Public companies are required to disclose risks that can affect the business and impact the stock. These disclosures are known as “Risk Factors”. Companies disclose these risks in their yearly (Form 10-K), quarterly earnings (Form 10-Q), or “foreign private issuer” reports (Form 20-F). Risk factors show the challenges a company faces. Investors can consider the worst-case scenarios before making an investment. TipRanks’ Risk Analysis categorizes risks based on proprietary classification algorithms and machine learning.
Tecnoglass disclosed 56 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Tecnoglass reported the most risks in the “Finance & Corporate” category.
Risk Overview Q3, 2024
Risk Distribution
29% Finance & Corporate
23% Macro & Political
21% Production
14% Legal & Regulatory
7% Ability to Sell
5% Tech & Innovation
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
This chart displays the stock's most recent risk distribution according to category. TipRanks has identified 6 major categories: Finance & corporate, legal & regulatory, macro & political, production, tech & innovation, and ability to sell.
Risk Change Over Time
2020
Q4
S&P500 Average
Sector Average
Risks removed
Risks added
Risks changed
Tecnoglass Risk Factors
New Risk (0)
Risk Changed (0)
Risk Removed (0)
No changes from previous report
The chart shows the number of risks a company has disclosed. You can compare this to the sector average or S&P 500 average.
The quarters shown in the chart are according to the calendar year (January to December). Businesses set their own financial calendar, known as a fiscal year. For example, Walmart ends their financial year at the end of January to accommodate the holiday season.
Risk Highlights Q3, 2024
Main Risk Category
Finance & Corporate
With 16 Risks
Finance & Corporate
With 16 Risks
Number of Disclosed Risks
56
No changes from last report
S&P 500 Average: 31
56
No changes from last report
S&P 500 Average: 31
Recent Changes
0Risks added
0Risks removed
0Risks changed
Since Sep 2024
0Risks added
0Risks removed
0Risks changed
Since Sep 2024
Number of Risk Changed
0
No changes from last report
S&P 500 Average: 3
0
No changes from last report
S&P 500 Average: 3
See the risk highlights of Tecnoglass in the last period.
Risk Word Cloud
The most common phrases about risk factors from the most recent report. Larger texts indicate more widely used phrases.
Risk Factors Full Breakdown - Total Risks 56
Finance & Corporate
Total Risks: 16/56 (29%)Below Sector Average
Share Price & Shareholder Rights8 | 14.3%
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 1
If a United States person is treated as owning at least 10% of the value or voting power of our shares, such holder may be subject to adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences.
If a United States person is treated as owning (directly, indirectly or constructively) at least 10% of the value or voting power of our shares, such person may be treated as a "United States shareholder" with respect to each "controlled foreign corporation" in our group (if any). While our parent company owns one or more U.S. subsidiaries, we, and certain of our non-U.S. subsidiaries, could be treated as controlled foreign corporations. Furthermore, while our group includes one or more U.S. subsidiaries, certain of our non-U.S. subsidiaries could be treated as controlled foreign corporations (regardless of whether or not we are treated as a controlled foreign corporation). A United States shareholder of a controlled foreign corporation generally is required to report annually and include in its U.S. taxable income its pro rata share of "Subpart F income," "global intangible low-taxed income" and investments in U.S. property by controlled foreign corporations, regardless of whether we make any such United States shareholder receives any actual distributions. An individual that is a United States shareholder with respect to a controlled foreign corporation generally would not be allowed certain tax deductions or foreign tax credits that would be allowed to a United States shareholder that is a U.S. corporation. Failure to comply with these reporting obligations may subject a United States shareholder to significant monetary penalties and may prevent the statute of limitations with respect to such shareholder's U.S. federal income tax return for the year for which reporting was due from starting. We cannot provide any assurances that we will assist investors in determining whether any of our non-U.S. subsidiaries are treated as a controlled foreign corporation or whether any investor is treated as a United States shareholder with respect to any of such controlled foreign corporations or furnish to any United States shareholders information that may be necessary to comply with the aforementioned reporting and tax paying obligations. There is substantial uncertainty as to the application of each of the foregoing rules as well as the determination of any relevant calculations in applying the foregoing rules. United States persons are strongly advised to avoid acquiring, directly, indirectly or constructively, 10% or more of the value or voting power of our shares. A United States investor should consult its advisors regarding the potential application of these rules to an investment in the ordinary shares.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 2
If securities analysts do not publish research or reports about our business or if they downgrade our stock or our sector, our stock price and trading volume could decline.
The trading market for our ordinary shares relies in part on the research and reports that industry or financial analysts publish about us or our business. We do not control these analysts. Furthermore, if one or more of the analysts who do cover us downgrade our stock or our industry, or the stock of any of our competitors, or publish inaccurate or unfavorable research about our business, the price of our stock could decline. If one or more of these analysts ceases coverage of us or fail to publish reports on us regularly, we could lose visibility in the market, which in turn could cause our stock price or trading volume to decline.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 3
We are a "controlled company," controlled by Energy Holding Corporation, whose interest in our business may be different from ours or yours.
We are a "controlled company" within the meaning of the New York Stock Exchange listing standards. Under these rules, a company of which more than 50% of the voting power is held by an individual, a group or another company is a "controlled company" and may elect not to comply with certain corporate governance requirements of the New York Stock Exchange, including (i) the requirement that a majority of the board of directors consist of independent directors, (ii) the requirement that we have a nominating and corporate governance committee that is composed entirely of independent directors with a written charter addressing the committee's purpose and responsibilities and (iii) the requirement that we have a compensation committee that is composed entirely of independent directors with a written charter addressing the committee's purpose and responsibilities. Although we meet the definition of a "controlled company," we have determined at this time not to take advantage of this designation and comply with all the corporate governance rules applicable to listed companies that are not controlled companies. We may, however, determine to take advantage of these exemptions in the future. If we did, you would not have the same protections afforded to stockholders of companies subject to all of the corporate governance requirements of the New York Stock Exchange.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 4
Anti-takeover provisions in our organizational documents and Cayman Islands law may discourage or prevent a change of control, even if an acquisition would be beneficial to our shareholders, which could depress the price of our ordinary shares and prevent attempts by our shareholders to replace or remove our current management.
Our memorandum and articles of association contain provisions that may discourage unsolicited takeover proposals that shareholders may consider to be in their best interests. Our board of directors is divided into three classes with staggered, three-year terms. Our board of directors has the ability to designate the terms of and issue preferred shares without shareholder approval. We are also subject to certain provisions under Cayman Islands law that could delay or prevent a change of control. Together these provisions may make more difficult the removal of management and may discourage transactions that otherwise could involve payment of a premium over prevailing market prices for our ordinary shares.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 5
Because we are incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands, you may face difficulties in protecting your interests, and your ability to protect your rights through the U.S. Federal courts may be limited.
We are a company incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands, and substantially all of our assets are located outside the United States. In addition, a majority of our directors and officers are nationals or residents of jurisdictions other than the United States and all or substantial portions of their assets are located outside the United States. As a result, it may be difficult for investors to effect service of process within the United States upon our directors or executive officers, or enforce judgments obtained in the United States courts against our directors or officers.
Our corporate affairs are governed by our third amended and restated memorandum and articles of association, the Companies Law (2018 Revision) of the Cayman Islands (as the same may be supplemented or amended from time to time) and the common law of the Cayman Islands. The rights of shareholders to take action against the directors, actions by minority shareholders and the fiduciary responsibilities of our directors to us under Cayman Islands law are largely governed by the common law of the Cayman Islands. The common law of the Cayman Islands is derived in part from comparatively limited judicial precedent in the Cayman Islands as well as from English common law, the decisions of whose courts are of persuasive authority, but are not binding on a court in the Cayman Islands. The rights of our shareholders and the fiduciary responsibilities of our directors under Cayman Islands law are different from what they would be under statutes or judicial precedent in some jurisdictions in the United States. In particular, the Cayman Islands has a different body of securities laws as compared to the United States, and certain states, such as Delaware, may have more fully developed and judicially interpreted bodies of corporate law. In addition, Cayman Islands companies may not have standing to initiate a shareholder's derivative action in a Federal court of the United States.
We have been advised that the courts of the Cayman Islands are unlikely (i) to recognize or enforce against us judgments of courts of the United States predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the securities laws of the United States or any State; and (ii) in original actions brought in the Cayman Islands, to impose liabilities against us predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the securities laws of the United States or any State, so far as the liabilities imposed by those provisions are penal in nature. In those circumstances, although there is no statutory enforcement in the Cayman Islands of judgments obtained in the United States, the courts of the Cayman Islands will recognize and enforce a foreign money judgment of a foreign court of competent jurisdiction without retrial on the merits based on the principle that a judgment of a competent foreign court imposes upon the judgment debtor an obligation to pay the sum for which judgment has been given provided certain conditions are met. For a foreign judgment to be enforced in the Cayman Islands, such judgment must be final and conclusive and for a liquidated sum, and must not be in respect of taxes or a fine or penalty, inconsistent with a Cayman Islands judgment in respect of the same matter, impeachable on the grounds of fraud or obtained in a manner, and or be of a kind the enforcement of which is, contrary to natural justice or the public policy of the Cayman Islands (awards of punitive or multiple damages may well be held to be contrary to public policy). A Cayman Islands Court may stay enforcement proceedings if concurrent proceedings are being brought elsewhere. There is recent Privy Council authority (which is binding on the Cayman Islands Court) in the context of a reorganization plan approved by the New York Bankruptcy Court which suggests that due to the universal nature of bankruptcy/insolvency proceedings, foreign money judgments obtained in foreign bankruptcy/insolvency proceedings may be enforced without applying the principles outlined above. However, a more recent English Supreme Court authority (which is highly persuasive but not binding on the Cayman Islands Court), has expressly rejected that approach in the context of a default judgment obtained in an adversary proceeding brought in the New York Bankruptcy Court by the receivers of the bankruptcy debtor against a third party, and which would not have been enforceable upon the application of the traditional common law principles summarized above and held that foreign money judgments obtained in bankruptcy/insolvency proceedings should be enforced by applying the principles set out above, and not by the simple exercise of the Courts' discretion. Those cases have now been considered by the Cayman Islands Court. The Cayman Islands Court was not asked to consider the specific question of whether a judgment of a bankruptcy court in an adversary proceeding would be enforceable in the Cayman Islands, but it did endorse the need for active assistance of overseas bankruptcy proceedings. We understand that the Cayman Islands Court's decision in that case has been appealed and it remains the case that the law regarding the enforcement of bankruptcy/insolvency related judgments is still in a state of uncertainty.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 6
Our operations are located in Colombia, which may make it more difficult for U.S. investors to understand and predict how changing market and economic conditions will affect our financial results.
Our operations are located in Colombia and, consequently, are subject to the economic, political and tax conditions prevalent in that country. The economic conditions in Colombia are subject to different growth expectations, market weaknesses and business practices than economic conditions in the U.S. market. We may not be able to predict how changing market conditions in Colombia will affect our financial results.
During 2023, Moody's, S&P and Fitch, three of the main rating agencies worldwide, ratings for Colombia stood at "Baa2", "BB+", and "BB+" respectively, where Moody's and Fitch had a Stable outlook and S&P reported a negative outlook. The ratings reflect their expectation of fiscal deficit recovery and stable net debt over total GDP, driven by moderate economic growth. Colombia's real GDP increased 0.6% in 2023. Global inflationary pressures and lower interest rates during 2022, led Colombia to reach an annual inflation rate of 13.28% in May 2023. As a result, Colombian Central Bank ("Banco de la República") raised its monetary policy rate from 12% as of December 31, 2022, to 13% as of December 31, 2023, leading annual inflation rate to close at 9.28% as of December 2023. In addition, minimum wage for 2024 was agreed to increase 12%.
Colombia's economy, just like most of Latin-American countries, continues suffering from the effects of high volatility in commodity prices, mainly oil, reflected in its elevated level of external debt. Even though the country has taken measures to stabilize the economy, it is uncertain how will these measures be perceived and if the intended goal of increasing investor's confidence will be achieved.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 7
The interests of our controlling shareholders could differ from the interests of our other shareholders.
Energy Holding Corporation exercises significant influence over us as a result of its majority shareholder position and voting rights. As of the date of this Form 10-K, Energy Holding Corporation beneficially owned approximately 52.4% of our outstanding ordinary shares. Energy Holding Corporation, in turn, is controlled by members of the Daes family, who together own 100% of the shares of Energy Holding Corporation. See "Principal Securityholders". Accordingly, our controlling shareholders would have considerable influence regarding the outcome of any transaction that requires shareholder approval. In addition, if we are unable to obtain requisite approvals from Energy Holding Corporation, we may be prevented from executing critical elements of our business strategy.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 8
We have entered into significant transactions with affiliates or other related parties, which may result in conflicts of interest.
We have entered into transactions with affiliates or other related parties in the past and may do so again in the future. While we believe such transactions have been and will continue to be negotiated on an arm's length basis, giving us a competitive advantage with vertical integration, there can be no assurance that such transactions could not give rise to conflicts of interest that could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
Accounting & Financial Operations3 | 5.4%
Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 1
If we fail to maintain proper and effective internal controls, our ability to produce accurate financial statements could be impaired, which could adversely affect our business.
Our financial reporting obligations as a public company place a significant strain on our management, operational and financial resources, and systems. We may not be able to implement effective internal controls and procedures to detect and prevent errors in our financial reports, file our financial reports on a timely basis in compliance with SEC requirements, or prevent and detect fraud. Our management may not be able to respond adequately to changing regulatory compliance and reporting requirements. If we are not able to adequately implement the requirements of Section 404, we may not be able to assess whether internal controls over financial reporting are effective, which may subject us to adverse regulatory consequences and could harm investor confidence, the market price of our ordinary shares and our ability to raise additional capital.
Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 2
We cannot assure you that we will continue to pay dividends on our ordinary shares, and our indebtedness, future investments or cashflow generation could limit our ability to continue to pay dividends on our ordinary shares.
Prior to August 2016, we had not paid any cash dividends on our ordinary shares. Since such time, we have paid regular quarterly dividends. However, the payment of dividends in the future, if any, will be contingent upon our revenues and earnings, if any, capital requirements and our general financial condition and limitations imposed by our outstanding indebtedness.
Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 3
Our results may not match our provided guidance or the expectations of securities analysts or investors, which likely would have an adverse effect on the market price of our securities.
Our results may fall below provided guidance and the expectations of securities analysts or investors in future periods. Our results may vary depending on a number of factors, including, but not limited to, fluctuating customer demand, delay or timing of shipments, construction delays or cancellations due to lack of financing for construction projects or market acceptance of new products. Manufacturing or operational difficulties that may arise due to quality control, capacity utilization of our production equipment or staffing requirements may also adversely affect annual net sales and operating results. Moreover, where we participate in fixed-price contracts for installation services, changes in timing of construction projects or difficulties or errors in their execution caused by us or other parties, could result in a failure to achieve expected results. In addition, competition, including new entrants into our markets, the introduction of new products by competitors, adoption of improved technologies by competitors and competitive pressures on prices of products and services, could adversely affect our results. Finally, our results may vary depending on raw material pricing, the potential for disruption of supply and changes in legislation that could have an adverse impact on labor or other costs. Our failure to meet our provided guidance or the expectations of securities analysts or investors would likely adversely affect the market price of our securities.
Debt & Financing3 | 5.4%
Debt & Financing - Risk 1
We are subject to money laundering and terrorism financing risks.
Third parties may use us as a conduit for money laundering or terrorism financing. If we were to be associated with money laundering (including illegal cash operations) or terrorism financing, our reputation could suffer, or we could be subject to legal enforcement (including being added to "blacklists" that would prohibit certain parties from engaging in transactions with us). Our Colombian subsidiaries could also be sanctioned pursuant to criminal anti-money laundering rules in Colombia.
We have adopted a Code of Conduct, Compliance Manual which includes policies and procedures and help surveil and control our activities and a hotline to receive anonymous reports. However, such measures, procedures and compliance may not be completely effective in preventing third parties from using us as a conduit for money laundering or terrorism financing without our knowledge, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Debt & Financing - Risk 2
Our indebtedness could adversely affect our financial health and prevent us from fulfilling our obligations.
As of December 31, 2023, we and our subsidiaries on a consolidated basis had $173.4 million principal amount of debt outstanding. Our indebtedness could have negative consequences to our financial health. For example, it could:
- make it more difficult for us to satisfy our obligations with respect to the notes of our other debt; - increase our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions or a downturn in our business;- require us to dedicate a portion of our cash flow from operations to debt service, thereby reducing the availability of our cash flow to fund working capital, capital expenditures and other general corporate purposes; - limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the industry in which we operate; - place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors that are not as highly leveraged; - limit, along with the financial and other restrictive covenants in our indebtedness, among other things, our ability to borrow additional funds; and - result in an event of default if we fail to satisfy our obligations under the notes or our other debt or fail to comply with the financial and other restrictive covenants contained in the indenture or our other debt instruments, which event of default could result in all of our debt becoming immediately due and payable and could permit certain of our lenders to foreclose on our assets securing such debt.
Any of the above listed factors could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Further, the terms of our existing debt agreements do not, and any future debt may not, fully prohibit us from incurring additional debt. If new debt is added to our current debt levels, the related risks that we now face could intensify.
Debt & Financing - Risk 3
Increasing interest rates could materially adversely affect our ability to generate positive cashflows and secure financing required to carry out our strategic plans.
Historically, portions of our debt have been indexed to variable interest rates. A variety of factors impact prevailing interest rates of which we have no control over. A rise in interest rates could negatively impact the cost of financing for a portion of our debt with variable interest rates which could negatively impact our cash flow generation. Furthermore, a rise in interest rates could limit our ability to obtain financing required to support our growth through our continuing programs designed to develop new products, the expand of the installed capacity of our manufacturing facilities and execute our acquisition strategy. While we may mitigate the risk derived from interest rate fluctuations by entering into derivative contracts or by obtaining fixed rate financing, general increases in interest rates would still have an impact on the cost of financing and our ability to obtain appropriate funding.
Furthermore, the architectural glass industry is directly impacted by general construction activity trends. In turn, these markets may be affected by adverse changes in economic conditions such as interest rates, and availability of credit. Any future downturn or any other negative market pressures could negatively affect our results of operations in the future, as margins may decrease as a direct result of an overall decrease in demand for our products.
Corporate Activity and Growth2 | 3.6%
Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 1
We may not realize the anticipated benefit through our joint venture with Saint-Gobain as the construction of a new plant as part of the joint venture may not be completed as planned.
On May 3, 2019, we acquired an approximately 25.8% minority interest in Vidrio Andino's float glass plant in the outskirts of Bogota, Colombia in connection with our joint venture agreement with Saint-Gobain. We believe this joint venture has solidified our vertical integration strategy by providing us with an interest in the first stage of our production chain, while securing ample glass supply for our expected production needs. Although our glass supply ran smoothly during 2023, we may be unable to fully realize the planned synergies and fail to integrate some aspects of the facility's production capacity into our manufacturing process, which may have a negative impact on our financial condition in the future. Additionally, the joint venture agreement includes plans to build a new plant in Galapa, Colombia that will be located approximately 20 miles from our primary manufacturing facility in which we will also have a 25.8% interest. The new plant will be funded with the original cash contribution made by the Company, operating cash flows from the Bogota plant, and debt incurred at the joint venture level that will not consolidate into the Company.
There can be no assurance that the anticipated joint venture cost synergies, increases in capacity or production and optimization of certain manufacturing processes associated with the reduction of raw material waste, and supply chain synergies, including purchasing raw materials at more advantageous prices, will be achieved, or that they might not be significantly and materially less than anticipated, or that the completion of the joint venture with Saint-Gobain will be timely or effectively accomplished. In addition, our ability to realize the anticipated cost synergies and production capacity increases are subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond our control, such as changes to government regulation governing or otherwise impacting our industry, operating difficulties, client preferences, changes in competition and general economic or industry condition.
Constructing a new manufacturing facility involves risks, including financial, construction and governmental approval risks. If Vidrio Andino's plant fails to produce the anticipated cash flow, if we are unable to allocate the required capital to the new plant, if we are unable to secure the necessary permits, approvals or consents or if we are unable to enter into a contract for the construction of the plant on suitable terms, we will fail to realize the expected benefits of the joint venture.
Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 2
We may not be able to realize the expected return on our growth and efficiency capital expenditure plan.
In recent years we have made significant capital expenditures which include:
- Automation of six window assembly production lines, increasing efficiencies, labor and material waste costs with an estimated reduction of on-site damage by 30%; - Additional aluminum expansion project to increase capacity by approximately 400 tons/month; - Further automation of additional glass lines, increasing efficiencies on an end-to-end basis reducing lead times, headcount and on-site damage by approximately 40%; - Upgrading vacuum magnetron sputter coating machinery which will allow us to coat glass before tempering; - Automation of two centralized aluminum warehouses for storing, sorting and delivering extrusion matrices and aluminum profiles to our internal production processes that reduce lead times for the assembly of architectural systems and reduce on-site damage to materials; - Acquiring 1.5 million square feet of land adjacent to our existing facilities for future expansion and for our sport facility complex available to factory employees; and - Establishing new vinyl window assembly lines with annualized capacity of approximately $300 million
There can be no assurance that the anticipated cost saving initiatives will be achieved, or that they will not be significantly and materially less than anticipated, or that the completion of such cost savings initiatives will be effectively accomplished. In addition, our ability to realize the anticipated cost savings are subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond our control, such as changes to government regulation governing or otherwise impacting our industry, operating difficulties, client preferences, changes in competition and general economic or industry condition. If we fail to realize the anticipated cost savings it could have a negative impact on our financial position.
Macro & Political
Total Risks: 13/56 (23%)Above Sector Average
Economy & Political Environment9 | 16.1%
Economy & Political Environment - Risk 1
Economic instability in Colombia could negatively affect our ability to sell our products.
A significant decline in economic growth of any of Colombia's major trading partners - in particular, the United States, China, and Mexico - could have a material adverse effect on each country's balance of trade and economic growth. In addition, a "contagion" effect, where an entire region or class of investments becomes less attractive to, or subject to outflows of funds by, international investors could negatively affect the Colombian economy.
The 2020 global economic crisis, resulting from the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic which negatively affected many economic sectors and countries around the world, had negative effects on the Colombian economy. Although the Covid-19 effects have been contained as of December 2023, new variants may emerge and have a negative effect on the Colombian economy in the future.
Even though exports from Colombia, principally petroleum and petroleum products, and gold, have grown in recent years, fluctuations in commodity prices pose a significant challenge to their contribution to the country's balance of payments and fiscal revenues. Unemployment continues to be high in Colombia compared to other economies in Latin America. Furthermore, recent political and economic actions in the Latin American region, including actions taken by the Venezuelan government, may negatively affect international investor perception of the region. We cannot assure you that growth achieved over the past decade by the Colombian economy will continue in future periods. The long-term effects of the global economic and financial crisis on the international financial system remain uncertain. In addition, the effect on consumer confidence of any actual or perceived deterioration of household incomes in the Colombian economy may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.
Economy & Political Environment - Risk 2
Government policies and actions and judicial decisions in Colombia could significantly affect the local economy and, as a result, our results of operations and financial condition in the future.
Our results of operations and financial condition may be adversely affected by changes in Colombian governmental policies and actions and judicial decisions involving a broad range of matters, including interest rates, exchange rates, exchange controls, inflation rates, taxation, banking and pension fund regulations and other political or economic developments affecting Colombia. The Colombian government has historically exercised substantial influence over the economy, and its policies are likely to continue to have a significant effect on Colombian companies, including our subsidiaries. The President of Colombia has considerable power to determine governmental policies and actions relating to the economy and may adopt policies that negatively affect our subsidiaries. Future governmental policies and actions, or judicial decisions, could adversely affect our results of operations or financial condition.
Economy & Political Environment - Risk 3
Tensions with neighboring countries, including Venezuela and other Latin American countries, may affect the Colombian economy and, consequently, our results of operations and financial condition in the future.
Diplomatic relations with Venezuela and neighboring countries have from time to time been tense and have been affected by events surrounding the Colombian armed forces, particularly on Colombia's borders with Venezuela. Political tensions in Venezuela rose in January 2019 as several countries, including Colombia, did not recognize the legitimacy of Nicolás Maduro as Venezuelan head of state. However, as of December 31, 2023, Colombia's new government is aiming to reestablish political and commercial relations with Venezuela. Moreover, in November 2012, the International Court of Justice placed a sizeable area of the Caribbean Sea within Nicaragua's exclusive economic zone. To this date, Colombia continues to deem this area as part of its own exclusive economic zone. Any future deterioration in relations with Venezuela and Nicaragua may result in the closing of borders, risk of financial condition.
The territorial dispute between Venezuela and Guyana, starting on November 1, 2023 when Venezuela unilaterally declared the Esequibo region of Guyana as a part of Venezuela, may affect Colombia's political and commercial relations with Venezuela, as many commercial allies including United States, Brazil, and the United Kingdom, support Guyana. The potential escalation of the conflict could have significant impact on Colombia, which could in turn disrupt trade and investment in the region. This could have an adverse impact on our results of operations.
Economy & Political Environment - Risk 4
Colombia has experienced and continues to experience internal security issues that have had or could have a negative effect on the Colombian economy and our financial condition.
Colombia has experienced and continues to experience internal security issues, primarily due to the activities of guerrilla groups, such as dissidents from the former Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia, or "FARC") and the National Liberation Army (Ejercito de Liberación Nacional, or "ELN,") paramilitary groups and drug cartels. In remote regions of the country with minimal governmental presence, these groups have exerted influence over the local population and funded their activities by protecting, and rendering services to, drug traffickers. Even though the Colombian government's policies have reduced guerilla presence and criminal activity, particularly in the form of terrorist attacks, homicides, kidnappings and extortion, such activity persists in Colombia, and possible escalation of such activity and the effects associated with them have had and may have in the future a negative effect on the Colombian economy and on us, including on our customers, employees, results of operations and financial condition. The Colombian government commenced peace talks with the FARC in August 2012, and peace negotiations with the ELN began in November 2016. The Colombian government and the FARC signed a peace deal on September 26, 2016, which was amended after voters rejected it in the referendum held on October 2, 2016. The new agreement was signed on November 24, 2016, and was ratified by the Colombian Congress on November 30, 2016, and is being implemented. Pursuant to the peace agreements negotiated between the FARC and the Colombian government in 2016, the FARC occupies five seats in the Colombian Senate and five seats in the Colombian House of Representatives. The new deal clarifies protection to private property, is expected to increase the government's presence in rural areas and bans former rebels from running for office in certain newly created congressional districts in post-conflict zones. As a result, during the transition process, Colombia may experience an increase in internal security issues, drug-related crime and guerilla and paramilitary activities, which may have a negative impact on the Colombian economy. Our business or financial condition could be adversely affected by rapidly changing economic or social conditions, including the Colombian government's response to implementation of the agreement with FARC and ongoing peace negotiations, if any, which may result in legislation that increases the tax burden of Colombian companies.
Despite efforts by the Colombian government, drug-related crime, guerrilla paramilitary activity and criminal bands continue to exist in Colombia, and allegations have surfaced regarding members of the Colombian congress and other government officials having ties to guerilla and paramilitary groups. Although the Colombian government and ELN have been in talks since February 2017 to end a five-decade war, the Colombian government has suspended the negotiations after a series of rebel attacks. This situation could result in escalated violence by the ELN and may have a negative impact on the credibility of the Colombian government which could in turn have a negative impact on the Colombian economy.
Economy & Political Environment - Risk 5
Recent armed conflicts around the globe, including sanctions and tensions between United States, NATO allies and several eastern countries, may adversely affect the results of our operations.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine starting in February 2022 has escalated global tensions between the United States and NATO countries against Russia. Colombia has also condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Multiple economic sanctions against Russia are being imposed by many countries worldwide which has impacted the global economy as many commercial, industrial and financial businesses are closing operations in Russia. Trade restrictions imposed on Russia have led to increasing prices of oil, fluctuation in commodities markets and destabilizing many foreign currencies exchange rates.
In addition, recent military tensions between the United States alongside certain allies, and Yemen's Houthi group, has negatively impacted global commercial trade, as many ships are not being able to navigate through the Suez Canal.
Further escalation of conflict can lead to severe constraints on global supply chains such as logistics obstructions, raw material price increases and shortages, and higher energy costs. Disruptions in global supply chains can adversely affect our ability to manufacture and deliver product to our customers. Additionally, fluctuating foreign currency exchange rates could impact the profitability of our foreign subsidiaries which are at the core of our business.
Economy & Political Environment - Risk 6
Global trade tensions and political conditions in the United States, as well as the U.S. government's approach to NAFTA and/or other trade agreements, treaties or policies, may adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
Our operations are located in Colombia and may be, to varying degrees, affected by economic and market conditions in other countries. Trade barriers being erected by major economies may limit our ability to sell products in other markets and execute our growth strategies. Economic conditions in Colombia are correlated with economic conditions in the United States. As a result, any downturn in economic activity could have a negative impact on our business in the United States, which as of December 31, 2023, accounted for 95% of our net operating revenues.
The termination or re-negotiation of free trade agreements or other related events could also indirectly have an adverse effect on the Colombian economy. Although economic conditions in other emerging market countries and in the United States may differ significantly from economic conditions in Colombia, investors' reactions to developments in other countries may have an adverse effect on the market value of securities of Colombian companies. There can be no assurance that future developments in other emerging market countries and in the United States, over which we have no control, will not have a material adverse effect on our liquidity.
The results of the upcoming 2024 presidential elections in the United States could have a major impact on bilateral relations, economic cooperation, and regional security between Colombia and U.S. Increased U.S pressure on Colombia to align with its geopolitical interests may result in a reduction of U.S commercial trade and direct investment in Colombia.
Economy & Political Environment - Risk 7
We are subject to regional and national economic conditions in the United States.
The economy in Florida and throughout the United States could negatively impact demand for our products as it has in the past, and macroeconomic forces such as employment rates and the availability of credit could have an adverse effect on our sales and results of operations. Our U.S. business is concentrated geographically in Florida, which optimizes manufacturing efficiencies and logistics, but further concentrates our business, and another prolonged decline in the economy of the state of Florida or of nearby coastal regions, a change in state and local building code requirements for hurricane protection, or any other adverse condition in the state or certain coastal regions, could cause a decline in the demand for our products, which could have an adverse impact on our sales and results of operations. Our strategy of continued geographic diversification seeks to reduce our exposure to such region-specific risks.
Economy & Political Environment - Risk 8
The Colombian Government and the Central Bank exercise significant influence on the Colombian economy.
Although the Colombian government has not imposed foreign exchange restrictions since 1990, Colombia's foreign currency markets have historically been extremely regulated. Colombian law permits the Central Bank to impose foreign exchange controls to regulate the remittance of dividends and/or foreign investments in the event that the foreign currency reserves of the Central Bank fall below a level equal to the value of three months of imports of goods and services into Colombia. An intervention that precludes our Colombian subsidiaries from possessing, utilizing or remitting U.S. Dollars would impair our financial condition and results of operations, and would impair the Colombian subsidiary's ability to convert any dividend payments to U.S. Dollars.
The Colombian government and the Central Bank may also seek to implement new policies aimed at controlling further fluctuation of the Colombian peso against the U.S. Dollar and fostering domestic price stability. The Central Bank may impose certain mandatory deposit requirements in connection with foreign-currency denominated loans obtained by Colombian residents, including TG and ES. We cannot predict or control future actions by the Central Bank in respect of such deposit requirements, which may involve the establishment of a different mandatory deposit percentage. The U.S. Dollar/Colombian peso exchange rate has shown some instability in recent years. Please see "Disclosure Regarding Foreign Exchange Controls and Exchange Rates in Colombia" for actions the Central Bank could take to intervene in the exchange market.
The Colombian Government has considerable power to shape the Colombian economy and, consequently, affect the operations and financial performance of businesses. The Colombian Government may seek to implement new policies aimed at controlling further fluctuation of the Colombian peso against the U.S. Dollar and fostering domestic price stability. The president of Colombia has considerable power to determine governmental policies and actions relating to the economy and may adopt policies that are inconsistent with those of the prior government or that negatively affect us.
Economy & Political Environment - Risk 9
Economic and political conditions in Colombia may have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
Our financial condition and results of operations depend significantly on macroeconomic and political conditions prevailing in Colombia. Decreases in the growth rate, periods of negative growth, increases in inflation, changes in law, regulation, policy, or future judicial rulings and interpretations of policies involving exchange controls and other matters such as (but not limited to) currency depreciation, foreign exchange regulations, inflation, interest rates, taxation, employment and labor laws, banking laws and regulations and other political or economic developments in or affecting Colombia may affect the overall business environment and may, in turn, adversely impact our financial condition and results of operations in the future. Colombia's fiscal deficit and growing public debt could adversely affect the Colombian economy. See "Disclosure Regarding Foreign Exchange Rates in Colombia" and "Risk Factors – Risks Related to Colombia and Other Countries Where We Operate – The Colombian government and the Central Bank exercise significant influence on the Colombian economy".
The Colombian government frequently intervenes in Colombia's economy and from time to time makes significant changes in monetary, fiscal and regulatory policy. Our business and results of operations or financial condition may be adversely affected by changes in government or fiscal policies, and other political, diplomatic, social, and economic developments that may affect Colombia. We cannot predict what policies the Colombian government will adopt and whether those policies would have a negative impact on the Colombian economy or on our business and financial performance in the future. We cannot assure you as to whether current stability in the Colombian economy will be sustained. If the conditions of the Colombian economy were to deteriorate, our financial conditions and results of operations would be adversely affected.
The Colombian government has historically exercised substantial influence on the local economy, and governmental policies are likely to continue to have an important effect on companies operating in Colombia like our Colombian subsidiaries, market conditions and the prices of the securities of local issuers. The President of Colombia has considerable power to determine governmental policies and actions relating to the economy and may adopt policies that may negatively affect us. We cannot predict which policies will be adopted by the new government and whether those policies would have a negative impact on the Colombian economy in which we operate or our business and financial performance.
In 2022, Congress and Presidential Elections took place in Colombia. We cannot assure you that measures adopted by the Colombian government under its new regime continue to be consistent with former policy and will not affect the country´s overall economic outlook and performance. The new leadership under the elected government may have negative effects on macroeconomic stability and therefore on the construction industry as a whole and finally, on the company´s operations and future prospects. Although we don't estimate a significant effect in the short term based on current backlog and ongoing activity, it is uncertain as to how a new regime could affect our business in the longer term. In addition, we cannot predict the effects that such policies will have on the Colombian economy. Furthermore, we cannot assure you that the Colombian peso will not depreciate relative to other currencies in the future, which could have a materially adverse effect on our financial condition.
Natural and Human Disruptions2 | 3.6%
Natural and Human Disruptions - Risk 1
Weather can materially affect our business and we are subject to seasonality.
Seasonal changes and other weather-related conditions can adversely affect our business and operations through a decline in both the use and production of our products and demand for our services. Adverse weather conditions, such as extended rainy and cold weather in the spring and fall, can reduce demand for our products and reduce sales or render our distribution operations less efficient. Major weather events such as hurricanes, tornadoes, tropical storms and heavy snows with quick rainy melts could adversely affect sales in the near term.
Construction materials production and shipment levels follow activity in the construction industry, which typically occurs in the spring, summer and fall. Warmer and drier weather during the second and third quarters typically result in higher activity and revenue levels during those quarters. The first quarter typically has lower levels of activity partially due to inclement weather conditions. The activity level during the second quarter varies greatly with variations in temperature and precipitation.
Natural and Human Disruptions - Risk 2
Natural disasters in Colombia could disrupt our business and affect our results of operations and financial condition in the future.
Our operations are exposed to natural disasters in Colombia, such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tornadoes, tropical storms and hurricanes. High temperatures and decrease in rainfall in Colombia, attributable in part to the El Niño weather pattern, have resulted in severe droughts, affecting especially prices in Colombia, as hydropower accounts for 70% of total country's energy. El Niño is a recurring weather phenomenon, and it may contribute to higher temperatures, droughts, wildfires, or other natural disasters on an equal or greater scale in the future. In the event of a natural disaster, our disaster recovery plans may prove to be ineffective, which could have a material adverse effect on its ability to conduct our businesses. In addition, if a significant number of our employees and senior managers were unavailable because of a natural disaster, our ability to conduct our businesses could be compromised. Natural disasters or similar events could also result in substantial volatility in our results of operations for any fiscal quarter or year.
Capital Markets2 | 3.6%
Capital Markets - Risk 1
Factors such as Colombia's growing public debt and fluctuating exchange rates could adversely affect the Colombian economy.
Colombia's fiscal deficit and growing public debt could adversely affect the Colombian economy. Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, increased government expenses and lower tax collection raised the fiscal deficit up to 7.8% of GDP in 2020. In 2021 and 2022, economic recovery along with higher tax collection, and lower expenses associated to COVID-19, decreased fiscal deficit to 7.5%, and 5.5% of GDP, respectively. Based on data as of October 2023, fiscal deficit is expected to close at 4.3% of GDP, due to higher tax collection, COP revaluation against USD, and lower costs of debt resulting from inflation indexed bonds, during the year.
In recent years, the Colombian currency had shown some short-term volatility vis-à-vis the U.S. Dollar. The Colombian Peso appreciated 20.5% in 2023, after a 20.7% depreciation during 2022, as a result of political instability since 2022 presidential elections. Any international conflicts or related events have the potential to create an exchange mismatch, given the vulnerability and dependence of the Colombian economy on external financing and its vulnerability to any disruption in its external capital flows and its trade balance.
We cannot assure you that any measures taken by the Colombian government and the Central Bank would be sufficient to control any resulting fiscal or exchange imbalances. Any further disruption in Colombia's fiscal and trade balance may therefore cause Colombia's economy to deteriorate and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Capital Markets - Risk 2
Our results of operations could be significantly affected by foreign currency fluctuations and currency regulations.
We are subject to risks relating to fluctuations in currency exchange rates that may affect our sales, cost of sales, operating margins and cash flows. During the year ended December 31, 2023, approximately 3% of our revenues and 24% of our expenses were in Colombian pesos. The remainder of our expenses and revenues were denominated, priced and realized in U.S. Dollars. In the future, and especially as we further expand our sales in other markets, our customers may increasingly make payments in non-U.S. currencies. In addition, currency devaluation can result in a loss to us if we hold monetary assets in that currency. Hedging foreign currencies can be difficult and costly, especially if the currency is not actively traded. We cannot predict the effect of future exchange rate fluctuations on our operating results.
In addition, we are subject to risks relating to governmental regulation of foreign currency, which may limit our ability to:
- transfer funds from or convert currencies in certain countries; - repatriate foreign currency received in excess of local currency requirements; and - repatriate funds held by foreign subsidiaries to the United States at favorable tax rates.
Furthermore, the Colombian government and the Colombian Central Bank intervene in the country's economy and occasionally make significant changes in monetary, fiscal and regulatory policy, which may include the following measures:
- controls on capital flows; or - international investments and exchange regime.
For a more detailed description of foreign exchange regulations in Colombia, see "Risk factors – Risks Related to Colombia and Other Countries Where We Operate – The Colombian government and the Central Bank exercise significant influence on the Colombian economy".
As we continue to increase our operations in foreign countries, there is an increased risk that foreign currency controls may create difficulty in repatriating profits from foreign countries in the form of taxes or other restrictions, which could restrict our cash flow.
Production
Total Risks: 12/56 (21%)Below Sector Average
Manufacturing4 | 7.1%
Manufacturing - Risk 1
Equipment failures, delays in deliveries and catastrophic loss at our manufacturing facility could lead to production curtailments or shutdowns that prevent us from producing our products.
An interruption in production capabilities at any of our facilities because of equipment failure or other reasons could result in our inability to produce our products, which would reduce our sales and earnings for the affected period. In addition, we generally manufacture our products only after receiving the order from the customer and thus do not hold large inventories. If there is a stoppage in production at our manufacturing facilities, even if only temporarily, or if they experience delays because of events that are beyond our control, delivery times could be severely affected. Any significant delay in deliveries to our customers could lead to increased product returns or cancellations and cause us to lose future sales. Our manufacturing facilities are also subject to the risk of catastrophic loss due to unanticipated events such as fires, explosions, or violent weather conditions. If we experience plant shutdowns or periods of reduced production because of equipment failure, delays in deliveries or catastrophic loss, it could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition. Further, we may not have adequate insurance to compensate for all losses that result from any of these events.
Manufacturing - Risk 2
Failure to maintain the performance, reliability and quality standards required by our customers could have a materially negative impact on our financial condition and results of operation.
If our products or services have performance, reliability or quality problems, or products are installed with incompatible glazing materials, we may experience additional warranty and service expenses, reduced or canceled orders, diminished pricing power, higher manufacturing or installation costs or delays in the collection of accounts receivable. Additionally, performance, reliability, or quality claims from our customers, with or without merit, could result in costly and time-consuming litigation that could require significant time and attention of management and involve significant monetary damages that could negatively affect our financial results.
Manufacturing - Risk 3
Our business involves complex manufacturing processes that may cause personal injury or property damage, subjecting us to liabilities, possible losses, and other disruptions of our operations in the future, which may not be covered by insurance.
Our business involves complex manufacturing processes. Some of these processes involve high pressures, temperatures, hot metal and other hazards that present certain safety risks to workers employed at our manufacturing facilities. The potential exists for accidents involving death or serious injury. Although our management is highly committed to health and safety, since January 2014, two fatalities have occurred at our operations. The potential liability resulting from any such accident to the extent not covered by insurance, could result in unexpected cash expenditures, thereby reducing the cash available to operate our business. Such an accident could disrupt operations at any of our facilities, which could adversely affect our ability to deliver products to our customers on a timely basis and to retain our current business.
Operating hazards inherent in our business, some of which may be outside of our control, can cause personal injury and loss of life, damage to or destruction of property, plant and equipment and environmental damage. We maintain insurance coverage in amounts and against the risks we believe are consistent with industry practice, but this insurance may not be adequate or available to cover all losses or liabilities we may incur in our operations. Our insurance policies are subject to varying levels of deductibles. Losses up to our deductible amounts accrue based upon our estimates of the ultimate liability for claims incurred and an estimate of claims incurred but not reported. However, liabilities subject to insurance are difficult to estimate due to unknown factors, including the severity of an injury, the determination of our liability in proportion to other parties, the number of incidents not reported and the effectiveness of our safety programs. If we were to experience insurance claims or costs above our estimates, we might also be required to use working capital to satisfy these claims.
Manufacturing - Risk 4
We may be adversely affected by disruptions to our manufacturing facilities or disruptions to our customer, supplier or employee base.
Any disruption to our facilities resulting from weather-related events, fire, an act of terrorism or any other cause could damage a significant portion of our inventory, affect our distribution of products and materially impair our ability to distribute products to customers. We could incur significantly higher costs and longer lead times associated with distributing our products to customers during the time that it takes for us to reopen or replace a damaged facility. In addition, if there are disruptions to our customer and supplier base or to our employees caused by weather-related events, acts of terrorism, pandemics, or any other cause, our business could be temporarily adversely affected by higher costs for materials, increased shipping and storage costs, increased labor costs, increased absentee rates and scheduling issues. Any interruption in the production or delivery of our supplies could reduce sales of our products and increase costs.
Employment / Personnel3 | 5.4%
Employment / Personnel - Risk 1
We are dependent on certain key personnel, the loss of whom could materially affect our financial performance and prospects in the future.
Our continued success depends largely upon the continued services of our senior management and certain key employees. Each member of our senior management teams has substantial experience and expertise in his or her industry and has made significant contributions to our growth and success. However, we do not have employment agreements in place for any of our executive officers. Accordingly, we face the risk that members of our senior management may not continue in their current positions and the loss of the services of any of these individuals could cause us to lose customers and reduce our net sales, lead to employee morale problems and the loss of other key employees or cause disruptions to production. In addition, we may be unable to find qualified individuals to replace any senior executive officers who leave our employ or that of our subsidiaries.
Employment / Personnel - Risk 2
The success of our business depends, in part, on our ability to execute on our acquisition strategy, to successfully integrate acquisitions and to retain key employees of our acquired businesses.
A portion of our historical growth has occurred through acquisitions, and we may enter into additional acquisitions in the future. We may at any time be engaged in discussions or negotiations with respect to possible acquisitions, including transactions that would be significant to us. We regularly make, and we expect to continue to make, acquisition proposals, and we may enter into letters of intent for acquisitions. We cannot predict the timing of any contemplated transactions. To successfully finance such acquisitions, we may need to raise additional equity capital and indebtedness, which could increase our leverage level. We cannot assure you that we will enter into definitive agreements with respect to any contemplated transactions or that transactions contemplated by any definitive agreements will be completed on time or at all. Our growth has placed, and will continue to place, significant demands on our management and operational and financial resources. Acquisitions involve risks that the businesses acquired will not perform as expected and that business judgments concerning the value, strengths and weaknesses of acquired businesses will prove incorrect.
Acquisitions may require integration of acquired companies' sales and marketing, distribution, purchasing, finance and administrative organizations, as well as exposure to different legal and regulatory regimes in jurisdictions in which we have not previously operated. We may not be able to successfully integrate any business we may acquire or have acquired into our existing business, and any acquired businesses may not be profitable or as profitable as we had expected. Our inability to complete the integration of new businesses in a timely and orderly manner could increase costs and lower profits. Factors affecting the successful integration of acquired businesses include, but are not limited to, the following:
- We may become liable for certain liabilities of any acquired business, whether or not known to us. These risks could include, among others, tax liabilities, product liabilities, asbestos liabilities, environmental liabilities, pension liabilities and liabilities for employment practices and they could be significant. - Substantial attention from our senior management and the management of the acquired business may be required, which could decrease the time that they have to service and attract customers. - The complete integration of acquired companies depends, to a certain extent, on the full implementation of our financial systems and policies. - We may actively pursue a number of opportunities simultaneously and we may encounter unforeseen expenses, complications and delays, including difficulties in employing sufficient staff and maintaining operational and management oversight.
Employment / Personnel - Risk 3
We are subject to labor, and health and safety regulations, and may be exposed to liabilities and potential costs for lack of compliance.
We are subject to labor and health and safety laws and regulations that govern, among other things, the relationship between us and our employees and the health and safety of our employees. If we are found to have violated any labor or health and safety laws, we may be exposed to penalties and sanctions, including the payment of fines. In particular, most of our employees are hired through temporary staffing companies and are employed under one-year fixed-term employment contracts. According to applicable labor law regarding temporary staffing companies, if we exceed the limits for hiring temporary employees and the Colombian Ministry of Labor identifies the existence of illegal outsourcing, sanctions may be imposed along with probable lawsuits by employees claiming the existence of a labor relationship. Our subsidiaries could also be subject to work stoppages or closure of operations.
The above could result in cancellation or suspension of governmental registrations, authorizations and licenses issued by other authorities, any one of which may result in interruption or discontinuity of business, and could, consequently, materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operation.
Supply Chain3 | 5.4%
Supply Chain - Risk 1
Our reliance for a majority of our business on a single facility subjects us to concentrated risks.
We currently operate the vast majority of our business from a single production facility in Barranquilla, Colombia. Due to the lack of diversification in our assets and geographic location, an adverse development at or impacting our facility or in local or regional economic or political conditions could have a significantly greater impact on our results of operations and financial condition than if we maintained more diverse assets and locations. While we implement preventative and proactive maintenance at our facility, it is possible that we could experience prolonged periods of reduced production and increased maintenance and repair costs due to equipment failures. In addition, because of our single facility and location, in certain cases we rely on limited or single suppliers for significant inputs, such as electricity. We are also reliant on the adequacy of the local skilled labor force to support our operations. Supply interruptions to or labor shortages or stoppages at our facility could be caused by any of the aforementioned factors, many of which are beyond our control, and would adversely affect our operations and we would not have any ability to offset this concentrated impact with activities at any alternative facilities or locations.
Supply Chain - Risk 2
We rely on third-party transportation, which subjects us to risks and costs that we cannot control, and which risks and costs may materially adversely affect our operations.
We rely on third party trucking companies to transport raw materials to the manufacturing facilities used by each of our businesses and, to a lesser degree, to ship finished products to customers. These transport operations are subject to various hazards and risks, including extreme weather conditions, work stoppages and operating hazards, as well as interstate transportation regulations. In addition, the methods of transportation we utilize may be subject to additional, more stringent and more costly regulations in the future. If we are delayed or unable to ship finished products or unable to obtain raw materials as a result of any such new regulations or public policy changes related to transportation safety, or these transportation companies fail to operate properly, or if there were significant changes in the cost of these services due to new or additional regulations, or otherwise, we may not be able to arrange efficient alternatives and timely means to obtain raw materials or ship goods, which could result in a material adverse effect on our revenues and costs of operations. Transportation costs represent a significant part of our cost structure. If our transportation costs increased substantially, due to prolonged increases in fuel prices or otherwise, we may not be able to control them or pass the increased costs onto customers, and our profitability would be negatively impacted.
Supply Chain - Risk 3
We depend on third-party suppliers for our raw materials and any failure of such third-party suppliers in providing raw materials could negatively affect our ability to manufacture our products.
Our ability to offer a wide variety of products to our customers depends on receipt of adequate material supplies from manufacturers and other suppliers. It is possible in the future that our competitors or other suppliers may create products based on new technologies that are not available to us or are more effective than our products at surviving hurricane-force winds and wind-borne debris or that they may have access to products of a similar quality at lower prices. Although in some instances we have agreements with our suppliers, these agreements are generally terminable by us or the supplier counterparties on limited notice. We have a fixed set of maximum price rates, and from those prices we negotiate with the supplier of the material depending on the project. We source raw materials and glass necessary to manufacture our products from a variety of domestic and foreign suppliers. During the year ended December 31, 2023, two suppliers accounted for more than 10% of total raw material purchases, and in aggregate both account for 22.1% of total raw material purchases. Failures of third-party suppliers to provide raw materials to us in the future could have an adverse impact on our operating results or our ability to manufacture our products.
Costs2 | 3.6%
Costs - Risk 1
The volatility of the cost of raw materials used to produce our products could materially adversely affect our results of operations in the future.
The cost of raw materials included in our products, including aluminum extrusion and polyvinyl butyral, are subject to significant fluctuations derived from changes in price or volume. A variety of factors over which we have no control, including global demand for aluminum, fluctuations in oil prices, speculation in commodities futures and the creation of new laminates or other products based on new technologies, impact the cost of raw materials which we purchase for the manufacture of our products.
We quote our prices of aluminum products based on the price of aluminum in the London Metal Exchange plus a premium, and our suppliers of glass and polyvinyl butyral provide us with price lists that are updated annually, thus reducing the risk of changing prices for orders in the short term. While we may attempt to minimize the risk from severe price fluctuations by entering into aluminum forward contracts to hedge these fluctuations in the purchase price of aluminum extrusion we use in production, substantial, prolonged upward trends in aluminum prices could significantly increase the cost of our aluminum needs and have an adverse impact on our results of operations. If we are not able to pass on significant cost increases to our customers, our results in the future may be negatively affected by a delay between the cost increases and price increases in our products. Accordingly, the price volatility of raw materials could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations in the future.
Costs - Risk 2
If new construction levels and repair and remodeling markets decline, such market pressures could negatively affect our results of operations.
The architectural glass industry is subject to the cyclical market pressures of the larger new construction and repair and remodeling markets. In turn, these larger markets may be affected by adverse changes in economic conditions such as demographic trends, employment levels, interest rates, commodity prices, availability of credit and consumer confidence, as well as by changing needs and trends in the markets, such as shifts in customers' preferences and architectural trends. Any future downturn or any other negative market pressures could negatively affect our results of operations in the future, as margins may decrease as a direct result of an overall decrease in demand for our products. Additionally, we may have idle capacity which may have a negative effect on our cost structure.
Legal & Regulatory
Total Risks: 8/56 (14%)Below Sector Average
Regulation3 | 5.4%
Regulation - Risk 1
We are subject to various U.S. export controls and trade and economic sanctions laws and regulations that could impair our ability to compete in international markets and subject us to liability if we are not in full compliance with applicable laws.
Our business activities are subject to various U.S. export controls and trade and economic sanctions laws and regulations, including, without limitation, the U.S. Commerce Department's Export Administration Regulations and the U.S. Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control's ("OFAC") trade and economic sanctions programs (collectively, "Trade Controls"). Such Trade Controls may prohibit or restrict our ability to, directly or indirectly, conduct activities or dealings in or with certain countries that are the subject of comprehensive embargoes (presently, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria, and the Crimea region of Ukraine (collectively, "Sanctioned Countries")), as well as with individuals or entities that are the target of Trade Controls-related prohibitions and restrictions (collectively, "Sanctioned Parties").
Although we have implemented compliance measures designed to prevent transactions with Sanctioned Countries and Sanctioned Parties, our failure to successfully comply with applicable Trade Controls may expose us to negative legal and business consequences, including civil or criminal penalties, government investigations, and reputational harm.
Regulation - Risk 2
Changes in Colombia's customs, import and export laws and foreign policy, may have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
Our business depends significantly on Colombia's customs and foreign exchange laws and regulations, including import and export laws, as well as on fiscal and foreign policies. In the past we have benefited from, and now currently benefit from, certain customs and tax benefits granted by Colombian laws, such as free trade zones and Plan Vallejo which incentivizes the import of machinery and equipment by providing tax breaks, as well as from Colombian foreign policy, such as free trade agreements with countries like the United States. As a result, our business and results of operations or financial condition may be adversely affected by changes in government or fiscal policies, foreign policy or customs and foreign exchange laws and regulations. We cannot predict what policies the Colombian government will adopt and whether those policies would have a negative impact on the Colombian economy or on our business and financial performance in the future.
Regulation - Risk 3
The home building industry and the home repair and remodeling sector are regulated, and any increased regulatory restrictions could negatively affect our sales and results of operations.
The home building industry and the home repair and remodeling sector are subject to various local, state, and federal statutes, ordinances, rules and regulations concerning zoning, building design and safety, hurricane and floods, construction, and similar matters, including regulations that impose restrictive zoning and density requirements in order to limit the number of homes that can be built within the boundaries of a particular area. Increased regulatory restrictions could limit demand for new homes and home repair and remodeling products, which could negatively affect our sales and results of operations. We may not be able to satisfy any future regulations, which consequently could have a negative effect on our sales and results of operations.
Litigation & Legal Liabilities2 | 3.6%
Litigation & Legal Liabilities - Risk 1
Members of our management team have been, may be, or may become, involved in litigation, investigations or other proceedings. The defense or prosecution of these matters could be time-consuming and could divert our management's attention, and may have an adverse effect on us.
During the course of their careers, our officers and directors have been, may be or may in the future become involved in litigation, investigations or other proceedings. Our officers and directors also may become involved in litigation, investigations or other proceedings involving claims or allegations related to or as a result of their personal conduct, either in their capacity as a corporate officer or director or otherwise, and may be personally named in such actions and potentially subject to personal liability. Any such liability may or may not be covered by insurance and/or indemnification, depending on the facts and circumstances. The defense or prosecution of these matters could be time-consuming. Any litigation, investigations or other proceedings and the potential outcomes of such actions may divert the attention and resources of our officers and directors away from our operations and may negatively affect our reputation, which may adversely impact our operations and profitability.
Litigation & Legal Liabilities - Risk 2
It may be difficult or impossible to enforce judgments of courts of the United States and other jurisdictions against our Colombian subsidiaries or any of their directors, officers and controlling persons.
Most of our assets are located in Colombia. As such, it may be difficult or impossible for you to effect service of process on, or to enforce judgments of United States courts against our Colombian subsidiaries and/or against their directors and officers based on the civil liability provisions of the U.S. federal securities laws.
Colombian courts will enforce a U.S. judgment predicated on the U.S. securities laws through a procedural system known under Colombian law as exequatur. Colombian courts will enforce a foreign judgment, without reconsideration of the merits, only if the judgment satisfies the requirements set out in Articles 605 through 607 of Law 1564 of 2012, or the Colombian General Code of Procedure (Código General del Proceso), which provides that the foreign judgment will be enforced if certain conditions are met.
Taxation & Government Incentives1 | 1.8%
Taxation & Government Incentives - Risk 1
New or higher taxes resulting from changes in tax regulations or the interpretation thereof in Colombia could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition in the future.
New tax laws and regulations, and uncertainties with respect to future tax policies pose risks to us. In recent years, the Colombian Congress approved different tax reforms imposing additional taxes and enacted modifications to existing taxes related to financial transactions, dividends, income, value added tax (VAT), and taxes on net worth.
On September 14, 2021, the Colombian Government enacted Law 2155 (the Social Investment Act), which increases the corporate income tax to 35% for fiscal year 2022 and thereafter, from the current rate of 31% for 2021 that would have decreased to 30% for 2022 under the prior tax regulation. On December 13, 2022, a tax reform was enacted by means of Law 2277, which maintained corporate income tax rate at 35%, and increased income taxes to Free Trade Zones with single enterprise users and non-exporters, from 20% to 35%.
Changes in tax-related laws and regulations, and interpretations thereof, can create additional tax burdens on us and our businesses by increasing tax rates and fees, creating new taxes, limiting tax deductions, and/or eliminating tax-based incentives and non-taxed income. In addition, tax authorities and competent courts may interpret tax regulations differently than us, which could result in tax litigation and associated costs and penalties in part due to the novelty and complexity of new regulation.
Environmental / Social2 | 3.6%
Environmental / Social - Risk 1
Changes in building codes could lower the demand for our impact-resistant windows and doors.
The market for our impact-resistant windows and doors depends in large part on our ability to satisfy state and local building codes that require protection from wind-borne debris. If the standards in such building codes are raised, we may not be able to meet such requirements, and demand for our products could decline. Conversely, if the standards in such building codes are lowered or are not enforced in certain areas, demand for impact-resistant products may decrease. If we are unable to satisfy future regulations, including building code standards, it could negatively affect our sales and results of operations. Further, if states and regions that are affected by hurricanes but do not currently have such building codes fail to adopt and enforce hurricane protection building codes, our ability to expand our business in such markets may be limited.
Environmental / Social - Risk 2
We are subject to potential exposure to environmental liabilities and are subject to environmental regulation and any such liabilities or regulation may negatively affect our costs and results of operations in the future.
Our subsidiaries are subject to various national, state and local environmental laws, ordinances and regulations that are frequently changing and becoming more stringent. Although we believe that our facilities are materially in compliance with such laws, ordinances and regulations, we cannot be certain that we will, at all times, be able to maintain compliance. Furthermore, as owners of real property, our subsidiaries can be held liable for the investigation or remediation of contamination on such properties, in some circumstances, without regard to whether we knew of or were responsible for such contamination. Remediation may be required in the future because of spills or releases of petroleum products or hazardous substances, the discovery of unknown environmental conditions, or more stringent standards regarding existing residual contamination. Environmental regulatory requirements may become more burdensome, increase our general and administrative costs, the availability of construction materials, raw materials and energy, and increase the risk that our subsidiaries incur fines or penalties or be held liable for violations of such regulatory requirements. New regulations regarding climate change may also increase our expenses and eventually reduce our sales.
Recently, a coalition of U.S. producers of aluminum extrusions filed a petition with U.S. trade authorities requesting the imposition of anti-dumping duties against imports of aluminum extrusions from Colombia. As we are the main extruder of aluminum in Colombia, we volunteered as a mandatory respondent in the investigation and provided certain requested information. The investigation is not expected to be completed until late in the second half of 2024. As a result of this investigation, imports of our goods which are considered subject merchandise might be subject to anti-dumping duties. If that were the case, it might adversely impact our results of operations.
Ability to Sell
Total Risks: 4/56 (7%)Below Sector Average
Competition1 | 1.8%
Competition - Risk 1
We operate in competitive markets, and our business could suffer if we are unable to adequately address potential downward pricing pressures and other factors that may reduce operating margins.
The principal markets that we serve are highly competitive. Competition is based primarily on the precision and range of achievable tolerances, quality, price and the ability to meet delivery schedules dictated by customers. Our competition comes from companies of various sizes, some of which have greater financial and other resources than we do and some of which have more established brand names in the markets that we serve. We currently compete with companies such as Viracon (a subsidiary within the Apogee Enterprises Inc. Group), PGT, Cardinal Glass and Oldcastle Glass among others in the United States and companies such as Vitro, Vitelco and others in the Colombia and Latin America. Any of these competitors may foresee the course of market development more accurately than we will, develop products that are superior to ours, have the ability to produce similar products at a lower cost than us or adapt more quickly than we can to new technologies or evolving customer requirements. Increased competition could force us to lower our prices or to offer additional services at a higher cost to us, which could reduce gross profit and net income. Accordingly, we may not be able to adequately address potential downward pricing pressures and other factors, which may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
Demand1 | 1.8%
Demand - Risk 1
Customer concentration and related credit, commercial and legal risk may adversely impact our future earnings and cash flows.
Our ten largest third-party customers worldwide collectively accounted for 34% of our total sales revenue for the year ended December 31, 2023, though no single customer accounted for more than 10% of annual revenues. We also do not have any long-term requirements contracts pursuant to which we would be required to fulfill customer orders on an as-needed basis.
Although the customary terms of our arrangements with customers in Latin America and the Caribbean typically require a significant upfront payment ranging from between 30% and 50% of the cost of an order, if a large customer were to experience financial difficulty, or file for bankruptcy or similar protection, or if we were unable to collect amounts due from customers that are currently under bankruptcy or similar protection, it could adversely impact our results of operations, cash flows and asset valuations. Therefore, the risk we face in doing business with these customers may increase. Financial problems experienced by our customers could result in the impairment of our assets, a decrease in our operating cash flows and may also reduce or curtail our customers' future use of our products and services, which may have an adverse effect on our revenues.
Disagreements between the parties can arise as a result of the scope and nature of the relationship and ongoing negotiations. Although we do not have any disputes with any major customers as of the date hereof that are expected to have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows, we cannot predict whether such disputes will arise in the future.
Sales & Marketing2 | 3.6%
Sales & Marketing - Risk 1
We conduct all of our operations through our subsidiaries and will rely on payments from our subsidiaries to meet all of our obligations and may fail to meet our obligations if our subsidiaries are unable to make payments to us.
We are a holding company and derive substantially all of our operating income from our subsidiaries. All of our assets are held by our subsidiaries, and we rely on the earnings and cash flows of our subsidiaries to meet our debt service obligations or dividend payments. The ability of our subsidiaries to make payments to us will depend on their respective operating results and may be restricted by, among other things, the laws of their jurisdiction of organization including Colombian foreign exchange regulations (which may limit the amount of funds available for distributions to us), the terms of existing and future indebtedness and other agreements of our subsidiaries, including their credit facilities, and the covenants of any future outstanding indebtedness we or our subsidiaries incur. See "Risk Factors – Risks Related to Colombia and Other Countries Where We Operate – The Colombian government and the Central Bank exercise significant influence on the Colombian economy." If our subsidiaries are unable to declare dividends, our ability to meet debt service or dividend payments may be impacted. The ability of our subsidiaries in Colombia to declare dividends up to the total amount of their capital is not restricted by current laws, covenants in debt agreements or other agreements but could be restricted pursuant to applicable law in the future or if our Colombian subsidiaries undergo a transformation to other types of corporate entities.
Sales & Marketing - Risk 2
We are dependent on sales to customers outside Colombia and any failure to make these sales may adversely affect our operating results in the future.
In the year ended December 31, 2023, 97% of our sales were to customers outside Colombia, including to the United States and Panama, and we expect sales into the United States and other foreign markets to continue to represent a significant portion of our net sales. Foreign sales and operations are subject to changes in local government regulations and policies, including those related to tariffs and trade barriers, investments, property ownership rights, taxation, exchange controls and repatriation of earnings. An increase in tariffs on products shipped to countries like the United States, or changes in the relative values of currencies occur from time to time and could affect our operating results. This risk and the other risks inherent in foreign sales and operations could adversely affect our operating results in the future.
Tech & Innovation
Total Risks: 3/56 (5%)Below Sector Average
Innovation / R&D1 | 1.8%
Innovation / R&D - Risk 1
Our success depends upon our ability to develop new products and services, integrate acquired products and services and enhance existing products and services through product development initiatives and technological advances. Any failure to make such improvements could harm our future business and prospects.
We have continuing programs designed to develop new products and to enhance and improve our existing products. We are expending resources for the development of new products in all aspects of our business, including products that can reach a broader customer base. Some of these new products must be developed due to changes in legislative, regulatory or industry requirements or in competitive technologies that render certain of our existing products obsolete or less competitive. The successful development of our products and product enhancements are subject to numerous risks, both known and unknown, including unanticipated delays, access to significant capital, budget overruns, technical problems and other difficulties that could result in the abandonment or substantial change in the design, development and commercialization of these new products. The events could have a materially adverse impact on our results of operations.
Given the uncertainties inherent with product development and introduction, including lack of market acceptance, we cannot provide assurance that any of our product development efforts will be successful on a timely basis or within budget, if at all. Failure to develop new products and product enhancements on a timely basis or within budget could harm our business and prospects. In addition, we may not be able to achieve the technological advances necessary for us to remain competitive, which could have a materially negative impact on our financial condition.
Cyber Security1 | 1.8%
Cyber Security - Risk 1
The nature of our business exposes each of our subsidiaries to product liability and warranty claims that, if adversely determined, could negatively affect our financial condition and results of operations and the confidence of customers in our products.
Our subsidiaries are, from time to time, involved in product liability and product warranty claims relating to the products they manufacture and distribute that, if adversely determined, could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. In addition, they may be exposed to potential claims arising from the conduct of homebuilders and home remodelers and their sub-contractors. We may not be able to maintain insurance on acceptable terms or insurance may not provide adequate protection against potential liabilities in the future. Product liability claims can be expensive to defend and can divert the attention of management and other personnel for significant periods, regardless of the ultimate outcome. Claims of this nature could also have a negative impact on customer confidence in our products and us.
Technology1 | 1.8%
Technology - Risk 1
We may be adversely affected by any disruption in our information technology systems. Our operations are dependent upon our information technology systems, which encompass all of our major business functions.
Increased global information technology security requirements, vulnerabilities, threats and a rise in sophisticated and targeted cybercrime pose a risk to the security of our systems, our information networks, and to the confidentiality, availability and integrity of our data, as well as to the functionality of our manufacturing process. Introduced or increased risk associated with remote work transition pose threats to workforce disruption, cybersecurity attacks and dissemination of sensitive personal data or proprietary confidential information to our business. A disruption in our information technology systems for any prolonged period could result in delays in executing certain production activities, logging and processing operational and financial data, communication with employees and third parties or fulfilling customer orders resulting in potential liability or reputational damage or otherwise adversely affect our financial results. We employ a number of measures to prevent, detect and mitigate these threats, which include employee education, password encryption, frequent password change events, firewall detection systems, anti-virus software in-place and frequent backups; however, there is no guarantee such efforts will be successful in preventing a cyber-attack.
During 2020, we transitioned for the first time a significant subset of our employee population to a remote work environment, in accordance with national government efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. This transition allowed us to adequately maintain operations in our financial information systems and meant no significant changes to our internal control over financial reporting and disclosure control and procedures, enabled by our continuity plan adequate implementation which did not present any material incidents, challenges, expenditures or constraints. However, this transition may introduce and exacerbate certain risks to our business, including an increased demand for information technology resources, increased risk of phishing and other cybersecurity attacks, and increased risk of unauthorized dissemination of personal data or proprietary or confidential information about us, our members or related third parties.
As of the date of this Form 10-K, we have transitioned all our employee population back to physical presence at the workplace, in compliance with Colombian government recommendations for prevention and control of COVID-19. This transition allowed us to adequately maintain operations in our financial information systems and meant no significant changes to our internal controls over financial reporting, enabled by our continuity plan adequate implementation which did not present any material incidents, challenges, expenditures or constraints. This transition brings back a known work environment, mitigating certain risks including the demand for information technology resources, risk of phishing and other cybersecurity attacks, and risks of unauthorized dissemination of personal data or proprietary or confidential information about us, our members or related third parties.
See a full breakdown of risk according to category and subcategory. The list starts with the category with the most risk. Click on subcategories to read relevant extracts from the most recent report.
FAQ
What are “Risk Factors”?
Risk factors are any situations or occurrences that could make investing in a company risky.
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) requires that publicly traded companies disclose their most significant risk factors. This is so that potential investors can consider any risks before they make an investment.
They also offer companies protection, as a company can use risk factors as liability protection. This could happen if a company underperforms and investors take legal action as a result.
It is worth noting that smaller companies, that is those with a public float of under $75 million on the last business day, do not have to include risk factors in their 10-K and 10-Q forms, although some may choose to do so.
How do companies disclose their risk factors?
Publicly traded companies initially disclose their risk factors to the SEC through their S-1 filings as part of the IPO process.
Additionally, companies must provide a complete list of risk factors in their Annual Reports (Form 10-K) or (Form 20-F) for “foreign private issuers”.
Quarterly Reports also include a section on risk factors (Form 10-Q) where companies are only required to update any changes since the previous report.
According to the SEC, risk factors should be reported concisely, logically and in “plain English” so investors can understand them.
How can I use TipRanks risk factors in my stock research?
Use the Risk Factors tab to get data about the risk factors of any company in which you are considering investing.
You can easily see the most significant risks a company is facing. Additionally, you can find out which risk factors a company has added, removed or adjusted since its previous disclosure. You can also see how a company’s risk factors compare to others in its sector.
Without reading company reports or participating in conference calls, you would most likely not have access to this sort of information, which is usually not included in press releases or other public announcements.
A simplified analysis of risk factors is unique to TipRanks.
What are all the risk factor categories?
TipRanks has identified 6 major categories of risk factors and a number of subcategories for each. You can see how these categories are broken down in the list below.
1. Financial & Corporate
Accounting & Financial Operations - risks related to accounting loss, value of intangible assets, financial statements, value of intangible assets, financial reporting, estimates, guidance, company profitability, dividends, fluctuating results.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights – risks related to things that impact share prices and the rights of shareholders, including analyst ratings, major shareholder activity, trade volatility, liquidity of shares, anti-takeover provisions, international listing, dual listing.
Debt & Financing – risks related to debt, funding, financing and interest rates, financial investments.
Corporate Activity and Growth – risks related to restructuring, M&As, joint ventures, execution of corporate strategy, strategic alliances.
2. Legal & Regulatory
Litigation and Legal Liabilities – risks related to litigation/ lawsuits against the company.
Regulation – risks related to compliance, GDPR, and new legislation.
Environmental / Social – risks related to environmental regulation and to data privacy.
Taxation & Government Incentives – risks related to taxation and changes in government incentives.
3. Production
Costs – risks related to costs of production including commodity prices, future contracts, inventory.
Supply Chain – risks related to the company’s suppliers.
Manufacturing – risks related to the company’s manufacturing process including product quality and product recalls.
Human Capital – risks related to recruitment, training and retention of key employees, employee relationships & unions labor disputes, pension, and post retirement benefits, medical, health and welfare benefits, employee misconduct, employee litigation.
4. Technology & Innovation
Innovation / R&D – risks related to innovation and new product development.
Technology – risks related to the company’s reliance on technology.
Cyber Security – risks related to securing the company’s digital assets and from cyber attacks.
Trade Secrets & Patents – risks related to the company’s ability to protect its intellectual property and to infringement claims against the company as well as piracy and unlicensed copying.
5. Ability to Sell
Demand – risks related to the demand of the company’s goods and services including seasonality, reliance on key customers.
Competition – risks related to the company’s competition including substitutes.
Sales & Marketing – risks related to sales, marketing, and distribution channels, pricing, and market penetration.
Brand & Reputation – risks related to the company’s brand and reputation.
6. Macro & Political
Economy & Political Environment – risks related to changes in economic and political conditions.
Natural and Human Disruptions – risks related to catastrophes, floods, storms, terror, earthquakes, coronavirus pandemic/COVID-19.
International Operations – risks related to the global nature of the company.
Capital Markets – risks related to exchange rates and trade, cryptocurrency.