Table of Contents
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 quarterly period ended March 31, 2022
OR
☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
For the transition period from to
Commission file number 1-31763
KRONOS WORLDWIDE, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
DELAWARE
76-0294959
(State or other jurisdiction ofincorporation or organization)
(IRS Employer Identification No.)
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:
Title of each class
Trading Symbol(s)
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common stock
KRO
NYSE
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 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 ☐
Indicate by check mark 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.
Large accelerated filer
☐
Accelerated filer
☒
Non-accelerated filer
Smaller reporting company
Emerging growth company
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. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes ☐ No ☒
Number of shares of the registrant’s common stock, $.01 par value per share, outstanding on April 29, 2022: 115,461,627.
KRONOS WORLDWIDE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
INDEX
Pagenumber
Part I.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.
Financial Statements
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - December 31, 2021; March 31, 2022 (unaudited)
3
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (unaudited) - Three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2022
5
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (unaudited) - Three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2022
6
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity (unaudited) - Three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2022
7
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) - Three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2022
8
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)
9
Item 2.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
16
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk
24
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
Part II.
OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
25
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Item 6.
Exhibits
26
Items 3 and 4 of Part II are omitted because there is no information to report.
2
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In millions)
ASSETS
December 31,
March 31,
2021
2022
(unaudited)
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
$
406.0
350.0
Restricted cash
2.1
1.8
Accounts and other receivables, net
379.1
416.4
Inventories, net
432.3
464.2
Prepaid expenses and other
38.5
47.1
Total current assets
1,258.0
1,279.5
Other assets:
Investment in TiO2 manufacturing joint venture
101.9
105.7
4.5
4.4
Marketable securities
4.2
4.3
Operating lease right-of-use assets
19.9
21.5
Deferred income taxes
106.8
101.4
Other
14.1
14.7
Total other assets
251.4
252.0
Property and equipment:
Land
43.9
43.8
Buildings
222.2
221.8
Equipment
1,122.1
1,119.8
Mining properties
129.6
133.5
Construction in progress
72.7
80.4
1,590.5
1,599.3
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
1,087.1
1,095.5
Net property and equipment
503.4
503.8
Total assets
2,012.8
2,035.3
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (CONTINUED)
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt
1.4
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
275.1
261.0
Income taxes
12.3
18.7
Total current liabilities
288.8
281.1
Noncurrent liabilities:
Long-term debt
449.8
443.8
Accrued pension costs
287.4
282.3
Payable to affiliate - income taxes
44.7
Operating lease liabilities
15.8
17.2
28.1
26.3
28.0
Total noncurrent liabilities
853.8
840.6
Stockholders’ equity:
1.2
Additional paid-in capital
1,395.4
1,395.2
Retained deficit
(122.1)
(86.5)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(404.1)
(395.2)
Treasury stock, at cost
(.2)
(1.1)
Total stockholders’ equity
870.2
913.6
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
Commitments and contingencies (Notes 10 and 12)
See accompanying notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
4
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(In millions, except per share data)
Three months ended
Net sales
465.0
562.9
Cost of sales
369.3
413.6
Gross margin
95.7
149.3
Selling, general and administrative expense
58.0
61.4
Other operating income:
Currency transactions, net
(.5)
(1.5)
Other operating expense, net
(3.2)
(3.1)
Income from operations
34.0
83.3
Other income (expense):
Interest and dividend income
.1
Marketable equity securities
.8
Other components of net periodic pension and OPEB cost
(4.3)
Interest expense
(5.0)
(4.5)
Income before income taxes
25.6
75.8
Income tax expense
6.0
18.3
Net income
19.6
57.5
Net income per basic and diluted share
.17
.50
Weighted average shares used in the calculation of net income per share
115.5
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Currency translation
2.2
6.6
Defined benefit pension plans
3.5
2.4
Other postretirement benefit plans
(.1)
Total other comprehensive income, net
5.6
8.9
Comprehensive income
25.2
66.4
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2022 (unaudited)
Accumulated
Additional
other
Common
paid-in
Retained
comprehensive
Treasury
stock
capital
deficit
loss
Total
Balance at December 31, 2020
1,395.3
(151.8)
(448.2)
-
796.5
Other comprehensive income, net of tax
Dividends paid - $.18 per share
(20.8)
Balance at March 31, 2021
(153.0)
(442.6)
800.9
Balance at December 31, 2021
Dividends paid - $.19 per share
(21.9)
Treasury stock acquired
Treasury stock retired
.2
Balance at March 31, 2022
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Cash flows from operating activities:
Depreciation
12.7
12.9
Amortization of operating lease right-of-use assets
1.7
Benefit plan expense greater than cash funding
3.7
1.6
(.8)
Contributions to TiO2 manufacturing joint venture, net
(3.4)
(3.8)
Other, net
Change in assets and liabilities:
(23.5)
(41.2)
35.6
(32.8)
Prepaid expenses
5.0
(8.9)
.5
(25.2)
.9
6.4
Accounts with affiliates
9.8
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
56.7
(18.6)
Cash flows from investing activities - capital expenditures
(10.8)
(14.2)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Payments on long-term debt
Dividends paid
Net cash used in financing activities
(21.0)
(23.2)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash - net change from:
Operating, investing and financing activities
24.9
(56.0)
Effect of currency exchange rate changes on cash
(7.0)
(.4)
Balance at beginning of period
362.0
412.6
Balance at end of period
379.9
356.2
Supplemental disclosures:
Cash paid for:
Interest, net of amount capitalized
9.2
8.3
3.9
5.5
Accrual for capital expenditures
2.5
3.8
See accompanying notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2022
Note 1 - Organization and basis of presentation:
Organization - At March 31, 2022, Valhi, Inc. (NYSE: VHI) held approximately 50% of our outstanding common stock and a wholly-owned subsidiary of NL Industries, Inc. (NYSE: NL) held approximately 31% of our common stock. Valhi owned approximately 83% of NL’s outstanding common stock and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Contran Corporation held approximately 92% of Valhi’s outstanding common stock. A majority of Contran’s outstanding voting stock is held directly by Lisa K. Simmons and various family trusts established for the benefit of Ms. Simmons, Thomas C. Connelly (the husband of Ms. Simmons’ late sister) and their children and for which Ms. Simmons or Mr. Connelly, as applicable, serve as trustee (collectively, the “Other Trusts”). With respect to the Other Trusts for which Mr. Connelly serves as trustee, he is required to vote the shares of Contran voting stock held in such trusts in the same manner as Ms. Simmons. Such voting rights of Ms. Simmons last through April 22, 2030 and are personal to Ms. Simmons. The remainder of Contran’s outstanding voting stock is held by another trust (the “Family Trust”), which was established for the benefit of Ms. Simmons and her late sister and their children and for which a third-party financial institution serves as trustee. Consequently, at March 31, 2022, Ms. Simmons and 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.
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, 2021 that we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on March 9, 2022 (2021 Annual Report). In our opinion, we have made all necessary adjustments (which include only normal recurring adjustments), in order to state fairly, in all material respects, our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows as of the dates and for the periods presented. We have condensed the Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2021 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, 2021) 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, 2022 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 2021 Consolidated Financial Statements contained in our 2021 Annual Report.
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 - Accounts and other receivables, net:
Trade receivables
326.3
374.1
Recoverable VAT and other receivables
32.4
23.4
Receivables from affiliates:
Louisiana Pigment Company, L.P. (LPC)
15.2
2.6
2.8
Refundable income taxes
4.0
Allowance for doubtful accounts
(2.0)
Note 3 - Inventories, net:
Raw materials
76.3
97.1
Work in process
30.4
Finished products
245.6
249.0
Supplies
80.0
82.5
Note 4 - Marketable securities:
Our marketable securities consist of investments in the publicly-traded shares of related parties: Valhi, NL and CompX International Inc. NL owns the majority of CompX’s outstanding common stock. All of our marketable securities are accounted for as available-for-sale securities, which are carried at fair value using quoted market prices in active markets for each marketable security and represent a Level 1 input within the fair value hierarchy. Any unrealized gains or losses on the securities are recognized in Other income (expense) - Marketable equity securities on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.
Fair value
measurement
Market
Cost
Unrealized
Marketable security
level
value
basis
gain
December 31, 2021:
Valhi common stock
1
4.1
3.2
NL and CompX common stocks
3.3
March 31, 2022:
1.0
At December 31, 2021 and March 31, 2022, we held approximately 144,000 shares of Valhi’s common stock. We also held a nominal number of shares of NL and CompX common stocks. At December 31, 2021 and March 31, 2022, the per share quoted market price of Valhi’s common stock was $28.75 and $29.31, respectively.
The Valhi, CompX and NL common stocks we own are subject to restrictions on resale pursuant to certain provisions of SEC Rule 144. In addition, as a majority-owned subsidiary of Valhi we cannot vote our shares of Valhi common stock under Delaware General Corporation law, but we receive dividends from Valhi on these shares when declared and paid.
Note 5 - Long-term debt:
Kronos International, Inc. 3.75% Senior Notes
448.8
442.9
2.3
Total debt
451.2
445.2
Less current maturities
Total long-term debt
10
Senior Notes - At March 31, 2022, the carrying value of our 3.75% Senior Secured Notes due September 15, 2025 (€400 million aggregate principal amount outstanding) is stated net of unamortized debt issuance costs of $3.2 million.
Revolving credit facility - During the first three months of 2022, we had no borrowings or repayments under our $225 million global revolving credit facility (Global Revolver) and at March 31, 2022, the full $225 million was available for borrowing.
Other - We are in compliance with all of our debt covenants at March 31, 2022.
Note 6 - Accounts payable and accrued liabilities:
Accounts payable
143.6
132.5
Accrued sales discounts and rebates
28.7
11.1
Employee benefits
28.9
31.0
Payables to affiliates:
LPC
17.3
20.8
Income taxes payable to Valhi
5.2
52.0
56.5
Note 7 - Other noncurrent liabilities:
Accrued postretirement benefits
8.4
8.6
6.1
5.9
13.5
11.8
11
Note 8 - Revenue recognition:
The following table disaggregates our net sales by place of manufacture (point of origin) and to the location of the customer (point of destination), which are the categories that depict how the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows are affected by economic factors.
Net sales - point of origin:
United States
253.9
326.4
Germany
231.2
276.5
Canada
97.2
96.4
Belgium
66.5
92.8
Norway
71.0
78.4
Eliminations
(254.8)
(307.6)
Net sales - point of destination:
Europe
227.3
269.5
North America
145.3
179.9
92.4
113.5
Note 9 - Employee benefit plans:
The components of net periodic defined benefit pension cost are presented in the table below.
Net periodic pension cost (income):
Service cost
3.0
Interest cost
2.9
Expected return on plan assets
(3.0)
Recognized actuarial losses
5.1
3.4
8.1
6.2
We expect our 2022 contributions for our pension plans to be approximately $19 million.
12
Note 10 - Income taxes:
Expected tax expense, at U.S. federal statutory income tax rate of 21%
5.4
15.9
Non-U.S. tax rates
.7
2.0
Incremental net tax benefit on earnings and losses of U.S. and non-U.S. companies
(.7)
Valuation allowance, net
Global intangible low-tax income, net
Adjustment to the reserve for uncertain tax positions, net
Comprehensive provision for income taxes allocable to:
Other comprehensive income - pension plans
1.1
7.6
19.4
The amount shown in the preceding table of our income tax rate reconciliation for non-U.S. tax rates represents the result determined by multiplying the pre-tax earnings or losses of each of our non-U.S. subsidiaries by the difference between the applicable statutory income tax rate for each non-U.S. jurisdiction and the U.S. federal statutory tax rate. The amount shown on such table for incremental net tax expense (benefit) on earnings and losses of U.S. and non-U.S. companies includes, as applicable, (i) deferred income taxes (or deferred income tax benefits) associated with the current-year earnings of all of our non-U.S. subsidiaries and (ii) current U.S. income taxes (or current income tax benefit) including U.S. personal holding company tax, as applicable, attributable to current-year income (losses) of one of our non-U.S. subsidiaries, which subsidiary is treated as a dual resident for U.S. income tax purposes, to the extent the current-year income (losses) of such subsidiaries is subject to U.S. income tax under the U.S. dual-resident provisions of the Internal Revenue Code.
Tax authorities are examining certain of our U.S. and non-U.S. tax returns and may propose tax deficiencies, including penalties and interest. 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 decrease by approximately $1.3 million during the next twelve months primarily due to the expiration of certain statutes of limitations.
13
Note 11 – Stockholders’ equity:
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss are presented in the table below. See Note 9 for discussion of our defined benefit pension plans.
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax:
Currency translation:
(233.4)
(240.4)
Other comprehensive income
(231.2)
(233.8)
Defined benefit pension plans:
(214.5)
(163.3)
Other comprehensive income - amortization of prior service cost and net losses included in net periodic pension cost
(211.0)
(160.9)
OPEB plans:
(.3)
Other comprehensive loss - amortization of prior service credit and net losses included in net periodic OPEB cost
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss:
Our board of directors has previously 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. We may repurchase our common stock from time to time as market conditions permit. The stock repurchase program does not include specific price targets or timetables and may be suspended at any time. Depending on market conditions, we may terminate the program prior to its completion. We use cash on hand or other sources of liquidity to acquire the shares. Repurchased shares are added to our treasury and subsequently cancelled upon approval of the board of directors.
During the fourth quarter of 2021, we acquired 14,409 shares of common stock in market transactions for an aggregate purchase price of $.2 million which were accounted for as treasury stock at December 31, 2021. We subsequently cancelled all such shares in February 2022. During the first three months of 2022, we acquired an additional 73,881 shares of our common stock in market transactions for an aggregate purchase price of $1.1 million which are accounted for as treasury stock at March 31, 2022. At March 31, 2022, 1,475,229 shares are available for repurchase under this stock repurchase program.
14
Note 12 - Commitments and contingencies:
We are involved in various environmental, contractual, product liability, patent (or intellectual property), employment and other claims and disputes incidental to our business. At least quarterly our management discusses and evaluates the status of any pending litigation to which we are a party. The factors considered in such evaluation include, among other things, the nature of such pending cases, the status of such pending cases, the advice of legal counsel and our experience in similar cases (if any). Based on such evaluation, we make a determination as to whether we believe (i) it is probable a loss has been incurred, and if so if the amount of such loss (or a range of loss) is reasonably estimable, or (ii) it is reasonably possible but not probable a loss has been incurred, and if so if the amount of such loss (or a range of loss) is reasonably estimable, or (iii) the probability a loss has been incurred is remote. We have not accrued any amounts for litigation matters because it is not reasonably possible we have incurred a loss that would be material to our consolidated financial statements, results of operations or liquidity.
Note 13 - Financial instruments:
See Note 4 for information on how we determine fair value of our marketable securities.
The following table presents the financial instruments that are not carried at fair value but which require fair value disclosure:
December 31, 2021
Carrying
Fair
amount
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
Long-term debt - Fixed rate Senior Notes
460.2
435.7
At March 31, 2022, the estimated market price of our Senior Notes was €977 per €1,000 principal amount. The fair value of our Senior Notes was based on quoted market prices; however, these quoted market prices represented Level 2 inputs because the markets in which the Senior Notes trade were not active. Due to their near-term maturities, the carrying amounts of accounts receivable and accounts payable are considered equivalent to fair value. See Notes 2 and 6.
15
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 paints, plastics, paper and other industrial and specialty products. For the three months ended March 31, 2022, approximately one-half of our sales volumes were sold 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 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 titanium-containing feedstock purchased from third parties. 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 $57.5 million, or $.50 per share, in the first quarter of 2022 compared to $19.6 million, or $.17 per share, in the first quarter of 2021. Net income in the first quarter of 2022 was higher than in the first quarter of 2021 primarily due to higher income from operations resulting from the net effects of higher average TiO2 selling prices, higher sales volumes, higher production costs and changes in currency exchange rates.
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 and include, but are not limited to, the following:
17
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.
Results of operations
Current industry conditions
We started 2022 with average TiO2 selling prices 16% higher than at the beginning of 2021 and our average TiO2 selling prices increased 7% in the first quarter of 2022 in response to customer demand and our rising production costs. We experienced higher sales volumes in our North American, European and Latin American markets in the first three months of 2022 as compared to the same period of 2021.
We operated our production facilities at full practical capacity in the first quarter of 2022 compared to an average capacity rate of 97% in the first quarter of 2021.
18
Quarter ended March 31, 2022 compared to the quarter ended March 31, 2021
Three months ended March 31,
(Dollars in millions)
100
%
79
73
21
27
Other operating income (expense):
(1)
% Change
TiO2 operating statistics:
Sales volumes*
141
144
Production volumes*
130
138
Percentage change in net sales:
TiO2 product pricing
TiO2 sales volumes
TiO2 product mix/other
Changes in currency exchange rates
(5)
*
Thousands of metric tons
Net sales - Net sales in the first quarter of 2022 increased 21%, or $97.9 million, compared to the first quarter of 2021 primarily due to a 24% increase in average TiO2 selling prices (which increased net sales by approximately $112 million) and a 2% increase in sales volumes (which increased net sales by approximately $9 million). We estimate that changes in currency exchange rates (primarily the euro) decreased our net sales by approximately $22 million in the first quarter of 2022 as compared to the first quarter of 2021. TiO2 selling prices will increase or decrease generally as a result of competitive market pressures, changes in the relative level of supply and demand as well as changes in raw material and other manufacturing costs.
Our sales volumes increased 2% in the first quarter of 2022 as compared to the first quarter of 2021 due to the effects of continuing high demand and improvements in our delivery and distribution network in 2022.
Cost of sales and gross margin - Cost of sales increased $44.3 million, or 12%, in the first quarter of 2022 compared to the first quarter of 2021 due to the net effects of higher production costs of approximately $64 million (including higher costs for raw materials and energy), a 2% increase in sales volumes and more favorable absorption of fixed costs due to a 6% increase in production volumes. Our cost of sales as a percentage of net sales improved to 73% in the first quarter of 2022 compared to 79% in the same period of 2021 as the favorable effects of higher average TiO2 selling prices and increased coverage of fixed costs from higher production more than offset the unfavorable impact of higher production costs including higher raw material and energy costs, as discussed above.
Gross margin as a percentage of net sales increased to 27% in the first quarter of 2022 compared to 21% in the first quarter of 2021. As discussed and quantified above, our gross margin as a percentage of net sales increased primarily due to the net effects of higher average TiO2 selling prices, higher production and sales volumes, higher production costs and changes in currency exchange rates.
Selling, general and administrative expense - Selling, general and administrative expense as a percentage of net sales decreased to 11% in the first quarter of 2022 compared to 13% in the first quarter of 2021. Increases in distribution and other general and administrative costs were more than offset by the effects of higher net sales during the comparative periods.
19
Income from operations - Income from operations increased by $49.3 million to $83.3 million in the first quarter of 2022 compared to $34.0 million in the first quarter of 2021. Income from operations as a percentage of net sales increased to 15% in the first quarter of 2022 from 7% in the same period of 2021 as a result of the factors impacting gross margin discussed above. We estimate changes in currency exchange rates decreased income from operations by approximately $5 million in the first quarter of 2022 as compared to the same period in 2021, as discussed in the Effects of currency exchange rates section below.
Other non-operating income (expense) - We recognized a gain of $.1 million on the change in value of our marketable equity securities in the first quarter of 2022 compared to a gain of $.8 million in the first quarter of 2021. See Note 4 to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. Other components of net periodic pension and OPEB cost in the first quarter of 2022 decreased $1.1 million compared to the first quarter of 2021 primarily due to the net effects of higher discount rates impacting interest cost and previously unrecognized actuarial losses. See Note 9 to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. Interest expense in the first quarter of 2022 decreased $.5 million compared to the first quarter of 2021 primarily due to the strengthening of the U.S. dollar relative to the euro (see discussion in the Effects of currency exchange rates section below). See Note 5 to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
Income tax expense - We recognized income tax expense of $18.3 million in the first quarter of 2022 compared to income tax expense of $6.0 million in the first quarter of 2021. The difference is primarily due to higher earnings in the first quarter of 2022 and the jurisdictional mix of such earnings. Our earnings are subject to income tax in various U.S. and non-U.S. jurisdictions, and 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. We would generally expect our overall effective tax rate to be higher than the U.S. federal statutory tax rate of 21% primarily because of our sizeable non-U.S. operations. See Note 10 to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
Effects of currency exchange rates
We have substantial operations and assets located outside the United States (primarily in Germany, Belgium, Norway and Canada). The majority of our sales from non-U.S. operations are denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, principally the euro, other major European currencies and the Canadian dollar. A portion of our sales generated from our non-U.S. operations is denominated in the U.S. dollar (and consequently our non-U.S. operations will generally hold U.S. dollars from time to time). Certain raw materials used in all our production facilities, primarily titanium-containing feedstocks, are purchased primarily in U.S. dollars, while labor and other production and administrative costs are incurred primarily in local currencies. Consequently, the translated U.S. dollar value of our non-U.S. sales and operating results are subject to currency exchange rate fluctuations which may favorably or unfavorably impact reported earnings and may affect the comparability of period-to-period operating results. In addition to the impact of the translation of sales and expenses over time, our non-U.S. operations also generate currency transaction gains and losses which primarily relate to (i) the difference between the currency exchange rates in effect when non-local currency sales or operating costs (primarily U.S. dollar denominated) are initially accrued and when such amounts are settled with the non-local currency, and (ii) changes in currency exchange rates during time periods when our non-U.S. operations are holding non-local currency (primarily U.S. dollars).
Overall, we estimate that fluctuations in currency exchange rates had the following effects on our sales and income from operations for the periods indicated.
Impact of changes in currency exchange rates
Three months ended March 31, 2022 vs March 31, 2021
Translation
losses -
currency
Transaction losses recognized
impact of
impact
Change
rate changes
2022 vs 2021
Impact on:
(22)
(2)
(4)
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The $22 million decrease in net sales (translation losses) was caused primarily by a strengthening of the U.S. dollar relative to the euro, as our euro-denominated sales were translated into fewer U.S. dollars in 2022 as compared to 2021. The strengthening of the U.S. dollar relative to the Canadian dollar and the Norwegian krone in 2022 did not have a significant effect on our net sales, as a substantial portion of the sales generated by our Canadian and Norwegian operations is denominated in the U.S. dollar.
The $5 million decrease in income from operations was comprised of the following:
Outlook
Based on current market conditions, we expect global demand for consumer products, including those of our customers, to remain strong throughout the remainder of 2022. Therefore, we expect to continue to produce at full practical capacity and to match sales volumes with production volumes which would result in lower sales volumes in 2022 as compared to 2021 based on current inventory levels. We continue to experience disruptions in global supply chains including availability of certain third-party feedstock and other raw materials along with certain transportation and logistics delays. Thus far we have managed through these disruptions with minimal impact on our operations; however, we expect these challenges to continue for the foreseeable future. We experienced increases in our feedstock costs in the first quarter of 2022 as compared to the same period in 2021, and we expect our feedstock costs to continue to increase for the remainder of 2022 as compared to our average 2021 costs. In addition to feedstock cost increases, we continue to experience increasing production costs, including higher raw material and related shipping costs and significantly higher energy and utility costs, especially in Europe, all of which are likely to continue throughout 2022. At the beginning of 2022, our average TiO2 selling prices were 16% higher than at the beginning of 2021 and average TiO2 selling prices increased 7% in the first quarter of 2022. We expect strong demand will support increasing selling prices for TiO2 throughout 2022, sufficient to mitigate the effects of increases in distribution, raw material, energy and other production costs. We expect our 2022 sales and income from operations will be higher than in 2021; however, increasing costs will continue to challenge margins. We continue to monitor current and anticipated near-term customer demand levels and will align our production and inventories accordingly.
Our expectations for the TiO2 industry and our operations are based on a number of factors outside our control. As noted above, we have experienced global supply chain disruptions; and future impacts on our operations will depend on, among other things, any future disruption in our operations or our suppliers’ operations, or related possible shipping delays, and the timing and effectiveness of the global measures deployed to fight COVID-19 and its variants, all of which remain uncertain and cannot be predicted.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Consolidated cash flows
Operating activities
Trends in cash flows as a result of our operating activities (excluding the impact of significant asset dispositions and relative changes in assets and liabilities) are generally similar to trends in our earnings. In addition to the impact of the operating, investing and financing cash flows discussed below, changes in the amount of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash we report from period to period can be impacted by changes in currency exchange rates, since a portion of our cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash is held by our non-U.S. subsidiaries.
Cash used in operating activities was $18.6 million in the first three months of 2022 compared to cash provided by operating activities of $56.7 million in the first three months of 2021. This $75.3 million decrease in the amount of cash provided was primarily due to the net effect of the following:
Changes in working capital were affected by accounts receivable and inventory changes. As shown below:
For comparative purposes, we have also provided comparable prior year numbers below.
December 31, 2020
March 31, 2021
DSO
68 days
64 days
65 days
63 days
DSI
74 days
56 days
59 days
54 days
Investing activities
Our capital expenditures of $14.2 million and $10.8 million in the first three months of 2022 and 2021, respectively, were primarily to maintain and improve the cost effectiveness of our manufacturing facilities.
Financing activities
During the first three months of 2022, we paid quarterly dividends of $.19 per share to stockholders aggregating $21.9 million and in the first three months of 2021, we paid quarterly dividends of $.18 per share to stockholders aggregating $20.8 million.
In addition, during the first three months of 2022, we acquired 73,881 shares of our common stock in market transactions for an aggregate purchase price of $1.1 million.
Outstanding debt obligations
At March 31, 2022, our consolidated debt comprised:
We had no outstanding borrowings at March 31, 2022 on our $225 million global revolving credit facility (Global Revolver) and the full $225 million was available for borrowings thereunder. Our Senior Secured Notes and our Global Revolver contain a number of covenants and restrictions which, among other things, restrict our ability to incur or guarantee additional debt, incur liens, pay dividends or make other restricted payments, or merge or consolidate with, or sell or transfer substantially all of our assets to, another entity, and contain other provisions and restrictive covenants customary in lending transactions of these types. Our credit agreements contain provisions which could result in the acceleration of indebtedness prior to their stated maturity for reasons other than defaults for failure to comply with typical financial or payment covenants. For example, the 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, the 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. The terms of all of our debt instruments are discussed in Note 8 to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in our 2021 Annual
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Report. We are in compliance with all of our debt covenants at March 31, 2022. We believe we will be able to continue to comply with the financial covenants contained in our credit facility through its maturity.
Our assets consist primarily of investments in operating subsidiaries, and our ability to service our obligations, including the Senior Secured Notes, depends in part upon the distribution of earnings of our subsidiaries, whether in the form of dividends, advances or payments on account of intercompany obligations or otherwise. Our Senior Secured Notes are collateralized by, among other things, a first priority lien on (i) 100% of the common stock or other ownership interests of each existing and future direct domestic subsidiary of KII and the guarantors, and (ii) 65% of the voting common stock or other ownership interests and 100% of the non-voting common stock or other ownership interests of each non-U.S. subsidiary that is directly owned by KII or any guarantor. Our Global Revolver is collateralized by, among other things, a first priority lien on the borrower’s trade receivables and inventories. See Note 5 to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
Future cash requirements
Liquidity
Our primary source of liquidity on an ongoing basis is cash flows from operating activities which is generally used to (i) fund capital expenditures, (ii) repay any short-term indebtedness incurred for working capital purposes, (iii) provide for the payment of dividends and (iv) fund purchases of shares of our common stock under our stock repurchase program. From time-to-time we will incur indebtedness, generally to (i) fund short-term working capital needs, (ii) refinance existing indebtedness or (iii) fund major capital expenditures or the acquisition of other assets outside the ordinary course of business. We will also from time-to-time sell assets outside the ordinary course of business and use the proceeds to (i) repay existing indebtedness, (ii) make investments in marketable and other securities, (iii) fund major capital expenditures or the acquisition of other assets outside the ordinary course of business or (iv) pay dividends.
The TiO2 industry is cyclical, and changes in industry economic conditions significantly impact earnings and operating cash flows. Changes in TiO2 pricing, production volumes and customer demand, among other things, could significantly affect our liquidity.
We routinely evaluate our liquidity requirements, alternative uses of capital, capital needs and availability of resources in view of, among other things, our dividend policy, our debt service, our capital expenditure requirements and estimated future operating cash flows. As a result of this process, we have in the past and may in the future seek to reduce, refinance, repurchase or restructure indebtedness, raise additional capital, repurchase shares of our common stock, modify our dividend policy, restructure ownership interests, sell interests in our subsidiaries or other assets, or take a combination of these steps or other steps to manage our liquidity and capital resources. Such activities have in the past and may in the future involve related companies. In the normal course of our business, we may investigate, evaluate, discuss and engage in acquisition, joint venture, strategic relationship and other business combination opportunities in the TiO2 industry. In the event of any future acquisition or joint venture opportunity, we may consider using then-available liquidity, issuing our equity securities or incurring additional indebtedness.
At March 31, 2022 we had aggregate cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash on hand of $356.2 million, of which $76.2 million was held by non-U.S. subsidiaries. Following implementation of a territorial tax system under the 2017 Tax Act, repatriation of any cash and cash equivalents held by our non-U.S. subsidiaries would not be expected to result in any material income tax liability as a result of such repatriation. Our $225 million Global Revolver we entered into in April 2021, which replaced our North American and European facilities, matures in April 2026 and currently the full $225 million is available for borrowing under this facility and we could borrow all available amounts without violating our existing debt covenants. See Note 5 to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. 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, 2023) and our long-term obligations (defined as the five-year period ending March 31, 2027, our time period for long-term budgeting). If actual developments differ from our expectations, our liquidity could be adversely affected.
Capital expenditures
We intend to invest approximately $95 million in capital expenditures primarily to maintain and improve our existing facilities during 2022, including $14.2 million in expenditures through March 31, 2022. It is possible we will delay planned capital projects based
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on market conditions including but not limited to the general availability of materials, equipment and supplies necessary to complete such projects.
Stock repurchase program
At March 31, 2022, we have 1,475,229 shares available for repurchase under a stock repurchase program authorized by our board of directors.
Commitments and contingencies
See Notes 10 and 12 to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for a description of certain income tax contingencies, certain legal proceedings and other commitments.
Recent accounting pronouncements
Not applicable
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 2021 Annual Report. There have been no changes in our critical accounting policies during the first three months of 2022.
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK
General
We are exposed to market risk, including currency exchange rates, interest rates, equity security and raw material prices. There have been no material changes in these market risks since we filed our 2021 Annual Report. See also Part I, Item 7A. - “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk” in our 2021 Annual Report and Note 13 to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures
We maintain disclosure controls and procedures which, as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e), means controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit to the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Act”), is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information we are required to disclose in the reports we file or submit to the SEC under the Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and our principal financial officer, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions to be made regarding required disclosure. Each of Robert D. Graham, our Vice Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer and Tim C. Hafer, our Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the design and effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of March 31, 2022. Based upon their evaluation, these executive officers have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective as of the date of such evaluation.
Internal control over financial reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting which, as defined by Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f) means a process designed by, or under the supervision of, our principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the board of directors, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and includes those policies and procedures that:
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 any financial statement schedules which would be required by Article 12 of Regulation S-X. However, our assessment of internal control over financial reporting with respect to 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, 2022 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Part II. OTHER INFORMATION
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 2021 Annual Report.
Item 2.Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
The following table discloses certain information regarding the shares of our common stock we purchased during the first quarter of 2022. All of these purchases were made under our stock repurchase program in open market transactions. See Note 11 to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
Period
Total number
of shares purchased (1)
Average price
paid per share
Total number of shares purchased as part
of the publicly
announced plan
Maximum number
of shares that may
yet be purchased
under the publicly announced plan
January 2022
8,000
$14.43
1,541,110
February 2022
44,052
$14.25
1,497,058
March 2022
21,829
$13.93
1,475,229
Item 6.Exhibits
31.1
Certification
31.2
32.1
101.INS
Inline XBRL Instance - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document.
101.SCH
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema
101.CAL
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase
101.DEF
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase
101.LAB
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase
101.PRE
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase
104
Cover page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)
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 4, 2022
/s/ Tim C. Hafer
Tim C. Hafer
Senior Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
(duly authorized officer)