Tenaris Announces 2008 First Quarter Results

The Financial and Operational Information Contained in This Press Release Is Based on Unaudited Consolidated Condensed Interim Financial Statements Prepared in Accordance With International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and Presented in U.S. Dollars LUXEMBOURG--(Marketwire - May 06, 2008) - Tenaris S.A. (NYSE: TS) (BAE: TS) (MXSE: TS) (MILAN: TEN) ("Tenaris") today announced its results for the quarter ended March 31, 2008 with comparison to its results for the quarter ended March 31, 2007. Summary of 2008 First Quarter Results (Comparison with fourth and first quarters of 2007) Q1 2008 Q4 2007 Q1 2007 ------- ---------------- -------------- Net sales (US$ million) 2,626.2 2,628.0 (0%) 2,425.3 8% Operating income (US$ million) 710.9 756.7 (6%) 757.6 (6%) Net income (US$ million) 500.0 595.8 (16%) 509.4 (2%) Shareholders' net income (US$ million) 473.0 546.5 (13%) 480.3 (2%) Earnings per ADS (US$) 0.80 0.93 (13%) 0.81 (2%) Earnings per share (US$) 0.40 0.46 (13%) 0.41 (2%) EBITDA (US$ million) 845.4 890.9 (5%) 858.1 (1%) EBITDA margin (% of net sales) 32% 34% 35% Our earnings per share in the first quarter of 2008 were marginally lower than that recorded in the first quarter of 2007. At the operating level, our results reflect lower shipments of seamless pipe products in the Middle East and Africa region partially offset by higher demand for our welded pipe products in North America and in our Projects segment. Margins in dollars per ton for our seamless and welded pipe products remained stable compared to the fourth quarter of 2007 notwithstanding higher costs. Free cash flow (net cash provided by operations less capital expenditures) totaled US$480.5 million during the quarter, and net debt declined to US$2,501.2 million as of March 31, 2008. Market Background and Outlook In the first quarter of 2008, global oil prices continued to rise reflecting steady global demand and concerns about supply. North American gas prices also rose reflecting a tighter market as seasonally adjusted storage levels declined from the high levels of the past two years. Despite the recent increase in North American gas prices, they remain below international prices for LNG and residual fuel oil as US gas production has increased in line with demand. Oil and gas companies continue to increase their level of spending and drilling activity to offset declining rates of production from mature fields and to explore and develop new reserves. However, the supply-side response to high international oil and gas prices is constrained by limited industry resources, restrictions on the access to the majority of the world's known reserves and the time needed to develop significant new reserves. The international count of active drilling rigs, as published by Baker Hughes, averaged 1046 during the first quarter of 2008, an increase of 7% compared to the same quarter of the previous year and 3% higher than the fourth quarter of 2007. The corresponding rig count in USA, which is more sensitive to North American gas prices, was 2% higher in the first quarter of 2008 than the same quarter of the previous year but registered a 1% decline compared to the fourth quarter of 2007. In Canada, however, the corresponding rig count during the first quarter of 2008 was 5% lower than in the first quarter of 2007. Demand for our OCTG and other pipe products from the oil and gas industry is expected to increase this year, particularly in North America following last year's destocking by U.S. distributors. However, inventory adjustments will continue to affect some markets and competitive activity is increasing in many areas reflecting higher capacity availability. Demand for our large diameter pipes for pipeline projects in South America remains good as we continue to make deliveries to previously contracted gas pipeline infrastructure projects in Brazil and Argentina. Orders for new projects in Brazil and Colombia have been received and we expect to maintain a strong level of sales in this segment in 2008. Steelmaking raw material costs for our seamless pipe products and steel costs for our welded pipe products have risen steeply in the year to date and are expected to go on rising in the near term. Energy and labor costs are also increasing. Pipe prices, are also rising, though not at the same pace across all markets. We expect that, over time, we will maintain our margins in dollars per ton notwithstanding the increased volatility in costs. Annual Shareholders Assembly The annual general shareholders' meeting of the Company will take place at 11:00 am on June 4, 2008 in Luxembourg. The notice and agenda for the meeting, the shareholder meeting brochure and proxy statement together with the Company's 2007 annual report can be downloaded from our website at www.tenaris.com/investors and may be obtained on request by calling 1-800-555-2470 (within the USA) or + 1-267-468-0786 (outside the USA). Analysis of 2008 First Quarter Results Increase/ Sales volume (metric tons) Q1 2008 Q1 2007 (Decrease) ------------ ------------ ---------- Tubes - Seamless 691,000 746,000 (7%) Tubes - Welded 282,000 252,000 12% Tubes - Total 973,000 998,000 (3%) Projects - Welded 132,000 75,000 76% Total 1,105,000 1,073,000 3% Increase/ Tubes Q1 2008 Q1 2007 (Decrease) ----------- ----------- ---------- (Net sales - $ million) North America 832.6 727.8 14% South America 238.2 260.5 (9%)- Europe 447.6 418.7 7% Middle East & Africa 475.7 580.0 (18%) Far East & Oceania 176.6 157.7 12% Total net sales ($ million) 2,170.7 2,144.7 1% Cost of sales (% of sales) 54% 50% Operating income ($ million) 637.4 722.0 (12%) Operating income (% of sales) 29% 34% Net sales of tubular products and services rose 1% to US$2,170.7 million in the first quarter of 2008, compared to US$2,144.7 million in the first quarter of 2007, as an increase in our average selling price for tubular products and services and an increase in sales volume of welded pipe products offset a 7% decline in sales volume of seamless pipe products. Sales rose in North America, where there was a recovery in demand in USA following a period of inventory destocking but demand in Canada continued to be affected by lower drilling activity. Sales in South America declined due primarily to lower sales in Ecuador. Sales in the Middle East and Africa declined as sales of OCTG products were lower throughout the region. Increase/ Projects Q1 2008 Q1 2007 (Decrease) ----------- ----------- ---------- Net sales ($ million) 271.7 124.4 118% Cost of sales (% of sales) 72% 66% Operating income ($ million) 51.3 26.3 95% Operating income (% of sales) 19% 21% Net sales of pipes for pipeline projects rose 118% to US$271.7 million in the first quarter of 2008, compared to US$124.4 million in the first quarter of 2007, reflecting a relatively high level of deliveries to gas and other pipeline projects in Brazil and deliveries to the loops expansion project in Argentina. Increase/ Others Q1 2008 Q1 2007 (Decrease) ----------- ----------- ---------- Net sales ($ million) 183.8 156.2 18% Cost of sales (% of sales) 73% 82% Operating income ($ million) 22.2 9.3 140% Operating income (% of sales) 12% 6% Net sales of other products and services rose 18% to US$183.8 million in the first quarter of 2008, compared to US$156.2 million in the first quarter of 2007, led by higher sales of electric conduit pipes. Selling, general and administrative expenses, or SG&A, increased as a percentage of net sales to 15.7% in the quarter ended March 31, 2008 compared to 15.4% in the corresponding quarter of 2007 due to an increase in amortization expenses following the incorporation of Hydril. Amortization of customer relationships and other intangibles acquired with Hydril amounted to US$20.3 million in the quarter, or 0.8% of net sales. Net interest expense rose to US$54.8 million in the first quarter of 2008 compared to a net interest expense of US$35.5 million in the same period of 2007 reflecting an increased net debt position following the Hydril acquisition. Other financial results contributed a loss of US$14.3 million during the first quarter of 2008, compared to a loss of US$13.0 million during the first quarter of 2007. Equity in earnings of associated companies generated a gain of US$50.0 million in the first quarter of 2008, compared to a gain of US$25.9 million in the first quarter of 2007. These gains were derived mainly from our equity investment in Ternium (NYSE: TX). In April 2008, the Venezuelan government announced its intention to nationalize Ternium's subsidiary Sidor, and negotiations regarding the transfer of Termium's interest in Sidor are currently in progress. The impact of Sidor's nationalization on Ternium's earnings, and our share in them, is not determinable at this time. Income tax charges totalled US$208.6 million in the first quarter of 2008, equivalent to 33% of income from continuing operations before equity in earnings of associated companies and income tax, compared to US$225.5 million, or 32% of income before equity in earnings of associated companies and income tax, in the first quarter of 2007. Income from discontinued operations amounted to US$16.8 million in the first quarter of 2008. This income corresponds to the Hydril pressure control business, whose sale was completed on April 1, 2008. An after-tax gain of approximately US$400 million will be recorded in the second quarter in respect of this disposal. Income attributable to minority interest was US$26.9 million in the first quarter of 2008, compared to US$29.1 million in the corresponding quarter of 2007. Although operating and financial results at our Confab subsidiary were higher during the period, they were lower at our NKKTubes subsidiary. Cash Flow and Liquidity Net cash provided by operations during the first quarter of 2008 was US$568.9 million, compared to US$688.3 million in the first quarter of 2007. Working capital increased by US$218.7 million during the quarter with the value of inventories rising by US$149.8 million, reflecting rising input costs, and trade receivables increased by $61.0 million. Capital expenditures amounted to US$88.5 million for the first quarter of 2008, compared to US$119.9 million in the first quarter of 2007. During the first quarter of 2008, total financial debt decreased by US$303.0 million to US$3,717,2 million at March 31, 2008 from US$4,020.2 million at December 31, 2007, and net financial debt decreased by US$469.0 million to US$2,501.2 million at March 31, 2008. Our net financial debt position decreased further at the beginning of the second quarter following the divestment of the Hydril pressure control business which was completed on April 1, 2008. Some of the statements contained in this press release are "forward-looking statements." Forward-looking statements are based on management's current views and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks that could cause actual results, performance or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by those statements. These risks include but are not limited to risks arising from uncertainties as to future oil and gas prices and their impact on investment programs by oil and gas companies Consolidated Condensed Interim Income Statement (all amounts in thousands of U.S. dollars, Three-month period ended unless otherwise stated) March 31, -------------------------- 2008 2007 ------------ ------------ Continuing operations (Unaudited) Net sales 2,626,187 2,425,299 Cost of sales (1,500,689) (1,291,498) ------------ ------------ Gross profit 1,125,498 1,133,801 Selling, general and administrative expenses (413,594) (374,267) Other operating income (expense), net (991) (1,937) ------------ ------------ Operating income 710,913 757,597 Interest income 12,269 22,191 Interest expense (67,092) (57,727) Other financial results (14,302) (13,043) ------------ ------------ Income before equity in earnings of associated companies and income tax 641,788 709,018 Equity in earnings of associated companies 49,994 25,907 ------------ ------------ Income before income tax 691,782 734,925 Income tax (208,606) (225,531) ------------ ------------ Income for continuing operations 483,176 509,394 Discontinued operations Income for discontinued operations 16,787 - ------------ ------------ Income for the period 499,963 509,394 ------------ ------------ Attributable to: Equity holders of the Company 473,043 480,304 Minority interest 26,920 29,090 ------------ ------------ 499,963 509,394 ============ ============ Consolidated Condensed Interim Balance Sheet (all amounts in thousands of U.S. dollars) At March 31, 2008 At December 31, 2007 --------------------- --------------------- (Unaudited) ASSETS Non-current assets Property, plant and equipment, net 3,350,197 3,269,007 Intangible assets, net 4,469,360 4,542,352 Investments in associated companies 562,691 509,354 Other investments 35,138 35,503 Deferred tax assets 313,149 310,590 Receivables 56,917 8,787,452 63,738 8,730,544 ---------- ---------- Current assets Inventories 2,748,654 2,598,856 Receivables and prepayments 203,859 222,410 Current tax assets 200,602 242,757 Trade receivables 1,809,803 1,748,833 Other investments 135,448 87,530 Cash and cash equivalents 1,080,555 6,178,921 962,497 5,862,883 ---------- ---------- Current and non current assets held for sale 650,698 651,160 ---------- ---------- 6,829,619 6,514,043 Total assets 15,617,071 15,244,587 EQUITY Capital and reserves attributable to the Company's equity holders Share capital 1,180,537 1,180,537 Legal reserves 118,054 118,054 Share premium 609,733 609,733 Currency translation adjustments 345,984 266,049 Other reserves 20,132 18,203 Retained earnings 5,286,744 7,561,184 4,813,701 7,006,277 ---------- ---------- Minority interest 576,793 523,573 ---------- ---------- Total equity 8,137,977 7,529,850 ========== ========== LIABILITIES Non-current liabilities Borrowings 2,753,441 2,869,466 Deferred tax liabilities 1,224,758 1,233,836 Other liabilities 197,898 185,410 Provisions 96,329 97,912 Trade payables 32 4,272,458 47 4,386,671 ---------- ---------- Current liabilities Borrowings 963,773 1,150,779 Current tax liabilities 426,381 341,028 Other liabilities 272,771 252,204 Provisions 28,421 19,342 Customer advances 375,569 449,829 Trade payables 869,846 2,936,761 847,842 3,061,024 ---------- ---------- Liabilities associated with current and non-current assets held for sale 269,875 267,042 ---------- ---------- 3,206,636 3,328,066 Total liabilities 7,479,094 7,714,737 Total equity and liabilities 15,617,071 15,244,587 Consolidated Condensed Interim Cash Flow Statement Three-month period ended March 31, -------------------------- (all amounts in thousands of U.S. dollars) 2008 2007 ------------ ------------ (Unaudited) Cash flows from operating activities Income for the period 499,963 509,394 Adjustments for: Depreciation and amortization 134,483 100,487 Income tax accruals less payments 107,538 125,377 Equity in earnings of associated companies (49,994) (25,907) Interest accruals less payments, net 54,308 45,429 Changes in provisions 7,496 (7,230) Changes in working capital (218,720) (90,519) Other, including currency translation adjustment 33,857 31,243 ------------ ------------ Net cash provided by operating activities 568,931 688,274 ============ ============ Cash flows from investing activities Capital expenditures (88,455) (119,912) Acquisitions of subsidiaries and minority interest (1,026) (1,750) Decrease in subsidiaries - (1,195) Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets 5,007 2,693 Investments in short terms securities (47,918) (5,084) Other (3,428) - ------------ ------------ Net cash used in investing activities (135,820) (125,248) ============ ============ Cash flows from financing activities Dividends paid to minority interest in subsidiaries - (3,359) Proceeds from borrowings 130,387 48,174 Repayments of borrowings (490,277) (360,899) ------------ ------------ Net cash used in financing activities (359,890) (316,084) ============ ============ ============ ============ Increase in cash and cash equivalents 73,221 246,942 ============ ============ Movement in cash and cash equivalents At the beginning of the period 954,303 1,365,008 Effect of exchange rate changes 45,461 2,736 Increase in cash and cash equivalents 73,221 246,942 At March 31, 1,072,985 1,614,686 Cash and cash equivalents At March 31, -------------------------- 2008 2007 ------------ ------------ Cash and bank deposits 1,080,555 1,634,812 Bank overdrafts (7,570) (20,105) Restricted bank deposits - (21) 1,072,985 1,614,686 Nigel Worsnop Tenaris 1-888-300-5432 www.tenaris.com

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