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Eletrobras(EBR) - 2024 Q4 - Annual Report

Legal and Regulatory Challenges - The company is facing ongoing legal challenges regarding its Privatization, with 18 lawsuits currently in progress that could impact capital raising and market share [57]. - The company has ongoing obligations under the Eletrobras Privatization Law, which includes contributions to various funds and modernization studies for its plants [52]. - The company is exposed to claims for historic management of sectoral funds and governmental programs, with a fine of R51.7millionimposedbyANEELfornoncomplianceinmanagingtheCCCAccount[73].ABrazilianCourtdecisionallowsforshareholderstobeincludedasdefendantsinenvironmentaldamageclaims,whichcouldimpactthecompany[136].Thecompanyisinvolvedinnumerouslegalproceedings,whichmayresultinsubstantialfinanciallossesandaffectitsconsolidatedfinancialposition[138].Thecompanyfacesrisksrelatedtocompliancewithdataprotectionlaws,whichcouldleadtofinesandreputationaldamage[156].RegulatorychangesbyANEELcouldadverselyaffectthecompanysgenerationandtransmissionactivities,includinginvestmentsandtariffs[161].FinancialLiabilitiesandPerformanceAsofDecember31,2024,thecompanyhasprovisionedR51.7 million imposed by ANEEL for non-compliance in managing the CCC Account [73]. - A Brazilian Court decision allows for shareholders to be included as defendants in environmental damage claims, which could impact the company [136]. - The company is involved in numerous legal proceedings, which may result in substantial financial losses and affect its consolidated financial position [138]. - The company faces risks related to compliance with data protection laws, which could lead to fines and reputational damage [156]. - Regulatory changes by ANEEL could adversely affect the company's generation and transmission activities, including investments and tariffs [161]. Financial Liabilities and Performance - As of December 31, 2024, the company has provisioned R4.6 billion and R2.7billionfordebtsowedbyAmazonasEnergiaandEletronorte,respectively[63].Thecompanyissubjecttosignificantfinancialliabilities,includingR2.7 billion for debts owed by Amazonas Energia and Eletronorte, respectively [63]. - The company is subject to significant financial liabilities, including R6.1 billion in guarantees related to Eletronuclear as of December 31, 2024 [59]. - The company’s ability to finance operations at favorable rates may be hindered by the challenges to its Privatization and the resulting legal and reputational risks [60]. - The company recorded R67.4billiontobereceivedascompensationfortheundepreciatedRBSEinfrastructure,butthereareuncertaintiesregardingthetimingandfullamountofthesepayments[127].Thecompanyissubjecttoliquidityconstraintsthatmayhinderfinancingforplannedinvestments,especiallyifcreditratingsarelowered[109].Thecompanymayneedtomakesubstantialcontributionstopensionplansforcurrentandformeremployees,whichcouldimpactfinancialconditionifreservesareinsufficient[128].AsofDecember31,2024,thecompanyrecordedadeficitofR67.4 billion to be received as compensation for the undepreciated RBSE infrastructure, but there are uncertainties regarding the timing and full amount of these payments [127]. - The company is subject to liquidity constraints that may hinder financing for planned investments, especially if credit ratings are lowered [109]. - The company may need to make substantial contributions to pension plans for current and former employees, which could impact financial condition if reserves are insufficient [128]. - As of December 31, 2024, the company recorded a deficit of R3.7 billion in its pension plans, with contributions of R441.0millionmadeduringtheyear[131].OperationalRisksAmazonasEnergiahaspartiallydefaultedonenergytradingagreements,withatotaldefaultamountofR441.0 million made during the year [131]. Operational Risks - Amazonas Energia has partially defaulted on energy trading agreements, with a total default amount of R1.3 billion as of December 31, 2024, for which the company has provisioned R1.0billion[64].Thecompanyfacesvariousrisksrelatedtoconstruction,expansion,andoperationofelectricitygenerationandtransmissionfacilities,whichmayresultindelaysandincreasedexpenses[84].Strikesandlaborunrestcouldimpairthecompanysabilitytooperateandcompletemajorprojects,adverselyimpactingfinancialresults[102].Thecompanymayincuradditionalcostsduetoperiodicreviewsofassuredenergycapacitiesforitshydroelectricplants,witharecentaveragereductionof41.0 billion [64]. - The company faces various risks related to construction, expansion, and operation of electricity generation and transmission facilities, which may result in delays and increased expenses [84]. - Strikes and labor unrest could impair the company's ability to operate and complete major projects, adversely impacting financial results [102]. - The company may incur additional costs due to periodic reviews of assured energy capacities for its hydroelectric plants, with a recent average reduction of 4% [150]. - The company is exposed to hydrological risks that may result in lower hydroelectric power generation, particularly due to seasonal variations in rainfall, which could adversely affect financial conditions [208]. - The company’s operations are significantly impacted by external factors such as climate change and hydrological conditions affecting hydroelectric power generation [50]. Market and Economic Factors - The company’s financial performance may be adversely affected by political events, economic volatility, and regulatory changes in Brazil [60]. - The Brazilian economy is vulnerable to external shocks, which may adversely affect economic growth and trading markets for securities [171]. - Political instability and economic slowdown could lead to further downgrades in Brazil's credit ratings, negatively impacting the company's cost of funding [197]. - The new U.S. administration's potential tariff impositions contribute to significant turmoil in global markets, affecting supply costs and financial expenses [97]. - The Brazilian real depreciated against the U.S. dollar in 2024, influenced by high U.S. interest rates and uncertain fiscal policy in Brazil [183]. - Changes in tax laws, including the unification of the consumption tax system, may adversely affect the company's operations and financial condition [193]. Environmental and Social Risks - The company faces significant socioenvironmental risks, particularly during the construction of generation plants and transmission lines [199]. - The company is subject to potential penalties and sanctions for non-compliance with environmental regulations, which could materially affect its operations and financial condition [144]. - Brazilian law imposes strict civil liability for environmental damages, meaning the company could be held responsible for remediation costs even if contractors fail to comply with environmental legislation [202]. - The company is subject to risks related to human rights violations, particularly in projects involving local community relocations, which could negatively impact its reputation and financial results [218]. - Climate change impacts may lead to increased operational costs and risks of divestment, affecting the company's competitiveness and reputation [209]. Corporate Governance and Shareholder Issues - The absence of a controlling shareholder may complicate decision-making processes and increase the risk of conflicts among shareholders, potentially affecting corporate governance [223]. - The Brazilian Government holds a golden share that grants it veto power over certain corporate resolutions, which may conflict with the interests of other shareholders [227]. - The absence of a controlling shareholder may lead to instability and unexpected changes in corporate policies, affecting operational results [230]. Currency and Exchange Rate Risks - As of December 31, 2024, 22.2% of the total consolidated loans, financing, and debentures, amounting to R75.6 billion, were denominated in foreign currencies, compared to 11.6% amounting to R59.5billionasofDecember31,2023[190].TheU.S.dollarappreciatedby27.3659.5 billion as of December 31, 2023 [190]. - The U.S. dollar appreciated by 27.36% against the Brazilian real in 2024, reaching a record exchange rate of R6.26 as of December 31, 2024 [184]. - Exchange controls in Brazil may restrict the remittance of investment proceeds to foreign investors, potentially affecting the company's ability to convert dividends into foreign currencies [235]. - The issuance of new shares or sales by existing shareholders could significantly decrease the market price of the company's common and preferred shares [232].