TI
Tecnoglass Inc. (TGLS)·Q4 2024 Earnings Summary
Executive Summary
- Q4 2024 delivered a quarterly record: revenue $239.6M (+23.1% y/y), diluted EPS $1.00, gross margin 44.5%, and adjusted EBITDA $79.2M (33.1% margin) .
- Backlog reached an all-time high $1.1B (book-to-bill 1.3x), with management emphasizing visibility well into 2026 and strong single-family momentum entering Q1 2025 .
- 2025 outlook introduced: revenue $940M–$1.02B (≈10% growth mid-point), adjusted EBITDA $300M–$340M; assumptions include COP at/above 4,200 for higher-end margins, vinyl revenue $15M–$40M, and capex $65M–$70M .
- Key catalysts: tariff headline risk (proposed 25% U.S. aluminum import tariff) with mitigation via U.S.-sourced aluminum and potential pricing actions; dividend raised 36% to $0.15 (annualized $0.60), net cash at year-end supporting buybacks ($76.5M capacity remaining) .
What Went Well and What Went Wrong
What Went Well
- Record Q4 revenue and margin expansion driven by both single-family and commercial demand; adjusted EBITDA +27.9% y/y with margin 33.1% .
Quote: “Total revenues for the fourth quarter … increased 23.1% to a quarterly record of $239.6 million … adjusted EBITDA … $79.2 million … 33.1%” . - Backlog strength and visibility: all-time high $1.1B; 31st consecutive quarter of y/y backlog growth; book-to-bill 1.3x; ~2/3 backlog typically converts within 12 months .
Quote: “Our backlog reached an all-time high of $1.1 billion … book-to-bill … 1.3x … approximately 2/3 … converting to revenue within the next 12 months” . - Strategic momentum: vinyl ramp beginning (Q4 single-family $93.5M), showroom expansion (CA/AZ), strong bidding/quoting; record operating cash flow $170.5M for 2024 and $61.1M in Q4 .
What Went Wrong
- SG&A rose to $39.4M in Q4 on transport/commissions and salary adjustments; 2024 SG&A 17.2% of revenue vs 15.7% prior year .
- Macro/FX headwinds: unfavorable FX earlier in 2024 pressured margins; COP wage increase of 9% expected to weigh on margins, partly offset by leverage/efficiency .
- Tariff risk: proposed 25% U.S. aluminum tariff could affect ~$25M of annual aluminum component costs; mitigation planned via U.S. sourcing and pricing actions, but creates uncertainty .
Financial Results
Core P&L Metrics (Trend: Q2 → Q3 → Q4 2024)
End-Market/Operational KPIs
Revenue by Region
Guidance Changes
Earnings Call Themes & Trends
Management Commentary
- Strategic positioning: “Our record revenues … demonstrate our consistent track record of gaining market share while maintaining operational excellence … vertically integrated business model” .
- Backlog visibility: “Backlog reached an all-time high of $1.1 billion … strong momentum in quoting and bidding … well positioned for continued growth in 2025” .
- Profit drivers: “Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 2024 increased 27.9% y/y to $79.2M … gross margin 44.5%, up from 42.6%” .
- Tariff stance: “We have taken steps … securing alternative sources of aluminum from U.S. suppliers … expect a more favorable pricing environment” .
- 2025 framework: “Revenue $940M–$1.02B … adjusted EBITDA $300M–$340M … gross margins mid–high 40s at high end … capex $65–$70M” .
Q&A Highlights
- Vinyl cadence: Management expects vinyl revenues to “keep growing” and potentially “double what we did last year,” with a $15–$40M range in 2025 .
- Capacity and automation: Current utilization ~65–70%; adding automation to increase output while maintaining 4–5 week lead times .
- Single-family momentum: Early 2025 in single-family “has been extraordinary,” with growth vs Dec and Jan 2024 .
- Light commercial mix: Monthly light commercial revenues ~$10–$12M, implying ~$125–$150M per year (≈20–25% of total commercial) .
- Tariff impact sizing: Rough math suggests ~$25M annual impact on aluminum components; plan to counter via pricing and U.S. sourcing; peers likely similarly affected .
Estimates Context
- Wall Street consensus (S&P Global/Capital IQ) was not accessible at the time of analysis due to data vendor limitations. As a result, a direct comparison of Q4 2024 actuals vs consensus EPS and revenue is unavailable. Values that would normally be sourced from S&P Global are therefore omitted.
Key Takeaways for Investors
- Backlog-led visibility supports 2025 growth; conversion (~2/3 within 12 months) plus strong single-family momentum underpins the revenue outlook .
- Margin resilience: Q4 gross margin 44.5% and adjusted EBITDA margin 33.1% reflect pricing power, stable raw material costs, and operating leverage; FX improvements vs early 2024 are constructive .
- Tariff watch: Proposed 25% aluminum tariff could be a near-term headline risk; TGLS plans U.S. sourcing and pass-through pricing; monitor tariff decisions and competitors’ pricing moves .
- Vinyl optionality: 2025 vinyl revenues targeted at $15–$40M; successful ramp would expand addressable market and diversify revenue mix .
- Capital allocation: Record operating cash flow ($61.1M Q4; $170.5M FY), net cash at year-end, dividend up 36% to $0.15, and ~$76.5M buyback capacity position TGLS to support returns while funding growth .
- SG&A leverage: Expect fixed-cost leverage to offset mandated wage increases; watch installation mix in Florida for potential margin pressure .
- Trading implications: Stock likely sensitive to tariff headlines and FX (COP) levels; positive catalysts include vinyl order flow, showroom expansion (CA/AZ), and light commercial stability .
Appendix: Additional Full-Year 2024 Metrics
Notes: All figures are GAAP unless explicitly noted as adjusted/non-GAAP. Adjusted metrics reconcile to GAAP in company tables .