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VALHI INC /DE/ - Quarter Report: 2012 September (Form 10-Q)

Form 10-Q
Table of Contents

 

 

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

 

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF

THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarter ended September 30, 2012

Commission file number 1-5467

 

 

VALHI, INC.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

Delaware   87-0110150

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(IRS Employer

Identification No.)

5430 LBJ Freeway, Suite 1700,

Dallas, Texas

  75240-2697
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

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

 

 

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  x    No  ¨

Whether the Registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  x    No  ¨

Whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer or a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).

 

    Large accelerated filer

  ¨    Accelerated filer   x

    Non-accelerated filer

  ¨    Smaller reporting company   ¨

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

Number of shares of the Registrant’s common stock outstanding on November 2, 2012: 339,115,449.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

VALHI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

INDEX

 

      

 

Page

number

  

  

Part I.   FINANCIAL INFORMATION       

Item 1.

  Financial Statements.   
  Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets – December 31, 2011 and September 30, 2012 (unaudited)      3   
  Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (unaudited) – Three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2012      5   
  Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (unaudited) – Three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2012      6   
  Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) – Nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2012      7   
  Condensed Consolidated Statement of Equity – Nine months ended September 30, 2012 (unaudited)      9   
  Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)      10   

Item 2.

  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.      33   

Item 3.

  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk      60   

Item 4.

  Controls and Procedures      60   

Part II.

  OTHER INFORMATION   

Item 1.

  Legal Proceedings.      62   

Item 1A

  Risk Factors.      62   

Item 6.

  Exhibits.      62   

Items 2, 3, 4 and 5 of Part II are omitted because there is no information to report.

 

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Table of Contents

VALHI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In millions)

 

     December 31,
2011
     September 30,
2012
 
            (unaudited)  

ASSETS

     

Current assets:

     

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 96.4       $ 123.5   

Restricted cash equivalents

     5.3         6.8   

Marketable securities

     22.5         .8   

Accounts and other receivables, net

     316.0         339.0   

Inventories, net

     464.5         624.3   

Other current assets

     20.7         28.6   

Deferred income taxes

     18.8         18.8   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total current assets

     944.2         1,141.8   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Other assets:

     

Marketable securities

     354.1         338.9   

Investment in affiliates

     105.7         135.8   

Note receivable from affiliate

     11.2         11.2   

Goodwill

     400.1         400.4   

Deferred income taxes

     132.7         104.2   

Other noncurrent assets

     166.2         151.2   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total other assets

     1,170.0         1,141.7   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Property and equipment:

     

Land

     53.0         53.8   

Buildings

     276.8         284.0   

Equipment

     1,188.3         1,293.2   

Mining properties

     63.5         67.6   

Construction in progress

     111.2         45.4   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     1,692.8         1,744.0   

Less accumulated depreciation

     969.0         1,003.7   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net property and equipment

     723.8         740.3   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 2,838.0       $ 3,023.8   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

VALHI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (CONTINUED)

(In millions)

 

     December 31,
2011
    September 30,
2012
 
           (unaudited)  

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

    

Current liabilities:

    

Current maturities of long-term debt

   $ 19.0      $ 34.7   

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

     363.7        331.4   

Income taxes

     26.5        21.2   

Deferred income taxes

     6.4        6.4   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     415.6        393.7   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Noncurrent liabilities:

    

Long-term debt

     717.4        768.7   

Deferred income taxes

     457.2        455.2   

Accrued pension costs

     144.4        136.2   

Accrued environmental remediation and related costs

     34.6        43.1   

Accrued postretirement benefits costs

     20.4        20.8   

Other liabilities

     55.4        63.0   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total noncurrent liabilities

     1,429.4        1,487.0   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Equity:

    

Valhi stockholders’ equity:

    

Preferred stock

     667.3        667.3   

Common stock

     3.6        3.6   

Additional paid-in capital

     78.6        78.9   

Retained earnings (deficit)

     (19.4     88.8   

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (23.3     (13.4

Treasury stock

     (49.6     (49.6
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Valhi stockholders’ equity

     657.2        775.6   

Noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries

     335.8        367.5   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total equity

     993.0        1,143.1   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities and equity

   $ 2,838.0      $ 3,023.8   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies (Notes 12 and 14)

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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VALHI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(In millions, except per share data)

 

     Three months ended     Nine months ended  
     September 30,     September 30,  
     2011     2012     2011      2012  
     (unaudited)  

Revenues and other income:

         

Net sales

   $ 584.1      $ 524.5      $ 1,612.9       $ 1,706.2   

Other income, net

     21.1        8.2        46.7         40.1   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total revenues and other income

     605.2        532.7        1,659.6         1,746.3   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Costs and expenses:

         

Cost of sales

     371.4        423.2        1,050.6         1,175.5   

Selling, general and administrative

     69.1        64.8        209.5         215.7   

Loss (gain)on prepayment of debt

     (.1     —          3.2         7.2   

Assets held for sale write – down

     1.1        .4        1.1         .4   

Interest

     15.2        14.6        48.3         42.5   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total costs and expenses

     456.7        503.0        1,312.7         1,441.3   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

     148.5        29.7        346.9         305.0   

Provision for income taxes (benefit)

     55.4        (2.1     127.7         92.1   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net income

     93.1        31.8        219.2         212.9   

Noncontrolling interest in net income of subsidiaries

     21.6        8.9        57.3         56.7   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net income attributable to Valhi stockholders

   $ 71.5      $ 22.9      $ 161.9       $ 156.2   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Amounts attributable to Valhi stockholders:

         

Basic and diluted earnings per share

   $ .21      $ .07      $ .47       $ .46   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Cash dividends per share

   $ .042      $ .05      $ .117       $ .142   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding

     342.0        342.0        342.1         342.0   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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VALHI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(In millions)

 

     Three months ended
September 30,
    Nine months ended
September 30,
 
     2011     2012     2011     2012  
     (unaudited)  

Net income

   $ 93.1      $ 31.8      $ 219.2      $ 212.9   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:

        

Currency translation

     (24.3     39.9        (8.0     16.6   

Marketable securities

     (10.0     6.1        8.3        (22.8

Defined benefit pension plans

     1.7        2.0        5.1        5.9   

Other postretirement benefit plans

     (.4     (.3     (1.1     (.9
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other comprehensive income (loss), net

     (33.0     47.7        4.3        (1.2
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive income

     60.1        79.5        223.5        211.7   

Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest

     16.4        19.1        73.4        45.5   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive income attributable to Valhi stockholders

   $ 43.7      $ 60.4      $ 150.1      $ 166.2   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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Table of Contents

VALHI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In millions)

 

     Nine months ended
September 30,
 
     2011     2012  
     (unaudited)  

Cash flows from operating activities:

    

Net income

   $ 219.2      $ 212.9   

Depreciation and amortization

     48.2        50.3   

Litigation settlement gain

     —          (14.7

Loss on prepayment of debt

     3.2        7.2   

Call premium and interest paid on Senior Notes redeemed

     (2.5     (6.2

Assets held for sale write-down

     1.1        .4   

Reversal of accrued contingent consideration

     —          (.8

Benefit plan expense less than cash funding requirements:

    

Defined benefit pension expense

     .2        .4   

Other postretirement benefit expense

     (1.3     (1.1

Deferred income taxes

     69.3        37.9   

Net distributions from (contributions to) Ti02 manufacturing joint venture

     2.1        (30.1

Other, net

     6.5        .9   

Change in assets and liabilities:

    

Accounts and other receivables, net

     (121.1     (53.8

Inventories, net

     (60.7     (157.8

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

     63.1        (36.8

Accounts with affiliates

     (2.0     54.1   

Income taxes

     18.8        (6.8

Other, net

     (23.6     (9.8
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

     220.5        46.2   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

    

Capital expenditures

     (91.1     (66.0

Capitalized permit costs

     (6.6     (2.9

Purchases of:

    

Mutual funds

     (272.6     —     

Other marketable securities

     (5.8     (5.7

Titanium Metals Corporation (“TIMET”) common stock

     (30.4     —     

Proceeds from:

    

Disposal of mutual funds

     227.0        21.1   

Disposal of other marketable securities

     3.6        8.1   

Sale of business

     .3        —     

Real estate-related litigation settlement

     —          15.6   

Acquisition, net of cash acquired

     (4.9     —     

Change in restricted cash equivalents, net

     3.4        (5.0

Other, net

     (8.1     2.7   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

     (185.2     (32.1
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

VALHI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (CONTINUED)

(In millions)

 

     Nine months ended
September 30,
 
     2011     2012  
     (unaudited)  

Cash flows from financing activities:

    

Indebtedness:

    

Borrowings

   $ 119.1      $ 503.3   

Principal payments

     (278.1     (422.6

Deferred financing costs paid

     —          (7.1

Valhi cash dividends paid

     (39.6     (48.0

Distributions to noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries

     (24.7     (13.9

Treasury stock acquired

     (9.5     —     

Other, net

     .3        —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     (232.5     11.7   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents – net change from:

    

Operating, investing and financing activities

     (197.2     25.8   

Effect of exchange rate on cash

     .5        1.3   

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     325.1        96.4   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 128.4      $ 123.5   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental disclosures:

    

Cash paid for:

    

Interest, net of capitalized interest (including call premium paid)

   $ 46.1      $ 51.3   

Income taxes, net

     48.1        64.4   

Noncash investing activities:

    

Accrual for capital expenditures

     16.9        8.6   

Accrual for capitalized permit costs

     .7        1.6   

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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Table of Contents

VALHI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EQUITY

Nine months ended September 30, 2012

(In millions)

 

     Valhi Stockholders’ Equity              
     Preferred
stock
     Common
stock
     Additional
paid-in
capital
     Retained
earnings
(deficit)
    Accumulated
other
comprehensive
income (loss)
    Treasury
stock
    Non-
controlling
interest
    Total
equity
 

Balance at December 31, 2011

   $ 667.3       $ 3.6       $ 78.6       $ (19.4   $ (23.3   $ (49.6   $ 335.8      $ 993.0   

Net income

     —           —           —           156.2        —          —          56.7        212.9   

Other comprehensive income (loss), net

     —           —           —           —          9.9        —          (11.1     (1.2

Cash dividends

     —           —           —           (48.0     —          —          (13.9     (61.9

Issuance of common stock and other, net

     —           —           .3         —          —          —          —          .3   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at September 30, 2012

   $ 667.3       $ 3.6       $ 78.9       $ 88.8      $ (13.4   $ (49.6   $ 367.5      $ 1,143.1   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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VALHI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

September 30, 2012

(unaudited)

Note 1 – Organization and basis of presentation:

Organization – We are majority owned by Contran Corporation and its subsidiaries, which own approximately 95% of our outstanding common stock at September 30, 2012. Substantially all of Contran’s outstanding voting stock is held by trusts established for the benefit of certain children and grandchildren of Harold C. Simmons (for which Mr. Simmons is the sole trustee) or is held directly by Mr. Simmons or other persons or entities related to Mr. Simmons. Consequently, Mr. Simmons may be deemed to control Contran and us.

Basis of Presentation – Consolidated in this Quarterly Report are the results of our majority-owned and wholly-owned subsidiaries, including NL Industries, Inc., Kronos Worldwide, Inc., CompX International Inc., Tremont LLC and Waste Control Specialists LLC (“WCS”). Kronos (NYSE: KRO), NL (NYSE: NL), and CompX (NYSE MKT: CIX) each file periodic reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).

The unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements contained in this Quarterly Report have been prepared on the same basis as the audited Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 that we filed with the SEC on March 7, 2012 (the “2011 Annual Report”). In our opinion, we have made all necessary adjustments (which include only normal recurring adjustments) in order to state fairly, in all material respects, our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows as of the dates and for the periods presented. We have condensed the Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2011 contained in this Quarterly Report as compared to our audited Consolidated Financial Statements at that date, and we have omitted certain information and footnote disclosures (including those related to the Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2011) normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). Our results of operations for the interim periods ended September 30, 2012 may not be indicative of our operating results for the full year. The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements contained in this Quarterly Report should be read in conjunction with our 2011 Consolidated Financial Statements contained in our 2011 Annual Report.

In May 2012, we amended our certificate of incorporation to increase the authorized number of shares of our common stock to 500 million. Subsequently in May 2012, we implemented a 3-for-1 split of our common stock in the form of a stock dividend. Other than the disclosure of the increase in the authorized number of shares of our common stock, we have adjusted all share and per-share disclosures for all periods presented in our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements to give effect to the stock split, and we have adjusted our stockholders’ equity at December 31, 2011 to reflect the split by reclassifying $2.4 million from additional paid in capital to common stock representing $.01 per share value of each share of common stock issued as a result of the stock split.

 

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Unless otherwise indicated, references in this report to “we,” “us” or “our” refer to Valhi, Inc and its subsidiaries (NYSE: VHI), taken as a whole.

Note 2 – Business segment information:

 

Business segment

  

Entity

   % controlled at
September  30, 2012
 

Chemicals

   Kronos      80

Component products

   CompX      87

Waste management

   WCS      100

Our control of Kronos includes 50% we hold directly and 30% held directly by NL. We own 83% of NL. Our control of CompX is through NL.

 

     Three months  ended
September 30,
    Nine months ended
September 30,
 
     2011     2012     2011     2012  
     (In millions)  

Net sales:

        

Chemicals

   $ 547.9      $ 472.9      $ 1,505.9      $ 1,579.5   

Component products

     35.8        37.1        105.8        110.2   

Waste management

     .4        14.5        1.2        16.5   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total net sales

   $ 584.1      $ 524.5      $ 1,612.9      $ 1,706.2   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cost of sales:

        

Chemicals

   $ 337.7      $ 387.5      $ 953.5      $ 1,070.5   

Component products

     27.2        27.0        78.7        80.6   

Waste management

     6.5        8.7        18.4        24.4   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total cost of sales

   $ 371.4      $ 423.2      $ 1,050.6      $ 1,175.5   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross margin:

        

Chemicals

   $ 210.2      $ 85.4      $ 552.4      $ 509.0   

Component products

     8.6        10.1        27.1        29.6   

Waste management

     (6.1     5.8        (17.2     (7.9
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total gross margin

   $ 212.7      $ 101.3      $ 562.3      $ 530.7   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income (loss):

        

Chemicals

   $ 158.4      $ 40.4      $ 407.8      $ 364.1   

Component products

     1.5        4.4        13.4        11.2   

Waste management

     (9.7     (1.0     (27.9     (21.9
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating income

     150.2        43.8        393.3        353.4   

Equity in earnings of investee

     (.1     (.1     (.3     (.1

General corporate items:

        

Securities earnings

     6.6        7.3        21.4        21.5   

Insurance recoveries

     16.1        1.2        16.6        2.6   

Litigation settlement gain

     —          —          —          14.7   

General expenses, net

     (9.2     (7.9     (32.6     (37.4

Gain (loss)on prepayment of debt

     .1        —          (3.2     (7.2

Interest expense

     (15.2     (14.6     (48.3     (42.5
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

   $ 148.5      $ 29.7      $ 346.9      $ 305.0   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Segment results we report may differ from amounts separately reported by our various subsidiaries and affiliates due to purchase accounting adjustments and related amortization or differences in the way we define operating income. Intersegment sales are not material. The following items are included in the determination of CompX’s operating income: approximately $7.5 million for a patent litigation settlement in the first quarter of 2011; impairment charges for assets held for sale of $1.1 million and $.4 million in the third quarters of 2011 and 2012, respectively; and $.8 million in the third quarter of 2012 related to the reversal of accrued contingent consideration. See Note 11.

Note 3 – Marketable securities:

 

     Market
value
     Cost
basis
     Unrealized
gains/

(losses),
net
 
     (In millions)  

December 31, 2011:

        

Current assets:

        

Mutual funds

   $ 20.9       $ 21.1       $ (.2

Other

     1.6         1.6         —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 22.5       $ 22.7       $ (.2
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Noncurrent assets:

        

The Amalgamated Sugar Company LLC

   $ 250.0       $ 250.0       $ —     

TIMET common stock

     97.7         86.0         11.7   

Other

     6.4         6.5         (.1
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 354.1       $ 342.5       $ 11.6   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

September 30, 2012:

        

Current assets

   $ .8       $ .8       $ —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Noncurrent assets:

        

The Amalgamated Sugar Company LLC

   $ 250.0       $ 250.0       $ —     

TIMET common stock

     83.7         86.0         (2.3

Other

     5.2         5.1         .1   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 338.9       $ 341.1       $ (2.2
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

All of our marketable securities are accounted for as available-for-sale, which are carried at fair value, with any unrealized gains or losses recognized through accumulated other comprehensive income. Our marketable securities are carried at fair value using quoted market prices, primarily Level 1 inputs as defined by Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, except for our investment in The Amalgamated Sugar Company LLC (“Amalgamated”). Our investment in Amalgamated is measured using significant unobservable inputs, which are Level 3 inputs. Please refer to Note 4 in our 2011 Annual Report for a complete description of the valuation methodology for our investment in Amalgamated. There have been no changes to the carrying value of this investment during the periods presented. See Note 15.

 

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At December 31, 2011 and September 30, 2012, we, Kronos and NL and its subsidiaries held an aggregate of 6.5 million shares of TIMET common stock, and the quoted per share market price of TIMET’s common stock was $14.98 and $12.83, respectively. Contran, Mr. Harold Simmons and persons and other entities related to Mr. Simmons own a majority of TIMET’s outstanding common stock. The TIMET common stock we own is subject to the restrictions on resale pursuant to certain provisions of SEC Rule 144.

With respect to our investment in TIMET, our cost basis has exceeded its market value since the middle of September 2012 but we consider such decline in market price to be temporary at September 30, 2012. We considered all available evidence in reaching this conclusion, including our ability and intent to hold this investment for a reasonable period of time sufficient for the recovery of fair value, as evidenced by the amount of liquidity we currently have with cash on hand. We will continue to monitor the quoted market price for this investment, and consider any new evidence that becomes available. If we conclude in the future, based on all evidence then available, that a decline in value of one or more of these securities was other than temporary, we would recognize impairment through an income statement charge at that time. Such income statement impairment charge would be offset in other comprehensive income by the reversal of the previously recognized unrealized losses to the extent they were previously recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income.

At December 31, 2011, we held investments in various mutual funds which had a primary investment objective of holding corporate and government debt securities from U.S. and other markets. These funds were liquidated for cash proceeds in the first quarter of 2012.

Note 4 – Accounts and other receivables, net:

 

     December 31,
2011
    September 30,
2012
 
     (In millions)  

Trade accounts receivable:

    

Kronos

   $ 247.2      $ 288.9   

CompX

     14.6        17.5   

WCS

     .3        .9   

VAT and other receivables

     23.9        29.2   

Refundable income taxes

     2.1        2.5   

Receivable from affiliates:

    

LPC

     29.6        —     

Contran – income taxes

     —          1.6   

Allowance for doubtful accounts

     (1.7     (1.6
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 316.0      $ 339.0   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Note 5 – Inventories, net:

 

     December 31,
2011
     September 30,
2012
 
     (In millions)  

Raw materials:

     

Chemicals

   $ 89.6       $ 180.6   

Component products

     6.7         6.9   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total raw materials

     96.3         187.5   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Work in process:

     

Chemicals

     17.3         21.8   

Component products

     7.4         7.5   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total in-process products

     24.7         29.3   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Finished products:

     

Chemicals

     281.5         338.8   

Component products

     5.4         4.8   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total finished products

     286.9         343.6   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Supplies (primarily chemicals)

     56.6         63.9   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 464.5       $ 624.3   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Note 6 – Other noncurrent assets:

 

     December 31,
2011
     September 30,
2012
 
     (In millions)  

Investment in affiliates:

     

TiO2 manufacturing joint venture, Louisiana Pigment Company, L.P. (“LPC”)

   $ 89.2       $ 119.3   

Other

     16.5         16.5   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 105.7       $ 135.8   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Other assets:

     

Waste disposal site operating permits, net

   $ 66.6       $ 67.0   

Restricted cash

     7.6         11.5   

Deferred financing costs

     2.0         7.3   

Assets held for sale

     7.3         6.9   

IBNR receivables

     6.5         6.9   

Capital lease deposit

     6.2         6.2   

Other intangible assets

     2.1         1.6   

Other

     67.9         43.8   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 166.2       $ 151.2   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Note 7 – Accounts payable and accrued liabilities:

 

     December 31,
2011
     September 30,
2012
 
     (In millions)  

Accounts payable

   $ 196.3       $ 163.0   

Payable to affiliates:

     

Contran – income taxes

     .1         —     

Contran – trade items

     21.1         24.8   

LPC

     —           22.7   

Other

     .2         .3   

Employee benefits

     45.4         41.4   

Accrued sales discounts and rebates

     11.8         15.9   

Environmental remediation and related costs

     8.6         8.0   

Deferred income

     3.5         5.5   

Interest

     5.0         1.1   

Other

     71.7         48.7   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 363.7       $ 331.4   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Note 8 – Other noncurrent liabilities:

 

     December 31,
2011
     September 30,
2012
 
     (In millions)  

Reserve for uncertain tax positions

   $ 26.9       $ 29.0   

Asset retirement obligations

     3.9         10.1   

Insurance claims and expenses

     9.7         10.0   

Employee benefits

     10.3         9.9   

Deferred income

     1.1         1.0   

Other

     3.5         3.0   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 55.4       $ 63.0   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Note 9 – Long-term debt:

 

     December 31,
2011
     September 30,
2012
 
     (In millions)  

Valhi –

     

Snake River Sugar Company

   $ 250.0       $ 250.0   

Subsidiary debt:

     

Kronos –

     

Term loan

     —           389.3   

6.5% Senior Secured Notes

     360.6         —     

Revolving European credit facility

     —           45.2   

CompX –

     

Promissory note payable to TIMET

     22.2         20.5   

Bank credit facility

     2.0         2.0   

WCS –

     

Financing capital lease

     71.1         70.2   

6% promissory notes

     11.7         11.9   

NL promissory note

     9.0         5.1   

Other

     9.8         9.2   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total subsidiary debt

     486.4         553.4   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total debt

     736.4         803.4   

Less current maturities

     19.0         34.7   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total long-term debt

   $ 717.4       $ 768.7   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

KronosTerm Loan – On June 13, 2012, Kronos entered into a $400 million term loan. Kronos used a portion of the net proceeds of the term loan to redeem the remaining outstanding 6.5% Senior Secured Notes (€279.2 million principal amount outstanding), as discussed below. The term loan was issued at 98.5% of the principal amount, or an aggregate of $394 million. The term loan provides for an additional $100 million of term loan borrowings in the future under certain conditions. The remaining net proceeds of the term loan, plus any additional term loan which might be borrowed in the future, are available for general corporate purposes. The term loan permits Kronos the continued payment of regular quarterly dividends as well as the payment of special dividends, if any. The term loan:

 

   

bears interest, at Kronos’ option, at LIBOR (with LIBOR no less than 1.0%) plus 4.75% or the base rate, as defined in the agreement, plus 3.75%. The average interest rate on these borrowings at September 30, 2012, and for the period from issuance to September 30, 2012, was 5.75% and 5.82%, respectively;

 

   

requires quarterly principal repayments of $5.0 million commencing in September 2012, other mandatory principal repayments of formula-determined amounts under specified conditions with all remaining principal balance due in June 2018. Voluntary principal prepayments are permitted at any time (without penalty);

 

   

is collateralized by, among other things, a first priority lien on (i) 100% of the common stock of certain of Kronos’ U.S. wholly-owned subsidiaries, (ii) 65% of the common stock or other ownership interest of Kronos’ Canadian subsidiary (Kronos Canada, Inc.) and certain first-tier European subsidiaries (Kronos Titan GmbH and Kronos Denmark ApS) and (iii) a $362.1 million unsecured promissory note issued by Kronos’ wholly-owned subsidiary, Kronos International, Inc. (KII) to Kronos;

 

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is also collateralized by a second priority lien on all of the U.S. assets which collateralize Kronos’ new North American revolving facility, as discussed below;

 

   

contains a number of covenants and restrictions which, among other things, restricts Kronos’ ability to incur additional debt, incur liens, pay dividends or merge or consolidate with, or sell or transfer substantially all of its assets to, another entity, contains other provisions and restrictive covenants customary in lending transactions of this type and requires the maintenance of a specified financial covenant (leverage to EBITDA, as defined) to be less than or equal to 3.5 to 1.0; and

 

   

contains customary default provisions, including a default under any of Kronos’ other indebtedness in excess of $50 million.

The carrying amount of the term loan includes unamortized original issue discount of $5.7 million at September 30, 2012.

Senior Secured Notes – In March 2011, Kronos redeemed €80 million of its €400 million 6.5% Senior Secured Notes at 102.17% of the principal amount for an aggregate of $115.7 million, including a $2.5 million call premium. During the third and fourth quarters of 2011, Kronos repurchased in open market transactions an aggregate of €40.8 million principal amount of the Senior Notes for an aggregate of €40.6 million (an aggregate of $57.6 million when repurchased). Following such partial redemption and repurchases, €279.2 million principal amount of Senior Notes remained outstanding. We recognized a $3.3 million pre-tax interest charge related to the prepayment of the Senior Notes in the first quarter of 2011, consisting of the call premium and the write-off of unamortized deferred financing costs and original issue discount associated with the redeemed Senior Notes and in the third quarter of 2011 we recognized a $.1 million net gain on €30.4 million principal amount of Senior Notes repurchased in open market transactions.

Immediately upon the June 2012 issuance of the term loan as discussed above, Kronos sent a request to the trustee under the indenture for the Senior Notes, asking that all remaining Senior Notes be called for redemption on July 20, 2012. Kronos also directed that a portion of the proceeds from the new term loan be irrevocably sent to the trustee, in an amount sufficient to pay the principal, call premium at 1.01083% of the principal amount and all accrued and unpaid interest due through the July 20, 2012 redemption date. Upon the trustee’s confirmation of receipt of such funds on June 14, 2012, the trustee discharged Kronos’ obligations under the indenture and released the liens on all collateral thereunder. Because Kronos was released as being the primary obligor under the indenture as of June 14, 2012, the Senior Notes were derecognized as of that date along with the funds irrevocably sent to the trustee to effect the July 20, 2012 redemption. We recognized an aggregate $7.2 million pre-tax charge related to the early extinguishment of debt in the second quarter of 2012, consisting of the call premium paid, interest from the June 14, 2012 indenture discharge date to the July 20, 2012 redemption date and the write-off of unamortized deferred financing costs and original issue discount associated with the redeemed Senior Notes.

 

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Revolving North American credit facility – Also in June 2012, Kronos entered into a $125 million revolving bank credit facility which matures in June 2017. Borrowings under the revolving credit facility are available for general corporate purposes. Available borrowings on this facility are based on formula-determined amounts of eligible trade receivables and inventories, as defined in the agreement, of certain of Kronos’ North American subsidiaries less any outstanding letters of credit up to $15 million issued under the facility (with revolving borrowings by Kronos’ Canadian subsidiary limited to $25 million). Any amounts outstanding under the revolving credit facility bear interest, at Kronos’ option, at LIBOR plus a margin ranging from 1.5% to 2.0% or at the applicable base rate, as defined in the agreement, plus a margin ranging from .5% to 1.0%. The credit facility is collateralized by, among other things, a first priority lien on the borrowers’ trade receivables and inventories. The facility contains a number of covenants and restrictions which, among other things, restricts the borrowers’ ability to incur additional debt, incur liens, pay dividends or merge or consolidate with, or sell or transfer all or substantially all of their assets to, another entity, contains other provisions and restrictive covenants customary in lending transactions of this type and under certain conditions requires the maintenance of a specified financial covenant (fixed charge coverage ratio, as defined) to be at least 1.0 to 1.0. At September 30, 2012, there were no outstanding borrowings under this revolving credit facility and approximately $125 million was available for borrowing.

Revolving European credit facility – In September 2012, Kronos amended the terms of its European revolving credit facility to:

 

   

increase the maximum borrowing from €80 million to €120 million;

 

   

extend the maturity date from October 2013 to September 2017; and

 

   

increase the interest rate on outstanding borrowings from LIBOR plus 1.50% to LIBOR plus 1.90%.

During the first nine months of 2012, Kronos borrowed €80 million ($107.4 million when borrowed) under its European credit facility and repaid an aggregate €45 million ($56.2 million when repaid). The average interest rate on these borrowings as of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 was 1.63% and 1.86%, respectively.

Canada – At September 30, 2012, an aggregate of Cdn. $7.5 million letters of credit were outstanding under Kronos’ Canadian subsidiary’s loan agreement with the Bank of Montreal which provides solely for the issuance of up to Cdn. $10.0 million in letters of credit.

CompXCompX repaid an aggregate of $1.8 million on the promissory note payable to TIMET during the first nine months of 2012, including a principal prepayment of $1.0 million. The average interest rate on the promissory note payable to TIMET as of and for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2012 was 1.5%. The average interest rate on the revolving bank credit facility for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2012 was 3.6% and at September 30, 2012 the rate was 3.3%.

NL – Following the May 2012 third and final closing associated with certain real property NL formerly owned in New Jersey, NL prepaid an aggregate $3.9 million under the promissory note issued in conjunction with a litigation settlement. The interest rate on the outstanding balance of this indebtedness was 3.25% as of and for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2012. See Note 11.

 

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Restrictions and Other – Certain of the credit facilities with unrelated, third-party lenders described above require the respective borrowers to maintain minimum levels of equity, require the maintenance of certain financial ratios, limit dividends and additional indebtedness and contain other provisions and restrictive covenants customary in lending transactions of this type. We are in compliance with all of our debt covenants at September 30, 2012. We believe we will be able to comply with the financial covenants contained in all of our credit facilities through the maturity of the respective facility; however, if future operating results differ materially from our expectations, we may be unable to maintain compliance.

Note 10 – Employee benefit plans:

Defined benefit plans – The components of our net periodic defined benefit pension cost are presented in the table below.

 

     Three months  ended
September 30,
    Nine months ended
September 30,
 
     2011     2012     2011     2012  
     (In millions)  

Service cost

   $ 2.8      $ 2.5      $ 8.3      $ 7.7   

Interest cost

     6.9        6.2        20.5        19.1   

Expected return on plan assets

     (5.8     (5.5     (17.2     (16.5

Amortization of unrecognized:

        

Prior service cost

     .3        .4        1.1        1.2   

Net transition obligations

     .2        .1        .4        .3   

Recognized actuarial losses

     1.9        2.3        5.6        6.9   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 6.3      $ 6.0      $ 18.7      $ 18.7   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other postretirement benefits – The components of our net periodic other postretirement benefit cost are presented in the table below.

 

     Three months ended
September 30,
    Nine months ended
September 30,
 
     2011     2012     2011     2012  
     (In millions)  

Service cost

   $ .1      $ .1      $ .2      $ .2   

Interest cost

     .2        .1        .7        .6   

Amortization of prior service credit

     (.6     (.5     (1.7     (1.4

Recognized actuarial losses

     —          .1        —          .1   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ (.3   $ (.2   $ (.8   $ (.5
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Contributions – We expect to contribute the equivalent of $29.1 million and $1.7 million, respectively, to all of our defined benefit pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans during 2012.

 

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Note 11 – Other income, net:

 

     Nine months ended
September 30,
 
     2011     2012  
     (In millions)  

Securities earnings:

    

Dividends and interest

   $ 22.0      $ 21.3   

Securities transactions, net

     (.6     .2   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     21.4        21.5   

Equity in earnings of investee

     (.3     (.1

Currency transactions, net

     .8        (.6

Insurance recoveries

     16.6        2.6   

Litigation settlement gain

     —          14.7   

Reversal of accrued contingent consideration

     —          .8   

Patent litigation settlement gain

     7.5        —     

Other, net

     .7        1.2   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 46.7      $ 40.1   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Insurance recoveries reflect, in part, amounts we received from certain of our former insurance carriers and relate to the recovery of prior lead pigment and asbestos litigation defense costs incurred by NL.

In March 2011, CompX entered into a confidential settlement agreement under which CompX’s Canadian subsidiary received approximately $7.5 million in cash which was recognized as a patent litigation settlement gain.

In May 2012, NL reached an agreement with the New Jersey governmental authority and the real estate developer pursuant to which NL received an aggregate of $15.6 million cash for the third and final closing contemplated by the October 2008 settlement agreement associated with certain real property NL formerly owned in New Jersey, as more fully described in Note 17 in our 2011 Annual Report. Upon NL’s receipt of these cash proceeds, our equitable lien on a portion of such property was released. For financial reporting purposes, we have accounted for the consideration received in each of the first, second and third closings contemplated by the October 2008 settlement agreement by the full accrual method of accounting for real estate sales (since the settlement agreement arose out of a dispute concerning the adequacy of the condemnation proceeds of our former real property in New Jersey). Under this method, we recognized a pre-tax gain of approximately $14.7 million in the second quarter of 2012, based on the excess of the $15.6 million cash proceeds received over our carrying value of the property from which our equitable lien was released. Similarly, the cash received in the third closing is reflected as an investing activity in our Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.

As discussed in our 2011 Annual Report, there was potential additional cash consideration related to the Components Products Segment’s ergonomics healthcare product line acquired in July 2011, in an amount ranging from nil to approximately $1.5 million, which would have been payable in the first quarter of 2013. The payment was contingent upon the achievement of certain acquired product line sales targets during 2012. The estimated fair value of such accrued consideration had been determined using a probability-weighted discounted cash flow methodology (Level 3 inputs as defined by ASC Topic 820-10-35),

 

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using a discount rate of approximately 4%. During the first nine months of 2012, the amount of the increase in accrued contingent consideration for the passage of time was not material. At September 30, 2012, our Component Products Segment determined that it was remote that the sales target necessary for the minimum-level payout would be met and therefore the total amount of the contingent consideration liability was reversed into income. As a result, we recognized approximately $.8 million in other income related to such reversal for the third quarter of 2012.

Note 12 – Income taxes:

 

     Nine months ended
September 30,
 
     2011     2012  
     (In millions)  

Expected tax expense, at U.S. federal statutory income tax rate of 35%

   $ 121.4      $ 106.8   

Incremental tax on earnings of non – U.S. companies

     22.9        (5.7

Non-U.S. tax rates

     (13.0     (13.2

Adjustment to the reserve for uncertain tax positions, net

     (6.7     1.7   

French dividend surtax

     —          .1   

U.S. state income taxes and other, net

     3.1        2.4   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income tax expense

   $ 127.7      $ 92.1   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Tax authorities are examining certain of our U. S. and non-U.S. tax returns and have or may propose tax deficiencies, including penalties and interest. Because of the inherent uncertainties involved in settlement initiatives and court and tax proceedings, we cannot guarantee that these tax matters will be resolved in our favor, and therefore our potential exposure, if any, is also uncertain.

In the first quarter of 2011, our Component Products Segment recognized a $2.1 million provision for deferred income taxes related to the undistributed earnings of its Canadian subsidiary attributable to the 2011 $7.5 million patent litigation settlement gain.

Our provision for income taxes in the third quarter of 2011 includes $13.2 million for U.S. incremental income taxes on current earnings repatriated from our Chemicals Segment’s German subsidiary, which earnings were used to fund a portion of the repurchases of Kronos’ Senior Secured Notes discussed in Note 9. Our income tax benefit in the third quarter of 2012 includes an incremental tax benefit of $11.1 million associated with the partial reversal of the 2011 incremental tax, as we determined in the third quarter that due to global changes in our Chemicals Segment’s business, we would not remit certain dividends from our Chemicals Segment’s foreign jurisdictions. As a result, certain current year tax attributes are available for carryback to offset prior year tax expense. In addition, we accrue U.S. incremental income taxes on the earnings of our Chemicals Segment’s Canadian subsidiary and the earnings of our Component Products Segment’s Canadian and Taiwanese subsidiaries, which earnings we previously determined are not permanently reinvested.

 

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In the third quarter of 2012, France enacted certain changes in their income tax laws, including a 3% nondeductible surtax on all dividend distributions which is assessed at the time of the distribution against the company making such distribution. Consequently, our Chemicals Segment’s French subsidiary will be required to pay an additional 3% tax on all future dividend distributions. Our undistributed earnings in France are deemed to be permanently reinvested and such tax will be recognized as part of our income tax expense in the period during which the dividend is declared and will be remitted to the French government in accordance with the applicable tax law. During the third quarter, our French subsidiary distributed a $1.8 million dividend. At September 30, 2012, our French subsidiary has undistributed earnings of approximately $18.1 million that, if distributed, would be subject to the 3% surtax.

In 2011 and 2012, our Chemicals Segment received notices of re-assessment from the Canadian federal and provincial tax authorities related to the years 2002 through 2004. We object to the re-assessments and believe the position is without merit. Accordingly, we are appealing the re-assessments and in connection with such appeal we were required to post letters of credit aggregating Cdn. $7.5 million (see Note 9). If the full amount of the proposed adjustment were ultimately to be assessed against us, the cash tax liability would be approximately $15.9 million.

We believe we have adequate accruals for additional taxes and related interest expense which could ultimately result from tax examinations. We believe the ultimate disposition of tax examinations should not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or liquidity. We currently estimate we will reverse $1.6 million of unrecognized tax benefits during the next twelve months.

Note 13 – Noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries:

 

     December 31,
2011
     September 30,
2012
 
     (In millions)  

Noncontrolling interest in net assets:

     

Kronos

   $ 240.2       $ 277.5   

NL

     84.6         78.6   

CompX

     11.0         11.4   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 335.8       $ 367.5   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     Nine months ended
September 30,
 
     2011      2012  
     (In millions)  

Noncontrolling interest in net income of subsidiaries:

     

Kronos

   $ 45.9       $ 46.2   

NL

     10.5         9.7   

CompX

     .9         .8   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 57.3       $ 56.7   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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The changes in our ownership interest in our subsidiaries and the effect on our equity is as follows:

 

     Nine months ended
September 30,
 
     2011      2012  
     (In millions)  

Net income attributable to Valhi stockholders

   $ 161.9       $ 156.2   

Transfers from noncontrolling interest –

     

Issuance of subsidiaries common stock

     .4         —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net income attributable to Valhi stockholders and change from noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries

   $ 162.3       $ 156.2   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Note 14 – Commitments and contingencies:

Lead pigment litigation – NL

NL’s former operations included the manufacture of lead pigments for use in paint and lead-based paint. NL, other former manufacturers of lead pigments for use in paint and lead-based paint, and the Lead Industries Association (which discontinued business operations in 2002), have been named as defendants in various legal proceedings seeking damages for personal injury, property damage and governmental expenditures allegedly caused by the use of lead-based paints. Certain of these actions have been filed by or on behalf of states, counties, cities or their public housing authorities and school districts, and certain others have been asserted as class actions. These lawsuits seek recovery under a variety of theories, including public and private nuisance, negligent product design, negligent failure to warn, strict liability, breach of warranty, conspiracy/concert of action, aiding and abetting, enterprise liability, market share or risk contribution liability, intentional tort, fraud and misrepresentation, violations of state consumer protection statutes, supplier negligence and similar claims.

The plaintiffs in these actions generally seek to impose on the defendants responsibility for lead paint abatement and health concerns associated with the use of lead-based paints, including damages for personal injury, contribution and/or indemnification for medical expenses, medical monitoring expenses and costs for educational programs. To the extent the plaintiffs seek compensatory or punitive damages in these actions, such damages are generally unspecified. In some cases, the damages are unspecified pursuant to the requirements of applicable state law. A number of cases are inactive or have been dismissed or withdrawn. Most of the remaining cases are in various pre-trial stages. Some are on appeal following dismissal or summary judgment rulings in favor of either the defendants or the plaintiffs. In addition, various other cases (in which we are not a defendant) are pending that seek recovery for injury allegedly caused by lead pigment and lead-based paint. Although NL is not a defendant in these cases, the outcome of these cases may have an impact on cases that might be filed against NL in the future.

 

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We believe that these actions are without merit, and we intend to continue to deny all allegations of wrongdoing and liability and to defend against all actions vigorously. We do not believe it is probable that we have incurred any liability with respect to all of the lead pigment litigation cases to which we are a party, and liability to us that may result, if any, in this regard cannot be reasonably estimated, because:

 

   

NL has never settled any of the market share, risk contribution, intentional tort, fraud, nuisance, supplier negligence, breach of warranty, conspiracy, misrepresentation, aiding and abetting, enterprise liability, or statutory cases;

 

   

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

 

   

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

Accordingly, we have not accrued any amounts for any of the pending lead pigment and lead-based paint litigation cases. In addition, we have determined that liability to us which may result, if any, cannot be reasonably estimated because there is no prior history of a loss of this nature on which an estimate could be made, and there is no substantive information available upon which an estimate could be based.

New cases may continue to be filed against us. We cannot assure you that we will not incur liability in the future in respect of any of the pending or possible litigation in view of the inherent uncertainties involved in court and jury rulings. In the future, if new information regarding such matters becomes available to us (such as a final, non-appealable adverse verdict against us or NL otherwise ultimately being found liable with respect to such matters), at that time we would consider such information in evaluating any remaining cases then-pending against us as to whether it might then have become probable we have incurred liability with respect to these matters, and whether such liability, if any, could have become reasonably estimable. The resolution of any of these cases could result in the recognition of a loss contingency accrual that could have a material adverse impact on our net income for the interim or annual period during which such liability is recognized and a material adverse impact on our consolidated financial condition and liquidity.

Environmental matters and related litigation

Our operations are governed by various environmental laws and regulations. Certain of our businesses are and have been engaged in the handling, manufacture or use of substances or compounds that may be considered toxic or hazardous within the meaning of applicable environmental laws and regulations. As with other companies engaged in similar businesses, certain of our past and current operations and products have the potential to cause environmental or other damage. We have implemented and continue to implement various policies and programs in an effort to minimize these risks. Our policy is to maintain compliance with applicable environmental laws and regulations at all of our plants and to strive to improve environmental performance. From time to time, we may be subject to environmental regulatory enforcement under U.S. and non-U.S. statutes, the resolution of which typically involves the establishment of compliance programs. It is

 

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possible that future developments, such as stricter requirements of environmental laws and enforcement policies, could adversely affect our production, handling, use, storage, transportation, sale or disposal of such substances. We believe that all of our facilities are in substantial compliance with applicable environmental laws.

Certain properties and facilities used in our former operations, including divested primary and secondary lead smelters and former mining locations, are the subject of civil litigation, administrative proceedings or investigations arising under federal and state environmental laws and common law. Additionally, in connection with past operating practices, we are currently involved as a defendant, potentially responsible party (“PRP”) or both, pursuant to the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, as amended by the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (“CERCLA”), and similar state laws in various governmental and private actions associated with waste disposal sites, mining locations, and facilities we or our predecessors, or our subsidiaries or their predecessors currently or previously owned, operated or used, certain of which are on the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (“EPA”) Superfund National Priorities List or similar state lists. These proceedings seek cleanup costs, damages for personal injury or property damage and/or damages for injury to natural resources. Certain of these proceedings involve claims for substantial amounts. Although we may be jointly and severally liable for these costs, in most cases we are only one of a number of PRPs who may also be jointly and severally liable, and among whom costs may be shared or allocated. In addition, we are also a party to a number of personal injury lawsuits filed in various jurisdictions alleging claims related to environmental conditions alleged to have resulted from our operations.

Obligations associated with environmental remediation and related matters are difficult to assess and estimate for numerous reasons including the:

 

   

complexity and differing interpretations of governmental regulations,

 

   

number of PRPs and their ability or willingness to fund such allocation of costs,

 

   

financial capabilities of the PRPs and the allocation of costs among them,

 

   

solvency of other PRPs,

 

   

multiplicity of possible solutions,

 

   

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

 

   

uncertainty over the extent, if any, to which our former operations might have contributed to the conditions allegedly giving rise to such personal injury, property damage, natural resource and related claims, and

 

   

number of years between former operations and notice of claims and lack of information and documents about the former operations.

In addition, the imposition of more stringent standards or requirements under environmental laws or regulations, new developments or changes regarding site cleanup costs or the allocation of costs among PRPs, solvency of other PRPs, the results of future testing and analysis undertaken with respect to certain sites or a determination that we are potentially responsible for the release of hazardous substances at other sites, could

 

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cause our expenditures to exceed our current estimates. We cannot assure you that actual costs will not exceed accrued amounts or the upper end of the range for sites for which estimates have been made, and we cannot assure you that costs will not be incurred for sites where no estimates presently can be made. Further, additional environmental and related matters may arise in the future. If we were to incur any future liability, this could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial statements, results of operations and liquidity.

We record liabilities related to environmental remediation and related matters when estimated future expenditures are probable and reasonably estimable. We adjust such accruals as further information becomes available to us or as circumstances change. Unless the amounts and timing of such estimated future expenditures are fixed and reasonably determinable, we generally do not discount estimated future expenditures to their present value due to the uncertainty of the timing of the pay out. We recognize recoveries of costs from other parties, if any, as assets when their receipt is deemed probable. At December 31, 2011 and September 30, 2012, we have not recognized any receivables for recoveries.

We do not know and cannot estimate the exact time frame over which we will make payments for our accrued environmental and related costs. The timing of payments depends upon a number of factors, including but not limited to the timing of the actual remediation process; which in turn depends on factors outside of our control. At each balance sheet date, we estimate the amount of our accrued environmental and related costs which we expect to pay within the next twelve months, and we classify this estimate as a current liability. We classify the remaining accrued environmental costs as a noncurrent liability.

Changes in the accrued environmental remediation and related costs during the first nine months of 2012 are presented in the table below.

 

     Amount  
     (In millions)  

Balance at the beginning of the year

   $ 43.2   

Additions charged to expense, net

     14.2   

Payments, net

     (6.3
  

 

 

 

Balance at the end of period

   $ 51.1   
  

 

 

 

Amounts recognized in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet at the end of the period:

  

Current liabilities

   $ 8.0   

Noncurrent liabilities

     43.1   
  

 

 

 

Total

   $ 51.1   
  

 

 

 

NL – On a quarterly basis, NL evaluates the potential range of its liability for environmental remediation and related costs at sites where it has been named as a PRP or defendant. At September 30, 2012, NL had accrued approximately $49 million related to approximately 50 sites associated with remediation and related matters that it believes are at the present time and/or in their current phase reasonably estimable. The upper end of the range of reasonably possible costs to NL for remediation and related matters for which we believe it is possible to estimate costs is approximately $79 million, including the amount currently accrued.

 

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NL believes that it is not possible to estimate the range of costs for certain sites. At September 30, 2012, there were approximately 5 sites for which NL is not currently able to estimate a range of costs. For these sites, generally the investigation is in the early stages, and NL is unable to determine whether or not it actually had any association with the site, the nature of our responsibility, if any, for the contamination at the site and the extent of contamination at and cost to remediate the site. The timing and availability of information on these sites is dependent on events outside of NL’s control, such as when the party alleging liability provides information to NL. At certain of these previously inactive sites, NL has received general and special notices of liability from the EPA and/or state agencies alleging that NL, sometimes with other PRPs, is liable for past and future costs of remediating environmental contamination allegedly caused by former operations. These notifications may assert that NL, along with any other alleged PRPs, is liable for past and/or future clean-up costs. As further information becomes available to NL for any of these sites which would allow NL to estimate a range of costs, we would at that time adjust our accruals. Any such adjustment could result in the recognition of an accrual that would have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements, results of operations and liquidity.

Other – We have also accrued approximately $1.6 million at September 30, 2012 for other environmental cleanup matters. This accrual is near the upper end of the range of our estimate of reasonably possible costs for such matters.

Insurance coverage claims

We are involved in certain legal proceedings with a number of our former insurance carriers regarding the nature and extent of the carriers’ obligations to us under insurance policies with respect to certain lead pigment and asbestos lawsuits. The issue of whether insurance coverage for defense costs or indemnity or both will be found to exist for our lead pigment and asbestos litigation depends upon a variety of factors and we cannot assure you that such insurance coverage will be available.

We have agreements with three former insurance carriers pursuant to which the carriers reimburse us for a portion of our future lead pigment litigation defense costs, and one such carrier reimburses us for a portion of our future asbestos litigation defense costs. We are not able to determine how much we will ultimately recover from these carriers for defense costs incurred by us because of certain issues that arise regarding which defense costs qualify for reimbursement. While we continue to seek additional insurance recoveries, we do not know if we will be successful in obtaining reimbursement for either defense costs or indemnity. Accordingly, we recognize insurance recoveries in income only when receipt of the recovery is probable and we are able to reasonably estimate the amount of the recovery.

For additional discussion of certain litigation involving NL and certain of its former insurance carriers, please refer to our 2011 Annual Report.

Other litigation

NL – NL has been named as a defendant in various lawsuits in several jurisdictions, alleging personal injuries as a result of occupational exposure primarily to products manufactured by our former operations containing asbestos, silica and/or mixed dust. In addition, some plaintiffs allege exposure to asbestos from working in various facilities previously

 

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owned and/or operated by NL. There are 1,125 of these types of cases pending, involving a total of approximately 1,995 plaintiffs. In addition, the claims of approximately 8,075 plaintiffs have been administratively dismissed or placed on the inactive docket in Ohio, Indiana and Texas state courts. We do not expect these claims will be re-opened unless the plaintiffs meet the courts’ medical criteria for asbestos-related claims. We have not accrued any amounts for this litigation because of the uncertainty of liability and inability to reasonably estimate the liability, if any. To date, we have not been adjudicated liable in any of these matters. Based on information available to us, including:

 

   

facts concerning historical operations,

 

   

the rate of new claims,

 

   

the number of claims from which we have been dismissed and

 

   

our prior experience in the defense of these matters.

we believe that the range of reasonably possible outcomes of these matters will be consistent with our historical costs (which are not material). Furthermore, we do not expect any reasonably possible outcome would involve amounts material to our consolidated financial position, results of operations or liquidity. We have sought and will continue to vigorously seek, dismissal and/or a finding of no liability from each claim. In addition, from time to time, we have received notices regarding asbestos or silica claims purporting to be brought against former subsidiaries, including notices provided to insurers with which we have entered into settlements extinguishing certain insurance policies. These insurers may seek indemnification from us.

WCS – Previously, the Lone Star Chapter of the Sierra Club has filed various lawsuits in Texas District Court against the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (“TCEQ”). These lawsuits challenge WCS’ by-product and low-level radioactive waste disposal licenses. Subsequently, the District Court upheld the TCEQ’s determination that the Sierra Club lacked standing to pursue a challenge to the by-product disposal license, the Sierra Club appealed, and WCS’ by-product disposal license remains in effect pending resolution of the appeal. In May 2012, the same District Court subsequently held that, contrary to the TCEQ’s determination, the Sierra Club had standing to pursue a challenge to the low-level radioactive waste disposal license, and ordered the TCEQ to undertake a contested case hearing in which the Sierra Club could participate. Shortly thereafter, both the TCEQ and WCS appealed the District Court’s order in respect to the low-level radioactive waste disposal license, and the District Court’s order is suspended, and WCS’ low-level radioactive waste disposal license remains in effect, pending resolution of this appeal. On the same day that WCS filed its appeal with regards to the District Court’s order in respect of its low-level radioactive waste disposal license, the Sierra Club filed another lawsuit in the same Texas District Court, making a challenge to WCS’ low-level radioactive waste disposal license substantially identical to its prior challenge that was the subject of the District Court’s May 2012 ruling. Both the TCEQ and WCS filed a motion to dismiss this latest lawsuit filed by the Sierra Club for lack of jurisdiction, which the District Court denied. TCEQ and WCS took an interlocutory appeal to the denial of their plea to jurisdiction, and Siera Club has filed a petition for writ of injunction with the same Third Court of Appeals in Austin. WCS believes all of these actions by the Sierra Club are without merit and that the Sierra Club has no proper standing to challenge any of its licenses and permits. WCS intends to continue to defend against any and all such actions vigorously, and to continue to operate its West Texas facilities in accordance with the terms of its licenses and permits.

 

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Other – For a discussion of other legal proceedings to which we are a party, please refer to our 2011 Annual Report.

In addition to the litigation described above, we and our affiliates are also involved in various other environmental, contractual, product liability, patent (or intellectual property), employment and other claims and disputes incidental to our present and former businesses. In certain cases, we have insurance coverage for these items, although we do not expect any additional material insurance coverage for our environmental matters.

We currently believe that the disposition of all of these various other claims and disputes, individually or in the aggregate, should not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or liquidity beyond the accruals already provided.

Note 15 – Financial instruments and fair value measurements:

The following table summarizes the valuation of our marketable securities, financial instruments and other items recorded on a fair value basis as of:

 

     Fair Value Measurements  
     Total     Quoted
Prices in
Active
Markets
(Level 1)
    Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
     Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
     (In millions)  

December 31, 2011:

         

Marketable securities:

         

Current

   $ 22.5      $ 20.9      $ 1.6       $ —     

Noncurrent

     354.1        100.3        3.8         250.0   

Currency forward contracts

     (.8     (.8     —           —     

Contingent consideration

     .7        —          —           .7   

September 30, 2012:

         

Marketable securities:

         

Current

   $ .8      $ —        $ .8       $ —     

Noncurrent

     338.9        83.7        5.2         250.0   

Currency forward contracts

     2.2        2.2        —           —     

See Note 3 for information on how we determine fair value of our noncurrent marketable securities.

We periodically use currency forward contracts to manage a nominal portion of currency exchange rate market risk associated with trade receivables, or similar exchange rate risk associated with future sales, denominated in a currency other than the holder’s functional currency. These contracts generally relate to our Chemicals and Component Products operations. We have not entered into these contracts for trading or speculative purposes in the past, nor do we currently anticipate entering into such contracts for trading or speculative purposes in the future. Some

 

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of the currency forward contracts we enter into meet the criteria for hedge accounting under GAAP and are designated as cash flow hedges. For these currency forward contracts, gains and losses representing the effective portion of our hedges are deferred as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income, and are subsequently recognized in earnings at the time the hedged item affects earnings. For the currency forward contracts we enter into which do not meet the criteria for hedge accounting, we mark-to-market the estimated fair value of such contracts at each balance sheet date, with any resulting gain or loss recognized in income currently as part of net currency transactions. The fair value of the currency forward contracts is determined using Level 1 inputs based on the currency spot forward rates quoted by banks or currency dealers.

At September 30, 2012, our Chemicals Segment had currency forward contracts to exchange:

 

   

an aggregate of $12.0 million for an equivalent value of Canadian dollars at exchange rates ranging from Cdn. $1.0 to Cdn. $1.03 per U.S. dollar. These contracts with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., mature from October 2012 through December 2012 at a rate of $4.0 million per month, subject to early redemption provisions at our option; and

 

   

an aggregate $30.0 million for an equivalent value of Norwegian kroner at exchange rates ranging from kroner 5.99 to kroner 6.13 per U.S. dollar. These contracts with DnB Nor Bank ASA mature at a rate of $5.0 million per month in certain months from November 2012 through May 2013.

The estimated fair value of our Chemical Segment’s currency forward contracts at September 30, 2012 was a $2.0 million net asset, of which $2.0 million is recognized as part of accounts and other receivables. There is also a corresponding $2.0 million currency transaction gain recognized in our Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income. Our Chemicals Segment is not currently using hedge accounting for our outstanding currency forward contracts at September 30, 2012, and it did not use hedge accounting for any of such contracts it previously held in 2011 or 2012.

At September 30, 2012, our Component Products Segment held a series of contracts to exchange an aggregate of U.S. $4.2 million for an equivalent value of Canadian dollars at an exchange rate of Cdn. $1.03 per U.S. dollar. These contracts qualified for hedge accounting and mature through December 2012. The exchange rate was Cdn. $0.98 per U.S. dollar at September 30, 2012. The estimated fair value of the contracts was an asset of approximately $.2 million at September 30, 2012.

 

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

 

     December 31, 2011      September 30, 2012  
     Carrying
amount
     Fair
value
     Carrying
amount
     Fair
value
 
     (In millions)  

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash equivalents

   $ 109.3       $ 109.3       $ 141.8       $ 141.8   

Note receivable from Contran

     11.2         11.2         11.2         11.2   

Long-term debt (excluding capitalized leases):

           

Publicly-traded fixed rate debt – KII Senior Secured Notes

   $ 360.6       $ 362.6       $ —         $ —     

Kronos term loan

     —           —           389.3         400.4   

Snake River Sugar Company fixed rate loans

     250.0         250.0         250.0         250.0   

WCS fixed rate debt

     82.8         82.8         82.1         82.1   

Kronos variable rate bank credit facility

     —           —           45.2         45.2   

CompX variable rate promissory note

     22.2         22.2         20.5         20.5   

NL variable rate promissory note

     9.0         9.0         5.1         5.1   

CompX variable rate bank credit facility

     2.0         2.0         2.0         2.0   

Noncontrolling interest in:

           

Kronos common stock

   $ 240.2       $ 409.4       $ 277.5       $ 339.1   

NL common stock

     84.6         107.3         78.6         95.1   

CompX common stock

     11.0         23.9         11.4         24.8   

Valhi stockholders’ equity

   $ 657.2       $ 6,835.3       $ 775.6       $ 4,137.2   

The fair value of our publicly-traded marketable securities, noncontrolling interest in NL, Kronos and CompX and our common stockholders’ equity are all based upon quoted market prices, Level 1 inputs at each balance sheet date. At December 31, 2011, the estimated market price of KII 6.5% Notes was approximately €1,004 per €1,000 principal amount. At September 30, 2012, the estimated market price of Kronos’ term loan was $1,014 per $1,000 principal amount. The fair value of the 6.5% Notes and term loan was based on quoted market prices; however, these quoted market prices represent Level 2 inputs because the markets in which the Notes and term loan trade were not active. The fair value of our fixed-rate nonrecourse loans from Snake River Sugar Company is based upon the $250 million redemption price of our investment in Amalgamated, which collateralizes the nonrecourse loans (this is a Level 3 input). Fair values of the variable interest rate note receivable and variable interest debt and other fixed-rate debt are deemed to approximate book value, which represents Level 2 inputs. Due to their near-term maturities, the carrying amounts of accounts receivable and accounts payable are considered equivalent to fair value. See Notes 4 and 7.

Note 16 – Recent accounting pronouncements:

In June 2011 the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) 2011-05, Presentation of Comprehensive Income. ASU 2011-05 eliminates the option of presenting comprehensive income as a component of the Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity and instead requires comprehensive income to be presented as a component of the Consolidated Statement of Income or in a separate Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income immediately following the Consolidated Statement of Income. In accordance with ASU 2011-05, we now present our comprehensive income in a separate Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income.

 

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Additionally, ASU 2011-05 would have required us to present on the face of our financial statements the effect of reclassifications out of accumulative other comprehensive income on the components of net income and other comprehensive income. However, in December 2011 the FASB issued ASU 2011-12, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Deferral of the Effective Date for Amendments to the Presentation of Reclassifications of Items Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income in Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-05. ASU 2011-12 defers the effective date of the requirement to present on the face of our financial statements the effects of reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income on the components of net income and other comprehensive income. Adoption of ASU 2011-05, as amended by ASU 2011-12, did not have a material effect on our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

In December 2011 the FASB issued ASU 2011-11 Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities. ASU 2011-11 requires entities to disclose both gross information and net information about both instruments and transactions eligible for offset in the balance sheet and instruments and transactions subject to an agreement similar to a master netting arrangement. This standard will be effective for annual and interim periods beginning with our first quarter 2013 report. We do not believe the adoption of this standard will have a material effect on our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Business Overview

We are primarily a holding company. We operate through our wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries, including NL Industries, Inc., Kronos Worldwide, Inc., CompX International Inc., Tremont LLC and Waste Control Specialists LLC (“WCS”). Kronos (NYSE: KRO), NL (NYSE: NL) and CompX (NYSE MKT: CIX) each file periodic reports with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).

We have three consolidated operating segments:

 

   

Chemicals – Our chemicals segment is operated through our majority control of Kronos. Kronos is a leading global producer and marketer of value-added titanium dioxide pigments (“TiO2”), a base industrial product used in a diverse range of customer applications and end-use markets, including coatings, plastics, paper, food, cosmetics, inks, textile fibers, rubber, pharmaceuticals, glass, ceramics and other industrial and consumer markets.

 

   

Component Products – We operate in the component products industry through our majority control of CompX. CompX is a leading manufacturer of engineered components utilized in a variety of applications and industries. CompX manufactures engineered components that are sold to a variety of industries including office furniture, recreational transportation (including boats), mailboxes, toolboxes, home appliances, banking equipment, vending equipment and computer related equipment. CompX has production facilities in North America and Asia.

 

   

Waste Management – WCS is our subsidiary which operates a West Texas facility for the processing, treatment, storage and disposal of a broad range of low-level radioactive, hazardous, toxic and other wastes. WCS obtained a byproduct disposal license in 2008 and began disposal operations at this facility in October 2009. WCS received a low-level radioactive waste (“LLRW”) disposal license in September 2009. The Compact LLRW disposal facility was fully certified and operational in April 2012, and the Federal LLRW site was fully certified and operational in September 2012.

General

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. Statements in this Quarterly Report that are not historical facts are forward-looking in nature and represent management’s beliefs and assumptions based on currently available information. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by the use of words such as “believes,” “intends,” “may,” “should,” “could,” “anticipates,” “expects” or comparable terminology, or by discussions of strategies or trends. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, we do not know if these expectations will be correct. Such

 

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statements by their nature involve substantial risks and uncertainties that could significantly impact expected results. Actual future results could differ materially from those predicted. The factors that could cause actual future results to differ materially from those described herein are the risks and uncertainties discussed in this Quarterly Report and those described from time to time in our other filings with the SEC include, but are not limited to, the following:

 

   

Future supply and demand for our products;

 

   

The extent of the dependence of certain of our businesses on certain market sectors;

 

   

The cyclicality of certain of our businesses (such as Kronos’ titanium dioxide pigment (“TiO2”) operations);

 

   

Customer inventory levels;

 

   

Unexpected or earlier-than-expected industry expansion;

 

   

Changes in raw material and other operating costs (such as energy, ore and steel costs) and our ability to pass those costs on to our customers or offset them with reductions in other operating costs;

 

   

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

 

   

General global economic and political conditions (such as changes in the level of gross domestic product in various regions of the world and the impact of such changes on demand for, among other things, TiO2 and component products);

 

   

Competitive products and prices, including increased competition from low-cost manufacturing sources (such as China);

 

   

Possible disruption of our business or increases in the cost of doing business resulting from terrorist activities or global conflicts;

 

   

Customer and competitor strategies;

 

   

The impact of pricing and production decisions;

 

   

Competitive technology positions;

 

   

The introduction of trade barriers;

 

   

The ability of our subsidiaries to pay us dividends;

 

   

The impact of current or future government regulations (including employee healthcare benefit related regulations);

 

   

Uncertainties associated with new product development and the development of new product features;

 

   

Fluctuations in currency exchange rates (such as changes in the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and each of the euro, the Norwegian krone, the Canadian dollar and the New Taiwan dollar) or possible disruptions to our business resulting from potential instability resulting from uncertainties associated with the euro;

 

   

Operating interruptions (including, but not limited to, labor disputes, leaks, natural disasters, fires, explosions, unscheduled or unplanned downtime and transportation interruptions);

 

   

The timing and amounts of insurance recoveries;

 

   

Our ability to renew, amend, refinance or establish credit facilities;

 

   

Our ability to maintain sufficient liquidity;

 

   

The ultimate outcome of income tax audits, tax settlement initiatives or other tax matters;

 

   

Our ultimate ability to utilize income tax attributes or changes in income tax rates related to such attributes, the benefits of which have been recognized under the more-likely-than-not recognition criteria (such as Kronos’ ability to utilize its German net operating loss carryforwards);

 

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Environmental matters (such as those requiring compliance with emission and discharge standards for existing and new facilities, or new developments regarding environmental remediation at sites related to our former operations);

 

   

Government laws and regulations and possible changes therein (such as changes in government regulations which might impose various obligations on former manufacturers of lead pigment and lead-based paint, including NL, with respect to asserted health concerns associated with the use of such products);

 

   

The ultimate resolution of pending litigation (such as NL’s lead pigment litigation, environmental and other litigation and Kronos’ class action litigation);

 

   

Our ability to comply with covenants contained in our revolving bank credit facilities;

 

   

Our ability to complete and comply with the conditions of our licenses and permits;

 

   

Our ability to successfully overturn any currently-pending or possible future challenge to WCS’ operating licenses and permits; and

 

   

Possible future litigation.

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

Operations Overview

Quarter Ended September 30, 2012 Compared to the Quarter Ended September 30, 2011 –

Net income attributable to Valhi stockholders was $22.9 million, or $.07 per diluted share, in the third quarter of 2012 compared to $71.5 million, or $.21 per diluted share, in the third quarter of 2011. As more fully discussed below, our diluted income per share decreased from 2011 to 2012 primarily due to the net effects of:

 

   

decreased operating income from our Chemicals Segment, partially offset by increased operating income from our Component Products Segment and a decreased operating loss at our Waste Management Segment in 2012 compared to 2011;

 

   

the reversal of accrued contingent consideration at our Component Products Segment in 2012;

 

   

a higher asset held for sale write-down at our Component Products Segment in 2011;

 

   

higher insurance recoveries in 2011; and

 

   

lower general expenses in 2012, primarily due to decreased environmental remediation and related expenses.

Our net income attributable to Valhi stockholders in 2011 includes income of $.03 per diluted share related to insurance recoveries and $.02 per diluted share related to a net decrease in the reserve for uncertain tax positions.

 

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Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012 Compared to the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011 –

Net income attributable to Valhi stockholders was $156.2 million, or $.46 per diluted share, in the first nine months of 2012 compared to $161.9 million, or $.47 per diluted share, in the first nine months of 2011. As more fully discussed below, our diluted income per share decreased from 2011 to 2012 primarily due to the net effects of:

 

   

decreased operating income from our Chemicals Segment in 2012 compared to 2011 and lower operating income from our Component Products Segment (primarily due to the effect of the 2011 patent litigation settlement), partially offset by a lower operating loss from our Waste Management Segment;

 

   

a real-estate related litigation settlement gain in 2012;

 

   

a higher loss on prepayment of debt in 2012 as compared to 2011;

 

   

the reversal of accrued contingent consideration at our Component Products Segment in 2012;

 

   

a higher asset held for sale write-down at our Component Products Segment in 2011;

 

   

higher insurance recoveries in 2011; and

 

   

higher general expenses in the first half of 2012, primarily due to increased environmental remediation and related expenses in the first quarter of 2012.

Our net income attributable to Valhi stockholders in 2012 includes income of $.02 per diluted share related to a litigation settlement gain and a loss on the prepayment of debt of $.01 per diluted share.

Our net income attributable to Valhi stockholders in 2011 includes:

 

   

insurance recoveries of $.03 per diluted share;

 

   

income of $.02 per diluted share related to a net decrease in our reserve for uncertain tax positions; and

 

   

income of $.01 per diluted share related to a patent litigation settlement we recognized.

Current Forecast for 2012 –

We currently expect to report lower net income attributable to Valhi stockholders in 2012 as compared to the same period in 2011 primarily due to the effects of:

 

   

lower expected operating income from our Chemicals and Component Products Segments; partially offset by

 

   

lower expected operating losses at WCS as we expect more revenue from the opening of our Compact LLRW disposal facility in April 2012 and the opening of the Federal LLRW disposal facility in September 2012.

 

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Segment Operating Results – 2011 Compared to 2012 –

Chemicals –

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

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

 

   

our TiO2 sales and production volumes,

 

   

TiO2 selling prices,

 

   

currency exchange rates (particularly the exchange rate for the U.S. dollar relative to the euro, Norwegian krone and Canadian dollar) and

 

   

manufacturing costs, particularly raw materials, maintenance and energy-related expenses.

Our Chemicals Segment’s key performance indicators are our TiO2 average selling prices and our TiO2 sales and production volumes. TiO2 selling prices generally follow industry trends and prices will increase or decrease generally as a result of competitive market pressures.

 

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     Three months ended
September 30,
    Nine months ended
September 30,
 
     2011     2012     % Change     2011     2012     % Change  
     (Dollars in millions)  

Net sales

   $ 547.9      $ 472.9        (14 )%    $ 1,505.9      $ 1,579.5        5

Cost of sales

     337.7        387.5        15        953.5        1,070.5        12   
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

Gross margin

   $ 210.2      $ 85.4        (59 )%    $ 552.4      $ 509.0        (8 )% 
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

Operating income

   $ 158.4      $ 40.4        (75 )%    $ 407.8      $ 364.1        (11 )% 

Percent of net sales:

            

Cost of sales

     62     82       63     68  

Gross margin

     38        18          37        32     

Operating income

     29        9          27        23     

Ti02 operating statistics:

            

Sales volumes*

     136        116        (15 )%      406        368        (9 )% 

Production volumes*

     134        98        (27     409        356        (13 )% 

Percent change in net sales:

            

Ti02 product pricing

         5         20

Ti02 sales volumes

         (15         (9 )% 

Ti02 product mix

         2            (1

Changes in currency exchange rates

         (6         (5 )% 
      

 

 

       

 

 

 

Total

         (14 )%          5
      

 

 

       

 

 

 

 

* Thousands of metric tons

Current Industry Conditions – The TiO2 industry has experienced decreased sales and production volumes as the majority of TiO2 producers and consumers have been undertaking inventory correction initiatives in response to continued global economic weakness and uncertainty. While our Chemicals Segment operated its production facilities at full practical capacity rates throughout 2011 and the first quarter of 2012, our Chemicals Segment operated its facilities at reduced rates during the second and third quarters of 2012 (approximately 86% of practical capacity in the second quarter, and approximately 71% in the third quarter) in order to align production levels and inventories to current and anticipated near-term customer demand levels.

Our Chemicals Segment also increased its TiO2 average selling prices throughout 2011, and as a result average selling prices in the third quarter 2012 were 5% higher as compared to the third quarter of 2011. Our average selling prices at the end of the second quarter of 2012 were comparable to the end of 2011, but our average selling prices at the end of the third quarter of 2012 were 7% lower than at the end of the second quarter of 2012.

Net Sales – Our Chemicals Segment’s net sales in the third quarter of 2012 decreased 14% compared to the third quarter of 2011 primarily due to the net effects of a 15% decrease in sales volumes (which decreased net sales by approximately $82 million) and a 5% increase in average TiO2 selling prices (which increased net sales by approximately $27 million). TiO2 selling prices will increase or decrease generally as a result of competitive market

 

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pressures, changes in the relative level of supply and demand as well as changes in raw material and other manufacturing costs. Based on the current conditions in the TiO2 industry, we currently expect our average selling prices in the fourth quarter of 2012 to be lower than the fourth quarter of 2011.

Our sales volumes decreased 15% in the third quarter of 2012 as compared to the third quarter of 2011 due to lower customer demand, primarily in European markets. In addition, we estimate the unfavorable effect of changes in currency exchange rates decreased our net sales by approximately $34 million, or 6%, as compared to the third quarter of 2011.

Our Chemicals Segment’s net sales in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 increased 5% compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2011 primarily due to the net effects of a 20% increase in average TiO2 selling prices (which increased net sales by approximately $300 million) and a 9% decrease in sales volumes (which decreased net sales by approximately $136 million). TiO2 selling prices will increase or decrease generally as a result of competitive market pressures, changes in the relative level of supply and demand as well as changes in raw material and other manufacturing costs.

Our sales volumes decreased 9% in the first nine months of 2012 as compared to the first nine months of 2011 due to decreased customer demand, primarily in European markets. In addition, we estimate the unfavorable effect of changes in currency exchange rates decreased our net sales by approximately $70 million, or 5%, as compared to the first nine months of 2011.

Cost of Sales – Our Chemicals Segment’s cost of sales increased 15% in the third quarter of 2012 compared to 2011 due to the net impact of higher raw material costs of approximately $85 million (primarily feedstock ore and petroleum coke), a 15% decrease in sales volumes, a 27% decrease in TiO2 production volumes and currency fluctuations (primarily the euro). Cost of sales as a percentage of net sales increased to 82% in the third quarter of 2012 compared to 62% in the third quarter of 2011, primarily due to the net effect of higher raw material costs, the unfavorable effects of unabsorbed fixed production costs resulting from reduced production volumes and higher average selling prices. The reduction in our TiO2 production volumes during the third quarter of 2012, as discussed above, resulted in approximately $25 million of unabsorbed fixed production costs which were charged directly to cost of sales. We expect further increases in our manufacturing costs during the remainder of 2012, as discussed below.

Our Chemicals Segment’s cost of sales increased 12% in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to the same period in 2011 due to the net impact of higher raw material costs of approximately $201 million (primarily feedstock ore and petroleum coke), a 9% decrease in sales volumes, a 13% decrease in production volumes and currency fluctuations (primarily the euro). Cost of sales as a percentage of net sales increased to 68% in the first nine months of 2012 compared to 63% in the same period in 2011 primarily due to the net effects of higher raw material costs, the unfavorable effects of unabsorbed fixed production costs resulting from reduced production volumes and higher average selling prices. The reduction in our TiO2 production volumes during the first nine months of 2012, as discussed above, resulted in approximately $25 million of unabsorbed fixed production costs which were charged directly to cost of sales. Additionally, the first nine months of 2012 reflects the benefit of lower raw material costs (as compared to current costs) in the first quarter of 2012 as lower cost raw materials purchased at the end of 2011 were used in the 2012 production process.

 

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Gross Margin and Operating Income – Our Chemicals Segment’s operating income decreased in the third quarter of 2012 and operating income as a percentage of net sales decreased to 9% in the third quarter of 2012 from 29% in the same period of 2011. This decrease was driven by the decline in gross margin, which decreased to 18% for the third quarter of 2012 compared to 38% for the third quarter of 2011. As discussed and quantified above, our gross margin has decreased primarily due to the net effects of higher manufacturing costs (primarily raw materials), lower sales volumes, unabsorbed fixed costs related to lower production volumes and higher selling prices. Additionally, changes in currency exchange rates have positively affected our gross margin and operating income. We estimate that changes in currency exchange rates increased operating income by approximately $2 million in the third quarter of 2012 as compared to the same period in 2011.

Our Chemicals Segment’s operating income decreased in the first nine months of 2012 and operating income as a percentage of net sales decreased to 23% in the first nine months of 2012 from 27% in the same period of 2011. This decrease was driven by the decline in gross margin, which decreased to 32% for the first nine months of 2012 compared to 37% for the same period in 2011. As discussed and quantified above, our gross margin has decreased primarily due to the net effects of higher manufacturing costs (primarily raw materials), higher selling prices, lower sales volumes and unabsorbed fixed costs related to lower production volumes. Additionally, changes in currency exchange rates have negatively affected our gross margin and operating income. We estimate that changes in currency exchange rates decreased operating income by approximately $1 million in the first nine months of 2012 as compared to the same period in 2011.

Our Chemicals Segment’s operating income is net of amortization of purchase accounting adjustments made in conjunction with our acquisitions of interests in NL and Kronos. As a result, we recognize additional depreciation expense above the amounts Kronos reports separately, substantially all of which is included within cost of sales. We recognized additional depreciation expense of $2.1 million and $1.9 million in the first nine months of 2011 and 2012, respectively which reduced our reported Chemicals Segment operating income as compared to amounts reported by Kronos.

Currency Exchange Rates – Our Chemicals Segment has substantial operations and assets located outside the United States (primarily in Germany, Belgium, Norway and Canada). The majority of our sales generated from foreign operations are denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, principally the euro, other major European currencies and the Canadian dollar. A portion of our sales generated from our foreign operations is denominated in the U.S. dollar. Certain raw materials used worldwide, primarily titanium-containing feedstocks, are purchased in U.S. dollars, while labor and other production costs are purchased primarily in local currencies. Consequently, the translated U.S. dollar value of our foreign sales and operating results are subject to currency exchange rate fluctuations which may favorably or unfavorably impact reported earnings and may affect the comparability of period-to-period operating results. In addition to the impact of the translation of sales and expenses over time, our foreign operations also generate currency transaction gains and losses which primarily relate to the difference between the currency exchange rates in effect when non-local currency sales or operating costs are initially accrued and when such amounts are settled with the non-local currency.

 

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Overall, fluctuations in currency exchange rates had the following effects on our Chemicals Segment’s net sales and operating income:

 

Impact of changes in currency exchange rates

Three months ended September 30, 2012 vs. September 30, 2011

 
     Transaction gains recognized     

Translation
gain (loss) –

impact of

   

Total
currency
impact

2012 vs.

 
     2011     2012     Change      rate changes     2011  
     (In millions)  

Impact on:

           

Net sales

   $ —        $ —        $ —         $ (34   $ (34

Operating income

     (2     (1     1         1        2   

Impact of changes in currency exchange rates

Nine months ended September 30, 2012 vs. September 30, 2011

 
     Transaction gains recognized     

Translation
gain (loss) –

impact of

   

Total
currency
impact

2012 vs.

 
     2011     2012     Change      rate changes     2011  
     (In millions)  

Impact on:

           

Net sales

   $ —        $ —        $ —         $ (70   $ (70

Operating income

     —          —          —           (1     (1

Outlook – During the first quarter of 2012 we operated our Chemicals Segment’s production facilities at full practical capacity levels, consistent with our operating rates throughout 2011. We operated our facilities at reduced rates during the second and third quarters of 2012 (approximately 86% of practical capacity in the second quarter, and approximately 71% in the third quarter) in order to align our production levels and inventories to current and anticipated near-term customer demand levels. We currently expect to operate our facilities at 80% to 85% of our attainable practical production capacity of 550,000 metric tons for all of 2012. In addition, we currently expect our sales volumes for all of 2012 to be lower as compared to 2011, and our 2012 sales volumes to exceed our 2012 production volumes.

Our Chemicals Segment implemented significant increases in TiO2 selling prices throughout 2011 and raised prices in certain markets in the first half of 2012, and as a result our average selling prices in the third quarter 2012 were 5% higher as compared to the third quarter of 2011. Our average selling prices at the end of the second quarter of 2012 were comparable to the end of 2011, but our average selling prices at the end of the third quarter of 2012 were 7% lower than at the end of the second quarter of 2012. Based on the current conditions in the TiO2 industry, we currently expect our average selling prices for the fourth quarter of 2012 to be lower than the fourth quarter of 2011.

 

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During the remainder of 2012, we expect to see a continuation of the significantly higher feedstock ore costs that we experienced in the second and third quarters of 2012, driven by tight ore supplies and higher-than-historical increases in petroleum coke and energy costs. Overall, we currently expect our per metric ton cost of TiO2 that our Chemicals Segment produces in 2012 will increase approximately 45% to 55% as compared to 2011, primarily due to higher feedstock ore costs and to the unabsorbed fixed production costs resulting from reduced production volumes. Our cost of sales per metric ton of TiO2 sold in calendar 2012 is consequently expected to be significantly higher as compared to calendar 2011. However, our cost of sales per metric ton of TiO2 sold in the first nine months of 2012 is lower as compared to our expected cost of sales per metric ton of TiO2 sold in the fourth quarter of 2012, as a substantial portion of the TiO2 products we sold in the first quarter of 2012 was produced with lower-cost feedstock ore.

Overall, we expect that our Chemicals Segment’s operating income in the fourth quarter of 2012 will be significantly lower as compared to the fourth quarter of 2011, due to the unfavorable effects of lower sales volumes and higher production costs. We expect demand for TiO2 products will increase as economic conditions improve in the various regions of the world.

Our expectations of our Chemicals Segment’s future operating results are based upon a number of factors beyond our control, including worldwide growth of gross domestic product, competition in the marketplace, continued operation of competitors, unexpected or earlier-than-expected capacity additions or reductions and technological advances. If actual developments differ from our expectations, our results of operations could be unfavorably affected.

Component Products –

Our Component Products Segment’s product offerings consist of a significantly large number of products that have a wide variation in selling price and manufacturing cost, which results in certain practical limitations on our ability to quantify the impact of changes in individual product sales quantities and selling prices on our net sales, cost of goods sold and gross margin. In addition, small variations in period-to-period net sales, cost of goods sold and gross margin can result from changes in the relative mix of our products sold. The key performance indicator for our Component Products Segment is operating income margins.

 

     Three months ended
September 30,
    Nine months ended
September 30,
 
     2011     2012     % Change     2011     2012     % Change  
     (Dollars in millions)  

Net sales

   $ 35.8      $ 37.1        4   $ 105.8      $ 110.2        4

Cost of sales

     27.2        27.0        (1     78.7        80.6        2   
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

Gross margin

   $ 8.6      $ 10.1        19   $ 27.1      $ 29.6        10
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

Operating income

   $ 1.5      $ 4.4        191   $ 13.4      $ 11.2        (17 )% 

Percent of net sales:

            

Cost of sales

     76     73       74     73  

Gross margin

     24        27          26        27     

Operating income

     4        12          13        10     

 

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Net Sales – Our Component Products Segment’s net sales increased 4% in each of the third quarter and first nine months of 2012 as compared to the same periods in 2011. Net sales increased in 2012 principally due to $.4 million and $2.7 million in additional ergonomic healthcare product line sales during the third quarter and the nine month period, respectively, related to the business acquired in July 2011, and from growth in customer demand within our security products and marine components reporting units resulting from somewhat improved economic conditions in North America. Relative changes in selling prices did not have a material impact on net sales comparisons.

Cost of Sales – Our Component Products Segment’s cost of sales percentage decreased in the third quarter and nine-month 2012 periods as compared to the same periods in 2011 resulting in an increase of gross profit and gross margin primarily due to the net effects of the following items:

 

   

the increase in sales;

 

   

the positive impact of a change in product mix within the furniture components business unit;

 

   

improved production efficiencies relating to the facility consolidation, including lower depreciation expense;

 

   

lower steel raw material costs;

 

   

a net positive impact relating to relative changes in currency exchange rates; and

 

   

higher medical self-insurance costs.

Gross Margin and Operating Income – Gross margin was increased 3% in the third quarter and 1% in the first nine months of 2012 as compared to the same periods in 2011 primarily as a result of the items noted above. Operating income increased $2.9 million for the third quarter of 2012 compared to the third quarter of 2011 primarily due to:

 

   

a $.8 million gain in the third quarter of 2012 for the reversal of accrued contingent consideration, see Note 11 to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements;

 

   

an asset held for sale impairment of $.4 million in the third quarter of 2012 compared to an impairment of $1.1 in the same quarter of 2011, see Note 2 to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements; and

 

   

facility consolidation costs of $.2 million incurred in 2011.

Operating income decreased $2.2 million for the first nine months of 2012 compared to the first nine months of 2011 primarily due to the net effects of:

 

   

the $7.5 million litigation settlement gain recorded in the first quarter of 2011;

 

   

facility consolidation costs of $2.0 million incurred in 2011;

 

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a $.8 million gain in the third quarter of 2012 for the reversal of accrued contingent consideration, see Note 11 to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements;

 

   

an asset held for sale impairment of $.4 million in the third quarter of 2012 compared to an impairment of $1.1 in the same quarter of 2011, see Note 2 to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements; and

 

   

improved production efficiencies in 2012 as a result of the consolidation of furniture component facilities and increased sales in 2012 across all business units.

As a percentage of net sales, operating costs and expenses were comparable for the third quarter and the nine month period of 2012 in relation to the same periods in 2011. However, currency transaction gains and losses were negatively impacted by $.5 million in each of the third quarter and nine month comparisons.

Currency Exchange Rates – Our Component Products Segment has substantial operations and assets which are all located outside the United States (in Canada and Taiwan). The majority of sales generated from our non-U.S. operations are denominated in the U.S. dollar, with the remainder denominated in foreign currencies, principally the Canadian dollar and the New Taiwan dollar. Most raw materials, labor and other production costs for our non-U.S. operations are denominated in local currencies. Consequently, the translated U.S. dollar values of our non-U.S. sales and operating results are subject to currency exchange rate fluctuations which may favorably or unfavorably impact reported earnings and may affect comparability of period-to-period operating results. In addition to the impact of the translation of sales and expenses over time, our non-U.S. operations also generate currency transaction gains and losses which primarily relate to the difference between the currency exchange rates in effect when non-local currency sales or operating costs are initially accrued and when such amounts are settled. For the nine-months ended September 12, 2012, our Component Products Segment’s net sales were negatively impacted while its operating income was positively impacted by currency exchange rates in the following amounts as compared to the impact of currency exchange rates during the corresponding periods in the prior year:

 

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Impact of changes in currency exchange rates

Three months ended September 30, 2012 vs. 2011

 
     Transaction gains/
(losses) recognized
   

Translation
gain/loss–

impact of rate

   

Total
currency
impact

2012 vs.

 
     2011      2012     Change     changes     2011  
     (In millions)  

Impact on:

           

Net sales

   $ —         $ —        $ —        $ (.1   $ (.1

Operating income

     .4         (.1     (.5     .2        (.3

Impact of changes in currency exchange rates

Nine months ended September 30, 2012 vs. 2011

 
     Transaction gains/
(losses) recognized
   

Translation
gain/loss–

impact of rate

   

Total
currency
impact

2012 vs.

 
     2011      2012     Change     changes     2011  
     (In millions)  

Impact on:

           

Net sales

   $ —         $ —        $ —        $ (.2   $ (.2

Operating income

     .4         (.1     (.5     .6        .1   

The negative impact on sales for both periods relates to sales denominated in non-U.S. dollar currencies translated into lower U.S. dollar sales due to a weakening of the local currency in relation to the U.S. dollar. The negative impact on operating income for the quarter primarily results from currency transaction losses in 2012 compared to gains in 2011 related to the timing of settling non-local currency denominated receivables and payables and changes in currency exchange rates. The insignificant net positive impact of changes in currency exchange rates on operating income for the nine month period results from positive currency translation gains largely offset by the negative comparative impact of currency transaction losses. The net currency transaction losses in 2012 compared to gains in 2011 related to the timing of settling non-local currency denominated receivables and payables and changes in currency exchange rates, particularly impacted by a weakening of the U.S. dollar in the latter part of the third quarter of 2012. The net currency translation gains relate to an overall stronger U.S. dollar in the nine-month period of 2012 compared to 2011. This positively impacts operating income as it results in more local currency generated from U.S. dollar denominated sales of non-U.S. operations to cover the costs of non-U.S. operations which are primarily denominated in local currency.

Outlook – Consistent with the current state of the North American economy, overall demand from our Component Product Segment’s customers continues to be subject to instability. While we experienced an increase in demand across most of our markets during the first nine months of 2012, demand from several of our significant office furniture industry customers was weak but was more than offset by an additional $2.7 million in sales during the first nine months from the ergonomic healthcare components business acquired in July 2011. Due to the current economic situation, it is uncertain (i) whether sales to our office furniture industry customers will improve during the remainder of 2012, (ii) what the ongoing impact on sales of the acquired

 

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ergonomics components business will be or (iii) the extent that sales will grow across our other customers during the remainder of 2012. While changes in market demand are not within our control, we are focused on the areas we can impact. Staffing levels are continuously evaluated in relation to sales order rates which may result in headcount adjustments, to the extent possible, to match staffing levels with demand. We expect our continuous lean manufacturing and cost improvement initiatives, such as the 2011 consolidation of our furniture components facilities, to positively impact our productivity and result in a more efficient infrastructure. Additionally, we continue to seek opportunities to gain market share in markets we currently serve, to expand into new markets and to develop new product features in order to mitigate the impact of changes in demand as well as broaden our sales base.

Volatility in the costs of commodity raw materials is ongoing. Our primary commodity raw materials are steel, brass, alloyed zinc and stainless steel, which together represent approximately 18% of our total cost of goods sold. We generally seek to mitigate the impact of fluctuations in commodity raw material costs on our margins through improvements in production efficiencies or other operating cost reductions as well as occasionally executing larger quantity strategic purchases of these raw materials, which may result in higher inventory balances for a period of time. In the event we are unable to offset commodity raw material cost increases with other cost reductions, it may be difficult to recover those cost increases through increased product selling prices or surcharges due to the competitive nature of the markets served by our products. Additionally, significant surcharges may negatively affect our margins as they typically only recover the increased cost of the raw material without adding margin dollars resulting in a lower margin percentage. Consequently, overall operating margins may be negatively affected by commodity raw material cost pressures.

During the first nine months of 2012, the value of the U.S. dollar did not change significantly in comparison to the Canadian dollar or the New Taiwan dollar, which are the primary currencies of our Component Products Segment’s non-U.S. operations. However, the U.S. dollar could weaken during the remainder of 2012, which may have a negative impact on our 2012 results in comparison to 2011. When practical, we will seek to mitigate the negative impact of changes in currency exchange rates on our results by entering into currency hedging contracts. However, such strategies cannot fully mitigate the negative impact of changes in currency exchange rates. See Note 15 to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for currency hedging contracts our Component Products Segment had in place at September 30, 2012.

Waste Management –

 

     Three months ended
September 30,
    Nine months ended
September 30,
 
     2011     2012     2011     2012  
     (In millions)  

Net sales

   $ .4      $ 14.5      $ 1.2      $ 16.5   

Cost of sales

     6.5        8.7        18.4        24.4   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross margin

   $ (6.1   $ 5.8      $ (17.2   $ (7.9
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating loss

   $ (9.7   $ (1.0   $ (27.9   $ (21.9

 

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General – We have operated our Waste Management Segment’s waste management facility on a relatively limited basis while we navigated the regulatory licensing requirements to receive permits for the disposal of byproduct waste material and for a broad range of LLRW. In May 2008, the TCEQ issued us a license for the disposal of byproduct material. Byproduct material includes uranium or thorium mill tailings as well as equipment, pipe and other materials used to handle and process the mill tailings. We began construction of the byproduct facility infrastructure at our site in Andrews County, Texas in the third quarter of 2008, and this facility began disposal operations in October 2009. In January 2009, the TCEQ issued a near-surface LLRW disposal license to us. This license was signed in September 2009. Construction of the Compact and Federal LLRW sites began in January 2011. The Compact LLRW site was fully certified and operational in April 2012, and the Federal LLRW site was fully certified and operational in September 2012.

Net Sales and Operating Loss – The Waste Management Segment’s sales increased significantly in the third quarter and first nine months of 2012 compared to 2011, as we accepted some of our first shipments for disposal at the newly-completed Compact disposal facility during the third quarter. We recognized a positive gross margin in the third quarter of 2012 and significantly reduced our negative gross margin in the first nine months of 2012 as compared to 2011 as a result of increased sales. Our Waste Management operating loss was lower in the third quarter and first nine months of 2012 compared to 2011 due to our increased sales; however we still recognized operating losses in both periods due to the higher cost structure associated with operating under our byproduct and LLRW disposal licenses and the Federal LLRW disposal facility had not received LLRW for disposal by the end of the third quarter 2012. We continue to seek to increase our Waste Management Segment’s sales volumes from waste streams permitted under our current licenses.

Outlook – Having obtained the final regulatory license we need to commence full scale operations, and with the Compact LLRW disposal facility certified for operation in April 2012 and the Federal LLRW disposal facility certified for operation in September 2012, we are ready to provide “one-stop shopping” for hazardous, toxic and LLRW and radioactive byproduct material. WCS has the broadest range of capabilities of any commercial enterprise in the U.S. for the storage, treatment and permanent disposal of these materials, which we believe gives WCS a significant and valuable competitive advantage in the industry. We are also exploring opportunities to obtain certain types of new business (including disposal and storage of certain other types of waste) that, if obtained, could help to increase our Waste Management Segment’s sales, and decrease our Waste Management Segment’s operating loss. Our ability to increase our Waste Management Segment’s sales volumes through these waste streams, particularly as it relates to the Compact and Federal LLRW disposal facilities, together with improved operating efficiencies through further cost reductions and increased capacity utilization, are important factors in improving our Waste Management operating results and cash flows. Until we are able to increase our Waste Management Segment’s sales volumes, we expect we will continue to generally report operating losses in our Waste Management Segment. While achieving increased sales volumes could result in operating profits, we currently do not believe we will report any significant levels of Waste Management operating profit until we have started to generate revenues sufficient to cover the high fixed costs of operating our disposal facilities.

 

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We believe WCS can become a viable, profitable operation; however, we do not know if we will be successful in improving WCS’ cash flows. We have in the past, and we may in the future, consider strategic alternatives with respect to WCS. We could report a loss in any such strategic transaction.

General Corporate Items, Other Items, Interest Expense, Income Taxes and Noncontrolling Interest – 2012 Compared to 2011

Interest and Dividend Income – A significant portion of our interest and dividend income in both 2012 and 2011 relates to the distributions we received from The Amalgamated Sugar Company LLC. We recognized dividend income from the LLC of $6.3 million in each of the third quarters of 2011 and 2012 and $19.0 million in each of the first nine months of 2011 and 2012.

Insurance Recoveries – Insurance recoveries relate to amounts NL received from certain of its former insurance carriers, and relate principally to the recovery of prior lead pigment and asbestos litigation defense costs incurred by NL. NL has agreements with certain former insurance carriers pursuant to which the carriers reimburse NL for a portion of its future lead pigment litigation defense costs, and one such carrier reimburses NL for a portion of its future asbestos litigation defense costs. We are not able to determine how much we will ultimately recover from these carriers for defense costs incurred by NL because of certain issues that arise regarding which defense costs qualify for reimbursement. Substantially all of the insurance recoveries we recognized in the third quarter of 2011 relate to a settlement we reached with one of our former insurance carriers in September 2011 in which they agreed to reimburse us for a portion of our past lead pigment litigation defense costs.

Litigation Settlement Gain – We recognized a $14.7 million gain in the second quarter of 2012 related to third and final closing of settlement agreement associated with certain real property NL formerly owned, see Note 11 to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Corporate Expenses and Other Items, Net – Corporate expenses were 16% lower at $7.9 million in the third quarter of 2012 compared to $9.2 million in the same period in 2011, primarily due to lower environmental remediation and related expense and lower litigation and related costs recognized in the third quarter of in 2012. Corporate expenses were 14% higher at $37.4 million in the first nine months of 2012 compared to $32.6 million in the same period in 2011, primarily due to higher environmental remediation and related expense recognized in the first quarter of 2012. Included in corporate expense are:

 

   

litigation and related costs at NL of $1.6 million in the third quarter of 2012 compared to $2.4 million in third quarter of 2011, and $5.6 million in the first nine months of 2012 compared to $5.4 million in the first nine months of 2011, and

 

   

environmental remediation and related costs of $.2 million in the third quarter of 2012 compared to $.7 million in third quarter of 2011, and $14.2 million in the first nine months of 2012 compared to $10.5 million in the first nine months of 2011.

The level of our litigation and related expenses varies from period to period depending upon, among other things, the number of cases in which we are currently involved, the nature of such cases and the current stage of such cases (e.g. discovery, pre-trial motions, trial or appeal, if applicable). See Note 14 to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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Obligations associated with environmental remediation and related matters are difficult to assess and estimate, and it is possible that actual costs will exceed accrued amounts or that costs will be incurred in the future for sites in which we cannot currently estimate our liability. If these events were to occur in the remainder of 2012, our corporate expenses would be higher than we currently estimate. In addition, we adjust our accruals for environmental remediation and related matters as further information becomes available to us or as circumstances change. Further information or changed circumstances could result in an increase or reduction in our accrued costs. See Note 14 to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Overall we expect that our net general corporate expenses for all of calendar 2012 will be higher than 2011 due to higher environmental remediation and related expenses. If our current expectations regarding the number of cases or sites in which we expect to be involved during 2012, or if the nature of such cases or sites, were to change, our corporate expenses could be higher than we currently estimate and involve amounts that are material.

Loss on Prepayment of Debt and Interest Expense – In June 2012, our Chemicals Segment entered into a $400 million term loan. Our Chemicals Segment used a portion of the net proceeds of the term loan to redeem the remaining outstanding 6.5% Senior Secured Notes due April 2013 (€279.2 million principal amount outstanding). As a result, we recognized an aggregate $7.2 million pre-tax charge in the second quarter of 2012 related to the early extinguishment of debt, consisting of the call premium paid, interest from the June 14, 2012 indenture discharge date to the July 20, 2012 redemption date and the write-off of unamortized deferred financing costs and original issue discount associated with the redeemed Senior Notes. On March 24, 2011, our Chemicals Segment redeemed €80 million of its 6.5% Senior Secured Notes, and borrowed under its European revolving credit facility. As a result, we recognized a $3.3 million pre-tax interest charge related to the prepayment of the 6.5% Senior Secured Notes in the first quarter of 2011, consisting of the call premium and the write-off of unamortized deferred financing costs and original issue discount associated with the redeemed Senior Notes. During the third quarter of 2011, Kronos repurchased in open market transactions an aggregate €30.4 million principal amount of its Senior Secured Notes (including €3.0 million for which settlement did not occur until October 2011), we recognized a $.1 million net gain on these repurchases. See Note 9 to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Interest expense decreased to $14.6 million in the third quarter of 2012 from $15.2 million in the third quarter of 2011 and $42.5 million in the first nine months of 2012 from $48.3 million in the same period of 2011 primarily due to the net effects of the prepayment and open market purchases of a portion of the 6.5% Senior Secured Notes made in the first, third and fourth quarters of 2011. We expect interest expense for the remainder of 2012 to be comparable to the same periods in 2011 due to the net effect of higher average outstanding debt levels associated with borrowings under Kronos’ new term loan and European revolver, and lower average interest rates on outstanding borrowings, as Kronos’ term loan and European revolver bear interest at a lower average interest rate compared to the redeemed 6.5% Senior Notes and to continued lower average balances of outstanding borrowings at NL and CompX in 2012.

 

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Provision for Income Taxes (Benefit) – Our tax rate varies as the contribution of income from our business units change. We had an income tax benefit of $2.1 million in the third quarter of 2012 compared to income tax provision of $55.4 million in the third quarter of 2011, primarily due to our lower operating income in 2012. In addition, our provision for income taxes in the third quarter of 2011 includes $13.2 million for U.S. incremental income taxes on current earnings repatriated from our Chemicals Segment’s Germany subsidiary, which earnings were used to fund a portion of the repurchases of our Senior Secured Notes. Our income tax benefit in the third quarter of 2012 includes an incremental tax benefit of $11.1 million as we determined in the third quarter that due to global changes in our Chemicals Segment’s business we would not remit certain dividends from our foreign jurisdictions. As a result, certain Chemicals Segment current year tax attributes are available for carryback to offset prior year tax expense. Our income tax provision was $92.1 million in the first nine months of 2012 compared to $127.7 million in the first nine months of 2011, the decrease in which was primarily due to decreased operating income in the first nine months of 2012 compared to the same period in 2011 partially offset by the litigation settlement gain recognized in 2012 on the final closing of a settlement agreement associated with certain real property NL formerly owned. The income tax provision in the first nine months of 2011 and 2012 are also affected by the third quarter items noted above as well as a first quarter of 2011 $2.1 million provision for deferred income taxes related to the undistributed earnings of our Canadian subsidiary attributable to the 2011 $7.5 million patent litigation settlement gain and a net benefit of $6.7 million in the first nine months of 2011 (primarily in the third quarter) related to a decrease in the reserve for uncertain tax positions. See Note 12 to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

We have substantial net operating loss carryforwards in Germany (the equivalent of $799 million and $188 million for German corporate and trade tax purposes, respectively, at December 31, 2011). At September 30, 2012, we have concluded that no deferred income tax asset valuation allowance is required to be recognized with respect to such carryforwards, principally because (i) such carryforwards have an indefinite carryforward period, (ii) we have utilized a portion of such carryforwards during the most recent three-year period ended December 31, 2011 and (iii) we currently expect to utilize the remainder of such carryforwards over the long term. However, prior to the complete utilization of such carryforwards, particularly if the economic recovery were to be short-lived or we were to generate losses in our German operations for an extended period of time, it is possible that we might conclude the benefit of such carryforwards would no longer meet the more-likely-than-not recognition criteria, at which point we would be required to recognize a valuation allowance against some or all of the then-remaining tax benefit associated with the carryforwards.

See Note 12 to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for more information about our 2012 income tax items and a tabular reconciliation of our statutory tax expense to our actual tax expense.

Noncontrolling Interest in Net Income of Subsidiaries – Noncontrolling interest in net income was $8.9 million in the third quarter of 2012, compared to $21.6 million in the same period of 2011, and $56.7 million in the first nine months of 2012 compared to $57.3 million in the same period of 2011. The decrease is primarily due to the net effects of lower operating income at Kronos.

 

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LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Consolidated Cash Flows

Operating Activities

Trends in cash flows from operating activities (excluding the impact of significant asset dispositions and relative changes in assets and liabilities) are generally similar to trends in our earnings.

Cash flows from operating activities decreased from $220.5 million cash provided by operations in the first nine months of 2011 to $46.2 million in the first nine months of 2012. This $174.3 million net decline in the amount of cash from operations was primarily due to the net effects of the following items:

 

   

lower consolidated operating income in 2012 of $39.9 million compared to 2011;

 

   

higher contributions to our TiO2 manufacturing joint venture in 2012 of $32.2 million, primarily to support the joint venture’s higher working capital needs associated with higher-cost feedstock ore;

 

   

higher net cash paid for taxes of $16.3 million in 2012 compared to 2011 primarily from timing of payments; and

 

   

changes in receivables, inventories, payables and accrued liabilities in 2012 used $188.3 million of net cash in 2012, an increase in the amount of cash used of $67.1 million compared to 2011, primarily due to the relative increases in Kronos’ inventories and receivables, as discussed below.

As shown below, changes in working capital were affected by accounts receivable and inventory changes.

 

   

Kronos’ average days sales outstanding (“DSO”) increased from December 31, 2011 to September 30, 2012 primarily because sales in the fourth quarter of 2011 were more heavily weighted towards the beginning of the quarter while sales in the third quarter of 2012 were more heavily weighted towards the end of the quarter.

 

   

Kronos’ average days sales in inventory (“DSI”) decreased from December 31, 2011 to September 30, 2012 mainly due to the net effects of the lower production volumes in the second and third quarters of 2012 in order to manage our inventory levels and higher inventory costs resulting primarily from higher feedstock ore costs.

 

   

CompX’s average DSO increased slightly from December 31, 2011 to September 30, 2012. Generally, we expect our average days sales outstanding to increase from December to September as the result of a seasonal increase in sales during the third quarter as compared to the fourth quarter.

 

   

CompX’s average DSI decreased from December 31, 2011 to September 30, 2012 was the result of an increase in sales volume in the first nine months of 2012 without a significant change in inventory value due to our operational focus on continuously improving our inventory management.

 

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For comparative purposes, we have also provided comparable prior period numbers below.

 

     December 31,      September 30,      December 31,      September 30,  
     2010      2011      2011      2012  

Kronos:

           

Days sales outstanding

     55 days         55 days         55 days         60 days   

Days sales in inventory

     52 days         48 days         104 days         79 days   

CompX:

           

Days sales outstanding

     41 days         42 days         39 days         42 days   

Days sales in inventory

     70 days         67 days         71 days         65 days   

We do not have complete access to the cash flows of our majority-owned subsidiaries, due in part to limitations contained in certain credit agreements of our subsidiaries and because we do not own 100% of these subsidiaries. A detail of our consolidated cash flows from operating activities is presented in the table below. Intercompany dividends have been eliminated.

 

     Nine months ended
September 30,
 
     2011     2012  
     (In millions)  

Cash provided by (used in) operating activities:

    

Valhi exclusive of subsidiaries

   $ 81.4      $ 53.5   

Kronos

     243.2        57.2   

NL exclusive of its subsidiaries

     18.0        5.0   

CompX

     8.3        6.4   

WCS

     (23.8     (13.8

Tremont

     (1.0     .3   

Other

     (.1     (.4

Eliminations

     (105.5     (62.0
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 220.5      $ 46.2   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Investing Activities –

We spent $66.0 million in capital expenditures during the first nine months of 2012 including:

 

   

$45.5 million in our Chemicals Segment;

 

   

$17.2 million in our Waste Management Segment; and

 

   

$ 3.1 million in our Component Products Segment.

Our Waste Management Segment also had $2.9 million in expenditures for capitalized permit costs.

We had the following market transactions during the nine months of 2012:

 

   

sold $21.1 million of mutual funds; and

 

   

sold a net $2.4 million of other marketable securities.

 

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NL received $15.6 million in the second quarter of 2012 related to third and final closing of settlement agreement associated with certain real property NL formerly owned, see Note 11 to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Financing Activities –

During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, we:

 

   

borrowed €80 million ($107.4 million when borrowed) on Kronos’ European credit facility and subsequently repaid an aggregate of €45 million ($56.2 million when repaid);

 

   

borrowed an aggregate $394 million on Kronos’ new term loan entered into in June 2012 that was issued at 98.5% of the principal amount and subsequently repaid $5.0 million principal amount;

 

   

retired all of the remaining €279.2 million principal amount of Kronos’ 6.5% Senior Secured Notes ($352.3 million when retired);

 

   

prepaid $1.0 million on CompX’s promissory note payable to TIMET in addition to its regular quarterly payments aggregating $.7 million; and

 

   

paid quarterly dividends to Valhi stockholders aggregating $.142 per share ($48.0 million).

Distributions to noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries in the first nine months of 2012 are primarily comprised of CompX dividends paid to shareholders other than NL, NL dividends paid to shareholders other than us and Kronos dividends paid to shareholders other than us and NL.

Outstanding Debt Obligations

At September 30, 2012, our consolidated indebtedness was comprised of:

 

   

$395 million aggregate borrowings under Kronos’ new term loan ($389.3 million carrying value, net of unamortized original issue discount);

 

   

€35 million ($45.2 million) under Kronos’ European revolving credit facility which matures in September 2017;

 

   

Valhi’s $250 million loan from Snake River Sugar Company due in 2027;

 

   

Cdn.$2.0 million ($2.0 million) under CompX’s revolving credit facility which, as amended in January 2012, matures in January 2015;

 

   

CompX’s promissory note payable to TIMET ($20.5 million outstanding) which is due in 2014;

 

   

NL’s $5.1 million promissory note issued in connection with a litigation settlement due in 2012;

 

   

WCS’ $72.0 million financing capital lease ($70.2 million outstanding) with Andrews County, Texas which has an effective interest rate of 7.0% and is due in monthly installments through August 2035;

 

   

WCS’ two 6.0% promissory notes ($11.9 million outstanding) due in 2012 through 2014; and

 

   

approximately $9.2 million of other indebtedness, primarily capital lease obligations.

 

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Certain of our revolving credit facilities with unrelated, third party lenders require the respective borrowers to maintain minimum levels of equity, require the maintenance of certain financial ratios, limit dividends and additional indebtedness and contain other provisions and restrictive covenants customary in lending transactions of this type. We are in compliance with all of our debt covenants at September 30, 2012. We believe we will be able to comply with the financial covenants contained in all of our credit facilities through the maturity of the respective facilities; however if future operating results differ materially from our expectations we may be unable to maintain compliance.

Future Cash Requirements

Liquidity –

Our primary source of liquidity on an ongoing basis is our cash flows from operating activities and borrowings under various lines of credit and notes. We generally use these amounts to (i) fund capital expenditures, (ii) repay short-term indebtedness incurred primarily for working capital purposes and (iii) provide for the payment of dividends (including dividends paid to us by our subsidiaries) or treasury stock purchases. From time-to-time we will incur indebtedness, generally to (i) fund short-term working capital needs, (ii) refinance existing indebtedness, (iii) make investments in marketable and other securities (including the acquisition of securities issued by our subsidiaries and affiliates) or (iv) fund major capital expenditures or the acquisition of other assets outside the ordinary course of business. Occasionally we sell assets outside the ordinary course of business, and we generally use the proceeds to (i) repay existing indebtedness (including indebtedness which may have been collateralized by the assets sold), (ii) make investments in marketable and other securities, (iii) fund major capital expenditures or the acquisition of other assets outside the ordinary course of business or (iv) pay dividends.

We routinely compare our liquidity requirements and alternative uses of capital against the estimated future cash flows we expect to receive from our subsidiaries, and the estimated sales value of those units. As a result of this process, we have in the past sought, and may in the future seek, to raise additional capital, refinance or restructure indebtedness, repurchase indebtedness in the market or otherwise, modify our dividend policies, consider the sale of our interests in our subsidiaries, affiliates, business units, marketable securities or other assets, or take a combination of these and other steps, to increase liquidity, reduce indebtedness and fund future activities. Such activities have in the past and may in the future involve related companies. From time to time we and our subsidiaries may enter into intercompany loans as a cash management tool. Such notes are structured as revolving demand notes and pay and receive interest on terms we believe are generally more favorable than current debt and investment market rates. The companies that borrow under these notes have sufficient borrowing capacity to repay the notes at anytime upon demand. All of these notes and related interest expense and income are eliminated in our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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We periodically evaluate acquisitions of interests in or combinations with companies (including our affiliates) that may or may not be engaged in businesses related to our current businesses. We intend to consider such acquisition activities in the future and, in connection with this activity, may consider issuing additional equity securities and increasing indebtedness. From time to time, we also evaluate the restructuring of ownership interests among our respective subsidiaries and related companies.

Based upon our expectations of our operating performance, and the anticipated demands on our cash resources, we expect to have sufficient liquidity to meet our short term obligations (defined as the twelve-month period ending September 30, 2013) and our long-term obligations (defined as the five-year period ending September 30, 2017, our time period for long-term budgeting). In this regard, see the discussion above in “Outstanding Debt Obligations.” If actual developments differ from our expectations, our liquidity could be adversely affected.

At September 30, 2012, we had credit available under existing facilities of approximately $363 million, which was comprised of:

 

   

$125 million under Kronos’ new North American revolving credit facility;

 

   

€85 million $110 million) under Kronos’ new European credit facility;

 

   

$28 million under CompX’s bank credit facility; and

 

   

$100(1) million under Valhi’s Contran credit facility.

 

(1)

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

We could borrow all of the amounts noted above without violating any covenants of the credit facilities. In addition, Kronos’ new $400 million term loan provides for an additional $100 million of term loan borrowings in the future under certain conditions.

At September 30, 2012, we had an aggregate of $231.5 million of restricted and unrestricted cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities, including $56.8 million held by our non-U.S. subsidiaries. A detail by entity is presented in the table below.

 

            Held outside  
     Amount      U.S.  
     (In millions)  

Kronos

   $ 174.9       $ 50.8   

NL exclusive of its subsidiaries

     27.0         —     

Valhi exclusive of its subsidiaries

     11.0         —     

Tremont

     8.7         —     

CompX

     7.0         6.0   

WCS

     2.9         —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total restricted and unrestrictive cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities

   $ 231.5       $ 56.8   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Capital Expenditures –

We currently expect our aggregate capital expenditures for 2012 will be approximately $98 million as follows:

 

   

$70 million by our Chemicals Segment, including approximately $26 million in the area of environmental protection and compliance;

 

   

$5 million by our Component Products Segment; and

 

   

$23 million by our Waste Management Segment.

The WCS amount includes approximately $3.2 million in capitalized operating permit costs. Capital spending for 2012 is expected to be funded through cash generated from operations and credit facilities. Our Waste Management Segment’s LLRW disposal license was signed in September 2009. With the receipt of this license, WCS began construction of its Federal LLRW facility in 2011. The facility was certified for operations in September 2012. Approximately $16.8 million of WCS’ planned capital spending relates to the new Federal LLRW facility.

Planned capital expenditures in 2012 at Kronos and CompX will primarily be to maintain and improve the cost-effectiveness of our facilities. A significant portion of the increase in our Component Products Segment’s expected capital expenditures for 2012 relates to the implementation of new manufacturing and accounting systems.

Repurchases of Common Stock –

We, Kronos and CompX have programs to repurchase common stock from time to time as market conditions permit. These stock repurchase programs do not include specific price targets or timetables and may be suspended at any time. Depending on market conditions, these programs may be terminated prior to completion. Cash on hand will be used to acquire the shares and repurchased shares will be added to treasury shares and cancelled.

At September 30, 2012 Valhi had approximately 4.0 million shares available to repurchase shares of our common stock under the authorizations made by our board of directors.

In December 2010, Kronos’ board of directors authorized the repurchase of up to 2.0 million shares of its common stock in open market transactions, including block purchases, or in privately-negotiated transactions at unspecified prices and over an unspecified period of time. To date Kronos has not made any repurchases under the plan and at September 30, 2012 all 2.0 million shares are available for repurchase.

CompX’s board of directors authorized the repurchase of its Class A common stock in open market transactions, including block purchases, or in privately-negotiated transactions at unspecified prices and over an unspecified period of time. At September 30, 2012 approximately 678,000 shares were available for purchase under these authorizations.

Dividends –

In May 2011, Kronos implemented a 2-for-1 split of its common stock. We have adjusted all share and per-share disclosures for all periods to give effect to the stock split. Kronos’ stock split had no financial statement impact to us, and our ownership interest in Kronos did not change as a result of the split.

 

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Because our operations are conducted primarily through subsidiaries and affiliates, our long-term ability to meet parent company level corporate obligations is largely dependent on the receipt of dividends or other distributions from our subsidiaries and affiliates. Kronos’ current quarterly cash dividend is $.15 per share. Based on the 58.0 million shares we held of Kronos common stock at September 30, 2012, we would receive aggregate annual regular dividends from Kronos of $34.8 million in 2012. NL’s current quarterly cash dividend is $.125 per share. Based on the 40.4 million shares we held of NL common stock at September 30, 2012, we would receive aggregate annual dividends from NL of $20.2 million in 2012. We do not expect to receive any distributions from WCS during 2012. All of our ownership interest in CompX is held through our ownership in NL, as such we do not receive any dividends from CompX. Instead any dividend CompX declares is paid to NL.

Our subsidiaries have various credit agreements with unrelated third-party lenders which contain customary limitations on the payment of dividends, typically a percentage of net income or cash flow; however, these restrictions in the past have not significantly impacted their ability to pay dividends.

In May 2012, we amended our certificate of incorporation to increase the authorized number of shares of our common stock to 500 million. Subsequently in May 2012, we implemented a 3-for-1 split of our common stock in the form of a stock dividend. Other than the disclosure of the increase in the authorized number of shares of our common stock, we have adjusted all share and per-share disclosures for all periods presented in our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements to give effect to the stock split, and we have adjusted our stockholder’s equity at December 31, 2011 to reflect the split by reclassifying $2.4 million from additional paid in capital to common stock representing $.01 per share value of each share of common stock issued as a result of the stock split.

Investment in our Subsidiaries and Affiliates and Other Acquisitions –

We have in the past, and may in the future, purchase the securities of our subsidiaries and affiliates or third parties in market or privately-negotiated transactions. We base our purchase decision on a variety of factors, including an analysis of the optimal use of our capital, taking into account the market value of the securities and the relative value of expected returns on alternative investments. In connection with these activities, we may consider issuing additional equity securities or increasing our indebtedness. We may also evaluate the restructuring of ownership interests of our businesses among our subsidiaries and related companies.

We generally do not guarantee any indebtedness or other obligations of our subsidiaries or affiliates. Our subsidiaries are not required to pay us dividends. If one or more of our subsidiaries were unable to maintain its current level of dividends, either due to restrictions contained in a credit agreement or to satisfy its liabilities or otherwise, our ability to service our liabilities or to pay dividends on our common stock could be adversely impacted. If this were to occur, we might consider reducing or eliminating our dividends or selling interests in subsidiaries or other assets. If we were required to liquidate assets to generate funds to satisfy our liabilities, we might be required to sell at what we believe would be less than the long-term value of such assets.

 

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WCS’ primary source of liquidity currently consists of intercompany borrowings from one of our wholly-owned subsidiaries under the terms of a revolving credit facility. We eliminate these intercompany borrowings in our Consolidated Financial Statements. During the first nine months of 2012, WCS borrowed $33.7 million from our subsidiary. WCS will likely borrow additional amounts from us during the fourth quarter of 2012 under the terms of the revolving credit facility. At September 30, 2012, WCS can borrow an additional $26.3 million under this facility, which matures in March 2013.

We have an unsecured revolving demand promissory note with NL whereby, as amended, we agreed to loan NL up to $40 million. Our loan to NL bears interest at prime plus 2.75% (6.0% at September 30, 2012), payable quarterly, with all principal due on demand, but in any event no earlier than March 2013 and no later than December 31, 2013. The amount of our outstanding loans to NL at any time is at our discretion. As of December 31, 2011 and September 30, 2012 we had loans outstanding to NL of $4.1 million and $5.6 million, respectively, which loans are eliminated in our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. NL will likely borrow additional amounts from us during the fourth quarter of 2012.

We have an unsecured revolving credit facility with Kronos which, as amended, provides for borrowings from Kronos of up to $225 million. The facility bears interest at prime plus 1.0% (4.25% at September 30, 2012), and is due on demand, but in any event no earlier than December 31, 2013. As of December 31, 2011 and September 30, 2012, we had loans outstanding from Kronos of $136.1 million and $167.6 million, respectively, which loans are eliminated in our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. At September 30, 2012 $57.4 million was available for borrowings under the facility. We will likely borrow additional amounts from Kronos during the fourth quarter of 2012.

Investment in The Amalgamated Sugar Company LLC –

The terms of The Amalgamated Sugar Company LLC Company Agreement provide for an annual “base level” of cash dividend distributions (sometimes referred to as distributable cash) by the LLC of $26.7 million, from which we are entitled to a 95% preferential share. Distributions from the LLC are dependent, in part, upon the operations of the LLC. We record dividend distributions from the LLC as income when they are declared by the LLC, which is generally the same month in which we receive the distributions, although distributions may in certain cases be paid on the first business day of the following month. To the extent the LLC’s distributable cash is below this base level in any given year, we are entitled to an additional 95% preferential share of any future annual LLC distributable cash in excess of the base level until such shortfall is recovered. Based on the LLC’s current projections for 2012, we expect distributions received from the LLC in 2012 will exceed our debt service requirements under our $250 million loans from Snake River Sugar Company by approximately $1.8 million.

We may, at our option, require the LLC to redeem our interest in the LLC and the LLC has the right to redeem our interest in the LLC beginning in 2027. The redemption price is generally $250 million plus the amount of certain undistributed income allocable to us, if any. In the event we require the LLC to redeem our interest in the LLC, Snake River has the right

 

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to accelerate the maturity of and call our $250 aggregate million loans from Snake River. Redemption of our interest in the LLC would result in us reporting income related to the disposition of our LLC interest for income tax purposes, although we would not be expected to report a gain in earnings for financial reporting purposes at the time our LLC interest is redeemed. However, because of Snake River’s ability to call our $250 million loans from Snake River upon redemption of our interest in the LLC, the net cash proceeds (after repayment of the debt) generated by the redemption of our interest in the LLC could be less than the income taxes that we would be required to pay as a result of the disposition.

Off-balance Sheet Financing

We do not have any off-balance sheet financing agreements other than the operating leases discussed in our 2011 Annual Report.

Commitments and Contingencies

We are subject to certain commitments and contingencies, as more fully described in Notes 12 and 17 to our 2011 Annual Report, or in Notes 12 and 14 to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and in Part II, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report, including:

 

   

certain income tax examinations which are underway in various U.S. and non-U.S. jurisdictions;

 

   

certain environmental remediation matters involving NL, Tremont and Valhi;

 

   

certain litigation related to NL’s former involvement in the manufacture of lead pigment and lead-based paint; and

 

   

certain other litigation to which we are a party.

In addition to such legal proceedings various legislation and administrative regulations have, from time to time, been proposed that seek to (i) impose various obligations on present and former manufacturers of lead pigment and lead-based paint (including NL) with respect to asserted health concerns associated with the use of such products and (ii) effectively overturn court decisions in which NL and other pigment manufacturers have been successful. Examples of such proposed legislation include bills which would permit civil liability for damages on the basis of market share, rather than requiring plaintiffs to prove that the defendant’s product caused the alleged damage, and bills which would revive actions barred by the statute of limitations. While no legislation or regulations have been enacted to date that are expected to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or liquidity, enactment of such legislation could have such an effect.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

See Note 16 to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Critical Accounting Policies

There have been no changes in the first nine months of 2012 with respect to our critical accounting policies presented in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation in our 2011 Annual Report.

 

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ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

We are exposed to market risk, including currency exchange rates, interest rates and security prices, and raw material prices. There have been no material changes in these market risks since we filed our 2011 Annual Report, and refer you to Part I, Item 7A. – “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk” in our 2011 Annual Report. See also Note 15 to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

We have substantial operations located outside the United States for which the functional currency is not the U.S. dollar. As a result, our assets and liabilities, results of operations and cash flows will fluctuate based upon changes in currency exchange rates.

We periodically use currency forward contracts to manage a nominal portion of currency exchange rate market risk associated with trade receivables, or similar exchange rate risk associated with future sales, denominated in a currency other than the holder’s functional currency. These contracts generally relate to our Chemicals and Component Products operations. We have not entered into these contracts for trading or speculative purposes in the past, nor do we currently anticipate entering into such contracts for trading or speculative purposes in the future. Some of the currency forward contracts we enter into meet the criteria for hedge accounting under GAAP and are designated as cash flow hedges. For these currency forward contracts, gains and losses representing the effective portion of our hedges are deferred as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income, and are subsequently recognized in earnings at the time the hedged item affects earnings. For the currency forward contracts we enter into which do not meet the criteria for hedge accounting, we mark-to-market the estimated fair value of such contracts at each balance sheet date, with any resulting gain or loss recognized in income currently as part of net currency transactions. See Note 15 to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures –

We maintain a system of disclosure controls and procedures. The term “disclosure controls and procedures,” as defined by regulations of the SEC, means controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports we file or submit to the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Act”), is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information we are required to disclose in the reports we file or submit to the SEC under the Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and our principal financial officer, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions to be made regarding required disclosure. Each of Steven L. Watson, our President and Chief Executive Officer, and Bobby D. O’Brien, our Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, have evaluated the design and operating effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of September 30, 2012. Based upon their evaluation, these executive officers have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 30, 2012.

 

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Internal Control Over Financial Reporting –

We also maintain internal control over financial reporting. The term “internal control over financial reporting,” as defined by regulations of the SEC, means a process designed by, or under the supervision of, our principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by our board of directors, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with GAAP, and includes those policies and procedures that:

 

   

pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect our transactions and dispositions of our assets,

 

   

provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP, and that our receipts and expenditures are made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and directors, and

 

   

provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

As permitted by the SEC, our assessment of internal control over financial reporting excludes (i) internal control over financial reporting of our equity method investees and (ii) internal control over the preparation of our financial statement schedules required by Article 12 of Regulation S-X. However, our assessment of internal control over financial reporting with respect to our equity method investees did include our controls over the recording of amounts related to our investment that are recorded in our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, including controls over the selection of accounting methods for our investments, the recognition of equity method earnings and losses and the determination, valuation and recording of our investment account balances.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting –

There has been no change to our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended September 30, 2012 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

 

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Part II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings.

In addition to the matters discussed below, please refer to Note 17 to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in our 2011 Annual Report and to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, and June 30, 2012.

Raritan Baykeeper, Inc. d/b/a NY/NJ Baykeeper et al. v. NL Industries, Inc. et al. (United States District Court, District of New Jersey, Case No. 3:09-cv-04117). In the third quarter of 2012, NL filed motions to dismiss or stay the case.

ASARCO LLC v. NL Industries, Inc., et al. (United States District Court, Western District of Missouri, Case No. 4:11-cv-00138-DGK). In the second quarter of 2012, NL filed motions to dismiss or stay the case.

ASARCO LLC v. NL Industries, Inc., et al. (United States District Court, Eastern District of Missouri, Case No. 4:11-cv-00864). In the third quarter of 2012, NL filed motions to dismiss or stay the case. In August 2012, oral argument on those motions occurred.

Item 1A. Risk Factors.

For a discussion of the risk factors related to our businesses, please refer to Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” in our 2011 Annual report. There have been no material changes to such risk factors during the first nine months of 2012.

Item 6. Exhibits.

 

Item No.    Exhibit Index
31.1    Certification
31.2    Certification
32.1    Certification
101.INS    XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema
101.CAL    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase
101.DEF    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase
101.LAB    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase
101.PRE    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

   

VALHI, INC.

(Registrant)

Date   November 6, 2012     /s/ Bobby D. O’Brien
     

Bobby D. O’Brien

(Vice President and Chief

Financial Officer)

Date   November 6, 2012     /s/ Gregory M. Swalwell
      Gregory M. Swalwell
      (Vice President and Controller,
      Principal Accounting Officer)

 

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