UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

☒ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF

THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019

OR

☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from          to

Commission file number 1-31763

KRONOS WORLDWIDE, INC.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

5430 LBJ Freeway, Suite 1700

Dallas, Texas 75240-2620

(Address of principal executive offices)

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

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

No securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act.

Indicate by check mark:

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

If the Registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.    Yes  ☐    No  ☒

Whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  ☒     No  ☐

Whether the Registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to submit such files).    Yes  ☒    No  ☐

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

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.  ☐

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

The aggregate market value of the 22.5 million shares of voting stock held by nonaffiliates of Kronos Worldwide, Inc. as of June 28, 2019 (the last business day of the Registrant’s most recently-completed second fiscal quarter) approximated $344.1 million.  

Number of shares of the registrant’s common stock, $.01 par value per share, outstanding on February 28, 2020:  115,651,706.

Documents incorporated by reference

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

Forward-Looking Information

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

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

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PART I

General

Kronos Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: KRO) (Kronos), incorporated in Delaware in 1989, 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.  We, along with our distributors and agents, sell and provide technical services for our products to approximately 4,000 customers in 100 countries with the majority of sales in Europe, North America and the Asia Pacific region.  We believe we have developed considerable expertise and efficiency in the manufacture, sale, shipment and service of our products in domestic and international markets.

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

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

TiO₂ is considered a “quality-of-life” product.  Demand for TiO₂ has generally been driven by worldwide gross domestic product and has generally increased with rising standards of living in various regions of the world.  According to industry estimates, TiO₂ consumption has grown at a compound annual growth rate of approximately 3% since 1990.  Per capita consumption of TiO₂ in 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 that Western Europe and North America currently each account for approximately 17% of global TiO₂ consumption.  Markets for TiO₂ are generally increasing in South America, Eastern Europe, the Asia Pacific region and China and we believe these are significant markets where we expect continued growth as economies in these regions continue to develop and quality-of-life products, including TiO₂, experience greater demand.

At December 31, 2019, approximately 50% of our common stock was owned by Valhi, Inc. (NYSE: VHI) and approximately 30% was owned by a wholly-owned subsidiary of NL Industries, Inc. (NYSE: NL).  Valhi also owns approximately 83% of NL Industries’ outstanding common stock.  A wholly-owned subsidiary of Contran Corporation held approximately 92% of Valhi’s outstanding common stock.  As discussed in Note 1 to our Consolidated Financial Statements, Lisa K. Simmons, Serena Simmons Connelly and a trust established for the benefit of Ms. Simmons, Ms. Connelly, and their children (the “Family Trust”) may be deemed to control Contran, and therefore may be deemed to indirectly control the wholly-owned subsidiary of Contran, Valhi, NL and us.

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Products and end-use markets

Including our predecessors, we have produced and marketed TiO₂ in North America and Europe, our primary markets, for over 100 years.  We believe we are the largest producer of TiO₂ in Europe with 46% of our 2019 sales volumes attributable to markets in Europe.  The table below shows our market share for our significant markets, Europe and North America, for the last three years.

We believe we are the leading seller of TiO₂ in several countries, including Germany, with an estimated 9% share of worldwide TiO₂ sales volume in 2019.  Overall, we are one of the top five producers of TiO₂ in the world.

We offer our customers a broad portfolio of products that include over 40 different TiO₂ pigment grades under the KRONOS^® trademark, which provide a variety of performance properties to meet customers’ specific requirements.  Our major customers include domestic and international paint, plastics, decorative laminate and paper manufacturers.  We ship TiO₂ to our customers in either a powder or slurry form via rail, truck and/or ocean carrier.  Sales of our core TiO₂ pigments represented approximately 94% of our net sales in 2019.  We and our agents and distributors primarily sell our products in three major end-use markets: coatings, plastics and paper.

The following tables show our approximate TiO₂ sales volume by geographic region and end use for the year ended December 31, 2019:

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

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

TiO₂ for plastics – We produce TiO₂ pigments that improve the optical and physical properties 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 – Our TiO₂ is used in the production of several types of paper, including laminate (decorative) paper, filled paper and coated paper to provide whiteness, brightness, opacity and color stability.  Although we sell our TiO₂ to all segments of the paper end-use market, our primary focus is on the TiO₂ grades used in paper laminates, where several layers of paper are laminated together using melamine resin under high temperature and pressure.  The top layer of paper contains TiO₂ and plastic resin and is the layer that is printed with decorative patterns.  Paper laminates are used to replace materials such as wood and tile for such applications as

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

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

Our TiO₂ business is enhanced by the following three complementary businesses, which comprised approximately 6% of our net sales in 2019:

Manufacturing, operations and properties

We produce TiO₂ in two crystalline forms: rutile and anatase.  Rutile TiO₂ is manufactured using both a chloride production process and a sulfate production process, whereas anatase TiO₂ is only produced using a sulfate production process.  Manufacturers of many end-use applications can use either form, especially during periods of tight supply for TiO₂.  The chloride process is the preferred form for use in coatings and plastics, the two largest end-use markets.  Due to environmental factors and customer considerations, the proportion of TiO₂ industry sales represented by chloride process pigments has remained stable relative to sulfate process pigments, and in 2019, chloride process production facilities represented approximately 45% of industry capacity.  The sulfate process is preferred for use in selected paper products, ceramics, rubber tires, man-made fibers, food products, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.  Once an intermediate TiO₂ pigment has been produced by either the chloride or sulfate process, it is “finished” into products with specific performance characteristics for particular end-use applications through proprietary processes involving various chemical surface treatments and intensive micronizing (milling).

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We produced 546,000 metric tons of TiO₂ in 2019, up from the 536,000 metric tons we produced in 2018.  Our production volumes include our share of the output produced by our TiO₂ manufacturing joint venture discussed below in “TiO₂ manufacturing joint venture.”  Our average production capacity utilization rates were at full practical capacity in 2017, 95% in 2018 and 98% in 2019.  Our production rates in 2018 were impacted by maintenance activities at certain facilities and by the first quarter implementation of a productivity-enhancing improvement project at our Belgian facility.

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

Our production capacity has increased by approximately 5% over the past ten years due to debottlenecking programs, incurring only moderate capital expenditures.  We expect to operate our TiO₂ plants at near full practical capacity levels in 2020.  

The following table presents the division of our expected 2020 manufacturing capacity by plant location and type of manufacturing process:

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

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

We have corporate and administrative offices located in the U.S., Germany, Norway, Canada, Belgium, France and the United Kingdom and various sales offices located in North America.

TiO₂ manufacturing joint venture  

Kronos Louisiana, Inc., one of our 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.  We and Venator share production from the plant equally pursuant to separate offtake agreements, unless we 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 we appoint and two of whom Venator appoints.  Two general managers manage the operations of the joint venture acting under the direction of the supervisory committee.  We appoint one general manager and Venator appoints the other.

LPC is not consolidated in our financial statements because we do not control it.  We account for our interest in the joint venture by the equity method.  The joint venture operates on a break-even basis and therefore we do not have any equity in earnings of the joint venture.  We are required to purchase one half of the TiO₂ produced by the joint venture.  All costs and capital expenditures are shared equally with Venator with the exception of feedstock (purchased natural rutile ore or chlorine slag) and packaging costs for the pigment grades produced.  Our share of net costs is reported as cost of sales as the TiO₂ is sold.  See Notes 5 and 14 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 coke.  Chlorine is available from a number of suppliers, while petroleum coke is available from a limited number of suppliers.  Titanium-containing feedstock suitable for use in the chloride process is available from a limited but increasing number of suppliers principally in Australia, South Africa, Canada, India and the United States.  We purchase chloride process grade slag from Rio Tinto Iron and Titanium Limited under a long-term supply contract which automatically renewed at the end of 2018 and extends through December 31, 2020.  The contract automatically renews bi-annually but can be terminated if written notice is given at least twelve months prior to the current contract end date.  We also purchase upgraded slag from Rio Tinto Iron and Titanium Limited under a long-term supply contract that expires at the end of 2021.  We purchase rutile ore primarily from Sierra Rutile Limited under a contract that expires in 2022 and Base Titanium Limited under a contract that expires at the end of 2022.  In the past we have been, and we expect that we will continue to be, successful in obtaining short-term and long-term extensions to these and other existing supply contracts prior to their expiration.  We expect the raw materials purchased under these contracts, and contracts that we may enter into, will meet our chloride process feedstock requirements over the next several years.

The primary raw materials used in sulfate process TiO₂ are titanium-containing feedstock, primarily ilmenite or purchased sulfate grade slag and sulfuric acid.  Sulfuric acid is available from a number of suppliers.  Titanium-containing feedstock suitable for use in the sulfate process is available from a limited number of suppliers principally in Norway, Canada, Australia, India and South Africa.  As one of the few vertically-integrated producers

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of sulfate process TiO₂, we operate two rock ilmenite mines in Norway, which provided all of the feedstock for our European sulfate process TiO₂ plants in 2019.  We expect ilmenite production from our mines to meet our European sulfate process feedstock requirements for the foreseeable future.  For our Canadian sulfate process plant, we purchase sulfate grade slag primarily from Rio Tinto Fer et Titane Inc. under a supply contract that renews annually, subject to termination upon twelve months written notice.  We expect the raw materials purchased under this contract, and contracts that we may enter into, to meet our sulfate process feedstock requirements over the next several years.

Many of our raw material contracts contain fixed quantities we are required to purchase, or specify a range of quantities within which we are required to purchase.  The pricing under these agreements is generally negotiated quarterly or semi-annually.

The following table summarizes our raw materials purchased or mined in 2019.

Sales and marketing

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

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

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

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We sell to a diverse customer base with only one customer representing 10% or more of our net sales in 2019 (Behr Process Corporation - 10%).  Our largest ten customers accounted for approximately 36% of net sales in 2019.

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

Competition

The TiO₂ industry is highly competitive.  We compete primarily on the basis of price, product quality, technical service and the availability of high performance pigment grades.  Since TiO₂ is not a traded commodity, its pricing is largely a product of negotiation between suppliers and their respective customers.  Price and availability are the most significant competitive factors along with quality and customer service for the majority of our product grades.  Increasingly, we are focused on providing pigments that are differentiated to meet specific customer requests and specialty grades that are differentiated from our competitors’ products.  During 2019, we had an estimated 9% share of worldwide TiO₂ sales volume, and based on sales volume, we believe we are the leading seller of TiO₂ in several countries, including Germany.

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

The following chart shows our estimate of worldwide production capacity in 2019:

Chemours has over one-half of total North American TiO₂ production capacity and is our principal North American competitor.  In the second quarter of 2019, Tronox acquired certain of the TiO₂ assets of Cristal Global. In 2018, Lomon Billions announced construction plans for an additional 200,000 tons of chloride capacity, a portion of which came on line in 2019.  The remainder is scheduled to come on line in 2020.

Over the past ten years, we and our competitors increased industry capacity through debottlenecking projects, which in part compensated for the shut-down of various TiO₂ plants throughout the world.  Although overall industry demand is expected to increase in 2020, we do not expect any significant efforts will be undertaken by us or our principal competitors to further increase capacity for the foreseeable future, other than through debottlenecking projects and the Lomon Billions expansion mentioned above.  If actual developments differ from our expectations, the TiO₂ industry’s and our performance could be unfavorably affected.

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

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Research and development

We employ scientists, chemists, process engineers and technicians who are engaged in research and development, process technology and quality assurance activities in Leverkusen, Germany.  These individuals have the responsibility for improving our chloride and sulfate production processes, improving product quality and strengthening our competitive position by developing new products and applications.  Our expenditures for these activities were approximately $18 million in 2017, $16 million in 2018 and $17 million in 2019.  We expect to spend approximately $17 million on research and development in 2020.

We continually seek to improve the quality of our grades and have been successful in developing new grades for existing and new applications to meet the needs of our customers and increase product life cycles.  Since the beginning of 2015, we have added ten new grades for pigments and other applications.

Patents, trademarks, trade secrets and other intellectual property rights

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

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

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

Employees

As of December 31, 2019, we employed the following number of people:

Certain employees at each of our production facilities are organized by labor unions.  In Europe, our union employees are covered by master collective bargaining agreements for the chemical industry that are generally renewed annually.  In Canada, our union employees are covered by a collective bargaining agreement that expires in June 2021.  At December 31, 2019, approximately 86% of our worldwide workforce is organized under collective bargaining agreements. It is possible that there could be future work stoppages or other labor disruptions that could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial position or liquidity.

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Regulatory and environmental matters

Our operations and properties are governed by various environmental laws and regulations which are complex, change frequently and have tended to become stricter over time.  These environmental laws govern, among other things, the generation, storage, handling, use and transportation of hazardous materials; the emission and discharge of hazardous materials into the ground, air or water; and the health and safety of our employees.  Certain of our operations are, or have been, engaged in the generation, storage, handling, manufacture or use of substances or compounds that may be considered toxic or hazardous within the meaning of applicable environmental laws and regulations.  As with other companies engaged in similar businesses, certain of our past and current operations and products have the potential to cause environmental or other damage.  We have implemented and continue to implement various policies and programs in an effort to minimize these risks.  Our policy is to comply with applicable environmental laws and regulations at all our facilities and to strive to improve our environmental performance and overall sustainability.  We recently updated our Kronos Sustainability Report (available on our website at www.kronostio2.com), which highlights our focus on sustainability of our manufacturing operations, as well as our environmental, social and governance strategy.  It is possible that future developments, such as stricter requirements in environmental laws and enforcement policies, could adversely affect our operations, including production, handling, use, storage, transportation, sale or disposal of hazardous or toxic substances or require us to make capital and other expenditures to comply, and could adversely affect our consolidated financial position and results of operations or liquidity.

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

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

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

From time to time, our facilities may be subject to environmental regulatory enforcement under U.S. and non-U.S. statutes.  Typically we establish compliance programs to resolve these matters.  Occasionally, we may pay penalties.  To date, such penalties have not involved amounts having a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or liquidity.  We believe all of our 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 we operate or sell our products, seeking to regulate our operations or to restrict, limit or classify TiO₂.  We believe that we are in substantial compliance with laws applicable to the regulation of TiO_2.  However, increased regulatory scrutiny could affect consumer perception of TiO₂ or limit the marketability and demand for TiO₂ or products containing TiO₂ and increase our regulatory and compliance costs.

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On February 18, 2020 the European Union published a regulation classifying TiO₂ powder and powder mixtures containing TiO₂ as a suspected carcinogen via inhalation under its EU Regulation No. 1272/2008 on classification, labeling and packing of substances and mixtures.  The regulation will enter into force on October 1, 2021 at which time hazard labels will be required on certain TiO₂ powder products and certain powder mixtures containing TiO₂ in the EU.

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

Our capital expenditures related to ongoing environmental compliance, protection and improvement programs, including capital expenditures which are primarily focused on increasing operating efficiency but also result in improved environmental protection such as lower emissions from our manufacturing facilities, were $20.0 million in 2019 and are currently expected to be approximately $25 million in 2020.

Website and other available information

Our fiscal year ends December 31.  Our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and any amendments to those reports are available on our website at kronostio2.com.  These reports are available on the website, without charge, as soon as is reasonably practicable after we file or furnish them electronically with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC.  Additional information regarding us, including our Audit Committee charter, Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and our Corporate Governance Guidelines, can also be found at this website.  Information contained on our website is not part of this report.  We will also provide free copies of such documents upon written request.  Such requests should be directed to the Corporate Secretary at our address on the cover page of this Form 10-K.

We are an electronic filer and the SEC maintains an internet website that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC at www.sec.gov.

Below are certain risk factors associated with our business.  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 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.

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

Our sales and profitability are largely dependent on the TiO₂ industry.  In 2019, 94% of our 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 earnings and operating cash flows.  Historically, the markets for many of our products have experienced alternating periods of increasing and decreasing demand.  Relative changes in the selling prices for our products are one of the main factors that affect the level of our profitability.  In periods of increasing demand, our selling prices and profit margins generally will tend to increase, while in periods of decreasing demand our selling prices and profit margins generally tend to decrease.  In addition, pricing may affect customer inventory levels as customers may from time to time accelerate purchases of TiO₂ in advance of anticipated price increases or defer purchases of TiO₂ in advance of anticipated price decreases.  Our ability to further increase capacity without

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additional investment in greenfield or brownfield capacity may be limited and as a result, our profitability may become even more dependent upon the selling prices of our products.

The TiO₂ industry is concentrated and highly competitive and we face price pressures in the markets in which we operate, which may result in reduced earnings or operating losses.

The global market in which we operate our business 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 competitors may be able to drive down prices for our products if their costs are lower than our costs.  In addition, some of our competitors’ financial, technological and other resources may be greater than our resources and such competitors may be better able to withstand changes in market conditions.  Our competitors may be able to respond more quickly than we can to new or emerging technologies and changes in customer requirements.  Further, consolidation of our competitors or customers may result in reduced demand for our products or make it more difficult for us to compete with our competitors.  The occurrence of any of these events could result in reduced earnings or operating losses.

Higher costs or limited availability of our raw materials may reduce our earnings and decrease our liquidity.  In addition, many of our raw material contracts contain fixed quantities we are required to purchase.

The number of sources for and availability of certain raw materials is specific to the particular geographical region in which a facility is located.  For example, titanium-containing feedstocks suitable for use in our TiO₂ facilities are available from a limited number of suppliers around the world.  Political and economic instability in the countries from which we purchase our raw materials could adversely affect their availability.  If our worldwide vendors were unable to meet their contractual obligations and we were unable to obtain necessary raw materials, we could incur higher costs for raw materials or may be required to reduce production levels.  We experienced increases in our feedstock costs in 2018 and 2019, and we expect our feedstock costs to continue to increase in the first half of 2020 before moderating slightly in the second half of 2020.  We may also experience higher operating costs such as energy costs, which could affect our profitability.  We may not always be able to increase our selling prices to offset the impact of any higher costs or reduced production levels, which could reduce our earnings and decrease our liquidity.

We have long-term supply contracts that provide for our TiO₂ feedstock requirements that currently expire through 2022.  While we believe we will be able to renew these contracts, there can be no assurance we will be successful in renewing them or in obtaining long-term extensions to them prior to expiration. Our current agreements (including those entered into through February 2020) require us to purchase certain minimum quantities of feedstock with minimum purchase commitments aggregating approximately $897 million beginning in 2020.  In addition, we have other long-term supply and service contracts that provide for various raw materials and services. These agreements require us to purchase certain minimum quantities or services with minimum purchase commitments aggregating approximately $74 million at December 31, 2019.  Our commitments under these contracts could adversely affect our financial results if we significantly reduce our production and were unable to modify the contractual commitments.

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

As of December 31, 2019, our total consolidated debt was approximately $445.5 million, substantially all of which relates to our Senior Secured Notes issued in September 2017.  Our level of debt could have important consequences to our stockholders and creditors, including:

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Indebtedness outstanding under our revolving North American credit facility and revolving European credit facility accrues interest at variable rates.  To the extent market interest rates rise, the cost of our debt would increase, adversely affecting our 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 $581 million in 2020.  Our ability to make payments on and refinance our debt and to fund planned capital expenditures depends on our future ability to generate cash flow.  To some extent, this is subject to general economic, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory and other factors that are beyond our control.  In addition, our ability to borrow funds under our revolving credit facilities in the future will, in some instances, depend in part on our ability to maintain specified financial ratios and satisfy certain financial covenants contained in the applicable credit agreement.

Our business 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.

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

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

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 2019, 46% of our sales volumes were sold into European markets.  The majority (but not all) of our sales from our operations outside the United States are denominated in currencies other than the United States dollar, primarily the euro, other major European currencies and the Canadian dollar.  Therefore, we are exposed to risks related to the need to convert currencies we receive from the sale of our products into the currencies required to pay for certain of our operating costs and expenses and other liabilities (including indebtedness), all of which could result in future losses depending on fluctuations in currency exchange rates and affect the comparability of our results of operations between periods.

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

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.

We may be subject to litigation, the disposition of which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

The nature of our operations exposes us to possible litigation claims, including disputes with customers and suppliers and matters relating to, among other things, antitrust, product liability, intellectual property, employment and environmental claims.  It is possible that judgments could be rendered against us in these or other types of cases for which we could be uninsured or not covered by indemnity, or which may be beyond the amounts that we currently have reserved or anticipate incurring for such matters.  Some of the lawsuits may seek fines or penalties and damages in large amounts, or seek to restrict our business activities.  Because of the uncertain nature of litigation and coverage decisions, we cannot predict the outcome of these matters or whether insurance claims may mitigate any damages ultimately determined to be owed by us.  Any liability we might incur in the future could be material.  In addition, litigation is very costly, and the costs associated with defending litigation matters could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

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 business.

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

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

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

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

 We rely on integrated information technology systems to manage, process and analyze data, including to facilitate the manufacture and distribution of our products to and from our plants, receive, process and ship orders, manage the billing of and collections from our customers and manage payments to our vendors.  Although we have systems and procedures in place to protect our information technology systems, there can be no assurance that such systems and procedures would be sufficiently effective.  Therefore, any of our information technology systems may be susceptible to outages, disruptions or destruction as well as cyber security breaches or attacks, resulting in a disruption of our business operations, injury to people, harm to the environment or our assets, and/or the inability to access our information technology systems.  If any of these events were to occur, our results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected.

None

Information on our properties is incorporated by reference to Item 1: Manufacturing, Operations and Properties above.  Our corporate headquarters is located in Dallas, Texas.  See Notes 1 and 7 to our Consolidated Financial Statements for information on our leases.

We are involved in various environmental, contractual, intellectual property, product liability and other claims and disputes incidental to our business.  Information required for this Item is incorporated by reference to Note 15 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Not applicable

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PART II

Our common stock is listed and traded on the New York Stock Exchange (symbol: KRO).  As of February 28, 2020, there were approximately 1,800 holders of record of our common stock.

In December 2010, our board of directors authorized the repurchase of up to 2.0 million shares of our common stock in open market transactions, including block purchases, or in privately-negotiated transactions at unspecified prices and over an unspecified period of time.  In 2019 we repurchased 264,992 shares, and we have 1,686,008 shares available for repurchase under the stock repurchase program at December 31, 2019.  See Note 13 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Performance graph

Set forth below is a table and 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 Index and an index of a self-selected peer group of companies.  In 2018, as more of our peers have become publicly traded, we began using a peer group metric which we believe provides a more meaningful comparison to our performance.  The peer group index is comprised of The Chemours Company, Venator Materials PLC and Tronox Ltd.  The Chemours Company and Venator Materials PLC are included from the date each company began trading on the New York Stock Exchange in June 2015 and August 2017, respectively.  The graph shows the value at December 31 of each year, assuming an original investment of $100 at December 31, 2014 and reinvestment of cash dividends and other distributions to stockholders.

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, 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.

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Equity compensation plan information

We have an equity compensation plan, which was approved by our stockholders, pursuant to which an aggregate of 200,000 shares of our common stock can be awarded to members of our board of directors.  At December 31, 2019, 140,900 shares are available for award under this plan.  See Note 13 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

The following selected financial data should be read in conjunction with our Consolidated Financial Statements and Item 7 - “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Business overview

We are a leading global producer and marketer of value-added TiO₂.  TiO₂ is used for a variety of manufacturing applications, including plastics, paints, paper and other industrial and specialty products.  During 2019, 46% of our sales volumes were sold into European markets.  We believe we are the largest producer of TiO₂ in Europe with an estimated 18% share of European TiO₂ sales volumes in 2019.  In addition, we estimate we have a 19% share of North American TiO₂ sales volumes in 2019.  Our production facilities are located in Europe and North America.

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

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

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

In addition, our effective income tax rate in 2017, 2018 and 2019 was impacted by certain favorable and unfavorable developments discussed below.

Executive summary

We reported net income of $87.1 million, or $.75 per share, in 2019 compared to $205.0 million, or $1.77 per share in 2018.  We reported lower net income in 2019 as compared to 2018 primarily due to lower income from operations resulting from the effects of lower average selling prices and higher raw materials and other production costs partially offset by higher sales volumes.

We reported net income of $205.0 million, or $1.77 per share for 2018 compared to net income of $354.5 million, or $3.06 per share for 2017.  Our net income was lower in 2018 compared to 2017 in part due to lower income from operations as the favorable impact of higher average selling prices was more than offset by the unfavorable impact of lower sales and production volumes and higher raw materials and other production costs as discussed below.  In addition, we recognized an aggregate net income tax benefit of $136.5 million in 2017 as a result of the net effect of reversing our deferred income tax asset valuation allowances associated with our German

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and Belgian operations ($186.7 million income tax benefit) and our deferred income tax asset valuation allowance related to certain U.S. deferred income tax assets of one of our non-U.S. subsidiaries ($18.7 million income tax benefit), the one-time repatriation tax imposed on the post-1986 undistributed earnings of our non-U.S. subsidiaries as a result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (2017 Tax Act) ($76.2 million income tax expense), an income tax benefit related to the execution and finalization of an Advance Pricing Agreement between Canada and Germany ($11.8 million income tax benefit), and an income tax expense related to a change in our conclusions regarding our permanent reinvestment assertion with respect to the post-1986 undistributed earnings of our European subsidiaries ($4.5 million income tax expense).  

Our net income in 2019 includes:

Our net income in 2018 includes:

Our net income in 2017 includes:

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Comparison of 2019 to 2018 Results of Operations

Industry conditions and 2019 overview – At the beginning of 2019, our average TiO₂ selling prices were 3% lower than at the beginning of 2018 and from that point, average selling prices, though lower than 2018 selling prices, were relatively stable throughout 2019.  Our average selling prices at the end of the fourth quarter of 2019 were 1% lower than at the end of the third quarter of 2019 and 1% lower than at the end of 2018.  We experienced higher sales volumes in the European, North American and export markets in 2019 as compared to sales volumes in 2018, with the European market experiencing the most significant increase.

The following table shows our capacity utilization rates during 2018 and 2019.

Primarily due to a moderate rise in the cost of third-party feedstock we procured in 2018 and 2019, our cost of sales per metric ton of TiO₂ sold in 2019 was higher as compared to 2018 (excluding the effect of changes in currency exchange rates).

Net sales – Our net sales increased 4% or $69.2 million in 2019 compared to 2018, primarily due to the net effect of a 6% decrease in average TiO₂ selling prices (which decreased net sales by approximately $100 million), a 15% increase in sales volumes (which increased net sales by approximately $249 million) and changes in currency exchange rates.  TiO₂ selling prices will increase or decrease generally as a result of competitive market pressures, changes in the relative level of supply and demand as well as changes in raw material and other manufacturing costs. Our sales volumes increased 15% in 2019 as compared to the sales volumes of 2018 primarily due to strength in the European, North American and export markets in 2019 as compared to 2018.  In addition to the impact of changes in

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average TiO₂ selling prices and sales volumes, we estimate that changes in currency exchange rates decreased our net sales by approximately $49 million, or 3%, as compared to 2018.  

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

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

Selling, general and administrative expense – Selling, general and administrative expenses were $228.2 million in 2019, which were comparable to such expenses in 2018.

Income from operations – Income from operations decreased by $184.3 million, from $330.1 million in 2018 to $145.8 million in 2019.  Income from operations as a percentage of net sales was 8% in 2019 compared to 20% in 2018.  This decrease was driven by the decrease in gross margin discussed above for the comparable periods.  We estimate that changes in currency exchange rates decreased income from operations by approximately $3 million in 2019 as compared to 2018.

Other non-operating income (expense) – Our loss on marketable equity securities was $.1 million in 2019 and $7.3 million in 2018. See Note 6 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.  Other components of net periodic pension and postretirement benefits other than pensions, or OPEB, cost in 2019 was comparable to 2018.  See Note 10 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.  Interest expense in 2019 was comparable to 2018.

Income tax expense – We recognized income tax expense of $34.0 million in 2019 compared to income tax expense of $88.8 million in 2018.  The decrease is primarily due to lower earnings in 2019.  In addition, our income tax expense in 2019 includes an income tax benefit recognized in the fourth quarter of $3.0 million related to the favorable settlement of a prior year tax matter in Germany, with $1.5 million recognized as a current cash tax benefit and $1.5 million recognized as a non-cash deferred income tax benefit related to an increase to our German net operating loss carryforward.  In addition, in the fourth quarter of 2019, we recognized a non-cash deferred income tax expense of $5.5 million primarily related to the revaluation of our net deferred income tax asset in Germany resulting from a decrease in the German trade tax rate.

Our earnings are subject to income tax in various U.S. and non-U.S. jurisdictions.  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.  See Note 12 to our Consolidated Financial Statements for a tabular reconciliation of our statutory income tax provision to our actual tax provision.

Our consolidated effective income tax rate in 2020 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.  In addition, our consolidated effective income tax rate in 2020 is expected to be lower than our effective tax rate in 2019 primarily due to the mix of earnings and a decrease in the statutory income tax rate in certain non-U.S. jurisdictions in which we operate.

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Comparison of 2018 to 2017 Results of Operations

Net sales – Our net sales decreased 4% or $67.1 million in 2018 compared to 2017, primarily due to the net effect of a 13% increase in average TiO₂ selling prices (which increased net sales by approximately $225 million) and a 16% decrease in sales volumes (which decreased net sales by approximately $277 million).  TiO₂ selling prices will increase or decrease generally as a result of competitive market pressures, changes in the relative level of supply and demand as well as changes in raw material and other manufacturing costs.

Our sales volumes decreased 16% in 2018 as compared to the record sales volumes of 2017 primarily due to a combination of factors including (i) lower sales in all major markets resulting from a controlled ramp-up in January 2018 as we brought the second phase of our new global enterprise resource planning system online; (ii) inventory management to assure adequate supply to our customers during the spring and summer necessitated by the lower production volumes in the first three months of the year (as discussed below); (iii) product availability in the second quarter; and (iv) customer inventory level changes in the second, third and fourth quarters as customer inventory levels returned to more normal levels.  In addition to the impact of changes in average TiO₂ selling prices and sales volumes, we estimate that changes in currency exchange rates increased our net sales by approximately $49 million, or 3%, as compared to 2017.  

Cost of sales and gross margin – Cost of sales decreased $59.6 million or 5% in 2018 compared to 2017 due to the net impact of a 16% decrease in sales volumes, a 7% decrease in TiO₂ production volumes, higher raw materials and other production costs of approximately $103 million (primarily caused by higher third-party feedstock costs) and currency fluctuations (primarily the euro).  The decrease in TiO₂ production volumes in 2018 compared to the production volumes in 2017 was primarily due to increased maintenance activities at certain facilities in 2018, and the implementation of a productivity-enhancing improvement project at our Belgian facility in the first quarter of 2018.  Our cost of sales as a percentage of net sales decreased to 66% in 2018 compared to 67% in 2017 as the favorable effects of higher average selling prices more than offset the unfavorable effects related to lower production volumes and higher raw materials and other production costs, as discussed above.

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Gross margin as a percentage of net sales increased to 34% in 2018 compared to 33% in 2017.  As discussed and quantified above, our gross margin increased primarily due to the net effect of higher average selling prices, lower sales and production volumes and higher raw materials and other production costs.

Selling, general and administrative expense – Selling, general and administrative expense in 2018 was $228.3 million, an increase of $27.7 million compared to 2017 in part due to higher general and administrative costs related to the implementation of a new accounting and manufacturing software system of $11 million, higher shipping and handling costs of $4 million and higher sales support costs of $3 million to better serve our customers.  Selling, general and administrative expenses were approximately 14% of net sales in 2018 and 12% of net sales in 2017.

Income from operations – Income from operations decreased by $17.7 million, from $347.8 million in 2017 to $330.1 million in 2018.  This decrease was due in part to the decrease in gross margin and the increase in selling, general and administrative expense noted above for the comparable periods.  Income from operations as a percentage of net sales was 20% in each of 2018 and 2017.  We estimate that changes in currency exchange rates increased income from operations by approximately $33 million in 2018 as compared to 2017.

Other non-operating income (expense) – Beginning on January 1, 2018 with the adoption of ASU 2016-01, all of our marketable equity securities continue to be carried at fair value, but any unrealized gains or losses on the securities are now recognized in Marketable equity securities on our Consolidated Statements of Income.  See Note 6 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.  Other components of net periodic pension and postretirement benefits other than pensions, or OPEB, cost decreased $2.4 million in 2018 compared to 2017 primarily due to a higher expected return on plan assets for certain non-U.S. defined benefit plans in 2018.  See Note 10 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.  Interest expense in 2018 was comparable to 2017, as higher average debt levels in 2018 resulting from the September 2017 issuance of our Senior Secured Notes were offset by lower average interest rates on outstanding indebtedness.  We also recognized a loss on prepayment of debt in the third quarter of 2017 aggregating $7.1 million, associated with the prepayment and termination of our term loan indebtedness.  See Note 8 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Income tax expense (benefit) – We recognized income tax expense of $88.8 million in 2018 compared to an income tax benefit of $48.8 million in 2017.  As discussed in Note 12 to our Consolidated Financial Statements, our income tax benefit in 2017 includes a net income tax benefit of $136.5 million, consisting of the following:

Our earnings are subject to income tax in various U.S. and non-U.S. jurisdictions.  Beginning in 2018 (following enactment of the 2017 Tax Act), the income tax rates applicable to our pre-tax earnings (losses) of our non-U.S. operations are generally higher than the income tax rates applicable to our U.S. operations.  Excluding the effect of any increase or decrease in our deferred income tax asset valuation allowance or changes in our reserve for uncertain tax positions, we would generally expect our overall effective tax rate to be higher than the U.S. federal

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statutory tax rate of 21% primarily because of our non-U.S. operations.  Prior to 2018, the income tax rates applicable to our pre-tax earnings (losses) of our non-U.S. operations were generally lower than the U.S. federal statutory tax rate of 35%.  See Note 12 to our Consolidated Financial Statements for a tabular reconciliation of our statutory income tax provision to our actual tax provision.

Our effective income tax rate in 2017, excluding the impact of the reversal of the deferred income tax asset valuation allowances, the one-time repatriation tax, the impact of the change in our permanent reinvestment assertion with respect to the undistributed earnings of our European subsidiaries and the change to our reserve for uncertain tax positions, was lower than the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35% primarily due to the impact of the earnings of our non-U.S. subsidiaries. See Note 12 to our Consolidated Financial Statements for a tabular reconciliation of our statutory income tax provision to our actual tax provision.

Effects of currency exchange rates

We have substantial operations and assets located outside the United States (primarily in Germany, Belgium, Norway and Canada).  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 in all our 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 non-U.S. sales and operating results are subject to currency exchange rate fluctuations which may favorably or unfavorably impact reported earnings and may affect the comparability of period-to-period operating results.  In addition to the impact of the translation of sales and expenses over time, our non-U.S. operations also generate currency transaction gains and losses which primarily relate to (i) the difference between the currency exchange rates in effect when non-local currency sales or operating costs (primarily U.S. dollar denominated) are initially accrued and when such amounts are settled with the non-local currency, (ii) changes in currency exchange rates during time periods when our non-U.S. operations are holding non-local currency (primarily U.S. dollars), and (iii) relative changes in the aggregate fair value of currency forward contracts held from time to time.  As discussed in Note 16 to our Consolidated Financial Statements, we periodically use currency forward contracts to manage a portion of our currency exchange risk, and relative changes in the aggregate fair value of any currency forward contracts we hold from time to time serve in part to mitigate the currency transaction gains or losses we would otherwise recognize from the first two items described above.  

Overall, we estimate that fluctuations in currency exchange rates had the following effects on our sales and income from operations for the periods indicated.

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

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

 The $49 million increase in net sales (translation gain) was caused primarily by a weakening of the U.S. dollar relative to the euro, as our euro-denominated sales were translated into more U.S. dollars in 2018 as compared to 2017.  The weakening of the U.S. dollar relative to the Canadian dollar and the Norwegian krone in 2018 did not have a significant effect on the reported amount of our net sales, as a substantial portion of the sales generated by our Canadian and Norwegian operations are denominated in the U.S. dollar.

The $33 million increase in income from operations was comprised of the following:

Outlook

During 2019 we operated our production facilities at 98% of practical capacity compared to 95% of practical capacity in 2018. We expect our production volumes in 2020 to be slightly higher as compared to the 2019 production volumes.  Based on anticipated production levels, and assuming current global economic conditions continue, including limited impact on our business from the coronavirus discussed below, we expect our 2020 sales volumes to be slightly lower as compared to 2019 sales volumes.  We will continue to monitor current and anticipated near-term customer demand levels throughout the year and align our production and inventories accordingly.

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The cost of third-party feedstock we purchased in the last half of 2018 and throughout 2019 was higher as compared to the first half of 2018 and such higher cost feedstock was reflected in our results of operations in 2019. Consequently, our cost of sales per metric ton of TiO₂ sold in 2019 was higher than our per-metric ton cost in 2018 (excluding the effect of changes in currency exchange rates).  We expect our cost of sales per metric ton of TiO₂ sold in 2020 to be higher than our per-metric ton cost in 2019 primarily due to continued higher feedstock costs.

At the beginning of 2019, our average TiO₂ selling prices were 3% lower than at the beginning of 2018 and from that point, average selling prices, though lower than 2018 selling prices, were relatively stable, declining an additional 1% during 2019.  Producer inventories of certain grades of TiO₂ remain tight, while inventories of certain other grades are adequate. Considering all of the foregoing factors, including rising raw material costs and steady demand, we expect selling prices to remain stable during the first quarter of 2020.

Overall, we expect our sales in 2020 will be slightly lower than in 2019, principally as a result of the unfavorable impact of lower expected sales volumes.  In addition, we expect our income from operations in 2020 will be lower as compared to 2019 due to the unfavorable impact of lower expected sales volumes and higher raw material costs (principally feedstock).

Our expectations for our future operating results are based upon a number of factors beyond our control, including worldwide growth of gross domestic product, competition in the marketplace, continued operation of competitors, technological advances, worldwide production capacity and the consequences arising directly or indirectly out of the recent coronavirus outbreak.  The extent of the impact of the coronavirus outbreak on our operational and financial performance will depend on future developments, including the severity, duration and spread of the outbreak and its impact on, among other things, overall demand for our products and our customers’ products, supply chains, our operations and the operations of our competitors, all of which are uncertain and cannot be predicted.  If actual developments differ from our expectations, our results of operations could be unfavorably affected.

Operations outside the United States

As discussed above, we have substantial operations located outside the United States for which the functional currency is not the U.S. dollar.  As a result, the reported amount of our assets and liabilities related to our non-U.S. operations, and therefore our consolidated net assets, will fluctuate based upon changes in currency exchange rates.  At December 31, 2019, 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 and estimates primarily relate to long-lived assets, defined benefit pension plans and income taxes.

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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 assumed 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 full funded status of our defined benefit pension plans as either an asset (for overfunded plans) or a liability (for underfunded plans) in our Consolidated Balance Sheet.

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, 2019, approximately 71%, 15%, 7% and 2% 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:

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

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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, 2019, approximately 58%, 23%, 11% and 3% 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.

Our assumed long-term rates of return on plan assets for 2017, 2018 and 2019 were as follows:

Our long-term rate of return on plan asset assumptions in 2020 used for purposes of determining our 2020 defined benefit pension plan expense for Germany, Canada, Norway and the U.S. are 1.0%, 3.5%, 4.0% and 4.5%, 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 10 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 2020, we expect our defined benefit pension expense will approximate $32 million in 2020.  In comparison, we expect to be required to contribute approximately $17 million to such plans during 2020.

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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, 2019, our aggregate projected benefit obligations would have increased by approximately $35.4 million at that date and our defined benefit pension expense would be expected to increase by approximately $2.1 million during 2020.  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 $1.1 million during 2020.

For example, at December 31, 2019 we have substantial net operating loss (NOL) carryforwards in Germany (the equivalent of $501 million for German corporate tax purposes) and in Belgium (the equivalent of $8 million for Belgian corporate tax purposes), all of which have an indefinite carryforward period.  As a result, we have or have had net deferred income tax assets with respect to these two jurisdictions, primarily related to these NOL carryforwards.  As more fully described in Note 12 to our Consolidated Financial Statements, we had a deferred income tax asset valuation allowance recognized with respect to such net deferred income tax assets of our Belgian and German operations beginning June 30, 2015.  At June 30, 2017 we concluded we had sufficient positive evidence under the more-likely-than-not recognition criteria to support reversal of the entire valuation allowance related to our German and Belgian operations.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Consolidated cash flows

Operating activities

Trends in cash flows as a result of our operating activities (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 non-U.S. subsidiaries.  For example, during 2019, relative changes in currency exchange rates resulted in a $2.3 million decrease in the reported amount of our cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash compared to a $14.4 million decrease in 2018 and a $14.4 million increase in 2017.

Cash provided by operating activities was $160.3 million in 2019 compared to $188.5 million in 2018.  This $28.2 million decrease in the amount of cash provided was primarily due to the net effect of the following:

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Cash provided by operating activities was $188.5 million in 2018 compared to $276.1 million in 2017.  This $87.6 million decrease in the amount of cash provided was primarily due to the net effect of the following:

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

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

Investing activities

Our capital expenditures were $55.1 million in 2019 compared to $56.3 million in 2018 and $64.3 million in 2017.  Capital expenditures are primarily incurred to maintain and improve the cost effectiveness of our manufacturing facilities.  In addition, approximately $21.1 million of our capital expenditures during 2017 and 2018 relates to the implementation of a new accounting and manufacturing software system.  Our capital expenditures during the past three years include an aggregate of approximately $53.2 million (including $20.0 million in 2019) for our ongoing environmental protection and compliance programs.

Under the terms of our unsecured revolving demand promissory note with Valhi, we loaned $16.6 million and subsequently collected $16.6 million during 2019 and we loaned $2.6 million and subsequently collected $16.2 million during 2018.

In addition, we received $2.6 million from an insurance settlement related to a property damage claim in 2019.

Financing activities

During 2019, we:

During 2018, we paid quarterly dividends of $.17 per share to stockholders aggregating $78.8 million.

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During 2017, we:

In February 2020, our board of directors declared a first quarter 2020 regular quarterly dividend of $.18 per share, payable March 12, 2020 to stockholders of record as of March 3, 2020.

Outstanding debt obligations and borrowing availability

At December 31, 2019, our consolidated debt comprised:

Our North American and European revolvers and our Senior Secured Notes contain a number of covenants and restrictions which, among other things, restrict our 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 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.  Our European revolving credit facility also requires the maintenance of certain financial ratios, and one of such requirements is based on the ratio of net debt to the last twelve months earnings before interest, income tax, depreciation and amortization expense (EBITDA) of the borrowers.  The terms of all of our debt instruments (including revolving lines of credit for which we have no outstanding borrowings at December 31, 2019) are discussed in Note 8 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.  We are in compliance with all of our debt covenants at December 31, 2019.  We believe that we will be able to continue to comply with the financial covenants contained in our credit facilities through their maturity.

In addition to the outstanding indebtedness indicated above, at December 31, 2019 we had $104.8 million available for borrowing under our North American revolving credit facility.  At December 31, 2019, based upon the last twelve months EBITDA and the net debt to EBITDA financial test for our European revolving credit facility, the full €90 million amount of the credit facility ($100.8 million) was available for borrowing.  We could borrow all available amounts under each of our credit facilities without violating our existing debt covenants.

Our assets consist primarily of investments in operating subsidiaries, and our ability to service our obligations, including the Senior Secured Notes, depends in part upon the distribution of earnings of our subsidiaries, whether in the form of dividends, advances or payments on account of intercompany obligations or otherwise.  Our Senior Secured Notes are collateralized by, among other things, a first priority lien on (i) 100% of the common stock or other ownership interests of each existing and future direct domestic subsidiary of KII and the guarantors, and (ii) 65% of the voting common stock or other ownership interests and 100% of the non-voting common stock or other ownership interests of each non-U.S. subsidiary that is directly owned by KII or any guarantor.  Our North American revolving credit facility is collateralized by, among other things, a first priority lien on the borrower’s trade receivables and inventories.  Our European revolving credit facility is collateralized by, among other things, the accounts receivable and inventories of the borrowers plus a limited pledge of all the other assets of the Belgian borrower.  See Note 8 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

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Future cash requirements

Liquidity

Our primary source of liquidity on an ongoing basis is cash flows from operating activities which is generally used to (i) fund capital expenditures, (ii) repay any short-term indebtedness incurred for working capital purposes and (iii) provide for the payment of dividends.  From time-to-time we will incur indebtedness, generally to (i) fund short-term working capital needs, (ii) refinance existing indebtedness or (iii) fund major capital expenditures or the acquisition of other assets outside the ordinary course of business.  We will also from time-to-time sell assets outside the ordinary course of business and use the proceeds to (i) repay existing indebtedness, (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.

The TiO₂ industry is cyclical, and changes in industry economic conditions significantly impact earnings and operating cash flows.  Changes in TiO₂ pricing, production volumes and customer demand, among other things, could significantly affect our liquidity.

We routinely evaluate our liquidity requirements, alternative uses of capital, capital needs and availability of resources in view of, among other things, our dividend policy, our debt service, our capital expenditure requirements and estimated future operating cash flows.  As a result of this process, we have in the past and may in the future seek to reduce, refinance, repurchase or restructure indebtedness, raise additional capital, repurchase shares of our common stock, modify our dividend policy, restructure ownership interests, sell interests in our subsidiaries or other assets, or take a combination of these steps or other steps to manage our liquidity and capital resources.  Such activities have in the past and may in the future involve related companies.  In the normal course of our business, we may investigate, evaluate, discuss and engage in acquisition, joint venture, strategic relationship and other business combination opportunities in the TiO₂ industry.  In the event of any future acquisition or joint venture opportunity, we may consider using then-available liquidity, issuing our equity securities or incurring additional indebtedness.

Based upon our expectation for the TiO₂ industry and anticipated demands on cash resources, we expect to have sufficient liquidity to meet our short term obligations (defined as the twelve-month period ending December 31, 2020) and our long-term obligations (defined as the five-year period ending December 31, 2024, our time period for long-term budgeting).  If actual developments differ from our expectations, our liquidity could be adversely affected.

Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and marketable securities

At December 31, 2019 we had:

Following 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.

Stock repurchase program

At December 31, 2019, we have 1,686,008 shares available for repurchase under a stock repurchase program authorized by our board of directors.  See Note 13 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

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Capital expenditures

We intend to spend approximately $75 million on capital expenditures during 2020, primarily to maintain and improve our existing facilities, including approximately $25 million in the area of environmental compliance, protection and improvement programs which are primarily focused on increasing operating efficiency but also result in improved environmental protection, such as lower emissions from our manufacturing plants.  Capital spending for 2020 is expected to be funded through cash on hand or borrowing under existing credit facilities.

Off-balance sheet financing

Following the January 1, 2019 adoption of ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), we do not have any off-balance sheet financing arrangements. See Notes 7 and 17 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Commitments and contingencies

See Notes 12 and 15 to our Consolidated Financial Statements for a description of certain income tax contingencies, certain legal proceedings and other commitments.

As more fully described in the Notes to the 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.  See Notes 7, 8, 14 and 15 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.  The timing and amount shown for our commitments in the table below are based upon the contractual payment amount and the contractual payment date for such commitments.  The following table summarizes such contractual commitments of ours and our consolidated subsidiaries as of December 31, 2019.

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The above table does not reflect:

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

Recent accounting pronouncements

See Note 17 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

General

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

Interest rates

At December 31, 2018 and 2019, our fixed-rate, euro-denominated Senior Secured Notes comprised the majority of our aggregate indebtedness.  The fixed-rate debt instrument minimizes earnings volatility that would result from changes in interest rates.  The following table presents principal amounts and weighted average interest

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rates for our aggregate outstanding indebtedness at December 31, 2018 and 2019.   Information shown below for our euro-denominated Senior Secured Notes is presented in its U.S. dollar equivalent at December 31, 2018 and 2019 (net of unamortized debt issuance costs of $6.3 million and $5.3 million, respectively) using an exchange rate of U.S. $1.147 per euro and $1.120 per euro, respectively.  See Note 8 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Currency exchange rates

We are exposed to market risk arising from changes in currency exchange rates as a result of manufacturing and selling our products worldwide.  Earnings are primarily affected by fluctuations in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to the euro, the Canadian dollar, the Norwegian krone and to a lesser extent the United Kingdom pound sterling.

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 in all our 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 non-U.S. sales and operating results are subject to currency exchange rate fluctuations which may favorably or unfavorably impact reported earnings.  In addition to the impact of the translation of sales and expenses over time, our non-U.S. operations also generate currency transaction gains and losses which primarily relate to (i) the difference between the currency exchange rates in effect when non-local currency sales or operating costs (primarily U.S. dollar denominated) are initially accrued and when such amounts are settled with the non-local currency, (ii) changes in currency exchange rates during time periods when our non-U.S. operations are holding non-local currency (primarily U.S. dollars), and (iii) relative changes in the aggregate fair value of currency forward contracts held from time to time.  

We periodically use currency forward contracts to manage a very nominal portion of currency exchange rate risk associated with trade receivables denominated in a currency other than the holder’s functional currency or similar exchange rate risk associated with future sales.  We have not entered into these contracts for trading or speculative purposes in the past, nor do we currently anticipate entering into such contracts for trading or speculative purposes in the future.  We are not party to any currency forward contracts at December 31, 2019.  See Note 16 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Also, we are subject to currency exchange rate risk associated with our Senior Secured Notes, as such indebtedness is denominated in the euro.  At December 31, 2018 and 2019, we had the equivalent of $458.7 million and $447.9 million, respectively, outstanding under our euro-denominated Senior Secured 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 dates would be approximately $46 million and $45 million, respectively.

Marketable security prices

We are exposed to market risk due to changes in prices of the marketable securities which we own.  See Note 6 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.  The fair value of securities which includes investments in publicly-traded shares of related parties was $3.4 million and $3.3 million at December 31, 2018 and December 31,

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2019, respectively.  The potential change in the aggregate fair value of these investments, assuming a 10% change in prices, would be approximately $.3 million at each of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2019.

Raw materials

We are 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.

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 exchange rates discussed above ignores the potential effect on other variables which affect our results of operations and cash flows, such as demand for our products, sales volumes and selling prices and operating expenses.  Accordingly, the amounts presented above are not necessarily an accurate reflection of the potential losses we would incur assuming the hypothetical changes in exchange rates were actually to occur.

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

The information called for by this Item is contained in a separate section of this Annual Report.  See “Index of Financial Statements” (page F-1).

None

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 that we file or submit to the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Act), is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.  Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information we are required to disclose in the reports we file or submit to the SEC under the Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and our principal financial officer, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions to be made regarding required disclosure.  Each of Robert D. Graham, our Vice Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer and James W. Brown, our Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, have evaluated the design and effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2019.  Based upon their evaluation, these executive officers have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective as of the date of such evaluation.

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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:

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, 2019.

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, 2019, 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 investment that are recorded in the consolidated financial statements, including controls over the selection of accounting methods for our investments, the recognition of equity method earnings and losses and the determination, valuation and recording of our investment account balances.

Changes in internal control over financial reporting

There has been no change to our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended December 31, 2019 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 2019, our chief executive officer filed such annual certification with the NYSE.  The 2019 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, 2019 have been filed as Exhibits 31.1 and 31.2 to this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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Not applicable

PART III

The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to our 2020 definitive proxy statement to be filed with the SEC pursuant to Regulation 14A within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this report.

The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to our 2020 proxy statement.

The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to our 2020 proxy statement.

The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to our 2020 proxy statement.  See also Note 14 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to our 2020 proxy statement.

PART IV

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.