Biggest changeNon-operating income was comprised primarily of income from rental properties and gains on sale of scrap materials and charges to customers on credit card payments, as well as non-operating expenses related to certain charitable contributions outside of the Company’s direct sphere of influence.
Biggest changeNon-operating income for the period is comprised primarily of interest income from short-term investments, income from rental properties and gains on sale of scrap materials as well as non-operating expenses related to certain charitable contributions outside of the Company’s direct sphere of influence. 44 Interest expense and deferred cost of financing decreased $1.7 million, or 19.0%, to $7.4 million during the year ended December 31, 2024, from $9.2 million during the year ended December 31, 2023, as the Company voluntarily prepaid $62.0 million to reduce its debt balance and benefited from having a favorable interest rate hedge in place for 100% of its outstanding debt.
Our track record of successfully delivering high profile projects has earned us an increasing number of opportunities across the United States, evidenced by our expanding backlog and overall revenue growth. 39 Our structural competitive advantage is underpinned by our low-cost manufacturing footprint, vertically integrated business model and geographic location.
Our track record of successfully delivering high profile projects has earned us an increasing number of opportunities across the United States, evidenced by our expanding backlog and overall revenue growth. Our structural competitive advantage is underpinned by our low-cost manufacturing footprint, vertically integrated business model and geographic location.
Non-operating income is comprised primarily of interest income from short term investments and deposits, rental properties and gains on sale of scrap materials and charges to customers on credit card payments, as well as non-operating expenses related to certain charitable contributions outside of the Company’s direct sphere of influence. 43 Interest expense and deferred cost of financing increased $1.0 million, or 12.5%, to $9.2 million during the year ended December 31, 2023, from $8.2 million during the year ended December 31, 2022, reflecting an increase in floating interest rates while our debt balance remained stable.
Non-operating income is comprised primarily of interest income from short term investments and deposits, rental properties and gains on sale of scrap materials and charges to customers on credit card payments, as well as non-operating expenses related to certain charitable contributions outside of the Company’s direct sphere of influence. 45 Interest expense and deferred cost of financing increased $1.0 million, or 12.5%, to $9.2 million during the year ended December 31, 2023, from $8.2 million during the year ended December 31, 2022, reflecting an increase in floating interest rates while our debt balance remained stable.
In addition to glass, we manufacture aluminum and vinyl products such as profiles, rods, bars, plates, and other hardware specifically designed for window manufacturing. Our products are manufactured in a 5.6 million square foot, state-of-the-art manufacturing complex in Barranquilla, Colombia that provides easy access to North, Central and South America, the Caribbean and the Pacific.
In addition to glass, we manufacture aluminum and vinyl products such as profiles, rods, bars, plates, and other hardware specifically designed for window manufacturing. 40 Our products are manufactured in a 5.8 million square foot, state-of-the-art manufacturing complex in Barranquilla, Colombia that provides easy access to North, Central and South America, the Caribbean and the Pacific.
On May 3, 2019, we consummated the joint venture agreement with Saint-Gobain, acquiring a 25.8% minority ownership interest in Vidrio Andino, a Colombia-based subsidiary of Saint-Gobain, solidifying our vertical integration strategy by acquiring an interest in the first stage of our production chain, while securing ample glass supply for our expected production needs.
In 2019 we consummated the joint venture agreement with Saint-Gobain, acquiring a 25.8% minority ownership interest in Vidrio Andino, a Colombia-based subsidiary of Saint-Gobain, solidifying our vertical integration strategy by acquiring an interest in the first stage of our production chain, while securing ample glass supply for our expected production needs.
Recent examples of our high return investments within the last two years 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 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.
Recent examples of our high return investments within the last three years include: ● Further automation of 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; ● Establishing new vinyl window assembly lines with annualized capacity of approximately $300 million; and ● Entering the second phase of [expanding] our architectural metal facade plant, which specializes in engineering, designing, and manufacturing tailor-made facades.
On May 3, 2019, we consummated a joint venture agreement with Saint-Gobain, a world leader in the production of float glass, a key component of our manufacturing process, whereby we acquired a 25.8% minority ownership interest in Vidrio Andino, a Colombia-based subsidiary of Saint-Gobain.
In 2019 we entered into a joint venture agreement with Saint-Gobain, a world leader in the production of float glass, a key component of our manufacturing process, whereby we acquired a 25.8% minority ownership interest in Vidrio Andino, a Colombia-based subsidiary of Saint-Gobain.
The United States accounted for 95%, and 96% of our combined revenues in 2023 and 2022, respectively, while Colombia accounted for approximately 3% and 2%, and other Latin-American destinations accounted for approximately 2% during both years.
The United States accounted for 96%, and 95% of our combined revenues in 2024 and 2023, respectively, while Colombia accounted for approximately 2.8% and 3.0%, and other Latin-American destinations accounted for approximately 1.7% during both years.
As a result of the foregoing, the Company recorded a net income for the year ended December 31, 2022 of $156.4 million compared to $68.4 million in the year ended December 31, 2021. Cash Flow from Operations, Investing and Financing Activities During the year ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, operating activities generated approximately $138.8 million and $141.9 million, respectively.
As a result of the foregoing, the Company recorded net income for the year ended December 31, 2023 of $183.5 million compared to $156.4 million in the year ended December 31, 2022. Cash Flow from Operations, Investing and Financing Activities During the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, operating activities generated approximately $170.5 million and $138.8 million, respectively.
In the United States, which is our largest market, we were ranked as the third largest glass fabricator serving the United States in 2023 by Glass Magazine. In addition, we believe we are the leading glass transformation company in Colombia.
In the United States, which is our largest market, we were ranked among the four largest glass fabricators serving the United States in 2023 by Glass Magazine. In addition, we believe we are the leading glass transformation company in Colombia.
Strong sales during 2023 were driven by U.S. commercial and single-family residential market activity. U.S. sales increased $106.7 million, or 15.5%, from $688.4 million in 2022 to $795.1 million in 2023. U.S. Commercial market sales increased $77.7 million, or 20.3%, from $382.0 million in 2022 to $459.7 million in 2023 as we continue to execute on our growing backlog.
U.S. sales increased $106.7 million, or 15.5%, from $688.4 million in 2022 to $795.1 million in 2023. U.S. Commercial market sales increased $77.7 million, or 20.3%, from $382.0 million in 2022 to $459.7 million in 2023 as we continue to execute on our growing backlog.
During the year ended December 31, 2023, we paid $78.0 million to acquire property, plant and equipment, which in combination with $9.3 million acquired under credit, amount to total capital expenditures of $87.3 million. During 2022, we used $71.3 million for the acquisition or property and equipment.
During the year ended December 31, 2024, we paid $79.6 million to acquire property plant and equipment, which in combination with $6.4 million acquired under credit or debt, amount to total capital expenditures of $86.0 million. During the year ended December 31, 2023, we used $78.0 million for the acquisition of property and equipment.
As a result of the foregoing, the Company recorded net income for the year ended December 31, 2023 of $183.5 million compared to $156.4 million in the year ended December 31, 2022.
As a result of the foregoing, the Company recorded a net income for the year ended December 31, 2024 of $161.3 million compared to $183.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2023.
Comparison of years ended December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 Our operating revenue increased $219.8 million, or 44.2%, from $496.8 million in the year ended December 31, 2021 to $716.6 million in the year ended December 31, 2022. Strong sales during 2022 were driven by U.S. single family residential and commercial market activity.
Comparison of years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 Our operating revenue increased $116.7 million, or 16.3%, from $716.6 million in the year ended December 31, 2022 to $833.3 million in the year ended December 31, 2023. Strong sales during 2023 were driven by U.S. commercial and single-family residential market activity.
Amounts representing modifications accounted for as part of the existing contract are included in the transaction price and recognized as an adjustment to sales on a cumulative catch-up basis. Trade Accounts Receivable Trade accounts receivable are recorded net of allowances for cash discounts for prompt payment, doubtful accounts and sales returns.
Amounts representing modifications accounted for as part of the existing contract are included in the transaction price and recognized as an adjustment to sales on a cumulative catch-up basis.
The new plant will be funded with proceeds from the original cash contribution made by the Company, operating cash flows from the Bogota plant, debt incurred at the joint venture level that will not consolidate into the Company and an additional contribution by us of approximately $12.5 million if needed (based on debt availability). 42 Results of Operations (Amounts in thousands) Twelve months ended December 31, 2023 2022 2021 Operating revenues $ 833,265 $ 716,570 $ 496,785 Cost of sales 442,331 367,071 294,201 Gross profit 390,934 349,499 202,584 Operating expenses (131,172 ) (123,084 ) (85,599 ) Operating income 259,762 226,415 116,985 Non-operating income and expenses, net 5,131 4,218 608 Foreign currency transactions gains / (losses) 686 2,013 (4,308 ) Interest expense and deferred cost of financing (9,178 ) (8,156 ) (9,850 ) Debt extinguishment - - (10,699 ) Income tax provision (77,904 ) (74,758 ) (28,485 ) Equity method income 5,013 6,680 4,177 Net income 183,510 156,412 68,428 Income attributable to non-controlling interest (628 ) (669 ) (277 ) Income attributable to parent $ 182,882 $ 155,743 $ 68,151 Comparison of years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 Our operating revenue increased $116.7 million, or 16.3%, from $716.6 million in the year ended December 31, 2022 to $833.3 million in the year ended December 31, 2023.
The new plant will be funded with proceeds from the original cash contribution made by us, operating cash flows from the Bogota plant, debt incurred at the joint venture level that will not be consolidated into our company. 43 Results of Operations (Amounts in thousands) Twelve months ended December 31, 2024 2023 2022 Operating revenues $ 890,181 $ 833,265 $ 716,570 Cost of sales 510,209 442,331 367,071 Gross profit 379,972 390,934 349,499 Operating expenses (152,971 ) (131,172 ) (123,084 ) Operating income 227,001 259,762 226,415 Non-operating income and expenses, net 5,858 5,131 4,218 Foreign currency transactions (loss)/gains (5,665 ) 686 2,013 Interest expense and deferred cost of financing (7,433 ) (9,178 ) (8,156 ) Income tax provision (63,849 ) (77,904 ) (74,758 ) Equity method income 5,397 5,013 6,680 Net income 161,309 183,510 156,412 Income attributable to non-controlling interest - (628 ) (669 ) Income attributable to parent $ 161,309 $ 182,882 $ 155,743 Comparison of years ended December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 Our operating revenue increased $56.9 million, or 6.8%, from $833.3 million in the year ended December 31, 2023, to $890.2 million in the year ended December 31, 2024.
In late 2022, we launched two new showrooms, one in New York City and one in Charleston, SC, to serve primarily single-family residential markets in their regions. New showrooms have been completed in Houston, TX, and Bonita Springs, FL, and are expected to be fully operational early in 2024.
In late 2022, we launched two showrooms, one in New York City and one in Charleston, SC, to serve primarily single-family residential markets in their regions. New showrooms have been completed in Houston, TX, and Bonita Springs, FL. Additionally, showrooms in Phoenix, AZ and Los Angeles, CA are in the lease negotiating stages and are expected to open in 2025.
Our products can be found on some of the most distinctive buildings in these regions, including 100 Hood Park Drive (Boston), 601 West 29 th St (New York). Norwegian Cruise Line Terminal B (Miami), Paramount Miami Worldcenter (Miami), Via 57 West (New York), One65 Main (Cambridge), AE’O Tower (Honolulu), Salesforce Tower (San Francisco), and One Thousand Museum (Miami).
Our products can be found on some of the most distinctive buildings in these regions, including the Aston Martin Residences (Miami), Miami World Tower (Miami), 3ELEVEN (New York), Raffles Hotel (Boston), Norwegian Cruise Line Terminal B (Miami), One Thousand Museum (Miami), Paramount Miami Worldcenter (Miami), Salesforce Tower (San Francisco) and AE’O Tower (Honolulu)..
We anticipate that working capital will continue to be a net benefit to cash flow in the near future, which in addition to our current liquidity position, provides ample flexibility to service our obligations through the next twelve months. 41 Capital Resources We transform glass and aluminum into high specification architectural glass and custom-made aluminum profiles which require significant investments in state-of-the-art technology.
We anticipate that working capital will continue to be a net benefit to cash flow in the near future, which in addition to our current liquidity position, provides ample flexibility to service our obligations through the next twelve months.
As of December 31, 2023, our liquidity position was comprised of $170 million available under committed lines of credit, in addition to a cash balance of $129.5 million.
During the year ended December 31, 2024, the main source of cash was operating activities, which generated $170.5 million. 42 As of December 31, 2024, our liquidity position was comprised of $175.0 million available under committed lines of credit, in addition to a cash balance of $134.9 million.
In late October 2023, 30 year-fixed mortgage rates reached a 23 year high of 7.8% and decreased to 6.7% as of February 2024. These stable to positive macro trends in our core markets and geographies combined with a lean cost structure, leave us well positioned maintain industry leading margins and further diversify our presence into the U.S.
These stable to positive macro trends in our core markets and geographies combined with a lean cost structure, leave us well positioned to maintain industry leading margins and further diversify our presence into the U.S. Liquidity As of December 31, 2024, and December 31, 2023, we had cash and cash equivalents of approximately $134.9 million and $129.5 million, respectively.
We produce fixed body, sliding windows, projecting windows, guillotine windows, sliding doors and swinging doors. ES produces facade products which include: floating facades, automatic doors, bathroom dividers and commercial display windows.
Window production lines are defined depending on the different types of windows: normal, impact resistant, hurricane-proof, safety, soundproof and thermal. We produce fixed body, sliding windows, projecting windows, guillotine windows, sliding doors and swinging doors. ES produces facade products which include: floating facades, automatic doors, bathroom dividers and commercial display windows.
We paid $16.4 million and $12.9 million of dividends to holders of our ordinary shares during the years ended December 2023 and 2022, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2023, we used $23.5 million to repurchase shares under the $50 million buyback program authorized by our Board of Directors.
We paid $19.7 million and $16.4 million of dividends to holders of our ordinary shares during the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Headquartered in Barranquilla, Colombia, we operate out of a 5.6 million square foot vertically integrated, state-of-the-art manufacturing complex that provides easy access to North, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and the Pacific.
Headquartered in Barranquilla, Colombia, we operate out of a 5.8 million square foot vertically integrated, state-of-the-art manufacturing complex that provides easy access to North, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and the Pacific. 41 Our glass products include tempered glass, laminated glass, thermo-acoustic glass, curved glass, silk-screened glass, and digital print glass as well as mill finished, anodized, painted aluminum and vinyl profiles, and produces rods, tubes, bars and plates.
We also have sales forces located in Colombia and Panama with long-standing business relationships in the region to serve Latin American markets.
We also have sales forces located in Colombia and Panama with long-standing business relationships in the region to serve Latin American markets. We have two types of sales operations: contract sales, which are the high-dollar, customer tailored projects, and standard form sales, which reflect lower-value orders that are of short duration.
During the years ended December 31, 2023, and 2022, we made investments primarily in building and construction, and machinery and equipment in the amounts of $87.3 million, and $83.1 million, respectively.
Capital Resources We transform glass and aluminum into high specification architectural glass and custom-made aluminum profiles which require significant investments in state-of-the-art technology. During the years ended December 31, 2024, and 2023, we made investments primarily in building and construction, and machinery and equipment in the amounts of $88.9 million, and $87.3 million, respectively.
During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company recorded a non-operating gain of $2.0 million associated with foreign currency transactions. Comparatively, the Company recorded a net loss of $4.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2021, within the statement of operations as the Colombian peso depreciated 20.8% during the period.
During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company recorded a non-operating net loss of $5.7 million associated with foreign currency transactions, compared to a net gain of $0.7 million during the year ended December 31, 2023.
Additionally, the Company paid $3.0 million to buy out the non-controlling interest in ESMetals. 45 Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements We did not have any material off-balance sheet arrangements as of December 31, 2023 or 2022. Critical Accounting Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S.
Additionally, during the year ended December 31, 2024, we used $64.5 million to repay debt from our Senior Secured Line of Credit and other smaller facilities. 46 Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements We did not have any material off-balance sheet arrangements as of December 31, 2024 or 2023. Critical Accounting Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S.
U.S. sales increased $232.0 million, or 50.8%, from $456.3 million in 2021 to $688.4 million in 2022. U.S. single family residential market sales increased $129.1 million, or 72.8%, from $177.4 million in 2021 to $306.4 million in 2022 and accounted for 42.8% of total sales in the year ended December 31, 2022.
U.S. single family residential market sales increased $36.7 million, or 10.9%, from $335.4 million in 2023 to $372.1 million in 2024 and accounted for 41.8% of total sales in the year ended December 31, 2024. Sales to Latin-American markets increased $2.1 million, or 5.4%, from $38.2 million in 2023 to $40.3 million in 2024.
Including assets acquired with debt or supplier credit, total capital expenditures during the period were $83.2 million. We also received dividends from our investment in Vidrio Andino for $2.3 million during 2023. Financing activities used $42.8 million and $44.8 million during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Including assets acquired with debt or supplier credit, total capital expenditures during the period were $87.3 million. Financing activities used $84.5 million and $42.8 million during the year ended December 31, 2024, and 2023, respectively. On April 10, 2024, we paid $2,500 to Incantesimo SAS, related to the acquisition of the remaining 31% equity interest of ES Metals.
Favorable demographics in states such as South Carolina, Florida, Texas, and North Carolina, where we have a strong presence, contribute to continued growth. Despite the overall decline of housing permits in U.S. south region, down 9% year over year, from a very strong 2022; permits in key cities in Florida, where we maintain a strong presence, increased by 3%.
We expect to benefit from growth in our largest markets in the United States by gaining market share, broadening our geographic footprint. Favorable demographics in states such as South Carolina, Florida, Texas, and North Carolina, where we have a strong presence, contribute to continued growth.
The positive cashflow from operations during the year ended December 31, 2023, has been related to our industry leading profitability, and enhanced working capital efforts.
The strong cashflow from operations during the year ended December 31, 2024, was mainly associatedwith our industry leading profitability, and enhanced working capital efforts. The main sources of operating cash during the year ended December 31, 2024, were driven by trade accounts payable, and contract assets and liabilities.
Operating expenses increased $37.5 million, or 43.8%, from $85.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 to $123.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2022.
Despite the year over year reduction of gross profit margin, gross margin sequentially increased during the year ended December 31, 2024. Operating expenses increased $21.8 million, or 16.6%, from $131.2 million to $153.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 and 2024, respectively.
The largest use of cash in operating activities were other assets, comprised primarily of prepaid taxes, which used $27.5 million during the year ended December 31, 2023, related to the aggregate of $107.2 million related to income taxes paid during the period, most of which was paid by the Colombian subsidiaries during the second quarter of 2023.
Additionally, taxes payable used $3.5 million during the year ended December 31, 2024, resulted from taxes being paid during the period, as the Colombian subsidiaries fully paid their 2023 income tax during the second quarter of 2024. We used $77.3 million and $76.0 million in investing activities during the years ended December 31, 2024, and 2023, respectively.