Array Technologies(ARRY) - 2024 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved $275 million in revenue for Q4 2024 and$916 million for the full year, exceeding the midpoint of previously communicated guidance [12][52] - Q4 adjusted gross margin improved by 410 basis points year-on-year to 29.8%, while full year adjusted gross margin reached 34.1%, an increase of 680 basis points compared to 2023 [12][53] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 was $45.2 million, with a full year total of$173.6 million, down from $288.1 million in the prior year [12][54] - The net loss attributable to common shareholders for Q4 was$141.2 million, compared to a net income of $6 million in the prior year [51][54] - Free cash flow for the year was$135 million, ending with a cash balance of $364 million [12][55] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The order book ended the year at$2 billion, up 10% from 2023, with over 20% growth in the domestic portion [17] - The OmniTrack terrain following tracker contributed almost 10% of 2024 revenue, reflecting strong market traction [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Utility scale solar remains the cheapest and fastest-growing energy source, with solar and solar plus battery storage representing 64% of new electricity deployment in the U.S. [21] - The U.S. market stabilized towards the end of 2024, with expectations for continued momentum in 2025 despite previous headwinds [22][29] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on supply chain resiliency, with a new manufacturing facility in Albuquerque aimed at reducing costs and risks [13] - Continued investment in innovation, including partnerships with companies like SWAP Robotics, to enhance operational efficiency and project cycle times [37][38] - The company aims to provide 100% domestic content trackers in the U.S. by the first half of 2025 [26][40] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the utility scale solar industry's value proposition and demand, expecting 20% top-line growth in 2025 [29][66] - The company is taking a conservative approach to forecasting for 2025, with expectations for revenue between $1.05 billion and$1.15 billion [59] Other Important Information - The company experienced significant impairment charges related to the 2022 STI acquisition, impacting operating expenses [49] - The company is actively monitoring developments regarding the Inflation Reduction Act and its implications for the solar industry [24][26] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you discuss the EBITDA margin in Q1 compared to the rest of the year? - Management indicated that Q1 EBITDA margins are expected to be lower due to the continuation of large shipments from Q4 and the roll-off of some amortization [70] Question: What initiatives are being taken to grow the backlog? - Management noted a strong win rate for new orders, with a book-to-bill ratio of 1.5 in North America, despite some debookings in Brazil [78] Question: What pricing dynamics are expected in 2025? - Management stated that pricing remains disciplined, with commodity prices impacting ASPs rather than aggressive pricing strategies [82] Question: How does the competitive environment look after Soltec's exit in Europe? - Management acknowledged gaining market share in Brazil but noted legal constraints in Spain preventing immediate project takeovers [108] Question: Are there plans to sell off any 45X credits? - Management indicated that selling credits is not a near-term plan, as most credits are filed by vendors, but they would evaluate selling excess credits in the future [113]