Mexican peso-denominated unsecured term loan to FEMSA with a maturity of four years; and

 

  US$ 83 million equivalent in a Mexican peso-denominated unsecured term loan to FEMSA Cerveza with a maturity of five years.

 

Note 3. Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Statements

 

The columns presented in the unaudited pro forma income statements represent the following:

 

  FEMSA as Reported

 

This column reflects the audited consolidated income statement of FEMSA and subsidiaries for the year ended December 31, 2003 contained in our annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2003, which is incorporated by reference in this prospectus, and the unaudited consolidated income statement of FEMSA and subsidiaries for the six months ended June 30, 2004 included in this prospectus.

 

  Panamco Income Statement

 

This column reflects the consolidated income statement of Panamco and subsidiaries for the period from January 1, 2003 to April 30, 2003, presented on a Mexican GAAP basis and incorporating the accounting policies of Coca-Cola FEMSA.

 

  Panamco Pro Forma Adjustments

 

This column reflects the pro forma adjustments from January 1 to April 30, 2003, before the acquisition of Panamco, which are as follows:

 

  (a) The fair value adjustments to Panamco’s assets discussed in Note 1 resulted in a decrease in the aggregate amount of Ps. 104 million in depreciation and amortization, cost of sales, administrative expenses, selling expenses and other expenses. These adjustments resulted mainly from our reduction of the historical book values of the Panamco assets prior to the acquisition to their fair value at the time of the acquisition.

 

  (b) Pro forma adjustments to the integral result of financing include:

 

  1. The net increase is the difference between the interest expense resulting from the additional interest expense attributable to the indebtedness incurred to finance the Panamco acquisition and the cancellation of interest expense attributable to the prepaid indebtedness of Panamco. The US$ 500 bridge loan that was refinanced shortly after the acquisition is assumed to be refinanced from January 1, 2003.

 

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Indebtedness


   Amount in
Millions
(U.S. dollar
or equivalent)


    Interest rate

   Average
interest annual
rate (1)


 

New Indebtedness:

                   

Certificados bursátiles

(Mexican peso)

   $ 449     TIIE (2) plus 0.55%    9.68 %

Certificados bursátiles

(Mexican peso)

   $ 355     CETES (3) plus 1.2%    9.65 %

Term loan

(U.S. dollar)

   $ 495     LIBOR (4)  plus 0.85%    2.11 %

Term loan

(Mexican peso)

   $ 255     TIIE (2) plus 0.45%    9.58 %

Fixed rate note

(Mexican peso)

   $ 93     10.4% Fixed    10.40 %

Fixed rate note

(Mexican peso)

   $ 48     9.9% Fixed    9.90 %

Bridge loan

(U.S. dollar)

   $ 283     LIBOR (4) plus 1.0%    2.25 %

Prepaid Indebtedness:

                   

U.S. dollar

   $ (318 )   LIBOR (4)  plus 3.0% (5)    4.77 %

Mexican Pesos

   $ (41 )   TIIE (2) plus 0.75%    9.33 %
 
  (1) Calculated using historical rates at the end of each month.
  (2) Tasa de Interés Interbancaria de Equilibrio .
  (3) Certificados de la Tesorería.
  (4) London Interbank Offered Rate.
  (5) Compounded rate of nine U.S. dollar-denominated loans.

 

  2. The reduction in interest income resulting from the cancellation of Ps. 35 million in interest income resulting from the application of the historical average interest rates earned by our cash investments of 1.24% for the four-month period ended April 30, 2003 to the US$ 267 million in cash and cash equivalents used in the acquisition of Panamco.

 

  3. The foreign exchange gain resulting from the devaluation of the Mexican peso against the U.S. dollar from Ps. 10.459 per U.S. dollar on January 1, 2003 to Ps. 10.288 per U.S. dollar on April 30, 2003 as applied to the following U.S. dollar-denominated loans:

 

  US$ 778 million of new indebtedness incurred for the Panamco acquisition, which is equivalent to Ps. 137 million; and

 

  US$ 318 million of prepaid indebtedness of Panamco, which is equivalent to a cancellation of Ps. 56 million.

 

  4. The gain on monetary position resulting in the net effect of:

 

  an increase of Ps. 312 million, resulting from the application of factors derived from the Mexican Consumer Price Index of 1.4% for the four-month period ended April 30, 2003 to US$ 1,978 million of new indebtedness incurred for the Panamco acquisition; and

 

  a cancellation of Ps. 72 million, resulting from the application of factors derived from the consumer price indices of the countries in which the US$ 359 million of prepaid indebtedness was held, based on a compounded average rate of 1.8%.

 

  (c) Pro forma adjustments to income taxes and employee profit sharing resulting from the application of the effective tax rate for the period of January 1, 2003 to April 30, 2003 to the adjustments described above.

 

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Termination of FEMSA-Interbrew Joint Venture

 

This column reflects the following pro forma adjustments:

 

  (d) The cancellation of the equity method in the Labatt USA investment.

 

  (e) The incremental integral cost of financing for the year ended December 31, 2003 and the six months ended June 30, 2004 generated by the indebtedness incurred, the decrease in cash and cash equivalents and their corresponding foreign exchange loss and gain on monetary position:

 

  1. Interest expense was calculated in accordance with the financing agreements and applicable interest rates during each period as follows:
    Amount in
millions
(U.S. dollar
or equivalent)


     

Average interest

annual rate (1)


 
         
         

Indebtedness


   

Interest rate


  December 31,
2003


    June 30,
2004


 

Short-Term:

                     

Bridge loan

  $ 250   LIBOR (2)   1.76 %   1.45 %

(U.S. dollar)

        plus 0.25%to 0.90% (3)            

Bridge loan

  $ 250   TIIE (4)   7.14 %   6.54 %

(Mexican peso)

        plus 0.0%to 0.60% (5)            

Long-Term:

                     

Certificados bursátiles

  $ 108.5   CETES (6)   7.39 %   7.19 %

(Mexican peso)

        plus 0.89%            

Certificados bursátiles

  $ 108.5   TIIE (4)   7.14 %   6.76 %

(Mexican peso)

        plus 0.30%            

FEMSA long-term loan

  $ 150   TIIE (4)   7.19 %   6.81 %

(Mexican peso)

        plus 0.35%            

FEMSA Cerveza long-term loan

  $ 83   TIIE (4)   7.22 %   6.84 %

(Mexican peso)

        plus 0.375%            
 
  (1) Calculated using the historical rates at the end of each month.
  (2) London Interbank Offered Rate.
  (3) Margins increase quarterly: first quarter is 0.25%, second quarter is 0.40%, third quarter is 0.75% and fourth quarter is 0.90%.
  (4) Tasa de Interés Interbancaria de Equilibrio.
  (5) Margins increase quarterly: first quarter is 0%, second quarter is 0.15%, third quarter is 0.45% and fourth quarter is 0.60%.
  (6) Certificados de la Tesorería.

 

  2. The cancellation of the interest income generated by the cash and cash equivalents of US$ 295 million used in the acquisition of 30% of FEMSA Cerveza and US$ 20 million used to pay transaction expenses, applying the historical average interest rates earned by our cash investments in each period, equivalent to 6.0% for year ended December 31, 2003 and 4.3% for the six months ended June 30, 2004.

 

  3. The foreign exchange loss generated by the devaluation of the Mexican peso against the U.S. dollar with respect to the U.S. dollar-denominated bridge loan of US $ 250 million. During the year ended December 31, 2003, the devaluation from 10.4590 to 11.2350 Mexican pesos per U.S. dollar generated a foreign exchange loss of Ps. 199 million. During the six months ended June 30, 2004, the devaluation from 11.2350 to 11.5123 Mexican pesos per U.S. dollar generated a foreign exchange loss of Ps. 69 million. In addition, the forward contracts to buy U.S. dollars in connection with the financing of the Interbrew transactions, described below in Note 5, generated a foreign exchange loss.

 

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  4. The gain on monetary position was calculated by applying to the new indebtedness and cash used in the transactions described above factors derived from the Mexican Consumer Price Index calculated on a monthly basis, resulting in an average rate of 3.99% and 1.62%, for the year ended December 31, 2003 and for the six months ended June 30, 2004, respectively.

 

  (f) Pro forma adjustments to income taxes and employee profit sharing resulting from the application of the statutory rates of 34% and 33%, for the year ended December 31, 2003 and for the six months ended June 30, 2004, respectively, to the adjustments related to the incremental integral cost of the financings described above.

 

Minority Interest of the Pro Forma Adjustments

 

This column reflects the pro forma adjustments to minority interest in FEMSA for Coca-Cola FEMSA and FEMSA Cerveza, resulting in the net effect of:

 

  The recognition of minority interest in Coca-Cola FEMSA by applying 54.3% to the net majority income of the pro forma adjustments described in the previous two columns, which amounted to Ps. 200 million at December 31, 2003.

 

  The cancellation of the 30% Interbrew participation in FEMSA Cerveza, which amounted to Ps. 308 million and Ps. 283 million at December 31, 2003 and June 30, 2004, respectively.

 

Pro Forma

 

This column is the sum of the previous five columns and reflects the results of FEMSA under Mexican GAAP as if the acquisition of Panamco and the termination of the FEMSA-Interbrew joint venture had occurred on January 1, 2003.

 

The columns presented in the unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated balance sheet represent the following:

 

FEMSA as Reported

 

This column reflects the historical unaudited consolidated balance sheet of FEMSA and subsidiaries as of June 30, 2004 included in this prospectus.

 

Termination of FEMSA-Interbrew Joint Venture

 

This column reflects the following pro forma adjustments:

 

  (a) The decrease in cash and cash equivalents corresponding to the cash available for the Interbrew transactions of approximately US$ 295 million and estimated transaction expenses of approximately US$ 20 million, both translated at a rate of 11.5123 Mexican pesos per U.S. dollar.

 

  (b) The cancellation of the Labatt USA investment in shares at an equity method value of Ps. 160 million.

 

  (c) The intangible asset generated in the acquisition of 30% of FEMSA Cerveza that is the difference between the fair value of the net investment and the total price paid, which includes an estimated US$ 20 million of fees and expenses to be paid in cash.

 

  (d) The increase in short-term and long-term liabilities corresponding to the financings described above translated at a rate of 11.5123 Mexican pesos per U.S. dollar.

 

  (e) The cancellation of the 30% participation of Interbrew in the stockholders’ equity of FEMSA Cerveza at book value.

 

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Pro Forma

 

This column is the sum of the previous two columns and reflects the financial position of FEMSA as if the termination of FEMSA-Interbrew joint venture had occurred on June 30, 2004.

 

We are in the process of determining the fair value of the net assets, although we do not expect that the fair value of our tangible assets and liabilities will differ from their carrying value as of the date of the acquisition. Therefore, the difference between the fair value of the net assets and the purchase price paid is considered to be intangible assets with indefinite lives.

 

Note 4. Reconciliation of Mexican GAAP to U.S. GAAP

 

Our unaudited pro forma financial information was prepared in accordance with Mexican GAAP, which differs in certain significant respects from U.S. GAAP. A description of the reconciling items and a reconciliation of the reported majority net income and majority stockholders’ equity to U.S. GAAP are included in Notes 25 and 26, respectively, to our audited consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2003 contained in our annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2003, which is incorporated by reference in this prospectus, and in Notes 27 and 28 to our unaudited consolidated financial statements as of and for the six months ended June 30, 2004 included in this prospectus.

 

(a) Reconciliation of unaudited pro forma majority net income in millions of Mexican pesos as of June 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003 as applicable:

 

     June 30,
2004


    December 31,
2003


 

Unaudited pro forma majority net income before extraordinary items under Mexican GAAP

   Ps.1,986     Ps.3,185  

U.S. GAAP adjustments:

            

Deferred promotional expenses

   (68 )   (101 )

Start-up expenses

   (9 )   (27 )

Intangible assets and goodwill

   7     14  

Restatement of imported machinery and equipment

   (15 )   (73 )

Capitalization of integral result of financing

   (13 )   (24 )

Financial instruments

   29     136  

Deferred income taxes

   181     178  

Deferred employee profit sharing

   18     129  

Pension plan

   (13 )   (18 )

Minority interest in U.S. GAAP adjustments

   (37 )   10  
    

 

Total adjustments

   80     224  
    

 

Unaudited pro forma net income before extraordinary items under U.S. GAAP

   Ps.2,066     Ps.3,409  
    

 

Weighted average number of shares outstanding (millions):

            

Per Series “B” Shares

   2,737.7     2,737.7  

Per Series “D” Shares

   2,559.6     2,559.6  

Allocations of earnings:

            

Per Series “B” Shares

   46.11 %   46.11 %

Per Series “D” Shares

   53.89 %   53.89 %

Net income before extraordinary items:

            

(in Mexican pesos)

            

Per Series “B” Share

   Ps.0.35     Ps.0.57  

Per Series “D” Share

   Ps.0.44     Ps.0.72  

 

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(b) Reconciliation of unaudited pro forma stockholders’ equity in millions of Mexican pesos:

 

     June 30,
2004


 

Unaudited pro forma majority stockholders’ equity under Mexican GAAP

   Ps.31,062  

U.S. GAAP adjustments:

      

Deferred promotional expenses

   (181 )

Start-up expenses

   (125 )

Intangible assets and goodwill

   79  

Restatement of imported machinery and equipment

   (26 )

Capitalization of integral result of financing

   477  

Financial instruments

   303  

Deferred income taxes

   (221 )

Deferred employee profit sharing

   (1,610 )

Pension plan

   40  

Minority interest in U.S. GAAP adjustments

   173  

Acquisition of minority interest

   14,849  
    

Total adjustments

   13,758  
    

Unaudited pro forma stockholders’ equity under U.S. GAAP

   Ps.44,820  
    

 

Note 5. Financial Instruments

 

In connection with the financing of the Interbrew transactions, we entered into forward contracts to buy U.S. dollars. The aggregate amount of the forward contracts was US$ 940 million with maturity dates from July to December 2004 and with a compounded average forward exchange rate of 11.63 Mexican pesos per U.S. dollar. During August 2004, US$ 690 million of these forward contracts matured, generating an exchange loss of Ps. 71 million that is included in the unaudited pro forma consolidated income statement. The remaining US$ 250 million in forward contracts are outstanding with maturities in December 2004 and a forward exchange rate of 11.75 Mexican pesos per U.S. dollar. We did not estimate exchange rates applicable at the maturity date for the forward contracts maturing in December 2004. Any exchange rate variation between the exchange rate as of the day on which the forward contracts mature and the forward exchange rate will be recorded as a foreign exchange gain or loss, as applicable, in our income statement.

 

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OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS

 

General

 

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with, and is entirely qualified by reference to, our audited consolidated financial statements in our annual report on Form 20-F as of and for the year ended December 31, 2003, which is incorporated by reference in this prospectus, and our unaudited consolidated financial statements as of and for the six months ended June 30, 2004 included in this prospectus, and in each case the notes to those financial statements. Our consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with Mexican GAAP, which differs in certain significant respects from U.S. GAAP. Notes 25 and 26 to our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2003 and notes 27 and 28 to our unaudited consolidated financial statements for the six months ended June 30, 2004 provide a description of the principal differences between Mexican GAAP and U.S. GAAP as they relate to us, and a reconciliation to U.S. GAAP of net majority income, majority stockholders’ equity and certain other selected financial data.

 

Our consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of FEMSA and those of all companies in which we own directly or indirectly a majority of the outstanding voting capital stock and/or exercise control.

 

Unless otherwise specified, we have presented all financial data for full-year periods included in our consolidated financial statements in constant Mexican pesos at December 31, 2003. We have presented all financial data as of June 30, 2004 and for the six months ended June 30, 2004 and June 30, 2003 in constant Mexican pesos at June 30, 2004. We believe that the effect of not restating the financial data for the full-year periods included in our consolidated financial statements in constant Mexican pesos as of June 30, 2004 is not material, as the Mexican Consumer Price Index was 1.63% for the six months ended June 30, 2004.

 

Overview of Events, Trends and Uncertainties

 

Management currently considers the following events, trends and uncertainties to be important to understanding its results of operations and financial condition during the periods discussed in this section:

 

  The financial information presented is often not comparable to prior or subsequent periods because of the acquisition of Panamco by our subsidiary Coca-Cola FEMSA in May 2003.

 

  Coca-Cola FEMSA has been adversely affected by decreases in the average prices of its products as a result of the addition of new territories acquired through the Panamco acquisition and a tougher competitive environment in Mexico, its most important market. These trends, together with higher raw material prices, have offset gains in profitability resulting from the integration of the new territories and have generally reduced the overall profitability of our soft-drink business.

 

  At FEMSA Cerveza, total beer sales volumes have increased in both Mexico and in the export market. We also increased domestic prices an average of 5% in nominal terms during February 2004. At the same time, we have successfully reduced costs and operating expenses. We recently terminated our joint venture arrangements with Interbrew and its affiliates, and Heineken USA will begin distributing FEMSA Cerveza’s beer brands in the United States on January 1, 2005.

 

  FEMSA Comercio continues to increase the number of Oxxo stores and to grow in terms of total revenues and as a percentage of our consolidated total revenues. FEMSA Comercio has lower operating margins than our beverage businesses. We expect to continue to expand the Oxxo chain during 2005.

 

  In connection with the Interbrew transactions, we increased the amount of our consolidated debt. We expect to repay a significant amount of this new indebtedness with the proceeds of the global offering and the Mexican B Unit offerings and to continue to be able to rely on cash generated from operations to fund our liquidity needs.

 

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Each of these items is discussed in further detail in the remainder of this section. In addition, our results of operations and financial condition are affected by the economic and market conditions in the countries where our subsidiaries conduct their operations, particularly Mexico. Changes in these conditions are influenced by a number of factors, including those discussed in this section and under “Risk Factors” in this prospectus.

 

Recent Developments

 

Interbrew Transactions

 

On August 31, 2004, we consummated a series of transactions with InBev (formerly known as Interbrew), Labatt, and certain of their affiliates pursuant to a series of agreements entered into on May 24, 2004, to terminate the existing arrangements between FEMSA Cerveza and Labatt. InBev was created from the combination of Interbrew and AmBev that was consummated on August 27, 2004. As a result of these transactions:

 

  FEMSA owns 100% of FEMSA Cerveza and existing arrangements among affiliates of FEMSA and Interbrew relating to governance, transfer of ownership and other matters with respect to FEMSA Cerveza have been terminated;

 

  InBev indirectly owns 100% of Labatt USA, and existing arrangements among affiliates of FEMSA and InBev relating to governance, transfer of ownership and other matters with respect to Labatt USA have been terminated; and

 

  Labatt USA’s right to distribute the FEMSA Cerveza brands in the United States will terminate on December 31, 2004.

 

We paid InBev US$ 1.245 billion for its affiliates’ 30% interest in FEMSA Cerveza, which was financed as described below under “—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Financing for Interbrew Transactions.”

 

Heineken U.S. Distribution Agreements

 

On June 21, 2004, FEMSA Cerveza and two of its subsidiaries entered into distributor and sublicense agreements with Heineken USA. In accordance with these agreements, Heineken USA will be the exclusive importer, marketer and seller of FEMSA Cerveza’s brands in the United States, commencing on January 1, 2005. These agreements will expire on December 31, 2007.

 

Other Recent Developments

 

On June 8, 2004, a group of Brazilian investors, among them Mr. José Luis Cutrale, a recently appointed member of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s board of directors, made a capital contribution equivalent to approximately US$ 50 million to Coca-Cola FEMSA’s Brazilian operations in exchange for a 16.9% equity stake in these operations. Mr. Cutrale is a Brazilian entrepreneur and owns businesses that are producers of fruit juices, with customers that include The Minute Maid Company, a division of The Coca-Cola Company.

 

On June 22, 2004, FEMSA Cerveza’s brewing subsidiary and Coors Brewing Company entered into an agreement pursuant to which FEMSA Cerveza’s subsidiary was appointed the exclusive importer, distributor, marketer and seller of Coors Light beer in Mexico. This agreement has an initial term of 10 years and is automatically renewable.

 

In May 2004, our subsidiary Coca-Cola FEMSA obtained a favorable final ruling not subject to appeal from a Mexican federal court allowing it to deduct a tax loss carry forward arising from a sale of shares during 2002. As a result of the ruling, our consolidated net income for the first six months of 2004 increased by Ps. 1.258 billion. In August 2004, we received Ps. 1.124 billion in the form of a cash reimbursement and will receive the balance in the form of a tax deduction.

 

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On August 24, 2004, the Mexican Antitrust Commission announced that it was launching an investigation into beer industry practices with respect to exclusivity arrangements in general. We received a request for information on September 15, 2004 from the Mexican Antitrust Commission, and we are in the process of responding. We cannot give any assurance that any action in the future taken as a result of this investigation will not negatively affect us.

 

Acquisition of Panamco

 

On May 6, 2003, our subsidiary, Coca-Cola FEMSA, completed the acquisition of Panamco. The acquisition of Panamco resulted in a substantial increase in the size and geographic scope of our subsidiary’s operations. The purchase price for 100% of the capital stock of Panamco was Ps. 29.518 billion, excluding transaction expenses. Coca-Cola FEMSA also assumed Ps. 9.085 billion of net debt. The acquisition was financed with an equity contribution from us of Ps. 2.779 billion, an exchange of The Coca-Cola Company’s equity interests in Panamco valued at Ps. 7.041 billion for new shares of Coca-Cola FEMSA, cash on hand of Ps. 2.820 billion and new indebtedness of Coca-Cola FEMSA in Mexican pesos and U.S. dollars in the amount of Ps. 17.267 billion. As a result of the Panamco acquisition, in accordance with Mexican GAAP, Coca-Cola FEMSA recognized as intangible assets with indefinite lives, the rights to produce and distribute trademark brands of The Coca-Cola Company. These identified intangibles, calculated as the difference between the price paid and the fair value of the net assets acquired, were valued at Ps. 33.420 billion, including financial and advisory fees, costs associated with closing certain acquired facilities, rationalizing and consolidating operations, relocating the corporate and other offices and the integration of the operations.

 

Comparability of Information Presented

 

Panamco Acquisition

 

Under Mexican GAAP, Panamco is included in our consolidated financial statements since May 2003 and is not reflected for periods prior to this date. As a result, our consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2003 and as of and for the six months ended June 30, 2004 are not comparable to prior periods. Financial information provided by us with respect to the newly acquired territories is also not comparable to Panamco’s consolidated financials statements for prior periods as they were prepared using different policies and in accordance with U.S. GAAP and in U.S. dollars, while we present our financial statements in Mexican GAAP and Mexican pesos. The acquisition of Panamco only impacted the comparability of our consolidated information and of the Coca-Cola FEMSA segment. The comparability of our remaining segments was not affected by the acquisition.

 

Transfer of “Six” Stores

 

During the month of December 2003, all of the “Six” stores previously owned by FEMSA Cerveza that were considered suitable to be converted into the Oxxo format were sold to FEMSA Comercio. This amounted to 319 “Six” stores. We believe the transfer will increase FEMSA Cerveza’s ability to focus on its core operations, while providing FEMSA Comercio with a number of proven locations. We expect to convert approximately two-thirds of the transferred “Six” stores into Oxxo stores during 2004, and to convert the remaining stores thereafter. In order to assure comparability, and in accordance with Mexican GAAP, the financial results of these “Six” stores were removed from FEMSA Cerveza and included in FEMSA Comercio for the first six months of 2003. This change does not impact FEMSA’s consolidated results.

 

Effects of Changes in Economic Conditions

 

Our results of operations are affected by changes in economic conditions in Mexico and in the other countries in which we operate. For the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, 84.6 %, 96.7% and 96.2%, respectively, of our total sales were attributable to Mexico. As a result, after the acquisition of Panamco, we have greater exposure to countries in which we have not historically conducted operations, particularly countries in Central America and Colombia, Venezuela and Brazil, although we continue to generate a substantial portion of our total sales from Mexico.

 

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Our future results may be significantly affected by the general economic and financial conditions in the countries where we operate, including by levels of economic growth, by the devaluation of the local currency, by inflation and high interest rates or by political developments, and may result in lower demand for our products, lower real pricing or a shift to lower margin products. Because a large percentage of our costs are fixed costs, we may not be able to reduce costs and expenses, and our profit margins may suffer as a result of downturns in the economy of each country. In addition, an increase in interest rates in Mexico would increase our cost of Mexican peso-denominated variable interest rate, indebtedness and would have an adverse effect on our financial position and results of operations. A depreciation of the Mexican peso relative to the U.S. dollar would increase our cost of those raw materials, the price of which is paid in or determined with reference to the U.S. dollar and debt obligations denominated in U.S. dollars, and thereby may negatively impact our financial condition and results of operations.

 

Operating Leverage

 

Companies with structural characteristics that result in margin expansion in excess of sales growth are referred to as having high “operating leverage.”

 

The operating subsidiaries of Coca-Cola FEMSA, FEMSA Cerveza and FEMSA Empaques are engaged, to varying degrees, in capital-intensive activities. The high utilization of the installed capacity of the production facilities results in better fixed cost absorption, as increased output results in higher revenues without additional fixed costs. Absent significant increases in variable costs, gross profit margins will expand when production facilities are operated at higher utilization rates. Alternatively, higher fixed costs will result in lower gross profit margins in periods of lower output.

 

In addition, the commercial operations of Coca-Cola FEMSA and FEMSA Cerveza are carried out through extensive distribution networks, the principal fixed assets of which are warehouses and trucks. The distribution systems of both Coca-Cola FEMSA and FEMSA Cerveza are designed to handle large volumes of beverages. Fixed costs represent an important proportion of the total distribution expense of both Coca-Cola FEMSA and FEMSA Cerveza. Generally, the higher the volume that passes through the distribution system, the lower the fixed distribution cost as a percentage of the corresponding revenues. As a result, operating margins improve when the distribution capacity is operated at higher utilization rates. Nonetheless, periods of decreased utilization because of lower volumes will negatively impact our operating margins.

 

Critical Accounting Estimates

 

The preparation of our consolidated financial statements requires that we make estimates and assumptions that affect (1) the reported amounts of our assets and liabilities, (2) the disclosure of our contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and (3) the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. We base our estimates and judgments on our historical experience and on various other reasonable factors that together form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of our assets and liabilities. Our actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. We evaluate our estimates and judgments on an on going basis. Our significant accounting policies are described in notes 4 and 5 to our consolidated financial statements, included in our annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2003 incorporated by reference in this prospectus. We believe our most critical accounting policies that imply the application of estimates and/or judgments are:

 

Allowance for doubtful accounts

 

We determine our allowance for doubtful accounts based on an evaluation of the aging of our receivable portfolio. The amount of the allowance contemplates our historical loss rate on receivables and the economic environment in which we operate. Our beer operations represent the most important part of the consolidated allowance for doubtful accounts as a result of the credit that FEMSA Cerveza extends to retailers, on terms and conditions in accordance with industry practices. Soft drink and retail sales are generally realized in cash.

 

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Bottles and cases; allowance for bottle breakage

 

We classify bottles and cases in accordance with industry practices. Consequently, for FEMSA Cerveza, bottles and cases are classified as inventories, and for Coca-Cola FEMSA, they are classified as fixed assets. For both of these subsidiaries, breakage is expensed as incurred, and returnable bottles and cases are not depreciated. Coca-Cola FEMSA determines depreciation of bottles and cases only for tax purposes.

 

We periodically compare the book breakage expense with calculated depreciation expense, estimating a useful life of four years for returnable glass bottles, one year for returnable plastic bottles and four years for returnable cases. These useful lives are determined in accordance with our business experience. The annual calculated depreciation expense has been similar to the annual book breakage expense. Whenever we decide to discontinue a particular returnable presentation and retire it from the market, we write-off the discontinued presentation through an increase in the breakage expense.

 

Property, plant and equipment

 

Property, plant and equipment are depreciated over their useful lives. The estimated useful lives represent the period we expect the assets to remain in service and to generate revenues. We base our estimates on independent appraisals and the experience of our technical personnel.

 

We describe the methodology used to restate imported equipment in note 5(g) to our consolidated financial statements, included in our annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2003 incorporated by reference in this prospectus, which includes applying the exchange and inflation rates of the country of origin utilized as permitted by Mexican GAAP. We believe this method more accurately presents the fair value of the assets than restated cost determined by applying inflation factors.

 

Coca-Cola FEMSA valued at fair value all fixed assets acquired in the Panamco transaction, considering their operating conditions and the future cash flows they will generate in accordance with their estimated future use by Coca-Cola FEMSA management.

 

In 2003, we decided to expand from three to five years the useful life for the refrigerators of the Mexican operations of Coca-Cola FEMSA, based on technical studies, strong control over the refrigerators placed in point of sales and the replacement investment refrigerator program for the following years. As a result, depreciation expense recorded in 2003 decreased approximately Ps. 92 million. The useful life of refrigerators for the new territories acquired from Panamco is in accordance with the new accounting estimate of five years.

 

Valuation of intangible assets and goodwill

 

As we discuss in note 5(i) to the consolidated financial statements, included in our annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2003 incorporated by reference in this prospectus, beginning in 2003 FEMSA applies Bulletin C-8, “ Activos Intangibles ” (Intangible Assets), or Bulletin C-8, which establishes that project development costs should be capitalized if they fulfill the criteria established for recognition as assets. Additionally, Bulletin C-8 requires identifying all intangible assets to reduce as much as possible the goodwill associated with business combinations. Prior to 2003, the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired in a business combination was considered to be goodwill. With the adoption of Bulletin C-8, Coca-Cola FEMSA considers such excess to relate to the rights to produce and distribute trademark Coca-Cola products. We separate intangible assets between those with a finite useful life and those with an indefinite useful life, in accordance with the period over which we expect to receive the benefits.

 

As required in Bulletin C-8, we determined the fair value of all Panamco’s assets and liabilities as of the date of acquisition, and we assigned the excess purchase price over the fair value of the net assets. This resulted in the recognition of an intangible asset with indefinite life denominated “Rights to produce and distribute

 

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Coca-Cola trademark products” of Ps. 33,420 million, which will be subject to annual impairment tests, for U.S. GAAP and Mexican GAAP. The fair value of the assets and liabilities was determined considering the following:

 

  The fair value of the assets acquired: the value of fixed assets, glass returnable bottles and refrigerators were adjusted considering their remaining useful lives, general operational conditions of the assets at the acquisition date, certain operational and strategic decisions that Coca-Cola FEMSA implemented as it assumed control of the operations as well as the standardization with Coca-Cola FEMSA’s accounting policies and estimates.

 

  Labor and other liabilities: severance of personnel and other obligations generated by Panamco’s operations before Coca-Cola FEMSA assumed control of the operations.

 

  Cancellation of goodwill: the goodwill previously recorded by Panamco was cancelled.

 

For Mexican GAAP purposes, goodwill is the difference between the price paid and the fair value of the shares and/or net assets acquired that was not assigned directly to an intangible asset. Goodwill is recorded in the functional currency of the subsidiary in which the investment was made and is restated by applying the inflation rate of the country of origin and the year-end exchange rate. Goodwill is amortized over a period of not more than 20 years.

 

Under U.S. GAAP, SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” went into effect in 2002. Under this standard, goodwill is no longer subject to amortization, but instead is subject to an initial impairment review in 2002 and subsequent impairment test to be performed annually by us, unless an event occurs or circumstances change by which it becomes more likely than not that a reporting unit reduces its fair value below its carrying amount, in which case an interim impairment test must be performed. Our impairment review indicates that no impairment charge is required as of the beginning of 2004.

 

Impairment of intangible assets, goodwill and long-lived assets

 

We continually review the carrying value of our intangible assets, goodwill and long-lived assets for accuracy. We review for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable based on our projections of anticipated future cash flows. While we believe that our estimates of future cash flows are reasonable, different assumptions regarding such cash flows could materially affect our evaluations.

 

In December 2001, the Argentine government adopted a series of economic measures, the most important of which consisted of restrictions on cash withdrawals and foreign exchange transactions. Due to the continuing difficult economic situation in Argentina, the uncertainty with respect to the period of recovery and the instability of the exchange rate, on July 1, 2002, we performed a valuation of our investment in Coca-Cola FEMSA Buenos Aires, based on market price value multiples of comparable businesses. The valuation resulted in the recognition of an impairment of Ps. 457 million, which was recorded in our results of 2002. Given the present economic situation in Argentina, we believe that the current net asset value of our foreign subsidiary is fairly valued, and although we can give no assurances, we do not expect to recognize additional impairments in the future in Argentina.

 

During 2003, FEMSA Cerveza recognized an impairment of certain fixed assets that will be replaced in the near future in accordance with its master investment plan. The replacement cost of the new machinery and equipment as well as the new location compared to carrying value of these assets result in a loss, which was recorded in other expenses in the 2003 income statement of Ps. 680 million.

 

Our evaluations throughout the year and up to the date of this filing did not lead to any other significant impairment of goodwill or long-lived assets. We can give no assurance that our expectations will not change as a result of new information or developments. Changes in economic or political conditions in all the countries in which we operate or in the industries in which we participate, however, may cause us to change our current assessment.

 

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Executory contracts

 

As part of the normal course of business, we frequently invest in the development of our beer distribution channels through a variety of commercial agreements with different retailers in order to generate sales volume. These agreements are considered to be executory contracts and accordingly the costs incurred under these contracts are recognized as performance under the contracts is received.

 

These agreements require cash disbursements to be made in advance to certain retailers in order to fund activities intended to generate volume. These advance cash disbursements are then compensated for as sales are invoiced. These disbursements are considered to be market-related investments, which are capitalized as other assets. The amortization of amounts capitalized is presented as a reduction of net sales in relation to the volume sold to each retailer. The period of amortization is between three and four years, which is the normal term of the commercial agreements.

 

We periodically evaluate the carrying value of executory contracts. If the carrying value is considered to be impaired, these assets are written down as appropriate. The accuracy of the carrying value is based on our ability to predict certain key variables such as sales volume, prices and other industry and economic factors. Predicting these key variables involves assumptions based on future events. These assumptions are consistent with our internal projections.

 

Labor liabilities

 

Our labor liabilities are comprised of pension plan, seniority premium and post-retirement medical services. The determination of our obligations and expenses for pension and other post-retirement benefits is dependent on our selection of certain assumptions used by actuaries in calculating such amounts. We evaluate our assumptions at least annually. Those assumptions are described in note 15 to our consolidated financial statements, included in our annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2003 incorporated by reference in this prospectus, and include the discount rate, expected long-term rate of return on plan assets, rates of increase in compensation costs and certain employee-related factors, such as turnover, retirement age and mortality. All of our assumptions depend on the economic circumstances of each country in which we operate.

 

In accordance with Mexican GAAP, actual results that differ from our assumptions are accumulated and amortized over future periods and, therefore, generally affect our recognized expenses and recorded obligations in these future periods. While we believe that our assumptions are appropriate, significant differences in our actual experience or significant changes in our assumptions may materially affect our pension and other post-retirement obligations and our future expense. The following table is a summary of the three key assumptions to be used in determining 2004 annual pension expense for Mexico, along with the impact on pension expense of a 1% change in each assumed rate.

 

Assumption


   2004 Rate
(in real terms)


    Impact of Change in
Millions of Ps.  (1)


 
     +1%

    -1%

 

Mexican Subsidiaries:

                      

Discount rate

   6.0 %   Ps. (184 )   Ps. 350  

Salary growth rate

   2.0 %     186       (123 )

Long-term asset return

   6.0 %     (184 )     350  

Foreign Subsidiaries:

                      

Discount rate

   4.5 %     (31 )     36  

Salary growth rate

   1.5 %     36       (29 )

Long-term asset return

   4.5 %     (31 )     36  

(1) The impact is not the same for an increase of 1% as for a decrease of 1% because the rates are not linear.

 

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Income taxes

 

We recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities based on the differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax basis of assets and liabilities. We regularly review our deferred tax assets for recoverability and establish a valuation allowance based on historical taxable income, projected future taxable income and the expected timing of the reversals of existing temporary differences. If these estimates and related assumptions change in the future, we may be required to record additional valuation allowances against our deferred tax assets resulting in additional income tax expense.

 

Beginning in 2003, the statutory income tax rate in Mexico will be reduced by 1% per year through 2005, when the rate will be 32%. In accordance with this tax rate reduction, we decided to recognize under Mexican GAAP, in December 2001, a reduction in deferred income tax liabilities and in the income tax provision for the year, based on the expected dates of reversal of the temporary differences. Depreciation of fixed assets represents the most important temporary difference to be reversed in future years at a lower rate. For U.S. GAAP, a change in the statutory tax rate may not to be considered until the enactment date, which is January 1, 2002.

 

Tax and legal contingencies

 

We are subject to various claims and contingencies related to tax and legal proceedings as described in note 23 to our consolidated financial statements included in our annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2003, which is incorporated by reference in this prospectus. Due to their nature, such legal proceedings involve inherent uncertainties including, but not limited to, court rulings, negotiations between affected parties and governmental actions. Management periodically assesses the probability of loss for such contingencies and accrues a liability and/or discloses the relevant circumstances, as appropriate. If the potential loss from any claim or legal proceeding is considered probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated, we accrue a liability for the estimated loss.

 

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Operating Results

 

The following table sets forth our consolidated income statement for the six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003.

 

    

Six Months

Ended June 30,


 
     2004

    2003

 
    

(in millions of constant
Mexican pesos at

June 30, 2004)

 

Net sales

   Ps. 43,568     Ps. 33,304  

Other operating revenues

     144       135  
    


 


Total revenues

     43,712       33,439  

Cost of sales

     23,198       17,356  
    


 


Gross profit

     20,514       16,083  
    


 


Operating expenses:

                

Administrative

     3,124       2,653  

Sales

     11,182       8,132  
    


 


Total operating expenses

     14,306       10,785  
    


 


Income from operations

     6,208       5,298  

Participation in affiliated companies

     9       (21 )
    


 


       6,217       5,277  
    


 


Integral result of financing:

                

Interest expense

     (1,668 )     (961 )

Interest income

     180       343  
    


 


       (1,488 )     (618 )

Foreign exchange loss

     (167 )     (971 )

Gain on monetary position

     544       36  
    


 


       (1,111 )     (1,553 )

Other expenses, net

     (231 )     (568 )
    


 


Income before income tax, tax on assets and employee profit sharing

     4,875       3,156  

Income tax, tax on assets and employee profit sharing

     1,920       1,329  
    


 


Consolidated net income before extraordinary items

     2,955       1,827  

Extraordinary items

     1,175       —    
    


 


Consolidated net income

   Ps. 4,130     Ps. 1,827  
    


 


Net majority income

     2,434       1,217  

Net minority income

     1,696       610  
    


 


Consolidated net income

   Ps. 4,130     Ps. 1,827  
    


 


 

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The following table sets forth our consolidated income statement for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001:

 

     Year Ended December 31,

 
     2003

    2002

    2001

 
     (in millions of constant Mexican pesos
at December 31, 2003)
 

Net sales

   Ps. 75,597     Ps. 55,176     Ps. 52,301  

Other operating revenues

     294       219       164  
    


 


 


Total revenues

     75,891       55,395       52,465  

Cost of sales

     39,371       27,640       26,070  
    


 


 


Gross profit

     36,520       27,755       26,395  
    


 


 


Operating expenses:

                        

Administrative

     5,740       4,870       4,814  

Sales

     18,696       13,094       12,713  
    


 


 


Total operating expenses

     24,436       17,964       17,527  
    


 


 


Income from operations

     12,084       9,791       8,868  

Participation in affiliated companies

     30       87       34  
    


 


 


       12,114       9,878       8,902  
    


 


 


Interest expense

     (2,540 )     (943 )     (985 )

Interest income

     695       465       497  
    


 


 


       (1,845 )     (478 )     (488 )

Foreign exchange gain (loss)

     (2,532 )     (293 )     256  

Gain (loss) on monetary position

     954       398       (42 )
    


 


 


       (3,423 )     (373 )     (274 )

Other expenses, net

     (656 )     (950 )     (314 )
    


 


 


Income for the year before income tax, tax on assets and employee profit sharing

     8,035       8,555       8,314  

Income tax, tax on assets and employee profit sharing

     3,378       3,764       3,069  
    


 


 


Net income before change in accounting principle

     4,657       4,791       5,245  

Change in accounting principle

     —         —         (30 )
    


 


 


Consolidated net income

   Ps. 4,657     Ps. 4,791     Ps. 5,215  
    


 


 


Net majority income

     3,093       2,947       3,547  

Net minority income

     1,564       1,844       1,668  
    


 


 


Consolidated net income

   Ps. 4,657     Ps. 4,791     Ps. 5,215  
    


 


 


 

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Table of Contents

Results of Operations by Business Segment

 

The following table sets forth certain financial information for each of our business segments for the six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003:

 

     Six Months Ended June 30,

 
     2004

    2003

 
    

(in millions of constant Mexican pesos

at June 30, 2004,

except for percentages)

 

Net Sales

                

Coca-Cola FEMSA

   Ps. 21,523     Ps. 13,711  

FEMSA Cerveza

     10,940       10,376  

FEMSA Comercio

     10,128       8,307  

FEMSA Empaques

     3,873       3,547  

Total Revenues

                

Coca-Cola FEMSA

     21,642       13,828  

FEMSA Cerveza

     11,024       10,444  

FEMSA Comercio

     10,128       8,307  

FEMSA Empaques

     3,885       3,559  

Cost of Sales

                

Coca-Cola FEMSA

     11,111       6,877  

FEMSA Cerveza

     4,616       4,388  

FEMSA Comercio

     7,488       6,153  

FEMSA Empaques

     2,998       2,720  

Gross Profit

                

Coca-Cola FEMSA

     10,531       6,951  

FEMSA Cerveza

     6,408       6,056  

FEMSA Comercio

     2,640       2,154  

FEMSA Empaques

     887       839  

Income from Operations (1)

                

Coca-Cola FEMSA

     3,331       2,877  

FEMSA Cerveza

     1,895       1,611  

FEMSA Comercio

     346       305  

FEMSA Empaques

     513       466  

Depreciation

                

Coca-Cola FEMSA (2)

     909       569  

FEMSA Cerveza

     581       589  

FEMSA Comercio

     114       63  

FEMSA Empaques

     147       131  

Gross Margin (3)

                

Coca-Cola FEMSA

     48.7 %     50.3 %

FEMSA Cerveza

     58.1 %     58.0 %

FEMSA Comercio

     26.1 %     25.9 %

FEMSA Empaques

     22.8 %     23.6 %

Operating Margin (4)

                

Coca-Cola FEMSA

     15.4 %     20.8 %

FEMSA Cerveza

     17.2 %     15.4 %

FEMSA Comercio

     3.4 %     3.7 %

FEMSA Empaques

     13.2 %     13.1 %

(1) Includes management fees paid to Grupo Industrial Emprex, S.A. de C.V., a direct subsidiary of FEMSA, and to Labatt in the case of FEMSA Cerveza.
(2) Includes breakage of bottles of Coca-Cola FEMSA.
(3) Gross margin calculated with reference to total revenues.
(4) Operating margin calculated with reference to total revenues and after deduction of management fees.

 

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The following table sets forth certain financial information for each of our business segments for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001.

 

     Year Ended December 31,

 
     2003

    2002

    2001

 
     (in millions of constant Mexican pesos
at December 31, 2003, except for
percentages)
 

Net Sales

                  

Coca-Cola FEMSA

   Ps.35,487     Ps.18,519     Ps.17,636  

FEMSA Cerveza

   21,763     21,453     21,367  

FEMSA Comercio

   16,601     13,247     11,157  

FEMSA Empaques

   7,328     6,843     6,830  

Total Revenues

                  

Coca-Cola FEMSA

   35,729     18,668     17,773  

FEMSA Cerveza

   21,924     21,642     21,529  

FEMSA Comercio

   16,601     13,247     11,160  

FEMSA Empaques

   7,352     6,862     6,840  

Cost of Sales

                  

Coca-Cola FEMSA

   17,980     8,681     8,256  

FEMSA Cerveza

   9,425     9,281     9,285  

FEMSA Comercio

   12,199     9,739     8,293  

FEMSA Empaques

   5,639     5,193     5,259  

Gross Profit

                  

Coca-Cola FEMSA

   17,749     9,987     9,517  

FEMSA Cerveza

   12,499     12,361     12,244  

FEMSA Comercio

   4,402     3,508     2,867  

FEMSA Empaques

   1,713     1,669     1,581  

Income from Operations (1)

                  

Coca-Cola FEMSA

   6,710     4,627     4,057  

FEMSA Cerveza

   3,556     3,600     3,424  

FEMSA Comercio

   694     506     309  

FEMSA Empaques

   988     941     890  

Depreciation

                  

Coca-Cola FEMSA (2)

   1,480     959     987  

FEMSA Cerveza

   1,175     1,158     1,030  

FEMSA Comercio

   131     94     84  

FEMSA Empaques

   301     272     256  

Gross Margin (3)

                  

Coca-Cola FEMSA

   50.0 %   53.9 %   54.0 %

FEMSA Cerveza

   57.4 %   57.6 %   57.3 %

FEMSA Comercio

   26.5 %   26.5 %   25.7 %

FEMSA Empaques

   23.4 %   24.4 %   23.1 %

Operating Margin (4)

                  

Coca-Cola FEMSA

   18.8 %   24.8 %   22.8 %

FEMSA Cerveza

   16.2 %   16.6 %   15.9 %

FEMSA Comercio

   4.2 %   3.8 %   2.8 %

FEMSA Empaques

   13.4 %   13.7 %   13.0 %

(1) Includes management fees paid to Emprex (and to Labatt in the case of FEMSA Cerveza).
(2) Includes breakage of bottles.
(3) Gross margin calculated with reference to net sales.
(4) Operating margin calculated with reference to total revenues and after deduction of management fees.

 

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Results of Operations for Six Months Ended June 30, 2004 Compared to Six Months Ended June 30, 2003

 

FEMSA Consolidated

 

Total Revenues

 

Our consolidated total revenues increased by 30.7% to Ps. 43.712 billion for the first six months of 2004, from Ps. 33.439 billion during the same period of 2003. The increase in total revenues was driven by growth in every one of our main operating companies, although more than 76% of the increase is attributable to the soft-drink operations of Coca-Cola FEMSA. The growth in total revenues during the first six months of 2004 included: (1) a Ps. 7.814 billion increase in total revenues at Coca-Cola FEMSA due mainly to the acquisition of Panamco that took place in May 2003, which resulted in the inclusion of the new Coca-Cola FEMSA territories from that date; (2) a Ps. 1.821 billion increase in total revenues at FEMSA Comercio due to growth in net new Oxxo stores; (3) a Ps. 580 million increase in total revenues at FEMSA Cerveza, resulting from a 5.5% increase in total sales volume, reaching 12.574 million hectoliters; and (4) a Ps. 326 million increase in total revenues at FEMSA Empaques due to growth in demand for glass bottles, crown caps and, to a lesser extent, beverage cans.

 

Gross Profit

 

Our cost of sales increased to Ps. 23.198 billion during the first six months of 2004 compared to Ps. 17.356 billion during the first six months of 2003, an increase of 33.7%. More than two thirds of the increase was due to the inclusion of the new Coca-Cola FEMSA territories, while most of the remaining third was due to FEMSA Comercio’s store growth.

 

Our gross margin decreased 1.2% to 46.9% of total revenues during the first six months of 2004 compared to 48.1% for the same period of 2003. The decrease in gross margin was primarily due to the inclusion of the new Coca-Cola FEMSA territories, which have a lower level of profitability than our historical territories, and, to a lesser extent, the increased contribution to our consolidated financial results of the Oxxo retail chain, which has a lower gross margin.

 

Income from Operations

 

Our operating expenses increased to Ps. 14.306 billion during the first six months of 2004 compared to Ps. 10.785 billion during the same period of 2003, an increase of 32.6%. Almost 90% of this increase was due to the inclusion of the new Coca-Cola FEMSA territories. Most of the remaining 10% of this increase reflects higher operating expenses at FEMSA Comercio, which has added 687 net new convenience stores since June 2003 and two new regional administrative offices to support the expanded Oxxo operations.

 

Our income from operations increased 17.2% to Ps. 6.208 billion during the first six months of 2004 from Ps. 5.298 billion during the first six months of 2003, resulting in an operating margin of 14.2%.

 

The contraction in operating margin of 1.6% from the first six months of 2003 primarily resulted from: (1) the integration of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s newly acquired Mexican bottling territories that have a lower level of profitability than Coca-Cola FEMSA’s original territories; and (2) the increased contribution to our consolidated financial results of the Oxxo retail chain, which has a lower operating margin. This reduction in operating margin was partially offset by an operating margin improvement of 1.8% at FEMSA Cerveza and of 0.1% at FEMSA Empaques.

 

Integral Cost of Financing

 

Net interest expense amounted to Ps. 1.488 billion during the first six months of 2004 compared to Ps. 618 million during the same period of 2003. This increase was primarily due to interest expense related to new debt issued by Coca-Cola FEMSA in order to finance the acquisition of Panamco.

 

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Foreign exchange loss amounted to Ps. 167 million during the first six months of 2004 compared to Ps. 971 million during the first six months of 2003. The lower loss represented a significant reduction from the loss in the first six months of 2003, which resulted from exchange rate volatility and the large foreign exchange transactions entered into in connection with the Panamco acquisition. In addition, FEMSA and FEMSA Cerveza generated a foreign exchange gain of Ps. 214 million during the first half of 2004 due to the appreciation of the U.S. dollars acquired for the acquisition of 30% of FEMSA Cerveza. The peso depreciated 2.5% in nominal terms versus the U.S. dollar during the first six months of 2004.

 

Monetary position gain amounted to Ps. 544 million during the first six months of 2004, compared to Ps. 36 million during the first six months of 2003. This higher gain reflects the inflationary impact over the higher liabilities recorded in the first six months of 2004 compared to the same period last year.

 

Taxes

 

Tax recognized during the first six months of 2004 amounted to Ps. 1.920 billion, which includes income tax, tax on assets and employee profit sharing, compared to Ps. 1.329 billion during the first six months of 2003. The effective tax rate for the first six months of 2004 was 39.4% and compares favorably to the 42.1% rate for the same period of 2003. The effective tax rate differs from the statutory tax rate as a result of certain permanent differences, such as non-deductible expenses and differences between the book and tax effects of inflation, as well as the effect of the reduction in the statutory income tax rate in Mexico.

 

Extraordinary Items

 

In May 2004, our subsidiary Coca-Cola FEMSA obtained a favorable final ruling not subject to appeal from a Mexican federal court allowing it to deduct a tax loss carryforward arising from a sale of shares during 2002. As a result of this ruling, our consolidated net income for the first six months of 2004 increased by Ps. 1.258 billion. This increase was partially offset by a decrease of Ps. 83 million due to a change in the tax deduction criteria for the coolers owned by Coca-Cola FEMSA in Mexico, resulting in a net extraordinary gain of Ps. 1.175 billion for the first six months of 2004.

 

Net Income

 

Net income increased 126.1% and reached Ps. 4.130 billion during the first six months of 2004 as compared to Ps. 1.827 billion during the same period of 2003. The extraordinary tax-related gain described in the previous paragraph was responsible for slightly over half of this increase, while the remainder resulted from the inclusion of the new Coca-Cola FEMSA territories, as well as improved results at all of our other business segments. Net majority income amounted to Ps. 2.434 billion for the first six months of 2004 compared with Ps. 1.217 billion for the same period of 2003.

 

Capital Expenditures

 

Capital expenditures amounted to Ps. 2.884 billion for the first six months of 2004 (approximately half at FEMSA Cerveza, and one fourth at Coca-Cola FEMSA and one fourth at FEMSA Comercio) compared to Ps. 3.129 billion for the same period of 2003. This lower level of capital expenditures resulted from: (1) investments we completed during 2003 at FEMSA Empaques for refurbishment of one of our glass bottle furnaces that were no longer incurred in 2004; (2) higher investments at FEMSA Comercio as it increased its store growth during the first six months of 2004 compared to the same period of 2003; (3) timing of our capital investments at FEMSA Cerveza during 2004 compared to 2003; and (4) a decline in the capital expenditures at Coca-Cola FEMSA for the first six months of 2004 compared to the same period of 2003.

 

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Coca-Cola FEMSA

 

Total Revenues

 

Coca-Cola FEMSA’s total revenues reached Ps. 21.642 billion during the first six months of 2004, an increase of 56.5% from the same period of 2003. This resulted from an increase of 73.5% in sales volume and a reduction of 9.6% in the average price per unit case. Sales volume reached 895.2 million unit cases during the first six months of 2004 compared to 515.9 million unit cases during the first six months of 2003. The volume increase was primarily due to the inclusion of the new Coca-Cola FEMSA territories.

 

The average price per unit case for the first six months of 2004 was Ps. 24.04, representing a 9.6% decline from the same period for 2003 resulting from a reduction in prices due to an increasingly competitive environment throughout all of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s territories, and due to the inclusion of the new Coca-Cola FEMSA territories, which have a lower average price per unit case.

 

Gross Profit

 

Cost of sales reached Ps. 11.111 billion during the first six months of 2004 compared to Ps. 6.877 billion during the same period of 2003. More than 98% of this increase resulted from the inclusion of the new Coca-Cola FEMSA territories. Coca-Cola FEMSA also experienced an increase in the cost of sugar, polyethylene terephtalate, which we refer to as PET and other raw materials due to price increases and devaluation of the Mexican peso and the Venezuelan bolivar versus the U.S. dollar but this increase was almost completely offset by a reduction in the cost of concentrate because it is set as a percentage of the sales price, which decreased during the period as a result of the inclusion of the new Coca-Cola FEMSA territories.

 

Gross margin reached 48.7% during the first six months of 2004 compared to 50.3% during the first six months of 2003. This reduction was primarily due to a decline in Coca-Cola FEMSA’s average prices during the period.

 

Income from Operations

 

Operating expenses reached Ps. 7.201 billion during the first six months of 2004 compared to Ps. 4.074 billion during the first six months of 2003. Approximately 80% of this increase was due to the inclusion of the new Coca-Cola FEMSA territories, while the remaining 20% reflected higher operating expenses related to the standardization of cooler and distribution fleet maintenance practices, new marketing expenses, and the amortization expense corresponding to the introduction of new cooler equipment.

 

Income from operations increased to Ps. 3.331 billion during the first six months of 2004 compared to Ps. 2.877 billion during the same period of 2003, representing a 15.8% increase, which primarily reflected the integration of our newly acquired territories. Operating margin was 15.4% in the first six months of 2004 compared to 20.8% in the same period in 2003. This decline in operating margin was primarily due to a reduction in average prices attributable to increased competition in Coca-Cola FEMSA’s previous territories and the inclusion of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s newly acquired territories, which have a higher cost structure as a percentage of total revenues as compared to Coca-Cola FEMSA’s previous territories.

 

FEMSA Cerveza

 

Total Revenues

 

Domestic sales volume grew by 4.0% to 11.395 million hectoliters during the first six months of 2004. This increase was attributable to higher sales volumes for the Sol , Indio and Tecate Light brands. During the month of February 2004 we implemented a 5.0% average price increase.

 

Export sales volume grew by 22.9% to 1.179 million hectoliters during the first six months of 2004. This growth was primarily due to an increase in sales to the United States, where we estimate that the increase in sales

 

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from our distributors to retailers was approximately 14.0%, while the remaining growth came from inventory build-up at our distributors. This 14.0% increase was primarily due to marketing strategies for our Tecate and Dos Equis brands, and the overall improvement in the U.S. economy during the first half of 2004.

 

Total revenues increased by 5.6% to Ps. 11.024 billion during the first six months of 2004 from Ps. 10.444 billion during the same period of 2003. Domestic revenues represented 92% of the total, while the remaining 8% came from exports. The 5.0% domestic average price increase in nominal terms was not fully reflected in the sales figures for the first six months of 2004 because it was implemented gradually throughout February.

 

Gross Profit

 

Cost of sales increased 5.2% to Ps. 4.616 billion during the first six months of 2004. This increase was 0.4% less than total sales growth due to operating efficiencies, better purchasing terms for raw materials, headcount reductions and lower transportation costs from our breweries to the warehouses. Gross profit reached Ps. 6.408 billion during the first six months of 2004, a 5.8% increase compared to the same period of 2003, resulting in a gross margin of 58.1%, in line with 2003 levels. The margin during the first six months of 2004 was impacted by two offsetting factors: (1) an increase in U.S. dollar-denominated costs, which represent approximately one-third of the cost of sales; and (2) better purchasing terms for raw materials, operating efficiencies resulting in more hectoliters per employee and lower transportation costs from our breweries to the warehouses.

 

Income from Operations

 

Administrative expenses increased 6.2% to Ps. 1.247 billion during the first six months of 2004 compared to Ps. 1.174 billion during the same period of 2003. More than 80% of this increase was due to the continued amortization of our ERP, while the remaining 20% was mainly due to other information technology-related expenses.

 

Selling expenses remained in line with 2003 levels, increasing 0.1% to Ps. 3.059 billion during the first six months of 2004. At 27.7% of total revenues, selling expenses as a percentage of revenues were below levels for the first six months of 2003 of 29.3% as a result of higher sales and more effective management of selling expenses.

 

Income from operations (before deduction of management fees) increased 15.1% to Ps. 2.103 billion during the first six months of 2004 from Ps. 1.826 billion during the first six months of 2003. Income from operations after deduction of management fees) increased 17.6% to Ps. 1.895 billion during the first six months of 2004 from Ps. 1.611 billion during the first six months of 2003. This increase reflects an improved pricing environment, solid volume growth and more efficient and effective use of selling expenses. Operating margin (before deduction of management fees) increased to 19.1% of total revenues during the first six months of 2004 from 17.5% of total revenues during the first six months of 2003, and operating margin (after deduction of management fees) increased to 17.2% of total revenues during the first six months of 2004 from 15.4% of total revenues during the first six months of 2003. The margin expansion was attributable to higher sales volume, stable fixed costs, production efficiencies and the effective implementation of expense containment initiatives.

 

FEMSA Comercio

 

Total Revenues

 

Total revenues increased by 21.9% to Ps. 10.128 billion during the first six months of 2004 from Ps. 8.307 billion during the same period of 2003. As of June 30, 2004, we had 3,086 convenience stores nationwide, an increase of 687 net new stores from June 30, 2003.

 

Same-store sales increased an average of 7.7% during the first six months of 2004, reflecting an increase in the average ticket of 4.1% and an increase in store traffic of 3.4%. Same-store sales growth is calculated by

 

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comparing the sales of stores for each year that have been in operation for at least 13 months with the sales of those during the previous year. The expansion achieved in the average ticket and same store sales figures reflects the rapid pace of expansion as well as stronger category management practices that enabled Oxxo to improve the mix of products within the store. This positive trend in same store sales growth can be seen across Mexico.

 

Gross Profit

 

Cost of sales for the first half of 2004 remained in line with sales growth reaching Ps. 7.488 billion compared to Ps. 6.153 billion for the first six months of 2003, an increase of 21.7%. As a result, gross profit expanded to 26.1% of total revenues as compared to 25.9% of total revenues for the first half of 2003.

 

Income from Operations

 

Administrative expenses increased 47.3% to Ps. 204 million during the first six months of 2004 compared to Ps. 138 million during the first six months of 2003. Approximately 80% of this increase resulted from expenses and amortization of investments associated with new information technology systems throughout the Oxxo chain that can no longer be capitalized, while the remaining 20% reflected the opening of two new regional administrative offices as well as other information technology-related expenses.

 

Selling expenses increased in line with revenues to Ps. 2.036 billion, or 20.1% of total revenues, during the first six months of 2004. Part of the increase in operating expenses reflected increased efforts to improve the overall product and service offering at our stores.

 

Income from operations (before deduction of management fees) increased 17.4% to Ps. 401 million during the first six months of 2004 compared to Ps. 341 million during the same period of 2003. The increase in operating income was due to increased revenues from expanded operations and reductions in selling expenses as a percentage of total revenues. Operating margin (before deduction of management fees) reached 4.0% of total sales for the first six months of 2004, in line with the 4.1% achieved in the first half of 2003. Income from operations (after deduction of management fees) amounted to Ps. 346 million during the first six months of 2004, representing 3.4% of total revenues and a decrease in operating margin of 0.3% compared to the same period of 2003.

 

FEMSA Empaques

 

Total Revenues

 

Total revenues increased by 9.2% to Ps. 3.885 billion during the first six months of 2004 compared to Ps. 3.559 billion during the same period of 2003. This increase was attributed to (1) a 15.4% increase in the sales volume of glass bottles, mainly due to strong demand from FEMSA Cerveza and Coca-Cola FEMSA; (2) a 17.4% increase in the sales volume of crown caps, mainly due to higher demand from U.S. customers; (3) a 3.1% increase in the sales volume of beverage cans, mainly to Coca-Cola FEMSA and FEMSA Cerveza; and (4) the depreciation of the Mexican peso, which offset a decrease in the average price of these products in U.S. dollar terms.

 

Gross Profit

 

Cost of sales reached Ps. 2.998 billion during the first six months of 2004 compared to Ps. 2.720 billion during the first six months of 2003. This increase of 10.2% was primarily due to the increase in sales volume of its principal products over the same period. Gross profit increased by 5.7% to Ps. 887 million during the first six months of 2004 compared to Ps. 839 million during the first six months of 2003. As a percentage of total revenues, the gross profit margin declined to 22.8% during the first six months of 2004 from 23.6% during the first six months of 2003, primarily reflecting a slight price decrease in real terms for FEMSA Empaques’ principal products. The real price decrease was due to competitive market conditions and a lower rate of Mexican peso devaluation compared to the same period of the previous year, which decreased FEMSA Empaques’ U.S. dollar-denominated revenues.

 

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Income from Operations

 

Operating expenses decreased 0.8% to Ps. 316 million during the first six months of 2004 compared to Ps. 319 million during the first six months of 2003. This slight decrease was due to a 2.2% reduction in administrative expenses as a result of a reduction in the administrative structure and a 0.3% reduction in selling expenses as a result of reduced shipping expenses related to the can export business and efficiencies in the distribution of our products in Mexico.

 

Income from operations (before deduction of management fees) increased by 9.6% to Ps. 571 million during the first six months of 2004. Operating margin was 14.7% of total revenues in the first six months of 2004 compared to 14.6% during the first six months of 2003. Income from operations (after management fees) amounted to Ps. 513 million during the first six months of 2004, a 10.0% increase from the same period of 2003, resulting in an operating margin of 13.2% of total revenues, a slight improvement from the first six months of 2003.

 

Results of Operations for Year Ended December 31, 2003 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2002

 

FEMSA Consolidated

 

Total Revenues

 

FEMSA’s consolidated total revenues increased by 37.0% to Ps. 75.891 billion for the year ended December 31, 2003 from Ps. 55.395 billion for the year ended December 31, 2002. Consolidated net sales increased by 37.0% to Ps. 75.597 billion in 2003 from Ps. 55.176 billion in 2002 and represented 99.6% of total revenues in 2003 and in 2002.

 

The acquisition of Panamco and the inclusion by Coca-Cola FEMSA of the newly acquired territories for eight months of 2003 was the driving force behind our revenue increases. We also experienced revenue growth in each one of our other main subholding companies. FEMSA Cerveza increased its total sales volume by 3.2%, reaching 24.564 million hectoliters, resulting in an increase in FEMSA Cerveza’s total revenues by 1.3% to Ps. 21.924 billion despite the adverse impact of a weak pricing environment. FEMSA Comercio had total revenue growth of 25.3% due to an increase of 582 net new Oxxo stores opening in 2003. FEMSA Empaques increased total revenues by 7.1% mostly as a direct result of an increase in demand for beverage cans as well as for refrigerators for the newly acquired Panamco territories.

 

Gross Profit

 

Consolidated gross profit increased by 31.6% to Ps. 36.520 billion in 2003 from Ps. 27.755 billion in 2002, primarily as a result of the inclusion by Coca-Cola FEMSA of the newly acquired territories for eight months of 2003. Gross margin decreased by 2.0% to 48.3% for 2003 compared to 50.3% for 2002. The downward pressure on margins was primarily due to higher raw material prices and the integration of the new Coca-Cola FEMSA operations. In addition, our U.S. dollar-linked variable cost of sales became more expensive on a real basis because of the depreciation of the Mexican peso in 2003.

 

Income from Operations

 

Our consolidated operating expenses (including management fees paid to Labatt) increased by 36.0% in 2003 to Ps. 24.436 billion from Ps. 17.964 billion in 2002. As a percentage of total revenues, consolidated operating expenses remained stable at 32.2% in 2003 versus 32.4% in 2002.

 

Consolidated administrative expenses increased by 17.9% to Ps. 5.740 billion in 2003 from Ps. 4.870 billion in 2002, primarily reflecting an increase of Ps. 818 million in the administrative expenses of Coca-Cola FEMSA as a consequence of the Panamco acquisition.

 

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Consolidated sales expenses increased by 42.8% to Ps. 18.696 billion in 2003 from Ps. 13.094 billion in 2002, mainly reflecting the combination of a 54% increase of sales expenses of Coca-Cola FEMSA due to the Panamco acquisition, which explains most of the increase, and to a much lesser extent an increase of 26% in the sales expenses of FEMSA Comercio due to the aggressive expansion in the number of stores implemented during the year.

 

We incur various expenses related to the distribution of our products. We include these types of costs in the sales expenses line of our income statement. During 2003 and 2002, our distribution costs amounted to Ps. 4.848 billion and Ps. 4.092 billion, respectively, mainly due to the incorporation of Panamco. The exclusion of these charges from our cost of sales line may result in the amounts reported as gross profit not being comparable to other companies that may include all expenses related to their distribution network in cost of sales when computing gross profit (or an equivalent measure).

 

Consolidated income from operations increased by 23.4% reaching Ps. 12.084 billion for the full year 2003 from Ps. 9.791 billion in 2002. The consolidated operating margin decreased 1.8% to 15.9% of total revenues in 2003 as compared to 2002. This margin contraction was primarily due to the integration of the newly acquired Panamco territories which have a lower level of profitability than Coca-Cola FEMSA’s original territories, and the increased contribution of the Oxxo retail chain in our consolidated financial results, which has lower gross profit margin. In addition to this, both FEMSA Cerveza and FEMSA Empaques recorded operating margin contractions reflecting a lower gross profit margin at both subsidiaries caused by lack of pricing increases and the impact of a weaker Mexican peso on the cost of U.S. dollar-denominated raw materials.

 

Some of our subsidiaries pay management fees to FEMSA in consideration for corporate services provided to such subsidiaries. Our subsidiaries’ payments of management fees are eliminated in consolidation and, thus, have no effect on our consolidated operating expense, with the exception of the management fee paid by FEMSA Cerveza to Labatt, which amounted to Ps. 126 million in 2003 compared to Ps. 122 million in 2002. Prior to 2003, the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired in a business combination was considered goodwill. With the adoption of Bulletin C-8, Coca-Cola FEMSA considers this excess to relate to the rights to produce and distribute Coca-Cola trademark products, which are recorded as intangible assets with indefinite lives that are not amortized, but are periodically subject to an impairment test. Therefore, we no longer amortize the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired, which we now consider to constitute rights to produce and distribute Coca-Cola trademark products, in connection with an acquisition of a Coca-Cola franchise.

 

Coca-Cola FEMSA

 

Total Revenues

 

Coca-Cola FEMSA’s total revenues increased by 91.4% to Ps. 35.729 billion from Ps. 18.668 billion in 2002. Net sales increased by 91.6% to Ps. 35.487 billion in 2003, from Ps. 18.519 billion in 2002, as a result of the inclusion of sales from the newly acquired territories for eight months of 2003 as well as increases in sales in its previously existing territories in Mexico and Argentina.

 

Sales volumes increased to 1.450 billion unit cases for 2003. Most of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s sales volume, approximately 56.8%, was attributable to the Mexican operations, which grew sales volume to 850.1 million unit cases during 2003 from 504.7 million unit cases in 2002. The sales growth in Mexico was primarily attributable to the inclusion of the newly acquired territories. In addition to this the following factors also attributed to our sales growth in Mexico (1) solid performance from new flavored brands including Fresca pink grapefruit and Lift green apple , (2) incremental sales volume in Ciel still water in a 5.0-liter presentation, particularly in central Mexico and (3) volume growth from the Coca-Cola brand.

 

Average unit price per case decreased by 18.1% to Ps. 24.46 in 2003 from Ps. 29.86 in 2002 due to the inclusion of the newly acquired territories, which had a higher sales volume of lower priced products relative to the original Coca-Cola FEMSA territories.

 

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Other operating revenues increased by 62.9% to Ps. 242.6 million in 2003, from Ps. 148.9 million in 2002. Other operating revenues mainly consist of sales to other bottlers pursuant to tolling arrangements in Argentina, revenues from sales of recyclable scrap to bottle suppliers and sales of point of sales materials for the fountain business.

 

Gross Profit

 

Coca-Cola FEMSA’s cost of sales increased to Ps. 17.980 billion in 2003, from Ps. 8.681 billion in 2002, as a result of the inclusion of the newly acquired territories for eight months of 2003. As a percentage of total sales, cost of sales increased 3.8%, reflecting the higher costs of sales in the newly acquired territories mainly due to the different product mix and higher manufacturing costs. Coca-Cola FEMSA was also affected by the impact of the devaluation of the Mexican peso against the U.S. dollar as applied to raw materials with prices that are paid in or determined with reference to the U.S. dollar.

 

During 2003, Coca-Cola FEMSA’s gross profit totaled Ps. 17.749 billion resulting in a gross margin of 49.68%. Mexico accounted for approximately 72.4% of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s gross profit, totaling Ps. 12.845 billion in 2003. In Mexico, higher raw material prices, the effect of the devaluation of the Mexican peso versus the U.S. dollar on raw materials with prices payable in or determined with reference to the U.S. dollar and a softer economy and a lower disposable income, amplified by a migration to multi-serving presentations from individual size presentations, resulted in declining margins in 2003. Coca-Cola FEMSA’s territories outside of Mexico have lower gross margins primarily due to the devaluation of their local currencies versus the U.S. dollar applied to their U.S. dollar-denominated expenses, in addition to higher manufacturing costs and different product mixes. In Central America, gross profit totaled Ps. 1.088 billion, approximately 6.1% of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s gross profit, reaching a gross margin of 49.8% in 2003. In Argentina, Coca-Cola FEMSA was able to achieve a gross margin improvement of 2.6% as compared to 2002, resulting in a gross margin of 37.0% during 2003. This improvement was mainly driven by higher sales volume in more profitable products and an appreciation of the Argentine peso versus the U.S. dollar applied to its U.S. dollar-denominated raw materials and expenses.

 

Income from Operations

 

Coca-Cola FEMSA’s operating expense was Ps. 11.039 billion in 2003, as a result of the inclusion of the newly acquired territories for eight months of 2003. As a percentage of total sales, operating expenses increased 2.4%, due to the standardization of marketing practices in the newly acquired territories and the fact that distribution costs in Coca-Cola FEMSA’s new territories are higher than in its original territories. During 2003, in Mexico, Coca-Cola FEMSA eliminated Panamco’s former headquarters in Mexico City and Miami, closed four plants out of 16, consolidated 29 distribution centers out of 142, introduced more than 73,000 new coolers into the market, and reconfigured pre-sale and distribution networks by reducing third party selling and distribution. Coca-Cola FEMSA implemented similar initiatives in its other territories as well. For example, it (1) closed 3 of 9 plants in Venezuela, (2) closed 1 of 2 plants in Panama, (3) reduced its manufacturing plants from 17 to 6 in Colombia, and (4) consolidated 1 of 4 plants in Brazil. The implementation of best practices and strong asset allocation efforts throughout its territories is an ongoing effort. However, during 2003, the potential cost savings from these efforts were more than offset by the incremental costs of the integration process.

 

Coca-Cola FEMSA incurs various expenses related to the distribution of its products. It includes these types of costs in the selling expenses line of its income statement. During 2003 and 2002, its distribution costs amounted to Ps. 2.804 billion and Ps. 2.099 billion, respectively. The exclusion of these charges from its cost of sales line may result in the amounts reported as gross profit not being comparable to other companies, which may include all expenses related to their distribution network in cost of sales when computing gross profit (or an equivalent measure).

 

In Mexico, income from operations totaled Ps. 5.634 billion in 2003, and represented approximately 84.0% of that income from operations. Its other territories, accounting for 16.0% of that income from operations, had

 

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much lower operating margins. In these territories, Coca-Cola FEMSA sees opportunities to develop a more effective returnable packaging base, new product alternatives and to improve execution practices. Total income from operations after amortization of goodwill grew to Ps. 6.710 billion in 2003, from Ps. 4.627 billion in 2002. Income from operations as a percentage of total revenues decreased 6.0% in 2003, from 24.8% to 18.8%, mainly as a result of the inclusion of its new territories, which have lower operating margins.

 

FEMSA Cerveza

 

Total Revenues

 

FEMSA Cerveza’s net sales increased by 1.4% to Ps. 21.763 billion in 2003 from Ps. 21.453 billion in 2002. Other operating revenues, which consist mainly of sales of manufacturing by-products and sundries in retail locations owned by FEMSA Cerveza, totaled Ps. 161 million in 2003, 15.5% lower than in 2002. Total revenues for FEMSA Cerveza increased by 1.3% to Ps. 21.924 billion in 2003 from Ps. 21.642 billion in 2002. The increase in revenues in 2003 was primarily attributable to the net effect of the following: (1) a 3.3% and 1.4% increase in domestic and export volumes, respectively, and (2) a reduction of 2.4% in domestic revenue per hectoliter and a 9% increase in export revenue per hectoliter. Domestic revenues represented 93% of the total, while the remaining 7% came from exports, which is for the most part in line with the previous year.

 

Domestic sales volume increased in 2003 by 3.3% reaching 22.582 million hectoliters compared to 21.856 million hectoliters in 2002. This increase was due to (1) the absence of a price increase since early 2002, (2) a modest recovery in the Mexican economy, which experienced an estimated increase of 1.3% in Gross Domestic Product during the year and (3) successful promotions, particularly with the Sol and Indio brands. Our domestic revenue per hectoliter increased 2.4% in nominal terms due to a successful shift in our sales mix from returnable presentations towards more premium, higher profit margin presentations such as non-returnable bottles and cans.

 

Export sales volume increased by 1.4% in 2003 reaching 1.982 million hectoliters compared to 1.955 million hectoliters in 2002. This was primarily due to a 1.2% increase in sales volume to the United States, the destination for most of our exports, in particular, our Tecate and Dos Equis brands. The export revenue per hectoliter increased 9.0% in peso terms, mainly as a result of a depreciation in real terms of the Mexican peso versus the U.S. dollar in 2003 and a price increase in U.S. dollar terms effective at the end of 2002.

 

Gross Profit

 

FEMSA Cerveza’s increase in cost of sales remained in line with revenue growth. Cost of sales increased to Ps. 9.425 billion for 2003 from Ps. 9.281 billion during 2002. FEMSA Cerveza’s gross profit totaled Ps. 12.499 billion resulting in a gross margin of 57.4%, a slight decrease of 0.2% compared with the 2002 level of 57.6%. The margin was impacted by the currency effect due to an increase in U.S. dollar denominated costs, which represented approximately one-fourth of cost of sales, that was offset by: (1) better purchasing terms for raw materials, (2) headcount adjustments and (3) lower transportation costs from our breweries to the warehouses.

 

Income from Operations

 

FEMSA Cerveza’s operating expenses increased by 2.0% to Ps. 8.522 billion in 2003, from Ps. 8.354 billion in 2002 and represented 38.9% of total revenues in 2003, compared to 38.6% of total revenues in 2002.

 

Administrative expenses increased by 3.1% to Ps. 2.333 billion in 2003, from Ps. 2.262 billion in 2002, reflecting mainly the start of the amortization of the ERP commercial module and its initial rollout.

 

Sales expenses increased by 1.6% to Ps. 6.189 billion in 2003, from Ps. 6.093 billion in 2002, primarily reflecting an increase in variable expenses that grew in line with our sales. At 28.2% of total revenues, sales expenses remained constant with the 2002 level of 28.2%.

 

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Our participation in affiliated companies dropped by 65.9% relative to the previous year, primarily reflecting a reduction in the profitability of Labatt USA due to increased marketing spending for our brands Tecate and Dos Equis .

 

FEMSA Cerveza’s income from operations, before deduction of management fees paid to us and to Labatt, decreased by 0.7% to Ps. 3.977 billion in 2003 from Ps. 4.007 billion in 2002. This decrease reflected (1) lower gross profit margin, (2) new amortizations of ERP related expenses and (3) lower profitability at Labatt USA. In 2003, FEMSA Cerveza’s operating margin before deduction of management fees decreased by 0.4% to 18.1% of total revenues. Management fees amounted to Ps. 420 million and represented 1.9% of total revenues in 2003, compared to Ps. 407 million recorded in 2002, which represented 1.9% of total revenues in 2002. FEMSA Cerveza’s income from operations after deduction of management fees amounted to Ps. 3.556 billion, 1.2% less than in 2002.

 

FEMSA Comercio

 

Total Revenues

 

Total revenues increased by 25.3% to Ps. 16.601 billion in 2003, from Ps. 13.247 billion during 2002. The increase of total revenues of FEMSA Comercio was mainly a result of the aggressive expansion of the Oxxo convenience store chain, which added 582 net new Oxxo stores during the year. The Oxxo chain brought the total number of stores nationwide up to 2,798, an increase of 26.3% from 2002. This increase is an average of a 30% increase in the number of stores in the central and southern regions of the country and a 24% increase in the north of Mexico.

 

Same-store sales of Oxxo increased 8.2% in 2003 reflecting an increase in the average consumer purchase of 1.7% and an increase in store traffic of 6.5%. This increase reflects the rapid expansion as well as stronger category management practices, such as tailoring the product offering at the store depending on its geographical location. This same-store sales calculation is different than what we have historically presented as “Sales of Comparative Mature Stores,” which reflected the variation in average sales of Oxxo stores that were then currently in operation for 18 consecutive months. Under our new methodology, we now calculate same-store sales by comparing the sales of stores for each year that have been in operation for at least 13 months with the sales of those same stores during the previous year. This change in our methodology falls in line with industry standards of how same-store sales are calculated, is reflected in this annual report and will be our practice going forward.

 

Gross Profit

 

Cost of sales remained in line with revenue growth at Ps. 12.199 billion in 2003, from Ps. 9.739 billion in 2002, an increase of 25.3%. As a result, our gross margin was also stable relative to our growth in total sales at Ps. 4.402 billion in 2003, compared to Ps. 3.508 billion in 2002.

 

Income from Operations

 

Operating expenses increased by 24.8% to Ps. 3.621 billion in 2003, from Ps. 2.902 billion in 2002. These expenses remained practically flat as a percentage of total revenues at 21.8% in 2003 and 21.9% in 2002. Administrative expenses increased 12.1% to Ps. 285 million during 2003, from Ps. 254 million in 2002, as we adjusted our management structure to support our expanded operations. In particular, we opened two new regional administrative offices and now have 37 offices nationwide. Sales expenses increased 26.0% to Ps. 3.336 billion, compared to Ps. 2.647 billion in 2002. At 20.1% of our total revenues, this figure remained in line with 2002. This increase was due to the amortization of investments in technology and systems, as well as investments in distribution and workforce as we plan to strengthen the expansion of Oxxo’s business model.

 

FEMSA Comercio’s income from operations, before deduction of management fees, increased by 28.9% to Ps. 781 million in 2003, from Ps. 606 million in 2002. This increase was in line with sales growth and

 

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contributed to a stable operating margin of 4.7% for 2003, slightly above the 4.6% operating margin achieved in 2002. In 2003, management fees amounted to Ps. 87 million or 0.5% of total revenues compared to Ps. 99 million or 0.7% of total revenues in 2002. FEMSA Comercio’s operating margin after deduction of management fees increased 0.4% to 4.2% of total revenues in 2003.

 

FEMSA Empaques

 

Total Revenues

 

FEMSA Empaques’ total revenues increased by 7.1% to Ps. 7.352 billion in 2003, from Ps. 6.862 billion in 2002. This increase is primarily due to (1) a 7.7% increase in the sales volume of beverage cans, mainly to Coca-Cola FEMSA and FEMSA Cerveza, (2) the currency effect of the depreciation of the Mexican peso, which offset a small decrease in the average price of these products in U.S. dollars, (3) a surge in the sales volume of refrigerators shipped to the former Panamco territories and (4) the production of plastic cases for a new 2.5 liter bottle for Coca-Cola FEMSA.

 

Gross Profit

 

FEMSA Empaques’ cost of sales reached Ps. 5.639 billion during 2003 compared to Ps. 5.193 billion in 2002, resulting in a gross margin of 23.4% in 2003 compared to 24.4% in 2002. This decrease in gross margin is primarily due to (1) an increase in the cost of U.S. dollar-denominated raw materials, (2) an increase in depreciation expenses related to the molds used to produce the cases for 2.5 liter plastic bottles and the replacement of one of the glass furnaces replaced early 2003 and (3) higher energy costs.

 

Income from Operations

 

Operating expenses decreased by 1.6% to Ps. 614 million in 2003 from Ps. 624 million in 2002 and decreased only 70 basis points as a percentage of total revenues to 8.4% in 2003. Administrative expenses decreased by 8.2% to Ps. 177 million in 2003 compared to Ps. 193 million in 2002, due to a decrease in the personnel level, along with the optimization of certain administrative processes. Sales expenses increased 1.4% to Ps. 437 million in 2003 compared to Ps. 431 million in 2002, mainly as a result of higher freight costs due to the increased sales volume of refrigerators and plastic cases.

 

Income from operations, before deduction of management fees, increased by 5.1% to Ps. 1.098 billion in 2003 compared to Ps. 1.045 billion in 2002. This resulted in an operating margin, before reduction of management fees, of 14.9% of total revenues, 0.3% less than in 2002. In 2003, management fees amounted to Ps. 111 million, or 1.5% of total revenues, compared to Ps. 103 million recorded in 2002, 1.5% of total revenues. FEMSA Empaques’ operating margin, after deduction of management fees, was 13.4% in 2003, compared to 13.7% in 2002.

 

FEMSA Consolidated—Net Income

 

Integral Cost of Financing

 

Net interest expense during 2003 amounted to Ps. 1.845 billion compared to Ps. 478 million in 2002, resulting primarily from the interest expense related to new debt issued by Coca-Cola FEMSA in order to finance the acquisition of Panamco.

 

Foreign exchange gain (loss) during 2003 amounted to a loss of Ps. 2.532 billion compared to a loss of Ps. 293 million in 2002. This amount primarily reflects our higher U.S. dollar-denominated liabilities resulting from the new debt incurred for the acquisition of Panamco and a 3.3% depreciation in real terms of the Mexican peso versus the U.S. dollar during the year.

 

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Monetary position gain (loss) during 2003 amounted to a gain of Ps. 954 million, compared to a gain of Ps. 398 million during 2002. Most of the additional gain is attributable to the inflation rate over the liabilities attained from the various territories in our recent acquisition. To determine changes in monetary position, we reflect adjustments for inflation over the year such that monetary assets and liabilities obtained or disposed of during the year are not eroded.

 

Tax recognized during 2003 amounted to Ps. 3.378 billion, which includes income tax, tax on assets, and employee profit sharing compared to Ps. 3.764 billion in 2002. The effective tax rate for the year was 42.0% and compares favorably with the 44.0% effective tax rate of 2002.

 

Net Income

 

Our consolidated net income decreased 2.8% to Ps. 4.657 billion from Ps. 4.791 billion for 2002, mainly attributable to a foreign exchange loss. Consolidated net majority income amounted to Ps. 3.093 billion for the year 2003, which is 5% higher than 2002. Net majority income per FEMSA Unit was Ps. 2.919 for 2003. Net majority income per FEMSA ADS, considering an exchange rate of Ps. 11.2350 per dollar, was 2.598 U.S. dollars for 2003.

 

Results of Operations for Year Ended December 31, 2002 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2001

 

FEMSA Consolidated

 

Total Revenues

 

FEMSA’s consolidated total revenues increased by 5.6% to Ps. 55.395 billion for the year ended December 31, 2002, from Ps. 52.465 billion for the year ended December 31, 2001. Consolidated net sales increased by 5.5% to Ps. 55.176 billion in 2002, from Ps. 52.301 billion in 2001 and represented 99.6% of total revenues in 2002, compared to 99.7% in 2001. FEMSA Comercio, whose total revenue increased 18.7%, contributed significantly to the growth in consolidated revenue with the opening of 437 net new Oxxo stores, and Coca-Cola FEMSA, whose total revenues grew 5.0%, was also a significant contributing factor. FEMSA Cerveza faced weak demand in the northern markets throughout the year, but posted revenue growth of 0.5% aided by steady demand and successful performance in the central and southern markets. FEMSA Empaques capitalized on strong demand for its main product lines in the second half of the year and closed the year with 0.3% growth in revenue.

 

Gross Profit

 

Our consolidated gross profit increased by 5.2% to Ps. 27.755 billion in 2002 from Ps. 26.395 billion in 2001. As gross profit increased at a slightly lower rate than net sales, our consolidated gross profit margin was 50.3%, a decrease of 0.2% over 2001. In addition, our U.S. dollar-linked variable cost of sales became more expensive on a real basis because of the depreciation of the Mexican peso in the second half of 2002. The decrease in gross profit margin was only partially offset by operational efficiencies achieved in our manufacturing facilities, such as increased productivity and strategic procurement.

 

Income from Operations

 

Our consolidated operating expenses (including goodwill amortization and management fees paid to Labatt) increased by 2.5% in 2002 to Ps. 17.964 billion, from Ps. 17.527 billion in 2001. As a percentage of total revenues, consolidated operating expenses decreased by 100 basis points to 32.4% in 2002.

 

Consolidated administrative expenses increased by 1.2% to Ps. 4.870 billion in 2002 from Ps. 4.814 billion, primarily reflecting the net effect of the following:

 

  increases in administrative expenses at Coca-Cola FEMSA, mainly reflecting investments in preparation for a large acquisition, such as administrative consultants and expanding managerial staff, plus certain system upgrades in Mexico;

 

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  slight increases in administrative expenses at FEMSA Comercio, related to its expansion, and at FEMSA Empaques, reflecting investments in ERP systems; and

 

  slight decrease in FEMSA Cerveza’s administrative expenses as a result of efforts to contain expenses.

 

Some of our subsidiaries pay management fees to FEMSA in consideration for corporate services provided to such subsidiaries. Our subsidiaries’ payments of management fees are eliminated in consolidation and thus have no effect on our consolidated operating expense, with the exception of the management fee paid by FEMSA Cerveza to Labatt, which amounted to Ps. 122 million in 2002 compared to Ps. 129 million in 2001. Goodwill amortization corresponding to Coca-Cola FEMSA amounted to Ps. 40 million in 2002 compared to Ps. 106 million in 2001, reflecting the goodwill impairment related to Coca-Cola FEMSA Buenos Aires.

 

Consolidated sales expenses increased by 3.0% to Ps. 13.094 billion in 2002 from Ps. 12.713 billion in 2001, mainly reflecting the combination of:

 

  growth in FEMSA Comercio’s sales expenses as the chain expands at a rapid pace, requiring a proportional operating expense infrastructure and a larger infrastructure required to manage the expansion of the chain; and

 

  reduction in Coca-Cola FEMSA’s sales expenses reflecting expense containment measures in Mexico and lower marketing expenses and payroll optimization in Argentina.

 

We incur various expenses related to the distribution of our products. We include these types of costs in the sales expenses line of our income statement. During 2002 and 2001, our distribution costs amounted to Ps. 4.092 billion and Ps. 4.013 billion, respectively. The exclusion of these charges from our cost of sales line may result in the amounts reported as gross profit not being comparable to other companies, which may include all expenses related to their distribution network in cost of sales when computing gross profit (or an equivalent measure).

 

All of our principal businesses reported increases in their respective income from operations, which produced growth in consolidated income from operations for the full year 2002 of 11.0% to Ps. 9.791 billion from Ps. 8.868 billion in 2001. Our consolidated operating margin increased 0.8% to 17.7% of consolidated total revenues. Coca-Cola FEMSA was our primary driver of profitability growth, posting a 14.0% increase in its income from operations. FEMSA Cerveza and FEMSA Comercio each generated similar amounts of incremental operating profit in 2002, contributing to the consolidated result with growth rates of 5.3% and 44.3%, respectively, in their income from operations (before management fees).

 

Coca-Cola FEMSA

 

Total Revenues

 

Coca-Cola FEMSA recorded net sales of Ps. 18.519 billion in 2002, a 5.0% increase over net sales of Ps. 17.637 billion in 2001. Revenue growth was primarily attributable to strong volume growth and a steady improvement in the average price per unit case in Mexico, which more than offset the volume contraction observed in Argentina. Other revenues, which consist mainly of income from toll production agreements with a neighboring Coca-Cola Bottler in Argentina, whereby Coca-Cola FEMSA has been producing Coca-Cola brand beverages for sale in its territories, amounted to Ps. 149 million in 2002, 10.1% higher than in 2001. Total revenues for Coca-Cola FEMSA increased by 5.0% to Ps. 18.668 billion in 2002 from Ps. 17.773 billion in 2001.

 

Coca-Cola FEMSA recorded volume growth of 5.6% to 505 million unit cases in Mexico and an improvement in the real revenue per unit case of 1.1% during 2002. These improvements resulted in revenue growth of 6.7% to Ps. 16.843 billion in Mexico for 2002. We believe that the principal volume drivers in Mexico in 2002 were:

 

  strong performance of Mundet beverages and still water, particularly the new 5-liter jug of Ciel;

 

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  continued expansion in the flavor and “new categories” segments with the introduction of new and exciting products, such as Beat , Mundet , Mickey Adventuras , Kin Light and Nestea ; and

 

  modest volume growth in the core cola portfolio.

 

In Argentina, Coca-Cola FEMSA operated in a very depressed economic environment in 2002. Volume decreased by 11.0% to 116 million unit cases in a year that started off with a severe economic crisis that hampered demand for our products. Coca-Cola FEMSA responded to this challenging market with the objectives of defending the brand equity of its brands, regaining market share from “B” Brands, extracting positive cash flow and performing overall damage containment. As the year progressed, the commercial strategies implemented by Coca-Cola FEMSA yielded a more favorable outcome, closing the year with volume growth in the fourth quarter of 2002. The principal strategies implemented were:

 

  shifting the mix back to returnable packages, which jumped from 5.8% of the mix in 2001 to 12.4% in 2002, led by the 1.25-liter glass returnable presentation of Coca-Cola , Fanta and Sprite ; and

 

  continuing to promote the core Coca-Cola brand while further developing the value protection brands ( Taí and Crush ).

 

Together these strategies allowed Coca-Cola FEMSA to defend its pricing structure and produced an increase in average revenue per unit case of 2.1% in 2002 compared to 2001. The reduction in total revenue was limited to 8.2%.

 

Gross Profit

 

Coca-Cola FEMSA’s cost of sales increased by 5.1% to Ps. 8.681 billion in 2002, from Ps. 8.256 billion in 2001, and its gross profit increased by 4.9% to Ps. 9.987 billion, from Ps. 9.517 billion in 2001. Gross margin expanded by 0.1% to 53.9% in 2002. Coca-Cola FEMSA’s Mexican operations experienced a gross margin expansion of 0.9% for the full year 2002, resulting mainly from solid revenue growth characterized by greater fixed cost absorption as a result of growth in volumes. The Argentine operation’s gross margin dropped 9.8% to 36.0% of net sales for the full year 2002, due to lower absorption of fixed costs as a result of lower volumes, higher prices of raw materials and a larger depreciation charge in Argentina in connection with the reevaluation of fixed assets of foreign origin as a consequence of the devaluation of the Argentine peso.

 

Income from Operations

 

Operating expenses for 2002 decreased by 0.6% to Ps. 5.320 billion. As a percentage of total revenues, operating expenses decreased 1.6% to 28.5% in 2002. Administrative expenses in Mexico remained flat as a proportion of total revenues when compared to 2001; in absolute terms, these expenses increased 7.9% mainly reflecting investments in preparation for a large acquisition, such as systems upgrades, administrative consultants and reinforcing managerial staff. Administrative expenses for Argentina grew 17.2% relative to 2001, due mainly to higher depreciation in local currency in connection with a reevaluation of our foreign currency-denominated assets. Selling expenses for Coca-Cola FEMSA in Mexico increased by 0.2% in 2002, which represents a reduction of 1.3% relative to total revenues, reflecting improvements in operations in Mexico. Selling expenses also decreased in Argentina in 2002, as a result of lower marketing expenses and headcount reduction combined with adjusted salaries.

 

Until 2002, under Mexican GAAP, goodwill was amortized gradually in the income statement through a straight-line method for a 20-year period. Prior to 2003, in connection with the Coca-Cola FEMSA Buenos Aires acquisition, the excess of the purchase price over the fair values of the net assets acquired, which we now consider to be rights to produce and distribute Coca-Cola trademark products, was considered to be goodwill. Goodwill amortization for 2002 was Ps. 40.6 million compared to Ps. 108.3 million for 2001, reflecting impairment in goodwill as a result of the difficult economic situation in Argentina. In July 2002, Coca-Cola

 

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FEMSA recorded an impairment of Ps. 457 million. Coca-Cola FEMSA’s income from operations after amortization of goodwill increased by 14.0% to Ps. 4.627 billion in 2002, from Ps. 4.057 billion in 2001, reflecting the net effect of the following:

 

  an increase of 15.5% in income from operations of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s Mexican operations; and

 

  a decline of 66.6% in income from operations of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s Argentine operations.

 

Coca-Cola FEMSA’s operating margin increased by 2.0% to 24.8% of total revenues in 2002 from 22.8% of total revenues in 2001.

 

FEMSA Cerveza

 

Total Revenues

 

FEMSA Cerveza’s net sales increased by 0.4% to Ps. 21.453 billion in 2002 from Ps. 21.367 billion in 2001. Other revenues, which consist mainly of income from the sale of manufacturing byproducts and sundries in retail locations owned by FEMSA Cerveza, totaled Ps. 189 million in 2002, 20.2% higher than in 2001. Total revenues for FEMSA Cerveza increased by 0.5% to Ps. 21.642 billion in 2002, from Ps. 21.529 billion in 2001. The increase in revenues in 2002 was primarily attributable to the net effect of the following:

 

  0.2% decrease in total sales volume; and

 

  0.6% improvement in real total revenue per hectoliter sold for the full year 2002, derived primarily from a 7.0% nominal increase in the domestic price of beer (on a weighted average basis) implemented during the first quarter of 2002. FEMSA Cerveza’s average revenue per hectoliter in 2002 was Ps. 901.0, including domestic and export sales.

 

Domestic volume declined by 0.7% to 21.856 million hectoliters, as FEMSA Cerveza continued to experience the adverse effects of the deterioration in disposable income in the northern region of Mexico. FEMSA Cerveza has greater exposure to the markets in the northern regions, where it sells approximately 56% of its domestic volume. Over the past two years we have observed a progressive deterioration in the economy that has disproportionately affected the northwest region, as its higher concentration of border towns makes it more susceptible to the U.S. economy. The central and southern regions have been more protected from this economic slowdown. For example, we estimate that employment in the manufacturing and retail industries in the north declined approximately 4.6% in 2002, compared to an estimated decline of 0.3% and 0.4% in the central and southern regions, respectively. At the same time, our sales volumes in the north declined 2.9%, while those in the rest of the country grew by approximately 1.9%. Another factor that materially affected our ability to sell more of our beer products in the north was a higher presence of beer imports, particularly during the period of Mexican peso appreciation against the U.S. dollar in the first half of 2002. On a quarterly basis, domestic volume trends were as follows: a 2.2% volume decline in the first quarter, marginal growth of 0.1% and 0.3% in the second and third quarters, respectively, and a decline of 1.3% in the fourth quarter of 2002, all relative to the comparable quarters of 2001. Pricing in the domestic market increased by 0.9% in real terms, averaging Ps. 921 per hectoliter in 2002.

 

Export volume grew by 6.1% to 1.955 million hectoliters in 2002 and represented 8.2% of the total volume sold by FEMSA Cerveza. Volume sold to North America, FEMSA Cerveza’s main export market, increased by 8.2% and accounted for 92.2% of FEMSA Cerveza’s export volume. Export volume to Europe and Asia declined 17.6% and 25.7%, respectively, compared to 2001 and accounted for 2.9% and 2.8%, respectively, of total export sales. Average pricing in the export market decreased by 2.2% in real terms, averaging Ps. 679 per hectoliter in 2002. Export revenues increased by 3.7% to Ps. 1.327 billion in 2002 and in U.S. dollar terms, export revenues increased by 3.7% to US$ 127 million.

 

In 2002, we adopted EITF Consensus No. 01-9, “Accounting for Consideration Given By a Vendor to a Customer or Reseller of the Vendor’s Products,” issued by the FASB. This consensus requires certain sales

 

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expenses incurred by FEMSA Cerveza previously classified as operating expenses to be reclassified as deductions from revenue. Amortizations that were previously classified as sales expenses in the amount of Ps. 885 million for 2001 were reclassified as a reduction in net sales in accordance with this EITF consensus. Correspondingly, during 2002 we classified Ps. 990 million as a reduction in net sales.

 

Gross Profit

 

FEMSA Cerveza’s cost of sales for 2002 remained flat at Ps. 9.281 billion compared to 2001. FEMSA Cerveza’s gross profit increased by 1.0% to Ps. 12.361 billion in 2002, from Ps. 12.244 billion in 2001. As a percentage of net sales, gross margin increased by 30 basis points to 57.6% in 2002, reflecting enhancements in manufacturing productivity and savings in the plant-to-warehouse logistics. Cost trends for FEMSA Cerveza’s principal raw materials (malting barley, hops, aluminum cans and glass bottles) remained relatively stable throughout 2002. The favorable effect of the appreciation of the Mexican peso against the U.S. dollar on U.S. dollar-denominated costs during the first half of the year was more than offset by a depreciation of the Mexican peso against the U.S. dollar during the latter half of 2002.

 

Income from Operations

 

FEMSA Cerveza’s operating expenses decreased by 0.4% to Ps. 8.354 billion in 2002 from Ps. 8.390 billion in 2001 and represented 38.6% of total revenues in 2002, compared to 39.0% of total revenues in 2001. Administrative expenses decreased by 0.7% to Ps. 2.262 billion in 2002 from Ps. 2.277 billion in 2001, reflecting continued expense containment practices across the organization and an average headcount reduction. Selling expenses decreased by 0.3% to Ps. 6.093 billion in 2002 and represented 28.2% of total revenues. Our success in containing sales expenses and generating operational savings resulted from the following:

 

  warehouse rationalization across all markets;

 

  pre-sale logistics, which by separating the sales and delivery functions have reduced significantly unsold load in delivery trucks; and

 

  improved resource utilization, which resulted in a net reduction of sales routes.

 

FEMSA Cerveza has continued to invest in the development of its new competitive business model, which has entailed budgeted expenditures in information technology platforms (including the ERP system), acquisition of third party distributorships, high-impact marketing campaigns and deployment of commercial equipment (such as refrigerators and point-of-sale displays).

 

FEMSA Cerveza’s income from operations, before deduction of management fees paid to us and to Labatt, increased by 4.0% to Ps. 4.007 billion in 2002 over Ps. 3.854 recorded in 2001. In 2002, FEMSA Cerveza’s operating margin before deduction of management fees increased 0.6% to 18.5% of total revenues. Management fees amounted to Ps. 407 million and represented 1.9% of total revenues in 2002 compared to Ps. 430 million recorded in 2001, which represented 2.0% of total revenues in 2001. FEMSA Cerveza’s income from operations after deduction of management fees amounted to Ps. 3.600 billion, 5.1% more than in 2001.

 

FEMSA Comercio

 

Total Revenues

 

FEMSA Comercio’s total revenues increased by 18.7% in 2002 to Ps. 13.247 billion, from Ps. 11.160 billion in 2001. The increase of total revenues of FEMSA Comercio was mainly a result of the aggressive expansion of the Oxxo convenience store chain, which added 437 net new stores during the year. We believe that the strong revenue growth rate of the Oxxo chain is primarily attributable to:

 

  site scouting capabilities;

 

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  nationwide presence;

 

  efficient store setup model; and

 

  aggressive expansion and saturation business plan.

 

The Oxxo chain brought the total number of stores up to 2,216 by year-end 2002. As the chain grows, we have discovered new market opportunities in urban centers with high pedestrian traffic, such as hospitals and convention centers, and are increasingly exploiting the convenience store/gasoline station format. Same-store sales increased by 6.0% with respect to 2001. Same-store sales in our northwestern markets—which have the highest border town concentration—performed weakly in 2002. In contrast, the central and southern regions of the country have experienced significant same-stores sales growth during 2002. Growth in the northwest was affected by:

 

  economic sluggishness characterized by high rates of unemployment;

 

  the strength of the peso during the first semester of 2002, which induced consumers to purchase sundries across the border in U.S. territory; and

 

  high differentials in the price of gasoline between Mexico and the U.S. that caused Mexicans to buy gasoline and therefore convenience store products in the U.S. (Mexico being materially more expensive until corrective measures were taken in major border towns in December 2002).

 

Average monthly traffic per store (within the same-store sample) increased by 4.7% and the average sale per customer decreased by 1.3% during the full year 2002. We believe that these increases are mainly attributable to:

 

  FEMSA Comercio’s strategy of competitively pricing traffic-generating products;

 

  improvement in the value proposition to Oxxo’s customers, including cross promotions, product introductions, and store enhancements; and

 

  Oxxo becoming a reliable payment center where our customers can pay most home utilities in one stop.

 

Gross Profit

 

FEMSA Comercio recorded gross profit of Ps. 3.508 billion for the full year 2002, a 22.4% gain over the Ps. 2.867 billion recorded in 2001. Gross margin improved 0.8% to 26.5% of net sales, as compared to 25.7% for 2001, as the additional scale has also allowed us to establish strategic alliances with some of our suppliers and thereby reduce costs. In addition, our successful category management execution and our growing ability to work jointly with our supplier partners to design differentiated assortment, pricing and promotions have contributed to gross margin expansion.

 

Income from Operations

 

Operating expenses increased by 18.7% to Ps. 2.902 billion in 2002, from Ps. 2.445 billion in 2001 and remained flat as a percentage of total revenues at 21.9% in both 2002 and 2001. Administrative expenses increased by only 5.4% to Ps. 254 million, as the increased costs associated with expansion were mitigated by higher absorption of fixed administrative costs as more stores were opened in cities where there is already an Oxxo administrative infrastructure. Selling expenses increased 20.1% to Ps. 2.647 billion, slightly above total revenue growth, reflecting higher expenditures associated with the infrastructure required to manage the expansion of the chain. FEMSA Comercio recorded income from operations, before deduction of management fees, of Ps. 606 million in 2002, an increase of 44.3% from the Ps. 420 million recorded in 2001. FEMSA Comercio’s operating margin before management fees grew 0.8% to 4.6% of total revenues in 2002 from 3.8% in 2001. In 2002, management fees amounted to Ps. 99 million or 0.7% of total revenues compared to Ps. 111 million or 1.0% of total revenues in 2001. FEMSA Comercio’s operating margin after deduction of management fees increased by 1.0% to 3.8% of total revenues in 2002.

 

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FEMSA Empaques

 

Total Revenues

 

FEMSA Empaques’ total revenues increased 0.3% to Ps. 6.862 billion in 2002 from Ps. 6.840 billion in 2001, which was mainly attributable to a surge in demand in beverage cans and glass bottles coupled with the favorable effect of the weaker Mexican peso on our U.S. dollar revenues in the second half of the year. These increases offset slower demand for our packaging products in the first six months of 2002. For the full year, average capacity utilization was close to full in all of our main product lines.

 

Beverage can volumes reversed the weakness observed during 2001 by posting a growth of 6.8% in sales volume to 3.000 billion can units in 2002. In the second half of the year, the beverage can unit experienced increased demand from its main commercial partners domestically and abroad: FEMSA Cerveza, Coca-Cola FEMSA and Ball. We met this demand by reducing our sales to smaller domestic third party clients. Average real prices for beverage cans, which are quoted in U.S. dollars, decreased by approximately 0.6%, following a multi-year trend of convergence with international prices for these products.

 

Glass bottle volumes grew a solid 8.4% to 1.053 billion bottle units in 2002, while Mexican peso-denominated prices decreased 1.4%. FEMSA Empaques has encountered very high demand for its glass products domestically, since there is currently almost no excess capacity in the industry. Coca-Cola FEMSA purchased a larger number of eight ounce non-returnable glass Coca-Cola contour bottles. Supply of internal clients rose from 68.4% in 2001 to 89.2% in 2002. FEMSA Empaques commenced an inventory buildup during the fourth quarter of 2002 in preparation for the scheduled replacement of one of its glass furnaces in the first quarter of 2003, which involved approximately 85 days of inactivity.

 

Sales volumes for crown caps increased 1.8% in 2002 despite the decline in demand for crown caps in the domestic market, reflecting FEMSA Empaques’ success in the export markets, particularly in the North American market, where FEMSA Empaques is a major crown cap supplier for Labatt, Miller Brewing Company and Coors Brewing Company. FEMSA Empaques increased its crown cap export ratio from 51% in 2001 to a record 55% in 2002.

 

Export revenues increased by 12.2% to Ps. 749 million and represented 10.9% of net sales in 2002. In U.S. dollar terms, export revenues increased by 12.4% to US$ 71.7 million.

 

Gross Profit

 

FEMSA Empaques’ cost of sales decreased by 1.3% to Ps. 5.193 billion in 2002 from Ps. 5.259 billion in 2001, mainly due to the following factors:

 

  efficiencies achieved in the manufacturing lines that resulted in less spoilage and lower headcount;

 

  consistency in the average contracted price of steel sheets; and

 

  slight declines in the average price for bulk aluminum and ancillary raw materials.

 

Gross profit increased by 5.6% to Ps. 1.669 billion in 2002 from Ps. 1.581 billion in 2001, resulting in a gross margin expansion of 1.3% to 24.4% of net sales in 2002, as compared to 23.1% in 2001. Improvement in gross profit is closely related to exchange rate fluctuations: as the Mexican peso depreciated against the U.S. dollar towards the end of the year, U.S. dollar-denominated income for metallic products increased at a faster rate than costs, which have significant Mexican peso-denominated components. FEMSA Empaques is gradually recovering its long-term gross margin level, which has reached as high as 25.4% in the last five years, by means of implementing high productivity measures in the manufacturing plants such as the elimination of line personnel and middle management and application of ERP systems.

 

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Income from Operations

 

Operating expenses increased by 6.5% to Ps. 624 million in 2002 from Ps. 586 million in 2001 and increased only 0.5% as a percentage of total revenues to 9.1% in 2002. For the full year 2002, FEMSA Empaques recorded parallel increases in sales expenses and administrative expenses of 7.0% and 5.5%, respectively. The increase in sales expenses is mainly attributable to higher shipment costs. The increase in administrative expenses is mainly attributable to the one-time implementation costs of ERP modules in Famosa.

 

Income from operations before deduction of management fees increased by 5.0% to Ps. 1.045 billion in 2002, from Ps. 995 million for 2001, primarily reflecting the growth in gross profit. FEMSA Empaques recorded an operating margin before deduction of management fees of 15.2% in 2002, compared to a 14.5% margin recorded in 2001. In 2002, management fees amounted to Ps. 103 million, or 1.5% of total revenues, compared to Ps. 105 million recorded in 2001, also 1.5% of total revenues. FEMSA Empaques’ operating margin after deduction of management fees was 13.7% in 2002 compared to 13.0% in 2001. Operating margin was significantly affected in the first quarter of 2002, under a considerably strong Mexican peso scenario, but rebounded to record levels in the second and third quarters, as the Mexican peso depreciated.

 

FEMSA Consolidated—Net Income

 

Our consolidated net income decreased by 8.1% to Ps. 4.791 billion in 2002, from Ps. 5.215 billion recorded in 2001. The decrease in net income recorded for the full year 2002 resulted from the net effect of:

 

  an 11.0% increase in consolidated income from operations;

 

  the write-off of a portion of our goodwill related to the acquisition of Coca-Cola FEMSA Buenos Aires;

 

  a significant increase in the consolidated integral result of financing loss, primarily in connection with the devaluation of the Mexican peso against the U.S. dollar in the second half of the year; and

 

  a larger tax provision.

 

Goodwill

 

In view of the continued deterioration and uncertainty in Argentine economic conditions, we decided to take a more conservative approach in the valuation of the goodwill related to our investments in that country. Therefore, in the third quarter we wrote down Ps. 457 million related to the acquisition of the territories of Coca-Cola FEMSA Buenos Aires. In view of the prevailing volatility of the Argentine currency, we also decided to take a conservative approach and stop considering our investment in Coca-Cola FEMSA Buenos Aires as a hedge for the U.S. dollar-denominated liabilities incurred in connection to this acquisition, thereby affecting the integral cost of financing for 2002 in the foreign exchange and monetary position calculations. These adjustments were non-cash.

 

Integral Cost of Financing

 

In the twelve months ended December 31, 2002, we recorded a consolidated integral cost of financing of Ps. 373 million, compared to a consolidated integral cost of financing of Ps. 274 million for the comparable period in 2001. In 2002, consolidated net financial expense decreased by 2.0% to Ps. 478 million as compared to Ps. 488 million in 2001. Consolidated interest expense decreased by 4.3% to Ps. 943 million compared to 2001, mainly attributable to lower average real rates for our liabilities, although our average gross liabilities increased by 3.4% in 2002 and the U.S. dollar portion was subsequently affected by the devaluation of the peso against the dollar that occurred in the second half of the year. This was partially compensated by the reduction in consolidated interest income, which decreased by 6.4% to Ps. 465 million, reflecting the net effect of lower interest rates earned on our investments relative to the year 2001 and a larger average cash position in Mexican pesos. As of December 31, 2002, our weighted average cost of debt was 6.9%, approximately 0.9% lower than the weighted average cost of debt as of December 31, 2001.

 

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For the year 2002, we recorded a consolidated foreign exchange loss of Ps. 293 million compared to a foreign exchange gain of Ps. 256 million for the year 2001, primarily reflecting:

 

  the effect of the depreciation of the Mexican peso against the U.S. dollar, which totaled Ps. 1.28 per U.S. dollar in the year, on our net dollar liabilities in Mexico, compared to an appreciation of Ps. 43 cents on higher net U.S. dollar liabilities observed in 2001; and

 

  the depreciation of the Argentine peso against the U.S. dollar on our net U.S. dollar assets in Argentina, which had a positive effect on the foreign exchange variation during 2002.

 

The gain on monetary position for the year 2002 amounted to Ps. 398 million, compared to a loss of Ps. 42 million in 2001. This gain was mainly generated as a result of the inflation rate for the twelve months in Argentina over the debt incurred in connection with the acquisition of Coca-Cola FEMSA Buenos Aires. The Argentine inflation rate for 2002 was 41.2%. It should be noted that the Argentine goodwill impairment, as explained above, had an impact on the foreign exchange variation and monetary position lines.

 

Other Expenses

 

Our consolidated other expenses for the year 2002 amounted to Ps. 950 million, consisting mainly of the aforementioned impairment of a portion of the goodwill on our investments in Argentina charged in the third quarter, plus severance payments and asset write-offs.

 

Income Tax, Tax on Assets, and Employee Profit Sharing

 

Our consolidated income before income tax, tax on assets and employee profit sharing increased by 2.9% to Ps. 8.555 billion in 2002 from Ps. 8.314 billion in 2001, primarily reflecting a larger consolidated integral result of financing loss. We recognized consolidated income tax, tax on assets and employee profit sharing of Ps. 3.764 billion in 2002, an increase of 22.6% over the Ps. 3.069 billion in 2001. This increase was primarily a consequence of an increase of 24.8% in our income tax, largely resulting from a deferred tax benefit realized in 2001 as a result of a reduction in the Mexican statutory income tax rate, the increase in non-deductible expenses generated in the course of business and the impairment to goodwill generated by the acquisition of Coca-Cola FEMSA Buenos Aires. The combined effective tax rate for 2002 was 44.0%.

 

Net Income

 

Our consolidated net income decreased by 8.1% amounting to Ps. 4.791 billion for 2002 compared with Ps. 5.215 billion recorded in 2001, combining the improvement in consolidated income from operations, the goodwill write-off, an increase in the consolidated integral result of financing loss, and a larger tax provision. Consolidated net majority income amounted to Ps. 2.947 billion for 2002, a reduction of 16.9% as compared with Ps. 3.547 billion recorded in 2001. Net majority income per FEMSA unit amounted to Ps. 2.781 in 2002, compared with Ps. 3.348 for 2001.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Liquidity

 

Each of our subholding companies finances its operational and capital requirements. As of December 31, 2003, 100% of our outstanding consolidated indebtedness was at the level of our subholding companies. This structure is attributable, in part, to the inclusion of third parties in the capital structure of both FEMSA Cerveza and Coca-Cola FEMSA. Currently, we expect to continue to finance our operations and capital requirements primarily at the level of our subholding companies. Nonetheless, we may decide to incur indebtedness at our holding company in the future to finance the operations and capital requirements of our subsidiaries or significant acquisitions, investments or capital expenditures. In connection with the Interbrew transactions, we are incurring indebtedness to fund the acquisition of the 30% in FEMSA Cerveza owned by affiliates of Interbrew. See “—Financing for Interbrew Transactions.” As a holding company, we would depend on dividends and other distributions from our subsidiaries to service any such indebtedness.

 

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We and Coca-Cola FEMSA continuously evaluate opportunities to pursue acquisitions or engage in joint ventures or other transactions. We and Coca-Cola FEMSA would expect to finance any significant future transactions with a combination of cash from operations, long-term indebtedness and capital stock.

 

The principal source of liquidity of each subholding company has generally been cash generated from operations. We have traditionally been able to rely on cash generated from operations because a significant majority of the sales of FEMSA Cerveza, Coca-Cola FEMSA and FEMSA Comercio are on a cash or short-term credit basis, and FEMSA Comercio’s Oxxo stores are able to finance a significant proportion of their initial and ongoing inventories with supplier credit. Our principal use of cash has generally been for capital expenditure programs, debt repayments and dividend payments. The following is a summary of the principal uses of cash for the three years ended December 31, 2003:

 

Principal Uses of Cash

 

     For the Year Ended December 31,

 
     2003

    2002

    2001

 
     (in millions of constant Mexican pesos)  

Net resources generated by operations

   Ps. 8,858     Ps. 9,773     Ps. 10,056  

Capital expenditures (1)

     (6,789 )     (5,780 )     (5,531 )

Bank loans, notes and interest payable

     15,659       5,700       (529 )

Dividends declared and paid

     (1,070 )     (1,185 )     (657 )

(1) Includes property, plant and equipment plus intangible assets and other.

 

Our subholding companies generally incur short-term indebtedness in the event that they are temporarily unable to finance operations or meet any capital requirements with cash from operations. A significant decline in the business of any of our subholding companies may affect the subholding company’s ability to fund its capital requirements. A significant and prolonged deterioration in the economies in which we operate or in our businesses may affect our ability to obtain short-term and long-term credit or to refinance existing indebtedness on terms satisfactory to us.

 

We have traditionally financed significant acquisitions, principally Coca-Cola FEMSA’s acquisition of Coca-Cola Buenos Aires in 1994 and more recently its acquisition of Panamco in May 2003 and our acquisition of the 30% interest in FEMSA Cerveza owned by affiliates of Interbrew, capital expenditures and other capital requirements that could not be financed with cash from operations by incurring long-term indebtedness. See “—Financing for Interbrew Transactions.”

 

Our consolidated total indebtedness was Ps. 38.361 billion as of December 31, 2003, as compared to Ps. 14.354 billion as of December 31, 2002. Cash and cash equivalents were Ps. 7.733 billion as of December 31, 2003, as compared to Ps. 15.148 billion as of December 31, 2002. The significant increase in total indebtedness was primarily at Coca-Cola FEMSA and was attributable to the acquisition of Panamco in May 2003.

 

As of June 30, 2004, FEMSA recorded a cash balance of Ps. 7.890 billion and consolidated total indebtedness of Ps. 36.464 billion, compared to Ps. 7.733 billion and Ps. 38.361 billion, respectively, as of December 31, 2003. This consolidated total debt decrease resulted from a reduction in total debt at Coca-Cola FEMSA and FEMSA Empaques, which was offset by an increase in total debt at FEMSA Cerveza and FEMSA Comercio.

 

We believe that our sources of liquidity as of December 31, 2003 and June 30, 2004 were adequate for the conduct of our subholding companies’ businesses and that we will have sufficient funds available to meet our expenditure demands and financing needs in 2004.

 

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Financing for Interbrew Transactions

 

We financed the US$ 1.245 billion for the Interbrew transactions described above as follows:

 

Source


  

Amount

(U.S. dollar or equivalent)


Cash

   US$   295 million

Bridge loans to FEMSA, borrowed on August 23, 2004, maturing one year from the borrowing date and consisting of a Ps. 2.878 billion loan and a US$ 250 million loan to be refinanced with the net proceeds of the global offering and the Mexican B Unit offerings

   US$   500 million

Certificados bursátiles , issued on July 8, 2004, in the amount of Ps. 2.500 billion by FEMSA and guaranteed by FEMSA Cerveza, with maturities of four and five years

   US$   217 million

Term loan to FEMSA, borrowed on August 20, 2004, in the amount of Ps. 1.763 billion, maturing four years from the borrowing date

   US$   150 million

Term loan to FEMSA Cerveza, borrowed on August 20, 2004, in the amount of Ps. 1.555 billion (the equivalent of US$ 83 million of which was used to finance the payment to InBev, with the balance used for general corporate purposes), maturing five years from the borrowing date

   US$     83 million
    

Total

   US$1,245 million
    

 

The bridge loans, the term loans and certificados bursátiles contain customary covenants that may affect the conduct of our business. The bridge loans will be repaid with the proceeds of the global offering and the Mexican B Unit offerings. The bridge loans and the term loans require us to cause FEMSA Cerveza to maintain certain financial ratios, limit the ability of certain of our subsidiaries to incur additional indebtedness and restrict our ability to pledge assets. The bridge loans also impose certain restrictions on our ability to pay dividends. Certain of the financing instruments mentioned above are subject to either acceleration or repurchase at the lender’s or holder’s option if, in the case of FEMSA, the persons exercising control over FEMSA no longer exercise such control and, in the case of FEMSA Cerveza, FEMSA ceases to control FEMSA Cerveza.

 

The Interbrew transactions increase our indebtedness. As a holding company, we rely on dividends and other distributions from our subsidiaries to service our indebtedness. After giving effect to the repayment of the bridge loan with the net proceeds of the global offering and the Mexican B Unit offerings, the equivalent of US$ 217 million of the new indebtedness will be issued or guaranteed by FEMSA Cerveza, and the equivalent of US$ 150 million will not be guaranteed by any of our subsidiaries. The increase in debt may reduce the amount of cash otherwise available to us to pursue acquisitions or engage in joint ventures or other transactions or to invest in our business, meet our obligations or pay dividends.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements.

 

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Contractual Obligations

 

The table below sets forth our significant long-term contractual obligations as of December 31, 2003:

 

     Maturity

  

Total


    

Less
than

1 year


   1-3
years


   4-5
years


  

In
excess of

5 years


  

Long-Term Debt

   (million of constant Mexican pesos)

Mexican pesos

   225    7,435    9,011    1,500    18,171

U.S. dollars

   2,329    8,917    2,176    3,528    16,950

Colombian pesos

   —      448    138    —      586

Capital Leases

                        

U.S. dollars

   33    71    122    —      226

Interest Payments (1)

                        

Mexican pesos

   1,278    2,284    1,213    154    4,929

U.S. dollars

   840    1,370    637    250    3,097

Colombian pesos

   61    93    15    —      169

Interest Rate Swaps

                        

Mexican pesos

   141    274    200    —      615

U.S. dollars

   96    145    —      —      241

Operating Leasing

                        

Mexican pesos

   437    830    775    2,948    4,990

U.S. dollars

   418    641    372    417    1,848

Price Commodity Contracts

                        

U.S. dollars

   580    123    —      —      703

Contributions to the Pension Plan and post-retirement medical services (2)

   90    180    180    900    1,350

Other Long-term Liabilities (3)

   —      —      —      2,519    2,519

(1) Interest was calculated using long-term debt as of and interest rate amounts in effect on December 31, 2003. The debt and applicable interest rates in effect are shown in note 17 to our consolidated financial statements included in our annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2003, which is incorporated by reference in this prospectus. Liabilities denominated in U.S. dollars were translated to Mexican pesos at an exchange rate of Ps. 11.2350 per U.S. dollar, the exchange rate quoted to us by dealers for the settlement of obligations in foreign currencies on December 31, 2003 and were not restated in constant Mexican pesos as of December 31, 2003.

 

(2) Assuming Ps. 90 million per year for the next 10 years. Based on actuarial calculations and contributions made by us in previous years.

 

(3) Other long-term liabilities reflects liabilities whose maturity date is undefined and depends on a series of circumstances out of our control, therefore these liabilities have been considered to have a maturity of more than five years.

 

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Overview of Debt Instruments

 

The following table shows the allocations of debt of our company as of December 31, 2003:

 

     Debt Profile of the Company

 
     FEMSA
and
Others


     Coca-Cola
FEMSA


    FEMSA
Cerveza


   

FEMSA

Comercio (2)


   

FEMSA

Empaques (2)


    Total Debt

 
     (in millions of Mexican pesos)  

Short-term Debt

                                                 

U.S. dollars:

                                                 

Bank loans

   Ps. —        Ps. 753     Ps. —       Ps. 57     Ps. 457     Ps. 1,267  

Unsecured loan

     —          —         —         —         225       225  

Mexican pesos:

                                                 

Unsecured loan

     —          905       31       —         —         936  

Long-term Debt (1)

                                                 

U.S. dollars:

                                                 

Bank loans

     24        5,676       1,882       —         110       7,692  

Yankee bond

     —          5,680       —         —         —         5,680  

Private placement

     —          1,124       —         —         —         1,124  

Leasing

     —          32       —         —         194       226  

Syndicated loan

     —          —         —         1,477       910       2,387  

Mortgage loan

     67        —         —         —         —         67  

Mexican pesos:

                                                 

Bank loans

     —          2,741       3,749       —         263       6,753  

Notes

     —          10,000       —         —         —         10,000  

Units of investment (UDIS)

     —          1,418       —         —         —         1,418  

Colombian pesos:

                                                 

Notes

     —          586       —         —         —         586  
    


  


 


 


 


 


Total

   Ps. 91      Ps. 28,915     Ps. 5,662     Ps. 1,534     Ps. 2,159     Ps. 38,361  
    


  


 


 


 


 


Average Cost

                                                 

U.S. dollars

     3.6 %      5.9 %     3.8 %     3.0 %     3.3 %     5.2 %

Mexican pesos

     —          7.4 %     9.0 %     —         6.1 %     7.7 %

Colombian pesos

     —          10.3 %     —         —         —         10.3 %
    


  


 


 


 


 


Total

     3.6 %      6.8 %     7.3 %     3.0 %     3.7 %     6.5 %
    


  


 


 


 


 



(1) Includes the Ps. 2,588 million current portion of long-term debt.
(2) Excludes subordinated intercompany debt.

 

Generally, the covenants contained in the credit facilities and other instruments governing our indebtedness entered into by our subholding companies include limitations on the incurrence of any additional debt based on debt service coverage ratios or leverage tests. The credit agreements entered into by our subholding companies or their subsidiaries also generally include restrictive covenants applicable to our subholding companies and their subsidiaries. There are no cross-guarantees between subholding companies, and we have not provided guarantees with respect to any of the debt obligations of our subholding companies.

 

We are incurring additional indebtedness in connection with the Interbrew transactions that contain additional covenants. See “—Financing for the Interbrew Transactions.”

 

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The following is a summary of our indebtedness by subholding company at December 31, 2003:

 

  Coca-Cola FEMSA. As a result of the Panamco acquisition, Coca-Cola FEMSA’s total indebtedness was Ps. 28,915 million, excluding Ps. 89 million of short and long term notes payable, as of December 31, 2003, as compared to Ps. 3,306 million as of December 31, 2002. Cash and cash equivalents were Ps. 2,783 million as of December 31, 2003, as compared to Ps. 6,429 million as of December 31, 2002. Approximately US$ 43 million of cash is subject to restrictions as a result of certain collateral arrangements Coca-Cola FEMSA entered into on behalf of its subsidiaries with respect to existing indebtedness.

 

    As part of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s financing policy, it expects to continue to finance its liquidity needs from cash from operations, although in the future it may be required to finance its working capital and capital expenditure needs with short-term debt or other borrowings. As a result of regulations in certain countries in which it operates, it may not be beneficial or, as in the case of exchange controls in Venezuela, practicable for Coca-Cola FEMSA to remit cash generated in local operations to fund cash requirements in other countries. In the event that cash from operations in these countries is not sufficient to fund future working capital requirements and capital expenditures, Coca-Cola FEMSA or its subsidiaries may decide, or be required, to fund cash requirements in these countries through local borrowings rather than remitting funds from another country.

 

    As of December 31, 2003, Coca-Cola FEMSA had U.S. dollar-denominated, uncommitted approved lines of credit totaling approximately Ps. 2,944 million, of which Ps. 2,039 million was available as of such date. In December 2003, Coca-Cola FEMSA finalized a loan agreement with The Coca-Cola Company that permits it to borrow, upon the satisfaction of certain conditions, up to US$ 250 million prior to December 20, 2006 for funding working capital needs and for other general corporate purposes at any time when such funding is not otherwise available under existing lines of credit.

 

    Coca-Cola FEMSA’s average cost of debt was 5.9% in U.S. dollars, 7.4% in Mexican pesos and 10.3% in Colombian pesos as of December 31, 2003 compared to 9.1% in U.S. dollars as of December 31, 2002

 

  FEMSA Cerveza. As of December 31, 2003, FEMSA Cerveza’s total outstanding debt was Ps. 5,662 million, which included Ps. 31 million of outstanding short-term trade and working capital loans. As of December 31, 2003, FEMSA Cerveza had approximately Ps. 5,631 million of long-term debt outstanding that included a Ps. 285 million medium-term revolving loan and Ps. 5,346 million consisting of bilateral loans and equipment financing loans. As of December 31, 2003, FEMSA Cerveza had U.S. dollar-denominated approved, uncommitted lines of credit totaling approximately Ps. 2,030 million, of which Ps. 1,999 million was available as of such date. FEMSA Cerveza’s average cost of debt as of December 31, 2003 was 9.0% in Mexican pesos and 3.8% in U.S. dollars.

 

  FEMSA Comercio. As of December 31, 2003, FEMSA Comercio’s total outstanding debt was Ps. 1,534 million, which consisted of a Ps. 1,477 long-term syndicated loan denominated in U.S. dollars that matures in August 2006, and Ps. 57 million of U.S. dollar-denominated short-term debt that matures in June 2004. As of December 31, 2003, FEMSA Comercio had U.S. dollar-denominated approved, uncommitted lines of credit totaling Ps. 1,036 million, all of which was available as of such date. FEMSA Comercio’s average cost of debt was 3.0% in U.S. dollars as of December 31, 2003 compared to 2.7% as of December 31, 2002.

 

 

FEMSA Empaques. As of December 31, 2003, FEMSA Empaques’ total outstanding debt was Ps. 2,159 million, Ps. 682 million of which consisted of short-term trade and the remaining Ps. 1,477 million which consisted of long-term indebtedness. As of December 31, 2003, FEMSA Empaques’ long-term debt obligations amounted to Ps. 567 million under long-term credit agreements incurred in connection with equipment financing transactions and/or government sponsored export-financing programs of the countries of origin of such equipment and Ps. 910 million of a long term syndicated loan maturing in December 2005. As of December 31, 2003, FEMSA Empaques had U.S. dollar-denominated approved,

 

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uncommitted lines of credit totaling Ps. 1,235 million, of which Ps. 554 million was available as of such date. FEMSA Empaques’ average cost of debt was 3.7% as of December 31, 2003 compared to 2.9% as of December 31, 2002.

 

Contingencies

 

We have various loss contingencies, for which reserves have been recorded in those cases where we believe the results of an unfavorable resolution is probable. Most of these loss contingencies have been recorded as an increase of the intangible assets recorded in the Panamco acquisition. Any amounts required to be paid in connection with these loss contingencies would be required to be paid from available cash.

 

Capital Expenditures

 

For the past four years, we have had significant capital expenditure programs, which for the most part were financed with cash from operations. Principal components of our capital expenditures have been for equipment, market-related investments and production capacity and distribution network expansion at Coca-Cola FEMSA and at FEMSA Cerveza, the construction of new Oxxo stores at FEMSA Comercio, and plant improvements at FEMSA Empaques.

 

Expected Capital Expenditures for 2004

 

Our capital expenditure budget for 2004 is expected to be approximately Ps. 8.5 billion. The following discussion is based on each of our subholding companies’ internal 2004 budgets. The capital expenditure plan for 2004 is subject to change based on market and other conditions and the subsidiaries’ results of operations and financial resources.

 

In connection with the continued integration of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s new territories, it estimated that its capital expenditures in 2004 would be approximately of Ps. 2.1 billion. Coca-Cola FEMSA’s capital expenditures in 2004 are primarily intended for:

 

  investments in returnable bottles and cases;

 

  market investments (primarily for the placement of refrigeration equipment); and

 

  integration of operations within our new territories, such as expenditures required to standardize our information systems, replace older distribution vehicles, overhaul plant facilities and distribution centers, and improve our manufacturing facilities.

 

FEMSA Cerveza’s capital expenditure budget for 2004 is expected to be approximately Ps. 4.7 billion. FEMSA Cerveza expects to allocate part of this budget for investments in its manufacturing facilities, predominantly related to marginal capacity expansions of its breweries and equipment modernization. FEMSA Cerveza also expects to apply a portion of this budget towards the improvement of its distribution assets, including new and replacement vehicles, the maintenance of a secondary distribution fleet and its ERP and information technology systems. In addition, FEMSA Cerveza plans to invest in commercial and market-related activities such as the enhancement of its retail coverage, to acquire third-party distributors, to develop long-term sponsorships and to place refrigeration equipment nationwide.

 

FEMSA Comercio’s capital expenditure budget in 2004 is expected to total approximately Ps. 1.4 billion. The year 2004’s budget will be allocated to the addition of new Oxxo stores and to a lesser extent to the refurbishing of the existing Oxxo stores. In addition, investments are planned in FEMSA Comercio’s information technology and ERP software systems.

 

FEMSA Empaques’ capital expenditure budget for 2004 is expected to be approximately Ps. 329 million to be allocated among its various product lines and facilities.

 

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Hedging Activities

 

Our business activities require the holding or issuing of derivative instruments to hedge our exposure to market risks related to changes in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, equity risk and commodity price risk.

 

The following table provides a summary of the fair value of derivative instruments as of December 31, 2003. The fair market value is obtained mainly from external sources, which are our counterparties to the contracts.

 

    

Fair Value

At December 31, 2003


 
     Maturity
less than
1 year


    Maturity
1-3 years


    Maturity
4-5 years


    Maturity
in excess
of 5 years


   Total
fair
value


 
     (in millions of constant Mexican pesos)  

Prices quoted by external sources

   (63 )   (88 )   (183 )   —      (334 )

 

In connection with the financing of the Interbrew transactions, we entered into forward contracts to buy U.S. dollars. The aggregate amount of the forward contracts was US$ 940 million with maturity dates from July to December 2004 and with a compounded average forward exchange rate of 11.63 Mexican pesos per U.S. dollar. During August 2004, US$ 690 million of these forward contracts matured, generating an exchange loss of Ps. 71 million that is included in the unaudited pro forma consolidated income statement. The remaining US$ 250 million in forward contracts are outstanding with maturities in December 2004 and a forward exchange rate of 11.75 Mexican pesos per U.S. dollar. We did not estimate exchange rates applicable at the maturity date for the forward contracts maturing in December 2004. Any exchange rate variation between the exchange rate as of the day on which the forward contracts mature and the forward exchange rate will be recorded as a foreign exchange gain or loss, as applicable, in our income statement.

 

Plan for the Disposal of Certain Fixed Assets

 

We have identified certain fixed assets consisting of land, buildings and equipment for disposal, and we have an approved program for disposal of these fixed assets. These assets are not in use and have been valued at their estimated realizable value, according to independent appraisals. These assets are allocated as follows:

 

     December 31,

     2003

   2002

     (in millions of
Mexican pesos)

FEMSA Cerveza

   Ps. 299    Ps. 409

FEMSA Empaques

     41      41

FEMSA

     327      341
    

  

Total

   Ps. 667    Ps. 791
    

  

 

Fixed assets recorded at their estimated realizable value are considered monetary assets on which a loss on monetary position is computed and recorded in the results of operation.

 

U.S. GAAP Reconciliation

 

The principal differences between Mexican GAAP and U.S. GAAP that affect our net income and majority stockholders’ equity relate to the accounting treatment of the following items:

 

  deferred income taxes and deferred employee profit sharing;

 

  deferred promotional expenses;

 

  restatement of imported machinery and equipment;

 

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  goodwill amortization;

 

  financial instruments; and

 

  capitalization of interest expense.

 

For a more detailed description of the differences between Mexican GAAP and U.S. GAAP as they relate to us and a reconciliation of net majority income and majority stockholders’ equity under Mexican GAAP to net income and stockholders’ equity under U.S. GAAP, see notes 25 and 26 to our consolidated financial statements contained in our annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2003, incorporated by reference in this prospectus and notes 27 and 28 to our unaudited consolidated financial statements for the six months ended June 30, 2004 included in this prospectus.

 

Pursuant to Mexican GAAP, our consolidated financial statements recognize certain effects of inflation in accordance with Bulletin B-10 and B-12. These effects were not reversed in the reconciliation to U.S. GAAP.

 

Under U.S. GAAP, we had net income of Ps. 3.271 billion and Ps. 3.206 billion in 2003 and 2002, respectively. Under Mexican GAAP, we had net majority income of Ps. 3.093 billion and Ps. 2.947 billion in 2003 and 2002, respectively. In 2003, net income under U.S. GAAP was higher than net majority income under Mexican GAAP, mainly as a result of the effect of deferred income taxes, deferred employee profit sharing and financial instruments.

 

Under U.S. GAAP, we had net income of Ps. 2.520 billion and Ps. 1.349 billion for the six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively. Under Mexican GAAP, we had net majority income of Ps. 2.434 billion and Ps. 1.217 billion for the same periods, respectively.

 

Stockholders’ equity under U.S. GAAP as of December 31, 2003 and 2002 was Ps. 42.112 billion and Ps. 38.233 billion, respectively. Under Mexican GAAP, majority stockholders’ equity as of December 31, 2003 and 2002 was Ps. 28.400 billion and Ps. 24.024 billion, respectively. As of June 30, 2004, stockholders’ equity was Ps. 44.992 billion under U.S. GAAP and majority stockholders’ equity was Ps. 31.062 billion under Mexican GAAP. The principal reasons for the difference between stockholders’ equity under U.S. GAAP and majority stockholders’ equity under Mexican GAAP were the effect of the goodwill generated by the minority interest acquisition and the restatement of imported machinery and equipment, partially offset by the effects of deferred income taxes and deferred employee profit sharing.

 

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BUSINESS

 

FEMSA

 

Our Company

 

We are the largest integrated beverage company in Latin America, based on total sales in 2003, and we have a portfolio of leading beer and soft drink brands. We are the second largest brewer in Mexico, based on sales volume in 2003, with brands that include Tecate , Dos Equis and Sol . Through our subsidiary, Coca-Cola FEMSA, we are the largest Coca-Cola bottler in Latin America and the second largest in the world, based on sales volumes in 2003. We sell our products through approximately two million points of sale, which serve a population of over 170 million people in nine countries, including some of the most populous metropolitan areas in Latin America, such as Mexico City, São Paulo and Buenos Aires. Our manufacturing and distribution capabilities are enhanced by our retail and packaging operations. We operate Oxxo, the largest convenience store chain in Mexico, with 2,798 stores at December 31, 2003. Our integrated business operations enable us to operate more efficiently and effectively and provide us with a platform for growth in Latin America.

 

The following chart provides an overview of our operations by segment:

 

LOGO


(1) Expressed in millions of Mexican pesos, except for ownership percentages. The sum of the financial data for each of our segments differs from our consolidated financial information due to intercompany transactions, which are eliminated in consolidation, and certain assets and activities of FEMSA which are not included in these four segments, including corporate services.
(2) Percentage of capital stock, equal to 53.6% of capital stock with full voting rights.
(3) On August 31, 2004, we acquired the remaining 30% interest in FEMSA Cerveza, and as a result of this acquisition as of the date of this prospectus FEMSA owns 100% of FEMSA Cerveza.

 

Summary of Operations

 

Coca-Cola FEMSA’s most important brand is Coca-Cola , which accounted for 60.2% of its total consolidated sales volume in 2003. Coca-Cola FEMSA depends on its bottler agreements with The Coca-Cola Company to have the right to bottle and distribute Coca-Cola trademark beverages in its territories. Coca-Cola FEMSA’s territories represented approximately 40% of Coca-Cola sales volume in Latin America in 2003. Coca-Cola FEMSA’s Mexican territories cover central Mexico, including Mexico City, and southeast Mexico. In 2003, 66.7% of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s total revenue and 84.0% of its income from operations were generated in Mexico. In addition to Mexico, Coca-Cola FEMSA operates in Guatemala, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil and Argentina.

 

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Through FEMSA Cerveza, we produce and distribute 15 brands of beer in a variety of bottle and can presentations. The most important brands in our beer portfolio include Tecate , Carta Blanca , Sol and Superior , which together accounted for approximately 88% of our domestic beer sales volume in 2003. In 2003, we sold 91.9% of our total beer sales volume in the Mexican market, which is the eighth largest beer market in the world based on sales volume in 2003. We export our beer brands to more than 70 countries worldwide, with the United States being our most important export market. Our export sales represented 8.1% of our total beer sales volume in 2003. Our principal export brands are Tecate , XX Lager , Dos Equis (Amber) and Sol .

 

Through FEMSA Comercio, we operated 2,798 Oxxo stores throughout Mexico at December 31, 2003. We have tripled the number of our Oxxo stores over the five years ended December 31, 2003 and expect to continue to increase the number of stores. FEMSA Comercio’s sales increased at a compounded annual rate of 22% over the five years ended December 31, 2003. Oxxo stores exclusively sell our beer brands and represented 5.4% of FEMSA Cerveza’s domestic sales volume in 2003. Soft drinks, telephone cards and cigarettes are the other main products sold at Oxxo stores. As a retail operation, FEMSA Comercio has lower operating margins than our core beverage businesses.

 

In order to support our beverage operations, we manufacture and distribute a wide variety of packaging products, primarily in Mexico. Our principal packaging products are aluminum beverage cans, crown caps and glass bottles. The majority of our packaging products are sold to Coca-Cola FEMSA and FEMSA Cerveza.

 

Competitive Strengths

 

We believe the combination of our production, distribution and selling infrastructure creates a platform for growth in Latin America with the following competitive strengths:

 

  Leading Market Position . We are among the largest beverage companies in our territories, which have a total population of approximately 170 million people. Our markets include some of the most populous metropolitan areas in Latin America, such as Mexico City, São Paulo and Buenos Aires. Although our markets are highly competitive and we have experienced challenging conditions in some of these markets, we believe that our size will allow us to realize economies of scale and take advantage of profitable growth opportunities in our markets.

 

  Broad Portfolio of Leading Brands. Our beverage products comprise 46 soft drink brands and 15 beer brands, including Coca-Cola , which is one of the most widely recognized brands in the world. We believe that our Sol brand is the fastest growing brand of beer in the Mexican market in terms of sales volume for the three years ended December 31, 2003. We believe we have the ability to introduce new brands and new presentations to target particular consumer preferences in each of our territories.

 

  Well-Developed Distribution Network. We sell our beverage products in approximately two million points of sale throughout Latin America. We have developed long-term relationships with smaller predominately “mom and pop” style retailers in Mexico, who are the main sellers of our products. In recent years, our Oxxo stores have gained importance as an effective distribution channel for our beverage products.

 

  Expanding Presence in U.S. Beer Market . Over the past several years, sales of Mexican beers in the United States have grown significantly faster than U.S. domestic brands. Our Tecate beer brand currently is the fourth largest import brand in the United States based on estimated sales volume in 2003. We have recently entered into a distribution agreement with Heineken USA.

 

  Sophisticated Information Systems. We are making significant investments in our information gathering and processing systems. As we continue to improve these systems, we believe we will be better able to optimize price and to segment markets by brand, presentation, channel and consumption occasion on a point of sale basis. Our systems are gradually allowing us to be more efficient and effective in production, marketing and distribution.

 

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  Proven Management Track Record . Our total sales increased over the five years ended December 31, 2003 at a compounded annual rate of 12%, while our income from operations increased at a compounded annual rate of 14% during the same period. We have an experienced management team that has delivered solid financial results, and we believe that our improved profitability is attributable in large part to the strength of our management.

 

Strategy

 

We are a beverage company. Soft drinks and beer are our core businesses, which together define our identity and are the main avenues for our future growth. As a beverage company, we understand the importance of connecting with our consumers by interpreting their needs and ultimately delivering the right products to them for the right occasions. We strive to achieve this by investing in developing and strengthening the brands under which we market and sell our products, expanding our already significant distribution capabilities and improving the efficiency of our operations. Our ultimate objectives are achieving sustainable revenue growth, improving profitability and increasing the return on invested capital in each of our operations. We believe that by achieving these goals we will create sustainable value for our shareholders.

 

The following are the key elements of our strategy:

 

  Grow Profitably in Beer. We seek to achieve profitable volume growth in our beer business ultimately to generate value for our shareholders. In order to achieve these objectives in our core Mexican markets, we are following a comprehensive strategy which seeks to:

 

  differentiate brand portfolios through market segmentation and brand positioning;

 

  develop advanced capabilities to gather information at the point of sale, by ensuring that appropriate products are being sold at the right price points;

 

  establish profitable, long-term relationships with retailers, by helping them to sell more products to consumers;

 

  achieve balanced and profitable market coverage, by selecting the appropriate mix of “on-premise” accounts (bars and restaurants where our products are consumed at the point of sale) and “off-premise” accounts (convenience stores and supermarkets where our products are purchased for consumption at a later point in time); and

 

  continuously pursue the maximization of efficiencies and cost reductions from production to final distribution, by using information technology and adapting processes accordingly.

 

  Increase Beer Sales in the United States . We seek to increase the sales of our beer brands in the United States. We have recently entered into an agreement with Heineken USA under which Heineken USA will become the exclusive distributor of our beers in the United States. We believe that our brands complement Heineken USA’s existing portfolio of brands in the United States and that this arrangement will allow us to expand the geographic focus of our brands, especially in the eastern United States.

 

  Enhance Profitability in Soft Drinks. Coca-Cola FEMSA seeks to increase its profitability by implementing well-planned product, package and pricing strategies through channel distribution and by identifying and implementing successful business practices across territories in order to improve operational efficiencies. Coca-Cola FEMSA seeks to increase per capita consumption of soft drinks in the territories in which it operates and to develop its product portfolio to better meet market demand and maintain overall profitability. In addition, Coca-Cola FEMSA uses market information systems and strategies developed with The Coca-Cola Company to improve its coordination with the worldwide marketing efforts of The Coca-Cola Company.

 

 

Continued Expansion of Oxxo Chain. We plan to continue to expand the number of Oxxo stores in Mexico. Because Oxxo exclusively carries our beer brands, we believe that Oxxo’s expansion will

 

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contribute to increased market penetration of our beer brands in Mexico. Market segmentation is becoming an important strategic tool, and we expect that it will increasingly allow us to improve the operating efficiency of each store location and the overall profitability of the chain by providing products that customers demand. We are currently further developing our own distribution capabilities, which will permit us to expand our product offerings to include items such as fast food at a lower cost and we believe, ultimately, will enhance our profitability.

 

  Maximizing Operating Efficiencies. We believe the size and scope of our businesses present us with opportunities to improve the efficiency of our operations and leverage our operating strengths across our company. For example, in our beer operations, unsold product returned at the end of a route decreased to 2% from 40% as a result of the implementation in 2003 of “pre-sale” (a distribution method in which the sales and delivery functions are separated and trucks are loaded with the actual mix of products that retailers have previously ordered). Coca-Cola FEMSA decreased the number of production facilities existing at the time of the Panamco acquisition from 52 to 32, while at the same time increasing productivity measured in terms of unit cases sold by its remaining plants by more than 50% on a company-wide basis.

 

We are a Mexican company headquartered in Monterrey, Mexico. Our legal name is Fomento Económico Mexicano, S.A. de C.V., and in commercial contexts we frequently refer to ourselves as FEMSA. Our principal executive offices are located at General Anaya No. 601 Pte., Colonia Bella Vista, Monterrey, Nuevo León 64410, Mexico. Our telephone number at this location is (52-81) 8328-6000. Our website is www.femsa.com. We are organized as a s ociedad anónima de capital variable under the laws of Mexico. Our agent in the U.S. is Donald Puglisi, 850 Library Avenue, Suite 204, P.O. Box 885, Newark, Delaware 19715. Our company was incorporated on May 30, 1936 and has a duration of 99 years.

 

Corporate Background

 

FEMSA traces its origins to the establishment of Mexico’s first brewery, Cervecería Cuauhtémoc, S.A. de C.V., which we refer to as Cuauhtémoc, which was founded in 1890 by four Monterrey businessmen: Francisco G. Sada, José A. Muguerza, Isaac Garza and José M. Schneider. The company is controlled by descendants of certain of the founders of Cuauhtémoc.

 

In 1891, the first year of production, Cuauhtémoc produced 2,000 hectoliters of beer. Cuauhtémoc continued to expand through additions to existing plant capacity and through acquisitions of other Mexican breweries, and has continued to increase its production capacity, reaching approximately 32.5 million hectoliters in 2003.

 

The strategic integration of the company dates back to 1936 when Famosa was established to supply crown caps to the brewery. The packaging operations were expanded in 1957 when we began to produce labels and flexible packaging for the company’s beer operations. During this period, these operations were part of what was known as the Monterrey Group, which also included interests in banking, steel and other packaging operations.

 

In 1974, the Monterrey Group was split between two branches of the descendants of the founding families of Cuauhtémoc. The steel and other packaging operations formed the basis for the creation of Corporación Siderúrgica, S.A. (later Grupo Industrial Alfa, S.A. de C.V.), controlled by the Garza Sada family, and the beverage and banking operations were consolidated under the FEMSA corporate umbrella, controlled by the Garza Lagüera family. FEMSA’s shares were first listed on the Mexican Stock Exchange on September 19, 1978. Between 1977 and 1981, FEMSA diversified its operations through acquisitions in the soft drink and mineral water industries, the establishment of the first convenience stores under the trade name Oxxo and investments in the hotel, construction, auto parts, food and fishing industries, which were subsequently divested.

 

In August 1982, the Mexican government suspended payment on its international debt obligations and nationalized the Mexican banking system. In 1985, certain controlling shareholders of FEMSA acquired a

 

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controlling interest in Cervecería Moctezuma, S.A., which was then Mexico’s third-largest brewery and which we refer to as Moctezuma, and related companies in the packaging industry. FEMSA subsequently undertook an extensive corporate and financial restructuring that was completed in December 1988.

 

Pursuant to the 1988 restructuring, these different assets were combined under a single corporate entity, which became Grupo Industrial Emprex, S.A. de C.V., which we refer to as Emprex. The debt restructuring included a capital increase, capitalization of debt and a divestiture of interests in non-core businesses. As a result of these transactions, FEMSA’s interest in Emprex was diluted to 60%, only to increase subsequently to approximately 68% as a result of the exercise of certain option rights by FEMSA.

 

In August 1991, FEMSA repurchased approximately 30% of its shares from a dissident minority shareholder. In October 1991, certain majority shareholders of FEMSA acquired a controlling interest in Bancomer, S.A., which we refer to as Bancomer. The investment in Bancomer was undertaken as part of the Mexican government’s reprivatization of the banking system, which had been nationalized in 1982. The Bancomer acquisition was financed in part by a subscription by Emprex’s shareholders, including FEMSA, of shares in Grupo Financiero Bancomer, S.A. de C.V. (currently Grupo Financiero BBVA Bancomer, S.A. de C.V.), which we refer to as BBVA Bancomer, the Mexican financial services holding company that was formed to hold a controlling interest in Bancomer. In February 1992, FEMSA offered Emprex’s shareholders the opportunity to exchange the BBVA Bancomer shares to which they were entitled for Emprex shares owned by FEMSA. As a result, FEMSA’s interest in Emprex declined to approximately 62%. In connection with these transactions, an 11% interest in Emprex was issued to a European portfolio investor. This reduced FEMSA’s interest in Emprex to approximately 51%. In August 1996, the shares of BBVA Bancomer that were received by FEMSA in the exchange with Emprex’s shareholders were distributed as a dividend to FEMSA’s shareholders.

 

Upon the completion of these transactions, Emprex began a series of strategic transactions to strengthen the competitive positions of its operating subsidiaries. These transactions included the sale of a 30% strategic interest in Coca-Cola FEMSA to a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Coca-Cola Company and a subsequent public offering of Coca-Cola FEMSA shares, both of which occurred in 1993, and the sale of a 22% strategic interest in FEMSA Cerveza to Labatt in 1994. Labatt subsequently increased its interest in FEMSA Cerveza to 30%.

 

In 1998, we completed a reorganization that:

 

  simplified our capital structure by converting our outstanding capital stock at the time of the reorganization into BD Units and B Units, and

 

  united the shareholders of FEMSA and the former shareholders of Emprex at the same corporate level through an exchange offer that was consummated on May 11, 1998.

 

As part of the reorganization, FEMSA listed ADSs on the New York Stock Exchange representing BD Units, and listed the BD Units and the B Units on the Mexican Stock Exchange. Prior to the completion of the exchange offer, FEMSA owned 51.04% of the shares of Emprex. Upon the completion of the exchange offer, FEMSA owned 98.70% of the outstanding shares of Emprex, which amount increased to 99.99% through a tender offer by FEMSA for the remaining Emprex shares.

 

In July 2002, as a result of the split-up or escisión of Emprex, Compañía Internacional de Bebidas, S.A. de C.V., which we refer to as CIBSA, was created as a new company to hold our interest in Coca-Cola FEMSA.

 

In May 2003, our subsidiary Coca-Cola FEMSA expanded its operations throughout Latin America by acquiring 100% of Panamco, then the largest soft drink bottler in Latin America in terms of sales volume in 2002. Through its acquisition of Panamco, Coca-Cola FEMSA began producing and distributing Coca-Cola trademark beverages in additional territories in Mexico, Central America, Colombia, Venezuela and Brazil, along with bottled water, beer and other beverages in some of these territories. The total cost of the acquisition was Ps. 29,518 million and was financed with new debt, an equity contribution by FEMSA, an exchange of The

 

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Coca-Cola Company’s equity interests in Panamco and available cash. Shareholders of Panamco, other than The Coca-Cola Company and its subsidiaries, received cash in exchange for their shares. The Coca-Cola Company and its subsidiaries received Series D Shares in exchange for their equity interest in Panamco of approximately 25%. FEMSA indirectly owns 45.7% of the capital stock of Coca-Cola FEMSA (53.6% of its capital stock with full voting rights) and The Coca-Cola Company indirectly owns 39.6% of the capital stock of Coca-Cola FEMSA (46.3% of its capital stock with full voting rights). The remaining 14.7% of its capital consists of Series L Shares with limited voting rights, which trade on the Mexican Stock Exchange and on the New York Stock Exchange in the form of ADSs under the trading symbol KOF.

 

On August 31, 2004, we acquired the 30% interest of FEMSA Cerveza previously owned by affiliates of InBev (formerly known as Interbrew), and as a result of this acquisition we own 100% of FEMSA Cerveza. See “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Recent Developments—Interbrew Transactions.”

 

Operations by Segment—Overview

Year Ended December 31, 2003 (1)

 

     Coca-Cola
FEMSA


  

FEMSA

Cerveza


   FEMSA
Comercio


   FEMSA
Empaques


     Pesos

   %

   Pesos

   %

   Pesos

   %

   Pesos

   %

Total Revenues

   35,729    47.08    21,924    28.89    16,601    21.87    7,352    9.69

Income from Operations

   6,710    55.53    3,556    29.43    694    5.74    988    8.18

Total Assets

   61,420    58.87    28,936    27.73    6,137    5.88    7,168    6.87

Employees

   56,841    65.99    16,461    19.11    5,859    6.80    4,197    4.87

(1) Expressed in millions of Mexican pesos, except for employees. The sum of the financial data for each of our segments and percentages with respect thereto differ from our consolidated financial information due to intercompany transactions, which are eliminated in consolidation, and certain assets and activities of FEMSA, including corporate services.

 

Total Revenues Summary by Segment (1)

 

     Year Ended December 31,

     2003

   2002

   2001

Coca-Cola FEMSA

   35,729    18,668    17,773

FEMSA Cerveza

   21,924    21,642    21,529

FEMSA Comercio

   16,601    13,247    11,160

FEMSA Empaques

   7,352    6,862    6,840

Other

   3,843    3,559    3,176
    
  
  

Consolidated Total Revenues

   75,891    55,395    52,465
    
  
  

(1) Expressed in millions of Mexican pesos. The sum of the financial data for each segment differ from our consolidated financial information due to intercompany transactions, which are eliminated in consolidation.

 

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Total Revenues Summary by Geographic Location (1)

 

     Year Ended December 31,

     2003

   2002

   2001

Mexico

   64,185    53,571    50,477

Argentina

   2,077    1,824    1,988

Brazil

   2,797    —      —  

Venezuela

   2,544    —      —  

Colombia

   2,319    —      —  

Central America

   2,187    —      —  
    
  
  

Consolidated Total Revenues

   75,891    55,395    52,465
    
  
  

(1) Expressed in millions of Mexican pesos. The sum of the financial data for each territory differ from our consolidated financial information due to intercompany transactions, which are eliminated in consolidation.

 

Coca-Cola FEMSA

 

Overview and Background

 

Coca-Cola FEMSA is the largest Coca-Cola bottler in Latin America, with its territories representing approximately 40% of Coca-Cola sales volumes in Latin America, and the second largest bottler of Coca-Cola trademark beverages in the world, calculated in each case by sales volumes in unit cases sold in its territories in 2003. Coca-Cola FEMSA operates in the following territories:

 

  Mexico—a substantial portion of central Mexico (including Mexico City) and southeast Mexico (including the Gulf region).

 

  Central America—Guatemala City and surrounding areas, Nicaragua (nationwide), Costa Rica (nationwide) and Panama (nationwide).

 

  Colombia—most of the country.

 

  Venezuela—nationwide.

 

  Brazil—the area of greater São Paulo, Campinas, Santos, the state of Mato Grosso do Sul and part of the state of Goiás.

 

  Argentina—federal capital of Buenos Aires and surrounding areas.

 

The following is an overview of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s operations by territory in 2003:

 

Operations by Territory—Overview

Year Ended December 31, 2003 (1)(2)

 

    Mexico

  Central
America


  Colombia

  Venezuela

  Brazil

  Argentina

    Pesos

  %

  Pesos

  %

  Pesos

  %

  Pesos

  %

  Pesos

  %

  Pesos

  %

Total Revenues

  23,935.2   66.7%   2,186.5   6.1%   2,319.1   6.5%   2,544.5   7.1%   2,796.9   7.8%   2,076.9   5.8%

Income from Operations

  5,633.6   84.0%   218.4   3.2%   261.1   3.9%   231.5   3.5%   149.8   2.2%   215.6   3.2%

(1) The sums of the financial data for each of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s territories and percentages with respect thereto differ from its consolidated financial information due to intercompany transactions, which are eliminated in consolidation, and certain non-operating assets and activities of Coca-Cola FEMSA, including corporate services.
(2) Expressed in millions of Mexican pesos.

 

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In 1979, a subsidiary of ours acquired certain soft drink bottler subsidiaries that are now a part of Coca-Cola FEMSA. At that time, the acquired subsidiaries had 13 Mexican distribution centers operating 701 distribution routes, and the production capacity of the acquired subsidiaries was 83 million physical cases. In 1991, we transferred our ownership in the subsidiaries to FEMSA Refrescos, S.A. de C.V., the corporate predecessor of Coca-Cola FEMSA.

 

Consistent with Coca-Cola FEMSA’s goals of maximizing long-term profitability and growth and enhancing its competitive position, in June 1993, a subsidiary of The Coca-Cola Company subscribed for 30% of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s capital stock in the form of Series D Shares for US$ 195 million. In September 1993, FEMSA sold Series L Shares that represented 19% of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s capital stock to the public, and Coca-Cola FEMSA listed these shares on the Mexican Stock Exchange and in the form of ADSs on the New York Stock Exchange. After giving effect to these transactions, we retained a 51% indirect interest in Coca-Cola FEMSA.

 

In a series of transactions between 1994 and 1997, Coca-Cola FEMSA acquired the territory for the federal capital of Buenos Aires by purchasing 100% of Coca-Cola FEMSA de Buenos Aires, S.A. de C.V. from a subsidiary of The Coca-Cola Company. Coca-Cola FEMSA expanded its Argentine operations in February 1996 by acquiring the former San Isidro Refrescos, S.A. territories including certain properties of Refrescos del Norte, S.A. Through these transactions, Coca-Cola FEMSA expanded its Argentine operations to include the contiguous San Isidro and Pilar areas.

 

Coca-Cola FEMSA expanded its Mexican operations in November 1997 by acquiring 100% of Embotelladora de Soconusco, S.A. de C.V., a bottler in the Tapachula area of the state of Chiapas in southern Mexico. With this acquisition, Coca-Cola FEMSA services the entire state of Chiapas.

 

In May 2003, Coca-Cola FEMSA expanded its operations throughout Latin America by acquiring 100% of Panamco, then the largest soft drink bottler in Latin America in terms of sales volumes in 2002. Through Coca-Cola FEMSA’s acquisition of Panamco, Coca-Cola FEMSA began producing and distributing Coca-Cola trademark beverages in additional territories in the central and the gulf regions of Mexico, and in Central America (Guatemala, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama), Colombia, Venezuela and Brazil, along with bottled water, beer and other beverages in some of these territories. The total cost of the transaction was approximately Ps. 29,518 million, excluding transaction expenses, and Coca-Cola FEMSA financed the acquisition as follows: Ps. 17,267 million of new debt (including approximately Ps. 5,245 million used to refinance existing Panamco indebtedness); a Ps. 2,779 million capital investment from FEMSA; the issuance of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s Series D Shares to subsidiaries of The Coca-Cola Company in exchange for a capital contribution of Ps. 7,041 million in the form of equity interests in Panamco; Ps. 2,820 million in cash; and Ps. 9,085 million of assumed net debt.

 

As of June 30, 2004, we indirectly owned 45.7% of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s capital stock, representing 53.6% of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s capital stock with full voting rights, and The Coca-Cola Company indirectly owned 39.6% of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s capital stock, representing 46.4% of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s capital stock with full voting rights. As of June 30, 2004, the remaining 14.7% of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s capital stock consisted of Series L Shares with limited voting rights, which trade on the Mexican Stock Exchange and in the form of ADSs on the New York Stock Exchange.

 

On July 6, 2004, Coca-Cola FEMSA filed a registration statement with the SEC with respect to the offering of up to 98,840,861 of its newly-issued Series L Shares, including Series L Shares in the form of American Depositary Shares, to holders of its Series L Shares and American Depositary Shares, as applicable, in a rights offering. After giving effect to the Coca-Cola FEMSA rights offering that expired on September 1, 2004, FEMSA indirectly owns 45.7% of the capital stock of Coca-Cola FEMSA (53.6% of its capital stock with full voting rights), The Coca-Cola Company indirectly owns 39.6% of the capital stock of Coca-Cola FEMSA (46.4% of its capital stock with full voting rights) and the Series L Shares with limited voting rights are equal to the remaining 14.7% of its capital stock.

 

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Business Strategy

 

Coca-Cola FEMSA is the largest bottler of Coca-Cola trademark beverages in Latin America in terms of sales volumes in 2003, with operations in Mexico, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil and Argentina. While Coca-Cola FEMSA’s corporate headquarters are in Mexico City, it has established divisional headquarters in the following three regions:

 

  Mexico with divisional headquarters in Mexico City;

 

  Latin Centro (covering territories in Guatemala, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia and Venezuela) with divisional headquarters in San José, Costa Rica; and

 

  Mercosur (covering territories in Brazil and Argentina) with divisional headquarters in São Paulo, Brazil.

 

Coca-Cola FEMSA seeks to provide its shareholders with an attractive return on their investment by increasing its profitability. The key factors in achieving profitability are increasing its revenues by implementing well planned product, package and pricing strategies through channel distribution and by implementing best practices in order to improve operational efficiencies throughout Coca-Cola FEMSA. To achieve these goals Coca-Cola FEMSA continues its efforts in:

 

  working with The Coca-Cola Company to continue exploring new lines of beverages that extend existing brands and allow Coca-Cola FEMSA to participate in new beverage segments;

 

  implementing packaging strategies designed to increase consumer demand for Coca-Cola FEMSA’s products and to build a strong returnable base in Coca-Cola FEMSA’s new territories;

 

  replicating Coca-Cola FEMSA’s successful best practices throughout the whole value chain within the newly acquired territories;

 

  rationalizing and adapting Coca-Cola FEMSA’s organizational and asset structure in order to be in a better position to respond to a changing competitive environment;

 

  strengthening Coca-Cola FEMSA’s selling capabilities in order to get closer to its clients, helping them satisfy the beverage needs of consumers;

 

  integrating Coca-Cola FEMSA’s operations through advanced information technology systems;

 

  evaluating Coca-Cola FEMSA’s bottled water strategy, in conjunction with The Coca-Cola Company, to maximize profitability across its market territories; and

 

  committing to building a best-in-class collaborative team, from top to bottom.

 

Coca-Cola FEMSA seeks to increase per capita consumption of soft drinks in the territories in which it operates. To that end, its marketing teams continuously develop sales strategies tailored to the different characteristics of its various territories and channels. Coca-Cola FEMSA continues to develop its product portfolio to better meet market demand and maintain overall profitability. To stimulate and respond to consumer demand, Coca-Cola FEMSA continues to introduce new products and new presentations. See “—Product and Packaging Mix.” Coca-Cola FEMSA also seeks to increase placement of refrigeration equipment, including promotional displays, through the strategic placement of such equipment in retail outlets in order to showcase and promote Coca-Cola FEMSA’s products. In addition, because Coca-Cola FEMSA views its relationship with The Coca-Cola Company as integral to its business strategy, Coca-Cola FEMSA uses market information systems and strategies developed with The Coca-Cola Company to improve its coordination with the worldwide marketing efforts of The Coca-Cola Company. See “—Marketing—Channel Marketing.”

 

Coca-Cola FEMSA seeks to rationalize its distribution capacity to improve the efficiency of its operations. In 2003, as part of the integration process from the acquisition of Panamco, Coca-Cola FEMSA closed several under-utilized manufacturing centers and shifted distribution activities to other existing facilities. In each of

 

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Coca-Cola FEMSA’s facilities, it seeks to increase productivity through infrastructure and process reengineering for improved asset utilization. Coca-Cola FEMSA’s capital expenditure program includes investments in production and distribution facilities, bottles, cases, coolers and information systems. Coca-Cola FEMSA believes that this program will allow it to maintain its capacity and flexibility to innovate and to respond to consumer demand for non-alcoholic beverages.

 

Coca-Cola FEMSA continues with the integration process in its new Mexican territories, realizing synergies in back-office operations, manufacturing and procurement and has implemented closure and integration of facilities and headcount reductions. Coca-Cola FEMSA closed Panamco’s Miami and Mexico City offices, consolidating its headquarter operations into its original office in Mexico City. In its new territories it has replicated some of its traditional management practices and systems and has introduced several packing presentations across its new territories, strengthening Coca-Cola brands and offering new options to consumers. Coca-Cola FEMSA has implemented new pricing architecture strategies, differentiating returnable presentations from non-returnables in order to achieve an adequate combination of price and convenience.

 

Finally, Coca-Cola FEMSA focuses on management quality as a key element of its growth strategies and remains committed to fostering the development of quality management at all levels. Both FEMSA and The Coca-Cola Company provide Coca-Cola FEMSA with managerial experience. To build upon these skills, Coca-Cola FEMSA also offers management training programs designed to enhance executives’ abilities, and cross-fertilization programs, whereby a growing team of multinational executives exchange experiences, know how and talent among its new and existing territories.

 

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Coca-Cola FEMSA Markets

 

The following map shows the locations of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s territories, giving estimates in each case the population to which Coca-Cola FEMSA offers products, the number of retailers of its carbonated soft drinks and the per capita consumption of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s soft drink products:

 

LOGO

 

Per capita consumption data for a territory is determined by dividing sales volumes within the territory (in bottles, jugs, cans, powders and fountain containers) by the estimated population within such territory, and is expressed on the basis of the number of eight-ounce servings of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s consumed annually per capita. In evaluating the development of local volume sales in its territories, Coca-Cola FEMSA and The Coca-Cola Company measure, among other factors, the per capita consumption of their carbonated beverages.

 

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Coca-Cola FEMSA Products

 

Coca-Cola FEMSA produces, markets and distributes the following Coca-Cola trademark beverages, proprietary brands and brands licensed from third parties, as of March 15, 2004:

 

     Mexico

  

Central

America


   Colombia

   Venezuela

   Brazil

   Argentina

Colas:

                                         

Coca-Cola

   ü      ü      ü      ü      ü      ü  

Coca-Cola light

   ü      ü      ü      ü      ü      ü  

Coca-Cola light lemon

                               ü         

Coca-Cola vanilla

   ü             ü      ü                
     Mexico

  

Central

America


   Colombia

   Venezuela

   Brazil

   Argentina

Flavored Soft Drinks:

                                         

Beat

   ü                                     

Canada Dry ginger ale

          ü                              

Chinotto

                        ü                

Chinotto light

                        ü                

Crush

                                      ü  

Delaware Punch

   ü                                     

Fanta

   ü      ü      ü             ü      ü  

Fanta light

                               ü      ü  

Fanta multi-flavors

   ü      ü                    ü         

Fresca

   ü      ü                              

Fresca pink grapefruit

   ü                                     

Frescolita

                        ü                

Grapette

                        ü                

Hit

                        ü                

Kist (1)

          ü                              

Kola Román (2)

                 ü                       

Kuat

                               ü         

Kuat laranja

                               ü         

Kuat light

                               ü         

Lift

   ü      ü      ü                       

Lift green apple

   ü      ü                              

Mundet multi-flavors (3)

   ü                                     

Premio (1)

                 ü                       

Prisco (3)

   ü                                     

Quatro

   ü             ü      ü             ü  

Schweppes

                               ü      ü  

Senzao

   ü                                     

Sidral Mundet (3)

   ü                                     

Sidral Mundet light (3)

   ü                                     

Simba

                               ü         

Sintonia

                               ü         

Sprite

   ü      ü      ü             ü      ü  

Sprite light / Sprite Cero

   ü                           ü      ü  

Taí

                               ü      ü  

 

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     Mexico

   Central
America


   Colombia

   Venezuela

   Brazil

   Argentina

Water:

                                         

Alpina (1)

          ü                              

Ciel

   ü                                     

Ciel Mineralizada

   ü                                     

Club K (1)

                 ü                       

Crystal (1)

                               ü         

Dasani

          ü                              

Kin

                                      ü  

Manantial (1)

                 ü                       

Nevada

                        ü                

Pure Mountain (1)

          ü                              

Santa Clara (1)

                 ü                       

Shangri-la (1)

          ü                              

Soda Clausen (1)

                 ü                       

Soda Kin

                                      ü  

 

     Mexico

   Central
America


   Colombia

   Venezuela

   Brazil

   Argentina

Other Categories: (4)

                                         

Black Fire

                                      ü  

Burn

                               ü         

Flash Power

                               ü         

Fruitopia

          ü                              

Hi-C

          ü                           ü  

Juizz (1)

          ü                              

Kapo

          ü                              

Keloco (1)

   ü                                     

Kin light

   ü                                     

Malta Regional (2)

                        ü                

Mickey Aventuras

   ü                                     

Nativa

                                      ü  

Nestea (2)

   ü      ü             ü      ü         

Polar

          ü                              

Powerade

   ü      ü      ü      ü                

Schweppes

          ü             ü                

Shangri-la (1)

          ü                              

Sunfil

          ü             ü                

Super 12 (1)

          ü                              

Super Malta (2)

          ü                              

(1) Proprietary brand.
(2) Brand licensed from third parties other than The Coca-Cola Company.
(3) Brands licensed from FEMSA.
(4) Includes juices, sport drinks, dairy, malt, powder, iced tea and mixers.

 

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Sales Overview

 

Coca-Cola FEMSA measures sales volume in terms of unit cases. Unit case refers to 192 ounces of finished beverage product (24 eight-ounce servings) and, when applied to fountain syrup, powders and concentrate, refers to the volume of fountain syrup, powders and concentrate that is required to produce 192 ounces of finished beverage product. The following table illustrates Coca-Cola FEMSA’s historical sales volumes for each of its territories. The sales volumes include the newly acquired Panamco territories only from May 2003.

 

    

Sales Volume

Year Ended

December 31,


     2003

   2002

   2001

     (millions of unit cases)

Mexico

   850.1    504.7    477.9

Central America

   72.9    —      —  

Colombia

   114.1    —      —  

Venezuela

   110.1    —      —  

Brazil

   176.6    —      —  

Argentina

   126.6    115.6    129.9
    
  
  

Combined Volume

   1,450.5    620.3    607.8

 

Product and Packaging Mix

 

Coca-Cola FEMSA’s single most important brand is Coca-Cola , which accounted for 60.2% of its total consolidated sales volume in 2003. Fanta, Sprite, Lift and Fresca , Coca-Cola FEMSA’s next largest brands in consecutive order, accounted for 5.1%, 3.1%, 2.4% and 2.1%, respectively, of sales volumes in 2003. Coca-Cola FEMSA produces, markets and distributes Coca-Cola trademark beverages in each of its territories in containers authorized by The Coca-Cola Company, which consist of a variety of returnable and non-returnable presentations in the form of glass bottles, cans and plastic bottles made of PET. Presentation sizes for Coca-Cola trademark beverages range from a 6.5-ounce personal size to a 20-liter multi-serving size. Coca-Cola FEMSA considers multi-serving size presentations as equal to or larger than 1.0 liter. In general, personal sizes have a higher price per unit case as compared to multi-serving sizes. Coca-Cola FEMSA offers both returnable and non-returnable presentations, which allows it to offer different combinations of convenience and price to implement revenue management strategies and to target specific distribution channels and population segments in its territories. In addition, Coca-Cola FEMSA sells some Coca-Cola trademark beverage syrups in containers designed for soda fountain use, which we refer to as fountain. Coca-Cola FEMSA also sells bottled water products in jug presentations, which is a presentation larger than 17 liters, that have a much lower price per unit than its other beverage products.

 

In addition to Coca-Cola trademark beverages, Coca-Cola FEMSA produces, markets and distributes certain other proprietary brands and beverages licensed from third parties other than The Coca-Cola Company in a variety of presentations.

 

The characteristics of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s territories are very diverse. Central Mexico is densely populated and has a large number of competing soft drink brands and higher per capita income as compared to the rest of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s territories. Brazil and Argentina are densely populated but have lower per capita consumption of soft drink products as compared to Mexico. Portions of Central America and Colombia are large and mountainous areas with lower population density, lower per capita income and lower per capita consumption of soft drink products. In Venezuela, per capita income and consumption have been affected due to the economic and political unrest in recent years. In recent years, per capita income has been negatively affected by macroeconomic conditions in most of the countries where Coca-Cola FEMSA operates.

 

The following discussion analyzes Coca-Cola FEMSA’s product and packaging mix by territory. The volume data presented is for the years 2002 and 2003 and includes the newly acquired territories for all of 2002 and the first four months of 2003 prior to the acquisition of Panamco. As discussed above, Coca-Cola FEMSA

 

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did not acquire these territories until May 6, 2003. Nonetheless, Coca-Cola FEMSA believes that presenting the prior periods in this section provides a more complete illustration of the characteristics of its territories than would be possible based solely on information from the last eight months of 2003. It has not included information for periods prior to 2002. It has presented above under “Sales Overview” its actual sales volumes by territory for the three years ended December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003, which include the newly acquired territories solely for eight months of 2003.

 

Mexico

 

Coca-Cola FEMSA’s product portfolio consists of Coca-Cola trademark beverages, and since 2001 has included third party Mundet trademark beverages. In 2003, it expanded its core brand portfolio line launching the flavored soft drinks Fanta multi-flavors, Fresca pink grapefruit and Lift green apple . It also introduced Coca-Cola vanilla in its Mexican territories, strengthening the cola category. Soft drink per capita consumption in Mexico during 2003 was 483 eight-ounce servings.

 

The following table highlights historical sales volume and mix in Mexico for Coca-Cola FEMSA’s products:

 

    

Year Ended

December 31,


 
     2003

    2002

 
     (millions of unit
cases)
 

Product Sales Volumes

            

Coca-Cola Trademark Beverages

   985.4     964.6  

Other Beverages

   16.2     15.9  
    

 

Total

   1,001.6     980.5  
    

 

% Growth

   2.2 %   —    
     (in percentages)  

Unit Case Volume Mix by Category

            

Colas

   59.8 %   60.8 %

Flavored Soft Drinks

   18.7     17.2  

Total Carbonated Soft Drinks

   78.5     78.0  

Water (1)

   20.9     20.7  

Other Categories

   0.6     1.3  
    

 

Total

   100.0 %   100.0 %
    

 

     (in percentages)  

Product Mix by Presentation

            

Returnable

   27.9 %   28.2 %

Non-returnable

   54.9     53.6  

Fountain

   1.3     1.3  

Jug

   15.9     16.9  
    

 

Total

   100.0 %   100.0 %
    

 


(1)       Includes jug volumes.

            

 

Coca-Cola FEMSA’s most popular soft drink presentations are the 2.5-liter and 2.0-liter returnable plastic bottles, the 0.6-liter non-returnable plastic contour bottle, and the 2.5-liter and the 2.0-liter non-returnable plastic bottle, which combined accounted for more than 60% of its total soft drink sales volume in 2003 in Mexico. Since 1995, Coca-Cola FEMSA has introduced a number of new presentations in Mexico. These include 2.5-liter and 2.0-liter returnable plastic bottles, 1.0-liter non-returnable plastic bottles, eight-ounce non-returnable glass

 

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bottles, 0.25-liter non-returnable plastic bottles and 0.6-liter plastic contour bottles to replace the 0.5-liter non-returnable glass and plastic presentations. In 2003, Coca-Cola FEMSA launched new 2.5-liter returnable and non-returnable presentations.

 

Multi-serving presentations are an important component of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s product mix. In 2003, multi-serving presentations represented 67% of its total soft drink sales volumes in Mexico, as compared to 64% in 2002. Coca-Cola FEMSA expects that demand for multi-serving presentations will continue increasing. Coca-Cola FEMSA believes that the popularity of multi-serving presentations is primarily attributable to the lower price per ounce of product in larger presentations.

 

In the past, the packaging trend in the soft drink industry in Mexico had moved toward non-returnable presentations. However, due to the entrance of low price brands in multi-serving size presentations, Coca-Cola FEMSA has refocused its packaging mix strategy to reinforce its sales of multi-serving size returnable packages, and as a result non-returnable presentations remained almost flat in 2003 as compared to 2002. Returnable plastic and glass presentations offer consumers a more affordable, although less convenient, product, and Coca-Cola FEMSA believes returnable packages present an opportunity for Coca-Cola FEMSA to attract new customers and maintain customer loyalty, because they make Coca-Cola trademark beverages more attractive to price-sensitive consumers. The price of a 2.5-liter returnable package is approximately 30% less than the same size non-returnable package. These returnable products are mainly sold to small store retailers, representing the largest distribution channel in the Mexican market, that benefit from returnable bottles’ lower price per ounce of product, allowing them to compete with larger supermarkets. Coca-Cola FEMSA believes that its continued commitment to returnable bottle availability will allow it to compete with low-price entrants to the Mexican soft drink market.

 

Total sales volumes reached 1,001.6 million unit cases in 2003, increasing 2.2% compared to 2002, including a 2.9% carbonated soft drink volume growth during the same period. The volume growth was mainly driven by (1) the solid performance of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s new flavored brands including Fanta multi-flavors, Fresca pink grapefruit and Lift green apple , accounting for approximately 70% of the incremental volumes during the year, (2) the incremental sales volumes reached by Ciel still water in a 5.0-liter presentation, and (3) volume growth from Coca- Cola brand beverages. This volume growth was partially offset by a decline in jug water volume, mainly in the 19.0-liter water jug presentation, the result of new revenue management initiatives intended to improve the profitability of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s bottled water business in its new territories, and to a lesser extent to the increased size of multi-serving presentations.

 

In 2003, product and packaging innovation helped Coca-Cola FEMSA weather a relatively weak economic environment and increased competition from low price soft drink brands in multi-serving size presentations, which have increased their presence and product alternatives in certain areas of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s Mexican territories. With the introduction of its new multi-serving size 2.5-liter returnable and non-returnable presentations, for the Coca-Cola brand and selected flavors, Coca-Cola FEMSA reduced the price gap per ounce versus low price brands during 2003, enhancing the value proposition for its customers.

 

Central America

 

Coca-Cola FEMSA’s product sales in Central America consist predominantly of Coca-Cola trademark beverages. During 2003 it launched the Dasani water brand in one of its Central American territories. Soft drink per capita consumption in Central America during 2003 was 131 eight-ounce servings.

 

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The following table highlights historical sales volume mix and total sales volumes in Central America:

 

     Year Ended
December 31,


 
     2003

    2002

 
     (millions of unit
cases)
 

Product Sales Volumes

      

Coca-Cola Trademark Beverages

   99.6     93.3  

Other Beverages

   7.7     6.8  
    

 

Total

   107.3     100.1  
    

 

% Growth

   7.2 %   —    
     (in percentages)  

Unit Case Volume Mix by Category

      

Colas

   69.4 %   69.6 %

Flavored Soft Drinks

   24.7     23.7  

Total Carbonated Soft Drinks

   94.1     93.3  

Water

   4.2     4.0  

Other Categories

   1.7     2.7  
    

 

Total

   100.0 %   100.0 %
    

 

     (in percentages)  

Product Mix by Presentation

      

Returnable

   51.8 %   50.9 %

Non-returnable

   42.9     43.4  

Fountain

   5.3     5.7  

Jug

   —       —    
    

 

Total

   100.0 %   100.0 %
    

 

 

In Central America, Coca-Cola FEMSA sells the majority of its sales volume through small retailers. In 2003, multi-serving presentations represented 47.5% of its total soft drink sales volumes in Central America. It also launched a 2.0-liter returnable presentation in Central America for Coca-Cola brand and selected flavor brands in 2003 to take advantage of the trend to larger presentations.

 

Total sales volumes reached 107.3 million unit cases in 2003, increasing 7.2% compared to 2002, including 8.1% growth in carbonated soft drink sales volumes during the same period. The sales volume growth was mainly driven by the solid performance of the cola category, increasing almost 7% during the year, and representing 66% of the incremental volumes, especially in Coca-Cola FEMSA’s territories in Guatemala and Nicaragua, and the incremental sales volume reached by the carbonated soft drink flavor segment, which represented the majority of the balance.

 

Colombia

 

Coca-Cola FEMSA’s product portfolio in Colombia consists of Coca-Cola trademark beverages, certain products sold under proprietary trademarks, as well as sales of the Kola Román brand, which it licenses from a third party. Soft drink per capita consumption in Colombia during 2003 was 80 eight-ounce servings.

 

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The following table highlights historical sales volume mix and total sales volumes in Colombia:

 

     Year Ended
December 31,


 
     2003

    2002

 
     (millions of unit
cases)
 

Product Sales Volumes

      

Coca-Cola Trademark Beverages

   133.5     139.0  

Other Beverages

   38.3     46.0  
    

 

Total

   171.8     185.0  
    

 

% Growth

   (7.1 )%   —    
     (in percentages)  

Unit Case Volume Mix by Category

      

Colas

   62.4 %   60.4 %

Flavored Soft Drinks

   22.3     21.8  

Total Carbonated Soft Drinks

   84.7     82.2  

Water (1)

   15.1     17.5  

Other Categories

   0.2     0.3  
    

 

Total

   100.0 %   100.0 %
    

 

     (in percentages)  

Product Mix by Presentation

      

Returnable

   53.4 %   53.8 %

Non-returnable

   36.8     35.3  

Fountain

   3.0     3.0  

Jug

   6.8     7.9  
    

 

Total

   100.0 %   100.0 %
    

 


(1)    Includes jug volumes.

            

 

The Colombian market is characterized by lower per capita consumption and relatively lower levels of multi-serving presentations. In 2003, multi-serving presentations represented 45.7% of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s total soft drink sales volumes in Colombia. Coca-Cola FEMSA is continuing to evaluate the right product, package and pricing architecture for its portfolio of brands in Colombia.

 

Total sales volumes amounted to 171.8 million unit cases in 2003, decreasing 7.1% compared to 2002, including a 4.4% carbonated soft drink volume decline during the same period. The volume decline was mainly driven by a reduction in the production of water sold in less profitable packages, which accounted for almost 50% of the volume decline during the year. Carbonated soft drinks accounted for the balance.

 

Venezuela

 

Coca-Cola FEMSA’s product portfolio in Venezuela consists predominantly of Coca-Cola trademark beverages. Soft drink per capita consumption in Venezuela during 2003 was 123 eight-ounce servings.

 

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The following table highlights historical sales volume mix and total sales volumes in Venezuela:

 

     Year Ended
December 31,


 
     2003

    2002

 
     (millions of unit
cases)
 

Product Sales Volumes

      

Coca-Cola Trademark Beverages

   148.6     160.6  

Other Beverages

   3.0     2.3  
    

 

Total

   151.6     162.9  
    

 

% Growth

   (6.9 )%   —    
     (in percentages)  

Unit Case Volume Mix by Category

      

Colas

   57.0 %   48.2 %

Flavored Soft Drinks

   29.2     34.0  

Total Carbonated Soft Drinks

   86.2     82.2  

Water (1)

   8.2     10.6  

Other Categories

   5.6     7.2  
    

 

Total

   100.0 %   100.0 %
    

 

     (in percentages)  

Product Mix by Presentation

      

Returnable

   36.4 %   39.1 %

Non-returnable

   57.6     52.5  

Fountain

   2.7     3.0  

Jug

   3.3     5.4  
    

 

Total

   100.0 %   100.0 %
    

 


(1)       Includes jug volumes.

            

 

During January of 2003, political unrest in Venezuela due to a national strike made it practically impossible for Panamco to run its Venezuelan operation on a regular basis. Supply shortages during the first quarter and a severe economic recession significantly affected volume performance during 2003. Coca-Cola FEMSA re-introduced the one-liter returnable glass presentation for the Coca-Cola brand in 2003, which it believes had a positive impact on sales volumes in 2003.

 

Total sales volumes decreased in 2003 to 151.6 million unit cases, including a decrease of 2.3% in carbonated soft drink volumes. Carbonated soft drink flavors accounted for almost 60% of the sales volume decline during the year, and still bottled water accounted for the majority of the balance, driven by a change of consumption habits of the population toward tap water due to the country’s economic recession.

 

Brazil

 

Coca-Cola FEMSA’s product portfolio in Brazil consists mainly of Coca-Cola trademark beverages. Pursuant to an agreement with Cervejarias Kaiser, Coca-Cola FEMSA distributes the Kaiser brands of beer, which represented 18.2% of its sales volumes in Brazil in 2003. During 2003, it expanded its product lines, introducing Coca-Cola light lemon, Kuat laranja and Sintonia . Soft drink per capita consumption in Brazil during 2003 was 189 eight-ounce servings.

 

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The following table highlights historical sales volume mix and total sales volumes in Brazil:

 

     Year Ended
December 31,


 
     2003

    2002

 
     (millions of unit
cases)
 

Product Sales Volumes

      

Coca-Cola Trademark Beverages

   206.1     239.5  

Other Beverages

   59.0     83.1  
    

 

Total

   265.1     322.6  
    

 

% Growth

   (17.8 )%   —    
     (in percentages)  

Unit Case Volume Mix by Category

      

Colas

   53.4 %   47.5 %

Flavored Soft Drinks

   23.7     26.7  

Total Carbonated Soft Drinks

   77.1     74.2  

Water

   4.1     5.1  

Other Categories (1)

   18.8     20.7  
    

 

Total

   100.0 %   100.0 %
    

 

     (in percentages)  

Product Mix by Presentation

      

Returnable

   11.1 %   11.9 %

Non-returnable

   85.1     84.1  

Fountain

   3.8     4.0  

Jug

   —       —    
    

 

Total

   100.0 %   100.0 %
    

 


(1)       Includes beer.

            

 

During 2003, Coca-Cola FEMSA initiated a packaging differentiation strategy intended to diversify its operation from 2.0-liter PET non-returnable packages and cans, which together accounted for almost 80% of sales volumes in 2002 and the beginning of 2003. Coca-Cola FEMSA launched more than six different packaging presentations during 2003, including a new 12-ounce non-returnable glass bottle and a new 200-milliliter returnable glass bottle in order to offer convenience and affordability for the on-premise segment. By selling more profitable stock keeping units or SKUs, Coca-Cola FEMSA intends to strengthen its packaging and brand portfolio, and enhance its pricing architecture in order to increase the profitability of the segment.

 

Total sales volumes amounted to 265.1 million unit cases in 2003, decreasing 17.8% compared to 2002 volumes, including a 14.7% decline in non-profitable carbonated beverage sales volumes during the same period. The majority of the volume decline during 2003 came from 2.0-liter non-returnable presentations, especially for low margin products like Simba and Taí , as Coca-Cola FEMSA tried to reach a better price value combination by shifting to more profitable presentations. Carbonated soft drinks accounted for 60% of the volume decline during 2003, beer represented 30% and bottled water represented the balance.

 

Argentina

 

Coca-Cola FEMSA’s product portfolio in Argentina consists exclusively of Coca-Cola trademark beverages. Soft drink per capita consumption in Argentina during 2003 was 276 eight-ounce servings.

 

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The following table highlights historical sales volume mix and total sales volumes in Argentina:

 

     Year Ended
December 31,


 
     2003

    2002

 
     (millions of unit
cases)
 

Product Sales Volumes

      

Coca-Cola Trademark Beverages

   126.6     115.6  

Other Beverages

   —       —    
    

 

Total

   126.6     115.6  
    

 

% Growth

   9.5 %   —    
     (in percentages)  

Unit Case Volume Mix by Category

      

Colas

   71.4 %   68.3 %

Flavored Soft Drinks

   27.4     30.4  

Total Carbonated Soft Drinks

   98.8     98.7  

Water

   0.9     0.8  

Other Categories

   0.3     0.5  
    

 

Total

   100.0 %   100.0 %
    

 

     (in percentages)  

Product Mix by Presentation

      

Returnable

   24.5 %   12.4 %

Non-returnable

   71.8     82.9  

Fountain

   3.7     4.7  

Jug

   —       —    
    

 

Total

   100.0 %   100.0 %
    

 

 

In 2002, in order to minimize the impact of the deteriorated economic situation in Argentina, as well as increase the affordability of its products, Coca-Cola FEMSA launched new returnable presentations such as a 1.25-liter returnable glass presentation and a 2.0-liter returnable PET presentation, which combined with existing presentations accounted for 25% of its sales volumes in 2003. During 2003, Coca-Cola FEMSA also experienced an increase in its premium brands fostered by the launch of Fanta light and the slow recovery of the Argentine economy.

 

Total sales volumes amounted to 126.6 million unit cases in 2003, increasing 9.5% compared to 2002. The sales volume increase was mainly driven by Coca-Cola FEMSA’s returnable packaging strategy and the economic recovery from the devaluation of the Argentine peso in 2002. Coca-Cola FEMSA also experienced a product shift from its less profitable value protection brands, Taí and Crush , toward its core and premium brands, the Coca-Cola brand and Fanta, which increased 15.1% and 40.6%, respectively. For the first time, in 2003 Coca-Cola FEMSA sold more sales volumes from premium brands than from value protection brands, fostered by a 10.9% volume increase of the Coca-Cola light brand and the successful introduction of Fanta light during the year. Premium brands represented 12.2% of total sales volumes during 2003.

 

Marketing

 

Coca-Cola FEMSA, in conjunction with The Coca-Cola Company, has developed a sophisticated marketing strategy to promote the sale and consumption of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s products. It relies extensively on advertising, sales promotions and non-price related retailer incentive programs designed by local affiliates of The Coca-Cola Company to target the particular preferences of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s soft drink consumers. Through

 

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the use of advanced information technology, Coca-Cola FEMSA has collected customer and consumer information that allow it to tailor marketing strategies to the types of customers located in each of its territories and to meet the specific needs of the various market segments it serves. Coca-Cola FEMSA is in the process of rolling out its information technology system in its new territories in order to standardize the systems in these territories with its original territories.

 

Retailer Incentive Programs

 

Incentive programs include providing retailers with commercial refrigerators for the display and cooling of soft drink products and for point-of-sale display materials. Coca-Cola FEMSA seeks, in particular, to increase distribution coolers among retailers to increase the visibility and consumption of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s products and to ensure that they are sold at the proper temperature. Sales promotions include sponsorship of community activities, sporting, cultural and social events and consumer sales promotions such as contests, sweepstakes and product giveaways.

 

Advertising

 

Coca-Cola FEMSA advertises in all major communications media. It focuses its advertising efforts on increasing brand recognition by consumers and improving customer relations. National advertising campaigns are designed and proposed by The Coca-Cola Company’s local affiliates, with Coca-Cola FEMSA’s input at the local or regional level.

 

Channel Marketing

 

In order to provide more dynamic and specialized marketing of its products, Coca-Cola FEMSA’s strategy is to segment its market and develop targeted efforts for each segment or distribution channel. Coca-Cola FEMSA’s principal channels are small retailers, “on-premise” consumption such as restaurants and bars, supermarkets and third party distributors. Presence in these channels entails a comprehensive and detailed analysis of the purchasing patterns and preferences of various groups of soft drink consumers in each of the various types of locations or distribution channels. In response to this analysis, Coca-Cola FEMSA tailors its product, price, packaging and distribution strategies to meet the particular needs of and exploit the potential of each channel.

 

Coca-Cola FEMSA believes that the implementation of its channel marketing strategy also enables it to respond to competitive initiatives with channel-specific responses as opposed to market-wide responses. This focused response capability isolates the effects of competitive pressure in a specific channel, thereby avoiding costlier market-wide responses. Coca-Cola FEMSA’s channel marketing activities are facilitated by its management information systems. It has invested significantly in creating such systems, including in hand-held computers to support the gathering of product, consumer and delivery information required to implement its channel marketing strategies effectively, for most of its sales routes in Mexico and Argentina, and will continue investing to increase pre-sale coverage in certain of its new territories.

 

Cooperative Marketing Budget

 

Coca-Cola FEMSA’s consolidated total marketing expenditure made in 2003 was Ps. 1,498.4 million. In 2002 and 2003, The Coca-Cola Company contributed 48% and 41%, respectively, of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s marketing expenditures budget.

 

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Product Distribution

 

The following table provides an overview of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s product distribution centers and the retailers to which it sells its products:

 

Product Distribution Summary

As of December 31, 2003

 

     Mexico

   Central
America


   Colombia

   Venezuela

   Brazil

   Argentina

Distribution Centers

   113    43    42    38    10    4

Number of Retailers (1)

   547,185    139,289    442,210    234,740    120,008    75,735

(1) Estimated.

 

Coca-Cola FEMSA uses two main sales methods depending on market and geographic conditions: the traditional or conventional truck route system, in which the person in charge of the delivery makes immediate sales from inventory available on the truck, and the pre-sale system. The pre-sale program separates the sales and delivery functions, allowing sales personnel to sell products prior to delivery and enabling trucks to be loaded with the mix of products that retailers have previously ordered, thereby increasing distribution efficiency. Under the pre-sale program, sales personnel also provide merchandising services during retailer visits, which Coca-Cola FEMSA believes enhances the presentation of its products at the point of sale. In certain areas Coca-Cola FEMSA also makes sales through third party wholesalers of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s products. The vast majority of its sales are on a cash basis.

 

Coca-Cola FEMSA believes that service visits to retailers and frequency of deliveries are essential elements in an effective distribution system for soft drink products. Accordingly, it has continued to expand its pre-sale system throughout its operations, except in areas where it believes consumption patterns do not warrant pre-sale. Coca-Cola FEMSA is in the process of replicating this business model in its new territories.

 

Coca-Cola FEMSA’s distribution centers range from large warehousing facilities and re-loading centers to small deposit centers. In addition to its fleet of trucks, Coca-Cola FEMSA distributes its products in certain locations through a fleet of electric carts and hand-trucks in order to comply with local environmental and traffic regulations. Coca-Cola FEMSA generally retains third parties to transport its finished products from the bottler plants to the distribution centers.

 

Mexico

 

Coca-Cola FEMSA contracts with a subsidiary of ours for the transportation of finished products to distribution centers from its Mexican production facilities. From the distribution centers, Coca-Cola FEMSA then distributes its finished products to retailers through its own fleet of trucks. In 2003, Coca-Cola FEMSA implemented these practices in the newly acquired Mexican territories.

 

In Mexico, Coca-Cola FEMSA sells a majority of its beverages at small retail stores to customers who take the beverages home or elsewhere for consumption. It also sells products through the “on-premise” segment, supermarkets and others. “On premise” consists of sales through sidewalk stands, restaurants, bars and various types of dispensing machines and sales through point of sale programs in concert halls, auditoriums and theaters by means of a series of arrangements with Mexican promoters.

 

Central America

 

In Central America, Coca-Cola FEMSA distributes its finished products to retailers through a combination of its own fleet of trucks and third party distributors. In Central America, excluding Guatemala, Coca-Cola

 

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FEMSA sells more than 50% of its sales volumes through the pre-sale system in 2003. In Guatemala, Coca-Cola FEMSA sold only around 10% of its sales volumes through pre-sale in 2003, but currently plans to increase pre-sale coverage in the future. In its Central American operations, just as in most of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s territories, an important part of its sales volumes is through small retailers, and it has low supermarket penetration in this region, representing less than 8% of its sales volumes in 2003.

 

Colombia

 

Approximately half of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s sales volumes in Colombia are sold through pre-sale and half through the traditional system in 2003. Coca-Cola FEMSA distributes its finished products to retailers through a combination of its own fleet of trucks and third party distributors. Since May 2003, it consolidated five distribution centers out of 47 in its Colombian operations, with the objective of increasing productivity levels and asset utilization.

 

Venezuela

 

In Venezuela close to 70% of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s sales volumes in 2003 were through the pre-sale system. Coca-Cola FEMSA distributes its finished products to retailers through a combination of its own fleet of trucks and third party distributors. During 2003 it consolidated the operations of two of the 40 distribution facilities. Its Venezuelan operations distribute a significant part of sales volumes through small retailers and supermarkets, which represent approximately 13% of its sales volumes in 2003.

 

Brazil

 

In Brazil, almost 100% of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s sales are through the pre-sale system, although the delivery of finished products to customers is by a third party. At the end of 2003, it operated ten distribution facilities in its Brazilian territories. In contrast with the rest of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s territories, which have low supermarket penetration, in Brazil it sold more than 25% of its sales volume through supermarkets in 2003. In addition, in designated zones independent wholesalers purchase Coca-Cola FEMSA’s products at a discount from the wholesale price and resell the products to retailers. Independent wholesalers distributed approximately 16% of its products in 2003.

 

Argentina

 

At December 31, 2003, Coca-Cola FEMSA operated four distribution centers in Argentina. Coca-Cola FEMSA distributes its finished products to retailers through a combination of its own fleet of trucks and third party distributors. Independent wholesalers distributed approximately 5.7% of its products in 2003.

 

In Argentina, in 2003 Coca-Cola FEMSA sold the majority of its products in the take-home segment, which consists of sales to consumers who take the beverages home or elsewhere for consumption. In 2003, the percentage of sales volumes through supermarkets decreased to 17.9% from 23.4% in 2002.

 

Competition

 

Although Coca-Cola FEMSA believes that its products enjoy wider recognition and greater consumer loyalty than those of its principal competitors, the soft drink segments in the territories in which Coca-Cola FEMSA operates are highly competitive. Its principal competitors are local bottlers of Pepsi and other bottlers and distributors of national and regional soft drink brands. Coca-Cola FEMSA faces increased competition in many of its territories from producers of low price beverages, commonly referred to as “B” brands. A number of its competitors in Central America and Brazil also offer both soft drinks and beer, which may enable them to achieve distribution efficiencies.

 

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During 2003, Coca-Cola FEMSA faced new competitive pressures that are different than those it has historically faced as it began operations in Central America, Colombia, Venezuela and Brazil. In addition, distribution and marketing practices in some of these territories differ from Coca-Cola FEMSA’s historical practices.

 

Recently, price discounting and packaging have joined consumer sales promotions, customer service and non-price retailer incentives as the primary means of competition among soft drink bottlers. Coca-Cola FEMSA competes by seeking to offer an attractive price / value proposition to the different segments in its markets and by building on its brand equity. Coca-Cola FEMSA believes that the introduction of new products and new presentations has been a significant competitive technique that allows it to increase demand for Coca-Cola FEMSA’s products, provide different options to consumers and increase new consumption opportunities. See “—Sales Overview.”

 

Mexico

 

Coca-Cola FEMSA’s principal competitors in Mexico are bottlers of Pepsi products, whose territories overlap but are not co-extensive with those of Coca-Cola FEMSA. These competitors include Pepsi Gemex in central Mexico, a subsidiary of PBG, the largest bottler of Pepsi globally, and several other Pepsi bottlers in central and southeast Mexico. In addition, Coca-Cola FEMSA competes with Cadbury Schweppes and with other national and regional brands in its Mexican territory. Coca-Cola FEMSA also faces an increase in competition from low price producers offering multi-serving size presentations in the soft drink industry.

 

Central America

 

In the countries that comprise its Central America territory, Coca-Cola FEMSA’s main competitors are Pepsi bottlers. In Guatemala and Nicaragua it competes against The Central American Bottler Corporation, in Costa Rica its principal competitor is Embotelladora Centroamericana, S.A. and in Panama its main competitor is Refrescos Nacionales, S.A.

 

Colombia

 

Coca-Cola FEMSA’s principal competitor is Postobón S.A., which we refer to as Postobón, a well-established local bottler that sells flavored soft drinks, some of which have a wide consumption preference, such as cream soda, the second most popular category in the Colombian soft drink industry in terms of sales volumes, and Pepsi products. Postobón is a vertically integrated producer, the owners of which hold other significant commercial interests in Colombia.

 

Venezuela

 

In Venezuela, Coca-Cola FEMSA’s main competitor is Pepsi-Cola Venezuela, C.A., a joint venture formed between PepsiCo and Empresas Polar, S.A., the leading beer distributor in the country. It also competes with the producers of Kola Real in part of the country.

 

Brazil

 

In Brazil, Coca-Cola FEMSA competes against AmBev, a Brazilian company with a portfolio of brands that includes Pepsi, local brands with flavors such as guaraná and proprietary beers. It also competes against “B” brands or “Tubainas,” which are small, local producers of low cost flavored soft drinks in multi-serving presentations that represent an important portion of the soft drink market.

 

Argentina

 

In Argentina, Coca-Cola FEMSA’s main competitor is BAESA, a Pepsi bottler, which is owned by Argentina’s principal brewery, Quilmes Industrial S.A., and indirectly controlled by AmBev. In addition to

 

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BAESA, competition has intensified over the last several years with the entrance of a number of competitors offering generic, low priced soft drinks as well as many other generic products and private label proprietary supermarket brands.

 

Production and Distribution Facilities

 

Over the past several years, Coca-Cola FEMSA has made significant capital improvements to modernize its facilities and improve operating efficiency and productivity, including:

 

  increasing the annual capacity of its bottler plants;

 

  installing clarification facilities to process different types of sweeteners;

 

  installing plastic bottle-blowing equipment and can presentation capacity;

 

  modifying equipment to increase flexibility to produce different presentations, including swing lines that can bottle both non-returnable and returnable presentations; and

 

  closing obsolete production facilities.

 

As of December 31, 2003, Coca-Cola FEMSA owned 32 bottler plants. By country, Coca-Cola FEMSA has twelve bottler facilities in Mexico, four in Central America, six in Colombia, six in Venezuela, three in Brazil and one in Argentina.

 

Since the Panamco acquisition during 2003, Coca-Cola FEMSA consolidated 20 of its plants into existing facilities, including four plants in Mexico, one in Central America, eleven in Colombia, three in Venezuela and one in Brazil. At the same time, Coca-Cola FEMSA increased its productivity measured in unit cases sold by its remaining plants by more than 50% company wide.

 

As of December 31, 2003, Coca-Cola FEMSA operated 250 distribution centers, more than 40% of which were in its Mexican territories. Coca-Cola FEMSA owns approximately 80% of these distribution centers and leases the remainder. See “—Product Distribution.” During 2003, as part of its consolidation process, Coca-Cola FEMSA closed 37 distribution centers across its territories.

 

The table below sets forth the location, principal use, installed capacity and percentage utilization of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s production facilities by country:

 

Production Facility Summary

As of December 31, 2003

 

Country


   Principal Use

   Installed Capacity
(thousands of unit
cases)


  

%

Utilization (1)


 

Mexico

   Bottler Facility    1,417,345    59.5 %

Guatemala

   Bottler Facility    30,303    54.6 %

Nicaragua

   Bottler Facility    26,807    70.8 %

Costa Rica

   Bottler Facility    37,992    56.3 %

Panama

   Bottler Facility    28,830    36.1 %

Colombia

   Bottler Facility    264,036    37.5 %

Venezuela

   Bottler Facility    268,763    42.1 %

Brazil

   Bottler Facility    378,969    56.3 %

Argentina

   Bottler Facility    206,736    60.3 %
 
  (1) Annualized rate.

 

Taxation of Soft Drinks

 

All the countries in which Coca-Cola FEMSA operates, except for Panama, impose a value-added tax on the sale of soft drinks, with a rate of 15% in Mexico, 12% in Guatemala, 15% in Nicaragua, 13% in Costa Rica, 5%

 

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in Panama, 16% in Colombia, 16% in Venezuela, 18% in Brazil (only in the territories where Coca-Cola FEMSA operates) and 21% in Argentina. In addition, several of the countries in which Coca-Cola FEMSA operates impose the following excise or other taxes:

 

  Mexico imposes a 20% excise tax on soft drinks produced with high fructose corn syrup or HFCS in January 2002 that was suspended in September 2002. In January 2003, the Mexican government implemented a 20% excise tax on carbonated soft drinks produced with non-sugar sweeteners.

 

  Guatemala imposes an excise tax of 0.18 cents in local currency (Ps. 0.25 as of December 31, 2003) per liter of soft drink.

 

  Nicaragua imposes a 9% consumption tax.

 

  Costa Rica imposes a specific tax on non-alcoholic bottled beverages based on the combination of packaging and flavor, a 5% tax on local brands, a 10% tax on foreign brands and a 14% tax on mixers.

 

  Panama imposes a 5% tax based on the cost of goods produced.

 

  Brazil imposes an excise tax of 9% and a consumption tax of 6.9% in the territories where Coca-Cola FEMSA operates.

 

  Argentina imposes an excise tax on colas and on flavored soft drinks containing less than 5% lemon juice or less than 10% fruit juice of 8.7%, and an excise tax on flavored soft drinks with 10% or more fruit juice, and on mineral water of 4.2%.

 

Price Controls on Soft Drinks

 

At present, there are no price controls on soft drinks in any of our territories. In Mexico, prior to 1992, prices of carbonated soft drinks were regulated by the Mexican government. From 1992 to 1995, the industry was subject to voluntary price restraints. In response to the devaluation of the Mexican peso relative to the U.S. dollar in 1994 and 1995, however, the Mexican government adopted an economic recovery plan to control inflationary pressures in 1995. As part of this plan, the Mexican government encouraged the Asociación Nacional de Productores de Refrescos y Aguas Carbonatadas, A.C. (the National Association of Bottlers) to engage in voluntary consultations with the Mexican government with respect to price increases for returnable presentations. These voluntary consultations were terminated in 1996. In the last 10 years, the governments in Colombia, Brazil and Venezuela have also imposed formal price controls on soft drinks. The imposition of price controls in the future may limit Coca-Cola FEMSA’s ability to set prices and adversely affect its results of operations.

 

Seasonality

 

Sales of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s products are seasonal, as its sales levels generally increase during the summer months of each country and during the Christmas holiday season. In Mexico, Central America, Colombia and Venezuela, Coca-Cola FEMSA typically achieves its highest sales during the summer months of April through September as well as during the Christmas holidays in December. In Argentina and Brazil, its highest sales levels occur during the summer months of October through March and the Christmas holidays in December.

 

Raw Materials

 

Pursuant to the bottler agreements with The Coca-Cola Company, Coca-Cola FEMSA is required to purchase concentrate, including aspartame, an artificial sweetener used in diet sodas, for all Coca-Cola trademark beverages from companies designated by The Coca-Cola Company. The price of concentrate for all Coca-Cola trademark beverages is a percentage of the average price Coca-Cola FEMSA charges to its retailers net of applicable taxes. Although The Coca-Cola Company has the right to unilaterally set the price of concentrates, in practice this percentage is set pursuant to periodic negotiations with The Coca-Cola Company. In connection with the Panamco acquisition, The Coca-Cola Company agreed that concentrate prices would not be raised through May 2004.

 

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In addition to concentrates, Coca-Cola FEMSA purchases sweeteners, carbon dioxide, glass and plastic bottles, cans, closures and fountain containers, as well as other packaging materials. Its bottler agreements provide that, with respect to Coca-Cola trademark beverages, all containers, closures, cases, cartons and other packages and labels may be purchased only from suppliers approved by The Coca-Cola Company, which includes manufacturing subsidiaries of FEMSA Empaques. Prices for packaging materials historically are determined with reference to the U.S. dollar, although the local currency equivalent in a particular country is subject to price volatility in accordance with changes in exchange rates. Under the agreements with The Coca-Cola Company, Coca-Cola FEMSA may also use raw or refined sugar or HFCS as sweeteners in its products, although it currently use sugar in all of its operations except for Argentina. Sugar prices in all of the countries in which Coca-Cola FEMSA operates, other than Brazil, are subject to local regulations and other barriers to market entry that cause it to pay in excess of international market prices for sugar. Coca-Cola FEMSA has experienced sugar price volatility in these territories as a result of changes in local conditions and regulations.

 

None of the materials or supplies that Coca-Cola FEMSA uses are presently in short supply, although the supply of specific materials could be adversely affected by strikes, weather conditions, governmental controls or national emergency situations.

 

Mexico

 

Coca-Cola FEMSA purchases some glass bottles, closures, plastic cases, commercial refrigerators, cans and certain lubricants and detergents for bottling lines from subsidiaries of FEMSA Empaques. It purchases its returnable plastic bottles from Continental PET Technologies de México, S.A. de C.V, a subsidiary of Continental Can, Inc., which has been the exclusive supplier of returnable plastic bottles to The Coca-Cola Company and its bottlers in Mexico. Coca-Cola FEMSA purchases some of its non-returnable plastic bottles, as well as pre-formed plastic ingots for the production of non-returnable plastic bottles, from ALPLA Fábrica de Plásticos, S.A. de C.V., an authorized provider of PET for The Coca-Cola Company.

 

Coca-Cola FEMSA purchases some can presentations from Industria Envasadora de Querétaro, S.A. de C.V., known as IEQSA, a bottler cooperative in which it holds 33.68% interest. Both Coca-Cola FEMSA and IEQSA purchase a portion of empty can supply requirements from Famosa. Coca-Cola FEMSA’s supply agreements provide for market based pricing.

 

Sweeteners are combined with water to produce basic syrup, which is added to the concentrate as the sweetener for the soft drink. Coca-Cola FEMSA regularly purchases sugar from Promotora Mexicana de Embotelladoras, S.A. de C.V., known as PROMESA, a cooperative of Coca-Cola bottlers. These purchases are regularly made under one-year agreements between PROMESA and each bottler subsidiary for the sale of sugar at a price that is determined monthly based on the cost of sugar to PROMESA. Coca-Cola FEMSA also purchases sugar from Beta San Miguel, another sugar-cane producer in which it holds a 2.54% equity interest.

 

In December 2001, the Mexican government expropriated the sugar industry in Mexico. To administer this industry, the Mexican government entered into a trust agreement with Nacional Financiera, S.N.C., which we refer to as Nafin, a Mexican government-owned development bank, pursuant to which Nafin acts as trustee. In addition, the Mexican government imposed a 20% excise tax, effective January 1, 2002, on carbonated soft drinks sweetened with HFCS. As a result Coca-Cola FEMSA converted its Mexican bottler facilities to sugar-cane-based production in early 2002. On January 1, 2003, the Mexican government broadened the reach of this tax by imposing a 20% excise tax on carbonated soft drinks produced with non-sugar sweetener, including HFCS. The effect of these excise taxes is to limit Coca-Cola FEMSA’s ability to substitute other sweeteners for sugar.

 

Imported sugar is also presently subject to import duties, the amount of which is set by the Mexican government. As a result, sugar prices in Mexico are in excess of international market prices for sugar and increased by approximately 8% in 2003.

 

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Central America

 

The majority of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s raw materials such as glass and plastic bottles and cans are purchased from several local suppliers. Sugar is available from one supplier in each country. Local sugar prices are significantly higher than international market prices, and Coca-Cola FEMSA’s ability to import sugar or HFCS is limited.

 

Colombia

 

Coca-Cola FEMSA uses sugar as a sweetener in its products, which it buys from several domestic sources. It purchases pre-formed ingots from a local supplier and Tapón Corona, in which it has a 40% equity interest. Coca-Cola FEMSA purchases all its glass bottles and cans from suppliers, in which its competitor Postobón owns a 40% equity interest. Other suppliers exist for glass bottles, however, cans are available only from this one source.

 

Venezuela

 

Coca-Cola FEMSA uses sugar as a sweetener in its products, of which it purchases the majority from the local market and the rest it imports mainly from Colombia. In the second half of 2003, there was a shortage of sugar due to the inability of the main sugar importers to access foreign currencies as a result of the exchange controls implemented at the beginning of 2003. Coca-Cola FEMSA only buys glass bottles from one supplier, Productos de Vidrio, S.A., a local supplier, but there are other alternative suppliers authorized by The Coca-Cola Company. Coca-Cola FEMSA has several supplier options for plastic non-returnable bottles but it acquires most of its requirements from ALPLA de Venezuela, S.A. One exclusive supplier handles all of its can requirements.

 

Brazil

 

Sugar is widely available in Brazil at internal market prices which are generally lower than international prices. Coca-Cola FEMSA purchases glass bottles, PET bottles and cans from several domestic and international suppliers.

 

Argentina

 

In Argentina, Coca-Cola FEMSA uses HFCS from several different local suppliers as sweetener in its products instead of sugar. It purchases glass bottles, plastic trays and other raw materials from several domestic sources. Coca-Cola FEMSA purchases pre-formed plastic ingots, as well as returnable plastic bottles, at competitive prices from Complejo Industrial PET, S.A., a local subsidiary of Embotelladera Andina S.A., a Coca Cola bottler with operations in Argentina, Chile and Brazil, and other international suppliers. Coca-Cola FEMSA purchases crown caps from local and international suppliers. It purchases its can presentations for distribution to customers in Buenos Aires from Complejo Industrial CAN S.A., which we refer to as CICAN, in which Coca-Cola FEMSA de Buenos Aires has a 48.1% equity interest.

 

Purchases from FEMSA Affiliates

 

Coca-Cola FEMSA regularly engages in transactions with FEMSA and its subsidiaries. In 2003, Coca-Cola FEMSA purchased crown caps, plastic bottle caps, cans, commercial refrigerators, lubricants, detergents, plastic cases and substantially all of its returnable glass bottle requirements for its Mexican operations from FEMSA Empaques under several supply agreements. A subsidiary of FEMSA Empaques also sells refrigerators to Coca-Cola FEMSA’s non-Mexican operations. The aggregate amount of these purchases was approximately Ps. 1.513 billion in 2003. Coca-Cola FEMSA believes that its purchasing practices with FEMSA Empaques result in prices comparable to those that would be obtained in arm’s length negotiations with unaffiliated parties. Coca-Cola FEMSA also sells its products to FEMSA Comercio’s chain of convenience stores. These transactions are also conducted on an arm’s length basis.

 

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FEMSA Cerveza

 

Overview and Background

 

FEMSA Cerveza is one of our core subholding companies and one of the two leading beer producers in Mexico measured in terms of sales volume. In 2003, FEMSA Cerveza sold 24.564 million hectoliters of beer. In 2003, FEMSA Cerveza was ranked the fourteenth-largest brewer in the world in terms of sales volume based on third party estimates. FEMSA Cerveza exports its products to more than 70 countries worldwide, with North America being its most important export market, followed by certain markets in Asia, Europe and Latin America. FEMSA Cerveza’s principal operating subsidiaries are Cervecería Cuauhtémoc Moctezuma, S.A. de C.V., which operates six breweries, and Cervezas Cuauhtémoc Moctezuma, S.A. de C.V. which operates our company-owned distribution centers.

 

In September 1994, Labatt acquired 22% of FEMSA Cerveza for US$ 510 million and was granted an option to acquire an additional 8%. On December 1, 1994, FEMSA Cerveza and Labatt entered into a joint venture agreement whereby both parties agreed to combine their United States beer businesses through their joint ownership of Labatt USA. FEMSA Cerveza owns 30% of Labatt USA. In July 1995, Interbrew acquired Labatt. On May 15, 1998, Labatt, through its subsidiary, Stellamerica Holdings Limited, which we refer to as Stellamerica, exercised the option to acquire an additional 8% interest in FEMSA Cerveza for a total amount of US$ 221.6 million. As of March 31, 2004, Stellamerica holds 18.42% of FEMSA Cerveza, and Labatt holds 11.58%, therefore Interbrew indirectly owns 30% of FEMSA Cerveza.

 

On August 31, 2004, we acquired the 30% interest of FEMSA Cerveza previously owned by affiliates of InBev (formerly known as Interbrew) and as a result of this transaction, as of the date of this prospectus, we own 100% of FEMSA Cerveza and no longer own Labatt USA. See “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects–Recent Developments–Interbrew Transactions.”

 

Business Strategy

 

FEMSA Cerveza’s objectives are to produce, market, distribute and sell quality beer products, expanding penetration in its core Mexican markets as well as in key export markets, particularly the southwestern or sun belt states of the United States. FEMSA Cerveza seeks to achieve profitable volume growth to ultimately generate economic value for its shareholders. In order to achieve these objectives in its core Mexican markets, FEMSA Cerveza is following a comprehensive strategy which seeks to:

 

  differentiate brand portfolios through market segmentation and brand positioning. After thorough analysis, portfolios have been tailored for each different market, leveraging the distinct attributes of FEMSA Cerveza’s various brands;

 

  develop advanced capabilities to gather information at the point of sale, ensuring that appropriate products are being sold at the right price points, and allowing FEMSA Cerveza to fine-tune its portfolio offerings according to the market’s characteristics, which we refer to as revenue management competencies;

 

  establish profitable, long-term relationships with retailers, by helping them to sell more product to the consumer. FEMSA Cerveza implements customized client differentiation strategies that involve different commercial terms, promotional strategies, levels of refrigeration equipment and point of sale marketing materials to suit the individual retailer;

 

  achieve balanced and profitable market coverage, by selecting the appropriate mix of on- and off-premise accounts, and a balance of image (such as an upscale restaurant) versus volume coverage accounts (such as beer depots). FEMSA Cerveza is committed to optimizing retail coverage and engaging solely in selective expansion with a priority on growing volumes profitably; and

 

 

pursue continuously the maximization of efficiencies and cost reductions along the entire value chain, from production to final distribution, by using information technology and adapting processes accordingly. The implementation of FEMSA Cerveza’s comprehensive Enterprise Resource Planning

 

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solution is well advanced and it is allowing us to coordinate and optimize most of our processes, enabling the different components of our strategy to come together, with a goal of generating improved results. See “—Enterprise Resource Planning.”

 

Product Overview

 

FEMSA Cerveza currently operates six breweries, all of which are located in Mexico, with an aggregate annual installed capacity of approximately 32.496 million hectoliters. In 2003, FEMSA Cerveza sold an aggregate volume of 24.564 million hectoliters, of which 22.582 million hectoliters were sold in the Mexican market and 1.982 million hectoliters were sold abroad. FEMSA Cerveza produces and distributes 15 brands of beer in up to ten different presentations, resulting in a portfolio of 61 different product offerings. The most important brands in FEMSA Cerveza’s portfolio include: Tecate , Carta Blanca , Sol and Superior . These four brands, all of which are distributed throughout Mexico, accounted for approximately 88% of FEMSA Cerveza’s domestic sales volume in 2003.

 

Per capita information, product segments, relative prices and packaging information with respect to FEMSA Cerveza have been computed and are based upon our statistics and assumptions.

 

The Mexican Beer Market

 

The Mexican beer market is the eighth largest beer market in the world in terms of industry sales volume in 2003 and is characterized by (1) a concentrated domestic beer production, (2) regional market share differences, (3) the prevalence of government licensing regulations, (4) favorable demographics in the beer drinking population and (5) macroeconomic factors affecting the level of beer consumption.

 

Concentrated domestic beer production

 

Since 1985, Mexico has effectively had only two independent domestic beer producers, FEMSA Cerveza and Grupo Modelo. Grupo Modelo, a publicly traded company based in Mexico City, is the holding company of 76.8% of Diblo, S.A. de C.V., which operates the brewing and packaging subsidiaries of Grupo Modelo. Grupo Modelo’s principal beer brands are Corona, Modelo, Victoria and Pacífico. Grupo Modelo’s Corona brand is distributed nationally, while Victoria is distributed primarily in Mexico City and the surrounding areas and Pacífico is sold principally along the pacific coastal regions. Modelo Especial, Modelo Light and Pacífico are Grupo Modelo’s domestic can presentations. In addition, Grupo Modelo produces Corona in a can presentation for sale in export markets.

 

Historically, beer imports have not been a significant factor in the Mexican beer market, because they were subject to tariffs of up to 20%. Under NAFTA, the tariff on imported beer from the United States and Canada was gradually reduced and eventually eliminated in January 2001. Notwithstanding the reduction in tariff levels, imported beers accounted for approximately 1.8% of the total Mexican beer market in terms of sales volume during 2003. FEMSA Cerveza believes that tariff elimination has had a limited effect on the Mexican beer market because imported beers are largely premium and super-premium products sold in aluminum cans, which are a more expensive means of packaging in Mexico than beer sold in returnable bottles. However, periods of strength of the Mexican peso with respect to the U.S. dollar may lower the price of imported beer to the consumer and may result in increased demand for imported beer in the Mexican market.

 

Regional market share differences

 

FEMSA Cerveza and Grupo Modelo each dominate the Mexican beer market in separate regions of the country. FEMSA Cerveza has a dominant sales position in the northern and southern areas of Mexico while Grupo Modelo has a dominant sales position in central Mexico. We believe that this regional domination can be traced in part to consumer loyalty to the brand of beer that has historically been associated with a particular region. For example, FEMSA Cerveza’s Carta Blanca brand was first produced in Monterrey, Nuevo León in 1891. The strong regional identity in Monterrey and surrounding northeastern areas is reflected in the region’s preference for Carta Blanca and other FEMSA Cerveza brands.

 

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We also believe that regional market strength is a function of the proximity of the breweries to the markets they serve. Transportation costs restrict the most efficient distribution of beer to a geographic area of approximately 300 to 500 kilometers surrounding a brewery. Generally, FEMSA Cerveza commands a majority of the beer sales in regions that are nearest to its largest breweries. FEMSA Cerveza’s largest breweries are in Orizaba, Veracruz and in Monterrey, Nuevo León. Grupo Modelo’s largest breweries are located in Mexico City, Oaxaca and Zacatecas.

 

The northern region of Mexico has traditionally enjoyed a higher per capita income level, attributable in part to its rapid industrialization within the last 50 years and to its commercial proximity to the United States. In addition, FEMSA Cerveza estimates that per capita beer consumption is also greater in this region due to its warmer climate and a more ingrained beer culture.

 

Mexican Regional Demographic Statistics

 

    

Percent of

2003

Total

Population (1)


   

Percent of Total
2003

GDP (1)


   

Per Capita GDP
2003

(Thousands

of Pesos)


Region

                

Northern

   26.3 %   31.0 %   Ps. 68.0

Southern

   22.6     15.6     39.9

Central

   51.1     53.4     60.5

Country Total

   100.0 %   100.0 %   Ps. 57.8
    

 

 

Sources: Mexican Institute of Statistics and FEMSA Cerveza’s estimates.

(1) Estimated.

 

Government regulation

 

The Mexican federal government regulates beer consumption in Mexico primarily through taxation while local governments in Mexico regulate primarily through the issuance of licenses that authorize retailers to sell alcoholic beverages.

 

Federal taxes on beer currently represent 43.75% of the total retail price of beer to the consumer and include a 25% excise tax and a 15% value-added tax. The beer excise tax has remained constant at 25% since January 1998. The tax component of retail beer prices is significantly higher in Mexico than in the United States, where taxes on average represent approximately 19.2% of the retail price to the consumer.

 

The number of retail outlets authorized to sell beer is controlled by local jurisdictions, which issue licenses authorizing the sale of alcoholic beverages. Other regulations regarding beer consumption in Mexico vary according to local jurisdiction and include limitations on the hours during which restaurants, bars and other retail outlets are allowed to sell beer and other alcoholic beverages. FEMSA Cerveza has developed efforts that address these limitations at various levels, promoting better education of responsible consumption of beer with government and civil authorities. For instance, as part of its ongoing community activities, FEMSA Cerveza has been a very active sponsor of a nationwide designated driver program.

 

Since July 1984, Mexican federal regulation has required that all forms of beer packaging carry a warning advising that excessive consumption of beer is hazardous to one’s health. In addition, the Ley General de Salud (the Mexican General Health Law), requires that all beers sold in Mexico maintain a sanitation registration with the Secretaría de Salud (the Ministry of Health).

 

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Demographics of beer drinking population

 

We estimate that annual per capita beer consumption for the total Mexican population increased to approximately 52 liters in 2003. The legal drinking age in Mexico is 18. At least 38% of the Mexican population is under the age of 18 and, therefore, is not considered to be part of the beer drinking population. We consider the population segment of men between the ages of 18 and 45 to be FEMSA Cerveza’s primary market.

 

Based on historical trends and what management perceives as the continued social acceptance of beer consumption, FEMSA Cerveza believes that general population growth will result in an increase in the number of beer consumers in Mexico. Based on historical trends as measured by the Mexican Institute of Statistics, we expect the Mexican population to grow at an average annual rate of approximately 1.2% per year over the period 2004 to 2009. We estimate that over the next 10 years approximately one million additional people per year will become potential beer consumers due to the natural aging of the Mexican population.

 

In 2003, Mexico’s annual per capita beer consumption was approximately 52 liters compared to approximately 80 liters in the United States. Generally speaking, countries with higher per capita beer consumption have relatively higher per capita income. Per capita income in Mexico in 2003 was equivalent to approximately US$ 6,172 compared to a per capita income of approximately US$ 37,770 in the United States. FEMSA Cerveza identifies approximately 61% of its consumers as blue collar, 28% as white collar and the remaining 11% as students, unemployed, retirees or other.

 

Macroeconomic influences affecting beer consumption

 

We believe that consumption activity in the Mexican beer market is heavily influenced by the general level of economic activity in Mexico, the country’s gross wage base, changes in real disposable income and employment levels. As a result, the beer industry reacts sharply to economic change. The industry generally experiences high volume growth in periods of economic strength and slower volume growth or volume contraction in periods of economic weakness. Domestic beer sales declined in 1982, 1983 and 1995. These sales decreases correspond to periods in which the Mexican economy experienced severe disruptions. Similarly, the economic weakness observed in 2001 and 2002 corresponds to a reduction in domestic beer sales in 2002. In 2003, given the effect of a continued economic slowdown on consumers, FEMSA Cerveza decided not to increase prices. This reduction in prices in real terms (after giving effect to inflation) was the main driver for increasing sales volumes during 2003.

 

Annual Price Increases

 

FEMSA Cerveza did not implement a general price increase during 2003, reflecting the difficult economic environment. For the Mexican beer industry as a whole, the real average retail price of beer decreased 3.8 percentage points as shown below:

 

Mexican Beer Industry

Cumulative Real Retail Beer Price Index: 1999-2003

(1999 = 100%)

 

Year Ended December 31,


2003


 

2002


 

2001


 

2000


 

1999


101.5

  105.3   105.0   104.9   100.0

Source: Banco de México

 

In February 2004, FEMSA Cerveza started a price increase representing an average 5% nominal price increase as compared to December 2003.

 

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FEMSA Cerveza’s Beer Sales Volume

 

FEMSA Cerveza volume figures contained in this annual report refer to invoiced sales volume. Invoiced sales volume represents the quantity of hectoliters of beer sold by FEMSA Cerveza’s breweries to unaffiliated distributors and by affiliated distributors to retailers. The term hectoliter means 100 liters or approximately 26.4 U.S. gallons.

 

FEMSA Cerveza’s aggregate beer sales volume totaled 24.564 million hectoliters in 2003, an increase of 3.2% from total sales volume of 23.811 million hectoliters in 2002. In 2003, FEMSA Cerveza’s domestic sales volume increased by 3.3% to 22.582 million hectoliters and export sales volume increased by 1.4% to 1.982 million hectoliters.

 

FEMSA Cerveza Beer Sales Volumes

(Thousands of Hectoliters)

 

     2003

   2002

   2001

   2000

   1999

Domestic sales volume

   22,582    21,856    22,018    21,868    22,197

Export sales volume

   1,982    1,955    1,843    1,728    1,511
    
  
  
  
  

Total sales volume

   24,564    23,811    23,861    23,596    23,708
    
  
  
  
  

 

FEMSA Cerveza’s domestic sales volume recorded a five-year compounded average growth rate of 0.4% for the period 1999-2003. This compares with the 2.1% five-year compounded average growth rate of the Mexican GDP. Domestic net sales for the same period recorded a 2.1% compounded average growth rate. Currently, FEMSA Cerveza’s strategy continues to focus on increasing consumption of its products while improving the real price of beer through revenue management strategies.

 

FEMSA Cerveza’s Beer Presentations

 

FEMSA Cerveza produces beer in returnable glass bottles and kegs and in non-returnable metal cans and glass bottles. The following table shows the percent of total sales volume by presentation for the year ended December 31, 2003:

 

FEMSA Cerveza’s Total Beer Volume by Presentation

As of December 31, 2003

 

Presentation


      

Returnable bottle—325 ml.

   23.4 %

Returnable bottle—1 liter

   38.4  

Returnable bottle—190 ml.

   5.2  
    

Subtotal returnable bottles

   67.0  
    

Non-returnable bottle—325 ml and 190 ml

   8.1  

Cans

   23.1  

Kegs

   1.8  
    

Total

   100.0 %
    

 

Returnable presentations

 

The most popular form of packaging in the Mexican beer market is the returnable bottle. FEMSA Cerveza believes that the popularity of the returnable bottle is attributable to its lower price to the consumer. While returnable bottles generally cost approximately twice as much to produce as non-returnable bottles, returnable

 

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bottles may be reused as many as 30 times before being recycled. As a result, beer producers are able to charge lower prices for beer in returnable bottles. Because non-returnable presentations are the most expensive, we believe that demand for these presentations is highly sensitive to economic factors. During periods when the Mexican economy is weak, returnable volumes generally increase at the expense of non-returnable volumes.

 

Non-returnable presentations

 

FEMSA Cerveza’s domestic presentation mix has been growing in non-returnable presentations in the last few years, as we tailor our offering to consumer preferences and provide different convenient alternatives.

 

Relative Pricing in the Mexican Market

 

Returnable bottles and kegs are the least expensive beer presentation on a per-milliliter basis. Cans have historically been priced approximately 40% higher than returnable bottles, and non-returnable bottles are generally priced approximately 30% higher than returnable bottles. The consumer preference for presentations in cans has varied considerably over the past 20 years, rising in periods of economic prosperity and declining in periods of economic austerity, reflecting the price differential between these forms of packaging.

 

In 2003, FEMSA Cerveza increased slightly the relative price of its non-returnable presentations as compared to the 325 milliliters returnable glass presentation. The relative price of the can presentation and the non-returnable glass presentation as compared to the 325 milliliters returnable glass presentation was 1.38 and 1.28, respectively, as of December 31, 2003. In February 2004 FEMSA Cerveza started a price increase differentiated by region, brand and presentation that was fully implemented by the first week of March. This represents an average 5% nominal price increase as compared to December 2003.

 

Domestic Beer Relative Pricing by Presentation

As of December 31, 2003

 

Presentation


   Relative Prices (1)

Returnable bottle—325 ml

   1.00

Returnable bottle—1 liter

   0.90

Returnable bottle—190 ml

   1.14

Non-Returnable bottle—325 ml and 190 ml

   1.28

Cans

   1.38

Kegs

   0.99
 
  (1) Relative prices are based on information provided by FEMSA Cerveza with respect to its products and reflect wholesale prices excluding taxes. The 325 ml. returnable bottle was used as the reference price for calculating relative prices.

 

Exports

 

FEMSA Cerveza’s export strategy focuses on the United States market, concentrating efforts on the markets in the sun belt states bordering Mexico. We believe that the sun belt states are FEMSA Cerveza’s greatest potential market outside of Mexico.

 

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Total export sales volume of 1.982 million hectoliters represented 8.1% of FEMSA Cerveza’s total beer sales volume in 2003 and accounted for 6.7% of FEMSA Cerveza’s total revenues. The following table highlights FEMSA Cerveza’s export volumes and total revenues:

 

FEMSA Cerveza Export Summary

 

     Year Ended December 31,

 
     2003

    2002

    2001

    2000

    1999

 

Export sales volume (1)

   1,982     1,955     1,843     1,728     1,511  

Volume growth

   1.4 %   6.1 %   6.6 %   14.4 %   14.3 %

Percent of total sales volume

   8.1 %   8.2 %   7.7 %   7.3 %   6.4 %

Export Revenues

                              

Millions of pesos (2)

   1,467     1,327     1,279     1,293     1,246  

Millions of U.S. dollars (3)

   133     127     123     115     101  

Revenue growth (US$)

   4.6 %   3.7 %   7.3 %   13.8 %   14.3 %

Percent of total sales

   6.7 %   6.2 %   5.9 %   6.4 %   6.4 %

Source: FEMSA Cerveza.

(1) Thousands of hectoliters.
(2) Constant Pesos as of December 31, 2003.
(3) Export revenues are invoiced and collected in U.S. dollars.

 

FEMSA Cerveza currently exports its products to more than 70 countries. The principal export markets for FEMSA Cerveza are North America, Europe, Asia and Latin America. In 2003, export sales volume to these areas accounted for 91.9%, 2.9%, 2.3% and 2.9%, respectively, of FEMSA Cerveza’s total export sales volume.

 

FEMSA Cerveza’s affiliate, Labatt USA, is the importer of FEMSA Cerveza’s brands in the United States. Labatt USA manufactures and distributes Rolling Rock and is also the U.S. importer of Labatt’s Canadian brands and of European brands such as Lowenbrau, Stella Artois, Boddingtons, Leffe and Carlsberg. Sales of FEMSA Cerveza’s brands contributed 35% of Labatt USA’s volume in 2003, representing 1% volume growth from 2002 levels.

 

In August 2002, FEMSA Cerveza began licensing the production and distribution of its Sol brand to Holsten-Brauerei AG, which we refer to as Holsten, a Hamburg-based brewer. This venture enables FEMSA Cerveza to leverage Holsten’s extensive knowledge of the German beer market and offer a fresher product to a wider audience, while still complying with the exact quality specifications of the Mexican brew. In 2002, Holsten distributed the existing inventory of Sol in Germany and began brewing and distributing the brand in 2003.

 

On April 9, 2003, FEMSA and Interbrew jointly announced that Labatt USA would introduce Bass Ale into its portfolio of brands for a 12 to 18 month trial period beginning July 1, 2003. On December 19, 2003 the trial period was extended for an additional six month period. This temporary arrangement gives Labatt USA distribution and marketing responsibility for Bass Ale in the United States, and also gives Labatt USA an 18 to 24 month period to establish the best development plan for the brand in the United States. During the period of the agreement, Labatt USA and its shareholders, Interbrew and FEMSA Cerveza, will continue to assess the desirability of a longer-term arrangement for Labatt USA to serve as the United States distributor of Bass Ale. This agreement also allows the existing core brands of the Labatt USA portfolio to benefit from incremental marketing support and sales resources.

 

On August 31, 2004, we, InBev (formerly known as Interbrew), Labatt and certain of their affiliates terminated the existing arrangements between FEMSA Cerveza and Labatt. See “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Recent Developments—Interbrew Transactions.” Recently, FEMSA Cerveza and two of

 

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its subsidiaries entered into an agreement with Heineken USA under which Heineken USA will become exclusive importer, marketer and seller of FEMSA Cerveza’s brands in the United States, commencing on January 1, 2005. See “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Recent Developments—Heineken U.S. Distribution Agreement.”

 

FEMSA Cerveza’s principal export brands are Tecate , XX Lager , Dos Equis (Amber) and Sol . These brands collectively accounted for 94% of FEMSA Cerveza’s export sales volume for the year ended December 31, 2003.

 

FEMSA Cerveza’s Principal Export Brands

Year Ended December 31, 2003

 

Brand


   Percent of
Total Export
Volume


 

Tecate

   58.4 %

XX Lager and Dos Equis (Amber)

   23.7  

Sol

   11.6  

Bohemia

   2.2  

Carta Blanca

   4.1  
    

Total

   100.0 %
    

 

Primary Distribution

 

FEMSA Cerveza’s primary distribution is from its production facilities to its distribution centers’ warehouses. FEMSA Cerveza delivers to a combination of company-owned and third-party distributors. In 2003, approximately 75% of FEMSA Cerveza’s domestic sales passed through 273 company-owned distribution centers. The remaining 25% was sold through 90 independent distributors operating under agreements with FEMSA Cerveza. In an effort to improve the efficiency and alignment of the distribution network, FEMSA Cerveza is adjusting its relationship with independent distributors by implementing franchise agreements and as a result, achieving economies of scale through alignment with FEMSA Cerveza’s operating systems. FEMSA Cerveza has also increased the number of company-owned distributors by acquiring third party distributors in recent years. A franchise agreement is offered only to those distributors that meet certain standards of operating capabilities, performance and alignment. FEMSA Cerveza has already and will eventually acquire those distributors that do not meet these requirements. Through this initiative FEMSA Cerveza will continue to seek to increase its volume through company-owned distribution centers.

 

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Retail Distribution

 

The main sales outlets for beer in Mexico are small, independently-owned “mom and pop” grocery stores, dedicated beer stores or “depósitos,” liquor stores and bars. Supermarkets account for only a small percentage of beer sales in Mexico. In addition, FEMSA Comercio operates a chain of more than 2,798 convenience stores under the trade name Oxxo that exclusively sell FEMSA Cerveza’s brands.

 

Distribution of FEMSA Cerveza Domestic Sales Volume By Outlet

Year Ended December 31, 2003

 

Points of Sale

      

Small grocery stores

   21.3 %

Beer and liquor stores

   31.9  

Mini-markets and convenience stores

   16.0  

Other points of sale

   9.8  
    

Subtotal

   79.0  
    

Consumption Centers

      

Bars

   9.7  

Restaurants

   4.9  

Nightclubs

   2.1  

Other consumption centers

   4.3  
    

Subtotal

   21.0  
    

Total

   100.0 %
    

 

In 2001, FEMSA Cerveza began implementing pre-sale processes. For 2003, approximately 80% of our sales volume was sold through pre-sale, which consists of systematic on-site visits to collect advance orders. One of the primary objectives of pre-sale is to separate sales from distribution to ensure more reliable market access and to enhance efficiency by reducing the number of secondary distribution routes in otherwise highly fragmented markets. Overall, in markets where pre-sale has been implemented, we have experienced a significant reduction in unsold product and a net reduction in distribution personnel. Furthermore, pre-sale has enabled FEMSA Cerveza to collect customer and consumer information directly from the marketplace, which then becomes valuable in defining brand portfolios by channel. See “—Marketing Strategy.”

 

The Mexican retail market is fragmented and characterized by a preponderance of small outlets that are unable and unwilling to maintain meaningful inventory levels. Consequently, FEMSA Cerveza must make frequent product deliveries to its retailers. The existence of pre-sale systems facilitates systematic product delivery and helps discipline product inventory at the point of sale. As of December 31, 2003, FEMSA Cerveza serves more than 265,000 retailers and its distribution network operates approximately 1,926 retail distribution routes. This is slightly lower than the number of routes in operation in 2002 (without considering 176 routes acquired from third parties distributors during 2003), and reflects the reconfiguration in distribution logistics as a result of the implementation of pre-sale in many of our key markets.

 

Enterprise Resource Planning

 

Since 2001, FEMSA Cerveza has embarked on the implementation of an Enterprise Resource Planning or ERP system at various levels of the organization, with the ultimate objective of possessing an information and control platform that supports all commercial activities nationwide and correlates them with the administrative and business development decision-making process occurring in our central office. The ERP system has gone through a development phase in which the design, organization and configuration of various components of the system have been evaluated. In this phase, special care has been given to defining functions and procedures,

 

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which in some cases have spanned departmental divisions, in order to produce a cohesive set of operating processes. Some basic modules have been implemented successfully and according to schedule both at our central office and throughout the company. These modules assist finance, shared services, maintenance and equipment functions, among others. These ERP modules operate under the SAP ® software platform.

 

In 2003, we started the rollout of the ERP commercial module in our company-owned distribution centers. By the end of 2003, approximately 36% of the company-owned distribution centers’ volume were operating through ERP. As we advance in the implementation process, we are also working in increasing our personnel capabilities in order to take advantage of the new tools and improve our decision-making processes. FEMSA Cerveza expects that this percentage will continue to increase and that implementation will be completed during 2005.

 

Marketing Strategy

 

The principal marketing objectives of FEMSA Cerveza are:

 

  ensuring coherence between point of sale marketing and sales activities by linking the promotional programs of each brand with their respective communication and advertising campaigns;

 

  exploiting channel marketing and market research functions;

 

  defining and implementing differentiated strategies to promote the image of each brand; and

 

  capturing new sales or consumption opportunities through innovative solutions in product and package offering, refrigeration, visibility and sponsorships.

 

Focus on Consumer: Brand Positioning and Market Segmentation

 

FEMSA Cerveza’s marketing strategy relies on a diverse brand and presentation portfolio to effectively serve all consumer and geographic segments of the Mexican beer market. FEMSA Cerveza’s product portfolio consists of brands at different stages of market development. The strategy for each brand is dictated by its potential to either capture additional consumers or increase frequency of consumption in each market. The objective of FEMSA Cerveza’s marketing is to position each of its four major brands as the principal brand in the respective region of relative strength. Our leading brands in their targeted domestic markets are Tecate in the northwest, Carta Blanca in the northeast, Sol in the central region and Superior in the south. FEMSA Cerveza believes that this strategy allows it to leverage the brand equity and market position of its products in their respective territories. In addition, FEMSA Cerveza plans to use other brands in its portfolio to complement, and thereby strengthen, its regional offering and to assist in creating a richer pricing scheme.

 

By defining brand positioning and the relevant promotional strategies to be executed by the sales team, FEMSA Cerveza’s marketing efforts seek to establish connections between the consumer and FEMSA Cerveza’s brands. The brand architecture and concept derived from brand positioning are founded on rigorous market research that evaluates, among other things, the brand’s attributes from the consumer’s perspective. Furthermore, periodic market research is conducted in several markets to monitor brand health attributes—such as brand awareness, recent trial, purchase intent and first favorite—to help FEMSA Cerveza keep accurate track of the status of the image of each brand. The branding specialists also rely on this market-obtained data to better target products and promotions.

 

Focus on Retailer: Channel Marketing

 

FEMSA Cerveza believes that defining channel strategies is just as important as defining brand positioning. Therefore, FEMSA Cerveza has established a channel marketing function within the marketing division with the objective of understanding the strategic relevance of the different channels across markets in order to define

 

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brand portfolios per channel. A channel refers to a category or sub-category of point of sale, such as supermarkets, beer depots, restaurants, etc. Channel marketing is responsible for:

 

  establishing the optimal promotional programs for each channel;

 

  identifying the most effective combination and position for merchandising material; and

 

  providing refrigeration equipment at the point of sale.

 

Channel marketing is also responsible for new channel development that could foster additional consumption opportunities for FEMSA Cerveza’s brands.

 

Channel marketing and coverage will be strengthened considerably with the use of electronic maps of certain cities. These maps superimpose crucial information—socioeconomic strata, micro market share, outlet location and channel characteristics—allowing sales managers and marketing strategists to implement differentiated tactics such as revenue management and portfolio segmentation. FEMSA Cerveza is in the initial development stages of this sales tool.

 

Integrated Marketing

 

With the objective of further aligning the brand and channel strategies with the sales teams, FEMSA Cerveza began implementing integrated marketing programs that combine the functions of the sales and marketing divisions. An integrated marketing program promotes a brand through simultaneous deployment of media communications, intense marketing efforts and sponsorship of events, increasing the effectiveness of the sales force by bridging the gap between the brand and the channel.

 

Jointly, our brand and channel experts define an integrated brand strategy, which will be implemented in each type of market and in each designated channel by a specialized team responsible for designing the communication and marketing materials, including promotional programs that reflect the brand’s strategy. FEMSA Cerveza utilizes the following forms of sales promotion: television, radio, billboards and point of sale material, as well as channel specific promotions, promotional material, refrigeration equipment and branded merchandise such as plastic furniture and neon signs to dress the point of sale. The implementation team is responsible for the delivery of the specific brand programs to the sales force, which is ultimately responsible for their market execution.

 

Product and Package Innovation

 

FEMSA Cerveza has established a working system that identifies, develops and ultimately launches product/package innovation alternatives to create incremental volume and value for its business. This system has a structured set of components—functions and criteria—to help innovative ideas materialize into feasible rollouts in an optimal way. Currently, the product development initiatives at FEMSA Cerveza do not contemplate the introduction of new brands or the retirement of existing ones.

 

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Plants and Facilities

 

FEMSA Cerveza currently operates six breweries with an aggregate monthly production capacity of 2,708 thousand hectoliters, equivalent to approximately 32.5 million hectoliters of annual capacity. Each of FEMSA Cerveza’s breweries has received ISO 9002 certification and a Clean Industry Certification ( Industria Limpia ) given by Mexican environmental authorities. A key consideration in the selection of a site for a brewery is its proximity to potential markets, as the cost of transportation is a critical component of the overall cost of beer to the consumer. FEMSA Cerveza’s breweries are strategically located across the country to better serve FEMSA Cerveza’s distribution system.

LOGO

 

FEMSA Cerveza Facility Capacity Summary

(Thousands of Hectoliters)

Year Ended December 31, 2003

 

     Average
Annualized


 

Brewery

      

Orizaba

   7,200  

Monterrey

   7,800  

Toluca

   5,400  

Navojoa

   4,200  

Tecate

   4,680  

Guadalajara

   3,216  
    

Total

   32,496  
    

Average capacity utilization

   73.8 %

 

Between 1999 and 2003, FEMSA Cerveza increased its average monthly production capacity by approximately 210,000 hectoliters through additional investments in existing facilities. During 2003, FEMSA Cerveza expanded average monthly capacity in the Monterrey brewery to achieve a production of 650,000 hectoliters. FEMSA Cerveza’s management believes that it will be able to continue to adequately expand its production capacity by investing in existing facilities.

 

FEMSA Cerveza operates seven effluent water treatment systems to treat the water used by the breweries, all of which are wholly owned by FEMSA Cerveza except for the effluent treatment system at the Orizaba brewery, which is a joint venture among FEMSA Cerveza, several other local companies and the government of the state of Veracruz.

 

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Seasonality

 

Demand for FEMSA Cerveza’s beer is highest in the Mexican summer season, and consequently, brewery utilization rates are at their highest during this period. Demand for FEMSA Cerveza’s products decreases during the months of November, January and February primarily as a result of colder weather in the northern regions of Mexico. Demand for FEMSA Cerveza’s products tends to increase in the month of December reflecting consumption during the holiday season.

 

Raw Materials

 

Malted barley, hops, certain grains, yeast and water represent the principal ingredients used in manufacturing FEMSA Cerveza’s beer products. These inputs are generally available in the open market. FEMSA Cerveza satisfies its commodity requirements through purchases from various sources, including purchases pursuant to contractual arrangements and purchases in the open market. The prices and supply sources of raw materials are determined by, among other factors, the level of crop production, weather conditions, export demand and government regulations and legislation affecting agriculture. Hops is the only ingredient that is not available domestically. FEMSA Cerveza imports hops primarily from the United States and Europe.

 

The principal source of barley for the Mexican beer industry is the domestic harvest. If domestic production is insufficient to meet the industry’s requirements, barley (or its equivalent in malt), can be sourced from the international markets. Before 2003, pursuant to NAFTA, an annual duty-free import quota for barley (or its equivalent in malt) was set. Beginning in 2003, under NAFTA, barley imports from the U.S. and Canada are tax free and there are no import quota restrictions. Domestic barley production increased significantly in 2003, and as a consequence we believe that imports have experienced an important reduction. Prior to NAFTA, domestic barley prices were significantly higher than international barley prices. Since the implementation of NAFTA, domestic barley prices have declined, and local producers now generally price their crop so that, after accounting for transportation and other import-related expenses, imported barley and barley purchased from the domestic market result in the same cost to the domestic purchaser.

 

Purchases from FEMSA Empaques

 

FEMSA Cerveza obtains its packaging materials primarily from its affiliate, FEMSA Empaques. In 1994, FEMSA Cerveza’s principal operating subsidiaries entered into a packaging supply agreement with FEMSA Empaques. As of December 31, 2003, FEMSA Empaques supplied 100% of FEMSA Cerveza’s bottle, aluminum can, bottle cap and label requirements.

 

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FEMSA Comercio

 

Overview and Background

 

FEMSA Comercio operates the largest chain of convenience stores in Mexico, measured in terms of number of stores, under the trade name Oxxo. As of December 31, 2003, FEMSA Comercio operated 2,798 Oxxo stores located in 25 states of the country, with a particularly strong presence in the northern part of Mexico.

 

FEMSA Comercio, the largest single customer of FEMSA Cerveza and of the Coca-Cola system in Mexico, was established by FEMSA in 1978 when two Oxxo stores were opened in Monterrey, one store in Mexico City and another in Guadalajara. The motivating factor behind FEMSA’s entrance into the retail industry was to enhance beer sales through company-owned retail outlets as well as to gather information on customer preferences. In 2003, sales of beer through Oxxo represented 5.4% of FEMSA Cerveza’s domestic sales volume as well as approximately 12.8% of FEMSA Comercio’s revenues. A typical Oxxo store carries 2,723 different SKUs in 37 main product categories, representing a significant increase in the product offering historically distributed in Oxxo stores.

 

In recent years, FEMSA Comercio has gained importance as an effective distribution channel for our beverage products, as well as a rapidly growing point of contact with our consumers. Based on our belief that location plays a major role in the long-term success of a retail operation such as a convenience store, as well as a role in our continually improving ability to accelerate and streamline the new-store development process, we have focused on a strategy of rapid, profitable growth. We continue to add selling space across the northern border of Mexico, even as macroeconomic variables have weakened in some parts of the country, particularly along the Mexican northern border with the United States, in furtherance of our long-term view of our businesses. FEMSA Comercio opened 297, 437 and 582 net new Oxxo stores in 2001, 2002 and 2003, respectively. The accelerated expansion yielded total revenue growth of 25.3% to reach Ps. 16.601 billion in 2003, while same-store sales increased 8.2%, which was considerably above the retail industry average. FEMSA Comercio served approximately 628 million customers in 2003 compared to 505 million in 2002.

 

Business Strategy

 

A fundamental element of FEMSA Comercio’s business strategy is to utilize its position in the convenience store market to grow in a cost-effective and profitable manner. As a market leader in convenience store retailing, based on internal company surveys, management believes that FEMSA Comercio has an in-depth understanding of its markets and significant expertise in operating a national store chain. FEMSA Comercio intends to continue increasing its store base while capitalizing on the market knowledge gained at existing stores.

 

FEMSA Comercio has developed proprietary models to assist in identifying appropriate store locations, store formats and product categories. Its model utilizes location-specific demographic data and FEMSA Comercio’s experience in similar locations to fine tune the store format and product offerings to the target market. Market segmentation is becoming an important strategic tool, and it should increasingly allow FEMSA Comercio to improve the operating efficiency of each location and the overall profitability of the chain.

 

FEMSA Comercio has made and will continue to make significant investments in ERP technology to improve its ability to capture customer information from its existing stores and to improve its overall operating performance. Approximately 97% of the products carried through Oxxo stores are bar-coded, and 100% of the Oxxo stores are equipped with point of sale systems that are integrated into a company-wide computer network.

 

FEMSA Comercio has adopted innovative promotional strategies in order to increase store traffic and sales. In particular, FEMSA Comercio prices high-frequency items such as beverages, snacks and cigarettes at competitive prices. FEMSA Comercio’s ability to implement this strategy profitably is partly attributable to the size of the Oxxo chain, as FEMSA Comercio is able to work together with its suppliers to implement their revenue-management strategies through differentiated promotions. Oxxo’s national and local marketing and

 

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promotional strategies are an effective revenue driver and a means of reaching new segments of the population while strengthening the Oxxo brand. For example, the organization refined its expertise in executing cross promotions (discounts on multi-packs or sales of complementary products at a special price) and targeted promotions to attract new customer segments, such as housewives, by expanding the offerings in the grocery product category in certain stores.

 

To implement revenue management strategies, FEMSA Comercio created a division in charge of product category management, such as beverages, fast food and perishables, to enhance and better utilize its consumer information base and market intelligence capabilities. FEMSA Comercio is implementing an ERP system, which will allow FEMSA Comercio to redesign its key operating processes and enhance the usefulness of its market information going forward.

 

Store Locations

 

With 2,798 Oxxo stores in Mexico as of December 31, 2003, FEMSA Comercio operates the largest convenience store chain in Latin America measured by number of stores. Oxxo stores are concentrated in the northern part of Mexico, but also have a growing presence in central Mexico and the Gulf coast.

 

LOGO

 

FEMSA Comercio has aggressively expanded its number of stores over the past several years. The average investment required to open a new store varies, depending on location and format and whether the store is opened in an existing retail location or requires construction of a new store. FEMSA Comercio is generally able to use supplier credit to fund the initial inventory of new stores.

 

Growth in Oxxo Stores

 

     Year Ended December 31,

 
     2003

    2002

    2001

    2000

    1999

 

Total Oxxo stores

   2,798     2,216     1,779     1,482     1,225  

Store growth (%)

   26.3 %   24.6 %   20.0 %   21.0 %   19.3 %

 

FEMSA Comercio expects to continue the growth trend established over the past several years by emphasizing growth in areas of high economic potential in existing markets and by expanding in underserved and unexploited markets. Management believes that the southeast part of Mexico is particularly underserved by the convenience store industry.

 

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The identification of locations and pre-opening planning in order to optimize the results of new stores are important elements in FEMSA Comercio’s growth plan. FEMSA Comercio continuously reviews store performance against certain operating and financial benchmarks to optimize the overall performance of the chain. Stores unable to maintain benchmark standards are generally closed. Between December 1999 and December 31, 2003, a period during which the total number of stores increased by 1,573, 1,647 new stores were opened and 74 stores were closed.

 

Competition

 

Oxxo competes in the convenience store segment of the retail market with 7-Eleven, Super Extra and Circle-K, AM/PM, as well as other local brands of convenience stores. The format of these stores is similar to the format of the Oxxo stores. Based on an internal market survey conducted by FEMSA Comercio, management believes that, as of December 31, 2003, there were approximately 4,610 stores in Mexico that could be considered part of a convenience store segment of the retail market or network. Oxxo is the largest chain in Mexico, operating more than half of these stores. Furthermore, FEMSA Comercio operates in 25 states and has much broader geographical coverage than any of its competitors.

 

Market and Store Characteristics

 

Market Characteristics

 

FEMSA Comercio is placing increased emphasis on market segmentation and differentiation of store formats to more appropriately serve the needs of customers on a location-by-location basis. The principal segments include residential neighborhoods, commercial and office locations, stores near schools and universities, along with other types of specialized locations.

 

Approximately 71% of Oxxo’s clientele is between the ages of 15 and 35. FEMSA Comercio also segments the market according to demographic criteria, including income level.

 

Store Characteristics

 

The average size of an Oxxo store is approximately 114 square meters of selling space, excluding space dedicated to refrigeration, storage or parking. The average constructed area of a store is approximately 183 square meters and, when parking areas are included, the average store size increases to approximately 415 square meters.

 

FEMSA Comercio—Operating Indicators

     Year Ended December 31,

 
     2003

    2002

    2001

    2000

    1999

 
     (percentage change against previous year)  

Total store sales

   25.3 %   18.7 %   19.8 %   28.4 %   19.2 %

Same-store sales (1)

   8.2 %   6.0 %   6.4 %   13.4 %   9.9 %
     (percentage of total)  

Beer-related data:

      

Beer sales as % of total store sales

   12.8 %   13.3 %   13.6 %   14.0 %   14.7 %

Oxxo store sales as a % of FEMSA Cerveza’s volume

   5.4 %   4.5 %   3.9 %   3.7 %   3.0 %

(1) Same-store sales growth is calculated by comparing the sales of stores for each year that have been in operation for at least thirteen months with the sales of those same stores during the previous year.

 

Beer, telephone cards, soft drinks and cigarettes represent the main product categories for Oxxo stores. FEMSA Comercio has a distribution agreement with FEMSA Cerveza. As a result of this agreement, Oxxo stores

 

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only carry beer brands produced by FEMSA Cerveza. Prior to 2001, Oxxo stores had informal agreements with Coca-Cola bottlers, including Coca-Cola FEMSA’s territories in central Mexico, to sell only their products. In 2001, a limited number of Oxxo stores commenced the sale of Pepsi products in certain cities in northern Mexico, as part of a defensive competitive strategy.

 

Approximately 90% of the Oxxo stores are operated by independent managers responsible for all aspects of store operations. The managers are commission agents and are not employees of FEMSA Comercio. Each store manager is the legal employer of the store’s staff, which typically numbers six people. FEMSA Comercio continually invests in on-site operating personnel, with the objective of promoting loyalty, customer-service and low personnel turnover in the stores.

 

Advertising and Promotion

 

FEMSA Comercio’s marketing efforts include both specific product promotions and image advertising campaigns. These strategies seek to increase store traffic and sales, and to reinforce the Oxxo name and market position.

 

FEMSA Comercio manages its advertising on three levels depending on the nature and scope of the specific campaign: local or store-specific, regional and national. Store-specific and regional campaigns are closely monitored to ensure consistency with the overall corporate image of Oxxo stores and to avoid conflicts with national campaigns. FEMSA Comercio primarily uses point of purchase materials, flyers, handbills and print and radio media for promotional campaigns, although television is used occasionally for the introduction of new products and services. The Oxxo chain’s image and brand name are presented consistently across all stores, irrespective of location.

 

Inventory and Purchasing

 

FEMSA Comercio has placed considerable emphasis on improving operating performance. As part of these efforts, FEMSA Comercio continues to invest in extensive information management systems to improve inventory management. Electronic data collection has enabled FEMSA Comercio to reduce average inventory levels. Inventory replenishment decisions are carried out on a store-by-store basis.

 

Management believes that the Oxxo chain’s scale of operations provides FEMSA Comercio with a competitive advantage in its ability to realize strategic alliances with suppliers. General category offerings are determined on a national level, although purchasing decisions are implemented on a local, regional or national level, depending on the nature of the product category. Given the fragmented nature of the retail industry in Mexico in general, Mexican producers of beer, soft drinks, bread, dairy products, snacks, cigarettes and other high-frequency products have established proprietary distribution systems with extensive direct distribution routes. As a result, almost 78.7% of the products carried by the Oxxo chain are delivered directly to the stores by suppliers. Other products with longer shelf lives are distributed to stores by FEMSA Comercio’s distribution system, which includes six regional warehouses located in Monterrey, Mexico City, Guadalajara, Mexicali, Mérida and León. The distribution centers operate a fleet of 120 trucks that make deliveries to each store approximately every week.

 

Seasonality

 

Oxxo stores experience periods of high demand in December, as a result of the holidays, and in July and August as a result of increased consumption of beer and soft drinks during the hot summer months. The months of November and February are generally the weakest sales months for Oxxo stores. In general, colder weather during these months reduces store traffic and consumption of cold beverages.

 

Other Stores

 

FEMSA Comercio also operates a small number of stores under the names Bara, Six and Matador.

 

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FEMSA Empaques

 

Business Overview

 

Our packaging operations are handled through, FEMSA Empaques, the operating subsidiaries of which manufacture and distribute a wide variety of packaging solutions to the beverage industry primarily in Mexico. FEMSA Empaques has 12 production facilities and 29 service centers throughout Mexico and conducts operations primarily through two main subsidiaries: Famosa, which manufactures aluminum beverage cans and ends, and crown caps and closures; and Silices de Veracruz, S.A., which we refer to as Sivesa, which manufactures glass beverage bottles. We also manufacture commercial refrigeration equipment through Vendo de Mexico, S.A. de C.V., which we refer to as Vendo, flexible packaging materials through Grafo Regia S.A. de C.V., which we refer to as Grafo Regia, and other items such as plastics and chemical products. We announced on October 23, 2003 that FEMSA Empaques would become part of FEMSA Strategic Procurement, which we refer to as Strategic Procurement and which will coordinate procurement efforts across FEMSA.

 

Business Strategy

 

Within the FEMSA business portfolio, FEMSA Empaques performs a relevant role as it supplies essential packaging materials, particularly for our beverage operations. We have determined that certain operations within FEMSA Empaques, namely glass, cans, crown caps and closures and commercial refrigerators, are essential for our core beverage operations. Furthermore, the structure of the industry for some of these products warrants our ownership of these businesses to balance pricing and supply conditions in order to adequately support our beverage operations. For example, our main competitor in the Mexican beer market is also one of the largest packaging producers in Mexico. Therefore, we are committed to keeping those operations as part of our business going forward.

 

Certain other operations, such as labels and flexible packaging, plastics and chemical products, face more competitive conditions in their respective industries and are relatively less relevant to our core operations, and therefore, we have indicated our intention to divest those operations as opportunities present themselves. The price, terms and timing of these divestitures have not been established.

 

The primary objective of FEMSA Empaques is to provide our beer and soft drink subsidiaries with high-quality packaging materials at competitive prices. To maximize our operations, FEMSA Empaques also provides packaging materials to unaffiliated third parties. FEMSA Empaques places particular emphasis on reducing costs through productivity gains and resource conservation initiatives, providing customers with technical service as a means of ensuring production quality and competitive differentiation and investing in human and capital resources to facilitate cost reduction and competitiveness.

 

Customers

 

In 2003, sales to affiliates represented 57.5% of FEMSA Empaques’ total revenues of Ps. 7.352 billion. While sales to affiliates are still the most significant portion of FEMSA Empaques’ business, it has increased its penetration with unaffiliated third parties in recent years to improve capacity utilization and to continue to reduce the cost of packaging products for its beverage affiliates.

 

Currently, FEMSA Empaques’ main third-party customers include unaffiliated Coca-Cola bottlers, Casa Pedro Domecq, S.A. de C.V., Compañía Nestlé, S.A. de C.V., Labatt, Miller Brewing Co. and Coors Brewing Company. In 2003, more than 70.8% of FEMSA Empaques’ sales of crown caps were sold to unaffiliated third parties. In addition, FEMSA Empaques believes that it has developed a significant presence in the export market. In 2003, approximately 12.0% of FEMSA Empaques’ total revenues were generated through export sales.

 

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The following table sets forth an allocation of FEMSA Empaques’ revenues by product and client category:

 

FEMSA Empaques—Revenue Allocation by Product and Client

 

     Year Ended December 31,

 
     2003

    2002

    2001

    2000

    1999

 

Product Categories:

                              

Beverage cans

   33.4 %   32.7 %   32.4 %   36.6 %   35.8 %

Crown caps

   10.0     10.5     10.8     10.3     9.0  

Glass bottles

   20.2     22.0     20.5     19.0     19.9  

Commercial refrigerators

   11.1     9.3     12.4     10.7     8.2  

Labels and flexible packaging

   8.0     9.8     9.1     8.6     7.0  

Other (1)

   17.3     15.7     14.8     14.8     20.1 (2)
    

 

 

 

 

Total revenues

   100.0 %   100.0 %   100.0 %   100.0 %   100.0 %
    

 

 

 

 

Client Categories:

                              

Coca-Cola FEMSA

   17.8 %   17.4 %   12.9 %   14.6 %   11.6 %

FEMSA Cerveza

   39.7     40.9     43.5     38.8     40.2  

Third parties

   42.5     41.7     43.6     46.6     48.2  

Domestic

   30.4     30.6     33.8     36.1     40.2  

Export

   12.0     11.1     9.8     10.5     8.0  
    

 

 

 

 

Total revenues

   100.0 %   100.0 %   100.0 %   100.0 %   100.0 %
    

 

 

 

 


(1) Other includes food cans, chemical products and plastic products.
(2) Includes paper and cardboard, which was produced until 1999.

 

Capital Investments

 

Over the past five years, we have invested approximately Ps. 1.2 billion in capital improvements and expansion projects at FEMSA Empaques. These projects have included the expansion of can and can-lid capacity, and most recently, a major refurbishment of a furnace to produce glass bottles. We believe that these investments, coupled with ongoing efforts to reduce costs and streamline operating processes, have resulted in significant productivity gains by FEMSA Empaques. However, we maintain that current and future capital investments in FEMSA Empaques will be primarily determined by the packaging requirements of our beverage subsidiaries.

 

Principal Products

 

Beverage Cans

 

FEMSA Empaques’ activities in the beverage can segment are oriented towards the beer, soft drink and juice industries. FEMSA Empaques’ oldest operating subsidiary, Famosa, was established in 1936 to supply crown caps to the Cuauhtémoc brewery. Famosa operates six production lines, four that produce aluminum beverage can bodies at our production facilities in Ensenada and Toluca, and two that produce can ends at our production facility in Monterrey. Aggregate annual production capacity for beverage cans at our production facilities in Ensenada and Toluca is approximately 3.2 billion cans and capacity utilization was approximately 97.4% in 2003. Aggregate annual production capacity for can ends at our production facility in Monterrey was approximately 4.2 billion can ends, and average capacity utilization was 82.1% in 2003.

 

We believe that Famosa’s production facilities utilize state of the art technology. Famosa has a technology exchange agreement with Ball Corporation, which we refer to as Ball, for the licensing and cross-licensing of beer and soft drink can technology. Ball has recognized FEMSA Empaques’ Monterrey and Ensenada can production facilities as the benchmark for Ball’s licensees worldwide.

 

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FEMSA Empaques is the largest Mexican beverage can manufacturer based on sales volume in 2003. The following table sets forth an allocation of FEMSA Empaques’ sales volume by client category:

 

FEMSA Empaques—Beverage Can Volume

 

     Year Ended December 31,

 
     2003

    2002

    2001

    2000

    1999

 

Beverage can sales volume (in millions of units)

   3,231     3,000     2,808     3,001     3,216  

Client Categories:

                              

FEMSA Cerveza

   46.3 %   45.7 %   50.5 %   44.9 %   43.5 %

Coca-Cola FEMSA

   12.0     11.0     6.7     12.6     9.7  

Third parties

   41.7     43.3     42.8     42.5     46.8  

Domestic

   23.7     28.9     35.1     33.7     40.6  

Export

   18.0     14.4     7.7     8.8     6.2  
    

 

 

 

 

Total sales volume

   100.0 %   100.0 %   100.0 %   100.0 %   100.0 %
    

 

 

 

 

 

Crown Caps and Closures

 

In addition to can ends, in 2003 Famosa operates 10 crown cap production lines in Monterrey with an annual production capacity of approximately 16.4 billion crown caps. In 2003, capacity utilization was approximately 87.3%.

 

The principal clients for crown caps and closures are the domestic and international beverage industries. Demand for crown caps in Mexico has decreased due to shifts in packaging options in both the beer and soft drink industries. In response to this trend, in 1998 FEMSA Empaques added a plastic cap production unit to its existing facilities. The current installed capacity of this unit is 1.1 billion caps per year. FEMSA Empaques has been able to minimize the impact of reduced demand by its beverage affiliates through sales to an increasing number of domestic third party clients and through exports. In 2003, export demand accounted for 58.5% of FEMSA Empaques’ crown cap production.

 

The following table sets forth an allocation of FEMSA Empaques’ sales volume of crown caps and closures by client category:

 

FEMSA Empaques—Crown Caps and Closures

 

     Year Ended December 31,

 
     2003

    2002

    2001

    2000

    1999

 

Crown caps and closures sales volume (in millions of units)

   14,347     14,287     14,028     13,404     12,765  

Client Categories:

                              

FEMSA Cerveza

   27.2 %   27.4 %   27.9 %   29.0 %   30.9 %

Coca-Cola FEMSA

   4.3     5.6     5.4     5.9     6.0  

Third parties

   68.5     67.0     66.7     65.1     63.1  

Domestic

   10.0     11.9     15.7     18.9     20.8  

Export

   58.5     55.1     51.0     46.2     42.3  
    

 

 

 

 

Total sales volume

   100.0 %   100.0 %   100.0 %   100.0 %   100.0 %
    

 

 

 

 

 

Glass Bottles

 

FEMSA Empaques manufactures glass bottles through Sivesa, which was founded in 1948. Sivesa conducts operations through its glass production facility in Orizaba, Veracruz and its bottle decorating plant in Nogales,

 

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Veracruz. In 1979, the bottling department acquired “press blow” technology through Hermann Heye, Kommanditgesellschaft, which we refer to as Heye Glass of Germany, to produce narrow-neck beer bottles. The glass production facility in Orizaba includes three glass furnaces with an aggregate glass production capacity of 260,000 tons per year (the equivalent of approximately 1,300 million bottles). As of December 31, 2003, Sivesa’s capacity utilization was approximately 80.4%.

 

In the past, all of Sivesa’s output was sold to FEMSA Cerveza and Coca-Cola FEMSA. However, in the late 1990s Sivesa began selling bottles to domestic third party clients because of a reduction in the purchase of glass bottles by Coca-Cola FEMSA resulting from rapid changes in the presentation mix to non-returnable PET presentations in the Mexican market. The reduction in glass bottle sales volume during 1999 and 2000 reflects this change in presentation mix. In 2001 and 2002, this trend reverted as Coca-Cola FEMSA increased its demand for glass bottles with the introduction of a new eight-ounce Coca-Cola non-returnable presentation. In 2003, the sales volume to FEMSA Cerveza increased, but was not enough to compensate for the decrease in sales volume to domestic third parties and Coca-Cola FEMSA. During 2003, Sivesa sold 74.5% of its output to FEMSA Cerveza and 19.5% to Coca-Cola FEMSA. This represented 100% of FEMSA Cerveza’s bottle requirements and approximately 95% of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s bottle requirements. The following table sets forth an allocation of FEMSA Empaques’ sales volume of glass bottles by client category:

 

FEMSA Empaques—Glass Bottles

 

     Year Ended December 31,

 
     2003

    2002

    2001

    2000

    1999

 

Glass bottles sales volume (in millions of bottles)

   1,034     1,053     972     790     856  

Client Categories:

                              

FEMSA Cerveza

   74.5 %   68.2 %   59.8 %   69.6 %   73.4 %

Coca-Cola FEMSA

   19.5     21.0     8.6     3.5     2.2  

Third parties

   6.0     10.8     31.6     26.9     24.4  

Domestic

   3.9     9.8     26.6     21.2     21.5  

Export

   2.1     1.0     5.0     5.7     2.9  
    

 

 

 

 

Total sales volume

   100.0 %   100.0 %   100.0 %   100.0 %   100.0 %
    

 

 

 

 

 

Other

 

FEMSA Empaques manufactures commercial refrigerators through Vendo and labels and flexible packaging through Grafo Regia. Vendo, which began operations in Mexico City in 1941, produces vertical and horizontal commercial refrigerators for the soft drink, beer and food industries. In 2003, Vendo sold approximately 101,415 refrigeration units, 74.9% of which were sold to affiliates. In 2003, Grafo Regia, which began operations in 1954, has its facilities in Monterrey with an annual production capacity of 13,500 tons of flexible packaging. In 2003, Grafo Regia operated at approximately 88.5% of capacity. During 2003, Grafo Regia sold 60.0% of its label production to FEMSA Cerveza and 25.8% to Coca-Cola FEMSA. Third-party customers accounted for the remaining 14.2% of production in 2003.

 

Management believes that growth at Vendo and Grafo Regia will continue to reflect the marketing strategies of Coca-Cola FEMSA and FEMSA Cerveza.

 

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Plant Locations

 

The following map shows the locations of FEMSA Empaques’ principal production facilities:

 

LOGO

 

Raw Materials

 

The principal raw materials used by FEMSA Empaques include aluminum, steel, paper, aluminum foil, silica sand, soda ash and polyethylene. FEMSA Empaques is vertically integrated in silica sand mining, and FEMSA Empaques’ silica sand mine has been able to satisfy all of FEMSA Empaques’ silica sand requirements. With the exception of aluminum, all of these products are available from a variety of domestic and international sources. FEMSA Empaques purchases aluminum and steel directly from qualified suppliers on a contractual basis. These contracts generally have terms of six months or one year and specify prices free-on-board at FEMSA Empaques’ plants. Companies such as Alcoa, Nittetsu-Shoji, Alcan, CSN and Rasselstein have been selected as qualified suppliers. FEMSA Empaques purchases polyethylene from Petróleos Mexicanos, which we refer to as PEMEX, and several other suppliers.

 

Seasonality

 

Demand for FEMSA Empaques’ products is closely correlated to demand in the beverage industry. However, as a supplier to the beverage industry, FEMSA Empaques’ peak demand periods generally precede the peak beverage seasons.

 

Other Business Segment

 

FEMSA Logística, S.A. de C.V., which we refer to as Logistica, provides logistics services to Coca-Cola FEMSA, FEMSA Empaques and third-party clients that either supply or participate directly in the Mexican beverage industry or in other industries. Logistica provides integrated logistics support for its clients’ supply chain, including the management of carriers and other supply chain services. Prior to January 1, 2003, we reported Logistica as part of a separate business segment that included Logistica CCM, S.A. de C.V., which we referred to as Logistica CCM and which provided logistics services to FEMSA Cerveza. As of January 1, 2003, Logistica CCM was merged into FEMSA Cerveza, and we began reporting Logistica as part of our other business segment.

 

Perfil Corporativo, S.A. de C.V., which we refer to as Perfil Corporativo, is the owner of the Mundet brands of soft drinks and certain concentrate production equipment.

 

FEMSA Servicios employs all of our corporate staff, including the personnel managing the areas of finance, corporate accounting, taxation, legal, planning, human resources and internal audit. FEMSA Servicios directs, controls, supervises and reviews the operations of our subholding companies. FEMSA Cerveza, FEMSA

 

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Empaques and FEMSA Comercio pay Emprex management fees for the services provided to them by FEMSA Servicios. In addition, FEMSA Cerveza and Coca-Cola FEMSA have each entered into a services agreement with FEMSA Servicios pursuant to which they pay for specific services.

 

Description of Property, Plant and Equipment

 

As of December 31, 2003, we owned all of our manufacturing facilities and substantially all of our warehouses and distribution centers. Our properties primarily consisted of production and distribution facilities for our beer, soft drink and packaging operations and office space. In addition, FEMSA Comercio owns approximately 10% of the Oxxo store locations, while the other stores are located in properties that are rented under long-term lease arrangements with third parties.

 

The table below sets forth the location, principal use and production area of our production facilities, and the subholding company that owns such facilities:

 

Production Facilities of FEMSA

As of December 31, 2003

 

Subholding Company


  

Location


  

Principal Use


   Production Area

               (thousand sq. meters)

FEMSA Cerveza

              
     Tecate, Baja California Norte    Brewery      90
     Toluca, Estado de Mexico    Brewery    374
     Guadalajara, Jalisco    Brewery      97
     Monterrey, Nuevo León    Brewery    209
     Navojoa, Sonora    Brewery    463
     Orizaba, Veracruz    Brewery    246

Coca-Cola FEMSA

              

Mexico

   San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas    Soft Drink Bottling Plant      24
     Cedro, Distrito Federal    Soft Drink Bottling Plant      18
     Cuautitlán, Estado de Mexico    Soft Drink Bottling Plant      35
     Los Reyes la Paz, Estado de Mexico    Soft Drink Bottling Plant      28
     Toluca, Estado de Mexico    Soft Drink Bottling Plant    280
     Celaya, Guanajuato    Soft Drink Bottling Plant      87
     León, Guanajuato    Soft Drink Bottling Plant      38
     Morelia, Michoacan    Soft Drink Bottling Plant      50
     Juchitán, Oaxaca    Soft Drink Bottling Plant      27
     Ixtacomitán, Tabasco    Soft Drink Bottling Plant      90
     Apizaco, Tlaxcala    Soft Drink Bottling Plant      80
     Coatepec, Veracruz    Soft Drink Bottling Plant      96

Guatemala

   Guatemala City    Soft Drink Bottling Plant      46

Nicaragua

   Managua    Soft Drink Bottling Plant      59

Costa Rica

   San José    Soft Drink Bottling Plant      52

Panama

   Panama City    Soft Drink Bottling Plant      29

Colombia

   Barranquilla    Soft Drink Bottling Plant      27
     Bogotá Norte    Soft Drink Bottling Plant      89
     Bucaramanga    Soft Drink Bottling Plant      27
     Cali    Soft Drink Bottling Plant      88
     Manantial    Soft Drink Bottling Plant      33

 

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Subholding Company


  

Location


  

Principal Use


   Production Area

               (thousand sq. meters)
     Medellín    Soft Drink Bottling Plant      44

Venezuela

   Antimano    Soft Drink Bottling Plant      14
     Barcelona    Soft Drink Bottling Plant    141
     Calabozo    Soft Drink Bottling Plant      70
     Maracaibo    Soft Drink Bottling Plant      34
     Maracay    Soft Drink Bottling Plant      31
     Valencia    Soft Drink Bottling Plant      91

Brazil

   Campo Grande    Soft Drink Bottling Plant      36
     Jundiaí    Soft Drink Bottling Plant    191
     Mogi das Cruzes    Soft Drink Bottling Plant      95

Argentina

   Alcorta    Soft Drink Bottling Plant      73

FEMSA Empaques

              
     Ensenada, Baja California Norte    Beverage Cans      33
     Toluca, Estado de Mexico    Beverage Cans      22
     Monterrey, Nuevo León    Crown Caps and Can Lids      51
     San Juan del Río, Querétaro    Refrigeration Equipment      25
     Acayucan, Veracruz    Silica Sand Mine        7
     Nogales, Veracruz    Bottle Decoration      26
     Orizaba, Veracruz    Glass Bottles      23

 

Insurance

 

We maintain an “all risk” insurance policy covering our properties (owned and leased), machinery and equipment and inventories as well as losses due to business interruptions. The policy covers damages caused by natural disaster, including hurricane, hail, earthquake and damages caused by human acts, including, explosion, fire, vandalism, riot and losses incurred in connection with goods in transit. In addition, we maintain an “all risk” liability insurance policy that covers product liability. We purchase our insurance coverage through an insurance broker. The policies are issued by Allianz, and the coverage is partially reinsured in the international reinsurance market.

 

Capital Expenditures and Divestitures

 

Our consolidated capital expenditures for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 were Ps. 6.789 billion, Ps. 5.780 billion and Ps. 5.531 billion, respectively, and were for the most part financed from cash from operations generated by our subsidiaries. These amounts were invested in the following manner:

 

     Year Ended December 31,

     2003

   2002

    2001

In millions of Mexican pesos

               

Coca-Cola FEMSA

   Ps. 1,910    Ps. 1,410     Ps. 1,000

FEMSA Cerveza

   3,246    3,292     3,674

FEMSA Comercio

   1,210    857     638

FEMSA Empaques

   376    255     95

Others

   47    (34 )   124
    
  

 

Total

   Ps. 6,789    Ps. 5,780     Ps. 5,531
    
  

 

 

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Coca-Cola FEMSA

 

During 2003, Coca-Cola FEMSA’s capital expenditures focused on integration of its new territories, placing refrigeration equipment with retailers and investments in returnable bottles and cases, increasing plant operating efficiencies, improving the efficiency of its distribution infrastructure and advancing information technology. Capital expenditures in Mexico were approximately Ps. 1,431 million and accounted for most of its capital expenditures.

 

FEMSA Cerveza

 

Production

 

During 2003, FEMSA Cerveza invested approximately Ps. 783 million in its production facilities, of which Ps. 627 million was spent on equipment substitution and upgrades and approximately Ps. 145 million on expansion projects in existing production facilities. The capacity expansion projects occurred mainly in the Navojoa brewery. FEMSA Cerveza’s monthly installed capacity as of December 31, 2003 was 2.7 million hectoliters, equivalent to an annualized installed capacity of 32.5 million hectoliters.

 

Distribution

 

In 2003, FEMSA Cerveza invested Ps. 258 million in its distribution network. Approximately Ps. 163 million of this amount was invested in the replacement of the distribution fleet, Ps. 20 million in land and buildings and improvements to leased properties dedicated to various distribution functions, Ps. 32 million in office equipment for the distribution units and the remaining Ps. 43 million in other distribution-related investments.

 

Market-related Investments

 

During 2003, FEMSA Cerveza invested approximately Ps. 2.2 billion in market-related activities and brand support in the domestic market. A significant amount of these investments were directed to tied-account agreements with retailers and commercial support to owned and third-party distributors. Investments in retail agreements with tied customers that exceed a one-year term are capitalized and amortized over the life of the agreement. In general, FEMSA Cerveza’s retail agreements are for a period of three to four years. Other market-related investments include the purchase of refrigeration equipment, coolers, plastic furniture and other promotional items. These items are placed with retailers as a means of facilitating the retailers’ ability to service consumers and to promote the image and profile of FEMSA Cerveza’s brands.

 

FEMSA Comercio

 

FEMSA Comercio’s principal investment activity is the construction and opening of new stores. During 2003, FEMSA Comercio opened 582 net new Oxxo stores. The amount invested in 2003 dedicated to the opening of new stores and improvements to leased properties was Ps. 1.1 billion. In addition, FEMSA Comercio invested Ps. 76 million in ERP system software.

 

FEMSA Empaques

 

In 2003, FEMSA Empaques invested a total of Ps. 376 million, of which Ps. 225 million was for the refurbishment of a glass bottle furnace. In addition, investments in the metal products production facilities, which include aluminum cans and crown caps, amounted to Ps. 76 million, primarily for plant improvement and equipment substitution.

 

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Regulatory Matters

 

Competition Legislation

 

The Ley Federal de Competencia Económica (the Federal Economic Competition Law or the Mexican Competition Law) became effective on June 22, 1993. The Mexican Competition Law and the Reglamento de la Ley Federal de Competencia Económica (the regulations under the Mexican Competition Law), effective as of March 9, 1998, regulate monopolies and monopolistic practices and require Mexican government approval of certain mergers and acquisitions. The Mexican Competition Law subjects the activities of certain Mexican companies, including us, to regulatory scrutiny. In addition, the regulations of Mexican Competition Law prohibit members of any trade association from reaching any agreement relating to the price of their products. Management believes that we are currently in compliance in all material respects with Mexican competition legislation.

 

In Mexico and in some of the other countries in which we operate, we are involved in ongoing competition related procedures. We believe that the outcome of these procedures will not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition.

 

Environmental Matters

 

In all of the countries where we operate, our businesses are subject to federal and state laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment. We have expended, and may be required to expend in the future, funds for compliance with and remediation under local environmental laws and regulations. Currently, we do not believe that such costs will have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition. However, since environmental laws and regulations and their enforcement are becoming increasingly more stringent in our territories, and there is increased awareness of local authorities for higher environmental standards in the countries where we operate, changes in current regulations may result in an increase in costs, which may have an adverse effect on our future results of operations or financial condition. Management is not aware of any pending regulatory changes that would require additional remedial capital expenditures in a significant amount.

 

Mexico

 

Our Mexican operations are subject to Mexican federal and state laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment. The principal legislation is the Ley General de Equilibrio Ecológico y la Protección al Ambiente (the Federal General Law of Ecological Equilibrium and Environmental Protection) or the Mexican Environmental Law, the Ley General para la Prevención y Gestión Integral de los Residuos (the General Law for the Prevention and Integral Management of Waste), which are enforced by the Secretaría de Medio Ambiente, Recursos Naturales y Pesca (the Ministry of the Environment, Natural Resources and Fisheries) or SEMARNAP. SEMARNAP can bring administrative and criminal proceedings against companies that violate environmental laws, and it also has the power to close non-complying facilities. Under the Mexican Environmental Law, rules have been promulgated concerning water, air and noise pollution and hazardous substances. In particular, Mexican environmental laws and regulations require that Mexican companies file periodic reports with respect to air and water emissions and hazardous wastes and set forth standards for waste water discharge that apply to their operations. We are also subject to certain minimal restrictions on the operation of delivery trucks in Mexico City. We have implemented several programs designed to facilitate compliance with air, waste, noise and energy standards established by current Mexican federal and state environmental laws, including a program to install catalytic converters and liquid petroleum gas in delivery trucks for our operations in Mexico City.

 

In addition, we are subject to the Ley Federal de Derechos (the Federal Law of Governmental Fees), also enforced by SEMARNAP. Adopted in January 1993, the law provides that plants located in Mexico City that use deep water wells to supply their water requirements must pay a fee to the city for the discharge of residual waste

 

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water to drainage. In 1995, municipal authorities began to test the quality of the waste water discharge and charge plants an additional fee for measurements that exceed certain standards published by SEMARNAP.

 

Central America

 

Coca-Cola FEMSA’s Central American operations are subject to several federal and state laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment, which have been enacted in the last ten years, as awareness has increased in this region about the protection of the environment and the disposal of dangerous and toxic materials. In some countries in Central America, Coca-Cola FEMSA is in the process of bringing its operations into compliance with new environmental laws. For example, in Nicaragua Coca-Cola FEMSA is in the final phase of the construction of a water treatment plant located at its bottler plant in Managua. Also, Coca-Cola FEMSA’s Costa Rica operations have participated in a joint effort along with the local division of The Coca-Cola Company called Proyecto Planeta (Project Planet) for the collection and recycling of non-returnable plastic bottles.

 

Colombia

 

Coca-Cola FEMSA’s Colombian operations are subject to several Colombian federal, state and municipal laws and regulations related to the protection of the environment and the disposal of toxic and dangerous materials. These laws include the control of atmospheric emissions and strict limitations on the use of chlorofluorocarbons. Coca-Cola FEMSA is also engaged in nationwide campaigns for the collection and recycling of glass and plastic bottles.

 

Venezuela

 

Coca-Cola FEMSA’s Venezuelan operations are subject to several Venezuelan federal, state, and municipal laws and regulations related to the protection of the environment. The most relevant of these laws are the Ley Orgánica del Ambiente (the Organic Environmental Law), the Ley Sobre Sustancias, Materiales y Desechos Peligrosos (the Substance, Material and Dangerous Waste Law) and the Ley Penal del Ambiente (the Criminal Environment Law). Since the enactment of the Organic Environmental Law in 1995, Coca-Cola FEMSA’s Venezuelan subsidiary has presented to the proper authorities plans to bring certain of its production facilities and distribution centers into compliance with the law. While the laws provide certain grace periods for compliance with the new environmental standards, Coca-Cola FEMSA has had to adjust some of the originally proposed timelines presented to the authorities, because of delays in the completion of some of these projects.

 

Brazil

 

Coca-Cola FEMSA’s Brazilian operations are subject to several federal, state and municipal laws and regulations related to the protection of the environment. Among the most relevant laws and regulations are those dealing with the emission of toxic and dangerous gases, which impose penalties, such as fines, facility closures or criminal charges depending upon the level of non-compliance. Coca-Cola FEMSA’s production plant located in Jundiaí has been recognized by from the Brazilian authorities for its compliance with environmental regulations and for having standards well above those imposed by the law. The plant has been certified for the ISO 9000 since March 1995 and for the ISO 14001 since March 1997.

 

Argentina

 

Coca-Cola FEMSA’s Argentine operations are subject to federal and provincial laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment. The most significant of these are regulations concerning waste water discharge, which are enforced by the Secretaría de Recursos Naturales y Ambiente Humano (the Ministry of Natural Resources and Human Environment) and the Secretaría de Política Ambiental (the Ministry of Environmental Policy) for the province of Buenos Aires. Coca-Cola FEMSA’s Alcorta plant meets and is in compliance with waste water discharge standards.

 

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Water Supply Law

 

FEMSA Cerveza and Coca-Cola FEMSA purchase water directly from municipal water companies and pump water from wells pursuant to concessions obtained from the Mexican government through the National Water Commission on a plant-by-plant basis. Water use in Mexico is regulated primarily by the Ley de Aguas Nacionales de 1992 (including regulations issued thereunder, the Mexican 1992 Water Law), which created the National Water Commission, charged with overseeing the national system of water use. Under the Water Law of 1992, concessions for the use of a specific volume of ground or surface water generally run for five, ten or fifteen year terms depending on the supply of groundwater in each region as projected by the National Water Commission. Concessionaires may request concession terms to be extended upon termination. The Mexican government is authorized to reduce the volume of ground or surface water granted for use by a concession by whatever volume of water that is not used by the concessionaire for three consecutive years. Our management believes that we are in general compliance with the terms of our existing concessions and that such concessions satisfy our current water requirements in Mexico. We cannot assure you, however, that groundwater will be available in sufficient quantities to meet future production needs.

 

We do not currently require a permit to obtain water in our other territories. In Nicaragua, Costa Rica and some plants in Colombia, we own private water wells. In Argentina, we obtain water from Aguas Argentinas, a privately-owned concessionaire of the Argentine government. In the remainder of our territories, we obtain water from governmental agencies or municipalities. In the past five years we have not had a water shortage in any of our territories, although we can give no assurances that water will be available in sufficient quantities to meet our future production needs or that additional regulations relating to water use will not be adopted in the future.

 

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MANAGEMENT

 

Directors

 

Management of our business is vested in the board of directors. Our bylaws provide that the board of directors will consist of at least sixteen directors and designated alternate directors elected by our shareholders at the annual ordinary general shareholders meeting. Directors are elected for a term of one year, although they remain in office until successors are appointed and replace them. Alternate directors are authorized to serve on the board of directors in place of directors who are unable to attend meetings and may participate in the activities of the board of directors. Nineteen members form our board of directors. Our bylaws provide that the holders of the Series B Shares elect at least eleven directors and that the holders of the Series D Shares elect five directors. The shareholders may designate alternate directors to cover the absences of a specific director. Upon the issuance of Series L Shares or upon the conversion of the Series D-L Shares, the holders of the Series L Shares will be entitled to elect two directors.

 

The names and positions of the current members of the board of directors, their dates of birth and information on their principal business activities outside our company are outlined in the following table. In each case, the date presented as “First elected” corresponds to the earliest appointment to the board of directors of either FEMSA, Emprex or FEMSA’s predecessor Valores Industriales, S.A.

 

Series “B” Directors


         

Eugenio Garza Lagüera

   Born:    December 1923

Director and Honorary

   First elected:    1960

Life Chairman

   Term expires:    2005
     Other directorships:    Honorary Life Chairman of Coca-Cola FEMSA, Instituto Tecnológico de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey (ITESM) and BBVA Bancomer
     Business experience:    Joined FEMSA in 1946 in the research department of Cuauhtémoc
     Education:    Holds degrees in chemical engineering from the University of Texas and in business administration from ITESM
     Alternate director:    Mariana Garza de Treviño (1)(2)

José Antonio Fernández (3)

   Born:    February 1954

Director and Chairman of the

Board

   First elected (Chairman): First elected (Director):   

2001

1984

     Term expires:    2005
     Principal occupation:    Chief Executive Officer of FEMSA
     Other directorships:    Chairman of the Board of Coca-Cola FEMSA, Vice-Chairman of the Board of ITESM and Member of the Boards of BBVA Bancomer, Grupo Industrial Saltillo, S.A. de C.V., Industrias Peñoles, S.A. de C.V. and Grupo Industrial Bimbo, S.A. de C.V. (Grupo Bimbo)
     Business experience:    Joined FEMSA’s strategic planning department in 1987. Held managerial positions at FEMSA Cerveza’s Commercial Division and Oxxo. Appointed our Chief Executive Officer in 1995
     Education:    Holds a degree in industrial engineering and an MBA from ITESM
     Alternate director:    Federico Reyes

 

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Paulina Garza de Marroquín (1)(2)

   Born:    March 1972

Director

   First elected:    2004
     Term expires:    2005
     Principal occupation:    Private Investor
     Other directorships:    Member of the Board of Trustees of Pronatura del Noreste, A.C. and Patronato de Chipinque, A.C.
     Business experience:    Held a position in FEMSA Cerveza’s marketing department in 1996
     Education:    Holds a business administration degree from ITESM
     Alternate director:    Javier Fernández Carbajal (4)

José Calderón

   Born:    September 1931

Director

   First elected:    1955
     Term expires:    2005
     Principal occupation:    Chairman of Franca Servicios, S.A. de C.V.
     Other directorships:    Member of the Boards of BBVA Bancomer and Grupo Industrial Alfa, S.A. de C.V., (Grupo Alfa)
     Education:    Holds a degree in business administration from ITESM
     Alternate director:    José Calderón Rojas (5)

Consuelo Garza de Garza (6)

   Born:    October 1930

Director

   First elected:    1995
     Term expires:    2005
     Business experience:    Founder and Former President of Asociación Nacional Pro-Superación Personal (a non-profit organization)
     Alternate director:    Alfonso Garza Garza (7)

Max Michel Suberville

   Born:    July 1932

Director

   First elected:    1985
     Term expires:    2005
     Principal occupation:    Honorary Chairman of the Board of El Puerto de Liverpool, S.A. de C.V.
     Other directorships:    Member of the Boards of Grupo Lamosa, S.A. de C.V., Industrias Peñoles, S.A. de C.V., BBVA Bancomer and Grupo Nacional Provincial, S.A.
     Education:    Holds a graduate degree from The Massachusetts Institute of Technology and completed post-graduate studies at Harvard University
     Alternate director:    Max Michel González (8)

 

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Alberto Bailleres

   Born:    August 1931

Director

   First elected:    1995
     Term expires:    2005
     Principal occupation:    Executive President of Industrias Peñoles, S.A. de C.V., Grupo Nacional Provincial, S.A., and Grupo BAL, S.A. de C.V.
     Other directorships:    Chairman of the Board of Industrias Peñoles, S.A. de C.V., Grupo Nacional Provincial, S.A. and Grupo Palacio de Hierro, S.A. de C.V. Member of the Boards of BBVA Bancomer and Valores Mexicanos Casa de Bolsa, S.A. de C.V.
     Education:    Holds an economics degree from Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México
     Alternate director:    Arturo Fernández

Eduardo A. Elizondo

   Born:    December 1922

Director

   First elected:    1995
     Term expires:    2005
     Principal occupation:    Attorney at law
     Other directorships:    Member of the Board of BBVA Bancomer, Chairman of the Regional Board of Advisors of Bancomer, S.A., and Grupo Industrial Ramirez, S.A.
     Business experience:    Served as Treasurer General from 1961 to 1967 and Constitutional Governor from 1967 to 1971 for the State of Nuevo León. Acted as Chairman of the Board of Valores of Monterrey, S.A. de C.V.
     Education:    Holds a law degree from the Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León (UANL)
     Alternate director:    Juan Guichard Michel (9)

Ricardo Guajardo Touché

   Born:    May 1948

Director

   First elected:    1988
     Term expires:    2005
     Principal occupation:    Chairman of the Board of BBVA Bancomer
     Other directorships:    Member of the Board of El Puerto de Liverpool, S.A. de C.V., Grupo Alfa, BBVA Bancomer, Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, S.A. de C.V. and ITESM
     Business experience:    Has held senior executive positions in our company, Grupo AXA, S.A. de C.V. and Valores de Monterrey, S.A. de C.V.
     Education:    Holds degrees in electrical engineering from ITESM and the University of Wisconsin and a masters degree from the University of California at Berkeley
     Alternate director:    Eva Garza de Fernández (1)(10)

 

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Alfredo Livas

   Born:    July 1951

Director and Secretary

   First elected:    1995
     Term expires:    2005
     Principal occupation:    President of Praxis Financiera, S.C.
     Other directorships:    Member of the Boards of Grupo Jomar, S.A. de C.V. and British American Tobacco (Mexican board)
     Business experience:    Joined FEMSA in 1978 and held several positions in the areas of financial planning and treasury and served as Chief Financial Officer from 1989 to 1999
     Education:    Holds an economics degree from the UANL and an MBA and masters degree in economics from the University of Texas
     Alternate Director:    José González Ornelas

Roberto Servitje

   Born:    January 1928

Director

   First elected:    1995
     Term expires:    2005
     Principal occupation:    Chairman of the Board of Grupo Bimbo
     Other directorships:    Member of the Board of DaimlerChrysler de México, S.A.
     Business experience:    Founding Member and active Chairman of Grupo Bimbo
     Education:    Holds a PMD degree from Harvard University
     Alternate director    To be named.

Carlos Salguero

   Born:    October 1929

Director

   First elected:    1995
     Term expires:    2005
     Business experience:    Former Executive Vice President of Phillip Morris International
     Other directorships:    Former Member of the Boards of Tabacalera Mexicana, S.A. de C.V., Tabacalera Costarricense, S.A., Tabacalera Centroamericana, S.A. and other Latin American companies
     Education:    Holds a business degree from the Columbian Faculty of Economic Sciences, postgraduate studies in economics and management from Albany Business College and University College (Syracuse). Received an Honor for Civil Merit by H.M. the King of Spain in 1995
     Alternate director:    Eduardo Padilla Silva

 

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José Manuel Canal Hernando

   Born:    February 1940

Director

   First elected:    2003
     Term expires:    2005
     Principal occupation:    Private consultant
     Other directorships:    Member of the Board of Coca-Cola FEMSA
     Business experience:    Former managing partner at Ruiz, Urquiza y Cía, S.C., from 1981 to 1999. Acted as our statutory examiner from 1984 to 2002. Presided in the Committee of Surveillance of the Mexican Institute of Finance Executives and has participated in several commissions at the Mexican Association of Public Accountants. Extensive experience in financial auditing for holding companies, banks and financial brokers
     Education:    Holds a CPA degree from the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México
     Alternate director:    Othón Páez Garza (11)

Bárbara Garza Gonda (1)(2)

   Born:    December 1959

Director

   First elected:    2002
     Term expires:    2005
     Principal occupation:    Vice President of Fundación Cultural Bancomer
     Other directorships:    Alternate Director of Coca-Cola FEMSA.
     Business experience:    Has worked in BBVA Bancomer, Citibank and Banca Serfin
     Education:    Holds a degree in business administration and an MBA from ITESM
     Alternate director:    Carlos Salazar Lomelín
           

Series “D” Directors


         

Alexis E. Rovzar

   Born:    July 1951

Director

   First elected:    1989
     Term expires:    2005
     Principal occupation:    Executive Partner at White & Case, S.C. law firm
     Other directorships:    Member of the Boards of Coca-Cola FEMSA, Grupo Bimbo, Deutsche Bank (Mexico), Grupo ACIR, S.A. de C.V. and COMEX, S.A. de C.V.
     Business experience:    Expert in private and public mergers and acquisitions as well as other aspects of financial law and has been advisor to many companies on international business and joint venture transactions
     Education:    Holds a law degree from the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México
     Alternate director:    Lorenzo Garza Hinojosa

 

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Luis Téllez

   Born:    October 1958

Director

   First elected:    2001
     Term expires:    2005
     Principal occupation:    Managing Director of The Carlyle Group, S. de R.L. de C.V., a finance consulting firm
     Other directorships:    Member of the Boards of Grupo Desc, S.A. de C.V., Grupo México, S.A. de C.V., Casa de Cambio Monex, S.A. de C.V., Cablevisión, S.A. de C.V. and Daimler Chrysler de México, S.A. de C.V.
     Business experience:    Former Executive Vice-President of Grupo Desc, S.A. de C.V. Served as Secretary of Energy of Mexico from 1997 to 2000 and Chief of Staff of the President of Mexico from 1996 to 1997
     Education:    Holds an economics degree from Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México and a Ph.D. in Economics from The Massachusetts Institute of Technology
     Alternate director:    Armando Garza Sada

Helmut Paul

   Born:    March 1940

Director

   First elected:    1988
     Term expires:    2005
     Principal occupation:    Owner of H. Paul & Company LLC, a corporate finance advisory firm and Senior Consultant of International Finance Corporation
     Other directorships:    Member of the Boards of Scudder Fund for Independent Power Generation (management committee), HSBC Private Equity Fund (Argentina/Brazil) and Zurich Emerging Markets Solutions
     Business experience:    Has held several managing positions in the International Finance Corporation, mainly responsible for Latin American and Caribbean investments
     Education:    Holds an MBA from the University of Hamburg
     Alternate director:    Antonio Elosua Muguerza

 

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Lorenzo H. Zambrano

   Born:    March 1944

Director

   First elected:    1995
     Term expires:    2005
     Principal occupation:    Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Cemex, S.A. de C.V.
     Other directorships:    Member of the Boards of Alfa, S.A. de C.V. (Human Resources Committee), Vitro, S.A. de C.V. (Chairman of the Compensation Committee), Televisa, S.A. de C.V., and Grupo Financiero Banamex, S.A. de C.V. Member of Citigroup’s International Advisory Board, Member of the Advisory Committee of Capital International, Inc. and Counsel to chairman of DaimlerChrysler AG.
     Education:    Holds a degree in mechanical engineering and administration from ITESM and an MBA from Stanford University
     Alternate director:    Francisco Garza Zambrano

Robert E. Denham

   Born:    August 1945

Director

   First elected:    2001
     Term expires:    2005
     Principal occupation:    Partner of Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP law firm
     Other directorships:    Member of the Boards of Wesco Financial Corporation, US Trust Company, and Lucent Technologies, Inc.
     Business experience:    Former Chief Executive Officer of Salomon Inc., Representative to the APEC Business Advisory Council, Member of the OECD Business Sector Advisory Group on Corporate Governance
     Education:    Magna cum laude graduate from the University of Texas, holds a JD from Harvard Law School and a masters degree in Government from Harvard University
     Alternate director:    Sergio Deschamps Ebergenyi

(1) Daughter of Eugenio Garza Lagüera.
(2) Sister-in-law of José Antonio Fernández.
(3) Son-in-law of Eugenio Garza Lagüera.
(4) Brother of José Antonio Fernández Carbajal.
(5) Son of José Calderón Senior.
(6) Sister of Eugenio Garza Lagüera.
(7) Son of Consuelo Garza de Garza.
(8) Son of Max Michel Suberville.
(9) Nephew of Max Michel Suberville.
(10) Wife of José Antonio Fernández.
(11) Cousin of Eugenio Garza Lagüera.

 

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Senior Management

 

The names and positions of our current senior management and that of our principal subholding companies, their dates of birth and information on their principal business activities outside of FEMSA are as follows:

 

 

FEMSA


         

José Antonio Fernández

   See “—Board of Directors of FEMSA.”

Chief Executive Officer

   Joined FEMSA:    1987
     Appointed to current position:    1994

Federico Reyes

   Born:    September 1945

Executive Vice-President of Finance and Corporate

  

Joined FEMSA:

Appointed to current position:

  

1999

2000

Development

   Directorships:    Vice Chairman of the Board of Seguros Monterrey New York Life, S.A., and Chairman of the Board of Review of Fianzas Monterrey, S.A.
     Business experience within FEMSA:   

    
Director of Corporate Development, 1992

     Other business experience:    Holds a degree in business and finance from ITESM. Has worked as Director of Corporate Staff at Grupo AXA and has extensive experience in the insurance sector, working eight years in Valores de Monterrey, S.A. de C.V., six of them as Chief Executive Officer

José González Ornelas

   Born:    April 1951

Executive Vice President of Administration and

  

Joined FEMSA:

Appointed to current position:

  

1973

2001

Operative Control

   Directorships:    Member of the board of directors of FEMSA Cerveza
     Business experience within FEMSA:        
Has held several managerial positions in FEMSA including Chief Financial Officer of FEMSA Cerveza, Director of Planning and Corporate Development of FEMSA and Chief Executive Officer of FEMSA Logística
     Other business experience:    Holds a CPA degree from the UANL and has post-graduate studies in business administration from the Instituto Panamericano de Alta Dirección de Empresa (IPADE)

 

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Ricardo González Sada

   Born:    August 1955

Executive Vice President

of Human Resources

  

Joined FEMSA:

Appointed to current position:

  

2000

2000

     Business experience within FEMSA:        
Vice President of Strategic Planning. Held managerial positions in the human resources department of FEMSA from 1977 to 1978
     Other business experience:    Holds a degree in industrial and systems engineering from ITESM and an MBA from IESE, Barcelona. Had a 20-year career in Grupo Vitro, three of them as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Vidrio Plano, S.A. de C.V.

Carlos Aldrete

   Born:    August 1956

General Counsel

   Joined FEMSA:    1979
     Appointed to current position:    1996
     Directorships:    Alternate Secretary of the board of directors of FEMSA and Secretary of the board of directors of all of the subholding companies
     Business experience within FEMSA:        
Extensive experience in international business and financial transactions, debt issuances and corporate restructurings. Expertise in securities and private mergers and acquisitions law
     Other business experience:    Holds a law degree from the UANL and a masters degree in Comparative Law from the College of Law of the University of Illinois

Rosa María Hinojosa Martínez

   Born:    February 1962

Chief Accounting Officer

   Joined FEMSA:    1983
     Appointed to current position:    1996
     Business experience within FEMSA:        
Has held several positions in FEMSA in financial information and administrative areas and has participated in several financial transactions, debt issuances and corporate restructuring
     Other business experience:    Holds a CPA degree from ITESM, completed post-graduate studies at IPADE and has participated in several post-graduate programs in business administration

 

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FEMSA Cerveza


         

Javier Astaburuaga Sanjines

   Born:    July 1959

Co-Chief ExecutiveOfficer—

   Joined FEMSA:    1982

Operations

   Appointed to current position:    2003
     Business experience within FEMSA:        
Joined FEMSA as a financial information analyst and later acquired experience in corporate development, administrative and finance. Between 1993 and 2001, held various senior positions at FEMSA Cerveza, including Chief Financial Officer. For two years prior to his current position, was FEMSA Cerveza’s Director of Sales for the north region of Mexico.

Jorge Luis Ramos

   Born:    December 1952

Co-Chief Executive

Officer—Sales

  

Joined FEMSA:

Appointed to current position:

  

1996

2003

     Business experience within FEMSA:        
Director of Human Resources of FEMSA Cerveza from 1996 until 2000; Director of Sales, South Market from 2000 until his appointment to his current position

Gerardo Estrada Attolini

   Born:    May 1957

Chief Financial Officer

   Joined FEMSA:    2000
     Appointed to current position:    2003
     Business experience within FEMSA:        
Chief Financial Officer of FEMSA from 2000 until 2002; Administrative Director of FEMSA Cerveza from 2002 until his appointment to his current position
     Other business experience:    Holds CPA and MBA degrees from ITESM

 

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Coca-Cola FEMSA


         

Carlos Salazar

   Born:    April 1951

Chief Executive Officer

   Joined FEMSA:    1973
     Appointed to current position:    2000
     Business experience within FEMSA:        
Has held managerial positions in several subsidiaries of FEMSA, including Grafo Regia and PTM. Served as Chief Executive Officer of FEMSA Cerveza where he also held various management positions in the Commercial Planning and Export divisions
     Other business experience:    Bachelor’s degree in economics from ITESM, postgraduate studies in business administration and in economic development in Italy

Héctor Treviño Gutiérrez

   Born:    August 1956

Chief Financial Officer

   Joined FEMSA:    1981
     Appointed to current position:    1993
     Business experience within FEMSA:        
Has held managerial positions in the international financing, financial planning, strategic planning and corporate development areas of FEMSA
     Other business experience:    Holds a degree in chemical engineering from ITESM and an MBA from the Wharton Business School

FEMSA Comercio


         

Eduardo Padilla Silva

   Born:    January 1955

Chief Executive Officer

   Joined FEMSA:    1997
     Appointed to current position:    2003
     Business experience within FEMSA:        
Director of Planning and Control of FEMSA from 1997 to 2000; Chief Executive Officer Strategic Business Division from 2000 until his current position
     Other business experience:    Had a 20-year career in Grupo Alfa, culminating with a ten-year tenure as Chief Executive Officer of Terza, S.A. de C.V. His major areas of expertise are operational control, strategic planning and financial restructuring
     Education:    Holds a degree in mechanical engineering from ITESM and an MBA from Cornell University

 

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Strategic Procurement
(FEMSA Empaques)


         

Sergio Sáenz

   Born:    September 1950

Executive Vice-President

   Joined FEMSA:    1999
     Appointed to current position:    2003
     Directorships:    Chairman of the Board of FEMSA Cerveza
     Business experience within FEMSA:    Chief Financial Officer of FEMSA Cerveza
     Other business experience:    Had a 13-year career in Cuprum, S.A. de C.V., culminating as Chief Executive Officer. Holds a chemical engineering degree from the UANL and an MBA from the University of Texas at Austin

Alfonso Garza Garza

   Born:    July 1962

Chief Executive Officer

   Joined FEMSA:    1985

FEMSA Empaques

   Appointed to current position:    2003
     Other directorships:    Member of the board Coca-Cola FEMSA, and Hospital San José Tec de Monterrey
     Business experience within FEMSA:        
Has experience in several FEMSA business units and departments, including Domestic Sales, International Sales, Procurement and Marketing, mainly in CCM and FEMSA Empaques
     Other business experience:    Holds a degree in Industrial Engineering from the ITESM and an MBA from IPADE

 

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MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS

 

The following table identifies each owner of more than 5% of any class of our shares known to the company as of September 15, 2004. Except as described below, we are not aware of any holder of more than 5% of any class of our shares. Only the Series B Shares have full voting rights under our bylaws.

 

Ownership of Capital Stock as of September 15, 2004

 

     Series B Shares(1)

    Series D-B Shares(2)

    Series D-L Shares(3)

    Total Shares
of FEMSA
Common
Stock


 
     Shares
Owned


   Percent
of Class


    Shares
Owned


   Percent
of Class


    Shares
Owned


   Percent
of Class


   

Shareholder

                                       

Technical Committee and Trust

                                       

Participants under the Voting Trust(4)

   1,926,075,625    70.4 %   —      0.0 %   —      0.0 %   36.4 %

Capital International Inc.(5)

   66,876,220    2.4 %   33,438,110    2.6 %   33,438,110    2.6 %   2.5 %

(1) As of September 15, 2004, there were 2,737,740,090 Series B Shares outstanding.
(2) As of September 15, 2004, there were 1,279,785,180 Series D-B Shares outstanding.
(3) As of September 15, 2004, there were 1,279,785,180 Series D-L Shares outstanding.
(4) As a consequence of the technical committee’s internal procedures, the technical committee, as a whole, is deemed to have beneficial ownership with sole voting power of all the shares deposited in the voting trust and the following trust participants (as defined below), as technical committee members, are deemed to have beneficial ownership with shared voting power over those same deposited shares: BBVA Bancomer Servicios, S.A., as Trustee under Trust No. F/25078-7 (controlled by Max Michel Suberville), Eugenio Garza Lagüera, Paulina Garza de Marroquín, Bárbara Garza Gonda, Mariana Garza de Treviño, Eva Gonda de Garza, Eva Garza de Fernández, Consuelo Garza de Garza, Alfonso Garza Garza, Patricio Garza Garza, Juan Carlos Garza Garza, Eduardo Garza Garza, Eugenio Garza Garza, Alberto Bailleres, Maria Teresa G. de Bailleres, Inversiones Bursátiles Industriales, S.A. de C.V. (controlled by Eugenio Garza Lagüera), Corbal, S.A. de C.V. (controlled by Alberto Bailleres), Magdalena M. de David, Alepage, S.A. (controlled by Consuelo Garza de Garza), BBVA Bancomer Servicios, S.A. as Trustee under Trust No. F/29013-0 (controlled by José Calderon Ayala), Max Michel Suberville, Max David Michel, Juan David Michel, Monique David de VanLathem, Renee Michel de Guichard, Magdalena Guichard Michel, Rene Guichard Michel, Miguel Guichard Michel, Graciano Guichard Michel, Juan Guichard Michel, Franca Servicios, S.A. de C.V. (controlled by José Calderon Ayala) and BBVA Bancomer Servicios, S.A., as Trustee under Trust No. F/29490-0 (controlled by Alberto, Susana and Celia Bailleres).
(5) Derived from Capital International Inc.’s Schedule 13F filing with the SEC, dated August 13, 2004.

 

As of August 31, 2004, there were 16 holders of record of ADSs in the United States, which represented approximately 68.4% of our outstanding BD Units. Since a substantial number of ADSs are held in the name of nominees of the beneficial owners, including the nominee of The Depository Trust Committee, the number of beneficial owners of ADSs is substantially greater than the number of record holders of these securities.

 

As of September 15, 2004, 91.8% of the outstanding B Units were held by the voting trust, which consist of 70.4% of the outstanding Series B Shares with full voting rights. After giving effect to the global offering and the Mexican B Unit offerings, and assuming the underwriters in the global offering do not exercise their over-allotment options, the voting trust will hold         % of the outstanding B Units, which is equal to         % of the outstanding Series B Shares. In the event the underwriters exercise their over-allotment options in full, the voting trust will hold         % of the outstanding B Units, which is equal to         % of the outstanding Series B Shares.

 

The trust participants, who are our principal shareholders, agreed in April 1998 to deposit a majority of their shares, which we refer to as the trust assets, of FEMSA into the voting trust. The primary purpose of the voting trust is to permit the trust assets to be voted as a block, in accordance with the instructions of the technical committee. The technical committee is comprised of all of the trust participants. The number of B Units deposited by each trust participant (the proportional share of the trust assets of such participant) determines the number of votes that such trust participant has on the technical committee. Most matters are decided by a simple majority of the trust assets.

 

The trust participants agreed to certain transfer restrictions with respect to the trust assets. During the ten-year term of the voting trust, trust assets may be transferred by trust participants to spouses and immediate family

 

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members and, subject to certain conditions, to companies that are 100% owned by trust participants, which we refer to as the permitted transferees, provided in all cases that the transferee agrees to be bound by the terms of the voting trust. In the event that a trust participant wishes to sell part of its trust assets to someone other than a permitted transferee, the other trust participants have the right of first refusal to purchase the trust assets that the trust participant wishes to sell. If none of the trust participants elects to acquire the trust assets from the selling trust participant, the technical committee will have the right to nominate (subject to the approval of technical committee members representing 75% of the trust assets, excluding trust assets that are the subject of the sale) a purchaser for such trust assets. In the event that none of the trust participants or a nominated purchaser elects to acquire trust assets, the selling trust participant will have the right to sell the trust assets to a third party on the same terms and conditions that were offered to the trust participants. Acquirors of trust assets will be permitted to become parties to the voting trust only upon the affirmative vote of technical committee members. In the event that a trust participant holding a majority of the trust assets elects to sell its trust assets, the other trust participants have “tag along” rights that will enable them to sell their trust assets to the acquiror of the selling trust participant’s trust assets.

 

Because of their ownership of a majority of the Series B Shares, the technical committee and trust participants may be deemed to control our company. Other than by their ownership of the Series B Shares, the technical committee and trust participants do not have any voting rights that are different from those of other shareholders.

 

Ownership of Management

 

Several of our directors are participants in the voting trust. Each of the trust participants of the voting trust is deemed to have beneficial ownership with shared voting power over the shares deposited in the voting trust. As of September 15, 1,926,075,625 Series B Shares representing 70.4% of the outstanding Series B Shares were deposited in the voting trust.

 

The following table shows the Series B Shares, Series D-B Shares and Series D-L Shares as of September 15, 2004 beneficially owned by our directors who are participants in the voting trust, other than the shares deposited in the voting trust:

 

     Series B

    Series D-B

    Series D-L

 

Beneficial Owner


   Shares

   Percent of
Class


    Shares

   Percent of
Class


    Shares

   Percent of
Class


 

Eugenio Garza Lagüera

   4,954,368    0.2 %   8,881,736    0.7 %   8,881,736    0.7 %

José Calderón Ayala

   2,276,517    0.1     4,553,034    0.4     4,553,034    0.4  

Consuelo Garza de Garza

   20,821,980    0.8     4,031,160    0.3     4,031,160    0.3  

Max Michel Suberville

   36,568,920    1.3     0    0.0     0    0.0  

Alberto Bailleres

   333,890    0.0     667,780    0.1     667,780    0.1  

 

To our knowledge, no other director or officer is the beneficial owner of more than 1% of any class of our capital stock.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF OUR CAPITAL STOCK

 

The following is a summary of the material provisions of our bylaws and Mexican law relating to our capital stock. Our capital stock is described in greater detail in our bylaws, which are filed as an exhibit to our annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2003 incorporated by reference in this prospectus.

 

General

 

We have three series of capital stock, each with no par value:

 

  Series B Shares;

 

  Series D-B Shares; and

 

  Series D-L Shares.

 

Series B Shares have full voting rights, and Series D-B and D-L Shares have limited voting rights. Prior to May 11, 2008, the shares of our company are not separable and may be transferred only in the following forms:

 

  B Units, consisting of five Series B Shares; and

 

  BD Units, consisting of one Series B Share, two Series D-B Shares and two Series D-L Shares.

 

On May 11, 2008, each Series D-B Share will automatically convert into one Series B Share with full voting rights, and each Series D-L Share will automatically convert into one Series L Share with limited voting rights. At that time, the BD Units and the B Units will cease to exist and the underlying Series B Shares and Series L Shares will be separated.

 

The following table sets forth information regarding our issued and outstanding capital stock as of September 15, 2004:

 

Class


   Number

  

Percentage of

Capital


   

Percentage of

Voting


 

Series B Shares (no par value)

   2,737,740,090    51.7 %   100.0 %

Series D-B Shares (no par value)

   1,279,785,180    24.2     0.0  

Series D-L Shares (no par value)

   1,279,785,180    24.2     0.0  
    
  

 

Total Shares

   5,297,310,450    100.0 %   100.0 %
    
  

 

Units


                 

BD Units

   639,892,590    60.4 %   23.37 %

B Units

   419,569,500    39.6     76.63  
    
  

 

Total Units

   1,059,462,090    100.0 %   100.0 %
    
  

 

 

We have not issued any capital stock in the three years ended December 31, 2003 or during 2004, and there are currently no authorized and unissued shares, in each case other than the 344,400,000 Series B Shares, 161,000,000 Series D-B Shares and 161,000,000 Series D-L Shares authorized for issuance in the global offering and the Mexican B Unit offerings. Any of these shares not sold in the offerings will be cancelled.

 

Registration and Transfer

 

Our B Units and BD Units are, and beginning on May 11, 2008 our Series B Shares and Series L Shares will be, evidenced by certificates in registered form. Our shareholders may hold their B Units or BD Units, and beginning on May 11, 2008 the Series B Shares and Series L Shares, in the form of physical certificates or indirectly through institutions that have accounts with S.D. Indeval, S.A. de C.V., Institución para el Depósito de Valores , or Indeval. Accounts may be maintained at Indeval by brokers, banks or other entities approved by the CNBV that are participants in Indeval. We maintain a share registry and shareholders that have either deposited

 

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share certificates at our offices or are holding certificates issued by Indeval, an Indeval participant (coupled with an Indeval certificate) or a Mexican bank and present a receipt from any such institution indicating ownership by such person will be admitted to shareholders meetings.

 

Transfers of units or shares must be registered in our share registry. Transfers of units or shares deposited with Indeval will be registered in Indeval’s records (and evidenced by Indeval records and records of Indeval participants) pursuant to the Mexican Securities Market Law.

 

Voting Rights and Certain Minority Rights

 

Each Series B Share entitles its holder to one vote at any of our ordinary or extraordinary general shareholders meetings. Our bylaws state that the board of directors must comprise at least 16 members. Holders of Series B Shares are entitled to elect at least 11 members of our board of directors, which shall constitute the majority of the board at all times. Holders of Series D-B and D-L Shares are entitled to elect five members of our board of directors and, upon conversion of the Series D-L Shares to Series L Shares or upon issuance of Series L Shares, the holders of Series L Shares will be entitled to elect two members of the board of directors. None of our shares have cumulative voting rights, which are not customary for Mexican companies.

 

Under our bylaws, the holders of Series D and L Shares are entitled to vote at extraordinary shareholders meetings called to consider any of the following limited matters: (1) the transformation from one form of company to another, other than from a company with variable capital stock to a company without variable stock or vice versa, (2) any merger in which we are not the surviving entity or with other entities whose principal corporate purposes are different from those of our company or our subsidiaries, (3) change of nationality, (4) dissolution and liquidation and (5) the cancellation of the registration of the Series D Shares or Series L Shares in the Mexican Stock Exchange or in any other foreign stock market where listed, except in the case of the conversion of these shares as provided for in our bylaws.

 

Under Mexican law, holders of shares of any series are entitled to vote as a class in a special meeting governed by the same rules that apply to extraordinary meetings on any action that would have an effect on the rights of holders of shares of such series. There are no procedures for determining whether a particular proposed shareholder action requires a class vote, and Mexican law does not provide extensive guidance on the criteria to be applied in making such a determination.

 

Pursuant to the Mexican Securities Market Law and the Mexican General Corporations Law, our bylaws include a number of minority shareholder protections. These minority protections include provisions that permit:

 

  holders of at least 10% of our outstanding capital stock entitled to vote (including in a limited or restricted manner) to call a shareholders meeting;

 

  holders of at least 15% of our outstanding capital stock to bring an action for civil liabilities against our directors, members of the audit committee and our statutory examiners if (1) the relevant shareholders shall have voted against exercising such action at the relevant shareholders meeting, (2) the claim covers all of the damage alleged to have been caused to us and not merely the damage suffered by the complaining shareholders and (3) any recovery is for our benefit and not the benefit of the complaining shareholders;

 

  holders of at least 10% of our outstanding capital stock who are entitled to vote at any shareholders meeting to request that resolutions with respect to any matter on which they were not sufficiently informed be postponed;

 

 

holders of 20% of our outstanding capital stock to oppose any resolution adopted at a shareholders meeting in which they are entitled to vote and file a petition for a court order to suspend the resolution temporarily within 15 days following the adjournment of the meeting at which the action was taken, provided that (1) the challenged resolution violates Mexican law or our bylaws, (2) the opposing

 

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shareholders neither attended the meeting nor voted in favor of the challenged resolution and (3) the opposing shareholders deliver a bond to the court to secure payment of any damages that we may suffer as a result of suspending the resolution in the event that the court ultimately rules against the opposing shareholder;

 

  holders of at least 10% of our outstanding capital stock to appoint one member of our board of directors and one alternate member of our board of directors; and

 

  holders of at least 10% of our outstanding capital stock to appoint one statutory examiner and one alternate statutory examiner.

 

The protections afforded to minority shareholders under Mexican law are generally different from those in the United States. Also, substantive Mexican law concerning director duties has not been interpreted by Mexican courts, unlike many states in the United States where duties of care and loyalty established by court decisions have helped to shape the rights of minority shareholders and the obligations of directors.

 

As a result of these factors, it is generally more difficult for our minority shareholders to enforce rights against us or our directors or shareholders than it is for shareholders of a United States issuer.

 

Shareholder Meetings

 

General shareholders meetings may be ordinary meetings or extraordinary meetings. Extraordinary meetings are those called to consider certain matters specified in Article 182 of the Mexican General Corporations Law and our bylaws. These matters include: amendments to the bylaws, liquidation, dissolution, merger and transformation from one form of company to another, issuance of preferred stock and increases and reductions of the fixed portion of our capital stock. General meetings called to consider all other matters, including increases or decreases affecting the variable portion of our capital stock, are ordinary meetings. An ordinary meeting must be held at least once each year within the first four months following the end of the preceding fiscal year (1) to consider the approval of the financial statements of FEMSA and certain of our subsidiaries for the preceding fiscal year, (2) to appoint, remove or ratify directors and statutory examiners and to determine their compensation and (3) to determine the allocation of profits and losses of the preceding year. Generally, as a matter of Mexican law, holders of securities of limited voting rights are not entitled to attend shareholders meetings at which they are not entitled to vote. Holders of BD Units or B Units, and beginning on May 11, 2008 holders of B Shares, are entitled to attend all shareholders meetings of the Series B Shares and Series D Shares included in the BD Units or B Units and to vote on matters that are subject to the vote of holders of the underlying shares.

 

The quorum for an ordinary shareholders meeting of the Series B Shares on first call is more than 50% of the Series B Shares, and action may be taken by a majority of the Series B Shares represented at the meeting. If a quorum is not available, a second or subsequent meeting may be called and held by whatever number of Series B Shares are represented at the meeting, at which meeting action may be taken by a majority of the Series B Shares that are represented at the meeting.

 

The quorum for an extraordinary shareholders meeting is at least 75% of the shares entitled to vote at the meeting, and action may be taken by a vote of the majority of all the outstanding shares that are entitled to vote. If a quorum is not available, a second meeting may be called, at which the quorum will be the majority of the outstanding capital stock entitled to vote, and actions will be taken by holders of the majority of all the outstanding capital stock entitled to vote.

 

Shareholders meetings may be called by the board of directors, the statutory examiner and, under certain circumstances, a Mexican court. In addition, an ordinary shareholders meeting may be called by any holder of Series B Shares if an ordinary shareholders meeting has not been held within the preceding two fiscal years or if any action required under Mexican law to be taken at any ordinary shareholders meeting is not taken. A notice of meeting and an agenda must be published in the Periódico Oficial del Estado de Nuevo León (the Official State Gazette of Nuevo León) or a newspaper of general circulation in Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico at least 15 days prior to the date set for the meeting. Notices must set forth the place, date and time of the meeting and the

 

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matters to be addressed and must be signed by whomever convened the meeting. Shareholders meetings will be deemed validly held and convened without a prior notice or publication whenever all the shares representing our capital are fully represented. All relevant information relating to the shareholders meeting must be made available to shareholders starting on the date of publication of the notice. To attend a meeting, shareholders must deposit their shares with the company or with Indeval or an institution for the deposit of securities prior to the meeting as indicated in the notice. If entitled to attend a meeting, a shareholder may be represented by an attorney-in-fact.

 

Dividend Rights

 

At the annual ordinary general shareholders meeting, the board of directors submits the financial statements of the company for the previous fiscal year, together with a report thereon by the board of directors and the report of the statutory examiner. Once the holders of Series B Shares have approved the financial statements, they determine the allocation of our net profits for the preceding year. Mexican law requires the allocation of at least 5% of net profits to a legal reserve, which is not subsequently available for distribution, until the amount of the legal reserve equals 20% of our capital stock. Thereafter, the holders of Series B Shares may determine and allocate a certain percentage of net profits to any general or special reserve, including a reserve for open-market purchases of our shares. The remainder of net profits is available for distribution in the form of dividends to the shareholders.

 

Amounts allocated as dividends will be paid to the holders of capital stock of our company in the following manner. Our bylaws provide that, before May 11, 2008, dividends will be allocated among the shares outstanding and fully paid at the time a dividend is declared in such manner that each Series D-B Share and Series D-L Share receives 125% of the dividend distributed in respect of each Series B Share. Holders of Series D-B Shares and Series D-L Shares are entitled to this dividend premium in connection with all dividends paid by us other than payments in connection with the liquidation of our company. On May 11, 2008, the Series D-B Shares will automatically convert into Series B Shares and the Series D-L Shares will automatically convert into Series L Shares, which will not be entitled to a dividend premium. From and after May 11, 2008, the Series B Shares and Series L Shares that are outstanding and fully paid at the time a dividend is declared will be entitled to share equally in any dividend.

 

Change in Capital and Withdrawal Rights

 

Our outstanding capital stock consists of both a fixed and a variable portion. The fixed portion of our capital stock may be increased or decreased only by an amendment of the bylaws adopted by a resolution of the holders of the Series B Shares at an extraordinary shareholders meeting or, in the case of a reduction of capital represented by the Series D-B, Series D-L or Series L Shares, a resolution of the holders of Series D-B, Series D-L or Series L Shares, as the case may be, at a special meeting of the holders of Series D-B, Series D-L or Series L Shares, as the case may be. The variable portion of our capital stock may be increased or decreased by resolution of an ordinary shareholders meeting. Capital increases and decreases must be recorded in our share registry and book of capital variations, if applicable.

 

A capital stock increase may be effected through the issuance of new shares for payment in cash or in kind, or by capitalization of indebtedness or of certain items of shareholders’ equity.

 

The fixed portion of our capital stock cannot be withdrawn. The outstanding variable portion of our capital stock may be fully or partially withdrawn by the shareholders, at the election of each of them. Shareholders wishing to effect a total or partial withdrawal must notify us in writing. If the notice of withdrawal is received prior to the last quarter of the fiscal year, the withdrawal becomes effective at the end of the fiscal year in which the notice is given. Otherwise, the withdrawal becomes effective at the end of the following fiscal year. Upon an election by a shareholder to withdraw its shares representing variable capital as described above, our capital stock will be reduced.

 

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Reimbursement of withdrawn shares is made at the lower of: (i) 95% of the average price per share quoted on the Mexican Stock Exchange during the 30 trading days prior to the date on which the withdrawal becomes effective, and (ii) the book value per share as calculated from the company’s financial statements (as approved at the annual ordinary general shareholders meeting) for the fiscal year at the end of which the withdrawal becomes effective. Shareholders exercising their withdrawal rights can request reimbursement by us on the day following the ordinary shareholders meeting at which the financial statements referred to above are approved.

 

Because our fixed capital cannot be withdrawn, requests for withdrawals are satisfied only to the extent of the available variable capital and in the order in which they are received. Requests that are received simultaneously are fulfilled pro rata to the extent of the available variable capital.

 

Any increase or decrease in our capital stock or any redemption or repurchase will be subject to the following limitations: (1) Series B Shares will always represent at least 51% of our outstanding capital stock and the Series D-L Shares and Series L Shares will never represent more than 25% of our outstanding capital stock; (2) before May 11, 2008, the Series D-B, Series D-L and Series L Shares will not exceed, in the aggregate, 49% of our outstanding capital stock; and (3) from and after May 11, 2008, no Series D Shares will be outstanding, the Series L Shares will represent up to 25% of our outstanding capital stock and the Series B Shares will represent at least 75% of our outstanding capital stock.

 

Preemptive Rights

 

Under Mexican law, except in limited circumstances (including mergers, sales of repurchased shares, conversion into shares of convertible securities and issuances under Article 81 of the Mexican Securities Market Law, which is described below), in the event of an increase in our capital stock, a holder of record generally has the right to subscribe to shares of a series held by such holder sufficient to maintain such holder’s existing proportionate holding of shares of that series. Preemptive rights must be exercised during a term fixed by the shareholders at the meeting declaring the capital increase, which term must last at least 15 days following the publication of notice of the capital increase in the Official State Gazette. As a result of applicable United States securities laws, holders of ADSs may be restricted in their ability to participate in the exercise of preemptive rights under the terms of the deposit agreement. Shares subject to a preemptive rights offering, with respect to which preemptive rights have not been exercised, may be sold by us to third parties on the same terms and conditions previously approved by the shareholders or the board of directors. Under Mexican law, preemptive rights cannot be waived in advance or be assigned, or be represented by an instrument that is negotiable separately from the corresponding shares.

 

Article 81 of the Mexican Securities Market Law permits the issuance and sale of shares through a public offering without granting shareholders preemptive rights, if permitted by the bylaws and upon, among other things, express authorization of the CNBV and the approval of the extraordinary shareholders meeting called for such purpose. Our bylaws permit the issuance and sale of shares in a public offering in accordance with Article 81 as long as shareholders representing 25% or more of the Series B Shares do not vote against such issuance. Any shareholder that votes against such issuance has the right to demand that we sell such shareholder’s shares to the public at the same price at which the newly issued shares are to be sold.

 

Limitations on Share Ownership

 

Ownership by non-Mexican nationals of shares of Mexican companies is regulated by the Mexican Foreign Investment Law and its regulations. The Mexican Foreign Investment Commission is responsible for the administration of the Mexican Foreign Investment Law and its regulations.

 

As a general rule, the Mexican Foreign Investment Law allows foreign holdings of up to 100% of the capital stock of Mexican companies, except for those companies engaged in certain specified restricted industries. The Mexican Foreign Investment Law and its regulations require that Mexican shareholders retain the power to determine the administrative control and the management of corporations in industries in which special restrictions on foreign holdings are applicable. Foreign investment in our shares is not limited under either the Mexican Foreign Investment Law or its regulations.

 

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Other Provisions

 

Authority of the Board of Directors

 

The board of directors is our legal representative and is authorized to take any action in connection with our operations not expressly reserved to our shareholders. Pursuant to the Mexican Securities Market Law, the board of directors must approve, among other matters:

 

  any transactions outside of the ordinary course of our business to be undertaken with related parties;

 

  significant asset transfers or acquisitions;

 

  providing material guarantees or collateral; and

 

  other material transactions.

 

Meetings of the board of directors are validly convened and held if a majority of the members are present. Resolutions passed at these meetings will be valid if approved by a majority of the disinterested members of the board of directors present at the meeting. If required, the chairman of the board of directors may cast a tie-breaking vote.

 

Redemption

 

We may redeem part of our shares for cancellation with retained earnings pursuant to a decision of an extraordinary shareholders meeting. Only shares subscribed and fully paid for may be redeemed. Any shares intended to be redeemed shall be purchased on the Mexican Stock Exchange in accordance with the Mexican General Corporations Law and the Mexican Securities Market Law. No shares will be redeemed, if as a consequence of such redemption, the Series D-B, Series D-L and Series L Shares in the aggregate exceed the percentages permitted by our bylaws or if any such redemption will reduce our fixed capital below its minimum.

 

Repurchase of shares

 

We may repurchase shares of our capital stock on the Mexican Stock Exchange at prevailing market prices. The economic and voting rights corresponding to repurchased shares may not be exercised during the period such shares are owned by us, and such shares will not be deemed outstanding for purposes of calculating any quorum or vote at any shareholders meeting. We are not required to create a special reserve for the repurchase of shares and we do not need the approval of our board of directors to effect share repurchases. However, we need the approval of our shareholders and our board of directors must appoint an individual or group of individuals for effecting share repurchases. Share repurchases must be made subject to the provisions of applicable law, including the Mexican Securities Market Law, and carried out, reported and disclosed in the manner specified by the CNBV. If we intend to repurchase shares representing more than 1% of our outstanding share capital at a single trading session, we must inform the public of such intention at least 10 minutes before submitting our bid. If we intend to repurchase shares representing 3% or more of our outstanding capital stock, we are required to conduct a public tender offer for such shares.

 

Our subsidiaries or other entities controlled by us may not purchase, directly or indirectly, shares representing our capital stock or shares of companies or entities that are our shareholders.

 

Forfeiture of shares

 

As required by Mexican law, our bylaws provide that non-Mexican holders of BD Units, B Units or shares (1) are considered to be Mexican with respect to such shares that they acquire or hold and (2) may not invoke the protection of their own governments in respect of the investment represented by those shares. Failure to comply with our bylaws may result in a penalty of forfeiture of a shareholder’s capital stock in favor of the Mexican

 

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state. In the opinion of Lic. Carlos Aldrete Ancira, our general counsel, under this provision, a non-Mexican shareholder (including a non-Mexican holder of ADSs) is deemed to have agreed not to invoke the protection of its own government by asking such government to interpose a diplomatic claim against the Mexican state with respect to its rights as a shareholder, but is not deemed to have waived any other rights it may have, including any rights under the United States securities laws, with respect to its investment in our company. If a shareholder should invoke governmental protection in violation of this agreement, its shares could be forfeited to the Mexican state.

 

Duration

 

The bylaws provide that the duration of our company is 99 years, commencing on May 30, 1936.

 

Conflict of Interest

 

Any shareholder that has a conflict of interest with respect to a transaction of our company is required to disclose such conflict and abstain from voting with respect to such transaction at the relevant shareholders meeting. A shareholder that votes on a business transaction in which its interests conflict with those of our company may be liable for damages, but only if the transaction would not have been approved without its vote.

 

Under Mexican law, any director who has a conflict of interest with our company in any transaction must disclose such fact to the other directors and abstain from voting. Any director who violates such provisions will be liable for damages.

 

Our directors and statutory examiners may not represent shareholders in any shareholder meetings.

 

Appraisal Rights

 

Whenever the shareholders approve a change of corporate purpose, change of nationality or the transformation from one form of company to another, any shareholder entitled to vote on such change that has voted against it, may withdraw as a shareholder of our company and have its shares redeemed by FEMSA at a price per share calculated as specified under applicable Mexican law, provided that it exercises its right within 15 days following the adjournment of the meeting at which the change was approved. Under Mexican law, the amount which a withdrawing shareholder is entitled to receive is equal to its proportionate interest in our capital stock or according to our most recent balance sheet approved by an ordinary general shareholders meeting.

 

Obligation of Majority Shareholders

 

In accordance with our corporate charter, and as prescribed by CNBV regulations, a controlling shareholder is required to make a public tender offer for the purchase of stock held by the minority shareholders in the event that the listing of the shares on the Mexican Stock Exchange is cancelled, either by our resolution or by an order of the CNBV. A controlling shareholder is a shareholder that holds a majority of our capital stock with full voting rights, has the ability to control the outcome of decisions made at a shareholders meeting or has the ability to appoint a majority of the members of our board of directors. The price at which the shares must be purchased by a controlling shareholder is the higher of (1) the average quotation price on the Mexican Stock Exchange for the 30 trading days prior to the date of the offer, or (2) the book value, as reflected in the last report filed with the CNBV and the Mexican Stock Exchange. In accordance with CNBV regulations, in the event that a controlling shareholder is unable to purchase all of our outstanding shares pursuant to a tender offer, it must form a trust, that must be maintained for a period of six months, and contribute to it the amount required to secure payment of the purchase price offered pursuant to the tender offer to all of our shareholders that did not sell their shares under the tender offer.

 

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traded shares does not exceed 300,000 Unidades de Inversíon , which is a Mexican inflation unit adjusted by the changes in the Mexican Consumer Price Index. This provision of our corporate charter may not be amended without the consent of shares representing at least 95% of our capital stock and the prior approval of the CNBV. Five business days prior to the commencement of the tender offer, our board of directors must make a determination with respect to fairness of the tender offer price, taking into consideration the minority shareholders’ interests, and disclose its opinion, which must refer to the justifications of the offer price. If the board of directors is precluded from making such determination as a result of a conflict of interest, the resolution of the board of directors must be based upon a fairness opinion issued by an expert selected by the audit committee.

 

Liquidation

 

Upon the dissolution of our company, one or more liquidators must be appointed by an extraordinary general meeting of the shareholders to wind up its affairs. All fully paid and outstanding shares of capital stock will be entitled to participate equally in any distribution upon liquidation.

 

Limited Liability

 

Shareholders’ liability for our company’s losses are limited to their shareholdings in our company.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF OUR ADSs

 

We have appointed The Bank of New York as ADS depositary pursuant to the Amended and Restated Deposit Agreement dated as of February 11, 2004 among us, The Bank of New York and holders and beneficial owners from time to time of our American Depositary Receipts or ADRs. The Bank of New York is located at 101 Barclay Street, New York, New York, 10286. Set forth below is a summary description of the material terms of the ADSs and the material rights of a holder of ADSs. Because it is a summary, it does not describe every aspect of the ADSs and the deposit agreement. For more complete information, you should read the entire deposit agreement, which includes the form of ADR. The deposit agreement is incorporated by reference as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. See “Where You Can Find More Information” for information on how to obtain copies of the deposit agreement.

 

American Depositary Receipts

 

ADRs evidencing our ADSs are executed and delivered by the ADS depositary pursuant to the deposit agreement. Each ADR evidences a specified number of ADSs, and each ADS represents 10 BD Units deposited with Indeval, the Mexican depositary institution, and held by the Mexico City office of Bancomer S.A., as custodian and agent of the ADS depositary in Mexico. The custodian is the holder of record of all BD Units and shares represented by ADSs. Only persons in whose names ADRs are registered on the books of the ADS depositary will be treated by us and the ADS depositary as holders of ADSs.

 

Until May 11, 2008, each ADS represents 10 BD Units, with each BD Unit consisting of one Series B Share, two Series D-L Shares and two Series D-B Shares of our company, and the components of each BD Unit are not separable. On May 11, 2008, each ADS will automatically represent 30 Series B Shares and 20 Series L Shares of our company. Holders will be able to obtain the BD Units or shares, as the case may be (which, together with any other securities represented by ADSs, we refer to as deposited securities), represented by their ADSs only by surrendering their ADSs for cancellation in accordance with the terms of the deposit agreement.

 

Deposit, Transfer and Withdrawal

 

Subject to the terms and conditions of the deposit agreement, BD Units or shares may be deposited by:

 

  electronic transfer through Indeval to the account of the custodian; or

 

  delivery of evidence satisfactory to the custodian that irrevocable instructions have been given to cause BD Units or shares to be transferred to that account, in any case, accompanied by appropriate instrument(s) of transfer or endorsement in form satisfactory to the custodian, the certifications required by the ADS depositary or the custodian, and if the ADS depositary requires, a written order directing the ADS depositary to execute and deliver ADRs.

 

No BD Unit or shares will be accepted for deposit unless accompanied by evidence satisfactory to the ADS depositary that any necessary approval has been granted by any governmental body in Mexico regulating currency exchange. If the ADS depositary requires, BD Units or shares presented for deposit also must be accompanied by:

 

  an agreement, assignment or instrument satisfactory to the ADS depositary by any person in whose name these BD Units or shares are or have been recorded providing for the prompt transfer to the custodian of either (1) any distribution or right to subscribe for additional BD Units or shares or to receive other property or shares or, (2) an indemnity or other agreement as will be satisfactory to the ADS depositary; and

 

  if these BD Units or shares are registered in the name of the person on whose behalf they are presented for deposit, a proxy entitling the custodian to vote the deposited BD Units or shares until the BD Units or shares are registered in the name of the custodian or its nominee.

 

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When BD Units or shares are deposited, the ADS depositary will execute and deliver ADRs, at its corporate trust office or upon written order of the named person(s) for the number of ADSs issuable with respect to such deposited BD Units or shares.

 

Subject to the deposit agreement, the ADS depositary will register transfers of ADRs on its transfer books and by the execution of a new ADR from time to time upon the surrender of an ADR properly endorsed or accompanied by proper instruments of transfer.

 

Upon the surrender of an ADR at the corporate trust office of the ADS depositary together with such endorsements, instruments of transfer or written order required by the ADS depositary and upon payment of the fee for the surrender of the ADR and applicable charges and taxes, the holder of the ADR will be entitled to the deposited securities represented by the ADSs evidenced by its ADR. Delivery of these deposited securities may be made by the delivery of BD Units or shares in the name of the holder and any other securities, property and cash to which the holder is entitled. The delivery will be made at the office of the custodian, except that the ADS depositary may deliver any dividends or other distributions on the BD Units or shares at its office. The holder withdrawing the ADSs assumes the risk for delivery of all funds and securities upon withdrawal.

 

The delivery or transfer of ADRs may be suspended or refused during any period when the transfer books of the ADS depositary are closed, or if deemed necessary or advisable by the ADS depositary or us because of any requirement of law or of any government or governmental body or commission or any securities exchange on which the ADSs or BD Units or shares are listed or for any other reason.

 

A holder may withdraw the underlying BD Units or, beginning on May 11, 2008, shares at any time except for:

 

  temporary delays that may arise because the transfer books of the ADS depositary or our transfer books are closed, or the deposited securities are immobilized on account of a shareholders meeting or a payment of dividends;

 

  obligations to pay fees, taxes and similar charges; and

 

  restrictions imposed on account of laws or governmental regulations relating to the BD Units, shares or ADSs to the withdrawal of deposited securities.

 

Dividends, Distributions and Rights

 

To the extent that the ADS depositary can in its judgment convert on a reasonable basis Mexican pesos (or any other foreign currency) into U.S. dollars transferable to the United States and distributable to holders of ADSs, the ADS depositary is required, as promptly as practicable, to convert or cause to be converted all cash dividends and other cash distributions received by it on the deposited securities into U.S. dollars and to distribute the resulting U.S. dollars to holders on a proportionate basis, after deduction or upon payment of any taxes, fees, charges and expenses of the ADS depositary. Any cash dividend or other cash distribution will be reduced by any amounts required to be withheld by FEMSA or the ADS depositary on account of taxes. The ADS depositary will distribute only an amount, however, as can be distributed without attributing to any holder a fraction of one cent, and any of these fractional amounts will be rounded to the nearest whole cent. If the ADS depositary determines that, in its judgment, the conversion of any foreign currency received and the transfer and distribution of the proceeds of this conversion is not reasonable, or if any approval or license of any government, authority or agency required for this conversion, transfer and distribution is denied or in the opinion of the ADS depositary is not obtainable within a reasonable period, the ADS depositary may distribute the foreign currency received by the ADS depositary to, or in its discretion may hold this foreign currency uninvested and without liability for interest for the respective accounts of the holders.

 

If any distribution upon any deposited securities consists of a dividend in, or free distribution of, BD Units or, beginning on May 11, 2008, shares, the ADS depositary may, after consultation with us, and will if we request, distribute as promptly as practicable to the holders entitled to receive this distribution, on a proportionate

 

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basis, additional ADRs evidencing an aggregate number of ADSs representing the amount of BD Units or shares received, subject to the terms and conditions of the deposit agreement (including, without limitation, the payment of any taxes or any applicable fees, charges and expenses). In lieu of delivering fractional ADSs, the ADS depositary will sell the number of BD Units or shares represented by fractional ADSs and distribute the net proceeds in accordance with the deposit agreement.

 

In the event that the ADS depositary determines that any distribution in property (including BD Units or shares and rights to subscribe for BD Units or shares) is subject to any tax or other governmental charges that the ADS depositary is obligated to withhold, the ADS depositary may by public or private sale dispose of all or a portion of this property in the amount and in the manner that the ADS depositary deems necessary and practicable to pay any of these taxes or charges, and the ADS depositary will distribute the remaining net proceeds of any sale to holders entitled to receive this distribution in proportion to the number of ADSs held by them respectively and in accordance with the deposit agreement.

 

Whenever we offer or cause to be offered to the holders of BD Units or, beginning on May 11, 2008, shares, any rights to subscribe for any additional BD Units or shares, or any rights of any other nature, the ADS depositary, after consultation with us, will have discretion as to the procedure to be followed in making these rights available or in disposing of these rights and making the net proceeds available to holders or, if by the terms of a rights offering or for any other reason, the ADS depositary may not either make these rights available to any holders or dispose of these rights, then the ADS depositary is required to allow the rights to lapse. If at the time of the offering of any rights the ADS depositary determines in its discretion that it is lawful and feasible to make these rights available to all holders or some holders, the ADS depositary may distribute to any holder to whom it determines the distribution to be lawful and feasible. In circumstances in which rights would otherwise not be distributed, if a holder of ADRs requests the distribution of warrants or other instruments in order to exercise the rights allocable to the ADS of this holder under the deposit agreement, the ADS depositary will make these rights available to this holder upon written notice from us to the ADS depositary that (1) we have elected in our sole discretion to permit these rights to be exercised and (2) the holder has executed the documents as we have determined in our sole discretion are reasonably required under applicable law.

 

If the ADS depositary distributes warrants or other instruments for rights to all or some holders of ADSs, then upon instruction from the holder pursuant to these warrants or other instruments to exercise these rights and payment to the ADS depositary of an amount equal to the purchase price of the BD Units or shares to be received upon the exercise of the rights, and all applicable fees, charges and expenses, the ADS depositary is required to exercise the rights and purchase the BD Units or shares, and we will cause the BD Units or shares so purchased to be delivered to the ADS depositary.

 

The ADS depositary will not offer rights to holders unless both the rights and the securities to which these rights relate are either exempt from, or registered under, the Securities Act. If a holder requests a distribution of warrants or other instruments, notwithstanding that there has been no registration under the Securities Act, the ADS depositary will effect this distribution if we choose to allow those rights to be exercised and the holder signs any documents that we determine are required under applicable law. Neither we nor the ADS depositary will be responsible for any failure to determine that it may be lawful or feasible to make rights available to holders or ADSs in general or to any holder or ADSs in particular.

 

In the event that the ADS depositary receives any distribution upon any deposited securities in property (other than cash, BD Units or, beginning on May 11, 2008, shares or rights to any BD Units or such shares), the ADS depositary is required under the deposit agreement to distribute this property or securities to the holders entitled thereto, after deduction or upon payment of any applicable taxes or other governmental charges and the fees and expenses of the ADS depositary, in proportion to their holdings, in any manner that the ADS depositary deems equitable and practicable. If in the opinion of the ADS depositary, this distribution cannot be done proportionally or for any other reason the ADS depositary deems this distribution not to be feasible, it may adopt any method it may deem equitable and practicable, including by public or private sale, to distribute the net proceeds.

 

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Record Dates

 

Whenever any cash dividend or other cash distribution payable or any distribution other than cash is made or whenever rights are issued with respect to the deposited securities, or whenever, for any reason, the ADS depositary causes a change in the number of deposited securities that are represented by each ADS, or whenever the ADS depositary will receive notice of any meeting of holders of any deposited securities, the ADS depositary will fix a record date for the determination of the holders entitled to receive this dividend, distribution or rights or the net proceeds of the sale thereof, or to give instructions for the exercise of voting rights at any meeting, or to otherwise take action, subject to the provisions of the deposit agreement.

 

Voting of the Underlying Securities

 

Upon receipt from us of notice of any meeting of holders of BD Units or, beginning on May 11, 2008, shares, or other deposited securities, the ADS depositary will, as soon as practicable thereafter, if requested by us, mail to holders of ADSs a notice of meeting stating that holders as of the close of business on a specified record date will be entitled under the deposit agreement, subject to any applicable provisions of Mexican law and our bylaws, to instruct the ADS depositary as to the exercise of their voting rights, if any, pertaining to the deposited securities represented by their ADSs, and further stating the manner in which any of these instructions are to be given, including an indication that instructions may be deemed given (if no instructions are received on or before the date set for this purpose by the ADS depositary). The ADS depositary will endeavor, insofar as is practicable and permitted by applicable law and the provisions of the deposited securities, our bylaws and the deposit agreement, to vote or cause to be voted the deposited securities represented by the ADSs in accordance with the timely instructions of the holders of ADSs.

 

If the ADS depositary does not receive instructions from any holder of ADSs with respect to the deposited securities on or before the date established by the ADS depositary for this purpose, the ADS depositary will deem this holder to have instructed the ADS depositary to have given a discretionary proxy to a person designated by us to vote the deposited securities. Nonetheless, instructions will not be given with respect to any matter as to which we inform the ADS depositary that (1) we do not wish this proxy given, (2) substantial opposition exists or (3) such matter materially and adversely affects the rights of holders of BD Units or, beginning on May 11, 2008, shares. In the event that we inform the ADS depositary in writing of any of the foregoing circumstances, the ADS depositary will deem this holder to have instructed the ADS depositary to vote or to give voting instructions with respect to, or cause the custodian to vote or give voting instructions with respect to, these deposited securities in the same manner as holders of the majority of the class of deposited securities voted at the relevant meeting.

 

The ADS depositary will, if requested in writing by us, represent all deposited securities (whether or not voting instructions have been received) for the purpose of establishing a quorum at a meeting of our shareholders.

 

There can be no assurance that holders generally or any holder in particular will receive the notice described above with sufficient time to enable the holder to return voting instructions to the ADS depositary in a timely manner.

 

Inspection of Transfer Books, Registrar

 

The deposit agreement provides that the ADS depositary will keep books at its corporate trust office for the registration and transfer of ADRs open at all reasonable times for inspection by the holders. This inspection may not be for the purpose of communicating with the holders in the interest of a business or object other than our business or a matter related to the deposit agreement or the ADRs.

 

The ADS depositary will act as registrar for the ADSs or, after consultation with us, will appoint another registrar or one or more co-registrars for registration of the ADRs in accordance with the requirements of any stock exchange on which ADSs may be listed.

 

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The registrar may close the transfer books after consultation with us, if closure is outside the course of ordinary business, at any time or from time to time, when deemed expedient by it in connection with the performance of its duties under the deposit agreement or at our reasonable request.

 

Reports and Notices

 

On or before the first date on which we give notice of

 

  any meeting of holders of deposited securities,

 

  any adjourned meeting of deposited securities,

 

  the taking of any action in respect of any cash or other distribution, or

 

  the offering of any rights in respect of deposited securities,

 

we will transmit to the ADS depositary and the custodian a copy of the notice in the form given or to be given to holders of deposited securities generally.

 

We will also transmit to the ADS depositary an English language version of the other notices, reports and communications generally made available by us to holders of deposited securities. The ADS depositary will arrange, at our request and expense, for the mailing of copies thereof to all holders of ADRs or make these notices, reports and other communication available to all holders of ADRs.

 

The ADS depositary will also make available a copy of any notices, reports or communications issued by us and delivered to the ADS depositary for inspection by the holders of ADSs at the ADS depositary’s corporate trust office. Any of these reports and communications, including any proxy soliciting material, furnished to the ADS depositary by us will be furnished in English, to the extent these materials are required to be translated into English pursuant to SEC regulations.

 

Changes Affecting Deposited Securities

 

Upon any change in nominal or par value, split-up, consolidation or any other reclassification of deposited securities, or upon any recapitalization, reorganization, merger or consolidation or sale of assets affecting us or to which we are a party, any securities received by the ADS depositary or the custodian in exchange for, or in conversion of, deposited securities, will be treated as new deposited securities under the deposit agreement, and the ADRs will evidence ADSs representing the right to receive these new deposited securities. The ADS depositary may and will, if we request, execute and deliver additional ADRs, or call for the surrender of outstanding ADRs to be exchanged for new ADRs.

 

Amendment and Termination of the Deposit Agreement

 

The form of ADR and any provisions of the deposit agreement may be amended by agreement between us and the ADS depositary in any respect which together we may deem necessary or desirable without the prior written consent of the holders or beneficial owners of ADRs. Any amendment that imposes or increases any fees or charges (other than taxes and other governmental charges, registration fees, transmission costs, delivery costs or other expenses), or that will otherwise prejudice any substantial existing right of holders, will not, however, become effective as to outstanding ADRs until the expiration of 30 days after notice of the relevant amendment will have been given to the holders of ADRs. Every holder and beneficial owner of ADRs at the time any amendment becomes effective will be deemed, by continuing to hold ADRs, to consent and agree to any such amendment and to be bound by the deposit agreement as amended. In no event may any amendment impair the right of any holder of ADRs to surrender their ADRs and receive the deposited securities represented by those ADRs, except in order to comply with mandatory provisions of applicable law.

 

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The ADS depositary will, at any time at our written direction, terminate the deposit agreement by mailing a notice of termination to the holders of all ADRs then outstanding at least 30 days prior to the date fixed in the notice. The ADS depositary may likewise terminate the deposit agreement by mailing notice of termination to us and holders of all ADRs then outstanding if at any time 60 days have expired after the ADS depositary has delivered to us a written notice of its election to resign and a successor depositary has not been appointed and accepted its appointment. On and after the date of termination of the deposit agreement, the holder will, upon (1) surrender of its ADRs for cancellation at the corporate trust office of the ADS depositary, (2) payment of the fee of the ADS depositary for the surrender of ADRs and (3) payment of any applicable taxes or governmental charges, be entitled to delivery, of the amount of deposited securities represented by the surrendered ADRs.

 

If any ADRs remain outstanding after the date of termination, the ADS depositary will discontinue the registration of transfers of ADRs, suspend the distribution of dividends to the holders thereof and not give any further notices or perform any further acts under the deposit agreement, except that the ADS depositary will continue to collect dividends and other distributions pertaining to the deposited securities, sell rights as provided in the deposit agreement and deliver deposited securities together with any dividends or other distributions received with respect thereto and the net proceeds of the sale of any rights or other property (after deducting the fee of the ADS depositary for the surrender of an ADR, any expenses for the account of the holders in accordance with the deposit agreement and any applicable taxes or governmental changes), in exchange for surrendered ADRs.

 

At any time after the expiration of six months from the date of termination of the deposit agreement, the ADS depositary may sell the deposited securities and may hold uninvested the net proceeds of any such sale, together with any other cash then held, in an unsegregated account without liability for interest, for the pro rata benefit of the holders whose ADRs have not yet been surrendered. After making this sale, the ADS depositary will be discharged from all obligations under the deposit agreement with respect to the ADRs, the deposited securities and the ADSs, except to account for these net proceeds and other cash (after deducting the fee of the ADS depositary for the surrender of an ADR, any expenses for the account of the holders in accordance with the deposit agreement and any applicable taxes or governmental charges). Upon the termination of the deposit agreement, we will also be discharged from all obligations under the deposit agreement, except for certain obligations to the ADS depositary.

 

Charges of ADS Depositary

 

The following charges will be incurred by any party depositing or withdrawing BD or, beginning on May 11, 2008, shares by any party surrendering ADRs or to whom ADRs are issued (including, without limitation, issuance pursuant to a stock dividend or stock split declared by us or an exchange of stock regarding the ADRs, BD Units, shares or a distribution of ADRs pursuant to the deposit agreement), or by holders of ADRs, as applicable:

 

  taxes and other governmental charges;

 

  registration fees as may from time to time be in effect for the registration of transfers of BD Units or shares generally on any required registers and applicable to transfers of BD Units or shares to or from the name of the ADS depositary, the custodian or either of their nominees on the making of deposits or withdrawals;

 

  cable and facsimile transmission expenses as provided in the deposit agreement;

 

  expenses incurred by the ADS depositary in the conversion of foreign currency;

 

  a fee of US$5.00 or less per 100 ADSs (or portion thereof) for the execution and delivery of ADRs and the surrender of ADRs;

 

  a fee of US$0.02 or less per ADS (or portion thereof) for any cash distribution made pursuant to the deposit agreement to the extent permitted by the rules of any securities exchange on which the ADSs may be listed for trading;

 

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  a fee for the distribution of securities in an amount equal to the fee for the execution and delivery of ADSs referred to above which would have been charged as a result of the deposit of these securities but which securities are instead distributed by the ADS depositary to holders; and

 

  any other charge payable by the ADS depositary, any of the ADS depositary’s agents, including the custodian, or the agents of the ADS depositary’s agents in connection with the servicing of deposited securities.

 

Liability of Holders for Taxes or Other Charges

 

If any tax or other governmental charge will become payable by the ADS depositary with respect to any ADR or any deposited securities, this tax or other governmental charge will be payable by the holder to the ADS depositary. In the event that the ADS depositary determines that any distribution in property (including BD Units or shares and rights to subscribe for them) is subject to any tax or other governmental charge which the ADS depositary is obligated to withhold, the ADS depositary may by public or private sale dispose of all or a portion of this property (including BD Units or shares and rights to subscribe for them) in these amounts and in any manner as the ADS depositary deems necessary and practicable to pay any of these taxes or charges, and the ADS depositary will distribute the net proceeds of any sale after deduction of these taxes or charges to the appropriate holders in proportion to the number of ADRs held by them respectively. The ADS depositary may refuse to effect any transfer of the ADRs or any withdrawal of deposited securities represented by ADSs evidenced by the ADRs until payment is made, and may withhold any dividends or other distributions, or may sell for the account of the holder any part or all of the deposited securities represented by the ADSs evidenced by the ADRs, and may apply these dividends or other distributions or the proceeds of any sale in payment of such tax or other governmental charge and the holder of the ADR will remain liable for any deficiency. The holders of ADRs will indemnify the ADS depositary, the custodian, us and any of their or our respective directors, employees, agents and affiliates against, and hold each of them harmless from, any claims by any governmental authority with respect to taxes, additions to tax, penalties or interest arising out of any refund of taxes, reduced rate of withholding at source or other tax benefit obtained.

 

General

 

Every person depositing BD Units or, beginning on May 11, 2008, shares under the deposit agreement will be deemed to represent and warrant that:

 

  the BD Units or shares and each certificate therefor are validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable;

 

  the BD Units or shares are free of any pre-emptive rights of the holders of outstanding BD Units or shares as applicable;

 

  the person making the deposit is duly authorized to do so; and

 

  the deposit of the BD Units or shares and the sale of ADRs evidencing ADSs representing the BD Units or shares are not restricted under the Securities Act.

 

These representations and warranties survive the deposit of any BD Units or shares and the issuance of any ADRs. If any of these representations or warranties are false in any way, we and the ADS depositary will be authorized, at the cost and expense of the person depositing the BD Units or shares, to take any and all actions reasonably necessary to correct the consequences.

 

Each holder agrees to comply with requests from us pursuant to applicable law or the bylaws to provide information, including as to the capacity in which the holder holds ADRs and the identity of any other persons in the ADSs.

 

Neither the ADS depositary nor we assume any obligations to holders of ADRs, except that we agree to perform without negligence and without bad faith our obligations specifically stated in the deposit agreement. Neither the ADS depositary nor we will be under any obligation to appear in, prosecute or defend any action, suit

 

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or other proceeding in respect of any deposited securities or in respect of the ADRs, which in our opinion may involve an expense or liability for us, unless indemnity satisfactory to us against all expenses and liabilities will be furnished as often as may be required. The ADS depositary will not be responsible for any failure to carry out any instructions to vote any of the deposited securities, or for the manner in which any such vote is cast or the effect of any such vote, as long as any action or nonaction is in good faith.

 

The ADS depositary will not knowingly accept for deposit under the deposit agreement any BD Units or shares required to be registered under the provisions of the Securities Act, unless a registration statement is in effect as to these BD Units or shares.

 

Subject to the terms and provisions of the deposit agreement, the ADS depositary may execute and deliver ADRs prior to the receipt of BD Units or shares, which delivery we refer to as pre-release transactions. The ADS depositary may deliver BD Units or shares upon surrender of pre-released ADSs (even if the ADSs are surrendered before the pre-release transaction has been closed out). A pre-release transaction is closed out as soon as the underlying BD Units are delivered to the ADS depositary. The ADS depositary may receive ADRs in lieu of BD Units or shares to close out a pre-release transaction. Each pre-release will be:

 

  preceded or accompanied by a written representation from the person to whom ADRs are to be delivered that this person, or its customer, owns the BD Units, shares or ADRs to be remitted, as the case may be;

 

  at all times fully collateralized with cash or other collateral as the ADS depositary deems appropriate;

 

  terminable by the ADS depositary on not more than five business days notice; and

 

  subject to further indemnities and credit regulations as the ADS depositary deems appropriate.

 

The number of ADSs which are outstanding at any time as a result of pre-releases will not normally exceed 30% of the deposited securities. The ADS depositary reserves the right to change or disregard this limit as it deems reasonably appropriate. In addition, upon timely notification by the company in anticipation of a distribution in respect of the BD Units or shares, as of a business day following such notification and until one business day following the distribution record date, the ADS depositary may not permit new pre-release transactions and shall use its reasonable efforts to close out outstanding pre-release transactions. The ADS depositary may retain for its own account any compensation received from the pre-release transactions.

 

The ADS depositary may own and deal in any class of our securities, securities issued by our affiliates and ADRs.

 

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TAXATION

 

General

 

The following summary contains a description of the material U.S. and Mexican federal tax consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of our BD Units or ADSs by certain non-Mexican resident holders.

 

This summary is based upon federal tax laws of the United States and Mexico as in effect on the date of this prospectus, including the provisions of the income tax treaty between the United States and Mexico, which we refer to as the Tax Treaty, all of which are subject to change. This summary does not purport to be a comprehensive description of all the U.S. or Mexican federal income tax considerations that may be relevant to a decision to purchase, own or dispose of our BD Units or ADSs. The summary does not address any tax consequences under the laws of any state, municipality or locality of Mexico or the United States or the laws of any taxing jurisdiction other than the federal laws of Mexico and the United States. Holders of BD Units or ADSs should consult their own tax advisers as to the Mexican and U.S. tax consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of BD Units or ADSs, including, in particular, the effect of any foreign (non-Mexican and non-U.S.), state or local tax laws.

 

U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations

 

For purposes of this description of the U.S. federal income tax consequences, holders of BD Units or ADSs who are citizens or residents of the United States, a U.S. domestic corporation or a person or entity that otherwise will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net income basis in respect of the BD Units or ADSs are referred to as U.S. holders. This description does not purport to be a description of all of the possible tax considerations that may be relevant to a decision to purchase the BD Units or ADSs. In particular, this discussion does not address all U.S. federal income tax considerations that may be relevant to a particular investor, nor does it address the special tax rules applicable to certain categories of investors, such as banks, dealers, traders who elect to mark to market, tax-exempt entities, insurance companies, investors who hold the BD Units or ADSs as part of a hedge, straddle, conversion or integrated transaction or investors who have a “functional currency” other than the U.S. dollar. This summary deals only with U.S. holders that will hold the BD Units or ADSs as capital assets, but does not address the tax treatment of a U.S. holder that owns or is treated as owning 10% or more of the voting shares of our company.

 

Ownership of ADSs

 

In general, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, U.S. holders of ADSs will be treated as the owners of the deposited securities underlying the ADSs.

 

Taxation of Dividends and Stock Distributions

 

The gross amount of any dividends paid with respect to the BD Units generally will be included in the gross income of a U.S. holder as ordinary income on the day on which the dividends are received by the U.S. holder, in the case of the BD Units, or by the ADS depositary, in the case of the BD Units represented by ADSs, and will not be eligible for the dividends received deduction allowed to corporations under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

 

Subject to certain exceptions for short-term and hedged positions, the U.S. dollar amount of dividends received by an individual U.S. holder prior to January 1, 2009 with respect to the BD Units or ADSs will be subject to taxation at a maximum rate of 15% if the dividends are “qualified dividends.” Dividends paid on the BD Units and the ADSs will be treated as qualified dividends if our company was not, in the year prior to the year in which the dividend was paid, and is not, in the year in which the dividend is paid, a passive foreign investment company (“PFIC”), foreign personal holding company (“FPHC”) or foreign investment company

 

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(“FIC”). Based on our company’s audited financial statements and relevant market and shareholder data, our company believes that it was not treated as a PFIC, FPHC or FIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes with respect to its 2003 taxable year. In addition, based on our company’s audited financial statements and its current expectations regarding the value and nature of its assets, the sources and nature of its income, and relevant market and shareholder data, our company does not anticipate becoming a PFIC, FPHC or FIC for its 2004 taxable year. The U.S. Department of Treasury has announced its intention to promulgate rules pursuant to which U.S. holders of ADSs or common stock and intermediaries through whom such securities are held will be permitted to rely on certifications from issuers to treat dividends as qualified dividends for tax reporting purposes. Because such procedures have not yet been issued, it is not clear whether our company will be able to comply with the procedures, although our company intends to make reasonable efforts to do so. U.S. holders of BD Units and ADSs should consult their own tax advisers regarding the availability of the qualified dividend tax rate in the light of the considerations discussed above and their own particular circumstances.

 

Dividends generally will constitute foreign source “passive income” or, in the case of certain U.S. holders, “financial services income” for U.S. foreign tax credit purposes. Dividends, which will be paid in Mexican pesos, will be converted into U.S. dollars by the ADS depositary on the date of receipt and will be includible in the income of a U.S. holder on the date they are received by the ADS depositary. Because such dividends will be converted into U.S. dollars by the ADS depositary on the date of receipt, a U.S. holder of ADSs generally should not be required to recognize foreign currency gain or loss in respect of the dividends. Dividends received by a holder in respect of BD Units will be includible in the income of a U.S. holder in a U.S. dollar amount calculated, in general, by reference to the exchange rate in effect on the date that they are received by the U.S. holder (regardless of whether the Mexican pesos are in fact converted into U.S. dollars on such date). Any gain or loss realized by a U.S. holder who converts Mexican pesos into U.S. dollars on a date subsequent to the date of receipt of dividends will generally be ordinary income or loss, and will be treated as income or loss from sources within the United States for U.S. foreign tax credit purposes.

 

Distributions of additional shares to U.S. holders with respect to the BD Units (and accompanying distributions with respect to ADSs) that are made as part of a pro rata distribution to all of our shareholders and for which there is no option to receive other property generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax.

 

A non-U.S. holder of BD Units or ADSs will not be subject to U.S. federal income or withholding tax on dividends received on BD Units (or with respect to ADSs), unless such income is effectively connected with the conduct by the non-U.S. holder of a trade or business in the United States.

 

Taxation of Capital Gains

 

A gain or loss realized by a U.S. holder on the sale or other disposition of BD Units or ADSs will be subject to U.S. federal income taxation as capital gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference between the amount realized on the disposition and such U.S. holder’s tax basis in the BD Units or ADSs. Any such gain or loss will be a long-term capital gain or loss if the BD Units or ADSs were held for more than one year on the date of such sale. Net long-term capital gain recognized by an individual U.S. holder before January 1, 2009 generally will be taxed at a maximum rate of 15%. The deduction of capital losses is subject to limitations for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Deposits and withdrawals of BD Units by U.S. holders in exchange for ADSs will not result in the realization of gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes. In addition, the conversion of BD Units into our shares on May 11, 2008 will not result in the realization of gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

 

Gain, if any, realized by a U.S. holder on the sale or other disposition of BD Units or ADSs will be treated as U.S. source income for U.S. foreign tax credit purposes. Consequently, if a Mexican withholding tax is imposed on the sale or disposition of BD Units, a U.S. holder that does not receive significant foreign source income from other sources may not be able to derive effective U.S. foreign tax credit benefits in respect of these Mexican taxes. U.S. holders should consult their own tax advisers regarding the application of the foreign tax credit rules to their investment in, and disposition of, BD Units.

 

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A non-U.S. holder of BD Units or ADSs will not be subject to U.S. federal income or withholding tax on any gain realized on the sale of BD Units or ADSs, unless (i) such gain is effectively connected with the conduct by the non-U.S. holder of a trade or business in the United States, or (ii) in the case of gain realized by an individual non-U.S. holder, the non-U.S. holder is present in the United States for 183 days or more in the taxable year of the sale and certain other conditions are met.

 

U.S. Backup Withholding and Information Reporting

 

A U.S. holder of BD Units or ADSs may, under certain circumstances, be subject to “backup withholding” with respect to certain payments to such U.S. holder, such as dividends or the proceeds of a sale or disposition of BD Units or ADSs, unless such holder (i) is a corporation or comes within certain exempt categories, and demonstrates this fact when so required, or (ii) provides a correct taxpayer identification number, certifies that it is not subject to backup withholding and otherwise complies with applicable requirements of the backup withholding rules. Any amount withheld under these rules does not constitute a separate tax and will be creditable against the holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability. While non-U.S. holders generally are exempt from backup withholding, a non-U.S. holder may, in certain circumstances, be required to comply with certain information and identification procedures in order to prove this exemption.

 

Mexican Federal Income Tax Considerations

 

General

 

For purposes of Mexican taxation, a natural person is a resident of Mexico, if he or she has established his or her principal place of residence in Mexico and, in the case that he or she has a principal place of residence outside of Mexico, if he or she has his or her center of vital interests ( centro de intereses vitales ) in Mexico. It is considered that the center of vital interests of an individual is in Mexico, among other cases, when at least 50% of that person’s total income in a calendar year derives from sources located in Mexico or the individual’s principal center of professional activities is located in Mexico. A legal entity is a resident of Mexico either if it is organized under the laws of Mexico or if it has its principal place of business or its place of effective management in Mexico. A Mexican citizen is presumed to be a resident of Mexico unless such a person can demonstrate that the contrary is true. If a legal entity or an individual is deemed to have a permanent establishment in Mexico for tax purposes, all income attributable to such a Mexican permanent establishment will be subject to Mexican taxes, in accordance with applicable tax laws. This summary addresses tax considerations applicable to a person that does not meet the aforementioned requirements to be deemed a resident of Mexico for tax purposes and referred to in this summary as a non-resident holder.

 

Taxation of Dividends

 

Dividends, either in cash or in any other form, paid to non-resident holders with respect to the BD Units or the ADSs will not be subject to any Mexican withholding or other Mexican tax. We will be required to pay a 32% tax on 1.4706 times the amount of the dividend, if the dividend is not paid from earnings that have already been subject to income tax.

 

Taxation of Dispositions

 

The sale or other disposition of ADSs by a non-resident holder will not be subject to Mexican tax. Deposits and withdrawals of ADSs will not give rise to Mexican tax or transfer duties.

 

Gains realized on the sale or other disposition of BD Units by a non-resident holder will not be subject to any Mexican tax if the sale is carried out through the Mexican Stock Exchange or other recognized securities exchange or market, as determined by Mexican tax authorities. Gains realized on sales or other dispositions of BD Units by non-resident holders made in other circumstances would be subject to Mexican income tax. Under

 

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the terms of the Tax Treaty, gains obtained by a U.S. holder eligible for benefits under the Tax Treaty on the disposition of BD Units will not generally be subject to Mexican tax, provided that those gains are not attributable to a permanent establishment of such U.S. holder in Mexico and that the eligible U.S. holder did not own, directly or indirectly, 25% or more of our share capital during the 12-month period preceding the disposition.

 

Gains of a non-resident holder of BD Units eligible for benefits under a tax treaty to which Mexico is a party, which is in effect, may be exempt, in whole or in part, from Mexican tax under the applicable treaty. Holders of BD Units should consult with their own tax advisers to determine their entitlement to benefits accorded under any applicable tax treaty.

 

Other Mexican Taxes

 

There are no inheritance or succession taxes applicable to the ownership, transfer or disposition of BD Units or ADSs by a non-resident holder; however, receipt of BD Units pursuant to a gratuitous transfer may, in certain circumstances, cause a Mexican federal tax to be imposed on the recipient. There are no Mexican stamp, issuer, registration or similar taxes or duties payable by holders of BD Units or ADSs.

 

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UNDERWRITING

 

Under the terms and subject to the conditions contained in an international underwriting agreement dated the date of this prospectus, the international underwriters named below, for whom Citigroup Global Markets Inc. and Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated are acting as representatives, have severally agreed to purchase, and we have agreed to sell to them severally, the number of ADSs indicated below:

 

Name


   Number of ADSs

Citigroup Global Markets Inc.

    

Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated

    
      
    

Total

    
    

 

The international underwriting agreement provides that the obligations of the several international underwriters to pay for and accept delivery of the ADSs are subject to the approval of certain legal matters by their counsel and to certain other conditions. The international underwriters are obligated to take and pay for all of the ADSs offered by this prospectus if any of the ADSs are taken. However, the international underwriters are not required to take or pay for the ADSs covered by the underwriters’ over-allotment option described below.

 

The international underwriters initially propose to offer part of the ADSs directly to the public at the public offering price for the ADSs set forth on the cover page of this prospectus and part to certain dealers at a price that represents a concession not in excess of US$             per ADS under the public offering price. Any international underwriter may allow, and such dealers may reallow, a concession not in excess of US$             per ADS to other international underwriters or to certain dealers. After the initial offering of the ADSs, the offering price and other selling terms may from time to time be changed by the representatives.

 

We have also entered into a Mexican underwriting agreement with Acciones y Valores de México, S.A. de C.V., Casa de Bolsa, Integrante del Grupo Financiero Banamex, an affiliate of Citigroup Global Markets Inc., and Casa de Bolsa BBVA Bancomer, S.A. de C.V., Grupo Financiero BBVA Bancomer, or Bancomer, the Mexican underwriters in the concurrent Mexican BD Unit offering, providing for the offering and sale of              BD Units by us in Mexico. The public offering price per BD Unit in the concurrent Mexican BD Unit offering will be the same as the public offering price per ADS set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, except that in the concurrent Mexican BD Unit offering, the public offering price will be expressed in Mexican pesos and adjusted to reflect the ratio of 10 BD Units per ADS. The closings of the international offering and the concurrent Mexican BD Unit offering are conditioned upon each other and also upon the simultaneous closing of the Mexican B Unit offerings.

 

In addition to the global offering, we are offering B Units in separate offerings in Mexico. The underwriters in the global offering are not acting as underwriters in the Mexican B Unit offerings; however, Bancomer is acting as placement agent for the Mexican B Unit directed offering and the Mexican underwriters are participating in placing B Units in the Mexican B Unit public offering.

 

Approximately 50% of the BD Units, including BD Units in the form of ADSs, being offered in the global offering will be offered to beneficial owners of outstanding ADSs or BD Units, respectively, pursuant to the share allocation programs in the international offering and the concurrent Mexican BD Unit offering, as the case may be. Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated will administer the share allocation program in the international offering on behalf of FEMSA. See “Share Allocation Programs.”

 

To provide for the coordination of their activities, the international underwriters and the Mexican underwriters have entered into an intersyndicate agreement, which provides for, among other things, the allocation of ADSs and BD Units being offered in the global offering between the international offering and the concurrent Mexican offering, as deemed appropriate by Citigroup Global Markets Inc. and Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated. To the extent there are sales between the international underwriters and the Mexican underwriters, pursuant to the intersyndicate agreement, the number of ADSs initially available for sale by the

 

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international underwriters, and the number of BD Units initially available for sale by the Mexican underwriters may be more or less than the numbers appearing in this prospectus. Except as permitted by the intersyndicate agreement, the price of any ADSs so sold will be the respective public offering price, less an amount not greater than the selling concession.

 

Pursuant to the intersyndicate agreement, as part of the distribution of the ADSs and BD Units and subject to certain exceptions:

 

  the international underwriters will offer the ADSs in the United States and elsewhere outside of Mexico; and

 

  the Mexican underwriters will offer the BD Units, directly or indirectly, only in Mexico (other than, in the case of the share allocation program in the concurrent Mexican BD Unit offering, to beneficial owners of the outstanding BD Units as of the record date who may be outside of Mexico).

 

We have granted to the underwriters options, exercisable for 30 days from the date of this prospectus, to purchase up to an aggregate of              additional BD Units, in the form of ADSs or BD Units, at the public offering prices set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, less underwriting discounts and commissions. The underwriters may exercise these options solely for the purpose of covering over-allotments, if any, made in connection with the global offering. To the extent the international underwriters exercise an option, each international underwriter will become obligated, subject to certain conditions, to purchase approximately the same percentage of the additional ADSs as the number listed next to that international underwriter’s name in the preceding table bears to the total number of ADSs listed next to the names of all international underwriters in the preceding table. If the international underwriters’ option is exercised in full, the total price to the public would be US$            , the total international underwriters’ discounts and commissions would be US$             and total proceeds to us from the sale of ADSs would be US$            .

 

We estimate that the total expenses of the global offering payable by us, excluding underwriting discounts and commissions, will be approximately US$             million.

 

The offering of ADSs is only being made to persons in the United Kingdom whose ordinary activities involve them in acquiring, holding, managing or disposing of investments (as principal or agent) for the purposes of their businesses or otherwise in circumstances which have not resulted and will not result in an offer to the public in the United Kingdom within the meaning of the Public Offers of Securities Regulations 1995 or the UK Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (“FSMA”), and each international underwriter has only communicated or caused to be communicated and will only communicate or cause to be communicated any invitation or inducement to engage in investment activity (within the meaning of section 21 of FSMA) received by it in connection with the issue or sale of the ADSs in circumstances in which section 21(1) of FSMA does not apply to FEMSA. Each of the international underwriters agrees and acknowledges that it has complied and will comply with all applicable provisions of FSMA with respect to anything done by it in relation to the ADSs in, from or otherwise involving the United Kingdom.

 

The ADSs may not be offered, transferred, sold or delivered to any individual or legal entity other than to persons who trade or invest in securities in the conduct of their profession or trade (which includes banks, securities intermediaries (including dealers and brokers), insurance companies, pension funds, other institutional investors and commercial enterprises which as an ancillary activity regularly invest in securities) in The Netherlands.

 

Buyers of ADSs sold by the international underwriters may be required to pay stamp taxes and other charges in accordance with the laws and practice of the country of purchase in addition to the offering price.

 

Each of us, certain of our directors and officers and each participant in the voting trust described under “Major Shareholders” has agreed that, without the prior written consent of Citigroup Global Markets Inc. and

 

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Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated on behalf of the underwriters, he, she or it will not, during the period ending 90 days after the date of this prospectus:

 

  offer, pledge, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant to purchase, lend or otherwise transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly, any shares of our capital stock in the form of shares, units or ADSs or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for shares of our capital stock, units or ADSs; or

 

  enter into any swap or other arrangement that transfers to another, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of shares of our capital stock, units or ADSs;

 

whether any transaction described above is to be settled by delivery of shares of capital stock, ADSs, units or such other securities, in cash or otherwise. The restrictions described in this paragraph do not apply to transfers of shares of capital stock, units or ADSs among participants in the voting trust or to the sale of shares of capital stock, units or ADSs by us to the international underwriters or the Mexican underwriters in the global offering or sales of B Units by FEMSA in the Mexican B Unit offerings.

 

In order to facilitate the offering of the ADSs, the international underwriters may engage in transactions that stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the price of the ADSs. Specifically, the international underwriters may over-allot in connection with the offering, creating a short position in the ADSs for their own account. In addition, to cover over-allotments or to stabilize the price of the ADSs, the international underwriters may bid for, and purchase, ADSs in the open market. Finally, the underwriting syndicate may reclaim selling concessions allowed to an underwriter or a dealer for distributing the ADSs in the international offering, if the syndicate repurchases previously distributed ADSs in transactions to cover syndicate short positions, in stabilization transactions or otherwise. Any of these activities may stabilize or maintain the market price of the ADSs above independent market levels. The international underwriters are not required to engage in these activities, and may end any of these activities at any time.

 

A prospectus in electronic format may be made available on the web sites maintained by one or more of the international underwriters. The representatives may agree to allocate a number of ADSs to international underwriters for sale to their online brokerage account holders. Internet distributions will be allocated by the representatives to international underwriters that may make internet distributions on the same basis as other allocations.

 

We have agreed to indemnify the international underwriters against certain liabilities, including certain liabilities under the Securities Act, or contribute to payments which the international underwriters may be required to make in respect of such liabilities.

 

Certain of the international underwriters and their respective affiliates have, from time to time, performed, and may in the future perform, various financial advisory, investment banking and commercial banking services for FEMSA and its subsidiaries, for which they received or will receive customary fees and expenses. Currently, affiliates of Citigroup Global Markets Inc. and Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated are lenders under our bridge loan agreements. We expect to use the net proceeds from the global offering to repay the affiliates of Citigroup Global Markets Inc. and Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated who are lenders under our bridge loan agreements.

 

Because more than 10% of the net proceeds of the international offering may be paid to Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated, each a member of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., and/or their respective affiliates, the international offering will be conducted in accordance with NASD Conduct Rule 2710(h).

 

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SHARE ALLOCATION PROGRAMS

 

The following is a summary of the procedures relating to the share allocation program in the international offering, as well as instructions for obtaining information concerning the procedures relating to the share allocation program in the concurrent Mexican BD Unit offering.

 

At an extraordinary shareholders meeting held on July 27, 2004, our shareholders:

 

  approved the issuance of BD Units to be sold in the form of ADSs and BD Units in the global offering and the issuance of B Units in the Mexican B Unit offerings; and

 

  waived, pursuant to Article 81 of the Mexican Securities Market Law, the preemptive rights that would otherwise apply under Mexican law in connection with the global offering.

 

On             , 2004, the CNBV authorized us to proceed with the global offering and the Mexican B Unit offerings in accordance with Article 81.

 

Pursuant to share allocation programs, beneficial owners of outstanding ADSs or BD Units as of             , 2004, which is the record date, will be eligible, subject to compliance with the procedures and conditions summarized in this prospectus, to purchase up to              ADSs or BD Units for each ADS or BD Unit, as applicable, beneficially owned by them as of the record date.

 

Beneficial owners of ADSs and BD Units who fail or are unable to comply with the applicable procedures and conditions in a timely manner will not be eligible to receive an allocation of ADSs or BD Units, as applicable.

 

The aggregate number of ADSs and BD Units initially available under the share allocation programs will represent 50% of the BD Units, including BD Units in the form of ADSs, to be offered in the global offering (excluding exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment options, if any). Each beneficial owner’s eligible allocation of ADSs or BD Units will be calculated based on the proportional ownership percentage of the BD Units represented by that beneficial owner’s ADSs or BD Units as of the record date.

 

Holders of ADSs or BD Units may seek to purchase ADSs or BD Units in the global offering in addition to any ADSs or BD Units they are eligible to purchase in the share allocation programs.

 

Any ADSs or BD Units not allocated to or purchased by beneficial owners in the share allocation programs in the global offering will be offered by the underwriters on the same basis as the other ADSs or BD Units offered in the global offering.

 

The global offering will not be registered or qualified in any jurisdiction other than the United States and Mexico. Offers and sales of ADSs or BD Units pursuant to the share allocation programs, and the global offering generally, will be made only in jurisdictions where, and to persons to whom, it is lawful to do so.

 

Share Allocation Program in International Offering

 

Allocation

 

Each beneficial owner of ADSs as of the record date who elects to purchase additional ADSs in the international offering and complies with all of the procedures and conditions summarized below on a timely basis will be eligible to purchase                      ADSs in the international offering for each ADS beneficially owned as of the record date.

 

If a beneficial owner’s pro rata portion of the share allocation program would result in a fractional ADS being issued, the number of ADSs which that beneficial owner will be allocated in the share allocation program will be rounded down to the nearest whole ADS.

 

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A beneficial owner’s eligibility to be allocated ADSs in the share allocation program is not transferable to any other person or entity.

 

The purchasers of ADSs in the share allocation program will pay the public offering price per ADS set forth on the cover of this prospectus.

 

Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated, or Morgan Stanley, will administer the share allocation program in the international offering on behalf of FEMSA.

 

Procedures and Conditions for Participating in the Share Allocation Program

 

A beneficial owner of ADSs as of the record date who wishes to purchase ADSs in the share allocation program must complete and submit an eligibility/expression of interest form by means of a dedicated website administered by Morgan Stanley at www.morganstanley.com/dsp. Any beneficial owner as of the record date unable to access the website should contact the Morgan Stanley call center at +1-866-673-9377 (toll-free in the U.S.) or +1-801-902-6994 (collect) for assistance in accessing the website. Communications regarding the share allocation program will be disseminated electronically to the email addresses provided by beneficial owners of ADSs. In order to participate in the share allocation program, beneficial owners of ADSs must consent to the electronic delivery of documents relating to the program and the international offering.

 

The eligibility/expression of interest form must be completed and submitted via the website no later than the submission deadline, which is expected to be three business days before the pricing date or such other date as specified on the website. Notice of the submission deadline will be provided on the website. The eligibility/expression of interest form will require each beneficial owner of ADSs to, among other requirements:

 

  authorize verification by the corresponding registered holder of beneficial ownership of the number of ADSs beneficially owned by such beneficial owner and held by such registered holder as of the record date; and

 

  provide a non-binding indication of the number of ADSs that such beneficial owner wishes to purchase in the share allocation program in the international offering (which number may not exceed such beneficial owner’s maximum eligible allocation).

 

Beneficial owners of ADSs who wish to participate in the share allocation program but do not have a brokerage account with one of the underwriters will be required to open a temporary brokerage account with Morgan Stanley solely for the purpose of facilitating their participation in the program. Upon the settlement of the international offering, ADSs purchased through the share allocation program will be transferred to a brokerage account designated by the beneficial owner, and the Morgan Stanley account will be closed. No fees will be charged in connection with the opening or closing of the Morgan Stanley account or the transfer of ADSs. The opening of an account will not result in the beneficial owner being solicited by a broker or financial advisor or otherwise being solicited by Morgan Stanley.

 

Beneficial owners of ADSs who have submitted a duly completed eligibility/expression of interest form on the website on a timely basis will be advised by e-mail of the occurrence of the pricing of the international offering after 4:00 p.m. (New York time) on the pricing date. Notice of the pricing date will be provided on the website. A beneficial owner must confirm the number of ADSs that he or she wishes to purchase (which number may not be greater that the total number of ADSs indicated on his or her eligibility/expression of interest form) at the international offering price before 11:00 p.m. (New York time) on the pricing date either on the website or by telephone at                     . Confirmation by a beneficial owner on the website or by telephone at that time constitutes an irrevocable commitment to purchase the number of ADSs contained in the confirmation at the public offering price (subject only to delivery to the beneficial owner by Morgan Stanley of this prospectus, along with a confirmation of sale, in accordance with the Securities Act and the rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC thereunder).

 

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Payment for the purchase of ADSs must be received by the close of business on the settlement date in the form of immediately available U.S. dollar funds.

 

Beneficial owners of ADSs as of the record date who do not comply with all of the procedures and conditions summarized above on a timely basis, including but not limited to those procedures and conditions relating to the eligibility/expression of interest form, brokerage accounts and confirmation of purchase on the pricing date, will not be allocated ADSs in the share allocation program.

 

Share Allocation Program in Concurrent Mexican BD Unit Offering

 

Acciones y Valores de México, S.A. de C.V., Casa de Bolsa, Integrante del Grupo Financiero Banamex, or Accival, will administer the share allocation program in the concurrent Mexican BD Unit offering on behalf of FEMSA. Accival is an affiliate of Citigroup Global Markets Inc., an underwriter in the international offering.

 

A beneficial owner of outstanding BD Units as of the record date wishing to purchase BD Units in the share allocation program is advised to contact his or her Mexican custodian that is a member of Indeval, through which he or she holds BD Units, in order to arrange for his or her participation in the share allocation program in the concurrent Mexican BD Unit offering. Indeval is the Mexican securities clearing system, which performs functions broadly similar to those performed by The Depository Trust Company in the United States. Under the procedures for the share allocation program in the concurrent Mexican BD Unit offering, expressions of interest will be submitted by a beneficial owner to the relevant custodian which, in turn, will submit aggregated expressions of interest to Accival. The expression of interest must be submitted to Accival no later than three business days before the pricing date. In addition, the custodians will confirm to Accival, on an irrevocable basis, the purchase orders on the evening of pricing. Payment for the purchase of BD Units must be in the form of Mexican pesos.

 

A summary of procedures for the share allocation program in the concurrent Mexican BD Unit offering will be filed with the SEC by FEMSA on a report on Form 6-K, which will be incorporated by reference in this prospectus.

 

Information Agent

 

We have appointed MacKenzie Partners, Inc. to act as information agent for the share allocation program in the international offering. The information agent may be contacted at +1-800-322-2885 (toll-free in the U.S.) or +1-212-929-5500 (collect) to answer questions with respect to the share allocation program in the international offering.

 

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LEGAL MATTERS

 

The validity of the BD Units offered and sold in the international offering will be passed upon for us by Lic. Carlos Aldrete Ancira, our general counsel, and for the international underwriters by Ritch, Heather y Mueller, S.C. The validity of the ADSs offered and sold in the international offering will be passed upon for us by Cleary, Gottlieb, Steen & Hamilton, our U.S. counsel, and for the international underwriters by Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP.

 

EXPERTS

 

The consolidated financial statements of Fomento Económico Mexicano, S.A. de C.V., except FEMSA Comercio, S.A. de C.V. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2003, and FEMSA Empaques, S.A. de C.V. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2003 and for the year then ended, incorporated herein by reference in this prospectus from FEMSA’s annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2003 have been audited by Galaz, Yamazaki, Ruiz Urquiza, S.C., a member firm of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, as stated in their report (which report expresses an unqualified opinion and includes explanatory paragraphs referring to the acquisition of Panamerican Beverages, Inc. and the adoption of Mexican generally accepted accounting standards C-8, “Intangible Assets”, C-9, “Liabilities, Provisions, Contingent Assets and Liabilities and Commitments”, and C-2, “Financial Instruments”) thereon incorporated herein by reference. The aforementioned financial statements of FEMSA Comercio, S.A. de C.V. and subsidiaries and FEMSA Empaques, S.A. de C.V. and subsidiaries (consolidated with those of FEMSA) not presented separately herein have been audited by Mancera, S.C., a member practice of Ernst & Young Global, as stated in their reports incorporated herein by reference. Such financial statements of FEMSA and its consolidated subsidiaries are included herein in reliance upon the respective reports of such firms given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing. The foregoing firms are independent registered public accounting firms.

 

The 2002 financial statements and the related financial statement schedule of Panamco incorporated in this prospectus by reference from Panamco’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002 have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report (which report expresses an unqualified opinion and includes explanatory paragraphs relating to the application of procedures relating to certain disclosures and reclassification of financial statement amounts related to the 2001 and 2000 financial statements that were audited by other auditors who have ceased operations and for which Deloitte & Touche LLP has expressed no opinion or other form of assurance other than with respect to such disclosures and reclassification and relating to a 2002 change in Panamco’s method of accounting for goodwill), which is incorporated herein by reference, and have been so incorporated in reliance upon the report of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.

 

The consolidated balance sheets of Panamco as of December 31, 2001 and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders’ equity and comprehensive income and cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2001 were audited by Arthur Andersen LLP. The company has not been able to obtain, after reasonable efforts, the written consent of Arthur Andersen LLP, as required by section 7 of the Securities Act. Accordingly, you will not be able to sue Arthur Andersen LLP, pursuant to section 11(a)(4) of the Securities Act and therefore your right to recovery under that section may be limited as a result of the lack of consent.

 

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ENFORCEABILITY OF CIVIL LIABILITIES

 

Fomento Económico Mexicano, S.A. de C.V. is a variable capital stock corporation ( sociedad anónima de capital variable ) organized under the laws of Mexico. In addition, most of our directors, officers and controlling persons, as well as certain experts named in this prospectus, reside outside the United States, and all or a substantial portion of their assets and our assets are located in Mexico. As a result, it may be difficult for investors to effect service of process within the United States upon these persons or to enforce against them, either inside or outside the United States, judgments obtained against these persons in U.S. courts, or to enforce in U.S. courts judgments obtained against these persons in courts in jurisdictions outside the United States, in each case, in any action predicated upon civil liabilities under the U.S. federal securities laws. Based on the opinion of Lic. Carlos Aldrete Ancira, our general counsel, there is doubt as to the enforceability against these persons in Mexico, whether in original actions or in actions for enforcement of judgments of U.S. courts, of liabilities predicated solely upon the U.S. federal securities laws.

 

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WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

 

We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form F-3 under the Securities Act of 1933. The registration statement, including the attached exhibits, contains additional relevant information about us. The rules and regulations of the SEC allow us to omit some of the information included in the registration statement from this prospectus.

 

We file reports, including annual reports on Form 20-F, and other information with the SEC pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC that apply to foreign private issuers. As a foreign private issuer, we and our shareholders are exempt from some of the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act, including the proxy solicitation rules, the rules regarding the furnishing of annual reports to stockholders and Section 16 short-swing profit reporting for our officers and directors and for holders of more than 10% of our shares. You may read and copy any materials filed with the SEC at its Public Reference Room at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20459. You may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. We also file reports electronically with the SEC, which are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

 

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FOMENTO ECONÓMICO MEXICANO, S.A. DE C.V. AND SUBSIDIARIES

MONTERREY, N.L., MEXICO

 

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

    

Page


Consolidated balance sheets at June 30, 2004 (unaudited) and December 31, 2003

   F-2

Consolidated income statements (unaudited) for the six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003

   F-3

Consolidated statements of changes in financial position (unaudited) for the six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003

   F-4

Consolidated statements of changes in stockholders’ equity for the six months ended June 30, 2004 (unaudited) and 2003 and the year ended December 31, 2003

   F-5

Notes to the consolidated financial statements at June 30, 2004 and 2003 (unaudited) and December 31, 2003 (audited)

   F-6

 

F-1


Table of Contents

FOMENTO ECONÓMICO MEXICANO, S.A. DE C.V. AND SUBSIDIARIES

MONTERREY, N.L., MEXICO

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets

At June 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003

Amounts expressed in millions of U.S. dollars ($) and

in millions of constant Mexican pesos (Ps.) as of June 30, 2004

 

    

Unaudited

June 30, 2004


   

December 31,

2003


 

ASSETS

                        

Current Assets:

                        

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 685     Ps. 7,890     Ps. 7,907  

Accounts receivable

     378       4,349       4,202  

Inventories

     607       6,986       7,020  

Recoverable taxes

     121       1,388       654  

Prepaid expenses

     64       742       640  
    


 


 


Total current assets

     1,855       21,355       20,423  
    


 


 


Investments in shares

     80       926       950  

Property, plant and equipment

     3,725       42,887       43,219  

Other assets

     561       6,445       6,431  

Intangible assets and goodwill

     3,107       35,770       35,465  
    


 


 


TOTAL ASSETS

   $ 9,328     Ps. 107,383     Ps. 106,488  
    


 


 


LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

                        

Current Liabilities:

                        

Bank loans

   $ 180     Ps. 2,070     Ps. 2,498  

Interest payable

     37       425       411  

Current maturities of long-term debt

     228       2,620       2,639  

Suppliers

     565       6,500       7,154  

Taxes payable

     134       1,547       1,463  

Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities

     289       3,329       2,994  
    


 


 


Total current liabilities

     1,433       16,491       17,159  
    


 


 


Long-Term Liabilities:

                        

Bank loans and notes payable

     2,760       31,774       33,943  

Labor liabilities

     170       1,953       1,874  

Deferred income taxes

     292       3,364       3,922  

Other liabilities

     222       2,554       2,535  
    


 


 


Total long-term liabilities

     3,444       39,645       42,274  
    


 


 


Total liabilities

     4,877       56,136       59,433  
    


 


 


Stockholders’ Equity:

                        

Minority interest in consolidated subsidiaries

     1,753       20,185       18,017  
    


 


 


Majority interest:

                        

Capital stock

     375       4,312       4,312  

Additional paid-in capital

     1,064       12,257       12,257  

Retained earnings from prior years

     1,593       18,341       15,708  

Net income

     211       2,434       3,165  

Cumulative translation adjustment

     (59 )     (683 )     (637 )

Cumulative result of holding non-monetary assets

     (486 )     (5,599 )     (5,767 )
    


 


 


Total majority interest

     2,698       31,062       29,038  
    


 


 


Total stockholders’ equity

     4,451       51,247       47,055  
    


 


 


TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

   $ 9,328     Ps. 107,383     Ps. 106,488  
    


 


 


 


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated balance sheets.

 



Monterrey, N.L., Mexico, July 19, 2004

 

/s/    J OSÉ A NTONIO F ERNÁNDEZ C ARBAJAL        


     

/s/    F EDERICO R EYES G ARCÍA        


Chief Executive Officer       Chief Financial Officer

 

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FOMENTO ECONÓMICO MEXICANO, S.A. DE C.V. AND SUBSIDIARIES

MONTERREY, N.L., MEXICO

 

Consolidated Income Statements (Unaudited )

For the six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003

Amounts expressed in millions of U.S. dollars ($) and

in millions of constant Mexican pesos (Ps.) as of June 30, 2004, except per share data

 

     Six Months Ended June 30,

 
     2004

    2003

 

Net sales

   $ 3,785     Ps.43,568     Ps.33,304  

Other operating revenues

     13     144     135  
    


 

 

Total revenues

     3,798     43,712     33,439  

Cost of sales

     2,015     23,198     17,356  
    


 

 

Gross profit

     1,783     20,514     16,083  
    


 

 

Operating expenses:

                    

Administrative

     271     3,124     2,653  

Sales

     971     11,182     8,132  
    


 

 

       1,242     14,306     10,785  
    


 

 

Income from operations

     541     6,208     5,298  

Participation in affiliated companies

     1     9     (21 )
    


 

 

       542     6,217     5,277  
    


 

 

Integral result of financing:

                    

Interest expense

     (145 )   (1,668 )   (961 )

Interest income

     16     180     343  

Foreign exchange loss

     (15 )   (167 )   (971 )

Gain on monetary position

     47     544     36  
    


 

 

       (97 )   (1,111 )   (1,553 )

Other expenses, net

     (20 )   (231 )   (568 )
    


 

 

Income before income tax, tax on assets and employee profit sharing

     425     4,875     3,156  

Income tax, tax on assets and employee profit sharing

     168     1,920     1,329  
    


 

 

Consolidated net income before extraordinary items

     257     2,955     1,827  

Extraordinary items

     102     1,175     —    
    


 

 

Consolidated net income

   $ 359     Ps. 4,130     Ps. 1,827  
    


 

 

Net majority income

     211     2,434     1,217  

Net minority income

     148     1,696     610  
    


 

 

Consolidated net income

   $ 359     Ps. 4,130     Ps. 1,827  
    


 

 

Net majority income (U.S. dollars and constant Mexican pesos):

                    

Per Series “B” share:

                    

Before extraordinary items

   $ 0.03     Ps. 0.32     Ps. 0.21  

Extraordinary items

     0.01     0.09     —    
    


 

 

Per Series “D” share:

                    

Before extraordinary items

   $ 0.04     Ps. 0.40     Ps. 0.26  

Extraordinary items

     0.01     0.11     —    
    


 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated income statements.

 

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FOMENTO ECONÓMICO MEXICANO, S.A. DE C.V. AND SUBSIDIARIES

MONTERREY, N.L., MEXICO

 

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Financial Position (Unaudited )

For the six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003

Amounts expressed in millions of U.S. dollars ($) and

in millions of constant Mexican pesos (Ps.) as of June 30, 2004

 

     Six Months Ended June 30,

 
     2004

    2003

 

Resources Generated by (Used in):

                        

Operations:

                        

Consolidated net income before extraordinary items

   $ 257     Ps. 2,955     Ps. 1,827  

Extraordinary items

     102       1,175       —    
    


 


 


Consolidated net income

     359       4,130       1,827  

Depreciation

     154       1,768       1,373  

Impairment of long-lived assets

     9       109       419  

Deferred taxes

     (39 )     (454 )     (24 )

Amortization and other

     110       1,275       1,083  
    


 


 


       593       6,828       4,678  
    


 


 


Working capital:

                        

Accounts receivable

     (20 )     (228 )     49  

Inventories

     (25 )     (288 )     (614 )

Prepaid expenses

     (9 )     (100 )     (251 )

Suppliers and other liabilities

     7       78       (932 )

Recoverable taxes, net

     (35 )     (416 )     (888 )

Interest payable

     1       14       (58 )

Labor liabilities

     (9 )     (98 )     (6 )
    


 


 


Net resources generated by operating activities

     503       5,790       1,978  
    


 


 


Investments:

                        

Investments in shares

     3       36       6  

Property, plant and equipment

     (115 )     (1,314 )     (1,833 )

Intangible assets and other

     (136 )     (1,570 )     (1,296 )

Acquisition of Panamco

     —         —         (29,819 )

Other investments

     3       29       (345 )
    


 


 


Net resources used in investing activities

     (245 )     (2,819 )     (33,287 )
    


 


 


Financing Activities:

                        

Bank loans

     (1,007 )     (11,597 )     (10,581 )

Amortization in real terms of long-term liabilities

     (54 )     (616 )     (91 )

Bank loans acquired during the period

     812       9,343       28,257  

Notes payable and others

     20       228       78  

Capital contribution by The Coca-Cola Company

     —         —         7,158  

Dividends declared and paid

     (71 )     (815 )     (1,088 )

Capital contribution by minority interest

     50       570       —    

Cumulative translation adjustment

     (10 )     (101 )     145  
    


 


 


Net resources used in financing activities

     (260 )     (2,988 )     23,878  
    


 


 


Cash and cash equivalents:

                        

Net decrease

     (2 )     (17 )     (7,431 )

Initial balance

     687       7,907       15,480  
    


 


 


Ending balance

   $ 685     Ps. 7,890     Ps. 8,049  
    


 


 


 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements of changes in financial position.

 

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FOMENTO ECONÓMICO MEXICANO, S.A. DE C.V. AND SUBSIDIARIES

MONTERREY, N.L., MEXICO

 

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity

For the six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003 (Unaudited) and the year ended December 31, 2003

Amounts expressed in millions of constant Mexican pesos (Ps.) as of June 30, 2004

 

   

Capital

Stock


 

Additional

Paid-in
Capital


  Retained
Earnings
from Prior
Years


   

Net

Income


    Cumulative
Translation
Adjustment


    Cumulative
Result of
Holding
Non-monetary
Assets


    Total
Majority
Interest


    Minority
Interest in
Consolidated
Subsidiaries


    Total
Stockholders’
Equity


 

Balances at December 31, 2002

  Ps. 4,312   Ps. 10,514   Ps. 13,130     Ps. 2,993     Ps. (438 )   Ps. (6,082 )   Ps. 24,429     Ps. 10,447     Ps. 34,876  
   

 

 


 


 


 


 


 


 


Transfer of prior year income

    —       —       2,993       (2,993 )     —         —         —         —         —    

Dividends declared and paid

    —       —       (415 )     —         —         —         (415 )     (673 )     (1,088 )

Capital contribution by The Coca-Cola Company

    —       1,743     —         —         —         —         1,743       5,415       7,158  

Comprehensive income

    —       —       —         1,217       66       (201 )     1,082       1,411       2,493  
   

 

 


 


 


 


 


 


 


Balances at June 30, 2003

    4,312     12,257     15,708       1,217       (372 )     (6,283 )     26,839       16,600       43,439  

Comprehensive income from July to December 2003

    —       —       —         1,948       (265 )     516       2,199       1,417       3,616  
   

 

 


 


 


 


 


 


 


Balance at December 31, 2003

    4,312     12,257     15,708       3,165       (637 )     (5,767 )     29,038       18,017       47,055  
   

 

 


 


 


 


 


 


 


Transfer of prior year income

    —       —       3,165       (3,165 )     —         —         —         —         —    

Dividends declared and paid

    —       —       (532 )     —         —         —         (532 )     (283 )     (815 )

Capital contribution by minority interest

    —       —       —         —         —         —         —         570       570  

Comprehensive income

    —       —       —         2,434       (46 )     168       2,556       1,881       4,437  
   

 

 


 


 


 


 


 


 


Balances at June 30, 2004

  Ps. 4,312   Ps. 12,257   Ps. 18,341     Ps. 2,434     Ps. (683 )   Ps. (5,599 )   Ps. 31,062     Ps. 20,185     Ps. 51,247  
   

 

 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements of changes in stockholders’ equity.

 

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FOMENTO ECONÓMICO MEXICANO, S.A. DE C.V. AND SUBSIDIARIES

MONTERREY, N.L., MEXICO

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

At June 30, 2004 and 2003 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2003 (Audited)

Amounts expressed in millions of U.S. dollars ($) and in millions of constant Mexican pesos (Ps.) as of June 30, 2004

 

Note 1. Activities of the Company.

 

Fomento Económico Mexicano, S.A. de C.V. (“FEMSA”) is a Mexican holding company. The principal activities of FEMSA and its subsidiaries (the “Company”), as an economic unit, are carried out by operating subsidiaries and grouped under direct and indirect holding company subsidiaries (the “Subholding Companies”) of FEMSA. The following is a description of such activities, together with ownership interest in each Subholding Company:

 

Subholding Company


  

% Ownership


  

Activities


Coca-Cola FEMSA, S.A. de

C.V. and Subsidiaries

(“Coca-Cola FEMSA”)

  

45.7%

(53.6% of the

voting shares)

   Production, distribution and marketing of certain Coca-Cola trademark beverages in Mexico, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Venezuela, Colombia, Brazil and Argentina. The Coca-Cola Company indirectly owns 39.6% of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s capital stock. In addition, shares representing 14.7% of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s capital stock are listed on the Bolsa Mexicana de Valores, S.A. de C.V. (“BMV”) and The New York Stock Exchange, Inc. (“NYSE”).

FEMSA Cerveza, S.A. de

C.V. and Subsidiaries

(“FEMSA Cerveza”)

   70%    Production, distribution and marketing of beer through its principal operating subsidiary, Cervecería Cuauhtémoc Moctezuma, S.A. de C.V., which operates six breweries throughout Mexico and produces and distributes 15 different brands of beer, of which the five most important are: Tecate, Carta Blanca, Superior, Sol and XX Lager. Labatt Brewing Company Limited (“Labatt”), directly and indirectly, owns an aggregate of 30% of FEMSA Cerveza’s capital stock.

FEMSA Empaques, S.A. de

C.V. and Subsidiaries

(“FEMSA Empaques”)

   100%    Production and distribution of packaging materials primarily to the beverage industry, including products such as aluminum beverage cans and tops, bottle caps, glass beverage bottles, labels, plastic cases, as well as coolers and commercial refrigeration equipment.

FEMSA Comercio, S.A. de

C.V. and Subsidiaries

(“FEMSA Comercio”)

   100%    Operation of a chain of convenience stores under the trade name “OXXO.”

FEMSA Logística, S.A. de

C.V. and Subsidiaries

(“FEMSA Logística”)

   100%    Transportation, logistics and maintenance services to FEMSA’s subsidiaries and to third parties.

 

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Note 2. Termination of the FEMSA and Interbrew Joint Venture Agreements.

 

On May 24, 2004, the Company entered into a series of agreements with Interbrew S.A. (“Interbrew”), Labatt and certain of their affiliates to terminate the existing arrangements among FEMSA and Interbrew. These agreements provide for payments to be made by affiliates of FEMSA in a total amount of $ 1,245. Upon completion of the transactions contemplated in the agreements:

 

  FEMSA will indirectly own 100% of FEMSA Cerveza;

 

  Interbrew will indirectly own 100% of Labatt USA LLC and Latrobe Brewing Company LLC (together, “Labatt USA”), its distribution subsidiary in the United States of America; and

 

  Labatt USA’s right to distribute the FEMSA Cerveza brands in the United States of America will terminate 120 days after the closing of the transactions.

 

The closing of these transactions is subject to certain conditions, including the availability of financing for FEMSA (if the closing has not occurred by August 31, 2004) and the consummation of the combination of Interbrew and the Brazilian brewer Companhia de Bebidas das Américas.

 

The transaction is expected to be financed as follows:

 

  $ 295 of cash on hand;

 

  $ 500 bridge loan to FEMSA, of which $ 250 will be denominated in U.S. dollars and the remaining $ 250 will be denominated in Mexican pesos, each to be refinanced with the net proceeds of the global offering and the Mexican B Unit offerings;

 

  $ 217 equivalent in Mexican peso-denominated certificados bursátiles issued by FEMSA and guaranteed by FEMSA Cerveza, of which $ 108.5 have a maturity of five years and the $ 108.5 remaining have maturity of four years;

 

  $ 150 equivalent in a Mexican peso-denominated unsecured term loan to FEMSA with a maturity of four years; and

 

  $ 83 equivalent in a Mexican peso-denominated unsecured term loan to FEMSA Cerveza with a maturity of five years.

 

Note 3. Acquisition of Panamerican Beverages, Inc.

 

On May 6, 2003, Coca-Cola FEMSA acquired 100% of the outstanding stock of Panamerican Beverages, Inc. (“Panamco”) for Ps. 29,999. As part of the acquisition, the Company assumed Ps. 9,233 of net debt and incurred transaction costs of Ps. 394, which consist of financial, advisory and legal fees, capitalized as adjustments to the purchase price.

 

Panamco produced and distributed Coca-Cola trademark beverages in Mexico, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Venezuela, Colombia and Brazil, along with bottled water and other beverages in some of these territories and beer in Brazil.

 

The transaction was financed with an equity contribution from FEMSA of Ps. 2,824, an exchange of The Coca-Cola Company’s equity interests in Panamco valued at Ps. 7,158 for new shares of Coca-Cola FEMSA, cash on hand of Ps. 2,866 and additional indebtedness of Ps. 17,548.

 

Coca-Cola FEMSA’s capital was increased through an issuance of 421.374 million shares. Of these shares, 117.328 million shares were subscribed by FEMSA and 304.046 million shares were subscribed by The Coca-Cola Company at a price of 2.216 U.S. dollars per share.

 

Because The Coca-Cola Company’s contribution to Coca-Cola FEMSA was greater than FEMSA’s contribution, FEMSA’s ownership in Coca-Cola FEMSA decreased from 51.0% to 45.7% of its outstanding capital stock and from 63.0% to 53.6% of its capital stock with full voting rights.

 

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The exchange of equity interests of The Coca-Cola Company generated additional paid-in capital in majority stockholders’ equity, since the shares were subscribed at a value greater than the book value of the shares at the subscription date.

 

The results of Panamco’s operations have been included in the consolidated financial statements since the date of the acquisition, as a result of which the consolidated income statements and the consolidated statements of changes in financial position for the six months ended June 30, 2004 are not comparable with those for the six months ended June 30, 2003.

 

The Company accounted for the acquisition by the purchase method and allocated the purchase price to the fair value of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed. The fair value adjustments include recognition of an intangible asset with an indefinite life for a total amount of Ps. 34,279 included in the financial statements as “Rights to produce and distribute Coca-Cola trademark products” and the reduction to fair value of certain assets consisting primarily of facilities that we consider non-strategic as well as the elimination of certain intangible assets that were generated from acquisitions previously effected by Panamco.

 

Note 4. Basis of Presentation.

 

The consolidated financial statements of the Company are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in Mexico (“Mexican GAAP”), which differ in certain significant respects from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”), as further explained in Note 27. A reconciliation from Mexican GAAP to U.S. GAAP is included in Note 28.

 

The consolidated financial statements are stated in millions of Mexican pesos (“Ps.”). The translations of Mexican pesos into U.S. dollars (“$”) are included solely for the convenience of the reader, using the exchange rate in effect at the date of the most recent balance sheet presented.

 

The consolidated financial statements include, the financial statements of FEMSA and those of all companies in which it owns directly or indirectly a majority of the outstanding voting capital stock and/or exercises control. All intercompany account balances and transactions have been eliminated in such consolidation.

 

Note 5. Foreign Subsidiary Incorporation.

 

The accounting records of the foreign subsidiaries are maintained in the currency of the country where they are located, and in accordance with the accounting principles generally accepted in each country. For incorporation into the FEMSA consolidated financial statements, they are adjusted to Mexican GAAP and restated to the purchasing power of the local currency applying the inflation factors of the country of origin and are subsequently translated into Mexican pesos using the exchange rate in effect at the date of the most recent balance sheet presented.

 

The variation in the net investment in foreign subsidiaries generated by exchange rate fluctuations is included in the cumulative translation adjustment and is recorded directly in stockholders’ equity, as part of other comprehensive income.

 

When the Company designates a foreign subsidiary net investment as an economic hedge of its own acquisition financing, the accounting treatment for the integral cost of financing is as follows:

 

  The foreign exchange gain or loss is recorded as part of the cumulative translation adjustment, to the extent the net investment in the foreign subsidiary covers the debt, net of taxes. The foreign exchange gain or loss associated with any unhedged portion of such debt is recorded in the integral result of financing; and

 

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  The monetary position result is computed using the inflation factors of the country in which the acquired subsidiary is located to the extent the net investment in that subsidiary covers the debt. The monetary position result corresponding to the unhedged portion of such debt is calculated using the inflation factors of the country of the Company or subsidiary that contracts the financing. The total effect is recorded in the integral result of financing.

 

When the Company has not designated an economic hedge, the foreign exchange gain or loss and gain or loss on monetary position are recorded in the integral result of financing.

 

The monetary position result and exchange gain or loss on intercompany foreign currency-denominated balances that are considered to be of a long-term-investment nature (that is, settlement is not planned or anticipated in the foreseeable future), are reflected in cumulative translation adjustment in stockholders’ equity.

 

The Company has not designated any investment in a foreign subsidiary as an economic hedge.

 

In January 2003, the Venezuelan government suspended the exchange of Venezuelan bolivars for U.S. dollars and in February 2003 implemented a new exchange control regime, including creation of a foreign exchange control agency that approves all foreign currency transactions and instructs the Central Bank of Venezuela (“BCV”) to release foreign currency to approved companies. Under the exchange control regime, approved U.S. dollars are released by the BCV at the official exchange rate of 1,600 Venezuelan bolivars per U.S. dollar. For most of 2003, releases had been minimal in relation to amounts requested. In view of the uncertainties regarding the availability of U.S. dollars at the official rate, the Company used the last available market-closing rate of 1,853 bolivars per U.S. dollar to translate the financial statements of its Venezuela subsidiary. On February 6, 2004, a 20% devaluation of the Venezuelan bolivar was officially announced, with the new official exchange rate being set at 1,920 Venezuelan bolivars per U.S. dollar.

 

Note 6. Significant Accounting Policies.

 

The Company’s accounting policies are in accordance with Mexican GAAP, which require that the Company’s management make certain estimates and use certain assumptions to determine the valuation of various items included in the consolidated financial statements. The Company’s management believes that the estimates and assumptions used were appropriate as of the date of these consolidated financial statements.

 

The significant accounting policies are as follows:

 

a) Recognition of the Effects of Inflation:

 

The recognition of the effects of inflation in the financial information consists of:

 

  Restating non-monetary assets such as inventories and fixed assets, including related costs and expenses when such assets are consumed or depreciated;

 

  Restating capital stock, additional paid-in capital and retained earnings by the amount necessary to maintain the purchasing power equivalent in Mexican pesos on the dates such capital was contributed or income generated, through the use of the inflation factors;

 

  Including in stockholders’ equity the cumulative effect of holding non-monetary assets, which is the net difference between changes in the replacement cost of non-monetary assets and adjustments based upon the inflation factors; and

 

  Including in the cost of financing the purchasing power gain or loss from holding monetary items.

 

The Company restates its consolidated financial statements in currency of constant purchasing power by applying the inflation factors of the country of origin and the exchange rate in effect at the date of the most recent balance sheet presented.

 

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b) Cash and Cash Equivalents:

 

Cash consists of non-interest bearing bank deposits. Cash equivalents consist principally of short-term bank deposits and fixed-rate investments with brokerage houses valued at the quoted market prices with original maturities of three months or less (see Note 18).

 

c) Inventories and Cost of Sales:

 

The value of inventories is adjusted to replacement cost, without exceeding market value. Advances to suppliers to purchase raw materials and spare parts are included in the inventory account and are restated by applying the inflation factors, considering their average age.

 

Cost of sales is determined based on replacement cost at the time of sale. Cost of sales includes expenses related to raw materials used in the production process, labor (wages and other benefits), depreciation of production facilities and equipment and other costs including fuel, electricity, breakage of returnable bottles in the production process, equipment maintenance, inspection and inter and intra-plant transfer costs.

 

d) Prepaid Expenses:

 

These represent payments for services that will be received over the next 12 months. Prepaid expenses are recorded at historical cost and recognized in the income statement of the month in which the services or benefits are received. Prepaid expenses principally consist of advertising, promotional and leasing expenses.

 

Advertising costs consist of television and radio advertising airtime paid in advance, which are generally amortized over a 12-month period based on the transmission of the television and radio spots. The related production costs are recognized in the results of operations the first time the advertising is transmitted.

 

Promotional costs are expensed as incurred, except for those promotional costs related to the launching of new products or presentations. Those costs are recorded as prepaid expenses and amortized over the period during which they are estimated to increase sales of the related products or presentations to normal operating levels, which is generally one year.

 

e) Bottles and Cases:

 

Bottles and cases are recorded at acquisition cost and restated to their replacement cost.

 

FEMSA Cerveza: Bottles and cases are classified as inventories. Breakage is charged as an expense as incurred. For the six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, breakage expense amounted to Ps. 76 and Ps. 90, respectively.

 

Coca-Cola FEMSA: Bottles and cases are classified as property, plant and equipment. There are two types of returnable bottles and cases:

 

  Those that are in the Company’s control in its facilities, which we refer to as bottles and cases in plant and distribution centers; and

 

  Those that have been placed in the hands of customers, which we refer to as bottles and cases in the market.

 

For financial reporting purposes, breakage of returnable bottles and cases in plant and distribution centers is recorded as an expense as it is incurred. Depreciation is computed only for tax purposes using the straight-line method at a rate of 10% per year.

 

The Company estimates that breakage expense of returnable bottles and cases in plant and distribution centers is similar to the depreciation calculated on an estimated useful life of approximately four years for returnable glass bottles, one year for returnable plastic bottles and four years for plastic cases. For the six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, breakage expense amounted to Ps. 196 and Ps. 83, respectively.

 

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Bottles and cases in the market and for which a deposit from customers has been received are presented net of such deposits, and the difference between the cost of these assets and the deposits received is amortized according to their useful lives. The bottles and cases for which no deposit has been received, which represent most of the bottles and cases placed in the market, are expensed when placed in the hands of customers.

 

f) Investments in Shares:

 

Investments in shares of associated companies are initially recorded at their acquisition cost and subsequently valued using the equity method. Investments in affiliated companies in which the Company does not have significant influence and which does not have an observable market value, are recorded at acquisition cost and restated based upon the inflation factors of the country of origin. Investments in affiliated companies in which the Company does not have significant influence and which does have an observable market value are adjusted to market value, with such adjustments reflected in earnings.

 

g) Property, Plant and Equipment:

 

These assets are initially recorded at their cost of acquisition and/or construction. Property, plant and equipment of domestic origin, except bottles and cases of Coca-Cola FEMSA (see Note 6 e), are restated by applying the inflation factors. Imported equipment is restated by applying the inflation factors of the country of origin and then translated using the exchange rate in effect at the date of the most recent balance sheet presented.

 

Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method, based on the value of the restated assets reduced by their residual values. The Company together with independent appraisers determines depreciation rates, considering the estimated remaining useful lives of the assets.

 

The estimated useful lives of the main assets are as follows:

 

     Years

Buildings and construction

   40-50

Machinery and equipment

   12-20

Distribution equipment

   10-12

Refrigeration equipment

   4-5

Information technology equipment

   3-4

 

h) Other Assets:

 

These assets represent payments whose benefits will be received in future years and consist of:

 

  Agreements with customers for the right to sell and promote the Company’s products during certain periods of time, which are considered monetary assets and amortized in accordance with the terms of such agreements, based on the volume sold by the customer. The term of these agreements is between three and four years. During the six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003 the amortization reducing net sales amounted to Ps. 536 and Ps. 531, respectively; and

 

  Leasehold improvements, which are restated by applying the inflation factors, are amortized using the straight-line method, in accordance with the terms of the lease contracts.

 

i) Intangible Assets and Goodwill:

 

These assets represent payments whose benefits will be received in future years. Beginning in 2003 the Company applies Bulletin C-8, “Activos Intangibles” (Intangible Assets) (“C-8”), which establishes that project development costs should be capitalized if they fulfill the criteria established for recognition as assets. Additionally, C-8 requires identifying all intangible assets to reduce as much as possible the goodwill associated with business combinations. Prior to 2003, the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of

 

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the net assets acquired was considered to be goodwill. With the adoption of C-8, the Company considers the goodwill paid in acquisitions prior to the date of application of this bulletin as the rights to produce and distribute Coca-Cola trademark and beer products. The Company separates intangible assets between those with a finite useful life and those with an indefinite useful life, in accordance with the period over which the Company expects to receive the benefits.

 

Intangible assets with finite useful lives are amortized and consist of:

 

  Start-up expenses, which represent costs incurred prior to the opening of an Oxxo store, including rent, permits and licenses. Such amounts are restated applying the inflation factors and are amortized on a straight-line basis in accordance with the terms of the lease contract; and

 

  Information technology and management systems, which are incurred during the development stage and are capitalized in accordance with C-8. Such amounts are restated applying the inflation factors and are amortized using the straight-line method over four years. Expenses that do not fulfill the requirements for capitalization, such as research expenses, are expensed as incurred.

 

Intangible assets with indefinite lives are not amortized, but are periodically subject to an impairment test and consist of:

 

  Coca-Cola FEMSA’s rights to produce and distribute Coca-Cola trademark beverages in the territories acquired. These rights are contained in agreements that are the standard contracts that The Coca-Cola Company enters into with bottlers outside the United States of America for the sale of concentrates for certain Coca-Cola trademark beverages. The most significant bottler agreements have terms of 10 years. The bottler agreements are automatically renewable for 10-year terms, subject to non-renewal by either party. The agreements are recorded in the functional currency of the subsidiary in which the investment was made and are restated by applying the inflation factors of the country of origin and using the exchange rate in effect at the date of the most recent balance sheet presented; and

 

  FEMSA Cerveza distribution rights, which represent the payments made to concessionaries in the acquisition of the franchise previously granted and are restated based on the inflation factors.

 

Goodwill is the difference between the price paid and the fair value of the shares and/or net assets acquired that was not assigned directly to an intangible asset. Goodwill is recorded in the functional currency of the subsidiary in which the investment was made and is restated by applying the inflation factor of the country of origin and using the exchange rate in effect at the date of the most recent balance sheet presented. Goodwill is amortized over a period of no more than 20 years.

 

j) Impairment of Goodwill and Long-Lived Assets:

 

In accordance with new Bulletin C-15 “Deterioro en el Valor de los Activos de Larga Duración y su Disposición” (Impairment of the Value of Long-Lived Assets and Their Disposal), the Company reviews the carrying value of its goodwill and other long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. In order to determine whether impairment exists, management compares estimated future discounted cash flows to be generated by those assets with their carrying value. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment charge is recognized in other expenses.

 

k) Payments from The Coca-Cola Company:

 

The Coca-Cola Company participates in certain advertising and promotional programs as well as in Coca-Cola FEMSA’s refrigeration equipment investment program. The contributions received for advertising and promotional incentives are included as a reduction of selling expenses. The net expenses incurred were Ps. 662 and Ps. 471 during the six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively. The investment in refrigeration equipment, net of The Coca-Cola Company’s participation, is recorded in property, plant and equipment. The contributions are recognized when The Coca-Cola Company accepts the request for reimbursement.

 

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l) Labor Liabilities:

 

Labor liabilities include obligations for pension and retirement plan, seniority premiums and post-retirement medical services, based on actuarial calculations by independent actuaries, using the projected unit credit method. These liabilities are considered to be non-monetary and are restated using long-term assumptions. The increase in labor liabilities of the year is charged to expense in the income statement.

 

Unamortized prior service costs are recorded as expenses in the income statement over the period during which the employees will receive the benefits of the plan, which in the case of pension and retirement plans and seniority premiums is 14 years and for post-retirement medical services is 20 years, both since 1996.

 

Certain subsidiaries of the Company have established funds for the payment of pension benefits and post-retirement medical services through irrevocable trusts with the employees as beneficiaries.

 

Severance indemnities are charged to expenses on the date when a decision to retire personnel under a formal program or for specific causes is taken. The severance payments resulting from the Company’s reduction of personnel, as a result of the restructuring of certain areas, are included in other expenses, net. During the six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, these payments amounted to Ps. 51 and Ps. 47, respectively.

 

m) Revenue Recognition:

 

Revenue is recognized in accordance with stated shipping terms, as follows:

 

  For domestic sales, upon delivery to the customer and the customer has taken ownership of the goods (FOB destination). As of June 30, 2004 and 2003, domestic revenues represented approximately 96% of total consolidated revenues. Domestic revenues are defined as the cash generated by the Company for sales realized in the country where the subsidiaries operate.

 

  For exports sales, upon shipment of goods to customers (FOB shipping point).

 

Net sales reflect units delivered at selling list prices reduced by promotion allowances and discounts.

 

n) Operating Expenses:

 

Administrative expenses include labor costs (salaries and other benefits) for employees not directly involved in the sale of the Company’s products, professional services fees, depreciation of office facilities and amortization of capitalized information technology system implementation costs.

 

Selling expenses include:

 

  Distribution: labor costs (salaries and other benefits), outbound freight costs, warehousing costs of finished products, breakage for returnable bottles in the distribution process, depreciation and maintenance of trucks and other distribution facilities and equipment. During the six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, these distribution costs amounted to Ps. 3,893 and Ps. 2,771, respectively;

 

  Sales: labor costs (salaries and other benefits) and sales commission paid to sales personnel; and

 

  Marketing: labor costs (salaries and other benefits), promotions and advertising costs.

 

o) Income Tax, Tax on Assets and Employee Profit Sharing:

 

Income taxes and employee profit sharing are charged to results as they are incurred. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized for temporary differences resulting from comparing the book and tax

 

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values of assets and liabilities plus any future benefits from tax loss carryforwards. Deferred income tax assets are reduced by any benefits about which there is uncertainty as to their realizability. Deferred employee profit sharing is derived from temporary differences between the accounting result and income for employee profit sharing purposes and is recognized only when it can be reasonably assumed that they will generate a liability or benefit, and there is no indication that circumstances will change in such a way that the liabilities will not be paid or benefits will not be realized.

 

The tax on assets paid that is expected to be recovered is recorded as a reduction of the deferred tax liability.

 

The balance of deferred taxes is comprised of monetary and non-monetary items, based on the temporary differences from which it is derived. Deferred taxes are classified as a long-term asset or liability, regardless of when the temporary differences are expected to reverse.

 

The deferred tax provision to be included in the results of operations is determined by comparing the deferred tax balance at the end of the year to the balance at the beginning of the year, excluding from both balances any temporary differences that are recorded directly in stockholders’ equity. The deferred taxes related to such temporary differences are recorded in the same stockholders’ equity account.

 

FEMSA has received authorization from the Secretaría de Hacienda y Crédito Público (“SHCP”) to prepare its income tax and tax on asset returns on a consolidated basis, which includes the proportional taxable income or loss of its Mexican subsidiaries, which is limited to 60% of the stockholders’ participation. The provisions for income taxes of the foreign countries have been determined on the basis of the taxable income of each individual company and not on a consolidated basis.

 

p) Integral Result of Financing:

 

The integral result of financing includes:

 

  Interest

Interest income and expenses are recorded when earned or incurred, respectively.

 

  Foreign Exchange Gains and Losses

Transactions in foreign currency are recorded in local currency using the exchange rate applicable on the date they occur. Assets and liabilities in foreign currencies are adjusted using the exchange rate in effect at the date of the most recent balance sheet presented, recording the resulting foreign exchange gain or loss directly in the income statement, except for any foreign exchange gain or loss from financing obtained for the acquisition of foreign subsidiaries that is considered to be an economic hedge (see Note 5).

 

  Gain (Loss) on Monetary Position

This is the result of the effects of inflation on monetary items. The gain (loss) on monetary position is computed by applying the inflation factors of the country of origin to the net monetary position at the beginning of each month, excluding the financing contracted for the acquisition of any foreign subsidiaries that is considered to be an economic hedge (see Note 5). The gain (loss) on monetary position of foreign subsidiaries is translated into Mexican pesos using the exchange rate in effect at the date of the most recent balance sheet presented.

 

q) Financial Instruments:

 

The Company frequently contracts financial instruments to manage the financial risks associated with its operations. If the instrument is used to manage the risk related with the Company’s operations, the effect is recorded in cost of sales and in operating expenses. If the instrument is used to manage the risks related with the financing operations, the effect is recorded in interest expense or in the foreign exchange loss (gain), depending on the related contract.

 

Financial instruments entered into for hedging purposes are valued using the same valuation criteria applied to the hedged asset or liability. Additionally, financial instruments entered into for purposes other

 

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than hedging the operations of the Company should be valued at fair market value, and are recorded in the balance sheet. The difference between the financial instrument’s initial value and fair market value should be recorded in the income statement.

 

r) Cumulative Result of Holding Non-monetary Assets:

 

This represents the sum of the difference between book values and restatement values, as determined by applying the inflation factors to non-monetary assets such as inventories and fixed assets, and their effect on the income statement when the assets are consumed or depreciated.

 

s) Comprehensive Income:

 

Comprehensive income is comprised of the net income for the period and other comprehensive income items such as the translation adjustment and the result of holding non-monetary assets and is presented in the consolidated statement of changes in stockholders’ equity.

 

t) Provisions:

 

Provisions are recognized for obligations that result from a past event, that are probable to result in the use of economic resources and that can be reasonably estimated. Such provisions are recorded at net present values when the effect of the discount is significant.

 

u) Issuances of Subsidiary Stock:

 

The Company recognizes issuances of a subsidiary’s stock as a capital transaction, in which the difference between the book value of the shares issued and the amount contributed by the minority interest holder or a third party is recorded as additional paid-in capital.

 

Note 7. Accounts Receivable.

 

    

June 30,

2004


   

December 31,

2003


 

Trade

   Ps. 3,512     Ps. 3,259  

Allowance for doubtful accounts

     (478 )     (374 )

Notes receivable

     460       638  

The Coca-Cola Company

     289       170  

Travel advances to employees

     44       29  

Loans to employees

     30       30  

Insurance claims

     30       38  

Rent of warehouses

     8       10  

Other

     454       402  
    


 


     Ps. 4,349     Ps. 4,202  
    


 


 

The changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts are as follows:

 

    

June 30,

2004


   

December 31,

2003


 

Initial balance

   Ps. 374     Ps. 298  

Acquisition of Panamco

     —         63  

Provision for the period

     215       151  

Cancellation of uncollectible accounts

     (105 )     (126 )

Restatement of the initial balance

     (6 )     (12 )
    


 


Ending balance

   Ps. 478     Ps. 374  
    


 


 

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Table of Contents

Note 8. Inventories.

 

    

June 30,

2004


   

December 31,

2003


 

Raw materials

   Ps. 2,521     Ps. 2,615  

Finished products

     2,286       2,379  

Bottles and cases of FEMSA Cerveza

     1,249       1,282  

Spare parts

     600       404  

Advances to suppliers

     317       338  

Work in process

     181       183  

Advertising and promotional materials

     19       25  

Allowance for obsolescence

     (187 )     (206 )
    


 


     Ps. 6,986     Ps. 7,020  
    


 


 

Note 9. Prepaid Expenses.

 

    

June 30,

2004


  

December 31,

2003


Advertising and promotional expenses

   Ps. 434    Ps. 398

Agreements with customers

     97      133

Leasing

     63      46

Insurance

     41      13

Other

     107      50
    

  

     Ps. 742    Ps. 640
    

  

 

The advertising and promotional expenses recorded in the income statement for the six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003 amounted to Ps. 744 and Ps. 299, respectively.

 

Note 10. Investments in Shares.

 

    

June 30,

2004


  

December 31,

2003


Company

                  

FEMSA Cerveza:

                  

Labatt USA (1)

   30.00%    Ps. 160    Ps. 165

Associated companies of FEMSA Cerveza (1)

   Various      132      117

Río Blanco Trust (waste water treatment plant) (1)

   33.71%      124      118

Other (2)

   Various      26      26

Coca-Cola FEMSA:

                  

Molson, Inc. (“Molson”) (3)

   0.74%      217      232

Industria Envasadora de Querétaro, S.A. de C.V. (“IEQSA”) (1)

   33.68%      124      126

Complejo Industrial Can S.A. (“CICAN”) (1)

   48.10%      39      54

Beta San Miguel, S.A. de C.V. (“Beta San Miguel”) (2)

   2.54%      30      31

Tapón Corona de Colombia, S.A. (“Tapón Corona”) (1)

   40.00%      22      22

Other (2)

   Various      40      10

Other investments (2)

   Various      12      49
         

  

          Ps. 926    Ps. 950
         

  


(1) Method of valuation is equity method.
(2) Method of valuation is acquisition cost restated. (There was no readily determinable fair value.)
(3) Method of valuation is fair value.

 

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Table of Contents

The investment in Molson shares is recorded at its market value of Ps. 235 as of June 30, 2004, and is presented net of the fair value of the related equity forward contract of Ps. 18 (see Note 19 b). The Molson stock was subject to a two-year contractual restriction on sale that expired on March 19, 2004.

 

Note 11. Property, Plant and Equipment.

 

     June 30,
2004


    December 31,
2003


 

Land.

   5,427     5,423  

Buildings, machinery and equipment.

   60,093     59,419  

Accumulated depreciation.

   (27,694 )   (26,711 )

Refrigeration equipment.

   2,896     2,808  

Accumulated depreciation

   (1,266 )   (1,161 )

Construction in progress

   1,853     1,769  

Bottles and cases of Coca-Cola FEMSA.

   946     995  

Assets stated at realizable value

   628     677  
    

 

     42,887     43,219  
    

 

 

The Company has identified fixed assets that are not strategic to the current and future operations of the business and are available for sale, consisting mainly of land, buildings and equipment for disposal, in accordance with an approved program for the disposal of certain investments. Such assets, which are not in use and have been valued at their estimated realizable value without exceeding their restated acquisition cost, are as follows:

 

     June 30,
2004


   December 31,
2003


FEMSA and others

   Ps. 314    Ps. 332

FEMSA Cerveza

     277      304

FEMSA Empaques

     37      41
    

  

     Ps. 628    Ps. 677
    

  

Land

   Ps. 573    Ps. 618

Buildings

     27      27

Equipment

     28      32
    

  

     Ps. 628    Ps. 677
    

  

 

As a result of the sale of land, the Company recognized a gain of Ps. 19 as of June 30, 2004 and recognized no gain as of June 30, 2003.

 

The real estate market has been affected by the economic situation in Mexico and as a result completion of the disposal program has taken more time than originally expected. However, management decided to continue with the disposal program and its efforts to recover the investment in such assets.

 

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Those fixed assets recorded at their estimated realizable value are considered monetary assets on which a loss on monetary position is computed and recorded in the income statement.

 

Note 12. Other Assets.

 

     June 30,
2004


   December 31,
2003


Agreements with customers

   Ps. 2,592    Ps. 2,538

Leasehold improvements

     1,816      1,641

Long-term accounts receivable

     611      702

Additional labor liabilities (see Note 16)

     521      532

Long-term prepaid advertising

     197      177

Financing issuance costs

     99      177

Recoverable taxes (see Note 24 b)

     —        219

Other

     609      445
    

  

     Ps. 6,445    Ps. 6,431
    

  

 

Note 13. Intangible Assets and Goodwill.

 

     June 30,
2004


   December 31,
2003


Unamortized Intangible Assets

             

Coca-Cola FEMSA:

             

Rights to produce and distribute Coca-Cola trademark products:

             

Territories of Panamco (see Note 3)

   Ps. 34,279    Ps. 33,965

Buenos Aires, Argentina

     203      193

Tapachula, Chiapas

     113      113

FEMSA Cerveza:

             

Distribution rights

     122      122

FEMSA:

             

Mundet trademark

     140      140

Amortized Intangible Assets

             

Goodwill:

             

FEMSA’s minority interest acquisition

     188      195

Other Intangible assets:

             

Cost of systems implementation

     563      578

Start-up expenses

     162      159
    

  

     Ps. 35,770    Ps. 35,465
    

  

 

The changes in the carrying amount of amortized intangible assets are as follows:

 

     June 30, 2004

 
     Goodwill

    Cost of System
Implementation


    Start-up
Expenses


 

Initial balance

   Ps. 268     Ps. 714     Ps. 187  

Additions

     —         82       13  
    


 


 


Total investment

     268       796       200  
    


 


 


Accumulated amortization at the beginning of the year

     (73 )     (136 )     (28 )

Amortization of the period

     (7 )     (97 )     (10 )
    


 


 


Total amortization

     (80 )     (233 )     (38 )
    


 


 


Ending balance

   Ps. 188     Ps. 563     Ps. 162  
    


 


 


Estimated amortization per year

   Ps. 14     Ps. 220     Ps. 19  
    


 


 


 

F-18


Table of Contents
     December 31, 2003

 
     Goodwill

    Cost of System
Implementation


    Start-up
Expenses


 

Initial balance

   Ps. 268     Ps. 405     Ps. 103  

Additions

     —         309       84  
    


 


 


Total investment

     268       714       187  
    


 


 


Accumulated amortization at the beginning of the year

     (59 )     (44 )     (15 )

Amortization of the period

     (14 )     (92 )     (13 )
    


 


 


Total amortization

     (73 )     (136 )     (28 )
    


 


 


Ending balance

   Ps. 195     Ps. 578     Ps. 159  
    


 


 


 

Note 14. Balances and Transactions with Related Parties and Affiliated Companies.

 

The consolidated balance sheets and income statements include the following balances and transactions with related parties and affiliated companies:

 

     June 30,
2004


   December 31,
2003


Balances

             

Assets (accounts receivable)

   Ps. 921    Ps. 784

Liabilities (suppliers and other liabilities)

     549      789

Long-term debt with BBVA Bancomer, S.A. (1)

     5,898      4,120
    

  

     June 30,

     2004

   2003

Transaction

             

Income:

             

FEMSA Cerveza:

             

Export sales to Labatt USA

   Ps. 651    Ps. 502

Other revenues from affiliated companies

     371      365

Sales of cans to IEQSA

     240      182

Interest income related to short-term bank deposits at BBVA Bancomer, S.A. (1)

     14      34
    

  

Expenses:

             

Purchase of concentrate from The Coca-Cola Company

     3,481      2,104

Purchase of sugar from Beta San Miguel

     453      195

Purchases of baked goods and snacks from Grupo Industrial
Bimbo, S.A. de C.V.
(1)

     341      311

Purchase of canned products from IEQSA and CICAN

     152      29

Insurance premiums for policies with Grupo Nacional Provincial, S.A., Seguros Monterrey New York Life, S.A. and Fianzas Monterrey, S.A. (1)

     107      85

Purchases of crown cap from Tapón Corona

     77      22

Purchase of plastic bottles from Complejo Industrial Pet, S.A.

     61      66

Management fee and technical assistance paid to Labatt

     62      64

Interest expense related to long-term debt at BBVA Bancomer, S.A. (1)

     65      6
    

  


(1) One or more members of our board of directors or senior management are members of the board of directors of the counterparties to these transactions.

 

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Note 15. Balances and Transactions in Foreign Currency.

 

Assets, liabilities and transactions denominated in a foreign currency, other than the functional currency of the reporting unit, translated into U.S. dollars are as follows:

 

         

Applicable

Exchange

Rate (1)


   Short-
Term


   Long-
Term


   Total

Balances

                              

June 30, 2004:

  

Assets

   11.5123    $ 396    $ —      $ 396
    

Liabilities

          474      1,041      1,515

December 31, 2003:

  

Assets

   11.2350    $ 149    $ —      $ 149
    

Liabilities

          535      1,394      1,929

(1) Mexican pesos per one U.S. dollar.

 

     June 30,

     2004

   2003

Transactions

             

Revenues

   $ 152    $ 111

Expenses:

             

Purchases of raw materials

     142      91

Technical assistance fees

     7      8

Interest and other

     149      94
    

  

     $ 298    $ 193
    

  

 

As of July 19, 2004, the issue date of these consolidated financial statements, the exchange rate was 11.434 Mexican pesos per one U.S. dollar, and the foreign currency position was similar to that as of June 30, 2004.

 

 

Note 16. Labor Liabilities

 

a) Assumptions

 

The actuarial calculations for pension and retirement plans, seniority premiums and post-retirement medical service liabilities and the cost for the period were determined using the following long-term assumptions:

 

December 2003    Annual
discount rate


  Salary increase

  Return on
assets


Mexico

         6.0%   2.0%   6.0%

Guatemala

         4.5%   1.5%   (1)

Nicaragua

         4.5%   1.5%   (1)

Costa Rica

         4.5%   1.5%   4.5%

Colombia

         4.5%   1.5%   (1)

Brazil

         4.5%   1.5%   4.5%
    
       

Measurement date

   November 2003    

December 2002

            

Mexico

         6.0%   2.0%   6.0%

Measurement date

   November 2002

(1) No fund established for the payment of post-retirement obligations.

 

The basis for the determination of the long-term rate of return used is supported by a historical analysis of average returns in real terms for the last 30 years of the Certificados de Tesorería del Gobierno Federal (Federal Government Treasury Certificates) and the expectations of long-term returns of the actual investments of the Company. Panama, Venezuela and Argentina operations do not have post-retirement plans.

 

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The annual growth rate for health care expenses is 2% in real terms, consistent with the historical average health care expense rate for the past 30 years and such rate is expected to remain consistent for the foreseeable future.

 

b) Balances of the liabilities and trust assets

 

The balances of the liabilities and trust assets, as well as the expenses, for the period are as follows:

 

     June 30,
2004


    December
31, 2003


 

Pension and retirement plans:

            

Vested benefit obligation

   Ps. 1,668     Ps. 1,682  

Non-vested benefit obligation

   1,319     1,404  
    

 

Accumulated benefit obligation

   2,987     3,086  

Excess of projected benefit obligation over accumulated benefit obligation

   392     269  
    

 

Projected benefit obligation

   3,379     3,355  

Pension plan funds at fair value

   (1,673 )   (1,693 )
    

 

Unfunded projected benefit obligation

   1,706     1,662  

Unrecognized net transition obligation services

   (359 )   (370 )

Unrecognized actuarial net loss

   (226 )   (240 )
    

 

     1,121     1,052  

Additional labor liability

   496     507  
    

 

Total

   Ps. 1,617     Ps. 1,559  
    

 

Seniority premiums:

            

Vested benefit obligation

   Ps. 68     Ps. 69  

Non-vested benefit obligation

   60     64  
    

 

Accumulated benefit obligation

   128     133  

Excess of projected benefit obligation over accumulated benefit obligation

   16     16  
    

 

Unfunded projected benefit obligation

   144     149  

Unrecognized net transition obligation services

   (14 )   (15 )
    

 

     130     134  

Additional labor liability

   25     25  
    

 

Total

   Ps. 155     Ps. 159  
    

 

Post-retirement medical services:

            

Vested benefit obligation

   Ps. 211     Ps. 202  

Non-vested benefit obligation

   236     225  
    

 

Accumulated benefit obligation

   447     427  

Medical services funds at fair value

   (26 )   (26 )
    

 

Unfunded accumulated benefit obligation

   421     401  

Unrecognized post-retirement net transition obligation

   (58 )   (61 )

Unrecognized actuarial net loss

   (182 )   (184 )
    

 

Total

   Ps. 181     Ps. 156  
    

 

Total Labor Liabilities

   Ps. 1,953     Ps. 1,874  
    

 

 

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Table of Contents

The accumulated actuarial gains and losses were generated by the differences in the assumptions used for the actuarial calculations at the beginning of the year versus the actual behavior of those variables at the end of the year.

 

The projected benefit obligation in some subsidiaries was less than the accumulated benefit obligation reduced by the amount of the plan assets at fair value, resulting in an additional liability, which was recorded as an intangible asset included in other assets (see Note 12).

 

c) Trust assets

 

The trust assets consist of fixed income and variable funds, valued at market. The pension plan assets are invested in the following financial instruments:

 

     June 30,
2004


    December 31,
2003


 

Fixed Return:

            

Traded securities

   27 %   34 %

Bank instruments

   11 %   11 %

Federal Government instruments

   31 %   30 %

Variable Return:

            

Publicly traded shares in BMV

   31 %   25 %
    

 

     100 %   100 %
    

 

 

The Company has a policy of maintaining at least 30% of the trust assets in Mexican Federal Government instruments. Objective portfolio guidelines have been established for the remaining portion, and investment decisions are made in compliance with those guidelines to the extent that market conditions and available funds allow. The composition of the objective portfolio is consistent with the composition of the portfolios of the five largest international companies that manage long-term funds.

 

During 2003, the contributions to the pension plan and post-retirement medical services funds amounted to Ps. 83 and the Company estimates that the contributions during 2004 will reach Ps. 90.

 

The amounts and types of securities of the Company and related parties included in plan assets are as follows:

 

     June 30,
2004


   December 31,
2003


Debt:

         

Grupo Industrial Bimbo S.A. de C.V.

   10    10

Coca-Cola FEMSA (Certificados Bursátiles)

   80    —  

Capital:

         

Grupo Financiero BBVA Bancomer, S.A. de C.V. (GFB BB)

   —      13

FEMSA (FEMSA UBD)

   246    229

 

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Table of Contents

d) Cost for the period

 

     June 30,

 
     2004

    2003

 

Pension plan

            

Service cost

   Ps. 51     Ps. 38  

Interest cost

   94     77  

Expected return on pension plan funds

   (51 )   (50 )

Amortization of unrecognized transition obligation

   11     10  

Amortization of net actuarial losses

   1     (1 )
    

 

     106     74  

Seniority premiums

            

Service cost

   9     7  

Interest cost

   4     4  

Amortization of unrecognized transition obligation

   1     —    
    

 

     14     11  

Post-retirement medical services

            

Service cost

   7     6  

Interest cost

   13     11  

Expected return on pension plan funds

   —       (1 )

Amortization of unrecognized transition obligation

   2     2  

Amortization of net actuarial losses

   3     3  
    

 

     25     21  
    

 

     Ps. 145     Ps. 106  
    

 

 

The integral result of financing includes the interest cost related to labor liabilities, net of the return on plan assets. This amounted to Ps. 60 and Ps. 40 for the six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

 

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Table of Contents

e) Changes in the balance of the projected benefit obligations and pension plan funds

 

     June 30,
2004


    December 31,
2003


 

Change in Projected Benefit Obligation by

            

Pension and retirement plans

            

Initial balance of the obligation

   Ps. 3,355     Ps. 2,631  

Panamco acquisition

       478  

Service cost

   51     88  

Interest cost

   94     163  

Actuarial loss

       185  

Benefits paid on pension plan funds

   (121 )   (190 )
    

 

Ending balance of the obligation

   Ps. 3,379     Ps. 3,355  
    

 

Seniority premium

            

Initial balance of the obligation

   Ps. 149     Ps. 120  

Panamco acquisition

       28  

Service cost

   9     16  

Interest cost

   4     8  

Actuarial loss

       (3 )

Benefits paid on pension plan funds

   (18 )   (20 )
    

 

Ending balance of the obligation

   Ps. 144     Ps. 149  
    

 

Post-retirement medical services

            

Initial balance of the obligation

   Ps. 427     Ps. 366  

Service cost

   7     12  

Interest cost

   13     22  

Actuarial loss

       26  
    

 

Ending balance of the obligation

   Ps. 447     Ps. 427  
    

 

Change in Pension Plan Funds

            

Pension and retirement plans

            

Initial balance of the funds

   Ps. 1,693     Ps. 1,665  

Panamco acquisition

       167  

Actual return on plan assets in real terms

   73     (82 )

Employer contribution

       84  

Benefits paid on pension plan funds

   (93 )   (141 )
    

 

Ending balance of the funds

   Ps. 1,673     Ps. 1,693  
    

 

Post-retirement medical services

            

Initial balance of the funds

   Ps.      26     Ps.      44  

Actual return on plan assets in real terms

       (17 )

Ending balance of the funds

   Ps.      26     Ps.      26  
    

 

 

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Table of Contents

f) Variation in health care assumptions:

 

The following table presents the impact in post-retirement medical services obligations and the expenses recorded in the income statement with a variation of 1% in the economic assumptions.

 

     Impact of changes in:  (1)

     + 1%

   —  1%

    
  

Post-retirement net transition obligation

   Ps. 65    Ps. (52)

Cost for the period

   7    (7)
    
  

(1) The impact is not the same for an increase of 1% as for a decrease of 1% because the rates are not linear.

 

Note 17. Bonus Program.

 

The bonus program for executives is based on complying with certain goals established annually by management, which include quantitative and qualitative objectives and special projects.

 

The quantitative objectives represent approximately 50% of the bonus and are based on the Economic Value Added (“EVA”) methodology. The EVA objective for the executives at each entity is based on a combination of the EVA per entity and the EVA generated by FEMSA consolidated, at approximately 70% and 30%, respectively.

 

The qualitative objectives and special projects represent the remainder of the annual bonus and are based on the critical success factors established at the beginning of the year for each executive.

 

In addition, the Company provides a share compensation plan to certain key executives, consisting of an annual cash bonus to purchase FEMSA shares or options, based on the executive’s responsibility in the organization, his business’ EVA result achieved, and his individual performance. Such shares or options will be deposited in a trust, and the executives may access them one year after they are vested at 20% per year. Fifty percent of Coca-Cola FEMSA’s annual executive bonus is to be used to purchase FEMSA shares or options and the remainder to purchase Coca-Cola FEMSA shares or options.

 

The incentive plan target is expressed in months of salary, and the final amount payable is computed based on a percentage of compliance with the goals established every year. The bonuses are recorded in income from operations and are paid in cash the following year. During the six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, the bonus expense recorded in the income statement amounted to Ps. 227 and Ps. 195, respectively.

 

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Note 18. Bank Loans and Notes Payable.

 

Current bank loans and notes payable outstanding at June 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003, principally consist of revolving loans denominated in Mexican pesos and U.S. dollars. The weighted average annual interest rate as of June 30, 2004 for debt denominated in Mexican pesos and U.S. dollars was 3.0% and 2.4%, respectively, and as of December 31, 2003 for debt denominated in Mexican pesos and U.S. dollars was 6.2% and 2.5%, respectively. Long-term bank loans and notes payable of the Company are as follows:

 

    

% Interest

Rate (1)


  

June 30,

2004


   

December 31,

2003


 

Fixed interest rate

                     

U.S. Dollars:

                     

Yankee bond

   7.92    Ps. 5,803     Ps. 5,773  

Bank loans

   4.31      1,685       7,120  

Private placement

   9.40      1,151       1,142  

Syndicated loan

   3.60      828       1,552  

Capital leases

   5.41      189       197  

Mexican Pesos:

                     

Notes

   9.17      7,250       5,336  

Bank loans

   8.58      5,444       2,541  

Units of Investment (UDIs)

   8.65      1,415       1,441  

Variable interest rate

                     

U.S. Dollars:

                     

Bank loans

   2.44      3,190       705  

Syndicated loan

   2.34      575       874  

Mortgage loan

   3.69      61       69  

Capital leases

   10.04      30       33  

Mexican Pesos:

                     

Bank loans

   7.37      3,405       4,321  

Notes

   7.49      2,750       4,827  

Colombian Pesos:

                     

Notes

   10.30      618       651  
         


 


Long-Term Debt

          34,394       36,582  

Current maturities of long-term debt

          (2,620 )     (2,639 )
         


 


          Ps. 31,774     Ps. 33,943  
         


 



(1) Weighted average rate, including the effect of interest rate swaps (see Note 19 c).

 

Maturities of long-term debt as of June 30, 2004 are as follows:

 

Current maturities of long-term debt

   Ps. 2,620

2005

     3,947

2006

     6,361

2007

     4,390

2008

     5,246

2009 and thereafter

     11,830
    

     Ps. 34,394
    

 

The Company has financing from different institutions with different restrictions and covenants, which mainly consist of maximum levels of leverage and capitalization as well as minimum consolidated net worth and debt and interest coverage ratios. As of the date of these consolidated financial statements, the Company was in compliance with all restrictions and covenants contained in its financing agreements.

 

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As of June 30, 2004, Coca-Cola FEMSA has restricted cash in the amount of Ps. 495, which secures the payment of some of the current bank loans.

 

On June 29, 2004, Coca-Cola FEMSA obtained a long-term debt bank loan to prepay some of its existing debt. The prepayment of Ps. 1,497 was made on July 2, 2004, although in accordance with Mexican GAAP the Company elected to record the prepayment as of June 30, 2004.

 

Note 19. Fair Value of Financial Instruments.

 

a) Long-Term Debt:

 

The fair value of long-term bank loans and syndicated loans is based on the discounted value of contractual cash flows. The discount rate is estimated using rates currently offered for debt of similar amounts and maturities. The fair value of long-term debt is based on quoted market prices.

 

     June 30,
2004


  

December 31,

2003


Carrying value

   Ps. 34,394    Ps. 36,582

Fair value

     34,421      37,439

 

b) Equity Forward:

 

A subsidiary of Coca-Cola FEMSA had an equity forward contract, which expired in June 2004, to fix the price of its investment in Molson shares (see Note 10). This contract generated a loss of Ps. 35, which was recognized in the Panamco acquisition. On June 18, 2004, this subsidiary entered into a new forward contract that expires in September 2004 that consists of 868,900 Molson shares at strike price of 23.62 U.S. dollars per share with a notional amount of Ps. 236. As of June 30, 2004, its fair value resulted in the recognition of a loss of Ps. 18.

 

c) Interest Rate Swaps:

 

The company uses interest rate swaps to manage the interest rate risk associated with its borrowings, pursuant to which it pays amounts based on a fixed rate and receives amounts based on a floating rate. Additionally, the company sold some put options as a complement to the swap agreements, for which a premium was received. The net effect is included in interest expense and amounted to Ps. 97 and Ps. 23, for the six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

 

The fair value is estimated based on quoted market prices to terminate the contracts at the date of the most recent balance sheet presented.

 

At June 30, 2004, the Company has the following outstanding interest rate swap agreements:

 

Maturity

Date


   Notional
Amount


   Fair
Value


 

2004

   Ps. 288    Ps. —    

2006

     1,451      (67 )

2007

     3,500      77  

2008

     5,386      142  

2010

     750      25  

2011

     1,500      65  

 

d) Forward Agreements to Purchase Foreign currency:

 

The company has forward agreements for the purchase of euros with a notional amount of 8 million euros, for the purpose of hedging the exchange risk between the U.S. dollar and the euro for the purchase of equipment. The fair value is estimated based on the quoted market exchange rate to terminate the contracts at the date of the most recent balance sheet presented, which represents a gain of Ps. 11. The net effect of the contracts that were paid during the six months ended June 30, 2004 was an exchange gain of Ps. 4.

 

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Additionally, the Company has contracts to guarantee the purchase of U.S. dollars with a notional amount of $ 940 in order to fix the amount of pesos that will be required to acquire the 30% of the stock of FEMSA Cerveza from Interbrew, given that a significant portion of the funds that will be obtained for this transaction will be denominated in Mexican pesos. The fair value is estimated based on the quoted market exchange rate to terminate the contracts at the date of the most recent balance sheet presented, which as of June 30, 2004, represents a gain of Ps. 87. The net effect of the contracts that were paid during the six months ended June 30, 2004 was an exchange gain of Ps. 15.

 

e) Commodity Price Contracts:

 

The Company entered into various derivative contracts to hedge the cost of certain raw materials. The result of the commodity price contracts was a gain of Ps. 39 and a loss of Ps. 25 during the six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively, which were recorded in the results of operations. The fair value is estimated based on quoted market prices to terminate the contracts at the reporting date. As of June 30, 2004, the Company has various derivative instrument contracts with maturity dates in 2004 and 2005, notional amounts of Ps. 630 and a fair value gain of Ps. 49.

 

Note 20. Minority Interest in Consolidated Subsidiaries.

 

     June 30,
2004


  

December 31,

2003


FEMSA Cerveza

   Ps. 5,627    Ps. 5,321

Coca-Cola FEMSA

     14,558      12,696
    

  

     Ps. 20,185    Ps. 18,017
    

  

 

Note 21. Stockholders’ Equity.

 

As of June 30, 2004, the capital stock of FEMSA was comprised of 5,297,310,450 common shares, without par value and with no foreign ownership restrictions. Fixed capital amounts to Ps. 300 (nominal value) and the variable capital may not exceed 10 times the minimum fixed capital stock.

 

The characteristics of the common shares are as follows:

 

  Series “B” shares, with unlimited voting rights, which at all times must represent a minimum of 51% of total capital stock;

 

  Series “L” shares, with limited voting rights, which may represent up to 25% of total capital stock; and

 

  Series “D” shares, with limited voting rights, which individually or jointly with series “L” shares may represent up to 49% of total capital stock.

 

The Series “D” shares are comprised as follows:

 

  Subseries “D-L” shares may represent up to 25% of the series “D” shares;

 

  Subseries “D-B” shares may comprise the remainder of outstanding series “D” shares; and

 

  The non-cumulative premium dividend to be paid to series “D” stockholders will be 125% of any dividend paid to series “B” stockholders.

 

The Series “B” and “D” shares are linked together in related units as follows:

 

  “B units” each of which represents five series “B” shares and which are traded on the BMV;

 

  “BD units” each of which represents one series “B” share, two subseries “D-B” shares and two subseries “D-L” shares, and which are traded both on the BMV and the NYSE; and

 

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  The related units will cease to be linked together on May 2008, after a period of 10 years from the date of the first issue. Subseries “D-B” shares will be converted into series “B” shares, and subseries “D-L” shares will be converted into series “L” shares.

 

As of June 30, 2004, FEMSA’s capital stock was comprised as follows:

 

     “B” Units

   “BD” Units

   Total

Units

   419,569,500    639,892,590    1,059,462,090
    
  
  

Shares:

              

Series “B”

   2,097,847,500    639,892,590    2,737,740,090

Series “D”

   —      2,559,570,360    2,559,570,360

Subseries “D-B”

   —      1,279,785,180    1,279,785,180

Subseries “D-L”

   —      1,279,785,180    1,279,785,180
    
  
  

Total Shares

   2,097,847,500    3,199,462,950    5,297,310,450
    
  
  

 

The restatement of stockholders’ equity for inflation is allocated to each of the various stockholders’ equity accounts, as follows:

 

     Historical Cost

   Restatement

   Restated Value

Capital stock

   Ps. 2,649    Ps. 1,663    Ps. 4,312

Additional paid-in capital

     7,577      4,680      12,257

Retained earnings from prior years

     17,727      614      18,341

Net income

     2,416      18      2,434

 

The net income of the Company is subject to the legal requirement that 5% thereof be transferred to a legal reserve until such reserve equals 20% of capital stock at nominal value. This reserve may not be distributed to stockholders during the existence of the Company, except as a stock dividend. As of June 30, 2004, this reserve for FEMSA amounted to Ps. 530 (nominal value).

 

Retained earnings and other reserves distributed as dividends, as well as the effects derived from capital reductions, are subject to income tax at the rate in effect, except for the restated stockholder contributions and distributions made from consolidated taxable income, denominated “Cuenta de Utilidad Fiscal Neta” (“CUFIN”) or from the “Cuenta de Utilidad Fiscal Neta Reinvertida” (“CUFINRE”).

 

Dividends paid in excess of CUFIN and CUFINRE will be subject to income taxes at a grossed-up rate based on the current statutory rate. Beginning in 2003, this tax may be credited against the income tax of the year in which the dividends are paid and in the following two years against the income tax and estimated tax payments. As of June 30, 2004, the balances of CUFIN and CUFINRE amounted to Ps. 12,374 and Ps. 2,319, respectively, and the deferred tax payments were Ps. 178.

 

At an ordinary stockholder meeting of the Company held on March 11, 2004, the stockholders approved dividends of 0.089500 pesos (nominal value) per series “B” share and 0.111875 pesos (nominal value) per series “D” share that were paid in May 2004. Additionally, the stockholders approved a maximum of Ps. 3,000 for a stock repurchase program.

 

At an ordinary stockholder meeting of Coca-Cola FEMSA held on March 9, 2004, the stockholders approved a dividend of Ps. 521 that was paid in May 2004. The corresponding payment to the minority interest of Ps. 283 is presented as a reduction of minority interest in the statement of changes in stockholders’ equity.

 

On June 8, 2004, Winsa Company LLP acquired a 16.89% voting equity interest in an indirect subsidiary of Coca-Cola FEMSA that is the holding company for its subsidiaries in Brazil for Ps. 570.

 

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At an ordinary stockholder meeting of FEMSA Cerveza held on March 11, 2004, the stockholders approved a dividend of Ps. 309, to be paid starting in July 2004. On May 11, 2004, through a stockholders’ resolution in lieu of a meeting, the stockholders revoked the dividend.

 

Note 22. Net Majority Income per Share.

 

This represents the net majority income corresponding to each share of the Company’s capital stock, computed on the basis of the weighted average number of shares outstanding. Additionally, the net income distribution according to the dividend rights of each share series is presented.

 

The following presents the computed weighted average number of shares and the distribution of income per share series as of June 30, 2004 and 2003:

 

     Millions of Shares

     Series “B”

   Series “D”

     Number

   

Weighted

Average


   Number

   

Weighted

Average


Shares outstanding

   2,737.70     2,737.70    2,559.60     2,559.60
    

 
  

 

Dividend rights

   1.00          1.25      

Allocation of earnings

   46.11 %        53.89 %    
    

      

   

 

Note 23. Tax System.

 

a) Income Tax:

 

Income tax is computed on taxable income, which differs from accounting income principally due to the treatment of the integral result of financing, the cost of labor liabilities, depreciation and other accounting provisions. In the case of Mexico, it also differs because of the difference between purchase and cost of sales. The tax loss may be carried forward and applied against future taxable income as shown below.

 

The income tax rates applicable in 2004 in the countries where the Company operates and the years in which tax loss carryforwards may be applied are as follows:

 

     Statutory
Tax Rate


    Tax Loss
Carryforwards
Expiration
(years)


Mexico

   33.0 %   10

Guatemala

   31.0 %   N/A

Nicaragua

   30.0 %   3

Costa Rica

   30.0 %   3

Panama

   30.0 %   5

Venezuela

   34.0 %   3

Colombia

   38.8 %   5-8

Brazil

   34.0 %   Indefinite

Argentina

   35.0 %   5

 

Until 2002, the Mexican statutory income tax rate was 35%. Beginning 2003, the rate has been reduced one percentage point per year through 2005, when the rate will be 32%.

 

In Guatemala, tax loss carryforwards may only be applied by companies of recent creation (not applicable to the Company). In Colombia, tax losses generated before December 31, 2002 may be carried forward for a period of five years, and tax losses generated after January 1, 2003 may be carried forward for a period of eight years, but limited to 25% of the taxable income of each year. In Brazil, tax loss carryforwards do not expire and may be carried forward for an indefinite period. The application of tax losses carryforwards in any year, however, is limited to 30% of the taxable income generated in such year.

 

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b) Tax on Assets:

 

Operations in Mexico, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Venezuela, Colombia and Argentina are subject to a minimum tax, which is based primarily on a percentage of assets.

 

The Mexican tax on assets is computed at an annual rate of 1.8% based on the average of certain assets at tax restated value less certain liabilities. The tax on assets is paid only to the extent that it exceeds the income tax of the year. If in any year a tax on assets payment is required, this amount can be credited against the excess of income taxes over the tax on assets in each of the preceding three years. Additionally, this payment may be restated and credited against the excess of income taxes over asset taxes for the following 10 years.

 

In Guatemala, until December 31, 2003 an alternative minimum tax (“IEMA”) existed equivalent to the lower of 2.25% of the prior year’s revenues or 3.5% of total assets as of the beginning of the year, which was paid only to the extent that it exceeded the income taxes of the year. If in any year a payment of IEMA was required, this amount was credited against the excess of income taxes over the IEMA of the following year. On February 2, 2004, this tax was declared unconstitutional. At this time it is not known what favorable effect this could have on the IEMA payments made by the Company in previous years.

 

In Nicaragua, the tax on assets results from applying a 1% rate to total tax assets as of the end of the year, and it is paid only to the extent that it exceeds the income taxes of the year. If in any year a tax on assets payment is required, this tax is definitive and the amount may not be credited against the excess of income taxes in future years.

 

In Venezuela, the tax on assets results from applying a 1% rate to the net average amount of non-monetary assets adjusted for inflation and monetary assets devalued for inflation. The tax on assets is paid only to the extent that it exceeds the income tax of the year. If in any year a tax on assets payment is required, this amount may be credited against the excess of income taxes over the tax on assets to the following three years.

 

In Colombia, the tax on assets results from applying a 6% rate to net tax assets as of the beginning of the year. This tax is paid only to the extent that it exceeds the income taxes of the year. If a tax on assets payment was required in 2001 or 2002, the amount may be credited against the excess of income taxes over the tax on assets in the following three years. If a tax on assets payment is required subsequent to 2002, the amount may be credited against the excess of income taxes over the tax on assets in the following five years.

 

In Argentina, there is a Tax on Minimum Presumptive Income (“TMPI”) that results from applying 1% to certain assets, and is paid only to the extent that it exceeds the income taxes of the year. If in any year a payment is required, this amount may be credited against the excess of income taxes over the TMPI in the following 10 years.

 

c) Employee Profit Sharing:

 

Employee profit sharing is applicable to Mexico and Venezuela. In Mexico the employee profit sharing is computed at the rate of 10% of the individual taxable income, except that depreciation of historical rather than restated values is used, foreign exchange gains and losses are not included until the asset is disposed of or the liability is due, and the other effects of inflation are also excluded. In Venezuela employee profit sharing is computed at a rate equivalent to 15% of after tax earnings.

 

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d) Deferred Income Taxes and Employee Profit Sharing:

 

The temporary differences that generated deferred income tax liabilities (assets) are as follows:

 

    

June 30,

2004


   

December 31,

2003


 

Deferred Income Taxes

                

Allowance for doubtful accounts

   Ps. (172 )   Ps. (152 )

Inventories

     1,756       1,873  

Prepaid expenses

     104       129  

Property, plant and equipment

     4,900       4,564  

Investments in shares

     15       178  

Intangible and other assets

     (430 )     (203 )

Pension plan

     (270 )     (266 )

Seniority premiums

     (44 )     (44 )

Post-retirement medical services

     (60 )     (52 )

Recoverable tax on assets

     (309 )     (80 )

Tax loss carryforwards

     (866 )     (430 )

Contingencies reserve

     (504 )     (831 )

Deferred provisions

     (596 )     (546 )

Other reserves

     (160 )     (218 )
    


 


     Ps. 3,364     Ps. 3,922  
    


 


 

The changes in the balance of the deferred income taxes are as follows:

 

    

June 30,

2004


   

December 31,

2003


 

Initial balance

   Ps. 3,922     Ps. 4,247  

Acquisition balance of Panamco

     —         (949 )

Gain on monetary position

     13       27  

Provision for the period

     (417 )     539  

Change in the statutory income tax rate

     (37 )     (69 )

Result of holding non-monetary assets

     (117 )     127  
    


 


Ending balance

   Ps. 3,364     Ps. 3,922  
    


 


 

At June 30, 2004, there are no significant non-recurring temporary differences between the accounting income for the year and the bases for Mexican employee profit sharing, therefore the Company did not record a provision for deferred employee profit sharing.

 

e) Income Tax, Tax on Assets and Employee Profit Sharing Provisions:

 

     June 30,

 
     2004

    2003

 

Current income taxes

   P s.2,103     Ps. 1,157  

Tax on assets

     37       38  

Deferred income taxes

     (417 )     87  

Change in the statutory income tax rate

     (37 )     (111 )
    


 


       1,686       1,171  

Employee profit sharing

     234       158  
    


 


     Ps. 1,920     Ps. 1,329  
    


 


 

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The Company’s consolidated effective income tax rate as of June 30, 2004 and 2003 differs from the statutory income tax rate, as a result of certain permanent differences such as non-deductible expenses, differences between book and tax inflationary effects and the effect of the change in the statutory income tax rate in Mexico.

 

f) Tax Loss Carryforwards and Recoverable Tax on Assets:

 

As of June 30, 2004, Mexico, Venezuela and Brazil have tax loss carryforwards and/or recoverable tax on assets. The expiration dates of such amounts are as follows:

 

Year


   Tax Loss
Carryforwards


   Recoverable Tax
on Assets


2004

   Ps. 1    Ps. 115

2005

     429      44

2006

     —        44

2007

     1      46

2008

     25      24

2009

     20      1

2010

     2,006      5

2011

     33      11

2012

     104      14

2013 and thereafter

     1,400      30
    

  

     Ps. 4,019    Ps. 334
    

  

 

Due to the uncertainty of the realization of tax loss carryforwards for an amount of Ps. 1,298 a valuation allowance has been provided. The changes in the balances are as follows:

 

     June 30,
2004


    December 31,
2003


Initial balance

   Ps.  1,303     Ps.    —  

Acquisition balance of Panamco

   —       1,303

Provision of the period

   39     —  

Cancellation of provision

   (45 )   —  
    

 

Ending balance

   Ps.  1,298     Ps. 1,303
    

 

 

Note 24. Contingencies and Commitments.

 

a) Settled Lawsuits:

 

  During 2002 and 2003, certain Mexican subsidiaries of Coca-Cola FEMSA initiated appeals related to the Impuesto Especial sobre Producción y Servicios (“IEPS”) (“Special Tax on Products and Services”) applicable to inventories produced with high fructose content. Additionally, during 2003, such subsidiaries included in their appeals the IEPS applicable to dietetic soft drinks and mineral water, obtaining a favorable resolution for these claims. Based on the favorable resolution, the Company has recorded a receivable for refundable taxes of Ps. 251.

 

  The SHCP determined taxes due by FEMSA Cerveza related to exports in 1998 and 1999 to countries considered to be tax havens. The Company unsuccessfully appealed these tax assessments, and an unfavorable resolution for the Company was reached, for which a provision of Ps. 60 was recorded in the income statement for June 30, 2004.

 

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b) Unsettled Lawsuits:

 

  In 1998 and 1999, due to adjustments to consolidated tax on assets derived from increased shareholdings in subsidiaries, the Company determined a tax on assets receivable and filed for a refund. The tax authorities rejected the refund request, and the Company has appealed that decision. Given that in the opinion of the Company’s legal counsel, it was probable that the Company would obtain a favorable resolution, in 1999 the Company recorded a receivable for refundable taxes. However, in June 2004, the Company decided to cancel such receivable and record the deferred tax asset derived from the recoverable tax on assets in the amount of Ps. 218.

 

  In 2000, the Comisión Federal de Competencia en Mexico (the Mexican Antitrust Commission), initiated an investigation of the commercial practices of Coca-Cola bottlers. In 2002, through a final resolution, the Commission held that Coca-Cola bottlers engaged in monopolistic practices. The Company, along with other Coca-Cola bottlers, appealed the resolution, and its legal counsel believe that it is probable that the Company will prevail and obtain a permanent injunction against the Commission.

 

  In June 2004, a Costa Rican subsidiary was required to pay approximately $ 12 with respect to taxes on the sale of carbonated soft drinks from April 2002 through July 2003. In previous years, the Company was also required to pay similar taxes, for which the Company appealed and was successful. Management does not believe these taxes will have a material adverse effect on its financial condition or results of operations.

 

  In September 2002, a competing bottler filed a lawsuit against the Company’s Panamanian subsidiary for approximately $ 98, alleging the use of monopolistic practices. Management does not believe that the resolution of this matter will have a material adverse effect on its financial condition or results of operations.

 

  In 1999, the Company’s Venezuelan subsidiaries received notice of certain tax claims asserted by the Venezuelan taxing authorities. These claims currently total approximately $ 23. The Company has certain rights to indemnification from the original owner and therefore does not believe that the ultimate disposition of these cases will have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial position or results of operations.

 

  A Venezuelan subsidiary has been the subject of lawsuits filed by former distributors for a total amount of approximately $ 31. The Company believes, based on decisions rendered by the Supreme Court in similar cases, and an analysis of each case, that these claims are without merit.

 

  In 2001, a labor union and several individuals from the Republic of Colombia filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida against the Company and The Coca-Cola Company. In the complaint, the plaintiffs alleged that the Company engaged in wrongful acts against the labor union and its members in Colombia for the amount of $ 500. The Company has filed a motion to dismiss the complaint and believes the resolution of this matter will not have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial position or results of operations.

 

  The Company also has various other loss contingencies, for which reserves have been recorded in those cases where the Company believes the result of an unfavorable resolution is probable. The details regarding these contingencies has not been disclosed, since the Company believes that to do so would adversely impact its legal position.

 

  Other legal proceedings are pending against or involve the Company and its subsidiaries, which do not affect the conduct of their businesses. The Company believes that the ultimate disposition of such other proceedings will not have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial position or result of operations.

 

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c) Commitments:

 

As of June 30, 2004, the Company has minimum operating lease commitments as follows:

 

  In U.S. dollars, for the leasing of production machinery and equipment, distribution equipment and computing equipment; and

 

  In Mexican pesos, for the leasing of land for the operations of FEMSA Comercio.

 

Contract maturities are variable and expire as follows:

 

     June 30, 2004

2004

   $ 22    Ps. 486

2005

     42      511

2006

     36      503

2007

     29      490

2008

     21      478

2009

     17      450

2010

     16      437

2011 to 2020

     —        3,254

 

Rental expense charged against earnings amounted to approximately Ps. 542 and Ps. 318 for the six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

 

Note 25. Extraordinary Items.

 

The Company recognized a net extraordinary gain relating to the following items:

 

  On May 2004, the Company obtained a favorable final ruling not subject to appeal from a Mexican federal court allowing it to deduct a tax loss carryforward arising from a sale of shares during 2002, in the amount of Ps. 1,258.

 

  In April 2004, the Supreme Court of Justice in Mexico issued specific rules for the tax deduction of certain assets in the beverage industry, such as refrigerators, considering them to be fixed assets with finite useful lives. The Company previously considered refrigerators as an expense for tax purposes. This change of criteria has no effect on net income, since the difference between the book and tax basis of the refrigerators was recorded as a deferred income tax liability in prior years. An estimated amount for fines and adjustments for inflation was recognized as an extraordinary loss in the amount of Ps. 83.

 

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Note 26. Information by Segment.

 

Relevant information concerning the major subsidiaries of FEMSA, which represent different segments, is as follows:

 

a) By Business Unit

 

During the month of December 2003, all of the “Six” stores previously owned by FEMSA Cerveza that were considered suitable to be converted into the Oxxo format were sold to FEMSA Comercio. In order to assure comparability, the results of operations of these “Six” stores were removed from FEMSA Cerveza and included in FEMSA Comercio for the first six months of 2003. This change does not impact FEMSA’s consolidated results.

 

     June 30,

 
     2004

    2003

 

Total Revenues

                

Coca-Cola FEMSA

   Ps. 21,642     Ps. 13,828  

FEMSA Cerveza

     11,024       10,444  

FEMSA Empaques

     3,885       3,559  

FEMSA Comercio

     10,128       8,307  

Other

     1,666       2,726  

Consolidation adjustments

     (4,633 )     (5,425 )
    


 


       43,712       33,439  
    


 


Income from Operations

                

Coca-Cola FEMSA

     3,331       2,877  

FEMSA Cerveza

     1,895       1,611  

FEMSA Empaques

     513       466  

FEMSA Comercio

     346       305  

Other

     365       1,593  

Consolidation adjustments

     (242 )     (1,554 )
    


 


       6,208       5,298  
    


 


Depreciation (1)

                

Coca-Cola FEMSA

     909       569  

FEMSA Cerveza

     581       589  

FEMSA Empaques

     147       131  

FEMSA Comercio

     114       63  

Other

     17       21  
    


 


       1,768       1,373  
    


 


Amortization

                

Coca-Cola FEMSA

     272       161  

FEMSA Cerveza

     776       701  

FEMSA Empaques

     22       19  

FEMSA Comercio

     68       60  

Other

     —         15  
    


 


       1,138       956  
    


 


Other Non-Cash Charges (2)(3)

                

Coca-Cola FEMSA

     27       26  

FEMSA Cerveza

     52       52  

FEMSA Empaques

     26       25  

FEMSA Comercio

     17       5  

Other

     15       19  
    


 


       137       127  
    


 


Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

                

FEMSA Cerveza

     105       419  

FEMSA Empaques

     4       —    
    


 


       109       419  
    


 



(1) Includes breakage of bottles.
(2) Excludes the non-cash charges relative to current assets and liabilities.
(3) Includes labor liabilities and participation in associated companies.

 

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Table of Contents
     June 30,

 
     2004

    2003

 

Interest Expense

                

Coca-Cola FEMSA

   Ps. 1,214     Ps. 494  

FEMSA Cerveza

     264       274  

FEMSA Empaques

     125       112  

FEMSA Comercio

     99       70  

Other

     15       64  

Consolidation adjustments

     (49 )     (53 )
    


 


       1,668       961  
    


 


Interest Income

                

Coca-Cola FEMSA

     75       133  

FEMSA Cerveza

     55       136  

FEMSA Empaques

     7       7  

FEMSA Comercio

     23       31  

Other

     69       89  

Consolidation adjustments

     (49 )     (53 )
    


 


       180       343  
    


 


Income Tax and Tax on Assets

                

Coca-Cola FEMSA

     826       455  

FEMSA Cerveza

     542       373  

FEMSA Empaques

     137       145  

FEMSA Comercio

     111       139  

Other

     70       59  
    


 


       1,686       1,171  
    


 


Capital Expenditures

                

Coca-Cola FEMSA

     704       893  

FEMSA Cerveza

     1,355       1,489  

FEMSA Empaques

     78       258  

FEMSA Comercio

     736       476  

Other

     11       13  
    


 


       2,884       3,129  
    


 


    

June 30,

2004


   

December 31,

2003


 

Long-term Assets

                

Coca-Cola FEMSA

   Ps. 54,451     Ps. 54,554  

FEMSA Cerveza

     21,386       21,250  

FEMSA Empaques

     4,331       4,499  

FEMSA Comercio

     4,467       3,933  

Other

     5,752       5,688  

Consolidation adjustments

     (4,359 )     (3,859 )
    


 


       86,028       86,065  
    


 


Total Assets

                

Coca-Cola FEMSA

     62,277       62,859  

FEMSA Cerveza

     30,541       29,407  

FEMSA Empaques

     6,609       7,284  

FEMSA Comercio

     6,685       6,237  

Other

     8,277       7,404  

Consolidation adjustments

     (7,006 )     (6,703 )
    


 


       107,383       106,488  
    


 


 

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Table of Contents

b) By Geographic Area

 

     June 30,

 
     2004

    2003

 

Total Revenues

                

Mexico

   Ps. 35,110     Ps. 30,013  

Argentina

     1,176       995  

Brazil

     2,029       613  

Venezuela

     2,160       636  

Colombia

     1,761       626  

Central America (1)

     1,749       556  

Consolidation adjustments

     (273 )     —    
    


 


       43,712       33,439  
    


 


Capital Expenditures

                

Mexico

     2,627       2,798  

Argentina

     14       27  

Brazil

     99       8  

Venezuela

     24       225  

Colombia

     16       39  

Central America (1)

     104       32  
    


 


       2,884       3,129  
    


 


     June 30,
2004


    December 31,
2003


 

Long-term Assets

                

Mexico

   Ps. 79,055     Ps. 78,391  

Argentina

     1,242       1,284  

Brazil

     3,365       3,427  

Venezuela

     3,017       3,145  

Colombia

     5,350       5,149  

Central America (1)

     5,071       5,041  

Consolidation adjustments

     (11,072 )     (10,372 )
    


 


       86,028       86,065  
    


 


Total Assets

                

Mexico

     98,322       97,274  

Argentina

     1,711       1,696  

Brazil

     4,116       4,482  

Venezuela

     4,123       3,943  

Colombia

     7,149       7,093  

Central America (1)

     5,877       5,854  

Consolidation adjustments

     (13,915 )     (13,854 )
    


 


       107,383       106,488  
    


 



(1) Includes Guatemala, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama.

 

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Table of Contents

Note 27. Differences Between Mexican GAAP and U.S. GAAP.

 

The consolidated financial statements of the Company are prepared in accordance with Mexican GAAP, which differs in certain significant respects from U.S. GAAP. A reconciliation of the reported majority net income, majority stockholders’ equity and majority comprehensive income to U.S. GAAP is presented in Note 28. It should be noted that this reconciliation to U.S. GAAP does not include the reversal of the restatement of the financial statements as required by Bulletin B-10, “Reconocimiento de los Efectos de Inflación en la Información Financiera” (Recognition of the Effects of Inflation in the Financial Information), of Mexican GAAP.

 

The application of this bulletin represents a comprehensive measure of the effects of price-level changes in the Mexican economy and, as such, is considered a more meaningful presentation than historical cost-based financial reporting in Mexican pesos for both Mexican and U.S. accounting purposes.

 

The principal differences between Mexican GAAP and U.S. GAAP included in the reconciliation that affect the consolidated financial statements of the Company are described below.

 

a) Restatement of Prior Year Financial Statements:

 

As explained in Note 6 a), in accordance with Mexican GAAP, the financial statements for Mexican subsidiaries for prior years was restated using the inflation factors, and for foreign subsidiaries and affiliated companies for prior years was restated using the inflation rate of the country in which the foreign subsidiary or affiliated company is located, then translated to Mexican pesos using the exchange rate in effect at the date of the most recent balance sheet presented.

 

Under U.S. GAAP, the Company applies the regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission of the United States of America (“SEC”), which require that prior year financial statements be restated in constant units of the reporting currency, in this case the Mexican peso, which requires the restatement of such prior year amounts using the inflation factors.

 

Additionally, all other U.S. GAAP adjustments for prior years have been restated based upon the SEC methodology.

 

b) Classification Differences:

 

Certain items require a different classification in the balance sheet or income statement under U.S. GAAP. These include:

 

  As explained in Note 6 c), under Mexican GAAP advances to suppliers are recorded as inventories. Under U.S. GAAP advances to suppliers are classified as prepaid expenses;

 

  The impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets, the gain or loss on the disposition of fixed assets, all severance indemnities, and employee profit sharing must be included in operating expenses under U.S. GAAP; and

 

  The restricted cash mentioned in Note 18 is classified as other current assets under U.S. GAAP.

 

c) Deferred Promotional Expenses:

 

As explained in Note 6 d), for Mexican GAAP purposes, the promotional costs related to the launching of new products or presentations are recorded as prepaid expenses. For U.S. GAAP purposes, such promotional costs are expensed as incurred.

 

d) Start-up Expenses:

 

As explained in Note 6 i), under Mexican GAAP, start-up expenses are capitalized and are amortized in accordance with the terms of the lease contracts, at the start of operations using the straight-line method. Under U.S. GAAP, these expenses must be recorded in the income statement as incurred, except for the licenses for sale of beer paid for by FEMSA Comercio, which for U.S. GAAP purposes are intangible assets and are amortized using the straight-line method beginning at the start of operations.

 

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Table of Contents

e) Intangible Assets and Goodwill:

 

As mentioned in Note 6 i), under Mexican GAAP, until January 1, 2003 all intangible assets were amortized over a period of no more than 20 years. Effective January 1, 2003 revised Bulletin C-8, “Activos Intangibles” (Intangible Assets) (“C-8”), went into effect and recognizes that certain intangible assets have indefinite lives and should not be amortized. Under U.S. GAAP, in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets”, effective January 1, 2002, goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are also no longer subject to amortization, but rather are subject to periodic assessment for impairment. Accordingly, amortization of indefinite-lived intangible assets was discontinued in 2002 for U.S. GAAP and in 2003 for Mexican GAAP.

 

As a result of the adoption of this standard, the Company performed an initial impairment test as of January 1, 2002 and found no impairment. Subsequent impairment tests are performed annually by the Company, unless an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount, in which case an impairment test would be performed between annual tests.

 

f) Restatement of Imported Equipment:

 

As explained in Note 6 g), under Mexican GAAP, imported machinery and equipment have been restated by applying the inflation rate of the country of origin, then translated into Mexican pesos using the exchange rate in effect at the date of the most recent balance sheet presented.

 

Under U.S. GAAP, the Company applies the SEC regulations, which require that all machinery and equipment, both domestic and imported, be restated using the inflation factors.

 

g) Capitalization of the Integral Result of Financing:

 

Under Mexican GAAP, the capitalization of the integral result of financing (interest, foreign exchange and monetary position) generated by loan agreements obtained to finance investment projects is optional, and the Company has elected not to capitalize the integral result of financing.

 

In accordance with U.S. GAAP, if interest is incurred during the construction of qualifying assets, capitalization is required as part of the cost of such assets. Accordingly, a reconciling item for the capitalization of a portion of the integral result of financing is included in the U.S. GAAP reconciliation of the majority net income and majority stockholders’ equity. If the borrowings are denominated in U.S. dollars, the weighted-average interest rate on all such outstanding debt is applied to the balance of construction-in-progress to determine the amount to be capitalized. If the borrowings are denominated in Mexican pesos, the amount of interest to be capitalized as noted above is reduced by the gain on monetary position associated with the debt.

 

h) Financial Instruments:

 

In accordance with Mexican GAAP, as mentioned in Note 6 q), the Company values and records all derivative instruments and hedging activities according to Bulletin C-2, “Instrumentos Financieros” (Financial Instruments).

 

Under U.S. GAAP, the Company values and records all derivative instruments and hedging activities according to SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities”. SFAS No. 133, as amended, which establishes accounting and reporting standards requiring that every derivative instrument (including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts) be recorded in the balance sheet as either an asset or liability measured at its fair value. SFAS No. 133 requires that changes in the fair value of the derivative instrument be recognized in the net income or other comprehensive income, if the instruments represent cash flow hedges that qualify for hedge accounting.

 

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Table of Contents

For purposes of SFAS No. 133, the Company elected not to designate its financial instruments as hedges for derivative instruments, and accordingly, the entire effect of the valuation of those instruments contracted before December 31, 2000 was recognized in the income statement at January 1, 2001.

 

Under Mexican GAAP, the commodity price contracts as well as the equity forward contracted by the Company (see Note 19), have been designated as hedges and accordingly valued using the same valuation criteria applied to the underlying asset or liability, which are recognized in the income statement when the consumption or payment takes place. However, under U.S. GAAP, these agreements must be adjusted to their market value, recognizing the corresponding asset or liability. Except for certain interest rate swaps, the hedging relationship required by U.S. GAAP has not been adequately documented; therefore, a reconciling item has been included in the U.S. GAAP reconciliation to adjust earnings for this difference in valuation method.

 

Since the Company has properly designated the interest rate swaps as effective cash flow hedges, it recognizes the change in the fair market value of those swaps through other comprehensive income.

 

i) Deferred Income Taxes and Employee Profit Sharing:

 

The Company follows SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes” for U.S. GAAP purposes, which differs from Mexican GAAP as follows:

 

  Under Mexican GAAP, deferred taxes are classified as non-current, while under U.S. GAAP are based on the classification of the related asset or liability;

 

  Under Mexican GAAP, the effects of inflation on the deferred tax balance generated by monetary items are recognized in the result on monetary position. Under U.S. GAAP, the deferred tax balance is classified as a non-monetary item. As a result, the consolidated income statement differs with respect to the presentation of the gain (loss) on monetary position and deferred income tax provision;

 

  Under Mexican GAAP, deferred employee profit sharing is calculated considering only those temporary differences that arise during the year and which are expected to turn around within a defined period, while under U.S. GAAP, the same liability method as used for deferred income taxes is applied; and

 

  The differences in the restatements of prior year financial statements, start-up expenses, restatement of imported machinery and equipment, the capitalization of financing costs, financial instruments and the pension plan mentioned in Note 27 a), d), f), g), h) and j) generate a difference calculating the deferred income tax under U.S. GAAP compared to the one presented under Mexican GAAP (see Note 23 d).

 

    

June 30,

2004


   

December 31,

2003


 

Reconciliation of Deferred Income Taxes

                

Deferred income taxes under Mexican GAAP

   Ps. 3,364     Ps. 3,922  

U.S. GAAP adjustments:

                

Restatement of imported equipment

     (8 )     73  

Capitalization of integral result of financing

     157       162  

Start-up expenses

     (41 )     (39 )

Pension plan

     13       16  

Financial instruments

     100       (84 )

Restatement of prior year financial statements

     —         (18 )
    


 


Total adjustments

     221       110  
    


 


Deferred income taxes under U.S. GAAP

   Ps. 3,585     Ps. 4,032  
    


 


 

The total deferred income taxes under U.S. GAAP include the corresponding current portion as of June 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003 of Ps. 1,788 and Ps. 1,766, respectively.

 

F-41


Table of Contents
    

June 30,

2004


   

December 31,

2003


 

Changes in the balance of deferred income taxes

                

Initial balance

   Ps. 4,032     Ps. 4,782  

Panamco acquisition effect

     —         (949 )

Financial instruments

     175       (129 )

Provision for the period

     (585 )     397  

Change in the statutory income tax rate

     (37 )     (69 )
    


 


Ending balance

   Ps. 3,585     Ps. 4,032  
    


 


Reconciliation of Deferred Employee Profit Sharing

                

Deferred employee profit sharing under Mexican GAAP

     —         —    

U.S. GAAP adjustments:

                

Allowance for doubtful accounts

     (9 )     (9 )

Inventories

     491       510  

Prepaid expenses

     17       21  

Property, plant and equipment

     1,241       1,313  

Capitalization of interest expense

     41       43  

Intangible and other assets

     22       (35 )

Pension plan

     (78 )     (74 )

Seniority premiums

     (13 )     (13 )

Medical services

     (18 )     (15 )

Other reserves

     (84 )     (113 )
    


 


Total adjustments

     1,610       1,628  
    


 


Deferred employee profit sharing under U.S. GAAP

     1,610       1,628  
    


 


Changes in the balance of deferred employee profit sharing

                

Initial balance

     1,628       1,722  

Panamco acquisition effect

     —         38  

Provision for the period

     (18 )     (132 )
    


 


Ending balance

     1,610       1,628  
    


 


 

j) Pension Plan:

 

Under Mexican GAAP, the liabilities for employee benefits are determined using actuarial computations in accordance with Bulletin D-3, “Obligaciones Laborales” (Labor Obligations), which is substantially the same as U.S. GAAP SFAS No. 87, “Employers’ Accounting for Pensions”, except for the initial year of application of both bulletins, which generates a difference in the unamortized prior service costs and in the amortization expense.

 

Under Mexican GAAP and U.S. GAAP, there is no difference in the liabilities for seniority premiums and post-retirement medical benefits.

 

F-42


Table of Contents

The Company has prepared a study of pension costs under U.S. GAAP based on actuarial calculations using the same assumptions applied under Mexican GAAP (see Note 16). The required disclosures under SFAS No. 87 are as follows:

 

     June 30,

 
     2004

    2003

 

Net Pension Cost

                

Service cost

   Ps. 51     Ps. 38  

Interest cost

     94       76  

Expected return on pension plan funds

     (51 )     (50 )

Amortization of unrecognized transition obligations

     24       25  

Amortization of net actuarial losses

     1       15  
    


 


Net pension cost under U.S. GAAP

     119       104  

Net pension cost recorded under Mexican GAAP

     106       74  
    


 


Additional expense that must be recognized under U.S. GAAP

   Ps. 13     Ps. 30  
    


 


    

June 30,

2004


   

December 31,

2003


 

Pension Liability

                

Projected benefit obligation

   Ps.  3,379     Ps.  3,331  

Pension plan funds at fair value

     (1,673 )     (1,698 )
    


 


Unfunded projected benefit obligation

     1,706       1,633  

Unrecognized net transition obligation

     (355 )     (379 )

Unrecognized net actuarial loss

     (270 )     (280 )
    


 


       1,081       974  

Additional labor liability

     496       507  
    


 


Total unfunded accrued pension liability under U.S. GAAP

     1,577       1,481  

Total unfunded accrued pension liability under Mexican GAAP

     1,617       1,559  
    


 


Liability that must be canceled under U.S. GAAP

   Ps.  (40 )   Ps.  (78 )
    


 


 

k) Minority Interest:

 

Under Mexican GAAP, the minority interest in consolidated subsidiaries is presented as a separate component within stockholders’ equity in the consolidated balance sheet.

 

Under U.S. GAAP, this item must be excluded from consolidated stockholders’ equity in the consolidated balance sheet. Additionally, the minority interest in the net earnings of consolidated subsidiaries is excluded from consolidated net income.

 

The U.S. GAAP adjustments shown in Note 28 a) and b) are calculated on a consolidated basis. Therefore, the minority interest effect is presented as a separate line item, in order to obtain net income and stockholders’ equity.

 

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Table of Contents

The minority interest in U.S. GAAP adjustments is as follows:

 

     June 30,

 
     2004

    2003

 

Income Statement

                

Restatement of imported machinery and equipment

   Ps. 1     Ps. 5  

Capitalization of the integral result of financing

     5       3  

Financial instruments

     6       (3 )

Deferred income taxes

     (54 )     15  

Deferred employee profit sharing

     (28 )     46  

Pension plan cost

     2       6  

Deferred promotional expense

     37       10  
    


 


     Ps. (31 )   Ps. 82  
    


 


    

June 30,

2004


   

December 31,

2003


 

Stockholders’ Equity

                

Restatement of imported machinery and equipment

   Ps. 101     Ps. 62  

Capitalization of the integral result of financing

     (153 )     (159 )

Financial instruments

     (191 )     69  

Deferred income taxes

     50       (10 )

Deferred employee profit sharing

     464       492  

Goodwill

     (21 )     (21 )

Accumulated pension plan liability

     (2 )     (3 )

Deferred promotional expense

     97       61  
    


 


     Ps. 345     Ps. 491  
    


 


 

l) Acquisition of Minority Interest:

 

In accordance with Mexican GAAP, the Company applied the entity theory to the acquisition of the minority interest by FEMSA in May 1998 through an exchange offer. Accordingly, no goodwill was created as a result of such acquisition and the difference between the book value of the shares acquired by FEMSA and the FEMSA shares exchanged was recorded as additional paid-in capital. The direct out-of-pocket costs identified with the purchase of minority interest are treated as an additional purchase cost and included in other expenses.

 

In accordance with U.S. GAAP, the acquisition of a minority interest must be accounted under the purchase method, using the market value of shares received by FEMSA in the exchange offer to determine the cost of the acquisition of such minority interest and the related goodwill. Goodwill in accordance with SFAS No. 142 (see Note 27 e), is no longer amortizable. Under U.S. GAAP, the direct out-of-pocket costs identified with the purchase of minority interest are treated as additional goodwill.

 

Additionally, SFAS No. 142 requires the allocation of all goodwill to the related reporting units. The allocation of the goodwill generated by the previously mentioned acquisition of minority interest is as follows:

 

FEMSA Cerveza

   Ps. 8,075

Coca-Cola FEMSA

     4,117

FEMSA Empaques

     1,986

FEMSA Comercio

     940
    

     Ps. 15,118
    

 

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Table of Contents

m) Statement of Cash Flows:

 

Under Mexican GAAP, the Company presents a consolidated statement of changes in financial position in accordance with Bulletin B-12, “Estado de Cambios en la Situación Financiera” (Statement of Changes in Financial Position), which identifies the generation and application of resources by the differences between beginning and ending financial statement balances in constant Mexican pesos. Bulletin B-12 also requires that monetary and foreign exchange gains and losses be treated as cash items for the determination of resources generated by operations.

 

In accordance with U.S. GAAP, the Company follows SFAS No. 95, “Statement of Cash Flows”, which is presented in historic Mexican pesos, with out the effects of inflation (see Note 27 n).

 

n) Retroactive Recognition of Debt Payment:

 

As mentioned in Note 18, in accordance with Mexican GAAP, Coca-Cola FEMSA elected to apply the proceeds of new debt against outstanding debt that was prepaid on July 2, 2004 as if the prepayment had occurred on June 30, 2004. Under U.S. GAAP, debt may not be extinguished until payment is made.

 

F-45


Table of Contents

o) Summarized Financial Information under U.S. GAAP:

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets   

June 30,

2004


   December 31,
2003


ASSETS

             

Current Assets:

             

Cash and cash equivalents

   Ps. 8,897    Ps. 7,859

Accounts receivable

     4,839      4,355

Inventories

     6,986      6,984

Recoverable taxes

     1,388      651

Prepaid expenses

     561      639
    

  

Total current assets

     22,671      20,488

Investments in shares

     926      954

Property, plant and equipment

     43,338      43,583

Other assets

     6,445      6,274

Intangible assets and goodwill

     50,573      50,145
    

  

TOTAL ASSETS

   Ps. 123,953    Ps. 121,444
    

  

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

             

Current Liabilities:

             

Bank loans

   Ps. 2,070    Ps. 2,468

Interest payable

     425      411

Current maturities of long-term debt

     2,620      2,630

Suppliers

     6,500      7,089

Taxes payable

     1,547      1,439

Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities

     5,313      5,496
    

  

Total current liabilities

     18,475      19,533
    

  

Long-Term Liabilities:

             

Bank loans and notes payable

     33,271      33,889

Labor liabilities

     1,913      1,795

Deferred income taxes

     2,908      3,372

Other liabilities

     2,554      2,560
    

  

Total long-term liabilities

     40,646      41,616
    

  

Total liabilities

     59,121      61,149

Minority interest in consolidated subsidiaries

     19,840      17,496

Stockholders’ equity

     44,992      42,799
    

  

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

   Ps. 123,953    Ps. 121,444
    

  

 

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Table of Contents
     June 30,

 
     2004

    2003

 

Consolidated Income Statements

                

Net sales

   Ps. 43,568     Ps. 32,976  

Other operating revenues

     144       133  
    


 


Total revenues

     43,712       33,109  

Cost of sales

     23,213       17,214  
    


 


Gross profit

     20,499       15,895  
    


 


Operating expenses:

                

Administrative

     3,464       3,254  

Sales

     11,250       8,048  
    


 


       14,714       11,302  
    


 


Income from operations

     5,785       4,593  

Participation in affiliated companies

     9       (21 )
    


 


       5,794       4,572  
    


 


Integral result of financing:

                

Interest expense

     (1,652 )     (1,002 )

Interest income

     180       340  

Foreign exchange loss

     (167 )     (970 )

Gain on monetary position

     544       26  
    


 


       (1,095 )     (1,606 )

Other expenses, net

     (71 )     (98 )
    


 


Income before income and tax on assets

     4,628       2,868  

Income tax and tax on assets

     1,556       957  
    


 


Income before extraordinary items

     3,072       1,911  

Extraordinary items

     1,175       —    
    


 


Income before minority interest

     4,247       1,911  

Minority interest

     1,727       562  
    


 


Net income

   Ps. 2,520     Ps. 1,349  

Translation adjustment

     177       175  

Result of holding non-monetary assets

     (502 )     (1,143 )

Financial instruments

     530       —    
    


 


Other comprehensive income

     205       (968 )
    


 


Comprehensive income

   Ps. 2,725     Ps. 381  
    


 


Net income per share (constant pesos):

                

Per Series “B” share

                

Before extraordinary items

   Ps. 0.33     Ps. 0.23  

Extraordinary items

     0.09       —    
    


 


Per Series “D” share

                

Before extraordinary items

     0.42       0.28  

Extraordinary items

     0.11       —    
    


 


 

F-47


Table of Contents
     June 30,

 
     2004

    2003

 

Consolidated Cash Flows (1)

                

Net income

   Ps. 2,520     Ps. 1,349  

Minority interest

     1,727       562  

Inflation effect

     (562 )     (109 )

Depreciation

     1,778       1,337  

Amortization

     1,129       916  

Other non-cash charges

     578       341  

Deferred taxes

     (635 )     (23 )

Working capital investment

     (1,237 )     (1,096 )

Recoverable taxes, net

     (967 )     (1,332 )

Interest payable

     21       (53 )

Labor obligations

     (101 )     (4 )
    


 


Net cash flows from operating activities

     4,251       1,888  
    


 


Investments in:

                

Shares

     100       6  

Property, plant and equipment

     (2,810 )     (2,871 )

Panamco acquisition

     —         (29,158 )

Other assets

     256       63  
    


 


Net cash flows used in investing activities

     (2,454 )     (31,960 )
    


 


Bank loans

     (776 )     17,137  

Capital contribution by The Coca-Cola Company in Coca-Cola FEMSA

     —         6,873  

Dividends declared and paid

     (814 )     (1,043 )

Restricted cash

     —         (464 )

Other financial transactions

     1,044       (1,057 )
    


 


Net cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities

     (546 )     21,446  
    


 


Cash and cash equivalents:

                

Net increase (decrease)

     1,251       (8,626 )

Cash received in acquisition of Panamco

     —         643  

Initial balance

     7,646       15,208  
    


 


Ending balance

   Ps. 8,897     Ps. 7,225  
    


 


Supplemental cash flow information:

                

Interest paid

   Ps. 1,408     Ps. 588  

Income tax and tax on assets paid

     3,034       1,115  
    


 



(1) Expressed in millions of historical Mexican pesos.

 

F-48


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June 30,

2004


    December 31,
2003


 

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity

                

Initial balance

   Ps. 42,799     Ps. 38,857  

Dividends declared and paid

     (532 )     (415 )

Capital contribution by The Coca-Cola Company

     —         1,741  

Financial instruments

     530       (392 )

Cumulative translation adjustment

     177       (53 )

Result of holding non-monetary assets

     (502 )     (263 )

Net income

     2,520       3,324  
    


 


Ending balance

   Ps. 44,992     Ps. 42,799  
    


 


 

Note 28. Reconciliation of Mexican GAAP to U.S. GAAP.

 

a) Reconciliation of Net Income:

 

     June 30,

 
     2004

    2003

 

Net majority income under Mexican GAAP

   Ps. 2,434     Ps. 1,217  

U.S. GAAP adjustments:

                

Restatement of prior year financial statements (Note 27 a)

     —         (45 )

Deferred promotional expenses (Note 27 c)

     (68 )     (9 )

Start-up expenses (Note 27 d)

     (9 )     (3 )

Intangible assets and goodwill (Note 27 e)

     7       3  

Restatement of imported machinery and equipment (Note 27 f)

     (15 )     (47 )

Capitalization of the integral result of financing (Note 27 g)

     (13 )     (14 )

Financial instruments (Note 27 h)

     29       (32 )

Deferred income taxes (Note 27 i)

     181       246  

Deferred employee profit sharing (Note 27 i)

     18       (19 )

Pension plan (Note 27 j)

     (13 )     (30 )

Minority interest (Note 27 k)

     (31 )     82  
    


 


Total adjustments

     86       132  
    


 


Net income under U.S. GAAP

   Ps. 2,520     Ps. 1,349  
    


 


 

Under U.S. GAAP, the monetary position effect of the income statement adjustments is included in each adjustment, except for the capitalization of the integral result of financing, intangible assets and goodwill and pension plan liabilities, which are non-monetary.

 

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b) Reconciliation of Stockholders’ Equity:

 

    

June 30,

2004


    December
31, 2003


 

Majority stockholders’ equity under Mexican GAAP

   Ps. 31,062     Ps. 29,038  

U.S. GAAP adjustments:

                

Restatement of prior year financial statements (Note 27 a)

     —         (223 )

Deferred promotional expense (Note 27 c)

     (181 )     (113 )

Start-up expenses (Note 27 d)

     (125 )     (116 )

Intangible assets and goodwill (Note 27 e)

     79       72  

Restatement of imported machinery and equipment (Note 27 f)

     (26 )     227  

Capitalization of the integral result of financing (Note 27 g)

     477       490  

Financial instruments (Note 27 h)

     303       (256 )

Deferred income taxes (Note 27 i)

     (221 )     (110 )

Deferred employee profit sharing (Note 27 i)

     (1,610 )     (1,628 )

Pension plan (Note 27 j)

     40       78  

Minority interest (Note 27 k)

     345       491  

Acquisition of minority interest (Note 27 l)

     14,849       14,849  
    


 


Total adjustments

     13,930       13,761  
    


 


Stockholders’ equity under U.S. GAAP

   Ps. 44,992     Ps. 42,799  
    


 


 

c) Reconciliation of Comprehensive Income:

 

     June 30,

 
     2004

    2003

 

Majority comprehensive income under Mexican GAAP

   Ps. 2,556     Ps. 1,082  

U.S. GAAP adjustments:

                

Net income (Note 28 a)

     86       132  

Financial Instruments

     530       —    

Translation adjustment

     223       109  

Result of holding non-monetary assets

     (670 )     (942 )
    


 


Comprehensive income under U.S. GAAP

   Ps. 2,725     Ps. 381  
    


 


 

Note 29. Future Impact of Recently Issued Accounting Standards Not Yet in Effect.

 

The Instituto Mexicano de Contadores Públicos (“IMCP”) issued the following bulletins whose application is mandatory effective 2005:

 

a) Bulletin D-3, “Obligaciones laborales” (“Labor obligations”) (Bulletin D-3):

 

Bulletin D-3 establishes: i) accounting standards for post-retirement benefits other than pension, which in accordance with Circular No. 50, were previously regulated by International Accounting Standard No. 19; ii) accounting standards for the treatment of reductions and early extinguishment of post retirement benefits other than pensions; and iii) accounting standards for severance payments resulting from a restructuring and severance payments resulting from situations other than a restructuring. The Company does not anticipate that this new standard will have a significant impact on its financial position or results of operations.

 

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b) Bulletin C-10 “Instrumentos financieros derivados y operaciones de cobertura” (“Derivative financial instruments and hedging transactions”) (Bulletin C-10):

 

Bulletin C-10 establishes detailed accounting guidelines for the valuation, presentation and disclosure of derivative financial instruments. In addition, it establishes the conditions to consider financial instruments as hedging, and classifies hedging as follows: i) fair value; ii) cash flow; and iii) foreign currency, for purposes of defining whether the gain or loss that results from the valuation of hedging instruments at fair value should be recorded in current year income or other comprehensive income.

 

c) Bulletin C-2, “Documento de Adecuaciones al Boletín C-2” (“Amendments to Bulletin C-2”):

 

Amendments to Bulletin C-2 establish that the gain or loss attributable to changes in the fair value of financial instruments classified as available for sale and their monetary effect, should be recognized in other comprehensive income, and upon their sale should be recognized in income. Bulletin C-2 does not allow the transfer of financial instruments originally classified as trading to be available for sale or held until maturity or vice-versa. Amendments to Bulletin C-2 also incorporates detailed rules to recognize impairment in the value of financial instruments.

 

d) Bulletin B-7 “Adquisición de Negocios” (“Business Combination”):

 

Bulletin B-7 establishes: i) the purchase method as the only acceptable method to account for business combinations and that IAS No. 22 “Business Combination” will no longer be supplemental; ii) the prohibition of the amortization of goodwill; iii) specific standards for the acquisition of minority interest and asset transfers or share exchanges between companies under common control; and iv) supplements the accounting for intangible assets recognized in a business combination, in accordance with Bulletin C-8. The Company believes that this new standard will not have a significant impact on its financial position or its results of operation.

 

Note 30. Subsequent Event.

 

On August 31, 2004, the Company consummated a series of transactions with InBev, S.A. (formerly known as Interbrew), Labatt and certain of their affiliates to acquire 30% of FEMSA Cerveza (see Note 2).

 

On July 7, the Company issued certificados bursátiles amounting a total of Ps. 2,500 in the Mexican market, with the following characteristics:

 

Certificados Bursátiles


   Amount

   Interest Rate

    Maturity

Issue 1

   Ps.1,250    CETES+0.89 %   5 years

Issue 2

   1,250    TIIE +0.45  %   4 years
    
  

 

 

The proceeds from this issuance are expected to be used in the acquisition of 30% of FEMSA Cerveza.

 

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LOGO

 

 

 

 

 



Table of Contents

PART II.

 

INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

 

Item 8. Indemnification of Directors and Officers

 

Under Mexican law, when an officer or director of a corporation acts within the scope of his or her authority, the corporation will answer for any resulting liabilities or expenses. In addition, the Board of Directors of the Registrant has expressly resolved that the Registrant will indemnify and hold harmless each director or officer of the Registrant against liabilities incurred in connection with the distribution of the securities registered under this registration statement.

 

Item 9. Exhibits

 

The following exhibits are filed or incorporated by reference as part of this registration statement:

 

Ex. No.

  

Description


1.1    Form of International Underwriting Agreement, to be entered into between the Registrant and Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated and Citigroup Global Markets Inc. *
4.1    Bylaws ( estatutos sociales ) of the Registrant (formerly known as Valores Industriales, S.A.), together with an English translation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.1 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 20-F on April 8, 2004 (File No. 333-08752)).
4.2    Specimen certificate representing a BD Unit, consisting of one Series B Share, two Series D-B Shares and two Series D-L Shares, together with an English translation (incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s registration statement on Form F-4 filed on April 9, 1998 (File No. 333-8618)).
4.3    Deposit Agreement, among the Registrant, The Bank of New York, and all owners and holders from time to time of any American Depositary Receipts, including the form of American Depositary Receipt (incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s registration statement on Form F-6 filed on January 30, 2004 (File No. 333-112342)).
4.4    First Supplemental Indenture, dated October 15, 2003, between Corporación Interamericana de Bebidas, S.A. de C.V., as Issuer, Coca-Cola FEMSA, as Guarantor, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Coca-Cola FEMSA’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed on April 5, 2004 (File No. 1-2260)).
4.5    Second Supplemental Indenture, dated November 19, 2003, between Corporación Interamericana de Bebidas, S.A. de C.V., as Issuer, Coca-Cola FEMSA, as Guarantor, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Coca-Cola FEMSA’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed on April 5, 2004 (File No. 1-2260)).
5.1    Opinion of Lic. Carlos E. Aldrete.**
10.1    The Coca-Cola Company Memorandum, to Steve Heyer from José Antonio Fernández, dated December 22, 2002.**
23.1    Consent of Galaz, Yamazaki, Ruiz Urquiza, S.C. with respect to the financial statements of the Registrant.**
23.2    Consent of Mancera, S.C. with respect to the financial statements of FEMSA Comercio, S.A. de C.V.**
23.3    Consent of Mancera, S.C. with respect to the financial statements of FEMSA Empaques, S.A. de C.V.**
23.4    Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP with respect to the 2002 financial statements of Panamco.**
23.5    Consent of Lic. Carlos E. Aldrete (see Exhibit 5.1).**
24.1    Powers of Attorney of Directors and Officers.***

    * To be filed by amendment.
  ** Filed herewith.
*** Previously filed.

 

II-1


Table of Contents
Item 10. Undertakings

 

The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that:

 

(1) For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form of prospectus filed by the Registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this registration statement as of the time it was declared effective.

 

(2) For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

 

The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the Registrant’s annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan’s annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

 

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

 

II-2


Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form F-3 and has duly caused this amendment no. 1 to the registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in Monterrey, Mexico on September 17, 2004.

 

F OMENTO E CONÓMICO M EXICANO , S.A. D E C.V.

By:   / S /    F EDERICO R EYES        
   

Federico Reyes

Chief Financial Officer

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this amendment no. 1 to the registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities indicated on September 17, 2004.

 

Name


  

Title


*


José Antonio Fernández

  

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)

/ S /    F EDERICO R EYES        


Federico Reyes

  

Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial Officer)

*


Rosa María Hinojosa Martínez

  

Chief Accounting Officer

(Principal Accounting Officer)

*


Eugenio Garza Lagüera

   Director

*


Paulina Garza de Marroquin

   Director

José Calderón Ayala

   Director

Consuelo Garza de Garza

   Director

*


Max Michel Suberville

  

Director

*


Alberto Bailleres

  

Director

*


Eduardo A. Elizondo

  

Director

 

II-3


Table of Contents

Name


  

Title


*


Ricardo Guajardo Touché

  

Director

*


Alfredo Livas

  

Director and Secretary

*


Roberto Servitje

  

Director


Carlos Salguero

  

Director

*


José Manuel Canal Hernando

  

Director

*


Bárbara Garza Gonda

  

Director

*


Alexis E. Rovzar

  

Director

*


Luis Téllez

  

Director


Helmut Paul

  

Director

*


Lorenzo H. Zambrano

  

Director

*


Robert E. Denham

  

Director

*By:  

/s/    F EDERICO R EYES        


   

                                         Attorney-in-fact

                                         Federico Reyes

                                         Chief Financial Officer

 

II-4


Table of Contents

SIGNATURE OF AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF FOMENTO ECONÓMICO

MEXICANO, S.A. DE C.V.

 

Pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, the undersigned, the duly authorized representative in the United States of Fomento Económico Mexicano, S.A. de C.V., has signed this amendment no. 1 to the registration statement in the City of Newark, Delaware, on September 17, 2004.

 

By:   / S /    D ONALD P UGLISI        
   

Donald Puglisi

Puglisi & Associates

 

II-5


Table of Contents

Exhibit Index

 

The following exhibits are filed or incorporated by reference as part of this registration statement:

 

Ex. No.

  

Description


1.1    Form of International Underwriting Agreement, to be entered into between the Registrant and Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated and Citigroup Global Markets Inc.*
4.1    Bylaws (estatutos sociales) of the Registrant (formerly known as Valores Industriales, S.A.), together with an English translation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.1 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 20-F on April 8, 2004 (File No. 333-08752)).
4.2    Specimen certificate representing a BD Unit, consisting of one Series B Share, two Series D-B Shares and two Series D-L Shares, together with an English translation (incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s registration statement on Form F-4 filed on April 9, 1998 (File No. 333-8618)).
4.3    Deposit Agreement, among the Registrant, The Bank of New York, and all owners and holders from time to time of any American Depositary Receipts, including the form of American Depositary Receipt (incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s registration statement on Form F-6 filed on January 30, 2004 (File No. 333-112342)).
4.4    First Supplemental Indenture, dated October 15, 2003, between Corporación Interamericana de Bebidas, S.A. de C.V., as Issuer, Coca-Cola FEMSA, as Guarantor, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Coca-Cola FEMSA’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed on April 5, 2004 (File No. 1-2260)).
4.5    Second Supplemental Indenture, dated November 19, 2003, between Corporación Interamericana de Bebidas, S.A. de C.V., as Issuer, Coca-Cola FEMSA, as Guarantor, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Coca-Cola FEMSA’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed on April 5, 2004 (File No. 1-2260)).
5.1    Opinion of Lic. Carlos E. Aldrete.**
10.1    The Coca-Cola Company Memorandum, to Steve Heyer from José Antonio Fernández, dated December 22, 2002.**
23.1    Consent of Galaz, Yamazaki, Ruiz Urquiza, S.C. with respect to the financial statements of the Registrant.**
23.2    Consent of Mancera, S.C. with respect to the financial statements of FEMSA Comercio, S.A. de C.V.**
23.3    Consent of Mancera, S.C. with respect to the financial statements of FEMSA Empaques, S.A. de C.V.**
23.4    Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP with respect to the 2002 financial statements of Panamco.**
23.5    Consent of Lic. Carlos E. Aldrete (see Exhibit 5.1).**
24.1    Powers of Attorney of Directors and Officers.***

    * To be filed by amendment.
  ** Filed herewith.
*** Previously filed.

Exhibit 5.1

 

 

FOMENTO ECÓNOMICO MEXICANO, S.A. DE C.V.

 

To the Board of Directors of

Fomento Ecónomico Mexicano, S.A. de C.V.

 

September 17, 2004

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

I have acted as counsel for Fomento Ecónomico Mexicano, S.A. de C.V. (the “Company”) in connection with the Company’s offering (the “Offering”) pursuant to a registration statement on Form F-3 (No. 333-117795) of American Depositary Shares (the “ADSs”), each representing 10 BD Units of the Company (the “BD Units”). I have reviewed the corporate actions of the Company in connection with the Offering and have examined those documents, corporate records and other instruments I deemed necessary for the purposes of this opinion.

 

Based on the foregoing, it is my opinion that:

 

  1. The Company is a sociedad anónima de capital variable duly organized and validly existing under the laws of the United States of Mexico; and

 

  2. The BD Units are duly authorized and, when issued and sold in accordance with the terms of the Offering, will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

 

I hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as exhibit 5.1 to the registration statement and to the reference of my name under the captions “Validity of Securities” and “Enforcement of Civil Liabilities” in the prospectus included in the registration statement.

 

 

Very truly yours
By:   / S /    C ARLOS E. A LDRETE        
    Carlos E. Aldrete

Exhibit 10.1

 

MEMORANDUM

 

TO:    STEVE HEYER
FROM:    JOSE ANTONIO FERNANDEZ
DATE:    December 22, 2002

 

Dear Steve,

 

The purpose of this memorandum is to outline our understanding regarding pending issues surrounding the potential combination of KOF and PB (the Merger). Our understanding regarding such is as follows:

 

1. Governance: In structuring the transaction, we have assumed the current shareholder arrangements will remain in place. Specifically, we understand that:

 

  Each of the shareholders would continue to have their current governance rights and understandings with respect to management roles

 

  FEMSA will continue to financially consolidate KOF results

 

The changes discussed between our companies regarding the KOF share capital reconfiguration plan will continue to be discussed in good faith by the parties in the future.

 

2. Concentrate Price: There will be no change in concentrate incidence pricing or marketing support during the first year of the new entity operations. Subsequent to such period, any decision by TCCC in this regard will be discussed with KOF taking in consideration the combined company operating conditions; provided, that TCCC retains full discretion to implement any such change after the first year.

 

3. Brazil: KOF is aware that TCCC may require the establishment of a different long term strategy for Brazil which may require only local Brazilian bottling partners. It is understood that TCCC will allow KOF interim ownership of the Brazilian franchise with the objective of improving current operations. If successful in this endeavor, we understand KOF may be considered as part of TCCC’s long term strategic solution for the country. To the extent that TCCC after taking the foregoing into account does not consider KOF part of such long term strategic solution for Brazil, KOF will sell their Brazilian franchise to TCCC or to whom TCCC designates at Fair Market Value (FMV). Fair Market Value will be determined by independent investment bankers retained by each party at their own expense. If the valuations are within 10% of each other, FMV will be defined as the average of the two. If the valuations differ by more than 10%, a third independent investment banker will be engaged at the expense of both parties to resolve the difference and its determination of FMV will be final. Both companies will use their best efforts to complete the valuation process within 120 days.

 

4. Asset Swaps: Shortly after closing the transaction, KOF, FEMSA and TCCC will meet to discuss the optimal Latin America territorial configuration for the bottling system. During such meeting, KOF will consider all possible combinations and any resulting asset swaps which may arise from such discussion and will entertain any potential combination as long as it is strategically sound and done at fair market values.

 

5. CSD’s & Beer: KOF would like to maintain strategic alternatives open as it relates to the integration of CSD’s and Beer. We would explore this on a market by market basis at the appropriate time.

 

6. FEMSA Economic Ownership: TCCC agrees to sell to Compania Internacional de Bebidas (“Bebidas”), a subsidiary of FEMSA, upon Bebidas’ request, sufficient shares in order for Bebidas to regain its previous 51% economic stake in KOF (assuming no sales of KOF stock by Bebidas and no other issuances of KOF capital stock other than as contemplated by the Merger). Bebidas will pay prevailing


market prices at the time of the sale for such shares. In the event that market prices are below the subscription price paid by TCCC in the Merger plus TCCC’s carrying costs, Bebidas will buy the required number of shares for the same price per share previously paid by TCCC, plus TCCC’s carrying costs. This agreement would be in place for three years after the closing of the transaction.

 

7. Infrastructure Requirements: It is understood by both FEMSA and TCCC that KOF may be entering some markets where significant infrastructure investment may be required. Both TCCC and FEMSA agree that for such markets, a joint study will be conducted which will outline the strategy for such markets as well as the investment levels required to execute such strategies. The companies will subsequently reach agreement on the level of funding to be provided by each partner, ensuring that the funding split is not overly burdensome for either partner.

 

8. Stand by Credit Facility: Subject to the execution and delivery of mutually satisfactory definitive agreements, TCCC intends to grant KOF at the Effective Time of the Merger a stand-by line of credit in the amount of US $250 million in order to support continuous investments that KOF may require during any economically difficult period in the first three years of operation of the combined company.

 

9. Pricing Mechanism: The KOF shares to be received by TCCC will be determined by a fixed exchange ratio arrived at by dividing $22 by the average price of KOF common stock for the 20 trading days prior to the public disclosure of the transaction.

Exhibit 23.1

 

 

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement No. 333-117795 of Fomento Económico Mexicano, S.A. de C.V., on Form F-3 of our report dated February 9, 2004, appearing in the Annual Report on Form 20-F of Fomento Económico Mexicano, S. A. de C. V. for the year ended December 31, 2003, and to the reference to us under the heading “Experts” in the Prospectus, which is part of such Registration Statement.

 

 

Galaz, Yamazaki, Ruiz Urquiza, S.C.

A Member Firm of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/    C.P.C. G ABRIEL G ONZÁLEZ M ARTÍNEZ

C.P.C. Gabriel González Martínez

Monterrey, N.L., Mexico

September 16, 2004

Exhibit 23.2

 

 

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption “Experts” in Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement (Form F-3) and related Prospectus of Fomento Económico Mexicano, S.A. de C.V. for the registration of U.S. $345,000,000.00 aggregate amount, BD Units in the form of American Depositary Shares and to the incorporation by reference therein of our report dated January 28, 2004, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of FEMSA Comercio, S.A. de C.V. and subsidiaries, included in the Annual Report (Form 20-F) of Fomento Económico Mexicano, S.A. de C.V. for the year ended December 31, 2003, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

 

   

Mancera, S. C.

A Member Practice of

Ernst & Young Global

   
/ S /    C.P.C. R OBERTO R ODRÍGUEZ C ASTAÑEDA
C.P.C. Roberto Rodríguez Castañeda

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

San Pedro Garza García, N.L., México

September 15, 2004

Exhibit 23.3

 

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption “Experts” in Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement Form F-3 and related Prospectus of Fomento Económico Mexicano, S.A. de C.V. for the registration of U.S. $345,000,000.00 aggregate amount, BD Units in the form of American Depositary Shares and to the incorporation by reference therein of our report dated January 28, 2004, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of FEMSA Empaques, S.A. de C.V. and subsidiaries, included in the Annual Report (Form 20-F) of Fomento Económico Mexicano, S.A. de C.V. for the year ended December 31, 2003, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

 

   

Mancera, S.C.

A member practice of

Ernst & Young Global

   
/ S /    C.P.C. V ICTOR L. S OULÉ G ARCÍA

C.P.C. Victor L. Soulé García

                    Partner

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

San Pedro Garza García N.L., México

September 15, 2004

Exhibit 23.4

 

 

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement No. 333-117795 of Fomento Económico Mexicano, S.A. de C.V. of our report dated February 14, 2003, relating to the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule of Panamerican Beverages, Inc. (a Panamanian corporation) and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of and for the year ended December 31, 2002 (which report expresses an unqualified opinion and includes explanatory paragraphs relating to the application of procedures relating to certain disclosures and reclassification of financial statement amounts related to the 2001 and 2000 financial statements that were audited by other auditors who have ceased operations and for which we have expressed no opinion or other form of assurance other than with respect to such disclosures and reclassification and relating to a 2002 change in the Company’s method of accounting for goodwill), appearing in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2002 and to the reference to us under the heading “Experts” in the Prospectus, which is part of such Registration Statement.

 

 

 

 

 

/ S /    D ELOITTE & T OUCHE LLP         

Miami, Florida

September 16, 2004