Tenaris S.A. Form 6-K Summary: Six Months Ended June 30, 2015
Business Context and Reporting Period
This filing presents the Consolidated Condensed Interim Financial Statements for Tenaris S.A., a global leader in steel pipe manufacturing and distribution, for the six-month period ended June 30, 2015. The report was filed on August 6, 2015. The financial statements are prepared in accordance with IFRS and reflect a restatement of the December 31, 2014, comparative figures due to a reduction in the carrying amount of the Company's investment in Usiminas.
Key Financial Metrics
| Metric (in thousands USD) | Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 | Six Months Ended June 30, 2014 |
|---|---|---|
| Net Sales | 4,121,633 | 5,240,826 |
| Gross Profit | 1,356,564 | 2,122,904 |
| Operating Income | 490,495 | 1,115,052 |
| Net Income (Total) | 326,266 | 847,919 |
| Net Income (Attributable to Owners) | 321,396 | 830,390 |
| Earnings Per Share (Basic/Diluted) | $0.27 | $0.70 |
| Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities | 1,425,982 | 1,178,330 |
| Cash and Cash Equivalents (End of Period) | 519,230 | 642,382 |
| Total Borrowings (Current + Non-Current) | 1,260,695 | 999,240 |
Note: Borrowings calculated as sum of Current Borrowings ($1,235,138) and Non-current Borrowings ($25,557) as of June 30, 2015.
Material Changes vs. Prior Period
- Revenue Decline: Net sales decreased by approximately 21.3% year-over-year, driven primarily by lower volumes and prices in the oil and gas sector, particularly in North America and the Middle East.
- Profitability Compression: Operating income fell by 56% to $490.5 million. Gross margin declined from 40.5% in 2014 to 32.9% in 2015.
- Workforce Adjustments: The Company incurred approximately $104.8 million in severance indemnities included in labor costs ($66.9 million in Cost of Sales and $37.9 million in SG&A) to adjust the workforce to current market conditions.
- Financial Results: Net financial results shifted from a gain of $43.0 million in 2014 to a loss of $9.5 million in 2015. This was largely due to a negative impact of $23.1 million from the devaluation of the Brazilian Real against U.S. dollar-denominated borrowings.
- Capital Expenditures: Capital expenditures increased to $523.2 million from $412.2 million, primarily due to the construction of the greenfield seamless facility in Bay City, Texas.
Outlook, Risks, and Contingencies
- Legal Proceedings:
- Italy Tax Assessment: A favorable decision was reached regarding a 2007 tax assessment. However, a second assessment regarding 2008 dividend payments remains outstanding, with a potential exposure of approximately $277 million. Management believes a material obligation is not probable based on recent court precedents.
- CSN Claims (Usiminas): Ongoing litigation regarding the 2012 acquisition of Usiminas shares. Tenaris believes claims are groundless; no provision has been recorded.
- Commitments: The Company has significant commitments related to the Bay City, Texas expansion (approx. $444.7 million remaining) and a supply contract with Nucor Corporation (approx. $249 million estimated through mid-2016).
- Dividends: An annual dividend of $0.45 per share ($0.90 per ADS) was approved and paid in full during the period.
- Market Risks: The filing highlights exposure to currency fluctuations, specifically the impact of local currency devaluations (Brazil, Argentina) on financial results and debt servicing.
Key Facts for Investor Verification
- Restatement Impact: Verify the specific impact of the Usiminas investment restatement on the comparative 2014 figures and the current period's equity position.
- Severance Costs: Confirm the one-time nature of the $104.8 million in severance costs and assess the trajectory of labor costs in future quarters.
- Italy Tax Exposure: Monitor the status of the 2008 Italian tax assessment, which remains a potential liability of ~$277 million despite management's optimistic assessment.
- Currency Sensitivity: Evaluate the ongoing impact of Brazilian Real devaluation on future financial results and debt obligations.
- CapEx Progress: Track the progress and cost overruns, if any, of the Bay City, Texas seamless facility, which is driving increased capital expenditures.