Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Third quarter sales reached $3 billion, up 2% year on year but down 3% sequentially, primarily due to lower sales to the North Sea and reduced shipments for offshore line pipe projects in the Middle East [4] - EBITDA for the quarter was $753 million, up 3% sequentially, with an EBITDA margin of 25%. Excluding a one-off gain of $34 million, EBITDA would have been $719 million or 24% of sales [4][5] - Operating cash flow was $318 million, with capital expenditure of $185 million, resulting in free cash flow of $133 million. After share buybacks of $351 million, the net cash position declined to $3.5 billion [5] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Average selling prices in the tubes operating segment decreased by 1% compared to the same quarter last year and sequentially [4] - Strong sales were noted in the U.S. for OCTG, with a shift from seamless to welded products due to tariff pressures [28] - The delivery of a significant pipeline project contributed to sales, but expectations for the fourth quarter indicate a return to previous delivery levels [28] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The U.S. market showed resilience with a strong customer portfolio maintaining activity levels despite softening oil prices [7] - In Argentina, the recent elections are expected to stimulate investment in the energy sector, particularly in the Vaca Muerta shale play [19] - The European market is benefiting from strengthened steel safeguard measures, which should positively impact operations [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is increasing production in the U.S. and Canada to ensure a reliable supply of high-quality products amid high tariff rates and trade restrictions [8] - A new service yard was opened in British Columbia to extend Rig Direct services, and production is ramping up to support this operation [9] - The company is focusing on sustainability, with new wind farms powering operations and reducing carbon emissions [11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism regarding the impact of the Argentinian elections on investment levels in the energy sector, anticipating increased rig activity and fracking operations [19] - The company expects a gradual increase in investment in the Vaca Muerta area and a positive outlook for offshore projects [10] - Management acknowledged the challenges posed by tariffs but indicated that the market is expected to stabilize, allowing for potential price recovery [21][37] Other Important Information - The board approved an interim dividend of $0.29 per share, a 7% increase compared to the previous year [6] - The company is committed to a cash return of around 11% to shareholders for the year, demonstrating resilience in a volatile environment [12] Q&A Session Summary Question: Implications of Argentinian elections on Tenaris - Management noted that the elections marked a turning point, with a clear victory for President Milei's party, leading to increased investor confidence and access to financing for oil companies [16][18] Question: Outlook for margins in Q4 - Management expects EBITDA to be lower in Q4 due to tariff impacts, estimating a range of single-digit declines [20][37] Question: Trends in sales mix and pipeline orders - Strong sales were attributed to OCTG and pipeline deliveries, with expectations for a return to previous levels in Q4 [28] Question: Profitability by region - Profitability varies by product rather than region, with offshore products generally being more profitable [92] Question: Working capital movement - The increase in working capital was driven by delayed payments from Pemex, which is expected to improve in Q4 [90][93] Question: Inventory levels and imports - Higher inventory levels were noted in welded pipes compared to seamless, with expectations for both to decrease [102] Question: Update on Mexico's oil field services - Management indicated that Pemex's financial recovery is expected to lead to increased drilling activity, benefiting Tenaris [72][108]