EDGAR 10-K Filing

Company CIK: 59255
Filing Year: 2023
Filename: 59255_10-K_2023_0001558370-23-003319.json

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ITEM 1. BUSINESS
ITEM 1.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., Basic Management, Inc. and The LandWell Company. Kronos (NYSE: KRO), NL (NYSE: NL) and CompX (NYSE American: CIX) each file periodic reports with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).
Our principal executive offices are located at Three Lincoln Center 5430 LBJ Freeway, Suite 1700, Dallas, Texas 75240-2620. Our telephone number is (972) 233-1700. We maintain a website at www.valhi.net.
Brief History
LLC Corporation, our legal predecessor, was incorporated in Delaware in 1932. We are the successor company of the 1987 merger of LLC Corporation and another entity controlled by Contran Corporation. One of Contran’s wholly-owned subsidiaries held approximately 92% of Valhi’s outstanding common stock at December 31, 2022. 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;
● 1995 - WCS begins start-up operations;
● 2003 - NL completes the spin-off of Kronos through the pro-rata distribution of Kronos shares to its shareholders including us;
● 2004 through 2005 - NL distributes Kronos shares to its shareholders, including us, through quarterly dividends;
● 2008 - WCS receives a license for the disposal of byproduct material and begins construction of the byproduct facility infrastructure;
● 2009 - WCS receives a license for the disposal of Class A, B and C low-level radioactive waste (“LLRW”) and completes construction of the byproduct facility;
● 2010 - Kronos completes a secondary offering of its common stock lowering our ownership of Kronos to 80%;
● 2011 - WCS begins construction on its Compact and Federal LLRW and mixed LLRW disposal facilities;
● 2012 - WCS completes construction of its Compact and Federal LLRW disposal facilities and commences operations at the Compact facility;
● 2012 - In December CompX completes the sale of its furniture components business;
● 2013 - WCS commences operations at the Federal LLRW facility;
● 2013 - In December we purchased an additional ownership interest in and became the majority owner of Basic Management, Inc. and The LandWell Company; both companies are now included in our Consolidated Financial Statements effective December 31, 2013;
● 2015 - The first homes in our Cadence planned community were completed by third-party builders and sold to the public;
● 2018 - In January we completed the sale of WCS;
● 2020 - In December LandWell completed the first bulk sale of land within the Cadence planned community; and
● 2022 - In July 2022 Basic Water Company ceased water delivery due to a decline in water levels at Lake Mead in Nevada.
Unless otherwise indicated, references in this report to “we”, “us” or “our” refer to Valhi, Inc. and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole.
Forward-Looking Statements
This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. Statements in this Annual Report that are not historical facts are forward-looking in nature and represent management’s beliefs and assumptions based on currently available information. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by the use of words such as “believes,” “intends,” “may,” “should,” “could,” “anticipates,” “expects” or comparable terminology, or by discussions of strategies or trends. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, we do not know if these expectations will be correct. Such statements by their nature involve substantial risks and uncertainties that could significantly impact expected results. Actual future results could differ materially from those predicted. The factors that could cause actual future results to differ materially from those described herein are the risks and uncertainties discussed in this Annual Report and those described from time to time in our other filings with the SEC and include, but are not limited to, the following:
● 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 such as COVID-19);
● Operating interruptions (including, but not limited to, labor disputes, leaks, natural disasters, fires, explosions, unscheduled or unplanned downtime such as disruptions in energy supplies, transportation interruptions, cyber-attacks and public health crises such as COVID-19);
● Competitive products and substitute products;
● Customer and competitor strategies;
● Potential difficulties in integrating future acquisitions;
● Potential difficulties in upgrading or implementing accounting and manufacturing software systems;
● Potential consolidation of our competitors;
● Potential consolidation of our customers;
● The impact of pricing and production decisions;
● Competitive technology positions;
● Our ability to protect or defend intellectual property rights;
● The introduction of trade barriers or trade disputes;
● The ability of our subsidiaries to pay us dividends;
● 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 and safety 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
● Possible future litigation.
Should one or more of these risks materialize (or the consequences of such development worsen), or should the underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from those currently forecasted or expected.
We disclaim any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement whether as a result of changes in information, future events or otherwise.
Segments
We currently have three consolidated reportable operating segments at December 31, 2022:
Chemicals
Kronos Worldwide, Inc.
Our Chemicals Segment is operated through our majority control of Kronos. Kronos is a leading global producer and marketer of value-added titanium dioxide pigments (“TiO2”). TiO2 is used to impart whiteness, brightness, opacity and durability to a wide variety of products, including paints, plastics, paper, fibers and ceramics. Additionally, TiO2 is a critical component of everyday applications, such as coatings, plastics and paper, as well as many specialty products such as inks, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
Component Products
CompX International Inc.
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.
Real Estate Management and Development
Basic Management, Inc. and The LandWell Company
We operate in real estate management and development through our majority control of BMI and LandWell. BMI owns real property in Henderson, Nevada and through its wholly-owned subsidiaries provides utility services to certain industrial and municipal customers. LandWell is engaged in efforts to develop certain land holdings for commercial, industrial and residential purposes in Henderson, Nevada.
For additional information about our segments and equity investments see “Part II - Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and Notes 2, 7 and 12 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.
CHEMICALS SEGMENT - KRONOS WORLDWIDE, INC.
Business Overview
Our majority-controlled subsidiary, Kronos, is a leading global producer and marketer of value-added titanium dioxide pigments, or TiO2, a base industrial product used in a wide range of applications. Kronos, along with its distributors and agents, sells and provides technical services for its products to approximately 4,000 customers in 100 countries with the majority of sales in Europe, North America and the Asia Pacific region. We believe 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 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 each account for approximately 16% of global TiO2 consumption. 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 TiO2 producer in Europe with 45% of its 2022 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
17%
15%
14%
North America
18%
17%
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, with an estimated 7% share of worldwide TiO2 sales volume in 2022.
Kronos offers its customers a broad portfolio of products that include over 40 different TiO2 pigment grades under the KRONOS® trademark, which provide a variety of performance properties to meet customers’ specific requirements. Kronos’ major customers include domestic and international paint, plastics, decorative laminate and paper manufacturers. Kronos ships TiO2 to its customers in either a dry or slurry form via rail, truck and/or ocean carrier. Sales of Kronos’ core TiO2 pigments represented approximately 92% of our Chemicals Segment’s net sales in 2022. 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, 2022:
Sales volume percentages
by geographic region
Sales volume percentages
by end-use
Europe
%
Coatings
%
North America
%
Plastics
%
Asia Pacific
%
Paper
%
Rest of World
%
Other
%
Some of the principal applications for Kronos’ products include the following:
TiO2 for coatings - Kronos’ TiO2 is used to provide opacity, durability, tinting strength and brightness in industrial coatings, as well as coatings for commercial and residential interiors and exteriors, automobiles, aircraft, machines, appliances, traffic paint and other special purpose coatings. The amount of TiO2 used in coatings varies widely depending on the opacity, color and quality desired. In general, the higher the opacity requirement of the coating, the greater the TiO2 content.
TiO2 for plastics - Kronos produces TiO2 pigments that improve the optical and physical properties of plastics, including whiteness and opacity. TiO2 is used to provide opacity to items such as containers and packaging materials, and vinyl products such as windows, door profiles and siding. TiO2 also generally provides hiding power, neutral undertone, brightness and surface durability for housewares, appliances, toys, computer cases and food packages. TiO2’s high brightness along with its opacity, is used in some engineering plastics to help mask their undesirable natural color. TiO2 is also used in masterbatch, which is a concentrate of TiO2 and other additives and is one of the largest uses for TiO2 in the plastics end-use market. In masterbatch, the TiO2 is dispersed at high concentrations into a plastic resin and is then used by manufacturers of plastic containers, bottles, packaging and agricultural films.
TiO2 for paper - Kronos’ TiO2 is used in the production of several types of paper, including laminate (decorative) paper, filled paper and coated paper to provide whiteness, brightness, opacity and color stability. Although Kronos sells its TiO2 to all segments of the paper end-use market, its primary focus is on the TiO2 grades used in paper laminates, where several layers of paper are laminated together using melamine resin under high temperature and pressure. The top layer of paper contains TiO2 and plastic resin and is the layer that is printed with decorative patterns. Paper laminates are used to replace materials such as wood and tile for such applications 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 8% of our Chemicals Segment’s net sales in 2022:
● 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. Kronos supplies ilmenite to its sulfate plants in Europe. Kronos also sells ilmenite ore to third parties, some of whom are its competitors. Kronos also sells an ilmenite-based specialty product to the oil and gas industry. The mine has estimated ilmenite reserves that are expected to last at least 50 years.
● Kronos manufactures and sells iron-based chemicals, which are co-products and processed co-products of sulfate and chloride process TiO2 pigment production. These co-product chemicals are marketed through its Ecochem division and are primarily used as treatment and conditioning agents for industrial effluents and municipal wastewater as well as in the manufacture of iron pigments, cement and agricultural products.
● 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 2022, chloride process production facilities represented approximately 45% of industry capacity. The sulfate process is preferred for use in selected paper products, ceramics, rubber tires, man-made fibers, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. Once an intermediate TiO2 pigment has been produced by either the chloride or sulfate process, it is “finished” into products with specific performance characteristics for particular end-use applications through proprietary processes involving various chemical surface treatments and intensive micronizing (milling).
● Chloride process - The chloride process is a continuous process in which chlorine is used to extract rutile TiO2. The chloride process produces less waste than the sulfate process because much of the chlorine is recycled and feedstock bearing higher titanium content is used. The chloride process also has lower energy requirements and is less labor-intensive than the sulfate process, although the chloride process requires a higher-skilled labor force. The chloride process produces an intermediate base pigment with a wide range of properties.
● Sulfate process - The sulfate process is a batch process in which sulfuric acid is used to extract the TiO2 from ilmenite or titanium slag. After separation from the impurities in the ore (mainly iron), the TiO2 is precipitated and calcined to form an intermediate base pigment ready for sale or can be upgraded through finishing treatments.
Kronos produced 517,000, 545,000 and 492,000 metric tons of TiO2 in 2020, 2021 and 2022, 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 92% in 2020, full practical capacity in 2021 and 89% in 2022. Kronos’ production rates in 2020 were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic (primarily in the third quarter). In the fourth quarter of 2022 Kronos adjusted production levels to correspond with reduced customer demand in its European and export markets 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.
As part of Kronos’ long-term strategy to increase chloride process production, Kronos phased-out sulfate production at its Leverkusen facility during 2020. 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 into 2023. Based on current assumptions about market performance and demand, Kronos expects to operate its TiO2 plants at 80% to 90% capacity in the first half of 2023 and near full practical capacity levels by the second half of 2023.
The following table presents the division of Kronos’ expected 2023 manufacturing capacity by plant location and type of manufacturing process:
% of capacity by TiO2
manufacturing process
Facility
Description
Chloride
Sulfate
Leverkusen, Germany (1)
TiO2 production, chloride process, co-products
%
-
%
Nordenham, Germany
TiO2 production, sulfate process, co-products
-
Langerbrugge, Belgium
TiO2 production, chloride process, co-products,
titanium chemicals products
-
Fredrikstad, Norway (2)
TiO2 production, sulfate process, co-products
-
Varennes, Canada
TiO2 production, chloride and sulfate process,
slurry facility, titanium chemicals products
Lake Charles, LA, US (3)
TiO2 production, chloride process
-
Total
%
%
(1) The Leverkusen facility is located within an extensive manufacturing complex owned by Bayer AG. Kronos owns the Leverkusen facility, which represents about one-third of its current TiO2 production capacity, but Kronos leases the land under the facility from Bayer under a long-term agreement which expires in 2050. Lease payments are periodically negotiated with Bayer for periods of at least two years at a time. A majority-owned subsidiary of Bayer provides some raw materials including chlorine, auxiliary and operating materials, utilities and services necessary to operate the Leverkusen facility under separate supplies and services agreements.
(2) The Fredrikstad facility is located on public land and is leased until 2063.
(3) Kronos operates the facility near Lake Charles 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 above.
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.
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
Product
Renewal Terms
Rio Tinto Iron and Titanium Ltd
Chloride process grade slag
Auto-renews bi-annually
Rio Tinto Iron and Titanium Ltd
Upgraded slag
Auto-renews annually
Eramet SA
Chloride process grade slag
Renewal terms upon negotiation
Sierra Rutile Limited
Rutile ore
Renewal terms upon negotiation
Iluka Resources Limited
Rutile ore
Renewal terms upon negotiation
Saraf Agencies Private Limited
Chloride process grade slag
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 prior to their expiration. Kronos expects the raw materials purchased under these contracts, and contracts that it may enter into, will meet its chloride process feedstock requirements over the next several years. Contracts may be terminated with a 12-month written notice (generally for multi-year agreement terms) 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 2022. 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.
The following table summarizes Kronos’ raw materials purchased or mined in 2022.
Raw materials
Production process/raw material
procured or mined
(In thousands
of metric tons)
Chloride process plants -
Purchased slag or rutile ore
Sulfate process plants:
Ilmenite ore mined and used internally
Purchased slag
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 2022 (Behr Process Corporation - 10%). Kronos’ largest ten customers accounted for approximately 33% of our Chemicals Segment’s net sales in 2022.
Neither our Chemicals Segment’s business as a whole nor any of its principal product groups is seasonal to any significant extent. However, TiO2 sales are generally higher in the second and third quarters of the year, due in part to the increase in coatings production in the spring to meet demand during the spring and summer painting seasons. With certain exceptions, such as during the third quarter of 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and during the fourth quarter of 2022 as a result of reduced customer demand and unprecedentedly high energy costs, Kronos has historically operated its production facilities at near full capacity rates throughout the entire year, which among other things helps to minimize its per-unit production costs. As a result, Kronos normally 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.
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 2022, Kronos had an estimated 7% 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 2022:
Worldwide production capacity - 2022
Chemours
%
Tronox
%
LB Group Co. Ltd.
%
Venator
%
Kronos
%
Other
%
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 capacity which we expect will be added incrementally over the next several years.
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, although 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 2023, 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 $16 million in 2020, $17 million in 2021 and $15 million in 2022. Kronos expects to spend approximately $17 million on research and development in 2023.
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 2017, Kronos has added nine new grades for pigments and other applications.
Patents, trademarks, trade secrets and other intellectual property rights
Kronos has a comprehensive intellectual property protection strategy that includes obtaining, maintaining and enforcing its patents, primarily in the United States, Canada and Europe. Kronos also protects its trademark and trade secret rights and has entered into license agreements with third parties concerning various intellectual property matters. Kronos has also from time to time been involved in disputes over intellectual property.
Patents - Kronos has obtained patents and has numerous patent applications pending that cover its products and the technology used in the manufacture of its products. Kronos’ patent strategy is important to it and its continuing business activities. In addition to maintaining its patent portfolio, Kronos seeks patent protection for its technical developments, principally in the United States, Canada and Europe. U.S. patents are generally in effect for 20 years from the date of filing. Kronos’ U.S. patent portfolio includes patents having remaining terms ranging from one year to 20 years.
Trademarks and trade secrets - Kronos’ trademarks, including KRONOS®, are covered by issued and/or pending registrations, including in Canada and the United States. Kronos protects the trademarks it uses in connection with the products it manufactures and sells and has developed goodwill in connection with its long-term use of its trademarks. Kronos conducts research activities in secret and it protects the confidentiality of its trade secrets through reasonable measures, including confidentiality agreements and security procedures, including data security. Kronos relies upon unpatented proprietary knowledge and continuing technological innovation and other trade secrets to develop and maintain its competitive position. Kronos’ proprietary chloride production process is an important part of its technology and its business could be harmed if it fails to maintain confidentiality of its trade secrets used in this technology.
Regulatory and environmental matters
Kronos’ operations and properties are governed by various environmental laws and regulations which are complex, change frequently and have tended to become stricter over time. These environmental laws govern, among other things, the generation, storage, handling, use and transportation of hazardous materials; the emission and discharge of hazardous materials into the ground, air, or water; and the health and safety of 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, and Kronos has increased its capital expenditures to adapt to the higher 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 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. Three 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.
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 $17.6 million in 2022 and are currently expected to be approximately $20 million in 2023.
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 locking mechanisms which are more costly to produce and are used in applications requiring higher levels of security, including KeSet® and System 64® (which each allow the user to change the keying on a single lock 64 times without removing the lock from its enclosure), TuBar® and Turbine™; and
● CompX’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 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;
● dash panels, LED indicators, and wire harnesses; and
● grab handles, pin cleats and other accessories.
CompX operated three principal operating facilities at December 31, 2022 as shown below.
Reporting
Size
Facility Name
Unit
Location
(square feet)
Owned Facilities:
National (1)
SP
Mauldin, SC
198,000
Grayslake(1)
SP/MC
Grayslake, IL
133,000
Custom(1)
MC
Neenah, WI
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 17% of our Component Products Segment’s total cost of sales for 2022. Total material costs, including purchased components, represented approximately 47% of our Component Products Segment’s cost of sales in 2022.
CompX occasionally enters into short-term commodity-related raw material supply arrangements to mitigate the impact of future price increases in commodity-related raw materials, including zinc, brass and stainless steel. These arrangements generally provide for stated unit prices based upon specified purchase volumes, which help CompX to stabilize its commodity-related raw material costs to a certain extent. At other times CompX may make spot market buys of larger quantities of raw materials to take advantage of favorable pricing or volume-based discounts. Prices for the primary commodity-related raw materials used in the manufacture of locking mechanisms, primarily zinc and brass, generally increased throughout 2021 and the first half of 2022. Prices began to stabilize in the latter half of 2022, although at elevated levels. The prices for stainless steel, the primary raw material used for the manufacture of marine exhaust headers and pipes and wake enhancement systems, experienced significant volatility during 2021 and 2022. Based on current economic conditions, CompX expects the prices for zinc, brass, stainless steel and other manufacturing materials in 2023 to be relatively stable, although at the elevated levels it experienced in the second half of 2022. 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 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
terms ranging from 1 year to 18 years at December 31, 2022. CompX’s major trademarks and brand names in addition to CompX® include:
Security Products
Security Products
Marine Components
CompX® Security Products™
National Cabinet Lock®
Fort Lock®
Timberline® Lock
Chicago Lock®
STOCK LOCKS®
KeSet®
TuBar®
StealthLock®
ACE®
ACE® II
CompX eLock®
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®
Sales, marketing and distribution
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 two customers representing 10% or more of our Component Products Segment’s sales in 2022 (United States Postal Service - 14% and Malibu Boats, LLC -12%). Our Component Products Segment’s largest ten customers accounted for approximately 52% of its sales in 2022.
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 Gold Award from Renewable Water Resources, an organization which sets regulatory and water policies for the Mauldin facility’s geographic region, for multiple years for its exemplary performance. In addition, CompX operates extensive scrap metal recycling programs to reduce landfill waste.
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 provides certain utility services, among other things, to an industrial park located in Henderson, Nevada and prior to the bankruptcy filing on September 10, 2022 of Basic Water Company (“BWC”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of BMI, 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. See Note 2 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”. LandWell is actively engaged in efforts to develop certain real estate in Henderson, Nevada including approximately 2,100 acres zoned for residential/planned community purposes and approximately 400 acres zoned for commercial and light industrial use.
Operations and services
Over the years, LandWell and BMI have focused on developing and selling the land transferred to LandWell as part of its formation in the early 1950’s as well as additional land holdings acquired by LandWell in the surrounding area subsequent to LandWell’s formation (although BMI and LandWell have not had significant real property acquisitions since 2004). Since LandWell’s formation, LandWell and BMI have a history of successfully developing and selling retail, light industrial, commercial and residential projects in the Henderson, Nevada area. LandWell is focused primarily on the development of a large tract of land in Henderson zoned for residential/planned community purposes (approximately 2,100 acres). Planning and zoning work on the project began in 2007, but intensive development efforts of the residential/planned community did not begin until 2013 (with LandWell acting as the master developer for all such development efforts). LandWell markets and sells its residential/planned community to established home builders in tracts of land that are pre-zoned for a maximum number of home lots. LandWell supports the builders’ efforts to market and sell specific residential homes within its residential/planned community through joint marketing campaign and community wide education efforts.
In addition, BMI provides certain utility services to an industrial park located in Henderson, Nevada and prior to BWC’s bankruptcy filing on September 10, 2022 also delivered water to the City of Henderson and various other users through a water delivery system owned and operated by BWC.
Sales
LandWell began marketing land for sale in the residential/planned community in December 2013 and at December 31, 2022 approximately 90 saleable acres remain. LandWell has been actively marketing and selling the land zoned for commercial and light industrial use and at December 31, 2022 approximately 20 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, we do not recognize revenue until we have satisfied the criteria for revenue recognition. In some instances, LandWell will receive cash proceeds at the time the contract closes and record deferred revenue for some or all of the cash amount received, with deferred revenue being recognized in subsequent periods. Substantially all of the land in the residential/planned community has been sold; however, we expect the development work to take three to five years to complete.
Our Real Estate Management and Development Segment’s sales consist principally of land sales and to a lesser extent water (for the first half of 2022) and electric delivery fees. During 2022 we had sales to two customers that exceeded
10% of our Real Estate Management and Development Segment’s net sales (CCR 270 - 30% and Richmond American Homes - 19%) 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.
At a corporate level, we engage in periodic reviews of our cybersecurity programs, including cybersecurity risk and threats. 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. We periodically update our board of directors on our cyber-related risks and cybersecurity programs.
In an effort to align our non-employee directors’ financial interests with those of our stockholders, our Board 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 opportunities, healthcare and insurance benefits, health savings and flexible spending accounts, paid time off, family leave, family care resources, employee assistance programs, and tuition assistance.
As of December 31, 2022, our Chemicals Segment employed the following number of people:
Europe
1,841
Canada
United States (1)
Total
2,266
(1) Excludes employees of our LPC joint venture.
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, 2022, approximately 88% of Kronos’ worldwide workforce is organized under collective bargaining agreements. Kronos did not experience any work stoppages during 2022, 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, 2022, our Component Products Segment and our Real Estate Management and Development Segment employed 609 people and 24 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 continuously seek to improve occupational and process safety performance. We are conducting our businesses in ways that provide all personnel with a safe and healthy work environment and have established safety and environmental programs and goals to achieve such results. We expect our manufacturing facilities to produce our products safely and in compliance with local regulations, policies, standards and practices intended to protect the environment and people and have established global policies designed to promote such compliance. We require our employees to comply with such requirements. We provide our workers with the tools and 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 1.61 in 2020 (1.54 of the aggregate represents employees only), 1.08 in 2021 (0.90 of the aggregate represents employees only) and 1.01 in 2022 (0.86 of the aggregate represents 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 lost time incidents of nil in 2020, one in 2021 and three in 2022.
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, 2022, 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.
Discontinued Operations - On January 26, 2018, we completed the sale of our former Waste Management Segment to JFL-WCS Partners, LLC (“JFL Partners”), an entity sponsored by certain investment affiliates of J.F. Lehman & Company, for consideration consisting of the assumption of all of the Waste Management Segment’s third-party indebtedness and other liabilities. We recognized a pre-tax gain of approximately $4.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2020 related to proceeds received from JFL Partners in final settlement of an earn-out provision in the sale agreement. Amounts associated with the sale of our former Waste Management Segment are classified as part of discontinued operations. See Note 3 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.
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
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.

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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
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 2022, 92% of our Chemicals Segment’s sales were attributable to sales of TiO2. TiO2 is used in many “quality of life” products for which demand historically has been linked to global, regional, and local gross domestic product and discretionary spending, which can be negatively impacted by regional and world events or economic conditions. Such events are likely to cause a decrease in demand for our products and, as a result, may have an adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.
Pricing within the global TiO2 industry over the long term is cyclical and changes in economic conditions worldwide can significantly impact our Chemicals Segment’s earnings and operating cash flows. Historically, the markets for many of our Chemicals Segment’s products have experienced alternating periods of increasing and decreasing demand. Relative changes in the selling prices for our Chemicals Segment’s products are one of the main factors that affect the level of our Chemicals Segment’s profitability. In periods of increasing demand, our Chemicals Segment’s selling prices and profit margins generally will tend to increase, while in periods of decreasing demand selling prices and profit margins generally tend to decrease. In addition, pricing may affect customer inventory levels as customers may from time to time accelerate purchases of TiO2 in advance of anticipated price increases or defer purchases of TiO2 in advance of anticipated price decreases. Our Chemicals Segment’s ability to further increase capacity without additional investment in greenfield
or brownfield capacity may be limited and as a result, our Chemicals Segment’s profitability may become even more dependent upon the selling prices of its products.
The TiO2 industry is concentrated and highly competitive and our Chemical Segment faces price pressures in the markets in which it operates, which may result in reduced earnings or operating losses.
The global market in which our Chemicals Segment operates is concentrated, with the top five TiO2 producers accounting for approximately 52% of the world’s production capacity and is highly competitive. Competition is based on a number of factors, such as price, product quality, and service. Some of our Chemicals Segment’s competitors may be able to drive down prices for its products if their costs are lower than our Chemicals Segment’s costs. In addition, some of our Chemicals Segment’s competitors’ financial, technological, and other resources may be greater than its resources and such competitors may be better able to withstand changes in market conditions. Our Chemicals Segment’s competitors may be able to respond more quickly than it can to new or emerging technologies and changes in customer requirements. Further, consolidation of our Chemicals Segment’s competitors or customers may result in reduced demand for its products or make it more difficult for it to compete with its competitors. The occurrence of any of these events could result in reduced earnings or operating losses.
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 us to be competitive.
● Customers may no longer value our Component Products Segment’s product design, quality, or durability over the lower cost products of its competitors.
Our development of innovative features for current products is critical to sustaining and growing our Component Product Segment’s sales.
Historically, our Component Products Segment’s ability to provide value-added custom engineered products that address requirements of technology and space utilization has been a key element of its success. Our Component Products Segment spends a significant amount of time and effort to refine, improve and adapt its existing products for new customers and applications. Since expenditures for these types of activities are not considered research and development expense under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”), the amount of our Component
Products Segment’s research and development expenditures, which is not significant, is not indicative of the overall effort involved in the development of new product features. The introduction of new product features requires the coordination of the design, manufacturing, and marketing of the new product features with current and potential customers. The ability to coordinate these activities with current and potential customers may be affected by factors beyond our Component Products Segment’s control. While our Component Products Segment will continue to emphasize the introduction of innovative new product features that target customer-specific opportunities, we do not know if any new product features our Component Products Segment introduces will achieve the same degree of success that it has achieved with its existing products. Introduction of new product features typically requires increases in production volume on a timely basis while maintaining product quality. Manufacturers often encounter difficulties in increasing production volumes, including delays, quality control problems and shortages of qualified personnel or raw materials. As our Component Products Segment attempts to introduce new product features in the future, we do not know if it will be able to increase production volumes without encountering these or other problems, which might negatively impact our financial condition or results of operations.
Higher costs or limited availability of our raw materials may reduce our earnings and decrease our liquidity. In addition, many of our raw material contracts contain fixed quantities we are required to purchase.
For our Chemicals Segment, the number of sources for and availability of certain raw materials is specific to the particular geographical region in which 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 2021 and 2022, and we expect feedstock costs to continue to increase in 2023. Our Chemicals Segment may also experience higher operating costs such as energy costs, which could affect its profitability. Our Chemicals Segment may not always be able to increase its selling prices to offset the impact of any higher costs or reduced production levels, which could reduce earnings and decrease liquidity.
Our Chemicals Segment has supply contracts that provide for its TiO2 feedstock requirements that currently expire in 2023, and one contract that extends through 2026. While our Chemicals Segment believes it will be able to renew these contracts, 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 (including those entered into through February 2023) require it to purchase certain minimum quantities of feedstock with minimum purchase commitments aggregating approximately $1.0 billion beginning in 2023 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 $84 million at December 31, 2022. Our Chemicals Segment’s commitments under these contracts could adversely affect our financial results if it significantly reduces its production and is unable to modify the contractual commitments.
Certain raw materials used in our Component Products Segment’s products are commodities that are subject to significant fluctuations in price in response to world-wide supply and demand as well as speculative investor activity. Zinc and brass are the principal raw materials used in the manufacture of security products. Stainless steel and aluminum are the major raw materials used in the manufacture of marine components. These raw materials are purchased from several suppliers and are generally readily available from numerous sources. Our Component Products Segment occasionally enters into short-term raw material supply arrangements to mitigate the impact of future increases in commodity-related raw material costs 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, global conflict, and public health crises such as COVID-19, could prevent our Component Products Segment’s vendors from being able to supply these components. Should our Component Products Segment’s vendors not be able to meet their
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 $140 million and will take approximately three to five 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 Notes, our loan from Contran Corporation, and the LandWell bank note. As of December 31, 2022, our total consolidated debt was approximately $560 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 accrues interest at variable rates. To the extent market interest rates rise, the cost of our debt could increase, 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 $790 million in 2023. 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. 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, 45% of our Chemicals Segment’s sales volumes were sold into European markets. The majority (but not all) of our sales from our Chemicals Segment’s operations outside the United States are denominated in currencies other than the United States dollar, primarily the euro, other major European currencies and the Canadian dollar. Therefore, we are exposed to risks related to the need to convert currencies we receive from the sale of our products into the currencies required to pay for certain of our operating costs and expenses and other liabilities (including indebtedness), all of which could result in future losses depending on fluctuations in currency exchange rates and affect the comparability of our results of operations between periods.
Legal, Compliance and Regulatory Risk Factors
We could incur significant costs related to legal and environmental remediation matters.
NL formerly manufactured lead pigments for use in paint. NL and others have been named as defendants in various legal proceedings seeking damages for personal injury, property damage and governmental expenditures allegedly caused by the use of lead-based paints. These lawsuits seek recovery under a variety of theories, including public and private nuisance, negligent product design, negligent failure to warn, strict liability, breach of warranty, conspiracy/concert of action, aiding and abetting, enterprise liability, market share or risk contribution liability, intentional tort, fraud and misrepresentation, violations of state consumer protection statutes, supplier negligence and similar claims. The plaintiffs in these actions generally seek to impose on the defendants responsibility for lead paint abatement and health concerns associated with the use of lead-based paints, including damages for personal injury, contribution and/or indemnification for medical expenses, medical monitoring expenses and costs for educational programs. NL entered into a legal settlement in one public-nuisance lead pigment case and has recognized a material liability related to the settlement. Any additional liability NL might incur in the future for these matters could be material. See also Item 3 - “Legal Proceedings - Lead pigment litigation - NL.”
Certain properties and facilities used in NL’s former operations are the subject of litigation, administrative proceedings or investigations arising under various environmental laws. These proceedings seek cleanup costs, personal injury or property damages and/or damages for injury to natural resources. Some of these proceedings involve claims for substantial amounts. Environmental obligations are difficult to assess and estimate for numerous reasons, and we may incur costs for environmental remediation in the future in excess of amounts currently estimated. Any liability we might incur in the future could be material. See also Item 3 - “Legal Proceedings - Environmental matters and litigation.”
Environmental, health and safety laws and regulations may result in increased regulatory scrutiny which could decrease demand for our products, increase our manufacturing and compliance costs or obligations and result in unanticipated losses which could negatively impact our financial results or limit our ability to operate our Chemicals Segment’s business.
From time to time, new environmental, health and safety regulations are passed or proposed in the countries in which we operate or sell our products, seeking to regulate our operations or to restrict, limit or classify TiO2, or its use. Increased regulatory scrutiny could affect consumer perception of TiO2 or limit the marketability and demand for TiO2 or products containing TiO2 and increase our manufacturing and regulatory compliance obligations and costs. Increased compliance obligations and costs or restrictions on 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 our intellectual property were to be declared invalid, or copied by or become known to competitors, or if our competitors were to develop similar or superior intellectual property or technology, our ability to compete could be adversely impacted.
Protection of our intellectual property rights, including patents, trade secrets, confidential information, trademarks and tradenames, is important to our businesses and our competitive positions. We endeavor to protect our intellectual property rights in key jurisdictions in which our products are produced or used and in jurisdictions into which our products are imported. However, we may be unable to obtain protection for our intellectual property in key jurisdictions. Although we own and have applied for numerous patents and trademarks throughout the world, we may have to rely on judicial enforcement of our patents and other proprietary rights. Our patents and other intellectual property rights may be challenged, invalidated, circumvented and rendered unenforceable or otherwise compromised. A failure to protect, defend or enforce our intellectual property could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. Similarly, third parties may assert claims against us and our customers and distributors alleging our products infringe upon third-party intellectual property rights.
Although it is the practice of our Chemicals Segment to enter into confidentiality agreements with its employees and third parties to protect its proprietary expertise and other trade secrets, these agreements may not provide sufficient protection for its trade secrets or proprietary know-how, or adequate remedies for breaches of such agreements may not be available in the event of an unauthorized use or disclosure of such trade secrets and know-how. Our Chemicals Segment also may not be able to readily detect breaches of such agreements. The failure of our Chemicals Segment’s patents or confidentiality agreements to protect its proprietary technology, know-how or trade secrets could result in a material loss of its competitive position, which could lead to significantly lower revenues, reduced profit margins or loss of market share.
Our Component Products Segment relies on patent, trademark and trade secret laws in the United States and similar laws in other countries to establish and maintain our intellectual property rights in our technology and designs. Despite these measures, any of our intellectual property rights could be challenged, invalidated, circumvented, or misappropriated. Others may independently discover our trade secrets and proprietary information, and in such cases our Component Products Segment could not assert any trade secret rights against such parties. Further, we do not know if any of our Component Products Segment’s pending trademark or patent applications will be approved. Costly and time-consuming litigation could be necessary to enforce and determine the scope of our intellectual property rights. In addition, the laws of certain countries do not protect intellectual property rights to the same extent as the laws of the United States. Therefore, in certain jurisdictions, we may be unable to protect our technology and designs adequately against unauthorized third-party use, which could adversely affect our competitive position.
Third parties may claim that we or our customers are infringing upon their intellectual property rights. Even if we believe that such claims are without merit, they can be time-consuming and costly to defend and distract our management’s and technical staff’s attention and resources. Claims of intellectual property infringement also might require us to redesign affected technology, enter into costly settlement or license agreements or pay costly damage awards, or face a temporary or permanent injunction prohibiting us from marketing or selling certain of our technology. If we cannot or do not license the infringed technology on reasonable pricing terms or at all, or substitute similar technology from another source, our business could be adversely impacted.
If we must take legal action to protect, defend or enforce our intellectual property rights, any suits or proceedings could result in significant costs and diversion of resources and management’s attention, and we may not prevail in any such suits or proceedings. A failure to protect, defend or enforce our intellectual property rights could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
Global climate change 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 introduced 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 becomes 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.
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, natural disasters, terrorism, armed conflict (such as the current conflict between Russia and Ukraine), health crises (such as COVID-19) 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 plants, receive, process and ship orders, manage the billing of and collections from customers and manage payments to vendors. Although we have systems and procedures
in place to protect our information technology systems, there can be no assurance that such systems and procedures 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.

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ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
ITEM 1B.UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.

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ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
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.

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ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
ITEM 3.LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
We are involved in various legal proceedings. In addition to information included below, certain information called for by this Item is included in Note 18 to our Consolidated Financial Statements, which is incorporated herein by reference.
Lead Pigment Litigation - NL
NL’s former operations included the manufacture of lead pigments for use in paint and lead-based paint. NL, other former manufacturers of lead pigments for use in paint and lead-based paint (together, the “former pigment manufacturers”), and the Lead Industries Association (LIA), which discontinued business operations in 2002, have been named as defendants in various legal proceedings seeking damages for personal injury, property damage and governmental expenditures allegedly caused by the use of lead-based paints. Certain of these actions have been filed by or on behalf of states, counties, cities or their public housing authorities and school districts, and certain others have been asserted as class actions. These lawsuits seek recovery under a variety of theories, including public and private nuisance, negligent product design, negligent failure to warn, strict liability, breach of warranty, conspiracy/concert of action, aiding and abetting, enterprise liability, market share or risk contribution liability, intentional tort, fraud and misrepresentation, violations of state consumer protection statutes, supplier negligence and similar claims.
The plaintiffs in these actions generally seek to impose on the defendants responsibility for lead paint abatement and health concerns associated with the use of lead-based paints, including damages for personal injury, contribution and/or indemnification for medical expenses, medical monitoring expenses and costs for educational programs. To the extent the plaintiffs seek compensatory or punitive damages in these actions, such damages are generally unspecified. In some cases, the damages are unspecified pursuant to the requirements of applicable state law. A number of cases are inactive or have been dismissed or withdrawn. Most of the remaining cases are in various pre-trial stages. Some are on appeal following dismissal or summary judgment rulings or a trial verdict in favor of either the defendants or the plaintiffs.
NL believes these actions are without merit, and intends to continue to deny all allegations of wrongdoing and liability and to defend against all actions vigorously. 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 and third annual installment payments of $12.0 million each in September 2020,
2021 and 2022. We recognized an aggregate accretion expense of $1.3 million, $1.1 million and $.9 million in 2020, 2021 and 2022, respectively.
In November 2018, NL was served with two complaints filed by county governments in Pennsylvania. Each county alleges that NL and several other defendants created a public nuisance by selling and promoting lead-containing paints and pigments in the counties. The plaintiffs seek abatement and declaratory relief. NL believes these lawsuits are inconsistent with Pennsylvania law and without merit, and NL intends to defend itself vigorously. In February 2022, the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court entered orders staying all proceedings in the trial courts, and granting defendants’ request for an interlocutory appeal of earlier trial court rulings allowing the cases to proceed. The stay will remain in place until defendants’ appeals are resolved.
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 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 they are only one of a number of PRPs who may also be jointly and severally liable, and among whom costs may be shared or allocated. In addition, we are occasionally named as a party in a number of personal injury lawsuits filed in various jurisdictions alleging claims related to environmental conditions alleged to have resulted from its operations.
Obligations associated with environmental remediation and related matters are difficult to assess and estimate for numerous reasons including the:
● complexity and differing interpretations of governmental regulations,
● number of PRPs and their ability or willingness to fund such allocation of costs,
● financial capabilities of the PRPs and the allocation of costs among them,
● solvency of other PRPs,
● 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, 2021 and 2022 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.
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, 2022, NL had accrued approximately $92 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 $119 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, 2022, 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 $5 million at December 31, 2022 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 informed the NJDEP by letter that it would resume that investigation. The lawsuit remains pending. NL continues to deny liability and will defend vigorously against all claims.
In June 2011, NL was served in ASARCO LLC v. NL Industries, Inc., et al. (United States District Court, Western District of Missouri, Case No. 4:11-cv-00138-DGK). The plaintiff brought this CERCLA contribution action against several defendants to recover a portion of the amount it paid in settlement with the U.S. Government during its Chapter 11 bankruptcy in relation to the Tar Creek site, the Cherokee County Superfund Site in southeast Kansas, the Oronogo-Duenweg Lead Mining Belt Superfund Site in Jasper County, Missouri and the Newton County Mine Tailing Site in Newton County, Missouri. NL has denied liability and will defend vigorously against all of the claims. In the second quarter of 2012, NL filed a motion to stay the case. In the first quarter of 2013, NL’s motion was granted and the court entered an indefinite stay, which remains in place.
In September 2011, NL was served in ASARCO LLC v. NL Industries, Inc., et al. (United States District Court, Eastern District of Missouri, Case No. 4:11-cv-00864). The plaintiff brought this CERCLA contribution action against several defendants to recover a portion of the amount it paid in settlement with the U.S. Government during its Chapter 11 bankruptcy in relation to the Southeast Missouri Mining District. NL has denied liability and will defend vigorously against all of the claims. In May 2015, the trial court on its own motion entered an indefinite stay of the litigation, which remains in place.
In July 2012, NL was served in EPEC Polymers, Inc., v. NL Industries, Inc., (United States District Court for the District of New Jersey, Case 3:12-cv-03842-PGS-TJB). The plaintiff, a landowner of property located across the Raritan River from NL’s former Sayreville, New Jersey operation, claims that contaminants from NL’s former Sayreville operation came to be located on its land. The complaint seeks compensatory and punitive damages and alleges, among other things, trespass, private nuisance, negligence, strict liability, and claims under CERCLA and the New Jersey Spill Act. 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 is currently in discussions with EPA regarding a de minimis settlement and is otherwise taking actions necessary to respond to the UAO. If these discussions are unsuccessful, NL will continue to deny liability and will defend vigorously against all of the claims.
In January 2020, NL was sued in Atlantic Richfield, Co. v. NL Industries, Inc., (United States District Court for the District of Colorado, Case 1:20-cv-00234). This is a CERCLA cost recovery action brought by a past owner and operator of certain mining properties located in Rico, Colorado. NL has denied 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. The case will continue with regard to the former smelter property and an adjacent industrial area. NL has denied liability and will continue to defend vigorously against all claims.
Other Litigation
NL - NL has been named as a defendant in various lawsuits in several jurisdictions, alleging personal injuries as a result of occupational exposure primarily to products manufactured by our former operations containing asbestos, silica and/or mixed dust. In addition, some plaintiffs allege exposure to asbestos from working in various facilities previously owned and/or operated by NL. There are 109 of these types of cases pending, involving a total of approximately 583 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 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 continue to believe the insurers’ claims are without merit and NL intends to defend its rights and prosecute its claims in this action vigorously.
NL has settled insurance coverage claims concerning environmental claims with certain of its principal former insurance carriers. We do not expect further material settlements relating to environmental remediation coverage.

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ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE
ITEM 4.MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
PART II

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ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY
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 3, 2023, there were approximately 728 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, 2017 through December 31, 2022. The graph shows the value at December 31 of each year assuming an original investment of $100 at December 31, 2017, and assumes the reinvestment of our regular quarterly dividends in shares of our stock.
December 31,
Valhi common stock
$
$
$
$
$
$
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.
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, 2022, an aggregate of 93,600 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, 2022. 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.

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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
ITEM 6.RESERVED

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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
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.
● Real Estate Management and Development - We operate in real estate management and development through our majority control of BMI and LandWell. BMI owns real property in Henderson, Nevada and through its wholly-owned subsidiaries provides utility services to certain industrial and municipal customers. LandWell is engaged in efforts to develop certain land holdings for commercial, industrial and residential purposes in Henderson, Nevada.
Income from Continuing Operations Overview
Year Ended December 31, 2022 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2021 -
We reported net income from continuing operations 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 from continuing operations 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 income from continuing operations 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 income from continuing operations 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.
Year Ended December 31, 2021 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2020 -
We reported net income from continuing operations attributable to Valhi stockholders of $127.2 million or $4.46 per diluted share in 2021 compared to $50.9 million or $1.79 per diluted share in 2020.
Our net income from continuing operations attributable to Valhi stockholders increased from 2020 to 2021 primarily due to the net effects of:
● higher operating income from all of our segments in 2021 compared to 2020;
● recognition of a gain on sales of land not used in our operations of $16.0 million in 2021; and
● income from infrastructure reimbursement of $15.3 million in 2021 compared to $19.7 million in 2020.
Our diluted income from continuing operations 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.
Our diluted income from continuing operations per share in 2020 includes:
● income of $.35 per share related to the tax increment infrastructure reimbursement recognized in the first quarter;
● a gain of $.07 per share from the proceeds received in the third quarter related to a prior land sale; and
● a gain of $.03 per share related to an insurance recovery for a property damage claim at our Chemicals Segment recognized in the first quarter.
We discuss these amounts more fully below.
Current Forecast for 2023 -
We currently expect consolidated operating income for 2023 to be consistent as compared to 2022 primarily due to the net effects of:
● higher operating income from our Real Estate Management and Development Segment in 2023 due to the aggregate $19.7 million of charges recognized in 2022 related to BWC noted above which will not recur and higher expected infrastructure reimbursements;
● lower operating income from our Chemicals Segment in 2023 as the favorable impact of higher expected average TiO2 selling prices is not expected to offset the negative impact of higher manufacturing costs; and
● lower operating income from our Component Products Segment in 2023 as marine sales are expected to normalize below 2022 record levels.
Our expectations for our future operating results are based upon a number of factors beyond our control, including worldwide growth of gross domestic product, competition in the marketplace, continued operation of competitors, technological advances, worldwide production capacity and the consequences arising directly or indirectly out of the COVID-19 pandemic. If actual developments differ from our expectations, our results of operations could be unfavorably affected.
Segment Operating Results - 2022 Compared to 2021 and 2021 Compared to 2020
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.
Years ended December 31,
% Change
2020-21
2021-22
(Dollars in millions)
Net sales
$
1,638.8
$
1,939.4
$
1,930.2
%
-
%
Cost of sales
1,291.0
1,494.5
1,540.2
Gross margin
$
347.8
$
444.9
$
390.0
(12)
Operating income
$
126.5
$
200.8
$
174.6
(13)
Percent of net sales:
Cost of sales
%
%
%
Gross margin
Operating income
TiO2 operating statistics:
Sales volumes*
%
(15)
%
Production volumes*
%
(10)
%
Percent change in TiO2 net sales:
TiO2 product pricing
%
%
TiO2 sales volumes
(15)
TiO2 product mix/other
(1)
Changes in currency exchange rates
(5)
Total
%
-
%
*
Thousands of metric tons
Industry Conditions and 2022 Overview - Our Chemicals Segment started 2022 with average TiO2 selling prices 16% higher than at the beginning of 2021and average TiO2 selling prices increased 16% throughout 2022 in response to our Chemicals Segment rising production costs. Overall, our Chemicals Segment sales volumes declined in 2022 compared to 2021 primarily due to demand contraction in its European and export markets, particularly in the third and fourth quarters.
The following table shows our Chemicals Segment’s capacity utilization rates during 2021 and 2022. Throughout most of 2021 and continuing into the first quarter of 2022, our Chemicals Segment’s production facilities operated at full practical capacity. Due to the decreased demand in its European and export markets along with increased production costs, particularly energy costs in Europe, our Chemicals Segment curtailed production in the third and fourth quarters of 2022 at certain of its European facilities to align its production and inventory levels to anticipated near-term customer demand.
Production Capacity Utilization Rates
First quarter
97%
100%
Second quarter
100%
95%
Third quarter
100%
93%
Fourth quarter
100%
65%
Overall
100%
89%
Net Sales - 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. 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 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.
Our Chemicals Segment’s net sales increased $300.6 million, or 18%, in 2021 compared to 2020, primarily due to an 8% increase in average TiO2 selling prices (which increased net sales by approximately $131 million) and a 6% increase in sales volumes (which increased net sales by approximately $98 million). In addition to the impact of higher sales volumes and higher average selling prices, we estimate that changes in currency exchange rates (primarily the euro) increased our Chemicals Segment’s net sales by approximately $43 million, or 3%, as compared to 2020.
Our Chemicals Segment’s sales volumes increased 6% in 2021 as compared to 2020 due to higher demand in its European, North American and Latin American markets, with a significant portion of the increase occurring in the second and third quarters as a result of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the comparable periods in 2020.
Cost of Sales and Gross Margin - 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 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.
Cost of sales increased $203.5 million, or 16%, in 2021 compared to 2020 due to a 6% increase in sales volumes and higher production costs of approximately $69 million (including higher cost for raw materials and energy) and the effects of currency exchange rate fluctuations (primarily the Canadian dollar). Our Chemicals Segment’s cost of sales as a percentage of net sales decreased to 77% in 2021 compared to 79% in 2020 primarily due to the favorable effects of higher average TiO2 selling prices and increased coverage of fixed costs from higher production, partially offset by higher production costs (including higher raw material and energy costs) as well as the effects of fluctuations in currency exchange rates, as discussed below.
Gross margin as a percentage of net sales increased to 23% in 2021 compared to 21% in 2020. Our Chemicals Segment’s gross margin as a percentage of net sales in 2021 increased primarily due to the net effect of higher average TiO2 selling prices, higher production and sales volumes, higher production costs and fluctuations in currency exchange rates.
Operating Income - 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. See Note 13 to our Consolidated Financial Statements. 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 increased by $74.3 million, from $126.5 million in 2020 to $200.8 million in 2021. Operating income as a percentage of net sales was 10% in 2021 compared to 8% in 2020. This increase was driven by the higher gross margin discussed above for the comparable periods. We estimate that changes in currency exchange rates decreased our Chemicals Segment’s operating income by approximately $13 million in 2021 as compared to 2020 as discussed in the Currency Exchange Rates section below.
Our Chemicals Segment’s operating income in 2020 was minimally impacted by the effects of Hurricane Laura which temporarily halted production at LPC on August 24, 2020 with resumption of operations on September 25, 2020. LPC believes insurance (subject to applicable deductibles) will cover a majority of its losses, including those related to property damage and the disruption of its operations. Our Chemicals Segment believes insurance (subject to applicable deductibles) will cover a majority of its losses from the hurricane, including property damage, business interruption losses related to its share of LPC’s lost production and other costs resulting from the disruption of operations. As of December 31, 2021, our Chemicals Segment had not yet recognized any insurance recoveries because the ultimate disposition of its portion of the business interruption claim was not yet determinable; however, as of December 31, 2021 LPC had received a portion of the proceeds related to its property damage claim. On October 9, 2020 Hurricane Delta caused an additional temporary halt to production at the LPC facility. Damages resulting from Hurricane Delta were not as severe and production activities were resumed within five days from the time of initial shutdown prior to landfall of the hurricane. Similar to Hurricane Laura, losses determined to be incurred by LPC and our Chemicals Segment as a result of Hurricane Delta are expected to be recoverable from insurance (subject to applicable deductibles).
Our Chemicals Segment’s operating income is net of amortization of purchase accounting adjustments made in conjunction with our acquisitions of interests in NL and Kronos. As a result, we recognize additional depreciation expense above the amounts Kronos reports separately, substantially all of which is included within cost of sales. We recognized additional depreciation expense of $3.8 million in 2020, $1.5 million in 2021 and $1.3 million in 2022, 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).
Overall, we estimate that fluctuations in currency exchange rates had the following effects on our Chemicals Segment’s sales and operating income for the periods indicated.
Impact of changes in currency exchange rates
Year ended December 31, 2022 vs December 31, 2021
Translation
gains/(losses)
Total currency
Transaction gains recognized
impact of
impact
Change
rate changes
2022 vs 2021
(In millions)
Impact on:
Net sales
$
-
$
-
$
-
$
(106)
$
(106)
Operating income
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 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.
Impact of changes in currency exchange rates - 2021 vs. 2020
Translation
gains/(losses)
Total currency
Transaction gains/(losses) recognized
impact of
impact
Change
rate changes
2021 vs. 2020
(In millions)
Impact on:
Net sales
$
-
$
-
$
-
$
$
Operating income
(4)
(19)
(13)
The $43 million increase in net sales (translation gain) was caused primarily by a weakening of the U.S. dollar relative to the euro, as euro-denominated sales were translated into more U.S. dollars in 2021 as compared to 2020. The weakening of the U.S. dollar relative to the Canadian dollar and the Norwegian krone in 2021 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 $13 million decrease in operating income was comprised of the following:
● Higher net currency transaction gains of approximately $6 million primarily caused by relative changes in currency exchange rates at each applicable balance sheet date between the U.S. dollar and the euro, Canadian dollar and the Norwegian krone, and between the euro and the Norwegian krone, which causes increases or decreases, as applicable, in U.S. dollar-denominated receivables and payables and U.S. dollar currency held by our Chemicals Segment’s non-U.S. operations, and in Norwegian krone denominated receivables and payables held by our Chemicals Segment’s non-U.S. operations, and
● Approximately $19 million from net currency translation losses primarily caused by a weakening of the U.S. dollar relative to the Canadian dollar and Norwegian krone, as local currency-denominated operating costs were translated into more U.S. dollars in 2021 as compared to 2020, partially offset by net currency translation gains primarily caused by a weakening of the U.S. dollar relative to the euro as the positive effects of the weaker U.S. dollar on euro-denominated sales more than offset the unfavorable effects of euro-denominated operating costs being translated into more U.S. dollars in 2021 as compared to 2020.
Outlook - As previously reported, late in the third quarter of 2022, demand in Europe and the export markets began to rapidly deteriorate as many of our Chemicals Segment’s customers in those regions reduced their production rates in response to economic conditions and geopolitical uncertainties. This weakness continued through the fourth quarter. In addition, in the second half of 2022 our Chemicals Segment experienced rapidly rising costs particularly in Europe, led by natural gas, electricity and certain key raw materials. In response to this decline in demand coupled with increased production costs, our Chemicals Segment implemented production curtailments at certain of its European facilities throughout the fourth quarter to manage inventory levels. Our Chemicals Segment also experienced declining demand in North America in the late second half of 2022, but to a lesser extent than its European and export markets.
At the beginning of 2023 our Chemicals Segment began to see pockets of improving demand in Europe and certain export markets bolstered by customer inventory replenishment after significant destocking in the fourth quarter of 2022. Our Chemicals Segment is experiencing continued weak demand in North America in the first quarter of 2023. Our Chemicals Segment expects customer demand to gradually return during the first half of the year particularly in Europe and export markets. Accordingly, at the beginning of 2023, our Chemicals Segment began a measured ramp up of production with the expectation of operating its facilities at full practical capacity by the end of the second quarter of 2023. Our Chemicals Segment’s selling prices have remained stable at the beginning of 2023; however, our Chemicals Segment expects selling prices to rise throughout the last three quarters of 2023 in response to higher production costs. Based on the net effects of these factors, our Chemicals Segment expects to report lower operating results for the full year of 2023 as compared to 2022.
Our Chemicals Segment will continue to monitor current and anticipated near-term customer demand levels and will align its production and inventories accordingly. The long-term outlook for the TiO2 industry remains very positive,
and the steps we are taking in the near term are intended to preserve our Chemicals Segment global market share and position its business to profitably grow in the future.
Our expectations for the TiO2 industry and our Chemicals Segment operations are based on a number of factors outside our control. As noted above, our Chemicals Segment has experienced global market disruptions including high energy costs and availability concerns and future impacts on its operations will depend on, among other things, future energy costs and availability 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 2022 compared to operating income of $20.5 million in 2021 and $11.8 million in 2020. 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. Our Components Products Segment’s operating income was negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, primarily in the second and third quarters, which significantly impacts operating income comparisons for the comparative periods. Beginning in the third quarter of 2020 and continuing through 2021, our Component Products Segment’s sales volumes generally improved at both security products and marine components reporting units and the increase in operating income in 2021 over 2020 primarily resulted from the higher sales volumes.
Our Component Products Segment’s product offerings consist of a large number of products that have a wide variation in selling price and manufacturing cost, which results in certain practical limitations on our ability to quantify the impact of changes in individual product sales quantities and selling prices on our net sales, cost of sales and gross margin. In addition, small variations in period-to-period net sales, cost of sales and gross margin can result from changes in the relative mix of our products sold. The key performance indicator for our Component Products Segment is operating income margins.
Years ended December 31,
% Change
2020-21
2021-22
(Dollars in millions)
Net sales:
Security products
$
87.9
$
105.1
$
114.5
%
%
Marine components
26.6
35.7
52.1
Total net sales
114.5
140.8
166.6
Cost of sales
81.7
98.1
117.8
Gross margin
$
32.8
$
42.7
$
48.8
Operating income
$
11.8
$
20.5
$
25.4
Percent of net sales:
Cost of sales
%
%
%
Gross margin
Operating income
Net Sales - Our Component Products Segment’s net sales increased $25.8 million in 2022 compared to 2021 due to higher marine component 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 component 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.
Our Component Products Segment’s net sales increased $26.3 million in 2021 compared to 2020 primarily due to higher sales at both the security products and marine components reporting units, particularly in the second quarter of 2021, as many of our Component Products Segment’s customers were temporarily closed or reduced production during the second quarter of 2020 due to government ordered closures or reduced demand resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Beginning in the third quarter of 2020 and continuing through 2021, marine components sales exceeded pre-pandemic levels. Marine components net sales increased $9.1 million, or 34%, in 2021 as compared to 2020 primarily due to increased sales of $7.2 million to several original equipment boat manufacturers in the towboat market. Security products sales generally improved since third quarter of 2020 but did not recover to pre-pandemic levels until the second quarter of 2021 when sales improved in markets that had been slower to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly sales to distributors and the office furniture market. Relative to prior year, sales increased $17.2 million, or 20%, primarily due to $7.2 million higher sales to the government security market, $4.9 million higher sales to the transportation market and $2.0 million higher sales to distribution customers.
Cost of Sales and Gross Margin - 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.
Our Component Products Segment’s cost of sales increased in 2021 compared to 2020 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 increased over the same period due to the increase in the security products gross margin percentage partially offset by the decrease in the marine components gross margin percentage. Security products gross margin as a percentage of net sales for 2021 increased as compared to 2020 due to increased coverage of fixed costs from higher sales, partially offset by higher production costs including increased raw materials costs across a variety of commodities and component inputs, higher shipping costs, and increased labor costs primarily due to higher overtime costs and increased headcount. Marine components gross margin as a percentage of net sales decreased in 2021 compared to 2020 as increased coverage of fixed costs from higher sales were more than offset by higher production costs including raw materials costs (primarily stainless steel), higher shipping costs and increased labor costs resulting from higher overtime costs and increased headcount.
Operating Income - 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 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 disposal of property and equipment. Operating costs and expenses increased $1.2 million in 2022 compared to 2021 predominantly due to higher salary and employment related costs.
Our Component Products Segment operating income increased in 2021 compared to 2020. Operating margin increased in 2021 compared to 2020 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 2021 compared to 2020 primarily due to higher salary and benefits 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 and stainless steel. Total material costs represented approximately 47% of our Component Products Segment’s cost of sales in 2022, with commodity-related raw materials representing
approximately 17% of our Component Products Segment’s cost of sales. Prices for the primary commodity-related raw materials used in the manufacture of its locking mechanisms, primarily zinc and brass, generally increased throughout 2021 and the first half of 2022. Prices began to stabilize in the latter half of 2022, although at elevated levels. The prices for stainless steel, the primary raw material used for the manufacture of marine exhaust headers and pipes and wake enhancement systems, experienced significant volatility during 2021 and 2022. Based on current economic conditions, we expect the prices for our Component Products Segment’s primary commodity-related raw materials including zinc, brass, stainless steel and other manufacturing materials in 2023 to be relatively stable, although at the elevated levels our Component Products Segment experienced in the second half of 2022.
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 - While our Component Products Segment continued to experience strong demand at both its reporting units during the fourth quarter of 2022, the order rate and backlog at both reporting units began to soften late in the fourth quarter. Our Component Products Segment operated its manufacturing facilities at elevated production rates throughout 2022 in line with the strong demand and it continues to monitor demand levels and will adjust production rates accordingly. While labor markets continue to be competitive in each of the regions in which our Component Products Segment operates and labor costs continue to rise, our Component Products Segment has been able to achieve and maintain more balanced staffing levels aligned with current and forecasted demand, particularly at its marine components reporting unit. Our Component Products Segment continues to face shortages related to certain electronic components; however, its supply chains are generally stable and recently transportation and logistical delays have been minimal.
Our Component Products Segment expects gross margins at its security products reporting unit will continue to be challenged during 2023 as higher cost inventory continues to work its way through cost of sales and anticipated reduced demand may limit its ability to implement further price increases. While our Component Products Segment expects its marine components net sales to remain strong during the first quarter, it expects net sales will decline as compared to 2022 as marine market demand is being challenged by higher interest rates and several original equipment boat manufacturers, including certain of its customers, have publicly announced reduced production schedules in 2023 compared to 2022. Our Component Products Segment currently expects its marine components reporting unit gross margins as a percentage of net sales in 2023 to be comparable to 2022. Based on the softening demand and general economic conditions in North America, our Component Products Segment currently expects to report lower net sales and operating income at both reporting units during 2023 compared to 2022. Our Component Products Segment is focused on managing inventory levels to support anticipated lower demand in 2023. With raw materials and other components more readily available, our Component Products Segment believes it will be able to achieve additional operating efficiencies during the year although the extent and impact of such efficiencies is not yet known.
Our Component Products Segment’s expectations for its operations and the markets it serves are based on a number of factors outside its control. As noted above, there continue to be some 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 -
Years ended December 31,
(In millions)
Net sales:
Land sales
$
87.0
$
207.8
$
120.9
Water delivery sales
7.6
6.8
3.6
Utility and other
1.8
1.6
1.2
Total net sales
96.4
216.2
125.7
Cost of sales
64.9
123.6
74.1
Gross margin
$
31.5
$
92.6
$
51.6
Operating income
$
47.8
$
97.3
$
39.4
General - Our Real Estate Management and Development Segment consists of BMI and LandWell. BMI provides certain utility services, among other things, to an industrial park located in Henderson, Nevada, and prior to BWC’s bankruptcy filing on September 10, 2022 was responsible for the delivery of water to the City of Henderson and various other users through a water delivery system owned and operated by BWC. LandWell is actively engaged in efforts to develop certain real estate in Henderson, Nevada including approximately 2,100 acres zoned for residential/planned community purposes and approximately 400 acres zoned for commercial and light industrial use.
LandWell began marketing land for sale in the residential/planned community in December 2013 and at December 31, 2022 approximately 90 saleable acres remain. LandWell has been actively marketing and selling the land zoned for commercial and light industrial use and at December 31, 2022 approximately 20 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, 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 of the land in the residential/planned community has been sold; however, we expect the development work to take three to five years to complete.
Net Sales and Operating Income - Substantially all of the net sales from our Real Estate Management and Development segment in 2022 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 of 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. See Note 7 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.
We recognized $207.8 million in revenues on land sales during 2021 compared to $87.0 million in 2020. Cost of sales related to land sales revenues was $117.0 million in 2021 compared to $57.9 million in 2020. Land sales revenue increased in 2021 as compared to 2020 primarily due to an increase in the amount of acreage sold, increased selling price per acre sold and an increase in infrastructure development spending. As noted above, land sales are generally recognized over time using cost-based inputs and in the second quarter of 2020, in an effort to conserve resources in response to the pandemic, we reduced infrastructure development spending to only those expenditures necessary to fulfill our contractual obligations. We returned to more normalized infrastructure development spending late in 2020 and continued to increase infrastructure development spending throughout 2021. Typically land sales have been heavily weighted towards the end
of the year. In the fourth quarter of 2021, land sales revenue was $150.8 million including approximately $70 million related to two parcels as compared to land sales revenue of $70.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2020, including approximately $55 million related to a single parcel. The contracts for these parcels contained no post-closing obligations therefore we recognized the full $70 million and $55 million in revenue in the fourth quarters of 2021 and 2020, respectively. Operating income in 2021 also includes $15.3 million of income related to the recognition of tax increment reimbursement note receivables compared to $19.1 million of such income in 2020, as discussed in Note 7 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.
The remainder of net sales and cost of sales related to this segment primarily relates to water delivery fees and expenses. BMI provides certain utility services, among other things, to an industrial park located in Henderson, Nevada and prior to BWC’s bankruptcy filing on September 10, 2022 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, Lake Mead water levels have 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. Current estimates of Lake Mead water levels do not indicate lake levels will be sufficient to enable BWC to resume pumping water for the foreseeable future. We considered BWC’s inability to pump water from Lake Mead to be a triggering event under the 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 represents 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 of Nevada. Because BWC has filed for bankruptcy protection, we and BMI can 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. Operating income comparisons between 2022 and 2021 are affected by the aggregate $19.7 million in charges related to BWC recognized in 2022. See Notes 2 and 9 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Outlook - LandWell is focused on developing the land it manages, primarily to residential builders, for the residential/planned community in Henderson. At December 31, 2022, substantially all of the land in the residential/planned community had been sold with approximately 90 saleable acres remaining. While we expect to sell the remaining acres over the next one to three years, due to the current economic conditions, we are unsure of the timing of any sales that may occur. At December 31, 2022 we have deferred revenue of $123.0 million related to land sales closed in 2022 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 five years to complete our post-closing obligations. Any delays or curtailments in infrastructure development related to post-closing obligation activities will lower 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 five years. We expect these land development costs in 2023 to be consistent with 2022. 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.
As noted above, BWC filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on September 10, 2022. BWC is operating under court protection, and a portion of BWC’s water delivery system is still operating with water provided by the regional water authority in order to continue to provide water to its industrial customers for an interim period. We cannot predict the timing or the outcome of the bankruptcy reorganization, and we may incur additional costs before the bankruptcy proceedings are concluded.
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. In addition, Kronos recognized $1.5 million of insurance recoveries in 2020 related to a property damage claim. See Note 13 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.
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. 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 $13.9 million in 2022, $17.0 million in 2021 and $20.1 million in 2020. The change in expense is primarily due to pension costs as a result of actuarial amortizations and expected returns on plan assets. See Note 11 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Changes in the Market Value of Valhi Common Stock held by Subsidiaries - Our subsidiaries Kronos and NL hold shares of our common stock. As discussed in Note 16 to our Consolidated Financial Statements, we account for our proportional interest in these shares of our common stock as treasury stock, at Kronos’ and NL’s historical cost basis. The remaining portion of these shares of our common stock, which are attributable to the noncontrolling interest of Kronos and NL, are reflected in our Consolidated Balance 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 $1.6 million loss in 2022, the $3.3 million gain in 2021 and the $1.7 million loss in 2020 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.
Other General Corporate Items - Corporate expenses were 5% higher at $36.6 million in 2022 compared to $34.7 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.
Corporate expenses of $34.7 million in 2021 were comparable to $34.3 million in 2020. Included in corporate expense are:
● litigation and related costs at NL of $1.9 million in each of 2021 and 2020; and
● environmental remediation and related costs of $1.6 million in 2021 compared to $.7 million in 2020.
Overall, we currently expect that our net general corporate expenses in 2023 will be higher than 2022 primarily due to higher expected litigation fees and related costs and higher environmental remediation and related costs.
The level of our litigation and related expenses varies from period to period depending upon, among other things, the number of cases in which we are currently involved, the nature of such cases and the current stage of such cases (e.g. discovery, pre-trial motions, trial or appeal, if applicable). See Note 18 to our Consolidated Financial Statements. If our current expectations regarding the number of cases in which we expect to be involved during 2023, 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 2023, our corporate expense could be higher than we currently estimate. In addition, we adjust our accruals for environmental remediation and related costs as further information becomes available to us or as circumstances change. Such further information or changed circumstances could result in an increase or reduction in our accrued environmental remediation and related costs. See Note 18 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Interest Expense - Interest expense decreased to $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. Interest expense decreased to $32.5 million in 2021 from $36.2 million in 2020 primarily due to lower average debt levels in 2021.
We expect interest expense will be higher in 2023 as compared to 2022 primarily as lower average debt balances will be more than offset by higher average interest rates on variable-rate indebtedness.
Provision for Income Taxes - 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. We recognized income tax expense of $60.1 million in 2021 compared to $15.9 million in 2020. The increase is primarily due to higher earnings in 2021 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 release of a portion of our valuation allowance associated with the 2022 utilization of a portion of our business interest expense carryforwards. Also, in 2020 our consolidated effective income tax rate is lower than the U.S. federal statutory rate of 21% due to the effect of lower earnings and tax benefits associated with losses incurred in certain high tax jurisdictions.
Our consolidated effective income tax rate in 2023 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 2022 income tax items, including a tabular reconciliation of our statutory tax expense to our actual tax expense.
Discontinued Operations - On January 26, 2018, we completed the sale of our former Waste Management Segment to JFL-WCS Partners, LLC, an entity sponsored by certain investment affiliates of J.F. Lehman & Company, for consideration consisting of the assumption of all of the Waste Management Segment’s third-party indebtedness and other liabilities. We recognized a pre-tax gain of approximately $4.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2020 related to proceeds received from JFL Partners in final settlement of an earn-out provision in the sale agreement. Amounts related to our former Waste Management Segment are classified as part of discontinued operations. See Note 3 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Noncontrolling Interest in Net Income of Subsidiaries - Noncontrolling interest in operations of subsidiaries decreased from 2021 to 2022 primarily due to lower operating income at BMI and LandWell. Noncontrolling interest in operations of subsidiaries increased from 2020 to 2021 primarily due to higher operating income from all of our segments.
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, 2022, we had substantial net assets denominated in the euro, Canadian dollar and Norwegian krone.
Critical accounting policies and estimates
Our significant accounting policies are more fully described in Note 1 to our Consolidated Financial Statements. Our Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, or GAAP, which requires management to make estimates, judgments and assumptions that we believe are reasonable based on our historical experience, observance of known trends in our Company and industry as a whole and information available from outside sources. Our estimates affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expense during the reporting period. Actual results may differ significantly from those initial estimates.
We believe the most critical accounting policies and estimates involving significant judgment primarily relate to goodwill, long-lived assets, revenue recognized over time using cost-based inputs, defined benefit pension plans, income taxes and litigation and environmental liabilities.
Goodwill - Our net goodwill totaled $379.7 million at December 31, 2022 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.
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 2022 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 2022, 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 $523.8 million at December 31, 2022. 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.
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, Lake Mead water levels have 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. Current estimates of Lake Mead water levels do not indicate lake levels will be sufficient to enable BWC to resume pumping water for the foreseeable future. We considered BWC’s inability to pump water from Lake Mead to be a triggering event under the 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 represents the write down of the book value to the estimated salvage value of the assets. See Note 2 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Other than the $16.4 million fixed asset impairment discussed above, we did not evaluate any other long-lived assets for impairment during 2022 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 of the land sales associated with the residential/planned community have been recognized over time using cost-based inputs of accounting in accordance with ASC 606. Under such method, revenues and profits are recognized in the same proportion of our progress towards completion of our contractual obligations, with our progress measured by costs incurred as a percentage of total costs estimated to be incurred. Such costs incurred and total estimated costs include amounts specifically identifiable with the parcels sold as well as certain development costs for the entire residential/planned community which are allocated to the parcels sold under applicable GAAP. Estimates of total costs expected to be incurred require significant management judgment, and the amount of revenue and profits that have been recognized to date are subject to revisions throughout the development period. The
impact on the amount of revenue recognized resulting from any future change in the estimate of total costs estimated to be incurred would be accounted for prospectively in accordance with GAAP.
Defined benefit pension plans - We maintain various defined benefit pension plans in the U.S., Europe and Canada. See Note 11 to our Consolidated Financial Statements. We recognized consolidated defined benefit pension plan expense of $33.8 million in 2020, $32.1 million in 2021 and $25.4 million in 2022. 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 $18.4 million in 2020, $20.3 million in 2021 and $16.6 million in 2022.
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 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, 2022, approximately 64%, 15%, 8% and 8% of the projected benefit obligations related to our plans in Germany, Canada, Norway and the U.S., respectively. We use several different discount rate assumptions in determining our consolidated defined benefit pension plan obligation and expense. This is because we maintain defined benefit pension plans in several different countries in Europe and North America and the interest rate environment differs from country to country.
We used the following discount rates for our defined benefit pension plans:
Discount rates used for:
Obligations
Obligations
Obligations
at December 31, 2020
at December 31, 2021
at December 31, 2022
and expense in 2021
and expense in 2022
and expense in 2023
Kronos and NL Plans:
Germany
.7%
1.2%
3.7%
Canada
2.4%
2.9%
5.1%
Norway
1.7%
1.9%
3.6%
U.S.
2.2%
2.6%
5.3%
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, 2022, the fair value of plan assets for all defined benefit plans comprised $39.1 million related to U.S. plans and $390.5 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, 2022, approximately 54%, 20%, 11% and 9% of the plan assets related to our plans in Germany, Canada, Norway and the U.S, respectively. We use several different long-term rates of return on plan asset assumptions in determining our consolidated defined benefit pension plan expense. This is because the plan assets in different countries are invested in a different mix of investments and the long-term rates of return for different investments differ from country to country.
In determining the expected long-term rate of return on plan asset assumptions, we consider the long-term asset mix (e.g. equity vs. fixed income) for the assets for each of our plans and the expected long-term rates of return for such asset components. In addition, we receive third-party advice about appropriate long-term rates of return. We regularly review our actual asset allocation for each of our U.S. and non-U.S. plans and will periodically rebalance the investments in each plan to more accurately reflect the targeted allocation when considered appropriate.
The assumed long-term rates of return on plan assets used for purposes of determining net period pension cost for 2020, 2021 and 2022 were as follows:
Kronos and NL plans:
Germany
1.0%
2.0%
2.0%
Canada
3.5%
3.1%
3.8%
Norway
4.0%
2.8%
3.0%
U.S.
4.5%
4.0%
4.0%
Our long-term rate of return on plan asset assumptions in 2023 used for purposes of determining our 2023 defined benefit pension plan expense for Germany, Canada, Norway and the U.S. are 4.8%, 4.4%, 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 2023, we expect our defined benefit pension expense will approximate $11 million in 2023. In comparison, we expect to be required to contribute approximately $18 million to such plans during 2023.
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, 2022, our aggregate projected benefit obligations would have increased by approximately $19 million at that date and our defined benefit pension expense would be expected to increase by approximately $.1 million during 2023. 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 2023.
Income taxes - We operate globally through our Chemicals Segment and the calculation of our provision for income taxes and our deferred tax assets and liabilities involves the interpretation and application of complex tax laws and regulations in a multitude of jurisdictions across our Chemicals Segment’s global operations. Our effective tax rate is highly dependent upon the geographic distribution of our earnings or losses and the effects of tax laws and regulations in each tax-paying jurisdiction in which we operate. Significant judgments and estimates are required in determining our consolidated provision for income taxes due to the global nature of our Chemicals Segment’s operations. Our provision for income taxes and deferred tax assets and liabilities reflect our best assessment of estimated current and future taxes to be paid, including the recognition and measurement of deferred tax assets and liabilities.
We recognize deferred taxes for future tax effects of temporary differences between financial and income tax reporting. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities for each tax-paying jurisdiction in which we operate are netted and presented as either a noncurrent deferred income tax asset or liability, as applicable. We record a valuation allowance to reduce our deferred income tax assets to the amount that is believed to be realized under the more-likely-than-not recognition criteria. While we have considered future taxable income and ongoing prudent and feasible tax planning strategies in assessing the need for a valuation allowance, it is possible that we may change our estimate of the amount of the deferred income tax assets that would more-likely-than-not be realized in the future, resulting in an adjustment to the deferred income tax asset valuation allowance that would either increase or decrease, as applicable, reported net income in the period such change in estimate was made.
For example, at December 31, 2022 our Chemicals Segment has substantial net operating loss (NOL) carryforwards in Germany (the equivalent of $414 million for German corporate tax purposes) and in Belgium (the equivalent of $13 million for Belgian corporate tax purposes). At December 31, 2022, we have concluded that no deferred income tax asset valuation allowance is required to be recognized with respect to such carryforwards, principally because (i) such carryforwards have an indefinite carryforward period, (ii) we have utilized a portion of such carryforwards during the most recent three-year period and (iii) we currently expect to utilize the remainder of such carryforwards over the long term. However, prior to the complete utilization of such carryforwards, if we were to generate additional losses in our German or Belgian operations for an extended period of time, or if applicable law were to change such that the carryforward period was no longer indefinite, it is possible that we might conclude the benefit of such carryforwards would no longer meet the more-likely-than-not recognition criteria, at which point we would be required to recognize a valuation allowance against some or all of the then-remaining tax benefit associated with the carryforwards.
Contingencies - We are involved in numerous legal and environmental actions in part due to NL’s former involvement in the manufacture of lead-based products. We record accruals for these environmental, legal and other contingencies and commitments when such contingencies become probable, and amounts can be reasonably estimated. However, new information may become available to us, or circumstances (such as applicable laws and regulations) may change, thereby resulting in an increase or decrease in the amount we are required to accrue for such matters (and therefore a decrease or increase in our reported net income in the period of such change). At December 31, 2022 we have recorded total accrued environmental liabilities of $97.3 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 2023, 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 cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash is held by our Chemicals Segment’s non-U.S. subsidiaries. For example, during 2022, relative changes in currency exchange rates resulted in a $5.1 million decrease in the reported amount of our cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash compared to a $10.6 million decrease in 2021 and a $13.8 million increase in 2020.
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 was primarily due to the net effect of the following items:
● 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;
● changes in receivables, inventories, payables and accrued liabilities in 2022 used $92.7 million in net cash compared to $180.4 million in net cash provided in 2021, an increase in the amount of cash used of $273.1 million compared to 2021, primarily due to the relative changes in our inventories, receivables, prepaids, land held for development, payables and accruals;
● lower net cash paid for income taxes in 2022 of $22.2 million primarily due to decreased earnings; and
● higher net contributions to our TiO2 manufacturing joint venture in 2022 of $14.3 million.
Cash flows from operating activities increased to $459.7 million in 2021 from $152.2 million in 2020. This $307.5 million increase in cash provided by operations was primarily due to the net effect of the following items:
● consolidated operating income of $318.6 million in 2021, an increase of $132.5 million compared to operating income of $186.1 million in 2020;
● changes in receivables, inventories, payables and accrued liabilities in 2021 provided $180.4 million in net cash compared to $33.5 million in net cash used in 2020, a decrease in the amount of cash used of $213.9 million compared to 2020, primarily due to the relative changes in our inventories, receivables, prepaids, land held for development, payables and accruals;
● higher net cash paid for income taxes in 2021 of $41.8 million due to increased earnings; and
● higher net distributions from our TiO2 manufacturing joint venture in 2021 of $16.6 million.
Changes in working capital were affected by accounts receivable and inventory changes, as shown below:
● Kronos’ average days sales outstanding (“DSO”) decreased from December 31, 2021 to December 31, 2022, primarily due to the relative changes in the timing of collections.
● Kronos’ average days sales in inventory (“DSI”) increased from December 31, 2021 to December 31, 2022 primarily due to higher inventory volumes attributable to production volumes exceeding sales volumes in 2022 compared to 2021 and due to supply disruptions and other transportation delays impacting the timing of raw material shipments at the end of 2021.
● CompX’s average DSO was generally consistent from December 31, 2021 to December 31, 2022 and is primarily impacted by the timing of sales and collections in the last month of the year.
● CompX’s average DSI increased from December 31, 2021 to December 31, 2022 due to increased inventories of certain components and raw materials that had longer lead times or for which CompX has experienced availability issues and from the timing of sales relative to the end of the fourth quarter, primarily at CompX’s security products reporting unit.
For comparative purposes, we have also provided comparable prior year numbers below.
December 31,
December 31,
December 31,
Kronos:
Days sales outstanding
68 days
65 days
64 days
Days sales in inventory
74 days
59 days
79 days
CompX:
Days sales outstanding
33 days
42 days
41 days
Days sales in inventory
75 days
96 days
99 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.
Years ended December 31,
(In millions)
Cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Kronos
$
102.5
$
206.5
$
81.7
Valhi exclusive of subsidiaries
57.2
122.1
68.8
CompX
14.9
10.5
16.9
NL exclusive of subsidiaries
7.3
15.3
39.2
Tremont exclusive of subsidiaries
36.7
58.8
12.7
BMI
39.0
59.7
12.1
LandWell
81.9
302.1
(22.0)
Eliminations and other
(187.3)
(315.3)
(174.5)
Total
$
152.2
$
459.7
$
34.9
Investing Activities -
We disclose capital expenditures by our business segments in Note 2 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
● had net proceeds of $1.2 million of marketable securities.
During 2020 we:
● had proceeds from the settlement of an earn-out provision related to the 2018 sale of our Waste Management Segment of $4.9 million; and
● had net proceeds of $.9 million of marketable securities.
Financing Activities -
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 (see Note 9 to our Consolidated Financial Statements);
● 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.
During 2020:
● we repaid $42.3 million on Valhi’s credit facility with Contran;
● Kronos acquired 122,489 shares of its common stock in market transactions for an aggregate purchase price of $1.0 million; and
● we repaid $11.6 million under Tremont’s promissory note payable and deferred payment obligation.
We paid aggregate cash dividends on our common stock of $13.6 million in 2020 and $9.0 million in each of 2021 and 2022. Distributions to noncontrolling interest in 2020, 2021 and 2022 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, 2022, our consolidated indebtedness was comprised of:
● Valhi’s $121.4 million outstanding on its $175 million amended credit facility with Contran which is due no earlier than December 31, 2024;
● €400 million aggregate outstanding on Kronos’ 3.75% Senior Secured Notes due in September 2025 (Senior Secured Notes), which had a $424.1 million carrying amount, net of unamortized debt issuance costs;
● $12.9 million on LandWell’s bank loan due April 2036; and
● approximately $1.1 million of other indebtedness.
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 on its $225 million global revolving credit facility (“Global Revolver”) at December 31, 2022 and approximately $211 million was available for borrowings thereunder. Kronos’ Senior Secured Notes and its Global Revolver 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, 2022. 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 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, 2023) and long-term obligations (defined as the five-year period ending December 31, 2027). 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, 2022, we had credit available under existing facilities of approximately $265 million, which was comprised of:
● $211 million under Kronos’ global revolving credit facility; and
● $54 (1) million under Valhi’s Contran credit facility.
(1) Amounts available under this facility are at the sole discretion of Contran.
At December 31, 2022, we had an aggregate of $638.3 million of restricted and unrestricted cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities attributable to continuing operations. A detail by entity is presented in the table below.
Total
Held outside
amount
U.S.
(In millions)
Kronos
$
334.6
$
148.8
CompX
59.9
-
NL exclusive of its subsidiaries
107.8
-
BMI
11.6
-
Tremont exclusive of its subsidiaries
9.7
-
LandWell
112.9
-
Valhi exclusive of its subsidiaries
1.8
-
Total cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and marketable securities
$
638.3
$
148.8
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 2023 will be approximately $49 million (including approximately $18 million contractually committed at December 31, 2022) as follows:
● $46 million by our Chemicals Segment, including approximately $20 million in the area of environmental compliance, protection and improvement; and
● $3 million by our Component Products Segment.
In addition, LandWell expects to spend approximately $63 million on land development costs during 2023, including $53 million contractually committed at December 31, 2022. Land development costs are included in the determination of cash provided by operating activities.
Capital spending for 2023 is expected to be funded through cash generated from operations or borrowing under our existing credit facilities. Planned capital expenditures in 2023 at Kronos and CompX will primarily be to maintain and improve our existing facilities and, as it relates to CompX, to address capability needs. 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, 2022, 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, 2022, Kronos had approximately 1.3 million shares of its common stock available for repurchase under the authorization described in Note 3 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.
At December 31, 2022, 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 2022 for which we received $44.1 million. In February 2023 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 2023 based on the 58.0 million shares we held of Kronos common stock at December 31, 2022, during 2023 we would receive aggregate regular dividends from Kronos of $44.1 million. NL paid a quarterly dividend of $.07 per share in 2022 for which we received $11.3 million. NL declared a special dividend of $.35 per share in August 2022 for which we received $14.1 million. In February 2023 the NL board of directors approved a quarterly dividend of $.07 per share. If NL were to pay its $.07 per share dividend in each quarter of 2023 based on the 40.4 million shares we held of NL common stock at December 31, 2022, during 2023 we would receive aggregate quarterly dividends from NL of $11.3 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 $43.0 million in 2020, $74.8 million in 2021 and $16.6 million in 2022. We do not know if we will receive distributions from BMI and LandWell during 2023. All of our ownership interest in CompX is held through our ownership in NL, as such we do not receive any dividends from CompX. Instead any dividend paid by CompX is paid to NL.
Our subsidiaries have various credit agreements with unrelated third-party lenders which contain customary limitations on the payment of dividends, typically a percentage of net income or cash flow; however, these restrictions in the past have not significantly impacted their ability to pay dividends.
Investment in our Subsidiaries and Affiliates and Other Acquisitions -
We have in the past, and may in the future, purchase the securities of our subsidiaries and affiliates or third parties in market or privately-negotiated transactions. We base our purchase decision on a variety of factors, including an analysis of the optimal use of our capital, taking into account the market value of the securities and the relative value of expected returns on alternative investments. In connection with these activities, we may consider issuing additional equity securities or increasing our indebtedness. We may also evaluate the restructuring of ownership interests of our businesses among our subsidiaries and related companies.
We generally do not guarantee any indebtedness or other obligations of our subsidiaries or affiliates. See Note 17 to our Consolidated Financial Statements. Our subsidiaries are not required to pay us dividends. If one or more of our subsidiaries were unable to maintain its current level of dividends, either due to restrictions contained in a credit agreement or to satisfy its liabilities or otherwise, our ability to service our liabilities or to pay dividends on our common stock could be adversely impacted. If this were to occur, we might consider reducing or eliminating our dividends or selling interests in subsidiaries or other assets. If we were required to liquidate assets to generate funds to satisfy our liabilities, we may be required to sell our subsidiaries’ securities for less than what we believe is the long-term value of such assets.
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 bear interest at the prime rate plus 1.875% per annum, payable quarterly, with all amounts due on the maturity date. In November 2022, Valhi and the subsidiary of NL entered into a first amendment to the revolving credit facility to extend the latest maturity date (and consequently the latest borrowing date) from December 31, 2023 to December 31, 2030. The related collateral arrangements remained unchanged by this amendment. 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, 2022.
We have an unsecured revolving demand promissory note with Kronos which, as amended, provides for borrowings from Kronos of up to $25 million. We eliminate any such intercompany borrowings in our Consolidated Financial Statements. The facility, as amended, is due on demand, but in any event no earlier than December 31, 2024. There was no outstanding balance at December 31, 2022. We had no borrowings with Kronos in 2020, 2021 and 2022 and we could borrow the full $25.0 million under our current intercompany facility with Kronos at December 31, 2022. Kronos’ obligation to loan us money under this note is at Kronos’ discretion.
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, 2024. We had gross borrowings of $29.1 million and gross repayments of $33.4 million with CompX for a total outstanding balance of $29.5 million at December 31, 2020. We 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 could borrow an additional $11.8 million under our current intercompany facility with CompX at December 31, 2022. 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;
● 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 $17.7 million ($16.3 million payable in 2023 and $1.4 million payable in 2024) which consist of open purchase orders and contractual obligations, primarily commitments to purchase raw materials and for capital projects in process at December 31, 2022. 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
Not applicable.

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ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
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, 2022 we have $74.5 million invested in marketable debt securities at an average interest rate of approximately 3%.
At December 31, 2022 our aggregate indebtedness was split between 78% of fixed-rate instruments (December 31, 2021 - 74%) and 22% of variable-rate borrowings (December 31, 2021 - 26%). 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 2021 or 2022. The following table presents principal amounts and weighted average interest rates for our aggregate outstanding indebtedness at December 31, 2022.
Indebtedness Amount
Year end
Carrying
Fair
interest
Maturity
value
value
rate
date
(In millions)
Fixed-rate indebtedness:
Kronos fixed-rate Senior Notes
$
424.1
$
374.2
3.75%
LandWell bank note payable
12.9
12.9
4.76%
Total fixed-rate indebtedness
$
437.0
$
387.1
3.78%
Variable-rate indebtedness:
Valhi Contran credit facility
$
121.4
$
121.4
8.50%
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, 2022.
Also, we are subject to currency exchange rate risk associated with Kronos’ Senior Notes, as such indebtedness is denominated in euros. At December 31, 2022, we had the equivalent of $426.5 million outstanding under Kronos’ euro-denominated Senior Notes (exclusive of unamortized debt issuance costs.) The potential increase in the U.S. dollar equivalent of such indebtedness resulting from a hypothetical 10% adverse change in exchange rates at such date would be approximately $43 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, 2021 and 2022.
Raw Materials - Our Chemicals Segment is exposed to market risk from changes in commodity prices relating to our raw materials. As discussed in Item 1 we generally enter into long-term supply agreements for certain of our raw material requirements. Many of our raw material contracts contain fixed quantities we are required to purchase, or specify a range of quantities within which we are required to purchase. Raw material pricing under these agreements is generally negotiated quarterly or semi-annually depending upon the suppliers. For certain raw material requirements we do not have long-term supply agreements either because we have assessed the risk of the unavailability of those raw materials and/or the risk of a significant change in the cost of those raw materials to be low, or because long-term supply agreements for those raw materials are generally not available.
Our Component Products Segment will occasionally enter into short term commodity-related raw material supply arrangements to mitigate the impact of future increases in commodity-related raw material costs. We do not have long-term supply agreements for 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.

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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
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).

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ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS
ITEM 9.
CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.

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ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
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, 2022. Based upon their evaluation, these executive officers have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the date of such evaluation.
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting -
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting which, as defined by Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f) means a process designed by, or under the supervision of, our principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the board of directors, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and includes those policies and procedures that:
● 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, 2022.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm that has audited our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report, has audited the effectiveness of our internal control over
financial reporting as of December 31, 2022, as stated in their report, which is included 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, 2022 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 2022, our chief executive officer filed such annual certification with the NYSE. The 2022 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, 2022 have been filed as Exhibits 31.1 and 31.2 to this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 9B.OTHER INFORMATION
Not applicable.

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ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
ITEM 10.DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to our 2023 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”).

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ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
ITEM 11.EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to our 2023 proxy statement.

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ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
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 2023 proxy statement.

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ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
ITEM 13.
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTORS INDEPENDENCE
The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to our 2023 proxy statement. See also Note 17 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

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ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
ITEM 14.PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to our 2023 proxy statement.
PART IV

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ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
ITEM 15.EXHIBITS
(a) and (c) Financial Statements
The Registrant
Our Consolidated Financial Statements listed on the accompanying Index of Financial Statements (see page) 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, 2022.
Item No.
Exhibit Index
2.1
Purchase Agreement by and between JFL-WCS Partners, LLC, as Purchaser, and Andrews County Holdings, Inc., as Seller, dated as of December 19, 2017 - incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 1-5467) dated January 26, 2018 and filed on January 26, 2018.
2.2
Amendment to Purchase Agreement by and between JFL-WCS Partners, LLC, as Purchaser, and Andrews County Holdings, Inc., as Seller, dated as of January 19, 2018 - incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 1-5467) dated January 26, 2018 and filed on January 26, 2018.
3.1
Restated Third Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Valhi, Inc., as amended by Certificate of Amendment filed on May 29, 2020 (effective June 1, 2020) and by Certificate of Elimination of the 6% Series A Preferred Stock filed on August 10, 2020 - incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 1-5467) for the quarter ended September 30, 2020.
3.2
Amended and Restated By-Laws of Valhi, Inc. - incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of our Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 1-5467) dated March 4, 2021.
4.1
Description of Capital Stock - incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 of our Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 6, 2021 (file No. 1-5467) and filed on May 6, 2021.
10.1
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.
10.2
Intercorporate Services Agreement between Contran Corporation and NL Industries, Inc. effective as of January 1, 2004 - incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to NL’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 1-640) for the quarter ended March 31, 2004.
10.3
Intercorporate Services Agreement between Contran Corporation and CompX International Inc. effective January 1, 2004 - incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to CompX’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 1-13905) for the year ended December 31, 2003.
10.4
Intercorporate Services Agreement between Contran Corporation and Kronos Worldwide, Inc. effective January 1, 2004 - incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 10.1 to Kronos’ Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 1-31763) for the quarter ended March 31, 2004.
10.5
Tax Agreement between Valhi, Inc. and Contran Corporation dated January 1, 2020 incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K (file No. 1-5467) for the year ended December 31, 2019.
10.6*
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 (File No. 333-256546). Filed on May 27, 2021.
10.7*
Kronos Worldwide, Inc. 2012 Director Stock Plan - incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 of the Registration statement on Form S-8 of the Registrant (File No. 333-113425). Filed on May 31, 2012.
10.8*
CompX International Inc. 2012 Director Stock Plan - incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 of the Registration statement on Form S-8 of the Registrant (File No. 333-47539). Filed on May 31, 2012.
10.9*
NL Industries, Inc. 2012 Director Stock Plan - incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 of the Registration statement on Form S-8 of the Registrant (File No. 001-00640). Filed on May 31, 2012.
Item No.
Exhibit Index
10.10
Second Amended and Restated Agreement Regarding Shared Insurance among CompX International Inc., Contran Corporation, Kronos Worldwide, Inc., NL Industries, Inc. and Valhi, Inc. dated January 25, 2019 - incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 (file No. 1-5467) filed on March 11, 2019.
10.11
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)
10.12
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)
10.13
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)
10.14
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)
10.15
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)
10.16
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)
10.17
Restated and Amended Agreement by and between Richards Bay Titanium (Proprietary) Limited (acting through its sales agent Rio Tinto Iron & Titanium Limited) and Kronos (US), Inc. effective January 1, 2016 - incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.26 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Kronos Worldwide, Inc. (File No. 001-31763) for the year ended December 31, 2015.
10.18
Indenture, dated as of September 13, 2017, among Kronos International, Inc. the guarantors named therein, and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as trustee, collateral agent, paying agent, transfer agent and registrar - incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-31763) dated September 13, 2017 and filed by Kronos Worldwide, Inc. on September 13, 2017.
10.19
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 (File No. 001-31763) dated September 13, 2017 and filed by Kronos Worldwide, Inc. on September 13, 2017.
10.20**
Unsecured Revolving Demand Promissory Note dated December 31, 2022 in the principal amount of $175.0 million executed by Valhi, Inc. and payable to the order of Contran Corporation.
10.21
Collateral Agreement dated March 12, 2013 between Valhi, Inc. and Contran Corporation - incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.23 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 (file No. 1-5467) filed on March 11, 2019.
Item No.
Exhibit Index
10.22
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 (File No. 1-31763) for the quarter ended March 31, 2021.
10.23
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 (File No. 1-31763) for the quarter ended March 31, 2021.
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
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
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
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.