Quarterlytics / Basic Materials / Chemicals / Valhi, Inc.

Valhi, Inc.

vhi · NYSE Basic Materials
Claim this profile
Ticker vhi
Exchange NYSE
Sector Basic Materials
Industry Chemicals
Employees 3050
← All annual reports
FY2017 Annual Report · Valhi, Inc.
Sign in to download
Loading PDF…
VALHI

2017

ANNUAL REPORT

VALHI, INC. CORPORATE AND OTHER INFORMATION

Board of Directors Continuing in Office

Corporate Officers

Operating Management of Subsidiaries

Kronos Worldwide Inc.
Robert D. Graham
Vice Chairman, President and
Chief Executive Officer

NL Industries, Inc.
Robert D. Graham
Vice Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer

CompX International Inc.
Scott C. James
President and Chief Executive Officer

Basic Management, Inc. and
The LandWell Company
T. Mark Paris
President and Chief Executive Officer

Thomas E. Barry (a) (b)
Professor of Marketing
Southern Methodist University

Loretta J. Feehan
Chair of Board (non executive)
Financial Consultant

Robert D. Graham
Vice Chairman, President and
Chief Executive Officer

Terri L. Herrington (a)
Private Investor

W. Hayden Mcllroy (a) (b)
Private Investor

Mary A. Tidlund (a)
Private Investor

Board Committees

(a) Audit Committee

(b) Management Development and
Compensation Committee

Robert D. Graham
Vice Chairman, President and
Chief Executive Officer

Kelly D. Luttmer
Executive Vice President and
Chief Tax Officer

Gregory M. Swalwell
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial
Officer and Chief Accounting Officer

Andrew B. Nace
Executive Vice President, General Counsel
and Secretary

Courtney J. Riley
Executive Vice President, Environmental
Affairs

James W. Brown
Vice President, Business Planning and
Strategic Initiatives

Steve S. Eaton
Vice President and Director of Internal
Control Over Financial Reporting

Bryan A. Hanley
Vice President and Treasurer

Janet G. Keckeisen
Vice President, Corporate Strategy and
Investor Relations

Amy A. Samford
Vice President and Controller

John A. Sunny
Vice President, Information Technology

Stock Exchanges

Annual Meeting

Transfer Agent

Valhi’s common shares are listed on the New
York Stock Exchange under the symbol
“VHI.”

Kronos’ common shares are listed on the
New York Stock Exchange under the symbol
“KRO.”

NL’s common shares are listed on the New
York Stock Exchange under the symbol “NL.”

CompX’s Class A common shares are listed
on the NYSE Amex under the symbol “CIX.”

Computershare acts as transfer agent,
registrar and dividend paying agent for the
Company’s common stock. Communications
regarding stockholder accounts, dividends
and change of address should be directed to:

Computershare Trust Company, N.A.
P.O. Box 30170
College Station, TX 77842-3170
(877) 373-6374

Visit us on the Web
http: //www.valhi.net

The 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders
will be held at the office of the Company,
Three Lincoln Centre, 5430 LBJ Freeway,
Suite 1700, Dallas, Texas 75240-2697, on
the date and time as set forth in the notice of
the meeting, proxy statement and form of
proxy that will be mailed to stock holders in
advance of the meeting

Form 10-K Report

The Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K
for the year ended December 31, 2017, as
filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, is printed as part of this Annual
Report. Additional copies are available
without charge upon written request to:

Janet G. Keckeisen
Vice President, Corporate Strategy and
Investor Relations
Valhi, Inc.
Three Lincoln Centre
5430 LBJ Freeway, Suite 1700
Dallas, Texas 75240-2697

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION 
Washington, D.C. 20549 

FORM 10-K 
⌧ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE 

ACT OF 1934—For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017 
Commission file number 1-5467 

VALHI, INC. 

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter) 

Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of
Incorporation or organization)

5430 LBJ Freeway, Suite 1700, Dallas, Texas
(Address of principal executive offices)

87-0110150
(IRS Employer
Identification No.)

75240-2697
(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 per share)

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: 

If the Registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    Yes  (cid:4)    No  ⌧ 

If the Registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.     Yes  (cid:4)    No  ⌧ 

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 (or 
for  such  shorter  period  that  the  Registrant  was  required  to  file  such  reports),  and  (2) has  been  subject  to  such  filing  requirements  for  the  past  90 
days.     Yes  ⌧    No  (cid:4) 

Whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant 
to  Rule  405  of  Regulation  S-T  during  the  preceding  12  months  (or  for  such  shorter  period  that  the  registrant  was  required  to  submit  and  post  such 
files).    Yes  ⌧    No  (cid:4) 

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.    Yes ⌧ No (cid:4) 

Indicate  by  checkmark  whether  the  Registrant  is  a  large  accelerated  filer,  an  accelerated  filer,  non-accelerated  filer,  smaller  reporting  company  or  emerging  growth 
company.  See definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer,” smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Act. 

Large accelerated filer

 (cid:4)

   Accelerated filer

Non-accelerated filer (don’t check if smaller reporting company)  ⌧  
Emerging growth company
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised 
financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. (cid:4)

   Smaller reporting company

(cid:4)

 (cid:4)

 (cid:4)

Whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).   Yes  (cid:4)   No  ⌧. 

The aggregate market value of the 25.1 million shares of voting common stock held by nonaffiliates of Valhi, Inc. as of June 30, 2017 (the last business day of the 
Registrant’s most recently-completed second fiscal quarter) approximated $74.7 million. 

As of March 2, 2018, 339,170,949 shares of the Registrant’s common stock were outstanding. 

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. 

Documents incorporated by reference 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ITEM 1.

BUSINESS 

PART I

Valhi,  Inc.  (NYSE:  VHI)  is  primarily  a  holding  company.  We  operate  through  our  wholly-owned  and  majority-owned 
subsidiaries,  including  NL  Industries,  Inc.,  Kronos  Worldwide,  Inc.,  CompX  International  Inc.  and  Waste  Control  Specialists  LLC 
(“WCS”). Kronos (NYSE: KRO), NL (NYSE: NL) and CompX (NYSE MKT: CIX) each file periodic reports with the U.S. Securities 
and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). 

Our principal executive offices are located at Three Lincoln Center 5430 LBJ Freeway, Suite 1700, Dallas, Texas 75240. 

Our telephone number is (972) 233-1700. We maintain a worldwide website at www.valhi.net. 

Brief History 

LLC  Corporation,  our  legal  predecessor,  was  incorporated  in  Delaware  in  1932.  We  are  the  successor  company  of  the  1987 
merger of LLC Corporation and another entity controlled by Contran Corporation. One of Contran’s wholly-owned subsidiaries held 
approximately  93%  of  Valhi’s  outstanding  common  stock  at  December  31,  2017.  As  discussed  in  Note  1  to  our  Consolidated 
Financial Statements, Lisa K. Simmons and Serena Simmons Connelly may be deemed to control Contran and us. 

Key events in our history include: 

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

1979—Contran acquires control of LLC; 

1981—Contran acquires control of our other predecessor company; 

1982—Contran acquires control of Keystone Consolidated Industries, Inc., a predecessor to CompX; 

1984—Keystone  spins-off  an  entity  that  includes  what  is  to  become  CompX;  this  entity  subsequently  merges  with 
LLC; 

1986—Contran  acquires  control  of  NL,  which  at  the  time  owns  100%  of  Kronos  and  a  50%  interest  in  Titanium 
Metals Corporation (“TIMET”); 

1987—LLC and another Contran controlled company merge to form Valhi, our current corporate structure; 

1988—NL spins-off an entity that includes its investment in TIMET; 

1995—WCS begins start-up operations; 

1996—TIMET completes an initial public offering; 

2003—NL  completes  the  spin-off  of  Kronos  through  the  pro-rata  distribution  of  Kronos  shares  to  its  shareholders 
including us; 

2004 through 2005—NL distributes Kronos shares to its shareholders, including us, through quarterly dividends; 

2007—We distribute all of our TIMET common stock to our shareholders through a stock dividend; 

2008—WCS  receives  a  license  for  the  disposal  of  byproduct  material  and  begins  construction  of  the  byproduct 
facility infrastructure; 

2009—WCS  receives  a  license  for  the  disposal  of  Class A,  B  and  C  low-level  radioactive  waste  (“LLRW”)  and 
completes construction of the byproduct facility; 

2010—Kronos completes a secondary offering of its common stock lowering our ownership of Kronos to 80%; 

2011—WCS begins construction on its Compact and Federal “LLRW” and mixed LLRW disposal facilities; 

2012—WCS completes construction of its Compact and Federal LLRW disposal facilities and commences operations 
at the Compact facility; 

2012—In December we sell all of our remaining interest in TIMET and TIMET is no longer our affiliate; 

2012—In December CompX completes the sale of its furniture components business; 

2013—WCS commences operations at the Federal LLRW facility;  

2013—In December  we  purchased  an  additional  ownership  interest  in  and  became  the  majority  owner  of  Basic 
Management,  Inc.  and  The  LandWell  Company;  both  companies  are  now  included  in  our  Consolidated  Financial 
Statements effective December 31, 2013;

- 1 -

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

2015—The first homes in our Cadence planned community were completed by third-party builders and sold to the 
public;  and

2018—In January we completed the sale of WCS.

Unless otherwise indicated, references in this report to “we”, “us” or “our” refer to Valhi, Inc. and its subsidiaries, taken 

as a whole. 

Forward-Looking Statements 

This  Annual  Report  on  Form  10-K  contains  forward-looking  statements  within  the  meaning  of  the  Private  Securities 
Litigation  Reform  Act  of  1995,  as  amended.  Statements  in  this  Annual  Report  that  are  not  historical  facts  are  forward-looking  in 
nature and represent management’s beliefs and assumptions based on currently available information. In some cases, you can identify 
forward-looking statements by the use of words such as “believes,” “intends,” “may,” “should,” “could,” “anticipates,” “expects” or 
comparable terminology, or by discussions of strategies or trends. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in such forward-
looking  statements  are  reasonable,  we  do  not  know  if  these  expectations  will  be  correct.  Such  statements  by  their  nature  involve 
substantial risks and uncertainties that could significantly impact expected results. Actual future results could differ materially from 
those  predicted.  The  factors  that  could  cause  actual  future  results  to  differ  materially  from  those  described  herein  are  the  risks  and 
uncertainties discussed in this Annual Report and those described from time to time in our other filings with the SEC include, but are 
not limited to, the following: 

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

Future supply and demand for our products; 

The extent of the dependence of certain of our businesses on certain market sectors; 

The cyclicality of certain of our businesses (such as Kronos’ TiO2 operations); 

Customer and producer inventory levels; 

Unexpected or earlier-than-expected industry capacity expansion (such as the TiO2 industry); 

Changes  in  raw  material  and  other  operating  costs  (such  as  ore,  zinc,  brass,  aluminum,  steel  and  energy  costs)  and  our 
ability to pass those costs on to our customers or offset them with reductions in other operating costs; 

Changes in the availability of raw materials (such as ore); 

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, among other things, TiO2 and component products); 

Competitive  products  and  prices  and  substitute  products,  including  increased  competition  from  low-cost  manufacturing 
sources (such as China); 

Possible disruption of our business or increases in the cost of doing business resulting from terrorist activities or global 
conflicts; 

Customer and competitor strategies; 

Potential difficulties in integrating future acquisitions;

Potential  difficulties  in  upgrading  or  implementing  new  accounting  and  manufacturing  software  systems  (such  as  the 
Chemicals Segment’s new enterprise resource planning system);

Potential consolidation of our competitors; 

Potential consolidation of our customers; 

The impact of pricing and production decisions; 

Competitive technology positions; 

The introduction of trade barriers; 

The ability of our subsidiaries to pay us dividends; 

The impact of current or future government regulations (including employee healthcare benefit related regulations); 

Uncertainties associated with new product development and the development of new product features; 

- 2 -

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

Fluctuations  in  currency  exchange  rates  (such  as  changes  in  the  exchange  rate  between  the  U.S.  dollar  and  each  of  the 
euro,  the  Norwegian  krone  and  the  Canadian  dollar)  or  possible  disruptions  to  our  business  resulting  from  potential 
instability resulting from uncertainties associated with the euro or other currencies; 

Operating  interruptions  (including,  but  not  limited  to,  labor  disputes,  leaks,  natural  disasters,  fires,  explosions, 
unscheduled or unplanned downtime, transportation interruptions and cyber-attacks); 

Decisions to sell operating assets other than in the ordinary course of business; 

The timing and amounts of insurance recoveries; 

Our ability to renew, amend, refinance or establish credit facilities; 

Our ability to maintain sufficient liquidity; 

The ultimate outcome of income tax audits, tax settlement initiatives or other tax matters, including future tax reform; 

Our ultimate ability to utilize income tax attributes, the benefits of which may or may not presently have been recognized 
under the more-likely-than-not recognition criteria; 

Environmental matters (such as those requiring compliance with emission and discharge standards for existing and new 
facilities, or new developments regarding environmental remediation at sites related to our former operations); 

Government laws and regulations and possible changes therein (such as changes in government regulations which might 
impose various obligations on former manufacturers of lead pigment and lead-based paint, including NL, with respect to 
asserted health concerns associated with the use of such products); 

The ultimate resolution of pending litigation (such as NL’s lead pigment litigation, environmental and other litigation and 
Kronos’ class action litigation); 

Our ability to comply with covenants contained in our revolving bank credit facilities; 

Our ability to complete and comply with the conditions of our licenses and permits; 

Changes in real estate values and construction costs in Henderson, Nevada; 

Water levels in Lake Mead; and

Possible future litigation. 

Should  one  or  more  of  these  risks  materialize  (or  the  consequences  of  such  development  worsen),  or  should  the  underlying 
assumptions  prove  incorrect,  actual  results  could  differ  materially  from  those  currently  forecasted  or  expected.  We  disclaim  any 
intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement whether as a result of changes in information, future events 
or otherwise. 

- 3 -

Segments 

We currently have three consolidated reportable operating segments at December 31, 2017: 

Chemicals

Kronos Worldwide, Inc.

Component Products

CompX International Inc.

Real Estate Management and Development

Basic Management, Inc. and The LandWell Company

Our  chemicals  segment  is  operated  through  our  majority 
control of Kronos. Kronos is a leading global producer and 
marketer  of  value-added 
titanium  dioxide  pigments 
(“TiO2”).  TiO2  is  used  to  impart  whiteness,  brightness, 
opacity  and  durability  to  a  wide  variety  of  products, 
including  paints,  plastics,  paper,  fibers  and  ceramics. 
Additionally,  TiO2  is  a  critical  component  of  everyday 
applications, such as coatings, plastics and paper, as well as 
many specialty products such as inks, foods and cosmetics.

We  operate  in  the  component  products  industry  through 
our  majority  control  of  CompX.  CompX  is  a  leading 
manufacturer  of  security  products  used  in  the  recreational 
transportation,  postal,  office  and  institutional  furniture, 
cabinetry,  tool  storage,  healthcare  and  a  variety  of  other 
industries.    CompX  is  also  a  leading  manufacturer  of 
stainless  steel  exhaust  systems,  gauges,  throttle  controls 
and trim tabs for the recreational marine industry.   

We  operate  in  real  estate  management  and  development 
through  our  majority  control  of  BMI  and  LandWell.  BMI 
provides utility services to certain industrial and municipal 
customers  and  owns  real  property  in  Henderson,  Nevada. 
LandWell  is  engaged  in  efforts  to  develop  certain  land 
holdings 
residential 
purposes in Henderson, Nevada. 

for  commercial, 

industrial  and 

For  additional  information  about  our  segments  and  equity  investments  see  “Part  II—Item 7.  Management’s  Discussion 

and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and Notes 2 and 7 to our Consolidated Financial Statements. 

CHEMICALS SEGMENT—KRONOS WORLDWIDE, INC. 

Business Overview 

Through our majority-controlled subsidiary, Kronos, we are a leading global producer and marketer of value-added titanium 
dioxide pigments, or TiO2, a base industrial product used in a wide range of applications.  We, along with our distributors and agents, 
sell and provide technical services for our products to approximately 4,000 customers in 100 countries with the majority of sales in 
Europe and North America.  We believe we have developed considerable expertise and efficiency in the manufacture, sale, shipment 
and service of our products in domestic and international markets. 

TiO2  is  a  white  inorganic  pigment  used  in  a  wide  range  of  products  for  its  exceptional  durability  and  its  ability  to  impart 
whiteness, brightness and opacity.  TiO2 is a critical component of everyday applications, such as coatings, plastics and paper, as well 
as many specialty products such as inks, food and cosmetics.  TiO2 is widely considered to be superior to alternative white pigments in 
large part due to its hiding power (or opacity), which is the ability to cover or mask other materials effectively and efficiently.  TiO2 is 
designed, marketed and sold based on specific end-use applications. 

TiO2 is the largest commercially used whitening pigment because it has a high refractive rating, giving it more hiding power 
than any other commercially produced white pigment.  In addition, TiO2 has excellent resistance to interaction with other chemicals, 
good thermal stability and resistance to ultraviolet degradation.  Although there are other white pigments on the market, we believe 
there  are  no  effective  substitutes  for  TiO2  because  no  other  white  pigment  has  the  physical  properties  for  achieving  comparable 
opacity  and  brightness  or  can  be  incorporated  in  as  cost-effective  a  manner.    Pigment  extenders  such  as  kaolin  clays,  calcium 
carbonate and polymeric opacifiers are used together with TiO2 in a number of end-use markets.  However, these products are not able 
to duplicate the opacity performance characteristics of TiO2 and we believe these products are unlikely to have a significant impact on 
the use of TiO2. 

TiO2  is  considered  a  “quality-of-life”  product.    Demand  for  TiO2  has  generally  been  driven  by  worldwide  gross  domestic 
product and has generally increased with rising standards of living in various regions of the world.  According to industry estimates, 
TiO2 consumption has grown at a compound annual growth rate of approximately 3% since 1990.  Per capita consumption of TiO2 in 

- 4 -

 
  
 
  
  
Western Europe and North America far exceeds that in other areas of the world, and these regions are expected to continue to be the 
largest consumers of TiO2 on a per capita basis.  We believe Western Europe and North America currently account for approximately 
20% and 17% of global TiO2 consumption, respectively.  Markets for TiO2 are generally increasing in South America, Eastern Europe, 
the Asia Pacific region and China and we believe these are significant markets where we expect continued growth as economies in 
these regions continue to develop and quality-of-life products, including TiO2, experience greater demand. 

Products and end-use markets 

Including our predecessors, we have produced and marketed TiO2 in North America and Europe, our primary markets, for 
over  100  years.    We  believe  we  are  the  largest  producer  of  TiO2  in  Europe  with  approximately  one-half  of  our  sales  volumes 
attributable to markets in Europe.  The table below shows our market share for our significant markets, Europe and North America, for 
the last three years. 

Europe ......................................................................
North America .........................................................

18%
15%

17%
16%

17%
18%

2015

2016

2017

We  believe  we  are  the  leading  seller  of  TiO2  in  several  countries,  including  Germany,  with  an  estimated  10%  share  of 

worldwide TiO2 sales volume in 2017.  Overall, we are one of the top six producers of TiO2 in the world.

We offer our customers a broad portfolio of products that include over 40 different TiO2 pigment grades under the KRONOS® 
trademark, which provide a variety of performance properties to meet customers’ specific requirements.  Our major customers include 
domestic and international paint, plastics, decorative laminate and paper manufacturers.  We ship TiO2 to our customers in either a 
powder or slurry form via rail, truck and/or ocean carrier.  Sales of our core TiO2 pigments represented approximately 94% of our net 
sales in 2017.  We and our agents and distributors primarily sell our products in three major end-use markets: coatings, plastics and 
paper. 

The  following  tables  show  our  approximate  TiO2  sales  volume  by  geographic  region  and  end  use  for  the  year  ended 

December 31, 2017: 

Sales volumes percentages
by geographic region

Europe..................................................................
North America .....................................................
Asia Pacific..........................................................
Rest of World ......................................................

Sales volumes percentages
by end-use

50% Coatings...............................................................
31% Plastics.................................................................
9% Paper ....................................................................
10% Other ....................................................................

58%
30%
5%
7%

Some of the principal applications for our products include the following:

TiO2 for coatings – Our TiO2 is used to provide opacity, durability, tinting strength and brightness in industrial coatings, as 
well as coatings for commercial and residential interiors and exteriors, automobiles, aircraft, machines, appliances, traffic paint and 
other  special  purpose  coatings.    The  amount  of  TiO2  used  in  coatings  varies  widely  depending  on  the  opacity,  color  and  quality 
desired.  In general, the higher the opacity requirement of the coating, the greater the TiO2 content. 

TiO2  for  plastics  –  We  produce  TiO2  pigments  that  improve  the  optical  and  physical  properties  in  plastics,  including 
whiteness and opacity.  TiO2 is used to provide opacity in items such as containers and packaging materials, and vinyl products such 
as windows, door profiles and siding.  TiO2 also generally provides hiding power, neutral undertone, brightness and surface durability 
for housewares, appliances, toys, computer cases and food packages.  TiO2’s high brightness along with its opacity, is used in some 
engineering plastics to help mask their undesirable natural color.  TiO2 is also used in masterbatch, which is a concentrate of TiO2 and 
other additives and is one of the largest uses for TiO2 in the plastics end-use market.  In masterbatch, the TiO2 is dispersed at high 
concentrations into a plastic resin and is then used by manufacturers of plastic containers, bottles, packaging and agricultural films. 

TiO2 for paper – Our TiO2 is used in the production of several types of paper, including laminate (decorative) paper, filled 
paper and coated paper to provide whiteness, brightness, opacity and color stability.  Although we sell our TiO2 to all segments of the 
paper end-use market, our primary focus is on the TiO2 grades used in paper laminates, where several layers of paper are laminated 
together using melamine resin under high temperature and pressure.  The top layer of paper contains TiO2 and plastic resin and is the 
layer that is printed with decorative patterns.  Paper laminates are used to replace materials such as wood and tile for such applications 
as  counter  tops,  furniture  and  wallboard.    TiO2  is  beneficial  in  these  applications  because  it  assists  in  preventing  the  material  from 
fading or changing color after prolonged exposure to sunlight and other weathering agents. 

- 5 -

 
 
TiO2 for other applications – We produce TiO2 to improve the opacity and hiding power of printing inks.  TiO2 allows inks to 
achieve very high print quality while not interfering with the technical requirements of printing machinery, including low abrasion, 
high printing speed and high temperatures.  Our TiO2 is also used in textile applications where TiO2 functions as an opacifying and 
delustering  agent.    In  man-made  fibers  such  as  rayon  and  polyester,  TiO2  corrects  an  otherwise  undesirable  glossy  and  translucent 
appearance.  Without the presence of TiO2, these materials would be unsuitable for use in many textile applications. 

We  produce  high  purity  sulfate  process  anatase  TiO2  used  to  provide  opacity,  whiteness  and  brightness  in  a  variety  of 
cosmetic  and  personal  care  products,  such  as  skin  cream,  lipstick,  eye  shadow  and  toothpaste.    Our  TiO2  is  also  found  in  food 
products,  such  as  candy  and  confectionaries,  and  in  pet  foods  where  it  is  used  to  obtain  uniformity  of  color  and  appearance.    In 
pharmaceuticals,  our  TiO2  is  used  commonly  as  a  colorant  in  tablet  and  capsule  coatings  as  well  as  in  liquid  medicines  to  provide 
uniformity of color and appearance.  KRONOS® purified anatase grades meet the applicable requirements of the CTFA (Cosmetics, 
Toiletries and Fragrances Association), USP and BP (United States Pharmacopoeia and British Pharmacopoeia) and the FDA (United 
States Food and Drug Administration). 

Our TiO2 business is enhanced by the following three complementary businesses, which comprised approximately 6% of our 

net sales in 2017: 

(cid:129) We own and operate two ilmenite mines in Norway pursuant to a governmental concession with an unlimited term.  
Ilmenite is a raw material used directly as a feedstock by some sulfate-process TiO2 plants.  We also sell ilmenite ore 
to third parties, some of whom are our competitors, and we sell an ilmenite-based specialty product to the oil and 
gas industry.  The mines have estimated ilmenite reserves that are expected to last at least 50 years. 

(cid:129) We manufacture and sell iron-based chemicals, which are co-products and processed co-products of the sulfate and 
chloride process TiO2 pigment production.  These co-product chemicals are marketed through our Ecochem division 
and  are  primarily  used  as  treatment  and  conditioning  agents  for  industrial  effluents  and  municipal  wastewater  as 
well as in the manufacture of iron pigments, cement and agricultural products. 

(cid:129) We manufacture and sell titanium oxychloride and titanyl sulfate, which are side-stream specialty products from the 
production  of  TiO2.    Titanium  oxychloride  is  used  in  specialty  applications  in  the  formulation  of  pearlescent 
pigments,  production  of  electroceramic  capacitors  for  cell  phones  and  other  electronic  devices.    Titanyl  sulfate 
productions are used in pearlescent pigments, natural gas pipe and other specialty applications. 

Manufacturing, operations and properties

We produce TiO2 in two crystalline forms: rutile and anatase.  Rutile TiO2 is manufactured using both a chloride production 
process and a sulfate production process, whereas anatase TiO2 is only produced using a sulfate production process.  Manufacturers of 
many  end-use  applications  can  use  either  form,  especially  during  periods  of  tight  supply  for  TiO2.    The  chloride  process  is  the 
preferred  form  for  use  in  coatings  and  plastics,  the  two  largest  end-use  markets.    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 2017, chloride process production facilities represented approximately 50% of industry capacity.  The sulfate process 
is preferred for use in selected paper products, ceramics, rubber tires, man-made fibers, food products, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.  
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 micronizing (milling). 

Chloride process – The chloride process is a continuous process in which chlorine is used to extract rutile TiO2.  The chloride 
process  produces  less  waste  than  the  sulfate  process  because  much  of  the  chlorine  is  recycled  and  feedstock  bearing 
higher titanium content is used.  The chloride process also has lower energy requirements and is less labor-intensive than 
the sulfate process, although the chloride process requires a higher-skilled labor force.  The chloride process produces an 
intermediate base pigment with a wide range of properties. 

Sulfate process – The sulfate process is a batch process in which sulfuric acid is used to extract the TiO2 from ilmenite or 
titanium slag.  After separation from the impurities in the ore (mainly iron), the TiO2 is precipitated and calcined to form 
an intermediate base pigment ready for sale or can be upgraded through finishing treatments.

We produced 576,000 metric tons of TiO2 in 2017, up from the 546,000 metric tons we produced in 2016.  Our production 
volumes in 2017 set a new overall record for a full-year period.  Our production amounts include our share of the output produced by 
our  TiO2  manufacturing  joint  venture  discussed  below  in  “TiO2  Manufacturing  Joint  Venture.”    Our  average  production  capacity 
utilization rates were approximately 95% and 98% of capacity in 2015 and 2016, respectively, and at full practical capacity in 2017.  
Our production rate in the first quarter of 2015 was impacted by the implementation of certain productivity-enhancing improvement 
projects at facilities, as well as necessary improvements to ensure continued compliance with our permit regulations, which resulted in 
longer-than-normal maintenance shutdowns in some instances.

- 6 -

We operate facilities throughout North America and Europe, including the only sulfate process plant in North America and 
four TiO2 plants in Europe (one in each of Leverkusen, Germany; Nordenham, Germany; Langerbrugge, Belgium; and Fredrikstad, 
Norway).    In  North  America,  we  have  a  TiO2  plant  in  Varennes,  Quebec,  Canada  and,  through  the  manufacturing  joint  venture 
described below in “TiO2 Manufacturing Joint Venture,” a 50% interest in a TiO2 plant in Lake Charles, Louisiana. 

Our production capacity has increased by approximately 6% over the past ten years due to debottlenecking programs, with 

only moderate capital expenditures.  We currently expect to operate our TiO2 plants at full practical capacity levels in 2018.  

  The  following  table  presents  the  division  of  our  expected  2018  manufacturing  capacity  by  plant  location  and  type  of 

manufacturing process: 

Leverkusen, Germany (1) ..................................... TiO2 production, chloride and sulfate process, co-

Facility

Description

products

Nordenham, Germany ........................................... TiO2 production, sulfate process, co-products
Langerbrugge, Belgium ........................................ TiO2 production, chloride process, co-products, 

titanium chemicals products

Fredrikstad, Norway (2) ........................................ TiO2 production, sulfate process, co-products
Varennes, Canada.................................................. TiO2 production, chloride and sulfate process, 
slurry facility, titanium chemicals products

Lake Charles, LA, US (3) ..................................... TiO2 production, chloride process

Total.............................................................

% of capacity by TiO2
manufacturing process
Chloride
Sulfate

30%
-

16
-

15
13
74%

6%
10

-
7

3
-
26%

(1)

The Leverkusen facility is located within an extensive manufacturing complex owned by Bayer AG.  We own the Leverkusen 
facility, which represents about one-third of our current TiO2 production capacity, but we lease the land under the facility from 
Bayer under a long-term agreement which expires in 2050.  Lease payments are periodically negotiated with Bayer for periods 
of at least two years at a time.  A majority-owned subsidiary of Bayer provides some raw materials including chlorine, auxiliary 
and operating materials, utilities and services necessary to operate the Leverkusen facility under separate supplies and services 
agreements. 

(2)

The Fredrikstad facility is located on public land and is leased until 2063.

(3) We  operate  the  Lake  Charles  facility  in  a  joint  venture  with  Huntsman  P&A  Investments  LLC  (HPA),  a  wholly-owned 
subsidiary  of  Tioxide  Group,  of  which  Venator  Materials  PLC  (Venator)  owns  100%  and  the  amount  indicated  in  the  table 
above  represents  the  share  of  TiO2  produced  by  the  joint  venture  to  which  we  are  entitled.    See  Note  7  to  our  Consolidated 
Financial Statements and “TiO2 Manufacturing Joint Venture.” 

We own the land underlying all of our principal production facilities unless otherwise indicated in the table above. 

We also operate two ilmenite mines in Norway pursuant to a governmental concession with an unlimited term.  In addition, 
we  operate  a  rutile  slurry  manufacturing  plant  in  Lake  Charles,  Louisiana,  which  converts  dry  pigment  manufactured  for  us  at  the 
Lake Charles TiO2 facility into a slurry form that is then shipped to customers. 

We have various corporate and administrative offices located in the U.S., Germany, Norway, Canada, Belgium, France and 

the United Kingdom and various sales offices located in North America. 

TiO2 Manufacturing Joint Venture 

Kronos Louisiana, Inc., one of our Chemicals Segment’s subsidiaries, and HPA each own a 50% interest in a manufacturing 
joint  venture,  Louisiana  Pigment  Company,  L.P.,  or  LPC.    LPC  owns  and  operates  a  chloride-process  TiO2  plant  located  in  Lake 
Charles, Louisiana.  We and Venator share production from the plant equally pursuant to separate offtake agreements, unless we and 
Venator otherwise agree (such as in 2015, when we purchased approximately 52% of the production from the plant). 

A supervisory committee directs the business and affairs of the joint venture, including production and output decisions.  This 
committee  is  composed  of  four  members,  two  of  whom  we  appoint  and  two  of  whom  Venator  appoints.    Two  general  managers 
manage the operations of the joint venture acting under the direction of the supervisory committee.  We appoint one general manager 
and Venator appoints the other. 

- 7 -

 
 
 
 
The joint venture is not consolidated in our financial statements, because we do not control it.  We account for our interest in 
the joint venture by the equity method.  The joint venture operates on a break-even basis and therefore we do not have any equity in 
earnings of the joint venture.  We are required to purchase one half of the TiO2 produced by the joint venture.  All costs and capital 
expenditures  are  shared  equally  with  Venator  with  the  exception  of  feedstock  (purchased  natural  rutile  ore  or  slag)  and  packaging 
costs for the pigment grades produced.  Our share of net costs is reported as cost of sales as the TiO2 is sold.  See Notes 5 and 16 to 
our Consolidated Financial Statements. 

Raw materials 

The primary raw materials used in chloride process TiO2 are titanium-containing feedstock (purchased natural rutile ore or 
slag), chlorine and coke.  Chlorine is available from a number of suppliers, while petroleum coke is available from a limited number 
of suppliers.  Titanium-containing feedstock suitable for use in the chloride process is available from a limited but increasing number 
of suppliers principally in Australia, South Africa, Canada, India and the United States.  We purchase chloride process grade slag from 
Rio Tinto Iron and Titanium Limited under a long-term supply contract that automatically renews at the end of 2018 for successive 
two-year renewal periods, unless terminated before December 31, 2018.  We also purchase upgraded slag from Rio Tinto Iron and 
Titanium Limited under a long-term supply contract that expires at the end of 2019.  We purchase natural rutile ore primarily from 
Iluka Resources, Limited under a contract which expires in 2018.  In the past we have been, and we expect that we will continue to be, 
successful in obtaining short-term and long-term extensions to these and other existing supply contracts prior to their expiration.  We 
expect  the  raw  materials  purchased  under  these  contracts,  and  contracts  that  we  may  enter  into,  will  meet  our  chloride  process 
feedstock requirements over the next several years. 

The  primary  raw  materials  used  in  sulfate  process  TiO2  are  titanium-containing  feedstock,  primarily  ilmenite  or  purchased 
sulfate grade slag and sulfuric acid.  Sulfuric acid is available from a number of suppliers.  Titanium-containing feedstock suitable for 
use in the sulfate process is available from a limited number of suppliers principally in Norway, Canada, Australia, India and South 
Africa.    As  one  of  the  few  vertically-integrated  producers  of  sulfate  process  TiO2,  we  operate  two  rock  ilmenite  mines  in  Norway, 
which provided all of the feedstock for our European sulfate process TiO2 plants in 2017.  We expect ilmenite production from our 
mines to meet our European sulfate process feedstock requirements for the foreseeable future.  For our Canadian sulfate process plant, 
we purchase sulfate grade slag primarily from Rio Tinto Fer et Titane Inc. under a supply contract that renews annually, subject to 
termination upon twelve months written notice.  We expect the raw materials purchased under these contracts, and contracts that we 
may enter into, to meet our sulfate process feedstock requirements over the next several years. 

Many  of  our  raw  material  contracts  contain  fixed  quantities  we  are  required  to  purchase,  or  specify  a  range  of  quantities 

within which we are required to purchase.  The pricing under these agreements is generally negotiated quarterly. 

The following table summarizes our raw materials purchased or mined in 2017. 

Production process/raw material

Chloride process plants - 

Purchased slag or rutile ore....................................................

Sulfate process plants:

Ilmenite ore mined and used internally..................................
Purchased slag........................................................................

Raw materials 
procured or mined
(In thousands
of metric tons)

535  

360  
27  

Sales and marketing 

Our marketing strategy is aimed at developing and maintaining strong customer relationships with new and existing accounts.  
Because TiO2 represents a significant raw material cost for our customers, the purchasing decisions are often made by our customers’ 
senior management.  We work to maintain close relationships with the key decision makers, through in-depth and frequent in-person 
meetings.  We endeavor to extend these commercial and technical relationships to multiple levels within our customers’ organization 
using  our  direct  sales  force  and  technical  service  group  to  accomplish  this  objective.    We  believe  this  has  helped  build  customer 
loyalty to Kronos and strengthened our competitive position.  Close cooperation and strong customer relationships enable us to stay 
closely  attuned  to  trends  in  our  customers’  businesses.    Where  appropriate,  we  work  in  conjunction  with  our  customers  to  solve 
formulation or application problems by modifying specific product properties or developing new pigment grades.  We also focus our 
sales and marketing efforts on those geographic and end-use market segments where we believe we can realize higher selling prices.  
This focus includes continuously reviewing and optimizing our customer and product portfolios. 

- 8 -

 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Our marketing strategy is also aimed at working directly with customers to monitor the success of our products in their end-
use  applications,  evaluate  the  need  for  improvements  in  product  and  process  technology  and  identify  opportunities  to  develop  new 
product solutions for our customers.  Our marketing staff closely coordinates with our sales force and technical specialists to ensure 
that the needs of our customers are met, and to help develop and commercialize new grades where appropriate. 

We sell a majority of our products through our direct sales force operating in Europe and North America.  We also utilize 
sales  agents  and  distributors  who  are  authorized  to  sell  our  products  in  specific  geographic  areas.    In  Europe,  our  sales  efforts  are 
conducted  primarily  through  our  direct  sales  force  and  our  sales  agents.    Our  agents  do  not  sell  any  TiO2  products  other  than 
KRONOS® brand products.  In North America, our sales are made primarily through our direct sales force and supported by a network 
of  distributors.    In  export  markets,  where  we  have  increased  our  marketing  efforts  over  the  last  several  years,  our  sales  are  made 
through our direct sales force, sales agents and distributors. In addition to our direct sales force and sales agents, many of our sales 
agents also act as distributors to service our customers in all regions.  We offer customer and technical service to the customers who 
purchase our products through distributors as well as to our larger customers serviced by our direct sales force. 

We sell to a diverse customer base and no single customer comprised more than 10% of our sales in 2017.  Our largest ten 

customers accounted for approximately 34% of sales in 2017. 

Neither our business as a whole nor any of our principal product groups is seasonal to any significant extent.  However, TiO2 
sales are generally higher in the second and third quarters of the year, due in part to the increase in paint production in the spring to 
meet demand during the spring and summer painting seasons.  With certain exceptions, we have historically operated our production 
facilities at near full capacity rates throughout the entire year, which among other things helps to minimize our per-unit production 
costs.    As  a  result,  we  normally  will  build  inventories  during  the  first  and  fourth  quarters  of  each  year,  in  order  to  maximize  our 
product availability during the higher demand periods normally experienced in the second and third quarters. 

Competition

The TiO2 industry is highly competitive.  We compete primarily on the basis of price, product quality, technical service and 
the  availability  of  high  performance  pigment  grades.    Since  TiO2  is  not  a  traded  commodity,  its  pricing  is  largely  a  product  of 
negotiation between suppliers and their respective customers.  Price and availability are the most significant competitive factors along 
with quality and customer service for the majority of our product grades.  Increasingly we are focused on providing pigments that are 
differentiated to meet specific customer request, and specialty grades that are differentiated from our competitors’ products.  During 
2017, we had an estimated 10% share of worldwide TiO2 sales volume, and based on sales volumes, we believe we are the leading 
seller of TiO2 in several countries, including Germany. 

Our  principal  competitors  are  The  Chemours  Company,  or  Chemours;  Cristal  Global;  Venator  Materials  PLC  (formerly  a 
wholly-owned  subsidiary,  and  now  a  majority-owned  subsidiary,  of  Huntsman  Corporation);  Tronox  Incorporated;  and  Lomon 
Billions.    The  top  six  TiO2  producers  (i.e.  we  and  our  five  principal  competitors)  account  for  approximately  66%  of  the  world’s 
production capacity.  Chemours added a new 200,000 metric ton capacity line at its plant in Mexico which commenced production in 
the second quarter of 2016.  In 2016, Venator announced it was closing its sulfate process facility in South Africa, reducing its overall 
capacity  by  25,000  metric  tons.    In  2017,  one  of  Venator’s  European  sulfate  plants,  which  has  a  capacity  of  130,000  metric  tons, 
operated at significantly reduced rates due to a fire at the facility.

The following chart shows our estimate of worldwide production capacity in 2017: 

Worldwide production capacity - 2017

Chemours ....................................................................................
Cristal ..........................................................................................
Venator........................................................................................
Lomon Billions ...........................................................................
Kronos .........................................................................................
Tronox .........................................................................................
Other............................................................................................

18%
13%
10%
9%
9%
7%
34%

Chemours  has  over  one-half  of  total  North  American  TiO2  production  capacity  and  is  our  principal  North  American 
competitor.  In February 2017, Tronox announced a definitive agreement to acquire the TiO2 assets of Cristal, but in December 2017 
the  U.S.  Federal  Trade  Commission  filed  an  administrative  complaint  challenging  the  merger.    Tronox  has  indicated  it  intends  to 
vigorously defend against such action.

- 9 -

 
Over the past ten years, we and our competitors increased industry capacity through debottlenecking projects, which in part 
compensated for the shut-down of various TiO2 plants throughout the world.  Although overall industry demand is expected to remain 
strong  in  2018  as  a  result  of  improving  worldwide  economic  conditions,  we  do  not  expect  any  other  significant  efforts  will  be 
undertaken  by  us  or  our  principal  competitors  to  further  increase  capacity  for  the  foreseeable  future,  other  than  through 
debottlenecking projects.  If actual developments differ from our expectations, the TiO2 industry’s performance and that of our own 
could be unfavorably affected. 

The  TiO2  industry  is  characterized  by  high  barriers  to  entry  consisting  of  high  capital  costs,  proprietary  technology  and 
significant  lead  times  (typically  three  to  five  years  in  our  experience)  required  to  construct  new  facilities  or  to  expand  existing 
capacity.  We believe it is unlikely any new TiO2 plants will be constructed in Europe or North America in the foreseeable future. 

Research and development 

We  employ  scientists,  chemists,  process  engineers  and  technicians  who  are  engaged  in  research  and  development,  process 
technology  and  quality  assurance  activities  in  Leverkusen,  Germany.    These  individuals  have  the  responsibility  for  improving  our 
chloride and sulfate production processes, improving product quality and strengthening our competitive position by developing new 
applications.  Our Chemicals Segment’s expenditures for these activities were approximately $16 million in 2015, $13 million in 2016 
and $20 million in 2017.  We expect to spend approximately $19 million on research and development in 2018. 

We continually seek to improve the quality of our grades and have been successful at developing new grades for existing and 
new applications to meet the needs of our customers and increase product life cycles.  Since the beginning of 2013, we have added 
five new grades for pigments and other applications. 

Patents, trademarks, trade secrets and other intellectual property rights 

We  have  a  comprehensive  intellectual  property  protection  strategy  that  includes  obtaining,  maintaining  and  enforcing  our 
patents, primarily in the United States, Canada and Europe.  We also protect our trademark and trade secret rights and have entered 
into  license  agreements  with  third  parties  concerning  various  intellectual  property  matters.    We  have  also  from  time  to  time  been 
involved in disputes over intellectual property. 

Patents  –  We  have  obtained  patents  and  have  numerous  patent  applications  pending  that  cover  our  products  and  the 
technology used in the manufacture of our products.  Our patent strategy is important to us and our continuing business activities.  In 
addition to maintaining our patent portfolio, we seek patent protection for our technical developments, principally in the United States, 
Canada  and  Europe.    U.S.  Patents  are  generally  in  effect  for  20  years  from  the  date  of  filing.    Our  U.S.  patent  portfolio  includes 
patents having remaining terms ranging from four years to 20 years. 

Trademarks and trade secrets – Our trademarks, including KRONOS®, are covered by issued and/or pending registrations, 
including in Canada and the United States.  We protect the trademarks that we use in connection with the products we manufacture 
and  sell  and  have  developed  goodwill  in  connection  with  our  long-term  use  of  our  trademarks.    We  conduct  research  activities  in 
secret and we protect the confidentiality of our trade secrets through reasonable measures, including confidentiality agreements and 
security procedures, including data security.  We rely upon unpatented proprietary knowledge and continuing technological innovation 
and other trade secrets to develop and maintain our competitive position.  Our proprietary chloride production process is an important 
part  of  our  technology  and  our  business  could  be  harmed  if  we  fail  to  maintain  confidentiality  of  our  trade  secrets  used  in  this 
technology. 

Employees 

As of December 31, 2017, our Chemicals Segment employed the following number of people: 

Europe.........................................................................................
Canada ........................................................................................
United States (1) .........................................................................
Total ..................................................................................

1,835
360
50
2,245

(1)

Excludes employees of our Louisiana joint venture. 

Certain employees at each of our Chemicals Segment’s production facilities are organized by labor unions.  In Europe, our 
union  employees  are  covered  by  master  collective  bargaining  agreements  for  the  chemical  industry  that  are  generally  renewed 
annually.  In Canada, our union employees are covered by a collective bargaining agreement that expires in June 2018.  We currently 

- 10 -

 
expect a new collective bargaining agreement with our Canadian union employees will be entered into before the expiration of the 
current agreement.  At December 31, 2017, approximately 86% of our worldwide workforce is organized under collective bargaining 
agreements.    It  is  possible  that  there  could  be  future  work  stoppages  or  other  labor  disruptions  that  could  materially  and  adversely 
affect our business, results of operations, financial position or liquidity. 

Regulatory and environmental matters 

Our  operations  and  properties  are  governed  by  various  environmental  laws  and  regulations,  which  are  complex,  change 
frequently  and  have  tended  to  become  stricter  over  time.    These  environmental  laws  govern,  among  other  things,  the  generation, 
storage, handling, use and transportation of hazardous materials; the emission and discharge of hazardous materials into the ground, 
air  or  water;  and  the  health  and  safety  of  our  employees.    Certain  of  our  operations  are,  or  have  been,  engaged  in  the  generation, 
storage, handling, manufacture or use of substances or compounds that may be considered toxic or hazardous within the meaning of 
applicable environmental laws and regulations.  As with other companies engaged in similar businesses, certain of our past and current 
operations and products have the potential to cause environmental or other damage.  We have implemented and continue to implement 
various policies and programs in an effort to minimize these risks.  Our policy is to comply with applicable environmental laws and 
regulations at all our facilities and to strive to improve our environmental performance.  It is possible that future developments, such 
as stricter requirements in environmental laws and enforcement policies, could adversely affect our operations, including production, 
handling,  use,  storage,  transportation,  sale  or  disposal  of  hazardous  or  toxic  substances  or  require  us  to  make  capital  and  other 
expenditures to comply, and could adversely affect our consolidated financial position and results of operations or liquidity. 

Our U.S. manufacturing operations are governed by federal, state and local environmental and worker health and safety laws 
and regulations.  These include the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, or 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, or 
CERCLA, as well as the state counterparts of these statutes.  Some of these laws hold current or previous owners or operators of real 
property liable for the costs of cleaning up contamination, even if these owners or operators did not know of, and were not responsible 
for,  such  contamination.    These  laws  also  assess  liability  on  any  person  who  arranges  for  the  disposal  or  treatment  of  hazardous 
substances, regardless of whether the affected site is owned or operated by such person.  Although we have not incurred and do not 
currently anticipate any material liabilities in connection with such environmental laws, we may be required to make expenditures for 
environmental remediation in the future. 

While  the  laws  regulating  operations  of  industrial  facilities  in  Europe  vary  from  country  to  country,  a  common  regulatory 
framework is provided by the European Union, or the EU.  Germany and Belgium are members of the EU and follow its initiatives.  
Norway is not a member but generally patterns its environmental regulatory actions after the EU. 

At our sulfate plant facilities in Germany, we recycle spent sulfuric acid either through contracts with third parties or at our 
own facilities.  In addition, at our German locations we have a contract with a third-party to treat certain sulfate-process effluents.  At 
our Norwegian plant, we ship spent acid to a third-party location where it is used as a neutralization agent.  These contracts may be 
terminated by either party after giving three or four years advance notice, depending on the contract. 

From time to time, our facilities may be subject to environmental regulatory enforcement under U.S. and non-U.S. statutes.  
Typically we establish compliance programs to resolve these matters.  Occasionally, we may pay penalties.  To date such penalties 
have not involved amounts having a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or liquidity.  
We believe that all of our facilities are in substantial compliance with applicable environmental laws. 

Our  Chemicals  Segment’s  capital  expenditures  related  to  ongoing  environmental  compliance,  protection  and  improvement 
programs, including capital expenditures which are primarily focused on increasing operating efficiency but also result in improved 
environmental  protection  such  as  lower  emissions  from  our  manufacturing  facilities,  were  $16.1  million  in  2017  and  are  currently 
expected to be approximately $26 million in 2018. 

COMPONENT PRODUCTS SEGMENT—COMPX INTERNATIONAL INC. 

Business Overview 

Through  our  majority-controlled  subsidiary,  CompX,  we  are  a  leading  manufacturer  of  security  products  including 
mechanical  and  electrical  cabinet  locks  and  other  locking  mechanisms  used  in  the  recreational  transportation,  postal,  office  and 
institutional furniture, cabinetry, tool storage and healthcare applications. We are also a leading manufacturer of stainless steel exhaust 
systems,  gauges,  throttle  controls,  and  trim  tabs  for  the  recreational  marine  industry.    We  also  manufacture  stainless  steel  exhaust 
systems, gauges, throttle controls and trim tabs for the recreational marine and other industries. Our products are principally designed 
for  use  in  medium  to  high-end  product  applications,  where  design,  quality  and  durability  are  valued  by  our  customers.  We 

- 11 -

continuously seek to diversify into new markets and identify new applications and features for our products, which we believe provide 
a greater potential for higher rates of earnings growth as well as diversification of risk.  

Manufacturing, Operations and Products 

Security Products.  CompX’s security products reporting unit manufactures mechanical and electronic cabinet locks and 
other  locking  mechanisms  used  in  a  variety  of  applications  including  ignition  systems,  mailboxes,  file  cabinets,  desk  drawers,  tool 
storage cabinets, vending and gaming machines, high security medical cabinetry, electronic circuit panels, storage compartments and 
gas  station  security.    Our  security  products  reporting  unit  has  one  manufacturing  facility  in  Mauldin,  South  Carolina  and  one  in 
Grayslake, Illinois shared with Marine Components.  We believe we are a North American market leader in the manufacture and sale 
of cabinet locks and other locking mechanisms.  These products include: 

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

disc tumbler locks which provide moderate security and generally represent the lowest cost lock to produce; 

pin tumbler locking mechanisms which are more costly to produce and are used in applications requiring higher levels of 
security,  including  KeSet®  and  System  64®  (which  each  allow  the  user  to  change  the  keying  on  a  single  lock  64  times 
without removing the lock from its enclosure), TuBar® and Turbine™; and 

our  innovative  CompX  eLock®  and  StealthLock®  electronic  locks  which  provide  stand-alone  or  networked  security  and 
audit trail capability for drug storage and other valuables through the use of a proximity card, magnetic stripe or keypad 
credentials. 

A  substantial  portion  of  our  security  products’  sales  consist  of  products  with  specialized  adaptations  to  an  individual 
customer’s  specifications,  some  of  which  are  listed  above.    We  also  have  a  standardized  product  line  suitable  for  many  customers, 
which  is  offered  through  a  North  American  distribution  network  to  locksmith  and  smaller  original  equipment  manufacturer 
distributors via our STOCK LOCKS® distribution program. 

Marine  Components.    CompX’s  marine  components  reporting  unit  manufactures  and  distributes  stainless  steel  exhaust 
components, gauges, throttle controls, trim tabs, hardware and accessories primarily for performance and ski/wakeboard boats.  Our 
Marine Components segment has a facility in Neenah, Wisconsin and a facility in Grayslake, Illinois shared with Security Products.  
Our  specialty  Marine  Component  products  are  high  precision  components  designed  to  operate  within  tight  tolerances  in  the  highly 
demanding marine environment.  These products include: 

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

original equipment and aftermarket stainless steel exhaust headers, exhaust pipes, mufflers and other exhaust components; 

high performance gauges such as GPS speedometers and tachometers; 

mechanical and electronic controls and throttles; 

steering wheels, trim tabs and other billet aluminum accessories; and 

dash panels, LED lighting, wire harnesses and other accessories. 

Our  Component  Products  Segment  operated  three  manufacturing  facilities  at  December  31,  2017  as  shown  below.  For 

additional information, see also “Item 2 – Properties”, including information regarding leased and distribution-only facilities. 

Facility Name
Owned Facilities:

National (1) .......................... 
Grayslake(1) ........................
Custom(2).............................  

Leased Facilities:

Reporting
Unit

SP
SP/MC
MC

Location

Size
(square feet)

Mauldin, SC
Grayslake, IL

  Neenah, WI

198,000
133,000
95,000  

Distribution Center.........

SP/MC

Rancho Cucamonga, CA

11,500

(1) 
(2) 

ISO-9001 registered facilities 
ISO-9002 registered facility 

Raw Materials 

CompX’s primary raw materials are: 

(cid:129)

zinc and brass (used in the Security Products segment for the manufacture of locking mechanisms); and 

- 12 -

 
   
   
     
 
   
 
   
   
  
(cid:129)

stainless  steel  (used  primarily  in  the  Marine  Components  segment  for  the  manufacture  of  exhaust  headers  and  pipes), 
aluminum (used for the manufacture of throttles and trim tabs), and other components. 

These raw materials are purchased from several suppliers, are readily available from numerous sources and accounted for 
approximately  11%  of  our  total  cost  of  sales  for  2017.    Total  material  costs,  including  purchased  components,  represented 
approximately 44% of our cost of sales in 2017.

CompX occasionally enters into short-term commodity-related raw material supply arrangements to mitigate the impact of 
future  price  increases  in  commodity-related  raw  materials,  including  zinc,  brass  and  stainless  steel.    These  arrangements  generally 
provide for stated unit prices based upon specified purchase volumes, which help us to stabilize our commodity-related raw material 
costs to a certain extent. During 2016 and 2017, markets for the primary commodity-related raw materials used in the manufacture of 
our locking mechanisms, primarily zinc and brass, generally strengthened, resulting in price increases that exceeded general inflation 
rates. In the case of zinc, our purchases late in 2017 bore unit costs over 50% higher than those acquired two years earlier. Over that 
same period, the market for stainless steel, the primary raw material used for the manufacture of marine exhaust headers and pipes, 
remained relatively stable. While we expect the markets for our primary commodity-related raw materials to stabilize during 2018, we 
recognize that strengthening economic conditions may exert upward price pressure on these and other manufacturing materials. When 
purchased on the spot market, each of these raw materials may be subject to sudden and unanticipated price increases.  We generally 
seek to mitigate the impact of fluctuations in these raw material costs on our margins through improvements in production efficiencies 
or other operating cost reductions.  In the event we are unable to offset raw material cost increases with other cost reductions, it may 
be difficult to recover those cost increases through increased product selling prices or raw material surcharges due to the competitive 
nature  of  the  markets  served  by  our  products.    Consequently,  overall  operating  margins  can  be  affected  by  commodity-related  raw 
material  cost  pressures.    Commodity  market  prices  are  cyclical,  reflecting  overall  economic  trends,  specific  developments  in 
consuming industries and speculative investor activities. 

Patents and Trademarks 

We hold a number of patents relating to our component products, certain of which we believe to be important to us and 
our continuing business activity.  Patents generally have a term of 20 years, and our patents have remaining terms ranging from less 
than 1 year to 17 years at December 31, 2017.  Our major trademarks and brand names in addition to CompX® include: 

Security Products

Security Products

Marine Components

Lockview®
System 64® 
SlamCAM®
RegulatoR®
CompXpress®
GEM®

CompX® Security Products™
National Cabinet Lock® 
Fort Lock®
Timberline® Lock
Chicago Lock®
STOCK LOCKS®
KeSet®
TuBar®
StealthLock®
ACE®
ACE® II
CompX eLock®

Sales, Marketing and Distribution 

CompX Marine®
Custom Marine®
Livorsi® Marine
Livorsi II® Marine
CMI Industrial®
Custom Marine® Stainless Exhaust
The #1 Choice in Performance 

Boating®
Mega Rim®
Race Rim®
Vantage View®
GEN-X®

A  majority  of  our  Component  Products  Segment’s  sales  are  direct  to  large  OEM  customers  through  our  factory-based 
sales and marketing professionals supported by engineers working in concert with field salespeople and independent manufacturer’s 
representatives.  We select manufacturer’s representatives based on special skills in certain markets or relationships with current or 
potential customers. 

In  addition  to  sales  to  large  OEM  customers,  a  substantial  portion  of  our  security  product  sales  are  made  through 
distributors.  We have a significant North American market share of cabinet lock security product sales as a result of the locksmith 
distribution channel.  We support our locksmith distributor sales with a line of standardized products used by the largest segments of 
the marketplace.  These products are packaged and merchandised for easy availability and handling by distributors and end users. 

CompX sells to a diverse customer base with only one customer representing 10% or more of our sales in 2017 (United 

States Postal Service representing 16%).  Our largest ten customers accounted for approximately 44% of our sales in 2017.

- 13 -

 
 
Competition 

The  markets  in  which  we  participate  are  highly  competitive.    We  compete  primarily  on  the  basis  of  product  design, 
including space utilization and aesthetic factors, product quality and durability, price, on-time delivery, service and technical support.  
We focus our efforts on the middle and high-end segments of the market, where product design, quality, durability and service are 
valued  by  the  customer.    Our  Security  Products  segment  competes  against  a  number  of  domestic  and  foreign  manufacturers.    Our 
Marine Components segment competes with small domestic manufacturers and is minimally affected by foreign competitors. 

Regulatory and Environmental Matters 

Our operations are subject to federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to the use, storage, handling, generation, 
transportation,  treatment,  emission,  discharge,  disposal,  remediation  of  and  exposure  to  hazardous  and  non-hazardous  substances, 
materials and wastes (“Environmental Laws”).  Our operations also are subject to federal, state and local laws and regulations relating 
to worker health and safety.  We believe we are in substantial compliance with all such laws and regulations.  To date, the costs of 
maintaining compliance with such laws and regulations have not significantly impacted our results.  We currently do not anticipate 
any significant costs or expenses relating to such matters; however, it is possible future laws and regulations may require us to incur 
significant additional expenditures. 

Employees 

As of December 31, 2017, we employed 520 people, all in the United States.  We believe our labor relations are good at 

all of our facilities. 

REAL  ESTATE  MANAGEMENT  AND  DEVELOPMENT  SEGMENT—BASIC  MANAGEMENT,  INC.  AND  THE 
LANDWELL COMPANY 

Business Overview 

Our Real Estate Management and Development Segment consists of BMI and LandWell.  BMI provides utility services, 
among  other  things,  to  an  industrial  park  located  in  Henderson,  Nevada  and  is  responsible  for  the  delivery  of  water  to  the  city  of 
Henderson  and  various  other  users  through  a  water  distribution  system  owned  by  BMI.  LandWell  is  actively  engaged  in  efforts  to 
develop  certain  real  estate  in  Henderson,  Nevada  including  approximately  2,100  acres  zoned  for  residential/planned  community 
purposes and approximately 400 acres zoned for commercial and light industrial use. 

Operations and Services 

Over the years, LandWell and BMI have focused on developing and selling the land transferred to LandWell as part of its 
formation  in  the  early  1950’s  as  well  as  additional  land  holdings  acquired  by  LandWell  in  the  surrounding  area  subsequent  to 
LandWell’s  formation  (although  BMI  and  LandWell  have  not  had  significant  real  property  acquisitions  since  2004).    Since 
LandWell’s  formation,  LandWell  and  BMI  have  a  history  of  successfully  developing  and  selling  over  1,200  acres  of  retail,  light 
industrial, commercial and residential projects in the Henderson, Nevada area. However, a substantial portion of such projects, had 
been  completed  prior  to  the  2008  economic  downturn  which  was  particularly  acute  in  the  Las  Vegas  area  real  estate  market  that 
includes  Henderson.  Following  such  economic  downturn,  LandWell’s  land  sales  were  substantially  reduced  as  compared  to  prior 
years, and LandWell did not recognize any material amount of land sales in the 2008 to 2013 time period. During this time period, 
LandWell  focused  primarily  on  the  development  of  a  large  tract  of  land  in  Henderson  zoned  for  residential/planned  community 
purposes  (approximately  2,100  acres).  Planning  and  zoning  work  on  such  project  began  in  2007,  but  LandWell  delayed  significant 
development efforts until economic conditions had improved. As general economic conditions improved in 2011 and 2012, LandWell 
began intensive development efforts of the residential/planned community in 2013 (with LandWell acting as the master developer for 
all such development efforts). We market and sell our residential/planned community to established home builders in tracts of land 
that are pre-zoned for a maximum number of home lots. We support the builders efforts to market and sell specific residential homes 
within our residential/planned community through joint marketing campaign and community wide education efforts. 

In addition, BMI delivers utility services to an industrial park located in Henderson, Nevada and also delivers water to the 

city of Henderson and various other users through a water delivery system owned by BMI. 

Sales 

Through  December  31,  2017,  LandWell  has  closed  or  entered  into  escrow  on  approximately  480  acres  of  the 
residential/planned  community  and  certain  other  acreage.    Contracts  for  land  sales  are  negotiated  on  an  individual  basis  and  sales 
terms and prices will vary based on such factors as location (including location within a planned community), expected development 
work  and  individual  buyer  needs.  Although  land  may  be  under  contract,  we  do  not  recognize  revenue  until  we  have  satisfied  the 

- 14 -

criteria for revenue recognition set forth in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 976. In some instances, we will receive 
cash  proceeds  at  the  time  the  contract  closes  and  record  deferred  revenue  for  some  or  all  of  the  cash  amount  received,  with  such 
deferred revenue being recognized in subsequent periods. Because land held for development was initially recognized at estimated fair 
value at the acquisition date as required by ASC Topic 805, we do not expect to recognize significant operating income on land sales 
for the land currently under contract. We expect the development work to continue for 10 to 15 years on the rest of the land held for 
development, consisting primarily of the residential/planned community. 

Our Real Estate Management and Development Segment’s sales consist principally of land sales and water and electric 
delivery fees.  During 2017 we had sales to three customers that each exceeded 10% of our Real Estate Management and Development 
Segment’s net sales: Richmond Homes of Nevada (37%), Grey Stone Nevada LLC (22%) both related to land sales, and the City of 
Henderson (11%) related to water delivery sales.

Competition 

There  are  multiple  new  construction  residential  communities  in  the  greater  Las  Vegas,  Nevada  area.  We  compete  with 
these  communities  on  the  basis  of  location;  planned  community  amenities  and  features;  proximity  to  major  retail  and  recreational 
activities; and the perception of quality of life within the new community. We believe our residential/planned community is unique 
within the greater Las Vegas area due to its location and planned amenities which include: 490 acres of major and neighborhood parks 
and open space interconnected with major regional trails and parks; and features that no other new construction residential community 
currently  offers  including  builder  floorplans  designed  exclusively  for  our  community.  We  are  marketing  our  residential/planned 
community to builders who target a range of home buyers to maximize sales. 

Regulatory and Environmental Matters 

We and the subcontractors we use must comply with many federal, state and local laws and regulations, including zoning, 
density and development requirements, building, environmental, advertising, labor and real estate sales rules and regulations. These 
regulations and requirements affect substantially all aspects of our land development. Our operations are subject to federal, state and 
local laws and regulations relating to the use, storage, handling, generation, transportation, treatment, emission, discharge, disposal, 
remediation  of  and  exposure  to  hazardous  and  non-hazardous  substances,  materials  and  wastes.  Our  operations  also  are  subject  to 
federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to worker health and safety. We believe we are in substantial compliance with all 
such  laws  and  regulations.  To  date,  the  costs  of  maintaining  compliance  with  such  laws  and  regulations  have  not  significantly 
impacted our results. We currently do not anticipate any significant costs or expenses relating to such matters; however, it is possible 
future laws and regulations may require us to incur significant additional expenditures. 

Employees 

OTHER 

At December 31, 2017, BMI had 24 employees. We believe our labor relations are good. 

NL Industries, Inc.—At December 31, 2017, NL owned 87% of CompX and 30% of Kronos. NL also owns 100% of EWI 
RE,  Inc.,  an  insurance  brokerage  and  risk  management  services  company  and  also  holds  certain  marketable  securities  and  other 
investments. See Note 17 to our Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information. 

Tremont LLC—Tremont is primarily a holding company through which we hold our 63% ownership interest in BMI and our 
77%  ownership  interest  in  LandWell.  Such  77%  ownership  interest  in  LandWell  includes  27%  we  hold  through  our  ownership  of 
Tremont and 50% held by a subsidiary of BMI. Tremont also owns 100% of Tall Pines Insurance Company, an insurance company 
that also holds certain marketable securities and other investments.  See Note 17 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

In addition, we also own real property related to certain of our former business units. 

Discontinued  Operations—On  January  26,  2018,  we  completed  the  sale  of  the  Waste  Management  Segment  to  JFL-WCS 
Partners,  LLC,  an  entity  sponsored  by  certain  investment  affiliates  of  J.F.  Lehman  &  Company,  for  consideration  consisting  of  the 
assumption of all of the Waste Management Segment's third-party indebtedness and other liabilities. We expect to recognize a pre-tax 
gain of approximately $57 million on the transaction in the first quarter of 2018 because the carrying value of the liabilities of the 
business assumed by the purchaser exceeded the carrying value of the assets sold at the time of sale in large part due to the long-lived 
asset impairment of $170.6 million recognized with respect to the Waste Management Segment in the second quarter of 2017.  Such 
pre-tax gain will be classified as part of discontinued operations.  See Note 3 to our Consolidated Financial Statements for additional 
information. 

Business  Strategy—We  routinely  compare  our  liquidity  requirements  and  alternative  uses  of  capital  against  the  estimated 
future cash flows to be received from our subsidiaries and unconsolidated affiliates, and the estimated sales value of those businesses. 

- 15 -

As  a  result,  we  have  in  the  past,  and  may  in  the  future,  seek  to  raise  additional  capital,  refinance  or  restructure  indebtedness, 
repurchase indebtedness in the market or otherwise, modify our dividend policy, consider the sale of an interest in our subsidiaries, 
business  units,  marketable  securities  or  other  assets,  or  take  a  combination  of  these  or  other  steps,  to  increase  liquidity,  reduce 
indebtedness and fund future activities, which have in the past and may in the future involve related companies. From time to time, we 
and  our  related  entities  consider  restructuring  ownership  interests  among  our  subsidiaries  and  related  companies.  We  expect  to 
continue this activity in the future. 

We and other entities that may be deemed to be controlled by or affiliated with Ms. Simmons and Ms. Connelly routinely 
evaluate acquisitions of interests in, or combinations with, companies, including related companies, we perceive to be undervalued in 
the marketplace. These companies may or may not be engaged in businesses related to our current businesses. In some instances we 
actively  manage  the  businesses  we  acquire  with  a  focus  on  maximizing  return-on-investment  through  cost  reductions,  capital 
expenditures, improved operating efficiencies, selective marketing to address market niches, disposition of marginal operations, use of 
leverage  and  redeployment  of  capital  to  more  productive  assets.  In  other  instances,  we  have  disposed  of  our  interest  in  a  company 
prior  to  gaining  control.  We  intend  to  consider  such  activities  in  the  future  and  may,  in  connection  with  such  activities,  consider 
issuing additional equity securities and increasing our indebtedness. 

Website  and  Available  Information—Our  fiscal  year  ends  December 31.  We  furnish  our  stockholders  with  annual  reports 
containing audited financial statements. In addition, we file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy and information statements 
and other information with the SEC. Certain of our consolidated subsidiaries (Kronos, NL and CompX) also file annual, quarterly and 
current reports, proxy and information statements and other information with the SEC. We also make our annual reports on Form 10-
K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments thereto, available free of charge through our website 
at www.valhi.net as soon as reasonably practical after they have been filed with the SEC. We also provide to anyone, without charge, 
copies of such documents upon written request. Requests should be directed to the attention of the Corporate Secretary at our address 
on the cover page of this Form 10-K. 

Additional  information,  including  our  Audit  Committee  charter,  our  Code  of  Business  Conduct  and  Ethics  and  our 
Corporate Governance Guidelines, can also be found on our website. Information contained on our website is not part of this Annual 
Report. 

The general public may read and copy any materials we file with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F 
Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549. The public may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the 
SEC  at  1-800-SEC-0330.  We  are  an  electronic  filer.  The  SEC  maintains  an  Internet  website  at  www.sec.gov  that  contains  reports, 
proxy and information statements and other information regarding issuers, such as us, that file electronically with the SEC. 

- 16 -

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS 

Listed below are certain risk factors associated with us and our businesses. See also certain risk factors discussed in Item 7 
—  “Management’s  Discussion  and  Analysis  of  Financial  Condition  and  Results  of  Operations —  Critical  Accounting  Policies  and 
Estimates.”  In addition to the potential effect of these risk factors, any risk factor which could result in reduced earnings or increased 
operating  losses,  or  reduced  liquidity,  could  in  turn  adversely  affect  our  ability  to  service  our  liabilities  or  pay  dividends  on  our 
common stock or adversely affect the quoted market prices for our securities. 

Our assets consist primarily of investments in our operating subsidiaries, and we are dependent upon distributions 

from our subsidiaries to service our liabilities. 

The majority of our operating cash flows are generated by our operating subsidiaries, and our ability to service liabilities 
and to pay dividends on our common stock depends to a large extent upon the cash dividends or other distributions we receive from 
our subsidiaries. Our subsidiaries are separate and distinct legal entities and they have no obligation, contingent or otherwise, to pay 
such  cash  dividends  or  other  distributions  to  us.  In  addition,  the  payment  of  dividends  or  other  distributions  from  our  subsidiaries 
could be subject to restrictions under applicable law, monetary transfer restrictions, currency exchange regulations in jurisdictions in 
which our subsidiaries operate or any other restrictions imposed by current or future agreements to which our subsidiaries may be a 
party, including debt instruments. Events beyond our control, including changes in general business and economic conditions, could 
adversely impact the ability of our subsidiaries to pay dividends or make other distributions to us. If our subsidiaries were to become 
unable to make sufficient cash dividends or other distributions to us, our ability to service our liabilities and to pay dividends on our 
common stock could be adversely affected. 

In addition, a significant portion of our assets consist of ownership interests in our subsidiaries. If we were required to 
liquidate any of such securities in order to generate funds to satisfy our liabilities, we may be required to sell such securities at a time 
or times at which we would not be able to realize what we believe to be the long-term value of such assets. 

Demand for, and prices of, certain of our products are influenced by changing market conditions for our products, 

which may result in reduced earnings or operating losses. 

Our Chemicals Segment’s sales and profitability is largely dependent on the TiO2 industry.  In 2017, 94% of our Chemicals 
Segment’s sales were attributable to sales of TiO2.  TiO2 is used in many “quality of life” products for which demand historically has 
been  linked  to  global,  regional  and  local  gross  domestic  product  and  discretionary  spending,  which  can  be  negatively  impacted  by 
regional and world events or economic conditions.  Such events are likely to cause a decrease in demand for our products and, as a 
result, may have an adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.  

Pricing  within  the  global  TiO2  industry  over  the  long  term  is  cyclical  and  changes  in  economic  conditions,  especially  in 
Western industrialized nations, can significantly impact our earnings and operating cash flows.  Historically, the markets for many of 
our products have experienced alternating periods of increasing and decreasing demand.  Relative changes in the selling prices for our 
products are one of the main factors that affect the level of our profitability.  In periods of increasing demand, our selling prices and 
profit margins generally will tend to increase, while in periods of decreasing demand our selling prices and profit margins generally 
tend to decrease.  In addition, pricing may affect customer inventory levels as 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.  Our ability to 
further increase capacity without additional investment in greenfield or brownfield capacity increases may be limited and as a result, 
our profitability may become even more dependent upon the selling prices of our products. 

The TiO2 industry is concentrated and highly competitive and we face price pressures in the markets in which we 

operate, which may result in reduced earnings or operating losses. 

The global market in which we operate our Chemicals business is concentrated with the top six TiO2 producers accounting 
for  approximately  two-thirds  of  the  world’s  production  capacity  and  is  highly  competitive.    Competition  is  based  on  a  number  of 
factors, such as price, product quality and service.  Some of our competitors may be able to drive down prices for our products if their 
costs are lower than our costs.  In addition, some of our competitors’ financial, technological and other resources may be greater than 
our resources and such competitors may be better able to withstand changes in market conditions.  Our competitors may be able to 
respond more quickly than we can to new or emerging technologies and changes in customer requirements.  Further, consolidation of 
our  competitors  or  customers  may  result  in  reduced  demand  for  our  products  or  make  it  more  difficult  for  us  to  compete  with  our 
competitors.  The occurrence of any of these events could result in reduced earnings or operating losses. 

Higher costs or limited availability of our raw materials may reduce our earnings and decrease our liquidity. In 

addition, many of our raw material contracts contain fixed quantities we are required to purchase. 

The  number  of  sources  for  and  availability  of  certain  raw  materials  used  in  our  Chemicals  Segment  is  specific  to  the 
particular geographical region in which a facility is located.  For example, titanium-containing feedstocks suitable for use in our TiO2 
facilities are available from a limited number of suppliers around the world.  Political and economic instability in the countries from 

- 17 -

which we purchase our raw material supplies could adversely affect their availability.  If our worldwide vendors were unable to meet 
their contractual obligations and we were unable to obtain necessary raw materials, we could incur higher costs for raw materials or 
may be required to reduce production levels.  We experienced significantly higher ore costs in 2012 which carried over into 2013.  We 
have seen moderation in the purchase cost of third-party feedstock ore since 2013 through the first half of 2017; however, the cost of 
third-party feedstock ore we procured in the last half of 2017 is slightly higher as compared to the first half of 2017. We may also 
experience higher operating costs such as energy costs, which could affect our profitability.  We may not always be able to increase 
our selling prices to offset the impact of any higher costs or reduced production levels, which could reduce our earnings and decrease 
our liquidity. 

We have long-term supply contracts that provide for our TiO2 feedstock requirements that currently expire through 2019.  
While we believe we will be able to renew these contracts, there can be no assurance we will be successful in renewing them or in 
obtaining  long-term  extensions  to  them  prior  to  expiration.  Our  current  agreements  (including  those  entered  into  through  January 
2018)  require  us  to  purchase  certain  minimum  quantities  of  feedstock  with  minimum  purchase  commitments  aggregating 
approximately  $383  million  in  years  subsequent  to  December 31,  2017.    In  addition,  we  have  other  long-term  supply  and  service 
contracts that provide for various raw materials and services. These agreements require us to purchase certain minimum quantities or 
services  with  minimum  purchase  commitments  aggregating  approximately  $128  million  at  December 31,  2017.    Our  commitments 
under these contracts could adversely affect our Chemicals Segment’s operating income.

Certain raw materials used in our Component Products Segment’s products are commodities that are subject to significant 
fluctuations  in  price  in  response  to  world-wide  supply  and  demand  as  well  as  speculative  investor  activity.    Zinc  and  brass  are  the 
principal  raw  materials  used  in  the  manufacture  of  security  products.    Stainless  steel  tubing  is  the  major  raw  material  used  in  the 
manufacture of marine exhaust systems.  These raw materials are purchased from several suppliers and are generally readily available 
from  numerous  sources.    We  occasionally  enter  into  short-term  raw  material  supply  arrangements  to  mitigate  the  impact  of  future 
increases  in  commodity-related  raw  material  costs.    Materials  purchased  outside  of  these  arrangements  are  sometimes  subject  to 
unanticipated  and  sudden  price  increases.    Should  our  vendors  not  be  able  to  meet  their  contractual  obligations  or  should  we  be 
otherwise  unable  to  obtain  necessary  raw  materials,  we  may  incur  higher  costs  for  raw  materials  or  may  be  required  to  reduce 
production levels, either of which may decrease our liquidity or negatively impact our financial condition or results of operations as 
we may be unable to offset the higher costs with increases in our selling prices or reductions in other operating costs. 

We could incur significant costs related to legal and environmental remediation matters. 

NL formerly manufactured lead pigments for use in paint.  NL and others have been named as defendants in various legal 
proceedings  seeking  damages  for  personal  injury,  property  damage  and  governmental  expenditures  allegedly  caused  by  the  use  of 
lead-based paints.  These lawsuits seek recovery under a variety of theories, including public and private nuisance, negligent product 
design,  negligent  failure  to  warn,  strict  liability,  breach  of  warranty,  conspiracy/concert  of  action,  aiding  and  abetting,  enterprise 
liability,  market  share  or  risk  contribution  liability,  intentional  tort,  fraud  and  misrepresentation,  violations  of  state  consumer 
protection statutes, supplier negligence and similar claims.  The plaintiffs in these actions generally seek to impose on the defendants 
responsibility  for  lead  paint  abatement  and  health  concerns  associated  with  the  use  of  lead-based  paints,  including  damages  for 
personal  injury,  contribution  and/or  indemnification  for  medical  expenses,  medical  monitoring  expenses  and  costs  for  educational 
programs.  As with all legal proceedings, the outcome is uncertain.  Any liability we might incur in the future could be material.  See 
also Item 3 - “Legal Proceedings - Lead pigment litigation.” 

Certain  properties  and  facilities  used  in  our  former  operations  are  the  subject  of  litigation,  administrative  proceedings  or 
investigations arising under various environmental laws.  These proceedings seek cleanup costs, personal injury or property damages 
and/or damages for injury to natural resources.  Some of these proceedings involve claims for substantial amounts.  Environmental 
obligations are difficult to assess and estimate for  numerous reasons, and we may incur costs for environmental  remediation in the 
future in excess of amounts currently estimated.  Any liability we might incur in the future could be material.  See also Item 3 - “Legal 
Proceedings - Environmental matters and litigation.” 

Many  of  the  markets  in  which  our  Component  Products  Segment  operates  are  mature  and  highly  competitive 

resulting in pricing pressure and the need to continuously reduce costs. 

Many  of  the  markets  our  Component  Products  Segment  serves  are  highly  competitive,  with  a  number  of  competitors 
offering similar products.  We focus our efforts on the middle and high-end segment of the market where we feel that we can compete 
due  to  the  importance  of  product  design,  quality  and  durability  to  the  customer.    However,  our  ability  to  effectively  compete  is 
impacted by a number of factors.  The occurrence of any of these factors could result in reduced earnings or operating losses. 

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

Competitors may be able to drive down prices for our products beyond our ability to adjust costs because their costs are 
lower than ours, especially products sourced from Asia. 

Competitors’ financial, technological and other resources may be greater than our resources, which may enable them to 
more effectively withstand changes in market conditions. 

- 18 -

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

Competitors may be able to respond more quickly than we can to new or emerging technologies and changes in customer 
requirements. 

Consolidation of our competitors or customers in any of the markets in which we compete may result in reduced demand 
for our products. 

A  reduction  of  our  market  share  with  one  or  more  of  our  key  customers,  or  a  reduction  in  one  or  more  of  our  key 
customers’ market share for their end-use products, may reduce demand for our products.

New  competitors  could  emerge  by  modifying  their  existing  production  facilities  to  manufacture  products  that  compete 
with our products. 

We may not be able to sustain a cost structure that enables us to be competitive. 

Customers may no longer value our product design, quality or durability over the lower cost products of our competitors. 

Our development of innovative features for current products is critical to sustaining and growing our Component 

Product Segment’s sales. 

Historically, our Component Products Segment’s ability to provide value-added custom engineered products that address 
requirements of technology and space utilization has been a key element of our success.  We spend a significant amount of time and 
effort to refine, improve and adapt our existing products for new customers and applications.  Since expenditures for these types of 
activities are not considered research and development expense under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of 
America (“GAAP”), the amount of our research and development expenditures, which is not significant, is not indicative of the overall 
effort involved in the development of new product features.  The introduction of new product features requires the coordination of the 
design, manufacturing and marketing of the new product features with current and potential customers.  The ability to coordinate these 
activities with current and potential customers may be affected by factors beyond our control.  While we will continue to emphasize 
the introduction of innovative new product features that target customer-specific opportunities, we do not know if any new product 
features we introduce will achieve the same degree of success that we have achieved with our existing products.  Introduction of new 
product  features  typically  requires  us  to  increase  production  volume  on  a  timely  basis  while  maintaining  product  quality.  
Manufacturers often encounter difficulties in increasing production volumes, including delays, quality control problems and shortages 
of qualified personnel or raw materials.  As we attempt to introduce new product features in the future, we do not know if we will be 
able  to  increase  production  volume  without  encountering  these  or  other  problems,  which  might  negatively  impact  our  financial 
condition or results of operations. 

If our intellectual property were to be declared invalid, or copied by or become known to by competitors, or if our 
competitors were to develop similar or superior intellectual property or technology, our ability to compete could be adversely 
impacted.  

Protection  of  our  intellectual  property  rights,  including  patents,  trade  secrets,  confidential  information,  trademarks  and 
tradenames, is important to our businesses and our competitive positions.  We endeavor to protect our intellectual property rights in 
key jurisdictions in which our products are produced or used and in jurisdictions into which our products are imported.  However, we 
may be unable to obtain protection for our intellectual property in key jurisdictions.  Although we own and have applied for numerous 
patents and trademarks throughout the world, we may have to rely on judicial enforcement of our patents and other proprietary rights.  
Our  patents  and  other  intellectual  property  rights  may  be  challenged,  invalidated,  circumvented,  and  rendered  unenforceable  or 
otherwise compromised.  A failure to protect, defend or enforce our intellectual property could have an adverse effect on our financial 
condition and results of operations.  Similarly, third parties may assert claims against us and our customers and distributors alleging 
our products infringe upon third-party intellectual property rights.

It is the practice of our Chemicals Segment to enter into confidentiality agreements with its employees and third parties to 
protect our proprietary expertise and other trade secrets; however these agreements may not provide sufficient protection for our trade 
secrets  or  proprietary  know-how,  or  adequate  remedies  for  breaches  of  such  agreements  may  not  be  available  in  the  event  of  an 
unauthorized  use  or  disclosure  of  such  trade  secrets  and  know-how.    We  also  may  not  be  able  to  readily  detect  breaches  of  such 
agreements.  The failure of our patents or confidentiality agreements to protect our proprietary technology, know-how or trade secrets 
could result in a material loss of our competitive position, which could lead to significantly lower revenues, reduced profit margins or 
loss of market share.

Our Component Products Segment relies on patent, trademark and trade secret laws in the United States and similar laws in 
other countries to establish and maintain our intellectual property rights in our technology and designs.  Despite these measures, any of 
our  intellectual  property  rights  could  be  challenged,  invalidated,  circumvented  or  misappropriated.    Others  may  independently 
discover  our  trade  secrets  and  proprietary  information,  and  in  such  cases  we  could  not  assert  any  trade  secret  rights  against  such 
parties.  Further, we do not know if any of our pending trademark or patent applications will be approved.  Costly and time-consuming 
litigation could be necessary to enforce and determine the scope of our intellectual property rights.  In addition, the laws of certain 

- 19 -

countries  do  not  protect  intellectual  property  rights  to  the  same  extent  as  the  laws  of  the  United  States.    Therefore,  in  certain 
jurisdictions, we may be unable to protect our technology and designs adequately against unauthorized third party use, which could 
adversely affect our competitive position. 

Third parties may claim that we or our customers are infringing upon their intellectual property rights.  Even if we believe 
that  such  claims  are  without  merit,  they  can  be  time-consuming  and  costly  to  defend  and  distract  our  management’s  and  technical 
staff’s  attention  and  resources.    Claims  of  intellectual  property  infringement  also  might  require  us  to  redesign  affected  technology, 
enter  into  costly  settlement  or  license  agreements  or  pay  costly  damage  awards,  or  face  a  temporary  or  permanent  injunction 
prohibiting  us  from  marketing  or  selling  certain  of  our  technology.    If  we  cannot  or  do  not  license  the  infringed  technology  on 
reasonable pricing terms or at all, or substitute similar technology from another source, our business could be adversely impacted. 

If we must take legal action to protect, defend or enforce our intellectual property rights, any suits or proceedings could result 
in significant costs and diversion of resources and management’s attention, and we may not prevail in any such suits or proceedings.  
A  failure  to  protect,  defend  or  enforce  our  intellectual  property  rights  could  have  an  adverse  effect  on  our  financial  condition  and 
results of operations.

Our Real Estate Management and Development Segment owns a significant amount of real property in Henderson, 
Nevada.  A prolonged downturn in the local real estate market in Nevada could negatively impact our ability to successfully 
complete the development of such real property.  

A substantial portion of the revenues and assets associated with our Real Estate Management and Development Segment 
relate  to  certain  real  estate  under  development  in  Henderson,  Nevada,  including  approximately  2,100  acres  zoned  for 
residential/planned  community  purposes  and  approximately  400  acres  zoned  for  commercial  and  light  industrial  use.  A  prolonged 
downturn in the local real estate market in Nevada or other events could negatively impact our ability to successfully complete the 
development of such real property, either by requiring us to incur future development costs in excess of our current estimates, or by 
resulting  in  selling  prices  for  future  retail  land  sales  lower  than  what  we  currently  expect.    If  any  of  these  events  were  to  occur, 
revenue and profits in our Real Estate Management and Development segment may be significantly and negatively affected.

Our leverage may impair our financial condition or limit our ability to operate our businesses. 

We have a significant amount of debt, primarily related to Kronos’ Senior Notes, our loan from Contran Corporation, our 
loans from Snake River Sugar Company and the BMI bank note. As of December 31, 2017, our total consolidated debt for continuing 
operations  was  approximately  $1,043.1 million.  Our  level  of  debt  could  have  important  consequences  to  our  stockholders  and 
creditors, including: 

(cid:129) making it more difficult for us to satisfy our obligations with respect to our liabilities; 
(cid:129)

increasing our vulnerability to adverse general economic and industry conditions; 

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

requiring  that  a  portion  of  our  cash  flows  from  operations  be  used  for  the  payment  of  interest  on  our  debt,  which 
reduces  our  ability  to  use  our  cash  flow  to  fund  working  capital,  capital  expenditures,  dividends  on  our  common 
stock, acquisitions or general corporate requirements; 

limiting the ability of our subsidiaries to pay dividends to us; 

limiting our ability to obtain additional financing to fund future working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions or 
general corporate requirements; 

limiting our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the industry in which we operate; 
and 

placing us at a competitive disadvantage relative to other less leveraged competitors. 

In  addition  to  our  indebtedness,  we  are  party  to  various  lease  and  other  agreements  (including  feedstock  ore  purchase 
contracts  as  previously  described)  pursuant  to  which,  along  with  our  indebtedness,  we  are  committed  to  pay  approximately 
$496.4 million in 2018. Our ability to make payments on and refinance our debt and to fund planned capital expenditures depends on 
our  future  ability  to  generate  cash  flow.  To  some  extent,  this  is  subject  to  general  economic,  financial,  competitive,  legislative, 
regulatory and other factors that are beyond our control. In addition, our ability to borrow funds under certain of our revolving credit 
facilities in the future will, in some instances, depend in part on these subsidiaries’ ability to maintain specified financial ratios and 
satisfy certain financial covenants contained in the applicable credit agreement. 

Our businesses may not generate cash flows from operating activities sufficient to enable us to pay our debts when they 
become due and to fund our other liquidity needs. As a result, we may need to refinance all or a portion of our debt before maturity. 
We may not be able to refinance any of our debt in a timely manner on favorable terms, if at all, in the current credit markets. Any 

- 20 -

inability  to  generate  sufficient  cash  flows  or  to  refinance  our  debt  on  favorable  terms  could  have  a  material  adverse  effect  on  our 
financial condition. 

As a global business, we are subject to risks associated with doing business outside the United States.

We have global operations and derive a large portion of our sales from customers outside the United States.  Accordingly, our 
international  operations  or  those  of  our  international  customers  could  be  substantially  affected  by  a  number  of  risks  arising  with 
operating an international business, including trade barriers, tariffs, exchange controls, economic and political conditions, compliance 
with a variety of non-United States laws and regulations (including income tax laws and regulations) or compliance with United States 
law  and  regulations  in  respect  to  doing  business  internationally,  limitations  or  restrictions  on  the  repatriation  of  non-United  States 
earnings to the United States, and difficulty in enforcing agreements or other legal rights.  Our operations are also subject to the effects 
of global competition.   These risks, individually or in the aggregate, could have an adverse effect on our results of operations and 
financial condition.

Changes in exchange rates and interest rates can adversely affect our net sales, profits and cash flows.

We  operate  our  businesses  in  several  different  countries  and  sell  our  products  worldwide.    For  example,  during  2017, 
approximately one-half of our Chemicals Segment’s sales volumes were sold into European markets.  The majority (but not all) of our 
sales from our operations outside the United States are denominated in currencies other than the United States dollar, primarily the 
euro,  other  major  European  currencies  and  the  Canadian  dollar.    Therefore,  we  are  exposed  to  risks  related  to  the  need  to  convert 
currencies we receive from the sale of our products into the currencies required to pay for certain of our operating costs and expenses 
and other liabilities (including indebtedness), all of which could result in future losses depending on fluctuations in currency exchange 
rates and affect the comparability of our results of operations between periods.

Global climate change legislation could negatively impact our financial results or limit our ability to operate our 

businesses. 

We  operate  production  facilities  in  several  countries.    In  many  of  the  countries  in  which  we  operate,  legislation  has  been 
passed,  or  proposed  legislation  is  being  considered,  to  limit  greenhouse  gases  through  various  means,  including  emissions  permits 
and/or energy taxes.  In several of our production facilities, we consume large amounts of energy, primarily electricity and natural gas.  
To date, the permit system in effect in the various countries in which we operate has not had a material adverse effect on our financial 
results.  However, if further greenhouse gas legislation were to be enacted in one or more countries, it could negatively impact our 
future results from operations through increased costs of production, particularly as it relates to our energy requirements or our need to 
obtain emissions permits.  If such increased costs of production were to materialize, we may be unable to pass price increases onto our 
customers to compensate for increased production costs, which may decrease our liquidity, operating income and results of operations. 

Technology failures or cyber security breaches could have a material adverse effect on our operations.

We rely on information technology systems to manage, process and analyze data, as well as to facilitate the manufacture and 
distribution of our products to and from our plants. We receive, process and ship orders, manage the billing of and collections from 
our customers, and manage the accounting for and payment to our vendors.  In this regard, in January 2017 Kronos implemented a 
new  enterprise  resource  planning  system  covering  certain  finance  processes  (principally  general  ledger,  accounts  receivable  and 
accounts  payable),  and  in  January  2018  Kronos  implemented  the  remaining  portion  of  such  enterprise  resource  planning  system 
covering sales, procurement, manufacturing and plaint maintenance.  Although we have systems and procedures in place to protect 
our  information  technology  systems,  there  can  be  no  assurance  that  such  systems  and  procedures  would  be  sufficiently 
effective.   Therefore, any of our information technology systems may be susceptible to outages, disruptions or destruction as well as 
cyber security breaches or attacks, resulting in a disruption of our business operations, injury to people, harm to the environment or 
our  assets,  and/or  the  inability  to  access  our  information  technology  systems.   If  any  of  these  events  were  to  occur,  our  results  of 
operations and financial condition could be adversely affected.

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS 

None. 

ITEM 2.

PROPERTIES 

We along with our subsidiaries, Kronos, CompX and NL lease office space through Contran for our principal executive 
offices in Dallas, Texas. Our BMI and LandWell subsidiaries’ principal offices are in an owned building in Henderson, Nevada. A list 
of operating facilities for each of our subsidiaries is described in the applicable business sections of Item 1—“Business.” We believe 
our facilities are generally adequate and suitable for their respective uses. 

- 21 -

 
ITEM 3.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS 

We are involved in various legal proceedings. In addition to information included below, certain information called for by 

this Item is included in Note 18 to our Consolidated Financial Statements, which is incorporated herein by reference. 

Lead Pigment Litigation—NL 

NL’s former operations included the manufacture of lead pigments for use in paint and lead-based paint.  NL, other former 
manufacturers of lead pigments for use in paint and lead-based paint (together, the “former pigment manufacturers”), and the Lead 
Industries  Association  (LIA),  which  discontinued  business  operations  in  2002,  have  been  named  as  defendants  in  various  legal 
proceedings  seeking  damages  for  personal  injury,  property  damage  and  governmental  expenditures  allegedly  caused  by  the  use  of 
lead-based paints.  Certain of these actions have been filed by or on behalf of states, counties, cities or their public housing authorities 
and school districts, and certain others have been asserted as class actions.  These lawsuits seek recovery under a variety of theories, 
including  public  and  private  nuisance,  negligent  product  design,  negligent  failure  to  warn,  strict  liability,  breach  of  warranty, 
conspiracy/concert of action, aiding and abetting, enterprise liability, market share or risk contribution liability, intentional tort, fraud 
and misrepresentation, violations of state consumer protection statutes, supplier negligence and similar claims.

The plaintiffs in these actions generally seek to impose on the defendants responsibility for lead paint abatement and health 
concerns associated with the use of lead-based paints, including damages for personal injury, contribution and/or indemnification for 
medical expenses, medical monitoring expenses and costs for educational programs.  To the extent the plaintiffs seek compensatory or 
punitive damages in these actions, such damages are generally unspecified.  In some cases, the damages are unspecified pursuant to 
the requirements of applicable state law.  A number of cases are inactive or have been dismissed or withdrawn.  Most of the remaining 
cases are in various pre-trial stages.  Some are on appeal following dismissal or summary judgment rulings or a trial verdict in favor of 
either the defendants or the plaintiffs. 

We believe that these actions are without merit, and we intend to continue to deny all allegations of wrongdoing and liability 
and to defend against all actions vigorously.  Other than with respect to the Santa Clara case discussed below, we do not believe it is 
probable that we have incurred any liability with respect to all of the lead pigment litigation cases to which we are a party, and with 
respect to all such lead pigment litigation cases to which we are a party, including the Santa Clara case, we believe liability to us that 
may result, if any, in this regard cannot be reasonably estimated, because: 

(cid:129) NL has never settled any of the market share, intentional tort, fraud, nuisance, supplier negligence, breach of warranty, 

(cid:129)

conspiracy, misrepresentation, aiding and abetting, enterprise liability, or statutory cases, 
no final, non-appealable adverse verdicts have ever been entered against NL (subject to the final outcome of the Santa 
Clara case discussed below), and 

(cid:129) NL has never ultimately been found liable with respect to any such litigation matters, including over 100 cases over a 
twenty-year period for which we were previously a party and for which we have been dismissed without any finding of 
liability (subject to the final outcome of the Santa Clara case discussed below).  

Accordingly, we have not accrued any amounts for any of the pending lead pigment and lead-based paint litigation cases filed 
by or on behalf of states, counties, cities or their public housing authorities and school districts, or those asserted as class actions. In 
addition, we have determined that liability to us which may result, if any, cannot be reasonably estimated at this time because there is 
no prior history of a loss of this nature on which an estimate could be made and there is no substantive information available upon 
which an estimate could be based. 

In  one  of  these  lead  pigment  cases,  in  April  2000  NL  was  served  with  a  complaint  in  County  of  Santa  Clara  v.  Atlantic 
Richfield Company, et al, (Superior Court of the State of California, County of Santa Clara, Case No. 1-00-CV-788657) brought by a 
number of California government entities against the former pigment manufacturers, the LIA and certain paint manufacturers.  The 
County of Santa Clara sought to recover compensatory damages for funds the plaintiffs had expended or would in the future expend 
for  medical  treatment,  educational  expenses,  abatement  or  other  costs  due  to  exposure  to,  or  potential  exposure  to,  lead  paint, 
disgorgement  of  profit,  and  punitive  damages.    In  July  2003,  the  trial  judge  granted  defendants’  motion  to  dismiss  all  remaining 
claims.  Plaintiffs appealed and the intermediate appellate court reinstated public nuisance, negligence, strict liability, and fraud claims 
in March 2006.  A fourth amended complaint was filed in March 2011 on behalf of The People of California by the County Attorneys 
of  Alameda,  Ventura,  Solano,  San  Mateo,  Los  Angeles  and  Santa  Clara,  and  the  City  Attorneys  of  San  Francisco,  San  Diego  and 
Oakland.  That complaint alleged that the presence of lead paint created a public nuisance in each of the prosecuting jurisdictions and 
sought its abatement.  In July and August 2013, the case was tried.  In January 2014, the trial court judge issued a judgment finding 
NL, The Sherwin Williams Company and ConAgra Grocery Products Company jointly and severally liable for the abatement of lead 
paint in pre-1980 homes, and ordered the defendants to pay an aggregate $1.15 billion to the people of the State of California to fund 
such abatement.  The trial court’s judgment also found that to the extent any abatement funds remained unspent after four years, such 

- 22 -

funds were to be returned to the defendants.  In February 2014, NL filed a motion for a new trial, and in March 2014 the trial court 
denied the motion.  Subsequently in March 2014, NL filed a notice of appeal with the Sixth District Court of Appeal for the State of 
California.  On November 14, 2017, the Sixth District Court of Appeal issued its opinion, upholding the trial court’s judgment, except 
that it reversed the portion of the judgment requiring abatement of homes built between 1951 and 1980 which significantly reduced 
the number of homes subject to the abatement order.  In addition, the appellate court ordered the case be remanded to the trial court to 
recalculate the amount of the abatement fund, to limit it to the amount necessary to cover the cost of investigating and remediating 
pre-1951 homes, and to hold an evidentiary hearing to appoint a suitable receiver.  In addition, the appellate court found that NL and 
the other defendants had the right to seek recovery from liable parties that contributed to a hazardous condition at a particular property.  
Subsequently, NL and the other defendants filed a Petition with the California Supreme Court seeking its review of a number of issues.  
On February 14, 2018, the California Supreme Court denied such petition.  NL and the other defendants have indicated they intend to 
file an appeal with the U.S. Supreme Court, seeking its review of two federal issues in the trial court’s original judgment.  Review by 
the U.S. Supreme Court is discretionary, and there can be no assurance that the U.S. Supreme Court would agree to hear any such 
appeal that NL and the other defendants would file, or if they would agree to hear any such appeal, that the U.S. Supreme Court would 
rule in favor of NL and the other defendants.  NL and the other defendants intend to seek a stay of the case in the trial court, pending 
its appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.  Granting of such a stay by the appellate court is discretionary.  If no such stay is issued, the 
remand to the trial court would proceed, and under such remand the trial court would, among other things, (i) assign a new judge to 
the  case  (the  original  judge  has  retired),  (ii)  recalculate  the  amount  of  the  abatement  fund,  excluding  remediation  of  homes  built 
between 1951 and 1980, (iii) hold an evidentiary hearing to appoint a suitable receiver for the abatement fund and (iv) enter an order 
setting forth its rulings on these issues.  NL believes any party will have a right to appeal any of these new decisions made by the trial 
court from the remand of the case.

The Santa Clara case is unusual in that this is the second time that an adverse verdict in the lead pigment litigation has been 
entered against NL (the first adverse verdict against NL was ultimately overturned on appeal). Given the appellate court’s November 
2017 ruling, and the denial of an appeal by the California Supreme Court, we have concluded that the likelihood of a loss in this case 
has reached a standard of “probable” as contemplated by ASC 450.  However, we have also concluded that the amount of such loss 
cannot be reasonably estimated at this time (nor can a range of loss be reasonably estimated) because, among other things:

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

The appellate court has remanded the case back to the trial court to recalculate the total amount of the abatement, limiting the 
abatement to pre-1951 homes. Until the trial court has completed such recalculation,  NL and the other defendants have no 
basis to estimate a liability;
The appellate court upheld NL’s and the other defendants’ right to seek contribution from other liable parties (e.g. property 
owners  who  have  violated  the  applicable  housing  code)  on  a  house-by-house  basis.    The  method  by  which  the  trial  court 
would undertake to determine such house-by-house responsibility, and the outcome of such a house-by-house determination, 
is not presently known;
Participation  in  any  abatement  program  by  each  homeowner  is  voluntary,  and  each  homeowner  would  need  to  consent  to 
allowing someone to come into the home to undertake any inspection and abatement, as well as consent to the nature, timing 
and extent of any abatement.  The original trial court’s judgment unrealistically assumed 100% participation by the affected 
homeowners.  Actual participation rates are likely to be less than 100% (the ultimate extent of participation is not presently 
known);
The remedy ordered by the trial court is an abatement fund.  The trial court ordered that any funds unspent after four years 
are to be returned to the defendants (this provision of the trial court’s original judgment was not overturned by the appellate 
court).  As noted above, the actual number of homes which would participate in any abatement, and the nature, timing and 
extent of any such abatement, is not presently known; and

(cid:129) NL and the other two defendants are jointly and severally liable for the abatement, and NL does not believe any individual 

defendant would be 100% responsible for the cost of any abatement. 

Accordingly, the total ultimate amount of any abatement fund, and NL’s share of any abatement is not presently known.  For 
all of the reasons noted above, NL has concluded that the amount of loss for this matter cannot be reasonably estimated at this time 
(nor can any reasonable range of loss be estimated).  However, as with any legal proceeding, there is no assurance that any appeal 
would be successful, and it is reasonably possible, based on the outcome of the appeals process and the remand proceedings in the trial 
court,  that  NL  may  in  the  future  incur  some  liability  resulting  in  the  recognition  of  a  loss  contingency  accrual  that  could  have  a 
material adverse impact on our results of operations, financial position and liquidity.

In June 2000, a complaint was filed in Illinois state court, Lewis, et al. v. Lead Industries Association, et al (Circuit Court of 
Cook County, Illinois, County Department, Chancery Division, Case No. 00CH09800.)  Plaintiffs seek to represent two classes, one 
consisting of minors between the ages of six months and six years who resided in housing in Illinois built before 1978, and another 
consisting of individuals between the ages of six and twenty years who lived in Illinois housing built before 1978 when they were 
between the ages of six months and six years and who had blood lead levels of 10 micrograms/deciliter or more.  The complaint seeks 
damages jointly and severally from the former pigment manufacturers and the LIA to establish a medical screening fund for the first 
class to determine blood lead levels, a medical monitoring fund for the second class to detect the onset of latent diseases and a fund for 

- 23 -

a public education campaign.  In April 2008, the trial court judge certified a class of children whose blood lead levels were screened 
venously between August 1995 and February 2008 and who had incurred expenses associated with such screening.  In March 2012, 
the trial court judge decertified the class.  In June 2012, the trial court judge granted plaintiffs the right to appeal his decertification 
order, and in August 2012 the appellate court granted plaintiffs permission to appeal.  In March 2013, the appellate court agreed with 
the trial court’s rationale regarding legislative requirements to screen children’s blood lead levels and remanded the case for further 
proceedings in the trial court.  In July 2013, plaintiffs moved to vacate the decertification.  In October 2013, the judge denied plaintiffs’ 
motion to vacate the decertification of the class.  In March 2014, plaintiffs filed a new class certification motion.  In April 2015, a 
class was certified consisting of parents or legal guardians of children who lived in certain “high risk” areas in Illinois between August 
18, 1995 and February 19, 2008, and incurred an expense or liability for having their children’s blood lead levels tested.

In  addition  to  the  foregoing  litigation,  various  legislation  and  administrative  regulations  have,  from  time  to  time,  been 
proposed that seek to (a) impose various obligations on present and former manufacturers of lead pigment and lead-based paint with 
respect to asserted health concerns associated with the use of such products and (b) effectively overturn court decisions in which we 
and other pigment manufacturers have been successful.  Examples of such proposed legislation include bills which would permit civil 
liability  for  damages  on  the  basis  of  market  share,  rather  than  requiring  plaintiffs  to  prove  that  the  defendant’s  product  caused  the 
alleged damage, and bills which would revive actions barred by the statute of limitations.  While no legislation or regulations have 
been enacted to date that are expected to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or 
liquidity, the imposition of market share liability or other legislation could have such an effect.  

New cases may continue to be filed against NL.  We cannot assure you that we will not incur liability in the future in respect 
of any of the pending or possible litigation in view of the inherent uncertainties involved in court and jury rulings.  In the future, if 
new  information  regarding  such  matters  becomes  available  to  us  (such  as  a  final,  non-appealable  adverse  verdict  against  us  or 
otherwise ultimately being found liable with respect to such matters), at that time we would consider such information in evaluating 
any remaining cases then-pending against us as to whether it might then have become probable we have incurred liability with respect 
to these matters, and whether such liability,  if  any,  could have become reasonably estimable.  The resolution of any  of  these  cases 
could  result  in  the  recognition  of  a  loss  contingency  accrual  that  could  have  a  material  adverse  impact  on  our  net  income  for  the 
interim  or  annual  period  during  which  such  liability  is  recognized  and  a  material  adverse  impact  on  our  consolidated  financial 
condition and liquidity.  

Environmental matters and litigation 

Our operations are governed by various environmental laws and regulations.  Certain of our businesses are and 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 and regulations.  As with other companies engaged in similar businesses, certain of our past 
and current operations and products have the potential to cause environmental or other damage.  We have implemented and continue 
to implement various policies and programs in an effort to minimize these risks.  Our policy is to maintain compliance with applicable 
environmental laws and regulations at all of our plants and to strive to improve environmental performance.  From time to time, we 
may be subject to environmental regulatory enforcement under U.S. and non-U.S. statutes, the resolution of which typically involves 
the  establishment  of  compliance  programs.    It  is  possible  that  future  developments,  such  as  stricter  requirements  of  environmental 
laws and enforcement policies, could adversely affect our production, handling, use, storage, transportation, sale or disposal of such 
substances.  We believe that all of our facilities are in substantial compliance with applicable environmental laws.  

Certain properties and facilities used in our former operations, including divested primary and secondary lead smelters and 
former mining locations, are the subject of civil litigation, administrative proceedings or investigations arising under federal and state 
environmental  laws  and  common  law.    Additionally,  in  connection  with  past  operating  practices,  we  are  currently  involved  as  a 
defendant, potentially responsible party (PRP) or both, pursuant to the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and 
Liability  Act,  as  amended  by  the  Superfund  Amendments  and  Reauthorization  Act  (CERCLA),  and  similar  state  laws  in  various 
governmental and private actions associated with waste disposal sites, mining locations, and facilities that we or our predecessors, our 
subsidiaries  or  their  predecessors  currently  or  previously  owned,  operated  or  used,  certain  of  which  are  on  the  United  States 
Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Superfund National Priorities List or similar state lists.  These proceedings seek cleanup 
costs, damages for personal injury or property damage and/or damages for injury to natural resources.  Certain of these proceedings 
involve claims for substantial amounts.  Although we may be jointly and severally liable for these costs, in most cases we are only one 
of a number of PRPs who may also be jointly and severally liable, and among whom costs may be shared or allocated.  In addition, we 
are  also  a  party  to  a  number  of  personal  injury  lawsuits  filed  in  various  jurisdictions  alleging  claims  related  to  environmental 
conditions alleged to have resulted from our operations.  

- 24 -

Obligations associated with environmental remediation and related matters are difficult to assess and estimate for numerous 

reasons including the: 

complexity and differing interpretations of governmental regulations, 
number of PRPs and their ability or willingness to fund such allocation of costs, 
financial capabilities of the PRPs and the allocation of costs among them, 
solvency of other PRPs, 

(cid:129)
(cid:129)
(cid:129)
(cid:129)
(cid:129) multiplicity of possible solutions, 
(cid:129)
(cid:129)

number of years of investigatory, remedial and monitoring activity required, 
uncertainty  over  the  extent,  if  any,  to  which  our  former  operations  might  have  contributed  to  the  conditions  allegedly 
giving rise to such personal injury, property damage, natural resource and related claims, and 
number  of  years  between  former  operations  and  notice  of  claims  and  lack  of  information  and  documents  about  the 
former operations.  

(cid:129)

In  addition,  the  imposition  of  more  stringent  standards  or  requirements  under  environmental  laws  or  regulations,  new 
developments or changes regarding site cleanup costs or the allocation of costs among PRPs, solvency of other PRPs, the results of 
future testing and analysis undertaken with respect to certain sites or a determination that we are potentially responsible for the release 
of hazardous substances at other sites, could cause our expenditures to exceed our current estimates.  We cannot assure you that actual 
costs  will  not  exceed  accrued  amounts  or  the  upper  end  of  the  range  for  sites  for  which  estimates  have  been  made,  and  we  cannot 
assure you that costs will not be incurred for sites where no estimates presently can be made.  Further, additional environmental and 
related  matters  may  arise  in  the  future.    If  we  were  to  incur  any  future  liability,  this  could  have  a  material  adverse  effect  on  our 
consolidated financial statements, results of operations and liquidity.  

We record liabilities related to environmental remediation and related matters (including costs associated with damages for 
personal injury or property damage and/or damages for injury to natural resources) when estimated future expenditures are probable 
and reasonably estimable.  We adjust such accruals as further information becomes available to us or as circumstances change.  Unless 
the amounts and timing of such estimated future expenditures are fixed and reasonably determinable, we generally do not discount 
estimated future expenditures to their present value due to the uncertainty of the timing of the payout.  We recognize recoveries of 
costs  from  other  parties,  if  any,  as  assets  when  their  receipt  is  deemed  probable.    At  December 31,  2016  and  2017,  we  have  not 
recognized any material receivables for recoveries.  

We do not know and cannot estimate the exact time frame over which we will make payments for our accrued environmental 
and related costs.  The timing of payments depends upon a number of factors, including but not limited to the timing of the actual 
remediation process; which in turn depends on factors outside of our control.  At each balance sheet date, we estimate the amount of 
our accrued environmental and related costs which we expect to pay within the next twelve months, and we classify this estimate as a 
current liability.  We classify the remaining accrued environmental costs as a noncurrent liability.  

On a quarterly basis, we evaluate the potential range of our liability for environmental remediation and related costs at sites 
where  we  have  been  named  as  a  PRP  or  defendant,  including  sites  for  which  our  wholly-owned  environmental  management 
subsidiary, NL Environmental Management Services, Inc., (EMS), has contractually assumed our obligations.  At December 31, 2017, 
NL had accrued approximately $112 million related to approximately 39 sites associated with remediation and related matters that we 
believe are at the present time and/or in their current phase reasonably estimable.  The upper end of the range of reasonably possible 
costs  to  us  for  remediation  and  related  matters  for  which  we  believe  it  is  possible  to  estimate  costs  is  approximately  $154  million, 
including the amount currently accrued. 

We believe that it is not reasonably possible to estimate the range of costs for certain sites.  At December 31, 2017, there 
were approximately 5 sites for which NL is not currently able to reasonably estimate a range of costs.  For these sites, generally the 
investigation is in the early stages, and NL is unable to determine whether or not we actually had any association with the site, the 
nature of our responsibility, if any, for the contamination at the site and the extent of contamination at and cost to remediate the site.  
The timing and availability of information on these sites is dependent on events outside of our control, such as when the party alleging 
liability  provides  information  to  us.    At  certain  of  these  previously  inactive  sites,  we  have  received  general  and  special  notices  of 
liability  from  the  EPA  and/or  state  agencies  alleging  that  we,  sometimes  with  other  PRPs,  are  liable  for  past  and  future  costs  of 
remediating environmental contamination allegedly caused by former operations.  These notifications may assert that we, along with 
any other alleged PRPs, are liable for past and/or future clean-up costs.  As further information becomes available to us for any of 
these sites, which would allow us to estimate a range of costs, we would at that time adjust our accruals.  Any such adjustment could 
result in the recognition of an accrual that would have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements, results of operations 
and liquidity. 

In  June  2006,  NL  and  several  other  PRPs  received  a  Unilateral  Administrative  Order  (UAO)  from  the  EPA  regarding  a 
formerly-owned mine and milling facility located in Park Hills, Missouri.  The Doe Run Company is the current owner of the site, 
which was purchased by a predecessor of Doe Run from us in approximately 1936.  Doe Run is also named in the Order.  In April 

- 25 -

2008, the parties signed a definitive cost sharing agreement for sharing of the costs anticipated in connection with the order and in 
May 2008, the parties began work at the site as required by the UAO and in accordance with the cost sharing agreement.  In the fourth 
quarter of 2010, NL reached its capped payment obligation under the cost sharing agreement with Doe Run.  In the fourth quarter of 
2013, Doe Run completed the remainder of the construction work.  A Removal Action Report and Post-Removal Site Control plan 
were submitted to the EPA by Doe Run in 2016.  In March 2017, EPA approved the Removal Action Report and Post-Removal Site 
Control  submitted  by  Doe  Run  but  requested  an  amendment,  which  Doe  Run  submitted  in  July  2017,  and  which  completes  the 
remediation obligations under the Order. 

In June 2008, NL received a Directive and Notice to Insurers from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection 
(NJDEP) regarding the Margaret’s Creek site in Old Bridge Township, New Jersey.  NJDEP alleged that a waste hauler transported 
waste  from  one  of  our  former  facilities  for  disposal  at  the  site  in  the  early  1970s.    NJDEP  referred  the  site  to  the  EPA,  and  in 
November 2009, the EPA added the site to the National Priorities List under the name “Raritan Bay Slag Site.”  In 2012, EPA notified 
NL  of  its  potential  liability  at  this  site.    In  May  2013,  EPA  issued  its  Record  of  Decision  for  the  site.    In  June  2013,  NL  filed  a 
contribution suit under CERCLA and the New Jersey Spill Act titled NL Industries, Inc. v. Old Bridge Township, et al. (United States 
District  Court  for  the  District  of  New  Jersey,  Civil  Action  No.  3:13-cv-03493-MAS-TJB)  against  the  current  owner,  Old  Bridge 
Township, and several federal and state entities NL alleges designed and operated the site and who have significant potential liability 
as compared to NL which is alleged to have been a potential source of material placed at the site by others.  NL’s suit also names 
certain former NL customers of the former NL facility alleged to be the source of some of the materials.  In January 2014, EPA issued 
a UAO to NL for clean-up of the site based on the EPA’s preferred remedy set forth in the Record of Decision.   NL is in discussions 
with EPA about NL’s performance of a defined amount of the work at the site and is otherwise taking actions necessary to respond to 
the UAO.  If these discussions and actions are unsuccessful, NL will defend vigorously against all claims while continuing to seek 
contribution from other PRPs.  In March 2017, in a parallel lawsuit initiated by NL in State court against the State of New Jersey, 
which has significant potential liability as compared to NL, the New Jersey Supreme Court ruled that the State of New Jersey had not 
waived its immunity under the Spill Act for its pre-1977 conduct.  In August 2017, NL filed an amended complaint in the State court 
alleging post-1977 conduct by the State that led to contamination.  In September 2017, the State filed its answer and counterclaims.  
NL has denied liability on the State’s counterclaims and intends to continue to seek contribution from the State. 

In September 2008, NL received a Special Notice letter from the EPA for liability associated with the Tar Creek Superfund site 
in Ottawa County, Oklahoma (Tar Creek) and a demand for related past and future costs.  NL responded with a good-faith offer to pay 
certain of the EPA’s past costs and to complete limited work in the areas in which we operated.  In October 2008, NL received a claim 
from the State of Oklahoma for past, future and relocation costs in connection with the site.  In November 2015, the United States 
Department of Justice lodged with the federal court a fully-executed consent decree between the United States, the State of Oklahoma 
and NL that resolves the claims of the United States and the State of Oklahoma for past and future cleanup costs at Tar Creek.  In 
September 2017, the federal court approved the cash out consent decree.  

In August 2009, NL was served with a complaint in Raritan Baykeeper, Inc.  d/b/a NY/NJ Baykeeper et al. v.  NL Industries, 
Inc.  et al.  (United States District Court, District of New Jersey, Case No.  3:09-cv-04117).  This is a citizen’s suit filed by two local 
environmental groups pursuant to the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act and the Clean Water Act against NL, current owners, 
developers  and  state  and  local  government  entities.    The  complaint  alleges  that  hazardous  substances  were  and  continue  to  be 
discharged from our former Sayreville, New Jersey property into the sediments of the adjacent Raritan River.  The former Sayreville 
site  is  currently  being  remediated  by  owner/developer  parties  under  the  oversight  of  the  NJDEP.    The  plaintiffs  seek  a  declaratory 
judgment, injunctive relief, imposition of civil penalties and an award of costs.  NL has denied liability and will defend vigorously 
against all claims.

In June 2011, NL was served in ASARCO LLC v.  NL Industries, Inc., et al.  (United States District Court, Western District of 
Missouri,  Case  No.    4:11-cv-00138-DGK).    The  plaintiff  brought  this  CERCLA  contribution  action  against  several  defendants  to 
recover a portion of the amount it paid in settlement with the U.S.  Government during its Chapter 11 bankruptcy in relation to the Tar 
Creek  site,  the  Cherokee  County  Superfund  Site  in  southeast  Kansas,  the  Oronogo-Duenweg  Lead  Mining  Belt  Superfund  Site  in 
Jasper  County,  Missouri  and  the  Newton  County  Mine  Tailing  Site  in  Newton  County,  Missouri.    NL  has  denied  liability  and  will 
defend vigorously against all of the claims.  In the second quarter of 2012, NL filed a motion to stay the case.  In the first quarter of 
2013, NL’s motion was granted and the court entered an indefinite stay.  In the first quarter of 2015, Asarco was granted permission to 
seek an interlocutory appeal of that stay order.  In March 2015, the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals denied Asarco’s request for an 
interlocutory appeal of the stay order and the trial court’s indefinite stay remains in place.

In  September  2011,  NL  was  served  in  ASARCO  LLC  v.    NL  Industries,  Inc.,  et  al.    (United  States  District  Court,  Eastern 
District of Missouri, Case No.  4:11-cv-00864).  The plaintiff brought this CERCLA contribution action against several defendants to 
recover a portion of the amount it paid in settlement with the U.S. Government during its Chapter 11 bankruptcy in relation to the 
Southeast Missouri Mining District.  In May 2015, the trial court on its own motion entered an indefinite stay of the litigation.  In June 
2015, Asarco filed an appeal of the stay in the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals.  NL has moved to dismiss that appeal as improperly 

- 26 -

filed.    In  October  2015,  the  Eighth  Circuit  Court  of  Appeals  granted  NL’s  motion  to  dismiss  Asarco’s  appeal  and  the  trial  court’s 
indefinite stay remains in place.  

In July 2012, NL was served in EPEC Polymers, Inc., v.  NL Industries, Inc., (United States District Court for the District of 
New Jersey, Case 3:12-cv-03842-PGS-TJB).  The plaintiff, a landowner of property located across the Raritan River from our former 
Sayreville, New Jersey operation, claims that contaminants from NL’s former Sayreville operation came to be located on its land.  The 
complaint  seeks  compensatory  and  punitive  damages  and  alleges,  among  other  things,  trespass,  private  nuisance,  negligence,  strict 
liability, and claims under CERCLA and the New Jersey Spill Act.  In April 2016, the case was stayed and administratively terminated 
pending court-ordered mediation.  In October 2017, the parties informed the court that further mediation would not be fruitful.  The 
case was reopened in December 2017.  NL will continue to deny liability and defend vigorously against all of the claims.  

In March 2013, NL received Special Notice from EPA for Operable Unit 1, residential area, at the Big River Mine Tailings 
Superfund Site in St. Francois County, Missouri.  The site encompasses approximately eight former mine and mill areas, only one of 
which  is  associated  with  former  NL  operations,  as  well  as  adjacent  residential  areas.    NL  initiated  a  dialog  with  EPA  regarding  a 
potential settlement for this operable unit.

In September 2013, EPA issued to NL and 34 other PRPs general notice of potential liability and a demand for payment of 
past costs and performance of a Remedial Design for the Gowanus Canal Superfund Site in Brooklyn, New York.  In March 2014, 
EPA issued a UAO to NL and approximately 27 other PRPs for performance of the Remedial Design at the site.  EPA contends that 
NL is liable as the alleged successor to the Doehler Die Casting Company, and therefore responsible for any potential contamination 
at the Site resulting from Doehler’s ownership/operation of a warehouse and a die casting plant it owned 90 years ago. NL believes 
that it has no liability at the Site.  NL is currently in discussions with EPA regarding a de minimis settlement and is otherwise taking 
actions  necessary  to  respond  to  the  UAO.  If  these  discussions  are  unsuccessful,  NL  will  continue  to  deny  liability  and  will  defend 
vigorously against all of the claims.

In June 2016, NL and one other party received special notice from EPA for Operable Unit 2 of the Madison County Mines 
Superfund  Site  near  Fredericktown,  Missouri.  The  Site  includes  several  mining  properties  in  Madison  County,  Missouri.  Operable 
Unit 2 is a former cobalt mine and refinery that is now owned by another mining company.  In the special notice, EPA requested that 
NL and the other mining company agree to perform a Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study for Operable Unit 2.  NL initiated a 
dialog with EPA regarding the special notice.

In February 2017, the United States lodged a consent decree in United States v. NL Industries, Inc. (United States District Court, 
Western District of New York, Case No. 17-cv-124).  The consent decree between NL and EPA is one of several consent decrees that 
will  together  resolve  all  private  and  government  claims  related  to  the  NL  Industries,  Inc.  Superfund  Site  in  Depew,  New  York 
(“Depew Site”).  In 2007, NL completed the remediation of one area of the Depew Site under an Administrative Order on Consent.  
EPA  later  cleaned  up  another  part  of  the  site.    In  2010,  NL  filed  a  lawsuit,  captioned  NL  Industries,  Inc.  v.  ACF  Industries,  Inc. 
(United States District Court, Western District of New York, No. 10-cv-1989), seeking contribution from other responsible parties that 
contributed  to  the  contamination  at  the  site.    In  2016,  with  all  cleanups  complete,  NL,  EPA,  and  the  defendant  responsible  parties 
negotiated a global settlement.  The consent decrees for this global settlement resolve all government and private party claims relating 
to  the  site,  including  those  set  forth  in  our  lawsuit.    In  July  2017,  the  District  Court  entered  the  Consent  Decree  and  NL  paid  the 
settlement amount to the United States.  NL’s obligation at the Site are now complete.

In August 2017, NL was served in Refined Metals Corporation v.  NL Industries, Inc., (United States District Court for the 

Southern District of Indiana, Case 1:17-cv-2565).  This is a CERCLA and state law contribution action brought by the current owner 
of a former secondary lead smelting facility located in Beech Grove, Indiana.  NL intends to deny liability and will defend vigorously 
against all claims.

Other Litigation 

In  addition  to  the  matters  described  above,  we  and  our  affiliates  are  also  involved  in  various  other  environmental, 
contractual,  product  liability,  patent  (or  intellectual  property),  employment  and  other  claims  and  disputes  incidental  to  present  and 
former  businesses.  In  certain  cases,  we  have  insurance  coverage  for  these  items,  although  we  do  not  expect  additional  material 
insurance  coverage  for  environmental  claims.  We  currently  believe  that  the  disposition  of  all  of  these  various  other  claims  and 
disputes  (including  asbestos  related  claims),  individually  or  in  the  aggregate,  should  not  have  a  material  adverse  effect  on  our 
consolidated financial position, results of operations or liquidity beyond the accruals already provided. 

Insurance Coverage Claims 

NL is involved in certain legal proceedings with a number of its former insurance carriers regarding the nature and extent 
of  the  carriers’  obligations  to  NL  under  insurance  policies  with  respect  to  certain  lead  pigment  and  asbestos  lawsuits.  The  issue  of 

- 27 -

whether insurance coverage for defense costs or indemnity or both will be found to exist for our lead pigment and asbestos litigation 
depends upon a variety of factors and we cannot assure you that such insurance coverage will be available. 

NL  has  agreements  with  four  former  insurance  carriers  pursuant  to  which  the  carriers  reimburse  it  for  a  portion  of  our 
future lead pigment litigation defense costs, and one such carrier reimburses us for a portion of its future asbestos litigation defense 
costs. We are not able to determine how much we will ultimately recover from these carriers for defense costs incurred by us because 
of certain issues that arise regarding which defense costs qualify for reimbursement. While NL continues to seek additional insurance 
recoveries, we do not know if it will be successful in obtaining reimbursement for either defense costs or indemnity. Accordingly, we 
recognize insurance recoveries in income only when receipt of the recovery is probable and we are able to reasonably estimate the 
amount of the recovery. See Note 18 to our Consolidated Financial Statements. 

NL has settled insurance coverage claims concerning environmental claims with certain of its principal former carriers. 

We do not expect further material settlements relating to environmental remediation coverage. 

ITEM 4.
Not applicable. 

 MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES 

- 28 -

PART II 

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND 

ISSUER PURCHASES OR EQUITY SECURITIES 

Common Stock and Dividends—Our common stock is listed and traded on the New York Stock Exchange (symbol: VHI). 
As of March 6, 2018, there were approximately 1800 holders of record of our common stock. The following table sets forth the high 
and low closing per share sales prices for our common stock and dividends for the periods indicated. On March 6, 2018 the closing 
price of our common stock was $6.47. 

Year ended December 31, 2016

First Quarter.......................................................... $
Second Quarter .....................................................
Third Quarter ........................................................
Fourth Quarter.......................................................

Year ended December 31, 2017

First Quarter.......................................................... $
Second Quarter .....................................................
Third Quarter ........................................................
Fourth Quarter.......................................................

First Quarter 2018 through March 6.............................. $

High

Low

Cash
dividends
paid

1.71
2.40
2.80
3.72

4.03
3.65
3.30
7.21
6.47

$

$

$

.93
1.14
1.39
1.86

3.01
2.98
2.17
2.55
5.29

$

$

$

.02
.02
.02
.02

.02
.02
.02
.02
—  

We paid regular quarterly cash dividends of $.02 per share during 2016 and 2017. In March 2018, our board of directors 
declared a first quarter 2018 dividend of $.02 per share to be paid on March 22, 2018 to stockholders of record as of March 12, 2018. 
However, declaration and payment of future dividends, and the amount thereof, is discretionary and is dependent upon our results of 
operations,  financial  condition,  cash  requirements  for  our  businesses,  contractual  or  other  requirements  and  restrictions  and  other 
factors  deemed  relevant  by  our  Board  of  Directors.  The  amount  and  timing  of  past  dividends  is  not  necessarily  indicative  of  the 
amount or timing of any future dividends which we might pay. 

- 29 -

 
Performance  Graph—Set  forth  below  is  a  line  graph  comparing  the  yearly  change  in  our  cumulative  total  stockholder 
return  on  our  common  stock  against  the  cumulative  total  return  of  the  S&P  500  Composite  Stock  Price  Index  and  the  S&P  500 
Industrial Conglomerates Index for the period from December 31, 2012 through December 31, 2017. The graph shows the value at 
December 31 of each year assuming an original investment of 100 at December 31, 2012, and assumes the reinvestment of our regular 
quarterly dividends in shares of our stock. 

$250

$200

$150

$100

$50

$0

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

Valhi Common Stock

S&P 500 Index

S&P 500 Industrial Conglomerates

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

December 31,

Valhi common stock ..................................... $
S&P 500 Composite Stock Price Index ........
S&P 500 Industrial Conglomerates
   Index ..........................................................

100 $ 142
132
100

$

53 $
151

100

141

143

$

11 $

153

167

31
171

182

56
208

166

The information contained in the performance graph shall not be deemed “soliciting material” or “filed” with the SEC, or 
subject to the liabilities of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act, as amended, except to the extent we specifically request that the 
material be treated as soliciting material or specifically incorporate this performance graph by reference into a document filed under 
the Securities Act or the Securities Exchange Act. 

Equity  Compensation  Plan  Information—We  have  an  equity  compensation  plan,  which  was  approved  by  our 
stockholders,  pursuant  to  which  an  aggregate  of  200,000  shares  of  our  common  stock  can  be  awarded  to  members  of  our  board  of 
directors. At December 31, 2017, an aggregate of 138,500 shares were available for future award under this plan. See Note 16 to our 
Consolidated Financial Statements. 

Treasury Stock Purchases—In March 2005, our board of directors authorized the repurchase of up to 5.0 million shares of 
our common stock in open market transactions, including block purchases, or in privately negotiated transactions, which may include 
transactions  with  our  affiliates.  In  November  2006,  our  board  of  directors  authorized  the  repurchase  of  an  additional  5.0 million 
shares. We may purchase the stock from time to time as market conditions permit. The stock repurchase program does not include 
specific  price  targets  or  timetables  and  may  be  suspended  at  any  time.  Depending  on  market  conditions,  we  could  terminate  the 
program prior to completion. We will use our cash on hand to acquire the shares. Repurchased shares will be retired and cancelled or 
may be added to our treasury stock and used for employee benefit plans, future acquisitions or other corporate purposes. See Note 16 
to our Consolidated Financial Statements. 

- 30 -

ITEM 6.

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA 

The following selected financial data has been derived from our audited Consolidated Financial Statements. The following 
selected  financial  data  should  be  read  in  conjunction  with  our  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  and  related  Notes  and  Item 7—
“Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” 

2013

2014(1)

Years ended December 31,
2015(1)
(In millions, except per share data)

2016(1)

1,348.8
109.0
30.1
1,487.9

$

$

1,364.3
108.9
46.2
1,519.4

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS DATA:

Net sales:

Chemicals ............................................................ $
Component products ...........................................
Real estate management and development(1).......
Total net sales........................................................... $

1,732.4
92.0
—   
1,824.4

$

$

1,651.9
103.9
40.3 
1,796.1

Operating income (loss):
Chemicals ............................................................ $
Component products ...........................................
Real estate management and development(1).......

Total operating income (loss) ........................ $
Net income (loss) ........................................... $

Amounts attributable to Valhi stockholders:

Income (loss) from continuing operations ..... $
Loss from discontinued operations(2) .............

Net income (loss)...................................... $

DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE DATA:
Net income (loss) attributable to Valhi 

stockholders:

Income (loss) from continuing operations ..... $
Loss from discontinued operations(2) .............

Net income (loss)...................................... $
Cash dividends.......................................... $

Weighted average common shares outstanding .......
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOW DATA:
Cash provided by (used in):

Operating activities ............................................. $
Investing activities...............................................
Financing activities .............................................

BALANCE SHEET DATA (at year end):

Total assets  ......................................................... $
Long-term debt (3)................................................
Valhi stockholders’ equity ..................................
Total equity .........................................................

(125.4) $
9.3
—   
(116.1) $
$
99.7

(70.8) $
(27.2)
(98.0) $

(.21) $
(.08)
(.29) $
.20
$
342.0

$

$

117.1
(40.8)
(286.2)

2,951.7
669.4
601.3
992.8

156.8
13.6
2.0  
172.4
85.6

59.9
(6.1)
53.8

.18
(.02)
.16
.11
342.0

67.3
(73.7)
110.2

2,945.2
843.2
477.6
813.9

$

$

$

$
$

$

$

$

$
$

$

$

$

7.1
14.0
—   
21.1
$
(171.1) $

(111.9) $
(21.7)
(133.6) $

(.33) $
(.06)
(.39) $
.08
$
342.0

$

$

22.1
(54.1)
(10.6)

2,537.4
879.7
268.7
526.9

2017(1)

1,729.0
112.0
38.4
1,879.4

341.1
15.2
6.6 
362.9
302.6

316.7
(109.2)
207.5

.93
(.32)
.61
.08
342.0

259.3
(74.4)
93.6

2,907.5
1,041.5
424.4
766.7

$

$

$

91.0
15.6
.8 
107.4

$
(3.0) $

$

8.1
(24.0)
(15.9) $

$

.02
(.07)
(.05) $
.08
$
342.0

$

$

79.8
(61.6)
(45.5)

2,443.2
889.3
200.9
444.4

(1) In  December  2013  we  acquired  a  controlling  interest  in  BMI,  Inc.  and  The  LandWell  Company  and  they  are  included  in  our 

Consolidated Statement of Operations beginning January 1, 2014.  

(2) In January 2018 we completed the sale of our Waste Management Segment.  The results of operations of our Waste Management 
Segment have been reclassified as discontinued operations in our Consolidated Statements of Operations for all periods presented.  
See Note 3 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Excludes any indebtedness of our Waste Management Segment.  The assets and liabilities of our Waste Management Segment have 
been  reclassified  as  discontinued  operations  in  our  Consolidated  Balance  Sheet  for  all  periods  presented.    See  Note  3  to  our 
Consolidated Financial Statements.

- 31 -

 
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S  DISCUSSION  AND  ANALYSIS  OF  FINANCIAL  CONDITION  AND  RESULTS  OF 

OPERATIONS 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 

Business Overview 

We are primarily a holding company. We operate through our wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries, including 
NL  Industries,  Inc.,  Kronos  Worldwide,  Inc.,  CompX  International,  Inc.,  Tremont  LLC,  Basic  Management,  Inc.  (“BMI”)  and  the 
LandWell  Company  (“LandWell”).      Kronos  (NYSE:  KRO),  NL  (NYSE:  NL)  and  CompX  (NYSE  MKT:  CIX)  each  file  periodic 
reports with the SEC.  

On  January  26,  2018  we  completed  the  sale  of  our  Waste  Management  Segment  to  JFL-WCS  Partners,  LLC  ("JFL 
Partners"),  an  entity  sponsored  by  certain  investment  affiliates  of J.F.  Lehman  &  Company,  for  consideration  consisting  of  the 
assumption  of  all  of  WCS'  third-party  indebtedness  and  other  liabilities,  accordingly  the  results  of  operations  of  our  Waste 
Management Segment is reflected as discontinued operations in our Consolidated Statements of Operations for all periods presented.  
We expect to recognize a pre-tax gain of approximately $57 million on the transaction in the first quarter of 2018 because the carrying 
value of the liabilities of the business assumed by the purchaser exceeded the carrying value of the assets sold at the time of sale in 
large part due to a long-lived asset impairment of $170.6 million recognized with respect to the Waste Management Segment in the 
second quarter of 2017.  Such pre-tax gain will be classified as part of discontinued operations.  Our Waste Management Segment, 
which  operated  in  the  low-level  radioactive,  hazardous,  toxic  and  other  waste  disposal  industry  historically  struggled  to  generate 
sufficient recurring disposal volumes to generate positive operating results or cash flows.  We believe the sale will enable us to focus 
more effort on continuing to develop our remaining segments which we believe have greater opportunity for higher returns. 

We have three consolidated reportable operating segments: 

(cid:3) Chemicals—Our chemicals segment is operated through our majority control of Kronos. Kronos is a leading global 
producer  and  marketer  of  value-added  titanium  dioxide  pigments  (“TiO2”).  TiO2  is  used  to  impart  whiteness, 
brightness, opacity and durability to a wide variety of products, including paints, plastics, paper, fibers and ceramics. 
Additionally, TiO2 is a critical component of everyday applications, such as coatings, plastics and paper, as well as 
many specialty products such as inks, foods and cosmetics. 

(cid:3) Component  Products—We  operate  in  the  component  products  industry  through  our  majority  control  of  CompX. 
CompX  is  a  leading  manufacturer  of  security  products  used  in  the  recreational  transportation,  postal,  office  and 
institutional furniture, cabinetry, tool storage, healthcare and a variety of other industries.  CompX is also a leading 
manufacturer  of  stainless  steel  exhaust  systems,  gauges,  throttle  controls  and  trim  tabs  for  the  recreational  marine 
industry.   

(cid:3)

Real  Estate  Management  and  Development—We  operate  in  real  estate  management  and  development  through  our 
majority control of BMI and LandWell. BMI provides utility services to certain industrial and municipal customers 
and owns real property in Henderson, Nevada. LandWell is engaged in efforts to develop certain land holdings for 
commercial, industrial and residential purposes in Henderson, Nevada.  

Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Overview 

Year Ended December 31, 2016 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2017—

We  reported  net  income  from  continuing  operations  attributable  to  Valhi  stockholders  of  $316.7 million  or  $.93 per 

diluted share in 2017 compared to $8.1 million or $.02 per diluted share in 2016. 

Our net income from continuing operations attributable to Valhi stockholders increased from 2016 to 2017 primarily due 

to the net effects of: 

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

higher  operating  income  from  our  Chemicals  and  Real  Estate  Management  and  Development  Segments  in  2017 
compared to 2016;

the recognition of an aggregate $186.7 million non-cash deferred income tax benefit as a result of the reversal of our 
deferred  income  tax  asset  valuation  allowances  associated  with  our  German  and  Belgian  operations,  mostly 
recognized in the second quarter; 

the fourth quarter recognition of an $18.7 million non-cash deferred income tax benefit as a result of the reversal of 
our  deferred  income  tax  asset  valuation  allowance  related  to  certain  U.S.  deferred  income  tax  assets  of  one  of  our 
non-U.S. subsidiaries (which subsidiary is treated as a dual resident for U.S. income tax purposes);

- 32 -

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

the  recognition  of  an  $11.8  million  aggregate  income  tax  benefit  related  to  the  execution  and  finalization  of  an 
Advance Pricing Agreement between Canada and Germany, mostly recognized in the third quarter (which includes an 
$8.6 million non-cash income tax benefit as a result of a net decrease in our reserve for uncertain tax positions);

the fourth quarter recognition of a $76.2 million provisional current income tax expense as a result of the 2017 Tax 
Act for the one-time repatriation tax imposed on the post-1986 undistributed earnings of our non-U.S. subsidiaries;

the fourth quarter recognition of a $77.1 million non-cash deferred income tax benefit related to the revaluation of our 
net deferred income tax liability resulting from the reduction in the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate enacted as 
part of the 2017 Tax Act; 

the fourth quarter recognition of a $5.3 million provisional non-cash deferred income tax expense related to a change 
in  our  conclusions  regarding  our  permanent  reinvestment  assertion  with  respect  to  the  post-1986  undistributed 
earnings of our European subsidiaries; and 

an aggregate charge of $7.1 million recognized in the third quarter of 2017 related to the loss on prepayment of debt; 

lower general and administrative expenses in 2017.

Our net diluted income from continuing operations per share in 2017 includes:

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

a $.32 per diluted share non-cash deferred income tax benefit as a result of the reversal of our deferred income tax 
asset  valuation  allowances  associated  with  our  German  and  Belgian  operations,  mostly  recognized  in  the  second 
quarter; 

a $.03 per diluted share non-cash deferred income tax benefit as a result of the reversal of our deferred income tax 
asset  valuation  allowance  related  to  certain  U.S.  deferred  income  tax  assets  of  one  of  our  non-U.S.  subsidiaries 
(which subsidiary is treated as a dual resident for U.S. income tax purposes) recognized in the fourth quarter;

a $.02 per diluted share income tax benefit related to the execution and finalization of an Advance Pricing Agreement 
between Canada and Germany, mostly recognized in the third quarter;

a  $.13  per  diluted  share  provisional  current  income  tax  expense  as  a  result  of  the  2017  Tax  Act  for  the  one-time 
repatriation tax imposed on the post-1986 undistributed earnings of our non-U.S. subsidiaries recognized in the fourth 
quarter,

a $.22 per diluted share non-cash deferred income tax benefit related to the revaluation of our net deferred income tax 
liability  resulting  from  the  reduction  in  the  U.S.  federal  corporate  income  tax  rate  enacted  as  part  of  the  2017  Tax 
Act;

a  $.01  per  diluted  share  provisional  non-cash  deferred  income  tax  expense  related  to  a  change  in  our  conclusions 
regarding our permanent reinvestment assertion with respect to the post-1986 undistributed earnings of our European 
subsidiaries recognized in the fourth quarter; and 

(cid:3)

an aggregate charge of $.01 per diluted share recognized in the third quarter related to the loss on prepayment of debt.

Our diluted income from continuing operations per share attributable to Valhi stockholders in 2016 includes: 

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

a recognition of a net $.01 per diluted share current income tax benefit related to the execution and finalization of an 
Advanced Pricing Agreement associated with our Chemicals Segment; 

income of $.01 per diluted share related to business interruption insurance proceeds in our Chemicals Segment.

a charge of $.01 per diluted share related to the contract related intangible asset impairment; and

an  aggregate  non-cash  income  tax  expense  of  $.02  (mostly  in  the  fourth  quarter)  related  to  a  net  increase  in  our 
reserve for uncertain tax positions

We discuss these amounts more fully below. 

- 33 -

Year Ended December 31, 2015 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2016—

We reported net income from continuing operations attributable to Valhi stockholders of $8.1 million or $.02 per diluted 
share  in  2016  compared  to  a  net  loss  from  continuing  operations  attributable  to  Valhi  stockholders  of  $111.9  million  or  $.33  per 
diluted share in 2015. 

Our net income from continuing operations attributable to Valhi stockholders increased from 2015 to 2016 primarily due 

to the net effects of: 

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

the recognition of an aggregate $159.0 million non-cash deferred income tax asset valuation allowance related to our 
Chemicals Segment’s German and Belgian operations primarily in the second quarter of 2015;

higher operating income from our Chemicals Segment in 2016 compared to 2015, in part due to a charge associated 
with the implementation of certain workforce reductions primarily in the second quarter of 2015; and

higher insurance recoveries in 2015.

Our diluted income from continuing operations per share attributable to Valhi stockholders in 2016 includes: 

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

a recognition of a net $.01 per diluted share current income tax benefit related to the execution and finalization of an 
Advanced Pricing Agreement associated with our Chemicals Segment; 

income of $.01 per diluted share related to business interruption insurance proceeds in our Chemicals Segment.

a charge of $.01 per diluted share related to the contract related intangible asset impairment; and

an  aggregate  non-cash  income  tax  expense  of  $.02  (mostly  in  the  fourth  quarter)  related  to  a  net  increase  in  our 
reserve for uncertain tax positions

Our diluted loss from continuing operations per share attributable to Valhi stockholders in 2015 includes: 

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

the  recognition  of  the  non-cash  deferred  income  tax  asset  valuation  allowance  related  to  our  Chemicals  Segment’s 
German and Belgian operations aggregating a charge of $.27;

 a charge of $.03 related to our Chemicals Segment’s accrued workforce reduction costs; and

 income of $.01 related to income from insurance recoveries.

We discuss these amounts more fully below. 

Current Forecast for 2018— 

We currently expect to report higher consolidated operating income for 2018 as compared to 2017 primarily due to the net 

effects of: 

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

higher  operating  income  from  our  Chemicals  Segment  in  2018,  principally  as  a  result  of  expected  higher  average 
selling prices in 2018 as compared to 2017; and

higher  operating  income  from  our  Real  Estate  Management  and  Development  Segment  in  2018  as  we  anticipate 
increased land development activities. 

However, we currently expect to report lower net income from continuing operations attributable to Valhi stockholders for 2018 as 
compared to 2017, primarily because the favorable impact of higher expected operating income in 2018 would be more than offset by 
the favorable impact of the aggregate net income tax benefit we recognized in 2017.

Critical accounting policies and estimates 

We  have  based  the  accompanying  “Management’s  Discussion  and  Analysis  of  Financial  Condition  and  Results  of 
Operations”  upon  our  Consolidated  Financial  Statements.  We  prepare  our  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  in  accordance  with 
accounting  principles  generally  accepted  in  the  United  States  of  America  (“GAAP”).  In  many  cases  the  accounting  treatment  of  a 
particular transaction does not require us to make estimates and judgments. However, in other cases we are required 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  amounts  of  revenues  and  expenses  during  the  reported  period.  On  an  on-going  basis,  we 
evaluate our estimates, including those related to 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 

- 34 -

postretirement  benefit  obligations  and  the  underlying  actuarial  assumptions  related  thereto,  the  realization  of  deferred  income  and 
other tax assets and accruals for environmental remediation, litigation, income tax contingencies. We base our estimates on historical 
experience and on various other assumptions we believe are 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 might differ significantly 
from previously-estimated amounts under different assumptions or conditions. 

Our  “critical  accounting  policies”  relate  to  amounts  having  a  material  impact  on  our  financial  position  and  results  of 
continuing  operations,  and  that  require  our  most  subjective  or  complex  judgments.  See  Note  1  to  our  Consolidated  Financial 
Statements for a detailed discussion of our significant accounting policies. 

(cid:3) Marketable  securities—We  own  investments  in  certain  companies  that  we  account  for  as  marketable  securities 
carried at fair value or that we account for under the equity method. For these investments, we evaluate the fair value 
at  each  balance  sheet  date.  We  use  quoted  market  prices,  Level  1  inputs  as  defined  in  Accounting  Standards 
Codification  (“ASC”)  820-10-35,  Fair  Value  Measurements  and  Disclosures,  to  determine  fair  value  for  certain  of 
our  common  stock,  marketable  debt  securities  and  publicly  traded  investees.  For  other  of  our  marketable  debt 
securities, the fair value is generally determined using Level 2 inputs as defined in the ASC because although these 
securities are traded in many cases the market is not active and the year-end valuation is based on the last trade of the 
year  which  may  be  several  days  prior  to  December 31.  We  use  Level  3  inputs  to  determine  fair  value  of  our 
investment in Amalgamated Sugar Company LLC. See Note 6 to our Consolidated Financial Statements. We record 
an impairment charge when we believe an investment has experienced an other than temporary decline in fair value 
below  its  cost  basis  (for  marketable  securities)  or  below  its  carrying  value  (for  equity  method  investees).  Further 
adverse changes in market conditions or poor operating results of underlying investments could result in losses or our 
inability to recover the carrying value of the investments that may not be reflected in an investment’s current carrying 
value, thereby possibly requiring us to recognize an impairment charge in the future. 

At  December  31,  2017,  the  carrying  value  (which  equals  their  fair  value)  of  substantially  all  of  our  marketable 
securities approximated the cost basis of each investment. Our investment in The Amalgamated Sugar Company LLC 
represents  approximately  97%  of  the  aggregate  carrying  value  of  all  of  our  marketable  securities  at  December  31, 
2017 and its $250 million carrying value is equal to its cost basis. 

(cid:3) Goodwill—Our net goodwill totaled $379.7 million at December 31, 2017 resulting primarily from our various step 
acquisitions of Kronos and NL (which occurred before the implementation of the current accounting standards related 
to  noncontrolling  interest)  and  to  a  lesser  extent  CompX’s  purchase  of  various  businesses.  In  accordance  with  the 
applicable accounting standards for goodwill, we do not amortize goodwill. 

We  perform  a  goodwill  impairment  test  annually  in  the  third  quarter  of  each  year.  Goodwill  is  also  evaluated  for 
impairment at other times whenever an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce 
the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying value. A reporting unit can be a segment or an operating division 
based  on  the  operations  of  the  segment.  For  example,  our  Chemicals  Segment  produces  a  globally  coordinated 
homogeneous product whereas our Component Products Segment operates as two distinct business units. If the fair 
value of the reporting unit is less than its book value, the goodwill is written down to estimated fair value. 

For  our  Chemicals  Segment,  we  use  Level  1  inputs  of  publicly  traded  market  prices  to  compare  the  book  value  to 
assess impairment. We also consider control premiums when assessing fair value. Substantially all of the goodwill for 
our  Component  Products  Segment  relates  to  our  security  products  reporting  unit.  In  2017,  we  used  the  qualitative 
assessment  of  ASC  350-20-35  for  our  annual  impairment  test  and  determined  it  was  not  necessary  to  perform  the 
quantitative goodwill impairment test, as we concluded it is more-likely-than-not that the fair value of the Security 
Products reporting unit exceeded its carrying amount.  

We performed our annual goodwill impairment test in the third quarter of 2017 for each of our reporting units and 
concluded there was no impairment of the goodwill for those reporting units. The impairment test as it relates to our 
security products reporting unit was based on our quantitative test.  No goodwill impairment was deemed to exist as a 
result of such 2017 annual impairment review, as the estimated fair value of our security products reporting unit was 
in  excess  of  its  net  carrying  amount.  Considerable  management  judgment  is  necessary  to  evaluate  the  qualitative 
impact of events and circumstances on the fair value of a reporting unit. Events and circumstances considered in our 
impairment  evaluations,  such  as  historical  profits  and  stability  of  the  markets  served,  are  consistent  with  factors 
utilized  with  our  internal  projections  and  operating  plan.  However,  future  events  and  circumstances  could  result  in 
materially different findings which could result in the recognition of a material goodwill impairment. 

When  we  performed  our  annual  goodwill  impairment  test  in  the  third  quarter  of  2017  for  our  Chemicals  Segment 
goodwill we concluded there was no impairment of such goodwill.  However, future events and circumstances could 
change  (i.e.  a  significant  decline  in  quoted  market  prices)  and  result  in  a  materially  different  finding  which  could 
result in the recognition of a material impairment with respect to such goodwill. 

- 35 -

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

(cid:129)

Long-lived assets – We recognize an impairment charge associated with our long-lived assets, including property and 
equipment,  whenever  we  determine  that  recovery  of  such  long-lived  asset  is  not  probable.    Such  determination  is 
made  in  accordance  with  the  applicable  GAAP  requirements  of  Accounting  Standard  Codification,  or  ASC,  Topic 
360-10-35 Property, Plant and Equipment 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.  Significant 
judgment is required in estimating such cash flows.  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.  We do not assess our property and equipment 
for  impairment  unless  certain  impairment  indicators  specified  in  ASC  Topic  360-10-35  are  present.    We  did  not 
evaluate  any  long-lived  assets  attributable  to  continuing  operations  for  impairment  during  2017  because  no  such 
impairment indicators were present. 

Percentage  completion  revenue  recognition—Certain  real  estate  land  sales  by  our  Real  Estate  Management  and 
Development  segment  (generally  land  sales  associated  with  our  residential/planned  community)  require  us  to 
complete  property  development  and  improvements  after  title  passes  to  the  buyer  and  we  have  received  all  or  a 
substantial  portion  of  the  selling  price.    To  date,  all  of  the  land  sales  associated  with  the  residential/planned 
community have been recognized under the percentage-of-completion method of accounting in accordance with ASC 
970-605-30.  Under such method, revenues and profits are recognized in the same proportion of our progress towards 
completion of our contractual obligations, with our progress measured by costs incurred as a percentage of total costs 
estimated to be incurred.  Such costs incurred and total estimated costs include amounts specifically identifiable with 
the parcels sold as well as certain development costs for the entire residential/planned community which are allocated 
to  the  parcels  sold  under  applicable  GAAP.  Estimates  of  total  costs  expected  to  be  incurred  require  significant 
management  judgment,  and  the  amount  of  revenue  and  profits  that  have  been  recognized  to  date  are  subject  to 
revisions throughout the development period.  The impact on the amount of revenue recognized resulting from any 
future  change  in  the  estimate  of  total  costs  estimated  to  be  incurred  would  be  accounted  for  prospectively  in 
accordance with GAAP. 

Benefit  plans—We  provide  a  range  of  benefits  including  various  defined  benefit  pension  and  other  postretirement 
benefits  (“OPEB”)  for  our  employees.  We  record  annual  amounts  related  to  these  plans  based  upon  calculations 
required  by  GAAP,  which  make  use  of  various  actuarial  assumptions,  such  as:  discount  rates,  expected  rates  of 
returns on plan assets, compensation increases, employee turnover rates, expected mortality rates and expected health 
care trend rates. We review our actuarial assumptions annually and make modifications to the assumptions based on 
current rates and trends when we believe appropriate. As required by GAAP, modifications to the assumptions are 
generally  recorded  and  amortized  over  future  periods.  Different  assumptions  could  result  in  the  recognition  of 
materially  different  expense  amounts  over  different  periods  of  times  and  materially  different  asset  and  liability 
amounts  in  our  Consolidated  Financial  Statements.  These  assumptions  are  more  fully  described  below  under  “—
Assumptions on Defined Benefit Pension Plans and OPEB Plans.” 

Income  taxes—  We  recognize  deferred  taxes  for  future  tax  effects  of  temporary  differences  between  financial  and 
income tax reporting.  Deferred income tax assets and liabilities for each tax-paying jurisdiction in which we operate 
are  netted  and  presented  as  either  a  noncurrent  deferred  income  tax  asset  or  liability,  as  applicable.    We  record  a 
valuation allowance to reduce our deferred income tax assets to the amount that is believed to be realized under the 
more-likely-than-not recognition criteria.  While we have considered future taxable income and ongoing prudent and 
feasible tax planning strategies in assessing the need for a valuation allowance, it is possible that we may change our 
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.For  example,  at  December  31, 
2017 our Chemicals Segment has substantial net operating loss (NOL) carryforwards in Germany (the equivalent of 
$652  million  for  German  corporate  purposes  and  $.5  million  for  German  trade  tax  purposes)  and  in  Belgium  (the 
equivalent of $50 million for Belgian corporate tax purposes), all of which have an indefinite carryforward period.  
As a result, we have net deferred income tax assets with respect to these two jurisdictions, primarily related to these 
NOL carryforwards.  The German corporate tax is similar to the U.S. federal income tax, and the German trade tax is 
similar  to  the  U.S.  state  income  tax.    As  more  fully  described  below  under  “General  Corporate  Items,  Interest 
Expense, Provision for Income Taxes (Benefit), Noncontrolling Interest and Related Party Transactions – Provision 
for Income Taxes (Benefit)” we had a deferred income tax asset valuation allowance recognized with respect to such 
net deferred income tax assets of our Belgian and German operations beginning June 30, 2015.  At June 30, 2017 we 
concluded we had sufficient positive evidence under the more-likely-than-not recognition criteria to support reversal 
of the entire valuation allowance related to our German and Belgian operations.

In addition, at the end of each reporting period we evaluate whether or not some or all of the undistributed earnings of 
our  non-U.S.  subsidiaries  are  permanently  reinvested  (as  that  term  is  defined  in  GAAP).    While  we  may  have 
concluded in the past that some of such undistributed earnings are permanently reinvested, facts and circumstances 

- 36 -

can  change  in  the  future  and  it  is  possible  that  a  change  in  facts  and  circumstances,  such  as  a  change  in  the 
expectation  regarding  the  capital  needs  of  our  non-U.S.  subsidiaries  or  a  change  in  tax  law,  could  result  in  a 
conclusion that some or all of such undistributed earnings are no longer permanently reinvested.  Prior to enactment 
of  the  new  tax  legislation  in  December  2017  referred  to  below,  the  undistributed  earnings  of  our  European 
subsidiaries were deemed to be permanently reinvested (we had not made a similar determination with respect to the 
undistributed earnings of our Chemicals post-1986 Segment’s Canadian subsidiary).  On December 22, 2017, H.R.1, 
formally known as the “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act” (2017 Tax Act) was enacted into law. Among other things, this new 
tax  legislation,  as  discussed  more  fully  below  under  “General  Corporate  Items,  Interest  Expense,  Provision  for 
Income  Taxes  (Benefit),  Noncontrolling  Interest  and  Related  Party  Transactions  –  Provision  for  Income  Taxes 
(Benefit)”, implements a territorial tax system and imposes a one-time repatriation tax on the deemed repatriation of 
the post-1986 undistributed earnings of non-U.S. subsidiaries accumulated up through December 31, 2017, regardless 
of whether such earnings are repatriated, and eliminates any U.S. federal income tax on future non-U.S. earnings after 
such  date  (subject  to  certain  exceptions).    Our  provision  for  income  taxes  in  the  fourth  quarter  of  2017  includes  a 
provisional current income tax expense for the one-time repatriation tax imposed under the new tax law.  In addition, 
and as a result of this significant change in tax law, effective December 31, 2017 we have now determined that all of 
the post-1986 undistributed earnings of our European subsidiaries are not permanently reinvested (we had previously 
concluded  that  all  of  the  undistributed  earnings  of  our  Canadian  subsidiary  are  not  permanently  reinvested),  and 
accordingly our provision for income taxes in the fourth quarter of 2017 also includes a provisional deferred income 
tax expense for the estimated incremental U.S. state income tax, non-U.S. income tax and withholding tax liability 
attributable to all of such previously-considered permanently reinvested undistributed earnings.  

We record a reserve for uncertain tax positions where we believe it is more-likely-than-not our tax positions will not 
prevail with the applicable tax authorities.  It is possible that in the future we may change our assessment regarding 
the probability that our tax positions will prevail that would require an adjustment to the amount of our reserve for 
uncertain  tax  positions  that  could  either  increase  or  decrease,  as  applicable,  reported  net  income  in  the  period  the 
change in assessment was made. 

(cid:3)

Litigation and environmental liabilities—We are involved in numerous legal and environmental actions in part due to 
NL’s  former  involvement  in  the  manufacture  of  lead-based  products.  In  accordance  with  applicable  GAAP  for 
accounting for contingencies, we record accruals for these liabilities when estimated future expenditures associated 
with such contingencies become probable, and we can reasonably estimate the amounts of such future expenditures. 
However, new information may become available to us, or circumstances (such as applicable laws and regulations) 
may change, thereby resulting in an increase or decrease in the amount we are required to accrue for such matters 
(and therefore a decrease or increase in our reported net income in the period of such change). At December 31, 2017 
we have recorded total accrued environmental liabilities of $117.5 million. 

Operating income (loss) for each of our three operating segments is impacted by certain of these significant judgments and 

estimates, as summarized below: 

(cid:3) Chemicals—allowance for doubtful accounts, reserves for obsolete or unmarketable inventories, impairment of equity 

method investments, goodwill and other long-lived assets, benefit plans; and loss accruals. 

(cid:3) Component Products—impairment of goodwill and long-lived assets and loss accruals. 

(cid:3) Real  Estate  Management  and  Development—impairment  of  long-lived  assets  and  revenue  recognition  under  the 

percentage-of-completion method of accounting. 

In addition, general corporate and other items are impacted by the significant judgments and estimates for impairment of 

marketable securities and equity method investees, defined benefit pension and OPEB plans, loss accruals, and income taxes. 

Segment Operating Results—2016 Compared to 2017 and 2015 Compared to 2016 

Chemicals— 

We consider TiO2 to be a “quality of life” product, with demand affected by gross domestic product, or GDP, and overall 
economic  conditions  in  our  markets  located  in  various  regions  of  the  world.    Over  the  long-term,  we  expect  demand  for  TiO2  will 
grow  by  2%  to  3%  per  year,  consistent  with  our  expectations  for  the  long-term  growth  in  GDP.    However,  even  if  we  and  our 
competitors maintain consistent shares of the worldwide market, demand for TiO2 in any interim or annual period may not change in 
the same proportion as the change in GDP, in part due to relative changes in the TiO2 inventory levels of our customers.  We believe 
that our customers’ inventory levels are influenced in part by their expectation for future changes in market TiO2 selling prices as well 
as  their  expectation  for  future  availability  of  product.    Although  certain  of  our  TiO2  grades  are  considered  specialty  pigments,  the 

- 37 -

majority of our grades and substantially all of our production are considered commodity pigment products with price and availability 
being the most significant competitive factors along with quality and customer service. 

The factors having the most impact on our reported operating results are: 

(cid:3)

TiO2 selling prices,

(cid:3) Our TiO2 sales and production volumes, 

(cid:3) Manufacturing  costs,  particularly  raw  materials  such  as  third-party  feedstock  ore,  maintenance  and  energy-related 

expenses, and

(cid:3) Currency exchange rates (particularly the exchange rate for the U.S. dollar relative to the euro, the Norwegian krone 

and the Canadian dollar). 

Our key performance indicators are our TiO2 average selling prices, our level of TiO2 sales and production volumes and the 
cost  of  our  third-party  feedstock  ore.    TiO2  selling  prices  generally  follow  industry  trends  and  the  selling  prices  will  increase  or 
decrease generally as a result of competitive market pressures. 

Net sales ................................................................................ $
Cost of sales ..........................................................................
Gross margin......................................................................... $
Operating income ................................................................. $
Percent of net sales:

Cost of sales.................................................................
Gross margin................................................................
Operating income ........................................................

TiO2 operating statistics:

Sales volumes* ............................................................
Production volumes*...................................................
Production rate as percent of capacity.........................

Percent change in TiO2 net sales:

TiO2 product pricing ....................................................
TiO2 sales volumes.......................................................
TiO2 product mix .........................................................
Changes in currency exchange rates ...........................
Total...................................................................

*

Thousands of metric tons 

2015

Years ended December 31,
2016
(Dollars in millions)

2017

2015-16

2016-17

% Change

1,348.8
1,158.5
190.3
7.1

$

$
$

1,364.3 $
1,109.2

255.1 $
91.0 $

1,729.0
1,172.1
556.9
341.1

1%
(4)%
34%
1,185%

27%
6%
118%
275%

86%
14%
1%

525
528

95%

81%
19%
7%

559
546

98%

68%
32%
20%

586
576
100%

7%
3%

(3)%
7
(2)
(1)
1%

5%
5%

22%
5
(1)
1
27%

Industry  conditions  and  2017  overview  –  Due  to  the  successful  implementation  of  previously-announced  price  increases, 
average TiO2 selling prices began to rise in the second quarter of 2016 and have continued to rise through the full year of 2017.  We 
started 2017 with average TiO2 selling prices 11% higher than the beginning of 2016.  Our average TiO2 selling prices at the end of 
2017 were 27% higher than at the end of 2016, with higher prices in all major markets.  We experienced higher sales volumes in 2017 
due to strength in the North American and European markets as compared to 2016. 

The following table shows our capacity utilization rates during 2016 and 2017.

First Quarter ................................................................
Second Quarter............................................................
Third Quarter...............................................................
Fourth Quarter .............................................................
Overall ...................................................................

2016

2017

97%  
95%  
100%  
100%  
98%  

100%  
100%  
100%  
100%  
100%  

Throughout 2016, we experienced moderation in the cost of TiO2 feedstock ore procured from third parties.  Our cost of sales 
per metric ton of TiO2 sold declined throughout 2016 and into the first six months of 2017 primarily due to the moderation in the cost 
of  TiO2  feedstock  ore  in  2016  and  the  first  half  of  2017.  However,  the  cost  of  third-party  feedstock  ore  we  procured  in  2017  was 
comparable to slightly higher as compared to 2016, and such higher cost feedstock began to be reflected in our results of operations in 

- 38 -

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
the third quarter of 2017 and continued through the fourth quarter of 2017.  Overall, the cost of third-party feedstock ore we procured 
in the full year of 2017 was slightly higher as compared to 2016.  Consequently, the cost of sales per metric ton of TiO2 sold in 2017 
was slightly higher than our cost of sales per metric ton of TiO2 sold in 2016 (excluding the effect of changes in currency exchange 
rates).

Net sales – Our Chemicals Segment’s net sales increased 27% or $364.7 million in 2017 compared to 2016, primarily due to 
the favorable effects of a 22% increase in average TiO2 selling prices (which increased net sales by approximately $300 million) and a 
5% increase in sales volumes (which increased net sales by approximately $68 million).  TiO2 selling prices will increase or decrease 
generally as a result of competitive market pressures, changes in the relative level of supply and demand as well as changes in raw 
material and other manufacturing costs. 

Our Chemicals Segment’s sales volumes increased in 2017 primarily due to strength in the North American and European 
markets as compared to 2016. Our Chemicals Segment’s sales volumes in 2017 set a new overall record for a full-year period.  We 
estimate that changes in currency exchange rates increased our net sales by approximately $16 million, or 1%, as compared to 2016.  

Our Chemicals Segment’s net sales increased 1% or $15.5 million in 2016 compared to 2015, primarily due to the net effect 
of a 7% increase in sales volumes (which increased net sales by approximately $94 million) and a 3% decrease in average TiO2 selling 
prices (which decreased net sales by approximately $40 million).  TiO2 selling prices will increase or decrease generally as a result of 
competitive  market  pressures,  changes  in  the  relative  level  of  supply  and  demand  as  well  as  changes  in  raw  material  and  other 
manufacturing costs. 

Our  Chemicals  Segment’s  sales  volumes  increased  primarily  due  to  higher  sales  in  North  American,  European  and  export 
markets partially offset by lower sales in the Latin American market.  Our sales volumes in 2016 set a new overall record for a full-
year  period.    We  estimate  that  changes  in  currency  exchange  rates  decreased  our  net  sales  by  approximately  $9  million,  or  1%,  as 
compared to 2015.  

Cost of Sales and Gross Margin—Our Chemicals Segment’s cost of sales increased 6% in 2017 compared to 2016 due to the 
net impact of a 5% increase in sales volumes, efficiencies related to a 5% increase in TiO2 production volumes, higher raw materials 
and other production costs of approximately $13 million and currency fluctuations (primarily the euro).  Our Chemicals Segment’s 
production volumes in 2017 set a new overall record for a full-year period. 

Our Chemicals Segment’s cost of sales as a percentage of net sales decreased to 68% in 2017 compared to 81% in 2016 as 
the favorable effects of higher average selling prices and efficiencies related to higher production volumes more than offset the higher 
raw materials and other production costs, as discussed above.

Gross margin as a percentage of net sales increased to 32% in 2017 compared to 19% in 2016.  As discussed and quantified 
above, our gross margin increased primarily due to the net effect of higher average selling prices, higher sales and production volumes 
and higher raw materials and other production costs.

Our Chemicals Segment’s cost of sales decreased $49.3 million or 4% in 2016 compared to 2015 due to the net impact of 
lower raw materials and other production costs of approximately $76 million (primarily caused by the lower third-party feedstock ore 
costs,  as  discussed  above),  approximately  $4.6  million  in  savings  resulting  from  workforce  reductions  implemented  in  2015,  a  3% 
increase  in  TiO2  production  volumes  and  currency  fluctuations  (primarily  the  euro).    In  addition,  cost  of  sales  in  2015  includes 
approximately $10.8 million of severance costs related to the workforce reduction plan discussed above. 

Our Chemicals Segment’s cost of sales as a percentage of net sales decreased to 81% in 2016 compared to 86% in 2015, as 
the  favorable  effects  of  lower  raw  materials  and  other  production  costs,  efficiencies  related  to  higher  production  volumes,  and  the 
impact  of  the  $10.8  million  workforce  reduction  charge  classified  in  cost  of  sales  in  2015  and  associated  cost  savings  from  such 
workforce reduction realized in 2016 more than offset the unfavorable impact of lower average selling prices, as discussed above.

Our Chemicals Segment’s gross margin increased in 2016 primarily due to the net effect of lower selling prices, lower raw 
material and other production costs (including 2015 workforce reduction charges of $10.8 million classified as cost of sales and the 
associated $4.6 million of cost savings from such workforce reduction realized in 2016), higher sales volumes and higher production 
volumes.

Operating Income—Our Chemicals Segment’s operating income increased 275% in 2017 compared to 2016 and operating 
income as a percentage of net sales increased to 20% in 2017 from 7% in 2016.  Operating income increased in 2017 in part due to the 
net effects of higher selling prices, higher shipping and handling costs of $11 million, higher general and administrative costs related 
to  the  implementation  of  a  new  accounting  and  manufacturing  software  system  of  $8  million,  higher  research,  development  and 

- 39 -

certain sales technical support costs of $7 million and currency fluctuations (primarily the euro).  Operating income in 2016 includes 
income aggregating $4.3 million related to insurance settlement gains from two separate business interruption claims.  

Our Chemicals Segment’s operating income as a percentage of net sales increased to 7% in 2016 from 1% in 2015.  This 
increase was driven by the increase in gross margin, which increased to 19% in 2016 compared to 14% in 2015, as well as the impact 
of the $10.9 million 2015 workforce reduction charge classified in selling, general and administrative expense and the associated cost 
savings from such workforce reductions realized in 2016 of $5.6 million, and the income aggregating $4.3 million related to insurance 
settlement  gains  from  two  separate  business  interruption  claims.    We  estimate  that  changes  in  currency  exchange  rates  increased 
income from operations by approximately $14 million in 2016 as compared to 2015.

Our  Chemicals  Segment’s  operating  income  (loss)  is  net  of  amortization  of  purchase  accounting  adjustments  made  in 
conjunction with our acquisitions of interests in NL and Kronos. As a result, we recognize additional depreciation expense above the 
amounts Kronos reports separately, substantially all of which is included within cost of sales. We recognized additional depreciation 
expense  of  $2.2  million  in  2015,  $2.1  million  in  2016  and  $2.2  million  in  2017,  which  reduced  our  reported  Chemicals  Segment’s 
operating income (loss) as compared to amounts reported by Kronos. 

Currency Exchange Rates—– Our Chemicals Segment has substantial operations and assets located outside the United States 
(primarily in Germany, Belgium, Norway and Canada).  The majority of our Chemicals Segment’s sales from 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  our  sales  generated  from  our  non-U.S.  operations  is  denominated  in  the  U.S.  dollar  (and  consequently  our  non-U.S. 
operations will generally hold U.S. dollars from time to time).  Certain raw materials used worldwide, primarily titanium-containing 
feedstocks, are purchased primarily in U.S. dollars, while labor and other production costs are purchased primarily in local currencies.  
Consequently,  the  translated  U.S.  dollar  value  of  our  non-U.S.  sales  and  operating  results  are  subject  to  currency  exchange  rate 
fluctuations  which  may  favorably  or  unfavorably  impact  reported  earnings  and  may  affect  the  comparability  of  period-to-period 
operating results.  In addition to the impact of the translation of sales and expenses over time, our non-U.S. operations also generate 
currency transaction gains and losses which primarily relate to (i) the difference between the currency exchange rates in effect when 
non-local  currency  sales  or  operating  costs  (primarily  U.S.  dollar  denominated)  are  initially  accrued  and  when  such  amounts  are 
settled  with  the  non-local  currency,  (ii)  changes  in  currency  exchange  rates  during  time  periods  when  our  non-U.S.  operations  are 
holding non-local currency (primarily U.S. dollars), and (iii) relative changes in the aggregate fair value of currency forward contracts 
held  from  time  to  time.    As  discussed  in  Note  19  to  our  Consolidated  Financial  Statements,  we  periodically  use  currency  forward 
contracts to manage a portion of our currency exchange risk, and relative changes in the aggregate fair value of any currency forward 
contracts we hold from time to time serves in part to mitigate the currency transaction gains or losses we would otherwise recognize 
from the first two items described above.  

Overall, we estimate that fluctuations in currency exchange rates had the following effects on our Chemicals Segment’s sales 

and income from operations for the periods indicated. 

Impact of changes in currency exchange rates - 2017 vs. 2016

Transaction gains/(losses) recognized
    Change
2016
 (In millions)

2017

    Translation  
gain/loss-
impact of
  rate changes  

Total currency
impact
2017 vs. 2016

Impact on:
Net sales .................................................. $
Income from operations...........................

—      $
6  

  $

—     
(8)  

  $

—  
(14)  

$

16
(4)

16
(18)

The $16 million increase in net sales (translation gain) was caused primarily by a weakening of the U.S. dollar relative to the 
euro (mostly in the fourth quarter), as our euro-denominated sales were translated into more U.S. dollars in 2017 as compared to 2016.  
The weakening of the U.S. dollar relative to the Canadian dollar and the Norwegian krone in 2017 did not have a significant effect on 
the reported amount of our net sales, as a substantial portion of the sales generated by our Canadian and Norwegian operations are 
denominated in the U.S. dollar.

The $18 million decrease in operating income was comprised of the following:

(cid:3) Approximately  $14  million  from  net  currency  transaction  losses  caused  by  relative  changes  in  currency  exchange 
rates at each applicable balance sheet date between the U.S. dollar and the euro, Canadian dollar and the Norwegian 
krone, which causes increases or decreases, as applicable, in U.S. dollar-denominated receivables and payables and 
U.S. dollar currency held by our non-U.S. operations, and

- 40 -

 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
   
 
    
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
 
   
   
 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
(cid:3) Approximately  $4  million  from  net  currency  translation  losses  primarily  caused  by  a  weakening  of  the  U.S.  dollar 
relative  to  the  Canadian  dollar,  as  its  local  currency-denominated  operating  costs  were  translated  into  more  U.S. 
dollars in 2017 as compared to 2016, and such translation, as it related to the U.S. dollar relative to the euro, had a 
nominal effect on income from operations in 2017 as compared to 2016.

Impact of changes in currency exchange rates - 2016 vs. 2015

Transaction gains/(losses) recognized
    Change
2015
 (In millions)

2016

    Translation  
gain/loss-
impact of
  rate changes  

Total currency
impact
2016 vs. 2015

Impact on:
Net sales .................................................. $
Income from operations ..........................

—      $
—  

  $

—     
6   

—      $
6  

 $

(9)
8 

(9)
14 

The $9 million reduction in net sales (translation loss) was caused primarily by a strengthening of the U.S. dollar relative to 
the euro, as our euro-denominated sales were translated into fewer U.S. dollars in 2016 as compared to 2015.  The strengthening of the 
U.S. dollar relative to the Canadian dollar and the Norwegian krone in 2016 did not have a significant effect on the reported amount of 
our net sales, as a substantial portion of the sales generated by our Canadian and Norwegian operations are denominated in the U.S. 
dollar.

The $14 million increase in operating income was comprised of the following:

(cid:3) Approximately $6 million from net currency transaction gains caused primarily by a strengthening of the U.S. dollar 
relative  to  the  euro,  Norwegian  krone  and  Canadian  dollar,  as  U.S.  dollar-denominated  receivables  and  U.S.  dollar 
currency  held  by  our  non-U.S.  operations  became  equivalent  to  a  greater  amount  of  local  currency  in  2016  as 
compared to 2015,  and 

(cid:3) Approximately $8 million from net currency translation gains caused primarily by a strengthening of the U.S. dollar 
relative to the Canadian dollar and the Norwegian krone, as their local currency-denominated operating costs were 
translated into fewer U.S. dollars in 2016 as compared to 2015, (and such translation, as it related to the U.S. dollar 
relative to the euro, had a negative effect on income from operations in 2016 as compared to 2015, as the negative 
impact  of  the  stronger  U.S.  dollar  on  euro-denominated  sales  more  than  offset  the  favorable  effect  of  euro-
denominated operating costs being translated into fewer U.S. dollars in 2016 compared to 2015).

Outlook— During 2017 our Chemicals Segment operated its production facilities at full practical capacity compared to 98% 
of practical capacity in 2016.  We expect our TiO2 production volumes in 2018 to be slightly lower as compared to the record 2017 
production volumes.  Assuming current global economic conditions continue, and based on anticipated production levels, we expect 
our  2018  Chemicals  Segment  sales  volumes  to  be  slightly  lower  as  compared  to  record  2017  sales  volumes.    We  will  continue  to 
monitor current and anticipated near-term customer demand levels and align our production and inventories accordingly.

The cost of third-party feedstock ore we purchased in 2017 was slightly higher as compared to 2016, and such higher cost 
feedstock ore began to be reflected in our Chemicals Segment’s operating income in the third quarter of 2017 and continued through 
the fourth quarter of 2017.  Consequently, our cost of sales per metric ton of TiO2 sold in 2017 was slightly higher as compared to our 
cost of sales per metric ton of TiO2 sold in 2016 (excluding the effect of changes in currency exchange rates).  We expect our cost of 
sales per metric ton of TiO2 sold in 2018 will be higher than our per-metric ton cost in 2017 primarily due to higher feedstock costs. 

We  started  2017  with  average  TiO2  selling  prices  11%  higher  than  the  beginning  of  2016,  and  average  selling  prices 
increased by an additional 27% during the full year of 2017.  Industry data indicates that overall TiO2 inventory held by producers 
declined significantly during 2016 and remained at low levels throughout 2017.    With the strong sales volumes experienced in 2017, 
we continue to see evidence of strong demand for our TiO2 products across nearly all segments.

Overall, we expect our TiO2 sales will be higher compared to 2017, principally as a result of expected higher average selling 
prices, and we expect operating income in 2018 will be higher as compared to 2017, principally as a result of expected higher average 
selling prices in 2018 as compared to 2017, partially offset by higher raw material costs (principally feedstock ore).  

Due to the constraints of high capital costs and extended lead time associated with adding significant new TiO2 production 
capacity,  especially  for  premium  grades  of  TiO2  products  produced  from  the  chloride  process,  we  believe  increased  and  sustained 
profit margins will be necessary to financially justify major expansions of TiO2 production capacity required to meet expected future 
growth in demand.  Any major expansion of TiO2 production capacity, if announced, would take several years before such production 
would become available to meet future growth in demand.

- 41 -

 
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
 
   
 
    
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
   
   
 
    
 
 
 
 
   
 
  
 
Our expectations for our future operating results are based upon a number of factors beyond our control, including worldwide 
growth  of  gross  domestic  product,  competition  in  the  marketplace,  continued  operation  of  competitors,  unexpected  or  earlier-than-
expected capacity additions or reductions and technological advances.  If actual developments differ from our expectations, our results 
of operations could be unfavorably affected. 

Component Products— 

Our Component Products Segment’s product offerings consist of a large number of products that have a wide variation in 
selling price and manufacturing cost, which results in certain practical limitations on our ability to quantify the impact of changes in 
individual  product  sales  quantities  and  selling  prices  on  our  net  sales,  cost  of  goods  sold  and  gross  margin.  In  addition,  small 
variations  in  period-to-period  net  sales,  cost  of  goods  sold  and  gross  margin  can  result  from  changes  in  the  relative  mix  of  our 
products sold. The key performance indicator for our Component Products Segment is operating income margins. 

Years ended December 31,

% Change

2015

2016

2017

2015-16

2016-17

Net sales ..................................................................... $
Cost of sales ...............................................................
Gross margin.............................................................. $
Operating income....................................................... $
Percent of net sales:

(Dollars in millions)

109.0
75.6
33.4
14.0

$

$
$

108.9
73.8
35.1
15.6

$

$
$

Cost of sales .....................................................
Gross margin ....................................................
Operating income .............................................

69%
31%
13%

68%
32%
14%

112.0
77.2
34.8
15.2

69%
31%
14%

—  %
(2)%
5%
11%

3%
5%
(1)%
(2)%

Net Sales—Our Component Products Segment’s net sales increased approximately $3.1 million in 2017 compared to 2016 
primarily due to higher security products sales volumes to government security, electronic lock and other markets, partially offset by a 
decrease  in  sales  of  security  products  to  an  original  equipment  manufacturer  of  recreational  transportation  products.  Marine 
components also contributed with higher sales, primarily to the waterski/wakeboard boat market. Relative changes in selling prices did 
not have a material impact on net sales comparisons.

Our Component Products Segment’s net sales for 2016 were comparable to 2015 because our security products reporting 
unit  was  able  to  substantially  replace  revenue  for  a  government  security  end-user  project  which  did  not  recur  in  2016  with  a  new 
project with the same customer. Security product sales for 2015 included approximately $6.3 million for a government security end-
user project which did not recur in 2016. During the second half of 2016, we were awarded a substantial new project for the same 
customer which began to ship in August and was completed in December, totaling $5.8 million in net sales. Marine Components also 
contributed  with  higher  sales  to  the  waterski/wakeboard  boat  market,  including  the  continuing  introduction  of  new  product  lines  to 
that market.  Relative changes in selling prices did not have a material impact on net sales comparisons.  

Costs Sales and Gross Margin—Our Component Products Segment’s cost of sales increased from 2016 to 2017 primarily 
due to increased sales volumes for both security products and marine components, and to a lesser extent higher raw material prices 
(mostly zinc and brass) and increased employee medical costs.  Our Component Products Segment’s cost of sales dollars in 2017 were 
comparable  to  2016.  As  a  percentage  of  sales,  gross  margin  for  2017  decreased  compared  to  2016  due  primarily  to  unfavorable 
relative  changes  in  customer  and  product  mix,  higher  raw  material  prices  and  increased  employee  medical  costs  in  the  security 
products reporting unit, as well as higher manufacturing costs for the marine components reporting unit.

Our  Component  Products  Segment’s  cost  of  sales  for  2016  was  down  from  2015  on  comparable  sales,  resulting  in  an 
increase  in  gross  margin.  As  a  percentage  of  sales,  gross  margin  for  2016  was  favorable  to  2015  due  primarily  to  higher  variable 
margins resulting from favorable customer and product mix for both security products and marine components.

Operating Income—Our Component Products Segment operating income declined slightly in 2017 compared to primarily 
due to the slight decline in gross margin noted above. Operating costs  and  expenses consists  primarily  of  sales and  administrative-
related personnel costs, sales commissions and advertising expenses directly related to product sales and administrative costs relating 
to  business  unit  and  corporate  management  activities,  as  well  as  gains  and  losses  on  disposal  of  plant,  property  and  equipment. 
Operating costs and expenses in 2017 was comparable to 2016 on an absolute basis and as a percentage of sales.

Our Component Products Segment operating income improved in 2016 compared to 2015 and also in 2015 compared to 
2014.  Operating  costs  and  expenses  consists  primarily  of  sales  and  administrative-related  personnel  costs,  sales  commissions  and 
advertising  expenses  directly  related  to  product  sales  and  administrative  costs  relating  to  business  unit  and  corporate  management 

- 42 -

 
activities,  as  well  as  gains  and  losses  on  disposal  of  plant,  property  and  equipment.  Operating  costs  and  expenses  in  2016  was 
comparable to 2015 on an absolute basis and as a percentage of sales.

General—Our  Component  Products  Segment’s  profitability  primarily  depends  on  its  ability  to  utilize  its  production 
capacity effectively, which is affected by, among other things, the demand for its products and its ability to control its manufacturing 
costs, primarily comprised of labor costs and materials.  The materials used in our Component Products Segment’s products consist of 
purchased components and raw materials some of which are subject to fluctuations in the commodity markets such as zinc, brass and 
stainless steel.  Total material costs represented approximately 44% of our Component Products Segment’s cost of sales in 2017, with 
commodity-related raw materials accounting for approximately 11% of our Component Products Segment’s cost of sales. During 2016 
and 2017, markets for the primary commodity-related raw materials used in the manufacture of our locking mechanisms, primarily 
zinc  and  brass,  generally  strengthened,  resulting  in  price  increases  that  exceeded  general  inflation  rates.  In  the  case  of  zinc,  our 
purchases late in 2017 bore unit costs over 50% higher than those acquired two years earlier. The rapid rise in prices for zinc and brass 
increased our 2017 aggregate purchase cost for these materials by approximately $0.5 million. Over that same period, the market for 
stainless  steel,  the  primary  raw  material  used  for  the  manufacture  of  marine  exhaust  headers  and  pipes,  remained  relatively  stable. 
While we expect the markets for our primary commodity-related raw materials to stabilize during 2018, we recognize that anticipated 
strengthening economic conditions may exert upward price pressure on these and other manufacturing materials.

We  occasionally  enter  into  short-term  commodity-related  raw  material  supply  arrangements  to  mitigate  the  impact  of  future 
increases in commodity related raw material costs.  See Item 1 - “Business Component Products Segment – CompX International, Inc. 
- Raw Materials.”   

Outlook—  The  strong  demand  for  our  Component  Products  Segment’s  products  in  2017,  like  the  previous  two  years,  was 
supported by continued high demand from existing customers for government security applications, as well as continued growth in 
electronic  lock  sales.   In  2017,  the  impact  of  strong  demand  for  these  products  was  somewhat  offset  by  lower  sales  to  the 
transportation market, where a significant customer of the segment experienced weakened sales in 2017, which is expected to continue 
into 2018. We also continue to benefit from innovation and diversification in our product offerings to the recreational boat markets 
served  by  our  Marine  Components  segment.  In  2018,  we  will  seek  to  capitalize  on  positive  momentum  in  each  of  our  Component 
Products Segment’s business units and on generally improving economic conditions to grow sales and profitability. We will continue 
to monitor economic conditions and sales order rates and respond to fluctuations in customer demand through continuous evaluation 
of staffing levels and consistent execution of our lean manufacturing and cost improvement initiatives. Additionally, we continue to 
seek  opportunities  to  gain  market  share  in  markets  we  currently  serve,  to  expand  into  new  markets  and  to  develop  new  product 
features in order to mitigate the impact of changes in demand as well as broaden our sales base.

Real Estate Management and Development—

Net sales ......................................................................... $
Cost of sales ...................................................................
Gross margin .................................................................. $
Operating income ........................................................... $

30.1
25.4
4.7
—  

$

$
$

46.2
36.2
10.0
.8

$

$
$

38.4
28.1
10.3
6.6

2015

Years ended December 31,
2016
(In millions)

2017

General—Our  Real  Estate  Management  and  Development  Segment  consists  of  BMI  and  LandWell.    BMI  provides  utility 
services, among other things, to an industrial park located in Henderson, Nevada, and is responsible for the delivery of water to the 
city of Henderson and various other users through a water distribution system owned by BMI. LandWell is actively engaged in efforts 
to  develop  certain  real  estate  in  Henderson,  Nevada  including  approximately  2,100  acres  zoned  for  residential/planned  community 
purposes and approximately 400 acres zoned for commercial and light industrial use. 

In December 2013 and through the end 2017, LandWell has closed or entered into escrow on approximately 480 acres of the 
residential/planned community and approximately 65 acres zoned for commercial and light industrial use. Contracts for land sales are 
negotiated on an individual basis and sales terms and prices will vary based on such factors as location (including location within a 
planned  community),  expected  development  work,  and  individual  buyer  needs.  Although  land  may  be  under  contract,  we  do  not 
recognize revenue until we have satisfied the criteria for revenue recognition set forth in ASC Topic 976. In some instances, we will 
receive cash proceeds at the time the contract closes and record deferred revenue for some or all of the cash amount received, with 
such  deferred  revenue  being  recognized  in  subsequent  periods.  Because  land  held  for  development  was  initially  recognized  at 
estimated fair value at the acquisition date as required by ASC Topic 805, we do not expect to recognize significant operating income 
on land sales for the land currently under contract. We expect the development work to continue for 10 to 15 years on the rest of the 
land held for development, especially the remainder of the residential/planned community. 

- 43 -

 
Net Sales and Operating Income— A substantial portion of the net sales from our Real Estate Management and Development 
segment in 2017 consisted of revenues from land sales. We recognized $29.9 million in revenues on land sales during 2017 compared 
to $37.8 million in 2016. As noted above we recognize revenue in our residential/planned community under percentage completion 
accounting and a large majority of the revenue we recognized in 2016 and 2017 was under this method of revenue recognition.  We 
also have commercial property not included in the planned community for which revenue is generally recognized in full at closing, as 
we generally have no further obligations after the closing date of the sale for these properties.  Land sale revenue for such commercial 
property not included in the planned community was $3.0 million in 2017 and $5.6 million in 2016.  The contracts on these sales (both 
within the planned community and otherwise) include approximately 470 acres of the residential planned community and certain other 
acreage which closed in December 2015 and through the end of 2017. Cost of sales related to land sales revenues was $22.2 million in 
2017 and $30.3 million in 2016. 

We  recognized  $37.8  million  in  revenues  on  land  sales  during  2016  compared  to  $21.5  million  in  2015.  As  noted  above  we 
recognize revenue in our residential/planned community under percentage completion accounting and a large majority of the revenue 
we recognized in 2015 and 2016 was under this method of revenue recognition.  We also have commercial property not included in 
the planned community for which revenue is generally recognized in full at closing, as we generally have no further obligations after 
the  closing  date  of  the  sale  for  these  properties.    Land  sale  revenue  for  such  commercial  property  not  included  in  the  planned 
community was $5.6 million in 2016 and $9.0 million in 2015.  The contracts on these sales (both within the planned community and 
otherwise) include approximately 400 acres of the residential planned community and certain other acreage which closed in December 
2014 and through the end of 2016. Cost of sales related to land sales revenues was $30.3 million in 2016 and $19.9 million in 2015. 

The remainder of net sales and cost of sales related to this segment primarily relates to water delivery fees and expenses. We 
deliver water to several customers under long-term contracts.  In this regard in January 2016 we amended our water delivery contract 
with the City of Henderson, Nevada.  As a result we recognized a contract related intangible asset impairment of $5.1 million in the 
first quarter of 2016 ($2.1 million, or $.01 per diluted share, net of income tax benefit and noncontrolling interest).  See Note 7 to our 
Consolidated  Financial  Statements.  Based  on  the  contract  amendment  as  expected  annual  water  sales  in  2016  and  2017  were 
approximately $1 million lower than 2015 levels but cost of sales related to water delivery remained relatively consistent from period 
to period.   As noted above, because land held for development was initially recognized at estimated fair value at the acquisition date 
as required by ASC Topic 805, we did not recognize significant operating income in either 2015, 2016 or 2017 (excluding the impact 
of the contract related intangible asset impairment charge in 2016). 

Outlook—We are actively pursuing opportunities to maximize cash proceeds from the sale of our land held for development. 
In the near term, we are focused on developing and selling land we manage, primarily to residential builders, for the approximately 
2,100  acres  zoned  for  residential/planned  community  in  Henderson,  Nevada.  We  expect  the  development  work  for  the 
residential/planned community to continue over the next several years, including those parcels currently under contract for which the 
development  work  is  expected  to  be  completed  in  2018.  We  do  not  expect  to  recognize  significant  amounts  of  operating  income 
related to these sales for the parcels currently under contract because our basis in the land value is the December 2013 acquisition date 
fair value; however, we do expect to generate cash proceeds from these sales in excess of our acquisition costs, which proceeds are 
expected to be used, in part, to fund ongoing development work for the remainder of these properties. 

- 44 -

General  Corporate  Items,  Interest  Expense,  Provision  for  Income  Taxes  (Benefit),  Noncontrolling  Interest  and  Related  Party 
Transactions 

Securities  Earnings—A  significant  portion  of  our  interest  and  dividend  income  in  2015,  2016  and  2017  relates  to  the 
distributions  we  received  from  The  Amalgamated  Sugar  Company  LLC.  We  recognized  dividend  income  from  the  LLC  of  $25.4 
million in each of 2015, 2016 and 2017. See Note 6 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Insurance Recoveries—Insurance recoveries relate to amounts NL received from certain of its former insurance carriers, and 
relate principally to the recovery of prior lead pigment and asbestos litigation defense costs incurred by NL. We have agreements with 
four former insurance carriers pursuant to which the carriers reimburse us for a portion of our future lead pigment litigation defense 
costs, and one such carrier reimburses us for a portion of our future asbestos litigation defense costs. We are not able to determine how 
much  we  will  ultimately  recover  from  these  carriers  for  defense  costs  incurred  by  us  because  of  certain  issues  that  arise  regarding 
which defense costs qualify for reimbursement. Substantially all of the $3.7 million we recognized in 2015 relate to settlements NL 
reached with two of its insurance carriers in which the carriers agreed to reimburse NL for a portion of its past litigation defense costs. 
While we continue to seek additional insurance recoveries for lead pigment and asbestos litigation matters, we do not know the extent 
to which we will be successful in obtaining additional reimbursement for either defense costs or indemnity. Any additional insurance 
recoveries  would  be  recognized  when  the  receipt  is  probable  and  the  amount  is  determinable.  Substantially  all  of  the  insurance 
recoveries recognized in 2016 and 2017 relate to reimbursement of ongoing litigation defense costs. See Note 18 to our Consolidated 
Financial Statements. 

Other General Corporate Items— Corporate expenses were 6% lower at $35.0 million in 2017 compared to $37.3 million in 
2016. Corporate expenses decreased due to lower administrative related expenses and environmental remediation and related costs in 
2017. Included in corporate expense are: 

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

litigation and related costs at NL of $3.8 million in 2017 compared to $3.5 million in 2016; and 

environmental remediation and related costs of $4.1 million in 2017 compared to $5.9 million in 2016. 

Corporate  expenses  were  6%  lower  at  $37.3  million  in  2016  compared  to  $39.5  million  in  2015.  Corporate  expenses 
decreased primarily due to lower administrative related expenses and lower litigation and related costs in 2016. Included in corporate 
expense are: 

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

litigation and related costs at NL of $3.5 million in 2016 compared to $4.8 million in 2015; and 

environmental remediation and related costs of $5.9 million in 2016 compared to $5.7 million in 2015. 

Overall, we currently expect that our net general corporate expenses in 2018 will be higher than in 2017 primarily due to 

higher expected litigation remediation and related costs and higher administrative expenses. 

The level of our litigation and related expenses varies from period to period depending upon, among other things, the number 
of  cases  in  which  we  are  currently  involved,  the  nature  of  such  cases  and  the  current  stage  of  such  cases  (e.g.  discovery,  pre-trial 
motions, trial or appeal, if applicable). See Note 18 to our Consolidated Financial Statements. If our current expectations regarding the 
number of cases in which we expect to be involved during 2018, or the nature of such cases, were to change our corporate expenses 
could be higher than we currently estimate. 

Obligations for environmental remediation and related costs are difficult to assess and estimate, and it is possible that actual 
costs for environmental remediation and related costs will exceed accrued amounts or that costs will be incurred in the future for sites 
in  which  we  cannot  currently  estimate  the  liability.  If  these  events  occur  in  2018,  our  corporate  expense  could  be  higher  than  we 
currently estimate. In addition, we adjust our accruals for environmental remediation and related costs as further information becomes 
available to us or as circumstances change. Such further information or changed circumstances could result in an increase or reduction 
in our accrued environmental remediation and related costs. See Note 18 to our Consolidated Financial Statements. 

Loss  on  Prepayment  of  Debt  –  We  recognized  a  loss  on  prepayment  of  debt  in  the  third  quarter  of  2017  aggregating  $7.1 
million,  associated  with  the  prepayment  and  termination  of  our  Chemicals  Segment’s  term  loan  indebtedness.    See  Note  9  to  our 
Consolidated Financial Statements.

Interest Expense— Interest expense increased to $58.9 million in 2017 from $58.1 million in 2016 primarily due to the net 
effects  of  higher  2017  average  debt  levels  and  higher  average  interest  rates  somewhat  offset  by  higher  capitalized  interest  in  2017 
primarily. 

- 45 -

Interest expense increased to $58.1 million in 2016 from $53.6 million in 2015 primarily due to the net effects of higher 2016 
average debt levels and higher average interest rates (primarily due to the interest rate swap contract Kronos entered into in September 
2015). 

 We  expect  interest  expense  will  be  higher  in  2018  as  compared  to  2017  due  to  higher  average  balances  of  outstanding 

borrowings at Valhi.  See Note 19 to our Consolidated Financial Statements. 

Provision for Income Taxes (Benefit)—We recognized an income tax benefit of $120.0 million in 2017 compared to income 
tax expense of $18.6 million in 2016.  We recognized income tax expense of $18.6 million in 2016 compared to $107.5 million in 
2015.  The  difference  is  primarily  due  to  the  effects  of  our  deferred  income  tax  asset  valuation  allowance  associated  with  our 
Chemicals Segment’s German and Belgian operations in 2015 and 2017 and the impact of the 2017 Tax Act, as discussed below.    

 Our income tax benefit in 2017 includes the following:

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

a  $186.7  million  non-cash  deferred  income  tax  benefit  as  a  result  of  the  reversal  of  our  deferred  income  tax  asset 
valuation allowances associated with our Chemicals Segment’s German and Belgian operations mostly recognized in the 
second quarter,

an  $18.7  million  non-cash  deferred  income  tax  benefit  as  a  result  of  the  reversal  of  our  deferred  income  tax  asset 
valuation  allowance  related  to  certain  U.S.  deferred  income  tax  assets  of  one  of  our  Chemicals  Segment’s  non-U.S. 
subsidiaries (which subsidiary is treated as a dual resident for U.S. income tax purposes),

a $76.2 million provisional current income tax expense as a result of the 2017 Tax Act for the one-time repatriation tax 
imposed on the post-1986  undistributed earnings of our Chemicals Segment’s non-U.S. subsidiaries, 

a $77.1 million non-cash deferred income tax benefit related to the revaluation of our net deferred income tax liability 
resulting from the reduction in the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate enacted as part of the 2017 Tax Act; 

an $11.8 million aggregate income tax benefit related to the execution and finalization of an Advance Pricing Agreement 
between Canada and Germany, mostly recognized in the third quarter (which includes an $8.6 million non-cash income 
tax benefit as a result of a net decrease in our reserve for uncertain tax positions); and

a $5.3 million provisional non-cash deferred income tax expense related to a change in our conclusions regarding our 
permanent  reinvestment  assertion  with  respect  to  the  post-1986  undistributed  earnings  of  our  Chemicals  Segment’s 
European subsidiaries.

Our income tax expense in 2016 includes a $3.4 million current income tax benefit related to the execution and finalization of 
an Advance Pricing Agreement related to our Chemicals Segment between the U.S. and Canada, an aggregate $2.2 million non-cash 
tax benefit as the result of a net decrease in our deferred income tax valuation allowance and a $7.2 million increase to our reserve for 
uncertain tax positions.

Our earnings are subject to income tax in various U.S. and non-U.S. jurisdictions, and the income tax rates applicable to our 
pre-tax earnings (losses) of our non-U.S. operations are generally lower than the income tax rates applicable to our U.S. operations. 
Excluding the effect of any increase or decrease in our deferred income tax asset valuation allowance or changes in our reserve for 
uncertain tax positions, we would generally expect our overall effective tax rate to be lower than the U.S. federal statutory tax rate of 
35% primarily because of our non-U.S. operations.  Our effective income tax rate in 2016, excluding the impact of the reduction in our 
deferred income tax asset valuation allowances we recognized and the change to our reserve for uncertain tax positions, was lower 
than the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35% primarily due to the change to prior year tax discussed above. Our effective income tax rate 
in 2017, excluding the impact of the reversal of the deferred income tax asset valuation allowances, the one-time repatriation tax, the 
impact of the change in our permanent reinvestment assertion with respect to the post-1986 undistributed earnings of our European 
subsidiaries and the change to our reserve for uncertain tax positions, was lower than the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35% primarily 
due  to  the  impact  of  the  earnings  of  our  non-U.S.  subsidiaries.  See  Note  14  to  our  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  for  a  tabular 
reconciliation of our statutory income tax provision to our actual tax provision.  

Our Chemicals Segment has substantial net operating loss (NOL) carryforwards in Germany (the equivalent of $652 million 
for German corporate purposes and $.5 million for German trade tax purposes at December 31, 2017) and in Belgium (the equivalent 
of $50 million for Belgian corporate tax purposes at December 31, 2017), all of which have an indefinite carryforward period.  As a 

- 46 -

result, we have net deferred income tax assets with respect to these two jurisdictions, primarily related to these NOL carryforwards.  
The German corporate tax is similar to the U.S. federal income tax, and the German trade tax is similar to the U.S. state income tax.  
Prior  to  June  30,  2015,  and  using  all  available  evidence,  we  had  concluded  no  deferred  income  tax  asset  valuation  allowance  was 
required  to  be  recognized  with  respect  to  these  net  deferred  income  tax  assets  under  the  more-likely-than-not  recognition  criteria, 
primarily because (i) the carryforwards have an indefinite carryforward period, (ii) we utilized a portion of such carryforwards during 
the most recent three-year period, and (iii) we expected to utilize the remainder of the carryforwards over the long term.  We had also 
previously  indicated  that  facts  and  circumstances  could  change,  which  might  in  the  future  result  in  the  recognition  of  a  valuation 
allowance against some or all of such deferred income tax assets.  However, as of June 30, 2015, and given our Chemicals Segment’s 
operating  results  during  the  second  quarter  of  2015  and  our  expectations  at  that  time  for  our  operating  results  for  the  remainder  of 
2015, which had been driven in large part by the trend in our average TiO2 selling prices over such periods as well as the $21.1 million 
pre-tax charge recognized in the second quarter of 2015 in connection with the implementation of certain workforce reductions, we 
did not have sufficient positive evidence to overcome the significant negative evidence of having cumulative losses in the most recent 
twelve consecutive quarters in both our German and Belgian jurisdictions at June 30, 2015 (even considering that the carryforward 
period of our German and Belgian NOL carryforwards is indefinite, one piece of positive evidence).  Accordingly, at June 30, 2015, 
we  concluded  that  we  were  required  to  recognize  a  non-cash  deferred  income  tax  asset  valuation  allowance  under  the  more-likely-
than-not recognition criteria with respect to our German and Belgian net deferred income tax assets at such date.  We recognized an 
additional  non-cash  deferred  income  tax  asset  valuation  allowance  during  the  second  half  of  2015  due  to  losses  recognized  by  our 
German  and  Belgian  operations  during  such  period.    Such  valuation  allowance  aggregated  $168.9  million  at  December  31,  2015.  
During 2016, we recognized an aggregate $2.2 million non-cash tax benefit as the result of a net decrease in such deferred income tax 
asset valuation allowance, as the impact of utilizing a portion of our German NOLs during such period more than offset the impact of 
additional losses recognized by our Belgian operations during such period.  Such valuation allowance aggregated approximately $173 
million at December 31, 2016 ($153 million with respect to Germany and $20 million with respect to Belgium). During the first six 
months  of  2017,  we  recognized  an  aggregate  non-cash  income  tax  benefit  of  $12.7  million  as  a  result  of  a  net  decrease  in  such 
deferred income tax asset valuation allowance, due to the utilization of a portion of both the German and Belgian NOLs during such 
period.  We continue to believe we will ultimately realize the full benefit of these German and Belgian NOL carryforwards, in part 
because of their indefinite carryforward period.  As previously disclosed, our ability to reverse all or a portion of either the German or 
Belgian valuation allowance is dependent on the presence of sufficient positive evidence, such as the existence of cumulative profits in 
the  most  recent  twelve  consecutive  quarters  or  profitability  in  recent  quarters  during  which  such  profitability  was  trending  upward 
throughout such period, and the ability to demonstrate future profitability for a sustainable period.  As noted below, we determined 
such conditions were satisfied at June 30, 2017.  

Although our Chemicals Segment’s Belgian operations were profitable in the first quarter of 2017 and we utilized a portion 
of  the  Belgian  NOLs  during  such  period,  our  Chemicals  Segment’s  Belgian  operations  continued  to  have  cumulative  losses  in  the 
most recent twelve quarters at March 31, 2017.  Although the results of our Chemicals Segment’s German operations had improved 
during 2016 and the first quarter of 2017, indicating a change in the negative trend in earnings that existed at December 31, 2015, and 
we utilized a portion of our German NOLs during 2016 and the first quarter of 2017, and we had cumulative income with respect to 
our German operations for the most recent twelve consecutive quarters at March 31, 2017, the sustainability of such positive trend in 
earnings had not yet been demonstrated at such date.  As previously disclosed, while neither our business as a whole nor any of our 
principal product groups is seasonal to any significant extent, TiO2 sales are generally higher in the second and third quarters of the 
year,  due  in  part  to  the  increase  in  paint  production  in  the  spring  to  meet  demand  during  the  spring  and  summer  painting  seasons.  
While we have some insight into the overall demand expected to be generated by a particular year’s paint season and TiO2 pricing at 
the end of the first quarter (the start of the paint season), we have much greater insight and certainty regarding overall demand and 
TiO2 pricing for a particular year’s paint season by the end of the second quarter of the year, in part because some factors, such as 
weather,  can  have  an  impact  on  both  overall  demand  and  pricing  each  year.    Accordingly,  at  March  31,  2017  we  did  not  have 
sufficient positive evidence to support a sustainable profit trend and consequently, we did not have sufficient positive evidence under 
the  more-likely-than-not  recognition  criteria  to  support  reversal  of  the  entire  valuation  allowance  related  to  our  German  or  Belgian 
operations at such date.  During the second quarter of 2017, our Chemicals Segment’s German and Belgian operations continued to be 
profitable,  and  both  reported  levels  of  profitability  higher  as  compared  to  the  first  quarter  of  2017.    As  previously  disclosed,  our 
consolidated results of operations in general, and our German and Belgian operations in particular, were favorably impacted during the 
second  quarter  of  2017  by,  among  other  things,  continued  higher  average  TiO2  selling  prices  and  higher  sales  volumes.    Our 
Chemicals Segment’s German operations had cumulative income for the most recent twelve consecutive quarters at June 30, 2017.  
While our Belgian operations had cumulative losses in the most recent twelve consecutive quarters at June 30, 2017, such operations 
generated  income  in  both  the  first  and  second  quarters  of  2017,  with  higher  income  in  the  second  quarter  as  compared  to  the  first 
quarter, the amount of cumulative losses of our Belgian operations for the most recent twelve consecutive quarters was lower as of 
June 30, 2017 as compared to both March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 and we expected to have cumulative profits in the third 
and fourth quarters.  Our Chemicals Segment’s production facilities had been operating at near practical capacity utilization rates in 
the first six months of 2017.  In addition, consistent with our previously-disclosed expectation regarding our consolidated results of 
operations  for  the  second  half  of  2017,  we  believed  it  was  likely  our  Chemicals  Segment’s  German  and  Belgian  operations  would 
continue  to  report  improved  operating  results  in  2017  as  compared  to  2016.    Accordingly,  at  June  30,  2017  we  concluded  we  had 
sufficient positive evidence under the more-likely-than-not recognition criteria to support reversal of the entire valuation allowance 

- 47 -

related to our Chemicals Segment’s German and Belgian operations.  Such sufficient positive evidence included, among other things, 
the existence of cumulative profits in the most recent twelve consecutive quarters (Germany) or profitability in recent quarters during 
which  such  profitability  was  trending  upward  throughout  such  period  (Belgium),  the  ability  to  demonstrate  future  profitability  in 
Germany and Belgium for a sustainable period (as supported by, among other things, recent trends in profitability, driven in large part 
by increases in TiO2 selling prices, and continued strong demand indicating that such profitability trends will continue in the future), 
and the indefinite carryforward period for the German and Belgian NOLs.  As discussed below regarding accounting for income taxes 
at interim dates, a large portion ($149.9 million) of the remaining valuation allowance as of June 30, 2017 was reversed in the second 
quarter, with the remainder reversed during the second half of 2017. 

In  accordance  with  the  ASC  740-270  guidance  regarding  accounting  for  income  taxes  at  interim  dates,  the  amount  of  the 
valuation allowance reversed at June 30, 2017 ($149.9 million, of which $141.9 million related to Germany and $8.0 million related to 
Belgium) relates to our change in judgment at that date regarding the realizability of the related deferred income tax asset as it relates 
to future years (i.e. 2018 and after).  A change in judgment regarding the realizability of deferred tax assets as it relates to the current 
year is considered in determining the estimated annual effective tax rate for the year and is recognized throughout the year, including 
interim periods subsequent to the date of the change in judgment.  Accordingly, our income tax benefit in 2017 includes an aggregate 
non-cash income tax benefit of $186.7 million related to the reversal of the German and Belgian valuation allowance, comprised of 
$12.7 million recognized in the first half of 2017 related to the utilization of a portion of both the German and Belgian NOLs during 
such  period,  $149.9  million  related  to  the  portion  of  the  valuation  allowance  reversed  as  of  June  30,  2017  and  $24.1  million 
recognized in the second half of 2017 related to the utilization of a portion of both the German and Belgian NOLs during such period.  
In  addition,  our  deferred  income  tax  asset  valuation  allowance  increased  $13.7  million  in  2017  as  a  result  of  changes  in  currency 
exchange rates, which increase was recognized as part of other comprehensive income (loss).

On December 22, 2017, the 2017 Tax Act was enacted into law. This new tax legislation, among other changes, (i) reduces 
the U.S. Federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018; (ii) implements a territorial tax system and 
imposes a one-time repatriation tax (Transition Tax) on the deemed repatriation of the post1986 undistributed earnings of non-U.S. 
subsidiaries accumulated up through December 31, 2017, regardless of whether such earnings are repatriated; (iii) eliminates U.S. tax 
on future non-U.S. earnings (subject to certain exceptions); (iv) eliminates the domestic production activities deduction beginning in 
2018;    (v)  eliminates  the  net  operating  loss  carryback  and  provides  for  an  indefinite  carryforward  period  subject  to  an  80%  annual 
usage limitation; (vi) allows for the expensing of certain capital expenditures; (vii) imposes a tax on global intangible low-tax income; 
and  (viii)  imposes  a  base  erosion  anti-abuse  tax.    Following  the  enactment  of  the  2017  Tax  Act,  the  Securities  and  Exchange 
Commission issued Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) 118 to provide guidance on the accounting and reporting impacts of the 2017 
Tax Act.  SAB 118 states that companies should account for changes related to the 2017 Tax Act in the period of enactment if all 
information  is  available  and  the  accounting  can  be  completed.  In  situations  where  companies  do  not  have  enough  information  to 
complete the accounting in the period of enactment, a company must either 1) record an estimated provisional amount if the impact of 
the change can be reasonably estimated; or 2) continue to apply the accounting guidance that was in effect immediately prior to the 
2017 Tax Act if the impact of the change cannot be reasonably estimated.  If estimated provisional amounts are recorded, SAB 118 
provides  a  measurement  period  of  no  longer  than  one  year  during  which  companies  should  adjust  those  amounts  as  additional 
information becomes available.  

Under  GAAP,  we  are  required  to  revalue  our  net  deferred  tax  asset  associated  with  our  U.S.  net  deductible  temporary 
differences in the period in which the new tax legislation is enacted based on deferred tax balances as of the enactment date, to reflect 
the effect of such reduction in the corporate income tax rate.  Our temporary differences as of December 31, 2017 are not materially 
different from our temporary differences as of the enactment date, accordingly revaluation of our net deductible temporary differences 
is based on our net deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2017.  Such revaluation resulted in a non-cash deferred income tax benefit 
of  $77.1  million  recognized  in  continuing  operations,  reducing  our  net  deferred  income  tax  liability.      The  amounts  recorded  as  of 
December 31, 2017 as a result of the 2017 Tax Act represent estimates based on information currently available and, in accordance 
with  the  guidance  in  SAB  118,  these  amounts  are  provisional  and  subject  to  adjustment  as  we  obtain  additional  information  and 
complete our analysis in 2018.  If the underlying guidance or tax laws change and such change impacts the income tax effects of the 
new legislation recognized at December 31, 2017, we will recognize an adjustment in the reporting period within the measurement 
period in which such adjustment is determined.  Such measurement period ends December 22, 2018 pursuant to the guidance under 
SAB 118.  

Prior to the enactment of the 2017 Tax Act, the undistributed earnings of our Chemicals Segment’s European subsidiaries 
were deemed to be permanently reinvested (we had not made a similar determination with respect to the undistributed earnings of our 
Chemicals Segment’s Canadian subsidiary).  Pursuant to the Transition Tax provisions imposing a one-time repatriation tax on post-
1986 undistributed earnings, we recognized a provisional current income tax expense of $76.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2017.  
We will elect to pay such tax over an eight year period beginning in 2018, including approximately $6.1 million which will be paid in 
2018 and is netted with our current receivables from affiliates (income taxes receivable from Valhi) classified as a current asset in our 
Consolidated Balance Sheet, and the remaining $70.1 million is recorded as a noncurrent payable to affiliate (income taxes payable to 
Contran) classified as a noncurrent liability in our Consolidated Balance Sheet and will be paid in increments over the remainder of 

- 48 -

the eight year period.  The amounts recorded as of December 31, 2017 as a result of the 2017 Tax Act represent estimates based on 
information  currently  available  and,  in  accordance  with  the  guidance  in  SAB  118,  these  amounts  are  provisional  and  subject  to 
adjustment as we obtain additional information and complete our analysis in 2018.  If the underlying guidance or tax laws change and 
such  change  impacts  the  income  tax  effects  of  the  new  legislation  recognized  at  December  31,  2017  or  we  determine  we  have 
additional tax liabilities under other provisions of the 2017 Tax Act, including the tax on global intangible low-tax income and the 
base  erosion  anti-abuse  tax,  we  will  recognize  an  adjustment  in  the  reporting  period  within  the  measurement  period  in  which  such 
adjustment is determined.  Such measurement period ends December 22, 2018 pursuant to the guidance under SAB 118.  

Prior  to  the  enactment  of  the  2017  Tax  Act,  the  undistributed  earnings  of  our  European  subsidiaries  were  deemed  to  be 
permanently  reinvested  (we  had  not  made  a  similar  determination  with  respect  to  the  undistributed  earnings  of  our  Canadian 
subsidiary).  As a result of the implementation of a territorial tax system under the 2017 Tax Act, effective January 1, 2018 and the 
Transition  Tax  which  in  effect  taxes  the  post-1986  undistributed  earnings  of  our  non-U.S.  subsidiaries  accumulated  up  through 
December  31,  2017,  we  have  now  determined  that  all  of  the  post-1986  undistributed  earnings  of  our  European  subsidiaries  are  not 
permanently  reinvested  (we  had  previously  concluded  that  all  of  the  undistributed  earnings  of  our  Canadian  subsidiary  are  not 
permanently reinvested).  Accordingly, in the fourth quarter of 2017 we have recognized an aggregate provisional non-cash deferred 
income tax expense of $5.3 million for the estimated U.S. state and non-U.S. income tax and withholding tax liability attributable to 
all of such previously-considered permanently reinvested undistributed earnings.  We are currently reviewing certain other provisions 
under the 2017 Tax Act that would impact our determination of the aggregate temporary differences attributable to our investments in 
our non-U.S. subsidiaries. We continue to assert indefinite reinvestment as it relates to our outside basis differences attributable to our 
investments  in  our  non-U.S.  subsidiaries,  other  than  post-1986  undistributed  earnings  of  our  European  subsidiaries  and  all 
undistributed  earnings  of  our  Canadian  subsidiary.    It  is  possible  that  a  change  in  facts  and  circumstances,  such  as  a  change  in  the 
expectation regarding future dispositions or acquisitions or a change in tax law, could result in a conclusion that some or all of such 
investments are no longer permanently reinvested.  It is currently not practical for us to determine the amount of the unrecognized 
deferred  income  tax  liability  related  to  our  investments  in  our  non-U.S.  subsidiaries  due  to  the  complexities  associated  with  our 
organizational structure, changes in the 2017 Tax Act and the U.S. taxation of such investments in the states in which we operate.  

Certain U.S. deferred tax attributes of one of our Chemicals Segment’s non-U.S. subsidiaries, which subsidiary is treated as a 
dual  resident  for  U.S.  income  tax  purposes,  were  subject  to  various  limitations.    As  a  result,  we  had  previously  concluded  that  a 
deferred  income  tax  asset  valuation  allowance  was  required  to  be  recognized  with  respect  to  such  subsidiary’s  U.S.  net  deferred 
income  tax  asset  because  such  assets  did  not  meet  the  more-likely-than-not  recognition  criteria  primarily  due  to  (i)  the  various 
limitations regarding use of such attributes due to the dual residency; (ii) the dual resident subsidiary had a history of losses and absent 
distributions  from  our  non-U.S.  subsidiaries,  which  were  previously  not  determinable,  such  subsidiary  was  expected  to  continue  to 
generate  losses;  and  (iii)  a  limited  NOL  carryforward  period  for  U.S.  tax  purposes.  Because  we  had  concluded  the  likelihood  of 
realization of such subsidiary’s net deferred income tax asset was remote, we had not previously disclosed such valuation allowance or 
the associated amount of the subsidiary’s net deferred income tax assets (exclusive of such valuation allowance).  Primarily due to 
changes enacted under the 2017 Tax Act, we have concluded we now have sufficient positive evidence under the more-likely-than-not 
recognition  criteria  to  support  reversal  of  the  entire  valuation  allowance  related  to  such  subsidiary’s  net  deferred  income  tax  asset, 
which evidence included, among other things, (i) the inclusion under Transition Tax provisions of significant earnings for U.S. income 
tax purposes which significantly and positively impacts the ability of such deferred tax attributes to be utilized by us; (ii) the indefinite 
carryforward  period  for  U.S.  net  operating  losses  incurred  after  December  31,  2017;  (iii)  an  expectation  of  continued  future 
profitability for our U.S. operations; and (iv) a positive taxable income basket for U.S. tax purposes in excess of the U.S. deferred tax 
asset  related  to  the  U.S.  attributes  of  such  subsidiary.    Accordingly,  in  the  fourth  quarter  we  recognized  an  $18.7  million  non-cash 
deferred income tax benefit as a result of the reversal of such valuation allowance.

We recognize deferred income taxes with respect to the excess of the financial reporting carrying amount over the income tax 
basis  of  our  direct  investment  in  Kronos  common  stock  because  the  exemption  under  GAAP  to  avoid  such  recognition  of  deferred 
income taxes is not available to us.  There is a maximum amount (or cap) of such deferred income taxes we are required to recognize 
with  respect  to  our  direct  investment  in  Kronos,  and  we  previously  reached  such  maximum  amount  in  the  fourth  quarter  of  2010. 
Since that time and through March 31, 2015, we were not required to recognize any additional deferred income taxes with respect to 
our  direct  investment  in  Kronos  because  the  deferred  income  taxes  associated  with  the  excess  of  the  financial  reporting  carrying 
amount over the income tax basis of our direct investment in Kronos common stock continued to be above such cap.  However, at 
June 30, 2015, the deferred income taxes associated with the excess of the financial reporting carrying amount over the income tax 
basis of our direct investment in Kronos common stock was, for the first time since the fourth quarter of 2010, below such cap, in 
large part due to the net loss reported by Kronos in the second quarter of 2015.  During the second, third and fourth quarters of 2015, 
we recognized an aggregate $29.3 million non-cash income tax benefit for the reduction in the deferred income taxes required to be 
recognized with respect to the excess of the financial reporting carrying amount over the income tax basis of our direct investment in 
Kronos  common  stock,  to  the  extent  such  reduction  related  to  our  equity  in  Kronos’  net  loss  in  2015.    We  recognized  a  non-cash 
income tax expense of $6.5 million in 2016 for the increase in the deferred income taxes required to be recognized with respect to the 
excess of the financial reporting carrying amount over the income tax basis of our direct investment in Kronos common stock, to the 
extent  such  increase  related  to  our  equity  in  Kronos’  net  income  (loss)  in  such  periods.    Our  provision  for  income  taxes  in  2017 

- 49 -

includes  a  provisional  non-cash  income  tax  expense  of  $22.1  million  for  the  increase  in  the  deferred  income  taxes  required  to  be 
recognized with respect to the excess of the financial reporting carrying amount over the income tax basis of our direct investment in 
Kronos common stock, to the extent such increase related to our equity in Kronos’ net income in such period. Such amount is included 
in  the  table  of  our  income  tax  rate  reconciliation  for  incremental  net  tax  on  earnings  and  losses  on  non-U.S.  and  non-tax  group 
companies  above  (in  addition  to  the  other  items  included  in  such  line  item  in  the  rate  reconciliation).    A  portion  of  such  increase 
(decrease) with respect to the excess of the financial reporting carrying amount over the income tax basis of our direct investment in 
Kronos common stock during 2015, 2016 and 2017 related to our equity in Kronos’ other comprehensive income (loss) items, and the 
amounts  shown  for  income  tax  expense  (benefit)  allocated  to  other  comprehensive  income  (loss)  includes  amounts  related  to  our 
equity in Kronos’ other comprehensive income (loss) items.  While at the third quarter of 2017 we had reached the maximum amount 
of deferred income taxes we are required to recognize with respect to our direct investment in Kronos, recognition of the effects of the 
2017  Tax  Act,  among  other  things,  resulted  in  a  provisional  increase  in  the  income  tax  basis  of  our  direct  investment  in  Kronos, 
putting us below such maximum amount at December 31, 2017. 

Due  to  the  uncertainties  and  complexities  of  the  new  legislation,  we  are  still  evaluating  the  impact  of  the  one-time  deemed 
repatriation  of  the  post-1986  undistributed  earnings  of  our  non-U.S.  subsidiaries  up  through  December  31,  2017  as  it  relates  to  the 
income tax basis of our direct investment in Kronos.  At December 31, 2017, we have recognized a deferred income tax liability with 
respect to our direct investment in Kronos of $157.6 million.  The maximum amount of such deferred income tax liability we would 
be required to have recognized (the cap) is $173.0 million.  Our deferred income tax liability with respect to our direct investment in 
Kronos represents an estimate and, in accordance with the guidance in SAB 118, this amount is provisional and subject to adjustment 
as we obtain additional information and complete our analysis of the impact of the new legislation. If such estimates change, we will 
recognize  an  adjustment  in  the  reporting  period  within  the  measurement  period  in  which  such  adjustment  is  determined.    Such 
measurement period ends December 22, 2018 pursuant to the guidance under SAB 118.  

Our  consolidated  effective  income  tax  rate  in  2018  is  expected  to  be  higher  than  the  U.S.  federal  statutory  rate  of  21% 
because the income tax rates applicable to our earnings (losses) of our non-U.S. operations will be higher than the income tax rates 
applicable to our U.S. operations.

See Note 14 to our Consolidated Financial Statements for a tabular reconciliation of our statutory tax expense to our actual 

tax expense. Some of the more significant items impacting this reconciliation are summarized below. 

Discontinued  Operations—On  January  26,  2018,  we  completed  the  sale  of  the  Waste  Management  Segment  to  JFL-WCS 
Partners,  LLC,  an  entity  sponsored  by  certain  investment  affiliates  of  J.F.  Lehman  &  Company,  for  consideration  consisting  of  the 
assumption of all of the Waste Management Segment's third-party indebtedness and other liabilities. We expect to recognize a pre-tax 
gain of approximately $57 million on the transaction in the first quarter of 2018 because the carrying value of the liabilities of the 
business assumed by the purchaser exceeded the carrying value of the assets sold in large part due to the long-lived asset impairment 
of $170.6 million recognized in the second quarter of 2017 with respect to our Waste Management Segment.  Such pre-tax gain will 
be classified as part of discontinued operations.  See Note 3 to our Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information. 

Noncontrolling Interest in Net Income (Loss) of Subsidiaries—Noncontrolling interest in operations of subsidiaries increased 

from 2017 to 2016 and from 2016 to 2015 primarily due to increased operating income at Kronos. 

Related  Party  Transactions—We  are  a  party  to  certain  transactions  with  related  parties.  See  Note  17  to  our  Consolidated 

Financial Statements. 

Assumptions on Defined Benefit Pension Plans and OPEB Plans. 

Defined  Benefit  Pension  Plans—We  maintain  various  defined  benefit  pension  plans  in  the  U.S.,  Europe  and  Canada.  See 

Note 11 to our Consolidated Financial Statements. 

Under defined benefit pension plan accounting, we recognize defined benefit pension plan expense and prepaid and accrued 
pension costs 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. We recognize the full funded status of our defined benefit pension 
plans as either an asset (for overfunded plans) or a liability (for underfunded plans) in our Consolidated Balance Sheet. 

We  recognized  consolidated  defined  benefit  pension  plan  expense  of  $23.7  million  in  2015,  $22.9  million  in  2016,  and 
$29.9 million in 2017.  Certain non-U.S. employees are covered by plans in their respective countries, principally in Germany, Canada 
and Norway.  Participation in the defined benefit pension plan in Germany was closed to new participants effective in 2005.  German 
employees hired beginning in 2005 participate in a new plan in which the retirement benefit is based upon the amount of employee 
and employer contributions to the plan, but for which in accordance with German law the employer guarantees a minimum rate of 

- 50 -

return on invested assets and a guaranteed indexed lifetime benefit payment after retirement based on the participant’s account balance 
at  the  time  of  retirement.  In  accordance  with  GAAP,  the  new  pension  plan  is  accounted  for  as  a  defined  benefit  plan,  principally 
because of such guaranteed minimum rate of return and guaranteed lifetime benefit payment.  Participation in the defined benefit plan 
in Canada with respect to hourly and salaried workers was closed to new participants in December 2013 and 2014, respectively, and 
existing hourly and salaried plan participants will no longer accrue additional defined pension benefits after December 2013 and 2014, 
respectively.      Our  U.S.  plan  for  both  NL  and  Kronos  was  closed  to  new  participants  in  1996,  and  existing  participants  no  longer 
accrued  any  additional  benefits  after  that  date.  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 for financial 
reporting purposes. 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  GAAP  for  financial 
reporting purposes. We made contributions to all of our defined benefit pension plans of $18.0 million in 2015, $15.4 million in 2016, 
and $17.1 million in 2017. 

The discount rates we use 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,  we  receive  third-party  advice  about 
appropriate discount rates and these advisors may in some cases use their own market indices.  We adjust these discount rates as of 
each  December 31  valuation  date  to  reflect  then-current  interest  rates  on  such  long-term  bonds.    We  use  these  discount  rates  to 
determine the actuarial present value of the pension obligations as of December 31 of that year.  We also use these discount rates to 
determine the interest component of defined benefit pension expense for the following year. 

At  December  31,  2017,  approximately  65%,  15%,  7%  and  8%  of  the  projected  benefit  obligations  related  to  our  plans  in 
Germany,  Canada,  Norway  and  the  U.S.,  respectively.    We  use  several  different  discount  rate  assumptions  in  determining  our 
consolidated  defined  benefit  pension  plan  obligation  and  expense.    This  is  because  we  maintain  defined  benefit  pension  plans  in 
several different countries in Europe and North America and the interest rate environment differs from country to country. 

We used the following discount rates for our defined benefit pension plans: 

Obligations
at December 31, 2015
and expense in 2016

Discount rates used for:
Obligations
at December 31, 2016
and expense in 2017

Obligations
at December 31, 2017
and expense in 2018

Kronos and NL Plans:

Germany ..........................................
Canada .............................................
Norway ............................................
U.S. ..................................................

2.3%
3.9%
2.8%
4.1%

1.8%
3.7%
2.5%
3.9%

1.8%
3.3%
2.5%
3.5%

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 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,  the  actual  fair  value  of  the  plan  assets  as  of  the  beginning  of  the  year  and  an  estimate  of  the  amount  of  contributions  to  and 
distributions from the plan during 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, 2017, the fair value of plan assets for all defined benefit plans comprised $46.5 million related to U.S. plans 
and $445.2 million related to foreign plans. Substantially all of plan assets attributable to foreign plans related to plans maintained by 
Kronos, and approximately 70% and 30% of the plan assets attributable to U.S. plans related to plans maintained by NL and Kronos, 
respectively.  At  December  31,  2017,  approximately  52%,  22%,  11%  and  9%  of  the  plan  assets  related  to  our  plans  in  Germany, 
Canada,  Norway  and  the  U.S,  respectively.  We  use  several  different  long-term  rates  of  return  on  plan  asset  assumptions  in 
determining our consolidated defined benefit pension plan expense. This is because 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,  we  consider  the  long-term  asset  mix  (e.g. 
equity vs. fixed income) for the assets for each of our plans and the expected long-term rates of return for such asset components.  In 

- 51 -

 
  
  
  
  
addition, we receive third-party advice about appropriate long-term rates of return.  Substantially all of the assets of our U.S. plan are 
invested  in  the  Combined  Master  Retirement  Trust  (“CMRT”),  a  collective  investment  trust  sponsored  by  Contran  to  permit  the 
collective investment by certain master trusts which fund certain employee benefits sponsored by Contran and certain of its affiliates, 
including us.  Such assumed asset mixes are discussed in Note 11 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Our pension plan weighted average asset allocations by asset category were as follows: 

Equity securities and limited partnerships .......................
Fixed income securities....................................................
Real estate ........................................................................
Other ................................................................................
Total .......................................................................

20%
69
9
2
100%

23%
77
—  
—  
100%

12%
51
9
28
100%

62%
31
—  
7
100%

Germany

Canada

Norway

CMRT

December 31, 2017

Germany

Canada

Norway

CMRT

December 31, 2016

Equity securities and limited partnerships .......................
Fixed income securities....................................................
Real estate ........................................................................
Other ................................................................................
Total .......................................................................

20%
71
8
1
100%

37%
63
—  
—  
100%

12%
59
9
20
100%

59%
36
—  
5
100%

We regularly review our actual asset allocation for each non-US plan and will periodically rebalance the investments in 
each  plan  to  more  accurately  reflect  the  targeted  allocation  when  considered  appropriate.    The  CMRT  trustee  and  investment 
committee do not maintain a specific target asset allocation in order to achieve their objectives, but instead they periodically change 
the  asset  mix  of  the  CMRT  based  upon,  among  other  things,  advice  they  receive  from  third-party  advisors  and  their  expectations 
regarding  potential  returns  for  various  investment  alternatives  and  what  asset  mix  will  generate  the  greatest  overall  return  while 
maintaining an acceptable level of risk. 

The assumed long-term rates of return on plan assets used for purposes of determining net period pension cost for 2015, 

2016 and 2017 were as follows: 

Kronos and NL plans:

2015

2016

2017

Germany ..............................................................
Canada .................................................................
Norway ................................................................
U.S. ......................................................................

4.3%
5.8%
3.8%
7.5%

3.5%
5.2%
3.3%
7.5%

1.3%
4.3%
3.5%
7.5%

We currently expect to use the same long-term rate of return on plan asset assumptions in 2018 as we used in 2017 for 

purposes of determining the 2018 defined benefit pension plan expense.

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  our  plans  for  which  the  benefit  formula  is  so  calculated,  we  generally  base  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, the amount of recognized defined benefit pension expense and 

the amount of net pension asset and net pension liability will vary based upon relative changes in currency exchange rates.

A reduction in the assumed discount rate generally results in an actuarial loss, as the actuarially-determined present value 
of  estimated  future  benefit  payments  will  increase.    Conversely,  an  increase  in  the  assumed  discount  rate  generally  results  in  an 
actuarial gain.  In addition, an actual return on plan assets for a given year that is greater than the assumed return on plan assets results 
in an actuarial gain, while an actual return on plan assets that is less than the assumed return results in an actuarial loss.  Other actual 
outcomes that differ from previous assumptions, such as individuals living longer or shorter than assumed in mortality tables, which 
are also used to determine the actuarially-determined present value of estimated future benefit payments, changes in such mortality 
table  themselves  or  plan  amendments,  will  also  result  in  actuarial  losses  or  gains.    These  amounts  are  recognized  in  other 
comprehensive income.  In addition, any actuarial gains generated in future periods would reduce the negative amortization effect of 

- 52 -

 
 
 
any  cumulative  unrecognized  actuarial  losses,  while  any  actuarial  losses  generated  in  future  periods  would  reduce  the  favorable 
amortization effect of any cumulative unrecognized actuarial gains.

During  2017,  our  defined  benefit  pension  plans  generated  a  combined  net  actuarial  gain  of  $4.0  million.  This  actuarial 
gain  resulted  primarily  from  an  actual  return  on  plan  assets  during  2017  greater  than  the  expected  return,  partially  offset  by  the 
decrease in discount rates from December 31, 2016 to December 31, 2017.

Based  on  the  actuarial  assumptions  described  above  and  our  current  expectations  for  what  actual  average  currency 
exchange rates will be during 2018, we currently expect our aggregate defined benefit pension expense will approximate $27 million 
in  2018.  In  comparison,  we  currently  expect  to  be  required  to  make  approximately  $19  million  of  aggregate  contributions  to  such 
plans during 2018. 

As noted above, defined benefit pension expense and the amounts recognized as prepaid and accrued pension costs are 
based  upon  the  actuarial  assumptions  discussed  above.  We  believe  all  of  the  actuarial  assumptions  used  are  reasonable  and 
appropriate.  If  we  had  lowered  the  assumed  discount  rates  by  25  basis  points  for  all  of  our  plans  as  of  December  31,  2017,  our 
aggregate  projected  benefit  obligations  would  have  increased  by  approximately  $31 million  at  that  date,  and  our  aggregate  defined 
benefit  pension  expense  would  be  expected  to  increase  by  approximately  $2 million  during  2018.  Similarly,  if  we  lowered  the 
assumed long-term rates of return on plan assets by 25 basis points for all of our plans, our defined benefit pension expense would be 
expected to increase by approximately $1 million during 2018. 

OPEB Plans—We provide certain health care and life insurance benefits for certain of our eligible retired employees. See 
Note  11  to  our  Consolidated  Financial  Statements.  At  December  31,  2017,  approximately  66%,  18%  and  16%  of  our  aggregate 
accrued OPEB costs relate to Kronos, NL and Tremont, respectively. Kronos provides such OPEB benefits to eligible retirees in the 
U.S.  and  Canada,  and  NL  and  Tremont  provide  such  OPEB  benefits  to  eligible  retirees  in  the  U.S.  Under  accounting  for  other 
postretirement employee benefits, 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.  We  recognize  the  full  unfunded  status  of  our 
OPEB plans as a liability. 

Based on such actuarial assumptions and our current expectation for what actual average currency exchange rates will be 
during 2018, we expect our consolidated OPEB benefit will approximate $1.0 million in 2018 and because our OPEB plans have no 
plan assets we will be required to contribute the entire benefit payment to such plans during 2018. 

We  believe  that  all  of  the  actuarial  assumptions  used  are  reasonable  and  appropriate.    However,  if  we  had  lowered  the 
assumed discount rate by 25 basis points for all plans as of December 31, 2017, our aggregate projected benefit obligations at that date 
and our OPEB cost during 2018 would not be materially impacted.  Similarly, a one percent assumed change in health care trend rates 
for all plans would not materially impact our OPEB costs. 

Foreign Operations 

We have substantial operations located outside the United States, principally our Chemicals Segment’s operations in Europe 
and  Canada.  The  functional  currency  of  these  operations  is  the  local  currency.  As  a  result,  the  reported  amount  of  our  assets  and 
liabilities related to these foreign operations will fluctuate based upon changes in currency exchange rates.  At December 31, 2017, we 
had substantial net assets denominated in the euro, Canadian dollar and Norwegian krone.

- 53 -

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES 

Consolidated Cash Flows 

Operating Activities— 

Trends in cash flows as a result of our operating income (excluding the impact of significant asset dispositions and relative 
changes in assets and liabilities) are generally similar to trends in our earnings.  In addition to the impact of the operating, investing 
and financing cash flows discussed below, changes in the amount of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash we report from year to 
year can be impacted by changes in currency exchange rates, since a portion of our cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash is held 
by our Chemicals Segment’s non-U.S. subsidiaries.  For example, during 2017, relative changes in currency exchange rates resulted in 
a $14.4 million increase in the reported amount of our cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash compared to a $5.3 million decrease 
in 2016 and an $8.5 million decrease in 2015. 

Cash flows from operating activities increased to $259.3 million in 2017 from $79.8 million in 2016. This $179.5 million 

increase in cash provided by operations was primarily due to the net effect of the following items: 

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

consolidated  operating  income  of  $362.9 million  in  2017,  an  improvement  of  $255.5 million  compared  to  an 
operating income of $107.4 million in 2016; 

higher net cash paid for income taxes in 2017 of $42.0 million resulting from our increased profitability; 

higher net contributions to our TiO2 manufacturing joint venture in 2017 of $9.6 million, primarily due to the timing 
of the joint venture’s working capital needs; and

changes  in  receivables,  inventories,  payables  and  accrued  liabilities  in  2017  provided  $29.9  million  in  net  cash 
compared to $23.3 million in 2016, an increase in the amount of cash provided of $6.6 million compared to 2016, 
primarily due to the relative changes in our inventories, receivables, prepaids, land held for development, payables 
and accruals. 

Cash flows from operating activities increased to $79.8 million in 2016 from $22.1 million in 2015. This $57.7 million 

increase in cash provided by operations was primarily due to the net effect of the following items: 

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

consolidated  operating  income  of  $107.4 million  in  2016,  an  improvement  of  $86.3 million  compared  to  an 
operating loss of $21.1 million in 2015; 

higher net cash paid for income taxes in 2016 of $10.1 million resulting from our increased profitability; 

lower net distributions received from our TiO2 joint venture in 2016 of $2.9 million, primarily due to the timing of 
the joint venture’s working capital needs; and

changes  in  receivables,  inventories,  payables  and  accrued  liabilities  in  2016  provided  $23.3  million  in  net  cash 
compared to $21.3 million in 2015, an increase in the amount of cash provided of $2.0 million compared to 2015, 
primarily due to the relative changes in our inventories, receivables, prepaids, land held for development, payables 
and accruals. 

Changes in working capital were affected by accounts receivable and inventory changes. As shown below: 

(cid:3) Kronos’ average days sales outstanding (“DSO”) was slightly lower from December 31, 2016 to December 31, 2017 

primarily as a result of relative changes in the timing of collections. 

(cid:3) Kronos’  average  days  sales  in  inventory  (“DSI”)  decreased  from  December  31,  2016  to  December  31,  2017 

primarily due to lower inventory volumes. 

(cid:3) CompX’s average DSO increased from December 31, 2016 to December 31, 2017 primarily as a result of the timing 

of sales and collections in the last month of 2017 as compared to 2016. 

(cid:3) CompX’s average DSI was comparable from December 31, 2016 to December 31, 2017.

- 54 -

For comparative purposes, we have also provided comparable prior year numbers below. 

Kronos:

Days sales outstanding .................
Days sales in inventory ................

CompX:

Days sales outstanding .................
Days sales in inventory ................

December 31,
2015

December 31,
2016

December 31,
2017

66 days
80 days

31 days
76 days

65 days
71 days

36 days
79 days

63 days
62 days

38 days
79 days

We do not have complete access to the cash flows of our majority-owned subsidiaries, due in part to limitations contained 
in certain credit agreements of our subsidiaries and because we do not own 100% of these subsidiaries. A detail of our consolidated 
cash flows from operating activities is presented in the table below. Intercompany dividends have been eliminated. 

Cash provided by (used in) operating activities:

Kronos ......................................................... $
Valhi exclusive of subsidiaries ....................
CompX.........................................................
NL exclusive of subsidiaries........................
Waste Control Specialists............................
Tremont .......................................................
BMI..............................................................
LandWell .....................................................
Eliminations.................................................

Total ................................................... $

2015

Years ended December 31,
2016
(In millions)

2017

52.0 $
12.3
13.5
15.6
(12.2)
(.6)
(1.7)
4.8
(61.2)
22.5 $

89.6 $
10.7
13.9
14.8
(10.7)
9.2
2.8
30.9
(81.4)
79.8 $

276.1
2.8
12.5
7.1
18.0
(3.4)
9.1
10.9
(73.8)
259.3

Investing Activities— 

We disclose capital expenditures by our business segments in Note 2 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.   All of 

our capitalized permit costs relate to our Waste Management Segment.  

During 2017 we had net purchases of $.7 million of marketable securities. 

During 2016 we had net purchases of $.7 million of marketable securities. 

During 2015 we had net proceeds of $1.4 million from the disposal of marketable securities. 

Financing Activities – 

During 2017, we: 

(cid:3)

borrowed a net $5.4 million on Valhi’s credit facility with Contran; 

(cid:3) Kronos  issued  €400  million  ($477.6  million)  aggregate  principal  amount  of  3.75%  Senior  Secured  Notes  on 

September 13, 2017;

(cid:3) Kronos repaid the remaining balance of $340.4 million on its term loan;

(cid:3) Kronos borrowed $253.9 million under its North American revolving credit facility and subsequently repaid $253.9 

million; and

(cid:3)

repaid $1.5 million under Tremont’s promissory note payable.

During 2016, we: 

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

borrowed a net $15.1 million on Valhi’s credit facility with Contran; 

repaid $3.5 million under Kronos’ term loan; and

- 55 -

 
 
 
 
 
 
(cid:3)

repaid $2.6 million under Tremont’s promissory note payable.

During 2015, we: 

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

borrowed a net $40.1 million on Valhi’s credit facility with Contran; 

repaid $3.5 million under Kronos’ term loan; and

repaid $.3 million under Tremont’s promissory note payable.

We paid aggregate cash dividends on our common stock of $27.1 million in each of 2015 and 2016 and $27.2 million in 
2017  ($.02  per  share  each  quarter).    Distributions  to  noncontrolling  interest  in  2015,  2016  and  2017  are  primarily  comprised  of: 
CompX dividends paid to shareholders other than NL; Kronos cash dividends paid to shareholders other than us and NL, and BMI and 
LandWell dividends paid to shareholders other than us. 

Other cash flows from financing activities in 2015, 2016 and 2017 relate principally to shares of common stock issued by 

us and our subsidiaries upon the exercise of stock options or the issuance of shares to directors. 

Outstanding Debt Obligations 

At December 31, 2017, our consolidated indebtedness attributable to continuing operations was comprised of: 

(cid:3) Valhi’s $250 million loan from Snake River Sugar Company due in 2027; 

(cid:3) Valhi’s  $284.3  million  outstanding  on  its  $360  million  credit  facility  with  Contran  which  is  due  no  earlier  than 

December 31, 2018; 

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

€400 million aggregate outstanding on our new KII 3.75% Senior Secured Notes ($471.1 million carrying amount, 
net of unamortized debt issuance costs) due in September 2025; 

Tremont’s promissory note payable ($13.1 million outstanding) due in December 2023; 

$19.7  million  on  BMI’s  bank  loan  ($18.8  million  carrying  amount,  net  of  debt  issuance  costs),  due  through  June 
2032; 

$2.5 million on LandWell’s note payable to the City of Henderson due in October 2020; and

approximately $3.3 million of other indebtedness, primarily capital lease obligations. 

Certain of our credit facilities require the respective borrowers to maintain a number of covenants and restrictions which, 
among  other  things,  restrict  our  ability  to  incur  additional  debt,  incur  liens,  pay  dividends  or  merge  or  consolidate  with,  or  sell  or 
transfer substantially all of our assets to, another entity, and contain other provisions and restrictive covenants customary in lending 
transactions  of  this  type. Certain  of  our  credit  agreements  contain  provisions  which  could  result  in  the  acceleration  of  indebtedness 
prior  to  their  stated  maturity  for  reasons  other  than  defaults  for  failure  to  comply  with  typical  financial  or  payment  covenants. For 
example, certain credit agreements allow the lender to accelerate the maturity of the indebtedness upon a change of control (as defined 
in  the  agreement)  of  the  borrower. In  addition,  certain  credit  agreements  could  result  in  the  acceleration  of  all  or  a  portion  of  the 
indebtedness  following  a  sale  of  assets  outside  the  ordinary  course  of  business. Kronos’  North  American  and  European  revolvers 
contain a number of covenants and restrictions which, among other things, restrict its ability to incur additional debt, incur liens, pay 
dividends or merge or consolidate with, or sell or transfer substantially all of its assets to, another entity, and contains other provisions 
and restrictive covenants customary in lending transactions of this type.  Kronos’ European revolving credit facility also requires the 
maintenance  of  certain  financial  ratios,  and  one  of  such  requirements  is  based  on  the  ratio  of  net  debt  to  the  last  twelve  months 
EBITDA  of  the  borrowers.    The  terms  of  all  of  our  debt  instruments  (including  revolving  lines  of  credit  for  which  we  have  no 
outstanding  borrowings  at  December  31,  2017)  are  discussed  in  Note  9  to  our  Consolidated  Financial  Statements.    We  are  in 
compliance  with  all  of  our  debt  covenants  at  December  31,  2017.    We  believe  that  we  will  be  able  to  continue  to  comply  with  the 
financial covenants contained in our credit facilities through their maturity; however, if future operating results differ materially from our 
expectations we may be unable to maintain compliance.

- 56 -

Future Cash Requirements 

Liquidity— 

Our  primary  source  of  liquidity  on  an  ongoing  basis  is  our  cash  flows  from  operating  activities  and  borrowings  under 
various lines of credit and notes. We generally use these amounts to (i) fund capital expenditures, (ii) repay short-term indebtedness 
incurred primarily for working capital purposes and (iii) provide for the payment of dividends (including dividends paid to us by our 
subsidiaries)  or  treasury  stock  purchases.  From  time-to-time  we  will  incur  indebtedness,  generally  to  (i) fund  short-term  working 
capital needs, (ii) refinance existing indebtedness, (iii) make investments in marketable and other securities (including the acquisition 
of securities issued by our subsidiaries and affiliates) or (iv) fund major capital expenditures or the acquisition of other assets outside 
the ordinary course of business. Occasionally we sell assets outside the ordinary course of business, and we generally use the proceeds 
to  (i) repay  existing  indebtedness  (including  indebtedness  which  may  have  been  collateralized  by  the  assets  sold),  (ii) make 
investments  in  marketable  and  other  securities,  (iii) fund  major  capital  expenditures  or  the  acquisition  of  other  assets  outside  the 
ordinary course of business or (iv) pay dividends. 

We routinely compare our liquidity requirements and alternative uses of capital against the estimated future cash flows we 
expect to receive from our subsidiaries, and the estimated sales value of those units. As a result of this process, we have in the past 
sought, and may in the future seek, to raise additional capital, refinance or restructure indebtedness, repurchase indebtedness in the 
market  or  otherwise,  modify  our  dividend  policies,  consider  the  sale  of  our  interests  in  our  subsidiaries,  affiliates,  business  units, 
marketable  securities  or  other  assets,  or  take  a  combination  of  these  and  other  steps,  to  increase  liquidity,  reduce  indebtedness  and 
fund future activities. Such activities have in the past and may in the future involve related companies. From time to time we and our 
subsidiaries may enter into intercompany loans as a cash management tool. Such notes are structured as revolving demand notes and 
pay and receive interest on terms we believe are more favorable than current debt and investment market rates. The companies that 
borrow  under  these  notes  have  sufficient  borrowing  capacity  to  repay  the  notes  at  any  time  upon  demand.  All  of  these  notes  and 
related interest expense and income are eliminated in our Consolidated Financial Statements. 

We periodically evaluate acquisitions of interests in or combinations with companies (including our affiliates) that may or 
may not be engaged in businesses related to our current businesses. We intend to consider such acquisition activities in the future and, 
in connection with this activity, may consider issuing additional equity securities and increasing indebtedness. From time to time, we 
also evaluate the restructuring of ownership interests among our respective subsidiaries and related companies. 

We  believe  we  will  be  able  to  comply  with  the  financial  covenants  contained  in  our  credit  facilities  through  their 
maturities;  however,  if  future  operating  results  differ  materially  from  our  expectations  we  may  be  unable  to  maintain  compliance. 
Based  upon  our  expectations  of  our  operating  performance,  and  the  anticipated  demands  on  our  cash  resources,  we  expect  to  have 
sufficient liquidity to meet our short-term (defined as the twelve-month period ending December 31, 2018) and long-term obligations 
(defined  as  the  five-year  period  ending  December 31,  2022).  In  this  regard,  see  the  discussion  above  in  “Outstanding  Debt 
Obligations.” If actual developments differ from our expectations, our liquidity could be adversely affected. 

At December 31, 2017, we had credit available under existing facilities of $281.6 million, which was comprised of: 

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

$107.7 (1) million under Kronos’ European revolving credit facility; 

$98.2 million under Kronos’ North American revolving credit facility; and 

$75.7 (2) million under Valhi’s Contran credit facility. 

(1) Based on Kronos’ EBITDA over the last twelve months ending December 31, 2017, the full €90.0 million amount is available 

for borrowing at December 31, 2017 

(2) Amounts available under this facility are at the sole discretion of Contran. 

- 57 -

At December 31, 2017, we had an aggregate of $470.4 million of restricted and unrestricted cash, cash equivalents and 

marketable securities attributable to continuing operations. A detail by entity is presented in the table below. 

Total
amount

Held outside
U.S.

(In millions)

Kronos .......................................................................... $
CompX .........................................................................
NL exclusive of its subsidiaries....................................
BMI ..............................................................................
Tremont exclusive of its subsidiaries ...........................
LandWell ......................................................................
Total cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and 

$

323.8
29.7
73.3
19.6
9.0
15.0

marketable securities .......................................... $

470.4

$

168.7
 —  
.2
—  
—  
—  

168.9

Following  the  implementation  of  a  territorial  tax  system  under  the  2017  Tax  Act,  repatriation  of  any  cash  and  cash 
equivalents held by our non-U.S. subsidiaries would not be expected to result in any material income tax liability as a result of such 
repatriation.

Capital Expenditures and other investments— 

We currently expect our aggregate capital expenditures for 2018 will be approximately $79 million as follows: 

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

$67  million  by  our  Chemicals  Segment,  including  approximately  $26  million  in  the  area  of  environmental 
compliance, protection and improvement; 

$4 million by our Component Products Segment; and

$8 million by our Real Estate Management and Development Segment. 

Our Waste Management Segment spent approximately $.6 million in capitalized expenditures in 2018 prior to the sale in 
January.  In  addition  LandWell  expects  to  spend  approximately  $15  million  on  land  development  costs  during  2018  (which  are 
included in the determination of cash provided by operating activities). 

Capital  spending  for  2018  is  expected  to  be  funded  primarily  through  cash  generated  from  operations  and  borrowing 
under existing credit facilities. Planned capital expenditures in 2018 at Kronos and CompX will primarily be to maintain and improve 
the cost-effectiveness of our facilities. In addition, Kronos’ capital expenditures in the area of environmental compliance, protection 
and  improvement  include  expenditures  which  are  primarily  focused  on  increased  operating  efficiency  but  also  result  in  improved 
environmental protection, such as lower emissions from our manufacturing plants. 

Repurchases of our Common Stock and Common Stock of Our Subsidiaries— 

We  have  in  the  past,  and  may  in  the  future,  make  repurchases  of  our  common  stock  in  market  or  privately-negotiated 
transactions. At December 31, 2017 we had approximately 4.0 million shares available for repurchase of our common stock under the 
authorizations described in Note 16 to our Consolidated Financial Statements. 

Prior  to  2015,  Kronos’  board  of  directors  authorized  the  repurchase  of  up  to  2.0 million  shares  of  its  common  stock  in 
open  market  transactions,  including  block  purchases,  or  in  privately-negotiated  transactions  at  unspecified  prices  and  over  an 
unspecified  period  of  time.  Kronos  may  repurchase  its  common  stock  from  time  to  time  as  market  conditions  permit.  The  stock 
repurchase  program  does  not  include  specific  price  targets  or  timetables  and  may  be  suspended  at  any  time.  Depending  on  market 
conditions,  Kronos  may  terminate  the  program  prior  to  its  completion.  Kronos  will  use  cash  on  hand  to  acquire  the  shares. 
Repurchased  shares  will  be  added  to  Kronos’  treasury  and  cancelled.    Kronos  did  not  make  any  repurchases  under  the  plan  during 
2015, 2016 and 2017, and at December 31, 2017 approximately 1.95 million shares are available for repurchase. 

- 58 -

 
 
 
Prior to 2015, CompX’s board of directors authorized various repurchases of its Class A common stock in open market 
transactions, including block purchases, or in privately-negotiated transactions at unspecified prices and over an unspecified period of 
time. CompX may repurchase its common stock from time to time as market conditions permit. The stock repurchase program does 
not  include  specific  price  targets  or  timetables  and  may  be  suspended  at  any  time.  Depending  on  market  conditions,  CompX  may 
terminate the program prior to its completion. CompX will generally use cash on hand to acquire the shares. Repurchased shares will 
be added to CompX’s treasury and cancelled. CompX did not make any repurchases under the plan during 2015, 2016 and 2017, and 
at December 31, 2017 approximately 678,000 shares were available for purchase under these authorizations. 

Dividends— 

Because our operations are conducted primarily through subsidiaries and affiliates, our long-term ability to meet parent 
company level corporate obligations is largely dependent on the receipt of dividends or other distributions from our subsidiaries and 
affiliates. Kronos paid a regular dividend of $.15 per share in each quarter of 2017 for which we received $34.8 million.  In the first 
quarter of 2018 Kronos announced it was increasing its regular dividend to $.17 per share.  If Kronos were to pay its $.17 per share in 
each  quarter  of  2018  based  on  the  58.0 million  shares  we  held  of  Kronos  common  stock  at  December  31,  2017,  we  would  receive 
aggregate annual regular dividends from Kronos of $39.4 million.  NL has not paid a dividend since prior to 2015 and we do not know 
if  we  will  receive  any  cash  dividends  from  NL  during  2018.  BMI  and  LandWell  do  pay  cash  dividends  from  time  to  time,  but  the 
timing and amount of such dividends are uncertain. In this regard, we received aggregate dividends from BMI and LandWell of $1.4 
million in 2015, $12.4 million in 2016 and $5.8 million in 2017.   We do not know if we will receive additional distributions from 
BMI and LandWell during 2018.  All of our ownership interest in CompX is held through our ownership in NL, as such we do not 
receive any dividends from CompX. Instead any dividend paid by CompX is paid to NL. 

Our subsidiaries have various credit agreements with unrelated third-party lenders which contain customary limitations on 
the  payment  of  dividends,  typically  a  percentage  of  net  income  or  cash  flow;  however,  these  restrictions  in  the  past  have  not 
significantly impacted their ability to pay dividends. 

Investment in our Subsidiaries and Affiliates and Other Acquisitions— 

We  have  in  the  past,  and  may  in  the  future,  purchase  the  securities  of  our  subsidiaries  and  affiliates  or  third  parties  in 
market or privately-negotiated transactions. We base our purchase decision on a variety of factors, including an analysis of the optimal 
use  of  our  capital,  taking  into  account  the  market  value  of  the  securities  and  the  relative  value  of  expected  returns  on  alternative 
investments. In connection with these activities, we may consider issuing additional equity securities or increasing our indebtedness. 
We may also evaluate the restructuring of ownership interests of our businesses among our subsidiaries and related companies. 

We generally do not guarantee any indebtedness or other obligations of our subsidiaries or affiliates. For information on 
our  guarantee  of  certain  financial  assurances  related  to  WCS  prior  to  the  sale  in  January  2018  see  Note  17  to  our  Consolidated 
Financial Statements.  Our subsidiaries are not required to pay us dividends. If one or more of our subsidiaries were unable to maintain 
its  current  level  of  dividends,  either  due  to  restrictions  contained  in  a  credit  agreement  or  to  satisfy  its  liabilities  or  otherwise,  our 
ability to service our liabilities or to pay dividends on our common stock could be adversely impacted. If this were to occur, we might 
consider  reducing  or  eliminating  our  dividends  or  selling  interests  in  subsidiaries  or  other  assets.  If  we  were  required  to  liquidate 
assets to generate funds to satisfy our liabilities, we might be required to sell at what we believe would be less than what we believe is 
the long-term value of such assets. 

WCS’  primary  source  of  liquidity  consisted  of  intercompany  borrowings  from  one  of  our  wholly-owned  subsidiaries 
under the terms of a revolving credit facility. We eliminate these intercompany borrowings in our Consolidated Financial Statements. 
WCS has borrowed substantial amounts from us over the years.  Prior to 2015, we contributed these amounts to WCS’ capital.   WCS 
borrowed  an  aggregate  $19.0  million  in  2015  and  $22.7  million  in  2016  from  our  subsidiary.    WCS  made  net  repayments  on  the 
facility of $5.2 million during 2017.  In addition there was an additional $.8 million repaid in January 2018 prior to the termination of 
the note which occurred concurrent with the sale when the outstanding balance of $35.7 million was contributed to equity.   

On  November  14,  2016  we  entered  into  a  $50  million  revolving  credit  facility  with  a  subsidiary  of  NL  secured  with 
approximately 35.2 million shares of the common stock of Kronos Worldwide, Inc. held by NL’s subsidiary as collateral.  Outstanding 
borrowings under the credit facility bear interest at the prime rate plus 1.875% per annum, payable quarterly, with all amounts due on 
December 31, 2023.    The maximum principal amount which may be outstanding from time-to-time under the credit facility is limited 
to 50% of the amount of the most recent closing price of the Kronos stock.  The credit facility contains a number of covenants and 
restrictions  which,  among  other  things,  restrict  NL’s  subsidiary’s  ability  to  incur  additional  debt,  incur  liens,  and  merge  or 
consolidated  with,  or  sell  or  transfer  substantially  all  of  NL’s  subsidiary’s  assets  to,  another  entity,  and  require  NL’s  subsidiary  to 
maintain a minimum specified level of consolidated net worth.  Upon an event of default (as defined in the credit facility), Valhi will 
be  entitled  to  terminate  its  commitment  to  make  further  loans  to  NL’s  subsidiary,  declare  the  outstanding  loans  (with  interest) 
immediately due and payable, and exercise its rights with respect to the collateral under the Loan Documents.  Such collateral rights 

- 59 -

include, upon certain insolvency events with respect to NL’s subsidiary or NL, the right to purchase all of the Kronos common stock 
at a purchase price equal to the aggregate market value, less amounts owing to Valhi under the Loan Documents, and up to 50% of 
such purchase price may be paid by Valhi in the form of an unsecured promissory note bearing interest at the prime rate plus 2.75% 
per  annum,  payable  quarterly,  with  all  amounts  due  no  later  than  five  years  from  the  date  of  purchase,  with  the  remainder  of  such 
purchase  price  payable  in  cash  at  the  date  of  purchase.  We  also  eliminate  any  such  intercompany  borrowings  in  our  Consolidated 
Financial  Statements.  During  2016  NL’s  subsidiary  borrowed  $.5  million  under  this  facility,  no  additional  amounts  have  been 
borrowed, and $.5 million is outstanding under this facility at December 31, 2017. 

We have an unsecured revolving demand promissory note with Kronos which, as amended in August 2016, provides for 
borrowings from Kronos of up to $60 million. We also eliminate any such intercompany borrowings in our Consolidated Financial 
Statements. We had no borrowings from Kronos prior to 2017 under this facility, which as amended is due on demand, but in any 
event  no  earlier  than  December 31,  2019.  We  had  gross  borrowings  of  $18.2  million  and  gross  repayments  of  $4.6  million  from 
Kronos  during  2017,  for  a  total  outstanding  balance  of  $13.6  million  at  December  31,  2017.  We  could  borrow  an  additional  $46.4 
million under our current intercompany facility with Kronos at December 31, 2017.  Kronos’ obligation to loan us money under this 
note is at Kronos’ discretion. 

On  August  3,  2016  we  entered  into  an  unsecured  revolving  demand  promissory  note  with  CompX  which,  as  amended, 
provides  for  borrowings  from  CompX  of  up  to  $40  million.  We  eliminate  these  intercompany  borrowings  in  our  Condensed 
Consolidated Financial Statements. The facility, as amended, is due on demand, but in any event no earlier than December 31, 2019. 
We had gross borrowings of $36.6 million and gross repayments of $9.2 million from CompX for a total outstanding balance of $27.4 
million at December 31, 2016. We had gross borrowings of $52.1 million and gross repayments of $41.3 million from CompX for a 
total  outstanding  balance  of  $38.2  million  at  December  31,  2017.  We  could  borrow  an  additional  $1.8  million  under  our  current 
intercompany  facility  with  CompX  at  December  31,  2017.    CompX’s  obligation  to  loan  us  money  under  this  note  is  at  CompX’s 
discretion. 

Investment in The Amalgamated Sugar Company LLC— 

The terms of The Amalgamated Sugar Company LLC Company Agreement provide for an annual “base level” of cash 
dividend distributions (sometimes referred to as distributable cash) by the LLC of $26.7 million, from which we are entitled to a 95% 
preferential  share.  Distributions  from  the  LLC  are  dependent,  in  part,  upon  the  operations  of  the  LLC.  We  record  dividend 
distributions from the LLC as income when they are declared by the LLC, which is generally the same month in which we receive the 
distributions, although distributions may in certain cases be paid on the first business day of the following month. To the extent the 
LLC’s  distributable  cash  is  below  this  base  level  in  any  given  year,  we  are  entitled  to  an  additional  95%  preferential  share  of  any 
future  annual  LLC  distributable  cash  in  excess  of  the  base  level  until  such  shortfall  is  recovered.  Based  on  the  LLC’s  current 
projections for 2018, we expect distributions received from the LLC in 2018 will exceed our debt service requirements under our $250 
million loans from Snake River Sugar Company by approximately $1.8 million. 

We  may,  at  our  option,  require  the  LLC  to  redeem  our  interest  in  the  LLC,  and  the  LLC  has  the  right  to  redeem  our 
interest in the LLC beginning in 2027. The redemption price is generally $250 million plus the amount of certain undistributed income 
allocable to us, if any. In the event we require the LLC to redeem our interest in the LLC, Snake River has the right to accelerate the 
maturity of and call our $250 aggregate million loans from Snake River. Redemption of our interest in the LLC would result in us 
reporting income related to the disposition of our LLC interest for income tax purposes, although we would not be expected to report a 
gain in earnings for financial reporting purposes at the time our LLC interest is redeemed. However, because of Snake River’s ability 
to call our $250 million loans from Snake River upon redemption of our interest in the LLC, the net cash proceeds (after repayment of 
the debt) generated by the redemption of our interest in the LLC could be less than the income taxes that we would be required to pay 
as a result of the disposition. 

Off-balance Sheet Financing 

We do not have any off-balance sheet financing agreements other than the operating leases discussed in Note 18 to our 

Consolidated Financial Statements. 

Commitments and Contingencies 

We  are  subject  to  certain  commitments  and  contingencies,  as  more  fully  described  in  the  Notes  to  our  Consolidated 
Financial Statements and in this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, including: 

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

certain income contingencies in various U.S. and non-U.S. jurisdictions; 

certain environmental remediation matters involving NL and BMI; 

- 60 -

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

certain litigation related to NL’s former involvement in the manufacture of lead pigment and lead-based paint; and 

certain other litigation to which we are a party. 

In addition to those legal proceedings described in Note 18 to our Consolidated Financial Statements, various legislation 
and  administrative  regulations  have,  from  time  to  time,  been  proposed  that  seek  to  (i) impose  various  obligations  on  present  and 
former manufacturers of lead pigment and lead-based paint (including NL) with respect to asserted health concerns associated with the 
use of such products and (ii) effectively overturn court decisions in which NL and other pigment manufacturers have been successful. 
Examples of such proposed legislation include bills which would permit civil liability for damages on the basis of market share, rather 
than requiring plaintiffs to prove that the defendant’s product caused the alleged damage, and bills which would revive actions barred 
by the statute of limitations. While no legislation or regulations have been enacted to date that are expected to have a material adverse 
effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or liquidity, enactment of such legislation could have such an effect. 

As more fully described in the Notes 9 and 18 to our Consolidated Financial Statements, we are a party to various debt, 
lease and other agreements which contractually and unconditionally commit us to pay certain amounts in the future. Our obligations 
related to the long-term supply contracts for the purchase of TiO2 feedstock are more fully described in Note 18 to our Consolidated 
Financial  Statements  and  above  in  “Business—Chemicals  Segment—Kronos  Worldwide,  Inc.—Manufacturing,  Operations  and 
Properties.” The following table summarizes our contractual commitments as of December 31, 2017 by the type and date of payment. 

Contractual commitment

2018

Payment due date
2021/
2022

2023and
after

2019/
2020

Total

(In millions)

Indebtedness (1):

Principal................................................................................................. $
Interest payments...................................................................................
Operating leases (2) ........................................................................................
Kronos’ long-term supply contracts to purchase TiO2 feedstock (3)..............
Kronos’ long-term service and other supply contracts (4)..............................
CompX’s raw material and other purchase commitments (5) ........................
Fixed asset acquisitions (2) .............................................................................
BMI and LandWell purchase commitments (6)..............................................
Deferred payment obligation (7).....................................................................
Estimated income tax obligations (8)..............................................................

Total ............................................................................................. $

1.6 $
58.5
8.3
308.2
57.0
9.2
16.9
11.6
—  
25.1
496.4 $

290.1 $
101.3
13.2
75.2
59.0
8.9
—  
—  
—  
12.2
559.9 $

3.5 $
85.4
8.4
—  
11.7
.2
—  
—  
—  
12.2
121.4 $

756.7 $
146.6
24.9
—  
.2
—  
—  
—  
11.1
45.7
985.2 $

1,051.9
391.8
54.8
383.4
127.9
18.3
16.9
11.6
11.1
95.2
2,162.9

(1)

(2)

The  amount  shown  for  indebtedness  involving  revolving  credit  facilities  is  based  upon  the  actual  amount  outstanding  at 
December  31,  2017,  and  the  amount  shown  for  interest  for  any  outstanding  variable-rate  indebtedness  is  based  upon  the 
December 31, 2017 interest rate, and assumes that such variable-rate indebtedness remains outstanding until the maturity of the 
facility. The timing and amount shown for principal payments on indebtedness is based on the mandatory contractual principal 
repayments schedule of such indebtedness, and assumes no voluntary principal prepayments. See Item 7A— “Quantitative and 
Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” and Note 9 to our Consolidated Financial Statements. 
The  timing  and  amount  shown  for  our  operating  leases  and  fixed  asset  acquisitions  are  based  upon  the  contractual  payment 
amount and the contractual payment date for such commitments. 

(3) Our contracts for the purchase of TiO2 feedstock contain fixed quantities that we are required to purchase, or specify a range of 
quantities within which we are required to purchase based on our feedstock requirements.  The pricing under these agreements is 
generally  negotiated  quarterly  or  semi-annually.    The  timing  and  amount  shown  for  our  commitments  related  to  the  supply 
contracts for TiO2 feedstock are based upon our current estimate of the quantity of material that will be purchased in each time 
period shown, the payment that would be due based upon such estimated purchased quantity and an estimate of the prices for the 
various suppliers which is primarily based on first half 2018 pricing.  The actual amount of material purchased and the actual 
amount that would be payable by us, may vary from such estimated amounts.  Our obligation for the purchase of TiO2 feedstock 
is more fully described in Note 18 to our Consolidated Financial Statements and above in “Business – Chemicals Segment – 
Kronos Worldwide, Inc. raw materials.”  The amounts shown in the table above include the feedstock ore requirements from 
contracts we entered into through January 2018. 
The amounts shown for the long-term service and other supply contracts primarily pertain to agreements we have entered into 
with  various  providers  of  products  or  services  which  help  to  run  our  plant  facilities  (electricity,  natural  gas,  etc.),  utilizing 
December 31, 2017 exchange rates.  See Note 18 to our Consolidated Financial Statements. 

(4)

(5) CompX’s  purchase  obligations  consist  of  all  open  purchase  orders  and  contractual  obligations  (primarily  commitments  to 
purchase  raw  materials)  and  are  based  on  the  contractual  payment  amount  and  the  contractual  payment  date  for  those 
commitments. 

- 61 -

 
 
(7)
(8)

 (6) BMI and LandWell’s purchase obligations consist of contractual obligations (primarily commitments for land development and 
improvement costs) and are based on the contractual payment amount and the contractual payment date for those commitments. 
The deferred payment obligation is described in Note 10 to our Consolidated Financial Statements. 
The amount shown for estimated tax obligations in 2018 is the consolidated amount of income taxes payable at December 31, 
2017, which is assumed to be paid during 2018 and includes taxes payable, if any, to Contran as a result of our being a member 
of the Contran Tax Group.  The amounts shown for estimated tax obligations in 2019 and thereafter relate to the Transition Tax 
which will be paid in the years indicated above.   See Notes 1 and 14 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

The table above does not include: 

(cid:3) Our  obligations  under  the  Louisiana  Pigment  Company,  L.P.  joint  venture,  as  the  timing  and  amount  of  such 
purchases are unknown and dependent on, among other things, the amount of TiO2 produced by the joint venture in 
the future, and the joint venture’s future cost of producing such TiO2. However, the table of contractual commitments 
does include amounts related to our share of the joint venture’s ore requirements necessary for it to produce TiO2 for 
us.  See  Notes  7  and  17  to  our  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  and  “Business—Chemicals—Kronos  Worldwide, 
Inc.” 

(cid:3) Amounts we might pay to fund our 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.  Our  defined  benefit  pension 
plans  and  OPEB  plans  are  discussed  in  greater  detail  in  Note  11  to  our  Consolidated  Financial  Statements.  We 
currently expect we will be required to contribute an aggregate of $20.0 million to our defined benefit pension and 
OPEB plans during 2018. 

(cid:3) Any amounts that we might pay to settle any of our uncertain tax positions classified as a noncurrent liability, as the 
timing and amount of any such future settlements are unknown and dependent on, among other things, the timing of 
tax audits. See Note 14 to our Consolidated Financial Statements. 

(cid:3) Any amounts due relating to our former Waste Management operations which were sold in January 2018, See Note 3 

to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

We occasionally enter into raw material supply arrangements to mitigate the short-term impact of future increases in raw 
material costs. While these arrangements do not necessarily commit us to a minimum volume of purchase, they generally provide for 
stated  unit  prices  based  upon  achievement  of  specified  volume  purchase  levels.  This  allows  us  to  stabilize  raw  material  purchase 
prices to a certain extent, provided the specified minimum monthly purchase quantities are met. 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements 

See Note 20 to our Consolidated Financial Statements. 

- 62 -

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK 

General—We are exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates, currency exchange rates, raw materials and equity security 
prices. 

Interest Rates—We are exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates, primarily related to our indebtedness. 

At December 31, 2017 our aggregate indebtedness was split between 73% of fixed-rate instruments and 27% of variable-
rate  borrowings  (in  2016  the  percentages  were  35%  of  fixed-rate  instruments  and  65%  of  variable  rate  borrowings).  The  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 our aggregate outstanding indebtedness at December 31, 2017. 

Indebtedness* Amount

Carrying
value

Fair
value

(In millions)

Year end 
interest
rate

Maturity
date

Fixed-rate indebtedness:

Valhi loans from Snake River ........................................ $
Kronos fixed-rate Senior Notes .......................................
Tremont promissory note payable ..................................
BMI bank note payable ..................................................
Note payable to the City of Henderson ..........................

Total fixed-rate indebtedness................................ $

250.0
471.1
13.1
18.8
2.5
755.5

Variable-rate indebtedness:

Valhi Contran credit facility ........................................... $

284.3

$

$

$

250.0
495.1
13.1
19.7
2.5
780.4

284.3

9.40%
3.75
3.00
5.34
3.00
5.65%

2027
2025
2023
2032
2020

5.50%

2019

*

Excludes capital lease obligations. 

Currency Exchange Rates — We are exposed to market risk arising from changes in currency exchange rates as a result of 
manufacturing  and  selling  our  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 krone and the United Kingdom pound sterling. 

The majority of our sales from 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 our sales generated from our non-U.S. operations is 
denominated in the U.S. dollar (and consequently our non-U.S. operations will generally hold U.S. dollars from time to time).  Certain 
raw materials used worldwide, primarily titanium-containing feedstocks, are purchased primarily in U.S. dollars, while labor and other 
production costs are purchased primarily in local currencies.  Consequently, the translated U.S. dollar value of our non-U.S. sales and 
operating results are subject to currency exchange rate fluctuations which may favorably or unfavorably impact reported earnings.  In 
addition to the impact of the translation of sales and expenses over time, our non-U.S. operations also generate currency transaction 
gains and losses which primarily relate to (i) the difference between the currency exchange rates in effect when non-local currency 
sales or operating costs (primarily U.S. dollar denominated) are initially accrued and when such amounts are settled with the non-local 
currency, (ii) changes in currency exchange rates during time periods when our non-U.S. operations are holding non-local currency 
(primarily U.S. dollars), and (iii) relative changes in the aggregate fair value of currency forward contracts held from time to time.  

We  periodically  use  currency  forward  contracts  to  manage  a  very  nominal  portion  of  currency  exchange  rate  risk 
associated with trade receivables denominated in a currency other than the holder’s functional currency or similar exchange rate risk 
associated  with  future  sales.    We  have  not  entered  into  these  contracts  for  trading  or  speculative  purposes  in  the  past,  nor  do  we 
currently anticipate entering into such contracts for trading or speculative purposes in the future.  We are not party to any currency 
forward contracts at December 31, 2017.  

Also, we are subject to currency exchange rate risk associated with Kronos’ new Senior Notes, as such indebtedness is 
denominated  in  the  euro.    At  December  31,  2017,  we  had  the  equivalent  of  $478.6  million  outstanding  under  Kronos’  euro-
denominated Senior Notes (exclusive of unamortized debt issuance costs.)  The potential increase in the U.S. dollar equivalent of such 
indebtedness resulting from a hypothetical 10% adverse change in exchange rates at such date would be approximately $48 million.

See Notes 1 and 19 to our Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of the assumptions we used to estimate the 

fair value of the financial instruments to which we are a party at December 31, 2016 and 2017. 

Raw Materials — Our Chemicals Segment is exposed to market risk from changes in commodity prices relating to our raw 
materials.  As discussed in Item 1 we generally enter into long-term supply agreements for certain of our raw material requirements.  

- 63 -

 
 
Many of our raw material contracts contain fixed quantities we are required to purchase, or specify a range of quantities within which 
we  are  required  to  purchase.    Raw  material  pricing  under  these  agreements  is  generally  negotiated  quarterly  or  semi-annually 
depending upon the suppliers.  For certain raw material requirements we do not have long-term supply agreements either because we 
have  assessed  the  risk  of  the  unavailability  of  those  raw  materials  and/or  the  risk  of  a  significant  change  in  the  cost  of  those  raw 
materials to be low, or because long-term supply agreements for those raw materials are generally not available. 

Our  Component  Products  Segment  will  occasionally  enter  into  short  term  commodity-related  raw  material  supply 
arrangements to mitigate the impact of future increases in commodity-related raw material costs.  We do not have long-term supply 
agreements for our raw material requirements because either we believe the risk of unavailability of those raw materials is low and we 
believe the downside risk of price volatility to be too great or because long-term supply agreements for those materials are generally 
not available.  We do not engage in commodity raw material hedging programs. 

Marketable Equity and Debt Security Prices — We are exposed to market risk due to changes in prices of the marketable 
securities  we  own.  The  fair  value  of  such  debt  and  equity  securities  (determined  using  Level  1,  Level  2  and  Level  3  inputs)  at 
December 31, 2016 and 2017 was $257.9 million and $258.7 million, respectively. The potential change in the aggregate fair value of 
these investments, assuming a hypothetical 10% change in prices, would be approximately $25.8 and $25.9 million at December 31, 
2016 and 2017, respectively. 

Other  —  We  believe  there  may  be  a  certain  amount  of  incompleteness  in  the  sensitivity  analyses  presented  above.  For 
example, the hypothetical effect of changes in interest rates discussed above ignores the potential effect on other variables that affect 
our results of operations and cash flows, such as demand for our products, sales volumes and selling prices and operating expenses. 
Contrary  to  the  above  assumptions,  changes  in  interest  rates  rarely  result  in  simultaneous  comparable  shifts  along  the  yield  curve. 
Also, our investment in The Amalgamated Sugar Company LLC represents a significant portion of our total portfolio of marketable 
securities. That investment serves as collateral for our loans from Snake River Sugar Company, and a decrease in the fair value of that 
investment would likely be mitigated by a decrease in the fair value of the related indebtedness. Accordingly, the amounts we present 
above are not necessarily an accurate reflection of the potential losses we would incur assuming the hypothetical changes in market 
prices were actually to occur. 

The above discussion and estimated sensitivity analysis amounts include forward-looking statements of market risk which 
assume  hypothetical  changes  in  market  prices.  Actual  future  market  conditions  will  likely  differ  materially  from  such  assumptions. 
Accordingly, such forward-looking statements should not be considered to be projections by us of future events, gains or losses. 

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” (page F-1). 

ITEM 9.

CHANGES  IN  AND  DISAGREEMENTS  WITH  ACCOUNTANTS  ON  ACCOUNTING  AND  FINANCIAL 
DISCLOSURE 

None. 

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures— 

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures which, as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e), means controls and 
other procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports we file or submit 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 we are required to disclose in the reports we file or submit to the SEC under the Act is 
accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and our principal financial officer, or 
persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions to be made regarding required disclosure. Each of and 
Robert D. Graham, our Vice Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Gregory M. Swalwell, our Executive 
Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer, have evaluated the design and effectiveness of our disclosure 
controls  and  procedures  as  of  December  31,  2017.  Based  upon  their  evaluation,  these  executive  officers  have  concluded  that  our 
disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the date of such evaluation. 

- 64 -

Management’s report on internal control over financial reporting—  

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting which, as 
defined  by  Exchange  Act  Rule  13a-15(f)  means  a  process  designed  by,  or  under  the  supervision  of,  our  principal  executive  and 
principal  financial  officers,  or  persons  performing  similar  functions,  and  effected  by  the  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 generally accepted accounting principles, and includes those policies and procedures that: 

(cid:129)

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

Pertain  to  the  maintenance  of  records  that  in  reasonable  detail  accurately  and  fairly  reflect  the  transactions  and 
dispositions of our assets, 

Provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in 
accordance  with  GAAP,  and  that  receipts  and  expenditures  are  being  made  only  in  accordance  with  authorizations  of 
management and directors and 

Provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of an unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition 
of assets that could have a material effect on our Consolidated Financial Statements. 

Our  evaluation  of  the  effectiveness  of  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  is  based  upon  the  criteria  established  in 
Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in 2013 
(commonly referred to as the “2013 COSO” framework).  Based on our evaluation under that framework, we have concluded that our 
internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2017.

This annual report does not include an attestation report of our registered public accounting firm regarding internal control 
over financial reporting.  Management’s report was not subject to attestation by our registered public accounting firm pursuant to rules 
of the SEC that permit us to provide only management’s report in this annual report.

Other—

As  permitted  by  the  SEC,  our  assessment  of  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  excludes  (i) internal  control  over 
financial reporting of equity method investees and (ii) internal control over the preparation of any financial statement schedules which 
would be required by Article 12 of Regulation S-X.  However, our assessment of internal control over financial reporting with respect 
to  equity  method  investees  did  include  controls  over  the  recording  of  amounts  related  to  our  investment  that  are  recorded  in  the 
consolidated financial statements, including controls over the selection of accounting methods for our investments, the recognition of 
equity method earnings and losses and the determination, valuation and recording of our investment account balances. 

Changes in internal control over financial reporting—  

There has been no change to our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended December 31, 2017 that 

has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Certifications—

Our  chief  executive  officer  is  required  to  annually  file  a  certification  with  the  New  York  Stock  Exchange,  or  NYSE, 
certifying our compliance with the corporate governance listing standards of the NYSE.  During 2017, our chief executive officer filed 
such annual certification with the NYSE.  The 2017 certification was unqualified. 

Our chief executive officer and chief financial officer are also required to, among other things, file quarterly certifications 
with  the  SEC  regarding  the  quality  of  our  public  disclosures,  as  required  by  Section 302  of  the  Sarbanes-Oxley  Act  of  2002.    The 
certifications for the quarter ended December 31, 2017 have been filed as Exhibits 31.1 and 31.2 to this Annual Report on Form 10-K. 

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION 

Not applicable. 

- 65 -

PART III

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 

The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to our 2018 definitive proxy statement we will file with 
the  SEC  pursuant  to  Regulation  14A  within  120  days  after  the  end  of  the  fiscal  year  covered  by  this  report  (the  “Valhi  Proxy 
Statement”). 

ITEM 11.

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION 

The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to our 2018 proxy statement. 

ITEM 12.

SECURITY  OWNERSHIP  OF  CERTAIN  BENEFICIAL  OWNERS  AND  MANAGEMENT  AND  RELATED 
STOCKHOLDER MATTERS 

The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to our 2018 proxy statement. 

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTORS INDEPENDENCE 

The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to our 2018 proxy statement. See also Note 17 to our 

Consolidated Financial Statements. 

ITEM 14.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES 

The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to our 2018 proxy statement. 

PART IV

ITEM 15.

EXHIBITS 

(a) and (c) Financial Statements 

The Registrant 

(b) Exhibits 

Our Consolidated Financial Statements listed on the accompanying Index of Financial Statements (see page F-
1) are filed as part of this Annual Report. 

50%-or-less owned persons 

We are not required to provide any consolidated financial statements pursuant to Rule 3-09 of Regulation S-X. 

Included as exhibits are the items listed in the Exhibit Index. We have retained a signed original of any of these 
exhibits that contain signatures, and we will provide such exhibit to the Commission or its staff upon request. 
We will furnish a copy of any of the exhibits listed below upon request and payment of $4.00 per exhibit to 
cover our costs of furnishing the exhibits. Such requests should be directed to the attention of our Corporate 
Secretary at our corporate offices located at 5430 LBJ Freeway, Suite 1700, Dallas, Texas 75240. Pursuant to 
Item 601(b)(4)(iii) of Regulation S-K, we will furnish to the Commission upon request any instrument defining 
the rights of holders of long-term debt issues and other agreements related to indebtedness which do not exceed 
10% of our consolidated total assets as of December 31, 2017. 

- 66 -

Item No.

Exhibit Index

2.1

2.2

3.1

3.2

3.3

10.1

10.2

10.3

10.4

10.5

10.6*

10.7*

10.8*

10.9*

10.10

10.11

10.12

Purchase Agreement by and between JFL-WCS Partners, LLC, as Purchaser, and Andrews County Holdings, Inc., as 
Seller, dated as of December 19, 2017 – incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K 
(File No. 1-5467) dated January 26, 2018 and filed on January 26, 2018.

Amendment to Purchase Agreement by and between JFL-WCS Partners, LLC, as Purchaser, and Andrews County 
Holdings,  Inc.,  as  Seller,  dated  as  of  January  19,  2018  –  incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  2.2  to  our  Current 
Report on Form 8-K (File No. 1-5467) dated January 26, 2018 and filed on January 26, 2018.

Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Valhi, Inc. – incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to our Current Report 
on Form 8-K (File no. 1-5467) dated May 10, 2013 and filed on May 10, 2012.

Consent  Agreement  dated  as  of  March  29,  2007  between  Valhi,  Inc.  and  Contran  Corporation  regarding  the 
Amended and Restated Certificate of Designations, Rights and Preferences of 6% Series A Preferred Stock of Valhi, 
Inc.—incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.2  to  our  Current  Report  on  Form  8-K/A  (File  No.  1-5467)  dated 
March 26, 2007 and filed by us on March 30, 2007.

By-Laws of Valhi, Inc. as amended—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of our Current Report on Form 8-K 
(File No. 1-5467) dated November 6, 2007.

Intercorporate Services Agreement between Valhi, Inc. and Contran Corporation effective as of January 1, 2004—
incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.1  to  our  Quarterly  Report  on  Form  10-Q  for  the  quarter  ended  March  31, 
2004.

Intercorporate Services Agreement between Contran Corporation and NL Industries, Inc. effective as of January 1, 
2004—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to NL’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 1-640) for the 
quarter ended March 31, 2004.

Intercorporate Services Agreement between Contran Corporation and CompX International Inc. effective January 1, 
2004—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to CompX’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 1-13905) for 
the year ended December 31, 2003.

Intercorporate Services Agreement between Contran Corporation and Kronos Worldwide, Inc. effective January 1, 
2004—incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 10.1 to Kronos’ Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 1-31763) 
for the quarter ended March 31, 2004.

Tax  Agreement  between  Valhi,  Inc.  and  Contran  Corporation  dated  June  3,  2015  —incorporated  by  reference  to 
Exhibit 10.5 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 1-5467) for the year ended December 31, 2015.

Valhi,  Inc.  2012  Director  Stock  Plan—incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  4.5  of  the  Registration  statement  on 
Form S-8 of the Registrant (File No. 333-48391). Filed on May 31, 2012.

Kronos  Worldwide,  Inc.  2012  Director  Stock  Plan—incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  4.4  of  the  Registration 
statement on Form S-8 of the Registrant (File No. 333-113425). Filed on May 31, 2012.

CompX  International  Inc.  2012  Director  Stock  Plan—incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  4.4  of  the  Registration 
statement on Form S-8 of the Registrant (File No. 333-47539). Filed on May 31, 2012.

NL Industries, Inc. 2012 Director Stock Plan—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 of the Registrant’s statement 
on Form S-8 (File No. 001-00640) Filed on May 31, 2012.

First  Amended  and  Restated  Agreement  Regarding  Shared  Insurance  among  CompX  International  Inc.,  Contran 
Corporation,  Keystone  Consolidated  Industries,  Inc.,  Kronos  Worldwide,  Inc.,  NL  Industries,  Inc.  and  Valhi,  Inc. 
dated October 15, 2015 incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.24 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Kronos 
Worldwide, Inc. (File No. 001-31763) for the year ended December 31, 2015.

Formation Agreement of The Amalgamated Sugar Company LLC dated January 3, 1997 (to be effective December 
31, 1996) between Snake River Sugar Company and The Amalgamated Sugar Company—incorporated by reference 
to Exhibit 10.19 to Valhi, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 1-5467) for the year ended December 31, 
1996. (P)

Master  Agreement  Regarding  Amendments  to  The  Amalgamated  Sugar  Company  Documents  dated  October  19, 
2000—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Valhi, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 1-5467) 
for the quarter ended September 30, 2000.

- 67 -

  
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
Item No.

10.13

10.14

10.15

10.16

10.17

10.18

10.19

10.20

10.21

10.22

10.23

10.24

10.25

10.26

10.27

10.28

Reserved.

Exhibit Index

Amended and Restated Company Agreement of The Amalgamated Sugar Company LLC dated June 3, 2016 (to be 
effective as of January 1, 2016) among The Amalgamated Sugar Company LLC, Snake River Sugar Company and 
The Amalgamated Collateral Trust—incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 10.1 to Valhi, Inc.’s Current Report 
on Form 8-K (File No. 1-5467) dated June 3, 2016.

Subordinated Promissory Note in the principal amount of $37.5 million between Valhi, Inc. and Snake River Sugar 
Company,  and  the  related  Pledge  Agreement,  both  dated  January  3,  1997—  incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit 
10.21 to Valhi, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 1-5467) for the year ended December 31, 1996. (P)

Limited Recourse Promissory Note in the principal amount of $212.5 million between Valhi, Inc. and Snake River 
Sugar Company, and the related Limited Recourse Pledge Agreement, both dated January 3, 1997—incorporated by 
reference  to  Exhibit  10.22  to  Valhi,  Inc.’s  Annual  Report  on  Form  10-K  (File  No.  1-5467)  for  the  year  ended 
December 31, 1996. (P)

Deposit Trust Agreement related to the Amalgamated Collateral Trust among ASC Holdings, Inc. and Wilmington 
Trust Company dated May 14, 1997—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Valhi, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on 
Form 10-Q (File No. 1-5467) for the quarter ended June 30, 1997. (P)

First Amendment to Deposit Trust Agreement dated October 14, 2005 among ASC Holdings, Inc. and Wilmington 
Trust  Company—incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  No.  10.2  to  Valhi,  Inc.’s  Amendment  No.  1  to  its  Current 
Report on Form 8-K (File No. 1-5467) dated October 18, 2005. (P)

Pledge  Agreement  between  The  Amalgamated  Collateral  Trust  and  Snake  River  Sugar  Company  dated  May  14, 
1997—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Valhi, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 1-5467) 
for the quarter ended June 30, 1997. (P)

Second  Pledge  Amendment  (SPT)  dated  October  14,  2005  among  The  Amalgamated  Collateral  Trust  and  Snake 
River  Sugar  Company—incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  No.  10.4  to  Valhi,  Inc.’s  Amendment  No.  1  to  its 
Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 1-5467) dated October 18, 2005. (P)

Guarantee  by  The  Amalgamated  Collateral  Trust  in  favor  of  Snake  River  Sugar  Company  dated  May  14,  1997—
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to Valhi, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 1-5467) for the 
quarter ended June 30, 1997. (P)

Second  SPT  Guaranty  Amendment  dated  October  14,  2005  among  The  Amalgamated  Collateral  Trust  and  Snake 
River  Sugar  Company—incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  No.  10.5  to  Valhi,  Inc.’s  Amendment  No.  1  to  its 
Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 1-5467) dated October 18, 2005. (P)

Voting Rights and Collateral Deposit Agreement among Snake River Sugar Company, Valhi, Inc., and First Security 
Bank,  National  Association  dated  May  14,  1997—incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.8  to  Valhi,  Inc.’s 
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 1-5467) for the quarter ended June 30, 1997. (P)

Option Agreement dated October 14, 2005 among Valhi, Inc., Snake River Sugar Company, Northwest Farm Credit 
Services, FLCA and U.S. Bank National Association—incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 10.6 to Valhi, Inc.’s 
Amendment No. 1 to its Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 1-5467) dated October 18, 2005. (P)

First Amendment to Option Agreements among Snake River Sugar Company, Valhi Inc., and the holders of Snake 
River’s  10.9%  Senior  Notes  Due  2009  dated  October  19,  2000—incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.8  to  the 
Valhi, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 1-5467) for the quarter ended September 30, 2000. (P)

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  of  NL’s  Quarterly  Report  on  Form 
10-Q (File No. 1-640) for the quarter ended September 30, 1993. (P)

Joint Venture Agreement dated as of October 18, 1993 between Tioxide Americas Inc. and Kronos Louisiana, Inc.—
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of NL’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 1-640) for the quarter 
ended September 30, 1993. (P)

Kronos  Offtake  Agreement  dated  as  of  October  18,  1993  by  and  between  Kronos  Louisiana,  Inc.  and  Louisiana 
Pigment Company, L.P.—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of NL’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File 
No. 1-640) for the quarter ended September 30, 1993. (P)

- 68 -

  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
Item No.

10.29

10.30

10.31

10.32

10.33

10.34

10.35

10.36

10.37

10.38

10.39**

21.1**

23.1**

31.1**

31.2**

32.1**

Exhibit Index

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 of NL’s Annual Report on Form 
10-K (File No. 1-640) for the year ended December 31 1995. (P)

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’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 1-640) for the quarter ended September 30, 1993. (P)

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 of NL’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 1-640) for the year ended December 31, 1985. (P)

Restated and Amended Agreement by and between Richards Bay Titanium (Proprietary) Limited (acting through its 
sales agent Rio Tinto Iron & Titanium Limited) and Kronos (US), Inc. effective January 1, 2016 – incorporated by 
reference to Exhibit 10.26 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Kronos Worldwide, Inc. (File No. 001-31763) for 
the year ended December 31, 2015.

Credit Agreement, dated February 18, 2014, by and among Kronos Worldwide, Inc. and Deutsche Bank AG New 
York Branch - incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Current Report on Form 8-K and filed by Kronos 
Worldwide, Inc. (File No. 001-31763) dated February 18, 2014 and filed by the registrant on February 18, 2014.

First  Amendment  to  Credit  Agreement  dated  May  21,  2015  among  Kronos  Worldwide,  Inc.,  Deutsche  Bank  AG 
New York Branch, as Administrative Agent, and the lenders a party thereto - incorporated by reference to Exhibit 
10.1 to the current report on Form 8-K and filed by Kronos Worldwide, Inc.  (File No. 001-31763) dated May 21, 
2015 and filed by the registrant on May 21, 2015.

Guaranty  and  Security  Agreement,  dated  February  18,  2014,  among  Kronos  Worldwide,  Inc.,  Kronos  Louisiana, 
Inc.,  Kronos  (US),  Inc.,  Kronos  International,  Inc.  and  Deutsche  Bank  AG  New  York  Branch  -  incorporated  by 
reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-31763) dated February 18, 2014 and filed 
by and filed by Kronos Worldwide, Inc. on February 18, 2014.

Intercreditor Agreement dated as of February 18, 2014, by and between Wells Fargo Capital Finance and Deutsche 
Bank  AG  New  York  Branch,  and  acknowledged  by  Kronos  Worldwide,  Inc.,  Kronos  Louisiana,  Inc.  and  Kronos 
(US), Inc. - incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-31763) dated 
February 18, 2014 and filed by and filed by Kronos Worldwide, Inc. on February 18, 2014.

Indenture, dated as of September 13, 2017, among Kronos International, Inc. the guarantors named therein, and 
Deutche Bank Trust Company Americas, as trustee, collateral agent, paying agent, transfer agent and registrar – 
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-31763) dated September 
13, 2017 and filed by Kronos Worldwide, Inc. on September 13, 2017.

Pledge Agreement, dated as of September 13, 2017, among Kronos International, Inc. the guarantors named therein 
and Deutche Bank Trust Company Americas, as collateral agent – intercorporate by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the 
Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-31763) dated September 13, 2017 and filed by Kronos Worldwide, Inc. 
on September 13, 2017.

Eleventh Amended and Restated Unsecured Revolving Demand Promissory Note dated December 31, 2017 in the 
principal amount of $360.0 million executed by Valhi, Inc. and payable to the order of Contran Corporation.

Subsidiaries of Valhi, Inc.

Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP with respect to Valhi’s Consolidated Financial Statements

Certification

Certification

Certification

101.INS **

XBRL Instance Document

101.SCH **

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema

101.CAL **

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase

101.DEF **

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase

101.LAB **

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase

- 69 -

  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item No.

Exhibit Index

101.PRE **

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase

*
**
+

(P)

Management contract, compensatory plan or agreement. 
Filed herewith. 
Exhibit 3.1 is restated for the purposes of the disclosure requirements of Item 601 of Regulation S-K promulgated by the U.S. 
Securities and Exchange Commission and does not represent a restated certificate of incorporation that has been filed with the 
Delaware Secretary of State.
Paper exhibits.

- 70 -

  
 
 
 
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. 

SIGNATURES 

VALHI, INC.
(Registrant)

By:   /s/ Robert D. Graham

  Robert D. Graham, March 15, 2018

(Vice Chairman of the Board,  President 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/ Robert D. Graham

Robert D. Graham, March 15, 2018

(Vice Chairman of the Board, President and Chief 
Executive Officer )

/s/ Gregory M. Swalwell 
Gregory M. Swalwell, March 15, 2018

(Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer 
and Chief Accounting Officer)

/s/ Amy Allbach Samford 
Amy Allbach Samford, March 15, 2018
(Vice President and Controller )

/s/ Loretta J. Feehan 
Loretta J. Feehan, March 15, 2018

(Chair of the Board (non-executive))

/s/ Thomas E. Barry 
Thomas E. Barry, March 15, 2018

(Director)

/s/ Elisabeth C. Fisher 
Elisabeth C. Fisher, March 15, 2018

(Director)

/s/ W. Hayden McIlroy 
W. Hayden McIlroy, March 15, 2018

(Director)

/s/ Mary A.Tidlund 
Mary A. Tidlund, March 15, 2018
(Director)

- 71 -

 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
Annual Report on Form 10-K

Items 8, 15(a) and 15(c)

Index of Financial Statements

Financial Statements

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm..................................................................................................

Consolidated Balance Sheets—December 31, 2016 and 2017 ..............................................................................................

Consolidated Statements of Operations—Years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017 ...............................................

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)—Years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017 ...............

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity—Years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017...............................

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows—Years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017..............................................

Page

F-2

F-3

F-5

F-6

F-7

F-8

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements..........................................................................................................................

F-10

We  have  omitted  all  financial  statement  schedules  because  they  are  not  applicable  or  the  required  amounts  are  either  not 
material or are presented in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

F-1

 
 
VALHI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In millions)

Current assets:

ASSETS

Cash and cash equivalents ..................................................................................................... $
Restricted cash equivalents ....................................................................................................
Marketable securities .............................................................................................................
Accounts and other receivables, net.......................................................................................
Refundable income taxes .......................................................................................................
Receivable from affiliates ......................................................................................................
Land held for development ....................................................................................................
Inventories, net.......................................................................................................................
Other current assets................................................................................................................
Current assets of discontinued operations..............................................................................
Total current assets.......................................................................................................

Other assets:

Marketable securities .............................................................................................................
Investment in TiO2 manufacturing joint venture ...................................................................
Goodwill ................................................................................................................................
Deferred income taxes ...........................................................................................................
Pension asset ..........................................................................................................................
Other assets ............................................................................................................................
Noncurrent assets of discontinued operations........................................................................
Total other assets ..........................................................................................................

Property and equipment:

Land .......................................................................................................................................
Buildings ................................................................................................................................
Equipment ..............................................................................................................................
Mining properties...................................................................................................................
Construction in progress ........................................................................................................

Less accumulated depreciation ..............................................................................................
Net property and equipment .........................................................................................
Total assets ................................................................................................................... $

December 31,

2016

2017

159.7
12.5
4.4
254.3
1.0
3.2
10.9
359.2
15.0
17.2
837.4

253.5
78.9
379.7
—
1.6
164.7
211.4
1,089.8

42.8
237.5
1,008.5
35.1
41.8
1,365.7
849.7
516.0
2,443.2

$

$

435.7
16.1
3.0
332.7
.5
32.6
16.5
398.4
15.5
11.2
1,262.2

255.7
86.5
379.7
119.8
4.2
169.9
40.8
1,056.6

47.0
261.6
1,150.8
35.0
58.3
1,552.7
964.0
588.7
2,907.5

F-3

 
 
 
VALHI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (CONTINUED)

(In millions, except share data)

Current liabilities:

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Current maturities of long-term debt ..................................................................................... $
Accounts payable ...................................................................................................................
Accrued liabilities ..................................................................................................................
Payable to affiliates................................................................................................................
Income taxes ..........................................................................................................................
Current liabilities of discontinued operations ........................................................................
Total current liabilities........................................................................................

Noncurrent liabilities:

Long-term debt.......................................................................................................................
Deferred income taxes ...........................................................................................................
Payable to affiliates................................................................................................................
Accrued pension costs............................................................................................................
Accrued environmental remediation and related costs ..........................................................
Accrued postretirement benefits costs ...................................................................................
Other liabilities.......................................................................................................................
Noncurrent liabilities of discontinued operations ..................................................................
Total noncurrent liabilities..................................................................................

Equity:

Valhi stockholders’ equity:

December 31,

2016

2017

$

4.5
92.8
125.4
20.2
5.1
46.1
294.1

889.3
278.1
—
240.2
107.3
11.1
84.5
94.2
1,704.7

1.6
116.1
124.8
16.2
25.1
47.3
331.1

1,041.5
183.2
70.1
266.4
110.7
11.3
73.6
52.9
1,809.7

Preferred stock, $.01 par value; 5,000 shares authorized; 5,000 shares issued............
Common stock, $.01 par value; 500.0 million shares authorized; 355.3 million 

shares issued and outstanding..................................................................................
Additional paid-in capital.............................................................................................
Retained deficit ............................................................................................................
Accumulated other comprehensive loss .......................................................................
Treasury stock, at cost—13.2 million shares ...............................................................
Total Valhi stockholders’ equity ........................................................................
Noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries ..................................................................................
Total equity.........................................................................................................
Total liabilities and equity .................................................................................. $

667.3

667.3

3.6
—
(198.5)
(221.9)
(49.6)
200.9
243.5
444.4
2,443.2

$

3.6
—
(17.9)
(179.0)
(49.6)
424.4
342.3
766.7
2,907.5

Commitments and contingencies (Notes 9, 14, 17 and 18)

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

F-4

 
 
 
VALHI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(In millions, except per share data)

Years ended December 31,

2015

2016

2017

Revenues and other income:

Net sales........................................................................................................... $
Other income, net.............................................................................................
Total revenues and other income ...........................................................

$

1,487.9
31.9
1,519.8

$

1,519.4
39.0
1,558.4

Costs and expenses:

Cost of sales .....................................................................................................
Selling, general and administrative..................................................................
Contract related intangible asset impairment...................................................
Loss on prepayment of debt.............................................................................
Interest .............................................................................................................
Total costs and expenses ........................................................................
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes ............
Income tax expense (benefit).....................................................................................
Net income (loss) from continuing operations ......................................
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax.......................................
Net income (loss).......................................................................................................
Noncontrolling interest in net income (loss) of subsidiaries .....................................

Net income (loss) attributable to Valhi stockholders....................................... $

1,259.5
248.6
—
—
53.6
1,561.7
(41.9)
107.5
(149.4)
(21.7)
(171.1)
(37.5)
(133.6) $

Amounts attributable to Valhi stockholders:

Income (loss) from continuing operations......................................................... $
Loss from discontinued operations....................................................................

Net income (loss) attributable to Valhi stockholders.............................. $

(111.9) $
(21.7)
(133.6) $

Basic and diluted net income (loss) per share:

Income (loss) from continuing operations .......................................................
Loss from discontinued operations ..................................................................

$

Net income (loss) per share..................................................................... $

(.33) $
(.06)
(.39) $

1,219.2
236.4
5.1
—
58.1
1,518.8
39.6
18.6
21.0
(24.0 )
(3.0 )
12.9
(15.9 )

8.1
(24.0 )
(15.9 )

.02
(.07 )
(.05 )

Cash dividends per share.................................................................................
Basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding .................................

$

$

.08
342.0

.08
342.0

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

$

$

$

$

$

$

1,879.4
25.2
1,904.6

1,277.4
269.4
—
7.1
58.9
1,612.8
291.8
(120.0)
411.8
(109.2)
302.6
95.1
207.5

316.7
(109.2)
207.5

.93
(.32)
.61

.08
342.0

F-5

 
 
 
VALHI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

(In millions)

Net income (loss) ............................................................................................................ $
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:

Currency translation ..............................................................................................
Interest rate swap...................................................................................................
Marketable securities.............................................................................................
Defined benefit pension plans ...............................................................................
Other postretirement benefit plans ........................................................................
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net.............................................
Comprehensive income (loss).........................................................................................
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest ............................

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Valhi stockholders......................... $

Years ended December 31,

2015

2016

2017

(171.1) $

(3.0) $

302.6

(77.0)
(1.8)
(7.5)
12.6
(.7)
(74.4)
(245.5)
(63.5)
(182.0) $

(14.5)
.2
4.0
(19.7)
(.9)
(30.9)
(33.9)
(6.9)
(40.8) $

47.9
1.5
5.0
11.0
(.8)
64.6
367.2
116.8
250.4

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

F-6

 
 
VALHI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY 

Years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017 

(In millions) 

Valhi Stockholders’ Equity

Preferred
stock

Common
stock

Additional
paid-in
capital

Retained
earnings
(deficit)

Accumulated
other
comprehensive
income (loss)

Treasury
stock

667.3$
—
—
—

3.6$
—
—
—

— $
—
(.2)
—

4.9 $

(133.6)
(26.9)
—

(148.6) $
—
—
(48.4)

(49.6) $
—
—
—

Non-
controlling
interest

Total
equity
336.3 $ 813.9
(171.1)
(37.5)
(41.7)
(14.6)
(74.4)
(26.0)

—
667.3
—
—
—

—
667.3
—
—
—

—
3.6
—
—
—

—
3.6
—
—
—

.2
—
—
(.2)
—

.2
—
—
(.3)
—

—
(155.6)
(15.9)
(26.9)
—

(.1)
(198.5)
207.5
(26.9)
—

—
(197.0)
—
—
(24.9)

—
(221.9)
—
—
42.9

—
(49.6)
—
—
—

—
(49.6)
—
—
—

—
258.2
12.9
(21.6)
(6.0)

—
243.5
95.1
(18.1)
21.7

.2
526.9
(3.0)
(48.7)
(30.9)

.1
444.4
302.6
(45.3)
64.6

Balance at December 31, 2014......... $
Net loss.............................................
Cash dividends .................................
Other comprehensive loss, net .........
Equity transactions with 

noncontrolling interest, net..........
Balance at December 31, 2015.........
Net income (loss) .............................
Cash dividends .................................
Other comprehensive loss, net .........
Equity transactions with 

noncontrolling interest, net..........
Balance at December 31, 2016.........
Net income .......................................
Cash dividends .................................
Other comprehensive income, net ....
Equity transactions with 

noncontrolling interest, net..........
Balance at December 31, 2017....... $

—
667.3$

—
3.6 $

.3
— $

(17.9)$

—
(179.0) $

—
(49.6) $

.1

.4
342.3 $ 766.7

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.  

F-7

 
VALHI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS 
(In millions) 

Cash flows from operating activities:

Net income (loss)..........................................................................................................  $
Depreciation and amortization......................................................................................   
Net (gain) loss from:

Securities transactions, net ..................................................................................   
Disposal of property and equipment, net ............................................................   
Noncash interest expense..............................................................................................   
Benefit plan expense greater than cash funding ...........................................................   
Deferred income taxes ..................................................................................................   
Loss on prepayment of debt..........................................................................................
Payment for termination of interest rate swap contract ................................................
Long-lived asset impairment ........................................................................................
Distributions from (contributions to) TiO2 manufacturing joint venture, net...............   
Contract related intangible asset impairment ...............................................................
Other, net ......................................................................................................................   
Change in assets and liabilities:

Accounts and other receivables, net....................................................................   
Land held for development, net ..........................................................................   
Inventories, net....................................................................................................   
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities ............................................................   
Income taxes .......................................................................................................   
Accounts with affiliates ......................................................................................   
Other noncurrent assets .......................................................................................   
Other noncurrent liabilities .................................................................................   
Other, net.............................................................................................................   
Net cash provided by operating activities .................................................   

Years ended December 31,
2016

2015

2017

(171.1)   $
69.9 

 $

(3.0) 
67.5 

302.6 
59.0 

— 
.8     
2.5     
2.9 
85.7 
—
—
—
6.5     
—
7.8     

22.2     
7.1     
(8.4)     
(14.3)     
(.9)    

17.1 
(2.5)    
2.7     
(5.9)     
22.1     

(.5) 
.3  
2.6  
4.6 
(39.1) 
—
—
—
3.6  
5.1
1.9  

(47.4)     
18.3  
39.6  

(.3)     
3.7 
13.8 
.1 
(3.8)     
12.8  
79.8  

(.1) 
.5  
2.5  
10.5 
(293.2) 
7.1
(3.3)
170.6

(6.0) 
—
—  

(47.5)  
6.6  
(5.5)  
12.9  
19.5 
35.2 
(.9) 
3.7  
(14.9)  
259.3  

F-8

 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
    
 
    
 
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
VALHI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (CONTINUED) 
(In millions) 

Cash flows from investing activities:

Capital expenditures .....................................................................................................  $ (54.6) 
(1.3) 
Capitalized permit costs................................................................................................   
(13.6) 
Purchases of marketable securities ...............................................................................   
15.0  
         Proceeds from disposal of marketable securities ..........................................................   
.4 
Other, net ......................................................................................................................   
(54.1) 
Net cash used in investing activities ...................................................................   

 $

(58.9)   $
(1.5)    
(11.4)    
10.7     
(.5)    
(61.6)    

(71.3) 
(2.2) 
(9.7) 
9.0  
(.2) 
(74.4) 

Years ended December 31,
2016

2017

2015

Cash flows from financing activities:

Indebtedness:

Borrowings..........................................................................................................   
Principal payments ..............................................................................................   
Deferred financing costs paid .............................................................................    —  

84.9  
(53.4) 

Valhi cash dividends paid.............................................................................................   
Distributions to noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries ................................................   
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities......................................................   

(27.1) 
(15.0) 
(10.6) 
Net increase (decrease)...........................................................................................................  $ (42.6) 

 $

312.2     
(309.0)    
—  
(27.1)    
(21.6)    
(45.5)    
(27.3)   $

748.1  
(600.2) 
(9.0)
(27.2) 
(18.1) 
93.6 
278.5 

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents – net change from 

Operating, investing and financing activities ...............................................................  $
Effect of exchange rates on cash ..................................................................................   
(51.1) 
Net change for the year ....................................................................   
280.2  
Balance at beginning of year ........................................................................................   
Balance at end of year...................................................................................................  $ 229.1  

(42.6) 
  $
(8.5)      

(32.6) 
229.1  
196.5  

  $

(27.3) 
(5.3)     

 $ 278.5 
14.4  
292.9 
196.5  
 $ 489.4  

Supplemental disclosures:
Cash paid for:

Interest, net of amounts capitalized ......................................................................  $
Income taxes, net ..................................................................................................   

  $

56.6  
10.2  

 $

60.8  
20.3  

59.3  
62.3  

Noncash investing activities:

Changes in accruals for capital expenditures........................................................

6.7

Noncash financing activities:

Borrowings paid directly to lender to settle refinanced indebtedness..................    —    
Principal payments paid directly by lender..........................................................    —    
Borrowings paid directly to lender for debt issuance costs..................................    —    

8.0

—    
—    
—    

9.4

9.3  
(8.4)  
(.9)  

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

F-9

 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
  
 
 
    
 
  
  
  
  
  
     
 
  
 
 
    
 
     
 
  
 
 
    
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
     
 
     
 
    
 
   
  
   
  
     
 
     
 
    
 
     
 
     
 
    
 
   
  
   
  
   
  
  
  
   
  
   
  
  
  
   
  
   
  
   
  
VALHI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

December 31, 2017 

Note 1—Summary of significant accounting policies: 

Nature of our business. Valhi, Inc. (NYSE: VHI) is primarily a holding company. We operate through our wholly-owned 
and  majority-owned  subsidiaries,  including  NL  Industries,  Inc.,  Kronos  Worldwide,  Inc.,  CompX  International  Inc.,  Tremont  LLC, 
Basic Management, Inc. (“BMI”) and The LandWell Company (“LandWell”).  Kronos (NYSE: KRO), NL (NYSE: NL), and CompX 
(NYSE  MKT:  CIX)  each  file  periodic  reports  with  the  Securities  and  Exchange  Commission  (“SEC”).    In  January  2018,  we  sold 
Waste Control Specialists LLC (“WCS”), see Note 3.

Organization.  We  are  majority  owned  by  a  wholly-owned  subsidiary  of  Contran  Corporation  (“Contran”),  which  owns 
approximately 93% of our outstanding common stock at December 31, 2017. All of Contran's outstanding voting stock is held by a 
family trust established for the benefit of Lisa K. Simmons and Serena Simmons Connelly and their children, for which Ms. Simmons 
and Ms. Connelly are co-trustees, or is held directly by Ms. Simmons and Ms. Connelly or entities related to them.  Consequently, Ms. 
Simmons and Ms. Connelly may be deemed to control Contran and us. 

Unless otherwise indicated, references in this report to “we,” “us” or “our” refer to Valhi, Inc. and its subsidiaries, taken 

as a whole. 

Management’s  estimates.  The  preparation  of  our  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  in  conformity  with  accounting 
principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”), requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the 
reported  amounts  of  our  assets  and  liabilities  and  disclosures  of  contingent  assets  and  liabilities  at  each  balance  sheet  date  and  the 
reported amounts of our revenues and expenses during each reporting period. Actual results may differ significantly from previously-
estimated amounts under different assumptions or conditions. 

Principles  of  consolidation.  Our  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  include  the  financial  position,  results  of  operations 
and cash flows of Valhi and our majority-owned and wholly-owned subsidiaries. We eliminate all material intercompany accounts and 
balances.  Changes  in  ownership  are  accounted  for  as  equity  transactions  with  no  gain  or  loss  recognized  on  the  transaction  unless 
there is a change in control. See Note 3. 

Foreign  currency  translation.  The  financial  statements  of  our  foreign  subsidiaries  are  translated  to  U.S.  dollars.  The 
functional currency of our foreign subsidiaries is generally the local currency of the country. Accordingly, we translate the assets and 
liabilities at year-end rates of exchange, while we translate their revenues and expenses at average exchange rates prevailing during 
the  year.  We  accumulate  the  resulting  translation  adjustments  in  stockholders’  equity  as  part  of  accumulated  other  comprehensive 
income (loss), net of related deferred income taxes and noncontrolling interest. We recognize currency transaction gains and losses in 
income. 

Derivatives  and  hedging  activities.  We  recognize  derivatives  as  either  an  asset  or  liability  measured  at  fair  value  in 
accordance  with  Accounting  Standards  Codification  (“ASC”)  Topic  815,  Derivatives  and  Hedging.  We  recognize  the  effect  of 
changes in the fair value of derivatives either in net income or other comprehensive income (loss), depending on the intended use of 
the derivative. See Note 19. 

Cash and cash equivalents. We classify bank time deposits and government and commercial notes and bills with original 

maturities of three months or less as cash equivalents. 

Restricted cash and cash equivalents. We classify cash and cash equivalents that have been segregated or are otherwise 
limited in use as restricted. Such restrictions principally include amounts pledged as collateral with respect to performance obligations 
or  letters  of  credit  required  by  regulatory  agencies  for  various  environmental  remediation  sites,  cash  held  in  escrow  under  various 
hold-back agreements with third-party homebuilders associated with our Real Estate Management and Development Segment, cash 
pledged  under  debt  agreement  covenants  and  cash  held  in  trust  by  our  insurance  brokerage  subsidiary  pending  transfer  to  the 
applicable  insurance  or  reinsurance  carrier. To  the  extent  the  restricted  amount  relates  to  a  recognized  liability,  we  classify  the 
restricted amount as current or noncurrent according to the corresponding liability. To the extent the restricted amount does not relate 
to a recognized liability, we classify restricted cash as a current asset.  Restricted cash and cash equivalents classified as a current asset 
are presented separately on our Consolidated Balance Sheets, and restricted cash and cash equivalents classified as a noncurrent asset 
are presented as a component of other assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheets, as disclosed in Note 7.

F-10

Marketable  securities  and  securities  transactions.  We  carry  marketable  debt  and  equity  securities  at  fair  value.  ASC 
Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, establishes a consistent framework for measuring fair value and (with certain 
exceptions) this framework is generally applied to all financial statement items required to be measured at fair value. The standard 
requires fair value measurements to be classified and disclosed in one of the following three categories: 

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

Level  1—Unadjusted  quoted  prices  in  active  markets  that  are  accessible  at  the  measurement  date  for  identical, 
unrestricted assets or liabilities; 

Level 2—Quoted prices in markets that are not active, or inputs which are observable, either directly or indirectly, for 
substantially the full term of the assets or liability; and 

Level 3—Prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and 
unobservable. 

We recognize unrealized and realized gains and losses on trading securities in income. We accumulate unrealized gains 
and losses on available-for-sale securities as part of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of related deferred income 
taxes and noncontrolling interest. Realized gains and losses are based on specific identification of the securities sold. 

Accounts  receivable.  We  provide  an  allowance  for  doubtful  accounts  for  known  and  estimated  potential  losses  arising 

from our sales to customers based on a periodic review of these accounts. 

Inventories  and  cost  of  sales.  We  state  inventories  at  the  lower  of  cost  or  net  realizable  value.  We  generally  base 
inventory  costs  for  all  inventory  categories  on  average  cost  that  approximates  the  first-in,  first-out  method.  Inventories  include  the 
costs  for  raw  materials,  the  cost  to  manufacture  the  raw  materials  into  finished  goods  and  overhead.  Depending  on  the  inventory’s 
stage  of  completion,  our  manufacturing  costs  can  include  the  costs  of  packing  and  finishing,  utilities,  maintenance,  depreciation, 
shipping  and  handling,  and  salaries  and  benefits  associated  with  our  manufacturing  process.  We  allocate  fixed  manufacturing 
overhead  costs  based  on  normal  production  capacity.  Unallocated  overhead  costs  resulting  from  periods  with  abnormally  low 
production levels are charged to expense as incurred. As inventory is sold to third parties, we recognize the cost of sales in the same 
period  the  sale  occurs.  We  periodically  review  our  inventory  for  estimated  obsolescence  or  instances  when  inventory  is  no  longer 
marketable for its intended use, and we record any write-down equal to the difference between the cost of inventory and its estimated 
net realizable value based on assumptions about alternative uses, market conditions and other factors.  

Land held for development. Land held for development relates to BMI and LandWell, for which we gained a controlling 
interest prior to 2015.  The primary asset of LandWell is certain real property in Henderson, Nevada some of which we are developing 
for  residential  lots  in  a  master  planned  community. Land  held  for  development  was  recorded  at  the  estimated  acquisition  date  fair 
value based on a value per developable acre at the time of purchase. Development costs, including infrastructure improvements, real 
estate  taxes,  capitalized  interest  and  other  costs,  some  of  which  may  be  allocated,  are  capitalized  during  the  period  incurred. We 
allocate  costs  to  each  parcel  sold  on  a  pro-rata  basis  associated  with  the  relevant  development  activity,  and  the  costs  allocated  to 
parcels  expected  to  be  sold  within  one  year  are  presented  separately  in  current  assets  on  our  Consolidated  Balance  Sheets. As  land 
parcels are sold, costs of land sales, including land and development costs, are allocated based on specific identification, relative sales 
value,  square  footage  or  a  combination  of  these  methods. All  sales  and  marketing  activities  and  general  overhead  are  charged  to 
selling, general and administrative expense as incurred. 

Investment in TiO2 manufacturing joint venture. We account for our investment in a 50%-owned manufacturing joint 
venture by the equity method. Distributions received from such investee are classified for statement of cash flow purposes using the 
“nature of distribution” approach under ASC Topic 230.  See Note 7. 

Goodwill  and  other  intangible  assets;  amortization  expense.  Goodwill  represents  the  excess  of  cost  over  fair  value  of 
individual net assets acquired in business combinations. Goodwill is not subject to periodic amortization. We amortize other intangible 
assets by the straight-line method over their estimated lives and state them net of accumulated amortization. We evaluate goodwill for 
impairment, annually, or when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. We evaluate 
other intangible assets for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. 
See Note 8. 

 Property  and  equipment;  depreciation  expense.  We  state  property  and  equipment  at  acquisition  cost,  including 
capitalized  interest  on  borrowings  during  the  actual  construction  period  of  major  capital  projects.  In  2015,  2016  and  2017  we 
capitalized  $1.1  million,  $1.0  million  and  $2.2  million,  respectively,  of  interest  costs.  We  compute  depreciation  of  property  and 
equipment for financial reporting purposes (including mining equipment) principally by the straight-line method over the estimated 
useful lives of the assets as follows: 

F-11

Asset
Buildings and improvements .....................................................    10 to 40 years
Machinery and equipment .........................................................    3 to 20 years
Mine development costs ............................................................    Units-of-production

   Useful lives

We use accelerated depreciation methods for income tax purposes, as permitted.  Upon the sale or retirement of an asset, 

we remove the related cost and accumulated depreciation from the accounts and recognize any gain or loss in income currently. 

We expense expenditures for maintenance, repairs and minor renewals as incurred that do not improve or extend the life 

of the assets, including planned major maintenance. 

We have a governmental concession with an unlimited term to operate our ilmenite mines in Norway. Mining properties 
consist of buildings and equipment used in our Norwegian ilmenite mining operations. While we own the land and ilmenite reserves 
associated  with  the  mining  operations,  such  land  and  reserves  were  acquired  for  nominal  value  and  we  have  no material  asset 
recognized for the land and reserves related to our mining operations. 

We  perform  impairment  tests  when  events  or  changes  in  circumstances  indicate  the  carrying  value  may  not  be 
recoverable. We consider all relevant factors. We perform the impairment test by comparing the estimated future undiscounted cash 
flows (exclusive of interest expense) associated with the asset or asset group to the asset’s net carrying value to determine if a write-
down to fair value is required. 

  Long-term debt. We state long-term debt net of any unamortized original issue premium, discount or deferred financing 
costs (other than deferred financing costs associated with revolving credit facilities, which are recognized as an asset). We classify 
amortization of deferred financing costs and any premium or discount associated with the issuance of indebtedness as interest expense, 
and compute amortization by either the interest method or the straight-line method over the term of the applicable issue. 

Employee benefit plans. Accounting and funding policies for our retirement plans are described in Note 11. 

Income taxes. We and our qualifying subsidiaries are members of Contran’s consolidated U.S federal income tax group 
(the “Contran Tax Group”). We and certain of our qualifying subsidiaries also file consolidated income tax returns with Contran in 
various U.S. state jurisdictions. As a member of the Contran Tax Group, we are jointly and severally liable for the federal income tax 
liability  of  Contran  and  the  other  companies  included  in  the  Contran  Tax  Group  for  all  periods  in  which  we  are  included  in  the 
Contran Tax Group. See Note 17. As a member of the Contran Tax Group, we are a party to a tax sharing agreement which provides 
that  we  compute  our  tax  provision  for  U.S.  income  taxes  on  a  separate-company  basis  using  the  tax  elections  made  by 
Contran. Pursuant to the tax sharing agreement, we make payments to or receive payments from Contran in amounts we would have 
paid  to  or  received  from  the  U.S.  Internal  Revenue  Service  or  the  applicable  state  tax  authority  had  we  not  been  a  member  of  the 
Contran Tax Group. We made net cash payments for income taxes to Contran of $2.5 million in 2015, $10.7 million in 2016 and $38.9 
million in 2017. 

We recognize deferred income tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences 
between the income tax and financial reporting carrying amounts of assets and liabilities, including investments in our subsidiaries and 
affiliates who are not members of the Contran Tax Group and undistributed earnings of non-U.S. subsidiaries which are not deemed to 
be permanently reinvested.  At December 31, 2017, none of the post-1986 undistributed earnings of our European subsidiaries and 
none  of  the  undistributed  earnings  of  our  Canadian  Subsidiary,  are  subject  to  permanent  reinvestment  plans.  It  is  currently  not 
practical for us to determine the amount of the unrecognized deferred income tax liability related to our investments in our non-U.S. 
subsidiaries which are permanently reinvested due to the complexities associated with our organizational structure, changes in the Tax 
Cuts and Jobs Act (2017 Tax Act) enacted on December 22, 2017, and the U.S. taxation of such investments in the states in which we 
operate.    We  are  currently  reviewing  certain  other  provisions  under  the  2017  Tax  Act  that  would  impact  our  determination  of  the 
aggregate  temporary  differences  attributable  to  our  investments  in  our  non-U.S.  subsidiaries.    Deferred  income  tax  assets  and 
liabilities  for  each  tax-paying  jurisdiction  in  which  we  operate  are  netted  and  presented  as  either  a  noncurrent  deferred  income  tax 
asset  or  liability,  as  applicable.    We  periodically  evaluate  our  deferred  tax  assets  in  the  various  taxing  jurisdictions  in  which  we 
operate and adjust any related valuation allowance based on the estimate of the amount of such deferred tax assets that we believe 
does not meet the more-likely-than-not recognition criteria.  

F-12

 
  
We account for the tax effects of a change in tax law as a component of the income tax provision related to continuing 
operations in the period of enactment, including the tax effects of any deferred income taxes originally established through a financial 
statement component other than continuing operations (i.e. other comprehensive income).   Changes in applicable income tax rates 
over time as a result of changes in tax law, or times in which a deferred income tax asset valuation allowance is initially recognized in 
one year and subsequently reversed in a later year, can give rise to “stranded” tax effects in accumulated other comprehensive income 
in which the net accumulated income tax (benefit) remaining in accumulated other comprehensive income does not correspond to the 
then-applicable  income  tax  rate  applied  to  the  pre-tax  amount  which  resides  in  accumulated  other  comprehensive  income.    As 
permitted by GAAP, our accounting policy is to remove any such stranded tax effect remaining in accumulated other comprehensive 
income, by recognizing an offset to our provision for income taxes related to continuing operations, only at the time when there is no 
remaining  pre-tax  amount  in  accumulated  other  comprehensive  income.    For  accumulated  other  comprehensive  income  related  to 
marketable  securities,  this  would  occur  whenever  we  would  have  no  available-for-sale  marketable  securities  for  which  unrealized 
gains  and  losses  are  recognized  through  other  comprehensive  income.    For  accumulated  other  comprehensive  income  related  to 
currency  translation,  this  would  occur  only  upon  the  sale  or  complete  liquidation  of  one  of  our  non-U.S.  subsidiaries.    For  defined 
pension  benefit  plans  and  OPEB  plans,  this  would  occur  whenever  one  of  our  subsidiaries  which  previously  sponsored  a  defined 
benefit pension or OPEB plan had terminated such a plan and had no future obligation or plan asset associated with such a plan.

We record a reserve for uncertain tax positions where we believe it is more-likely-than-not our position will not prevail 
with the applicable tax authorities. The amount of the benefit associated with our uncertain tax positions that we recognize is limited 
to the largest amount for which we believe the likelihood of realization is greater than 50%. We accrue penalties and interest on the 
difference between tax positions taken on our tax returns and the amount of benefit recognized for financial reporting purposes. We 
classify  our  reserves  for  uncertain  tax  positions  in  a  separate  current  or  noncurrent  liability,  depending  on  the  nature  of  the  tax 
position. See Note 14. 

Environmental  remediation  and  related  costs.  We  record  liabilities  related  to  environmental  remediation  and  related 
costs  when  estimated  future  expenditures  are  probable  and  reasonably  estimable.  We  adjust  these  accruals  as  further  information 
becomes available to us or as circumstances change. We generally do not discount estimated future expenditures to their present value 
due to the uncertainty of the timing of the ultimate payout. We recognize any recoveries of remediation costs from other parties when 
we deem their receipt to be probable. We expense any environmental remediation related legal costs as incurred. At December 31, 
2016 and 2017, we had not recognized any material receivables for recoveries. See Note 18. 

Net sales. We record sales when products are shipped and title and other risks and rewards of ownership have passed to 
the customer.  We include amounts charged to customers for shipping and handling costs in net sales.  We state sales net of price, 
early payment and distributor discounts and volume rebates.  We report any tax assessed by a governmental authority that we collect 
from our customers that is both imposed on and concurrent with our revenue-producing activities (such as sales, use, value added and 
excise taxes) on a net basis (meaning we do not recognize these taxes either in our revenues or in our costs and expenses). 

Certain retail land sales of our Real Estate Management and Development Segment are recognized under the percentage-
of-completion method when we are required to complete property development and improvements after title passes to the buyer and 
when all of the criteria of ASC 970-605-30 are met.  Under such method, revenues and profits are recognized in the same proportion 
of our progress towards completion of our contractual obligations, with our progress measured by costs incurred as a percentage of 
total costs estimated to be incurred.  Such costs incurred and total estimated costs include amounts specifically identifiable with the 
parcels sold as well as certain development costs for the entire residential/planned community which are allocated to the parcels sold 
under applicable GAAP. Other retail land sales are generally recognized by the full accrual method of accounting at closing, in which 
title passes to the customer and we have no remaining contractual obligations to the buyer.

Selling,  general  and  administrative  expenses;  shipping  and  handling  costs;  advertising  costs;  research  and 
development costs. Selling, general and administrative expenses include costs related to marketing, sales, distribution, shipping and 
handling, research and development, legal, environmental remediation and administrative functions such as accounting, treasury and 
finance,  and  includes  costs  for  salaries  and  benefits  not  associated  with  our  manufacturing  process,  travel  and  entertainment, 
promotional materials and professional fees. Shipping and handling costs of our Chemicals Segment were approximately $87 million 
in  2015,  $90 million  in  2016  and  $101  million  in  2017.  Shipping  and  handling  costs  of  our  Component  Products  and  Waste 
Management Segments are not material. We expense advertising and research, development and certain sales technical support costs 
as  incurred.  Advertising  costs  were  approximately  $1  million  in  each  of  2015,  2016  and  2017.  Research,  development  and  certain 
sales technical support costs were approximately $16 million in 2015, $13 million in 2016 and $20 million in 2017. 

F-13

Note 2—Business and geographic segments: 

Business segment
Chemicals ......................................................................   Kronos
Component products......................................................   CompX
Real estate management and development....................   BMI and LandWell   

Entity

% controlled at
December 31, 
2017

80%
87%
63% - 77% 

Our control of Kronos includes 50% we hold directly and 30% held directly by NL. We own 83% of NL. Our control of 
CompX is through NL. We own 63% of BMI.  Our control of LandWell includes the 27% we hold directly and 50% held by BMI.  
See Note 3.

We  are  organized  based  upon  our  operating  subsidiaries.  Our  operating  segments  are  defined  as  components  of  our 
consolidated  operations  about  which  separate  financial  information  is  available  that  is  regularly  evaluated  by  our  chief  operating 
decision  maker  in  determining  how  to  allocate  resources  and  in  assessing  performance.  Each  operating  segment  is  separately 
managed, and each operating segment represents a strategic business unit offering different products. 

We have the following three consolidated reportable operating segments. 

(cid:3) Chemicals—Our chemicals segment is operated through our majority control of Kronos. Kronos is a leading global 
producer  and  marketer  of  value-added  titanium  dioxide  pigments  (“TiO2”).  TiO2  is  used  to  impart  whiteness, 
brightness, opacity and durability to a wide variety of products, including paints, plastics, paper, fibers and ceramics. 
Additionally, TiO2 is a critical component of everyday applications, such as coatings, plastics and paper, as well as 
many specialty products such as inks, foods and cosmetics. See Note 7. 

(cid:3) Component  Products—We  operate  in  the  component  products  industry  through  our  majority  control  of  CompX. 
CompX  is  a  leading  manufacturer  of  security  products  used  in  the  recreational  transportation,  postal,  office  and 
institutional furniture, cabinetry, tool storage, healthcare and a variety of other industries.  CompX is also a leading 
manufacturer  of  stainless  steel  exhaust  systems,  gauges,  throttle  controls  and  trim  tabs  for  the  recreational  marine 
industry.   All of CompX production facilities are in the United States. 

(cid:3)

Real  Estate  Management  and  Development—We  operate  in  real  estate  management  and  development  through  our 
majority control of BMI and LandWell. BMI provides utility services to certain industrial and municipal customers 
and owns real property in Henderson, Nevada. LandWell is engaged in efforts to develop certain land holdings for 
commercial, industrial and residential purposes in Henderson, Nevada.   

We evaluate segment performance based on segment operating income, which we define as income before income taxes 
and interest expense, exclusive of certain non-recurring items (such as gains or losses on disposition of business units and other long-
lived assets outside the ordinary course of business and certain legal settlements) and certain general corporate income and expense 
items (including securities transactions gains and losses and interest and dividend income), which are not attributable to the operations 
of the reportable operating segments. The accounting policies of our reportable operating segments are the same as those described in 
Note  1.  Segment  results  we  report  may  differ  from  amounts  separately  reported  by  our  various  subsidiaries  and  affiliates  due  to 
purchase accounting adjustments and related amortization or differences in how we define operating income. Intersegment sales are 
not material. 

Interest income included in the calculation of segment operating income is not material in 2015, 2016 or 2017. Capital 
expenditures  include  additions  to  property  and  equipment  but  exclude  amounts  we  paid  for  business  units  acquired  in  business 
combinations.  Depreciation  and  amortization  related  to  each  reportable  operating  segment  includes  amortization  of  any  intangible 
assets attributable to the segment. Amortization of deferred financing costs and any premium or discount associated with the issuance 
of indebtedness is included in interest expense. 

Segment assets are comprised of all assets attributable to each reportable operating segment, including goodwill and other 
intangible assets. Our investment in the TiO2 manufacturing joint venture (see Note 7) is included in the Chemicals Segment’s assets. 
Corporate assets are not attributable to any operating segment and consist principally of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and 
restricted  cash  equivalents  and  marketable  securities.    Our  Real  Estate  Management  and  Development  Segment’s  operating  loss  in 
2016  includes  a  first  quarter  $5.1  million  contract  related  intangible  asset  impairment  which  is  included  in  the  determination of  its 
operating  income,  see  Note  7.    Our  Chemicals  Segment’s  operating  income  in  2016  includes $4.3 million  in  business  interruption 
insurance proceeds which is included in the determination of its operating income, see Note 12.

F-14

 
  
  
 
   
   
Net sales:

Chemicals......................................................................   $
Component products .....................................................    
Real estate management and development ...................    
Total net sales ......................................................   $

Cost of sales:

Chemicals......................................................................   $
Component products .....................................................    
Real estate management and development ...................    
Total cost of sales ................................................   $

Gross margin:

Chemicals......................................................................   $
Component products .....................................................    
Real estate management and development ...................    
Total gross margin...............................................   $

Operating income:

Chemicals......................................................................   $
Component products .....................................................    
Real estate management and development ...................    
Total operating income........................................    

General corporate items:

Securities earnings ........................................................    
Insurance recoveries......................................................    
General expenses, net....................................................    
Loss on prepayment of debt ..........................................    
Interest expense ......................................................................    

Income (loss) from continuing operations
   before income taxes..........................................   $

2015

Years ended December 31,
2016
(In millions)

2017

1,348.8    $
109.0     
  30.1 
1,487.9    $

1,158.5    $
75.6     
25.4      
1,259.5    $

190.3    $
33.4     
4.7 
228.4    $

 $
7.1 
14.0     
  —   
21.1 

26.4     
3.7     
(39.5)    
— 
(53.6)    

1,364.3    $
108.9     
  46.2 
1,519.4    $

1,109.2    $
73.8     
36.2      
1,219.2    $

255.1    $
35.1     
10.0 

300.2    $

 $
91.0 
15.6     
.8 
107.4 

27.2     
.4     
(37.3)    
— 
(58.1)    

1,729.0  
112.0  
  38.4 
1,879.4  

1,172.1  
77.2  
28.1  
1,277.4  

556.9  
34.8  
10.3 
602.0  

341.1 
15.2  
6.6 
362.9 

29.5  
.4  
(35.0) 
(7.1) 
(58.9)

(41.9)   $

39.6 

 $

291.8 

F-15

 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
     
 
  
 
 
    
 
   
   
     
 
  
 
 
    
 
     
 
  
 
 
    
 
   
   
     
 
  
 
 
    
 
   
   
  
  
   
 
  
 
  
 
  
  
2015

Years ended December 31,
2016
(In millions)

2017

Depreciation and amortization:

Chemicals .............................................................  $
Component products.............................................   
Waste management (1)...........................................   
Real estate management and development ...........   
Total ............................................................  $

Capital expenditures:

Chemicals .............................................................  $
Component products.............................................   
Waste management(1)............................................   
Real estate management and development ...........   
Total ............................................................  $

44.3  
3.5  
19.3  
2.8  
69.9  

47.5  
4.2  
1.7  
 1.2  
54.6  

   $

   $

   $

   $

42.6    $
3.7     
18.3     
2.9    
67.5    $

53.0    $
3.2     
.7     
 2.0     
58.9    $

43.4  
3.7  
8.9  
3.0 
59.0  

64.3  
2.8  
.9  
 3.3 
71.3  

2015

December 31,

2016

(In millions)

2017

Total assets:

Operating segments:

Chemicals...................................................  $
Component products ..................................   
Waste management(1) .................................   
Real estate management and 

development ..........................................   
Corporate and eliminations..................................   
Total ...........................................................  $

1,617.6  
88.7  
231.9  

232.9 
366.3  
2,537.4  

   $

   $

1,548.9    $
97.9     
228.6     

200.9     
366.9     
2,443.2    $

2,190.5  
104.9  
52.0  

206.9 
353.2  
2,907.5  

  (1)Denotes discontinued operations

Geographic  information.  We  attribute  net  sales  to  the  place  of  manufacture  (point-of-origin)  and  the  location  of  the 
customer (point-of-destination); we attribute property and equipment to their physical location. At December 31, 2017 the net assets of 
our non-U.S. subsidiaries included in consolidated net assets approximated $614 million (in 2016 the total was $374 million). 

2015

Years ended December 31,
2016
(In millions)

2017

Net sales—point of origin:

United States.......................................................  $
Germany .............................................................   
Canada ................................................................   
Belgium ..............................................................   
Norway ...............................................................   
Eliminations........................................................   
Total ..........................................................  $

Net sales—point of destination:

North America ....................................................  $
Europe.................................................................   
Asia and other.....................................................   
Total ..........................................................  $

796.9  
690.0  
216.9  
198.8
183.5  
(598.2) 
1,487.9  

559.0  
700.9  
228.0  
1,487.9  

  $

  $

  $

  $

819.3    $
699.8     
257.7     
187.4   
164.8     
(609.6)   
1,519.4    $

566.8    $
698.2     
254.4     
1,519.4    $

992.3  
918.6  
309.2  
279.9
216.4  
(837.0) 
1,879.4  

668.3  
899.2  
311.9  
1,879.4  

F-16

 
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
    
 
 
  
 
     
 
  
 
 
       
 
  
 
  
 
  
     
 
  
 
 
       
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
    
 
 
  
 
     
 
  
 
 
       
 
     
 
  
 
 
       
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
     
 
   
 
      
 
   
   
   
   
   
     
 
   
 
      
 
   
   
2015

December 31,

2016

(In millions)

2017

Net property and equipment:

United States.........................................................   $
Germany ...............................................................    
Canada ..................................................................    
Norway .................................................................    
Belgium ................................................................    
Total ............................................................   $

77.0      $
229.9       
55.0       
71.9       
81.8       
515.6      $

76.2    $
223.7     
60.5     
75.5     
80.1     
516.0    $

80.8  
259.2  
69.0  
81.7  
98.0  
588.7  

Note 3—Business combinations, dispositions and related transactions: 

Kronos Worldwide, Inc. 

Prior  to  2015,  Kronos’  board  of  directors  authorized  the  repurchase  of  up  to  2.0 million  shares  of  its  common  stock  in 
open  market  transactions,  including  block  purchases,  or  in  privately-negotiated  transactions  at  unspecified  prices  and  over  an 
unspecified  period  of  time.  Kronos  may  repurchase  its  common  stock  from  time  to  time  as  market  conditions  permit.  The  stock 
repurchase  program  does  not  include  specific  price  targets  or  timetables  and  may  be  suspended  at  any  time.  Depending  on  market 
conditions,  Kronos  may  terminate  the  program  prior  to  its  completion.  Kronos  would  use  cash  on  hand  to  acquire  the  shares. 
Repurchased  shares  will  be  added  to  Kronos’  treasury  and  cancelled.  Kronos  did  not  make  any  repurchases  under  the  plan  during 
2015, 2016 or 2017, and at December 31, 2017 approximately 1.95 million shares are available for repurchase. 

CompX International Inc. 

Prior to 2015, CompX’s board of directors authorized various repurchases of its Class A common stock in open market 
transactions, including block purchases, or in privately-negotiated transactions at unspecified prices and over an unspecified period of 
time. CompX may repurchase its common stock from time to time as market conditions permit. The stock repurchase program does 
not  include  specific  price  targets  or  timetables  and  may  be  suspended  at  any  time.  Depending  on  market  conditions,  CompX  may 
terminate the program prior to its completion. CompX would generally use cash on hand to acquire the shares. Repurchased shares 
will be added to CompX’s treasury and cancelled. CompX did not make any repurchases under the plan during 2015, 2016 or 2017, 
and at December 31, 2017 approximately 678,000 shares were available for purchase under these authorizations. 

Discontinued Operations —Waste Control Specialists LLC

  Pursuant to an agreement we entered into in December 2017, on January 26, 2018 we completed the sale of our Waste 
Management  Segment  to  JFL-WCS  Partners,  LLC  ("JFL  Partners"),  an  entity  sponsored  by  certain  investment  affiliates  of J.F. 
Lehman  &  Company,  for  consideration  consisting  of  the  assumption  of  all  of  WCS'  third-party  indebtedness  and  other  liabilities; 
accordingly the results of operations of our Waste Management Segment is reflected as discontinued operations in our Consolidated 
Statement of Operations for all periods presented.  We expect to recognize a pre-tax gain of approximately $57 million in the first 
quarter of 2018 on the transaction because the carrying value of the liabilities of the business assumed by the purchaser exceeded the 
carrying  value  of  the  assets  sold  at  the  time  of  the  sale  in  large  part  due  to  the  long-lived  asset  impairment  of  $170.6  million 
recognized  in  the  second  quarter  of  2017  as  discussed  below.      Our  Waste  Management  Segment,  which  operated  in  the  low-level 
radioactive, hazardous, toxic and other waste disposal industry historically struggled to generate sufficient recurring disposal volumes 
to generate positive operating results or cash flows.  We believe the sale will enable us to focus more effort on continuing to develop 
our remaining segments which we believe have greater opportunity for higher returns. 

 In  accordance  with  GAAP,  the  Waste  Management  Segment  has  been  reclassified  as  discontinued  operations  in  our 
Consolidated Balance Sheets and Consolidated Statements of Operations for all periods presented.  Also in accordance with GAAP, 
we  have  not  reclassified  our  Consolidated  Statement  of  Cash  Flows  to  reflect  the  Waste  Management  Segment  as  discontinued 
operations.

F-17

 
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
    
 
 
  
 
     
 
    
 
       
 
Selected  financial  data  for  the  operations  of  the  disposed  Waste  Management  Segment  is  presented  below.    Current  assets 

consist principally of trade accounts receivable.

December 31,

2016

2017

(In millions)

ASSETS

Current assets .......................................................................   $
Operating permits ...........................................................    
Restricted cash ................................................................
Property and equipment, net ...........................................
Other noncurrent assets ..................................................
Total noncurrent assets.........................................................

Total assets .................................................................. $

LIABILITIES 

Current portion of long-term debt ..................................   $
Payable to Contran..........................................................
Other current liabilities ...................................................
Total current liabilities .........................................................

Long-term debt ...............................................................
Deferred income taxes ....................................................
Accrued noncurrent closure and post closure costs........
Total noncurrent liabilities ...................................................

Total liabilities

$

17.2    $
42.9     
21.6
138.5
8.4
211.4
228.6

$

3.3    $

31.4
11.4
46.1

67.9
(3.1)
29.4
94.2
140.3

$

2015

Years ended December 31,
2016
(In millions)

11.2  
—  

27.2
6.0
7.6
40.8
52.0

3.0  
36.1
8.2
47.3

65.0
(43.8)
31.7
52.9
100.2

2017

Net sales  .......................................................................   $

45.0     $

47.4     $

75.4  

Operating loss.......................................................  $
Other income (expense), net.................................   
Interest expense, net .............................................

Loss before taxes .............................................   
Income tax benefit ......................................
Net loss .......................................................  $

(26.5)    $
.1      

(5.4)
(31.8)     
(10.1)
(21.7)    $

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities.......

(12.2)

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities .......

.8

(26.2)   $
(5.3)    
(5.1)
(36.6)    
(12.6)
(24.0)   $

(10.7)

(2.7)

(167.1)  
(4.4)  
(4.8)
(176.3)  
(67.1)
(109.2) 

18.1

(3.4)

The  Waste  Management  Segment’s  operating  loss  in  2017  includes  a  $170.6  million  long-lived  asset  impairment  which  is 
included in the determination of its operating income.  As previously reported, in November 2015 we entered into an agreement with 
Rockwell Holdco, Inc. ("Rockwell"), for the sale of WCS to Rockwell. The agreement, as amended, was for $270 million in cash plus 
the assumption of all of WCS’ third-party indebtedness incurred prior to the date of the agreement.  Additionally, Rockwell and its 
affiliates  would  have  assumed  all  financial  assurance  obligations  related  to  the  WCS  business.   Rockwell  is  the  parent  company of 
EnergySolutions, Inc.   Completion of the sale was subject to certain customary closing conditions, including the receipt of U.S. anti-
trust approval.   The U.S. Department of Justice (“DOJ”) did not give the parties anti-trust clearance, and on November 16, 2016, the 
DOJ filed an anti-trust action in the U.S. federal district court for the District of Delaware styled United States of America vs. Energy 
Solutions, Inc., et al (Case No. 1:16-cv-01056-UNA), seeking an injunction to enjoin completion of the sale of WCS.  Trial was held 
in late April and early May 2017.  On June 21, 2017, the court issued an order enjoining the sale of WCS.  While we disagreed with 
the court’s decision, the parties determined that they would not appeal the decision to the Third Circuit Court of Appeals, and on June 
22, 2017, we provided written notice to Rockwell terminating the purchase agreement for the sale of WCS to Rockwell effective June 
22, 2017.  

F-18

 
 
  
 
 
  
    
 
 
  
 
     
       
 
     
       
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
   
 
 
   
 
     
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
     
 
The  Court’s  decision  and  resulting  termination  of  the  purchase  agreement  with  Rockwell  constituted  triggering  events  under 
ASC  360-10-35-21,  requiring  WCS’  long-lived  assets  to  be  tested  for  recoverability.    Given  the  challenges  facing  WCS’  disposal 
operations we concluded that the long-lived assets associated with WCS’ operations were impaired at June 30, 2017, concurrent with 
the  termination  of  the  purchase  agreement  with  Rockwell.    Accordingly,  we  recognized  an  aggregate  $170.6  million  impairment 
charge as of June 30, 2017, to reduce the carrying value of WCS’ long-lived assets recognized for financial reporting purposes to their 
estimated  fair  value.    Such  $170.6  million  impairment  charge  relates  to  the  following  long-lived  assets  of  WCS:    net  property  and 
equipment - $127.5 million; waste disposal site operating permits, net - $42.0 million; and other assets - $1.1 million.  With respect to 
the operating permits, we concluded such long-lived assets were fully impaired, as these permits are specific to WCS’ land and facility 
in Andrews County and have no salvage value as there is no alternative use for permits.  Similarly, with respect to the net property and 
equipment, we concluded such long-lived assets were fully impaired except to the extent certain items of property and equipment had 
an alternate use outside of WCS’ operations; for those items of property and equipment, they were written down to estimated salvage 
value,  primarily  using  dealer  or  auction-site  quotes  (Level  3  inputs)  as  the  basis  for  salvage  value.    At  June  30,  2017,  the  time  the 
impairment was recognized, the salvage value for such items of property and equipment aggregated $5.7 million.  

As  part  of  the  terms  of  the  fourth  amendment  to  the  purchase  agreement  with  Rockwell,  in  the  event  of  termination  of  the 
purchase agreement for any reason (including termination of the purchase agreement if completion of the sale of WCS is enjoined on 
anti-trust grounds), we would be entitled to receive a termination fee from Rockwell.  Such termination fee (net of applicable expenses) 
aggregated $4 million, was received in June 2017 and is recognized as part of loss from discontinued operations in 2017 (classified as 
part  of  other  income  (expense),  net  in  the  table  above).    Other  income  (expense),  net  in  the  table  above  also  includes  expenses 
aggregating $5.8 million in 2016 and $8.7 million in 2017 related to efforts to sell WCS (principally legal fees).

In connection with the January 2018 sale, JFL Partners did not assume WCS’ trade payable owed to Contran, which consisted 
primarily  of  intercorporate  service  fees  charged  to  WCS  by  Contran  for  which  WCS  did  not  pay  to  Contran  for  several  years.  
Immediately prior to the closing of the sale of WCS, Contran transferred its associated receivable from WCS to Valhi, in return for a 
deemed  borrowing  by  Valhi  under  its  revolving  credit  facility  with  Contran.    Valhi  subsequently  contributed  such  receivable  from 
WCS to WCS’s equity, and the trade payable obligation of WCS was deemed paid in full.

Note 4—Accounts and other receivables, net: 

Trade accounts receivable:

Kronos ........................................................................   $
CompX .......................................................................    
BMI/LandWell ...........................................................    
VAT and other receivables ..................................................    
Allowance for doubtful accounts .........................................    
Total ..................................................................   $

December 31,

2016

2017

(In millions)

224.8  
10.4  
1.3  
18.6  
(.8) 
254.3  

  $

  $

301.4  
10.5  
1.6  
20.7  
(1.5) 
332.7  

F-19

 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
     
 
     
 
   
   
   
   
Note 5—Inventories, net: 

Raw materials:

Chemicals ...................................................................   $
Component products...................................................    
Total raw materials ...........................................    

Work in process:

Chemicals ...................................................................    
Component products...................................................    
Total in-process products..................................    

Finished products:

Chemicals ...................................................................    
Component products...................................................    
Total finished products .....................................    
Supplies (chemicals) ............................................................    
Total ..................................................................   $

December 31,

2016

2017

(In millions)

68.7    $
2.7     
71.4     

22.3     
9.0     
31.3     

196.4     
3.2     
199.6     
56.9

359.2    $

106.9  
2.7  
109.6  

20.8  
9.8  
30.6  

192.2  
2.8  
195.0  
63.2  
398.4  

Note 6—Marketable securities: 

Market
value

Cost
basis
(In millions)

Unrealized
losses,
net

December 31, 2016:

Current assets ........................................................   $
Noncurrent assets:

4.4    $

4.4    $

The Amalgamated Sugar Company LLC....   $
Other............................................................    
Total...................................................   $

250.0    $
3.5     
253.5    $

250.0    $
3.7     
253.7    $

December 31, 2017:

Current assets ........................................................   $
Noncurrent assets:

3.0    $

3.0    $

The Amalgamated Sugar Company LLC....   $
Other............................................................    
Total...................................................   $

250.0    $
5.7     
255.7    $

250.0    $
5.9     
255.9    $

—   

—   
(.2) 
(.2) 

—   

—   
(.2) 
(.2) 

F-20

 
 
  
 
 
  
    
 
 
  
 
     
       
 
     
     
 
     
     
 
 
 
  
    
    
 
 
  
 
     
       
       
 
     
       
       
 
     
       
       
 
     
       
       
 
Fair Value Measurements
Quoted
Prices in
Active
Markets
(Level 1)

Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)

(In millions)

Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)

Total

4.4    $

—      $

4.4    $

—   

December 31, 2016:
Current assets ...........................................................   $
Noncurrent assets:

The Amalgamated Sugar Company LLC .......   $
Fixed income securities ..................................    
Mutual funds and common stocks

Total ......................................................   $

250.0    $
2.9     
.6     
253.5    $

—      $
—       
.6     
.6    $

—      $
2.9     
—       
2.9    $

250.0  
—   
—   
250.0  

December 31, 2017:
Current assets ...........................................................   $
Noncurrent assets:

3.0    $

—      $

3.0    $

—   

The Amalgamated Sugar Company LLC .......   $
Fixed income securities ..................................    
Common stocks and exchange traded funds...    
Total ......................................................   $

250.0    $
4.4     
1.3     
255.7    $

—      $
—       
1.3     
1.3    $

—      $
4.4     
—       
4.4    $

250.0  
—   
—   
250.0  

Amalgamated  Sugar.  Prior  to  2015,  we  transferred  control  of  the  refined  sugar  operations  previously  conducted  by  our 
wholly-owned  subsidiary,  The  Amalgamated  Sugar  Company,  to  Snake  River  Sugar  Company,  an  Oregon  agricultural  cooperative 
formed by certain sugar beet growers in Amalgamated’s areas of operations. Pursuant to the transaction, we contributed substantially 
all of the net assets of our refined sugar operations to The Amalgamated Sugar Company LLC, a limited liability company controlled 
by Snake River, on a tax-deferred basis in exchange for a non-voting ownership interest in the LLC. The cost basis of the net assets we 
transferred to the LLC was approximately $34 million. When we transferred control of our operations to Snake River in return for our 
interest in the LLC, we recognized a gain in earnings equal to the difference between $250 million (the fair value of our investment in 
the LLC as evidenced by its $250 million redemption price, as discussed below) and the $34 million cost basis of the net assets we 
contributed  to  the  LLC,  net  of  applicable  deferred  income  taxes.  Therefore,  the  cost  basis  of  our  investment  in  the  LLC  is  $250 
million. As part of this transaction, Snake River made certain loans to us aggregating $250 million. These loans are collateralized by 
our interest in the LLC. See Notes 9 and 12. 

We and Snake River share in distributions from the LLC up to an aggregate of $26.7 million per year (the “base” level), 
with a preferential 95% share going to us. To the extent the LLC’s distributions are below this base level in any given year, we are 
entitled to an additional 95% preferential share of any future annual LLC distributions in excess of the base level until the shortfall is 
recovered.  Under  certain  conditions,  we  are  entitled  to  receive  additional  cash  distributions  from  the  LLC.  At  our  option,  we  may 
require  the  LLC  to  redeem  our  interest  in  the  LLC,  and  the  LLC  has  the  right  to  redeem,  at  their  option,  our  interest  in  the  LLC 
beginning in 2027. The redemption price is generally $250 million plus the amount of certain undistributed income allocable to us. If 
we require the LLC to redeem our interest in the LLC, Snake River has the right to accelerate the maturity of and call our $250 million 
loans from Snake River. 

The LLC Company Agreement contains certain restrictive covenants intended to protect our interest in the LLC, including 
limitations on capital expenditures and additional indebtedness of the LLC. We also have the ability to temporarily take control of the 
LLC if our cumulative distributions from the LLC fall below specified levels, subject to satisfaction of certain conditions imposed by 
Snake River’s current third-party senior lenders. 

Prior  to  2015,  Snake  River  agreed  that  the  annual  amount  of  distributions  we  receive  from  the  LLC  would  exceed  the 
annual amount of interest payments we owe to Snake River on our $250 million in loans from Snake River by at least $1.8 million. If 
we receive less than the required minimum amount, certain agreements we previously made with Snake River and the LLC, including 
a reduction in the amount of cumulative distributions that we must receive from the LLC in order to prevent us from becoming able to 
temporarily take control of the LLC, would retroactively become null and void and we would be able to temporarily take control of 
the LLC if we so desired. Through December 31, 2017, Snake River and the LLC maintained the applicable minimum required levels 
of cash flows to us. 

F-21

 
 
  
 
 
  
    
    
    
 
 
  
 
     
       
       
       
 
     
       
       
       
 
   
     
       
       
       
 
     
       
       
       
 
We  report  the  cash  distributions  received  from  the  LLC  as  dividend  income.  We  recognize  distributions  when  they  are 
declared by the LLC, which is generally the same month we receive them, although in certain cases distributions may be paid on the 
first  business  day  of  the  following  month.  See  Note  12.  The  amount  of  such  future  distributions  we  will  receive  from  the  LLC  is 
dependent upon, among other things, the future performance of the LLC’s operations. Because we receive preferential distributions 
from the LLC and we have the right to require the LLC to redeem our interest for a fixed and determinable amount beginning at a 
fixed and determinable date, we account for our investment in the LLC as a debt security carried at fair value. The fair value of our 
investment is determined using Level 3 inputs based on the $250 million redemption price of our investment in the LLC as well as the 
amount of our debt owed to Snake River Company that is collateralized by our investment in the LLC. There has been no change to 
the fair value of our Amalgamated Sugar investment during 2015, 2016 or 2017. We do not expect to report a gain on the redemption 
at  the  time  our  LLC  interest  is  redeemed,  as  the  redemption  price  of  $250  million  is  expected  to  equal  the  carrying  value  of  our 
investment in the LLC at the time of redemption. 

Other. The fair value of our marketable securities are either determined using Level 1 inputs (because the securities are 
actively  traded)  or  determined  using  Level  2  inputs  (because  although  these  securities  are  traded,  in  many  cases  the  market  is  not 
active and the year-end valuation is generally based on the last trade of the year, which may be several days prior to December 31). 

Note 7—Investment in TiO2 manufacturing joint venture and other assets: 

December 31,

2016

2017

(In millions)

Other assets:

Land held for development.........................................   $
Restricted cash equivalents.........................................    
IBNR receivables........................................................    
Other ...........................................................................    
Total ..................................................................   $

138.1    $
2.6     
7.1     
16.9     
164.7    $

126.6  
9.9  
6.8  
26.6  
169.9  

Investment  in  TiO2  manufacturing  joint  venture.  Our  Chemicals  Segment  owns  a  50%  interest  in  Louisiana  Pigment 
Company, L.P. (LPC).  LPC is a manufacturing joint venture whose other 50%-owner is Huntsman P&A Investments LLC (HPA).  
HPA is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tioxide Group, of which Venator Materials PLC owns 100% and is the ultimate parent.  LPC 
owns and operates a chloride-process TiO2 plant in Lake Charles, Louisiana. 

We and HPA are both required to purchase one-half of the TiO2 produced by LPC, unless we and HPA agree otherwise 
(such as in 2016, when we purchased approximately 52% of the production from the plant). LPC operates on a break-even basis and, 
accordingly, we report no equity in earnings of LPC. Each owner’s acquisition transfer price for its share of the TiO2 produced is equal 
to its share of the joint venture’s production costs and interest expense, if any. Our share of net cost is reported as cost of sales as the 
related TiO2 acquired from LPC is sold. We report distributions we receive from LPC, which generally relate to excess cash generated 
by LPC from its non-cash production costs, and contributions we make to LPC, which generally relate to cash required by LPC when 
it  builds  working  capital,  as  part  of  our  cash  flows  from  operating  activities  in  our  Consolidated  Statements  of  Cash  Flows.  The 
components of our net distributions (contributions) from LPC are shown in the table below. 

Distributions from LPC .................................................  $
Contributions to LPC .....................................................   
Net distributions ...................................................  $

48.2  
(41.7) 
6.5  

  $

  $

35.0  
(31.4) 
3.6  

 $

 $

44.0  
(50.0) 
(6.0)  

2015

Years ended December 31,
2016
(In millions)

2017

F-22

 
 
  
 
 
  
    
 
 
  
 
     
       
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
   
  
Summary balance sheets of LPC are shown below: 

December 31,

2016

2017

(In millions)

ASSETS

Current assets .......................................................................   $
Property and equipment, net ................................................    
Total assets .................................................................   $
LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS’ EQUITY

Other liabilities, primarily current........................................   $
Partners’ equity ....................................................................    
Total liabilities and partners’ equity...........................   $

94.5    $
111.6     
206.1    $

45.2    $
160.9     
206.1    $

104.1  
116.1  
220.2  

44.4  
175.8  
220.2  

Summary income statements of LPC are shown below: 

Revenues and other income:

Kronos ..................................................................  $
Tioxide .................................................................   
Total ..................................................   

Cost and expenses:

Cost of sales .........................................................   
General and administrative...................................   
Total ..................................................   
Net income..................................................  $

Years ended December 31,

2015

2016

(In millions)

2017

176.5  
162.5  
339.0  

338.5  
.5  
339.0  
—   

   $

   $

157.5    $
157.9     
315.4     

314.9     
.5     
315.4     
—      $

157.5  
158.3  
315.8  

315.4  
.4  
315.8  
—   

Land held for development. The land held for development relates to BMI and LandWell and is discussed in Note 1. 

Other. We have certain related party transactions with LPC, as more fully described in Note 17. 

The IBNR receivables relate to certain insurance liabilities, the risk of which we have reinsured with certain third party 
insurance  carriers.  We  report  the  insurance  liabilities  related  to  these  IBNR  receivables  which  have  been  reinsured  as  part  of 
noncurrent  accrued  insurance  claims  and  expenses.  Certain  of  our  insurance  liabilities  are  classified  as  current  liabilities  and  the 
related IBNR receivables are classified with other current assets. See Notes 10 and 17. 

Upon acquiring a controlling interest in our Real Estate Management and Development Segment in December 2013, we 
recognized an indefinite-lived customer relationship intangible asset of $5.1 million for long-term contracts related to water delivery 
services  to  the  City  of  Henderson,  Nevada  and  various  other  users  through  a  water  system  owned  by  BMI.    Aggregate  revenues 
associated  with  water  delivered  under  the  City  of  Henderson  contract  have  historically  represented  approximately  70%  of  the 
Segment’s aggregate water delivery revenues.  These contracts generally span many years and feature automatic renewing provisions.  
The initial City of Henderson water delivery contract extended for a period of 25 years, and contained an automatic renewal provision.  
In  January  2016,  the  water  delivery  contract  with  the  City  of  Henderson  was  amended.    As  part  of  such  amendment,  required 
minimum  volumes  were  reduced,  pricing  was  lowered,  the  automatic  renewal  provision  of  the  contract  was  eliminated,  and  the 
contract term now runs through June 2040.  The amendment to the City of Henderson water delivery contract represents an event or 
change in circumstance which triggered the need to perform a quantitative impairment analysis with respect to the intangible asset in 
the first quarter of 2016, in accordance with the guidance in ASC 350-30-35.  Accordingly, as a result of a quantitative impairment 
analysis performed in the first quarter of 2016 we concluded that the $5.1 million contract related intangible asset primarily related to 
the  City  of  Henderson  water  delivery  contract  was  fully  impaired  as  a  result  of  the  amended  contract  (with  its  reduced  minimum 
volumes and lower pricing), and we recognized an aggregate $5.1 million contract related intangible impairment loss in 2016.  

Note 8—Goodwill: 

We  have  assigned  goodwill  to  each  of  our  reporting  units  (as  that  term  is  defined  in  ASC  Topic  350-20-20,  Goodwill) 
which  corresponds  to  our  operating  segments. All  of  our  goodwill  related  to  our  Chemicals  Segment  is  from  our  various  step 

F-23

 
 
  
 
 
  
    
 
 
  
 
     
       
 
     
       
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
    
 
 
  
 
     
 
  
 
 
       
 
  
 
  
 
     
 
  
 
 
       
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
acquisitions  of  NL  and  Kronos  which  occurred  prior  to  2015,  as  goodwill  was  determined  prior  to  the  adoption  of  the  equity 
transaction framework provisions of ASC Topic 810. Substantially all of the net goodwill related to the Component Products Segment 
was  generated  from  CompX’s  acquisitions  of  certain  business  units  and  the  step  acquisitions  of  CompX.  The  Component  Products 
Segment goodwill is assigned to the security products reporting unit within that operating segment. 

Operating segment

Chemicals

Component
Products

(In millions)

Total

Balance at December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017 ............ $

352.6

$

27.1

$ 379.7

We test for goodwill impairment at the reporting unit level. In determining the estimated fair value of the reporting units, 
we  use  appropriate  valuation  techniques,  such  as  discounted  cash  flows  and,  with  respect  to  our  Chemicals  Segment,  we  consider 
quoted  market  prices,  a  Level  1  input,  while  discounted  cash  flows  are  a  Level  3  input.   We  also  consider  control  premiums  when 
assessing  fair  value  using  quoted  market  prices.    If  the  carrying  amount  of  the  reporting  unit’s  net  assets  exceeds  its  fair  value,  an 
impairment charge is recorded for the amount by which such carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value (not to exceed the 
amount of goodwill recognized). We review goodwill for each of our reporting units for impairment during the third quarter of each 
year.  Goodwill is also evaluated for impairment at other times whenever an event occurs or circumstances change that would more 
likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying value. If the fair value of an evaluated asset is less than its 
book value, the asset is written down to fair value. 

In 2015, 2016 and 2017, no goodwill impairment was indicated as part of our annual impairment review of goodwill.  As 
permitted  by  GAAP,  during  2015  and  2016  we  used  the  qualitative  assessment  of  ASC  350-20-35  for  our  Component  Products 
security  products  reporting  unit’s  annual  impairment  test  and  determined  it  was  not  necessary  to  perform  the  two-step  quantitative 
goodwill impairment test.  During 2017, we used the qualitative assessment of ASC 350-20-35 for security products reporting unit’s 
2017 annual impairment test using discounted cash flows to determine the estimated fair value of our security products reporting unit. 
Such discounted cash flows are a Level 3 input as defined by ASC 820-10-35.  

Prior  to  2015,  we  recorded  an  aggregate  $16.5  million  goodwill  impairment,  mostly  with  respect  to  our  Component 

Products Segment. Our consolidated gross goodwill at December 31, 2017 is $396.2 million. 

F-24

 
 
 
Note 9—Long-term debt: 

December 31,

2016

2017

(In millions)

Valhi:

Snake River Sugar Company .....................................   $
Contran credit facility.................................................    
Total Valhi debt ................................................    

250.0    $
278.9     
528.9     

250.0  
284.3  
534.3  

Subsidiary debt:
Kronos —

Senior Notes......................................................    
Term loan..........................................................    

—       
335.9      

471.1 
—  

Tremont —

Promissory note payable...................................    

14.5     

BMI —

Bank note payable Western Alliance Bank ......    
Bank note payable Meadows Bank...................    

LandWell —

Note payable to the City of Henderson.............    
Other...........................................................................    
Total subsidiary debt.........................................    
Total debt ..........................................................    
Less current maturities......................................    
Total long-term debt .........................................   $

—     
8.4     

2.9     
3.2     
364.9     
893.8     
4.5     
889.3    $

13.1  

18.8  
—  

2.5  
3.3  
508.8  
1,043.1  
1.6  
1,041.5  

Valhi—Snake River Sugar Company—Our $250 million in loans from Snake River Sugar Company are collateralized by 
our interest in The Amalgamated Sugar Company LLC. The loans bear interest at a weighted average fixed interest rate of 9.4% and 
are due in January 2027. At December 31, 2017, $37.5 million of the loans are recourse to us and the remaining $212.5 million is 
nonrecourse to us. Under certain conditions, Snake River has the ability to accelerate the maturity of these loans. See Note 6. 

Contran credit facility—We also have an unsecured revolving credit facility with Contran which, as amended, provides 
for borrowings from Contran of up to $360 million. The facility, as amended, bears interest at prime plus 1% (5.5% at December 31, 
2017), and is due on demand, but in any event no earlier than December 31, 2019. The facility contains no financial covenants or other 
financial  restrictions.  Valhi  pays  an  unused  commitment  fee  quarterly  to  Contran  on  the  available  balance  (except  during  periods 
during  which  Contran  would  be  a  net  borrower  from  Valhi).  The  average  interest  rate  on  the  credit  facility  for  the  year  ended 
December  31,  2017  was  5.1%.  During  2017  we  borrowed  an  additional  net  $5.4 million  and  at  December  31,  2017  an  additional 
$75.7 million was available for borrowings under the amended facility.  In January 2018 in conjunction with the sale of our Waste 
Management Segment discussed in Note 3, we acquired Contran’s $36.3 million trade receivable from WCS in return for an assumed 
$36.3 million borrowing by us under this facility (and we subsequently contributed such receivable to WCS’ equity).  At December 
31,  2017,  we  have  approximately  $39.4  million  available  for  borrowing  under  the  facility  (after  considering  such  January  2018 
assumed borrowing).       

Kronos—Senior Notes—On September 13, 2017, Kronos International, Inc. (“KII”), Kronos’ wholly-owned subsidiary, 
issued €400 million aggregate principal amount of its 3.75% Senior Secured Notes due September 15, 2025 (the “Senior Notes”), at 
par value ($477.6 million when issued).  Kronos used $338.6 million of the net proceeds of the new Senior Notes to prepay in full the 
outstanding principal balance of its term loan (along with accrued and unpaid interest through the prepayment date) and $21.0 million 
to repay the outstanding balance under its North American revolving credit facility.  The remaining net proceeds of the Senior Notes 
are available for Kronos’ general corporate purposes.  The new Senior Notes: 

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

bear  interest  at  3.75%  per  annum,  payable  semi-annually  on  March  15  and  September  15  of  each  year,  beginning  on 
March 15, 2018;

have a maturity date of September 15, 2025.  Prior to September 15, 2020, Kronos may redeem some or all of the Senior 
Notes at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus a “make-whole” premium (as defined in the indenture 
governing the Senior Notes).  On or after September 15, 2020, Kronos may redeem the Senior Notes at redemption prices 
ranging from 102.813% of the principal amount, declining to 100% on or after September 15, 2023.  In addition, on or 
before September 15, 2020, Kronos may redeem up to 40% of the Senior Notes with the net proceeds of certain public or 

F-25

 
 
  
 
 
  
    
 
 
  
 
     
       
 
     
       
 
     
       
 
     
       
 
     
       
 
     
       
 
private equity offerings at 103.75% of the principal amount.  If Kronos experiences certain specified change of control 
events,  it  would  be  required  to  make  an  offer  to  purchase  the  Senior  Notes  at  101%  of  the  principal  amount.    Kronos 
would also be required to make an offer to purchase a specified portion of the Senior Notes at par value in the event that it 
generates a certain amount of net proceeds from the sale of assets outside the ordinary course of business, and such net 
proceeds are not otherwise used for specified purposes within a specified time period;  

are fully and unconditionally guaranteed, jointly and severally, on a senior secured basis by Kronos Worldwide, Inc. and 
each of its direct and indirect domestic, wholly-owned subsidiaries;

are collateralized by a first priority lien on (i) 100% of the common stock or other ownership interests of each existing and 
future direct domestic subsidiary of KII and the guarantors, and (ii) 65% of the voting common stock or other ownership 
interests and 100% of the non-voting common stock or other ownership interests of each foreign subsidiary that is directly 
owned by KII or any guarantor; 

contain a number of covenants and restrictions which, among other things, restrict Kronos’ ability to incur or guarantee 
additional  debt,  incur  liens,  pay  dividends  or  make  other  restricted  payments,  or  merge  or  consolidate  with,  or  sell  or 
transfer substantially all of its assets to, another entity, and contain other provisions and restrictive covenants customary in 
lending transactions of this type (however, there are no ongoing financial maintenance covenants); and 

contain  customary  default  provisions,  including  a  default  under  any  of  Kronos’  other  indebtedness  in  excess  of  $50.0 
million. 

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

The  carrying  value  of  the  Senior  Notes  at  December  31,  2017  is  stated  net  of  unamortized  debt  issuance  costs  of  $7.5 

million.

Term  loan  –  During  the  first  six  months  of  2017,  we  made  our  required  quarterly  term  loan  principal  payments 
aggregating $1.8 million on our prior term loan indebtedness.  Concurrent with the issuance of our Senior Notes, in September 2017, 
we  voluntarily  prepaid  in  full  the  outstanding  $338.6  million  principal  balance  of  such  term  loan  (and  such  term  loan  facility  was 
terminated).  As a result of such prepayment, we recognized a loss on prepayment of debt aggregating $7.1 million in the third quarter 
of 2017 consisting principally of the write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs and original issue discount associated with the term 
loan of $2.7 million and $.7 million, respectively, and $3.3 million in expense related to the early termination of our interest rate swap 
contract  discussed  in  Note  18.    Funds  for  the  aggregate  prepayment  were  provided  by  the  net  proceeds  from  the  Senior  Notes 
discussed above.   The average interest rate on the term loan borrowings for the year-to-date period ended September 13, 2017 (the 
pay-off date) was 4.1%.  The carrying value of the term loan at December 31, 2016 is stated net of unamortized original issue discount 
of $.9 million and debt issuance costs of $3.6 million.

Revolving  North  American  credit  facility—In  June  2012,  Kronos  entered  into  a  $125  million  revolving  bank  credit 
facility. As amended in January 2017, the facility matures the earlier of (i) January 30, 2022 or (ii) 90 days prior to the maturity date 
of  our  term  loan  (or  the  maturity  date  of  any  new  term  loan  constituting  a  permitted  refinancing  of  the  existing  term  loan).      The 
issuance of the Senior Notes is a permitted refinancing of our term loan, and accordingly, the maturity date of the North American 
revolving  credit  facility  is  January  30,  2022.       Borrowings  under  the  revolving  credit  facility  are  available  for  Kronos’  general 
corporate purposes. Available borrowings on this facility are based on formula-determined amounts of eligible trade receivables and 
inventories, as defined in the agreement, of certain of Kronos’ North American subsidiaries less any outstanding letters of credit up to 
$15  million  issued  under  the  facility  (with  revolving  borrowings  by  Kronos’  Canadian  subsidiary  limited  to  $25  million).  Any 
amounts outstanding under the revolving credit facility bear interest, at Kronos’ option, at LIBOR plus a margin ranging from 1.5% to 
2.0%  or  at  the  applicable  base  rate,  as  defined  in  the  agreement,  plus  a  margin  ranging  from  .5%  to  1.0%.  The  credit  facility  is 
collateralized by, among other things, a first priority lien on the borrowers’ trade receivables and inventories. The facility contains a 
number of covenants and restrictions which, among other things, restricts the borrowers’ ability to incur additional debt, incur liens, 
pay dividends or merge or consolidate with, or sell or transfer all or substantially all of their assets to, another entity, contains other 
provisions  and  restrictive  covenants  customary  in  lending  transactions  of  this  type  and  under  certain  conditions  requires  the 
maintenance of a specified financial covenant (fixed charge coverage ratio, as defined) to be at least  1.0 to 1.0.

During  2016,  we  had  gross  borrowings  and  repayments  of  $266.2  million  under  this  facility,  and  during  2017  we  had 
gross borrowings and repayments of $253.9 million.  The average interest rate on outstanding borrowings for the year-to-date period 
ended September 13, 2017 when the outstanding balance was repaid was 4.8%.  As discussed above, in September 2017 we used a 
portion of the net proceeds from the Senior Notes to repay our then-outstanding principal balance of $21.0 million.  At December 31, 
2017 there were no outstanding borrowings under this facility, and Kronos had approximately $98.2 million available for borrowing 
under this revolving facility. 

F-26

Revolving European credit facility— Kronos’ operating subsidiaries in Germany, Belgium, Norway and Denmark have a 
€90  million  secured  revolving  credit  facility  that,  as  amended in  September  2017,  matures  in  September  2022.    Outstanding 
borrowings bear interest at the Euro Interbank Offered Rate (EURIBOR) plus  1.60% per annum.  The facility is collateralized by the 
accounts receivable and inventories of the borrowers, plus a limited pledge of all of the other assets of the Belgian borrower.  The 
facility contains certain restrictive covenants that, among other things, restrict the ability of the borrowers to incur debt, incur liens, 
pay dividends or merge or consolidate with, or sell or transfer all or substantially all of the assets to, another entity, and requires the 
maintenance  of  certain  financial  ratios.    In  addition,  the  credit  facility  contains  customary  cross-default  provisions  with  respect  to 
other debt and obligations of the borrowers, KII and its other subsidiaries.    

Kronos had no borrowing or repayments under this facility during 2016 and 2017 and at December 31, 2017, there were 
no  outstanding  borrowings  under  this  facility. Kronos’  European  credit  facility  requires  the  maintenance  of  certain  financial 
ratios. Kronos’ European revolving credit facility requires the maintenance of certain financial ratios, and one of such requirements is 
based  on  the  ratio  of  net  debt  to  last  twelve  months  earnings  before  income  tax,  interest,  depreciation  and  amortization  expense 
(EBITDA) of the borrowers.   Based upon the borrowers’ last twelve months EBITDA as of December 31, 2017 and the net debt to 
EBITDA financial test, the full €90 million ($107.7 million) was available for borrowing at December 31, 2017. 

Other.  Prior to 2015, and in conjunction with the acquisition of a controlling interest of our Real Estate Management and 
Development  Segment,  Tremont  issued  a  $19.1  million  promissory  note  with  the  seller,  Nevada  Environmental  Response  Trust 
(“NERT”).    The  note  bears  interest  at  3% per  annum,  with  interest  payable  annually  and  all  principal  due  in  December  2023.  The 
promissory note is collateralized by the BMI and LandWell interests acquired as well as the real property acquired from NERT as part 
of  the  transaction.  The  note  may  be  prepaid  at  any  time,  without  penalty. We  must  make  mandatory  prepayments  on  the  note  in 
specified amounts whenever we receive distributions from BMI or LandWell, or in the event we sell any of the real property acquired.  
We made principal prepayments of $2.6 million during 2016 and $1.5 million during 2017, under the terms of the note. 

In February 2017, a wholly-owned subsidiary of BMI entered into a $20.5 million loan agreement with Western Alliance 
Bank.    The  proceeds  were  used  to  refinance  the  $8.5  million  outstanding  bank  note  payable  to  Meadows  Bank  and  to  finance 
improvements to BMI’s water delivery system. The agreement requires semi-annual payments of principal and interest on June 1 and 
December 1 aggregating $1.9 million annually beginning on June 1, 2017 through the maturity date in June 2032 (except during 2017 
which  calls  for  prorated  aggregate  principal  and  interest  payments  of  $1.6  million). The  agreement  bears  interest  at  5.34%  and  is 
collateralized by certain real property, including the water delivery system, and revenue streams under the City of Henderson water 
contract. The carrying value of the loan is stated net of debt issuance costs of $.9 million.  

Prior to 2015, LandWell entered into a $3.9 million promissory note payable to the City of Henderson, Nevada. The note 
requires semi-annual principal payments of $250,000 payable solely from cash received from certain specified revenue sources with 
any remaining unpaid balance due in October 2020, see Note 18. The loan bears interest at a 3% fixed rate. Due to the uncertainty in 
timing of the cash to be received from the specified revenue sources, the outstanding balance of $2.5 million is deemed to be maturing 
in 2020. 

Aggregate maturities of long-term debt at December 31, 2017 

Aggregate maturities of debt at December 31, 2017 are presented in the table below.

Years ending December 31,

Gross amounts due each year:

Amount
(In millions)

2018...................................................................................   $
2019...................................................................................    
2020...................................................................................    
2021...................................................................................    
2022...................................................................................    
2023 and thereafter ...........................................................    
Subtotal....................................................................    

Less amounts representing interest on capital leases, original 

issue discount and debt issuance costs...................................    
Total long-term debt ...................................................................   $

1.6  
286.0  
4.2  
1.8  
1.8  
756.1  
1,051.5  

8.4  
1,043.1  

We are in compliance with all of our debt covenants at December 31, 2017. 

F-27

 
  
 
 
  
 
     
 
Note 10—Accounts payable and accrued liabilities: 

Accounts payable:

Kronos ........................................................................   $
CompX .......................................................................    
BMI/LandWell ...........................................................    
NL...............................................................................    
Other...........................................................................    
Total ..................................................................   $

Current accrued liabilities:

Employee benefits ......................................................   $
Accrued sales discounts and rebates ..........................    
Deferred income .........................................................    
Environmental remediation and related costs ............    
Reserve for uncertain tax positions  ...........................
Accrued workforce reduction costs ...........................    
Interest ........................................................................
Interest rate swap contract..........................................    
Other...........................................................................    
Total ..................................................................   $

Noncurrent accrued liabilities:

Reserve for uncertain tax positions ............................   $
Asset retirement obligations.......................................    
Deferred income .........................................................    
Employee benefits ......................................................    
Insurance claims and expenses...................................    
Deferred payment obligation......................................    
Accrued development costs........................................    
Other...........................................................................    
Total ..................................................................   $

December 31,

2016

2017

(In millions)

84.9    $
2.6     
2.2     
2.4     
.7     
92.8    $

28.0    $
22.6     
28.7     
15.3     
3.3
1.2     
.2
2.8     
23.3     
125.4    $

35.7    $
1.3     
12.6     
7.6     
9.5     
9.0     
5.0     
3.8     
84.5    $

107.9  
2.3  
3.7  
1.8  
.4  
116.1  

36.3  
14.3
28.3  
6.8  
—
.2  
5.5
—  
33.4  
124.8  

16.5  
1.6  

15.7
8.4  
9.1  
9.3  
6.1  
6.9  
73.6  

The risks associated with certain of our accrued insurance claims and expenses have been reinsured, and the related IBNR 
receivables are recognized as noncurrent assets to the extent the related liability is classified as a noncurrent liability. See Note 7. Our 
reserve for uncertain tax positions is discussed in Note 14. 

Prior  to  2015,  and  in  conjunction  with  the  acquisition  of  a  controlling  interest  of  our  Real  Estate  Management  and 
Development Segment, we issued a face value $11.1 million deferred payment obligation owed to NERT that bears interest at 3% per 
annum,  commencing  in  December  2023,  and  is  collateralized  by  the  BMI  and  LandWell  interests  acquired.  The  deferred  payment 
obligation  has  no  specified  maturity  date.  We  are  required  to  make  repayments  on  the  deferred  payment  obligation,  in  specified 
amounts,  whenever  we  receive  distributions  from  BMI  and  LandWell,  and  we  may  make  voluntary  repayments  on  the  deferred 
payment obligation at any time, in each case without any penalty, but in any case only after our promissory note payable to NERT 
(discussed  in  Note  9)  has  been  repaid  in  full.  For  financial  reporting  purposes,  the  obligation  was  recorded  at  its  acquisition  date 
present value using a 3% discount rate from December 2023 (when it becomes interest bearing at 3%). 

Note 11—Employee benefit plans: 

Defined  contribution  plans.  Certain  of  our  subsidiaries  maintain  various  defined  contribution  pension  plans  for  our 
employees worldwide. Defined contribution plan expense approximated $5.3 million in 2015, $5.6 million in 2016 and $5.5 million in 
2017. 

Defined benefit plans. Kronos and NL sponsor various defined benefit pension plans worldwide. The benefits under our 
defined benefit plans are based upon years of service and employee compensation. Our funding policy is to contribute annually the 
minimum amount required under ERISA (or equivalent foreign) regulations plus additional amounts as we deem appropriate. 

F-28

 
  
 
 
  
    
 
 
  
 
     
       
 
     
     
 
     
     
 
We expect to contribute the equivalent of $18.9 million to all of our defined benefit pension plans during 2018. Benefit 

payments to plan participants out of plan assets are expected to be the equivalent of: 

2018...........................................................................................
2019...........................................................................................
2020...........................................................................................
2021...........................................................................................
2022...........................................................................................
Next 5 years ..............................................................................

   $  25.9 million  
     26.5 million  
     27.7 million  
     27.8 million  
     29.0 million  
     157.3 million  

The funded status of our U.S. defined benefit pension plans is presented in the table below. 

Change in projected benefit obligations (“PBO”):

Balance at beginning of the year.......................... $
Interest cost ..........................................................
Actuarial  losses (gains) .......................................
Benefits paid ........................................................

Balance at end of the year................. $

Change in plan assets:

Fair value at beginning of the year ...................... $
Actual return on plan assets .................................
Employer contributions........................................
Benefits paid ........................................................

Fair value at end of year ................... $
Funded status ................................................................. $
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated 

Balance Sheets:

Accrued pension costs:

Current........................................................ $
Noncurrent..................................................
Total..................................................

Accumulated other comprehensive loss—
Actuarial loss .......................................................

Total.................................................. $
Accumulated benefit obligations (“ABO”) ................... $

Years ended December 31,
2017
2016

(In millions)

66.6
2.7
(2.3)
(4.2)
62.8

$

$

$

47.6
2.1
.1
(4.2)
45.6
$
(17.2) $

(.2) $

(17.0)
(17.2)

39.3
22.1
62.8

$
$

62.8
2.5
1.9
(4.2)
63.0

45.6
4.0
1.1
(4.2)
46.5
(16.5)

(.3)
(16.2)
(16.5)

37.2
20.7
63.0

The components of our net periodic defined benefit pension benefit cost for U.S. plans are presented in the table below. 
The  amounts  shown  below  for  the  amortization  of  unrecognized  actuarial  losses  for  2015,  2016  and  2017  were  recognized  as 
components  of  our  accumulated  other  comprehensive  income  (loss)  at  December  31,  2014,  2015  and  2016,  respectively,  net  of 
deferred income taxes and noncontrolling interest. 

2015

Years ended December 31,
2016
(In millions)

2017

Net periodic pension benefit cost (credit) for U.S. 

plans:

Interest cost ......................................................... $
Expected return on plan assets ............................
Amortization of unrecognized net 

actuarial loss ...................................................

Total........................................................... $

2.7
(3.9)

1.7
.5

$

$

2.7
(3.4)

1.9
1.2

$

$

2.5
(3.3)

2.0
1.2

 Information concerning certain of our U.S. defined benefit pension plans (for which the ABO exceeds the fair value of plan 

assets as of the indicated date) is presented in the table below. 

F-29

 
 
 
. 

Plans for which the ABO exceeds plan assets:

Projected benefit obligations .............................. $
Accumulated benefit obligations ........................
Fair value of plan assets......................................

$

62.8
62.8
45.6

63.0
63.0
46.5

December 31,

2016

2017

(In millions)

The  discount  rate  assumptions  used  in  determining  the  actuarial  present  value  of  the  benefit  obligation  for  our  U.S. 
defined benefit pension plans as of December 31, 2016 and 2017 are 3.9% and 3.5%, respectively. The impact of assumed increases in 
future compensation levels does not have an effect on the benefit obligation as the plans are frozen with regards to compensation. 

The  weighted-average  rate  assumptions  used  in  determining  the  net  periodic  pension  cost  for  our  U.S.  defined  benefit 
pension  plans  for  2015,  2016  and  2017  are  presented  in  the  table  below.  The  impact  of  assumed  increases  in  future  compensation 
levels does not have an effect on the periodic pension cost as the plans are frozen with regards to compensation. 

Rate
Discount rate ................................................................
Long-term return on plan assets ...................................

Years ended December 31,

2015

2016

2017

3.8%
7.5%

4.1%
7.5%

3.9%
7.5%

Variances from actuarially assumed rates will result in increases or decreases in accumulated pension obligations, pension 

expense and funding requirements in future periods. 

F-30

 
 
The funded status of our foreign defined benefit pension plans is presented in the table below. 

Change in PBO:

Balance at beginning of the year......................... $
Service cost .........................................................
Interest cost .........................................................
Participants’ contributions ..................................
Actuarial loss ......................................................
Plan settlement.....................................................
Change in currency exchange rates ....................
Benefits paid .......................................................

Balance at end of the year................ $

Change in plan assets:

Fair value at beginning of the year ..................... $
Actual return on plan assets ................................
Employer contributions.......................................
Participants’ contributions ..................................
Change in currency exchange rates ....................
Benefits paid .......................................................

Fair value at end of year .................. $
Funded status................................................................ $
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated 

Balance Sheets:

Pension asset ....................................................... $
Accrued pension costs:

Noncurrent.................................................
Total.................................................

Accumulated other comprehensive loss:

Actuarial loss.............................................
Prior service cost .......................................
Total.................................................
Total................................................. $
ABO.............................................................................. $

Years ended December 31,
2017
2016

(In millions)

578.9
9.9
15.1
1.5
35.6
—  
(16.8)
(20.8)
603.4

$

$

$

382.5
12.2
15.3
1.5
(8.9)
(20.8)
$
381.8
(221.6) $

603.4
11.4
13.4
1.5
9.3
(.3)
73.7
(21.2)
691.2

381.8
24.1
16.0
1.5
43.0
(21.2)
445.2
(246.0)

1.6

$

4.2

(223.2)
(221.6)

261.2
1.7
262.9
41.3
578.8

$
$

(250.2)
(246.0)

242.8
1.5
244.3
(1.7)
664.7

The components of our net periodic defined benefit pension benefit cost for our foreign plans are presented in the table 
below. The amounts shown below for the amortization of unrecognized prior service cost and actuarial losses for 2015, 2016 and 2017 
were  recognized  as  components  of  our  accumulated  other  comprehensive  income  (loss)  at  December  31,  2014,  2015  and  2016, 
respectively, net of deferred income taxes and noncontrolling interest.

2015

Years ended December 31,
2016
(In millions)

2017

Net periodic pension cost for foreign plans:

Service cost .......................................................... $
Interest cost ..........................................................
Settlement loss......................................................
Expected return on plan assets .............................
Amortization of unrecognized:

Prior service cost ........................................
Net actuarial loss ........................................
Total............................................................ $

11.2
15.1
—  
(17.3)

.4
13.8
23.2

$

$

9.9
15.1
—  
(14.9)

.2
11.4
21.7

$

$

11.4
13.4
.1
(9.7)

.3
13.2
28.7

F-31

 
 
 Information concerning certain of our non-U.S. defined benefit pension plans (for which the ABO exceeds the fair value of 

plan assets as of the indicated date) is presented in the table below. 

Plans for which the ABO exceeds plan assets:

Projected benefit obligations.............................. $
Accumulated benefit obligations .......................
Fair value of plan assets.....................................

$

541.5
521.8
319.5

625.1
603.8
375.0

December 31,

2016

2017

(In millions)

A summary of our key actuarial assumptions used to determine foreign benefit obligations as of December 31, 2016 and 

2017 was: 

Rate
Discount rate ................................................................
Increase in future compensation levels ........................

December 31,

2016

2017

2.1%
2.6%

2.1%
2.6%

A summary of our key actuarial assumptions used to determine foreign net periodic benefit cost for 2015, 2016 and 2017 

are as follows: 

Rate
Discount rate ..................................................................
Increase in future compensation levels ..........................
Long-term return on plan assets .....................................

Years ended December 31,

2015

2016

2017

2.5%
2.6%
4.6%

2.6%
2.9%
3.9%

2.1%
2.6%
2.5%

Variances from actuarially assumed rates will result in increases or decreases in accumulated pension obligations, pension 

expense and funding requirements in future periods.

The  amounts  shown  for  all  of  our  defined  benefit  plans  for  unrecognized  actuarial  losses  and  prior  service  cost  at 
December  31,  2016  and  2017  have  not  been  recognized  as  components  of  our  periodic  defined  benefit  pension  cost  as  of  those 
dates. These  amounts  will  be  recognized  as  components  of  our  periodic  defined  benefit  cost  in  future  years. These  amounts,  net of 
deferred income taxes and noncontrolling interest, are recognized in our accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) at December 
31, 2016 and 2017. We expect approximately $15.0 million and $.2 million of the unrecognized actuarial losses and prior service cost, 
respectively,  will  be  recognized  as  components  of  our  periodic  defined  benefit  pension  cost  in  2018. The  table  below  details  the 
changes in other comprehensive income (loss) during 2015, 2016 and 2017. 

Changes in plan assets and benefit obligations 

recognized in other comprehensive income (loss):

Net actuarial gain (loss)........................................ $
Amortization of unrecognized:

2015

Years ended December 31,
2016
(In millions)

2017

.3

$

(38.0) $

Prior service cost ........................................
Net actuarial losses .....................................

Total .................................................. $

.4
15.4
16.1

$

.3
13.3
(24.4) $

4.0

.3
15.2
19.5

At  December 31,  2016  and  2017,  substantially  all  of  the  assets  attributable  to  our  U.S.  plan  were  invested  in  the 
Combined Master Retirement Trust (CMRT), a collective investment trust sponsored by Contran to permit the collective investment 
by certain master trusts that fund certain employee benefits plans sponsored by Contran and certain of its affiliates.  For 2015, 2016 
and 2017, the long-term rate of return assumption for plan assets invested in the CMRT was 7.5%, based on the long-term asset mix of 
the  assets  of  the  CMRT  and  the  expected  long-term  rates  of  return  for  such  asset  components  as  well  as  advice  from  Contran’s 
actuaries.

F-32

 
 
 
 
The CMRT unit value is determined semi-monthly, and the plans have the ability to redeem all or any portion of their 
investment in the CMRT at any time based on the most recent semi-monthly valuation. However, the plans do not have the right to 
individual assets held by the CMRT and the CMRT has the sole discretion in determining how to meet any redemption request.  For 
purposes  of  our  plan  asset  disclosure,  we  consider  the  investment  in  the  CMRT  as  a  Level  2  input  because  (i) the  CMRT  value  is 
established semi-monthly and the plans have the right to redeem their investment in the CMRT, in part or in whole, at any time based 
on the most recent value and (ii) observable inputs from Level 1 or Level 2 (or assets not subject to classification in the fair value 
hierarchy) were used to value approximately 92% and 93% of the assets of the CMRT at December 31, 2016 and 2017, respectively, 
as  noted  below.   CMRT  assets  not  subject  to  classification  in  the  fair  value  hierarchy  consist  principally  of  certain  investments 
measured at net asset value per share in accordance with ASC 820-10.  The aggregate fair value of all of the CMRT assets, including 
funds of Contran and its other affiliates that also invest in the CMRT, and supplemental asset mix details of the CMRT are as follows:

CMRT asset value ............................................................................... $
CMRT assets comprised of:
  Assets not subject to fair value hierarchy..........................................
  Assets subject to fair value hierarchy:

Level 1 .......................................................................................
Level 2 .......................................................................................
Level 3 .......................................................................................

CMRT asset mix:

Domestic equities, principally publicly traded ..........................
International equities, principally publicly traded .....................
Fixed income securities, principally publicly traded.................
Privately managed limited partnerships ....................................
Hedge funds ...............................................................................
Other, primarily cash .................................................................

December 31,

2016

2017

(In millions)
637.8  

  $

30% 

54
8  
8  
100%     

31%     
22  
36  
5  
5
1  
100%     

672.4  

31% 

54
8  
7  
100%

33%
25  
31  
4  
5
2  
100%

In determining the expected long-term rate of return on non-U.S. plan asset assumptions, we consider the long-term asset mix 
(e.g. equity vs. fixed income) for the assets for each of our plans and the expected long-term rates of return for such asset components.  
In  addition,  we  receive  third-party  advice  about  appropriate  long-term  rates  of  return.    Such  assumed  asset  mixes  are  summarized 
below: 

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

In  Germany,  the  composition  of  our  plan  assets  is  established  to  satisfy  the  requirements  of  the  German  insurance 
commissioner.  Our German pension plan assets represent an investment in a large collective investment fund established 
and maintained by Bayer AG in which several pension plans, including our German pension plan and Bayer’s pension 
plans, have invested.  Our plan assets represent a very nominal portion of the total collective investment fund maintained 
by Bayer.  These plan assets are a Level 3 input because there is not an active market that approximates the value of our 
investment in the Bayer investment fund.  We determine the fair value of the Bayer plan assets based on periodic reports 
we  receive  from  the  managers  of  the  Bayer  plan.    These  periodic  reports  are  subject  to  audit  by  the  German  pension 
regulator. 

In Canada, we currently have a plan asset target allocation of 20% to 30% to equity securities and 70% to 80% to fixed 
income  securities.    We  expect  the  long-term  rate  of  return  for  such  investments  to  average  approximately  125  basis 
points  above  the  applicable  equity  or  fixed  income  index.    The  Canadian  assets  are  Level  1  inputs  because  they  are 
traded in active markets. 

F-33

 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
(cid:129)

In Norway, we currently have a plan asset target allocation of 11% to equity securities, 79% to fixed income securities, 
7% to real estate and the remainder primarily to other investments and liquid investments such as money markets.  The 
expected long-term rate of return for such investments is approximately 6%, 3%, 5% and 7%, respectively.  The majority 
of Norwegian plan assets are Level 1 inputs because they are traded in active markets; however approximately 10% of 
our Norwegian plan assets are invested in real estate and other investments not actively traded and are therefore a Level 
3 input. 

(cid:129) We  also  have  plan  assets  in  Belgium  and  the  United  Kingdom.    The  Belgian  plan  assets  are  invested  in  certain 
individualized fixed income insurance contracts for the benefit of each plan participant as required by the local regulators 
and are therefore a Level 3 input.  The United Kingdom plan assets consist of marketable securities which are Level 1 
inputs because they trade in active markets. 

We regularly review our actual asset allocation for each plan, and will periodically rebalance the investments in each plan 

to more accurately reflect the targeted allocation and/or maximize the overall long-term return when considered appropriate. 

The composition of our December 31, 2016 and 2017 pension plan assets by asset category and fair value level is shown 
in  the  table  below. The  amounts  shown  for  plan  assets  invested  in  the  CMRT  include  a  nominal  amount  of  cash  held  by  our  U.S. 
pension plan which is not part of the plan’s investment in the CMRT. 

Germany ................................................................. $
Canada:

Local currency equities .................................
Foreign currency equities..............................
Local currency fixed income.........................
Cash and other...............................................

Norway:

Local currency equities .................................
Foreign currency equities..............................
Local currency fixed income.........................
Foreign currency fixed income .....................
Real estate .....................................................
Cash and other...............................................
US —  CMRT.........................................................
Other .......................................................................

Total..................................................... $

Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2016

Quoted
Prices in
Active
Markets
(Level 1)

Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)

Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)

(In millions)
—      $

—      $

217.0

14.8     
19.7     
59.5     
.4     

1.6     
4.1     
23.2     
5.4     
—       
8.8     
—  
13.8
151.3

$

—       
—       
—       
—       

—       
—       
—       
—       
—       

45.6
—  
45.6

$

—  
—  
—  
—  

—  
—  
—  
—  
4.2
1.1
—  
8.2
230.5

Total

217.0    $

14.8     
19.7     
59.5     
.4     

1.6     
4.1     
23.2     
5.4     
4.2     
9.9     

45.6
22.0
427.4

$

F-34

 
 
       
       
       
 
       
     
     
     
Germany ................................................................. $
Canada:

Local currency equities.................................
Foreign currency equities .............................
Local currency fixed income ........................
Cash and other ..............................................

Norway:

Local currency equities.................................
Foreign currency equities .............................
Local currency fixed income ........................
Foreign currency fixed income .....................
Real estate .....................................................
Cash and other ..............................................
US —  CMRT.........................................................
Other.......................................................................

Total .................................................... $

Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2017

Quoted
Prices in
Active
Markets
(Level 1)

Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)

Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)

(In millions)
—  

$

—  

$

257.9

Total

257.9

$

8.4
16.4
81.8
.3

1.8
4.6
21.0
6.8
4.7
15.4
46.5
26.1
491.7

$

8.4
16.4
81.8
.3

1.8
4.6
21.0
6.8
—  
14.5
—  
16.0
171.6

$

—  
—  
—  
—  

—  
—  
—  
—  
—  
—  
46.5
—  
46.5

$

—  
—  
—  
—  

—  
—  
—  
—  
4.7
.9
—  
10.1
273.6

A rollforward of the change in fair value of Level 3 assets follows. 

Years ended December 31,
2017
2016

(In millions)

Fair value at beginning of year............................................ $

Gain on assets held at end of year..............................
Gain on assets sold during the year ...........................
Assets purchased........................................................
Assets sold .................................................................
Currency exchange rate fluctuations..........................

Fair value at end of year................................... $

236.2
4.1
—  
13.1
(13.4)
(9.5)
230.5

$

$

230.5
11.0
.2
13.4
(13.8)
32.3
273.6

Postretirement  benefits  other  than  pensions  (“OPEB”).  NL,  Kronos  and  Tremont  provide  certain  health  care  and  life 
insurance benefits for their eligible Canadian and U.S. retired employees. Certain of our Canadian employees may become eligible for 
such postretirement health care and life insurance benefits if they reach retirement age while working for us.  In the U.S., employees 
who retired after 1998 are not entitled to any such benefits.  The majority of all retirees are required to contribute a portion of the cost 
of their benefits and certain current and future retirees are eligible for reduced health care benefits at age 65.  We have no OPEB plan 
assets,  rather,  we  fund  medical  claims  as  they  are  paid.  At  December  31,  2017,  we  expect  to  contribute  the  equivalent  of 
approximately $1.0 million to all of our OPEB plans during 2018. Benefit payments to OPEB plan participants are expected to be the 
equivalent of: 

2018 ........................................................................................... $
2019 ...........................................................................................
2020 ...........................................................................................
2021 ...........................................................................................
2022 ...........................................................................................
Next 5 years ...............................................................................

1.0 million
.9 million
.9 million
.8 million
.8 million
3.4 million

F-35

 
 
 
The funded status of our OPEB plans is presented in the table below. 

Years ended December 31,
2017
2016

(In millions)

Actuarial present value of accumulated OPEB obligations:

Obligations at beginning of the year.......................... $
Service cost ................................................................
Interest cost ................................................................
Actuarial  gain............................................................
Change in currency exchange rates............................
Benefits paid from employer contributions ...............
Obligations at end of the year ....................................
Fair value of plan assets ......................................................
Funded status ....................................................................... $
Accrued OPEB costs recognized in the Consolidated 

Balance Sheets:

Current ....................................................................... $
Noncurrent .................................................................
Total .................................................................

Accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss:

Net actuarial losses...........................................
Prior service credit ...........................................
Total .................................................................
Total ........................................................................... $

$

12.9
.1
.5
(.5)
.2
(1.0)
12.2
—  
(12.2) $

$

(1.1) $
(11.1)
(12.2)

1.9
(6.8)
(4.9)
(17.1) $

12.2
.1
.4
—  
.5
(.9)
12.3
—  
(12.3)

(1.0)
(11.3)
(12.3)

2.2
(5.7)
(3.5)
(15.8)

The  amounts  shown  in  the  table  above  for  net  actuarial  losses  and  prior  service  credit  at  December 31,  2016  and  2017 
have  not  yet  been  recognized  as  components  of  our  periodic  OPEB  cost  as  of  those  dates.    These  amounts  will  be  recognized  as 
components  of  our  periodic  OPEB  cost  in  future  years  and  are  recognized,  net  of  deferred  income  taxes,  in  our  accumulated  other 
comprehensive income (loss).  We expect to recognize approximately $.2 million of unrecognized actuarial gains and $1.1 million of 
prior service credit as components of our periodic OPEB cost in 2018. 

The components of our periodic OPEB costs are presented in the table below.  The amounts shown below for amortization 
of  prior  service  credit  and  recognized  actuarial  gains  for  2015,  2016  and  2017  were  recognized  as  components  of  our  accumulated 
other  comprehensive  income  (loss)  at  December  31,  2014,  2015  and  2016,  respectively,  net  of  deferred  income  taxes  and 
noncontrolling interest.  

2015

Years ended December 31,
2016
(In millions)

2017

Net periodic OPEB cost (credit):

Service cost.......................................................... $
Interest cost..........................................................
Amortization of prior service credit ....................
Recognized net actuarial gain..............................

Total ........................................................... $

$

.1
.5
(1.9)
—  
(1.3) $

$

.1
.5
(1.8)
(.1)
(1.3) $

.1
.4
(1.1)
(.2)
(.8)

F-36

 
 
The table below details the changes in other comprehensive income (loss) during 2015, 2016 and 2017.  

Changes in benefit obligations recognized in other 

comprehensive income (loss):

Net actuarial losses (gains) arising during the year ...... $
Plan amendments/curtailment.......................................
Amortization of unrecognized prior service credit .......

Total .................................................................... $

2015

Years ended December 31,
2016
(In millions)

2017

$

.8
—  
(1.9)
(1.1) $

$

.5
(.1)
(1.8)
(1.4) $

(.2)
—  
(1.1)
(1.3)

A summary of our key actuarial assumptions used to determine the net benefit obligations as of December 31, 2016 and 

2017 follows: 

Healthcare inflation:

Initial rate ..............................................................
Ultimate rate..........................................................
Year of ultimate rate achievement ........................
Discount rate...................................................................

December 31,

2016

2017

7.0%
5.0%

2021

3.4%

6.25 – 6.5%
5.0%

2021

3.1%

Assumed health care cost trend rates affect the amounts we report for health care plans. A one percent change in assumed 
health  care  trend  rates  would  not  have  a  material  effect  on  the  net  periodic  OPEB  cost  for  2017  or  on  the  accumulated  OPEB 
obligations at December 31, 2017. 

The weighted average discount rate used in determining the net periodic OPEB cost for 2017 was 3.35% (the rate was 
3.6%  in  2016  and  3.4%  in  2015).  The  weighted  average  rate  was  determined  using  the  projected  benefit  obligations  as  of  the 
beginning of each year.  The impact of assumed increases in future compensation levels does not have a material effect on the net 
periodic  OPEB  cost  as  substantially  all  of  such  benefits  relate  solely  to  eligible  retirees,  for  which  compensation  is  not  applicable.  
The impact of the assumed rate of return on plan assets also does not have a material effect on the net periodic OPEB cost as there 
were no plan assets as of December 31, 2016 or 2017. 

Variances  from  actuarially-assumed  rates  will  result  in  additional  increases  or  decreases  in  accumulated  OPEB 

obligations, net periodic OPEB cost and funding requirements in future periods. 

Note 12—Other income, net: 

Securities earnings:

Dividends and interest ......................................... $
Securities transactions, net ..................................
Total ...........................................................
Insurance recoveries......................................................
Currency transactions, net .............................................
Disposal of property and equipment, net ......................
Business interruption insurance proceeds .....................
Infrastructure reimbursement ........................................
Other, net.......................................................................

Total ........................................................... $

2015

Years ended December 31,
2016
(In millions)

2017

26.4
—  
26.4
3.7
(.1)
(.8)
—  
.2
2.5
31.9

$

$

26.7
.5
27.2
.4
5.5
(.3)
4.3
.6
1.3
39.0

$

$

29.4
.1
29.5
.4
(7.5)
(.5)
—
1.0
2.3
25.2

Dividends  and  interest  income  includes  distributions  from  The  Amalgamated  Sugar  Company  LLC  of  $25.4  million  in 

each of 2015, 2016 and 2017 (see Note 6).  Infrastructure reimbursements are discussed in Note 18.

F-37

 
 
 
Insurance  recoveries  relate  primarily  to  amounts  NL  received  from  certain  of  its  former  insurance  carriers,  and  relate 
principally to the recovery of prior lead pigment and asbestos litigation defense costs incurred by us. We have agreements with four 
former insurance carriers pursuant to which the carriers reimburse us for a portion of our future lead pigment litigation defense costs, 
and one such carrier reimburses us for a portion of our future asbestos litigation defense costs. We are not able to determine how much 
we  will  ultimately  recover  from  these  carriers  for  defense  costs  incurred  by  us  because  of  certain  issues  that  arise  regarding which 
defense  costs  qualify  for  reimbursement.  While  we  continue  to  seek  additional  insurance  recoveries  for  lead  pigment  and  asbestos 
litigation matters, we do not know the extent to which we will be successful in obtaining additional reimbursement for either defense 
costs  or  indemnity.  Substantially  all  of  $3.7  million  in  the  insurance  recoveries  we  recognized  in  2015  relate  to  a  settlement  NL 
reached with one of its insurance carriers in September 2014 in which it agreed to reimburse NL for a portion of its past litigation 
defense costs.  Any additional insurance recoveries would be recognized when the receipt is probable and the amount is determinable. 
See Note 18. 

During  2016,  we  recognized  $3.4  million  in  income  related  to  cash  Kronos  received  from  settlement  of  a  business 
interruption  insurance  claim  arising  in  2014,  and  income  of  $.9  million  recognized  in  the  fourth  quarter  related  to  cash  Kronos 
received  from  settlement  of  another  business  interruption  insurance  claim  arising  in  2015.   No  additional  material  amounts  are 
expected to be received with respect to such insurance claims. 

Note 13 - Restructuring Costs

In the second quarter of 2015, our Chemicals Segment initiated a restructuring plan designed to improve its long-term cost 
structure.  A portion of such expected cost savings is planned to occur through workforce reductions.  During the second, third and 
fourth  quarters  of  2015  Kronos  implemented  certain  voluntary  and  involuntary  workforce  reductions  at  certain  of  our  facilities 
impacting approximately 160 individuals.  A substantial portion of such workforce reductions were accomplished through voluntary 
programs, for which eligible workforce reduction costs are recognized at the time both the employee and employer are irrevocably 
committed  to  the  terms  of  the  separation.    For  involuntary  programs,  eligible  costs  are  recognized  when  management  approves  the 
separation  program,  the  affected  employees  are  properly  notified  and  the  costs  are  estimable.    To  the  extent  there  is  a  statutorily-
mandated notice period and the affected employee is not required to provide services to us during such notice period, severance and all 
wages  during  such  notice  period  are  accrued  at  the  time  of  separation.    To  the  extent  the  affected  employee  is  required  to  provide 
services to us during all or a portion of such notice period, the severance (and if applicable notice period wages for any period beyond 
the time the affected employee is required to provide future services to us) is accrued ratably over the period in which services will be 
provided.    As  of  December  31,  2015  we  recognized  an  aggregate  $21.7  million  charge  for  such  workforce  reductions  we  had 
implemented through that date (substantially all of which was recognized in the second quarter of 2015), $10.8 million of which is 
classified in cost of sales and $10.9 million of which is classified in selling, general and administrative expense.  Of the aggregate 
$21.7 million charge recognized in 2015, $15.9 million was paid in 2015, $4.1 million was paid in 2016 and substantially all of the 
remainder was paid in 2017.

F-38

 
 
Note 14—Income taxes: 

Pre-tax income (loss):

United States .......................................................
Non-U.S. subsidiaries .........................................
Total ..........................................................

Expected tax expense (benefit) at U.S. federal 

statutory income tax  rate of 35% ............................
Non-U.S. tax rates ........................................................
Incremental net tax expense (benefit) on earnings and 
losses of non-U.S. and non-tax group companies....
Valuation allowance .....................................................
Transition tax................................................................
Change in federal tax rate.............................................
U.S. state income taxes, net..........................................
Adjustment to the reserve for uncertain tax 

positions, net ............................................................
Nondeductible expenses ...............................................
U.S. – Canada APA ......................................................
Domestic production activities deduction ....................
Other, net ......................................................................
Provision for income taxes (benefit)...................

Components of income tax expense (benefit):
Currently payable (refundable):

U.S. federal and state.................................
Non-U.S.....................................................
Total.................................................

Deferred income taxes (benefit):

U.S. federal and state.................................
Non-U.S.....................................................
Total.................................................
Provision for income taxes (benefit)...................
Comprehensive provision for income taxes (benefit) 

allocable to:

Income (loss) from continuing operations ..........
Discontinued operations .....................................
Other comprehensive income (loss): ..................
Marketable securities.................................
Currency translation ..................................
Pension plans.............................................
OPEB plans ...............................................
Interest rate swap.......................................
Total.................................................

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

2015

Years ended December 31,
2016
(In millions)

2017

(3.5) $

(38.4)
(41.9) $

(14.7) $
.6

(8.2) $
47.8
39.6

$

$

13.8
(4.3)

(37.6)
159.0
—  
—  
(1.1)

.8
2.5
—  
(1.3)
(.7)
107.5

15.1
3.3
18.4

(55.8)
144.9
89.1
107.5

107.5
(10.1)

(4.1)
(17.3)
4.1
(.4)
(1.7)
78.0

$

$

$

$

$

8.2
(2.2)
—  
—  
1.7

7.2
1.9
(3.4)
(3.8)
(.5)
18.6

35.5
9.5
45.0

(29.1)
2.7
(26.4)
18.6

18.6
(12.6)

$

$

$

$

2.1
(3.4)
(5.0)
(.5)
.2
(.6) $

26.7
265.1
291.8

102.1
(13.1)

14.8
(205.4)
76.2
(77.1)
3.5

(18.2)
2.2
—  
(3.8)
(1.2)
(120.0)

87.3
38.5
125.8

(96.9)
(148.9)
(245.8)
(120.0)

(120.0)
(67.1)

2.8
31.1
8.6
(.6)
1.6
(143.6)

The  amount  shown  in  the  above  table  of  our  income  tax  rate  reconciliation  for  non-U.S.  tax  rates  represents  the  result 
determined by multiplying the pre-tax earnings or losses of each of our non-U.S. subsidiaries by the difference between the applicable 
statutory income tax rate for each non-U.S. jurisdiction and the U.S. federal statutory tax rate of 35%.  The amount shown on such 
table for incremental net tax (benefit) on earnings and losses on non-U.S. and non-tax group companies includes, as applicable, (i) 
current income taxes (including withholding taxes, if applicable), if any, associated with any current-year earnings of our Chemicals 
Segments non-U.S. subsidiaries to the extent such current-year earnings were distributed to us in the current year, (ii) deferred income 
taxes (or deferred income tax benefits) associated with the current-year change in the aggregate amount of undistributed earnings of 
our  Chemicals  Segment’s  non-U.S.  subsidiaries,  which  earnings  are  not  subject  to  a  permanent  reinvestment  plan,  including  the 
impact of any change in such permanent reinvestment plan, in an amount representing the current-year change in the aggregate current 
income  tax  that  would  be  generated  (including  withholding  taxes,  if  applicable)  when  such  aggregate  undistributed  earnings  are 
distributed  to  us,  (iii)  current  U.S.  income  taxes  (or  current  income  tax  benefit)  ,  including  U.S.  personal  holding  company  tax,  as 

F-39

 
applicable, attributable to current-year income (losses) of one of Kronos’ non-U.S. subsidiaries, which subsidiary is treated as a dual 
resident for U.S. income tax purposes, to the extent the current-year income (losses) of such subsidiary is subject to U.S. income tax 
under the U.S. dual-resident provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, (iv) deferred income taxes associated with our direct investment 
in  Kronos  (beginning  in  2015)  and  (v)  current  and  deferred  income  taxes  associated  with  distributions  and  earnings  from  our 
investment in LandWell and BMI.

The components of the net deferred tax liability at December 31, 2016 and 2017 are summarized below.  

Tax effect of temporary differences related to:

Inventories ..................................................... $
Marketable securities .....................................
Property and equipment .................................
Accrued OPEB costs......................................
Accrued pension costs ...................................
Currency revaluation on intercompany
   debt..............................................................
Accrued environmental liabilities ..................
Other deductible differences ..........................
Other taxable differences ...............................
Investments in subsidiaries and affiliates ......
Tax on unremitted earnings of non-U.S. 

subsidiaries................................................
Tax loss and tax credit carryforwards............
Valuation allowance ......................................
Adjusted gross deferred tax assets 

(liabilities) .......................................
Netting of items by tax jurisdiction .........................

Net noncurrent deferred tax asset 

2016

2017

Assets

Liabilities

Assets

Liabilities

December 31,

$

4.2
—  
—  
3.7
52.6

24.0
41.1
25.5
—  
—  

—  
142.6
(173.4)

120.3
(120.3)

(In millions)

(4.0) $
(59.9)
(77.5)
—  
—  

—  
—  
—  
(18.9)
(235.3)

(2.8)
—  
—  

(398.4)
(120.3)

$

3.3
—  
.1
3.0
70.9

—   
28.8
11.7
—  
2.7

—  
116.2
(2.8)

233.9
(114.1)

(.8)
(25.4)
(71.8)
—  
—  

—  
—  
—  
(14.0)
(175.8)

(9.5)
—  
—  

(297.3)
(114.1)

(liability) .......................................... $

—  

$

(278.1) $

119.8

$

(183.2)

Tax  authorities  may  in  the  future  examine  certain  of  our  U.S.  and  non-U.S.  tax  returns  and  have  or  may  propose  tax 
deficiencies, including penalties and interest.  Because of the inherent uncertainties involved in settlement initiatives and court and tax 
proceedings, we cannot guarantee that these tax matters will be resolved in our favor, and therefore our potential exposure, if any, is 
also uncertain.  

Our Chemicals Segment has substantial net operating loss (NOL) carryforwards in Germany (the equivalent of $652 million 
for German corporate purposes and $.5 million for German trade tax purposes at December 31, 2017) and in Belgium (the equivalent 
of $50 million for Belgian corporate tax purposes at December 31, 2017), all of which have an indefinite carryforward period.  As a 
result, we have net deferred income tax assets with respect to these two jurisdictions, primarily related to these NOL carryforwards.  
The German corporate tax is similar to the U.S. federal income tax, and the German trade tax is similar to the U.S. state income tax.  
Prior  to  June  30,  2015,  and  using  all  available  evidence,  we  had  concluded  no  deferred  income  tax  asset  valuation  allowance  was 
required  to  be  recognized  with  respect  to  these  net  deferred  income  tax  assets  under  the  more-likely-than-not  recognition  criteria, 
primarily because (i) the carryforwards have an indefinite carryforward period, (ii) we utilized a portion of such carryforwards during 
the most recent three-year period, and (iii) we expected to utilize the remainder of the carryforwards over the long term.  We had also 
previously  indicated  that  facts  and  circumstances  could  change,  which  might  in  the  future  result  in  the  recognition  of  a  valuation 
allowance  against  some  or  all  of  such  deferred  income  tax  assets.    However,  as  of  June  30,  2015,  and  given  our  operating  results 
during the second quarter of 2015 and our expectations at that time for our operating results for the remainder of 2015, we did not 
have sufficient positive evidence to overcome the significant negative evidence of having cumulative losses in the most recent twelve 
consecutive quarters in both our German and Belgian jurisdictions at June 30, 2015 (even considering that the carryforward period of 
our  German  and  Belgian  NOL  carryforwards  is  indefinite,  one  piece  of  positive  evidence).    Accordingly,  at  June  30,  2015,  we 
concluded that we were required to recognize a non-cash deferred income tax asset valuation allowance under the more-likely-than-
not  recognition  criteria  with  respect  to  our  Chemicals  Segment’s  German  and  Belgian  net  deferred  income  tax  assets  at  such  date.  
Such valuation allowance aggregated $150.3 million at June 30, 2015.  We recognized an additional $8.7 million non-cash deferred 
income tax asset valuation allowance under the more-likely-than-not recognition criteria during the third and fourth quarters of 2015.  
During 2016, we recognized an aggregate $2.2 million non-cash tax benefit as the result of a net decrease in such deferred income tax 

F-40

 
asset valuation allowance, as the impact of utilizing a portion of our Chemicals Segment’s German NOLs during such period more 
than  offset  the  impact  of  additional  losses  recognized  by  our  Chemicals  Segment’s  Belgian  operations  during  such  period.    Such 
valuation allowance aggregated approximately $173 million at December 31, 2016 ($153 million with respect to Germany and $20 
million with respect to Belgium).  During the first six months of 2017, we recognized an aggregate non-cash income tax benefit of 
$12.7 million as a result of a net decrease in such deferred income tax asset valuation allowance, due to the utilization of a portion of 
both the German and Belgian NOLs during such period.  At June 30, 2017, we concluded we had sufficient positive evidence under 
the more-likely-than-not recognition criteria to support reversal of the entire valuation allowance related to our Chemicals Segment’s 
German and Belgian operations.  Such sufficient positive evidence at June 30, 2017 included, among other things, the existence of 
cumulative  profits  in  the  most  recent  twelve  consecutive  quarters  (Germany)  or  profitability  in  recent  quarters  during  which  such 
profitability  was  trending  upward  throughout  such  period  (Belgium),  the  ability  to  demonstrate  future  profitability  in  Germany and 
Belgium  for  a  sustainable  period,  and  the  indefinite  carryforward  period  for  the  German  and  Belgian  NOLs.    As  discussed  below 
regarding accounting for income taxes at interim dates, a large portion ($149.9 million) of the remaining valuation allowance as of 
June 30, 2017 was reversed in the second quarter with the remainder reversed during the second half of 2017.

In  accordance  with  the  ASC  740-270  guidance  regarding  accounting  for  income  taxes  at  interim  dates,  the  amount  of  the 
valuation allowance reversed at June 30, 2017 ($149.9 million, of which $141.9 million related to Germany and $8.0 million related to 
Belgium) relates to our change in judgment at that date regarding the realizability of the related deferred income tax asset as it relates 
to future years (i.e. 2018 and after).  A change in judgment regarding the realizability of deferred tax assets as it relates to the current 
year is considered in determining the estimated annual effective tax rate for the year and is recognized throughout the year, including 
interim periods subsequent to the date of the change in judgment.   Accordingly, our income tax benefit in 2017 includes an aggregate 
non-cash  deferred  income  tax  benefit  of  $186.7  million  related  to  the  reversal  of  the  German  and  Belgian  valuation  allowance, 
comprised of $12.7 million recognized in the first half of 2017 related to the utilization of a portion of both the German and Belgian 
NOLs  during  such  period,  $149.9  million  related  to  the  portion  of  the  valuation  allowance  reversed  as  of  June  30,  2017  and  $24.1 
million recognized in the second half of 2017 related to the utilization of a portion of both the German and Belgian NOLs during such 
period.    In  addition,  our  deferred  income  tax  asset  valuation  allowance  increased  $13.7  million  in  2017  as  a  result  of  changes  in 
currency exchange rates, which increase was recognized as part of other comprehensive income (loss).

On December 22, 2017, the 2017 Tax Act was enacted into law. This new tax legislation, among other changes, (i) reduces 
the U.S. Federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018; (ii) implements a territorial tax system and 
imposes a one-time repatriation tax (Transition Tax) on the deemed repatriation of the post-1986 undistributed earnings of non-U.S. 
subsidiaries accumulated up through December 31, 2017, regardless of whether such earnings are repatriated; (iii) eliminates U.S. tax 
on future non-U.S. earnings (subject to certain exceptions); (iv) eliminates the domestic production activities deduction beginning in 
2018;    (v)  eliminates  the  net  operating  loss  carryback  and  provides  for  an  indefinite  carryforward  period  subject  to  an  80%  annual 
usage limitation; (vi) allows for the expensing of certain capital expenditures; (vii) imposes a tax on global intangible low-tax income; 
and  (viii)  imposes  a  base  erosion  anti-abuse  tax.    Following  the  enactment  of  the  2017  Tax  Act,  the  Securities  and  Exchange 
Commission issued Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) 118 to provide guidance on the accounting and reporting impacts of the 2017 
Tax Act.  SAB 118 states that companies should account for changes related to the 2017 Tax Act in the period of enactment if all 
information  is  available  and  the  accounting  can  be  completed.  In  situations  where  companies  do  not  have  enough  information  to 
complete the accounting in the period of enactment, a company must either 1) record an estimated provisional amount if the impact of 
the change can be reasonably estimated; or 2) continue to apply the accounting guidance that was in effect immediately prior to the 
2017 Tax Act if the impact of the change cannot be reasonably estimated.  If estimated provisional amounts are recorded, SAB 118 
provides  a  measurement  period  of  no  longer  than  one  year  during  which  companies  should  adjust  those  amounts  as  additional 
information becomes available.

Under  GAAP,  we  are  required  to  revalue  our  net  deferred  tax  asset  associated  with  our  U.S.  net  deductible  temporary 
differences in the period in which the new tax legislation is enacted based on deferred tax balances as of the enactment date, to reflect 
the effect of such reduction in the corporate income tax rate.  Our temporary differences as of December 31, 2017 are not materially 
different from our temporary differences as of the enactment date, accordingly revaluation of our net deductible temporary differences 
is based on our net deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2017. Such revaluation resulted in a non-cash deferred income tax benefit 
of  $77.1  million  recognized  in  continuing  operations,  reducing  our  net  deferred  income  tax  liability.      The  amounts  recorded  as  of 
December 31, 2017 as a result of the 2017 Tax Act represent estimates based on information currently available and, in accordance 
with  the  guidance  in  SAB  118,  these  amounts  are  provisional  and  subject  to  adjustment  as  we  obtain  additional  information  and 
complete our analysis in 2018.  If the underlying guidance or tax laws change and such change impacts the income tax effects of the 
new legislation recognized at December 31, 2017, we will recognize an adjustment in the reporting period within the measurement 
period in which such adjustment is determined.  Such measurement period ends December 22, 2018 pursuant to the guidance under 
SAB 118.  

Prior  to  the  enactment  of  the  2017  Tax  Act,  the  undistributed  earnings  of  our  European  subsidiaries  were  deemed  to  be 
permanently  reinvested  (we  had  not  made  a  similar  determination  with  respect  to  the  undistributed  earnings  of  our  Canadian 

F-41

subsidiary).  Pursuant to the Transition Tax provisions imposing a one-time repatriation tax on post-1986 undistributed earnings, we 
recognized a provisional current income tax expense of $76.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2017.  We will elect to pay such tax over 
an eight year period beginning in 2018, including approximately $6.1 million which will be paid in 2018 and is netted with our current 
receivables from affiliates (income taxes receivable from Contran) classified as a current asset in our Consolidated Balance Sheet, and 
the  remaining  $70.1  million  is  recorded  as  a  noncurrent  payable  to  affiliate  (income  taxes  payable  to  Contran)  classified  as  a 
noncurrent liability in our Consolidated Balance Sheet and will be paid in increments over the remainder of the eight year period.  The 
amounts  recorded  as  of  December  31,  2017  as  a  result  of  the  2017  Tax  Act  represent  estimates  based  on  information  currently 
available  and,  in  accordance  with  the  guidance  in  SAB  118,  these  amounts  are  provisional  and  subject  to  adjustment  as  we  obtain 
additional information and complete our analysis in 2018.  If the underlying guidance or tax laws change and such change impacts the 
income tax effects of the new legislation recognized at December 31, 2017 or we determine we have additional tax liabilities under 
other provisions of the 2017 Tax Act, including the tax on global intangible low-taxed income and the base erosion anti-abuse tax, we 
will recognize an adjustment in the reporting period within the measurement period in which such adjustment is determined.  Such 
measurement period ends December 22, 2018 pursuant to the guidance under SAB 118.  

Prior  to  the  enactment  of  the  2017  Tax  Act  the  undistributed  earnings  of  our  European  subsidiaries  were  deemed  to  be 
permanently  reinvested  (we  had  not  made  a  similar  determination  with  respect  to  the  undistributed  earnings  of  our  Canadian 
subsidiary). As a result of the implementation of a territorial tax system under the 2017 Tax Act, effective January 1, 2018, and the 
Transition  Tax  which  in  effect  taxes  the  post-1986  undistributed  earnings  of  our  non-U.S.  subsidiaries  accumulated  up  through 
December  31,  2017,  we  have  now  determined  that  all  of  the  post-1986  undistributed  earnings  of  our  European  subsidiaries  are  not 
permanently reinvested. Accordingly, in the fourth quarter of 2017 we have recognized an aggregate provisional non-cash deferred 
income tax expense of $5.3 million for the estimated U.S. state and non-U.S. income tax and withholding tax liability attributable to 
all of such previously-considered permanently reinvested undistributed earnings.  We are currently reviewing certain other provisions 
under the 2017 Tax Act that would impact our determination of the aggregate temporary differences attributable to our investments in 
our non-U.S. subsidiaries.  We continue to assert indefinite reinvestment as it relates to our outside basis differences attributable to our 
investments  in  our  non-U.S.  subsidiaries  other  than  post-1986  undistributed  earnings  of  our  European  Subsidiaries  and  all 
undistributed  earnings  of  our  Canadian  Subsidiary.  It  is  possible  that  a  change  in  facts  and  circumstances,  such  as  a  change  in  the 
expectation regarding future dispositions or acquisitions or a change in tax law, could result in a conclusion that some or all of such 
investments  are  no  longer  permanently  reinvested.  It  is  currently  not  practical  for  us  to  determine  the  amount  of  the  unrecognized 
deferred  income  tax  liability  related  to  our  investments  in  our  non-U.S.  subsidiaries  due  to  the  complexities  associated  with  our 
organizational structure, changes in the 2017 Tax Act and the U.S. taxation of such investments in the states in which we operate.   

Certain U.S. deferred tax attributes of one of our non-U.S. subsidiaries, which subsidiary is treated as a dual resident for U.S. 
income tax purposes, were subject to various limitations.  As a result, we had previously concluded that a deferred income tax asset 
valuation allowance was required to be recognized with respect to such subsidiary’s U.S. net deferred income tax asset because such 
assets  did  not  meet  the  more-likely-than-not  recognition  criteria  primarily  due  to  (i)  the  various  limitations  regarding  use  of  such 
attributes due to the dual residency; (ii) the dual resident subsidiary had a history of losses and absent distributions from our non-U.S. 
subsidiaries, which were previously not determinable, such subsidiary was expected to continue to generate losses; and (iii) a limited 
NOL  carryforward  period  for  U.S.  tax  purposes.    Because  we  had  concluded  the  likelihood  of  realization  of  such  subsidiary’s  net 
deferred  income  tax  asset  was  remote,  we  had  not  previously  disclosed  such  valuation  allowance  or  the  associated  amount  of  the 
subsidiary’s net deferred income tax assets (exclusive of such valuation allowance).  Primarily due to changes enacted under the 2017 
Tax Act, we have concluded we now have sufficient positive evidence under the more-likely-than-not recognition criteria to support 
reversal of the entire valuation allowance related to such subsidiary’s net deferred income tax asset, which evidence included, among 
other things, (i) the inclusion under Transition Tax provisions of significant earnings for U.S. income tax purposes which significantly 
and positively impacts the ability of such deferred tax attributes to be utilized by us; (ii) the indefinite carryforward period for U.S. net 
operating losses incurred after December 31, 2017; (iii) an expectation of continued future profitability for our U.S. operations; and 
(iv) a positive taxable income basket for U.S. tax purposes in excess of the U.S. deferred tax asset related to the U.S. attributes of such 
subsidiary.  Accordingly, in the fourth quarter we recognized an $18.7 million non-cash deferred income tax benefit as a result of the 
reversal of such valuation allowance.

None of our U.S. and non-U.S. tax returns are currently under examination.  As a result of prior audits in certain jurisdictions, 
which  are  now  settled,  in  2008  we  filed  Advance  Pricing  Agreement  Requests  with  the  tax  authorities  in  the  U.S.,  Canada  and 
Germany.  These requests have been under review with the respective tax authorities since 2008 and prior to 2016, it was uncertain 
whether  an  agreement  would  be  reached  between  the  tax  authorities  and  whether  we  would  agree  to  execute  and  finalize  such 
agreements.  

(cid:129) During  2016,  Contran,  as  the  ultimate  parent  of  our  U.S.  Consolidated  income  tax  group,  executed  and  finalized  an 
Advance Pricing Agreement with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service and our Canadian subsidiary executed and finalized 
an  Advance  Pricing  Agreement  with  the  Competent  Authority  for  Canada  (collectively,  the  “U.S.-Canada  APA”) 

F-42

effective  for  tax  years  2005  -  2015.    Pursuant  to  the  terms  of  the  U.S.-Canada  APA,  the  U.S.  and  Canadian  tax 
authorities agreed to certain prior year changes to taxable income of our U.S. and Canadian subsidiaries.  As a result of 
such  agreed-upon  changes,  we  recognized  a  $3.4  million  current  U.S.  income  tax  benefit  in  2016.    In  addition,  our 
Canadian subsidiary incurred a cash income tax payment of approximately CAD $3 million (USD $2.3 million) related 
to the U.S.-Canada APA, but such payment was fully offset by previously provided accruals, and such income tax was 
paid in the third quarter of 2017.  

(cid:129) During the third quarter of 2017, our Canadian subsidiary executed and finalized an Advance Pricing Agreement with 
the Competent Authority for Canada (the “Canada-Germany APA”) effective for tax years 2005 - 2017.  Pursuant to the 
terms  of  the  Canada-Germany  APA,  the  Canadian  and  German  tax  authorities  agreed  to  certain  prior  year  changes  to 
taxable  income  of  our  Canadian  and  German  subsidiaries.    As  a  result  of  such  agreed-upon  changes,  we  reversed  a 
significant  portion  of  our  reserve  for  uncertain  tax  positions  and  recognized  a  non-cash  income  tax  benefit  of  $8.6 
million related to such reversal ($8.1 million recognized in the third quarter of 2017).  In addition, we recognized a $2.6 
million  non-cash  income  tax  benefit  related  to  an  increase  in  our  German  NOLs  and  a  $.6  million  German  cash  tax 
refund related to the Canada-Germany APA in the third quarter of 2017. 

We recognize deferred income taxes with respect to the excess of the financial reporting carrying amount over the income 
tax basis of our direct investment in Kronos common stock because the exemption under GAAP to avoid such recognition of deferred 
income taxes is not available to us. There is a maximum amount (or cap) of such deferred income taxes we are required to recognize 
with  respect  to  our  direct  investment  in  Kronos,  and  we  previously  reached  such  maximum  amount  in  the  fourth  quarter  of  2010. 
Since that time and through March 31, 2015, we were not required to recognize any additional deferred income taxes with respect to 
our  direct  investment  in  Kronos  because  the  deferred  income  taxes  associated  with  the  excess  of  the  financial  reporting  carrying 
amount over the income tax basis of our direct investment in Kronos common stock continued to be above such cap. However, at June 
30, 2015, the deferred income taxes associated with the excess of the financial reporting carrying amount over the income tax basis of 
our direct investment in Kronos common stock was, for the first time since the fourth quarter of 2010, below such cap, in large part 
due  to  the  net  loss  reported  by  Kronos  in  the  second  quarter  of  2015.  During  the  second,  third  and  fourth  quarters  of  2015,  we 
recognized  an  aggregate  $29.3  million  non-cash  income  tax  benefit  for  the  reduction  in  the  deferred  income  taxes  required  to  be 
recognized with respect to the excess of the financial reporting carrying amount over the income tax basis of our direct investment in 
Kronos  common  stock,  to  the  extent  such  reduction  related  to  our  equity  in  Kronos’  net  loss  in  2015.  We  recognized  a  non-cash 
income tax expense of $6.5 million in 2016 for the increase in the deferred income taxes required to be recognized with respect to the 
excess of the financial reporting carrying amount over the income tax basis of our direct investment in Kronos common stock, to the 
extent  such  increase  related  to  our  equity  in  Kronos’  net  income  (loss)  in  such  periods.  Our  provision  for  income  taxes  in  2017 
includes  a  provisional  non-cash  income  tax  expense  of  $22.1  million  for  the  increase  in  the  deferred  income  taxes  required  to  be 
recognized with respect to the excess of the financial reporting carrying amount over the income tax basis of our direct investment in 
Kronos common stock, to the extent such increase related to our equity in Kronos’ net income in such period. Such amount is included 
in  the  table  of  our  income  tax  rate  reconciliation  for  incremental  net  tax  on  earnings  and  losses  on  non-U.S.  and  non-tax  group 
companies above (in addition to the other items included in such line item in the rate reconciliation, as indicated above). A portion of 
such increase (decrease) with respect to the excess of the financial reporting carrying amount over the income tax basis of our direct 
investment in Kronos common stock during 2015, 2016 and 2017 related to our equity in Kronos’ other comprehensive income (loss) 
items,  and  the  amounts  shown  in  the  table  above  for  income  tax  expense  (benefit)  allocated  to  other  comprehensive  income  (loss) 
includes amounts related to our equity in Kronos’ other comprehensive income (loss) items. While at the third quarter of 2017 we had 
reached the maximum amount of deferred income taxes we are required to recognize with respect to our direct investment in Kronos, 
recognition of the effects of the 2017 Tax Act, among other things, resulted in a provisional increase in the income tax basis of our 
direct investment in Kronos, putting us below such maximum amount at December 31, 2017.

Due to uncertainties and complexities of the new legislation, we are still evaluating the impact of the one-time deemed 
repatriation  of  the  post-1986  undistributed  earnings  of  our  non-U.S.  subsidiaries  up  through  December  31,  2017  as  it  relates  to  the 
income tax basis of our direct investment in Kronos.    At December 31, 2017, we have recognized a deferred income tax liability with 
respect to our direct investment in Kronos of $157.6 million.  The maximum amount of such deferred income tax liability we would 
be required to have recognized (the cap) is $173.0 million.   Our deferred income tax liability with respect to our direct investment in 
Kronos represents an estimate and, in accordance with the guidance in SAB 118, this amount is provisional and subject to adjustment 
as we obtain additional information and complete our analysis of the impact of the new legislation.  If such estimates change, we will 
recognize  an  adjustment  in  the  reporting  period  within  the  measurement  period  in  which  such  adjustment  is  determined.    Such 
measurement period ends December 22, 2018 pursuant to the guidance under SAB 118.  

F-43

We believe we have adequate accruals for additional taxes and related interest expense which could ultimately result from 
tax  examinations.    We  believe  the  ultimate  disposition  of  tax  examinations  should  not  have  a  material  adverse  effect  on  our 
consolidated financial position, results of operations or liquidity.  

The following table shows the changes in the amount of our uncertain tax positions (exclusive of the effect of interest and 

penalties) during 2015, 2016 and 2017: 

2015

Years ended December 31,
2016
(In millions)

2017

Unrecognized tax benefits:

Amount beginning of year................................... $
Net increase (decrease):

Tax positions taken in prior periods ..........
Tax positions taken in current period ........
Lapse due to applicable statute of limitations .....
Settlement with taxing authorities .......................
Changes in currency exchange rates ...................
Amount at end of year ......................................... $

30.1

$

28.8

$

35.6

(.4)
6.4
(6.0)
—  
(1.3)
28.8

$

(.6)
11.0
(1.6)
(2.3)
.3
35.6

$

(13.3)
4.5
(8.1)
(2.3)
.7
17.1

If our uncertain tax positions were recognized, a benefit of $13.1 million at December 31, 2017, would affect our effective 
income  tax  rate.  We  currently  estimate  that  our  unrecognized  tax  benefits  will  decrease  by  approximately  $1.8  million,  excluding 
interest, during the next twelve months related to the expiration of certain statutes of limitations. 

We and Contran file income tax returns in U.S. federal and various state and local jurisdictions. We also file income tax 
returns in various foreign jurisdictions, principally in Germany, Canada, Belgium and Norway. Our U.S. income tax returns prior to 
2014  are  generally  considered  closed  to  examination  by  applicable  tax  authorities. Our  foreign  income  tax  returns  are  generally 
considered closed to examination for years prior to: 2008 for Norway; 2012 for Canada; 2013 for Germany; and 2014 for Belgium. 

We  accrue  interest  and  penalties  on  our  uncertain  tax  positions  as  a  component  of  our  provision  for  income  taxes. We 
accrued  interest  and  penalties  of  $1.3  million  during  2015  and  $1.6  million  during  2016  and  $2.1  million  during  2017,  and  at 
December  31,  2016  and  2017  we  had  $5.2  million  and  $1.5 million,  respectively,  accrued  for  interest  and  an  immaterial  amount 
accrued for penalties for our uncertain tax positions.         

Note 15—Noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries: 

December 31,

2016

2017

(In millions)

Noncontrolling interest in net assets:

Kronos Worldwide..................................................... $
NL Industries .............................................................
CompX International .................................................
BMI ............................................................................
LandWell....................................................................

Total ................................................................. $

134.5
44.3
16.4
24.6
23.7
243.5

$

$

204.9
71.1
17.8
26.0
22.5
342.3

2015

Years ended December 31,
2016
(In millions)

2017

Noncontrolling interest in net income (loss) of 

subsidiaries:

Kronos Worldwide..............................................
NL Industries ......................................................
CompX International ..........................................
BMI.....................................................................
LandWell ............................................................
Total ..........................................................

$

$

(34.3) $
(4.0)
1.2
.1
(.5)
(37.5) $

8.3
2.6
1.4
(.4)
1.0
12.9

$

$

69.3
19.7
1.7
3.2
1.2
95.1

F-44

 
 
 
Note 16—Valhi stockholders’ equity: 

Issued

Shares of common stock
Treasury
(In millions)

Outstanding

Balance at December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017 ........

355.3

(13.2)

342.0

Valhi  common  stock.  We  issued  a  nominal  number  of  shares  of  Valhi  common  stock  during  2015,  2016  and  2017, 

associated with annual stock awards to members of our board of directors. 

Valhi  share  repurchases  and  cancellations.  Prior  to  2015,  our  board  of  directors  authorized  the  repurchase  of  up  to 
10.0 million shares of our common stock in open market transactions, including block purchases, or in privately negotiated transactions, 
which may include transactions with our affiliates or subsidiaries. We may purchase the stock from time to time as market conditions 
permit. The stock repurchase program does not include specific price targets or timetables and may be suspended at any time. Depending 
on market conditions, we may terminate the program prior to completion. We will use cash on hand to acquire the shares. Repurchased 
shares could be retired and cancelled or may be added to our treasury stock and used for employee benefit plans, future acquisitions or 
other corporate purposes. We did not make any such purchases under the plan in 2015, 2016 or 2017. 

Treasury  stock.  The  treasury  stock  we  reported  for  financial  reporting  purposes  at  December  31,  2015,  2016  and  2017 
represents our proportional interest in the shares of our common stock held by NL and Kronos. NL held approximately 14.4 million 
shares  of  our  common  stock  at  December  31,  2016  and  2017.  At  December  31,  2016  and  2017  Kronos  held  an  aggregate  of 
1.7 million  shares  of  our  common  stock.  Under  Delaware  Corporation  Law,  100%  (and  not  the  proportionate  interest)  of  a  parent 
company’s shares held by a majority-owned subsidiary of the parent is considered to be treasury stock for voting purposes. As a result, 
our common shares outstanding for financial reporting purposes differ from those outstanding for legal purposes. 

Preferred  stock.  Our  outstanding  preferred  stock  consists  of  5,000  shares  of  our  Series  A  Preferred  Stock  having  a 
liquidation preference of $133,466.75 per share, or an aggregate liquidation preference of $667.3 million. The outstanding shares of 
Series  A  Preferred  Stock  are  held  by  Contran  and  represent  all  of  the  shares  of  Series  A  Preferred  Stock  we  are  authorized  to 
issue. The preferred stock has a par value of $.01 per share and pays a non-cumulative cash dividend at an annual rate of 6% of the 
aggregate liquidation preference only when authorized and declared by our board of directors. The shares of Series A Preferred Stock 
are non-convertible, and the shares do not carry any redemption or call features (either at our option or the option of the holder). A 
holder  of  the  Series  A  shares  does  not  have  any  voting  rights,  except  in  limited  circumstances,  and  is  not  entitled  to  a  preferential 
dividend right that is senior to our shares of common stock. Upon the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs, a holder of 
the  Series  A  shares  is  entitled  to  be  paid  a  liquidation  preference  of  $133,466.75  per  share,  plus  an  amount  (if  any)  equal  to  any 
declared but unpaid dividends, before any distribution of assets is made to holders of our common stock. Through December 31, 2017, 
we have not declared any dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock since its issuance prior to 2015. 

Valhi long-term incentive compensation plan. Prior to 2015, our board of directors adopted a plan that provides for the 
award  of  stock  to  our  board  of  directors,  and  up  to  a  maximum  of  200,000  shares  could  be  awarded.  Under  the  plan,  we  awarded 
10,500 shares in 2015, 16,000 shares in 2016 and 12,000 shares in 2017, and at December 31, 2017 138,500 shares are available for 
future award under this new plan. 

Stock plans of subsidiaries. Kronos, NL and CompX each maintain plans which provide for the award of their common 
stock to their board of directors. At December 31, 2017, Kronos, NL and CompX had 155,500, 154,000 and 166,000 shares of their 
respective common stock available for future award under respective plans.

Accumulated  other  comprehensive  income  (loss).  Accumulated  other  comprehensive  income  (loss)  attributable  to  Valhi 

stockholders comprises changes in equity as presented in the table below.  

F-45

 
2015

Years ended December 31,
2016
(In millions)

2017

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
   (net of tax and noncontrolling interest):

Marketable securities:

Balance at beginning of year ..................... $
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized gain arising during
   the year..........................................
Balance at end of year ............................... $

Interest rate swap:

Balance at beginning of year ..................... $
Other comprehensive loss:

Unrealized losses during the year ....
Less reclassification adjustments
   for amounts included in
   interest expense .............................
Balance at end of year...................... $

Currency translation:

1.6

$

1.6

$

— 
1.6

— 

$

$

.1
1.7

$

(1.3) $

(1.7)

(1.2)

.4
(1.3) $

1.3
(1.2) $

Balance at beginning of year ..................... $
Other comprehensive gain (loss)
   arising during the year ...........................
Balance at end of year ............................... $

(22.6) $

(78.1) $

(55.5)
(78.1) $

(10.4)
(88.5) $

1.7

— 
1.7

(1.2)

(1.2)

2.4
— 

(88.5)

34.4
(54.1)

Defined benefit pension plans:

Balance at beginning of year ..................... $
Other comprehensive income (loss):

Amortization of prior service cost
   and net (gains) losses included
   in net periodic pension cost...........
Net actuarial gain (loss) arising
   during the year ..............................
Balance at end of year ............................... $

OPEB plans:

Balance at beginning of year ..................... $
Other comprehensive loss:

Amortization of prior service
   credit and net losses included in
   net periodic OPEB cost .................
Net actuarial gain arising during
   the year..........................................
Balance at end of year ............................... $

Total accumulated other comprehensive income 

(loss):

(132.0) $

(123.0) $

(137.0)

6.7

5.7

2.3
(123.0) $

(19.7)
(137.0) $

6.4

1.6
(129.0)

4.4

$

3.8

$

3.1

(1.0)

(1.0)

.4
3.8

$

.3
3.1

$

(.8)

.1
2.4

Balance at beginning of year ..................... $
Other comprehensive  income (loss) .........
Balance at end of year ............................... $

(148.6) $
(48.4)
(197.0) $

(197.0) $
(24.9)
(221.9) $

(221.9)
42.9
(179.0)

See Note 11 for amounts related to our defined benefit pension plans and OPEB plans and Note 19 for a discussion of our 

interest rate swap contract. 

Note 17—Related party transactions: 

We may be deemed to be controlled by Ms. Simmons and Ms. Connelly.  See Note 1. Corporations that may be deemed to 
be  controlled  by  or  affiliated  with  such  individuals  sometimes  engage  in  (a) intercorporate  transactions  such  as  guarantees, 
management  and  expense  sharing  arrangements,  shared  fee  arrangements,  joint  ventures,  partnerships,  loans,  options,  advances  of 
funds on open account, and sales, leases and exchanges of assets, including securities issued by both related and unrelated parties and 
(b) common  investment  and  acquisition  strategies,  business  combinations,  reorganizations,  recapitalizations,  securities  repurchases, 

F-46

and purchases and sales (and other acquisitions and dispositions) of subsidiaries, divisions or other business units, which transactions 
have involved both related and unrelated parties and have included transactions which resulted in the acquisition by one related party 
of a publicly-held noncontrolling interest in another related party. While no transactions of the type described above are planned or 
proposed with respect to us other than as set forth in these financial statements, we continuously consider, review and evaluate, and 
understand  that  Contran  and  related  entities  consider,  review  and  evaluate  such  transactions. Depending  upon  the  business,  tax  and 
other objectives then relevant, it is possible that we might be a party to one or more such transactions in the future. 

From  time  to  time,  we  may  have  loans  and  advances  outstanding  between  us  and  various  related  parties,  including 
Contran, pursuant to term and demand notes. We generally enter into these loans and advances for cash management purposes. When 
we loan funds to related parties, we are generally able to earn a higher rate of return on the loan than we would earn if we invested the 
funds in other instruments. While certain of these loans may be of a lesser credit quality than cash equivalent instruments otherwise 
available to us, we believe we have evaluated the credit risks involved and appropriately reflect those credit risks in the terms of the 
applicable loans. When we borrow from related parties, we are generally able to pay a lower rate of interest than we would pay if we 
borrowed from unrelated parties.  See Note 9 for more information on the Valhi and Kronos credit facilities with Contran.  We paid 
Contran  $10.3  million,  $12.9  million  and  $14.4  million  in  interest  on  borrowings  under  credit  facilities  in  2015,  2016  and  2017, 
respectively.

A subsidiary of Contran has guaranteed(i) Tremont’s obligation under its $13.1 million promissory note payable to NERT 
discussed in Note 9 and (ii) Tremont’s $9.3 million ($11.1 million face value) deferred payment obligation discussed in Note 10. The 
guaranty obligation would only arise upon our failure to make any required repayments.  Prior to our sale of our Waste Management 
Segment,  a  subsidiary  of  Contran  guaranteed  certain  third-party  indebtedness  of  WCS.    The  purchaser  of  WCS  assumed  such 
indebtedness, and such guarantee was released.

Under the terms of various intercorporate services agreements (“ISAs”) we enter into with Contran, employees of Contran 
provide  us  certain  management,  tax  planning,  financial  and  administrative  services  on  a  fee  basis.  Such  charges  are  based  upon 
estimates of the time devoted by the Contran employees to our affairs, and the compensation and other expenses associated with those 
persons. Because of the large number of companies affiliated with Contran, we believe we benefit from cost savings and economies of 
scale gained by not having certain management, financial and administrative staffs duplicated at all of our subsidiaries, thus allowing 
certain Contran employees to provide services to multiple companies but only be compensated by Contran. The net ISA fees charged 
to us by Contran aggregated $35.8 million in 2015, $36.5 million in 2016 and $40.0 million in 2017. 

We  had  an  aggregate  30.2 million  shares  at  December  31,  2016  and 2017  of  our  Kronos  common  stock  pledged  as 
collateral for certain debt obligations of Contran. We receive a fee from Contran for pledging these Kronos shares, determined by a 
formula based on the market value of the shares pledged. We received $.8 million in 2015, $1.2 million in 2016 and $2.8 million in 
2017 from Contran for this pledge. 

Our subsidiaries Tall Pines Insurance Company and EWI RE, Inc. provide for or broker certain insurance or reinsurance 
policies for Contran and certain of its subsidiaries and affiliates, including us. Tall Pines purchases reinsurance for substantially all of 
the  risks  it  underwrites  from  third  party  insurance  carriers  with  an  A.M.  Best  Company  rating  of  generally  at  least  A-  (Excellent). 
Consistent with insurance industry practices, Tall Pines and EWI receive commissions from insurance and reinsurance underwriters 
and/or assess fees for the policies that they provide or broker to us.  We received cash payments for insurance premiums from Contran 
and certain other affiliates not members of our consolidated financial reporting group of $5.4 million in 2015 and $5.3 million 2016 
and  $5.9  million  in  2017.    These  amounts  also  include  payments  to  insurers  or  reinsurers  through  EWI  for  the  reimbursement  of 
claims within our applicable deductible or retention ranges that such insurers or reinsurers paid to third parties on our behalf, as well 
as amounts for claims and risk management services and various other third-party fees and expenses incurred by the program.  We 
expect these relationships with Tall Pines and EWI will continue in 2018. 

With respect to certain of such jointly-owned policies, it is possible that unusually large losses incurred by one or more 
insureds during a given policy period could leave the other participating companies without adequate coverage under that policy for 
the  balance  of  the  policy  period.   As  a  result,  and  in  the  event  that  the  available  coverage  under  a  particular  policy  would  become 
exhausted by one or more claims, Contran and certain of its subsidiaries and affiliates, including us, have entered into a loss sharing 
agreement under which any uninsured loss arising because the available coverage had been exhausted by one or more claims will be 
shared  ratably  amongst  those  entities  that  had  submitted  claims  under  the  relevant  policy.   We  believe  the  benefits  in  the  form  of 
reduced  premiums  and  broader  coverage  associated  with  the  group  coverage  for  such  policies  justify  the  risk  associated  with  the 
potential for any uninsured loss.

 Contran  and  certain  of  its  subsidiaries,  including  us,  participate  in  a  combined  information  technology  data  recovery 
program  that  Contran  provides  from  a  data  recovery  center  that  it  established.    Pursuant  to  the  program,  Contran  and  certain  of  its 

F-47

subsidiaries, including us, as a group share information technology data recovery services.  The program apportions its costs among 
the  participating  companies.    We  paid  Contran  $298,000  in  2015,  $253,000  in  2016  and  $258,000  in  2017  for  such  services.    We 
expect that this relationship with Contran will continue in 2018.

Prior  to  our  sale  of  our  Waste  Management  Segment  in  January  2018,  WCS  was  required  to  provide  certain  financial 
assurances  to  the  Texas  government  agencies  with  respect  to  certain  decommissioning  obligations  related  to  our  facility  in  West 
Texas. See Note 18. Such financial assurances may be provided by various means. We and certain of our affiliates provided or assisted 
WCS with providing such financial assurance, as specified below. After completing the sale of WCS discussed in Note 3, we and our 
affiliates are no longer required to provide or assist with such financial assurance.   

(cid:3) During  2015,  2016  and  2017,  a  subsidiary  of  Contran  guaranteed  certain  of  WCS’  specified  decommissioning 
obligations  as  it  relates  to  its  LLRW  treatment  and  storage  facility  and  RCRA  permits,  currently  estimated  at  $3.9 
million. Such Contran subsidiary was eligible to provide this guarantee because it met certain specified financial tests. 
The obligations would arise only upon a closure of our West Texas facility and our failure to perform the required 
decommissioning activities. 

(cid:3) During 2015, 2016 and 2017, Contran issued a letter of credit (“LOC”) under its bank credit facility to the state of 
Texas  related  to  specified  decommissioning  obligations  associated  with  our  byproduct  facility.  At  December  31, 
2017,  the  amount  of  such  LOC  was  $6.3 million.  The  LOC  would  only  be  drawn  down  upon  the  closure  of  our 
byproduct  facility  and  our  failure  to  perform  the  required  decommissioning  activities.  We  reimbursed  Contran  for 
costs related to the LOC of $.1 million in each of 2015, 2016 and 2017.   

Receivables from and payables to affiliates are summarized in the table below. 

December 31,

2016

2017

(In millions)

Current receivables from affiliates:

Contran:......................................................................

Trade items ............................................................. $
Income taxes ...........................................................
Louisiana Pigment Company, L.P. .........................
Other ..........................................................................

Total ................................................................. $

Current payables to affiliates:

Louisiana Pigment Company, L.P. ............................ $
Contran income taxes

Total ................................................................. $

Noncurrent payable to affiliates:

Contran – income taxes ............................................... $

Payables to affiliate included in long-term debt:

.4
—  
—  
2.8
3.2

14.7
5.5
20.2

—  

Valhi—Contran credit facility ................................... $

278.9

$

$

$

$

$

$

1.0
19.4
8.9
3.3
32.6

16.2
—  
16.2

70.1

284.3

Amounts payable to LPC are generally for the purchase of TiO2, while amounts receivable from LPC are generally from 
the sale of TiO2 feedstock. See Note 7. Purchases of TiO2 from LPC were $176.5 million in 2015 and $157.5 million in each of 2016 
and 2017. Sales of feedstock to LPC were $80.6 million in 2015, $68.8 million in 2016 and $79.4 million in 2017.  The noncurrent 
payable to Contran for income taxes is discussed in Note 14.

F-48

 
Note 18—Commitments and contingencies: 

Lead pigment litigation—NL 

NL’s former operations included the manufacture of lead pigments for use in paint and lead-based paint.  NL, other former 
manufacturers of lead pigments for use in paint and lead-based paint (together, the “former pigment manufacturers”), and the Lead 
Industries  Association  (“LIA”),  which  discontinued  business  operations  in  2002,  have  been  named  as  defendants  in  various  legal 
proceedings  seeking  damages  for  personal  injury,  property  damage  and  governmental  expenditures  allegedly  caused  by  the  use  of 
lead-based paints. Certain of these actions have been filed by or on behalf of states, counties, cities or their public housing authorities 
and school districts, and certain others have been asserted as class actions. These lawsuits seek recovery under a variety of theories, 
including  public  and  private  nuisance,  negligent  product  design,  negligent  failure  to  warn,  strict  liability,  breach  of  warranty, 
conspiracy/concert of action, aiding and abetting, enterprise liability, market share or risk contribution liability, intentional tort, fraud 
and misrepresentation, violations of state consumer protection statutes, supplier negligence and similar claims. 

The plaintiffs in these actions generally seek to impose on the defendants responsibility for lead paint abatement and health 
concerns associated with the use of lead-based paints, including damages for personal injury, contribution and/or indemnification for 
medical expenses, medical monitoring expenses and costs for educational programs. To the extent the plaintiffs seek compensatory or 
punitive damages in these actions, such damages are generally unspecified. In some cases, the damages are unspecified pursuant to the 
requirements  of  applicable  state  law.  A  number  of  cases  are  inactive  or  have  been  dismissed  or  withdrawn.  Most  of  the  remaining 
cases are in various pre-trial stages. Some are on appeal following dismissal or summary judgment rulings or a trial verdict in favor of 
either the defendants or the plaintiffs.

We believe that these actions are without merit, and we intend to continue to deny all allegations of wrongdoing and liability 
and to defend against all actions vigorously.  Other than with respect to the Santa Clara case discussed below, we do not believe it is 
probable that we have incurred any liability with respect to all of the lead pigment litigation cases to which we are a party, and with 
respect to all such lead pigment litigation cases to which we are a party, including the Santa Clara case, we believe liability to us that 
may result, if any, in this regard cannot be reasonably estimated, because: 

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

we have never settled any of the market share, intentional tort, fraud, nuisance, supplier negligence, breach of warranty, 
conspiracy, misrepresentation, aiding and abetting, enterprise liability, or statutory cases, 
no  final,  non-appealable  adverse  verdicts  have  ever  been  entered  against  us  (subject  to  the  final  outcome  of  the  Santa 
Clara case discussed below), and 

NL  has  never  ultimately  been  found  liable  with  respect  to  any  such  litigation  matters,  including  over  100  cases  over  a 
twenty-year  period  for  which  NL  was  previously  a  party  and  for  which  NL  has  been  dismissed  without  any  finding  of 
liability (subject to the final outcome of the Santa Clara case discussed below). 

Accordingly,  neither  we  nor  NL  have  accrued  any  amounts  for  any  of  the  pending  lead  pigment  and  lead-based  paint 
litigation cases filed by or on behalf of states, counties, cities or their public housing authorities and school districts, or those asserted 
as class actions. In addition, we have determined that liability to us which may result, if any, cannot be reasonably estimated because 
there is no prior history of a loss of this nature on which an estimate could be made and there is no substantive information available 
upon which an estimate could be based. 

In  one  of  these  lead  pigment  cases,  in  April  2000  NL  was  served  with  a  complaint  in  County  of  Santa  Clara  v.  Atlantic 
Richfield Company, et al. (Superior Court of the State of California, County of Santa Clara, Case No. 1-00-CV-788657) brought by a 
number of California government entities against the former pigment manufacturers, the LIA and certain paint manufacturers.  The 
County of Santa Clara sought to recover compensatory damages for funds the plaintiffs have expended or would in the future expend 
for  medical  treatment,  educational  expenses,  abatement  or  other  costs  due  to  exposure  to,  or  potential  exposure  to,  lead  paint, 
disgorgement of profit, and punitive damages.  In July 2003, the trial judge granted defendants’ motion to dismiss all remaining claims.  
Plaintiffs  appealed  and  the  intermediate  appellate  court  reinstated  public  nuisance,  negligence,  strict  liability,  and  fraud  claims  in 
March 2006.  A fourth amended complaint was filed in March 2011 on behalf of The People of California by the County Attorneys of 
Alameda,  Ventura,  Solano,  San  Mateo,  Los  Angeles  and  Santa  Clara,  and  the  City  Attorneys  of  San  Francisco,  San  Diego  and 
Oakland.    That  complaint  alleged  that  the  presence  of  lead  paint  created  a  public  nuisance  in  each  of  the  prosecuting  attorney 
jurisdictions and sought its abatement.  In July and August 2013, the case was tried.  In January 2014, the trial court judge issued a 
judgment finding us, The Sherwin Williams Company and ConAgra Grocery Products Company jointly and severally liable for the 
abatement of lead paint in pre-1980 homes, and ordered the defendants to pay an aggregate $1.15 billion to the people of the State of 
California to fund such abatement.  The trial court’s judgment also found that to the extent any abatement funds remained unspent 
after four years, such funds were to be return to the defendants.  In February 2014, NL filed a motion for a new trial, and in March 
2014  the  trial  court  denied  the  motion.    Subsequently  in  March  2014,  we  filed  a  notice  of  appeal  with  the  Sixth  District  Court  of 
Appeal for the State of California.  On November 14, 2017, the Sixth District Court of Appeal issued its opinion, upholding the trial 

F-49

court’s  judgment,  except  that  it  reversed  the  portion  of  the  judgment  requiring  abatement  of  homes  built  between  1951  and  1980 
which significantly reduced the number of homes subject to the abatement order.  In addition, the appellate court ordered the case be 
remanded to the trial court to recalculate the amount of the abatement fund, to limit it to the amount necessary to cover the cost of 
investigating  and  remediating  pre-1951  homes,  and  to  hold  an  evidentiary  hearing  to  appoint  a  suitable  receiver.    In  addition,  the 
appellate  court  found  that  NL  and  the  other  defendants  had  the  right  to  seek  recovery  from  liable  parties  that  contributed  to  a 
hazardous condition at a particular property.  Subsequently, NL and the other defendants filed a Petition with the California Supreme 
Court seeking its review of a number of issues.  On February 14, 2018, the California Supreme Court denied such petition.  NL and 
the other defendants have indicated they intend to file an appeal with the U.S. Supreme Court, seeking its review of two federal issues 
in the trial court’s original judgment.  Review by the U.S. Supreme Court is discretionary, and there can be no assurance that the U.S. 
Supreme Court would agree to hear any such appeal that NL and the other defendants would file, or if they would agree to hear any 
such appeal, that the U.S. Supreme Court would rule in favor of NL and the other defendants.  NL and the other defendants intend to 
seek a stay of the case to the trial court, pending its appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.  Granting of such a stay by the appellate court is 
discretionary.  If no such stay is issued, the remand to the trial court would proceed, and under such remand the trial court would, 
among other things, (i) assign a new judge to the case (the original judge has retired), (ii) recalculate the amount of the abatement fund, 
excluding remediation of homes built between 1951 and 1980, (iii) hold an evidentiary hearing to appoint a suitable receiver for the 
abatement fund, and (iv) enter an order setting forth its rulings on these issues.  NL believes any party will have a right to appeal any 
of these new decisions made by the trial court from the remand of the case.

The Santa Clara case is unusual in that this is the second time that an adverse verdict in the lead pigment litigation has been 
entered against NL (the first adverse verdict against NL was ultimately overturned on appeal).   Given the appellate court’s November 
2017 ruling, and the denial of an appeal by the California Supreme Court, we have concluded that the likelihood of a loss in this case 
has reached a standard of “probable” as contemplated by ASC 450.   However, we have also concluded that the amount of such loss 
cannot be reasonably at this time estimated (nor can a range of loss be reasonably estimated) because, among other things:

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

The appellate court has remanded the case back to the trial court to recalculate the total amount of the abatement, limiting the 
abatement to pre-1951 homes. Until the trial court has completed such recalculation,  NL and the other defendants have no 
basis to estimate a liability;
The appellate court upheld NL’s and the other defendants’ right to seek contribution from other liable parties (e.g. property 
owners  who  have  violated  the  applicable  housing  code)  on  a  house-by-house  basis.    The  method  by  which  the  trial  court 
would undertake to determine such house-by-house responsibility, and the outcome of such a house-by-house determination, 
is not presently known;
Participation  in  any  abatement  program  by  each  homeowner  is  voluntary,  and  each  homeowner  would  need  to  consent  to 
allowing someone to come into the home to undertake any inspection and abatement, as well as consent to the nature, timing 
and extent of any abatement.  The original trial court’s judgment unrealistically assumed 100% participation by the affected 
homeowners.  Actual participation rates are likely to be less than 100% (the ultimate extent of participation is not presently 
known);
The remedy ordered by the trial court is an abatement fund.  The trial court ordered that any funds unspent after four years 
are to be returned to the defendants (this provision of the trial court’s original judgment was not overturned by the appellate 
court).  As noted above, the actual number of homes which would participate in any abatement, and the nature, timing and 
extent of any such abatement, is not presently known; and

(cid:129) NL and the other two defendants are jointly and severally liable for the abatement, and NL does not believe any individual 

defendant would be 100% responsible for the cost of any abatement. 

Accordingly, the total ultimate amount of any abatement fund, and NL’s share of any abatement is not presently known.  For 
all of the reasons noted above, NL has concluded that the amount of loss for this matter cannot be reasonably estimated at this time 
(nor can any reasonable range of loss be estimated).  However, as with any legal proceeding, there is no assurance that any appeal 
would be successful, and it is reasonably possible, based on the outcome of the appeals process and the remand proceedings in the trial 
court,  that  NL  may  in  the  future  incur  some  liability  resulting  in  the  recognition  of  a  loss  contingency  accrual  that  could  have  a 
material adverse impact on our results of operations, financial position and liquidity.

The Santa Clara case is unusual in that this is the second time that an adverse verdict in the lead pigment litigation has been 
entered against NL (the first adverse verdict against NL was ultimately overturned on appeal). We have concluded that the likelihood 
of a loss in this case has not reached a standard of “probable” as contemplated by ASC 450, given (i) the substantive, substantial and 
meritorious  grounds  on  which  the  adverse  verdict  in  the  Santa  Clara  case  will  be  appealed,  (ii) the  uniqueness  of  the  Santa  Clara 
verdict  (i.e.  no  final,  non-appealable  verdicts  have  ever  been  rendered  against  NL,  or  any  of  the  other  former  lead  pigment 
manufacturers, based on the public nuisance theory of liability or otherwise), and (iii) the rejection of the public nuisance theory of 
liability  as  it  relates  to  lead  pigment  matters  in  many  other  jurisdictions  (no  jurisdiction  in  which  a  plaintiff  has  asserted  a  public 
nuisance  theory  of  liability  has  ever  successfully  been  upheld).  In  addition,  liability  that  may  result,  if  any,  cannot  be  reasonably 
estimated, as NL continues to have no basis on which an estimate of liability could be made, as discussed above. However, as with 

F-50

any legal proceeding, there is no assurance that any appeal would be successful, and it is reasonably possible, based on the outcome of 
the appeals process, that NL may in the future incur some liability resulting in the recognition of a loss contingency accrual that could 
have a material adverse impact on our results of operations, financial position and liquidity. 

New cases may continue to be filed against NL. We cannot assure you that we will not incur liability in the future in respect 
of any of the pending or possible litigation in view of the inherent uncertainties involved in court and jury rulings. In the future, if new 
information regarding such matters becomes available to us (such as a final, non-appealable adverse verdict against us or otherwise 
ultimately  being  found  liable  with  respect  to  such  matters),  at  that  time  we  would  consider  such  information  in  evaluating  any 
remaining cases then-pending against us as to whether it might then have become probable we have incurred liability with respect to 
these matters, and whether such liability, if any, could have become reasonably estimable. The resolution of any of these cases could 
result in the recognition of a loss contingency accrual that could have a material adverse impact on our net income for the interim or 
annual  period  during  which  such  liability  is  recognized  and  a  material  adverse  impact  on  our  consolidated  financial  condition  and 
liquidity. 

Environmental matters and litigation 

Our  operations  are  governed  by  various  environmental  laws  and  regulations.  Certain  of  our  businesses  are  and  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 and regulations. As with other companies engaged in similar businesses, certain of our past 
and current operations and products have the potential to cause environmental or other damage. We have implemented and continue to 
implement various policies and programs in an effort to minimize these risks. Our policy is to maintain compliance with applicable 
environmental laws and regulations at all of our plants and to strive to improve environmental performance. From time to time, we 
may be subject to environmental regulatory enforcement under U.S. and non-U.S. statutes, the resolution of which typically involves 
the establishment of compliance programs. It is possible that future developments, such as stricter requirements of environmental laws 
and  enforcement  policies,  could  adversely  affect  our  production,  handling,  use,  storage,  transportation,  sale  or  disposal  of  such 
substances. We believe that all of our facilities are in substantial compliance with applicable environmental laws. 

Certain properties and facilities used in NL’s former operations, including divested primary and secondary lead smelters and 
former mining locations, are the subject of civil litigation, administrative proceedings or investigations arising under federal and state 
environmental  laws  and  common  law.  Additionally,  in  connection  with  past  operating  practices,  we  are  currently  involved  as  a 
defendant, potentially responsible party (“PRP”) or both, pursuant to the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and 
Liability  Act,  as  amended  by  the  Superfund  Amendments  and  Reauthorization  Act  (“CERCLA”),  and  similar  state  laws  in  various 
governmental and private actions associated with waste disposal sites, mining locations, and facilities that we or our predecessors, our 
subsidiaries  or  their  predecessors  currently  or  previously  owned,  operated  or  used,  certain  of  which  are  on  the  United  States 
Environmental Protection Agency’s (“EPA”) Superfund National Priorities List or similar state lists. These proceedings seek cleanup 
costs, damages for personal injury or property damage and/or damages for injury to natural resources. Certain of these proceedings 
involve claims for substantial amounts. Although we may be jointly and severally liable for these costs, in most cases we are only one 
of a number of PRPs who may also be jointly and severally liable, and among whom costs may be shared or allocated. In addition, we 
are  occasionally  named  as  a  party  in  a  number  of  personal  injury  lawsuits  filed  in  various  jurisdictions  alleging  claims  related  to 
environmental conditions alleged to have resulted from our operations. 

Obligations associated with environmental remediation and related matters are difficult to assess and estimate for numerous 

reasons including the: 

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

complexity and differing interpretations of governmental regulations, 

number of PRPs and their ability or willingness to fund such allocation of costs, 

financial capabilities of the PRPs and the allocation of costs among them, 

solvency of other PRPs, 

multiplicity of possible solutions, 

number of years of investigatory, remedial and monitoring activity required, 

uncertainty  over  the  extent,  if  any,  to  which  our  former  operations  might  have  contributed  to  the  conditions  allegedly 
giving rise to such personal injury, property damage, natural resource and related claims, and 

number of years between former operations and notice of claims and lack of information and documents about the former 
operations. 

F-51

In  addition,  the  imposition  of  more  stringent  standards  or  requirements  under  environmental  laws  or  regulations,  new 
developments or changes regarding site cleanup costs or the allocation of costs among PRPs, solvency of other PRPs, the results of 
future testing and analysis undertaken with respect to certain sites or a determination that we are potentially responsible for the release 
of hazardous substances at other sites, could cause our expenditures to exceed our current estimates. We cannot assure you that actual 
costs  will  not  exceed  accrued  amounts  or  the  upper  end  of  the  range  for  sites  for  which  estimates  have  been  made,  and  we  cannot 
assure you that costs will not be incurred for sites where no estimates presently can be made. Further, additional environmental and 
related  matters  may  arise  in  the  future.  If  we  were  to  incur  any  future  liability,  this  could  have  a  material  adverse  effect  on  our 
consolidated financial statements, results of operations and liquidity. 

We record liabilities related to environmental remediation and related matters (including costs associated with damages 
for  personal  injury  or  property  damage  and/or  damages  for  injury  to  natural  resources)  when  estimated  future  expenditures  are 
probable  and  reasonably  estimable.  We  adjust  such  accruals  as  further  information  becomes  available  to  us  or  as  circumstances 
change. Unless the amounts and timing of such estimated future expenditures are fixed and reasonably determinable, we generally do 
not  discount  estimated  future  expenditures  to  their  present  value  due  to  the  uncertainty  of  the  timing  of  the  payout.  We  recognize 
recoveries  of  costs  from  other  parties,  if  any,  as  assets  when  their  receipt  is  deemed  probable.  At  December 31,  2016  and  2017, 
receivables for recoveries were not significant. 

We  do  not  know  and  cannot  estimate  the  exact  time  frame  over  which  we  will  make  payments  for  our  accrued 
environmental and related costs. The timing of payments depends upon a number of factors, including but not limited to the timing of 
the actual remediation process; which in turn depends on factors outside of our control. At each balance sheet date, we estimate the 
amount of our accrued environmental and related costs which we expect to pay within the next twelve months, and we classify this 
estimate as a current liability. We classify the remaining accrued environmental costs as a noncurrent liability. 

The table below presents a summary of the activity in our accrued environmental costs during 2015, 2016, and 2017 are 

presented below. 

2015

Years ended December 31,
2016
(In millions)

2017

Balance at the beginning of the year .............................. $
Additions charged to expense, net .................................
Payments, net .................................................................
Changes in currency exchange rates and other ..............
Balance at the end of the year ........................................ $
Amounts recognized in our Consolidated Balance 

Sheet at the end of the year:

Current liabilities .................................................. $
Noncurrent liabilities ............................................

Total ............................................................ $

118.5
5.7
(3.5)
(.3)
120.4

11.7
108.7
120.4

$

$

$

$

120.4
5.9
(3.7)
—   
122.6

15.3
107.3
122.6

$

$

$

$

122.6
4.1
(9.1)
(.1)
117.5

6.8
110.7
117.5

NL—On a quarterly basis, NL evaluates the potential range of its liability for environmental remediation and related costs 
at sites where it has been named as a PRP or defendant. At December 31, 2017, NL had accrued approximately $112 million related to 
approximately 39 sites associated with remediation and related matters that it believes are at the present time and/or in their current 
phase reasonably estimable. The upper end of the range of reasonably possible costs to NL for remediation and related matters for 
which we believe it is possible to estimate costs is approximately $154 million, including the amount currently accrued. 

F-52

 
NL believes that it is not reasonably possible to estimate the range of costs for certain sites. At December 31, 2017, there 
were approximately 5 sites for which NL is not currently able to estimate a range of costs. For these sites, generally the investigation 
is in the early stages, and NL is unable to determine whether or not NL actually had any association with the site, the nature of its 
responsibility, if any, for the contamination at the site and the extent of contamination at and cost to remediate the site. The timing and 
availability  of  information  on  these  sites  is  dependent  on  events  outside  of  our  control,  such  as  when  the  party  alleging  liability 
provides information to us. At certain of these previously inactive sites, NL has received general and special notices of liability from 
the  EPA  and/or  state  agencies  alleging  that  NL,  sometimes  with  other  PRPs,  are  liable  for  past  and  future  costs  of  remediating 
environmental  contamination  allegedly  caused  by  former  operations.  These  notifications  may  assert  that  NL,  along  with  any  other 
alleged PRPs, are liable for past and/or future clean-up costs. As further information becomes available to us for any of these sites 
which would allow us to estimate a range of costs, we would at that time adjust our accruals. Any such adjustment could result in the 
recognition of an accrual that would have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements, results of operations and liquidity. 

Other—We have also accrued approximately $5.5 million at December 31, 2017 for other environmental cleanup matters. 

This accrual is near the upper end of the range of our estimate of reasonably possible costs for such matters. 

Insurance coverage claims 

We  are  involved  in  certain  legal  proceedings  with  a  number  of  our  former  insurance  carriers  regarding  the  nature  and 
extent of the carriers’ obligations to us under insurance policies with respect to certain lead pigment and asbestos lawsuits. The issue 
of  whether  insurance  coverage  for  defense  costs  or  indemnity  or  both  will  be  found  to  exist  for  our  lead  pigment  and  asbestos 
litigation depends upon a variety of factors and we cannot assure you that such insurance coverage will be available. 

We have agreements with three former insurance carriers pursuant to which the carriers reimburse us for a portion of our 
future lead pigment litigation defense costs, and one such carrier reimburses us for a portion of our future asbestos litigation defense 
costs. We are not able to determine how much we will ultimately recover from these carriers for defense costs incurred by us because 
of certain issues that arise regarding which defense costs qualify for reimbursement. While we continue to seek additional insurance 
recoveries, we do not know if we will be successful in obtaining reimbursement for either defense costs or indemnity. Accordingly, 
we recognize insurance recoveries in income only when receipt of the recovery is probable and we are able to reasonably estimate the 
amount of the recovery. 

In January 2014, we were served with a complaint in Certain Underwriters at Lloyds, London, et al v. NL Industries, Inc. 
(Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of New York, Index No. 14/650103).  The plaintiff, a former insurance carrier of 
ours, is seeking a declaratory judgment of its obligations to us under insurance policies issued to us by the plaintiff with respect to 
certain lead pigment lawsuits.  The case is now proceeding in the trial court.  We believe the action is without merit and intend to 
defend NL’s rights in this action vigorously.

In February 2014, we were served with a complaint in Zurich American Insurance Company, as successor-in-interest to 
Zurich  Insurance  Company,  U.S.  Branch  vs.  NL  Industries,  Inc.,  and  The  People  of  the  State  of  California,  acting  by  and  through 
county Counsels of Santa Clara, Alameda, Los Angeles, Monterey, San Mateo, Solano and Ventura Counties and the city Attorneys of 
Oakland, San Diego, and San Francisco, et al (Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara, Case No.: 1-14-CV-259924). In 
January 2015, an Order of Deposit Under CCP § 572 was entered by the trial court.

Other litigation 

NL—– NL has been named as a defendant in various lawsuits in several jurisdictions, alleging personal injuries as a result 
of occupational exposure primarily to products manufactured by our former operations containing asbestos, silica and/or mixed dust. 
In addition, some plaintiffs allege exposure to asbestos from working in various facilities previously owned and/or operated by NL. 
There  are  101  of  these  types  of  cases  pending,  involving  a  total  of  approximately  574  plaintiffs.  In  addition,  the  claims  of 
approximately 8,676 plaintiffs have been administratively dismissed or placed on the inactive docket in Ohio courts. We do not expect 
these claims will be re-opened unless the plaintiffs meet the courts’ medical criteria for asbestos-related claims. We have not accrued 
any amounts for this litigation because of the uncertainty of liability and inability to reasonably estimate the liability, if any. To date, 
we have not been adjudicated liable in any of these matters. Based on information available to us, including: 

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

facts concerning historical operations, 

the rate of new claims, 

the number of claims from which we have been dismissed, and 

our prior experience in the defense of these matters, 

F-53

We  believe  that  the  range  of  reasonably  possible  outcomes  of  these  matters  will  be  consistent  with  our  historical  costs 
(which  are  not  material).  Furthermore,  we  do  not  expect  any  reasonably  possible  outcome  would  involve  amounts  material  to  our 
consolidated  financial  position,  results  of  operations  or  liquidity.  We  have  sought  and  will  continue  to  vigorously  seek,  dismissal 
and/or a finding of no liability from each claim. In addition, from time to time, we have received notices regarding asbestos or silica 
claims purporting to be brought against former subsidiaries, including notices provided to insurers with which we have entered into 
settlements extinguishing certain insurance policies. These insurers may seek indemnification from us. 

Kronos—  In  March  2013,  Kronos  was  served  with  the  complaint,  Los  Gatos  Mercantile,  Inc.  d/b/a  Los  Gatos  Ace 
Hardware, et al v. E.I. Du Pont de Nemours and Company, et al. (United States District Court, for the Northern District of California, 
Case  No. 3:13-cv-01180-SI).    The  defendants  include  us,  E.I.  Du  Pont  de  Nemours &  Company,  Huntsman  International  LLC  and 
Millennium Inorganic Chemicals, Inc.  As amended by plaintiffs’ third amended complaint (Harrison, Jan, et al v. E.I. Du Pont de 
Nemours and Company, et al), plaintiffs seek to represent a class consisting of indirect purchasers of titanium dioxide in the states of 
Arizona,  Arkansas,  California,  the  District  of  Columbia,  Florida,  Iowa,  Kansas,  Massachusetts,  Michigan,  Minnesota,  Mississippi, 
Missouri,  Nebraska,  New  Hampshire,  New  Mexico,  New  York,  North  Carolina,  Oregon  and  Tennessee  that  indirectly  purchased 
titanium dioxide from one or more of the defendants on or after March 1, 2002.  The complaint alleges that the defendants conspired 
and combined to fix, raise, maintain, and stabilize the price at which titanium dioxide was sold in the United States and engaged in 
other anticompetitive conduct.  In December 2017, the Court preliminarily approved a settlement agreement with the class plaintiffs.  
Without admitting any fault or wrongdoing, Kronos agreed to pay an immaterial amount in full settlement of this matter.  We expect 
final approval of the settlement in 2018.

In  September  2016,  Kronos  was  served  with  the  complaint,  Home  Depot  U.S.A.,  Inc.  v.  E.I.  Dupont  Nemours  and 
Company,  et  al.  (United  States  District  Court,  for  the  Northern  District  of  California,  Case  No.  3:16-cv-04865).    The  defendants 
include  us,  E.I.  Du  Pont  de  Nemours  &  Company,  Huntsman  International  LLC  and  Millennium  Inorganic  Chemicals,  Inc.    The 
plaintiff  alleges  that  it  indirectly  purchased  titanium  dioxide  from  one  or  more  of  the  defendants  on  or  after  March  1,  2002.    The 
complaint alleges that the defendants conspired and combined to fix, raise, maintain, and stabilize the price at which titanium dioxide 
was sold in the United States and engaged in other anticompetitive conduct.  The case is now proceeding in the trial court.  We believe 
the action is without merit, will deny all allegations of wrongdoing and liability and intend to defend against the action vigorously.  
Based  on  our  quarterly  status  evaluation  of  this  case,  we  have  determined  that  it  is  not  reasonably  possible  that  a  loss  has  been 
incurred in this case.

Other—In  addition  to  the  litigation  described  above,  we  and  our  affiliates  are  involved  in  various  other  environmental, 
contractual, product liability, patent (or intellectual property), employment and other claims and disputes incidental to our present and 
former businesses. In certain cases, we have insurance coverage for these items, although we do not expect any additional material 
insurance  coverage  for  our  environmental  claims.  We  currently  believe  that  the  disposition  of  all  of  these  various  other  claims and 
disputes  (including  asbestos-related  claims),  individually  or  in  the  aggregate,  should  not  have  a  material  adverse  effect  on  our 
consolidated financial position, results of operations or liquidity beyond the accruals already provided. 

Other matters 

Concentrations of credit risk—Sales of TiO2 accounted for approximately 92% of our Chemicals Segment’s sales in 2015, 
93% in 2016 and 94% in 2017. The remaining sales result from the mining and sale of ilmenite ore (a raw material used in the sulfate 
pigment  production  process),  and  the  manufacture  and  sale  of  iron-based  water  treatment  chemicals  and  certain  titanium  chemical 
products (derived from co-products of the TiO2 production processes). TiO2 is generally sold to the paint, plastics and paper industries. 
Such markets are generally considered “quality-of-life” markets whose demand for TiO2 is influenced by the relative economic well-
being  of  the  various  geographic  regions.  Our  Chemicals  Segment  sells  TiO2  to  over  4,000  customers,  with  the  top  ten  customers 
approximating 34% of our Chemicals Segment’s net sales in 2015, 33% in 2016 and 34% in 2017.   In each of 2015 and 2016 one 
customer, Behr Process Corporation, accounted for approximately 10% of our Chemicals Segment’s net sales. The table below shows 
the  approximate  percentage  of  our  TiO2  sales  by  volume  for  our  significant  markets,  Europe  and  North  America,  for  the  last  three 
years. 

Europe ............................................................
North America ...............................................

2015
52%
29%

2016
51%
29%

2017
50%
31%

Our Component Products Segment’s products are sold primarily in North America to original equipment manufacturers. 
The ten largest customers related to our Component Product’s Segment accounted for approximately 48% of our Component Products 
Segment’s sales in 2015, 46% in 2016, and 44% in 2017. United States Postal Service, a customer of the security products reporting 

F-54

 
unit,  accounted  for  approximately  13%  of  the  Component  Products  Segment’s  total  sales  in  2015,14%  in  2016  and  16%  in  2017.  
Harley Davidson, also a customer of the security products reporting unit, accounted for approximately 12% in 2015 and 11% in 2016.  

Our Real Estate Management and Development Segment’s revenues are land sales income and water and electric delivery 
fees.    During  2015  we  had  sales  to  four  customers  that  each  exceeded  10%  of  our  Real  Estate  Management  and  Development 
Segment’s net sales: Richmond Homes of Nevada (27%), LV East Gibson, LLC (17%), and Prologis, L.P. (11%) are all relate to land 
sales;  the  City  of  Henderson  (15%)  relates  to  our  water  delivery  services.    During  2016  we  had  sales  to  three  customers  that  each 
exceeded  10%  of  our  Real  Estate  Management  and  Development  Segment’s  net  sales:  Grey  Stone  Nevada  LLC  (34%),  Richmond 
Homes  of  Nevada  (15%)  and  Henderson  Interchange  Centers  LLC  (12%).    During  2017  we  had  sales  to  three  customers  that  each 
exceeded  10%  of  our  Real  Estate  Management  and  Development  Segment’s  net  sales:  Richmond  Homes  of  Nevada  (37%),  Grey 
Stone Nevada LLC (22%) both related to land sales, and the City of Henderson (11%) related to water delivery sales.

Long-term  contracts—Our  Chemicals  Segment  has  long-term  supply  contracts  that  provide  for  certain  of  our  TiO2 
feedstock  requirements  through  2019.  The  agreements  require  Kronos  to  purchase  certain  minimum  quantities  of  feedstock  with 
minimum  purchase  commitments  aggregating  approximately  $383 million  over  the  life  of  the  contracts  in  years  subsequent  to 
December 31, 2017. In addition, our Chemicals Segment has other long-term supply and service contracts that provide for various raw 
materials and services. These agreements require Kronos to purchase certain minimum quantities or services with minimum purchase 
commitments aggregating approximately $128 million at December 31, 2017. 

Operating leases—Our Chemicals Segment’s principal German operating subsidiary leases the land under its Leverkusen 
TiO2 production facility pursuant to a lease with Bayer AG that expires in 2050. The Leverkusen facility itself, which our Chemicals 
Segment  owns  and  which  represents  approximately  one-third  of  its  current  TiO2  production  capacity,  is  located  within  Bayer’s 
extensive  manufacturing  complex.  Kronos  periodically  establishes  the  amount  of  rent  for  the  land  lease  associated  with  the 
Leverkusen facility by agreement with Bayer for periods of at least two years at a time. The lease agreement provides for no formula, 
index  or  other  mechanism  to  determine  changes  in  the  rent  for  such  land  lease;  rather,  any  change  in  the  rent  is  subject  solely  to 
periodic  negotiation  between  Bayer  and  Kronos.  We  recognize  any  change  in  the  rent  based  on  such  negotiations  as  part  of  lease 
expense  starting  from  the  time  such  change  is  agreed  upon  by  both  parties,  as  any  such  change  in  the  rent  is  deemed  “contingent 
rentals” under GAAP. Under the terms of various supply and services agreements majority-owned subsidiaries of Bayer provides raw 
materials,  including  chlorine,  auxiliary  and  operating  materials,  utilities  and  services  necessary  to  operate  the  Leverkusen  facility. 
These  agreements,  as  amended,  expire  in  2018  through  2021.    We  expect  to  renew  these  agreements  prior  to  expiration  at  similar 
terms and conditions.  

We also lease various other manufacturing facilities and equipment. Some of the leases contain purchase and/or various 
term renewal options at fair market and fair rental values, respectively. In most cases we expect that, in the normal course of business, 
such leases will be renewed or replaced by other leases. Net rent expense approximated $14.7  million in 2015 and $14.3 million in 
2016 and $16.3 million in 2017. At December 31, 2017, future minimum payments under non-cancellable operating leases having an 
initial or remaining term of more than one year were as follows: 

Years ending December 31,

2018............................................................................................. $
2019.............................................................................................
2020.............................................................................................
2021.............................................................................................
2022.............................................................................................
2023 and thereafter......................................................................

Total (1) ............................................................................. $

Amount
(In millions)

8.3
7.1
6.1
5.2
3.1
24.9
54.7

(1) Approximately $17 million of the $54.7 million aggregate future minimum rental commitments at December 31, 2017 relates to 
Kronos’  Leverkusen  facility  lease  discussed  above.  The  minimum  commitment  amounts  for  such  lease  included  in  the  table 
above for each year through the 2050 expiration of the lease are based upon the current annual rental rate as of December 31, 
2017.  As  discussed  above,  any  change  in  the  rent  is  based  solely  on  negotiations  between  Bayer  and  Kronos,  and  any  such 
change  in  the  rent  is  deemed  “contingent  rentals”  under  GAAP  which  is  excluded  from  the  future  minimum  lease  payments 
disclosed above. 

Income taxes—Prior to 2015, NL made certain pro-rata distributions to its stockholders in the form of shares of Kronos 
common stock. All of NL’s distributions of Kronos common stock were taxable to NL and NL recognized a taxable gain equal to the 
difference between the fair market value of the Kronos shares distributed on the various dates of distribution and NL’s adjusted tax 
basis in the shares at the dates of distribution. NL transferred shares of Kronos common stock to us in satisfaction of the tax liability 

F-55

 
related to NL’s gain on the transfer or distribution of these shares of Kronos common stock and the tax liability generated from the use 
of Kronos shares to settle the tax liability. To date, we have not paid the liability to Contran because Contran has not paid the liability 
to  the  applicable  tax  authority. The  income  tax  liability  will  become  payable  to  Contran,  and  by  Contran  to  the  applicable  tax 
authority, when the shares of Kronos transferred or distributed by NL to us are sold or otherwise transferred outside the Contran Tax 
Group or in the event of certain restructuring transactions involving us. We have recognized deferred income taxes for our investment 
in Kronos common stock. 

We are a party to a tax sharing agreement with Contran providing for the allocation of tax liabilities and tax payments as 
described  in  Note  1.  Under  applicable  law,  we,  as  well  as  every  other  member  of  the  Contran  Tax  Group,  are  each  jointly  and 
severally liable for the aggregate federal income tax liability of Contran and the other companies included in the Contran Tax Group 
for all periods in which we are included in the Contran Tax Group. Contran has agreed, however, to indemnify us for any liability for 
income taxes of the Contran Tax Group in excess of our tax liability computed in accordance with the tax sharing agreement.            

Owner  Participation  Agreement  of  Real  Estate  Management  and  Development  Segment  —Under  an  Owner 
Participation Agreement (“OPA”) entered into by LandWell with the Redevelopment Agency of the City of Henderson, Nevada, if 
LandWell  develops  certain  real  property  for  commercial  and  residential  purposes  in  a  master  planned  community  in  Henderson, 
Nevada, the cost of certain public infrastructure may be reimbursed to us through tax increment.  The maximum reimbursement under 
the OPA is $209 million, and is subject to, among other things, completing construction of approved qualifying public infrastructure, 
transferring  title  of  such  infrastructure  to  the  City  of  Henderson,  receiving  approval  from  the  Redevelopment  Agency  of  the  funds 
expended to be eligible for tax increment reimbursement and the existence of a sufficient property tax valuation base and property tax 
rates in order to generate tax increment reimbursement funds.   We are entitled to receive 75% of the tax increment generated by the 
master  planned  community  through  2036,  subject  to  the  qualifications  and  limitations  indicated  above.    Due  to  the  significant 
uncertainty of the timing and amount of any of such potential tax increment reimbursements, we recognize any such tax increment 
reimbursements only when received, see Note 12.

Note 19—Financial instruments: 

The following table summarizes the valuation of our short-term investments and financial instruments by the ASC Topic 

820 categories as of December 31, 2016 and 2017: 

Fair Value Measurements
Quoted
Prices in
Active
Markets
(Level 1)

Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)

(In millions)

Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)

Total

Asset (liability)
December 31, 2016:

Marketable securities:

Current .................................................. $
Noncurrent ............................................
Interest rate swap............................................

$

4.4
253.5

(3.1 ) $

December 31, 2017:

Marketable securities:

Current .................................................. $
Noncurrent ............................................

$

3.0
255.7

$

$

$

—  
.6
—  

—  
1.3

$

4.4
2.9
(3.1 ) $

$

3.0
4.4

— 
250.0
— 

— 
250.0

See Note 6 for information on how we determine the fair value of our marketable securities. 

F-56

 
Certain  of  our  sales  generated  by  Chemicals  Segment’s  non-U.S.  operations  are  denominated  in  U.S.  dollars.  Our 
Chemicals  Segment  periodically  uses  currency  forward  contracts  to  manage  a  very  nominal  portion  of  currency  exchange  rate  risk 
associated with trade receivables denominated in a currency other than the holder’s functional currency or similar exchange rate risk 
associated with future sales. Derivatives that we use are primarily currency forward contracts and interest rate swaps.  We have not 
entered into these contracts for trading or speculative purposes in the past, nor do we currently anticipate entering into such contracts 
for trading or speculative purposes in the future. Derivatives used to hedge forecasted transactions and specific cash flows associated 
with  financial  assets  and  liabilities  denominated  in  currencies  other  than  the  U.S.  dollar  and  which  meet  the  criteria  for  hedge 
accounting are designated as cash flow hedges. Consequently, the effective portion of gains and losses is deferred as a component of 
accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and is recognized in earnings at the time the hedged item affects earnings. Contracts 
that  do  not  meet  the  criteria  for  hedge  accounting  are  marked-to-market  at  each  balance  sheet  date  with  any  resulting  gain  or  loss 
recognized  in  income  currently  as  part  of  net  currency  transactions.  The  fair  value  of  the  currency  forward  contracts  is  determined 
using Level 1 inputs based on the currency spot forward rates quoted by banks or currency dealers. 

At December 31, 2017, Kronos had no currency forward contracts outstanding. We did not use hedge accounting for any 

of our contracts to the extent we held such contracts during 2015, 2016 and 2017. 

Interest rate swap contract - As part of our interest rate risk management strategy, in August 2015 Kronos entered into a 
pay-fixed/receive-variable interest rate swap contract with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. to minimize our exposure to volatility in LIBOR 
as it relates to our forecasted outstanding variable-rate indebtedness.  Under this interest rate swap, we paid a fixed rate of 2.016% per 
annum, payable quarterly, and received a variable rate of three-month LIBOR (subject to a 1.00% floor), also payable quarterly, in 
each case based on the notional amount of the swap then outstanding.  The effective date of the swap contract was September 30, 2015.  
The notional amount of the swap started at $344.8 million and declined by $875,000 each quarter beginning December 31, 2015, with 
an  original  final  maturity  of  the  swap  contract  in  February  2020.        This  swap  contract  was  designated  as  a  cash  flow  hedge  and 
qualified as an effective hedge at inception under ASC Topic 815 in respect of our term loan indebtedness.  The effective portion of 
changes in fair value on this interest rate swap was recorded as a component of other comprehensive income, net of deferred income 
taxes.  Commencing in the fourth quarter of 2015, as interest expense accrued on LIBOR-based variable rate debt, we classified the 
amount we paid under the pay-fixed leg of the swap and the amount we receive under the receive-variable leg of the swap as part of 
interest  expense,  with  the  net  effect  that  the  amount  of  interest  expense  we  recognize  on  our  LIBOR-based  variable  rate  debt  each 
quarter, as it relates to the notional amount of the swap outstanding each quarter, to be based on a fixed rate of 2.016% per annum in 
lieu of the level of LIBOR prevailing during the quarter.  

In September 2017, in connection with the voluntary prepayment and termination of Kronos’ term loan discussed in Note 
8, Kronos voluntarily terminated this swap contract, as it no longer had any exposure to volatility in respect of LIBOR.  The cost to us 
to  early  terminate  the  swap  contract  was  $3.3  million,  which  was  paid  to  Wells  Fargo  concurrent  with  the  termination.    Such  $3.3 
million charge is classified as part of our loss on prepayment of debt discussed in Note 9.  Such $3.3 million amount is also classified 
as part of the cash paid for interest disclosed in our Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the year ended December 31, 
2017. 

During 2015, 2016 and 2017 (prior to the termination of the interest rate swap contract), a pretax unrealized loss arising 
during the periods of $4.4 million, $3.1 million and $2.3 million, respectively, was recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) 
related to the interest rate swap.  During such periods, $.9 million, $3.5 million and $2.1 million, respectively, were reclassified from 
accumulated  other  comprehensive  loss  into  earnings  and  are  included  in  interest  expense  in  our  Consolidated  Statements  of 
Operations.    From  the  inception  of  the  swap  until  the  swap  contract  termination,  there  had  been  no  gains  or  losses  recognized  in 
earnings representing hedge ineffectiveness with respect to the interest rate swap.   The fair value of the interest rate swap contract at 
December 31, 2016 was a $3.1 million liability including $2.9 million recognized as part of accounts payable and accrued liabilities 
and $.2 million recognized as part of other noncurrent liabilities in our Consolidated Balance Sheet.  See Notes 9 and 10. 

F-57

   
The  following  table  presents  the  financial  instruments  that  are  not  carried  at  fair  value  but  which  require  fair  value 

disclosure as of December 31, 2016 and 2017: 

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash 

equivalents..........................................................   $
Deferred payment obligation ..................................    
Long-term debt (excluding capitalized leases):

Kronos term loan ...........................................   $
Kronos Senior Notes .....................................
Snake River Sugar Company fixed rate 

loans..........................................................    
Valhi credit facility with Contran..................    
Tremont promissory note payable .................    
BMI bank note payable .................................    
LandWell note payable to the City of 

Henderson .................................................    

December 31, 2016

December 31, 2017

Carrying
amount

Fair
value

Carrying
amount

Fair
value

174.8    $
9.0     

335.9    $
—  

250.0     
278.9     
14.5     
8.4     

(In millions)

174.8    $
9.0     

334.6    $
—  

250.0     
278.9     
14.5     
8.5     

461.7    $
9.3     

—      $

471.1

250.0     
284.3     
13.1     
18.8     

461.7  
9.3  

—    

495.1

250.0  
284.3  
13.1  
19.7  

2.9     

2.9     

2.5     

2.5  

At  December  31,  2016,  the  estimated  market  price  of  Kronos’  term  loan  was  $983  per  $1,000  principal  amount.  At 
December 31, 2017, the estimated market price of Kronos’ Senior Notes was €1,034 per €1,000 principal amount.  The fair value of 
Kronos’ term loan and Senior Notes was based on quoted market prices; however, these quoted market prices represent Level 2 inputs 
because  the  markets  in  which  the  term  loan  trades  were  not  active.   The  fair  value  of  our  fixed-rate  nonrecourse  loans  from  Snake 
River Sugar Company is based upon the $250 million redemption price of our investment in the Amalgamated Sugar Company LLC, 
which collateralizes the nonrecourse loans, (this is a Level 3 input). Fair values of variable interest rate notes receivable and debt and 
other  fixed-rate  debt  are  deemed  to  approximate  book  value.  Due  to  their  near-term  maturities,  the  carrying  amounts  of  accounts 
receivable and accounts payable are considered equivalent to fair value. See Notes 5 and 9. 

Note 20—Recent accounting pronouncements: 

Adopted 

In  January  2017,  the  FASB  issued  ASU  2017-04,  Intangibles— Goodwill  and  Other  (Topic  350)  Simplifying  the  Test  for 
Goodwill  Impairment,  which  aims  to  simplify  the  subsequent  measurement  of  goodwill  by  eliminating  Step  2  from  the  goodwill 
impairment test.  Previously, Step 2 measured a goodwill impairment loss by comparing the implied fair value of a reporting unit’s 
goodwill  with  the  carrying  amount  of  that  goodwill.    Instead,  under  the  new  ASU,  an  entity  should  perform  its  annual,  or  interim, 
goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, and a goodwill impairment charge 
would be recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value. In no circumstances would 
the loss recognized exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. We have elected to adopt this ASU beginning 
with our goodwill impairment test performed in the third quarter of 2017. The application of ASU 2017-04 did not have a material 
effect on our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. 

In February 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2018-02, 
Income  Statement  –  Reporting  Comprehensive  Income  (Topic  220),  which  permits  a  reclassification  from  accumulated  other 
comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the 2017 Tax Act.  The reclassification permitted by 
ASU 2018-02 is optional and is not required to be adopted, but if adopted it must be adopted by us no later than the first quarter of 
2019 (with early adoption permitted).  Consistent with Note 1, we have considered the optional nature of ASU 2018-02 and we have 
elected to not adopt the reclassification.                    

Pending Adoption

In  May  2014,  the  FASB  issued  ASU  No.  2014-09,  Revenue  from  Contracts  with  Customers  (Topic  606).   This  standard 
replaces existing revenue recognition guidance, which in many cases was tailored for specific industries, with a uniform accounting 
standard applicable to all industries and transactions.  The new standard, as amended, is currently effective for us beginning with the 
first quarter of 2018.  Entities may elect to adopt ASU No. 2014-09 retrospectively for all periods for all contracts and transactions 
which occurred during the period (with a few exceptions for practical expediency) or modified retrospectively with a cumulative effect 

F-58

 
 
  
    
 
 
  
    
    
    
 
 
  
 
     
       
     
        
 
  
    
    
    
  
recognized  as  of  the  date  of  adoption.   We  will  adopt  the  standard  in  the  first  quarter  of  2018  including  the  expanded  disclosure 
requirements  using  the  modified  retrospective  approach  to  adoption.  We  have  completed  an  evaluation  of  our  sales  within  our 
Chemicals  and  Component  Products  Segments  which  generally  involve  single  performance  obligations  to  ship  goods  pursuant  to 
customer  purchase  orders  without  further  underlying  contracts,  and  as  such  we  believe  the  adoption  of  this  standard  will  have  a 
minimal  effect  on  our  revenues  from  these  Segments.  Revenues  from  our  Real  Estate  Management  and  Development  Segment  are 
generally under long-term contract and we believe certain fees we collect from builders when the builder sells a home to a customer 
which are currently recognized when received will need to be estimated and recognized as revenue at the time we sell the parcels to 
the  builder  versus  our  current  practice  which  does  not  recognize  revenue  until  the  homes  are  sold.  We  will  recognize  additional 
revenue in our Real Estate Management and Development Segment as a result of the transition to the new ASU in the first quarter of 
2018 related to this fee.  We are in the process of evaluating the additional disclosure requirements across all segments.

In  January  2016,  the  FASB  issued  ASU  2016-01,  Financial  Instruments-Overall  (Subtopic  825-10):    Recognition  and 
Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, which addresses certain aspects related to the recognition, measurement, 
presentation and disclosure of financial instruments.  The ASU requires equity investments (except for those accounted for under the 
equity  method  of  accounting  or  those  that  result  in  the  consolidation  of  the  investee)  to  generally  be  measured  at  fair  value  with 
changes in fair value recognized in net income.  The amendment also requires a number of other changes, including among others:  
simplifying  the  impairment  assessment  for  equity  instruments  without  readily  determinable  fair  values;  eliminating  the  requirement 
for public business entities to disclose methods and assumptions used to determine fair value for financial instruments measured at 
amortized  cost;  requiring  an  exit  price  notion  when  measuring  the  fair  value  of  financial  instruments  for  disclosure  purposes;  and 
requiring separate presentation of financial assets and liabilities by measurement category and form of asset.  The changes indicated 
above will be effective for us beginning in the first quarter of 2018, with prospective application required, and early adoption is not 
permitted.    The  most  significant  aspect  of  adopting  this  ASU  will  be  the  requirement  to  recognize  changes  in  fair  value  of  our 
available-for-sale marketable equity securities in net income (currently changes in fair value of such securities are recognized in other 
comprehensive income). 

In  February  2016,  the  FASB  issued  ASU  2016-02,  Leases  (Topic  842),  which  is  a  comprehensive  rewriting  of  the  lease 
accounting guidance which aims to increase comparability and transparency with regard to lease transactions.   The primary change 
will  be  the  recognition  of  lease  assets  for  the  right-of–use  of  the  underlying  asset  and  lease  liabilities  for  the  obligation  to  make 
payments  by  lessees  on  the  balance  sheet  for  leases  currently  classified  as  operating  leases.    The  ASU  also  requires  increased 
qualitative disclosure about leases in addition to quantitative disclosures currently required.  Companies are required to use a modified 
retrospective approach to adoption with a practical expedient which will allow companies to continue to account for existing leases 
under the prior guidance unless a lease is modified, other than the requirement to recognize the right-of-use asset and lease liability for 
all operating leases. The changes indicated above will be effective for us beginning in the first quarter of 2019, with early adoption is 
permitted.  We are currently in the process of assessing all of our current leases across all of our segments.  We have not yet evaluated 
the  effect  this  ASU  will  have  on  our  Consolidated  Financial  Statements,  but  given  the  material  amount  of  our  future  minimum 
payments under non-cancellable operating leases at December 31, 2017 discussed in Note 18, we expect to recognize a material right-
of-use lease asset and lease liability upon adoption of the ASU.

In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-07, Compensation— Retirement Benefits (Topic 715) Improving the Presentation of 
Net  Periodic  Pension  Cost  and  Net  Periodic  Postretirement  Benefit  Cost,  which  requires  that  the  service  cost  component  of  net 
periodic  defined  benefit  pension  and  OPEB  cost  be  reported  in  the  same  line  item  as  other  compensation  costs  for  applicable 
employees incurred during the period.  Other components of such net benefit cost are required to be presented in the income statement 
separately  from  the  service  cost  component,  and  below  income  from  operations  (if  such  a  subtotal  is  presented).    These  other  net 
benefit cost components must be disclosed either on the face of the financial statements or in the notes to the financial statements.  In 
addition only the service cost component is eligible for capitalization in assets where applicable (inventory or internally constructed 
fixed  assets  for  example).  The  amendments  in  ASU  2017-06  are  effective  for  us  beginning  with  in  the  first  quarter  of  2018,  early 
adoption  as  of  the  beginning  of  an  annual  period  is  permitted,  retrospective  presentation  is  required  for  the  income  statement 
presentation of the service cost component and other components of net benefit cost, and prospective application is required for the 
capitalization in assets of the service cost component of net benefit cost.    We expect to adopt this ASU in the first quarter of 2018.  
We currently include a substantial portion of our net periodic defined benefit pension cost as part of compensation expense which is 
capitalized  into  inventory,  and  we  do  not  present  a  subtotal  for  income  from  operations.    A  substantial  portion  of  our  net  periodic 
OPEB cost is not capitalized into assets, and the service cost component of our net periodic OPEB cost is not material.  Accordingly, 
adoption of this standard will change the amount of our aggregate compensation cost capitalized in inventory, mostly as it relates to 
our defined benefit pension plans.  As disclosed in Note 11, the service cost component represented approximately $9.9 million and 
$11.4 million of our total net periodic defined benefit pension costs of $22.9 million and $29.9 million in 2016 and 2017, respectively. 

F-59

Note 21—Quarterly results of operations (unaudited): 

   March 31

June 30

Sept. 30

Dec. 31

(In millions, except per share data)

Quarter ended

Year ended December 31, 2016
Net sales ..................................................................   $
Gross margin...........................................................    
Operating income....................................................    
Net income (loss) from continuing 

348.3    $
48.4     
.5 

387.5    $
64.7     
16.9    

393.1   $
85.7    
34.8    

operations........................................   $

(14.0)   $

(2.4)   $

13.3   $

Amounts attributable to Valhi stockholders:

Income (loss) from continuing 

operations(2) ...................................   $

Loss from discontinued operations (2)  ......

Net income (loss) .................................. $

Earnings per share:

Income (loss) from continuing 

operations........................................ $

Loss from discontinued operations .......

Basic and diluted income (loss)
   per share .................................................. $

Year ended December 31, 2017
Net sales .................................................................. $
Gross margin...........................................................
Operating income....................................................

Net income from continuing operations..... $

Amounts attributable to Valhi stockholders:

Income from continuing operations(2)  ...... $
Income (loss) from discontinued 

operations (2) ..................................
Net income ............................................ $

Earnings per share:

Income from continuing operations ...... $
Loss from discontinued operations .......
Basic and diluted income per share............   $

(1) We recognized the following amounts during 2016: 

(11.5)   $
(7.9)
(19.4) $

(.04) $
(.02)

(3.2)   $
(5.5)
(8.7) $

(.01) $
(.01)

7.3   $
(4.3)
3.0

$

$

.02
(.01)

(.06)   $

(.02)   $

.01   $

405.3    $
114.0     
60.1 
23.5    $

481.7    $
141.2     
78.8    
163.3   $

496.5   $
161.5    
98.6    
62.2   $

14.4    $

117.0   $

44.2   $

(1.7)
12.7

$

(108.2)
8.8

$

$

.04
— 
.04    $

$

.34
(.31)
.03   $

1.7
45.9

$

$

.13
— 
.13   $

390.5
101.4
55.2

24.1

15.5
(6.3)
9.2

.05
(.02)

.03

495.9
185.3
125.4
162.8

141.1

(1.0)
140.1

.41
—
.41

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

a pre-tax charge of $5.1 million in the first quarter  related to the contract related intangible asset impairment (see 
Note 7);

pre-tax  insurance  settlement  gains  of  $2.0  million,  $1.4  million  and  $.9  million  in  the  first,  second  and  fourth 
quarters, respectively, (see Note 14);

a current income tax benefit of $5.6 million in the third quarter and a current income tax expense of $2.2 million in 
the fourth quarter related to the execution and finalization of an Advance Pricing Agreement between the U.S. and 
Canada (see Note 14); 

non-cash  deferred  income  tax  expense  (benefit)  of  $2.9  million  and  $(.8)  million  and  $(4.3)  million  in  the  second, 
third  and  fourth  quarters,  respectively,  as  the  result  of  a  net  decrease  in  our  deferred  income  tax  asset  valuation 
allowance related to Kronos’ German and Belgian operations (see Note 14);

non-cash income tax expense of $7.2 million related to an increase in our reserve for uncertain tax positions, mostly 
in the fourth quarter; and

net income in the fourth quarter includes an immaterial out of period adjustment of $4.3 million ($2.7 million net of 
income tax) to correct for transaction costs related to the proposed sale of our Waste Management Segment incurred 
in earlier periods.     

F-60

 
 
  
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
  
 
     
 
    
       
       
 
  
   
 
  
     
   
 
 
  
 
 
  
     
   
  
 (2) We recognized the following amounts during 2017: 

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

 non-cash  deferred  income  tax  benefit  of  $5.0  million,  $157.6  million,  $7.8  million  and  $16.3  million  in  the  first, 
second, third and fourth quarters, respectively, as a result of the reversal of our deferred income tax asset valuation 
allowances associated with our Chemicals Segment’s German and Belgian operations, (see Note 14);

a pre-tax charge of $7.1 million in the third quarter related to the loss on prepayment of debt (see Note 9);

aggregate  income  tax  benefit  of  $11.8  million  related  to  the  execution  and  finalization  of  an  Advance  Pricing 
Agreement between Canada and Germany, mostly in the third quarter;

provisional current income tax expense of $76.2 million in the fourth quarter as a result of the 2017 Tax Act for the 
one-time repatriation tax imposed on the post-1986 undistributed earnings of our non-U.S. subsidiaries (see Note 14); 

non-cash  deferred  income  tax  benefit  of  $77.1  million  in  the  fourth  quarter  related  to  the  revaluation  of  our  net 
deferred income tax liability resulting from the reduction in the U.S. federal corporate income

non-cash deferred income tax benefit of $18.7 million in the fourth quarter as a result of the reversal of our deferred 
income  tax  asset  valuation  allowance  related  to  certain  U.S.  deferred  income  tax  assets  of  one  of  our  non-U.S. 
subsidiaries (which subsidiary is treated as a dual resident for U.S. income tax purposes) (see Note 14); and

aggregate provisional non-cash deferred income tax expense of $5.3 million in the fourth quarter related to a change 
in  our  conclusions  regarding  our  permanent  reinvestment  assertion  with  respect  to  the  post-1986  undistributed 
earnings of our European subsidiaries  (see Note 14).     

The sum of the quarterly per share amounts may not equal the annual per share amounts due to relative changes in the 

weighted average number of shares used in the per share computations. 

F-61

SUBSIDIARIES OF THE REGISTRANT 

Name of Corporation

ASC Holdings, Inc.

Andrews County Holdings, Inc.

Waste Control Specialists LLC (2)

Kronos Worldwide, Inc. (3)

NL Industries, Inc. (3), (4), (5)

CompX International Inc. (5)

Tremont LLC

TRECO LLC

Basic Management, Inc.

Basic Water Company
Basic Water Company SPE LLC
Basic Environmental Company LLC
Basic Power Company
Basic Remediation Company LLC
Basic Land Company

The LandWell Company LP (6)

Henderson Interchange Sign LLC

TRE Holding Corporation

TRE Management Company

Tall Pines Insurance Company

Medite Corporation

Impex Realty Holding, Inc.

Jurisdiction of
Incorporation
or Organization
Utah

Delaware
Delaware

Delaware

New Jersey
Delaware

Delaware
Nevada
Nevada
Nevada
Nevada
Nevada
Nevada
Nevada
Nevada
Delaware
Nevada

Delaware
Delaware
Vermont

Delaware

Delaware

EXHIBIT 21.1 

% of Voting
Securities
Held at
December 31,
2017 (1)

100%

100%
100%

50%

83%
87%

100%
100%
63%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
50%
100%

100%
100%
100%

100%

100%

(1) Held by the Registrant or the indicated subsidiary of the Registrant. 

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

Sold by the Registrant on January 26, 2018. 

Subsidiaries of Kronos are incorporated by reference to Exhibit 21.1 of Kronos’ Annual Report on Form 10-K 
for the year ended December 31, 2017 (File No. 333-100047). NL owns an additional 30% of Kronos directly. 

Subsidiaries of NL are incorporated by reference to Exhibit 21.1 of NL’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the 
year ended December 31, 2017 (File No. 1-640). 

Subsidiaries of CompX are incorporated by reference to Exhibit 21.1 of CompX’s Annual Report on Form 10-
K for the year ended December 31, 2017 (File No. 1-13905). 

(6)

TRECO LLC owns an additional 27% of The LandWell Company LP directly. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
[THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

Valhi, Inc.

Three Lincoln Centre

5430 LBJ Freeway, Suite 1700

Dallas, TX 75240-2697

(972) 233-1700