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6-K 1 f6k_021925.htm FORM 6-K

 

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 February 19, 2025

 

TENARIS, S.A.

(Translation of Registrant's name into English)

 

26, Boulevard Royal, 4th floor

L-2449 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 ✓ Form 40-F 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’s Press Release announcing 2024 Fourth Quarter and Annual Results.

 

 

 

 

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: February 19, 2025

 

 

 

Tenaris, S.A.

 

 

 

By: /s/ Giovanni Sardagna

Giovanni Sardagna

Investor Relations Officer

 

 


 

 

Giovanni Sardagna

Tenaris

1-888-300-5432

www.tenaris.com

 

 

Tenaris Announces 2024 Fourth Quarter and Annual Results

 

The financial and operational information contained in this press release is based on audited consolidated financial statements presented in U.S. dollars and prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standard Board and adopted by the European Union, or IFRS. Additionally, this press release includes non-IFRS alternative performance measures i.e., EBITDA, Free Cash Flow, Net cash / debt and Operating working capital days. See exhibit I for more details on these alternative performance measures.

 

Luxembourg, February 19, 2025. - Tenaris S.A. (NYSE and Mexico: TS and EXM Italy: TEN) (“Tenaris”) today announced its results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2024 in comparison with its results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2023.

 

Summary of 2024 Fourth Quarter Results

 

(Comparison with third quarter of 2024 and fourth quarter of 2023)

 

    4Q 2024   3Q 2024   4Q 2023
Net sales ($ million)     2,845       2,915       (2 %)     3,415       (17 %)
Operating income ($ million)     558       537       4 %     819       (32 %)
Net income ($ million)     519       459       13 %     1,146       (55 %)
Shareholders’ net income ($ million)     516       448       15 %     1,129       (54 %)
Earnings per ADS ($)     0.94       0.81       16 %     1.92       (51 %)
Earnings per share ($)     0.47       0.40       16 %     0.96       (51 %)
EBITDA* ($ million)     726       688       6 %     975       (26 %)
EBITDA margin (% of net sales)     25.5 %     23.6 %             28.6 %        

 

*EBITDA in fourth quarter of 2024 includes a $67 million gain from the partial reversal of a provision for the ongoing litigation related to the acquisition of a participation in Usiminas. If this charge was not included EBITDA would have amounted to $659 million, or 23.2% of sales

 

Net sales in the fourth quarter were more resilient than expected as we were able to reduce inventories and advance some shipments in the Middle East and Turkey, despite lower demand in Mexico, Argentina and Saudi Arabia. Our EBITDA declined 4% on a comparable basis with the margin supported by a favorable product mix which offset the effect of residual price declines in North America. Net income increased due to the partial reversal of the provision made in the second quarter for the ongoing litigation related to the acquisition of a participation in Usiminas jointly with our associate company, Ternium.

 


 

During the quarter, our free cash flow amounted to $310 million and, after spending $299 million on dividends and $454 million on share buybacks, our net cash position declined to $3.6 billion at December 31, 2024.

 

Summary of 2024 Annual Results

 

    12M 2024   12M 2023   Increase/(Decrease)
Net sales ($ million)     12,524       14,869       (16 %)
Operating income ($ million)     2,419       4,316       (44 %)
Net income ($ million)     2,077       3,958       (48 %)
Shareholders’ net income ($ million)     2,036       3,918       (48 %)
Earnings per ADS ($)     3.61       6.65       (46 %)
Earnings per share ($)     1.81       3.32       (45 %)
EBITDA* ($ million)     3,052       4,865       (37 %)
EBITDA margin (% of net sales)     24.4 %     32.7 %      

 

 

*EBITDA in 12M 2024 includes a $107 million loss from the provision for the ongoing litigation related to the acquisition of a participation in Usiminas. If this charge was not included EBITDA would have amounted to $3,159 million, or 25.2% of sales.

 

Our sales in 2024 amounted to $12.5 billion with a decrease of 16% compared to 2023, primarily reflecting a decline in market prices for our tubular products used in onshore drilling applications in the Americas, lower drilling activity in Mexico and Colombia, lower shipments for pipeline projects in Argentina and lower sales of mechanical pipes in Europe. On the other hand, sales in the Middle East reached a record level as Saudi Aramco replenished OCTG stocks and increased gas drilling activity. EBITDA and margins also declined to $3.1 billion, being further affected by a $107 million loss from a provision for the ongoing litigation related to the acquisition of a participation in Usiminas. Net income amounted to $2.1 billion, or 17% of net sales, and was affected by a reduction of $43 million from our participation in Ternium related to the same case.

 

Cash flow provided by operating activities amounted to $2.9 billion during 2024. This was used to fund capital expenditures of $694 million, with the remainder distributed to shareholders through dividend payments of $758 million and share buybacks for $1,440 million in the year. We maintained a net cash position of $3.6 billion at the end of December 2024.

 

Change of Chief Financial Officer

 

Effective as of May 2, 2025, Mr. Carlos Gomez Alzaga will assume the position of Chief Financial Officer, replacing Ms. Alicia Mondolo, who will retire from this role.

 

Mr. Gomez Alzaga, who has more than 20 years of experience in Administration and Finance at Tenaris, previously served as Regional CFO for Mexico and Central America, and Economic and Financial Planning Director, among other positions, and currently holds the position of Regional CFO for Argentina and South America.

 

Ms. Mondolo will continue to serve as senior advisor to our Chairman and CEO.

 

Paolo Rocca and the Board of Tenaris would like to express their gratitude and appreciation for Alicia´s contribution as CFO of Tenaris and her 41 years of service within the Techint Group.

 


 

Market Background and Outlook

 

Oil prices remain relatively stable (as they have done over the past two years) with OPEC+ maintaining their voluntary production cuts in the face of limited global demand growth. European and US natural gas prices have, however, risen as relatively cold winter weather and the cutoff of Russian supply have led to a rapid drawdown in inventories.

 

These prices and the continuing balance between oil and gas demand and supply should continue to support overall investment in oil and gas drilling activity, as well as OCTG demand, at current levels, albeit with some regional nuances.

 

In North America, consolidation among major operators and drilling efficiencies led to a drop in US drilling activity last year, which has now stabilized, while OCTG consumption per rig has been increasing. In Latin America, drilling activity is increasing in Argentina, as investment in pipeline and LNG infrastructure investment for the Vaca Muerta shale moves forward, while, in Mexico, it has been affected by financial constraints on Pemex. In the Middle East, some reduction in oil drilling has taken place in Saudi Arabia while gas drilling has risen, and, in Abu Dhabi, oil drilling is increasing.

 

OCTG reference prices in North America, which fell steadily for two years until the second half of 2024, have so far recovered by 9% from their August low and could rise further following the US government’s announced reset of Section 232 tariffs on all imports of steel products without exception.

 

In this environment, we expect our sales and EBITDA (excluding extraordinary effects) in the first quarter to be in line with the previous one before rising moderately in the second quarter. Beyond that, likely changes in US tariffs and their possible ramifications on trade flows will introduce a new dynamic with a high level of uncertainty for costs and prices to our results.

 

Annual Dividend Proposal

 

Upon approval of the Company´s annual accounts in April 2025, the board of directors intends to propose, for approval of the annual general shareholders’ meeting to be held on May 6, 2025, the payment of a dividend per share of $0.83 (in an aggregate amount of approximately $0.9 billion), which would include the interim dividend per share of $0.27 (approximately $0.3 billion) paid in November 2024. If the annual dividend is approved by the shareholders, a dividend of $0.56 per share ($1.12 per ADS), or approximately $0.6 billion, will be paid according to the following timetable:

 

· Payment date: May 21, 2025
· Record date: May 20, 2025
· Ex-dividend for securities listed in Europe and Mexico: May 19, 2025
· Ex-dividend for securities listed in the United States: May 20, 2025

 


 

Analysis of 2024 Fourth Quarter Results

 

Tubes

 

The following table indicates, for our Tubes business segment, sales volumes of seamless and welded pipes for the periods indicated below:

 

Tubes Sales volume (thousand metric tons)   4Q 2024   3Q 2024   4Q 2023
Seamless     748       746       0 %     760       (2 %)
Welded     164       191       (14 %)     246       (33 %)
Total     913       937       (3 %)     1,006       (9 %)

 

 

The following table indicates, for our Tubes business segment, net sales by geographic region, operating income and operating income as a percentage of net sales for the periods indicated below:

 

 

 

Tubes   4Q 2024   3Q 2024   4Q 2023
(Net sales - $ million)                                        
North America     1,131       1,273       (11 %)     1,501       (25 %)
South America     595       484       23 %     590       1 %
Europe     341       280       22 %     302       13 %
Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa     629       754       (17 %)     805       (22 %)
Total net sales ($ million)     2,695       2,790       (3 %)     3,198       (16 %)
Services performed on third party tubes ($ million)     93       97       (4 %)     34       176 %
Operating income ($ million)     533       527       1 %     780       (32 %)
Operating margin (% of sales)     19.8 %     18.9 %             24.4 %        

 

 

Net sales of tubular products and services decreased 3% sequentially and 16% year on year. Sequentially volumes sold decreased 3% while average selling prices decreased less than 1% as a favorable product mix offset price declines in North America. Sequentially, in North America sales declined due to lower prices throughout the region and lower activity in Mexico. In South America sales increased as higher sales in Brazil with shipments to the Raia pipeline and a recovery of OCTG offset lower sales for pipelines and the industrial market in Argentina. In Europe sales increased due to shipments to the Sakarya offshore line pipe project and higher sales of OCTG in Turkey. In Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa sales declined due to lower sales in Saudi Arabia upon completion of inventory replenishment program and lower activity, partially offset by an increase in sales to the UAE.

 

Operating results from tubular products and services amounted to a gain of $533 million in the fourth quarter of 2024 compared to a gain of $527 million in the previous quarter and a gain of $780 million in the fourth quarter of 2023. This quarter’s operating income includes a $67 million gain from the partial reversal of a provision for the ongoing litigation related to the acquisition of a participation in Usiminas. Excluding this gain Tubes operating income would have amounted to $467 million (17.3% of sales) in the fourth quarter, a 12% sequential reduction following the decline in sales and margins. Margins declined due to the decline in prices and a more costly product mix.

 


 

Others

 

The following table indicates, for our Others business segment, net sales, operating income and operating income as a percentage of net sales for the periods indicated below:

 

 

Others   4Q 2024   3Q 2024   4Q 2023
Net sales ($ million)     150       125       20 %     217       (31 %)
Operating income ($ million)     25       10       156 %     39       (36 %)
Operating margin (% of sales)     16.8 %     7.9 %             18.1 %        

 

Net sales of other products and services increased 20% sequentially and decreased 31% year on year. Sequentially, sales increased mainly due to higher sales of oil services in Argentina and coiled tubing.

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses, or SG&A, amounted to $446 million, or 15.7% of net sales, in the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to $454 million, 15.6% in the previous quarter and $471 million, 13.8% in the fourth quarter of 2023. Sequentially, the decline in SG&A is mainly due to lower shipment costs due to a reduction in volumes shipped.

 

Other operating results amounted to a net gain of $81 million in the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to a gain of $11 million in the previous quarter and a $5 million loss in the fourth quarter of 2023. The fourth quarter of 2024 includes a $67 million gain from the partial reversal of a provision for the ongoing litigation related to the acquisition of a participation in Usiminas.

 

Financial results amounted to a gain of $48 million in the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to a gain of $48 million in the previous quarter and a gain of $93 million in the fourth quarter of 2023. Financial result of the quarter is mainly attributable to a $42 million net finance income from the net return of our portfolio investments.

 

Equity in earnings of non-consolidated companies generated a gain of $35 million in the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to a gain of $8 million in the previous quarter and a gain of $57 million in the fourth quarter of 2023. These results are mainly derived from our participation in Ternium (NYSE:TX). During the fourth quarter of 2024 the result from Ternium´s investment includes a $43 million gain from the partial reversal of a provision for the ongoing litigation related to the acquisition of a participation in Usiminas.

 

Income tax charge amounted to $123 million in the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to $134 million in the previous quarter and $177 million in the fourth quarter of 2023.

 


 

Cash Flow and Liquidity of 2024 Fourth Quarter

 

Net cash generated by operating activities during the fourth quarter of 2024 was $492 million, compared to $552 million in the previous quarter and $0.8 billion in the fourth quarter of 2023. During the fourth quarter of 2024 cash generated by operating activities includes a net working capital increase of $37 million.

 

With capital expenditures of $182 million, our free cash flow amounted to $310 million during the quarter. Following a dividend payment of $299 million and share buybacks of $454 million in the quarter, our net cash position amounted to $3.6 billion at December 31, 2024.

 

Analysis of 2024 Annual Results

 

The following table shows our net sales by business segment for the periods indicated below:

 

Net sales ($ million)   12M 2024   12M 2023   Increase/(Decrease)
Tubes     11,907     95 %     14,185       95 %     (16 %)
Others     617     5 %     684       5 %     (10 %)
Total     12,524             14,869               (16 %)

 

Tubes

 

The following table indicates, for our Tubes business segment, sales volumes of seamless and welded pipes for the periods indicated below:

 

Tubes Sales volume (thousand metric tons)   12M 2024   12M 2023   Increase/(Decrease)
Seamless     3,077       3,189       (4 %)
Welded     852       953       (11 %)
Total     3,928       4,141       (5 %)

 

The following table indicates, for our Tubes business segment, net sales by geographic region, operating income and operating income as a percentage of net sales for the periods indicated below:

 

Tubes   12M 2024   12M 2023   Increase/(Decrease)
(Net sales - $ million)                        
North America     5,432       7,572       (28 %)
South America     2,294       3,067       (25 %)
Europe     1,143       1,055       8 %
Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa     3,038       2,491       22 %
Total net sales ($ million)     11,907       14,185       (16 %)
Services performed on third party tubes ($ million)     484       165       193 %
Operating income ($ million)     2,305       4,183       (45 %)
Operating margin (% of sales)     19.4 %     29.5 %        

 


 

Net sales of tubular products and services decreased 16% to $11,907 million in 2024, compared to $14,185 million in 2023 due to a 5% decrease in volumes and a 12% decrease in average selling prices, primarily reflecting a decline in market prices for our tubular products used in onshore drilling applications in the Americas, lower drilling activity in Mexico and Colombia, lower shipments for pipeline projects in Argentina and lower sales of mechanical pipes in Europe. On the other hand, sales in the Middle East reached a record level as Saudi Aramco replenished OCTG stocks and increased gas drilling activity.

 

Operating results from tubular products and services amounted to a gain of $2,305 million in 2024 compared to a gain of $4,183 million in 2023. The decline in operating results is mainly due to the decline in average selling prices and the corresponding impact on sales and margins. Additionally, in 2024 our Tubes operating income includes a charge of $107 million from the provision for the ongoing litigation related to the acquisition of a participation in Usiminas, included in other operating expenses.

 

Others

 

The following table indicates, for our Others business segment, net sales, operating income and operating income as a percentage of net sales for the periods indicated below:

 

Others   12M 2024   12M 2023   Increase/(Decrease)
Net sales ($ million)     617       684       (10 %)
Operating income ($ million)     113       133       (15 %)
Operating margin (% of sales)     18.4 %     19.5 %        

 

 

Net sales of other products and services decreased 10% to $617 million in 2024, compared to $684 million in 2023.

 

Operating results from other products and services amounted to a gain of $113 million in 2024, compared to a gain of $133 million in 2023.

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses, or SG&A, amounted to $1,905 million in 2024, representing 15.2% of sales, and $1,919 million in 2023, representing 12.9% of sales. SG&A expenses increased as a percentage of sales due to the 16% decline in revenues, mainly due to lower Tubes average selling prices and an increase of fixed costs.

 

Other operating results amounted to a loss of $65 million in 2024, compared to a gain of $36 million in 2023. In 2024 we recorded a $107 million loss from provision for the ongoing litigation related to the acquisition of a participation in Usiminas. In 2023 other operating income includes a non-recurring gain of $33 million corresponding to the transfer of the awards related to the Company’s Venezuelan nationalized assets.

 


 

Financial results amounted to a gain of $129 million in 2024, compared to a gain of $221 million in 2023. While net finance income increased due to a higher net financial position, net foreign exchange results decreased significantly in respect to the previous year.

 

Equity in earnings of non-consolidated companies generated a gain of $9 million in 2024, compared to a gain of $95 million in 2023. These results were mainly derived from our equity investment in Ternium (NYSE:TX) and in 2024 were negatively affected by a $43 million loss from the provision for the ongoing litigation related to the acquisition of a participation in Usiminas on our Ternium investment.

 

Income tax amounted to a charge of $480 million in 2024, compared to $675 million in 2023. The lower income tax charge mainly reflects the reduction in results at several subsidiaries.

 

Cash Flow and Liquidity of 2024

 

Net cash provided by operating activities in 2024 amounted to $2.9 billion (including a reduction in working capital of $287 million), compared to cash provided by operations of $4.4 billion (including a reduction in working capital of $182 million) in 2023.

 

Capital expenditures amounted to $694 million in 2024, compared to $619 million in 2023. Free cash flow amounted to $2.2 billion in 2024, compared to $3.8 billion in 2023.

 

Following dividend payments of $758 million and share buybacks of $1.4 billion during 2024, our net cash position amounted to $3.6 billion at December 31, 2024.

 

Conference call

 

Tenaris will hold a conference call to discuss the above reported results, on February 20, 2025, at 08:00 a.m. (Eastern Time). Following a brief summary, the conference call will be opened to questions.

 

To listen to the conference please join through one of the following options:

ir.tenaris.com/events-and-presentations or

https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/p836i5mj

 

If you wish to participate in the Q&A session please register at the following link:

https://register.vevent.com/register/BIb7ae4609ff564d95a338d90813a3c8cc

 

Please connect 10 minutes before the scheduled start time.

 

A replay of the conference call will also be available on our webpage at: ir.tenaris.com/events-and-presentations

 

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 Income Statement

 

(all amounts in thousands of U.S. dollars)   Three-month period ended December 31,   Twelve-month period ended December 31,
    2024   2023   2024   2023
                 
Net sales     2,845,226       3,414,930       12,523,934       14,868,860  
Cost of sales     (1,922,263 )     (2,120,591 )     (8,135,489 )     (8,668,915 )
Gross profit     922,963       1,294,339       4,388,445       6,199,945  
Selling, general and administrative expenses     (445,988 )     (470,542 )     (1,904,828 )     (1,919,307 )
Other operating income     18,483       1,468       60,650       53,043  
Other operating expenses     62,919       (6,302 )     (125,418 )     (17,273 )
Operating income     558,377       818,963       2,418,849       4,316,408  
Finance income     51,331       63,621       242,319       213,474  
Finance cost     (8,928 )     (19,759 )     (61,212 )     (106,862 )
Other financial results     5,777       49,249       (52,051 )     114,365  
Income before equity in earnings of non-consolidated companies and income tax     606,557       912,074       2,547,905       4,537,385  
Equity in earnings of non-consolidated companies     35,283       56,859       8,548       95,404  
Income before income tax     641,840       968,933       2,556,453       4,632,789  
Income tax     (122,709 )     176,848       (479,680 )     (674,956 )
Income for the period     519,131       1,145,781       2,076,773       3,957,833  
                                 
Attributable to:                                
Shareholders' equity     516,213       1,129,098       2,036,445       3,918,065  
Non-controlling interests     2,918       16,683       40,328       39,768  
      519,131       1,145,781       2,076,773       3,957,833  

 


 

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

 

(all amounts in thousands of U.S. dollars)   At December 31, 2024   At December 31, 2023
             
ASSETS                                
Non-current assets                                
Property, plant and equipment, net     6,121,471               6,078,179          
Intangible assets, net     1,357,749               1,377,110          
Right-of-use assets, net     148,868               132,138          
Investments in non-consolidated companies     1,543,657               1,608,804          
Other investments     1,005,300               405,631          
Deferred tax assets     831,298               789,615          
Receivables, net     205,602       11,213,945       185,959       10,577,436  
Current assets                                
Inventories, net     3,709,942               3,921,097          
Receivables and prepayments, net     179,614               181,368          
Current tax assets     332,621               256,401          
Contract assets     50,757               47,451          
Trade receivables, net     1,907,507               2,480,889          
Derivative financial instruments     7,484               9,801          
Other investments     2,372,999               1,969,631          
Cash and cash equivalents     675,256       9,236,180       1,637,821       10,504,459  
Total assets             20,450,125               21,081,895  
EQUITY                                
Shareholders' equity             16,593,257               16,842,972  
Non-controlling interests             220,578               187,465  
Total equity             16,813,835               17,030,437  
LIABILITIES                                
Non-current liabilities                                
Borrowings     11,399               48,304          
Lease liabilities     100,436               96,598          
Derivative financial instruments     -               255          
Deferred tax liabilities     503,941               631,605          
Other liabilities     301,751               271,268          
Provisions     82,106       999,633       101,453       1,149,483  
Current liabilities                                
Borrowings     425,999               535,133          
Lease liabilities     44,490               37,835          
Derivative financial instruments     8,300               10,895          
Current tax liabilities     366,292               488,277          
Other liabilities     585,775               422,645          
Provisions     119,344               35,959          
Customer advances     206,196               263,664          
Trade payables     880,261       2,636,657       1,107,567       2,901,975  
Total liabilities             3,636,290               4,051,458  
Total equity and liabilities             20,450,125               21,081,895  

 

 


 

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

 

    Three-month period ended December 31,   Twelve-month period ended December 31,
(all amounts in thousands of U.S. dollars)   2024   2023   2024   2023
                 
Cash flows from operating activities                                
Income for the period     519,131       1,145,781       2,076,773       3,957,833  
Adjustments for:                                
Depreciation and amortization     167,781       156,347       632,854       548,510  
Bargain purchase gain     -       -       (2,211 )     (3,162 )
Income tax accruals less payments     (160 )     (277,559 )     (222,510 )     (143,391 )
Equity in earnings of non-consolidated companies     (35,283 )     (56,859 )     (8,548 )     (95,404 )
Interest accruals less payments, net     7,246       (8,554 )     (1,067 )     (53,480 )
Provision for the ongoing litigation related to the acquisition of participation in Usiminas     (87,975 )     -       89,371       -  
Changes in provisions     (19,808 )     (651 )     (25,155 )     21,284  
Reclassification of currency translation adjustment reserve     -       (878 )     -       (878 )
Changes in working capital     (36,604 )     (65,697 )     286,917       182,428  
Others, including net foreign exchange differences     (22,100 )     (56,195 )     39,794       (18,667 )
Net cash provided by operating activities     492,228       835,735       2,866,218       4,395,073  
                                 
Cash flows from investing activities                                
Capital expenditures     (181,870 )     (166,820 )     (693,956 )     (619,445 )
Changes in advance to suppliers of property, plant and equipment     5,092       834       (10,391 )     1,736  
Acquisition of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired     -       (161,238 )     31,446       (265,657 )
Other investments at fair value     -       (1,126 )     -       (1,126 )
Additions to associated companies     -       -       -       (22,661 )
Loan to joint ventures     (1,414 )     (1,092 )     (5,551 )     (3,754 )
Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets     9,646       3,858       28,963       12,881  
Dividends received from non-consolidated companies     20,674       25,268       73,810       68,781  
Changes in investments in securities     458,407       740,153       (821,478 )     (1,857,272 )
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities     310,535       439,837       (1,397,157 )     (2,686,517 )
                                 
Cash flows from financing activities                                
Dividends paid     (299,230 )     (235,128 )     (757,786 )     (636,511 )
Dividends paid to non-controlling interest in subsidiaries     -       -       (5,862 )     (18,967 )
Changes in non-controlling interests     28       -       1,143       3,772  
Acquisition of treasury shares     (454,462 )     (213,739 )     (1,439,589 )     (213,739 )
Payments of lease liabilities     (17,248 )     (15,524 )     (68,574 )     (51,492 )
Proceeds from borrowings     344,222       365,455       1,870,666       1,723,677  
Repayments of borrowings     (382,656 )     (406,774 )     (1,999,427 )     (1,931,747 )
Net cash used in financing activities     (809,346 )     (505,711 )     (2,399,429 )     (1,125,007 )
                                 
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents     (6,583 )     769,861       (930,368 )     583,549  
                                 
Movement in cash and cash equivalents                                
At the beginning of the year     681,306       864,012       1,616,597       1,091,433  
Effect of exchange rate changes     (13,925 )     (17,276 )     (25,431 )     (58,385 )
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents     (6,583 )     769,861       (930,368 )     583,549  
At December 31,     660,798       1,616,597       660,798       1,616,597  

 

 


 

Exhibit I – Alternative performance measures

 

Alternative performance measures should be considered in addition to, not as substitute for or superior to, other measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with IFRS.

 

EBITDA, Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization.

 

EBITDA provides an analysis of the operating results excluding depreciation and amortization and impairments, as they are recurring non-cash variables which can vary substantially from company to company depending on accounting policies and the accounting value of the assets. EBITDA is an approximation to pre-tax operating cash flow and reflects cash generation before working capital variation. EBITDA is widely used by investors when evaluating businesses (multiples valuation), as well as by rating agencies and creditors to evaluate the level of debt, comparing EBITDA with net debt.

 

EBITDA is calculated in the following manner:

 

EBITDA = Net income for the period + Income tax charges +/- Equity in Earnings (losses) of non-consolidated companies +/- Financial results + Depreciation and amortization +/- Impairment charges/(reversals).

 

EBITDA is a non-IFRS alternative performance measure.

 

(all amounts in thousands of U.S. dollars)   Three-month period ended December 31,   Twelve-month period ended December 31,
    2024   2023   2024   2023
Income for the period     519,131       1,145,781       2,076,773       3,957,833  
Income tax charge / (credit)     122,709       (176,848 )     479,680       674,956  
Equity in earnings of non-consolidated companies     (35,283 )     (56,859 )     (8,548 )     (95,404 )
Financial results     (48,180 )     (93,111 )     (129,056 )     (220,977 )
Depreciation and amortization     167,781       156,347       632,854       548,510  
EBITDA     726,158       975,310       3,051,703       4,864,918  

 


 

Free Cash Flow

 

Free cash flow is a measure of financial performance, calculated as operating cash flow less capital expenditures. FCF represents the cash that a company is able to generate after spending the money required to maintain or expand its asset base.

 

Free cash flow is calculated in the following manner:

 

Free cash flow = Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities - Capital expenditures.

 

Free cash flow is a non-IFRS alternative performance measure.

 

 

(all amounts in thousands of U.S. dollars)   Three-month period ended December 31,   Twelve-month period ended December 31,
    2024   2023   2024   2023
Net cash provided by operating activities     492,228       835,735       2,866,218       4,395,073  
Capital expenditures     (181,870 )     (166,820 )     (693,956 )     (619,445 )
Free cash flow     310,358       668,915       2,172,262       3,775,628  

 

Net Cash / (Debt)

 

This is the net balance of cash and cash equivalents, other current investments and fixed income investments held to maturity less total borrowings. It provides a summary of the financial solvency and liquidity of the company. Net cash / (debt) is widely used by investors and rating agencies and creditors to assess the company’s leverage, financial strength, flexibility and risks.

 

Net cash/ debt is calculated in the following manner:

 

Net cash = Cash and cash equivalents + Other investments (Current and Non-Current)+/- Derivatives hedging borrowings and investments - Borrowings (Current and Non-Current).

 

Net cash/debt is a non-IFRS alternative performance measure.

 

(all amounts in thousands of U.S. dollars)   At December 31,
    2024   2023
Cash and cash equivalents     675,256       1,637,821  
Other current investments     2,372,999       1,969,631  
Non-current investments     998,251       398,220  
Current borrowings     (425,999 )     (535,133 )
Non-current borrowings     (11,399 )     (48,304 )
Net cash / (debt)     3,609,108       3,422,235  

 


 

Operating working capital days

 

Operating working capital is the difference between the main operating components of current assets and current liabilities. Operating working capital is a measure of a company’s operational efficiency, and short-term financial health.

 

Operating working capital days is calculated in the following manner:

 

Operating working capital days = [(Inventories + Trade receivables – Trade payables – Customer advances) / Annualized quarterly sales ] x 365.

 

Operating working capital days is a non-IFRS alternative performance measure.

 

 

(all amounts in thousands of U.S. dollars) Three-month period ended December 31,
  2024 2023
Inventories 3,709,942 3,921,097
Trade receivables 1,907,507 2,480,889
Customer advances (206,196) (263,664)
Trade payables (880,261) (1,107,567)
Operating working capital 4,530,992 5,030,755
Annualized quarterly sales 11,380,904 13,659,720
Operating working capital 145 134