kwiq1q.htm
UNITED STATES
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 March 31, 2011
Commission file number 1-31763
 
 
KRONOS WORLDWIDE, INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
 
 
    DELAWARE                                    
    76-0294959   
(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)
 
 
 
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 and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes      No    

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate 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     No     

*
The registrant has not yet been phased into the interactive data requirements

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934).  Large accelerated filer     Accelerated filer     Non-accelerated filer  X   Smaller reporting company    

Indicate by check mark 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 April 29, 2011: 57,947,549.


 
 
 
- 1 -

 

KRONOS WORLDWIDE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

INDEX

   
Page
   
number
     
Part I.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
     
Item 1.
Financial Statements
 
     
 
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets -
 
 
December 31, 2010; March 31, 2011 (Unaudited)
3
     
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited) -
 
 
Three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2011
5
     
 
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholders'
 
 
Equity and Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) –
 
 
Three months ended March 31, 2011
6
     
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) -
 
 
Three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2011
7
     
 
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
9
     
Item 2.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
 
 
Condition and Results of Operations
18
     
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk
27
     
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
27
     
Part II.
OTHER INFORMATION
 
     
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings
29
 
   
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
29
     
Item 6.
Exhibits
29
     
     
     
Items 2, 3, 4 and 5 of Part II are omitted because there is no information to report.
 

 
- 2 -

 

KRONOS WORLDWIDE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In millions)


              ASSETS
 
December 31,
   
March 31,
 
   
2010
   
2011
 
         
(Unaudited)
 
             
Current assets:
           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 304.7     $ 126.4  
Restricted cash
    1.9       1.3  
Marketable securities
    -       106.1  
Accounts and other receivables
    231.2       295.9  
Inventories
    275.8       327.2  
Prepaid expenses and other
    6.1       6.9  
Note receivable from Valhi
    -       47.6  
Deferred income taxes
    4.6       4.5  
                 
Total current assets
    824.3       915.9  
                 
Other assets:
               
Investment in TiO2 manufacturing joint venture
    96.2       95.1  
Note receivable from Valhi
    61.9       -  
Marketable securities
    49.7       79.0  
Deferred income taxes
    192.0       192.2  
Other
    9.9       9.4  
                 
Total other assets
    409.7       375.7  
                 
Property and equipment:
               
Land
    44.3       46.6  
Buildings
    227.4       238.7  
Equipment
    1,008.6       1,061.5  
Mining properties
    115.9       121.6  
Construction in progress
    11.9       12.6  
                 
      1,408.1       1,481.0  
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
    934.5       990.4  
                 
Net property and equipment
    473.6       490.6  
                 
Total assets
  $ 1,707.6     $ 1,782.2  








 
- 3 -

 

KRONOS WORLDWIDE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (CONTINUED)

(In millions)


LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
December 31,
 2010
   
March 31,
 2011
 
         
(Unaudited)
 
             
Current liabilities:
           
Current maturities of long-term debt
  $ 2.2     $ 2.2  
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
    206.2       227.1  
Income taxes
    7.0       16.2  
Deferred income taxes
    4.7       5.1  
                 
Total current liabilities
    220.1       250.6  
                 
Noncurrent liabilities:
               
Long-term debt
    537.4       567.6  
Deferred income taxes
    33.2       37.1  
Accrued pension cost
    119.5       121.9  
Accrued postretirement benefit cost
    10.6       10.9  
Other
    25.6       26.8  
                 
Total noncurrent liabilities
    726.3       764.3  
                 
Stockholders' equity:
               
Common stock
    .6       .6  
Additional paid-in capital
    1,399.4       1,399.4  
Retained deficit
    (486.5 )     (498.6 )
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (152.3 )     (134.1 )
                 
Total stockholders' equity
    761.2       767.3  
                 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 1,707.6     $ 1,782.2  


Commitments and contingencies (Notes 8 and 11)


















See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 
- 4 -

 

KRONOS WORLDWIDE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(In millions, except per share data)


   
Three months ended
 March 31,
 
   
2010
   
2011
 
   
(Unaudited)
 
             
Net sales
  $ 319.7     $ 420.4  
Cost of sales
    259.2       274.0  
                 
Gross margin
    60.5       146.4  
                 
Selling, general and administrative expense
    40.1       43.7  
Currency transaction gains, net
    2.6       1.4  
Other operating income (expense), net
    (1.3 )     (1.7 )
                 
Income from operations
    21.7       102.4  
                 
Other income (expense):
               
Interest and dividend income
    -       1.7  
Loss on prepayment of debt
    -       (3.3 )
Interest expense
    (10.4 )     (9.6 )
                 
Income before income taxes 
    11.3       91.2  
                 
Income tax expense (benefit)
    (31.5 )     30.9  
                 
Net income
  $ 42.8     $ 60.3  
                 
Net income per basic and diluted share
  $  .87     $ 1.04  
                 
Cash dividends per share
  $ -     $ 1.25  
                 
Basic and diluted weighted-average shares used in the calculation of net income per share
    49.0       57.9  


















See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 
- 5 -

 



KRONOS WORLDWIDE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

Three months ended March 31, 2011

(In millions)


   
 
Common
 stock
   
Additional
paid-in
 capital
   
 
Retained
 deficit
   
Accumulated
other
comprehensive
   loss 
   
Total
stockholders'
 equity
   
 
Comprehensive
 income
 
   
(unaudited)
 
                                     
Balance at December 31, 2010
  $ .6     $ 1,399.4     $ (486.5 )   $ (152.3 )   $ 761.2        
                                               
Net income
    -       -       60.3       -       60.3     $ 60.3  
                                                 
Other comprehensive income, net
     -        -        -       18.2       18.2       18.2  
                                                 
Dividends paid
    -         -       (72.4 )      -          (72.4 )      -   
                                                 
Balance at March 31, 2011
  $ .6     $ 1,399.4     $ (498.6 )   $ (134.1 )   $ 767.3          
                                                 
Comprehensive income
                                          $ 78.5  
 
 














See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
 
- 6 -

 

KRONOS WORLDWIDE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In millions)

   
Three months ended
 March 31,
 
   
2010
   
2011
 
   
(Unaudited)
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
           
Net income
  $ 42.8     $ 60.3  
Depreciation and amortization
    11.6       11.6  
Deferred income taxes
    (33.4 )     10.3  
Loss on prepayment of debt
    -       3.3  
Call premium paid
    -       (2.5 )
Benefit plan expense greater (less) than cash funding:
               
Defined benefit pension plans
    1.2       (2.0 )
Other postretirement benefits
    .2       (.1 )
Distributions from TiO2 manufacturing joint venture, net
    .8       1.1  
Other, net
    -       .3  
Change in assets and liabilities:
               
Accounts and other receivables
    (39.6 )     (55.7 )
Inventories
    7.3       (37.6 )
Prepaid expenses
    (.8 )     (.5 )
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
    (6.2 )     17.1  
Income taxes
    (.6 )     9.1  
Accounts with affiliates
    1.2       7.6  
Other, net
     (.5 )     (1.1 )
                 
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
    (16.0 )     21.2  
                 
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
Capital expenditures
    (8.5 )     (13.3 )
    Change in restricted cash equivalents
    .5       .6  
Loans to Valhi:
               
  Loans
    -       (38.2 )
  Collections
    -       52.5  
Proceeds from sale of marketable securities
    -       92.0  
Purchase of marketable securities:
               
Mutual funds
    -       (197.8 )
TIMET stock
    -       (20.4 )
Valhi stock
     -       (4.6 )
                 
Net cash used in investing activities
    (8.0 )     (129.2 )
                 
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
Indebtedness:
               
Borrowings
    88.9       113.3  
Principal payments
    (71.4 )     (113.8 )
Dividends paid
    -       (72.4 )
Other, net
     -    
                           (.1
)
                 
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    17.5       (73.0 )
                 
Cash and cash equivalents - net change from:
               
Operating, investing and financing activities
    (6.5 )     (181.0 )
Currency translation
    (1.8 )     2.7  
Balance at beginning of period
    31.1       304.7  
                 
Balance at end of period
  $ 22.8     $ 126.4  

 
- 7 -

 

KRONOS WORLDWIDE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Continued)
(In millions)


   
Three months ended
 March 31,
 
   
2010
   
2011
 
   
(Unaudited)
 
             
Supplemental disclosures:
           
Cash paid for:
           
Interest (including call premium paid)
  $  .4     $ 5.9  
Income taxes
    1.1       8.2  
Accrual for capital expenditures
    1.9       2.7  












































See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 
- 8 -

 


KRONOS WORLDWIDE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

March 31, 2011

(Unaudited)

Note 1 - Organization and basis of presentation:

Organization  We are a majority-owned subsidiary of Valhi, Inc. (NYSE: VHI).  At March 31, 2011, Valhi held approximately 50% of our outstanding common stock and NL Industries, Inc. (NYSE: NL) held an additional 30% of our common stock.  Valhi owns approximately 83% of NL's outstanding common stock. Approximately 94% of Valhi's outstanding common stock is held by subsidiaries of Contran Corporation.  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 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 each of these companies.

Basis of presentation The unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements contained in this Quarterly Report have been prepared on the same basis as the audited Consolidated Financial Statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 that we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on March 4, 2011 (the “2010 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 and Statement of Stockholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Income (Loss) at December 31, 2010 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, 2010) 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 period ended March 31, 2011 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 2010 Consolidated Financial Statements contained in our 2010 Annual Report.

Cash dividends in 2011 include a $1.00 per share special dividend.

Unless otherwise indicated, references in this report to “we,” “us” or “our” refer to Kronos Worldwide, Inc. and its subsidiaries (NYSE: KRO) taken as a whole.
 
Note 2 – Marketable securities:

Our marketable securities include investments in mutual funds and in the publicly-traded shares of related parties: Titanium Metals Corporation (“TIMET”), Valhi, NL and CompX International Inc.  Contran, Mr. Harold Simmons and persons and other entities related to Mr. Simmons own a majority of TIMET’s outstanding common stock, and NL owns a majority of CompX’s outstanding common stock.  All of our marketable securities are accounted for as available-for-sale, which are carried at fair value using quoted market prices in active markets for each marketable security, representing a Level 1 input within the fair value hierarchy.  See Note 12.  Because we have classified all of our marketable securities as available-for-sale, any unrealized gains or losses on the securities are recognized through other comprehensive income.


 
- 9 -

 
Marketable security
 
Market
Value
   
Cost
Basis
   
Unrealized gains (losses)
 
   
(In millions)
 
                   
As of December 31, 2010:
                 
Noncurrent assets:
                 
    TIMET common stock
  $ 46.9     $ 46.9     $ -  
    Valhi common stock
    2.7       2.7       -  
    NL and CompX common stocks
    .1       .1        -  
                         
Total
  $ 49.7     $ 49.7     $ -  
 
                       
As of March 31, 2011:
                       
Current assets:
                       
Mutual funds
  $ 106.1     $ 105.8     $ .3  
                         
Noncurrent assets:
                       
TIMET common stock
  $ 69.6     $ 64.6     $ 5.0  
Valhi common stock
    9.3       7.6       1.7  
NL and CompX common stocks
    .1       .1        -  
                         
Total
  $ 79.0     $ 72.3     $ 6.7  

At March 31, 2011, we held approximately 3.7 million shares, or 2.1%, of TIMET’s outstanding common stock and approximately .4 million shares of Valhi’s outstanding common stock.  We also held a nominal number of shares of CompX and NL common stocks.  During the first quarter of 2011, we purchased an aggregate of 1.0 million shares of TIMET common stock and .3 million shares of Valhi common stock for an aggregate of $17.7 million and $4.9 million, respectively.  At March 31, 2011, the quoted per share market price of TIMET’s and Valhi’s common stock was $18.58 and $26.37, respectively (December 31, 2010 - $17.18 and $22.11, respectively).

The TIMET, Valhi, CompX and NL common stocks we own are subject to the restrictions on resale pursuant to certain provisions of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) Rule 144.  In addition, as a majority-owned subsidiary of Valhi we cannot vote our shares of Valhi common stock under Delaware Corporation Law, but we do receive dividends from Valhi on these shares, when declared and paid.

At March 31, 2011, we held investments in various mutual funds which have a primary investment objective of holding corporate and government debt securities from U.S. and other markets.  These funds have daily liquidity and are held for the temporary investment of cash available for our current operations in order to generate a higher return than would be available if such funds were invested in an asset qualifying for classification as a cash equivalent and have daily liquidity, and accordingly we have classified our investments in these mutual funds as a current asset.

 
- 10 -

 


Note 3 – Accounts and other receivables:

   
December 31,
 2010
   
March 31,
 2011
 
   
(In millions)
 
             
Trade receivables
  $ 202.2     $ 260.2  
Recoverable VAT and other receivables
    29.9       35.9  
Refundable income taxes
    1.3       1.4  
Allowance for doubtful accounts
    (2.2 )     (1.6 )
                 
Total
  $ 231.2     $ 295.9  

Note 4 - Inventories:

   
December 31,
 2010
   
March 31,
 2011
 
   
(In millions)
 
             
Raw materials
  $ 52.1     $ 67.2  
Work in process
    13.6       17.3  
Finished products
    154.6       183.9  
Supplies
    55.5       58.8  
                 
Total
  $ 275.8     $ 327.2  

Note 5 - Other noncurrent assets:

   
December 31,
 2010
   
March 31,
 2011
 
   
(In millions)
 
             
Deferred financing costs, net
  $ 4.4     $ 3.5  
Pension asset
    .3       .5  
Other
    5.2       5.4  
                 
Total
  $ 9.9     $ 9.4  
 
 
Note 6 – Accounts payable and accrued liabilities:

   
December 31,
 2010
   
March 31,
 2011
 
   
(In millions)
 
             
Accounts payable
  $ 119.2     $ 132.1  
Employee benefits
    34.1       31.6  
Accrued sales discounts and rebates
    11.3       6.9  
Accrued interest
    7.4       13.6  
Payable to affiliates:
               
Louisiana Pigment Company, L.P.
    7.4       13.0  
Income taxes, net - Valhi
    2.1       5.2  
Other
    .1       -  
Other
     24.6        24.7  
                 
Total
  $ 206.2     $ 227.1  


 
- 11 -

 

Note 7 - Long-term debt:

   
December 31,
 2010
   
March 31,
 2011
 
   
(In millions)
 
             
Kronos International, Inc. 6.5% Senior Secured Notes
  $ 532.8     $ 450.5  
Revolving European credit facility
    -       112.9  
Other
    6.8       6.4  
                 
Total debt
    539.6       569.8  
Less current maturities
    2.2       2.2  
                 
Total long-term debt
  $ 537.4     $ 567.6  

Senior Secured Notes - On March 24, 2011, we redeemed euro 80 million of our euro 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.  Following such partial redemption, euro 320 million principal amount of the Senior Notes remain outstanding.  We borrowed under our European revolving credit facility, as discussed below, in order to fund the redemption.  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.

Revolving European credit facility - During the first three months of 2011, we borrowed a net euro 80 million ($113.3 million when borrowed) under our European credit facility.  The average interest rate on these borrowings at March 31, 2011 was 2.39%.

Restrictions and Other – Our credit facility described above requires the borrower to maintain minimum levels of equity, requires the maintenance of certain financial ratios, limits dividends and additional indebtedness and contains other provisions and restrictive covenants customary in lending transactions of this type.  We are in compliance with all of our debt covenants at March 31, 2011.  We believe we will be able to comply with the financial covenants contained in our credit facility through its maturity; however if future operating results differ materially from our expectations we may be unable to maintain compliance.

At March 31, 2011, there were no restrictions on our ability to pay dividends.  The terms of the indenture governing the 6.5% Senior Secured Notes limit the ability of our wholly owned subsidiary, Kronos International, Inc. (“KII”), to pay dividends and make other restricted payments.  At March 31, 2011, the maximum amount of dividends and other restricted payments that KII could make (the “Restricted Payment Basket”) was $83.0 million.
 

 
- 12 -

 

Note 8 - Income taxes:

   
Three months ended
 March 31,
 
   
2010
   
2011
 
   
(In millions)
 
             
Expected tax expense (benefit), at U.S. Federal statutory income tax rate of 35%
  $ 4.0     $ 31.9  
Non-U.S. tax rates
    (.1 )     (3.0 )
Incremental tax and rate differences on equity in earnings of non-tax group companies
    .1       1.5  
Nondeductible expenses
    .7       .4  
U.S. state income taxes, net
    .3       .3  
German tax attribute adjustment
    (35.2 )     -  
Prior year adjustment
    (.7 )     -  
Nontaxable income
    (.2 )     (.2 )
Other, net
       (.4 )      -  
                 
Total
  $ (31.5 )   $ 30.9  

Tax authorities are examining certain of our non-U.S. tax returns and have or may propose tax deficiencies, including interest and penalties.  Because of the inherent uncertainties involved in settlement initiatives and court and tax proceedings, we cannot guarantee that these matters will be resolved in our favor, and therefore our potential exposure, if any, is also uncertain.  In September 2010, we received a revised notice of proposed adjustment from the Canadian tax authorities related to the years 2002 through 2004.  We objected to the proposed assessment and we are currently in discussions with the Canadian tax authorities regarding such proposed assessment.  If the full amount of the proposed adjustment were ultimately to be assessed against us the net impact to our consolidated financial statements would be approximately $5.5 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 that our unrecognized tax benefits will not change materially during the next twelve months.

As a consequence of a European Court ruling that resulted in a favorable resolution of certain income tax issues in Germany, during the first quarter of 2010 the German tax authorities agreed to an increase in our German net operating loss carryforwards.  Accordingly, we recognized a non-cash income tax benefit of $35.2 million in the first quarter of 2010.


 
- 13 -

 

Note 9 – Employee benefit plans:

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

   
Three months ended
 March 31,
 
   
2010
   
2011
 
   
(In millions)
 
             
Service cost
  $ 2.7     $ 2.7  
Interest cost
    5.8       5.9  
Expected return on plan assets
    (4.5 )     (4.6 )
Amortization of prior service cost
    .3       .4  
Amortization of net transition obligations
    .1       .1  
Recognized actuarial losses
    1.4       1.6  
                 
Total
  $ 5.8     $ 6.1  

Postretirement benefits - The components of net periodic postretirement benefits other than pension (“OPEB”) cost are presented in the table below.

   
Three months ended
 March 31,
 
   
2010
   
2011
 
   
(In millions)
 
             
Service cost
  $ .1     $ .1  
Interest cost
    .2       .1  
Amortization of prior service credit
    (.1 )     (.2 )
Recognized actuarial losses
    .1       .1  
                 
Total
  $ .3     $ .1  

Contributions – We expect our 2011 contributions for our pension and other postretirement plans to be approximately $28 million.

Note 10 – Other noncurrent liabilities:

   
December 31,
 2010
   
March 31,
 2011
 
   
(In millions)
 
             
Reserve for uncertain tax positions
  $ 10.6     $ 11.1  
Employee benefits
    9.7       10.1  
Insurance claims and expenses
    .3       .3  
Other
    5.0       5.3  
                 
Total
  $ 25.6     $ 26.8  

Note 11 – Commitments and contingencies:

Litigation matters – From time-to-time, we are involved in various environmental, contractual, product liability, patent (or intellectual property), employment and other claims and disputes incidental to our operations.  In certain cases, we have insurance coverage for these items.  We currently believe the disposition of all 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 we have already provided for.

Please refer to our 2010 Annual Report for a discussion of certain other legal proceedings to which we are a party.

 
- 14 -

 
Note 12 - Financial instruments:

The following table summarizes the valuation of our financial instruments recorded on a fair value basis as of December 31, 2010 and March 31, 2011:
 
   
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, 2010
                       
Currency forward contracts
  $ 6.3     $ 6.3       -       -  
    Noncurrent marketable securities(See Note 2)
     49.7        49.7        -        -  
                                 
March 31, 2011
                               
Currency forward contracts
  $ 6.9     $ 6.9       -       -  
    Current marketable securities (See Note 2)
     106.1        106.1        -       -  
    Noncurrent marketable securities (See Note 2)
     79.0        79.0        -       -  

Certain of our sales generated by our non-U.S. operations are denominated in U.S. dollars.  We periodically use currency forward contracts to manage a very nominal portion of currency exchange rate risk associated with trade receivables denominated in a currency other than the holder's functional currency or similar exchange rate risk associated with future sales.  We have not entered into these contracts for trading or speculative purposes in the past, nor do we currently anticipate entering into such contracts for trading or speculative purposes in the future.  Derivatives used to hedge forecasted transactions and specific cash flows associated with financial assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar and which meet the criteria for hedge accounting are designated as cash flow hedges.  Consequently, the effective portion of gains and losses is deferred as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income and is recognized in earnings at the time the hedged item affects earnings.  Contracts that do not meet the criteria for hedge accounting are marked-to-market 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 March 31, 2011, we had currency forward contracts to exchange:

·  
an aggregate of $49.5 million for an equivalent value of Canadian dollars at exchange rates ranging from Cdn. $1.05 to Cdn. $1.08 per U.S. dollar.  These contracts with Wachovia Bank, National Association, mature from April 2011 through December 2011 at a rate of $5.5 million per month, subject to early redemption provisions at our option.
·  
an aggregate $10 million for an equivalent value of Norwegian kroner at exchange rates ranging from kroner 6.59 to kroner 6.60 per U.S. dollar.  These contracts with DnB Nor Bank ASA mature from April 2011 through July 2011 at a rate of $2.5 million per month.
·  
an aggregate euro 11.8 million for an equivalent value of Norwegian kroner at exchange rates ranging from kroner 8.19 to kroner 8.28 per euro.  These contracts with DnB Nor Bank ASA mature from April 2011 through August 2011 at a rate of euro 1.8 million to euro 2.5 million per month, subject to early redemption provisions at our option.
 
 
 
- 15 -

 
The estimated fair value of our currency forward contracts at March 31, 2011 was a $6.9 million net asset, which is included in our Consolidated Balance Sheet as part of Accounts and other receivables.  There is also a corresponding $6.9 million currency transaction gain in our Consolidated Statements of Income.  We are not currently using hedge accounting for our outstanding currency forward contracts at March 31, 2011, and we did not use hedge accounting for any of such contracts we previously held in 2010.

The following table presents the financial instruments that are not carried at fair value but which require fair value disclosure as of December 31, 2010 and March 31, 2011.

   
December 31, 2010
   
March 31, 2011
 
   
Carrying
Amount
   
Fair
Value
   
Carrying
Amount
   
Fair
Value
 
   
(In millions)
 
                         
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
  $ 306.6     $ 306.6     $ 127.7     $ 127.7  
                                 
Notes payable and long-term debt:
                               
Fixed rate with market quotes -
                               
6.5% Senior Secured Notes
  $ 532.8     $ 536.0     $ 450.5     $ 456.3  
European credit facility
    -       -       112.9       112.9  
Common stockholders’ equity
    761.2       2,462.2       767.3       3,387.0  

At December 31, 2010 and March 31, 2011, the estimated market price of the 6.5% Notes was approximately euro 1,004 and euro 1,011 per euro 1,000 principal amount, respectively.  The fair value of our common stockholders’ equity is based upon quoted market prices at each balance sheet date, which represent Level 1 inputs.  The fair value of our 6.5% Notes are also based on quoted market prices at each balance sheet date; however, these quoted market prices represent Level 2 inputs because the markets in which the Notes trade are not active.  The fair values of variable interest rate debt are deemed to approximate book value.  Due to their near-term maturities, the carrying amounts of accounts receivable and accounts payable are considered equivalent to fair value.

Note 13 – Subsequent event:

On April 26, 2011, we announced that our board of directors has approved a 2-for-1 split of our common stock to be effected in the form of a stock dividend.  Holders of record of our Kronos Worldwide common stock at the close of business on Friday, May 13, 2011 will receive one additional share for each share held as of the close of business on that date.  Subject to certain customary regulatory approvals, it is expected that the additional shares will be distributed at the close of business on Friday, May 20, 2011 by our transfer agent Computershare Trust Company, N.A.

 
- 16 -

 
At our annual meeting of stockholders to be held on May 12, 2011, we are seeking approval of an amendment to our certificate of incorporation that would increase the authorized number of shares of our common stock to 240 million.  Approval of such amendment is required for the stock split to be implemented.  As discussed in Note 1, Valhi and NL together held approximately 80.4% of our outstanding shares of common stock as of the record date for the annual meeting and have each indicated its intention to vote such shares at this meeting for the proposed amendment to the certificate of incorporation increasing the authorized shares of our common stock.  As a result, we expect the amendment will be approved.

Once the stock split has been implemented, we will adjust all share and per-share disclosures for all periods presented in our consolidated financial statements to give effect to the split.  On a pro forma basis and assuming the split had been implemented, our basic and diluted earnings per share for the first quarter of 2010 and 2011 would have been $.44 and $.52, respectively, based on 97.9 million and 115.9 million, respectively, basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding during such periods, and our cash dividends per share in the first quarter of 2011 would have been $.625 per share.


 
- 17 -

 

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

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS:

Business overview

We are a leading global producer and marketer of value-added titanium dioxide pigments (“TiO2”).  TiO2 is used for a variety of manufacturing applications, including plastics, paints, paper and other industrial products.  For the three months ended March 31, 2011, approximately one-half of our sales volumes were into European markets. 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 across all markets will grow on average 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 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 the Canadian dollar) and
·  
Manufacturing costs, particularly raw materials, maintenance and energy-related expenses.

Our key performance indicators are our TiO2 average selling prices and our level of 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.

In addition, our effective income tax rate in 2010 was impacted by certain favorable developments, as discussed further below.

Executive summary

We reported net income of $60.3 million, or $1.04 per diluted share, in the first quarter of 2011 as compared to net income of $42.8 million, or $.87 per diluted share, in the first quarter of 2010.  Our net income for the first quarter 2011 is higher principally due to higher income from operations resulting principally from higher average selling prices and higher sales and production volumes in 2011.  In addition, our results of operations in the first quarter of 2010 includes a $35.2 million non-cash income tax benefit ($.72 per diluted share) related to a European Court ruling that resulted in a favorable resolution of certain income tax issues in Germany.

 
- 18 -

 
In April 2011, our board of directors approved a 2-for-1 split of our common stock in the form of a stock dividend.  Subject to certain customary regulatory approvals, the additional shares resulting from the split will be distributed at the close of business on May 20, 2011.  See Note 13 to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Forward-looking information

This report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended.  Statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q that are not historical facts are forward-looking in nature and represent management’s beliefs and assumptions based on currently available information.  Statements in this report including, but not limited to, statements found in Item 2 - "Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," are forward-looking statements that represent our 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 Quarterly Report and those described from time to time in our other filings with the SEC including, 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 our businesses
·  
Changes in raw material and other operating costs (such as energy and ore 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 TiO2)
·  
Competitive products and substitute products
·  
Customer and competitor strategies
·  
Potential consolidation of our competitors
·  
The impact of pricing and production decisions
·  
Competitive technology positions
·  
The introduction of trade barriers
·  
Possible disruption of our business or increases in the cost of doing business resulting from terrorist activities or global conflicts
·  
Fluctuations in currency exchange rates (such as changes in the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and each of the euro, the Norwegian krone and the Canadian dollar)
·  
Operating interruptions (including, but not limited to, labor disputes, leaks, natural disasters, fires, explosions, unscheduled or unplanned downtime and transportation interruptions)
·  
Our ability to renew or refinance credit facilities
·  
Our ability to maintain sufficient liquidity
·  
The ultimate outcome of income tax audits, tax settlement initiatives or other tax matters
·  
Our ability to utilize income tax attributes, the benefits of which have been recognized under the more-likely-than-not recognition criteria
·  
Environmental matters (such as those requiring compliance with emission and discharge standards for existing and new facilities)
·  
Government laws and regulations and possible changes therein
·  
The ultimate resolution of pending litigation; and
·  
Possible future litigation.

 
- 19 -

 
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 statement whether as a result of changes in information, future events or otherwise.

Results of operations

Quarter ended March 31, 2010 compared to the
Quarter ended March 31, 2011 -

   
Three months ended
 March 31,
 
   
2010
   
2011
 
   
(Dollars in millions)
 
                         
Net sales
  $ 319.7       100 %   $ 420.4       100 %
Cost of sales
    259.2       81       274.0       65  
                                 
Gross margin
    60.5       19       146.4       35  
Other operating income and expense, net
    38.8       12        44.0       11  
                                 
Income from operations
  $ 21.7       7 %   $ 102.4       24 %
                                 
                                 
                           
%
 
TiO2 operating statistics:
                         
Change
 
Sales volumes*
    122               125       2 %
Production volumes*
    124               133       7 %
                                 
Percent change in net sales:
                               
TiO2 product pricing
                            32 %
TiO2 sales volumes
                            2  
TiO2 product mix
                            (2 )
Changes in currency exchange rates
                            (1 )
                                 
Total
                            31 %
_________________________

* Thousands of metric tons

Current industry conditions– Throughout 2010 and continuing into 2011, global customer demand for our TiO2 products continued to strengthen, and our production facilities operated at near full practical capacity rates.  We believe inventories throughout the TiO2 industry remain at historically low levels despite efforts of major TiO2 producers to operate their facilities at near full capacity.  As a result, we increased TiO2 selling prices throughout 2010 and the first quarter of 2011 that resulted in increased profitability and cash flows.  Even with such increased profitability, we believe profit margins are currently at a level which does not reasonably justify greenfield or other major expansions of TiO2 capacity.  Provided global demand for TiO2 products remains strong, we expect the low level of worldwide TiO2 inventories to continue for several years due to the constraints of adding significant new production capacity, especially for premium grades of TiOproducts through the chloride process.  Given these current dynamics in the TiO2 industry, as well as the expectation for increases in our manufacturing costs discussed below, we anticipate further implementation of TiO2 selling price increases.  Overall, based on positive market dynamics in the TiO2 industry, we expect our profitability and cash flows to significantly increase in 2011 and the foreseeable future.

 
- 20 -

 
Net sales – Net sales in the first quarter of 2011 increased 31%, or $100.7 million, compared to the first quarter of 2010 primarily due to a 32% increase in average TiO2 selling prices.    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.  Based on current conditions in the TiO2 industry, as well as the expectation for increases in our manufacturing costs discussed below, we currently expect average selling prices in the remainder of 2011 to continue to be significantly higher than the comparable periods in 2010.

Our 2% increase in sales volumes in the first quarter of 2011 is due to increased availability of product through higher production volumes.  We expect demand will continue to remain strong for the remainder of the year.  In addition, we estimate the unfavorable effect of changes in currency exchange rates decreased our net sales by approximately $5 million, or 1%, as compared to the first quarter of 2010.

Cost of sales - Cost of sales increased $14.8 million or 6% in the first quarter of 2011 compared to 2010 due to the net impact of a 2% increase in sales volumes, a 7% increase in TiO2 production volumes, higher raw material costs of $12.5 million (primarily feedstock ore and petroleum coke), an increase in maintenance costs of $3.6 million which is consistent with the increased production volumes and currency fluctuations (primarily the euro).  Cost of sales as a percentage of net sales decreased to 65% in the first quarter of 2011 compared to 81% in the first quarter of 2010 primarily due to the higher selling prices and higher production volumes in the first quarter of 2011.  Our production volumes in the first quarter of 2011 tied our previous record for a first quarter.

Income from operations – Income from operations increased by $80.7 million from $21.7 million in the first quarter of 2010 to $102.4 million in the first quarter of 2011.   Income from operations as a percentage of net sales increased to 24% in the first quarter of 2011 from 7% in the same period for 2010.  This increase was driven by the improvement in gross margin, which increased to 35% for the first quarter of 2011 compared to 19% for the first quarter of 2010.  Our gross margin has increased primarily because of higher selling prices, higher sales volumes and higher production volumes all of which more than offset the impact of higher manufacturing costs (primarily raw materials and maintenance).  Additionally, changes in currency exchange rates have negatively affected our gross margin and income from operations.  We estimate that changes in currency exchange rates decreased income from operations by approximately $9 million in the first quarter of 2011 as compared to the same period in 2010.

Other non-operating income (expense) - On March 24, 2011, we redeemed euro 80 million of our 6.5% Senior Secured Notes, and borrowed under our European revolving credit facility at an average rate of 2.39% at March 31, 2011 in order to fund the redemption.  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.  See Note 7 to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 
- 21 -

 
Interest expense decreased $.8 million from $10.4 million in the first quarter of 2010 to $9.6 million in the first quarter of 2011 due to the net effects of decreased average borrowings under our revolving credit facilities, and changes in currency exchange rates.  The interest expense we recognize will vary with fluctuations in the euro exchange rate.

Income tax provision (benefit) – Our income tax provision was $30.9 million in the first quarter of 2011 compared to an income tax benefit of $31.5 million in the same period last year.  Our income tax benefit in 2010 includes a $35.2 million income tax benefit related to a European Court ruling that resulted in the favorable resolution of certain income tax issues in Germany and an increase in the amount of our German corporate and trade tax net operating loss carryforwards. See Note 8 to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for a tabular reconciliation of our statutory income tax benefit to our actual tax benefit.

We have substantial net operating loss carryforwards in Germany (the equivalent of $952 million for German corporate purposes and $349 million for German trade tax purposes at December 31, 2010).  At March 31, 2011, we have concluded that no deferred income tax asset valuation allowance is required to be recognized with respect to such carryforwards, principally because (i) such carryforwards have an indefinite carryforward period, (ii) we have utilized a portion of such carryforwards during the most recent three-year period and (iii) we currently expect to utilize the remainder of such carryforwards over the long term.  However, prior to the complete utilization of such carryforwards, 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.

Effects of Currency Exchange Rates

We have substantial operations and assets located outside the United States (primarily in Germany, Belgium, Norway and Canada).  The majority of our sales from non-U.S. operations are denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, principally the euro, other major European currencies and the Canadian dollar.  A portion of our sales generated from our non-U.S. operations is denominated in the U.S. dollar.  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 non-U.S. sales and operating results are subject to currency exchange rate fluctuations which may favorably or unfavorably impact reported earnings and may affect the comparability of period-to-period operating results.  In addition to the impact of the translation of sales and expenses over time, our non-U.S. operations also generate currency transaction gains and losses which primarily relate to 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.

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

 
- 22 -

 


Impact of changes in currency exchange rates
Three months ended March 31, 2010 vs March 31, 2011
 
   
Transaction gains recognized
   
Translation loss -
impact of rate changes
   
Total currency impact
2010 vs 2011
 
   
2010
   
2011
   
Change
 
   
(in millions)
 
Impact on:
                             
Net sales
  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ (5 )   $ (5 )
Income from operations
     3         1       (2 )     (7 )     (9 )

Outlook

During the first quarter of 2011 we operated our production facilities at near full practical capacity levels, consistent with our operating rates throughout 2010.  We currently expect to continue to operate our facilities at near full practical capacity levels throughout the remainder of 2011.  While we will continue to work on debottlenecking projects in 2011 to increase our production capacity, we believe such debottlenecking projects will produce relatively nominal increases in our capacity and as a result our overall production volumes in 2011 will not increase significantly as compared to 2010.

The overall strong global demand for TiO2 we experienced in the first quarter of 2011 is expected to continue through the remainder of the year and inventory levels throughout the TiO2 industry are expected to remain at historically low levels.  As a result, in 2011 we expect our sales of TiO2 to approximately match our production.  Given our expectations for the level of our increased production capacity in 2011 discussed above, we similarly expect our sales volumes in 2011 will not increase significantly as compared to 2010.

We implemented significant increases in TiO2 selling prices throughout 2010 and the first quarter of 2011.  Our average TiO2 selling prices were 32% higher in the first quarter of 2011 as compared to the first quarter of 2010, and our average selling prices at the end of the first quarter of 2011 were 9% higher as compared to the end of 2010.  As a result, and based on our expected continuation of strong demand levels, the low level of worldwide TiO2 inventories and increases in our manufacturing costs discussed below, we anticipate our average selling prices will continue to increase significantly during the remainder of 2011.

During 2011, we expect to see significantly higher feedstock ore costs driven by tight ore supplies, and higher than historical increases in petroleum coke, energy and freight which are being driven in part by escalating worldwide fuel prices.  Overall, we currently expect our per metric ton cost of TiO2 we produce will increase approximately 10% to 15% in 2011 as compared to 2010, which is slightly higher than our previous expectations due primarily to increases in our raw material costs.  Given that the current conditions for the TiO2 industry discussed above are not expected to change over the year, we believe we should be able to recoup such higher costs through additional selling price increases.

Overall, we expect income from operations will continue to be significantly higher in the remainder of 2011 as compared to the same periods of 2010, as the favorable effect of higher selling prices will more than offset the impact of higher production costs.

 
- 23 -

 
Our expectations as to the future of the TiO2 industry 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.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Consolidated cash flows

Operating activities

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

Our cash provided by operating activities was $21.2 million in the first three months of 2011 compared to $16.0 million of cash used in the first three months of 2010.  This $37.2 million increase in the amount of cash provided was primarily due to the net effects of the following items:

·  
Higher income from operations in 2011 of $80.7 million;
·  
Higher net cash used from relative changes in our inventories, receivables, payables and accruals of $28.9 million;
·  
Higher net cash paid for income taxes in 2011 of $7.1 million resulting from our increased profitability; and
·  
Higher cash paid for interest in 2011 of $5.5 million, due primarily to the $2.5 million call premium associated with the redemption of euro 80 million of our 6.5% Senior Secured Notes, as well as the interest on the Senior Notes paid at redemption.

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

·  
Our average days sales outstanding (“DSO”) increased from December 31, 2010 to March 31, 2011 due to the timing of collections on receivable balances;
·  
Our average days sales in inventory (“DSI”) increased from December 31, 2010 to March 31, 2011 as we were building inventory for the spring painting season.

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

 
December 31,
March 31,
December 31,
March 31,
 
2009
2010
2010
2011
         
DSO
56 days
61 days
55 days
60 days
DSI
58 days
56 days
52 days
63 days

Investing activities

Our capital expenditures of $8.5 million and $13.3 million in the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2011, respectively, were primarily for improvements and upgrades to existing facilities.


 
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During the three months ended March 31, 2011, we:

·  
received net collections of $14.3 million related to our unsecured revolving demand promissory note with Valhi; and
·  
purchased a net $130.8 million in marketable securities.

Financing activities

During the three months ended March 31, 2011, we:

·  
had net borrowings of euro 80 million ($113.3 million when borrowed) on our European credit facility;
·  
redeemed euro 80 million of our euro 400 million 6.5% Senior Secured Notes at 102.17% of the face value for an aggregate of $115.7 million, including a $2.5 million call premium on March 24, 2011; and
·  
paid a quarterly dividend to stockholders of $.25 per share for an aggregate dividend of $14.5 million, and we paid a special dividend to stockholders of $1.00 per share for an aggregate dividend of $57.9 million.

Outstanding debt obligations

At March 31, 2011, our consolidated debt was comprised of:

·  
euro 320 million principal amount of our 6.5% Senior Secured Notes ($450.5 million) due in 2013;
·  
euro 80 million ($112.9 million) under our European revolving credit facility which matures in October 2013; and
·  
approximately $6.4 million of other indebtedness.

Certain of our credit agreements contain provisions which could result in the acceleration of indebtedness prior to their stated maturity for reasons other than defaults for failure to comply with applicable covenants.  For example, certain credit agreements allow the lender to accelerate the maturity of the indebtedness upon a change of control (as defined in the agreement) of the borrower.  In addition, certain credit agreements could result in the acceleration of all or a portion of the indebtedness following a sale of assets outside the ordinary course of business.  We are in compliance with all of our debt covenants at March 31, 2011.  See Note 7 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Our assets consist primarily of investments in operating subsidiaries, and our ability to service parent level obligations, including the Senior Secured Notes, depends in large part upon the distribution of earnings of our subsidiaries, whether in the form of dividends, advances or payments on account of intercompany obligations or otherwise.  None of our subsidiaries have guaranteed the Senior Secured Notes, although KII has pledged 65% of the common stock or other ownership interests of certain of KII’s first-tier operating subsidiaries as collateral for the Senior Secured Notes.  The terms of the indenture governing the Senior Secured Notes limits KII’s ability to pay dividends and make other restricted payments.  At March 31, 2011, the maximum amount of dividends and other restricted payments that KII could make (the “Restricted Payment Basket”) was approximately $83.0 million.


 
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Future cash requirements

Liquidity

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

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

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

At March 31, 2011, we had aggregate cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash on hand of $127.7 million and short-term investments in marketable securities of $106.1 million.   At March 31, 2011, we had borrowed the full euro 80 million under our European credit facility.  Based upon our expectation for the TiO2 industry and anticipated demands on cash resources, we expect to have sufficient liquidity to meet our short term obligations (defined as the twelve-month period ending March 31, 2012) and our long-term obligations (defined as the five-year period ending March 31, 2016, our time period for long-term budgeting).  If actual developments differ from our expectations, our liquidity could be adversely affected.

Capital expenditures

We currently estimate that we will invest approximately $68 million in capital expenditures for major improvements and upgrades to our existing facilities during 2011, including the $13.3 million we have spent through March 31, 2011.

Off-balance sheet financing

We do not have any off-balance sheet financing agreements other than the operating leases discussed in our 2010 Annual Report.

 
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Commitments and contingencies

See Notes 8 and 11 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for a description of certain income tax examinations currently underway and legal proceedings.

Recent accounting pronouncements

There have been no recent accounting pronouncements for the period ended March 31, 2011.

Critical accounting policies

For a discussion of our critical accounting policies, refer to Part I, Item 7 - “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our 2010 Annual Report.  There have been no changes in our critical accounting policies during the first three months of 2011.

ITEM 3.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK

General

We are exposed to market risk, including currency exchange rates, interest rates and security prices, and raw material prices.  Except as disclosed below, there have been no material changes in these market risks since we filed our 2010 Annual Report, and refer you to Part I, Item 7A. - “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk” in our 2010 Annual Report. See also Note 11 to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
 
Marketable security prices

As of December 31, 2010 and March 31, 2011, we held certain marketable securities that are exposed to market risk due to changes in prices of the securities.  The aggregate market value of these equity securities was $49.7 million at December 31, 2010 and $185.1 million at March 31, 2011.  The potential change in the aggregate market value of these securities, assuming a 10% change in prices, would have been $5.0 million at December 31, 2010 and $18.5 million at March 31, 2011.  See Note 2 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 Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e), means controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit to the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange 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 Exchange 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 Chief Executive Officer, and Gregory M. Swalwell, our Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, have evaluated the design and operating effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of March 31, 2011.  Based upon their evaluation, these executive officers have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective as of March 31, 2011.

 
- 27 -

 
Internal control over financial reporting

We also maintain internal control over financial reporting.  The term “internal control over financial reporting,” as defined by Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f), means a process designed by, or under the supervision of, our principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by 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 the transactions and dispositions of our assets,
·  
Provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP, and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and directors, and
·  
Provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of an 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 March 31, 2011 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 
- 28 -

 

Part II. OTHER INFORMATION


Item 1.                  Legal Proceedings

Refer to Note 11 of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and to our 2010 Annual Report for descriptions of certain legal proceedings.  On March 29, 2011, the trial court denied the defendants’ motion to dismiss the complaint in Haley Paint, et al v. E.I. DuPont de Nemours and Company, et al (United States District Court, Northern Division of Maryland, Case No. 1:10-cv-00318-RDB).  The case is proceeding in the trial court.

Item 1A.                           Risk Factors

For a discussion of the risk factors related to our businesses, refer to Part I, Item 1A., “Risk Factors,” in our 2010 Annual report.  There have been no material changes to such risk factors during the three months ended March 31, 2011.

Item 6.                  Exhibits

 
31.1 - Certification

 
31.2 - Certification

 
32.1 - Certification


 
- 29 -

 

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.



                                                          Kronos Worldwide, Inc.
                                    (Registrant)



Date:  May 3, 2011
 
/s/ Gregory M. Swalwell
   
Gregory M. Swalwell
   
Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
     
     
Date:  May 3, 2011
 
/s/ Tim C. Hafer        
   
Tim C. Hafer
   
Vice President and Controller
(Principal Accounting Officer)






 
- 30 -

 
ex311.htm

EXHIBIT 31.1

CERTIFICATION


I, Steven L. Watson, certify that:

1)  
I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Kronos Worldwide, Inc.;

2)  
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3)  
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4)  
The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a)  
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b)  
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c)  
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d)  
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5)  
The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a)  
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b)  
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other
 
employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date:  May 3, 2011


/s/ Steven L. Watson                                                                           
Steven L. Watson
Chief Executive Officer


ex312.htm

EXHIBIT 31.2


CERTIFICATION


I, Gregory M. Swalwell, certify that:

1)  
I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Kronos Worldwide, Inc.;

2)  
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3)  
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4)  
The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a)  
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b)  
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c)  
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d)  
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5)  
The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a)  
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b)  
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other
 
employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date:  May 3, 2011

/s/ Gregory M. Swalwell                                                                                     
Gregory M. Swalwell
Chief Financial Officer





ex321.htm

Exhibit 32.1


CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002


In connection with the Quarterly Report of Kronos Worldwide, Inc. (the Company) on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2011 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the Report), I, Steven L. Watson, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, and I, Gregory M. Swalwell, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

(1)
The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2)
The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.




/s/ Steven L. Watson                                                                
Steven L. Watson
Chief Executive Officer


/s/ Gregory M. Swalwell                                                                           
Gregory M. Swalwell
Chief Financial Officer


May 3, 2011


Note:  The certification the registrant furnishes in this exhibit is not deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that Section.  Registration Statements or other documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission shall not incorporate this exhibit by reference, except as otherwise expressly stated in such filing.