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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 

 
FORM 6-K
 
REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER PURSUANT TO RULE 13A-16
OR 15D-16 OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the month of February, 2007

(Commission File No. 1-14862 )

 

 
BRASKEM S.A.
(Exact Name as Specified in its Charter)
 
N/A
(Translation of registrant's name into English)
 


Rua Eteno, 1561, Polo Petroquimico de Camacari
Camacari, Bahia - CEP 42810-000 Brazil
(Address of principal executive offices)



Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover Form 20-F or Form 40-F.

Form 20-F ___X___       Form 40-F ______

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K
in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1). _____

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K
in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7). _____

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

Yes ______       No ___X___

If "Yes" is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b): 82- _____.



Braskem’s 4Q06 EBITDA reaches R$ 530 million, with a 18% margin, the
best performance in 2006

Net Income for the quarter reaches R$ 78 million

São Paulo, Brazil, February 8, 2007 --- BRASKEM S.A. (BOVESPA: BRKM5; NYSE: BAK; LATIBEX: XBRK), leader in the thermoplastic resins segment in Latin America and second largest Brazilian private sector industrial company, announced today its results for the fourth quarter of 2006 (4Q06).
The 4Q06 results set forth in this release are derived from Braskem’s consolidated results of operations, and have been compared with Braskem’s results for the fourth quarter of 2005 (4Q05) or the third quarter of 2006 (3Q06), as indicated. The balance sheet, cash flow statement and income statement were subject to a review by Braskem’s independent auditors and do not consider the proportional consolidation prescribed by CVM Instruction 247 (i.e., only those investments under Braskem’s direct control are consolidated, and Braskem’s stakes in Copesul – Companhia Petroquímica do Sul and Petroflex Indústria e Comércio S/A are recorded on the equity accounting method). These financial statements fully consolidate Politeno Indústria e Comércio S.A. since 2Q06. For this reason, this release reflects Braskem’s information for 4Q06 with 100% of Politeno and pro forma information (fully consolidating Politeno’s results) for the comparison periods: 4Q05, 2005 and 2006. The pro forma financial information is based on financial statements that have been subject to a limited review by independent external auditors. Information included in item “1. Message from Management” was adjusted to reflect pro forma numbers aiming at maintaining the consistency of the information provided in this document.
On December 31, 2006, the real/ U.S. dollar exchange rate was R$ 2.138/US$ 1.00.

1. Highlights 

1.1 Brazilian resin market grew by 9%: The Brazilian thermoplastic resin market (polyethylene –PE, polypropylene – PP, and PVC) registered an expressive growth of 9% in 2006 compared to 2005, confirming the strong elasticity of the thermoplastic resins in relation to the GDP. In the 4Q06, in line with the seasonality of the period, there was a 10% decrease when compared to the previous quarter.

1.2 Evolution of operating profitability: Braskem presented a consistent evolution of operating margins in 2006 and ended up the year with an EBITDA margin of 17.8% in 4Q06, compared to 14.1% and 17.3% in 3Q06 and 4Q05, respectively. Such higher profitability in the 4Q06 is a result of the 4% increase in average resin prices and the decrease in naphtha costs, impacted by a 13% drop in the average ARA naphtha price (Antwerp, Rotterdam and Amsterdam).

1.3 Economic and Financial Highlights:
• Braskem’s net revenues reached R$ 3.0 billion in 4Q06, consolidating annual net revenues of R$ R$ 11.8 billion. When expressed in U.S. dollars, net revenues reached US$ 1.4 billion in the 4Q06, totaling US$ 5.4 billion in 2006. This performance primarily resulted from Braskem’s capacity of aligning its domestic prices with international prices combined to total sales volume practically in line with the previous year.
• Braskem’s EBITDA in 4Q06 totaled R$ 530 million, growing by 15% compared to R$ 461 million in 3Q06, and 5% in relation to the pro forma EBITDA for 4Q05. The main driver of this evolution in operating profitability was the successful alignment of prices in the domestic market and the reduction in naphtha costs during the last quarter of the year. EBITDA for 2006 was R$ 1.7 billion, with a 14% margin;
• Braskem’s net income in 4Q06 reached R$ 78 million, compared to a net loss of R$ 65 million in 3Q06, reflecting its improved operating and financial result. In the year, net income was R$ 84 million;

For further information, access our IR website at www.braskem.com.br/ir or contact our IR team: 
 
Luciana Ferreira
Luiz Henrique Valverde  Silvio Nonaka 
IR Manager  IRO  IR Manager 
Phone: (+5511) 3443 9178  Phone: (+55 11) 3443 9744  Phone: (+55 11) 3443 9471 
luciana.ferreira@braskem.com.br  luiz.valverde@braskem.com.br  silvio.nonaka@braskem.com.br 



• At December 31, 2006, net debt amounted to R$ 4.5 billion, down R$ 278 million from September 30, 2006 debt balance. The financial leverage ratio (net debt over EBITDA) improved from 2.96 times in September 2006 to 2.72 times at the end of December 2006, mainly due to a stronger operating cash generation in 4Q06. At December 31, 2006, the Company maintained a 16-year average debt maturity, in line with the Company’s cash generation.

1.4 Dividends of R$ 36.9 million: The Board of Directors of Braskem, in line with the Company dividend distribution policy, approved the payment of dividends of R$ 36.9 million only for classes “A” and “B” preference shareholders, and holders of American Depositary Receipts (ADR’s). These amounts are subject to the approval of the Annual Shareholders’ Meeting to be held on March 28, 2007.

1.5 Braskem + completed 1 year ahead of schedule, with higher amounts: Up to December 2006, Braskem captured gains of R$ 437 million, on annualized and recurring basis, or 4% more than originally anticipated to be achieved by the end of 2007. Planned results were thus obtained one year ahead of schedule. The quality of the management allowed for speeding up the project and identifying additional gain opportunities that will enable the Company to continue improving its performance.

1.6 Petroquímica Paulínia – launch of cornerstone: On February 2, 2007, the cornerstone of Petroquímica Paulínia S.A.’s industrial unit at the city of Paulínia, SP, was launched. The president of Brazil, Mr. Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, was present at the event.

2. Message from Management 

2006 was a very difficult year for the Brazilian petrochemical industry. The high level of oil and naphtha prices associated to the strong volatility of these two commodities in the international market, in addition to the momentary excess polyethylene capacity in the Brazilian market, have impacted the business and Braskem’s profitability during 2006.

In this context, the Company was able to implement its main projects and consistently evolved in its corporate fundamentals during 2006, where the strengthening of its growth platform focused on value creation stood out.

The Company maintained its leadership position in the Latin American market for the thermoplastic resins it produces – polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP) and PVC, by making significant investments in capacity expansions and strategic acquisitions. At the same time, Braskem accelerated the implementation of programs aimed at improving its efficiency, operating reliability and competitiveness. Such moves are in line with Braskem’s vision of becoming one of the 10 largest petrochemical companies in the world in terms of market capitalization, following its strategy that combines organic growth in the regional market, new alternatives in order to ensure access to raw materials under competitive conditions, as well as the search for opportunities related to the internationalization of the Company.

In 2006, the Brazilian thermoplastic resin market grew by 9%, confirming its historic elasticity to the GDP of around 3 times, on average, over the past ten years. The striking difference in performance during the year, where the second half was better than the first one, in particular when profitability is concerned, suggests that the effects of the entry of a new domestic player in the polyethylene market has already been absorbed by the market.

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Braskem believes that the continuance of the consolidation process in the Brazilian petrochemical industry is key to improve the competitiveness of the sector. Accordingly, in 2006 the Company acquired the control of Politeno, a transaction already approved by the Brazilian antitrust authority (Conselho Administrativo de Defesa Econômica – CADE) by unanimous vote and with no restrictions, once more recognizing that the international market is the relevant one for the Brazilian petrochemical industry. The acquisition of Politeno improved the Company’s portfolio of products and customers, in addition to reinforcing its leadership in the polyethylene segment, by adding 360 thousand tons to the annual production capacity of this resin at a plant located at Camaçari, State of Bahia. Braskem confirms the volume of synergies announced at the time of the acquisition, with net present value of US$ 110 million to be realized as of 2007, and informs that the integration of operations has been completed, while further synergy opportunities are being identified.

The construction of Petroquímica Paulínia, which plays an important part in the Company growth strategy, started in 2006. This joint venture with Petroquisa, where Braskem holds a 60% interest, will operate a new polypropylene plant with an annual capacity of up to 350 thousand tons in Paulínia, State of São Paulo. In addition to world scale, access to competitive raw materials and cutting-edge technology supplied by Braskem, the unit will benefit from its location in the heart of the main Brazilian consumer market. The installation license has already been granted by the environmental authorities and the project is within schedule. Production start-up is scheduled for the first quarter of 2008.

On the international front, access to raw materials in competitive conditions is the distinctive feature of two Braskem projects under consideration in Venezuela, both with global scale and updated technology: a polypropylene unit with annual capacity of 400 thousand tons, scheduled to start operations by the end of 2009; and an integrated petrochemical complex on natural gas in the Jose region, comprising a basic petrochemical center, with capacity of 1.2 million tons of ethylene, and units producing polyethylene and other products. The new units, in addition to supplying the Venezuelan and Andean Pact countries, will also serve as an export platform to Northern hemisphere markets.

Preliminary technical and economic feasibility studies point to attractive perspectives for both projects, which are now in the detailing and corporate modeling stage. The projects anticipate equal percentage holdings in these ventures for Braskem and Pequiven. Aiming at expediting the progress of these projects, an experienced Braskem team is based in Venezuela.

To support its growth, the Company has invested in a new integrated management system - Fórmula Braskem - since 2006, in accordance with the guidelines set forth in the program. This program encompassed a review of all business processes, leading to streamlined processes, reduced costs and improved competitiveness. Total estimated investments in the project, the second part of which will be implemented in 2007, amount to R$ 130 million, and the net present value of productivity gains adds up to R$ 260 million.

From the Braskem + program, focused on operating excellence and productivity improvement, the Company was able to capture in annualized and recurring gains a total of R$ 437 million as of December 2006, which represents the early accomplishment of the target for the end of 2007, also surpassed by 4%. The quality of the management allowed for speeding up the project and identifying additional gain opportunities which should enable the Company to further improve its performance.

In line with its commitment to create more value to all its shareholders, Braskem has strengthened its focus on technology and innovation by opening in Camaçari, State of Bahia, a new development center dedicated to ultra high molecular weight polyethylene – UTEC®, a high value-added resin of which the Company is one of the largest world producers. The unit works in coordination with the Technology

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and Innovation Center at Triunfo, State of Rio Grande do Sul, the most modern and best equipped petrochemical center in Latin America, focused on supporting customers in the development of products, processes and applications.

In addition to helping enhance the competitiveness of the petrochemical and plastic industries supply chains, the priority given to innovation and technology supports one of the Company strategic pillars, namely its technological autonomy. As a result, Braskem pioneered the launch in the Brazilian market of a polypropylene with nanoparticles, the first resin produced in the country based on nanotechnology, viewed as the most promising frontier of the materials science in general and polymers in particular. The Company was also one of the first regarding research of the so-called green polymers, made out of renewable raw materials, the manufacturing process of which is already protected by patents filed by Braskem. The Company has a set of 151 patents in Brazil and abroad, 14 of which were obtained in 2006.

Braskem was considered an emerging power in the international scenario by the U.S. Boston Consulting Group, which prepared a ranking of 100 companies in developing countries – the “global challengers” – in a position to compete with the large transnational corporations. According to the study which also mentioned 11 other Brazilian companies, a major competitive edge of Braskem is the Company’s competence in innovation and technology.

Such outstanding position is grounded on Braskem’s history track of growth in the recent past. In 2006, the Company gross sales in U.S. dollars, the reference currency of the petrochemical industry, grew by 10% compared to the prior year, from US$ 6.4 billion to US$ 6.9 billion. Gross sales expressed in Brazilian reais amounted to R$ 15.1 billion, 3% lower than in 2005, reflecting the adverse impact of foreign exchange. Net revenues increased by 10% in U.S. dollars, totaling US$ 5.4 billion, or R$ 11.8 billion.

Braskem exports grew by 34% in 2006 and reached record revenue of US$ 1.4 billion, as a result of important initiatives undertaken by the Company starting 2005 to increase its presence in the global market, in accordance with its internationalization strategy. These efforts led to the establishment of branches in Argentina and Europe, as well as the strengthening of Braskem América, enabling the Company to provide its international customers with better services through its own staff and local distribution centers with expected profitability increase and opening of new markets.

The Company’s EBITDA totaled US$ 764 million in 2006, compared to US$ 900 million in the previous year, chiefly as a result of increased oil prices, which significantly impacted the Companies’ naphtha costs besides a stronger competition in the polyethylene domestic market. EBITDA in reais amounted to R$ 1.7 billion, down 25% from 2005, additionally impacted by the exchange rate appreciation. Net income for the year added up to R$ 84 million against R$ 711 million in the prior year.

Investments in operations in 2006 totaled R$ 719 million, in line with the prior year. These resources were appropriated to programs focused on corporate competitiveness, industrial automation, capacity increase, such as the isoprene plant, technology, as well as health, safety and environment.

Capital discipline, reduction in financial costs, and lengthening of the debt profile are ongoing commitments of Braskem’s finance management. In line with these goals, the Company successfully launched in 2006 a series of issues in the capital markets, noteworthy among which are perpetual bonds at 9% per annum, in the amount of US$ 200 million.

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At year end, the Company’s net debt totaled R$ 4.5 billion, with average terms over 16 years and maturity profile consistent with the forecast cash generation for each year. The net debt/EBITDA ratio stood at 2.7 times, compared with 1.7 in December 2005, as a result of investments made by the Company, payment of dividends and interest on equity in the amount of R$ 326 million, the share buyback program of R$ 182 million, and the acquisition of Politeno’s control for the initial amount of R$ 238 million.

For the second consecutive year, Braskem was selected to make part of the São Paulo Stock Exchange (Bovespa) Corporate Sustainability Index (ISE), a differentiated portfolio of shares in corporations which stand out in the promotion of sustainable development, social responsibility and corporate governance – all principles and values endorsed by the Company since it was founded in 2002, under a Public Commitment.

With respect to corporate governance, it should be pointed out that Braskem was certified under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act one year before it went into effect. In addition 2 new independent members were elected in the Board of Directors.

Braskem’s management would like to once more thank its shareholders, customers and suppliers for the trust bestowed in the Company in 2006, which encourages it to move forward in the search of excellence.

3. Operational performance 

Braskem’s operating strategy is based on the optimization its assets utilization by maintaining high capacity utilization rates at the industrial units, giving priority to the sale of higher value-added products in more profitable markets and segments.

In this context, Braskem, aiming at taking maximum advantage of the potential higher profitability scenario, decided to anticipate the scheduled maintenance stoppage of Olefins I Unit, located in the Basic Petrochemicals Units in the Camaçari Complex, in the state of Bahia. This stoppage, previously scheduled for 2007, was divided into two. During the first stoppage, in December 2006, the unit went through maintenance priority services and in the second one is scheduled to occur in 2008. In addition, a scheduled stoppage in a PE unit located in the same complex was anticipated.

In 4Q06, Braskem’s thermoplastic resins production (PE, PP and PVC) decreased by 4% when compared to 3Q06, as detailed below.

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Production Volume    4Q06    3Q06    4Q05    Chg.%    Chg.%       2006       2005    Chg.% 
(tons)   (A)   (B)   (C)   (A)/(B)   (A)/(C)   (D)   (E)   (D)/(E)
 
Polyolefins Unit                                 
 . PE´s - Polyethylene*    266,089    288,931    272,945    (8)   (3)   1,114,713    1,126,554    (1)
 . PP - Polypropylene    139,888    146,303    133,057    (4)   5    542,781    528,980    3 
 . Total (PE´s + PP)   405,977    435,234    406,002    (7)   (0)   1,657,494    1,655,534    0 
 
Vinyls Unit                                 
 . PVC - Polyvinyl Chloride    121,515    112,789    107,506    8     13    444,056    447,376    (1)
 . Caustic Soda    123,541    118,222    109,787    4     13    449,847    459,676    (2)
 
Basic Petrochemical Unit                                 
 . Ethylene    272,628    272,602    289,238    0    (6)   1,103,969    1,165,319    (5)
 . Propylene    124,452    127,539    143,006    (2)   (13)   520,413    562,048    (7)
 . BTX**    161,871    162,089    171,330    (0)   (6)   639,898    673,854    (5)
 
 
*Includes 100% of Politeno
**BTX - Benzene, Toluene, Ortho-xylene and Para-xylene

The Polyolefins Unit recorded decreases of 7% in the production volume in relation to 3Q06 mainly as a consequence of the stoppage described above. Although 2006 production was in line with 2005, it is worthy pointing out the 3% increase in annual PP production.

In the Vynils Unit, the production of PVC grew by 8% in 4Q06 compared to the previous quarter due to ethylene supply stability combined to the availability of intermediary products inventories, despite the Olefins I Unit stoppage. Compared to 4Q05 PVC production volume increased by 13%, due to the debottlenecking of 50 thousand tons carried out in 2005 and fully accountable for in 2006.
In 2006, the production of PVC remained stable from 2005, despite the restricted supply of ethylene brought about by the unscheduled stoppage at the Basic Petrochemicals Unit in 2Q06.

In 4Q06, in the Basic Petrochemicals Unit, despite the maintenance stoppage at Olefins I unit in December 2006, maintained the production level registered in 3Q06 as a result of operating difficulties in one of its ethylene plants occurred in the period.

In 2006, the total reduction in production was around 5% for ethylene and propylene, primarily due to:
• scheduled and/or early maintenance stoppages at the ethylene, PE and PVC units;
• operating problems of important ethylene and propylene customers during the first half of 2006; and
• PE supply/demand balance in the domestic market.

In this production scenario, during 4Q06 the utilization rate of ethylene and PE reached 85% and the one for PVC reached 94%. The utilization rate of PP remained at high levels, reaching 99% in 4Q06.

 

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During the year, utilization rates reflect a number of events occurred as explained above. For 2007, it is expected that both utilization rates and production volumes will be higher, given the strategy implemented of anticipating the maintenance stoppages in the Olefins I unit and improved available production capacities.


4. Commercial Performance 

The domestic market is characterized by a seasonal reduced demand for thermoplastic resins in the fourth quarter of the year. In 4Q06, demand declined by 10% quarter-on-quarter, lower than the 16% drop posted in 4Q05 in relation to 3Q05.

The total volume of Braskem sales of thermoplastic resins in the domestic market during 4Q06 amounted to 330 thousand tons, representing a 21% decrease from 3Q06. Such performance is mainly attributable to the increase in PP and PE imports, which represented market share loss to Brazilian players during the period. The volume of resins exported by Braskem grew 14% from the 3Q06 and reached 151 thousand tons, where the 45% growth in PP exports stood out.

In 2006, the Brazilian thermoplastic resin market grew 9% in relation to 2005. In this scenario, Braskem consolidated its leadership position in the regional market for all resins. The volume sold in the domestic market, was 1.5 million tons, in line with the prior year, and affected by the entry of a new PE player and also by higher PP and PVC imports. On the other hand, exports of these products by Braskem totaled 519 thousand tons, a 4% increase compared to 2005.

The following table shows the total volumes sold, i.e. the aggregate totals of the domestic and export markets.

Sales Volume   
4Q06 
3Q06 
4Q05 
Chg.%
Chg.%
2006 
2005 
Chg.% 
(tons)  
(A)
(B)
(C)
(A)/(B)
(A)/(C)
(D)
(E)
(D)/(E)
 
Polyolefins Unit                                 
 . PE´s - Polyethylene*    255,303    284,542    257,131    (10)   (1)   1,081,556    1,121,107    (4)
 . PP - Polypropylene    125,046    147,935    121,164    (15)   3    529,944    517,502    2 
 . Total (PE´s + PP)   380,349    432,477    378,294    (12)   1    1,611,500    1,638,609    (2)
 
Vinyls Unit                                 
 . PVC - Polyvinyl Chloride    100,734    116,606    104,563    (14)   (4)   432,754    441,940    (2)
 . Caustic Soda    116,345    107,190    121,070    9    (4)   430,074    464,620    (7)
 
Basic Petrochemical Unit                                 
 . Ethylene    56,629    52,477    58,301    8    (3)   225,974    243,027    (7)
 . Propylene    97,131    116,610    120,743    (17)   (20)   435,961    479,430    (9)
 . BTX**    141,641    137,794    150,691    3    (6)   529,544    594,442    (11)
 
 
*Includes 100% of Politeno                                 
**BTX - Benzene, Toluene, Ortho-xylene and Para-xylene                         

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In the Polyolefins Unit, total PE sales in 4Q06 declined by 10% compared to the prior quarter, mainly on account of the lower volume sold in the domestic market. This performance is driven by the usual seasonal factors for the period, combined with the commercial strategy pursued by Braskem to favor profitable sales of resins.

Regarding PP, total sales volume in 4Q06 decreased by 15% from 3Q06, because of lower sales volume in the domestic market. Such performance was impacted by stronger imports in the period, mainly resins imported from the USA, due to increased inventories throughout the chain at the end of September in that country. Higher export volume registered in 4Q06 partially offset this reduction in domestic sales.

In 2006, total sales of PE decreased by 4% in comparison with 2005, in particular because of the domestic market, where the entry of a new player as from the second quarter of the year brought about a momentary inbalance between supply and demand of this resin in the region. On the other hand, PP domestic sales grew by 8% when compared to 2005, as a result of market growth, which was partially offset by higher import volumes. With more sales channeled to the local market, PP exports by Braskem declined by 21%.

In the Vinyls Unit, total PVC sales during 4Q06 declined by 14% quarter-over-quarter. This performance was driven by the lower volume of sales in the domestic market, in line with seasonal factors.

PVC domestic sales increased by 6% in 2006 compared with 2005, mainly because of the growth in the civil construction sector (tubes, connections and profiles). Given the maintenance of volumes produced and higher channeling of sales to the domestic market, PVC exports declined in 2006. Total PVC volumes sold in 2006 decreased by 2% from 2005.

Ethylene volumes sold by the Basic Petrochemicals Unit in 4Q06 were 8% higher than in 3Q06, on account of lower transfers of ethylene between Braskem units in the period, as a result of the early stoppage at the ethylene plant and one PE unit at Camaçari, carried out in December 2006. The volume of sales of aromatics (benzene, toluene and xylene) increased by 3% from 3Q06, mostly due to export sales.

For the full year of 2006, ethylene volumes sold decreased by 7% compared to 2005. The volume of propylene sold also declined by 9%. In both cases, the reason was a reduction in the production volume, as discussed above in the section Operational Performance.

5. Competitive Management 

5.1 Early Completion by 1 Year of Braskem + Program

Results obtained by Braskem one year before scheduled will allow the Company, as from 2007, to take full advantage of annual, recurring gains of R$ 437 million arising from several program initiatives. The purpose of the Braskem + program, implemented in 2004, is to position the Company among the most competitive players in


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the international petrochemical industry. Braskem + increases the Company’s ability to create value in all stages of the petrochemical cycle.

Benefits from the Braskem + for the individual industrial units include, among others:
• Increase in the production efficiency of ethylene/propylene, with annual savings of R$ 46 million;
• Increase in the energy efficiency of steam generation, with savings of R$ 29 million/year;
• Increase in the yield of PVC units due to the optimization of reaction cycles, with annual gains of R$ 31 million;
• Reduction in the consumption of steam at the aromatics and utilities plant, with annual gains of R$ 74 million;
• Implementation of software to improve production planning and scheduling, with annual gains of R$ 48 million;
• Increase in the efficiency of chlorine liquefaction, with annual gains of R$ 10 million.

5.2 Implementation of the Fórmula Braskem Project

From October 2005 to September 2006, Braskem worked in the implementation of a new integrated management system, named Fórmula Braskem, using a software which is a benchmark in the petrochemical industry globally. The system was implemented on October 1, 2006, after one year of dedicated efforts of a team comprising some 120 members, who reviewed all business processes. Key to the success of the project success was the management of change which led to a high synergy level among all areas of the Company. Investments in the project, the second phase of which will be implemented in August 2007, amount to R$ 130 million, of which R$ 91 million were disbursed in 2006. With the implementation of the system, the Company has already started to earn benefits, concentrated in the commercial, logistic and supply areas.

6. Economic and Financial Performance 

6.1. Net Revenue

In 4Q06, the Company posted net revenue of R$ 3.0 billion, corresponding to an increase of approximately 2% from 4Q05. This expansion is attributable to the maintenance of volumes sold and the recovery of average prices during the period. When compared to the prior quarter, net income for 4Q06 declined by 9%, as a result of the usual seasonal factors present in the fourth quarter of the year.

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In U.S. dollars terms, the Company net revenues for 4Q06 amounted to US$1.4 billion, a 6% growth from 4Q05, given the 4.4% appreciation of the real year-on-year.

The breakdown of the 4% increase in the average prices of Braskem resins during 4Q06 is the following:
• for PE, prices in the domestic market increased by 13% quarter-on-quarter;
• for PP, prices in the domestic market grew by 5%;
• for PVC, prices in the domestic market also grew by 5% on average;
• In the export market, for PE and PP PVC, average prices decreased in relation to the 3Q06 specially due to lower prices in international markets.

For the BTX (benzene, toluene and xylene) market, pertaining to the aromatics line, prices in reais were 11% lower when compared to the prior quarter, as the prices of benzene, which accounts for 70% of this mix, entered a downward trend in late 2006.

In 2006, the growth scenario observed in the domestic market, coupled with better prices in the international market from May onwards, brought about an increase in the average prices of Braskem resins by 10%, quoted in U.S. dollars, the benchmark currency for petrochemical prices. In the domestic market, prices increased only as of July 2006.


Braskem recorded net revenue of US$ 5.4 billion in 2006, up 10% from US$ 4.9 billion in 2005. With the 10.6% average appreciation of the real against the U.S. dollar in 2006, net revenue in reais amounted to R$ 11.8 billion in 2006, in line with revenue of R$ 12.0 billion in 2005.

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Since its inception in 2002, Braskem has consistently increased its net revenues in U.S. dollars at a compound rate of 23% per year. This rise is a consequence of investments made to improve productivity, increase competitiveness, expand capacity, and carry out acquisitions which increase the scale and supplement the portfolio of Company products. When translated into U.S. dollars, due to appreciation of the real against U.S. dollar, Braskem’s net revenues grew at a compound rate of 14%

6.1.1 – Export Sales

In 4Q06, exports added up to US$ 396 million, in line with 3Q06. When compared to 4Q05, export sales increased by 61%.

Since 2005, Braskem has consistently increased its investments, aiming at strengthening its international presence. As part of this strategy, the Company opened commercial and distribution operations in Europe, US and Argentina. As a result, the increase during the year was equal to 34%, when exports reached US$ 1.4 billion (26% of net revenues), compared to US$ 1.0 billion in 2005 (21% of net revenues).

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When the period since the foundation of the Company is taken into account, exports evolved at a compound rate of 36% per year, increasing by almost US$ 1 billion over the past 5 years. Notwithstanding the growth in its exports, Braskem has maintained its leadership position in all market segments, always striving for excellence in fulfilling the requirements of its customers.

6.2. Cost of Goods Sold (COGS)

During the fourth quarter of 2006, the Company COGS was R$ 2.3 billion, down 15% from 3Q06. This decline is essentially attributable to lower volumes sold in 4Q06 and, mostly, lower costs of naphtha, with an impact of R$ 314 million. These costs declined given the 13% reduction in naphtha ARA (Antwerp, Rotterdam and Amsterdam) benchmark price.

In 2006, COGS added up to R$ 9.9 billion, equal to a 5% increase compared to 2005, when these expenses amounted to R$ 9.5 billion.

The Company COGS in the period was impacted by R$ 756 million relating to raw materials and energy cost rises. Of this amount, R$ 720 million refer to increase costs of naphtha, given the 19% increase in the international benchmark price - naphtha ARA – in the period, as a result of the substantial increase in oil prices. The remaining R$ 36 million relate to higher costs of electricity, natural gas, steam, fuel oil and other utilities, due to higher electric energy acquired and hither utilization of fuel oil, as a result of the lower availability of natural gas to the Basic Petrochemicals Unit. The 10.6% average appreciation of real in the year partially offset these negative impact by R$ 630 million.


During 4Q06, Braskem purchased 1,032 thousand tons of naphtha, of which 728 thousand tons (71%) from Petrobras – its main raw material supplier. The remaining 304 thousand tons (29%) was imported directly by the Company, mostly from Northern African countries. During 2006, the volumes acquired

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amounted to 4,168 thousand tons of naphtha, of which 3,123 thousand tons (75%) were purchased from Petrobras, and 1,045 thousand tons (25%) were imported directly by the Company.

Since March 2006, when the so-called Provisional Measure 255 (MP 255) became effective, the Company has recorded a credit of 3.65% on all purchases of naphtha (difference between percentages credited and debited for PIS/Cofins taxes). In 4Q06, the positive impact on COGS from this credit was approximately R$ 53 million. For the year, the impact added up to R$ 204 million.

Depreciation and amortization expenses amounted to R$ 125 million in 4Q06, 10% less than R$ 139 million recorded in the prior quarter and 19% more than the pro forma amount for 4Q05. During the year, these expenses reached R$ 527 million, up 23% from R$ 428 million recorded in 2005. These changes arise mainly from the start-up of projects completed in 2005 and 1H06, as well as from the revised periods for depreciation of scheduled maintenance stoppages. Effective January 2006, the Company, pursuant to IBRACON (Brazilian Institute of Accountants) Technical Interpretation 01/2006, adopted the accounting policy of recording scheduled maintenance stoppage expenses as additions to property, plant and equipment. These expenses were previously deferred and are now depreciated until the beginning of the next stoppage, thus affecting the depreciation for the period.

6.3. Selling, General and Administrative Expenses (SG&A)

In 4Q06, SG&A expenses totaled R$ 275 million, a R$ 60 million increase from 3Q06. Selling expenses increased by R$ 38 million, primarily due to:

General and administrative expenses grew by R$ 22 million, primarily due to higher consulting, auditing and legal service expenses, amounting to R$ 18 million.

During 2006, SG&A expenses added up to R$ 901 million, compared to R$ 796 million in 2005.

Selling expenses posted the highest growth – a R$ 83 million change in the period – due to (i) increased export expenses, in the amount of R$ 25 million; (ii) a R$ 16 million increase in the provision for doubtful accounts mainly due to a provision adjustment criterion at Politeno; (iii) higher distribution logistics and storage expenses in the amount of R$ 30 million; and (iv) and a R$ 5 million increase in fixed costs, mostly as a result of the opening of sales and distribution offices in Argentina, Europe and USA.

General and administrative expenses increased by R$ 22 million, of which R$ 15 million are non-recurring expenses relating to the integration of Politeno and restructuring of the Polyolefins, PET and caprolactam businesses.

6.4. EBITDA

Braskem’s EBITDA reached its best result in the year, of R$ 530 million for 4Q06, a 15% growth compared to R$ 461 million in 3Q06. When translated into U.S. dollars, EBITDA reached US$ 246 million, compared to US$ 212 million in the prior quarter.

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EBITDA margin was equal to 17.8% in 4Q06, a 3.7 percentage points increase from 14.1% n 3Q06, and 0.5 percentage point increase compared to 17.3% in 4Q05. The result stems from better resin prices and lower naphtha costs in 4Q06.

When compared to 4Q05, EBITDA grew by 5%, in part due to the recovery of international prices of resins and aromatics.


In 2006, Braskem’s EBITDA was R$ 1.7 billion, with a 14.1% margin over net revenues, of 25% below EBITDA of R$ 2.2 billion with a margin of 18.4% in 2005. In U.S. dollar terms, annual EBITDA declined 15% year-on-year, reaching approximately US$ 764 million in 2006 and US$ 900 million in 2005.

The main drivers of the reduced EBITDA were (i) the significant increase in the prices of naphtha, the Company’s main raw material, following the upward trend in oil prices; and (ii) the average 10.6% appreciation of the real against the U.S. dollar during the year, as 100% of the Company’s revenues are denominated in U.S. dollars, while only 80% of the costs are expressed in this currency.

It should be noted that 2006 had two different halves, with a reversal of trend in the beginning of the second half, given the different performance in the first and second parts of the year. The second half of the year represented 60% of the annual amount, with a margin of 15.9% .

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6.5. Investments in Subsidiary and Associated Companies

In the fourth quarter of 2006, equity in the earnings of subsidiary and associated companies amounted to R$ 54 million, compared to R$ 36 million in the prior quarter, excluding the effects of amortization of goodwill arising mostly from investments in Copesul and Petroflex. Improved results recorded by Copesul, benefiting from lower naphtha costs, were the major driver of the 47% increase.

In 2006, this line was equal to R$ 197 million, virtually unaltered from R$ 201 million in 2005.

Amortization of goodwill/negative goodwill expenses in the year totaled R$ 58 million, down 62% from the prior year, primarily as a result of the merger of Polialden, when the amortization of goodwill on this investment was transferred to the amortization and depreciation expense account, as from June 2006, as well as the realization of negative goodwill in the amount of R$ 53 million.

(R$ thousand)                    
Investments in Subsidiaries and Associated   
4Q06 
3Q06 
4Q05 
2006 
2005 
Companies           
 
Associated Companies - Equity Method   
51,859 
35,642 
28,301 
192,095 
176,190 
. Copesul   
50,747 
31,934 
17,225 
181,467 
161,963 
. Others   
1,112 
3,708 
11,077 
10,628 
14,227 
Exchange Variation   
(1,611)
447 
(8,920)
(1,382)
3,629 
Others   
3,261 
372 
2,344 
5,860 
21,077 
 
       Subtotal (before amortization)
  53,508    36,460   
21,724 
  196,573    200,896 
Amortization of goodwill/negative goodwill   
(22,674)
(22,674)
(38,260)
(57,757)
(152,539)
 
 
TOTAL   
30,834 
13,786 
(16,536)
138,816 
48,357 
 

6.6. Net Financial Results

Net financial results in 4Q06 was an expense of R$ 239 million, compared to an expense of R$ 330 million in 3Q06, or a 28% reduction. The main positive impact of this result was due to the 1.7% appreciation of the real in 4Q06 against a depreciation of 0.5% in the third quarter, leading to a difference of R$ 85 million between the periods in the exchange rate variation line.

Other financial expenses were stable in 4Q06 even considering non-recurring expenses linked to structured transactions in 3Q06, amounting to R$ 29 million. This outcome is attributable to losses incurred on hedging contracts in this similar amount (the Company maintains various monetary, taxes and operational hedging transactions).

As of 3Q06, Braskem has been investing a larger part of its cash in R$/CDI, which gives rise to a lower result in the interest of financial income line, since up to 100% of the CDI, this revenue is accounted for as monetary variation on the investments.

Excluding the effects of foreign exchange and monetary variations, the financial result was an expense of R$ 218 million, decreasing by 4% compared to the 3Q06 result of R$ 227 million, and increasing by 18% compared to 4Q05.

In 2006, the increase in net debt adversely impacted Braskem’s net financial results, which corresponded to a R$ 907 million expense compared to a R$ 679 million expense in 2005. The average appreciation of the real against the U.S. dollar favored the Company’s financial results in 2005 and 2006. This effect was stronger in 2005 since the average appreciation in the period was 16.8% against 10.6% in 2005, leading to a difference of R$ 144 million in exchange variation between the periods.

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Excluding the effects of exchange and monetary variations, Braskem recorded an expense of R$ 788 million, representing a 13% increase when compared to the financial results for 2005, which were an expense of R$ 700 million.

The R$ 88 million increase arises from: (a) increase in expenses from structured financial transactions during the year; (b) results of hedging contracts; (c) increase in interest on operating working capital; (d) increase in the base of tax provisions bearing interest at the SELIC rate; and (e) increase in the average debt balance.

The table below shows the composition of financial results on a quarterly and annual basis.

(R$ million)                    
    4Q06    3Q06    4Q05    2006    2005 
Financial Expenses    (229)   (359)   (607)   (874)   (555)
                   Interest / Vendor    (109)   (120)   (138)   (463)   (525)
                   Monetary Variation    (69)   (66)   (62)   (254)   (241)
                   Foreign Exchange Variation    69    (49)  
(319)
281 
517 
                   CPMF/IOF/Income Tax/Banking Expenses    (36)   (39)  
(29)
(123)
(110)
                   Other    (85)   (85)  
(58)
(315)
(196)
Financial Revenue    (10)   29   
156 
(32)
(124)
                   Interest    11    18   
41 
113 
131 
                   Monetary Variation    14    12   
3 
32 
13 
                   Foreign Exchange Variation    (34)   (1)  
112 
(178)
(269)
 
Net Financial Result    (239)   (330)   (451)   (907)   (679)
 

Excluding Foreign Exchange and Monetary variations

(R$ million)                    
    4Q06    3Q06    4Q05    2006    2005 
                     
 
Net Financial Result    (239)   (330)   (451)   (906)   (679)
                     
 
                     
Foreign Exchange Variation (FXV)   35    (50)   (207)  
104 
248 
Monetary Variation (MV)   (55)   (54)   (59)   (222)   (227)
                     
 
Financial Result less F/X and MR    (218)   (227)   (184)   (788)   (700)
 

6.7. Net Income

Braskem’s net income in 4Q06 amounted to R$ 78 million, compared to a R$ 65 million loss in 3Q06. The difference is due to the recovery in operating income and improved financial results during the period. In 2006, net income reached R$ 84 million, compared to net income of R$ 711 million in 2005.

6.8. Free Cash Flow

The operating cash flow before changes in working capital totaled went from R$ 377 million in 3Q06 to R$ 136 million in 4Q06. Changes in working capital during the period contributed to increase in operating cash flow by R$ 359 million, primarily due to higher volumes of naphtha imported during the period, with longer payment terms. As a consequence, Braskem’s operating cash flow increased from R$ 123 million in 3Q06 to R$ 495 million in 4Q06.

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In 2006, operating cash flow before changes in working capital added up to R$ 945 million, compared to R$ 1,778 million in 2005, mostly due to reduced EBITDA and lower financial results in the period. Furthermore, additional working capital requirements in 2006 amounted to R$ 338 million, mainly because the marketable securities amount increased by R$ 336 million. This increase corresponds to securities available within more than 90 days which, according to the accounting criterion, cannot be recorded as cash and cash equivalents. In addition, when comparing to 2005, the difference between these periods is also explained by the increase in taxes recoverable from R$ 153 million in 2005 to R$ 465 million in 2006.

(pro forma)
R$ million    4Q06    3Q06    4Q05    2006    2005 
                     
Operating Cash Flow before working capital    136    377    385    945    1,778 
                     
Working Capital Variation    359    (254)   226    (338)   517 
                     
Operating Cash Flow    495    123    611    606    2,296 
                   - 
Interest paid    132    169    135    469    390 
Investment Activities    (187)   (336)   (350)   (1,160)   (997)
Share Buy-back    (57)   (78)   (9)   (193)   (9)
                     
Free Cash Flow (FCF)   382    (122)   387    (278)   1,680 
                     
Taxes paid          22    45 
 

6.9 – Capital Structure, Rating and Liquidity

At December 31, 2006, Braskem’s gross debt was in line with the one registered as of September 30 of the same year, while cash and cash equivalents were 12% higher, reaching R$ 1.8 billion, as a result of better cash generation in the period.


As a consequence, net debt at December 31, 2006 amounted to R$ 4.5 billion, down R$ 278 million compared to R$ 4.8 billion as of September 30, 2006. In U.S. dollars, the reduction was US$ 93 million, as 61% of cash and cash equivalents is invested in U.S. dollars.

Due to this decline and EBITDA increase, the Company financial leverage, measured by the net debt/EBITDA indicator, went down by 8% from 2.96 times at the end of 3Q06 to 2.72 times at the end of 4Q06.

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As part of its commitment to capital discipline and to making investments with returns above its capital cost, in 2006 Braskem disbursed R$ 869 million in operations and corporate competitiveness programs, totaling R$ 719 million, and maintenance scheduled stoppages, in the amount of R$ 150 million. Additionally, the Company paid dividends and interest on equity to its shareholders in the amount of R$ 326 million, acquired Politeno’s control for the initial amount of R$ 238 million, and carried out a share buyback program for R$ 182 million.

In this context and considering the lower cash generation in the period, net debt at December 31, 2006 was R$ 4.5 billion, compared to R$ 3.7 billion in December 2005. In U.S. dollar terms, Braskem’s net debt went from US$ 1.6 billion in 2005 to US$ 2.1 billion as of December 31, 2006. Braskem’s financial leverage ratio, measured by the indicator “Net debt/EBITDA”, increased from 1.68 in 2005 to 2.72 as of December 31, 2006.

During 2006, the Company focused its efforts on extending the average maturity of its debts, which now reaches 16 years, thus ensuring the adequacy of the profile of its annual maturities, as well as higher efficiency in the allocation of funds to operating working capital and lower foreign exchange exposure. At the end of 2006, the Company debt linked to the U.S. dollar correspondeded to 49%, compared to 54% at the end of 2005.

Currently, all operating and financial maturities in U.S. dollars are covered by foreign exchange hedge for the next 24 months. They comprise cash balances invested in U.S. dollars, projected export and import balance and, when necessary, derivative instruments that protect it from exchange rate fluctuations.

At the end of 2006, 55% of the gross debt of the Company was placed at the capital markets, releasing in great part its ability to borrow from banks.

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The graph below depicts the Company repayment schedule as of December 31, 2006. Cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2006 was higher than short-term debt.

Braskem’s risk rating was upgraded in 2006, contributing to lower funding and financial operation structuring costs, which ensured the accomplishment of important targets relating to the improvement of its debt profile and the lengthening of the average maturity of its indebtedness. The risk agency Standard & Poors upgraded Braskem, in national scale, from ‘brAA-’ with positive outlook to ‘brAA’ with stable outlook. Fitch Ratings upgraded the Company in global scale, from “BB”, with positive outlook, to “BB+”, with stable outlook; and the rating in long-term national scale improved from “AA-(bra)” to “AA(bra)”, both with stable outlook.

7. Investments 

In 2006, the Company capital expenditures totaled R$ 719 millions (not including capitalized interest in the amount of R$ 83 million) compared to R$ 717 million in 2005. The resources were invested in projects providing attractive returns, such as: (1) capacity addition at plants (debottlenecking), (2)

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business competitiveness programs, Braskem + and Fórmula Braskem, and (3) technology upgrades. Furthermore, significant investments were made in health, safety and environment.

The major investments in production capacity increases during 2006 were:

In addition, investments in information systems and the Fórmula Braskem program amounted to R$ 97 million.


Furthermore, the Company disbursed R$ 150 million for scheduled maintenance stoppages, to ensure the operation of its plants at high levels of reliability.

As part of the consolidation process underway in the Brazilian petrochemical industry, in April 2006 Braskem acquired the control of Politeno and now holds 100% of the voting and 96.2% of the total capital of this company. The initial amount paid was equal to US$ 111 million. The final value will be calculated in accordance with Politeno’s performance within the next 18 months, reflecting the evolution of polyethylene and ethylene spreads in the Brazilian market, through a formula agreed among the parties.

Given the completion of the competitiveness programs (Braskem + and Fórmula Braskem) and investments in capacity additions at existing units (debottlenecking), Braskem will continue to look for projects which support its growth coupled with value creation. To this end, the Company plans to invest approximately R$ 550 million in 2007. This sum includes, besides investments to maintain the competitiveness of its plants, investments to increase the capacity of the Basic Petrochemicals Unit, such as the conversion of MTBE into ETBE, using a renewable source of raw material (ethanol) with higher value added, and studies to launch hydrocarbonic resins at the end of this decade with emphasis on available process streams targeting the adhesives, as well as plastic and rubber compounds, paints and varnishes.

In connection of scheduled maintenance stoppages, expenditures estimated for 2007 amount to approximately R$ 150 million.

8. Politeno – Macro-indicators 

The Politeno integration process was successfully completed during 3Q06 and since then Braskem has been capturing the synergies announced – originally estimated at net present value of US$ 110 million.

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Up to December 2006, synergies captured amounted to US$ 4.6 million, net of integration costs. On annual, recurring basis, this amount reaches US$ 16.9 million. Braskem is taking steps to merge Politeno at the beginning of the second quarter of 2007, when it is expected that such gains will be accelerated to be fully captured by late 2007/early 2008.

Upon the acquisition of Politeno’s control, in April 2006, the Company made an initial disbursement of US$ 111 million, while the final amount will be computed based on Politeno’s performance over the 18 following months, reflecting the evolution of the spread between polyethylene and ethylene in the Brazilian market, using a formula agreed upon by the parties. In December 2006, Braskem recorded a provision for goodwill on this acquisition in the amount of R$ 153 million.

In December 2006, the basic projects for expenditures in capacity additions at the production units (debottlenecking) were concluded and will be submitted to Politeno’s Board of Directors. If approved, these investments will add some 17 thousand tons of capacity as from start-up, scheduled for the first quarter of 2008.

Total Politeno sales in 4Q06 amounted to 74 thousand tons of PE and EVA, 7% below the prior quarter, in view of the seasonal factors usually seen in this period, with 77% of the volume sold to the domestic market. Domestic prices, as was the case with other Braskem PE units, increased by 8% in reais. As a result of improved commercial performance, Politeno’s EBITDA in 4Q06 was R$ 46 million, increasing by R$ 37 million when compared to the prior quarter.

Politeno’s financial leverage continues at low levels, with net debt of approximately R$ 16 million, R$ 15 million less than in the prior quarter, as a result of repayments made during the period.

8.1 Economic/Financial Highlights

Politeno - Highlights   4Q06   3Q06   Chg. (%)   2006
 
Production Volume (ton)   68,173    80,906    (16)   321,030 
Sales Volume (ton)   74,175    79,923    (7)   315,277 
Financial Performance (R$ MM)        
   Net Revenue    238    259    (8)   1,004 
   EBITDA    46      411    67 
   EBITDA Margin    19%    3%    +16 p.p.    7% 
   Net Income    20    (3)     14 
   Net Debt    16    31    (47)   16 

9. Capital Markets and Investor Relations 

The number of Braskem’s outstanding shares (free float) went from 47% in 2005 to 49% of the total capital in 2006, due to the incorporation of Polialden with the issue of 7.9 million shares, partially offset by the buy-back of shares to be kept in treasury. This increase significantly helped maintaining a good level of liquidity of Braskem’s shares at Bovespa in 2006.

The average volume of preferred class A Braskem shares traded on Bovespa (BRKM5) increased by 38% during the year, from 1.2 million securities traded per day in 2005 to 1.6 million in 2006. The

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financial volume, however, went from R$ 27.7 million per day in 2005 to R$ 24.0 million per day in 2006, as Braskem’s shares prices went down last year.

In the same period, the Brazilian equity market experienced its best period in terms of companies that went public – as a result of 25 new companies that listed on Bovespa, leading to an increase of 50% in the trading and financial volumes on the Exchange. This move, in conjunction with the maintenance of the number of trades and lower prices on average of Braskem’s PNA share in 2006 compared to the prior year, resulted in the reduced weigh of Braskem’s PNA shares in the São Paulo Stock Exchange Index – Ibovespa, which declined from 2.91% in the first four months of 2006 to 1.85% of the portfolio valid for the first four months of 2007. Notwithstanding this fact, Braskem holds the 16th position in terms of participation in the index.

On the New York Stock Exchange – NYSE, the average volume of Braskem’s ADR (BAK) traded decreased by 4%, from 228 thousand ADRs per day in 2005 to 219 thousand in 2006. This is attributable to the increased trading of securities on Bovespa. The average financial volume of ADRs declined by 32% for the same reason mentioned above. ADR quotes were lower in 2006.

Braskem class A preferred shares traded on BOVESPA (“BRKM5”) closed the year quoted at R$ 15.00 per share. Braskem ADRs (BAK) closed the year trading at US$ 14.59 per ADR. On Latibex, the Madri Exchange section dedicated to trading of Latin American company shares, Braskem shares closed 2006 quoted at € 5,33.

During 2006, Braskem presented its quarterly results to several regional Associations of Financial Analysts (Apimec), and participated in a number of national and international events aimed at strengthening the Company’s relationship with its investors and allowing a better understanding of its corporate fundamentals by the capital markets.

In 2006, Braskem disclosed two important corporate moves which ratified the Company’s interest in the consolidation of the regional petrochemical sector. As from April 4, 2006, Braskem holds 100% of the voting capital of Politeno and, on May 31, 2006, Polialden was merged into the Company. The cycle of corporate restructuring that commenced when the Company was formed is thus completed.

Between May and October 2006, in order to capture an important value creation potential to its shareholders, Braskem carried out a share buyback program and repurchased 13.1 million class A preferred shares (PNA). Upon completion of the program, the Company had 14.4 million PNA shares in treasury.

Stock Performance - BRKM5    12/31/05    3/31/06    6/30/06    9/30/06    12/31/06 
Closing Price (R$ per share)   18.07    15.96    13.29    13.53    15.00 
Return in the Quarter (%)   (17)   (12)   (17)     11 
Accumulated Return (%)*    603    521    417    426    483 
Bovespa Index Accumulated Return (%)*    197    237    225    223    295 
Average Daily Trading Volume (R$ thousand)   25,489    26,921    24,256    21,513    23,306 
Market Capitalization (R$ million)   6,694    5,912    4,923    5,012    5,556 
Market Capitalization (US$ million)   2,860    2,721    2,274    2,305    2,599 
ADR Performance - BAK (1 ADR = 2 BRKM5)   12/31/05    3/31/06    6/30/06    9/30/06    12/31/06 
Closing Price (R$ per ADR)   16.21    14.91    12.19    12.59    14.59 
Return in the Quarter (%)   (22)   (8)   (18)     16 
Accumulated Return (%)*    882    804    639    663    784 
Average Daily Trading Volume (US$ thousand)   3,927    4,881    3,032    2,212    2,165 
Other Information    12/31/05    3/31/06    6/30/06    9/30/06    12/31/06 
Total Number of Shares (million)   362,524    362,524    370,402    370,402    370,402 
 
. Common Shares (ON) - BRKM3    120,860    120,860    123,492    123,492    123,492 
 
. Preferred Shares Class "A" (PNA) - BRKM5    240,860    240,860    246,107    246,107    246,107 
 
. Preferred Shares Class "B" (PNB)   803    803    803    803    803 
 
 (-) Shares in Treasury (PNA) - BRKM5    (467)   (467)   (4,471)   (11,163)   (14,363)
 
= Total Number of Shares (ex Treasury)   362,056    362,056    365,931    359,239    356,039 
 
* Accumulated return since the market closing on December 31, 2002. 
Source: Economática/Braskem 

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Braskem’s Board of Directors, in line with the Company’s dividend distribution policy, has proposed the payment of R$ 36.9 million, or R$ 0.159 per share as dividends only to class A and B shareholders and American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) holders. The unitary amount that will be paid to ADRs holders is R$ 0.318 per ADR. These amounts will be submitted to the approval of the Annual Shareholders’ Meeting.

10. Outlook 

Braskem expects that the sound global economic performance seen lately will continue over the next few years, with high growth rates among the main economies in the world. Such scenario favors the petrochemical industry on account of the elasticity between the demand for petrochemical products and the economic growth rates. The prospects are that the capacity utilization rates remain at high levels over the next years, as a result of the projected equilibrium between the demand for thermoplastic resins in the international market and the forecast delay of new production capacity additions.

The prices of naphtha, Braskem’s main raw material, are highly correlated to oil quotations in the world market. It is expected that the tight ratio of global supply to demand will keep oil and thus naphtha prices at high levels, although at amounts on average below those seen in 2006. The combination of sustained resin prices and naphtha costs below 2006 levels points to potentially increased business profitability in 2007.

On the domestic front, Braskem works with a scenario of sustained economic growth, curbed inflation and potential for additional interest rate cuts, all stimulating the growth in both the economy and consumption. The anticipated improvement in disposable income, credit expansion and increased level of activity in the civil construction industry, among other factors, point to a 8 to 10% per annum increase in the Brazilian market for thermoplastic resins. The inventory reduction observed in the production chain at the end of 2006, driven by higher prices, establishes improved conditions to further enhance the demand in 2007.

Braskem should benefit from this scenario as all its plants will be in a position to operate at high capacity utilization rates in 2007, considering that shutdowns at the ethylene and some PE units previously scheduled for 2007 were performed during 2006.

The scenario described above, combined with the implementation of competitiveness programs completed in 2006, such as Fórmula Braskem and Braskem +, will allow Braskem to fully capture the gains anticipated from these programs as from 2007, with operating costs reduction and potential positive impacts on the Company results.

Braskem steadily pursues its strategy of growth coupled with value creation for all its shareholders. The Company will be diligent regarding opportunities of consolidation in the Brazilian petrochemical industry, as it believes that the outcome of this process will provide increased competitiveness to the sector, which is increasingly required in a global environment. Furthermore, Braskem is expected to increase its production capacity by implementing new projects, while preserving its capital discipline, in new ventures capable of generating returns above its cost of capital.

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In this context, Braskem is developing a series of growth projects, with potential to double its resins annual production capacity to almost 5 million tons. These projects, if implemented, will provide a better balance between the main sources of raw materials (naphtha and gas), with reduced production costs for the Company and, accordingly, will leverage the company to a new level of scale and competitiveness. The projects are as follows:

11. List of Exhibits 

EXHIBIT I –  Income Statement (consolidated) 25 
EXHIBIT II –  Balance Sheet (consolidated) 26 
EXHIBIT III –  Reconciliation of Balance Sheet & Income Statement (consolidated) 27 
EXHIBIT IV –  Cash Flow (consolidated) 28 
EXHIBIT V –  Sales Volume – Domestic Market  29 
EXHIBIT VI –  Sales Volume – Export Market  30 
EXHIBIT VII –  Net Revenue – Domestic Market  31 
EXHIBIT VIII – Net Revenue – Export Market  32 


Braskem, a world-class Brazilian petrochemical company, is the leader in the thermoplastic resins segment in Latin American, and is the second largest Brazilian industrial company owned by the private sector. The company operates 14 manufacturing plants located throughout Brazil, and it has an annual production capacity of 6.1 million tons of petrochemical and chemical products.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENT DISCLAIMER

This document contains statements that are forward-looking. This information are not historic facts, but reflect the targets and expectations of Braskem’s management. The terms "anticipate”, “desire”, “expect”, project”, “plan”, “intend” and similar ones are intended to identify statements that necessarily involve known and unknown risks. Braskem assumes no responsibility for transactions or investment decisions taken in reliance of the information in this document.

24 

     EXHIBIT I
Braskem Consolidated
Income Statement
(1)
(R$ million)

Braskem (Consolidated)
                                 Income Statement  4Q06
 (A)
3Q06
(B)
4Q05
(C)
Chg.(%) (A)/(B) Chg. (%)
(A)/(C)
2006
 (D)
2005
(E)
Chg. (%)
(D)/(E)
 
2006
REAL (2)
Gross revenue  3,733  4,183  3,805  (11) (2) 15,084  15,615  (3) 14,991 
Net revenue  2,974  3,277  2,929  (9) 11,811  12,007  (2) 11,719 
Cost of goods sold  (2,335) (2,742) (2,361) (15) (1) (9,932) (9,491) (9,882)
Gross profit  639  535  568  20  13  1,880  2,516  (25) 1,837 
Selling expenses  (121) (83) (52) 46  131  (369) (286) 29  (348)
General and Administrative expenses  (154) (132) (147) 16  (533) (510) (527)
Depreciation and amortization  (99) (99) (81) (0) 21  (382) (353) (380)
Other operating income (expenses) 41  32  1,224  29  156  64  143  157 
Investments in Associated Companies  31  14  (17) 124  139  48  187  140 
      . Equity Result  54  36  22  47  146  197  201  (2) 198 
      . Amortization of goodwill/negative goodwill  (23) (23) (38) (41) (58) (153) (62) (58)
Operating profit before financial result  337  238  302  42  12  891  1,479  (40) 880 
Net operating result  (239) (330) (451) (28) (47) (907) (679) 33  (902)
Operating profit (loss) 98  (92) (148) (16) 800  (22)
Other non-operating revenue (expenses) (1) (8) (25)
Profit (loss) before income tax and social contribution  104  (93) (156) (8) 775  (14)
Income tax / social contribution  (25) 29  104  94  (116) 97 
Profit (loss) before minority interest  79  (65) (52) 86  659  (87) 83 
Minority Interest  (1) 55  (2) 52  (2)
Net profit (loss) 78  (65) 3,206  84  711  (88) 82 
 
EBITDA  530  461  505  15  1,661  2,211  (25) 1,645 
EBITDA Margin  17.8%  14.1%  17.3%  +3,7p.p. +0,5 p.p.  14.1%  18.4%  -4,3 p.p.  14.0% 
-Depreciacion and Amortization  224  237  187  (6) 20  910  780  17  904 
      . Cost  125  139  105  (9) 19  527  428  23  525 
      . Expense  99  99  81  (0) 21  382  353  380 
 

1-Excludes the effects of proportional consolidation (CVM-247) and includes the effects of CVM-408 Pro forma figures for 4T05, 2006 (except for 2006 ACTUAL) and 2005
2- Includes 100% of Politeno results only as from April 2006

25 


EXHIBIT II
Braskem Consolidated
Balance Sheet

(R$ million)

Braskem (Consolidated)      
ASSETS  12/31/2006
(A)
09/30/2006
(B)
Chg. (%)
(A)/(B)
Current Assets  5,469  5,354  2 
   . Cash and Cash Equivalents  1,782  1,597  12 
   . Account Receivable  1,491  1,724  (13)
   . Inventories  1,565  1,463  7 
   . Recoverable Taxes  362  393  (8)
   . Dividends/Interest attribut.to Shareholders' Equity  60  0  - 
   . Next Fiscal Year Expenses  79  43  83 
   . Others  129  134  (4)
Long-Term Assets  1,540  1,574  (2)
   . Related Parties  39  58  (33)
   . Compulsory Deposits  82  177  (54)
   . Deferred income taxes and social contributions  376  388  (3)
   . Recoverable Taxes  912  812  12 
   . Others  132  139  (6)
Fixed Assets  8,873  8,778  1 
   . Investments  816  809  1 
   . Plant, property and equipment  6,326  6,213  2 
   . Deferred  1,731  1,755  (1)
 
Total Assets  15,882  15,705  1 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY 12/31/2006
(A)
09/30/2006
(B)
Chg. (%)
(A)/(B)
Current  5,249  4,790  10 
   . Suppliers  3,081  2,774  11 
   . Short-term financing  1,564*  1,700*  (8)
   . Salaries and social charges  128  129  (0)
   . Proposed dividends/interest attributable to shareholders  41  3  1,080 
   . Income Tax Payable  1  0  - 
   . Receivable Taxes  100  98  2 
   . Advances from Clients  25  12  107 
   . Others  308  73  320 
Long-Term Liabilities  6,202  6,399  (3)
   . Long-term financing  4,730  4,688  1 
   . Taxes Payable  1,297  1,526  (15)
   . Others  175  185  (6)
Deferred Income  30  104  (71)
Minority Interest  22  21  2 
Shareholders' Equity  4,380  4,391  (0)
   . Capital  3,508  3,508  0 
   . Capital Reserves  409  404  1 
   . Treasury Shares  (256) (198) 29 
   . Profit reserve  685  806  (15)
   . Retained Earnings (Losses) 33  (129) (125)
 
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity  15,882  15,705  1 
 
* Includes R$1,331 million from convertible debentures held by Odebrecht, transferred in July 06. 
 

Excludes the effects of proportional consolidation (CVM 247) and includes the effects of CVM Instruction 408.

26 


EXHIBIT III
Braskem Consolidated

Reconciliation of Balance Sheet and Income Statement

(R$ million)

Reconciliation of Shareholders' Equity and Net Income - CVM 247 (R$ million)
 
Shareholders' 
 
Net Income 
  Equity   
     
  12/31/2006    2006 
     
 
Pro Forma Consolidated - does not include CVM 247  4,380    84 
   Effects of Politeno's pro forma Consolidation  (33)   (2)
 
 
   Consolidated Real - does not include CVM 247  4,347    82 
   Gain on the assignment of right of use between related parties  (35)   20 
 
 
     
 
Consolidated including CVM 247  4,312    101 
     

27 


EXHIBIT IV
Braskem Consolidated
Cash Flow (1)

(R$ million)

Cash Flow  4Q06  3Q06  4Q05  2006  2005  2006 REAL 
Net Income for the Period  78  (65) 2  84  711  82 
Expenses (Revenues) not affecting Cash  58  442  383  860  1,067  848 
   Depreciation and Amortization  223  237  178  903  771  898 
 Equity Result  (31) (16) 28  (141) (36) (142)
 Interest, Monetary and Exchange Restatement, Net  (134) 248  449  288  452  285 
 Minority Interest  (0) (52) (52)
 Others  (1) (27) (219) (191) (68) (194)
Adjusted Profit (loss) before cash financial effects  136  377  385  945  1,778  929 
Cash Effect on Politeno Acquisition  0  0  0  0  0  13 
Asset and Liabilities Variation, Current and Long Term  359  (254) 226  (338) 517  (338)
Asset Decutions (Additions) (18) (394) 240  (767) 36  (754)
   Marketable Securities  74  (320) (87) (336) (99) (336)
   Account Payable  252  (82) 327  69  162  83 
 Recoverable Taxes  (225) (56) (465) (153) (456)
 Inventories  (134) 82  (9) (144) (8) (146)
 Advances Expenses  (33) (14) (22) (25) 16  (25)
 Dividends Received  39  29  (5) 177  131  169 
 Other Account Receivables  (33) 29  (44) (12) (44)
Liabilities Additions (Reductions) 377  140  (15) 429  481  416 
 Suppliers  295  115  (18) 371  484  360 
 Advances to Clients  18  (24) (24)
 Fiscal Incentives  10  17  76  14 
 Taxes and Contributions  (26) (7) (66) (27) (66)
 Others  66  48  (15) 132  (52) 132 
Cash resulting from operating activities  495  123  611  606  2,296  605 
Investment Activities  (187) (336) (350) (1,160) (997) (1,150)
 Fixed assets sale 
 Investmen Allocation  (19) 20  (255) (38) (255)
 Fixed Assets Allocation  (174) (325) (148) (869) (575) (859)
 Deferred Assets Allocation  (11) (224) (37) (385) (37)
Subsidiaries and Affiliated Companies, Net  2  (1) (24) (4) (173) (4)
Financing Activities  (37) 208  (61) (130) (750) (133)
 Inflows  589  2,005  693  4,547  2,691  4,472 
 Amortization and Paid Interest  (567) (1,739) (768) (4,140) (3,221) (4,063)
 Share Buy-Back  (57) (78) (9) (193) (9) (193)
 Dividend/Interest attributable to Shareholders  (1) 20  23  (344) (211) (350)
Cash and Cash Equivalents Increase (Reduction) 273  (5) 177  (688) 376  (682)
Cash and Cash Equivalents at the beginning of period  1,126  1,130  1,910  2,086  1,710  2,079 
Cash and Marketable Securities at the end of period  1,399  1,126  2,086  1,399  2,086  1,396 
 

1-Excludes the effects of proportional consolidation (CVM-247) and includes the effects of CVM-408 Pro forma figures for 4T05, 2006 (except for 2006 ACTUAL) and 2005

28 


EXHIBIT V
Braskem Consolidated
Pro Forma Sales Volume – Domestic Market

(000 tons)

DOMESTIC MARKET - Sales Volume 
 
ton 
 
 1Q05 
 2Q05 
 3Q05 
 4Q05 
 1Q06 
 2Q06 
 3Q06 
 4Q06 
 
Polyolefins Unit                                 
   . PE´s - Polyethylene    195,455    180,441    218,280    187,604    176,336    180,328    178,271    137,026 
   . PP - Polypropylene    107,969    98,227    112,384    101,283    108,761    119,469    128,347    96,657 
   . Total (PE´s + PP)   303,423    278,668    330,664    288,887    285,098    299,797    306,618    233,683 
 
Vinyls Unit                                 
   . PVC - Polyvinyl Chloride    84,909    90,329    109,754    93,894    98,914    95,361    109,647    96,434 
   . Caustic Soda    119,137    108,829    115,583    112,077    105,351    101,189    107,190    110,125 
   . EDC                 
   . Chlorine    14,960    15,670    15,710    14,912    14,002    14,499    15,163    15,064 
 
Basic Petrochemical Unit                                 
   . Ethylene    62,708    62,017    60,001    58,301    58,485    58,382    52,477    56,629 
   . Propylene    82,916    110,339    101,938    112,930    86,427    80,827    87,349    71,854 
   . Benzene    35,587    36,610    30,712    36,204    39,387    38,572    34,172    37,458 
   . Butadiene    39,807    38,133    27,753    44,509    31,515    38,104    37,947    33,361 
   . Toluene    8,115    7,509    7,729    6,022    7,921    7,854    8,172    10,810 
   . Fuel (m3 )   54,325    54,824    110,311    107,854    73,594    120,030    76,918    81,826 
   . Para-xylene    33,288    31,895    31,978    28,229    14,940    9,155    16,425   
   . Ortho-xylene    9,496    7,648    11,689    12,449    13,241    15,146    16,749    16,518 
   . Isoprene    3,403    3,198    2,903    3,222    3,290    4,226    3,436    1,859 
   . Butene 1    4,724    5,554    5,509    5,808    5,875    5,754    5,768    5,939 
   . Mixed Xylene    8,848    7,793    9,494    9,244    8,528    7,987    9,461    8,134 
 
Business Development                                 
   . PET    16,015    10,386    19,626    10,562    9,152    11,297    14,957    15,180 
   . Caprolactam    9,532    8,157    8,382    6,940    8,927    8,501    4,862    3,445 
 

29 


EXHIBIT VI
Braskem Consolidated

Pro Forma Sales Volume – Export Market

(000 tons)

EXPORT MARKET - Sales Volume
 
Sales Volume - ton 
 1Q05 
     2Q05 
 3Q05 
4Q05 
1Q06 
 2Q06 
 3Q06 
 4Q06 
 
Polyolefins Unit                                 
   . PE´s - Polyethylene   
94,338 
  87,713    87,749    69,527    80,328    104,719    106,271    118,277 
   . PP - Polypropylene   
22,599 
  18,673    36,487    19,880    12,858    15,876    19,588    28,389 
   . Total (PE´s + PP)  
116,937 
  106,386    124,236    89,408    93,186    120,595    125,859    146,666 
 
Vinyls Unit   
                           
   . PVC - Polyvinyl Chloride   
10,667 
  24,423    17,296    10,669    12,831    8,309    6,958    4,300 
   . Caustic Soda   
      8,993         
6,220 
   . EDC   
30,552 
  38,615    31,946    21,121    38,980    34,145    17,969   
13,002 
   . Chlorine   
             
 
Basic Petrochemical Unit   
                         
   . Ethylene   
             
   . Propylene   
46,392 
  11,602    5,500    7,812    29,606    25,359    29,261   
25,277 
   . Benzene   
54,469 
  75,287    51,486    62,167    41,092    43,396    53,472   
52,567 
   . Butadiene   
    12,472      6,376    3,200     
   . Toluene                 
   . Fuel (m3 )   49,950    66,797      189        30,777   
   . Para-xylene   
          13,226    5,248   
20,096 
   . Ortho-xylene   
4,568 
  3,141    2,544    5,619    2,087    4,093    3,556   
4,192 
   . Isoprene   
1,380 
  1,206    835    853    13    14    14   
14 
   . Butene 1   
  2,576    1,705      1,540       
   . Mixed Xylene   
7,841 
  6,140    5,619    520    6,885    2,060    3,828   
 
Business Development   
                         
   . PET   
100 
  450    3,025    250    425    10,650    1,304   
1,000 
   . Caprolactam    3,997    6,966    3,571    706    4,771    2,871    4,860    5,250 
 

30 


EXHIBIT VII
Braskem Consolidated

Pro Forma Net Revenue – Domestic Market

(R$ million)

DOMESTIC MARKET - Net Revenue
 
R$ million 
1Q05 
2Q05 
3Q05 
4Q05 
1Q06 
2Q06 
3Q06 
4Q06 
 
Polyolefins Unit                                 
   . PE´s - Polyethylene    660    584    621    600    556    534    595    517 
   . PP - Polypropylene    392    336    345    331    347    374    444    351 
   . Total (PE´s + PP)   1,052    921    965    930    902    907    1,039    868 
 
Vinyls Unit                                 
   . PVC - Polyvinyl Chloride    290    257    257    237    245    228    278    257 
   . Caustic Soda    124    109    108    109    101    86    85    85 
   . EDC                 
   . Chlorine        20           
 
Basic Petrochemical Unit                                 
   . Ethylene    149    147    112    132    129    139    123    132 
   . Propylene    179    241    198    249    179    155    200    153 
   . Benzene    83    99    59    64    63    69    80    83 
   . Butadiene    85    82    63    101    73    85    95    88 
   . Toluene    14    12    12      12    14    18    18 
   . Fuel    45    45    113    100    72    124    76    81 
   . Para-xylene    81    71    59    72    31    20    47    (0)
   . Ortho-xylene    22    17    22    26    26    30    41    39 
   . Isoprene    13    16    14    15    17    23    19    12 
   . Butene 1    13    14    12    13    14    13    16    15 
   . Mixed Xylene    15    13    16    18    17    17    25    20 
 
Business Development                                 
   . PET    66    38    62    35    27    33    46    47 
   . Caprolactam    61    54    47    36    42    41    25    19 
 
Others    124    187    177    212    188    79    173    218 
 
Total    2,421    2,332    2,315    2,368    2,145    2,072    2,417    2,122 

31 


EXHIBIT VIII
Braskem Consolidated
Pro Forma Net Revenue– Export Market

(R$ million)

EXPORT MARKET - Net Revenue
 
R$ million   
1Q05
2Q05
3Q05
4Q05
1Q06
2Q06
3Q06 
4Q06 
 
Polyolefins Unit                                 
   . PE´s - Polyethylene    282    246    226    203    208    271    315    325 
   . PP - Polypropylene    62    46    85    50    32    41    54    73 
   . Total (PE´s + PP)   344    292    311    253    239    313    369    398 
 
Vinyls Unit                                 
   . PVC - Polyvinyl Chloride    26    43    27    21    23    16    15    10 
   . Caustic Soda                 
   . EDC    38    38    14      14    17    12    10 
   . Chlorine                 
 
Basic Petrochemical Unit                                 
   . Ethylene                 
   . Propylene    104    20    10    14    49    43    54    53 
   . Benzene    124    146    97    92    68    76    126    113 
   . Butadiene        27      11       
   . Toluene                 
   . Fuel    42    59            42   
   . Para-xylene              28    12    45 
   . Ortho-xylene                 
   . Isoprene                 
   . Butene 1                 
   . Mixed Xylene        10           
 
Business Development                                 
   . PET              29     
   . Caprolactam    23    33    18      20    12    22    24 
 
Others    29    12    53    141    143    209    191    187 
 
Total    754    662    594    553    583    760    860    853 

32 


SIGNATURES

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

Date: February 13, 2007

  BRASKEM S.A.
 
 
  By:      /s/      Paul Elie Altit
 
    Name: Paul Elie Altit
    Title: Chief Financial Officer

 

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release may contain forward-looking statements. These statements are statements that are not historical facts, and are based on management's current view and estimates offuture economic circumstances, industry conditions, company performance and financial results. The words "anticipates", "believes", "estimates", "expects", "plans" and similar expressions, as they relate to the company, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Statements regarding the declaration or payment of dividends, the implementation of principal operating and financing strategies and capital expenditure plans, the direction of future operations and the factors or trends affecting financial condition, liquidity or results of operations are examples of forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect the current views of management and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. There is no guarantee that the expected events, trends or results will a ctually occur. The statements are based on many assumptions and factors, including general economic and market conditions, industry conditions, and operating factors. Any changes in such assumptions or factors could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations.