Tenaris SA (NYSE: TS) reported Q2 EPS of $0.29, $0.03 worse than the analyst estimate of $0.32. Revenue for the quarter came in at $1.79 billion versus the consensus estimate of $1.78 billion.

Market Background and Outlook

Shale drilling activity in the USA increased during the first half of the year. The rapid increase in production of crude, liquids and associated natural gas in the Permian region is, however, leading to constraints in pipeline takeaway capacity and wider commodity spreads, which are likely to dampen further growth in US drilling activity in the coming months. In Canada, activity is stable as growth this year has also been affected by takeaway capacity constraints. In Latin America, despite progress on the reform programs in Brazil and Mexico and interest in the Vaca Muerta shale play in Argentina, drilling activity has been slow to pick up. In the rest of the world, however, higher oil prices and growing demand for natural gas are leading to a gradual recovery in onshore drilling activity.

In the second half, we expect shipment volumes to be similar to those of the first half, with higher shipments in North America and lower shipments for East Mediterranean pipeline projects, although these will include a second major offshore pipeline for the Zohr project. Selling prices will show a further moderate increase to compensate for additional costs from US Section 232 tariffs. In the third quarter, we expect EBITDA and operating income, considering seasonal effects, to be close to that of the first two quarters before rising in the fourth quarter.

For earnings history and earnings-related data on Tenaris SA (TS) click here.