TS Tenaris

I	GENERAL INFORMATION	IV	OTHER NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
		1	Segment information
II	ACCOUNTING POLICIES ("AP")	2	Cost of sales
A	Basis of presentation	3	Selling, general and administrative expenses
B	Group accounting	4	Labor costs (included in Cost of sales and in Selling, general and administrative expenses)
C	Segment information	5	Other operating income and expenses
D	Foreign currency translation	6	Financial results
E	Property, plant and equipment	7	Equity in earnings (losses) of non-consolidated companies
F	Intangible assets	8	Income tax
G	Impairment of non-financial assets	9	Dividends distribution
H	Other investments	10	Property, plant and equipment, net
I	Inventories	11	Intangible assets, net
J	Trade and other receivables	12	Investments in non-consolidated companies
K	Cash and cash equivalents	13	Receivables - non current
L	Equity	14	Inventories
M	Borrowings	15	Receivables and prepayments
N	Current and Deferred income tax	16	Current tax assets and liabilities
O	Employee benefits	17	Trade receivables
P	Provisions	18	Cash and cash equivalents and Other investments
Q	Trade payables	19	Borrowings
R	Revenue recognition	20	Deferred income tax
S	Cost of sales and sales expenses	21	Other liabilities
T	Earnings per share	22	Non-current allowances and provisions
U	Financial instruments	23	Current allowances and provisions
		24	Derivative financial instruments
		25	Contingencies, commitments and restrictions on the distribution of profits
III	FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT	26	Acquisition of subsidiaries and non-consolidated companies
		27	Cash flow disclosures
A	Financial Risk Factors	28	Net assets of disposal group classified as held for sale
B	Category of Financial Instruments and Classification Within the Fair Value Hierarchy	29	Related party transactions
C	Fair value estimation	30	Principal subsidiaries
D	Accounting for derivative financial instruments and hedging activities	31	Nationalization of Venezuelan Subsidiaries
		32	Fees paid to the Company's principal accountant
		33	Subsequent event

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

Tenaris S.A. (the "Company") was established as a public limited liability company (societé anonyme) under the laws of the Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg on December 17, 2001. The Company holds, either directly or indirectly, controlling interests in various subsidiaries in the steel pipe manufacturing and distribution businesses. References in these Consolidated 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 30 to these Consolidated Financial Statements.

The Company's shares trade on the Buenos Aires Stock Exchange, the Italian Stock Exchange and the Mexican Stock Exchange; the Company's American Depositary Securities ("ADS") trade on the New York Stock Exchange.

These Consolidated Financial Statements were approved for issuance by the Company's Board of Directors on February 22, 2017.

II. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of these Consolidated Financial Statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all the years presented, unless otherwise stated.

A	Basis of presentation

The Consolidated Financial Statements of Tenaris have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS"), as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board ("IASB") and adopted by the European Union, under the historical cost convention, as modified by the revaluation of available for sale financial assets, financial assets and liabilities (including derivative instruments) at fair value through profit or loss and plan assets measured at fair value. The Consolidated Financial Statements are, unless otherwise noted, presented in thousands of U.S. dollars ("$").

Whenever necessary, certain comparative amounts have been reclassified to conform to changes in presentation in the current year.

Following the sale of the steel electric conduit business in North America, known as Republic Conduit, the results of the mentioned business are presented as discontinued operations in accordance with IFRS 5 "Non-current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations". Consequently, all amounts related to discontinued operations within each line item of the Consolidated Income Statement are reclassified into discontinued operations. The Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows includes the cash flows for continuing and discontinued operations, cash flows from discontinued operations and earnings per share are disclosed separately in note 28, as well as additional information detailing net assets of disposal group classified as held for sale and discontinued operations.

The preparation of Consolidated 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 at the reporting dates, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting years. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

(1)	New and amended standards not yet adopted and relevant for Tenaris

IFRS 15, "Revenue from contracts with customers"

In May 2014, the IASB issued IFRS 15, "Revenue from contracts with customers", which sets out the requirements in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and which is based on the principle that revenue is recognized when control of a good or service is transferred to the customer. IFRS 15 must be applied on annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018.

IFRS 9, "Financial instruments"

In July 2014, the IASB issued IFRS 9, "Financial instruments", which replaces the guidance in IAS 39. It includes requirements on the classification and measurement of financial assets and liabilities, as well as an expected credit losses model that replaces the current incurred loss impairment model. IFRS 9 must be applied on annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018.

A	Basis of presentation (Cont.)

(1)	New and amended standards not yet adopted and relevant for Tenaris (Cont.)

These standards are not effective for the financial year beginning January 1, 2016 and have not been early adopted.

These standards were endorsed by the EU.

The Company's management is currently assessing the potential impact that the application of these standards may have on the Company's financial condition or results of operations. The management does not expect these standards to have a significant impact on the classification and measurement of its assets and liabilities.

Others accounting pronouncements issued during 2016 and as of the date of these Consolidated Financial Statements have no material effect on the Company's financial condition or result of operations.

(2)	New and amended standards adopted for Tenaris

The Amendment to IAS 1, "Presentation of financial statements" on the disclosure initiative, has been applied on the year starting January 1, 2016, with no significant impact on the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

B	Group accounting

 

(1)	Subsidiaries and transactions with non-controlling interests

 

Subsidiaries are all entities over which Tenaris has control. Tenaris controls an entity when it is exposed to, or has rights to, variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the entity. Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date on which control is exercised by the Company and are no longer consolidated from the date control ceases.

The purchase method of accounting is used to account for the acquisition of subsidiaries by Tenaris. The cost of an acquisition is measured as the fair value of the assets given, equity instruments issued and liabilities incurred or assumed at the date of exchange. Acquisition-related costs are expensed as incurred. Identifiable assets acquired, liabilities and contingent liabilities assumed in a business combination are measured initially at their fair values at the acquisition date. Any non-controlling interest in the acquiree is measured either at fair value or at the non-controlling interest's proportionate share of the acquiree's net assets. The excess of the aggregate of the consideration transferred and the amount of any non-controlling interest in the acquiree over the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. If this is less than the fair value of the net assets of the subsidiary acquired, the difference is recognized directly in the Consolidated Income Statement.

Transactions with non-controlling interests that do not result in a loss of control are accounted as transactions with equity owners of the Company. For purchases from non-controlling interests, the difference between any consideration paid and the relevant share acquired of the carrying value of net assets of the subsidiary is recorded in equity. Gains or losses on disposals to non-controlling interests are also recorded in equity.

Material intercompany transactions, balances and unrealized gains (losses) on transactions between Tenaris 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 Income Statement under Other financial results .

B	Group accounting (Cont.)

 

(2)	Non-consolidated companies

Non-consolidated companies are all entities in which Tenaris has significant influence but not control, generally accompanying a shareholding of between 20% and 50% of the voting rights. Investments in non-consolidated companies (associated and joint ventures) are accounted for by the equity method of accounting and are initially recognized at cost. The Company's investment in non-consolidated companies includes goodwill identified in acquisition, net of any accumulated impairment loss.

Unrealized results on transactions between Tenaris and its non-consolidated companies are eliminated to the extent of Tenaris's interest in the non-consolidated companies. Unrealized losses are also eliminated unless the transaction provides evidence of an impairment indicator of the asset transferred. Financial statements of non-consolidated companies have been adjusted where necessary to ensure consistency with IFRS.

The Company's pro-rata share of earnings in non-consolidated companies is recorded in the Consolidated Income Statement under Equity in earnings (losses) of non-consolidated companies . The Company's pro-rata share of changes in other reserves is recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity under Other Reserves.

At December 31, 2016, Tenaris holds 11.46% of Ternium S.A ("Ternium")'s common stock. The following factors and circumstances evidence that Tenaris has significant influence (as defined by IAS 28, "Investments in associates companies and Joint Ventures") over Ternium, and as a result the Company's investment in Ternium has been accounted for under the equity method:

§	Both the Company and Ternium are under the indirect common control of San Faustin S.A.;

§	Four out of eight members of Ternium's Board of Directors (including Ternium's chairman) are also members of the Company's Board of Directors;

§

Under the shareholders' agreement by and between the Company and Techint Holdings S.à r.l, a wholly owned subsidiary of San Faustin S.A. and Ternium's main shareholder, dated January 9, 2006, Techint Holdings S.à r.l, is required to take actions within its power to cause (a) one of the members of Ternium's Board of Directors to be nominated by the Company and (b) any director nominated by the Company to be only removed from Ternium's Board of Directors pursuant to previous written instructions of the Company.

At December 31, 2016, Tenaris holds through its Brazilian subsidiary Confab Industrial S.A. ("Confab"), 5.2% of the shares with voting rights and 3.08% of Siderúrgicas de Minas Gerais S.A. Usiminas ("Usiminas") total share capital.

The acquisition of Usiminas shares was part of a larger transaction performed on January 16, 2012, pursuant to which Ternium, certain of its subsidiaries and Confab joined Usiminas' existing control group through the acquisition of ordinary shares representing 27.7% of Usiminas' total voting capital and 13.8% of Usiminas' total share capital. The rights of Ternium and its subsidiaries and Confab within the Ternium - Tenaris Group are governed under a separate shareholders agreement. Those circumstances evidence that Tenaris has significant influence over Usiminas, consequently, accounted it for under the equity method (as defined by IAS 28).

In April and May 2016 Tenaris's subsidiary Confab subscribed, in the aggregate, to 1.3 million preferred shares (BRL1.28 per share) for a total amount of BRL1.6 million (approximately $0.5 million) and 11.5 million ordinary shares (BRL5.00 per share) for a total amount of BRL57.5 (approximately $16.6 million). The preferred and ordinary shares were issued on June 3, 2016 and July 19, 2016, respectively. Consequently as of December 31, 2016 Tenaris owns 36.5 million ordinary shares and 1.3 million preferred shares of Usiminas.

Tenaris carries its investment in Ternium and Usiminas under the equity method, with no additional goodwill or intangible assets recognized. Tenaris reviews investments in non-consolidated companies for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset's carrying amount may not be recoverable, such as a significant or prolonged decline in fair value below the carrying value. At December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, no impairment provisions were recorded on Tenaris's investment in Ternium while in 2014 and 2015, impairment charges were recorded on Tenaris's investment in Usiminas. See Note 7 and Note 12.

C	Segment information

 

The Company is organized in one major business segment, Tubes, which is also the reportable operating segment.

The Tubes segment includes the production and sale of both seamless and welded steel tubular products and related services mainly for the oil and gas industry, particularly oil country tubular goods (OCTG) used in drilling operations, and for other industrial applications with production processes that consist in the transformation of steel into tubular products. Business activities included in this segment are mainly dependent on the oil and gas industry worldwide, as this industry is a major consumer of steel pipe products, particularly OCTG used in drilling activities. Demand for steel pipe products from the oil and gas industry has historically been volatile and depends primarily upon the number of oil and natural gas wells being drilled, completed and reworked, and the depth and drilling conditions of these wells. Sales are generally made to end users, with exports being done through a centrally managed global distribution network and domestic sales are made through local subsidiaries. Corporate general and administrative expenses have been allocated to the Tubes segment.

Others includes all other business activities and operating segments that are not required to be separately reported, including the production and selling of sucker rods, industrial equipment, coiled tubing, energy and raw materials that exceed internal requirements.

Tenaris's Chief Operating Decision Maker (CEO) holds monthly meetings with senior management, in which operating and financial performance information is reviewed, including financial information that differs from IFRS principally as follows:

§	The use of direct cost methodology to calculate the inventories, while under IFRS it is at full cost, including absorption of production overheads and depreciations;

§	The use of costs based on previously internally defined cost estimates, while, under IFRS, costs are calculated at historical cost;

§	Other timing differences.

Tenaris groups its geographical information in five areas: North America, South America, Europe, Middle East and Africa and Asia Pacific. For purposes of reporting geographical information, net sales are allocated to geographical areas based on the customer's location; allocation of assets, capital expenditures and associated depreciations and amortizations are based on the geographical location of the assets.

 

D	Foreign currency translation

 

(1)	Functional and presentation currency

 

IAS 21 (revised) "The effects of changes in foreign exchange rates" defines the functional currency as the currency of the primary economic environment in which an entity operates.

The functional and presentation currency of the Company is the U.S. dollar. The U.S. dollar is the currency that best reflects the economic substance of the underlying events and circumstances relevant to Tenaris's global operations.

Except for the Brazilian and Italian subsidiaries whose functional currencies are their local currencies, Tenaris determined that the functional currency of its other subsidiaries is the U.S. dollar, based on the following principal considerations:

§	Sales are mainly negotiated, denominated and settled in U.S. dollars. If priced in a currency other than the U.S. dollar, the sales price considers exposure to fluctuation in the exchange rate versus the U.S. dollar;

§	Prices of their critical raw materials and inputs are priced and settled in U.S. dollars;

§	Transaction and operational environment and the cash flow of these operations have the U.S. dollar as reference currency;

§	Significant level of integration of the local operations within Tenaris's international global distribution network;

§	Net financial assets and liabilities are mainly received and maintained in U.S. dollars;

§	The exchange rate of certain legal currencies has long-been affected by recurring and severe economic crises.

D	Foreign currency translation (Cont.)

 

(2)	Transactions in currencies other than the functional currency

Transactions in currencies other than the functional currency are translated into the functional currency using the exchange rates prevailing at the date of the transactions or valuation where items are re-measured.

At the end of each reporting period: (i) monetary items denominated in currencies other than the functional currency are translated using the closing rates; (ii) non-monetary items that are measured in terms of historical cost in a currency other than the functional currency are translated using the exchange rates prevailing at the date of the transactions; and (iii) non-monetary items that are measured at fair value in a currency other than the functional currency are translated using the exchange rates prevailing at the date when the fair value was determined.

Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement of such transactions and from the translation at year-end exchange rates of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the functional currency are recorded as gains and losses from foreign exchange and included in "Other financial results" in the Consolidated Income Statement, except when deferred in equity as qualifying cash flow hedges and qualifying net investment hedges. Translation differences in non-monetary financial assets and liabilities such as equities held at fair value through profit or loss are recognized in profit or loss as part of the "fair value gain or loss," while translation differences on non-monetary financial assets such as equities classified as available for sale are included in the "available for sale reserve" in equity. Tenaris had no such assets or liabilities for any of the periods presented.

 

(3)	Translation of financial information in currencies other than the functional currency

Results of operations for subsidiaries whose functional currencies are not the U.S. dollar are translated into U.S. dollars at the average exchange rates for each quarter of the year. Financial statement positions are translated at the end-of-year exchange rates. Translation differences are recognized in a separate component of equity as currency translation adjustments. In the case of a sale or other disposal of any of such subsidiaries, any accumulated translation difference would be recognized in income as a gain or loss from the sale.

 

E	Property, plant and equipment

 

Property, plant and equipment are recognized at historical acquisition or construction cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. Historical cost includes expenditure that is directly attributable to the acquisition of the items. Property, plant and equipment acquired through acquisitions accounted for as business combinations have been valued initially at the fair market value of the assets acquired.

Major overhaul and rebuilding expenditures are capitalized as property, plant and equipment only when it is probable that future economic benefits associated with the item will flow to the group and the investment enhances the condition of assets beyond its original condition. The carrying amount of the replaced part is derecognized. Ordinary maintenance expenses on manufacturing properties are recorded as cost of products sold in the year in which they are incurred.

Borrowing costs that are attributable to the acquisition or construction of certain capital assets are capitalized as part of the cost of the asset, in accordance with IAS 23(R) "Borrowing Costs" . Assets for which borrowing costs are capitalized are those that require a substantial period of time to prepare for their intended use.

Depreciation method is reviewed at each year end. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method to depreciate the cost of each asset to its residual value over its estimated useful life, as follows:

The assets' residual values and useful lives of significant plant and production equipment are reviewed and adjusted, if appropriate, at each year-end date.

Management's re-estimation of assets useful lives, performed in accordance with IAS 16 "Property, Plant and Equipment", did not materially affect depreciation expenses for 2016, 2015 and 2014.

E	Property, plant and equipment (Cont.)

Tenaris depreciates each significant part of an item of property, plant and equipment for its different production facilities that (i) can be properly identified as an independent component with a cost that is significant in relation to the total cost of the item, and (ii) has a useful operating life that is different from another significant part of that same item of property, plant and equipment.

Gains and losses on disposals are determined by comparing the proceeds with the carrying amount of assets and are recognized under Other operating income or Other operating expenses in the Consolidated Income Statement.

 

F	Intangible assets

 

(1)

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of the acquisition cost over the fair value of Tenaris's share of net identifiable assets acquired as part of business combinations determined mainly by independent valuations. Goodwill is tested annually for impairment and carried at cost less accumulated impairment losses. Impairment losses on goodwill are not reversed. Goodwill is included in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position under Intangible assets, net.

For the purpose of impairment testing, goodwill is allocated to a subsidiary or group of subsidiaries that are expected to benefit from the business combination which generated the goodwill being tested.

(2)	Information systems projects

Costs associated with maintaining computer software programs are generally recognized as an expense as incurred. However, costs directly related to the development, acquisition and implementation of information systems are recognized as intangible assets if it is probable that they have economic benefits exceeding one year.

Information systems projects recognized as assets are amortized using the straight-line method over their useful lives, generally not exceeding a period of 3 years. Amortization charges are mainly classified as Selling, general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Income Statement.

Management's re-estimation of assets useful lives, performed in accordance with IAS 38 "Intangible Assets", did not materially affect depreciation expenses for 2016, 2015 and 2014.

(3)	Licenses, patents, trademarks and proprietary technology

Licenses, patents, trademarks, and proprietary technology acquired in a business combination are initially recognized at fair value at the acquisition date. Licenses, patents, proprietary technology and those trademarks that have a finite useful life are carried at cost less accumulated amortization. Amortization is calculated using the straight-line method to allocate the cost over their estimated useful lives, and does not exceed a period of 10 years. Amortization charges are mainly classified as Selling, general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Income Statement.

The balance of acquired trademarks that have indefinite useful lives according to external appraisal amounts to $86.7   million at December 31, 2016 and 2015, included in Hydril CGU. Main factors considered in the determination of the indefinite useful lives, include the years that they have been in service and their recognition among customers in the industry.

Management's re-estimation of assets useful lives, performed in accordance with IAS 38, did not materially affect depreciation expenses for 2016, 2015 and 2014.

 

(4)	Research and development

 

Research expenditures as well as development costs that do not fulfill the criteria for capitalization are recorded as Cost of sales in the Consolidated Income Statement as incurred. Research and development expenditures included in Cost of sales for the years 2016, 2015 and 2014 totaled $68.6 million, $89.0 million and $106.9 million, respectively.

F	Intangible assets

(5)	Customer relationships

In accordance with IFRS 3 "Business Combinations" and IAS 38, Tenaris has recognized the value of customer relationships separately from goodwill attributable to the acquisition of Maverick and Hydril groups.

Customer relationships acquired in a business combination are recognized at fair value at the acquisition date, have a finite useful life and are carried at cost less accumulated amortization. Amortization is calculated using the straight line method over the expected life of approximately 14 years for Maverick and 10 years for Hydril.

In 2015 the Company reviewed the useful life of Prudential's customer relationships, related to Maverick acquisition, and decided to reduce the remaining amortization period from 5 years to 2 years.

As of December 2016 the residual value of Maverick and Hydril customer relationships amount to $308 million and $17 million and the residual useful life is 4 years and 1 year respectively.

 

G	Impairment of non-financial assets

Long-lived assets including identifiable intangible assets are reviewed for impairment at the lowest level for which there are separately identifiable cash flows (cash generating units, or CGU). Most of the Company's principal subsidiaries that constitute a CGU have a single main production facility and, accordingly, each of such subsidiary represents the lowest level of asset aggregation that generates largely independent cash inflows.

Assets that are subject to amortization are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Intangible assets with indefinite useful life, including goodwill, are subject to at least an annual impairment test.

In assessing whether there is any indication that a CGU may be impaired, external and internal sources of information are analyzed. Material facts and circumstances specifically considered in the analysis usually include the discount rate used in Tenaris's cash flow projections and the business condition in terms of competitive and economic factors, such as the cost of raw materials, oil and gas prices, competitive environment, capital expenditure programs for Tenaris's customers and the evolution of the rig count.

An impairment loss is recognized for the amount by which the asset's carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is the higher between the asset's value in use and fair value less costs to sell. Any impairment loss is allocated to reduce the carrying amount of the assets of the CGU in the following order:

 

(a)	first, to reduce the carrying amount of any goodwill allocated to the CGU; and
(b)	then, to the other assets of the unit (group of units) pro-rata on the basis of the carrying amount of each asset in the unit (group of units), considering not to reduce the carrying amount of the asset below the highest of its fair value less cost to sell, its value in use or zero.

 

The value in use of each CGU is determined on the basis of the present value of net future cash flows which would be generated by such CGU. Tenaris uses cash flow projections for a five year period with a terminal value calculated based on perpetuity and appropriate discount rates.

For purposes of calculating the fair value less costs to sell, Tenaris uses the estimated value of future cash flows that a market participant could generate from the corresponding CGU.

Management judgment is required to estimate discounted future cash flows. Actual cash flows and values could vary significantly from the forecasted future cash flows and related values derived using discounting techniques.

Non-financial assets other than goodwill that suffered an impairment are reviewed for possible reversal at each reporting date.

H	Other investments

 

Other investments consist primarily of investments in financial instruments and time deposits with a maturity of more than three months at the date of purchase.

Certain non-derivative financial assets that the Company has both the ability and the intention to hold to maturity have been categorized as held to maturity financial assets. They are carried at amortized cost and the results are recognized in Financial Results in the Consolidated Income Statement using the effective interest method. Held to maturity instruments with maturities greater than 12 months after the balance sheet date are included in the non-current assets.

All other investments in financial instruments and time deposits are categorized as financial assets "at fair value through profit or loss" because such investments are both (i) held for trading and (ii) designated as such upon initial recognition because they are managed and their performance is evaluated on a fair value basis. The results of these investments are recognized in Financial Results in the Consolidated Income Statement.

Purchases and sales of financial investments are recognized as of their settlement date.

The fair values of quoted investments are generally based on current bid prices. If the market for a financial investment is not active or the securities are not listed, Tenaris estimates the fair value by using standard valuation techniques (see Section III Financial Risk Management).

I	Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower between cost and net realizable value. The cost of finished goods and goods in process is comprised of raw materials, direct labor and utilities (based on FIFO method) and other direct costs and related production overhead costs, and it excludes borrowing costs. Tenaris estimates net realizable value of inventories by grouping, where applicable, similar or related items. Net realizable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less any estimated costs of completion and selling expenses. Goods in transit at year end are valued based on supplier's invoice cost.

Tenaris establishes an allowance for obsolete or slow-moving inventory related to finished goods, goods in process, supplies and spare parts. For slow moving or obsolete finished products, an allowance is established based on management's analysis of product aging. An allowance for obsolete and slow-moving inventory of supplies and spare parts is established based on management's analysis of such items to be used as intended and the consideration of potential obsolescence due to technological changes.

 

J	Trade and other receivables

 

Trade and other receivables are recognized initially at fair value, generally the original invoice amount. Tenaris analyzes its trade receivables on a regular basis and, when aware of a specific counterparty's difficulty or inability to meet its obligations, impairs any amounts due by means of a charge to an allowance for doubtful accounts. In addition, trade accounts receivable overdue by more than 180 days and which are not covered by a credit collateral, guarantee, insurance or similar surety, are fully provisioned.

 

K	Cash and cash equivalents

 

Cash and cash equivalents are comprised of cash at banks, liquidity funds and short-term investments with a maturity of less than three months at the date of purchase which are readily convertible to known amounts of cash. Assets recorded in cash and cash equivalents are carried at fair market value or at historical cost which approximates fair market value.

In the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position, bank overdrafts are included in Borrowings in current liabilities.

For the purposes of the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows, cash and cash equivalents includes overdrafts.

L

Equity

 

(1)	Equity components

 

The Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity includes:

§ The value of share capital, legal reserve, share premium and other distributable reserves calculated in accordance with Luxembourg law;

§ The currency translation adjustment, other reserves, retained earnings and non-controlling interest calculated in accordance with IFRS.

(2)	Share capital

The Company has an authorized share capital of a single class of 2.5 billion shares having a nominal value of $1.00 per share.   Total ordinary shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 are 1,180,536,830 with a par value of $1.00 per share with one vote each. All issued shares are fully paid.

(3)	Dividends distribution by the Company to shareholders

 

Dividends distributions are recorded in the Company's financial statements when Company's shareholders have the right to receive the payment, or when interim dividends are approved by the Board of Directors in accordance with the by-laws of the Company.

Dividends may be paid by the Company to the extent that it has distributable retained earnings, calculated in accordance with Luxembourg law (see Note 25 (iii)).

 

M	Borrowings

Borrowings are recognized initially at fair value net of transaction costs incurred and subsequently measured at amortized cost.

N	Current and Deferred income tax

The tax expense for the period comprises current and deferred tax. Tax is recognized in the Consolidated Income Statement, except for tax items recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Other Comprehensive Income.

The current income tax charge is calculated on the basis of the tax laws enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting date in the countries where the Company's subsidiaries operate and generate taxable income. Management periodically evaluates positions taken in tax returns with respect to situations in which applicable tax regulations are subject to interpretation and establishes provisions when appropriate.

Deferred income tax is recognized applying the liability method on temporary differences arising between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts in the financial statements. The principal temporary differences arise from fair value adjustments of assets acquired in business combinations, the effect of currency translation on depreciable fixed assets and inventories, depreciation on property, plant and equipment, valuation of inventories and provisions for pension plans. Deferred tax assets are also recognized for net operating loss carry-forwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the time period when the asset is realized or the liability is settled, based on tax laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting date.

Deferred tax assets are recognized to the extent it is probable that future taxable income will be available against which the temporary differences can be utilized. At the end of each reporting period, Tenaris reassesses unrecognized deferred tax assets. Tenaris recognizes a previously unrecognized deferred tax asset to the extent that it has become probable that future taxable income will allow the deferred tax asset to be recovered.

O	Employee benefits

(1)	Post employment benefits

The Company has defined benefit and defined contribution plans. A defined benefit plan is a pension plan that defines an amount of pension benefit that an employee will receive on retirement, usually dependent on one or more factors such as age, years of service and compensation.

The liability recognized in the statement of financial position in respect of defined benefit pension plans is the present value of the defined benefit obligation at the end of the reporting period less the fair value of plan assets, if any. The defined benefit obligation is calculated annually (at year end) by independent actuaries using the projected unit credit method. The present value of the defined benefit obligation is determined by discounting the estimated future cash outflows using interest rates of high-quality corporate bonds that are denominated in the currency in which the benefits will be paid, and that have terms to maturity approximating to the terms of the related pension obligation.

Actuarial gains and losses arising from experience adjustments and changes in actuarial assumptions are charged or credited to equity in Other comprehensive income in the period in which they arise. Past-service costs are recognized immediately in the Income Statement.

For defined benefit plans, net interest income/expense is calculated based on the surplus or deficit derived by the difference between the defined benefit obligations less fair value of plan assets. For defined contribution plans, the Company pays contributions to publicly or privately administered pension insurance plans on a mandatory, contractual or voluntary basis. The Company has no further payment obligations once the contributions have been paid. The contributions are recognized as employee benefit expense when they are due. Prepaid contributions are recognized as an asset to the extent that a cash refund or a reduction in the future payments is available.

Tenaris sponsors funded and unfunded defined benefit pension plans in certain subsidiaries. The most significant are:

§

An unfunded defined benefit employee retirement plan for certain senior officers. The plan is designed to provide certain benefits to those officers (additional to those contemplated under applicable labor laws) in case of termination of the employment relationship due to certain specified events, including retirement. This unfunded plan provides defined benefits based on years of service and final average salary.

§

Employees' service rescission indemnity: the cost of this obligation is charged to the Consolidated Income Statement over the expected service lives of employees. This provision is primarily related to the liability accrued for employees at Tenaris's Italian subsidiary. As from January 1, 2007 as a consequence of a change in an Italian law, employees were entitled to make contributions to external funds, thus, Tenaris's Italian subsidiary pays every year the required contribution to the funds with no further obligation. As a result, the plan changed from a defined benefit plan to a defined contribution plan effective from that date, but only limited to the contributions of 2007 onwards.

§

Funded retirement benefit plans held in Canada for salary and hourly employees hired prior a certain date based on years of service and, in the case of salaried employees, final average salary. Plan assets consist primarily of investments in equities and money market funds. Both plans were replaced for defined contribution plans. Effective June 2016 the salary plan was frozen for the purposes of credited service as well as determination of final average pay.

§

Funded retirement benefit plan held in the US for the benefit of some employees hired prior a certain date, frozen for the purposes of credited service as well as determination of final average pay for the retirement benefit calculation. Plan assets consist primarily of investments in equities and money market funds. Additionally, an unfunded postretirement health and life plan that offers limited medical and life insurance benefits to the retirees, hired before a certain date.

O	Employee benefits (Cont.)

 

(2)	Other long term benefits

During 2007, Tenaris launched an employee retention and long term incentive program   (the "Program") applicable to certain senior officers and employees of the Company, who will be granted a number of Units throughout the duration of the Program. The value of each of these Units is based on Tenaris's shareholders' equity (excluding non-controlling interest). Also, the beneficiaries of the Program are entitled to receive cash amounts based on (i) the amount of dividend payments made by Tenaris to its shareholders, and (ii) the number of Units held by each beneficiary to the Program. Units vest ratably over a period of four years and will be redeemed by the Company ten years after grant date, with the option of an early redemption at seven years after grant date. As the cash payment of the benefit is tied to the book value of the shares, and not to their market value, Tenaris valued this long-term incentive program as a long term benefit plan as classified in IAS 19 "Employee Benefits".

As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, the outstanding liability corresponding to the Program amounts to $78.7 million and $84.0 million, respectively. The total value of the units granted to date under the program, considering the number of units and the book value per share as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, is $92.9 million and $105.3 million, respectively.

(3)	Other compensation obligations

Employee entitlements to annual leave and long-service leave are accrued as earned.

Compensation to employees in the event of dismissal is charged to income in the year in which it becomes payable.

 

P	Provisions

 

Tenaris is subject to various claims, lawsuits and other legal proceedings, including customer claims, in which a third party is seeking payment for alleged damages, reimbursement for losses or indemnity. Tenaris's potential liability with respect to such claims, lawsuits and other legal proceedings cannot be estimated with certainty. Management periodically reviews the status of each significant matter and assesses potential financial exposure. If, as a result of past events, a potential loss from a claim or proceeding is considered probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated, a provision is recorded. Accruals for loss contingencies reflect a reasonable estimate of the losses to be incurred based on information available to management as of the date of preparation of the financial statements, and take into consideration Tenaris's litigation and settlement strategies. These estimates are primarily constructed with the assistance of legal counsel. As the scope of liabilities become better defined, there may be changes in the estimates of future costs which could have a material adverse effect on its results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

If Tenaris expects to be reimbursed for an accrued expense, as would be the case for an expense or loss covered under an insurance contract, and reimbursement is considered virtually certain, the expected reimbursement is recognized as a receivable.

 

Q	Trade payables

Trade payables are recognized initially at fair value, generally the nominal invoice amount.

 

R	Revenue recognition

 

Revenue comprises the fair value of the consideration received or receivable for the sale of goods and services in the ordinary course of Tenaris's activities. Revenue is shown net of value-added tax, returns, rebates and discounts and after eliminating sales within the group.

Tenaris's products and services are sold based upon purchase orders, contracts or upon other persuasive evidence of an arrangement with customers, including that the sales price is known or determinable. Sales are recognized as revenue upon delivery, when neither continuing managerial involvement nor effective control over the products is retained by Tenaris and when collection is reasonably assured. Delivery is defined by the transfer of risk and may include delivery to a storage facility located at one of the Company's subsidiaries. For bill and hold transactions revenue is recognized only to the extent (a) it is highly probable delivery will be made; (b) the products have been specifically identified and are ready for delivery; (c) the sales contract specifically acknowledges the deferred delivery instructions; (d) the usual payment terms apply.

R	Revenue recognition (Cont.)

The percentage of total sales that were generated from bill and hold arrangements for products located in Tenaris's storage facilities that have not been shipped to customers amounted to 2.8%, 3.0% and 1.2% as of December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The Company has not experienced any material claims requesting the cancellation of bill and hold transactions.

Other revenues earned by Tenaris are recognized on the following basis:

§

Construction contracts (mainly applicable to Tenaris Brazilian subsidiaries and amounted to 37 million, 0.86% of total sales). The revenue recognition of the contracts follows the IAS 11 "Construction Contracts" guidance, that means, when the outcome of a construction contract can be estimated reliably and it is probable that the contract will be profitable, contract revenue is recognized over the period of the contract by reference to the stage of completion (measured by reference to the contract costs incurred up to the end of the reporting period as a percentage of total estimated costs for each contract).

§	Interest income: on the effective yield basis.

§	Dividend income from investments in other companies: when Tenaris's right to receive payment is established.

S	Cost of sales and sales expenses

Cost of sales and sales expenses are recognized in the Consolidated Income Statement on the accrual basis of accounting.

Commissions, freight and other selling expenses, including shipping and handling costs, are recorded in Selling, general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Income Statement.

 

T	Earnings per share

 

Earnings per share are calculated by dividing the income attributable to owners of the parent by the daily weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year.

 

U	Financial instruments

 

Non derivative financial instruments comprise investments in financial debt instruments and equity, time deposits, trade and other receivables, cash and cash equivalents, borrowings and trade and other payables. Tenaris's non derivative financial instruments are classified into the following categories:

§	Financial instruments at fair value through profit and loss: comprise mainly Other Investments expiring in less than ninety days from the measurement date (included within cash and cash equivalents) and investments in certain financial debt instruments and time deposits held for trading.

§	Loans and receivables: comprise cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables and other receivables and are measured at amortized cost using the effective interest rate method less any impairment.

§	Available for sale assets: comprise the Company's interest in the Venezuelan Companies (see Note 31).

§	Held to maturity: comprise financial assets that the Company has both the ability and the intention to hold to maturity. They are measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method.

§	Other financial liabilities: comprise borrowings, trade and other payables and are measured at amortized cost using the effective interest rate method.

The categorization depends on the nature and purpose that the Company sets to the financial instrument.

Financial assets and liabilities are recognized and derecognized on their settlement date.

Accounting for derivative financial instruments and hedging activities is included within the Section III, Financial Risk Management.

III. FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT

The multinational nature of Tenaris's operations and customer base exposes the Company to a variety of risks, mainly related to market risks (including the effects of changes in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates), credit risk and capital market risk. In order to manage the volatility related to these exposures, the management evaluates exposures on a consolidated basis, taking advantage of logical exposure netting. The Company or its subsidiaries may then enter into various derivative transactions in order to prevent potential adverse impacts on Tenaris's financial performance. Such derivative transactions are executed in accordance with internal policies and hedging practices. The Company's objectives, policies and processes for managing these risks remained unchanged during 2016.

A. Financial Risk Factors

 

(i)	Capital Risk Management

 

Tenaris seeks to maintain a low debt to total equity ratio considering the industry and the markets where it operates. The year-end ratio of debt to total equity (where "debt" comprises financial borrowings and "total equity" is the sum of financial borrowings and equity) is 0.07 as of December 31, 2016 and 0.08 as of December 31, 2015. The Company does not have to comply with regulatory capital adequacy requirements.

 

(ii)	Foreign exchange risk

 

Tenaris manufactures and sells its products in a number of countries throughout the world and consequently is exposed to foreign exchange rate risk. Since the Company's functional currency is the U.S. dollar the purpose of Tenaris's foreign currency hedging program is mainly to reduce the risk caused by changes in the exchange rates of other currencies against the U.S. dollar.

Tenaris's exposure to currency fluctuations is reviewed on a periodic consolidated basis. A number of derivative transactions are performed in order to achieve an efficient coverage in the absence of operative or natural hedges. Almost all of these transactions are forward exchange rates contracts (see Note 24 Derivative financial instruments).

Tenaris does not enter into derivative financial instruments for trading or other speculative purposes, other than non-material investments in structured products.

Because certain subsidiaries have functional currencies other than the U.S. dollar, the results of hedging activities, reported in accordance with IFRS, may not reflect entirely the management's assessment of its foreign exchange risk hedging program. Intercompany balances between Tenaris's subsidiaries may generate financial gains (losses) to the extent that functional currencies differ.

The value of Tenaris's financial assets and liabilities is subject to changes arising out of the variation of foreign currency exchange rates. The following table provides a breakdown of Tenaris's main financial assets and liabilities (including foreign exchange derivative contracts) which impact the Company's profit and loss as of December 31, 2016 and 2015:

A. Financial Risk Factors (Cont.)

 

(ii)	Foreign exchange risk (Cont.)

The main relevant exposures correspond to:

§	Argentine Peso / U.S. dollar

As of December 31, 2016 and 2015 consisting primarily of Argentine Peso-denominated financial, trade, social and fiscal payables at certain Argentine subsidiaries which functional currency is the U.S. dollar. A change of 1% in the ARS/USD exchange rate would have generated a pre-tax gain / loss of $0.6 million and $0.7 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

§	Euro / U.S. dollar

As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, consisting primarily of Euro-denominated intercompany liabilities at certain subsidiaries which functional currency is the U.S. dollar. A change of 1% in the EUR/USD exchange rate would have generated a pre-tax gain / loss of $4.1   million and $3.3 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, which would have been to a large extent offset by changes in currency translation adjustment included in Tenaris's net equity position.

§	U.S. dollar / Brazilian Real

As of December 31, 2016 consisting primarily of Cash and cash equivalent and Other investments denominated in U.S. dollar at subsidiaries which functional currency is the Brazilian real. A change of 1% in the BRL/USD exchange rate would generate a pre-tax gain / loss of $1.3 million and $0.7 million in December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively (including a gain / loss of $0.5 million in 2016 and $0.7 million in 2015 due to foreign exchange derivative contracts entered to preserve the U.S. dollar value of trade receivables and cash denominated in Brazilian Real), which would have been to a large extent offset by changes in currency translation adjustment included in Tenaris's net equity position.

Considering the balances held as of December 31, 2016 on financial assets and liabilities exposed to foreign exchange rate fluctuations, Tenaris estimates that the impact of a simultaneous 1% appreciation / depreciation movement in the levels of foreign currencies exchange rates relative to the U.S. dollar, would be a pre-tax gain / loss of $6.6 million (including a loss / gain of $4.0 million due to foreign exchange derivative contracts), which would be partially offset by changes to Tenaris's net equity position of $4.2 million. For balances held as of December 31, 2015, a simultaneous 1% favorable / unfavorable movement in the foreign currencies exchange rates relative to the U.S. dollar, would have generated a pre-tax gain / loss of $5.1 million (including a loss / gain of $5.3 million due to foreign exchange derivative contracts), which would have been partially offset by changes to Tenaris's net equity position of $3.9 million.

 

(iii)

Interest rate risk

 

Tenaris is subject to interest rate risk on its investment portfolio and its debt. The Company uses a mix of variable and fixed rate debt in combination with its investment portfolio strategy. From time to time, the Company may choose to enter into foreign exchange derivative contracts and / or   interest rate swaps to mitigate the exposure to changes in the interest rates.

The following table summarizes the proportions of variable-rate and fixed-rate debt as of each year end.

(*) As of December 31, 2016 approximately 66% of the total debt balance corresponded to fixed-rate borrowings where the original period was nonetheless equal to or less than 360 days. This compares to approximately 59% of the total outstanding debt balance as of December 31, 2015.

The Company estimates that, if market interest rates applicable to Tenaris's borrowings had been 100 basis points higher, then the additional pre-tax loss would have been $8.8   million in 2016 and $10.8 million in 2015.

A. Financial Risk Factors (Cont.)

 

(iv)	Credit risk

 

Credit risk arises from cash and cash equivalents, deposits with banks and financial institutions, as well as credit exposures to customers, including outstanding receivables and committed transactions. The Company also actively monitors the creditworthiness of its treasury, derivative and insurance counterparties in order to minimize its credit risk.

There is no significant concentration of credit risk from customers. No single customer comprised more than 10% of Tenaris's net sales in 2016, 2015 and 2014.

Tenaris's credit policies related to sales of products and services are designed to identify customers with acceptable credit history and to allow Tenaris to require the use of credit insurance, letters of credit and other instruments designed to minimize credit risks whenever deemed necessary. Tenaris maintains allowances for impairment for potential credit losses (See Section II J).

As of December 31, 2016 and 2015 trade receivables amount to $954,7 million and $1,135.1 million respectively. Trade receivables have guarantees under credit insurance of $222.1 million and $325.1 million, letter of credit and other bank guarantees of $117.8 million and $20.5 million, and other guarantees of $15.6 million and $7.9 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 respectively.

As of December 31, 2016 and 2015 past due trade receivables amounted to $249.0 million and $333.8 million, respectively. Out of those amounts $83.1   million and $84.9 million are guaranteed trade receivables while $85.7 million and $101.5 million are included in the allowance for doubtful accounts. Both the allowance for doubtful accounts and the existing guarantees are sufficient to cover doubtful trade receivables.

 

(v)	Counterparty risk

 

Tenaris has investment guidelines with specific parameters to limit issuer risk on marketable securities. Counterparties for derivatives and cash transactions are limited to high credit quality financial institutions, normally investment grade.

Approximately 82% of Tenaris's liquid financial assets correspond to Investment Grade-rated instruments as of December 31, 2016, in comparison with approximately 92% as of December 31, 2015.

 

(vi)	Liquidity risk

 

Tenaris financing strategy aims to maintain adequate financial resources and access to additional liquidity. During 2016, Tenaris has counted on cash flows from operations as well as additional bank financing to fund its transactions.

Management maintains sufficient cash and marketable securities to finance normal operations and believes that Tenaris also has appropriate access to market for short-term working capital needs.

Liquid financial assets as a whole (comprising cash and cash equivalents and other investments) were 16% of total assets at the end of 2016 compared to 19% at the end of 2015.

Tenaris has a conservative approach to the management of its liquidity, which consists of cash in banks, liquidity funds and short-term investments mainly with a maturity of less than three months at the date of purchase.

Tenaris holds primarily investments in money market funds and variable or fixed-rate securities from investment grade issuers. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, Tenaris does not have direct exposure to financial instruments issued by European sovereign counterparties.

Tenaris holds its investments primarily in U.S. dollars. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, U.S. dollar denominated liquid assets represented approximately 95%   and 87% of total liquid financial assets respectively.

A. Financial Risk Factors (Cont.)

 

(vii)

Commodity price risk

 

In the ordinary course of its operations, Tenaris purchases commodities and raw materials that are subject to price volatility caused by supply conditions, political and economic variables and other factors. As a consequence, Tenaris is exposed to risk resulting from fluctuations in the prices of these commodities and raw materials. Tenaris fixes the prices of such raw materials and commodities for short-term periods, typically not in excess of one year, in general Tenaris does not hedge this risk.

B. Category of Financial Instruments and Classification Within the Fair Value Hierarchy

Accounting policies for financial instruments have been applied to classify as either: loans and receivables, held-to-maturity, available-for-sale, or fair value through profit and loss. For financial instruments that are measured in the statement of financial position at fair value, IFRS 13 requires a disclosure of fair value measurements by level according to the following fair value measurement hierarchy:

Level 1 - Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2 - Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly (that is, as prices) or indirectly (that is, derived from prices).

Level 3 - Inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (that is, unobservable inputs).

The following tables present the financial instruments by category and levels as of December 31, 2016 and 2015.

B. Category of Financial Instruments and Classification Within the Fair Value Hierarchy (Cont.)