UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

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

THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020

OR

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

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from          to

Commission file number 1-31763

KRONOS WORLDWIDE, INC.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

5430 LBJ Freeway, Suite 1700

Dallas, Texas 75240-2620

(Address of principal executive offices)

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

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

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

Indicate by check mark:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report.                                                                           ☒

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

The aggregate market value of the 22.2 million shares of voting stock held by nonaffiliates of Kronos Worldwide, Inc. as of June 30, 2020 (the last business day of the Registrant’s most recently-completed second fiscal quarter) approximated $231.1 million.  

Number of shares of the registrant’s common stock, $.01 par value per share, outstanding on February 26, 2021:  115,542,717.

Documents incorporated by reference

Forward-Looking Information

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

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

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PART I

General

Kronos Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: KRO) (Kronos), incorporated in Delaware in 1989, is a leading global producer and marketer of value-added titanium dioxide pigments, or TiO₂, a base industrial product used in a wide range of applications.  We, along with our distributors and agents, sell and provide technical services for our products to approximately 4,000 customers in 100 countries with the majority of our sales in Europe, North America and the Asia Pacific region.  We believe we have developed considerable expertise and efficiency in the manufacture, sale, shipment and service of our products in domestic and international markets.

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

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

TiO₂ is considered a “quality-of-life” product.  Demand for TiO₂ has generally been driven by worldwide gross domestic product and has generally increased with rising standards of living in various regions of the world.  According to industry estimates, TiO₂ consumption has grown at a compound annual growth rate of approximately 2% since 2000.  Per capita consumption of TiO₂ in Western Europe and North America far exceeds that in other areas of the world, and these regions are expected to continue to be the largest consumers of TiO₂ on a per capita basis for the foreseeable future.  We believe that Western Europe and North America currently each account for approximately 17% of global TiO₂ consumption.  Markets for TiO₂ are generally increasing in South America, Eastern Europe, the Asia Pacific region and China and we believe these are significant markets which will continue to grow as economies in these regions continue to develop and quality-of-life products, including TiO₂, experience greater demand.

At December 31, 2020, approximately 50% of our common stock was owned by Valhi, Inc. (NYSE: VHI) and approximately 30% was owned by a wholly-owned subsidiary of NL Industries, Inc. (NYSE: NL).  Valhi also owns approximately 83% of NL Industries’ outstanding common stock.  A wholly-owned subsidiary of Contran Corporation held approximately 92% of Valhi’s outstanding common stock.  As discussed in Note 1 to our Consolidated Financial Statements, Lisa K. Simmons and a trust established for the benefit of Ms. Simmons and her late sister and their children (the “Family Trust”) may be deemed to control Contran, and therefore may be deemed to indirectly control the wholly-owned subsidiary of Contran, Valhi, NL and us.

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Products and end-use markets

Including our predecessors, we have produced and marketed TiO₂ in North America and Europe, our primary markets, for over 100 years.  We believe we are the largest producer of TiO₂ in Europe with 46% of our 2020 sales volumes attributable to markets in Europe.  The table below shows our estimated market share for our significant markets, Europe and North America, for the last three years.

We believe we are the leading seller of TiO₂ in several countries, including Germany, with an estimated 9% share of worldwide TiO₂ sales volume in 2020.  Overall, we are one of the top five producers of TiO₂ in the world.

We offer our customers a broad portfolio of products that include over 40 different TiO₂ pigment grades under the KRONOS^® trademark, which provide a variety of performance properties to meet customers’ specific requirements.  Our major customers include domestic and international paint, plastics, decorative laminate and paper manufacturers.  We ship TiO₂ to our customers in either a powder or slurry form via rail, truck and/or ocean carrier.  Sales of our core TiO₂ pigments represented approximately 93% of our net sales in 2020.  We and our agents and distributors primarily sell our products in three major end-use markets: coatings, plastics and paper.

The following tables show our approximate TiO₂ sales volume by geographic region and end-use for the year ended December 31, 2020:

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

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

TiO₂ for plastics – We produce TiO₂ pigments that improve the optical and physical properties of plastics, including whiteness and opacity.  TiO₂ is used to provide opacity to items such as containers and packaging materials, and vinyl products such as windows, door profiles and siding.  TiO₂ also generally provides hiding power, neutral undertone, brightness and surface durability for housewares, appliances, toys, computer cases and food packages.  TiO₂’s high brightness along with its opacity, is used in some engineering plastics to help mask their undesirable natural color.  TiO₂ is also used in masterbatch, which is a concentrate of TiO₂ and other additives and is one of the largest uses for TiO₂ in the plastics end-use market.  In masterbatch, the TiO₂ is dispersed at high concentrations into a plastic resin and is then used by manufacturers of plastic containers, bottles, packaging and agricultural films.

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

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counter tops, furniture and wallboard.  TiO₂ is beneficial in these applications because it assists in preventing the material from fading or changing color after prolonged exposure to sunlight and other weathering agents.

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

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

Our TiO₂ business is enhanced by the following three complementary businesses, which comprised approximately 7% of our net sales in 2020:

Manufacturing, operations and properties

We produce TiO₂ in two crystalline forms: rutile and anatase.  Rutile TiO₂ is manufactured using both a chloride production process and a sulfate production process, whereas anatase TiO₂ is only produced using a sulfate production process.  Manufacturers of many end-use applications can use either form, especially during periods of tight supply for TiO₂.  The chloride process is the preferred form for use in coatings and plastics, the two largest end-use markets.  Due to environmental factors and customer considerations, the proportion of TiO₂ industry sales represented by chloride process pigments has remained stable relative to sulfate process pigments, and in 2020, chloride process production facilities represented approximately 45% of industry capacity.  The sulfate process is preferred for use in selected paper products, ceramics, rubber tires, man-made fibers, food products, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.  Once an intermediate TiO₂ pigment has been produced by either the chloride or sulfate process, it is “finished” into products with specific performance characteristics for particular end-use applications through proprietary processes involving various chemical surface treatments and intensive micronizing (milling).

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We produced 536,000 metric tons of TiO₂ in 2018, 546,000 metric tons of TiO₂ in 2019 and 517,000 metric tons of TiO₂ in 2020.  Our production volumes include our share of the output produced by our TiO₂ manufacturing joint venture discussed below in “TiO₂ manufacturing joint venture.”  Our average production capacity utilization rates were 95% in 2018, 98% in 2019 and 92% in 2020.  Our production rates in 2018 were impacted by maintenance activities at certain facilities and by the first quarter implementation of a productivity-enhancing improvement project at our Belgium facility.  Our production rates in 2020 were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic as we decreased production levels early in the third quarter to correspond with a temporary decline in market demand.

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

Our production capacity has increased by approximately 5% over the past ten years due to debottlenecking programs, incurring only moderate capital expenditures.  We expect to operate our TiO₂ plants at near full practical capacity levels in 2021.  

The following table presents the division of our expected 2021 manufacturing capacity by plant location and type of manufacturing process:

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

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

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

TiO₂ manufacturing joint venture  

Kronos Louisiana, Inc., one of our subsidiaries, and Venator Investments each own a 50% interest in a manufacturing joint venture, Louisiana Pigment Company, L.P. (LPC).  LPC owns and operates a chloride-process TiO₂ plant located near Lake Charles, Louisiana.  We and Venator share production from the plant equally pursuant to separate offtake agreements, unless we and Venator otherwise agree.

A supervisory committee directs the business and affairs of the joint venture, including production and output decisions.  This committee is composed of four members, two of whom we appoint and two of whom Venator appoints.  Two general managers manage the operations of the joint venture acting under the direction of the supervisory committee.  We appoint one general manager and Venator appoints the other.

We do not consolidate LPC because we do not control it.  We account for our interest in the joint venture by the equity method.  The joint venture operates on a break-even basis and therefore we do not have any equity in earnings of the joint venture.  We are required to purchase one half of the TiO₂ produced by the joint venture.  All costs and capital expenditures are shared equally with Venator with the exception of feedstock (purchased natural rutile ore or chlorine slag) and packaging costs for the pigment grades produced.  Our share of net costs is reported as cost of sales as the TiO₂ is sold.  See Notes 5 and 14 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Raw materials

The primary raw materials used in chloride process TiO₂ are titanium-containing feedstock (purchased natural rutile ore or chlorine slag), chlorine and petroleum coke.  Chlorine is available from a number of suppliers, while petroleum coke is available from a limited number of suppliers.  Titanium-containing feedstock suitable for use in the chloride process is available from a limited but increasing number of suppliers principally in Australia, South Africa, Canada, India and the United States.  We purchase chloride process grade slag from Rio Tinto Iron and Titanium Limited under a long-term supply contract which automatically renewed at the end of 2020 and extends through December 31, 2023.  The contract automatically renews bi-annually, but can be terminated if written notice is given at least twelve months prior to the current contract end date.  We also purchase upgraded slag from Rio Tinto Iron and Titanium Limited under a long-term supply contract that automatically renewed at the end of 2020 and extends through December 31, 2022.  The contract automatically renews annually, but can be terminated if written notice is given at least twelve months prior to the contract end date.  We purchase rutile ore primarily from Sierra Rutile Limited under a contract that expires in 2022 and Base Titanium Limited under a contract that expires at the end of 2022.  In the past we have been, and we expect that we will continue to be, successful in obtaining short-term and long-term extensions to these and other existing supply contracts prior to their expiration.  We expect the raw materials purchased under these contracts, and contracts that we may enter into, will meet our chloride process feedstock requirements over the next several years.

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

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of sulfate process TiO₂, we operate two rock ilmenite mines in Norway, which provided all of the feedstock for our European sulfate process TiO₂ plants in 2020.  We expect ilmenite production from our mines to meet our European sulfate process feedstock requirements for the foreseeable future.  For our Canadian sulfate process plant, we purchase sulfate grade slag primarily from Rio Tinto Fer et Titane Inc. under a supply contract that renews annually, subject to termination upon twelve months written notice.  We expect the raw materials purchased under this contract, and contracts that we may enter into, to meet our sulfate process feedstock requirements over the next several years.

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

The following table summarizes our raw materials purchased or mined in 2020.

Sales and marketing

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

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

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

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We sell to a diverse customer base with only one customer representing 10% or more of our net sales in 2020 (Behr Process Corporation - 10%).  Our largest ten customers accounted for approximately 34% of net sales in 2020.

Neither our business as a whole nor any of our principal product groups is seasonal to any significant extent.  However, TiO₂ sales are generally higher in the second and third quarters of the year, due in part to the increase in coatings production in the spring to meet demand during the spring and summer painting seasons.  With certain exceptions such as the COVID-19 pandemic, we have historically operated our production facilities at near full capacity rates throughout the entire year, which among other things helps to minimize our per-unit production costs.  As a result, we normally will build inventories during the first and fourth quarters of each year in order to maximize our product availability during the higher demand periods normally experienced in the second and third quarters.

Competition

The TiO₂ industry is highly competitive.  We compete primarily on the basis of price, product quality, technical service and the availability of high performance pigment grades.  Since TiO₂ is not traded through a commodity market, its pricing is largely a product of negotiation between suppliers and their respective customers.  Price and availability are the most significant competitive factors along with quality and customer service for the majority of our product grades.  Increasingly, we are focused on providing pigments that are differentiated to meet specific customer requests and specialty grades that are differentiated from our competitors’ products.  During 2020, we had an estimated 9% share of worldwide TiO₂ sales volume, and based on sales volume, we believe we are the leading seller of TiO₂ in several countries, including Germany.

Our principal competitors are The Chemours Company, Tronox Incorporated, Lomon Billions and Venator Materials PLC.  The top five TiO₂ producers (i.e. we and our four principal competitors) account for approximately

52% of the world’s production capacity.

The following chart shows our estimate of worldwide production capacity in 2020:

Chemours has approximately one-half of total North American TiO₂ production capacity and is our principal North American competitor.  In the second quarter of 2019, Tronox acquired certain of the TiO₂ assets of Cristal Global. Lomon Billions added approximately 200,000 tons of chloride capacity in 2019 and 2020 and has announced plans to add an additional 200,000 tons by 2023.

Over the past ten years, we and our competitors increased industry capacity through debottlenecking projects, which in part compensated for the shut-down of various TiO₂ plants throughout the world.  Although overall industry demand is expected to increase in 2021, we do not expect any significant efforts will be undertaken by us or our principal competitors to further increase capacity for the foreseeable future, other than through debottlenecking projects and the Lomon Billions expansion mentioned above.  If actual developments differ from our expectations, the TiO₂ industry’s and our performance could be unfavorably affected.

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

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Research and development

We employ scientists, chemists, process engineers and technicians who are engaged in research and development, process technology and quality assurance activities in Leverkusen, Germany.  These individuals have the responsibility for improving our chloride and sulfate production processes, improving product quality and strengthening our competitive position by developing new products and applications.  Our expenditures for these activities were approximately $16 million in 2018, $17 million in 2019 and $16 million in 2020.  We expect to spend approximately $17 million on research and development in 2021.

We continually seek to improve the quality of our grades and have been successful in developing new grades for existing and new applications to meet the needs of our customers and increase product life cycles.  Since the beginning of 2016, we have added ten new grades for pigments and other applications.

Patents, trademarks, trade secrets and other intellectual property rights

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

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

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

Human capital resources

Employees – Our operating results depend in part on our ability to successfully manage our human capital resources, including attracting, identifying, and retaining key talent. We have a well-trained labor force with a substantial number of long-tenured employees. We provide competitive compensation and benefits to our employees, some of which are offered under collective bargaining agreements. In addition to salaries, these programs, which vary by country/region, can include annual bonuses, a defined benefit pension plan, a defined contribution plan with employer matching opportunities, healthcare and insurance benefits, health savings and flexible spending accounts, paid time off, family leave, family care resources, employee assistance programs, and tuition assistance.

As of December 31, 2020, we employed the following number of people:

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Certain employees at each of our production facilities are organized by labor unions.  We strive to maintain good relationships with all our employees, including the unions and workers’ councils representing those employees. In Europe, our union employees are covered by master collective bargaining agreements for the chemical industry that are generally renewed annually.  In Canada, our union employees are covered by a collective bargaining agreement that expires in June 2021.  At December 31, 2020, approximately 86% of our worldwide workforce is organized under collective bargaining agreements.  We did not experience any work stoppages during 2020, although it is possible that there could be future work stoppages or other labor disruptions that could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial position or liquidity.

Health and safety – Protecting the health and safety of our employees, our customers, our business partners and the natural environment is one of our core values. We are committed to conducting our business in ways that provide all personnel with a safe and healthy work environment and have established safety and environmental programs and goals to achieve such results. We expect our manufacturing facilities to produce our products safely and in compliance with local permits and policies intended to protect the environment and have established global policies designed to promote such compliance.  We require our employees to comply with legal and regulatory requirements and our policies, standards and practices.

Diversity and inclusion – We recognize that everyone deserves respect and equal treatment. As a global company, we embrace diversity and collaboration in our workforce and our business initiatives. We are an equal opportunity employer and we base employment decisions on merit, competence and qualifications, without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, age, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation or other characteristics protected by applicable law in the jurisdictions in which we operate. We promote a respectful, diverse, and inclusive workplace in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity.

Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”)

We seek to operate our business in line with sound ESG principles that include corporate governance, social responsibility, sustainability and cybersecurity.  At our facilities, we undertake various environmental sustainability programs and promote social responsibility and volunteerism through programs designed to support and give back to the local communities in which we operate.  At a corporate level, we engage in periodic reviews of our cybersecurity program, including cybersecurity risk and threats, and have established stock ownership guidelines for our non-employee directors.  In addition, we publish a Sustainability Report on our website every two years to provide our customers, stockholders and other stakeholders with additional information on our approach to sustainability.

Regulatory and environmental matters

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

Our U.S. manufacturing operations are governed by federal, state and local environmental and worker health and safety laws and regulations.  These include the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, or RCRA, the

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

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

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

From time to time, our facilities may be subject to environmental regulatory enforcement under U.S. and non-U.S. statutes.  Typically, we establish compliance programs to resolve these matters.  Occasionally, we may pay penalties.  To date, such penalties have not involved amounts having a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or liquidity.  We believe all of our facilities are in substantial compliance with applicable environmental laws.  

From time to time, new environmental, health and safety regulations are passed or proposed in the countries in which we operate or sell our products, seeking to regulate our operations or to restrict, limit or classify TiO₂.  We believe that we are in substantial compliance with laws applicable to the regulation of TiO_2.  However, increased regulatory scrutiny could affect consumer perception of TiO₂ or limit the marketability and demand for TiO₂ or products containing TiO₂ and increase our regulatory and compliance costs.

On February 18, 2020 the European Union published a regulation classifying TiO₂ powder and powder mixtures containing TiO₂ as a suspected carcinogen via inhalation under its EU Regulation No. 1272/2008 on classification, labeling and packing of substances and mixtures.  The regulation will enter into force on October 1, 2021 at which time hazard labels will be required on certain TiO₂ powder products and certain powder mixtures containing TiO₂ in the EU. This classification of TiO₂ is based on scientifically questioned animal test data.  Separate studies of TiO₂ workers conducted by the TiO₂ industry have shown no TiO₂ specific links to cancer.  We intend to comply with the new requirements including working with customers and other stakeholders on compliance matters as appropriate.

Our capital expenditures related to ongoing environmental compliance, protection and improvement programs, including capital expenditures which are primarily focused on increasing operating efficiency but also result in improved environmental protection such as lower emissions from our manufacturing facilities, were $21.8 million in 2020 and are currently expected to be approximately $23 million in 2021.

Website and other available information

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

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report.  We will also provide free copies of such documents upon written request.  Such requests should be directed to the Corporate Secretary at our address on the cover page of this Form 10-K.

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

Below are certain risk factors associated with our business.  See also certain risk factors discussed in Item 7- “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates.”  In addition to the potential effect of these risk factors, any risk factor which could result in reduced earnings or operating losses, or reduced liquidity, could in turn adversely affect our ability to service our liabilities or pay dividends on our common stock or adversely affect the quoted market prices for our securities.

Operational Risk Factors

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

Our sales and profitability are largely dependent on the TiO₂ industry.  In 2020, 93% of our sales were attributable to sales of TiO₂.  TiO₂ is used in many “quality of life” products for which demand historically has been linked to global, regional and local gross domestic product and discretionary spending, which can be negatively impacted by regional and world events or economic conditions.  Such events are likely to cause a decrease in demand for our products and, as a result, may have an adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.  

Pricing within the global TiO₂ industry over the long term is cyclical and changes in economic conditions worldwide can significantly impact our earnings and operating cash flows.  Historically, the markets for many of our products have experienced alternating periods of increasing and decreasing demand.  Relative changes in the selling prices for our products are one of the main factors that affect the level of our profitability.  In periods of increasing demand, our selling prices and profit margins generally will tend to increase, while in periods of decreasing demand our selling prices and profit margins generally tend to decrease.  In addition, pricing may affect customer inventory levels as customers may from time to time accelerate purchases of TiO₂ in advance of anticipated price increases or defer purchases of TiO₂ in advance of anticipated price decreases.  Our ability to further increase capacity without additional investment in greenfield or brownfield capacity may be limited and as a result, our profitability may become even more dependent upon the selling prices of our products.

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

The global market in which we operate our business is concentrated, with the top five TiO₂ producers accounting for approximately 52% of the world’s production capacity, and is highly competitive.  Competition is based on a number of factors, such as price, product quality and service.  Some of our competitors may be able to drive down prices for our products if their costs are lower than our costs.  In addition, some of our competitors’ financial, technological and other resources may be greater than our resources and such competitors may be better able to withstand changes in market conditions.  Our competitors may be able to respond more quickly than we can to new or emerging technologies and changes in customer requirements.  Further, consolidation of our competitors or customers may result in reduced demand for our products or make it more difficult for us to compete with our competitors.  The occurrence of any of these events could result in reduced earnings or operating losses.

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

The number of sources for and availability of certain raw materials is specific to the particular geographical region in which a facility is located.  For example, titanium-containing feedstocks suitable for use in our TiO₂ facilities are available from a limited number of suppliers around the world.  Political and economic instability in the countries from which we purchase our raw materials could adversely affect their availability.  If our worldwide

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vendors were unable to meet their contractual obligations and we were unable to obtain necessary raw materials, we could incur higher costs for raw materials or may be required to reduce production levels.  We experienced increases in our feedstock costs in 2019 and during the first half of 2020, before they moderated in the second half of 2020.  We expect our feedstock costs in 2021 to remain relatively consistent with average 2020 costs.  We may also experience higher operating costs such as energy costs, which could affect our profitability.  We may not always be able to increase our selling prices to offset the impact of any higher costs or reduced production levels, which could reduce our earnings and decrease our liquidity.

We have long-term supply contracts that provide for our TiO₂ feedstock requirements that currently expire through 2023.  While we believe we will be able to renew these contracts, there can be no assurance we will be successful in renewing them or in obtaining long-term extensions to them prior to expiration. Our current agreements (including those entered into through January 2021) require us to purchase certain minimum quantities of feedstock with minimum purchase commitments aggregating approximately $1.2 billion beginning in 2021.  In addition, we have other long-term supply and service contracts that provide for various raw materials and services. These agreements require us to purchase certain minimum quantities or services with minimum purchase commitments aggregating approximately $86 million at December 31, 2020.  Our commitments under these contracts could adversely affect our financial results if we significantly reduce our production and were unable to modify the contractual commitments.

COVID-19 has affected our operations and may continue to affect our operations during 2021.

Our results of operations during 2020 were significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, primarily in the second and third quarters, specifically through reduced demand for many of our products resulting from the rapid contraction of the global economy. The extent of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our future operations will depend on the time period and degree to which the COVID-19 pandemic persists in the global economy, including the timing and extent to which our customers’ operations continue to be impacted, our customers’ perception as to when consumer demand for their products will return to pre-pandemic levels and on any future disruptions in our operations or our suppliers’ operations, all of which are difficult to predict.

We have 2,242 employees and operate facilities throughout North America and Europe.  With the onset of COVID-19, within each facility we enhanced cleaning and sanitization procedures, mandated social distancing and implemented other health and safety protocols.  We are designated an essential business in the countries where we operate and are therefore permitted to fully operate during the pandemic.  It is possible we may have temporary closures at one or more of our facilities for the health and safety of our workforce before the end of the pandemic if conditions warrant.

Financial Risk Factors

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

As of December 31, 2020, our total consolidated debt was approximately $487 million, substantially all of which relates to our Senior Secured Notes issued in September 2017.  Our level of debt could have important consequences to our stockholders and creditors, including:

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Indebtedness outstanding under our revolving North American and European credit facilities accrues interest at variable rates.  To the extent market interest rates rise, the cost of our debt could increase, adversely affecting our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

In addition to our indebtedness, we are party to various lease and other agreements (including feedstock purchase contracts and other long-term supply and service contracts, as discussed above) pursuant to which, along with our indebtedness, we are committed to pay approximately $591 million in 2021.  Our ability to make payments on and refinance our debt and to fund planned capital expenditures depends on our future ability to generate cash flow.  To some extent, this is subject to general economic, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory and other factors that are beyond our control.  In addition, our ability to borrow funds under our revolving credit facilities in the future will, in some instances, depend in part on our ability to maintain specified financial ratios and satisfy certain financial covenants contained in the applicable credit agreement.

Our business may not generate cash flows from operating activities sufficient to enable us to pay our debts when they become due and to fund our other liquidity needs.  As a result, we may need to refinance all or a portion of our debt before maturity.  We may not be able to refinance any of our debt in a timely manner on favorable terms, if at all, in the current credit markets.  Any inability to generate sufficient cash flows or to refinance our debt on favorable terms could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition.

Changes in currency exchange rates and interest rates can adversely affect our net sales, profits and cash flows.

We operate our businesses in several different countries and sell our products worldwide.  For example, during 2020, 46% of our sales volumes were sold into European markets.  The majority (but not all) of our sales from our operations outside the United States are denominated in currencies other than the United States dollar, primarily the euro, other major European currencies and the Canadian dollar.  Therefore, we are exposed to risks related to the need to convert currencies we receive from the sale of our products into the currencies required to pay for certain of our operating costs and expenses and other liabilities (including indebtedness), all of which could result in future losses depending on fluctuations in currency exchange rates and affect the comparability of our results of operations between periods.

Legal, Compliance and Regulatory Risk Factors

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

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

If our intellectual property were to be declared invalid, or copied by or become known to competitors, or if our competitors were to develop similar or superior intellectual property or technology, our ability to compete could be adversely impacted.  

Protection of our intellectual property rights, including patents, trade secrets, confidential information, trademarks and tradenames, is important to our business and our competitive position.  We endeavor to protect our intellectual property rights in key jurisdictions in which our products are produced or used and in jurisdictions into which our products are imported.  However, we may be unable to obtain protection for our intellectual property in key jurisdictions.  Although we own and have applied for numerous patents and trademarks throughout the world,

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we may have to rely on judicial enforcement of our patents and other proprietary rights.  Our patents and other intellectual property rights may be challenged, invalidated, circumvented, and rendered unenforceable or otherwise compromised.  A failure to protect, defend or enforce our intellectual property could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.  Similarly, third parties may assert claims against us and our customers and distributors alleging our products infringe upon third-party intellectual property rights.

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

If we must take legal action to protect, defend or enforce our intellectual property rights, any suits or proceedings could result in significant costs and diversion of resources and management’s attention, and we may not prevail in any such suits or proceedings.  A failure to protect, defend or enforce our intellectual property rights could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Environmental, health and safety laws and regulations may result in increased regulatory scrutiny which could decrease demand for our products, increase our manufacturing and compliance costs or obligations and result in unanticipated losses which could negatively impact our financial results or limit our ability to operate our business.

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

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

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

General Risk Factors

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

We have significant international operations which, along with our customers and suppliers, could be substantially affected by a number of risks arising from operating a multi-national business, including trade barriers, tariffs, exchange controls, global and regional economic downturns, terrorism, natural disasters, health crises (such as COVID-19) and political conditions.  We may encounter difficulties enforcing agreements or other legal rights and our effective tax rate may fluctuate based on the variability of geographic earnings and statutory tax rates,

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including costs associated with the repatriation of non-U.S. earnings.  These risks, individually or in the aggregate, could have an adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

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

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

None

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

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

Not applicable

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PART II

Our common stock is listed and traded on the New York Stock Exchange (symbol: KRO).  As of February 26, 2021, there were approximately 1,800 holders of record of our common stock.

In December 2010, our board of directors authorized the repurchase of up to 2.0 million shares of our common stock in open market transactions, including block purchases, or in privately-negotiated transactions at unspecified prices and over an unspecified period of time.  In 2020 we repurchased 122,489 shares, and we have 1,563,519 shares available for repurchase under the stock repurchase program at December 31, 2020.  See Note 13 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Performance graph

Set forth below is a table and line graph comparing the yearly change in our cumulative total stockholder return on our common stock against the cumulative total return of the S&P 500 Composite Stock Index and an index of a self-selected peer group of companies.  In 2018, as more of our peers became publicly traded, we began using a peer group metric which we believe provides a more meaningful comparison to our performance.  The peer group index is comprised of The Chemours Company, Venator Materials PLC and Tronox Ltd.  The Chemours Company is included from the date the company began trading on the New York Stock Exchange in August 2017.  The graph shows the value at December 31 of each year, assuming an original investment of $100 at December 31, 2015 and reinvestment of cash dividends and other distributions to stockholders.

The information contained in the performance graph shall not be deemed “soliciting material” or “filed” with the SEC, or subject to the liabilities of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act, except to the extent we specifically request that the material be treated as soliciting material or specifically incorporate this performance graph by reference into a document filed under the Securities Act or the Securities Exchange Act.

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Equity compensation plan information

We have an equity compensation plan, which was approved by our stockholders, pursuant to which an aggregate of 200,000 shares of our common stock can be awarded to members of our board of directors.  At December 31, 2020, 127,400 shares are available for awards under this plan.  See Note 13 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

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

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Business overview

We are a leading global producer and marketer of value-added TiO₂.  TiO₂ is used for a variety of manufacturing applications, including plastics, paints, paper and other industrial and specialty products.  During 2020, 46% of our sales volumes were sold into European markets.  We believe we are the largest producer of TiO₂ in Europe with an estimated 17% share of European TiO₂ sales volumes in 2020.  In addition, we estimate we have an 18% share of North American TiO₂ sales volumes in 2020.  Our production facilities are located in Europe and North America.

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

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

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

Executive summary

We reported net income of $63.9 million, or $.55 per share, in 2020 compared to $87.1 million, or $.75 per share in 2019.  We reported lower net income in 2020 as compared to 2019 primarily due to lower income from operations resulting from the effects of lower sales volumes, lower average TiO₂ selling prices and higher raw materials and other production costs.  Our results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2020 were significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically through sharply reduced demand for certain of our products resulting from the rapid contraction across the global economy occurring in the second quarter, with demand continuing to strengthen throughout the second half of 2020.

We reported net income of $87.1 million, or $.75 per share, in 2019 compared to $205.0 million, or $1.77 per share for 2018.  We reported lower net income in 2019 as compared to 2018 primarily due to lower income from operations resulting from the effects of lower average TiO₂ selling prices and higher raw materials and other production costs partially offset by higher sales volumes.

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Our net income in 2020 includes the first quarter recognition of a pre-tax insurance settlement gain of $1.5 million ($1.2 million, or $.01 per share, net of income tax expense) related to a property damage claim.

Our net income in 2019 includes:

Our net income in 2018 includes:

Comparison of 2020 to 2019 Results of Operations

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Industry conditions and 2020 overview – We started 2020 with average TiO₂ selling prices 1% lower than at the beginning of 2019.  At the end of 2020, our average TiO₂ selling prices were comparable to the end of the third quarter of 2020 and 3% lower than at the beginning of the year.  We experienced lower sales volumes in all major markets in 2020 as compared to sales volumes in 2019, primarily due to demand contraction related to the COVID-19 pandemic, which mainly impacted the second and third quarters.

The following table shows our capacity utilization rates during 2019 and 2020.  Our production rates in 2020 were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic as we decreased production levels early in the third quarter to correspond with a temporary decline in market demand, then increased production levels later in the third quarter and into the fourth quarter to align with improved demand and our market expectations for the near term.

Net sales – Our net sales decreased $92.3 million, or 5%, in 2020 compared to 2019, primarily due to a 6% decrease in sales volumes (which decreased net sales by approximately $104 million) and a 2% decrease in average TiO₂ selling prices (which decreased net sales by approximately $35 million).  In addition to the impact of lower sales volumes and lower average selling prices, we estimate that changes in currency exchange rates (primarily the euro) increased our net sales by approximately $9 million, or 1%, as compared to 2019.  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 6% in 2020 as compared to the sales volumes of 2019 due to lower sales volumes in all major markets, with the European and export markets experiencing the most significant reductions.  A significant portion of the sales volume decrease occurred in the second and third quarters as a result of the demand contraction related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cost of sales and gross margin – Cost of sales decreased $57.3 million, or 4%, in 2020 compared to 2019 due to the net effect of a 6% decrease in sales volumes, higher raw materials and other production costs of approximately $6 million (including higher cost for third-party feedstock and other raw materials) and currency exchange rate fluctuations.  Our cost of sales per metric ton of TiO₂ sold in 2020 was higher as compared to 2019 (excluding the effect of changes in currency exchange rates) primarily due to a moderate rise in the cost of third-party feedstock we procured in 2019 and the first half of 2020.  Our cost of sales as a percentage of net sales increased to 79% in 2020 compared to 78% in 2019 primarily due to the unfavorable effects of lower average TiO₂ selling prices and higher raw materials and other production costs, as discussed above, partially offset by improved sales and production volumes from our ilmenite mine operations.

Gross margin as a percentage of net sales decreased to 21% in 2020 compared to 22% in 2019.  As discussed and quantified above, our gross margin as a percentage of net sales decreased primarily due to the net effect of lower sales volumes, lower average TiO₂ selling prices, higher raw materials and other production costs and higher sales from our ilmenite mine operations.

Selling, general and administrative expense – Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $9.6 million, or 4%, in 2020 compared to 2019 primarily due to variable costs related to lower overall sales volumes.  Selling, general and administrative expenses were approximately 13% of net sales in each of 2019 and 2020.

Income from operations – Income from operations decreased by $29.6 million, from $145.8 million in 2019 to $116.2 million in 2020.  Income from operations as a percentage of net sales was 7% in 2020 compared to 8% in 2019.  This decrease was driven by the lower gross margin discussed above for the comparable periods.  We estimate that changes in currency exchange rates increased income from operations by approximately $6 million in 2020 as compared to 2019 as discussed in the Effects of currency exchange rates section below.

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Our income from operations was also minimally impacted by the effects of Hurricane Laura which temporarily halted production at LPC on August 24, 2020.  Although storm damage to core manufacturing facilities was not severe, a variety of factors, including loss of utilities, limited availability of employees to return to work and restrictions on the facility’s access to raw materials, prevented the resumption of operations until September 25, 2020.  LPC believes insurance (subject to applicable deductibles) will cover a majority of its losses, including those related to property damage and the disruption of its operations.  The Kronos warehouse and slurry facilities located near LPC’s facility were also temporarily closed due to the hurricane, but property damage to these facilities was not significant. Our 2020 income from operations includes immaterial costs related to Hurricane Laura, primarily costs to relocate inventory and modify shipping schedules in order to maintain service levels to our customers following the hurricane. We believe insurance (subject to applicable deductibles) will cover a majority of our losses from the hurricane, including property damage, business interruption losses related to our share of LPC’s lost production and other costs resulting from the disruption of operations, but no insurance recoveries have yet been recognized as the allowable damage claim amounts are not presently determinable.  On October 9, 2020 Hurricane Delta caused an additional temporary halt to production at the LPC facility.  Damages resulting from Hurricane Delta were not as severe and production activities were resumed within five days from the time of initial shutdown prior to landfall of the hurricane.  Similar to Hurricane Laura, losses determined to be incurred by LPC and us as a result of Hurricane Delta are expected to be recoverable from insurance (subject to applicable deductibles).

Other non-operating income (expense) – We recognized a loss of $1.1 million in 2020 and $.1 million in 2019 on the change in value of our marketable equity securities.  See Note 6 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.  Other components of net periodic pension and postretirement benefits other than pensions, or OPEB, cost in 2020 increased $4.2 million compared to 2019 primarily due to increased amortization costs from previously unrecognized actuarial losses as a result of lower discount rates and lower expected returns on plan assets.  See Note 10 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.  Interest expense in 2020 was comparable to 2019.

Income tax expense – We recognized income tax expense of $16.1 million in 2020 compared to income tax expense of $34.0 million in 2019.  The decrease is primarily due to lower earnings in 2020 and the jurisdictional mix of such earnings.  In addition, our income tax expense in 2019 includes an income tax benefit recognized in the fourth quarter of $3.0 million related to the favorable settlement of a prior year tax matter in Germany, with $1.5 million recognized as a current cash tax benefit and $1.5 million recognized as a non-cash deferred income tax benefit related to an increase to our German net operating loss carryforward.  In addition, in the fourth quarter of 2019, we recognized a non-cash deferred income tax expense of $5.5 million primarily related to the revaluation of our net deferred income tax asset in Germany resulting from a decrease in the German trade tax rate.

Our earnings are subject to income tax in various U.S. and non-U.S. jurisdictions.  Generally, our consolidated effective income tax rate is higher than the U.S. federal statutory tax rate of 21% primarily because the income tax rates applicable to the pre-tax earnings (losses) of our non-U.S. operations are generally higher than the income tax rates applicable to our U.S. operations.  However, in 2020 our consolidated effective income tax rate is lower than the U.S. federal statutory rate of 21% due to the effect of lower earnings and tax benefits associated with losses incurred in certain high tax jurisdictions.  See Note 12 to our Consolidated Financial Statements for a tabular reconciliation of our statutory income tax provision to our actual tax provision.

Our consolidated effective income tax rate in 2021 is expected to be higher than the U.S. federal statutory rate of 21% because the income tax rates applicable to the earnings (losses) of our non-U.S. operations will be higher than the income tax rates applicable to our U.S. operations and due to the expected mix of earnings.

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Comparison of 2019 to 2018 Results of Operations