Tenaris Announces 2017 Fourth Quarter and Annual Results
February 21, 2018 - 4:48 PM EST
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Tenaris Announces 2017 Fourth Quarter and Annual Results
The financial and operational information contained in this press release is based on audited consolidated financial statements presented in U.S. dollars and prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standard Board and adopted by the European Union, or IFRS. Additionally, this press release includes non-IFRS alternative performance measures i.e., EBITDA, Net cash / debt and Free Cash Flow. See exhibit I for more details on these alternative performance measures.
LUXEMBOURG, Feb. 21, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Tenaris S.A. (NYSE:TS) (BAE:TS) (BMV:TS) (MILAN:TEN) (“Tenaris”) today announced its results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2017 with comparison to its results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2016.
Summary of 2017 Fourth Quarter Results
(Comparison with third quarter of 2017 and fourth quarter of 2016)
4Q 2017
3Q 2017
4Q 2016
Net sales ($ million)
1,589
1,303
22
%
1,046
52
%
Operating income ($ million)
168
79
113
%
6
2,788
%
Net income ($ million)
162
95
70
%
24
563
%
Shareholders’ net income ($ million)
160
105
53
%
34
374
%
Earnings per ADS ($)
0.27
0.18
53
%
0.06
374
%
Earnings per share ($)
0.14
0.09
53
%
0.03
374
%
EBITDA ($ million)
319
225
42
%
172
85
%
EBITDA margin (% of net sales)
20.1
%
17.3
%
16.5
%
Sales rose strongly quarter on quarter as we saw higher demand from Rig Direct® customers in USA and Canada, increasing investment in the Vaca Muerta shale play in Argentina, a ramp up in deliveries for East Mediterranean pipelines, higher OCTG sales to national oil companies (NOC) in the Middle East and strengthening demand for mechanical products in Europe. Earnings per share, operating income and EBITDA margins all rose on higher absorption of fixed costs.
During the quarter, we had an increase of working capital of $274 million with a further inventory build of $163 million in anticipation of higher shipments in the forthcoming quarter and higher trade receivables associated with a higher level of sales. Net cash flow used in operations amounted to $13 million. After capital expenditures of $121 million and dividend payments of $153 million, our net cash position (cash, other current investments and fixed income investments held to maturity less total borrowings) declined to $680 million at the end of the quarter.
Summary of 2017 Annual Results
12M 2017
12M 2016
Increase/(Decrease)
Net sales ($ million)
5,289
4,294
23%
Operating income (loss) ($ million)
335
(59)
667%
Net income ($ million)
536
59
813%
Shareholders’ net income ($ million)
545
55
885%
Earnings per ADS ($)
0.92
0.09
885%
Earnings per share ($)
0.46
0.05
885%
EBITDA ($ million)
943
598
58%
EBITDA margin (% of net sales)
17.8%
13.9%
In 2017, our net sales rose steadily through the year, rising 23% compared to 2016, with the fourth quarter up 52% compared to the fourth quarter of 2016. While sales rose strongly during the year to Rig Direct® customers in USA, Canada, Colombia and Thailand as well as in Saudi Arabia, there were significant declines in sales of line pipe in Brazil, shipments of OCTG to other NOC customers in the Middle East and sales for offshore projects in sub-Saharan Africa.
EBITDA rose 58% year on year, with margins recovering on higher volumes and better absorption of fixed costs. Shareholders net income rose strongly to $545 million, benefitting from higher operating income, a good return on our investment in Ternium, a tax benefit due to the reduction in tax rates in Argentina and the United States, and a gain on the sale of our Republic Conduit business at the beginning of the year.
Our net cash position declined during the year to $680 million at December 31, 2017, compared to $1.4 billion at December 31, 2016, as we completed construction of our Bay City mill, built up working capital to support our growth in sales and maintained dividend payments.
Annual Dividend Proposal
The board of directors proposes, for the approval of the annual general shareholders’ meeting to be held on May 2, 2018, the payment of an annual dividend of $0.41 per share ($0.82 per ADS), or approximately $484 million, which includes the interim dividend of $0.13 per share ($0.26 per ADS), or approximately $153 million, paid in November 2017. If the annual dividend is approved by the shareholders, a dividend of $0.28 per share ($0.56 per ADS), or approximately $331 million will be paid on May 23, 2018, with an ex-dividend date on May 21, 2018 and record date on May 22, 2018.
Market Background and Outlook
As we enter 2018, shale drilling activity in the USA and Canada, which had fallen slightly in the fourth quarter of 2017, has resumed growth. In the rest of the world, more projects are moving forward and conditions in markets like the Middle East and the North Sea have been improving but any recovery in 2018 will be gradual. In Latin America, drilling activity in Colombia and in the Vaca Muerta shale play in Argentina has been picking up. In Mexico, however, despite further positive results of the energy reform program, a significant recovery in activity remains unlikely this year.
Growth in global OCTG demand, following a 40% increase in 2017, will be more modest in 2018 and concentrated in the major markets of USA, China, Russia and the Middle East.
We expect our sales in 2018 to show good growth in most regions and product lines compared to 2017, with strong year on year growth in each quarter. Sales in the first quarter will be boosted by an exceptional level of shipments for East Mediterranean pipelines and high sales in Canada in the peak drilling season. Raw material costs have risen significantly in the last few months and we expect that there will be a compensating increase in prices as demand gradually increases. For the first quarter, our EBITDA margin should remain close to that for the fourth quarter of 2017.
At this time, there is considerable uncertainty surrounding the possible outcome, if any, of an eventual Section 232 ruling by the US government to impose tariffs or quotas on the import into the USA of steel products including pipe and tube. The US Department of Commerce has recommended that the President take such an action and outlined a number of approaches that such action could take. With the continuing uncertainty about the likely outcome of such action, we do not yet have sufficient elements to evaluate its possible impact on our operations or results.
Analysis of 2017 Fourth Quarter Results
Tubes Sales volume (thousand metric tons)
4Q 2017
3Q 2017
4Q 2016
Seamless
593
527
13
%
458
29
%
Welded
171
120
43
%
67
154
%
Total
764
647
18
%
526
45
%
Tubes
4Q 2017
3Q 2017
4Q 2016
(Net sales - $ million)
North America
707
633
12
%
336
110
%
South America
296
256
16
%
212
40
%
Europe
133
117
13
%
122
9
%
Middle East & Africa
290
170
71
%
275
5
%
Asia Pacific
51
51
0
%
38
35
%
Total net sales ($ million)
1,478
1,228
20
%
983
50
%
Operating income ($ million)
150
66
127
%
5
2,894
%
Operating margin (% of sales)
10.1
%
5.4
%
0.5
%
Net sales of tubular products and services increased 20% sequentially and 50% year on year. Sequentially, the increase in sales in North America, reflects higher sales of OCTG products, line pipe and oil tools to shale producers in the United States and Canada. In South America, sales increased due to higher sales of line pipe in Argentina and increased sales of OCTG products in Colombia. In Europe we had higher sales of industrial products, line pipe for Hidrocarbon Process Industry (HPI) plants and OCTG products throughout the region. In the Middle East and Africa sales increased significantly as we started the ramp up in sales of offshore line pipe in the East Mediterranean and in sub-Saharan Africa, together with a partial recovery of OCTG sales in the Middle East. In Asia Pacific we had stable Rig Direct® sales in Thailand and low demand in the rest of the region.
Operating income from tubular products and services, amounted to $150 million in the fourth quarter of 2017, compared to $66 million in the previous quarter and $5 million in the fourth quarter of 2016. Sequentially, the increase in operating income is due to an increase in shipments that improved the utilization of production capacity and therefore the absorption of fixed costs, together with a reduction in selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of sales.
Others
4Q 2017
3Q 2017
4Q 2016
Net sales ($ million)
111
75
48%
63
77%
Operating income ($ million)
18
13
37%
1
2,533%
Operating income (% of sales)
16.5%
17.8%
1.1%
Net sales of other products and services increased 48% sequentially and 77% year on year. The sequential increase in sales and operating income is mostly related to our sucker rods business and other energy related products.
Selling, general and administrative expenses, or SG&A, amounted to $344 million, 21.6% of net sales in the fourth quarter of 2017, compared to $305 million, 23.4% in the previous quarter and $280 million, 26.8% in the fourth quarter of 2016. Sequential SG&A increased 13% mostly due to higher selling expenses following an increase in revenues of 22% but decreased 180 basis points as a percentage of sales.
Financial results amounted to a gain of $4 million in the fourth quarter of 2017, compared to a loss of $7 million in the previous quarter and a gain of $23 million in the fourth quarter of 2016.
Equity in earnings of non-consolidated companies generated a gain of $26 million in the fourth quarter of 2017, compared to a gain of $25 million in the previous quarter and $15 million in the same period of 2016. These results are mainly derived from our equity investment in Ternium (NYSE:TX).
Income tax charges totaled $36 million in the fourth quarter of 2017. During the quarter, we recorded a gain of $61 million, due to the reduction in income tax rates in Argentina and the United States over deferred tax liabilities. A charge of $51 million was recorded mainly due to the Argentine and Mexican peso devaluation on the tax base used to calculate deferred taxes. Additionally, during the quarter we recorded an income tax charge of $19 million corresponding to a settlement agreement between Dalmine, our Italian subsidiary, and the Italian tax authorities in connection with all withholding tax claims on 2007 and 2008 dividend payments.
Results attributable to non-controlling interests amounted to gain of $2 million in the fourth quarter of 2017, compared to a loss of $10 million in the previous quarter and a loss of $9 million in the fourth quarter of 2016. During this quarter results include mainly gains from our pipe coating subsidiary in Nigeria.
Cash Flow and Liquidity of 2017 Fourth Quarter
Net cash used in operations during the fourth quarter of 2017 was $13 million, compared with uses of $2 million in the previous quarter and $79 million in the fourth quarter of 2016. Working capital increased by $274 million during the fourth quarter of 2017 mainly due to the increase in inventories and trade receivables associated with the increase in shipments and production.
Capital expenditures amounted to $121 million for the fourth quarter of 2017, compared to $143 million in the previous quarter and $158 million in the fourth quarter of 2016.
During the quarter, our net cash position declined by $294 million to $680 million at the end of the year, following the payment of an interim dividend of $153 million in November 2017.
Analysis of 2017 Annual Results
Tubes Sales volume (thousand metric tons)
12M 2017
12M 2016
Increase/(Decrease)
Seamless
2,157
1,635
32%
Welded
461
355
30%
Total
2,618
1,990
32%
Tubes
12M 2017
12M 2016
Increase/(Decrease)
(Net sales - $ million)
North America
2,362
1,265
87%
South America
982
1,032
(5%)
Europe
497
542
(8%)
Middle East & Africa
921
1,041
(11%)
Asia Pacific
204
136
50%
Total net sales ($ million)
4,966
4,015
24%
Operating income (loss) ($ million)
292
(71)
510%
Operating income (% of sales)
6%
(1.8%)
Net sales of tubular products and services increased 24% to $4,966 million in 2017, compared to $4,015 million in 2016, reflecting a 32% increase in volumes and a 6% decrease in average selling prices. Sales increased mainly due to a strong increase in demand in the United States and Canada, partially offset by lower sales in the rest of the world appart from Asia Pacific. In North America, our sales increased 87%, due to the recovery in shale drilling in the United States and Canada. In the rest of the world, recovery remained more elusive, appart from Asia Pacific due to higher Rig Direct® sales in Thailand
Operating result from tubular products and services, amounted to a gain of $292 million in 2017, compared to a loss of $71 million in 2016. The recovery in Tubes operating income reflects a better operating environment, where a 32% increase in shipments improved the utilization of production capacity and therefore the absorption of fixed costs and a reduction in severance costs ($67 million in 2016 vs. $32 million in 2017). Additionally, SG&A expenses as a percentage of sales declined from 29.0% in 2016 to 24.8% in 2017.
Others
12M 2017
12M 2016
Increase/(Decrease)
Net sales ($ million)
323
278
16%
Operating income ($ million)
43
12
254%
Operating margin (% of sales)
13.2%
4.3%
Net sales of other products and services increased 16% to $323 million in 2017, compared to $278 million in 2016, mainly due to higher sales of energy related products e.g., sucker rods and coiled tubing and excess raw materials and energy.
Operating income from other products and services, increased from $12 million in 2016 to $43 million in 2017, mainly due to improved profitability from our coiled tubing business together with higher results from sales of excess raw materials and energy.
Selling, general and administrative expenses, or SG&A, increased by $73 million (6%) in 2017 from $1,197 million in 2016 to $1,270 million in 2017. However, SG&A expenses decreased as a percentage of net sales to 24.0% in 2017 compared to 27.9% in 2016, mainly due to the effect of fixed and semi fixed expenses on higher sales (e.g., depreciation and amortization and labor costs).
Financial results amounted to a loss of $23 million in 2017, compared to a gain of $22 million in 2016. The 2017 loss is mostly related to an FX charge corresponding to the Euro appreciation on Euro denominated intercompany liabilities, fully offset in the currency translation reserve in equity.
Equity in earnings of non-consolidated companies generated a gain of $116 million in 2017, compared to $72 million in 2016. These results were mainly derived from our equity investment in Ternium (NYSE:TX).
Income tax for the year was positive amounting to $17 million. In 2017 we recorded a gain of $63 million due to the reduction in income tax rates in Argentina, the United States and Colombia over deferred tax liabilities. Additionally, during 2017 we recorded an income tax charge of $29 million corresponding to a settlement agreement between Dalmine, our Italian subsidiary, and the Italian tax authorities in connection with all withholding tax claims on 2007 and 2008 dividend payments. Under such settlement agreement, Dalmine paid to the Italian tax administration an aggregate amount of EUR42.9 million (approximately $51 million), net of EUR3.2 million (approximately $4 million) corresponding to the amount previously paid during the litigation proceeding.
Net income for the year amounted to $536 million in 2017, including a gain from discontinued operations of $92 million, compared with a gain in 2016 of $59 million, including a gain from discontinued operations of $41 million. Net income from continuing operations amounted to a gain of $445 million in 2017, which compares with a gain of $17 million in 2016. The improvement in results reflects a better operating environment, where a 32% increase in shipments improved the utilization of production capacity and therefore the absorption of fixed costs, a reduction in severance costs ($74 million in 2016 vs. $34 million in 2017), a positive income tax of $17 million reflecting primarily the effect of the changes in income tax rates in Argentina and the United States on deferred tax positions, better results from our investment in associated companies (mainly Ternium) and a gain of $92 million from the sale of Republic Conduit.
Cash Flow and Liquidity of 2017
Cash flow used in operating activities amounted to $22 million during 2017 (including an increase in working capital of $855 million). Following dividend payments of $484 million during the year, and capital expenditures of $558 million, we maintained a positive net cash position (i.e., cash, other current investments and fixed income investments held to maturity less total borrowings) of $680 million at December 31, 2017, including the $328 million we collected from the sale of Republic Conduit.
Conference call
Tenaris will hold a conference call to discuss the above reported results, on February 22, 2018, at 09:00 a.m. (Eastern Time). Following a brief summary, the conference call will be opened to questions. To access the conference call dial in +1 877 730.0732 within North America or +1 530 379.4676 Internationally. The access number is “9286689”. Please dial in 10 minutes before the scheduled start time. The conference call will be also available by webcast at www.tenaris.com/investors.
A replay of the conference call will be available on our webpage http://ir.tenaris.com/ or by phone from 12:00 pm ET on February 22 through 11:59 pm on March 3. To access the replay by phone, please dial +1 855 859.2056 or +1 404 537.3406 and enter passcode “9286689” when prompted.
Some of the statements contained in this press release are “forward-looking statements”. Forward-looking statements are based on management’s current views and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks that could cause actual results, performance or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by those statements. These risks include but are not limited to risks arising from uncertainties as to future oil and gas prices and their impact on investment programs by oil and gas companies.
Consolidated Income Statement
(all amounts in thousands of U.S. dollars)
Three-month period ended December 31,
Twelve-month period ended December 31,
2017
2016
2017
2016
Continuing operations
Net sales
1,588,916
1,045,800
5,288,504
4,293,592
Cost of sales
(1,077,134
)
(757,549
)
(3,685,057
)
(3,165,684
)
Gross profit
511,782
288,251
1,603,447
1,127,908
Selling, general and administrative expenses
(343,730
)
(280,452
)
(1,270,016
)
(1,196,929
)
Other operating income (expenses) net
(23
)
(1,979
)
1,157
9,964
Operating income (loss)
168,029
5,820
334,588
(59,057
)
Finance Income
11,843
7,871
47,605
66,204
Finance Cost
(8,613
)
(6,298
)
(27,072
)
(22,329
)
Other financial results
1,081
21,434
(43,550
)
(21,921
)
Income (loss) before equity in earnings of non-consolidated companies and income tax
172,340
28,827
311,571
(37,103
)
Equity in earnings of non-consolidated companies
25,987
14,608
116,140
71,533
Income before income tax
198,327
43,435
427,711
34,430
Income tax
(36,159
)
(26,809
)
17,136
(17,102
)
Income for continuing operations
162,168
16,626
444,847
17,328
Discontinued operations
Result for discontinued operations
-
7,852
91,542
41,411
Income for the year
162,168
24,478
536,389
58,739
Attributable to:
Owners of the parent
160,232
33,800
544,737
55,298
Non-controlling interests
1,936
(9,322
)
(8,348
)
3,441
162,168
24,478
536,389
58,739
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position
(all amounts in thousands of U.S. dollars)
At December 31, 2017
At December 31, 2016
ASSETS
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment, net
6,229,143
6,001,939
Intangible assets, net
1,660,859
1,862,827
Investments in non-consolidated companies
640,294
557,031
Available for sale assets
21,572
21,572
Other investments
128,335
249,719
Deferred tax assets
153,532
144,613
Receivables, net
183,329
9,017,064
197,003
9,034,704
Current assets
Inventories, net
2,368,304
1,563,889
Receivables and prepayments, net
143,929
124,715
Current tax assets
132,334
140,986
Trade receivables, net
1,214,060
954,685
Other investments
1,192,306
1,633,142
Cash and cash equivalents
330,221
5,381,154
399,737
4,817,154
Assets of disposal group classified as held for sale
-
151,417
Total assets
14,398,218
14,003,275
EQUITY
Capital and reserves attributable to owners of the parent
11,482,185
11,287,417
Non-controlling interests
98,785
125,655
Total equity
11,580,970
11,413,072
LIABILITIES
Non-current liabilities
Borrowings
34,645
31,542
Deferred tax liabilities
457,970
550,657
Other liabilities
217,296
213,617
Provisions
36,438
746,349
63,257
859,073
Current liabilities
Borrowings
931,214
808,694
Current tax liabilities
102,405
101,197
Other liabilities
197,504
183,887
Provisions
32,330
22,756
Customer advances
56,707
39,668
Trade payables
750,739
2,070,899
556,834
1,713,036
Liabilities of disposal group classified as held for sale
-
18,094
Total liabilities
2,817,248
2,590,203
Total equity and liabilities
14,398,218
14,003,275
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
Three-month period ended December 31,
Twelve-month period ended December 31,
(all amounts in thousands of U.S. dollars)
2017
2016
2017
2016
Cash flows from operating activities
Income for the period
162,168
24,478
536,389
58,739
Adjustments for:
Depreciation and amortization
151,281
167,774
608,640
662,412
Income tax accruals less payments
(33,367
)
(12,301
)
(193,989
)
(128,079
)
Equity in earnings of non-consolidated companies
(25,987
)
(14,608
)
(116,140
)
(71,533
)
Interest accruals less payments, net
3,978
10,281
11,550
(2,567
)
Changes in provisions
4,723
1,750
(17,245
)
15,597
Income from the sale of Conduit business
-
-
(89,694
)
-
Changes in working capital
(274,134
)
(210,988
)
(855,282
)
348,199
Currency translation adjustment and Others
(1,561
)
(45,207
)
93,746
(19,203
)
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities
(12,899
)
(78,821
)
(22,025
)
863,565
Cash flows from investing activities
Capital expenditures
(121,074
)
(158,074
)
(558,236
)
(786,873
)
Changes in advance to suppliers of property, plant and equipment
868
9,015
7,077
50,989
Proceeds from disposal of Conduit business
-
-
327,631
-
Investment in non-consolidated companies
-
-
-
(17,108
)
Acquisition of subsidiaries
-
-
(10,418
)
-
Investment in companies under cost method
-
-
(3,681
)
-
Loan to non-consolidated companies
-
(6,996
)
(7,056
)
(42,394
)
Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets
1,045
1,377
5,443
23,609
Dividends received from non-consolidated companies
-
-
22,971
20,674
Changes in investments in securities
53,341
233,232
565,387
652,755
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
(65,820
)
78,554
349,118
(98,348
)
Cash flows from financing activities
Dividends paid
(153,470
)
(153,470
)
(484,020
)
(507,631
)
Dividends paid to non-controlling interest in subsidiaries
(4,800
)
(778
)
(24,000
)
(29,089
)
Acquisitions of non-controlling interests
(15
)
(285
)
(49
)
(1,071
)
Proceeds from borrowings
334,663
384,756
1,196,781
1,180,727
Repayments of borrowings
(201,459
)
(294,332
)
(1,090,129
)
(1,295,560
)
Net cash used in financing activities
(25,081
)
(64,109
)
(401,417
)
(652,624
)
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
(103,800
)
(64,376
)
(74,324
)
112,593
Movement in cash and cash equivalents
At the beginning of the period
434,778
468,123
398,580
286,198
Effect of exchange rate changes
(888
)
(5,167
)
5,834
(211
)
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
(103,800
)
(64,376
)
(74,324
)
112,593
At December 31,
330,090
398,580
330,090
398,580
Exhibit I – Alternative performance measures
EBITDA, Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization.
EBITDA provides an analysis of the operating results excluding depreciation and amortization and impairments, as they are non-cash variables which can vary substantially from company to company depending on accounting policies and the accounting value of the assets. EBITDA is an approximation to pre-tax operating cash flow and reflects cash generation before working capital variation. EBITDA is widely used by investors when evaluating businesses (multiples valuation), as well as by rating agencies and creditors to evaluate the level of debt, comparing EBITDA with net debt.
EBITDA is calculated in the following manner:
EBITDA= Operating results + Depreciation and amortization + Impairment charges/(reversals).
(all amounts in thousands of U.S. dollars)
Three-month period ended December 31,
Twelve-month period ended December 31,
2017
2016
2017
2016
Operating income
168,029
5,820
334,588
(59,057
)
Depreciation and amortization
151,281
167,774
608,640
662,412
Depreciation and amortization from discontinued operations
-
(1,222
)
-
(5,303
)
EBITDA
319,310
172,372
943,228
598,052
Net Cash / (Debt)
This is the net balance of cash and cash equivalents, other current investments and fixed income investments held to maturity less total borrowings. It provides a summary of the financial solvency and liquidity of the company. Net cash / (debt) is widely used by investors and rating agencies and creditors to assess the company’s leverage, financial strength, flexibility and risks.
Net cash/ debt is calculated in the following manner:
Net cash/debt = Cash and cash equivalents + Other investments (Current)+ Fixed income investments held to maturity – Borrowings (Current and Non-current).
(all amounts in thousands of U.S. dollars)
At December 31,
2017
2016
Cash and bank deposits
330,221
399,737
Other current investments
1,192,306
1,633,142
Fixed income investments held to maturity
123,498
248,049
Borrowings
(965,859
)
(840,236
)
Net cash / (debt)
680,166
1,440,692
Free Cash Flow
Free cash flow is a measure of financial performance, calculated as operating cash flow less capital expenditures. FCF represents the cash that a company is able to generate after spending the money required to maintain or expand its asset base.
Free cash flow is calculated in the following manner:
Free cash flow= Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities – Capital expenditures.
(all amounts in thousands of U.S. dollars)
Three-month period ended December 31,
Twelve-month period ended December 31,
2017
2016
2017
2016
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities
(12,899
)
(78,821
)
(22,025
)
863,565
Capital expenditures
(121,074
)
(158,074
)
(558,236
)
(786,873
)
Free cash flow
(133,973
)
(236,895
)
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