Meudon (France), November 15th, 2024
Vallourec, a world leader in premium tubular solutions, announces today its results for the third quarter 2024. The Board of Directors of Vallourec SA, meeting on November 14th 2024, approved the Group's third quarter 2024 Consolidated Financial Statements.
Third Quarter 2024 Results
- Q3 EBITDA of €168m, EBITDA margin remained strong at 19%
- Very strong total cash generation, with €130 million in Q3
- Net debt now €240 million, marking eighth consecutive quarter of deleveraging
- Group full year EBITDA guidance of €800 - €850 million confirmed; Q4 EBITDA to increase sequentially
- Vallourec confirms total cash generation in Q3 and future periods will be subject to its 80 - 100% payout ratio
- Vallourec plans to announce dividend proposal for 2025 AGM with Full Year 2024 results communicationa
Third Quarter 2024 Results
- Group EBITDA of €168 million, down 22% QoQ as anticipated; EBITDA margin remained strong at 19%
- Tubes EBITDA per tonne of €556 was down (7%) sequentially and only (1%) year over year due to lower US OCTG prices, offset by robust international OCTG prices and cost savings
- Mine & Forest EBITDA of €22 million, up 43% sequentially due to improved cost performance and down (44%) year over year due to lower realized prices and volumes
- Adjusted free cash flow of €183 million; total cash generation of €130 million
- Further deleveraging during the quarter: net debt declined €124 million sequentially to €240 million
- Group EBITDA to increase versus Q3:
- In Tubes, volumes will increase sequentially driven by higher deliveries for both US and international markets
- In Mine & Forest, iron ore production sold will decline sequentially due to rainy season impact and soft export market conditions
- Net debt to be broadly stable versus Q3 2024, driven by sequentially higher EBITDA offset by sequentially higher capex, increased restructuring charges & non-recurring items, and higher financial cash out
- Confirm full year Group EBITDA will range between €800 and €850 million
- Confirm second half total cash generation will be positive
- Confirm net debt will decline versus the Q2 2024 level in H2 2024
"Our third-quarter results were driven by healthy profitability in international OCTG markets, despite the anticipated weakness in the US OCTG market. In this context, the Group has proven its ability to control its costs, manage its working capital and ultimately to generate significant cash flow. This marks the Group's eighth consecutive quarter of deleveraging which ended with the exit from the safeguard plan implemented in 2021.
"Over the quarter, Vallourec has once again demonstrated its role as a key partner for offshore developments. Thanks to its unique offering of premium seamless tubes, accessories and associated services, Vallourec has secured a major contract with Petrobras for the technically-sophisticated Sepia 2 and Atapu 2 projects. Elsewhere in the deepwater market, the Group will be a key supplier for the development of TotalEnergies' Kaminho deepwater project in Angola. We also announced an addition to our premium offshore product offering via the acquisition of Thermotite do Brasil (TdB). This transaction will add to our coating capabilities in our Project Line Pipe (PLP) business by allowing Vallourec to provide premium thermal insulation solutions for some of the most challenging offshore projects.
"Looking ahead, we continue to see strong demand across offshore and onshore international markets, with opportunities stemming from a large variety of geographies and customers. Market pricing therefore remains robust as premium tube mills are well-utilized. Meanwhile, after several quarters of negative market dynamics, the US OCTG market has improved recently. We have seen a notable uptick in demand from our core US customers, suggesting inventory levels across the industry have normalized. On the supply side, OCTG imports have decreased over the past several months and recent trade actions to preserve fair competition in the US will support domestic suppliers like Vallourec. As a result, market sources have reported an increase in spot pricing in both September and October.
"For 2024, we reiterate our full-year expectation of EBITDA ranging between €800 and €850 million, which will result in healthy total cash generation. At the end of the second quarter, we declared that our target capital structure had been achieved, and we are well ahead of our plan to reach net debt zero by year-end 2025. Accordingly, 80% to 100% of the total cash generation in the third quarter 2024 and future periods will be returned to shareholders. We are pleased to announce that we will provide a dividend proposal for our 2025 AGM with our Full Year 2024 results communication.c”
Key Quarterly Data
in € million, unless noted | Q3 2024 | Q2 2024 | Q3 2023 | QoQ chg. | YoY chg. |
Tubes volume sold (k tonnes) | 292 | 351 | 343 | (59) | (51) |
Iron ore volume sold (m tonnes) | 1.3 | 1.4 | 1.8 | (0.1) | (0.5) |
Group revenues | 894 | 1,085 | 1,142 | (190) | (248) |
Group EBITDA | 168 | 215 | 222 | (46) | (54) |
(as a % of revenue) | 18.8% | 19.8% | 19.5% | (1.0) pp | (0.7) pp |
Operating income (loss) | 124 | 100 | 146 | 24 | (22) |
Net income, Group share | 73 | 111 | 76 | (38) | (3) |
Adj. free cash flow | 183 | 81 | 217 | 102 | (34) |
Total cash generation | 130 | 41 | 150 | 89 | (20) |
Net debt | 240 | 364 | 741 | (124) | (501) |
Third Quarter Results Analysis
In Q3 2024, Vallourec recorded revenues of €894 million, down (22%) year over year, or (18%) at constant exchange rates. The decrease in Group revenues reflects a (15%) volume decrease mainly driven by lower Industry volumes following the closure of the European rolling mills, a (1%) price/mix effect, a (2%) Mine & Forest effect, and a (4%) currency effect.
EBITDA amounted to €168 million, or 18.8% of revenues, compared to €222 million (19.4% of revenues) in Q3 2023. The decrease was largely driven by lower average selling prices in Tubes in North America as well as lower realized iron ore prices and production sold. This was partially offset by improved Tubes results outside of North America due to higher market pricing and the benefits of the New Vallourec plan.
Operating income was €124 million, compared to €146 million in Q3 2023.
Financial income (loss) was (€19) million, compared to (€22) million in Q3 2023. Net interest income (expense) in Q3 2024 was (€6) million compared to (€21) million in Q3 2023.
Income tax amounted to (€28) million compared to (€44) million in Q3 2023.
This resulted in positive net income, Group share, of €73 million, compared to €76 million in Q3 2023.
Earnings per diluted share was €0.30 versus €0.32 in Q3 2023, reflecting the above changes in net income as well as an increase in potentially dilutive shares largely related to the Company's outstanding warrants, which are accounted for using the treasury share method.
First Nine Month Results Analysis
In 9M 2024, Vallourec recorded revenues of €2,969 million, down (23%) year over year, or (21%) at constant exchange rates. The decrease in Group revenues reflects a (20%) volume decrease mainly driven by the decrease in Industry volumes following the closure of the European rolling mills and by lower volumes in Oil & Gas Tubes in North America, a (0.1%) price/mix effect, a (1%) Mine and Forest effect, and a (1%) currency effect.
EBITDA amounted to €618 million, or 20.8% of revenues, compared to €916 million (23.9% of revenues) over the first nine months of 2023. The decrease was largely driven by lower average selling prices in Tubes in North America, as well as lower iron ore production sold. This was partly offset by improved Tubes results in International markets due to higher market pricing and the benefits of the New Vallourec plan.
Operating income was €397 million, compared to €661 million in 9M 2023. Operating income was burdened by (€62) million of asset disposals, restructuring costs and non-recurring items, largely due to costs related to the closure of Vallourec's German operations.
Financial income (loss) was positive at €18 million, compared to (€92) million in 9M 2023. Net interest income (expense) over the first nine months of 2024 was €17 million compared to (€74) million in 9M 2023. In Q2, Vallourec's balance sheet refinancing had a net positive impact of approximately €70 million mainly related to the reversal of fair value accounting on the 2026 senior notes and State-guaranteed loan (PGE), of which €44 million impacted interest income.
Income tax amounted to (€114) million compared to (€167) million in 9M 2023.
This resulted in positive net income, Group share, of €289 million, compared to €391 million in 9M 2023.
Earnings per diluted share was €1.19 versus €1.66 in 9M 2023, reflecting the above changes in net income as well as an increase in potentially dilutive shares largely related to the Company's outstanding warrants, which are accounted for using the treasury share method.
RESULTS ANALYSIS BY SEGMENT
Third Quarter Results Analysis
Tubes: In Q3 2024, Tubes revenues were down (21%) year over year due to a (15%) reduction in volume sold and a (7%) decrease in average selling price. This decrease in volumes was largely attributable to the closure of Vallourec's German rolling operations as a result of the New Vallourec plan. Tubes EBITDA decreased from €193 million in Q3 2023 to €162 million Q3 2024 due to lower profitability in North America offset by improvements in the rest of the world due to higher market pricing and the benefits of the New Vallourec plan.
Mine & Forest: In Q3 2024, iron ore production sold was 1.3 million tonnes, a decrease of ~0.5 million tonnes year over year. In Q3 2024, Mine & Forest EBITDA reached €22 million, versus €39 million in Q3 2023, reflecting lower sales volumes and realized price.
First Nine Month Results Analysis
Tubes: In 9M 2024, Tubes revenues were down (22%) year over year mainly due to a (20%) reduction in volume sold, while average selling price was down only (3%) during the period. This decrease in shipments was largely attributable to the closure of Vallourec's German rolling operations as a result of the New Vallourec plan and decreased volume sold in North America. Tubes EBITDA decreased from €802 million in 9M 2023 to €592 million 9M 2024 due to a decrease in profitability in North America partly offset by improvement in the rest of the world driven by higher market pricing and the benefits of the New Vallourec plan.
Mine & Forest: In 9M 2024, iron ore production sold was 4.1 million tonnes, decreasing by 1.1 million tonnes year over year. In 9M 2024, Mine & Forest EBITDA reached €68 million, versus €137 million in 9M 2023, largely reflecting lower sales volumes, realized price, and non-cash forest fair value revaluation effects plus higher costs.
CASH FLOW AND FINANCIAL POSITION
Third Quarter Cash Flow Analysis
In Q3 2024, adjusted operating cash flow was €117 million versus €171 million in Q3 2023. The decrease was attributable to lower EBITDA and higher financial cash out, only partly offset by lower tax payments.
Adjusted free cash flow was €183 million, versus €217 million in Q3 2023. Lower adjusted operating cash flow was partially offset by reduced capex versus the prior year period. Both periods saw significant working capital releases.
Total cash generation in Q3 2024 was €130 million, versus €150 million in Q3 2023.
First Nine Month Cash Flow Analysis
In 9M 2024, adjusted operating cash flow was €448 million versus €702 million in 9M 2023. The decrease was attributable to lower EBITDA, partly offset by reduced tax cash out.
Adjusted free cash flow was €436 million, versus €585 million in 9M 2023. Lower adjusted operating cash flow was partially offset by a higher release in working capital and lower capex versus the prior year period.
Total cash generation in 9M 2024 was €273 million, versus €419 million in 9M 2023.
Net Debt and Liquidity
As of September 30, 2024, net debtd stood at €240 million, a significant decrease compared to €570 million on December 31, 2023. Gross debt was €1,017 million, down from €1,470 million on December 31, 2023. Long-term debt was €736 million and short-term debt totaled €281 millione.
As of September 30, 2024, the liquidity position was very strong at €1,561 million, with €814 million of cash, availability on our revolving credit facility (RCF) of €550 million, and availability on an asset-backed lending facility (ABL) of €197 millionf. Both liquidity facilities were upsized and extended in Vallourec's April balance sheet refinancing.
FOURTH QUARTER AND FULL YEAR 2024 OUTLOOKG
In the fourth quarter of 2024, based on our assumptions and current market conditions, Vallourec expects:
- Group EBITDA to increase versus Q3:
- In Tubes, volumes will increase sequentially driven by higher deliveries for both US and international markets
- In Mine & Forest, iron ore production sold will decline sequentially due to rainy season impact and soft export market conditions
- Net debt to be broadly stable versus Q3 2024, driven by sequentially higher EBITDA offset by sequentially higher capex, increased restructuring charges & non-recurring items, and higher financial cash out
- Confirm full year Group EBITDA will range between €800 and €850 million:
- In Tubes, the strong international OCTG market environment will persist, offset by the already-realized reductions in US demand and pricing
- In Mine & Forest, iron ore production sold is now expected to be slightly above 5 million tonnes (previously 6 million tonnes) and EBITDA is expected to be slightly below €100 million at current iron ore prices (€100 million previously), with the reductions resulting from weak export market conditions
- Confirm second half total cash generation will be positive
- Confirm net debt will decline versus the Q2 2024 level
This press release includes forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, including the terms as "believe”, "expect”, "anticipate”, "may”, "assume”, "plan”, "intend”, "will”, "should”, "estimate”, "risk” and or, in each case, their negative, or other variations or comparable terminology. These forward-looking statements include all matters that are not historical facts and include statements regarding the Company's intentions, beliefs or current expectations concerning, among other things, Vallourec's results of operations, financial condition, liquidity, prospects, growth, strategies and the industries in which they operate. Readers are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and that Vallourec's or any of its affiliates' actual results of operations, financial condition and liquidity, and the development of the industries in which they operate may differ materially from those made in or suggested by the forward-looking statements contained in this presentation. In addition, even if Vallourec's or any of its affiliates' results of operations, financial condition and liquidity, and the development of the industries in which they operate are consistent with the forward-looking statements contained in this presentation, those results or developments may not be indicative of results or developments in subsequent periods. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that may or may not occur in the future. These risks include those developed or identified in the public documents filed by Vallourec with the French Financial Markets Authority (Autorité des marches financiers, or "AMF”), including those listed in the "Risk Factors” section of the Universal Registration Document filed with the AMF on March 14, 2024, under filing number n° D. 24-0113.
Accordingly, readers of this document are cautioned against relying on these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this document. Vallourec disclaims any intention or obligation to complete, update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable laws and regulations. This press release does not constitute any offer to purchase or exchange, nor any solicitation of an offer to sell or exchange securities of Vallourec. or further information, please refer to the website https://www.vallourec.com/en .
Presentation of Q3 2024 Results
Conference call / audio webcast on November 15th at 9:30 am CET
- To listen to the audio webcast: https://channel.royalcast.com/landingpage/vallourec-en/20241115_1/
- To participate in the conference call, please dial (password: "Vallourec”):
- +44 (0) 33 0551 0200 (UK)
- +33 (0) 1 7037 7166 (France)
- +1 786 697 3501 (USA)
- Audio webcast replay and slides will be available at:
About Vallourec
Vallourec is a world leader in premium tubular solutions for the energy markets and for demanding industrial applications such as oil & gas wells in harsh environments, new generation power plants, challenging architectural projects, and high-performance mechanical equipment. Vallourec's pioneering spirit and cutting edge R&D open new technological frontiers. With close to 14,000 dedicated and passionate employees in more than 20 countries, Vallourec works hand-in-hand with its customers to offer more than just tubes: Vallourec delivers innovative, safe, competitive and smart tubular solutions, to make every project possible.
Listed on Euronext in Paris (ISIN code: FR0013506730, Ticker VK), Vallourec is part of the CAC Mid 60, SBF 120 and Next 150 indices and is eligible for Deferred Settlement Service.
In the United States, Vallourec has established a sponsored Level 1 American Depositary Receipt (ADR) program (ISIN code: US92023R4074, Ticker: VLOWY). Parity between ADR and a Vallourec ordinary share has been set at 5:1.
Financial Calendar
February 27th, 2025 May 15th, 2025 May 22nd, 2025 | Publication of Fourth Quarter and Full-Year 2024 Results Publication of First Quarter 2025 Results Annual General Meeting |
Investor relations Connor Lynagh Tel: +1 (713) 409-7842 | Press relations Taddeo - Romain Grière Tel: +33 (0) 7 86 53 17 29
|
Individual shareholders Toll Free Number (from France): 0 805 65 10 10
| Nicolas Escoulan Tel: +33 (0)6 42 19 14 74 |
The Group's reporting currency is the euro. All amounts are expressed in millions of euros, unless otherwise specified. Certain numerical figures contained in this document, including financial information and certain operating data, have been subject to rounding adjustments.
Documents accompanying this release:
- Tubes Sales Volume
- Mine Sales Volume
- Foreign Exchange Rates
- Tubes Revenues by Geographic Region
- Tubes Revenues by Market
- Segment Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Summary Consolidated Income Statement
- Summary Consolidated Balance Sheet
- Key Cash Flow Metrics
- Summary Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (IFRS)
- Indebtedness
- Liquidity
- Definitions of Non-GAAP Financial Data
in thousands of tonnes | 2024 | 2023 | YoY chg. |
Q1 | 292 | 431 | (32%) |
Q2 | 351 | 396 | (11%) |
Q3 | 292 | 343 | (15%) |
9M Total | 935 | 1,170 | (20%) |
Q4 | - | 382 | - |
Annual Total | - | 1,552 | - |
in millions of tonnes | 2024 | 2023 | YoY chg. |
Q1 | 1.4 | 1.5 | (9%) |
Q2 | 1.4 | 1.9 | (25%) |
Q3 | 1.3 | 1.8 | (26%) |
9M Total | 4.1 | 5.2 | (21%) |
Q4 | - | 1.7 | - |
Annual Total | - | 6.9 | - |
Average exchange rate | Q3 2024 | Q2 2024 | Q3 2023 |
EUR / USD | 1.10 | 1.08 | 1.09 |
EUR / BRL | 6.09 | 5.61 | 5.31 |
USD / BRL | 5.54 | 5.22 | 4.88 |
in € million | Q3 2024 | Q2 2024 | Q3 2023 | QoQ % chg. | YoY % chg. |
North America | 331 | 383 | 460 | (14%) | (28%) |
South America | 136 | 169 | ()[\]\\.,;:\s@\"]+)*)|(\".+\"))@((\[[0-9]{1,3}\.[0-9]{1,3}\.[0-9]{1,3}\.[0-9]{1,3}\])|(([a-zA-Z\-0-9]+\.)+[a-zA-Z]{2,}))$/;return b.test(a)}$(document).ready(function(){if(performance.navigation.type==2){location.reload(true)}$("iframe[data-lazy-src]").each(function(b){$(this).attr("src",$(this).attr("data-lazy-src"))});if($(".owl-article-body-images").length){$(".owl-article-body-images").owlCarousel({items:1,loop:true,center:false,dots:false,autoPlay:true,mouseDrag:false,touchDrag:false,pullDrag:false,nav:true})}var a=$("#display_full_text").val();if(a==0){$.ajax({url:"/ajax/set-article-cookie",type:"POST",data:{cmsArticleId:$("#cms_article_id").val()},dataType:"json",success:function(b){},error:function(b,d,c){}})}$(".read-full-article").on("click",function(d){d.preventDefault();var b=$(this).attr("data-cmsArticleId");var c=$(this).attr("data-productId");var f=$(this).attr("data-href");dataLayer.push({event:"paywall_click",paywall_name:"the_manila_times_premium",paywall_id:"paywall_article_"+b});$.ajax({url:"/ajax/set-article-cookie",type:"POST",data:{cmsArticleId:b,productId:c},dataType:"json",success:function(e){window.location.href=$("#BASE_URL").val()+f},error:function(e,h,g){}})});$(".article-embedded-newsletter-form .close-btn").on("click",function(){$(".article-embedded-newsletter-form").fadeOut(1000)})});$(document).on("click",".article-embedded-newsletter-form .newsletter-button",function(){var b=$(".article-embedded-newsletter-form .newsletter_email").val();var d=$("#ga_user_id").val();var c=$("#ga_user_yob").val();var a=$("#ga_user_gender").val();var e=$("#ga_user_country").val();if(validateEmail(b)){$.ajax({url:"/ajax/sendynewsletter",type:"POST",data:{email:b},success:function(f){$(".article-embedded-newsletter-form .nf-message").html(f);$(".article-embedded-newsletter-form .nf-message").addClass("show");setTimeout(function(){$(".article-embedded-newsletter-form .nf-message").removeClass("show");$(".article-embedded-newsletter-form .nf-message").html("")},6000);dataLayer.push({event:"newsletter_sub",user_id:d,product_name:"newsletter",gender:a,yob:c,country:e})},error:function(f,h,g){}})}else{$(".article-embedded-newsletter-form .nf-message").html("Please enter a valid email address.");$(".article-embedded-newsletter-form .nf-message").addClass("show");setTimeout(function(){$(".article-embedded-newsletter-form .nf-message").removeClass("show");$(".article-embedded-newsletter-form .nf-message").html("")},6000)}});$(document).on("click",".article-embedded-newsletter-form .nf-message",function(){$(this).removeClass("show");$(this).html("")});
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