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Tronox Holdings plc - Quarter Report: 2015 September (Form 10-Q)


UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-Q

(Mark One)
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2015
 
OR
 
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the transition period from                      to                     
 
1-35573
(Commission file number)

TRONOX LIMITED
(ACN 153 348 111)
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

 
Western Australia, Australia
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)
98-1026700
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
   
263 Tresser Boulevard, Suite 1100
Stamford, Connecticut 06901
1 Brodie Hall Drive
Technology Park
Bentley, Australia 6102
 
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (203) 705-3800
 
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes      No  
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted 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 and post such files).    Yes      No  
 
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
 
Large accelerated filer
 
Accelerated filer
         
Non-accelerated filer
 
Smaller reporting company
 
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes      No  
 
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant has filed all documents and reports required to be filed by Section 12, 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 subsequent to the distribution of securities under a plan confirmed by a court.    Yes      No  
 
As of October 31, 2015, the Registrant had 64,517,516 Class A ordinary shares and 51,154,280 Class B ordinary shares outstanding.
 

 

Table of Contents
 
 
Page
PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
3
42
 53
 54
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
 
Item 1. Legal Proceedings  
55
Item 1A. Risk Factors  
 56
 56
 56
 56
Item 5. Other Information  
 56
Item 6. Exhibits  
 57
 58
 
Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited)
 
 
Page
No.
4
5
6
7
8
9
 
TRONOX LIMITED
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)
(Millions of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)

   
Three Months
Ended September 30,
   
Nine Months
Ended September 30,
 
   
2015
   
2014
   
2015
   
2014
 
Net sales
 
$
575
   
$
429
   
$
1,577
   
$
1,337
 
Cost of goods sold
   
536
     
361
     
1,479
     
1,184
 
                                 
Gross profit
   
39
     
68
     
98
     
153
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
   
(55
)
   
(47
)
   
(171
)
   
(138
)
Restructuring expense
   
(5
)
   
(10
)
   
(7
)
   
(10
)
                                 
Income (loss) from operations
   
(21
)
   
11
     
(80
)
   
5
 
Interest and debt expense, net
   
(45
)
   
(34
)
   
(131
)
   
(101
)
Net loss on liquidation of non-operating subsidiaries
   
     
(35
)
   
     
(35
)
Loss on extinguishment of debt
   
     
     
     
(8
)
Other income, net
   
23
     
9
     
22
     
12
 
                                 
Loss before income taxes
   
(43
)
   
(49
)
   
(189
)
   
(127
)
Income tax provision
   
(11
)
   
(41
)
   
(29
)
   
(15
)
                                 
Net loss
   
(54
)
   
(90
)
   
(218
)
   
(142
)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest
   
6
     
3
     
10
     
9
 
                                 
Net loss attributable to Tronox Limited
 
$
(60
)
 
$
(93
)
 
$
(228
)
 
$
(151
)
                                 
Loss per share, basic and diluted
 
$
(0.52
)
 
$
(0.82
)
 
$
(1.97
)
 
$
(1.33
)
                                 
Weighted average shares outstanding, basic and diluted (in thousands)
   
115,642
     
114,530
     
115,529
     
114,026
 
 
See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
TRONOX LIMITED
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
(Unaudited)
(Millions of U.S. dollars)
 
   
Three Months
Ended September 30,
   
Nine Months
Ended September 30,
 
   
2015
   
2014
   
2015
   
2014
 
Net loss
 
$
(54
)
 
$
(90
)
 
$
(218
)
 
$
(142
)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
                               
Foreign currency translation adjustments
   
(135
)
   
(47
)
   
(187
)
   
(68
)
Retirement and postretirement plans, net of taxes of less than $1 million in each of the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014
   
1
     
     
3
     
3
 
                                 
Other comprehensive loss
   
(134
)
   
(47
)
   
(184
)
   
(65
)
                                 
Total comprehensive loss
   
(188
)
   
(137
)
   
(402
)
   
(207
)
                                 
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest:
                               
Net income
   
6
     
3
     
10
     
9
 
Foreign currency translation adjustments
   
(35
)
   
(18
)
   
(49
)
   
(24
)
                                 
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
   
(29
)
   
(15
)
   
(39
)
   
(15
)
                                 
Comprehensive loss attributable to Tronox Limited
 
$
(159
)
 
$
(122
)
 
$
(363
)
 
$
(192
)
 
See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
TRONOX LIMITED
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
(Millions of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)

   
September 30,
2015
   
December 31,
2014
 
ASSETS
 
   
 
Current Assets
 
   
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
145
   
$
1,276
 
Restricted cash
   
4
     
3
 
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts
   
453
     
277
 
Inventories, net
   
715
     
770
 
Prepaid and other assets
   
62
     
42
 
Deferred tax assets
   
6
     
13
 
                 
Total current assets
   
1,385
     
2,381
 
Noncurrent Assets
               
Property, plant and equipment, net
   
1,903
     
1,227
 
Mineral leaseholds, net
   
1,661
     
1,058
 
Intangible assets, net
   
252
     
272
 
Inventories, net
   
17
     
57
 
Long-term deferred tax assets
   
6
     
9
 
Other long-term assets
   
72
     
61
 
                 
Total assets
 
$
5,296
   
$
5,065
 
                 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
               
Current Liabilities
               
Accounts payable
 
$
179
   
$
160
 
Accrued liabilities
   
141
     
147
 
Short-term debt
   
150
     
 
Long-term debt due within one year
   
16
     
18
 
Income taxes payable
   
29
     
32
 
Deferred tax liabilities
   
6
     
9
 
                 
Total current liabilities
   
521
     
366
 
Noncurrent Liabilities
               
Long-term debt
   
2,961
     
2,375
 
Pension and postretirement healthcare benefits
   
160
     
172
 
Asset retirement obligations
   
76
     
85
 
Long-term deferred tax liabilities
   
162
     
204
 
Other long-term liabilities
   
100
     
75
 
                 
Total liabilities
   
3,980
     
3,277
 
                 
Contingencies and Commitments
               
Shareholders’ Equity
               
Tronox Limited Class A ordinary shares, par value $0.01 — 65,519,623 shares issued and 64,499,978 share outstanding at September 30, 2015 and 65,152,145 shares issued and 63,968,616 shares outstanding at December 31, 2014
   
1
     
1
 
Tronox Limited Class B ordinary shares, par value $0.01 — 51,154,280 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014
   
     
 
Capital in excess of par value
   
1,495
     
1,476
 
Retained earnings
   
212
     
529
 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
   
(531
)
   
(396
)
                 
Total shareholders’ equity
   
1,177
     
1,610
 
Noncontrolling interest
   
139
     
178
 
                 
Total equity
   
1,316
     
1,788
 
                 
Total liabilities and equity
 
$
5,296
   
$
5,065
 

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
 
TRONOX LIMITED
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
(Millions of U.S. dollars)
 
   
Nine Months
Ended September 30,
 
   
2015
   
2014
 
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
 
   
 
Net loss
 
$
(218
)
 
$
(142
)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
   
222
     
225
 
Deferred income taxes
   
(4
)
   
(13
)
Share-based compensation expense
   
17
     
17
 
Amortization of deferred debt issuance costs and discount on debt
   
8
     
7
 
Pension and postretirement healthcare benefit expense
   
4
     
4
 
Net loss on liquidation of non-operating subsidiaries
   
     
35
 
Loss on extinguishment of debt
   
     
8
 
Other noncash items affecting net loss
   
(4
)
   
4
 
Contributions to employee pension and postretirement plans
   
(16
)
   
(15
)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
               
(Increase) decrease in accounts receivable
   
(36
)
   
(4
)
(Increase) decrease in inventories
   
90
     
(42
)
(Increase) decrease in prepaid and other assets
   
4
     
2
 
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued liabilities
   
(35
)
   
(12
)
Increase (decrease) in taxes payable
   
12
     
18
 
Other, net
   
1
     
(3
)
                 
Cash provided by operating activities
   
45
     
89
 
                 
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
               
Capital expenditures
   
(141
)
   
(106
)
Acquisition of business
   
(1,653
)
   
 
                 
Cash used in investing activities
   
(1,794
)
   
(106
)
                 
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
               
Repayments of debt
   
(13
)
   
(16
)
Proceeds from debt
   
750
     
 
Debt issuance costs
   
(15
)
   
(2
)
Dividends paid
   
(88
)
   
(87
)
Proceeds from the exercise of warrants and options
   
3
     
5
 
                 
Cash provided by (used in) financing activities
   
637
     
(100
)
                 
Effects of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
   
(19
)
   
(16
)
                 
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
   
(1,131
)
   
(133
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
   
1,276
     
1,475
 
                 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
$
145
   
$
1,342
 

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
TRONOX LIMITED
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EQUITY
(Unaudited)
(Millions of U.S. dollars)

 
 
Tronox
Limited
Class A
Ordinary
Shares
   
Tronox
Limited
Class B
Ordinary
Shares
   
Capital in
Excess of
par Value
   
Retained
Earnings
   
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
   
Total
Shareholders’
Equity
   
Non-controlling
Interest
   
Total
Equity
 
Balance at January 1, 2015
 
$
1
   
$
   
$
1,476
   
$
529
   
$
(396
)
 
$
1,610
   
$
178
   
$
1,788
 
Net income (loss)
   
     
     
     
(228
)
   
     
(228
)
   
10
     
(218
)
Other comprehensive loss
   
     
     
     
     
(135
)
   
(135
)
   
(49
)
   
(184
)
Share-based compensation
   
     
     
16
     
     
     
16
     
     
16
 
Class A and Class B share dividends
   
     
     
     
(89
)
   
     
(89
)
   
     
(89
)
Warrants and options exercised
   
     
     
3
     
     
     
3
     
     
3
 
Balance at September 30, 2015
 
$
1
   
$
   
$
1,495
   
$
212
   
$
(531
)
 
$
1,177
   
$
139
   
$
1,316
 
 
See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
TRONOX LIMITED
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
(Millions of U.S. dollars, except share, per share and metric tons data or unless otherwise noted)
 
1. The Company
 
Tronox Limited and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as “Tronox,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) is a public limited company registered under the laws of the State of Western Australia. We are a global leader in the production and marketing of titanium bearing mineral sands and titanium dioxide (“TiO2”) pigment, and the world’s largest producer of natural soda ash. Titanium feedstock is primarily used to manufacture TiO2. Zircon, a hard, glossy mineral, is used for the manufacture of ceramics, refractories, TV screen glass, and a range of other industrial and chemical products. Pig iron is a metal material used in the steel and metal casting industries to create wrought iron, cast iron, and steel. Our TiO2 products are critical components of everyday applications such as paint and other coatings, plastics, paper, and other uses and our related mineral sands product streams include titanium feedstock, zircon, and pig iron. Our soda ash products are used by customers in the glass, detergent, and chemicals manufacturing industries.
 
We have global operations in North America, Europe, South Africa, and the Asia-Pacific region. Within our TiO2 segment, we operate three pigment production facilities at the following locations: Hamilton, Mississippi; Botlek, The Netherlands; and Kwinana, Western Australia, and we operate three separate mining operations: KwaZulu-Natal (“KZN”) Sands and Namakwa Sands both located in South Africa, and Cooljarloo located in Western Australia.
 
On April 1, 2015 (the “Alkali Transaction Date”), we completed the previously announced acquisition of 100% of the Alkali Chemicals business (“Alkali”) from FMC Corporation (“FMC”) for an aggregate purchase price of $1.65 billion in cash (the “Alkali Transaction”). See Note 2 for additional information regarding the Alkali Transaction.
 
As a result of the Alkali Transaction, we produce natural soda ash from a mineral called trona, which we mine at two facilities we own near Green River, Wyoming. Our Wyoming facilities process the trona ore into chemically pure soda ash and specialty sodium products such as sodium bicarbonate (baking soda). We sell soda ash directly to customers in the United States, Canada and Europe and to the American Natural Soda Ash Corporation (“ANSAC”), a non-profit foreign sales association in which we and two other U.S. soda ash producers are members, for resale to customers elsewhere around the world. We use a portion of our soda ash at Green River to produce specialty sodium products such as sodium bicarbonate and sodium sesquicarbonate that have uses in food, animal feed, pharmaceutical, and medical applications.
 
On September 25, 2011, Tronox Incorporated entered into a definitive agreement (as amended) with Exxaro Resources Limited (“Exxaro”) and certain of its affiliated companies, to acquire 74% of Exxaro’s South African mineral sands operations (the “Exxaro Transaction”). On June 15, 2012, the date of the Exxaro Transaction, Tronox Limited issued Class B ordinary shares (“Class B Shares”) to Exxaro and one of its subsidiaries in consideration for the mineral sands business, and the existing business of Tronox Incorporated was combined with the mineral sands business in an integrated series of transactions whereby Tronox Limited became the parent company. Under the terms of the Shareholder’s Deed entered into upon completion of the Exxaro Transaction, Exxaro agreed that for a three-year period after the completion of the Exxaro Transaction (the “Standstill Period”), it would not engage in any transaction or other action that would result in its beneficial ownership of the voting shares of Tronox Limited exceeding 45% of the total issued shares of Tronox Limited. In addition, except under certain circumstances, Exxaro agreed not to sell, pledge or otherwise transfer any such voting shares during the Standstill Period. After the Standstill Period, which concluded on June 14, 2015, Exxaro has agreed not to acquire any voting shares of Tronox Limited if, following such acquisition, Exxaro will have a voting interest in Tronox Limited of 50% or more unless Exxaro brings any proposal to make such an acquisition to the Board of Directors of Tronox Limited on a confidential basis. In the event an agreement regarding the proposal is not reached, Exxaro is permitted to make a takeover offer for all the shares of Tronox Limited not held by affiliates of Exxaro, subject to certain non-waivable conditions. At September 30, 2015, Exxaro held approximately 44% of the voting securities of Tronox Limited. See Note 19 for additional information regarding Exxaro transactions.
 
Basis of Presentation
 
The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited, and have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission regarding interim financial reporting. Accordingly, they do not include all the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) for complete financial statements, and should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014. The Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2014 was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by U.S. GAAP.
 
In management’s opinion, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments, which are of a normal recurring nature, considered necessary for a fair statement. Our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of all majority-owned subsidiary companies. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the manner and presentation in the current period.
 
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. It is at least reasonably possible that the effect on the financial statements of a change in estimate due to one or more future confirming events could have a material effect on the financial statements.
 
Restricted Cash
 
At September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, we had restricted cash in Australia related to outstanding letters of credit of $4 million and $3 million, respectively.
 
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
 
In September 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued ASU (“Accounting Standards Update”) 2015-16, Business Combinations (“ASU 2015-16). ASU 2015-16 simplifies the accounting for measurement-period adjustments by eliminating the requirement to restate prior period financial statements for measurement period adjustments. The new guidance requires that the cumulative impact of a measurement period adjustment (including the impact on prior periods) be recognized in the reporting period in which the adjustment is identified. We are required to adopt this standard in the first quarter of 2016. We have not yet determined the impact, if any, that ASU 2015-16 will have on our consolidated financial statements.
 
In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-15, Interest – Imputation of Interest (“ASU 2015-15) and in April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, Interest— Imputation of Interest (“ASU 2015-03”). ASU 2015-15 and ASU 2015 - 03 change and simplify the presentation of debt issuance costs by requiring that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability and line-of-credit arrangements is presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability or line-of-credit arrangement, consistent with debt discounts. The recognition and measurement guidance for debt issuance costs are not affected by the amendments in this ASU. We are required to adopt this standard retrospectively in the first quarter of 2016. As of September 30, 2015, we had $52 million of deferred debt issuance costs, which were recorded in “Other long-term assets” in the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
 
In July 2015, as part of its simplification initiative, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11, Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory (“ASU 2015-11”). ASU 2015-11 simplifies the subsequent measurement of inventory by requiring entities to remeasure inventory at the lower of cost and net realizable value, which is defined as the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation. This ASU does not apply to inventory measured using the Last-in, First-Out or the retail inventory method. We are required to adopt this standard in the first quarter of 2017. This standard is required to be applied prospectively with earlier application permitted as of the beginning of an interim or annual period. We have not yet determined the impact, if any, that ASU 2015-11 will have on our consolidated financial statements.
 
In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-02, Consolidation: Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis (“ASU 2015-02”). ASU 2015-02 changes the consolidation evaluation for entities that are required to evaluate whether they should consolidate certain legal entities. We are required to adopt this standard in the first quarter of 2016. The standard permits the use of a modified retrospective approach by recording a cumulative-effect adjustment to equity as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption, or a reporting entity may also apply the amendments retrospectively. We have not yet determined the impact, if any, that ASU 2015-02 will have on our consolidated financial statements.
 
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-9, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASU 2014-9”), which states that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. This guidance is effective for periods beginning after December 31, 2017, and may be applied either retrospectively or on a modified retrospective basis. We have not yet determined the impact, if any, that ASU 2014-9 will have on our consolidated financial statements.
 
2. Acquisition of Alkali Chemicals Group
 
On April 1, 2015, we acquired Alkali because it diversifies our end markets and revenue base, and increases our participation in faster growing emerging market economies. We believe it also provides us greater opportunity to utilize a portion of our U.S. tax attributes in future periods. See Note 4 for a discussion of the tax impact of the Alkali Transaction. We accounted for the Alkali Transaction under Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 805, Business Combinations (“ASC 805”), which requires recording assets acquired and liabilities assumed at fair value. Under the acquisition method of accounting, each tangible and separately identifiable intangible asset acquired and liabilities assumed was recorded based on their preliminary estimated fair values on the Alkali Transaction Date. The results of the Alkali chemical business are included in the Alkali segment. The initial valuations were derived from estimated fair value assessments and assumptions used by management, and are preliminary. Further adjustments may result before the end of the measurement period, which ends no later than March 31, 2016.
 
We funded the Alkali Transaction through existing cash and new debt. See Note 12 for further details of the Alkali Transaction financing.
 
Purchase Price Allocation
 
   
Valuation
 
Consideration:
   
Purchase price
 
$
1,650
 
         
Fair Value of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed:
       
Current Assets:
       
Accounts receivable
 
$
147
 
Inventories
   
48
 
Prepaid and other assets
   
32
 
         
Total Current Assets
   
227
 
Property, plant and equipment (1)
   
767
 
Mineral leaseholds (2)
   
738
 
Non-compete agreement
   
1
 
Other long-term assets
   
3
 
         
Total Assets
 
$
1,736
 
         
Current Liabilities:
       
Accounts payable
   
46
 
Accrued liabilities
   
28
 
         
Total Current Liabilities
   
74
 
Noncurrent Liabilities:
       
Other
   
12
 
         
Total Liabilities
   
86
 
         
Net Assets
 
$
1,650
 
 

(1) The fair value of property, plant and equipment was determined using the cost approach, which estimates the replacement cost of each asset using current prices and labor costs, less estimates for physical, functional and technological obsolescence, based on the estimated useful life ranging from 5 to 38 years.
(2) The fair value of mineral rights was determined using the Discounted Cash Flow (“DCF” ) method, which was based upon the present value of the estimated future cash flows for the expected life of the asset taking into account the relative risk of achieving those cash flows and the time value of money. A discount rate of 10.4% was used taking into account the risks associated with such assets.
 
In connection with the Alkali Transaction, subject to a customary post-closing adjustment relating to working capital, we recorded a $3 million receivable which is included in “Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts” in the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
 
There are no contingent liabilities currently recorded in the fair value of net assets acquired as of the Alkali Transaction Date, and the fair value of net assets acquired includes accounts receivables with book value that approximates fair value.
 
Condensed Combined Financial Information
 
The following condensed financial information presents the resulting operations of Alkali from the Alkali Transaction Date to September 30, 2015:
 
 
 
For the period
April 1, 2015
 through
September 30,
2015
 
Net sales
 
$
403
 
Income from operations
 
$
46
 
Net income
 
$
35
 
 
Supplemental Pro forma financial information
The following unaudited pro forma information gives effect to the Alkali Transaction as if it had occurred on January 1, 2014. The unaudited pro forma financial information reflects certain adjustments related to the acquisition, such as (1) conforming the accounting policies of Alkali to those applied by Tronox, (2) recording certain incremental expenses resulting from purchase accounting adjustments, such as incremental depreciation expense in connection with fair value adjustments to property, plant and equipment, and depletion expense in connection with fair value adjustments to mineral leaseholds, (3) to record the effect on interest expense related to borrowings in connection with the Alkali Transaction and (4) to record the related tax effects. The unaudited pro forma financial information was adjusted for the effect of certain non-recurring items as of January 1, 2014 such as the impact of transaction costs related to the Alkali Transaction of approximately $29 million, inventory step-up amortization of $9 million and $8 million of interest expense incurred on the Bridge Facility (see Note 12). The non-recurring transaction costs of $2 million and $29 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively, were excluded from the unaudited supplemental pro forma information. The unaudited pro forma financial information is for illustrative purposes only and should not be relied upon as being indicative of the historical results that would have been obtained if the Alkali Transaction had actually occurred on that date, nor the results of operations in the future.
 
In accordance with ASC 805, the supplemental pro forma results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, as if the Alkali Transaction had occurred on January 1, 2014, are as follows:
 
   
Three Months Ended September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
   
2015
   
2014
   
2015
   
2014
 
Net sales
 
$
575
   
$
626
   
$
1,772
   
$
1,914
 
Income (loss) from operations
 
$
(19
)
 
$
36
   
$
(29
)
 
$
41
 
Net income (loss)
 
$
(52
)
 
$
(77
)
 
$
(171
)
 
$
(149
)
Income (loss) per share, basic and diluted
 
$
(0.45
)
 
$
(0.67
)
 
$
(1.48
)
 
$
(1.31
)
 
3. Restructuring Expense
 
During September 2014, we initiated a cost improvement initiative. The initiative resulted in a reduction in our workforce by approximately 135 employees and outside contractor positions. At December 31, 2014, the remaining liability was $4 million. During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, we paid $4 million of cash related to such restructuring. No payments were made during the three months ended September 30, 2015.
 
During the second quarter of 2015, we determined that our sodium chlorate plant in Hamilton, Mississippi would cease production in late November 2015 resulting in a reduction in our workforce of approximately 50 employees. This action resulted in a charge, consisting primarily of employee severance costs, of $2 million, which was recorded in “Restructuring expense” in the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2015. We expect to pay the $2 million during the fourth quarter of 2015.
 
In line with our goal of aligning production output to market requirements, during the third quarter of 2015, we decided that the operation of our Cooljarloo North Mine in Western Australia would be suspended on December 31, 2015, resulting in a reduction in our workforce of approximately 30 employees. This action resulted in a charge, consisting primarily of employee severance costs, of $3 million, which was recorded in “Restructuring expense” in the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations during the three months ended September 30, 2015. We expect to pay the $3 million during the first quarter of 2016.
 
As previously announced, we have been identifying opportunities in our TiO2 segment for cost improvements, greater efficiencies, and ways to make our workplace safer. To date, we have suspended production at one of six processing lines at our Hamilton pigment plant and one of four processing lines at our Kwinana pigment plant. We have also suspended operation of two of our four furnaces in South Africa producing slag and pig iron. We also reduced the feed to our kiln in Chandala.
 
As part of our commitment to reduce operating costs and working capital, we have commenced a global restructuring of our TiO2 segment which we expect to complete during the first half of 2016. The restructuring seeks to streamline the operations of our TiO2 segment in order to create a more commercially and operationally efficient business segment. This action resulted in a charge of $2 million, which was recorded in “Restructuring expense” in the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations during the three months ended September 30, 2015. The charge consisted of employee severance costs, outplacement services and other associated costs.
 
4. Income Taxes
 
Our operations are conducted through our various subsidiaries in a number of countries throughout the world. We have provided for income taxes based upon the tax laws and rates in the countries in which operations are conducted and income is earned.
 
   
Three Months Ended September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
   
2015
   
2014
   
2015
   
2014
 
Income tax provision
 
$
(11
)
 
$
(41
)
 
$
(29
)
 
$
(15
)
Loss before income taxes
 
$
(43
)
 
$
(49
)
 
$
(189
)
 
$
(127
)
Effective tax rate
   
(26
)%
   
(84
)%
   
(15
)%
   
(12
)%
 
The effective tax rate for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 differs from the Australian statutory rate of 30% primarily due to valuation allowances, income in foreign jurisdictions taxed at rates lower than 30%, and withholding tax accruals.
 
The tax provision for the three months ended September 30, 2015 is less than the tax provision for the three months ended September 30, 2014 primarily because of the full Netherlands valuation allowance which was established in the prior year quarter.  This difference is partially offset because we recorded no tax benefit on Australian book losses due to full valuation allowances for the three months ended September 30, 2015. These Australian valuation allowances were not in place during the prior year quarter.
 
The statutory tax rates on income earned in South Africa (28% for limited liability companies), The Netherlands (25% for corporations), and the United Kingdom (20.25% for corporations and limited liability companies and not applicable for certain limited liability partners) are lower than the Australian statutory rate of 30%. The statutory tax rate, applied against losses in the United States (35% for corporations), is higher than the Australian statutory rate of 30%.
 
As a result of the Alkali Transaction, we expect to offset a portion of our previously existing US tax attributes with income generated by the Alkali entities. This expectation, however, does not change our overall judgement regarding the utilization of existing deferred tax assets.
 
We continue to maintain full valuation allowances related to the total net deferred tax assets in Australia, the United States, and The Netherlands, as we cannot objectively assert that these deferred tax assets are more likely than not to be realized. Future provisions for income taxes will include no tax benefits with respect to losses incurred and tax expense only to the extent of current state tax payments and withholding tax until the valuation allowances are eliminated. Additionally, we have valuation allowances against specific tax assets in South Africa.
 
These conclusions were reached by the application of ASC 740, Income Taxes, which requires all available positive and negative evidence be weighted to determine whether a valuation allowance should be recorded. The more significant evidential matter in Australia, the United States, and The Netherlands relates to recent book losses and the lack of sufficient projected taxable income. The more significant evidential matter for South Africa relates to assets that cannot be depleted or depreciated for tax purposes.
 
Anadarko Litigation
 
On January 23, 2015, Anadarko Petroleum Corp. (“Anadarko”) paid $5.2 billion, including approximately $65 million of accrued interest, pursuant to the terms of a settlement agreement with Tronox Incorporated. We did not receive any portion of the settlement amount. Instead, 88% of the $5.2 billion went to trusts and other governmental entities for the remediation of polluted sites by Kerr-McGee Corporation (“Kerr-McGee”). The remaining 12% was distributed to a tort trust to compensate individuals injured as a result of Kerr-McGee’s environmental failures.
 
We received a private letter ruling from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service confirming that the trusts that held the claims against Anadarko are grantor trusts of Tronox Incorporated solely for federal income tax purposes. As a result, we believe we are entitled to tax deductions equal to the amount spent by the trusts to remediate environmental matters and to compensate the injured individuals. These deductions will accrue over the life of the trusts as the $5.2 billion is spent. We believe that these expenditures and the accompanying tax deductions may continue for decades. At December 31, 2014, we had recorded deferred tax assets of $2.0 billion related to the $5.2 billion of expected future tax deductions from trust expenditures. These deferred tax assets are fully offset by valuation allowances. At September 30, 2015, approximately $2.1 billion of the trust expenditures expected from the litigation proceeds have been incurred.
 
5. Loss Per Share
 
The computation of basic and diluted loss per share for the periods indicated is as follows:
 
   
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2015
   
2014
   
2015
   
2014
 
Numerator – Basic and Diluted:
 
   
   
   
 
Net loss
 
$
(54
)
 
$
(90
)
 
$
(218
)
 
$
(142
)
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest
   
6
     
3
     
10
     
9
 
                                 
Undistributed net loss
   
(60
)
   
(93
)
   
(228
)
   
(151
)
Percentage allocated to ordinary shares (1)
   
100
%
   
100
%
   
100
%
   
100
%
                                 
Loss available to ordinary shares
 
$
(60
)
 
$
(93
)
 
$
(228
)
 
$
(151
)
                                 
Denominator – Basic and Diluted:
                               
Weighted-average ordinary shares (in thousands)
   
115,642
     
114,530
     
115,529
     
114,026
 
                                 
Loss per Ordinary Share (2):
                               
Basic and diluted loss per ordinary share
 
$
(0.52
)
 
$
(0.82
)
 
$
(1.97
)
 
$
(1.33
)
 

(1)
Our participating securities do not have a contractual obligation to share in losses; therefore, when we have a net loss, none of the loss is allocated to participating securities. Consequently, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, the two-class method did not have an effect on our loss per ordinary share calculation, and as such, dividends paid during the year did not impact this calculation.
(2)
Loss per ordinary share amounts were calculated from exact, not rounded income (loss) and share information.
 
In computing diluted loss per share under the two-class method, we considered potentially dilutive shares. Anti-dilutive shares not recognized in the diluted earnings per share calculation were as follows:
 
 
 
September 30, 2015
   
September 30, 2014
 
 
 
Shares
   
Average
Exercise Price
   
Shares
   
Average
Exercise Price
 
Options
   
2,245,145
   
$
21.13
     
2,691,444
   
$
21.12
 
Series A Warrants (1)
   
1,306,665
   
$
10.35
     
1,273,399
   
$
11.17
 
Series B Warrants (1)
   
1,769,035
   
$
11.42
     
1,858,353
   
$
12.33
 
Restricted share units
   
1,505,081
   
$
23.04
     
978,035
   
$
22.10
 
 

(1)
Series A Warrants and Series B Warrants were converted into Class A Shares at September 30, 2015 and 2014 using a rate of 5.46 and 5.26, respectively. See Note 15.
 
6. Accounts Receivable, Net of Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
 
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts, consisted of the following:
 
 
 
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
 
 
2015
   
2014
 
Trade receivables
 
$
436
   
$
272
 
Other
   
19
     
6
 
                 
Subtotal
   
455
     
278
 
Allowance for doubtful accounts
   
(2
)
   
(1
)
                 
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts
 
$
453
   
$
277
 
 
Bad debt expense was less than $1 million for both the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and less than $1 million for both the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and was recorded in “Selling, general and administrative expenses” in the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
 
7. Inventories, Net
 
Inventories, net consisted of the following:
 
 
 
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
 
 
2015
   
2014
 
Raw materials
 
$
252
   
$
329
 
Work-in-process
   
41
     
77
 
Finished goods, net
   
323
     
303
 
Materials and supplies, net (1)
   
116
     
118
 
                 
Total
   
732
     
827
 
Less: Inventories, net – non-current
   
(17
)
   
(57
)
                 
Inventories, net - current
 
$
715
   
$
770
 
 

(1) Consists of processing chemicals, maintenance supplies, and spare parts, which will be consumed directly and indirectly in the production of our products.
 
Finished goods includes inventory on consignment of $35 million and $42 million at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. At September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, inventory obsolescence reserves were $16 million and $14 million, respectively. During the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, we recognized a net lower of cost or market charge of $5 million and $1 million, respectively, which was included in “Cost of goods sold” in the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. During the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, we recognized a net lower of cost or market charge of $63 million and $8 million, respectively, which was included in “Cost of goods sold” in the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. The net lower of cost or market charge for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 included a $41 million charge associated with the sale of ilmenite to a non-TiO2 producer that we expect will generate approximately $35 million to $37 million in cash over the course of the next 16 months (subject to specified extensions) at a contractual price that is below the carrying cost assigned to such material as part of the Exxaro Transaction.
 
8. Property, Plant and Equipment, Net
 
Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation, consisted of the following:
 
   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2015
   
2014
 
Land and land improvements
 
$
109
   
$
80
 
Buildings
   
208
     
187
 
Machinery and equipment
   
1,842
     
1,225
 
Construction-in-progress
   
265
     
149
 
Other
   
36
     
35
 
                 
Subtotal
   
2,460
     
1,676
 
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
   
(557
)
   
(449
)
                 
Property, plant and equipment, net
 
$
1,903
   
$
1,227
 
 
Depreciation expense related to property, plant and equipment during the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 was $53 million and $39 million, respectively, of which $52 million and $39 million, respectively, was recorded in “Cost of goods sold” in the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and $1 million and less than $1 million, respectively, was recorded in “Selling, general and administrative expenses” in the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. Depreciation expense related to property, plant and equipment during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 was $138 million and $120 million, respectively, of which $135 million and $118 million, respectively, was recorded in “Cost of goods sold” in the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and $3 million and $2 million, respectively, was recorded in “Selling, general and administrative expenses” in the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
 
9. Mineral Leaseholds, Net
 
Mineral leaseholds, net of accumulated depletion, consisted of the following:
 
   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2015
   
2014
 
Mineral leaseholds
 
$
1,992
   
$
1,336
 
Less accumulated depletion
   
(331
)
   
(278
)
                 
Mineral leaseholds, net
 
$
1,661
   
$
1,058
 
 
Depletion expense related to mineral leaseholds during the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 was $22 million and $23 million, respectively, and during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 was $64 million and $85 million, respectively, which was recorded in “Cost of goods sold” in the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
 
10. Intangible Assets, Net
 
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization, consisted of the following:
 
   
September 30, 2015
   
December 31, 2014
 
   
Gross
Cost
   
Accumulated
Amortization
   
Net Carrying
Amount
   
Gross
Cost
   
Accumulated
Amortization
   
Net Carrying
Amount
 
Customer relationships
 
$
294
   
$
(93
)
 
$
201
   
$
294
   
$
(79
)
 
$
215
 
TiO2 technology
   
32
     
(8
)
   
24
     
32
     
(6
)
   
26
 
Internal-use software
   
39
     
(13
)
   
26
     
39
     
(10
)
   
29
 
Other
   
9
     
(8
)
   
1
     
9
     
(7
)
   
2
 
                                                 
Intangible assets, net
 
$
374
   
$
(122
)
 
$
252
   
$
374
   
$
(102
)
 
$
272
 
 
Amortization expense related to intangible assets during the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 was $7 million and $6 million, respectively, and during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 was $20 million and $20 million, respectively, which was recorded in “Selling, general and administrative expenses” in the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. Estimated future amortization expense related to intangible assets is $7 million for the remainder of 2015, $25 million for 2016, $25 million for 2017, $25 million for 2018, $25 million for 2019, and $145 million thereafter.
 
 11. Accrued Liabilities
 
Accrued liabilities consisted of the following:
   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
 
2015
   
2014
 
Employee-related costs and benefits
 
$
75
   
$
62
 
Sales rebates
   
26
     
19
 
Interest
   
10
     
22
 
Taxes other than income taxes
   
9
     
37
 
Professional fees and other
   
21
     
7
 
                 
Accrued liabilities
 
$
141
   
$
147
 
 
12. Debt
 
Short-term debt consisted of the following:
 
 
 
September 30,
2015
   
December 31,
2014
 
UBS Revolver
 
$
150
   
$
 
                 
Short-term debt (1)
 
$
150
   
$
 
 

(1) Average effective interest rate of 3.35% during the nine months ended  September 30, 2015.
 
UBS Revolver
 
We have a global senior secured asset-based syndicated revolving credit facility with UBS AG (“UBS”) with a maturity date of June 18, 2017 (the “UBS Revolver”). Through March 31, 2015, the UBS Revolver provided us with a committed source of capital with a principal borrowing amount of up to $300 million, subject to a borrowing base.
 
On April 1, 2015, in connection with the Alkali Transaction, we entered into an amended and restated asset-based revolving syndicated facility agreement with UBS, which provides for up to $500 million of revolving credit lines, with a $85 million sublimit for letters of credit with a new maturity that is the earlier of the date which is five (5) years after the closing date and the date which is 3 months prior to the maturity of the Term Loan Agreement; provided that in no event shall the Revolving Maturity be earlier than June 18, 2017. Availability of revolving credit loans and letters of credit are subject to a borrowing base. Borrowings bear interest at our option, at either a base rate or an adjusted LIBOR rate and borrowings in Euros bear interest at an adjusted LIBOR rate, in each case plus an applicable margin. The base rate is defined as the greatest of (a) the Administrative Agent’s prime rate, (b) the Federal funds effective rate plus 0.50% and (c) the adjusted LIBOR rate for a one-month period plus 1.00%. The applicable margin ranges from 0.50% to 1.00% for borrowings at the base rate and from 1.50% to 2.00% for borrowings at the adjusted LIBOR rate, in each case, based on the average daily borrowing availability.
 
On April 1, 2015, we borrowed $150 million against the UBS Revolver, which was outstanding at September 30, 2015. At December 31, 2014, there were no outstanding borrowings on the UBS Revolver. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, we had no drawdowns or repayments on the UBS Revolver. During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, we incurred $2 million of deferred debt issuance costs related to the UBS Revolver, which were capitalized and included in “Other long-term assets” in the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet at September 30, 2015. At September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, our borrowing base was $301 million and $276 million, respectively.
 
ABSA Revolving Credit Facility
 
We have a R1.3 billion (approximately $94 million at September 30, 2015) revolving credit facility with ABSA Bank Limited (“ABSA”) acting through its ABSA Capital Division with a maturity date of June 14, 2017 (the “ABSA Revolver”). The ABSA Revolver bears interest at (i) the base rate (defined as one month JIBAR, which is the mid-market rate for deposits in South African Rand for a period equal to the relevant period which appears on the Reuters Screen SAFEY Page alongside the caption YLD) as of 11h00 Johannesburg time on the first day of the applicable period, plus (ii) the Margin, which is 3.9%.
 
During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, we had no drawdowns or repayments on the ABSA Revolver. At both September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, there were no outstanding borrowings on the ABSA Revolver.
 
Long-term debt, net of an unamortized discount, consisted of the following:
 
 
 
Original
Principal
   
Annual
Interest Rate
 
Maturity
Date
 
September 30
2015
   
December 31,
2014
 
Term Loan, net of unamortized discount (1)
 
$
1,500
   
Variable
 
3/19/2020
 
$
1,458
   
$
1,468
 
Senior Notes due 2020
 
$
900
     
6.375
%
8/15/2020
   
900
     
900
 
Senior Notes due 2022
 
$
600
     
7.50
%
3/15/2022
   
600
     
 
Co-generation Unit Financing Arrangement
 
$
16
     
6.50
%
2/1/2016
   
1
     
3
 
Lease financing
               
 
   
18
     
22
 
                 
 
               
Total borrowings
               
 
   
2,977
     
2,393
 
Less: Long-term debt due within one year
               
 
   
(16
)
   
(18
)
                 
 
               
Long-term debt
               
   
 
$
2,961
   
$
2,375
 
 

(1) Average effective interest rate of 4.6% during both the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014.
 
At September 30, 2015, the scheduled maturities of our long-term debt were as follows:

 
 
Total
Borrowings
 
2015
 
$
4
 
2016
   
16
 
2017
   
16
 
2018
   
16
 
2019
   
16
 
Thereafter
   
2,915
 
         
Total
   
2,983
 
Remaining accretion associated with the Term Loan
   
(6
)
         
Total borrowings
 
$
2,977
 
 
Term Loan
 
On April 23, 2014, we, along with our wholly owned subsidiary, Tronox Pigments (Netherlands) B.V., and certain of our subsidiaries named as guarantors, entered into a Third Amendment to the Credit and Guaranty Agreement (the “Third Agreement”) on our $1.5 billion senior secured term loan (the “Term Loan”) with the lender parties thereto and Goldman Sachs Bank USA, as administrative agent, which amends the Second Agreement. The Term Loan was issued net of an original issue discount. At September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the unamortized discount was $6 million and $7 million, respectively. During the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, we made principal repayments of $4 million and $4 million, respectively, and during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 we made principal repayments of $11 million and $14 million, respectively.
 
Senior Notes due 2020
 
On August 20, 2012, our wholly owned subsidiary, Tronox Finance LLC (“Tronox Finance”), completed a private placement offering of $900 million aggregate principal amount of senior notes at par value (the “Senior Notes due 2020”). The Senior Notes due 2020 bear interest semiannually at a rate equal to 6.375%, and are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a senior, unsecured basis by us and certain of our subsidiaries. The Senior Notes due 2020 were initially offered to qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and outside the United States to non-U.S. persons pursuant to Regulation S under the Securities Act.
 
On September 17, 2013, Tronox Finance issued $900 million in aggregate principal amount of registered 6.375% Senior Notes due 2020 in exchange for its then existing $900 million in aggregate principal amount of its 6.375% Senior Notes due 2020. The Senior Notes due 2020 are guaranteed by Tronox and certain of its subsidiaries. See Note 21.
 
Senior Notes due 2022
 
On March 6, 2015, Evolution Escrow Issuer LLC (“Evolution”), a special purpose limited liability company organized under the laws of Delaware, was formed. Evolution was wholly owned by Stichting Evolution Escrow, a Dutch foundation not affiliated with the Company.
 
On March 19, 2015, Evolution closed an offering of $600 million aggregate principal amount of its 7.50% Senior Notes due 2022 (the “Senior Notes due 2022”). The Senior Notes due 2022 were offered and sold by Evolution in reliance on an exemption pursuant to Rule 144A and Regulation S under the Securities Act. The Senior Notes due 2022 were issued under an Indenture, dated as of March 19, 2015 (the “Indenture”), between Evolution and Wilmington Trust, National Association (the “Trustee”).
 
On April 1, 2015, in connection with the Alkali Transaction, Evolution merged with and into Tronox Finance, Tronox Finance assumed the obligations of Evolution under the Indenture and the Senior Notes due 2022, and the proceeds from the offering were released to us to partially pay the purchase price for the Alkali Transaction. We and certain of our subsidiaries entered into a supplemental indenture (the “First Supplemental Indenture”), by and among us, Tronox Finance, the guarantors party thereto, and the Trustee, pursuant to which we and such subsidiaries became guarantors of the Senior Notes due 2022 under the Indenture. The Senior Notes due 2022 have not been registered under the Securities Act, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration requirements. Debt issuance costs related to the Senior Notes due 2022 of $13 million, were capitalized and included in “Other long-term assets” in the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2015.
 
The Indenture and the Senior Notes due 2022 provide, among other things, that the Senior Notes due 2022 are senior unsecured obligations of Tronox Finance. Interest is payable on March 15 and September 15 of each year beginning on September 15, 2015 until their maturity date of March 15, 2022. The terms of the Indenture, among other things, limit, in certain circumstances, the ability of us to: incur certain additional indebtedness and issue preferred stock; make certain dividends, distributions, investments and other restricted payments; sell certain assets; incur liens; agree to any restrictions on the ability of certain subsidiaries to make payments to the Company; consolidate or merge with or into, or sell substantially all of our assets to, another person; enter into transactions with affiliates; and enter into new lines of business. 
 
Lease Financing
 
We have capital lease obligations in South Africa, which are payable through 2031 at a weighted average interest rate of approximately 14%. At September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, such obligations had a net book value of assets recorded under capital leases aggregating $15 million and $20 million, respectively. During each of the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, we made principal payments of less than $1 million.
 
Bridge Facility
 
In connection with the Alkali Transaction, we entered into a $600 million senior unsecured bridge facility (the “Bridge Facility”). The Bridge Facility was not utilized and terminated with the completion of the Alkali Transaction. During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, we incurred $8 million of financing fees related to the Bridge Facility, which were included in “Interest and debt expense, net” in the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
 
Fair Value
 
Our debt is recorded at historical amounts. At September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the fair value of the Term Loan was $1.3 billion and $1.5 billion, respectively. At September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the fair value of the Senior Notes due 2020 was $569 million and $903 million, respectively. At September 30, 2015, the fair value of the Senior Notes due 2022 was $386 million. We determined the fair value of the Term Loan, the Senior Notes due 2020 and the Senior Notes due 2022 using quoted market prices. The fair value hierarchy for the Term Loan, the Senior Notes due 2020 and the Senior Notes due 2022 is a Level 1 input.  Balances outstanding under our UBS Revolver are carried at contracted amounts, which approximate fair value based on the short term nature of the borrowing and the variable interest rate. The fair value hierarchy for our UBS Revolver is a Level 2 input.
 
Debt Covenants
 
At September 30, 2015, we had financial covenants in the UBS Revolver, the ABSA Revolver and the Term Loan; however, only the ABSA Revolver had a financial maintenance covenant that applies to local operations and only when the ABSA Revolver is drawn upon. The Term Loan and the UBS Revolver are subject to an intercreditor agreement pursuant to which the lenders’ respective rights and interests in the security are set forth. We were in compliance with all our financial covenants as of and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015.
 
Interest and Debt Expense, Net
 
Interest and debt expense, net consisted of the following:
 
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
2015
   
2014
   
2015
   
2014
 
Interest on debt
 
$
43
   
$
30
   
$
117
   
$
93
 
Amortization of deferred debt issuance costs and discounts on debt
   
3
     
2
     
8
     
7
 
Bridge Facility
   
     
     
8
     
 
Other
   
1
     
2
     
3
     
3
 
Capitalized interest
   
(2
)
   
     
(5
)
   
(2
)
                                 
Total interest and debt expense, net
 
$
45
   
$
34
   
$
131
   
$
101
 
 
In connection with obtaining debt, we incurred debt issuance costs, which are being amortized through the respective maturity dates using the effective interest method. At September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, we had $52 million and $44 million, respectively, of deferred debt issuance costs, which were recorded in “Other long-term assets” in the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
 
13. Asset Retirement Obligations
 
Asset retirement obligations consist primarily of rehabilitation and restoration costs, landfill capping costs, decommissioning costs, and closure and post-closure costs. Activity related to asset retirement obligations was as follows:

   
Three Months
Ended September 30,
   
Nine Months
Ended September 30,
 
   
2015
   
2014
   
2015
   
2014
 
Beginning balance
 
$
88
   
$
100
   
$
90
   
$
96
 
Additions
   
1
     
4
     
2
     
5
 
Accretion expense
   
1
     
     
4
     
3
 
Remeasurement/translation
   
(7
)
   
(6
)
   
(12
)
   
(4
)
Changes in estimates, including cost and timing of cash flows
   
(1
)
   
(2
)
   
     
(1
)
Settlements/payments
   
     
(1
)
   
(2
)
   
(4
)
                                 
Ending balance
 
$
82
   
$
95
   
$
82
   
$
95
 
                                 
Current portion included in accrued liabilities
 
$
6
   
$
6
   
$
6
   
$
6
 
                                 
Noncurrent portion
 
$
76
   
$
89
   
$
76
   
$
89
 
 
 Environmental Rehabilitation Trust
 
In accordance with applicable regulations, we have established an environmental rehabilitation trust for the prospecting and mining operations in South Africa, which receives, holds, and invests funds for the rehabilitation or management of asset retirement obligations. The trustees of the fund are appointed by us, and consist of sufficiently qualified employees capable of fulfilling their fiduciary duties. At September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the environmental rehabilitation trust assets were $13 million and $17 million, respectively, which were recorded in “Other long-term assets” in the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
 
14. Commitments and Contingencies
 
Purchase Commitments—At September 30, 2015, purchase commitments were $62 million for the remainder of 2015, $119 million for 2016, $98 million for 2017, $87 million for 2018, $62 million for 2019, and $300 million thereafter.
 
Letters of Credit—At September 30, 2015, we had outstanding letters of credit, bank guarantees, and performance bonds of $61 million, of which $39 million were letters of credit issued under the UBS Revolver, $18 million were bank guarantees issued by ABSA and $4 million were performance bonds issued by Westpac Banking Corporation.
 
Other Matters—From time to time, we may be party to a number of legal and administrative proceedings involving legal, environmental, and/or other matters in various courts or agencies. These proceedings, individually and in the aggregate, may have a material adverse effect on us. These proceedings may be associated with facilities currently or previously owned, operated or used by us and/or our predecessors, some of which may include claims for personal injuries, property damages, cleanup costs, and other environmental matters. Current and former operations may also involve management of regulated materials that are subject to various environmental laws and regulations including the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act or state equivalents. Similar environmental laws and regulations and other requirements exist in foreign countries in which we operate. Currently, we are not party to any pending legal or administrative proceedings that may have a material adverse effect, either individually or in the aggregate, on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
 
15. Shareholders’ Equity
 
The changes in outstanding Class A ordinary shares (“Class A Shares”) and Class B Shares for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 were as follows:
 
Class A Shares:
 
 
Balance at January 1, 2015
   
63,968,616
 
Shares issued for share-based compensation
   
381,340
 
Shares issued upon warrants exercised
   
8,549
 
Shares issued upon options exercised
   
141,473
 
         
Balance at September 30, 2015
   
64,499,978
 
         
Class B Shares:
       
Balance at January 1, 2015
   
51,154,280
 
         
Balance at September 30, 2015
   
51,154,280
 
 
Warrants
 
We have outstanding Series A Warrants (the “Series A Warrants”) and Series B Warrants (the “Series B Warrants,” and together with the Series A Warrants, the “Warrants”). At September 30, 2015, holders of the Warrants were entitled to purchase 5.46 Class A Shares and receive $12.50 in cash at an exercise price of $56.52 for each Series A Warrant and $62.38 for each Series B Warrant. The Warrants have a seven-year term from the date initially issued and will expire on February 14, 2018. A holder may exercise the Warrants by paying the applicable exercise price in cash or exercising on a cashless basis. The Warrants are freely transferable by the holder. At September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, there were 239,316 and 240,816 Series A Warrants outstanding, respectively, and 323,999 and 324,383 Series B Warrants outstanding, respectively.
 
Dividends
 
During 2015, we declared and paid quarterly dividends to holders of our Class A Shares and Class B Shares as follows:
 
 
 
Three Months
Ended March 31,
2015
   
Three Months
Ended June 30,
2015
   
Three Months
Ended September 30,
2015
 
Dividend per share
 
$
0.25
   
$
0.25
   
$
0.25
 
Total dividend
 
$
29
   
$
30
   
$
30
 
Record date (close of business)
 
March 9
   
May 18
   
August 19
 
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Attributable to Tronox Limited
 
The tables below present changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014.
 
 
 
Cumulative
Translation
Adjustment
   
Pension
Liability
Adjustment
   
Total
 
Balance, January 1, 2015
 
$
(279
)
 
$
(117
)
 
$
(396
)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
   
(38
)
   
2
     
(36
)
                         
Balance, June 30, 2015
 
$
(317
)
 
$
(115
)
 
$
(432
)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
   
(100
)
   
1
     
(99
)
                         
Balance, September 30, 2015
 
$
(417
)
 
$
(114
)
 
$
(531
)

 
 
Cumulative
Translation
Adjustment
   
Pension
Liability
Adjustment
   
Total
 
Balance, January 1, 2014
 
$
(215
)
 
$
(69
)
 
$
(284
)
Other comprehensive loss
   
(15
)
   
3
     
(12
)
                         
Balance, June 30, 2014
   
(230
)
   
(66
)
   
(296
)
Other comprehensive income
   
(64
)
   
     
(64
)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss
   
35
     
     
35
 
                         
Balance, September 30, 2014
 
$
(259
)
 
$
(66
)
 
$
(325
)
 
16. Noncontrolling Interest
 
Exxaro has a 26% ownership interest in each of our Tronox KZN Sands (Pty) Ltd. and Tronox Mineral Sands (Pty) Ltd. subsidiaries in order to comply with the ownership requirements of the Black Economic Empowerment (“BEE”) legislation in South Africa. Exxaro is entitled to exchange this interest for approximately 3.2% in additional Class B Shares under certain circumstances. Exxaro also has a 26% ownership interest in certain of our other non-operating subsidiaries. We account for such ownership interest as “Noncontrolling interest” in the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
Noncontrolling interest activity was as follows:
 
 
 
2015
   
2014
 
Balance, January 1
 
$
178
   
$
199
 
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest
   
4
     
6
 
Effect of exchange rate changes
   
(14
)
   
(6
)
                 
Balance, June 30
 
$
168
     
199
 
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest
   
6
     
3
 
Effect of exchange rate changes
   
(35
)
   
(18
)
                 
Balance, September 30
 
$
139
   
$
184
 
 
17. Share-Based Compensation
 
Compensation expense consisted of the following:
 
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
2015
   
2014
   
2015
   
2014
 
Restricted shares and restricted share units
 
$
2
   
$
3
   
$
11
   
$
10
 
Options
   
1
     
2
     
4
     
6
 
T-Bucks Employee Participation Plan
   
1
     
1
     
2
     
2
 
Long-term incentive plan
   
     
     
     
(1
)
                                 
Total share-based compensation expense
 
$
4
   
$
6
   
$
17
   
$
17
 
 
Tronox Limited Management Equity Incentive Plan
 
On June 15, 2012, we adopted the Tronox Limited Management Equity Incentive Plan (the “MEIP”), which permits the grant of awards that are comprised of incentive options, nonqualified options, share appreciation rights, restricted shares, restricted share units, performance awards, and other share-based awards, cash payments, and other forms as the compensation committee of the Board of Directors (the “Board”) in its discretion deems appropriate, including any combination of the above. Subject to further adjustment, the maximum number of shares which may be the subject of awards (inclusive of incentive options) is 12,781,225 Class A Shares.
 
Restricted Shares
 
During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, we granted restricted shares which vest ratably over a three-year period. These awards are classified as equity awards, and are accounted for using the fair value established at the grant date.
 
The following table presents a summary of activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2015:
 
   
Number of
Shares
   
Weighted Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
 
Outstanding, January 1, 2015
   
635,295
   
$
22.82
 
Granted
   
66,108
     
22.60
 
Vested
   
(175,506
)
   
22.10
 
Forfeited
   
(54,486
)
   
27.53
 
                 
Outstanding, September 30, 2015
   
471,411
   
$
22.52
 
                 
Expected to vest, September 30, 2015
   
470,021
   
$
22.52
 
 
At September 30, 2015, there was $2 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to nonvested restricted shares, adjusted for estimated forfeitures, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.2 years. The weighted-average grant-date fair value of restricted shares granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 was $22.60 per share and $22.17 per share, respectively. The total fair value of restricted shares that vested during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 was $4 million.
 
Restricted Share Units (“RSUs”)
 
During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, we granted RSUs which have time and/or performance conditions. Both the time-based awards and the performance-based awards are classified as equity awards. The time-based awards vest ratably over a three-year period, and are valued at the weighted average grant date fair value. The performance-based awards cliff vest at the end of the three years. Included in the performance-based awards are RSUs for which vesting is determined by a Total Stockholder Return (“TSR”) calculation over the applicable measurement period. The TSR metric is considered a market condition for which we use a Monte Carlo simulation to determine the grant date fair value.
 
   
Number of
Shares
   
Weighted Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
 
Outstanding, January 1, 2015
   
875,776
   
$
22.17
 
Granted
   
948,487
     
23.47
 
Vested
   
(263,626
)
   
21.69
 
Forfeited
   
(55,556
)
   
22.91
 
                 
Outstanding, September 30, 2015
   
1,505,081
   
$
23.04
 
                 
Expected to vest, September 30, 2015
   
1,464,423
   
$
23.03
 
 
At September 30, 2015, there was $20 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to nonvested RSUs, adjusted for estimated forfeitures, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.9 years. The weighted-average grant-date fair value of restricted share units granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 was $23.47 per share and $22.36 per share, respectively. The total fair value of RSUs that vested during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 was $6 million.
 
Options
 
During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, we granted options to purchase Class A Shares, which vest ratably over a three-year period and have a ten-year term. The following table presents a summary of activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2015:
 
   
Number of
Options
   
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
   
Weighted
Average
Contractual
Life (years)
   
Intrinsic
Value
 
Outstanding, January 1, 2015
   
2,560,875
   
$
21.14
     
7.88
   
$
8
 
Granted
   
2,380
     
22.69
                 
Exercised
   
(141,473
)
   
19.37
                 
Forfeited
   
(58,659
)
   
21.89
                 
Expired
   
(117,978
)
   
22.99
                 
                                 
Outstanding, September 30, 2015
   
2,245,145
   
$
21.13
     
7.49
   
$
 
                                 
Expected to vest, September 30, 2015
   
908,291
   
$
20.79
     
7.96
   
$
 
                                 
Exercisable, September 30, 2015
   
1,324,033
   
$
21.37
     
7.17
   
$
 
 
The aggregate intrinsic values in the table represent the total pre-tax intrinsic value (the difference between our share price at the indicated dates and the options’ exercise price, multiplied by the number of in-the-money options) that would have been received by the option holders had all option holders exercised their in-the-money options at the end of the period. The amount will change based on the fair market value of our stock. There were no options exercised during the three months ended September 30, 2015. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 was less than $1 million. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2014 was less than $1 million and $1 million, respectively. We issue new shares upon the exercise of options. During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, we received $3 million in cash for the exercise of stock options.
 
At September 30, 2015, unrecognized compensation expense related to options, adjusted for estimated forfeitures, was $4 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.1 years.
 
During the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, we granted 2,380 and 915,988 options, respectively, with a weighted average grant date fair value of $7.04 and $8.19, respectively.
 
Fair value is determined on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model and is recognized in earnings on a straight-line basis over the employee service period of three years, which is the vesting period. The assumptions used in the Black-Scholes option-pricing model on the grant date were as follows:
 
   
January 5,
2015
 
Number of options granted
   
2,380
 
Fair market value and exercise price
 
$
22.69
 
Risk-free interest rate
   
1.83
%
Expected dividend yield
   
4.41
%
Expected volatility
   
48
%
Maturity (years)
   
10
 
Expected term (years)
   
6
 
Per-unit fair value of options granted
 
$
7.04
 
 
The fair value is based on the closing price of our Class A Shares on the grant date. The risk-free interest rate is based on U.S. Treasury Strips available with a maturity period consistent with the expected life assumption. The expected volatility assumption is based on historical price movements of our peer group.
 
T-Bucks Employee Participation Plan (“T-Bucks EPP”)
 
During 2012, we established the T-Bucks EPP for the benefit of certain qualifying employees of our South African subsidiaries. We funded the T-Bucks Trust (the “Trust”) with R124 million (approximately $15 million), which was used to acquire Class A Shares. Additional contributions may be made in the future at the discretion of the Board. The T-Bucks EPP is classified as an equity-settled shared-based payment plan, whereby participants were awarded share units in the Trust, which entitles them to receive Class A Shares upon completion of the vesting period on May 31, 2017. Participants are entitled to receive dividends on the shares during the vesting period. Forfeited shares are retained by the Trust, and are allocated to future participants. Compensation costs are recognized over the vesting period using the straight-line method. During 2012, the Trust purchased 548,234 Class A Shares at $25.79 per share, which was the fair value on the date of purchase. The balance at both September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 was 548,234 shares.
 
Long-Term Incentive Plan
 
We have a long-term incentive plan (the “LTIP”) for the benefit of certain qualifying employees of Tronox subsidiaries in South Africa and Australia. The LTIP is classified as a cash settled compensation plan, and is re-measured to fair value at each reporting date. At September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the LTIP plan liability was less than $1 million and $1 million, respectively.
 
18. Pension and Other Postretirement Healthcare Benefits
 
We sponsor a noncontributory defined benefit retirement plan (qualified) in the United States, a defined benefit retirement plan in The Netherlands, a collective defined contribution plan in The Netherlands, and a South Africa postretirement healthcare plan.
 
During the fourth quarter of 2014, our benefit committee approved to end future benefit accruals under the TDF-Botlek Pension Fund Foundation (“The Netherlands DB plan”) and replaced it with a new collective contribution plan (the “CDC plan”). As a result of this decision, effective from January 1, 2015, benefit accruals commenced under the CDC plan while The Netherlands DB plan became effectively “frozen”.
 
Under the CDC plan, employees earn benefits based on their pensionable salaries each year determined using a career average benefit formula. We contribute 19.8% of these benefits and the employees contribute 4% into a pooled fund administered by the industrywide Pension Fund for Graphical Industry (“PBG”). Our obligation under this new plan is limited to the fixed percentage contribution we make each year. That is, investment risks, mortality risks and other actuarial risks typically associated with a defined benefit plan are borne by the employees. Additionally, the employees are entitled to any returns generated from the investment activities of the fund. The CDC plan is considered a defined benefit plan for accounting purposes. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, we contributed $1 million and $3 million, respectively, into the pooled fund, which was recognized in the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations.
 
The components of net periodic cost associated with the U.S., The Netherlands DB plan and postretirement plans recognized in the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations were as follows:
 
  Three Months Ended September 30,     Nine Months Ended September 30,  
 
 
2015
   
2014
   
2015
   
2014
 
Net periodic cost:
 
   
   
   
 
Service cost
 
$
   
$
1
   
$
   
$
4
 
Interest cost
   
4
     
5
     
15
     
16
 
Expected return on plan assets
   
(5
)
   
(6
)
   
(17
)
   
(18
)
Net amortization of actuarial loss and prior service credit
   
1
     
     
3
     
 
                                 
Total net periodic cost
 
$
   
$
   
$
1
   
$
2
 
 
The components of net periodic cost associated with the postretirement healthcare plans for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 were less than $1 million, and for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 were $1 million and $2 million, respectively.
 
Tronox Alkali Qualified Retirement Plan
 
As part of the Alkali Transaction, we established the Tronox Alkali Corporation Union Retirement Plan (the “Tronox Alkali Qualified Plan”) to cover eligible employees of Tronox Alkali Corporation effective April 1, 2015. The plan is open to union employees of Alkali. The Tronox Alkali Qualified Plan is the same as the FMC Corporation Employees’ Retirement Program Part II Union Hourly Employees’ Retirement Plan provided to eligible participants for services prior to the Alkali Transaction Date. These two plans are aggregated to form the full pension for eligible participants.
 
Under the Tronox Alkali Qualified Plan, each eligible employee will automatically become a participant upon completion one year of credited services. Retirement benefits under this plan are calculated based on the total years of service of an eligible participant, multiplied by a specified benefit rate in effect at the termination of the plan participant’s years of service. FMC will be responsible for the portion of this total benefit accrued to eligible participants for all the years of service up to March 31, 2015, and we will be responsible for the portion of the total benefit accrued to participants from April 1, 2015 up to the date of termination of a participant’s years of service. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, we recorded $2 million and $3 million, respectively, of pension expense, which was recorded in “Cost of goods sold” in the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations. We also contributed $2 million to this plan resulting in an underfunded status of $1 million as of September 30, 2015, which is presented in the “Pension and postretirement healthcare benefits” in the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.    
 
19. Related Parties
 
Exxaro
 
We had service level agreements with Exxaro for services such as research and development and tax preparation, which expired during 2015, as well as information technology services, which expired during 2014. Such service level agreements amounted to less than $1 million of expense during the both three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and $2 million of expense during both the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Additionally, we have a professional service agreement with Exxaro related to the Fairbreeze construction project. During both the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, we paid less than $1 million and during both the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, we paid $2 million to Exxaro, which was capitalized in “Property, plant and equipment, net” on our unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. At both September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, we had less than $1 million of related party payables, which were recorded in “Accounts payable” on our unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
 
Agreements and Transactions with Affiliates
 
We hold a membership in ANSAC, which is responsible for promoting and increasing the use and sale of soda ash and other refined or processed sodium products produced. Certain sales and marketing costs incurred by ANSAC are charged directly to us. Selling, general and administrative expenses, which include amounts charged to us by ANSAC principally consisting of salaries, benefits, office supplies, professional fees, travel, rent and certain other costs, and amounted to $1 million and $2 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively. These transactions do not necessarily represent arm's length transactions and may not represent all costs if Alkali operated on a stand-alone basis. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, we recorded net sales to ANSAC of $63 million and $139 million, respectively. At September 30, 2015, we had $66 million of related party receivable from ANSAC and $1 million of related party payables to ANSAC, which were recorded in “Accounts receivable” and “Accounts payable”, respectively, on our unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
 
In connection with the Alkali Transaction, we acquired FMC’s one-third ownership interest in a joint venture, Natronx Technologies LLC “Natronx”. Natronx manufactures and markets sodium-based, dry sorbents for air pollution control in electric utility and industrial boiler operations. Pursuant to an agreement with Natronx, we purchase ground trona from a third-party vendor on its behalf (the “Supply Agreement”) .We also provide certain administrative services such as accounting, technology and customer services to Natronx under a service level agreement (the “SLA”). We are reimbursed by Natronx for the related costs incurred under the Supply Agreement and the SLA. At September 30, 2015, we had $2 million of receivables related to these agreements, which were recorded in “Accounts receivable” on the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
 
20. Segment Information
 
The reportable segments presented below represent our operating segments for which separate financial information is available and which is utilized on a regular basis by our Chief Executive Officer, who is our chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) to assess performance and to allocate resources.
 
Prior to the Alkali Transaction, we had two operating and reportable segments, Mineral Sands and Pigment, based on the way the management team was organized and our CODM monitored performance, aligned strategies, and allocated resources. As a result of the increased interdependency between the Mineral Sands and Pigment businesses and related organizational changes, our CODM determined that it was better to review the Mineral Sands and Pigment businesses, along with our electrolytic business, as a combined one, TiO2, and to assess performance and allocate resources at that level. Following the Alkali Transaction, we restructured our organization to reflect two business segments, TiO2 and Alkali. The change in reportable segments for financial reporting purposes that occurred in the second quarter of 2015 has been retrospectively applied.
 
Our TiO2 operating segment includes the following:
 
· exploration, mining, and beneficiation of mineral sands deposits
 
· production of titanium feedstock (including chloride slag, slag fines, and rutile), pig iron, and zircon
 
· production and marketing of TiO2
 
· electrolytic manganese dioxide manufacturing and marketing
 
Our Alkali operating segment includes the mining of trona ore for the production from trona of natural soda ash and its derivatives: sodium bicarbonate, sodium sesquicarbonate and caustic soda (collectively referred to as “alkali-products”).
 
Segment performance is evaluated based on segment operating income (loss), which represents the results of segment operations before unallocated costs, such as general corporate expenses not identified to a specific segment, interest expense, other income (expense), and income tax expense or benefit.
 
Net sales and income (loss) from operations by segment were as follows:

 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
2015
   
2014
   
2015
   
2014
 
TiO2 segment
 
$
380
   
$
429
   
$
1,174
   
$
1,337
 
Alkali segment
   
195
     
     
403
     
 
                                 
Net sales
 
$
575
   
$
429
   
$
1,577
   
$
1,337
 
                                 
TiO2 segment
 
$
(26
)
 
$
35
   
$
(58
)
 
$
61
 
Alkali segment
   
21
     
     
46
     
 
Corporate
   
(16
)
   
(24
)
   
(68
)
   
(56
)
                                 
Income (loss) from operations
   
(21
)
   
11
     
(80
)
   
5
 
Interest and debt expense, net
   
(45
)
   
(34
)
   
(131
)
   
(101
)
Net loss on liquidation of non-operating subsidiaries
   
     
(35
)
   
     
(35
)
Loss on extinguishment of debt
   
     
     
     
(8
)
Other income, net
   
23
     
9
     
22
     
12
 
                                 
Loss before income taxes
   
(43
)
   
(49
)
   
(189
)
   
(127
)
Income tax provision
   
(11
)
   
(41
)
   
(29
)
   
(15
)
                                 
Net loss
 
$
(54
)
 
$
(90
)
 
$
(218
)
 
$
(142
)
 
Net sales to external customers, by geographic region, based on country of production, were as follows:
  
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
2015
   
2014
   
2015
   
2014
 
U.S. operations
 
$
359
   
$
199
   
$
891
   
$
582
 
International operations:
                               
Australia
   
104
     
111
     
285
     
320
 
South Africa
   
71
     
69
     
252
     
253
 
The Netherlands
   
41
     
50
     
149
     
182
 
                                 
Total
 
$
575
   
$
429
   
$
1,577
   
$
1,337
 
 
Net sales from external customers for each similar product were as follows:

 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
2015
   
2014
   
2015
   
2014
 
Pigment
 
$
244
   
$
296
   
$
756
   
$
915
 
Alkali
   
195
     
     
403
     
 
Titanium feedstock and co-products
   
103
     
101
     
333
     
339
 
Electrolytic
   
33
     
32
     
85
     
83
 
                                 
Total
 
$
575
   
$
429
   
$
1,577
   
$
1,337
 
 
During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, our ten largest third-party TiO2 customers and our ten largest Alkali customers represented approximately 31% and 16%, respectively, of our consolidated net sales. No single customer accounted for more than 10% of our consolidated net sales.
 
Capital expenditures by segment were as follows:
 
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
2015
   
2014
   
2015
   
2014
 
TiO2 segment
 
$
39
   
$
39
   
$
127
   
$
105
 
Alkali segment
   
9
     
     
13
     
 
Corporate
   
     
     
1
     
1
 
                                 
Total
 
$
48
   
$
39
   
$
141
   
$
106
 
 
Total assets by segment were as follows:
 
   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2015
   
2014
 
TiO2 segment
 
$
3,438
   
$
3,821
 
Alkali segment
   
1,739
     
 
Corporate
   
119
     
1,244
 
                 
Total
 
$
5,296
   
$
5,065
 
 
21. Guarantor Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements
 
The obligations of Tronox Finance, our wholly-owned subsidiary, under the Senior Notes due 2020 and the Senior Notes due 2022 are fully and unconditionally (subject to certain customary circumstances providing for the release of a guarantor subsidiary) guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis, jointly and severally, by Tronox Limited (referred to for purposes of this note only as the “Parent Company”) and each of its current and future restricted subsidiaries, other than excluded subsidiaries, that guarantee any indebtedness of the Parent Company or its restricted subsidiaries (collectively, the “Guarantor Subsidiaries”). The Subsidiary Issuer, Tronox Finance, and each of the Guarantor Subsidiaries are 100% owned, directly or indirectly, by the Parent Company. Our subsidiaries that do not guarantee the Senior Notes due 2020 and Senior Notes due 2022 are referred to as the “Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries.” The guarantor condensed consolidating financial statements presented below presents the statements of operations, statements of comprehensive income (loss), balance sheets and statements of cash flow data for: (i) the Parent Company, the Guarantor Subsidiaries, the Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries, and the subsidiary issuer, on a consolidated basis (which is derived from Tronox historical reported financial information); (ii) the Parent Company, alone (accounting for our Guarantor Subsidiaries, the Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries, and Tronox Finance on an equity basis under which the investments are recorded by each entity owning a portion of another entity at cost, adjusted for the applicable share of the subsidiary’s cumulative results of operations, capital contributions and distributions, and other equity changes); (iii) the Guarantor Subsidiaries alone; (iv) the Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries alone; and (v) the subsidiary issuer, Tronox Finance.
 
The guarantor condensed consolidating financial statements are presented on a legal entity basis, not on a business segment basis. The indentures governing the Senior Notes due 2020 and Senior Notes due 2022 provide for a Guarantor Subsidiary to be automatically and unconditionally released and discharged from its guarantee obligations in certain customary circumstances, including:
 
Sale or other disposition of such Guarantor Subsidiary’s capital stock or all or substantially all of its assets and all of the indenture obligations (other than contingent obligations) of such Subsidiary Guarantor in respect of all other indebtedness of the Subsidiary Guarantors terminate upon the consummation of such transaction;
 
Designation of such Guarantor Subsidiary as an “unrestricted subsidiary” under the indenture;
 
In the case of certain Guarantor Subsidiaries that incur or guarantee indebtedness under certain credit facilities, upon the release or discharge of such Guarantor Subsidiary’s guarantee or incurrence of indebtedness that resulted in the creation of such guarantee, except a discharge or release as a result of payment under such guarantee;
 
Legal defeasance, covenant defeasance, or satisfaction and discharge of the indenture obligations;
 
Payment in full of the aggregate principal amount of all outstanding Senior Notes due 2020 and Senior Notes due 2022 and all other obligations under the indenture; or
 
Release or discharge of the Guarantor Subsidiary’s guarantee of certain other indebtedness.
 
GUARANTOR CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Three Months Ended September 30, 2015
(Unaudited)
(Millions of U.S. dollars)
 
   
Consolidated
   
Eliminations
   
Tronox
Finance LLC
   
Parent
Company
   
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
   
Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Net sales
 
$
575
   
$
(51
)
 
$
   
$
   
$
462
   
$
164
 
Cost of goods sold
   
536
     
(53
)
   
     
     
434
     
155
 
                                                 
Gross profit
   
39
     
2
     
     
     
28
     
9
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
   
(55
)
   
     
     
(3
)
   
(41
)
   
(11
)
Restructuring expenses
   
(5
)
   
     
     
     
(5
)
   
 
                                                 
Income (loss) from operations
   
(21
)
   
2
     
     
(3
)
   
(18
)
   
(2
)
Interest and debt expense, net
   
(45
)
   
     
(27
)
   
     
(2
)
   
(16
)
Intercompany interest income (expense)
   
     
     
     
86
     
(100
)
   
14
 
Other income (expense), net
   
23
     
     
     
3
     
5
     
15
 
Equity in earnings of subsidiary
   
     
113
     
     
(112
)
   
(1
)
   
 
                                                 
Income (loss) before income taxes
   
(43
)
   
115
     
(27
)
   
(26
)
   
(116
)
   
11
 
Income tax benefit (provision)
   
(11
)
   
     
8
     
(34
)
   
17
     
(2
)
                                                 
Net income (loss)
   
(54
)
   
115
     
(19
)
   
(60
)
   
(99
)
   
9
 
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest
   
6
     
6
     
     
     
     
 
                                                 
Net income (loss) attributable to Tronox Limited
 
$
(60
)
 
$
109
   
$
(19
)
 
$
(60
)
 
$
(99
)
 
$
9
 
 
GUARANTOR CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015
(Unaudited)
(Millions of U.S. dollars)
 
   
Consolidated
   
Eliminations
   
Tronox
Finance LLC
   
Parent
Company
   
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
   
Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Net sales
 
$
1,577
   
$
(154
)
 
$
   
$
   
$
1,200
   
$
531
 
Cost of goods sold
   
1,479
     
(146
)
   
     
     
1,117
     
508
 
                                                 
Gross profit
   
98
     
(8
)
   
     
     
83
     
23
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
   
(171
)
   
2
     
(1
)
   
1
     
(144
)
   
(29
)
Restructuring expenses
   
(7
)
   
     
     
     
(7
)
   
 
                                                 
Income (loss) from operations
   
(80
)
   
(6
)
   
(1
)
   
1
     
(68
)
   
(6
)
Interest and debt expense, net
   
(131
)
   
     
(77
)
   
     
(5
)
   
(49
)
Intercompany interest income (expense)
   
     
     
     
350
     
(386
)
   
36
 
Other income (expense), net
   
22
     
 
   
     
4
     
2
     
16
 
Equity in earnings of subsidiary
   
     
480
     
     
(449
)
   
(31
)
   
 
                                                 
Income (loss) before income taxes
   
(189
)
   
474
     
(78
)
   
(94
)
   
(488
)
   
(3
)
Income tax benefit (provision)
   
(29
)
   
     
23
     
(134
)
   
84
     
(2
)
                                                 
Net income (loss)
   
(218
)
   
474
     
(55
)
   
(228
)
   
(404
)
   
(5
)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest
   
10
     
10
     
     
     
     
 
                                                 
Net income (loss) attributable to Tronox Limited
 
$
(228
)
 
$
464
   
$
(55
)
 
$
(228
)
 
$
(404
)
 
$
(5
)
 
The nine month period ended September 30, 2015 reflects a correcting adjustment that is related to the June 30, 2015 period to reduce both the Parent's other (income) expense and its equity in earnings of subsidiary by $24 million, with corresponding increases to other (income) expense and equity in earnings of subsidiary of $24 million within the Eliminations column.

This revision, which we determined is not material to our June 30, 2015 unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements based on quantitative and qualitative considerations, did not affect our consolidated financial position, consolidated results of operations or consolidated cash flows.
 
GUARANTOR CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
Three Months Ended September 30, 2015
(Unaudited)
(Millions of U.S. dollars)
 
   
Consolidated
   
Eliminations
   
Tronox
Finance LLC
   
Parent
Company
   
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
   
Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Net income (loss)
 
$
(54
)
 
$
115
   
$
(19
)
 
$
(60
)
 
$
(99
)
 
$
9
 
Other comprehensive income (loss):
                                               
Foreign currency translation adjustments
   
(135
)
   
234
     
     
(100
)
   
(135
)
   
(134
)
Pension and postretirement plans
   
1
     
(1
)
   
     
1
     
1
     
 
                                                 
Other comprehensive income (loss)
   
(134
)
   
233
     
     
(99
)
   
(134
)
   
(134
)
                                                 
Total comprehensive income (loss)
   
(188
)
   
348
     
(19
)
   
(159
)
   
(233
)
   
(125
)
                                                 
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest:
                                               
Net income
   
6
     
6
     
     
     
     
 
Foreign currency translation adjustments
   
(35
)
   
(35
)
   
     
     
     
 
                                                 
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest
   
(29
)
   
(29
)
   
     
     
     
 
                                                 
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Tronox Limited
 
$
(159
)
 
$
377
   
$
(19
)
 
$
(159
)
 
$
(233
)
 
$
(125
)
 
GUARANTOR CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015
(Unaudited)
(Millions of U.S. dollars)
 
   
Consolidated
   
Eliminations
   
Tronox
Finance LLC
   
Parent
Company
   
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
   
Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Net income (loss)
 
$
(218
)
 
$
474
   
$
(55
)
 
$
(228
)
 
$
(404
)
 
$
(5
)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
                                               
Foreign currency translation adjustments
   
(187
)
   
327
     
     
(138
)
   
(189
)
   
(187
)
Pension and postretirement plans
   
3
     
(3
)
   
     
3
     
3
     
 
                                                 
Other comprehensive income (loss)
   
(184
)
   
324
     
     
(135
)
   
(186
)
   
(187
)
                                                 
Total comprehensive income (loss)
   
(402
)
   
798
     
(55
)
   
(363
)
   
(590
)
   
(192
)
                                                 
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest:
                                               
Net income
   
10
     
10
     
     
     
     
 
Foreign currency translation adjustments
   
(49
)
   
(49
)
   
     
     
     
 
                                                 
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest
   
(39
)
   
(39
)
   
     
     
     
 
                                                 
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Tronox Limited
 
$
(363
)
 
$
837
   
$
(55
)
 
$
(363
)
 
$
(590
)
 
$
(192
)
 
GUARANTOR CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS
As of September 30, 2015
(Unaudited)
(Millions of U.S. dollars)
 
   
Consolidated
   
Eliminations
   
Tronox
Finance LLC
   
Parent
Company
   
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
   
Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
ASSETS
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
145
   
$
   
$
   
$
2
   
$
73
   
$
70
 
Restricted cash
   
4
     
     
     
     
4
     
 
Accounts receivable
   
453
     
     
     
1
     
362
     
90
 
Inventories, net
   
715
     
(19
)
   
     
     
486
     
248
 
Other current assets
   
68
     
(4,067
)
   
649
     
1,308
     
959
     
1,219
 
Investment in subsidiaries
   
     
2,233
     
     
(3,041
)
   
808
     
 
Property, plant and equipment, net
   
1,903
     
     
     
     
1,409
     
494
 
Mineral leaseholds, net
   
1,661
     
     
     
     
1,282
     
379
 
Intercompany loans receivable
   
     
(7,029
)
   
691
     
5,937
     
73
     
328
 
Other long-term assets
   
347
     
(2
)
   
34
     
     
278
     
37
 
                                                 
Total assets
 
$
5,296
   
$
(8,884
)
 
$
1,374
   
$
4,207
   
$
5,734
   
$
2,865
 
                                                 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
                                               
Short-term debt
 
$
150
   
$
   
$
   
$
   
$
150
   
$
 
Other current liabilities
   
371
     
(4,067
)
   
19
     
2,333
     
1,896
     
190
 
Long-term debt
   
2,961
     
     
1,498
     
     
     
1,463
 
Intercompany loans payable
   
     
(7,029
)
   
10
     
694
     
6,255
     
70
 
Other long-term liabilities
   
498
     
(3
)
   
     
3
     
296
     
202
 
                                                 
Total liabilities
   
3,980
     
(11,099
)
   
1,527
     
3,030
     
8,597
     
1,925
 
Total equity
   
1,316
     
2,215
     
(153
)
   
1,177
     
(2,863
)
   
940
 
                                                 
Total liabilities and equity
 
$
5,296
   
$
(8,884
)
 
$
1,374
   
$
4,207
   
$
5,734
   
$
2,865
 
 
GUARANTOR CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015
(Unaudited)
 
(Millions of U.S. dollars)
 
 
Consolidated
   
Eliminations
   
Tronox
Finance LLC
   
Parent
Company
   
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
   
Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
Net income (loss)
 
$
(218
)
 
$
474
   
$
(55
)
 
$
(228
)
 
$
(404
)
 
$
(5
)
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
   
222
     
     
     
     
170
     
52
 
Other
   
41
     
(474
)
   
578
     
234
     
333
     
(630
)
                                                 
Cash provided by (used in) operating activities
   
45
     
     
523
     
6
     
99
     
(583
)
                                                 
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
                                               
Capital expenditures
   
(141
)
   
     
     
     
(44
)
   
(97
)
Acquisition of business
   
(1,653
)
   
     
     
     
(1,653
)
   
 
Investment in subsidiaries
   
     
1,526
     
     
(1,526
)
   
     
 
Return of capital from subsidiaries
   
     
(24
)
   
     
24
     
     
 
Collections of intercompany loans
   
     
(724
)
   
79
     
25
     
43
     
577
 
Intercompany loans
   
     
1,386
     
(589
)
   
(3
)
   
(237
)
   
(557
)
                                                 
Cash provided by (used in) investing activities
   
(1,794
)
   
2,164
     
(510
)
   
(1,480
)
   
(1,891
)
   
(77
)
                                                 
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
                                               
Repayments of debt
   
(13
)
   
     
     
     
(2
)
   
(11
)
Repayments of intercompany loans
   
     
724
     
     
(102
)
   
(601
)
   
(21
)
Proceeds from debt
   
750
     
     
     
     
150
     
600
 
Proceeds from intercompany loans
   
     
(1,386
)
   
     
1,380
     
3
     
3
 
Contribution from parent
   
     
(1,526
)
   
     
     
1,526
     
 
Return of capital to parent
   
     
24
     
     
     
(24
)
   
 
Debt issuance costs
   
(15
)
   
     
(13
)
   
     
(2
)
   
 
Dividends paid
   
(88
)
   
     
     
(88
)
   
     
 
Proceeds from the exercise of warrants and options
   
3
     
     
     
3
     
     
 
                                                 
Cash provided by (used in) financing activities
   
637
     
(2,164
)
   
(13
)
   
1,193
     
1,050
     
571
 
                                                 
Effects of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
   
(19
)
   
     
     
     
     
(19
)
                                                 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
   
(1,131
)
   
     
     
(281
)
   
(742
)
   
(108
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
 
$
1,276
   
$
   
$
   
$
283
   
$
815
   
$
178
 
                                                 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
$
145
   
$
   
$
   
$
2
   
$
73
   
$
70
 
 
GUARANTOR CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS
As of December 31, 2014
(Unaudited)
(Millions of U.S. dollars)
 
 
 
Consolidated
   
Eliminations
   
Tronox
Finance LLC
   
Parent
Company
   
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
   
Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
ASSETS
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
1,276
   
$
   
$
   
$
283
   
$
815
   
$
178
 
Restricted cash
   
3
     
     
     
     
3
     
 
Accounts receivable     277      
     
     
      188       89  
Inventories, net
   
770
     
(13
)
   
     
     
448
     
335
 
Other current assets
   
55
     
(2,857
)
   
35
     
973
     
719
     
1,185
 
Investment in subsidiaries
   
     
2,934
     
     
(3,961
)
   
1,027
     
 
Property, plant and equipment, net
   
1,227
     
     
     
     
696
     
531
 
Mineral leaseholds, net
   
1,058
     
     
     
     
599
     
459
 
Intercompany loans receivable
   
     
(7,130
)
   
773
     
5,937
     
92
     
328
 
Other long-term assets
   
399
     
     
23
     
(1
)
   
331
     
46
 
                                                 
Total assets
 
$
5,065
   
$
(7,066
)
 
$
831
   
$
3,231
   
$
4,918
   
$
3,151
 
                                                 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
                                               
Total current liabilities
 
$
366
   
$
(2,857
)
 
$
22
   
$
846
   
$
2,152
   
$
203
 
Long-term debt
   
2,375
     
     
898
     
     
     
1,477
 
Intercompany loans payable
   
     
(7,130
)
   
9
     
774
     
6,257
     
90
 
Other long-term liabilities
   
536
     
     
     
1
     
284
     
251
 
                                                 
Total liabilities
   
3,277
     
(9,987
)
   
929
     
1,621
     
8,693
     
2,021
 
Total equity
   
1,788
     
2,921
     
(98
)
   
1,610
     
(3,775
)
   
1,130
 
                                                 
Total liabilities and equity
 
$
5,065
   
$
(7,066
)
 
$
831
   
$
3,231
   
$
4,918
   
$
3,151
 
 
We revised each of our unaudited guarantor condensed consolidating financial statements for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 to reflect the following:
 
In the unaudited guarantor condensed consolidating financial statements previously issued, two subsidiaries which were incorrectly classified as “Non-guarantor subsidiaries” have been reclassified to “Guarantor Subsidiaries” in the revised unaudited guarantor condensed consolidating financial statements.
 
Certain amounts within the guarantor condensed consolidating statements of comprehensive income (loss) were revised to primarily reflect the proportionate share of cumulative translation adjustments between the Parent Company and Eliminations columns.
 
These revisions, which we determined are not material to our prior year condensed financial statements or consolidated financial statements based on quantitative and qualitative considerations, did not affect our consolidated financial position, consolidated results of operations or consolidated cash flows.
 
REVISED GUARANTOR CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Three Months Ended September 30, 2014
(Unaudited)
(Millions of U.S. dollars)
 
 
 
Consolidated
   
Eliminations
   
Tronox
Finance LLC
   
Parent
Company
   
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
   
Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Net sales
 
$
429
   
$
(58
)
 
$
   
$
   
$
322
   
$
165
 
Cost of goods sold
   
361
     
(51
)
   
     
     
269
     
143
 
                                                 
Gross profit
   
68
     
(7
)
   
     
     
53
     
22
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
   
(47
)
   
     
     
(2
)
   
(36
)
   
(9
)
Restructuring expense
   
(10
)
   
     
     
     
(9
)
   
(1
)
                                                 
Income (loss) from operations
   
11
     
(7
)
   
     
(2
)
   
8
     
12
 
Interest and debt expense, net
   
(34
)
   
     
(15
)
   
     
(1
)
   
(18
)
Intercompany interest income (expense)
   
     
     
     
137
     
(144
)
   
7
 
Net loss on liquidation of non-operating subsidiaries
   
(35
)
   
     
     
     
(33
)
   
(2
)
Other income (expense)
   
9
     
(3
)
   
     
     
3
     
9
 
Equity in earnings of subsidiary
   
     
181
     
     
(186
)
   
5
     
 
                                                 
Income (loss) before income taxes
   
(49
)
   
171
     
(15
)
   
(51
)
   
(162
)
   
8
 
Income tax benefit (provision)
   
(41
)
   
     
5
     
(42
)
   
26
     
(30
)
                                                 
Net income (loss)
   
(90
)
   
171
     
(10
)
   
(93
)
   
(136
)
   
(22
)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest
   
3
     
3
     
     
     
     
 
                                                 
Net income (loss) attributable to Tronox Limited
 
$
(93
)
 
$
168
   
$
(10
)
 
$
(93
)
 
$
(136
)
 
$
(22
)
 
AS PREVIOUSLY FILED
GUARANTOR CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Three Months Ended September 30, 2014
(Unaudited)
(Millions of U.S. dollars)
 
 
 
Consolidated
   
Eliminations
   
Tronox
Finance LLC
   
Parent
Company
   
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
   
Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Net sales
 
$
429
   
$
(61
)
 
$
   
$
   
$
325
   
$
165
 
Cost of goods sold
   
361
     
(51
)
   
     
     
269
     
143
 
                                                 
Gross profit
   
68
     
(10
)
   
     
     
56
     
22
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
   
(47
)
   
3
     
     
(3
)
   
(35
)
   
(12
)
Restructuring expense
   
(10
)
   
     
     
     
(9
)
   
(1
)
                                                 
Income (loss) from operations
   
11
     
(7
)
   
     
(3
)
   
12
     
9
 
Interest and debt expense, net
   
(34
)
   
     
(15
)
   
     
(1
)
   
(18
)
Intercompany interest income (expense)
   
     
     
     
137
     
(145
)
   
8
 
Net loss on liquidation of non-operating subsidiaries
   
(35
)
   
     
     
     
(33
)
   
(2
)
Other income (expense)
   
9
     
(3
)
   
     
     
     
12
 
Equity in earnings of subsidiary
   
     
179
     
     
(185
)
   
6
     
 
                                                 
Income (loss) before income taxes
   
(49
)
   
169
     
(15
)
   
(51
)
   
(161
)
   
9
 
Income tax benefit (provision)
   
(41
)
   
     
4
     
(42
)
   
27
     
(30
)
                                                 
Net income (loss)
   
(90
)
   
169
     
(11
)
   
(93
)
   
(134
)
   
(21
)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest
   
3
     
3
     
     
     
     
 
                                                 
Net income (loss) attributable to Tronox Limited
 
$
(93
)
 
$
166
   
$
(11
)
 
$
(93
)
 
$
(134
)
 
$
(21
)
 
REVISED GUARANTOR CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
(Unaudited)
(Millions of U.S. dollars)
 
 
 
Consolidated
   
Eliminations
   
Tronox
Finance LLC
   
Parent
Company
   
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
   
Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Net sales
 
$
1,337
   
$
(177
)
 
$
   
$
   
$
936
   
$
578
 
Cost of goods sold
   
1,184
     
(203
)
   
     
     
858
     
529
 
                                                 
Gross profit
   
153
     
26
     
     
     
78
     
49
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
   
(138
)
   
2
     
     
(7
)
   
(102
)
   
(31
)
Restructuring expense
   
(10
)
   
     
     
     
(9
)
   
(1
)
                                                 
Income (loss) from operations
   
5
     
28
     
     
(7
)
   
(33
)
   
17
 
Interest and debt expense, net
   
(101
)
   
     
(45
)
   
     
(3
)
   
(53
)
Intercompany interest income (expense)
   
     
     
     
410
     
(433
)
   
23
 
Net loss on liquidation of non-operating subsidiaries
   
(35
)
   
     
     
     
(33
)
   
(2
)
Loss on extinguishment of debt
   
(8
)
   
     
     
     
(2
)
   
(6
)
Other income (expense)
   
12
     
29
     
     
     
     
(17
)
Equity in earnings of subsidiary
   
     
453
     
     
(431
)
   
(22
)
   
 
                                                 
Income (loss) before income taxes
   
(127
)
   
510
     
(45
)
   
(28
)
   
(526
)
   
(38
)
Income tax benefit (provision)
   
(15
)
   
     
14
     
(123
)
   
120
     
(26
)
                                                 
Net income (loss)
   
(142
)
   
510
     
(31
)
   
(151
)
   
(406
)
   
(64
)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest
   
9
     
9
     
     
     
     
 
                                                 
Net income (loss) attributable to Tronox Limited
 
$
(151
)
 
$
501
   
$
(31
)
 
$
(151
)
 
$
(406
)
 
$
(64
)
 
AS PREVIOUSLY FILED
GUARANTOR CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMETNS OF OPERATIONS
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
(Unaudited)
(Millions of U.S. dollars)
 
   
Consolidated
   
Eliminations
   
Tronox
Finance LLC
   
Parent
Company
   
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
   
Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Net sales
 
$
1,337
   
$
(186
)
 
$
   
$
   
$
945
   
$
578
 
Cost of goods sold
   
1,184
     
(203
)
   
     
     
858
     
529
 
                                                 
Gross profit
   
153
     
17
     
     
     
87
     
49
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
   
(138
)
   
11
     
     
(8
)
   
(102
)
   
(39
)
Restructuring expense
   
(10
)
   
     
     
     
(9
)
   
(1
)
                                                 
Income (loss) from operations
   
5
     
28
     
     
(8
)
   
(24
)
   
9
 
Interest and debt expense, net
   
(101
)
   
     
(45
)
   
     
(3
)
   
(53
)
Intercompany interest income (expense)
   
     
     
     
410
     
(434
)
   
24
 
Net loss on liquidation of non-operating subsidiaries
   
(35
)
   
     
     
     
(33
)
   
(2
)
Loss on extinguishment of debt
   
(8
)
   
     
     
     
(2
)
   
(6
)
Other income (expense)
   
12
     
29
     
     
     
(14
)
   
(3
)
Equity in earnings of subsidiary
   
     
448
     
     
(430
)
   
(18
)
   
 
                                                 
Income (loss) before income taxes
   
(127
)
   
505
     
(45
)
   
(28
)
   
(528
)
   
(31
)
Income tax benefit (provision)
   
(15
)
   
     
13
     
(123
)
   
122
     
(27
)
                                                 
Net income (loss)
   
(142
)
   
505
     
(32
)
   
(151
)
   
(406
)
   
(58
)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest
   
9
     
9
     
     
     
     
 
                                                 
Net income (loss) attributable to Tronox Limited
 
$
(151
)
 
$
496
   
$
(32
)
 
$
(151
)
 
$
(406
)
 
$
(58
)
 
REVISED GUARANTOR CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
Three Months Ended September 30, 2014
(Unaudited)
(Millions of U.S. dollars)
 
 
 
Consolidated
   
Eliminations
   
Tronox
Finance LLC
   
Parent
Company
   
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
   
Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Net income (loss)
 
$
(90
)
 
$
171
   
$
(10
)
 
$
(93
)
 
$
(136
)
 
$
(22
)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
                                               
Foreign currency translation adjustments
   
(47
)
   
108
     
     
(29
)
   
(37
)
   
(89
)
Pension and postretirement plans
   
     
(1
)
   
     
     
     
1
 
                                                 
Other comprehensive income (loss)
   
(47
)
   
107
     
     
(29
)
   
(37
)
   
(88
)
                                                 
Total comprehensive income (loss)
   
(137
)
   
278
     
(10
)
   
(122
)
   
(173
)
   
(110
)
                                                 
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest:
                                               
Net income
   
3
     
3
     
     
     
     
 
Foreign currency translation adjustments
   
(18
)
   
(18
)
   
     
     
     
 
                                                 
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest
   
(15
)
   
(15
)
   
     
 
   
     
 
                                                 
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Tronox Limited
 
$
(122
)
 
$
293
   
$
(10
)
 
$
(122
)
 
$
(173
)
 
$
(110
)
 
AS PREVIOUSLY FILED
GUARANTOR CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
Three Months Ended September 30, 2014
(Unaudited)
(Millions of U.S. dollars)
 
 
 
Consolidated
   
Eliminations
   
Tronox
Finance LLC
   
Parent
Company
   
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
   
Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Net income (loss)
 
$
(90
)
 
$
169
   
$
(11
)
 
$
(93
)
 
$
(134
)
 
$
(21
)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
                                               
Foreign currency translation adjustments
   
(47
)
   
126
     
     
(47
)
   
(37
)
   
(89
)
                                                 
Other comprehensive income (loss)
   
(47
)
   
126
     
     
(47
)
   
(37
)
   
(89
)
                                                 
Total comprehensive income (loss)
   
(137
)
   
295
     
(11
)
   
(140
)
   
(171
)
   
(110
)
                                                 
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest:
                                               
Net income
   
3
     
3
     
     
     
     
 
Foreign currency translation adjustments
   
(18
)
   
     
     
(18
)
   
     
 
                                                 
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest
   
(15
)
   
3
     
     
(18
)
   
     
 
                                                 
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Tronox Limited
 
$
(122
)
 
$
292
   
$
(11
)
 
$
(122
)
 
$
(171
)
 
$
(110
)
 
REVISED GUARANTOR CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
(Unaudited)
(Millions of U.S. dollars)
 
 
 
Consolidated
   
Eliminations
   
Tronox
Finance LLC
   
Parent
Company
   
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
   
Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Net income (loss)
 
$
(142
)
 
$
510
   
$
(31
)
 
$
(151
)
 
$
(406
)
 
$
(64
)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
                                               
Foreign currency translation adjustments
   
(68
)
   
141
     
     
(44
)
   
(59
)
   
(106
)
Pension and postretirement plans
   
3
     
(3
)
   
     
3
     
3
     
 
                                                 
Other comprehensive income (loss)
   
(65
)
   
138
     
     
(41
)
   
(56
)
   
(106
)
                                                 
Total comprehensive income (loss)
   
(207
)
   
648
     
(31
)
   
(192
)
   
(462
)
   
(170
)
                                                 
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest:
                                               
Net income
   
9
     
9
     
     
     
     
 
Foreign currency translation adjustments
   
(24
)
   
(24
)
   
     
     
     
 
                                                 
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest
   
(15
)
   
(15
)
   
     
     
     
 
                                                 
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Tronox Limited
 
$
(192
)
 
$
663
   
$
(31
)
 
$
(192
)
 
$
(462
)
 
$
(170
)
 
 
AS PREVIOUSLY FILED
GUARANTOR CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
(Unaudited)
(Millions of U.S. dollars)
 
 
 
Consolidated
   
Eliminations
   
Tronox
Finance LLC
   
Parent
Company
   
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
   
Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Net income (loss)
 
$
(142
)
 
$
505
   
$
(32
)
 
$
(151
)
 
$
(406
)
 
$
(58
)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
                                               
Foreign currency translation adjustments
   
(68
)
   
164
     
     
(67
)
   
(59
)
   
(106
)
Pension and postretirement plans
   
3
     
(1
)
   
     
2
     
2
     
 
                                                 
Other comprehensive income (loss)
   
(65
)
   
163
     
     
(65
)
   
(57
)
   
(106
)
                                                 
Total comprehensive income (loss)
   
(207
)
   
668
     
(32
)
   
(216
)
   
(463
)
   
(164
)
                                                 
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest:
                                               
Net income
   
9
     
9
     
     
     
     
 
Foreign currency translation adjustments
   
(24
)
   
     
     
(24
)
   
     
 
                                                 
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest
   
(15
)
   
9
     
     
(24
)
   
     
 
                                                 
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Tronox Limited
 
$
(192
)
 
$
659
   
$
(32
)
 
$
(192
)
 
$
(463
)
 
$
(164
)
 
REVISED GUARANTOR CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
(Unaudited)
(Millions of U.S. dollars)
 
   
Consolidated
   
Eliminations
   
Tronox
Finance LLC
   
Parent
Company
   
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
   
Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
Net income (loss)
 
$
(142
)
 
$
510
   
$
(31
)
 
$
(151
)
 
$
(406
)
 
$
(64
)
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
   
225
     
     
     
     
163
     
62
 
Other
   
6
     
(510
)
   
(20
)
   
135
     
285
     
116
 
                                                 
Cash provided by (used in) operating activities
   
89
     
     
(51
)
   
(16
)
   
42
     
114
 
                                                 
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
                                               
Capital expenditures
   
(106
)
   
     
     
     
(54
)
   
(52
)
Collections of intercompany debt
   
     
(51
)
   
51
     
     
     
 
                                                 
Cash provided by (used in) investing activities
   
(106
)
   
(51
)
   
51
     
     
(54
)
   
(52
)
                                                 
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
                                               
Repayments of debt
   
(16
)
   
     
     
     
(2
)
   
(14
)
Repayments of intercompany debt
   
     
51
     
     
(51
)
   
     
 
Debt issuance costs
   
(2
)
   
     
     
     
     
(2
)
Dividends paid
   
(87
)
   
     
     
(87
)
   
     
 
Proceeds from the exercise of warrants and options
   
5
     
     
     
5
     
     
 
                                                 
Cash provided by (used in) financing activities
   
(100
)
   
51
     
     
(133
)
   
(2
)
   
(16
)
                                                 
Effects of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
   
(16
)
   
     
     
     
     
(16
)
                                                 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
   
(133
)
   
     
     
(149
)
   
(14
)
   
30
 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
 
$
1,475
   
$
   
$
   
$
179
   
$
1,091
   
$
205
 
                                                 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
$
1,342
   
$
   
$
   
$
30
   
$
1,077
   
$
235
 
 
AS PREVIOUSLY FILED
GUARANTOR CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
(Unaudited)
(Millions of U.S. dollars)
 
   
Consolidated
   
Eliminations
   
Tronox
Finance LLC
   
Parent
Company
   
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
   
Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
Net income (loss)
 
$
(142
)
 
$
505
   
$
(32
)
 
$
(151
)
 
$
(406
)
 
$
(58
)
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
   
225
     
     
     
     
163
     
62
 
Other
   
6
     
(482
)
   
(19
)
   
207
     
370
     
(70
)
                                                 
Cash provided by (used in) operating activities
   
89
     
23
     
(51
)
   
56
     
127
     
(66
)
                                                 
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
                                               
Capital expenditures
   
(106
)
   
     
     
     
(54
)
   
(52
)
Collections of intercompany debt
   
     
(51
)
   
51
     
     
     
 
                                                 
Cash provided by (used in) investing activities
   
(106
)
   
(51
)
   
51
     
     
(54
)
   
(52
)
                                                 
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
                                               
Repayments of debt
   
(16
)
   
     
     
     
(2
)
   
(14
)
Repayments of intercompany debt
   
     
51
     
     
(51
)
   
     
 
Debt issuance costs
   
(2
)
   
     
     
     
     
(2
)
Dividends paid
   
(87
)
   
     
     
(87
)
   
     
 
Proceeds from the exercise of warrants and options
   
5
     
     
     
5
     
     
 
                                                 
Cash provided by (used in) financing activities
   
(100
)
   
51
     
     
(133
)
   
(2
)
   
(16
)
                                                 
Effects of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
   
(16
)
   
(23
)
   
     
(73
)
   
(37
)
   
117
 
                                                 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
   
(133
)
   
     
     
(150
)
   
34
     
(17
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
 
$
1,478
   
$
   
$
   
$
179
   
$
374
   
$
925
 
                                                 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
$
1,345
   
$
   
$
   
$
29
   
$
408
   
$
908
 
 
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with Tronox Limited’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as well as Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014. This discussion and other sections in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contain forward-looking statements, within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, that involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results could differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements as a result of numerous factors. Forward-looking statements provide current expectations of future events based on certain assumptions and include any statement that does not directly relate to any historical or current fact. Forward-looking statements also can be identified by words such as “future,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “predicts,” “will,” “would,” “could,” “can,” “may,” and similar terms.
 
This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contains certain financial measures, in particular the presentation of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA, which are not presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”). We are presenting these non-U.S. GAAP financial measures because we believe they provide us and readers of this Form 10-Q with additional insight into our operational performance relative to earlier periods and relative to our competitors. We do not intend for these non-U.S GAAP financial measures to be a substitute for any U.S. GAAP financial information. Readers of these statements should use these non-U.S. GAAP financial measures only in conjunction with the comparable U.S. GAAP financial measures. A reconciliation of Net income (loss) to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA is also provided herein.
 
Executive Overview
 
We are a global leader in the production and marketing of titanium bearing mineral sands and titanium dioxide (“TiO2”) pigment and the world’s largest producer of natural soda ash. We have two reportable operating segments, TiO2 and Alkali.
 
TiO2
 
Within our TiO2 segment, we believe that our pigments business is the third largest global producer and marketer of TiO2 manufactured via chloride technology and we believe we are the second largest global producer of titanium feedstock and a leader in global zircon production. We have operations in North America, Europe, South Africa, and the Asia-Pacific region. We operate three TiO2 pigment facilities at the following locations: Hamilton, Mississippi; Botlek, The Netherlands; and Kwinana, Western Australia, representing an aggregate capacity of approximately 465,000 metric tons of annual TiO2 production capacity. TiO2, is used in a wide range of products due to its ability to impart whiteness, brightness, and opacity. TiO2 pigment is used extensively in the manufacture of paint and other coatings, plastics and paper, and in a wide range of other applications, including inks, fibers, rubber, food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Moreover, it is a critical component of everyday consumer applications due to its superior ability to cover or mask other materials effectively and efficiently relative to alternative white pigments and extenders. We believe that, at present, TiO2 has no effective substitute because no other white pigment has the physical properties for achieving comparable opacity and brightness or can be incorporated in a cost-effective manner. We also operate three separate mining operations: KwaZulu-Natal (“KZN”) Sands located in South Africa, Namakwa Sands located in South Africa and Cooljarloo Sands located in Western Australia. Titanium feedstock is used primarily to manufacture TiO2 pigment, and we currently supply all of our pigment facilities’ titanium feedstock needs through our own mining operations. Zircon is a mineral which is primarily used as an opacifier in ceramic glazes for tiles, plates, dishes, and industrial products. Pig iron is a metal material used in the steel and metal casting industries to create wrought iron, cast iron, and steel.
 
Alkali
 
On April 1, 2015, we completed the previously announced acquisition of 100% of the Alkali Chemicals business (“Alkali”) from FMC Corporation (“FMC”) for an aggregate purchase price of $1.65 billion in cash (the “Alkali Transaction”). Alkali is the world’s largest producer of natural soda ash, which is used by customers in the glass, detergent, and chemicals manufacturing industries. Natural soda ash maintains a sustained structural cost advantage globally compared to producers of synthetic soda ash. Alkali diversifies our end markets, revenue base and increases our participation in faster growing emerging market economies. Alkali operates as a separate business unit and reporting segment. We funded the Alkali Transaction through existing cash and new debt. See Note 12 of Notes to unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further details of the Alkali Transaction financing.
 
Our Alkali segment is the world’s largest natural soda ash producer. We produce natural soda ash from a mineral called trona, which we mine at two facilities we own near Green River, Wyoming. Our Wyoming facilities process the trona ore into chemically pure soda ash and specialty sodium products such as sodium bicarbonate (baking soda). Our soda ash products are used primarily by customers in the glass, detergent, and chemicals manufacturing industries. Soda ash is essential for manufacturing flat glass, container glass, and tableware because of its property of lowering the melting point of other ingredients in a glass furnace. In recent years, demand for soda ash has been relatively flat in developed economies such as the United States, but is rising faster in markets such as East Asia and Latin America as per capita consumption rises with economic development. We sell soda ash directly to customers in the United States, Canada and Europe and to the American Natural Soda Ash Corporation (“ANSAC”), a nonprofit foreign sales association in which Alkali and two other U.S. soda ash producers are members, for resale to customers elsewhere around the world. The cost advantages of natural soda ash produced in the United States permits ANSAC to sell soda ash profitably in most parts of the world despite significant logistics costs. In addition, we use a portion of our soda ash at Green River to produce specialty sodium products such as sodium bicarbonate and sodium sesquicarbonate that have uses in food, animal feed, pharmaceutical, and medical applications.
 
Segments
 
The reportable segments presented below represent our operating segments for which separate financial information is available and which is utilized on a regular basis by our Chief Executive Officer, who is our chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) to assess performance and to allocate resources.
 
Prior to the Alkali Transaction, we had two operating and reportable segments, Mineral Sands and Pigment, based on the way the management team was organized and our CODM monitored performance, aligned strategies, and allocated resources. As a result of the increased interdependency between the Mineral Sands and Pigment businesses, and related organizational changes, our CODM determined that it was better to review the Mineral Sands and Pigment businesses, along with our electrolytic business, as a combined one, TiO2, and to assess performance and allocate resources at that level. Following the Alkali Transaction, we restructured our organization to reflect two integrated businesses, TiO2 and the acquired business, Alkali, as our two operating and reportable segments. The change in reportable segments for financial reporting purposes that occurred in the second quarter of 2015 has been retrospectively applied.
 
Segment performance is evaluated based on segment operating income (loss), which represents the results of segment operations before unallocated costs, such as general corporate expenses not identified to a specific segment, interest expense, other income (expense), and income tax expense (benefit).
 
TiO2 Segment
 
Our TiO2 segment includes the following:
 
· exploration, mining, and beneficiation of mineral sands deposits
 
· production of titanium feedstock (including chloride slag, slag fines, and rutile), pig iron, and zircon
 
· production and marketing of TiO2
 
· electrolytic manganese dioxide manufacturing and marketing, which is primarily focused on advanced battery materials, specialty boron products, and sodium chlorate
 
Titanium feedstock is used primarily to manufacture TiO2 pigment. Zircon is a mineral which is primarily used as an opacifier in ceramic glazes for tiles, plates, dishes, and industrial products. Pig iron is a metal material used in the steel and metal casting industries to create wrought iron, cast iron, and steel.
 
TiO2 is used in a wide range of products due to its ability to impart whiteness, brightness, and opacity. TiO2 pigment is used extensively in the manufacture of paint and other coatings, plastics and paper, and in a wide range of other applications, including inks, fibers, rubber, food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Moreover, it is a critical component of everyday consumer applications due to its superior ability to cover or mask other materials effectively and efficiently relative to alternative white pigments and extenders. We believe that, at present, TiO2 has no effective substitute because no other white pigment has the physical properties for achieving comparable opacity and brightness or can be incorporated in a cost-effective manner. 
 
Alkali Segment
 
Our Alkali segment includes the mining of trona for the production of natural soda ash and its derivatives: sodium bicarbonate, sodium sesquicarbonate and caustic soda (collectively referred to as “alkali-products”). We provide our alkali-products to a variety of industries such as flat glass, container glass, detergent and chemical manufacturing. We also sell our alkali-products to customers directly in North America and Europe and to ANSAC for resale in other regions of the world. ANSAC is a nonprofit foreign sales association in which we and two other U.S. soda ash producers are members, whose purpose is to promote export sales of U.S. produced soda ash in conformity with the Webb-Pomerene Act. All mining and processing activities take place in our facilities located in the Green River Basin of Wyoming, United States.
 
Recent Developments
 
During September 2014, we initiated a cost improvement initiative. The initiative resulted in a reduction in our workforce by approximately 135 employees and outside contractor positions. At December 31, 2014, the remaining liability was $4 million. During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, we paid $4 million of cash related to such restructuring. No payments were made during the three months ended September 30, 2015.
 
During the second quarter of 2015, we determined that our sodium chlorate plant in Hamilton, Mississippi would cease production in late November 2015 resulting in a reduction in our workforce of approximately 50 employees. This action resulted in a charge, consisting primarily of employee severance costs, of $2 million, which was recorded in “Restructuring expense” in the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations during the three months ended June 30, 2015. We expect to pay the $2 million during the fourth quarter of 2015.
 
In line with our goal of aligning production output to market requirements, during the third quarter of 2015, we decided that the operation of our Cooljarloo North Mine in Western Australia would be suspended on December 31, 2015, resulting in a reduction in our workforce of approximately 30 employees. This action resulted in a charge, consisting primarily of employee severance costs, of $3 million, which was recorded in “Restructuring expense” in the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations during the three months ended September 30, 2015. We expect to pay the $3 million during the first quarter of 2016.
 
As previously announced, we have been identifying opportunities in our TiO2 segment for cost improvements, greater efficiencies, and ways to make our workplace safer. To date, we have suspended production at one of six processing lines at our Hamilton pigment plant and one of four processing lines at our Kwinana pigment plant. Together, these processing line curtailments represent approximately 15 percent of our total pigment production. We have also suspended operation of two of our four furnaces in South Africa producing slag and pig iron which has reduced our slag and pig iron production capacity by approximately 50 percent. We also reduce the feed to our kin in Chandala, which has reduced our SR production capacity by approximately 30%.
 
As part of our commitment to reduce operating costs and working capital, we have commenced a global restructuring of our TiO2 segment which we expect to complete during the first half of 2016. The restructuring seeks to streamline the operations of our TiO2 segment in order to create a more commercially and operationally efficient business segment. The initiative involves an expected reduction in our workforce by approximately 250 employees, as well as the expected elimination of approximately 250 outside contractor positions. We estimate that the pre-tax charge resulting from this initiative will be approximately $20 million, of which $2 million was recorded in “Restructuring expense” in the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations during the three months ended September 30, 2015. The charge will consist of employee severance costs, outplacement services and other associated costs. We expect annual cost savings of approximately $40 million.
 
Business Environment
 
The following discussion includes trends and factors that may affect future operating results.
 
Global demand for pigment products for the quarter was weaker than we projected with the primary shortfall in Europe and Asia-Pacific, partially offset by the sequential growth in North America volumes. European demand for pigment products did not pick up at the rate we expected after the summer holiday period, and the demand across Asia was weaker primarily in the coatings market. Inventory in pigment products was modestly above normal seasonal levels, and we anticipate that the pricing environment will remain competitive for the near term. The prolonged downturn in the market has resulted in announced plant closures and reduced productions levels, which should have a positive impact on reducing finished pigment product inventories and start to bring supply and demand back into balance.  
 
Demand for zircon was fairly steady during the third quarter of 2015 although there was some slowdown in China following the currency devaluation. During the third quarter of 2015, the industry was carrying more inventory than the market required and pricing remained competitive. Pricing on Premium Grade material held up reasonably well but did come under increasing pressure as producers were competing to secure market share. The trend towards increased usage and demand for lower grade products continued as end users look to reduce costs.
 
Our KZN Sands operations consist of the Fairbreeze mine (which has not yet entered into commercial production), a concentration plant, a mineral separation plant, and a smelter complex with two furnaces. Planned construction on the Fairbreeze mine continued during the third quarter of 2015. The Fairbreeze mine will serve as a replacement source of feedstock production for our Hillendale mine, which ceased mining operations in December 2013. The Fairbreeze mine is expected to begin operations at the end of 2015, and be fully operational in 2016. The Fairbreeze mine is estimated to have a life expectancy of approximately 15 years.
 
Soda ash industry fundamentals remain strong with projecting global demand expected to grow at about 3%, a compound annual growth rate (“CAGR”) through 2024. Emerging markets continue to drive much of this growth with per capita consumption of soda ash in emerging markets less than 50% of U.S. levels of 16 kg per person per year. As a result, we expect to see continued growth in demand for soda ash consumption in these regions going forward, with demand growth expected to continue to outpace capacity additions. The U.S. market for soda ash is supplied by five domestic competitors with balanced supply and demand fundamentals. These market conditions have historically resulted in prices rising on average over the past ten years, a trend projected to persist over the medium-long term despite slow demand growth. Alkali sales volumes declined sequentially during the third quarter of 2015 primarily due to outages in the quarter. Domestic and international sales prices were sequentially higher due to customer and country mix. We anticipate that the pricing environment will remain stable through the rest of the year. We believe the soda ash market, excluding China, continues to be balanced to tight from a supply-demand perspective. We expect that the competitive cost position of natural soda ash relative to the higher cost synthetic process will cause demand for natural soda ash to continue to exceed available supply.
 
We continue to be uniquely tax-advantaged by favorable tax loss carry forwards, the settlement reached with Anadarko for $5.2 billion, including approximately $65 million of accrued interest, and approved by the Bankruptcy Court, and other favorable tax positions. We believe these tax-advantaged factors create opportunities for our operations to benefit for years to come. 
 
Consolidated Results of Operations
 
Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 compared to the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
 
   
Three Months Ended September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
   
2015
   
2014
   
Variance
   
2015
   
2014
   
Variance
 
   
(Millions of U.S. dollars)
 
Net sales
 
$
575
   
$
429
   
$
146
   
$
1,577
   
$
1,337
   
$
240
 
Cost of goods sold
   
536
     
361
     
175
     
1,479
     
1,184
     
295
 
                                                 
Gross profit
   
39
     
68
     
(29
)
   
98
     
153
     
(55
)
Selling, general and administrative expenses
   
(55
)
   
(47
)
   
(8
)
   
(171
)
   
(138
)
   
(33
)
Restructuring expenses
   
(5
)
   
(10
)
   
5
     
(7
)
   
(10
)
   
3
 
                                                 
Income (loss) from operations
   
(21
)
   
11
     
(32
)
   
(80
)
   
5
     
(85
)
Interest and debt expense, net
   
(45
)
   
(34
)
   
(11
)
   
(131
)
   
(101
)
   
(30
)
Net loss on liquidation of non-operating subsidiaries
   
     
(35
)
   
35
     
     
(35
)
   
35
 
Loss on extinguishment of debt
   
     
     
     
     
(8
)
   
8
 
Other income, net
   
23
     
9
     
14
     
22
     
12
     
10
 
                                                 
Loss before income taxes
   
(43
)
   
(49
)
   
6
     
(189
)
   
(127
)
   
(62
)
Income tax provision
   
(11
)
   
(41
)
   
30
     
(29
)
   
(15
)
   
(14
)
                                                 
Net loss
 
$
(54
)
 
$
(90
)
 
$
36
   
$
(218
)
 
$
(142
)
 
$
(76
)
 
Net sales for the three months ended September 30, 2015 increased 34% compared to the three months ended September 30, 2014 due to the Alkali Transaction (accounting for $195 million) and higher volumes of $24 million, offset by the impact of lower selling prices and product mix of $61 million and unfavorable changes in foreign currency translation of $12 million in our TiO2 segment. Net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 increased 18% compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2014 due to the Alkali Transaction (accounting for $403 million), higher volumes of $5 million in our TiO2 segment, offset by the impact of lower selling prices and product mix of $128 million, and unfavorable changes in foreign currency translation of $40 million. Selling prices and volumes for our TiO2 business were lower across most product lines.
 
During the three months ended September 30, 2015, cost of goods sold increased 48% compared to the three months ended September 30, 2014, due to the Alkali Transaction (accounting for $161 million), higher volumes of $31 million, higher production costs of $28 million and a net increase in lower of cost or market reserves of $5 million, offset by the impact of favorable foreign currency translation of $50 million. During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, cost of goods sold increased 25% compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2014, which reflects the Alkali Transaction (accounting for $334 million), a net increase in lower of cost or market reserves of $55 million, higher production costs of $22 million, and higher volumes of $14 million, offset by the impact of favorable foreign currency translation of $130 million.
 
Our gross profit during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 was 7% and 6%, respectively, of net sales compared to 16% and 11% of net sales during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014. The decrease principally reflects the impact of lower selling prices in our TiO2 segment and higher production costs, partially offset by the impact of favorable currency translation.
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 17% and 24% during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively. The net increase in 2015 was mainly due to spending for the Alkali Transaction and higher professional fees, partially offset by a partial reversal of a stamp tax accrual in Australia (related to the 2012 acquisition of the Exxaro Sands business).
 
During the second quarter of 2015, we determined that our sodium chlorate plant in Hamilton, Mississippi would cease production in late November 2015, which resulted in a charge, consisting primarily of employee severance costs, of $2 million. In line with our goal of aligning production output to market requirements, during the third quarter of 2015, we decided that the operation of our Cooljarloo North Mine in Western Australia would be suspended on December 31, 2015, which resulted in a charge, consisting primarily of employee severance costs, of $3 million. As part of our commitment to reduce operating costs and working capital, during the third quarter of 2015, we commenced a global restructuring of our TiO2 segment which we expect to complete during the first half of 2016. We estimate that the pre-tax charge resulting from this initiative will be approximately $20 million, of which $2 million was recorded during the three months ended September 30, 2015. See Note 3 of Notes to unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
 
Interest and debt expense during the three months ended September 30, 2015 was primarily comprised of interest expense on the Term Loan of $16 million, interest expense on the $900 million aggregate principal amount of senior notes (the “Senior Notes due 2020”) of $14 million, interest expense on the Senior Notes due 2022 of $11 million compared to $16 million on the Term Loan and $14 million on the Senior Notes due 2020 during the three months ended September 30, 2014. Interest and debt expense during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 is primarily comprised of interest expense on the Term Loan of $47 million, interest expense on the Senior Notes due 2020 of $43 million, interest expense on the Senior Notes due 2022 of $24 million and fees on the Bridge Facility of $8 million compared to $48 million on the Term Loan and $43 million on the Senior Notes due 2020 during the nine months ended September 30, 2014.
 
During the third quarter of 2014, we completed the liquidation of certain non-operating subsidiaries, for which we recognized a net noncash loss of $35 million from the realization of cumulative translation adjustments.
 
During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, we recognized an $8 million charge for the early extinguishment of debt.
 
Other income, net during the three months ended September 30, 2015 primarily consisted of a net realized and unrealized foreign currency gain of $22 million and interest income of $1 million compared to a net realized and unrealized foreign currency gain of $4 million, interest income of $4 million and other income of $1 million during the three months ended September 30, 2014. Other income, net during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 primarily consisted of a net realized and unrealized foreign currency gain of $17 million and interest income of $5 million compared to net realized and unrealized foreign currency gains of $2 million and interest income of $10 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2014.
 
The effective tax rate for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 differs from the Australian statutory rate of 30% primarily due to valuation allowances, income in foreign jurisdictions taxed at rates lower than 30%, and withholding tax accruals.
 
The tax provision for the three months ended September 30, 2015 is less than the tax provision for the three months ended September 30, 2014 primarily because of the full Netherlands valuation allowance which was established in the prior year quarter. This difference is partially offset because we recorded no tax benefit on Australian book losses due to full valuation allowances for the three months ended September 30, 2015. These Australian valuation allowances were not in place during the prior year quarter.
 
Operations Review of Segment Revenue and Profit
 
U.S. GAAP has standards for reporting information about operating segments. Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise about which separate financial information is available that is evaluated by the CODM in determining how to allocate resources and in assessing performance.
 
We currently operate our business in two operating and reportable segments, TiO2 and Alkali. We evaluate reportable segment performance based on segment operating profit (loss), which represents the results of segment operations before unallocated costs, such as general corporate expenses not identified to a specific segment, interest expense, other income (expense), and income tax expense (benefit). See Note 21 of Notes to unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
 
Net Sales
 
Net sales by segments were as follows:
 
   
Three Months Ended September 30,
   
   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
   
 
   
2015
   
2014
   
Variance
   
2015
   
2014
   
Variance
 
   
(Millions of U.S. dollars)
 
TiO2 segment
 
$
380
   
$
429
   
$
(49
)
 
$
1,174
   
$
1,337
   
$
(163
)
Alkali segment
   
195
     
     
195
     
403
     
     
403
 
                                                 
Net Sales
 
$
575
   
$
429
   
$
146
   
$
1,577
   
$
1,337
   
$
240
 

TiO2 segment
 
TiO2 segment net sales during the three months ended September 30, 2015 decreased 11% compared to the same periods in 2014 primarily due to lower selling prices and product mix of $61 million, and unfavorable changes in foreign currency translation of $12 million, partially offset by higher volumes of $24 million. TiO2 segment net sales during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 decreased 12% compared to the same periods in 2014 primarily due to the impact of lower selling prices and product mix of $128 million, unfavorable changes in foreign currency translation of $40 million, partially offset by higher volumes of $5 million.
 
For the three months ended September 30, 2015 versus September 30, 2014, selling prices were lower for pigment products (in all regions) and to lesser extent for pig iron. Currency impacts are primarily related to the weakening of the Euro versus the U.S. Dollar. Volumes were higher for cp slag, ilmenite, and pigment products (in all regions except North America and APAC).
 
For the nine months ended September 30, 2015 versus September 30, 2014, selling prices were lower for pigment products (in all regions) and to lesser extent for pig iron. Volumes were lower for zircon, rutile, sodium chlorate and pigment products (in all regions except Europe). Currency impacts are primarily related to the weakening of the Euro versus the U.S. Dollar.
 
Alkali segment
 
The Alkali business (acquired on April 1, 2015) contributed $195 million and $403 million of net sales during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively.
 
Income (loss) from Operations
 
Income (loss) from operations by segments was as follows:
 
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
2015
   
2014
   
Change
   
2015
   
2014
   
Variance
 
 
 
(Millions of U.S. dollars)
 
TiO2 segment
 
$
(26
)
 
$
35
   
$
(61
)
 
$
(58
)
 
$
61
   
$
(119
)
Alkali segment
   
21
     
     
21
     
46
     
     
46
 
Corporate
   
(16
)
   
(24
)
   
8
     
(68
)
   
(56
)
   
(12
)
                                                 
Income (loss) from operations
   
(21
)
   
11
   
$
(32
)
   
(80
)
   
5
   
$
(85
)
                                                 
Interest and debt expense
   
(45
)
   
(34
)
           
(131
)
   
(101
)
       
Net loss on liquidation of non-operating subsidiaries
   
     
(35
)
           
     
(35
)
       
Loss on extinguishment of debt
   
     
             
     
(8
)
       
Other income, net
   
23
     
9
             
22
     
12
         
                                                 
Loss before income taxes
   
(43
)
   
(49
)
           
(189
)
   
(127
)
       
Income tax provision
   
(11
)
   
(41
)
           
(29
)
   
(15
)
       
                                                 
Net loss
 
$
(54
)
 
$
(90
)
         
$
(218
)
 
$
(142
)
       

TiO2 segment
 
During the three months ended September 30, 2015, income from operations decreased $61 million compared to the same period in 2014 primarily due to lower selling prices of $61 million, higher production and other costs of $27 million, the net decreases of $6 million due to the impact of higher volume on cost of goods sold compared to sales and a net increase in lower of cost or market reserves of $5 million, partially offset by favorable foreign currency translation of $38 million.
 
During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, income from operations decreased $119 million compared to the same period in 2014 primarily due to lower selling prices of $128 million, a net increase in lower of cost or market reserves of $55 million, lower volumes of $9 million, higher production and other costs of $16 million and restructuring costs of $2 million, partially offset by favorable foreign currency translation of $91 million.
 
The net increase in lower of cost or market reserves for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 was primarily due to a $41 million charge associated with the sale of ilmenite to a non-TiO2 producer that we expect will generate approximately $35 million to $37 million in cash over the course of the next 16 months (subject to specified extensions) at a contractual price that is below the carrying cost assigned to such material as part of our acquisition of Exarro’s mineral sands business in June 2012. Lower of cost or market charges in the three months ended September 30, 2015 were also related to pigment and pig iron principally resulting from lower selling prices for those products.
 
The favorable currency impacts are primarily related to the weakening of the South African Rand and Australian Dollar versus the U.S. Dollar.
 
Alkali segment
 
During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, income from operations was $21 million and $46 million, respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, income from operations included a charge of $9 million for the amortization of the inventory fair value step-up.
 
Corporate
 
Corporate selling, general and administrative expenses during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 increased compared to the same periods in 2014 primarily due to spending for the Alkali Transaction of $2 million and $29 million, respectively, and increased professional fees, partially offset by a partial reversal of a stamp tax accrual in Australia (related to the 2012 acquisition of Exxaro mineral sands business).
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
Our total liquidity at September 30, 2015 was $540 million, which was comprised of $301 million available under the $500 million UBS Revolver (as defined below), $94 million available under the ABSA Revolver (as defined below), and $145 million in cash and cash equivalents.
 
Historically, we have funded our operations and met our commitments through cash generated by operations. During 2012, we issued $900 million Senior Notes due 2020 at par value. Additionally, during 2013, we obtained a $1.5 billion Term Loan, which matures on March 19, 2020.
 
In addition to these cash resources, we have a $500 million global senior secured asset-based syndicated revolving credit facility with UBS AG (the “UBS Revolver”) with a borrowing base of $301 million at September 30, 2015, and a R1.3 billion (approximately $94 million at September 30, 2015) revolving credit facility with ABSA Bank Limited (“ABSA”) acting through its ABSA Capital Division (the “ABSA Revolver”).
 
On April 1, 2015, in connection with the Alkali Transaction, we entered into an amended and restated asset-based revolving syndicated facility agreement with UBS, which provides for up to $500 million of revolving credit lines, with an $85 million sublimit for letters of credit. Availability of revolving credit loans and letters of credit are subject to a borrowing base. Borrowings bear interest at our option, at either a base rate or an adjusted LIBOR rate and borrowings in Euros bear interest at an adjusted LIBOR rate, in each case plus an applicable margin. The base rate is defined as the greatest of (a) the Administrative Agent’s prime rate, (b) the Federal funds effective rate plus 0.50% and (c) the adjusted LIBOR rate for a one-month period plus 1.00%. The applicable margin ranges from 0.50% to 1.00% for borrowings at the base rate and from 1.50% to 2.00% for borrowings at the adjusted LIBOR rate, in each case, based on the average daily borrowing availability. On April 1, 2015, we borrowed $150 million against the UBS Revolver.
 
On March 6, 2015, Evolution Escrow Issuer LLC (“Evolution”), a special purpose limited liability company organized under the laws of Delaware, was formed. Evolution was wholly owned by Stichting Evolution Escrow, a Dutch foundation not affiliated with the Company. On March 19, 2015, Evolution closed an offering of $600 million aggregate principal amount of its 7.50% Senior Notes due 2022. Evolution was initially a wholly owned subsidiary of Stichting Evolution Escrow, a Dutch foundation that is not an affiliate of Tronox Limited. The Senior Notes due 2022 were offered and sold by Evolution in reliance on an exemption pursuant to Rule 144A and Regulation S under the Securities Act. The Senior Notes due 2022 have not been registered under the Securities Act, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration requirements. The Senior Notes due 2022 were issued under an Indenture, dated as of March 19, 2015 (the “Indenture”), between Evolution and Wilmington Trust, National Association (the “Trustee”). The Indenture and the Senior Notes due 2022 provide, among other things, that the Senior Notes due 2022 are senior unsecured obligations of Tronox Finance. Interest is payable on the Senior Notes due 2022 on March 15 and September 15 of each year beginning on September 15, 2015 until their maturity date of March 15, 2022. On April 1, 2015, in connection with the Alkali Transaction, Evolution merged with and into Tronox Finance, and Tronox Finance assumed the obligations of Evolution under the Indenture and the Senior Notes due 2022, and the proceeds from the offering of the Senior Notes due 2022 were released to us. We and certain of our subsidiaries entered into a supplemental indenture (the “First Supplemental Indenture”), by and among us, Tronox Finance, the guarantors party thereto, and the Trustee, pursuant to which we and such subsidiaries became guarantors of the Senior Notes due 2022 under the Indenture.
 
At September 30, 2015, we had outstanding letters of credit, bank guarantees, and performance bonds of $61 million, of which $39 million were letters of credit issued under the UBS Revolver, $18 million were bank guarantees issued by ABSA and $4 million were performance bonds issued by Westpac Banking Corporation.
 
In the next twelve months, we expect that our operations and available borrowings under our revolving credit agreements will provide sufficient cash to fund our operating expenses, capital expenditures, interest payments, debt repayments, and dividends. Working capital (calculated as current assets less current liabilities) was $864 million at September 30, 2015 compared to $2.0 billion at December 31, 2014, a decrease of $1.2 billion, which is primarily due to cash paid in the Alkali Transaction of $1.65 billion, dividends paid of $88 million and capital expenditures of $141 million, partially offset by cash received upon the issuance of the Senior Notes due 2022 of $600 million, cash received from the drawdown of the UBS Revolver of $150 million and cash provided by operations of $45 million.
 
Principal factors that could affect the availability of our internally-generated funds include (i) the deterioration of our revenues in either of our business segments; (ii) an increase in our expenses; or (iii) changes in our working capital requirements.
 
Principal factors that could affect our ability to obtain cash from external sources include (i) debt covenants that limit our total borrowing capacity; (ii) increasing interest rates applicable to our floating rate debt; (iii) credit rating downgrades, which could limit our access to additional debt; (iv) a decrease in the market price of our common stock; or (v) volatility in public debt and equity markets.
 
As of September 30, 2015, our credit rating with Standard & Poor’s is BB- stable, and our credit rating with Moody’s is B1 stable. At September 30, 2015, we are in compliance with all our financial covenants, have sufficient borrowings available, and have no significant principal payments on debt due until 2020.
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
We consider all investments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. As of September 30, 2015, our cash and cash equivalents were primarily invested in money market funds. We maintain cash and cash equivalents in bank deposit and money market accounts that may exceed federally insured limits. The financial institutions where our cash and cash equivalents are held are generally highly rated and geographically dispersed, and we have a policy to limit the amount of credit exposure with any one institution. We have not experienced any losses in such accounts and believe we are not exposed to significant credit risk.
 
The use of our cash includes servicing our interest and debt repayment obligations, making pension contributions, making quarterly dividend payments and funding the business acquisition.
 
Repatriation of Cash
 
At September 30, 2015, we held $149 million in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash in these respective jurisdictions: $8 million in Europe, $45 million in Australia, $63 million in South Africa, and $33 million in the United States. Our credit facilities limit transfers of funds from subsidiaries in the United States to certain foreign subsidiaries.
 
Tronox Limited has foreign subsidiaries with positive undistributed earnings at September 30, 2015. We have made no provision for deferred taxes related to these undistributed earnings because they are considered to be indefinitely reinvested in the foreign jurisdictions.
 
Cash Dividends on Class A and Class B Shares
 
During 2015, we declared and paid quarterly dividends to holders of our Class A ordinary shares (“Class A Shares”) and Class B ordinary shares (“Class B Shares”) as follows:
 
   
Three Months
Ended March 31,
2015
   
Three Months
Ended June 30,
2015
   
Three Months
Ended September 30,
2015
 
Dividend per share
 
$
0.25
   
$
0.25
   
$
0.25
 
Total dividend
 
$
29
   
$
30
   
$
30
 
Record date (close of business)
 
March 9
   
May 18
   
August 19
 
 
On November 3, 2015, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.25 per share to holders of our Class A Shares and Class B Shares at the close of business on November 20, 2015, totaling $29 million, which will be paid on or before December 3, 2015.
 
Debt Obligations
 
At September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, our net debt (the excess of our debt over cash and cash equivalents) was $3.0 billion and $1.1 billion, respectively.
 
Short-term debt consisted of the following:
 
   
September 30,
2015
   
December 31,
2014
 
UBS Revolver
 
$
150
   
$
 
                 
Short-term debt (1)
 
$
150
   
$
 
 

(1)
Average effective interest rate of 3.35% during the nine months ended September 30, 2015.
 
Long-term debt, net of an unamortized discount, consisted of the following:
 
   
Original
Principal
   
Annual
Interest Rate
 
Maturity
Date
 
September 30
2015
   
December 31,
2014
 
Term Loan, net of unamortized discount (1)
 
$
1,500
   
Variable
 
3/19/2020
 
$
1,458
   
$
1,468
 
Senior Notes due 2020
 
$
900
     
6.375
%
8/15/2020
   
900
     
900
 
Senior Notes due 2022
 
$
600
     
7.50
%
3/15/2022
   
600
     
 
Co-generation Unit Financing Arrangement
 
$
16
     
6.50
%
2/1/2016
   
1
     
3
 
Lease financing
               
 
   
18
     
22
 
                 
 
               
Total borrowings
               
 
   
2,977
     
2,393
 
Less: Long-term debt due within one year
               
 
   
(16
)
   
(18
)
                 
 
               
Long-term debt
               
   
 
$
2,961
   
$
2,375
 
 

(1)
Average effective interest rate of 4.6% during both the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014.
 
At September 30, 2015, we had financial covenants in the UBS Revolver, the ABSA Revolver and the Term Loan; however, only the ABSA Revolver had a financial maintenance covenant that applies to local operations and only when the ABSA Revolver is drawn upon. The Term Loan and the UBS Revolver are subject to an intercreditor agreement pursuant to which the lenders’ respective rights and interests in the security are set forth. We were in compliance with all our financial covenants as of and for three and nine months ended September 30, 2015.
 
Cash Flows
 
The following table presents cash flow for the periods indicated:
 
   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
   
2015
   
2014
 
   
(Millions of U.S. dollars)
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
 
$
45
   
$
89
 
Net cash used in investing activities
   
(1,794
)
   
(106
)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
   
637
     
(100
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
   
(19
)
   
(16
)
                 
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
 
$
(1,131
)
 
$
(133
)
 
Cash Flows provided by Operating Activities — During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, we had cash provided by operating activities of $45 million compared to cash provided by operating activities of $89 million during the same period in 2014. The decrease in cash provided was primarily attributable to lower cash earnings, partially offset by the redeuction in inventory, a net increase in accounts receivable and a net decrease in accounts payable and accrued liabilities.
 
Cash Flows used in Investing Activities — The use of cash for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 is primarily attributable to cash used in the acquisition of Alkali of $1,653 million and capital expenditure purchases. Capital expenditures during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 were $141 million and $106 million, respectively, including Fairbreeze.
 
Cash Flows provided by Financing Activities — Net cash provided by financing activities during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 was primarily attributable to cash received from the issuance of the Senior Notes due 2022of $600 million and cash received on the drawdown of the UBS Revolver of $150 million, partially offset by dividends paid of $88 million, debt issuance costs paid of $15 million and principal repayments on long-term debt of $13 million. This compares to cash used in financing activities of $100 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2014, which was primarily due to dividends paid of $87 million and principal repayments on long-term debt of $16 million, partially offset by cash received from the exercise of warrants and options of $5 million.
 
 
Contractual Obligations
 
The following table sets forth information relating to our contractual obligations as of September 30, 2015:
 
   
Contractual Obligation
Payments Due by Year (3)(4)
 
   
Total
   
Less than
1 year
   
1-3
years
   
3-5
years
   
More than
5 years
 
   
(Millions of U.S. dollars)
 
Long-term debt and lease financing (including interest) (1)
 
$
4,005
   
$
332
   
$
365
   
$
1,712
   
$
1,596
 
Purchase obligations (2)
   
728
     
151
     
194
     
122
     
261
 
Operating leases
   
179
     
33
     
45
     
27
     
74
 
Asset retirement obligations
   
82
     
6
     
5
     
5
     
66
 
                                         
Total
 
$
4,994
   
$
522
   
$
609
   
$
1,866
   
$
1,997
 
 

(1)
We calculated the Term Loan interest at a base rate of 1% plus a margin of 3.25%. See Note 12 of Notes to our unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
(2)
Includes obligations to purchase requirements of process chemicals, supplies, utilities and services. We have various purchase commitments for materials, supplies, and services entered into in the ordinary course of business. Included in the purchase commitments table above are contracts which require minimum volume purchases that extend beyond one year or are renewable annually and have been renewed for 2015. Certain contracts allow for changes in minimum required purchase volumes in the event of a temporary or permanent shutdown of a facility. We believe that all of our purchase obligations will be utilized in our normal operations.
(3)
The table above excludes contingent obligations, as well as any possible payments for uncertain tax positions given the inability to estimate the possible amounts and timing of any such payments.
(4)
The table above excludes commitments pertaining to our pension and other postretirement obligations.
 
Non-U.S. GAAP Financial Measures
 
EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA, which are used by management to measure performance, are not presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Management believes that EBITDA is useful to investors, as it is commonly used in the industry as a means of evaluating operating performance. We do not intend for these non-U.S GAAP financial measures to be a substitute for any U.S. GAAP financial information. Readers of these statements should use these non-U.S. GAAP financial measures only in conjunction with the comparable U.S. GAAP financial measures. Since other companies may calculate EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA differently than we do, EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA, as presented herein, may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies.
 
Management believes these non-U.S. GAAP financial measures:
 
Reflect our ongoing business in a manner that allows for meaningful period-to-period comparison and analysis of trends in our business, as they exclude income and expense that are not reflective of ongoing operating results;
 
Provide useful information in understanding and evaluating our operating results and comparing financial results across periods;
 
Provide a normalized view of our operating performance by excluding items that are either noncash or non-recurring in nature;
 
Assist investors in assessing our compliance with financial covenants under our debt instruments; and
 
 
Adjusted EBITDA is one of the primary measures management uses for planning and budgeting processes, and to monitor and evaluate financial and operating results. In addition, Adjusted EBITDA is a factor in evaluating management’s performance when determining incentive compensation.

The following table reconciles net income (loss) to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA for the periods presented:
 
   
Three Months Ended September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
   
2015
   
2014
   
2015
   
2014
 
Net income (loss)
 
$
(54
)
 
$
(90
)
 
$
(218
)
 
$
(142
)
Interest and debt expense, net
   
45
     
34
     
131
     
101
 
Interest income
   
(1
)
   
(4
)
   
(5
)
   
(10
)
Income tax provision
   
11
     
41
     
29
     
15
 
Depreciation, depletion and amortization expense
   
82
     
68
     
222
     
225
 
                                 
EBITDA
   
83
     
49
     
159
     
189
 
Amortization of inventory step-up from purchase accounting
   
     
     
9
     
 
Adjustment of transfer tax due to 2012 acquisition
   
     
     
(11
)
   
 
Alkali Transaction costs (a)
   
2
     
     
29
     
 
Share-based compensation
   
4
     
6
     
17
     
17
 
Restructuring expense
   
5
     
10
     
7
     
10
 
Net loss on liquidation of non-operating subsidiaries
   
     
35
     
     
35
 
Loss on extinguishment of debt
   
     
     
     
8
 
Foreign currency remeasurement
   
(20
)
   
(4
)
   
(16
)
   
 
Other items (b)
   
7
     
4
     
18
     
13
 
                                 
Adjusted EBITDA
 
$
81
   
$
100
   
$
212
   
$
272
 
 

(a)
During 2015, transaction costs consist of costs associated with the acquisition of the Alkali business, including banking, legal and professional fees.
(b)
Includes noncash pension and postretirement costs, accretion expense, severance expense, and other items.
 
Adjusted EBITDA by segments was as follows:
   
Three Months Ended September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
   
2015
   
2014
   
2015
   
2014
 
TiO2 segment
 
$
58
   
$
122
   
$
179
   
$
330
 
Alkali segment
   
41
     
     
91
     
 
Corporate
   
(18
)
   
(22
)
   
(58
)
   
(58
)
                                 
Adjusted EBITDA
 
$
81
   
$
100
   
$
212
   
$
272
 
 
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
 
See Note 1 of Notes to our unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for recently issued accounting pronouncements.
 
Environmental Matters
 
We are subject to a broad array of international, federal, state, and local laws and regulations relating to safety, pollution, protection of the environment, and the generation, storage, handling, transportation, treatment, disposal, and remediation of hazardous substances and waste materials. In the ordinary course of business, we are subject to frequent environmental inspections and monitoring, and occasional investigations by governmental enforcement authorities. Under these laws, we are or may be required to obtain or maintain permits or licenses in connection with our operations. In addition, under these laws, we are or may be required to remove or mitigate the effects on the environment of the disposal or release of chemical, petroleum, low-level radioactive and other substances at our facilities. We may incur future costs for capital improvements and general compliance under environmental, health, and safety laws, including costs to acquire, maintain, and repair pollution control equipment. Environmental laws and regulations are becoming increasingly stringent, and compliance costs are significant and will continue to be significant in the foreseeable future. There can be no assurance that such laws and regulations or any environmental law or regulation enacted in the future is not likely to have a material effect on our business. We believe we are in compliance with applicable environmental rules and regulations in all material respects.
 
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
 
We are exposed to various market, credit, operational, and liquidity risks in the normal course of business, which are discussed below. We manage these risks through normal operating and financing activities and, when appropriate, through the use of derivative instruments. We do not invest in derivative instruments for speculative purposes, but historically have entered into, and may enter into, derivative instruments for hedging purposes in order to reduce the exposure to fluctuations in interest rates, natural gas prices and exchange rates.
 
Market Risk
 
A substantial portion of our products and raw materials are commodities that reprice as market supply and demand fundamentals change. Accordingly, product margins and the level of our profitability tend to vary with changes in the business cycle. Our TiO2 prices may do so in the near term as ore prices and pigment prices are expected to fluctuate over the next few years. Margins in our Alkali business could be affected if product prices change because our competitors add or reduce capacity or demand changes due to economic reasons. Alkali margins could be impacted as well by fluctuations in input costs (such as energy, labor and transportation) that are subject to similar supply and demand dynamics. We try to protect against such instability through various business strategies. These include provisions in sales contracts allowing us to pass on higher raw material costs through timely price increases and formula price contracts to transfer or share commodity price risk, as well as using varying contract term lengths and selling to a diverse mix of customers by geography and industry to reap the benefits of a diverse portfolio.
 
Credit Risk
 
Credit risk is the risk that a borrower or a counterparty will fail to meet their obligations. A significant portion of our liquidity is concentrated in trade accounts receivable that arise from sales of our products to customers. In the case of TiO2, the high level of industry concentration has the potential to impact our overall exposure to credit risk, either positively or negatively, in that our customers may be similarly affected by changes in economic, industry or other conditions. While our customer base is more diverse in the case of the Alkali segment, we have significant exposure to credit risk in industries that are affected by cyclical economic fluctuations, such as flat glass manufacturing and mining. We perform ongoing credit evaluations of our customers and use credit risk insurance policies from time to time, as deemed appropriate, to mitigate credit risk but generally do not require collateral. In the Alkali segment, our contracts typically enable us to tighten credit terms if we perceive additional credit risk and historic losses due to write offs of bad debt have been relatively low. In addition, due to our international operations in our TiO2 segment, we are subject to potential trade restrictions and sovereign risk in certain countries we operate in. Because the Alkali segment sells to ANSAC for resale to foreign buyers, we avoid the risks of credit exposure to individual international buyers and regions. We maintain allowances for potential credit losses based on specific customer review and current financial conditions. During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, our ten largest third-party TiO2 customers and our ten largest Alkali customers represented approximately 31% and 16%, respectively, of our consolidated net sales; however, no single customer accounted for more than 10% of our consolidated net sales.
 
Interest Rate Risk

Interest rate risk arises from the probability that changes in interest rates will impact our financial results. Our exposure to interest rate risk is minimized by the fact that our $1.5 billion of floating rate debt includes a LIBOR floor of 1%. As such, LIBOR would need to increase from the rate in effect at September 30, 2015 to greater than 1% before our borrowing rate would increase. Using a sensitivity analysis as of September 30, 2015, a hypothetical 1% increase in interest rates would result in an increase to pre-tax loss of approximately $5 million on an annualized basis. This is due to the fact that earnings on our floating rate financial assets of $149 million at September 30, 2015 would increase by the full 1% while the interest expense on our floating rate debt would increase by the full 1% on the $150 million UBS Revolver balance and less than the full 1% on our $1.5 billion term loan balance.
 
Currency Risk
 
Currency risk arises from the possibility that fluctuations in foreign exchange rates will impact the value of our assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies, as well as our earnings due to the translation of our balance sheets and remeasurement of our statements of operations from local currencies to U.S. dollars. We manufacture and market our products in a number of countries throughout the world and, as a result, are exposed to changes in foreign currency exchange rates, particularly in Australia, South Africa, and The Netherlands. The exposure is more prevalent in South Africa and Australia as the majority of revenues are earned in U.S. dollars while expenses are primarily incurred in local currencies. The foreign exchange risk in Europe however, is partially mitigated as the majority of revenues and expenses are in the same local currency creating a partially natural hedge. Since we are exposed to movements in the South African Rand and the Australian Dollar versus the U.S. dollar, we have, from time to time, entered into forward contracts to buy and sell foreign currencies as “economic hedges” for these foreign currency transactions.
 
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
 
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
 
As of September 30, 2015, our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), has conducted an evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures. Based on that evaluation, our CEO and CFO concluded that, due to the material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting described below, our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of September 30, 2015.
 
Previously Reported Material Weaknesses and Remediation Plan
 
As previously reported in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, we identified the following material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting:
 
· The controls over the information and communication related to our South African operations were improperly designed and not effective. Specifically, information required to execute control activities to completely and accurately record and disclose transactions was not communicated timely to the individuals responsible for executing control activities. The controls over our calculation of accrued royalty expense relating to our mining operations in Namakwa South Africa were improperly designed and not effective.
 
These material weaknesses resulted in adjustments to our depreciation, depletion, amortization and royalty expenses and related financial statement disclosures for the year ended December 31, 2014 that were identified by us and our independent auditors.
 
· Additionally, the controls over restricted access and segregation of duties (“SOD”) within our SAP systems were improperly designed and not effective as certain personnel have inappropriate access to execute conflicting transactions. Further, certain personnel have the ability to prepare and post journal entries without an independent review required by someone other than the preparer. Specifically, the controls were not designed to provide reasonable assurance that incompatible access within the system, including the ability to record transactions, was appropriately segregated, impacting the validity, accuracy, and completeness of all key accounts and disclosures.
 
This material weakness did not result in any adjustments to our financial statements and related disclosures.
 
Remedial Activities
 
Beginning in February 2015, with the oversight of the Audit Committee, management began to design and implement certain remediation measures to address the material weaknesses discussed above and to improve its internal control over financial reporting.
 
We enhanced several of our existing controls and added new controls beginning in the quarter ended March 31, 2015. The controls have improved the level of precision around key accounts, disclosures and SOD that could lead to conflicts within roles. In addition, during the first quarter of 2015, we appointed a project management officer to oversee the remediation effort and track the progress of the remediation. Internal Audit has provided training to all functions globally on the COSO 2013 framework, enhanced controls and internal controls over financial reporting assessment process and methodology. In addition, we also designed controls with detailed test attributes to help strengthen the control environment.
 
During the quarters ended June 30, 2015 and September 30, 2015, members of our senior management team visited our South African operations to meet with finance management and employees to address our communication and coordination efforts in the region including performing reviews of key processes and controls. We have designed and are implementing controls on our calculation of accrued royalty expense relating to our mining operations in Namakwa South Africa. Additionally, Management has continued to reorganize the reporting lines and personnel over the past year to improve transparency and communication within Finance and across Operations.
 
We continued our efforts in training and global ‘end-to-end’ control mapping, as well as remediation activities focused on instituting SAP roles that are conflict-free, automating controls, and strengthening existing processes company-wide. During the quarter ended September 30, 2015, we designed and implemented mitigating controls for high risk conflicts and roles within SAP that are now provisioned utilizing the new Governance Risk & Compliance (GRC) tool which mitigates the risk of granting inappropriate SOD access.
 
We are committed to maintaining a strong control environment, and believe that these remediation efforts represent continued improvements in our control environment. As we continue to evaluate and take actions to improve our internal control over financial reporting, we may decide to take additional actions to address control deficiencies or may modify certain of the remediation measures described above.
 
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
 
On April 1, 2015, we completed our acquisition of Alkali. Management has considered this transaction material to the results of operations, cash flows and financial position from the date of the acquisition through September 30, 2015, and believes that the internal controls and procedures of the acquisition have a material effect on internal controls over financial reporting. We are currently in the process of incorporating the internal controls and procedures of Alkali into the internal controls over financial reporting for our assessment of and report on internal controls over financial reporting for December 31, 2016.
 
Other than with respect to the Alkali acquisition and the ongoing plan for remediation of the material weaknesses, there have been no changes to our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended September 30, 2015 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
 
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
 
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
 
From time to time, we may be party to a number of legal and administrative proceedings involving environmental and/or other matters in various courts or agencies. These proceedings, individually and in the aggregate, may have a material adverse effect on us. These proceedings may be associated with facilities currently or previously owned, operated or used by us and/or our predecessors, some of which may include claims for personal injuries, property damages, cleanup costs and other environmental matters. Our current and former operations may also involve management of regulated materials, which are subject to various environmental laws and regulations including the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act (“CERCLA”), the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (“RCRA”) or state equivalents. Similar environmental laws and regulations and other requirements exist in foreign countries in which we operate.
 
Item 1A. Risk Factors
 
In addition to the other information set forth in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, you should carefully consider the factors discussed under “Risk Factors” included in the Form 10-K and Form 10-Q for the six months ended June 30, 2015. The risks described in the Form 10-K are not the only risks facing us. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and/or operating results. There have been no material changes from the risk factors disclosed under the heading “Risk Factors” in our Form 10-K and our Form 10-Q for the six months ended June 30, 2015.
 
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
 
None.
 
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
 
None.
 
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
 
Information regarding mine safety and other regulatory actions at our mine in Green River, Wyoming is included in Exhibit 95 to this Form 10-Q.
 
Item 5. Other Information
 
 None.
 
 Item 6. Exhibits
 
Exhibit No.
 
   
Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Thomas Casey.
   
Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Katherine C. Harper.
   
Section 1350 Certification for Thomas Casey.
   
Section 1350 Certification for Katherine C. Harper.
   
Mine Safety Disclosures.
   
101.INS
XBRL Instance Document
   
101.SCH
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
   
101.CAL
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
   
101.LAB
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
   
101.DEF
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
   
101.PRE
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
 
SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
Date: November 5, 2015
 
 
TRONOX LIMITED
(Registrant)
     
 
By:
/s/ Katherine C. Harper
 
Name:
Katherine C. Harper
 
Title:
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 
 
58