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Valhi, Inc.

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FY2020 Annual Report · Valhi, Inc.
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VALHI

2020

ANNUAL REPORT

VALHI, INC. CORPORATE AND OTHER INFORMATION

Board of Directors

Corporate Officers

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)
Emeritus Professor of Marketing at
Southern Methodist University

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

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

James W. Brown
Executive Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer

Andrew B. Nace
Executive Vice President and General
Counsel

Courtney J. Riley
Executive Vice President, Environmental
Affairs

John A. Sunny
Senior Vice President, Information
Technology

Steve S. Eaton
Vice President, Internal Control over
Financial Reporting

Jane R. Grimm
Vice President, Secretary and Associate
General Counsel

Bryan A. Hanley
Vice President and Treasurer

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

Kristin McCoy
Vice President, Tax

Amy A. Samford
Vice President and Controller

Darci B. Scott
Vice President, Tax - Financial Reporting

Michael S. Simmons
Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer

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 American 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 505000
Louisville, Kentucky 40233-5000
(877) 373-6374
http://www.computershare.com/investor

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

The 2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders
will be held at the Conference Center at
Three Lincoln Centre, 5430 LBJ Freeway,
Suite 350, Dallas, Texas 75240-2620, 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, 2020, 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 75240-2620

UNITED STATES
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, 2020

OR
☐  TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from       to
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)

87-0110150
(IRS Employer
Identification No.)

5430 LBJ Freeway, Suite 1700,
Dallas, Texas 75240-2620
(Address of principal executive offices) 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (972) 233-1700 

Title of each class

Common stock

Trading Symbol(s)

Name of each exchange on which registered

VHI

NYSE

No Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: 

Indicate by check mark: 
If the Registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    Yes  ☐    No  ☒ 

If the Registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.     Yes  ☐    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  ☐ 
Whether the Registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted 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 such files).    Yes  ☒    No  ☐ 

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

Large accelerated filer
Non-accelerated filer 
Emerging growth company

 ☐
 ☒  
☐

   Accelerated filer
   Smaller reporting 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. ☐

Whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 
404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report.   ☐

Whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).   Yes  ☐   No  ☒. 

The  aggregate  market  value  of  the  2.4 million  shares  of  voting  common  stock  held  by  nonaffiliates  of  Valhi,  Inc.  as  of  June 30,  2020  (the  last  business  day  of  the 
Registrant’s most recently-completed second fiscal quarter) approximated $25.3 million. 

Number of shares of the registrant’s common stock, $.01 par value per share, outstanding on March 1, 2021: 28,273,093. 

Documents incorporated by reference 

The information required by Part III is incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s definitive proxy statement to be filed with the Commission pursuant to Regulation 
14A not later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this report. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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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.,  Basic  Management,  Inc.  and  The 
LandWell Company. Kronos (NYSE: KRO), NL (NYSE: NL) and CompX (NYSE American: 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 75240-2620. 

Our telephone number is (972) 233-1700. We maintain a 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 92% of Valhi’s outstanding common stock at December 31, 2020. As discussed in Note 1 to our Consolidated Financial 
Statements, Lisa K. Simmons and a trust established for the benefit of Ms. Simmons and her late sister and their children (the “Family 
Trust”) may be deemed to control Contran and us. 

Key events in our history include: 

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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; 

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

1995—WCS begins start-up operations; 

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; 

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 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;

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

2018—In January we completed the sale of WCS; and

2020 – In December LandWell completed the first bulk sale of land within the Cadence planned community.

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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 and include, but are not limited to, the 
following: 

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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); 

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

General global economic and political conditions that harm the worldwide economy, disrupt our supply chain, increase 
material costs, reduce demand or perceived demand for TiO2, component products and land held for development or impair 
our ability to operate our facilities (including changes in the level of gross domestic product in various regions of the world, 
natural disasters, terrorist acts, global conflicts and public health crises such as COVID-19); 

Competitive products and substitute products;  

Customer and competitor strategies; 

Potential difficulties in integrating future acquisitions;

Potential difficulties in upgrading or implementing accounting and manufacturing software systems;

Potential consolidation of our competitors; 

Potential consolidation of our customers; 

The impact of pricing and production decisions; 

Competitive technology positions; 

Our ability to protect or defend intellectual property rights;

The introduction of trade barriers or trade disputes; 

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; 

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 and between the euro and the Norwegian krone) or possible disruptions to our 
business 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, cyber-attacks and public health crises such as COVID-19); 

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

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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 ability to utilize income tax attributes, the benefits of which may or may not 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) including new environmental health and safety regulations 
such as those seeking to limit or classify TiO2 or its use; 

The ultimate resolution of pending litigation (such as NL’s lead pigment and environmental matters); 

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. 

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Segments 

We currently have three consolidated reportable operating segments at December 31, 2020: 

Chemicals

Kronos Worldwide, Inc.

Component Products

CompX International Inc.

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.

is  a 

We operate in the component products industry through our 
leading 
majority  control  of  CompX.  CompX 
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  also  manufactures  stainless  steel 
exhaust 
controls,  wake 
enhancement  systems,  trim  tabs  and  related  hardware  and 
accessories for the recreational marine industry.   

systems,  gauges, 

throttle 

Real Estate Management and Development

Basic Management, Inc. and The LandWell Company

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. 

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, 7 and 12 to our Consolidated Financial Statements. 

CHEMICALS SEGMENT—KRONOS WORLDWIDE, INC. 

Business Overview 

Our  majority-controlled  subsidiary,  Kronos,  is  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.  Kronos, along with its distributors and agents, sells 
and provides technical services for its products to approximately 4,000 customers in 100 countries with the majority of sales in Europe, 
North  America  and  the  Asia  Pacific  region.    We  believe  that  Kronos  has  developed  considerable  expertise  and  efficiency  in  the 
manufacture, sale, shipment and service of its 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, 

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TiO2 consumption has grown at a compound annual growth rate of approximately 2% since 2000.  Per capita consumption of TiO2 in 
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 for the foreseeable future.  We believe Western Europe and North America currently 
each account for approximately 17% of global TiO2 consumption.  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 its predecessors, Kronos has produced and marketed TiO2 in North America and Europe, its primary markets, for 
over 100 years.  We believe Kronos is the largest producer of TiO2 in Europe with 46% of its 2020 sales volumes attributable to markets 
in Europe.  The table below shows Kronos’ market share for its significant markets, Europe and North America, for the last three years. 

Europe
North America

2018

2019

2020

13%
17%

18%
19%

17%
18%

We  believe  Kronos  is  the  leading  seller  of  TiO2  in  several  countries,  including  Germany,  with  an  estimated  9%  share  of 

worldwide TiO2 sales volume in 2020.  Overall, Kronos is one of the top five producers of TiO2 in the world.

Kronos  offers  its  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.  Kronos’ major 
customers include domestic and international paint, plastics, decorative laminate and paper manufacturers.  Kronos ships TiO2 to its 
customers  in  either  a  powder  or  slurry  form  via  rail,  truck  and/or  ocean  carrier.    Sales  of  Kronos’  core  TiO2  pigments  represented 
approximately 93% of our Chemicals Segment’s net sales in 2020.  Kronos and its agents and distributors primarily sell its products in 
three major end-use markets: coatings, plastics and paper. 

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

December 31, 2020: 

Sales volume percentages
by geographic region

Sales volume percentages
by end-use

Europe
North America
Asia Pacific
Rest of World

46%
36%
11%
7%

Coatings
Plastics
Paper
Other

58%
30%
6%
6%

Some of the principal applications for Kronos’ products include the following:

TiO2 for coatings – Kronos’ 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  –  Kronos  produces  TiO2  pigments  that  improve  the  optical  and  physical  properties  of  plastics,  including 
whiteness and opacity.  TiO2 is used to provide opacity to 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 – Kronos’ 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 Kronos sells its TiO2 to all segments of 
the paper end-use market, its 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 

- 5 -

 
 
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. 

TiO2 for other applications – Kronos produces 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.    Kronos’  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. 

Kronos produces 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.    Kronos’  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, Kronos’ 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). 

Kronos’ TiO2 business is enhanced by the following three complementary businesses, which comprised approximately 7% of 

our Chemicals Segment’s net sales in 2020: 

(cid:129) Kronos owns and operates 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.  Kronos supplies ilmenite to 
its sulfate plants in Europe.  Kronos also sells ilmenite ore to third parties, some of whom are its competitors, and Kronos 
sells 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) Kronos  manufactures  and  sells  iron-based  chemicals,  which  are  co-products  and  processed  co-products  of  sulfate  and 
chloride process TiO2 pigment production.  These co-product chemicals are marketed through its 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) Kronos manufactures and sells 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 products are used in 
pearlescent pigments, natural gas pipe and other specialty applications. 

Manufacturing, operations and properties

Kronos produces 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 remained stable relative to sulfate process pigments, and 
in 2020, chloride process production facilities represented approximately 45% 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). 

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

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.

Kronos produced 536,000 metric tons of TiO2 in 2018, 546,000 metric tons in 2019 and 517,000 metric tons of TiO2 in 2020.  
Kronos’ production volumes include its share of the output produced by its TiO2 manufacturing joint venture discussed below in “TiO2 

- 6 -

manufacturing joint venture.”  Kronos’ average production capacity utilization rates were at 95% in 2018, 98% in 2019 and 92% in 
2020.    Kronos’  TiO2  production  rates  in  2018  were  impacted  by  maintenance  activities  at  certain  facilities  and  by  the  first  quarter 
implementation of a productivity-enhancing improvement project at its Belgian facility. Kronos’ production rates in 2020 were impacted 
by the COVID-19 pandemic as it decreased production levels early in the third quarter to correspond with a temporary decline in market 
demand.

Kronos operates 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,  Kronos  has  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. 

Kronos’  production  capacity  has  increased  by  approximately  5%  over  the  past  ten  years  due  to  debottlenecking  programs, 

incurring moderate capital expenditures.  We expect Kronos to operate its TiO2 plants at near full practical capacity levels in 2021.  

The  following  table  presents  the  division  of  Kronos’  expected  2021  manufacturing  capacity  by  plant  location  and  type  of 

manufacturing process: 

Leverkusen, Germany (1)

Facility

Nordenham, Germany
Langerbrugge, Belgium

Fredrikstad, Norway (2)
Varennes, Canada

Lake Charles, LA, US (3)

Total

Description
TiO2 production, chloride and sulfate process, co-

products

TiO2 production, sulfate process, co-products
TiO2 production, chloride process, co-products, 

titanium chemicals products

TiO2 production, sulfate process, co-products
TiO2 production, chloride and sulfate process, 
slurry facility, titanium chemicals products

TiO2 production, chloride process

% of capacity by TiO2
manufacturing process
Sulfate
Chloride

31%
-

17
-

17
14
79%

-%

11

-
7

3
-
21%

(1)

(2)

(3)

The  Leverkusen  facility  is  located  within  an  extensive  manufacturing  complex  owned  by  Bayer  AG.    Kronos  owns  the 
Leverkusen facility, which represents about one-third of its current TiO2 production capacity, but Kronos leases 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.  In  conjunction  with  Kronos’  long-term  strategy  to  increase  chloride  process  production, 
Kronos phased-out sulfate production at the Leverkusen facility during 2020.

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

Kronos operates the Lake Charles facility in a joint venture with Venator Investments LLC (Venator Investments), a wholly-
owned subsidiary of Venator 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  Kronos  is  entitled.    See  Note  7  to  our 
Consolidated Financial Statements and “TiO2 manufacturing joint venture.” The joint venture owns the land and the facility.

Kronos owns the land underlying all of its principal production facilities unless otherwise indicated in the table above. 

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

Kronos  has  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. 

- 7 -

 
 
 
 
TiO2 manufacturing joint venture 

Kronos Louisiana, Inc., one of Kronos’ subsidiaries, and Venator Investments each own a 50% interest in a manufacturing joint 
venture, Louisiana Pigment Company, L.P. (LPC), which owns and operates a chloride-process TiO2 plant located near Lake Charles, 
Louisiana.  Kronos and Venator share production from the plant equally pursuant to separate offtake agreements, unless Kronos and 
Venator otherwise agree. 

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 Kronos appoints and two of whom Venator appoints.  Two general managers 
manage the operations of the joint venture acting under the direction of the supervisory committee.  Kronos appoints one general manager 
and Venator appoints the other. 

We do not consolidate LPC because we do not control it.  We account for Kronos’ 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.  
Kronos is 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 chlorine slag) and packaging costs for the pigment grades 
produced.  Kronos’ share of net costs is reported as cost of sales as the TiO2 is sold.  See Notes 7 and 17 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 
chlorine slag), chlorine and petroleum 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.  Kronos purchases chloride 
process grade slag from Rio Tinto Iron and Titanium Limited under a long-term supply contract which automatically renewed at the end 
of 2020 and extends through December 31, 2023.  The contract automatically renews bi-annually, but can be terminated if written notice 
is given at least twelve months prior to the current contract end date.  Kronos also purchases upgraded slag from Rio Tinto Iron and 
Titanium Limited under a long-term supply contract that automatically renewed  at the end of 2020 and extends through December 31, 
2022. The contract automatically renews annually, but can be terminated if written notice is given at least twelve months prior to the 
contract end date.  Kronos purchases rutile ore primarily from Sierra Rutile Limited under a contract that expires in 2022 and Base 
Titanium Limited under a contract that expires at the end of 2022.  In the past Kronos has been, and it expects that it will continue to be, 
successful in obtaining short-term and long-term extensions to these and other existing supply contracts prior to their expiration.  Kronos 
expects the raw materials purchased under these contracts, and contracts that it may enter into, will meet its 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, Kronos operates two rock ilmenite mines in Norway, 
which provided all of the feedstock for its European sulfate process TiO2 plants in 2020.  Kronos expects ilmenite production from its 
mines to meet its European sulfate process feedstock requirements for the foreseeable future.  For its Canadian sulfate process plant, 
Kronos purchases 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.  Kronos expects the raw materials purchased under these contracts, and contracts that it 
may enter into, to meet its sulfate process feedstock requirements over the next several years. 

Many of Kronos’ raw material contracts contain fixed quantities it is required to purchase, or specify a range of quantities 

within which it is required to purchase.  The pricing under these agreements is generally negotiated quarterly or semi-annually. 

- 8 -

The following table summarizes Kronos’ raw materials purchased or mined in 2020. 

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)

478

294
23

Sales and marketing 

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

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

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

Kronos sells to a diverse customer base with only one customer representing 10% or more of our Chemicals Segment’s net 
sales in 2020 (Behr Process Corporation – 10%).  Kronos’ largest ten customers accounted for approximately 34% of our Chemicals 
Segment’s net sales in 2020. 

Neither our Chemicals Segment’s business as a whole nor any of its 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 coatings 
production in the spring to meet demand during the spring and summer painting seasons.  With certain exceptions, such as the COVID-19 
pandemic, Kronos has historically operated its production facilities at near full capacity rates throughout the entire year, which among 
other things helps to minimize its per-unit production costs.  As a result, Kronos normally will build inventories during the first and 
fourth quarters of each year in order to maximize its product availability during the higher demand periods normally experienced in the 
second and third quarters. 

Competition

The TiO2 industry is highly competitive.  Kronos competes 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 Kronos’ product grades.  Increasingly, Kronos is focused on providing pigments 
that are differentiated to meet specific customer requests and specialty grades that are differentiated from its competitors’ products.  

- 9 -

 
 
   
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
  
During 2020, Kronos had an estimated 9% share of worldwide TiO2 sales volume, and based on sales volume, we believe Kronos is the 
leading seller of TiO2 in several countries, including Germany. 

Kronos’ principal competitors are The Chemours Company, Tronox Incorporated, Lomon Billions and Venator Materials PLC.  
The top five TiO2 producers (i.e. Kronos and its four principal competitors) account for approximately 52% of the world’s production 
capacity.

The following chart shows our estimate of worldwide production capacity in 2020: 

Worldwide production capacity - 2020

Chemours
Tronox
Lomon Billions
Venator
Kronos
Other

15%
13%
9%
8%
7%
48%

Chemours  has  approximately  one-half  of  total  North  American  TiO2  production  capacity  and  is  Kronos’  principal  North 
American competitor.  In the second quarter of 2019, Tronox acquired certain of the TiO2 assets of Cristal Global.  Lomon Billions  
added approximately 200,000 tons of chloride capacity in 2019 and 2020 and has announced plans to add an additional 200,000 tons by 
2023.

Over the past ten years, Kronos and its 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 increase 
in 2021, Kronos does not expect any significant efforts will be undertaken by it or its principal competitors to further increase capacity 
for the foreseeable future, other than through debottlenecking projects and the Lomon Billions expansion mentioned above.  If actual 
developments differ from Kronos’ expectations, the TiO2 industry’s and Kronos’ performance 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 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 

Kronos employs 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 Kronos’ 
chloride  and  sulfate  production  processes,  improving  product  quality  and  strengthening  its  competitive  position  by  developing  new 
products and applications.  Kronos’ expenditures for these activities were approximately $16 million in 2018, $17 million in 2019 and 
$16 million in 2020.  Kronos expects to spend approximately $17 million on research and development in 2021. 

Kronos continually seeks to improve the quality of its grades and has been successful at developing new grades for existing 
and new applications to meet the needs of its customers and increase product life cycles.  Since the beginning of 2016, Kronos has added 
ten new grades for pigments and other applications. 

Patents, trademarks, trade secrets and other intellectual property rights 

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

Patents – Kronos has obtained patents and has numerous patent applications pending that cover its products and the technology 
used in the manufacture of its products.  Kronos’ patent strategy is important to it and its continuing business activities.  In addition to 
maintaining its patent portfolio, Kronos seeks patent protection for its 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.  Kronos’ U.S. patent portfolio includes patents 
having remaining terms ranging from three years to 20 years. 

- 10 -

 
Trademarks and trade secrets – Kronos’ trademarks, including KRONOS®, are covered by issued and/or pending registrations, 
including in Canada and the United States.  Kronos protects the trademarks that it uses in connection with the products it manufactures 
and sells and has developed goodwill in connection with its long-term use of its trademarks.  Kronos conducts research activities in 
secret  and  it  protects  the  confidentiality  of  its  trade  secrets  through  reasonable  measures,  including  confidentiality  agreements  and 
security  procedures,  including  data  security.    Kronos  relies  upon  unpatented  proprietary  knowledge  and  continuing  technological 
innovation and other trade secrets to develop and maintain its competitive position.  Kronos’ proprietary chloride production process is 
an important part of its technology and its business could be harmed if it fails to maintain confidentiality of its trade secrets used in this 
technology. 

Regulatory and environmental matters 

Kronos’ 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 its employees.  Certain of Kronos’ 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  Kronos’  past  and  current 
operations  and  products  have  the  potential  to  cause  environmental  or  other  damage.    Kronos  has  implemented  and  continues  to 
implement various policies and programs in an effort to minimize these risks.  Kronos’ policy is to comply with applicable environmental 
laws and regulations at all its facilities and to strive to improve its environmental performance and overall sustainability.  Kronos updates 
its Sustainability Report biennially (available on Kronos’ website at www.kronostio2.com), which highlights its focus on sustainability 
of its manufacturing operations, as well as its environmental, social and governance strategy.  It is possible that future developments, 
such as stricter requirements in environmental laws and enforcement policies, could adversely affect its operations, including production, 
handling, use, storage, transportation, sale or disposal of hazardous or toxic substances or require Kronos to make capital and other 
expenditures to comply, and could adversely affect our consolidated financial position and results of operations or liquidity. 

Kronos’ 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 Kronos has not incurred and does 
not  currently  anticipate  any  material  liabilities  in  connection  with  such  environmental  laws,  Kronos  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 those of the EU. 

At Kronos’ sulfate plant facility in Germany, it recycles spent sulfuric acid either through contracts with third parties or at its 
own facilities.  In addition, at its German sulfate- process location Kronos has a contract with a third-party to treat certain sulfate-process 
effluents.  At its Norwegian plant, Kronos ships 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, Kronos’ facilities may be subject to environmental regulatory enforcement under U.S. and non-U.S. statutes.  
Typically Kronos establishes compliance programs to resolve these matters.  Occasionally, Kronos 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.  Kronos believes all of its facilities are in substantial compliance with applicable environmental laws. 

From time to time, new environmental, health and safety regulations are passed or proposed in the countries in which Kronos 
operates or sells its products, seeking to regulate its operations or to restrict, limit or classify TiO2.  Kronos believes it is in substantial 
compliance with laws applicable to the regulation of TiO2.  However, increased regulatory scrutiny could affect consumer perception of 
TiO2 or limit the marketability and demand for TiO2 or products containing TiO2 and increase Kronos’ regulatory and compliance costs.

On February 18, 2020, the European Union published the regulation classifying TiO2 powder and powder mixtures containing 
TiO2  as  a  suspected  carcinogen  via  inhalation  under  its  EU  Regulation  No.  1272/2008  on  classification,  labeling  and  packing  of 

- 11 -

substances and mixtures.  The regulation will enter into force on October 1, 2021 at which time hazard labels will be required on certain 
TiO2 powder products and certain powder mixtures containing TiO2 in the EU.

This classification of TiO2 is based on scientifically questioned animal test data.  Separate studies of TiO2 workers conducted 
by  the  TiO2 industry  have  shown  no  TiO2 specific  links  to  cancer.    Kronos  intends  to  comply  with  the  new  requirements  including 
working with customers and other stakeholders on compliance matters as appropriate. 

Kronos’ 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 its manufacturing facilities, were $21.8 million in 2020 and are currently expected to be 
approximately $23 million in 2021. 

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 recreational transportation, postal, office and institutional furniture, 
cabinetry, tool storage and healthcare applications. CompX also manufactures stainless steel exhaust systems, gauges, throttle controls, 
wake enhancement systems, trim tabs and related hardware and accessories for the recreational marine and other industries. CompX 
continuously seeks to diversify into new markets and identify new applications and features for its products, which it believes provides 
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 electrical cabinet locks and other 
locking mechanisms used in a variety of applications including ignition systems, mailboxes, file cabinets, desk drawers, tool storage 
cabinets,  high security medical cabinetry, integrated inventory and access control secured narcotics boxes, electronic circuit panels, 
storage compartments, gas station security, vending and cash containment machines.  CompX’s security products reporting unit has one 
manufacturing facility in Mauldin, South Carolina and one in Grayslake, Illinois which is shared with its marine components reporting 
unit.  CompX believes it is a North American market leader in the manufacture and sale of cabinet locks and other locking mechanisms.  
These products include: 

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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 

CompX 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,  radio 
frequency or other keypad credential. 

A substantial portion of Security Products’ sales consist of products with specialized adaptations to an individual customer’s 
specifications, some of which are listed above.  CompX also has 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 its 
STOCK LOCKS® distribution program. 

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

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(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

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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; 

wake enhancement devices, trim tabs, steering wheels, and billet aluminum accessories; 

dash panels, LED indicators, wire harnesses; and

grab handles, pin cleats and other accessories.

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CompX operated three principal operating facilities at December 31, 2020 as shown below. 

Reporting
Unit

SP
SP/MC
MC

Location

Mauldin, SC
Grayslake, IL
Neenah, WI

Size
(square feet)

198,000
133,000
95,000  

Facility Name
Owned Facilities:
National (1)
Grayslake(1)
Custom(1)

ISO-9001 registered facilities 

(1) 
          SP- Security Products
          MC- Marine Components

Raw materials 

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(cid:129)

CompX’s primary raw materials are: 

Security Products - zinc and brass (for the manufacture of locking mechanisms).

Marine Components - stainless steel (for the manufacture of exhaust headers and pipes and wake enhancement systems), 
aluminum (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  12%  of  our  Component  Products  Segment’s  total  cost  of  sales  for  2020.    Total  material  costs,  including  purchased 
components, represented approximately 43% of our Component Products Segment’s cost of sales in 2020.

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 CompX to stabilize its commodity-related raw material 
costs to a certain extent.  At other times CompX may make spot buys of larger quantities of raw materials to take advantage of favorable 
pricing  or  volume-based  discounts.    Markets  for  the  primary  commodity-related  raw  materials  used  in  the  manufacture  of  locking 
mechanisms, primarily zinc and brass, remained relatively stable through 2019 and 2020. Similarly, over that same period, the market 
for  stainless  steel,  the  primary  raw  material  used  for  the  manufacture  of  marine  exhaust  headers  and  pipes  and  wake  enhancement 
systems, remained relatively stable. While CompX expects the markets for its primary commodity-related raw materials to remain stable 
during 2021, we recognize that economic conditions could introduce renewed volatility 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.  When 
possible,  CompX  seeks  to  mitigate  the  impact  of  fluctuations  in  these  raw  material  costs  on  its  margins  through  improvements  in 
production efficiencies or other operating cost reductions.  In the event CompX is 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  its  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. 

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Patents and trademarks 

CompX holds a number of patents relating to its component products, certain of which it believes to be important to it and its 
continuing business activity.  Patents generally have a term of 20 years, and CompX’s patents have remaining terms ranging from less 
than 1 year to 19 years at December 31, 2020.  CompX’s major trademarks and brand names in addition to CompX® include: 

Security Products

Security Products

Marine Components

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 

Lockview®
System 64® 
SlamCAM®
RegulatoR®
CompXpress®
GEM®
Turbine™
NARC iD®
NARC®
ecoForce®

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 its factory-based sales and 
marketing  professionals  supported  by  engineers  working  in  concert  with  field  salespeople  and  independent  manufacturer’s 
representatives. CompX selects 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  CompX’s  security  products  sales  are  made  through 
distributors. CompX has a significant North American market share of cabinet lock security products sales as a result of the locksmith 
distribution channel. CompX supports its 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. 

Our Component Products Segment sells to a diverse customer base with only one customer representing 10% or more of our 
Component Products Segment’s sales in 2020 (United States Postal Service representing 17%). Our Component Products Segment’s 
largest ten customers accounted for approximately 48% of its sales in 2020.

Competition 

The markets in which CompX participates are highly competitive.  CompX competes 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. 
CompX focuses its efforts on the middle and high-end segments of the market, where product design, quality, durability and service are 
valued by the customer. CompX’s security products reporting unit competes against a number of domestic and foreign manufacturers. 
CompX’s  marine  components  reporting  unit  competes  with  small  domestic  manufacturers  and  is  minimally  affected  by  foreign 
competitors. 

Regulatory and environmental matters 

CompX’s 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”).  CompX’s operations also are subject to federal, state and local laws and regulations 
relating to worker health and safety.  CompX believes it is 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 CompX’s results.  CompX currently 
does not anticipate any significant costs or expenses relating to such matters; however, it is possible future laws and regulations may 
require it to incur significant additional expenditures. 

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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 retail, light industrial, commercial and residential projects in 
the  Henderson,  Nevada  area.  LandWell  is  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  the  project  began  in  2007,  but 
intensive  development  efforts  of  the  residential/planned  community  did  not  begin  until  2013  (with  LandWell  acting  as  the  master 
developer for all such development efforts). LandWell markets and sells its residential/planned community to established home builders 
in tracts of land that are pre-zoned for a maximum number of home lots. LandWell supports the builders’ efforts to market and sell 
specific residential homes within its 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,  2020,  LandWell  has  closed  or  entered  into  escrow  on  approximately  1,000  acres  of  the 
residential/planned community and approximately 70 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.  In some instances, LandWell 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. We expect the development work to continue for 5 to 10 years on the rest of the land held for development, 
especially the remainder 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 2020 we had sales to one customer that exceeded 10% of our Real Estate Management and Development Segment’s net 
sales (D.R. Horton – 58%) related to land sales.

Competition 

There are multiple new construction residential communities in the greater Las Vegas, Nevada area. LandWell competes 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 LandWell’s residential/planned community is 
unique  within  the  greater  Las  Vegas  area  due  to  its  location  and  planned  amenities  which  include  490  acres  of  community  and 
neighborhood  parks  and  open  space  interconnected  with  major  regional  trails  and  parks.  LandWell  markets  its  residential/planned 
community to builders who target first-time to middle market home buyers to maximize sales. 

Regulatory and environmental matters 

LandWell and the subcontractors it uses 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 its land development. Our Real Estate Management and Development 
Segment’s  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 Real Estate Management and Development Segment’s operations also are subject to federal, state and local 
laws and regulations relating to worker health and safety. We believe our Real Estate Management and Development Segment is in 
substantial compliance with all such laws and regulations. To date, the costs of maintaining compliance with such laws and regulations 

- 15 -

have not significantly impacted our results. We currently do not anticipate our Real Estate Management and Development Segment will 
incur significant costs or expenses relating to such matters; however, it is possible future laws and regulations may require it to incur 
significant additional expenditures. 

HUMAN CAPITAL RESOURCES

Employees 

Our operating results depend in part on our ability to successfully manage our human capital resources, including attracting, 
identifying, and retaining key talent. Each of our businesses has a well-trained labor force with a substantial number of long-tenured 
employees. Our businesses provide competitive compensation and benefits to our employees, some of which are offered under collective 
bargaining  agreements.  In  addition  to  salaries,  these  programs,  which  vary  by  segment  and  by  country/region,  can  include  annual 
bonuses, a defined benefit pension plan, a defined contribution plan with employer matching opportunities, healthcare and insurance 
benefits, health savings and flexible spending accounts, paid time off, family leave, family care resources, employee assistance programs, 
and tuition assistance.

As of December 31, 2020, our Chemicals Segment employed the following number of people: 

Europe
Canada
United States (1)
Total

(1)

Excludes employees of our LPC joint venture. 

1,839
350
53
2,242

Certain employees at each of Kronos’ production facilities are organized by labor unions. Kronos strives to maintain good 
relationships with all its employees, including the unions and workers’ councils representing those employees. In Europe, Kronos’ union 
employees are covered by master collective bargaining agreements for the chemical industry that are generally renewed annually.  In 
Canada, Kronos’ union employees are covered by a collective bargaining agreement that expires in June 2021.  At December 31, 2020, 
approximately 86% of Kronos’ worldwide workforce is organized under collective bargaining agreements.  Kronos did not experience 
any work stoppages during 2020, although it is possible that there could be future work stoppages or other labor disruptions that could 
materially and adversely affect Kronos’ business, results of operations, financial position or liquidity. 

As of December 31, 2020, our Component Products Segment and our Real Estate Management and Development Segment 
employed 513 people and 29 people, respectively, all in the United States. We believe CompX’s and BMI and LandWell’s labor relations 
are good. 

Health and safety 

Protecting the health and safety of our employees, our customers, our business partners and the natural environment is one of 
our  core  values.  We  are  committed  to  conducting  our  businesses  in  ways  that  provide  all  personnel  with  a  safe  and  healthy  work 
environment and have established safety and environmental programs and goals to achieve such results. We expect our manufacturing 
facilities to produce our products safely and in compliance with local permits and policies intended to protect the environment and have 
established  global  policies  designed  to  promote  such  compliance.    We  require  our  employees  to  comply  with  legal  and  regulatory 
requirements and our policies, standards and practices.

Diversity and inclusion 

We recognize that everyone deserves respect and equal treatment. As a global company, we embrace diversity and collaboration 
in  our  workforce  and  our  business  initiatives.  We  are  an  equal  opportunity  employer  and  we  base  employment  decisions  on  merit, 
competence and qualifications, without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, age, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation or 
other characteristics protected by applicable law in the jurisdictions in which we operate. We promote a respectful, diverse, and inclusive 
workplace in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity.  

ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL AND GOVERNANCE (“ESG”)

We seek to operate our businesses in line with sound ESG principles that include corporate governance, social responsibility, 
sustainability, and cybersecurity.  At our facilities, we undertake various environmental sustainability programs, and we promote social 
responsibility and volunteerism through programs designed to support and give back to the local communities in which we operate.  At 
a corporate level, we engage in periodic reviews of our cybersecurity programs, including cybersecurity risk and threats and we have 

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established stock ownership guidelines for our non-employee directors.  In addition, Kronos publishes a Sustainability Report on its 
website every two years to provide its customers, stockholders and other stakeholders with additional information on its approach to 
sustainability. 

OTHER 

NL Industries, Inc.—At December 31, 2020, NL owned approximately 86% of CompX and approximately 30% of Kronos. 
NL also owns 100% of EWI RE, Inc., an inactive subsidiary that was formerly an insurance brokerage and risk management services 
company. In the fourth quarter of 2019, NL sold the insurance and risk management business of EWI for proceeds of $3.25 million and 
recognized a gain of $3.0 million.  NL 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.  Tremont also owns certain real property in Henderson, Nevada. 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  (“JFL  Partners”),  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 recognized a 
pre-tax gain of approximately $58 million on the transaction in the first quarter of 2018. We recognized an additional pre-tax gain of 
approximately $4.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2020 related to proceeds received from JFL Partners in final settlement of an earn-
out provision in the sale agreement.  Amounts associated with the sale of our former Waste Management Segment are 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. 
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 the Family Trust 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  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. 

- 17 -

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. 

Operational Risk Factors

Demand for, and prices of, certain of our Chemicals Segment’s products are influenced by changing market conditions for its 
products, which may result in reduced earnings or operating losses. 

Our Chemicals Segment’s sales and profitability are largely dependent on the TiO2 industry.  In 2020, 93% 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  worldwide  can 
significantly impact our Chemicals Segment’s earnings and operating cash flows.  Historically, the markets for many of our Chemicals 
Segment’s products have experienced alternating periods of increasing and decreasing demand.  Relative changes in the selling prices 
for our Chemicals Segment’s products are one of the main factors that affect the level of our Chemicals Segment’s profitability.  In 
periods of increasing demand, our Chemicals Segment’s selling prices and profit margins generally will tend to increase, while in periods 
of decreasing demand 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  Chemicals  Segment’s  ability  to  further  increase  capacity  without  additional 
investment in greenfield or brownfield capacity increases may be limited and as a result, our Chemicals Segment’s profitability may 
become even more dependent upon the selling prices of its products. 

The TiO2 industry is concentrated and highly competitive and our Chemical Segment faces price pressures in the markets in 
which it operates, which may result in reduced earnings or operating losses. 

The global market in which our Chemicals Segment operates is concentrated, with the top five TiO2 producers accounting for 
approximately 52% 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 Chemicals Segment’s competitors may be able to drive down prices for its products 
if their costs are lower than our Chemicals Segment’s costs.  In addition, some of our Chemicals Segment’s competitors’ financial, 
technological and other resources may be greater than its resources and such competitors may be better able to withstand changes in 
market  conditions.    Our  Chemicals  Segment’s  competitors  may  be  able  to  respond  more  quickly  than  it  can  to  new  or  emerging 
technologies and changes in customer requirements.  Further, consolidation of our Chemicals Segment’s competitors or customers may 
result in reduced demand for its products or make it more difficult for it to compete with its competitors.  The occurrence of any of these 
events could result in reduced earnings or operating losses. 

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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.  Our Component Products Segment focuses its efforts on the middle and high-end segment of the market where it feels 
that it can compete due to the importance of product design, quality and durability to the customer.  However, our Component Products 
Segment’s 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)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

Competitors may be able to drive down prices for our Component Products Segment’s products beyond its ability to adjust 
costs because their costs are lower than our Component Products Segment’s, especially products sourced from Asia. 

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

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

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

New competitors could emerge by modifying their existing production facilities to manufacture products that compete with 
our Component Products Segment’s products. 

Our Component Products Segment may not be able to sustain a cost structure that enables us to be competitive. 

Customers may no longer value our Component Products Segment’s product design, quality or durability over the lower 
cost products of its 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 its success.  Our Component Products Segment spends a 
significant  amount  of  time  and  effort  to  refine,  improve  and  adapt  its  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 Component Products Segment’s 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 Component Products Segment’s control.  While our Component Products Segment 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 
our Component Products Segment introduces will achieve the same degree of success that it has achieved with its existing products.  
Introduction of new product features typically requires increases in production volumes 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 our Component Products Segment attempts to introduce new product features in 
the future, we do not know if it will be able to increase production volumes without encountering these or other problems, which might 
negatively impact our financial condition or results of operations. 

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. 

For our Chemicals Segment, the number of sources for and availability of certain raw materials is specific to the particular 
geographical  region  in  which  a  facility  is  located.    For  example,  titanium-containing  feedstocks  suitable  for  use  in  our  Chemicals 
Segment’s TiO2 facilities are available from a limited number of suppliers around the world.  Political and economic instability in the 
countries  from  which  it  purchases  its  raw  material  supplies  could  adversely  affect  their  availability.    If  our  Chemicals  Segment’s 
worldwide vendors were unable to meet their contractual obligations and our Chemicals Segment was unable to obtain necessary raw 
materials,  it  could  incur  higher  costs  for  raw  materials  or  may  be  required  to  reduce  production  levels.    Our  Chemicals  Segment 
experienced increases in feedstock costs in 2019 and during the first half 2020, before they moderated in the second half of 2020. We 
expect  our  Chemicals  Segment’s  feedstock  costs  in  2021  to  remain  relatively  consistent  with  average  2020  costs.  Our  Chemicals 
Segment may also experience higher operating costs such as energy costs, which could affect its profitability.  Our Chemicals Segment 
may not always be able to increase its selling prices to offset the impact of any higher costs or reduced production levels, which could 
reduce earnings and decrease liquidity. 

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Our Chemicals Segment has long-term supply contracts that provide for its TiO2 feedstock requirements that currently expire 
through 2023.  While it believes it will be able to renew these contracts, there can be no assurance our Chemicals Segment  will be 
successful  in  renewing  them  or  in  obtaining  long-term  extensions  to  them  prior  to  expiration.  Our  Chemicals  Segment’s  current 
agreements (including those entered into through January 2021) require it to purchase certain minimum quantities of feedstock with 
minimum purchase commitments aggregating approximately $1.2 billion beginning in 2021.  In addition, our Chemicals Segment has 
other long-term supply and service contracts that provide for various raw materials and services. These agreements require it to purchase 
certain minimum quantities or services with minimum purchase commitments aggregating approximately $86 million at December 31, 
2020.  Our Chemicals Segment’s commitments under these contracts could adversely affect our financial results if it significantly reduces 
its production and is unable to modify the contractual commitments. 

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 and aluminum are the major raw materials used in 
the manufacture of marine components.  These raw materials are purchased from several suppliers and are generally readily available 
from numerous sources.  Our Component Products Segment occasionally enters 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.  

Certain components used in our Component Products Segment’s products are manufactured by foreign suppliers located in 
China and elsewhere.  Global economic and political conditions, including natural disasters, terrorist acts, global conflict and public 
health  crises  such  as  COVID-19,  could  prevent  our  Component  Products  Segment’s  vendors  from  being  able  to  supply  these 
components.    Should  our  Component  Products  Segment’s  vendors  not  be  able  to  meet  their  contractual  obligations  or  should  it  be 
otherwise  unable  to  obtain  necessary  raw  materials  or  components,  it  may  incur  higher  supply  costs  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 our 
Component Products Segment may be unable to offset the higher costs with increases in its selling prices or reductions in other operating 
costs. 

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 relates 
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 Real Estate Management and Development Segment’s ability to 
timely 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 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.

COVID-19 has affected our operations and may continue to affect operations during 2021.

Our results of operations during 2020 were significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, primarily in the second and 
third quarters, specifically through reduced demand for many of our products resulting from the rapid contraction of the global economy. 
The extent of the COVID-19 impact on our future operations will depend on the time period and degree to which the impact of the 
COVID-19 pandemic persists in the global economy thereby reducing customer demand for certain of our products, including the timing 
and extent to which their customers’ operations continue to be impacted, their customers’ perception as to when consumer demand for 
their products will return to pre-pandemic levels and on any future disruptions in their operations or their suppliers’ operations, all of 
which are difficult to predict.

Our  Component  Products  Segment  has  513  employees  and  operates  three  facilities,  each  of  which  specializes  in  certain 
manufacturing processes and is therefore dependent upon the other facilities to some extent to manufacture finished goods. With the 
onset of COVID-19, within each facility our Component Products Segment enhanced cleaning and sanitization procedures, mandated 
social  distancing  and  implemented  other  health  and  safety  protocols.  Our  Component  Products  Segment  is  designated  an  essential 
business in the states where it operates and is therefore permitted to fully operate during the pandemic, but because the COVID-19 
pandemic affected the health and safety of its employees, our Component Products Segment temporarily closed its Illinois facility for 
one week in the second quarter.  It is possible our Component Products Segment may have additional temporary closures at one or more 
of its facilities for the health and safety of its workforce before the end of the pandemic if conditions warrant.

Our Chemicals Segment has 2,242 employees and operates facilities throughout North America and Europe.  With the onset of 
COVID-19, within each facility our Chemicals Segment enhanced cleaning and sanitization procedures, mandated social distancing and 
implemented other health and safety protocols.  Our Chemicals Segment is also designated an essential business in the countries where 

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its operates and is therefore permitted to fully operate during the pandemic.  It is possible our Chemicals Segment may have temporary 
closures at one or more of its facilities for the health and safety of its workforce before the end of the pandemic if conditions warrant.

Our  Real  Estate  Management  and  Development  Segment  has  29  employees  and  operates  exclusively  within  Henderson, 
Nevada.  With the onset of COVID-19, our Real Estate Management and Development Segment employed remote work strategies, 
enhanced  cleaning  and  sanitization  procedures,  mandated  social  distancing  and  implemented  other  health  and  safety  protocols.  
Construction activities were largely exempted from state and local restrictions although enhanced precautions from many permitting 
and utility agencies introduced additional delays to land development activities.  Our water and electric delivery services are considered 
essential businesses and are therefore permitted to fully operate during the pandemic.

Financial Risk Factors

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 
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 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 
our subsidiaries’ securities in order to generate funds to satisfy our liabilities, we may be required to sell such securities at a time or 
times for less than what we believe to be the long-term value of such assets. 

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, and the 
BMI and LandWell bank notes. As of December 31, 2020, our total consolidated debt was approximately $789 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 businesses and the industries 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 $653 million in 2021. 
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. 

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

Changes in currency 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 2020, 46% of 
our Chemicals Segment’s sales volumes were sold into European markets.  The majority (but not all) of our sales from our Chemicals 
Segment’s 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.

Legal, Compliance and Regulatory Risk Factors

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.    NL  entered  into  a  legal 
settlement in one public-nuisance lead pigment case and has recognized a material liability related to the settlement.  Any additional 
liability NL might incur in the future for these matters could be material.  See also Item 3 - “Legal Proceedings - Lead pigment litigation 
- NL.” 

Certain  properties  and  facilities  used  in  NL’s  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.” 

Environmental, health and safety laws and regulations may result in increased regulatory scrutiny which could decrease demand 
for our products, increase our manufacturing and compliance costs or obligations and result in unanticipated losses which could 
negatively impact our financial results or limit our ability to operate our Chemicals Segment’s business.

From  time  to  time,  new  environmental,  health  and  safety  regulations  are  passed  or  proposed  in  the  countries  in  which  we 
operate or sell our products, seeking to regulate our operations or to restrict, limit or classify TiO2, or its use (such as the classification 
of TiO2  powder as a suspected carcinogen in the EU).  Increased regulatory scrutiny could affect consumer perception of TiO2 or limit 
the  marketability  and  demand  for  TiO2  or  products  containing  TiO2,  and  increase  our  manufacturing  and  regulatory  compliance 
obligations and costs.  Increased compliance obligations and costs or restrictions on certain TiO2 applications could negatively impact 
our future financial results through increased costs of production, or reduced sales which may decrease our liquidity, operating income 
and results of operations.

If our intellectual property were to be declared invalid, or copied by or become known to 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 

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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.

Although it is the practice of our Chemicals Segment to enter into confidentiality agreements with its employees and third 
parties to protect its proprietary expertise and other trade secrets, these agreements may not provide sufficient protection for its 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.  Our Chemicals Segment also may not be able to readily detect 
breaches of such agreements.  The failure of our Chemicals Segment’s patents or confidentiality agreements to protect its proprietary 
technology, know-how or trade secrets could result in a material loss of its 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 our Component Products Segment could not assert any trade secret 
rights  against  such  parties.    Further,  we  do  not  know  if  any  of  our  Component  Products  Segment’s  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 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.

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 
of 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 on to our customers to 
compensate for increased production costs, which may decrease our liquidity, operating income and results of operations. 

General Risk Factors

Operating  as  a  global  business  presents  risks  associated  with  global  and  regional  economic,  political  and  regulatory 
environments.

We have significant international operations which, along with our customers and suppliers, could be substantially affected by 
a number of risks arising from operating a multi-national business, including trade barriers, tariffs, exchange controls, global and regional 
economic downturns, natural disasters, terrorism, health crises (such as the coronavirus) and political conditions.  We may encounter 
difficulties enforcing agreements or other legal rights and our effective tax rate may fluctuate based on the variability of geographic 
earnings and statutory tax rates, including costs associated with the repatriation of non-U.S. earnings.  These risks, individually or in the 
aggregate, could have an adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

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

Our businesses rely on integrated information technology systems to manage, process and analyze data, including to facilitate 
the  manufacture  and  distribution  of  products  to  and  from  our  plants,  receive,  process  and  ship  orders,  manage  the  billing  of  and 
collections  from  customers  and  manage  payments  to  vendors.   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 
principal 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. 

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. 

NL believes these actions are without merit, and intends 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 California public nuisance case discussed below, we 
do not believe it is probable we have incurred any liability with respect to all of the lead pigment litigation cases to which NL is a party, 
and with respect to all such lead pigment litigation cases to which NL is a party, other than with respect to the Santa Clara case discussed 
below, we believe liability to NL 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, 
conspiracy, misrepresentation, aiding and abetting, enterprise liability, or statutory cases (other than the Santa Clara case 
discussed below), 
no final, non-appealable adverse verdicts have ever been entered against NL, and 

(cid:129)

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(cid:129) NL has never ultimately been found liable with respect to any such litigation matters, including over 100 cases over a 
thirty-year  period  for  which  NL  was  previously  a  party  and  for  which  NL  has  been  dismissed  without  any  finding  of 
liability.

Accordingly, other than with respect to the Santa Clara case discussed below, 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 other than the Santa Clara case noted below. In addition, we have determined that 
liability to NL 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 the matter titled 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) on July 24, 2019, an order approving a global settlement agreement entered into 
among all of the plaintiffs and the three defendants remaining in the case (the Sherwin Williams Company, ConAgra Grocery Products 
and NL) was entered by the court and the case was dismissed with prejudice.  The global settlement agreement provides that an aggregate 
$305 million will be paid collectively by the three co-defendants in full satisfaction of all claims resulting in a dismissal of the case with 
prejudice and the resolution of (i) all pending and future claims by the plaintiffs in the case, and (ii) all potential claims for contribution 
or indemnity between NL and its co-defendants in respect to the case. In the agreement, NL expressly denies any and all liability and 
the dismissal of the case with prejudice was entered by the court without a final judgment of liability entered against NL.  The settlement 
agreement fully concludes this matter.

Under the terms of the global settlement agreement, each defendant must pay an aggregate $101.7 million to the plaintiffs as 
follows: $25.0 million within sixty days of the court’s approval of the settlement and dismissal of the case, and the remaining $76.7 
million in six annual installments beginning on the first anniversary of the initial payment ($12.0 million for the first five installments 
and $16.7 million for the sixth installment).  NL’s sixth installment will be made with funds already on deposit at the court, which is 
classified  as  restricted  cash  and  included  in  other  noncurrent  assets  on  our  Consolidated  Balance  Sheets,  that  are  committed  to  the 
settlement, including all accrued interest at the date of payment, with any remaining balance to be paid by NL (and any amounts on 
deposit in excess of the final payment would be returned to NL).  Pursuant to the settlement agreement, also during the third quarter of 
2019 NL placed an additional $9.0 million into an escrow account which is classified as restricted cash and included in other noncurrent 
assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

As previously disclosed during the second quarter of 2018 and based on the terms of a May 2018 settlement agreement between 
NL and the plaintiffs which had an aggregate cost of $80 million to NL, we determined that the loss to NL could be reasonably estimated 
and recognized a net $62 million pre-tax charge with respect to this matter ($45 million for the amount to be paid by NL upon approval 
of the terms of the settlement and $17 million for the net present value of the five payments aggregating $20 million to be paid by NL 
in installments beginning four years from such approval).  The May 2018 settlement was never approved by the court and was superseded 
in July 2019 by the global settlement agreement discussed above.

At June 30, 2019, based on the terms of the global settlement agreement approved by the court in July 2019 we increased the 
amount accrued for the litigation settlement and a final immaterial adjustment was made to the litigation settlement accrual in the third 
quarter of 2019.  For financial reporting purposes, using a discount rate of 1.9% per annum, we discounted the aggregate $101.7 million 
settlement to the estimated net present value of $96.3 million.  We recognized litigation settlement expense of $19.3 million ($19.6 
million expense in the second quarter of 2019 and $.3 million credit in the third quarter of 2019).  NL made the initial $25.0 million 
payment in September 2019 and the first annual installment payment of $12.0 million in September 2020.  We recognized an aggregate 
of $.6 million in accretion expense in the second half of 2019 and an aggregate of $1.3 million in 2020.  

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 
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 

- 25 -

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 May 2020, the Illinois 
Supreme Court held in NL’s  favor a ruling that the parents of children whose lead testing costs were fully paid by Medicaid did not fall 
within the certified class of persons who had incurred an expense or liability for such testing.  In August 2020, NL and other defendants 
asked the trial court to de-certify the class and enter a final judgement dismissing the case.

In November 2018, NL was served with two complaints filed by county governments in Pennsylvania.  Each county alleges 
that NL and several other defendants created a public nuisance by selling and promoting lead-containing paints and pigments in the 
counties.  The plaintiffs seek abatement and declaratory relief.  NL believes these lawsuits are inconsistent with Pennsylvania law and 
without merit, and NL intends to defend itself vigorously.

New cases may continue to be filed against NL.  We cannot assure you that NL 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 NL 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 NL as to whether it might then have become probable NL has 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.  Our businesses 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, our 
businesses 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 all 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, NL is 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 NL or its predecessors, 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 NL may be jointly and severally liable for these costs, in most cases they 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 its operations. 

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)

- 26 -

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, 2019 and 2020 we had 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.  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 its control.  At each balance sheet date, we estimate the amount of the accrued 
environmental and related costs 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, 2020, NL had 
accrued approximately $93 million related to approximately 32 sites associated with remediation and related matters that NL 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 NL believes it is possible to estimate costs is approximately $114 million, including 
the amount currently accrued. 

NL believes that it is not reasonably possible to estimate the range of costs for certain sites.  At December 31, 2020, there were 
approximately  five  sites  for  which  it  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 it 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 its control, such as when the party alleging liability 
provides information to NL.  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  it,  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. 

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 its 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 Unilateral Administrative Order 
(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.  In October 

- 27 -

2020, NL and the State voluntarily dismissed the State court lawsuit pursuant to a tolling agreement that allows the lawsuit to potentially 
be refiled in the future.  NL’s federal court lawsuit seeking contribution from other parties remains pending.

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 its 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 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 NL’s 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 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. In April 2019, EPA 
issued a second UAO to NL and approximately 27 other PRPs for performance of certain work related to the Remedial Design at the 
site. 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 January 2020, NL was sued in Atlantic Richfield, Co.  v.  NL Industries, Inc., (United States District Court for the District of 
Colorado,  Case  1:20-cv-00234).   This  is  a  CERCLA  cost  recovery  action  brought  by  a  past  owner  and  operator  of  certain  mining 
properties located in Rico, Colorado.  NL intends to deny liability and will defend vigorously against all claims.

In December 2020, NL and several other defendants were sued in California Department of Toxic Substances v. NL Industries, 
Inc., (United States District Court for the Central District of California, Case 2:20-cv-11293).  This complaint by a California state 
agency  asserts  claims  under  CERCLA,  a  state  environmental  statute,  and  the  common  law  relating  to  lead  contamination  allegedly 
connected to a secondary lead smelter located in Vernon, California.  NL intends to deny liability and will defend vigorously against all 
claims.  

In February 2021, NL and several other defendants were sued in 68th Street Site Working Group.  v.  7-Eleven Industries, Inc., 
(United States District Court for the District of Maryland, Case 1:20-cv-03385).  This is a CERCLA contribution action brought by a 

- 28 -

group  of  potentially  responsible  parties  performing  the  cleanup  of  a  number  of  landfills  against  a  large  number  of  defendants.   NL 
intends to deny liability and will defend vigorously against all claims.

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 104 of these types of cases pending, involving a total of approximately 579 plaintiffs. In addition, the claims of approximately 8,715 
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,  NL  has  not  been 
adjudicated liable in any of these matters. Based on information available to us, including: 

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

facts concerning historical operations, 

the rate of new claims, 

the number of claims from which NL has been dismissed, and 

its prior experience in the defense of these matters, 

We believe that the range of reasonably possible outcomes of these matters will be consistent with NL’s 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. NL has sought and will continue to vigorously seek, dismissal and/or a finding of 
no liability from each claim. In addition, from time to time, NL has received notices regarding asbestos or silica claims purporting to be 
brought  against  former  subsidiaries,  including  notices  provided  to  insurers  with  which  it  has  entered  into  settlements  extinguishing 
certain insurance policies. These insurers may seek indemnification from NL. 

Other—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 

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 whether 
insurance coverage for defense costs or indemnity or both will be found to exist for NL’s 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 certain of its former insurance carriers pursuant to which the carriers reimburse it for a portion of its 
future lead pigment litigation defense costs, and one such carrier reimburses NL for a portion of its future asbestos litigation defense 
costs. We are not able to determine how much NL will ultimately recover from these carriers for defense costs incurred by NL 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. 

In  January  2014,  NL  was  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 NL, 
is seeking a declaratory judgment of its obligations to NL under insurance policies issued to NL by the plaintiff with respect to certain 
lead pigment lawsuits.  Other insurers have been added as parties to the case and have also sought a declaratory judgment regarding 
their obligations under certain insurance policies.  NL has filed a counterclaim seeking a declaratory judgment that all of the insurers 
are obligated to provide NL with certain coverage and seeking damages for breach of contract.  The case is now proceeding in the trial 
court.  We believe the insurers’ claims are without merit and NL intends to defend its rights and prosecute its claims in this action 
vigorously.

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. 

- 29 -

ITEM 4.

 MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES 

Not applicable. 

- 30 -

PART II 

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

ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES 

Common Stock and Dividends—Our common stock is listed and traded on the New York Stock Exchange (symbol: VHI). As 

of February 26, 2021, there were approximately 765 holders of record of our common stock. 

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, 2015 through December 31, 2020. The graph shows the value at December 31 
of each year assuming an original investment of $100 at December 31, 2015, and assumes the reinvestment of our regular quarterly 
dividends in shares of our stock. 

Comparison of Cumulative Five Year Total Return 

$550

$500

$450

$400

$350

$300

$250

$200

$150

$100

$50

$0

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

Year

S&P 500 Index

S&P 500 Industrial Conglomerates

Valhi

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

100 $ 270
112
100
109
100

$ 493 $
136
100

158 $
130
73

159
171
91

$

112
203
100

2015

2016

December 31,
2018

2017

2019

2020

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, 2020, an aggregate of 24,000 shares were available for future award under this plan. See Note 16 to our Consolidated 
Financial Statements. 

Treasury Stock Purchases—In March 2005 and November 2006, our board of directors authorized the repurchase of shares of 
our common stock in open market transactions, including block purchases, or in privately negotiated transactions, which may include 

- 31 -

transactions with our affiliates. As adjusted for the 1-for-12 reverse stock split of our common stock effected in June 2020, the aggregate 
number of shares authorized for repurchase is 833,333, and we have approximately 334,000 shares available for repurchase at December 
31, 2020. 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. 

ITEM 6.

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA 

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.” 

2016

Years ended December 31,
2019
2018
2017
(In millions, except per share data)

2020

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS DATA:

Net sales:

Chemicals
Component products
Real estate management and development

Total net sales
Operating income:
Chemicals(1)
Component products
Real estate management and development

Total operating income
Net income (loss)

Amounts attributable to Valhi stockholders:

Income from continuing operations
Income (loss) from discontinued operations(2)

Net income (loss)

DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE DATA:

Net income (loss) attributable to Valhi
 stockholders:

Income from continuing operations
Income (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(3)
Long-term debt(4)
Valhi stockholders' equity
Total equity

$

$

$

$
$

$

$

$

$
$

$

$

1,364.3    $
108.9   
46.2   
1,519.4    $

1,729.0    $
112.0   
38.4   
1,879.4    $

1,661.9    $ 1,731.2    $ 1,638.8 
114.5 
96.4 
1,820.1    $ 1,897.5    $ 1,849.7 

118.2   
40.0   

124.2   
42.1   

102.8    $
15.6   
.8   
119.2    $
(3.0)   $

358.5    $
15.2   
6.6   
380.3    $
302.6    $

8.1    $

(24.0)  
(15.9)   $

316.7    $
(109.2)  
207.5    $

342.9    $
17.8   
10.0   
370.7    $
301.0    $

228.1    $
34.1   
262.2    $

160.1    $
17.8   
14.8   
192.7    $
78.2    $

49.2    $
-   
49.2    $

126.5 
11.8 
47.8 
186.1 
89.0 

50.9 
4.3 
55.2 

.28    $
(.84)  
(.56)   $
.96    $
28.5   

11.11    $
(3.83)  
7.28    $
.96    $
28.5   

8.00    $
1.20   
9.20    $
.96    $
28.5   

1.73    $
-   
1.73    $
.96    $
28.5   

1.79 
.15 
1.94 
.48 
28.5 

79.8    $
(61.6)  
(45.5)  

259.3    $
(74.4)  
93.6   

165.5    $
(57.0)  
(59.8)  

177.2    $
(50.7)  
(64.1)  

152.2 
(57.0)
(122.5)

2,443.2    $
889.3   
200.9   
444.4   

2,907.5    $
1,041.5   
424.4   
766.7   

2,709.6    $ 2,794.4    $ 2,889.3 
786.2 
682.5 
1,006.9  

789.4   
640.0   
980.1   

797.5   
635.4   
989.0   

(1) Prior period amounts have been reclassified to reflect the adoption on January 1, 2018 of ASU 2017-07, Compensation – Retirement 
Benefits (Topic 715) Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost.  As a 
result, Chemicals Segment operating income increased by $11.8 million and $17.4 million in 2016 and 2017, respectively.  There 
was no impact to net income (loss) in any period as a result of this reclassification.  

- 32 -

 
 
 
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(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  the  years  ended 
December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018.  See Note 3 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

(3) On January 1, 2019 we adopted ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). Our total assets include $29.0 million and $26.1 million of right-

of-use leased assets at December 31, 2019 and 2020, respectively. Prior periods were not restated.

(4) 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 at December 31, 2016 and 2017. 

- 33 -

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 American: 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 Statement of Income for the year ended December 31,  2018.  We recognized 
a pre-tax gain of approximately $58 million on the transaction in the first quarter of 2018. We recognized an additional pre-tax gain of 
approximately $4.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2020 related to proceeds received from JFL Partners in final settlement of an earn-
out provision in the sale agreement.  Amounts associated with the sale of our former Waste Management Segment are 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.  The sale enabled us to focus more effort on continuing to develop our remaining segments which we believe have greater 
opportunity for higher returns.  See Note 3 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

We have three consolidated reportable operating segments: 

(cid:2) Chemicals—Our Chemicals Segment is operated through our majority control of Kronos. Kronos is a leading global 
producer and marketer of value-added 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:2) 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 also manufactures 
stainless steel exhaust systems, gauges, throttle controls, wake enhancements systems, trim tabs and related hardware 
and accessories for the recreational marine and other industries.   

(cid:2)

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 from Continuing Operations Overview 

Year Ended December 31, 2020 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2019—

We reported net income from continuing operations attributable to Valhi stockholders of $50.9 million or $1.79 per diluted 

share in 2020 compared to $49.2 million or $1.73 per diluted share in 2019.

Our net income from continuing operations attributable to Valhi stockholders increased from 2019 to 2020 primarily due to the 

net effects of: 

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

lower operating income from our Chemicals and Component Products segments  in 2020 compared to 2019;

higher  operating  income  from  our  Real  Estate  Management  and  Development  Segment  in  2020  compared  to  2019 
including higher income from tax increment infrastructure reimbursement and a gain recognized on a prior land sale;

a pre-tax litigation settlement expense of $19.3 million mostly recognized in the second quarter of 2019;

insurance recoveries related to a single insurance recovery settlement of $4.7 million in the second quarter of 2019; and 

a gain of $3.0 million in 2019 related to the sale of our insurance and risk management business.

- 34 -

Our diluted income from continuing operations per share in 2020 includes:

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

income of $.35 per share related to the tax increment infrastructure reimbursement recognized in the first quarter; 

a gain of $.07 per share from the proceeds received in the third quarter related to a prior land sale; and

a gain of $.03 per share related to an insurance recovery for a property damage claim at our Chemicals Segment. 

Our diluted income from continuing operations per share in 2019 includes:

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

a charge of $.44 per share related to the litigation settlement expense recognized in the second quarter; 

income of $.16 per share related to the infrastructure reimbursement primarily recognized in the second quarter; 

a gain of $.11 per share related to the insurance recovery recognized in the second quarter; 

a gain of $.10 per share related to the sale of land in the third quarter; and

a gain of $.07 per diluted share related to the sale of our insurance and risk management business.

Year Ended December 31, 2019 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2018—

We reported net income from continuing operations attributable to Valhi stockholders of $49.2 million or $1.73 per diluted 

share in 2019 compared to $228.1 million or $8.00 per diluted share in 2018. 

Our net income from continuing operations attributable to Valhi stockholders decreased from 2018 to 2019 primarily due to 

the net effects of: 

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

the recognition of an aggregate non-cash deferred income tax benefit of $112 million in 2018 related to a change in the 
deferred income tax liability related to our investment in Kronos, net of the revaluation of such change resulting from 
the reduction in the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate as a result of the 2017 Tax Act;

lower operating income from our Chemicals Segment in 2019 compared to 2018;

a pre-tax litigation settlement expense of $19.3 million recognized in 2019 compared to $62.0 million recognized in 
2018;

a securities transaction gain of $12.5 million recognized in 2018 related to the sale of our interest in Amalgamated 
Sugar Company LLC (“Amalgamated”);

the recognition of a gain on sale of land of $4.4 million in 2019 compared to $12.5 million recognized in 2018;

income from tax increment infrastructure reimbursement of $8.8 million in 2019 compared to $3.1 million in 2018;

insurance recoveries of $7.7 million in 2019 compared to $1.3 million in 2018;

a gain of $3.0 million in 2019 related to the sale of our insurance and risk management business;

lower interest expense in 2019 as a result of the deemed repayment of the Snake River debt in August 2018; 

lower dividend and interest income in 2019 as a result of the deemed redemption of our investment in the Amalgamated 
Sugar Company in August 2018; and

lower litigation fees and related costs in 2019.

Our net diluted income from continuing operations per share in 2019 includes:

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

a charge of $.44 per diluted share related to the litigation settlement expense recognized;

a gain of $.16 per diluted share related to tax increment infrastructure reimbursement;

a gain of $.11 per diluted share related to insurance recoveries;

a gain of $.10 per diluted share related to the sale of land not used in our operations; and

a gain of $.07 per diluted share related to the sale of our insurance and risk management business.

- 35 -

Our net diluted income from continuing operations per share in 2018 includes:

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

a non-cash deferred income tax benefit of $3.95 per diluted share related to a change in the deferred income tax liability 
related to our investment in Kronos as a result of the 2017 Tax Act; 

a gain of $.35 per diluted share related to a securities transaction gain related to the sale of our interest in Amalgamated;  

a gain of $.33 per diluted share related to the sale of land not used in our operations; 

a charge of $1.43 per diluted share related to the litigation settlement expense recognized; and

a charge of $.08 per diluted share current cash income tax expense recognized related to GILTI.

We discuss these amounts more fully below. 

Current Forecast for 2021— 

We currently expect to report higher consolidated operating income for 2021 as compared to 2020 primarily due to the net 

effects of: 

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

higher operating income from our Chemicals Segment in 2021 due to the favorable impact of higher expected sales 
volumes and higher average TiO2 selling prices; and

lower operating income from our Real Estate Management and Development Segment in 2021 due to lower land sales 
revenues.

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,  technological  advances, 
worldwide production capacity and the consequences arising directly or indirectly out of the recent coronavirus outbreak. The extent of 
the impact of the coronavirus outbreak on our operational and financial performance will depend on future developments, including the 
severity, duration and spread of the outbreak and its impact on, among other things, overall demand for our products and our customers’ 
products, supply chains, our operations and the operations of our competitors, all of which are uncertain and cannot be predicted.  If 
actual developments differ from our expectations, our results of operations could be unfavorably affected.

Segment Operating Results—2020 Compared to 2019 and 2019 Compared to 2018 

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 our Chemicals Segment 
and its 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 Chemicals Segment’s  
customers.  We believe that our Chemicals Segments’ customers’ inventory levels are influenced in part by their expectation for future 
changes  in  TiO2  selling  prices  as  well  as  their  expectation  for  future  availability  of  product.    Although  certain  of  our  Chemicals 
Segment’s TiO2 grades are considered specialty pigments, the majority of its grades and substantially all of its production are considered 
commodity pigment products with price and availability being the most significant competitive factors along with product quality and 
customer and technical support services. 

The factors having the most impact on our Chemicals Segment’s reported operating results are: 

(cid:2)

TiO2 selling prices,

(cid:2) Our Chemicals Segment’s TiO2 sales and production volumes, 
(cid:2) Manufacturing  costs,  particularly  raw  materials  such  as  third-party  feedstock  ore,  maintenance  and  energy-related 

expenses, and

(cid:2) Currency exchange rates (particularly the exchange rate for the U.S. dollar relative to the euro, the Norwegian krone 

and the Canadian dollar). 

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

- 36 -

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/other
Changes in currency exchange rates

Total

*

Thousands of metric tons 

2018

Years ended December 31,
2019
(Dollars in millions)

1,661.9 $
1,101.7

560.2 $
342.9 $

1,731.2
1,346.8
384.4
160.1

$

$
$

$

$
$

2020

2018-19

2019-20

% Change

1,638.8
1,291.0
347.8
126.5

4%
22%
(31)%
(53)%

(5)%
(4)%
(10)%
(21)%

66%
34%
21%

491
536

95%

78%
22%
9%

566
546

98%

79%
21%
8%

531
517
92%

15%
2%

(6)%
15
(2)
(3)

4%

(6)%
(5)%

(2)%
(6)
2
1
(5)%

Industry Conditions and 2020 Overview – Our Chemicals Segment started 2020 with average TiO2 selling prices 1% lower 
than at the beginning of 2019. At the end of 2020, average TiO2 selling prices were comparable to the end of the third quarter of 2020 
and 3% lower than at the beginning of the year.  Our Chemicals Segment experienced lower sales volumes in all major markets in 2020 
as compared to sales volumes in 2019, primarily due to demand contraction related to the COVID-19 pandemic, which mainly impacted 
the second and third quarters. 

The  following  table  shows  our  Chemicals  Segment’s  capacity  utilization  rates  during  2019  and  2020.    Our  Chemicals 
Segment’s  production  rates  in  2020  were  impacted  by  the  COVID-19  pandemic  as  it  decreased  production  levels  early  in  the  third 
quarter to correspond with a temporary decline in market demand, then increased production levels later in the third quarter and into the 
fourth quarter to align with improved demand and market expectations for the near term.

First Quarter
Second Quarter
Third Quarter
Fourth Quarter
Overall

2019

2020

97%  
97%  
97%  
100%  
98%  

95%  
96%  
86%  
92%  
92%  

Net sales – Our Chemicals Segment’s net sales decreased $92.3 million, or 5%, in 2020 compared to 2019, primarily due to a 
6% decrease in sales volumes (which decreased net sales by approximately $104 million) and a 2% decrease in average TiO2 selling 
prices (which decreased net sales by approximately $35 million).  In addition to the impact of lower sales volumes and lower average 
selling prices, we estimate that changes in currency exchange rates (primarily the euro) increased our Chemicals Segment’s net sales by 
approximately $9 million, or 1%, as compared to 2019.  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 decreased 6% in 2020 as compared to the sales volumes of 2019 due to lower sales 
volumes in all major markets, with the European and export markets experiencing the most significant reductions.  A significant portion 
of the sales volume decrease occurred in the second and third quarters as a result of the demand contraction related to the COVID-19 
pandemic.

Our Chemicals Segment’s net sales increased 4% or $69.2 million in 2019 compared to 2018, primarily due to the net effect of 
a 6% decrease in average TiO2 selling prices (which decreased net sales by approximately $100 million), a 15% increase in sales volumes 
(which increased net sales by approximately $249 million) and changes in currency exchange rates.  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 15% in 2019 as compared to the sales 

- 37 -

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
volumes of 2018 primarily due to strength in the European, North American and export markets in 2019 as compared to 2018.  In 
addition to the impact of changes in average TiO2 selling prices and sales volumes, we estimate that changes in currency exchange rates 
decreased our Chemicals Segment’s net sales by approximately $49 million, or 3%, as compared to 2018.   

Cost of Sales and Gross Margin— Cost of sales decreased $55.8 million, or 4%, in 2020 compared to 2019 due to the net effect 
of a 6% decrease in sales volumes, higher raw materials and other production costs of approximately $6 million (including higher cost 
for third-party feedstock and other raw materials) and currency exchange rate fluctuations.  Our Chemicals Segment’s cost of sales per 
metric ton of TiO2 sold in 2020 was higher as compared to 2019 (excluding the effect of changes in currency exchange rates) primarily 
due to a moderate rise in the cost of third-party feedstock procured in 2019 and the first half of 2020.  Our Chemicals Segment’s cost of 
sales as a percentage of net sales increased to 79% in 2020 compared to 78% in 2019 primarily due to the unfavorable effects of lower 
average TiO2 selling prices and higher raw materials and other production costs, as discussed above, partially offset by improved sales 
and production volumes from our Chemicals Segment’s ilmenite mine operations.

Gross margin as a percentage of net sales decreased to 21% in 2020 compared to 22% in 2019.  As discussed and quantified 
above,  our  Chemicals  Segment’s  gross  margin  as  a  percentage  of  net  sales  decreased  primarily  due  to  the  net  effect  of  lower  sales 
volumes,  lower  average  TiO2  selling  prices,  higher  raw  materials  and  other  production  costs  and  higher  sales  from  our  Chemicals 
Segment’s ilmenite mine operations.

Our Chemicals Segment’s cost of sales increased $245.2 million or 22% in 2019 compared to 2018 primarily due to the net 
impact of a 15% increase in sales volumes, higher raw materials and other production costs of approximately $122 million (including 
higher cost for third-party feedstock, energy and other raw materials) and currency fluctuations (primarily the euro relative to the U.S. 
dollar).  Our Chemicals Segment’s cost of sales as a percentage of net sales increased to 78% in 2019 compared to 66% in 2018 primarily 
due to the unfavorable effects of lower average selling prices and higher raw materials and other production costs, as discussed above. 

Gross margin as a percentage of net sales decreased to 22% in 2019 compared to 34% in 2018.  As discussed and quantified 
above, our Chemicals Segment’s gross margin decreased primarily due to the net effect of lower average selling prices, higher sales 
volumes and higher raw materials and other production costs.

Operating Income— Our Chemicals Segment’s operating income decreased by $33.6 million, from $160.1 million in 2019 to 
$126.5 million in 2020.  Income from operations as a percentage of net sales was 8% in 2020 compared to 9% in 2019.  This decrease 
was driven by the lower gross margin discussed above for the comparable periods.  We estimate that changes in currency exchange rates 
increased our Chemicals Segment’s income from operations by approximately $6 million in 2020 as compared to 2019 as discussed in 
the Currency Exchange Rates section below.

Our Chemicals Segment’s operating income was also minimally impacted by the effects of Hurricane Laura which temporarily 
halted production at LPC on August 24, 2020.  Although storm damage to core manufacturing facilities was not severe, a variety of 
factors, including loss of utilities, limited availability of employees to return to work and restrictions on the facility’s access to raw 
materials, prevented the resumption of operations until September 25, 2020.  LPC believes insurance (subject to applicable deductibles) 
will cover a majority of its losses, including those related to property damage and the disruption of its operations.  The Kronos warehouse 
and slurry facilities located near LPC’s facility were also temporarily closed due to the hurricane, but property damage to these facilities 
was not significant. Our Chemicals Segment’s 2020 operating income includes immaterial costs related to Hurricane Laura, primarily 
costs to relocate inventory and modify shipping schedules in order to maintain service levels to customers following the hurricane. We 
believe  insurance  (subject  to  applicable  deductibles)  will  cover  a  majority  of  our  Chemicals  Segment’s  losses  from  the  hurricane, 
including property damage, business interruption losses related to our Chemicals Segment’s share of LPC’s lost production and other 
costs resulting from the disruption of operations, but no insurance recoveries have yet been recognized as the allowable damage claim 
amounts are not presently determinable.  On October 9, 2020 Hurricane Delta caused an additional temporary halt to production at the 
LPC facility.  Damages resulting from Hurricane Delta were not as severe and production activities were resumed within five days from 
the time of initial shutdown prior to landfall of the hurricane.  Similar to Hurricane Laura, losses determined to be incurred by LPC and 
us as a result of Hurricane Delta are expected to be recoverable from insurance (subject to applicable deductibles).

Our Chemicals Segment’s operating income decreased 53% in 2019 compared to 2018 and operating income as a percentage 
of net sales decreased to 9% in 2019 from 21% in 2018.  This decrease was driven by the decrease in gross margin discussed above for 
the comparable periods.  We estimate that changes in currency exchange rates decreased operating income by approximately $3 million 
in 2019 as compared to 2018.

Our Chemicals Segment’s operating income 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 $2.3 

- 38 -

million in 2018, $2.2 million in 2019 and $3.8 million in 2020, which reduced our reported Chemicals Segment’s operating income  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 Chemicals Segment’s sales generated from its non-U.S. operations is denominated in the U.S. dollar (and consequently 
our Chemicals Segment’s non-U.S. operations will generally hold U.S. dollars from time to time).  Certain raw materials used in all our 
Chemicals  Segment’s  production  facilities,  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 
Chemicals Segment’s 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 and (ii) changes 
in currency exchange rates during time periods when our Chemicals Segment’s non-U.S. operations are holding non-local currency 
(primarily U.S. dollars).  

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 - 2020 vs. 2019

Transaction gains/(losses) recognized
    Change
2019
 (In millions)

2020

    Translation  
gains
impact of
  rate changes  

Total currency
impact
2020 vs. 2019

$

-    $
2  

  $

-   
(4)   

-   $

(6)  

$

9
12

9
6

Impact on:
Net sales
Operating income

The $9 million increase in net sales (translation gain) was caused primarily by a weakening of the U.S. dollar relative to the 
euro, as euro-denominated sales were translated into more U.S. dollars in 2020 as compared to 2019.  The strengthening of the U.S. 
dollar relative to the Canadian dollar and the Norwegian krone in 2020 did not have a significant effect on the reported amount of net 
sales, as a substantial portion of the sales generated by our Chemicals Segment’s Canadian and Norwegian operations are denominated 
in the U.S. dollar.

The $6 million increase in operating income was comprised of the following:

(cid:129)

Lower  net  currency  transaction  gains  of  approximately  $6  million  primarily  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, and between the euro 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 Chemicals Segment’s non-U.S. 
operations, and in Norwegian krone denominated receivables and payables held by our Chemicals Segment’s non-U.S. 
operations, and

(cid:129) Approximately  $12  million  from  net  currency  translation  gains  primarily  caused  by  a  strengthening  of  the  U.S.  dollar 
relative to the Canadian dollar and Norwegian krone, as local currency-denominated operating costs were translated into 
fewer U.S. dollars in 2020 as compared to 2019, and such translation, as it related to the U.S. dollar relative to the euro, 
had a nominal effect on operating income in 2020 as compared to 2019.

- 39 -

 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
 
   
 
    
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
   
   
 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
Impact of changes in currency exchange rates - 2019 vs. 2018

Transaction gains/(losses) recognized
    Change
2018
 (In millions)

2019

    Translation  
gains/(losses)
impact of
  rate changes  

Total currency
impact
2019 vs. 2018

$

-    $

10  

  $

-   
2   

-    $

(8)  

 $

(49)
5

(49)
3 

Impact on:
Net sales
Operating income

The $49 million decrease in net sales (translation loss) was caused primarily by a strengthening of the U.S. dollar relative to 
the euro, as our Chemicals Segment’s euro-denominated sales were translated into fewer U.S. dollars in 2019 as compared to 2018.  The 
strengthening  of the U.S. dollar relative to the Canadian dollar and the Norwegian krone in 2019 did not have a significant effect on the 
reported amount of our net sales, as a substantial portion of the sales generated by our Chemicals Segment’s Canadian and Norwegian 
operations are denominated in the U.S. dollar.

The $3 million decrease in operating income was comprised of the following:

(cid:129)

Lower  net  currency  transaction  gains  of  approximately  $8  million    primarily  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 Chemicals Segment’s non-U.S. operations, and

(cid:129) Approximately  $5  million  from  net  currency  translation  gains  primarily  caused  by  a  strengthening    of  the  U.S.  dollar 
relative to the Canadian dollar and Norwegian krone, as its local currency-denominated operating costs were translated 
into fewer U.S. dollars in 2019 as compared to 2018, partially offset by the strengthening of the U.S. dollar relative to the 
euro as the reduction in net sales caused by such strengthening 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 2019 as 
compared to 2018.

Outlook— In the second half of 2020 our Chemicals Segment’s sales volumes increased from the reduced levels experienced 
during  the  first  half  of  the  year,  primarily  during  the  second  quarter.  However,  the  COVID-19  pandemic,  including  the  measures 
employed to mitigate its spread, continued to impact our Chemicals Segment’s operations through reduced demand for its products and 
resulted  in  lower  sales  and  earnings  in  2020  than  otherwise  would  have  been  expected.    Our  Chemicals  Segment’s  manufacturing 
facilities operated at near planned production rates in the first half of 2020, however, early in the third quarter it decreased production 
levels to align with demand and market expectations for the near term, and late in the third quarter and into the fourth quarter it began 
increasing production levels as demand improved.

The advance of the COVID-19 pandemic and the global efforts to mitigate its spread have resulted in sharp contractions of vast 
areas of the global economy and are expected to continue to challenge workers, businesses and governments for the foreseeable future.  
Government actions in various regions have generally permitted the resumption of commercial activities following various regional 
shutdowns, but further government action restricting economic activity is possible in an effort to mitigate increases in COVID-19 in 
certain regions.  As a result, we expect U.S. and worldwide gross domestic product to be significantly impacted for an indeterminate 
period of time.  While many of our Chemicals Segment’s products are used by its customers in end-products that thus far have remained 
in demand across the world economy, we believe overall demand for our Chemicals Segment’s products and its customers’ products 
will continue to be impacted by reduced economic activity.

Despite negative impacts and continued uncertainty on worldwide gross domestic product from COVID-19, our Chemicals 
Segment has experienced increasing demand for its products in the second half of 2020 and we expect these demand levels to continue 
into 2021.  As such we expect our 2021 Chemicals Segment’s sales and operating income to be higher than in 2020, principally as a 
result of higher average TiO2 selling prices and higher sales volumes.  We also expect our Chemicals Segment’s production volumes in 
2021 to be slightly higher as compared to 2020 production volumes in line with expected increased demand for its products.  The full 
extent of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our Chemicals Segment’s operations will depend on numerous factors, including 
customer demand for its products, any future disruption in its operations or its suppliers’ operations and the timing and effectiveness of 
measures deployed to fight COVID-19, all of which are uncertain and cannot be predicted.  Our Chemicals Segment management will 
continue  to  monitor  current  and  anticipated  near-term  customer  demand  throughout  the  year  and  further  align  its  production  and 
inventory levels accordingly.

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Our Chemicals Segment experienced increases in its feedstock costs in 2019 and during the first half of 2020 before the costs 
moderated in the second half of 2020.  We expect our Chemicals Segment’s feedstock costs to remain relatively consistent in 2021 as 
compared to the average 2020 costs.  To-date, the availability of raw materials has not been adversely impacted by the COVID-19 
pandemic. 

At the beginning of 2020, our Chemicals Segment’s average TiO2 selling prices were 1% lower than at the beginning of 2019 
and average TiO2 selling prices decreased 3% during 2020.  Due to increasing customer demand experienced in the second half of 2020, 
we expect prices to rise slightly in 2021. 

Our Chemicals Segment’s manufacturing and administrative facilities are generally located in densely populated regions of 
Europe  and  North  America  which  have  experienced  substantial  outbreaks  of  COVID-19  and  are  in  varying  stages  of  outbreak  and 
recovery. Our Chemicals Segment’s management continues to employ a variety of methods to protect the health and well-being of its 
workforce and its customers, including the implementation of contact tracing, deep cleaning and disinfecting of facilities, work-from-
home strategies and staggered shift deployment, among other health and safety protocols.  To-date, our Chemicals Segment has had 
limited cases of COVID-19 among its workforce and all of its facilities have remained open and operational.  

Component Products— 

Our  Component  Products  Segment  experienced  normal  sales  volumes  and  operations  during  the  first  quarter  of  2020.  
Beginning in late March 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, our Component Products Segment began receiving requests from 
certain  customers  of  both  Component  Products  Segment  business  units  to  postpone  shipments,  in  some  cases  because  customers’ 
production facilities were temporarily closed. The second quarter of 2020 sustained the greatest impact from COVID-19 related order 
cancellations and delays. In the third and fourth quarters, marine components experienced significant recovery in sales while security 
products sales generally recovered, though not to pre-pandemic levels. 

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 sales and gross margin. In addition, small variations in 
period-to-period net sales, cost of sales 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. 

Net sales:
        Security products
        Marine components
           Total net sales 
Cost of sales
Gross margin
Operating income
Percent of net sales:

Cost of sales
Gross margin
Operating income

Years ended December 31,

% Change

2018

2019

2020

2018-19

2019-20

(Dollars in millions)

$

$
$

98.4
19.8
118.2
79.9
38.3
17.8

$

$
$

99.3
24.9
124.2
85.3
38.9
17.8

$

$
$

68%
32%
15%

69%
31%
14%

87.9
26.6
114.5
81.7
32.8
11.8

71%
29%
10%

1 %
26 %
5 %
7 %
2 %
(1)%

  (12)%
7 %
(8)%
(4)%
(16)%
(33)%

Net Sales—Our Component Products Segment’s net sales decreased approximately $9.7 million in 2020 compared to 2019 
primarily due to lower security products sales as certain security products market segments were slower to recover from the negative 
impact of COVID-19, primarily in the second and third quarters, including transportation which had $4.4 million lower sales than the 
2019, distribution customers which were $2.5 million lower than 2019, and office furniture which was $1.8 million lower than the same 
period in 2019.  Lower security product sales were slightly offset by higher marine component sales mainly to the towboat market which 
increased  $2.9  million,  primarily  for  wake  enhancement  systems  and  surf  pipes  to  an  original  equipment  boat  manufacturer, 
predominantly in the second half of the year.  Relative changes in selling prices did not have a material impact on net sales comparisons.

Our Component Products Segment’s net sales increased approximately $6.0 million in 2019 compared to 2018 primarily due 
to higher marine component sales to the towboat market. Relative changes in selling prices did not have a material impact on net sales 
comparisons.

Cost  of  Sales  and  Gross  Margin—Our  Component  Products  Segment’s  cost  of  sales  decreased  in  2020  compared  to  2019 
primarily due to the net effects of lower sales for the security products and higher cost for security products inventory produced during 

- 41 -

 
the second and third quarters and sold in the last half of the year.  Security Products inventory produced during the second and third 
quarters of 2020 had a higher carrying value compared to prior periods due to higher cost per unit of production as a result of lower 
production volumes during these quarters of 2020.  This negatively impacted our Component Products Segment’s gross margin and 
operating income margin as this higher cost inventory was sold during the last half of 2020.  Additionally, gross margin and operating 
income margin were unfavorably impacted by medical costs which increased $2.1 million in 2020 compared to 2019. 

Our Component Products Segment’s cost of sales increased in 2019 compared to 2018 due to the effects of increased sales 
volumes for both the security products and marine components reporting units and increased labor costs at the security products reporting 
unit.  As a result, gross margin as a percentage of sales decreased over the same period. The decrease in gross margin percentage is the 
result of the decline in gross margin percentage at the security products reporting unit in 2019 as compared to 2018 

Operating Income—Our Component Products Segment operating income decreased in 2020 compared to 2019.  Operating 
margin decreased in 2020 compared to 2019 primarily due to the factors impacting cost of sales and gross margin 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 property and equipment. Operating costs and expenses decreased $.3 million in 2020 compared to 2019.

Our Component Products Segment operating income decreased in 2019 compared to 2018 primarily due to the decrease in 

gross margin. Operating costs and expenses increased $.8 million in 2019 compared to 2018.

General— Our Component Products Segment’s profitability primarily depends on our ability to utilize our production capacity 
effectively, which is affected by, among other things, the demand for our products and our ability to control our 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 43% of our Component Products Segment’s cost of sales in 2020, with 
commodity-related raw materials accounting for approximately 12% of our cost of sales. During 2019 and 2020, markets for the primary 
commodity-related raw materials used in the manufacture of our locking mechanisms, primarily zinc and brass, remained relatively 
stable.    Over  that  same  period,  the  market  for  stainless  steel,  the  primary  raw  material  used  for  the  manufacture  of  marine  exhaust 
headers and pipes and wake enhancement systems, also remained relatively stable. While we expect the markets for our Component 
Products Segment’s primary commodity-related raw materials to remain stable during 2021, we recognize that economic conditions 
could introduce renewed volatility on these and other manufacturing materials.

Our Component Products Segment occasionally enters 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— In the second half of 2020, our Component Products Segment sales began to recover from the historically low levels 
experienced during the second quarter, with sales steadily improving for the remainder of the year. The COVID-19 pandemic continues 
to impact our Component Products Segment’s operations and demand for its products particularly in the transportation, office furniture 
and  distribution  markets  served  by  the  security  products  reporting  unit.  In  the  second  half  of  the  year,  our  Component  Products 
Segment’s manufacturing operations returned to more normal production rates as demand from its customers began to return, although 
for the security products reporting unit, below pre-pandemic levels. Our Component Products Segment’s global and domestic supply 
chains remain intact, and it has experienced minimal supply chain disruptions. The markets our Component Products Segment sells to 
have recovered to varying degrees, and our Component Products Segment continues to work closely with all its customers and monitors 
their  progress  as  they  continue  to  adjust  their  operations.  Even  with  the  severe  downturn  during  the  second  quarter,  the  marine 
components reporting unit sales outpaced prior year as demand for recreational boats increased as people sought socially distanced, 
outdoor activities.  We expect these trends to continue for at least the first part of 2021.   

Considerable effort continues at all of our Component Products Segment locations to manage developing COVID-19 conditions 
including enhanced health and safety protocols and cleaning and disinfecting efforts. Throughout the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, 
we have focused our efforts on maintaining efficient operations while closely managing our expenses and capital projects. In this regard, 
we are constantly evaluating our staffing levels and we believe our current staffing levels are aligned with our Component Products 
Segment’s sales and production forecasts for the first part of 2021.

The advance of the COVID-19 pandemic and the global efforts to mitigate its spread have resulted in sharp contractions of vast 
areas of the global economy and are expected to continue to challenge workers, businesses and governments for the foreseeable future. 
Government  actions  in  various  regions  have  generally permitted  the  gradual resumption  of  commercial  activities following  various 
regional shutdowns, but further government action restricting economic activity is possible in an effort to mitigate increases in COVID-
19 cases in certain regions. The success and timing of these mitigating actions will depend in part on continued deployment of effective 
tools to fight COVID-19, including availability of testing, effective treatments and vaccine distribution, before economic growth is likely 
to  return  to  pre-pandemic  levels.  Even  as  these  measures  are  implemented  and  become  effective,  they  will  not  directly  address  the 

- 42 -

business  and  employment  losses  already  experienced.  As  a  result,  we  expect  U.S.  and  worldwide  gross  domestic  product  to  be 
significantly impacted for an indeterminate period.

Based on current conditions, our Component Products Segment expects to report increased revenue and operating income in 
2021 compared to 2020 but we do not expect the security products reporting unit to return to pre-pandemic levels experienced in 2019. 
As noted above, the security products reporting unit production volumes remain below 2019 levels. As a result, we expect to continue 
to experience the negative impact of higher fixed costs per unit of production during 2021 which will continue to challenge gross margins 
in  the  segment.  The  severity  of  the  impact  of  COVID-19  on  2021  will  depend  on  customer  demand  for  our  Component  Products 
Segment’s  products,  including  the  timing  and  extent  to  which  its  customers’  operations  continue  to  be  impacted,  on  customers’ 
perception  as  to  when  consumer  demand  for  their  products  will  return  to  pre-pandemic  levels  and  on  any  future  disruptions  in  our 
Component Products Segment’s operations or its suppliers’ operations, all of which are difficult to predict. Our Component Products 
Segment’s operations teams meet frequently to ensure we are taking appropriate actions to maintain a safe working environment for all 
our  employees,  minimize  operational  disruptions,  manage  inventory  levels  and  improve  operating  margins.  It  is  possible  we  may 
temporarily close one or more of our facilities for the health and safety of our employees before the COVID-19 pandemic is over.

Real Estate Management and Development—

Net sales:
        Land sales
        Water delivery sales
        Utility and other
          Total net sales
Cost of sales
Gross margin
Operating income

2018

Years ended December 31,
2019
(In millions)

2020

$

$
$

32.3
5.6
2.1
40.0
29.3
10.7
10.0

$

$
$

33.5
6.8
1.8
42.1
30.8
11.3
14.8

$

$
$

87.0
7.6
1.8
96.4
64.9
31.5
47.8

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. 

Beginning in December 2013 and through the end of 2020, LandWell has closed or entered into escrow on approximately 1,000 
acres of the residential/planned community and approximately 70 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 606. 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. We expect the development work to continue for 5 to 10 years on the rest of 
the land held for development, especially the remainder of the residential/planned community. 

Net Sales and Operating Income— A substantial portion of the net sales from our Real Estate Management and Development 
segment in 2020 consisted of revenues from land sales. We recognized $87.0 million in revenues on land sales during 2020 compared 
to $33.5 million in 2019. As noted above, we generally recognize revenue in our residential/planned community over time using cost 
based input methods (previously known as percentage completion method) and substantially all of the revenue we recognized in 2019 
was under this method of revenue recognition.  The contracts on these sales (both within the planned community and otherwise) include 
approximately 965 acres of the residential planned community and certain other acreage which closed in December 2013 and through 
the end of 2020. Cost of sales related to land sales revenues was $57.9 million in 2020 compared to $24.5 million in 2019.  During the 
fourth quarter of 2020, our Real Estate Management and Development Segment closed on a single parcel for proceeds of approximately 
$55 million.  The contract for this parcel contained no post-closing obligations therefore we recognized the full $55 million in revenue 
in 2020.  Excluding the fourth quarter 2020 land sale noted above, land sales revenues declined slightly in 2020 as compared to 2019 
primarily due to lower land development spending.  As noted above, land sales are generally recognized over time using cost based 
inputs and in the second quarter of 2020, in an effort to conserve resources in response to the pandemic, we reduced infrastructure 
development  spending  to  only  those  expenditures  necessary  to  fulfill  our  contractual  obligations.    We  returned  to  more  normalized 
infrastructure development spending late in the year. Operating income in 2020 also includes $19.1 million of income related to the 

- 43 -

 
recognition of tax increment reimbursement note receivables compared to $8.8 million of such income in 2019, as discussed in Note 7 
to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

We recognized $33.5 million in revenues on land sales during 2019 compared to $32.3 million in 2018. Cost of sales related 
to land sales revenues was $24.5 million in 2019 compared to $23.5 million in 2018. Land sales revenues were slightly higher in 2019 
as compared to 2018 due to an increase in the amount of acreage sold in 2019 as compared to 2018 and due to higher infrastructure 
development spending in 2019. Land infrastructure development spending increased in 2019 as we balanced development requirements 
with home builder outputs during the periods along with developing new phases of our master planned community. 

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.  Water delivery sales were higher in 2020 due to the timing of water 
delivery to our largest customer. 

Outlook— As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, early in the second quarter of 2020 LandWell began receiving requests from 
some residential builders to delay or cancel closing on certain parcels in escrow and, as a result, LandWell began delaying or curtailing 
infrastructure development activities where possible to align with land sales levels and residential builder output. In the second half of 
2020 and particularly towards the end of the year, land sales activities increased, including increases in both the number of acres closed 
and entered into escrow.  Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, BMI has continued to provide utility and water delivery services to its 
customers without interruption.  Our Real Estate Management and Development management team remains focused on protecting the 
health and safety of our employees and contractors including enhanced health and safety protocols. 

LandWell  is  continuing  to  actively  develop  and  market  land  it  manages,  primarily  to  residential  builders,  for  the 
residential/planned community in Henderson. If current land sales in escrow close as scheduled, we expect the level of land sales in the 
near term to continue to be strong; however, we expect land sales revenue in 2021 to be lower than 2020 primarily due to a large amount 
of revenue in 2020 being related to a single land sale transaction and we would not expect a similar large transaction to occur in 2021. 
As noted above, we cannot guarantee land held in escrow will close as currently scheduled because builders can generally cancel without 
financial penalty until shortly before scheduled closing. In addition, several COVID-19 mitigation procedures put into effect by the City 
of Henderson and utility providers are, in some cases, adding time to the typical permitting and mapping process required to be completed 
before the necessary approvals can be obtained to close a land sale. In addition, under LandWell’s development agreement with the City 
of Henderson, the issuance of a specified numbers of housing permits requires LandWell to complete certain large infrastructure projects.  
We expect LandWell to be required to begin several of these large projects in 2021 and, as a result, we expect land development costs 
to increase during 2021.  Because these costs relate to the entirety of the residential/planned community, these costs are not part of the 
cost based inputs used to recognize revenue and therefore this spending will not correlate to revenue recognition.  This spending is 
expected to be eligible for tax increment reimbursement. Any delays or curtailments in infrastructure development activities will lower 
the amount of revenue we recognize on previously closed land sales.  In addition, delays or curtailments in infrastructure development 
activities will also delay LandWell’s ability to submit completed costs to the City of Henderson for approval of additional tax increment 
reimbursement note receivables.  

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 2018 relates to the distributions we received 
from The Amalgamated Sugar Company LLC.  We recognized dividend income from Amalgamated of $16.9 million in 2018.  On 
August 31, 2018, we sold our interest in Amalgamated for consideration consisting of $12.5 million in cash and the deemed payment in 
full of our $250 million in loans we owed Snake River Sugar Company. We recognized a $12.5 million securities gain on this transaction.  
Securities earnings were significantly lower in 2019 and 2020 as compared to 2018 primarily due to the August 2018 sale of our interest 
in Amalgamated.  See Note 6 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Insurance Recoveries—NL has agreements with certain insurance carriers pursuant to which the carriers reimburse NL for a 
portion of its past lead pigment and asbestos litigation defense costs. Insurance recoveries include amounts NL received from these 
insurance carriers.  NL received insurance recoveries of $5.1 million in 2019 primarily related to a settlement NL reached with one of 
its insurance carriers in which they agreed to reimburse NL for a portion of NL’s past and future litigation defense costs.  In addition, 
Kronos recognized $2.6 million and $1.5 million of insurance recoveries in 2019 and 2020, respectively, related to a property damage 
claim.

- 44 -

The agreements with certain of NL’s insurance carriers also include reimbursement for a portion of its future litigation defense 
costs.  We are not able to determine how much we will ultimately recover from these carriers for defense costs incurred by NL because 
of  certain  issues  that  arise  regarding  which  defense  costs  qualify  for  reimbursement.    Accordingly,  these  insurance  recoveries  are 
recognized when the receipt is probable and the amount is determinable.  See Note 18 to our Consolidated Financial Statements. 

Gain on Land Sales—In the first quarter of 2018 and the third quarter of 2019 we sold two parcels and one parcel, respectively, 

of land not used in our operating activities. See Note 13 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.  

Gain on Sale of Business—In the fourth quarter of 2019, NL sold its insurance and risk management business for proceeds of 

$3.25 million and recognized a pre-tax gain of $3.0 million on the sale. See Note 13 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.  

Litigation Settlement Expense–We recognized a pre-tax litigation settlement expense of $62.0 million and $19.3 million in the 
second quarter of 2018 and 2019, respectively, related to NL’s lead pigment litigation in California. See Note 18 to our Consolidated 
Financial Statements.  

Other Components of Net Periodic Pension Expense—We recognized other components of net periodic pension expense of 
$20.1 million in 2020, $16.5 million in 2019 and $14.5 million in 2018.  The change in expense is primarily due to pension costs as a 
result of actuarial amortizations and expected returns on plan assets.  See Note 11 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Changes in the Market Value of Valhi Common Stock held by Subsidiaries— Our subsidiaries Kronos and NL hold shares of 
our common stock.  As discussed in Note 16 to our Consolidated Financial Statements, we account for our proportional interest in these 
shares of our common stock as treasury stock, at Kronos’ and NL’s historical cost basis.  The remaining portion of these shares of our 
common stock, which are attributable to the noncontrolling interest of Kronos and NL, are reflected in our consolidated balance sheet 
at fair value.   Any unrealized gains or losses on the shares of our common stock attributable to the noncontrolling interest of Kronos 
and  NL  are  recognized  in  the  determination  of  each  of  Kronos  and  NL’s  respective  net  income  or  loss.    Under  the  principles  of 
consolidation we eliminate any gains or losses associated with our common stock to the extent of our proportional ownership interest in 
each subsidiary.  The $1.7 million, $.2 million and $12.2 million loss recognized in our Consolidated Financial Statements in 2020, 
2019  and  2018,  respectively,  represents  the  unrealized  loss  in  respect  of  these  shares  during  such  periods  attributable  to  the 
noncontrolling interest of Kronos and NL.

Other General Corporate Items— Corporate expenses were 9% lower at $34.3 million in 2020 compared to $37.5 million in 
2019 primarily due to lower litigation and related costs partially offset by higher environmental remediation and related costs. Included 
in corporate expense are: 
(cid:2)

litigation and related costs at NL of $1.9 million in 2020 compared to $4.0 million in 2019; and

(cid:2)

environmental remediation and related costs of $.7 million in 2020 compared to $.3 million in 2019.

Corporate  expenses  were  12%  lower  at  $37.5  million  in  2019  compared  to  $42.4  million  in  2018  primarily  due  to  lower 

litigation and related costs and lower environmental remediation and related costs.  Included in corporate expense are: 

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

litigation and related costs at NL of $4.0 million in 2019 compared to $6.2 million in 2018; and

environmental remediation and related costs of $.3 million in 2019 compared to $3.1 million 2018.

Overall, we currently expect that our net general corporate expenses in 2021 will be higher than 2020 primarily due to higher 

expected litigation fees and related costs and higher environmental remediation and related costs. 

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 2021, 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 2021, 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. 

Interest Expense— Interest expense decreased to $36.2 million in 2020 from $40.8 million in 2019 primarily due to lower 2020 
average debt levels and lower average interest rates on variable-rate indebtedness.  Interest expense decreased to $40.8 million in 2019 

- 45 -

from $55.7 million in 2018 primarily due to the net effects of lower 2019 average debt levels due to the deemed redemption of the Snake 
River promissory notes in August 2018 and higher average interest rates on variable-rate indebtedness.

We expect interest expense will be lower in 2021 as compared to 2020 due to lower average balances of outstanding borrowings 

and consistent average rates.  See Note 19 to our Consolidated Financial Statements. 

Provision for Income Taxes (Benefit)—We recognized income tax expense of $15.9 million in 2020 compared to income tax 
expense of $26.5 million in 2019. The decrease is primarily due to the jurisdictional mix of earnings in 2020.  We recognized income 
tax expense of $26.5 million in 2019 compared to an income tax benefit of $30.7 million in 2018.  As discussed in Note 14 to our 
Consolidated Financial Statements, the difference is primarily due to the third quarter 2018 recognition of a change in the deferred 
income tax liability related to our investment in Kronos as a result of the 2017 Tax Act and the effect of lower income from operations 
in 2019.

Our income tax expense in 2019 includes an income tax benefit of $3.0 million related to the favorable settlement of a prior 
year tax matter in Germany, with $1.5 million recognized as a current cash tax benefit and $1.5 million recognized as a non-cash deferred 
income tax benefit related to an increase to our German net operating loss carryforward.  In addition, we recognized a non-cash deferred 
income tax expense of $4.7 million related to the revaluation of our net deferred income tax asset in Germany resulting from a decrease 
in the German trade tax rate.

Our income tax benefit in 2018 includes the following:

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

an aggregate non-cash deferred income tax benefit of  $112 million in 2018 related to a change in the deferred income 
tax liability related to our investment in Kronos, net of the revaluation of such change resulting from the reduction in 
the U.S. federal corporate tax rate as a result of the 2017 Tax Act;

a $1.8 million non-cash deferred income tax benefit related to a decrease in our effective state income tax rate; this 
decrease is a direct result of the sale of our interest in Amalgamated which will reduce the number of state jurisdictions 
in which we are required to file;

a net $1.4 million non-cash income tax benefit related to an APA tax settlement payment between Kronos’ German and 
Canadian subsidiaries; and 

a $4.0 million current cash income tax expense related to tax on GILTI.

Our earnings are subject to income tax in various U.S. and non-U.S. jurisdictions.  Generally, our consolidated effective income 
tax rate is higher than the U.S. federal statutory tax rate of 21% primarily because the income tax rates applicable to the pre-tax earnings 
(losses) of our non-U.S. operations are generally higher than the income tax rates applicable to our U.S. operations.  However, in 2020 
our consolidated effective income tax rate is lower than the U.S. federal statutory rate of 21% due to the effect of lower earnings and 
tax benefits associated with losses incurred in certain high tax jurisdictions. 

Our consolidated effective income tax rate in 2021 is expected to be higher than the U.S. federal statutory rate of 21% because 
the income tax rates applicable to the earnings (losses) of our non-U.S. operations will be higher than the income tax rates applicable to 
our U.S. operations due to the expected mix of earnings.

See Note 14 to our Consolidated Financial Statements for more information about our 2020 income tax items, including a 

tabular reconciliation of our statutory tax expense (benefit) to our actual tax expense (benefit).

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 recognized a pre-tax gain of 
approximately $58 million on the transaction in the first quarter of 2018. We recognized an additional pre-tax gain of approximately 
$4.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2020 related to proceeds received from JFL Partners to settle an earn-out provision in the sale 
agreement.  Amounts related to our former Waste Management Segment are 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 2019 to 2020 primarily due to changes in operating income at LandWell and decreased from 2018 to 2019 primarily due to changes 
in 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. 

- 46 -

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,  2020,  we  had 
substantial net assets denominated in the euro, Canadian dollar and Norwegian krone.

Critical accounting policies and estimates 

Our  significant  accounting  policies  are  more  fully  described  in  Note  1  to  our  Consolidated  Financial  Statements.    Our 
Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States 
of America, or GAAP, which requires management to make estimates,  judgments and assumptions that we believe are reasonable based 
on  our  historical  experience,  observance  of  known  trends  in  our  Company  and  industry  as  a  whole  and  information  available  from 
outside sources.  Our estimates affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and related disclosures of contingent assets and 
liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expense during the reporting period.  Actual 
results may differ significantly from those initial estimates. 

We believe the most critical accounting policies and estimates involving significant judgment primarily relate to goodwill, 
long-lived assets, revenue recognized over time using cost based inputs, defined benefit pension plans, income taxes and litigation and 
environmental liabilities. 

Goodwill—Our net goodwill totaled $379.7 million at December 31, 2020 primarily resulting 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. An entity may first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to complete the two-step 
quantitative  impairment  test  using  a  more-likely-than-not  criteria.  If  an  entity  believes  it  is  more-likely-than-not  the  fair  value  of  a 
reporting  unit  is  greater  than  its  carrying  value,  including  goodwill,  the  two-step  quantitative  impairment  test  can  be  bypassed. 
Alternatively, an entity has an unconditional option to bypass the qualitative assessment and proceed directly to performing the two-
step quantitative impairment test.

When performing a qualitative assessment 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. 

Evaluations  of  possible  impairment  utilizing  the  two-step  quantitative  impairment  test  require  us  to  estimate,  among  other 
factors: forecasts of future operating results, revenue growth, operating margin, tax rates, capital expenditures, depreciation, working 
capital, weighted average cost of capital, long-term growth rates, risk premiums, terminal values, and fair values of our reporting units 
and assets.  The goodwill impairment test is subject to uncertainties arising from such events as changes in competitive conditions, the 
current  general  economic  environment,  material  changes  in  growth  rate  assumptions  that  could  positively  or  negatively  impact 
anticipated future operating conditions and cash flows, changes in the discount rate, and the impact of strategic decisions.  If any of 
these factors were to materially change such change may require revaluation of our goodwill.  Changes in estimates or the application 
of alternative assumptions could produce significantly different results.

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 
reporting 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. When we performed our annual goodwill impairment test in 
the third quarter of 2020 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. 

Substantially all of the goodwill for our Component Products Segment relates to its security products reporting unit. In 2020, 
we  used  the  qualitative  assessment  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.  

- 47 -

Long-lived assets—The net book value of our property and equipment totaled $590.4 million at December 31, 2020. We assess 
property and equipment for impairment only when circumstances indicate an impairment may exist.  Our determination is based upon, 
among other things, our estimates of the amount of future net cash flows to be generated by the long-lived asset (Level 3 inputs) and 
our 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 are present. We did not evaluate any long-lived assets for impairment during 2020 
because no such impairment indicators were present. 

Revenue recognized over time using cost based inputs (formerly 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.  Generally, all of the land sales associated with the residential/planned community have been 
recognized over time using cost based inputs of accounting in accordance with ASC 606.  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. 

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.  We recognized consolidated defined benefit pension plan expense of $26.9 million in 
2018, $29.6 million in 2019 and $33.8 million on 2020.  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. We made contributions to all of our defined benefit pension plans of $19.9 million in 2018, $19.4 million in 2019 
and $18.4 million in 2020. 

Under defined benefit pension plan accounting, defined benefit pension plan expense, pension assets and accrued pension costs 
are each recognized based on certain actuarial assumptions.  These assumptions are principally the discount rate, the assumed long-term 
rate of return on plan assets, the fair value of plan assets and the assumed increase in future compensation levels. We recognize the 
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. 

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,  2020,  approximately  70%,  13%,  7%  and  6%  of  the  projected  benefit  obligations  related  to  our  plans  in 
Germany,  Canada,  the  U.S.  and  Norway,  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:  

Kronos and NL Plans:
Germany
Canada
Norway
U.S.

Obligations
at December 31, 2018
and expense in 2019

Discount rates used for:
Obligations
at December 31, 2019
and expense in 2020

Obligations
at December 31, 2020
and expense in 2021

1.0%
3.0%
2.3%
3.1%

.7%
2.4%
1.7%
2.2%

1.8%
3.5%
2.5%
4.1%

- 48 -

  
  
  
  
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, 2020, the fair value of plan assets for all defined benefit plans comprised $53.3 million related to U.S. plans 
and $494.8 million related to non-U.S. 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, 2020, approximately 53%, 21%, 10% and 10% 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 
addition, we receive third-party advice about appropriate long-term rates of return.  We regularly review our actual asset allocation for 
each of our U.S. and non-U.S. plans and will periodically rebalance the investments in each plan to more accurately reflect the 
targeted allocation when considered appropriate.  

The assumed long-term rates of return on plan assets used for purposes of determining net period pension cost for 2018, 2019 

and 2020 were as follows: 

Kronos and NL plans:
Germany
Canada
Norway
U.S.

2018

2019

2020

2.0%
4.2%
4.0%
7.5%

2.3%
4.0%
4.0%
5.5%

1.0%
3.5%
4.0%
4.5%

Our long-term rate of return on plan asset assumptions in 2021 used for purposes of determining our 2021 defined benefit 

pension plan expense for Germany, Canada, Norway and the U.S. are 2.0%, 3.1%, 2.8% and 4.0%, respectively.

We follow ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, in determining the fair value of plan assets within our 
defined benefit pension plans.  While we believe the valuation methods used to determine the fair value of plan assets are appropriate, 
the use of different methodologies or assumptions to determine the fair value of certain financial instruments could result in a different 
estimate of fair value at the reporting date.

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.  See Note 11 to 
our Consolidated Financial Statements for additional discussion of actuarial assumptions used in determining defined benefit pension 
assets, liabilities and expenses.

Based on the actuarial assumptions described above and our current expectation for what actual average currency exchange 
rates will be during 2021, we expect our defined benefit pension expense will approximate $32 million in 2021.  In comparison, we 
expect to be required to contribute approximately $18 million to such plans during 2021. 

- 49 -

 
As noted above, defined benefit pension expense and the amounts recognized as accrued pension costs are based upon the 
actuarial assumptions discussed above.  We believe 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, 2020, our aggregate projected benefit 
obligations would have increased by approximately $42 million at that date and our defined benefit pension expense would be expected 
to increase by approximately $2 million during 2021.  Similarly, if we lowered the assumed long-term rate 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 2021. 

Income taxes— We operate globally through our Chemicals Segment and the calculation of our provision for income taxes and 
our deferred tax assets and liabilities involves the interpretation and application of complex tax laws and regulations in a multitude of 
jurisdictions  across  our  Chemicals  Segment’s  global  operations.    Our  effective  tax  rate  is  highly  dependent  upon  the  geographic 
distribution of our earnings or losses and the effects of tax laws and regulations in each tax-paying jurisdiction in which we operate.  
Significant judgments and estimates are required in determining our consolidated provision for income taxes due to the global nature of 
our Chemicals Segment’s operations.  Our provision for income taxes and deferred tax assets and liabilities reflect our best assessment 
of estimated current and future taxes to be paid, including the recognition and measurement of deferred tax assets and liabilities.

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, 2020 our Chemicals Segment has substantial net operating loss (NOL) carryforwards in Germany 
(the equivalent of $531 million for German corporate tax purposes) and in Belgium (the equivalent of $20 million for Belgian corporate 
tax  purposes).  At  December  31,  2020,  we  have  concluded  that  no  deferred  income  tax  asset  valuation  allowance  is  required  to  be 
recognized with respect to such carryforwards, principally because (i) such carryforwards have an indefinite carryforward period, (ii) 
we have utilized a portion of such carryforwards during the most recent three-year period and (iii) we currently expect to utilize the 
remainder of such carryforwards over the long term. However, prior to the complete utilization of such carryforwards, if we were to 
generate additional losses in our German or Belgian operations for an extended period of time, or if applicable law were to change such 
that the carryforward period was no longer indefinite, it is possible that we might conclude the benefit of such carryforwards would no 
longer meet the more-likely-than-not recognition criteria, at which point we would be required to recognize a valuation allowance against 
some or all of the then-remaining tax benefit associated with the carryforwards.

Contingencies—We are involved in numerous legal and environmental actions in part due to NL’s former involvement in the 
manufacture of lead-based products. We record accruals for these environmental, legal and other contingencies and commitments when 
such contingencies become probable, and amounts can be reasonably estimated.  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, 2020 we have recorded total accrued environmental liabilities of $98.6 million. 

Obligations  for  environmental  remediation  and  related  costs  are  difficult  to  assess,  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 2021, our corporate expense could be higher than we currently estimate. 
In addition, we adjust our accruals for environmental remediation and related costs (and potential range of our liabilities) as further 
information becomes available to us or as circumstances change which involves our judgment regarding current facts and circumstances 
for each site and is subject to various assumptions and estimates. Such further information or changed circumstances could result in an 
increase in our accrued environmental remediation and related costs. See Note 18 to our Consolidated Financial Statements. 

- 50 -

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 2020, relative changes in currency exchange rates resulted in a $13.8 
million increase in the reported amount of our cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash compared to a $2.3 million decrease in 2019 
and a $14.4 million decrease in 2018. 

Cash  flows  from  operating  activities  decreased  to  $152.2  million  in  2020  from  $177.2 million  in  2019.  This  $25.0 million 

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

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

consolidated operating income of $186.1 million in 2020, a decline of $6.6 million compared to operating income of 
$192.7 million in 2019; 

changes in receivables, inventories, payables and accrued liabilities in 2020 used $33.5 million in net cash compared 
to $7.1 million in net cash used in 2019, an increase in the amount of cash used of $26.4 million compared to 2019, 
primarily due to the relative changes in our inventories, receivables, prepaids, land held for development, payables and 
accruals; and

lower net cash paid for income taxes in 2020 of $9.3 million due to the timing of tax payments.

Cash  flows  from  operating  activities  increased  to  $177.2  million  in  2019  from  $165.5 million  in  2018.  This  $11.7 million 

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

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

consolidated operating income of $192.7 million in 2019, a decline of $178.0 million compared to operating income of 
$370.7 million in 2018; 

lower net cash paid for income taxes in 2019 of $35.1 million due to the timing of tax payments as well as the aggregate 
$11.9 million we paid in 2018 related to the Transition Tax provisions of the 2017 Tax Act; 

lower cash paid for interest in 2019 of $16.0 million, primarily due to the redemption of the Snake River promissory 
notes in August 2018;

lower net distributions to our TiO2 manufacturing joint venture in 2019 of $13.3 million, primarily due to the timing of 
the joint venture’s working capital needs; and

changes in receivables, inventories, payables and accrued liabilities in 2019 used $7.1 million in net cash compared to 
$89.6 million  in  net  cash  used  in  2018,  a  decrease  in  the  amount  of  cash  used  of  $82.5 million  compared  to  2018, 
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:2) Kronos’ average days sales outstanding (“DSO”) was lower from December 31, 2019 to December 31, 2020, primarily 

due to the relative changes in the timing of collections. 

(cid:2) Kronos’ average days sales in inventory (“DSI”) decreased from December 31, 2019 to December 31, 2020 primarily 
due to lower inventory volumes attributable to sales volumes exceeding production volumes in the fourth quarter of 
2020; which was not the case in the fourth quarter of 2019. 

(cid:2) CompX’s average DSO decreased from December 31, 2019 to December 31, 2020 primarily as a result of the timing 

of sales and collections in the last month of 2020 as compared to 2019. 

(cid:2) CompX’s average DSI decreased from December 31, 2019 to December 31, 2020 primarily as a result of rapid sales 

growth in the fourth quarter of 2020.

- 51 -

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,
2018

December 31,
2019

December 31,
2020

76 days
113 days

40 days
80 days

71 days
83 days

36 days
81 days

68 days
74 days

33 days
75 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(1)
Tremont
BMI
LandWell
Eliminations and other

Total

2018

Years ended December 31,
2019
(In millions)

2020

$

$

188.4 $
37.4
17.7
.3
2.3
5.8
2.9
10.4
(99.7)
165.5 $

160.2 $
38.3
18.5
10.8
-
27.0
30.2
38.8
(146.6)
177.2 $

102.5
57.2
14.9
7.3
-
36.7
39.0
81.9
(187.3)
152.2

(1) Discontinued operations

Investing Activities— 

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

During 2020 we:
(cid:2)

had proceeds from the settlement of an earn-out provision related to the 2018 sale of our Waste Management Segment 
of $4.9 million; and 

(cid:2)

 had net proceeds of $.9 million of marketable securities.

During 2019 we:
(cid:2)

had proceeds from the sale of land not used in our operations of $4.6 million in the third quarter; 

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

had cash proceeds from the sale of NL’s insurance and risk management business of $2.9 million in the fourth quarter; 

received $2.6 million from an insurance settlement related to a property damage claim in the fourth quarter; and 

had net purchases of $.6 million of marketable securities.

During 2018 we:
(cid:2)

had net proceeds (excluding Amalgamated) of $1.3 million of marketable securities; 

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

had proceeds from the sale of land not used in our operations of $19.5 million in the first quarter; and  

received $12.5 million as part of the sale of our investment in Amalgamated in the third quarter.

- 52 -

 
 
 
 
 
 
Financing Activities – 

During 2020: 
(cid:2) we repaid $42.3 million on Valhi’s credit facility with Contran; 
(cid:2) Kronos acquired 122,489 shares of its common stock for an aggregate purchase price of $1.0 million; and
(cid:2) we repaid $11.6 million under Tremont’s promissory note payable and deferred payment obligation.

During 2019: 
(cid:2) we repaid a net $1.3 million on Valhi’s credit facility with Contran; 
(cid:2) Kronos acquired 264,992 shares of its common stock for an aggregate purchase price of $3.1 million; and
(cid:2) we repaid $7.4 million under Tremont’s promissory note payable.

During 2018, we: 
(cid:2)

repaid a net $6.3 million on Valhi’s credit facility with Contran; and

(cid:2)

repaid $3.7 million under Tremont’s promissory note payable.

We paid aggregate cash dividends on our common stock of $27.1 million in each of 2018 and 2019 and $13.6 million in 2020.  
Distributions to noncontrolling interest in 2018, 2019 and 2020 are primarily comprised of: CompX dividends paid to shareholders other 
than NL; Kronos dividends paid to shareholders other than us and NL, and BMI and LandWell dividends paid to shareholders other than 
us. 

Outstanding Debt Obligations 

At December 31, 2020, our consolidated indebtedness was comprised of: 

(cid:2) Valhi’s  $270.7  million  outstanding  on  its  $320  million  credit  facility  with  Contran  which  is  due  no  earlier  than 

December 31, 2022; 

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

€400 million aggregate outstanding on Kronos’ 3.75% Senior Secured Notes ($485.7 million carrying amount, net of 
unamortized debt issuance costs) due in September 2025; 

$16.9 million on BMI’s bank loan ($16.3 million carrying amount, net of debt issuance costs) due June 2032; 

$14.2 million on LandWell’s bank loan due April 2036; and

approximately $1.7 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 earnings before income tax, interest, depreciation 
and amortization expense (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, 2020) are discussed in Note 9 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.  
We are in compliance with all of our debt covenants at December 31, 2020.  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.

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 

- 53 -

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, 2021) and long-term obligations (defined as the five-
year  period  ending  December 31,  2025).  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, 2020, we had credit available under existing facilities of $267.2 million, which was comprised of: 

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

$110.3 (1) million under Kronos’ European revolving credit facility; 

$107.6 million under Kronos’ North American revolving credit facility; and 

$49.3 (2) million under Valhi’s Contran credit facility. 

(1) Based on Kronos’ EBITDA over the last twelve months ending December 31, 2020, the full €90.0 million amount is available 

for borrowing at December 31, 2020. 

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

At  December  31,  2020,  we  had  an  aggregate  of  $577.5 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
Valhi exclusive of its subsidiaries
Total cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and 

$

362.0
70.6
94.6
21.1
9.1
20.0
.1

marketable securities

$

577.5

$

162.4
—  
—  
—  
—  
—  
—  

162.4

- 54 -

 
 
 
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 2021 will be approximately $93 million as follows: 

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

$85 million by our Chemicals Segment, including approximately $23 million in the area of environmental compliance, 
protection and improvement; 

$4 million by our Component Products Segment; and

$4 million by our Real Estate Management and Development Segment. 

In addition, LandWell expects to spend approximately $34 million on land development costs during 2021 (which are included 

in the determination of cash provided by operating activities). 

Capital spending for 2021 is expected to be funded primarily through cash generated from operations and borrowing under 
existing credit facilities. Planned capital expenditures in 2021 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, 2020, we had approximately .3 million shares available for repurchase of our common stock under the 
authorizations described in Note 16 to our Consolidated Financial Statements. 

Prior to 2018, 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 uses cash on hand or other sources of liquidity to acquire the shares. Repurchased 
shares are added to Kronos’ treasury shares and subsequently cancelled upon approval of the Kronos board of directors.  Kronos did not 
make any repurchases under the plan during 2018. In 2019, Kronos acquired 264,992 shares of its common stock in market transactions 
for an aggregate purchase price of $3.0 million and subsequently cancelled all of such shares. In 2020, Kronos acquired 122,489 shares 
of its common stock in market transactions for an aggregate purchase price of $1.0 million and subsequently cancelled all of such shares. 
At December 31, 2020 approximately 1.56 million shares are available for repurchase. 

Prior  to  2018,  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 2018, 2019 and 2020, and at December 
31, 2020 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 $.18 per share in each quarter of 2020 for which we received $41.8 million.  In February 
2021 the Kronos Board of Directors approved a regular quarterly dividend of $.18 per share. If Kronos were to pay its $.18 per share 
dividend in each quarter of 2021 based on the 58.0 million shares we held of Kronos common stock at December 31, 2020, we would 
receive aggregate annual regular dividends from Kronos of $41.8 million.  NL paid a regular quarterly dividend of $.04 per share in 
2020 for which we received $6.5 million. In March 2021 the NL Board of Directors approved a quarterly dividend of $.06 per share. If 
NL were to pay its $.06 per share dividend in each quarter of 2021 based on the 40.4 million shares we hold of NL common stock at 
December 31, 2020, we would receive annual dividends from NL of $9.7 million. BMI and LandWell 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 

- 55 -

of $5.7 million in 2018, $29.1 million in 2019 and $43.0 million in 2020.  We do not know if we will receive distributions from BMI 
and LandWell during 2021.  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.  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 may be required to sell our subsidiaries’ securities for less than what we believe is 
the long-term value of such assets. 

Prior to 2018, 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 consolidate 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 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. There is $.5 million outstanding under 
this facility at December 31, 2020. We eliminate any such intercompany borrowings in our Consolidated Financial Statements.

We  have  an  unsecured  revolving  demand  promissory  note  with  Kronos  which,  as  amended,  provides  for  borrowings  from 
Kronos  of  up  to  $40  million.  We  also  eliminate  any  such  intercompany  borrowings  in  our  Consolidated  Financial  Statements.  The 
facility, as amended, is due on demand, but in any event no earlier than December 31, 2022. We had gross borrowings of $2.6 million 
and gross repayments of $16.2 million with Kronos during 2018 and there was no outstanding balance at December 31, 2018. We had 
gross borrowings of $16.6 million and gross repayments of $16.6 million with Kronos during 2019 and there was no outstanding balance 
at  December  31,  2019.  We  had  no  borrowings  with  Kronos  in  2020  and  we  could  borrow  the  full  $40.0  million  under  our  current 
intercompany facility with Kronos at December 31, 2020.  Kronos’ obligation to loan us money under this note is at Kronos’ discretion. 

Prior to 2018 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 Consolidated Financial Statements. 
The facility, as amended, is due on demand, but in any event no earlier than December 31, 2022. We had gross borrowings of $52.8 
million and gross repayments of $51.0 million with CompX for a total outstanding balance of $40.0 million at December 31, 2018. We 
had gross borrowings of $34.6 million and gross repayments of $40.8 million with CompX for a total outstanding balance of $33.8 
million at December 31, 2019.  We had gross borrowings of $29.1 million and gross repayments of $33.4 million with CompX for a 
total  outstanding  balance  of  $29.5  million  at  December  31,  2020.  We  could  borrow  an  additional  $10.5  million  under  our  current 
intercompany  facility  with  CompX  at  December  31,  2020.    CompX’s  obligation  to  loan  us  money  under  this  note  is  at  CompX’s 
discretion. 

- 56 -

Off-balance Sheet Financing 

We do not have any off-balance sheet financing agreements. 

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:2)

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

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

certain environmental remediation matters involving NL and BMI; 

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 7, 9, 18 and 19 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.—Raw Materials.” The following table 
summarizes our contractual commitments as of December 31, 2020 by the type and date of payment. 

Contractual commitment

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)
Litigation settlement (8)
Estimated tax obligations (9)
Total

Payment due date

2021

2022/
2023

2024/
2025

2026 and
after

Total

(In millions)

$

2.3 $
31.5
7.4
483.5
33.6
13.1
23.6
21.7
—  
12.0
23.9

275.3 $
51.1
6.8
690.1
36.7
—  
—  
3.7
—  
24.0
17.1

$

652.6 $ 1,104.8 $

494.4 $
33.9
3.1
—  
12.5
—  
—  
—  
1.3
28.7
33.3
607.2 $

21.9 $ 793.9
121.7
5.2
20.1
37.4
—   1,173.6
86.1
3.3
13.1
—  
23.6
—  
25.4
—  
—  
1.3
64.7
—  
—  
74.3
50.5 $2,415.1

(1)

(2)

The amount shown for indebtedness involving revolving credit facilities is based upon the actual amount outstanding at December 
31, 2020, and the amount shown for interest for any outstanding variable-rate indebtedness is based upon the December 31, 2020 
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 of ore 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 

- 57 -

 
 
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 2021 pricing.  The actual amount of material purchased and the actual 
amount that would be payable by us, may vary from such estimated amounts.  The amounts shown in the table above include the 
feedstock ore requirements from contracts we entered into through February 2021. 
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, 2020 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. 
(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 litigation settlement is described in Note 18 to our Consolidated Financial Statements. 
The amount shown for estimated tax obligations in 2020 is the consolidated amount of income taxes payable at December 31, 
2020, which is assumed to be paid during 2021 and includes taxes payable, if any, to Contran as a result of our being a member 
of the Contran Tax Group and the amount of Transition Tax assumed to be paid in 2021.  The amounts shown for estimated tax 
obligations in 2022 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.

(7)
(8)
(9)

The table above does not include: 

(cid:2) 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 18 to our Consolidated Financial Statements and “Business—Chemicals—Kronos Worldwide, Inc.” 

(cid:2) Amounts we might pay to fund our defined benefit pension 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 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 approximately $18 million to our defined benefit pension plans during 2021. 

(cid:2) 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. 

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. 

- 58 -

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, 2019 and 2020 our aggregate indebtedness was split between 66% of fixed-rate instruments and 34% of 
variable-rate borrowings. The fixed-rate debt instruments minimize 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, 2020. 

Fixed-rate indebtedness:

Kronos fixed-rate Senior Notes
BMI bank note payable
LandWell bank note payable

Total fixed-rate indebtedness

Variable-rate indebtedness:

Valhi Contran credit facility

*

Excludes capital lease obligations. 

Indebtedness* Amount

Carrying
value

Fair
value

(In millions)

$

$

$

485.7
16.3
14.2
516.2

270.7

$

$

499.9
16.9
14.2
531.0

270.7

Year end 
interest
rate

Maturity
date

3.75%
5.34
4.76
3.83

2025
2032
2036

4.25%

2022

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.  

Also, we are subject to currency exchange rate risk associated with Kronos’ Senior Notes, as such indebtedness is denominated 
in the euro.  At December 31, 2020, we had the equivalent of $490.4 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 $49 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, 2019 and 2020. 

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.  
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 

- 59 -

 
 
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. 

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. 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 Robert D. Graham, our 
Vice Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer, and James W. Brown, our Executive Vice President and Chief 
Financial Officer, have evaluated the design and effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2020. Based 
upon their evaluation, these executive officers have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the date 
of such evaluation. 

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:2)

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

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 

- 60 -

(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, 2020.

This annual report does not include an attestation report of our  registered public accounting firm regarding the effectiveness 
of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020. 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 
on Form 10-K.

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 investments 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, 2020 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 2020, our chief executive officer filed such annual 
certification with the NYSE.  The 2020 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, 2020 have been filed as Exhibits 31.1 and 31.2 to this Annual Report on Form 10-K. 

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION 

Not applicable. 

- 61 -

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 

The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to our 2021 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”). 

PART III

ITEM 11.

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION 

The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to our 2021 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 2021 proxy statement. 

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTORS INDEPENDENCE 

The  information  required  by  this  Item  is  incorporated  by  reference  to  our  2021  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 2021 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, 2020. 

- 62 -

Item No.

Exhibit Index

2.1

2.2

3.1

3.2

4.1

10.1

10.2

10.3

10.4

10.5

10.6*

10.7*

10.8*

10.9*

10.10

10.11

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 Third Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Valhi, Inc., as amended by Certificate of 
Amendment filed on May 29, 2020 (effective June 1, 2020) and by Certificate of Elimination of the 6% Series A 
Preferred Stock filed on August 10, 2020 —incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to our Quarterly Report on 
Form 10-Q (File No. 1-5467) for the quarter ended September 30, 2020.

Amended and Restated By-Laws of Valhi, Inc. —incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of our Current Report on 
Form 8-K (File No. 1-5467) dated March 4, 2021.

Description of Capital Stock —incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 of our Current Report on Form 8-K dated 
March 11, 2019 (file No. 1-5467) and filed on March 11, 2019.

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  January  1,  2020  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, 2019.

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 Registration statement 
on Form S-8 of the Registrant (File No. 001-00640). Filed on May 31, 2012.

Second Amended and Restated Agreement Regarding Shared Insurance among CompX International Inc., Contran 
Corporation, Kronos Worldwide, Inc., NL Industries, Inc. and Valhi, Inc. dated January 25, 2019 —incorporated by 
reference to Exhibit 10.10 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 (file No. 1-
5467) filed on March 11, 2019.

Master Purchase and Termination Agreement dated May 30, 2018 by and between the registrant, ASC Holdings, Inc., 
Snake  River  Sugar  Company,  The  Amalgamated  Sugar  Company  LLC  and  the  Amalgamated  Collateral  Trust  - 
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 1-5467) dated May 30, 2018 
and filed by the registrant on June 4, 2018.

- 63 -

  
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
Item No.

10.12

10.13

10.14

10.15

10.16

10.17

10.18

10.19

10.20

10.21

10.22**

10.23

21.1**

23.1**

31.1**

31.2**

32.1**

Exhibit Index

Closing Agreement dated August 31, 2018 by and between the registrant, ASC Holdings, Inc., Snake River Sugar 
Company, The Amalgamated Sugar Company LLC, the Amalgamated Collateral Trust and the other parties named 
therein - incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 1-5467) dated August 
31, 2018 and filed by the registrant on September 5, 2018.

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)

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.

Indenture, dated as of September 13, 2017, among Kronos International, Inc. the guarantors named therein, and 
Deutsche 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 Deutsche 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.

Amended and Restated Unsecured Revolving Demand Promissory Note dated December 31, 2020 in the principal 
amount of $320.0 million executed by Valhi, Inc. and payable to the order of Contran Corporation.

Collateral Agreement dated March 12, 2013 between Valhi, Inc. and Contran Corporation —incorporated by reference 
to Exhibit 10.23 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 (file No. 1-5467) filed on 
March 11, 2019.

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

- 64 -

  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item No.

Exhibit Index

101.DEF **

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase

101.LAB **

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase

101.PRE **

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase

*
**
(P)

Management contract, compensatory plan or agreement. 
Filed herewith. 
Paper exhibits.

- 65 -

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 11, 2021
(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/ Loretta J. Feehan 
Loretta J. Feehan, March 11, 2021

(Chair of the Board (non-executive))

/s/ Thomas E. Barry 
Thomas E. Barry, March 11, 2021

(Director)

/s/ Terri L. Herrington 
Terri L. Herrington, March 11, 2021

(Director)

/s/ W. Hayden McIlroy 
W. Hayden McIlroy, March 11, 2021

(Director)

/s/ Mary A.Tidlund 
Mary A. Tidlund, March 11, 2021
     (Director)

/s/ Robert D. Graham
Robert D. Graham, March 11, 2021

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

/s/ James W. Brown 
James W. Brown, March 11, 2021

(Executive Vice President and Chief Financial 
Officer)

/s/ Amy Allbach Samford 
Amy Allbach Samford, March 11, 2021
(Vice President and Controller)

- 66 -

 
  
 
 
  
  
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
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, 2019 and 2020 ..............................................................................................

Consolidated Statements of Income—Years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020.....................................................

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income—Years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020 ..........................

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity—Years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020...............................

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows—Years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020..............................................

Page

F-2

F-4

F-6

F-7

F-8

F-9

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements..........................................................................................................................

F-11

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

 
 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Valhi, Inc. 

Opinion on the Financial Statements 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Valhi, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of 
December 31, 2020 and 2019, and the related consolidated statements of income, of comprehensive income, of stockholders’ 
equity and of cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2020, including the related notes 
(collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements 
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, and the results 
of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2020 in conformity with 
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. 

Basis for Opinion 

These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express 
an opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered 
with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with 
respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the 
Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB. 

We conducted our audits of these consolidated financial statements in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those 
standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial 
statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we 
engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits we are required to obtain an 
understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness 
of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. 

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial 
statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included 
examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits 
also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating 
the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our 
opinion. 

Critical Audit Matters 

The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial 
statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (i) relate to accounts or 
disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (ii) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or 
complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated 
financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate 
opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate. 

Income Taxes -- Chemicals Segment 

As described in Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company recorded a provision for income taxes of $15.9 
million and recorded noncurrent deferred tax asset and deferred tax liability amounts of $120.2 million and $29.6 million, 
respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2020. As disclosed by management, the Company operates globally through its 
Chemicals Segment. The calculation of the Company’s provision for income taxes and its deferred tax assets and liabilities 
involves the interpretation and application of complex tax laws and regulations in a multitude of jurisdictions across the 
Chemicals Segment’s global operations.  The Company’s effective tax rate is highly dependent upon the geographic 
distribution of its earnings or losses and the effects of tax laws and regulations in each tax-paying jurisdiction in which it 
operates. Significant judgments and estimates are required by management in determining the Company’s consolidated 
provision for income taxes due to the global nature of the Chemicals Segment’s operations. The Company's provision for 
income taxes and deferred tax assets and liabilities reflect management's best assessment of estimated current and future 
taxes to be paid, including the recognition and measurement of deferred tax assets and liabilities. 

F-2 

 
 
 
The principal considerations for our determination that performing procedures relating to income taxes for the Chemicals 
Segment is a critical audit matter are the significant judgment by management when developing the estimate of current and 
future taxes to be paid, including the recognition and measurement of deferred tax assets and liabilities. This in turn led to a 
high degree of auditor judgment, subjectivity, and effort in performing procedures and evaluating evidence related to the 
recognition and measurement of deferred tax assets and liabilities and management's assessment of the estimated current 
and future taxes to be paid, including evaluating management’s interpretation of tax laws and regulations in jurisdictions in 
which the Chemicals Segment operates. 

Addressing the matter involved performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence in connection with forming our overall 
opinion on the consolidated financial statements. These procedures included testing the effectiveness of controls relating to 
accounting for income taxes, including controls over the identification, completeness, and recognition of permanent and 
temporary differences within jurisdictions in which the Chemicals Segment operates, the recognition and measurement of 
deferred tax assets and liabilities, the application of tax laws and regulations in the various jurisdictions in which the 
Chemicals Segment operates, the rate reconciliation and the provision to tax return reconciliation. These procedures also 
included, among others, (i) evaluating the provision for income taxes, including the accuracy of the underlying information 
used in the calculation by jurisdiction, as well as the reasonableness of management's judgments and estimates in the 
application of tax laws and regulations in certain jurisdictions in which the Chemicals Segment operates; (ii) testing the 
current and deferred income tax provision, including evaluating permanent and temporary differences within certain 
jurisdictions and management's assessment of the technical merits of the differences; (iii) performing procedures over the 
Company's rate reconciliation; and (iv) testing the reconciliation of the provision to the tax returns. 

Environmental Remediation and Related Matters -- NL Industries, Inc. 

As described in Note 18 to the consolidated financial statements, management evaluates the potential range of the Company’s 
liability for environmental remediation and related costs at sites where NL Industries, Inc. (“NL”), a majority-owned 
subsidiary of the Company, has been named as a potentially responsible party (PRP) or defendant.  As of December 31, 2020, 
management accrued approximately $93 million related to approximately 32 of NL’s sites associated with remediation and 
related matters. Liabilities related to environmental remediation and related matters (including costs associated with 
damages for property damage and/or damages for injury to natural resources) are recorded when management determines 
that estimated future expenditures are probable and reasonably estimable. As disclosed by management, environmental 
remediation and related costs accruals (and the potential range of the liabilities) are adjusted as further information becomes 
available or as circumstances change which involves management’s judgment regarding current facts and circumstances for 
each site and is subject to various assumptions and estimates. 

The principal considerations for our determination that performing procedures relating to environmental remediation and 
related matters is a critical audit matter are the significant judgment by management when assessing the accruals and the 
potential range of the Company’s liabilities and when determining whether estimated future expenditures are probable and 
reasonably estimable, which in turn led to a high degree of auditor judgment, subjectivity and effort in performing procedures 
and evaluating evidence related to management’s assessment of the accruals and the potential range of the liabilities. 

Addressing the matter involved performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence in connection with forming our overall 
opinion on the consolidated financial statements. These procedures included testing the effectiveness of controls relating to 
management’s evaluation of NL’s environmental remediation and related matters (including costs and estimates associated 
with damages for property damage and/or damages for injury to natural resources), including controls over determining 
whether estimated future expenditures are probable and reasonably estimable, as well as the related financial statement 
disclosures. These procedures also included, among others, (i) obtaining the rollforward of NL’s environmental accrual 
activity for each matter and, for a sample of sites, reviewing and discussing site activity with management, (ii) obtaining and 
evaluating responses to letters of audit inquiry from NL’s internal and external legal counsel, and (iii) evaluating the 
sufficiency of the Company’s environmental remediation and related matters disclosures related to NL. 

Dallas, Texas 
March 11, 2021 

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 1987. 

F-3 

 
 
 
 
VALHI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In millions)

ASSETS

Current assets:

Cash and cash equivalents
Restricted cash equivalents
Marketable securities
Accounts and other receivables, net
Refundable income taxes
Receivables from affiliates
Inventories, net
Other current assets

Total current assets

Other assets:

Marketable securities
Investment in TiO2 manufacturing joint venture
Goodwill
Deferred income taxes
Pension asset
Other assets

Total other assets

Property and equipment:

Land
Buildings
Equipment
Mining properties
Construction in progress

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization

Net property and equipment
Total assets

December 31,

2019

2020

$

$

523.8    $
27.0   
2.1   
314.0   
7.9   
7.3   
522.1   
21.2   
1,425.4   

6.2   
90.2   
379.7   
106.0   
7.4   
216.5   
806.0   

46.2   
248.0   
1,166.0   
26.2   
62.7   
1,549.1   
986.1   
563.0   
2,794.4    $

518.6 
13.9 
4.4 
332.1 
5.7 
4.5 
538.2 
36.0 
1,453.4 

2.9 
103.3 
379.7 
120.2 
8.4 
231.0 
845.5 

49.6 
268.7 
1,234.8 
30.2 
64.5 
1,647.8 
1,057.4 
590.4 
2,889.3  

F-4

 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
VALHI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (CONTINUED)

(In millions, except share data)

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

December 31,

2019

2020

Current liabilities:

Current maturities of long-term debt
Accounts payable
Accrued liabilities
Accrued litigation settlement
Payables to affiliates
Income taxes

Total current liabilities

Noncurrent liabilities:
Long-term debt
Deferred income taxes
Payables to affiliates
Long-term litigation settlement
Accrued pension costs
Accrued environmental remediation and related costs
Other liabilities

Total noncurrent liabilities

Equity:

Preferred stock, $.01 par value; 5,000 and nil shares authorized;
 5,000 and nil shares issued
Common stock, $.01 par value; 500.0 million and 50.0 million shares
 authorized; 29.6 million shares issued and outstanding
Additional paid-in capital
Retained earnings
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
Treasury stock, at cost - 1.1 million shares

Total Valhi stockholders' equity
Noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries

Total equity
Total liabilities and equity

Commitments and contingencies (Notes 9, 14, 17 and 18)

$

4.9    $

144.7   
130.5   
11.8   
20.4   
10.2   
322.5   

789.4   
38.1   
56.3   
60.1   
315.6   
95.2   
137.1   
1,491.8   

2.4 
117.6 
143.0 
11.8 
27.6 
15.7 
318.1 

786.2 
29.6 
50.4 
49.4 
379.0 
95.2 
174.5 
1,564.3 

667.3   

- 

.3   
3.3   
239.4   
(220.7)  
(49.6)  
640.0   
340.1   
980.1   
2,794.4    $

.3 
668.3 
282.9 
(219.4)
(49.6)
682.5 
324.4 
1,006.9 
2,889.3  

$

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

F-5

 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
VALHI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(In millions, except per share data)

Years ended December 31,
2019

2020

2018

Revenues and other income:

Net sales
Other income, net

Total revenues and other income

Cost and expenses:
Cost of sales
Selling, general and administrative
Litigation settlement expense, net
Other components of net periodic pension expense
Interest

Total costs and expenses
Income from continuing operations before income taxes

Income tax expense (benefit)

Net income from continuing operations
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax

Net income
Noncontrolling interest in net income of subsidiaries
Net income attributable to Valhi stockholders

Amounts attributable to Valhi stockholders:
Income from continuing operations
Income from discontinued operations

Net income attributable to Valhi stockholders

Basic and diluted net income per share:
Income from continuing operations
Income from discontinued operations

Net income per basic and diluted share

$

$

$

$

$

$

1,820.1    $
69.2   
1,889.3   

1,897.5    $
40.9   
1,938.4   

1,210.9   
310.0   
62.0   
14.5   
55.7   
1,653.1   
236.2   
(30.7)  
266.9   
34.1   
301.0   
38.8   
262.2    $

228.1    $
34.1   
262.2    $

8.00    $
1.20   
9.20    $

1,462.9   
294.2   
19.3   
16.5   
40.8   
1,833.7   
104.7   
26.5   
78.2   
-   
78.2   
29.0   
49.2    $

49.2    $
-   
49.2    $

1.73    $
-   
1.73    $

Basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding

28.5   

28.5   

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

1,849.7 
28.4 
1,878.1 

1,437.6 
283.6 
- 
20.1 
36.2 
1,777.5 
100.6 
15.9 
84.7 
4.3 
89.0 
33.8 
55.2 

50.9 
4.3 
55.2 

1.79 
.15 
1.94 

28.5  

F-6

 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
VALHI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(In millions)

Net income
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:

Currency translation
Defined benefit pension plans
Other

Total other comprehensive income (loss), net

Comprehensive income
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest
Comprehensive income attributable to Valhi stockholders

Years ended December 31,
2019

2020

2018

$

301.0    $

78.2    $

89.0 

(29.4)  
(6.8)  
(.9)  
(37.1)  
263.9   
29.0   
234.9    $

(1.8)  
(17.3)  
(.8)  
(19.9)  
58.3   
23.5   
34.8    $

12.5 
(10.4)
(.7)
1.4 
90.4 
33.9 
56.5  

$

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

F-7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
VALHI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY 

Years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020 

(In millions) 

Valhi Stockholders' Equity

Balance at December 31, 2017
Change in accounting principle -
  ASU 2014-09
Balance at January 1, 2018, as
  adjusted
Net income
Cash dividends - $.96 per share
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interest
Other comprehensive income, net
Equity transactions with
  noncontrolling interest, net
Balance at December 31, 2018
Net income
Cash dividends - $.96 per share
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interest
Other comprehensive loss, net
Equity transactions with
  noncontrolling interest, net
Balance at December 31, 2019
Net income
Cash dividends - $.48 per share
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interest
Other comprehensive loss, net
Contribution of preferred stock
Equity transactions with
 noncontrolling interest, net
Balance at December 31, 2020

Preferred  
stock

  Common  
stock  

  Additional  
  paid-in  
capital

  Accumulated  
other

  Retained  
  earnings     comprehensive 
income (loss)  

(deficit)  

  Treasury  
stock

  Non-
  controlling  
interest

  Total

equity  

$

667.3 

 $

.3 

 $

3.3 

 $

(17.9)

 $

(179.0)

 $

(49.6)

 $

342.3 

 $

766.7 

- 

667.3 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
667.3 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
667.3 
- 
- 
- 
- 
(667.3)

- 
-    $

$

- 

.3 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
.3 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
.3 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 

3.3 
- 
(.4)
- 
- 

.4 
3.3 
- 
(.3)
- 
- 

.3 
3.3 
- 
(2.2)
- 
- 
667.3 

2.7 

(15.2)
262.2 
(26.7)
- 
- 

- 
220.3 
49.2 
(26.9)
- 
- 

(3.2)
239.4 
55.2 
(11.4)
- 
- 
- 

- 
.3    $ 668.3    $ 282.9    $

(.1)

(.3)

- 

- 

2.3 

5.0 

(179.0)
- 
- 
- 
(27.3)

.1 
(206.2)
- 
- 
- 
(14.5)

- 
(220.7)
- 
- 
- 
1.3 
- 

(49.6)
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
(49.6)
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
(49.6)
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

344.6 
38.8 
- 
(20.1)
(9.8)

.1 
353.6 
29.0 
- 
(37.7)
(5.4)

.6 
340.1 
33.8 

(49.4)
.1 
- 

771.7 
301.0 
(27.1)
(20.1)
(37.1)

.6 
989.0 
78.2 
(27.2)
(37.7)
(19.9)

(2.3)
980.1 
89.0 
(13.6)
(49.4)
1.4 
- 

- 

(219.4)   $

- 
(49.6)   $

(.2)

(.6)
324.4    $1,006.9  

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.  

F-8

 
       
       
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
VALHI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS 
(In millions) 

Cash flows from operating activities:

Net income
Depreciation and amortization
Net (gain) loss from:
Sale of business
Land sales
Securities transactions, net
Disposal of property and equipment, net

Noncash interest expense
Benefit plan expense greater than cash funding
Deferred income taxes
Distributions from (contributions to) TiO2 manufacturing joint venture, net
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,
2019

2020

2018

$

301.0    $
58.4   

78.2    $
56.8   

(58.4)  
(12.5)  
(12.4)  
.3   
2.0   
5.7   
(73.5)  
4.0   
13.9   

(11.1)  
7.8   
(137.3)  
65.7   
(18.2)  
19.5   
2.6   
13.0   
(5.0)  
165.5   

(3.0)  
(4.4)  
(.3)  
.3   
2.4   
8.9   
7.4   
(9.3)  
7.7   

8.6   
1.1   
(8.5)  
(14.6)  
(1.4)  
(1.2)  
(6.1)  
54.2   
.4   
177.2   

89.0 
68.5 

(4.9)
(.5)
.1 
.2 
2.9 
15.2 
(7.0)
(12.8)
8.0 

(3.1)
16.8 
13.1 
(32.8)
6.5 
(4.3)
(49.5)
53.5 
(6.7)
152.2  

F-9

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
VALHI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (CONTINUED) 
(In millions) 

Years ended December 31,
2019

2020

2018

Cash flows from investing activities:

Capital expenditures
Proceeds from sale of business
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents of business
 at time of sale
Purchases of marketable securities
Proceeds from land sales
Proceeds from disposal of marketable securities
Other, net

Net cash used in investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities:

Indebtedness:

Borrowings
Principal payments
Valhi cash dividends paid
Distributions to noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries
Subsidiary treasury stock acquired

Net cash used in financing activities

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents - net change from
  operating, investing and financing activities
Effect of exchange rates on cash

Net change for the year
Balance at beginning of year
Balance at end of year

Supplemental disclosures:
Cash paid for:

Interest, net of amounts capitalized
Income taxes, net
Noncash investing activities:

$

(61.4)   $
-   

(59.9)   $
2.9   

(28.9)  
(4.4)  
19.5   
18.2   
-   
(57.0)  

-   
(12.6)  
(27.1)  
(20.1)  
-   
(59.8)  

(.5)  
(4.9)  
4.6   
4.3   
2.8   
(50.7)  

14.9   
(11.2)  
(27.1)  
(37.6)  
(3.1)  
(64.1)  

48.7   
(14.4)  
34.3   
489.4   
523.7    $

62.4   
(2.3)  
60.1   
523.7   
583.8    $

53.9    $
68.5   

37.9    $
33.4   

$

$

Changes in accruals for capital expenditures
Sale of investment in Amalgamated Sugar Company LLC
Receivable from sale of business

Noncash financing activities:

Trade payable to affiliate converted to indebtedness
Deemed repayment of Snake River Sugar Company indebtedness

5.4   
250.0   
-   

36.3   
(250.0)  

9.1   
-   
.3   

-   
-   

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

(65.5)
4.9 

- 
(3.4)
- 
4.3 
2.7 
(57.0)

- 
(58.5)
(13.6)
(49.4)
(1.0)
(122.5)

(27.3)
13.8 
(13.5)
583.8 
570.3 

33.1 
24.1 

5.9 
- 
- 

- 
-  

F-10

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
VALHI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

December 31, 2020 

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 
American: 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 92% of our outstanding common stock at December 31, 2020. A majority of Contran's outstanding voting stock is held 
directly by Lisa K. Simmons and various family trusts established for the benefit of Ms. Simmons, Thomas C. Connelly (the husband 
of Ms. Simmons’ late sister)  and their children and for which Ms. Simmons or Mr. Connelly, as applicable, serve as trustee (collectively, 
the “Other Trusts”). With respect to the Other Trusts for which Mr. Connelly serves as trustee, he is required to vote the shares of 
Contran voting stock held in such trusts in the same manner as Ms. Simmons.  Such voting rights of Ms. Simmons last through April 
22, 2030 and are personal to Ms. Simmons.  The remainder of Contran’s outstanding voting stock is held by another trust (the “Family 
Trust”), which was established for the benefit of Ms. Simmons and her late sister and their children and for which a third-party financial 
institution serves as trustee.  Consequently, at December 31, 2020, Ms. Simmons and the Family Trust may be deemed to control Contran 
and us. 

Our results of operations in 2020 were significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, primarily in the second and third 
quarters, specifically through reduced demand for many of our products resulting from the rapid contraction of vast areas of the global 
economy. The extent of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our future operations will depend on the time period and degree to 
which the COVID-19 pandemic persists in the global economy, including the timing and extent to which our customers’ operations 
continue to be impacted, our customers’ perception as to when consumer demand for their products will return to pre-pandemic levels 
and on any future disruptions in our operations or our suppliers’ operations, all of which are difficult to predict.

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. 

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  exchange  rates,  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.  

Cash and cash equivalents. We classify bank time deposits and highly-liquid investments 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 and cash pledged 
under debt agreement covenants or legal settlements. To the extent the restricted amount relates to a recognized liability, we classify the 

F-11

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.

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:2)

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

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 classify all of our marketable securities as available-for-sale.  Any unrealized gains or losses on our marketable securities 
are recognized in Marketable equity securities on our Consolidated Statements of Income.  See Notes 6 and 19.  We base realized gains 
and losses upon the 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.    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 land basis of 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. 

Leases. We enter into various arrangements (or leases) that convey the rights to use and control identified underlying assets for 
a period of time in exchange for consideration.  We lease various manufacturing facilities, land and equipment.  From time to time, we 
may also enter into an arrangement in which the right to use and control an identified underlying asset is embedded in another type of 
contract.

We determine if an arrangement is a lease (including leases embedded in another type of contract) at inception.  All of our 
leases are classified as operating leases.  Operating leases are included in operating lease right-of-use assets, current operating lease 
liabilities and noncurrent operating lease liabilities in our Consolidated Balance Sheet.  See Note 7.  As permitted by ASC Topic 842,  
Leases , we elected the practical expedients related to nonlease components (in which nonlease components associated with a lease and 

F-12

paid by us to the lessor, such as property taxes, insurance and maintenance, are treated as a lease component and considered part of 
minimum lease rental payments), and short-term leases (in which leases with an original maturity of 12 months or less are excluded 
from the recognition requirements of ASC 842). 

Right-of-use assets represent our right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and operating lease liabilities represent our 
obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease.  The right-of-use operating lease assets and liabilities are recognized based on 
the estimated present value of lease payments over the lease term as of the respective lease commencement dates.  We use an estimated 
incremental borrowing rate to determine the present value of lease payments (unless we can determine the rate implicit in the lease, 
which is generally not the case).  Our incremental borrowing rate for each of our leases is derived from available information, including 
our current debt and credit facilities and U.S. and European yield curves as well as publicly available data for instruments with similar 
characteristics, adjusted for factors such as collateralization and term.  

Our leases generally do not include termination or purchase options.  Certain of our leases include an option to renew the lease 
after expiration of the initial lease term, but we have not included such renewal periods in our lease term because it is not reasonably 
certain that we would exercise the renewal option.  Our leases generally have fixed lease payments, with no contingent or incentive 
payments.  Certain of our leases include variable lease payments that depend on a specified index or rate.  Our lease agreements do not 
contain any residual value guarantees.

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  2018,  2019  and  2020  we  capitalized  $1.1 
million, $.8 million and $.8 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: 

Asset
Buildings and improvements
Machinery and equipment
Mine development costs

Useful lives
 10 to 40 years
 3 to 20 years
 Units-of-production

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.  See Note 9. 

F-13

 
 
 
 
Employee benefit plans. Accounting and funding policies for our defined benefit pension and defined contribution retirement 
plans are described in Note 11.   We also provide certain postretirement benefits other than pensions (OPEB), consisting of health care 
and life insurance benefits, to certain U.S. and Canadian retired employees, which are not material. See Note 10. 

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  received  net  cash 
payments for income taxes from Contran of $5.8 million in 2018 and made cash payments for income taxes to Contran of $7.4 million 
and $6.3 million in 2019 and 2020, respectively. 

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 our Chemicals Segment’s non-U.S. subsidiaries 
which are not deemed to be permanently reinvested.  At December 31, 2020, we continue to assert indefinite reinvestment as it relates 
to  our  outside  basis  difference  attributable  to  our  Chemicals  Segment’s  investments  in  non-U.S.  subsidiaries,  other  than  post-1986 
undistributed earnings of our Chemicals Segment’s European subsidiaries and all undistributed earnings of our Chemicals Segment’s 
Canadian subsidiary, which are not subject to permanent reinvestment plans. It is not practical for us to determine the amount of the 
unrecognized  deferred  income  tax  liability  related  to  our  investments  in  our  Chemicals  Segment’s  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) and the U.S. taxation of such investments in the states in which we operate.  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.

The U.S. Federal tax code imposes a tax on global intangible low-tax income (GILTI). We record GILTI tax as a current period 
expense when incurred under the period cost method.  While our future global operations depend on a number of different factors, we 
do expect to have future U.S. inclusions in taxable income related to GILTI.

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 currency translation, this would 
occur only upon the sale or complete liquidation of one of our Chemicals Segment’s 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 

F-14

their receipt to be probable. We expense any environmental remediation related legal costs as incurred. At December 31, 2019 and 2020 
we had not recognized any material receivables for recoveries. See Note 18. 

Revenue recognition. Chemicals and Component Products Segments - Our sales involve single performance obligations to 
ship our products pursuant to customer purchase orders.  In some cases, the purchase order is supported by an underlying master sales 
agreement, but our purchase order acceptance generally evidences the contract with our customer by specifying the key terms of product 
and quantity ordered, price and delivery and payment terms.  In accordance with ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, 
we record revenue when we satisfy our performance obligations to our customers by transferring control of our products to them, which 
generally occurs at point of shipment or upon delivery.  Such transfer of control is also evidenced by transfer of legal title and other 
risks and rewards of ownership (giving the customer the ability to direct the use of, and obtain substantially all of the benefits of, the 
product), and our customers becoming obligated to pay us and it is probable we will receive payment.  In certain arrangements we 
provide shipping and handling activities after the transfer of control to our customer (e.g. when control transfers prior to delivery). In 
such arrangements shipping and handling are considered fulfillment activities, and accordingly, such costs are accrued when the related 
revenue is recognized.  

Revenue is recorded in an amount that reflects the net consideration we expect to receive in exchange for our products.  Prices 
for our products are based on terms specified in published list prices and purchase orders, which generally do not include financing 
components, noncash consideration or consideration paid to our customers.  As our standard payment terms are less than one year, we 
have elected the practical expedient under ASC 606 and we have not assessed whether a contract has a significant financing component.  
We state sales net of price, early payment and distributor discounts as well as volume rebates (collectively, variable consideration).   
Variable consideration, to the extent present, is recognized as the amount to which we are most-likely to be entitled, using all information 
(historical, current and forecasted) that is reasonably available to us, and only to the extent that a significant reversal in the amount of 
the cumulative revenue recognized is not probable of occurring in a future period.   Differences, if any, between estimates of the amount 
of variable consideration to which we will be entitled and the actual amount of such variable consideration have not been material in the 
past. 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).

Frequently, we receive orders for products to be delivered over dates that may extend across reporting periods. We invoice for 
each delivery upon shipment and recognize revenue for each distinct shipment when all sales recognition criteria for that shipment have 
been satisfied. As scheduled delivery dates for these orders are within a one year period, under the optional exemption provided by ASC 
606, we do not disclose sales allocated to future shipments of partially completed contracts. 

Real Estate Management and Development Segment – Revenues from our Real Estate Management and Development Segment   

involve providing utility services, among other things, to an industrial park located in Henderson, Nevada and we are responsible for 
the delivery of water to the City of Henderson and various other users through a water distribution system we own.  These sales involve 
single performance obligations and we record revenue when we satisfy our performance obligations to our customers generally after the 
service is performed and our customers become obligated to pay us and it is probable we will receive payment.  Revenue is recorded in 
an amount that reflects the net consideration we expect to receive in exchange for our services.  Prices for our products are based on 
contracted rates and do not include financing components, noncash consideration or consideration paid to our customers.  As our standard 
payment terms are less than one year, we have elected the practical expedient under ASC 606 and we have not assessed whether a 
contract has a significant financing component.  

Our revenues also are related to 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. 
Contracts  for  land  sales  are  negotiated  on  an  individual  basis,  involve  single  performance  obligations,  and  generally  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.  We recognize land sales revenue associated with the residential/planned community over time using cost based input 
methods.  Land sales associated with the residential/planned community have variable consideration components which are based on a 
percentage of the builder’s ultimate selling price of a residential housing unit to their customer (generally 3.5% of such sales price).  The 
amount  we  recognize  when  a  parcel  is  sold  to  a  home  builder  is  the  amount  to  which  we  are  most-likely  to  be  entitled,  using  all 
information (historical, current and forecasted) that is reasonably available to us, and only to the extent that a significant reversal in the 
amount of the cumulative revenue recognized is not probable of occurring in a future period.   By recognizing revenue over time using 
cost based input methods, revenues (including variable consideration) 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 relative to the parcels sold.  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 

F-15

would be accounted for prospectively in accordance with GAAP.   We record estimated deferred revenue on the amount to which we 
are most-likely to be entitled and deferred revenue is recognized into revenue as the housing units are sold.

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 $105 million in 2018, $111 million in 
2019  and  $112  million  in  2020.  Shipping  and  handling  costs  of  our  Component  Products  segment  are  not  material.  We  expense 
advertising and research and development costs as incurred. Advertising costs were approximately $1 million in 2018,  $2 million in 
2019 and $1 million in 2020. Research, development and certain sales technical support costs were approximately $16 million in 2018, 
$17 million in 2019 and $16 million in 2020. 

Note 2—Business and geographic segments: 

Business segment
Chemicals
Component products
Real estate management and development

Entity

Kronos
CompX
BMI and LandWell

% controlled at
December 31
2020

80%
86%
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:2) 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:2) 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, tool storage, healthcare and a variety of other industries.  CompX is also a leading manufacturer 
of stainless steel exhaust systems, gauges, throttle controls, wake enhancement systems, trim tabs and related hardware 
and accessories for the recreational marine industry.   All CompX production facilities are in the United States. 

(cid:2)

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  2018,  2019  or  2020.  Capital 
expenditures include additions to property and equipment. Depreciation and amortization related to each reportable operating segment 

F-16

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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.   

2018

Years ended December 31,
2019
(In millions)

2020

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
Gain on land sales
Gain on sale of business
Other components of net periodic pension
  and OPEB expense
Litigation settlement expense, net
Changes in market value of Valhi common stock held
  by subsidiaries
General expenses, net

Interest expense

Income from continuing operations
  before income taxes

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

1,661.9    $
118.2   
40.0   
1,820.1    $

1,101.7    $
79.9   
29.3   
1,210.9    $

560.2    $
38.3   
10.7   
609.2    $

342.9    $
17.8   
10.0   
370.7   

38.5   
1.3   
12.5   
-   

(14.5)  
(62.0)  

(12.2)  
(42.4)  
(55.7)  

1,731.2    $
124.2   
42.1   
1,897.5    $

1,346.8    $
85.3   
30.8   
1,462.9    $

384.4    $
38.9   
11.3   
434.6    $

160.1    $
17.8   
14.8   
192.7   

11.2   
7.7   
4.4   
3.0   

(16.5)  
(19.3)  

(.2)  
(37.5)  
(40.8)  

1,638.8 
114.5 
96.4 
1,849.7 

1,291.0 
81.7 
64.9 
1,437.6 

347.8 
32.8 
31.5 
412.1 

126.5 
11.8 
47.8 
186.1 

4.7 
1.6 
.5 
- 

(20.1)
- 

(1.7)
(34.3)
(36.2)

$

236.2    $

104.7    $

100.6  

Infrastructure reimbursements and land related income is included in the determination of Real Estate Management and 

Development operating income.  See Notes 7 and 13.

F-17

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization:

Chemicals
Component products
Real estate management and development

Total
Capital expenditures:

Chemicals
Component products
Waste management(1)
Real estate management and development

Total

Total assets:

Operating segments:

Chemicals
Component products
Real estate management and development

Corporate and eliminations

Total

  (1)Denotes discontinued operations

2018

Years ended December 31,
2019
(In millions)

2020

52.0    $
3.5   
2.9   
58.4    $

56.3    $
3.1   
.1   
1.9   
61.4    $

50.2    $
3.7   
2.9   
56.8    $

55.1    $
3.2   
-   
1.6   
59.9    $

61.9 
3.8 
2.8 
68.5 

62.8 
1.7 
- 
1.0 
65.5  

2018

December 31,
2019
(In millions)

2020

2,266.6    $
120.4   
218.5   
104.1   
2,709.6    $

2,331.8    $
132.5   
191.6   
138.5   
2,794.4    $

2,400.7 
138.0 
171.3 
179.3 
2,889.3  

$

$

$

$

$

$

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, 2020 the net assets of our non-
U.S. subsidiaries included in consolidated net assets approximated $565 million (in 2019 the total was $563 million). 

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

2018

Years ended December 31,
2019
(In millions)

2020

$

$

$

$

997.6    $
886.1   
307.2   
272.2   
209.6   
(852.6)  
1,820.1    $

698.7    $
817.6   
303.8   
1,820.1    $

1,164.8    $
883.6   
328.7   
270.7   
192.2   
(942.5)  
1,897.5    $

740.1    $
824.2   
333.2   
1,897.5    $

1,189.8 
836.0 
319.5 
249.5 
211.8 
(956.9)
1,849.7 

778.2 
783.8 
287.7 
1,849.7  

F-18

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net property and equipment:
United States
Germany
Canada
Norway
Belgium

Total

2018

December 31,
2019
(In millions)

2020

$

$

74.5    $
245.8   
66.1   
81.0   
96.1   
563.5    $

72.0    $

233.6   
73.1   
87.9   
96.4   
563.0    $

67.8 
237.5 
88.6 
88.1 
108.4 
590.4  

Note 3—Business combinations, dispositions and related transactions: 

Kronos Worldwide, Inc. 

Prior to 2018, 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 uses cash on hand or other sources of liquidity to acquire the shares. Repurchased 
shares are added to Kronos’ treasury shares and subsequently cancelled upon approval of the Kronos board of directors. Kronos did not 
make any repurchases under the plan during 2018.  In 2019 and 2020, Kronos acquired 264,992 and 122,489 shares, respectively, of its 
common stock in market transactions for an aggregate purchase price of $3.0 million and $1.0 million, respectively, and subsequently 
cancelled  all  of  such  shares.  At  December  31,  2020  approximately  1.56 million  shares  are  available  for  repurchase  under  these 
authorizations.  

CompX International Inc. 

Prior  to  2018,  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 2018, 2019 or 2020, and at December 
31, 2020 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.  We recognized 
a pre-tax gain of approximately $58 million primarily in the first quarter of 2018 on the transaction ($34.7 million, or $1.22 per diluted 
share, net of tax) 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 previously-reported long-lived asset impairment of $170.6 million recognized 
in the second quarter of 2017.  We recognized a pre-tax gain of $4.9 million ($4.3 million or $.15 per diluted share, net of tax) in the 
fourth quarter of 2020 related to proceeds received from JFL Partners in final settlement of an earn-out provision in the sale agreement. 
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.  The sale 
enabled 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 Statements of Income.  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-19

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Selected financial data for the operations of the disposed Waste Management Segment for the period prior to completing the 

sale is presented below.  

Net sales:

Operating loss
Termination fee
Other expense, net
Interest expense, net
Loss before taxes

Income tax benefit
Net loss

Pre-tax gain on disposal
Income tax expense
After-tax gain on disposal

Total

Net cash provided by operating activities

Net cash used in investing activities

Note 4—Accounts and other receivables, net: 

Trade accounts receivable:

Kronos
CompX
BMI/LandWell
VAT and other receivables
Allowance for doubtful accounts

Total

Year ended
December 31,
2018
(In millions)

$

$

$

$

$

$

December 31,

2019

2020

(In millions)

$

$

270.5    $
11.9   
1.6   
31.2   
(1.2)  
314.0    $

4.6 

(.4)
- 
- 
(.3)
(.7)
(.1)
(.6)

58.4 
23.7 
34.7 

34.1 

2.3 

(.1)

294.8 
10.8 
1.2 
27.2 
(1.9)
332.1  

F-20

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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

Note 6—Marketable securities: 

December 31, 2019:

Current assets

Noncurrent assets

December 31, 2020:

Current assets

Noncurrent assets

December 31,

2019

2020

(In millions)

$

$

124.4    $
2.9   
127.3   

39.0   
11.8   
50.8   

270.7   
3.6   
274.3   
69.7   
522.1    $

133.2 
3.2 
136.4 

36.8 
11.7 
48.5 

270.0 
3.5 
273.5 
79.8 
538.2  

Market
value

Cost
basis
(In millions)

Unrealized
gains (losses), 
net

 $

 $

 $

 $

2.1    $

2.1    $

6.2    $

6.2    $

4.4    $

4.4    $

2.9    $

2.9    $

- 

- 

- 

-  

F-21

 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
    
   
   
   
   
 
 
    
   
   
   
   
 
    
   
   
   
   
 
 
    
   
   
   
   
 
Fair Value Measurements
Quoted
Prices in
Active
Markets
(Level 1)
(In millions)

Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)

Total

December 31, 2019:

Current assets
Noncurrent assets:

Fixed income securities
Common stocks and exchange traded funds

Total
December 31, 2020:

Current assets
Noncurrent assets:

Fixed income securities
Common stocks

Total

$

$

 $

$

$

 $

2.1   $

4.9  $
1.3   
6.2  $

4.4   $

2.7  $
.2   
2.9  $

-  $

-  $
1.3   
1.3  $

-  $

-  $
.2   
.2  $

2.1 

4.9 
- 
4.9 

4.4 

2.7 
- 
2.7  

Amalgamated Sugar. Prior to 2018, 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 was $250 million. As part of this transaction, 
Snake River made certain loans to us aggregating $250 million. These loans were collateralized by our interest in the LLC. We and 
Snake River shared 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. Additionally, Snake River agreed that the annual amount of distributions we received from the LLC would 
exceed the annual amount of interest payments we owed to Snake River on our $250 million in loans from Snake River by at least $1.8 
million on an annual basis.

On May 30, 2018, we entered into an agreement with Snake River, completed on August 31, 2018, in which we sold our interest 
in Amalgamated for consideration consisting of $12.5 million in cash and the deemed payment in full of our $250 million in loans from 
Snake River.  As a result, in the third quarter of 2018 we recognized a securities transaction gain of $12.5 million related to the sale and 
our $250 million in loans were deemed repaid in full.

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). 

F-22

 
 
 
 
 
   
  
 
 
 
 
 
   
      
     
 
 
 
   
      
     
 
 
 
 
 
   
      
     
 
 
 
   
      
     
 
 
 
 
 
Note 7—Investment in TiO2 manufacturing joint venture and other assets: 

Other assets:

Land held for development
Operating lease right-of-use assets
Restricted cash and cash equivalents
IBNR receivables
Note receivables - OPA
Other

Total

December 31,

2019

2020

(In millions)

$

$

125.3    $
29.0   
33.0   
8.5   
8.8   
11.9   
216.5    $

96.0 
26.1 
37.8 
37.1 
25.3 
8.7 
231.0  

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  Venator  Investments  LLC  (Venator 
Investments).  Venator Investments is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Venator Group, of which Venator Materials PLC owns 100% and 
is the ultimate parent.  LPC owns and operates a chloride-process TiO2 plant near Lake Charles, Louisiana. 

Kronos  and  Venator  Investments  are  both  required  to  purchase  one-half  of  the  TiO2  produced  by  LPC,  unless  Kronos  and 
Venator Investments agree otherwise.  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.  Kronos’ share of net cost is reported as cost of sales as the related TiO2 acquired from LPC is sold.  We report 
distributions Kronos receives from LPC, which generally relate to excess cash generated by LPC from its non-cash production costs, 
and contributions Kronos makes 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 cash distributions from 
(contributions to) LPC are shown in the table below. 

Distributions from LPC
Contributions to LPC

Net distributions (contributions)

Summary balance sheets of LPC are shown below: 

ASSETS

Current assets
Property and equipment, net

Total assets
LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS' EQUITY

Other liabilities, primarily current
Partners' equity

Total liabilities and partners' equity

2018

Years ended December 31,
2019
(In millions)

2020

$

$

34.3    $
(30.3)  

4.0    $

40.6   
(49.9)  
(9.3)  

$

$

32.7 
(45.5)
(12.8)

December 31,

2019

2020

(In millions)

$

$

$

$

94.6    $
121.3   
215.9    $

32.8    $
183.1   
215.9    $

105.8 
134.1 
239.9 

30.6 
209.3 
239.9  

F-23

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
 
 
Summary income statements of LPC are shown below: 

Revenues and other income:

Kronos
Venator Investments

Total

Cost and expenses:

Cost of sales
General and administrative

Total

         Net income

2018

Years ended December 31,
2019
(In millions)

2020

$

$

165.9    $
167.0   
332.9   

332.5   
.4   
332.9   

-    $

176.2   
177.0   
353.2   

352.8   
.4   
353.2   
-   

$

$

167.8 
168.3 
336.1 

335.7 
.4 
336.1 
-  

Leases.  We  enter  into  various  operating  leases  for  manufacturing  facilities,  land  and  equipment.    Our  operating  leases  are 
included  in  operating  lease  right-of-use  assets,  current  operating  lease  liabilities  and  noncurrent  operating  lease  liabilities  in  our 
Consolidated Balance Sheet. See Note 10. 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 
Kronos owns and which represents approximately one-third of its current TiO2 production capacity, is located within Bayer’s extensive 
manufacturing complex.

During 2019 and 2020, our operating lease expense approximated $8.2 million and $7.6 million, respectively, (which amount 
approximates the amount of cash paid during the period for our operating leases included in the determination of our cash flows from 
operating activities).  During 2019 and 2020, variable lease expense and short-term lease expense were not material.  During 2019 and 
2020, we entered into new operating leases which resulted in the recognition of $1.6 million and $2.5 million, respectively, in right-of-
use  operating  lease  assets  and  corresponding  liabilities  on  our  Consolidated  Balance  Sheet.  At  December  31,  2019  and  2020,  the 
weighted average remaining lease term of our operating leases was approximately 14 years and 15 years, respectively, and the weighted 
average discount rate associated with such leases was approximately 4.6% and 4.8%, respectively.  Such average remaining lease term 
is weighted based on each arrangement’s lease obligation, and such average discount rate is weighted based on each arrangement’s total 
remaining lease payments.

At December 31, 2020, maturities of our operating lease liabilities were as follows:

Years ending December 31,

2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026 and thereafter

Total remaining lease payments
Less imputed interest
Total lease obligations
Less current obligations
Long term lease obligations

Amount
(In millions)

7.4 
4.1 
2.7 
1.8 
1.3 
20.1 
37.4 
11.9 
25.5 
6.7 
18.8  

$

$

With  respect  to  our  land  lease  associated  with  our  Chemical  Segment’s  Leverkusen  facility,  we  periodically  establish  the 
amount of rent for such land lease 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 of such land lease; rather, any change in the rent is subject 
solely to periodic negotiation between Bayer and us.  As such, we will account for any change in the rent associated with such lease as 
a  lease  modification.    Of  the  $25.5  million  total  lease  obligations  at  December  31,  2020,  approximately  $7.6  million  relates  to  our 
Leverkusen facility land lease.  

F-24

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
At December 31, 2020, we have no significant lease commitments that have not yet commenced.

Prior to the adoption of ASC 842, net rent expense approximated $15 million in 2018.

Land held for development. The land held for development relates to BMI and LandWell and is discussed in Note 1. 

Note  receivables  –  OPA.  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.    The  OPA  note  receivables  represent  public  infrastructure  costs  previously  incurred  for  which  the 
Redevelopment Agency has provided its approval for tax increment reimbursement but we have not yet received such reimbursement 
through tax increment receipts, and are evidenced by a promissory note issued to LandWell by the City of Henderson.  

Prior to 2018, due to the significant uncertainty of the timing and amount of any of such potential tax increment reimbursements, 
we recognized any such tax increment reimbursements only when received.  However, due to growth in the master planned community 
and  the  increase  in  tax  increment  funds  to  which  we  are  entitled,  we  determined  in  the  first  quarter  of  2018  the  tax  increment 
reimbursements expected to be collected in the future would at least be sufficient to support recognizing the promissory note issued by 
the City of Henderson to LandWell.  During 2018, we recognized $3.1 million of other income relating to the existing promissory note 
as  of  January  1,  2018.    During  2019  and  2020,  we  received  approval  for  additional  tax  increment  reimbursement  of  $8.8  million 
(primarily in the second quarter), and $19.1 million (all in the first quarter), respectively, which were recognized as other income and 
are evidenced by a promissory note issued to LandWell by the City of Henderson.  The note receivables bear interest at 6% annually 
and the note expires in 2036.  Any unpaid balances in 2036 are forfeited. See Note 13.

Other. We have certain related party transactions with LPC, as more fully described in Note 17. 

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.   

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 acquisitions of 
NL and Kronos which occurred prior to 2018, 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. 

Balance at December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020

$

352.6   

Chemicals

Component
Products
(In millions)
$

27.1   

Total

$

379.7  

Operating segment

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 

F-25

 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 2018, 2019 and 2020, no goodwill impairment was indicated as part of our annual impairment review of goodwill.  As 
permitted by GAAP, during 2018, 2019 and 2020 we used the qualitative assessment of ASC 350-20-35 for the Component Products 
security  products  reporting  unit’s  annual  impairment  test  and  determined  it  was  not  necessary  to  perform  a  quantitative  goodwill 
impairment test.  During 2016, we used the quantitative assessment of ASC 350-20-35 for security products reporting unit’s annual 
impairment test using discounted cash flows to determine the estimated fair value of the security products reporting unit. Such discounted 
cash flows are a Level 3 input as defined by ASC 820-10-35.  

Prior to 2018, we recorded an aggregate $16.5 million goodwill impairment, mostly with respect to our Component Products 

Segment. Our consolidated gross goodwill at December 31, 2020 is $396.2 million. 

Note 9—Long-term debt:

Valhi:

Contran credit facility

Subsidiary debt:
Kronos:

Senior Secured Notes

Tremont:

Promissory note payable

BMI:

Bank loan Western Alliance Bank

LandWell:

Note payable to Western Alliance Business Trust
Note payable to the City of Henderson

Other

Total subsidiary debt
Total debt
Less current maturities
Total long-term debt

December 31,

2019

2020

(In millions)

$

313.0 

 $

270.7 

442.6 

485.7 

2.0 

17.2 

15.0 
1.6 
2.9 
481.3 
794.3 
(4.9)
789.4 

 $

- 

16.3 

14.2 
- 
1.7 
517.9 
788.6 
(2.4)
786.2  

$

Valhi— Contran credit facility—We have an unsecured revolving credit facility with Contran which, as amended, provides 
for borrowings from Contran of up to $320 million. The facility, as amended, bears interest at prime plus 1% (4.25% at December 31, 
2020), and is due on demand, but in any event no earlier than December 31, 2022. 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, 
2020 was 4.5%. During 2020 we made no borrowings and we repaid $42.3 million under this facility and at December 31, 2020 an 
additional $49.3 million was available for borrowings under this facility.  

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).  The Senior Notes: 

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

bear interest at 3.75% per annum, payable semi-annually on March 15 and September 15 of each year, payments began  
on March 15, 2018;

have a maturity date of September 15, 2025.  Prior to September 15, 2020, Kronos had an option to 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 had an option to redeem up to 40% of the Senior Notes 
with the net proceeds of certain public or private equity offerings at 103.75% of the principal amount but Kronos did 
not elect this option.  If Kronos experiences certain specified change of control events, it would be required to make an 

F-26

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
    
 
   
 
    
 
 
  
   
 
    
 
 
  
   
 
    
 
 
  
   
 
    
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
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:2)

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

The carrying value of the Senior Notes at December 31, 2020 is stated net of unamortized debt issuance costs of $4.7 million 

(at December 31, 2019 the balance was $5.3 million).

Revolving North American credit facility—Kronos has a $125 million revolving bank credit facility that, as amended, matures 
in  January  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.

Kronos  had  no  borrowings  or  repayments  under  this  facility  in  2019  and  2020.    At  December  31,  2019,  Kronos  had 

approximately $107.6 million available for borrowing under this revolving facility. 

Revolving European credit facility— Kronos’ operating subsidiaries in Germany, Belgium, Norway and Denmark have a €90 
million secured revolving credit facility that, as amended, 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 2019 and 2020 and at December 31, 2020, there were no 
outstanding  borrowings  under  this  facility. 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, 2020 and the net debt to EBITDA financial test, the full €90 million ($110.3 million) was available for borrowing at 
December 31, 2020. 

Other.    In  2013,  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  bore  interest  at  3% per  annum,  with  interest  payable  annually  and  all  principal  due  in  December  2023.  The 
promissory note was collateralized by the BMI and LandWell interests acquired as well as the real property acquired from NERT as part 
of the transaction. The note could be prepaid at any time without penalty. We were required to make mandatory prepayments on the 

F-27

note in specified amounts whenever we received distributions from BMI or LandWell, or in the event we sold any of the real property 
acquired.  We made principal prepayments of $7.4 million during 2019 under the terms of the note, and in 2020 we fully repaid (without 
penalty) the remaining principal balance of $2.0 million on 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.  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 $.6 million at December 31, 2020.  

Prior  to  2018,  LandWell  entered  into  a  $3.9  million  promissory  note  payable  to  the  City  of  Henderson,  Nevada. The  note 
required 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 bore interest at a 3% fixed rate.  We made payments of $.4 
million  during  2019  using  receipts  from  the  specified  revenue  sources  and  in  January  2020,  LandWell  fully  repaid  this  note  using 
proceeds from the new loan discussed below.  

In December 2019, LandWell entered into a $15.0 million loan agreement with Western Alliance Business Trust.  The proceeds 
will be used to finance certain public infrastructure costs incurred by LandWell under the OPA Landwell has with the Redevelopment 
Agency  of  the  City  of  Henderson,  Nevada  as  more  fully  discussed  in  Note  7,  and  to  repay  the  City  of  Henderson  note  discussed 
above.  The agreement requires semi-annual payments of principal and interest on April 15 and October 15 aggregating $1.3 million 
annually beginning on April 15, 2020 through the maturity date in April 2036 and is payable from the tax increment reimbursement 
funds  received  under  the  OPA. The  agreement  bears  interest  at  a  fixed  4.76%  rate  and  is  collateralized  by  all  tax  increment 
reimbursement funds LandWell receives under the OPA.   

Aggregate maturities of long-term debt at December 31, 2020 

Aggregate maturities of debt at December 31, 2020 are presented in the table below.

Years ending December 31,

Gross amounts due each year:

2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026 and thereafter
Subtotal

Less amounts representing original issue discount and debt issuance costs
Total long-term debt

We are in compliance with all of our debt covenants at December 31, 2020. 

Amount
(In millions)

$

$

$

2.4 
273.2 
2.2 
1.9 
492.5 
21.9 
794.1 
(5.5)
788.6  

F-28

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 10—Accounts payable and accrued liabilities: 

Accounts payable:
Kronos
CompX
BMI/LandWell
NL
Other

Total
Current accrued liabilities:
Employee benefits
Operating lease liabilities
Accrued sales discounts and rebates
Deferred income
Environmental remediation and related costs
Interest
Other

Total

Noncurrent accrued liabilities:

Other postretirement benefits
Operating lease liabilities
Reserve for uncertain tax positions
Deferred income
Employee benefits
Insurance claims and expenses
Deferred payment obligation
Accrued development costs
Other

Total

December 31,

2019

2020

(In millions)

137.2   
2.5   
3.7   
.9   
.4   
144.7   

30.6   
6.2   
33.7   
10.3   
4.5   
5.2   
40.0   
130.5   

10.5   
22.2   
13.6   
47.4   
6.0   
11.0   
9.9   
8.3   
8.2   
137.1   

$

$

$

$

$

$

111.0 
2.6 
3.6 
- 
.4 
117.6 

37.5 
6.7 
30.2 
20.1 
3.4 
5.7 
39.4 
143.0 

10.8 
18.8 
6.8 
58.9 
6.2 
39.3 
1.3 
24.6 
7.8 
174.5 

$

$

$

$

$

$

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.

In 2013 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%).  We made repayments of $9.6 million during 2020 under the terms of 
the obligation and recognized an accretion loss of $.8 million on the early repayment.  In 2021 we fully repaid the remaining $1.5 million 
face value outstanding under the obligation.

Note 11—Defined contribution and defined benefit retirement: 

Defined contribution plans. Certain of our subsidiaries maintain various defined contribution pension plans for our employees 

worldwide. Defined contribution plan expense approximated $6.6 million in 2018, $6.5 million in 2019 and $6.6 million in 2020. 

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 

F-29

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
amount required under ERISA (or equivalent foreign) regulations plus additional amounts as we deem appropriate. We recognize an 
asset or liability for the over or under funded status of each of our individual defined benefit pension plans on our Consolidated Balance 
Sheets.  Changes in the funded status of these plans are recognized either in net income, to the extent they are reflected in periodic 
benefit cost, or through other comprehensive income (loss).

In accordance with applicable U.K. pension regulations, we entered into an agreement in March 2021 for the bulk annuity 
purchase, or “buy-in” with a specialist insurer of defined benefit pension plans.  Following the buy-in, individual policies will replace 
the bulk annuity policy in a “buy-out” which is expected to be completed in late 2021 or early 2022.  The buy-out is expected to be 
completed with existing plan funds.  At the completion of the buy-out we will remove the assets and liabilities of the U.K. pension plan 
from  our  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  and  a  plan  settlement  gain  or  loss  (which  we  are  currently  unable  to  estimate)  will  be 
included in net periodic pension cost.  At December 31, 2020 the U.K. plan had a benefit obligation of $12.2 million, plan assets of 
$17.3 million and a pension plan asset of $5.2 million was recognized in our Consolidated Balance Sheet.

We expect to contribute the equivalent of approximately $18 million to all of our defined benefit pension plans during 2021. 

Benefit payments to plan participants out of plan assets are expected to be the equivalent of:

2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
Next 5 years

$ 27.5 million
28.9 million
28.7 million
30.6 million
30.6 million
177.6 million

The funded status of our U.S. defined benefit pension plans is presented in the table below. 

Years ended December 31,
2020
2019

(In millions)

57.6   
2.3   
4.9   
(4.2)  
60.6   

43.2   
5.5   
3.9   
(4.2)  
48.4   
(12.2)  

(.3)  
(11.9)  
(12.2)  
38.5   
26.3   
60.6   

$

$

$

$
$

$

$
$

60.6 
1.9 
5.0 
(4.3)
63.2 

48.4 
6.8 
2.4 
(4.3)
53.3 
(9.9)

(.2)
(9.7)
(9.9)
36.7 
26.8 
63.2  

$

$

$

$
$

$

$
$

Change in projected benefit obligations ("PBO"):

Balance at beginning of the year
Interest cost
Actuarial losses
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 the 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")

F-30

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The total net underfunded status of our U.S. defined benefit pension plans decreased from $12.2 million at December 31, 2019 
to $9.9 million at December 31, 2020 due to the change in our plan assets during 2020 exceeding the change in our PBO during 2020.  
The increase in our PBO in 2020 was primarily attributable to actuarial losses due to the decrease in discount rates from year end 2019.  
The increase in our plan assets in 2020 was primarily attributable to net plan asset returns in 2020 and employer contributions.  

The components of our net periodic defined benefit pension cost for U.S. plans are presented in the table below. The amounts 
shown below for the amortization of unrecognized actuarial losses for 2018, 2019 and 2020 were recognized as components of our 
accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) at December 31, 2017, 2018 and 2019, respectively, net of deferred income taxes and 
noncontrolling interest. 

Net periodic pension benefit cost (credit) for U.S. plans

Interest cost
Expected return on plan assets
Amortization of unrecognized net actuarial loss

Total

Years ended December 31,

2018

2019

(In millions)

2020

$

$

2.2   
(3.4)  
2.0   
.8   

$

$

2.3    $
(2.3)  
2.2   
2.2    $

1.9 
(2.1)
2.1 
1.9  

Information concerning our U.S. defined benefit pension plans (for which the ABO of all of the plans 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

December 31,

2019

2020

(In millions)

$

$

60.6   
60.6   
48.4   

63.2 
63.2 
53.3  

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, 2019 and 2020 are 3.1% and 2.2%, 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 2018, 2019 and 2020 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. 

Discount rate
Long-term return on plan assets

Years ended December 31,

2018

2019

2020

3.5  %  
7.5  %  

4.1  %  
5.5  %  

3.1  %
4.5  %

Variances  from  actuarially  assumed  rates  will  result  in  increases  or  decreases  in  accumulated  pension  obligations,  pension 

expense and funding requirements in future periods. 

F-31

 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
The funded status of our non-U.S. 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 the 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,
2020
2019

(In millions)

667.2   
12.8   
13.5   
1.6   
82.0   
(1.0)  
(6.6)  
(23.1)  
746.4   

410.7   
47.0   
15.5   
1.6   
(1.7)  
(23.1)  
450.0   
(296.4)  

7.4   

(303.8)  
(296.4)  

286.8   
1.0   
287.8   
(8.6)  
720.3   

$

$

$

$
$

$

$
$

746.4 
13.3 
10.1 
1.9 
47.5 
- 
58.8 
(22.2)
855.8 

450.0 
19.2 
16.0 
1.9 
29.9 
(22.2)
494.8 
(361.0)

8.4 

(369.4)
(361.0)

307.0 
.7 
307.7 
(53.3)
838.2  

$

$

$

$
$

$

$
$

The total net underfunded status of our non-U.S. defined benefit pension plans increased from $296.4 million at December 31, 
2019 to $361.0 million at December 31, 2020 due to the change in our PBO during 2020 exceeding the change in plan assets during 
2020.  The increase in our PBO in 2020 was primarily attributable to actuarial losses due to the decrease in discount rates from year end 
2019 and unfavorable foreign currency fluctuations resulting primarily from the weakening of the U.S. dollar relative to the euro.  The 
increase in our plan assets in 2020 was primarily attributable to net plan asset returns in 2020, employer contributions and favorable 
foreign currency fluctuations resulting primarily from the weakening of the U.S. dollar relative to the euro.  

F-32

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
The components of our net periodic 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 2018, 2019 and 2020 were recognized as 
components of our accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) at December 31, 2017, 2018 and 2019, respectively, net of deferred 
income taxes and noncontrolling interest.

Net periodic pension cost for foreign plans:

Service cost
Interest cost
Expected return on plan assets
Amortization of unrecognized:

Prior service cost
Net actuarial loss
Total

Years ended December 31,

2018

2019

(In millions)

2020

$

$

11.6   
13.8   
(12.7)  

.2   
13.2   
26.1   

$

$

12.8    $
13.5   
(11.9)  

.2   
12.8   
27.4    $

13.3 
10.1 
(9.0)

.2 
17.3 
31.9  

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

December 31,

2019

2020

(In millions)

$

$

685.4   
663.3   
381.7   

800.2 
777.4 
430.8  

The key actuarial assumptions used to determine our foreign benefit obligations as of December 31, 2019 and 2020 are as 

follows: 

Discount rate
Increase in future compensation levels

December 31,

2019

2020

1.4  %  
2.6  %  

1.0  %
2.6  %

A summary of our key actuarial assumptions used to determine foreign net periodic benefit cost for 2018, 2019 and 2020 are 

as follows: 

Discount rate
Increase in future compensation levels
Long-term return on plan assets

Years ended December 31,

2018

2019

2020

2.1  %  
2.6  %  
3.0  %  

2.1  %  
2.6  %  
2.9  %  

1.4  %
2.6  %
2.0  %

Variances  from  actuarially  assumed  rates  will  result  in  increases  or  decreases  in  accumulated  pension  obligations,  pension 

expense and funding requirements in future periods.

F-33

 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
The amounts shown for all of our periodic defined benefit plans for unrecognized actuarial losses and prior service cost at 
December  31,  2019  and  2020  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, 2019 and 2020. We expect approximately $21.0 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 2021. The table below details the changes 
in other comprehensive income (loss) during 2018, 2019 and 2020. 

Changes in plan assets and benefit obligations
  recognized in other comprehensive income (loss):

Net actuarial gain (loss)
Amortization of unrecognized:

Prior service cost
Net actuarial losses

Total

Years ended December 31,

2018

2019

(In millions)

2020

$

$

(27.0)  

$

(47.2)   $

(37.7)

.2   
15.2   
(11.6)  

$

.2   
15.0   
(32.0)   $

.2 
19.4 
(18.1)

Prior to 2018, 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 benefit plans sponsored by Contran and certain of its affiliates, including us. For 2018, the long-term rate of return 
assumption for our U.S. plan assets 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.   During 2018, Contran and the other employer-
sponsors (including us) implemented a restructuring of the CMRT, in which a substantial part of each plan’s units in the CMRT were 
redeemed in exchange for a pro-rata portion of a substantial part of the CMRT’s investments.  Following such restructuring, the plans held 
directly in the aggregate the investments previously held directly by the CMRT which had been exchanged for CMRT units as part of the 
restructuring.  Certain  investments  held  directly  by  the  CMRT  were  not  part  of  such  restructuring  and  remained  investments  of  the 
CMRT at December 31, 2018. During 2019, the remaining investments of the CMRT allocable to our U.S. plan were transferred and are 
held as direct investments of our U.S. plan at December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2020.  Such restructuring was implemented in part 
so each plan could more easily align the composition of its plan asset portfolio with the plan’s benefit obligations.

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 addition, 
we receive third-party advice about appropriate long-term rates of return.  Such assumed asset mixes are summarized below: 

(cid:2) 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  plans  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 in the fair value hierarchy because there is not an active 
market that approximates the value of our investment in the Bayer investment fund.  We estimate the fair value of the 
Bayer plan assets based on periodic reports we receive from the managers of the Bayer fund and using a model we 
developed  with  assistance  from  our  third-party  actuary  that  uses  estimated  asset  allocations  and  correlates  such 
allocation to similar asset mixes in fund indexes quoted on an active market.  We periodically evaluate the results of 
our valuation model against actual returns in the Bayer fund and adjust the model as needed.  The Bayer fund periodic 
reports are subject to audit by the German pension regulator.  

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

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 approximate the applicable equity or 
fixed income index.  The Canadian assets are Level 1 inputs because they are traded in active markets. 

In Norway, we currently have a plan asset target allocation of 15% to equity securities, 62% to fixed income securities, 
14% 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 5%, 3%, 4% and 7%, respectively.  The 
majority of Norwegian plan assets are Level 1 inputs because they are traded in active markets; however approximately 
14% of our Norwegian plan assets are invested in real estate and other investments not actively traded and are therefore 
a Level 3 input. 

F-34

 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(cid:2)

In the U.S. we currently have a plan asset target allocation of 38% to equity securities, 54% to fixed income securities, 
and the remainder is allocated to multi-asset strategies. The expected long-term rate of return for such investments is 
approximately 9%, 3% and 2%, respectively (before plan administrative expenses).   The majority of U.S. plan assets 
are Level 1 inputs because they are traded in active markets, and approximately 34% of our U.S. plan assets are invested 
in funds that are valued at net asset value (NAV) and not subject to classification in the fair value hierarchy

(cid:2) 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 pension plan assets by asset category and fair value level at December 31, 2019 and 2020 is shown in 

the tables below.  

Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2019

Quoted
Prices in
Active
Markets
(Level 1)    

Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)    

(In millions)

Total

Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)

Assets 
measured
at NAV  

$

264.5    $

-    $

-    $

264.5    $

8.3   
16.3   
80.9   
.6   

1.6   
4.2   
22.8   
8.3   
6.6   
8.2   

8.3     
16.3     
80.9     
.6     

1.6     
4.2     
14.1     
8.3     
-     
7.4     

19.2   
23.3   
6.0   
27.6   
498.4    $

5.4     
23.3     
4.6     
16.6     
191.6    $

$

-   
-   
-   
-   

-   
-   
8.7   
-   
-   
-   
-   
-   
-   
-   
-   
8.7    $

-   
-   
-   
-   

-   
-   
-   
-   
6.6   
.8   
-   
.6   
-   
-   
11.0   
283.5    $

- 

- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

13.2 
- 
1.4 
- 
14.6  

Germany
Canada:

Local currency equities
Non local currency equities
Local currency fixed income
Cash and other

Norway:

Local currency equities
Non local currency equities
Local currency fixed income
Non local currency fixed income
Real estate
Cash and other

U.S.

Equities
Fixed income
Cash and other
Other

Total

F-35

 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
   
       
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
       
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
     
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2020

Quoted
Prices in
Active
Markets
(Level 1)    

Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)    

(In millions)

Total

Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)

Assets 
measured
at NAV  

$

292.5    $

-    $

-    $

292.5    $

.2   
26.6   
87.3   
.9   

3.2   
6.3   
26.4   
7.7   
7.1   
5.5   

.2     
26.6     
87.3     
.9     

3.2     
6.3     
16.3     
7.7     
-     
4.8     

-   
-   
-   
-   

-   
-   
10.1   
-   
-   
-   

-   
-   
-   
-   

-   
-   
-   
-   
7.1   
.7   

- 

- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

20.9   
26.8   
5.7   
31.1   
548.2    $

3.1     
26.8     
4.4     
17.3     
204.9    $

$

-   
-   
-   
-   
10.1    $

.7   
-   
-   
13.8   
314.8    $

17.1 
- 
1.3 
- 
18.4  

Germany
Canada:

Local currency equities
Non local currency equities
Local currency fixed income
Cash and other

Norway:

Local currency equities
Non local currency equities
Local currency fixed income
Non local currency fixed income
Real estate
Cash and other

U.S.

Equities
Fixed income
Cash and other

Other

Total

A rollforward of the change in fair value of Level 3 assets follows. 

Years ended December 31,
2020
2019

Fair value at beginning of year

Gain on assets held at end of year
Loss on assets sold during the year
Assets purchased
Assets sold
Transfer in
Currency exchange rate fluctuations
Fair value at end of year

Note 12 –Disaggregation of Sales

$

$

$

(In millions)
259.6   
30.2   
(1.1)  
16.0   
(14.9)  
-   
(6.3)  
283.5   

$

283.5 
4.4 
- 
14.4 
(14.2)
- 
26.7 
314.8  

The following table disaggregates the net sales of our Chemicals Segment by place of manufacture (point of origin) and the 
location of the customer (point of destination), which are the categories that depict how the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of 
revenue and cash flows are affected by economic factors. 

F-36

 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
   
       
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
       
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
       
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net sales - point of origin:

Germany
United States
Canada
Belgium
Norway
Eliminations

Total

Net sales - point of destination:

Europe
North America
Other

Total

Years ended December 31,

2018

2019

(In millions)

2020

$

$

$

$

886.1   
839.4   
307.2   
272.2   
209.6   
(852.6)  
1,661.9   

817.2   
542.0   
302.7   
1,661.9   

$

$

$

$

883.6    $
998.5   
328.7   
270.7   
192.2   
(942.5)  
1,731.2    $

823.5    $
575.6   
332.1   
1,731.2    $

836.0 
978.8 
319.5 
249.5 
211.8 
(956.8)
1,638.8 

783.2 
569.3 
286.3 
1,638.8  

The following table disaggregates the net sales of our Component Products and Real Estate Management and Development 
Segments by major product line, which are the categories that depict how the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and 
cash flows for these segments are affected by economic factors.

Component Products:
Net sales:

Security products
Marine components

Total

Real Estate Management and Development:

Net sales:

Land sales
Water delivery
Utility and other

Total

Years ended December 31,

2018

2019

(In millions)

2020

$

$

$

$

98.4   
19.8   
118.2   

32.3   
5.6   
2.1   
40.0   

$

$

$

$

99.3    $
24.9   
124.2    $

33.5    $
6.8   
1.8   
42.1    $

87.9 
26.6 
114.5 

87.0 
7.6 
1.8 
96.4  

F-37

 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 13—Other income, net: 

Securities earnings:

Dividends and interest
Securities transactions, net

Total

Gain on land sales
Gain on sale of business
Insurance recoveries
Currency transactions, net
Disposal of property and equipment, net
Infrastructure reimbursements
Other, net

Total

2018

Years ended December 31,
2019
(In millions)

2020

$

$

26.1    $
12.4   
38.5   
12.5   
-   
1.3   
10.1   
(.3)  
4.3   
2.8   
69.2    $

10.9    $
.3   
11.2   
4.4   
3.0   
7.7   
2.0   
(.3)  
9.2   
3.7   
40.9    $

4.8 
(.1)
4.7 
4.5 
- 
1.6 
(4.0)
(.2)
19.7 
2.1 
28.4  

Dividends and interest income includes distributions from The Amalgamated Sugar Company LLC of $16.9 million in 2018.  
Securities transactions, net in 2018 includes a $12.5 million gain on the sale of our investment in The Amalgamated Sugar Company 
LLC. See Note 6.  

Infrastructure reimbursements related to the OPA are discussed in Note 7.

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.  NL  has  agreements  with  certain  of  its  former  insurance 
carriers pursuant to which the carriers reimburse it for a portion of its future lead pigment litigation defense costs, and one such carrier 
reimburses NL for a portion of its future asbestos litigation defense costs. We are not able to determine how much NL will ultimately 
recover from these carriers for defense costs incurred, because of certain issues that arise regarding which defense costs qualify for 
reimbursement. While NL continues to seek additional insurance recoveries for lead pigment and asbestos litigation matters, we do not 
know the extent to which it will be successful in obtaining additional reimbursement for either defense costs or indemnity.  In 2019, NL 
recognized $5.1 million in insurance recoveries which represented recovery of past and future litigation defense costs primarily related 
to a single insurance recovery settlement.  In the fourth quarter of 2019 and the first quarter of 2020, Kronos recognized a gain of $2.6 
million and $1.5 million, respectively, related to an insurance settlement for a property damage claim.  

In the first quarter of 2018 we sold two parcels of land not used in our operating activities.  We sold the first parcel for net 
proceeds of $18.9 million, and recognized a pre-tax gain on the sale of $11.9 million.  We were required under our debt agreement with 
NERT to use a portion of the net proceeds received for the property to pay down our note balance and accordingly we made $2.2 million 
in principal payments on our debt, see Note 9.  In addition, in 2018 NL sold excess property with a nominal book value for proceeds of 
$.6 million.  In the third quarter of 2019, NL sold excess property for net proceeds of $4.6 million and recognized a pre-tax gain of $4.4 
million.  In the fourth quarter of 2019, NL sold its insurance and risk management business for proceeds of $3.25 million and recognized 
a pre-tax gain of $3.0 million on the sale.  In the third quarter of 2020, BMI recognized a pre-tax gain of $4.0 million related to proceeds 
received associated with a prior land sale.

F-38

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 14—Income taxes: 

Pre-tax income (loss):
United States
Non-U.S. subsidiaries

Total

Expected tax expense at U.S. federal statutory
 income tax rate of 21%
Non-U.S. tax rates
Incremental net tax benefit on earnings and losses of
  U.S. and non-U.S. tax group companies
Valuation allowance
Transition tax
Global intangible low-tax income, net
Tax rate changes
U.S. state income taxes, net
Adjustment to the reserve for uncertain tax
  positions, net
Nondeductible expenses
Canada - Germany APA
Refund of prior tax payments, net
Other, net

Income tax expense (benefit)

Components of income tax expense (benefit):

Currently payable:

U.S. federal and state
Non-U.S.
Total

Deferred income taxes (benefit):
U.S. federal and state
Non-U.S.
Total

Income tax expense (benefit)

Comprehensive provision for income taxes (benefit)
  allocable to:

Income (loss) from continuing operations
Discontinued operations
Retained earnings-change in accounting principle
Other comprehensive income (loss):

Currency translation
Pension plans
Other

Total

2018

Years ended December 31,
2019
(In millions)

2020

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

(22.5)   $
258.7   
236.2    $

49.6    $
20.8   

(167.8)  
-   
(2.1)  
4.0   
58.8   
.6   

4.1   
3.0   
(1.4)  
-   
(.3)  
(30.7)   $

34.1    $
51.1   
85.2   

(145.5)  
29.6   
(115.9)  
(30.7)   $

(30.7)   $
23.7   
1.1   

(4.2)  
(4.7)  
(.4)  
(15.2)   $

23.5    $
81.2   
104.7    $

22.0    $
5.2   

(4.5)  
4.5   
-   
1.8   
4.7   
(.3)  

(5.1)  
1.5   
-   
(2.1)  
(1.2)  
26.5    $

4.3    $

22.0   
26.3   

(4.1)  
4.3   
.2   
26.5    $

26.5    $
-   
-   

(.2)  
(15.6)  
(.5)  
10.2    $

45.2 
55.4 
100.6 

21.1 
.5 

(8.7)
3.8 
- 
2.2 
(.2)
.9 

(3.8)
1.0 
- 
- 
(.9)
15.9 

13.3 
14.9 
28.2 

(10.3)
(2.0)
(12.3)
15.9 

15.9 
.6 
- 

1.6 
(7.3)
(.4)
10.4  

The amount shown in the preceding 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.  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) deferred income 
taxes (or deferred income tax benefits) associated with the  current year earnings of all our Chemicals Segment’s non-U.S. subsidiaries, 
(ii) current U.S. income taxes (or current income tax benefit), including U.S. personal holding company tax, as 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 

F-39

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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, (iii) deferred income taxes associated with our direct investment in Kronos and (iv) current 
and deferred income taxes associated with distributions and earnings from our investment in LandWell and BMI.

The components of the net deferred income taxes at December 31, 2019 and 2020 are summarized in the following table.  

$

Tax effect of temporary differences related to:

Inventories
Property and equipment
Lease assets (liabilities)
Accrued OPEB costs
Accrued pension costs
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 (liability)

$

December 31,

2019

2020

Assets

  Liabilities  

  Assets

  Liabilities

(In millions)

3.7    $
-   
5.9   
2.8   
80.6   
33.8   
8.3   
-   
2.6   
-   
91.2   
(14.2)  
214.7   
(108.7)  
106.0    $

-    $

(61.8)  
(6.1)  
-   
-   
-   
-   
(13.7)  
(54.4)  
(10.8)  
-   
-   
(146.8)  
108.7   
(38.1)   $

1.9    $
-   
6.3   
3.0   
100.5   
31.0   
9.2   
-   
2.7   
-   
100.4   
(17.5)  
237.5   
(117.3)  
120.2    $

- 
(67.2)
(6.5)
- 
- 
- 
- 
(13.1)
(48.1)
(12.0)
- 
- 
(146.9)
117.3 
(29.6)

Tax authorities are examining 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, if any, 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 $531 million 
for German corporate purposes at December 31, 2020) and in Belgium (the equivalent of $20 million for Belgian corporate tax purposes 
at December 31, 2020).  At December 31, 2020, we have concluded that no deferred income tax asset valuation allowance is required 
to be recognized with respect to such carryforwards, principally because (i) such carryforwards have an indefinite carryforward period, 
(ii) we have utilized a portion of such carryforwards during the most recent three-year period and (iii) we currently expect to utilize the 
remainder of such carryforwards over the long term. However, prior to the complete utilization of such carryforwards, if we were to 
generate additional losses in our German or Belgian operations for an extended period of time, or if applicable law were to change such 
that the carryforward period was no longer indefinite, it is possible that we might conclude the benefit of such carryforwards would no 
longer meet the more-likely-than-not recognition criteria, at which point we would be required to recognize a valuation allowance against 
some or all of the then-remaining tax benefit associated with the carryforwards.

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 one time repatriation tax (Transition Tax) provisions of the 2017 Tax Act 
which imposed 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 based on information available at that date.  During the third quarter of 2018, in conjunction 
with finalizing our federal income tax return and based on additional information that became available (including proposed regulations 
issued by the IRS in August 2018 with respect to the Transition Tax), we recognized a provisional income tax benefit of $2.1 million 
which amount is recorded as a measurement-period adjustment, reducing the provisional income tax expense recognized in the fourth 
quarter of 2017.  We elected to pay such tax over an eight year period beginning in 2018.   At December 31, 2020, the balance of our 
unpaid Transition Tax is $56.3 million, which will be paid in annual installments over the remainder of the eight year period.  Of such 
$56.3 million, $50.4 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 $5.9 million is included with our current payable to affiliate (income taxes payable to 
Contran)  classified  as  a  current  liability  (a  portion  of  our  noncurrent  income  tax  payable  to  affiliate  was  reclassified  to  our  current 
payable to affiliate for the portion of our 2020 Transition Tax installment due within the next twelve months).   

F-40

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The 2017 Tax Act amended the rules limiting the deduction for business interest expense beginning in 2018.  The limitation 
applies to all taxpayers and our annual deduction for business interest expense is limited to the sum of our business interest income and 
30% of our adjusted taxable income as defined under the 2017 Tax Act.  Any business interest expense not allowed as a deduction as a 
result of the limitation may be carried forward indefinitely and is treated as interest paid in the carryforward year subject to the respective 
year’s limitation.  We determined that our interest expense for 2018, 2019 and 2020 was limited under these provisions.  The limitation 
in 2018 resulted in part because of the loss we recognized on the sale of WCS for income tax purposes and the limitation in 2019 and 
2020 are primarily attributable to lower earnings. We have concluded we are required to recognize a non-cash deferred income tax asset 
valuation allowance under the more-likely-than-not recognition criteria with respect to a portion of our deferred tax asset attributable to 
the nondeductible amount of business interest expense carryforward.  Consequently, our provision for income taxes includes a non-cash 
deferred income tax expense of $6.8 million in 2018, $4.5 million in 2019 and $3.3 million in 2020 for the amount of deferred income 
tax asset that does not meet the more-likely-than-not recognition criteria.  In accordance with the ASC 740 guidance regarding intra-
period allocation of income taxes, the full amount of non-cash deferred income tax expense in 2018 is classified as part of the income 
taxes associated with the pre-tax gain we recognized for financial reporting purposes on the sale of WCS which is classified as part of 
discontinued operations (see Note 3 to our Consolidated Financial Statements and Discontinued Operations —Waste Control Specialists 
LLC).

In the fourth quarter of 2019, we recognized an income tax benefit of $3.0 million primarily related to the favorable settlement 
of a prior year tax matter in Germany, with $1.5 million recognized as a current cash tax benefit and $1.5 million recognized as a non-
cash deferred income tax benefit related to an increase to our German net operating loss carryforward.  In addition, we recognized a 
non-cash  deferred  income  tax  expense  of  $4.7  million  primarily  related  to  the  revaluation  of  our  net  deferred  income  tax  asset  in 
Germany resulting from a decrease in the German trade tax rate.

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 had 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. During the first quarter of 2018, our German subsidiary executed and finalized 
the related Advance Pricing Agreement with the Competent Authority for Germany effective for tax years 2005 - 2017.  In the first 
quarter of 2018, we recognized a net $1.4 million non-cash income tax benefit related to an APA tax settlement payment between our 
German and Canadian subsidiaries.  

We recognized a non-cash deferred income tax benefit of $1.8 million in 2018 related to a decrease in our effective state income 
tax rate; this decrease is a direct result of the sale of our interest in the Amalgamated Sugar Company LLC which reduced the number 
of state jurisdictions in which we are required to file.

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. At December 31, 2020, we have recognized a deferred income tax liability with respect to our direct 
investment in Kronos of $35.5 million.  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. The maximum amount of such deferred income tax liability we would be required to 
have recognized (the cap) is $155.4 million. During 2020, we recognized a non-cash deferred income tax benefit with respect to our 
direct investment in Kronos of $2.4 million for the decrease 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 decrease related to our equity in Kronos’ net income during such period.  We recognized a similar non-cash deferred income 
tax expense of $.1 million in 2019 and $4.9 million in 2018.  A portion of the net change 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 such periods 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) items includes amounts related to our equity in Kronos’ other comprehensive 
income (loss) items.  Due to uncertainties and complexities of the 2017 Tax Act, we were 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.  During the third quarter of 2018, in conjunction with 
finalizing  our  federal  income  tax  return  and  based  on  additional  information  that  became  available  (including  proposed  regulations 
issued by the IRS in August 2018 with respect to the Transition Tax), we recognized an adjustment, which was treated as a measurement 
period adjustment, to the deferred income taxes we recognized at December 31, 2017 associated with our direct investment in Kronos 
common stock (before revaluation of our deferred tax liability related to the decrease in the corporate income tax rate).  Such adjustment 
resulted in an investment basis adjustment under the income tax regulations which increased the income tax basis of our direct investment 
in Kronos attributable to the income recognition related to the deemed repatriation of the post-1986 undistributed earnings of our non-
U.S. subsidiaries in 2017.  Such adjustment resulted in a non-cash deferred tax measurement period adjustment decreasing the deferred 
income taxes we recognize with respect to the excess of the financial reporting carrying amount over the income tax basis of our direct 

F-41

investment in Kronos common stock.  Including the impact of the non-cash deferred tax revaluation adjustment discussed above, we 
recognized a net non-cash deferred income tax benefit of $112 million in the third quarter of 2018 related to the incremental tax on 
Kronos.  We completed our analysis related to the impact of the 2017 Tax Act as it related to the income tax basis of our direct investment 
in Kronos as of September 30, 2018.      

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.  

On March 27, 2020, the “Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act” was signed into law in response to 
the COVID-19 pandemic.  The CARES Act, among other things, includes provisions relating to refundable payroll tax credits, deferment 
of employer side social security payments, modifications to the limitation of business interest for tax years beginning in 2019 and 2020 
and technical corrections to tax depreciation methods for qualified improvement property.  The modification to the business interest 
provisions increases the business interest limitation from 30% of adjusted taxable income to 50% of adjusted taxable income which 
increases our allowable interest expense deduction for 2019 and 2020.  Consequently, in the first quarter of 2020 we recognized a cash 
tax benefit of $1.0 million related to the reversal of the valuation allowance recognized in 2019 for the portion of the disallowed interest 
expense we did not expect to fully utilize at December 31, 2019 and we have considered such modifications in our 2020 provision for 
income taxes.  Other provisions of the CARES Act did not have a material impact on our provision for income taxes in 2020.  

The following table shows the changes in the amount of our uncertain tax positions (exclusive of the effect of interest and 

penalties) during 2018, 2019 and 2020: 

Unrecognized tax benefits:

Amount at 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

2018

Years ended December 31,
2019
(In millions)

2020

$

$

17.1    $

21.0    $

13.8 

1.3   
4.5   
(1.8)  
-   
(.1)  
21.0    $

(5.6)  
.7   
-   
(2.2)  
(.1)  
13.8    $

(.3)
.6 
(4.8)
- 
.3 
9.6  

If  our  uncertain  tax  positions  were  recognized,  a  benefit  of  $9.4 million  at  December  31,  2020,  would  affect  our  effective 
income  tax  rate.  We  currently  estimate  that  our  unrecognized  tax  benefits  will  decrease  by  approximately  $3.6 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 2017 are 
generally considered closed to examination by applicable tax authorities. Our non-U.S. income tax returns are generally considered 
closed to examination for years prior to: 2011 for Norway; 2015 for Canada; 2016 for Germany; and 2017 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 each of 2018 and 2019 and $.8 million during 2020, and at December 31, 2019 and 2020 
we had $1.9 million and $1.3 million, respectively, accrued for interest and an immaterial amount accrued for penalties for our uncertain 
tax positions.         

F-42

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 15—Noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries: 

Noncontrolling interest in net assets:

Kronos Worldwide
NL Industries
CompX International
BMI
LandWell

Total

Noncontrolling interest in net income (loss) of subsidiaries:

Kronos Worldwide
NL Industries
CompX International
BMI
LandWell

Total

December 31,

2019

2020

(In millions)

$

$

216.6    $
65.8   
22.7   
20.1   
14.9   
340.1    $

Years ended December 31,

2018

2019

(In millions)

2020

$

$

39.9    $
(7.0)  
2.0   
1.5   
2.4   
38.8    $

16.9   
4.4   
2.2   
2.2   
3.3   
29.0   

$

$

212.3 
67.1 
23.5 
14.7 
6.8 
324.4  

12.1 
2.5 
1.4 
7.6 
10.2 
33.8  

Note 16—Valhi stockholders’ equity: 

Balance at December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020

Shares of common stock

Issued

Treasury
(In millions)

Outstanding

29.6   

(1.1)  

28.5  

Reverse stock split. On May 28, 2020 following stockholder approval at our annual meeting, our board of directors approved a 
reverse stock split of our common stock at a ratio of 1-for-12, which was effective on June 1, 2020. All share and per-share disclosures 
for all periods presented in our consolidated financial statements have been adjusted to give effect to the reverse stock split (except 
where otherwise indicated) and we have adjusted our stockholders’ equity at December 31, 2017, 2018 and 2019 to reflect the split by 
reclassifying $3.3 million from common stock to additional paid-in capital representing $.01 per share par value of each share of common 
stock eliminated as a result of the reverse stock split.  

Valhi common stock. We issued a nominal number of shares of Valhi common stock during 2018, 2019 and 2020, associated 

with annual stock awards to members of our board of directors. 

Valhi  share  repurchases  and  cancellations.  Prior  to  2018,  our  board  of  directors  authorized  the  repurchase  of  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. As adjusted for the 1-for-12 reverse stock split of our common stock effected in June 2020, 
the aggregate number of shares authorized for repurchase is 833,333, and we have approximately 334,000 shares available for repurchase 
at December 31, 2020.  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 2018, 2019 or 2020. 

Treasury stock. At December 31, 2019 and 2020, NL and Kronos held approximately 1.2 million and .1 million shares of our 
common stock, respectively. The treasury stock we reported for financial reporting purposes at December 31, 2019 and 2020 represents 
our proportional interest in these shares of our common stock held by NL and Kronos, at NL’s and Kronos’ historical cost basis. The 

F-43

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
remaining portion of these shares of our common stock, which are attributable to the noncontrolling interest of NL and Kronos, are 
reflected in our consolidated balance sheet at fair value and are classified as part of other noncurrent assets. 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.    Any  unrealized  gains  or  losses  on  the  shares  of  our  common  stock  attributable  to  the 
noncontrolling interest of Kronos and NL are recognized in the determination of each of Kronos and NL’s respective net income or loss. 
Under the principles of consolidation we eliminate any gains or losses associated with our common stock to the extent of our proportional 
ownership interest in each subsidiary.  We recognized losses of $12.2 million in 2018, $.2 million in 2019 and $1.7 million in 2020 in 
our Consolidated Statement of Income which represents the unrealized loss in respect of these shares attributable to the noncontrolling 
interest of Kronos and NL.  See Note 2.

Preferred stock. At December 31, 2017, our outstanding preferred stock consisted 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 were held by Contran and represented all of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock we were authorized 
to issue. The preferred stock had a par value of $.01 per share and paid 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 
were non-convertible, and the shares did not carry any redemption or call features (either at our option or the option of the holder). A 
holder of the Series A shares did not have any voting rights, except in limited circumstances, and was not entitled to a preferential 
dividend right that is senior to our shares of common stock. We had not declared any dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock since 
its issuance. Effective August 10, 2020, we, Contran and a wholly owned subsidiary of Contran entered into a contribution agreement 
pursuant to which, on August 10, 2020, the 6% Series A Preferred Stock was voluntarily contributed to our capital for no consideration 
and without the issuance of additional securities by us. Our independent directors approved acceptance of such contribution and entering 
into the contribution agreement.  The contribution has no impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or liquidity 
and the contribution did not have any tax consequences to us.  On August 10, 2020, following the contribution of the 6% Series A 
Preferred Stock to us, we filed a Certificate of Elimination with the Secretary of State of Delaware and, as a result, the 5,000 shares that 
were designated as 6% Series A Preferred Stock have been returned to the status of authorized but unissued shares of the preferred stock, 
$.01 par value per share, without designation as to series. 

Valhi long-term incentive compensation plan. Prior to 2018, 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  14,500 shares 
in 2018 and 50,000 shares in each of 2019 and 2020, and at December 31, 2020, 24,000 shares are available for future award under this 
new plan. The share numbers under the plan have not been adjusted for the reverse stock split in 2020.

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, 2020, Kronos, NL and CompX had 127,400, 79,900 and 149,050 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-44

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (net
  of tax and noncontrolling interest):

Marketable securities:

Balance at beginning of year
Other comprehensive income:

Unrealized gain arising during the year

Balance at end of year

Currency translation:

Balance at beginning of year
Other comprehensive gain (loss) arising during the year
Balance at end of year
Defined benefit pension plans:

Balance at beginning of year
Other comprehensive income (loss):

Amortization of prior service cost and
  net losses included in net periodic
  pension cost
Net actuarial 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 loss:

Balance at beginning of year
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Balance at end of year

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

Years ended December 31,

2018

2019

(In millions)

2020

1.7    $

-   
1.7    $

(54.1)   $
(21.5)  
(75.6)   $

1.7   

$

-   
1.7   

(75.6)  
(1.2)  
(76.8)  

(129.0)   $

(134.0)  

7.6   
(12.6)  
(134.0)   $

7.2   
(19.8)  
(146.6)  

2.4    $

1.7   

(.8)  
.1   
1.7    $

(179.0)   $
(27.2)  
(206.2)   $

(.8)  
.1   
1.0   

(206.2)  
(14.5)  
(220.7)  

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

1.7 

.1 
1.8 

(76.8)
9.4 
(67.4)

(146.6)

9.8 
(17.3)
(154.1)

1.0 

(.8)
.1 
.3 

(220.7)
1.3 
(219.4)

See Note 11 for amounts related to our defined benefit pension plans and Note 10 for amounts related to our OPEB plans. 

Note 17—Related party transactions: 

We may be deemed to be controlled by Ms. Simmons and the Family Trust.  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, 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. 

F-45

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
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 credit facility with Contran.  We paid Contran $18.9 million, $19.9 
million  and  $14.2  million  in  interest  on  borrowings  and  unused  commitment  fees  under  credit  facilities  in  2018,  2019  and  2020, 
respectively.

We and a subsidiary of Contran guaranteed (i) Tremont’s obligation under its $2.0 million promissory note payable to NERT 
discussed in Note 9 and (ii) Tremont’s $9.9 million ($11.1 million face value) deferred payment obligation discussed in Note 10. In 
connection with the payment in full of the promissory note in 2020 and the deferred payment obligation in 2021, the guaranty obligations 
were 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 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. We negotiate fees annually, and agreements 
renew quarterly.  The net ISA fees charged to us by Contran aggregated $39.6 million in 2018, $43.9 million in 2019 and $41.3 million 
in 2020. 

At December 31, 2020, we had an aggregate 21.7 million shares 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  $3.1 million in 2018, $1.9 million in 2019 and $1.4 million in 2020 from Contran for 
this pledge. 

Contran and certain of its subsidiaries and affiliates, including us, purchase certain of their insurance policies as a group, with 
the  costs  of  the  jointly-owned  policies  being  apportioned  among  the  participating  companies.    Tall  Pines  Insurance  Company,  our 
subsidiary,  underwrites  certain  insurance  policies  for  Contran  and  certain  of  its  subsidiaries  and  affiliates,  including  us.    Tall  Pines 
purchases  reinsurance  from  third-party  insurance  carriers  with  an  A.M.  Best  Company  rating  of  generally  at  least  A-(excellent)  for 
substantially all of the risks it underwrites.  EWI RE, Inc., our subsidiary, brokered certain of our insurance policies, provided claims 
and risk management services and, where appropriate, engaged certain third-party risk management consultants prior to NL’s sale of 
EWI’s insurance and risk management business to a third party in November 2019. Consistent with insurance industry practices, Tall 
Pines receives commissions from reinsurance underwriters and/or assesses fees for certain of the policies that it underwrites, and prior 
to November 2019 EWI received commissions from the insurance and reinsurance underwriters for the policies that it brokered. We 
received cash payments under the group insurance program from Contran and certain other affiliates not members of our consolidated 
financial reporting group of $5.4 million in 2018 and $.7 million in 2019. These amounts principally represent insurance premiums paid 
to Tall Pines or EWI, including amounts paid to EWI that EWI then remitted, net of brokerage commissions, to insurers.  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 and 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.    Following  the  sale  of  EWI’s  insurance  and  risk 
management business, Contran engaged the third-party insurance broker that purchased the business to provide many of the services 
previously provided by EWI and we continue to utilize Tall Pines to underwrite certain insurance risks. The aggregate amount paid 
under the group insurance program by us, our subsidiaries and our joint venture in 2020 was $23.1 million. The aggregate amount paid 
under the program in 2020 principally represents premiums for insurance, but also includes payments to insurers or reinsurers for the 
reimbursement of claims within our applicable deductible or retention ranges that such insurers or reinsurers paid to third parties on our 
behalf, and amounts for claims and risk management services and various other third-party fees and expenses incurred by the program.  
We expect these relationships will continue in 2021.

F-46

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 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 subsidiaries, as a group, 
share information technology data recovery services.  The program apportions its costs among the participating companies.  We paid 
Contran $.3 million in 2018, $.2 million in 2019 and $.3 million in 2020 for such services.  Under the terms of a sublease agreement 
between Contran and Kronos, Kronos leases certain office space from Contran.  Kronos paid Contran $.1 million in 2019 and $.4 million 
in 2020 for such rent and related ancillary services.  We expect that these relationships with Contran will continue in 2021.

 Receivables from and payables to affiliates are summarized in the table below. 

Current receivables from affiliates:

Contran trade items
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

Valhi - Contran credit facility

2019

December 31,

(In millions)

2020

.4   
4.7   
2.2   
7.3   

16.4   
4.0   
20.4   

56.3   

313.0   

$

$

$

$

$

$

1.7 
- 
2.8 
4.5 

19.3 
8.3 
27.6 

50.4 

270.7  

$

$

$

$

$

$

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  $165.9 million in 2018, $176.2 million in 2019 and $167.8 
million in 2020. Sales of feedstock to LPC were $66.9 million in 2018, $84.1 million in 2019 and $84.2 million in 2020.  The noncurrent 
payable to Contran for income taxes is discussed in Note 14.

Note 18—Commitments and contingencies: 

Lead pigment litigation 

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 

F-47

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
 
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.  

NL believes that these actions are without merit, and intends 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, California public nuisance case discussed below, 
we do not believe it is probable we have incurred any liability with respect to all of the lead pigment litigation cases to which NL is a 
party, and with respect to all such lead pigment litigation cases to which NL is a party, other than with respect to the Santa Clara case 
discussed below, we believe liability to NL that may result, if any, in this regard cannot be reasonably estimated, because: 

(cid:2) NL has 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 (other than the Santa Clara 
case discussed below), 

(cid:2)

no final, non-appealable adverse verdicts have ever been entered against NL, and 

(cid:2) NL has never ultimately been found liable with respect to any such litigation matters, including over 100 cases over a 
thirty-year period for which NL was previously a party and for which NL has been dismissed without any finding of 
liability. 

Accordingly, other than with respect to the Santa Clara case discussed below, 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 NL 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 the matter titled 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) on July 24, 2019, an order approving a global settlement agreement entered into 
among all of the plaintiffs and the three defendants remaining in the case (the Sherwin Williams Company, ConAgra Grocery Products 
and NL) was entered by the court and the case was dismissed with prejudice.  The global settlement agreement provides that an aggregate 
$305 million will be paid collectively by the three co-defendants in full satisfaction of all claims resulting in a dismissal of the case with 
prejudice and the resolution of (i) all pending and future claims by the plaintiffs in the case, and (ii) all potential claims for contribution 
or indemnity between NL and its co-defendants in respect to the case. In the agreement, NL expressly denies any and all liability and 
the dismissal of the case with prejudice was entered by the court without a final judgment of liability entered against NL.  The settlement 
agreement fully concludes this matter.

Under the terms of the global settlement agreement, each defendant must pay an aggregate $101.7 million to the plaintiffs as 
follows: $25.0 million within sixty days of the court’s approval of the settlement and dismissal of the case, and the remaining $76.7 
million in six annual installments beginning on the first anniversary of the initial payment ($12.0 million for the first five installments 
and $16.7 million for the sixth installment).  NL’s sixth installment will be made with funds already on deposit at the court, which is 
classified  as  restricted  cash  and  included  in  other  assets  on  our  Consolidated  Balance  Sheets,  that  are  committed  to  the  settlement, 
including all accrued interest at the date of payment, with any remaining balance to be paid by NL (and any amounts on deposit in excess 
of the final payment would be returned to NL).  Pursuant to the settlement agreement, also during the third quarter of 2019 NL placed 
an additional $9.0 million into an escrow account which is classified as restricted cash and included in other assets on our Consolidated 
Balance Sheets.

As previously disclosed during the second quarter of 2018 and based on the terms of a May 2018 settlement agreement between 
NL and the plaintiffs which had an aggregate cost of $80 million to NL, we determined that the loss to NL could be reasonably estimated 
and recognized a net $62 million pre-tax charge with respect to this matter ($45 million for the amount to be paid by NL upon approval 
of the terms of the settlement and $17 million for the net present value of the five payments aggregating $20 million to be paid by NL 
in installments beginning four years from such approval).  The May 2018 settlement was never approved by the court and was superseded 
in July 2019 by the global settlement agreement discussed above.

At June 30, 2019, based on the terms of the global settlement agreement approved by the court in July 2019 we increased the 
amount accrued for the litigation settlement and a final immaterial adjustment was made to the litigation settlement accrual in the third 
quarter of 2019.  For financial reporting purposes, using a discount rate of 1.9% per annum, we discounted the aggregate $101.7 million 
settlement to the estimated net present value of $96.3 million.  We recognized litigation settlement expense of $19.3 million ($19.6 
million expense in the second quarter of 2019 and $.3 million credit in the third quarter of 2019).  NL made the initial $25.0 million 

F-48

payment in September 2019 and the first annual installment payment of $12.0 million in September 2020.  We recognized an aggregate 
of $.6 million in accretion expense in the second half of 2019 and an aggregate of $1.3 million in 2020. 

New cases may continue to be filed against us.  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. Our businesses 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, our 
businesses 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:2)

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

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:2) multiplicity of possible solutions, 
(cid:2)

number of years of investigatory, remedial and monitoring activity required, 

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

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. 

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 

F-49

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, 2019 and 2020, we had 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. 

The table below presents a summary of the activity in our accrued environmental costs during 2018, 2019, and 2020. 

Years ended December 31,

2018

2019

2020

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

$

$

$

$

117.5   
3.1   
(17.2)  
-   
103.4   

6.5   
96.9   
103.4   

$

$

$

103.4   
.3   
(4.0)  
-   
99.7   

4.5   
95.2   
99.7   

$

$

$

$

99.7 
.7 
(1.9)
.1 
98.6 

3.4 
95.2 
98.6  

(In millions)
$

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, 2020, NL had accrued approximately $93 million related to 
approximately 32 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 
NL believes it is possible to estimate costs is approximately $114 million, including the amount currently accrued. 

NL believes that it is not reasonably possible to estimate the range of costs for certain sites. At December 31, 2020, there were 
approximately  five  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 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 NL’s control, such as when the party alleging liability 
provides information to NL. 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 $6 million at December 31, 2020 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. 

F-50

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
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. 

Other litigation  

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 94% of our Chemicals Segment’s sales in 2018 and 
2019 and 93% in 2020. 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 
33% of our Chemicals Segment’s net sales in 2018, 36% in 2019 and 34% in 2020.  Our Chemicals Segment did not have sales to a 
single customer comprising 10% or more of its net sales in 2018.  In 2019 and 2020 one customer accounted for approximately 10% of 
our  Chemicals  Segment’s  net  sales.  The  table  below  shows  the  approximate  percentage  of  our  Chemicals  Segment’s  TiO2  sales  by 
volume for its significant markets, Europe and North America, for the last three years. 

Europe
North America

2018

2019

2020

44  %  
37  %  

46  %  
34  %  

46  %
36  %

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  44%  of  our  Component  Products 
Segment’s  sales  in  2018,  47%  in  2019  and  48%  in  2020.  One  customer  of  the  security  products  reporting  unit  accounted  for 
approximately 13% of the Component Products Segment’s total sales in 2018, 14% in 2019 and 17% in 2020.    

Our Real Estate Management and Development Segment’s revenues are land sales income and water and electric delivery 
fees.  During 2018 we had sales to three customers that each exceeded 10% of our Real Estate Management and Development Segment’s 
net sales all related to land sales. During 2019 we had sales to three customers that each exceeded 10% of our Real Estate Management 
and Development Segment’s net sales related to land sales and one customer related to water delivery sales. During 2020 we had sales 
to one customer that each exceeded 10% of our Real Estate Management and Development Segment’s net sales all related to land sales.

Long-term contracts—Our Chemicals Segment has long-term supply contracts that provide for certain of its TiO2 feedstock 
requirements  through  2023.  The  agreements  require  Kronos  to  purchase  certain  minimum  quantities  of  feedstock  with  minimum 
purchase commitments aggregating approximately $1.2 billion over the life of the contracts in years subsequent to December 31, 2020. 
In addition, our Chemicals Segment has other long-term supply and service contracts that provide for various raw materials and services. 

F-51

 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
These agreements require Kronos to purchase certain minimum quantities or services with minimum purchase commitments aggregating 
approximately $86 million at December 31, 2020. 

Income taxes—Prior to 2018, 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 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.

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, 2019 and 2020: 

Asset (liability)
December 31, 2019:

Marketable securities:

Current
Noncurrent
December 31, 2020:

Marketable securities:

Current
Noncurrent

Fair Value Measurements

Quoted
Prices in
Active
Markets
(Level 1)
(In millions)

Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)

Total

$

$

$

$

2.1   
6.2   

4.4   
2.9   

-    $

1.3   

-    $
.2   

2.1 
4.9 

4.4 
2.7  

See Note 6 for information on how we determine the fair value of our marketable securities. 

The following table presents the financial instruments that are not carried at fair value but which require fair value disclosure 

as of December 31, 2019 and 2020: 

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash equivalents
Deferred payment obligation
Long-term debt (excluding capitalized leases):

Kronos Senior Notes
Valhi credit facility with Contran
Tremont promissory note payable
BMI bank note payable
LandWell note payable to the City of Henderson
LandWell bank note payable

December 31, 2019

Carrying
amount

Fair
value

December 31, 2020
Fair
value

Carrying
amount

$

583.8    $
9.9   

(In millions)
583.8    $
9.9   

570.3   
1.3   

$

442.6   
313.0   
2.0   
17.2   
1.6   
15.0   

457.0   
313.0   
2.0   
17.9   
1.6   
15.0   

485.7   
270.7   
-   
16.3   
-   
14.2   

570.3 
1.3 

499.9 
270.7 
- 
16.9 
- 
14.2  

F-52

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
At December 31, 2020, the estimated market price of Kronos’ Senior Notes was €1,019 per €1,000 principal amount. The fair 
value of Kronos’ Senior Notes was based on quoted market prices; however, these quoted market prices represent Level 2 inputs because 
the markets in which the Senior Notes trade were not active.    Fair values of variable interest rate 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 4 and 10. 

Note 20—Recent accounting pronouncements: 

In December 2019, The Financial Accounting Standards Board issued ASU 2019-12, Simplifying the Accounting for Income 
Taxes, which changes the accounting for certain income tax transactions and reduces complexity in accounting for income taxes in 
certain areas.  The ASU introduces new guidance including providing a policy election for an entity to not allocate consolidated current 
and deferred tax expense when a member of a consolidated tax return is not subject to income tax in its separate financial statements 
and is a disregarded entity by the taxing authority; and providing guidance to evaluate whether a step-up in tax basis of goodwill relates 
to a business combination in which book goodwill was recognized or a separate transaction.  The ASU also changes existing guidance 
in a number of areas, including: the method of making an intraperiod allocation of total income tax expense if there is a loss in continuing 
operations and gains outside of continuing operations; determining when a deferred tax liability is recognized after an investor in a non-
U.S. entity transitions to or from the equity method of accounting; accounting for tax law changes and year-to-date losses in interim 
periods; and determining how to apply the income tax guidance to franchise taxes that are partially based on income. We adopted this 
ASU as of January 1, 2020. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material effect on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Note 21—Quarterly results of operations (unaudited): 

Year ended December 31, 2019
Net sales
Gross margin
Operating income
Net income from continuing operations
Amounts attributable to Valhi stockholders:

Net income
Basic and diluted income per share

Year ended December 31, 2020
Net sales
Gross margin
Operating income
Net income from continuing operations
Amounts attributable to Valhi stockholders:
Income from continuing operations
Income from discontinued operations

Net income

Earnings per share:

Income from continuing operations
Income from discontinued operations

Basic and diluted income per share

Quarter ended

March 31  

June 30  

Sept. 30

Dec. 31

(In millions, except per share data)

$

$
$

$

$

$

$

$

479.6   
121.8   
60.4   
28.4   

18.2   
.64   

459.3   
99.7   
71.0   
37.9   

24.4   
-   
24.4   

.86   
-   
.86   

$

$
$

$

$

$

$

$

528.6   
123.2   
65.9   
18.2   

7.1   
.25   

415.0   
104.0   
39.3   
(4.2)  

(9.1)  
-   
(9.1)  

(.32)  
-   
(.32)  

$

$
$

$

$

$

$

$

475.2    $
98.4   
41.4   
17.2   

13.1    $
.46    $

458.6    $
89.7   
28.9   
19.4   

15.4    $
-   
15.4    $

.54    $
-   
.54    $

414.1 
91.2 
25.0 
14.4 

10.8 
.38 

516.8 
118.7 
46.9 
31.6 

20.2 
4.3 
24.5 

.71 
.15 
.86  

We recognized the following amounts during 2019: 

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

a pre-tax charge of $19.3 million related to a litigation settlement expense primarily recognized in the second quarter 
(see Note 18);

pre-tax income from tax increment infrastructure reimbursement of $8.8 million primarily recognized in the second 
quarter (see Note 7);

F-53

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

pre-tax insurance recoveries of $7.7 million primarily related to a single insurance recovery settlement recognized in 
the second quarter (see Note 13);

a pre-tax gain on sale of land of $4.4 million in the third quarter (see Note 13); and

a pre-tax gain of $3.0 million related to NL’s sale of its insurance and risk management business recognized in the 
fourth quarter (see Note 13).

We recognized the following amounts during 2020: 

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

pre-tax income from tax increment infrastructure reimbursement of $19.1 million recognized in the first quarter (see 
Note 7);

a pre-tax gain of $4.0 million recognized in the third quarter for proceeds received related to a prior land sale (see Note 
13); and

a pre-tax gain of $4.9 million for the settlement of an earn-out provision related to the sale of our Waste Management 
Segment recognized in the fourth quarter (see Note 3).

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-54

SUBSIDIARIES OF THE REGISTRANT 

Name of Corporation

ASC Holdings, Inc.

Kronos Worldwide, Inc. (2)

NL Industries, Inc. (2), (3), (4)

CompX International Inc. (4)

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 (5)

Henderson Interchange Sign LLC

TRE Holding Corporation

TRE Management Company

Tall Pines Insurance Company

Medite Corporation

Jurisdiction of
Incorporation
or Organization
Utah

Delaware

New Jersey
Delaware

Delaware
Nevada
Nevada
Nevada
Nevada
Nevada
Nevada
Nevada
Nevada
Delaware
Nevada

Delaware
Delaware
Vermont

Delaware

EXHIBIT 21.1 

% of Voting
Securities
Held at
December 31,
2020 (1)

100%

50%

83%
86%

100%
100%
63%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
50%
100%

100%
100%
100%

100%

(1) Held by the Registrant or the indicated subsidiary of the Registrant. 

(2)

(3)

(4)

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, 2020 (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, 2020 (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, 2020 (File No. 1-13905). 

(5)

TRECO LLC owns an additional 27% of The LandWell Company LP directly. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Valhi, Inc.

Three Lincoln Centre

5430 LBJ Freeway, Suite 1700

Dallas, TX 75240-2620

(972) 233-1700