TC
TPI COMPOSITES, INC (TPIC)·Q2 2024 Earnings Summary
Executive Summary
- Q2 2024 marked a transitional quarter with net sales of $309.8M and a net loss from continuing operations of $61.5M; adjusted EBITDA loss improved to $24.9M vs. $33.3M a year ago as warranty charges rolled off, but quality-focused start-up pacing and Nordex Matamoros cancellations weighed on volumes .
- Management reaffirmed FY 2024 guidance for $1.3–$1.4B sales and narrowed adjusted EBITDA margin to “approximately 1%” (from 1–3%), reflecting higher-than-expected losses from the Nordex Matamoros plant; positive free cash flow and at least mid-single-digit adjusted EBITDA margins are targeted for H2 2024 .
- Strategic actions: Automotive business divested effective June 30, 2024, and Nordex Matamoros facility closed—removing loss-making operations and improving 2H profitability setup .
- Key near-term stock catalysts: confirmation of H2 profitability and free cash flow turn, ramp of 4 new GE lines in Mexico, ASP normalization as shorter blades rebalance mix, and any Iowa facility activation signals for 2025; risks include EU demand softness and FX (TRY) headwinds .
What Went Well and What Went Wrong
What Went Well
- Adjusted EBITDA loss improved year-over-year to ($24.9M) vs. ($33.3M), aided by absence of prior-year $32.7M warranty charge, FX tailwinds, and cost savings initiatives .
- Strategic portfolio reshaping: completed divestiture of Automotive and closed Nordex Matamoros, removing loss-making operations to position for H2 profitability and positive free cash flow .
- Strong regional operations: India and Türkiye remained profitable; Mexico plants showing improvement with LEAN and quality initiatives; supply chain stability with raw material prices down year-over-year .
What Went Wrong
- Q2 revenue and adjusted EBITDA were below internal expectations due to a heightened quality focus slowing start-ups (~$20M revenue impact) and Nordex’s unexpected cancellation of Matamoros orders, requiring an accelerated shutdown .
- Field Services revenue fell 51% YoY to $5.5M as technicians were diverted to inspection/repair campaigns, limiting EBITDA contribution; normalization expected to resume in H2 .
- Elevated interest expense ($22.4M in Q2) from the Oaktree refinancing weighed on bottom line, while inflation and higher wages pressured cost base .
Financial Results
Consolidated Financials vs. Prior Year and Prior Quarter
Notes: Adjusted EBITDA margin is from company disclosures; free cash flow defined as operating cash flow minus capex .
Segment Breakdown (Continuing Operations)
Drivers: Lower Wind sales driven by start-ups/transitions, expected volume declines, Matamoros cancellations, and FX; partial offset from higher ASPs and tooling. Field Services declined on technician redeployment to inspection/repair .
KPIs (Continuing Operations)
Guidance Changes
Management rationale: Higher-than-expected losses from Nordex Matamoros and TRY FX headwinds drove the narrowing to the low end; line start-ups/transition to serial production expected to drive H2 improvement .
Earnings Call Themes & Trends
Management Commentary
- “As these lines enter serial production and utilization increases…we are positioned to return the company to profitability and positive free cash flow in the second half of the year.” — Bill Siwek, CEO .
- “Sales and adjusted EBITDA were lower than expectations in Q2…heightened emphasis on quality…slowed our start-up…impacting our sales by about $20 million…Nordex’s unexpectedly canceled purchase orders…requested that we wind down the factory.” .
- “Excluding [start-up/transition costs and Matamoros losses], our adjusted EBITDA was nearly 5%…we anticipate at least mid-single-digit adjusted EBITDA margins in Q3 and Q4 as well as positive free cash flow.” .
- “We are reaffirming our guidance for the full year 2024, however, we are narrowing our adjusted EBITDA guidance to the low end of the range…” .
- “We believe we are truly at a pivotal point in time for TPI…we plan to achieve at least $100 million of adjusted EBITDA in 2025.” .
Q&A Highlights
- 2025 EBITDA confidence: $100M target feasible even if broader market recovery is slower; TPIC volumes up, customers seeking all capacity; U.S. lines likely minimal transitions in 2025 .
- Iowa facility timing: Earliest start in early 2025; ~6-month ramp tied to hiring; blade selection will determine CapEx .
- Cash cadence: Q3 flattish; majority of cash inflow in Q4 as capex moderates and lines reach serial production .
- ASP sustainability: Q2 $208K per blade seen as peak; mix expected to normalize as shorter blades ramp, lowering ASP in 2H .
- Nordex relationship: Despite shutdown strains, relationship intact; opportunity to participate in new U.S. blade design .
- Lines count/utilization: 34 operating lines by year-end 2024; idled capacity in India provides optionality for 2025 .
Estimates Context
- Wall Street consensus estimates via S&P Global were unavailable for TPIC due to missing CIQ mapping at the time of retrieval; as a result, we cannot quantify beats/misses versus Street for Q2 2024. Values would normally be retrieved from S&P Global*.
- Given management’s disclosure that Q2 sales and adjusted EBITDA were below internal expectations due to quality pacing and Matamoros cancellations, Street models may need to reflect: lower Q2 volumes, sharper ASP/mix dynamics in H1, offset by H2 utilization approaching ~90% and margin turn to mid-single digits .
*Values retrieved from S&P Global (unavailable due to mapping at query time).
Key Takeaways for Investors
- H2 2024 setup is cleaner: loss-making Matamoros and Automotive are out; expect at least mid-single-digit adjusted EBITDA margins and positive free cash flow in Q3/Q4 as utilization climbs toward ~90% .
- ASP normalization to watch: Q2’s ASP peak ($208K/blade) should ease as shorter blades ramp; monitor revenue vs. margin trade-off as mix shifts .
- FY24 margin guide narrowed to ~1%: a prudent reset reflecting Matamoros losses and TRY FX; any upside hinges on faster start-up normalization and field services recovery .
- 2025 visibility improving: Mexico and U.S. demand strong; potential Iowa activation and India capacity fill provide optional upside to volumes and EBITDA path toward $100M .
- Cash inflection skewed to Q4: Capex and working capital needs in Q3 imply limited cash generation until late year; balance sheet discipline remains a focus .
- Execution risks: Start-up timing/quality pacing, EU demand uncertainty, FX (TRY), and inflation/wage pressures; offset by LEAN initiatives and cost reductions .
- Near-term trading lens: Confirmation of H2 profitability/free cash flow, GE line ramp milestones, and any Iowa facility news are potential positive catalysts; watch for EU volume updates and FX commentary as possible headwinds .
Additional Q2 2024 Press Releases and Prior Quarters
- Q2 2024 results release and call schedule announcement (July 18, 2024) .
- Automotive divestiture agreement (June 17, 2024), closing expected June 30, 2024 .
- Q1 2024 results: Revenue $299.1M, adjusted EBITDA ($23.0M), narrowed utilization outlook to 34 lines; reiterated FY24 guidance .
- Q4 2023 results: Revenue $297.0M, adjusted EBITDA ($28.1M); highlighted refinancing and contract expansions; set up for FY24 transition .