Kronos Worldwide
Annual Report 2003

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Plain-text annual report

Kronos Worldwide 2003 ANNUAL REPORT MESSAGE TO STOCKHOLDERS We welcome you as new stockholders of Kronos Worldwide, Inc. During 2003, we achieved record TiO2 sales and production volumes for the second consecutive year, and segment profit increased 42%. Additional information about the Company is included in the accompanying Annual Report on Form 10-K. Harold C. Simmons Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS Sales Segment profit Income from operations Operating data (thousands of metric tons of Ti02): Sales volumes Production volumes 2002 2003 (In $ millions) $ 875.2 $1,008.2 96.5 91.5 455 442 137.4 132.5 462 476 See the copy of Kronos’ news release dated February 24, 2004, which follows the attached Form 10-K, for a description of segment profit and income from operations, and a reconciliation of such amounts. ABOUT THE COMPANY Kronos is the world’s fifth largest producer, and Europe’s second-largest producer, of titanium dioxide pigments (“TiO2”), with an estimated 12% share of worldwide TiO2 sales volumes and an 18% share of European sales volumes in 2003. TiO2, a quality-of-life product that can be manufactured as either a white powder or wet slurry, is a key ingredient for end-use products in a wide variety of industries, including paints, plastics, papers, fibers, foods, ceramics and cosmetics. TiO2, with its unique ability to reflect light, is used to impart whiteness, brightness and opacity to various end-use products. Kronos has production facilities at six sites located throughout Europe and North America, with a combined annual production capacity of approximately 480,000 metric tons. Kronos sells its products to over 4,000 customers in 100 countries. 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(cid:47)(cid:88)(cid:91)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:69)(cid:82)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:74)(cid:3) (cid:54)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:70)(cid:78)(cid:3) (cid:40)(cid:91)(cid:70)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:72)(cid:3) (cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3) (cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:3) (cid:84)(cid:88)(cid:82)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3) (cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3) (cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3) (cid:82)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:16)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:16)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:88)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:78)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:56)(cid:17)(cid:54)(cid:17)(cid:3) SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-K X ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 - For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003 Commission file number 1-31763 KRONOS WORLDWIDE, INC. (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter) Delaware 76-0294959 (State or other jurisdiction of (IRS Employer incorporation or organization) Identification No.) 5430 LBJ Freeway, Suite 1700, Dallas, Texas 75240-2697 (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (972) 233-1700 Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: Title of each class Common stock ($.01 par value) Name of each exchange on which registered New York Stock Exchange Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None. Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X No Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of Registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act). Yes No X No common stock was held by nonaffiliates of Kronos Worldwide, Inc. as of June 30, 2003 (the last business day of the Registrant's most recently-completed second fiscal quarter). As of February 27, 2004, 48,943,099 shares of the Registrant's common stock were outstanding. Documents incorporated by reference The information required by Part III is incorporated by reference from the Registrant's definitive proxy statement to be filed with the Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A not later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this report. -1- ITEM 1. BUSINESS PART I Kronos Worldwide, Inc., (NYSE: KRO) organized as a Delaware corporation is the world's fifth largest producer of titanium dioxide pigments ("TiO2") with an estimated 12% share of worldwide TiO2 sales volume in 2003. Approximately one-half of the Company's 2003 sales volume was in Europe, where the Company is the second largest producer of TiO2 with an estimated 18% share of European TiO2 sales volumes. The Company has an estimated 15% share of North American TiO2 sales volume. Kronos has production facilities throughout Europe and North America. Kronos and its consolidated subsidiaries are sometimes referred to herein collectively as the "Company." At December 31, 2003, (i) NL Industries, Inc. (NYSE: NL) directly held 51% of the outstanding common stock of the Company, (ii) Valhi, Inc (NYSE: VHI) and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Valhi held an additional 42% of the Company’s common stock, (iii) Valhi and such wholly-owned subsidiary of Valhi held 84% of NL’s outstanding common stock and (iv) Contran Corporation and its subsidiaries held approximately 90% of Valhi’s outstanding common stock. Substantially all of Contran’s outstanding voting stock is held by trusts established for the benefit of certain children and grandchildren of Harold C. Simmons of which Mr. Simmons is sole trustee. Mr. Simmons, the Chairman of the Board of each of Contran, Valhi, NL and Kronos may be deemed to control such companies. Prior to December 2003, the Company was a wholly-owned subsidiary of NL. On December 8, 2003, NL completed the pro-rata distribution to its stockholders of approximately 48.8% of the Company's outstanding common stock (including Valhi and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Valhi). Stockholders of NL received one share of common stock of Kronos for every two shares of NL common stock outstanding as of the close of business on November 17, 2003, the record date for the distribution. As provided by the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, the Company cautions that the statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K relating to matters that are not historical facts, including, but not limited to, statements found in this Item 1 - "Business," Item 3 - "Legal Proceedings," Item 7 - "Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and Item 7A - "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk," are forward- looking statements that represent management's beliefs and assumptions based on currently available information. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "believes," "intends," "may," "should," "could," "anticipates," "expected" or comparable terminology, or by discussions of strategies or trends. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot give any assurances that these expectations will prove to be correct. Such statements by their nature involve substantial risks and uncertainties that could significantly impact expected results, and actual future results could differ materially from those described in such forward-looking statements. While it is not possible to identify all factors, the Company continues to face many risks and uncertainties. Among the factors that could cause actual future results to differ materially are the risks and uncertainties discussed in this Annual Report and those described from time to time in the Company's other filings with the SEC including, but not limited to, the following: • Future supply and demand for the Company’s products, • The extent of the dependence of certain of the Company’s businesses on certain market sectors, -2- • The cyclicality of the Company's businesses, • Customer inventory levels (such as the extent to which the Company’s customers may, from time to time, accelerate purchases of TiO2 in advance of anticipated price increases or defer purchases of TiO2 in advance of anticipated price decreases), • Changes in raw material and other operating costs (such as energy costs), • The possibility of labor disruptions, • General global economic and political conditions (such as changes in the level of gross domestic product in various regions of the world and the impact of such changes on demand for TiO2), • Competitive products and substitute products, • Customer and competitor strategies, • The impact of pricing and production decisions, • Competitive technology positions, • The introduction of trade barriers, • Fluctuations in currency exchange rates (such as changes in the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and each of the euro, the Norwegian kroner and the Canadian dollar), • Operating interruptions (including, but not limited to, labor disputes, leaks, fires, explosions, unscheduled or unplanned downtime and transportation interruptions), • The ability of the Company to renew or refinance credit facilities, • The ultimate outcome of income tax audits, tax settlement initiatives or other tax matters, • Environmental matters (such as those requiring emission and discharge standards for existing and new facilities), • Government laws and regulations and possible changes therein, • The ultimate resolution of pending litigation, and • Possible future litigation. Should one or more of these risks materialize (or the consequences of such a development worsen), or should the underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from those forecasted or expected. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement whether as a result of changes in information, future events or otherwise. Industry. Titanium dioxide pigments are chemical products used for imparting whiteness, brightness and opacity to a wide range of products, including paints, plastics, paper, fibers, food, ceramics and cosmetics. TiO2 is considered a "quality-of-life" product with demand affected by gross domestic product in various regions of the world. Pricing within the global TiO2 industry over the long term is cyclical, and changes in industry economic conditions, especially in Western industrialized nations, can significantly impact the Company’s earnings and operating cash flows. The Company’s average TiO2 selling prices were generally decreasing during all of 2001 and the first quarter of 2002, were generally flat during the second quarter of 2002, were generally increasing during the third and fourth quarters of 2002 and the first quarter of 2003, were generally flat during the second quarter of 2003 and were generally decreasing during the third and fourth quarters of 2003. Industry-wide demand for Ti)2 is estimated to have been flat or declined slightly throughout 2003. This is believed to have been the result of lower customer inventory levels resulting from overall declining selling prices. Volume demand in 2004 is expected to increase moderately over 2003 levels. -3- Per capita consumption of TiO2 in the United States and Western Europe far exceeds that in other areas of the world and these regions are expected to continue to be the largest consumers of TiO2. Significant regions for TiO2 consumption could emerge in Eastern Europe, the Far East or China as the economies in these regions develop to the point that quality-of-life products, including TiO2, are in greater demand. The Company believes that, due to its strong presence in Western Europe, it is well positioned to participate in growth in consumption of TiO2 in Eastern Europe. Geographic information is contained in Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Products and operations. TiO2 is produced in two crystalline forms: rutile and anatase. Rutile TiO2 is a more tightly bound crystal that has a higher refractive index than anatase TiO2 and, therefore, provides better opacification and tinting strength in many applications. Although many end- use applications can use either form of TiO2, rutile TiO2 is the preferred form for use in coatings, plastics and ink. Anatase TiO2 has a bluer undertone and is less abrasive than rutile TiO2, and it is often preferred for use in paper, ceramics, rubber and man-made fibers. The Company believes that there are no effective substitutes for TiO2. However, extenders such as kaolin clays, calcium carbonate and polymeric opacifiers are used in a number of the Company’s markets. Generally, extenders are used to reduce to some extent the utilization of higher-cost TiO2. The use of extenders has not significantly changed TiO2 consumption over the past decade because, to date, extenders generally have failed to match the performance characteristics of TiO2. As a result, the Company believes that the use of extenders will not materially alter the growth of the TiO2 business in the foreseeable future. The Company currently produces over 40 different TiO2 grades, sold under the Kronos trademark, which provide a variety of performance properties to meet customers’ specific requirements. The Company’s major customers include domestic and international paint, plastics and paper manufacturers. The Company is one of the world’s leading producers and marketers of TiO2. The Company and its distributors and agents sell and provide technical services for its products to over 4,000 customers with the majority of sales in Europe and North America. TiO2 is distributed by rail, truck and ocean carrier in either dry or slurry form. The Company’s manufacturing facilities are located in Germany, Canada, Belgium and Norway, and the Company owns a one-half interest in a TiO2 manufacturing joint venture located in Louisiana, U.S.A. The Company conducts sales and marketing activities in over 100 countries worldwide. The Company and its predecessors have produced and marketed TiO2 in North America and Europe for over 80 years. As a result, the Company believes that it has developed considerable expertise and efficiency in the manufacture, sale, shipment and service of its products in domestic and international markets. By volume, approximately one-half of the Company’s 2003 TiO2 sales were to Europe, with approximately 40% to North America and the balance to export markets. The Company is also engaged in the mining and sale of ilmenite ore (a raw material used directly as a feedstock by some sulfate-process TiO2 plants) pursuant to a governmental concession with an unlimited term that allows the Company to operate an ilmenite mine in Norway. The ore body, owned by the Norwegian government, has estimated ilmenite reserves that are expected to last at least 20 years. Approximately 5% of the Company’s consolidated net sales in the last three years represented ilmenite sales to third-party customers. The Company is also engaged in the manufacture and sale of iron- based water treatment chemicals (derived co-products of the pigment production processes). The Company’s water treatment chemicals (marketed under the name Ecochem) are used as treatment and conditioning agents for industrial effluents and municipal wastewater, and in the manufacture of iron pigments. -4- Sales of water treatment chemicals were approximately 3% of the Company’s revenues in each of 2001, 2002 and 2003. Manufacturing process and raw materials. TiO2 is manufactured by the Company using both the chloride process and the sulfate process. Approximately 72% of the Company’s current production capacity is based on the chloride. The chloride process is a continuous process in which chlorine is used to extract rutile TiO2. In general, the chloride process is also less intensive than the sulfate process in terms of capital investment, labor and energy. Because much of the chlorine is recycled and feedstock bearing a higher titanium content is used, the chloride process produces less waste than the sulfate process. The sulfate process is a batch chemical process that uses sulfuric acid to extract TiO2. Sulfate technology normally produces either anatase or rutile pigment. Once an intermediate TiO2 pigment has been produced by either the chloride or sulfate process, it is ‘finished’ into products with specific performance characteristics for particular end-use applications through proprietary processes involving various chemical surface treatments and intensive milling and micronizing. Due to environmental factors and customer considerations, the proportion of TiO2 industry sales represented by chloride-process pigments has increased relative to sulfate-process pigments and, in 2003, chloride-process production facilities represented approximately 62% of industry capacity. Kronos produced a new Company record 476,000 metric tons of TiO2 in 2003, compared to the prior record 442,000 metric tons produced in 2002 and 412,000 metric tons in 2001. The Company’s average production capacity utilization rate in 2003 was near full capacity, up from 96% in 2002. The rates in 2002 and 2003 were higher than 2001 due in part to debottlenecking activities. The Company believes its current annual attainable production capacity is approximately 480,000 metric tons, including its one-half interest in the joint venture-owned Louisiana plant (see “TiO2 manufacturing joint venture”). The Company expects this production capacity will be increased by approximately 10,000 metric tons, primarily at its chloride facilities, with moderate capital expenditures, bringing the Company’s capacity to approximately 490,000 metric tons during 2005. The primary raw materials used in the TiO2 chloride production process are titanium-containing feedstock derived from sand ilmenite, natural rutile ore, chlorine and coke. Chlorine and coke are available from a number of suppliers. Titanium-containing feedstock suitable for use in the chloride process is available from a limited but increasing number of suppliers around the world, principally in Australia, South Africa, Canada, India and the United States. The Company purchased approximately 390,000 metric tons of chloride feedstock in 2003, of which the vast majority was slag. The Company purchased slag in 2003 from two subsidiaries of Rio Tinto plc UK – Richards Bay Iron and Titanium Limited South Africa and Q.I.T. Fer et Titane Inc. Canada (“Q.I.T.”) under long-term supply contracts that expire at the end of 2007 and 2006 respectively. Natural rutile ore is purchased primarily from Iluka Resources, Limited (Australia), a company formed through the merger of Westralian Sands Limited (Australia) and RGC Mineral Sands, Ltd., under a long-term supply contract that expires at the end of 2005. The Company does not expect to encounter difficulties obtaining long-term extensions to existing supply contracts prior to the expiration of the contracts. Raw materials purchased under these contracts and extensions thereof are expected to meet the Company’s chloride feedstock requirements over the next several years. The primary raw materials used in the TiO2 sulfate production process are titanium-containing feedstock, derived primarily from rock and beach sand ilmenite, and sulfuric acid. Sulfuric acid is available from a number of suppliers. Titanium-containing feedstock suitable for use in the sulfate -5- process is available from a limited number of suppliers around the world. Currently, the principal active sources are located in Norway, Canada, Australia, India and South Africa. As one of the few vertically integrated producers of sulfate-process pigments, the Company operates a rock ilmenite mine in Norway, which provided all of the Company’s feedstock for its European sulfate-process pigment plants in 2003. The Company produced approximately 850,000 metric tons of ilmenite in 2003 of which approximately 300,000 metric tons were used internally with the remainder sold to third parties. For its Canadian sulfate-process plant, the Company also purchases sulfate grade slag (approximately 25,000 metric tons in 2003) primarily from Q.I.T., under a long-term supply contract that expires at the end of 2006. The Company believes the availability of titanium-containing feedstock for both the chloride and sulfate processes is adequate for the next several years. The Company does not expect to experience any interruptions of its raw material supplies because of its long-term supply contracts. However, political and economic instability in certain countries from which the Company purchases its raw material supplies could adversely affect the availability of such feedstock. Should the Company’s vendors not be able to meet their contractual obligations or should the Company be otherwise unable to obtain necessary raw materials, the Company may incur higher costs for raw materials or may be required to reduce production levels, which may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or liquidity. TiO2 manufacturing joint venture. A Subsidiary of the Company and Huntsman International Holdings LLC ("Huntsman") each own a 50%-interest in a manufacturing joint venture, Louisiana Pigment Company ("LPC"). LPC owns and operates a chloride-process TiO2 plant located in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Production from the plant is shared equally by the Company and Huntsman (the “Partners”) pursuant to separate offtake agreements. A supervisory committee, composed of four members, two of whom are appointed by each Partner, directs the business and affairs of LPC including production and output decisions. Two general managers, one appointed and compensated by each Partner, manage the operations of the joint venture acting under the direction of the supervisory committee. The manufacturing joint venture operates on a break-even basis and, accordingly, the Company reports no equity in earnings of the joint venture. The Company’s cost for its share of the TiO2 produced is equal to its share of the joint venture’s costs. The Company’s share of net costs is reported as cost of sales as the related TiO2 acquired from the joint venture is sold. See Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Competition. The TiO2 industry is highly competitive. The Company competes primarily on the basis of price, product quality and technical service, and the availability of high performance pigment grades. Although certain TiO2 grades are considered specialty pigments, the majority of the Company’s grades and substantially all of the Company’s production are considered commodity pigments with price generally being the most significant competitive factor. During 2003 the Company had an estimated 12% share of worldwide TiO2 sales volume, and the Company believes that it is the leading seller of TiO2 in several countries, including Germany and Canada. The Company’s principal competitors are E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Co. (“DuPont”); Millennium Chemicals, Inc.; Huntsman; Kerr-McGee Corporation; and Ishihara Sangyo Kaisha, Ltd. The Company’s five largest competitors have estimated individual shares of TiO2 production capacity ranging from 24% to 5%, and an estimated aggregate 70% share of worldwide TiO2 production volume. DuPont has about one-half of total U.S. TiO2 production capacity and is the Company’s principal North American competitor. -6- Capacity additions that are the result of construction of greenfield plants in the worldwide TiO2 market require significant capital and substantial lead time, typically three to five years in the Company’s experience. As no new plants are currently under construction, additional greenfield capacity is not expected in the next three to five years, but industry capacity can be expected to increase as the Company and its competitors debottleneck existing plants. In addition to potential capacity additions, certain competitors have either idled or shut down facilities. Based on the factors described under the caption “Industry” above, the Company expects that the average annual increase in industry capacity from announced debottlenecking projects will be less than the average annual demand growth for TiO2 over the next three to five years. No assurance can be given that future increases in the TiO2 industry production capacity and future average annual demand growth rates for TiO2 will conform to the Company’s expectations. If actual developments differ from the Company’s expectations, the Company and the TiO2 industry’s performance could be unfavorably affected. Research and development. The Company’s expenditures for research and development and certain technical support programs were approximately $6 million in each of 2001 and 2002 and $7 million in 2003. Research and development activities are conducted principally at the Leverkusen, Germany facility. Such activities are directed primarily toward improving both the chloride and sulfate production processes, improving product quality and strengthening the Company’s competitive position by developing new pigment applications. Patents and trademarks. Patents held for products and production processes are believed to be important to the Company and to the continuing business activities of the Company. The Company continually seeks patent protection for its technical developments, principally in the United States, Canada and Europe, and from time to time enters into licensing arrangements with third parties. The Company’s major trademarks, including Kronos(TM), are protected by registration in the United States and elsewhere with respect to those products it manufactures and sells. Foreign operations. The Company’s chemical businesses have operated in non-U.S. markets since the 1920s. Most of the Company’s current production capacity is located in Europe and Canada with non-U.S. net property and equipment aggregating approximately $435 million at December 31, 2003. Net property and equipment in the U.S., including 50% of the property and equipment of LPC, was approximately $116 million at December 31, 2003. Kronos’ European operations include production facilities in Germany, Belgium and Norway. Approximately $711 million of the Company’s 2003 consolidated sales were to non-U.S. customers, including $91 million to customers in areas other than Europe and Canada. Sales to customers in the U.S. aggregated $297 million in 2003. Foreign operations are subject to, among other things, currency exchange rate fluctuations and the Company’s results of operations have, in the past, been both favorably and unfavorably affected by fluctuations in currency exchange rates. Effects of fluctuations in currency exchange rates on the Company’s results of operations are discussed in Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and Item 7A. “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.” Political and economic uncertainties in certain of the countries in which the Company operates may expose it to risk of loss. The Company does not believe that there is currently any likelihood of material loss through -7- political or economic instability, seizure, nationalization or similar event. The Company cannot predict, however, whether events of this type in the future could have a material effect on its operations. The Company’s manufacturing and mining operations are also subject to extensive and diverse environmental regulation in each of the foreign countries in which they operate. See “Regulatory and Environmental Matters.” Customer base and annual seasonality. The Company believes that neither its aggregate sales nor those of any of its principal product groups are concentrated in or materially dependent upon any single customer or small group of customers. The Company’s largest ten customers accounted for approximately 25% of net sales in 2003. Neither the Company’s business as a whole nor that of any of its principal product groups is seasonal to any significant extent. Due in part to the increase in paint production in the spring to meet the spring and summer painting season demand, TiO2 sales are generally higher in the first half of the year than in the second half of the year. Employees. As of December 31, 2003, the Company employed approximately 2,450 persons, excluding LPC employees, with approximately 50 employees in the United States and approximately 2,400 at sites outside the United States. Hourly employees in production facilities worldwide, including LPC, are represented by a variety of labor unions, with labor agreements having various expiration dates. The Company believes its labor relations are good. Regulatory and environmental matters. Kronos’ operations are governed by various environmental laws and regulations. Certain of Kronos’ businesses are, or have been engaged in the handling, manufacture or use of substances or compounds that may be considered toxic or hazardous within the meaning of applicable environmental laws. As with other companies engaged in similar businesses, certain past and current operations and products of Kronos have the potential to cause environmental or other damage. Kronos has implemented and continues to implement various policies and programs in an effort to minimize these risks. The policy of Kronos is to maintain compliance with applicable environmental laws and regulations at all its facilities and to strive to improve its environmental performance. It is possible that future developments, such as stricter requirements in environmental laws and enforcement policies thereunder, could adversely affect Kronos’ production, handling, use, storage, transportation, sale or disposal of such substances as well as Kronos’ consolidated financial position, results of operations or liquidity. Kronos’ U.S. manufacturing operations are governed by federal environmental and worker health and safety laws and regulations, principally the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (“RCRA”), the Occupational Safety and Health Act, the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, the Safe Drinking Water Act, the Toxic Substances Control Act and the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, as amended by the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (“CERCLA”), as well as the state counterparts of these statutes. Kronos believes the TiO2 plant owned by the LPC joint venture and a TiO2 slurry facility owned by Kronos in Lake Charles, Louisiana are in substantial compliance with applicable requirements of these laws or compliance orders issued thereunder. Kronos has no other U.S. plants. From time to time, Kronos’ facilities may be subject to environmental regulatory enforcement under such statutes. Resolution of such matters typically involves the establishment of compliance programs. Occasionally, resolution may result in the payment of penalties, but to date such penalties have not involved amounts having a material adverse effect on Kronos’ consolidated financial position, results of operations or liquidity. Kronos’ production facilities operate in an environmental regulatory framework in which governmental authorities typically are granted broad -8- discretionary powers that allow them to issue operating permits required for the plants to operate. Kronos believes that all its plants are in substantial compliance with applicable environmental laws. Neither Kronos nor any of its subsidiaries have been notified of any environmental claim in the United States or any foreign jurisdictions by the U.S. EPA or any applicable foreign authority or any state, provincial or local authority. While the laws regulating operations of industrial facilities in Europe vary from country to country, a common regulatory denominator is provided by the European Union (the “EU”). Germany and Belgium are members of the EU and follow its initiatives. Norway, although not a member, generally patterns its environmental regulatory actions after the EU. Kronos believes that it has obtained all required permits and is in substantial compliance with applicable EU requirements, including EU Directive 92/112/EEC regarding establishment of procedures for reduction and eventual elimination of pollution caused by waste from the TiO2 industry. At Kronos’ sulfate plant facilities other than Fredrikstad, Norway and Varennes, Quebec, Canada Kronos recycles spent acid either through contracts with third parties or using Kronos’ own facilities. At its Fredrikstad, Norway plant, Kronos ships its spent acid to a third party location where it is treated and disposed. Kronos’ Canadian sulfate plant neutralizes its spent acid and byproduct gypsum is sold to a local wallboard manufacturer and solid wastes are landfilled. Kronos has a contract with a third party to treat certain by-products of its German sulfate-process plants. Either party may terminate the contract after giving four years advance notice with regard to its Nordenham, Germany plant. Under certain circumstances, Kronos may terminate the contract after giving six months notice with respect to treatment of by-products from the Leverkusen, Germany plant. Kronos is also involved in various other environmental, contractual, product liability and other claims and disputes incidental to its business. Kronos’ capital expenditures related to its ongoing environmental protection and improvement programs in 2003 were approximately $5 million, and are currently expected to be approximately $5 million in 2004. Website and other available information. The Company maintains a website on the Internet with the address of www.kronostio2.com. Copies of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003 and copies of the Company’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for 2003 and 2004 and any Current Reports on Form 8-K for 2003 and 2004, and any amendments thereto, are or will be available free of charge at such website as soon as reasonably practical after they are filed with the SEC. Additional information regarding the Company, including the Company’s Audit Committee charter and the Company’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, can also be found at this website as required. Information contained on the Company’s website is not part of this report. The general public may read and copy any materials the Company files with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. The public may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The Company is an electronic filer, and the SEC maintains an Internet website that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC, including the Company. The Internet address of the SEC’s website is www.sec.gov. ITEM 2. PROPERTIES The Company currently operates four TiO2 plants in Europe (one in Leverkusen, Germany; one in Nordenham, Germany; one in Langerbrugge, Belgium; -9- and one in Fredrikstad, Norway). In North America, the Company has a TiO2 plant in Varennes, Quebec, Canada and, through the manufacturing joint venture described above, a one-half interest in a TiO2 plant in Lake Charles, Louisiana. The Company operates an ilmenite ore mine in Hauge i Dalane, Norway pursuant to a governmental concession and also owns a TiO2 slurry plant in Lake Charles, Louisiana. See Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. The Company’s principal German operating subsidiary leases the land under its Leverkusen TiO2 production facility pursuant to a lease expiring in 2050. The Leverkusen facility, with about one-third of the Company’s current TiO2 production capacity, is located within an extensive manufacturing complex owned by Bayer AG. Rent for the Leverkusen facility is periodically established by agreement with Bayer AG for periods of at least two years at a time. Under a separate supplies and services agreement expiring in 2011, Bayer provides some raw materials, including chlorine and certain amounts of sulfuric acid, auxiliary and operating materials and utilities services necessary to operate the Leverkusen facility. The lease and the supplies and services agreement have certain restrictions regarding the Company’s ability to transfer ownership or use of the Leverkusen facility. The Company owns all of its principal production facilities described above, except for the land under the Leverkusen and Fredrikstad facilities. The Company also operates an ilmenite ore mine in Norway pursuant to a governmental concession with an unlimited term to operate the ilmenite mine in Norway. The Company has under lease various corporate and administrative offices located in the U.S. and various sales offices located in the U.S., France, the Netherlands, Denmark and the U.K. ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS The Company is involved in various legal proceedings. Certain information called for by this Item is included in Note 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, which information is incorporated herein by reference. ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders during the quarter ended December 31, 2003. PART II ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS Prior to December 2003, the Company was a wholly-owned subsidiary of NL. On December 8, 2003, NL completed the pro-rata distribution to its stockholders of approximately 48.8% of the Company's outstanding common stock (including Valhi and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Valhi.) Stockholders of NL received one share of common stock of Kronos for every two shares of NL common stock outstanding as of the close of business on November 17, 2003, the record date for the distribution. The Company’s common stock is listed and traded on the New York Stock Exchange (symbol: KRO). As of February 27, 2004, there were approximately 5,300 holders of record of common stock. The Company’s common stock commenced trading on December 8, 2003. For the period from December 8, 2003 to December 31, 2003, the high and low closing per share sales price of Kronos common stock according to Bloomberg was $24.79 and $16.00 respectively. On February -10- 27, 2004 the closing price of Kronos common stock according to the NYSE Composite Tape was $32.25. Immediately prior to NL’s distribution of shares of Kronos common stock to its stockholders, the Company declared and paid a dividend to NL in the form of a $200 million long-term note payable. See Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. On February 19, 2004, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly dividend of $.25 per share to stockholders of record as of March 11, 2004 to be paid on March 29, 2004. The declaration and payment of future dividends is discretionary, and the amount, if any, will be dependent upon the Company’s results of operations, financial condition, contractual restrictions and other factors deemed relevant by the Company’s Board of Directors. ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA The following selected financial data should be read in conjunction with the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements and Item 7 - "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations." The following selected historical financial data of Kronos with respect to the years ended December 31, 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2003 and as of December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003, is derived from, and should be read in conjunction with, Kronos’ audited Consolidated Financial Statements. The selected historical financial data for the year ended December 31, 1999, and as of December 31, 1999 and 2000, is derived from Kronos’ unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements. The earnings per share and cash dividends per share data presented below has been restated to give effect to the September 2003 change in Kronos’ capital structure discussed in Note 1 to Kronos’ Consolidated Financial Statements in which the 1,000 shares of Kronos’ common stock previously outstanding were reclassified in the form of a stock split into approximately 48.9 million shares of Kronos’ common stock. The selected historical financial data reflects Kronos’ results as it has historically been operated as a part of NL, and these results may not be indicative of Kronos’ future performance as a publicly traded company following the distribution. Years ended December 31, _2003_ _2001_ (In millions, except per share data) _2002_ _1999_ _2000_ STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS DATA: Net sales Net income (1) Net income per share Cash dividends per share (2) $ 908.4 $ 922.3 $ 835.1 125.9 130.2 154.5 2.57 2.66 3.16 $ .61 $ 1.12 $ .62 $ 875.2 66.3 1.35 $ 2.27 $1,008.2 87.5 1.79 $ .14 BALANCE SHEET DATA (at year end): Total assets Notes payable and long-term debt including current maturities Common stockholder’s equity 973.6 893.4 910.1 988.5 1,121.9 340.4 266.1 242.7 310.9 346.6 378.5 370.5 314.2 556.7 159.4 TiO2 OPERATING STATISTICS: Average selling price Index (1983=100) Sales volume* Production volume* Production capacity at beginning 153 161 156 142 146 427 411 436 441 402 412 455 442 462 476 of year* 440 440 450 455 470 Production rate as a percentage of capacity 93% Full 91% 96% Full __________________________________ * Metric tons in thousands -11- (1) Net income in 1999 includes a $57.7 million income tax benefit related to (i) a favorable resolution of Kronos’ previously-reported tax contingency in Germany ($29.1 million) and (ii) a net reduction in Kronos’ deferred income tax asset valuation allowance due to a change in the estimate of Kronos’ ability to utilize certain income tax attributes under the “more-likely-than-not” recognition criteria ($28.6 million). (2) Excludes Kronos’ December 2003 dividend to NL in the form of a $200 million long- term note payable. See Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Critical accounting policies and estimates The accompanying "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" are based upon the Company's consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP"). The preparation of these financial statements requires the Company to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amount of revenues and expenses during the reported period. On an on-going basis, the Company evaluates its estimates, including those related to bad debts, inventory reserves, impairments of investments in marketable securities and investments accounted for by the equity method, the recoverability of other long-lived assets (including goodwill and other intangible assets), pension and other post- retirement benefit obligations and the underlying actuarial assumptions related thereto, the realization of deferred income tax assets and accruals for litigation, income tax and other contingencies. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that it believes to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. Actual results may differ from previously-estimated amounts under different assumptions or conditions. The Company believes the following critical accounting policies affect its more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of its consolidated financial statements: • The Company maintains allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of its customers to make required payments and other factors. The Company takes into consideration the current financial condition of its customers, the age of the outstanding balance and the current economic environment when assessing the adequacy of the allowance. If the financial condition of the Company’s customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required. During 2001, 2002 and 2003, the net amount written off against the allowance for doubtful accounts as a percentage of the balance of the allowance for doubtful accounts as of the beginning of the year ranged from 12% to 18%. • The Company provides reserves for estimated obsolescence or unmarketable inventory equal to the difference between the cost of inventory and the estimated net realizable value using assumptions about future demand for its products and market conditions. If actual market conditions are less favorable than those projected by management, additional inventory reserves may be required. The Company also provides reserves for tools and supplies inventory based generally on both historical and expected future usage requirements. -12- • The Company recognizes an impairment charge associated with its long- lived assets, including property and equipment, whenever it determines that recovery of such long-lived asset is not probable. Such determination is made in accordance with the applicable GAAP requirements associated with the long-lived asset, and is based upon, among other things, estimates of the amount of future net cash flows to be generated by the long-lived asset and estimates of the current fair value of the asset. Adverse changes in such estimates of future net cash flows or estimates of fair value could result in an inability to recover the carrying value of the long-lived asset, thereby possibly requiring an impairment charge to be recognized in the future. Under applicable GAAP (SFAS No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets), property and equipment is not assessed for impairment unless certain impairment indicators, as defined, are present. During 2003, no such impairment indicators, as defined, were present. • The Company maintains various defined benefit pension plans and postretirement benefits other than pensions (“OPEB”). The amount recognized as defined benefit pension and OPEB expense, and the reported amount of prepaid and accrued pension costs and accrued OPEB costs, are actuarially determined based on several assumptions, including discount rates, expected rates of returns on plan assets and expected health care trend rates. Variances from these actuarially assumed rates will result in increases or decreases, as applicable, in the recognized pension and OPEB obligations, pension and OPEB expense and funding requirements. These assumptions are more fully described below under “—Assumptions on defined benefit pension plans and OPEB plans.” • The Company records a valuation allowance to reduce its deferred income tax assets to the amount that is believed to be realized under the "more-likely-than-not" recognition criteria. While the Company has considered future taxable income and ongoing prudent and feasible tax planning strategies in assessing the need for a valuation allowance, it is possible that in the future the Company may change its estimate of the amount of the deferred income tax assets that would "more-likely- than-not" be realized in the future, resulting in an adjustment to the deferred income tax asset valuation allowance that would either increase or decrease, as applicable, reported net income in the period such change in estimate was made. • The Company records accruals for legal, income tax and other contingencies when estimated future expenditures associated with such contingencies become probable, and the amounts can be reasonably estimated. However, new information may become available, or circumstances (such as applicable laws and regulations) may change, thereby resulting in an increase or decrease in the amount required to be accrued for such matters (and therefore a decrease or increase in reported net income in the period of such change). Executive summary Relative changes in the Company’s TiO2 sales and operating income during the past three years are primarily due to (i) relative changes in TiO2 sales and production volumes, (ii) relative changes in TiO2 average selling prices and (iii) relative changes in foreign currency exchange rates. The relatively lower levels of sales and production volumes in 2001 as compared to 2002 and 2003 are due in part to the effects of a fire at one of the Company’s production facilities, as discussed below. -13- Selling prices for TiO2, the Company’s principal product, were generally decreasing during all of 2001 and the first quarter of 2002, were generally flat during the second quarter of 2002, were generally increasing during the last half of 2002 and the first quarter of 2003, were generally flat during the second quarter of 2003 and were generally declining during the third and fourth quarters of 2003. Results of operations Average TiO2 selling prices in billing currencies (which exclude the effects of foreign currency translation) were generally decreasing during all of 2001 and the first quarter of 2002, were generally flat during the second quarter of 2002 and were generally increasing during the last half of 2002 and the first quarter of 2003. Average selling prices for TiO2 were generally flat during the second quarter of 2003 and were generally decreasing throughout the remainder of 2003. Years ended December 31, 2002 2001 (In millions, except selling price data) 2003 % Change 2001-02 2002-03 Net sales Cost of sales $ 835.1 $ 875.2 578.1 671.8 $1,008.2 + 5% +15% 739.2 +16% +10% Gross margin 257.0 203.4 269.0 -21% +32% Selling, general and administrative expense (98.7) (107.7) (124.4) + 9% +16% Insurance recoveries, net 7.2 - Currency transaction gains - (losses), net Corporate expense Other operating income (expense), net 1.2 (.5) (7.7) (4.9) (3.3) (4.2) .2 (.4) (.2) Income from operations $ 162.0 $ 91.5 $ 132.5 -44% +45% TiO2 operating statistics: Percent change in average selling prices: Using actual foreign currency exchange rates Impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates In billing currencies - 7% +13% - 2% -10% - 9% + 3% Sales volumes* Production volumes* Production rate as 402 412 455 442 462 476 +13% + 2% + 7% + 8% percent of capacity 91% 96% Full ____________________________________ * Thousands of metric tons -14- Year ended December 31, 2003 compared to year ended December 31, 2002 The Company’s net sales increased $133.0 million (15%) in 2003 compared to 2002 due to higher average selling prices along with higher sales volumes in 2003 and the positive effects of currency exchange rates, specifically the weaker U.S. dollar as compared to the euro and Canadian dollar. Excluding the effect of fluctuations in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to other currencies, the Company’s average TiO2 selling price in 2003 was 3% higher than 2002, primarily due to the European and export markets. When translated from billing currencies to U.S. dollars using actual foreign currency exchange rates prevailing during the respective periods, the Company’s average TiO2 selling prices in 2003 increased 13% compared to 2002. The Company’s TiO2 sales volumes in 2003 set a new record, increasing 2% from the previous record achieved in 2002, with higher volumes in European and North American markets more than offsetting a decline in volumes to export markets. By volume, approximately one-half of the Company’s 2002 and 2003 TiO2 sales volumes were attributable to markets in Europe, with 40% attributable to North America and the balance to export markets. The Company’s sales are denominated in various currencies, including the U.S. dollar, the euro, other major European currencies and the Canadian dollar. The disclosure of the percentage change in the Company’s average TiO2 selling price in billing currencies (which excludes the effects of fluctuations in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to other currencies) is considered a "non-GAAP" financial measure under regulations of the SEC. The disclosure of the percentage change in the Company’s average TiO2 selling prices using actual foreign currency exchange rates prevailing during the respective periods is considered the most directly comparable financial measure presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("GAAP measure"). The Company discloses percentage changes in its average TiO2 prices in billing currencies because the Company believes such disclosure provides useful information to investors to allow them to analyze such changes without the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates, thereby facilitating period-to-period comparisons of the relative changes in average selling prices in the actual various billing currencies. Generally, when the U.S. dollar either strengthens or weakens against other currencies, the percentage change in average selling prices in billing currencies will be higher or lower, respectively, than such percentage changes would be using actual exchange rates prevailing during the respective periods. The difference between the 13% increase in the Company’s average TiO2 selling prices during 2003 as compared to 2002 using actual foreign currency exchange rates prevailing during the respective periods (the GAAP measure) and the 3% percentage increase in the Company’s average TiO2 selling price in billing currencies (the non-GAAP measure) during such periods is due to the effect of changes in foreign currency exchange rates. The table above presents (i) the percentage change in the Company’s average TiO2 selling prices using actual foreign currency exchange rates prevailing during the respective periods (the GAAP measure), (ii) the percentage change in Kronos average TiO2 selling price in billing currencies (the non-GAAP measure) and (iii) the percentage change due to changes in foreign currency exchange rates (or the reconciling item between the non-GAAP measure and the GAAP measure). The Company’s cost of sales increased $67.4 million (10%) in 2003 compared to 2002 due to the higher sales volumes. The Company’s cost of sales, as a percentage of net sales, decreased from 77% in 2002 to 73% in 2003 due primarily to the effects of continued cost reduction efforts combined with the impact of higher production volumes and higher average selling prices. Operating rates were near full capacity during most of 2003, setting a new Company production record. -15- The Company’s gross margins increased $65.5 million (32%) from 2002 to 2003 due to the net effects of the aforementioned changes in sales and cost of sales during such periods. As a percentage of net sales, selling general and administrative expenses remained consistent at 12%, increasing proportionately with the increased sales and production volume. Certain of the sales generated by the Company’s European and Canadian operations are denominated in the U.S. dollar, and such operations routinely hold U.S. dollar-denominated receivables. Primarily as a result of the weakening of the U.S. dollar as compared to the Canadian dollar and the euro throughout the year, the Company's results in 2003 included net currency transaction losses of $7.7 million. Due to a more stable dollar in 2002, the Company recognized net currency transaction losses of $500,000. Corporate expenses for 2003 increased 26% to $4.1 million as compared to 2002 primarily due to higher fees associated with Kronos becoming a separate SEC registrant and certain corporate office relocation expenses. Kronos has substantial operations and assets located outside the United States (primarily in Germany, Belgium, Norway and Canada). A significant amount of Kronos’ sales generated from its non-U.S. operations are denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, principally the euro, other major European currencies and the Canadian dollar. A portion of Kronos’ sales generated from its non-U.S. operations are denominated in the U.S. dollar. Certain raw materials, primarily titanium-containing feedstocks, are purchased in U.S. dollars, while labor and other production costs are denominated primarily in local currencies. Consequently, the translated U.S. dollar value of Kronos’ foreign sales and operating results are subject to currency exchange rate fluctuations which may favorably or adversely impact reported earnings and may affect the comparability of period-to-period operating results. Overall, fluctuations in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to other currencies, primarily the euro, increased TiO2 sales in 2003 by a net $93 million compared to 2002. Fluctuations in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to other currencies similarly impacted Kronos’ foreign currency-denominated operating expenses. The Company’s operating costs that are not denominated in the U.S. dollar, when translated into U.S. dollars, were higher in 2003 compared to the same periods of 2002. Overall, currency exchange rate fluctuations resulted in a net decrease in Kronos’ operating income in 2003 of approximately $6 million as compared to 2002. Year ended December 31, 2002 compared to year ended December 31, 2001 The Company’s sales increased $40.1 million (5%) in 2002 compared to 2001 due primarily to higher TiO2 sales volumes, offset by lower average TiO2 selling prices. The Company’s record TiO2 sales volumes in 2002 were 13% higher compared to 2001 primarily due to higher volumes in European and North American markets of 14% and 17%, respectively. By volume, approximately one-half of the Company’s 2002 TiO2 sales volumes were attributable to markets in Europe, with 39% attributable to North America and the balance to export markets. The lower TiO2 sales volumes in 2001 were due in part to the effect of a fire at the Company’s Leverkusen, Germany facility in March 2001 that disrupted operations. See Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Excluding the effect of fluctuations in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to other currencies, the Company's average TiO2 selling price in 2002 was 9% lower than 2001, with prices lower in all major regions. When translated from billing currencies to U.S. dollars using actual foreign currency exchange rates prevailing during the respective periods, the Company's average TiO2 selling prices in 2002 decreased 7% compared to 2001. -16- The Company's cost of sales increased $93.8 million (16%) in 2002 compared to 2001 due to the higher sales volume, partially offset by lower unit costs, which resulted primarily from the higher production levels. The effects of lower TiO2 sales and production volumes in 2001 were partially offset by receipt of the business interruption proceeds discussed above. The Company's cost of sales, as a percentage of net sales, increased from 69% in 2001 to 77% in 2002 primarily due to the impact on net sales of the lower average selling prices partially offset by lower unit costs. The Company's gross margin declined $53.6 million (21%) in 2002 compared to 2001 as the effect of lower average TiO2 selling prices more than offset the effect of higher TiO2 sales and production volumes. The effect of the higher sales and production volumes was offset in part by the $27.3 million of business interruption proceeds received in 2001, as discussed below. The Company's record TiO2 production volume in 2002 was 7% higher than 2001. Kronos' operating rates in 2001 were lower as compared to 2002 primarily due to lost production resulting from the Leverkusen fire. The Company's income from operations in 2001 includes $27.3 million of business interruption insurance proceeds as payment for losses (unallocated period costs and lost margin) caused by the Leverkusen fire. The effects of the lower TiO2 sales and production volumes were offset in part by the business interruption insurance proceeds. Of such $27.3 million of business interruption insurance proceeds, $20.1 million was recorded as a reduction of cost of sales to offset unallocated period costs that resulted from lost production, and the remaining $7.2 million, presenting recovery of lost margin, is included in income from operations (as shown on the table above). The business interruption insurance proceeds distorted the income from operations margin percentage in 2001 as there are no sales associated with the $7.2 million of lost margin recognized. See Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. The Company also recognized insurance recoveries of $29.1 million in 2001 for property damage and related cleanup and other extra expenses related to the Leverkusen fire, resulting in an insurance gain of $17.5 million, as the insurance recoveries exceeded the carrying value of the property destroyed and the cleanup and other extra expenses incurred. Such insurance gain is not reported as a component of income from operations but is included in other income and expense, as discussed below. The Company does not expect to recognize any additional insurance recoveries related to the Leverkusen fire. See Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. The Company's selling, general and administrative expenses ("SG&A expenses") increased $9.0 million (9%) in 2002 as compared to 2001 primarily due to higher distribution expenses ($600,000) associated with the higher sales volume in 2002 and higher administrative expenses of $5.8 million, as well as the impact of relative changes in foreign currency exchange rates, which increased Kronos' expenses in 2002 compared to 2001. SG&A expenses were approximately 12% of sales in both 2001 and 2002. As discussed above, Kronos has substantial operations and assets located outside the United States (primarily in Germany, Belgium, Norway and Canada) and consequently, the translated U.S. dollar value of Kronos’ foreign sales and operating results are subject to currency exchange rate fluctuations that may favorably or adversely impact reported earnings and may affect the comparability of period-to-period operating results. Overall, fluctuations in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to other currencies, primarily the euro, increased TiO2 sales in 2002 by a net $21 million compared to 2001. Fluctuations in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to other currencies similarly impacted Kronos’ foreign currency-denominated operating expenses. The Company's operating costs that are not denominated in the U.S. dollar, when translated into U.S. dollars, were higher in 2003 compared to the same -17- periods of 2002. Overall, currency exchange rate fluctuations on Kronos’ operating income comparisons was not significant in 2002 as compared to 2001. Outlook. Kronos expects its TiO2 production volumes in 2004 will approximate its 2003 production volumes, and sales volumes are expected to be slightly higher in 2004 as compared to 2003. Kronos’ average Ti02 selling price, which declined during the second half of 2003, is expected to continue to decline during the first quarter of 2004. Kronos is hopeful that its average selling prices will cease to decline sometime during the first half of 2004 and will rise thereafter. Nevertheless, Kronos expects its average TiO2 selling prices, in billing currencies, will be lower in 2004 as compared to 2003. Overall, Kronos expects its operating income in 2004 will be lower than 2003. Kronos' expectations as to the future prospects of Kronos and the TiO2 industry are based upon a number of factors beyond its control, including worldwide growth of gross domestic product, competition in the marketplace, unexpected or earlier-than-expected capacity additions and technological advances. If actual developments differ from Kronos’ expectations, Kronos’ results of operations could be unfavorably affected. The following table sets forth certain information regarding other income and expense items. Years ended December 31, Change 2001-02 2002-03 2003 (In millions) 2001 2002 Trade interest income Interest income from $ 2.3 $ 1.7 $ .7 $ (.6) $ (1.0) affiliates 33.4 20.7 .7 (12.7) (20.0) Other interest income .3 .7 .2 .4 (.5) Currency transaction gains - 6.3 - 6.3 (6.3) Insurance recoveries, net 17.5 - - (17.5) - Interest expense Interest expense to (4.3) (16.8) (33.0) (12.5) (16.2) affiliates (22.9) (12.3) (1.8) 10.6 10.5 $(26.3) $ .3 $(33.2) $(26.0) $(33.5) Interest income fluctuates in part based upon the amount of funds invested and yields thereon. Aggregate interest income declined $21.0 million in 2003 compared to 2002 and $13.3 million in 2002 compared with 2001 primarily due to lower average yields on invested funds. The Company expects interest income will be lower in 2004 than 2003 due to lower average funds available for investment and to lower average yields and lower average levels of funds available for investment. In June 2002 Kronos International, Inc. (“KII”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, sold €285 million of its 8.875% Senior Secured Notes (the “Notes”) due 2009. KII used the net proceeds of the Notes offering to repay certain intercompany indebtedness owed to the Company, a portion of which the Company used to redeem at par all of its outstanding 11.75% Senior Secured Notes due 2003, plus accrued interest. As a result of the refinancing, the Company recognized a foreign currency transaction gain of $6.3 million in 2002 related to the extinguishment of certain intercompany indebtedness. See Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. The insurance recoveries, net of $17.5 million in 2001 related to insurance proceeds received from property damage resulting from the Leverkusen fire. The insurance proceeds received exceeded the carrying value of the -18- property destroyed and cleanup costs incurred. See Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Aggregate interest expense in 2003 increased $5.7 million compared to 2002 primarily due to higher levels of outstanding debt and associated currency effects, partially offset by lower interest rates. Aggregate interest expense in 2002 increased $1.9 million compared with 2001 primarily due to $2.0 million of additional second-quarter 2002 interest expense related to the early extinguishment of the Company’s 11.75% Senior Secured Notes. See Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Assuming no significant change in interest rates, interest expense in 2004 is expected to be higher compared with 2003 due to higher average levels of outstanding indebtedness, partially offset by lower average interest rates. Provision for income taxes. The principal reasons for the difference between the Company's effective income tax rates and the U.S. federal statutory income tax rates are explained in Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Income tax rates vary by jurisdiction (country and/or state), and relative changes in the geographic mix of the Company's pre-tax earnings can result in fluctuations in the effective income tax rate. During 2003, the Company reduced its deferred income tax asset valuation allowance by approximately $6.7 million, primarily as a result of utilization of certain income tax attributes for which the benefit had not previously been recognized. In addition, the Company recognized a $38.0 million income tax benefit related to the net refund of certain prior year German income taxes. During 2002, the Company reduced its deferred income tax asset valuation allowance by approximately $1.8 million, primarily as a result of utilization of certain income tax attributes for which the benefit had not previously been recognized. The provision for income taxes in 2002 also includes a $2.3 million deferred income tax benefit related to certain changes in the Belgian tax law. During 2001, the Company reduced its deferred income tax asset valuation allowance by $23.2 million. This entire reduction related to a change in estimate of the Company’s ability to utilize certain German income tax attributes following the completion of a restructuring of its German operations, the benefit of which had not previously been recognized under the "more-likely-than-not" recognition criteria. At December 31, 2003, the Company had the equivalent of approximately $438 million of income tax loss carryforwards in Germany with no expiration date. However, the Company has provided a deferred tax valuation allowance against substantially all of these income tax loss carryforwards because the Company currently believes they do not meet the “more-likely-than-not” recognition criteria. The Company periodically evaluates the “more-likely- than-not” recognition criteria with respect to such tax loss carryforwards, and it is possible that in the future the Company may conclude such carryforwards do meet the recognition criteria, at which time the Company would reverse all or a portion of such deferred tax valuation allowance. In January 2004, the German federal government enacted new tax law amendments that limit the annual utilization of income tax loss carryforward effective January 1, 2004. The new law may significantly affect Kronos’ future income tax expense and cash tax payments. Related party transactions. The Company is a party to certain transactions with related parties. See Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Accounting principles newly adopted in 2003. See Note 18 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. -19- Accounting principles not yet adopted. See Note 20 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Defined benefit pension plans. The Company maintains various defined benefit pension plans in the U.S., Europe and Canada. See Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. The Company accounts for its defined benefit pension plans using SFAS No. 87, “Employer’s Accounting for Pensions.” Under SFAS No. 87, defined benefit pension plan expense and prepaid and accrued pension costs are each recognized based on certain actuarial assumptions, principally the assumed discount rate, the assumed long-term rate of return on plan assets and the assumed increase in future compensation levels. The Company recognized consolidated defined benefit pension plan expense of $5.0 million in 2001, $7.1 million in 2002 and $8.4 million in 2003. The amount of funding requirements for these defined benefit pension plans is generally based upon applicable regulations (such as ERISA in the U.S.), and will generally differ from pension expense recognized under SFAS No. 87 for financial reporting purposes. Contributions made by the Company to all of its plans aggregated $7.4 million in 2001, $9.0 million in 2002 and $13.6 million in 2003. The discount rates the Company utilizes for determining defined benefit pension expense and the related pension obligations are based on current interest rates earned on long-term bonds that receive one of the two highest ratings given by recognized rating agencies in the applicable country where the defined benefit pension benefits are being paid. In addition, the Company receives advice about appropriate discount rates from the Company’s third- party actuaries, who may in some cases utilize their own market indices. The discount rates are adjusted as of each valuation date (September 30th) to reflect then-current interest rates on such long-term bonds. Such discount rates are used to determine the actuarial present value of the pension obligations as of December 31st of that year, and such discount rates are also used to determine the interest component of defined benefit pension expense for the following year. At December 31, 2003, approximately 4%, 63%, 12% and 17% of the projected benefit obligation related to Company plans in the U.S., Germany, Canada and Norway, respectively. The Company uses several different discount rate assumptions in determining its consolidated defined benefit pension plan obligations and expense because the Company maintains defined benefit pension plans in several different countries in North America and Europe and the interest rate environment differs from country to country. The Company used the following discount rates for its defined benefit pension plans: Discount rates used for: Obligations at December 31, 2001 and expense in 2002 Obligations at December 31, 2002 and expense in 2003 Obligations at December 31, 2003 and expense in 2004 Germany Canada Norway 5.8% 7.3% 6.0% 5.5% 7.0% 6.0% 5.3% 6.3% 5.5% The assumed long-term rate of return on plan assets represents the estimated average rate of earnings expected to be earned on the funds invested or to be invested in the plans’ assets provided to fund the benefit payments inherent in the projected benefit obligations. Unlike the discount rate, which is adjusted each year based on changes in current long-term interest -20- rates, the assumed long-term rate of return on plan assets will not necessarily change based upon the actual, short-term performance of the plan assets in any given year. Defined benefit pension expense each year is based upon the assumed long-term rate of return on plan assets for each plan and the actual fair value of the plan assets as of the beginning of the year. Differences between the expected return on plan assets for a given year and the actual return are deferred and amortized over future periods based either upon the expected average remaining service life of the active plan participants (for plans for which benefits are still being earned by active employees) or the average remaining life expectancy of the inactive participants (for plans for which benefits are not still being earned by active employees). At December 31, 2003, approximately 5%, 57%, 12% and 22% of the plan assets related to plan assets for the Company’s plans in the U.S., Germany, Canada and Norway, respectively. The Company uses several different long-term rates of return on plan asset assumptions in determining its consolidated defined benefit pension plan expense because the Company maintains defined benefit pension plans in several different countries in North America and Europe, the plan assets in different countries are invested in a different mix of investments and the long-term rates of return for different investments differ from country to country. In determining the expected long-term rate of return on plan asset assumptions, the Company considers the long-term asset mix (e.g. equity vs. fixed income) for the assets for each of its plans and the expected long-term rates of return for such asset components. In addition, the Company receives advice about appropriate long-term rates of return from the Company’s third- party actuaries. Such assumed asset mixes are summarized below: • In Germany, the composition of the Company’s plan assets is established to satisfy the requirements of the German insurance commissioner. The current plan asset allocation at December 31, 2003 was 25% to equity managers and 75% to fixed income managers. • In Canada, the Company currently has a plan asset target allocation of 65% to equity managers and 35% to fixed income managers, with an expected long-term rate of return for such investments to average approximately 125 basis points above the applicable equity or fixed income index. The current plan asset allocation at December 31, 2003 was 57% to equity managers and 43% to fixed income managers. • In Norway, the Company currently has a plan asset target allocation of 14% to equity managers and 86% to fixed income managers, with an expected long-term rate of return for such investments of approximately 8% and 6%, respectively. The current plan asset allocation at December 31, 2003 was 15% to equity managers and 85% to fixed income managers. The Company regularly reviews its actual asset allocation for each of its plans, and will periodically rebalance the investments in each plan to more accurately reflect the targeted allocation when considered appropriate. The Company’s assumed long-term rates of return on plan assets for 2001, 2002 and 2003 were as follows: Germany Canada Norway 2001 2002 2003 7.3% 7.8% 7.0% 6.8% 7.0% 7.0% 6.5% 7.0% 6.0% The Company currently expects to utilize the same long-term rate of return on plan asset assumptions in 2004 as it used in 2003 for purposes of determining the 2004 defined benefit pension plan expense. -21- To the extent that a plan’s particular pension benefit formula calculates the pension benefit in whole or in part based upon future compensation levels, the projected benefit obligations and the pension expense will be based in part upon expected increases in future compensation levels. For all of the Company’s plans for which the benefit formula is so calculated, the Company generally bases the assumed expected increase in future compensation levels upon average long-term inflation rates for the applicable country. In addition to the actuarial assumptions discussed above, because the Company maintains defined benefit pension plans outside the U.S., the amount of recognized defined benefit pension expense and the amount of prepaid and accrued pension costs will vary based upon relative changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Based on the actuarial assumptions described above and the Company’s current expectation for what actual average foreign currency exchange rates will be during 2004, the Company expects its defined benefit pension expense will approximate $13 million in 2004. In comparison, the Company expects to be required to make approximately $9 million of contributions to such plans during 2004. As noted above, defined benefit pension expense and the amount recognized as prepaid and accrued pension costs are based upon the actuarial assumptions discussed above. The Company believes all of the actuarial assumptions used are reasonable and appropriate. If the Company had lowered the assumed discount rate by 25 basis points for all of its plans as of December 31, 2003, the Company’s aggregate projected benefit obligations would have increased by approximately $11.6 million at that date, and the Company’s defined benefit pension expense would be expected to increase by approximately $1.6 million during 2004. Similarly, if the Company lowered the assumed long- term rate of return on plan assets by 25 basis points for all of its plans, the Company’s defined benefit pension expense would be expected to increase by approximately $600,000 during 2004. OPEB plans. Certain subsidiaries of the Company in the U.S. and Canada currently provide certain health care and life insurance benefits for eligible retired employees. See Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. The Company accounts for such OPEB costs under SFAS No. 106, Employers Accounting for Postretirement Benefits other than Pensions. Under SFAS No. 106, OPEB expense and accrued OPEB costs are based on certain actuarial assumptions, principally the assumed discount rate and the assumed rate of increases in future health care costs. The Company recognized consolidated OPEB income of approximately $76,000 in 2001, $265,000 in 2002 and $133,000 in 2003. Similar to defined benefit pension benefits, the amount of funding will differ from the expense recognized for financial reporting purposes, and contributions to the plans to cover benefit payments aggregated $1.2 million in 2001 and $1.0 million in 2002 and 2003. The assumed discount rates the Company utilizes for determining OPEB expense and the related accrued OPEB obligations are generally based on the same discount rates the Company utilizes for its Canadian defined benefit pension plans. In estimating the health care cost trend rate, the Company considers its actual health care cost experience, future benefit structures, industry trends and advice from its third-party actuaries. During each of the past three years, the Company has assumed that the relative increase in health care costs will generally trend downward over the next several years, reflecting, among other things, assumed increases in efficiency in the health care system and industry-wide cost containment initiatives. For example, at December 31, -22- 2003, the expected rate of increase in future health care costs ranges from 10% in 2004, declining to 5.5% in 2009 and thereafter. Based on the actuarial assumptions described above and the Company’s current expectation for what actual average foreign currency exchange rates will be during 2004, the Company expects its consolidated OPEB credit will approximate $200,000 in 2004. In comparison, the Company expects to be required to make approximately $2 million of contributions to such plans during 2004. As noted above, OPEB expense and the amount recognized as accrued OPEB costs are based upon the actuarial assumptions discussed above. The Company believes all of the actuarial assumptions used are reasonable and appropriate. If the Company had lowered the assumed discount rate by 25 basis points for all of its OPEB plans as of December 31, 2003, the Company’s aggregate projected benefit obligations would have increased by approximately $400,000 at that date, and the Company’s OPEB expense would be expected to increase by less than $50,000 during 2004. Similarly, if the assumed future health care cost trend rate had been increased by 100 basis points, the Company’s accumulated OPEB obligations would have increased by approximately $1.1 million at December 31, 2003, and OPEB expense would have increased by $200,000 in 2003. Foreign operations The Company has substantial operations located outside the United States (principally Europe and Canada) for which the functional currency is not the U.S. dollar. As a result, the reported amount of the Company’s assets and liabilities related to its non-U.S. operations, and therefore the Company’s consolidated net assets, will fluctuate based upon changes in currency exchange rates. As of January 1, 2001, the functional currency of the Company’s German, Belgian, Dutch and French operations had been converted to the euro from their respective national currencies. At December 31, 2003, the Company had substantial net assets denominated in the euro, Canadian dollar, Norwegian kroner and United Kingdom pound sterling. LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES Consolidated cash flows The Company’s consolidated cash flows for each of the past three years are presented below: Operating activities Investing activities Financing activities Years ended December 31, 2001 2003 2002 (In millions) $ 135.7 $ 111.1 $ 107.6 (33.7) (34.6) (35.4) (99.0) (93.9) (61.8) Net cash provided (used) by operating, investing and financing activities $ 3.0 $ (17.4) $ 10.4 Operating cash flows. Certain items included in the determination of net income do not represent current inflows or outflows of cash. For example, insurance recoveries, net of $17.5 million in 2001, are excluded from the determination of operating cash flow. These insurance proceeds are shown in the statement of cash flows under investing activities to partially offset the cash outflow impact of capital expenditures related to the Leverkusen sulfate plant reconstruction. Certain other items included in the determination of -23- net income have an impact on cash flows from operating activities, but the impact of such items on cash will differ from their impact on net income. For example, the amount of income or expense recorded for pension and OPEB assets and obligations (which depend upon a number of factors, including actuarial assumptions used to value obligations) will generally differ from the outflows of cash for such benefits. See Note 13 to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements. The TiO2 industry is cyclical and changes in economic conditions within the industry significantly impact the earnings and operating cash flows of the Company. Cash flow from operations is considered the primary source of liquidity for the Company. Changes in TiO2 pricing, production volume and customer demand, among other things, could significantly affect the liquidity of the Company. Relative changes in assets and liabilities generally result from the timing of production, sales, purchases and income tax payments. Such relative changes can significantly impact the comparability of cash flow from operations from period to period, as the income statement impact of such items may occur in a different period from when the underlying cash transaction occurs. For example, raw materials may be purchased in one period, but the payment for such raw materials may occur in a subsequent period. Similarly, inventory may be sold in one period, but the cash collection of the receivable may occur in a subsequent period. Cash flows from operating activities decreased from $111.1 million in 2002 to $107.7 million in 2003. This $3.4 million decrease was due primarily to the effect of (i) higher net income of $21.3 million, (ii) higher depreciation expense of $7.3 million, (iii) lower net distributions from the TiO2 manufacturing joint venture of $875,000 in 2003 compared to $8.0 million in 2002, (iv) a lower amount of net cash generated from relative changes in the Company’s inventories, receivables, payables and accruals and accounts with affiliates of $30.7 million in 2003 as compared to 2002 and (v) lower cash paid for income taxes of $15.8 million. Relative changes in accounts receivable are affected by, among other things, the timing of sales and the collection of the resulting receivable. Relative changes in inventories and accounts payable and accrued liabilities are affected by, among other things, the timing of raw material purchases and the payment for such purchases and the relative difference between production volume and sales volume. Cash flows from operating activities decreased from $135.7 million in 2001 to $111.1 million in 2002. This $24.6 million decrease was due primarily to the net effect of (i) lower net income of $88.2 million, (ii) higher depreciation expense of $3.2 million, (iii) insurance recoveries, net of $17.5 million in 2001 as compared to nil in 2002, (iv) lower distributions from the manufacturing joint venture of $3.4 million in 2002 and (vi) a higher amount of net cash generated from relative changes in the Company’s inventories, receivables, payables and accruals and accounts with affiliates of $22.9 million in 2002 as compared to 2001. Relative changes in accounts receivable are affected by, among other things, the timing of sales and the collection of the resulting receivable. Investing cash flows. The Company’s capital expenditures were $53.7 million, $32.6 million and $35.2 million in 2001, 2002 and 2003, respectively. Capital expenditures in 2001 and 2002 included an aggregate of $22.3 million and $3.1 million, respectively, for the rebuilding of the Company’s Leverkusen, Germany sulfate plant. In 2001 the Company received $23.4 million of insurance proceeds for property damage resulting from the Leverkusen fire and paid $3.2 million of expenses related to repairs and clean-up costs. The Company’s capital expenditures during the past three years include an aggregate of approximately $15.4 million ($5.4 million in 2003) for the Company’s ongoing environmental protection and compliance programs. The -24- Company’s estimated 2004 capital expenditures are $38 million and include approximately $5 million in the area of environmental protection and compliance. Financing cash flows. In March 2003, KII’s operating subsidiaries in Germany, Belgium and Norway borrowed €15 million ($16.1 million when borrowed), in April 2003, repaid NOK 80 million ($11.0 million when repaid) and in the third quarter of 2003, repaid €30.0 million ($33.9 million when repaid) under its three-year €80 million secured revolving credit facility (“European Credit Facility”). See Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. In March 2002 the Company redeemed $25 million principal amount of its 11.75% Senior Secured Notes using available cash on hand, and in June 2002 the Company redeemed the remaining $169 million principal amount of such 11.75% Senior Secured Notes using a portion of the proceeds from the June 2002 issuance of the €285 million principal amount of the KII 8.875% Senior Secured Notes ($280 million when issued). Also in June 2002, KII’s operating subsidiaries in Germany, Belgium and Norway borrowed €13 million ($13 million) and NOK 200 million ($26 million) which, along with available cash, was used to repay and terminate KII’s short term notes payable ($53.2 million when repaid). In 2002, the Company repaid a net euro-equivalent 12.7 million ($12.4 million when repaid) and 1.7 million ($1.6 million when repaid), respectively, of the European Credit Facility. In September 2002 the Company’s U.S. operating subsidiaries entered into a three-year $50 million asset-based revolving credit facility (“U.S. Credit Facility”). As of December 31, 2003, no borrowings were outstanding under the U.S. Credit Facility and borrowing availability was approximately $39 million. See Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Deferred financing costs of $10.7 million for the Notes, the European Credit Facility and the U.S. Credit Facility are being amortized over the life of the respective agreements and are included in other noncurrent assets as of December 31, 2003. In 2001 the Company repaid €7.6 million ($6.5 million when paid) and €16.4 million ($14.9 million when paid), respectively, of its euro-denominated short-term debt with excess cash flow from operations. Other than operating lease commitments disclosed in Note 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company is not party to any material off-balance sheet financing arrangements. Cash dividends paid during 2001, 2002 and 2003 totaled $30.5 million, $111.0 million and $7.0 million, respectively. On February 19, 2004, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly dividend of $.25 per share to stockholders of record as of March 11, 2004 to be paid on March 26, 2004. The declaration and payment of future dividends is discretionary, and the amount, if any, will be dependent upon the Company’s results of operations, financial condition, contractual restrictions and other factors deemed relevant by the Company’s Board of Directors. Cash flows related to capital contributions and other transactions with affiliates aggregated net cash outflows of $47.5 million and $73.7 million in 2001 and 2002, respectively and a net cash inflow of $19.7 million in 2003. Such amounts related principally to loans that Kronos made to affiliates (such notes receivable from affiliates being reported as reductions to Kronos’ stockholders’ equity, and therefore considered financing cash flows). Additionally, settlement of the above-mentioned notes receivable from affiliates was not then currently contemplated in the foreseeable future. In 2002, Kronos transferred certain such notes receivable from affiliates to NL, -25- and as a result, Kronos will no longer report cash flows related to certain such notes receivable from affiliates. Such net cash flows in 2002 also included $9.2 million related to the Company’s purchase of EWI RE, Inc. See Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted marketable debt securities and borrowing availability. At December 31, 2003, the Company had current cash and cash equivalents aggregating $55.9 million ($41 million held by non-U.S. subsidiaries). At December 31, 2003, the Company’s U.S. and non-U.S. subsidiaries had current restricted cash equivalents of $1.3 million and noncurrent restricted marketable debt securities of $2.6 million. At December 31, 2003, certain of the Company’s subsidiaries had approximately $139 million available for borrowing with approximately $100 million available under non-U.S. credit facilities (including approximately $97 million under the European Credit Facility) and approximately $39 million available under the U.S. Credit Facility (based on borrowing availability). At December 31, 2003, KII had approximately $70 million available for payment of dividends and other restricted payments as defined in the Notes indenture. At December 31, 2003, the Company had complied with all financial covenants governing its debt agreements. Based upon the Company’s expectations for the TiO2 industry and anticipated demands on the Company’s cash resources as discussed herein, the Company expects to have sufficient liquidity to meet its near-term obligations including operations, capital expenditures, debt service and current dividend policy. To the extent that actual developments differ from Company’s expectations, the Company’s liquidity could be adversely affected. Legal proceedings and environmental matters. See Note 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for certain legal proceedings and environmental matters with respect to the Company. Foreign operations. As discussed above, the Company has substantial operations located outside the United States for which the functional currency is not the U.S. dollar. As a result, the reported amount of the Company’s assets and liabilities related to its non-U.S. operations, and therefore the Company’s consolidated net assets, will fluctuate based upon changes in currency exchange rates. As of January 1, 2001, the functional currency of the Company’s German, Belgian, Dutch and French operations have been converted to the euro from their respective national currencies. At December 31, 2003, the Company had substantial net assets denominated in the euro, Canadian dollar, Norwegian kroner and United Kingdom pound sterling. Other. The Company periodically evaluates its liquidity requirements, alternative uses of capital, capital needs and availability of resources in view of, among other things, its dividend policy, its debt service and capital expenditure requirements and estimated future operating cash flows. As a result of this process, the Company in the past has sought, and in the future may seek, to reduce, refinance, repurchase or restructure indebtedness; raise additional capital; issue additional securities; repurchase shares of its common stock; modify its dividend policy; restructure ownership interests; sell interests in subsidiaries or other assets; or take a combination of such steps or other steps to manage its liquidity and capital resources. In the normal course of its business, the Company may review opportunities for the acquisition, divestiture, joint venture or other business combinations in the chemicals or other industries, as well as the acquisition of interests in related companies. In the event of any acquisition or joint venture transaction, the Company may consider using available cash, issuing equity securities or increasing its indebtedness to the extent permitted by the agreements governing the Company’s existing debt. See Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. -26- Summary of debt and other contractual commitments As more fully described in the notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company is a party to various debt, lease and other agreements which contractually and unconditionally commit the Company to pay certain amounts in the future. See Notes 8 and 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. The following table summarizes such contractual commitments of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries that are unconditional both in terms of timing and amount by the type and date of payment. Unconditional payment due date Contractual commitment 2004 2005/2006 2007/2008 (In millions) 2009 and after Total Third-party indebtedness $ .3 $ .3 $ - $ 356.1 $ 356.7 Operating leases 3.3 3.7 2.5 19.9 29.4 Fixed asset acquisitions 9.6 - - - 9.6 Long-term supply contracts for the purchase of TiO2 feedstock Asset retirement 146.1 265.8 135.0 - 546.9 obligations and other - - - 5.8 5.8 $ 159.3 $ 269.8 $ 137.5 $ 381.8 $ 948.4 The above table does not reflect any amounts that the Company might pay to fund its defined benefit pension plans and OPEB plans, as the timing and amount of any such future fundings are unknown and dependent on, among other things, the future performance of defined benefit pension plan assets, interest rate assumptions and actual future retiree medical costs. Such defined benefit pension plans and OPEB plans are discussed above in greater detail. ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK General. The Company is exposed to market risk from changes in foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates and equity security prices. In the past, the Company has periodically entered into interest rate swaps or other types of contracts in order to manage a portion of its interest rate market risk. Otherwise, the Company does not generally enter into forward or option contracts to manage such market risks, nor does the Company enter into any such contract or other type of derivative instrument for trading or speculative purposes. Other than as described below, the Company was not a party to any material forward or derivative option contract related to foreign exchange rates, interest rates or equity security prices at December 31, 2002 and 2003. See Notes 1 and 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Interest rates. The Company is exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates, primarily related to indebtedness. At December 31, 2003, substantially all of the Company’s aggregate indebtedness was comprised of fixed-rate instruments (2002 - 92% of fixed-rate instruments and 8% of variable rate borrowings). The large percentage of fixed-rate debt instruments minimizes earnings volatility that would result from changes in interest rates. The following table presents principal amounts and weighted average interest rates for the Company’s aggregate outstanding indebtedness at December 31, -27- 2003. At December 31, 2002 and 2003, all outstanding fixed-rate indebtedness was denominated in U.S. dollars or the euro, and the outstanding variable rate borrowings were denominated in U.S. dollars, the euro or the Norwegian kroner. Information shown below for such foreign currency denominated indebtedness is presented in its U.S. dollar equivalent at December 31, 2003 using exchange rates of 1.25 U.S. dollars per euro. Certain Norwegian kroner denominated capital leases totaling $700,000 in 2003 have been excluded from the table below. Indebtedness Fixed-rate indebtedness: Euro-denominated KII Senior Secured Notes Amount Carrying value Fair value (In millions) Interest rate Maturity date $ 356.1 $ 356.1 8.9% 2009 At December 31, 2002, fixed rate indebtedness aggregated $296.9 million (fair value - $299.9 million) with a weighted-average interest rate of 8.9%; and variable rate indebtedness at such date aggregated $27.1 million, which approximates fair value, with a weighted-average interest rate of 6.5%. All of such fixed rate indebtedness was denominated in euros. Such variable rate indebtedness was denominated in the euro (58% of the total) or the Norwegian kroner (42%). Foreign currency exchange rates. The Company is exposed to market risk arising from changes in foreign currency exchange rates as a result of manufacturing and selling its products worldwide. Earnings are primarily affected by fluctuations in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to the euro, the Canadian dollar, the Norwegian kroner and the United Kingdom pound sterling. As described above, at December 31, 2003, the Company had the equivalent of $356.1 million of outstanding euro-denominated indebtedness (2002 – the equivalent of $312.5 million of euro-denominated indebtedness and $11.5 million of Norwegian kroner-denominated indebtedness). The potential increase in the U.S. dollar equivalent of the principal amount outstanding resulting from a hypothetical 10% adverse change in exchange rates at such date would be approximately $35.6 million at December 31, 2003 (2002 - $32.4 million). At December 31, 2003, the Company had entered into a short-term currency forward contract maturing on January 2, 2004 to exchange an aggregate of €40 million into U.S. dollars at an exchange rate of U.S. $1.25 per euro. Such contract was entered into in conjunction with the January 2004 payment of an intercompany dividend from one of the Company’s European subsidiaries. At December 31, 2004, the actual exchange rate was U.S. $1.25 per euro. The estimated fair value of such foreign currency forward contract was not material at December 31, 2003. Other. The Company believes there may be a certain amount of incompleteness in the sensitivity analyses presented above. For example, the hypothetical effect of changes in exchange rates discussed above ignores the potential effect on other variables which affect the Company’s results of operations and cash flows, such as demand for the Company’s products, sales volumes and selling prices and operating expenses. Accordingly, the amounts presented above are not necessarily an accurate reflection of the potential losses the Company would incur assuming the hypothetical changes in exchange rates were actually to occur. The above discussion and estimated sensitivity analysis amounts include forward-looking statements of market risk which assume hypothetical changes in currency exchange rates. Actual future market conditions will likely differ -28- materially from such assumptions. Accordingly, such forward-looking statements should not be considered to be projections by the Company of future events, gains or losses. Non-GAAP financial measures. In an effort to provide investors with additional information regarding the Company’s results as determined by GAAP, Kronos has disclosed certain non-GAAP information which the Company believes provides useful information to investors. As discussed above, the Company discloses percentage changes in its average TiO2 prices in billing currencies, which excludes the effects of foreign currency translation. Such disclosure of the percentage change in Kronos' average TiO2 selling price in billing currencies is considered a "non-GAAP" financial measure under regulations of the SEC. The disclosure of the percentage change in the Company’s average TiO2 selling prices using actual foreign currency exchange rates prevailing during the respective periods is considered the most directly comparable GAAP measure. The Company discloses percentage changes in its average TiO2 prices in billing currencies because the Company believes such disclosure provides useful information to investors to allow them to analyze such changes without the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates, thereby facilitating period-to-period comparisons of the relative changes in average selling prices in the actual various billing currencies. Generally, when the U.S. dollar either strengthens or weakens against other currencies, the percentage change in average selling prices in billing currencies will be higher or lower, respectively, than such percentage changes using actual exchange rates prevailing during the respective periods. ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA The information called for by this Item is contained in a separate section of this Annual Report. See "Index of Financial Statements and Schedules" (page F-1). ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE None. ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES The Company maintains a system of disclosure controls and procedures. The term "disclosure controls and procedures," as defined by regulations of the SEC, means controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that the Company files or submits to the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Act"), is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits to the SEC under the Act is accumulated and communicated to the Company's management, including its principal executive officer and its principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions to be made regarding required disclosure. Each of Harold C. Simmons, the Company's Chief Executive Officer, and Gregory M. Swalwell, the Company's Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, have evaluated the Company's disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2003. Based upon their evaluation, these executive officers have concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures are effective as of the date of such evaluation. The Company also maintains a system of internal controls over financial reporting. The term “internal control over financial reporting,” as defined by regulations of the SEC, means a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the Company’s principal executive and principal financial -29- officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the Company’s board of directors, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP)”, and includes those policies and procedures that: • Pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company, • Provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company, and • Provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. There has been no change to the Company's system of internal controls over financial reporting during the quarter ended December 31, 2003 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s system of internal controls over financial reporting. PART III ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the Company's definitive Proxy Statement to be filed with the SEC pursuant to Regulation 14A within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this report (the " Kronos Proxy Statement "). ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the Kronos Proxy Statement. ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the Kronos Proxy Statement. ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the Kronos Proxy Statement. See also Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES The information required by the Item is incorporated by reference to the Kronos Proxy Statement. -30- ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K PART IV (a) and (d) Financial Statements and Schedules The Registrant The consolidated financial statements and schedules of the Registrant listed on the accompanying Index of Financial Statements and Schedules (see page F-1) are filed as part of this Annual Report. (b) Reports on Form 8-K Reports on Form 8-K filed for the quarter ended December 31, 2003. None. (c) Exhibits Included as exhibits are the items listed in the Exhibit Index. The Company will furnish a copy of any of the exhibits listed below upon payment of $4.00 per exhibit to cover the costs to the Company of furnishing the exhibits. Pursuant to Item 601(b)(4)(iii) of Regulation S-K, any instrument defining the rights of holders of long-term debt issues and other agreements related to indebtedness which do not exceed 10% of consolidated total assets as of December 31, 2003 will be furnished to the Commission upon request. The Company will also furnish, without charge, a copy of its Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, as adopted by the board of directors on February 19, 2004, upon request. Such requests should be directed to the attention of the Company’s Corporate Secretary at the Company’s corporate offices located at 5430 LBJ Freeway, Suite 1700, Dallas, TX 75240. Item No. Exhibit Index 2.1 3.1 3.2 4.1 Form of Distribution Agreement between NL Industries, Inc. and Kronos Worldwide, Inc. – incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 of the Registration Statement on Form 10 of the Registrant (File No. 001-31763). First Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Kronos Worldwide, Inc. – incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Registration statement on Form 10 of the Registrant (File No. 001- 31763). Amended and Restated Bylaws of Kronos Worldwide, Inc. – incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of the Registration statement on Form 10 of the Registrant (File No. 001-31763). Indenture governing the 8.875% Senior Secured Notes due 2009 dated as of June 28, 2002, between Kronos International, Inc. and The Bank of New York, as trustee - incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of NL Industries, Inc. for the quarter ended June 30, 2002 -31- 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 4.8 4.9 10.1 10.2 Form of certificate of 8.875% Senior Secured Note due 2009 (included as Exhibit A to Exhibit 4.2) - incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to Kronos International, Inc.'s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-100047). Form of certificate of 8.875% Senior Secured Note due 2009 (included as Exhibit B to Exhibit 4.2) - incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to Kronos International Inc.'s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-100047). Purchase Agreement, dated as of June 19, 2002, among Kronos International, Inc., Deutsche Bank AG London, Dresdner Bank AG, London Branch, and Commerzbank Aktiengesellschaft, London Branch - incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of NL Industries, Inc. for the quarter ended June 30, 2002. Collateral Agency Agreement, dated as of June 28, 2002, among The Bank of New York, U.S. Bank, N.A. and Kronos International, Inc. (filed herewith only with respect to Sections 2, 5, 6 and 8 thereof) - incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.6 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of NL Industries, Inc. for the quarter ended June 30, 2002. Security Over Shares Agreement (shares of Kronos Limited), dated June 28, 2002, between Kronos International, Inc. and The Bank of New York, U.S., as trustee - incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.7 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of NL Industries, Inc. for the quarter ended June 30, 2002. Pledge of Shares (shares of Kronos Denmark ApS), dated June 28, 2002, between Kronos International, Inc. and U.S. Bank, N.A., as collateral agent - incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.8 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of NL Industries, Inc. for the quarter ended June 30, 2002. Pledge Agreement (pledge of shares of Societe Industrielle du Titane, S.A.), dated June 28, 2002, between Kronos International, Inc. and U.S. Bank, N.A., as collateral agent - incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.9 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of NL Industries, Inc. for the quarter ended June 30, 2002. Partnership Interest Pledge Agreement (pledge of fixed capital contribution in Kronos Titan GmbH & Co. OHG), dated June 28, 2002, between Kronos International, Inc. and U.S. Bank, N.A., as collateral agent - incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.10 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of NL Industries, Inc. for the quarter ended June 30, 2002. Form of Tax Agreement between Valhi, Inc. and Kronos Worldwide, Inc. – incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Registration statement on Form 10 of the Registrant (File No. 001- 31763). Form of Intercorporate Services Agreement between Contran Corporation and Kronos Worldwide, Inc. – incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Registration statement on Form 10 of the Registrant (File No. 001-31763). 10.3 Form of Promissory Note made by Kronos Worldwide, Inc. in favor of NL Industries, Inc. – incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 -32- 10.4** 10.5 10.6 10.7 10.8 10.9 10.10 10.11 of the Registration statement on Form 10 of the Registrant (File No. 001-31763). Form of Kronos Worldwide, Inc. Long-Term Incentive Plan – incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the Registration statement on Form 10 of the Registrant (File No. 001-31763). €80,000,000 Facility Agreement, dated June 25, 2002, among Kronos Titan GmbH & Co. OHG, Kronos Europe S.A./N.V., Kronos Titan A/S and Titania A/S, as borrowers, Kronos Titan GmbH & Co. OHG, Kronos Europe S.A./N.V. and Kronos Norge AS, as guarantors, Kronos Denmark ApS, as security provider, Deutsche Bank AG, as mandated lead arranger, Deutsche Bank Luxembourg S.A., as agent and security agent, and KBC Bank NV, as fronting bank, and the financial institutions listed in Schedule 1 thereto, as lenders - incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of NL Industries, Inc. for the quarter ended June 30, 2002. Lease Contract, dated June 21, 1952, between Farbenfabrieken Bayer Aktiengesellschaft and Titangesellschaft mit beschrankter Haftung (German language version and English translation thereof)- incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of NL Industries, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 1985. Contract on Supplies and Services, dated as of June 30, 1995, among Bayer AG, Kronos Titan-GmbH & Co. OHG and Kronos International, Inc. (English translation from German language document) - incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of NL Industries, Inc. for the quarter ended September 30, 1995. Master Technology Exchange Agreement, dated as of October 18, 1993, among Kronos Worldwide, Inc. (f/k/a Kronos, Inc.), Kronos Louisiana, Inc., Kronos International, Inc., Tioxide Group Limited and Tioxide Group Services Limited - incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of NL Industries, Inc. for the quarter ended September 30, 1993. Services Agreement, dated as of January 1, 1995, amended as of April 1, 2002, among NL Industries, Inc., Kronos (US), Inc. and Kronos International, Inc. - incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to Kronos International, Inc.'s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-100047). Form of Kronos Cost Sharing Agreement, effective as of January 1, 2002, among Kronos International, Inc., Kronos Europe S.A./N.V., Kronos (US), Inc., NL Industries, Inc., Kronos Titan GmbH & Co. OHG, Societe Industrielle du Titane, S.A., Kronos Titan A/S, Titania A/S, Kronos Limited, Kronos Canada, Inc., Kronos Denmark ApS and Kronos Louisiana Inc. - incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to Kronos International, Inc.'s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-100047). Form of Assignment and Assumption Agreement, dated as of January 1, 1999, between Kronos (US), Inc. and Kronos International, Inc. - incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to Kronos International, Inc.'s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-100047). -33- 10.12 10.13* 10.14* 10.15* 10.16* 10.17* 10.18 10.19 10.20 10.21 10.22 Form of Cross License Agreement, effective as of January 1, 1999, between Kronos Inc. (formerly known as Kronos (USA), Inc.) and Kronos International, Inc. - incorporated by reference to Exhibit to Kronos International, Inc.'s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-100047). Richards Bay Slag Sales Agreement dated May 1, 1995, between Richards Bay Iron and Titanium (Proprietary) Limited and Kronos Worldwide, Inc. (f/k/a Kronos, Inc.) - incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for NL Industries, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 1995. Amendment to Richards Bay Slag Sales Agreement, dated May 1, 1999, between Richards Bay Iron and Titanium (Proprietary) Limited and Kronos Worldwide, Inc. (f/k/a Kronos, Inc.) - incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for NL Industries, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 1999. Amendment to Richards Bay Slag Sales Agreement, dated June 1, 2001, between Richards Bay Iron and Titanium (Proprietary) Limited and Kronos Worldwide, Inc. (f/k/a Kronos, Inc.) - incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for NL Industries, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2001. Amendment to Richards Bay Slag Sales Agreement dated December 20, 2002 between Richards Bay Iron and Titanium (Proprietary) Limited and Kronos Worldwide, Inc. (f/k/a Kronos, Inc.) - incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for NL Industries, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2002. Amendment to Richards Bay Slag Sales Agreement dated October 31, 2003 between Richards Bay Iron and Titanium (Proprietary) Limited and Kronos, Inc. Agreement between Sachtleben Chemie GmbH and Kronos Titan-GmbH effective December 30, 1986 - incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Kronos International, Inc.'s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2002. Supplementary Agreement to the Agreement of December 30, 1986 between Sachtleben Chemie GmbH and Kronos Titan-GmbH dated May 3, 1996 - incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of Kronos International, Inc.'s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2002. Second Supplementary Agreement to the Contract dated December 30, 1986 between Sachtleben Chemie GmbH and Kronos Titan-GmbH dated January 8, 2002 - incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of Kronos International, Inc.'s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2002. Formation Agreement dated as of October 18, 1993 among Tioxide Americas Inc., Kronos Louisiana, Inc. and Louisiana Pigment Company, L.P. - incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to NL Industries, Inc.'s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1993. Joint Venture Agreement dated as of October 18, 1993 between Tioxide Americas Inc. and Kronos Louisiana, Inc. - incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to NL Industries, Inc.'s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1993. -34- 10.23 10.24 10.25 10.26 10.27 10.28 10.29 10.30 10.31 10.32 Kronos Offtake Agreement dated as of October 18, 1993 between Kronos Louisiana, Inc. and Louisiana Pigment Company, L.P. - incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to NL Industries, Inc.'s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1993. Amendment No. 1 to Kronos Offtake Agreement dated as of December 20, 1995 between Kronos Louisiana, Inc. and Louisiana Pigment Company, L.P. - incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.22 to NL Industries, Inc.'s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1995. Tioxide Americas Offtake Agreement dated as of October 18, 1993 between Tioxide Americas Inc. and Louisiana Pigment Company, L.P. - incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to NL Industries, Inc.'s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1993. Amendment No. 1 to Tioxide Americas Offtake Agreement dated as of December 20, 1995 between Tioxide Americas Inc. and Louisiana Pigment Company, L.P. - incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.24 to NL Industries, Inc.'s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1995. TCI/KCI Output Purchase Agreement dated as of October 18, 1993 between Tioxide Canada Inc. and Kronos Canada, Inc. - incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to NL Industries, Inc.'s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1993. TAI/KLA Output Purchase Agreement dated as of October 18, 1993 between Tioxide Americas Inc. and Kronos Louisiana, Inc. - incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to NL Industries, Inc.'s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1993. Master Technology Exchange Agreement dated as of October 18, 1993 among Kronos Worldwide, Inc. (f/k/a Kronos, Inc.), Kronos Louisiana, Inc., Kronos International, Inc., Tioxide Group Limited and Tioxide Group Services Limited - incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to NL Industries, Inc.'s Quarterly Report on Form 10- Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1993. Parents' Undertaking dated as of October 18, 1993 between ICI American Holdings Inc. and Kronos Worldwide, Inc. (f/k/a Kronos, Inc.) - incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to NL Industries, Inc.'s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1993. Allocation Agreement dated as of October 18, 1993 between Tioxide Americas Inc., ICI American Holdings, Inc., Kronos Worldwide, Inc. (f/k/a Kronos, Inc.) and Kronos Louisiana, Inc. - incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to NL Industries, Inc.'s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1993. Amendment dated August 11, 2003 to the Contract on Supplies and Services among Bayer AG, Kronos Titan-GmbH & Co. OHG and Kronos International (English translation of German language document) – incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.32 of the Registration statement on Form 10 of the Registrant (File No. 001-31763). -35- 10.33 10.34** International Insurance sharing agreement dated October 30, 2003 by and among Keystone CompX Consolidated Industries, Inc., Titanium Metals Corp., Valhi, Inc., NL Industries, Inc. and the Registrant – incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.48 to NL Industries, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003. Corporation, Contran Inc., Summary of Consulting Arrangement beginning on August 1, 2003 between Lawrence A. Wigdor and Kronos Worldwide, Inc. – incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.50 to NL Industries, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003. 21.1 31.1 31.2 32.1 Subsidiaries. Certification. Certification. Certification. ___________________________________ * Portions of the exhibit have been omitted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment. ** Management contact, compensatory plan or arrangement -36- SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. Kronos Worldwide, Inc. (Registrant) By:/s/ Harold C. Simmons Harold C. Simmons March 8, 2004 (Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer) Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated: /s/ Harold C. Simmons /s/ Steven L. Watson__________ Harold C. Simmons, March 8, 2004 (Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer) Steven L. Watson, March 8, 2004 (Director) /s/ George E. Poston George E. Poston, March 8, 2004 (Director) /s/ Glenn R. Simmons__________ Glenn R. Simmons, March 8, 2004 (Director) /s/ C. H. Moore, Jr. C. H. Moore, Jr., March 8, 2004 (Director) /s/ Gregory M. Swalwell_______ Gregory M. Swalwell, March 8, 2004 (Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Principal Financial Officer) /s/ R. Gerald Turner R. Gerald Turner, March 8, 2004 (Director) -37- (cid:46)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:82)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:58)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:79)(cid:71)(cid:90)(cid:76)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:44)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:17)(cid:3) (cid:55)(cid:75)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:47)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:3) (cid:24)(cid:23)(cid:22)(cid:19)(cid:3)(cid:47)(cid:37)(cid:45)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:72)(cid:90)(cid:68)(cid:92)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:54)(cid:88)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:26)(cid:19)(cid:19)(cid:3) (cid:39)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:55)(cid:59)(cid:3)(cid:26)(cid:24)(cid:21)(cid:23)(cid:19)(cid:16)(cid:21)(cid:25)(cid:28)(cid:26)(cid:3) (cid:11)(cid:28)(cid:26)(cid:21)(cid:12)(cid:3)(cid:21)(cid:22)(cid:22)(cid:16)(cid:20)(cid:26)(cid:19)(cid:19)(cid:3) (cid:11)(cid:28)(cid:26)(cid:21)(cid:12)(cid:3)(cid:23)(cid:23)(cid:27)(cid:16)(cid:20)(cid:23)(cid:23)(cid:24)(cid:3)(cid:11)(cid:41)(cid:68)(cid:91)(cid:12)(cid:3)

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