PORTO ALEGRE, Brazil, Nov. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Gerdau S.A. announces results for the first nine months of 2007. Output of crude steel reaches 13 million metric tons in nine months, 9.4% more than the volume produced in 2006. Gross sales revenue reaches R$ 25.1 billion in the period from January to September, 16.1% more than the same period 2006. Of this amount, 61% consists of exports and sales from overseas companies. Exports from the Gerdau companies in Brazil contributed US$ 1.1 billion toward the consolidated sales revenue reached up to September this year. Net profit reaches R$ 3.4 billion in the first nine months of 2007, 7.6% more than the same period for 2006. The net margin was 14.9%. Interest on capital of the 3rd quarter will be paid on November 30. Shareholders from Metalurgica Gerdau S.A. will receive R$ 0.56 per share and from Gerdau S.A. R$ 0.34 per share. Cash from operations (EBITDA) reached R$ 4.6 billion up to September this year, which is an amount 2.2% higher than that reached in the same period of 2006. The margin was 20.6%. Gerdau successfully implement its financing plan for the acquisition of Chaparral. Payment was made on September 14. Gerdau Ameristeel concluded a capital increase of approximately US$ 1.35 billion with the issuance of 110 million common shares at a price of US$ 12.25 per share. Gerdau concludes the issuance of a 10-year bond in the international market. The funds raised were US$ 1.0 billion with an interest rate of 7.25% a year. Acominas puts into operations its no. 2 blast furnace at its mill in Ouro Branco-MG. This equipment increases the plant's annual installed capacity from 3 million metric tons to 4.5 million metric tons of liquid steel. Gerdau is the winner of the 11th "Anefac-Fipecafi-Serasa Award - Transparency Trophy" for its financial statements in 2006. It was the 8th time in a row that the Company was classified among the top ten companies that presented the best financial statements and the first time that it received the main award. The Gerdau Riograndense mill was one of the winners of the National Quality Award, which is the highest recognition of excellence in management for the Brazilian organizations. The award ceremony will take place on November 26 in Sao Paulo. Acquisitions announced this year represent investments of US$ 4.9 billion, and an expansion in Gerdau's business to another four countries, extending the company's footprint to thirteen countries. Gerdau's internal controls structure receives full compliance 2006 certification under section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley act (SOX). Fitch and Standard & Poor's rating agencies set Gerdau's risk rating at Investment Grade. This rating was maintained at this level even after acquisition of Chaparral Steel Company. Gerdau signs agreements for new labor contracts with the United Steelworkers - USW at various North American units. This year, Gerdau celebrates 60 years as a participant in the capital markets and uninterrupted payment of dividends to its shareholders. DATASOURCE: Gerdau S.A. CONTACT: Carina Klein Castro, +011-55-51-3323-2703, Web site: http://www.gerdau.com.br/

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