VALHI
2023
ANNUAL REPORT
VALHI, INC. CORPORATE AND OTHER INFORMATION
Board of Directors
Corporate Officers
Management of Subsidiaries
Loretta J. Feehan
Chair of Board (non-executive)
Financial Consultant
Michael S. Simmons
Vice Chairman, President and
Chief Executive Officer
Thomas E. Barry (a) (b)
Emeritus Professor of Marketing at
Southern Methodist University
Terri L. Herrington (a)
Private Investor
W. Hayden Mcllroy (a) (b)
Private Investor
Gina A. Norris (a)
Senior Vice President,
Partner Relations
Matthews Southwest
Mary A. Tidlund (a)
Private Investor
Board Committees
(a) Audit Committee
(b) Management Development and
Compensation Committee
Michael S. Simmons
Vice Chairman, President and
Chief Executive Officer
Kristin B. McCoy
Executive Vice President, Tax
Andrew B. Nace
Executive Vice President and General
Counsel
Courtney J. Riley
Executive Vice President
Amy A. Samford
Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
John A. Sunny
Executive Vice President and
Chief Information Officer
Bryan A. Hanley
Senior Vice President and Treasurer
Patty S. Brinda
Vice President and Controller
Jane R. Grimm
Vice President, Secretary and
Associate General Counsel
Bart W. Reichert
Vice President, Internal Audit
Darci B. Scott
Vice President, Tax
Kronos Worldwide Inc.
James M. Buch
Director, President and
Chief Executive Officer
NL Industries, Inc.
Courtney J. Riley
Director, President and
Chief Executive Officer
CompX International Inc.
Scott C. James
Director, President and Chief
Executive Officer
Basic Management, Inc. and
The LandWell Company
Stephanne Zimmerman
Chief Executive Officer
Stock Exchanges
Annual Meeting
Transfer Agent
Valhiʼs common shares are listed on the
New York Stock Exchange under the
symbol “VHI.”
Kronosʼ common shares are listed on
the New York Stock Exchange under
the symbol “KRO.”
NLʼs common shares are listed on the
New York Stock Exchange under the
symbol “NL.”
CompXʼs 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 Companyʼs common stock.
Communications regarding stockholder
accounts, dividends and change of
address should be directed to:
Computershare Trust Company, N.A.
P.O. Box 43006
Providence, Rhode Island 02940-3006
(877) 373-6374
http://www.computershare.com/investor
Visit us on the Web
http://www.valhi.net
4
The 202 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 furnished to stock
holders in advance of the meeting
Form 10-K Report
The Companyʼs Annual Report on Form
10-K for the year ended December 31,
2023, 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:
Bryan A. Hanley
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, 2023
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)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (972) 233 - 1700
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
Common stock
Trading Symbol(s)
VHI
Name of each exchange on which registered
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. ☐
If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an error
to previously issued financial statements. ☒
Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the registrant’s executive
officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D - 1(b). ☐
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, 2023 (the last business day of the Registrant’s most recently-
completed second fiscal quarter) approximated $31.2 million.
Number of shares of the registrant’s common stock, $.01 par value per share, outstanding on March 1, 2024: 28,288,493.
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.
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 91% of Valhi’s outstanding common stock at December 31, 2023. 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:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
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;
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;
2010 – Kronos completes a secondary offering of its common stock lowering our ownership of Kronos to
80%;
2012 – In December CompX completes the sale of its furniture components business;
2013 – In December we purchased an additional ownership interest in and became the majority owner of
Basic Management, Inc. and The LandWell Company;
2015 – The first homes in our Cadence planned community were completed by third-party builders and sold
to the public;
2020 – In December LandWell completed the first bulk sale of land within the Cadence planned community;
2022 – In July Basic Water Company (BWC) ceased water delivery due to a decline in water levels at Lake
Mead in Nevada and in September BWC filed for bankruptcy protection; and
2023 – In November, upon the Bankruptcy Court’s approval of BWC’s plan of reorganization, BWC sold
substantially all of its assets. In December BMI sold Basic Power Company.
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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 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:
• 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 and energy 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);
• Operating interruptions (including, but not limited to, labor disputes, leaks, natural disasters, fires,
explosions, unscheduled or unplanned downtime, transportation interruptions, certain regional and world
events or economic conditions and public health crises);
• Technology related disruptions (including, but not limited to, cyber-attacks; software implementation,
upgrades or improvements; technology processing failures; or other events) related to our technology
infrastructure that could impact our ability to continue operations, or at key vendors which could impact our
supply chain, or at key customers which could impact their operations and cause them to curtail or pause
orders;
• 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;
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• 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;
• 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;
• Decisions to sell operating assets other than in the ordinary course of business;
• The timing and amounts of insurance recoveries;
• Our ability to renew, amend, refinance or establish credit facilities;
•
Increases in interest rates;
• 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 or decommissioning
obligations 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, safety, sustainability or other 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; and
• Pending or possible future litigation or other actions.
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, 2023:
Chemicals
Kronos Worldwide, Inc.
Component Products
CompX International Inc.
Real Estate Management and Development
Basic Management, Inc. and The LandWell Company
Our Chemicals Segment is operated through our majority
control of Kronos. Kronos is a leading global producer and
marketer of value-added titanium dioxide pigments (TiO2).
TiO2 is used to impart whiteness, brightness, opacity and
durability to a wide variety of products, including paints,
plastics, paper, fibers and ceramics. Additionally, TiO2 is a
critical component of everyday applications, such as
coatings, plastics and paper, as well as many specialty
products such as inks, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
is a
We operate in the component products industry through our
majority control of CompX. CompX
leading
manufacturer of security products used in the postal,
recreational transportation, office and institutional furniture,
cabinetry, tool storage, healthcare and a variety of other
industries. CompX is also a leading manufacturer of wake
enhancement systems, stainless steel exhaust systems,
gauges, throttle controls, trim tabs and related hardware and
accessories for the recreational marine industry.
We operate in real estate management and development
through our majority control of BMI and LandWell. BMI
and LandWell own real property in Henderson, Nevada.
LandWell is engaged in efforts to develop certain land
holdings for commercial, industrial and residential purposes
in Henderson, Nevada. BMI previously, through wholly-
owned subsidiaries, also was responsible for the delivery of
water to the City of Henderson and various other users
through September 2022, and provided utility services to
certain industrial customers prior to December 2023.
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 3,000 customers in 100 countries with
the majority of sales in Europe, North America and the Asia Pacific region. We believe 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, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. 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
-4-
mask other materials effectively and efficiently. TiO2 is designed, marketed and sold based on specific end-use
applications.
TiO2 is the largest commercially used whitening pigment because it has a high refractive rating, giving it more
hiding power than any other commercially produced white pigment. In addition, TiO2 has excellent resistance to interaction
with other chemicals, good thermal stability and resistance to ultraviolet degradation. Although there are other white
pigments on the market, we believe there are no effective substitutes for TiO2 because no other white pigment has the
physical properties for achieving comparable opacity and brightness or can be incorporated in as cost-effective a manner.
Pigment extenders such as kaolin clays, calcium carbonate and polymeric opacifiers are used together with TiO2 in a
number of end-use markets. However, these products are not able to duplicate the opacity performance characteristics of
TiO2 and we believe these products are unlikely to have a significant impact on the use of TiO2.
TiO2 is considered a “quality-of-life” product. Demand for TiO2 has generally been driven by worldwide gross
domestic product and has generally increased with rising standards of living in various regions of the world. According to
industry estimates, TiO2 consumption has grown at a compound annual growth rate of approximately 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 account for approximately 14% and 15% of global TiO2
consumption, respectively. Markets for TiO2 are generally increasing in China, the Asia Pacific region, South America
and Eastern Europe and we believe these are significant markets which will continue to grow as economies in these regions
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 chloride process TiO2 producer in Europe with 44% of its
2023 sales volumes attributable to markets in Europe. The table below shows Kronos’ estimated market share for its
significant markets, Europe and North America, for the last three years.
Europe
North America
2021
15%
17%
2022 2023
12%
16%
14%
17%
We believe Kronos is the leading seller of TiO2 in several countries, including Germany. 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 50 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 dry or slurry form via rail, truck and/or ocean carrier. Sales of Kronos’ core
TiO2 pigments represented approximately 90% of our Chemicals Segment’s net sales in 2023. 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, 2023:
Sales volume percentages
by geographic region
Sales volume percentages
by end-use
Europe
North America
Asia Pacific
Rest of World
44%
41%
9%
6%
Coatings
Plastics
Paper
Other
57 %
30 %
9 %
4 %
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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 coated board and paper
laminates, where several layers of paper are laminated together using melamine resin under high temperature and pressure.
The top layer of paper contains TiO2 and plastic resin and is the layer that is printed with decorative patterns. Paper
laminates are used to replace materials such as wood and tile for such applications as counter tops, furniture and wallboard.
TiO2 is beneficial in these applications because it assists in preventing the material from fading or changing color after
prolonged exposure to sunlight and other weathering agents.
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. 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 10% of our Chemicals Segment’s net sales in 2023:
• Kronos owns and operates an ilmenite mine 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.
Along with supplying ilmenite ore to its sulfate plants in Europe, Kronos also sells ilmenite ore to third
parties, some of whom are its competitors. The mine has estimated ilmenite reserves that Kronos expects,
based on internal estimates, to last approximately 50 years.
• Kronos manufactures and sells iron-based chemicals, which are co-products and processed co-products of
the sulfate and chloride process TiO2 pigment production. These co-product chemicals are marketed through
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.
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• Kronos manufactures and sells other specialty chemicals, which are side-stream products from the production
of TiO2. These specialty chemicals are used in applications in the formulation of pearlescent pigments,
production of electroceramic capacitors for cell phones and other electronic devices and 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 2023, chloride process production
facilities represented approximately 43% of industry capacity. The sulfate process is preferred for use in selected paper
products, ceramics, rubber tires, man-made fibers, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. Once an intermediate TiO2 pigment has
been produced by either the chloride or sulfate process, it is “finished” into products with specific performance
characteristics for particular end-use applications through proprietary processes involving various chemical surface
treatments and intensive micronizing (milling).
• Chloride process – The chloride process is a continuous process in which chlorine is used to extract rutile
TiO2. The chloride process produces less waste than the sulfate process because much of the chlorine is
recycled and feedstock bearing higher titanium content is used. The chloride process also has lower energy
requirements and is less labor-intensive than the sulfate process, although the chloride process requires a
higher-skilled labor force. The chloride process produces an intermediate base pigment with a wide range of
properties. The chloride process produces a product with a blueish undertone and is the preferred form to
produce TiO2 pigments for use in coatings and plastics, the two largest end-use markets.
•
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. The sulfate process produces a warmer undertone and is preferred for use in selected paper
products, ceramics, rubber tires, man-made fibers, food products, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, some of
which generate higher profit margins.
Kronos produced 545,000, 492,000 and 401,000 metric tons of TiO2 in 2021, 2022 and 2023, respectively.
Kronos’ production volumes include its share of the output produced by its TiO2 manufacturing joint venture discussed
below. Kronos’ average production capacity utilization rates were approximately full practical capacity in 2021, 89% in
2022 and 72% in 2023. Beginning in the fourth quarter of 2022 and continuing throughout 2023, Kronos adjusted
production levels to correspond with reduced customer demand resulting from challenging economic conditions and
geopolitical uncertainties.
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, a 50% interest in a TiO2 plant near Lake Charles, Louisiana.
Kronos’ chloride process production and remaining sulfate production capacity has increased by approximately
5% over the past ten years due to debottlenecking programs, with only moderate capital expenditures. Kronos operated its
facilities at reduced capacities in the fourth quarter of 2022 and through 2023.
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The following table presents the division of Kronos’ expected 2024 manufacturing capacity by plant location and
type of manufacturing process:
Facility
Leverkusen, Germany (1)
Nordenham, Germany
Langerbrugge, Belgium
Fredrikstad, Norway (2)
Varennes, Canada
Description
TiO2 production, chloride 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
Lake Charles, LA, US (3)
TiO2 production, chloride process
Total
% of capacity by TiO2
manufacturing process
Chloride Sulfate
32 %
–
– %
11
16
–
18
14
80 %
–
6
3
–
20 %
(1)
(2)
(3)
above.
The Leverkusen facility is located within a more extensive manufacturing complex. Kronos owns its Leverkusen
facility, which represents about one-third of its current TiO2 production capacity, but Kronos leases the land under
the facility under a long-term agreement which expires in 2050. Lease payments are periodically negotiated for
periods of at least two years at a time. A third-party operator of the manufacturing complex 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.
The Fredrikstad facility is located on public land and is leased until 2063.
Kronos operates the facility near Lake Charles, Louisiana through 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 facility.
Kronos owns the land underlying all of its principal production facilities unless otherwise indicated in the table
Kronos also operates an ilmenite mine 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 and
France.
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). LPC 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.
-8-
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, Sierra Leone, Canada
and India. Kronos purchases feedstock for its chloride process TiO2 from the following primary suppliers for certain
contractually specified volumes for delivery extending in some cases, through 2026:
Supplier
Rio Tinto Iron and Titanium Ltd
Rio Tinto Iron and Titanium Ltd
Eramet SA
Sierra Rutile Limited
Iluka Resources Limited
Saraf Agencies Private Limited
Product
Chloride process grade slag
Upgraded slag
Chloride process grade slag
Rutile ore
Rutile ore
Chloride process grade slag
Renewal Terms
Auto-renews bi-annually
Auto-renews annually
Renewal terms upon negotiation
Renewal terms upon negotiation
Renewal terms upon negotiation
Renewal terms upon negotiation
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. Kronos expects the raw materials purchased under these
contracts, and contracts it may enter into, will meet its chloride process feedstock requirements over the next several years.
Multi-year contracts generally may be terminated with a 12 - month written notice or based on certain defaults by either
party or failure to agree on pricing as noted in the agreements.
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 a rock ilmenite mine in Norway, which provided all of the feedstock for its European sulfate process TiO2
plants in 2023. Kronos expects ilmenite production from its mine 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 this contract, 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.
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The following table summarizes Kronos’ raw materials purchased or mined in 2023.
Production process/raw material
Chloride process plants -
Purchased slag or rutile ore
Sulfate process plants:
Ilmenite ore mined and used internally
Purchased slag
Purchased ilmenite ore
Raw materials
procured or mined
(In thousands
of metric tons)
430
156
15
8
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’ organizations using its direct sales force and technical service group to accomplish
this objective. Kronos believes this helps build customer loyalty and strengthens 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,
evaluates the need for improvements in its product and process technology and identifies 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® branded products. In North America, its sales are made primarily through
its direct sales force and supported by a network of distributors. Kronos has increased its marketing efforts over the last
several years in export markets and its sales are now 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 2023 (Behr Process Corporation – 12%). Kronos’ largest ten customers accounted for approximately
35% of our Chemicals Segment’s net sales in 2023.
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. Kronos
normally builds 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.
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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 traded through a commodity
market, 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. During 2023, Kronos had an estimated
6% 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, LB Group Co. Ltd. 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 2023:
Worldwide production capacity - 2023
Chemours
Tronox
LB Group Co. Ltd.
Kronos
Venator
Other
14 %
12 %
12 %
7 %
7 %
48 %
Chemours has approximately one-half of total North American TiO2 production capacity and is Kronos’ principal
North American competitor. LB Group Co. Ltd. previously announced it plans to add an additional 200,000 tons of
chloride process capacity which we expect will be added incrementally over the next several years. In addition, several of
Kronos’ competitors have recently closed or announced plans to close facilities or otherwise reduce capacity, including
Chemours which closed its Taiwan facility with an estimated 160,000 tons of chloride process capacity in 2023 and
Venator which announced plans in 2024 to close its Duisburg, Germany facility with an estimated 50,000 tons of sulphate
process capacity.
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. Therefore, over the past
ten years, Kronos and its competitors increased industry capacity through debottlenecking projects; however, this increase
only partly compensated for the shut-down of various TiO2 plants throughout the world. Although overall industry demand
is expected to increase in 2024, other than through debottlenecking projects and the LB Group Co. Ltd. expansion
mentioned above, Kronos does not expect any significant efforts will be undertaken by it or its principal competitors to
further increase capacity and Kronos believes it is unlikely any new TiO2 plants will be constructed in Europe or North
America for the foreseeable future. If actual developments differ from Kronos’ expectations, the TiO2 industry’s and
Kronos’ performance could be unfavorably affected.
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 $17 million in 2021, $15 million in 2022 and $18 million in 2023. Kronos expects to spend
approximately $14 million on research and development in 2024.
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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 2019, Kronos has added seven 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 registers, maintains and protects its
trademark rights. Kronos maintains the secrecy of its trade secret rights and protects them by means of security protocols
and confidentiality agreements. In some instances, Kronos 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 certain aspects
of 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 from the
time that they issue as patents and then extend for 20 years from the date of filing. Kronos’ U.S. patent portfolio includes
patents having remaining terms ranging from one year to 18 years.
Trademarks – Kronos’ trademarks, including KRONOS®, are covered by issued and/or pending registrations,
including in Canada and the United States. Kronos protects the trademarks 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.
Trade secrets – 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 Kronos’ 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. It is
possible that future developments, such as stricter requirements in environmental laws and enforcement policies, could
adversely affect Kronos’ 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. During 2021, Kronos was notified by
government authorities in Norway that the classification of a dam at its mine facilities was changed to the highest level for
Norwegian classification of dam structures. As a result, Kronos’ mine operations are subject to a higher degree of
oversight and regulation than existed prior to this change in classification. In 2023, Kronos completed capital projects for
improvements to the dam and related areas necessary to meet the new classification standards.
Kronos has a history of identifying new ways to reduce consumption and waste by converting byproducts to co-
products through its KRONOS ecochem® products. Annually Kronos updates and publishes its Safety, Environment,
Energy and Quality Policy which is translated into local languages and distributed to all its employees and shared publicly
-12-
via its website. Kronos has implemented rigorous procedures for incident reporting and investigation, including root cause
analysis of environmental and safety incidents and near misses. Because TiO2 production requires significant energy input,
Kronos is focused on energy efficiency at all production locations. Four of its five production facilities maintain
certifications to the ISO 50001:2018 Energy Management standard and all locations have local energy teams in place.
These teams are responsible for maintaining ISO 50001:2018 certifications (where applicable), performing regular reviews
of local energy consumption, making recommendations regarding capital projects that reduce energy consumption and
associated Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions or enhance efficiency. When possible, Kronos looks for opportunities to
partner with local government authorities through grant opportunities to reduce energy consumption and associated GHG
emissions. Kronos also actively manages potential water-related risks, including flooding and water shortages. Kronos’
manufacturing facilities are strategically located adjacent to sources of water, which it uses for process operations and for
shipping and receiving raw materials and finished products. Water-critical processes are identified and ongoing efforts to
minimize water use are incorporated into environmental planning.
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.
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 October 1, 2021, EU Regulation No. 1272/2008 classifying dry TiO2 and mixtures containing dry TiO2 as a
suspected carcinogen via inhalation went into force. Kronos’ dry TiO2 products do not meet the criteria set forth in the
regulation and therefore do not require classification labels. On November 23, 2022 the Court of Justice of the European
Union annulled the classification of TiO2 as a suspected carcinogen in its entirety. That decision is currently under appeal.
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 $11.2 million in
2023 and are currently expected to be approximately $28 million in 2024.
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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 postal, recreational transportation,
office and institutional furniture, cabinetry, tool storage and healthcare applications. CompX also manufactures wake
enhancement systems, stainless steel exhaust systems, gauges, throttle controls, 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 mailboxes, ignition systems, 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:
•
•
disc tumbler locks which provide moderate security and generally represent the lowest cost lock CompX
produces;
pin tumbler locks 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’s 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 (OEM) distributors via its STOCK LOCKS® distribution program.
Marine Components. CompX’s marine components reporting unit manufactures and distributes wake
enhancement systems, stainless steel exhaust components, gauges, throttle controls, trim tabs and related hardware and
accessories primarily for ski/wakeboard boats (tow boats) and performance 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:
• wake enhancement devices, trim tabs, steering wheels, and billet aluminum accessories;
•
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;
•
•
grab handles, pin cleats and other accessories.
dash panels, LED indicators, and wire harnesses; and
-14-
CompX operated three principal operating facilities at December 31, 2023 as shown below.
Facility Name
Owned Facilities:
National (1)
Grayslake(1)
Custom(1)
Reporting
Unit
Location
(square feet)
Size
SP
SP/MC
MC
Mauldin, SC
Grayslake, IL
Neenah, WI
198,000
133,000
95,000
(1)
ISO - 9001 registered facilities
SP- Security Products
MC- Marine Components
Raw materials
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 13% of our Component Products Segment’s total cost of sales for 2023. Total material costs,
including purchased components, represented approximately 48% of our Component Products Segment’s cost of sales in
2023.
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, aluminum 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 market
buys of larger quantities of raw materials to take advantage of favorable pricing or volume-based discounts. After
increasing in 2021 and the first half of 2022, prices for the primary commodity-related raw materials used in the
manufacture of locking mechanisms, primarily zinc and brass, generally began to stabilize in the latter half of 2022 and
into 2023 and generally began to soften in the latter half of 2023. Prices for aluminum and stainless steel, the primary raw
material used for the manufacture of marine components including marine exhaust headers and pipes, wake enhancement
systems, throttles and trim tabs experienced significant volatility during 2021 and 2022 but were more stable in 2023.
Although raw commodity costs declined during 2023 from elevated levels experienced in 2021 and 2022, in most cases
materials CompX purchases also include processing and conversion costs such as alloying, extrusion and rolling, which
continue to be elevated due to costs of labor, transportation and energy. Based on current economic conditions, CompX
expects the prices for zinc, brass, aluminum, stainless steel and other manufacturing materials in 2024 to be relatively
stable. 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 in which it competes.
Consequently, overall operating margins can be negatively affected by commodity-related raw material cost pressures.
Commodity market prices are cyclical, reflecting overall economic trends, specific developments in consuming industries
and speculative investor activities.
Patents and trademarks
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
-15-
terms ranging from less than 1 year to 17 years at December 31, 2023. CompX’s major trademarks and brand names in
addition to CompX® include:
Security Products
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
Security Products
Marine Components
Lockview®
System 64®
SlamCAM®
RegulatoR®
CompXpress®
GEM®
Turbine™
NARC iD®
NARC®
ecoForce®
Pearl®
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 product 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 2023 (United States Postal Service representing 24% of which 11%
related to a pilot project). Our Component Products Segment’s largest ten customers accounted for approximately 52% of
its sales in 2023.
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 has a history of incorporating environmental management and compliance in its operations and decision
making. CompX operates three low-emission manufacturing facilities and CompX’s production processes requiring waste-
water discharge are consolidated at its Mauldin, South Carolina facility. This facility has received a ReWa Compliance
Excellence Award multiple years for its exemplary performance from Renewable Water Resources, an organization which
sets regulatory and water policies for the Mauldin facility’s geographic region. In addition, CompX operates extensive
scrap metal recycling programs to reduce landfill waste.
-16-
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. CompX’s operations are also 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.
REAL ESTATE MANAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT SEGMENT – BASIC MANAGEMENT, INC. AND
THE LANDWELL COMPANY
Business overview
Our Real Estate Management and Development Segment consists of our majority owned subsidiaries, BMI and
LandWell. BMI and LandWell own real property in Henderson, Nevada. 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. BMI also was responsible for the delivery of water to the City of Henderson and various other users
through a water distribution system owned and operated by Basic Water Company (BWC), a wholly-owned subsidiary of
BMI, prior to BWC’s bankruptcy filing and deconsolidation on September 10, 2022. BMI also provided certain utility
services to an industrial park located in Henderson, Nevada prior to the sale of Basic Power Company (BPC), a wholly-
owned subsidiary of BMI, on December 1, 2023. See Notes 2 and 3 to our Consolidated Financial Statements and also
Item 7 – “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Real Estate
Management and Development”.
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 had 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, prior to BWC’s bankruptcy filing and deconsolidation on September 10, 2022, delivered water
to the City of Henderson and various other users through a water delivery system owned and operated by BWC, and prior
to the sale of BPC on December 1, 2023, provided certain utility services to an industrial park located in Henderson,
Nevada. Upon approval of the plan of reorganization by the bankruptcy court, substantially all BWC’s assets were sold in
November 2023. Following the sale of the BWC assets and BPC, BMI no longer provides services to the industrial park.
Sales
LandWell began marketing land for sale in the residential/planned community in December 2013 and at
December 31, 2023 approximately 20 saleable acres remain. In addition, LandWell has been actively marketing and selling
land zoned for commercial and light industrial use and at December 31, 2023 approximately 15 saleable acres remain.
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 or land sales may be completed, 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
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and record deferred revenue for some or all of the cash amount received, with deferred revenue being recognized in
subsequent periods. Substantially all the land in the residential/planned community has been sold; however, we expect the
development work to take three to four years to complete.
Our Real Estate Management and Development Segment’s sales consist principally of land sales and to a lesser
extent water (through September 2022) and electric delivery fees (prior to December 2023). During 2023 we had sales to
five customers that exceeded 10% of our Real Estate Management and Development Segment’s net sales (CCR 270 –
17%, Taylor Morrison – 13%, Beazer Homes – 11%, Richmond American Homes – 11% and Sand Hill Venture – 11%)
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. 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 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.
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. We believe ESG means conducting operations with high standards of
environmental and social responsibility, practicing exemplary ethical standards, focusing on safety as a top priority,
respecting human rights and supporting our local communities, and continuously developing our employees. 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. Each of
our locations maintains site-specific safety programs and disaster response and business continuity plans. All
manufacturing facilities have detailed, site-specific emergency response procedures we believe adequately address
regulatory compliance, vulnerability to potential hazards, emergency response and action plans, employee training, alarms
and warning systems and crisis communication.
The U.S. government and various non-U.S. governmental agencies of countries in which Kronos operates have
adopted or are contemplating regulatory changes relating to certain ESG topics, such as the Corporate Social Responsibility
Directive adopted by the European Union on November 28, 2022 (EU CSRD). European jurisdictions in which Kronos
operates have not yet adopted local legislation to implement the EU CSRD. Kronos is evaluating and will continue to
evaluate the applicability of the EU CSRD as regulatory guidance is issued and as the European countries in which it
operates adopt implementing legislation and Kronos will establish a compliance program to address any applicable
requirements.
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In an effort to align our non-employee directors’ financial interests with those of our stockholders, our board of
directors established share ownership guidelines for our non-management directors.
Kronos has taken steps to integrate ESG considerations into operating decisions with other critical business
factors. Kronos biennially publishes an ESG Report, which is available on its public website. The primary purpose of its
ESG Report is to describe Kronos’ policies and programs in the area of ESG, including certain internal metrics and
benchmarks related to various aspects of ESG. Kronos voluntarily developed these internal metrics and benchmarks, which
Kronos uses to identify progress and opportunities for improvement. These metrics are not intended to be directly
comparable to similar metrics utilized by other companies to track ESG performance, as the standards, methodologies and
assumptions used to determine these metrics vary by company and jurisdiction.
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, a profit sharing plan, 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, 2023, our Chemicals Segment employed the following number of people:
Europe
Canada
United States (1)
Total
(1) Excludes employees of our LPC joint venture.
1,779
369
48
2,196
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. At December 31, 2023, approximately 78% of Kronos’ worldwide workforce
is organized under collective bargaining agreements. Kronos did not experience any work stoppages during 2023, 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, 2023, our Component Products Segment and our Real Estate Management and Development
Segment employed 555 people and 21 people, respectively, all in the United States. We believe CompX’s and BMI’s labor
relations are good.
Health and safety
Protecting the health and safety of our workforce, our customers, our business partners and the natural
environment is one of our core values. We are committed to maintaining a strong safety culture where all workers meet or
exceed required industry performance standards, and we continuously seek to improve occupational and process safety
performance. We conduct our businesses in ways intended to provide all personnel with a safe and healthy work
environment and have established safety and environmental programs and goals to achieve these results. We expect our
manufacturing facilities to produce our products safely and in compliance with local regulations, policies, standards and
practices intended to protect the environment and our people and have established global policies designed to promote
compliance. We require our employees to comply with such requirements. We provide our workers with the tools and
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training necessary to make the appropriate decisions to prevent accidents and injuries. Each of our operating facilities
develops, maintains and implements safety programs encompassing key aspects of their operations. In addition,
management reviews and evaluates safety performance throughout the year. We monitor conditions that could lead to a
safety incident and keep track of injuries through reporting systems in accordance with laws in the jurisdictions in which
we operate. With this data we calculate incident frequency rates to assess the quality of our safety performance. At the
global level we also track overall safety performance. Each Kronos operating location is subject to local laws and
regulations that dictate what injuries are required to be recorded and reported, which may differ from location to location
and result in different methods of injury rate calculation. For internal global tracking, benchmarking and identification of
opportunities for improvement, Kronos collects the location specific information and applies a U.S.-based injury rate
calculation to arrive at a global total frequency rate, which is expressed as the number of incidents at its operating locations
per 200,000 hours. This internal safety metric may not be directly comparable to a recordable incident rate calculated
under U.S. law. Kronos’ global total frequency rate aggregating information about employees and contractors was 1.08 in
2021 (0.90 was the frequency rate for employees only), 1.01 in 2022 (0.86 was the frequency rate for employees only) and
0.95 in 2023 (0.74 was the frequency rate for employees only).
CompX uses lost time incidents as a key measure of worker safety. CompX defines lost time incidents as work-
related accidents where a worker sustains an injury that results in time away from work. CompX had one lost time incident
in 2021, three in 2022 and one in 2023.
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.
OTHER
NL Industries, Inc. – At December 31, 2023, NL owned approximately 87% of CompX and approximately 31%
of Kronos. NL also holds certain marketable securities and other investments.
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. Our 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.
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, that
provide strategic opportunities and synergies or that 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
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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.
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 2023,
approximately 90% 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
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or brownfield capacity 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. Our Chemicals Segment faces significant competition from
international and regional competitors, including TiO2 producers in China, who have significant sulfate production process
capacity. Chinese producers have also continued to develop chloride process technology, and the risk of substitution of
our Chemicals Segment’s products with products made by Chinese producers could increase if Chinese producers increase
the use of chloride process technology and improve the quality of their sulfate and chloride products. Some of our
Chemicals Segment’s competitors may be able to drive down prices for our Chemicals Segment’s products if their costs
are lower than our Chemicals Segment’s costs, including its competitors with vertically integrated sources of raw materials
for the chloride process who may have a competitive advantage during periods of high or rising raw material costs or who
operate in regions with less stringent regulatory requirements. 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.
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.
• 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 it 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.
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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. At times our Component Products Segment works with new and existing customers on specific product
innovations. Sometimes it has a cost sharing arrangement for development efforts, although our Component Products
Segment may also fully bear the development costs. If a customer were to ultimately reject or abandon custom product
innovation efforts, our Component Products Segment may not be able to recover its development costs.
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 our facilities are located. 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 or increased regulations in the countries from which our Chemicals Segment purchases or mines its
raw material supplies could adversely affect raw material availability. If our Chemicals Segment or its worldwide vendors
are unable to meet their planned or contractual obligations and our Chemicals Segment is 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 2022 and 2023, for example, which affected its margins. Our
Chemicals Segment has also experienced higher operating costs such as energy costs. Future variations in the cost of
energy, which primarily reflect market prices for oil and natural gas, and for raw materials may significantly affect its
operating results and decrease liquidity as 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.
Our Chemicals Segment has supply contracts that provide for its TiO2 feedstock requirements. While our
Chemicals Segment believes it will be able to renew these contracts, as necessary, we do not know if 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 require it to purchase certain minimum quantities of feedstock with minimum
purchase commitments aggregating approximately $583 million beginning in 2024 and extending through 2026. 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 $72 million at December 31, 2023. 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
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raw material costs and ensure supply. 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,
transportation disruptions, global conflict and public health crises such as pandemics, 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 supply 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 has significant development obligations related to a
residential/planned community in Henderson, Nevada. Increases in labor or construction costs related to the
completion of such development obligations may reduce our earnings and decrease our liquidity.
A substantial portion of the revenues and assets associated with our Real Estate Management and Development
Segment relates to certain land under development in Henderson, Nevada, including approximately 2,100 acres zoned for
residential/planned community purposes. A substantial majority of the land in the residential/planned community was sold
prior to 2023. We generally recognize revenue from these land sales over time using cost-based inputs because we receive
substantially all cash payment at the time of sale but significant development obligations still exist. We currently estimate
development obligations are approximately $107 million and will take approximately three to four years to complete. Our
estimates of our development obligations include certain assumptions about future labor and construction costs. If actual
costs were significantly above our estimates, revenue, profits and liquidity in our Real Estate Management and
Development Segment may be significantly and negatively affected.
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 Secured Notes issued in September 2017
and February 2024, Kronos’ and our loans from Contran Corporation and the LandWell bank note. As of December
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31, 2023, our total consolidated debt was approximately $547 million. Our level of debt could have important
consequences to our stockholders and creditors, including:
• making it more difficult for us to satisfy our obligations with respect to our liabilities;
•
increasing our vulnerability to adverse general economic and industry conditions;
•
•
•
•
•
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.
Indebtedness outstanding under our loan from Contran and Kronos’ global revolving credit facility (Global
Revolver) accrues interest at variable rates. To the extent market interest rates rise, the cost of our debt could increase,
even if the amount borrowed remains the same, adversely affecting financial condition, results of operations and cash
flows.
In addition to our indebtedness, we are party to various lease and other agreements (including feedstock purchase
contracts and other long-term supply and service contracts as discussed above) pursuant to which, along with our
indebtedness, we are committed to pay approximately $632 million in 2024. Our ability to make payments on and refinance
our debt and to fund planned capital expenditures depends on our ability to generate cash flow in the future. 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, in some
instances, will depend in part on these subsidiaries’ ability to maintain specified financial ratios and satisfy certain financial
covenants contained in the applicable credit agreement.
Our businesses may not generate cash flows from operating activities sufficient to enable us to pay our debts
when they become due and to fund our other liquidity needs. As a result, we may need to refinance all or a portion of our
debt before maturity, as we have done in the past. 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
2022 and 2023 approximately 45% and 44%, respectively, 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.
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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.
Increased regulatory scrutiny could affect consumer perception of TiO2 or limit the marketability and demand for TiO2 or
products containing TiO2 or increase our manufacturing and regulatory compliance obligations and costs. Increased
compliance obligations and costs or restrictions on operations, raw materials and 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 some or all of our intellectual property were to be declared invalid, held to be unenforceable or copied by
competitors or some or all of our confidential information 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, copyrights, 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, sold 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 engage in judicial enforcement in order to protect our patent rights and other proprietary rights.
Our patents and other intellectual property rights may be challenged, invalidated, circumvented, rendered unenforceable
or otherwise compromised. A failure to protect, defend or enforce our intellectual property could have an adverse effect
on our financial condition and results of operations. Similarly, third parties may assert claims against us and our customers
and distributors alleging our products infringe upon third-party intellectual property rights. In the event that any such third-
party prevails against us on such claims, there could be an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of
operations.
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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 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. Third parties 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, including attorney’s fees and diversion of resources and management’s attention, and we
may not prevail in any such suits or proceedings.
Global climate change laws and regulations could negatively impact our financial results or limit our ability to
operate our businesses.
We operate production facilities in several countries and many of our facilities require large amounts of energy,
including electricity and natural gas, in order to conduct operations. The U.S. government and various non-U.S.
governmental agencies of countries in which we operate have determined the consumption of energy derived from fossil
fuels is a major contributor to climate change and have adopted or are contemplating regulatory changes in response to the
potential impact of climate change, including laws and regulations requiring enhanced reporting (such as the Corporate
Social Responsibility Directive adopted by the European Union on November 28, 2022) as well as legislation regarding
carbon emission costs, GHG emissions and renewable energy targets. International treaties or agreements may also result
in increasing regulation of GHG emissions, including emissions permits and/or energy taxes or the introduction of carbon
emissions trading mechanisms. To date, the existing GHG laws and regulations in effect in the various countries in which
we operate have not had a material adverse effect on our financial results. Until the timing, scope and extent of any new
or future regulation become known, we cannot predict the effect on our business, results of operations or financial
condition. However, if further GHG laws and regulations 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. In addition, any adopted future laws and regulations focused on
climate change and/or GHG emissions could negatively impact our ability (or that of our customers and suppliers) to
compete with companies situated in areas not subject to such laws and regulations.
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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,
economic sanctions, exchange controls, global and regional economic downturns, terrorism, armed conflict (such as the
current conflicts between Russia and Ukraine and Israel and Hamas), natural disasters, pandemics or other health crises
and political conditions. We may encounter difficulties enforcing agreements or other legal rights and the effective tax
rate may fluctuate based on the variability of geographic earnings and statutory tax rates. TiO2 production requires
significant energy input, and economic sanctions or supply disruptions resulting from armed conflict could lead to
additional volatility in global energy prices and energy supply disruptions. These risks, individually or in the aggregate,
could have an adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.
Technology failures or cybersecurity 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 facilities, 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 will
be sufficiently effective. Therefore, any of our information technology systems may be susceptible to outages, disruptions
or destruction from power outages, telecommunications failures, employee error, cybersecurity breaches or attacks and
other similar events. This could result 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 and could adversely affect our results of
operations and financial condition. We have in the past experienced, and we expect to continue to experience, cyber-
attacks, including phishing and other attempts to breach or gain unauthorized access to, our systems, and vulnerabilities
introduced into our systems by trusted third-party vendors who have experienced cyber-attacks. To date we have not
suffered breaches in our systems, either directly or through a trusted third-party vendor, which have led to material losses.
Due to the increase in global cybersecurity incidents it has become increasingly difficult to obtain insurance coverage on
reasonable pricing terms to mitigate some risks associated with technology failures or cybersecurity breaches, and we are
experiencing such difficulties in obtaining insurance coverage.
Physical impacts of climate change could have a material adverse effect on our costs and operations.
Climate change may increase both the frequency and severity of extreme weather conditions and natural disasters,
such as hurricanes, thunderstorms, tornadoes, drought and snow or ice storms. Extreme weather conditions may increase
our costs or cause damage to our facilities, and any damage resulting from extreme weather may not be fully insured.
Climate change has also been associated with rising sea levels and many of our facilities are located near coastal areas or
waterways where rising sea levels or flooding could disrupt our operations or adversely impact our facilities. Furthermore,
periods of extended inclement weather or associated droughts or flooding may inhibit our facility operations and delay or
hinder shipments of our products to customers. Any such events could have a material adverse effect on our costs or results
of operations.
ITEM 1B.
UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.
ITEM 1C.
CYBERSECURITY
We operate through our subsidiaries and receive services through our intercorporate services agreement (ISA)
with Contran (see Note 17 to our Consolidated Financial Statements). We recognize the importance of assessing,
identifying, and managing material risks associated with cybersecurity threats. These risks include, among other things:
operational risks, intellectual property theft, fraud, extortion, harm to employees or customers and violation of data privacy
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or security laws. Our cybersecurity programs are built on operations and compliance foundations. Operations focus on
continuous detection, prevention, measurement, analysis, and response to cybersecurity alerts and incidents and on
emerging threats. Compliance establishes oversight of our cybersecurity programs by creating risk-based controls to
protect the integrity, confidentiality, accessibility and availability of company data stored, processed or transferred. Our
cybersecurity program is integrated within our overall risk management processes.
Kronos and CompX each have their own cybersecurity programs. Our corporate cybersecurity program is led by
our chief information officer (CIO) who is responsible for our overall information security strategy, policy, security
engineering, operations and cyber threat detection and response. Our corporate information systems are owned and
operated by Contran and provided to us through the ISA. Our CIO, who also serves as the Kronos CIO, reports to our and
Kronos’ chief executive officers, respectively. CompX’s cybersecurity program is led by the director of information
technology (IT). The director of IT reports to CompX’s vice president in charge of coordinating operational activities
within CompX’s two operating reporting units. Both our CIO and the CompX director of IT have extensive information
technology and program management experience and lead teams that have many years of experience with each
organization. Cybersecurity risks at each company are also reviewed and tested annually through third-party assessments
and internal and external information technology audits. Our, Kronos’ and CompX’s information technology teams review
enterprise risk management level cybersecurity risks annually.
We, Kronos and CompX continually enhance our security structure with the ultimate goal of preventing
cybersecurity incidents to the extent feasible, while simultaneously increasing our system resilience in an effort to
minimize the business impact should an incident occur. Third parties also play a role in our cybersecurity. We, Kronos
and CompX engage third-party services to conduct evaluations of our security controls through penetration testing, red
team testing, consulting on best practices and to address new challenges. These evaluations include testing both the design
and operational effectiveness of security controls. All employees are required to complete cybersecurity training at least
once a year and have access to more frequent cybersecurity training through online training. We also require employees
in certain roles to complete additional role-based, specialized cybersecurity trainings.
We, Kronos and CompX each have a Cybersecurity Incident Disclosure and Controls Committee (CIDAC) which
is central to the response and evaluation of cybersecurity incidents. Our CIDAC is comprised of our CIO and other senior
executives including our chief executive officer, chief financial officer and general counsel. Security events and data
incidents are evaluated, ranked by severity and prioritized for response and remediation. The IT teams are responsible for
categorizing cybersecurity incidents, with incidents evaluated to be high or critical security risks brought to the CIDAC
for review and evaluation. Incidents are evaluated to determine materiality as well as operational and business impact. Our
CIDAC, as well as the Kronos and CompX CIDAC, performs simulations and tabletop exercises at a management level
to evaluate our readiness and response to cybersecurity incidents. External resources and advisors are incorporated as
needed.
Our board of directors oversees management’s processes for identifying and mitigating risks, including
cybersecurity risks, to help align our risk exposure with our strategic objectives. Senior leadership, including our chief
financial officer and CIO, regularly brief the board of directors on our cybersecurity and information security posture, and
our board of directors is apprised of cybersecurity incidents deemed to have a high or critical business impact, even if
immaterial to us. The board has delegated some of its primary risk oversight to board committees, including that our audit
committee facilitates the board’s process of oversight of our overall risk management approach. Our full board retains
oversight of cybersecurity because of its importance to us and visibility with our customers.
In the event of an incident, we intend to follow our detailed incident response playbook, which outlines the steps
to be followed from incident detection to mitigation, recovery and notification. This includes notifying functional areas
(such as legal and human resources), senior leadership and the board as appropriate.
We, Kronos and CompX face a number of cybersecurity risks. To date, such risks have not materially affected
us, including our business strategy, results of operations or financial condition. While we have not experienced any
breaches, we have encountered occasional attempts, albeit of minor significance, targeting our data and systems, including
instances of malware and computer virus infiltration. Thus far all such incidents have been minor. For more information
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about the cybersecurity risks we face, see the risk factor entitled “Technology failures or cybersecurity breaches could
have a material adverse effect on our operations.” in Item 1A- “Risk Factors”.
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 it has substantial defenses to these actions and NL intends to continue to deny all allegations of
wrongdoing and liability and to defend against all actions vigorously. We do not believe it is probable we have incurred
any liability with respect to pending 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, we believe liability to NL that may result, if any, in this regard cannot be
reasonably estimated, because:
• 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 judgments have ever been entered against NL, and
• 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.
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Accordingly, we have not accrued any amounts for any of the pending lead pigment and lead-based paint litigation cases
filed by or on behalf of states, counties, cities or their public housing authorities and school districts, or those asserted as
class actions. In addition, we have determined that liability to 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 included in noncurrent restricted cash 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, NL placed an additional $9.0 million into an escrow account which is included in noncurrent
restricted cash on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
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. NL made the initial $25.0 million payment in
September 2019 and the first, second, third and fourth annual installment payments of $12.0 million each in
September 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023. We recognized an aggregate accretion expense of $1.1 million, $.9 million and $.7
million in 2021, 2022 and 2023, respectively.
In January 2024, NL was served with a third-party complaint in a matter titled Arrioena Beal v. Hattie Mitchell,
et al. (Circuit Court of Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, Case No. 21 - cv - 3276). The plaintiff in this case sued her former
landlords and several former manufacturers of lead paint for injuries allegedly attributable to lead paint, but did not sue
NL. Several of the former lead paint manufacturer defendants later filed a third-party complaint against NL, seeking
contribution for any damages they may ultimately have to pay to the plaintiff. NL believes it has substantial defenses to
these claims under Wisconsin law and intends to defend itself vigorously.
New cases may continue to be filed against NL. We do not know if NL will 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
Certain properties and facilities used in our former operations (primarily NL’s former operations), including
divested primary and secondary lead smelters and former mining locations, are the subject of civil litigation, administrative
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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 and 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 we may be jointly and severally
liable for these costs, in most cases NL is 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:
•
•
•
•
complexity and differing interpretations of governmental regulations,
number of PRPs and their ability or willingness to fund such allocation of costs,
financial capabilities of the PRPs and the allocation of costs among them,
solvency of other PRPs,
• multiplicity of possible solutions,
•
•
number of years of investigatory, remedial and monitoring activity required,
uncertainty over the extent, if any, to which our former operations might have contributed to the conditions
allegedly giving rise to such personal injury, property damage, natural resource and related claims, and
•
number of years between former operations and notice of claims and lack of information and documents
about the former operations.
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. Actual costs could exceed accrued amounts or the upper end of the range for sites for which estimates have been
made, and costs may 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, 2022 and December 31, 2023 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 the accrued environmental and related costs which we expect to pay within the next
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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 NL’s wholly-owned
environmental management subsidiary, NL Environmental Management Services, Inc., (EMS), has contractually assumed
NL’s obligations. At December 31, 2023, NL had accrued approximately $91 million related to approximately 33 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 $118 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,
2023, 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 it actually had
any association with the site, the nature of its responsibility, if any, for the contamination at the site, if any, 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.
We have also accrued approximately $6 million at December 31, 2023 for other environmental cleanup matters
which represents our best estimate of the liability.
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 has denied liability and will defend vigorously against all claims while continuing to seek contribution
from other PRPs.
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. In June 2022, NL received a letter from the NJDEP informing NL that remediation of contaminated sites
upriver of the former Sayreville site had progressed to the point that it was now appropriate for NL to resume investigating
the sediments adjacent to the Sayreville site. NL has been diligently conducting that investigation in compliance with
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NJDEP regulations. The lawsuit remains pending. NL continues to deny liability and will defend vigorously against all
claims.
In 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) and ASARCO LLC v. NL Industries, Inc., et al. (United States District
Court, Eastern District of Missouri, Case No. 4:11 - cv - 00864). Both cases are CERCLA contribution actions brought
against several defendants to recover a portion of the amount the plaintiff paid in settlement with the U.S. Government
during its Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The court in each case entered indefinite stays of the litigation in 2013 and 2015, which
remain 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. NL has
denied liability and will 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 has been in discussions with EPA regarding a de minimis settlement and is otherwise taking actions necessary to
respond to the UAO. If these discussions are ultimately 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. In 2023, the trial court granted partial summary judgment
for NL and the plaintiff appealed that decision to the Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit. NL continues 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. In
October 2022, the trial court issued an order finding that NL and the other defendants are not liable under CERCLA for
lead contamination in residential neighborhoods surrounding, but at a distance from, the former secondary lead smelter.
In August 2023, the trial court issued orders finding that NL and several other defendants are jointly liable for
contamination on areas where operations were previously conducted, but are not liable for contamination outside those
former operating areas. Neither the amount of damages owed, nor any party’s allocated share of such damages, has yet
been determined. NL has denied liability and will continue to defend vigorously against all claims.
In December 2023, NL and several other defendants were sued in Sunset Commercial, LLC v. Stauffer
Management Co., et al. (United States District Court for the District of Nevada, Case 2:23 - cv - 02081). The complaint
asserts claims under CERCLA as well as claims for private nuisance, negligence, trespass, and strict liability. The plaintiff
asserts that hazardous substances located on its property are attributable to a large industrial facility in the area. The
plaintiff alleges NL is liable for once holding a lease on the industrial property and for its past partial ownership of another
company. NL intends to deny liability and will defend vigorously against all claims.
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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 108 of these types of cases pending, involving a total of approximately 582
plaintiffs. In addition, the claims of approximately 8,715 plaintiffs have been administratively dismissed or placed on the
inactive docket in Ohio state 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:
•
•
•
•
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 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 matters. 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
-35-
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. In December 2020, the trial court denied the insurers’ motion for summary
judgment, finding that the arguments raised by the insurers did not bar NL from coverage under the relevant policies. We
intend to defend NL’s rights and prosecute NL’s claims in this action vigorously.
NL has settled insurance coverage claims concerning environmental claims with certain of its principal former
insurance carriers. We do not expect further material settlements relating to environmental remediation coverage.
ITEM 4.
MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
-36-
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 March 1, 2024, there were approximately 740 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, 2018 through December 31, 2023.
The graph shows the value at December 31 of each year assuming an original investment of $100 at December 31, 2018,
and assumes the reinvestment of our regular quarterly dividends in shares of our stock.
Valhi common stock
S&P 500 Index
S&P 500 Industrial Conglomerates
$
$
100
100
100
$
100
131
125
$
71
156
138
136 $
200
145
105
164
133
$
74
207
165
2018
2019
December 31,
2020
2021
2022
2023
Comparison of Cumulative Five Year Total Return
$250
$200
$150
$100
$50
$0
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
Year
Valhi
S&P 500 Index
S&P 500 Industrial Conglomerates
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.
-37-
Equity Compensation Plan Information – We have an equity compensation plan, which was approved by our
stockholders, pursuant to which an aggregate of 100,000 shares of our common stock can be awarded to non-employee
members of our board of directors. At December 31, 2023, an aggregate of 84,600 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 transactions with our affiliates. The aggregate number of shares authorized for repurchase
is 833,333, and we have approximately 334,000 shares available for repurchase at December 31, 2023. 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.
RESERVED
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.
We have three consolidated reportable operating segments:
• 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, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
• 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 postal, recreational transportation,
office and institutional furniture, cabinetry, tool storage, healthcare and a variety of other industries. CompX
is also a leading manufacturer of wake enhancements systems, stainless steel exhaust systems, gauges,
throttle controls, trim tabs and related hardware and accessories for the recreational marine industry.
• Real Estate Management and Development – We operate in real estate management and development
through our majority control of BMI and LandWell. BMI and LandWell own real property in Henderson,
Nevada. LandWell is engaged in efforts to develop certain land holdings for commercial, industrial and
residential purposes in Henderson, Nevada. BMI previously, through wholly-owned subsidiaries, also was
responsible for the delivery of water to the City of Henderson and various other users through
September 2022, and provided utility services to certain industrial customers prior to December 2023.
-38-
Operations Overview
Year Ended December 31, 2023 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2022 –
We reported a net loss attributable to Valhi stockholders of $12.1 million or $.42 per diluted share in 2023
compared to net income of $90.2 million or $3.16 per diluted share in 2022.
Our net income attributable to Valhi stockholders decreased from 2022 to 2023 primarily due to the net effects
of:
•
•
•
•
•
lower operating income from our Chemicals Segment in 2023 compared to 2022 including 2023 charges of
$5.8 million related to workforce reductions and $3.8 million related to the write-off of certain costs resulting
from a capital project termination;
aggregate charges of $19.7 million in our Real Estate Management and Development Segment in 2022
related to the impairment of certain fixed assets and the bankruptcy filing of BWC;
income from tax increment infrastructure reimbursement of $25.2 million in 2023 compared to $15.2 million
in 2022;
a non-cash loss on the termination of our U.K. pension plan of $6.2 million in 2023;
a loss of $2.6 million related to the sale of BPC in 2023; and
the recognition of a gain on the sale of land not used in our operations of $1.5 million in 2023.
Our diluted net loss per share in 2023 includes:
•
•
•
•
income of $.46 per share related to tax increment infrastructure reimbursements recognized in the third and
fourth quarters;
a loss of $.13 per share due to the termination of our U.K. pension plan recognized in the second quarter;
a loss of $.10 per share related to workforce reductions by our Chemicals Segment recognized in the fourth
quarter;
a loss of $.06 per share related to the write-off of certain costs resulting from a capital project termination
recognized in the fourth quarter;
a gain of $.05 per share related to a business interruption insurance claim arising from Hurricane Laura in
2020 at our Chemicals Segment recognized in the first, second and third quarters;
a loss of $.04 per share due to the sale of BPC recognized in the fourth quarter; and
a gain of $.04 per share related to the sale of land not used in our operations recognized in the second quarter.
Our diluted net income per share in 2022 includes:
•
aggregate charges of $.35 per share related to the bankruptcy filing of BWC, including $.29 per share related
to the impairment of the water delivery system fixed assets, primarily recognized in the second quarter, and
$.04 per share loss on the deconsolidation of BWC and $.02 per share of bad debt expense related to an
intercompany receivable with BWC, both recognized in the third quarter;
income of $.28 per share related to tax increment infrastructure reimbursements recognized in the third and
fourth quarters;
a gain of $.05 per share related to a business interruption insurance claim arising from Hurricane Laura in
2020 at our Chemicals Segment recognized in the third quarter; and
income of $.02 per share related to an energy utility infrastructure reimbursement recognized in the second
quarter.
-39-
Year Ended December 31, 2022 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2021 –
We reported net income attributable to Valhi stockholders of $90.2 million or $3.16 per diluted share in 2022
compared to $127.2 million or $4.46 per diluted share in 2021.
Our net income attributable to Valhi stockholders decreased from 2021 to 2022 primarily due to the net effects
of:
•
•
lower operating income from our Chemicals Segment in 2022 compared to 2021;
lower operating income from our Real Estate Management and Development Segment in 2022 compared to
2021 including aggregate charges of $19.7 million in our Real Estate Management and Development
Segment in 2022 related to the impairment of certain fixed assets and the bankruptcy filing of BWC in 2022;
and
recognition of a gain on sales of land not used in our operations of $16.0 million in 2021.
Our diluted net income per share in 2022 includes:
•
aggregate charges of $.35 per share related to the bankruptcy filing of BWC, including $.29 per share related
to the impairment of the water delivery system fixed assets, primarily recognized in the second quarter, and
$.04 per share loss on the deconsolidation of BWC and $.02 per share of bad debt expense related to an
intercompany receivable with BWC, both recognized in the third quarter;
income of $.28 per share related to tax increment infrastructure reimbursements recognized in the third and
fourth quarters;
a gain of $.05 per share related to a business interruption insurance claim arising from Hurricane Laura in
2020 at our Chemicals Segment recognized in the third quarter; and
income of $.02 per share related to an energy utility infrastructure reimbursement recognized in the second
quarter.
Our diluted net income per share in 2021 includes:
•
a gain of $.43 per share related to sales of land not used in our operations recognized in the second and third
quarters; and
•
income of $.28 per share related to tax increment infrastructure reimbursements recognized in the first and
fourth quarters.
We discuss these amounts more fully below.
Current Forecast for 2024 –
We currently expect consolidated operating income for 2024 to be higher as compared to 2023 primarily due to
the net effects of:
•
•
•
higher operating income from our Chemicals Segment in 2024 primarily due to the positive impacts of
improved demand and lower manufacturing costs;
higher operating income from our Real Estate Management and Development Segment in 2024 due to higher
expected infrastructure reimbursements; and
lower operating income from our Component Products Segment in 2024 as security products and marine
sales are expected to decline further in 2024.
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,
-40-
technological advances, worldwide production capacity and public health crises. If actual developments differ from our
expectations, our results of operations could be unfavorably affected.
Segment Operating Results – 2023 Compared to 2022 and 2022 Compared to 2021
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 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:
• TiO2 selling prices,
• TiO2 sales and production volumes,
• Manufacturing costs, particularly raw materials such as third-party feedstock, maintenance and energy-
related expenses, and
• Currency exchange rates (particularly the exchange rate for the U.S. dollar relative to the euro, the Norwegian
krone and the Canadian dollar and the euro relative to the Norwegian krone).
Our Chemicals Segment’s key performance indicators are its TiO2 average selling prices, its TiO2 sales and
production volumes and the cost of titanium-containing feedstock purchased from third parties. TiO2 selling prices
generally follow industry trends and selling prices will increase or decrease generally as a result of competitive market
pressures.
-41-
Net sales
Cost of sales
Gross margin
Operating income (loss)
Percent of net sales:
Cost of sales
Gross margin
Operating income (loss)
TiO2 operating statistics:
Sales volumes*
Production volumes*
Percent change in TiO2 net sales:
TiO2 sales volumes
TiO2 product pricing
TiO2 product mix/other
Changes in currency exchange rates
Total
*
Thousands of metric tons
2021
Years ended December 31,
2022
(Dollars in millions)
$ 1,930.2
2023
$ 1,939.4
1,494.5
444.9
200.8
$
$
1,540.2
390.0
174.6
$
$
$ 1,666.5
1,502.7
163.8
(41.1)
$
$
% Change
2021 - 22 2022 - 23
— %
3
(12)
(13)
(14)%
(2)
(58)
(124)
77 %
23
10
80 %
20
9
90 %
10
(2)
563
545
481
492
419
401
(15)%
(10)%
(13)%
(19)%
(15)%
21
(1)
(5)
— %
(13)%
(4)
2
1
(14)%
Industry Conditions and 2023 Overview – Our Chemicals Segment and the TiO2 industry are experiencing an
extended period of significantly reduced demand across all major markets, which is reflected in our Chemicals Segment’s
sales volumes in 2023. Demand first began to decrease in the third quarter of 2022, and although there has been some
stabilization at this reduced level, overall demand remained below average historical levels during 2023. While our
Chemicals Segment started 2023 with average TiO2 selling prices 16% higher than at the beginning of 2022, this extended
period of reduced demand has put downward pressure on average TiO2 selling prices and, as a result, prices declined 13%
in 2023. Overall sales volumes declined in 2023 compared to 2022 primarily due to lower demand in all major markets.
Our Chemicals Segment began curtailing production in the fourth quarter of 2022 at certain of its European
facilities due to decreased demand and increased production costs. During 2023, our Chemicals Segment continued
operating its production facilities at reduced rates to align production with expected customer demand. As a result, our
Chemicals Segment operated its production facilities at 72% of practical capacity utilization in 2023 compared to 89% of
practical capacity utilization in 2022.
The following table shows our Chemicals Segment’s capacity utilization rates during 2022 and 2023.
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
Overall
Production Capacity Utilization Rates
2022
2023
100%
95%
93%
65%
89%
76%
64%
73%
75%
72%
Due to significant increases in per metric ton production costs (primarily feedstock and unabsorbed fixed costs
due to reduced operating rates), our Chemicals Segment’s cost of sales per metric ton of TiO2 sold in 2023 was significantly
higher than in 2022 (excluding the effect of changes in currency exchange rates).
In response to the extended period of reduced demand, our Chemicals Segment has taken measures to reduce its
operating costs and improve its long-term cost structure. As part of overall cost saving measures, in the third quarter of
-42-
2023 our Chemicals Segment began implementing certain voluntary and involuntary workforce reductions. A substantial
portion of its workforce reductions were accomplished through voluntary programs, for which eligible workforce reduction
costs are recognized at the time both the employee and employer are irrevocably committed to the terms of the separation.
These workforce reductions impacted approximately 100 individuals and are substantially completed. Our Chemicals
Segment recognized a total of approximately $6 million in charges primarily in the fourth quarter of 2023 related to
workforce reductions it implemented during the second half of the year, which is classified in selling, general and
administrative expense. The majority of cash payments are expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2024.
Net Sales – Our Chemicals Segment’s net sales in 2023 decreased 14%, or $263.7 million, compared to 2022
primarily due to a 13% decrease in sales volumes (which decreased net sales by approximately $251 million) and a 4%
decrease in average TiO2 selling prices (which decreased net sales by approximately $77 million). Changes in product mix
positively contributed to net sales, primarily due to higher average selling prices and sales volumes in our Chemicals
Segment’s complementary businesses which somewhat offset declines in TiO2 sales volumes. In addition to the impact of
sales volumes and average TiO2 selling prices, we estimate that changes in currency exchange rates (primarily the euro)
increased our Chemicals Segment’s net sales by approximately $10 million in 2023 as compared to 2022. 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 13% in 2023 as compared to 2022 due to lower overall
demand across all major markets noted above. The lower overall demand our Chemicals Segment began experiencing in
the second half of 2022 continued throughout most of 2023. However, our Chemicals Segment’s sales volumes were 29%
higher in the fourth quarter of 2023 as compared to the fourth quarter of 2022 due to strengthening demand for TiO2 in its
primary markets of Europe and North America.
Our Chemicals Segment’s net sales in 2022 were consistent with net sales in 2021 primarily due to the net effects
of a 21% increase in average TiO2 selling prices (which increased net sales by approximately $407 million) and a 15%
decrease in sales volumes (which decreased net sales by approximately $291 million). We estimate that changes in
currency exchange rates (primarily the euro) decreased our Chemicals Segment’s net sales by approximately $106 million,
or 5% in 2022 as compared to 2021.
Our Chemicals Segment’s sales volumes decreased 15% in 2022 as compared to 2021 primarily due to lower
demand in its European and export markets which our Chemicals Segment began experiencing towards the end of the
second quarter and which accelerated during the third and fourth quarters of 2022. Sales volumes were 40% lower in the
fourth quarter of 2022 as compared to the fourth quarter of 2021. Our Chemicals Segment also experienced lower sales
volumes in its North American market in the second half of 2022, although to a lesser extent than the declines in its
European and export markets.
Cost of Sales and Gross Margin – Cost of sales decreased $37.5 million, or 2%, in 2023 compared to 2022 due
to the net effects of a 13% decrease in sales volumes, a 19% decrease in production volumes at certain of our Chemicals
Segment’s manufacturing facilities to align inventory levels to anticipated near-term customer demand (which resulted
in $96 million of unabsorbed fixed production costs) and higher production costs of approximately $65 million (primarily
raw materials). Our Chemicals Segment’s cost of sales as a percentage of net sales increased to 90% in 2023 compared to
80% in 2022 primarily due to the unfavorable effects of higher production costs (primarily raw materials) and unabsorbed
fixed production costs due to lower production volumes.
Gross margin as a percentage of net sales decreased to 10% in 2023 compared to 20% in 2022. As discussed and
quantified above, our Chemicals Segment’s gross margin as a percentage of net sales decreased primarily due to lower
production and sales volumes, lower average TiO2 selling prices, higher production costs and changes in currency
exchange rates.
Cost of sales increased $45.7 million, or 3%, in 2022 compared to 2021 primarily due to the net effects of higher
production costs of approximately $285 million (including higher costs for raw materials and energy), a 15% decrease in
sales volumes and changes in currency exchange rates. Our Chemicals Segment’s cost of sales as a percentage of net sales
increased to 80% in 2022 compared to 77% in 2021 due to the impact of higher production costs, including higher raw
-43-
material and energy costs partially offset by the favorable effects of higher average TiO2 selling prices. In addition, our
Chemicals Segment’s cost of sales in 2022 includes approximately $26 million of unabsorbed fixed production and other
manufacturing costs associated with production curtailments at certain of its European facilities throughout the fourth
quarter.
Gross margin as a percentage of net sales decreased to 20% in 2022 compared to 23% in 2021. Our Chemicals
Segment’s gross margin as a percentage of net sales in 2022 decreased primarily due to the net effect of higher average
TiO2 selling prices, lower production and sales volumes, higher production costs and fluctuations in currency exchange
rates.
Operating Income (Loss) – Our Chemicals Segment had an operating loss of $41.1 million in 2023 compared to
operating income of $174.6 million in 2022 as a result of the factors impacting gross margin discussed above. Our
Chemicals Segment recognized a gain of $2.5 million in 2023 and a gain of $2.7 million in 2022 related to cash received
from the settlement of a business interruption insurance claim related to Hurricane Laura. We estimate changes in currency
exchange rates decreased our Chemicals Segment’s operating loss by approximately $16 million in 2023 as compared to
2022, as discussed in the Currency Exchange Rates section below.
Our Chemicals Segment’s operating income decreased by $26.2 million, from $200.8 million in 2021 to $174.6
million in 2022. Operating income as a percentage of net sales was 9% in 2022 compared to 10% in 2021. This decrease
was driven by the lower gross margin discussed above for the comparable periods. Our Chemicals Segment experienced
an operating loss of $15.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2022 compared to operating income of $55.4 million in the
fourth quarter of 2021. Our Chemicals Segment also recognized a gain of $2.7 million in 2022 related to cash received
from the settlement of a business interruption insurance claim related to Hurricane Laura. We estimate that changes in
currency exchange rates increased our Chemicals Segment’s operating income by approximately $23 million in 2022 as
compared to 2021 as discussed in the Currency Exchange Rates section below.
Our Chemicals Segment’s operating income (loss) is net of amortization of purchase accounting adjustments
made in conjunction with our acquisitions of interests in NL and Kronos. As a result, we recognize additional depreciation
expense above the amounts Kronos reports separately, substantially all of which is included within cost of sales. We
recognized additional depreciation expense of $1.5 million in 2021 and $1.3 million in each of 2022 and 2023, 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 and administrative costs are incurred 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).
-44-
Overall, we estimate that fluctuations in currency exchange rates had the following effects on our Chemicals
Segment’s sales and operating income (loss) for the periods indicated.
Impact of changes in currency exchange rates - 2023 vs 2022
Transaction gains recognized
2023
Change
2022
Translation
gains
impact of
Total currency
impact
rate changes 2023 vs 2022
Impact on:
Net sales
Operating income (loss)
$
— $
12
— $
1
— $
(11)
10 $
27
10
16
(In millions)
The $10 million increase in net sales (translation gains) 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 2023 as compared to 2022. The
strengthening of the U.S. dollar relative to the Canadian dollar and the Norwegian krone in 2023 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 $16 million decrease in operating loss was comprised of the following:
• Lower net currency transaction gains of approximately $11 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
• Approximately $27 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 2023 as compared to 2022. The effect of the weakening of
the U.S. dollar relative to the euro was nominal in 2023 as compared to 2022.
Impact of changes in currency exchange rates - 2022 vs. 2021
Transaction gains recognized
2022
Change
2021
Translation
gains/(losses) Total currency
impact of
impact
rate changes 2022 vs. 2021
Impact on:
Net sales
Operating income
(In millions)
$
— $
2
— $
12
— $
10
(106) $
13
(106)
23
The $106 million decrease in net sales (translation losses) was caused primarily by a strengthening of the U.S.
dollar relative to the euro, as euro-denominated sales were translated into fewer U.S. dollars in 2022 as compared to 2021.
The strengthening of the U.S. dollar relative to the Canadian dollar and the Norwegian krone in 2022 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 $23 million increase in operating income was comprised of the following:
• Higher net currency transaction gains of approximately $10 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
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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
• Approximately $13 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 2022 as compared to 2021, partially offset by net currency
translation losses primarily caused by a strengthening of the U.S. dollar relative to the euro as the negative
effects of the stronger U.S. dollar on euro-denominated sales more than offset the favorable effects of euro-
denominated operating costs being translated into fewer U.S. dollars in 2022 as compared to 2021.
Outlook – Our Chemicals Segment’s customer demand stabilized during the fourth quarter of 2023, particularly
in the North American and export markets, while demand in Europe improved but remained below historical levels. Our
Chemicals Segment expects consumer demand to improve in 2024, and it believes customer destocking of TiO2 is largely
complete and customer inventories are historically low. As a result, our Chemicals Segment expects sales volumes in 2024
to exceed 2023 sales volumes. In this regard, our Chemicals Segment is experiencing improved demand thus far in the
first quarter of 2024 in all major markets. Our Chemicals Segment has increased production rates in line with current and
expected near-term improved demand and believes its production volumes in 2024 will be higher than 2023, although
below estimated full practical capacity. During 2023, our Chemicals Segment’s selling prices came under increasing
pressure, primarily due to low-cost imports from China impacting European and export pricing. Our Chemicals Segment
expects these pricing pressures to be somewhat mitigated in 2024 and believes there is potential industry pricing upside in
2024 as a result of improved demand.
Throughout 2023 our Chemicals Segment implemented cost reduction initiatives designed to improve its long-
term cost structure, including targeted workforce reductions and the implementation of certain ongoing technology
innovations and process improvement initiatives. Energy costs in Europe have generally stabilized after a period of market
disruptions, although in early 2023, in order to provide cost certainty, our Chemicals Segment entered into forward
contracts for a portion of its energy needs in 2023 which in many cases were priced above subsequent market rates. As a
result of contracts expiring in late 2023, our Chemicals Segment expects its energy costs will be further reduced in 2024.
Our Chemicals Segment expects raw material and other input costs, which began to decline in 2023, will continue to
moderate in 2024. This, along with lower expected energy costs and the cost reduction initiatives discussed above, will
result in improved margins in 2024 as compared to 2023. Overall, due to the expected improved demand and lower
production costs, including lower unabsorbed fixed costs, our Chemicals Segment expects to report higher operating results
for the full year of 2024 as compared to 2023.
Throughout 2023 our Chemicals Segment took necessary actions to align its production and inventories to then
current demand levels including production curtailments. As demand improves, our Chemicals Segment will continue to
monitor current and anticipated near-term customer demand levels and will align its production and inventories
accordingly. Our Chemicals Segment believes the steps it took during 2023 to preserve its liquidity while maintaining
global market share have positioned its business to capitalize on its expectations for improved demand in 2024.
Our expectations for the TiO2 industry and our Chemicals Segment operations are based on a number of factors
outside our control. Our Chemicals Segment has experienced global market disruptions including high energy costs and
future impacts on its operations will depend on, among other things, future energy costs and the impact economic
conditions and geopolitical events have on its operations or its customers’ and suppliers’ operations, all of which remain
uncertain and cannot be predicted.
Component Products –
Our Component Products Segment reported operating income of $25.4 million in each of 2023 and 2022 and
$20.5 million in 2021. Operating income in 2023 was comparable to 2022 as lower marine components sales were offset
by higher security products sales and higher gross margin percentages across both reporting units. The increase in operating
income in 2022 over 2021 is primarily due to higher marine components sales and to a lesser extent higher security products
sales.
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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 its ability to quantify the
impact of changes in individual product sales quantities and selling prices on our Component Products Segment’s 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 Components Products Segment’s products sold. The key
performance indicator for our Component Products Segment is operating income margins.
2021
Years ended December 31,
2022
(Dollars in millions)
2023
% Change
2021 - 22
2022 - 23
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
$
$
$
105.1
35.7
140.8
98.1
42.7
20.5
$
$
$
114.5
52.1
166.6
117.8
48.8
25.4
$
$
$
121.2
40.1
161.3
112.1
49.2
25.4
9 %
46
18
20
14
24
6 %
(23)
(3)
(5)
1
-
70 %
30
15
71 %
29
15
70 %
31
16
Net Sales – Our Component Products Segment’s net sales decreased $5.3 million in 2023 compared to 2022 due
to lower marine components sales primarily to the towboat market, partially offset by higher security products sales largely
in the fourth quarter of 2023. Marine components net sales decreased $12.0 million, or 23%, in 2023 as compared to 2022.
Relative to prior year, marine components sales were $12.8 million lower to the towboat market (primarily to original
equipment boat manufacturers) and $2.0 million lower to the engine builder market, partially offset by $1.2 million higher
industrial sales and $.8 million higher sales to the center console boat market. Security products net sales increased $6.7
million, or 6%, in 2023 as compared to 2022 primarily due to higher sales related to a pilot project for a government
security customer. Relative to prior year, security products sales were $8.3 million higher to the government security
market and $1.5 million higher to distributors, partially offset by $1.7 million lower sales to the office furniture market
and $.7 million lower sales to the gas station security market.
Our Component Products Segment’s net sales increased $25.8 million in 2022 compared to 2021 due to higher
marine components sales primarily to the towboat market and, to a lesser extent, higher security products sales across a
variety of markets. Marine components net sales increased $16.4 million, or 46%, in 2022 as compared to 2021. Relative
to prior year, marine components sales were $11.5 million higher to the towboat market (primarily to original equipment
boat manufacturers), $2.1 million higher to the engine builder market and $2.0 million higher to the industrial market.
Security products net sales increased $9.4 million, or 9%, in 2022 as compared to 2021. Relative to prior year, security
products sales were $3.8 million higher to the government security market, $1.8 million higher to the office furniture
market, $1.5 million higher to distributors, $1.0 million higher to the tool storage market and $.9 million higher to the gas
station security market.
Cost of Sales and Gross Margin – Our Component Products Segment’s cost of sales decreased in 2023 compared
to 2022 primarily due to the effects of lower production costs at both security products and marine components reporting
units as well as lower marine components sales. Our Component Products Segment’s gross margin as a percentage of net
sales increased over the same period primarily due to the factors affecting cost of sales. Security products gross margin as
a percentage of net sales for 2023 increased as compared to 2022 primarily due to lower production costs (including lower
material, overtime and shipping costs) and increased coverage of fixed costs on higher sales, primarily in the fourth quarter.
Marine components gross margin as a percentage of net sales increased in 2023 compared to 2022 primarily due to lower
raw material costs (primarily stainless steel and aluminum), lower supplies costs driven by lower volume, lower shipping
costs and lower labor costs from reduced employee overtime due to lower sales volumes, partially offset by decreased
coverage of fixed costs as a result of lower sales.
-47-
Our Component Products Segment’s cost of sales increased in 2022 compared to 2021 primarily due to the effects
of higher sales, as well as increased production costs at both security products and marine components. Our Component
Products Segment’s gross margin as a percentage of net sales decreased over the same period primarily due to the decrease
in the security products gross margin percentage. Security products gross margin as a percentage of net sales for 2022
decreased as compared to 2021 primarily due to higher cost of sales, most significantly in the third and fourth quarters of
2022, as price increases and surcharges did not fully offset higher cost inventory sold in the latter half of the year. Marine
components gross margin as a percentage of net sales increased slightly in 2022 compared to 2021 with increased sales
due to price increases and surcharges more than offsetting higher production costs, as well as increased coverage of cost
of sales from higher sales.
Operating Income – As a percentage of net sales, our Component Products Segment’s operating income increased
in 2023 compared to 2022. The operating margin percentage increased in 2023 compared to 2022 primarily due to the
factors impacting net sales, cost of sales and gross margin discussed above. Operating costs and expenses consist 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
sales of property and equipment. Operating costs and expenses increased in 2023 compared to 2022 predominantly due to
higher salary and benefit costs at the security products reporting unit which increased by $.6 million.
Our Component Products Segment operating income increased in 2022 compared to 2021. Operating margin
increased in 2022 compared to 2021 primarily due to the factors impacting net sales, cost of sales and gross margin
discussed above. Operating costs and expenses increased $1.2 million in 2022 compared to 2021 predominantly due to
higher salary and employment related costs.
General – Our Component Products Segment’s profitability primarily depends on its ability to utilize its
production capacity effectively, which is affected by, among other things, the demand for its products and its ability to
control 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, aluminum and stainless steel. Total material costs represented approximately
48% of our Component Products Segment’s cost of sales in 2023, with commodity-related raw materials representing
approximately 13% of our Component Products Segment’s cost of sales. After increasing in 2021 and the first half of
2022, prices for the primary commodity-related raw materials used in the manufacture of our Component Products
Segment’s locking mechanisms, primarily zinc and brass, generally began to stabilize in the latter half of 2022 and into
2023 and generally began to soften in the latter half of 2023. Prices for aluminum and stainless steel, the primary raw
material used for the manufacture of marine exhaust headers and pipes, wake enhancement systems, throttles and trim tabs
experienced significant volatility during 2021 and 2022 but were more stable in 2023. Although raw commodity costs
declined during 2023 from elevated levels experienced in 2021 and 2022, in most cases materials our Component Products
Segment purchases also include processing and conversion costs such as alloying, extrusion and rolling, which continue
to be elevated due to costs of labor, transportation and energy. Based on current economic conditions, our Component
Products Segment expects the prices for zinc, brass, aluminum, stainless steel and other manufacturing materials in 2024
to be relatively stable.
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 2023, the security products reporting unit achieved record sales as a result of increased sales to the
government security market, including a pilot project to a government security customer. Absent this project, security
products sales would have declined compared to the prior year due to sluggish demand in many of the other markets it
serves. At the marine components reporting unit, the strong demand experienced in 2021 and 2022 carried into the first
quarter of 2023 when the towboat market began experiencing softening demand that accelerated as the year progressed.
Labor markets have become favorable in each of the regions our Component Products Segment operates, and material
prices have either stabilized or, in the case of certain commodity raw materials, started to decline slightly. Our Component
Products Segment’s supply chains are stable and transportation and logistical delays are minimal. Our Component Products
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Segment has adjusted its labor force and production rates at its facilities to reflect the stability of its raw material supplies
and near-term demand levels.
Our Component Products Segment expects security products sales in 2024 will be lower than 2023 as the
sluggishness it observed across a variety of the markets security products served during 2023 will continue with customers
expressing uncertainty regarding sustained consumer demand. Our Component Products Segment does not currently have
additional orders with regard to the 2023 pilot project, and it has no knowledge of any future orders. After implementing
aggressive price increases over the last several years to maintain operating margins, our Component Products Segment
believes its customers will accept only modest price increases in the current environment. Overall, our Component
Products Segment expects the security products reporting unit’s gross margin will be comparable in 2024, although it
expects operating income as a percentage of sales to decline due to its limited pricing power along with reduced coverage
of selling, general and administrative costs as a result of lower expected sales. Our Component Products Segment expects
marine components net sales in 2024 to also be lower as compared to 2023 because it believes demand in the towboat
market will further decline, and expected increases in sales to the industrial and center console boat markets will not fully
offset reduced towboat demand. The recreational marine industry faces strong headwinds due to higher interest rates and
broader market weakness. Several original equipment boat manufacturers, including certain of our Component Products
Segment’s customers, have publicly announced reductions to production schedules for 2024. Overall, our Component
Products Segment expects the marine components reporting unit’s gross margin as a percentage of net sales for 2024 to
be lower than 2023 due to lower coverage of fixed overhead as a result of lower expected sales, and operating income as
a percentage of net sales will similarly be lower as a result of reduced coverage of selling, general and administrative
expenses due to lower expected sales. Our Component Products Segment ended the year with elevated inventory balances
at its marine components reporting unit as a result of increased orders of certain raw materials due to previously long lead
times coupled with the rapidly changing towboat demand which created a misalignment of its raw materials with near term
demand. Our Component Products Segment expects inventory balances to be in alignment with current demand by mid-
year 2024.
Our Component Products Segment’s expectations for its operations and the markets it serves are based on a
number of factors outside its control. Our Component Products Segment has experienced global and domestic supply chain
challenges, and any future impacts on operations will depend on, among other things, any future disruption in our
Component Products Segment’s operations or its suppliers’ operations, the impact of economic conditions and geopolitical
events on demand for its products or its customers’ and suppliers’ operations, all of which remain uncertain and cannot be
predicted.
Real Estate Management and Development –
2021
Years ended December 31,
2022
(In millions)
2023
Net sales:
Land sales
Utility and other
Water delivery sales
Total net sales
Cost of sales
Gross margin
Operating income
$
$
$
207.8
1.6
6.8
216.2
123.6
92.6
97.3
$
$
$
120.9 $
1.2
3.6
125.7
74.1
51.6 $
39.4 $
92.6
1.3
—
93.9
61.7
32.2
49.9
General – Our Real Estate Management and Development Segment consists of BMI and LandWell. BMI and
LandWell own real property in Henderson, Nevada. 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. BMI also
was responsible for the delivery of water to the City of Henderson and various other users through a water distribution
system owned and operated by BWC prior to BWC’s bankruptcy filing and deconsolidation on September 10, 2022. BMI
also provided certain utility services to an industrial park located in Henderson, Nevada prior to the sale of BPC on
December 1, 2023. With the approval of BWC’s plan of reorganization by the bankruptcy court, substantially all of BWC’s
-49-
assets were sold in November 2023. Following the sale of the BWC assets and BPC, BMI no longer provides services to
the industrial park which allows us to focus on land sales and development activity for the residential/planned community.
LandWell began marketing land for sale in the residential/planned community in December 2013 and at
December 31, 2023 approximately 20 saleable acres remain. LandWell has been actively marketing and selling the land
zoned for commercial and light industrial use and at December 31, 2023 approximately 15 saleable acres remain. 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 or land sales may be completed, 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. Substantially all the land in the residential/planned community has been sold; however,
we expect the development work to take three to four years to complete.
Net Sales and Operating Income – Substantially all the net sales from our Real Estate Management and
Development segment in 2023 and 2022 consisted of revenues from land sales. We recognized $92.6 million in revenues
on land sales during 2023 compared to $120.9 million in 2022. As noted above, we recognize revenue in our
residential/planned community over time using cost-based input methods, and substantially all the land sales revenue we
recognized in 2023 and 2022 was under this method of revenue recognition. Land sales revenue in 2023 decreased
compared to 2022 due to the decreased pace of development activity within the residential/planned community. The pace
of development activities is dictated by a number of factors such as city permit and design approval and labor and materials
availability. Cost of sales related to land sales revenues was $60.8 million in 2023 compared to $69.7 million in 2022.
Included in operating income was income related to the tax increment reimbursement note receivables of $25.2 million
and $15.2 million in 2023 and 2022, respectively. See Note 7 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Substantially all the net sales from our Real Estate Management and Development segment in 2022 and 2021
consisted of revenues from land sales. We recognized $120.9 million in revenues on land sales during 2022 compared to
$207.8 million in 2021. Cost of sales related to land sales revenues was $69.7 million in 2022 compared to $117.0 million
in 2021. Land sales revenue decreased substantially in 2022 primarily due to two land parcels with no post-closing
obligations that closed during the fourth quarter of 2021 for $70 million, which were immediately recognized as revenue.
Excluding these two parcels that closed in 2021, land sales declined 12% in 2022 primarily due to a decrease in acreage
sold and the relative timing of development spending. Substantially all the land sales revenue we recognized in 2022 was
under the cost-based inputs method of revenue recognition for acreage sold in prior years and to a lesser extent current
year land sales. In 2021 land sales were heavily weighted towards the end of the year. Land sales revenue in the fourth
quarter of 2022 was $20.0 million compared to $150.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2021, including approximately $70
million noted above. Included in operating income was income related to the tax increment reimbursement note receivables
of $15.2 million and $15.3 million in 2022 and 2021, respectively.
The remainder of net sales and cost of sales related to this segment primarily relates to water delivery fees and
expenses. Prior to BWC’s bankruptcy filing on September 10, 2022, BMI was responsible for the delivery of water to the
City of Henderson and various other users under long-term contracts through a water delivery system owned and operated
by BWC. BWC’s water delivery system operated on Lake Mead in Nevada. Due to the Western drought, water levels in
Lake Mead have been declining for much of the last twenty years. As a result of water release curtailments upstream of
Lake Mead which began late in the second quarter of 2022, Lake Mead water levels dropped precipitously to historically
low levels. On June 30, 2022 BWC was no longer able to pump water without the risk of damaging the system and
consequently ceased operations at its water intake facility to best preserve the system. We considered BWC’s inability to
pump water from Lake Mead to be a triggering event under ASC 360 Property, Plant, and Equipment, which caused us to
evaluate the water system fixed assets for impairment. Because BWC was unable to deliver water under its current
contracts and therefore unable to generate revenue, we determined the water system’s assets were fully impaired except to
the extent certain equipment had alternative use outside of BWC’s operations, in which case those assets were written
down to estimated salvage value. The $16.4 million impairment charge primarily recognized in the second quarter of 2022
represented the write down of the book value to the estimated salvage value of the assets. Without the ability to pump and
deliver water to its customers, BWC’s operating expenses exceeded its revenues, and on September 10, 2022 BWC and
its subsidiaries voluntarily filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District
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of Nevada. Because BWC filed for bankruptcy protection, we and BMI could no longer affirmatively assert we control
BWC and, as such, in accordance with ASC 810, Consolidation, we deconsolidated BWC as of the date of the bankruptcy
filing and recognized a loss of $2.0 million in the third quarter of 2022 on the deconsolidation. In addition, BMI had an
outstanding intercompany accounts receivable balance with BWC on the date of the bankruptcy filing, and we recognized
$1.3 million of bad debt expense to fully reserve this balance during the third quarter of 2022. All of these charges are
included in the determination of the Real Estate Management and Development’s operating income in 2022. Operating
income comparisons between 2023, 2022 and 2021 are also affected by BWC’s water delivery sales and related cost of
sales. See Note 2 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.
As noted above, BWC filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on September 10, 2022. We recognized an
aggregate $19.7 million of charges in 2022, discussed above, related to BWC which will not recur. On November 8, 2023,
the Bankruptcy Court for the District of Nevada entered an order approving BWC’s plan of reorganization, which provided
for the sale of substantially all BWC’s assets and the transfer of substantially all of its operating and other agreements to
one of its industrial customers. The transaction closed on November 17, 2023, at which time BWC discontinued its water
delivery operations. As part of the transaction, BWC is providing transition services to the purchaser for a limited time.
The proceeds of the sale will be used to repay creditors of BWC and its wholly-owned subsidiary. BWC’s assets may not
be sufficient to fully repay its creditors, and the timing of the resolution of the bankruptcy proceedings remains uncertain.
On December 1, 2023, BMI sold its subsidiary BPC, which provides electricity to four customers located in the
industrial park, and its sewer system assets to another of its industrial customers. The sale was for minimal cash
consideration and the assumption of liabilities, and upon the closing of the sale we recognized a loss of $2.6 million. BMI
is providing transition services to the purchaser of the businesses for a limited time. With the sale of BPC, we no longer
provide services to the industrial park which allows us to focus on land sales and development activity for the
residential/planned community.
Outlook – LandWell is focused on developing the land it manages, primarily to residential builders, for the
residential/planned community in Henderson. At December 31, 2023, substantially all of the land in the residential/planned
community had been sold with approximately 20 saleable acres remaining. With the strong new home market in the Las
Vegas area, we expect to sell our remaining residential zoned land within the next year. Demand for the 15 saleable acres
zoned for light industrial and commercial use is more modest and we expect it will take more time to sell these remaining
acres. At December 31, 2023 we have deferred revenue of $88.0 million related to post-closing obligations on land sales
closed in 2023 and prior years. Because we recognize revenue over time using cost-based inputs, we will continue to
recognize revenue on land previously sold over the development period, although we have already received substantially
all the cash proceeds related to these sales. We currently expect to take three to four years to complete our post-closing
obligations. Any delays or curtailments in infrastructure development related to post-closing obligation activities will delay
the amount of revenue we recognize on previously closed land sales. Under LandWell’s development agreement with the
City of Henderson, the issuance of a specified number of housing permits requires LandWell to complete certain large
infrastructure projects. LandWell began construction on several of these community-wide large projects in late 2021 with
the construction expected to continue for the next three to four years. We expect these land development costs in 2024 to
be comparable to 2023 due to the timing of certain infrastructure projects. Because these large projects relate to the entirety
of the residential/planned community, the costs associated with these large projects are not part of the cost-based inputs
used to recognize revenue and therefore this spending will not correlate to revenue recognition. However, this spending is
expected to be eligible for tax increment reimbursement and delays or curtailments in eligible 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, Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest and Related Party Transactions
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 $.5 million in insurance recoveries during 2023. See
Note 13 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.
-51-
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 2021, we sold two parcels of land (including one parcel in the second quarter and one
parcel in the third quarter) not used in our operating activities for net proceeds of approximately $23.4 million and
recognized an aggregate pre-tax gain of $16.0 million. In the second quarter of 2023 we sold excess property not used in
our operations for net proceeds of approximately $1.8 million and recognized a pre-tax gain of $1.5 million. See Note 13
to our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Other Components of Net Periodic Pension and OPEB Expense – We recognized other components of net
periodic pension and OPEB expense of $11.8 million in 2023, $13.9 million in 2022 and $17.0 million in 2021. The
decrease in 2023 compared to 2022 is primarily due to the net effects of higher discount rates impacting interest cost,
previously unrecognized actuarial losses and $6.2 million in settlement costs related to the termination and buy-out of our
pension plan in the United Kingdom during the second quarter of 2023. The decrease in expense in 2022 compared to
2021 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 Sheets 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
loss in 2023, the $1.6 million loss in 2022 and the $3.3 million gain in 2021 recognized in our Consolidated Financial
Statements represent the unrealized gain (loss) in respect of these shares during such periods attributable to the
noncontrolling interest of Kronos and NL.
Interest Income and Other – Interest income and other increased $10.9 million in 2023 compared to 2022
primarily due to higher average interest rates and increased investment balances. Interest income and other increased $6.4
million in 2022 compared to 2021 primarily due to higher average interest rates and increased investment balances. See
Note 13 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Other General Corporate Items – Corporate expenses were 5% lower at $34.7 million in 2023 compared to $36.5
million in 2022 due primarily to lower administrative expenses. Included in corporate expense are:
•
•
litigation and related costs at NL of $4.4 million in 2023 and $4.2 million in 2022; and
environmental remediation and related costs of $2.5 million in 2023 compared to $1.7 million in 2022.
Corporate expenses were 5% higher at $36.5 million in 2022 compared to $34.6 million in 2021 due primarily to
higher litigation and related costs in 2022. Included in corporate expense are:
•
•
litigation and related costs at NL of $4.2 million in 2022 and $1.9 million in 2021; and
environmental remediation and related costs of $1.7 million in 2022 compared to $1.6 million in 2021.
Overall, we currently expect that our net general corporate expenses in 2024 will be higher than 2023 primarily
due to higher expected litigation fees and related costs.
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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 2024, 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 2024, 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 of $28.3 million in 2023 was comparable to $27.9 million in 2022. Interest
expense decreased to $27.9 million in 2022 from $32.5 million in 2021 primarily due to lower average debt levels and the
effects of changes in currency exchange rates somewhat offset by higher interest rates on variable-rate indebtedness in
2022.
We expect interest expense will be higher in 2024 as compared to 2023 primarily due to the higher interest rate
on the new KII 9.50% Senior Secured Notes due 2029. See Note 9 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Income Tax Expense (Benefit) – We recognized an income tax benefit of $22.4 million in 2023 compared to
income tax expense of $33.8 million in 2022. The decrease is primarily due to lower earnings in 2023 and the jurisdictional
mix of such earnings. We recognized income tax expense of $33.8 million in 2022 compared to $60.1 million in 2021.
The decrease is primarily due to lower earnings in 2022 and the jurisdictional mix of such earnings.
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 2022 our consolidated effective income tax rate is lower than the U.S.
federal statutory rate of 21% due to the effect of a tax benefit relating to the partial release of our valuation allowance
associated with the 2022 utilization of a portion of our business interest expense carryforwards.
Our consolidated effective income tax rate in 2024 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 2023 income tax items,
including a tabular reconciliation of our statutory tax expense to our actual tax expense.
Noncontrolling Interest in Net Income of Subsidiaries – Noncontrolling interest in operations of subsidiaries
decreased from 2022 to 2023 primarily due to lower operating income at Kronos. Noncontrolling interest in operations of
subsidiaries decreased from 2021 to 2022 primarily due to lower operating income at BMI and LandWell.
Related Party Transactions – We are a party to certain transactions with related parties. See Note 17 to our
Consolidated Financial Statements.
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, 2023, we had substantial net assets denominated in the euro, Canadian dollar and Norwegian krone.
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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. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates
and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities
at the date of the financial statements and the reported amount of revenues and expenses during the reported period. On
an ongoing basis we evaluate our estimates, including those related to the recoverability of long-lived assets, pension and
other postretirement benefit obligations and the underlying actuarial assumptions related thereto, the realization of deferred
income tax assets and accruals for litigation, income tax and other contingencies. We base our estimates on historical
experience and on various other assumptions which we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of
which form the basis for making judgments about the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. Actual
results may differ significantly from previously-estimated amounts under different assumptions or conditions.
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. We have discussed the development, selection and disclosure of our
critical accounting estimates with the audit committee of our board of directors.
Goodwill – Our net goodwill totaled $379.7 million at December 31, 2023 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 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 quantitative
impairment test can be bypassed. Alternatively, an entity has an unconditional option to bypass the qualitative assessment
and proceed directly to performing the 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 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.
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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 2023 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 2023, 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.
Long-lived assets – The net book value of our property and equipment totaled $517.3 million at December 31,
2023. 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.
During the fourth quarter of 2023, our Chemicals Segment recorded a fixed asset impairment of $3.8 million
related to the write-off of certain costs resulting from a capital project termination. Excluding this project, we did not
evaluate any other long-lived assets for impairment during 2023 because no such impairment indicators were present.
Revenue recognized over time using cost-based inputs – 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 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 $32.1 million in 2021, $25.4 million in 2022 and $18.4 million in 2023. 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 $20.3 million in 2021, $16.6 million in 2022 and $16.3 million in 2023.
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 Sheets.
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
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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, 2023, approximately 68%, 14%, 7% and 7% of the projected benefit obligations related to our
plans in Germany, Canada, Norway and the U.S., respectively. We use several different discount rate assumptions in
determining our consolidated defined benefit pension plan obligation and expense. This is because we maintain defined
benefit pension plans in several different countries in Europe and North America and the interest rate environment differs
from country to country.
We used the following discount rates for our defined benefit pension plans:
Obligations
Discount rates used for:
Obligations
at December 31, 2021 at December 31, 2022 at December 31, 2023
and expense in 2024
and expense in 2023
and expense in 2022
Obligations
Kronos and NL Plans:
Germany
Canada
Norway
U.S.
1.2%
2.9%
1.9%
2.6%
3.7%
5.1%
3.6%
5.3%
3.2%
4.6%
3.6%
5.0%
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, 2023, the fair value of plan assets for all defined benefit plans comprised $40.3 million related
to U.S. plans and $422.6 million related to non-U.S. plans. Substantially all of plan assets attributable to non-U.S. 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, 2023, approximately 58%, 19%, 10% and 9% of
the plan assets related to our plans in Germany, Canada, Norway and the U.S, respectively. We use several different long-
term rates of return on plan asset assumptions in determining our consolidated defined benefit pension plan expense. This
is because the plan assets in different countries are invested in a different mix of investments and the long-term rates of
return for different investments differ from country to country.
In determining the expected long-term rate of return on plan asset assumptions, we consider the long-term asset
mix (e.g. equity vs. fixed income) for the assets for each of our plans and the expected long-term rates of return for such
asset components. In 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.
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The assumed long-term rates of return on plan assets used for purposes of determining net period pension cost
for 2021, 2022 and 2023 were as follows:
Kronos and NL plans:
Germany
Canada
Norway
U.S.
2021
2022
2023
2.0%
3.1%
2.8%
4.0%
2.0%
3.8%
3.0%
4.0%
4.8%
4.4%
4.8%
5.0%
Our long-term rate of return on plan asset assumptions in 2024 used for purposes of determining our 2024 defined
benefit pension plan expense for Germany, Canada, Norway and the U.S. are 5.0%, 4.9%, 4.8% and 5.0%, 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 2024, we expect our defined benefit pension expense will approximate $9 million in 2024.
In comparison, we expect to be required to contribute approximately $18 million to such plans during 2024.
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,
2023, our aggregate projected benefit obligations would have increased by approximately $21 million at that date and our
defined benefit pension expense would be expected to increase by a nominal amount during 2024. 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 2024.
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
(benefit) 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
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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.
We periodically review our deferred tax assets (DTAs) to determine if a valuation allowance is required. For
example, at December 31, 2023, our Chemicals Segment has significant German corporate and trade net operating loss
(NOL) carryforwards of $478.7 million (DTA of $75.8 million) and $54.5 million (DTA of $5.9 million), respectively;
and Belgian corporate NOL carryforwards of $47.0 million (DTA of $11.8 million). At December 31, 2023, 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.
The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (the “OECD”), the European Union and other
countries have committed to enacting the OECD’s Pillar Two initiative that would provide a global minimum level of
taxation for multinational companies to be applied on a country-by-country basis. Currently, many countries are drafting
or have enacted legislation to implement the Pillar Two rules effective for years beginning on or after December 31,
2023. We are continuing to follow the Pillar Two legislative developments in order to evaluate the potential future impact
it could have on our results of operations.
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, 2023 we have recorded
total accrued environmental liabilities of $96.9 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 2024, 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.
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
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cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash is held by our Chemicals Segment’s non-U.S. subsidiaries. For example, during
2023, relative changes in currency exchange rates resulted in a $1.0 million increase in the reported amount of our cash,
cash equivalents and restricted cash compared to a $5.1 million decrease in 2022 and a $10.6 million decrease in 2021.
Cash flows from operating activities decreased to $3.9 million in 2023 from $34.9 million in 2022. This
$31.0 million decrease in cash provided by operations in 2023 includes:
•
•
•
•
consolidated operating income of $34.2 million in 2023, a decrease of $205.2 million compared to operating
income of $239.4 million in 2022;
lower amount of net cash used of $84.6 million associated with relative changes in our receivables,
inventories, land held for development, payables and accruals in 2023;
lower net cash paid for income taxes in 2023 of $16.3 million primarily due to decreased earnings; and
lower net contributions to our TiO2 manufacturing joint venture in 2023 of $13.6 million.
Cash flows from operating activities decreased to $34.9 million in 2022 from $459.7 million in 2021. This
$424.8 million decrease in cash provided by operations in 2022 includes:
•
•
•
•
consolidated operating income of $239.4 million in 2022, a decrease of $79.2 million compared to operating
income of $318.6 million in 2021;
higher amount of net cash used of $273.1 million associated with the relative changes in our receivables,
inventories, land held for development, payables and accruals in 2022;
lower net cash paid for income taxes in 2022 of $22.2 million primarily due to decreased earnings; and
higher net distributions from our TiO2 manufacturing joint venture in 2022 of $14.3 million.
As noted in our discussion of our Real Estate Management and Development segment above, we have sold the
majority of the land in our residential/planned community, and in accordance with our development agreement with the
City of Henderson and our contractual obligations with builders, we expect to complete our land development obligations
over the next three to four years. Because we have largely received cash proceeds from land sales, we expect LandWell to
generate negative operating cash flows as it completes its required land development work.
Changes in working capital were affected by accounts receivable and inventory changes, as shown below:
• Kronos’ average days sales outstanding (DSO) increased from December 31, 2022 to December 31, 2023,
primarily due to the relative changes in the timing of collections.
• Kronos’ average days sales in inventory (DSI) decreased from December 31, 2022 to December 31, 2023
primarily due to lower inventory volumes attributable to sales volumes exceeding production volumes in
2023 compared to 2022 where production volumes exceeded sales volumes.
• CompX’s average DSO decreased from December 31, 2022 to December 31, 2023 and is primarily impacted
by the timing of sales and collections in the last month of the year.
• CompX’s average DSI decreased from December 31, 2022 to December 31, 2023, primarily due to a
decrease at its security products reporting unit due to the fulfillment and shipping of a significant order during
the fourth quarter of 2023, partially offset by an increase at its marine components reporting unit due to lower
sales and increased inventory balances as a result of prior orders of certain raw materials with longer lead
times.
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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, December 31, December 31,
2021
2022
2023
65 days
59 days
42 days
96 days
64 days
103 days
41 days
99 days
66 days
65 days
36 days
95 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
Tremont exclusive of subsidiaries
BMI
LandWell
Eliminations and other
Total
Investing Activities –
2021
Years ended December 31,
2022
(In millions)
2023
$
$
206.5
122.1
10.5
15.3
58.8
59.7
302.1
(315.3)
459.7
$
$
81.7
68.8
16.9
39.2
12.7
12.1
(22.0)
(174.5)
34.9
$
$
5.5
40.7
25.8
21.6
11.2
13.2
17.5
(131.6)
3.9
We disclose capital expenditures by our business segments in Note 2 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.
During 2023:
• we had net proceeds of $19.3 million of marketable securities;
• we had net proceeds from the sale of land not used in our operations of $1.8 million; and
•
$1.7 million of BPC’s cash and cash equivalents was removed as part of its sale in the fourth quarter (see
Note 3 to our Consolidated Financial Statements).
During 2022:
• we had net purchases of $70.7 million of marketable securities; and
•
$8.6 million of BWC’s cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash was removed as part of its deconsolidation
in the third quarter (see Note 2 to our Consolidated Financial Statements).
During 2021 we:
•
had net proceeds from the sale of land not used in our operations of $23.4 million (including $8.4 million in
the second quarter and $15.0 million in the third quarter); and
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•
had net proceeds of $1.2 million of marketable securities.
Financing Activities –
During 2023:
• we repaid $28.0 million on Valhi’s credit facility with Contran; and
• Kronos acquired 313,814 shares of its common stock for an aggregate purchase price of $2.8 million.
During 2022:
• we borrowed $.1 million and repaid $51.6 million on Valhi’s credit facility with Contran;
• we repaid $8.4 million on BWC’s loan from Western Alliance Bank;
• Kronos acquired 217,778 shares of its common stock for an aggregate purchase price of $2.3 million; and
• CompX acquired 78,900 shares of its Class A common stock for an aggregate purchase price of $ 1.7 million.
During 2021:
• we repaid $97.8 million on Valhi’s credit facility with Contran and repaid $1.5 million under Tremont’s
deferred payment obligation;
• CompX acquired 75,000 shares of its Class A common stock in market transactions for an aggregate purchase
price of $1.3 million; and
• Kronos acquired 14,409 shares of its common stock in market transactions for an aggregate purchase price
of $.2 million.
We paid aggregate cash dividends on our common stock of $9.0 million in each of 2021 and 2022 and $9.1
million in 2023. Distributions to noncontrolling interest in 2021, 2022 and 2023 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, 2023, our consolidated indebtedness was comprised of:
• Valhi’s $93.4 million outstanding on its $150 million amended credit facility with Contran which is due no
earlier than December 31, 2025;
•
•
€400 million aggregate outstanding on Kronos’ wholly-owned subsidiary Kronos International, Inc. (KII)
3.75% Senior Secured Notes due in September 2025 (the “Old Notes”), which had a $440.9 million carrying
amount, net of unamortized debt issuance costs; and
$12.2 million on LandWell’s bank loan due April 2036.
On February 12, 2024, for certain eligible holders of the Old Notes, KII executed an exchange of €325 million
principal amount of the Old Notes for newly issued €276.174 million aggregate outstanding KII 9.50% Senior Secured
Notes due March 2029 (the “New Notes” and together with the Old Notes, the “Senior Secured Notes”) plus additional
cash consideration of €50 million ($53.7 million). Kronos financed the €50 million cash consideration with a new
unsecured term loan from Contran Corporation due in September 2029. The Contran term loan is subordinated in right of
payment to Kronos’ Senior Secured Notes and Kronos’ $225 million global revolving credit facility (Global Revolver). In
accordance with Kronos’ related party transaction policy, the audit committee of Kronos’ board of directors, comprised of
the independent directors, approved the terms and conditions of the new term loan from Contran.
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Holders of the Old Notes received for each €1,000 principal amount of Old Notes exchanged, €850 in principal
amount of New Notes plus a cash payment in an amount equal to €150. Following the exchange, Old Notes totaling €75
million principal amount that were not exchanged continue to remain outstanding. In connection with the exchange, the
indenture governing the Old Notes was amended to conform to the restrictive covenants in the indenture governing the
New Notes and to make other conforming changes. KII did not receive any cash proceeds from the issuance and delivery
of the New Notes in connection with the exchange.
Kronos expects to recognize a non-cash pre-tax interest charge of approximately $1.6 million in the first quarter
of 2024 related to the write-off the deferred financing costs associated with the Old Notes. We expect interest expense in
2024 to increase by approximately $16 million as a result of the refinancing.
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 had no outstanding borrowings at December 31, 2023 on its Global Revolver.
Availability under the Global Revolver is subject to a borrowing base calculation, as defined in the agreement, and at
December 31, 2023 the full $225 million was available for borrowings. Kronos’ Senior Secured Notes, its Global Revolver
and the Contran term loan contain a number of covenants and restrictions which, among other things, restrict its 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 these types. The terms of all of our debt instruments are discussed in Note 9 to our
Consolidated Financial Statements. We are in compliance with all of our debt covenants at December 31, 2023. 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 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
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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, 2024) and long-term obligations (defined as the five-year period ending December 31, 2028). 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, 2023, we had credit available under existing facilities of approximately $282 million, which
was comprised of:
•
•
$225 million under Kronos’ global revolving credit facility; and
$57(1) million under Valhi’s Contran credit facility.
(1) Amounts available under this facility are at the sole discretion of Contran.
At December 31, 2023, we had an aggregate of $522.9 million of restricted and unrestricted cash, cash equivalents
and marketable securities attributable to operations. A detail by entity is presented in the table below.
Total
amount
Held outside
U.S.
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 marketable securities
(In millions)
$
$
202.1 $
76.7
117.8
10.4
24.3
91.5
.1
522.9 $
115.1
—
—
—
—
—
—
115.1
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 2024 will be approximately $58 million (including
approximately $4 million contractually committed at December 31, 2023) as follows:
•
$55 million by our Chemicals Segment, including approximately $28 million in the area of environmental
compliance, protection and improvement; and
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•
$3 million by our Component Products Segment.
In addition, LandWell expects to spend approximately $55 million on land development costs during 2024,
including approximately $40 million contractually committed at December 31, 2023. Land development costs are included
in the determination of cash provided by operating activities.
Capital spending for 2024 is expected to be funded through cash generated from operations or borrowing under
our existing credit facilities. Planned capital expenditures in 2024 at Kronos and CompX will primarily be to maintain and
improve existing facilities and, as it relates to CompX, to meet expected customer demand and maintain technology
infrastructure. 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, 2023, we had approximately .3 million shares of our common stock available
for repurchase under the authorizations described in Note 16 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.
At December 31, 2023, Kronos had approximately 1.0 million shares of its common stock available for
repurchase under the authorization described in Note 3 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.
At December 31, 2023, CompX had approximately .5 million shares of its Class A common stock available for
repurchase under the authorization described in Note 3 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.
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 $.19 per share in each quarter of 2023 for which we received
$44.1 million. In February 2024 the Kronos board of directors approved a regular quarterly dividend of $.19 per share. If
Kronos were to pay its $.19 per share dividend in each quarter of 2024 based on the 58.0 million shares we held of Kronos
common stock at December 31, 2023, during 2024 we would receive aggregate regular dividends from Kronos of $44.1
million. NL paid a quarterly dividend of $.07 per share in 2024 for which we received $11.3 million. In February 2024 the
NL board of directors approved a quarterly dividend of $.08 per share. If NL were to pay its $.08 per share dividend in
each quarter of 2024 based on the 40.4 million shares we held of NL common stock at December 31, 2023, during 2024
we would receive aggregate quarterly dividends from NL of $12.9 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 of $74.8 million in 2021, $16.6 million in 2022 and $17.6 million in 2023. We do not know if
we will receive distributions from BMI and LandWell during 2024. 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
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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.
We have 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, as amended, bear interest at the prime rate plus 1.875% per annum, payable quarterly, with all
amounts due on December 31, 2030. 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, 2023.
We had an unsecured revolving demand promissory note with Kronos which, as amended, provided for
borrowings from Kronos of up to $25 million. We eliminate any such intercompany borrowings in our Consolidated
Financial Statements. The facility, as amended, was due on demand, but in any event no earlier than December 31, 2024.
There was no outstanding balance at December 31, 2023. We had no borrowings with Kronos in 2021, 2022 and 2023.
Kronos’ obligation to loan us money under this note was at Kronos’ discretion. In February 2024, this note was cancelled
by mutual agreement between us and Kronos.
We have an unsecured revolving demand promissory note with CompX which, as amended, provides for
borrowings from CompX of up to $25 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, 2025. We had gross
borrowings of $29.8 million and gross repayments of $40.6 million with CompX for a total outstanding balance of $18.7
million at December 31, 2021. We had gross borrowings of $24.3 million and gross repayments of $29.8 million with
CompX for a total outstanding balance of $13.2 million at December 31, 2022. We had gross borrowings of $27.9 million
and gross repayments of $30.5 million with CompX for a total outstanding balance of $10.6 million at December 31, 2023.
We could borrow an additional $14.4 million under our current intercompany facility with CompX at December 31, 2023.
CompX’s obligation to loan us money under this note is at CompX’s discretion.
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:
•
certain income contingencies in various U.S. and non-U.S. jurisdictions;
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•
•
•
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 described in the Notes 7, 9 and 18 to our Consolidated Financial Statements, we are a party to various debt,
lease and other agreements which contractually and unconditionally commit us to pay certain amounts in the future. Our
obligations related to the long-term supply contracts for the purchase of TiO2 feedstock are more fully described in Note 18
to our Consolidated Financial Statements and above in “Business – Chemicals Segment – Kronos Worldwide, Inc. – Raw
Materials.” CompX has purchase obligations of $18.3 million ($17.5 million payable in 2024 and $.8 million payable in
2025/2026) which consist of open purchase orders and contractual obligations, primarily commitments to purchase raw
materials and for capital projects in process at December 31, 2023. The timing and amount for purchase obligations are
based on the contractual payment amount and the contractual payment date for those commitments.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
See Note 21 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.
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
and or investment in marketable debt securities. At December 31, 2023 we have $58.7 million invested in marketable debt
securities at an average interest rate of approximately 4.3%.
At December 31, 2023 our aggregate indebtedness was split between 83% of fixed-rate instruments
(December 31, 2022 – 78%) and 17% of variable-rate borrowings (December 31, 2022 – 22%). The fixed-rate debt
instruments minimize earnings volatility that would result from changes in interest rates. The Kronos Global Revolver is
a variable-rate instrument; however, Kronos had no borrowings under this facility during 2022 or 2023. The following
table presents principal amounts and weighted average interest rates for our aggregate outstanding indebtedness at
December 31, 2023.
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Fixed-rate indebtedness:
Kronos fixed-rate 3.75% Senior Secured Notes due 2025
LandWell bank note payable
Total fixed-rate indebtedness
Variable-rate indebtedness:
Valhi Contran credit facility
Indebtedness Amount Year end
Fair
value
Carrying
value
rate
interest Maturity
(In millions)
$
$
440.9 $
12.2
453.1 $
424.5
12.2
436.7
3.75%
4.76%
3.78%
date
2025
2036
$
93.4 $
93.4
9.50%
2025
On February 12, 2024 KII exchanged €325 million principal amount of the outstanding 3.75% Senior Secured
Notes due 2025 for newly issued €276.174 million aggregate outstanding KII 9.50% Senior Secured Notes due
March 2029. See Note 9 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.
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, to a lesser extent, the United Kingdom
pound sterling and the value of the euro relative to the Norwegian krone.
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 and administrative 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 and (ii) changes in currency exchange rates during time periods when our non-U.S.
operations are holding non-local currency (primarily U.S. dollars).
We periodically use currency forward contracts to manage a very nominal portion of currency exchange rate risk
associated with trade receivables denominated in a currency other than the holder’s functional currency or similar exchange
rate risk associated with future sales. We have not entered into these contracts for trading or speculative purposes in the
past. However, we may enter into such contracts in the future to manage our currency exchange rate risk. We are not party
to any currency forward contracts at December 31, 2023.
Also, we are subject to currency exchange rate risk associated with Kronos’ Senior Secured Notes, as such
indebtedness is denominated in euros. At December 31, 2023, we had the equivalent of $442.5 million outstanding under
Kronos’ euro-denominated 3.75% Senior Secured Notes due 2025 (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 December 31, 2023 would be approximately $44 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, 2022 and 2023.
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
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the risk of a significant change in the cost of those raw materials to be low, or because long-term supply agreements for
those raw materials are generally not available.
Our Component Products Segment will occasionally enter into short term commodity-related raw material supply
arrangements to mitigate the impact of future increases in commodity-related raw material costs. We do not have long-
term supply agreements for our raw material requirements because either we believe the risk of unavailability of those raw
materials is low and we believe the downside risk of price volatility to be too great or because long-term supply agreements
for those materials are generally not available. We do not engage in commodity raw material hedging programs.
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 Michael S. Simmons, our Vice Chairman of the Board,
President and Chief Executive Officer, and Amy Allbach Samford, our Executive Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer, have evaluated the design and effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2023.
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
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preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and
includes those policies and procedures that:
• Pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions
and dispositions of our assets,
• Provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial
statements in accordance with GAAP, and that receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance
with authorizations of management and directors, and
• Provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of an unauthorized acquisition, use or
disposition of assets that could have a material effect on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Our evaluation of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting is based upon the criteria
established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the
Treadway Commission in 2013 (commonly referred to as the “2013 COSO” framework). Based on our evaluation under
that framework, we have concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31,
2023.
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, 2023. 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,
2023 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 2023, our chief
executive officer filed such annual certification with the NYSE. The 2023 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, 2023 have been filed as Exhibits 31.1 and 31.2
to this Annual Report on Form 10 - K.
-69-
ITEM 9B.
OTHER INFORMATION
Not applicable.
ITEM 9C.
DISCLOSURE REGARDING FOREIGN JURISDICTIONS THAT PREVENT INSPECTIONS
Not applicable.
-70-
PART III
ITEM 10.
DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to our 2024 definitive proxy statement we will
file with the SEC pursuant to Regulation 14A within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this report (the
“Valhi Proxy Statement”).
ITEM 11.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to our 2024 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 2024 proxy statement.
ITEM 13.
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTORS
INDEPENDENCE
The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to our 2024 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 2024 proxy statement.
PART IV
ITEM 15.
EXHIBITS
(a) and (c) Financial Statements
The Registrant
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.
(b) Exhibits
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, 2023.
-71-
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*
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 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 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 for the quarter ended September 30, 2020.
Amended and Restated By-Laws of Valhi, Inc. (effective November 2, 2023) – incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 3.1 of our Current Report on Form 8 - K filed on November 2, 2023.
Description of Capital Stock – incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 of our Current Report on Form 8 - K
dated May 6, 2021 and filed on May 6, 2021.
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 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 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
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 for the year ended December 31, 2019.
Valhi, Inc. 2021 Non-employee Director Stock Plan – incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 of the
Registration statement on Form S - 8 of the Registrant. Filed on May 27, 2021.
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. 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. Filed on May 31, 2012.
NL Industries, Inc. 2023 Non-Employee Director Stock Plan – incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to
NL’s Quarterly Report on Form 10 - Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2023.
-72-
Item No.
10.10
10.11
10.12
10.13
10.14
10.15
10.16
10.17
10.18
10.19
10.20
Exhibit Index
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 10.16 to Kronos’ Annual Report on Form 10 - K for the year
ended December 31, 2018 filed on March 11, 2019.
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. 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 dated September 13,
2017 and filed by Kronos Worldwide, Inc. on September 13, 2017.
Supplemental Indenture No. 1, dated as of February 12, 2024, 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 Kronos Worldwide, Inc.’s
Current Report on Form 8 - K filed February 12, 2024.
Indenture, dated as of February 12, 2024, 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 4.2 to Kronos Worldwide, Inc.’s Current Report on
Form 8 - K filed February 12, 2024.
-73-
Item No.
10.21
10.22
10.23**
10.24
10.25
10.26
10.27
10.28
Exhibit Index
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 – incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 4.2 to the Current Report on Form 8 - K dated September 13, 2017 and filed by Kronos
Worldwide, Inc. on September 13, 2017.
Additional Notes Priority Joinder Agreement dated February 12, 2024, executed by Deutsche Bank Trust
Company Americas, as trustee and collateral agent for the holders of Kronos International, Inc.’s 9.50%
Senior Secured Notes due 2029 and as existing agent under the Pledge Agreement dated September 13,
2017 entered into in connection with Kronos International Inc.’s 3.75% Senior Secured Notes due 2025 –
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to Kronos Worldwide, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8 - K filed
February 12, 2024.
Unsecured Revolving Demand Promissory Note dated December 31, 2023 in the principal amount of
$150.0 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
filed on March 11, 2019.
Credit Agreement dated as of April 20, 2021 by and among Kronos Worldwide, Inc., Kronos Louisiana,
Inc., Kronos (US), Inc., Kronos Canada, Inc., Kronos Europe NV, Kronos Titan GmbH and Wells Fargo
Bank, National Association as administrative agent and lender – incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1
of Kronos’ Quarterly Report on Form 10 - Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2021.
First Amendment to Credit Agreement dated May 8, 2023 among Kronos Worldwide, Inc., Kronos
Louisiana, Inc., Kronos (US), Inc., Kronos Canada, Inc., Kronos Europe NV, Kronos Titan GmbH, Wells
Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, and the lenders a party thereto – incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Kronos Worldwide, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8 - K filed on May 9,
2023.
Guaranty and Security Agreement dated as of April 20, 2021, by and among Kronos Worldwide, Inc.,
Kronos Louisiana, Inc., Kronos (US), Inc., Kronos Canada, Inc., Kronos International, Inc. and Wells Fargo
Bank, National Association as administrative agent and lender – incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2
of Kronos’ Quarterly Report on Form 10 - Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2021.
Unsecured Subordinated Term Promissory Note dated February 12, 2024 in the principal amount of
$53,705,000 executed by Kronos Worldwide, Inc. and the guarantors named therein and payable to the
order of Contran Corporation – incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to Kronos Worldwide, Inc.’s
Current Report on Form 8 - K filed February 12, 2024.
21.1**
Subsidiaries of Valhi, Inc.
23.1**
Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP with respect to Valhi’s Consolidated Financial Statements
31.1**
Certification
31.2**
Certification
32.1**
Certification
97**
Policy for the Recovery of Erroneously Awarded Compensation.
-74-
Item No.
101.INS **
Inline XBRL Instance – the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its
XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document
Exhibit Index
101.SCH ** Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema
101.CAL ** Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase
101.DEF ** Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase
101.LAB ** Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase
101.PRE **
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase
104
Cover page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)
* Management contract, compensatory plan or agreement.
** Filed herewith.
(P) Paper exhibits.
-75-
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/ Michael S. Simmons
Michael S. Simmons, March 7, 2024
(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/ Michael S. Simmons
Michael S. Simmons, March 7, 2024
(Vice Chairman of the Board, President and Chief
Executive Officer)
/s/ Amy Allbach Samford
Amy Allbach Samford, March 7, 2024
(Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer)
/s/ Patty S. Brinda
Patty S. Brinda, March 7, 2024
(Vice President and Controller)
/s/ Loretta J. Feehan
Loretta J. Feehan, March 7, 2024
(Chair of the Board (non-executive))
/s/ Thomas E. Barry
Thomas E. Barry, March 7, 2024
(Director)
/s/ Terri L. Herrington
Terri L. Herrington, March 7, 2024
(Director)
/s/ W. Hayden McIlroy
W. Hayden McIlroy, March 7, 2024
(Director)
/s/ Gina A. Norris
Gina A. Norris, March 7, 2024
(Director)
/s/ Mary A.Tidlund
Mary A. Tidlund, March 7, 2024
(Director)
-76-
(This page has been left blank intentionally.)
VALHI, INC.
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 (PCAOB ID 238)
Consolidated Balance Sheets – December 31, 2022 and 2023
Consolidated Statements of Operations – Years ended December 31, 2021, 2022 and 2023
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) – Years ended December 31, 2021,
2022 and 2023
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity – Years ended December 31, 2021, 2022 and 2023
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows – Years ended December 31, 2021, 2022 and 2023
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Page
F-2
F-5
F-7
F-8
F-9
F-10
F-12
All financial statement schedules have been omitted either because they are not applicable or required, or the
information that would be required to be included is disclosed 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, 2023 and 2022, and the related consolidated statements of operations, of
comprehensive income (loss), of stockholders’ equity and of cash flows for each of the three years in the period
ended December 31, 2023, 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, 2023 and 2022, and the results of its operations and its
cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2023 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.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, 2121 North Pearl Street, Suite 2000, Dallas, Texas 75201
T: (214) 999 1400, www.pwc.com/us
F-2
Income Taxes - Chemicals Segment
As described in Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company recorded a benefit for income
taxes of $22.4 million and recorded noncurrent deferred tax asset and deferred tax liability amounts of $67.0
million and $31.8 million, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2023. 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 (benefit) 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.
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, 2023, management accrued approximately $91 million related to
approximately 33 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
F-3
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 7, 2024
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 1987.
F-4
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
Receivables from affiliates
Refundable income taxes
Inventories, net
Prepaid expenses and other
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,
2022
2023
$
478.5 $
46.3
75.1
271.0
2.9
8.0
640.8
66.9
1,589.5
1.2
112.9
379.7
40.5
9.3
178.8
722.4
42.5
249.2
1,106.5
78.6
77.2
1,554.0
1,030.2
523.8
2,835.7 $
$
407.0
22.6
56.1
321.1
17.5
1.8
596.1
53.2
1,475.4
4.8
111.0
379.7
67.0
8.1
173.7
744.3
45.1
271.2
1,179.4
89.2
23.6
1,608.5
1,091.2
517.3
2,737.0
F-5
VALHI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (CONTINUED)
(In millions, except share data)
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
December 31,
2022
2023
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
Payable to affiliate - income taxes
Long-term litigation settlement
Accrued pension costs
Accrued environmental remediation and related costs
Other liabilities
Total noncurrent liabilities
Equity:
Preferred stock, $.01 par value; 500,000 shares authorized, none issued
Common stock, $.01 par value; 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)
$
1.8 $
199.4
243.6
11.8
22.9
13.3
492.8
557.7
63.5
33.4
27.4
131.6
93.5
129.0
1,036.1
.7
228.5
220.3
11.8
30.1
15.7
507.1
545.8
31.8
18.5
16.1
151.6
93.2
111.4
968.4
—
—
.3
669.5
482.3
(143.9)
(49.6)
958.6
348.2
1,306.8
2,835.7 $
.3
669.5
461.1
(145.5)
(49.6)
935.8
325.7
1,261.5
2,737.0
$
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
F-6
VALHI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In millions, except per share data)
Years ended December 31,
2022
2023
2021
Revenues and other income:
Net sales
Other income, net
Total revenues and other income
Cost and expenses:
Cost of sales
Selling, general and administrative
Other components of net periodic pension and OPEB expense
Loss on sale of Basic Power Company (BPC)
Water system fixed asset impairment
Loss on deconsolidation of Basic Water Company (BWC)
Interest
Total costs and expenses
Income (loss) before income taxes
Income tax expense (benefit)
Net income
Noncontrolling interest in net income of subsidiaries
Net income (loss) attributable to Valhi stockholders
Amounts attributable to Valhi stockholders:
Basic and diluted net income (loss) per share
$
2,296.4
39.0
2,335.4
$
2,222.5 $
43.7
2,266.2
1,921.7
55.4
1,977.1
1,716.2
311.9
17.0
—
—
—
32.5
2,077.6
257.8
60.1
197.7
70.5
127.2
1,732.1
304.0
13.9
—
16.4
2.0
27.9
2,096.3
169.9
33.8
136.1
45.9
90.2 $
$
1,676.5
277.4
11.8
2.6
—
—
28.3
1,996.6
(19.5)
(22.4)
2.9
15.0
(12.1)
4.46
$
3.16 $
(.42)
$
$
Basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding
28.5
28.5
28.5
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
F-7
VALHI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(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 (loss) attributable to Valhi stockholders
$
Years ended December 31,
2022
2021
2023
$
197.7
$
136.1
$
2.9
(6.8)
45.3
(.3)
38.2
235.9
80.6
155.3
$
(26.1)
89.4
1.0
64.3
200.4
62.8
137.6
$
3.6
(5.9)
(.6)
(2.9)
—
13.7
(13.7)
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
F-8
VALHI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Years ended December 31, 2021, 2022 and 2023
(In millions)
Balance at December 31, 2020
Net income
Cash dividends - $.32 per share
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interest
Other comprehensive income, net
Equity transactions with noncontrolling
interest and other, net
Balance at December 31, 2021
Net income
Cash dividends - $.32 per share
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interest
Other comprehensive income, net
Equity transactions with noncontrolling
interest and other, net
Balance at December 31, 2022
Net income (loss)
Cash dividends - $.32 per share
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interest
Other comprehensive loss, net
Equity transactions with noncontrolling
interest and other, net
Balance at December 31, 2023
Common
stock
Additional
paid-in
capital
.3 $ 668.3 $ 282.9 $
Accumulated
other
Non-
Retained comprehensive Treasury controlling
stock
loss
interest
earnings
(219.4) $ (49.6) $ 324.4
70.5
—
(74.4)
10.1
— 127.2
(9.0)
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
28.1
Total
equity
$ 1,006.9
197.7
(9.0)
(74.4)
38.2
$
—
—
—
—
—
.3
—
—
—
—
—
.3
—
—
—
—
.7
669.0
—
—
—
—
.5
669.5
—
401.1
90.2
(9.0)
—
—
—
482.3
— (12.1)
(9.1)
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
.3 $ 669.5 $ 461.1 $
$
—
(191.3)
—
—
—
47.4
—
(1.7)
(49.6) 328.9
45.9
—
(38.9)
16.9
—
—
—
—
—
(143.9)
—
(4.6)
(49.6) 348.2
—
—
—
(1.6)
—
—
—
—
15.0
—
(34.0)
(1.3)
(1.0)
1,158.4
136.1
(9.0)
(38.9)
64.3
(4.1)
1,306.8
2.9
(9.1)
(34.0)
(2.9)
—
(2.2)
(145.5) $ (49.6) $ 325.7 $ 1,261.5
(2.2)
—
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
F-9
VALHI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In millions)
Years ended December 31,
2022
2021
2023
$
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income
Depreciation and amortization
Gain from sale of land
Loss on pension plan termination
Water system fixed asset impairment
Fixed asset impairment
Loss on sale of BPC
Loss on deconsolidation of BWC
Noncash interest expense
Benefit plan expense greater (less) 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
Inventories, net
Land held for development, 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
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures
Cash and cash equivalents of BPC at time of sale
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash of BWC
Purchases of marketable securities
Proceeds from disposal of marketable securities
Proceeds from land sales
Other, net
Net cash used in investing activities
Cash flows from financing activities:
Principal payments on indebtedness
Valhi cash dividends paid
Distributions to noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries
Subsidiary treasury stock acquired
Other, net
Net cash used in financing activities
$
197.7
59.3
(16.0)
—
—
—
—
—
2.9
11.4
12.1
3.8
2.3
(64.6)
58.3
49.6
154.3
(1.6)
(24.3)
(15.9)
53.7
(23.3)
459.7
(64.1)
—
—
(4.0)
5.2
23.4
2.1
(37.4)
(102.3)
(9.0)
(74.4)
(1.5)
(1.9)
(189.1)
$
136.1
58.5
—
—
16.4
—
—
2.0
2.2
8.6
.6
(10.5)
10.1
81.1
(204.2)
21.4
3.9
(.5)
9.4
(3.4)
(83.9)
(12.9)
34.9
(67.6)
—
(8.6)
(73.6)
2.9
—
.2
(146.7)
(62.0)
(9.0)
(38.9)
(4.0)
(.1)
(114.0)
2.9
54.1
(1.5)
6.2
—
3.8
2.6
—
2.0
(6.2)
(48.1)
3.1
2.6
(44.6)
56.7
.8
11.2
9.3
(27.8)
(9.5)
(19.3)
5.6
3.9
(48.5)
(1.7)
—
(66.4)
85.7
1.8
.1
(29.0)
(29.8)
(9.1)
(34.0)
(2.9)
(.1)
(75.9)
F-10
VALHI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (CONTINUED)
(In millions)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash
equivalents - net change from:
Operating, investing and financing activities
Effect of exchange rates on cash
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:
Change in accruals for capital expenditures
Years ended December 31,
2022
2021
2023
$
$
$
$
$
$
233.2
(10.6)
570.3
792.9
29.2
65.9
4.6
$
$
$
(225.8)
(5.1)
792.9
562.0
25.8
43.7
6.6
(101.0)
1.0
562.0
462.0
26.6
27.4
1.1
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
F-11
VALHI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2023
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).
Organization. We are majority owned by a wholly-owned subsidiary of Contran Corporation (Contran), which
owns approximately 91% of our outstanding common stock at December 31, 2023. A majority of Contran’s outstanding
voting stock is held directly by Lisa K. Simmons, Thomas C. Connelly (the husband of Ms. Simmons’ late sister), and
various family trusts established for the benefit of Ms. Simmons, Mr. Connelly 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, 2023, Ms. Simmons and the Family Trust may
be deemed to control Contran and us.
Unless otherwise indicated, references in this report to “we,” “us” or “our” refer to Valhi, Inc. and its subsidiaries,
taken as a whole.
Management’s estimates. The preparation of our Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP), requires us to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of our assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities
at each balance sheet date and the reported amounts of our revenues and expenses during each reporting period. Actual
results may differ significantly from previously-estimated amounts under different assumptions or conditions.
Principles of consolidation. Our Consolidated Financial Statements include the financial position, results of
operations and cash flows of Valhi and our majority-owned and wholly-owned subsidiaries. We eliminate all material
intercompany accounts and balances. Changes in ownership are accounted for as equity transactions with no gain or loss
recognized on the transaction unless there is a change in control.
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.
Derivatives and hedging activities. We recognize derivatives as either assets or liabilities measured at fair
value. We recognize the effect of changes in the fair value of derivatives either in net income or other comprehensive
income (loss), depending on the intended use of the derivative.
Cash and cash equivalents. We classify bank time deposits and highly-liquid investments, including government
and commercial notes and bills, with original maturities of three months or less as cash equivalents.
F-12
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 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.
Accounting Standards Codification (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:
• 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
equity securities are recognized in other income, net on our Consolidated Statements of Operations. We accumulate
unrealized gains and losses on marketable debt securities as part of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net
of related deferred income taxes. See Notes 6, 11 and 13. 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 in prepaid expenses and other on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. As
land parcels are sold, costs of land sales, including land and development costs, are allocated based on specific
F-13
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 Sheets. See Notes 7
and 10. 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 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 2021, 2022 and 2023
we capitalized $1.4 million, $1.7 million and $1.9 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
F-14
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 mine 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. During the fourth quarter of 2023, our Chemicals Segment
recorded a fixed asset impairment of $3.8 million related to the write-off of certain costs resulting from a capital project
termination. Excluding this project, we did not evaluate any long-lived assets for impairment during 2023 because no such
impairment indicators were present.
During the preparation of our second quarter 2023 interim financial statements, we identified a prior period
misclassification related to the presentation of the gross value of the classes of property and equipment and accumulated
depreciation and amortization. This misclassification had no impact to net property and equipment; however, total gross
property and equipment increased $19.1 million (a decrease of $5.3 million and $45.8 million in land and equipment,
respectively, and an increase of $5.1 million and $65.1 million in buildings and mining properties, respectively), and
accumulated depreciation and amortization increased by the same amount. Property and equipment presented on the
December 31, 2022 Consolidated Balance Sheet has been revised to reflect these changes. We have evaluated the
misclassifications and determined the related changes are not material to any previously issued annual or interim financial
statements.
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.
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 made cash
payments for income taxes to Contran of $25.5 million in 2021, $17.5 million in 2022 and $14.2 million in 2023.
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
F-15
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, 2023,
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 their receipt to be probable. We expense any environmental
remediation related legal costs as incurred. At December 31, 2022 and 2023 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
F-16
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 occasionally receive partial or full consideration from our customers prior to the
completion of our performance obligation (shipment of product). 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 our performance obligation has
been satisfied. Deferred revenue has 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 – Prior to the bankruptcy filing and deconsolidation on
September 10, 2022 of Basic Water Company (BWC), a wholly-owned subsidiary of BMI, revenues from our Real Estate
Management and Development Segment involved delivery of water to the City of Henderson and various other users
through a water distribution system owned and operated by BWC. Prior to the sale of Basic Power Company (BPC), a
wholly-owned subsidiary of BMI, on December 1, 2023 the revenues also included providing certain utility services to an
industrial park located in Henderson, Nevada. See Notes 2 and 3. These sales involved single performance obligations,
and we recorded revenue when we satisfied our performance obligations to our customers generally after the service was
performed and our customers became obligated to pay us and it was probable we would receive payment. Revenue was
recorded in an amount that reflected the net consideration we expected to receive in exchange for our services. Prices for
our products were based on contracted rates and did not include financing components, noncash consideration or
consideration paid to our customers. As our standard payment terms were less than one year, we elected the practical
expedient under ASC 606 and we did not assess whether a contract had 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. 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 (ranging from 2.5%
to 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,
F-17
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 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 include 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 $132 million in 2021, $122 million in 2022 and $101 million in 2023. 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 2021 and $2 million in each of 2022 and 2023. Research
and development costs were approximately $17 million in 2021, $16 million in 2022 and $18 million in 2023.
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, 2023
81%
87%
63% - 77%
Our control of Kronos includes 50% we hold directly and 31% 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.
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.
• 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, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. See
Note 7.
• 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 postal, recreational transportation,
office and institutional furniture, cabinetry, tool storage, healthcare and a variety of other industries. CompX
is also a leading manufacturer of wake enhancement systems, stainless steel exhaust systems, gauges, throttle
controls, trim tabs and related hardware and accessories for the recreational marine industry. All CompX
production facilities are in the United States.
F-18
• Real Estate Management and Development – We operate in real estate management and development
through our majority control of BMI and LandWell. BMI and LandWell own real property in Henderson,
Nevada. LandWell is engaged in efforts to develop certain land holdings for commercial, industrial and
residential purposes in Henderson, Nevada. BMI previously, through wholly-owned subsidiaries, also was
responsible for the delivery of water to the City of Henderson and various other users through
September 2022, and provided utility services to certain industrial customers prior to December 2023.
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 significant in 2021, 2022 or 2023.
Capital expenditures include additions to property and equipment. Depreciation and amortization related to each reportable
operating segment includes amortization of any intangible assets attributable to the segment. Amortization of deferred
financing costs and any premium or discount associated with the issuance of indebtedness is included in interest expense.
Segment assets are comprised of all assets attributable to each reportable operating segment, including goodwill
and other intangible assets. Our investment in the TiO2 manufacturing joint venture (see Note 7) is included in the
Chemicals Segment’s assets. Corporate assets are not attributable to any operating segment and consist principally of cash
and cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents and marketable securities.
F-19
2021
Years ended December 31,
2022
(In millions)
2023
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 (loss):
Chemicals
Component products
Real estate management and development
Total operating income
General corporate items:
Interest income and other
Gain on land sales
Other components of net periodic pension and OPEB expense
Changes in market value of Valhi common stock held by subsidiaries
General expenses, net
Interest expense
Income (loss) before income taxes
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
1,939.4
140.8
216.2
2,296.4
1,494.5
98.1
123.6
1,716.2
444.9
42.7
92.6
580.2
200.8
20.5
97.3
318.6
4.0
16.0
(17.0)
3.3
(34.6)
(32.5)
257.8
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
1,930.2
166.6
125.7
2,222.5
1,540.2
117.8
74.1
1,732.1
390.0
48.8
51.6
490.4
174.6
25.4
39.4
239.4
10.4
—
(13.9)
(1.6)
(36.5)
(27.9)
169.9
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
1,666.5
161.3
93.9
1,921.7
1,502.7
112.1
61.7
1,676.5
163.8
49.2
32.2
245.2
(41.1)
25.4
49.9
34.2
21.3
1.5
(11.8)
(1.7)
(34.7)
(28.3)
(19.5)
Included in the determination of Chemicals operating income is restructuring costs related to workforce
reductions of $5.8 million (see Note 20) and a fixed asset impairment related to the write-off of certain costs resulting
from a capital project termination of $3.8 million, both recognized in the fourth quarter of 2023. Also included in the
determination of Chemicals operating income are business interruption insurance settlement gains of $2.7 million
recognized in the third quarter of 2022 and an aggregate $2.5 million recognized in the first, second and third quarters of
2023. See Note 13. Infrastructure reimbursements and land related income is included in the determination of Real Estate
Management and Development operating income. See Notes 7 and 13.
Prior to BWC’s bankruptcy filing on September 10, 2022, BMI was responsible for the delivery of water to the
City of Henderson and various other users under long-term contracts through a water delivery system owned and operated
by BWC. BWC’s water delivery system operated on Lake Mead in Nevada. Due to the Western drought, water levels in
Lake Mead have been declining for much of the last twenty years. As a result of water release curtailments upstream of
Lake Mead which began late in the second quarter of 2022, Lake Mead water levels dropped precipitously to historically
low levels. On June 30, 2022 BWC was no longer able to pump water without the risk of damaging the system and
consequently ceased operations at its water intake facility to best preserve the system. We considered BWC’s inability to
pump water from Lake Mead to be a triggering event under ASC 360 Property, Plant, and Equipment, which caused us to
evaluate the water system fixed assets for impairment. Because BWC was unable to deliver water under its current
contracts and therefore unable to generate revenue, we determined the water system’s assets were fully impaired except to
the extent certain equipment had alternative use outside of BWC’s operations, in which case those assets were written
down to estimated salvage value. The $16.4 million impairment charge primarily recognized in the second quarter of 2022
represented the write down of the book value to the estimated salvage value of the assets. Without the ability to pump and
F-20
deliver water to its customers, BWC’s operating expenses exceeded its revenues, and on September 10, 2022 BWC and
its subsidiaries voluntarily filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District
of Nevada. Because BWC filed for bankruptcy protection, we and BMI could no longer affirmatively assert we control
BWC and, as such, in accordance with ASC 810, Consolidation, we deconsolidated BWC as of the date of the bankruptcy
filing and recognized a loss of $2.0 million in the third quarter of 2022 on the deconsolidation. In addition, BMI had an
outstanding intercompany accounts receivable balance with BWC on the date of the bankruptcy filing, and we recognized
$1.3 million of bad debt expense to fully reserve this balance during the third quarter of 2022. All of these charges are
included in the determination of the Real Estate Management and Development’s operating income in 2022. Operating
income comparisons between 2023, 2022 and 2021 are also affected by BWC’s water delivery sales and related cost of
sales. See Note 3.
2021
Years ended December 31,
2022
(In millions)
2023
Depreciation and amortization:
Chemicals
Component products
Real estate management and development
Total
Capital expenditures:
Chemicals
Component products
Real estate management and development
Total
Total assets:
Operating segments:
Chemicals
Component products
Real estate management and development
Corporate and eliminations
Total
$
$
$
$
$
$
52.8
3.8
2.7
59.3
58.6
4.1
1.4
64.1
$
$
$
$
53.1 $
4.0
1.4
58.5 $
63.2 $
3.7
.7
67.6 $
49.9
4.0
.2
54.1
47.4
1.1
—
48.5
2021
December 31,
2022
(In millions)
2023
2,373.1
146.4
259.3
226.4
3,005.2
$
$
2,293.5 $
131.3
219.2
191.7
2,835.7 $
2,196.8
141.5
200.9
197.8
2,737.0
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, 2022
and 2023 the net assets of our non-U.S. subsidiaries included in consolidated net assets approximated $699 million and
$653 million, respectively.
F-21
2021
Years ended December 31,
2022
(In millions)
2023
Net sales - point of origin:
United States
Germany
Canada
Norway
Belgium
Eliminations
Total
Net sales - point of destination:
North America
Europe
Other
Total
Net property and equipment:
United States
Germany
Belgium
Norway
Canada
Total
$
$
$
$
$
$
1,409.1
971.7
371.9
257.2
295.7
(1,009.2)
2,296.4
999.7
945.7
351.0
2,296.4
$
$
$
$
1,518.9 $
895.4
389.4
273.5
306.5
(1,161.2)
2,222.5 $
1,284.4
726.4
351.0
252.1
217.1
(909.3)
1,921.7
985.4 $
879.0
358.1
2,222.5 $
871.0
738.5
312.2
1,921.7
2021
December 31,
2022
(In millions)
2023
63.6
214.8
107.7
86.4
91.1
563.6
$
$
45.8 $
204.7
101.4
83.6
88.3
523.8 $
40.0
213.0
98.5
83.5
82.3
517.3
Note 3 – Business combinations, dispositions and related transactions:
Kronos Worldwide, Inc.
Prior to 2021, 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. In 2021, Kronos acquired 14,409 shares of its
common stock in market transactions for an aggregate purchase price of $.2 million. In 2022, Kronos acquired 217,778
shares of its common stock in market transactions for an aggregate purchase price of $2.5 million. In 2023, Kronos acquired
313,814 shares of its common stock in market transactions for an aggregate purchase price of $2.8 million. At
December 31, 2023, 1,017,518 shares are available for repurchase under this stock repurchase program.
CompX International Inc.
Prior to 2021, 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. In 2021 CompX
acquired 75,000 shares of its Class A common stock in market transactions for an aggregate purchase price of $1.3 million.
F-22
During the second quarter of 2022, CompX acquired 78,900 shares of its Class A common stock for an aggregate amount
of $1.7 million. Of the shares repurchased in 2022, 70,000 shares were purchased in a market transaction, and 8,900 shares
were purchased from two affiliates in two separate private transactions that were also approved in advance by CompX’s
independent directors. CompX did not make any repurchases under the plan during 2023. At December 31, 2023, 523,647
shares were available for purchase under these authorizations.
NL Industries, Inc.
During the second quarter of 2022, NL purchased 2,000 shares of its common stock from Kronos for a nominal
amount in a private transaction that was approved in advance by NL’s independent directors and subsequently cancelled
all such shares.
BMI
As discussed above, BWC filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on September 10, 2022. On November 8,
2023, the Bankruptcy Court for the District of Nevada entered an order approving BWC’s plan of reorganization, which
provided for the sale of substantially all BWC’s assets and the transfer of substantially all of its operating and other
agreements to one of its industrial customers. The transaction closed on November 17, 2023 at which time BWC
discontinued its water delivery operations. As part of the transaction, BWC is providing transition services to the purchaser
for a limited time. The proceeds of the sale will be used to repay creditors of BWC and its wholly-owned subsidiary.
BWC’s assets may not be sufficient to fully repay its creditors, and the timing of the resolution of the bankruptcy
proceedings remains uncertain.
On December 1, 2023, BMI sold its subsidiary BPC, which provides electricity to four customers located in the
industrial park, and its sewer system assets to another of its industrial customers. The sale was for minimal cash
consideration and the assumption of liabilities, and upon the closing of the sale we recognized a loss of $2.6 million. BMI
is providing transition services to the purchaser of the businesses for a limited time. With the sale of BPC, we no longer
provide services to the industrial park which allows us to focus on land sales and development activity for the
residential/planned community.
Note 4 – Accounts and other receivables, net:
Trade accounts receivable:
Kronos
CompX
BMI/LandWell
VAT and other receivables
Allowance for doubtful accounts
Total
December 31,
2022
2023
(In millions)
$
$
220.3
17.9
2.3
35.4
(4.9)
271.0
$
$
273.6
17.1
1.2
33.4
(4.2)
321.1
F-23
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, 2022:
Current assets
Noncurrent assets
December 31, 2023:
Current assets
Noncurrent assets
December 31,
2022
2023
(In millions)
$
145.3
6.2
151.5
32.0
20.0
52.0
350.7
5.1
355.8
81.5
640.8
$
188.3
5.7
194.0
30.8
19.1
49.9
250.4
5.9
256.3
95.9
596.1
$
$
Market value
Cost or
amortized
cost
(In millions)
Unrealized
loss, net
$
$
$
$
75.1
1.2
56.1
4.8
$
$
$
$
75.7
$
1.2
$
56.1
$
5.0
$
(.6)
—
—
(.2)
F-24
Fair Value Measurements
Quoted
Prices in
Active
Markets
(Level 1)
(In millions)
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
Total
December 31, 2022:
Current assets:
Fixed income securities
Mutual funds
Total
Noncurrent assets - fixed income securities
December 31, 2023:
Current assets - fixed income securities
Noncurrent assets:
Fixed income securities
Mutual funds
Total
$
$
$
$
73.3
1.8
75.1
1.2
$
$
$
— $
1.8
1.8 $
— $
73.3
—
73.3
1.2
56.1 $
— $
56.1
$
$
2.6 $
2.2
4.8 $
— $
2.2
2.2 $
2.6
—
2.6
Our marketable securities are primarily invested in U.S. government treasuries. The fair value of our marketable
securities are either determined using Level 1 inputs (because the securities are actively traded) or determined using Level
2 inputs (because although these securities are traded, in many cases the market is not active and the year-end valuation is
generally based on the last trade of the year, which may be several days prior to December 31).
Note 7 – Investment in TiO2 manufacturing joint venture and other assets:
Other assets:
Restricted cash and cash equivalents
Note receivables - OPA
Operating lease right-of-use assets
Land held for development
IBNR receivables
Other
Total
December 31,
2022
2023
(In millions)
$
$
37.2
49.3
21.5
29.7
16.8
24.3
178.8
$
$
32.4
69.1
22.7
19.4
13.4
16.7
173.7
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
F-25
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
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
$
$
$
$
2021
Years ended December 31,
2022
(In millions)
$
2023
28.5
(24.7)
3.8
$
58.3 $
(68.8)
(10.5) $
52.8
(49.7)
3.1
December 31,
2022
2023
(In millions)
$
$
$
$
122.2
147.4
269.6
41.2
228.4
269.6
$
$
$
$
118.5
148.4
266.9
42.1
224.8
266.9
2021
Years ended December 31,
2022
(In millions)
2023
188.6
189.6
378.2
377.8
.4
378.2
$
225.6 $
225.9
451.5
451.1
.4
451.5
— $
— $
231.7
231.7
463.4
463.0
.4
463.4
—
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 on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Also see Note 10. Our Chemicals Segment’s principal German operating
subsidiary leases the land under its Leverkusen TiO2 production facility pursuant to a lease 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 an extensive manufacturing complex.
During 2021, 2022 and 2023, our operating lease expense approximated $7.7 million, $5.5 million and $5.6
million, respectively, (which 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 2021, 2022 and 2023, variable lease expense and
short-term lease expense were not material. During 2021, 2022 and 2023, we entered into new operating leases which
F-26
resulted in the recognition of $3.8 million, $6.6 million and $4.6 million, respectively, in right-of-use operating lease assets
and corresponding liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. At December 31, 2022 and 2023, the weighted average
remaining lease term of our operating leases was approximately 15 years and 14 years, respectively, and the weighted
average discount rate associated with such leases was approximately 5.0% in both 2022 and 2023. 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, 2023, maturities of our operating lease liabilities were as follows:
Years ending December 31,
Amount
2024
2025
2026
2027
2028
2029 and thereafter
Total remaining lease payments
Less imputed interest
Total lease obligations
Less current obligations
Long term lease obligations
(In millions)
4.6
3.6
3.3
2.2
2.0
17.0
32.7
10.2
22.5
3.9
18.6
$
$
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 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. As such, we will account for any change in the rent associated with such lease
as a lease modification. Of the $22.5 million total lease obligations at December 31, 2023, approximately $7.4 million
relates to our Leverkusen facility land lease.
At December 31, 2023, we have no significant lease commitments that have not yet commenced.
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 the expiration of the Redevelopment Plan, 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.
During 2021, 2022 and 2023, we received approval for additional tax increment reimbursement of $15.3 million
($6.2 million in the first quarter and $9.1 million in the fourth quarter), $15.2 million ($10.0 million in the third quarter
and $5.2 million in the fourth quarter), and $25.2 million ($4.8 million in the third quarter and $20.4 million in the fourth
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 in 2021, the City of Henderson extended
F-27
the Redevelopment Plan for an additional 15 years which allows us to collect any remaining amounts due under the OPA
through 2051. Any unpaid balances at the end of the agreement 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 prepaid expenses and other on our Consolidated Balance
Sheets. 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 2021, 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, 2021, 2022 and 2023
Operating segment
Component
Chemicals Products
Total
$
352.6
(In millions)
$
27.1 $
379.7
We test for goodwill impairment at the reporting unit level. In determining the estimated fair value of the reporting
units, we use appropriate valuation techniques, such as discounted cash flows and, with respect to our Chemicals Segment,
we consider quoted market prices, a Level 1 input, while discounted cash flows are a Level 3 input. We also consider
control premiums when assessing fair value using quoted market prices. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s net
assets exceeds its fair value, an impairment charge is recorded for the amount by which such carrying amount exceeds the
reporting unit’s fair value (not to exceed the amount of goodwill recognized). As permitted by GAAP, during 2021, 2022
and 2023 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.
We review goodwill for each of our reporting units for impairment during the third quarter of each year. Goodwill
is also evaluated for impairment at other times whenever an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely
than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying value. If the fair value of an evaluated asset is less than
its book value, the asset is written down to fair value. In 2021, 2022 and 2023, no goodwill impairment was indicated as
part of our annual impairment review of goodwill.
Prior to 2021, we recorded an aggregate $16.5 million goodwill impairment, mostly with respect to our
Component Products Segment. Our consolidated gross goodwill at December 31, 2023 is $396.2 million.
F-28
Note 9 – Long-term debt:
Valhi:
Contran credit facility
Subsidiary debt:
Kronos:
Kronos International, Inc. 3.75% Senior Secured Notes due 2025
LandWell:
Note payable to Western Alliance Business Trust
Other
Total subsidiary debt
Total debt
Less current maturities
Total long-term debt
December 31,
2022
2023
(In millions)
$
121.4 $
93.4
424.1
12.9
1.1
438.1
559.5
1.8
557.7
$
440.9
12.2
—
453.1
546.5
.7
545.8
$
Valhi – Contran credit facility – We have an unsecured revolving credit facility with Contran which, as amended,
provides for borrowings from Contran of up to $150 million. The facility, as amended, bears interest at prime plus 1%
(9.50% at December 31, 2023), and is due on demand, but in any event no earlier than December 31, 2025. 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, 2023 was 9.20%. During 2023 we had no borrowings
and repayments of $28.0 million under this facility, and at December 31, 2023 an additional $56.6 million was available
for borrowings under this facility.
Kronos
3.75% Senior Secured Notes due 2025 – 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 “Old Notes”) at par value ($477.6 million when issued).
The Old Notes:
•
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. Kronos may redeem the Old Notes at 100%, plus accrued and
unpaid interest. If Kronos experiences certain specified change of control events as outlined in the indenture
governing its Old Notes, it would be required to make an offer to purchase the Old Notes at 101% of the
principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest. Kronos would also be required to make an offer to
purchase a specified portion of the Old Notes at par value, plus accrued and unpaid interest, 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 as
described in the indenture governing its Old Notes;
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; and
have substantially similar collateral, guarantees and covenants to the New Notes.
The carrying value of the Old Notes at December 31, 2023 is stated net of unamortized debt issuance costs of
$1.6 million (December 31, 2022 - $2.4 million).
F-29
9.50% Senior Secured Notes due 2029 – On February 12, 2024, for certain eligible holders of existing Old Notes,
KII executed an exchange of €325 million principal amount of the outstanding Old Notes for newly issued €276.174
million aggregate outstanding KII 9.50% Senior Secured Notes due March 2029 (the “New Notes” and together with the
Old Notes, the “Senior Secured Notes”) plus additional cash consideration of €50 million. Kronos financed the €50 million
cash consideration with a new unsecured term loan from Contran Corporation (described below). Holders of the Old Notes
received for each €1,000 principal amount of Old Notes exchanged, €850 in principal amount of New Notes plus a cash
payment in an amount equal to €150. Following the exchange, Old Notes totaling €75 million principal amount that were
not exchanged continue to remain outstanding. In connection with the exchange, the indenture governing the Old Notes
was amended to conform to the restrictive covenants in the indenture governing the New Notes and to make other
conforming changes. KII did not receive any cash proceeds from the issuance and delivery of the New Notes in connection
with the exchange.
The New Notes:
•
bear interest at 9.50% per annum, payable semi-annually on March 15 and September 15 of each year,
payments begin on September 15, 2024;
•
•
•
•
•
have a maturity date of March 15, 2029. Prior to March 15, 2026, Kronos may redeem some or all of the
New Notes at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus an applicable premium as of the
date of the redemption as described in the indenture governing its New Notes, plus accrued and unpaid
interest. On or after March 15, 2026, Kronos may redeem the New Notes at redemption prices ranging from
104.750% of the principal amount, declining to 100% on or after March 15, 2028, plus accrued and unpaid
interest. In addition, on or before March 15, 2026, Kronos may redeem up to 40% of the New Notes with the
net proceeds of certain public or private equity offerings at 109.50% of the principal amount, plus accrued
and unpaid interest, provided that following the redemption at least 50% of the New Notes remain
outstanding. If Kronos or Kronos’ subsidiaries experience certain change of control events, as outlined in the
indenture governing its New Notes, Kronos would be required to make an offer to purchase the New Notes
at 101% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest. Kronos would also be required to
make an offer to purchase a specified portion of the New Notes at par value, plus accrued and unpaid interest,
in the event that Kronos and its subsidiaries generate 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 as described in the indenture governing Kronos’ New Notes;
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 non-U.S. 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.
Subordinated, Unsecured Term Loan from Contran – As part of the refinancing of a majority of Kronos’ Old
Notes discussed above, Kronos borrowed $53.7 million (€50.0 million) from Contran through the issuance of an unsecured
subordinated term promissory note dated February 12, 2024 (the “Contran Term Loan”). The Contran Term Loan is
guaranteed by Kronos’ domestic wholly-owned subsidiaries. Kronos’ obligations under the Contran Term Loan, and the
obligations of the guarantors under the related guaranties, are unsecured and subordinated in right of payment to Kronos’
Senior Secured Notes and its $225 million global revolving credit facility (Global Revolver). Interest on the Contran Term
Loan is payable in cash at an interest rate of 11.5%. The Contran Term Loan matures on demand (but no earlier than
F-30
September 2029), is not subject to any amortization payments and is prepayable at par beginning in March 2026. The
restrictive covenants in the Contran Term Loan are substantially similar to those contained in the indenture governing
Kronos’ New Notes. In accordance with Kronos’ related party transaction policy, the audit committee of its board of
directors, comprised of the independent directors, approved the terms and conditions of the new term loan from Contran.
Revolving credit facility – On April 20, 2021, Kronos entered into the $225 million Global Revolver which
matures in April 2026. Borrowings under the Global Revolver are available for Kronos’ general corporate purposes.
Available borrowings are based on formula-determined amounts of eligible trade receivables and inventories, as defined
in the agreement, less any outstanding letters of credit issued under the Global Revolver. Borrowings by Kronos’ Canadian,
Belgian and German subsidiaries are limited to $25 million, €30 million and €60 million, respectively. Any amounts
outstanding under the Global Revolver bear interest, at Kronos’ option, at the applicable non-base rate (SOFR, CDOR or
EURIBOR, dependent on the currency of the borrowing) 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 2.0%. The Global Revolver 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 customary in lending transactions of this type which, among other things, restrict the
borrowers’ ability to incur additional debt, incur liens, pay additional dividends or merge or consolidate with, or sell or
transfer all or substantially all of their assets to another entity and, under certain conditions, requires the maintenance of a
fixed charge coverage ratio, as defined in the agreement, of at least 1.0 to 1.0.
During 2023, Kronos had no borrowings or repayments under its Global Revolver and at December 31, 2023, the
full $225 million was available for borrowing under this revolving facility.
Other – In December 2019, LandWell entered into the $15.0 million loan agreement with Western Alliance
Business Trust. 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. See Note 7.
Aggregate maturities of long-term debt – Aggregate maturities of debt at December 31, 2023 are presented in
the table below.
Years ending December 31,
Gross amounts due each year:
2024
2025
2026
2027
2028
2029 and thereafter
Subtotal
Less amounts representing original issue discount and debt issuance costs
Total long-term debt
Amount
(In millions)
$
$
.7
536.7
.8
.8
.9
8.2
548.1
1.6
546.5
F-31
After considering the effect of the exchange of the Old Notes and issuance of the New Notes and Contran Term
Loan discussed above, our aggregate maturities of long-term debt would be:
Years ending December 31,
2024
2025
2026
2027
2028
2029 and thereafter
Gross maturities
Less debt issuance costs
Total
We are in compliance with all of our debt covenants at December 31, 2023.
Note 10 – Accounts payable and accrued liabilities:
Amount
(In millions)
$
$
.7
177.2
.8
.8
.9
369.0
549.4
6.1
543.3
December 31,
2022
2023
(In millions)
177.2
3.5
18.7
199.4
110.7
34.4
25.6
5.6
4.9
3.8
3.8
54.8
243.6
48.1
17.4
25.9
18.7
7.1
4.8
.3
6.7
129.0
$
$
$
$
$
$
218.7
3.1
6.7
228.5
88.8
36.2
22.5
15.1
5.1
3.9
3.7
45.0
220.3
42.3
18.6
15.5
14.9
7.4
4.9
—
7.8
111.4
$
$
$
$
$
$
Accounts payable:
Kronos
CompX
BMI/LandWell
Total
Current accrued liabilities:
Deferred income
Employee benefits
Accrued sales discounts and rebates
Accrued development costs
Interest
Operating lease liabilities
Environmental remediation and related costs
Other
Total
Noncurrent accrued liabilities:
Accrued development costs
Operating lease liabilities
Deferred income
Insurance claims and expenses
Other postretirement benefits
Employee benefits
Reserve for uncertain tax positions
Other
Total
F-32
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.
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 $7.8 million in 2021, $8.0 million in 2022
and $8.2 million in 2023.
Defined benefit plans. Kronos and NL sponsor various defined benefit pension plans worldwide. The benefits
under our defined benefit plans are based upon years of service and employee compensation. Our funding policy is to
contribute annually the minimum amount required under ERISA (or equivalent foreign) regulations plus additional
amounts as we deem appropriate. 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).
We previously maintained a defined benefit pension plan in the United Kingdom (U.K.) related to a former
disposed U.K. business unit. 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 replaced the bulk annuity policy in a “buy-out” which was completed as of May 1, 2023.
The buy-out was completed with existing plan funds. At the completion of the buy-out, the assets and liabilities of the
U.K. pension plan were removed from our Consolidated Financial Statements and a non-cash pension plan termination
loss of $6.2 million was recognized in the second quarter of 2023.
We expect to contribute the equivalent of approximately $18 million to all of our defined benefit pension plans
during 2024. Benefit payments to plan participants out of plan assets are expected to be the equivalent of:
Years ending December 31,
2024
2025
2026
2027
2028
Next 5 years
Amount
$
(In millions)
28.4
28.3
28.7
31.6
35.7
169.5
F-33
The funded status of our U.S. defined benefit pension plans is presented in the table below.
Change in projected benefit obligations (PBO):
Balance at beginning of the year
Interest cost
Actuarial losses (gains)
Benefits paid
Balance at end of the year
Change in plan assets:
Fair value at beginning of the year
Actual return on plan assets
Employer contributions
Benefits paid
Fair value at end of the year
Funded status
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets:
Accrued pension costs:
Current
Noncurrent
Total
Accumulated other comprehensive loss - actuarial losses
Total
Accumulated benefit obligations (ABO)
Years ended December 31,
2022
2023
(In millions)
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
58.0
1.4
(11.8)
(4.2)
43.4
52.4
(10.7)
1.6
(4.2)
39.1
(4.3)
(.1)
(4.2)
(4.3)
32.2
27.9
43.4
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
43.4
2.2
1.2
(4.1)
42.7
39.1
3.7
1.6
(4.1)
40.3
(2.4)
—
(2.4)
(2.4)
30.3
27.9
42.7
The total net underfunded status of our U.S. defined benefit pension plans decreased from $4.3 million at
December 31, 2022 to $2.4 million at December 31, 2023 due to the change in our plan assets during 2023 exceeding the
change in our PBO during 2023. The increase in our plan assets in 2023 was primarily attributable to improved returns on
plan assets. The decrease in our PBO in 2023 was primarily attributable to lower actuarial gains due to the decrease in
discount rates from year end 2022.
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 recognized actuarial losses for 2021, 2022 and 2023 were recognized
as components of our accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) at December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022, respectively,
net of deferred income taxes and noncontrolling interest.
Net periodic pension cost for U.S. plans:
Interest cost
Expected return on plan assets
Recognized net actuarial losses
Settlements
Total
2021
Years ended December 31,
2022
(In millions)
2023
$
$
1.3
(2.1)
2.1
(.5)
.8
$
$
1.4
(2.0)
1.9
—
1.3
$
$
2.2
(1.9)
2.0
—
2.3
F-34
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,
2022
2023
(In millions)
$
$
43.4
43.4
39.1
42.7
42.7
40.3
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, 2022 and 2023 are 5.3% and 5.0%, 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 2021, 2022 and 2023 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.
Years ended December 31,
2022
2021
2023
Discount rate
Long-term return on plan assets
2.2%
4.0%
2.6%
4.0%
5.3%
5.0%
Variances from actuarially assumed rates will result in increases or decreases in accumulated pension obligations,
pension expense and funding requirements in future periods.
F-35
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 losses (gains)
Settlements
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
Settlements
Change in currency exchange rates
Benefits paid
Fair value at end of the year
Funded status
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets:
Noncurrent pension asset
Noncurrent accrued pension costs
Total
Accumulated other comprehensive loss:
Actuarial losses
Prior service cost
Total
Total
ABO
Years ended December 31,
2022
2023
(In millions)
758.1
11.3
10.6
1.7
(198.6)
(1.4)
(51.2)
(21.9)
508.6
481.5
(52.5)
15.0
1.7
(1.2)
(32.1)
(21.9)
390.5
(118.1)
9.3
(127.4)
(118.1)
90.0
.4
90.4
(27.7)
493.9
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
508.6
6.3
19.8
1.8
44.3
(8.6)
14.1
(22.6)
563.7
390.5
37.4
14.7
1.8
(8.6)
9.4
(22.6)
422.6
(141.1)
8.1
(149.2)
(141.1)
106.8
.3
107.1
(34.0)
549.8
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
The total net underfunded status of our non-U.S. defined benefit pension plans increased from $118.1 million at
December 31, 2022 to $141.1 million at December 31, 2023 due to the change in our PBO during 2023 exceeding the
change in plan assets during 2023. The increase in our PBO in 2023 was primarily attributable to higher actuarial losses
due to the decrease in discount rates from year end 2022 and unfavorable currency fluctuations, primarily from the
weakening of the U.S. dollar relative to the euro. The increase in our plan assets in 2023 was primarily attributable to
positive plan asset returns in 2023 and favorable currency fluctuations (primarily from the weakening of the U.S. dollar
relative to the euro) and employer contributions.
F-36
The components of our net periodic pension benefit cost for our non-U.S. plans are presented in the table below.
The amounts shown below for the amortization of prior service cost and recognized net actuarial losses for 2021, 2022
and 2023 were recognized as components of our accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) at December 31, 2020,
2021 and 2022, respectively, net of deferred income taxes and noncontrolling interest.
2021
Years ended December 31,
2022
(In millions)
2023
Net periodic pension cost for non-U.S. plans:
Service cost
Interest cost
Expected return on plan assets
Recognized net actuarial losses
Amortization of prior service cost
Settlements
Total
$
$
14.7
8.3
(11.4)
19.5
.2
—
31.3
$
$
11.3 $
10.6
(11.1)
12.8
.1
.4
24.1 $
6.3
19.8
(18.3)
1.8
—
6.5
16.1
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,
2022
2023
(In millions)
$
$
403.5
392.4
276.0
463.1
452.9
313.8
The key actuarial assumptions used to determine our non-U.S. benefit obligations as of December 31, 2022 and
2023 are as follows:
Discount rate
Increase in future compensation levels
December 31,
2022
3.9%
2.7%
2023
3.4%
2.7%
A summary of our key actuarial assumptions used to determine non-U.S. net periodic benefit cost for 2021, 2022
and 2023 are as follows:
Years ended December 31,
2022
2023
2021
Discount rate
Increase in future compensation levels
Long-term return on plan assets
1.0%
2.6%
2.4%
1.5%
2.6%
2.5%
3.9%
2.7%
4.6%
Variances from actuarially assumed rates will result in increases or decreases in accumulated pension obligations,
pension expense and funding requirements in future periods.
The amounts shown for all of our periodic defined benefit plans for actuarial losses and prior service cost at
December 31, 2022 and 2023 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, 2022 and 2023. We expect approximately $3.9 million and $.1 million of the unrecognized
F-37
actuarial losses and prior service cost, respectively, will be recognized as components of our periodic defined benefit
pension cost in 2024. The table below details the changes in other comprehensive income (loss) during 2021, 2022 and
2023.
Years ended December 31,
2022
2021
2023
Changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in
other comprehensive income (loss):
Net actuarial gains (losses)
Amortization of unrecognized:
Net actuarial losses
Prior service cost
Settlements
Total
(In millions)
$
$
50.7
$
134.1 $
(25.5)
21.6
.2
—
72.5
$
14.7
.1
.4
149.3 $
3.8
—
6.5
(15.2)
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:
•
•
•
•
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.
In Canada, we currently have a plan asset target allocation of up to 10% to equity securities and 90 –100%
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 18% to equity securities, 63% 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 7%, 4%, 6%
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.
In the U.S. we currently have a plan asset target allocation of 33% to equity securities, 59% to fixed income
securities and the remainder is allocated to multi-asset and other strategies. The expected long-term rate of
return for our equity securities and fixed income securities is approximately 7% and 5%, respectively (before
plan administrative expenses). Approximately 98% 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.
• We also have plan assets in Belgium. 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. We had plan assets in the United Kingdom invested primarily in insurance contracts
F-38
that were a Level 3 input as of December 31, 2022. During 2023, we completed a termination and buy-out
of our pension plan in the United Kingdom resulting in a $6.2 million settlement loss.
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, 2022 and 2023
is shown in the tables below.
Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2022
Quoted Significant
Other
Prices in
Significant
Active Observable Unobservable
Markets
(Level 1)
Inputs
(Level 3)
Assets
measured
at NAV
Total
Inputs
(Level 2)
(In millions)
— $
234.0
$
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
7.8
.3
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
22.7
264.8
$
11.4
22.7
1.0
—
35.1
—
—
—
—
—
—
14.8
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
$
14.8
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
$ 234.0
$
— $
.1
11.0
72.9
.6
2.3
4.7
21.8
8.4
7.8
2.7
.1
11.0
72.9
.6
2.3
4.7
7.0
8.4
—
2.4
12.4
22.9
3.8
24.2
$ 429.6
1.0
.2
2.8
1.5
$ 114.9
$
F-39
Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2023
Quoted Significant
Prices in Other
Significant
Observable Unobservable Assets
Active
Markets
(Level 1)
Total
Inputs
(Level 2)
(In millions)
— $
—
—
—
—
—
19.5
—
—
—
Inputs
(Level 3)
measured
at NAV
269.4 $
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
6.6
.2
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
19.5 $
—
—
—
15.9
292.1 $
11.3
27.1
1.2
—
39.6
Years ended December 31,
2022
2023
(In millions)
320.5
(31.0)
(3.6)
13.8
(15.5)
(.1)
(19.3)
264.8
$
$
264.8
11.1
14.4
1.7
(9.3)
—
9.4
292.1
$
$
Germany
Canada:
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
$ 269.4 $
— $
2.7
86.2
1.1
2.4
7.2
23.9
4.2
6.6
3.0
11.3
27.1
1.9
15.9
2.7
86.2
1.1
2.4
7.2
4.4
4.2
—
2.8
—
—
.7
—
$ 462.9 $ 111.7 $
A rollforward of the change in fair value of Level 3 assets follows.
Fair value at beginning of year
Gain (loss) on assets held at end of year
Gain (loss) on assets sold during the year
Assets purchased
Assets sold
Transfers out
Currency exchange rate fluctuations
Fair value at end of year
F-40
Note 12 – Disaggregation of sales:
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.
Net sales - point of origin:
United States
Germany
Canada
Norway
Belgium
Eliminations
Total
Net sales - point of destination:
Europe
North America
Other
Total
2021
Years ended December 31,
2022
(In millions)
2023
$
$
$
$
1,052.1
971.7
371.9
257.2
295.7
(1,009.2)
1,939.4
945.0
645.7
348.7
1,939.4
$
$
$
$
1,226.6
895.4
389.4
273.5
306.5
(1,161.2)
1,930.2
878.3
695.7
356.2
1,930.2
$
$
$
$
1,029.2
726.4
351.0
252.1
217.1
(909.3)
1,666.5
737.8
618.1
310.6
1,666.5
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
Utility and other
Water delivery
Total
2021
Years ended December 31,
2022
(In millions)
2023
$
$
$
$
105.1
35.7
140.8
207.8
1.6
6.8
216.2
$
$
$
$
114.5
52.1
166.6
120.9
1.2
3.6
125.7
$
$
$
$
121.2
40.1
161.3
92.6
1.3
—
93.9
F-41
Note 13 – Other income, net:
Interest income and other:
Interest and dividends
Securities transactions, net
Total
Infrastructure reimbursement
Currency transactions, net
Insurance recoveries
Gain on land sales
Other, net
Total
2021
Years ended December 31,
2022
(In millions)
2023
$
$
4.0
—
4.0
15.3
1.6
.1
16.0
2.0
39.0
$
10.9 $
(.5)
10.4
16.0
11.5
2.8
—
3.0
43.7
$
$
21.0
.3
21.3
25.5
1.4
3.0
1.5
2.7
55.4
Infrastructure reimbursement – Infrastructure reimbursements related to the OPA are discussed in Note 7.
LandWell also has agreements with certain utility providers servicing the Cadence master planned community under which
certain costs incurred for the development of power infrastructure may be reimbursed to LandWell. LandWell received
$.8 million in reimbursement during the second quarter of 2022 and $.3 million during the third quarter of 2023 for past
costs incurred.
Insurance recoveries – On August 24, 2020, LPC temporarily halted production due to Hurricane Laura.
Although storm damage to core processing facilities was not extensive, a variety of factors, including loss of utilities and
limited access and availability of employees and raw materials, prevented the resumption of operations until September 25,
2020. The majority of Kronos’ losses from property damage and its share of LPC’s lost production and other costs resulting
from the disruption of operations were covered by insurance. Kronos recognized gains of $2.7 million and $2.5 million in
2022 and 2023, respectively, related to its business interruption claim.
NL received $.5 million in insurance recoveries in 2023 and recoveries in each of 2021 and 2022 were nominal.
Land sales – In 2021 we sold excess property not used in our operations for net proceeds of approximately $23.4
million (including $8.4 million in the second quarter and $15.0 million in the third quarter) and recognized a gain of $16.0
million (including $5.6 million in the second quarter and $10.4 million in the third quarter). In the second quarter of 2023,
we sold excess property not used in our operations for net proceeds of approximately $1.8 million and recognized a gain
of $1.5 million.
F-42
Note 14 – Income taxes:
Pre-tax income (loss):
United States
Non-U.S. subsidiaries
Total
Expected tax expense (benefit) at U.S. federal statutory
income tax rate of 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
Global intangible low-tax income, net
U.S. state income taxes, net
Adjustment to the reserve for uncertain tax positions, net
Nondeductible expenses
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 (benefit) for income taxes
allocable to:
Net income (loss)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Currency translation
Pension plans
Other
Total
2021
Years ended December 31,
2022
(In millions)
2023
131.4
126.4
257.8
54.1
4.5
(2.0)
.9
2.8
1.5
(2.6)
1.1
(.2)
60.1
29.7
21.5
51.2
(1.7)
10.6
8.9
60.1
$
$
$
$
$
$
81.4
88.5
169.9
35.7
2.0
(1.7)
(3.0)
1.8
1.5
(2.9)
1.0
(.6)
33.8
16.3
20.1
36.4
(3.9)
1.3
(2.6)
33.8
$
$
$
$
$
$
53.2
(72.7)
(19.5)
(4.1)
(6.3)
(13.9)
2.2
(.4)
.6
(.7)
1.2
(1.0)
(22.4)
12.6
13.5
26.1
(12.6)
(35.9)
(48.5)
(22.4)
60.1
$
33.8
$
(22.4)
(.8)
29.7
—
89.0
$
(3.3)
60.7
.9
92.1
$
.4
(7.6)
(.3)
(29.9)
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
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 our Chemicals Segment’s non-U.S. subsidiaries, which subsidiary is treated as a dual resident for U.S.
income tax purposes, to the extent the current-year income (losses) of such subsidiary is subject to U.S. income tax under
the U.S. dual-resident provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, (iii) deferred income taxes associated with our direct
F-43
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, 2022 and 2023 are summarized in the
following table.
December 31,
2022
2023
Assets
Liabilities
Assets
Liabilities
$
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)
$
(In millions)
(5.3) $
(62.8)
(5.4)
—
—
—
—
(15.8)
(62.3)
(11.4)
—
—
(163.0)
99.5
(63.5) $
1.4 $
—
5.7
2.1
26.9
22.6
14.1
—
10.5
—
119.6
(18.2)
184.7
(117.7)
67.0 $
—
(62.9)
(5.7)
—
—
—
—
(15.3)
(54.7)
(10.9)
—
—
(149.5)
117.7
(31.8)
— $
—
5.3
2.0
22.0
25.9
12.0
—
6.7
—
82.6
(16.5)
140.0
(99.5)
40.5
$
We periodically review our deferred tax assets (DTAs) to determine if a valuation allowance is required. At
December 31, 2023, our Chemicals Segment has German corporate and trade net operating loss (NOL) carryforwards of
$478.7 million (DTA of $75.8 million) and $54.5 million (DTA of $5.9 million), respectively; Belgian corporate NOL
carryforwards of $47.0 million (DTA of $11.8 million) and Canadian corporate and provincial NOL carryforwards of
$31.5 million (DTA of $4.7 million) and $34.9 million (DTA of $4.0 million), respectively. 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 lengthy carryforward periods (the German and Belgian carryforwards may be carried
forward indefinitely and the Canadian carryforwards may be carried forward 20 years), (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, Belgian or Canadian operations for an extended period of time, or if applicable laws were
to change such that the carryforward periods were more limited, 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.
The 2017 Tax Act limited our business interest expense to the sum of our business interest income and 30% of
our adjusted taxable income as defined in the Tax Act. Any business interest expense disallowed as a deduction as a result
of the limitation may be carried forward indefinitely. At December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2023, we have recorded
deferred tax assets of $12.5 million and $14.7 million, respectively, for the carryforwards associated with the
nondeductible portion of our interest expense and have concluded we are required to recognize a valuation allowance for
such deferred tax asset under the more-likely-than-not recognition criteria. During 2023 we recognized a non-cash deferred
income tax expense of $2.2 million with respect to the valuation allowance recorded on additional interest expense
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
F-44
(Transition Tax) provisions of the 2017 Tax Act which imposed a one-time repatriation tax on post - 1986 undistributed
earnings, we recognized current income tax expense of $74.1 million and elected to pay such tax in annual installments
over an eight-year period beginning in 2018. At December 31, 2023, the balance of our unpaid Transition Tax is $33.3
million with two remaining payments of $14.8 million due in 2024 and $18.5 million due in 2025. The payments are
recorded as a current and noncurrent payable to affiliate (income taxes payable to Contran) on our Consolidated Balance
Sheet at December 31, 2023. See Note 17.
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, 2023, we have recognized a deferred income
tax liability with respect to our direct investment in Kronos of $47.4 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 $153.6 million. During 2023,
we recognized a non-cash deferred income tax benefit with respect to our direct investment in Kronos of $6.4 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 $1.2 million in 2022 and $5.0 million in 2021. 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.
Tax authorities are examining certain of our U.S. and non-U.S. tax returns and 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. We believe we have adequate accruals for additional taxes and related interest expense
which could ultimately result from tax examinations. We believe the ultimate disposition of tax examinations should not
have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or liquidity.
The following table shows the changes in the amount of our uncertain tax positions (exclusive of the effect of
interest and penalties) during 2021, 2022 and 2023:
2021
Years ended December 31,
2022
(In millions)
2023
Unrecognized tax benefits:
Amount at beginning of year
Tax positions taken in current period
Lapse due to applicable statute of limitations
Changes in currency exchange rates
Amount at end of year
$
$
9.6
.6
(3.6)
(.2)
6.4
$
$
6.4
.7
(3.4)
(.2)
3.5
$
$
3.5
.5
(1.2)
—
2.8
At December 31, 2023, all of our uncertain tax benefits are classified as a component of our noncurrent deferred
tax asset. If our uncertain tax position at December 31, 2023 was recognized, a benefit of $2.8 million would affect our
effective income tax rate. We currently estimate that our unrecognized tax benefits will not change materially during the
next twelve months.
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 2020 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: 2018 for Norway; 2018 for
Canada; 2019 for Germany; and 2020 for Belgium.
F-45
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 $.7 million during 2021, $.2 million during 2022 and nil during 2023, and at
December 31, 2022 and 2023 we had $.1 million and nil, respectively, accrued for interest and penalties for our uncertain
tax positions.
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
Note 16 – Valhi stockholders’ equity:
Balance at December 31, 2021, 2022 and 2023
December 31,
2022
2023
(In millions)
$
$
239.3
79.0
20.6
6.9
2.4
348.2
$
$
209.0
76.9
22.0
11.0
6.8
325.7
2021
Years ended December 31,
2022
(In millions)
2023
$
$
22.0
8.7
2.2
14.7
22.9
70.5
$
$
20.0
5.8
2.6
2.8
14.7
45.9
$
$
(9.5)
(.4)
2.9
8.2
13.8
15.0
Shares of common stock
Issued
Treasury
Outstanding
29.6
(In millions)
(1.1)
28.5
Valhi share repurchases and cancellations. Prior to 2021 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. The aggregate number of shares authorized for
repurchase is 833,333, and we have approximately 334,000 shares available for repurchase at December 31, 2023. 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 2021, 2022 or 2023.
Treasury stock. At December 31, 2022 and 2023, 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,
2022 and 2023 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 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
F-46
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 a gain of $3.3 million in 2021, a loss of $1.6 million in
2022 and a loss of $1.7 million in 2023 in our Consolidated Statements of Operations which represents the unrealized gain
(loss) in respect of these shares attributable to the noncontrolling interest of Kronos and NL. See Note 2.
Valhi director stock plan. Prior to 2021, our board of directors adopted a plan that provided for the award of stock
to our board of directors, and up to a maximum of 200,000 shares could be awarded. In March 2021, our board of directors
voted to replace the existing director stock plan with a new plan that would provide for the award of stock to non-employee
members of our board of directors, and up to a maximum of 100,000 shares could be awarded. The new plan was approved
at our May 2021 shareholder meeting, at which time the prior director stock plan terminated. We awarded 2,400 shares
and 9,000 shares under this plan in 2022 and 2023, respectively, and at December 31, 2023, 84,600 shares are available
for future award under this new plan.
Stock plans of subsidiaries. Kronos, NL and CompX each maintain plans which provide for the award of their
common stock to their board of directors. At December 31, 2023, Kronos, NL and CompX had 97,100, 200,000 and
124,450 shares of their respective common stock available for future award under respective plans.
F-47
Accumulated other comprehensive loss. Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Valhi
stockholders comprises changes in equity as presented in the table below.
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (net of tax and
noncontrolling interest):
Marketable securities:
Balance at beginning of year
Other comprehensive income:
Unrealized gain (loss) arising during the year
Balance at end of year
Currency translation:
Balance at beginning of year
Other comprehensive income (loss) arising during the year
Balance at end of year
Defined benefit pension plans:
Balance at beginning of year
Other comprehensive income:
Amortization of prior service cost and net losses
included in net periodic pension cost
Net actuarial gain (loss) arising during the year
Plan settlement
Balance at end of year
OPEB plans:
Balance at beginning of year
Other comprehensive income:
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
2021
Years ended December 31,
2022
(In millions)
2023
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
1.8
(.1)
1.7
(67.4)
(4.8)
(72.2)
(154.1)
10.7
22.5
—
(120.9)
.3
(.3)
.1
.1
(219.4)
28.1
(191.3)
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
1.7 $
(.1)
1.6 $
(72.2)
(19.3)
(91.5)
(120.9)
7.3
58.4
.2
(55.0)
.1
(.5)
1.4
1.0
(191.3)
47.4
(143.9)
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
1.6
.1
1.7
(91.5)
2.7
(88.8)
(55.0)
1.9
(10.0)
4.3
(58.8)
1.0
(.7)
.1
.4
(143.9)
(1.6)
(145.5)
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
F-48
and related entities consider, review and evaluate such transactions. Depending upon the business, tax and other objectives
then relevant, it is possible that we might be a party to one or more such transactions in the future.
From time to time, we may have loans and advances outstanding between us and various related parties, including
Contran, pursuant to term and demand notes. We generally enter into these loans and advances for cash management
purposes. When we loan funds to related parties, we are generally able to earn a higher rate of return on the loan than we
would earn if we invested the funds in other instruments. While certain of these loans may be of a lesser credit quality than
cash equivalent instruments otherwise available to us, we believe we have evaluated the credit risks involved and
appropriately reflect those credit risks in the terms of the applicable loans. When we borrow from related parties, we are
generally able to pay a lower rate of interest than we would pay if we borrowed from unrelated parties. We paid Contran
$10.4 million, $9.2 million and $10.3 million in interest on borrowings and unused commitment fees under Valhi’s Contran
credit facility in 2021, 2022 and 2023, respectively. In February 2024, Kronos entered into a $53.7 million subordinated,
unsecured term loan with Contran. See Note 9 for more information on the Kronos term loan with Contran and the Valhi
credit facility with Contran.
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 fees are
based on the compensation of individual Contran employees providing services for us and/or estimates of the time devoted
to our affairs by such 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 $41.0 million in 2021, $41.2 million in 2022 and $37.8 million in 2023.
At December 31, 2023, we had an aggregate 16.7 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 $1.5 million in 2021, $1.2 million
in 2022 and $.8 million in 2023 from Contran for this pledge.
Contran and certain of its subsidiaries and affiliates, including us, purchase certain of their insurance policies and
risk management services as a group, with the costs of the jointly-owned policies and services 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 highly rated (as
determined by A.M. Best or other internationally recognized ratings agency) third-party insurance carriers for substantially
all of the risks it underwrites. Consistent with insurance industry practices, Tall Pines receives commissions from the
reinsurance underwriters and/or assesses fees for certain of the policies that it underwrites. The aggregate amount paid
under the group insurance program by us, our subsidiaries and our joint venture in 2021, 2022 and 2023 was $27.1 million,
$25.2 million and $29.3 million, respectively, which amounts principally represent insurance premiums. The aggregate
amounts paid under the group insurance program also include payments to insurers or reinsurers 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. We expect these relationships will continue in 2024.
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 services program
that Contran provides for primary data processing and failover. The program apportions its costs among the participating
F-49
companies. The aggregate amount Kronos paid Contran for such services was $.3 million in each of 2021 and 2022 and
$.4 million in 2023. Under the terms of a sublease agreement between Contran and Kronos, Kronos leases certain office
space from Contran. Kronos paid Contran $.4 million in 2021, $.5 million in 2022 and $.6 million in 2023 for such rent
and related ancillary services. We expect that these relationships with Contran will continue in 2024.
Receivables from and payables to affiliates are summarized in the table below.
Current receivables from affiliates:
LPC
Contran - trade items
Other
Total
Current payables to affiliates:
LPC
Contran - income taxes
Total
Noncurrent payable to affiliates:
Contran - income taxes
Payables to affiliate included in long-term debt:
Valhi - Contran credit facility
December 31,
2022
2023
(In millions)
$
$
$
$
$
$
—
.2
2.7
2.9
17.1
5.8
22.9
33.4
121.4
$
$
$
$
$
$
16.9
.2
.4
17.5
19.9
10.2
30.1
18.5
93.4
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 $188.6 million in 2021, $225.6 million in
2022 and $231.7 million in 2023. Sales of feedstock to LPC were $85.4 million in 2021, $106.9 million in 2022 and $135.1
million in 2023. 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 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.
F-50
NL believes it has substantial defenses to these actions and NL intends to continue to deny all allegations of
wrongdoing and liability and to defend against all actions vigorously. We do not believe it is probable we have incurred
any liability with respect to pending 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, we believe liability to NL that may result, if any, in this regard cannot be
reasonably estimated, because:
• 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 judgments have ever been entered against NL, and
•
• 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, 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 included in noncurrent restricted cash 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, NL placed an additional $9.0 million into an escrow account which is included in noncurrent
restricted cash on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
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. NL made the initial $25.0 million payment in
September 2019 and the first, second, third and fourth annual installment payments of $12.0 million each in
September 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023. We recognized an aggregate accretion expense of $1.1 million, $.9 million and $.7
million in 2021, 2022, and 2023, respectively.
New cases may continue to be filed against us. We do not know if we will 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
F-51
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 of our facilities are in substantial compliance with applicable
environmental laws.
Certain properties and facilities used in our former operations (primarily 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 and 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 we may be jointly and severally
liable for these costs, in most cases NL is 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:
•
•
•
•
complexity and differing interpretations of governmental regulations,
number of PRPs and their ability or willingness to fund such allocation of costs,
financial capabilities of the PRPs and the allocation of costs among them,
solvency of other PRPs,
• multiplicity of possible solutions,
•
number of years of investigatory, remedial and monitoring activity required,
•
•
uncertainty over the extent, if any, to which our former operations might have contributed to the conditions
allegedly giving rise to such personal injury, property damage, natural resource and related claims, and
number of years between former operations and notice of claims and lack of information and documents
about the former operations.
F-52
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. Actual costs could exceed accrued amounts or the upper end of the range for sites for which estimates have been
made, and costs may 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, 2022 and December 31, 2023, 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 the 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 2021, 2022, and
2023.
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 the Consolidated Balance Sheet at the
end of the year:
Current liabilities
Noncurrent liabilities
Total
$
$
$
$
2021
Years ended December 31,
2022
(In millions)
$
2023
98.6
1.6
(2.5)
(.1)
97.6
3.5
94.1
97.6
$
$
$
97.6 $
1.7
(2.0)
—
97.3 $
3.8 $
93.5
97.3 $
97.3
2.5
(2.9)
—
96.9
3.7
93.2
96.9
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, 2023, NL had accrued approximately
$91 million related to approximately 33 sites associated with remediation and related matters 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 $118 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,
2023, 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, if any, and the extent
F-53
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, 2023 for other environmental cleanup
matters which represents our best estimate of the liability.
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 certain of our 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
additional material insurance coverage for our environmental matters. We currently believe that the disposition of all of
these various other claims and disputes (including asbestos-related claims), individually or in the aggregate, should not
have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or liquidity beyond the accruals
already provided.
Other matters
Concentrations of credit risk – Sales of TiO2 accounted for approximately 92% of our Chemicals Segment’s sales
in each of 2021 and 2022 and 90% in 2023. The remaining sales result from the 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 approximately 3,000 customers, with the top ten customers approximating 32% of our Chemicals Segment’s net
sales in 2021, 33% in 2022 and 35% in 2023. One customer accounted for approximately 10% of our Chemicals Segment’s
net sales in 2022 and 12% in 2023. Our Chemicals Segment did not have sales to a single customer comprising 10% or
more of its net sales in 2021. 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.
F-54
Europe
North America
2021
2022
2023
46%
37%
45%
39%
44%
41%
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 51%
of our Component Products Segment’s sales in 2021 and 52% in each of 2022 and 2023. One customer of the security
products reporting unit accounted for approximately 16% of the Component Products Segment’s total sales in 2021, 14%
in 2022 and 24% in 2023 (of which 11% relates to a pilot project). One customer of the marine components reporting unit
accounted for 12% of the Component Products Segment’s total sales in 2022.
Our Real Estate Management and Development Segment’s revenues are land sales income and water (through
September 2022) and electric delivery fees (prior to December 2023). During 2021, 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
2022, we had sales to two customers that each exceeded 10% of our Real Estate Management and Development Segment’s
net sales, both related to land sales. During 2023, we had sales to five customers 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 2026. The agreements require Kronos to purchase certain minimum quantities of feedstock
with minimum purchase commitments aggregating approximately $583 million over the life of the contracts in years
subsequent to December 31, 2023 (including approximately $465 million committed to be purchased in 2024). In addition,
our Chemicals Segment has other long-term supply and service contracts that provide for various raw materials and
services. These agreements require Kronos to purchase certain minimum quantities or services with minimum purchase
commitments aggregating approximately $72 million at December 31, 2023 (including $38 million committed to be
purchased in 2024).
Income taxes – Prior to 2021, 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.
F-55
Note 19 – Financial instruments:
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, 2022 and 2023:
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash equivalents
Long-term debt:
Kronos 3.75% Senior Secured Notes due 2025
Valhi credit facility with Contran
LandWell bank note payable
December 31, 2022
Fair
value
Carrying
amount
December 31, 2023
Fair
value
Carrying
amount
$
562.0
$
(In millions)
562.0 $
462.0 $
462.0
424.1
121.4
12.9
374.2
121.4
12.9
440.9
93.4
12.2
424.5
93.4
12.2
At December 31, 2023, the estimated market price of Kronos’ 3.75% Senior Secured Notes due 2025 was €959
per €1,000 principal amount. The fair value of Kronos’ 3.75% Senior Secured Notes due 2025 was based on quoted market
prices; however, these quoted market prices represent Level 2 inputs because the markets in which the 3.75% Senior
Secured Notes due 2025 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 – Restructuring costs:
As part of overall cost saving measures to improve Kronos’ long-term cost structure, during the third quarter of
2023 Kronos began implementing certain voluntary and involuntary workforce reductions. A substantial portion of
Kronos’ workforce reductions were accomplished through voluntary programs for which eligible workforce reduction
costs are recognized at the time both the employee and employer are irrevocably committed to the terms of the separation.
These workforce reductions impacted approximately 100 individuals and are substantially completed. Kronos recognized
a total of approximately $6 million in selling, general and administrative expense related to these workforce reductions in
2023. Kronos does not expect to accrue any further material amounts associated with the affected individuals who are
providing service to Kronos past December 31, 2023. Accrued severance costs at December 31, 2023 are expected to be
paid by the first quarter of 2024 and are included in accrued liabilities – other on our Consolidated Balance Sheet. See
Note 10.
A summary of the activity in Kronos’ accrued workforce reduction costs for 2023 is shown in the table below (in
millions):
Accrued workforce reduction costs as of January 1, 2023
Workforce reduction costs accrued
Workforce reduction costs paid
Currency translation adjustments, net
Accrued workforce reduction costs at December 31, 2023
Amounts recognized in the balance sheet:
Current liability
Noncurrent liability
$
$
$
$
—
5.8
(.9)
.1
5.0
5.0
—
5.0
F-56
Note 21 – Recent Accounting Pronouncements:
In November 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued ASU 2023 - 07, Segment Reporting
(Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures. The ASU requires public companies to disclose significant
segment expenses and other segment items on an annual and interim basis. The ASU also mandates public companies to
provide all annual segment disclosures currently required annually in interim periods. Public companies will also be
required to disclose the title and position of the chief operating decision maker (CODM) and explain how the CODM uses
the reported measure of segment profit or loss in assessing segment performance and allocation resources. The ASU is
effective for us beginning with our 2024 Annual Report, and for interim reporting, in the first quarter of 2025, with
retrospective application required. We are in the process of evaluating the additional disclosure requirements.
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023 - 09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax
Disclosures. The ASU requires additional annual disclosure and disaggregation for the rate reconciliation, income taxes
paid and income tax expense by federal, state and foreign tax jurisdictions. In addition, the standard increases the disclosure
requirements for items included in the rate reconciliation that meet a quantitative threshold. The ASU is effective for us
beginning with our 2025 Annual Report. The ASU may be applied prospectively; however, entities have the option to
apply it retrospectively. We are in the process of evaluating the additional disclosure requirements.
F-57
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 (5)
Basic Water Company SPE LLC (5)
Basic Environmental Company LLC
Basic Remediation Company LLC
Basic Land Company
The LandWell Company LP (6)
Henderson Interchange Sign LLC
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
Delaware
Nevada
Delaware
Vermont
Delaware
EXHIBIT 21.1
% of Voting
Securities
Held at
December 31,
2023 (1)
100%
50%
83%
87%
100%
100%
63%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
50%
100%
100%
100%
100%
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
Held by the Registrant or the indicated subsidiary of the Registrant.
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, 2023 (File No. 333-100047). NL owns an additional 31% 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, 2023 (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, 2023 (File No. 1-13905).
Basic Water Company and its subsidiaries voluntarily filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the
United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Nevada on September 10, 2022. On November 8, 2023,
the court entered an order approving BWC’s plan of reorganization. See Note 3 to the Registrant’s
Consolidated Financial Statements included in its Annual Report in the Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2023.
(6)
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