Tenaris S.A. Form 6-K Summary: Half-Year 2010
Business Context and Reporting Period
This filing covers the unaudited consolidated condensed interim financial statements for the six-month period ended June 30, 2010. Tenaris S.A. is a leading global manufacturer of steel pipe products for the energy industry, organized into three segments: Tubes (seamless and welded tubular products), Projects (pipeline construction), and Others. The report was filed on August 9, 2010, and reviewed by PricewaterhouseCoopers.
Key Financial Metrics
| Metric (USD Millions) | Six Months Ended June 30, 2010 | Six Months Ended June 30, 2009 |
|---|---|---|
| Net Sales | 3,620.5 | 4,530.6 |
| Gross Profit | 1,450.0 | 1,902.4 |
| Operating Income | 714.6 | 1,122.4 |
| Net Income (Continuing Ops) | 517.2 | 757.7 |
| Net Income Attributable to Equity Holders | 501.6 | 709.3 |
| Earnings Per Share (Basic/Diluted) | $0.42 | $0.60 |
| Operating Cash Flow | 494.9 | 1,874.6 |
| Cash and Cash Equivalents (End of Period) | 1,244.4 | 1,608.7 |
| Total Financial Debt | 1,212.7 | 1,446.7 |
| Net Cash Position | 568.7 | 675.7 |
Note: Total Financial Debt calculated as sum of Current Borrowings ($751.2M) and Non-current Borrowings ($461.5M). Net Cash Position is Cash and Cash Equivalents less Total Financial Debt.
Material Changes vs. Prior Period
- Revenue Decline: Net sales decreased 20% year-over-year, driven by an 18% drop in the Tubes segment and a 61% drop in the Projects segment. While volume increased 11% in Tubes, average selling prices fell 26%.
- Profitability Compression: Operating income margin declined from 25% to 20% of net sales. Gross margin decreased from 42.0% to 40.1% due to higher raw material costs and a less favorable product mix.
- Segment Performance:
- Tubes: Sales down 18%; Operating income down 38% to $634.7M.
- Projects: Sales down 61% to $187.2M due to lower deliveries in Brazil and Argentina; Operating income down 71% to $27.5M.
- Others: Sales up 23% to $301.4M; Operating income surged to $52.4M from $1.6M, driven by electric conduits operations.
- Financial Position: The company maintained a net cash position, though it decreased by $107.0M during the period. Total financial debt decreased by $234.0M. Net interest expense dropped significantly to $30.5M from $50.8M in 2009.
- Discontinued Operations: No discontinued operations in 2010, compared to a $28.1M loss in 2009 related to the nationalization of Venezuelan subsidiaries.
Guidance, Outlook, and Risks
- Outlook: Management expects global drilling activity to continue recovering in the second half of 2010, albeit at a lower pace. Revenues are expected to increase driven by higher sales in North America and a recovery in Projects shipments in Q4. Operating margins are expected to be maintained as price increases offset higher costs.
- Corporate Reorganization: Tenaris is undergoing a reorganization to transition from a Luxembourg 1929 holding company regime (tax-exempt) to an ordinary public limited liability company effective January 1, 2011. The company expects its overall tax burden will not increase.
- Principal Risks:
- Venezuela Nationalization: Ongoing dispute regarding the nationalization of subsidiaries Tavsa, Matesi, and Comsigua. The company reserves rights to seek fair compensation under international treaties but notes uncertainty regarding payment and convertibility.
- FCPA Investigation: An ongoing internal investigation into potential violations of the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act regarding sales agency payments in Central Asia. The company has notified the SEC and DOJ; potential losses cannot be estimated.
- Market Volatility: Demand is highly sensitive to oil and gas prices and global economic conditions.
Investor Verification Checklist
- Verify the status and potential compensation outcomes of the Venezuelan nationalization claims (Tavsa, Matesi, Comsigua).
- Monitor the progress and potential penalties of the FCPA investigation regarding Central Asia sales agency payments.
- Assess the impact of the Luxembourg tax regime change effective Jan 1, 2011, on future dividend distributions and effective tax rates.
- Review the Projects segment recovery in Q4 2010, specifically regarding pipeline deliveries in Brazil and Argentina.
- Confirm the sustainability of price increases in the Tubes segment to offset rising raw material and labor costs.