Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Second quarter sales reached EUR 3.1 billion, down 7% year-on-year but up 6% sequentially, mainly due to increased North American OCTG prices and stable volumes [4] - EBITDA for the quarter was up 5% sequentially to USD 733 million, with an EBITDA margin close to 24% [4] - Operating cash flow was USD 673 million, with capital expenditure of USD 135 million, resulting in free cash flow of USD 538 million [5] - Net cash position amounted to EUR 3.7 billion at the end of the quarter after dividend payments and share buybacks [5] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Average selling prices in the Tubes operating segment decreased by 2% year-on-year but increased by 6% sequentially [4] - The company expects lower sales in the third quarter due to reduced invoicing in fracking operations and lower shipments of line pipe [16][20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The U.S. Section 232 tariff on steel products increased from 25% to 50%, creating market uncertainty and affecting pricing dynamics [7] - The company anticipates that the current broad-based tariff approach will eventually shift to a more specific product-based approach [7] - The company noted that imports are expected to decrease as excess inventories are drawn down [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on maintaining a strong U.S. domestic production base and enhancing its Rig Direct service to differentiate itself in the market [8] - The company is building local service bases in the Guyana Suriname Basin to support operations for major clients [11] - The acquisition of Shawcor is expected to enhance the company's ability to serve clients with a competitive offer and short lead times [26] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's solid industrial and commercial position despite a slowdown in drilling activity in some regions [6] - The outlook for the third quarter includes expectations of lower sales and invoicing due to various factors, including maintenance activities [20] - Management indicated that while the rig count in North America may not see a strong reduction, pricing dynamics will be influenced by tariff impacts [18] Other Important Information - The company has received significant project awards, including for the supply of casing and tubing for major projects in Brazil, Alaska, Nigeria, Angola, and the Mediterranean [9][11] - The company is optimistic about the development of the Vaca Muerta shale play in Argentina, despite current challenges [12][41] Q&A Session Summary Question: Outlook for 2025 considering tariff impacts and activity levels - Management noted that visibility for the third quarter is clearer, but the fourth quarter remains uncertain due to tariff negotiations and market dynamics [16][20] Question: Margins outlook for Q3 and Q4 - Management expects margins to be slightly below the current quarter but within the range of 20% to 25% [38] Question: Sales outlook in Argentina - Management indicated that the situation in Argentina is affected by reduced rig counts and cautious investment approaches [41] Question: Impact of imports on market share - Management stated that imports represent a significant share of demand in the U.S., and the tariff will impact pricing and market dynamics [49] Question: Potential for bringing forward share buybacks - Management confirmed that the second tranche of share buybacks will be considered in the upcoming Board meeting [51] Question: Sensitivity of revenues generated in Mexico - Management provided insights into the number of rigs operated by Pemex and the potential for increased shipments in the future [100] Question: Expectations for the Middle East market - Management noted that while Saudi Arabia has seen reduced activity, other regions in the Middle East are maintaining stable drilling levels [71] Question: Exposure to gas markets in the U.S. - Management highlighted the company's growing activity in gas markets, particularly in Haynesville and Appalachia [86] Question: Inventory levels and pricing dynamics - Management discussed the impact of increased imports on inventory levels and pricing pressures in the U.S. market [92]

Group 1 - Zhongyuan Tong plans to establish a joint venture with Zhengzhou Zhengfang Technology with a registered capital of 10 million yuan, where Zhongyuan Tong will contribute 5.1 million yuan for a 51% stake [1] - Weiguang Co. reported a net profit of 172 million yuan for the first half of 2025, representing a year-on-year increase of 11.32%, with total revenue reaching 750 million yuan, up 10% [1] - Tianlu Technology's actual controller plans to reduce his stake by up to 2%, amounting to 220,640 shares [1][2] Group 2 - Igor received approval from the China Securities Regulatory Commission for a stock issuance to specific investors, valid for 12 months [2] - Hualing Cable also received approval from the China Securities Regulatory Commission for a similar stock issuance [2] - Hongchang Technology's employee stockholding platform plans to reduce its stake by up to 2.56%, equating to 331,630 shares [3][4] Group 3 - Saiyi Information intends to invest 10 million yuan in Douma Technology to acquire a 3.23% stake [5] - Meino Biological's major shareholder plans to reduce his stake by up to 1%, which is 140,780 shares [5] - New Light Optoelectronics' shareholder plans to reduce his stake by up to 3%, totaling 3 million shares [6] Group 4 - Shenzhen Energy plans to invest 7.897 billion yuan in the construction of the Shantou Honghaiwan offshore wind power project, with 1.581 billion yuan from its own funds [7][8] - Zhongqi Co. plans to reduce its stake by up to 3%, which amounts to 39,717,000 shares [9] - Yirui Technology's two shareholders plan to reduce their combined stake by up to 2%, equating to 400,440 shares [11] Group 5 - Wenkai Co. is planning debt restructuring involving approximately 2.22 billion yuan in receivables and 1.24 billion yuan in cash payments [12] - Guangnong Sugar's application for a stock issuance to specific investors has been approved by the Shenzhen Stock Exchange [13] - Dalian Shengya is planning a stock issuance that may lead to a change in control, resulting in continued trading suspension [15] Group 6 - ST Saiwei has received a court decision for pre-restructuring and appointed a management team for the process [18] - Gaozheng Minexplosion's major shareholder reduced his stake by 128,100 shares during a period of stock price fluctuation [19] - Zhongfu Information's chairman has been detained, with responsibilities temporarily assigned to the deputy general manager [20] Group 7 - Huayu Mining plans to adjust the valuation of its 40% stake in Guizhou Yatai Mining and acquire an additional 11% stake for a total transaction value of 809 million yuan [21] - ST Jinbi intends to invest 50 million yuan in Cangqiong Digital, acquiring a 2.56% stake [23] - Xinxing Casting is planning to publicly transfer its 51% stake in Xinjiang Mining with a starting price of 205 million yuan [25]