Form 6-K
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FORM 6-K

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Report of Foreign Private Issuer

Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16 of

the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

As of 5/6/2008

Ternium S.A.

(Translation of Registrant’s name into English)

Ternium S.A.

46a, Avenue John F. Kennedy

L-1855 Luxembourg

(Address of principal executive offices)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover Form 20-F or 40-F.

Form 20-F   Ö   Form 40-F      

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12G3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

Yes        No   Ö  

If “Yes” is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in

connection with Rule 12g3-2(b):

Not applicable


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The attached material is being furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Rule 13a-16 and Form 6-K under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

This report contains Terniums’ notice of Annual General Meeting of Shareholders, the Shareholder Meeting Brochure and Proxy Statement and Ternium’s 2007 Annual Report.


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SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

TERNIUM S.A.

 

By:  

/s/ Raúl Darderes

Name:   Raúl Darderes
Title:   Secretary to the Board of Directors

Dated: May 6, 2008


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May 6, 2008

Dear Ternium Shareholders and ADR holders,

I am pleased to invite you to attend the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders of TERNIUM S.A., société anonyme holding (the “Company”), to be held on Wednesday, June 4, 2008, at the Company’s registered office in Luxembourg, located at 46A, avenue John F. Kennedy, L-1855 Luxembourg. The Meeting will begin promptly at 2:30 p.m., local time.

At the Meeting, you will hear a report on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations and will have the chance to vote on various matters, including the approval of the Company’s financial statements, the election of the members of the board of directors and the appointment of the independent auditors.

The Notice and Agenda for the meeting, the Shareholder Meeting Brochure and Proxy Statement and the Company’s 2007 annual report (which includes the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2007, and the Company’s annual accounts as at December 31, 2007, together with the board of directors’ and the independent auditors’ reports thereon), are available free of charge at the Company’s registered office in Luxembourg and on our website at http://www.ternium.com/en/investor/. They may also be obtained upon request, by calling +352 26 68 31 52 or +1 (888) 269 2377 (the latter number is toll free if you call from the United States).

Even if you only own a few shares or ADRs, I hope that you will exercise your right to vote at the meeting. You can vote your shares personally or by proxy. If you choose to vote by proxy, you may use the enclosed dedicated proxy form. If you are a holder of ADRs, please see the letter from The Bank of New York Mellon, the depositary bank, or your broker/custodian, for instructions on how to exercise your vote by proxy.

 

Yours sincerely,

Paolo Rocca

Chairman


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THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON

101 Barclay Street

New York, NY 10286

 

     Re: TERNIUM S.A.
To:   

Registered Holders of American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”)

for Shares of Common Stock, US$1 Nominal Value (“Common Stock”), of

Ternium S.A. (the “Company”):

The Company has announced that its Annual General Meeting of Shareholders will be held on June 4, 2008, at 2:30 p.m. (Central European Time). The meeting will take place at the Company’s registered office in Luxembourg, located at 46A, avenue John F. Kennedy L-1855 Luxembourg. A copy of the Company’s Notice of Annual General Meeting of Shareholders, which includes the agenda for such meeting, are available on the Company’s website at http://www.ternium.com/en/investor/.

The enclosed dedicated proxy form is provided to allow the shares represented by your ADRs to be voted at the meeting. The Notice of Annual General Meeting of Shareholders, the Shareholder Meeting Brochure and Proxy Statement and the Company’s 2007 annual report (which includes the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2007 and the Company’s annual accounts as at December 31, 2007, together with the Board of Directors and independent auditors reports thereon), are available on the Company’s website at http://www.ternium.com/en/investor/ and may also be obtained upon request at +352 26 68 31 52 or +1-888-269-2377 (the latter number is toll free if you call from the United States). They are also available free of charge at the Company’s registered office in Luxembourg.

Each holder of ADRs as of April 29, 2008 is entitled to instruct The Bank of New York Mellon, as Depositary (the “Depositary”), as to the exercise of the voting rights pertaining to the Company’s shares of Common Stock represented by such holder’s ADRs. Eligible ADR holders who desire to vote the shares represented by their ADRs at the Meeting must complete, date and sign a proxy form and return it to The Bank of New York Mellon Shareowner Services, P.O. Box 3549, S. Hackensack New Jersey 07606-9249, U.S.A. Attention: Proxy Processing. If the Depositary receives properly completed instructions by 12:00 p.m., New York City time, on May 30, 2008, then it shall vote or cause to be voted the shares underlying such ADRs in the manner prescribed by the instructions. However, if by 12:00 p.m., New York time, on May 30, 2008, the Depositary receives no instructions from the holder of ADRs, or the instructions are not in proper form, then the Depositary shall deem such holder to have instructed the Depositary to give, and the Depositary shall give, a discretionary proxy to a person designated by the Company with respect to that amount of shares underlying such ADRs to vote that amount of shares underlying such ADRs in favor of any proposals or recommendations of the Company (including any recommendation by the Company to vote that amount of shares underlying such ADRs on any issue in accordance with the majority shareholders’ vote on that issue) as determined by the appointed proxy. No instruction shall be deemed given and no discretionary proxy shall be given with respect to any matter as to which the Company informs the Depositary that (x) it does not wish such proxy given, (y) substantial opposition exists, or (z) the matter materially and adversely affects the rights of the holders of ADRs.

Any holder of ADRs is entitled to revoke or revise any instructions previously given to the Depositary by filing with the Depositary a written revocation or duly executed instructions bearing a later date at any time prior to 12:00 p.m., New York time, on May 30, 2008. No instructions, revocations or revisions thereof will be accepted by the Depositary after that time.

In order to avoid the possibility of double vote, the Company’s ADR books will be closed for cancellations from April 29, 2008, until May 30, 2008.


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IF YOU WANT YOUR VOTE TO BE COUNTED, THE DEPOSITARY MUST RECEIVE YOUR VOTING INSTRUCTIONS PRIOR TO 12:00 P.M. (NEW YORK CITY TIME) ON MAY 30, 2008.

THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON

Depositary

May 6, 2008

New York, New York


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TERNIUM S.A.

Société Anonyme Holding

46A, Avenue John F. Kennedy

L-1855, Luxembourg

RCS Luxembourg B 98 668

 

 

Notice of the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders

to be held on June 4, 2008 at 2:30 p.m. C.E.T.

 

 

Notice is hereby given to holders of shares of TERNIUM S.A., société anonyme holding (the “Company”), that the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders of the Company will be held on June 4, 2008, at 2:30 p.m. (Central European Time). The meeting will be held at the Company’s registered office in Luxembourg, located at 46A, avenue John F. Kennedy L-1855 Luxembourg. The items listed below will be submitted to the vote of the shareholders.

Agenda

 

  1. Consideration of the Board of Directors’ and independent auditor’s reports on the consolidated financial statements. Approval of the Company’s consolidated financial statements as of, and for the fiscal year ended, December 31, 2007.

 

  2. Consideration of the Board of Directors’ and independent auditor’s reports on the unconsolidated annual accounts. Approval of the Company’s unconsolidated annual accounts as of, and for the fiscal year ended, December 31, 2007.

 

  3. Allocation of results and approval of dividend payment.

 

  4. Discharge to the members of the Board of Directors for the exercise of their mandate throughout the year ended December 31, 2007.

 

  5. Election of the Board of Directors’ members.

 

  6. Authorization to the Board of Directors to delegate the day-to-day management of the Company’s business to one or more of its members.

 

  7. Authorization to the Board of Directors to appoint one or more of its members as the Company’s attorney-in-fact.

 

  8. Board of Directors’ compensation.

 

  9. Appointment of the independent auditors and approval of their fees.


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Pursuant to the Company’s Articles of Association, resolutions at the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders will be passed by simple majority vote, irrespective of the number of shares present or represented.

Procedures for attending the meeting

Any shareholder who holds one or more share(s) of the Company on May 30, 2008 (the “Record Date”) shall be admitted to the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders of the Company. Holders of shares as of the Record Date may also vote by proxy.

Those shareholders who have sold their shares between the Record Date and the date of the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders must not attend or be represented at such meeting. In case of breach of such prohibition, criminal sanctions may apply.

Holders of American Depositary Receipts (the “ADRs”) as of April 29, 2008 are entitled to instruct The Bank of New York Mellon, as Depositary, as to the exercise of the voting rights pertaining to the Company’s shares represented by such holder’s ADRs. Elegible holders of ADRs who desire to vote the shares represented by their ADRs at the Meeting must complete, date and sign a proxy form and return it to The Bank of New York Mellon Shareowner Services, P.O. Box 3549, S. Hackensack New Jersey 07606-9249, U.S.A. Attention: Proxy Processing, by 12:00 p.m., New York City time, on May 30, 2008.

The Shareholder Meeting Brochure and Proxy Statement (which contains reports on each item of the agenda for the meeting, and further details on voting procedures) and the forms furnished by the Company in connection with the meeting, may be obtained from the Company’s registered office located at 46A, avenue John F. Kennedy, L-1855 Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. (local time).

Copies of the Shareholder Meeting Brochure and Proxy Statement and the Company’s 2007 annual report (which includes the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2007, and the Company’s annual accounts as at December 31, 2007, together with the board of directors’ and the independent auditors’ reports thereon) are available on our website at http://www.ternium.com/en/investor/ and may also be obtained upon request, by calling +352 26 68 31 52 or +1 (888) 269 2377 (the latter number is toll free if you call from the United States). These documents are also available free of charge at the Company’s registered office in Luxembourg.

Raúl H. Darderes

Secretary to the Board of Directors

May 6, 2008

Luxembourg


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TERNIUM S.A.

Société Anonyme Holding

46A, Avenue John F. Kennedy

L-1855, Luxembourg

RCS Luxembourg B 98 668

 

 

SHAREHOLDER MEETING BROCHURE AND PROXY STATEMENT

 

 

Annual General Meeting of Shareholders

to be held on June 4, 2008 at 2:30 p.m. C.E.T.

 

 

This Shareholder Meeting Brochure and Proxy Statement is furnished by TERNIUM S.A., société anonyme holding (the “Company”), in connection with the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders of the Company (the “Meeting”) to be held on June 4, 2008, starting at 2:30 p.m., Central European Time, for the purposes set forth in the accompanying Notice of the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders (the “Notice”), at the Company’s registered office in Luxembourg, located at 46A, avenue John F. Kennedy L-1855 Luxembourg.

As of April 29, 2008, there were issued and outstanding 2,004,743,442 shares of common stock, US$1 nominal value each, of the Company (the “Common Stock”), including shares of Common Stock (the “Deposited Shares”) deposited with The Bank of New York Mellon (the “Depositary”) under the Deposit Agreement, dated as of January 31, 2006 (the “Deposit Agreement”), among the Company, the Depositary and owners and beneficial owners from time to time of American Depositary Receipts (the “ADRs”) issued thereunder. The Deposited Shares are represented by American Depositary Shares, which are evidenced by the ADRs (one ADR equals ten Deposited Shares). Each holder of shares of Common Stock is entitled to one vote per share.

Any holder of one or more share(s) of Common Stock as of May 30, 2008 shall be admitted to the Meeting. Holders of shares as of May 30, 2008 may also vote by proxy.

Each holder of ADRs as of April 29, 2008 is entitled to instruct the Depositary as to the exercise of the voting rights pertaining to the Company’s shares of Common Stock represented by such holder’s ADRs. Elegible holders of ADRs who desire to vote the shares represented by their ADRs at the Meeting must complete, date and sign a proxy form and return it to The Bank of New York Mellon Shareowner Services, P.O. Box 3549, S. Hackensack New Jersey 07606-9249, U.S.A. Attention: Proxy Processing, by 12:00 p.m., New York City time, on May 30, 2008. If the Depositary receives properly completed instructions by 12:00 p.m., New York City time, on May 30, 2008, then it shall endeavor, insofar as practicable, to vote or cause to be voted the shares underlying such ADRs in the manner prescribed by the instructions. However, if by 12:00 p.m., New York City time, on May 30, 2008, the Depositary receives no instructions from the holder of ADRs, or the instructions are not in proper form, then the Depositary shall deem such holder to have instructed the Depositary to give, and the Depositary shall give, a discretionary proxy to a person designated by the Company with respect to that amount of shares underlying such ADRs to vote that amount of shares underlying such ADRs in favor of any proposals or recommendations of the Company (including any recommendation by the Company to vote that amount of shares underlying such ADRs on any issue in accordance with the majority shareholders’ vote on that issue) as determined by the appointed proxy. No instruction shall be deemed given and no discretionary proxy shall be given with respect to any matter as to which the Company informs the Depositary that (x) it does not wish such proxy given, (y) substantial opposition exists, or (z) the matter materially and adversely affects the rights of the holders of ADRs. Any holder of ADRs is entitled to revoke or revise any instructions previously given to the Depositary by filing with the Depositary a written revocation or duly executed instructions bearing a later date at any time prior to 12:00 p.m., New York City time, on May 30, 2008. No instructions, revocations or revisions thereof will be accepted by the Depositary after that time. In order to avoid the possibility of double vote, the Company’s ADR books will be closed for cancellations from April 29, 2008 until May 30, 2008.

Holders of ADRs maintaining non-certificated positions must follow voting instructions outlined by their broker or custodian bank.


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Holders of ADRs traded in the New York stock exchange need not have their ADRs blocked for trading.

The meeting will appoint a chairperson pro tempore to preside over the meeting. The chairperson pro tempore will have broad authority to conduct the meeting in an orderly and timely manner and to establish rules for shareholders who wish to address the meeting; the chairperson may exercise broad discretion in recognizing shareholders who wish to speak and in determining the extent of discussion on each item of the agenda.

Pursuant to the Company’s Articles of Association, resolutions at the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders will be passed by simple majority vote, irrespective of the number of shares present or represented.

The meeting is called to address and vote on the following agenda:

 

1. Consideration of the Board of Directors’ and independent auditor’s reports on the consolidated financial statements. Approval of the Company’s consolidated financial statements as of, and for the fiscal year ended, December 31, 2007

The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR approval of the Company’s consolidated financial statements as of, and for the fiscal year ended, December 31, 2007, after due consideration of the reports from each of the Board of Directors and the independent auditor on such consolidated financial statements. The consolidated balance sheet of the Company and its subsidiaries at December 31, 2007 and the related consolidated statement of income, consolidated statement of changes in shareholders’ equity, consolidated cash flow statement and notes to the consolidated financial statements, the report from the independent auditor on such consolidated financial statements and management’s discussion and analysis on the Company’s results of operations and financial condition are included in the Company’s 2007 annual report, a copy of which is available on our website at http://www.ternium.com/en/investor/ and may also be obtained upon request, by calling +352 26 68 31 52 or +1 (888) 269 2377 (the latter number is toll free if you call from the United States). Copies of the Company’s 2007 annual report are also available free of charge at the Company’s registered office in Luxembourg.

 

2. Consideration of the Board of Directors’ and independent auditor’s reports on the unconsolidated annual accounts. Approval of the Company’s unconsolidated annual accounts as of, and for the fiscal year ended, December 31, 2007

The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR approval of the Company’s unconsolidated annual accounts as of, and for the fiscal year ended, December 31, 2007, after due consideration of the report from each of the Board of Directors and the independent auditor on such unconsolidated annual accounts. These documents are included in the Company’s 2007 annual report, a copy of which is available on our website at http://www.ternium.com/en/investor/ and may also be obtained upon request, by calling +352 26 68 31 52 or +1 (888) 269 2377 (the latter number is toll free if you call from the United States). Copies of the Company’s 2007 annual report are also available free of charge at the Company’s registered office in Luxembourg.

 

3. Allocation of results and approval of dividend payment

The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR approval of a dividend payable in U.S. dollars on June 12, 2008 in the amount of US$ 0.05 per share of Common Stock currently issued and outstanding on June 9, 2008. Accordingly, if this dividend proposal is approved, the Company will make a dividend payment on June 12, 2008 in the amount of US$ 0.05 per share of Common Stock currently issued and outstanding on June 9, 2008 and US$ 0.50 per ADR currently issued and outstanding on June 9, 2008. The aggregate amount of US$ 100,237,172.10 to be distributed as dividends on June 12, 2008 is to be paid from the Company’s distributable reserve account. The profits of the year ended December 31, 2007 of US$ 731,983,510 will be allocated to the Company’s retained earnings account.

Upon approval of this resolution, it is proposed that the Board of Directors determine or amend, in its discretion, the terms and conditions of the dividend payment.


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4. Discharge to the members of the Board of Directors for the exercise of their mandate throughout the year ended December 31, 2007

In accordance with applicable Luxembourg law and regulations, it is proposed that, upon approval of the Company’s accounts as at December 31, 2007, the members of the Board of Directors be discharged from any liability in connection with the management of the Company’s affairs during such year.

 

5. Election of the Board of Directors’ members

The Company’s Articles of Association provide for the annual election by the holders of shares of Common Stock of a Board of Directors of not less than five and not more than fifteen members. Members of the Board of Directors have a term of office of one year, but may be reappointed.

Under the Company’s Articles of Association and applicable U.S. laws and regulations, effective on February 1, 2006, the Company is required to have an audit committee comprised solely of directors who are independent.

The present Board of Directors of the Company consists of eleven Directors. Three members of the Board of Directors (Messrs. Ubaldo Aguirre, Adrian Lajous and Pedro Pablo Kuczynski) qualify as independent members under the Company’s Articles of Association and applicable law.

It is proposed that (i) Messrs Ubaldo Aguirre, Roberto Bonatti, Carlos Condorelli, Pedro Pablo Kuczynski, Adrian Lajous, Bruno Marchettini, Gianfelice Mario Rocca, Paolo Rocca and Daniel Agustin Novegil be re-elected as members of the Board of Directors and (ii) Messrs Wilson Nélio Brumer and Marco Antônio Soares da Cunha Castello Branco be appointed as members of the Board of Directors.

Set forth below is summary biographical information of each of the candidates:

1) Mr. Ubaldo Aguirre*. Mr. Aguirre has served on the Company’s board of directors since January 12, 2006. Mr. Aguirre is a managing director of Aguirre, Gonzalez and Marx S.A., an Argentine investment banking firm, and also serves as a member of the board of directors of Juan Minetti S.A., a subsidiary of Holcim, the Swiss cement producer. Since 2005, he also serves as chairman of the board of directors of Permasur S.A. and since 2000 as member of the board of directors of URS Argentina S.A. Mr. Aguirre formerly served as director and chairman of the audit committe of Siderar S.A.I.C. (“Siderar”). Mr. Aguirre began his career at the World Bank in Washington, D.C. In addition, Mr. Aguirre has been a member of the boards of each of Argentina’s Central Bank—where he was responsible for that country’s external borrowing program and financial negotiations—Banco de la Nación Argentina and Banco Nacional de Desarrollo. He also served as the Republic of Argentina’s financial representative for Europe in Geneva and negotiator on behalf of the Republic of Argentina with the Paris Club. Mr. Aguirre, aged 59, is an Argentine citizen.

2) Mr. Roberto Bonatti. Mr. Bonatti has served as a director of the Company since 2005. Mr. Bonatti, grandson of Agostino Rocca and first cousin of the Company’s chairman, Paolo Rocca, has been involved in Techint Group businesses, specifically in the engineering and construction and corporate sectors, throughout his career. He was first employed by the Techint Group in 1976, as a deputy resident engineer in Venezuela. In 1984, he became a member of the board of directors of San Faustín N.V. (“San Faustín”), the Company’s controlling shareholder, and, since 2001, he has served as its president. In addition, Mr. Bonatti currently serves as president of Techint Compañía Técnica Internacional S.A.C.I. and Tecpetrol S.A. (“Tecpetrol”), an oil producer, and is a member of the board of directors of Siderca S.A.I.C. (“Siderca”), Siderar and Tenaris S.A. (“Tenaris”). Mr. Bonatti, aged 58, is an Italian citizen.

3) Mr. Wilson Nélio Brumer. Mr. Brumer is chairman of the board of directors of Usinas Siderurgicas de Minas Gerais S/A – USIMINAS (“Usiminas”), a position to which he was appointed on April 29, 2008. He was Secretary of State Economic Development in the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. He also served as Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors of Companhia Vale Do Rio Doce, Chairman of the Board of Directors of BHP Billiton in Brazil, a President of Acesita S.A. Throughout his career, Mr. Brumer served as member of the Board of Directors of several Brazilian companies and entities related to the steel industry, Mr. Brumer, aged 59, is a Brazilian citizen.

 

4) Mr. Marco Antônio Soares da Cunha Castello Branco. Mr. Castello Branco currently serves as President-CEO of Usiminas, a position to which he was appointed on April 29, 2008. He has held several positions within Mannesman


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(now Vallourec & Mannesmann Tubes) including Commercial Director and Chairman of the Board of Directors, Mr. Castello Branco, aged 47, is a Brazilian citizen.

 

5) Mr. Carlos Condorelli. Mr. Condorelli has served as a director of the Company since 2005. He is currently a member of the board of directors of Tenaris. He began his career within the Techint Group in 1975 as an analyst in the accounting and administration department of Siderar. He has held several positions within Tenaris or its subsidiaries and other Techint Group companies, including as chief financial officer of Tenaris, finance and administration director of Tubos de Acero de México, S.A. (“Tamsa”) and president of the board of directors of Empresa Distribuidora La Plata S.A., an Argentine utilities company. Mr. Condorelli, aged 57, is an Argentine citizen.

6) Mr. Pedro Pablo Kuczynski*. Mr. Kuczynski has served as a member of the Company’s Board of Directors since June 7, 2007. He was Prime Minister of Peru in 2005-2006 and prior to that he was the Minister of Economy and Finance from 2001. He was the Republic of Peru’s Minister of Energy and Mines in 1980-82. He was president until 2001 of a private equity firm he founded in 1992 after spending ten years as Chairman of First Boston International (today Credit Suisse) in New York. Since 2007, he is Senior Advisor to the Rohatyn Group, a firm specializing in emerging markets. He ran a bauxite mining company affiliated with Alcoa between 1977 and 1980. He began his career at the World Bank in 1961 and was in the 1970s head of its Policy Planning Division, Chief Economist for Latin America and Chief Economist of IFC. He was born in Peru in 1938 and educated in Peru and at Oxford and Princeton. Mr. Kuczynski, aged 69, is a U.S. and Peruvian national.

7) Mr. Adrian Lajous*. Mr. Lajous has served as a director of the Company since January 12, 2006. Mr. Lajous currently serves as the senior energy advisor to McKinsey & Company, chairman of the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies, president of Petrométrica, S.C. and non-executive director of Schlumberger, Ltd. Mr. Lajous began his career teaching economics at El Colegio de México and in 1977 was appointed director general for energy at Mexico’s Ministry of Energy. Mr. Lajous joined Pemex in 1983, where he held a succession of key executive positions including executive coordinator for international trade, corporate director of planning, corporate director of operations and director of refining and marketing. From 1994 until 1999, he served as chief executive officer of Pemex and chairman of the boards of the Pemex Group of operating companies. Mr. Lajous, aged 64, is a Mexican citizen.

8) Mr. Bruno Marchettini. Mr. Marchettini has served on the Company’s Board of Directors since January 12, 2006. Mr. Marchettini is senior advisor in technological matters for the Techint Group. Mr. Marchettini has retired from executive positions and is presently engaged as a consultant by Siderar. Mr. Marchettini is a director of San Faustin and Tenaris. Mr. Marchettini, aged 66, is an Italian citizen.

9) Mr. Gianfelice Mario Rocca. Mr. Rocca has served as a director of the Company since January 12, 2006. Mr. Rocca, a grandson of Agostino Rocca and brother of the Company’s chairman, Mr. Paolo Rocca, is the chairman of the board of directors of San Faustín, a member of the board of directors of Tamsa and Tenaris, the president of the Humanitas Group, and the president of the board of directors of Techint Compagnia Tecnica Internazionale S.p.A. and of Tenova S.p.A. In addition, he is a member of the board of directors or executive committees of several companies, including Allianz S.p.A, RCS Quotidiani and Buzzi Unicem. He is the vice president of Confindustria, the leading association of Italian industrialists. He is a member of the Advisory Board of Allianz Group, of the Trilateral Commission and of the European Advisory Board of the Harvard Business School. Mr. Rocca, aged 60, is an Italian citizen.

10) Mr. Paolo Rocca. Mr. Rocca has served as the chairman of the Company’s Board of Directors since 2005. Mr. Rocca, a grandson of Agostino Rocca, has served as our chairman since 2005. He is also chairman and chief executive officer of Tenaris, chairman of the board of directors of Tamsa and the vice president of Confab Industrial S.A. In addition, he is a member of the board of directors and vice president of San Faustín and a member of the board of directors of Techint Financial Corporation N.V. Mr. Rocca is a vice chairman of the International Iron and Steel Institute and a member of the International Advisory Committee of the New York Stock Exchange. Mr. Rocca, aged 55, is an Italian citizen.

11) Mr. Daniel Agustin Novegil. Mr. Novegil has served as a director and chief executive officer of the Company since 2005. Mr. Novegil joined Propulsora Siderurgica in 1978 and was appointed as its general director in 1991. In 1993, following the merger of the privatized company Somisa with Propulsora, he was appointed managing director of Siderar. In 1998, after the acquisition of Sidor, Mr. Novegil was appointed chairman and chief executive officer of Sidor. In March 2003, Mr. Novegil was designated executive vice-president of the Techint Flat and Long Steel Division, with executive responsibilities over Siderar and Sidor. He became president of Siderar in May 2005. Mr. Novegil, aged 55, is an Argentine citizen.


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* Independent directors

Each elected director will hold office until the next Annual General Meeting of Shareholders. Under the current Company’s Articles of Association, such meeting is required to be held on June 3, 2009.

The Board of Directors of the Company met eight times during 2007. On January 12, 2006, the Board of Directors created an Audit Committee pursuant to Article 11 of the Articles of Association of the Company. As permitted under applicable laws and regulations, the Board of Directors does not have any executive, nominating or compensation committee, or any committees exercising similar functions.

 

6. Authorization to the Board of Directors to delegate the day-to-day management of the Company’s business to one or more of its members

It is proposed that the Board of Directors of the Company be authorized to delegate the management of the Company’s day-to-day business and the authority to represent and bind the Company with his sole signature in such day-to-day management to Mr. Daniel Agustin Novegil, and to appoint Mr. Novegil as chief executive officer (administrateur délégué) of the Company.

 

7. Authorization to the Board of Directors to appoint one or more of its members as the Company’s attorney-in-fact

In order to provide for the necessary flexibility in the management of the Company’s affairs, it is proposed to authorize the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) to appoint any or all members of the Board from time to time as the Company’s attorney-in-fact, delegating to such directors any management powers (including, without limitation, any day-to-day management powers) to the extent the Board may deem appropriate in connection therewith, this authorization to be valid until expressly revoked by the Company’s General Shareholders Meeting, it being understood, for the avoidance of doubt, that this authorization does not impair nor limit in any way the powers of the Board to appoint any non-members of the Board of Directors as attorneys-in-fact of the Company pursuant to the provisions of article 10.1(iii) of the Articles of Association of the Company.

 

8. Board of Directors´ compensation

It is proposed that each of the Board of Directors’ members in office receive an amount of US$ 70,000 as compensation for their services during the current fiscal year. It is further proposed that the Chairman of the Board of Directors receive an additional fee of US$ 180,000, the Chairman of the Audit Committee receive an additional fee of US$ 10,000 and that each of the members of the Board of Directors who are members of such Committee receive an additional fee of US$ 50,000.

 

9. Appointment of the independent auditors and approval of their fees

Based on the recommendation from the Audit Committee, the Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers (acting, in connection with the Company’s annual accounts required under Luxembourg law, through PricewaterhouseCoopers S.àr.l., Réviseur d’entreprises, and, in connection with the Company’s annual and interim financial statements required under the laws of other relevant jurisdictions, through Price Waterhouse & Co. S.R.L.) as the Company’s independent auditors for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2008, to be engaged until the next Annual General Meeting of Shareholders that will be convened to decide on the 2008 accounts.

In addition, the Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR approval of an amount up to US$ 3,531,178 payable to the independent auditors as fees for services to be rendered during the fiscal year ending December 31, 2008, such fees to cover the audit of the Company and its subsidiaries, the audit of the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting as mandated by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, other audit-related services and other services rendered by the independent auditors. The Board also recommends that the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors be authorized to increase the independent auditors’ fees whenever it would conclude that circumstances would merit any such change.

 

 


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The Company anticipates that the next Annual General Meeting of Shareholders will be held on June 3, 2009. A holder of shares who intends to present a proposal to be considered at the next Annual General Meeting of Shareholders must submit the proposal in writing to the Company at the registered office of the Company, located at 46A, avenue John F. Kennedy, L-1855 Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg not later than 4:00 P.M. (local time) on February 20, 2009, in order for such proposal to be considered for inclusion on the agenda for the 2009 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders.

 

 

PricewaterhouseCoopers are the Company’s independent auditors. A representative of the independent auditors will be present at the Meeting to respond to questions.

Raúl H. Darderes

Secretary to the Board of Directors

 


Table of Contents

Ternium

Annual Report 2007


Table of Contents

Contents Annual Report Ternium 2007

 

Company Profile & Strategy

Operating and Financial Highlights
Subsequent Events
Chairman’s Letter
Business Review
Corporate Governance
Board of Directors and Executive Officers
Corporate Information / Investor Information
Financial Statements and MD&A

 

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Company Profile & Strategy

Ternium is one of the leading steel companies in Latin America. We manufacture and process a broad spectrum of value-added steel products, including tinplate, galvanized and electro-galvanized sheets, pre-painted sheets, welded pipes, and hot rolled and cold rolled steel, as well as slit and cut-to-length offerings through our service centers. We also produce long steel products such as bars and wire rod.

Our customers range from large global companies to small enterprises operating in the construction, home appliances, capital goods, container, food and automotive industries. We aim to build close relationships with our customers and recognize that our success is closely linked with theirs.

With a deeply engrained industrial culture, Ternium supports its operations with, 21,600 employees. Our manufacturing facilities, with annual production capacity of approximately 12 million tons of finished steel products, are located in Mexico, Venezuela, Argentina, the southern U.S. and Guatemala, providing us with a strong position from which to serve our core markets.

We are the supplier of choice in some of the most dynamic steel markets in the Americas. Our proximity to some of the region’s main steel consuming markets, favorable access to energy and iron ore sources and high level of vertical integration, enable us to develop profitable capital expenditure programs in the steel value chain, from the development of iron ore mines to the launch of new products and services, to expand our presence in attractive steel market segments in the Americas.

We operate with a broad and long-term perspective. We voluntarily take steps to improve the quality of life for our employees and their families as well as for the local communities and society at large.

For a description of the recent events in Venezuela relating to the Sidor nationalization process, see “Subsequent Events-Sidor Nationalization Process” below.

 

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Operating and Financial Highlights

The financial and operational information contained in this annual report is based on consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and presented in U.S. dollars and metric tons.

 

     2007    2006

SALES VOLUME (thousand tons)

     

Flat products

   8,143.9    6,861.3

Long products

   2,385.9    2,173.7

Total flat and long products

   10,529.7    9,035.0

FINANCIAL INDICATORS (US$ millions)

     

Net sales

   8,184.4    6,565.6

Operating income

   1,586.4    1,636.6

EBITDA (1)

   2,152.3    2,074.3

Income before income tax expense

   1,153.0    1,258.3

Net income attributable to:

     

Equity holders of the Company

   784.5    795.4

Minority interest

   216.7    200.5
         

Net income for the year

   1,001.2    996.0

Free cash flow (2)

   1,127.9    839.2

Capital expenditures

   436.3    405.8

BALANCE SHEET (US$ millions)

     

Total assets

   13,767.3    8,770.5

Total financial debt

   4,084.9    1,057.1

Net financial debt

   2,893.6    413.7

Total liabilities

   7,400.4    3,283.4

Capital and reserves attributable to the company's equity holders

   4,452.7    3,757.6

Minority interest

   1,914.2    1,729.6

STOCK DATA (US$ per share / ADS)

     

Basic earnings per share

   0.39    0.41

Basic earnings per ADS (3)

   3.91    4.11

Weighted average number of shares outstanding (4)

   2,004,743.4    1,936,833.1

(thousand shares)

     

HEADCOUNT (5)

   23,645    18,257

 

(1)

EBITDA equals operating income of US$1.6 billion plus depreciation and amortization of US$565.8 million in 2007, and operating income of US$1.6 billion plus depreciation and amortization of US$424.5 million and other non cash items of US$13.3 million in 2006.

(2)

Free cash flow equals net cash provided by operating activities of US$1.6 billion and US$1.2 billion less capital expenditures of US$436.3 million and US$405.8 million in 2007 and 2006, respectively.

(3)

Each ADS represents 10 shares of Ternium common stock.

(4)

Shares outstanding were 2,004,743,442 as of December 31, 2007 and 2,004,743,442 as of December 31, 2006.

(5)

Headcount does not include third party services. Headcount increased during 2007 as a result of the acquisition of Grupo Imsa.

 

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Subsequent Events

Sale of non-core U.S. assets

On February 1, 2008, Ternium completed the sale of its interests in Steelscape, Inc., ASC Profiles Inc., Varco Pruden Buildings Inc. and Metl-Span LLC to BlueScope Steel North America Corporation, a subsidiary of BlueScope Steel Limited, for a total consideration of US$726 million. Ternium used the proceeds of the sale to prepay financial debt.

Ternium sold these assets, which had been acquired as part of the Grupo Imsa transaction in July 2007, after determining that they were not a strategic fit with our production system. However, Ternium continues to own Steelscape’s Shreveport, LA plant, which is already integrated into our operations, and the pre-engineered metal buildings and insulated steel panels businesses in Mexico.

Sidor Nationalization Process

On March 31, 2008, Ternium controlled approximately 59.7% of Sidor, while CVG Corporación Venezolana de Guayana (a company owned by the Venezuelan government) held approximately 20.4% of Sidor and certain Sidor employees and former employees held the remaining 19.9% interest.

On April 8, 2008, the Venezuelan government announced its intention to take control over Sidor. Following the confirmation of the Venezuelan government’s decision to nationalize Sidor on April 16, 2008, Ternium, Sidor and the Venezuelan government entered into an agreement providing for the creation of a transition committee, composed of representatives of the government, the labor union and class B employee shareholders. This committee is charged with overseeing Sidor’s operations during the transition period until the nationalization is completed, acting in coordination with Sidor’s board of directors.

On April 29, 2008, the National Assembly of the Republic of Venezuela passed a resolution declaring that the shares of Sidor, together with all of its assets, are of public and social interest. This resolution authorizes the Venezuelan government to take any action it may deem appropriate in connection with any such assets, which may include expropriation.

The discussions among representatives of Ternium and the Venezuelan government regarding adequate and fair terms and conditions upon which all or a significant part of Ternium’s interest in Sidor would be transferred to the government began with the formation of a negotiating committee and are presently under way. The date on which control over Sidor would be transferred to the government is uncertain at this time.

The impact of the potential government actions with respect to Sidor on Ternium’s financial position is not determinable at this time.

Ternium continues to preserve all of its rights under contracts, investment treaties and Venezuelan and international law and will continue to evaluate its options in realizing the fair value of its interest in Sidor.

 

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Chairman’s Letter

Dear Shareholder,

2007 was a busy year for Ternium. Through the acquisition of Imsa, we consolidated our position in the Mexican market for flat products and increased our capacity to serve markets with higher value processed products. Our shipments of finished steel products continued to grow, reaching 10.5 million tons for the year and consolidating our position as the leading Latin American producer of finished steel products. We are investing extensively in our industrial system and have embarked on a major steel slab capacity expansion project in our San Nicolas plant.

In August, we successfully acquired Imsa, whose operations, like those of the former Hylsamex, are based in Monterrey. These two companies shared a strong focus on industrial excellence and on serving the customer, values which are at the core of Ternium’s identity. The former operations of Imsa have been rapidly integrated into Ternium and we sold those considered outside our prime area of focus in February 2008 to BlueScope Steel.

All Ternium’s operations in Mexico now operate under the single Ternium brand and our position in Mexico and the southern USA has been reinforced by Imsa’s extensive processing and distribution network and the clear customer focus of its human resources. Today, Ternium serves 45% of the market for finished flat steel products in Mexico and North America accounts for close to 50% of Ternium’s sales.

In April 2008, the Venezuelan government notified us of their decision to renationalize Sidor, our operation in Venezuela, in the midst of a labor dispute with the local steel workers union. Over the past 10 years we have worked hard to transform Sidor into an efficient, productive steel complex, which currently has an annual capacity of 5 million tons of crude steel. We are negotiating with the government to realize an adequate compensation for the value of our participation and the terms on which we will hand over the operation. The loss of Sidor represents a setback for Ternium in the short term but will not deflect us from our long-term goal of being the leading steel producer in Latin America.

Our markets in South and Central America continued to grow strongly in 2007 and have solid growth prospects for the coming years. Our sales in the region increased 23% in 2007 with shipments up 10%. In North America, the U.S. economic slowdown and inventory adjustments impacted demand less in Mexico than the rest of the region in 2007.

In a market environment characterized by higher volatility, with sharp rises in raw material costs, Ternium continues to invest to strengthen the competitiveness of its industrial system. In addition to our expansion project in Argentina, which will increase our crude steel capacity by 1.2 million tons, we are investing to increase production capacity at our iron ore mines in Mexico and at our hot and cold rolling mills. These investments, which will result in an increased capital expenditure budget for the next two to three years, will help to reduce costs consolidating one of Ternium’s core competitive strengths. We will also be looking at investment opportunities to offset in whole or in part the loss of Sidor.

 

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We continue to work closely with our small and medium enterprise customers to improve their competitiveness in a world where competition is increasingly global. In Argentina, we are helping customers to obtain finance and develop export markets and in Mexico, we are participating in federal government programs to strengthen the competitiveness of Mexican industrial production.

We remain committed to the sustainable development of the communities where we have our roots and are active participants in the definition of industry best practices for protecting the environment under the auspices of the International Iron and Steel Institute. In 2007, we installed new air emission control equipment at our sinter facilities in Argentina and new bag houses to control dust emissions at our steel shops in Argentina and Venezuela.

Our results remained stable compared to 2006. Sales grew by 25% to US$8.2 billion for the year, but operating income and net income remained flat at US$1.6 billion and US$1.0 billion respectively. This reflected the current high costs of purchasing slabs to meet demand for our finished products and a less favorable cost environment for our operations in Argentina and Venezuela. Earnings per ADS were US$3.91.

With the increase in our debt level following the Imsa acquisition, and considering our increased capital expenditure program over the next two to three years, as well as the opportunities for further growth and consolidation of our competitive position that may arise in the current market environment, we propose to maintain the dividend for the year at US$0.50 per ADS. This would be distributed to shareholders in June if approved at the annual shareholders’ meeting.

Ternium has evolved rapidly over the past three years and our human resources have been at the forefront of our success. I would like to thank our employees for their efforts in another demanding year. I would also like to welcome our new colleagues from Imsa and to thank our customers, suppliers and shareholders for their continued support and confidence in our company.

Sincerely,

Paolo Rocca

Chairman of the Board of Directors

May 5, 2008

 

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Business Review

North America Region

Ternium is the leading supplier of flat and long steel products to the Mexican market and, through the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), has preferential access to the U.S. and Canadian markets. Among the main steel markets in the Americas, Mexico is one of the largest and one in which imports account for a significant share of the market. Ternium views Mexico as offering attractive opportunities for sales growth.

Ternium believes it can leverage its competitive advantage of being a local producer in Mexico to achieve its objectives in the country. Ternium’s local producer status provides it with many competitive advantages, including low freight costs associated with finished product deliveries, direct contact and the ability to offer value added services to end-user customers. Such advantages are further enhanced by Ternium’s comprehensive downstream integration, which enables Ternium to offer value added steel cost effectively.

The economies in the North America Region slowed down in 2007. The Mexican economy showed less dynamism in consumption and lower investment activity compared to 2006, though it picked up during the year. GDP increased 3% year-over-year in 2007. The U.S. economy was affected by a decrease in residential construction and the instability in financial markets during the second half of the year.

LOGO

While apparent steel use in Mexico decreased 1% year-over-year in 2007 to approximately 17.8 million tons, apparent steel usage in the entire North America Region decreased 9% during the year, due to lower steel consumption rates in the U.S. and Canada, coupled with a destocking process that took place throughout the year. The year-over-year decrease in apparent steel use in 2007 for the NAFTA region was offset, to a large extent, by a decrease in steel imports compared to 2006 levels.

 

* Source: IISI.

 

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LOGO

Steel consuming sectors in Mexico such as construction and the automotive industry grew in 2007, although at lower rates than in 2006. In the U.S., on the other hand, activity softened in 2007, particularly in the construction, automotive and home appliance sectors, compared to the previous year.

LOGO

The outlook for 2008 in the North America Region is mixed. GDP growth is expected to be lower compared to 2007. Activity in steel consuming sectors is expected to decrease in the U.S. compared to 2007, though apparent steel use is expected to remain relatively unchanged due to the end of the inventory correction that occurred during 2007. In Mexico, the main steel-consuming sectors and apparent steel use are expected to grow in 2008.

Grupo Imsa integration

On July 26, 2007, Ternium obtained full control of Grupo Imsa, a steel processor with operations in Mexico, the U.S. and Guatemala. On February 1, 2008, Grupo Imsa sold several manufacturing assets in the U.S. that were not a strategic fit with Ternium’s production system.

Following the sale of the non-strategic assets, Grupo Imsa’s facilities are mostly located in Mexico and have an annual steel processing capacity of approximately 2.3 million tons of hot rolled coils, 1.5 million tons of cold rolled products, 1.3 million tons of coated products and 0.5 million tons of pre-painted steel. The transaction involved a total

 

* Source: IISI.

 

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equity consideration of US$1.7 billion, plus the assumption of US$1.4 billion of Grupo Imsa’s net debt. Ternium reduced Grupo Imsa’s net debt by US$0.7 billion using the proceeds of the sale of Grupo Imsa’s non-core U.S. assets on February 1, 2008.

With the completion of this transaction, Ternium significantly expanded its business in North America, a region that now accounts for approximately half of its net sales, and broadened its presence in Mexico, which is one of the largest flat steel markets in the Americas. As of the end of the first quarter 2008, Ternium had approximately 10,600 employees in the North America Region, out of a total of 21,600 employees. Revenues in the North America Region in 2007 accounted for approximately 42% of Ternium’s total revenues.

Integration of Ternium’s Mexican Operations

Ternium moved promptly to integrate Grupo Imsa into its industrial and supply-chain systems in order to achieve the planned synergies beginning in 2008. In this regard, by August 7, 2007, Ternium’s Mexican operations, comprising Grupo Imsa’s and Hylsamex’s assets in the country, began to operate under one new functional structure. Most of the assets of Grupo Imsa and Hylsamex are expected to be consolidated into a single legal entity –Ternium Mexico– during 2008.

Integration initiatives were launched during the third quarter of 2007. These initiatives included:

 

 

Specialization of mills, which allows for larger runs and greater efficiencies from dedicated mills;

 

 

Consolidation of procurement and logistics, resulting in better purchasing terms and higher efficiencies arising from the supply chain management system;

 

 

Restructuring of the management team, which reduced headcount and related expenses; and

 

 

Consolidation of marketing activities, which have resulted in a more cohesive marketing effort and a better use of the Company’s distribution channels.

During 2007, Ternium completed its efforts to improve layout and product flow, as well as to increase free land availability at its facilities in Monterrey. Activities included the scrapping of certain facilities and the integration of new acquired land, as well as the construction of new warehouses. The new configuration is the result of the reassessment of Ternium Mexico’s operation and flow related to the consolidation of Grupo Imsa’s assets into Ternium’s value chain.

Ternium also initiated a project designed to expand its thin slab casting production capacity. The investment, which is expected to be concluded during 2008, is aimed at streamlining the facility and is expected to expand annual steel production capacity by approximately 85,000 tons to a total of 1.9 million tons.

Ternium completed the revamping of one of its hot strip mills in Monterrey, which included the commissioning of a new slab heating furnace. The investment has increased the facility’s annual processing capacity by approximately 350,000 tons of hot rolled coils. Additionally, it has improved the quality of its production and the reliability of its operation. In 2007, the Company also began revamping another hot strip mill in Monterrey, which is expected to be completed during 2008. This project will allow Ternium to increase the annual processing capacity of the line by approximately 280,000 tons. As a result of these projects, Ternium Mexico’s annual hot rolled coil processing capacity is expected to increase to approximately 5.4 million as of year-end 2008.

 

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Ternium also launched in 2007 a revamping project aimed at enhancing one four-strand cold rolled mill into a continuous roller. Upon completion of the project (expected to happen in the first half of 2009), Ternium Mexico’s annual cold rolled coils processing capacity is expected to expand by approximately 350,000 tons to a total of 2.6 million tons.

During 2007, Ternium also completed the expansion and revamping of its galvanizing lines in Monterrey; added cutting facilities in its service centers in Churubusco, Apodaca and San Luis Potosi, Mexico; and commissioned a new facility in Shreveport, U.S., which includes galvanizing, pre-painting and cutting facilities. As a result, Ternium’s North American annual processing capacity increased to 1.8 million tons of galvanized, 0.8 million tons of pre-painted and 3.8 million tons of service center’s customized products, as of year end 2007.

The impact, if any, of the nationalization of Sidor in our North American operations is not presently determinable. For a description of the recent events in Venezuela relating to the Sidor nationalization process, see “Subsequent Events-Sidor Nationalization Process” above.

South and Central America Region

In 2007, Ternium was the leading supplier of flat steel products to Argentina, Venezuela, Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay. The Company benefited from the steady growth of the per capita steel consumption in these economies, which still is substantially lower than that of developed economies. The economies of South and Central America continued to enjoy strong growth, characterized by good prices for commodities, healthy public finances and moderate interest rates. The main regional economies showed robust growth for the fifth year in a row and a good performance in their construction and industrial sectors.

LOGO

Finished steel demand continued to grow in Ternium’s markets in the region. Apparent steel use in South and Central America (ex Brazil) is estimated to have grown 9% year-over-year in 2007, with advances in every major market.

LOGO

 

* Source: IISI.

 

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The construction, automotive and capital equipment sectors had another positive year in 2007. In Argentina, the construction sector grew 6% year-over-year in 2007, while the automotive sector achieved record high production levels and a 13% year-over-year growth in the same year. Construction activity in Venezuela grew for the fourth year in a row in 2007, by 10% compared to 2006.

LOGO

Demand for steel products in Argentina continued at healthy levels in 2007. The country’s economy performed well in 2007, exhibiting GDP growth of 9% year-over-year, mainly driven by solid growth in domestic demand. Flat steel use grew 14% to about 2.6 million tons in 2007, supported by increased consumption in the construction and industrial sectors.

Steel demand in Venezuela continued to be strong in 2007. The country’s economic performance during the year, which exhibited GDP growth of 8%, was aided by strong government spending, which grew 3% in real terms in 2007 on top of a 32% expansion in the previous year. The Venezuelan steel market grew 12% year-over-year in 2007 to about 3.6 million tons of apparent steel use, supported by the expansion of the construction sector. Activity in the country’s oil industry was softer in 2007 than it was in 2006. In spite of this, Ternium maintained strong shipment levels to the Venezuela’s oil industry due to the development of natural gas projects. The Colombian steel market maintained its positive performance of previous years in 2007, with apparent steel use at about 3.1 million tons, an increase of 14% year-over-year, which resulted mainly from strong activity in the construction sector. In Peru, apparent steel use grew to approximately 1.8 million tons in 2007, an increase of 22% year-over-year. The country’s economy continued to show one of the highest growth rates in the region, particularly in the construction sector.

Steel demand also was strong in Chile, Bolivia, Paraguay and Uruguay. The economies of

 

* Source: IISI.

 

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these countries performed well in 2007, recording GDP growth rates of between 4% and 6% year-over-year. Ternium’s steel product shipments to these markets were higher as a result of the increased economic activity. This was particularly true in Paraguay and Bolivia where Ternium’s shipments grew 45% and 39%, respectively, year-over-year in 2007.

The outlook for the South and Central America Region in 2008 is mixed following the announcement of the Venezuelan government’s decision to nationalize Sidor. The economies of the region should continue to enjoy a strong environment for commodities and relatively stable financial conditions. GDP performance is expected to be lower compared to 2007, as the main economies continue to adhere to their longer-term growth trends. In this context apparent steel use is expected to post another year of growth in the region, although the current instability in international financial markets and the slowdown in the U.S. economy may affect the region’s steel market to an extent that is not yet certain. However, Ternium’s shipments to South & Central America are expected to decrease significantly upon completion of the Sidor nationalization. For a description of the recent events in Venezuela relating to the Sidor nationalization process, see “Subsequent Events-Sidor Nationalization Process” above.

During 2007, Ternium continued developing its capital expenditures program in Venezuela. First, it commissioned a new ladle furnace at its facilities in Puerto Ordaz, Venezuela, to streamline production processes in its flat steel shop there. The investment was expected to be supplemented with improvement projects in the mill’s loading system and in the slabs shipping area during 2008. In addition, Ternium launched the revamping of one direct reduced iron (DRI) production facility in Puerto Ordaz, Venezuela, with the objective of increasing annual production capacity by 400,000 tons to a total of 800,000 tons.

Ternium also made significant capital expenditures in Argentina. For example, the Company commissioned a new coke battery in San Nicolás, Argentina, which resulted in an increase in annual coke production capacity of 200,000 tons to a total of 1.3 million tons. The higher availability of internally produced coke will allow Ternium to reduce its overall cost of steel production. Additionally, the Company launched the revamping of two coke batteries in operation, with the goal of improving performance and reducing gas emissions.

In addition, in January 2007, the Company re-started a blast furnace in San Nicolás, Argentina, following a relining that took 95 days to complete. The project is expected to allow continuous operation of the mill for a new 12- to 15-year production campaign. Additionally, Ternium prepared for the planned relining of its other blast furnace, which should be blown down during the fourth quarter of 2008 for a period of approximately 90 days. The investment associated with the relining of the second blast furnace is part of the Company’s plan to increase its annual steelmaking capacity in Argentina by 1.2 million tons to a total of 4.0 million tons in 2010.

Ternium also completed the revamping of its hot strip mill in San Nicolás, Argentina, in January 2007, which included the commissioning of a new slab heating furnace. During 2007, Ternium launched a new project in the hot strip mill aimed at further expanding its production capacity. The addition of a new coiler, to be commissioned during 2009, is expected to increase Ternium’s annual hot rolled coil processing capacity by a further 100,000 tons to a total of 2.9 million tons.

 

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Finally, Ternium initiated a project for a new ladle furnace and slab continuous casting facility for the steel shop in Argentina. The new facilities, which are central to the 1.2 million tons slabs expansion plan, are expected to be completed by early 2010. The higher availability of slabs is expected to lead to a reduction in Ternium’s overall cost of finished steel production.

Iron Ore Mining

In 2006, Ternium created its Office of Mining Development to oversee the existing production activities in iron ore mining and the development of new projects in Mexico. Its main objective is to secure the supply of iron ore for Ternium’s facilities in Mexico for at least a 20-year operating period. Surplus production of iron ore is commercialized to hedge the iron ore procurement requirements of Ternium’s facilities in Argentina and Venezuela.

The Office of Mining Development operates two production areas responsible for the extraction, processing and production of iron ore. It also oversees an area responsible for geological studies, exploration of new reserves, as well the development of new projects and expansion programs and an area responsible for community relations initiatives for promoting and maintaining close relations with communities in mining zones.

Current facilities are organized under two operating companies: Las Encinas (LESA), which is 100% owned by Ternium; and Peña Colorada, which is 50% owned by Ternium and 50% owned by Arcelor Mittal.

The Office of Mining Development has approximately 1,300 direct employees and a combined production capacity of 5.9 million tons per year of pellets, 0.4 million tons per year of concentrate and 0.4 million tons per year of fines. Of these totals, Arcelor Mittal is entitled to receive up to 2.0 million tons per year of pellets and 0.2 million tons per year of concentrate.

LESA

LESA has a pellets plant located in the community of Alzada in the Colima state of Mexico, with a production capacity of 1.9 million tons per year. In addition to the production of pellets, approximately 0.4 million tons per year of hematite iron ore is produced as fines for export.

The Company has three mines in operation in Mexico: Cerro Nahuatl, located in Colima; Aquila, located in nearby Michoacan and El Encino, located in nearby Jalisco and currently in stand-by mode. Management estimates that these mines, together with Colomera, located in Michoacan, and Sierra del Alo, located in Jalisco, have proven reserves of 51 million tons of concentrate equivalent, or 22 plus years of operation at current production rates.

Additionally, probable and potential reserves are estimated to be approximately 30 million tons in Sierra del Alo; 20 million tons in Aquila-Colomera; 50 million tons at a new mining concession in La Vainilla-La Aguja in the Aquila-Colomera region; 165 million tons in Guayabera and San Martin, Michoacan; and 100 million tons in San Jorge-San Quintin, in northern Baja California.

During 2007, LESA’s mining concession area was doubled. Of note was the new 56,000

 

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acres concession in the Aquila-Colomera region, which is located in an area that is close to other Ternium mines. This proximity will facilitate the mine’s integration with the Company’s existing operations. LESA began exploration in this new concession area in early 2008.

Peña Colorada

Ternium has a two-line pellets plant in Manzanillo port in Colima, with a combined production capacity of 4.4 million tons per year of pellet and concentrate. The pellets plant is fed from a mine in the Minatitlan municipality located in Colima. Management estimates that the mine has proven reserves of 94 million tons of concentrate equivalent, or 21 plus years of operation at current production rates. Additionally, probable and potential reserves are estimated to be approximately 48 million tons in Minatitlan and 44 million tons in Arrayanes.

Probable and potential reserves of LESA’s and Peña Colorada’s current concessions, if proven, could permit the development of new mining projects to increase iron ore production. Extensive exploration projects began in 2008. These involve more than 50,000 meters of drilling to continue the quantification of proven and probable reserves.

Support Program for Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises

Ternium sponsors a small- and medium-sized enterprise (SME) support program called “Pro-pymes.” The program, created by the Techint group of companies, is focused on helping SMEs in the steel industry’s value chain to grow. First launched in Argentina in 2002, in 2007 Pro-pymes assisted more than 700 SMEs in Mexico, Venezuela and Argentina.

Customers and suppliers are invited to join the program, provided they meet certain qualifications, including specific management skills and growth potential. Suppliers who join the program have the opportunity to become suppliers to participating companies worldwide. The ultimate goal of the program is to enhance SMEs’ competitiveness and to stimulate investments in the value chain.

In 2007, Ternium organized its participation in Pro-pymes into three departments, each responsible for the program’s execution in Mexico, Venezuela and Argentina. Each department operated under local management supervision and was centrally coordinated by a Pro-pyme program director responsible for Ternium’s and the other participating companies’ initiatives in the three countries.

One of the pillars of the program is industrial assistance. These activities are carried out either by professionals from the Company payroll or by first class local universities.

Starting in 2008, Ternium has been recognized as an SME foster company by the Mexican Government. As a result, Ternium is able to facilitate SMEs’ access to the United Nations’ development program (PNUD), thereby providing SMEs with the opportunity to receive financing, personnel training and industrial and marketing studies.

In Argentina, the program has also focused on SME difficulties in accessing financial markets. Ternium, together with other sponsoring companies, offers financial assistance and advice to those companies seeking credit facilities to fund projects aimed at increasing production levels and updating production technology.

 

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The program has also assisted companies with growth opportunities in international markets. Ternium promoted marketing reports by different institutions and consultants. Furthermore, the program offered advice with respect to international negotiations and patenting of new products, and facilitates the participation of SMEs in government-organized commercial missions abroad. Ternium also has given SMEs access to its vast commercial network in order to provide them with added logistical and commercial support.

In 2008, the program will focus on increasing industrial assistance and implementing training courses for SME personnel of all levels.

Product Research & Development

Ternium continuously seeks to introduce new value added products and transform its technical knowledge into competitive advantages. The Company carries out its applied research efforts in conjunction with universities and research centers, and through its participation in international consortia.

Product development and research activities at Ternium are conducted through a central Product Development Department, in coordination with local teams that operate in each production unit. The department, with approximately 40 members, has a consolidated product development plan that combines the initiatives of the Company’s different production units.

Ternium’s new product research and development activities are carried out in three simultaneous and complementary tracks:

 

 

The first track, comprising one- to two- year-term projects, primarily encompasses Ternium’s in-house new product and process development activities.

 

 

The second track, comprising two- to three-year-term projects, primarily encompasses the applied metallurgical research required to support the development of new products. These activities are conducted mainly in coordination with universities and research centers such as the Center for Industrial Research (CINI) in Argentina; the Argentine Steel Institute (IAS); the Buenos Aires Institute of Technology (ITBA) in Argentina; and the Research and Advanced Studies Centre of the National Polytechnic Institute (Cinvestav) in Mexico, among others.

 

 

The third track, comprising three- to five-year-term projects, primarily encompasses the feasibility studies of innovative ideas. These types of projects generate the knowledge that establishes the basis for advanced processing technologies and product development and improvement. Activities are mostly carried out through international research consortia such as the Galvanized Autobody Partnership, conducted by the International Lead Zinc Research Organization (ILZRO); the Coil Coated Materials Committee led by the French Corrosion Institute; the Steel Research Center at McMaster University; the Thin Slab Casting and Rolling Consortium run by Pittsburgh University; the Tinplate Group at Tin International; and Interzac, within the International Zinc-Aluminum Coaters Association.

During 2007, the development of new flat and long steel products targeted the requirements mainly of customers within the automotive, oil & gas tubular products,

 

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electric motor and domestic appliance industries. The assessment of customer needs and subsequent developments were possible due to Ternium’s direct technical contact with end-user customers.

Ternium’s association with Mexican and Argentine car manufacturers and auto parts suppliers resulted in the development of new parts for different vehicles. This required new hot rolled, coated and wire rod steels, supported by the design of new chemical compositions and the achievement of new thermo-mechanical processing conditions. New products developed in 2007 by Ternium for the automotive industry include hot rolled high-strength alloyed steel for beams and crossbars; hot dip galvanized steel grades for non-exposed applications; and wire rod high-strength steel grade for springs.

The Company’s advancement in product research and development allowed Ternium to tap new market niches such as the rail wagon manufacturing industry in Mexico and Venezuela, through the development of hot rolled cupper-alloyed corrosion-resistant structural steel. It also helped the Company reinforce its strategic position in the oil industry in Mexico and Venezuela, through the introduction of new flat steel products for the production of API (American Petroleum Institute) line pipe for oil and gas conduction projects, including hot rolled and polygonal ingots for certain API grades.

The Company strengthened its position in the motor manufacturers industry through the development of efficiency and productivity enhancing products, such as the ultra - low carbon motor-lamination cold rolled grades.

For the home appliance market, Ternium continued introducing high value added coated products, which are designed for specific functional or aesthetic applications. Recent developments in this area include a scratch-resistant hot dip galvanized and pre-painted steel for refrigerator doors, and antimicrobial pre-painted steel for heating, ventilating and air conditioning units.

For 2008, Ternium has focused its research & development efforts in further improving product characteristics for the main industrial segments, including advanced high strength steel for the automotive, construction and pipe industries; environmentally friendly coatings with superior performance for the domestic appliance and food canning industry segments; special grades for electrical use; and improved corrosion-resistant coated steels for industrial, commercial and construction applications.

Human Resources & Communities

The development of its human resources is a key component of Ternium’s corporate strategy. The Company actively develops its management. Currently more than 53% of Ternium’s top management positions and 60% of its middle management positions are held by employees who joined the Company in the early stages of their career as part of a training program for recently graduated professionals. This is a two-year program where graduates, coached by a senior employee assigned as tutor, join Ternium in anticipation of an eventual job opening and hold different assistant positions during the first year, gaining in-depth knowledge in several areas of expertise. In addition, Ternium sponsors employees that show high potential to pursue graduate studies in leading universities around the world.

Ternium also has developed and implemented a training program for all of its non-operating employees, designed to educate them on the main business processes of the

 

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Company, so that they can assess and understand how day-to-day decisions across Ternium can affect the businesses’ value chain. The program is designed to provide a basic understanding of Ternium’s production processes, marketing approach, administration and finance objectives, human resources management and information technology applications.

Ternium has also developed an ongoing training program for operating employees that includes several customized courses. These courses are designed to inform our employees of the latest concepts and tools in relevant fields to encourage them to achieve the highest possible levels of productivity and operating efficiency.

Ternium’s well established human resources and employee development programs played a critical role in the acquisition of Grupo Imsa at the end of July 2007 and its consolidation with Hylsamex, as the various employee constituencies and diverse cultures required careful consideration. The integration thus far has been successful and is proceeding according to plan.

Communities

In 2007, Ternium designed and implemented programs and activities aimed at improving the overall quality of life in the communities in which it has facilities. These include Mexico, Venezuela, Argentina, Guatemala and the United States. We led projects and partnered with public and private institutions in community improvement programs focused on education, health and culture.

Ternium’s programs aim to establish long-term sustainable relationships and foster a sense of collaboration in the communities where the Company operates. Our community budget supports a select number of high-impact programs. On occasion, funding also is directed toward specific community’s requests.

Communities in Mexico

Ternium is now one of Monterrey’s major industrial employers after the acquisition of Grupo Imsa. To uphold its responsibility as a good corporate citizen, Ternium underwrote several initiatives in Monterrey that promote health, education, culture and sports among its employees, their families and the broader community.

In the mining areas the focus is mainly in health related initiatives. The program includes promoting a prophylactic medicine program, providing medical equipment and infrastructure support to rural medical centers.

Ternium’s education efforts include participating in the renovation of facilities and equipment for local public schools, as well as the development of technical facilities to advance the technical training of teachers. Ternium has established scholarship programs for university undergraduates as well as for talented school students. The Company also organized a program to foster and encourage the development of young leaders.

In addition, Ternium sponsored activities to encourage social integration and increase the quality of life of its employees and the broader communities. These included supporting sports training schools, where events were organized across several disciplines, as well as the organization of cultural seminars and leisure activities for employees and their families.

 

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Communities in Venezuela

In 2007, community programs in Venezuela were focused on education, health and the support of sport and cultural activities.

In the area of education, Ternium’s contributions were directed at infrastructure improvements and new equipment for local public schools. Additionally, Ternium partnered with the Junior Achievement Foundation to provide grants to several students to help them continuing their education. Ternium also supported the development of technical careers through a scholarship program aimed at university undergraduates pursuing technical degrees.

Ternium continued to address the housing needs of its employees. Under the Company’s housing plan, 83% of the Company’s employees had their own housing as of year end 2007.

Ternium’s sponsored activities to encourage social integration and sports among its employees and with the broader community included a local marathon and inter-company athletic programs.

Communities in Argentina

In 2007, the Company implemented several programs aimed at advancing education, health and culture. Activities included direct support to local educational and healthcare institutions, scholarships, seminars, cultural activities and sports events, including a local city marathon.

The Company continued its program to strengthen local technical schools. This endeavor included funding scholarships and providing training for students and teachers, and expanding the infrastructure of the participating technical schools. Ternium also started a program aimed at reducing student drop-out rates in some regions. Under this program, students at certain local schools who were at risk of dropping out were granted scholarships.

The Company also participated in the complete remodeling of a local hospital and in the design of a training program aimed at improving the quality of its management, assistance and operation.

In addition, Ternium continued several initiatives to enhance the quality of life of its employees, such as providing assistance with home financing, supporting home equipment enhancements, conducting nutrition seminars, and organizing leisure activities for the employees’ children.

Environment, Health & Safety

Ternium’s facilities abide by a common environmental, safety and occupational health policy. Environmental investment projects in Ternium are coordinated by a corporate Technical Director and executed by the local Engineering & Environment managers. Likewise, safety activities are coordinated through a central department within the corporate Industrial Direction of the Company, in coordination with local departments operating in each production unit.

The Company adopted the International Iron and Steel Institute’s (IISI) policy statement

 

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and its principles for excellence in safety and occupational health, as well as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) 18,000 international standard directives.

Ternium has actively participated in the IISI forums focused on sustainable development, environment, safety and occupational health, with the aim of developing and sharing state-of-the-art best practices. These forums include the Climate Change Policy Group, Life Cycle Assessment, CO2 Breakthrough Program, Water Management, Sustainability Reporting, By-product Management, and the Safety and Occupational Health Committee and its working subgroups.

Chief among Ternium’s top management’s core responsibilities are prevention, education, workplace intervention and incident and accident analysis. The Company continues to develop a unified safety management information system to support the implementation and execution of its safety management programs. The first two modules, which encompass the processing of events and improvement plan management, are already in operation. The unified safety management information project will be completed during 2008 with the addition of two more modules, encompassing safety risk identification and assessment, and management control and follow up.

Ternium’s injuries frequency rate* (IFR) reached a new low of 7.9 in 2007, down from an IFR of 9.2 the previous year. Likewise, the Company’s lost time injuries frequency

LOGO

rate (LTIFR) was 4.3 in 2007, down from 6.5 in the previous year. These measures encompass the activities of our personnel and of the personnel of third party companies operating in our facilities. The results demonstrate the growing commitment and participation of management and workers in the activities aimed at improving safety.

In 2007, Ternium initiated a new program designed to prevent the occurrence of serious accidents. Under this program, the safety measures within key processes and tasks were surveyed and comprehensively reassessed. Recommendations and corrective measures, as well as a permanent audit program, are expected to be in operation during 2008. The audit program, which will be conducted by middle and senior management, is expected to ensure the continuous commitment to safety by all interested parties.

Ternium continually reviews its operations to maximize the efficient use of energy resources, the re-use of by-products and the appropriate treatment and disposal of wastes, air emissions and waste water. Noteworthy developments in 2007 were the new air emission control equipment at our sinter facilities and two new bag houses for the steel shops in Argentina and Venezuela.

 

*

Injuries frequency rate refers to total quantity of injuries per million of hours worked hours.

Lost time injuries frequency rate refers to quantity of day-loss injuries per million of hours worked hours.

 

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The new air emission control equipment for the sinter plant includes an electrostatic precipitator and bag house at a total investment of US$13 million. The new bag house for the steel shops in Argentina and Venezuela increased the waste gas treatment efficiency of these facilities, at a total investment of US$14 million.

Green house gas emissions

According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the steel industry accounts for between 3% to 4% of total world green house gas (GHG) emissions. Ternium supports the steel industry’s ongoing effort to develop innovative solutions to reduce GHG emissions over the lifecycle of steel products.

Today, steel producers utilize complex energy and gas management systems for optimal energy use in their processes. Gaseous by-products are used as fuels, replacing primary energy. As a result of these strategies, the current industrial processes associated with primary steel production are achieving GHG-specific emission levels that are close to the theoretical minimum. This is the case for the electric arc furnace route, which is the technology employed in our steel production facilities in Mexico and Venezuela.

Additionally, certain clean development mechanism projects (CDM, as outlined in the Kyoto Protocol) were internally evaluated and some will be developed at our steel production facility in Argentina, such as the blast oxygen furnace waste gas recovery system for electricity generation. A formal undertaking of this project under the CDM scheme is scheduled to begin in mid 2008.

PCB

Studies made on polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) questioned the utilization of this product as cooling oil in electric transformers, among other applications, as PCB may pose inappropriate risks to health and the environment. Consequently, and in compliance with local laws and regulations as well as with the Stockholm Convention Guidelines, Ternium developed a plan to replace and manage all PCB based electric transformers according to each country’s defined schedule. Upon the conclusion of this plan, all of Ternium’s facilities will become PCB free, beginning with Mexican facilities in 2008.

Air Quality Monitoring Program

The environmental authority of the Buenos Aires Province, Argentina, promotes the development of an air quality monitoring system. Ternium will contribute the equipment to be installed during 2008 in the surroundings of its main facility in the country, located near the city of San Nicolás in said province. These autonomous devices will report real time air quality information to feed a dedicated public website.

 

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Corporate Governance

Shares

Ternium has a single class of shares, with each share having equal rights, including the entitlement to one vote at our general shareholders’ meetings. Our articles of association provide that the annual ordinary general shareholders’ meeting, at which our annual financial statements are approved and the members of our board of directors are appointed, occur in Luxembourg on the first Wednesday of every June at 2:30 p.m., Luxembourg time.

We have an authorized share capital of a single class of 3.5 billion shares, with a nominal value of US$1.00 per share.

Our articles of association currently authorize our board of directors, for a period commencing on June 17, 2005 and ending on October 26, 2010, to issue shares within the limits of our authorized share capital at such times and on such terms and conditions as the board of directors or its delegates may determine. Accordingly, until October 26, 2010, shares may be issued up to the authorized share capital limit of US$3.5 billion by a decision of the board of directors. With the exception of some cases set out in the articles of association, any issuance of shares for cash within the limits of the authorized share capital shall be, as long as our shares are listed on a regulated market, subject to the pre-emptive subscription rights of the then existing shareholders.

There are no limitations currently imposed by Luxembourg law on the rights of non-resident shareholders to hold or vote our shares.

The Company may repurchase its own shares in the cases and subject to the conditions set by the Luxembourg law of August 10, 1915, as amended.

Board of Directors

Our articles of association provide for a board of directors consisting of a minimum of five (5) members (when the shares of the Company are listed on a regulated market as they currently are) and a maximum of fifteen (15) members. The board of directors is vested with the broadest powers to act on behalf of the Company and accomplish or authorize all acts and transactions of management and disposal which are within its corporate purpose and which are not specifically reserved in the articles of association to the general shareholders´ meetings.

The board of directors is required to meet as often as required by the interests of Ternium. A majority of the members of the board of directors in office present or represented at each board of director’s meeting constitutes a quorum, and resolutions may be adopted by the vote of a majority of the directors present or represented. In case of a tie, the chairman is entitled to cast the deciding vote.

Directors are elected at the annual ordinary general shareholders’ meeting to serve one-year renewable terms, as determined by the shareholders. Our current board of directors is comprised of 11 directors and an audit committee, which is comprised entirely of independent directors.

 

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Audit Committee

Ternium has an audit committee consisting of three independent directors. The members of the audit committee are not eligible to participate in any incentive compensation plan for Ternium employees or any of its subsidiaries. Under our articles of association and the audit committee charter, the audit committee:

 

   

assists the board of directors in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities relating to the integrity of the financial statements of the Company, including periodically reporting to the board of directors on its activity;

 

   

is responsible for making recommendations for the appointment, compensation, retention and oversight of, and assessment of the independence of, the Company’s independent auditors;

 

   

reviews Material Transactions (as such term is defined in the Company’s articles of association and the audit committee charter) between Ternium or its subsidiaries with Related Parties (as such term is defined in the Company’s articles of association; other than transactions that were reviewed and approved by the independent members of the board of directors or other governing body of any subsidiary of Ternium) to determine whether their terms are consistent with market conditions or are otherwise fair to Ternium and its subsidiaries; and

 

   

performs such other duties imposed to it by applicable laws and regulations of the regulated market or markets on which the shares of Ternium are listed, as well as any other duty entrusted to it by the board of directors.

The audit committee has the authority to conduct any investigation appropriate to fulfilling its responsibilities, and has direct access to the Company’s internal and external auditors as well as Ternium’s management and employees and, subject to applicable laws, its subsidiaries.

Auditors

Our articles of association require the appointment of at least one independent auditor chosen from among the members of the Luxembourg Institute of Independent Auditors. Auditors are appointed by the shareholders through a resolution passed by a simple majority vote at the annual general shareholders’ meeting, irrespective of the number of shares present or represented, on the audit committee’s recommendation. Shareholders may determine the number and the term of the office of the auditors at the ordinary general shareholders’ meeting, provided however that an auditor’s term shall not exceed one year and that any auditor may be reappointed or dismissed by the shareholders. As part of their duties, the auditors report directly to the audit committee.

PricewaterhouseCoopers (acting, in connection with our statutory annual accounts required under Luxembourg law, through PricewaterhouseCoopers S.ár.l., Réviseur d’entreprises, and, in connection with our annual and interim consolidated financial statements required under the laws of other relevant jurisdictions, through Price Waterhouse & Co. S.R.L.) was appointed as the Company’s independent auditor at the ordinary general shareholders’ meeting held on June 6, 2007. On June 17, 2005, our general shareholders’ meeting resolved to amend and restate the Company’s articles of association, as a result of which the position of statutory auditor was eliminated in accordance with the provisions of applicable Luxembourg law.

 

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Board of Directors and Executive Officers

Board of Directors

Chairman

Paolo Rocca

Vice Chairman

Rinaldo Campos Soares

Ubaldo Aguirre (*)

Roberto Bonatti

Carlos Condorelli

Adrián Lajous Vargas (*)

Bruno Marchettini

Daniel Novegil

Gianfelice Rocca

Pedro Pablo Kuczynski (*)

Bertoldo Machado Veiga

Secretary

Raúl Darderes

 

(*) Audit Committee Members

Executive Officers

Chief Executive Officer and Director

Daniel Novegil

Chief Financial Officer

Roberto Philipps

North Region Area Manager

Julián Eguren

South Region Area Manager

Martín Berardi

Central Region Area Manager

Ricardo Prósperi

International Area Manager

Fernando Landa

Planning and Operations General Director

Oscar Montero

Technical Director

Luis Andreozzi

Human Resources Director

Miguel Angel Punte

Chief Information Officer

Rubén Bocanera

 

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Corporate Information

 

Registered Office    

46a Avenue John F. Kennedy

L1855 - Luxembourg

Luxembourg

   
(352) 26 68 31 52 tel    
(352) 26 68 31 53 fax    
Principal Executive Offices    
México   Argentina   Venezuela

Av. Guerrero Nte. 151

San Nicolás de los Garza - Nuevo León

66452 México

 

Av. Leandro N. Alem 1067 21st Floor

C1001AAF - Buenos Aires

Argentina

 

Av. La Estancia, Edificio General, 9th Floor

Urbanización Chuao - Caracas

Venezuela

(52) 81 8865 2828 phone   (54) 11 4018 4100 phone   (58) 212 600 3901 phone
  (54) 11 4018 1000 fax  

Investor Information

 

Investor Relations Director    General Inquiries   
Sebastián Martí    TERNIUM Investor Relations   
smarti@ternium.com    ir@ternium.com   
Phone      
Toll free number for U.S. callers: 1 (866) 890 0443   
Mexico: 52 (81) 8865 2111      
Argentina: 54 (11) 4018 2389      
Stock Information    ADS Depositary Bank   
New York Stock Exchange (TX)    The Bank of New York   
   Investor Services   
   P.O. Box 11258

Church Street Station

New York, NY 10286-1258

  
   Toll free number for U.S. callers: 1 888 269 2377
   International Callers: (1) 212 815 3700
   shareowners@bankofny.com   
   CUSIP Number: 880890108   

Internet

www.ternium.com

     

 

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Operating and Financial Review (MD&A)

The review of Ternium’s financial condition and results of operations is based on, and should be read in conjunction with, the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements and related notes included in the annual report.

Ternium prepares its consolidated financial statements according to International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), which differ in certain significant respects from Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the United States (US GAAP) and other accounting standards. It is important to note that as a consequence of the consolidation of results and other financial data of Grupo Imsa as of July 26, 2007, results vary significantly from those in 2006.

On February 1, 2008, Ternium completed the sale of its non-strategic interests in certain U.S. subsidiaries of Grupo Imsa to BlueScope Steel North America Corporation, a subsidiary of BlueScope Steel, for a total consideration of US$726 million. Ternium used the proceeds of the sale to prepay financial debt. The decision to sell the aforementioned assets was made on November 30, 2007. The results of these operations up until that date were recorded under a single line item on the income statement item and defined as income from discontinued operations. Ternium expects to record an after-tax gain of approximately US$101 million from the asset sale, which will be accounted for in Ternium’s first quarter 2008 consolidated results.

On April 8, 2008, the Venezuelan government announced its intention to take control over Sidor. Following the confirmation of the Venezuelan government’s decision to nationalize Sidor on April 16, 2008, Ternium, Sidor and the Venezuelan government entered into an agreement providing for the creation of a transition committee, composed of representatives of the government, the labor union and class B employee shareholders. This committee is charged with overseeing Sidor’s operations during the transition period until the nationalization is completed, acting in coordination with Sidor’s board of directors.

On April 29, 2008, the National Assembly of the Republic of Venezuela passed a resolution declaring that the shares of Sidor, together with all of its assets, are of public and social interest. This resolution authorizes the Venezuelan government to take any action it may deem appropriate in connection with any such assets, which may include expropriation.

The discussions among representatives of Ternium and the Venezuelan government regarding adequate and fair terms and conditions upon which all or a significant part of Ternium’s interest in Sidor would be transferred to the government began with the formation of a negotiating committee and are presently under way. The date on which control over Sidor would be transferred to the government is uncertain at this time.

The impact of the potential government actions with respect to Sidor on Ternium’s financial position is not determinable at this time.

Ternium continues to preserve all of its rights under contracts, investment treaties and Venezuelan and international law and will continue to evaluate its options in realizing the fair value of its interest in Sidor.

Results of Operations

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, selected financial data from Ternium’s consolidated income statement and the Company’s operating costs and other expenses for the fiscal years 2007 and 2006.

 

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All amounts on USD Milllion                         

Year ended December 31 2007

   2007     2006  

Net Sales

   8,184.4     100.0 %   6,565.6     100.0 %

Cost of Sales

   (5,796.0 )   -70.8 %   (4,297.0 )   -65.4 %
                        

Gross Profit

   2,388.3     29.2 %   2,268.6     34.6 %

Selling, general and administrative expenses

   (825.8 )   -10.1 %   (624.8 )   -9.5 %

Other operating income and expenses

   23.9     0.3 %   (7.3 )   -0.1 %
                        

Operating Income

   1,586.4     19.4 %   1,636.6     24.9 %

Financial Income (expenses), net

   (426.4 )   -5.2 %   (382.8 )   -5.8 %

Equity in earnings (losses) of associated companies

   (7.1 )   -0.1 %   4.5     0.1 %
                        

Income before income tax and minority interest

   1,153.0     14.1 %   1,258.3     19.2 %

Income tax expenses

   (162.6 )   -2.0 %   (262.4 )   -4.0 %
                        

Income from continuing operations

   990.3     12.1 %   996.0     15.2 %

Income from discontinued operations

   10.8     0.1 %    
                        

Net income for the year

   1,001.2     12.2 %   996.0     15.2 %

Attributable to:

        

Equity holders of the Company

   784.5     9.6 %   795.4     12.1 %

Minority interest

   216.7     2.6 %   200.5     3.1 %

Net Sales

Net sales for the fiscal year 2007 increased 25% to US$8.2 billion, compared with 2006. The sales figure was higher due to the effect of the consolidation of Grupo Imsa, as well as higher shipments and revenue per ton. Shipments of flat and long products were 10.5 million tons during 2007, an increase of 17% compared to shipment levels in 2006, mainly due to Grupo Imsa’s consolidation, higher shipment levels in the South & Central America Region and lower shipment activity in the North America Region. Revenue per ton shipped increased 8% to US$758 in 2007 versus 2006, mainly as a result of higher prices and the consolidation of Grupo Imsa’s higher value added product mix.

During 2007 steel consumption in the North America Region decreased 9% year-over-year, due to the economic slowdown. The lower steel usage largely took place in the U.S. and Canadian steel markets, as industries such as construction, home appliances and automotive softened during 2007. The Mexican steel market was relatively stable in 2007, as it showed a decrease of 1% in apparent steel consumption, while GDP grew 3% for the year.

Ternium’s markets in the South and Central America Region continued their rapid expansion. Steel demand from countries in the Andean Community and the Mercosur benefited from significant GDP growth as well as from an increase in per capita consumption given the large infrastructure and development needs within the Region. Steel markets in Argentina and Venezuela showed relatively strong growth rates during 2007, with apparent steel consumption increases of 14% and 12%, respectively. Argentina benefited from solid GDP growth of 9% in 2007, driven by significant growth in steel consumption in both the industrial and construction sectors. Venezuela also benefitted from a positive environment as GDP grew at a rate of 8%, mainly supported by an expansion of the construction sector. The oil industry in Venezuela operated in a less favorable environment, although Ternium was able to maintain healthy shipment levels to this industry as a result of the development of natural gas projects.

 

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Metric tons (thousands)          
Shipments    2007    2006

South & Central America

   4,779.7    4,360.6

North America

   3,124.7    2,412.6

Europe & Other

   239.5    88.2
         

Total flat steel

   8,143.9    6,861.3

South & Central America

   1,257.4    948.3

North America

   1,113.4    1,225.4

Europe & Other

   15.0    0.0
         

Total long steel

   2,385.9    2,173.7

Total flat and long sales

   10,529.7    9,035.0
         
USD/Ton          
Revenue per ton    2007    2006

South & Central America

   783    700

North America

   838    813

Europe & Other

   631    549
         

Total flat steel

   800    738

South & Central America

   608    555

North America

   625    600

Europe & Other

   457   
         

Total long steel

   615    581

Total flat and long sales

   758    700
         
USD (Millions)          
Net Sales    2007    2006

South & Central America

   3,743.5    3,051.4

North America

   2,617.3    1,960.7

Europe & Other

   151.0    48.4
         

Total flat steel

   6,511.8    5,060.6

South & Central America

   764.1    526.8

North America

   696.0    735.8

Europe & Other

   6.9    0.0
         

Total long steel

   1,466.9    1,262.6

Total flat and long sales

   7,978.7    6,323.2

Other products

   205.7    242.4
         

Total net sales

   8,184.4    6,565.6
         

Flat Product Sales

Flat steel sales in 2007 totaled US$6.5 billion, 29% higher than in 2006, as a result of the consolidation of Grupo Imsa and higher shipments and revenue per ton. Shipments of flat products totaled 8.1 million tons in 2007, an increase of 19% compared with 2006, mainly due to higher shipment levels in the South & Central America Region, the consolidation of Grupo Imsa and lower shipment activity in the North America Region. Healthy steel demand in the South & Central America steel markets, fueled by growth in construction, capital equipment and automotive industries, helped offset the decrease in sales volume to the North America Region. Revenue per ton shipped increased 8% to US$800 in 2007 compared with 2006, mainly as a result of higher steel prices and the consolidation of Grupo Imsa’s higher value added product mix.

Long Product Sales

Long steel sales reached US$1.5 billion in 2007, an increase of 16% compared to 2006 due to higher shipment levels in the South & Central America Region partially offset by lower sales volume in the North America Region, while prices were higher across all of Ternium’s markets. Shipments of long products totaled 2.4 million tons in 2007, representing a 10% increase versus 2006. The strong construction activity in South and Central America, in particular that of Argentina and Venezuela, offset the softness observed in the NAFTA markets. Revenue per ton shipped increased 6% to US$615 in 2007 over 2006.

 

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Sales by Region

Flat and long product sales in the South & Central America Region were US$4.5 billion in 2007, an increase of 26% versus 2006. This increase was due to higher volumes and revenue per ton. Shipments in the region totaled 6.0 million tons during 2007, an increase of 14% compared to 2006. Demand for steel grew in 2007 as a result of healthy economic growth in the region, spurred mainly by strong commodity prices. Revenue per ton shipped in the South & Central America Region increased 11% to US$747 in 2007 over 2006, mainly due to favorable pricing conditions.

Sales of flat and long products in the North America Region totaled US$3.3 billion in 2007, an increase of 23% versus 2006. Shipments in the region were 4.2 million tons during 2007, an increase of 16% versus 2006, mainly due to the effect of the consolidation of Grupo Imsa, partially offset by a decrease in shipments mainly due to the softening economy and a destocking process that took place throughout 2007. Revenue per ton shipped increased 5% to US$782 in 2007 versus 2006, mainly as a result of the consolidation of Grupo Imsa’s higher value added product mix.

Cost of sales

Cost of sales totaled US$5.8 billion in 2007, or 71% of net sales, compared to US$4.3 billion, or 65% of net sales, in 2006. Cost of sales increased as a result of the consolidation of Grupo Imsa, which increased Ternium’s cost per ton due to Grupo Imsa’s higher production cost structure and higher value added product sales mix. Additionally, Ternium experienced higher year-over-year cost of sales due mainly to an increase in shipment volume; higher costs for raw materials and other supplies, as well as increased costs for freight, services, labor and maintenance; and higher amortizations. Cost of sales in 2006 were largely impacted by certain one-time events, which increased costs in the fourth quarter of that year.

Prices for slab supplies to Ternium’s Mexican operations were higher during 2007 compared to 2006. In addition, the consolidation of Grupo Imsa resulted in an increased volume of purchased slabs with a cost per ton significantly higher than Ternium’s average cost of slab production.

Prices for iron ore supplies to Ternium’s Argentine and Venezuelan operations were higher during 2007 than they were in 2006. In addition, the metallic mix cost reflected lower efficiencies at Siderar that resulted from iron ore river transportation constraints during the fourth quarter 2007.

Scrap prices increased year-over-year in Mexico during 2007. Additionally, labor costs in Argentina and Venezuela increased during 2007 versus the prior year.

Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses

Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses in 2007 were US$825.8 million, or 10% of net sales, compared with US$624.8 million, or 10% of net sales, in 2006. The increase in SG&A expenses in absolute terms in 2007 resulted in part from the consolidation of Grupo Imsa. In addition, Ternium’s SG&A increased mainly from higher freight expenses associated with higher shipment levels and related costs, as well as a year-over-year tax increase in Venezuela related to a recently enacted tax on debits in checking accounts and higher personnel costs in Argentina and Venezuela.

 

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Operating income and EBITDA

Operating income in 2007 was US$1.6 billion, or 19% of net sales, compared with US$1.6 billion, or 25% of net sales, in 2006. EBITDA in 2007 was US$2.2 billion, or 26% of net sales, compared to US$2.1 billion, or 32% of net sales, in 2006. The reduction in Ternium’s EBITDA margin resulted from the consolidation of Grupo Imsa, which as a steel processor has lower EBITDA margins than integrated producers. In addition, Ternium’s EBITDA margin in 2007 was affected by higher costs partially offset by higher volumes and prices. Equity holders’ EBITDA in 2007 was 68% of Ternium’s EBITDA.

Net financial expenses

Net financial expenses totaled US$426.4 million in 2007, compared with US$382.8 million in 2006. This increase was due mainly to:

 

 

A US$20.3 million increase in net foreign exchange losses — an effect that is offset to a large extent by changes in Ternium’s net equity position — that resulted primarily from the impact of the Mexican Peso depreciation on the Company’s Mexican subsidiaries’ US dollar denominated debt. Ternium’s subsidiaries prepare their financial statements in currencies other than the U.S. dollar in accordance with IFRS;

 

 

A US$14.9 million increase in net interest expense that is primarily associated with an increase in net debt as a result of the Grupo Imsa transaction; and

 

 

A US$12.4 million increase in the excess cash distribution related to Sidor’s participation accounts, partially offset by a US$13.0 million net increase in the fair value of some derivative instruments entered into by Ternium in order to mitigate energy prices and interest rate fluctuations.

Ternium Sidor’s excess cash distribution related to the participation accounts recognized in 2007 was US$701.6 million, compared with US$670.9 million in 2006. The recognition of payments to minority shareholders of Sidor resulted in expenses for Ternium of US$282.5 million in 2007, compared with expenses of US$270.2 million in 2006.

Income tax expense

Income tax expense for 2007 was US$162.6 million or 14% of income before income tax and minority interest. This figure includes a gain of US$135.2 million as a result of Sidor’s lower deferred tax liability, which resulted mainly from an adjustment for inflation concerning the value of Sidor’s depreciable fixed assets for tax purposes in accordance with Venezuelan tax law. The 2007 income tax expense compares with a 2006 income tax expense of US$262.4 million, or 21% of income before income tax and minority interest.

Income attributable to minority interest

Income attributable to minority interest for 2007 was US$216.7 million, compared with US$200.5 million in 2006. The year-over-year increase was due mainly to higher income attributable to minority interest in Sidor, partially offset by the reduction in minority interest on account of Ternium’s acquisition of an additional 4.85% stake in Siderar on December 29, 2006.

Liquidity and Financial Resources

Our financing strategy is to maintain adequate financial resources at hand and access to additional liquidity to meet our objective of strategic acquisitions and organic growth. In 2007 we tapped the capital markets to obtain bank financing for our US$1.7 billion equity investment in Grupo Imsa. However, cash flow from operations was still Ternium’s principal source of funding during the year.

 

EBITDA in 2007 equals operating income of US$1.6 billion plus depreciation and amortization of US$565.8 million.

 

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We are confident that our cash flow from operations and our access to external borrowings are sufficient to meet our needs for working capital and that we have ample debt coverage to service our obligations for the foreseeable future. We believe that our liquidity and access to capital and international bank markets give us significant flexibility to execute our planned capital expenditures and to carry out strategic acquisitions if such opportunities arise.

We hold money market investments and variable rate or fixed rate securities from investment grade issuers. We concentrate our cash in major financial centers, mainly New York. We hold our cash primarily in U.S. dollars and limit our holdings of other currencies to the minimum required to fund our cash operating needs. Liquid financial assets as a whole represented 9% of our total assets at the end of 2007.

Historical Cash Flows

Operating Activities

Net cash provided by operating activities in 2007 was US$1.6 billion compared to US$1.2 billion in 2006. Net cash provided by operating activities in 2007 was comprised of net income of US$1.0 billion plus added-back depreciation and amortization of US$565.8 million, a deduction of US$181.0 million for income tax accruals, less payments mainly related to Sidor’s lower deferred tax liabilities and other adjustments, including working capital needs, which increased the figure by US$178.2 million. Net cash provided by operating activities in 2006 consisted of net income of US$996.0 million, plus added-back depreciation of US$424.5 million and other adjustments including working capital needs which reduced the figure by US$175.5 million. The year-over-year increase in net cash provided by operating activities resulted mainly from a reduction in working capital needs and higher depreciation and amortization charges, partially offset by an increase in income tax accruals less payments.

 

USD (Millions)             
     2007     2006  

Net cash provided by operating activities

   1,564.2     1,245.0  

Acquisition of business

   (1,538.8 )   (210.5 )

Capital expenditures

   (436.3 )   (405.8 )

Other investing activities, net

   (348.6 )   6.0  
            

Net Cash used in investing activities

   (2,323.6 )   (610.4 )

Net Cash provided by (used in) financing activities

   1,252.7     (756.3 )
            

Increase / (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

   493.3     (121.7 )

Effect of exchange rate changes

   (0.3 )   (0.3 )

Cash and cash equivalents at January 1

   633.0     755.0  
            

Cash and cash equivalents at December 31

   1,126.1     633.0  
            

 

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Table of Contents

Investing Activities

Net cash used in investing activities during 2007 was US$2.3 billion compared to US$610.4 million in 2006. Net cash used in investing activities in 2007 was mainly comprised of US$436.3 disbursed for capital expenditures, US$1.5 billion used for the acquisition of Grupo Imsa and US$297.7 million of income tax paid in connection with the same acquisition that constitutes an income tax credit. Net cash used in investing activities in 2006 consisted mainly of US$405.8 million for capital expenditures and US$210.5 million used to acquire Impeco, as well to make a 50% equity investment in Acerex and to acquire a 4.85% stake in Siderar.

Capital expenditures disbursed in 2007 included the following main investments:

 

   

Mexico: the upgrading of the hot strip mills and one cold rolled mill;

 

   

Argentina: the relining of one blast furnace, the revamping and expansion of the coking facilities and the construction of a new bag house for the steel shop; and

 

   

Venezuela: the revamping of one DRI production unit, the upgrading of the loading system and the construction of a new ladle furnace in one steel shop.

Ternium’s US$405.8 million capital expenditures disbursed in 2006 included the following investments:

 

   

Mexico: the installation of facilities for storing and handling slabs, a new reheating furnace and the upgrading of the hot strip mill #1;

 

   

Argentina: the relining of blast furnace #1 as well as improvements and enhancements in the areas of sinter production, coking facilities and the hot strip mill; and

 

   

Venezuela: new oxygen production facilities, the revamping and expansion of the Midrex direct reduction of iron modules and disbursements associated with the installation of a new ladle furnace.

Financing Activities

Net cash provided by financing activities in 2007 was US$1.3 billion compared to net cash used in financing activities of US$756.3 million in 2006. Proceeds from borrowings during 2007 were US$4.1 billion, mainly related to the Grupo Imsa transaction. A majority of this debt is held by Ternium’s Mexican subsidiaries. Repayment of borrowings in 2007 was US$2.8 billion, related to the refinancing of most of Ternium’s Mexican subsidiaries’ outstanding debt and to debt payments upon maturity. Ternium also paid dividends of US$100.2 million in 2007.

In 2006, Ternium did not engage in major acquisitions and applied a large positive cash flow from operations, the net proceeds of its IPO for US$525 million and new borrowings of US$167.3 million to pay scheduled debt maturities and to prepay outstanding borrowings for a total of US$1.4 billion.

 

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Principal Sources of Funding

Funding Policy

Our policy is to maintain a high degree of flexibility in our operating and investment activities by maintaining adequate liquidity levels and ensuring our access to readily available sources of financing. Most of our financing is conducted in U.S. dollars. We select the type of facility, associated rate and term after considering the intended use of proceeds.

Financial Liabilities

Ternium’s borrowings as of December 31, 2007, consisted mainly of different bank loans and facilities. Outstanding financial debt amounted to US$4.1 billion at year end, compared with US$1.1 billion as of December 31, 2006, an increase of US$3.0 billion largely resulting from new financing and debt assumed in connection with the Grupo Imsa transaction. Ternium’s net debt position (borrowings less cash and cash equivalents and other current investments) increased by US$2.5 billion during 2007 to US$2.9 billion as of December 31, 2007, compared to net debt of US$413.7 million as of December 31, 2006.

In a subsequent event corresponding to the sale of Grupo Imsa’s non-strategic interests in the U.S., the net proceeds of US$726 million were used to pre-pay financial debt and, as a result of this pre-payment, Ternium’s net financial debt got reduced to approximately US$2.2 billion, or approximately 1.0x net debt to 2007 EBITDA.

The dollar denominated portion of the US$4.1 billion of Ternium’s outstanding financial debt is 97.8%. For 2007, the average interest rate, which incorporates instruments denominated in various currencies, was 6.15%. The Company has in place a variety of interest rates derivatives put in place to mitigate interest rate fluctuations as most of the Company’s long term borrowings outstanding of as of December 31, 2007 were Libor based variable rates. The amounts, tenor and main characteristics of the instruments can be found on Note 25 in the Financial Statements section.

 

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TERNIUM S.A.

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of December 31, 2007 and 2006 and

for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

46a, Avenue John F. Kennedy, 2nd floor

L – 1855

R.C.S. Luxembourg : B 98 668

 


Table of Contents

TERNIUM S.A.

Index to financial statements

Consolidated Financial Statements

 

     Page

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

   1

Consolidated income statements for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

   2

Consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2007 and 2006

   3

Consolidated statements of changes in shareholders’ equity for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

   4

Consolidated cash flow statements for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

   6

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

   8


Table of Contents

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of

Ternium S.A.

In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related consolidated statements of income, of cash flows and of changes in shareholders’ equity present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Ternium S.A. and its subsidiaries at December 31, 2007 and 2006, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2007 in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

February 26, 2008

 

PRICE WATERHOUSE & CO. S.R.L.

by

 

 

 

(Partner)

Marcelo D. Pfaff

 

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Table of Contents

TERNIUM S.A.

Consolidated financial statements

as of December 31, 2007 and 2006 and

for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

(All amounts in USD thousands)

CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS

 

          Year ended December 31,  
     Notes    2007     2006     2005  

Continuing operations

         

Net sales

   30    8,184,381     6,565,582     4,449,771  

Cost of sales

   6 & 30    (5,796,040 )   (4,296,979 )   (2,486,974 )
                     

Gross profit

      2,388,341     2,268,603     1,962,797  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

   7    (825,807 )   (624,784 )   (504,687 )

Other operating income (expenses), net

   9    23,874     (7,250 )   (65,949 )
                     

Operating income

      1,586,408     1,636,569     1,392,161  

Interest expense

   30 & 31    (142,137 )   (112,918 )   (81,608 )

Interest income

   30    66,878     52,554     32,324  

Other financial expenses, net

   10 & 30    (351,096 )   (322,417 )   (261,452 )

Excess of fair value of net assets acquired over cost

   3    —       —       188,356  

Equity in (losses) earnings of associated companies

   14    (7,065 )   4,534     21,524  
                     

Income before income tax expense

      1,152,988     1,258,322     1,291,305  

Income tax expense

   11    (162,640 )   (262,356 )   (218,492 )
                     

Income from continuing operations

      990,348     995,966     1,072,813  

Discontinued operations

         

Income from discontinued operations

   29    10,818     —       —    
                     

Net income for the year

      1,001,166     995,966     1,072,813  
                     

Attributable to:

         

Equity holders of the Company

   28    784,490     795,424     704,406  

Minority interest

      216,676     200,542     368,407  
                     
      1,001,166     995,966     1,072,813  
                     
Weighted average number of shares outstanding    28    2,004,743,442     1,936,833,060     1,209,476,609  
Basic earnings per share for profit attributable to the equity holders of the Company (expressed in USD per share)       0.39     0.41     0.58  
Diluted earnings per share for profit attributable to the equity holders of the Company (expressed in USD per share)       0.39     0.41     0.54  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

TERNIUM S.A.

Consolidated financial statements

as of December 31, 2007 and 2006 and

for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

(All amounts in USD thousands)

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

     Notes    December 31, 2007    December 31, 2006

ASSETS

              

Non-current assets

              

Property, plant and equipment, net

   12    6,858,779       5,420,683   

Intangible assets, net

   13    1,452,230       551,587   

Investments in associated companies

   14    44,042       16,285   

Other investments, net

   15 & 30    14,815       13,387   

Deferred tax assets

   23    31,793       36,439   

Receivables, net

   16 & 30    217,638    8,619,297    78,903    6,117,284
                      

Current assets

              

Receivables

   17 & 30    426,038       175,818   

Derivative financial instruments

   25    577       7,852   

Inventories, net

   18    1,913,051       1,241,325   

Trade receivables, net

   19 & 30    847,827       577,866   

Other investments

   20    65,337       —     

Cash and cash equivalents

   20    1,126,041    4,378,871    643,352    2,646,213
                  

Non-current assets classified as held for sale

   29       769,142       7,042
                  
         5,148,013       2,653,255
                  

Total assets

         13,767,310       8,770,539
                  
EQUITY               
Capital and reserves attributable to the company’s equity holders          4,452,680       3,757,558
Minority interest          1,914,210       1,729,583
                  

Total equity

         6,366,890       5,487,141
                  

LIABILITIES

              

Non-current liabilities

              

Provisions

   21    57,345       60,543   

Deferred income tax

   23    1,337,039       985,155   

Other liabilities

   24    336,500       274,566   

Trade payables

   30    6,690       7,229   

Borrowings

   26    3,677,497    5,415,071    548,401    1,875,894
                      

Current liabilities

              

Current tax liabilities

      184,766       103,195   

Other liabilities

   24 & 30    182,239       158,374   

Trade payables

   30    983,884       621,754   

Derivative financial instruments

   25    13,293       15,487   

Borrowings

   26    407,404    1,771,586    508,694    1,407,504
                  

Liabilities directly associated with non-current assets classified as held for sale

   29       213,763       —  
                  
         1,985,349       1,407,504
                  

Total liabilities

         7,400,420       3,283,398
                  

Total equity and liabilities

         13,767,310       8,770,539
                  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

TERNIUM S.A.

Consolidated financial statements

as of December 31, 2007 and 2006 and

for the year ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

(All amounts in USD thousands)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

    Attributable to the Company’s equity holders (1)  
    Capital
stock (2)
  Initial
public
offering
expenses
    Revaluation
and other
reserves
    Capital
stock issue
discount (3)
    Currency
translation
adjustment
    Retained
earnings
  Total     Minority
interest
    Total
Equity at
December 31,
2007
    Total
Equity at
December 31,
2006
 

Balance at January 1

  2,004,744   (23,295 )   2,047,199     (2,324,866 )   (121,608 )   2,175,384   3,757,558     1,729,583     5,487,141     3,575,919  

Currency translation adjustment

          10,869       10,869     (13,019 )   (2,150 )   (36,907 )

Net income for the year

            784,490   784,490     216,676     1,001,166     995,966  

Total recognized income for the year

          10,869     784,490   795,359     203,657     999,016     959,059  
                                                       

Dividends paid in cash and other distributions

      (100,237 )         (100,237 )     (100,237 )   —    

Dividends paid in cash and other distributions by subsidiary companies

                (20,000 )   (20,000 )   (27,175 )

Acquisition of business (see Note 3)

                (195 )   (195 )   (154,690 )

Contributions from shareholders

(see Note 1)

                —       —       3,085  

Contributions from minority shareholders in consolidated subsidiaries

                1,165     1,165     —    

Conversion of Subordinated Convertible Loans (see Note 1)

                —       —       605,924  

Initial Public Offering (see Note 1)

                —       —       525,019  
                                                       

Balance at December 31

  2,004,744   (23,295 )   1,946,962     (2,324,866 )   (110,739 )   2,959,874   4,452,680     1,914,210     6,366,890     5,487,141  
                                                       

 

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Table of Contents

TERNIUM S.A.

Consolidated financial statements

as of December 31, 2007 and 2006 and

for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

(All amounts in USD thousands)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (CONTINUED)

 

     Attributable to the Company’s equity holders (1)                               
     Capital
stock (2)
   Initial
public
offering
expenses
    Revaluation
and other
reserves
    Capital
stock issue
discount (3)
    Currency
translation
adjustment
    Retained
earnings
   Total     Minority
interest
    Total
Equity at
December 31,
2006
    Total
Equity at
December 31,
2005
 

Balance at January 1

   1,396,552    (5,456 )   1,462,137     (2,298,048 )   (92,691 )   1,379,960    1,842,454     1,733,465     3,575,919     1,771,851  

Currency translation adjustment

            (28,917 )      (28,917 )   (7,990 )   (36,907 )   (120,246 )

Net income for the year

              795,424    795,424     200,542     995,966     1,072,813  
                                                          

Total recognized income for the year

            (28,917 )   795,424    766,507     192,552     959,059     952,567  

Dividends paid in cash and other distributions

                     —       (238,652 )

Dividends paid in cash and other distributions by subsidiary companies

                   (27,175 )   (27,175 )   (130,571 )

Acquisition of business (see Note 3)

        (32,429 )          (32,429 )   (122,261 )   (154,690 )   1,171,422  

Contributions from shareholders (see Note 1)

   33,801      43,100     (26,818 )        50,083     (46,998 )   3,085     54,758  

Conversion of Subordinated Convertible Loans (see Note 1)

   302,962      302,962            605,924       605,924     —    

Initial Public Offering (see Note 1)

   271,429    (17,839 )   271,429            525,019       525,019     (5,456 )
                                                          

Balance at December 31

   2,004,744    (23,295 )   2,047,199     (2,324,866 )   (121,608 )   2,175,384    3,757,558     1,729,583     5,487,141     3,575,919  
                                                          

 

(1) Shareholders’ equity determined in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in Luxembourg is disclosed in Note 27 (iv).
(2) At December 31, 2007, the Capital Stock adds up to 2,004,743,442 shares at a nominal value of USD1 each.
(3) Represents the difference between book value of non-monetary contributions received from shareholders under Luxembourg GAAP and IFRS.

Dividends may be paid by Ternium to the extent distributable retained earnings calculated in accordance with Luxembourg law and regulations exist. Therefore, retained earnings included in these consolidated financial statements may not be wholly distributable. See Note 27 (iv). The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

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TERNIUM S.A.

Consolidated financial statements

as of December 31, 2007 and 2006 and

for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

(All amounts in USD thousands)

CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENTS

 

          Year ended December 31,
     Notes    2007    2006    2005

Cash flows from operating activities

           

Net income for the year

      1,001,166    995,966    1,072,813

Adjustments for:

           

Depreciation and amortization

   12&13    565,848    424,495    316,405

Income tax accruals less payments

   31    (181,048)    (18,075)    (44,008)

Derecognition of property, plant and equipment

   9 (iii)    —      13,323    54,348

Excess of fair value of net assets acquired over cost

   3    —      —      (188,356)

Changes to pension plan

   24    —      46,947    —  

Equity in loss (earnings) of associated companies

   14    7,065    (4,534)    (21,524)

Interest accruals less payments

   31    89,465    4,197    24,523

Changes in provisions

   21&22    (10,125)    33,802    19,046

Changes in working capital

   31    24,883    (276,153)    54,420

Discontinued operations

   29    6,535    —      —  

Others

      60,412    25,005    (25,212)
                 

Net cash provided by operating activities

      1,564,201    1,244,973    1,262,455
                 

Cash flows from investing activities

           

Capital expenditures

   12&13    (436,268)    (405,817)    (244,939)

Changes in trust funds

      —      5,185    83,570

Acquisition of business:

           

Purchase consideration

   3    (1,728,869)    (210,548)    (2,196,678)

Cash acquired (1)

   3    190,087    —      520,753

Income tax credit paid on business acquisition

   3    (297,700)    —      —  

Increase in other investments

      (65,337)    —      —  

Investments in associated companies

      —      (2,598)    —  

Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment

      24,883    3,425    6,063

Discontinued operations

   29    (10,435)    —      —  
                 

Net cash used in investing activities

      (2,323,639)    (610,353)    (1,831,231)
                 

Cash flows from financing activities

           

Dividends paid in cash and other distributions to company’s shareholders

      (100,237)    —      (238,652)

Dividends paid in cash and other distributions by subsidiary companies

      (20,000)    (27,175)    (130,571)

Net proceeds from Initial Public Offering

      —      525,019    —  

Contributions from shareholders

      —      3,085    54,758

Contributions from minority shareholders in consolidated subsidiaries

      1,165    —      —  

Proceeds from borrowings

      4,132,745    167,283    2,135,430

Repayments of borrowings

      (2,760,938)    (1,424,495)    (657,597)
                 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

      1,252,735    (756,283)    1,163,368
                 

Increase (Decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

      493,297    (121,663)    594,592

Movement in cash and cash equivalents

           

At January 1,(2)

      633,002    754,980    194,875

Effect of exchange rate changes

      (258)    (315)    (34,487)

Increase (Decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

      493,297    (121,663)    594,592
                 

Cash and cash equivalents at December 31,

   20    1,126,041    633,002    754,980
                 

Non-cash transactions

        

Conversion of debt instruments into shares

   —      605,924    127,576

 

(1) The amount of cash acquired of USD 520,753 was presented as a movement in cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2005.
(2) In addition, the Company has restricted cash for USD 10,350 and USD 10,650 at December 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005, respectively.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

TERNIUM S.A.

Consolidated financial statements

as of December 31, 2007 and 2006 and

for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

(All amounts in USD thousands)

INDEX TO THE NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

1 Business of the Company, Initial Public Offering and corporate reorganization
2 Basis of presentation
3 Acquisition of business
4 Accounting policies
5 Segment information
6 Cost of sales
7 Selling, general and administrative expenses
8 Labor costs (included in cost of sales, selling, general and administrative expenses)
9 Other operating income (expense), net
10 Other financial expenses, net
11 Income tax expense
12 Property, plant and equipment, net
13 Intangible assets, net
14 Investments in associated companies
15 Other investments, net – non current
16 Receivables, net - non current
17 Receivables - current
18 Inventories, net
19 Trade receivables, net
20 Cash, cash equivalents and other investments
21 Allowances and Provisions - non current
22 Allowances - current
23 Deferred income tax
24 Other liabilities
25 Derivative financial instruments
26 Borrowings
27 Contingencies, commitments and restrictions on the distribution of profits
28 Earnings per share
29 Discontinued operations
30 Related party transactions
31 Cash flow disclosures
32 Recently issued accounting pronouncements
33 Financial risk management
34 Post balance sheet events

 

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Table of Contents

TERNIUM S.A.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

 

1 Business of the Company, Initial Public Offering and corporate reorganization

Ternium S.A. (the “Company” or “Ternium”), a Luxembourg Corporation (Societé Anonyme), was incorporated on December 22, 2003 to hold investments in flat and long steel manufacturing and distributing companies.

Near the end of 2004, Ternium was acquired by its ultimate parent company San Faustín N.V. (“San Faustín”), a Netherlands Antilles company, to serve as a vehicle in the restructuring of San Faustín’s investments in the flat and long steel manufacturing and distribution business. This restructuring was carried out by means of a corporate reorganization through which Ternium was assigned the equity interests previously held by San Faustín and its subsidiaries in various flat and long steel manufacturing and distributing companies (the “Corporate Reorganization”). The Corporate Reorganization took place in fiscal year 2005. Until that date, Ternium was a dormant company.

On January 11, 2006, the Company successfully completed its registration process with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and announced the commencement of its offer to sell 24,844,720 American Depositary Shares (“ADS”) representing 248,447,200 shares of common stock through Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., JP Morgan Securities Inc., Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated, BNP Paribas Securities Corp., Caylon Securities (USA) Inc. and Bayerische Hypo-und Vereinsbank AG (collectively, the “Underwriters” and the offering thereunder, the “Initial Public Offering”). The Company’s Initial Public Offering was priced at USD20 per ADS. The gross proceeds from the Initial Public Offering totaled USD 496.9 million and have been used to fully repay Tranche A of the Ternium Credit Facility, after deducting related expenses.

Ternium’s ADSs began trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “TX” on February 1, 2006. The Company’s Initial Public Offering was settled on February 6, 2006.

Also, the Company granted the Underwriters an option, exercisable for 30 days from January 31, 2006, to purchase up to 3,726,708 additional ADSs at the public offering price of USD20 per ADS less an underwriting discount of USD0.55 per ADS. On February 23, 2006 the Underwriters exercised partially this over-allotment option granted by the Company. In connection with this option, on March 1, 2006, the Company issued 22,981,360 new shares. The gross proceeds from this transaction totaled USD46.0 million.

In addition, during 2005, the Company entered into the Subordinated Convertible Loan Agreements for a total aggregate amount of USD594 million to fund the acquisition of Hylsamex. As per the provisions contained in the Subordinated Convertible Loan Agreements, the Subordinated Convertible Loans would be converted into shares of the Company upon delivery of Ternium’s ADSs to the Underwriters. On February 6, 2006, the Subordinated Convertible Loans (including interest accrued through January 31, 2006) were converted into shares at a conversion price of USD 2 per share, resulting in the issuance of 302,962,261 new shares on February 9, 2006.

Furthermore, in November 2005, Siderúrgica del Turbio Sidetur S.A. (“Sidetur”), a subsidiary of Siderúrgica Venezolana Sivensa S.A. (“Sivensa”), exchanged with Inversora Siderúrgica Limited (“ISL”, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ternium’s majority shareholder) its 3.42% equity interest in Consorcio Siderurgia Amazonia Ltd. (“Amazonia”) and USD 3.1 million in cash for shares of the Company. On February 9, 2006, ISL contributed all of its assets and liabilities (including its interest in Amazonia) to the Company in exchange for 959,482,775 newly issues shares of the Company after the settlement of the Initial Public Offering. The increase in equity resulting from this transaction is reflected under “Contributions from shareholders” line items in the Statement of changes in shareholders’ equity and amounts to USD 50,083.

After the completion of the Initial Public Offering, the conversion of the Subordinated Convertible Loans, the exercise of the option granted to the Underwriters and the consummation of the transactions contemplated in the Corporate Reorganization agreement, 2,004,743,442 shares (including shares in the form of ADSs) were outstanding.

 

2 Basis of presentation

These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with those IFRS standards and IFRIC interpretations issued and effective or issued and early adopted as at the time of preparing these statements (February 2008), as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board. These consolidated financial statements are presented in thousands of United States dollars (“USD”).

As mentioned in Note 1, Ternium was assigned the equity interests previously held by San Faustín and its subsidiaries in various flat and long steel manufacturing and distributing companies. As these transactions were carried out among entities under common control, the assets and liabilities contributed to the Company have been accounted for at the relevant predecessor’s cost, reflecting the carrying amount of such assets and liabilities. Accordingly, the consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of the above-mentioned companies on a combined basis at historical book values on a carryover basis as though the contribution had taken place on January 1, 2003, (the transition date to IFRS ) and no adjustment has been made to reflect fair values at the time of the contribution.

 

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Table of Contents

TERNIUM S.A.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Contd.)

2 Basis of presentation (continued)

 

Detailed below are the companies whose consolidated financial statements have been included in these consolidated financial statements.

 

Company

  

Country of

Organization

  

Main activity

   Percentage of ownership at
December 31,
 
         2007     2006     2005  
Ternium S.A.    Luxembourg    Holding of investments in flat and long steel manufacturing and distributing companies    100.00 %   100.00 %   100.00 %
Hylsamex S.A. de C.V. (1)    Mexico    Holding company    88.23 %   88.22 %   86.68 %
Siderar S.A.I.C.    Argentina    Manufacturing of flat steel products    60.93 %   60.93 %   56.07 %
Sidor C.A. (2)    Venezuela    Manufacturing and selling of steel products    56.38 %   56.38 %   53.20 %

Ternium Internacional S.A.

(formerly Techintrade Uruguay S.A.)

   Uruguay    Holding company and marketing of steel products    100.00 %   100.00 %   100.00 %
III Industrial Investments Inc. S.A. de C.V. (3)    Mexico    Holding company    —       100.00 %   100.00 %
Inversiones Siderúrgicas S.A.    Panama    Holding company    —       100.00 %   100.00 %
Ylopa—Servicos de Consultadoria Lda. (4)    Madeira - Free zone    Participation in the debt restructuring process of Amazonia and Sidor C.A.    95.66 %   95.66 %   95.12 %
Consorcio Siderurgia Amazonia Ltd.(5)    Cayman Islands    Holding of investments in Venezuelan steel companies    94.39 %   94.39 %   89.07 %
Fasnet International S.A.    Panama    Holding company    100.00 %   100.00 %   100.00 %
Alvory S.A.    Uruguay    Holding of investment in procurement services companies    100.00 %   100.00 %   100.00 %
Comesi San Luis S.A.I.C. (6)    Argentina    Production of cold or hot rold prepainted, formed and skelped steel sheets    61.32 %   61.32 %   56.07 %
Inversiones Basilea S.A. (7)    Chile    Purchase and sale of real estate and other    60.93 %   60.93 %   56.07 %
Prosid Investments S.C.A.(7)    Uruguay    Holding company    60.93 %   60.93 %   56.07 %
Impeco S.A. (7).    Argentina    Manufacturing of pipe products    60.93 %   60.93 %   60.93 %
Socominter de Guatemala S.A. (8)    Guatemala    Marketing of steel products    100.00 %   100.00 %   100.00 %
Ternium Internacional España S.L.U (formerly Socominter de España S.A.U.) (8)    Spain    Marketing of steel products    100.00 %   100.00 %   100.00 %
Ternium International Ecuador S.A. (formerly Socotrading S.A.) (8)    Ecuador    Marketing of steel products    100.00 %   100.00 %   100.00 %
Ternium International USA Corporation (formerly Techintrade Corporation) (8)    USA    Marketing of steel products    100.00 %   100.00 %   100.00 %
Ternium Internationaal B.V. (formerly Techint Engineering Company B.V.)(8)    Netherlands    Marketing of steel products    100.00 %   100.00 %   100.00 %

 

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Table of Contents

TERNIUM S.A.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Contd.)

 

2 Basis of presentation (continued)

 

Company

  

Country of

Organization

  

Main activity

   Percentage of ownership at
December 31,
 
         2007     2006     2005  
Ternium Internacional Perú S.A.C. (formerly Techintrade del Perú S.A.C.) (8)    Peru    Marketing of steel products    100.00 %   100.00 %   100.00 %
Ternium International Inc.(8)    Panama    Marketing of steel products    100.00 %   100.00 %   —    
Hylsa S.A. de C.V. (9)    Mexico    Manufacturing and selling of steel products    88.23 %   88.22 %   86.68 %
Ferropak Comercial S.A. de C.V. (9)    Mexico    Scrap company    88.23 %   88.22 %   86.68 %
Ferropak Servicios S.A. de C.V. (9)    Mexico    Services    88.23 %   88.22 %   86.68 %
Galvacer America Inc (9)    USA    Distributing company    88.23 %   88.22 %   86.68 %
Galvamet America Corp (9)    USA    Manufacturing and selling of insulates panel products    88.23 %   88.22 %   86.68 %
Transamerica E. & I. Trading Corp (9)    USA    Scrap company    88.23 %   88.22 %   86.68 %
Galvatubing Inc. (9)    USA    Manufacturing and selling of pipe products    88.23 %   88.22 %   86.68 %
Las Encinas S.A. de C.V. (9)    Mexico    Exploration, explotation and pelletizing of iron ore    88.23 %   88.22 %   86.68 %
Técnica Industrial S.A. de C.V. (9)    Mexico    Services    88.23 %   88.22 %   86.68 %
Acerex S.A. de C.V.    Mexico    Tooling services    —       —       43.34 %
Acerex Servicios S.A. de C.V.    Mexico    Services    —       —       43.34 %
Consorcio Minero Benito Juarez Peña Colorada S.A.de C.V. (10)    Mexico    Exploration, explotation and pelletizing of iron ore    44.12 %   44.11 %   43.34 %
Peña Colorada Servicios S.A. de C.V. (10)    Mexico    Services    44.12 %   44.11 %   43.34 %
Ternium Treasury Services S.A.    Uruguay    Financial Services    100.00 %   —       —    
Ternium Treasury Services B.V    Holanda    Financial Services    100.00 %   —       —    
Servicios Integrales Nova de Monterrey S.A. de C.V. (11)    Mexico    Medical and Social Services    65.73 %   —       —    

Ternium Mexico S.A. de C.V.

(formerly Grupo Imsa S.A.B. de C.V.)

   Mexico    Holding company    100.00 %   —       —    
Imsa Acero S.A. de C.V. (12)    Mexico    Holding company    100.00 %   —       —    
Enermex S.A. de C.V. (12)    Mexico    Holding company    100.00 %   —       —    
Sefimsa S.A. de C.V. (12)    Mexico    Financial Services    100.00 %   —       —    
Ecore Holding S. de R.L. de C.V. (12)    Mexico    Holding company    100.00 %   —       —    
Neotec L.L.C. (12)    USA    Holding company    100.00 %   —       —    
Treasury Services L.L.C. (12)    USA    Financial Services    100.00 %   —       —    
APM, S.A. de C.V.    Mexico    Manufacturing and selling of steel products    100.00 %   —       —    
Acedor, S.A. de C.V.    Mexico    Holding company    100.00 %   —       —    
Empresas Stabilit S.A. de C.V. (12)    Mexico    Holding company    100.00 %   —       —    
Acerus S.A. de C.V. (12)    Mexico    Manufacturing and selling of steel products    100.00 %   —       —    

 

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Table of Contents

TERNIUM S.A.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Contd.)

 

2 Basis of presentation (continued)

 

Company

  

Country of

Organization

  

Main activity

   Percentage of ownership at
December 31,
         2007     2006    2005
Imsa Monclova S.A. de C.V. (12)    Mexico    Services    100.00 %   —      —  
Imsamex Ecuador S.A. (12)    Ecuador    Marketing of steel products    100.00 %   —      —  
Industrias Monterrey S.A. (12)    Guatemala    Manufacturing and selling of steel products    100.00 %   —      —  
Imsaacero Ecuador Holding S.A. (12)    Ecuador    Holding company    100.00 %   —      —  
Corporativo Grupo Imsa S.A. de C.V. (12)    Mexico    Services    100.00 %   —      —  
Industrias Monterrey S.A. de C.V. (12)    Mexico    Manufacturing and selling of steel products    100.00 %   —      —  
Ternium USA Inc. (formerly Imsa holding Inc.) (12)    USA    Holding company    100.00 %   —      —  
Industria Galvanizadora S.A. (12)    Guatemala    Manufacturing and selling of steel products    100.00 %   —      —  
Imsa Americas Inc. (12)    USA    Marketing of steel products    100.00 %   —      —  
Imsa Caribbean Inc. (12)    Puerto Rico    Manufacturing and selling of steel products    100.00 %   —      —  
Imsa Colombia S.A. (12)    Colombia    Marketing of steel products    100.00 %   —      —  
Imsa Andina S.A. (12)    Peru    Marketing of steel products    100.00 %   —      —  
Multypanel de América S.A. (12)    Costa Rica    Manufacturing and selling of insulates panel products    100.00 %   —      —  
Industria Galvanizadora S.A. (12)    Nicaragua    Manufacturing and selling of steel products    99,30 %   —      —  
Industria Galvanizadora de Honduras S.A. de C.V. (12)    Honduras    Manufacturing and selling of steel products    99.20 %   —      —  
Industria Galvanizadora S.A. de C.V. (12)    El Salvador    Manufacturing and selling of steel products    99.93 %   —      —  
Industrias Monterrey S.A. (12)    Costa Rica    Manufacturing and selling of steel products    100.00 %   —      —  

 

(1) Indirectly through the participation of Ternium Mexico S.A. de C.V. (70.00%) and Siderar S.A.I.C. (29.92%). Total voting rights held: 99.92%.
(2) Indirectly through the participation in Amazonia (59.73%). Total voting rights held: 59.73%.
(3) Formerly III Industrial Investment Inc. BVI. As of December 13, 2007 it was merged into Ternium México S.A. de C.V.
(4) Directly (88.89%), indirectly through Prosid Investments S.C.A. (11.11%). Total voting rights held: 100.00%.
(5) Directly (85.62%) and indirectly through the participation in Prosid Investments S.C.A. (14.38%). Total voting rights held: 100.00%.
(6) Indirectly through Siderar S.A.I.C. (99.00%) and Ternium Internacional Uruguay S.A. (1.00%). Total voting rights held: 100.00%.
(7) Indirectly through Siderar S.A.I.C. Total voting rights held 100.00%.
(8) Indirectly through Ternium Internacional S.A. Uruguay.
(9) Indirectly through the participation in Hylsamex. Total voting rights held: 99.92%. See Note 3 e).
(10) Indirectly through the participation in Hylsamex. Total voting rights held: 50.00%.
(11) Incorporated during 2007.
(12) Subsidiary of Ternium Mexico S.A. de C.V. (see Note 3 (a)).

 

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Table of Contents

TERNIUM S.A.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Contd.)

 

2 Basis of presentation (continued)

 

Elimination of all material intercompany transactions and balances between the Company and their respective subsidiaries have been made in consolidation.

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, as modified by the revaluation of available-for-sale financial assets, and financial assets and financial liabilities (including derivative instruments) at fair value through profit or loss.

Certain comparative amounts have been reclassified to conform to changes in presentation in the current period.

The preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that might affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the balance sheet dates, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

These consolidated financial statements have been approved for issue by the board of directors on February 26, 2008.

 

3 Acquisition of business

 

(a) Grupo Imsa S.A.B. de C.V. (“Grupo Imsa”)

On April 29, 2007, Ternium entered into an agreement with Grupo IMSA S.A.B. de C.V. (“Grupo Imsa”) and Grupo Imsa’s controlling shareholders under which Ternium obtained control of Grupo Imsa for a total consideration (equity value) of approximately USD 1.7 billion.

Under the agreement, Ternium, through its wholly owned subsidiary Ternium Internacional España S.L.U., made a cash tender offer under applicable Mexican law for all of the issued and outstanding share capital of Grupo Imsa at a price of US$ 6.40 per share. Pursuant to the tender offer, Ternium acquired 25,133,856 shares representing 9.3% of the issued and outstanding capital of the company.

Concurrently with the consummation of the tender offer, on July 26, 2007, all the shares of Grupo Imsa that were not tendered into the tender offer (including the shares owned by Grupo Imsa’s majority shareholders), representing 90.7% of Grupo Imsa’s issued and outstanding share capital were redeemed for cash pursuant to a capital reduction effected at the same price per share.

Accordingly, Ternium now owns all of Grupo Imsa’s issued and outstanding share capital.

Grupo Imsa is a steel manufacturer with operations in Mexico, the United States and Guatemala. It has an annual production capacity of 2.2 million tons of hot rolled coils, 1.8 million tons of cold rolled products and 1.7 million tons of coated products. In addition, Grupo Imsa produces panels and other steel products.

Grupo Imsa contributed revenues of USD 976.3 million and a net loss of USD 77.5 million in the period from July 26, 2007 to December 31, 2007 (these amounts do not include revenues or net profits generated by discontinued operations). The book value of Grupo Imsa’s net assets acquired totals USD 543.9 million. The fair value of assets and liabilities arising from the transaction are as follows:

 

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Table of Contents

TERNIUM S.A.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Contd.)

 

3 Acquisition of business (continued)

 

     USD Thousands  
     Fair value     Book value  

Property, plant and equipment

   1,602,398     1,205,128  

Intangible assets

   456,404     73,227  

Inventories

   501,304     501,304  

Cash and cash equivalents

   190,087     190,087  

Deferred Tax Liabilities

   (481,930 )   (253,991 )

Provisions

   (10,011 )   (10,011 )

Borrowings

   (1,437,676 )   (1,437,676 )

Other assets and liabilities, net

   (99,069 )   (99,069 )

Net assets pertaining to discontinued operations (1)

   485,651     374,949  
            

Net

   1,207,158     543,948  

Goodwill

   455,776    

Goodwill – Discontinued operations

   65,740    
        

Total Purchase Consideration

   1,728,674    

Other cash consideration – Income Tax paid on the transaction

   297,700    

 

(1)

These amounts do not include the goodwill attributable to discontinued operations for USD 65.7 million.

Goodwill, representing the excess of the purchase price paid over the fair value of identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities totaled USD 521.5 million. Goodwill derives principally from synergies expected to be obtained by the Company after the transaction, as well as the fair value of the going concern element of the acquiree.

Upon consummation of the transaction, the Company was subject to an income tax payment of USD 297.7 million. This payment can be credited against future income tax obligations for the following three fiscal years. As the Company expects to generate sufficient taxable income in that period, the above mentioned amount has been considered as an income tax prepayment (USD 222.7 million have been disclosed under Other Receivables line item and USD 75.0 million have been offset against Current Tax Liabilities at December 31, 2007).

The transactions were financed primarily through the incurrence of debt as follows:

 

   

Ternium made several borrowings in an aggregate principal amount of USD 125 million under a loan facility (the “Ternium Facility”) with a syndicate of banks led by Calyon New York Branch as administrative agent, the proceeds of which were primarily used to finance the above described tender offer. Ternium’s loans under the Ternium Facility will be repaid in nine consecutive and equal semi-annual installments commencing on July 26, 2008. On January 28, 2008, the company prepaid all of its outstanding obligations with Calyon New York Branch, amounting to approximately USD 129.1 million.

 

   

Ternium’s subsidiary Hylsa S.A. de C.V. (“Hylsa”) made several borrowings in an aggregate principal amount of 3,485 million under a loan facility (the “Hylsa Facility”) with a syndicate of banks led by Calyon New York Branch as administrative agent, the proceeds of which were primarily used to finance the above described capital reduction by Grupo Imsa, to refinance existing indebtedness of Grupo Imsa and Hylsa and to pay taxes, fees and expenses related to the transactions.

Grupo Imsa assumed on August 3, 2007 certain of Hylsa’s loans under the Hylsa Facility, as well as a portion of Hylsa’s remaining unused commitments. Following the assumption date:

 

   

Hylsa’s debt under the Hylsa Facility amounted to USD 2,070 million in principal amount, and Grupo Imsa’s debt under that facility amounted to USD 1,415 million in principal amount; and

 

   

Grupo Imsa’s unused commitment under the facility amounted to USD 140 million.

The loans of each of Hylsa and Grupo Imsa are divided in two tranches of equal principal amount. Tranche A loans will be repaid in seven equal semi-annual installments beginning on January 26, 2009, while tranche B loans will be repaid in one installment due on July 26, 2012.

 

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Table of Contents

TERNIUM S.A.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Contd.)

 

3 Acquisition of business (continued)

 

Each of the Ternium Facility and the Hylsa Facility contains covenants customary for transactions of this type, including limitations on liens and encumbrances, restrictions on investments and capital expenditures, limitations on the sale of certain assets and compliance with financial ratios (e.g., leverage ratio and interest coverage ratio). There are no limitations to the payment of dividends under either facility, except in case of non compliance of the above mentioned covenants.

Pro forma data including acquisitions for the year ended December 31, 2007

Had the Grupo Imsa transaction been consummated on January 1st., 2007, then Ternium’s unaudited pro forma net sales and net income for the year ended December 31, 2007 would have been approximately $9.6 billion and $0.8 billion, respectively. These pro forma results were prepared based on public information and unaudited accounting records maintained prior to such transaction and adjusted by depreciation and amortization of tangible and intangible assets and interest expense of the borrowing incurred for the transaction as described above.

 

(b) Acerex S.A. de C.V.

In April 2006, the Company acquired a 50% equity interest in Acerex S.A. de C.V. (“Acerex”) through its subsidiary Hylsa S.A. de C.V. for a total purchase price of USD 44.6 million. Upon completion of this transaction Hylsa S.A. de C.V. owns 100% of Acerex. Acerex is a service center dedicated to processing steel to produce short-length and steel sheets in various widths. Acerex operates as a cutting and processing plant for Ternium’s Mexican operations and as an independent processor for other steel companies. On August 31, 2006 Acerex S.A. de C.V. was merged into Hylsa S.A. de C.V.

As permitted by IFRS 3 “Business Combinations” (“IFRS 3”), the Company accounted for this acquisition under the economic entity model, which requires that the acquisition of an additional equity interest in a controlled subsidiary be accounted for at its carrying amount, with the difference arising on purchase price allocation (amounting to USD 24.3 million) being recorded directly in equity.

 

(c) Additional shares of Siderar bought by Ternium S.A.

On December 28, 2006, Ternium S.A. acquired from CVRD International S.A. 16,860,000 shares of Siderar S.A.I.C, representing 4.85% of that company, for an aggregate purchase price of USD 107.5 million. After this acquisition Ternium has increased its ownership in Siderar to 60.93%.

As permitted by IFRS 3, the Company accounted for this acquisition under the economic entity model, which requires that the acquisition of an additional equity interest in a controlled subsidiary be accounted for at its carrying amount, with the difference arising on purchase price allocation (amounting to USD 8.1 million) being recorded directly in equity.

 

(d) Impeco S.A.

On November 18, 2005, Ternium’s Argentine subsidiary, Siderar, agreed to acquire assets and facilities of Acindar Industria Argentina de Aceros S.A. related to the production of welded steel pipes in the province of Santa Fe in Argentina, as well as 100% of the issued and outstanding shares of Impeco S.A., which in turn owns a plant located in the province of San Luis in Argentina. Purchase price paid totaled USD 55.2 million. These two plants have a production capacity of 140 thousand tons per year of tubes to be used in the construction, agricultural and manufacturing industries. The acquisition has been approved by the Argentine competition authorities and was completed on January 31, 2006. This acquisition did not give rise to goodwill.

The acquired business contributed revenues of USD 73.3 million in the year ended December 31, 2006. The fair value of assets and liabilities arising from acquisition are as follows:

 

     USD Thousands  

Property, plant and equipment

   47,825  

Inventories

   8,180  

Deferred tax liabilities

   (875 )

Others assets and liabilities, net

   53  
      

Net

   55,183  
      

 

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Table of Contents

TERNIUM S.A.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Contd.)

 

3 Acquisition of business (continued)

 

(e) Hylsamex

On May 18, 2005, III BVI, Hylsamex S.A. de C.V. and Alfa entered into the Hylsamex Acquisition Agreement. Pursuant to the terms of the Hylsamex Acquisition Agreement, on July 26, 2005, III BVI launched a cash tender offer in Mexico for the acquisition of all the outstanding shares of Hylsamex. On August 22, 2005, the acquisition by III BVI of a controlling interest in Hylsamex and of Alfa’s minority interests in Amazonia, Ylopa and Hylsa Latin was consummated. The Company acquired an indirect controlling interest in Hylsamex and its subsidiaries, and the indirect equity stakes owned by Hylsamex’s former controlling shareholder, Alfa, in Amazonia and Ylopa. III BVI and Siderar acquired 70.0% and 29.3% of the shares of Hylsamex, respectively by a total amount of USD 2,095 million. III BVI also acquired an additional 10.5% direct and indirect interest in Amazonia and an additional 11.1% interest in Ylopa by USD 91.9 million. Subsequently, Siderar purchased additional shares of Hylsamex in the open market for a total amount of USD 9.7 million, thus reaching a 29.9% equity interest in that company.

Hylsamex’s main business is the production of flat and long steel products, with manufacturing plants located in the cities of Monterrey and Puebla, Mexico, and is a leader in the production of coated steel.

The acquired business contributed revenues of USD 723.8 million and net income of USD 25.4 million to the Company in the year ended December 31, 2005. The book value of net assets acquired totals USD 1,492 million. The fair value of assets and liabilities arising from acquisition are as follows:

 

     USD Thousands  

Property, plant and equipment

   2,129,325  

Inventories

   345,053  

Cash and cash equivalents

   215,411  

Deferred tax liabilities

   (449,537 )

Pension benefits

   (116,860 )

Borrowings

   (751,730 )

Others assets and liabilities, net

   488,297  

Minority interest

   (156,651 )
      

Net

   1,703,308  
      

Goodwill, representing the excess of the purchase price paid over the fair value of identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities acquired, totaled USD 399.7 million.

 

(f) Additional shares of Hylsamex bought by Siderar

On June 19, 2006, Siderar completed the acquisition of 940,745 additional shares of Hylsamex, representing 0.2% of that company’s issued and outstanding common stock, for a total consideration of USD 3.3 million. This acquisition was effected through a trust fund established by Siderar in 2005 in connection with the initial acquisition of Hylsamex (see note 3(e)). Goodwill resulting from this acquisition totaled USD 0.7 million. During 2007, Siderar completed the acquisition of 56,502 additional shares of Hylsamex, representing 0.01% of that company’s issued and outstanding common stock, for a total consideration of USD 0.2 million.

 

(g) Amazonia

On February 3, 2005, Ylopa exercised its option to convert the outstanding balance of the Amazonia convertible debt instrument into newly issued shares of that company. On February 15, 2005, new shares of Amazonia were issued in exchange for the convertible instrument. As a result, Ternium’s indirect participation in Amazonia increased from 31.03% to 53.47%, thereby increasing its indirect participation in Sidor from 18.53% to 31.94%. This acquisition has been accounted for following the provisions contained in IFRS 3 and, accordingly, assets acquired and liabilities assumed have been valued at fair value. Total purchase consideration, representing the carrying amount of the convertible debt instrument at the date of conversion, accounted for USD127.6 million, of which USD82.0 million correspond to the majority shareholders. The excess of Ternium’s interest in the net fair value of Amazonia’s identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities over the purchase price (amounting to USD 188.4 million) has been recognized in income for the year. The main factor that contributed to a purchase price significantly below the fair value of net assets acquired is the downturn experienced by steel prices until 2003. Thus, the convertible debt instrument was issued at a time when Amazonia was undergoing a severe crisis affecting its business and financial condition, this situation being opposite to the current business condition on the date the conversion feature was exercised and the business combination was effected. In addition, as also required by IFRS 3, the Company recorded in equity the excess of the fair value of its pre-acquisition interest in Amazonia’s net assets over their corresponding carrying amounts.

 

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Table of Contents

TERNIUM S.A.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Contd.)

 

3 Acquisition of business (continued)

 

The acquired business contributed revenues of USD 1,863.5 million to the Company in the year ended December 31, 2005. The book value of net assets acquired totals USD 928 million. The fair value of assets and liabilities arising from acquisition are as follows:

 

     USD Thousands  

Property, plant and equipment

   2,444,289  

Inventories

   284,676  

Cash and cash equivalents

   305,342  

Deferred Tax Liabilities

   (284,242 )

Pension Benefits

   (78,425 )

Provisions

   (37,163 )

Borrowings

   (656,658 )

Others assets and liabilities, net

   (13,459 )

Minority Interest

   (795,178 )
      

Net

   1,169,182  
      

 

4 Accounting policies

The following is a summary of the principal accounting policies followed in the preparation of these consolidated financial statements:

 

(a) Group accounting

(1) Subsidiary companies

Subsidiary companies are those entities in which the Company has an interest of more than 50% of the voting rights or otherwise has the power to exercise control over the operating decisions. Subsidiaries are consolidated from the date on which control is transferred to the Company and are no longer consolidated from the date that control ceases. The purchase method of accounting is used to account for the acquisition of subsidiaries. The cost of an acquisition is measured as the fair value of assets given up, shares issued or liabilities undertaken at the date of acquisition, plus costs directly attributable to the acquisition. The excess of the acquisition cost over the Company’s share of the fair value of net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. Acquisition of minority interests in subsidiaries is accounted for following the economic entity model and, accordingly, assets acquired and liabilities assumed are valued at book value and the difference arising on purchase price allocation is recorded in equity under “Revaluation and other reserves” line item. Material intercompany transactions, balances and unrealized gains on transactions among the Company and its subsidiaries are eliminated; unrealized losses are also eliminated unless cost cannot be recovered. However, the fact that the functional currency of some subsidiaries is their respective local currency, generates some financial gains (losses) arising from intercompany transactions, that are included in the consolidated income statement under Other financial expenses, net.

(2) Associated companies

Associated companies are entities in which Ternium generally has between 20% and 50% of the voting rights, or over which Ternium has significant influence, but which it does not control. Investments in associated companies are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Under this method the Company’s share of the post-acquisition profits or losses of an associated company is recognized in the income statement and its share of post-acquisition changes in reserves is recognized in reserves. The cumulative post-acquisition changes are adjusted against the cost of the investment. Unrealized gains on transactions among the Company and its associated companies are eliminated to the extent of the Company’s interest in such associated company; unrealized losses are also eliminated unless the transaction provides evidence of an impairment of the transferred asset. When the Company’s share of losses in an associated company equals or exceeds its interest in such associate, the Company does not recognize further losses unless it has incurred obligations or made payments on behalf of such associated company.

 

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Table of Contents

TERNIUM S.A.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Contd.)

 

4 Accounting policies (continued)

 

(3) First-time application of IFRS

The Company’s transition date is January 1, 2003. Ternium prepared its opening IFRS balance sheet at that date.

In preparing its financial statements in accordance with IFRS 1, the Company has applied the mandatory exceptions and certain of the optional exemptions from full retrospective application of IFRS, as detailed below:

3.1. Exemptions from full retrospective application – elected by the Company

The Company has elected to apply the following optional exemptions from full retrospective application.

(a) Fair value as deemed cost exemption

Ternium has elected to measure its property, plant and equipment at fair value as of January 1, 2003.

(b) Cumulative translation differences exemption

Ternium has elected to set the previously accumulated cumulative translation to zero at January 1, 2003. This exemption has been applied to all subsidiaries in accordance with IFRS 1.

3.2 Exceptions from full retrospective application followed by the Company

Ternium has applied the following mandatory exceptions from retrospective application.

(a) Derecognition of financial assets and liabilities exception

Financial assets and liabilities derecognized before January 1, 2003 are not re-recognized under IFRS. However, this exception had no impact on these financial statements as it was not applicable since the Company did not derecognize any financial assets or liabilities before the transition date that qualified for recognition.

(b) Hedge accounting exception

The Company has no derivatives that qualify for hedge accounting. This exception is therefore not applicable.

(c) Estimates exception

Estimates under IFRS at January 1, 2003 should be consistent with estimates made for the same date under previous GAAP.

(d) Assets held for sale and discontinued operations exception

Ternium did not have assets that met the held-for-sale criteria (as defined by IFRS 5) at the transition date (January 1, 2003).

 

(b) Foreign currency translation

(1) Functional and presentation currency

Items included in the financial statements of each of the Company’s subsidiaries and associated companies are measured using the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates (the “functional currency”). The functional currency of the Company is the U.S. dollar. Although Ternium is located in Luxembourg, it operates in several countries with different currencies. The USD is the currency that best reflects the economic substance of the underlying events and circumstances relevant to Ternium as a whole.

(2) Subsidiary companies

The results and financial position of all the group entities (none of which operates in a hyperinflationary economy) that have a functional currency different from the presentation currency, are translated into the presentation currency as follows:

(i) assets and liabilities are translated at the closing rate of each balance sheet;

(ii) income and expenses for each income statement are translated at average exchange rates; and

(iii) all resulting translation differences are recognized as a separate component of equity.

 

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Table of Contents

TERNIUM S.A.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Contd.)

4 Accounting policies (continued)

 

(b) Foreign currency translation (continued)

 

In the case of a sale or other disposition of any such subsidiary, any accumulated translation differences would be recognized in the income statement as part of the gain or loss on sale.

(3) Transactions in currencies other than the functional currency

Transactions in currencies other than the functional currency are accounted for at the exchange rates prevailing at the date of the transactions. Gains and losses resulting from the settlement of such transactions and from the translation of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the functional currency are recognized in the income statement, including the foreign exchange gains and losses from intercompany transactions.

 

(c) Property, plant and equipment

Land and buildings comprise mainly factories and offices. All property, plant and equipment are recognized at historical acquisition or construction cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment (if applicable), except for land, which is carried at acquisition cost less accumulated impairment (if applicable). Nevertheless, as mentioned in Note 4(a), property, plant and equipment have been valued at its deemed cost at the transition date to IFRS.

Major overhaul and rebuilding expenditures are recognized as a separate asset when future economic benefits are expected from the item, and the cost can be measured reliably.

Ordinary maintenance expenses on manufacturing properties are recorded as cost of products sold in the period in which they are incurred.

In accordance with IAS 23, borrowing costs that are attributable to the acquisition or construction of certain capital assets could be capitalized as part of the cost of the assets. Capital assets for which borrowing costs may be capitalized are those that require a substantial period of time to prepare for their intended use. At December 31, 2007, no borrowing costs have been capitalized.

Where a tangible fixed asset comprises major components having different useful lives, these components are accounted for as separate items.

Leases where the lessor retains a significant portion of the risks and rewards of ownership are classified as operating leases. Payments made under operating leases (net of any incentives received from the lessor) are charged to the income statement on a straight-line basis over the period of the lease.

Depreciation method is reviewed at each balance sheet date. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method to amortize the cost of each asset to its residual value over its estimated useful life as follows:

 

Land      No Depreciation  
Buildings and improvements      20-40 years  
Production equipment      15-25 years  
Vehicles, furniture and fixtures and other equipment      5-15 years  

The assets’ useful lives are reviewed, and adjusted if appropriate, at each balance sheet date.

Gains and losses on disposals are determined by comparing the proceeds with the corresponding carrying amounts and are included in the income statement.

If the carrying amount of an asset were greater than its estimated recoverable amount, it would be written down to its recoverable amount. (see Note 4 (e) “Impairment”).

 

(d) Intangible assets

(1) Information system projects

Generally, costs associated with developing or maintaining computer software programs are recognized as an expense as incurred. However, costs directly related to the acquisition and implementation of information systems are recognized as intangible assets if they have a probable economic benefit exceeding the cost beyond one year.

 

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TERNIUM S.A.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Contd.)

4 Accounting policies (continued)

 

(d) Intangible assets (continued)

 

Information system projects recognized as assets are amortized using the straight-line method over their useful lives, not exceeding a period of 3 years. Amortization charges are included in cost of sales, selling, general and administrative expenses.

(2) Mining concessions and exploration costs

Mining license was recognized as a separate intangible asset upon the acquisition of Hylsamex and comprises the right to exploit or explore the mines and is recognized at its fair value less accumulated amortization. Amortization charge is calculated according to the mineral extracted in each period and is included in cost of sales.

Exploration costs are classified as intangible assets until the production begins. Exploration costs are tested for impairment annually.

(3) Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of the acquisition cost over the fair value of Ternium’s participation in acquired companies’ net assets at the acquisition date. Under IFRS 3, goodwill is considered to have an indefinite life and not amortized, but is subject to annual impairment testing.

Goodwill is allocated to cash-generating units for the purpose of impairment testing. The allocation is made to those cash-generating units expected to benefit from the business combination which generated the goodwill being tested.

(4) Research and development

Research expenditures are recognized as expenses as incurred. Development costs are recorded as cost of sales in the income statement as incurred because they do not fulfill the criteria for capitalization. Research and development expenditures for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 totaled USD 1.5 million, USD 1.8 million and USD 2.1 million, respectively.

(5) Customer relationships intangible asset acquired in a business combination

In accordance with IFRS 3 and IAS 38, Ternium has recognized the value of customer relationships separately from goodwill attributable to the acquisition of Grupo Imsa.

Customer relationships are amortized over a useful life of approximately 10 years.

(6) Trademarks

In accordance with IFRS 3 and IAS 38, Ternium has recognized the value of trademarks separately from goodwill attributable to the acquisition of Grupo Imsa.

Trademarks are amortized over a useful life of approximately 5 years.

 

(e) Impairment

Assets that have an indefinite useful life are not subject to amortization and are tested annually for impairment. Assets that are subject to amortization and investments in affiliates are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. 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 of an asset’s fair value less cost to sell and the present value of estimated future cash flows. For purposes of assessing impairment, assets are grouped at the lowest levels for which there are separately identifiable cash flows (cash-generating units).

At December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, no impairment provisions were recorded.

 

(f) Other investments

Other investments consist primarily of investments in financial debt instruments and equity investments where the Company holds less than 20% of the outstanding equity and does not exert significant influence.

Under IAS 39 “Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement”, investments have to be classified into the following categories: financial assets at fair value through profit or loss; held-to-maturity investments; loans and receivables and available-for-sale financial assets. The classification depends on the purpose for which the investments were acquired.

 

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TERNIUM S.A.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Contd.)

4 Accounting policies (continued)

 

(f) Other investments (continued)

 

Management determines the classification of its investments at initial recognition. The entity classifies its investments as financial assets at fair value through profit or loss.

All purchases and sales of investments are recognized on the trade date, which is not significantly different from the settlement date, which is the date that Ternium commits to purchase or sell the investment.

Income from financial instruments is recognized in Other financial expenses, net in the income statement. Interest receivable on investments in debt securities is calculated using the effective rate. Dividends from investments in equity instruments are recognized in the income statement when the Company’s right to receive payments is established.

 

(g) Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (calculated using the first-in-first-out “FIFO” method) or net realizable value. The cost of finished goods and goods in process comprises raw materials, direct labor, depreciation, other direct costs and related production overhead costs. It excludes borrowing costs. Net realizable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less the costs of completion and selling expenses. Goods acquired in transit at year end are valued at supplier’s invoice cost.

For purposes of determining net realizable value, the Company establishes an allowance for obsolete or slow-moving inventory in connection with finished goods and goods in process. The allowance for slow-moving inventory is recognized for finished goods and goods in process based on management’s analysis of their aging.

In connection with supplies and spare parts the calculation is based on management’s analysis of their aging, the capacity of such materials to be used based on their levels of preservation and maintenance and the potential obsolescence due to technological change.

 

(h) Trade receivables

Trade and other receivables are carried at face value less an allowance for doubtful accounts, if applicable. This amount does not differ significantly from fair value.

A provision for impairment is established when there is objective evidence that a financial asset or group of assets is impaired. Objective evidence that a financial asset or group of assets is impaired includes observable data that comes to the attention of the Company about a loss event, such as a significant financial difficulty of the obligor or a breach of contract. The amount of the impairment is determined as the difference between the asset’s carrying amount and the present value of estimated future cash flows discounted at the asset’s original effective interest rate. The amount of the loss is recognized in the income statement.

 

(i) Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents and highly liquid short-term securities are carried at fair market value.

For purposes of the cash flow statement, cash and cash equivalents comprise cash, bank current accounts and short-term highly liquid investments (original maturity of less than 90 days).

In the consolidated balance sheet, bank overdrafts are included in borrowings within current liabilities.

 

(j) Non current assets (disposal group) classified as held for sale

Non-current assets (disposal groups) are classified as assets held for sale and stated at the lower of carrying amount and fair value less cost to sell if their carrying amount is recovered principally through a sale transaction rather than through a continuing use.

The carrying value of non-current assets classified as held for sale, net of liabilities directly associated with them, at December 31, 2007, totals USD 555.4 million, of which USD 547.9 correspond to discontinued operations (see notes 29 and 34) and USD 7.5 million correspond principally to land and other real estate items. Sale is expected to be completed within a one-year period.

 

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TERNIUM S.A.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Contd.)

 

4 Accounting policies (continued)

 

(k) Shareholders’ equity

The consolidated statement of changes in shareholders’ equity for the years 2007, 2006 and 2005 was prepared based on the following criteria:

 

   

Currency translation differences arising from the translation of financial statements expressed in currencies other than the U.S. dollar are shown in a separate line.

 

   

Expenses incurred in connection with the Initial Public Offering at December 31, 2006 and 2005 totaled USD 17.8 million and USD 5.5 million, respectively, and have been deducted from equity, since they directly relate to a transaction which itself is to be recorded in equity.

 

   

For purposes of preparing the combined statement of changes in shareholders’ equity for the year ended December 31, 2005, shown as comparative information, dividends include the dividends paid by III (BVI) to San Faustín, and dividends paid by Ylopa to Tenaris, as if they had been paid by Ternium to San Faustín or Tenaris. Other distributions comprise loans granted by Ylopa and Amazonia to its shareholders that are in substance capital nature transactions. These loans are non-interest bearing facilities granted by Ylopa to its shareholders based on their respective stockholdings. These loans mature in one year, although debtors are allowed to make partial or full prepayments at any time. However Ylopa’s intention is to offset the outstanding balance of such facilities against future dividend distributions. Accordingly, these credits have been shown as a reduction to equity.

 

(l) Borrowings

Borrowings are recognized initially for an amount equal to the proceeds received. In subsequent periods, borrowings are stated at amortized cost; any difference between proceeds and the redemption value is recognized in the income statement over the period of the borrowings.

Capitalized borrowing costs are amortized over the life of their respective debt.

 

(m) Income taxes – current and deferred

Under present Luxembourg law, so long as the Company maintains its status as a holding company, no income tax, withholding tax (including with respect to dividends), or capital gain tax is payable in Luxembourg by the Company.

The Company has qualified for, and was admitted to, the Billionaire holding company tax regime in conjunction with the financing holding company tax regime in Luxemburg starting January 1, 2006.

On December 29, 2006, the Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg announced the decision to terminate its 1929 holding company regime, effective January 1, 2007. However, under the implementing legislation, pre-existing publicly listed companies (including Ternium S.A.) will be entitled to continue benefiting from their current tax regime until December 31, 2010.

The current income tax charge is calculated on the basis of the tax laws in force in the countries in which Ternium’s subsidiaries operate. Management evaluates positions taken in tax returns with respect to situations in which applicable tax regulation could be subject to interpretation. A liability is recorded for tax benefits that were taken in the applicable tax return but have not been recognized for financial reporting.

Deferred income taxes are calculated, using the liability method, on temporary differences arising between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts in the financial statements. The principal temporary differences arise on fixed assets, originated in different valuation and useful lives considered by accounting standards and tax regulations, tax loss carry-forwards, inventories valuation and provisions for pensions. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the period when the asset is realized or the liability is settled, based on tax rates and tax laws that have been enacted or substantially enacted at the balance sheet date. Under IFRS, deferred income tax assets (liabilities) are classified as non-current assets (liabilities).

Deferred tax assets are recognized to the extent it is probable that future taxable income will be available to offset temporary differences.

Deferred income tax is provided on temporary differences arising on investments in subsidiaries and associated companies, except where the timing of the reversal of the temporary difference is controlled by the Company and it is probable that the temporary difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future.

 

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TERNIUM S.A.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Contd.)

 

4 Accounting policies (continued)

 

(m) Income taxes – current and deferred (continued)

Under Mexican law, Ternium’s subsidiaries are required to pay their employees an annual benefit calculated on a basis similar to that used for local income tax purposes. Employee statutory profit sharing is calculated using the liability method, and is recorded in current other liabilities and non current other liabilities on the balance sheet. Because Mexican employee statutory profit sharing is determined on a basis similar to that used for determining local income taxes, the Company accounts for temporary differences arising between the statutory calculation and the reported expense determined under IFRS in a manner similar to calculation of deferred income tax.

 

(n) Employee liabilities

(1) Pension obligations

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 balance sheet in respect of defined benefit pension plans is the present value of the defined benefit obligation at the balance sheet date, together with adjustments for unrecognized actuarial gains or losses and past service costs. The defined benefit obligation is calculated annually by independent actuaries using the projected unit credit method.

Actuarial gains and losses arising from experience adjustments and changes in actuarial assumptions are charged or credited to income over the employees’ expected average remaining working lives.

Past-service costs are recognized immediately in income, unless the changes to the pension plan are conditional on the employees remaining in service for a specified period of time (the vesting period). In this case, the past-service costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period.

Sidor

In compliance with the requirements established by the share purchase agreement subscribed in connection with the acquisition of Sidor, and as provided by the agreement entered into with the union representing Sidor’s employees, on July 6, 1998, Sidor has established a defined contribution plan providing for certain pension and other post-retirement benefits for qualifying employees. This plan is financed through contributions made by that company and active employees. Although the plan does not provide for the amounts to be paid to employees upon retirement, for purposes of International Accounting Standard No. 19 “Employee Benefits”, Sidor’s obligations have been calculated based on actuarial calculations prepared assuming this plan qualifies as a defined benefit plan.

Hylsamex

The valuation of the liabilities for employee retirement plans (pensions and seniority premiums) covers all employees and is based primarily on their years of service, their present age and their remuneration at the date of retirement. The cost of the employee retirement plans (pension, health-care expenses and seniority premiums) is recognized as an expense in the year in which services are rendered in accordance with actuarial studies made by independent actuaries. The formal retirement plans are congruent with and complementary to the retirement benefits established by the Mexican Institute of Social Security. Additionally, the Company has established a plan to cover health-care expenses of retired employees. The Company has established irrevocable trust funds for the payment of pensions and seniority premiums, as well as for health-care expenses.

Siderar

Siderar implemented an unfunded defined benefit employee retirement plan for certain officers on August 1, 1995. The plan is designed to provide retirement, termination and other benefits to those officers. For its main plan, Siderar is accumulating assets for the ultimate payment of those benefits in the form of investments that carry time limitations for their redemption. The investments are not part of a particular plan, nor are they segregated from Siderar’s other assets, and therefore this plan is classified as “unfunded” under IFRS definitions. Benefits provided by the plan are denominated in U.S. Dollars and are calculated based on a seven-year salary average.

 

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TERNIUM S.A.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Contd.)

4 Accounting policies (continued)

 

(n) Employee liabilities (continued)

 

Grupo IMSA

Grupo Imsa has a defined contribution pension plan with the objective of offering retirement benefits, benefits for total and permanent disability and death benefits. In accordance with this plan Grupo Imsa is obligated to contribute to the pension fund an amount equivalent to 4% of the participant’s salary as well as additional contributions up to an amount equivalent to 2% of the participant’s salary when and if the employee decides to make additional contributions. The benefit to the participants consists of receiving a pension derived from the accumulated amount from each of the individual accounts. A respected financial institution administers the contributed funds. For purposes of International Accounting Standard No. 19 “Employee Benefits”, this plan qualifies as a defined contribution plan.

(2) Termination benefits

Termination benefits are payable when employment is terminated before the normal retirement date, or whenever an employee accepts voluntary redundancy in exchange for these benefits. The Company recognizes termination benefits when it is demonstrably committed to either: (i) terminating the employment of current employees according to a detailed formal plan without possibility of withdrawal or (ii) providing termination benefits as a result of an offer made to encourage voluntary redundancy.

(3) Other compensation obligations

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

During 2007, Ternium launched an incentive retention 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 Ternium’s shareholders’ equity (excluding minority interest). Also, the beneficiaries of the Program are entitled to receive cash amounts based on (i) the amount of dividend payments made by Ternium 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 beginning January 1, 2007 and will be redeemed by the Company ten years after grant date. As of December 31, 2007, the outstanding liability corresponding to the Program amounts to USD 1.9 million.

(4) Social security contributions

Social security laws in force in Argentina, Mexico and Venezuela provide for pension benefits to be paid to retired employees from government pension plans and/or private fund managed plans to which employees may elect to contribute. As stipulated by the respective laws, Siderar, Hylsamex and Sidor make monthly contributions calculated based on each employee’s salary to fund such plans. The related amounts are expensed as incurred. No additional liabilities exist once the contributions are paid.

 

(o) Provisions and other liabilities

Ternium has certain contingencies with respect to existing or potential claims, lawsuits and other proceedings. Unless otherwise specified, Ternium accrues a provision for a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of a past event, when it is probable that future cost could be incurred and that cost can be reasonably estimated. Generally, accruals are based on developments to date, Ternium’s estimates of the outcomes of these matters and the advice of Ternium’s legal advisors.

 

(p) Revenue recognition

Revenues are recognized as sales when revenue is earned and is realized or realizable. This includes satisfying all of the following criteria: the arrangement with the customer is evident, usually through the receipt of a purchase order; the sales price is fixed or determinable; delivery as defined by the risk transfer provision of the sales contracts has occurred, and collectibility is reasonably assured.

Interest income is recognized on an effective yield basis.

Income from participation account is recognized when earned according to its contractual terms (see Note 10).

 

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Table of Contents

TERNIUM S.A.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Contd.)

 

4 Accounting policies (continued)

 

(q) Cost of sales, selling, general and administrative expenses

Cost of sales and expenses are recognized in the income statement on the accrual basis of accounting.

 

(r) Earnings per share

Earnings per share are calculated by dividing the net income attributable to shareholders by the daily weighted average number of ordinary shares issued during the year (see Note 28).

 

(s) Derivative financial instruments

Information about accounting for derivative financial instruments and hedging activities is included in Note 33 “Financial risk management”.

 

(t) Segment information

Business segments: for management purposes, the Company is organized on a worldwide basis into the following segments: flat steel products, long steel products and others.

The flat steel products segment comprises the manufacturing and marketing of flat steel products. Flat steel products include hot rolled coils and sheets, cold rolled coils and sheets, tin plate, welded pipes, hot dipped galvanized and electrogalvanized sheets, pre-painted sheets and other tailor-made products to serve its customers’ requirements.

The long steel products segment comprises the manufacturing and marketing of long steel products. Long steel products include billets (steel in its basic, semifinished state), wire rod and bars.

The other products segment includes the products other than flat and long steel, mainly pig iron and pellets.

The secondary reporting format is based on a geographical location. Ternium sells its products to three main geographical areas: South and Central America, North America, and Europe and Other. The North American segment comprises principally United States, Canada and Mexico. The South and Central American segment comprises principally Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela and Ecuador.

Allocation of net sales is based on the customers’ location. Allocation of assets, liabilities and capital expenditures is based on their corresponding location.

 

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Table of Contents

TERNIUM S.A.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Contd.)

 

5 Segment information

Primary reporting format – business segments

 

     Flat steel
products
    Long steel
products
    Other     Unallocated    Total  

Year ended December 31, 2007

           

Net sales

   6,511,783     1,466,907     205,691     —      8,184,381  

Cost of sales

   (4,611,413 )   (1,032,666 )   (151,961 )   —      (5,796,040 )
                             

Gross profit

   1,900,370     434,241     53,730     —      2,388,341  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

   (659,144 )   (148,976 )   (17,687 )   —      (825,807 )

Other operating income, net

   14,959     7,707     1,208     —      23,874  
                             

Operating income

   1,256,185     292,972     37,251     —      1,586,408  
                             

Capital expenditures—PP&E

   360,121     36,230     622     —      396,973  

Depreciation—PP&E

   428,289     75,681     10,789     —      514,759  

Segment assets

           

Inventories, net

   1,702,777     188,562     21,712     —      1,913,051  

Trade receivables, net

   710,965     116,788     20,074     —      847,827  

Property , plant and equipment, net

   5,998,147     812,885     47,747     —      6,858,779  

Intangibles assets, net

   1,312,315     82,741     57,174     —      1,452,230  

Other assets

   —       —       —       2,695,423    2,695,423  

Segment liabilities

   938,246     221,083     26,847     6,214,244    7,400,420  
     Flat steel
products
    Long steel
products
    Other     Unallocated    Total  

Year ended December 31, 2006

           

Net sales

   5,060,582     1,262,603     242,397     —      6,565,582  

Cost of sales

   (3,294,580 )   (860,724 )   (141,675 )   —      (4,296,979 )
                             

Gross profit

   1,766,002     401,879     100,722     —      2,268,603  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

   (492,938 )   (119,065 )   (12,781 )   —      (624,784 )

Other operating (expenses) income, net

   (13,356 )   (6 )   6,112     —      (7,250 )
                             

Operating income

   1,259,708     282,808     94,053     —      1,636,569  
                             

Capital expenditures—PP&E

   358,541     17,730     7,401     —      383,672  

Depreciation—PP&E

   333,926     57,765     12,493     —      404,184  

Segment assets

           

Inventories, net

   1,078,954     109,143     53,228     —      1,241,325  

Trade receivables, net

   407,684     141,228     28,954     —      577,866  

Property , plant and equipment, net

   4,632,273     732,131     56,279     —      5,420,683  

Intangibles assets, net

   410,985     79,424     61,178     —      551,587  

Other assets

   —       —       —       979,078    979,078  

Segment liabilities

   592,734     109,870     24,820     2,555,974    3,283,398  

 

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Table of Contents

TERNIUM S.A.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Contd.)

 

5 Segment information (continued)

 

     Flat steel
products
    Long
Steel
products
    Other     Unallocated    Total  

Year ended December 31, 2005

           

Net sales

   3,680,582     625,368     143,821     —      4,449,771  

Cost of sales

   (2,014,227 )   (390,177 )   (82,570 )   —      (2,486,974 )
                             

Gross profit

   1,666,355     235,191     61,251     —      1,962,797  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

   (412,042 )   (77,024 )   (15,621 )   —      (504,687 )

Other operating expenses, net

   (56,281 )   (2,163 )   (7,505 )   —      (65,949 )
                             

Operating income

   1,198,032     156,004     38,125     —      1,392,161  
                             

Capital expenditures — PP&E

   208,772     14,587     —       —      223,359  

Depreciation — PP&E

   267,975     32,604     1,387     —      301,966  

Segment assets

           

Inventories, net

   859,270     126,536     14,313     —      1,000,119  

Trade receivables, net

   363,573     74,925     34,262     —      472,760  

Property, plant and equipment, net

   4,653,192     749,305     61,374     —      5,463,871  

Intangibles assets, net

   403,432     78,102     71,348     —      552,882  

Other assets

   —       —       —       1,170,349    1,170,349  

Segment liabilities

   717,855     193,247     31,117     4,141,843    5,084,062  

Secondary reporting format — geographical segments

 

     South and
Central
America
   North
America
   Europe
and
other
   Total

Year ended December 31, 2007

           

Net sales

   4,593,470    3,421,906    169,005    8,184,381

Segment assets

           

Trade receivables, net

   219,840    615,559    12,428    847,827

Property, plant and equipment

   3,338,282    3,520,447    50    6,858,779

Depreciation—PP&E

   326,105    188,616    38    514,759

Capital expenditures — PP&E

   226,081    170,892    —      396,973

Year ended December 31, 2006

           

Net sales

   3,700,489    2,769,105    95,988    6,565,582

Segment assets

           

Trade receivables, net

   202,784    355,631    19,451    577,866

Property, plant and equipment

   3,450,176    1,970,420    87    5,420,683

Depreciation — PP&E

   270,453    133,688    43    404,184

Capital expenditures — PP&E

   286,008    97,662    2    383,672

 

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Table of Contents

TERNIUM S.A.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Contd.)

 

5 Segment information (continued)

 

     South and
Central
America
   North
America
   Europe
and
other
   Total

Year ended December 31, 2005

           

Net sales

   2,793,725    1,293,464    362,582    4,449,771

Segment assets

           

Trade receivables, net

   64,837    335,795    72,128    472,760

Property, plant and equipment

   3,409,045    2,054,687    139    5,463,871

Depreciation — PP&E

   249,808    52,132    26    301,966

Capital expenditures — PP&E

   180,867    42,473    19    223,359

 

6 Cost of sales

 

     Year ended December 31,  
     2007     2006     2005  

Inventories at the beginning of the year

   1,241,325     1,000,119     254,286  

Acquisition of business

   501,304     8,180     629,729  

Plus: Charges for the year

      

Raw materials and consumables used and other movements

   4,162,226     3,004,001     1,624,729  

Services and fees

   213,294     152,978     119,155  

Labor cost

   603,614     520,717     306,215  

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment

   499,424     388,810     295,538  

Amortization of intangible assets

   17,557     14,470     10,488  

Maintenance expenses

   403,108     350,903     207,490  

Office expenses

   8,763     8,135     8,020  

Freight and transportation

   30,899     25,451     22,746  

Insurance

   11,407     10,041     4,749  

(Recovery) Allowance for obsolescence

   (4,417 )   30,320     7,927  

Recovery from sales of scrap and by-products

   (83,936 )   (48,488 )   (35,266 )

Others

   104,523     72,667     31,287  

Less: Inventories at the end of the year

   (1,913,051 )   (1,241,325 )   (1,000,119 )
                  

Cost of Sales

   5,796,040     4,296,979     2,486,974  
                  

 

7 Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

     Year ended December 31,  
     2007     2006     2005  

Services and fees

   68,811     52,169     48,668  

Labor cost

   209,456     157,155     119,960  

Depreciation of property plant and equipment

   15,335     15,374     6,428  

Amortization of intangible assets

   33,532     5,841     3,951  

Maintenance and expenses

   20,080     17,397     7,316  

Taxes

   76,393     56,795     65,263  

Office expenses

   29,591     29,722     24,529  

Freight and transportation

   344,165     271,286     217,368  

Insurance

   1,845     1,234     475  

Recovery of allowance for doubtful accounts

   (1,524 )   (5,207 )   (2,467 )

Others

   28,123     23,018     13,196  
                  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

   825,807     624,784     504,687  
                  

 

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Table of Contents

TERNIUM S.A.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Contd.)

 

8 Labor costs (included in cost of sales, selling, general and administrative expenses)

 

     Year ended December 31,
     2007    2006    2005

Wages, salaries and social security costs

   707,888    558,800    361,250

Termination benefits

   41,118    18,176    40,364

Pension benefits (Note 24 (i))

   64,064    100,896    24,561
              
   813,070    677,872    426,175
              

 

9 Other operating income (expenses), net

 

     Year ended December 31,  
     2007     2006     2005  

(i)     Other operating income

      

Gain from the sale of sundry assets

   17,411     1,064     2,443  

Others

   11,338     15,652     4,100  
                  

Total other operating income

   28,749     16,716     6,543  
                  

(ii)    Other operating expenses

      

Recovery (provision) for legal claims and other matters

   4,184     (8,645 )   (13,586 )

Others

   (9,059 )   (1,998 )   (4,558 )
                  

Total other operating expenses

   (4,875 )   (10,643 )   (18,144 )
                  

(iii)  Derecognition of property, plant and equipment

   —       (13,323 )   (54,348 )
                  

Total other operating income (expenses), net

   23,874     (7,250 )   (65,949 )
                  

 

10 Other financial expenses, net

 

     Year ended December 31  
     2007     2006     2005  

Debt issue costs

   (9,061 )   (13,686 )   (3,171 )

Net foreign exchange transaction gains and change in fair value of derivative instruments

   (19,083 )   (16,541 )   (28,828 )

Income from Participation Account (i)

   —       —       44,050  

Loss from Participation Account (i)

   (282,534 )   (270,161 )   (265,207 )

Others

   (40,418 )   (22,029 )   (8,296 )
                  

Other financial expenses, net

   (351,096 )   (322,417 )   (261,452 )
                  

 

(i) As a result of the debt restructuring process carried out by Sidor in 2003, Ylopa became Sidor’s creditor in a Participation Account Agreement. This agreement provides for a compensation in the form of cash payments to be paid on a quarterly basis and has a term of 14 years, or until the fiscal year prior to the date of the settlement in full of certain bank borrowings (BANDES) due by Sidor.

Until February 15, 2005, the Company accounted for its investment in Amazonia under the equity method of accounting. Thus, income arising from the Participation Account Agreement described in above has been recorded under Income from Participation Account within Financial income, net. Upon conversion of the Amazonia Convertible Debt Instrument on February 15, 2005, the Company acquired control over Amazonia and began accounting for such investment on a consolidated basis. Accordingly, income resulting from Ternium’s share of the Participation Account has been offset against Amazonia’s loss for the same concept and shown net under Loss from Participation Account line item.

 

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Table of Contents

TERNIUM S.A.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Contd.)

 

11 Income tax expense

Income tax

Income tax expense for each of the years presented is as follows:

 

     Year ended December 31,  
     2007     2006     2005  

Current tax

   (284,704 )   (387,741 )   (246,024 )

Deferred tax (Note 23)

   121,296     111,418     24,990  

Utilization of previously unrecognized tax losses (see Note 23)

   768     13,967     2,542  
                  
   (162,640 )   (262,356 )   (218,492 )
                  

Income tax expense for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 differed from the amount computed by applying the statutory income tax rate in force in each country in which the company operates to pre-tax income as a result of the following:

 

     Year ended December 31,  
     2007     2006     2005  

Income before income tax

   1,152,988     1,258,322     1,291,305  

Income tax expense at statutory tax rate

   (352,927 )   (383,498 )   (271,953 )

Non taxable income

   254,940     156,008     70,115  

Non deductible expenses

   (42,730 )   (36,050 )   (19,196 )

Utilization of previously unrecognized tax losses

   768     13,967     2,542  

Provisions for tax loss carry-forwards

   (22,691 )   (12,783 )   —    
                  

Income tax expense

   (162,640 )   (262,356 )   (218,492 )
                  

 

12 Property, plant and equipment, net

 

Year ended December 31, 2007    Land     Building and
improvements
    Production
equipment
    Vehicles,
furniture
and fixtures
    Work in
progress
    Spare
Parts
    Total  

Cost

              

Values at the beginning of the year

   311,516     1,556,693     5,284,964     192,058     351,283     25,587     7,722,101  

Translation differences

   1,950     (23,368 )   (45,519 )   (3,766 )   (3,166 )   (719 )   (74,588 )

Acquisition of business

   203,586     222,134     1,102,553     9,520     62,791     1,814     1,602,398  

Additions

   317     8,193     13,339     3,996     371,128     —       396,973  

Disposals / Consumptions

   (153 )   (4,848 )   (73,886 )   (3,737 )   (3,902 )   —       (86,526 )

Transfers

   6,477     253,153     94,207     1,999     (429,358 )   43,743     (29,779 )
                                          

Values at the end of the year

   523,693     2,011,957     6,375,658     200,070     348,776     70,425     9,530,579  
                                          

Depreciation

              

Accumulated at the beginning of the year

   —       (463,372 )   (1,708,375 )   (128,737 )   —       (934 )   (2,301,418 )

Translation differences

   —       13,078     39,690     3,290     —       20     56,078  

Depreciation charge

   —       (104,357 )   (395,193 )   (13,845 )   —       (1,364 )   (514,759 )

Disposals / Consumptions

   —       2,846     63,674     2,513     —       —       69,033  

Transfers

   —       (272 )   19,301     198     —       39     19,266  
                                          

Accumulated at the end of the year

   —       (552,077 )   (1,980,903 )   (136,581 )   —       (2,239 )   (2,671,800 )
                                          

At December 31, 2007

   523,693     1,459,880     4,394,755     63,489     348,776     68,186     6,858,779  
                                          

 

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Table of Contents

TERNIUM S.A.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Contd.)

 

12 Property, plant and equipment, net (continued)

 

Year ended December 31, 2006    Land     Building and
improvements
    Production
equipment
    Vehicles,
furniture
and fixtures
    Work in
progress
    Spare
Parts
    Total  

Cost

              

Values at the beginning of the year

   314,467     1,441,769     5,257,096     187,207     190,356     18,619     7,409,514  

Translation differences

   (3,807 )   (11,287 )   (43,129 )   (1,644 )   (770 )   (155 )   (60,792 )

Acquisition of business

   2,624     42,603     2,598     —       —       —       47,825  

Additions

   —       —       21,275     3,424     351,744     7,229     383,672  

Disposals / Consumptions

   (19 )   (40 )   (1,374 )   (2,500 )   —       (106 )   (4,039 )

Derecognition

   —       —       (38,950 )   (17 )   (192 )   —       (39,159 )

Transfers

   (1,749 )   83,648     87,448     5,588     (189,855 )   —       (14,920 )
                                          

Values at the end of the year

   311,516     1,556,693     5,284,964     192,058     351,283     25,587     7,722,101  
                                          

Depreciation

              

Accumulated at the beginning of the year

   —       (386,021 )   (1,442,682 )   (116,019 )   —       (921 )   (1,945,643 )

Translation differences

   —       3,706     13,403     1,097     —       12     18,218  

Depreciation charge

   —       (83,357 )   (305,320 )   (15,397 )   —       (110 )   (404,184 )

Disposals / Consumptions

   —       20     388     1,582     —       85     2,075  

Derecognition

   —       —       25,836     —       —       —       25,836  

Transfers

   —       2,280     —       —       —       —       2,280  
                                          

Accumulated at the end of the year

   —       (463,372 )   (1,708,375 )   (128,737 )   —       (934 )   (2,301,418 )
                                          

At December 31, 2006

   311,516     1,093,321     3,576,589     63,321     351,283     24,653     5,420,683  
                                          

 

13 Intangible assets, net

 

Year ended December 31, 2007    Information
System
Projects
    Mining
Concessions
and
Exploration
Costs
    Customer
Relationships
and other
contractual
rights
    Trademarks     Goodwill     Total  

Cost

            

Values at the beginning of the year

   68,326     129,570     —       —       397,943     595,839  

Translation differences

   (195 )   (101 )   1,169     850     (3,017 )   (1,294 )

Acquisition of business (see note 3)

   5,895     —       380,079     70,430     455,776     912,180  

Additions

   33,843     1,501     3,951     —       —       39,295  
                                    

Values at the end of the year

   107,869     130,970     385,199     71,280     850,702     1,546,020  
                                    

Amortization

            

Accumulated at the beginning of the year

   (30,876 )   (13,376 )   —       —       —       (44,252 )

Translation differences

   663     (59 )   980     (33 )   —       1,551  

Amortization charge

   (21,511 )   (8,585 )   (15,086 )   (5,907 )   —       (51,089 )
                                    

Accumulated at the end of the year

   (51,724 )   (22,020 )   (14,106 )   (5,940 )   —       (93,790 )
                                    

At December 31, 2007

   56,145     108,950     371,093     65,340     850,702     1,452,230  
                                    

 

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Table of Contents

TERNIUM S.A.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Contd.)

 

13 Intangible assets, net (continued)

 

Year ended December 31, 2006    Information
System
Projects
    Mining
Concessions
and
Exploration
Costs
    Goodwill     Total  

Cost

        

Values at the beginning of the year

   50,385     126,934     399,694     577,013  

Translation differences

   (409 )   (1,159 )   (2,426 )   (3,994 )

Additions

   18,350     3,795     675     22,820  
                        

Values at the end of the year

   68,326     129,570     397,943     595,839  
                        

Amortization

        

Accumulated at the beginning of the year

   (19,807 )   (4,324 )   —       (24,131 )

Translation differences

   147     43     —       190  

Amortization charge

   (11,216 )   (9,095 )   —       (20,311 )
                        

Accumulated at the end of the year

   (30,876 )   (13,376 )   —       (44,252 )
                        

At December 31, 2006

   37,450     116,194     397,943     551,587  
                        

 

14 Investments in associated companies

 

     Year ended
December 31,
     2007     2006

At the beginning of the year

   16,285     9,122

Translation adjustment

   (16 )   31

Contributions

   34,838     2,598

Equity in (losses) earnings of associated companies

   (7,065 )   4,534
          

At the end of the year

   44,042     16,285
          

The principal associated companies, all of which are unlisted, are:

 

Company

   Country of
incorporation
   Voting rights
at December 31,
    Value at December 31,
      2007     2006     2007    2006

Lomond Holdings BV. (1)

   Netherlands    50.00 %   50.00 %   2,893    2,747

Matesi Materiales Siderúrgicos S.A. (2)

   Venezuela    49.80 %   49.80 %   40,227    12,866

Compañía Afianzadora de Empresas Siderúrgicas S.G.R. (3)

   Argentina    38.89 %   38.89 %   95    120

Finma S.A.I.F. (4)

   Argentina    33.33 %   33.33 %   827    552
                
          44,042    16,285
                

 

(1) Holding Company. Indirectly through the participation in Alvory.
(2) Manufacturing and marketing of briquettes. Indirectly through the participation in Sidor.
(3) Granting of guarantees to participating partners to facilitate or permit access to credits for purchase of national raw material. Indirectly through the participation in Siderar.
(4) Consulting and financial services. Indirectly through the participation in Siderar.

 

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Table of Contents

TERNIUM S.A.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Contd.)

 

15 Other investments, net – non-current

 

     As of
December 31,
     2007    2006

Time deposits with related parties (i) (Note 30)

   12,673    11,249

Guarantee fund Compañía Afianzadora de Empresas Siderúgicas S.G.R. (ii)

   1,842    1,895

Others

   300    243

Total

   14,815    13,387
         

 

(i) Time deposits with related parties

The Company holds a savings fund denominated in U.S. dollars. Withdrawal of investments before certain dates is subject to penalties on amounts invested.

 

(ii) Guarantee fund Compañía Afianzadora de Empresas Siderúrgicas S.G.R.

Corresponds to the Company’s portion of the risk funds sponsored by Compañía Afianzadora de Empresas Siderúrgicas S.G.R., which acts as guarantor of third parties’ debts.

 

16 Receivables, net – non-current

 

     As of December 31,  
     2007     2006  

Receivables with related parties (Note 30)

   35,949     63,323  

Employee advances and loans

   13,078     12,616  

Receivables from sale of fixed assets

   1,378     1,542  

Income tax credit paid on business acquisition (Note 3)

   138,700     —    

Tax credits

   14,810     —    

Others

   14,235     2,795  

Allowance for doubtful accounts (Note 21 )

   (512 )   (1,373 )
            
   217,638     78,903  
            

 

17 Receivables - current

 

     As of December 31,
     2007    2006

Value added tax

   23,073    8,513

Tax credits

   118,881    19,442

Income tax credit paid on business acquisition (Note 3)

   84,000    —  

Employee advances and loans

   17,046    6,222

Advances to suppliers

   52,044    27,583

Expenses paid in advance

   15,585    12,175

Government tax refunds on exports

   56,056    43,531

Receivables with related parties (Note 30)

   29,058    42,619

Others

   30,295    15,733
         
   426,038    175,818
         

 

18 Inventories, net

 

     As of December 31,  
     2007     2006  

Raw materials, materials and spare parts

   732,437     519,530  

Goods in process

   672,656     458,839  

Finished goods

   360,526     262,873  

Goods in transit

   229,934     78,862  

Allowance for obsolescence (Note 22)

   (82,502 )   (78,779 )
            
   1,913,051     1,241,325  
            

 

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Table of Contents

TERNIUM S.A.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Contd.)

 

19 Trade receivables, net

 

     As of December 31,  
     2007     2006  

Current accounts

   845,814     592,800  

Trade receivables with related parties (Note 30)

   28,977     10,149  

Allowance for doubtful accounts (Note 22)

   (26,964 )   (25,083 )
            
   847,827     577,866  
            

 

20 Cash, cash equivalents and other investments

 

     As of December 31,
     2007    2006

(i)     Other investments

     

Deposits and foreign private sector bonds (due in more than 90 days)

   65,337    —  
         
   65,337    —  
         

(ii)    Cash and cash equivalents

     

Cash at banks and deposits (due in less than 90 days)

   1,126,041    633,002

Restricted cash

   —      10,350
         
   1,126,041    643,352
         

 

21 Allowances and Provisions – non current

 

     Deducted
from assets
    Liabilities  
     Allowance for
doubtful
accounts
    Legal claims
and
other matters
 

Year ended December 31, 2007

    

Values at the beginning of the year

   1,373     60,543  

Translation differences

   (33 )   (317 )

Acquisition of business

   —       10,011  

Additions

   —       16,690  

Reversals

   (828 )   (20,874 )

Used

   —       (8,708 )
            

At December 31, 2007

   512     57,345  
            

Year ended December 31, 2006

    

Values at the beginning of the year

   3,024     54,138  

Translation differences

   (27 )   (137 )

Additions

   —       9,966  

Reversals

   (1,624 )   (1,321 )

Used

   —       (2,103 )
            

At December 31, 2006

   1,373     60,543