form6k.htm


FORM 6 - K


SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549


Report of Foreign Private Issuer
Pursuant to Rule 13a - 16 or 15d - 16 of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934


As of November 10, 2008


TENARIS, S.A.
(Translation of Registrant's name into English)


TENARIS, S.A.
46a, Avenue John F. Kennedy
L-1855 Luxembourg
(Address of principal executive offices)


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover Form 20-F or 40-F.

Form 20-F þ    Form 40-F o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12G3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

Yes o    No þ


If “Yes” is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b): 82- .
 


 
 

 

The attached material is being furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Rule 13a-16 and Form 6-K under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. This report contains Tenaris' consolidated condensed interim financial statements September 30, 2008.


SIGNATURE


Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.


Date: November 10, 2008


Tenaris, S.A.


By: /s/ Cecilia Bilesio
Cecilia Bilesio
Corporate Secretary

 
 

 

TENARIS S.A.


CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


SEPTEMBER 30, 2008


46a, Avenue John F. Kennedy - 2nd Floor.
L - 1855 Luxembourg

 
 

 

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED INTERIM INCOME STATEMENT

(all amounts in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated)
 
Three-month period
ended September 30,
   
Nine-month period
ended September 30,
 
  Notes
2008
   
2007
   
2008
   
2007
 
Continuing operations
 
(Unaudited)
 
Net sales
3 
  3,118,512       2,433,773       8,893,084       7,414,040  
Cost of sales
3 & 4    (1,745,064 )     (1,375,736 )     (5,088,664 )     (4,041,552 )
Gross profit
    1,373,448       1,058,037       3,804,420       3,372,488  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
3 & 5    (459,165 )     (387,632 )     (1,350,835 )     (1,160,908 )
Other operating income (expense), net
3 
  19,633       1,277       14,966       (11,075 )
Operating income
    933,916       671,682       2,468,551       2,200,505  
Interest income
6 
  16,881       22,635       45,660       65,017  
Interest expense
6 
  (40,184 )     (79,728 )     (142,454 )     (205,437 )
Other financial results
  (32,032 )     (12,851 )     (45,188 )     (10,725 )
Income before equity in earnings of associated companies and income tax
    878,581       601,738       2,326,569       2,049,360  
Equity in earnings of associated companies
    24,290       18,280       122,386       73,585  
Income before income tax
    902,871       620,018       2,448,955       2,122,945  
Income tax
    (271,714 )     (195,856 )     (698,910 )     (662,070 )
Income for continuing operations
    631,157       424,162       1,750,045       1,460,875  
Discontinued operations
                               
Income for discontinued operations
12    -       12,202       411,110       19,369  
Income for the period
    631,157       436,364       2,161,155       1,480,244  
                                 
Attributable to:
                               
Equity holders of the Company
    570,635       400,952       2,031,149       1,377,206  
Minority interest
    60,522       35,412       130,006       103,038  
      631,157       436,364       2,161,155       1,480,244  
Earnings per share attributable to the equity holders of the Company during the period
                               
Weighted average number of ordinary shares (thousands)
    1,180,537       1,180,537       1,180,537       1,180,537  
Earnings per share (U.S. dollars per share)
    0.48       0.34       1.72       1.17  
Earnings per ADS (U.S. dollars per ADS)
    0.97       0.68       3.44       2.33  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Condensed Interim Financial Statements. The report of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on these Consolidated Condensed Interim Financial Statements is issued as a separate document. These Consolidated Condensed Interim Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with our audited Consolidated Financial Statements and notes for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007.

 
 

 

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED INTERIM BALANCE SHEET

(all amounts in thousands of U.S. dollars)
 
At September 30, 2008
   
At December 31, 2007
 
 
 Notes
(Unaudited)
       
ASSETS
                       
Non-current assets
                       
Property, plant and equipment, net
7 
  3,307,590             3,269,007        
Intangible assets, net
8 
  4,347,873             4,542,352        
Investments in associated companies
    630,426             509,354        
Other investments
    38,099             35,503        
Deferred tax assets
    356,333             310,590        
Receivables
    50,857       8,731,178       63,738       8,730,544  
Current assets
                               
Inventories
    3,334,040               2,598,856          
Receivables and prepayments
    248,805               222,410          
Current tax assets
    143,251               242,757          
Trade receivables
    2,027,081               1,748,833          
Other investments
    26,997               87,530          
Cash and cash equivalents
    1,489,787       7,269,961       962,497       5,862,883  
Current and non current assets held for sale
 12           -               651,160  
              7,269,961               6,514,043  
Total assets
            16,001,139               15,244,587  
EQUITY
                               
Capital and reserves attributable to the Company’s equity holders
            8,686,199               7,006,277  
Minority interest
            572,234               523,573  
Total equity
            9,258,433               7,529,850  
LIABILITIES
                               
Non-current liabilities
                               
Borrowings
    1,600,884               2,869,466          
Deferred tax liabilities
    1,111,196               1,233,836          
Other tax liabilities
    7,772               -          
Other liabilities
    181,872               185,410          
Provisions
    100,292               97,912          
Trade payables
    1,155       3,003,171       47       4,386,671  
Current liabilities
                               
Borrowings
    1,404,051               1,150,779          
Current tax liabilities
    560,430               341,028          
Other liabilities
    296,819               252,204          
Provisions
    27,801               19,342          
Customer advances
    360,093               449,829          
Trade payables
    1,090,341       3,739,535       847,842       3,061,024  
Liabilities associated with current and non-current assets held for sale
 12           -               267,042  
              3,739,535               3,328,066  
Total liabilities
            6,742,706               7,714,737  
Total equity and liabilities
            16,001,139               15,244,587  

Contingencies, commitments and restrictions to the distribution of profits are disclosed in Note 10.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Condensed Interim Financial Statements. The report of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on these Consolidated Condensed Interim Financial Statements is issued as a separate document. These Consolidated Condensed Interim Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with our audited Consolidated Financial Statements and notes for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007.

 
 

 

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED INTERIM STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
(all amounts in thousands of U.S. dollars)

   
Attributable to equity holders of the Company
             
   
Share
Capital
   
Legal
Reserves
   
Share
Premium
   
Currency
Translation
Adjustment
   
Other
Reserves
   
Retained
Earnings (*)
   
Minority
Interest
   
Total
 
                                             
(Unaudited)
 
Balance at January 1, 2008
    1,180,537       118,054       609,733       266,049       18,203       4,813,701       523,573       7,529,850  
                                                                 
Currency translation differences
    -       -       -       (55,033 )     -       -       (12,980 )     (68,013 )
Change in equity reserves
    -       -       -       -       738       -       (178 )     560  
Acquisition and decrease of minority interest
    -       -       -       -       (1,798 )     -       (8,070 )     (9,868 )
Dividends paid in cash
    -       -       -       -       -       (295,134 )     (60,117 )     (355,251 )
Income for the period
    -       -       -       -       -       2,031,149       130,006       2,161,155  
Balance at September 30, 2008
    1,180,537       118,054       609,733       211,016       17,143       6,549,716       572,234       9,258,433  

   
Attributable to equity holders of the Company
             
   
Share Capital
   
Legal Reserves
   
Share Premium
   
Currency Translation Adjustment
   
Other Reserves
   
Retained Earnings
   
Minority Interest
   
Total
 
                                             
(Unaudited)
 
Balance at January 1, 2007
    1,180,537       118,054       609,733       3,954       28,757       3,397,584       363,011       5,701,630  
                                                                 
Currency translation differences
    -       -       -       226,487       -       -       36,242       262,729  
Change in equity reserves
    -       -       -       -       (8,229 )     -       -       (8,229 )
Acquisition and decrease of minority interest
    -       -       -       -       -       -       20,783       20,783  
Dividends paid in cash
    -       -       -       -       -       (354,161 )     (45,315 )     (399,476 )
Income for the period
    -       -       -       -       -       1,377,206       103,038       1,480,244  
Balance at September 30, 2007
    1,180,537       118,054       609,733       230,441       20,528       4,420,629       477,759       7,057,681  

(*) Retained Earnings calculated in accordance with Luxembourg Law are disclosed in Note 10.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Condensed Interim Financial Statements. The report of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on these Consolidated Condensed Interim Financial Statements is issued as a separate document. These Consolidated Condensed Interim Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with our audited Consolidated Financial Statements and notes for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007.

 
 

 

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED INTERIM CASH FLOW STATEMENT

   
Nine-month period ended
September 30,
 
(all amounts in thousands of U.S. dollars)
 Notes
2008
   
2007
 
Cash flows from operating activities
 
(Unaudited)
 
Income for the period
    2,161,155       1,480,244  
Adjustments for:
               
Depreciation and amortization
7 & 8 
  403,758       371,647  
Income tax accruals less payments
    (219,750 )     (220,582 )
Equity in earnings of associated companies
    (122,386 )     (73,585 )
Income from the sale of pressure control business
    (394,323 )     -  
Interest accruals less payments, net
    26,507       63,519  
Changes in provisions
    10,839       (4,279 )
Changes in working capital
    (803,078 )     94,669  
Other, including currency translation adjustment
    22,969       77,498  
Net cash provided by operating activities
    1,085,691       1,789,131  
                 
Cash flows from investing activities
               
Capital expenditures
7 & 8    (337,138 )     (334,568 )
Acquisitions of subsidiaries and minority interest
11    (9,868 )     (1,927,227 )
Other disbursements relating to the acquisition of Hydril
    -       (71,580 )
Proceeds from the sale of pressure control business (*)
12    1,113,805       -  
Decrease in subsidiaries
    -       (1,195 )
Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets
    12,166       6,923  
Dividends received
    13,636       11,496  
Investments in short terms securities
    60,533       (30,842 )
Other
    (3,428 )     -  
Net cash provided by / (used in) investing activities
    849,706       (2,346,993 )
Cash flows from financing activities
               
Dividends paid
    (295,134 )     (354,161 )
Dividends paid to minority interest in subsidiaries
    (60,117 )     (45,315 )
Proceeds from borrowings
    731,205       2,451,963  
Repayments of borrowings
    (1,777,464 )     (1,247,324 )
Net cash (used in) / provided by financing activities
    (1,401,510 )     805,163  
                 
Increase in cash and cash equivalents
    533,887       247,301  
Movement in cash and cash equivalents
               
At the beginning of the period
    954,303       1,365,008  
Effect of exchange rate changes
    (24,548 )     36,245  
Increase in cash and cash equivalents
    533,887       247,301  
At September 30,
    1,463,642       1,648,554  

   
At September 30,
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
2008
   
2007
 
Cash and bank deposits
    1,489,787       1,651,780  
Bank overdrafts
    (26,145 )     (3,205 )
Restricted bank deposits
    -       (21 )
      1,463,642       1,648,554  
Non-cash financing activity
               
Conversion of debt to equity in subsidiaries
    -       35,140  

(*) Includes $394 million of after-tax gain, $381 million of assets and liabilities held for sale and $339 million of income tax charges and related expenses.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Condensed Interim Financial Statements. The report of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on these Consolidated Condensed Interim Financial Statements is issued as a separate document. These Consolidated Condensed Interim Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with our audited Consolidated Financial Statements and notes for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007.

 
 

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


1
General information
2
Accounting policies and basis of presentation
3
Segment information
4
Cost of sales
5
Selling, general and administrative expenses
6
Financial results
7
Property, plant and equipment, net
8
Intangible assets, net
9
Earnings and dividends per share
10
Contingencies, commitments and restrictions to the distribution of profits
11
Business combinations and other acquisitions
12
Current and non current assets held for sale and discontinued operations
13
Related party transactions
14
Investment in Ternium: Sidor nationalization process
15
Subsequent event
16
Recently issued accounting pronouncements

 
 

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In the notes all amounts are shown in U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated)

1
General information

Tenaris S.A. (the “Company”), a Luxembourg corporation (societé anonyme holding), was incorporated on December 17, 2001 as a holding company in steel pipe manufacturing and distributing operations. The Company holds, either directly or indirectly, controlling interests in various subsidiaries. References in these Consolidated Condensed Interim Financial Statements to “Tenaris” refer to Tenaris S.A. and its consolidated subsidiaries. A list of the principal Company’s subsidiaries is included in Note 31 to the audited Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2007.

These Consolidated Condensed Interim Financial Statements were approved for issue by the Company’s Board of Directors on November 6, 2008.

2
Accounting policies and basis of presentation

These Consolidated Condensed Interim Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with IAS 34, “Interim Financial Reporting”. The accounting policies used in the preparation of these Consolidated Condensed Interim Financial Statements are consistent with those used in the audited Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2007. These Consolidated Condensed Interim Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the audited Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2007, which have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as issued by the International Accounting Standard Board and adopted by the European Union.

Certain comparative amounts have been reclassified to conform to changes in presentation in the current year.

The preparation of Consolidated Condensed Interim Financial Statements in conformity with IFRS requires management to make certain accounting estimates and assumptions that might affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the balance sheet dates, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses for the reported periods. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

Material intercompany transactions and balances between the Company’s subsidiaries have been eliminated in consolidation. However, since the functional currency of some subsidiaries is its respective local currency, some financial gains (losses) arising from intercompany transactions are generated. These are included in the Consolidated Condensed Interim Income Statement under Other financial results.

 
 

 

3
Segment information

Reportable operating segments
   
(Unaudited)
 
(all amounts in thousands of U.S. dollars)
 
 
 
Tubes
   
Projects
   
Other
   
Total
Continuing
operations
   
Total
Discontinued
operations (*)
 
Nine-month period ended September 30, 2008
                             
Net sales
    7,326,227       958,970       607,887       8,893,084       98,388  
Cost of sales
    (3,971,943 )     (688,314 )     (428,407 )     (5,088,664 )     (57,712 )
Gross profit
    3,354,284       270,656       179,480       3,804,420       40,676  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    (1,169,433 )     (95,910 )     (85,492 )     (1,350,835 )     (13,799 )
Other operating income (expenses), net
    19,227       (1,544 )     (2,717 )     14,966       129  
Operating income
    2,204,078       173,202       91,271       2,468,551       27,006  
Depreciation  and amortization
    365,829       15,706       22,223       403,758       8,965  
                                         
Nine-month period ended September 30, 2007
                                       
Net sales
    6,399,655       560,871       453,514       7,414,040       139,018  
Cost of sales
    (3,291,194 )     (396,979 )     (353,379 )     (4,041,552 )     (91,015 )
Gross profit
    3,108,461       163,892       100,135       3,372,488       48,003  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    (1,035,141 )     (60,181 )     (65,586 )     (1,160,908 )     (22,756 )
Other operating income (expenses), net
    (16,323 )     2,977       2,271       (11,075 )     (433 )
Operating income
    2,056,997       106,688       36,820       2,200,505       24,814  
Depreciation and amortization
    323,673       14,331       19,853       357,857       13,790  

Geographical information
         
(Unaudited)
 
 
(all amounts in thousands of U.S. dollars)
 
North
America
   
South
America
   
Europe
   
Middle
East &
Africa
   
Far East
&
Oceania
   
Total
Continuing
operations
   
Total
Discontinued
operations (*)
 
Nine-month period ended September 30, 2008
                                         
Net sales
    3,345,675       2,187,911       1,439,608       1,385,475       534,415       8,893,084       98,388  
Depreciation and amortization
    227,341       80,368       84,581       943       10,525       403,758       8,965  
                                                         
Nine-month period ended September 30, 2007
                                                       
Net sales
    2,368,487       1,633,498       1,231,940       1,634,364       545,751       7,414,040       139,018  
Depreciation and amortization
    199,192       90,416       60,941       815       6,493       357,857       13,790  

(*) Corresponds to pressure control operations.

Allocation of net sales to geographical information is based on customer location. Allocation of depreciation and amortization is based on the geographical location of the underlying assets.

There are no revenues from external customers attributable to the Company’s country of incorporation (Luxembourg). For geographical information purposes, “North America” comprises principally Canada, Mexico and the USA; “South America” comprises principally Argentina, Brazil, Venezuela and Colombia; “Europe” comprises principally Italy, Romania and the United Kingdom; “Middle East and Africa” comprises principally Algeria, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates; “Far East and Oceania” comprises principally China and Japan.

 
 

 

4
Cost of sales

   
Nine-month period ended
September 30,
 
(all amounts in thousands of U.S. dollars)
 
2008
   
2007
 
   
(Unaudited)
 
Inventories at the beginning of the period
    2,598,856       2,372,308  
Plus: Charges of the year
               
Raw materials, energy, consumables and other
    4,416,969       3,003,477  
Increase in inventory due to business combinations
    -       152,500  
Services and fees
    304,384       293,941  
Labor cost
    705,460       542,308  
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment
    215,556       191,939  
Amortization of intangible assets
    1,605       1,015  
Maintenance expenses
    162,735       139,406  
Provisions for contingencies
    12       3,212  
Allowance for obsolescence
    (12,522 )     16,429  
Taxes
    6,590       5,428  
Other
    80,771       53,455  
      5,881,560       4,403,110  
Less: Inventories at the end of the period
    (3,334,040 )     (2,642,851 )
      5,146,376       4,132,567  
From Discontinued operations
    (57,712 )     (91,015 )
      5,088,664       4,041,552  

5
Selling, general and administrative expenses

   
Nine-month period ended
September 30,
 
(all amounts in thousands of U.S. dollars)
 
2008
   
2007
 
   
(Unaudited)
 
Services and fees
    158,712       144,071  
Labor cost
    334,206       297,446  
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment
    9,328       9,731  
Amortization of intangible assets
    186,234       168,962  
Commissions, freight and other selling expenses
    424,958       339,983  
Provisions for contingencies
    28,615       24,872  
Allowances for doubtful accounts
    12,798       3,961  
Taxes
    118,608       108,467  
Other
    91,175       86,171  
      1,364,634       1,183,664  
From Discontinued operations
    (13,799 )     (22,756 )
      1,350,835       1,160,908  

 
 

 

6
Financial results

   
Nine-month period ended
September 30,
 
(all amounts in thousands of U.S. dollars)
 
2008
   
2007
 
   
(Unaudited)
 
Interest income
    45,901       65,065  
Interest expense
    (142,469 )     (205,493 )
Interest net
    (96,568 )     (140,428 )
Net foreign exchange transaction results and changes in fair value of derivative instruments
    (29,847 )     (3,626 )
Other
    (15,329 )     (7,196 )
Other financial results
    (45,176 )     (10,822 )
Net financial results
    (141,744 )     (151,250 )
From Discontinued operations
    (238 )     105  
      (141,982 )     (151,145 )

Each comparative item included in this note differs from its corresponding line in the income statement because it includes discontinued operations’ results.

Tenaris has identified certain embedded derivatives and in accordance with IAS 39 (“Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement”) accounted them separately from their host contracts. This result has been recognized under “Net foreign exchange transaction results and changes in fair value of derivative instruments”.

7
Property, plant and equipment, net

(all amounts in thousands of U.S. dollars)
 
2008
   
2007
 
   
(Unaudited)
 
Nine-month period ended September 30,
           
Opening net book amount
    3,269,007       2,939,241  
Currency translation differences
    (39,638 )     105,782  
Additions
    313,046       317,813  
Increase due to business combinations
    -       152,540  
Disposals
    (10,595 )     (6,741 )
Transfers
    (1,600 )     (1,406 )
Reclassifications
    -       (19,396 )
Depreciation charge
    (222,630 )     (201,670 )
At September 30,
    3,307,590       3,286,163  

8
Intangible assets, net

(all amounts in thousands of U.S. dollars)
 
2008
   
2007
 
   
(Unaudited)
 
Nine-month period ended September 30,
           
Opening net book amount
    4,542,352       2,844,498  
Currency translation differences
    (37,472 )     84,024  
Additions
    24,092       16,755  
Increase due to business combinations
    -       2,135,195  
Disposals
    (1,571 )     (182 )
Transfers
    1,600       1,406  
                 
Reclassifications
    -       (11,069 )
Amortization charge
    (181,128 )     (169,977 )
At September 30,
    4,347,873       4,900,650  

 
 

 

9
Earnings and dividends per share

Earnings per share are calculated by dividing the net income attributable to equity holders of the Company by the daily weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the period.

   
Nine-month period ended September 30,
 
   
2008
   
2007
 
   
(Unaudited)
 
Net income attributable to equity holders
    2,031,149       1,377,206  
Weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue
    1,180,537       1,180,537  
Basic and diluted earnings per share
    1.72       1.17  
Basic and diluted earnings per ADS
    3.44       2.33  
Net income from discontinued operations
    411,110       19,369  
Basic and diluted earnings per share
    0.35       0.02  
Basic and diluted earnings per ADS
    0.70       0.03  

On June 4, 2008, the Company’s shareholders approved an annual dividend in the amount of $0.38 per share ($0.76 per ADS) of common stock currently issued and outstanding. The amount approved included the interim dividend previously paid in November 2007, in the amount of $0.13 per share ($0.26 per ADS). The balance, amounting to $0.25 per share ($0.50 per ADS), was paid on June 26, 2008. In the aggregate, the interim dividend paid in November 2007 and the balance paid in June 2008 amounted to approximately $450 million.

10
Contingencies, commitments and restrictions to the distribution of profits

Contingencies

This note should be read in conjunction with Note 26 to the Company’s audited Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2007.

Asbestos-related litigation

Dalmine S.p.A. (“Dalmine”), a Tenaris subsidiary organized in Italy is currently subject to 14 civil proceedings for work-related injuries arising from the use of asbestos in its manufacturing processes during the period from 1960 to 1980. In addition, another 46 asbestos related out-of-court claims and 1 civil party claim have been forwarded to Dalmine.

As of September 30, 2008, the total claims pending against Dalmine were 61 (of which, 1 is covered by insurance): during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2008 6 new claims were filed, 4 claims were adjudicated, out of which 2 were paid, no claim was dismissed and no claim was settled. Aggregate settlement costs to date for Tenaris are Euro 6.1 million ($8.7 million). Dalmine estimates that its potential liability in connection with the claims not yet settled is approximately Euro 21.3 million ($30.4 million).

Accruals for Dalmine’s potential liability are based on the average of the amounts paid by Dalmine for asbestos-related claims plus an additional amount related to some reimbursements requested by the social security authority. The maximum potential liability is not determinable as in some cases the requests for damages do not specify amounts, and instead is to be determined by the court. The timing of payment of the amounts claimed is not presently determinable.

 
 

 

10
Contingencies, commitments and restrictions to the distribution of profits (Cont.)

Contingencies (Cont.)

Maverick litigation

On December 11, 2006, The Bank of New York (“BNY”), as trustee for the holders of Tenaris’ subsidiary Maverick Tube Corporation (“Maverick”) 2004 4% Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes due 2033 issued pursuant to an Indenture between Maverick and BNY (“Noteholders”), filed a complaint against Maverick and Tenaris in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. The complaint alleges that Tenaris’ acquisition of Maverick triggered the “Public Acquirer Change of Control” provision of Indenture, asserting breach of contract claim against Maverick for refusing to deliver the consideration specified in the “Public Acquirer Change of Control” provision of the Indenture to Noteholders who entered their notes for such consideration. This complaint seeks a declaratory judgment that Tenaris’ acquisition of Maverick was a “Public Acquirer Change of Control” under the Indenture, and asserts claims for tortuous interference with contract and unjust enrichment against Tenaris. Defendants filed a motion to dismiss the complaint, or in the alternative, for summary judgment on March 13, 2007. Plaintiff filed a motion for partial summary judgment on the same date. On January 25, 2008, Law Debenture Trust Company of New York (as successor to BNY as trustee under the Indenture) was substituted for BNY as plaintiff.

On October 15, 2008, the court issued a decision on this matter. The court denied the plaintiff’s motion for summary judgment while granting the defendants’ motion for summary judgment. This ruling may still be subject to appeal, which may be filed within 30 days.

Tenaris believes that these claims are without merit. Accordingly, no provision was recorded in these Consolidated Condensed Interim Financial Statements. Were plaintiff to prevail, Tenaris estimates that the recovery would be approximately $50 million.

Conversion of tax loss carry-forwards

On December 18, 2000, the Argentine tax authorities notified Siderca S.A.I.C., a Tenaris subsidiary organized in Argentina (“Siderca”), of an income tax assessment related to the conversion of tax loss carry-forwards into Debt Consolidation Bonds under Argentine Law No. 24.073. The adjustments proposed by the tax authorities represent an estimated contingency of ARP 81.8 million (approximately $26 million) at September 30, 2008, in taxes and penalties. Based on the views of Siderca’s tax advisors, Tenaris believes that the ultimate resolution of the matter will not result in a material obligation. Accordingly, no provision was recorded in these Consolidated Condensed Interim Financial Statements.

Customer Claim

A lawsuit was filed on September 6, 2007, against three Tenaris’ subsidiaries, alleging negligence, gross negligence and intentional acts characterized as fraudulent inducement concerning allegedly defective well casing. Plaintiff alleged the complete loss of one natural gas production well and formation damage that precludes further exploration and production at the well site. The lawsuit was subsequently amended to add the Company and other of its subsidiaries as defendants and to change the claims to be breach of contract and fraud. On October 22, 2008, the Plaintiff again amended its petition to add new counts (including strict liability) and increase its prayer for damages to $245 million, plus punitive damages, treble damages and attorney fees. Each petition was tendered to a Tenaris subsidiary insurer, and the Tenaris subsidiary received the insurer’s agreement to provide a defense. The insurer has reserved its rights with respect to its indemnity obligations. A provision in the amount of $2.3 million has been recorded in these Consolidated Condensed Interim Financial Statements.

 
 

 

10
Contingencies, commitments and restrictions to the distribution of profits (Cont.)

Commitments

Set forth is a description of Tenaris’s main outstanding commitments:

 
·
A Tenaris company is a party to a five year contract with Nucor Corporation, under which it committed to purchase from Nucor steel coils, with deliveries starting in January 2007. Prices are adjusted quarterly in accordance with market conditions and the estimated aggregate amount of the contract at current prices is approximately $1,409 million.

 
·
A Tenaris company is a party to a ten year raw material purchase contract with QIT, under which it committed to purchase steel bars, with deliveries starting in July 2007. The estimated aggregate amount of the contract at contract prices is approximately $276 million.

 
·
A Tenaris company is a party to a steel coils supply agreement with IPSCO, under which it is committed to purchase steel until June, 2009. Prices are adjusted monthly or quarterly and the estimated aggregate amount of the contract at current prices is approximately $44.5 million.

 
·
A Tenaris company is a party to transportation capacity agreements with Transportadora de Gas del Norte S.A. for purchasing capacity of 1,000,000 cubic meters per day until 2017. As of September 30, 2008, the outstanding value of this commitment was approximately $45.4 million. The Tenaris company also expects to obtain additional gas transportation capacity of 315,000 cubic meters per day until 2027. This commitment is subject to the enlargement of certain pipelines in Argentina.

 
·
In August 2004 a Tenaris company organized in Venezuela, entered into a ten-year off-take contract pursuant to which it is required to sell to Sidor S.A. (“Sidor”) on a take-or-pay basis 29.9% of its HBI production. In addition, Sidor has the right to increase its proportion on Tenaris subsidiary production by an extra 19.9% until reaching 49.8% of its HBI production. Under the contract, the sale price is determined on a cost-plus basis. The contract is renewable for additional three year periods unless Tenaris subsidiary or Sidor object its renewal upon one-year notice.

 
·
In July 2004, a Tenaris company entered into a twenty-year agreement with C.V.G. Electrificación del Caroní, C.A. (“Edelca”) for the purchase of electric power under certain take-or-pay conditions, with an option to terminate the contract at any time upon three years notice. The estimated aggregated amount of the contract at contract prices is approximately $41.6 million.

 
·
A Tenaris company is a party to a contract with Siderar for the supply of steam generated at the power generation facility owned by Tenaris in San Nicolas, Argentina. Under this contract, the Tenaris company is required to provide 250 tn/hour of steam and Siderar has the obligation to take or pay this volume. The contract is due to terminate in 2018.


Restrictions to the distribution of profits and payment of dividends

As of September 30, 2008, shareholders' equity as defined under Luxembourg law and regulations consisted of:

(all amounts in thousands of U.S. dollars)
 
(unaudited)
 
Share capital
    1,180,537  
Legal reserve
    118,054  
Share premium
    609,733  
Retained earnings including net income for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2008
    3,107,837  
Total shareholders equity in accordance with Luxembourg law
    5,016,161  

 
 

 

10
Contingencies, commitments and restrictions to the distribution of profits (Cont.)

Restrictions to the distribution of profits and payment of dividends (Cont.)

At least 5% of the Company’s net income per year, as calculated in accordance with Luxembourg law and regulations, must be allocated to the creation of a legal reserve equivalent to 10% of the Company’s share capital. As of September 30, 2008, this reserve is fully allocated and additional allocations to the reserve are not required under Luxembourg law. Dividends may not be paid out of the legal reserve.

The Company may pay dividends to the extent, among other conditions, that it has distributable retained earnings calculated in accordance with Luxembourg law and regulations.

At September 30, 2008, retained earnings and result for the financial period of Tenaris under Luxembourg law totals $3.1 billion, as detailed below.

(all amounts in thousands of U.S. dollars)
 
(unaudited)
 
Retained earnings at December 31, 2007 under Luxembourg law
    2,399,973  
Dividends received
    1,039,244  
Dividends paid
    (295,134 )
Other income and expenses for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2008
    (36,246 )
Retained earnings at September 30, 2008 under Luxembourg law
    3,107,837  

11
Business combinations and other acquisitions

(a) Acquisition of Hydril Company (“Hydril”)

On May 7, 2007, Tenaris paid $2.0 billion to acquire Hydril, a North American manufacturer of premium connections and pressure control products for the oil and gas industry. To finance the acquisition, Tenaris entered into syndicated loans in the amount of $2.0 billion, of which $0.5 billion were used to refinance an existing loan in the Company. The balance of the acquisition cost was paid out of cash on hand. Of the loan amount, $1.7 billion was allocated to the Company and the balance to Hydril.

The main covenants on these loan agreements are limitations on liens and encumbrances, limitations on the sale of certain assets, restrictions in investments and compliance with financial ratios (e.g., leverage ratio and interest coverage ratio in Hydril’s syndicated loan agreement, and leverage ratio and debt service coverage ratio in the Company’s syndicated loan agreement). In addition, Hydril’s syndicated loan agreement has certain restrictions in capital expenditures. The Company’s syndicated loan agreement was secured with a pledge of 100% of Hydril’s shares; upon each payment or prepayment under this agreement, the number of shares subject to the pledge would be reduced proportionally, and the pledge would be completely released immediately after the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the loan is less than or equal to $0.6 billion.

In November 2007, the Company prepaid loans under the Company’s syndicated loan agreement in a principal amount of $0.7 billion plus accrued interest thereon to such date. In May and July 2008, the Company prepaid loans under the Company’s syndicated loan agreement in a principal amount of $0.75 billion. As a result of such prepayments, the pledge of Hydril’s shares has been released and the restrictions on payments of dividends, repurchase or redemption of shares under the Company’s syndicated loan are not applicable.

During 2008, Hydril’s syndicated loan was partially paid in an amount of $33 million.

Tenaris began consolidating Hydril’s balance sheet and results of operations as from May, 2007.

(b) Minority Interest

During the nine-month period ended September 30, 2008, additional shares of Confab, Dalmine, Donasid and Energy Network were acquired from minority shareholders for approximately $9.9 million.

 
 

 

12
Current and non current assets held for sale and discontinued operations

Sale of Hydril pressure control business

On April 1, 2008, Tenaris sold to General Electric Company (GE) the pressure control business acquired as part of the Hydril transaction for an amount equivalent on a debt-free basis to approximately $1,114 million. The result of this transaction was an after-tax gain of $394.3 million, calculated as the net proceeds of the sale less the book value of net assets held for sale, the corresponding tax effect and related expenses.

(i) Income for discontinued operations:

   
Nine-month period ended September 30,
 
(all amounts in thousands of U.S. dollars)
 
2008
   
2007
 
   
(Unaudited)
   
(Unaudited)
 
Income for discontinued operations
    16,787       19,369  
After tax gain on the sale of pressure control business
    394,323       -  
Net Income for discontinued operations
    411,110       19,369  
 
(ii) Net cash flows attributable to discontinued operations:
 
Cash flows provided by operating activities in 2008 until the sale of the pressure control business amounted to $40.7 million. Cash flows used in investing activities amounted to $3.4 million. These amounts were estimated only for disclosure purposes.

Cash and cash equivalents from discontinued operations increased by $37.3 million in 2008.
 
13
Related party transactions

Based on the information most recently available to the Company, as of  September 30, 2008:
 
 
San Faustin N.V. owned 713,605,187 shares in the Company, representing 60.4% of the Company’s capital and voting rights.
 
 
San Faustín N.V. owned all of its shares in the Company through its wholly-owned subsidiary I.I.I. Industrial Investments Inc.
 
 
Rocca & Partners S.A. controlled a significant portion of the voting power of San Faustín N.V. and had the ability to influence matters affecting, or submitted to a vote of the shareholders of San Faustín N.V., such as the election of directors, the approval of certain corporate transactions and other matters concerning the company’s policies.
 
 
There were no controlling shareholders for Rocca & Partners.
 
 
Tenaris’s directors and executive officers as a group owned 0.2% of the Company’s outstanding shares, while the remaining 39.4% were publicly traded.
 
At September 30, 2008, the closing price of Ternium S.A. (“Ternium”) ADS as quoted on the New York Stock Exchange was $17.24 per ADS, giving Tenaris’s ownership stake a market value of approximately $396 million. At September 30, 2008, the carrying value of Tenaris’s ownership stake in Ternium was approximately $610 million.

Transactions and balances disclosed as with “Associated” companies are those with companies over which Tenaris exerts significant influence or joint control in accordance with IFRS, but does not have control. All other transactions with related parties which are not Associated and which are not consolidated are disclosed as “Other”.

 
 

 

13
Related party transactions (Cont.)

The transactions and balances with related parties are shown below:

(all amounts in thousands of U.S. dollars)
     
(Unaudited)
 
 
Nine-month period ended September 30, 2008
                 
     
Associated (1)
   
Other
   
Total
 
(i)
Transactions
                 
 
(a) Sales of goods and services
                 
 
Sales of goods
    48,321       27,586       75,907  
 
Sales of services
    14,483       2,413       16,896  
        62,804       29,999       92,803  
                           
 
(b) Purchases of goods and services
                       
 
Purchases of goods
    91,781       16,017       107,798  
 
Purchases of services
    82,791       53,717       136,508  
        174,572       69,734       244,306  

     
(Unaudited)
 
 
Nine-month period ended September 30, 2007
                 
     
Associated (2)
   
Other
   
Total
 
(i)
Transactions
                 
 
(a) Sales of goods and services
                 
 
Sales of goods
    74,494       30,731       105,225  
 
Sales of services
    16,314       4,073       20,387  
        90,808       34,804       125,612  
                           
 
(b) Purchases of goods and services
                       
 
Purchases of goods
    188,436       14,627       203,063  
 
Purchases of services
    69,608       57,821       127,429  
        258,044       72,448       330,492  
 
     
(Unaudited)
 
 
At September 30, 2008
                 
     
Associated (1)
   
Other
   
Total
 
(ii)
Period-end balances
                 
                     
 
(a) Arising from sales / purchases of goods / services
                 
 
Receivables from related parties
    38,380       12,710       51,090  
 
Payables to related parties
    (43,941 )     (12,158 )     (56,099 )
        (5,561 )     552       (5,009 )
 
(b) Financial debt
                       
 
Borrowings
    (1,682 )     -       (1,682 )

 
 

 
 
13 
Related party transactions (Cont.)
 
     
(Unaudited)
 
 
At December 31, 2007
                 
     
Associated (1)
   
Other
   
Total
 
(ii)
Year-end balances
                 
                     
 
(a) Arising from sales / purchases of goods / services
                 
 
Receivables from related parties
    45,773       8,015       53,788  
 
Payables to related parties
    (61,597 )     (7,379 )     (68,976 )
        (15,824 )     636       (15,188 )
 
(b) Financial debt
                       
 
Borrowings (3)
    (27,482 )     -       (27,482 )
 
(1) Includes Ternium S.A. and its subsidiaries (“Ternium”), Condusid C.A. (“Condusid”), Finma S.A.I.F (“Finma”), Lomond Holdings B.V. group (“Lomond”), Socotherm Brasil S.A. (“Socotherm”), Hydril Jindal International Private Ltd. and TMK – Hydril JV.
(2) Includes Ternium, Condusid, Finma, Lomond, Dalmine Energie, Socotherm, Hydril Jindal International Private Ltd.  and TMK – Hydril JV.
(3) Includes loan from Sidor to Materiales Siderurgicos S.A. (“Matesi”) of $26.4 million at December 31, 2007.
 
14 
Investment in Ternium: Sidor nationalization process
 
On September 30, 2008, the Company held 11.46% of the capital stock of Ternium S.A.

On March 31, 2008 Ternium controlled shares representing approximately 59.7% of Sidor’s capital, while Corporación Venezolana de Guayana (“CVG”) (a Venezuelan governmental entity) and Banco de Desarrollo Económico y Social de Venezuela, or BANDES (a bank owned by the Venezuelan government), held approximately 20.4% of Sidor and certain Sidor employees and former employees held the remaining 19.9% interest.

On April 8, 2008, the Venezuelan government announced its intention to take control over Sidor. On April 29, 2008, the National Assembly of Venezuela passed a resolution declaring that the shares of Sidor, together with all of its assets, are of public and social interest. This resolution authorized the Venezuelan government to take any action it may deem appropriate in connection with any such assets, which may include expropriation.

On May 11, 2008, Decree Law 6058 of the President of Venezuela regulating the steel production activity in the Guayana, Venezuela region, dated April 30, 2008 (the “Decree”) was published. The Decree ordered that Sidor and its subsidiaries and associated companies be transformed into state-owned enterprises (“empresas del estado”), with Venezuela owning not less than 60% of their share capital. The Decree provided for the creation of a committee to negotiate over a 60-day period a fair price for the shares to be transferred to Venezuela.

Upon expiration of the above mentioned term, on July 12, 2008, Venezuela, acting through CVG, assumed operational control of Sidor. Ternium, however, has not yet transferred its formal ownership interest in Sidor to Venezuela.

The term provided in the Decree for the negotiation of the conditions under which all or a significant part of Ternium’s interest in Sidor will be transferred to Venezuela was extended until August 18, 2008. Negotiations continued even after this additional term expired.  On August 29, 2008, the President of Venezuela publicly stated his rejection to the latest proposal submitted by Ternium as part of their ongoing negotiations. The negotiations were subsequently resumed without result.

The impact of the potential government actions with respect to Sidor on Ternium’s financial position is not determinable.

15 
Subsequent event
 
On November 6, 2008, the Company’s board of directors approved the payment of an interim dividend of $0.13 per share ($0.26 per ADS), or approximately $153 million, on November 27, 2008, with an ex-dividend date of November 24.

 
 

 

16  
Recently issued accounting pronouncements
 
 
(i) International Accounting Standard 27 (amended 2008), “Consolidated and separate financial statements”

 
In January 2008, the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”) issued International Accounting Standard 27 (amended 2008), “Consolidated and separate financial statements” (“IAS 27 - amended”). IAS 27 - amended includes modifications to International Accounting Standard 27 that are related, primarily, to accounting for non-controlling interests and the loss of control of a subsidiary.

IAS 27 - amended must be applied for annual periods beginning on or after 1 July 2009, although earlier application is permitted. However, an entity must not apply the amendments contained in IAS 27 - amended for annual periods beginning before 1 July 2009 unless it also applies IFRS 3 (as revised in 2008).

In May 2008, the IASB issued International Accounting Standard 27 (amended 2008), “Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements Cost of an investment in a Subsidiary, Jointly Controlled Entity or Associate” (“IAS 27 - amended”). IAS 27 - amended includes modifications to International Accounting Standard 27 that are related, primarily, to the accounting for investments in subsidiaries, jointly controlled Entities or associates in separate financial statements when reorganizations are established.

The Company's management has not assessed the potential impact that the application of IAS 27 - amended may have on the Company's financial condition or results of operations.

 
(ii) International Financial Reporting Standard 3 (revised January 2008), “Business Combinations”


In January 2008, the IASB issued International Financial Reporting Standard 3 (revised January 2008), “Business Combinations” (“IFRS 3 revised”). IFRS 3 revised includes amendments that are meant to provide guidance for applying the acquisition method.

IFRS 3 revised replaces IFRS 3 (as issued in 2004) and comes into effect for business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after 1 July 2009. Earlier application is permitted, provided that IAS 27 – amended is applied at the same time.

The Company’s management estimates that the application of IFRS 3 revised will not have a material effect on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.


(iii) Amendment to International Financial Reporting Standard 5 “Non-current Assets held for sale and Discontinued Operations”


In May 2008, the IASB amended International Financial Reporting Standard 5 “Non-current Assets held for sale and Discontinued Operations” by requiring this classification although the entity retains a non-controlling interest.

Entities shall apply these amendments for annual periods beginning on or after 1 July 2009. Earlier application is permitted, provided that IAS 27 – amended is applied at the same time.

 
 

 

16  
Recently issued accounting pronouncements (Cont.)
 

(iv) IFRIC Interpretation 16 – Hedges of net investment in a foreign operation


In July 2008, International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee (“IFRIC”) issued IFRIC Interpretation 16 “Hedges of net investment in a foreign operation” (“IFRIC 16”). IFRIC 16 applies to an entity that hedges the foreign currency risk arising from its net investments in foreign operations and wishes to qualify for hedge accounting in accordance with IAS 39.

An entity shall apply this Interpretation for annual periods beginning on or after 1 October 2008. Earlier application is permitted. If an entity applies this interpretation for a period beginning before 1 October 2008, it shall disclose that fact.

The Company’s management estimates that the application of IFRIC 16 will not have a material effect on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.


Ricardo Soler
Chief Financial Officer